bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The puzzle of joking: Disentangling the cognitive and affective components of humorous distraction
Authors: Strick Madelijn , Holland Rob W. , van Baaren Rick B. , van Knippenberg Ad
Published: November 2009

Studies in cognitive psychology, marketing, and education indicate that humor distracts attention from non‐humorous information presented at the same time. Two experiments investigated why humor distracts attention. The two basic components of humor comprise (1) incongruency resolution, which poses cognitive demands and (2) positive affect. We disentangled the contributions of cognitive demands and positive affect on distraction based on the notions that (a) both components are possible sources of distraction, and (b) the components were always confounded in previous research. In an evaluative conditioning paradigm, novel products were consistently paired with humorous stimuli, whereas other products were paired with stimuli that were either (1) equally demanding but neutral, (2) equally positive but undemanding, and (3) undemanding and neutral. The results showed that cognitively demanding stimuli distracted attention, irrespective of stimulus positivity. These findings suggest that the cognitive demands of humor, not the positive affect it evokes, underlie the distraction effect. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recent advances in CE and CEC of peptides (2007–2009)
Authors: Kašička Václav
Published: November 2009

The review presents a comprehensive survey of recent developments of high‐performance capillary electromigration methods, zone electrophoresis, ITP, IEF, affinity electrophoresis, EKC and electrochromatography, and their application to analysis, preparation and physicochemical characterization of peptides. New approaches to the theoretical description and experimental investigation of electromigration properties of peptides, and to methodology of their separations, such as sample preparation, adsorption suppression, EOF control and detection, are described. New developments in particular CE and CEC modes are reported and several types of their applications to peptide analysis are presented: conventional qualitative and quantitative analysis, determination in biomatrices, monitoring of chemical and enzymatical reactions and physical changes, amino acid and sequence analysis, and peptide mapping of proteins. Few examples of micropreparative peptide separations are shown and capabilities of CE and CEC techniques to provide important physicochemical characteristics of peptides are demonstrated.
Recent advances in the application of CE to forensic sciences: A update over years 2007–2009
Authors: Tagliaro Franco , Pascali Jennifer , Fanigliulo Ameriga , Bortolotti Federica
Published: November 2009

This article reviews and comments the applications of CE to forensic sciences covering the short period from 2007 until the first months of 2009, being the latest update of two previous review papers covering the years from 2001 to 2004 and from 2005 to 2007. The overview includes the most relevant examples of analytical applications of capillary electrophoretic and electrokinetic techniques in the following fields: (i) illicit and abused drugs, (ii) small ions of forensic interest (iii) proteins and peptides, (iv) forensic deoxyribonucleic acid, (v) dyes and inks. As many as 69 references are quoted.
The transmission of shocks between Europe, Japan and the United States
Authors: Papanyan Shushanik
Published: November 2009

This paper identifies the types of shocks that affect the economies of Europe, the USA and Japan, and the transmission paths of those shocks between these countries. The identification of shocks is based on the Cointegrated VAR methodology. The categorization and interpretation of shocks are based on synthesis of theoretical studies on international business cycles and international policy coordination. We show that the Cointegrated VAR model is a valid choice and that it demonstrates good fit with the data‐generating processes of the time series examined. We find that country‐specific US permanent shocks transmit to Europe and Japan and, when positive, have a locomotive effect. The USA is not affected by the country‐specific permanent shocks of Europe or Japan. The permanent shocks originating in Europe or Japan do not have a significant effect on the opposite country's growth rates. The model identifies one common symmetric transitory shock affecting all three countries. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Altered representation of expected value in the orbitofrontal cortex in mania
Authors: Bermpohl Felix , Kahnt Thorsten , Dalanay Umut , Hägele Claudia , Sajonz Bastian , Wegner Tristan , Stoy Meline , Adli Mazda , Krüger Stephanie , Wrase Jana , Ströhle Andreas , Bauer Michael , Heinz Andreas
Published: November 2009

Objective:Increased responsiveness to appetitive and reduced responsiveness to aversive anticipatory cues may be associated with dysfunction of the brain reward system in mania. Here we studied neural correlates of gain and loss expectation in mania using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).Method:Fifteen manic patients and 26 matched healthy control individuals performed a monetary incentive delay task, during which subjects anticipated to win or lose a varying amount of money. Varying both magnitude and valence (win, loss) of anticipatory cues allowed us to isolate the effects of magnitude, valence and expected value (magnitude‐by‐valence interaction).Results:Response times and total gain amount did not differ significantly between groups. FMRI data indicated that the ventral striatum responded according to cued incentive magnitude in both groups, and this effect did not significantly differ between groups. However, a significant group difference was observed for expected value representation in the left lateral orbitofrontal cortex (OFC; BA 11 and 47). In this region, patients showed increasing BOLD responses during expectation of increasing gain and decreasing responses during expectation of increasing loss, while healthy subjects tended to show the inverse effect. In seven patients retested after remission OFC responses adapted to the response pattern of healthy controls.Conclusions:The observed alterations are consistent with a state‐related affective processing bias during the expectation of gains and losses which may contribute to clinical features of mania, such as the enhanced motivation for seeking rewards and the underestimation of risks and potential punishments. Hum Brain Mapp, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hepatitis B Virus Infection Among American Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection: Prevalence, Racial/Ethnic Differences, and Viral Interactions
Authors: Bini Edmund J. , Perumalswami Ponni V.
Published: November 2009

