bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A direct comparison of effect sizes from the clinical global impression‐improvement scale to effect sizes from other rating scales in controlled trials of adult social anxiety disorder
Authors: Hedges Dawson W. , Brown Bruce L. , Shwalb David A.
Published: November 2008

Objective

The clinical global impression‐improvement scale (CGI‐I) is used to monitor treatment outcome in mental disorders. To better understand the properties of the CGI‐I scale in social anxiety disorder, effects sizes from the CGI‐I scale were compared to comparably calculated effect sizes from other rating scales obtained from double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trials of selective‐serotonin reuptake inhibitors in social anxiety disorder. From peer‐reviewed, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled studies evaluating selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in social anxiety disorder, we extracted CGI‐I data and scores from other assessment scales of severity and function. Using calculations that enabled direct comparisons, effect sizes for the binarily reported CGI‐I scores were compared to effect sizes from the quantitative scales.

Results

Effect sizes for the binary CGI‐I scale were statistically indistinguishable from effect sizes obtained from the other scales, with the exception of the social avoidance and distress scale.

Conclusions

The CGI‐I scale is an appropriate method of assessing clinical change in trials of social anxiety disorder. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimating risk aversion from ascending and sealed‐bid auctions: the case of timber auction data
Authors: Lu Jingfeng , Perrigne Isabelle
Published: November 2008

Estimating bidders' risk aversion in auctions is a challenging problem because of identification issues. This paper takes advantage of bidding data from two auction designs to identify nonparametrically the bidders' utility function within a private value framework. In particular, ascending auction data allow one to recover the latent distribution of private values, while first‐price sealed‐bid auction data allow one to recover the bidders' utility function. This leads to a nonparametric estimator. An application to the US Forest Service timber auctions is proposed. Estimated utility functions display concavity, which can be partly captured by constant relative risk aversion. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel thermosensitive chitosan hydrogels: In vivo evaluation
Authors: Patois Emilie , Cruz Suzanne Osorio‐da , Tille Jean‐Christophe , Walpoth Beat , Gurny Robert , Jordan Olivier
Published: November 2008

Chitosan is an attractive biopolymer for the preparation of hydrogels. Its unique combination of biocompatibility, biodegradability, bioadhesivity, and tissue‐promoting abilities allows pharmaceutical applications. We investigated novel thermosensitive hydrogels based on chitosan homogeneously reacetylated to a deacetylation degree of about 50%, combined with selected polyols or polyoses such as trehalose, a nontoxic polysaccharide. The latter, a gel‐inducing and lyoprotective agent enabled the formulation to be lyophilized and rehydrated without affecting the thermosensitive behavior. This made possible long‐term storage and promoted its use in a clinical setup. The thermally induced sol‐gel transition allowed injectability and in situ setting. Rheological characterization revealed that storage moduli could be increased by one decade by increasing the chitosan concentration from 1.4 to 2.2% (w/w). Evaluation in vivo provided evidence of in situ implant formation in subcutaneous tissue of Sprague–Dawley rats and permanence for up to 3 months. Histopathological analysis demonstrated a mild, chronic, inflammatory reaction that disappeared with the complete absorption of the gel implant over a few months period. Such in situ forming hydrogels could be advantageous for specific applications in drug delivery and tissue engineering. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Nanoindentation creep behavior of human enamel
Authors: He Li‐Hong , Swain Michael V.
Published: November 2008

In this study, the indentation creep behavior of human enamel was investigated with a nanoindentation system and a Berkovich indenter at a force of 250 mN with one‐step loading and unloading method. A constant hold period of 900 s was incorporated into each test at the maximum load as well at 5 mN minimum load during unloading. The indentation creep at the maximum load and creep recovery at the minimum load was described with a double exponential function and compared with other classic viscoelastic models (Debye/Maxwell and Kohlrausch–Williams–Watts). Indentation creep rate sensitivity, m, of human enamel was measured for the first time with a value of ∼0.012. Enamel displayed both viscoelastic and viscoplastic behavior similar to that of bone. These results indicate that, associated with entrapment of particulates between teeth under functional loading and sliding wear conditions, the enamel may inelastically deform but recover upon its release. This behavior may be important in explaining the excellent wear resistance, antifatigue, and crack resistant abilities of natural tooth structure. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Effects of oleic acid surface coating on the properties of nickel ferrite nanoparticles/PLA composites
Authors: Yin Hong , Chow Gan‐Moog
Published: November 2008

Nickel ferrite nanoparticles with or without oleic acid surface coating were mixed with poly(D,L‐lactide) (PLA) by double emulsion method. If the nanoparticles were prepared without oleic acid coating, they adsorbed on the PLA surface. If the nanoparticles were coated with oleic acid, they could be readily encapsulated within the PLA microspheres. A slight depression in glass transition temperature was found in all composites and it could be related to the interfacial energies between nanoparticles and PLA. Optimum mixed composite was achieved by reducing interfacial energy. However, loading capacity was limited in this composite. Increasing the amount of nickel ferrite nanoparticles was not useful to increase loading capacity. Cytotoxicity of the composite decreased significantly when nickel ferrite nanoparticles were effectively encapsulated in PLA microspheres. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Polypyrrole‐polysaccharide thin films characteristics: Electrosynthesis and biological properties
Authors: Serra Moreno Judith , Panero Stefania , Materazzi Stefano , Martinelli Andrea , Sabbieti Maria Giovanna , Agas Dimitrios , Materazzi Giovanni
Published: November 2008

