bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in plasma membrane structure and electromotile properties in prestin deficient outer hair cells
Authors: He David Z.Z. , Jia Shuping , Sato Takashi , Zuo Jian , Andrade Leonardo R. , Riordan Gavin P. , Kachar Bechara
Published: December 2009

Cochlear outer hair cells (OHCs) rapidly change their length and stiffness when their membrane potential is altered. Prestin, the motor protein for this electromotility, is present along the OHC lateral plasma membrane where there is a high density of intra‐membrane protein particles (IMPs). However, it is not known to what extent prestin contributes to this unusual dense population of proteins and overall organization of the membrane to generate the unique electromechanical response of OHCs. We investigated the relationship of prestin with the IMPs, the underlying cortical cytoskeletal lattice, and electromotility in prestin‐deficient mice. Using freeze‐fracture, we observed a reduction in density and size of the IMPs that correlates with the reduction and absence of prestin in the heterozygous and homozygous mice, respectively. We also observed a reduction or absence of electromotility‐related charge density, axial stiffness, and piezoelectric properties of the OHC. A comparison of the charge density with the number of IMPs suggests that prestin forms tetramers in the wild type but is likely to form lower number oligomers in the prestin‐deficient OHCs from the heterozygous mice. Interestingly, the characteristic actin‐based cortical cytoskeletal lattice that underlies the membrane is absent in the prestin‐null OHCs, suggesting that prestin is also required for recruiting or maintaining the cortical cytoskeletal lattice. These results suggest that the majority of the IMPs are indeed prestin and that electrically evoked length and stiffness changes are interrelated and dependent on both prestin and on the cortical actin cytoskeletal lattice of the OHC lateral membrane. Published 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modulation on C‐ and N‐Terminal Moieties of a Series of Potent and Selective Linear Tachykinin NK2 Receptor Antagonists
Authors: Gensini Martina , Altamura Maria , Dimoulas Tula , Fedi Valentina , Giannotti Danilo , Giuliani Sandro , Guidi Antonio , Harmat Nicholas J. S. , Meini Stefania , Nannicini Rossano , Pasqui Franco , Tramontana Manuela , Triolo Antonio , Maggi Carlo Alberto
Published: December 2009

Herein we describe the synthesis of a series of new potent tachykinin NK2 receptor antagonists by the modulation of the C‐ and N‐terminal moieties of ibodutant (MEN 15596, 1). The N‐terminal benzo[b]thiophene ring was replaced by different substituted naphthalenes and benzofurans, while further modifications were evaluated at the C‐terminal tetrahydropyran moiety. Most compounds demonstrated a high affinity for the human NK2 receptor and high in vitro antagonist potency, indicating that a wide range of substituents at both termini can be incorporated in the molecule without detrimental effects on the interactions with the NK2 receptor. Selected compounds were tested in vivo confirming their activity as NK2 antagonists. In particular, after both iv and id administration to guinea pig, compound 61 b was able to antagonize NK2‐induced colonic contractions with a potency and duration‐of‐action fully comparable to the reference compound 1 (MEN 15596, ibodutant).
Intensive chemotherapy improves survival in pediatric high‐grade glioma after gross total resection: results of the HIT‐GBM‐C protocol
Authors: Wolff Johannes E.A. , Driever Pablo Hernaiz , Erdlenbruch Bernhard , Kortmann Rolf D. , Rutkowski Stefan , Pietsch Torsten , Parker Crystal , Metz Monica Warmuth , Gnekow Astrid , Kramm Christof M.
Published: December 2009

BACKGROUND:

The authors hypothesized that intensified chemotherapy in protocol HIT‐GBM‐C would increase survival of pediatric patients with high‐grade glioma (HGG) and diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG).

METHODS:

Pediatric patients with newly diagnosed HGG and DIPG were treated with standard fractionated radiation and simultaneous chemotherapy (cisplatin 20 mg/m2 × 5 days, etoposide 100 mg/m2 × 3 days, and vincristine, and 1 cycle of cisplatin + etoposide + ifosfamide 1.5 g/m × 5 days [PEI] during the last week of radiation). Subsequent maintenance chemotherapy included further cycles of PEI in Weeks 10, 14, 18, 22, 26, and 30, followed by oral valproic acid.

RESULTS:

Ninety‐seven (pons, 37; nonpons, 60) patients (median age, 10 years; grade IV histology, 35) were treated. Resection was complete in 21 patients, partial in 29, biopsy only in 26, and not performed in 21. Overall survival rates were 91% (standard error of the mean [SE] ± 3%), 56%, and 19% at 6, 12, and 60 months after diagnosis, respectively. When compared with previous protocols, there was no significant benefit for patients with residual tumor, but the 5‐year overall survival rate for patients with complete resection treated on HIT‐GBM‐C was 63% ± 12% SE, compared with 17% ± 10% SE for the historical control group (P = .003, log‐rank test).

