bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Apert syndrome: what prenatal radiographic findings should prompt its consideration?
Authors: Quintero‐Rivera Fabiola , Robson Caroline D. , Reiss Rosemary E. , Levine Deborah , Benson Carol , Mulliken John B. , Kimonis Virginia E.
Published: August 2006

Apert syndrome was diagnosed in a newborn with typical facial and digital features whose only detected prenatal abnormality had been agenesis of the corpus callosum. This prompted a review of the central nervous system findings in all cases of Apert syndrome treated at the Craniofacial Center Boston Children's Hospital between 1978 and 2004. Two of 30 patients with Apert syndrome had prenatal identification of mild dilatation of the lateral cerebral ventricles and complete agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC) documented with both ultrasound and MRI. Both had the common S252W mutation of FGFR2. Though cranial and orbital malformations typical of Apert were eventually seen in these fetuses in the third‐trimester, even in retrospect, these were not detectable at mid second‐trimester, ultrasound screening for congenital malformations. Hand malformations also went undetected in the second‐trimester despite extensive imaging by experienced radiologists. We conclude that prenatal ultrasonographic identification of mild ventriculomegaly or ACC should stimulate a careful search for features of Apert syndrome and prompt follow‐up imaging to look for bony abnormalities that have later onset. Prenatal molecular testing for Apert mutations should be considered in cases of mild ventriculomegaly and ACC. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Utilization review of concomitant use of potentially interacting drugs in Thai patients using warfarin therapy
Authors: Kotirum Surachai , Chaiyakunapruk Nathorn , Jampachaisri Katechan , Wattanasombat Supharat , Rojnuckarin Ponlapat
Published: August 2006

Purpose

In Thailand, there has been no study determining the concomitant use of medications, known to potentially interact with warfarin, in patients receiving warfarin therapy. This paper examined the frequency of which specific interacting drugs were concomitantly used in warfarin users.

Methods

We retrospectively examined the database of warfarin outpatient medical records from a regional 756‐bed hospital located in the north of Thailand. All patients receiving warfarin from 10 June 1999 to 4 August 2004 were reviewed to identify all drugs possessing interaction potential with warfarin. The potential of significant interactions were divided into high, moderate and low, according to the extent of evidence documented in textbooks and literature.

Results

Among 1093 patients receiving warfarin therapy, 914 (84%) patients received at least one potentially interacting drug and half of them (457 patients) received at least one drug with high potential for interaction. The most frequently concomitant drug that increased INR was acetaminophen (63%, 316/457). Propylthiouracil was the most frequently concomitant drug that decreased INR response (4%, 19/457), while diclofenac was the most frequently concomitant drug that increased bleeding risk (16%, 73/457).

Conclusions

About a half of patients receiving warfarin therapy was prescribed concomitant drug(s) that has a high potential of interactions with warfarin. These patients should be closely monitored and counselled to watch for signs and symptoms of bleeding and thrombosis to avoid adverse events associated with drug interactions. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Trends in potentially inappropriate prescribing amongst older UK primary care patients
Authors: De Wilde Stephen , Carey Iain M. , Harris Tess , Richards Nicky , Victor Christina , Hilton Sean R. , Cook Derek G.
Published: August 2006

Purpose

To examine trends in UK primary care prescribing of medications potentially inappropriate for older people in the context of published international data.

Methods

Analysis of routinely collected anonymised computerised patient records in 131 UK general practices (approximately 162 000 registered patients annually aged ≥65 years) providing data to the DIN‐LINK database between 1994 and 2003. In each year, we identified patients prescribed drugs classified by the 2003 Beers criteria as potentially inappropriate for older people.

Results

The level of potentially inappropriate prescribing remained steady over time: in 2003 32.2% of patients received any Beers drug, and 20.5% received a drug categorised as potentially “high risk”; percentages had been 32.9% and 21.4% respectively in 1994. In 2003, co‐proxamol (93.7/1000 patients), benzodiazepines (52.4/1000 patients) and amitriptyline (45.4/1000, mainly at low doses) were the most frequently prescribed potentially inappropriate drugs. If co‐proxamol (now being withdrawn) and low‐dose amitriptyline (appropriate for neuropathic pain) are excluded, 24.8% of patients still received a potentially inappropriate prescription in 2003.

Conclusions

Prescription of potentially inappropriate medication, particularly benzodiazepines, to older people remains at a high level in the UK. Levels were higher than those seen in published data from the Netherlands, however the low rate of co‐proxamol prescribing in the Netherlands explains much, but not all, of the difference. Future international comparisons, based on more careful delineation of the criteria, may play a valuable role in pharmaco‐vigilance and can identify areas where regulation of prescribing may reduce risks to older patients. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel AB crosslinked polymer networks based on 1‐vinylimidazole‐ terminated polyurethane and poly(methyl methacrylate)
Authors: Venkataramani Sriram , Kannan Tharanikkarasu , Radhakrishnan Ganga
Published: August 2006

