bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Labidiasteroside A, a Novel Saponin from the Antartic Starfish Labidiaster Annulatus
Authors: Díaz de Vivar M. E. , Maier M. S. , Seldes A. M.
Published: November 2008

Purification of the ethanolic extract of the starfish L. annulatus led to the isolation of two sulfated glycosides and a pentahydroxylated steroid. One of the saponins contains a novel pentasaccharide chain attached to C-6 of the steroidal aglycone.
Antioxidant Activity of Methanolic Extracts from Peanut Skin
Authors: Nepote V. , Grosso N. R. , Guzmán C. A.
Published: November 2008

Antioxidant activity of skin from runner peanut was performed on sunflower refined oil. The skin was obtained from industrial blanching process. The oil was oxidized at 60ºC. The methanolic extracts show antioxidant activity in relation to the oil (without additives). However these extracts do not reach the activity level from BHT.
Quantitative determination of β,β‐dimethylacrylshikonin (DASK) in rat whole blood by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry with pre‐column derivation and its pharmacokinetic application
Authors: Tian Huifang , Sun Dongxiao , Dou Guifang , Yuan Dan , Meng Zhiyun
Published: November 2008

A sensitive and selective liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometric (LC‐MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the determination of β,β‐dimethylacrylshikonin (DASK) in rat whole blood. DASK was pretreated using pre‐column derivatization with 2‐mercaptoethanol followed by liquid–liquid extraction with cyclohexane. Detection was performed on Thermo Finnigan TSQ Quantum triple quadrupole mass spectrometer by selected reaction monitoring mode via electrospray ionization source. The linear range for the determination of DASK spiked in rat whole blood (0.25 mL) was 3–3000 ng/mL. The accuracy was within 9%. Intra‐ and inter‐day precisions were no more than 16.1 and 13.3%, respectively. The validated LC‐MS/MS method was successfully applied to the preliminary pharmacokinetic study in rats. After DASK administration (60 mg/kg, p.o.) in rats, pharmacokinetic parameters were obtained, where the area under the drug concentration–time curve was 2393.7 ± 224.4 ng h/mL and the elimination half‐life was 27.6 ± 5.3 h. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanism of 3‐nitropropionic acid‐induced membrane permeability transition of isolated mitochondria and its suppression by L‐carnitine
Authors: Nishimura Makoto , Okimura Yuya , Fujita Hirofumi , Yano Hiromi , Lee Jintae , Suzaki Etsuko , Inoue Masayasu , Utsumi Kozo , Sasaki Junzo
Published: November 2008

3‐Nitropropionic acid (3NP) functions as an irreversible inhibitor of succinic acid dehydrogenase (complex II) and induces neuronal disorders in rats similar to those in patients with Huntington's disease. It is well known that L‐carnitine (LC), a carrier of long chain fatty acid into the mitochondrial matrix, attenuates the neuronal degeneration in 3NP‐treated rats. From these findings it has been suggested that 3NP induces certain neuronal cell death through mitochondrial dysfunction and that LC preserves the neurons against the dysfunction of mitochondria caused by 3NP. However, the detailed mechanism of cell death by 3NP and the protective actions of LC against the mitochondrial dysfunction have not been fully elucidated yet. Thus, we studied the molecular mechanism of the effects of 3NP and LC on isolated rat liver mitochondria. 3NP inhibited succinate respiration and the decreased respiratory control ratio of isolated mitochondria without affecting oxidative phosphorylation. 3NP induced a membrane permeability transition (MPT), which plays an important role in the mechanism of apoptotic cell death. 3NP stimulated Ca2+ release from mitochondria, decreased membrane potential, induced mitochondrial swelling, and stimulated cytochrome c release from mitochondria. 3NP‐induced swelling was suppressed by bovine serum albumin, inhibitors of phospholipase A2 and by an inhibitor of classic MPT, cyclosporin A. Furthermore, LC suppressed the changes brought about by 3NP in mitochondrial functions in the presence of ATP. These results suggest that MPT underlies the mechanism of 3NP‐induced cell death, and that LC attenuates mitochondrial MPT by decreasing long chain fatty acids generated by phospholipase A2. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Developmental expression of Rab11, a small GTP‐binding protein in Drosophila epithelia
Authors: Sasikumar Satish , Roy Jagat Kumar
Published: November 2008

Intracellular membrane trafficking regulates a wide variety of developmental processes, including cell and tissue morphogenesis. Here we report developmental expression of Drosophila Rab11, a small GTP‐binding protein, required for both endocytic recycling and exocytosis. Rab11 is expressed in the epithelial cell types of diverse lineages at all developmental stages, beginning from the cellular blastoderm in early embryos to adult primordia and adult tissues, like the columnar epithelia lining male ejaculatory bulb. A robust expression of Rab11 is seen both in the amnioserosa and in the lateral epidermis during embryonic dorsal closure, a morphogenetic event that involves spreading and fusion of the contra‐lateral sides of epidermis. Rab11 mutant embryos fail to display the characteristic morphological changes in these two epithelial tissues during dorsal closure, providing a strong basis to dissect the role of Rab11 in coordinated epithelial sheet movements. genesis 47:32–39, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Availability of autoantigenic epitopes controls phenotype, severity, and penetrance in TCR Tg autoimmune gastritis
Authors: Levin Ditza , DiPaolo Richard J. , Brinster Carine , Revilleza Maria Jamela R. , Boyd Lisa F. , Teyton Luc , Natarajan Kannan , Mage Michael G. , Shevach Ethan M. , Margulies David H.
Published: November 2008