Polypyrrole‐polysaccharide thin films were electropolymerized from starting solutions containing pyrrole and a polysaccharide, namely, heparin, chondroitin‐4‐sulphate or hyaluronic acid. The synthesized samples showed good chemical and physicochemical properties determined by the synthesis parameters such as the current density and time. For instance, the sample morphology was strictly correlated to the current density as follows: a smooth surface morphology was observed when the current density was in the range of 100–700 μA/cm2, whereas high current (I > 1.0 mA/cm2) or longer time (synthesis charge > 100 mC/cm2) led to rough surfaces. The presence of polysaccharide within the polymeric matrix assured proper hydrophilicity to the samples. The optimized surface chemistry due to the presence of a polysaccharide and the controllable morphology allowed positive cell/substrate interactions and these are proved by cellular tests using MC3T3‐E1 osteoblast cultures. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Effect of maghemite nanoparticles on insulin amyloid fibril formation: Selective labeling, kinetics, and fibril removal by a magnetic field
Authors: Skaat Hadas , Sorci Mirco , Belfort Georges , Margel Shlomo
Published: November 2008

Maghemite (γ‐Fe2O3) magnetic nanoparticles of 15.0 ± 2.1 nm were formed by nucleation followed by controlled growth of maghemite thin films on gelatin‐iron oxide nuclei. Human insulin amyloid fibrils were formed by incubating the monomeric insulin dissolved in aqueous continuous phase at pH 1.6 and 65°C. Magnetic human insulin amyloid fibrils/γ‐Fe2O3 nanoparticle assemblies were prepared by interacting the γ‐Fe2O3 nanoparticles with the insulin amyloid fibrils during or after their formation. The nanoparticles attached selectively to the insulin fibrils in both cases. The kinetics of the insulin fibrillation process in the absence and the presence of the γ‐Fe2O3 nanoparticles was elucidated. The insulin amyloid fibrils/γ‐Fe2O3 nanoparticle assemblies were easily extracted from the aqueous phase via a magnetic field. We hypothesize that this selective extraction approach may also be applicable for the removal of other amyloidogenic proteins that lead to neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, mad cow, and prion diseases) from their continuous phase, e.g. milk, blood, neurological fluid, etc. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Rare earth metals used in biodegradable magnesium‐based stents do not interfere with proliferation of smooth muscle cells but do induce the upregulation of inflammatory genes
Authors: Drynda Andreas , Deinet Nicole , Braun Nicole , Peuster Matthias
Published: November 2008

Rare earth metals are added to corrodible magnesium‐based alloys in low amounts (up to 10%) to improve their mechanical properties and to decrease the degradation rate. Cerium (Ce), neodymium (Nd), yttrium (Y), and ytterbium (Yb) are already used for degradable cardiovascular stents. Little is known about the biocompatibility of rare earth metals released during the degradation process of the implant. Therefore the biocompatibility of rare earth metals was assessed with regard to metabolic activity of human vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs). After coincubation with the trivalent chlorides (0.5–100 μg/mL) of rare earth metals for 24, 72, 144, and 240 h metabolic activity was determined at each time point using the colometric WST‐1 test. The tested rare earth metals did not lead to significant changes in metabolic activity over a wide concentration range. However, at high concentrations a decrease was observed. Apoptotic or necrotic effects were not observed. Furthermore, we analyzed the effects of Ce, Nd, Y, and Yb on the expression of genes involved in inflammatory processes. The expression of IL‐6, IL‐8, and ICAM‐1 in SMCs after exposure to Ce, Nd, Y, and Yb (5 and 50 μg/mL) was measured using quantitative real‐time PCR. Significant up‐regulation of IL‐6, IL‐8, and ICAM‐1 genes were only found after 24 h, mainly for a concentration of 50 μg/mL. Our cell culture data indicate that rare earth metals influence cellular processes of vascular cells. Whether adverse effects occur also in in vivo is the topic of further investigations. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Triggered release of small molecules from proteinoid microspheres
Authors: Quirk Stephen
Published: November 2008

Proteinoid microspheres (PM) are formed by the thermal condensation of amino acids. They have been useful to further evolutionary theory, as catalysts for some biochemical reactions, but they have not been overly useful as controlled delivery agents. It is possible however to construct PMs that contain organic small molecules in the interior space. This means that a PM could be used as a delivery agent, if a suitable method could be discovered to cause the release of the internal material. This report describes the formation of a PM that includes a molecular bridging agent that can be removed in a reducing environment. Removal of the bridge opens a hole or window in the PM that allows the interior material to escape. The rate at which the interior material is released from the PM can be controlled by the size of the window or by the reduction potential in the environment. These PMs can be used to temporally treat a variety of complications including wounds (chronic or acute) by delivering a sequestered reagent in a controlled manner and are advantageous in that amino acids are the primary delivery vehicle breakdown product. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Culture of skeletal muscle cells in unprecedented proximity to a gold surface
Authors: Coletti Dario , Scaramuzzo Francesca A. , Montemiglio Linda C. , Pristerà Alessandro , Teodori Laura , Adamo Sergio , Barteri Mario
Published: November 2008

