bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mesenchymal stem cell secretion of chemokines during differentiation into osteoblasts, and their potential role in mediating interactions with breast cancer cells
Authors: Molloy Alan P. , Martin Fiachra T. , Dwyer Roisin M. , Griffin Tomas P. , Murphy Mary , Barry Frank P. , O'Brien Timothy , Kerin Michael J.
Published: November 2008

Over 70% of patients with advanced breast cancer will develop bone metastases for which there is no cure. Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) and their derivative osteoblasts are subpopulations of cells within the bone marrow environment, postulated as potential interacting targets for disseminating cancer cells because of their ability to secrete a range of chemokines. This study aimed to investigate chemokine secretion throughout MSC differentiation into osteoblasts and their effect on the breast cancer cells. Primary MSCs and osteoblast progenitors were cultured in appropriate conditions to induce differentiation into mature osteoblasts. Chemokines secreted throughout differentiation were detected using ChemiArray and ELISA. Migration of breast cancer cells in response to the bone‐derived cells was quantified using Transwell inserts. Breast cancer cells were cocultured with MSCs, retrieved using magnetic beads, and changes in CCL2 expression were analyzed. MSCs secreted a range of factors including IL‐6, TIMP‐1 and CCL2, the range and level of which changed throughout differentiation. CCL2 secretion by MSCs increased significantly above control cells as they differentiated into mature osteoblasts (p < 0.05). The bone‐derived cells stimulated migration of breast cancer cells, and this was inhibited (21–50%) in the presence of a CCL2 antibody. CCL2 gene expression in breast cancer cells was upregulated following direct coculture with MSCs. The varying levels of chemokines secreted throughout MSC differentiation may play an important role in supporting tumor cell homing and progression. These results further highlight the distinct effect MSCs have on breast cancer cells and their potential importance in supporting development of metastases. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genome wide expression profiling identifies specific deregulated pathways in meningioma
Authors: Keller Andreas , Ludwig Nicole , Backes Christina , Romeike Bernd F.M. , Comtesse Nicole , Henn Wolfram , Steudel Wolf‐Ingo , Mawrin Christian , Lenhof Hans‐Peter , Meese Eckart
Published: November 2008

Genome‐wide expression signatures improve the understanding of tumor biology. We performed expression profiling of 24 meningioma including 8 of each WHO grade and 2 dura controls analyzing 55.000 transcripts including 18.300 known genes. We compared expression in meningioma vs. dura, expression of low grade (WHO I) vs. higher‐grade (WHO II and WHO III) tumors and expression of meningothelial and syncytial meningioma vs. fibroblastic meningioma. Overall expression was significantly decreased in meningioma compared to dura and in meningothelial and syncytial compared to fibroblastic meningioma. Gene expression was exemplarily confirmed by immunohistochemistry using independent samples. Applying our statistical gene set analysis toolkit “GeneTrail”, we identified significantly deregulated biochemical pathways using Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes and Transpath databases. Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathways with decreased expression in meningioma included cell adhesion molecules (p < 0.0001) and cytokine–cytokine receptor interactions (p < 0.0001). Pathways with increased expression included several metabolic pathways. Extended expression profiling by a novel statistical gene set enrichment identified pathways that have previously not been associated with meningioma. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interferon‐inducible guanylate binding protein (GBP)‐2: A novel p53‐regulated tumor marker in esophageal squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Guimarães Denise P. , Oliveira Ivanir M. , de Moraes Emanuela , Paiva Geisilene R. , Souza Daniel M. , Barnas Christoph , Olmedo Daniele B. , Pinto Carlos E. , Faria Paulo A. , De Moura Gallo Claudia Vitoria , Small Isabele A. , Ferreira Carlos G. , Hainaut Pierre
Published: November 2008

TP53 mutations are common in esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). To identify biological markers of possible relevance in esophageal SCC, we (i) searched for genes expressed in a p53‐dependent manner in TE‐1, an esophageal SCC cell line expressing the temperature‐sensitive TP53 mutant V272M, and (ii) investigated the expression of one of those genes, the interferon‐inducible Guanylate Binding Protein 2 (GBP‐2), in esophageal SCC tissues. Clontech Human Cancer 1.2 arrays containing 1,176 human cancer gene‐related sequences were used to identify differentially expressed genes in TE‐1 cells at permissive (32°C) and nonpermissive (37°C) temperatures. The expression of GBP‐2 and IRF‐1, its main transcriptional regulator, was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in a retrospective series of 41 esophageal SCC cases with a clear transition zone from noncancer, apparently normal epithelium to invasive cancer. The expression of the GBP‐2 gene is consistently increased in TE‐1 at 32°C in a p53‐dependent manner, as confirmed by inhibition of p53 expression by RNA interference. Increase in GBP‐2 is accompanied by an increase in protein levels of IRF‐1, the main transcriptional regulator of GBP‐2, and in the formation of complexes between p53 and IRF‐1. GBP‐2 expression is significantly higher in esophageal SCC than in adjacent normal epithelium (p < 0.01), in which GBP‐2 staining is limited to the basal layer. Our results suggest that p53 up‐regulates GBP‐2 by cooperating with IRF‐1. The association of GBP‐2 expression with proliferative squamous cells suggests that GBP‐2 may represent a marker of interest in esophageal SCC. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Telomere homolog oligonucleotides induce apoptosis in malignant but not in normal lymphoid cells: Mechanism and therapeutic potential
Authors: Longe Harold O. , Romesser Paul B. , Rankin Andrew M. , Faller Douglas V. , Eller Mark S. , Gilchrest Barbara A. , Denis Gerald V.
Published: November 2008