Little is known about hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the United States. We prospectively enrolled 1,257 patients with chronic HCV infection from two medical centers in New York City. A total of 61.5% (95% confidence interval, 58.8%–64.2%) had evidence of prior exposure to HBV (hepatitis B core antibody–positive), whereas 5.8% (95% confidence interval, 4.5%–7.1%) had dual infection with HBV (hepatitis B surface antigen–positive). Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified age <40 years, Asian race, injection drug use, and a greater number of lifetime sexual partners as independent risk factors for HBV-HCV dual infection. Liver biopsy results in 26 HBV-HCV–infected and 658 HCV-monoinfected patients showed that stage 3 or 4 fibrosis was significantly more common in those with HBV-HCV dual infection (84.6% versus 29.9%;

P

< 0.001). Patients infected with HBV and HCV had significantly lower median HCV RNA levels (1.3 versus 4.5 × 106 copies/mL;

P

< 0.001) and were less likely to have HCV RNA levels ≥5 × 106 copies/mL (12.3% versus 45.4%;

P

< 0.001) than those who had HCV monoinfection. All five patients with HBV-HCV dual infection who had undetectable HBV DNA levels had HCV RNA levels ≥5 × 106 copies/mL.

Conclusion:

American patients with chronic HCV infection should be tested for HBV, especially younger patients, Asians, injection drug users, and those with an increased number of lifetime sexual partners. The presence of severe liver disease and HBV-HCV viral interactions in patients with dual infection necessitates careful but aggressive clinical management, although the optimal strategy remains to be determined. (Hepatology 2010.)
Antiviral Activity and Safety of Lb80380 in Hepatitis B E Antigen–Positive Chronic Hepatitis B Patients With Lamivudine-Resistant Disease
Authors: Yuen Man-Fung , Han Kwang-Hyub , Um Soon-Ho , Yoon Seung Kew , Kim Hye-Ryon , Kim John , Kim Chung Ryeol , Lai Ching-Lung
Published: November 2009

We aimed to determine the antiviral activity and safety of a new nucleotide analogue, LB80380, in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with lamivudine-resistant virus. Sixty-five patients with lamivudine-resistant virus were randomized to receive five ascending daily doses (30, 60, 90, 150, 240 mg) of LB80380. LB80380 was given together with lamivudine for the first 4 weeks, followed by 8 weeks of LB80380 monotherapy. This was then followed by 24 weeks of adefovir. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels, serology, liver biochemistry, and safety were monitored. The extent of the HBV DNA reduction at week 12 was dose-dependent. The mean reduction from baseline was 2.81, 3.21, 3.92, 4.16, and 4.00 log10 copies/mL for the five ascending dose groups. The dose-proportionate effect was statistically significant (

P

< 0.001) with a decrease of HBV DNA levels by an average of 1.54 log10 copies/mL for every 1-unit increase in log10 dose of LB80380. In 93.4% of patients, HBV DNA decreased by >2 log10 copies/mL, and 11.5% of patients had undetectable HBV DNA levels (<300 copies/mL) by week 12. HBV DNA suppression was maintained during the 24 weeks of adefovir treatment. Hepatitis B e antigen seroconversion and normalization of alanine aminotransferase were seen in 14.6% and 24.6% of patients, respectively, at week 12; 44.6% of patients experienced mild and self-limiting adverse events, none of which were attributed to the study drug.

Conclusion:

LB80380 at doses of up to 240 mg is safe, well tolerated, and effective at reducing viral load in CHB patients with lamivudine-resistant virus for a period of 12 weeks. (Hepatology 2010.)
5-Lipoxygenase Deficiency Reduces Hepatic Inflammation and Tumor Necrosis Factor α–Induced Hepatocyte Damage in Hyperlipidemia-Prone Apoe-Null Mice
Authors: Martínez-Clemente Marcos , Ferré Natàlia , González-Périz Ana , López-Parra Marta , Horrillo Raquel , Titos Esther , Morán-Salvador Eva , Miquel Rosa , Arroyo Vicente , Funk Colin D. , Clària Joan
Published: November 2009

The actual risk factors that drive hepatic inflammation during the transition from steatosis to steatohepatitis are unknown. We recently demonstrated that hyperlipidemia-prone apolipoprotein E–deficient (ApoE−/−) mice exhibit hepatic steatosis and increased susceptibility to hepatic inflammation and advanced fibrosis. Because the proinflammatory 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) pathway was found to be up-regulated in these mice and given that 5-LO deficiency confers cardiovascular protection to ApoE−/− mice, we determined the extent to which the absence of 5-LO would alter liver injury in these mice. Compared with ApoE−/− mice, which showed expected hepatic steatosis and inflammation, ApoE/5-LO double-deficient (ApoE−/−/5-LO−/−) mice exhibited reduced hepatic inflammation, macrophage infiltration, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and interleukin (IL)-18 expression, caspase-3 and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activities, and serum alanine aminotransferase levels in the absence of changes in hepatic steatosis. The lack of 5-LO produced a remarkable insulin-sensitizing effect in the adipose tissue because peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, insulin receptor substrate-1, and adiponectin were up-regulated, whereas c-Jun amino-terminal kinase phosphorylation and MCP-1 and IL-6 expression were down-regulated. On the other hand, hepatocytes isolated from ApoE−/−/5-LO−/− mice were more resistant to TNF-α–induced apoptosis. The 5-LO products leukotriene (LT) B4, LTD4, and 5-HETE consistently triggered TNF-α–induced apoptosis and compromised hepatocyte survival by suppressing NF-κB activity in the presence of actinomycin D. Moreover, ApoE−/−/5-LO−/− mice were protected against sustained high-fat diet (HFD)-induced liver injury and hepatic inflammation, macrophage infiltration and insulin resistance were significantly milder than those of ApoE−/− mice. Finally, pharmacological inhibition of 5-LO significantly reduced hepatic inflammatory infiltrate in the HFD and

ob/ob

models of fatty liver disease.

