bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acetate, the Key Modulator of Inflammatory Responses in Acute Alcoholic Hepatitis
Authors: Kendrick Stuart F. W. , O'Boyle Graeme , Mann Jelena , Zeybel Mujdat , Palmer Jeremy , Jones David E. J. , Day Chris P.
Published: February 2010

Acute alcoholic hepatitis is characterized by disproportionate macrophage inflammatory cytokine responses to bacterial lipopolysaccharide. Lack of knowledge of the underlying mechanism has limited progress toward effective therapy. We postulated a novel mechanism by which ethanol increases histone acetylation, increasing proinflammatory gene transcription and cytokine synthesis. Cytokine responses to lipopolysaccharide in a human macrophage cell line cultured in 86 mM ethanol, 1 mM acetate, and normal media were measured by multiplex immunoassay. Changes in histone acetylation were determined by immunofluorescence microscopy and chromatin immunoprecipitation on presentation. The effect of ethanol and acetate on acetyl-coenzyme A (acetyl-coA) synthetases, which convert acetate to acetyl-coA, the substrate for histone acetylation, was determined by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting. Knockdown of acetyl-coA synthetases by short hairpin RNA (shRNA) was used to determine their role in ethanol's enhancement of the inflammatory cytokine response. Ethanol-exposed macrophages developed enhanced interleukin 6 (IL6), IL8, and tumor necrosis factor alpha responses to lipopolysaccharide with time-dependent increases in histone acetylation that could be prevented by inhibition of ethanol metabolism. Chromatin immunoprecipitation confirmed increased histone acetylation at promoter regions of specific cytokine genes. The effect of ethanol was reproduced by incubation with acetate, the principal hepatic metabolite of ethanol, and both ethanol and acetate reduced histone deacetylase activity and up-regulated acetyl-coA synthetases. Knockdown of the acetyl-coA synthetases abrogated the effect of ethanol on cytokine production.

Conclusion:

Synthesis of metabolically available acetyl-coA from acetate is critical to the increased acetylation of proinflammatory gene histones and consequent enhancement of the inflammatory response in ethanol-exposed macrophages. This mechanism is a potential therapeutic target in acute alcoholic hepatitis. (Hepatology 2010)
Infrared spectroscopy indicates altered bone turnover and remodeling activity in renal osteodystrophy
Authors: Isaksson Hanna , Turunen Mikael J , Rieppo Lassi , Saarakkala Simo , Tamminen Inari S , Rieppo Jarno , Kröger Heikki , Jurvelin Jukka S
Published: February 2010

Renal osteodystrophy alters metabolic activity and remodeling rate of bone and also may lead to different bone composition. The objective of this study was to characterize the composition of bone in high-turnover renal osteodystrophy patients by means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic imaging (FTIRI). Iliac crest biopsies from healthy bone (n = 11) and patients with renal osteodystrophy (ROD, n = 11) were used in this study. The ROD samples were from patients with hyperparathyroid disease. By using FTIRI, phosphate-to-amide I ratio (mineral-to-matrix ratio), carbonate-to-phosphate ratio, and carbonate-to-amide I ratio (turnover rate/remodeling activity), as well as the collagen cross-link ratio (collagen maturity), were quantified. Histomorphometric analyses were conducted for comparison. The ROD samples showed significantly lower carbonate-to-phosphate (p < .01) and carbonate-to-amide I (p < .001) ratios. The spatial variation across the trabeculae highlighted a significantly lower degree of mineralization (p < .05) at the edges of the trabeculae in the ROD samples than in normal bone. Statistically significant linear correlations were found between histomorphometric parameters related to bone-remodeling activity and number of bone cells and FTIRI-calculated parameters based on carbonate-to-phosphate and carbonate-to-amide I ratios. Hence the results suggested that FTIRI parameters related to carbonate may be indicative of turnover and remodeling rate of bone. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Fracture risk prediction using BMD and clinical risk factors in early postmenopausal women: Sensitivity of the WHO FRAX tool
Authors: Trémollieres Florence A , Pouillès Jean-Michel , Drewniak Nicolas , Laparra Jacques , Ribot Claude A , Dargent-Molina Patricia
Published: February 2010

