bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hexabromocyclododecane decreases tumor‐cell‐binding capacity and cell‐surface protein expression of human natural killer cells
Authors: Hinkson Natasha C. , Whalen Margaret M.
Published: November 2009

Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) is a flame retardant that decreases the lytic function of human natural killer (NK) cells. NK cells defend against tumor cells and virally infected cells. Thus, HBCD has the potential to increase cancer incidence and viral infections. NK cells must bind to their targets for lysis to occur. Thus, concentrations of HBCD that decrease lytic function were examined for their ability to alter NK binding to tumor targets. Levels of HBCD that caused a loss of binding function were examined for effects on expression of cell surface proteins needed for binding. NK cells exposed to HBCD for 24 h, 48 h or 6 days or to HBCD for 1 h followed by 24 h, 48 h or 6 days in HBCD‐free media were examined for binding function and cell surface protein expression. The results indicated that exposure of NK cells to 10 μM HBCD for 24 h (which caused a greater than 90% loss of lytic function) caused a very significant decrease in NK cell binding function (70.9%), and in CD16 and CD56 cell‐surface protein expression (57.8 and 24.6% respectively). NK cells exposed to 10 μM HBCD for 1 h followed by 24 h in HBCD‐free media (which caused a 89.3% loss of lytic function) showed decreased binding function (79.2%), and CD 16 expression (48.1%). Results indicate that HBCD exposures decreased binding function as well as cell‐surface marker expression in NK cells and that these changes may explain the losses of lytic function induced by certain HBCD exposures. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of lead exposure in battery‐manufacturing workers with focus on different biomarkers
Authors: Kašuba Vilena , Rozgaj Ružica , Milić Mirta , Želježić Davor , Kopjar Nevenka , Pizent Alica , Kljaković‐Gašpić Zorana
Published: November 2009

The influence of exposure to lead on the frequency of micronuclei (MN), nuclear buds and nucleoplasmatic bridges was investigated in peripheral blood lymphocytes in 15 male battery‐manufacturing workers and 15 controls matched for age and smoking habits. In addition to MN test, blood lead (B‐Pb) and cadmium (B‐Cd), delta aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity, erythrocyte protoporphyrin (EP), serum vitamin B12 (S‐Vit B12) and folate (S‐folate) were determined in all subjects. Lead‐exposed subjects had significantly higher MN frequency and B‐Pb concentrations than controls. In control smokers we found a significant negative correlation between B‐Pb concentration and frequency of nucleoplasmatic bridges, and nuclear division index. In control non‐smokers a significant positive correlation was observed only between age and nuclear buds frequency, and between S‐folate and B‐Pb level. In lead exposed smokers, significant positive correlations between MN frequency and S‐Vit B12, S‐folate, and nuclear buds frequency were found. A positive correlation in exposed smokers was also found between nuclear buds frequency and S‐Vit B12 concentration. A negative correlation was found between ALAD and EP, and B‐Pb in exposed smokers. Exposed non‐smokers showed significant negative correlation between MN frequency and B‐Cd, and ALAD and EP. The results indicate a genotoxicity of lead, pointing to a micronucleus assay as a relevant test for assessing genotoxic effects resulting from occupational exposure. The other indicators did not necessarily follow the results of THE MN test. Influence of smoking should be further investigated. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ochratoxin A: is it present in breast milk samples obtained from mothers from Ankara, Turkey?
Authors: Gürbay A. , Girgin G. , Sabuncuoǧlu S. Atasayar , Şahin G. , Yurdakök M. , Yiǧit Ş. , Tekinalp G.
Published: November 2009

Breast feeding is very important in the first year of life. However, breast milk may be contaminated with many residues of xenobiotics and naturally occuring toxins such as mycotoxins. Ochratoxin A (OTA) is one of mycotoxins that may play a causative role in some diseases seen in neonates. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to determine OTA levels in breast milk samples. For this purpose breast milk samples were collected from 75 mothers. Their babies were in‐patients in the Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, Hacettepe University, Faculty of Medicine, in Ankara, Turkey. All samples were stored at −20 °C until analysis. Following an extraction procedure, OTA levels were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Mean coefficient values for within‐day and between‐day variations of the method were 7.3 and 4.9%, respectively. The detection limit of the method was found to be 10 ng l−1. The recovery percentage of OTA was 91.70 and 136.6 for two different concentrations added to breast milk samples. OTA was found in all samples tested in the range of 620.87–13111.30 ng l−1. Considering potential hazard of OTA to human health, and especially the vulnerability of infants, the present data suggest the necessity of further research on OTA in Turkey, either monitoring its levels in biological fluids and foods or evolving protection strategies. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vivo skin optical clearing by glycerol solutions: mechanism
Authors: Wen Xiang , Mao Zongzhen , Han Zhenzhen , Tuchin Valery V. , Zhu* Dan
Published: November 2009