Conclusion:

These combined data indicate that hyperlipidemic mice lacking 5-LO are protected against hepatic inflammatory injury, suggesting that 5-LO is involved in mounting hepatic inflammation in metabolic disease. (Hepatology 2010.)
Oncogenic and Tumor Suppressive Roles of Polo-Like Kinases in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Pellegrino Rossella , Calvisi Diego F. , Ladu Sara , Ehemann Volker , Staniscia Tommaso , Evert Matthias , Dombrowski Frank , Schirmacher Peter , Longerich Thomas
Published: November 2009

Polo-like kinase (PLK) proteins play critical roles in the control of cell cycle progression, either favoring or inhibiting cell proliferation, and in DNA damage response. Although either overexpression or down-regulation of PLK proteins occurs frequently in various cancer types, no comprehensive analysis on their function in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been performed to date. In the present study, we define roles for PLK1, PLK2, PLK3, and PLK4 during hepatocarcinogenesis. Levels of PLK1, as assessed by means of real-time reverse-transcription PCR and western blot analysis, were progressively increased from nonneoplastic surrounding liver tissues to HCC, reaching the highest expression in tumors with poorer outcome (as defined by the length of patients' survival) compared with normal livers. In sharp contrast, PLK2, PLK3, and PLK4 messenger RNA and protein expression gradually declined from nontumorous liver to HCC, with the lowest levels being detected in HCC with shorter survival. In liver tumors, PLK2-4 down-regulation was paralleled by promoter hypermethylation and/or loss of heterozygosity at the PLK2-4 loci. Subsequent functional studies revealed that PLK1 inhibition led to suppression of cell growth

in vitro

, whereas opposite effects followed PLK2-4 silencing in HCC cell lines. In particular, suppression of PLK1 resulted in a block in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle and in massive apoptosis of HCC cells

in vitro

regardless of p53 status.

Conclusion:

PLK1-4 proteins are aberrantly regulated and possess different roles in human HCC, with PLK1 acting as an oncogene and PLK2-4 being presumably tumor suppressor genes. Thus, therapeutic approaches aimed at inactivating PLK1 and/or reactivating PLK2-4 might be highly useful in the treatment of human liver cancer. (Hepatology 2010.)
Expression of Pituitary Tumor–Transforming Gene 1 (Pttg1)/Securin in Hepatitis B Virus (Hbv)-Associated Liver Diseases: Evidence for An Hbv X Protein–Mediated Inhibition of Pttg1 Ubiquitination and Degradation
Authors: Molina-Jiménez Francisca , Benedicto Ignacio , Murata Miki , Martín-Vílchez Samuel , Seki Toshihito , Pintor-Toro José Antonio , Tortolero María , Moreno-Otero Ricardo , Okazaki Kazuichi , Koike Kazuhiko , Barbero José Luchi , Matsuzaki Koichi , Majano Pedro L. , López-Cabrera Manuel
Published: November 2009

Chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is strongly associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and the viral HBx protein plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of liver tumors. Because the protooncogene pituitary tumor–transforming gene 1 (PTTG1) is overexpressed in HCC, we investigated the regulation of this protein by HBx. We analyzed PTTG1 expression levels in liver biopsies from patients chronically infected with HBV, presenting different disease stages, and from HBx transgenic mice. PTTG1 was undetectable in biopsies from chronic hepatitis B patients or from normal mouse livers. In contrast, hyperplastic livers from transgenic mice and biopsies from patients with cirrhosis, presented PTTG1 expression which was found mainly in HBx-expressing hepatocytes. PTTG1 staining was further increased in HCC specimens. Experiments

in vitro

revealed that HBx induced a marked accumulation of PTTG1 protein without affecting its messenger RNA levels. HBx expression promoted the inhibition of PTTG1 ubiquitination, which in turn impaired its degradation by the proteasome. Glutathione S-transferase pull-down and co-immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrated that the interaction between PTTG1 and the Skp1–Cul1–F-box ubiquitin ligase complex (SCF) was partially disrupted, possibly through a mechanism involving protein–protein interactions of HBx with PTTG1 and/or SCF. Furthermore, confocal analysis revealed that HBx colocalized with PTTG1 and Cul1. We propose that HBx promotes an abnormal accumulation of PTTG1, which may provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of HBV-related pathogenesis of progressive liver disease leading to HCC development. (Hepatology 2010;51:777–787.)
the Histogenesis of Regenerative Nodules in Human Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Lin Wey-Ran , Lim Siew-Na , McDonald Stuart A. C. , Graham Trevor , Wright Victoria L. , Peplow Claire L. , Humphries Adam , Kocher Hemant M. , Wright Nicholas A. , Dhillon Amar P. , Alison Malcolm R.
Published: November 2009

