bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Species‐specific injury‐induced cell proliferation in the hippocampus and subventricular zone of food‐storing and nonstoring wild birds
Authors: Law L.M. , Gardner R.D. , Allen T.A. , Lee D.W.
Published: November 2009

Cells are continuously born and incorporated into the adult hippocampus (HP). Adult neurogenesis might act to increase the total number of cells or replace dead cells. Thus, neurogenesis might be a primary factor in augmenting, maintaining, or even recovering functions. In zebra finches, HP injury increases cell proliferation in the HP and stem cell rich subventricular zone (SVZ). It is unknown what effect injury has on a species dependent upon the HP for survival in the wild. In food‐storing birds, recovery of caches is seasonal, necessary for survival, dependent upon the HP and is concomitant with a peak in HP neurogenesis. During the fall, food‐storing black‐capped chickadees (BCCs) and nonstoring dark‐eyed juncos (DEJs) were captured and given a unilateral penetrating lesion to the HP one day later. On day 3, birds were injected with the mitotic marker 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU) and perfused on day 10. If unlesioned, more BrdU‐labeled cells were observed in the HP and SVZ of BCCs compared to DEJs, indicating higher innate cell proliferation or incorporation in BCCs. If lesioned, BrdU‐labeled cells increased in the injured HP of both species; however, lesions caused larger increases in DEJs. DEJs also showed increases in BrdU‐labeled cells in the SVZ and contralateral HP. BCCs showed no such increases on day 10. Thus, during the fall food‐storing season, storers showed suppressed injury‐induced cell proliferation and/or reduced survival rates of these new cells compared to nonstorers. These species differences may provide a useful model for isolating factors involved in cellular responses following injury. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2010
Axoplasm isolation from peripheral nerve
Authors: Rishal Ida , Michaelevski Izhak , Rozenbaum Meir , Shinder Vera , Medzihradszky Katalin F. , Burlingame Alma L. , Fainzilber Mike
Published: November 2009

Localized changes in the composition of axonal cytoplasm (axoplasm) are critical for many biological processes, including axon guidance, responses to injury, neurite outgrowth, and axon‐glia interactions. Biochemical and molecular studies of these mechanisms have been heavily focused on in vitro systems because of the difficulty of obtaining subcellular extracts from mammalian tissues in vivo. As in vitro systems might not replicate the in vivo situation, reliable methods of axoplasm extraction from whole nerve would be helpful for mechanistic studies on axons. Here we develop and evaluate a new procedure for preparation of axoplasm from rat peripheral nerve, based on incubation of separated short segements of nerve fascicles in hypotonic medium to separate myelin and lyse nonaxonal structures, followed by extraction of the remaining axon‐enriched material. We show that this new procedure reduces serum and glial cell contamination and facilitates proteomic analyses of axonal contents. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2010
Topography of estradiol‐modulated genomic responses in the songbird auditory forebrain
Authors: Sanford Sara E. , Lange Henry S. , Maney Donna L.
Published: November 2009

Sex steroids facilitate dramatic changes in behavioral responses to sociosexual signals and are increasingly implicated in the sensory processing of those signals. Our previous work demonstrated that in female white‐throated sparrows, which are seasonal breeders, genomic responses in the auditory forebrain are selective for conspecific song over frequency‐matched tones only when plasma estradiol (E2) reaches breeding levels. Here, we sought to map this E2‐dependent selectivity in the best‐studied area of the auditory forebrain, the caudomedial nidopallium (NCM). Nonbreeding females with low endogenous levels of E2 were treated with E2 or a placebo and exposed to conspecific song, tones, or no sound playback. Immunoreactive protein product of the immediate early gene zenk (egr‐1) was then quantified within seven distinct subregions, or domains, of NCM. We report three main findings: (1) regardless of hormone treatment, the zenk response is significantly higher in dorsal than in ventral NCM, and higher in medial than in lateral NCM; (2) E2‐dependent selectivity of the response is limited to the rostral and medial domains of NCM; in the more caudal domains, song induces more zenk expression than tones regardless of hormone treatment; (3) even when no sound stimuli were presented, E2 treatment significantly increased zenk expression in the rostral, but not the caudal, domains of NCM. Together, the latter two findings suggest that E2‐dependent plasticity in NCM is concentrated in rostral NCM, which is hodologically and neurochemically distinct from caudal NCM. Activity in rostral NCM may therefore be seasonally regulated in this species. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 2010
A Mild, Efficient Approach for the Synthesis of 1,5‐Disubstituted Hydantoins
Authors: Olimpieri Francesca , Bellucci Maria Cristina , Volonterio Alessandro , Zanda Matteo
Published: November 2009

An efficient and straightforward two‐step procedure for the synthesis of N‐1 alkyl/aryl‐substituted hydantoins was developed, starting from easily available starting materials. The procedure envisages a highly regiospecific domino condensation/aza‐Michael (nucleophilic substitution)/O→N acyl migration between activated α,β‐unsaturated carboxylic acids or α‐haloaryl acetic acids, respectively, and N‐tert‐butyl‐ or N‐tritylcarbodiimides, leading to the regioselective formation of hydantoins bearing the tertiary alkylic substituent in the 3‐position, followed by selective removal the substituent. This process avoids the use of harsh reaction conditions and toxic reagents and is high yielding. A detailed study of the influence of the structure of the reactants on the reaction outcome is presented. A wide variety of final products having a primary, secondary, cyclic and aryl substituent at the N‐1 position were successfully synthesized by this method. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Platinum‐Catalyzed Hydrogenative Cyclization of Yne‐Enones, Yne‐Aldehydes, and Yne‐Dienes
Authors: Shinde Mahadev P. , Wang Xi , Kang Eun Joo , Jang Hye‐Young
Published: November 2009