CONCLUSIONS:

HIT‐GBM‐C chemotherapy after complete tumor resection was superior to previous protocols. Cancer 2010. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Underutilization of radiotherapy for lung cancer in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Vinod Shalini K. , Simonella Leonardo , Goldsbury David , Delaney Geoff P. , Armstrong Bruce , O'Connell Dianne L.
Published: December 2009

BACKGROUND:

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in most developed countries. Radiotherapy is important in its treatment, with an estimated optimal utilization rate between 45% and 68% at initial diagnosis. The objective of this study was to describe radiotherapy practice for lung cancer in New South Wales (NSW), Australia.

METHODS:

Patients with lung cancer were identified prospectively from the NSW Central Cancer Registry (CCR) from November 1, 2001 to December 31, 2002. Questionnaires were mailed to diagnosing and treating clinicians to obtain detailed information on diagnosis, staging, referrals, and treatment. The authors describe referral for and receipt of radiotherapy treatment.

RESULTS:

Of 1812 patients with lung cancer patients who were identified, 943 patients (52%) were referred for radiotherapy, 846 patients (47%) received a radiotherapy questionnaire, and 727 patients (40%) received radiotherapy. Compared with optimal radiotherapy, there was less curative radiotherapy to the primary site (20% actual vs 50% optimal), and there was more palliative radiotherapy to metastatic sites (36% actual vs 11% optimal). The greatest shortfall in radiotherapy use was observed in patients who had limited stage small cell lung cancer (46% actual vs 94% optimal). The use of combined‐modality treatment for stage III nonsmall cell lung cancer and for limited stage small cell lung cancer was uncommon.

CONCLUSIONS:

There is underutilization of radiotherapy for lung cancer in NSW, especially in small cell lung cancer. The use of combined‐modality treatment for potentially curable lung cancers is suboptimal. These issues have to be addressed to improve survival and quality of life for patients with lung cancer. Cancer 2010. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Distinct features of colorectal cancer in children and adolescents
Authors: Sultan Iyad , Rodriguez‐Galindo Carlos , El‐Taani Hani , Pastore Guido , Casanova Michela , Gallino Gianfranco , Ferrari Andrea
Published: December 2009

BACKGROUND:

Colorectal cancer is exceedingly rare in children and adolescents. Reports from small series indicate that poor prognostic factors are more common in children than in adults, resulting in worse outcome for the pediatric population.

METHODS:

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database was searched for records of children/adolescents with colorectal cancer, and the features and outcomes were compared with those of adults.

RESULTS:

From January 1973 through December 2005, only 159 children/adolescents (ages 4‐20 years) were reported with a diagnosis of colorectal cancer. The most common sites of involvement were the rectum (27%) and the transverse colon (26%). Adenocarcinoma was the most common histiotype in both adults and pediatric patients; however, children/adolescents had more unfavorable histiotypes (ie, mucinous adenocarcinoma [22%] and signet ring cell carcinoma [18%]) when compared with adults (10% and 1%, respectively; P < .001). Poorly differentiated and undifferentiated tumors (grades III and IV, respectively) and distant stage were more common in children/adolescents (P < .001). The 5‐year relative survival estimates in children/adolescents and adults were 40% ± 4.2% and 60% ± 0.10%, respectively, confirming a worse outcome in the pediatric age group (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Children/adolescents represent a minority of patients with colorectal cancer and have high‐risk features and worse outcome than adults. The small number of patients in this age group was an impediment to the development of meaningful clinical trials. Thus, the principles of management for adult colorectal cancer should be used in the treatment of children and adolescents. Cancer 2010. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Tris(2,4‐pentanedionato)scandium(III) as a Precursor for Plasma‐Assisted Liquid Injection CVD to Deposit Nanocrystalline Scandia Thin Films
Authors: Selvakumar Jayapragasam , Raghunathan Vinjamoor S. , Nagaraja Karachalacheruvu S.
Published: December 2009

Nanocrystalline cubic scandium oxide thin film deposition by plasma‐assisted (PA) liquid injection (LI) CVD is studied at 773 K in a N2/O2 plasma environment with a triglyme solution of tris(2,4‐pentanedionato)scandium(III) (Sc(acac)3) as the precursor. The vapor pressure of the precursor is measured by employing a horizontal, dual‐arm, single‐furnace, thermogravimetric analyzer as a transpiration apparatus. The standard enthalpy of sublimation (79 ± 1 kJ mol−1) of Sc(acac)3 was measured from the Clausius–Clapeyron plot [ln(pe/Pa)T versus 1/T]. A nanocrystalline film of Sc2O3 with the (222) plane as the dominant orientation is obtained on glass under a deposition pressure of 0.8–1.2 mbar.
CVD of Copper(I) Nitride
Authors: Fallberg Anna , Ottosson Mikael , Carlsson Jan‐Otto
Published: December 2009