Here, we investigate the clonality and cells of origin of regenerative nodules in human liver cirrhosis using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations as markers of clonal expansion. Mutated cells are identified phenotypically by deficiency in the entirely mtDNA encoded cytochrome

c

oxidase (CCO) enzyme by histochemical and immunohistochemical methods. Nodules were classified as either CCO-deficient or CCO-positive, and among 526 nodules from 10 cases, 18% were homogeneously CCO-deficient, whereas only 3% had a mixed phenotype. From frozen sections, hepatocytes were laser-capture microdissected from several sites within individual CCO-deficient nodules. Mutations were identified by polymerase chain reaction sequencing of the entire mtDNA genome. In all cases except for one, the nodules were monoclonal in nature, possessing up to four common mutations in all hepatocytes in a given nodule. Moreover, the identification of identical mutations in hepatic progenitor cells abutting CCO-deficient nodules proves that nodules can have their origins from such cells.

Conclusion

: These data support a novel pathway for the monoclonal derivation of human cirrhotic regenerative nodules from hepatic progenitor cells. (Hepatology 2010;51:1017–1026.)
Mutations in TP53 tumor suppressor gene in wood dust‐related sinonasal cancer
Authors: Holmila Reetta , Bornholdt Jette , Heikkilä Pirjo , Suitiala Tuula , Févotte Joëlle , Cyr Diane , Hansen Johnni , Snellman Satu‐Marja , Dictor Michael , Steiniche Torben , Schlünssen Vivi , Schneider Thomas , Pukkala Eero , Savolainen Kai , Wolff Henrik , Wallin Håkan , Luce Danièle , Husgafvel‐Pursiainen Kirsti
Published: November 2009

The causal role of work‐related exposure to wood dust in the development of sinonasal cancer has long been established by numerous epidemiologic studies. To study molecular changes in these tumors, we analyzed TP53 gene mutations in 358 sinonasal cancer cases with or without occupational exposure to wood dust, using capillary electrophoresis single‐strand conformation polymorphism analysis and direct sequencing. A significant association between wood‐dust exposure and adenocarcinoma histology was observed [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 12.6, 95% confidence interval (CI), 5.0–31.6]. TP53 mutations occurred in all histologies, with an overall frequency of 77%. TP53 mutation positive status was most common in adenocarcinoma (OR 2.0, 95% CI, 1.1–3.7; compared with squamous cell carcinoma), and mutation positivity showed an overall, nonsignificant association with wood‐dust exposure (OR 1.6, 95% CI, 0.8–3.1). Risk of TP53 mutation was significantly increased in association with duration (≥24 years, OR 5.1, 95% CI, 1.5–17.1), average level (>2 mg/m3; OR 3.6, 95% CI, 1.2–10.8) and cumulative level (≥30 mg/m3 × years; OR 3.5, 95% CI, 1.2–10.7) of wood‐dust exposure; adjustment for formaldehyde affected the ORs only slightly. Smoking did not influence the occurrence of TP53 mutation; however, it was associated with multiple mutations (p = 0.03). As far as we are aware, this is the first study to demonstrate a high prevalence of TP53 mutation‐positive cases in a large collection of sinonasal cancers with data on occupational exposure. Our results indicate that mutational mechanisms, in particular TP53 mutations, are associated with work‐related exposure to wood dust in sinonasal cancer.
Single nucleotide polymorphisms in miRNA binding sites and miRNA genes as breast/ovarian cancer risk modifiers in Jewish high‐risk women
Authors: Kontorovich Tair , Levy Asaf , Korostishevsky Michael , Nir Uri , Friedman Eitan
Published: November 2009

We hypothesized that aberrant gene silencing by miRNA may affect mutant BRCA penetrance. To test this notion, frequency of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; n = 42) within predicted miRNA binding sites or miRNA precursors were determined and compared in 363 BRCA1 mutation carriers: asymptomatic (n = 160), breast cancer (n = 140) and ovarian cancer (n = 63) patients, and in 125 BRCA2 mutation carriers: asymptomatic (n = 48), breast cancer (n = 58) and ovarian cancer (n = 19) patients. Overall, 16 of 42 SNPs were polymorphic, 11 had a minor allele frequency greater than 5% and 9 of them maintained the Hardy‐Weinberg Equilibrium. Based on Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier analyses, statistically significant differences were noted in BRCA2 mutation carriers by health status in 3 SNPs: CC homozygosity at rs6505162 increased ovarian cancer risk (RR 2.77; p = 0.028; 95% CI, 1.11–6.9); heterozygote SNP carriers of rs11169571 had an ∼2 fold increased risk for developing breast/ovarian cancer, whereas heterozygotes of the rs895819 SNP had an ∼50% reduced risk for developing breast/ovarian cancer. This study provides preliminary evidence for another regulatory level of penetrance of deleterious mutations in cancer predisposition genes.
Risk of differentiated thyroid cancer in relation to adult weight, height and body shape over life: The French E3N cohort
Authors: Clavel‐Chapelon Françoise , Guillas Gwenaëlle , Tondeur Laura , Kernaleguen Céline , Boutron‐Ruault Marie‐Christine
Published: November 2009