Pt complexes were used in the presence of phosphane ligands, SnCl2, and H2 for coupling reactions of alkynes with electrophiles under environmentally benign hydrogenation conditions, providing five‐ and six‐membered cycloreduction products in moderate to good yield. Deuterium labeling studies suggested the occurrence of a catalytic cycle including the diploar intermediate derived from hydrometalation of a platinum–hydride complex to the alkyne. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Filmy channel microchip with amperometric detection
Authors: Wang Wei , Fu Feng F u , Xu Xueqin , Lin Jin‐Ming , Chen Guonan
Published: November 2009

In this article, a new type of microchip with filmy channels and a sample‐injection fracture is introduced. Unlike commercial microchip, new microchip possessed filmy channel with width 2–3 mm. The effective cooling ability made filmy channel microchip restrain the generation of Joule heat even under electric field of 588 V/cm. Moreover, wider channel could be more easily modified to prevent the absorption of samples, load more samples and result in a higher sensitivity. Sample‐injection fracture was first applied to match the filmy channel in microchip. Equipped with an amperometric detector, the characteristics of the newly designed filmy channel microchip had been studied and the results showed that it had good reproducibility, higher sensitivity and excellent separation ability. The microchip was also applied to separate L‐tryptophan's metabolites, namely 5‐hydroxy‐L‐tryptophan, 5‐hydroxytryptamine and 5‐hydroxy‐indole‐3‐acetic acid.
Functionalized carbon nanotubes as the pseudostationary phase for capillary EKC separation of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs
Authors: Huang Yi‐Jin , Wang Guan‐Ren , Huang Kuan‐Pin , Hsieh Yu‐Fang , Liu Chuen‐Ying
Published: November 2009

Functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (f‐MWCNTs) can serve as the pseudostationary phase (PSP) for the capillary EKC separation of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). To increase their hydrophilicity, we treated MWCNTs, with a sonochemical process in a concentrated nitric/sulfuric acid mixture. The oxidized MWCNTs were then characterized by FT‐IR, transmission electron microscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. We evaluated the potential of the PSP and the effects of buffer composition, pH, addition of organic modifier, and injection temperature on the NSAID separation. The PSP created a network structure of π–π interactions, hydrophobic forces, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic interactions to separate NSAIDs, providing a different separation mode from SDS micelles. We achieved complete separation of six NSAIDs using a mixture of a borate buffer (75 mM, pH 10) with methanol (5%, v/v) containing 0.02 mg/mL f‐MWCNTs, an applied voltage of +12 kV and detection at 214 nm. Better precision was obtained with a low injection temperature. The method was also satisfactorily applied to the analysis of NSAIDs spiked into a urine sample.
CE‐ESI‐MS analysis of singly charged inorganic and organic anions using a dicationic reagent as a complexing agent
Authors: Lin Xiuli , Gerardi Anthony R. , Breitbach Zachary S. , Armstrong Daniel W. , Colyer Christa L.
Published: November 2009

A dicationic ion‐pairing reagent, N,N′‐dibutyl 1,1′‐pentylenedipyrrolidinium, was used to form complexes with singly charged anions for their subsequent analysis by CE‐ESI‐MS in positive ion mode. This methodology offers the advantages of greater versatility and sensitivity relative to direct detection of the anions in negative ion mode, and it can be realized by a number of possible complexation strategies, including pre‐column, on‐column, and post‐column modes. Four model anions, perfluorooctanoate, benzenesulfonate (BZSN), monochloroacetate (MCA), and trifluoromethanesulfonimide were amenable to complexation with the dicationic reagent, yielding singly charged cations with greater m/z. By optimizing various parameters, including the CE separation buffer composition and pH, the concentration of the dicationic reagent, the mode of complexation, the nebulizing gas pressure, and the sheath liquid composition, it was possible to develop a robust CE‐ESI‐MS method appropriate for the analysis of anions in a tap water sample. By this method, LODs were found to be 20.9 and 1.31 ng/mL for MCA and BZSN, respectively.
Chirally functionalized anion‐exchange type silica monolith for enantiomer separation of 2‐aryloxypropionic acid herbicides by non‐aqueous capillary electrochromatography
Authors: Buchinger Stefanie , Follrich Beatrix , Lämmerhofer Michael , Lubda Dieter , Lindner Wolfgang
Published: November 2009