Human B‐ or T‐cell lymphoma lines and primary murine lymphomas were treated with DNA oligonucleotides homologous to the telomere (TTAGGG repeat; “T‐oligo”), either alone or in combination with standard, widely‐used anticancer chemotherapeutic agents. T‐oligo induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in cultured human or murine B or T‐lymphoma cell lines and primary tumor cells, but exerts no detectable toxicity on normal human or murine primary lymphocytes. Exposure to T‐oligo is hypothesized to mimic exposure of the 3′ telomere repeat sequence, activating the ataxia telangiectasia mutated kinase, which phosphorylates downstream effectors such as p53, but effects are not dependent solely on functional p53. T‐oligo causes early S‐phase arrest and cooperates well with G2‐ or M‐phase‐specific anticancer agents; when combined at 1/10th of the conventional dose, vincristine and T‐oligo produce greater‐than‐additive killing of human or murine lymphoma cells (78% of cells undergoing apoptosis after 6 hr vs. 5% of control cells). In mice, 1/10th of the conventional dose of a standard combination of cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, vincristine and prednisone is twice as effective when used in combination with low dose T‐oligo. Thus, T‐oligo sensitizes tumors to traditional anticancer agents and represents a potentially important new addition to the therapeutic arsenal for aggressive lymphomas. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Estimation of the effects of smoking and DNA repair capacity on coefficients of a carcinogenesis model for lung cancer
Authors: Deng Li , Kimmel Marek , Foy Millennia , Spitz Margaret , Wei Qingyi , Gorlova Olga
Published: November 2008

Numerous prospective and retrospective studies have clearly demonstrated a dose‐related increased lung cancer risk associated with cigarette smoking, with evidence also for a genetic component to risk. In this study, using the two‐stage clonal expansion stochastic model framework, for the first time we investigated the roles of both genetic susceptibility and smoking history in the initiation, clonal expansion, and malignant transformation processes in lung carcinogenesis, integrating information collected by a case–control study and a large‐scale prospective cohort study. Our results show that individuals with suboptimal DNA repair capacity have enhanced transition rates of key events in carcinogenesis. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inhibition of osteoblast function in vitro by aminobisphosphonates
Authors: Orriss Isabel R. , Key Michelle L. , Colston Kay W. , Arnett Timothy R.
Published: November 2008

Bisphosphonates are analogues of pyrophosphate, a key physicochemical inhibitor of mineralisation. We examined the direct actions of bisphosphonates on the function of cultured osteoblasts derived from rat calvariae. Treatment with zoledronate, the most potent bisphosphonate studied, reduced osteoblast number at concentrations ≥100 nM and was strongly toxic at 10 µM, causing a threefold decrease in osteoblast viability after 2 days and a 90% decrease in cell numbers after 14 days. In control osteoblast cultures on plastic, abundant formation of ‘trabecular’ mineralised bone matrix nodules began after 10 days. Continuous exposure to zoledronate inhibited bone mineralisation at concentrations as low as 10 nM. Pamidronate and clodronate exerted similar effects but at higher doses (≥1 and ≥10 µM, respectively). Short‐term or intermittent exposure of osteoblasts to zoledronate and pamidronate (1–10 µM) was sufficient to inhibit bone mineralisation by ≥85%. Zoledronate but not pamidronate or clodronate also strongly inhibited osteoblast alkaline phosphatase activity at concentrations ≥100 nM and soluble collagen production at concentrations ≥1 µM. We additionally studied the effects of zoledronate on osteoblasts cultured on dentine, a bone‐like mineralised substrate, observing similar inhibitory effects, although at concentrations 10–100‐fold higher; this shift presumably reflected adsorption of zoledronate to dentine mineral. Thus, zoledronate blocked bone formation in two ways: first, a relatively non‐toxic, selective inhibition of mineralisation at concentrations in the low nanomolar range and second, a cytotoxic inhibition of osteoblast growth and function at concentrations ≥1 µM. Although no data are available on the bisphosphonate concentrations that osteoblasts could be exposed to in vivo, our results are consistent with earlier observations that bisphosphonates may inhibit bone formation. J. Cell. Biochem. 106: 109–118, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis of 19‐trideuterated ent‐testosterone and the GABAA receptor potentiators ent‐androsterone and ent‐etiocholanolone
Authors: Komarapuri Shirisha , Krishnan Kathiresan , Covey Douglas F.
Published: November 2008

19‐Trideuteromethyl enantiomers of androgens namely ent‐testosterone, ent‐androsterone and ent‐etiocholanolone were prepared by total synthesis. The isotope labeling at the C‐19 angular methyl group was achieved by using deuterated methyl iodide (99.5% d3) for introduction of C‐19 before closure of the steroid A‐ring. This method yields 19,19,19‐trideuterated steroids without increasing the number of steps involved in the total synthesis of ent‐androgens. Analysis by mass spectrometry (MS) showed no loss of deuterium during incorporation of C‐19 into ent‐testosterone. The availability of the compounds will enable these ent‐androgens to be distinguished by MS from their natural enantiomers in future pharmacokinetic and metabolic studies. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CADASIL: Extended polymorphisms and mutational analysis of the NOTCH3 gene
Authors: Ungaro C. , Mazzei R. , Conforti F.L. , Sprovieri T. , Servillo P. , Liguori M. , Citrigno L. , Gabriele A.L. , Magariello A. , Patitucci A. , Muglia M. , Quattrone A.
Published: November 2008