The increasing incidence rate of thyroid cancer warrants investigation of potentially modifiable factors, especially overweightness. Few prospective studies have investigated anthropometry from childhood to adulthood in relation to thyroid cancer. We analyzed data from 91,909 women of the E3N study, a cohort of French women insured by a national health scheme mostly covering teachers with the age of 40–65 years at inclusion in 1990. Risk estimates of first primary differentiated thyroid cancer (n = 317) were computed using Cox proportional hazards models. There was a significant dose–effect relationship between thyroid cancer risk and weight or body mass index (BMI) but not height. Compared with women whose BMI was 18.5–22 kg/m2, women with BMI 22–25 and those with BMI over 30 had a 39% [95% confidence interval (CI) 7–81] and 76% (12–176) higher risk of thyroid cancer, respectively, with a 21% (5–39) increased risk per 5 kg/m2 increase in BMI. A large body shape from age 35–40 was significantly associated with an increased risk of differentiated thyroid cancer when compared with a lean one, while earlier body shapes were not. The highest risk was observed in women whose body shape increased from lean to large between menarche and adulthood, with a HR of 2.17 (95% CI 1.04–4.53) when compared with women who were lean at both periods. Our study adds to the existing evidence in relation to excess weight to the risk of thyroid cancer, particularly in women whose body shape increased from menarche to adult age.
Secondary malignant neoplasms after Wilms tumor: An international collaborative study
Authors: Breslow Norman E. , Lange Jane M. , Friedman Debra L. , Green Daniel M. , Hawkins Mike M. , Murphy Michael F.G. , Neglia Joseph P. , Olsen Jørgen H. , Peterson Susan M. , Stiller Charles A. , Robison Leslie L.
Published: November 2009

A combined cohort of 8,884 North American, 2,893 British and 1,574 Nordic subjects with Wilms tumor (WT) diagnosed before 15 years of age during 1960–2004 was established to determine the risk of secondary malignant neoplasms (SMN). After 169,641 person‐years (PY) of observation through 2005, 174 solid tumors (exclusive of basal cell carcinomas) and 28 leukemias were ascertained in 195 subjects. Median survival time after a solid SMN diagnosis 5 years or more from WT was 11 years; it was 10 months for all leukemia. Age‐specific incidence of secondary solid tumors increased from approximately 1 case per 1,000 PY at age 15 to 5 cases per 1,000 PY at age 40. The cumulative incidence of solid tumors at age 40 for subjects who survived free of SMNs to age 15 was 6.7%. Leukemia risk, by contrast, was highest during the first 5 years after WT diagnosis. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) for solid tumors and leukemias were 5.1 and 5.0, respectively. Results for solid tumors for the 3 geographic areas were remarkably consistent; statistical tests for differences in incidence rates and SIRs were all negative. Age‐specific incidence rates and SIRs for solid tumors were lower for patients whose WT was diagnosed after 1980, although the trends with decade of diagnosis were not statistically significant. Incidence rates and SIRs for leukemia were highest among those diagnosed after 1990 (p‐trend = 0.003). These trends may reflect the decreasing use of radiation therapy and increasing intensity of chemotherapy in modern protocols for treatment of WT.
Irrigation furrow system: A technique to improve drainage and water productivity in the Gharb plain, Morocco
Authors: Taky A. , Bouarfa S. , Mailhol J.C. , Hammani A. , Bouaziz A. , Ruelle P. , Debbarh A.
Published: November 2009

The Gharb plain in Morocco suffers from water excess in winter and from water deficit during the spring and summer. This explains the low profitability of the investments in irrigation agreed by the Moroccan state and low yields of winter crops. Furrow irrigation systems may be a way to increase water productivity by improving the surface drainage in winter, and by irrigating the crops efficiently in spring and summer. The aim of this study was to assess the hydraulic performance of furrow systems and its agronomic impacts based on an experimental and a modelling approach. Yields were simulated for a series of 11 climatic years (1995–2006). Results clearly showed the advantage of the furrow system whatever the sowing dates. These results confirmed that to improve the water productivity of winter crops in the context of the Gharb scheme, attention has to be paid to surface drainage. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the difficulty of managing an invisible resource: Farmers' strategies and perceptions of groundwater use, field evidence from Morocco
Authors: Bekkar Younes , Kuper Marcel , Errahj Mostafa , Faysse Nicolas , Gafsi Mohamed
Published: November 2009

In Morocco, many farmers rely on groundwater for irrigation. Extensive groundwater exploitation along with the recent droughts, have led to over‐exploitation of this resource. We argue that state regulation is necessary but insufficient to manage groundwater. This article determines farmers' strategies in the exploitation of groundwater and explores the perceptions of farmers of the functioning of aquifers and the use of groundwater. We showed that farmers are rather pessimistic about the possibility of stopping over‐exploitation of groundwater. However, farmers have a reasonable idea about the terms of the water balance, and were able in difficult groundwater situations to put in place defensive farm strategies to manage water stress. In addition, they continue to confer legitimacy on the state for controlling groundwater exploitation, even though it does not in fact have the means to do so. These are encouraging signs for engaging local groundwater debates. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Indicators and framework for analysing the technical and economic performance of irrigation systems at farm level
Authors: Le Grusse Ph. , Mailhol J.C. , Bouaziz A. , Zairi A. , Raki M. , Chabaca M. , Djebbara M. , Ruelle P.
Published: November 2009