A silica based monolithic capillary column derivatized with O‐9‐(tert‐butylcarbamoyl)quinidine was prepared for CEC enantiomer separation of chiral 2‐aryloxypropionic acid herbicides including inter alia dichlorprop, mecoprop and fenoprop. The silica monolith had a relatively low surface coverage with chiral cationic selector moieties. Due to the low selector density retention factors were low as well, yet still enabling enantiomer separations of the target solutes. Both electrophoretically and chromatographically dominated migration and separation modes, respectively, could be established depending on the employed conditions. In the former mode, enantiomers migrated in front of the EOF marker, and faster separations and higher plate numbers could be achieved. In the latter mode, stronger adsorption translated into a typical chromatographic separation in which the enantiomers eluted after the EOF marker whereby separation factors were slightly enhanced compared to the aforementioned separation mode. Reasonable baseline separations of enantiomers were accomplished for all analytes after optimization of relevant mobile phase parameters in the anion‐exchange CEC system including sample loadability, and the separations were comparable to such obtained on an optimized high density quinidine‐carbamate modified organic polymer monolith column. Overall, it is concluded that monoliths with a high surface density of chiral ion‐exchange moieties are favorable because of their enhanced sample loadabilities and improved chromatographic performance with regard to separation factors, plate numbers and peak symmetries. The resultant accompanying longer analysis times may rather be reduced by adjusting effective column length than by reducing selector coverage of the monolith.
Analyses of sulfonamide antibiotics by CEC using poly(divinylbenzene‐1‐octadecene‐vinylbenzyl trimethyl ammonium chloride) monolithic columns
Authors: Lin Cheng‐Lan , Cheng Yi‐Jie , Huang Hsi‐Ya , Lee Szetsen
Published: November 2009

In this study, a series of novel polymeric monolithic columns prepared by single‐step in situ copolymerization of 1‐octadecene (OD), divinylbenzene (DVB) and/or styrene (S), were developed as separation columns for the sulfonamide analyses. On the CEC method, the composition of monomer mixtures (i.e. the ratio of S versus OD), content of charge‐bearing monomer (vinylbenzyl trimethylammonium chloride) and volume fraction ratio of ACN in the mobile phase, was found to be the predominant influences for sulfonamide separation. Furthermore, an online sample concentration step, field‐amplified sample injection, was used to enhance the detection sensitivity of sulfonamides. Sample matrix's pH had a significant effect on the sulfonamide sensitivity. For the eight sulfonamides, the proposed poly(DVB‐OD) monolithic stationary phase coupled with field‐amplified sample injection step could achieve a reproducible baseline separation within 15 min and LODs in the range of 8.1–28.2 μg/L.
Noncovalent poly(1‐vinylpyrrolidone)‐based copolymer coating for the separation of basic proteins and lipoproteins by CE
Authors: Wang Ai‐Jun , Witos Joanna , D'Ulivo Lucia , Vainikka Kati , Riekkola Marja‐Liisa
Published: November 2009

A new simple and fast noncovalent coating method based on poly(1‐vinylpyrrolidone‐co‐2‐dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) copolymer was developed for CE. Merely 2 min flushing of the capillary with the poly(1‐vinylpyrrolidone‐co‐2‐dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) copolymer was required. The copolymer is adsorbed onto the fused‐silica surface by hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions. EOF was almost totally suppressed over a wide pH range. The coating conditions (flushing time, copolymer concentration, and the concentration and pH of background electrolyte solution) and the stability of the coating were optimized, and the coated capillary was successfully applied to the fast separation of four basic proteins: lysozyme, cytochrome c, ribonuclease A, and α‐chymotrypsinogen A. Separation efficiencies were high, ranging from 386 000 to 738 000 plates/m at 40 mM pH 4.0 acetate buffer being comparable to values obtained on classical covalent PVP‐coated capillary. The RSD of migration times of basic proteins for 200 times successive runs were all below 1.0% (n=200, 3 days). A successful capillary performance was demonstrated also to the separation of low‐ and high‐density lipoproteins at acidic pH.
Surfactant‐bound monolithic columns for CEC
Authors: Gu Congying , He Jun , Jia Jinping , Fang Nenghu , Shamsi Shahab A.
Published: November 2009

A novel anionic surfactant bound monolithic stationary phase based on 11‐acrylaminoundecanoic acid is designed for CEC. The monolith possessing bonded undecanoyl groups (hydrophobic sites) and carboxyl groups (weak cationic ion‐exchange sites) were evaluated as a mixed‐mode stationary phase in CEC for the separation of neutral and polar solutes. Using a multivariate D‐optimal design the composition of the polymerization mixture was modeled and optimized with five alkylbenzenes and seven alkyl phenyl ketones as test solutes. The D‐optimal design indicates a strong dependence of electrochromatographic parameters on the concentration of 11‐acrylaminoundecanoic acid monomer and porogen (water) in the polymerization mixture. A difference of 6, 8 and 13% RSD between the predicted and the experimental values in terms of efficiency, resolution and retention time, respectively, indeed confirmed that the proposed approach is practical. The physical (i.e. morphology, porosity and permeability) and chromatographic properties of the monolithic columns were thoroughly investigated. With the optimized monolithic column, high efficiency separation of N‐methylcarbamates pesticides and positional isomers was successfully achieved. It appears that this type of mixed‐mode monolith (containing both chargeable and hydrophobic sites) may have a great potential as a new generation of CEC stationary phase.
Nuclear factor‐κB expression as a novel marker of radioresistance in early‐stage laryngeal cancer
Authors: Yoshida Kenji , Sasaki Ryohei , Nishimura Hideki , Okamoto Yoshiaki , Suzuki Yoko , Kawabe Tetsuya , Saito Miki , Otsuki Naoki , Hayashi Yoshitake , Soejima Toshinori , Nibu Kenichi , Sugimura Kazuro
Published: November 2009

Background.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the significance of nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) expression as a marker of radioresistance in early‐stage laryngeal cancer.

Methods.

Thirty‐five patients with local recurrence and 70 case‐matched patients without local recurrence were entered in this study. NF‐κB expression was compared with Bcl‐2 and epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor expression by immunohistochemistry, using pretreatment biopsy specimens. The prognostic value of NF‐κB was also evaluated. Twenty‐nine recurrent tumors were compared with pretreatment tumors.