Culturing of skeletal muscle cells on conductive surfaces is required to develop electronic device–muscle junctions for tissue engineering and medical applications. We characterized from a molecular and morphological point of view myogenic cells cultured on gold and on cysteamine‐coated gold, as compared to the standard plastic for cell culture. Our results show that cell proliferation and survival are comparable between cells grown on either of the gold surface or plastic. The majority of the cells cultured on gold surfaces retain the ability to respond to differentiation cues, as shown by nuclear translocation of myogenin. Following terminal differentiation, the myotubes cultured on cysteamine‐coated gold resemble myotube cultures obtained on plastic for the size and orientation of the myotube bundles retaining most of myosin expression; on the contrary, the myotube cultures on gold show a clumped morphology, likely due to repulsive cell‐substratum interaction resulting in aberrant differentiation. On the basis of the aforementioned evidences, the culture of muscle cells on cysteamine‐coated gold represents an advance with respect to previously reported substrata. The cysteamine self‐assembled monolayer coating is a simple approach to accomplish cultures of myotubes in unprecedented tight proximity to conductive surfaces. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Smooth muscle cell adhesion in surface‐modified three‐dimensional copolymer scaffolds prepared from co‐continuous blends
Authors: Bramfeldt Hanna , Sarazin Pierre , Vermette Patrick
Published: November 2008

In this article, tissue‐engineering scaffolds were fabricated from P(ϵ‐CL‐co‐D,L‐LA)‐PEG‐P(ϵ‐CL‐co‐D,L‐LA) copolymers using co‐continuous blends with polystyrene as the porogen phase. By means of static annealing and following extraction of the porogen phase, pore sizes (channel widths) in the range of 15–350 μm were obtained. Smooth muscle cells were seeded in three‐dimensional fibronectin‐modified scaffolds of two different pore sizes. Considerably enhanced cell seeding efficiency was found for scaffolds with larger pore sizes, indicating the importance of this parameter to promote effective cell intrusion into bulk materials. Compressive moduli ranged from 2.3 ± 0.3 to 67 ± 15 MPa and decreased with increasing pore size. The reverse trend was found for scaffold permeability (κ), which ranged from 8.5 × 10−16 to 6.7 × 10−11 m2. This was comparable with permeabilities previously reported for scaffolds with higher pore sizes and void volumes, but more irregular pore morphologies. Taken together, the results obtained in this study motivate further investigation for possible future applications in tissue engineering. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Cocultures of osteoblasts and osteoclasts are influenced by local application of zoledronic acid incorporated in a poly(D,L‐lactide) implant coating
Authors: Greiner S. , Kadow‐Romacker A. , Schmidmaier G. , Wildemann B.
Published: November 2008

The antiresorptive activity of bisphosphonates such as zoledronic acid (ZOL) has been shown in vitro to be because of their effect on osteoclasts and osteoblasts. However, whether the effect of ZOL on monocultures might be reproducible on cocultures and whether cell interactions might influence this effect has not been described. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of ZOL on cocultures of osteoblasts and osteoclasts in vitro. ZOL was incorporated in an implant coating based on poly(D,L‐lactide) in different concentrations (10–50 μM). Cell number was measured, and procollagen I synthesis, osteoprotegerin (OPG) secretion and soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (sRANKL) were analyzed. Moreover, TRAP‐positive cells and resorption lacunas on dentin chips were counted. Results showed that cell viability was not affected when treated with doses equivalent up to 50‐μM ZOL‐coated implants (ZOL‐CI). Procollagen I and OPG synthesis was highest when treated with 10 μM ZOL‐CI, whereas sRANKL showed no significant decrease when treated with the investigated concentrations of ZOL‐CI. TRAP‐positive cells were decreased when treated with ZOL‐CI in a dose‐dependent manner. Resorption activity of osteoclasts was not significantly decreased when treated with investigated concentrations of ZOL‐CI. Exposure to specific concentrations of ZOL‐CI showed a beneficial effect on osteoblast differentiation and protein synthesis. Formation of osteoclast was decreased, whereas a significant decrease in sRANKL secretion and resorption activity of osteoclasts could not be shown. The investigated effect on cocultures might be clinically useful to support fracture healing and to reduce orthopedic implant loosening. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Increased osteoblast functions in the presence of BMP‐7 short peptides for nanostructured biomaterial applications
Authors: Chen Yupeng , Webster Thomas J.
Published: November 2008