CADASIL is a cerebrovascular disease caused by mutations in the NOTCH3 gene. Most mutations result in a gain or loss of cysteine residue in one of the 34 epidermal growth factor‐like repeats in the extracellular domain of the Notch3 protein, thus sparing the number of cysteine residues. To date, more than 130 different mutations in the NOTCH3 gene have been reported in CADASIL patients, of which 95% are missense point mutations. Many polymorphisms have also been identified in the NOTCH3 coding sequence, some of them leading to amino acid substitutions. The aim of the present study was to analyze the NOTCH3 gene in a large group of patients affected by leukoencephalopathy and to investigate the presence of genetic variants. The molecular analysis revealed several nucleotide alterations. In particular, we identified 20 different mutations, 22 polymorphisms, and 8 genetic variants of unknown pathological significance never reported previously. We hope that this NOTCH3 gene mutational analysis, performed in such a significant number of unrelated and related patients affected by leukoencephalopathy, will help in molecular screening for the NOTCH3 gene, thus contributing to enlargement of the NOTCH3 gene variation database. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Schmorl's nodes in a post‐medieval skeletal sample from Klostermarienberg, Austria
Authors: Üstündağ H.
Published: November 2008

The prevalence and distribution pattern of Schmorl's nodes (SNs) were studied in a post‐medieval skeletal sample (n = 473) from the 16th–18thcentury cemetery of Klostermarienberg, Austria. The reasons for the prevalence and distribution pattern of SNs in this sample are discussed with regard to their aetiology. SNs were correlated with age and sex as well as with degenerative spinal joint disease such as vertebral osteophytosis (VO) and apophyseal osteoarthritis (OA). SNs were most commonly found in the lower thoracic region, in agreement with other studies. Males were more affected than females by SNs, especially in the lower thoracic region. SNs show a completely different distribution pattern to VO and OA. Additionally, there was no relationship found between SNs and ageing. Observed differences in the prevalence of SNs in the vertebral column and between the sexes suggest that mechanical factors may be responsible. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Second‐trimester Down syndrome maternal serum marker screening: a prospective study of 11 040 twin pregnancies
Authors: Garchet‐Beaudron Aurélie , Dreux Sophie , Leporrier Nathalie , Oury Jean‐François , Muller Françoise
Published: November 2008

Objective

To analyze the value of Down syndrome (DS) second‐trimester maternal serum screening in large series of twin pregnancies.

Methods

Prospective study of second‐trimester maternal serum markers [alpha fetoprotein (AFP) and free β‐human chorionic gonadotrophin (β‐hCG)] in 11 040 twin pregnancies, 27 of which were trisomy 21‐affected. Comparison with 64 815 singleton pregnancies, of which 86 were trisomy 21‐affected. Markers were expressed in multiple of median (MoM) corrected by a previously defined coefficient (2.1 for AFP and 2.07 or 2.16 for free β‐hCG, dichorionic or monochorionic, respectively).

Results

Trisomy 21 frequency was 1/649 for twins and 1/754 in singletons (NS). Mean detection rate was 63% (71% when both twins were affected and 60% when one was affected), versus 74.4% in singletons. False‐positive rates were 10.8% in twins versus 10.3% in singletons (NS). No significant differences in MoM AFP and free β‐hCG values were noted between twins and singletons (0.92 and 0.78 for AFP and 1.54 and 2.68 for free β‐hCG, respectively).

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that second‐trimester DS maternal serum marker screening can be performed in twin pregnancies. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel organosoluble aromatic polyimides bearing pendant methoxy‐substituted triphenylamine moieties: Synthesis, electrochromic, and gas separation properties
Authors: Chang Cha‐Wen , Yen Hung‐Ju , Huang Kuan‐Yeh , Yeh Jui‐Ming , Liou Guey‐Sheng
Published: November 2008

Four series of polyimides I–VI with pendent triphenylamine (TPA) units having inherent viscosities of 0.44–0.88 dL/g were prepared from four diamines with two commercially available tetracarboxylic dianhydrides via a conventional two‐step procedure that included a ring‐opening polyaddition to give polyamic acids, followed by chemical cyclodehydration. These polymers were amorphous and could afford flexible films. All the polyimides had useful levels of thermal stability associated with high softening temperatures (279–300 °C), 10% weight‐loss temperatures in excess of 505 °C, and char yields at 800 °C in nitrogen higher than 58%. The hole‐transporting and electrochromic properties were examined by electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical methods. Cyclic voltammograms of the polyimide films cast onto an indium‐tin oxide (ITO)‐coated glass substrate exhibited a or two reversible oxidation couples at 0.65–0.78 and 1.00–1.08 V versus Ag/AgCl in acetonitrile solution. The polymer films revealed electrochromic characteristics with a color change from neutral pale yellowish to blue doped form at applied potentials ranging from 0.00 to 1.20 V. The CO2 permeability coefficients (P) and permeability selectivity (P/P) for these polyimide membranes were in the range of 4.73–16.82 barrer and 9.49–51.13, respectively. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 7937–7949, 2008
Synthesis of self‐healing supramolecular rubbers from fatty acid derivatives, diethylene triamine, and urea
Authors: Montarnal Damien , Cordier Philippe , Soulié‐Ziakovic Corinne , Tournilhac François , Leibler Ludwik
Published: November 2008

