bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A quantitative psychometric evaluation of an intervention for poor dietary variety in children with a feeding problem of clinical significance
Authors: Dovey Terence M. , Martin Clarissa I.
Published: February 2012

Few studies have been published that offer a quantitative evaluation of interventions for feeding problems of clinical significance. Twenty‐four children referred to the service for clinically significant feeding problems were administered the Behavioral Pediatric Feeding Assessment Scale (BPFAS; W. Crist & A. Napier‐Phillips, 2001) and the Child Feeding Assessment Questionnaire (CFAQ; G. Harris & I.W. Booth, 1992) before and after a duel targeted 16‐week therapeutic intervention to improve dietary variety. Dietary variety was assessed through a food diary where only items that were accepted on more than one occasion were deemed to be part of the child's habitual diet. Results indicated that all subscales of the BPFAS and the CFAQ were responsive to the intervention, with scores falling from those of clinical significance to those more representative of non‐feeding‐problem children. Regression analysis indicated that children's problem scores on the BPFAS predicted 15% of the variance in increased dietary variety following the intervention. The outcome of this evaluation indicated that improving dietary variety in children with clinically significant feeding problems is challenging. With the right approach, however, large improvements can be observed relatively quickly.
Early childhood trichotillomania: Initial considerations on phenomenology, treatment, and future directions
Authors: Park Jennifer M. , Rahman Omar , Murphy Tanya K. , Storch Eric A.
Published: February 2012

Historically, trichotillomania (TTM) in young children (0–3 years old) generally has been considered to be a benign habit that is clinically distinct from the TTM seen in older children and adults. However, early childhood TTM can be an impairing pathological disorder that merits formal intervention. The present article reviews the extant literature on TTM in young children, highlighting the limited available phenomenological data. We discuss a behavioral approach to conceptualization and treatment, highlighting core intervention strategies in three early childhood TTM cases seen in our clinic. We conclude by discussing areas in need of further empirical attention.
Gene expression‐targeted isoflavone therapy
Authors: Węgrzyn Alicja
Published: February 2012

Lysosomal storage diseases (LSD) form a group of inherited metabolic disorders caused by dysfunction of one of the lysosomal proteins, resulting in the accumulation of certain compounds. Although these disorders are among first genetic diseases for which specific treatments were proposed, there are still serious unsolved problems that require development of novel therapeutic procedures. An example is neuronopathy, which develops in most of LSD and cannot be treated efficiently by currently approved therapies. Recently, a new potential therapy, called gene expression‐targeted isoflavone therapy (GET IT), has been proposed for a group of LSD named mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS), in which storage of incompletely degraded glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) results in severe symptoms of virtually all tissues and organs, including central nervous system. The idea of this therapy is to inhibit synthesis of GAGs by modulating expression of genes coding for enzymes involved in synthesis of these compounds. Such a modulation is possible by using isoflavones, particularly genistein, which interfere with a signal transduction process necessary for stimulation of expression of certain genes. Results of in vitro experiments and studies on animal models indicated a high efficiency of GET IT, including correction of behavior of affected mice. However, clinical trials, performed with soy isoflavone extracts, revealed only limited efficacy. This caused a controversy about GET IT as a potential, effective treatment of patients suffering from MPS, especially neuronopathic forms of these diseases. It this critical review, I present possible molecular mechanisms of therapeutic action of isoflavones (particularly genistein) and suggest that efficacy of GET IT might be sufficiently high when using relatively high doses of synthetic genistein (which was employed in experiments on cell cultures and mouse models) rather than low doses of soy isoflavone extracts (which were used in clinical trials). This proposal can be tested in double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled clinical trials. © 2012 IUBMB Life, 64(4): 307–315, 2012
The SOCS box—Adapting proteins for ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation
Authors: Linossi Edmond M. , Nicholson Sandra E.
Published: February 2012

The suppressor of cytokine signalling (SOCS) box was first identified in the SH2‐containing SOCS box family (cytokine‐inducible SH2‐containing protein, SOCS1–7) and is a 40‐amino acid motif, which functions to recruit an E3 ubiquitin ligase complex consisting of the adapter proteins elongins B and C, Rbx2 and the scaffold protein Cullin5. The SOCS box is found in a diverse array of intracellular signalling molecules, many of which contain different protein interaction domains such as SPRY and WD40 domains, leucine and ankyrin repeats or other functional domains such as GTPases. In general, the SOCS box‐containing proteins are thought to act as substrate‐recognition modules to mediate the polyubiquitination and subsequent degradation of substrate proteins by the 26S proteasome. © 2012 IUBMB Life, 64(4): 316–323, 2012
IAPS and ubiquitylation
Authors: Feltham Rebecca , Khan Nufail , Silke John
Published: February 2012

The Inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) proteins are key negative regulators of cell death, whose amplification has been correlated with tumor progression. Due to the presence of a RING domain, IAP proteins are classed as ubiquitin ligases and regulate cell survival by orchestrating a variety of ubiquitin modifications. Ubiquitin protein modification is fundamental in cell signaling and different ubiquitin modifications may label proteins for destruction, relocalization or provide a recruitment platform for ubiquitin binding proteins. Ubiquitin performs a myriad of different functions because it can be conjugated to a large range of target proteins through numerous different types of ubiquitin linkages. Despite the fact that ubiquitin is extremely versatile, the E3s such as the IAPs provide an important level of control due to their specificity for certain substrates. Several recent reviews have discussed the role of IAPs in regulating immune signaling so we have therefore focused our review on the interplay between IAPs and ubiquitin and discussed the importance of this relationship for the regulation of themselves, specific substrates and various cell death and survival signaling pathways. © 2012 IUBMB Life, 2012
Confocal Raman microspectroscopic study of folate receptor‐targeted delivery of 6‐mercaptopurine‐embedded gold nanoparticles in a single cell
Authors: Park Jin , Jeon Won Il , Lee So Yeong , Ock Kwang‐Su , Seo Ji Hye , Park Jinho , Ganbold Erdene‐Ochir , Cho Keunchang , Song Nam Woong , Joo Sang‐Woo
Published: February 2012