Copper(I) nitride (Cu3N) is deposited by CVD using copper(II) hexafluoroacetylacetonate (Cu(hfac)2), ammonia, and water as precursors. The influences of process parameters on growth rate, phase content, chemical composition and morphology are studied. The introduction of water is found to increase film growth rate on the SiO2 substrate. Films are deposited in the tem‐perature range 250–550 °C. Single‐phase Cu3N is obtained up to 400 °C. A phase mixture of Cu3N and Cu is obtained at 425 °C, while a temperature of 550 °C and above yields single‐phase Cu. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) confirms that Cu3N has the cubic, anti‐ReO3‐type structure; with a cell parameter in the range 3.805–3.816 Å. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) verifies the Cu3N stoichiometry. The films are free from impurities (below the detection limit of 1%) at a large excess of ammonia. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows facetted grains, with the faces becoming more well‐defined at higher temperatures.
“Naked” [Mn3O]7+ Triangles: The Effect of Auxiliary Ligands on Magnetic Exchange
Authors: Manolopoulou Efi , Stoumpos Constantinos C. , Siczek Milosz , Lis Tadeusz , Brechin Euan K. , Milios Constantinos J.
Published: December 2009

The reaction between Mn(ClO4)2·6H2O, Et‐saoH2 (Et‐saoH2 = 2‐hydroxypropiophenone oxime), NEt4OH and [Ni(pao)2(py)2] (paoH = 2‐pyridylaldoxime) in MeOH forms the complex [MnIII3O(Et‐sao)3(HCO2)(MeOH)5] (1) in good yields. The reaction of MnCl2·4H2O, Me‐saoH2 (Me‐saoH2 = 2‐hydroxyphenylethanone oxime), NEt4OH and dl‐valine in MeOH gives the complex [MnIII3O(Me‐sao)3(MeOH)5]Cl (2) in moderate yields. In both complexes the building block consists of a triangular {MnIII3O(R‐sao)3} unit (R = Et, Me for 1 and 2, respectively). In the case of 2, the [Mn3] unit can be considered “naked” as there is no capping ligand present, whereas in the case of 1 a formate ion is terminally bonded to one metal centre. DC magnetic susceptibility measurements for 1 and 2 reveal the presence of both ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic intramolecular interactions, depending on the Mn–N–O–Mn torsion angles within each cluster, leading to a ground state S = 2 for both complexes. Rationalization of this result is attempted by structural comparison of previously reported triangular [Mn3] oximate complexes on the basis of “flat” and “twisted” torsion angles and the effect of the auxiliary ligands.
Reactions of the Bornyl and Fenchyl Grignard Reagent with Chlorophosphanes – Diastereoselectivity and Mechanistic Implications
Authors: Beckmann Jens , Schütrumpf Alexandra
Published: December 2009

The reactions of the bornyl and fenchyl Grignard reagent with the chlorophosphanes Ph2PCl, PCl3 and (Et2N)2PCl, respectively, were studied by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy. The diastereoselectivity was found to be independent of the diastereomeric composition of the bornyl andfenchyl Grignard reagent (e.g., the endo/exo ratio), but dependent on the chlorophosphanes used. The results are consistent with a reaction mechanism that involves SET processes and radical intermediates. No or little diastereoselectivity was observed for the reactions involving Ph2PCl and PCl3. The reactions of the bornyl and fenchyl Grignard reagent with (Et2N)2PCl provided bornylP(NEt2)2 (4a) and β‐fenchylP(NEt2)2 (10b) with high diastereoselectivity (of 92 % and 88 % de). The novel chiral phosphane oxides bornylPh2PO (2a), isobornylPh2PO (2b), α‐fenchylPh2PO (8a) and β‐fenchylPh2PO (8b), phosphinic acids bornylP(O)(H)(OH) (5a) and β‐fenchylP(O)(H)(OH) (11b) and phosphonic acids bornylP(O)(OH)2 (6a) and β‐fenchylP(O)(OH)2 (12b) were isolated as colorless crystals. The molecular structures of 2b, 8a, 8b, 6a and 12b were determined by X‐ray crystallography.
Solid‐Phase Reactive Chromatography (SPRC): A New Methodology for Wittig and Horner–Emmons Reactions on a Column under Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Dakdouki Saada C. , Villemin Didier , Bar Nathalie
Published: December 2009