To improve bone regeneration around orthopedic biomaterials, researchers have attempted to combine growth factors on and in implants. Equally as exciting, greater bone growth has been demonstrated around nanoscaled materials (like helical rosette nanotubes or nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite) that mimic the geometry of the natural components of bone. To combine these two approaches, in this in vitro study, the ability of three short peptides [labeled for convenience: a or SNVILKKYRN, b or KPSSAPTQLN, and c or KAISVLYFDDS chosen from the larger bone morphogenetic protein‐7 (BMP‐7)] to promote osteoblast (bone‐forming cells) functions were determined. Shorter peptides of BMP‐7 are required for growth factor incorporation into nanoscale biomaterials because their sizes are in the nanometer regime. Results showed that of all the peptides, peptide b and the peptide combination a,b, enhanced osteoblast density the most after 5 days when compared with the controls (no growth factors). Furthermore, osteoblasts cultured with peptide b had a larger and more spread morphology than did controls. In addition, peptide c and its combinations (a, c; b, c; and a, b, c) increased osteoblast calcium deposition after 14 and 21 days compared with the controls. Since these peptides are much smaller than BMP‐7, the results of this study provided information that peptides can be easily chemically functionalized onto nanoscaled biomaterials to improve bone growth. Thus, the present study elucidated that shorter peptides in BMP‐7 was found to be more appropriate for inclusion in and on nanomaterials to promote osteoblast proliferation (peptide b and the peptide combination a,b) and osteoblast deposition of calcium‐containing mineral (peptide c and the peptide combinations a,c; b,c; and a, b, c). © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
PEGylation strategies for active targeting of PLA/PLGA nanoparticles
Authors: Betancourt Tania , Byrne James D. , Sunaryo Nicole , Crowder Spencer W. , Kadapakkam Meena , Patel Shefali , Casciato Shelly , Brannon‐Peppas Lisa
Published: November 2008

This work evaluates various techniques for the incorporation of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) onto biodegradable nanoparticles (NPs) of poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) or poly(lactic acid) (PLA) with the purpose of providing a functional site for surface conjugation of targeting agents and for improving surface properties. The techniques compared were based on NP preparation with blends of PLGA and poloxamer or with block copolymers of PLGA/PLA with PEG. Blending of PLGA with poloxamer 407 resulted in the incorporation of the latter to up to a 43 wt % content. Direct conjugation of heterofunctional NH2‐PEG‐COOH to the surface of premade NPs was not highly effective. Preparation of copolymers of PLGA with PEG was determined to be more effective and versatile by polymerization of lactide and glycolide dimers onto the hydroxyl group of heterofunctional OH‐PEG‐COOH than by conjugation of the premade polymers with carbodiimide chemistry. NPs prepared with these copolymers confirmed the surface localization of PEG and proved to be useful for conjugation of mouse immumoglobulin as a model targeting agent. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Characterization of interfacial chemistry of adhesive/dentin bond using FTIR chemical imaging with univariate and multivariate data processing
Authors: Wang Yong , Yao Xiaomei , Parthasarathy Ranganathan
Published: November 2008

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) chemical imaging can be used to investigate molecular chemical features of the adhesive/dentin interfaces. However, the information is not straightforward and is not easily extracted. The objective of this study was to use multivariate analysis methods, principal component analysis, and fuzzy c‐means clustering and to analyze spectral data in comparison with univariate analysis. The spectral imaging data collected from both the adhesive/healthy dentin and adhesive/caries‐affected dentin specimens were used and compared. The univariate statistical methods such as mapping of intensities of specific functional group do not always accurately identify functional group locations and concentrations because of more or less band overlapping in adhesive and dentin. Apart from the ease with which information can be extracted, multivariate methods highlight subtle and often important changes in the spectra that are difficult to observe using univariate methods. The results showed that the multivariate methods gave more satisfactory, interpretable results than univariate methods and were conclusive in showing that they can discriminate and classify differences between healthy dentin and caries‐affected dentin within the interfacial regions. It is demonstrated that the multivariate FTIR imaging approaches can be used in the rapid characterization of heterogeneous, complex structure. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
A novel biocompatible adhesive incorporating plant‐derived monomers
Authors: Klapperich Catherine M. , Noack Cassandra L. , Kaufman Jessica D. , Zhu Lin , Bonnaillie Laetitia , Wool Richard P.
Published: November 2008

We describe a new class of biomaterials with potential for a variety of applications in tissue engineering, wound healing, and transdermal drug delivery. These materials are based on oleic methyl ester (OME), which is derived from various plant oils including soybean oil. The OME was acrylated (AOME) and subsequently copolymerized with methyl methacrylate (MMA) and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) to form pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs). We assessed the cytocompatibility of each PSA product using Alamar Blue and Live/Dead assays. It was found that after 2 h, human fibroblast cells attached on all four of the PSA polymers tested. After 24 h, cell spreading was seen on all materials with the exception of the polymerized AOME product (PAOME). Cells attached to the copolymer PSA products continued to proliferate for up to 2 weeks, as shown by fluorescent confocal microscopy imaging. Finally, a mechanical analysis of each of the copolymers is presented demonstrating that they have a range of mechanical properties and cell adhesiveness depending on the formulation, making them attractive candidates for use as bioactive adhesives. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Stem cells in development of therapeutics for Parkinson's disease: A perspective
Authors: Xi Jiajie , Zhang Su‐Chun
Published: November 2008