The aim of this prospective study was (1) to identify significant and independent clinical risk factors (CRFs) for major osteoporotic (OP) fracture among peri- and early postmenopausal women, (2) to assess, in this population, the discriminatory capacity of FRAX and bone mineral density (BMD) for the identification of women at high risk of fracture, and (3) to assess whether adding risk factors to either FRAX or BMD would improve discriminatory capacity. The study population included 2651 peri- and early postmenopausal women [mean age (± SD): 54 ± 4 years] with a mean follow-up period of 13.4 years (±1.4 years). At baseline, a large set of CRFs was recorded, and vertebral BMD was measured (Lunar, DPX) in all women. Femoral neck BMD also was measured in 1399 women in addition to spine BMD. Women with current or past OP treatment for more than 3 months at baseline (n = 454) were excluded from the analyses. Over the follow-up period, 415 women sustained a first low-energy fracture, including 145 major OP fractures (108 wrist, 44 spine, 20 proximal humerus, and 13 hip). In Cox multivariate regression models, only 3 CRFs were significant predictors of a major OP fracture independent of BMD and age: a personal history of fracture, three or more pregnancies, and current postmenopausal hormone therapy. In the subsample of women who had a hip BMD measurement and who were not receiving OP therapy (including hormone-replacement therapy) at baseline, mean FRAX value was 3.8% (±2.4%). The overall discriminative value for fracture, as measured by the area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), was equal to 0.63 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.56–0.69] and 0.66 (95% CI 0.60–0.73), respectively, for FRAX and hip BMD. Sensitivity of both tools was low (ie, around 50% for 30% of the women classified as the highest risk). Adding parity to the predictive model including FRAX or using a simple risk score based on the best predictive model in our population did not significantly improve the discriminatory capacity over BMD alone. Only a limited number of clinical risk factors were found associated with the risk of major OP fracture in peri- and early postmenopausal women. In this population, the FRAX tool, like other risk scores combining CRFs to either BMD or FRAX, had a poor sensitivity for fracture prediction and did not significantly improve the discriminatory value of hip BMD alone. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Occupational cadmium exposure and calcium excretion, bone density, and osteoporosis in men
Authors: Nawrot Tim , Geusens Piet , Nulens Tom S , Nemery Benoit
Published: February 2010

Exposure to cadmium has been associated with osteoporosis and fracture risk in women and the elderly, but studies in middle-aged men are lacking. In 83 male (ex)workers (mean age 45 years; range 24 to 64 years) in a radiator factory using cadmium-containing solder, we investigated the association between urinary cadmium excretion (as an index of lifetime body burden); bone mineral density (BMD) in the distal forearm, hip, and lumbar spine (by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry); and urinary calcium excretion. Geometric mean urinary cadmium concentration was 1.02 µg/g of creatinine (5th to 95th percentile 0.17 to 5.51 µg/g). BMD was negatively correlated with urinary exposure to cadmium. The partial correlation coefficients (r) adjusted for age, body-mass index, and current smoking were −0.30 (p = .008) for BMD in the forearm, −0.27 (p = .017) in the hip, and −0.17 (p = .15) in the spine. Urinary calcium correlated positively (r = 0.23, p = .044) with the urinary cadmium excretion. Adjusted for the same covariates, the risk of osteoporosis (defined as a T-score below −2.5 in at least one measured bone site) increased dose dependently. Compared with the lowest tertile of urinary cadmium, the risks were 4.8- and 9.9-fold higher in the middle and highest tertiles, respectively. Only four (5%) men had evidence of renal tubular dysfunction (β2-microglobulin > 300 µg/g of creatinine). Even in the absence of renal tubular dysfunction, occupational exposure to cadmium is associated in men with lower BMD values, a higher risk of having osteoporosis, and a higher urinary calcium excretion, suggesting a direct osteotoxic effect of cadmium. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Correlates of trabecular and cortical volumetric bone mineral density of the radius and tibia in older men: The osteoporotic fractures in men study
Authors: Barbour Kamil E , Zmuda Joseph M , Strotmeyer Elsa S , Horwitz Mara J , Boudreau Robert , Evans Rhobert W , Ensrud Kristine E , Petit Moira A , Gordon Christopher L , Cauley Jane A ,   for the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) Research Group
Published: February 2010

Quantitative computed tomography (QCT) can estimate volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) and distinguish trabecular from cortical bone. Few comprehensive studies have examined correlates of vBMD in older men. This study evaluated the impact of demographic, anthropometric, lifestyle, and medical factors on vBMD in 1172 men aged 69 to 97 years and enrolled in the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study (MrOS). Peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) was used to measure vBMD of the radius and tibia. The multivariable linear regression models explained up to 10% of the variance in trabecular vBMD and up to 9% of the variance in cortical vBMD. Age was not correlated with radial trabecular vBMD. Correlates associated with both cortical and trabecular vBMD were age (−), caffeine intake (−), total calcium intake (+), nontrauma fracture (−), and hypertension (+). Higher body weight was related to greater trabecular vBMD and lower cortical vBMD. Height (−), education (+), diabetes with thiazolidinedione (TZD) use (+), rheumatoid arthritis (+), using arms to stand from a chair (−), and antiandrogen use (−) were associated only with trabecular vBMD. Factors associated only with cortical vBMD included clinic site (−), androgen use (+), grip strength (+), past smoker (−), and time to complete five chair stands (−). Certain correlates of trabecular and cortical vBMD differed among older men. An ascertainment of potential risk factors associated with trabecular and cortical vBMD may lead to better understanding and preventive efforts for osteoporosis in men. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Mechanical stretching induces osteoprotegerin in differentiating C2C12 precursor cells through noncanonical Wnt Pathways
Authors: Yu Hsiao-Chi , Wu Tzu-Chin , Chen Mei-Ru , Liu Shan-Wen , Chen Jen-Hao , Lin Kurt Ming-Chao
Published: February 2010

