The extracellular matrix molecule tenascin-R (TN-R) and the proteoglycans of the lectican family show an overlapping distribution in the developing brain, have been implicated in similar cellular processes and form a complex network of interactions. Previously, we have demonstrated that TN-R induces microprocesses along neurites and enlarged growth cones of tectal cells by interacting with the cel

In the present study we combined interferon (IFN) and hydroxyurea (HU) treatment, intensive chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (SCT) in newly diagnosed chronic myelogenous leukemia patients aged below 56 years, not eligible for allogeneic SCT. Patients who had an HLA-identical sibling donor and no contraindication went for an allogeneic SCT (related donor, RD). After diagnosis,

Objective To quantify the occurrence of intestinal metaplasia in columnar-lined esophagus (CLE) during endoscopic surveillance and to evaluate the impact of antireflux surgery on the development of intestinal metaplasia. Summary Background Data The malignant potential in segments of CLE is mainly restricted to those containing intestinal metaplasia. Patients with segments of CLE in which no intest

The erythro form of the lignin model compound 1-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-(2-methoxyphenoxy)-1,3-propanediol (1) was oxidized with laccase/ABTS, lead(IV) tetraacetate (LTA), lignin peroxidase/H2O2, cerium(IV) ammonium nitrate (CAN) and Fenton's reagent. The product profiles obtained with the different oxidants were compared after separation, identification and quantification of the products using HP

The effect of strain and transforming growth factor beta on equine tendon fibroblasts (tenocytes) was assessed in vitro. Tenocytes were isolated from flexor and extensor tendons of horses from foetal to 10 years of age. These cells were cultured until confluent on collagen-coated silicone dishes. Cyclic biaxial strain of 9 +/- 1% was applied at 0.5 Hz for 24 hours with or without added TGFbeta1 or

Objectives. Traditional habilitation recommends the use of single switch control and simple computer games as pre-training of cause-effect relationships and joystick control before training in use of a powered wheelchair. Findings from studies of individuals at an early developmental level driving a powered wheelchair suggest it may be more effective to reverse order. Methods. We studied the outc

Four collections of Gal1-4Gal derivatives were synthesised and evaluated as inhibitors of the PapG class II adhesin of uropathogenic Escherichia coli and of the PN and PO adhesins of Streptococcus suis strains. Galabiosides carrying aromatic structures at C1, methoxyphenyl O-galabiosides in particular, were identified as potent inhibitors of the PapG adhesin. Phenylurea derivatisation at C3 and me

Triptans are agonists at 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D (where 5-HT is 5-hydroxytryptamine; serotonin) receptors and cause vasoconstriction of isolated blood vessels. The aim of the present study was to determine vasoconstrictor potency (EC50) of triptans in human coronary and cerebral arteries and to examine whether there was any relationship with the maximal plasma concentrations (Cmax; nM) of the drugs achi

This paper reports on acute posttraumatic reactions and forms of coping to the September 11 attack. We conducted a survey within three weeks of the attack on a nationwide, representative sample of individuals 13 years or older (N = 3,134). Measures included the Stanford Acute Stress Reaction Questionnaire (SASRQ), the brief version of the COPE, and questions about demographics and attitudes toward

Coastal groundwater aquifers are often exposed to heavy pumping and consequently to risks of saltwater intrusion. In many cases, however, the observed increase in groundwater salinity can only be partly explained by actual saltwater intrusion from the sea. Other salinity-increasing processes may also significantly contribute to the total salt content of the groundwater. This paper describes a geoc

The breast cancer-associated gene Di12 encodes a novel protein, which was found overexpressed in invasive ductal carcinomas of the breast. In experiments designed to assess the role of the Di12 gene in oncogenesis, the overexpression of 339 N-terminal amino acids of this gene in NIH3T3 cells resulted in cellular transformation and in vivo tumorigenesis. NIH3T3-Di12 tumor cell growth was partly rev

Chronic venous ulcers are characterized by chronic inflammation. Heme and iron, originating from blood cell hemolysis as well as extravascular necrosis, have been implicated as important pathogenic factors due to their promotion of oxidative stress. It was recently reported that the plasma and tissue protein alpha1-microglobulin is involved in heme metabolism. The protein binds heme, and a carboxy

A resonator system has been fabricated directly on a pre-processed CMOS chip. The system is to be used for high sensitivity mass sensing applications in air and vacuum. The resonator system, corresponding of a cantilever and structures for electrostatic actuation and capacitive read-out, have been defined by electron beam lithography on top of a charge and radiation sensitive CMOS layer in predefi

Digital feedback suppression (DFS) enables users of hearing instruments (HI) to benefit from amplification levels that normally would provoke whistling or poor sound quality. A standardized test for the measurement of DFS benefit is not available. This paper proposes and evaluates an objective method for assessment of extra feedback-free amplification (headroom) provided by a given DFS. It is show

The unique morphology of the toes of the great crested grebe (Podiceps cristatus), which are asymmetrically lobed with a narrower skin flap on the lateral side of the toe, enables these birds to swim very efficiently. Here we study video recordings of a diving grebe and stroboscopic pictures of its moving feet and conclude that the bird uses a hydrodynamically lift-based foot (power) stroke to pro

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the role of cholesterol-rich membrane regions, including caveolae, in the regulation of arterial contractility. Methods and Results- Rat tail artery devoid of endothelium was treated with the cholesterol acceptor methyl-beta-cyclodextrin, and the effects on force and Ca2+ handling were evaluated. In cholesterol-depleted preparations, the force responses to alpha1-adr