We examined TCR:MHC/peptide interactions and in vivo epitope availability to explore the Th1‐ or Th2‐like phenotype of autoimmune disease in two TCR Tg mouse models of autoimmune gastritis (AIG). The TCR of strains A23 and A51 recognize distinct IAd‐restricted peptides from the gastric parietal cell H/K‐ATPase. Both peptides form extremely stable MHC/peptide (MHC/p) complexes. All A23 animals develop a Th1‐like aggressive, inflammatory AIG early in life, while A51 mice develop indolent Th2‐like AIG at 6–8 wk with incomplete penetrance. A51 T cells were more sensitive than A23 to low doses of soluble antigen and to MHC/p complexes. Staining with IAd/peptide tetramers was only detectable on previously activated T cells from A51. Thus, despite inducing a milder AIG, the A51 TCR displays a higher avidity for its cognate IAd/peptide. Nonetheless, in vivo proliferation of adoptively transferred A51 CFSE‐labeled T cells in the gastric lymph node was relatively poor compared with A23 T cells. Also, DC from WT gastric lymph node, presenting processed antigen available in vivo, stimulated proliferation of A23 T cells better than A51. Thus, the autoimmune potential of these TCR in their respective Tg lines is strongly influenced by the availability of the peptide epitope, rather than by differential avidity for their respective MHC/p complexes.
Cover Picture: Eur. J. Immunol. 12/08
Authors: Allam Ramanjaneyulu , Pawar Rahul D. , Kulkarni Onkar P. , Hornung Veit , Hartmann Gunter , Segerer Stephan , Akira Shizuo , Endres Stefan , Anders Hans‐Joachim
Published: November 2008

The cover image depicts IgG immunostaining in kidney glomerulus of MRLlpr/lpr mice. Immunostaining for total IgG was performed on paraffin‐embedded renal sections and image was captured using a fluorescence microscope at an original magnification of × 400. The image was taken from the article by Allam et al. (pp. 3487–3498) in which the authors demonstrate that although both 3P‐RNA and non‐CpG DNA aggravate experimental lupus in nephritic MRLlpr/lpr mice, these ligands aggravate autoimmunity via distinct pathways.
Reactivity versus Stability of Oxiranes under Palladium‐Catalyzed Reductive Conditions
Authors: Thiery Emilie , Le Bras Jean , Muzart Jacques
Published: November 2008

This review highlights the different selectivities and efficiencies of the Pd‐catalyzed reductive procedures that have been applied to substrates containing an epoxide ring. The proposed mechanisms are also described with, in some cases, personal comments. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Confronting colonial legacies—lessons from human development in Ghana and Kenya, 1880–2000
Authors: Moradi Alexander
Published: November 2008

A growing body of scholarly research locates the roots of Africa's poverty in its colonial past. However, studies avoid tracing Africa's development over the full course of history. In this paper, I quantify the changes in well‐being of the African population in Ghana and Kenya, at the regional level, during the years 1880‐2000. By using body stature as a measure of nutritional status I overcome the scarcity and unreliability of historical data. The two countries had a much more diverse development under colonial times than commonly assumed, with phases of substantial progress (which was also unevenly distributed between the regions). Based on these new findings I confront the existing colonial legacy literature and point to possible lessons that can be drawn from human development over the last 120 years. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Late Quaternary vegetation and fire history in the northernmost Nothofagus forest region: Mallín Vaca Lauquen, Neuquén Province, Argentina
Authors: Markgraf Vera , Whitlock Cathy , Anderson R. Scott , García Adriana
Published: November 2008

The last 16 000 cal. a of vegetation, fire and limnological history are described from the steppe‐forest ecotone in the northernmost Nothofagus forest region east of the Andes (Mallín Vaca Lauquen, Neuquén Province, Argentina, latitude 36° 51.336′ S, longitude 71° 02.538′ W). Between 16 000 and 14 800 cal. a BP, scrub steppe with substantial open ground expanded in formerly glaciated valleys, whereas Nothofagus–Prumnopitys andina woodland covered mountain slopes. The site was a relatively deep and unproductive small lake at this time. After 14 800 cal. a BP, both steppe and woodland vegetation became denser, indicating increased moisture and temperatures, although not to present levels. The lake was still relatively deep and dystrophic, but became more alkaline by 10 000 cal. a BP. Between 8900 and 5500 cal. a BP, conditions were markedly drier than before; a Cyperaceae marsh developed and disturbance taxa increased. After 5500 cal. a BP, moisture increased but varied greatly, as evidenced by fluctuating water levels and high fire activity from 5500 to 4400 cal. a BP and from 2300 to 1000 cal. a BP. Human activity, in terms of forest clearance and livestock grazing, is documented in the uppermost levels. The evidence of high environmental variability in the middle and late Holocene is consistent with the onset or strengthening of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation, but differences in the timing of fire activity among sites on the west and east sides of the Andes suggest that fuel conditions were important in determining the local occurrence of fire. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rheological Behaviors in the Regimes from Dilute to Concentrated in Cellulose Solutions Dissolved at Low Temperature
Authors: Lue Ang , Zhang Lina
Published: November 2008