Mechanical loading is known to be important for maintaining the formation and resorption rates of bone. To study the mechanisms by which mechanical loading regulates osteogenesis, we investigated the role of the Wnt pathway in C2C12 cells committed to osteogenic differentiation in response to cyclic mechanical stretching. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) acts as a decoy receptor for RANKL to inhibit osteoclastogenesis and resorption of bone. Our results demonstrate that stretching leads to a sustained increase in OPG expression in C2C12 cells. The expression of osteogenic marker genes, such as osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase, was transiently decreased by stretching at 24 hours and returned to control levels at 48 hours. The addition of inhibitors of the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathways, such as the secreted FZD-related peptide sRFP2, as well as siRNA-mediated knockdown, did not inhibit the effect of stretching on OPG expression. In contrast, treatment with inhibitors of noncanonical Wnt signaling, including KN93, and siRNA for Nemo-like kinase (NLK) blocked most of the mechanical inductive effect on OPG. Furthermore, stretching-induced OPG production in the culture medium was able to inhibit the osteoclast formation of bone marrow macrophages. These results suggest that mechanical stretching may play an important role in bone remodeling through the upregulation of OPG and that the mechanical signaling leading to OPG induction involves the noncanonical Wnt pathway. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Initiation of telomere‐mediated chromosomal rearrangements in cancer
Authors: Mai Sabine
Published: February 2010

Telomeres are the ends of chromosomes and protect them from degradation and fusion. As such, their stability is required for normal cellular function. Telomere dysfunction is found often at the origin of cellular transformation and contributes to the onset of genomic instability, a hallmark of cancer cells. In this article, I discuss current data and concepts on telomere‐mediated chromosomal rearrangements in cancer. J. Cell. Biochem. 109: 1095–1102, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A GPU solvent–solvent interaction calculation accelerator for biomolecular simulations using the GROMOS software
Authors: Schmid Nathan , Bötschi Mathias , Van Gunsteren Wilfred F.
Published: February 2010

During the past few years, graphics processing units (GPUs) have become extremely popular in the high performance computing community. In this study, we present an implementation of an acceleration engine for the solvent–solvent interaction evaluation of molecular dynamics simulations. By careful optimization of the algorithm speed‐ups up to a factor of 54 (single‐precision GPU vs. double‐precision CPU) could be achieved. The accuracy of the single‐precision GPU implementation is carefully investigated and does not influence structural, thermodynamic, and dynamic quantities. Therefore, the implementation enables users of the GROMOS software for biomolecular simulation to run the solvent–solvent interaction evaluation on a GPU, and thus, to speed‐up their simulations by a factor 6–9. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2010
A massively multicore parallelization of the Kohn‐Sham energy gradients
Authors: Brown Philip , Woods Christopher J. , McIntosh‐Smith Simon , Manby Frederick R.
Published: February 2010

In a previous article [Brown et al., J Chem Theory Comput 2009, 4, 1620], we described a quadrature‐based formulation of the Kohn‐Sham Coulomb problem that allows for efficient parallelization over thousands of small processor cores. Here, we present the analytic gradients of this modified Kohn‐Sham scheme, and describe the parallel implementation of the gradients on a numerical accelerator architecture. We demonstrate an order‐of‐magnitude acceleration for the combined energy and gradient calculation over a conventional single‐core implementation. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2010
Perceived barriers to psychological treatments and their relationship to depression
Authors: Mohr David C. , Ho Joyce , Duffecy Jenna , Baron Kelly G. , Lehman Kenneth A. , Jin Ling , Reifler Douglas
Published: February 2010

In spite of repeated calls for research and interventions to overcome individual and systemic barriers to psychological treatments, little is known about the nature of these barriers. To develop a measure of perceived barriers to psychological treatment (PBPT), items derived from 260 participants were administered to 658 primary care patients. Exploratory factor analysis on half the sample resulted in 8 factors, which were supported by confirmatory factor analysis conducted on the other half. Associations generally supported the criterion validity of PBPT scales, with self‐reported concurrent use of psychotherapy and psychotherapy attendance in the year after PBPT administration. Depression was associated with greater endorsement of barriers. These findings suggest that the PBPT may be useful in assessing perceived barriers. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 66: 1–16, 2010.
Cell signaling and cancer‐possible targets for therapy
Authors: Wenner Charles E.
Published: February 2010

Tumor progression involves the acquisition of properties which include growth‐factor independent cell proliferation, failure of inhibition by growth‐inhibitory signals, ability to invade surrounding tissues, and to evade apoptosis, etc. Characterization of the profile or molecular signature of the tumor may permit the development of rational therapies that target the aberrant pathways. Rapidly growing tumor cells are usually associated with a high rates of glycolysis and in these cells, it may be advantageous to exploit this pathway which most likely is required for optimal synthetic needs. Combinatorial therapeutic agents which target the growth factor signal transduction pathways as well as apoptotic signaling pathways provide an opportunity for maximal therapeutic benefit. J. Cell. Physiol. 223: 299–308, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A comparison of positive and negative ion collision‐induced dissociation for model heptapeptides with one basic residue
Authors: Pu Dan , Clipston Nigel L. , Cassady Carolyn J.
Published: February 2010