A new methodology named solid‐phase reactive chromatography (SPRC), which combines reaction, separation, and purification into a single unit for the preparation of small samples, is described. This method was illustrated in the synthesis of some natural bioactive compounds, namely, methoxylated analogues of resveratrol, alkylresorcinols, and 5‐aryl‐2,4‐pentadienoates, over a column of alumina‐KF under microwave irradiation by using the Wittig and Horner–Emmons reactions. This approach permitted the preparation of the target olefins with high purity and good to excellent yields in short reaction times.
Biodistribution of anti‐diabetic Zn(II) complexes in human serum and in vitro protein‐binding studies by means of CZE–ICP‐MS
Authors: Bytzek Anna K. , Enyedy Éva A. , Kiss Tamás , Keppler Bernhard K. , Hartinger Christian G.
Published: December 2009

Application of modern analytical technology for studying the fate of metallodrugs after administration to the blood is of utmost importance for drug development. Zn(II) compounds are under development as insulin‐enhancing drugs with potential use in the treatment of diabetes. In comparison to the well‐established vanadium compounds, especially the lower risk of adverse effects due to the essentiality of the element in biological processes is advantageous. Herein, CZE–ICP‐MS studies on the interaction of Zn(II)‐maltolato, ‐2‐picolinato and ‐2,6‐dipicolinato complexes with human serum proteins are discussed and modeling calculations were confirmed by experimental results. Studies with human serum reveal preference for HSA over other less abundant proteins and serum components.
Burning and dripping behaviors of polymers under the UL94 vertical burning test conditions
Authors: Wang Yong , Zhang Feng , Chen Xilei , Jin Yang , Zhang Jun
Published: December 2009

An experimental setup was constructed to record the real‐time mass data of eight pure polymers under the UL94 vertical burning test conditions. The experiments showed that the flame rises up to the clamp or the dripping occurs soon for the pure polymers. The mass burned before the flame reaching the clamp and the dripping occurrence only accounts for a small fraction of the original mass of the specimen, which differentiates the UL94 test from the cone calorimeter test. The mass loss rate of polymer specimens is in the magnitude order of 0.001–0.01 g/s. It was also found that the flame of thin specimens usually reaches the clamp sooner than that of thick specimens. Apart from the dripping behaviors found in large‐scale fires, it is found that the diameter of the first drop for the tested polymers is in the range of 2.0–10.0 mm. The mass of the first drop increases with the first dripping time. The first dripping time and the mass of the first drop increase with the thickness of the specimen, especially for polymers of large‐size dripping type. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Histochemical localization of secretion and composition of the essential oil in Melittis melissophyllum L. subsp. melissophyllum from Central Italy
Authors: Maggi Filippo , Papa Fabrizio , Cristalli Gloria , Sagratini Gianni , Vittori Sauro , Giuliani Claudia
Published: December 2009

The distribution and morphology of the secretory structures in Melittis melissophyllum L. subsp. melissophyllum (Lamiaceae) were studied for the first time by light and scanning electron microscopy. The indumentum of the vegetative and reproductive organs includes non‐glandular hairs and peltate (type A) and capitate (types B and C) glandular trichomes. Histochemical techniques enabled specific location of the site of essential oil accumulation in the type A peltate hairs. In order to confirm the occurrence of the 1‐octen‐3‐ol chemotype in central Italy, six populations growing in different places were analysed for the essential oil composition by GC–FID and GC–MS. In all populations, 1‐octen‐3‐ol was detected as the major volatile component, representing 56.3–70.6% of the total oils. To date, these percentages are the highest detected in a plant essential oil. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Are disaggregate data useful for factor analysis in forecasting French GDP?
Authors: Barhoumi Karim , Darné Olivier , Ferrara Laurent
Published: December 2009

This paper compares the GDP forecasting performance of alternative factor models based on monthly time series for the French economy. These models are based on static and dynamic principal components obtained using time and frequency domain methods. We question whether it is more appropriate to use aggregate or disaggregate data to extract the factors used in forecasting equations. The forecasting accuracy is evaluated for various forecast horizons considering both rolling and recursive schemes. We empirically show that static factors, estimated from a small database, lead to competitive results, especially for nowcasting. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Construction of a stereotaxic DTI atlas with full diffusion tensor information for studying white matter maturation from childhood to adolescence using tractography‐based segmentations
Authors: Verhoeven Judith S. , Sage Caroline A. , Leemans Alexander , Van Hecke Wim , Callaert Dorothée , Peeters Ronald , De Cock Paul , Lagae Lieven , Sunaert Stefan
Published: December 2009

