bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Limited plasticity of mesenchymal stem cells cocultured with adult cardiomyocytes
Authors: Gallo Maria Pia , Ramella Roberta , Alloatti Giuseppe , Penna Claudia , Pagliaro Pasquale , Marcantoni Andrea , Bonafé Francesca , Losano Gianni , Levi Renzo
Published: August 2006

In order to assess, in a controlled in vitro model, the differentiation potential of adult bone marrow derived stem cells we have developed a coculture procedure using adult rat cardiomyocytes and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from transgenic GFP positive rats. We investigated in the cocultured MSCs the time course of cellular processes that are difficult to monitor in in vivo experiments. Adult rat cardiomyocytes and adult rat MSCs were cocultured for up to 7 days and analyzed by confocal microscopy. Several markers were studied by immunofluorescence technique. The fluorescent ST‐BODIPY‐Dihydropyridine was used to label calcium channels in living cells. Intracellular calcium was monitored with the fluorescent probe X‐Rhod‐1. Immunofluorescence experiments showed the presence of connexin‐43 between cardiomyocytes and MSCs and between MSCs, while no sarcomeric structures were observed at any time of the coculture. We looked at the expression of calcium channels and development of voltage‐dependent calcium signaling in cocultured MSCs. MSCs showed a time‐dependent increase of labeling of ST‐BODIPY‐Dihydropyridine, reaching a relatively strong level after 72 h of coculture. The treatment with a non‐fluorescent DHP, Nifedipine, completely abolished ST‐BODIPY labeling. We investigated whether depolarization could modulate intracellular calcium. Depolarization‐induced calcium transients increased in MSCs in relation to the coculture time. We conclude that MSCs cocultured with adult cardiomyocytes present preliminary evidence of voltage‐dependent calcium modulation uncoupled with the development of nascent or adult myofibrils, thus showing a limited lineage specification and a low plasticity to differentiate in a full cardiomyocyte‐like phenotype. J. Cell. Biochem. 100: 86–99, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
ERK 1/2 signaling pathway is involved in nicotine‐mediated neuroprotection in spinal cord neurons
Authors: Toborek Michal , Son Kwang Won , Pudelko Anna , King‐Pospisil Kelley , Wylegala Edward , Malecki Andrzej
Published: August 2006

Evidence indicates that agonists of neuronal nicotinic receptors (nAChRs), including nicotine, can induce neuroprotective and anti‐apoptotic effects in the CNS. To study these mechanisms, the present study focused on nicotine‐mediated modulation of the extracellular regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) pathway in cultured spinal cord neurons. Exposure to nicotine (0.1–10 µM) for as short as 1 min markedly upregulated levels of phosphorylated ERK1/2 (pERK1/2) and increased total ERK1/2 activity. Inhibition studies with mecamylamine and α‐bungarotoxin revealed that these effects were mediated by the α7 nicotinic receptor. In addition, pre‐exposure to U0126, a specific inhibitor of the ERK1/2 signaling, prevented nicotine‐mediated anti‐apoptotic effects. To indicate if treatment with nicotine also can activate ERK1/2 in vivo, a moderate spinal cord injury (SCI) was induced in rats using a weight‐drop device and nicotine was injected 2 h post‐trauma. Consistent with in vitro data, nicotine increased levels of pERK1/2 in this animal model of spinal cord trauma. Results of the present study indicate that the ERK1/2 pathway is involved in anti‐apoptotic effects of nicotine in spinal cord neurons and may be involved in therapeutic effects of nicotine in spinal cord trauma. J. Cell. Biochem. 100: 279–292, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An effective method for adenoviral‐mediated delivery of small interfering RNA into mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Forte Amalia , Napolitano Marco A. , Cipollaro Marilena , Giordano Antonio , Cascino Antonino , Galderisi Umberto
Published: August 2006

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) promise as a main actor of cell‐based therapeutic strategies, due to their intrinsic ability to differentiate along different mesenchymal cell lineages, able to repair the diseased or injured tissue in which they are localized. The application of MSCs in therapies requires an in depth knowledge of their biology and of the molecular mechanisms leading to MSC multilineage differentiation. The knockdown of target genes through small interfering RNA (siRNA) carried by adenoviruses (Ad) represents a valid tool for the study of the role of specific molecules in cell biology. Unfortunately, MSCs are poorly transfected by conventional Ad serotype 5 (Ad5) vectors. We set up a method to obtain a very efficient transduction of rat MSCs with low doses of unmodified Ad5, carrying the siRNA targeted against the mRNA coding for Rb2/p130 (Ad‐siRNA‐Rb2), which plays a fundamental role in cell differentiation. This method allowed a 95% transduction rate of Ad‐siRNA in MSC, along with a siRNA‐mediated 85% decrease of Rb2/p130 mRNA and a 70% decrease of Rb2/p130 protein 48 h after transduction with 50 multiplicities of infection (MOIs) of Ad5. The effect on Rb2/p130 protein persisted 15 days after transduction. Finally, Ad‐siRNA did not compromise the viability of transduced MSCs neither induced any cell cycle modification. The effective Ad‐siRNA‐Rb2 we constructed, together with the efficient method of delivery in MSCs we set up, will allow an in depth analysis of the role of Rb2/p130 in MSC biology and multilineage differentiation. J. Cell. Biochem. 100: 293–302, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cytokines and hematopoietic stem cell mobilization
Authors: Nervi Bruno , Link Dan C. , DiPersio John F.
Published: August 2006

