Synergistic inhibition of prostate cancer cell lines by a 19- nor hexafluoride vitamin D3 analogue and anti-activator protein 1 retinoid

The secosteroid hormones, all- trans- and 9- cis -retinoic acid and vitamin D3, have demonstrated significant capacity to control proliferation in itro of many solid tumour cell lines. Cooperative synergistic effects by these two ligands have been reported, and it is, therefore, possible that greater therapeutic effects could be achieved if these compounds were administered together. The role of retinoid-dependent anti-activator protein 1 (anti-AP-1) effects in controlling cancer cell proliferation appears significant. We have utilized an anti- AP-1 retinoid [2-(4,4-dimethyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-1 benzopyran-6-yl)carbonyl-2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-1,3,-dithiane; SR11238], which does not transactivate through a retinoic acid response element (RARE), and a potent vitamin D3analogue [1α,25(OH)2-16-ene-23-yne-26,27-F6-19-nor -D3, code name LH] together at low, physiologically safer doses against a panel of prostate cancer cell lines that represent progressively more transformed phenotypes. The LNCaP (least transformed) and PC-3 (intermediately transformed) cell lines were synergistically inhibited in their clonal growth by the combination of LH and SR11238, whereas SR11238 alone was essentially inactive. DU-145 cells (most transformed) were completely insensitive to these analogues. LNCaP cells, but neither PC-3 nor DU-145, underwent apoptosis in the presence of LH and SR11238. Transactivation of the human osteocalcin vitamin D response element (VDRE) by LH was not enhanced in the presence of SR11238, although the expression of E-cadherin in these cells was additively up-regulated in the presence of both compounds. These data suggest the anti-AP-1 retinoid and the vitamin D3 analogue may naturally act synergistically to control cell proliferation, a process that is interrupted during transformation, and that this combination may form the basis for treatment of some androgen-independent prostate cancer. © 1999 Cancer Research Campaig

Population increase and aspects of colonization of the Tree Sparrow Passer montanus in the agricultural landscapes of southern Finland

While many farmland bird species are declining in Western Europe, the Finnish Tree Sparrow Passer montanus population has increased significantly during recent decades. During 1984-2002, we studied the population changes, colonization characteristics and nest sites of the Tree Sparrow in a large area of agricultural landscape within southern Finland. The study focused mainly on the local landscape level. To explain the patterns of colonization, we took into account the conspesifics of the species itself, the abundance of resources, the land use types in the agricultural area, the effects of a potential competitor (the House Sparrow Passer domesticus) and the amount of human impact. The Tree Sparrow population increased exponentially during the study period. The species colonized places where House Sparrows were present, but we did not observe competition between the two species. Human impact had a positive effect on colonization. The Tree Sparrow showed a strong capacity for colonization in the agricultural environment. The land use of the agricultural area did not have significant effects on colonization at the spatial scale used. The Tree Sparrow showed more diversity in nest sites than the House Sparrow

Response of the pulmonary system to exercise in proliferative phase of menstrual cycle in obese and non obese women

Background: The role of estrogen on pulmonary function test (PFT) was well known in the normal course of the menstrual cycle. Significant increase in both progesterone (37%) and estradiol (13.5%), whereas no change in plasma follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) & leutinizing hormone [LH] was observed in exercising women in previous studies. Therefore, this study was intended to see the limitations of the pulmonary system in adaptability to exercise in proliferative phase of menstrual cycle in obese and non obese women. Materials and Methods: Healthy young adult females between 19-25 years in proliferative phase of menstrual cycle leading a sedentary life style were considered in the study group.10 subjects in each group were studied  based on the body mass index (BMI), were made to undergo treadmill exercise testing and computerized spirometry to assess dynamic lung functions.Results: It was observed that exercise per se does not cause a statistically significant change in dynamic lung function parameters maximum mid  expiratory flow [MMEF], peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), mid expiratory flow (MEF) 25% to 75% in either of the groups.Conclusion: This finding supports the hypothesis that the respiratory system is not normally the most limiting factor in the delivery of oxygen even under the predominant influence of estrogen in proliferative phase which is further accentuated by exercise and obesity, at least borderline does not have much influence on respiratory system adaptability.Key words: Adaptability, Estrogen in exercise, Proliferative phase, PF

Habitat preferences of the Skylark Alauda arvensis in southern Finland

The agricultural environments of forest-dominated northern Europe are different from those in southern Europe. One could expect corresponding differences in the ecology of farmland birds such as the Skylark. We studied the habitat characteristics of the Skylark in an agricultural landscape of 30 km2 in southern Finland. GIS-based methods were applied to analyse the habitat associations and distribution of Skylark territories. We found that landscape factors were associated with Skylark occurrence: The species was always present in sufficiently large patches of farmland (> 11.5 ha). Skylarks avoided forest edges, and the isolation of farmland areas also decreased the probability of Skylark occurrence. Year-round vegetative cover of fields and the amount of open ditches (ditch margins) had a positive effect on Skylark density. Set-aside regimes and buffer zones along ditches would thus be beneficial to northern Skylark populations

Effect of exercise on the pulmonary system in proliferative phase of menstrual cycle in a group of perimenopausal women

Background: Hormonal levels influence dynamic lung function parameters. Significant increase in both progesterone (37%) and estradiol (13.5%); where as, no change in plasma follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) was observed in exercising women in previous studies. Therefore, this study was intended to see the limitations of the pulmonary system in adaptability to exercise in proliferative phase of menstrual cycle in perimenopausal women. Material and Methods: The present study was conducted as a part of cardiopulmonary efficiency studies on two groups of nonathletes (n = 10) and athletes (n = 10) comparable in age and sex. Menstrual history was ascertained to confirm proliferative phase of menstrual cycle. Dynamic lung functions were measured in both groups before exercise and immediately after exercise. Results: It was observed that exercise per se does not cause a statistically significant change in dynamic lung function parameters maximum mid-expiratory flow (MMEF), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), and MEF 25-75% in either of the groups. Conclusion: This finding supports the hypothesis that the respiratory system is not normally the most limiting factor in the delivery of oxygen even under the predominant influence of estrogen in proliferative phase, which is further accentuated by exercise