Results.

NF‐κB expression in pretreatment tumors significantly correlated with local tumor control (p = .01), but bcl‐2 and EGF receptor expression did not. Only NF‐κB expression showed prognostic significance for local tumor control in both univariate and multivariate analyses (p = .008 and .04, respectively). NF‐κB expression was markedly enhanced in 23 of 29 (80%) recurrent tumors.

Conclusion.

NF‐κB expression may be a novel marker of radioresistance in early‐stage laryngeal cancer. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010
Anaplastic thyroid cancer: Clinical outcomes with conformal radiotherapy
Authors: Bhatia Aarti , Rao Archana , Ang Kie‐Kian , Garden Adam S. , Morrison William H. , Rosenthal David I. , Evans Douglas B. , Clayman Gary , Sherman Steven I. , Schwartz David L.
Published: November 2009

Background.

The aim of this study was to review institutional outcomes for anaplastic thyroid cancer treated with conformal 3‐dimensional radiotherapy (3DRT) or intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT).

Methods.

In all, 53 consecutive patients were analyzed. Thirty‐one (58%) patients were irradiated with curative intent. Median radiation dose was 55 Gray (Gy; range, 4–70 Gy). Thirteen (25%) patients received IMRT to a median 60 Gy (range, 39.9–69.0 Gy). Thirty‐nine (74%) patients received chemotherapy with radiation.

Results.

The Kaplan–Meier estimate of overall survival (OS) at 1 year for definitively irradiated patients was 29%. Patients without distant metastases receiving ≥50 Gy had superior survival outcomes; 5 such patients had no evidence of disease at last follow‐up. Use of IMRT versus 3DRT did not influence toxicity.

Conclusions.

Outcomes for anaplastic thyroid cancer treated with 3DRT or IMRT remain equivalent to historical results. Healthy patients with localized disease who tolerate full dose irradiation can potentially enjoy prolonged survival. Biologically targeted radiosensitization merits prioritized investigation. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009
Kimura's disease in a white man
Authors: Müller‐Richter Urs D. A. , Moralis Antonios , Reuther Tobias , Kochel Michael , Reichert Torsten E. , Driemel Oliver
Published: November 2009

Background

Kimura's disease is a rare inflammatory disease that mainly affects Asians and most often occurs in the deep lymph nodes of the head and neck. We report on a rare case of Kimura's disease in the hard palate of a white man.

Method

A 56‐year‐old white man was seen with a rapidly growing mass in the upper jaw. A complete tumor resection with hemimaxillectomy was performed. The tumor, which showed signs of inflammation, was located within the bone and the soft tissue.

Results

Kimura's disease was diagnosed by histopathologic examination of the resected tumor.

Conclusion

This case demonstrates that Kimura's disease, though rare, is not limited to the Asian population. We present a case of a tumor in a white man. This adds another possibility for uncertain differential diagnoses of rapidly growing tumor masses. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 33:138–140, 2011
Accelerated fractionation radiotherapy and late intensification with 2 intra‐arterial cisplatin infusions for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Yu Kwok Hung , Yu Simon C. H. , Hui Edwin P. , Kam Michael K. M. , Vlantis Alexander C. , Yuen Edmund , Chan Anthony T. C.
Published: November 2009

Background

This study was established to determine the maximum tolerated dose of intra‐arterial cisplatin (IAC) concurrent with accelerated fractionation radiotherapy for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Methods

We conducted a phase I study. Treatment consisted of 70 Gy/35 fractions/5.8 weeks and 2 weekly IAC infusions during the last 2 weeks.

Results

Ten patients were recruited. Two patients had stage III, 1 had stage IVa, and 7 had stage IVb disease. Three patients received IAC at 100 mg/m2, 3 at 125 mg/m2, and 4 at 150 mg/m2. Nine patients received both planned infusions. Dose‐limiting toxicity occurred at 150 mg/m2 as transient grade 4 leukopenia and prolonged grade 3 acute skin reactions. The maximum tolerated dose was 125 mg/m2. Six patients survived disease‐free at 39 to 67 months.

Conclusions

It was feasible to give IAC concurrent with accelerated fractionation radiotherapy for locally advanced HNSCC. The maximum tolerated dose of cisplatin was 125 mg/m2. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009
Advanced glycation end‐products activate extracellular signal‐regulated kinase via the oxidative stress‐EGF receptor pathway in renal fibroblasts
Authors: Chen San‐Cher , Guh Jinn‐Yuh , Hwang Chi‐Ching , Chiou Shean‐Jaw , Lin Tai‐Du , Ko Yu‐Ming , Huang Jau‐Shyang , Yang Yu‐Lin , Chuang Lea‐Yea
Published: November 2009