The effects of the identity and position of basic residues on peptide dissociation were explored in the positive and negative modes. Low‐energy collision‐induced dissociation (CID) was performed on singly protonated and deprotonated heptapeptides of the type: XAAAAAA, AAAXAAA, AAAAAXA and AAAAAAX, where X is arginine (R), lysine (K) or histidine (H) residues and A is alanine. For [M + H]+, the CID spectra are dominated by cleavages adjacent to the basic residues and the majority of the product ions contain the basic residues. The order of a basic residue's influence on fragmentation of [M + H]+ is arginine > histidine ≈ lysine, which is also the order of decreasing gas‐phase basicity for these amino acids. These results are consistent with the side chains of basic residues being positive ion charge sites and with the more basic arginine residues having a higher retention (i.e. sequestering) of the positive charge. In contrast, for [M − H]− the identity and position of basic residues has almost no effect on backbone fragmentation. This is consistent with basic residues not being negative mode charge sites. For these peptides, more complete series of backbone fragments, which are important in the sequencing of unknowns, can be found in the negative mode. Spectra at both polarities contain C‐terminal y‐ions, but yn″+ has two more hydrogens than the corresponding yn−. Another major difference is the production of the N‐terminal backbone series bn+ in the positive mode and cn− in the negative mode. Thus, comparison of positive and negative ion spectra with an emphasis on searching for pairs of ions that differ by 2 Da (yn″+ vs yn−) and by 15 Da (bn+ vs cn−) may be a useful method for determining whether a product ion is generated from the C‐terminal or the N‐terminal end of a peptide. In addition, a characteristic elimination of NHCNH from arginine residues is observed for deprotonated peptides. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure and composition changes in the cell wall in relation to texture of shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) stored in modified atmosphere packaging
Authors: Jiang Tianjia , Wang Qiushuang , Xu Shasha , Jahangir Muhammad Muzammil , Ying Tiejin
Published: February 2010

BACKGROUND: Firmness in shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes) is an important textural attribute affecting consumer attitudes toward freshness and quality. In this study, the effects of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) treatments on structure and composition changes in cell walls in relation to the texture of mushrooms were investigated.

RESULTS: Shiitake mushrooms were packaged in low density polyethylene bags with no holes (M0), two microholes (M1), four macroholes (M2), stored at 4 °C for 16 days with non‐wrapped mushrooms as control. Control mushrooms showed the highest firmness value due to significant increase of cellulose and chitin. All three MAP treatments reduced losses of protein and polysaccharides; the M2 treatment can best preserve the original texture while mushrooms in M0 became soft and deteriorated, possibly due to higher CO2 accumulation, lower cellulose and chitin content. Transmission electron microscopy performed on caps at harvest and after 16 days indicated that disintegration of plasmalemma had been alleviated by M2 treatment, leading to better preservation of the cell wall.

CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that differences in firmness of shiitake mushrooms during storage may be due to differences in cellulose and chitin concentrations. M2 treatment may be a useful way of maintaining shiitake mushrooms texture during storage at 4 °C. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Psychiatric diagnoses among Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans screened for deployment‐related traumatic brain injury
Authors: Carlson Kathleen F. , Nelson David , Orazem Robert J. , Nugent Sean , Cifu David X. , Sayer Nina A.
Published: February 2010

The authors examined psychiatric diagnoses in administrative records for 13,201 United States military veterans who were screened for traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Department of Veterans Affairs facilities. Over 80% of the veterans with positive TBI screens had psychiatric diagnoses. Compared to veterans with negative TBI screens, those with positive screens, but without confirmed TBI status, were three times more likely to have a posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis and were two times more likely to have depression and substance‐related diagnoses. Among veterans with positive TBI screens, those with clinically confirmed TBI status were more likely than those without confirmed TBI status to have diagnoses for PTSD, anxiety, and adjustment disorders. These findings have implications for health care delivery and provider education.
Biocompatibility Studies of Functionalized Regioregular Poly(3‐hexylthiophene) Layers for Sensing Applications
Authors: Scarpa Giuseppe , Idzko Anna‐Lena , Götz Stefan , Thalhammer Stefan
Published: February 2010

There is a significant medical and biological need for cheap disposable analytical sensing devices, which can be used in clinical settings or medical research. Organic electronics based on polymeric materials, being suitable for large‐area, low‐cost, flexible, and maybe even disposable electronics, could satisfy this need in a very elegant way. Unfortunately, the ensurance of biocompatibility and biofunctionalization of conducting and semiconducting polymers is still often lacking. In the present study, we concentrate on one of the most promising polymeric materials, regioregular poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT), being both a reasonably conducting and optically active polymer. To overcome biocompatibility problems, protein‐based coatings and oxygen‐plasma treatments are performed to enable growth of adherent living cells on those modified surfaces. For our studies, the polymer material is spun or casted onto glass substrates under an inert nitrogen atmosphere. The toxic solvents are removed by thermal treatment with subsequent application of the coating or functionalizing materials. Cell‐growth studies and adhesion experiments on the modified P3HT thin‐film layers are carried out with mouse fibroblasts. This work demonstrates the biocompatibility and biofunctionalization of an active semiconducting organic polymer, hence opening new possibilities in the realization of biomedical test systems based on organic biosensors in life sciences.