1‐Vinylimidazole‐terminated telechelic polyurethanes were prepared from 1‐vinylimidazole and bromine‐terminated polyurethane. This vinyl‐terminated telechelic polyurethane (VTPU) and methyl methacrylate were polymerized in the presence of benzoyl peroxide to prepare novel AB crosslinked polymer networks (ABCPs). These were characterized by spectral, thermal and mechanical studies. The absence of the characteristic peak of vinyl group in infrared spectra of ABCP films confirms the occurrence of crosslinking. Static mechanical testing showed that the tensile strength of ABCP increases with increasing poly(methyl methacrylate) content. Dynamic mechanical studies revealed that ABCPs, at equal compositions of VTPU and methyl methacrylate, show good damping properties. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Nanocomposite fibers of poly(ethylene terephthalate) with montmorillonite and mica: thermomechanical properties and morphology
Authors: Chang Jin‐Hae , Mun Mu Kyung
Published: August 2006

The thermal stabilities, mechanical properties, and morphologies of nanocomposites of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) with two different organoclays are compared. Dodecyltriphenylphosphonium‐montmorillonite (C12PPh‐MMT) and dodecyltriphenylphosphonium‐mica (C12PPh‐Mica) were used as reinforcing fillers in the fabrication of PET hybrid fibers. The variations of their properties with organoclay content in the polymer matrix and draw ratio (DR) are discussed. Transmission electron microscopy micrographs show that some of the clay layers are dispersed homogeneously within the polymer matrix on the nanoscale, although some clay particles are agglomerated. It was also found that the addition of only a small amount of organoclay is enough to improve the thermal stabilities and mechanical properties of the PET hybrid fibers. Even polymers with low organoclay contents (1–5 wt%) were found to exhibit much higher strength and modulus values than pure PET. In the case of C12PPh‐MMT/PET, the values of the tensile mechanical properties of the hybrid fibers were found to decrease linearly with increases in DR from 1 to 16. However, the tensile mechanical properties of the C12PPh‐Mica hybrid fibers were found to be independent of DR. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Differential binding studies applying functional protein microarrays and surface plasmon resonance
Authors: Seitz Harald , Hutschenreiter Silke , Hultschig Claus , Zeilinger Carsten , Zimmermann Bastian , Kleinjung Frank , Schuchhardt Johannes , Eickhoff Holger , Herberg Friedrich W.
Published: August 2006

A variety of different in vivo and in vitro technologies provide comprehensive insights in protein‐protein interaction networks. Here we demonstrate a novel approach to analyze, verify and quantify putative interactions between two members of the S100 protein family and 80 recombinant proteins derived from a proteome‐wide protein expression library. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) using Biacore technology and functional protein microarrays were used as two independent methods to study protein‐protein interactions. With this combined approach we were able to detect nine calcium‐dependent interactions between Arg‐Gly‐Ser‐(RGS)‐His6 tagged proteins derived from the library and GST‐tagged S100B and S100A6, respectively. For the protein microarray affinity‐purified proteins from the expression library were spotted onto modified glass slides and probed with the S100 proteins. SPR experiments were performed in the same setup and in a vice‐versa approach reversing analytes and ligands to determine distinct association and dissociation patterns of each positive interaction. Besides already known interaction partners, several novel binders were found independently with both detection methods, albeit analogous immobilization strategies had to be applied in both assays.
Proteomics‐based identification of autoantibodies in the sera of healthy Chinese individuals from Beijing
Authors: Li Wei‐Hua , Zhao Jie , Li Hui‐Yan , Liu Hui , Li Ai‐Ling , Wang Hong‐Xia , Wang Jie , He Kun , Liang Bing , Yu Ming , Shen Bei‐Fen , Zhang Xue‐Min
Published: August 2006

The identification of panels of tumor antigens that elicit an antibody response may have utility in cancer screening, diagnosis and in establishing prognosis. However, autoantibodies normally exist in sera of healthy individuals and are enormously diversified. To explore the reservoir of autoantibody in healthy population, we performed a proteomics investigation of autoantibody profiles in the sera of 36 healthy Chinese individuals from Beijing, which may provide valuable reference information to the identification of disease‐specific autoantibodies. The results showed that autoantibody profiles varied individually, but some autoantibodies were identified at a high frequency in the healthy population. The autoantibodies against α‐enolase and those against heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein L were positive in more than 50% of the sera samples. The autoantibodies identified in more than 20% of samples included those against annexin II, F‐actin capping protein beta subunit and calreticulin. Some of these autoantibodies have been previously reported to be involved in autoimmune conditions and cancers. Autoantibodies in the healthy population are important as a foundation from which disease‐specific autoantibodies can be defined. Thus our report on autoantibodies in healthy individuals may be useful as a reference for defining new autoantibody biomarkers.
Age‐related proteome analysis of the mouse brain: a 2‐DE study
Authors: Carrette Odile , Burkhard Pierre R. , Hochstrasser Denis F. , Sanchez Jean‐Charles
Published: August 2006

2‐DE remains the most popular and versatile protein separation method among a rapidly growing array of various proteomics technologies. However, variability in sample processing, experimental design and data analyses results in a limited cross‐validation between studies performed in different laboratories. One of the goals of the Human Proteome Organization (HUPO) is to establish standards and guidelines for proteomics studies. We contributed to the HUPO Brain Proteome Project by analyzing brains from neonatal and adult mice using 2‐DE. Here we propose a standard workflow to analyze 2‐DE images and extract statistically significant differences. After differential analysis and identification by MALDI‐TOF/TOF, dihydropyrimidinase‐related proteins, brain FABP, stathmin, isocitrate dehydrogenase, γ enolase, annexin V, glutamine synthetase, creatine kinase B chain, triosephosphate dehydrogenase, and malate dehydrogenase were found differentially expressed between the two groups. The functions and potential mechanisms underlying the variation observed for these proteins are discussed.
Identification of a tyrosine‐phosphorylated CCCTC‐binding nuclear factor in capacitated mouse spermatozoa
Authors: Tang Jyh‐Bing , Chen Yee‐Hsiung
Published: August 2006

