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In vitro activities of rifamycin derivatives ABI-1648 (Rifalazil, KRM-1648), ABI-1657, and ABI-1131 against Chlamydia trachomatis and recent clinical isolates of Chlamydia pneumoniae.

ABI-1648 (rifalazil) is a semisynthetic rifamycin with potent bactericidal activity against intracellular respiratory bacteria, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and a long half-life (approximately 60 h) and thus can be administered once weekly. We therefore tested the in vitro activities of ABI-1648, its derivatives ABI-1657 and ABI-1131, azithromycin, and levofloxacin against 10 strains of Chlamydia trachomatis and 10 recent clinical isolates of Chlamydia pneumoniae. The MICs at which 90% of the isolates were inhibited and the minimal bactericidal concentration at which 90% of the isolates were killed for ABI-1648, ABI-1657, and ABI-1131 were 0.0025 micro g/ml for C. trachomatis and 0.00125 to 0.0025 micro g/ml for C. pneumoniae. ABI-1648, ABI-1657, and ABI-1131 were 10- to 1,000-fold more active than azithromycin and levofloxacin.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Localization and phosphorylation of Abl-interactor proteins, Abi-1 and Abi-2, in the developing nervous system.

Abl-interactor (Abi) proteins are targets of Abl-family nonreceptor tyrosine kinases and are required for Rac-dependent cytoskeletal reorganization in response to growth factor stimulation. We asked if the expression, phosphorylation, and cellular localization of Abi-1 and Abi-2 supports a role for these proteins in Abl signaling in the developing and adult mouse nervous system. In mid- to late-gestation embryos, abi-2 message is elevated in the central and peripheral nervous systems (CNS and PNS). Abi-1 mRNA is present, but not enhanced, in the CNS, and is not observed in PNS structures. Abi proteins from brain lysates undergo changes in apparent molecular weight and phosphorylation with increasing age. In the postnatal brain, abi-1 and abi-2 are expressed most prominently in cortical layers populated by projection neurons. In cultured neurons, Abi-1 and Abi-2 are concentrated in puncta throughout the cell body and processes. Both Abi and Abl proteins are present in synaptosomes and growth cone particles. Therefore, the Abi adaptors exhibit proper expression patterns and subcellular localization to participate in Abl kinase signaling in the nervous system.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

Measuring functional change in children with acquired brain injury (ABI): comparison of generic and ABI-specific scales using the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI).

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) subscales are hierarchic in nature, with item placements within each subscale reflecting the general order of skill attainment in children without disabilities. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a hierarchical subscale developed in this study for children with acquired brain injuries (ABIs) corresponds to the generic PEDI subscales, and, if not, whether condition-specific (ABI-specific) PEDI subscales are more sensitive for measuring change. SUBJECTS: Eighty-seven children and adolescents (mean age=9.2 years, SD=5.2, range=1-20) with ABI during inpatient rehabilitation admissions were included. METHODS: Data were collected by retrospective chart review. Rasch one-parameter analyses were conducted to construct the ABI-specific PEDI scale focusing on the Mobility and Self-care domains (content areas) only. Each domain consists of a Functional Skills subscale and a Caregiver Assistance subscale. Thus, in all, 4 scales were constructed within the ABI-specific PEDI scale. Differences in item hierarchies and sensitivity between generic and ABI-specific PEDI subscales for each domain were then examined. RESULTS: Both generic and ABI-specific PEDI scales were sensitive for measuring functional changes during inpatient rehabilitation hospitalization. Even though the generic and ABI-specific item hierarchies differed substantially, only one of the 4 ABI-specific PEDI subscales (Caregiver Assistance Self-care subscale) was more sensitive for measuring change than the generic PEDI scale. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The ABI-specific scales added relatively little improvement in sensitivity compared with the generic PEDI scales of the Mobility and Self-care domains. Thus, for group analyses, the authors recommend use of the generic PEDI subscales for children with ABI. Future work with ABI-specific subscales may improve the physical therapist's ability to describe an individual's pattern of functional recovery.