Reconstruction of white matter (WM) fiber tracts based on diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is increasingly being used in clinical and research settings to study normal and pathological WM tissue as well as the maturation of this WM tissue. Such fiber tracking (FT) methodology, however, is highly dependent on the manual delineation of anatomical landmarks and the algorithm settings, often rendering the reproducibility and reliability questionable. Predefining these regions of interest on a fractional anisotropy (FA) atlas in standard space has already been shown to improve the reliability of FT results. In this paper, we constructed a new DTI atlas, which contains the complete diffusion tensor information in ICBM152 coordinates. From this high‐dimensional DTI atlas, and using robust FT protocols, we reconstructed a large number of WM tracts. Subsequently, we created tract masks from these fiber tract bundles and evaluated the atlas framework by comparing the reproducibility of the results obtained from our standardized tract masks with regions‐of‐interest labels from the conventional FA‐based WM atlas. Finally, we assessed laterality and age‐related WM changes in 42 normal subjects aged 0 to 18 years using these tractography‐derived tract segmentations. In agreement with previous literature, we observed an FA increase with age, which was mainly due to the decrease of perpendicular diffusivity. In addition, major functional pathways in the language, motor, and limbic system, showed a significant asymmetry in terms of the observed diffusion metrics. Hum Brain Mapp, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nonlinear relationship between emotional valence and brain activity: Evidence of separate negative and positive valence dimensions
Authors: Viinikainen Mikko , Jääskeläinen Iiro P. , Alexandrov Yuri , Balk Marja H. , Autti Taina , Sams Mikko
Published: December 2009

Emotion plays a significant role in goal‐directed behavior, yet its neural basis is yet poorly understood. In several psychological models the cardinal dimensions that characterize the emotion space are considered to be valence and arousal. Here 3T functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to reveal brain areas that show valence‐ and arousal‐dependent blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) signal responses. Seventeen healthy adults viewed pictures from the International Affective Picture System (IAPS) for brief 100 ms periods in a block design paradigm. In many brain regions BOLD signals correlated significantly positively with valence ratings of unpleasant pictures. Interestingly, partly in the same regions but also in several other regions BOLD signals correlated negatively with valence ratings of pleasant pictures. Therefore, there were several areas where the correlation across all pictures was of inverted U‐shape. Such correlations were found bilaterally in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (DMPFC) extending to anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and insula. Self‐rated arousal of those pictures which were evaluated to be unpleasant correlated with BOLD signal in the ACC, whereas for pleasant pictures arousal correlated positively with the BOLD signal strength in the right substantia innominata. We interpret our results to suggest a major division of brain mechanisms underlying affective behavior to those evaluating stimuli to be pleasant or unpleasant. This is consistent with the basic division of behavior to approach and withdrawal, where differentiation of hostile and hospitable stimuli is crucial. Hum Brain Mapp, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hippocampal damage produces retrograde but not anterograde amnesia for a cued location in a spontaneous exploratory task in rats
Authors: Travis Scott G. , Sparks Fraser T. , Arnold Tyrell , Lehmann Hugo , Sutherland Robert J. , Whishaw Ian Q.
Published: December 2009

Performance in several memory tasks is known to be unaffected by hippocampal damage sustained before learning, but is severely disrupted if the same damage occurs after learning. Memories for preferred locations, or home bases, in exploratory tasks can be formed by rats with hippocampal damage, but it is unknown if the memory for a home base survives hippocampal damage. To examine this question, for 30 min each day for five consecutive days, rats explored a circular open field containing one local cue. By Day 5 the rats preferentially went directly to that location, spent the majority of their time at that location, made rapid direct trips to that location when returning from an excursion and so demonstrated that the location was a home base. Memory for the cued location was examined after a 24 h or 14‐day interval with the cue removed. In Experiments 1 and 2, control rats and rats with prior N‐methyl‐D‐aspartic acid hippocampal lesions demonstrated memory of the home base location by making direct trips to that location. In Experiment 3, rats that had first explored the open field and cue and then received hippocampal lesions showed no memory for the cued location. The absence of anterograde impairment vs. the presence of retrograde impairment for memory of a spatial home base confirms a role for the hippocampus in the retention of spatial memory acquired during exploration. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Epigenetic silencing of SFRP5 is related to malignant phenotype and chemoresistance of ovarian cancer through Wnt signaling pathway
Authors: Su Her‐Young , Lai Hung‐Cheng , Lin Ya‐Wen , Liu Chin‐Yun , Chen Chi‐Kuan , Chou Yu‐Ching , Lin Shin‐Ping , Lin Wen‐Chi , Lee Hsin‐Yi , Yu Mu‐Hsien
Published: December 2009