We investigate the cellular uptake behaviors and efficacy of folate‐coated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for the targeted drug delivery system in human cancer cells. Folate‐conjugated AuNPs embedded with a purine analogue cancer drug of 6‐mercaptopurine (6MP) were assembled via a 1‐ethyl‐3‐[3‐dimethylaminopropyl] carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) coupling reaction between the amino group of 4‐aminobenzenethiol (ABT) and the carboxyl group of folic acid. The assembly of folate and 6MP on AuNPs has been examined by absorption spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and confocal Raman spectroscopy. The internalization of the conjugated AuNPs inside the folate receptor‐positive HeLa and KB cells was checked by TEM and dark‐field microscopy (DFM) combined with label‐free confocal spectroscopy over the depth variablezat a micrometer resolution. DFM live cell imaging of folate‐conjugated AuNPs in HeLa cells indicated that the targeted AuNPs appeared to attach on the cell surfaces and enter into the cell with an hour. The cell viability was also compared to estimate the efficacy of folate‐conjugated AuNP delivery systems. Folate receptor‐targeted AuNP systems appeared to decrease cancer cell viability bothin vitroandin vivomore than did the use of the 6MP‐coated AuNPs drug without any targeting systems. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2012.
Increased osteoblast adhesion on physically optimized KRSR modified calcium aluminate
Authors: Palchesko Rachelle N. , Romeo Jared D. , McGowan Kenneth A. , Gawalt Ellen S.
Published: February 2012

Calcium aluminate (CA) is a porous biocompatible material easily cast at room temperature. Through this casting process, the average surface pore size of CA was varied from an average of 100 to 290 microns. The optimal surface pore size of the hydrated CA for cell viability was determined to be 100 microns. Further, a three step‐solution deposition technique was developed to covalently immobilize cell adhesion peptides, RGD, and KRSR to the CA surface. Cell adhesion for 1‐, 4‐, and 7‐day time periods was tested with primary osteoblasts and NIH 3T3 fibroblasts. Both peptides were found to increase fibroblast adhesion to the CA surface. However, only KRSR increased osteoblast adhesion to the surface of the CA, which may aid in bone formation after implantation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2012.
High thrombin concentrations in fibrin sealants induce apoptosis in human keratinocytes
Authors: Gugerell Alfred , Schossleitner Klaudia , Wolbank Susanne , Nürnberger Sylvia , Redl Heinz , Gulle Heinz , Goppelt Andreas , Bittner Michaela , Pasteiner Waltraud
Published: February 2012

Over the last century many studies have been performed to assess the impact of fibrin sealant (FS) components on cells. Because of the noncovalent bonding of thrombin to fibrin during fibrin clot formation, we wanted to further evaluate the impact of fibrin bound thrombin on cell viability. Initially, we quantified the activity of thrombin in three different, commercially available FS. This information was used to prepare fibrin clots covering a range of thrombin concentrations from 4 to 820 IU mL−1, but which were identical with respect to all other constituents. Although these fibrin clots did not differ in their three‐dimensional structure, clots prepared with highly concentrated thrombin (820 IU mL−1) failed to support adhesion and spreading of primary human keratinocytes (NHEK). The number of attached cells was also significantly reduced on high thrombin activity clots. We hypothesized that these observations are not only the consequence of decreased proliferation but of apoptotic mechanisms, since the expression of cleaved caspase 3 and 7 was strongly enhanced on fibrin clots with high thrombin activity. This was accompanied by an induction of expression of Trail‐R2 which is a receptor known to mediate apoptosis signals. Blocking of thrombin activity by hirudin led to an improvement of cell morphology and to an increase in number of attached cells. In addition, the induction of caspase 3 and 7 was also reduced. Thus, here we report for the first time that fibrin bound thrombin does not only decrease proliferation (as already published by others), it also does induce NHEK apoptosis when present at high concentrations. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2012.
Covalent vectored binding of functional proteins by bifunctional crosslinking at silicone interfaces
Authors: Steiert Andreas , Reimers Kerstin , Burke William , Zapf Antonia , Vogt Peter
Published: February 2012