Activities of Daily Living↗

Foliar morphological and physiological plasticity in Picea abies and Abies alba saplings along a natural light gradient.

The role of morphological versus physiological foliar plasticity in the capacity for, and mechanisms of, photosynthetic acclimation was assessed in Picea abies (L.) Karst. and Abies alba Mill. saplings in a forest gap-understory light gradient (relative irradiance, RI, ranging from 0.02 to 0.32). The species investigated showed a similar foliar morphological plasticity along the light gradient, at both the needle level (through alteration in leaf dry mass per area) and the shoot level (through alteration in the silhouette area ratio, e.g., shoot silhouette to projected needle area ratio). In both species chlorophyll (Chl) concentration on a mass basis decreased at increasing RI, but was independent of RI when expressed on an area basis. In contrast, leaf N concentration on a mass basis was independent of RI, but was positively influenced by RI when expressed on an area basis. The parameters describing photosynthetic performance at low light (dark respiration rate, apparent quantum yield and light compensation point) suggest that Abies alba was better suited to maintain a positive carbon balance in shaded conditions. By contrast, parameters describing biochemical capacity at high light (maximum electron transport rate, Jmax and maximum ribulose-1,5-biphosphate carboxylation capacity, Vcmax) indicate that only Picea abies was capable of acclimating physiologically to high photosynthetic photon flux densities (PPFDs) by increasing nitrogen partitioning to Rubisco and Vcmax/mass by increasing RI. These results support the hypothesis that interspecific differences in nitrogen partitioning within the photosynthetic apparatus may provide a mechanistic basis for species separation along a light gradient. The differences in photosynthetic plasticity observed are likely to influence regeneration patterns and habitat breadth of the species investigated. The limited ability of Abies alba saplings to exploit high-light conditions may be a competitive disadvantage in large canopy gaps and thus limit recruitment of this species to small gaps.

Abies↗

Antiproliferative and anticarcinogenic effects of an aqueous preparation of Abies alba and Viscum album se abies, on a L-1210 malignant cell line and tumor-bearing Wistar rats.

Extracts of plants have been widely tested for possible anticarcinogenic properties. In the present study a traditional remedy, consisting of an aqueous extract of mixed parts of the tree Abies alba and its mistletoe Viscum album se abies was tested on benzo(alpha)pyrene(BaP)-induced tumors in Wistar rats and on the L-1210 malignant cell line. Two main groups of male Wistar rats subcutaneously injected by 10 mg of BaP, a dose inducing 100% carcinogenesis, a control group (C-G, 15 rats) and a treatment group(TR-G, 18 rats), were used for the study. Five animals bearing BaP-induced tumors were also tested (TR-1-G). Animals of the TR-G were orally administered with the aqueous extract at doses of 50 ml/kg b.w, from the day of BaP injection and of the TR-1-G, from the 120th day of injection, till death. L-1210 malignant cells in cultivation, were administered with a powder obtained by condensation and lyophilization of the extract, at various concentrations and cytotoxicity was measured by the microculture tetrazolium assay. Autopsy of the rats, revealed metastasis in the lungs of the animals of all groups and the tumors developed were histologically identified as leiomyosarcomas. The results indicated that the extract of the above plants possess anticarcinogenic effects, documented by: a) its antiproliferative effects on L-1210 cells (IC50 = 49.6 +/- 1.4 micrograms/ml), b) the significant prolongation of life and reduction of tumor growth rate of the animals of the TR-G in comparison to the C-G, c) the inhibition by 16.6% of tumor induction in the TR-G and d) the prolongation of life and the necrotic effects of the extract on the tumors of the animals in the TR-1-G. The antiproliferative effects of the Abies alba and Viscum album se abies extract may be due to the lectins and thionins contained in Viscum album, as well as to the monoterpenes contained in Abies alba. Soft tissue tumors sensitive to the extract, are widespread among human organs, even in larynx, and are usually resistant to chemotherapy.

Animals↗

Evaluation and validation of the ABI 3700, ABI 3100, and the MegaBACE 1000 capillary array electrophoresis instruments for use with short tandem repeat microsatellite typing in a forensic environment.