The penetration of light in biological tissues can be enhanced by using optical‐clearing techniques. However, researches on the mechanism are limited to in vitro experiments. In this study, rat dorsal skin was used to discuss the mechanism for in vivo optical clearing. Glycerol solutions with different concentrations were applied by dermal injection; then the skin reflectance spectrum, SHG imaging and microstructural changes were monitored. The results showed that with the skin becoming transparent, the corresponding reflectance decreased, and the thickness of dermis and diameter of collagen fibril decreased, but no collagen fiber was dissolved or fractured. Hence, it can be concluded that the thickness decrease of dermis and corresponding more regular packing of tissue fibers plays an important role in the mechanism for glycerol‐induced optical clearing of skin in vivo. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Adolescent eating disorders: treatment and response in a naturalistic study
Authors: Thompson‐Brenner Heather , Boisseau Christina L. , Satir Dana A.
Published: November 2009

This naturalistic study investigated the treatment and outcome of adolescents with eating disorders (EDs) in the community. Clinicians from a practice‐research network provided data on ED symptoms, global functioning, comorbidity, treatment, and outcome for 120 adolescents with EDs. ED “not otherwise specified” was the most common ED diagnosed. After an average of 8 months of treatment, about one third of patients had recovered, with patients with anorexia nervosa showing the most improvement. Clinicians utilized a range of psychotherapy interventions and two thirds of the patients had received adjunct psychoactive medication. Although CBT showed the strongest association with outcome in a subsample characterized by poor relational/personality functioning, dynamic therapy was associated with better global outcome in the overall sample. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 66: 277–301, 2010.
Fermentation of glucose and starch particles using an inexpensive medium
Authors: Bawa Nancy , Bear Devin , Hill Gordon , Niu Catherine , Roesler William
Published: November 2009

BACKGROUND: In North America, compared with sugar, starch is a more economical raw material to produce ethanol. Recently low temperature processing of starch granules directly to ethanol has been commercialized. With a view to minimizing process costs while maintaining a satisfactory ethanol yield, an inexpensive medium that does not require the addition of commercial α‐amylase has been developed for low temperature, direct fermentation of starch particles.

RESULTS: Compared with an expensive medium that contained both yeast extract and α‐amylase, the inexpensive medium resulted in identical and 10% higher ethanol yields using glucose and starch granules as the raw substrates, respectively, but required longer processing times. Based on the different ingredient prices for expensive and inexpensive media, the operating cost to produce 10 million litres per year of ethanol utilizing simultaneous raw starch hydrolysis and fermentation is reduced over $ 2 million (Cdn) per year when using inexpensive medium.

CONCLUSION: The new inexpensive medium and simultaneous raw starch hydrolysis and fermentation is considered the best strategy to produce ethanol directly from starch particles in North America. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Development of an optimized protocol for studying the interaction of filamentous bacteriophage with mammalian cells by fluorescence microscopy
Authors: Abbineni Gopal , Safiejko‐Mroczka Barbara , Mao Chuanbin
Published: November 2009

Filamentous bacteriophage has been proposed as a vehicle that can carry and deliver therapeutics into mammalian cells for disease treatment, thus a protocol for imaging phage‐cell interaction is essential. Because high signal intensity is necessary to study the mechanism of interaction between filamentous bacteriophage and mammalian cells, it is important to optimize the procedure for fluorescence labeling of phage in order to understand such interaction. Here, we describe a procedure that gives intense fluorescence labeling and can show interactions between fd‐tet bacteriophage selected from phage libraries and mammalian cells (SKBR‐3 and MCF‐10A). The indirect labeling of phage with dye‐conjugated antibody and cytoskeleton associated proteins was significantly enhanced in the presence of a cross‐linking reagent called dithiobissuccinimidylpropionate (DSP) as shown by qualitative and quantitative fluorescence microscopy. The use of DSP resulted in high signal intensity in fluorescence imaging of phage‐cell complex. The DSP cross‐linker is believed to preserve soluble unbound proteins for fluorescence imaging. The interaction between the phage and mammalian cells was further confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Microstructure and mineral composition of dental enamel of permanent and deciduous teeth
Authors: De Menezes Oliveira Maria Angélica Hueb , Torres Carolina Paes , Gomes‐Silva Jaciara Miranda , Chinelatti Michelle Alexandra , De Menezes Fernando Carlos Hueb , Palma‐Dibb Regina Guenka , Borsatto Maria Cristina
Published: November 2009

Purpose: This study evaluated and compared in vitro the microstructure and mineral composition of permanent and deciduous teeth's dental enamel. Methods: Sound third molars (n = 12) and second primary molars (n = 12) were selected and randomly assigned to the following groups, according to the analysis method performed (n = 4): Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐Ray diffraction (XRD) and Energy dispersive X‐ray spectrometer (EDS). Qualitative and quantitative comparisons of the dental enamel were done. The microscopic findings were analyzed statistically by a nonparametric test (Kruskal‐Wallis). The measurements of the prisms number and thickness were done in SEM photomicrographs. The relative amounts of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) were determined by EDS investigation. Chemical phases present in both types of teeth were observed by the XRD analysis. Results: The mean thickness measurements observed in the deciduous teeth enamel was 1.14 mm and in the permanent teeth enamel was 2.58 mm. The mean rod head diameter in deciduous teeth was statistically similar to that of permanent teeth enamel, and a slightly decrease from the outer enamel surface to the region next to the enamel‐dentine junction was assessed. The numerical density of enamel rods was higher in the deciduous teeth, mainly near EDJ, that showed statistically significant difference. The percentage of Ca and P was higher in the permanent teeth enamel. Conclusions: The primary enamel structure showed a lower level of Ca and P, thinner thickness and higher numerical density of rods. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Potential impacts of a green revolution in Africa—the case of Ghana
Authors: Breisinger Clemens , Diao Xinshen , Thurlow James , Hassan Ramatu M. Al
Published: November 2009