We describe the synthesis of supramolecular self‐healing elastomers from vegetable oil fatty acid derivatives, diethylene triamine, and urea. Our strategy to obtain materials that are self‐healing but do not flow relies on the use of a wide molecular distribution of randomly branched oligomers equipped with self‐complementary and complementary hydrogen bonding groups. We prepared such oligomers with a two steps procedure. In the first step, diethylene triamine was condensed with dimer acids. In the second step, the oligomers obtained were allowed to react with urea. The molecules were characterized by NMR and IR spectroscopies and Monte‐Carlo simulations were used to analyze the molecular size distribution. The sensitivity to small variations of the experimental conditions has been examined and the robustness of the synthetic procedure optimized. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 7925–7936, 2008
New chemosensory materials based on disubstituted polyacetylene with strong green fluorescence
Authors: Zeng Qi , Lam Jacky W. Y. , Jim Cathy K. W. , Qin Anjun , Qin Jingui , Li Zhen , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: November 2008

A new imidazole‐containing disubstituted polyacetylene (P1) with strong green fluorescence was successfully prepared through polymer reaction, which was nearly impossible to be obtained from the direct polymerization of its corresponding monomer. The polymer was soluble in common organic solvents, and its strong green fluorescence could be quenched completely by the Cu2+ and Co2+ ions, at the concentrations as low as 1.33 and 1.67 × 10−5 mol/L (0.85 and 0.92 ppm), respectively. Because of the high stability of the complex formed by cyanide and copper ions, the quenched green fluorescence of P1 by copper ions could be turned on upon the addition of trace cyanide (as low as 2.70 × 10−5 mol/L, 0.70 ppm), making P1 a new sensitive cyanide chemosensor. The results thus provided a new opportunity to develop anion chemosensors based on good cation chemosensors. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 8070–8080, 2008
Synthesis of P(AA‐SA)/ZnO composite latex particles via inverse miniemulsion polymerization and its application in pH regulation and UV shielding
Authors: Luo Ying‐Da , Dai Chi‐An , Chiu Wen‐Yen
Published: November 2008

Poly(acrylic acid‐co‐sodium acrylate)/zinc oxide, P(AA‐SA)/ZnO, composite latex particles were synthesized by inverse miniemulsion polymerization. The ZnO nanoparticles were prepared by hydrothermal synthesis and undergone oleic acid (OA) surface treatment. The X‐ray diffraction pattern and FT‐IR spectra characterized the crystal structure and functional groups of OA‐ZnO nanoparticles. An appropriate formulation in preparing P(AA‐SA) latex particles, ensuring the dominant in situ particle nucleation and growth, was developed in our experiment first. Sodium hydroxide was chosen as a costabilizer, because of its ability to increase the deprotonation of acylic acid and enhance the hydrophilicity of monomer, acrylic acid besides providing osmotic pressure. The growth mechanism of P(AA‐SA)/ZnO composite particles was proposed. The OA‐ZnO nanoparticles were adsorbed on or around the surface of P(AA‐SA) latex particles by hydrophobic interaction, thus enhanced the interfacial tension over latex particles. The P(AA‐SA)/ZnO composite latex particles owned better thermal stability than pure latex particles. The pH regulation capacity was excellent for both ZnO and P(AA‐SA) particles. Combining P(AA‐SA) and ZnO nanoparticles into composite particles, the performance in pH regulation and UV shielding was discussed from our experimental results. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 8081–8090, 2008
Pharmacological studies on siculine syrup. II: effects on smooth, skeletal and cardiovascular muscle preparations
Authors: Kwanashie H. O. , Ejiofor J. I. , Abdu‐Aguye I. , Nkweteyim J. N. , Olanipekun M. R.
Published: November 2008

Earlier pharmacological screening showed that siculine syrup (a traditional herbal remedy purported to be useful in the prevention and treatment of sickle cell pain – crises, due to sickle cell anaemia – SCA) had antisickling and analgesic activities as well as antimicrobial and diuretic effects. SCA is an important haemoglobinopathy in Africa and many other communities/countries worldwide, with relatively high morbidity and mortality. The present study was to determine the effects of the extract on various isolated muscle preparations – smooth, skeletal and cardiovascular. Siculine (4–20 µg/mL), like acetylcholine (40–400 µg/mL), contracted the isolated rat uterus concentration dependently. Similar effects were observed with the guinea‐pig ileum and rabbit jejunum (2–20 µg/mL). In contrast to these effects, the direct (muscle) and indirect (nerve) stimulations of rat phrenic nerve–diaphragm were relaxed by siculine (4 and 8 µg/mL) and d‐tubocurarine (0.8 µg/mL). Siculine also concentration‐dependently decreased both the rate and force of contraction of guinea‐pig atria and rabbit heart and also resulted in a fall in cat blood pressure in a manner similar to those of acetylcholine. The possible therapeutic and/or toxicological consequences of these effects including the hypotensive activity is noteworthy since siculine syrup is used by the local population for the prevention and treatment of sickle cell pain crises. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inhibitory effects of antrodins A–E from Antrodia cinnamomea and their metabolites on hepatitis C virus protease
Authors: Phuong Do Thi , Ma Chao‐Mei , Hattori Masao , Jin Jong Sik
Published: November 2008

