bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CTGF/Hcs24, a hypertrophic chondrocyte‐specific gene product, stimulates proliferation and differentiation, but not hypertrophy of cultured articular chondrocytes
Authors: Nishida Takashi , Kubota Satoshi , Nakanishi Tohru , Kuboki Takuo , Yosimichi Gen , Kondo Seiji , Takigawa Masaharu 
Published: October 2002

AbstractWe previously reported that connective tissue growth factor/hypertrophic chondrocyte‐specific gene product 24 (CTGF/Hcs24) stimulated the proliferation and differentiation of rabbit growth cartilage (RGC) cells in vitro. In this study, we investigated the effects of CTGF/Hcs24 on the proliferation and differentiation of rabbit articular cartilage (RAC) cells in vitro. RAC cells transduced by recombinant adenoviruses generating mRNA for CTGF/Hcs24 synthesized more proteoglycan than the control cells. Also, treatment of RAC cells with recombinant CTGF/Hcs24 (rCTGF/Hcs24) increased DNA and proteoglycan syntheses in a dose‐dependent manner. Northern blot analysis revealed that the rCTGF/Hcs24 stimulated the gene expression of type II collagen and aggrecan core protein, which are markers of chondrocyte maturation, in both RGC and RAC cells. However, the gene expression of type X collagen, a marker of hypertrophic chondrocytes, was stimulated by rCTGF/Hcs24 only in RGC cells, but not in RAC cells. Oppositely, gene expression of tenascin‐C, a marker of articular chondrocytes, was stimulated by rCTGF/Hcs24 in RAC cells, but not in RGC cells. Moreover, rCTGF/Hcs24 effectively increased both alkaline phosphatase (ALPase) activity and matrix calcification of RGC cells, but not of RAC cells. These results indicate that CTGF/Hcs24 promotes the proliferation and differentiation of articular chondrocytes, but does not promote their hypertrophy or calcification. Taken together, the data show that CTGF/Hcs24 is a direct growth and differentiation factor for articular cartilage, and suggest that it may be useful for the repair of articular cartilage. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interview with the retinoblastoma family members: Do they help each other?
Authors: Tonini Tiziana , Hillson Christina , Claudio Pier Paolo 
Published: October 2002

AbstractThe ultimate destiny of a cell to undergo division, differentiation, survival, and death results from an intricate balance between multiple regulators including oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and cell cycle associated proteins. Deregulation of the cell cycle machinery switches the phenotype from a normal cell to a cancerous cell. Fundamental alterations of tumor suppressor genes may result in an unregulated cell cycle with the accumulation of mutations and eventual neoplastic transformation. As such, one may define cancer as a genetic disease of the cell cycle. In this review, we will emphasize our current understanding of how the cell cycle machinery maintains cellular homeostasis by studying the consequences of its deregulation. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Primary human articular chondrocytes, dedifferentiated chondrocytes, and synoviocytes exhibit differential responsiveness to interleukin‐4: Correlation with the expression pattern of the common receptor gamma chain
Authors: Guicheux Jérôme , Palmer Gaby , Relic Biserka , Mezin Françoise , Caverzasio Joseph , Apostolides Pierre , Gauchat Jean‐François , Gabay Cem , Guerne Pierre‐André 
Published: October 2002

AbstractInterleukin (IL)‐4, which exhibits potent anti‐inflammatory activities, is of potential therapeutic value in destructive arthropathies. To further define the response of human joint cells to IL‐4, we analyzed the ability of this cytokine to modulate the effects of IL‐1β and growth factors. Freshly isolated chondrocytes, dedifferentiated chondrocytes, and synoviocytes were treated with IL‐4 before determination of nitric oxide (NO) and collagenase production in response to IL‐1β, or before proliferation assays in presence of IL‐1β, platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF), or transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β. IL‐4 downregulated IL‐1β induced NO production in dedifferentiated chondrocytes and inhibited IL‐1β induced collagenase release, as well as IL‐1β and growth factor induced proliferation in dedifferentiated chondrocytes and synoviocytes. In contrast, IL‐4 had no effect in freshly isolated primary chondrocytes and in cartilage explants. The lack of response to IL‐4 in primary chondrocytes was associated with impaired signal transduction, as indicated by markedly decreased IL‐4 dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)‐6. It also correlated with differences in the expression pattern of IL‐4 receptor (IL‐4R) subunits during chondrocyte dedifferentiation. Indeed, whereas the IL‐4Rα and IL‐13Rα′ subunits were expressed in all cell types, expression of the common receptor gamma chain was restricted to freshly isolated chondrocytes. In conclusion, IL‐4 downregulated IL‐1β‐induced catabolic events and cell proliferation in dedifferentiated chondrocytes and synoviocytes, but had no effects in freshly isolated chondrocytes. The difference in IL‐4 responsiveness between primary and dedifferentiated chondrocytes correlated with changes in proximal signaling events and in the expression pattern of IL‐4R subunits during cell dedifferentiation. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of the phagocytes on embryos: Some morphological aspects
Authors: Da Silva José Roberto Machado Cunha 
Published: October 2002