Cellulose was dissolved rapidly in 9.5 wt.‐% NaOH/4.5 wt.‐% thiourea aqueous solution pre‐cooled to −5 °C to prepare cellulose solution with different concentrations. The rheological properties of the cellulose solutions in wide concentration regimes from dilute (0.008 wt.‐%) to concentrated (4.0 wt.‐%) at 25 °C were investigated. On the basis of data from the steady‐shear flow test, the critical overlap (c*), the entanglement (ce) and the gel (cg) concentrations of the cellulose solution at 25 °C were determined, respectively, to be 0.10 wt.‐%, 0.53 wt.‐% and 2.50 wt.‐%, in accordance with the results of storage modulus (G′) versus c by dynamic test. Moreover, the Cox‐Merz deviation at relatively low concentrations was in good agreement with the micro‐gel particles in dilute regime. As the cellulose concentration increased, a homogeneous 3‐dimensional network formed in the cellulose solution in the concentrated regime, and further increasing of the concentration led to micro‐phase separation as determined by the time‐temperature superposition (tTS). So far, this complex cellulose solution has been successfully described by the concentration regime theory for the first time, and the relatively molecular morphologies in each regime have been determined, providing useful information for the applications of the cellulose solution systems.

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Enhanced delineation of white matter structures of the fixed mouse brain using Gd‐DTPA in microscopic MRI
Authors: Kim Sungheon , Pickup Stephen , Hsu Oliver , Poptani Harish
Published: November 2008

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of gadolinium (III) diethyltriaminepenta‐acetic acid (Gd‐DTPA) mixed with a fixative on the image contrast between the white and gray matter of the perfusion‐fixed mouse brain. A series of microscopic MRI (µMRI) studies using different concentrations of Gd‐DTPA were performed at multiple time points to determine the optimal Gd‐DTPA concentration and fixation time necessary to maximize the contrast‐to‐noise ratio between the white and gray matter with relatively short scan time using a three‐dimensional gradient‐echo pulse sequence. On the basis of the experimental results, high‐resolution (39 µm isotropic) images with excellent contrast‐to‐noise ratio (∼50) were acquired in less than 2 h of scan time after the specimen had been soaked in 10 mM Gd‐DTPA for 4 days. Excellent correlation was noted between µMRI and histology in that the µMRI clearly depicted brain regions that were also observed by the Kluver–Barrera stain. The enhanced contrast between the white and gray matter obtained by the proposed µMRI method may facilitate the development of µMRI‐based morphological phenotyping methods for mouse models of neurological disorders. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The management of climate change through prescribed Savanna burning: Emerging contributions of indigenous people in Northern Australia
Authors: Whitehead Peter J. , Purdon Paul , Russell‐Smith Jeremy , Cooke Peter M. , Sutton Stephen
Published: November 2008

Australia has committed to substantial cuts in greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE) achieved through a national emissions trading system, raising important issues for relatively undeveloped regions of Northern Australia and, in particular, Indigenous lands. Can mostly Indigenous and socio‐economically disadvantaged people living in such regions develop institutions to contribute significantly to the mitigation of GHGE, yet pursue regional development? Will national policies adequately recognise the special needs and potential contributions of such communities? These questions and the challenges inherent in them are addressed in this article with reference to a significant initiative involving the community management of landscape fire to reduce annual GHGE from savanna burning. This initiative appears to offer potential for engagement with global carbon markets, but it will need local, national and international support, along with appropriate changes in attitudes and legal arrangements, to ensure an equitable distribution of tangible rewards, while protecting the cultural and related benefits of customary fire use. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The clean development mechanism in China and India: A comparative institutional analysis
Authors: Ganapati Sukumar , Liu Liguang
Published: November 2008

The clean development mechanism (CDM) is a project‐based instrument that allows developed countries to receive credits toward meeting their obligatory targets under the Kyoto Protocol by investing in emission reduction projects in developing countries. This article provides a comparative institutional analysis of the CDM in China and India. It focuses on each country's ‘designated national authority’ (DNA), which is the national agency to approve CDM projects. Three dimensions of the DNAs are considered: their structures, their policies and the CDM project market. Although the DNAs in both China and India have their strengths and weaknesses, China's approach in particular has some positive lessons for other DNAs. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Emergency cerclage in cases of twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome with a short cervix at the time of surgery and relationship to perinatal outcome
Authors: Salomon L. J. , Nasr B. , Nizard J. , Bernard J. P. , Essaoui M. , Bussieres L. , Ville Y.
Published: November 2008

Objective

To evaluate the impact of emergency cerclage on perinatal outcome in cases presenting with cervical length less than fifth centile at the time of laser surgery.

Population and Methods

Observational study of severe twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) cases diagnosed before 26 weeks of gestation and treated by fetoscopic selective laser coagulation (FSLC). Transvaginal sonographic measurement of cervical length prior to treatment identified cases with cervical length less than fifth centile (15 mm). Expectant management was followed in these cases prior to 2004, and a McDonald suture was performed immediately after laser surgery from 2004 onwards. Outcome was compared in patients with and without cerclage.

Results

Cervical length was a strong predictor for gestational age (GA) at delivery (p = 0.005). Mean GA at laser therapy was comparable [22.4 ( ± 2.1) and 22.1 ( ± 2) in patients with (n = 9) and without cerclage (n = 5), respectively, (p = 0.8)], whereas mean (SD) GA at delivery was 30.5 ( ± 4.3) and 23.1 ( ± 2.6) weeks in patients with and without cerclage, respectively, (p = 0.004). There were 16 (89%) and 4 (40%) surviving twins in cases with and without cerclage, respectively (p = 0.01).