Advanced glycation end‐products (AGEs), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERK) are implicated in diabetic nephropathy (DN). Therefore, we asked if AGEs‐induced ERK protein phosphorylation and mitogenesis are dependent on the receptor for AGEs (RAGE)–ROS–EGFR pathway in normal rat kidney interstitial fibroblast (NRK‐49F) cells. We found that AGEs (100 µg/ml) activated EGFR and ERK1/2, which was attenuated by RAGE short‐hairpin RNA (shRNA). AGEs also increased RAGE protein and intracellular ROS levels while RAGE shRNA and N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) attenuated AGEs‐induced intracellular ROS. Hydrogen peroxide (5–25 µM) increased RAGE protein level while activating both EGFR and ERK1/2. Low‐dose hydrogen peroxide (5 µM) increased whereas high‐dose hydrogen peroxide (100 µM) decreased mitogenesis at 3 days. AGEs‐activated EGFR and ERK1/2 were attenuated by an anti‐oxidant (NAC) and an EGFR inhibitor (Iressa). Moreover, AGEs‐induced mitogenesis was attenuated by RAGE shRNA, NAC, Iressa, and an ERK1/2 inhibitor (PD98059). In conclusion, it was found that AGEs‐induced mitogenesis is dependent on the RAGE–ROS–EGFR–ERK1/2 pathway whereas AGEs‐activated ERK1/2 is dependent on the RAGE–ROS–EGFR pathway in NRK‐49F cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 109: 38–48, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The nucleosome binding protein HMGN3 is expressed in pancreatic α‐cells and affects plasma glucagon levels in mice
Authors: Kurahashi Toshihiro , Furusawa Takashi , Ueda Tetsuya , Bustin Michael
Published: November 2009

Glucose homeostasis requires the coordinated actions of various organs and is critically dependent on the proper functioning of the various cell types present in the pancreatic Langerhans islets. Here we report that chromatin architectural protein HMGN3 is highly expressed in all pancreatic endocrine islet cells, and that Hmgn3−/− mice which have a mild diabetic phenotype, have reduced glucagon levels in their blood. To elucidate the mechanism leading to altered glucagon secretion of Hmgn3−/− mice, we tested whether HMGN3 affect glucagon synthesis and secretion in αTC1‐9 cells, a glucagon secreting cell line that is used to study pancreatic α‐cell function. We find that in these cells deletion of either HMGN3 or other HMGN variants, does not significantly affect glucagon gene expression or glucagon secretion. Our studies demonstrate a link between HMGN3 and glucagon blood levels that is not directly dependent of the function of pancreatic α‐cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 109: 49–57, 2010. Published 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modulatory effects of phytoglycoprotein (75 kDa) on allergic inflammatory cytokines in Di(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)‐stimulated RBL‐2H3 cells
Authors: Oh Phil‐Sun , Lim Kye‐Taek
Published: November 2009

This study investigated the inhibitory effect of a glycoprotein isolated fromCudrania tricuspidataBureau (CTB glycoprotein) on di(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)‐induced mast cell degranulation and related signaling cascade in RBL‐2H3 cells. This experiment evaluated the intracellular Ca2+level, and the activities of protein kinase C (PKC), mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK), transcription factor, and the cytokines in DEHP‐treated RBL‐2H3 cells. Our results revealed that the CTB glycoprotein in the presence of DEHP inhibits the release of histamine and expression of interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐6, and TNF‐α in RBL‐2H3 cells. We also found that the CTB glycoprotein inhibits the intracellular Ca2+level, translocation of PKC from cytosol to membrane and the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in cells. Moreover, the CTB glycoprotein (100 µg/ml) has suppressive effects on transcriptional activation of nuclear factor (NF)‐κB in DEHP‐treated RBL‐2H3 cells. The activation of NF‐κB was collectively blocked by treatment with PKC inhibitor (staurosporine) as well as ERK1/2 inhibitor (PD98059), respectively. The results from these experiments indicated that the CTB glycoprotein inhibits release of histamine and expressions of IL‐4, IL‐6, and TNF‐α via down regulations of PKC/MAPK and NF‐κB on the stage of mast cell degranulation induced by DEHP. Moreover, oral administration of CTB glycoprotein (10–20 mg/kg) inhibited compound 48/80‐mediated systemic reaction in mice. In conclusion, we speculated that the CTB glycoprotein might be one component for preparation of health supplements for prevention of allergic immune disorders. J. Cell. Biochem. 109: 124–131, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Exploring hierarchical refinement techniques for induced fit docking with protein and ligand flexibility
Authors: Borrelli Kenneth W. , Cossins Benjamin , Guallar Victor
Published: November 2009

We present a series of molecular‐mechanics‐based protein refinement methods, including two novel ones, applied as part of an induced fit docking procedure. The methods used include minimization; protein and ligand sidechain prediction; a hierarchical ligand placement procedure similar to a‐priori protein loop predictions; and a minimized Monte Carlo approach using normal mode analysis as a move step. The results clearly indicate the importance of a proper opening of the active site backbone, which might not be accomplished when the ligand degrees of freedom are prioritized. The most accurate method consisted of the minimized Monte Carlo procedure designed to open the active site followed by a hierarchical optimization of the sidechain packing around a mobile flexible ligand. The methods have been used on a series of 88 protein‐ligand complexes including both cross‐docking and apo‐docking members resulting in complex conformations determined to within 2.0 Å heavy‐atom RMSD in 75% of cases where the protein backbone rearrangement upon binding is less than 1.0 Å α‐carbon RMSD. We also demonstrate that physics‐based all‐atom potentials can be more accurate than docking‐style potentials when complexes are sufficiently refined. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2010
A scheme for rapid prediction of cooperativity in hydrogen bond chains of formamides, acetamides, andN‐methylformamides
Authors: Jiang Xiao‐Nan , Sun Chang‐Liang , Wang Chang‐Sheng
Published: November 2009