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Antagonism of macrophage migration inhibitory factor decreases cyclophosphamide cystitis in mice
Authors: Vera Pedro L. , Iczkowski Kenneth A. , Howard Daniel J. , Jiang Lixian , Meyer‐Siegler Katherine L.
Published: February 2010

Aims

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a pro‐inflammatory cytokine found pre‐formed in the urothelium. During inflammation, MIF is released into the bladder lumen and bladder MIF mRNA is upregulated. Since MIF also has tautomerase activity and blocking tautomerase activity also blocks MIF's biological activity, we hypothesized that blocking MIF's tautomerase activity would prevent bladder inflammation. Therefore, we examined the effects of a MIF tautomerase inhibitor (ISO‐1; also blocks biological activity) on cyclophosphamide (CYP)‐induced cystitis in mice.

Methods

Mice receiving CYP (300 mg/kg; i.p.) to induce cystitis or saline (control) were treated either with ISO‐1 (20 mg/kg; i.p.; daily) or vehicle (20% DMSO; i.p.; daily) for 2 days. After 2 days, micturition volume and frequency in awake mice were recorded and also mechanical sensitivity to abdominal stimulation using von Frey monofilaments. Bladders were collected under anesthesia and examined histologically, nerve growth factor levels were assayed in bladder homogenates, and production of inflammatory cytokines in the bladder was determined using a targeted array.

Results

CYP treatment resulted in decreased micturition volume, increased frequency, decreased threshold, increased histological signs of cystitis, increased bladder NGF levels and production of inflammatory cytokines when compared to the control group. Treatment with ISO‐1 prevented or greatly decreased all these changes.

Conclusion

Antagonizing MIF's activity with a systemic MIF tautomerase inhibitor was able to prevent or greatly reduced chemical cystitis in mice, thus indicating the MIF mediates bladder inflammation in this model. MIF represents a novel and important modulator of cystitis. Neurourol. Urodynam. 29:1451–1457, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Radiological appearance of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour
Authors: Rasalkar Darshana D. , Chu Winnie C.W. , To Ka‐fai , Cheng Frankie W.T. , Li C.K.
Published: February 2010

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour (IMFT) is a distinct entity with variable clinical presentation and therapeutic options. We present three paediatric cases of IMFT, originated from the lung, bladder and ovary respectively. All lesions were heterogeneous, with mixed solid/cystic components and infiltrative pattern, and were interpreted as aggressive malignant neoplasms initially due to their bizarre imaging appearance. The definitive diagnosis was derived from characteristic histopathological features. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:1029–1031 © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An updated follow‐up of chronic hepatitis C after three decades of observation in pediatric patients cured of malignancy
Authors: Cesaro Simone , Bortolotti Flavia , Petris Maria Grazia , Brugiolo Alessandra , Guido Maria , Carli Modesto
Published: February 2010

Background

The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics and the long‐term outcome of chronic hepatitis C in a cohort of Caucasian children cured of pediatric malignancy.

Procedure

The study population included 83 consecutive patients, referred to our Center with a diagnosis of leukemia/lymphoma (50) or solid tumors (33) between 1977 and 1989 and infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) during chemotherapy.

Results

At enrollment 77 subjects were HCV‐RNA positive. After a median follow‐up of 21 years (range 13–36), a sustained virological response (SVR) was obtained in 3 of 29 patients (10%) treated with interferon (IFN), in 1 of 3 patients (33%) treated with IFN and ribavirin, and in 5 of 11 patients (42%) treated with pegylated‐IFN and ribavirin (P = 0.03). Forty‐two patients remained untreated and only one (2.5%) cleared viremia. Four of 77 patients (5%) developed cirrhosis while other 4 patients died of causes not related to liver. At last follow‐up, 72% of HCV‐RNA positive patients had abnormal ALT.

Conclusions

In patients cured of pediatric malignancy chronic hepatitis C tends to run an indolent course during childhood and adolescence but more than 70% of treated and more than 80% of untreated cases children maintained HCV viremia. Moreover, after 2–3 decades of observation, 60% of HCV‐RNA positive patients had abnormal ALT and 5% had developed cirrhosis. Among treated patients, IFN or pegylated‐IFN and ribavirin obtained the higher rate of HCV‐RNA clearance. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;55:108–112. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pleuropulmonary blastoma with intrabronchial extension
Authors: Goel Prabudh , Panda Shashank , Srinivas M. , Kumar Dinesh , Seith Aashu , Ahuja Arvind , Sarkar Chitra , Chowdhury Shiv , Agarwala Sandeep
Published: February 2010

A 3‐year‐old male presented with an episode of respiratory distress that was superimposed on a 2½ years history of recurrent chest infections. The chest radiograph and a contrast enhanced CT scan revealed a cystic cavity in the left upper lobe with an endobronchial soft tissue mass in left bronchus. Left bronchotomy and removal of the endobronchial soft tissue mass and left upper lobectomy were performed. The histology of the specimen revealed a pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) type II. The presentation, diagnosis, and management of this uncommon case of PPB with intrabronchial extension are described. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:1026–1028 © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Using a cross‐model loadings plot to identify protein spots causing 2‐DE gels to become outliers in PCA
Authors: Kristiansen Luise Cederkvist , Jacobsen Susanne , Jessen Flemming , Jørgensen Bo M.
Published: February 2010