In the daily clinical routine, numerous synthetic medical devices are implanted in the human body, either temporarily or permanently. The synthetic material most often implanted is polydimethylsiloxane (silicone). Numerous studies have demonstrated that silicone is encompassed in a connective tissue capsule by the body, preventing integration into the surrounding tissue. This can result in complications. The aim of our study was to develop a simple procedure to functionalize the silicone surface, thereby positively affecting the material's biocompatibility. By combining a silanization with the use of ester activation, a reactive amino group is generated, which can bind any free carboxyl group. Directional crosslinking of a near‐infrared‐conjugated fluorophore antibody to the activated silicone surface could be demonstrated on a dose‐dependent basis. The redox reaction at a silicone surface coated with an HRP‐conjugated antibody caused by the addition of NBT/BCIP could be shown. Covering the silicone discs with an anti‐FAS‐antibody coating followed by a coincubation with FAS‐sensitive T‐cells allowed highly significant detection of caspase‐3. In summary, our crosslinking procedure enables the stable binding of proteins without the loss of biological function. Through this process, silicones could be endowed with new functions which could improve their biocompatibility. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2012.
Cutaneous and inflammatory response to long‐term percutaneous implants of sphere‐templated porous/solid poly(HEMA) and silicone in mice
Authors: Fleckman Philip , Usui Marcia , Zhao Ge , Underwood Robert , Maginness Max , Marshall Andrew , Glaister Christine , Ratner Buddy , Olerud John
Published: February 2012

This study investigates mouse cutaneous responses to long‐term percutaneously implanted rods surrounded by sphere‐templated porous biomaterials engineered to mimic medical devices surrounded by a porous cuff. We hypothesized that keratinocytes would migrate through the pores and stop, permigrate, or marsupialize along the porous/solid interface. Porous/solid‐core poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) [poly(HEMA)] and silicone rods were implanted in mice for 14 days, and for 1, 3, and 6 months. Implants with surrounding tissue were analyzed (immuno)histochemically by light microscopy. Poly(HEMA)/skin implants yielded better morphologic data than silicone implants. Keratinocytes at the poly(HEMA) interface migrated in two different directions. “Ventral” keratinocytes contiguous with the dermal‐epidermal junction migrated into the outermost pores, forming an integrated collar surrounding the rods. “Dorsal” keratinocytes appearing to emanate from the differentiated epithelial layer, extended upward along and into the exterior portion of the rod, forming an integrated sheath. Leukocytes persisted in poly(HEMA) and silicone pores for the duration of the study. Vascular and collagen networks within the poly(HEMA) pores matured as a function of time up to 3‐months implantation. Nerves were not observed within the pores. Poly(HEMA) underwent morphological changes by 6 months of implantation. Marsupialization, foreign body encapsulation, and infection were not observed in any implants. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2012.
Observation of dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate–myoglobin binding reaction using laser spray mass spectrometry
Authors: Takamizawa Atsushi , Mishina Kayoko , Hiraoka Kenzo
Published: February 2012

Covalent bonds are often created by a reaction between chemicals and protein before causing various adverse effects in a cell. Dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA), which has moderate toxicity, causes skin inflammation and throat irritation. For this study, we investigated a reaction mechanism between myoglobin and (DMAEMA) using a new analytical tool developed at our laboratory: laser spray mass spectrometry technique. It was found that initially DMAEMA was added to the amino group of protein by the Michael addition mechanism; the added DMAEMA was hydrolyzed to methacrylic acid using an autocatalytic system. The results of this study indicate the feasibility of the laser spray technique in analyses of reaction dynamics. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Formation of oligomeric alkenylperoxides during the oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids: an electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry study
Authors: Villaverde Juan José , Santos Sónia A. O. , Maciel Elisabete , Simões Mário M. Q. , Neto Carlos Pascoal , Domingues M. Rosário M. , Silvestre Armando J. D.
Published: February 2012

This study reports the identification of oligomeric alkenylperoxides by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS2), during the oxidation of oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids with Fenton's (Fe2+/H2O2) and Fe2+/O2 systems. The reactions were followed by ferrous oxidation‐xylenol orange method together with GC‐MS and GC‐FID, allowing to observe that both oxidation systems are different in terms of hydroperoxide evolution, probably due to the presence of different intermediate reactive species: perferryl ion and OH· radical responsible for the decomposition of lipid hydroperoxides and formation of new compounds.

The analysis of ESI‐MS in the negative mode, obtained after oxidation of each fatty acid, confirmed the presence of the monomeric oxidation products together with other compounds at high mass region above m/z 550. These new ions were attributed to oligomeric structures, identified by the fragmentation pathways observed in the tandem mass spectra. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification and structural characterization of the synthetic cannabinoid 3‐(1‐adamantoyl)‐1‐pentylindole as an additive in ‘herbal incense’
Authors: Kneisel Stefan , Westphal Folker , Bisel Philippe , Brecht Volker , Broecker Sebastian , Auwärter Volker
Published: February 2012

Since the end of 2010, more than 20 synthetic cannabimimetics have been identified in ‘Spice’ products, demonstrating the enormous dynamic in this field. In an effort to cope with the problem, many countries have already undertaken legal measures by putting some of these compounds under control. Nevertheless, once a number of compounds were scheduled, they were soon replaced by other synthetic cannabinoids. In this article, we report the identification of a new – and due to its substitution pattern rather uncommon – cannabimimetic found in several ‘herbal incense’ products. The GC–EI mass spectrum first led to misidentification as the alpha‐methyl‐derivative of JWH‐250. However, since both substances show different retention indices, thin‐layer chromatography was used to isolate the unknown compound. After application of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, high‐resolution MS and GC–MS/MS techniques, the compound was identified as 3‐(1‐adamantoyl)‐1‐pentylindole, a derivative of JWH‐018 carrying an adamantoyl moiety instead of a naphthoyl group. This finding supports that the listing of synthetic cannabinoids as prohibited substances triggers the appearance of compounds with uncommon substituents. Moreover, it emphasizes the necessity of being aware of the risk of misidentification when using techniques sometimes providing only limited structural information like GC–MS. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the inter‐instrument and the inter‐laboratory transferability of a tandem mass spectral reference library. 3. Focus on ion trap and upfront CID
Authors: Oberacher Herbert , Pitterl Florian , Siapi Eleni , Steele Barry R. , Letzel Thomas , Grosse Sylvia , Poschner Bernhard , Tagliaro Franco , Gottardo Rossella , Chacko Silvi A. , Josephs Jonathan L.
Published: February 2012