The molecular basis of mammalian sperm capacitation, either in vivo in the female reproductive tract, or in vitro, is poorly understood. It is well known that sperm capacitation is associated with an increase in tyrosine phosphorylation of a subset of proteins. We resolved the phosphoproteins in the cell lysate of mouse sperm after capacitation by 2‐DE. One tyrosine‐phosphorylated 130‐kDa spot was trypsin‐digested, and six oligopeptide sequences were established from the MS data. These were confirmed in a CCCTC‐binding nuclear factor (CTCF), a widely expressed and highly conserved protein. Further, both an anti‐phosphotyrosine antibody and an anti‐CTCF antibody showed immunoreactivity to a 130‐kDa component in the immunoprecipitates obtained after incubation of the cell lysate from the capacitated sperm using another anti‐CTCF antibody. The data support the presence of a tyrosine‐phosphorylated CTCF in the capacitated sperm. Immunolocalization of the CTCF revealed fluorescent staining in the acrosome region in both capacitated and incapacitated sperm. The electrophoretic mobility shift assay, using a CTCF target sequence 5'‐GGCGGCGCCGCTAGGGGTCTCTCT‐3' found in the promoter of the amyloid β‐protein precursor, manifested that, relative to CTCF in the incapacitated sperm, the tyrosine‐phosphorylated protein in the capacitated sperm had stronger affinity to the CTCF target sequence.
The power of cooperative investigation: Summary and comparison of the HUPO Brain Proteome Project pilot study results
Authors: Reidegeld Kai A. , Müller Michael , Stephan Christian , Blüggel Martin , Hamacher Michael , Martens Lennart , Körting Gerhard , Chamrad Daniel C. , Parkinson David , Apweiler Rolf , Meyer Helmut E. , Marcus Katrin
Published: August 2006

Within the pilot phase of the HUPO Brain Proteome Project, nine participating laboratories analysed human (epilepsy and/or post mortem material) and mouse brain samples (embryonic, juvenile and adult), respectively, using a variety of different state of the art techniques. Thirty‐seven different analytical approaches were accomplished. Of these analyses, 17 were done differentially, i.e. the protein expression patterns of the different samples (human or mouse) were compared. A catalogue of all proteins present in the respective sample was built in 20 analyses (mapping). All data were collected in the Data Collection Center in Bochum, Germany, and were reprocessed according to thoroughly defined parameters. In this report, a summary of all results and inter‐laboratory comparisons with respect to the number of identified proteins, the analysed organism, and the used techniques is presented.
Screening for psychological distress in Turkish cancer patients
Authors: Özalp Elvan , Cankurtaran Eylem Sahin , Soygür Haldun , Özdemir Geyik Pinar , Jacobsen Paul B.
Published: August 2006

The distress thermometer (DT) is a useful measure of psychological distress in cancer patients. Our objective was to investigate distress impact on oncology patients in Turkey and determine the optimal cut‐off score on the DT for identifying clinically significant distress. One hundred and eighty two cancer patients completed the DT, Problem List (PL), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HADS), The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ‐C30 version 3.0). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses of DT scores yielded an estimated area under the curve of 0.66 when compared to the HADS cut‐off score, suggesting the DT is an effective scale to discriminate between classified cancer patients both with and without clinically significant distress. The DT cut‐off score of 4 yielded the optimal combination of sensitivity and specificity. Scores on the DT were moderately correlated to the HADS (p<0.01) and EORTC QLQ‐C30. Based on the significant correlations, we conclude that the DT has acceptable criterion validity. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Standardized audiotape versus recorded consultation to enhance informed consent to a clinical trial in breast oncology
Authors: Hack Thomas F. , Whelan Tim , Olivotto Ivo A. , Weir Lorna , Bultz Barry D. , Magwood Bryan , Ashbury Fred , Brady Jane
Published: August 2006

Background: The purpose of this study was to systematically compare two audiotape formats for the delivery of information relevant to informed consent to participate in a clinical trial in breast oncology, and to establish the feasibility of adding a consultation recording protocol to a clinical treatment trial.

Method: Participants were 69 women with newly diagnosed breast cancer and 21 oncologists from 5 Canadian cancer centers. Patients were block randomized to one of three groups: 1. standardized audiotape; 2. consultation audiotape; or 3. both audiotapes. Patients received their tapes immediately following the clinical trial consultation. Patient outcomes included perception of being informed about clinical trials, knowledge of information relevant to providing informed consent to a clinical trial, and satisfaction with communication during the consultation.

Results: The consultation audiotapes contained less trial‐related information than the standardized audiotape but there were no differences in clinical trial knowledge or perception of being informed across the intervention groups. Patients expressed a marginally significant preference for consultation audiotapes over standardized audiotapes.