Conclusions

In TTTS treated by laser, cervical length before treatment is significantly associated with GA at delivery. In cases with cervix < 15 mm, emergency cerclage may prolong the pregnancy and allow for better outcome. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Crop border and mineral oil sprays used in combination as physical control methods of the aphid‐transmitted potato virus Y in potato
Authors: Boiteau Gilles , Singh Mathuresh , Lavoie Jacques
Published: November 2008

BACKGROUND: The objectives of this work were to determine if the control of potato virus Y (PVY, genus Potyvirus, family Potyviridae) in seed potato could be improved by combining border crops and mineral oil sprays, and if the border crop acts as a barrier or a virus sink.

RESULTS: Field tests over 3 years confirmed that mineral oils alone are an effective barrier to PVY, and showed that borders alone act as a PVY sink. Combining the familiar mineral oil and the more recent crop border methods was almost twice as effective in reducing PVY incidence as either one used alone. The combination provided consistently high PVY control compared with the variable and often lower level of control by either method alone. The contribution of the oil to PVY reduction was similar whether it was applied to the border, the center seed plot, or both. Oil application to the border alone should not affect efficacy and would help keep control costs down.

CONCLUSION: Combining border and oil provided the best reduction in PVY incidence 3 years out of 3, providing producers with a tool to reduce year‐to‐year variation in the effectiveness of crop borders or oil sprays used separately. © Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Agriculture and Agri‐Food Canada. Published by John Wiley and Sons, Ltd.
New waves of immigration to small towns and rural areas in Portugal
Authors: Fonseca Maria Lucinda
Published: November 2008

In the last decade the geography of immigration to Portugal has undergone profound change. In particular there has been a diversification of sending countries, and Eastern Europe, especially the Ukraine, Moldova, Romania and Russia, has become a major origin of migrants. The majority have settled in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, but there is dispersal to all parts of the country.

This paper examines recent immigration trends to small towns and rural areas in Portugal and discusses its effects on regional development. The study is based upon the analysis of official data sources and interviews carried out in municipalities located in the Alentejo region. This region remains rural with a significant ageing population and is undergoing a process of demographic decline. Following the analysis of the settlement patterns and the integration of immigrants in the labour market, some remarks are made about future trends of immigration to rural regions experiencing population loss, and its impacts upon the regional development process. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ARITHMETIC AND GEOMETRIC PROGRESSIONS IN PRODUCT SETS OVER FINITE FIELDS
Authors: SHPARLINSKI IGOR E.
Published: November 2008

Given two sets ${\mathcal A}, {\mathcal B} \subseteq \mathbb {F}_q$ of elements of the finite field 𝔽q of q elements, we show that the product set contains an arithmetic progression of length k≥3 provided that k<p, where p is the characteristic of 𝔽q, and #𝒜#ℬ≥3q2d−2/k. We also consider geometric progressions in a shifted product set 𝒜ℬ+h, for f∈𝔽q, and obtain a similar result.
ON SKEW-SUPERCOMMUTING MAPS IN SUPERALGEBRAS
Authors: WANG YU
Published: November 2008

Let A be a semiprime superalgebra over a commutative ring F with $\frac {1}{2}$ and f:A→A a skew-supercommuting map on A. We show that f=0. This gives a version of Brešar’s theorem for superalgebras.
Independent Evolution of Heart Autonomic Function and Insulin Sensitivity During Weight Loss
Authors: Bobbioni‐Harsch Elisabetta , Sztajzel Juan , Barthassat Vincent , Makoundou Vincent , Gastaldi Giacomo , Sievert Katia , Chassot Gilles , Huber Olivier , Morel Philippe , Assimacopoulos‐Jeannet Françoise , Golay Alain
Published: November 2008

In order to investigate the improvement of insulin resistance and cardiac autonomic function along massive weight loss, 12 obese women were evaluated before, and 3 and 12 months after Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass. The 12‐month values were compared to those of BMI‐matched controls. Insulin sensitivity was assessed by euglycemic clamp and the cardiac autonomic function by the analysis of the Heart Rate Variability (HRV). After surgery, glucose uptake progressively increased from 4.3 ± 0.5 mg/kg lean body mass (LBM)/min preoperative (pre‐op) to 4.9 ± 0.5 and 7.0 ± 0.5, 3‐ and 12‐month postoperative (post‐op) (P = 0.04 and P = 0.006 vs. pre‐op), whereas the cardiac autonomic function showed a biphasic pattern. HRV values increased 3 months post‐op, and decreased at 12 months, thus indicating an early sympathetic withdrawal followed by a later reactivation (e.g., the standard deviation of the normal‐to‐normal intervals was 116 ± 7 ms in pre‐op, 161 ± 10 at 3 months, P = 0.008 vs. pre‐op, and 146 ± 15 at 12 months, P = 0.03 vs. pre‐op and P = 0.02 vs. 3 m). Insulin sensitivity was significantly related to body weight (P = 0.02), whereas the cardiac indexes were significantly linked to the profile of energy intake (e.g., HRV triangular index vs. energy intake P = 0.003). No significant relationship linked insulin sensitivity to the cardiac autonomic indexes. Insulin sensitivity and cardiac parameters of the 12‐month post‐op patients were similar to their matched controls. During massive weight loss, the cardiac autonomic deregulation and insulin resistance improved concomitantly but independently from each other. Our results suggest that the extent of the improvement is associated with the final body weight.
Interleukin‐18 Protein Level Is Upregulated in Adipose Tissue of Obese Mice
Authors: Membrez Mathieu , Ammon‐Zufferey Corinne , Philippe David , Aprikian Olivier , Monnard Irina , Macé Katherine , Darimont Christian
Published: November 2008