AbstractPhagocytosis in embryos was studied by Elie Metchnikoff more than a century ago and is a pillar of the Phagocytic Theory. Throughout the last three decades phagocytosis in embryos has been studied from different perspectives, which this review describes and analyzes. The following branches were identified: 1) the search for the origin and first identification of well‐known adult phagocytes in embryos, including their role after induced injuries; 2) the search for the occurrence of phagocytosis in embryos and its role during their physiological development; and 3) the search for phagocytosis in embryos, as a tool to study identity and self‐recognition. It is possible to verify that different cell types are able to undertake phagocytosis, under a variety of different stimuli, and that the nature of what is phagocytosed also varies widely. Although the overwhelming majority of species described among metazoarians are invertebrates, most published articles in this field relate to mammals (particularly mice and humans) and birds (particularly chicks). In order to enrich this field of knowledge, research using a wider variety of vertebrate and invertebrate species should be undertaken. Furthermore, the present knowledge of phagocytosis in embryos needs a revised paradigm capable of embracing all the above‐mentioned research trends under a single, more general, biological theory. In this sense, Metchnikoff's Phagocytic Theory, which is based on a broad biological paradigm and is thus capable of dealing with all research trends mentioned herein, should be revisited in order to contribute to this edification. Microsc. Res. Tech. 57:498–506, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Immune response by host after allogeneic chondrocyte transplant to the cartilage
Authors: Moskalewski Stanisław , Hyc Anna , Osiecka‐Iwan Anna 
Published: October 2002

AbstractChondrocytes constitutively express class I and, in some species, class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC). It is also possible that they possess specific differentiation antigen(s). Furthermore, lymphocytic cells, corresponding to NK cells, display spontaneous cytotoxic activity against chondrocytes. Studies on articular cartilage repair by transplants of allogeneic chondrocytes were mainly done on non‐inbred animals, such as rabbits and hens. Surprisingly, only in single instances these transplants were rejected. In inbred rats, allogeneic chondrocytes transplanted into full‐thickness defects in articular cartilage immediately after isolation evoked systemic immunological reaction and produced cartilage was rejected. Combined immunosuppression with cyclosporin A and cladribine did not prevent rejection of such transplants. Mechanical separation of transplants from bone marrow prevented sensitization of recipients and rejection of the produced cartilage. Successful allogeneic chondrocyte transplants in rabbits and hens could be tentatively explained by a certain degree of inbreeding among experimental animals, by the use of chondrocytes cultivated before grafting in artificial scaffolds and thus protected by matrix produced in vitro, and also by creation of a temporary mechanical barrier between transplant and bone marrow by tissues damaged during preparation of the defect. Microsc. Res. Tech. 58:3–13, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Increasing membrane contrast by means of imidazole‐osmium post‐fixation as exemplified by skeletal muscle fiber
Authors: Voigt Tilman , Dauber Wolfgang , Bensemann‐Ryvkin Irina , Härtel Xenia 
Published: October 2002

AbstractUntil now, the interpretation of findings derived from investigations on membrane structures (T tubules, sarcoplasmic reticulum, the Golgi apparatus) in thick sections of mammalian muscle tissue has been limited in TEM due to the lack of sharp resolution of the membrane contours. This article shows how the imidazol‐osmium post‐fixation of tissue blocks can be used to achieve well‐contrasted, sharply defined membrane contours. Therefore, unstained sections from imidazol‐osmium post‐fixed tissue can be examined immediately. But protein structures (e.g., ribosomes) remain uncontrasted with this technique. If needed, it is possible to visualize the protein structures by conventional section staining with uranyl acetate and lead citrate. This method is suitable for both ultrathin and thick sections (>150 nm). Microsc. Res. Tech. 58:121–124, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Branchial chloride cells in sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) adapted to fresh water, seawater, and doubly concentrated seawater
Authors: VARSAMOS STAMATIS , DIAZ JEAN PIERRE , CHARMANTIER GUY , FLIK GERT , BLASCO CLAUDINE , CONNES ROBERT 
Published: October 2002