A scheme is proposed in this article to predict the cooperativity in hydrogen bond chains of formamides, acetamides, andN‐methylformamides. The parameters needed in the scheme are derived from fitting to the hydrogen bonding energies of MP2/6‐31+G** with basis set superposition error (BSSE) correction of the hydrogen bond chains of formamides containing from two to eight monomeric units. The scheme is then used to calculate the individual hydrogen bonding energies in the chains of formamides containing 9 and 12 monomeric units, in the chains of acetamides containing from two to seven monomeric units, in the chains ofN‐methylformamides containing from two to seven monomeric units. The calculation results show that the cooperativity predicted by the scheme proposed in this paper is in good agreement with those obtained from MP2/6‐31+G** calculations by including the BSSE correction, demonstrating that the scheme proposed in this article is reasonable. Based on our scheme, a cooperativity effect of almost 240% of the dimer hydrogen bonding energy in long hydrogen bond formamide chains, a cooperativity effect of almost 190% of the dimer hydrogen bonding energy in long hydrogen bond acetamide chains, and a cooperativity effect of almost 210% of the dimer hydrogen bonding energy in long hydrogen bondN‐methylformamide chains are predicted. The scheme is further applied to some heterogeneous chains containing formamide, acetamide, andN‐methylformamide. The individual hydrogen bonding energies in these heterogeneous chains predicted by our scheme are also in good agreement with those obtained from Møller‐Plesset calculations including BSSE correction. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2010
Functional multimerization of mucolipin channel proteins
Authors: Curcio‐Morelli Cyntia , Zhang Peng , Venugopal Bhuvarahamurthy , Charles Florie A. , Browning Marsha F. , Cantiello Horacio F. , Slaugenhaupt Susan A.
Published: November 2009

MCOLN1 encodes mucolipin‐1 (TRPML1), a member of the transient receptor potential TRPML subfamily of channel proteins. Mutations in MCOLN1 cause mucolipidosis‐type IV (MLIV), a lysosomal storage disorder characterized by severe neurologic, ophthalmologic, and gastrointestinal abnormalities. Along with TRPML1, there are two other TRPML family members, mucolipin‐2 (TRPML2) and mucolipin‐3 (TRPML3). In this study, we used immunocytochemical analysis to determine that TRPML1, TRPML2, and TRPML3 co‐localize in cells. The multimerization of TRPML proteins was confirmed by co‐immunoprecipitation and Western blot analysis, which demonstrated that TRPML1 homo‐multimerizes as well as hetero‐multimerizes with TRPML2 and TRPML3. MLIV‐causing mutants of TRPML1 also interacted with wild‐type TRPML1. Lipid bilayer re‐constitution of in vitro translated TRPML2 and TRPML3 confirmed their cation channel properties with lower single channel conductance and higher partial permeability to anions as compared to TRPML1. We further analyzed the electrophysiological properties of single channel TRPML hetero‐multimers, which displayed functional differences when compared to individual TRPMLs. Our data shows for the first time that TRPMLs form distinct functional channel complexes. Homo‐ and hetero‐multimerization of TRPMLs may modulate channel function and biophysical properties, thereby increasing TRPML functional diversity. J. Cell. Physiol. 222: 328–335, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
1α,25‐dihydroxy vitamin D3 induces nuclear matrix association of the 1α,25‐dihydroxy vitamin D3 receptor in osteoblasts independently of its ability to bind DNA
Authors: Arriagada Gloria , Paredes Roberto , van Wijnen Andre J. , Lian Jane B. , van Zundert Brigitte , Stein Gary S. , Stein Janet L. , Montecino Martin
Published: November 2009

1α,25‐dihydroxy vitamin D3 (vitamin D3) has an important role during osteoblast differentiation as it directly modulates the expression of key bone‐related genes. Vitamin D3 binds to the vitamin D3 receptor (VDR), a member of the superfamily of nuclear receptors, which in turn interacts with transcriptional activators to target this regulatory complex to specific sequence elements within gene promoters. Increasing evidence demonstrates that the architectural organization of the genome and regulatory proteins within the eukaryotic nucleus support gene expression in a physiological manner. Previous reports indicated that the VDR exhibits a punctate nuclear distribution that is significantly enhanced in cells grown in the presence of vitamin D3. Here, we demonstrate that in osteoblastic cells, the VDR binds to the nuclear matrix in a vitamin D3‐dependent manner. This interaction of VDR with the nuclear matrix occurs rapidly after vitamin D3 addition and does not require a functional VDR DNA‐binding domain. Importantly, nuclear matrix‐bound VDR colocalizes with its transcriptional coactivator DRIP205/TRAP220/MED1 which is also matrix bound. Together these results indicate that after ligand stimulation the VDR rapidly enters the nucleus and associates with the nuclear matrix preceding vitamin D3‐transcriptional upregulation. J. Cell. Physiol. 222: 336–346, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Integrin‐linked kinase regulates migration and proliferation of human intestinal cells under a fibronectin‐dependent mechanism
Authors: Gagné David , Groulx Jean‐François , Benoit Yannick D. , Basora Nuria , Herring Elizabeth , Vachon Pierre H. , Beaulieu Jean‐François
Published: November 2009