Oncogenic activation of the Wnt signaling pathway is common in cancers, but mutation of β‐catenin in ovarian cancer is rare. In addition to genetic events, epigenetic modification of secreted frizzled‐related protein (SFRP) family has been shown to be important in regulating Wnt signaling. Although high degree of homology is observed in the same family, different SFRPs may have opposing effects on the same process. We reported recently that a Wnt antagonist, SFRP5, is downregulated frequently through promoter hypermethylation and that this hypermethylation is associated with overall survival in ovarian cancer. The aim of this study was to analyze the function of SFRP5 in ovarian cancer. Functional assays including measuring cell proliferation, invasion, colony formation and xenograft were performed using ovarian cancer cell lines with overexpression of SFRP5 or a short hairpin RNA silencing. The methylation status of SFRP5 in relation to cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer patients was analyzed. Restoration of the expression of SFRP5 attenuated Wnt signaling in ovarian cancer cells and suppressed cancer cell growth, invasion of cells and tumorigenicity in mice. These effects were independent of the canonical pathway. The expression of SFRP5 inhibited epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). The restoration of SFRP5 downregulated AKT2 and sensitized ovarian cancer cells to chemotherapy. These effects are consistent with the poor response to platinum‐based chemotherapy in patients with methylation of SFRP5. Our data suggested that epigenetic silencing of SFRP5 leads to oncogenic activation of the Wnt pathway and contributes to ovarian cancer progression and chemoresistance through the TWIST‐mediated EMT and AKT2 signaling.
Fluid intake and the risk of bladder cancer: Results from the South and East China case‐control study on bladder cancer
Authors: Hemelt Marjolein , Hu Zhiquan , Zhong Zhaohui , Xie Li‐Ping , Wong Y.C. , Tam Po‐Chor , Cheng K.K. , Ye Zhangqun , Bi Xuecheng , Lu Qiang , Mao Yeqing , Zhong Wei‐de , Zeegers Maurice P.
Published: December 2009

Although several studies have assessed the association between total fluid intake, specific drinks and bladder cancer, no firm conclusions can yet be drawn. Four hundred thirty two bladder cancer cases and 392 frequency matched hospital‐based controls recruited in the South and East of China between October 2005 and June 2008 were interviewed on their intake of 6 nonalcoholic and 3 alcoholic drinks. Age, sex, smoking and hospital‐adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95 percent confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated for all drinks and for total fluid intake using logistic regression. For 381 cases (81.9% men) and 371 controls (76.3% men), total fluid intake could be calculated. In men, an increase in total fluid intake was associated with a significantly decreased bladder cancer risk (OR 0.93, 95% CI: 0.88–0.99, per cup fluid consumed). Neither green nor black tea consumption was associated with bladder cancer. Daily consumption of milk significantly reduced the risk of bladder cancer by a half (OR 0.49, 95% CI: 0.32–0.76), which strengthens earlier suggestions that milk is probably associated with a decreased bladder cancer risk. Consumption of wine (OR 0.49, 95% CI: 0.34–0.70) and liquor/spirits (OR 0.65, 95% CI: 0.47–0.92) were associated with a significantly reduced risk. Consumption of water, fruit juice and beer appeared not associated with bladder cancer. There is no clear indication that the risks observed in this Chinese population are substantially different from those observed in Caucasian populations.
Down‐regulation of type I interferon receptor sensitizes bladder cancer cells to vesicular stomatitis virus‐induced cell death
Authors: Zhang Kai‐xin , Matsui Yoshiyuki , Hadaschik Boris A. , Lee Cleo , Jia William , Bell John C. , Fazli Ladan , So Alan I. , Rennie Paul S.
Published: December 2009

The intrinsic oncolytic specificity of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) is currently being exploited to develop alternative therapeutic strategies for bladder cancer and other cancers. Previously we reported that oncolytic VSV is a potent agent for intravesical treatment of high risk bladder cancer. We observed that VSV preferentially targeted bladder cancer cells resistant to type I interferon (IFN) treatment. The goal of the current study was to further elucidate the nature of the molecular defect of IFN signaling by which bladder cancer cells become susceptible to VSV infection. Using a tissue microarray composed of human bladder cancer cores, we observed that expression of type I IFN receptor (IFNAR) was decreased relative to normal bladder tissue. Advanced bladder cancers had even lower expression of IFNAR. We found that bladder cancer cells susceptible to VSV‐induced lysis had low expression of IFNAR as well. We hypothesized that down‐regulation of IFNAR in bladder cancer cells may be a molecular mechanism responsible for resistance to type I IFN treatment and sensitivity to VSV oncolysis. SiRNA knockdown of IFNAR indeed facilitated replication of VSV in cells previously resistant to VSV treatment. Blocking IFNAR with a neutralizing antibody showed a similar effect. Hence down‐regulation of IFNAR in bladder cancer may be one of the primary molecular mechanisms for clinical IFN resistance. However, this also facilitates VSV replication and oncolysis in high risk bladder cancers and provides a basis for selecting bladder cancer patients for IFN or oncolytic VSV therapy in future clinical trials.
Meta‐analysis: Reduced incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients not responding to interferon therapy of chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Miyake Yasuhiro , Iwasaki Yoshiaki , Yamamoto Kazuhide
Published: December 2009