The multivariate method PCA is an exploratory tool often used to get an overview of multivariate data, such as the quantified spot volumes of digitized 2‐DE gels. PCA can reveal hidden structures present in the data, and thus enables identification of potential outliers and clustering. Based on PCA, we here present an approach for identification of protein spots causing 2‐DE gels to become outliers. The approach can potentially obviate analytical exclusion of entire 2‐DE gels.
Effects of thawing, refreezing and storage conditions of tissue samples and protein extracts on 2‐DE spot intensity
Authors: Weist Stephanie , Brunkau Cindy , Wittke Janosch , Eravci Murat , Broedel Oliver , Krause Eberhard , Stephanowitz Heike , Eravci Selda , Baumgartner Andreas
Published: February 2010

We report that reliable quantitative proteome analyses can be performed with tissue samples stored at −80°C for up to 10 years. However, storing protein extracts at 4°C for 24 h and freezing protein extracts at −80°C and thawing them significantly altered 41.6 and 17.5% of all spot intensities on 2‐DE gels, respectively. Fortunately, these storing effects did not impair the reliability of quantifying 2‐DE experiments. Nonetheless, the results show that freezing and storage conditions should be carefully controlled in proteomic experiments.
Stimulated single‐cell force spectroscopy to quantify cell adhesion receptor crosstalk
Authors: Friedrichs Jens , Helenius Jonne , Müller Daniel J.
Published: February 2010

To control their attachment to substrates and other cells, cells regulate their adhesion receptors. One regulatory process is receptor crosstalk, where the binding of one type of cell adhesion molecule influences the activity of another type. To identify such crosstalk and gain insight into their mechanisms, we developed the stimulated single‐cell force spectroscopy assay. In this assay, the influence of a cells adhesion to one substrate on the strength of its adhesion to a second substrate is examined. The assay quantifies the adhesion of the cell and the contributions of specific adhesion receptors. This allows mechanisms by which the adhesion is regulated to be determined. Using the assay we identified crosstalk between collagen‐binding integrin α1β1 and fibronectin‐binding integrin α5β1 in HeLa cells. This crosstalk was unidirectional, from integrin α1β1 to integrin α5β1, and functioned by regulating the endocytosis of integrin α5β1. The single‐cell assay should be expandable for the screening and quantification of crosstalk between various cell adhesion molecules and other cell surface receptors.
Mapping pro‐ and antiangiogenic factors on the surface of prostasomes of normal and malignant cell origin
Authors: Babiker Adil A. , Magnusson Peetra U. , Ronquist Gunnar , Nilsson Bo , Ekdahl Kristina Nilsson
Published: February 2010

BACKGROUND

Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels by capillary sprouting from pre‐existing vessels. Tumor growth is angiogenesis‐dependent and the formation of new blood vessels is associated with the increased expression of angiogenic factors. Prostasomes are secretory granules produced, stored and released by the glandular epithelial cells of the prostate. We investigated the expression of selected angiogenic and anti‐angiogenic factors on the surface of prostasomes of different origins as well as the direct effect of prostasomes on angiogenesis.

METHODS

VEGF, endothelin‐1, endostatin, and thrombospondin‐1 were determined on prostasomes from seminal fluid and human prostate cancer cell lines (DU145,PC‐3,LNCaP) using different immunochemical techniques. Human dermal microvascular endothelial cells were incubated with seminal and DU145 cell‐prostasomes and with radioactive thymidine. The effect of prostasomes on angiogenesis was judged by measuring the uptake of labeled thymidine. The presence of any deleterious effects of prostasomes on the endothelial cells was investigated using thymidine assay and confocal laser microscopy.

RESULTS

VEGF and endothelin‐1 were determined on malignant cell‐prostasomes (no difference between cell lines) but not determined on seminal prostasomes. The same applies for the expression of endostatin but with much higher expression on malignant cell‐prostasomes with obvious differences between them. Seminal and DU145 cell‐prostasomes were found to have anti‐angiogenic effect which was more expressed by DU145 cell‐prostasomes. No deleterious effect of prostasomes on endothelial function was detected using either thymidine assay or microscopy.

CONCLUSIONS

Prostasomes contain pro‐ and anti‐angiogenic factors that function to counteract each other unless the impact from one side exceeds the other to bring about dysequilibrium. Prostate 70: 834–847, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of two haplotypes of cytochrome oxidase subunit II (COII) gene of the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae), in southern Mississippi
Authors: Zhu Yu Cheng , Sun Jian‐Zhong , Luo Lily Li , Liu Xiaofen Fanny , Lee Karmen Christeen , Mallette Eldon J , Abel Craig A
Published: February 2010

BACKGROUND: Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki was accidentally introduced into the United States from Asia. The introduction of the pest has brought significant economic consequences. During the past decade, Mississippi has become a significantly infested state, partly due to the proximity to coastal port cities such as New Orleans. This study was initiated to investigate the origin and infestation route of C. formosanus in southern Mississippi.