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has become the standard of care for the treatment of many hematologic malignancies, chemotherapy sensitive relapsed acute leukemias or lymphomas, multiple myeloma; and for some non‐malignant diseases such as aplastic anemia and immunodeficient states. The hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) resides in the bone marrow (BM). A number of chemokines and cytokines have been shown in vivo and in clinical trials to enhance trafficking of HSC into the peripheral blood. This process, termed stem cell mobilization, results in the collection of HSC via apheresis for both autologous and allogeneic transplantation. Enhanced understanding of HSC biology, processes involved in HSC microenvironmental interactions and the critical ligands, receptors and cellular proteases involved in HSC homing and mobilization, with an emphasis on G‐CSF induced HSC mobilization, form the basis of this review. We will describe the key features and dynamic processes involved in HSC mobilization and focus on the key ligand‐receptor pairs including CXCR4/SDF1, VLA4/VCAM1, CD62L/PSGL, CD44/HA, and Kit/KL. In addition we will describe food and drug administration (FDA) approved and agents currently in clinical development for enhancing HSC mobilization and transplantation outcomes. J. Cell. Biochem. 99: 690–705, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prostaglandin F2α inhibits adipocyte differentiation via a Gαq‐Calcium‐Calcineurin‐Dependent signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Li , Clipstone Neil A.
Published: August 2006

Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) is a potent physiological inhibitor of adipocyte differentiation, however the specific signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms involved in mediating its anti‐adipogenic effects are not well understood. In the current study, we now provide evidence that PGF2α inhibits adipocyte differentiation via a signaling pathway that requires heterotrimeric G‐protein Gαq subunits, the elevation of the intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i), and the activation of the Ca2+/calmodulin‐regulated serine/threonine phosphatase calcineurin. We show that while this pathway acts to inhibit an early step in the adipogenic cascade, it does not interfere with the initial mitotic clonal expansion phase of adipogenesis, nor does it affect either the expression, DNA binding activity or differentiation‐induced phosphorylation of the early transcription factor C/EBPβ. Instead, we find that PGF2α inhibits adipocyte differentiation via a calcineurin‐dependent mechanism that acts to prevent the expression of the critical pro‐adipogenic transcription factors PPARγ and C/EBPα. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the inhibitory effects of PGF2α on both the expression of PPARγ and C/EBPα and subsequent adipogenesis can be attenuated by treatment of preadipocytes with the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor trichostatin A. Taken together, these results indicate that PGF2α inhibits adipocyte differentiation via a Gαq‐Ca2+‐calcineurin‐dependent signaling pathway that acts to block expression of PPARγ and C/EBPα by a mechanism that appears to involves an HDAC‐sensitive step. J. Cell. Biochem. 100: 161–173, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Elucidating progesterone effects in breast cancer: Cross talk with PDGF signaling pathway in smooth muscle cell
Authors: Soares Raquel , Guerreiro Susana , Botelho Mónica
Published: August 2006

Several studies indicate that progesterone exerts relevant effects in breast tissue. However, the exact role of this steroid in breast cancer development and progression has not been elucidated. Here, we show that platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF)‐A is one of the progesterone target genes on breast cancer MCF7 and T47D cells. A paracrine role for PDGF‐A was investigated, since its receptor expression was down‐regulated from breast cancer cells. Progesterone increased PDGF‐A protein release as evaluated by Western blotting and ELISA. Medium from Progesterone‐treated MCF7 cells resulted in phosphorylation of smooth muscle cells PDGF receptor α. This effect was not observed after treatment with PDGF inhibitor. MCF7 cells‐secreted PDGF‐A was able to increase smooth muscle cell viability and proliferation and decrease apoptosis, effects that were prevented by the use of a PDGF‐A neutralizing antibody. Notably, cell invasion was not influenced by PDGF‐A secreted by MCF7 cells. Our results elucidated for the first time the cross talk between progesterone and PDGF signaling pathway. The fact that MCF7‐secreted PDGF elicited crucial roles in vascular wall smooth muscle cells, suggested a paracrine pathway for progesterone. Targeting these progesterone‐induced processes may provide novel therapeutic strategies for hormone‐dependent human breast cancer. J. Cell. Biochem. 100: 174–183, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nanotopographical stimulation of mechanotransduction and changes in interphase centromere positioning
Authors: Dalby Matthew J. , Biggs Manus J.P. , Gadegaard Nikolaj , Kalna Gabriela , Wilkinson Chris D.W. , Curtis Adam S.G.
Published: August 2006