The demand for high-throughput DNA profiling has increased with the introduction of national DNA databases and has led to the development of automated methods of short tandem repeat (STR) profile production; however, a potential bottleneck still exists at the gel electrophoresis stage. Capillary electrophoresis sequencers capable of processing 96 samples with considerably reduced manual intervention are now available. In this paper, we compare the ABI Prism 377 slab-gel sequencer currently used by the Forensic Science Service with three leading capillary array electrophoresis instruments: the ABI Prism 3700, the Amersham MegaBACE 1000 and the 16-capillary ABI Prism 3100. We describe the experiments used to evaluate and validate these platforms for forensic use with the STR multiplex Ampf/STR SGMplus [1, 2], along with comparative data from the ABI Prism 377 sequencer.

Databases, Nucleic Acid↗

ABI sequencing analysis. Manipulation of sequence data from the ABI DNA sequencer.

The ABI Sequencing Analysis application is designed specifically for the analysis of data produced by the ABI DNA Sequencer. The ABI sequencer is a laser-based instrument that utilizes fluorescent labels to analyze the products of a sequencing reaction as they migrate through a gel. After the data are collected from a sequencing run, the Analysis program identifies and tracks the sample lanes of the gel and subsequently normalizes and integrates the raw data into a chromatogram of the final sequence. For the user, there are basically two types of files that can be manipulated to potentially improve the analysis results. The Gel File consists of a computer generated image of the sequencing gel with the fluorescent DNA banding patterns. This image allows the user to view and edit the tracking lines generated and used by Analysis to collect data points for each sample. Individual Sample Files are stored for each of the samples analyzed and include the chromatogram, raw data, and annotations and information regarding the sample and sequence run. Generally, the products of a sequencing reaction are easily resolved and the Analysis software interprets the correct nucleotide sequence. Ambiguous base calls tend to occur near the end of the sequence and may be either edited or deleted by the user before exporting the data for further comparisons or alignments. Occasionally the tracking lines within the gel image may need to be adjusted or moved. The sample data are then reextracted from the Gel File and analyzed again. This review explains the general operation of Analysis in terms of viewing and editing a chromatogram, retracking the lanes of a Gel File, and analyzing the final sample data. The three versions 1.2.1, 2.1.2, and 3.3 are discussed.

Animals↗

ABI 007.