Antrodia cinnamomea is a highly valued folk medicine used for liver cancer, a disease often caused by the long term infection of hepatitis C virus (HCV). In the present study, the maleic and succinic acid constituents (antrodins A–E) of this medicinal fungus, the in vivo metabolites of antrodin C and the analogue of one of the metabolites were tested for their inhibitory activity on HCV protease. Most of the compounds showed potent inhibitory activity, with antrodin A being the most potent (IC50 = 0.9 µg/mL). Antrodin A was isolated as one of the constituents of A. cinnamomea and was also detected as an in vivo metabolite of the major constituent antrodin C. The mode of inhibition for antrodin A on HCV protease was revealed by a Lineweaver‐Burk plot as competitive inhibition. These results strongly support the use of this folk medicine for liver cancer and HCV infection which is a global problem. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Immunomodulatory activity of isoflavones isolated from Iris germanica (Iridaceae) on T‐lymphocytes and cytokines
Authors: Nazir Nighat , Koul Surrinder , Qurishi Mushtaq Ahmad , Taneja Subhash Chander , Ahmad Sheikh Fayaz , Khan Beenish , Bani Sarang , Qazi Ghulam Nabi
Published: November 2008

The immunomodulatory activities of two isoflavones, 5,7‐dihydroxy‐6,4′‐dimethoxyisoflavone (irisolidone) (1) and 5,4′‐dihydroxy‐6,7‐methylenedioxyisoflavone (irilone) (2) isolated from Iris germanica (Iridaceae) is reported. Their influence on production of T‐lymphocytes (CD4+ and CD8+ cells) and T‐cell cytokines, namely Th1: IL‐2, IFN‐γ and Th2: IL‐4 and IL‐5 in a dose‐dependent manner was studied by flow cytometric method in Balb/c mice. Oral administration of drugs at doses of 0.1–0.8 mg/kg per oral dose showed 1 to possess stimulatory activity on T‐cells and Th1 cytokine production, while as 2 acted as an immunosuppressant for both cells and cytokines. The methylated products of 1 and 2 showed a similar trend to that of their parent compounds but their activity was drastically decreased revealing the importance of free phenolic groups for their immunomodulating activities. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Grape seed extract Vitis vinifera protects against radiation‐induced oxidative damage and metabolic disorders in rats
Authors: Saada Helen N. , Said Ussama Z. , Meky Nefissa H. , Azime Afrag S. Abd El
Published: November 2008

Whole body exposure to ionizing radiation induces the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in different tissues provoking oxidative damage, organ dysfunction and metabolic disturbances. The present study was designed to determine the possible protective effect of grape seed extract (GSE), rich in proanthocyanidins against γ‐radiation‐induced oxidative stress in heart and pancreas tissues associated with serum metabolic disturbances. Irradiated rats were whole body exposed to 5 Gy γ‐radiation. GSE‐treated irradiated rats received 100 mg GSE/kg/day, by gavage, for 14 days before irradiation. The animals were killed on days 1, 14 and 28 after irradiation. Significant decreases of SOD, CAT and GSH‐Px activities associated with significant increases of TBARS levels were recorded in both tissues after irradiation. GSE administration pre‐irradiation significantly attenuated the radiation‐induced oxidative stress in heart tissues which was substantiated by a significant amelioration of serum LDH, CPK and AST activities. GSE treatment also attenuated the oxidative stress in pancreas tissues which was associated with a significant improvement in radiation‐induced hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia. In conclusion, the present data demonstrate that GSE would protect the heart and pancreas tissues from oxidative damage induced by ionizing irradiation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neue Verfahren für Einzelzellanalysen in Forschung und Diagnostik
Authors: Geigl J. , Speicher M.
Published: November 2008

Die traditionelle Zytogenetik ist ein Paradebeispiel für eine Einzelzelldiagnostik, weil mit jeder gebänderten Metaphase das gesamte Genom einer Zelle – bei relativ niedriger Auflösung – untersucht wird. Dies repräsentierte über mehrere Jahrzehnte einen wichtigen Unterschied zu molekulargenetischen Untersuchungstechniken, die in der Mehrheit der Fälle auf DNA oder RNA basieren, die aus hunderten oder tausenden von Zellen extrahiert wurden. Viele Fragestellungen können jedoch nur durch Analysen auf dem Niveau einzelner oder weniger Zellen beantwortet werden. Deshalb wurden besonders in den letzten Jahren neue Einzelzelltechniken mit dem Ziel entwickelt, immer mehr Loci mit verbessertem Auflösungsvermögen simultan analysieren zu können. In dieser Übersichtsarbeit werden die diesbezüglich wichtigsten Entwicklungen der letzten Jahre zusammengefasst.
Within‐family conflict behaviors as predictors of conflict in adolescent romantic relations
Authors: Darling Nancy , Cohan Catherine L. , Burns Andrew , Thompson Louisa
Published: November 2008

