Identification of human estrogen-inducible transcripts that potentially mediate the apoptotic response in breast cancer.

Hormone manipulation has been used for several decades with the purpose of inducing breast cancer regression. On the one hand, hormone ablation and antiestrogen administration were used on the rationale that estrogens induce proliferation of their target cells. Before the advent of the antiestrogen tamoxifen, on the other hand, the estrogen agonist DES was used to obtain clinical remissions.

Shape-selective recognition of a model Okazaki fragment by geometrically-constrained bis-distamycins.

Okazaki fragments represent interesting targets for the design of anticancer drugs because of their selective occurrence during DNA replication, a process often elevated in aggressive malignancies. Structural studies have indicated a bend occurs in the helical axis at the junction region (JR) that joins the DNA duplex region (DDR) and the RNA-DNA hybrid duplex region (HDR) of model Okazaki fragments. To identify a structural motif that provides a shape complementary to the Okazaki fragment minor groove, we have investigated the binding of geometrically-constrained bis-distamycins to a model Okazaki fragment, [OKA], with a sequence derived from the genome of simian virus 40 (SV40).

Binding of ethidium to DNA measured using a 2D diffusion-modulated gradient COSY NMR experiment.

The binding of ethidium bromide to a DNA hairpin (dU(5)-hairpin) was investigated using a novel 2D diffusion-modulated gradient correlation spectroscopy (DMG-COSY) experiment to evaluate the applicability of this technique for studying the binding of drugs to DNA. The DMG-COSY experiment includes a preparation period during which coherent magnetization is attenuated due to molecular self-diffusion. Magnetization then evolves due to scalar coupling during an evolution delay, and is detected using gradient pulses for coherence selection.

Otoacoustic emission, evoked potential, and behavioral auditory thresholds in the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta).

Distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE), auditory brainstem evoked response (ABR), and behavioral thresholds were recorded in a group of 15 adult rhesus monkeys with normal auditory function. DPOAE thresholds were recorded with stimulus parameters selected to maximize signal-to-noise ratio. Additional averaging at the lowest frequencies ensured comparable noise levels across frequencies.

First Report of Golden Dwarf Mistletoe on Pinus maximinoi.

Golden dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium aureum subsp. aureum Hawksw. & Wiens) is endemic to east-central Guatemala (Departments Alta Verapaz, Baja Verapaz, and Quiche) (1,2).

The V3 loop based multi-epitope polypeptide TAB9 adjuvated with montanide ISA720 is highly immunogenic in nonhuman primates and induces neutralizing antibodies against five HIV-1 isolates.

In a previous work we selected montanide ISA720 (M-ISA720) among different adjuvants for the vaccination with a V3 loop based multi-epitope polypeptide TAB9. In this paper we present the evaluation of the toxicity and immunogenicity of this formulation in non-human primates. TAB9 in M-ISA720 was highly immunogenic in macaques (Macaca fascicularis) inducing antibodies against TAB9 in all animals after one inoculation and a strong anamnestic response after booster injections.

Heterologous expression of a plant small heat-shock protein enhances Escherichia coli viability under heat and cold stress.

A small heat-shock protein (sHSP) that shows molecular chaperone activity in vitro was recently purified from mature chestnut (Castanea sativa) cotyledons. This protein, renamed here as CsHSP17. 5, belongs to cytosolic class I, as revealed by cDNA sequencing and immunoelectron microscopy.

Comparison of short-term estrogenicity tests for identification of hormone-disrupting chemicals.

The aim of this study was to compare results obtained by eight different short-term assays of estrogenlike actions of chemicals conducted in 10 different laboratories in five countries. Twenty chemicals were selected to represent direct-acting estrogens, compounds with estrogenic metabolites, estrogenic antagonists, and a known cytotoxic agent. Also included in the test panel were 17beta++-estradiol as a positive control and ethanol as solvent control.

Rifampin reduces early mortality in experimental Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis.

Compared with beta-lactam antibiotics, rifampin releases smaller quantities of proinflammatory cell wall products from Streptococcus pneumoniae in vitro. Mice infected intracerebrally with S. pneumoniae were treated subcutaneously with 2-mg doses of rifampin or ceftriaxone (n=43 each) every 12 h for 3 days and then observed for another 3 days.

Early gene expression during androgen-induced inhibition of proliferation of prostate cancer cells: a new suppressor candidate on chromosome 13, in the BRCA2-Rb1 locus.

In the prostate gland cell numbers are regulated by androgens through three separate pathways: (a) inhibition of cell death (apoptosis), (b) induction of cell proliferation (step 1), and (c) inhibition of cell proliferation (step 2, proliferative shutoff). The precise regulation of these control pathways is still elusive. The human prostate carcinoma LNCaP cell line variants express a subset of proliferative pathways comparable to those present in normal prostate cells (LNCaP-FGC expresses both steps, LNCaP-LNO expresses step 2, LNCaP-TAC expresses step 1, LNCaP-TJA expresses neither).

Apoptosis of neurons in the dentate gyrus in humans suffering from bacterial meningitis.

Apoptosis of granular cells in the dentate gyrus frequently occurs in animal models of bacterial meningitis. In 37 autopsy cases of bacterial meningitis we evaluated, by light microscopy and in-situ tailing, whether this pattern of neuronal damage is of relevance in humans. Neuronal apoptoses in the dentate gyrus (density 1 to 19/mm2) were observed in 26 cases of bacterial meningitis and in none of 10 aged-matched control cases dying from non-neurological diseases.

Assays to measure estrogen and androgen agonists and antagonists.