Using Parkinson's disease as a prototype of neurodegenerative diseases, we propose applications of human stem cells in the development of therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases. First, in vitro differentiation of human stem cells offers a versatile model for dissecting molecular interactions underlying human dopamine (DA) neuron specification, which may form a foundation for instigating regeneration of DA neurons from progenitors that reside in the brain. Second, stem cells derived from diseased cells or through genetic modification can serve as a platform for unraveling biochemical processes that lead to the cellular pathogenesis of degeneration. This may in turn serve as a template for identifying or developing therapeutics for slowing, stopping, or reversing the disease process. And finally, stem cells, particularly those induced from patients' own cells, provide a reliable source of DA neurons for cell‐based therapy. J. Cell. Biochem. 105: 1153–1160, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
TGF‐β1 induces rearrangement of FLK‐1–VE‐cadherin–β‐catenin complex at the adherens junction through VEGF‐mediated signaling
Authors: Cook Brandoch D. , Ferrari Giovanni , Pintucci Giuseppe , Mignatti Paolo
Published: November 2008

VEGF and TGF‐β1 induce angiogenesis but have opposing effects on vascular endothelial cells: VEGF promotes survival; TGF‐β1 induces apoptosis. We have previously shown that TGF‐β1 induces endothelial cell apoptosis via up‐regulation of VEGF expression and activation of signaling through VEGF receptor‐2 (flk‐1). In context with TGF‐β1, VEGF signaling is transiently converted from a survival into an apoptotic one. VEGF promotes cell survival in part via activation of PI3K/Akt by a mechanism dependent on the formation of a multi‐protein complex that includes flk‐1 and the adherens junction proteins VE‐cadherin and β‐catenin. Here we report that TGF‐β1 induces rearrangement of the adherens junction complex by separating flk‐1 from VE‐cadherin and increasing β‐catenin association with both flk‐1 and VE‐cadherin. This rearrangement is caused neither by changes in adherens junction mRNA or protein expression nor by post‐translational modification, and requires VEGF signaling through flk‐1. These results show that the adherens junction is an important regulatory component of TGF‐β1–VEGF interaction in endothelial cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 105: 1367–1373, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
HDL3 reduces the association and modulates the metabolism of oxidized LDL by osteoblastic cells: A protection against cell death
Authors: Brodeur Mathieu R. , Brissette Louise , Falstrault Louise , Moreau Robert
Published: November 2008

Oxidized low density lipoproteins (OxLDL) are known to promote atherosclerosis, but it is only recently that OxLDL have been associated with alterations of the functions of bone‐forming osteoblasts and osteoporosis. Although high density lipoproteins (HDL) are recognized for their anti‐atherogenic action, there is less information about their ability to protect against osteoporosis. Therefore, we investigated the capacity of HDL3 to prevent the cell death induced by OxLDL in human osteoblastic cells. Simultaneous exposure of the cells to HDL3 and OxLDL abolished the reduction of cell viability monitored by MTT activity measurement and the induction of apoptosis determined by annexin V staining indicating that HDL3 prevent the apoptosis of osteoblasts induced by OxLDL. This protection correlated with the displacement by HDL3 of OxLDL association to osteoblasts, signifying that OxLDL binding and/or internalization are/is necessary for their cytotoxic effects. We also found that exposition of osteoblastic cells to HDL3 prior to incubation with OxLDL reduced cell death and preserved the lysosomal integrity. This protection was correlated with an increase of SR‐BI expression, a modification of OxLDL metabolism with less global uptake of OxLDL and greater selective uptake of cholesterol from OxLDL. These results strongly suggest that, as for atherosclerosis, HDL may exert beneficial actions on bone metabolism. J. Cell. Biochem. 105: 1374–1385, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quercetin sensitizes human hepatoma cells to TRAIL‐induced apoptosis via Sp1‐mediated DR5 up‐regulation and proteasome‐mediated c‐FLIPS down‐regulation
Authors: Kim Jin Yeop , Kim Eun Hee , Park Seok Soon , Lim Jun Hee , Kwon Taeg Kyu , Choi Kyeong Sook
Published: November 2008

This study demonstrates that combined treatment with subtoxic doses of quercetin (3′,3′,4′,5,7‐pentahydroxyflavone), a flavonoid found in many fruits and vegetables, plus tumor necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) induces rapid apoptosis in TRAIL‐resistant hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Effective induction of apoptosis by the combined treatment with quercetin and TRAIL was not blocked by overexpression of Bcl‐xL, which is known to confer resistance to various chemotherapeutic agents. These results suggest that this combined treatment may provide an attractive strategy for treating resistant HCCs. While the proteolytic processing of procaspase‐3 by TRAIL was partially blocked in various HCC cells treated with TRAIL alone, co‐treatment with quercetin efficiently recovered TRAIL‐induced caspase activation. We found that quercetin treatment of HCC cells significantly up‐regulated the mRNA and protein levels of DR5, a death receptor of TRAIL, in a transcription factor Sp1‐dependent manner. Furthermore, treatment with quercetin significantly decreased the protein levels of c‐FLIP, an inhibitor of caspase‐8, through proteasome‐mediated degradation. Finally, administration of small interfering RNA against DR5 or overexpression of c‐FLIPS, but not c‐FLIPL, significantly attenuated quercetin‐stimulated TRAIL‐induced apoptosis. Collectively, these findings show that quercetin recovers TRAIL sensitivity in various HCC cells via up‐regulation of DR5 and down‐regulation of c‐FLIPS. J. Cell. Biochem. 105: 1386–1398, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
DUB‐1, a fate determinant of dynein heavy chain in B‐lymphocytes, is regulated by the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway
Authors: Lee Min‐Young , Ajjappala Brijesh S. , Kim Myung‐Sun , Oh Yu‐Kyoung , Baek Kwang‐Hyun
Published: November 2008