We apply a recently developed method for controlling the spreading of cultured cells using electron beam lithography (EBL) to create polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) substrata with repeating nanostructures. There are indications that the reduced cell spreading on these substrata, compared with planar PMMA, results from a reduced adhesivity since there are fewer adhesive structures and fewer of their associated stress fibres. The reduced cell spreading also results in a reduced nuclear area and a closer spacing of centrosomes within the nucleus, suggesting that the tension applied to the nucleus is reduced as would be expected from the reduction in stress fibres. In order to obtain further evidence for this, we have used specific inhibitors of components of the cytoskeleton and have found effects comparable with those induced by the new substrata. We have also obtained evidence that these subtrata result in downregulation of gene expression which suggests that this may be due to the changed tension on the nucleus: an intriguing possibility that merits further investigation. J. Cell. Biochem. 100: 326–338, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Apparent diffusion coefficient in malignant lymphoma and carcinoma involving cavernous sinus evaluated by line scan diffusion‐weighted imaging
Authors: Maeda Masayuki , Maier Stephan E. , Sakuma Hajime , Ishida Masaki , Takeda Kan
Published: August 2006

Purpose

To evaluate the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of malignant lymphomas and carcinomas involving cavernous sinus by line scan diffusion‐weighted imaging (LSDWI) and to determine the usefulness of this method for differentiating between the two tumors.

Materials and Methods

Four patients with malignant lymphomas and six patients with carcinomas were prospectively studied. LSDWI images were obtained with two different b values of 5 seconds/mm2 and 1000 seconds/mm2 in the coronal plane. The ADC values of the two types of tumors were calculated and compared.

Results

LSDWI provided diagnostic images with minimum susceptibility artifacts and enabled measurement of the ADC. The ADC value (mean ± SD) was 0.51 ± 0.06 × 10−3 mm2/second in malignant lymphomas and 0.99 ± 0.08 × 10−3 mm2/second in carcinomas. A significant difference in ADC values was found between the two (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Malignant lymphomas showed significantly lower ADC value than carcinomas. ADC provides additional useful information about differentiation between these tumors. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tandem mass spectra of ammonium adducts of monosaccharides: differentiation of diastereomers
Authors: Madhusudanan K. P.
Published: August 2006

Tandem mass spectra of ammonium adducts of monosaccharides gave characteristic fragmentation patterns involving elimination of NH3/H2O followed by multiple eliminations of H2O and cross ring cleavages. Tandem mass spectra were examined over a range of collision energies (1–20 eV) on a triple‐quadrupole mass spectrometer. The breakdown behavior of the ammonium adducts revealed patterns that could differentiate diastereomers of monosaccharides. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Insulin promotes diacylglycerol kinase activation by different mechanisms in rat cerebral cortex synaptosomes
Authors: Zulian Sandra E. , Ilincheta de Boschero Mónica G. , Giusto Norma M.
Published: August 2006

The mechanism by which insulin increases diacylglycerol kinase (DAGK) activity has been studied in cerebral cortex (CC) synaptosomes from adult (3–4 months of age) rats. The purpose of this study was to identify the role of phospholipases C and D (PLC and PLD) in DAGK activation by insulin. Neomycin, an inhibitor of PLC phosphatidylinositol‐bisphosphate (PIP2) specific; ethanol, an inhibitor of phosphatidic acid (PA) formation by the promotion of a transphosphatidyl reaction of phosphatidylcholine phospholipase D (PC‐PLD); and DL propranolol, an inhibitor of phosphatidate phosphohydrolase (PAP), were used in this study. Insulin (0.1 μM) shielded an increase in PA synthesis by [32P] incorporation using [γ‐32P]ATP as substrate and endogenous diacylglycerol (DAG) as co‐substrate. This activated synthesis was strongly inhibited either by ethanol or DL propranolol. Pulse chase experiments also showed a PIP2‐PLC activation within 1 min exposure to insulin. When exogenous unsaturated 18:0‐20:4 DAG was present, insulin increased PA synthesis significantly. However, this stimulatory effect was not observed in the presence of exogenous saturated (di‐16:0). In the presence of R59022, a selective DAGK inhibitor, insulin exerted no stimulatory effect on [32P]PA formation, suggesting a strong relationship between increased PA formation by insulin and DAGK activity. These data indicate that the increased synthesis of PA by insulin could be mediated by the activation of both a PC‐PLD pathway to provide DAG and a direct DAGK activation that is associated to the use of 18:0‐20:4 DAG species. PIP2‐PLC activation may contribute at least partly to the insulin effect on DAGK activity. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
De Novo synthesis of CREB in a presynaptic neuron is required for synaptic enhancement involved in memory consolidation
Authors: Wagatsuma Akiko , Azami Sachiyo , Sakura Midori , Hatakeyama Dai , Aonuma Hitoshi , Ito Etsuro
Published: August 2006