Agricultural growth in Africa has accelerated, yet most of this growth has been driven by land expansion. Land expansion potential is reaching its limits, urging governments to shift towards a green revolution type of productivity‐led growth. Given the huge public investments required, this paper aims to assess the potential impacts of a green revolution. Results from a CGE model for Ghana show that green revolution type growth is strongly pro‐poor and provides substantial transfers to the rest of the economy, thus providing a powerful argument to raise public expenditure on agriculture to make a green revolution happen in Africa. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Incidence of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis at Chinese PLA General Hospital
Authors: Zou Zhitong , Ma Lin , Li Hengjin
Published: November 2009

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), dermatology, and dermatopathology records were searched to determine the incidence of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) at a large military hospital in China. Over the past 3.7 years, gadolinium‐based contrast agent (GBCA)‐enhanced MRI was performed with Gd‐DTPA (n = 28,680) or MultiHance (n = 635) typically at slightly more than a standard dose, as most patients received a unit dose, 15 mL or 20 mL instead of a weight‐based dose. This included 118 renal failure patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) less than 30 mL/min and 33 patients on chronic hemodialysis. Despite a diligent search involving rereview of histopathological sections in similarly diagnosed cases, there was no evidence that any patient developed nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. For the renal failure and hemodialysis patients, there were no clinical notes of unexplained rashes within 3 months following GBCA. The incidence of NSF in Chinese People Liberation Army General Hospital using gadolinium (Gd) in 29,315 patients, 151 with severe renal failure or hemodialysis, is thus far undetectable. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;30:1309–1312. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gadolinium‐containing magnetic resonance image contrast agent promotes fibrocyte differentiation
Authors: Vakil Varsha , Sung Joanna J. , Piecychna Marta , Crawford Jeffrey R. , Kuo Phillip , Abu‐Alfa Ali K. , Cowper Shawn E. , Bucala Richard , Gomer Richard H.
Published: November 2009

Gadolinium‐containing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents such as Omniscan are associated with nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF). To determine if Omniscan can affect the differentiation of monocytes into fibroblast‐like cells called fibrocytes that are found in the fibrotic lesions of NSF, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from NSF patients, hemodialysis patients without NSF, and healthy, renally sufficient controls were exposed to Omniscan in a standardized in vitro fibrocyte differentiation protocol. When added to PBMCs, the gadolinium‐containing MRI contrast agent Omniscan generally had little effect on fibrocyte differentiation. However, 10−8 to 10−3 mg/mL Omniscan reduced the ability of the fibrocyte differentiation inhibitor serum amyloid P (SAP) to decrease fibrocyte differentiation in PBMCs from 15 of 17 healthy controls and one of three NSF patients. Omniscan reduced the ability of SAP to decrease fibrocyte differentiation from purified monocytes, indicating that the Omniscan effect does not require the presence of other cells (such as T cells) in the PBMCs. Omniscan also reduced the ability of a different fibrocyte differentiation inhibitor, interleukin‐12, to decrease fibrocyte differentiation. These data suggest that Omniscan interferes with the regulatory action of signals that inhibit the differentiation of monocytes to fibrocytes. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;30:1284–1288. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Estimation of renal function in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Kooman Jeroen P.
Published: November 2009

The risk of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis after gadolinium exposure is inversely related to renal function. Various methods are available to assess the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Prediction formulas based on serum creatinine, such as the abbreviated Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) formula, are most commonly used and appear acceptable for clinical purposes in the majority of patients with chronic renal failure. However, especially in patients at the extremes of body composition, the results from creatinine‐based equations should be interpreted with caution. In those patients, additional methods, such as timed urine collections, predictions based on cystatin, single‐shot radiotracer methods, or, optimally, inulin clearance could be considered. In this review, the strengths and limitations of different methods to assess GFR are discussed. Apart from inulin clearance, no method can be considered the gold standard in the assessment of GFR. In cases of doubt, the decision to use gadolinium‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging should always be based on clinical risk–benefit judgment. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;30:1341–1346. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gadolinium‐based contrast agents and NSF: Evidence from animal experience
Authors: Sieber Martin A. , Steger‐Hartmann Thomas , Lengsfeld Philipp , Pietsch Hubertus
Published: November 2009

Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) is a potentially severe systemic disease typically characterized by fibrosis of the skin and connective tissues. The etiology of NSF is still unknown but is likely to be multifactorial. Specific triggers under scientific evaluation have included surgery and/or the occurrence of thrombosis or other vascular injury, proinflammatory state, the administration of high doses of erythropoietin, and more recently the use of gadolinium‐based contrast agents (GBCAs). The aim of this review is to summarize knowledge regarding the pathogenesis of NSF and the potential role of GBCAs in its pathology, with a focus on animal experiments. The potential role of complex stability of GCBAs will be highlighted by results from several in vitro and in vivo experiments in rodent models of NSF. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;30:1268–1276. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis: Clinical spectrum of disease
Authors: Mayr Michael , Burkhalter Felix , Bongartz Georg
Published: November 2009

Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) is a rare systemic fibrosing disorder that primarily affects the skin and the subcutaneous structures. Also, there are reports of involvement of deeper structures and organs in the human body, but the confirmation of systemic involvement is complicated by overlap of other disease processes that occur in patients with severe renal impairment. The disorder leads to significant disability and is an important contributing factor of death. Virtually all patients who developed NSF suffered from endstage renal disease (ESRD) or severe chronic kidney disease (CKD) or from an acute acquired kidney injury (AKI). There is an increase in evidence that a causal relation between gadolinium‐based contrast agents (Gd‐CA) and NSF is probable. Therefore, advanced kidney injury and the exposure to Gd‐CA are regarded as prerequisites to develop NSF. Overall, the prognosis is poor and there is no established therapy that shows a consistent benefit. The purpose of this review is to discuss the clinical spectrum of the disease. The clinical presentation, role of co‐morbidity in disease development and manifestation, time course, prognosis, outcome, and epidemiological aspects are especially reviewed. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;30:1289–1297. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Renovascular imaging in the NSF Era
Authors: Roditi Giles , Maki Jeffrey H. , Oliveira George , Michaely Henrik J.
Published: November 2009

The detection of the association between nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF), a rare but potentially life‐threatening disease only encountered in patients with severely impaired renal function, and the previous administration of some Gd‐chelates has cast a shadow on the administration of Gd‐chelates in patients with chronic renal failure. So far, contrast‐enhanced MR‐angiography (MRA) was considered the best diagnostic modality in patients with suspected renal disease. This review explores the most appropriate use of renal MRA with a focus on newly developed nonenhanced MRA techniques. Nonenhanced MRA techniques mainly based on SSFP with ECG‐gating allow for acceptable spatial resolution to visualize at least the proximal parts of the renal arteries. In addition functional renal imaging techniques and their current clinical role are critically appreciated. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;30:1323–1334. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mechanism of NSF: New evidence challenging the prevailing theory
Authors: Newton Ben B. , Jimenez Sergio A.
Published: November 2009

Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) has been associated with the administration of gadolinium‐based contrast agents in patients with severely impaired renal function (SIRF), endstage renal disease (ESRD), or acute renal failure (ARF). Since the vast majority of these patients do not get NSF, it is highly likely that patient factors play a role in its development. Although “free” or dechelated gadolinium is thought by some to be the only trigger of NSF, recent evidence suggests that chelated gadolinium may be important. Chelated gadolinium such as Omniscan (gadodiamide) and Magnevist (gadopentetate) can directly stimulate macrophages and monocytes in vitro to release profibrotic cytokines and growth factors capable of initiating and supporting the tissue fibrosis that is characteristic of NSF. In addition, an effect of chelated gadolinium on fibroblasts has also been demonstrated. Chelated gadolinium in the form of Omniscan, Magnevist, MultiHance, and ProHance increased proliferation of human dermal fibroblasts. Indeed, increased numbers of macrophages, together with activated fibroblasts and fibrocytes, are essential cells in the fibrotic process and are present in NSF skin. Accordingly, it is important that chelated gadolinium, in combination with patient cofactors, is considered in the etiology of NSF associated with enhanced scans. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;30:1277–1283. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis in liver disease: A systematic review
Authors: Mazhar Sameer M. , Shiehmorteza Masoud , Kohl Chad A. , Middleton Michael S. , Sirlin Claude B.
Published: November 2009

Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) may develop in patients with liver disease, a fact highlighted by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announcements cautioning against the use of gadolinium‐based contrast agents (GBCAs) in select liver disease patients. The purpose of this systematic literature review is to characterize the risk of NSF in patients with liver disease. All published articles on NSF from September 2000 through August 2008, were identified via PubMed searches and examination of articles' reference lists. Two reviewers independently read each article and identified unique patients with biopsy‐proven or suspected NSF. Data on demographics, liver status, renal status, and GBCA exposure were collected. A total of 324 articles were reviewed, with 108 articles containing case descriptions of 335 unique NSF patients. After excluding the 95/335 (28%) patients in whom the presence or absence of liver disease was uncertain, liver disease was confirmed present in 41/239 (17%) patients. Renal insufficiency could be assessed in 35 of the liver disease patients; severe renal insufficiency, defined as a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) or estimated GFR (eGFR) <30 mL/min/1.73 m2 or dialysis requirement, was present in 34/35 (97%) patients. The lone patient who developed NSF with mild/moderate renal insufficiency was atypical and received a total gadodiamide load of 0.76 mmol/kg over a 10‐week period periliver transplantation. The published medical literature demonstrates that patients with liver disease who develop NSF also have severe renal insufficiency, suggesting that liver disease does not confer a risk for NSF beyond that of the underlying renal insufficiency. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;30:1313–1322. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Magnetic resonance imaging in real time: Advances using radial FLASH
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Block Kai Tobias , Frahm Jens
Published: November 2009

Purpose

To develop technical advances for real‐time magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that allow for improved image quality and high frame rates.