In North African countries, irrigation considerably increases production. Given the run‐down condition of irrigation equipment, the rehabilitation and modernization of irrigation schemes is a topical question. In addition, some irrigation projects are currently being implemented thus requiring investments, and judicious decisions have to be taken. At the same time farms in North Africa are increasingly confronted with environmental constraints and held accountable for environmental practices. This article proposes an approach to simultaneously take into account the technical, agricultural, economic and environmental objectives at the farm level, considered to be a relevant decision unit. Such indicators enable pertinent comparisons of different water management strategies in private, public and mixed systems. A method is proposed for the calculation of performance indicators from the plot to the farm level. The indicators enable the performance of irrigated systems to be compared in terms of both effectiveness and efficiency. A graphic representation of the indicators enables the synthetic analysis of the results for a given farm thereby making it possible to highlight the weakness of the production system. The method is applied to two farms in the Gharb area in Morocco and two farms in the Mitidja plain in Algeria. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Ohishi Masanobu , Schipani Ernestina
Published: November 2009

Following the identification of bone marrow multipotent cells that could adhere to plastic and differentiate along numerous mesenchymal lineages in vitro, a considerable effort has been invested in characterizing and expanding these cells, which are now called “mesenchymal stem cells” (MSCs), in vitro. Over the years, numerous lines of evidence have been provided in support of their plasticity, their extraordinary immunomodulatory properties, their potential use for tissue engineering purposes, as well as their ability to be recruited to sites of injury, where they might contribute a “natural in vivo system for tissue repair.” Moreover, some studies have attempted the characterization of their cell‐surface specific antigens and of their anatomical location in vivo. Lastly, it has been shown that similar cells could be also isolated from organs other than the bone marrow. Despite this impressive body of investigations, numerous questions related to the developmental origin of these cells, their proposed pluripotency, and their role in bone modeling and remodeling and tissue repair in vivo are still largely unanswered. In addition, both a systematic phenotypic in vivo characterization of the MSC population and the development of a reproducible and faithful in vivo assay that would test the ability of MSCs to self‐renew, proliferate, and differentiate in vivo are just beginning. This brief review summarizes the current knowledge in the field of study of MSCs and the outstanding questions. J. Cell. Biochem. 109: 277–282, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Oxidative stress drives disulfide bond formation between basic helix‐loop‐helix transcription factors
Authors: Danciu Theodora E. , Whitman Malcolm
Published: November 2009

Basic helix‐loop‐helix (bHLH) transcription factors including Twist1 and E2a proteins regulate essential processes. These factors bind DNA as homo‐ or heterodimers and the choice of binding partners determines their functional output. To investigate potential regulators of bHLH dimerization, cells were exposed to the oxidative agent hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Western blot analysis in the presence or absence of reducing agents, revealed that H2O2 induces the rapid formation of an intermolecular disulfide bond between Twist1 homodimers and Twist/E2a proteins heterodimers. The disulfide bond is first observed between Twist1 homodimers at 25 mM H2O2 and between Twist1 heterodimers at 75 mM H2O2. This response is dependent upon cell density as H2O2 did not induce disulfide bridge formation between bHLH proteins in cells seeded at high density. In the presence of E proteins, the formation of Twist1/E2a proteins heterodimers is favored over Twist1 homodimers, identifying an oxidative stimulus as an important factor in modulating binding partner specificity. We further demonstrated that a cysteine residue located at the C‐terminus of Twist1 and E2a proteins is involved in this response. Disulfide bond formation between Twist1 homodimers significantly reduced its ability to interact with two of its binding partners, Runx2 and HDAC4, indicating that disulfide dimerization in response to H2O2 has functional significance. These data support the conclusion that disulfide bond formation in response to an oxidative stimulus contributes to Twist1 homo‐ and heterodimerization and raises the possibility that the redox status of a cell may represent an important step in bHLH transcriptional regulation. J. Cell. Biochem. 109: 417–424, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Regulation of adenosine receptors expression in rat B lymphocytes by insulin
Authors: Sakowicz‐Burkiewicz Monika , Kocbuch Katarzyna , Grden Marzena , Szutowicz Andrzej , Pawelczyk Tadeusz
Published: November 2009

Development of diabetes is associated with altered expression of adenosine receptors (ARs). Some of these alterations might be attributed to changes in insulin concentration. This study was undertaken to investigate the possible insulin effect on ARs level, and to determine the signaling pathway utilized by insulin to regulate the expression of ARs in rat B lymphocytes. Western blot analysis of B lymphocytes protein extracts indicated that all four ARs were present at detectable levels in the cells cultured for 24 h without insulin (≤10−11 M), although the protein band of A2A‐AR was barely visible. Inclusion of insulin (10−8 M) in the culture medium resulted in an increase of A1‐AR and A2A‐AR protein levels and a significant decrease of A2B‐AR protein, whereas the protein level of A3‐AR remained unchanged. Alterations in the ARs protein content were accompanied by changes in the ARs mRNA levels. Increase of the insulin concentration from 10−11 to 10−8 M resulted in 50% decrease of A2B‐AR mRNA level and two‐, and threefold increase of A1‐AR and A2A‐AR mRNA levels, respectively. Pretreatment of B cells with cycloheximide completely blocked the insulin action on A1‐AR and A2A‐AR mRNA, but not on A2B‐AR expression. Detailed pharmacological analysis demonstrated that insulin‐induced A1‐AR and A2A‐AR mRNA expression through the Ras/Raf‐1/MEK/ERK pathway. The insulin effect on A2B‐AR expression was blocked by p38 MAP kinase inhibitor (SB 203580). Concluding, elevated insulin concentration differentially affects the expression of ARs in B lymphocytes in a fashion that might enhance the various immunomodulatory effects of adenosine. J. Cell. Biochem. 109: 396–405, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anti‐inflammatory function of Withangulatin A by targeted inhibiting COX‐2 expression via MAPK and NF‐κB pathways
Authors: Sun Lijuan , Liu Jianwen , Cui Daling , Li Jiyu , Yu Youjun , Ma Lei , Hu Lihong
Published: November 2009