Conclusions: Patients tended to prefer receiving an audiotape of their own consultation over a standardized audiotape. The majority of oncologists considered the audiotape intervention feasible but were less enthusiastic about being involved in a larger study given the accrual challenges that arose when trying to ‘piggy‐back’ one randomized controlled trial on an existing clinical trial. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Plasma Polymerization on Hydroxyapatite Powders to Increase Water Dispersability for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Garreta Elena , Tricás Núria , Quintana Lluis , Semino Carlos E. , Borrós Salvador
Published: August 2006

Summary: The modification of hydroxyapatite powder using cold plasma is described. This modification can be used to improve hydroxyapatite water dispersability and to control calcium release. A downstream and a fluidized bed reactor have been successfully set‐up to perform the surface treatment on hydroxyapatite. The advantages and drawbacks of both systems are presented.

Schematic of the downstream reactor sued here and an optical microscope picture of spherical HA particles.

magnified image

Schematic of the downstream reactor sued here and an optical microscope picture of spherical HA particles.
Criteria for downhill protein folding: Calorimetry, chevron plot, kinetic relaxation, and single‐molecule radius of gyration in chain models with subdued degrees of cooperativity
Authors: Knott Michael , Chan Hue Sun
Published: August 2006

Recent investigations of possible downhill folding of small proteins such as BBL have focused on the thermodynamics of non‐two‐state, “barrierless” folding/denaturation transitions. Downhill folding is noncooperative and thermodynamically “one‐state,” a phenomenon underpinned by a unimodal conformational distribution over chain properties such as enthalpy, hydrophobic exposure, and conformational dimension. In contrast, corresponding distributions for cooperative two‐state folding are bimodal with well‐separated population peaks. Using simplified atomic modeling of a three‐helix bundle—in a scheme that accounts for hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding—and coarse‐grained Cα models of four real proteins with various degrees of cooperativity, we evaluate the effectiveness of several observables at defining the underlying distribution. Bimodal distributions generally lead to sharper transitions, with a higher heat capacity peak at the transition midpoint, compared with unimodal distributions. However, the observation of a sigmoidal transition is not a reliable criterion for two‐state behavior, and the heat capacity baselines, used to determine the van't Hoff and calorimetric enthalpies of the transition, can introduce ambiguity. Interestingly we find that, if the distribution of the single‐molecule radius of gyration were available, it would permit discrimination between unimodal and bimodal underlying distributions. We investigate kinetic implications of thermodynamic noncooperativity using Langevin dynamics. Despite substantial chevron rollovers, the relaxation of the models considered is essentially single‐exponential over an extended range of native stabilities. Consistent with experiments, significant deviations from single‐exponential behavior occur only under strongly folding conditions. Proteins 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Unambiguous prediction of human integrin transmembrane heterodimer interactions using only homologous sequences
Authors: Lin Xin , Tan Suet Mien , Law S. K. Alex , Torres Jaume
Published: August 2006

Part of the interaction between the α‐ and β‐subunits of integrins is known to take place at the transmembrane (TM) domain, where both heteromeric and homomeric aggregates have been reported in vivo and in vitro. In a recent computational study, totally independent from biochemical or biophysical data, we explored the plausibility of various TM homo‐oligomers using evolutionary conservation data as a filter for non‐native interactions. We showed that several homodimeric and homotrimeric interactions for α‐ and β‐chains are evolutionarily conserved. We report herein the results of the application of the same exhaustive approach to the integrin heterodimer. We have studied all known human TM integrin αβ pairs, and we show unambiguously that two models of interaction are evolutionarily conserved. These two models are consistent with those proposed previously based on mutagenesis and crosslinking. Comparison with previous experimental data strongly supports that a glycophorin A‐like model is an intermediate form of interaction between the resting state and the active form, where chain separation occurs. Surprisingly, these two models are also conserved when considering most of the possible αβ pair combinations, suggesting that specific pairing of integrins is not determined by the TM domain, which has remained unchanged in spite of the variety of known integrin functions. This fact highlights a common ancestral mechanism for signal transduction that has remained through evolution. In a broader context, our results show that it is possible to obtain correct and detailed interactions of α‐helical heterodimers with total independence of experimental data. Proteins 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nonequilibrium carrier dynamics in self‐assembled InGaAs quantum dots
Authors: Wesseli M. , Ruppert C. , Trumm S. , Krenner H. J. , Finley J. J. , Betz M.
Published: August 2006

Carrier dynamics in InGaAs/GaAs quantum dots is analyzed with highly sensitive femtosecond transmission spectroscopy. In a first step, measurements on a large ensemble of nanoislands reveal the dynamical electronic filling of quantum dots from the surrounding wetting layer. Most interestingly, we find a spin‐preserving phonon mediated scattering into fully localized states within a few picoseconds. Then, individual artificial atoms are isolated with metallic shadow masks. For the first time, a single self‐assembled quantum dot is addressed in an ultrafast transmission experiment. We find bleaching signals in the order of 10−5 that arise from individual interband transitions of one quantum dot. As a result, we have developed an ultrafast optical tool for both manipulation and read‐out of a single self‐assembled quantum dot. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Coherent nonlinear optical response of excitons and biexcitons in quantum dots coupled to phonons
Authors: Krügel A. , Axt V. M. , Kuhn T. , Vagov A. , Peeters F. M.
Published: August 2006