Interferon treatment for chronic hepatitis C reduces the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in sustained responders. However, estimation of the effect of interferon treatment on HCC development in nonresponders is yet to be fully implemented. We conducted a meta‐analysis of 3 randomized controlled trials and 6 prospective cohort studies, including 3,246 patients (1,922 patients received interferon treatment) to estimate the effect of single‐course interferon treatment on HCC development in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Single‐course interferon treatment prevented HCC development (RR 0.45; 95% CI 0.31–0.65). This preventive effect was shown even in nonresponders (RR 0.48; 95% CI 0.25–0.90). By subgroup analyses, single‐course interferon treatment reduced HCC incidence in cirrhotic patients (RR 0.49; 95% CI 0.29–0.84), patients with annual HCC incidence less than 3% in control group (RR 0.42; 95% CI 0.26–0.66) and patients with annual HCC incidence of 3% or more in control group (RR 0.46; 95% CI 0.26–0.83). Furthermore, HCC incidence was reduced in 3 studies with follow‐up period less than 5 years (RR 0.38; 95% CI 0.21–0.66) and in 6 studies with follow‐up period of 5 years or more (RR 0.46; 95% CI 0.28–0.76). In conclusion, single‐course interferon treatment was shown to prevent HCC development in chronic hepatitis C, even in nonresponders. This preventive effect may be speculated to be due to anti‐inflammatory effect on persistent necro‐inflammation and blocking progression of fibrosis in liver. Even if sustained virological response is not achieved, interferon may be worth administering in order to reduce HCC incidence in patients with chronic hepatitis C.
Naringenin and 17β‐estradiol coadministration prevents hormone‐induced human cancer cell growth
Authors: Bulzomi Pamela , Bolli Alessandro , Galluzzo Paola , Leone Stefano , Acconcia Filippo , Marino Maria
Published: December 2009

Flavonoids have been described as health‐promoting, disease‐preventing dietary components.In vivoandin vitroexperiments also support a protective effect of flavonoids to reduce the incidence of certain hormone‐responsive cancers. In particular, our previous results indicate that the flavanone naringenin (Nar), decoupling estrogen receptor α (ERα) action mechanisms, drives cancer cells to apoptosis. Because these studies were conducted in the absence of the endogenous hormone 17β‐estradiol (E2), the physiological relevance of these findings is not clear. We investigate whether the antiproliferative Nar effect persists in the presence of physiological E2 concentration (i.e. 10 nM), using both ERα‐transfected (HeLa cells) and ERα‐containing (HepG2 cells) cancer cell lines. Ligand saturation experiments indicate that Nar decreases the binding of E2 to ERα without impairing the estrogen response element (ERE)‐driven reporter plasmid activity. In contrast, Nar stimulation prevents E2‐induced extracellular regulated kinases (ERK1/2) and AKT activation and still induces the activation of p38, the proapoptotic member of mitogen‐activating protein kinase (MAPK) family. As a consequence, Nar stimulation impedes the E2‐induced transcription of cyclin D1 promoter and reverts the E2‐induced cell proliferation, driving cancer cell to apoptosis. Thus, these results suggest that coexposure to this low‐affinity, low‐potency ligand for ERα specifically antagonizes the E2‐induced ERα‐dependent rapid signals by reducing the effect of the endogenous hormone in promoting cellular proliferation. As a whole, these data indicate that Nar is an excellent candidate as a chemopreventive agent in E2‐dependent cancers. © 2009 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 62(1):51–60, 2010
Surface characterization of commercial oral implants on the nanometer level
Authors: Svanborg Lory Melin , Andersson Martin , Wennerberg Ann
Published: December 2009