Continuity in conflict behaviors from (a) adolescents’ behavior with parents and their behavior with romantic partners and (b) from parents’ marriage to adolescents’ romantic relationships were examined in a sample of 58 mother–father–adolescent families and the adolescents’ romantic partners. The social relations model was used to analyze within‐family reports of own and partner conflict behavior. Mother–father consensus about adolescents’ use of physical aggression was associated with romantic partners’ reports of adolescents’ physical aggression. Less functional behaviors observed during observed marital conflict were associated with a range of less functional conflict behaviors in adolescents’ observed interactions with romantic partners, including withdrawal, verbal aggression, negativity, ineffective problem solving, and low cohesion. Within‐family conflict and methodological issues in the use of partner and self‐reports of conflict behaviors are discussed.
Making a Difference Through Research
Authors: Siedlecki Sandra L.
Published: November 2008

PRACTICING NURSES are in the best position to identify nursing practice problems and to ask the important questions that will change practice and improve patient outcomes. Nurses can compensate for insufficient knowledge about a practice problem by conducting their own research.

CONDUCTING AN EFFECTIVE research study involves identifying a significant nursing problem, conducting a thorough review of the literature, selecting a research design, determining the sample size, developing a research proposal, and performing the research. AORN J 88 (November 2008) 716–729. © AORN, Inc, 2008.
Projected pain from noxious heat stimulation of an exposed peripheral nerve – A case report
Authors: Hoffmann T. , Sauer S.K. , Horch R.E. , Reeh P.W.
Published: November 2008

Distinct sensory properties of unmyelinated axons in the isolated rat sciatic nerve have previously been revealed by measuring stimulated neuropeptide (CGRP) release in response to noxious stimuli. Axonal sensitization to heat by inflammatory mediators has been demonstrated and shown to depend on the heat‐ and proton‐activated ion channel TRPV1. Recently, we have demonstrated in vitro that heat stimulation of nociceptive axons generates ectopic action potential discharge which resembles the heat response of the corresponding cutaneous nerve endings. It remained however, to be established whether adequate axonal stimulation could also generate projected sensations in a conscious human subject. In a singular human trial, the superficial radial nerve (SR) was exposed and stimulated mechanically as well as with noxious cold (3°C). These stimuli were unable to induce any conscious local or projected sensations. However, controlled radiant heat applied to the nerve resulted in intense slowly adapting burning pain sensations projected into the center of the SR innervation area. No local sensation was reported. Thus, presumably activated nervi nevorum in the sheath of a healthy nerve do not cause conscious sensations, while axons of passage in mid‐nerve exhibit a sensory transduction capacity for noxious heat though not for mechanical and cold stimulation. Axonal heat transduction may therefore become a source of ectopic discharge and neuropathic pain when heat threshold drops to body temperature as is the case with peripheral nerve endings in inflamed skin.
Redox properties of the A‐domain of the HMGB1 protein
Authors: Sahu Debashish , Debnath Priyanka , Takayama Yuki , Iwahara Junji
Published: November 2008

MINT‐6795963:

txn (uniprotkb:P10599) and HMGB1 (uniprotkb:P09429) bind (MI:0408) by nuclear magnetic resonance (MI:0077)
The Pf3 coat protein contacts TM1 and TM3 of YidC during membrane biogenesis
Authors: Klenner Christian , Yuan Jijun , Dalbey Ross E. , Kuhn Andreas
Published: November 2008

MINT‐6795850, MINT‐6795869, MINT‐6795912, MINT‐6795927, MINT‐6795942:

Coat protein (uniprotkb:P03623) binds (MI:0408) YidC (uniprotkb:P25714) by cross-linking studies (MI:0030)

MINT‐6795898:

Coat protein (uniprotkb:P03623) binds (MI:0408) Coat protein (uniprotkb:P03623) by cross-linking studies (MI:0030)
U.S. Population Policies, Development, and the Rural Poor of Africa
Authors: Green Edward
Published: November 2008

A 1980 World Bank study paints a bleak picture of the current economic situation in sub-Saharan Africa, where most countries are at the bottom of the development pyramid. They have low incomes per capita, and their rates of economic growth have fallen behind Asian countries of comparable low income. Moreover, population growth in Africa is accelerating while trends in other developing regions suggest a slowing down.
Finance and Development: the Case of Botswana
Authors: Makgetla Neva Seidman
Published: November 2008

It is still frequently asserted that the economic sluggishness plaguing most Third-World countries stems from a general lack of resources. The scarcity of capital in both the public and private sectors, it is claimed, prevents the investment needed to achieve development. On the other hand, a fewdeveloping countries with highly profitable exports – notably those that export oil – reap large financial surpluses, including foreign exchange, but do not invest them locally in productive activities. The problem here is supposed to be insufficient ‘absorptive capacity’ due to the absence of skilled personnel and inadequate physical and social infrastructure, restricting the translation of financial resources into real investment. The situation in Botswana provides a test for both these hypotheses, making possible a deeper understanding of the potential rôle of financial resources in the development process.
Constraints to Women and Development in Africa
Authors: Due Jean M.
Published: November 2008