AbstractBranchial chloride cells (CC) were studied in sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) maintained in seawater (SW: 35‰) or gradually adapted to and subsequently maintained in fresh water (0.2‰) or doubly concentrated seawater (DSW: 70‰). Changes were observed in the location, number, and structure of CCs, that were discriminated by light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy, as well as by immunofluorescence on the basis of their high Na+/K+‐ATPase antigen content. The number of CCs increased in both fresh water and doubly concentrated seawater compared to control fish maintained in SW. In both experimental conditions, these cells were found on the gill filament (as in control fish) and even on the lamellae, especially in hypersaline conditions. Structural changes concerned the shapes and sizes of CCs and their apical outcrops and particularly the structures of their functional complexes (mitochondria, tubular system, and endoplasmic reticulum), which developed significantly in DSW adapted fish. The changes in the expression of the Na+/K+‐ATPase were evaluated by assessing the enzyme's density at the ultrastructural level following immunogold labeling. This parameter was significantly higher in doubly concentrated seawater. The adaptative significance of the quantitative and morphofunctional changes in branchial chloride cells is discussed in relation to the original osmoregulatory strategy of this marine euryhaline teleost. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
DNA transfection of macaque and murine respiratory tissue is greatly enhanced by use of a nuclease inhibitor
Authors: Glasspool‐Malone Jill , Steenland Peter R. , McDonald Ruth J. , Sanchez Rigoberto A. , Watts Tammara L. , Zabner Joseph , Malone Robert W. 
Published: October 2002

AbstractBackgroundNuclease activity present within respiratory tissues contributes to the rapid clearance of injected DNA and therefore may reduce the transfection activity of directly injected transgenes. Most gene transfer technologies transduce or transfect murine tissues more efficiently than corresponding primate tissues. Therefore, it is prudent to assess the utility of novel gene transfer strategies in both rodent and primate models before proceeding with further development.MethodsThis study analyzed the effects of ATA (a nuclease inhibitor) on the direct transfection of macaque and murine lung tissue; compared the levels of DNase activity in murine, primate, and human lung fluids; and tested the inhibitory activity of ATA on the DNase activity present in these samples. Fluorescent microspheres were used to detect areas of transfection in lung.ResultsIntratracheal administration of a nuclease inhibitor (ATA) with naked DNA (0.5 µg ATA/g body weight) enhanced direct transfection efficacy in macaque lung by over 86‐fold and by over 54‐fold in mouse lung. Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed no apparent tissue toxicity. Moreover, macaque, human, and mouse lung fluids were found to possess similar levels of DNase activity and this activity was inhibited by similar concentrations of ATA. The authors also successfully pioneered the use of carboxylate‐modified microsphere tracers to identify areas of transfection and/or treatment.ConclusionThis work provides evidence that using direct nuclease inhibitors will enhance lung transfection and that nuclease activity is present in all lung fluids tested, which can be inhibited by the use of direct DNase inhibitors. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reproducibility of total cerebral blood flow measurements using phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Spilt Aart , Box Frieke M.A. , van der Geest Rob J. , Reiber Johan H.C. , Kunz Patrik , Kamper Adriaan M. , Blauw Gerard J. , van Buchem Mark A. 
Published: October 2002