ABI 007 [Abraxane] is an albumin-stabilised nanoparticle formulation of paclitaxel designed to overcome insolubility problems encountered with paclitaxel. This then eliminates the need for toxic solvents like cremophor, which limits the dose of paclitaxel that can be administered and hence affect overall drug efficacy. Studies have shown that the albumin receptor-mediated paclitaxel-transport mechanism is analogous to the opening of a 'trapdoor' on the endothelial cell wall within blood vessels. This facilitates the passage of ABI 007 from the bloodstream via the blood vessels to the underlying tumour tissue. ABI 007 is being developed for the treatment of a variety of tumour types by American Pharmaceutical Partners. In addition to the standard infusion formulation of ABI 007, oral and pulmonary delivery formulations are also being investigated. American Pharmaceutical Partners, a subsidiary of American BioScience, secured exclusive North American marketing and manufacturing rights to ABI 007 from American BioScience in November 2001. In anticipation of product launch within the fourth quarter of 2004, the company formed Abraxis Oncology and recruited an experienced sales and marketing team. The company has also accumulated approximately 28 million US dollars of paclitaxel inventory. As such, American Pharmaceutical Partners anticipates pre-launch expenses to cost approximately 40 million US dollars, incurred over 2004. In addition, the company expects to make two milestone payments worth 10 million US dollars as well as 15 million US dollars, based upon US FDA acceptance of NDA filing in the second quarter of 2004 and subsequent US FDA approval, respectively. The milestone for US FDA approval would be capitalised and amortised over the estimated life of the product.Previously, American Pharmaceutical Partners reported that its rolling NDA submission for ABI 007 commenced in May 2003. In July 2003, the company announced that this was progressing on schedule and expected to have completed its entire NDA submission by the end of 2003. The company also began preparations to form a sales and marketing group in anticipation of product launch. In addition, production of commercial quantities of ABI 007 was expected to begin in the second half of 2003. The US FDA granted fast-track status to ABI 007 for this indication in January 2003. The decision for NDA filing was based on the successful completion of a phase III trial evaluating ABI 007 versus standard paclitaxel among 460 patients with metastatic breast cancer in the US. In September 2003, American Pharmaceutical Partners and American BioScience jointly announced positive interim results from the trial, which shows that the primary efficacy objective had been exceeded. American BioScience completed this phase III trial in early 2003 with the results unblinded in mid-2003. The phase III study directly compared the efficacy of ABI 007 260 mg/m(2) versus paclitaxel 175 mg/m(2). Both agents were administered every 3 weeks. ABI 007 was administered as a 30-minute infusion without steroid pretreatment. Paclitaxel-treated patients received steroid pretreatment and the drug was administered over 3 hours. Enrollment was completed in December 2002 with 460 first- and second-line metastatic breast cancer patients enrolled. A Data Monitoring Committee concluded in October 2002 that a sample-size adjustment of the phase III trial was not required and that the study could be continued to completion. A phase II trial of ABI 007 was also underway in metastatic breast cancer patients who have failed taxane therapy. The trial was evaluating a weekly rather than 3-weekly regimen of ABI 007. Also in February 2004, American BioScience initiated a multicentre phase II trial in patients with metastatic melanoma. The trial will evaluate both chemotherapy-naive patients (at a dose of 150 mg/m(2) administered weekly) and patients who have previously received chemotherapy (at a dose of 100 mg/m(2) administered weekly) as treatment for metastatic disease. In May 2003, American Pharmaceutical Partners reported that ABI 007 is also being evaluated for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer, ovarian cancer, melanoma and cervical cancers. Phase I/II trials have also been conducted in other solid tumours, including squamous cell cancer of the head and neck, and pelvis. Phase I trials have also been conducted in patients with solid tumours to evaluate the administration of ABI 007 on a weekly schedule. In September 2003, American BioScience was issued US patent No. 6,506,405, which has 89 claims covering compositions of matter and unit dosage forms. In addition, the patent covers methods of use without the requirement for pretreatment with steroid therapy or growth factor support. In July 2003, the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington DC unanimously ruled that American BioScience is the true and rightful owner of patent No. 5,780,653. This patent covers three next-generation taxane anticancer compounds. This ruling overturned a lower court decision in a lawsuit brought in 1998 by Florida State University (FSU) and FSU Prof. Robert Holton's privately held company, Taxolog. In the lawsuit, FSU and Taxolog alleged that Prof. Holton and others at FSU were the true inventors of the compounds claimed under American BioScience's patent.

Albumin-Bound Paclitaxel↗

ABI-1, a human homolog to mouse Abl-interactor 1, fuses the MLL gene in acute myeloid leukemia with t(10;11)(p11.2;q23).

Recurrent translocation t(10;11) has been reported to be associated with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Recently, two types of chimeric transcripts, MLL-AF10 in t(10;11)(p12;q23) and CALM-AF10 in t(10;11)(p13;q14), were isolated. t(10;11) is strongly associated with complex translocations, including invins(10;11) and inv(11)t(10;11), because the direction of transcription of AF10 is telomere to centromere. We analyzed a patient of AML with t(10;11)(p11.2;q23) and identified ABI-1 on chromosome 10p11.2, a human homolog to mouse Abl-interactor 1 (Abi-1), fused with MLL. Whereas the ABI-1 gene bears no homology with the partner genes of MLL previously described, the ABI-1 protein exhibits sequence similarity to protein of homeotic genes, contains several polyproline stretches, and includes a src homology 3 (SH3) domain at the C-terminus that is required for binding to Abl proteins in mouse Abi-1 protein. Recently, e3B1, an eps8 SH3 binding protein 1, was also isolated as a human homolog to mouse Abi-1. Three types of transcripts of ABI-1 gene were expressed in normal peripheral blood. Although e3B1 was considered to be a full-length ABI-1, the MLL-ABI-1 fusion transcript in this patient was formed by an alternatively spliced ABI-1. Others have shown that mouse Abi-1 suppresses v-ABL transforming activity and that e3B1, full-length ABI-1, regulates cell growth. In-frame MLL-ABI-1 fusion transcripts combine the MLL AT-hook motifs and DNA methyltransferase homology region with the homeodomain homologous region, polyproline stretches, and SH3 domain of alternatively spliced transcript of ABI-1. Our results suggest that the ABI-1 gene plays a role in leukemogenesis by translocating to MLL.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