In this study, we investigated the regulation of Interleukin‐18 (IL‐18) and caspase‐1 mRNA and protein levels in adipose and liver tissue of obese (ob/ob) mice compared with ob/+ mice. In ob/ob mice, which have a twofold higher IL‐18 plasma level as compared with lean mice, IL‐18 mRNA expression was significantly reduced by 1.6‐fold in adipose tissue, whereas protein level was enhanced fourfold as compared with ob/+ mice. However, caspase‐1 mRNA expression and activity were significantly enhanced in adipose tissue of ob/ob mice. Conversely, both IL‐18 mRNA and protein levels were slightly enhanced, but caspase‐1 activity was reduced in liver of ob/ob mice as compared with lean mice. In conclusion, we show that adipose and hepatic IL‐18 protein expressions are increased in obese mice. However, in contrast to liver, the adipose IL‐18 protein level appears to be upregulated through a post‐transcriptional mechanism probably involving caspase‐1.
Comparison of LabUMat‐with‐UriSed and iQ®200 fully automatic urine sediment analysers with manual urine analysis
Authors: Akin Okhan Kadir , Serdar Muhittin A. , Cizmeci Zeynep , Genc Ozlem , Aydin Suleyman
Published: November 2008

Urine analysis is one of the most common tests for assessing urinary‐tract and kidney diseases. In recent years there have been new developments in the automation of this test. The objective of the present study was to compare the performances of two urine sediment analysers, namely LabUMat with UriSed (77 Elektronika Kft, Budapest, Hungary) and iQ®200 (Iris Diagnostics, Chatsworth, CA, U.S.A.), with the KOVA® method for manual urine measurement by evaluating the results in terms of similar parameters (cells or particles per lower‐power field or high‐power field). The results obtained using the UriSed and iQ®200 analysers were more reproducible (7.1–30.2 and 14.9–35.4% respectively) than those obtained using the manual technique (17.9–44.4%). Significant correlations were established among the three techniques in the evaluation of leucocytes, erythrocytes and epithelial cells. Although the UriSed, iQ®200 and visual‐microscopic measurements were in agreement, confirmation of the results from automated methods by manual urine analyses is significantly useful, especially for pathological cases that were close to the limits of the techniques.
Synthesis of complementary RNA by RNA-dependent RNA polymerases in plant extracts is independent of an RNA primer
Authors: Wang Lei , Smith Neil A. , Zhang Lan , Dennis Elizabeth S. , Waterhouse Peter M. , Unrau Peter J. , Wang Ming-Bo
Published: November 2008

RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RDR) activities were readily detected in extracts from cauliflower and broccoli florets, Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh callus tissue and broccoli nuclei. The synthesis of complementary RNA (cRNA) was independent of a RNA primer, whether or not the primer contained a 3′ terminal 2′-O-methyl group or was phosphorylated at the 5′ terminus. cRNA synthesis in plant extracts was not affected by loss-of-function mutations in the DICER-LIKE (DCL) proteins DCL2, DCL3, and DCL4, indicating that RDRs function independently of these DCL proteins. A loss-of-function mutation in RDR1, RDR2 or RDR6 did not significantly reduce the amount of cRNA synthesis. This indicates that these RDRs did not account for the bulk RDR activities in plant extracts, and suggest that either the individual RDRs each contribute a fraction of polymerase activity or another RDR(s) is predominant in the plant extract.
Ecological attributes of a tropical river basin vulnerable to the impacts of clustered hydropower developments
Authors: Sheaves Marcus , Duc Nguyen Huu , Khoa Nguyen Xuan
Published: November 2008

The Vu Gia – Thu Bon River Basin in central Vietnam is subject to extensive hydropower development, with eight major and at least 34 minor hydropower installations planned for completion over the next 10 years. This intense clustering of hydropower developments has the potential to impact on aquatic fauna and ecosystems extensively. We sampled freshwater and estuarine fish across the river basin to evaluate the current status of the fish fauna, to determine the extent of zonal and habitat specialisation, to determine the prevalence of migration as a component of life-history strategies, to evaluate the likely magnitude of impacts, and to highlight areas where management intervention is needed and where more extensive study is most urgently required. Given the current high levels of exploitation, the fish fauna appeared surprisingly intact; however, a number of attributes of the fauna, such as the prevalence of migration as a life-history tactic, make this fauna particularly vulnerable to the impacts of hydropower development. Without extensive mitigation, the combinations of habitat alteration in dam and diversion areas and the imposition of a proliferation of barriers to migration will lead to severe population fragmentation, increasing the potential for local extinction, and severely compromise opportunities for recolonisation.
Modeling the In Vivo Case with In Vitro Nanotoxicity Data
Authors: Shelley Michael L. , Wagner Andrew J. , Hussain Saber M. , Bleckmann Charles
Published: November 2008