RESULTS: Twenty‐eight colonies (21 colonies from Mississippi, six from Louisiana, one from China) were collected. Sequencing and analysis of 112 sequences revealed 15 haplotypes of cytochrome oxidase subunit II (COII) gene in the world. Two haplotypes of COII were identified in Mississippi. In addition, specific primers were designed and tested differentially to amplify characteristic fragments for verifying and surveying different genotypes of C. formosanus in the future.

CONCLUSION: Of the two haplotypes identified in Mississippi, the GA group was identical to those reported previously in Georgia, Louisiana, Alabama and other infested states. The second haplotype, the AT group, was identified for the first time in southeastern United States. Sequence identity of the AT‐group C. formosanus with those reported mainly in southeastern Asian countries provided evidence of at least two introductions of C. formosanus into the United States. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Ge‐based skutterudites MPt4Ge12: A comparative 195Pt NMR study
Authors: Baenitz Michael , Sarkar Rajib , Gumeniuk Roman , Leithe‐Jasper Andreas , Schnelle Walter , Rosner Helge , Burkhardt Ulrich , Schmidt Markus , Schwarz Ulrich , Kaczorowski Darius , Grin Yuri , Steglich Frank
Published: February 2010

The new Ge‐based skutterudites MPt4Ge12 are investigated by 195Pt NMR. They form with M = Ba, Sr, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Th and U and in contrast to some pnictide skutterudites they remain metallic independent of the filler ion. Here we show that, consistent with the Korringa theory, the residual shift 195K(T → 0) scales with the density of states N(EF) and with the electronic specific heat coefficient γ. For the heavy filler ions La and Th an unusual 195K(T) dependence was found which might be associated to the effect of dynamic disorder (rattling). For paramagnetic CePt4Ge12 a Curie–Weiss‐like behaviour in both the shift 195K(T) and the bulk susceptibility χ(T) confirms the Ce3+‐4f1‐state at high temperatures. At low temperatures 195K(T) passes through a maximum at around 60 K and saturates below 10 K. This is interpreted being due to an unstable Ce valence, like, e.g. in CeSn3. Further evidence comes from the spin‐lattice relaxation where 195(1/T1) starts to deviate from its low‐temperature linear Korringa‐type of behaviour at around 60 K. We discuss our findings in the context of a dense Kondo system with valence fluctuations. For the van‐Vleck paramagnet SmPt4Ge12 at low‐temperatures, surprisingly, the shift is of the same order as for CePt4Ge12. It also passes through a maximum but at much lower temperatures (∼6 K).
Quantum percolation transition in Eu1−xCaxB6
Authors: Glushkov V. V. , Anisimov M. A. , Bogach A. V. , Demishev S. V. , Filipov V. B. , Flachbart K. , Kuznetsov A. V. , Levchenko A. V. , Shitsevalova N. Yu. , Sluchanko N. E.
Published: February 2010

The study of transport and magnetic properties performed on Eu1−xCaxB6 single crystals with nominal Ca content 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4 at temperatures 1.8–300 K in magnetic fields up to 80 kOe provides the direct experimental evidence of metal‐to‐insulator transition (MIT) earlier proposed for the system by V. M. Pereira et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett., 93, 147202 (2004)]. A giant enhancement of magnetoresistance up to the values of (ρ(0) − ρ(H))/ρ(H) ∼ 7 × 107% was detected for x = 0.4 in the wide vicinity of the ferromagnetic insulating state. The field induced crossover from hole‐like to electron‐like regime of charge transport observed for the first time in the paramagnetic phase of Eu0.6Ca0.4B6 is discussed in terms of quantum percolation transition predicted for this low carrier density system within double exchange model.
In Vitro activities of plant extracts from Saudi Arabia against malaria, leishmaniasis, sleeping sickness and Chagas disease
Authors: Abdel‐Sattar Essam , Maes Louis , Salama Maha Mahmoud
Published: February 2010

The in vitro activity of the methanol extracts of 51 plants randomly collected from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and some of their fractions (petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and aqueous) were evaluated against Plasmodium falciparum, Trypanosoma brucei brucei, T. cruzi and Leishmania infantum, as well as toxicity against MRC‐5 fibroblast cells. Ten crude methanolic extracts that demonstrated potent and adequately selective antiprotozoal activity were subjected to solvent fractionation using petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and chloroform. Only three samples showed promising antiprotozoal activity. Argemone ochroleuca (CHCl3 fraction) showed pronounced activity against P. falciparumGHA (IC50 0.32 μg/mL) and T. cruzi (IC50 0.30 μg/mL) with low cytotoxicity against MRC‐5 cells (CC50 11.6 μg/mL). Capparis spinosa (EtOAc fraction) showed pronounced activity against P. falciparumGHA with an IC50 0.50 μg/mL in the absence of toxicity against MRC‐5 cell line (CC50 > 30 μg/mL). Heliotropium curassavicum (CHCl3 fraction) showed similar activity against P. falciparum (IC50 0.65 μg/mL; MRC‐5 CC50 > 30 μg /mL). These three extracts will be subjected for further extensive studies to isolate and identify their active constituents. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of sustainable packaging in the norwegian shopping basket 2001–2007
Authors: Møller Hanne , Rubach Synnøve , Hanssen Ole Jørgen
Published: February 2010