Four wave mixing signals from single dots and dot ensembles involving excitonic and biexcitonic transitions are discussed. The results have been obtained analytically from a four level dot model coupled to longitudinal acoustic phonons. Time integrated four wave mixing amplitudes for quantum dot ensembles exhibit polarization dependent quantum beats that have already been found in experimental data. In four wave mixing signals of single quantum dots we find that the ground state to exciton transition has two contributions. One is identical to the known solution of the two level quantum dot model and leads to symmetric spectra for longer delay times, while the other comprises phase information from the biexciton and results in asymmetric spectra. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Transport through coupled quantum dots
Authors: Brandes Tobias
Published: August 2006

A brief survey of theoretical activities on electronic transport in coupled charge qubits is given. Some subtleties of the double quantum dot model (infinite bias, infinitely strong Coulomb blockade) are pointed out, and the motivation behind using ac‐field, noise and entanglement as a probe for testing transport in a simple setting is discussed. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Theory of excitation transfer in coupled nanostructures – from quantum dots to light harvesting complexes
Authors: Richter Marten , Ahn Kwang Jun , Knorr Andreas , Schliwa Andrei , Bimberg Dieter , Madjet Mohamed El‐Amine , Renger Thomas
Published: August 2006

Spatially localized but electromagnetically coupled electrons are model systems for excitation transfer on nanoscales. A unified description of coupled semiconductor quantum dots and coupled cholorophylls in light harvesting complexes is presented, considering Coulomb interaction including excitonic Förster‐coupling and (bi‐) excitonic shifts as well as electron–phonon interaction. Linear absorption spectra are calculated and principles for the description of third order optical nonlinearities are outlined. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Excitation mechanisms of coherent phonons unravelled by femtosecond X‐ray diffraction
Authors: Bargheer M. , Zhavoronkov N. , Woo J. C. , Kim D. S. , Woerner M. , Elsaesser T.
Published: August 2006

Coherent zone‐folded longitudinal acoustic phonons (ZFLAPs) were measured nondestructively with sub‐picometer spatial and sub‐picosecond time resolution via ultrafast X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The femtosecond excitation of a GaAs/AlGaAs superlattice with 1.5 eV photons results in spatially periodic stress, which induces a coherent ZFLAP with a 3.5 ps period. The motion is directly monitored by femtosecond X‐ray pulses at a kilohertz repetition rate. The intensity change ΔR /R = 0.03 of the −1st order satellite peak of the (002) reflection of bulk AlGaAs is directly proportional to the induced lattice strain of Δa /a 0 = 1.5 × 10−4. The phase and amplitude of the oscillatory XRD signal around a new equilibrium demonstrates the displacive excitation of coherent phonons (DECP) as the dominant mechanism for strong excitation. We discuss different mechanisms which account for impulsive stress, and argue that the electronic stress due to the deformation potential dominates. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Ultrafast THz spectroscopy of correlated electrons: from excitons to Cooper pairs
Authors: Kaindl R. A. , Huber R. , Schmid B. A. , Carnahan M. A. , Hägele D. , Chemla D. S.
Published: August 2006

Insulating, conducting, and superconducting phases can be identified through their characteristic low‐energy response. We discuss experiments that employ ultrashort coherent THz pulses and direct field‐resolved detection to probe time‐varying correlations of charge carriers in semiconductors and superconductors. These experiments detect 1s–2p intra‐exciton resonances of photoexcited e–h gases in GaAs quantum wells. Stimulated emission from intra‐excitonic transitions is observed in Cu2O, between 3p and 2s exciton states. Finally, we discuss the formation kinetics of Cooper pairs from nonequilibrium quasiparticles as observed in the transient THz response of the high‐T C superconductor Bi‐2212. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
In vitro Immunomodulatory activities of a newly concocted traditional Chinese medicine formula: VI‐28
Authors: Lee S. K. W. , Wong C. K. , Poon P. M. K. , Ip P. S. P. , Che C. T. , Fung K. P. , Leung P. C. , Lam C. W. K.
Published: August 2006

Previous studies have suggested that Vigconic VI‐28, an anti‐aging traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula containing Radix Ginseng and Cornu Cervi Pantotrichum, possesses immunological efficacy. This in vitro study further investigated the immunomodulatory effects of the hot water extracts of VI‐28. The study included (1) colorimetric 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxy‐uridine proliferation ELISA for estimating mitogenicity in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), (2) immunofluorescence staining for measuring the expression of IL‐2 receptor α (CD25) on lymphocytes, (3) cytometric bead array (CBA) for quantifying cytokine liberation from PBMC, and (4) intracellular immunophenotyping for macrophage phagocytosis and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production from monocytes. The results demonstrated that VI‐28 (1) could dose‐dependently inhibited the proliferation of unstimulated and lipopolysaccharide‐activated PBMC but enhanced the proliferation of phytohemagglutinin‐activated PBMC at concentrations of <1 mg/mL, (2) significantly augmented the expression of CD25 on lymphocytes at concentrations of 0.4 mg/mL or above (p < 0.05), (3) dose dependently (0.1–1.0 mg/mL) activated macrophage phagocytosis and monocyte synthesis of H2O2 and (4) significantly increased the production of cytokines IL‐8, IL‐10, IL‐12 and IL‐1β at various concentrations of VI‐28 (p < 0.05). The results suggest that VI‐28 is a potential immunomodulator which probably acts through the activation of lymphocytes and monocytes. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of nitric oxide scavenging activity, In Vitro and Ex Vivo, of selected medicinal plants traditionally used in inflammatory diseases
Authors: Basu Subhalakshmi , Hazra Banasri
Published: August 2006