Mass spectral libraries represent versatile tools for the identification of small bioorganic molecules. Libraries based on electron impact spectra are rated robust and transferable. Tandem mass spectral libraries are often considered to work properly only on the instrument that has been used to build the library. An exception from that rule is the ‘Wiley Registry of Tandem Mass Spectral Data, MSforID’. In various studies with data sets from different kinds of tandem mass spectrometric instruments, the outstanding sensitivity and robustness of this tandem mass spectral library search approach was demonstrated. The instrumental platforms tested, however, mainly included various tandem‐in‐space instruments. Herein, the results of a multicenter study with a focus on upfront and tandem‐in‐time fragmentation are presented. Five laboratories participated and provided fragment ion mass spectra from the following types of mass spectrometers: time‐of‐flight (TOF), quadrupole–hexapole–TOF, linear ion trap (LIT), 3‐D ion trap and LIT–Orbitrap. A total number of 1231 fragment ion mass spectra were collected from 20 test compounds (amiloride, buphenin, cinchocaine, cyclizine, desipramine, dihydroergotamine, dyxirazine, dosulepin, ergotamine, ethambutol, etofylline, mefruside, metoclopramide, phenazone, phentermine, phenytoin, sulfamethoxazole, sulfamoxole, sulthiame and tetracycline) on seven electrospray ionization instruments using 18 different instrumental configurations for fragmentation. For 1222 spectra (99.3%), the correct compound was retrieved as the best matching compound. Classified matches (matches with ‘relative average match probability’ >40.0) were obtained for 1207 spectra (98.1%). This high percentage of correct identifications clearly supports the hypothesis that the tandem mass spectral library approach tested is a robust and universal identification tool. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of mineral phosphate‐solubilizing properties and molecular characterization of zinc‐tolerant bacteria
Authors: Misra Neha , Gupta Garima , Jha Prabhat N.
Published: February 2012

Plant growth‐promoting bacteria with the ability to tolerate heavy metals have importance both in sustainable agriculture and phytoremediation. The present study reports on the isolation and characterization of mineral phosphate‐solubilizing (MPS) bacteria associated with the Achyranthes aspera L. plant (prickly chaff, flower plant). Out of 35 bacterial isolates, 6 isolates, namely RS7, RP23, EPR1, RS5, RP11 and RP19, with high MPS activity were selected and subjected to the assessment of MPS activity under various stress conditions, viz. ZnSO4 (0.30–1.5 M), NaCl and temperature. MPS activity by the selected isolates was observed at concentrations of as high as >1.2 M ZnSO4. Significant improvement in plant growth was observed on bacterization of seeds (pearl millet) with all of the six selected isolates. Plant growth was measured in terms of root length, shoot length, fresh weight and % increase in root biomass. The molecular diversity among the phosphate‐solubilizing bacteria was studied employing enterobacterial repetitive intergenic sequence‐PCR (ERIC‐PCR). Representative strains from each ERIC type were identified, on the basis of a partial sequence of the 16S rRNA gene, as members of the genera Pseudomonas, Citrobacter, Acinetobacter, Serratia, and Enterobacter. Among all the isolates, RP19 was the best in terms of phosphate‐solubizing activity and its response to various stresses. The ability of RP19 and other isolates to exhibit MPS activity at high ZnSO4 concentrations suggests their potential as efficient biofertilizer for growing plants in metal (ZnSO4)‐contaminated soil. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Identification of a novel agarolytic γ ‐Proteobacterium Microbulbifer maritimus and characterization of its agarase
Authors: Vijayaraghavan R. , Rajendran S.
Published: February 2012

The phenotypic and agar degrading features of an unidentified marine bacteria was investigated. The strain was Gram‐negative, obligatory aerobic and non motile. On the basis of several morphological features and a phylogenetic analysis of the genes coding for the 16S rDNA, this strain was identified as Microbulbifer maritimus. On solid agar medium, this isolate produced extracellular agarase which causes agar liquefaction around the colonies. An extracellular agarase was purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation, gel filtration and ion‐exchange chromatography on DEAE‐cellulose. The purified protein migrated as a single band on sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and it had a molecular mass of 75.2 kDa. The enzyme exhibited maximal activity at pH 7.5. The kinetic parameters of the enzyme were Km = 3 ± 0.19 mM, Kcat = 160 ± 10 S–1 and Kcat/Km = 53 ± 10 S–1 · mM–1. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Ubiquitous Acinetobacter species as beneficial commensals but gradually being emboldened with antibiotic resistance genes
Authors: Adegoke Anthony A. , Mvuyo Tom , Okoh Anthony I.
Published: February 2012