Interaction between the activator type of cyclic AMP response element binding protein (CREB1) and the repressor type (CREB2) results in determining the emergence of long‐lasting synaptic enhancement involved in memory consolidation. However, we still do not know whether the constitutively expressed forms of CREB are enough or the newly synthesized forms are required for the synaptic enhancement. In addition, if the newly synthesized forms are needed, we must determine the time for translation of CREB from its mRNA. We applied the methods of RNA interference and real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to CREB in the cerebral giant cells of Lymnaea. The cerebral giant cells play an important role in associative learning and employ a CREB cascade for the synaptic enhancement to neurons such as the B1 motoneurons. We injected the small interfering RNA (siRNA) of CREB1 or CREB2 into the cerebral giant cells and examined the changes in amplitude of excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) recorded in the B1 motoneurons. The changes in the amounts of CREB1 and CREB2 mRNAs were also examined in the cerebral giant cells. The EPSP amplitude was suppressed 15 min after injection of CREB1 siRNA, whereas that was augmented 60 min after injection of CREB2 siRNA. In the latter case, the decrease in the amount of CREB2 mRNA was confirmed by real‐time PCR. Our results showed that the de novo synthesized forms of CREB are required within tens of minutes for the synaptic enhancement in memory consolidation. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A review of the health care potential of bioactive compounds
Authors: Hooper Lee , Cassidy Aedin
Published: August 2006

The projected incidence of chronic disease and the importance of diet in potentially reducing this risk require urgent attention. Current health care systems will be unable to cope with the increased incidence of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer, particularly with the ageing population and global increased incidence of obesity. There is growing interest in bioactive compounds present in plants and their potential importance in reducing risk of chronic disease, and these data will be reviewed with particular focus on flavonoids, sterols, salicylates and glucosinolates Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Influence of addition of yeast autolysate on the formation of amines in wine
Authors: Marco Ana González , Moreno Nerea Jiménez , Azpilicueta Carmen Ancín
Published: August 2006

Amines, substances which can be toxic or have a negative effect on wine aroma, are formed during alcoholic and malolactic fermentations depending on various factors. In this work the influence of the addition of yeast autolysate to must on the concentration of amines in wine is studied. For this purpose Chardonnay must supplemented with the yeast autolysate was used; a second sample was also used without it (control sample). This autolysate provided amino acids and long‐chain fatty acids (C16 and C18). The enrichment of must by these nutrients did not produce an increase of amines during alcoholic fermentation despite the fact that consumption of amino nitrogen in general, and of some precursor amino acids in particular, was somewhat higher in the supplemented sample. After malolactic fermentation it was observed that the concentration of biogenic amines was higher in the wine from the supplemented must. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Mass spectrometry in sports drug testing: Structure characterization and analytical assays
Authors: Thevis Mario , Schänzer Wilhelm
Published: August 2006

Owing to the sensitive, selective, and unambiguous nature of mass spectrometric analyses, chromatographic techniques interfaced to various kinds of mass spectrometers have become the most frequently employed strategy in the fight against doping. To obtain utmost confidence in analytical assays, mass spectrometric characterization of target analytes and typical dissociation pathways have been utilized as basis for the development of reliable and robust screening as well as confirmation procedures. Methods for qualitative and/or quantitative determinations of prohibited low and high molecular weight drugs have been established in doping control laboratories preferably employing gas or liquid chromatography combined with electron, chemical, or atmospheric pressure ionization followed by analyses using quadrupole, ion trap, linear ion trap, or hyphenated techniques. The versatility of modern mass spectrometers enable specific as well as comprehensive measurements allowing sports drug testing laboratories to determine the misuse of therapeutics such as anabolic‐androgenic steroids, stimulants, masking agents or so‐called designer drugs in athletes' blood or urine specimens, and a selection of recent developments is summarized in this review. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 26:79–107, 2007
New developments in the chemistry and biology of the bioactive constituents of tanshen
Authors: Wang Xihong , Morris‐Natschke Susan L. , Lee Kuo‐Hsiung
Published: August 2006

Tanshen, the rhizome of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, has been used in Chinese traditional medicine (TCM) for multiple therapeutic remedies. The major constituents of Tanshen include water‐soluble phenolic acids and lipophilic tanshinones. Phenolic acids possess antioxidant and anticoagulant activities, whereas tanshinones show antibacterial, antioxidant, and antineoplastic activities. This review will focus on recent developments concerning the chemical constituents of Tanshen and their biological activities. These chemical and biological studies continue to increase our understanding about a scientific basis for the traditional clinical use of Tanshen and can also contribute to the development of new drug candidates. Recently, in the author's laboratory, a new compound, neo‐tanshinlactone, was discovered to have potent selective antibreast cancer activity. This compound might serve as a lead for developing promising antibreast cancer clinical trials candidates. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 27, No. 1, 133–148, 2007
Can anti‐migratory drugs be screened in vitro? A review of 2D and 3D assays for the quantitative analysis of cell migration
Authors: Decaestecker Christine , Debeir Olivier , Van Ham Philippe , Kiss Robert
Published: August 2006