As more in vitro nanotoxicity data appear in the literature, these findings must be translated to in vivo effects to define nanoparticle exposure risk. Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling has played a significant role in guiding and validating in vivo studies for molecular chemical exposure and can develop as a significant tool in guiding similar nanotoxicity studies. This study models the population dynamics of a single cell type within a specific tissue. It is the first attempt to model the in vitro effects of a nanoparticle exposure, in this case aluminum (80 nm) and its impact on a population of rat alveolar macrophages ( Wagner et al. 2007 , J. Phys. Chem. B 111:7353–7359). The model demonstrates how in vitro data can be used within a simulation setting of in vivo cell dynamics and suggests that PBPK models should be developed quickly to interpret nanotoxicity data, guide in vivo study design, and accelerate nanoparticle risk assessment.
Studies of the Toxicological Potential of Capsinoids: IV. Teratology Studies of CH-19 Sweet Extract in Rats and Rabbits
Authors: Bernard Bruce K. , Watanabe Eri , Kodama Terutaka , Tsubuku Shoji , Otabe Akira , Katsumata Yoshihiro , Matsuoka Tetsuya , Masuyama Takeshi
Published: November 2008

In order to evaluate the safety of CH-19 Sweet extract that contains capsinoids, teratology studies were conducted in pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats (20 rats per group) and pregnant New Zealand white rabbits (17 to 22 animals per group). The test substance was administered to rats by gavage for 11 days on gestation days 7 to 17 at doses of 0 (vehicle), 1.25, 2.5, and 5.0 ml/kg and to rabbits for 13 days on gestation days 6 to 18 at doses of 0 (vehicle), 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 ml/kg. As the concentration of capsinoids in CH-19 Sweet extract was 72.2 to 75.05 mg/ml, the resulting dose of capsinoids administered to rats was 90.25, 180.5, and 361 mg/kg, and to rabbits was 18.76, 37.53, and 75.05 mg/kg in the vehicle, low-, mid-, and high-dose groups, respectively. In the rat study, no deaths occurred in any group and there were no test substance–related changes or abnormalities in clinical signs, body weight, food consumption, or gross pathological findings. There were no test substance–related changes in the number of corpora lutea, number or index of implantations, index of embryofetal deaths, number of live fetuses, sex ratio, fetal body weight at the end of the gestation period, or abnormalities in the placenta of live fetuses. There were no test substance–related abnormalities or variations in the external, skeletal, or visceral examinations of live fetuses. It was concluded that the test article caused neither teratogenic effects nor abnormalities in the progression of ossification. In the rabbit study, there were no test substance–related effects on clinical signs, body weight, food consumption, or necropsy findings. There were neither test substance–related abortions nor test substance–related effects on the number of corpora lutea, or number or index of implantations. There were no test substance–related effects on the number of dead embryos/fetuses, the number of live fetuses, sex ratio, body weight of live fetuses, or gross pathological finding in the placentas. There were no test substance–related external abnormalities or incidences of visceral or skeletal abnormalities or variations, and there were no test substance–related effects on the progress of ossification in any group. The authors concluded the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of CH-19 Sweet extract containing capsinoids on pregnant animals and fetal development/growth was >5.0 ml/kg/day (>361 mg/kg/day as capsinoids) in rats and >1.0 ml/kg/day (>75.05 mg/kg/day as capsinoids) in rabbits.
Studies of the Toxicological Potential of Capsinoids: V. Genotoxicity Studies of Dihydrocapsiate
Authors: Bernard Bruce K. , Watanabe Eri , Kodama Terutaka , Tsubuku Shoji , Otabe Akira , Nakajima Madoka , Masumori Shoji , Shimada Sawako , Tanaka Jin , Masuyama Takeshi
Published: November 2008

A series of studies was performed to evaluate the safety of dihydrocapsiate (4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzyl 8-methylnonanoate; CAS no. 205687-03-2). This study evaluated the potential genotoxicity of this compound using a variety of in vitro and in vivo test systems, including bacterial reverse mutation test, chromosomal aberration test, micronucleus test, gene mutation assay with transgenic rats, and single-cell gel (SCG) assay (Comet assay). In vitro tests (bacterial reverse mutation test and chromosomal aberration test) produced positive results in the absence of metabolic activation, but negative results in the presence of metabolic activation. The in vivo gene mutation assay (with transgenic rats) produced negative results, as did the in vivo mouse micronucleus assay, which failed to induce micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes. Although the rat SCG assay produced statistically significant increases in the Olive tail moment and % tail DNA of the liver and intestine in the 2000 mg/kg group (compared with the negative-control group), a number of factors caused the authors to question the validity of these findings. Taken together, these results suggest that dihydrocapsiate has a low or extremely low likelihood of inducing genotoxicity.
Arterial geometry, flow pattern, wall shear and mass transport: potential physiological significance
Authors: Coppola G. , Caro C.
Published: November 2008

We have studied numerically steady and unsteady flow in a straight and a helically stented common carotid artery, in order to model porcine experimental results that show reduced intimal hyperplasia (IH) in the helical case. The combination of flow pulsatility and three-dimensionality generates a sweeping motion of the Dean vortices, which overall reduced extremes of both oxygen flux to the vessel wall and wall shear stress (WSS). Since IH and atherosclerosis affect preferentially low WSS regions, these findings imply that vessel three-dimensionality and flow pulsatility can play important protective roles in respect of these diseases. The amplitude and frequency of the velocity waveform are important parameters of the system. Increase in amplitude increases WSS and oxygen flux to the vessel wall. Increase in frequency has a small effect; it increases WSS but has no effect on the oxygen flux to the vessel wall.
Subungual melanoma: Histological examination of 50 cases from early stage to bone invasion
Authors: IZUMI Miki , OHARA Kuniaki , HOASHI Toshihiko , NAKAYAMA Hiroko , CHIU Cheng‐Sheng , NAGAI Takeshi , MATSUBAYASHI Jun , IWAYA Keiichi , MUKAI Kiyoshi
Published: November 2008