Abl interactor 1 (Abi-1) wave-binding and SNARE domains regulate its nucleocytoplasmic shuttling, lamellipodium localization, and wave-1 levels.

The Abl interactor 1 (Abi-1) protein has been implicated in the regulation of actin dynamics and localizes to the tips of lamellipodia and filopodia. Here, we show that Abi-1 binds the actin nucleator protein Wave-1 through an amino-terminal Wave-binding (WAB) domain and that disruption of the Abi-1-Wave-1 interaction prevents Abi-1 from reaching the tip of the lamellipodium. Abi-1 binds to the Wave homology domain of Wave-1, a region that is required for translocation of Wave-1 to the lamellipodium. Mouse embryo fibroblasts that lack one allele of Abi-1 and are homozygous null for the related Abi-2 protein exhibit decreased Wave-1 protein levels. This phenotype is rescued by Abi-1 proteins that retain Wave-1 binding but not by Abi-1 mutants that cannot bind to Wave-1. Moreover, we uncovered an overlapping SNARE domain in the amino terminus of Abi-1 that interacts with Syntaxin-1, a SNARE family member. Further, we demonstrated that Abi-1 shuttles in and out of the nucleus in a leptomycin B (LMB)-dependent manner and that complete nuclear translocation of Abi-1 in the absence of LMB requires the combined inactivation of the SNARE, WAB, and SH3 domains of Abi-1. Thus, Abi-1 undergoes nucleocytoplasmic shuttling and functions at the leading edge to regulate Wave-1 localization and protein levels.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

NESH (Abi-3) is present in the Abi/WAVE complex but does not promote c-Abl-mediated phosphorylation.

Abl interactor (Abi) was identified as an Abl tyrosine kinase-binding protein and subsequently shown to be a component of the macromolecular Abi/WAVE complex, which is a key regulator of Rac-dependent actin polymerization. Previous studies showed that Abi-1 promotes c-Abl-mediated phosphorylation of Mammalian Enabled (Mena) and WAVE2. In addition to Abi-1, mammals possess Abi-2 and NESH (Abi-3). In this study, we compared the three Abi proteins in terms of the promotion of c-Abl-mediated phosphorylation and the formation of Abi/WAVE complex. Although Abi-2, like Abi-1, promoted the c-Abl-mediated phosphorylation of Mena and WAVE2, NESH (Abi-3) had no such effect. This difference was likely due to their binding abilities as to c-Abl. Immunoprecipitation revealed that NESH (Abi-3) is present in the Abi/WAVE complex. Our results suggest that NESH (Abi-3), like Abi-1 and Abi-2, is a component of the Abi/WAVE complex, but likely plays a different role in the regulation of c-Abl.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

Increased antitumor activity, intratumor paclitaxel concentrations, and endothelial cell transport of cremophor-free, albumin-bound paclitaxel, ABI-007, compared with cremophor-based paclitaxel.