Steroidal and non‐steroidal antiinflammatory drugs, despite their various side effects, are in great demand worldwide. Alternatively, herbal formulations provide relief to a large percentage of the population suffering from inflammatory diseases. Therefore, such practices need to be rationalized through a mechanistic approach. Thus, four traditional medicinal plants, namely Ventilago madraspatana Gaertn., Rubia cordifolia Linn., Lantana camara Linn. and Morinda citrifolia Linn. were selected for a study on the inhibition of nitric oxide (NO•), a key mediator in the phenomenon of inflammation, signifying the presence of effective antiinflammatory constituents therein. Plant samples were extracted with different solvents for evaluation of their inhibitory activity on NO• produced in vitro from sodium nitroprusside, and in LPS‐activated murine peritoneal macrophages, ex vivo. Further, the inhibition of NO• synthesis was correlated with the reduction of iNOS protein expression through Western blot. Notable NO• scavenging activity was exhibited in vitro by some extracts of V. madraspatana, R. cordifolia and L. camara (IC50 < 0.2 mg/mL). Most of them showed marked inhibition (60%–80%), ex vivo, at a dose of 80 µg/mL without appreciable cytotoxic effect on the cultured macrophages. Immunoblot analysis confirmed that the modulatory effect of the samples had occurred through suppression of iNOS protein. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
F‐κB modulators from Valeriana officinalis
Authors: Jacobo‐Herrera Nadia J. , Vartiainen Nina , Bremner Paul , Gibbons Simon , Koistinaho Jari , Heinrich Michael
Published: August 2006

Valeriana officinalis (Valerianaceae) has been of great interest for its therapeutic uses for treating mild nervous tension and temporary sleeping problems. In traditional European medicine it has been also reported as an antiinflammatory remedy. This study reports that the EtOAc extract of the underground parts of V. officinalis showed inhibitory activity against NF‐κB at 100 µg/mL in the IL‐6/Luc assay on HeLa cells and provided protection against excitotoxicity in primary brain cell cultures at micromolar concentrations. Bioassay‐guided fractionation of the EtOAc extract led to the isolation of three known sesquiterpenes: acetylvalerenolic acid (1), valerenal (2) and valerenic acid (3), 1 and 3 were active as inhibitors of NF‐κB at a concentration of 100 µg/mL. Acetylvalerenolic acid (1) reduced NF‐κB activity to 4%, whereas valerenic acid (3) reduced NF‐κB activity to 25%. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neuropharmacological evaluation of Ginkgo biloba phytosomes in rodents
Authors: Naik Suresh R. , Pilgaonkar Vinaya W. , Panda Vandana S.
Published: August 2006

On oral administration, Ginkgo biloba phytosomes significantly reduced pentobarbitone‐induced sleeping time, produced an alteration in the general behaviour pattern, increased spontaneous motility and inhibited the chlorpromazine‐induced blockade of conditioned and unconditioned responses in rodents. They exhibited both antiamnestic and antidepressant activities in the scopolamine‐induced amnesia test and behavioural despair test, respectively. However, the phytosomes failed to show anticonvulsant activity. The observations suggest that the G. biloba phytosomes possess moderate antiamnestic/nootropic activity. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of antioxidant activity of Ginkgo biloba phytosomes in rat brain
Authors: Naik Suresh R. , Pilgaonkar Vinaya W. , Panda Vandana S.
Published: August 2006

Ginkgo biloba from the traditional Chinese system of medicine has been found to possess neurocognitive enhancing effects. The mechanism of action of Ginkgo seems to be related to its antioxidant properties. In the present study, Ginkgo biloba phytosomes were administered to Wistar rats at 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg for 7 and 14 days. Chemical hypoxia was induced by administration of sodium nitrite (75 mg/kg) 1 h after the last administration of treatment. Thirty minutes after sodium nitrite administration, the animals were killed and the cerebral cortex, cerebellum, hippocampus and striatum were isolated and homogenized. The supernatants were used for the estimation of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase. Ginkgo biloba phytosome treatment was found to increase superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities in all the brain regions compared with those treated only with sodium nitrite. The prevention of depletion of the antioxidant enzymes by sodium nitrite in the presence of Ginkgo biloba phytosomes may be correlated to its antioxidant activity. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antioxidative effects of pumpkin seed (Cucurbita pepo) protein isolate in CCl4‐Induced liver injury in low‐protein fed rats
Authors: Nkosi C. Z. , Opoku A. R. , Terblanche S. E.
Published: August 2006

The effects of pumpkin seed (Cucurbita pepo) protein isolate on the plasma activity levels of catalase (CA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSHpx) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) as well as glucose‐6‐phosphatase (G6Pase) in liver homogenates and lipid peroxidation (LPO‐malondialdehyde‐MDA) levels in liver homogenates and liver microsomal fractions against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐induced acute liver injury in low‐protein fed Sprague‐Dawley rats (Rattus norvegicus) were investigated.