The aim of the present review is to detail and analyze the pros and cons of in vitro tests available to quantify the anti‐migratory effects of anti‐cancer drugs for their eventual use in combating the dispersal of tumor cells, a clinical need which currently remains unsatisfied. We therefore briefly sum up why anti‐migratory drugs constitute a promising approach in oncology while at the same time emphasizing that migrating cancer cells are resistant to apoptosis. To analyze the pros and cons of the various in vitro tests under review we also briefly sum up the molecular and cellular stages of cancer cell migration, an approach that enables us to argue both that no single in vitro test is sufficient to characterize the anti‐migratory potential of a drug and that standardization is needed for the efficient quantitative analysis of cell locomotion in a 3D environment. Before concluding our review we devote the final two parts (i) to the description of new prototypes which, in the near future, could enter the screening process with a view to identifying novel anti‐migratory compounds, and (ii) to the anti‐migratory compounds currently developed against cancer, with particular emphasis on how these compounds were selected before entering the clinical trial phase. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
What do people with type 1 diabetes find helpful in health professionals? Results from a focus group study
Authors: Richards G , Morris M , Booker S , Johnson A
Published: August 2006

Living with type 1 diabetes continues to pose a great challenge for the individual. Health professionals continue to develop interventions aiming to improve self‐management.

Focus groups were conducted to explore the experience of living with type 1 diabetes. Participants were asked to describe what they had found helpful. Interactions with health professionals were described as important and very clear ideas regarding supportive and helpful attitudes were described. Participants described their desire to be seen as an individual and not as ‘another diabetic’. They were resentful of judgemental attitudes from health professionals. They wished to be acknowledged as an expert in the management of their diabetes and the ideal health professional was seen as open and listening. Systems such as clinics where there was a lack of continuity or inconsistent advice were deemed to be unhelpful.

There remains a need to continue to improve the relationship between the person with type 1 diabetes and the health professional in all areas where this takes place — outpatient clinics, general practice surgeries and hospital wards. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proteome modifications of the medicinal leech nervous system under bacterial challenge
Authors: Vergote David , Macagno Eduardo R. , Salzet Michel , Sautière Pierre‐Eric
Published: August 2006

Once considered as lacking intrinsic immune mechanisms, the CNS of vertebrates is now known to be capable of mounting its own innate immune response. Interestingly, while invertebrates have been very useful in the interpretation of general vertebrate innate immunity mechanisms, only scarce data are available on the immune response of nervous tissue within this group. This study provides new data on the innate immune response of medicinal leech Hirudo medicinalis CNS. We identified several spots in 2‐D gels of leech CNS proteins that showed specific changes following bacterial challenge, thus demonstrating the ability of the leech nervous system to mount a response to an immune stress. Protein identifications were based on comparison of sequence data with publicly available databases and a recently established leech ESTs database. The broad nature of the identified proteins suggests a clear involvement of cytoskeletal rearrangements, endoplasmic reticulum stress, modulation of synaptic activity and calcium mobilization, all during the first 24 hours of this response. Moreover, several of these proteins are specifically expressed in glial cells, suggesting an important role for glial cells in the immune response of the leech nervous system, similar to what has been observed in vertebrates.
Toward a comprehensive quantitative proteome database: protein expression map of lymphoid neoplasms by 2‐D DIGE and MS
Authors: Fujii Kazuyasu , Kondo Tadashi , Yamada Masayo , Iwatsuki Keiji , Hirohashi Setsuo
Published: August 2006

Using 2‐D DIGE, we constructed a quantitative 2‐D database including 309 proteins corresponding to 389 protein spots across 42 lymphoid neoplasm cell lines. The proteins separated by 2‐D PAGE were identified by MS and assigned to the expression data obtained by 2‐D DIGE. The cell lines were categorized into four groups: those from Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) (4 cell lines), B cell malignancies (19 cell lines), T cell malignancies (16 cell lines), and natural killer (NK) cell malignancies (3 cell lines). We characterized the proteins in the database by classifying them according to their expression level. We found 28 proteins with more than a 2‐fold difference between the cell line groups. We also noted the proteins that allowed multidimensional separation to be achieved (1) between HL cells and other cells, (2) between the cells derived from B cells, T cells and NK cells, and (3) between HL cells and anaplastic large cell lymphoma cells. Decision tree classification identified five proteins that could be used to classify the 42 cell lines according to differentiation. These results suggest that the quantitative 2‐D database using 2‐D DIGE will be a useful resource for studying the mechanisms underlying the differentiation phenotypes of lymphoid neoplasms.
The discovery of labile methyl esters on proliferating cell nuclear antigen by MS/MS
Authors: Hoelz Derek J. , Arnold Randy J. , Dobrolecki Lacey E. , Abdel‐Aziz Waleed , Loehrer Andrew P. , Novotny Milos V. , Schnaper Lauren , Hickey Robert J. , Malkas Linda H.
Published: August 2006