Although it has been estimated that women produce more than 60 per cent of the food crops in many African countries, less than one in five has found employment in wage-earning occupations as development has occurred. Why has this happened? Our hypothesis is that there are two primary constraints on their improved economic status in addition to tradition and culture, namely: lack of access to education and to capital. Access to land and to information may be important handicaps in some areas, but are assumed to be of less general significance.
Education and Sexual Inequality in Cameroun
Authors: Cooksey Brian
Published: November 2008

The rise of the feminist movement in the West has served to stimulate serious research on sex rôles and inequalities, and the recent growth in the number of African and female researchers has had an invigorating effect on various arguments about the status of women in Africa. So far, however, the controversy has generated more heat than light, as a result of both the relative paucity of sound research findings and the combined effects of the sex, race, and ideology of researchers.
The Economic Community of West African States and International Law
Authors: Ajulo Sunday Babalola
Published: November 2008

The Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) was established by the Treaty signed in Lagos on 25 May 1975 by the Heads of State and Government (or their representatives) from Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo. They were joined a few months later by Cape Verde, thereby increasing the number of member-states to 16. Following the post-World War II convention whereby international organisations formally insert in their constitutive instruments a declaratory statement concerning their status, it is not surprising that Article 60(1) stipulated that the Community ‘shall enjoy legal personality’. Although such organisations may be similar they are never identical, and this is why the nature and scope of the legal personality of each needs to be ascertained and discussed.
The Social Structure of the National Assembly in Kenya, 1963–83
Authors: Hornsby Charles
Published: November 2008

The study of elections and parliamentary behaviour in Africa has become a neglected topic. Whilst the emergence of political élites during and after the colonial period has been examined carefully, little attention has been paid to the structure and functioning of the modern one-party state. Emphasis has tended to shift towards the analysis of political economy and of the nature of class relations, partly as a consequence of the close linkages between economic and political relations within developing states. However, studies of post-1969 politics in Kenya are now scarce, and basic knowledge of the operation of the political system is often absent. In order to help redress the balance, this article presents and analyses data about the socio-economic background of the Members of Parliament.
Moscow and Pretoria: a New Course?
Authors: Gann L. H.
Published: November 2008

The Soviet Union and South Africa – on the face of it, no two powers on earth look on each other with greater hostility. For many years, no diplomatic relations have existed between them. South African propagandists never tire of denouncing the Godless Soviet tyranny, and the ‘total onslaught’ waged against their country by communists at home and abroad. As the official Soviet interpretation would have it, South Africa is governed by a racist clique, and menaces all its neighbours.
Women Stay on the Farm No More: Changing Patterns of Rural–Urban Migration in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Gugler Josef
Published: November 2008

Women could be said to be ‘the second sex in town’ in colonial Africa in that men predominated in the urban centres spawned by the political economy of colonialism. An explanation has to consider both employment and family separation. Although colonial governments, missions, commercial firms, and mines recruited men, it is not clear to what extent this was a matter of preference on the part of the major employers rather than the response of peasant households. Not at issue are the reasons for the latter's integration into the cash economy and the rôle of coercion, whether in the form of forced labour or indirectly through the imposition of tax. But what considerations were borne in mind when households deliberated about which of their members to dispatch? Whatever the part played by both employers and suppliers in determining the composition of the labour supply – and this so far totally neglected topic demands research – the result was that in many, if not all, African colonies, almost as a rule, domestic servants, secretaries, and nurses were male.
Taxation for Economic Development
Authors: Kaldor Nicholas
Published: November 2008

Problems of taxation, in connexion with economic development, are generally discussed from two different points of view, which involve quite distinct, and often conflicting, considerations: the point of view of incentives and the point of view of resources. Those who believe that it is the lack of adequate incentives which is mainly responsible for insufficient growth and investment are concerned with improving the tax system through the granting of additional concessions of various kinds, with less regard to the unfavourable effects on the public revenue. Those who believe that insufficient growth and investment is mainly a consequence of a lack of resources are chiefly concerned with increasing the resources available for investment through additional taxation, even at the cost of worsening its disincentive effects.
Land Relations in African Countries
Authors: Potekhin Ivan I.
Published: November 2008

Agriculture is the main sphere of material production in all African countries. It is generally recognised that all African countries, excepting the South African Republic, belong to the group of under-developed agrarian countries. It is impossible to define the exact share of agriculture in the total annual output because of the predominance of the subsistence economy, and the almost total absence of statistics on this phase of labour. As a rule, the available statistics underestimate the share of agricultural output. Some idea about the role of agriculture in African economies can be gained from the data on the distribution of rural and urban population. Though in the past 20 years there has been considerable movement from villages to towns, nevertheless the rural population in various countries still constitutes from 67 per cent in Egypt (1957) to 96 per cent in Togo (1956). Only in the South African Republic is the urban population nearly half (46·6 per cent in 1951) of the whole population.1
The Uncertain Frontier: Ghana-Togo
Authors: Austin Dennis
Published: November 2008