Materials and Methods

The approach is based on a combination of fast low‐angle shot (FLASH) MRI sequences with radial data sampling and view sharing of successive acquisitions. Gridding reconstructions provide images free from streaking or motion artifacts and with a flexible trade‐off between spatial and temporal resolution. Immediate image reconstruction and online display is accomplished with the use of an unmodified 3 T MRI system. For receive coils with a large number of elements this process is supported by a user‐selectable channel compression that is based on a principal component analysis and performed during initial preparation scans.

Results

In preliminary applications to healthy volunteers, real‐time radial FLASH MRI visualized continuous movements of the temporomandibular joint during voluntary opening and closing of the mouth at high spatial resolution (0.75 mm in‐plane) and monitored cardiac functions at high temporal resolution (20 images per second) during free breathing and without synchronization to the electrocardiogram.

Conclusion

Real‐time radial FLASH MRI emerges as a simple and versatile tool for a large range of clinical applications. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc
NSF prevention in clinical practice: Summary of recommendations and guidelines in the United States, Canada, and Europe
Authors: Leiner Tim , Kucharczyk Walter
Published: November 2009

In this article we summarize recommendations and guidelines for the prevention of NSF from the United States, Canada, and Europe. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;30:1357–1363. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genome wide profiling of altered gene expression in the neocortex of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Tan Michelle G. , Chua Wei‐Ting , Esiri Margaret M. , Smith A. David , Vinters Harry V. , Lai Mitchell K.
Published: November 2009

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by a complex neurodegenerative process affecting multiple genes and proteins in the neocortex, many of which have not been well‐studied. In this study, we investigated genome‐wide gene alterations in the temporal cortex of a well‐characterized cohort of AD patients using a recently developed microarray platform, and compared some of the transcript changes with immunoblotting. Of the 5485 genes found to be significantly altered in AD, there were consistent patterns of changes which show that the AD transcriptome in neocortex is characterized by changes indicative of synaptic dysfunction, perturbed neurotransmission and activation of neuroinflammation. We also highlighted several genes of potential pathogenic significance which have not been well studied in AD. The current study aims to add to the growing body of knowledge relating to gene changes in AD and provide further insights into pathogenic mechanisms and potential targets of pharmacotherapy. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nitric oxide regulates BDNF release from nodose ganglion neurons in a pattern‐dependent and cGMP‐independent manner
Authors: Hsieh Hui‐ya , Robertson Carolyn L. , Vermehren‐Schmaedick Anke , Balkowiec Agnieszka
Published: November 2009

Activity of arterial baroreceptors is modulated by neurohumoral factors, including nitric oxide (NO), released from endothelial cells. Baroreceptor reflex responses can also be modulated by NO signaling in the brainstem nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS), the primary central target of cardiovascular afferents. Our recent studies indicate that brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is abundantly expressed by developing and adult baroreceptor afferents in vivo, and released from cultured nodose ganglion (NG) neurons by patterns of baroreceptor activity. Using electrical field stimulation and ELISA in situ, we show that exogenous NO nearly abolishes BDNF release from newborn rat NG neurons in vitro stimulated with single pulses delivered at 6 Hz, but not 2‐pulse bursts delivered at the same 6‐Hz frequency, that corresponds to a rat heart rate. Application of L‐NAME, a specific inhibitor of endogenous NO synthases, does not have any significant effect on activity‐dependent BDNF release, but leads to upregulation of BDNF expression in an activity‐dependent manner. The latter effect suggests a novel mechanism of homeostatic regulation of activity‐dependent BDNF expression with endogenous NO as a key player. The exogenous NO‐mediated effect does not involve the cGMP‐protein kinase G (PKG) pathway, but is largely inhibited by N‐ethylmaleimide and TEMPOL that are known to prevent S‐nitrosylation. Together, our current data identify previously unknown mechanisms regulating BDNF availability, and point to NO as a likely regulator of BDNF at baroafferent synapses in the NTS. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The embryonic blood‐CSF barrier has molecular elements to control E‐CSF osmolarity during early CNS development
Authors: Parvas Maryam , Bueno David
Published: November 2009

In vertebrates, brain development takes place at the expanded anterior end of the neural tube. After closure of the anterior neuropore, the brain wall forms a physiologically sealed cavity that encloses embryonic cerebrospinal fluid (E‐CSF), a complex and protein‐rich fluid. E‐CSF has several crucial roles in brain anlagen development. In this respect, during the initiation of neurogenesis, increases in the volume of brain cavities account for 70% of the total growth of the brain primordium, and are accompanied by a parallel increase in E‐CSF volume. Recently, we reported the presence of several blood vessels located in the brain stem lateral to the ventral midline, at the mesencephalon and prosencephalon level, which have a transient blood‐CSF barrier function in chick embryos by transporting proteins in a selective manner via transcellular routes. These blood vessels control E‐CSF protein composition and homeostasis during this early stage of CNS development, just after closure of the neuropores. Here we report that in chick and rat embryos these same blood vessels, which lie close to the neuroectoderm, express several molecules related to water and ion transport, namely AQP1, AQP4 and Kir4.1. Our results confirm that a blood‐CSF barrier controls E‐CSF composition and homeostasis from early stages of brain development in chick embryos, including water and ion influx, thus regulating E‐CSF osmolarity. On the basis of our findings, we also propose that a similar blood‐CSF barrier is present in mammals at equivalent developmental stages of the brain. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neuronal expression of two isoforms of mouse Septin 5
Authors: Asada Akiko , Takahashi Junya , Taniguchi Makoto , Yamamoto Hiromi , Kimura Taeko , Saito Taro , Hisanaga Shin‐ichi
Published: November 2009