Ubiquitinaiton and deubiquitination of post‐translational modification play counter roles in determining the fate of protein function in eukaryotic system for maintaining the cellular homeostasis. Even though novel family members of growth‐regulating deubiquitinating enzymes (DUB‐1 and DUB‐2) have been identified, their target proteins and functions are poorly understood. Dub genes encoding DUB‐1 and DUB‐2 are immediate‐early genes and are induced in response to cytokine stimuli rapidly and transiently. In order to explore the possible proteins regulated by DUB‐1, we performed the matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF‐MS) analysis followed by immunoprecipitation. We confirmed that DUB‐1 interacts with dynein heavy chain, which is known to regulate the movement of organelles and microtubule binding ability. In addition, structural and immunoprecipitation analyses revealed that DUB‐1 contains a putative PEST motif and is polyubiquitinated, indicating that DUB‐1 is also regulated by the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway. J. Cell. Biochem. 105: 1420–1429, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cell size increased in tissues from transgenic mice overexpressing a cell surface growth‐related and cancer‐specific hydroquinone oxidase, tNOX, with protein disulfide‐thiol interchange activity
Authors: Yagiz Kader , Snyder Paul W. , Morré D. James , Morré Dorothy M.
Published: November 2008

tNOX (ENOX2), a cancer‐specific and growth‐related cell surface protein with protein disulfide‐thiol interchange and hydroquinone (NADH) oxidase activities was overexpressed in a transgenic mouse model. Female transgenic mice grew faster than wild type as did embryonic fibroblast cells prepared from the transgenic mice. The tissue expression of tNOX mRNA was greatest in heart, lung and liver. When these tissues were analyzed for cell size, the cells from the tissues of transgenic animals were, on average, 20% larger in surface area than cells from corresponding wild‐type tissues. Also analyzed were cells of intestine, spleen and kidney in which tNOX overexpression was observed but to a lesser extent. Cell size was increased as well with intestine and kidney but less so with spleen. At the end of the study, carcass weights of the transgenic animals were greater than those of wild type. This increase in carcass weight was reflected in an increase in femur weight and thickness in both male and female transgenic mice but not in femur length. Other carcass parameters such as skin weight and body fat or body fluids were unchanged or changes were insufficient to account for the increased carcass weight. The findings are consistent with the property of tNOX observed in studies with cultured cells as contributing to the enlargement phase of cell growth. J. Cell. Biochem. 105: 1437–1442, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adipose triglyceride lipase regulates basal lipolysis and lipid droplet size in adipocytes
Authors: Miyoshi Hideaki , Perfield James W. , Obin Martin S. , Greenberg Andrew S.
Published: November 2008

In adipocytes, lipid droplet (LD) size reflects a balance of triglyceride synthesis (lipogenesis) and hydrolysis (lipolysis). Perilipin A (Peri A) is the most abundant phosphoprotein on the surface of adipocyte LDs and has a crucial role in lipid storage and lipolysis. Adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) and hormone‐sensitive lipase (HSL) are the major rate‐determining enzymes for lipolysis in adipocytes. Each of these proteins (Peri A, ATGL, and HSL) has been demonstrated to regulate lipid storage and release in the adipocyte. However, in the absence of protein kinase A (PKA) stimulation (basal state), the lipases (ATGL and HSL) are located mainly in the cytoplasm, and their contribution to basal rates of lipolysis and influence on LD size are poorly understood. In this study, we utilize an adenoviral system to knockdown or overexpress ATGL and HSL in an engineered model system of adipocytes in the presence or absence of Peri A. We are able to demonstrate in our experimental model system that in the basal state, LD size, triglyceride storage, and fatty acid release are mainly influenced by the expression of ATGL. These results demonstrate for the first time the relative contributions of ATGL, HSL, and Peri A on determination of LD size in the absence of PKA stimulation. J. Cell. Biochem. 105: 1430–1436, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Plumbagin‐induced apoptosis of human breast cancer cells is mediated by inactivation of NF‐κB and Bcl‐2
Authors: Ahmad Aamir , Banerjee Sanjeev , Wang Zhiwei , Kong Dejuan , Sarkar Fazlul H.
Published: November 2008