Withangulatin A (WA), an active component isolated from Physalis angulata L., has been reported to possess anti‐tumor and trypanocidal activities in model systems via multiple biochemical mechanisms. The aim of this study is to investigate its anti‐inflammatory potential and the possible underlying mechanisms. In the current study, WA significantly suppressed mice T lymphocytes proliferation stimulated with LPS in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner and inhibited pro‐inflammation cytokines (IL‐2, IFN‐γ, and IL‐6) dramatically. Moreover, WA targeted inhibited COX‐2 expression mediated by MAPKs and NF‐κB nuclear translocation pathways in mice T lymphocytes, and this result was further confirmed by the COX‐1/2 luciferase reporter assay. Intriguingly, administration of WA inhibited the extent of mice ear swelling and decreased pro‐inflammatory cytokines production in mice blood serum. Based on these evidences, WA influences the mice T lymphocytes function through targeted inhibiting COX‐2 expression via MAPKs and NF‐κB nuclear translocation signaling pathways, and this would make WA a strong candidate for further study as an anti‐inflammatory agent. J. Cell. Biochem. 109: 532–541, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Psychometric evaluation of the body investment scale for use with adolescents
Authors: Osman Augustine , Gutierrez Peter M. , Schweers Renae , Fang Qijuan , Holguin‐Mills Rachel L. , Cashin Michael
Published: November 2009

We conducted two studies to examine the psychometric properties of the Body Investment Scale (BIS; Orbach & Mikulincer, 1998) in U.S. adolescent samples. The BIS was designed to assess bodily experiences that are associated with suicide‐related behaviors. In Study 1, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with data from a combined sample of 204 high school adolescents (83 boys, 121 girls) and 197 psychiatric inpatient (101 boys, 96 girls) adolescents provided moderate support for the oblique four‐factor solution: Body Feelings (ρ=.86, 95% CI=.83–.89), Body Touch (ρ=.71, 95% CI=.65–.76), Body Care (ρ=.78, 95% CI=.71–.81), and Body Protection (ρ=.78, 95% CI=.73–.82); robust comparative fit index=.88 and the robust Tucker Lewis Index=.83. The second‐order factor model also provided moderate fit to the data. In Study 2, results of the CFA with data from adolescent psychiatric inpatients (N=205; 101 boys, 104 girls) provided additional support for the four‐factor solution. In addition, results of the receiver operating characteristic and logistic regression analyses showed that scores on the Body Feelings and Body Protection scales were most useful in differentiating the responses of suicidal and nonsuicidal adolescents, all Cohen's d values >.30. The study also examined associations between scores on the BIS scales and the validation self‐report measures of hopelessness, suicide‐related behavior, and reasons for living. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 66: 259–276, 2010.
A comparison of the behavioral observation system (BOS) with clinician ratings of psychosis and mania
Authors: Lewis‐Smithson Crystal , Mogge Neil L. , LePage James P.
Published: November 2009

This study investigated the relationship of the behavioral observation system (BOS; LePage & Mogge, 2001) and clinician ratings of psychosis and mania. Fifty interviews with psychiatric inpatients using the Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms, the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms, and the Young Mania Rating scale were completed. Paraprofessionals completed a BOS on the patient during the same day of the clinician's interview. The results of the study demonstrate the convergent validity of the BOS scales and support the use of the BOS by paraprofessionals to assess behaviors associated with psychosis and mania. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 66: 333–338, 2010.
MDR1a/1b gene silencing enhances drug sensitivity in rat fibroblast‐like synoviocytes
Authors: Honjo Kuniaki , Takahashi Kenji A. , Mazda Osam , Kishida Tsunao , Shinya Masaharu , Tokunaga Daisaku , Arai Yuji , Inoue Atsuo , Hiraoka Nobuyuki , Imanishi Jiro , Kubo Toshikazu
Published: November 2009

Background

Drug resistance mediated by P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) is one of the major reasons for the failure of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) therapy with disease modifying anti‐rheumatic drugs and glucocorticoids. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the in vitro effectiveness of small interfering RNA (siRNA) to render rat fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS) susceptible to drugs. We also attempted the electroporation‐mediated transfer of siRNA against multidrug resistance (MDR) genes into rat knee joints.

Methods

FLS were transfected with siRNAs corresponding to MDR1a and MDR1b genes. FLS were treated with dexamethasone (DEX) and lipopolysaccharide. The mRNA and protein levels of tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐1β were measured. Both siRNAs were co‐transduced into rat knee joints by an electroporation method and evaluated the target gene expressions in the synovium.

Results

Each siRNA could sequence‐specifically reduce the target gene expression by over 70% and effectively suppressed P‐gp expression and function in the FLS. Both gene expression and protein production of the inflammatory cytokines in the cells transfected with siRNA were reduced by a greater amount compared to in control cells. The in vivo electroporation‐mediated transduction of siRNA could significantly inhibit the target gene expressions.