ABI-007, an albumin-bound, 130-nm particle form of paclitaxel, was developed to avoid Cremophor/ethanol-associated toxicities in Cremophor-based paclitaxel (Taxol) and to exploit albumin receptor-mediated endothelial transport. We studied the antitumor activity, intratumoral paclitaxel accumulation, and endothelial transport for ABI-007 and Cremophor-based paclitaxel. Antitumor activity and mortality were assessed in nude mice bearing human tumor xenografts [lung (H522), breast (MX-1), ovarian (SK-OV-3), prostate (PC-3), and colon (HT29)] treated with ABI-007 or Cremophor-based paclitaxel. Intratumoral paclitaxel concentrations (MX-1-tumored mice) were compared for radiolabeled ABI-007 and Cremophor-based paclitaxel. In vitro endothelial transcytosis and Cremophor inhibition of paclitaxel binding to cells and albumin was compared for ABI-007 and Cremophor-based paclitaxel. Both ABI-007 and Cremophor-based paclitaxel caused tumor regression and prolonged survival; the order of sensitivity was lung > breast congruent with ovary > prostate > colon. The LD(50) and maximum tolerated dose for ABI-007 and Cremophor-based paclitaxel were 47 and 30 mg/kg/d and 30 and 13.4 mg/kg/d, respectively. At equitoxic dose, the ABI-007-treated groups showed more complete regressions, longer time to recurrence, longer doubling time, and prolonged survival. At equal dose, tumor paclitaxel area under the curve was 33% higher for ABI-007 versus Cremophor-based paclitaxel, indicating more effective intratumoral accumulation of ABI-007. Endothelial binding and transcytosis of paclitaxel were markedly higher for ABI-007 versus Cremophor-based paclitaxel, and this difference was abrogated by a known inhibitor of endothelial gp60 receptor/caveolar transport. In addition, Cremophor was found to inhibit binding of paclitaxel to endothelial cells and albumin. Enhanced endothelial cell binding and transcytosis for ABI-007 and inhibition by Cremophor in Cremophor-based paclitaxel may account in part for the greater efficacy and intratumor delivery of ABI-007.

Albumin-Bound Paclitaxel↗

ABI 007.

ABI 007 is an albumin-stabilised nanoparticle formulation of paclitaxel designed to overcome insolubility problems encountered with paclitaxel. This then eliminates the need for toxic solvents like cremophor, which limits the dose of paclitaxel that can be administered and hence effect overall drug efficacy. ABI 007 is being developed for the treatment of a variety of tumour types by American Pharmaceutical Partners. In addition to the standard infusion formulation of ABI 007, oral and pulmonary delivery formulations are also being investigated. American Pharmaceutical Partners, a subsidiary of American BioScience, secured exclusive North American marketing and manufacturing rights to ABI 007 from American BioScience in November 2001. American BioScience completed a phase III study in the US in metastatic breast cancer patients in early 2003. An indication for which ABI 007 was granted fast track status in January 2003. The phase III study directly compared the efficacy of ABI 007 260 mg/m(2) with paclitaxel 175 mg/m(2). Both agents were administered every 3 weeks. ABI 007 was administered as a 30-minute infusion without steroid pretreatment. Paclitaxel-treated patients received steroid pretreatment and the drug was administered over 3 hours. In October 2002, a Data Monitoring Committee concluded that a sample size adjustment of the phase III trial would not be required and that the study can be continued to completion. Enrolment was completed in December 2002 with 460 first- and second-line metastatic breast cancer patients enrolled. The results were expected to be unblinded in mid-2003. A phase II trial of ABI 007 is also underway in metastatic breast cancer patients who have failed taxane therapy. The trial is evaluating a weekly rather than 3-weekly regimen of ABI 007. Earlier, in May 2003, American Pharmaceutical Partners reported that ABI 007 is also being evaluated for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer, ovarian cancer, melanoma and cervical cancers. However, the phase of development for these indications remains unclear.

Albumin-Bound Paclitaxel↗

[Population dynamics of endangered plant species Abies chensiensis].