Acinetobacter spp. are ubiquitous obligate aerobic bacteria which occur mostly as commensals on the skin, and in soil, water and plants' rhizosphere. Though the species in this genus have been implicated as aetiologies in some nosocomial infections, their versatility covers biodegradation or dissolution leading to bioremediation; catalysis leading to synthesis of high molecular weight, life sustaining polymers; and as growth enhancers in agriculture. The challenge of antibiotic resistance and their mediatory genes is a cause for concern but should not deter the beneficial application of the bacteria especially in the synthesis of novel compounds that would be of relevance in overcoming some global ecological challenges. This review addresses important beneficial attributes of Acinetobacter species as well as gives some insight into emerging trends in their resistance to antibiotics. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Production of laccase from Trametes trogii TEM H2: a newly isolated white‐rot fungus by air sampling
Authors: Kocyigit Ali , Pazarbasi M. Baris , Yasa Ihsan , Ozdemir Guven , Karaboz Ismail
Published: February 2012

This work represents the first report of isolation of potential laccase producers by air sampling using media supplemented with 2,2‐azinobis (3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonate) and guaiacol for laccase production and secretion indicators. Nine fungal isolates showed positive reactions with 2,2‐azinobis (3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonate) and guaiacol. The isolate named TEM H2 exhibited the largest and intensive oxidation zones with 2,2‐azinobis (3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonate) (85 mm) and guaiacol (66 mm) and therefore it was selected for detailed investigations. The strain was identified as Trametes trogii TEM H2 due to the morphological characteristics and the comparison of internal transcribed spacer ribosomal DNA gene sequences. The laccase production was screened in different liquid cultures. The best laccase production medium was determined as soluble starch yeast extract medium in which laccase production was reached to a maximum level (989.6 U l–1) on the 8th day of cultivation. Effects of different initial pH values on laccase production were tested. Optimum pH value for laccase production in soluble starch yeast extract medium was determined as pH 3.0 with 15425.0 U l–1laccase production at 12th day of cultivation. In addition, effects of eight inducers (veratryl alcohol, ferulic acid, 1‐Hydroxybenzotriazole, syringic acid, 2,2‐azinobis (3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonate), 1 mmol l–1 CuSO4, 3% ethanol, guaiacol) were examined. Only cultures with 2,5‐xylidine exhibited 1.9 fold increase in laccase activity reaching to 28890.0 U l–1. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Antibiotics production by an actinomycete isolated from the termite gut
Authors: Matsui Toru , Tanaka Junichi , Namihira Tomoyuki , Shinzato Naoya
Published: February 2012

As well as the search for new antibiotics, a new resource or strains for the known antibiotics is also important. Microbial symbionts in the gut of termites could be regarded as one of the feasible resource for such purpose. In this study, antibiotic‐producing actinomycetes were screened from symbionts of the termite gut. 16SrRNA sequence analysis for the 10 isolates revealed that they belong to actinomycetes such as Streptomyces sp., Kitasatospora sp., and Mycobacterium sp. A culture broth from one of the isolate, namely strain CA1, belonging to the genera Streptomyces exhibited antagonistic activity against actinomycetes (Micrococcus spp.), gram‐positive bacteria (Bacillus spp.), and yeast (Candida spp.). The structures of 2 compounds isolated from the culture broth of the strain CA1 were identified as those of actinomycin X2 and its analog, D. This study is the first to report that some symbionts of the termite gut are antibiotic‐producing actinomycetes, and suggest that the termite gut is a feasible resource for bioprospecting. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of the fungal mycotoxin patulin on the chromatin structure of fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Horvath Eszter , Nagy Gabor , Turani Melinda , Balogh Eniko , Papp Gabor , Pollak Edit , Pocsi Istvan , Pesti Miklos , Banfalvi Gaspar
Published: February 2012

The fungal mycotoxin patulin is produced by several molds, especially by Aspergillus and Penicillium. The aim of this study was to clarify whether patulin causes alterations in plasma membrane permeability of Schizosaccharomyces pombe lead to cellular shrinkage charateristic to apoptosis or increases cell size indicating necrosis in cells. Transmission and scanning electronmicroscopy revealed that lower concentrations of patulin induced cellular shrinkage and blebbing, higher concentration caused expansion without cellular disruption. Large‐scale morphological changes of individual cells were followed by time lapse video microscopy. Patulin caused the elongation and stickiness of cells or rounded up their shapes. To visualize chromatin structures of S. pombe nuclei upon patulin treatment, protoplasts were isolated from S. pombe and subjected to fluorescent microscopy. Chromatin changes in the presence of 50 μM patulin concentration were characterized by elongated nuclei containing sticky fibrillary chromatin and enlarged round shaped nuclei trapped at the fibrillary stage of chromatin condensation. Short (60 min) incubation of S. pombe cells in the presence of high (500 μM) patulin concentration generated patches of condensed chromatin bodies inside the nucleus and caused nuclear expansion, with the rest of chromatin remaining in fibrillary form. Longer (90 min, 500 μM) incubation resulted in fewer highly condensed chromatin patches and in nuclear fragmentation. Although, high patulin concentration increased the size of S. pombe size, it did not lead to necrotic explosion of cells, neither did the fragmented nuclei resemble apoptotic bodies that would have indicated programmed cell death. All these morphological changes and the high rate of cell survival point to rapid adaptation and mixed type of fungistatic effects. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Photodynamic induced uptake of liposomal doxorubicin to rat lung tumors parallels tumor vascular density
Authors: Wang Yabo , Gonzalez Michel , Cheng Cai , Haouala Amina , Krueger Thorsten , Peters Solange , Decosterd Laurent‐Arthur , van den Bergh Hubert , Perentes Jean Y. , Ris Hans‐Beat , Letovanec Igor , Debefve Elodie
Published: February 2012

Background

Visudyne®‐mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) at low drug/light conditions has shown to selectively enhance the uptake of liposomal doxorubicin in subpleural localized sarcoma tumors grown on rodent lungs without causing morphological alterations of the lung. The present experiments explore the impact of low‐dose PDT on liposomal doxorubicin (Liporubicin™) uptake to different tumor types grown on rodent lungs.