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate reproducibility of total cerebral blood flow (CBF) measurements with phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging (pcMRI).Materials and MethodsWe repeated total CBF measurements in 15 healthy volunteers with and without cardiac triggering, and with and without repositioning. In eight volunteers measurements were performed at two different occasions. In addition, measurement of flow in a phantom was performed to validate MR measurements.ResultsA difference of 40.4 ml/minute was found between CBF measurements performed with and without triggering (P < 0.05). For repeated triggered measurements, the coefficient of variation (CV) was 7.1%, and for nontriggered measurements 10.3%. For repeated measurements with repositioning, the CV was 7.1% with and 11.2% without triggering. Repeated measurements at different occasions showed a CV of 8.8%. Comparing measured with real flow in the phantom, the triggered differed 4.9% and the nontriggered 8.3%.ConclusionThe findings of this study demonstrate that pcMRI is a reliable method to measure total CBF in terms of both accuracy and reproducibility. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2002;16:1–5. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vivo measurement of the apparent diffusion coefficient in normal and malignant prostatic tissues using echo‐planar imaging
Authors: Issa Bashar 
Published: October 2002

AbstractPurposeTo measure for the first time the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in anatomical regions of the prostate for normal and patient groups, and to investigate its use as a differentiating parameter between healthy and malignant tissue within the patient group.Materials and MethodsSingle‐shot diffusion‐weighted echo‐planar imaging (DW‐EPI) was used to measure the ADC in the prostate in normal (N = 7) and patient (N = 19) groups. The spin‐echo images comprised 96 × 96 pixels (field of view of 16 cm, TR/TE = 4000/120 msec) with six b‐factor values ranging from 64 to 786 seconds/mm2.ResultsThe ADC values averaged over all patients in non‐cancerous and malignant peripheral zone (PZ) tissues were 1.82 ± 0.53 × 10−3 (mean ± SD) and 1.38 ± 0.52 × 10−3 mm2/second, respectively (P = 0.00045, N = 17, paired t‐test). The ADC values were found to be higher in the non‐cancerous PZ (1.88 ± 0.48 × 10−3) than in healthy or benign prostatic hyperplasia central gland (BPH‐CG) region (1.62 ± 0.41 × 10−3). For the normal group, the mean values were 1.91 ± 0.46 × 10−3 and 1.63 ± 0.30 × 10−3 mm2/second for the PZ and CG, respectively (P = 0.011, N = 7). Significant overlap exists between individual values among all tissue types. Furthermore, ADC values for the same tissue type showed no statistically significant difference between the two subject groups.ConclusionADC is quantified in the prostate using DW‐EPI. Values are lower in cancerous than in healthy PZ in patients, and in BPH‐CG than PZ in volunteers. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2002;16:196–200. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cardiac MRI: Recent progress and continued challenges
Authors: Earls James P. , Ho Vincent B. , Foo Thomas K. , Castillo Ernesto , Flamm Scott D. 
Published: October 2002

AbstractCardiac MRI continues to develop and advance. MRI accurately depicts cardiac structure, function, perfusion, and myocardial viability with an overall capacity unmatched by any other single imaging modality. MRI is an accepted and widely utilized tool for cardiovascular research. Its clinical use has been limited, but is increasing because of its proven clinical efficacy, the proliferation of cardiac‐capable MRI systems, and the development of improved pulse sequences. The following article reviews the landmark developments in this field, with an emphasis on recent progress in the evaluation of ischemic or acquired heart disease. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2002;16:111–127. Published 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transforming growth factor‐β enhances human T‐cell leukemia virus type I infection
Authors: Moriuchi Masako , Moriuchi Hiroyuki 
Published: October 2002

AbstractHuman T‐cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV‐I), the causative agent of adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma, is transmitted vertically by breast milk and sexually by semen. The transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), a pleiotropic cytokine that is abundant in breast milk and semen, facilitates replication of HTLV‐I in lymphocytes derived from asymptomatic HTLV‐I carriers and transmission to cord blood lymphocytes in vitro. Transient expression assays revealed that TGF‐β can transactivate HTLV‐I long terminal repeat promoter. These results suggest that TGF‐β may play a role in replication and transmission of HTLV‐I. J. Med. Virol. 67:427–430, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hepatitis B in Italy: Where we are ten years after the introduction of mass vaccination
Authors: Mele Alfonso , Stroffolini Tommaso , Zanetti Alessandro R. 
Published: October 2002