Subungual melanoma is a rare form of malignant melanoma. It is extremely difficult to differentiate it histologically from benign melanonychia striata or melanocytic nevus, especially in the early stage. We divided 50 cases of subungual melanoma into four groups according to clinical progress, and examined their histological findings in each respective stage. In the early stage (19 cases), atypical melanocytes were polygonal showing slight nuclear atypia with no mitoses at all. In six out of 19 cases (31.6%), the atypical melanocytes proliferated more in the hyponychium than in the nail matrix, and only very few in the nail bed. Periungual pigmentation (Hutchinson's sign) appeared from the early stage in almost all cases. With stage progression (middle stage, 13 cases; progressive stage, 13 cases; and bone invasive stage, five cases) the number of atypical melanocytes and their degree of nuclear atypia increased, and the ascent of atypical melanocytes and pagetoid spread became conspicuous. Mitoses became apparent only from the progressive stage. From these observations, we would like to propose three new pathological clues of early stage subungual melanoma: (i) “skip lesion”, proliferation of the tumor cells are more prominent in the hyponychium than in the nail bed or nail matrix; (ii) histological confirmation of Hutchinson's sign; and (iii) epithelial thickening and/or compact arrangement of the elongated basal cells.
Apoptotic signaling in bufalin‐ and cinobufagin‐treated androgen‐dependent and ‐independent human prostate cancer cells
Authors: Yu Ching‐Han , Kan Shu‐Fen , Pu Hsiao‐Fung , Jea Chien Eileen , Wang Paulus S.
Published: November 2008

Prostate cancer has its highest incidence in the USA and is becoming a major concern in Asian countries. Bufadienolides are extracts of toxic glands from toads and are used as anticancer agents, mainly on leukemia cells. In the present study, the antiproliferative and apoptotic mechanisms of bufalin and cinobufagin on prostate cancer cells were investigated. Proliferation of LNCaP, DU145, and PC3 cells was measured by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yle)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and the doubling time (tD) was calculated. Bufalin and cinobufagin caused changes in the tD of three prostate cancer cell lines, which were more significant than that of human mesangial cells. In addition, bufadienolides induced prostate cancer cell apoptosis more significantly than that in breast epithelial cell lines. After treatment, the caspase‐3 activity and protein expression of caspase‐3, ‐8, and ‐9 were elevated. The expression of other apoptotic modulators, including mitochondrial Bax and cytosolic cytochrome c, were also increased. However, expression of p53 was only enhanced in LNCaP cells. Downregulation of p53 by antisense TP53 restored the cell viability suppressed by bufalienolides. Furthermore, the increased expression of Fas was more significant in DU145 and PC3 cells with mutant p53 than in LNCaP cells. Transfection of Fas small interfering RNA restored cell viability in the bufadienolide‐treated cells. These results suggest that bufalin and cinobufagin suppress cell proliferation and cause apoptosis in prostate cancer cells via a sequence of apoptotic modulators, including Bax, cytochrome c, and caspases. The upstream mediators might be p53 and Fas in androgen‐dependent LNCaP cells and Fas in androgen‐independent DU145 and PC3 cells. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 2467–2476)
Systematic review: Heliocobacter pylori infection and impaired drug absorption
Authors: LAHNER E. , ANNIBALE B. , DELLE FAVE G.
Published: November 2008

Background  Impaired acid secretion may affect drug absorption and may be consequent to corporal Heliocobacter pylori‐gastritis, which may affect the absorption of orally administered drugs.

Aim  To focus on the evidence of impaired drug absorption associated with H. pylori infection.

Methods  Data sources were the systematic search of MEDLINE/EMBASE/SCOPUS databases (1980–April 2008) for English articles using the keywords: drug malabsorption/absorption, stomach, Helicobacter pylori, gastritis, gastric acid, gastric pH, hypochlorhydria, gastric hypoacidity. Study selection was made from 2099 retrieved articles, five studies were identified. Data were extracted from selected papers, investigated drugs, study type, main features of subjects, study design, intervention type and results were extracted.

Results  In all, five studies investigated impaired absorption of l‐dopa, thyroxine and delavirdine in H. pylori infection. Eradication treatment led to 21–54% increase in l‐dopa in Parkinon’s disease. Thyroxine requirement was higher in hypochlorhydric goitre with H. pylori‐gastritis and thyrotropin levels decreased by 94% after treatment. In H. pylori‐ and HIV‐positive hypochlorhydric subjects, delavirdine absorption increased by 57% with orange juice administration and by 150% after eradication.