Material and Methods

Three groups of Fischer rats underwent subpleural generation of sarcoma, mesothelioma, or adenocarcinoma tumors on the left lung. At least five animals of each group (sarcoma, n = 5; mesothelioma, n = 7; adenocarcinoma, n = 5) underwent intraoperative low‐dose (10 J/cm2 at 35 mW/cm2) PDT with 0.0625 mg/kg Visudyne® of the tumor and the lower lobe. This was followed by intravenous (IV) administration of 400 µg Liporubicin™. After a circulation time of 60 min, the tumor‐bearing lung was processed for HPLC analyses. At least five animals per group underwent the same procedure but without PDT (sarcoma, n = 5; mesothelioma, n = 5; adenocarcinoma, n = 6). Five untreated animals per group underwent CD31 immunostaining of their tumors with histomorphometrical assessment of the tumor vascularization.

Results

Low‐dose PDT significantly enhanced Liporubicin™ uptake to all tumor types (sarcoma, P = 0.0007; mesothelioma, P = 0.001; adenocarcinoma, P = 0.02) but not to normal lung tissue compared to IV drug administration alone. PDT led to a significantly increased ratio of tumor to lung tissue drug uptake for all three tumor types (P < 0.05). However, the tumor drug uptake varied between tumor types and paralleled tumor vascular density. The vascular density was significantly higher in sarcoma than in adenocarcinoma (P < 0.001) and mesothelioma (P < 0.001), whereas there was no significant difference between adenocarcinoma and mesothelioma.

Conclusion

Low‐dose Visudyne®‐mediated PDT selectively enhances the uptake of systemically administered liposomal doxorubicin in tumors without affecting the drug uptake to normal lung. However, drug uptake varied significantly between tumor types and paralleled tumor vascular density. Lasers Surg. Med. 44:318–324, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Photovoltaics literature survey (no. 92)
Authors: Shrestha Santosh
Published: February 2012

In order to help keep readers up‐to‐date in the field each issue of Progress in Photovoltaics will contain a list of recently published journal articles most relevant to its aims and scope. This list is drawn from an extremely wide range of journals, including IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices, Journal of Applied Physics, Applied Physics Letters, Progress in Photovoltaics and Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells. To assist the reader, the list is separated into broad categories, but please note that these classifications are by no means strict. Also note that inclusion in the list is not an endorsement of a paper's quality. If you have any suggestions please email Santosh Shrestha at s.shrestha@unsw.edu.au.
ATNRC and SET‐NRC synthesis of PtBA‐g‐PEO well‐defined amphiphilic graft copolymers
Authors: Li Yaogong , Du Ming , Zhang Yaqin , Li Yongjun , Sui Long , Lu Guolin , Huang Xiaoyu
Published: February 2012

A series of new well‐defined amphiphilic graft copolymers containing hydrophobic poly(tert‐butyl acrylate) backbone and hydrophilic poly(ethylene oxide) side chains were reported. Reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer homopolymerization of tert‐butyl 2‐((2‐bromopropanoyloxy)methyl)acrylate was first performed to afford a well‐defined backbone with a narrow molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn = 1.07). The target poly(tert‐butyl acrylate)‐g‐poly(ethylene oxide) (PtBA‐g‐PEO) graft copolymers with low polydispersities (Mw/Mn = 1.18–1.26) were then synthesized by atom transfer nitroxide radical coupling or single electron transfer‐nitroxide radical coupling reaction using CuBr(Cu)/PMDETA as catalytic system. Fluorescence probe technique was employed to determine the critical micelle concentrations (cmc) of the obtained amphiphilic graft copolymers in aqueous media. Furthermore, PAA‐g‐PEO graft copolymers were obtained by selective acidic hydrolysis of hydrophobic PtBA backbone while PEO side chains kept inert. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Preparation and optical characterization of two photoactive poly(bisphenol a ethoxylate diacrylate) copolymers containing designed amino‐nitro‐substituted azobenzene units, obtained via classical and frontal polymerization, using novel ionic liquids as initiators
Authors: Illescas Javier , Ortíz‐Palacios Jesús , Esquivel‐Guzmán Jair , Ramirez‐Fuentes Yessica S. , Rivera Ernesto , Morales‐Saavedra Omar G. , Rodríguez‐Rosales Antonio A. , Alzari Valeria , Nuvoli Daniele , Scognamillo Sergio , Mariani Alberto
Published: February 2012