AbstractIn Italy, a program of vaccination against hepatitis B targeted at the immunisation of persons at high risk began in 1983. In 1991, vaccination became mandatory for all newborns and adolescents. Since then, the vaccine has been given to more than 10 million children, with an outstanding record of safety and efficacy. The coverage rate is globally around 94%, with differences between the Northern and Southern regions, with the latter having the lower acceptance rate. According to the National Surveillance System (SEIEVA), the incidence of acute hepatitis B per 105 inhabitants declined from 5.4 in 1990 to 2 in 2000. The reduction was even greater among 15–24‐year‐old individuals, where the incidence rate per 105 decreased from 17.3 to 2 in the same period. In parallel with the decline of hepatitis B, hepatitis delta has also declined significantly. Catch‐up immunisation of unvaccinated adolescents, as well as an effort to improve the vaccination coverage rate in high‐risk groups, are required to ameliorate the efficacy of the vaccination campaign. Routine administration of booster doses of vaccine is not considered necessary to sustain immunity in immunocompetent persons. J. Med. Virol. 67:440–443, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Factors associated with viral breakthrough in lamivudine monoprophylaxis of hepatitis B virus recurrence after liver transplantation
Authors: Chan Henry Lik‐Yuen , Chui Albert Ka‐Keung , Lau Wan‐Yee , Chan Francis Ka‐Leung , Wong May‐Ling , Tse Chi‐Hang , Rao Araga Ramesha Nitin , Wong John , Sung Joseph Jao‐Yiu 
Published: October 2002

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the factors associated with viral breakthrough among liver transplant recipients who receive lamivudine monoprophylaxis. Consecutive patients receiving liver transplantation for HBV‐related liver disease from June 1999 to October 2000 were studied. All patients received lamivudine 100 mg daily pre‐ and post‐transplant. Serum samples were collected before lamivudine treatment, before liver transplantation, and then every 3–6 months after liver transplantation. Lamivudine‐resistant mutations at the YMDD motif of HBV P gene were detected by direct sequencing and HBV DNA was quantified by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Ten patients, 7 males and 3 females, aged 50.5 ± 7.9 years, were studied. Three patients had fulminant hepatitis and 7 patients had end‐stage cirrhosis before liver transplantation. Lamivudine was started at 4.5 (range 0–40) weeks before liver transplantation. The median post‐transplant follow‐up was 16 (range 12–23) months. Four patients developed YMDD mutations 10.5 (0–16) months after transplantation with relapse of viraemia (median 1,294, range 51–3,135 MEq/ml). All patients who developed YMDD mutants had end‐stage liver cirrhosis, and HBV DNA were detectable on the day of liver transplantation (median 0.62, range 0.086–1.63 MEq/ml). On the contrary, all 3 patients transplanted for fulminant hepatitis did not have YMDD mutation. Among the 3 end‐stage cirrhotic patients who had negative HBV DNA before liver transplantation, none developed YMDD mutation. In conclusion, patients transplanted for fulminant hepatitis B and cirrhotic patients in whom HBV DNA could be rendered PCR negative before liver transplantation are unlikely to develop YMDD mutation on lamivudine monoprophylaxis. J. Med. Virol. 68:182–187, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human herpesvirus 6 and multiple sclerosis: A study of t cell cross‐reactivity to viral and myelin basic protein antigens
Authors: Cirone Mara , Cuomo Laura , Zompetta Claudia , Ruggieri Stefano , Frati Luigi , Faggioni Alberto , Ragona Giuseppe 
Published: October 2002

AbstractSeveral reports have suggested an association of human herpesvirus 6 (HHV‐6) with multiple sclerosis. Autoreactive T lymphocytes directed against myelin components seem to contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease. It has been suggested that molecular mimicry between viral and self‐antigens might be one of the mechanisms that determine the onset of several autoimmune diseases. Following this hypothesis, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate if HHV‐6 could play a role in activating T cells capable of cross‐reaction with an important myelin component, the myelin basic protein. T cell lines were established from 22 multiple sclerosis patients and from 16 healthy controls, and their capability to react to both virus and myelin basic protein antigens was compared. The analysis of T cell cross‐reactivity in patients and controls did not show significant differences in the HHV‐6 ability to activate myelin basic protein‐reactive T cells. Similarly, the evaluation of the humoral immune response to HHV‐6 in patients and controls did not mirror any abnormality in the HHV‐6 status in multiple sclerosis patients. Therefore, although the findings of activity in vitro of T cell lines with dual specificity are consistent with the hypothesis of molecular mimicry, the lack of differences in cross‐reactivity between patients and controls do not support molecular mimicry as an important mechanism in the physiopathology of this disease. J. Med. Virol. 68: 268–272, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.