A group of male Sprague‐Dawley rats maintained on a low‐protein diet for 5 days were divided into three subgroups. Two subgroups were injected with carbon tetrachloride and the other group with an equivalent amount of olive oil. Two hours after CCl4 intoxication one of the two subgroups was administered with pumpkin seed protein isolate and thereafter switched onto a 20% pumpkin seed protein isolate diet. The other two groups of rats were maintained on the low‐protein diet for the duration of the investigation. Groups of rats from the different subgroups were killed at 24, 48 and 72 h after their respective treatments. After 5 days on the low‐protein diet the activity levels of all the enzymes as well as antioxidant levels were significantly lower than their counterparts on a normal balanced diet. However, a low‐protein diet resulted in significantly increased levels of lipid peroxidation. The CCl4 intoxicated rats responded in a similar way, regarding all the variables investigated, to their counterparts on a low‐protein diet. The administration of pumpkin seed protein isolate after CCl4 intoxication resulted in significantly increased levels of all the variables investigated, with the exception of the lipid peroxidation levels which were significantly decreased. From the results of the present study it is concluded that pumpkin seed protein isolate administration was effective in alleviating the detrimental effects associated with protein malnutrition and CCl4 intoxication. It is therefore apparent that pumpkin seed protein isolate has components that have antiperoxidative properties. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In Vitro evaluation of effects of two ghanaian plants relevant to wound healing
Authors: Mensah Abraham Y. , Houghton Peter J. , Dickson Rita A. , Fleischer T. C. , Heinrich M. , Bremner P.
Published: August 2006

Commelina diffusa and Spathodea campanulata are used as wound‐healing agents in Ashanti traditional medicine in Ghana. The methanol extracts of Commelina diffusa herb and Spathodea campanulata bark showed some level of antimicrobial activity with C. diffusa exhibiting selective antifungal activity against Trichophyton species. The extracts reduced the peroxidation of bovine brain extract with an IC50 value of 1.39 mg/mL and 0.24 mg/mL, respectively. In addition the extracts also exhibited significant antioxidant activity by protecting MRC‐5 cells from hydrogen peroxide induced oxidant injury at concentrations between 1 µg/mL and 10 µg/mL. The extracts showed no inhibition of NF‐κB at 100 µg/mL. The antioxidant activities and antimicrobial activities suggest that the use of the plants in wound healing may be based on antioxidant and antiseptic effects of its constituents. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anticomplement activity of cycloartane glycosides from the rhizome of Cimicifuga foetida
Authors: Qiu Minghua , Kim Jung‐Hee , Lee Hyeong‐Kyu , Min Byung‐Sun
Published: August 2006

A tetranor‐cycloartane glycoside and two 9,19‐cycloartane glycosides were isolated from the EtOAc‐soluble fraction of the rhizome of Cimicifuga foetida. The structures of the compounds were determined to be cimilactone A (1), 25‐O‐acetylcimigenol 3‐O‐β‐d‐xylopyranoside (2) and cimigenol 3‐O‐α‐l‐arabinopyranoside (3), respectively, using spectroscopic analysis. The three compounds were examined for their anticomplement activity against the classical pathway of the complement system. Compound 1 showed significant anticomplement activity with an IC50 value of 28.6 µm, whereas compounds 2 and 3 were inactive. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of oriental medicinal herbs for estrogenic and antiproliferative activities
Authors: Kang Se Chan , Lee Chang Min , Choi Han , Lee Jae Hyun , Oh Joa Sub , Kwak Jong Hwan , Zee Ok Pyo
Published: August 2006

Herb extracts commercially used in Asia were screened for their estrogenic activity with a recombinant yeast system with both a human estrogen receptor (ER) expression plasmid and a reporter plasmid. Pueraria lobata (flower) had the highest estrogenic relative potency (RP, 17‐estradiol = 1.00) (7.8e‐3) (RP for + control), followed by Amomum xanthioides (1.3e‐3), Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Zingiber officinale, Rheum palmatum, Curcuma aromatica, Eriobotrya japonica, Sophora flavescens, Anemarrhena asphodeloides, Polygonum multiflorum and Pueraria lobata (root) (9.5e‐4–1.0e‐4), and Prunus persica, Lycoppus lucidus and Adenophora stricta (9.0e‐5–8.0e‐5). In the antiproliferative assay, five human cancer cell lines representing different tissues (breast, lung and ovary) were used. Eriobotrya japonica showed strong cytotoxicity in ER‐negative breast cancer (MDA‐MB‐231), cervix epitheloid (HeLa) and lung (A549) carcinoma cell lines. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
p90 Ribosomal S6 kinases‐ eclectic members of the human kinome
Authors: Lee Kwok Y. , Bignone Paola A. , Ganesan Trivadi S.
Published: August 2006

The p90 ribosomal S6 kinase (RPS6KA1‐6; RSK1‐6) family represents an important family of conserved serine‐threonine kinases among the higher eukaryotes. RSKs are identified by the presence of two non‐identical and active kinase domains that is unique amongst the kinome. These kinases are involved in a multitude of essential processes in the cell, ranging from apoptosis and transcriptional regulation and activation of immediate early genes to the maintenance of the cell cycle and growth. They are also important in the regulation of the cell cycle in G2, meiosis I and II. The mutation and loss of catalytic activity of RSK2 causes Coffin‐Lowry syndrome. This review provides a concise and focused perspective on the current understanding of the function of RSKs and their substrates.
Soft Lithographic Printing of Patterns of Stretched DNA and DNA/Electronic Polymer Wires by Surface‐Energy Modification and Transfer
Authors: Björk Per , Holmström Sven , Inganäs Olle
Published: August 2006