The frontal polymerization (FP) of bisphenol A ethoxylate diacrylate (BPAEDA) was carried with and without the presence of two different azobenzene comonomers by means of an external heating source. The first azomonomer (MDR‐1) is a derivative of disperse red‐1, N‐ethyl‐N‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)‐4‐(4‐nitrophenylazo)aniline, whereas the second (E)‐2‐(4‐((4‐nitrophenyl)diazenyl)phenyl)‐5,8,11‐trioxa‐2‐azatridecan‐13‐yl methacrylate (4PEGMAN) comes from the azo‐dye N‐methyl‐N‐{4‐[(E)‐(4‐nitrophenyl)diazenyl]phenyl}‐N‐(11‐hydroxy‐3,6,9‐trioxaundecas‐1‐yl) amine. In this work, an ionic liquid trihexyltetradecylphosphonium persulfate was used as initiator. This compound produced stable propagating polymerization fronts with good velocities and moderate maximum temperature values. Moreover, this initiator prevented bubble formation and was found to be the most efficient when it was used in lower amounts with respect to other initiators, such as benzoyl peroxide, 2,2′‐azobisisobutyronitrile, aliquat persulfate®, and tetrabutylphosphonium persulfate. The thermal properties of the obtained polymers and copolymers were determined by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The nonlinear optical (NLO) characterizations of the developed BPAEDA/MDR‐1 and BPAEDA/4PEGMAN copolymers were performed according to the Z‐Scan technique in film samples prepared by classical polymerization. It has been proven that samples with higher 4PEGMAN content (0.26 mol %) exhibited outstanding cubic NLO‐activity with positive NLO‐refractive coefficients in the promising range of n2 = +3.2 × 10−4 esu. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Click synthesis and reversible electrochromic behaviors of novel polystyrenes bearing aromatic amine units
Authors: Li Yongrong , Michinobu Tsuyoshi
Published: February 2012

Novel electrochromic polymers were prepared by the click postfunctionalization of poly(4‐azidomethylstyrene) with alkyne‐containing aromatic amine units in the presence of Cu(I) catalysts. Two kinds of aromatic amine units, tris(4‐alkoxyphenyl)amine and N,N,N′,N′‐tetraphenyl‐p‐phenylenediamine, were introduced into polystyrene side chains, which were completely characterized by gel permeation chromatography–multiangle light scattering, nuclear magnetic resonance, and infrared spectroscopies, and elemental analysis. Thermal analyses demonstrated the high stability with the decomposition temperatures exceeding 300 °C even after postfunctionalization. The UV–vis absorption spectra of the polymer thin films revealed negligible absorption in the visible region, as reasonably confirmed by visual observation. The polymer thin films were prepared by spray‐coating on an indium tin oxide‐coated glass plate. Cyclic voltammograms of these films exhibited anodic peaks ascribed to the oxidation of the side‐chain aromatic amine moieties. The tris(4‐alkoxyphenyl)amine unit displayed one‐step oxidation at 0.287 V (vs. Ag/AgCl), while the N,N,N′,N′‐tetraphenyl‐p‐phenylenediamine unit showed two‐step oxidations at 0.297 and 0.641 V. These oxidation processes produced new colors of the polymer films. The former triarylamine‐based chromophore provided a blue color after the oxidation, while the latter phenylenediamine‐based chromophore showed a potentially controlled green and dark blue colors. The reversibility and switching behaviors of these color changes were also comprehensively investigated. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Polymeric temperature and pH fluorescent sensor synthesized by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization
Authors: Liu Guofeng , Zhou Wei , Zhang Jiaqi , Zhao Ping
Published: February 2012

Simple‐structured copolymer, poly(NIPMAM‐co‐CPMA), consisting of N‐isopropylmethacrylamide (NIPMAM) and (Z)‐4‐(1‐cyano‐2‐(4‐(dimethylamino) phenyl)vinyl)phenylmethylacrylate (CPMA) units as thermo‐ and pH‐responsive fluorescent signaling parts, respectively, has been synthesized by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. The copolymer PCN250 (m/n = 250) shows absorbance enhancement or decrease at different pH value. However, the fluorescence intensity of this copolymer shows enhancement with a rise in temperature regardless of pH value in the range of pH = 4–10. In addition, fluorescence suppression of copolymer (PCN250) was observed with high proton concentration. Moreover, the lower critical solution temperature of the copolymers, poly‐(NIPMAM‐co‐CPMA), with different component was also investigated. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Inositol phosphate‐induced stabilization of inositol 1,3,4,5,6‐pentakisphosphate 2‐kinase and its role in substrate specificity
Authors: Gosein Varin , Leung Ting‐Fung , Krajden Oren , Miller Gregory J.
Published: February 2012

Inositol phosphate kinases (IPKs) sequentially phosphorylate inositol phosphates (IPs) on their inositol rings to yield an array of signaling molecules. IPKs must possess the ability to recognize their physiological substrates from among a pool of over 30 cellular IPs that differ in numbers and positions of phosphates. Crystal structures from IPK subfamilies have revealed structural determinants for IP discrimination, which vary considerably between IPKs. However, recent structures of inositol 1,3,4,5,6‐pentakisphosphate 2‐kinase (IPK1) did not reveal how IPK1 selectively recognizes its physiological substrate, IP5, while excluding others. Here, we report that limited proteolysis has revealed the presence of multiple conformational states in the IPK1 catalytic cycle, with notable protection from protease only in the presence of IP. Further, a 3.1‐Å crystal structure of IPK1 bound to ADP in the absence of IP revealed decreased order in residues 110–140 within the N‐lobe of the kinase compared with structures in which IP is bound. Using this solution and crystallographic data, we propose a model for recognition of IP substrate by IPK1 wherein phosphate groups at the 4‐, 5‐, and 6‐positions are recognized initially by the C‐lobe with subsequent interaction of the 1‐position phosphate by Arg130 that stabilizes this residue and the N‐lobe. This model explains how IPK1 can be highly specific for a single IP substrate by linking its interactions with substrate phosphate groups to the stabilization of the N‐ and C‐lobes and kinase activation.
3‐O‐Acetyloleanolic Acid Induces Apoptosis in Human Colon Carcinoma Hct‐116 Cells
Authors: Yoo Ki Hyun , Park Jong‐Hwa , Cui En Ji , Kim Kyung Il , Kim Joo Yun , Kim Jiyoung , Hong Seong Gil , Baek Nam In , Chung In Sik
Published: February 2012