The main purpose of the Norwegian Shopping Basket Survey (referred to here as the Survey) is to document development in packaging optimization and generation of packaging waste in the Norwegian packaging sector over time. As the environmental and resource efficiency of packaging systems depends to a large extent on the prevention of product loss, material intensity of the packaging and closing of the material loops, these factors are important elements in the characterization of sustainability of packaging systems. In this project we calculate indicators for material intensity and material recycling, based on the European Union (EU) directive on packaging and packaging waste (EC 64/92) and the corresponding European Committee for Standardization (CEN)‐standards EN 13427‐13432. The survey consists of 22 product categories that have a significant economic contribution to the retail sector. In each product category the three products with the highest turnover (market leaders) and the three products with the most rapid increase in turnover each year (market winners) are chosen. The survey result shows that the weighted packaging material intensity for the market leaders has been reduced but that the net material intensity has been rather constant. Data for the market winners indicate a much larger variation throughout the period, which is expected because many of the products change from year to year. The numbers of packaging changes are counted. Market changes are found to be the most important factor affecting the differences in material intensity. Changes in the packaging system of the individual products are less important. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Radar/rain‐gauge comparisons on squall lines in Niamey, Niger for the AMMA
Authors: Russell B. , Williams E.R. , Gosset M. , Cazenave F. , Descroix L. , Guy N. , Lebel T. , Ali A. , Metayer F. , Quantin G.
Published: February 2010

Massachusetts Institute of Technology C‐band radar observations are integrated with rainfall measurements from an extensive network of gauges in Niamey, Niger, West Africa, for the African Monsoon and Multidisciplinary Analysis (AMMA). The large number of gauges available enabled Ze–R power‐law relationships for the convective and stratiform regions of individual squall lines. The Ze–R relationships based solely on radar measurements directly over the gauges were developed for the estimate of rainfall and attendant latent heat release (by other AMMA investigators) where gauges were unavailable. The low prefactor values of the Ze–R power laws relative to like values for Z–R disdrometer power laws have contributions of order 1–2 dB from the use of the lowest beam tilt (0.57° ) and ∼1–2 dB by the radar reading low. (The sphere calibration and the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission TRMM—radar calibration are inconsistent at the 1–2 dB level for unknown reasons.) Radar/gauge comparisons are also shown for individual storms. Accurate, unbiased results for the convective regime require adjustment of the radar‐to‐gauge radials for attenuation. Beam filling problems and aliasing issues can often be identified in the case of outlier points. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Laboratory experiments on mountain‐induced rotors
Authors: Knigge C. , Etling D. , Paci A. , Eiff O.
Published: February 2010

In this article we present some laboratory experiments on stratified flows over isolated obstacles which were aimed at the simulation of atmospheric rotors as induced by the interaction of mountain waves and the boundary layer. For this purpose we modified the classical tank experiments on mountain waves performed with constant density gradients by introducing an elevated density inversion above the obstacle height. This kind of inversion seems to favour very much the development of mountain‐induced rotors as was shown in recent numerical simulations. In fact our experimental set‐up was guided by the simulations of Vosper, which provided systematically the upstream conditions under which mountain rotors are expected. We were able to confirm the results from these numerical simulations over a wide range of parameters. Detailed analyses of flow structures for some selected cases, as obtained by particle image velocimeter analysis, are presented. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Newly identified human rhinoviruses: molecular methods heat up the cold viruses
Authors: Arden Katherine E. , Mackay Ian M.
Published: February 2010

Human rhinovirus (HRV) infections cause at least 70% of virus‐related wheezing exacerbations and cold and flu‐like illnesses. They are associated with otitis media, sinusitis and pneumonia. Annually, the economic impact of HRV infections costs billions in healthcare and lost productivity. Since 1987, 100 officially recognised HRV serotypes reside in two genetically distinct species; HRV A and HRV B, within the genus Enterovirus, family Picornaviridae. Sequencing of their ∼7kb genomes was finalised in 2009. Since 1999, many globally circulating, molecularly‐defined ‘strains’, perhaps equivalent to novel serotypes, have been discovered but remain uncharacterised. Many of these currently unculturable strains have been assigned to a proposed new species, HRV C although confusion exists over the membership of the species. There has not been sufficient sampling to ensure the identification of all strains and no consensus criteria exist to define whether clinical HRV detections are best described as a distinct strain or a closely related variant of a previously identified strain (or serotype). We cannot yet robustly identify patterns in the circulation of newly identified HRVs (niHRVs) or the full range of associated illnesses and more data are required. Many questions arise from this new found diversity: what drives the development of so many distinct viruses compared to other species of RNA viruses? What role does recombination play in generating this diversity? Are there species‐ or strain‐specific circulation patterns and clinical outcomes? Are divergent strains sensitive to existing capsid‐binding antivirals? This update reviews the findings that trigger these and other questions arising during the current cycle of intense rhinovirus discovery. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.