Septin 5 (Sept5) is a member of the Septin GTPase family and is thought to be involved in exocytosis through interactions with syntaxin 1 in postmitotic neurons. In rats, Sept5 is alternatively spliced to produce a short (Sept5_v2) and long (Sept5_v1) isoform. We recently identified Sept5 in rat brain as a substrate for Cdk5/p35, which phosphorylates Ser17 of Sept5_v1. To date, however, only the short Sept5_v2 isoform has been reported in the mouse. To determine the general expression of the Sept5_v1 isoform in mammals, we isolated Sept5_v1 cDNA by PCR using mouse brain total RNA. Mouse Sept5_v1 cDNA showed a high degree of nucleotide and amino acid sequence homology to the corresponding isoform of rat and human Sept5. Both isoforms were expressed mainly in brain and testis at the mRNA level, but expression was restricted to brain at the protein level. Whereas Sept5_v1 mRNA was highly expressed in the cortex and hippocampus, Sept5_v2 mRNA was expressed at the similar extent across in various brain regions. The protein ratio of Sept5_v1 to Sept5_v2 was high in the hippocampus, roughly equivalent in the cortex and low in the cerebellum and medulla. Sept5_v2 expression increased gradually from E17 to P30, but expression of Sept5_v1 was delayed until P10. The two isoforms were distinguished by their pattern of N‐terminal phosphorylation. Thus, these different expression and phosphorylation patterns suggest isoform‐specific functions for Sept5 and that a phosphorylation‐specific antibody will be useful to study this idea. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
ENSO and Indian Ocean sea surface temperatures and their relationships with tropical temperate troughs over Mozambique and the Southwest Indian Ocean
Authors: Manhique A. J. , Reason C. J. C. , Rydberg L. , Fauchereau N.
Published: November 2009

An analysis of the inter‐annual frequency of the main summer rainfall producing synoptic system [tropical temperate troughs (TTTs)] over Mozambique and the Southwest Indian Ocean and their relationships with regional sea surface temperatures and circulation patterns is presented for the January–March season. Correlations and composite anomalies based on annual frequency of occurrence of TTTs over Mozambique suggest that TTT occurrence is related to La Niña and Southern Hemisphere planetary waves (wavenumber‐3 or ‐4) that modulate the subtropical high pressure cells in the three oceanic basins. These modulations lead to enhanced easterly winds over the South Indian Ocean and onshore moisture fluxes towards southeastern Africa. A stronger than average Angola low, particularly linked to La Niña, also plays an important role in the frequency and intensity of the TTT, by enhancing the wind and moisture convergence over southeastern Africa. Moisture fluxes over the warm Agulhas current and tropical southeast Atlantic also affect the rainfall variability over southern Africa to some extent during summers with a high frequency of TTT. Positive sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies over the tropical and subtropical South Indian Ocean that are linked to El Niño‐Southern Oscillation appear to play a significant role in causing dry conditions over Mozambique. These positive SST anomalies help promote convective activity offshore, and also weaken the northern half of the South Indian Ocean high pressure cell. As a result, the easterly winds are weakened leading to less onshore moisture fluxes than in the wet seasons. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Vibrational properties of polysiloxanes: from dimer to oligomers and polymers. 1. Structural and vibrational properties of hexamethyldisiloxane (CH3)3SiOSi(CH3)3
Authors: Carteret C. , Labrosse A.
Published: November 2009

The hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDS)(CH3)3SiOSi(CH3)3 molecule is one of the basic building blocks of silicones and polysiloxanes, as it is used for many chain terminations. Far‐infrared, mid‐infrared, and polarized Raman spectroscopic studies, combined with quantum chemical calculations and vibrational normal mode analyses, were performed for the HMDS molecule. The internal rotation of the trimethylsilyl group was calculated to be nearly free. The large‐amplitude bending motion was found very anharmonic with a barrier to linearity below 4 kJ/mol. Exhaustive assignments of observed wavenumbers have been performed on the basis of calculated potential energy distributions (PED) and atomic displacements. By isotopic 16O18O substitution, the SiOSi symmetric and antisymmetric stretching modes shift from 521 and 1074 cm−1 to 514 and 1028 cm−1, respectively. This spectroscopic observation provides convincing evidence that the molecule is bent with an angle estimated at around 150°. The comparison of HMDS vibrational spectra with the vibrational spectra of some siloxane derivatives reveals strong effects of silicon substituents on the SiOSi symmetric and antisymmetric stretchings. The SiOSi siloxane bridge group plays a key role in the properties of the HMDS molecule and may also account for some important silicone polymer properties such as their very low glass transition, their high compressibility, and their low surface tension. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Carbon‐based stock feed additives: a research methodology that explores ecologically delivered C biosequestration, alongside live weights, feed use efficiency, soil nutrient retention, and perennial fodder plantations
Authors: McHenry Mark P
Published: November 2009