Conclusions

MDR1a/1b gene silencing by siRNA could effectively inhibit P‐gp in rat FLS, resulting in a significant enhancement of the anti‐inflammatory effects of DEX. The in vivo siRNA transduction could successfully silence MDR gene expression in the rat synovium. These findings indicate that the siRNA targeting MDR gene could be a useful tool for treating refractory arthritis in RA. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CD40‐expressing plasmid induces anti‐CD40 antibody and enhances immune responses to DNA vaccination
Authors: Xu Hanqian , Zhao Gan , Huang Xiaoxi , Ding Zheng , Wang Junpeng , Wang Xiao , Cheng Yating , Kang Youmin , Wang Bin
Published: November 2009

Background

Various approaches have been used to improve the efficacy of DNA vaccination, including the incorporation of molecular adjuvants. Because the CD40 ligand–CD40 interaction plays a major role in initiating immune responses, we sought to develop a molecular adjuvant targeting this interaction.

Methods and Results

We immunized mice with a foot‐and‐mouth disease virus DNA vaccine, pcD‐VP1, together with a CD40‐expressing plasmid, pcD‐CD40. We found that pcD‐CD40 induced anti‐CD40 antibodies, which temporally correlated with the augmented production of anti‐VP1 antibody. pcD‐CD40 similarly augmented the humoral response of another DNA vaccine that targets hepatitis B virus, and passive transfer of anti‐CD40 antisera also showed a similar effect. Furthermore, the pcD‐CD40‐elicited anti‐CD40 antibodies were able to activate the CD40 signal pathway in antigen‐presenting cells in vitro, which led to the maturation of dendritic cells (DCs) and DC‐mediated T cell activation. Thus, pcD‐CD40 augments DNA vaccination by inducing anti‐CD40 antibodies, which in turn promotes T cell activation.

Conclusions

This is the first reported ‘proadjuvant’ that augments DNA vaccination indirectly by eliciting agonistic antibodies. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simultaneous determination of 2‐arachidonoylglycerol, 1‐arachidonoylglycerol and arachidonic acid in mouse brain tissue using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Mei‐Yi , Gao Ying , Btesh Joan , Kagan Natasha , Kerns Edward , Samad Tarek A. , Chanda Pranab K.
Published: November 2009

Endocannabinoids (ECs), such as anandamide (AEA) and 2‐arachidonoylglycerol (2‐AG), modulate a number of physiological processes, including pain, appetite and emotional state. Levels of ECs are tightly controlled by enzymatic biosynthesis and degradationin vivo. However, there is limited knowledge about the enzymes that terminate signaling of the major brain EC, 2‐AG. Identification and quantification of 2‐AG, 1‐AG and arachidonic acid (AA) is important for studying the enzymatic hydrolysis of 2‐AG. We have developed a sensitive and specific quantification method for simultaneous determination of 2‐AG, 1‐AG and AA from mouse brain and adipose tissues by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) using a simple brain sample preparation method. The separations were carried out based on reversed phase chromatography. Optimization of electrospray ionization conditions established the limits of detection (S/N = 3) at 50, 25 and 65 fmol for 2‐AG, 1‐AG and AA, respectively. The methods were selective, precise (%R.S.D. < 10%) and sensitive over a range of 0.02–20, 0.01–10 and 0.05–50 ng/mg tissue for 2‐AG, 1‐AG and AA, respectively. The quantification method was validated with consideration of the matrix effects and the mass spectrometry (MS) responses of the analytes and the deuterium labeled internal standard (IS). The developed methods were applied to study the hydrolysis of 2‐AG from mouse brain extracts containing membrane bound monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), and to measure the basal levels of 2‐AG, 1‐AG and AA in mouse brain and adipose tissues. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Collision‐induced dissociative chemical cross‐linking reagent for protein structure characterization: applied Edman chemistry in the gas phase
Authors: Dreiocker Frank , Müller Mathias Q. , Sinz Andrea , Schäfer Mathias
Published: November 2009

Chemical cross‐linking combined with a subsequent enzymatic digestion and mass spectrometric analysis of the created cross‐linked products presents an alternative approach to assess low‐resolution protein structures and to gain insight into protein interfaces. In this contribution, we report the design of an innovative cross‐linker based on Edman degradation chemistry, which leads to the formation of indicative mass shifted fragment ions and constant neutral losses (CNLs) in electrospray ionization (ESI)‐tandem‐mass spectrometry (MS/MS) product ion mass spectra, allowing an unambiguous identification of cross‐linked peptides. Moreover, the characteristic neutral loss reactions facilitate automated analysis by multiple reaction monitoring suited for high throughput studies with good sensitivity and selectivity. The functioning of the novel cross‐linker relies on the presence of a highly nucleophilic sulfur in a thiourea moiety, safeguarding for effective intramolecular attack leading to predictive and preferred cleavage of a glycyl‐prolyl amide bond. Our innovative analytical concept and the versatile applicability of the collision‐induced dissociative chemical cross‐linking reagent are exemplified for substance P, luteinizing hormone releasing hormone LHRH and lysozyme. The novel cross‐linker is expected to have a broad range of applications for probing protein tertiary structures and for investigating protein–protein interactions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.