Substantial evidence has surfaced on the hormone-like effects of many xenobiotics in fish, wildlife and humans (Colborn et al., 1993). The endocrine and reproductive effects of xenobiotics are believed to be due to their 1) mimicking the effects of endogenous hormones such as estrogens and androgens, 2) antagonizing the effects of normal, endogenous hormones, 3) altering the pattern of synthesis and metabolism of natural hormones, and 4) modifying the hormone receptor levels.

[Yield of xenodiagnosis and PCR in the evaluation of specific chemotherapy of Chagas' disease in children].

Amplification by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of Trypanosoma cruzi kinetoplastic DNA was used to enhance sensitivity in the detection of the parasite in blood, with the ultimate goal of improving the parasitological diagnosis of Chagas' disease in 0-10 year-old infected children. Twenty eight children were evaluated by using xenodiagnosis (XD) and PCR. Whereas XD detected 75.

An updated review of environmental estrogen and androgen mimics and antagonists.

For the last 40 y, substantial evidence has surfaced on the hormone-like effects of environmental chemicals such as pesticides and industrial chemicals in wildlife and humans. The endocrine and reproductive effects of these chemicals are believed to be due to their ability to: (1) mimic the effect of endogenous hormones, (2) antagonize the effect of endogenous hormones, (3) disrupt the synthesis and metabolism of endogenous hormones, and (4) disrupt the synthesis and metabolism of hormone receptors. The discovery of hormone-like activity of these chemicals occurred long after they were released into the environment.

Adjuvant and immunostimulating properties of the recombinant Bm86 protein expressed in Pichia pastoris.

The cattle tick Boophilus microplus has remained a latent problem to the cattle industry. The recombinant vaccine GAVAC against the cattle tick has proved its efficacy and, conveniently, combined with the use of chemicals could be the solution to this problem. As this vaccine is based in the recombinant concealed antigen Bm86, it has to be given periodically to the animal to maintain an adequate level of antibodies.

Bioequivalence evaluation of 2 different oral formulations of ciprofloxacin in healthy volunteers.

A bioequivalence study of 2 oral formulations of 500 mg tablets of ciprofloxacin was carried out in 24 healthy volunteers according to a single dose, two-sequence, crossover randomized design. Blood samples were taken prior to each administration and at 13 points within 32 hours after the dose, and plasma concentrations of ciprofloxacin were determined by HPLC. The pharmacokinetic parameters Cmax and tmax were obtained directly from plasma data, ke was estimated by log-linear regression, and AUC was calculated by the trapezoidal rule.

Cytokine release and mitogenic activity in the viridans streptococcal shock syndrome.

Viridans streptococci are a heterogeneous group of Gram-positive bacteria that are normal inhabitants of the mouth, upper gastrointestinal tract and oropharynx. These organisms are typically thought of as of low virulence, classically as the cause of infective endocarditis, although recently they have been implicated in serious infections in other settings. In particular, viridans group streptococci have been described as responsible for the alpha-streptococcal shock syndrome in neutropenic patients.

An anthropological approach to the evaluation of preschool children exposed to pesticides in Mexico.

In this comparative study, we compensated for many of the known variables that influence children's growth and development by selecting two groups of 4-5-year-old Yaqui children who reside in the Yaqui Valley of northwestern Mexico. These children share similar genetic backgrounds, diets, water mineral contents, cultural patterns, and social behaviors. The major difference was their exposure to pesticides.

Effect of particulation on the immunogenic and protective properties of the recombinant Bm86 antigen expressed in Pichia pastoris.

The recombinant Bm86 tick antigen expressed in Pichia pastoris is obtained in a highly particulated form, as a distinguish feature of this expression system. This particulated protein, the active principle of the recombinant vaccine Gavac against the cattle tick, have shown high immunogenic and protective properties, probably associated with its own characteristics. To evaluate the effects of particulation on the properties of Bm86, three groups of calves were immunized with particulated or non-particulated recombinant Bm86 and the anti-Bm86 antibody response determined.

Susceptibility to new beta-lactams of enterobacterial extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producers and penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae in Mexico.

The activities of several beta-lactam antimicrobial agents, aminoglycosides and ciprofloxacin, were determined against 62 clinical isolates of enterobacteria resistant to oxyimino cephalosporins (extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producers), collected during 1991 to 1993, and 16 penicillin-resistant invasive isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae collected during 1994-1996. The numbers and percentages of susceptible enterobacterial strains to tested antibiotics were: imipenem 60 (97%), ciprofloxacin 57 (92%), cefepime 56 (90%), cefpirome 34 (55%), aztreonam 13 (21%), cefotaxime 7 (11%), ceftazidime 0 (0%), amikacin 11 (18%) and gentamicin 16 (26%). Despite the fact that these strains had never been exposed previously to cefepime or cefpirome, the susceptibility was 90% and 55%, respectively.

Expression of novel genes linked to the androgen-induced, proliferative shutoff in prostate cancer cells.

Androgens control cell numbers in the prostate through three separate pathways: (a) inhibition of cell death, (b) induction of cell proliferation (Step-1) and (c) inhibition of cell proliferation (Step-2, proliferative shutoff). The mechanisms underlying these phenomena are incompletely understood. The human prostate carcinoma LNCaP variants express these pathways as follows: LNCaP-FGC express both steps, LNCaP-LNO expresses Step-2, LNCaP-TAC expresses Step-1, and LNCaP-TJA cells express neither step.

Intermittent distracting rod for correction of high neurologic risk congenital scoliosis.

Study Design: Report of three cases of severe congenital scoliosis corrected by a new device.

Objectives: To show a new, safe alternative for treatment to achieve and maintain correction of the most severe spinal deformity.

Summary Of Background Data: Because of neurologic risk, severe congenital scoliosis is usually not instrumented.