The unsatisfactory nature of the frontiers between the independent African states is widely stressed, and provides an additional argument for those who would like to see a regrouping of the African scene in terms of larger political units. This short article discusses the boundary between Ghana and Togo—a classic example (it might be thought) of colonial division calling for early revision along rational lines. It was demarcated between Britain and France some 40 years ago: now African governments have come into existence on both sides under leaders who have given their support at one time or another to Pan-African movements for closer union. The alternative is likely to be constant friction, the interruption of trade, the harbouring of refugees seeking a base from which to continue a struggle already lost in their own country, and accusations by the party leaders in Ghana and Togo that these refugee organisations are actively sponsored by the Lomé or Accra governments. These unhappy consequences are indeed present today following the independence of Ghana in 1957 and Togo in 1960; and it is worth enquiring why they should have come about, in view of the great advantages which it is generally assumed would flow from a more cordial, open association between the two republics. In January 1963, the assassination of Sylvanus Olympio added a further, tragic element to the problem, although whether the coup d'état which installed a new, quasi-military government in Lome will materially alter the relationship between Ghana and Togo remains to be seen.
Introducing Political Africa
Authors: Glickman Harvey
Published: November 2008

Although many scholars scoff and old hands grow exasperated, Africanists refuse to stop trying to ‘introduce’ the politics of Africa to the uninitiated. Doubtless some of this effort is sustained by visions of cash customers, laymen, and students, eager to state the curiosities awakened by the great changes that have transformed the continent since 1955. As the revolution shows few signs of losing momentum, the prospects are rather dim for any immediate shrinkage in the mass market. But a purely exploitative interest should not mask the basic importance of a reliable guide to the dynamics of political reconstruction in Africa today.
Centre d'Etudes Africaines, Paris
Authors: Balandier Georges
Published: November 2008

The 6th Section of l'Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes is devoted to teaching and research in the economic and social sciences, Although recently established, this section has the most professors (called directors of studies )and the greatest number of research centers, of which the African Studies Centre is one. It was organised out of the first ‘Directorship of Studies in the Sociology of Black Africa’ established in 1954 under G. Balandier During succeeding years, four new directors of studies—and one associate director—were appointed, besides others in charge of courses and practical work. The Centre is thus effectively equipped for work of various kinds, which includes teaching and the initiation of research.
The First International Congress of Africanists
Authors: Crowder Michael
Published: November 2008

President Nkrumah, in opening this Congress in the Great Hall of the University of Ghana, called for the objective scientific study of Africa. He urged: ‘While some of us are engaged with the political unification of Africa, Africanists everywhere must also help in building the spiritual and cultural foundations of the unity of our continent.’ This appeal had in a sense already been answered by the arrival of scholars from nearly every State in Africa.
African Political Change and the Modernisation Process
Authors: Kilson Martin
Published: November 2008

This essay attempts to outline, and partially to expound, a conceptual framework for studying political change during the colonial and post-colonial periods.

It should be noted at the outset that the term ‘political change’ is purposely used instead of such terms as ‘political development’ or ‘political progress’, with reference to nationalism, organised groups, administrative evolution, and so on, in developing areas. This is more nearly akin to the rather value-free term ‘social change’ used by sociologists and anthropologists ever since the 1920's.1 Basic alterations in political systems do not occur through a simple addition of new institutions, norms, and procedures; rather, the process of political change involves its own set of inter-related norms, institutions, and procedures. It may be that the term ‘political change’ may better evoke this image in the mind of students of politics, just as the term ‘social change’ seems to do for sociologists and anthropologists.
The Anthropologists' Frontier: The Last Phase of African Exploitation
Authors: Hooker James R.
Published: November 2008

The rapid demise of empires in Africa is paralled by the equally swift retreat of social anthropologists to the wings. While Diedrich Westermann in 1934 could deplore the administrators' rejection of proffered anthropological advice, by 1945, at least where Europeans had settled, one gathers that administrators were slavish devotees of the profession, almost painfully eager to stare with puzzlement at premier chief lists and kinship tables of organisation. A further development was suggested in the middle 1950's, with a report from the Rhodesias of a nationalist boast that Africans relied upon anthropologists for information from the enemy European camp. But, as new states ran up their flags and despatched envoys to the U.N., anthropologists began to speak of alienation. in the future there may be a rupture unless anthropologists become historians or sociologists.
The Role of Industry in Development: Some Fallacies
Authors: Seers Dudley
Published: November 2008

The first step in a discussion of the planning of industry is to decide on the role of industry in development. This paper tries to dispose of some fallacies on this point. There are so many about industrialisation that whichever anyone holds he is in good company. They can be broadly divided into three classes: classical fallacies, ‘infant industry’ fallacies, and industrialisation fallacies.
Somali Liberation Songs
Authors: Legum Colin
Published: November 2008

The Republic of Somali has recently been conducting a militant campaign for the reunification of ‘the five parts of the Somali nation’—British Somaliland and Italian Somalia (already united), French Somaliland, the Ethiopian regions of the Ogaden, the Haud, and the Reserved Area, and the Northern Frontier District (N.F.D.) of Kenya. The two principal weapons in this campaign have been diplomacy and the radio. This article is concerned with one aspect of the radio war—the series or Somali songs and poems broadcast regularly between September and December 1963 from Mogadishu, and to a lesser extent from Radio Cario.
University of East Africa Conferences on Public Policy: I. The Machinery of Planning
Authors: Leys Colin
Published: November 2008

These conferences grew out of the new University's desire to offer more direct assistance for the development of East Africa. The objects were:

(1) to provide a forum for political leaders from all the East African countries and from some others, in which they could discuss matters of major public policy in an objective and private atmosphere;

(2) to provide a series of opportunities for these leaders to meet and gain a deeper understanding of each other; and

(3) to help establish the fact that the University of East Africa is anxious and able to be of use in facing practical problems.