The post‐translational modification of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) has been implicated in modulating its function for over 20 years. With multiple interacting partners, PCNA is involved in processes ranging from DNA replication and repair to cell cycle control and apoptosis. The ability of PCNA to distinguish between specific binding partners in different tasks is currently of intense interest, and several post‐translational modifications have been reported to modulate its function. Unfortunately, these reports have produced contradictory information on the type(s) of modification present on the molecule. Here we report a detailed structural analysis of a single acidic PCNA isoform, cancer‐specific polyferating nuclear anitgen (csPCNA), isolated from breast cancer cells by 2D‐PAGE and LC‐MS/MS. With this approach we fully characterized the csPCNA isoform and confidently identified a single post‐translational modification, methyl esterification. Interestingly, the methyl esters consistently localized to 15 specific glutamic and aspartic acid residues of csPCNA. The methyl esterification of csPCNA represents a novel type of post‐translational modification in mammalian cells that could ultimately hold the key towards unlocking its diverse functions.
Effects of Global System for Mobile Communications 1800 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic fields on gene and protein expression in MCF‐7 cells
Authors: Zeng Qunli , Chen Guangdi , Weng Yu , Wang Lingli , Chiang Huai , Lu Deqiang , Xu Zhengping
Published: August 2006

Despite many studies over a decade, it still remains ambiguous as to the real biological effects induced by radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMF) utilized in mobile telephony. Here we investigated global gene and protein responses to RF EMF simulating the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) 1800 MHz signal in human breast cancer cell line MCF‐7 using genomic and proteomic approaches. GeneChip analysis identified a handful of consistent changed genes after exposure to RF EMF at specific absorption rates (SAR) of up to 3.5 W/kg for 24 h. However, these differentially transcribed genes could not be further confirmed by real‐time RT‐PCR assay. Meanwhile, systematic proteome analysis of the MCF‐7 cells revealed that a few but different proteins were differentially expressed under continuous or intermittent RF EMF exposure at SAR of 3.5 W/kg for 24 h or less, implying that the observed effects might have occurred by chance. Overall, the present study does not provide convincing evidence that RF EMF exposure under current experimental conditions can produce distinct effects on gene and protein expression in the MCF‐7 cells.
Questions and answers concerning applicability of proteomics and transcriptomics in EMF research
Authors: Leszczynski Dariusz , Meltz Martin L.
Published: August 2006

The applicability of high‐throughput screening techniques of transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics in the search for biological and health effects of electromagnetic fields is a hotly debated issue. On the one hand, use of these modern screening technologies speeds up the discovery process and gives broader insight into biochemical events that follow the exposure to electromagnetic fields. On the other hand these modern screening technologies have the problem of reproducibility and variability between experiments and are prone to produce false positive results. These and other issues concerning the applicability of modern screening technologies were the topic of a workshop held at STUK in 2005 (30 October to 1 November) in Helsinki, Finland, and this Report summarizes the discussions at this workshop.
Oxidation of 2,3‐butanediol by alkaline hexacyanoferrate(III) using Ru(III) or Ru(VI) as catalyst
Authors: Poblete F. J. , Mucientes A. E. , Villarreal S. , Santiago F. , Cabañas B. , Gabaldón R. E.
Published: August 2006

The reactions of 2,3‐butanediol by hexacyanoferrate(III) in alkaline medium using ruthenium compounds as catalysts have been studied spectrophotometrically. The effect on the reaction rate of concentration of substrate, oxidant, catalyst and basicity of the medium leads to similar experimental rate equations for both catalysts, Ru(III) and Ru(VI). The reaction mechanism involves the formation of a catalyst–substrate complex that yields a carbocation for Ru(VI) or a radical for Ru(III) oxidation. Hexacyanoferrate(III)'s role is the catalyst regeneration. The rate constants of complex decomposition and catalyst regeneration have been determined. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermodynamic stabilities of Cu+ and Li+ complexes of dimethoxyalkanes (MeO(CH2)nOMe, n = 2–9) in the gas phase: conformational requirements for binding interactions between metal ions and ligands
Authors: Mishima Masaaki , Maeda Hideyuki , Than Soe , Irie Maki , Kikukawa Kiyoshi
Published: August 2006

The relative free energy changes for the reaction ML+ = M+ + L (M = Cu+ and Li+) were determined in the gas phase for a series of dimethoxyalkanes (MeO(CH2)nOMe, n = 2–9) by measuring the equilibrium constants of ligand‐transfer reactions using a FT‐ICR mass spectrometry. Stable 1:1 Cu+‐complexes (CuL+) were observed when the chain is longer than n = 4 while the 1:2 complexes (CuL) were formed for smaller compounds as stable ions. The dissociation free energy for CuL+ significantly increases with increasing chain length, by 10 kcal mol−1 from n = 4 to 9. This increase is attributed to the release of constrain involved in the cyclic conformation of the Cu+‐complexes. This is consistent with the geometrical and energetic features of the complexes obtained by the DFT calculations at B3LYP/6‐311G level of theory. On the contrary, the corresponding dissociation free energy for LiL+ increases only 3 kcal mol−1 from n = 2 to 9, although the structures of the 1:1 Li+‐complexes are also considered to be cyclic. From these results it is concluded that the Cu[MeO(CH2)nOMe]+ requires linear alignment for OCuO, indicating the importance of sdσ hybridization of Cu+ in the first two ligands binding energy, while the stability of the Li+ complex is less sensitive to binding geometries except for the system forming a small ring such as n = 1 and 2. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and characterization of novel fully aliphatic polyimidosiloxanes based on alicyclic or adamantyl diamines
Authors: Mathews Anu Stella , Kim Il , Ha Chang‐Sik
Published: August 2006