Integrin‐linked kinase (ILK) plays a role in integrin signaling‐mediated extracellular matrix (ECM)–cell interactions and also acts as a scaffold protein in functional focal adhesion points. In the present study, we investigated the expression and roles of ILK in human intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) in vivo and in vitro. Herein, we report that ILK and its scaffold‐function interacting partners, PINCH‐1, α‐parvin, and β‐parvin, are expressed according to a decreasing gradient from the bottom of the crypt (proliferative/undifferentiated) compartment to the tip of the villus (non‐proliferative/differentiated) compartment, closely following the expression pattern of the ECM/basement membrane component fibronectin. The siRNA knockdown of ILK in human IECs caused a loss of PINCH‐1, α‐parvin, and β‐parvin expression, along with a significant decrease in cell proliferation via a loss of cyclin D1 and an increase in p27 and hypophosphorylated pRb expression levels. ILK knockdown severely affected cell spreading, migration, and restitution abilities, which were shown to be directly related to a decrease in fibronectin deposition. All ILK knockdown‐induced defects were rescued with exogenously deposited fibronectin. Altogether, our results indicate that ILK performs crucial roles in the control of human intestinal cell and crypt–villus axis homeostasis—especially with regard to basement membrane fibronectin deposition—as well as cell proliferation, spreading, and migration. J. Cell. Physiol. 222: 387–400, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spermatogenesis of the spider crabMaja brachydactyla(Decapoda: Brachyura)
Authors: Simeó Carles G. , Kurtz Kathryn , Chiva Manel , Ribes Enric , Rotllant Guiomar
Published: November 2009

This study describes spermatogenesis in a majid crab (Maja brachydactyla) using electron microscopy and reports the origin of the different organelles present in the spermatozoa. Spermatogenesis inM. brachydactylafollows the general pattern observed in other brachyuran species but with several peculiarities. Annulate lamellae have been reported in brachyuran spermatogenesis during the diplotene stage of first spermatocytes, the early and mid‐spermatids. Unlike previous observations, a Golgi complex has been found in mid‐spermatids and is involved in the development of the acrosome. The Golgi complex produces two types of vesicles: light vesicles and electron‐dense vesicles. The light vesicles merge into the cytoplasm, giving rise to the proacrosomal vesicle. The electron‐dense vesicles are implicated in the formation of an electron‐dense granule, which later merges with the proacrosomal vesicle. In the late spermatid, the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi complex degenerate and form the structures–organelles complex found in the spermatozoa. At the end of spermatogenesis, the materials in the proacrosomal vesicle aggregate in a two‐step process, forming the characteristic concentric three‐layered structure of the spermatozoon acrosome. The newly formed spermatozoa from testis show the typical brachyuran morphology. J. Morphol., 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sperm ultrastructure of the spider crabMaja brachydactyla(Decapoda: Brachyura)
Authors: Simeó Carles G. , Kurtz Kathryn , Rotllant Guiomar , Chiva, Manel , Ribes Enric
Published: November 2009

This study describes the morphology of the sperm cell ofMaja brachydactyla, with emphasis on localizing actin and tubulin. The spermatozoon ofM. brachydactylais similar in appearance and organization to other brachyuran spermatozoa. The spermatozoon is a globular cell composed of a central acrosome, which is surrounded by a thin layer of cytoplasm and a cup‐shaped nucleus with four radiating lateral arms. The acrosome is a subspheroidal vesicle composed of three concentric zones surrounded by a capsule. The acrosome is apically covered by an operculum. The perforatorium penetrates the center of the acrosome and has granular material partially composed of actin. The cytoplasm contains one centriole in the subacrosomal region. A cytoplasmic ring encircles the acrosome in the subapical region of the cell and contains the structures‐organelles complex (SO‐complex), which is composed of a membrane system, mitochondria with few cristae, and microtubules. In the nucleus, slightly condensed chromatin extends along the lateral arms, in which no microtubules have been observed. Chromatin fibers aggregate in certain areas and are often associated with the SO‐complex. During the acrosomal reaction, the acrosome could provide support for the penetration of the sperm nucleus, the SO‐complex could serve as an anchor point for chromatin, and the lateral arms could play an important role triggering the acrosomal reaction, while slightly decondensed chromatin may be necessary for the deformation of the nucleus. J. Morphol., 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Trace LC/MS/MS quantitation of 17β‐estradiol as a biomarker for selective estrogen receptor modulator activity in the rat brain
Authors: Petucci Chris , Lloyd Tom , Harris Heather A. , Zhang Xiaochun , Chennathukuzhi Vargheese M. , Mekonnen Belew , Cai Yanxuan
Published: November 2009

A sensitive LC/MS/MS method has been developed by derivatization of 17β‐estradiol (E2) with dansyl chloride to quantitate 17β‐E2 in female rat serum. The use of E2‐d5 minimized interferences from endogenous 17β‐E2 in order to achieve a limit of quantitation (LOQ) of 2.5 pg/ml using 150 µl of female rat serum. The recovery of the dansyl derivative was 95% or greater in quality control samples. The intra and interday assay precision was better than 8.2 and 6.2%, respectively, with accuracies ranging from 97 to 101% in the quality control samples. The assay was used for the quantitation of serum E2 as a biomarker for the estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist activity of small molecule SERMs (selective estrogen receptor modulators) in the female rat brain. The study revealed that a statistically significant upregulation of serum 17β‐E2 occurred for rats dosed with SERMs that are known to penetrate the brain and disrupt the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐ovarian (HPO) axis. Variations in 17β‐E2 in ascending dose studies also correlated with the corresponding trends in CYP17a1 levels, an mRNA biomarker for ovarian hyperstimulation. This biomarker assay has provided a useful screen for medicinal chemistry optimization to produce SERMs that do not interfere with negative feedback of estrogens on the brain and for biological hypothesis testing. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Normobaric hyperoximia increases hypoxia‐induced cerebral injury: DTI study in rats
Authors: Bockhorst K.H. , Narayana P.A. , Dulin J. , Liu R. , Rea H.C. , Hahn K. , Wosik J. , Perez‐Polo J.R.
Published: November 2009