The cytotoxic effect of 3‐O‐acetyloleanolic acid, an oleanolic acid derivative isolated from the seeds of Vigna sinensis K., was investigated in human colon carcinoma HCT‐116 cells. 3‐O‐acetyloleanolic acid dose‐dependently inhibited the viability of HCT‐116 cells. Apoptosis was characterized by detection of cell surface annexin V and sub‐G1 apoptotic cell populations. The number of immunostained cells with annexin V‐FITC was increased after treatment with 3‐O‐acetyloleanolic acid. The sub‐G1 cell population was also increased. Expression of TRAIL‐mediated apoptosis signaling‐related death receptor DR5 was increased in 3‐O‐acetyloleanolic acid‐treated HCT‐116 cells. Activation of caspase‐8 and caspase‐3, critical mediators of extrinsic apoptosis signaling, was also increased by 3‐O‐acetyloleanolic acid. The results indicate that 3‐O‐acetyloleanolic acid induces apoptosis in HCT‐116 cells mediated by an extrinsic apoptosis signaling cascade via up‐regulation of DR5. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using Food to Reduce H. pylori‐associated Inflammation
Authors: Keenan Jacqueline I. , Salm Nina , Wallace Alison J. , Hampton Mark B.
Published: February 2012

Inflammation is widely recognized as a risk factor for gastric H. pylori‐associated disease and disruption of this process provides a potential target for intervention. Using an in vitro system, broccoli sprouts, manuka honey and omega‐3 oil, singly and in combination, were screened for their ability to limit H. pylori‐associated inflammation. Each food significantly attenuated the release of IL‐8 by H. pylori‐infected cells, although the magnitude of this effect was variable. Only broccoli sprouts (0.125 mg/mL, w/v) were able to inhibit IL‐8 release in response to TNFα, suggesting it acted by a different mechanism to the other two foods. The combination of manuka honey (1.25%, v/v) with omega‐3 oil (0.006%, v/v) failed further to reduce IL‐8 levels below those observed with honey alone, but the same concentrations of omega‐3 oil and manuka honey independently enhanced the antiinflammatory effect of the isothiocyanate‐rich broccoli sprouts. The results suggest that in the future certain foods may find increased clinical use as a non‐antimicrobial approach for reducing the inflammation that is a major risk factor for H. pylori‐associated disease, notably gastric cancer. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reversal of Experimental Ethanol‐induced Liver Steatosis by Borage Oil
Authors: Lukivskaya O. Ya. , Naruta E. , Sadovnichy V. , Kirko S. , Buko V. U.
Published: February 2012

The aim of study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of borage oil containing predominantly gamma‐linolenic acid in rats with alcoholic steatohepatitis. Liver of ethanol‐treated animals was characterized by fatty and hydropic dystrophies. Liver triglyceride contents and activitiies of serum marker enzymes were significantly increased. Ethanol increased nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate hydrogen (NADPH)‐induced chemiluminescence and the contents of liver thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). The reduced glutathione content in the liver was decreased. Ethanol enhanced liver microsomal cytochrome P‐450 (CYP450) content, aniline p‐hydroxylase and amydopyrine‐N‐demethylase activities. The treatment with borage oil improved the liver morphology, decreased triglyceride contents and normalized serum marker enzyme activities. Borage oil developed an antioxidant effect in ethanol‐treated rats. The treatment with this compound decreased NADPH‐induced chemiluminescence and the content of lipid peroxidation products. Borage oil normalized CYP450 content compared with the ethanol‐treated group. CYPI450 2E1 isoform is a main source of free oxygen radicals in the liver of ethanol‐treated rats and we propose that the antioxidant effect of borage oil is realized via the normalization of CYP450 content and activities of CYP450‐related microsomal oxidases, as borage oil can improve the lipid surrounding of CYP450. In our opinion, the hepatoprotection by borage oil in alcoholic steatosis is connected with its antioxidant properties. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Excited and core‐ionized state calculations with a local potential expressed in terms of the external potential
Authors: Glushkov V. N.
Published: February 2012

A so‐called constrained optimized effective potential (COEP) method for excited states (ESs) is briefly reviewed. In contrast to known density functional theory and OEP‐based approaches for ESs, the COEP method explicitly introduces orthogonality of the Kohn–Sham (KS) ES function to the lower states of the same symmetry. This makes it possible to solve the KS‐like equation so that, “variational collapsing” is avoided and any appropriate local potential can be handled. In particular, we implemented a local effective
${V_{{\rm{eff}}}}(\vec r)$
expressed as a direct mapping of the external potential, that is,
${V_{{\rm{eff}}}}(\vec r)$=
${V_{{\rm{eff}}}}[{V_{{\rm{ext}}}}(\vec r)]$. It is shown that excited and core‐ionized states can be treated within the framework of a unified computational approach. Our practical calculations demonstrate that the exchange‐only implementation of the COEP method in conjunction with
${V_{{\rm{eff}}}}(\vec r)$
expressed in terms of the external potential is capable of delivering reasonable results on the energies of singly excited as well as core‐ionized states and can be easily applied to both atoms and molecules. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.