A series of fully aliphatic polyimidosiloxanes (APISiO) were prepared by poly(addition/condensation) reaction of bicyclo [2,2,2] oct‐7‐ene‐2,3,5,6‐tetracarboxylic dianhydride or cyclobutane‐1,2,3,4‐tetracarboxylic dianhydride and varying compositions of 1,3‐bis (3‐amino propyl)‐tetra methyl disiloxane and rigid adamantyl diamines (1,3‐diaminoadamantane or 3,3′‐diamino‐1,1′‐diadamantane) or flexible alicyclic diamines (4,4′‐methylene bis(cyclohexylamine) or 4,4′‐methylene bis(2‐methylcyclohexylamine)). High temperature one‐step synthesis in m‐cresol was employed to obtain APISiOs with intrinsic viscosity in the range of 0.28–0.59 dL/g. The final materials were characterized by 1H and 13C NMR, 29Si‐MAS‐NMR and IR spectroscopic analysis, thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetric analysis, and wide angle X‐ray diffractometry. UV–visible spectra revealed the optical behavior of the polyimides. It was found that the APISiOs containing appropriate ratio of adamantyl moieties together with flexible aliphatic siloxane groups exhibit good thermal and mechanical stabilities, solubility, fair transparency, and low dielectric constant (2.4–2.7). © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 5254–5270, 2006
Photoinitiated polymerization in bicontinuous microemulsions: Fluorescence monitoring
Authors: Peinado C. , Bosch P. , Martín V. , Corrales T.
Published: August 2006

The photopolymerization of bicontinuous microemulsions was simultaneously monitored with differential scanning calorimetry and fluorescence. The kinetics and mechanism of the reaction were studied throughout the entire photopolymerization reaction. The role played by the surfactant in the kinetics and morphology was studied. The nature of the surfactant changed the autoacceleration process and final conversion. The behavior was explained as a result of the differences in the interfacial properties. Anionic cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) gave rise to a more flexible interfacial film than anionic sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), resulting in competition between the intramolecular and intermolecular reactions in the former systems. As cyclization did not contribute to the increase in the degree of crosslinking, SDS photopolymerization gave solids with a more rigid microstructure. Fluorescence methodology was applied to monitor bicontinuous microemulsion polymerization and to reveal the microstructure and morphology development during photopolymerization. The microemulsion composition was designed to prepare nanoporous, crosslinked materials. Even though the nanostructure of the precursor microemulsions was not retained because of phase separation during polymerization, mesoporous solids were obtained. Their morphologies depended on the nature of the surfactant, and membranes with open cells were successfully prepared with CTAB, whereas more complex morphologies resulted with SDS. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 5291–5303, 2006
Synthesis and properties of new photosensitive triazene polyacrylates
Authors: Buruiana Emil C. , Buruiana Tinca , Lenuta Hahui , Lippert Thomas , Urech Lukas , Wokaun A.
Published: August 2006

1‐(Phenyl)‐3‐(2‐acryloyloxyethyl)‐3‐methyl triazene‐1 (M1) and 1‐(p‐nitrophenyl)‐3‐(2‐acryloyloxyethyl)‐3‐methyl triazene‐1 (M2) were synthesized to study the substituent effect of the triazene unit on the copolymerization with methyl methacrylate (MMA). From the 1H NMR spectra of the resulting copolymers, their compositions were determined to be 1:3.18 M1/MMA and 1:2.45 M2/MMA, respectively. The polymers were examined with respect to their structure, thermal properties, and surface morphology. The influence of the triazene structure on the photosensitive properties of the copolymers exposed to ultraviolet/laser irradiation was also investigated and compared with that of the parent derivatives. The copolymer containing the phenyl triazene chromophore as the photochemically most active group exhibited a low threshold of ablation and a high etching rate for fluences under 400 mJ cm−2. Scanning electron microscopy images confirm the formation of ablated craters more clearly in the copolymer made with M1, for which the thermal effects of the ablation mechanism were visible only with 2500× magnification. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 5271–5282, 2006
Recent advances in the modeling and simulation of metallocene catalysis, sequence distribution, chain conformations, and crystallization of polymers
Authors: Madkour Tarek M. , Azzam Rasha A. , Mark James E.
Published: August 2006

This article is a review describing the latest advances in modeling and simulation of polymers. Sequence distributions in stereoblock polymers and copolymers greatly affect their chain conformations and thermal transitions. While no theory was able to fully predict the influence of chain conformations on polymer crystallization, modeling techniques have shown good reliance in simulating the conformational behavior of polymeric chains and the related physical properties. This is done by generating representative sequences, and studying the chain conformation and packing of such sequences into crystalline regions in multichain systems. Metallocene catalysts, a class of single site catalysts, also showed unprecedented performance in the polymerization of olefins, most notably their activity, copolymerization capabilities, and potential for precise control of stereostructures. These attributes are among the most important issues in the manufacture of polyolefins and olefin copolymers, and are too good to be ignored. These polymers consist of alternating atactic sequences, which are amorphous and act as elastomeric chains, and ordered isotactic or syndiotactic sequences which, if long enough, will crystallize and act as physical reinforcing crosslinks. Mesoscopic investigation utilizing computer modeling and simulation into the effects of the sequence length and sequence length distribution on the reinforcement of stereoblock and stereoregular polyolefins has also been reviewed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 2524–2541, 2006
Stress, self‐efficacy and quality of life in cancer patients
Authors: Kreitler Shulamith , Peleg Dina , Ehrenfeld Mally
Published: August 2006