There is considerable interest in reliable and practical methods to sequester carbon (C) into agricultural soils to both reduce atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations and improve conventional productivity. This article outlines a research methodology to refine the efficacy and economics of using long‐lived C species (biochars) as stock feed additives, produced from farm waste biomass, for ecologically delivered soil biosequestration, while generating renewable bioenergy. This article also draws attention to potential parallel outputs including annual feed use efficiency, fodder species expansion, soil nutrient retention, aquatic habitat protection, and forestry revegetation, using nitrogen‐fixing perennial fodder plant species. A methodology to generate parallel results including standing fodder tree C sequestration, optimised production of Acacia spp. biochar, animal growth on high‐tannin fodder with biochar feed additives, soil nutrient and stable C fractions, and economics of Acacia spp. bioenergy production. This form of research is contextually dependent on the regional agricultural production system, legislation, and surrounding ecosystem. Therefore, this article suggests the use of a scenario approach to include regionally specific levels of biochar integration with respect to the local prices for C, fossil fuels, meat and livestock, fertilisers, fodder, feed additives, water, renewable energy, revegetation and capital. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Predictions of chromatographic retention indices of alkylphenols with support vector machines and multiple linear regression
Authors: Fatemi Mohammed Hossein , Baher Elham , Ghorbanzade'h Mehdi
Published: November 2009

In this study, quantitative structure–retention relationship (QSRR) was used for the prediction of Kováts retention indices of 180 alkylphenols and their derivatives using the multiple linear regression (MLR) and support vector machine (SVM). After the calculation of some molecular descriptors for all molecules, the data set was randomly divided into training and test sets. The diversity of training and test sets was examined by molecular diversity validation test. Then stepwise MLR was used for the selection of the most important descriptors and development of MLR models. Descriptors which appeared in these QSRR models are number of H atoms, relative number of O atoms, Balaban index, relation yz‐shadow/yz‐rectangle and partial charges hydrogen bond donor atoms HDCA2 index. These descriptors were used as inputs for developing the SVM model. After optimizing the SVM parameters, it was used for the calculation of chromatographic retention of interest molecules. The values of SE in calculation of Kováts retention indices for training and test sets are 0.34 and 0.63, respectively, for MLR model and 0.35 and 0.63, respectively, for SVM model. The overall values of average absolute relative error were 13.24 and 13.83 for MLR and SVM models, respectively. In addition, the cross‐validation tests were performed to further examine the obtained model. The calculated values of cross‐validation correlation coefficient (Q2) and standard deviation based on predicted residual sum of square are 0.896 and 0.680 for MLR model and 0.893 and 0.67 for SVM model. These values and other obtained statistical parameters for these models reveal the suitability of QSRR in prediction of Kováts retention indices of alkylphenols using MLR and SVM techniques.
Ionic liquid surfactant‐mediated ultrasonic‐assisted extraction coupled to HPLC: Application to analysis of tanshinones in Salvia miltiorrhiza bunge
Authors: Wu Kangkang , Zhang Qianli , Liu Qian , Tang Fei , Long Yiming , Yao Shouzhuo
Published: November 2009

Ionic liquid surfactants are a class of ionic liquids (ILs), which can form micelles in the aqueous solution. In this paper, we demonstrate a novel extracting system based on the use of IL surfactants in ultrasonic‐assisted extraction followed by HPLC analysis. No organic solvents were used in the extraction, making this method environmentally friendly and more attractive than the conventional organic solvent‐based extraction methods. As an example, this method was applied to determine tanshinones in Chinese herbal medicine Salvia miltiorrhiza bunge. The effect of the carbon chain length of the IL cation, as well as other influencing factors on ultrasonic‐assisted extraction, was investigated in detail. Under the optimized conditions, satisfactory extraction efficiency was achieved with the recoveries ranging from 87.5 to 107.6%, and the RSDs were lower than 6%. This work shows a promising prospect of the IL surfactants in the extraction of active ingredients from herbs.
Nitrogen‐protected microwave‐assisted extraction of ascorbic acid from fruit and vegetables
Authors: Yu Yingjia , Chen Bin , Chen Yile , Xie Meifen , Duan Haotian , Li Yan , Duan Gengli
Published: November 2009