Perinatal hypoxia affects normal neurological development and can lead to motor, behavioral and cognitive deficits. A common acute treatment for perinatal hypoxia is oxygen resuscitation (hyperoximia), a controversial treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), was performed in a P7 rat model of perinatal hypoxia to determine the effect of hyperoximia. These studies were performed on two groups of animals: 1) animals which were subjected to ischemia followed by hypoxia (HI), and 2) HI followed by hyperoximic treatment (HHI). Lesion volumes on high resolution MRI and DTI derived measures, fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), and axial and radial diffusivities (λl and λt, respectively) were measured in vivo one day, one week, and three weeks after injury. Most significant differences in the MRI and DTI measures were found at three weeks after injury. Specifically, three weeks after HHI injury resulted in significantly larger hyperintense lesion volumes (95.26 ± 50.42 mm3) compared to HI (22.25 ± 17.62 mm3). The radial diffusivity λt of the genu of corpus callosum was significantly larger in HHI (681 ± 330 × 10−6 mm2/sec) than in HI (486 ± 96 × 10−6 mm2/sec). Over all, most significant differences in all the DTI metrics (FA, MD, λt, λl) at all time points were found in the corpus callosum. Our results suggest that treatment of perinatal hypoxia with normobaric oxygen does not ameliorate, but exacerbates damage. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Correlations between peripheral blood mononuclear cell production of BDNF, TNF‐alpha, IL‐6, IL‐10 and cognitive performances in multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Patanella A.K. , Zinno M. , Quaranta D. , Nociti V. , Frisullo G. , Gainotti G. , Tonali P.A. , Batocchi A.P. , Marra C.
Published: November 2009

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and inflammatory factors in the development of cognitive dysfunctions in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). We correlated peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) production of BDNF, Tumor Necrosis Factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), Interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐10 with performances on specific neuropsychological tasks in a selected series of MS patients. We studied a sample of 30 patients with relapsing‐remitting (RR)MS, segregated by gender and matched for age, education, disease duration, type of immunomodulating therapy, degree of disability and overall cognitive status. We found that low BDNF levels were correlated with increased time of execution on a divided attention and visual scanning task whereas high levels of IL‐6 were correlated with low Mini Mental State Examination scores. We did not observe any significant correlations between IL‐10, TNF‐α levels and cognitive performances in our patients. In conclusion our study shows a correlation between low BDNF and high IL‐6 production by PBMCs and poorer performances in cognitive tasks in RRMS patients suggesting a possible role of these factors in cognitive impairment in MS. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The galanin receptor 2/3 agonist Gal2‐11 protects the SN56 cells against β‐amyloid25–35 toxicity
Authors: Pirondi S. , Giuliani A. , Del Vecchio G. , Giardino L. , Hökfelt T. , Calzà L.
Published: November 2009

The neuropeptide galanin is a modulator of cholinergic function and may play a role in Aβ peptide‐induced degeneration of cholinergic forebrain neurons. We have studied the effect of galanin and its galanin receptor subtype 2/3 agonist Gal2‐11on toxicity induced by freshly‐prepared β‐amyloid25–35 in the cholinergic cell line SN56. Both nuclear fragmentation and caspase‐3 expression were analysed. β‐amyloid25–35‐exposure induced a significant increase in caspase‐3 mRNA expression after 30, 60, 90 or 150 min of β‐amyloid25–35 exposure. These effects were abolished in the presence of Gal2‐11 (10 nM). Similarly, β‐amyloid25–35‐induced nuclear fragmentation was prevented by the galanin agonist at all time points studied. These findings indicate that the galanin 2/3 agonist Gal2‐11 protects SN56 cholinergic cells from β‐amyloid25–35‐induced cell death and that this action is mediated by an early reduction of caspase‐3 expression. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Witnessed community and parental violence in relation to substance use and delinquency in a national sample of adolescents
Authors: Zinzow Heidi M. , Ruggiero Kenneth J. , Hanson Rochelle F. , Smith Daniel W. , Saunders Benjamin E. , Kilpatrick Dean G.
Published: November 2009

This study examined whether witnessed community and parental violence represented risk factors for substance use and delinquency among adolescents, beyond the contribution of direct violence and other risk factors. We also examined the role of violence characteristics. Participants were a national sample of 3,614 adolescents. Structured telephone interviews assessed demographics, trauma history, witnessed violence, delinquency, and substance use. While accounting for trauma history and other risk factors, witnessed community and parental violence were associated with delinquency. Community violence was associated with substance use. Chronic violence, knowing the perpetrator, and violence outside of school were correlated with substance use and delinquency among adolescents who witnessed community violence. These findings highlight the importance of targeting witnessed violence in prevention and intervention efforts.
Consumers' inferences about quality across diverse service providers
Authors: Reimer Anja , Folkes Valerie
Published: November 2009

When consumers encounter different services as part of the same service experience they may use information about one group of service providers to draw inferences about the quality they expect to receive from another group of service providers. This research identifies the conditions under which information about the quality of one type of service (e.g., a hotel's front desk) influences quality perceptions of another type of service (e.g., a hotel's tour services). Results show that consumers' beliefs about managerial control influence generalizations across service providers. Also, consumers infer managerial control from the spatial proximity between the premises of the service providers. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.