In order to know the endangered status and causes of Abies chensiensis in Qinlin Mountains, a field investigation on 18 plots was conducted on its age structure, life table and fecundity, and its population dynamics were predicted by time sequence model. The analysis on the age structure of Abies chensiensis populations showed that there were fewer young individuals, but middle-aged and old individuals were relatively rich. The population D in Abies chensiensis-Indigofera amblyantha-Carex lanceolata association showed a relatively stable development tendency, while other four populations (A, B, C and E) in Abies chensiensis-Pinus tabulaeformis-Sinarundinaria nitida-Carex lanceolata association, Abies chensiensis-Quercus aliena var. acutserrata-Litsea pungens-Carex lanceolata association, Abies chensiensis-Betula albo-sinensis-Sinarundinaria nitida-Duchesnea indica association, and Abies chensiensis-Pinus tabulaeformis-Smilax stans-Carex lanceolata association all showed an obviously declining tendency. The analysis on the life tables and survival curves showed that the survival curve of Abies chensiensis populations belonged to Deevey III, and the death peak of different populations was in the period of 60--100 years old. The number difference among populations reflected the population habitat. Time sequence prediction indicated the numbers of old individuals would be increased at the beginning, and decreased finally in 20, 40, and 80 years. It was difficult to maintain the population stability. Analysis on 10 ecological factors showed that tree coverage, soil organisms and air humidity influenced population positively, and human disturbance and sunlight influenced population negatively. In situ conservation should be taken as the most important management countermeasure, and natural regeneration should be promoted. At the same time, artificial population should be expanded.

Abies↗

Abi-2, a novel SH3-containing protein interacts with the c-Abl tyrosine kinase and modulates c-Abl transforming activity.

A protein has been identified that interacts specifically with both the Src homologous 3 (SH3) domain and carboxy-terminal sequences of the c-Abl tyrosine kinase. The cDNA encoding the Abl interactor protein (Abi-2), was isolated from a human lymphocyte library using the yeast two-hybrid system with the Abl SH3 domain as bait. Abi-2 binds to c-Abl in vitro and in vivo. Abi-2 is a novel protein that contains an SH3 domain and proline-rich sequences critical for binding to c-Abl. A basic region in the amino terminus of Abi-2 is homologous to the DNA-binding sequence of homeo-domain proteins. We show that Abi-2 is a substrate for the c-Abl tyrosine kinase. Expression of an Abi-2 mutant protein that lacks sequences required for binding to the Abl SH3 domain but retains binding to the Abl carboxyl terminus activates the transforming capacity of c-Abl. The properties of Abi-2 are consistent with a dual role as regulator and potential effector of the c-Abl protein and suggest that Abi-2 may function as a tumor suppressor in mammalian cells.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

Comparative preclinical and clinical pharmacokinetics of a cremophor-free, nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel (ABI-007) and paclitaxel formulated in Cremophor (Taxol).

PURPOSE: To compare the preclinical and clinical pharmacokinetic properties of paclitaxel formulated as a Cremophor-free, albumin-bound nanoparticle (ABI-007) and formulated in Cremophor-ethanol (Taxol). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: ABI-007 and Taxol were given i.v. to Harlan Sprague-Dawley male rats to determine pharmacokinetic and drug disposition. Paclitaxel pharmacokinetic properties also were assessed in 27 patients with advanced solid tumors who were randomly assigned to treatment with ABI-007 (260 mg/m(2), 30 minutes; n = 14) or Taxol (175 mg/m(2), 3 hours; n = 13), with cycles repeated every 3 weeks. RESULTS: The volume of distribution at steady state and clearance for paclitaxel formulated as Cremophor-free nanoparticle ABI-007 were significantly greater than those for paclitaxel formulated with Cremophor (Taxol) in rats. Fecal excretion was the main elimination pathway with both formulations. Consistent with the preclinical data, paclitaxel clearance and volume of distribution were significantly higher for ABI-007 than for Taxol in humans [21.13 versus 14.76 L/h/m(2) (P = 0.048) and 663.8 versus 433.4 L/m(2) (P = 0.040), respectively]. CONCLUSIONS: Paclitaxel formulated as ABI-007 differs from paclitaxel formulated as Taxol, with a higher plasma clearance and a larger volume of distribution. This finding is consistent with the absence of paclitaxel-sequestering Cremophor micelles after administration of ABI-007. This unique property of ABI-007 could be important for its therapeutic effectiveness.

Adult↗