Breast cancer remains the major cause of cancer‐related deaths in women world‐wide. The heterogeneity of breast cancer has further complicated the progress of target‐based therapies. Triple negative breast cancers, lacking estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and the Her‐2/neu (ErbB2), represent a highly aggressive breast cancer subtype, that are difficult to treat. Pleiotropic agents, such as those found in nature, can target receptor‐positive as well as receptor‐negative cancer cells, suggesting that such agents could have significant impact in breast cancer prevention and/or therapy. Plumbagin (5‐hydroxy‐2‐methyl‐1, 4‐naphthoquinone) is one such agent which has anti‐tumor activity against several cancers. However, its mechanism of action against breast cancer is not clearly understood. We hypothesized that plumbagin may act as an effective agent against breast cancer especially triple negative breast cancer. We tested our hypothesis using ER‐positive MCF‐7 and ER‐negative MDA‐MB‐231 (triple negative) breast cancer cells, and we found that plumbagin significantly inhibits the growth of breast cancer cells with no effect on normal breast epithelial cells. We also found that plumbagin induces apoptosis with concomitant inactivation of Bcl‐2 and the DNA binding activity of NF‐κB. Bcl‐2 over‐expression resulted in attenuation of plumbagin‐induced effects, suggesting that the inhibition of cell growth and induction of apoptosis by plumbagin is in part due to inactivation of NF‐κB/Bcl‐2 pathway. To our knowledge, this is the first report, showing mechanistic and cancer cell specific apoptosis‐inducing effects of plumbagin in breast cancer cells, suggesting the potential role of plumbagin in the prevention and/or treatment of breast cancer. J. Cell. Biochem. 105: 1461–1471, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human stem cells for modeling neurological disorders: Accelerating the drug discovery pipeline
Authors: Crook Jeremy Micah , Kobayashi Nao Rei
Published: November 2008

The availability of human stem cells heralds a new era for modeling normal and pathologic tissues and developing therapeutics. For example, the in vitro recapitulation of normal and aberrant neurogenesis holds significant promise as a tool for de novo modeling of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. Translational applications include deciphering brain development, function, pathologies, traditional medications, and drug discovery for novel pharmacotherapeutics. For the latter, human stem cell‐based assays represent a physiologically relevant and high‐throughput means to assess toxicity and other undesirable effects early in the drug development pipeline, avoiding late‐stage attrition whilst expediting proof‐of‐concept of genuine drug candidates. Here we consider the potential of human embryonic, adult, and induced pluripotent stem cells for studying neurological disorders and preclinical drug development. J. Cell. Biochem. 105: 1361–1366, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sneaking up and stumbling back: Textiles sector performance under crisis conditions in Zimbabwe
Authors: Chiripanhura Blessing M.
Published: November 2008

The paper examines the structure and performance of the textiles and clothing sectors in Zimbabwe. Based on firm level data, it examines the challenges and factors behind the resilience of the two sectors. It shows that increased flexibility, reduced capacity utilisation, modernisation of production systems and production incentives were among the most important factors exploited by firms to remain in business. It shows the main hindrance as macroeconomic instability that caused raw materials and skills shortages. It concludes that the sectors still have comparative advantage that can be exploited in a stable economy. The challenge is that the longer the current crisis goes unresolved, the more likely it is that the sectors will lose all the potential comparative advantage, implying that firms that have survived the crisis since 1997 may eventually be forced to shut down. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microwave‐accelerated synthesis of psychoactive deuterated N,N‐dialkylated‐[α,α,β,β‐d4]‐tryptamines
Authors: Brandt Simon D. , Tirunarayanapuram Sri Subha , Freeman Sally , Dempster Nicola , Barker Steven A. , Daley Paul F. , Cozzi Nicholas V. , Martins Cláudia P. B.
Published: November 2008

A large number of N,N‐dialkylated tryptamines are known to induce psychoactive effects in humans. This has resulted in their increased attention within clinical and forensic communities. Deuterated tryptamines are ideal for use as internal standards during MS bioanalysis or of use in biochemical NMR studies. The present study reports on a microwave‐enhanced synthesis of 22 N,N‐dialkylated‐[α,α,β,β‐d4]‐tryptamines via the reduction with lithium aluminium deuteride of glyoxalylamide precursors obtained by the procedure of Speeter and Anthony. Syntheses were carried out using a single‐mode system under elevated pressure conditions where anhydrous tetrahydrofuran was used as the solvent at 150°C. Good yields were obtained within 5 min. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐quality relationships, psychological safety, and learning from failures in work organizations
Authors: Carmeli Abraham , Gittell Jody Hoffer
Published: November 2008

How can organizations support employees to engage in learning from failures? In this paper, we draw on the concept of high‐quality relationships to explore the relational underpinnings of learning from failures in organizations. We focus on relational coordination as a specific manifestation of high‐quality relationships and examine how the relational dimensions of relational coordination—shared goals, shared knowledge, and mutual respect—foster psychological safety and thus enable organizational members to engage in learning from failures. The results of two separate studies support our mediation model where psychological safety mediates the link between high‐quality relationships and learning from failures in organizations. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An examination of the factorial, construct, and predictive validity and utility of the regulatory focus at work scale
Authors: Wallace J. Craig , Johnson Paul D. , Frazier M. Lance
Published: November 2008

Although interest in regulatory focus research continues to grow, there has been very little work to date on the assessment and usefulness of regulatory focus in the workplace. The present research effort reports the results of a series of studies designed to assess the validity and utility of the Regulatory Focus at Work Scale (RWS). The results indicate that the RWS is reliable, valid, and showed incremental validity beyond general and trait‐like measures of regulatory focus in predicting relevant work outcomes of task performance, citizenship performance, safety performance, and productivity performance. The overall results of these studies support our claims that the RWS shows utility in predicting workplace outcomes and should prove useful for future research on regulatory focus in the workplace. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reference database of Raman spectra of pharmaceutical excipients
Authors: de Veij Marleen , Vandenabeele Peter , De Beer Thomas , Remon Jean Paul , Moens Luc
Published: November 2008

