Survivin is a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) gene family, containing a single baculovirus IAP repeat (BIR) and no RING finger, that is expressed in many human cancers. Although it has been proposed to be involved in mitotic and cytokinetic processes, its functional subcellular distribution in the cytoplasm and nucleus, and its binding to centrosomes, spindle fibers, and centromeres in relation to these processes, is not fully resolved. We have analyzed the localization of Survivin in normal (Detroit 551, IMR-90) and tumor-derived (HeLa, Saos-2) cell lines, and found that it does colocalize with centrosomes in the cytoplasm during interphase, then moves to centromeres during mitosis, and finally localizes to the midbody spindle fibers during telophase. However, Taxol, a popular microtubule stabilizing agent that is frequently used in the study of these processes, severely disrupted the localization of Survivin. Taxol treatment of cells promoted extensive relocalization of Survivin with alpha-tubulin on microtubules during either interphase or mitosis. Survivin antisense oligonucleotide markedly sensitized HeLa cells to cell death induced by agents acting at the level of cell surface receptor (Fas pathway) or at the level of mitochondria (etoposide). HeLa cell death induced by Survivin antisense oligonucleotide could be partially complemented by Deterin, the Drosophila homolog of Survivin (Jones et al. [2000] J. Biol. Chem. 275:22157-22166). Reciprocally, a chimera of the Deterin BIR domain and Survivin C-terminus could rescue Drosophila Kc cells from death induced by transfection of a human caspase-7-expressing plasmid. These results indicate common components of Survivin and Deterin antiapoptotic action in the vertebrate and invertebrate phyla.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Hostility on and off opiates.

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Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Side-chain hydroxylation of vitamin D3 and its physiological implications.

Evidence is accumulating that, in vivo and in vitro, both 25-OH-D3 and 1,25-(OH)2D3 undergo side-chain modification leading to side-chain cleaved metabolites lacking the 24, 25, 26, and 27 carbons. The enzymes involved are D-dependent and are located in the kidney, bone, intestine, and perhaps other sites. We speculate that the extra-renal side-chain pathway may be primarily for target organ destruction of 1,25-(OH)2D3, whereas the renal pathway may be primarily for destruction of 25-OH-D3 formed in large amounts in hypervitaminosis D.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Double producers of kappa and lambda define a subset of B cells in mouse plasmacytomas.

Rearrangement of the light chain locus is believed to be an ordered process in which Iglambda rearrangements only occur if Igkappa rearrangements are found to be non-productive or self-reactive. Secondary rearrangements of the B-cell receptor (BCR) have shown, however, that rescue of abortive Igkappa rearrangements or autoreactive B cells can be achieved through receptor editing using upstream V-regions as the template sequences. Since secondary rearrangement can occur in the periphery, possibly in a subset of B cells maintaining constitutive Rag activity, it is conceivable that two light chains (kappa:kappa or kappa:lambda) could be expressed in these cells, apparently in violation of allelic exclusion. Previously, we have reported that silicone-induced plasmacytomas (SIPCs) exhibit dual expression and ongoing rearrangements of Igkappa and Iglambda. In this paper, we show by ELISA that both Igkappa and Iglambda are found at the protein level, but are secreted in different amounts. Furthermore, we demonstrate by micro-manipulation and RT-PCR amplification that Igkappa and Iglambda are simultaneously expressed in a single SIPC cell. We propose that these dual-expressing cells, found intermittently in cases of plasmacytomas (PCs), may have originally been immature B cells when transformed but now are maintained as a long-lived mature B cell found infrequently in the tumor population.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Considerations on the structural evidence of a ligand-binding function of ultraspiracle, an insect homolog of vertebrate RXR.

This analysis considers the structural evidence of a ligand-binding function of the nuclear receptor ultraspiracle (USP). The positions and nature of residues in the ligand-binding domain of USP from six higher insects is evaluated in comparison to the function of conserved residues vertebrate receptors that have been co-crystallized with ligand. USP appears to conserve residues that in vertebrate receptors (1) form the hydrophobic ligand-binding pocket, (2) contact oxygen-containing moieties on ligands, such as hydroxyl, keto and carboxyl groups, and (3) in response to ligand-binding conformationally change to form a multi-helix hydrophobic groove for recruitment of transcriptional co-activators. These structural features are consistent with the recent report that USP can bind the epoxymethylfarnesoates (juvenile hormones) and thereupon is induced to change conformation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Prenatal assessment for childhood discipline experiences.

PURPOSE: To explore relationships between pregnant women's childhood experiences with discipline and 1) prenatal plans for disciplining own child and 2) later maternal-infant interactions DESIGN: Prospective correlation study. SETTING: Prenatal clinics and home visits PARTICIPANTS: Low-income pregnant women (N = 205) with a mean educational level of 12 years MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Adapted Ways of Handling Irritating Behaviors (Mother and You) Scales, NCAST Teaching Scale, Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment Scale RESULTS: Correlations between childhood experiences with discipline and 1) plans for later discipline strategies with own child and 2) infant components of maternal-infant interactions, including clarity of cues and responsiveness to the mother CONCLUSIONS: Prenatal assessment for childhood experiences with discipline may uncover factors associated with a break in the trajectory for optimal maternal-child interactions described by Barnard's theoretical framework.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Dead space ventilation parallels changes in scintigraphic vascular obstruction at recurrence of pulmonary embolism and after thrombolytic therapy: a case report.

Physiological and alveolar dead space ventilation both increase in pulmonary embolism (PE) in proportion to the severity of vascular obstruction. The case of a patient with recurrent PE while on heparin therapy is presented. The recurrence was characterized clinically by severe pulmonary vascular obstruction and right heart dysfunction. The patient was treated with thrombolytic therapy, with excellent clinical and scintigraphic resolution. Dead space ventilation measurements at baseline, at the time of recurrence and after thrombolytic therapy are presented. The potential utility of dead space ventilation measurements for PE diagnosis and management are discussed.

Fibrinolytic Agents↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Thoracic complications of Lemierre syndrome.

Lemierre syndrome is a severe, septicemic illness most commonly caused by the anaerobic Gram-negative bacillus Fusobacterium necrophorum. It is characterized by an acute oropharyngeal infection, with secondary septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein and frequent metastatic infections. This report of a patient with the Lemierre syndrome is complemented by a review of the literature on the subject.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Delivery of vitamins A, D, and E in total parenteral nutrition solutions.

The ward delivery of fat-soluble vitamins in parenteral nutrition solutions was simulated in a laboratory situation. Radioactively labeled vitamins A, D, and E were used in tracer studies to follow their nonradioactive counterparts during addition to a parenteral solution and subsequent passage through a standard infusion set. Using this quick convenient method, it was possible to monitor delivery over an entire 24-hour infusion period. Average recovery for vitamins A, D, and E was 31%, 68% and 64%, respectively. From comparison of various sampling sites during the experimental period, it seems clear that the fat-soluble vitamins appear to adhere to the bag and tubing. In light of these findings, we suggest a reexamination of the method of solubilization of fat soluble vitamins and of the materials used in the manufacture of clinical infusion equipment.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Defining and updating the American Cancer Society guidelines for the cancer-related checkup: prostate and endometrial cancers.

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Adolescent↗