The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of different stressors on various domains of quality of life (QOL) in cancer patients. The study focused on testing a model describing interrelations between two kinds of stress antecedents, two mediating variables—perceived stress and self‐efficacy—and QOL. The participants were 60 cancer patients of both genders and various diagnoses. They were administered questionnaires of background information, QOL, perceived stress and general self‐efficacy. Two stress indices were defined empirically: health stress (based on advanced disease stage, long disease duration, and undergoing treatment) and social stress (based on unemployment, recent immigration, and older age). Confirmatory factor analysis enabled defining five factors of QOL. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that the index of social stress was related to more QOL scales than the index of health stress and very few interactions with the mediating variables. Structural equation modeling provided a more comprehensive and accurate view. It showed that the index of health stress affected QOL mainly through perceived stress, and that self‐efficacy affected QOL by reducing perceived stress and increasing QOL. The major conclusions are that QOL is affected negatively by both health stresses and social stresses, but the former are mediated primarily by the experience of perceived stress. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Variation in pesticide hazard from vegetable production in Great Britain from 1991 to 2003
Authors: Cross Paul , Edwards‐Jones Gareth
Published: August 2006

Pesticides pose a difficult problem for policy makers as society generally seeks to reduce any adverse impacts of their use, while industry claims they are important contributors to economic success. Attempts to direct policy according to scientific findings are hampered by the multidimensionality of the potential impacts of pesticides which may affect consumers, operators, wildlife and the environment. Pesticide risk indices seek to reduce these multidimensional impacts into a single dimension and have been increasingly used to understand variation in the hazard posed by pesticides at both field and regional level. This study uses one such risk index, the environmental impact quotient (EIQ), to estimate the hazard posed by pesticide usage from 1991 to 2003 on several vegetable crops grown in the UK. Results are reported for the EIQ and for the environmental impact (EI) for brassicas, peas, beans, onions, leeks, lettuce and endives. The EIQ is a dimensionless estimate of the toxicity of a product, while the EI, which combines the EIQ with data on actual usage, estimates the overall hazard of the use of a product. The exact trends in EIQ and EI varied with crop over the period 1991–2003, but overall the EIQ decreased by 19% and the EI decreased by 34%. However, the mean EI per hectare decreased by only 3%. This suggests that some of the observed reduction in EI at the national level may be related more to decrease in crop area than changes in pesticide use and management. If these observed losses in crop area are being replaced by vegetable imports from overseas, then this raises the possibility that the UK is effectively exporting any problems related to pesticide use. The ethics of this remain unclear. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Contribution of fetal magnetic resonance imaging and amniotic fluid digestive enzyme assays to the evaluation of gastrointestinal tract abnormalities
Authors: Garel C. , Dreux S. , Philippe‐Chomette P. , Vuillard E. , Oury J.‐F. , Muller F.
Published: August 2006

Objective

To analyze the contribution of fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and amniotic fluid digestive enzyme (AFDE) assays to the evaluation of gastrointestinal tract abnormalities.

Methods

This was a prospective study involving 24 fetuses suspected of having gastrointestinal tract abnormalities on ultrasound examination. MRI was used to analyze the location of the obstruction, the visibility of the small bowel not involved in the obstruction, and the visibility and size of the colon and rectum. Abnormalities were further evaluated by AFDE assays. The final diagnosis was based on postnatal or fetopathological examination.

Results

In duodenojejunal obstructions, MRI (6/6) and AFDE assays (4/4) correctly identified the level of obstruction, but were less accurate for small bowel obstructions (MRI, 10/11; AFDE assays, 7/11). The small bowel not involved in the obstruction was correctly evaluated by MRI as being viable in six cases and as abnormal in eight cases (multiple obstructions or necrosis). However, it was thought antenatally to be abnormal by MRI in four cases in which it was found to be normal on postnatal findings. Three cases in which the colon was found to have abnormal echogenicity were considered normal both by MRI and AFDE assay, in agreement with postnatal findings. Two cases of microcolon‐megacystis‐intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome (MMIHS) were diagnosed both by MRI and AFDE assay. Of the three anorectal malformations, two were overlooked by ultrasonography and one by MRI. MRI also overlooked 2/3 associated rectourethral fistulas.

Conclusion

MRI and enzyme analysis are good complementary tools to ultrasonography for identifying the level of gastrointestinal obstruction and diagnosing MMIHS. MRI can assess the normality of the intestinal tract not involved in the obstruction, but not multiple obstructions, necrosis and small urodigestive fistulas. Copyright © 2006 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.