Raman spectroscopy has evolved into an important fast, direct and nondestructive technique in pharmaceutical analysis. Usually, the focus in this field is mainly on the active ingredients and not on the excipients present in the drugs. A collection of Raman spectra of widely used pharmaceutical excipients is presented in this article, which can serve as a reference for the interpretation of Raman spectra during drug analysis (including classical qualitative and quantitative pharmaceutical analysis, counterfeit tracing and process analytical technology (PAT) applications). The 43 analyzed excipients can be classified into seven categories: mono‐ and disaccharides (dextrose, lactitol, maltitol, lactose and sucrose), polysaccharides (microcrystalline cellulose, methylcellulose (MC), carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), wheat starch, maltodextrin, primojel, tragacanth and pectin), polyalcohols (propylene glycol, erythritol, xylitol, mannitol and sorbitol), carboxylic acids and salts (alginic acid, glycine, magnesium stearate, sodium acetate and sodium benzoate), esters (arachis oil, lubritab, dibutyl sebacate, triacetin, Eudragit E100 and Eudragit RL100), inorganic compounds (calcium phosphate, talc, anatase and rutile (TiO2), calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate and calcium sulfate) and some unclassified products [gelatin, macrogol 4000 (polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyvinyl pyrrolidone and sodium lauryl sulfate]. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of chemical structure on film‐forming properties of seed oils
Authors: Biresaw G. , Bantchev G.
Published: November 2008

The film thickness of seven seed oils and two petroleum‐based oils of varying chemical structure was investigated by the method of optical interferometry. The measured film thickness (hmeas) was then compared to that calculated using the Hamrock–Dowson (H‐D) equation. The result showed that the H‐D equation adequately and without exception predicted hmeas in the high entrainment speed region but not in the low entrainment speed region. In order to understand these deviations further, the chemical structural variabilities of the oils were quantified using empirical parameters, and its effect on film thickness in the low entrainment speed region was examined. The result of this examination indicated that, in the low entrainment speed region, the film thickness of seed oils (i) rarely correlates with viscosity as proposed by the H‐D equation, (ii) increases with decreasing polarity of the oil, and (iii) increases with decreasing degree of unsaturation of the oils. Published in 2008 by John Wiley and Sons, Ltd.
Clinical analysis and surgical results of cardiac myxoma in pediatric patients
Authors: Wu Kai Hong , Mo Xu Ming , Liu Ying Long
Published: November 2008

Background

Cardiac myxoma, the most common primary tumor in the adult, is less often encountered in infants and children. We reviewed our series of children with cardiac myxoma over a 22‐year period and present the long‐term results of surgical resection of the tumor.

Patients and Methods

From January 1985 to December 2006, 15 children between the ages of 5 months and 14 years (mean age, 6.5 years) with cardiac myxoma were reviewed. Follow‐up information from every patient was obtained from outpatient records and direct patient contact.

Results

Cardiac signs appeared in 86.7% of the patients. Most myxomas originated from the left atrium. There was no operative death. No patients were lost to follow‐up, and the mean follow‐up was 9.6 years. There were no late deaths during the follow‐up. To date, 13 of 15 operative survivors were in New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class I without medication and the other 2 were in class II. All patients demonstrated sinus rhythm and no child required reexcision of tumor.

Conclusions

Our clinical experience showed surgical resection was a safe and effective treatment for cardiac myxoma in pediatric patients and the risk of recurrence was low during the long term follow‐up. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;99:48–50. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Does chemotherapy increase morbidity and mortality after pneumonectomy?
Authors: Alan Stolz , Jan Simonek , Tomas Harustiak , Robert Lischke , Jan Schutzner , Pavel Pafko
Published: November 2008

Background

The impact of chemotherapy on postoperative complications after pneumonectomy remains unclear, and the procedure is often considered as potentially dangerous.

Methods

This retrospective review of prospectively collected data included 269 patients operated from January 1, 1998 through December 31, 2007. Group 1 included patients those who received preoperative chemotherapy (PCT) and pneumonectomy (54 patients, 20%), and group 2 included patients who underwent pneumonectomy alone (215 patients, 80%).

Results

Overall 30‐ and 90‐day mortality rates were 5.9% and 8.9%, respectively. Postoperative mortality at 30 days was 5.6% in group 1 and 6% in group 2 (P = 0.16), and 11.1% for group 1 and 8.3% in group 2 at 90 days (P = 0.8). Incidence of postoperative respiratory failure was 3.7% in group 1 and 3.2% in group 2 (P = 0.62); incidence of empyema was 5.5% in group 1 and 2.8% in group 2 (P = 0.1). Incidence of bronchopleural fistula (BPF) was 3.7% in group 1 and 2.8% in group 2 (P = 0.55); risk of BPF was higher following right pneumonectomy (6.1%) versus left pneumonectomy (0%, P = 0.003).

Conclusions

PCT does not significantly increase postoperative morbidity and early mortality after pneumonectomy in our experience. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;99:38–41. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.