Aligned and stretched λ DNA is directed to specific locations on solid substrates. Surface‐energy modification of glass substrates by using patterned polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) stamps is used to direct DNA onto the surface‐energy‐modified micrometer‐scale pattern through molecular combing. As an alternative, patterned and nonpatterned PDMS stamps modified with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) are utilized to direct the stretched DNA to the desired location and the results are compared. The DNA is elongated through molecular combing on the stamp and transfer printed onto the surfaces. PMMA‐modified stamps show a more defined length of the stretched DNA, as compared to bare PDMS stamps. A combination of these two methods is also demonstrated. As an application example, transfer printing of DNA decorated with a semiconducting conjugated polyelectrolyte is shown. The resulting patterned localization of stretched DNA can be utilized for functional nanodevice structures, as well as for biological applications.
Real‐time elastography — an advanced method of ultrasound: first results in 108 patients with breast lesions
Authors: Thomas A. , Fischer T. , Frey H. , Ohlinger R. , Grunwald S. , Blohmer J.‐U. , Winzer K.‐J. , Weber S. , Kristiansen G. , Ebert B. , Kümmel S.
Published: August 2006

Objectives

To evaluate whether real‐time elastography, a new, non‐invasive method for the diagnosis of breast cancer, improves the differentiation and characterization of benign and malignant breast lesions.

Methods

Real‐time elastography was carried out in 108 potential breast tumor patients with cytologically or histologically confirmed focal breast lesions (59 benign, 49 malignant; median age, 53.9 years; range, 16–84 years). Tumor and healthy tissue were differentiated by measurement of elasticity based on the correlation between tissue properties and elasticity modulus. Evaluation was performed using the three‐dimensional (3D) finite element method, in which the information is color‐coded and superimposed on the B‐mode ultrasound image. A second observer evaluated the elastography images, in order to improve the objectivity of the method. The results of B‐mode scan and elastography were compared with those of histology and previous sonographic findings. Sensitivities and specificities were calculated, taking histology as the gold standard.

Results

B‐mode ultrasound had a sensitivity of 91.8% and a specificity of 78%, compared with sensitivities of 77.6% and 79.6% and specificities of 91.5% and 84.7%, respectively, for the two observers evaluating elastography. Agreement between B‐mode ultrasound and elastography was good, yielding a weighted kappa of 0.67.

Conclusions

Our initial clinical results suggest that real‐time elastography improves the specificity of breast lesion diagnosis and is a promising new approach for the diagnosis of breast cancer. Elastography provides additional information for differentiating malignant BI‐RADS (breast imaging reporting and data system) category IV lesions. Copyright © 2006 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative and morphological assessment of early gestational sacs using three‐dimensional ultrasonography
Authors: Lee W. , Deter R. L. , McNie B. , Powell M. , Balasubramaniam M. , Gonçalves L. F. , Espinoza J. , Romero R.
Published: August 2006

Objective

Our main objective was to determine the value of three‐dimensional ultrasonography (3DUS) and Virtual Organ Computer‐aided AnaLysis (VOCAL™) in the evaluation of gestational sac volume and morphology during early pregnancy.

Methods

Twenty‐eight normal early pregnancies were scanned approximately every 2 weeks using transabdominal (TAS) and transvaginal (TVS) sonography. The VOCAL technique was used to create computerized surface models to classify gestational sac shapes as discoid or ellipsoid. Serial sac volume changes were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. Bland–Altman plots determined examiner bias and limits of agreement (LOA) for sac volume measurements. Gestational sac volumes were compared between the two‐dimensional (2D) ellipsoid and VOCAL techniques. Differences between volume measurements were tested using the two‐tailed paired t‐test with statistical significance at the P < 0.05 level.

Results

Each subject was examined at a mean ± SD menstrual age of 7.9 ± 0.6 weeks (Scan 1), 9.9 ± 0.6 weeks (Scan 2), and 11.9 ± 0.6 weeks (Scan 3). Sac volumes significantly increased over time from 22 ± 11 mL at Scan 1, to 57 ± 21 mL at Scan 2 and 116 ± 35 mL at Scan 3 (P < 0.001). Predominant sac shapes were classified as ellipsoid (76.2%) or discoid (23.8%). Additional descriptors included: concave (60.7%), irregular (53.6%), or smooth (7.1%), with 19% of the overall group having more than one additional shape attribute. Clinically acceptable volume measurement bias and agreement were found for the following comparisons: (1) TAS versus TVS; (2) interobserver volume measurements; and (3) intraobserver volume measurements. The VOCAL technique yielded slightly greater sac volumes (64 ± 45.4 mL) when compared to the 2D ellipsoid model (48.6 ± 36.8 mL) (28.9 ± 24.3% (95% limit of agreement range, − 18.7 to 76.5%), P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Reproducible sac volume measurements can be obtained using VOCAL with either TAS or TVS. Early gestational sacs variably appear as discoid or ellipsoid structures with a concave indentation from the placenta. Sac volumes can be underestimated if an ellipsoid shape is assumed. Morphological and quantitative analysis of the gestational sac may provide baseline parameters for studying patients at risk for early pregnancy failure. Copyright © 2006 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.