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Factor Properties (factor + property)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	75%

Selected Abstracts

Prosaposin-derived peptides enhanced sprouting of sensory neurons in vitro and induced sprouting at motor endplates in vivo

JOURNAL OF THE PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM, Issue 3 2000
W. Marie Campana
Abstract Prosaposin exhibits neurotrophic factor properties that are localized to a 12-amino acid sequence located in the amino terminal portion of the saposin C domain. Prosaptides are peptides derived from the neurotrophic portion of prosaposin; these have been previously reported to be bioactive in neuroblastoma cell lines in vitro. We report that prosaptides were also bioactive in explants of adult primary sensory neurons by dose-dependently increasing both the number (3- to 4-fold) and elongation of these neurites by 50%. Local injection of prosaptides into the gluteus muscle of adult mice also induced sprouting at the motor endplate. Our results indicate that prosaptides are potent neuritogenic factors for both sensory and motor neurons of adult peripheral nerve. [source]

Academic resilience and its psychological and educational correlates: A construct validity approach

PSYCHOLOGY IN THE SCHOOLS, Issue 3 2006
Andrew J. Martin
This study examines educational and psychological correlates of academic resilience using within-network and between-network validity approaches. Based on a sample of 402 Australian high-school students, a newly developed unidimensional academic resilience construct found within-network validity by way of sound item and factor properties. In terms of between-network validity, correlation, path analysis, and cluster analysis showed that five factors predict academic resilience: self-efficacy, control, planning, low anxiety, and persistence. Hence, a 5-C model of academic resilience is proposed: confidence (self-efficacy), coordination (planning), control, composure (low anxiety), and commitment (persistence). Path analysis also showed that academic resilience subsequently predicts three educational and psychological "outcomes": enjoyment of school, class participation, and general self-esteem. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 43: 267,281, 2006. [source]

The Role of Platelet-activating Factor in the Mammalian Female Reproductive Tract

REPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS, Issue 6 2008
U Tiemann
Contents Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a potent lipid mediator produced by various cell types of mammals and is involved in an inflammatory-like process with increased vascular permeability. Platelet-activating factor exerts its actions through the activation of specific PAF receptors (PAF-R) found in cells and tissues of the female reproductive tract. The aim of this article was summarized briefly in the current research on the role of PAF in female reproductive functions. Platelet-activating factor has been implicated in processes of ovulation, implantation and parturition because of its angiogenic and growth factor properties. This factor is influenced by ovarian steroid hormones in bringing about changes in the uterus and is a candidate molecule for initial embryo,maternal dialogue. Tissue concentrations of PAF are regulated by the equilibrium between biosynthesis and degradation by PAF-acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH). Antagonists of PAF interfere with ovulation and implantation. Platelet-activating factor, its receptor, and PAF-AH activity play an important role in the maintenance of pregnancy. [source]

Expression and function of pro-inflammatory interleukin IL-17 and IL-17 receptor in normal, benign hyperplastic, and malignant prostate

THE PROSTATE, Issue 3 2003
Georg E. Steiner
Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES To investigate factors involved in inflammation of the prostate besides IL-15, we screened prostatic cells and tissues for IL-17 and IL-17 receptor expression. METHODS Normal prostate (n,=,1), BPH (n,=,19), and carcinoma (CaP, n,=,12) specimens were screened for IL-17, IL-17 receptor, CD45, IL-6, and IL-8 mRNA expression. The carcinoma cell lines DU145, PC3, LNCaP, and BPH-epithelial (EC), stromal cell (SC) preparations, and BPH-T-cell lines were analyzed for IL-17 production by RT-PCR and ELISA. The effect of IL-17 on IL-6, IL-8, TGF-,1, and fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) mRNA expression and/or release of SC was analyzed using real-time PCR and/or ELISA. Immunohistochemistry was used to localize both IL-17 and IL-17 receptor. RESULTS In the normal prostate, IL-17 expression was very weak and restricted to lymphocytes. In 79% of BPH and 58% of CaP specimens, IL-17 mRNA and protein expression was increased. IL-17 mRNA expression could be shown for activated BPH-T-cells and to some extend for BPH-EC. Expression of IL-17 receptor was ubiquitous. Release of IL-17 was shown only for activated BPH-T-cells. IL-17 stimulated expression of IL-6 (13-fold) and IL-8 (26-fold) by prostatic BPH-SC. In situ, however, the amount of IL-17mRNA in BPH-tissue did not correlate with the amount of IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA. In CaP tissue, significant correlation was found only between the amount of IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA. CONCLUSIONS Activated BPH-T-cells abundantly express IL-17. The increase of IL-17 in BPH-tissues goes hand in hand with elevated levels of IL-15, a pro-inflammatory cytokine with T-cell growth factor properties. A clinical relevance of increased IL-17 expression under pathological conditions is suggested by the demonstration of significant upregulation of IL-6 and IL-8 production of prostatic SC by IL-17. Prostate 56: 171,182, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]