In this study, nitrogen‐protected microwave‐assisted extraction (NPMAE), in which microwave‐assisted extraction was performed under nitrogen protection, was initially developed and combined with HPLC separation for the determination of ascorbic acid (AA), an oxidizable component, from fruit and vegetables. The extraction conditions of NPMAE were investigated by extraction of AA from guava, and the chosen conditions were as follows: extraction solvent of 0.25% metaphosphoric acid solution, solid/liquid ratio of 1:10 g/mL, microwave power of 400 W and irradiation time of 10 min. Subsequently, this novel NPMAE method was evaluated by extraction of AA from different fruit and vegetables, such as guava, yellow pepper, green pepper and cayenne pepper. Compared with conventional MAE and solvent extraction methods, the oxidation of AA was significantly reduced or prevented in the process of NPMAE, providing higher extraction yield of AA. These results suggested the potential of NPMAE method for the extraction of oxidizable compounds from different spices of matrices.
Development of a new method for improved identification and relative quantification of unknown metabolites in complex samples: Determination of a triterpenoid metabolic fingerprint for the in situ characterization of Ganoderma bioactive compounds
Authors: Adamec Jiri , Jannasch Amber , Dudhgaonkar Shailesh , Jedinak Andrej , Sedlak Miroslav , Sliva Daniel
Published: November 2009

Ganoderma lucidum is a mushroom with a long history of medical applications. Research has demonstrated chemotherapeutic effects of G. lucidum in tissue culture, and bioactive fractions of the mushroom have been shown to contain high levels of triterpenoids and polysaccharides. In this study, we developed a new method for the detection of ganoderic acids and other triterpenes in Ganoderma mushroom extracts based on a post‐biosynthetic stable isotope encoding technique. Overall, 57 doublets were identified as potential ganoderic acids and 11 of those matched with the database. Ganoderic acid A, F and H were confirmed by standards and their absolute concentrations were measured in GLT (GA A: 3.88 mg/g; GA F: 0.95 mg/g and GA H: 1.74 mg/g) and ReishiMax (GA A: 2.32 mg/g; GA F: 0.43 mg/g and GA H: 0.85 mg/g) extracts. The method was also used for the evaluation of bioavailability of triterpenes after an oral application and demonstrated the presence of G. lucidum triterpenes in plasma.
Prospective Validation of a Noninvasive Index for Predicting Liver Fibrosis in Hepatitis C Virus-Infected Liver Transplant Recipients
Authors: Benlloch Salvador , Heredia Laura , Barquero Claudia , Rayón José-Miguel , Pina Ramón , Aguilera Victoria , Prieto Martín , Berenguer Marina
Published: November 2009

We previously developed a mathematical model, the Hospital Universitario La Fe (HULF) index, as an alternative to protocol liver biopsy (PLB) to estimate significant fibrosis (SF) in patients who underwent liver transplantation (LT) for liver damage caused by chronic HCV infection. In the present study, we sought to validate this noninvasive index. The commonly derived clinical and laboratory data for calculating the HULF index were prospectively collected over 2.7 years from patients undergoing LT and PLB. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and diagnostic capacity were evaluated with receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Biopsy was performed 93 times in 86 LT patients. The prevalence of SF (F3-F4 on the Knodell scoring system) was 32%. The intraobserver and interobserver concordance was high (κ = 0.94 and κ = 0.75, respectively) in identifying SF in PLB. For low scores, the HULF index discarded an SF diagnosis with a sensitivity of 90% and a negative predictive value of 89%. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.68. The precision of the HULF index did not improve with the incorporation of donor age and body mass index into the multivariate analysis. Applying the index would have prevented 24% of the biopsy procedures performed. In conclusion, the HULF index was prospectively validated with data commonly obtained in standard clinical practice. Because the index distinguishes a subgroup of HCV LT patients with a low probability of having SF, PLB would be avoided in those patients. Liver Transpl 15:1798-1807, 2009. © 2009 AASLD.
Acute Kidney Injury During Liver Transplantation as Determined by Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin
Authors: Niemann Claus U. , Walia Ann , Waldman Jeffrey , Davio Michael , Roberts John P. , Hirose Ryutaro , Feiner John
Published: November 2009

Acute kidney injury (AKI) has significant prognostic implications for long-term outcomes in patients undergoing liver transplantation. In several retrospective studies, perioperative variables have been associated with AKI. These variables have been mainly associated with changes in creatinine concentrations over several days or months post-transplantation. To better define AKI, new markers have become available that help to identify patients at risk for renal injury within hours of a triggering insult. We prospectively enrolled liver transplant patients at our institutions to evaluate neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), a marker of early renal injury, as a surrogate for AKI in patients undergoing liver transplantation. Blood was prospectively collected at predetermined time points from 59 patients at 2 institutions. The electronic anesthesia records and the hospital computer data system were reviewed for perioperative variables. Data collection included patient demographics, intraoperative variables such as fluid management, transfusion requirements, hemodynamics, and urine output. Subsequently, patients were grouped according to the presence of risk for developing AKI as defined by the RIFLE (risk, injury, failure, loss, and end-stage kidney disease) criteria. The difference between the NGAL concentration 2 hours after reperfusion and the baseline NGAL concentration was predictive of AKI in all patients, including patients with preexisting renal dysfunction. In patients with creatinine concentrations less than 1.5 mg/dL, a single NGAL determination 2 hours after reperfusion of the liver was associated with the development of AKI. Total occlusion of the inferior vena cava was associated with AKI. In conclusion, NGAL concentrations obtained during surgery were highly associated with postoperative AKI in patients undergoing liver transplantation. These findings will allow the design of larger interventional studies. Our findings regarding the impact of surgical techniques and glucose require validation in larger studies. Liver Transpl 15:1852-1860, 2009. © 2009 AASLD.