Conclusions  A plausible mechanism of impaired drug absorption is decreased acid secretion in H. pylori‐gastritis patients. Helicobacter pylori infection and hypochlorhydria should be considered in prescribing drugs the absorption of which is potentially affected by intragastric pH.
Persistent low thymic activity and non-cardiac mortality in children with chromosome 22q11·2 microdeletion and partial DiGeorge syndrome
Authors: Eberle P , Berger C , Junge S , Dougoud S , Büchel E Valsangiacomo , Riegel M , Schinzel A , Seger R , Güngör T
Published: November 2008

A subgroup of patients with 22q11·2 microdeletion and partial DiGeorge syndrome (pDGS) appears to be susceptible to non-cardiac mortality (NCM) despite sufficient overall CD4+ T cells. To detect these patients, 20 newborns with 22q11·2 microdeletion and congenital heart disease were followed prospectively for 6 years. Besides detailed clinical assessment, longitudinal monitoring of naive CD4+ and cytotoxic CD3+CD8+ T cells (CTL) was performed. To monitor thymic activity, we analysed naive platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (CD31+) expressing CD45RA+RO-CD4+ cells containing high numbers of T cell receptor excision circle (TREC)-bearing lymphocytes and compared them with normal values of healthy children (n = 75). Comparing two age periods, low overall CD4+ and naive CD4+ T cell numbers were observed in 65%/75%, respectively, of patients in period A (< 1 year) declining to 22%/50%, respectively, of patients in period B (> 1/< 7 years). The percentage of patients with low CTLs (< P10) remained robust until school age (period A: 60%; period B: 50%). Low numbers of CTLs were associated with abnormally low naive CD45RA+RO-CD4+ T cells. A high-risk (HR) group (n = 11) and a standard-risk (SR) (n = 9) group were identified. HR patients were characterized by low numbers of both naive CD4+ and CTLs and were prone to lethal infectious and lymphoproliferative complications (NCM: four of 11; cardiac mortality: one of 11) while SR patients were not (NCM: none of nine; cardiac mortality: two of nine). Naive CD31+CD45RA+RO-CD4+, naive CD45RA+RO-CD4+ T cells as well as TRECs/106 mononuclear cells were abnormally low in HR and normal in SR patients. Longitudinal monitoring of naive CD4+ and cytotoxic T cells may help to discriminate pDGS patients at increased risk for NCM.
Complement 4 phenotypes and genotypes in Brazilian patients with classical 21-hydroxylase deficiency
Authors: Guerra-Junior G , Grumach A Sevciovic , De Lemos-Marini S H Valente , Kirschfink M , Neto A Condino , De Araujo M , De Mello M Palandi
Published: November 2008

The aim of this work was to analyse C4 genotypes, C4 protein levels, phenotypes and genotypes in patients with the classical form of 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Fifty-four patients from 46 families (36 female, 18 male; mean age 10·8 years) with different clinical manifestations (31 salt-wasting; 23 simple-virilizing) were studied. Taq I Southern blotting was used to perform molecular analysis of the C4/CYP21 gene cluster and the genotypes were defined according to gene organization within RCCX modules. Serum C4 isotypes were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results revealed 12 different haplotypes of the C4/CYP21 gene cluster. Total functional activity of the classical pathway (CH50) was reduced in individuals carrying different genotypes because of low C4 concentrations (43% of all patients) to complete or partial C4 allotype deficiency. Thirteen of 54 patients presented recurrent infections affecting the respiratory and/or the urinary tracts, none of them with severe infections. Low C4A or C4B correlated well with RCCX monomodular gene organization, but no association between C4 haplotypes and recurrent infections or autoimmunity was observed. Considering this redundant gene cluster, C4 seems to be a well-protected gene segment along the evolutionary process.
Clinical Immunology Review Series: An approach to the management of pulmonary disease in primary antibody deficiency
Authors: Tarzi M D , Grigoriadou S , Carr S B , Kuitert L M , Longhurst H J
Published: November 2008

ARTICLES PUBLISHED IN THIS CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY REVIEW SERIES

allergy in childhood, allergy diagnosis by use of the clinical immunology laboratory, anaphylaxis, angioedema, management of pulmonary disease in primary antibody deficiency, recurrent infections in childhood, recurrent infections in adulthood, recurrent oro-genital ulceration, recurrent superficial abscesses, SLE and Sjögren's syndrome, urticaria, vasculitis/CTD

The sinopulmonary tract is the major site of infection in patients with primary antibody deficiency syndromes, and structural lung damage arising from repeated sepsis is a major determinant of morbidity and mortality. Patients with common variable immunodeficiency may, in addition, develop inflammatory lung disease, often associated with multi-system granulomatous disease. This review discusses the presentation and management of lung disease in patients with primary antibody deficiency.
Telenurses’ understanding of work: detective or educator?
Authors: Kaminsky Elenor , Rosenqvist Urban , Holmström Inger
Published: November 2008

Title.  Telenurses’ understanding of work: detective or educator?

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to describe the different ways of understanding work among a group of Swedish telenurses.

Background.  Telenursing is an expanding service in many western countries and telenursing work is likely to be understood in a variety of ways. The way in which a person understands work influences how work is performed. Telenursing demands high levels of competence.

Method.  A qualitative interview study was conducted during 2004–2005. Twelve of the 20 telenurses working at a call centre in Sweden were interviewed, five of them twice because of organizational changes. The 17 interviews were analysed using a phenomenographic approach.

Findings.  Five different categories were identified in the data: (1) Assess, refer and give advice to the caller (2) Support the caller (3) Strengthen the caller (4) Teach the caller and (5) Facilitate the caller’s learning. The first category can be seen as a base for telenursing work and was the only category used by some telenurses. The second category has components of traditional caring and the third is a coaching function. The fourth category contains a teaching component, but the fifth is the only category where the caller’s learning is in focus. Telenurses who reported the fifth way also included all other ways of understanding work. Hence, this seems to be the most comprehensive way of understanding work.

Conclusion.  The categories together constitute a telenursing ‘workmap’. This ‘workmap’ can be used for reflection to expand telenurses’ current understanding of work, and hence promote competence development. Telenurses need to be aware of their role in public health education.