Lately, there has been a growing interest in how the presence of nanometer structures on a bone integrated implant surface influences the healing process. Recent in vitro studies have revealed an increased osteoblast response to different nanophase surfaces. Some commercial implant brands claim their implants have nanometer structures. However, at present, there are no studies where the nano topography of today's commercially available oral implants has been investigated. The aim of this study was to characterize commercial oral implants on the nanometer level and to investigate whether or not the nanometer surface roughness was correlated to the more well‐known micrometer roughness on the implants. Twelve different commercial screw‐shaped oral implants with various surface modifications were examined using scanning electron microscopy and a white light interferometer. The interferometer is suitable for detection of nanoscale roughness in the vertical dimension; however, limitation exists on the horizontal due to the wavelength of the light. A 1 × 1 μm Gaussian filter was found to be useful for identifying nm roughness with respect to height deviation. The results demonstrated that an implant that was smooth on the micrometer level was not necessarily smooth on the nanometer level. Different structures in the nanometer scale was found on some of the implants, indicating that to fully understand the relationship between the properties of an implant surface and its osseointegration behavior, a characterization at the nanometer scale might be relevant. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010
Fatigue properties of superelastic Ti–Ni filaments and braided cables for bone fixation
Authors: Baril Y. , Brailovski V.
Published: December 2009

This work is focused on the fatigue properties of the braided hollow tubular cables for bone fixation made of superelastic Ti–Ni filaments. To evaluate the fatigue life of the cable and the impact of braiding on fatigue life, a comparative study was conducted on both the braided cable and the single filament. The results of strain‐controlled fatigue testing under variable mean and alternating strain conditions demonstrated that: (a) even though alternating strain is the most influent parameter, mean strain also has a significant impact on the fatigue life of both the filament and the braid; an improvement in the braided cable's fatigue life is observed under mean strains corresponding to the middle of the superelastic loop plateau; and (b) run‐out (105 cycles) is reached at 1% of alternating strain for the filament, and at 0.3% for the braided cable. It was proved that the negative impact of braiding on fatigue life is caused: (a) by friction‐induced damage of the braided filaments during cable manufacturing and (b) by locally occurring bending in the vicinity of the filaments' crossing, combined with the interfilament fretting during repetitive stretching of the braided cable. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010
Healing of bone defects in the goat mandible, using COLLOSS® E and β‐tricalciumphosphate
Authors: Nienhuijs M. E. L. , Walboomers X. F. , Briest A. , Merkx M. A. W. , Stoelinga P. J. W. , Jansen J. A.
Published: December 2009

COLLOSS® E, an equine extracellular matrix product containing native transforming growth factor β1 and several bone morphogenetic proteins, has shown osteoinductive properties in ectopic sites. This study was set up to examine its properties in an orthotoptic site in conjunction with a β‐tricalciumphosphate (β‐TCP) scaffolding material. Thirty‐two 17‐mm circular defects in goat mandibles were filled with COLLOSS E, β‐TCP, COLLOSS E + β‐TCP, or left empty. After 9 weeks the results were quantified by micro‐computed tomography and histology. The empty defects contained the highest percentage of new bone (62%). The β‐TCP scaffold resulted in 38% (p = 0.0029), the mixture of β‐TCP/COLLOSS E resulted in 36% (p = 0.0057), while the use of COLLOSS E alone resulted in 55% (not significant p = 0.34). These results show that addition of TCP did not result in the expected synergy with regard to the healing of the defect and seemed even to inhibit the healing process. On the other hand, the addition of COLLOSS E induced the formation of small islands of new bone, not connected to the defect edges. This was not observed in the specimens not containing COLLOSS E (4.61% of bone formation centrally in the defect vs. 0.56%; p = 0.042). In conclusion, the results of the present study are somewhat unexpected in that the empty defects showed the most bone ingrowth; however, this ingrowth was always connected to the defect edges. In contrast, the application of COLLOSS E with or without β‐TCP induced bone formation in the center of the defects also. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010
Repair of osteochondral defects with adipose stem cells and a dual growth factor‐releasing scaffold in rabbits
Authors: Im Gun‐Il , Lee Jin Ho
Published: December 2009

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the in vivo effectiveness of a TGF‐β2 and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)‐7‐immobilized porous polycaprolactone (PCL)/F127 scaffold to enhance the healing of cartilage defect. An osteochondral defect was created on the patellar groove of the right distal femur of 12 rabbits and managed by one of the following methods: filling it with the scaffold only (Group I); the scaffold seeded with adipose stem cells (ASCs) (Group II); a TGF‐β2 and BMP‐7‐immobilized scaffold (Group III); and a TGF‐β2 and BMP‐7‐immobilized scaffold seeded with ASCs (Group IV). Each group had three rabbits. Nine weeks after the implantation, the implanted scaffolds were filled with yellowish, dense tissue, and had distinct margins with adjacent normal cartilage. The histological findings showed infiltration of foreign‐body giant cells and blood vessel, more prominently in Groups III and IV. The presence of growth factor significantly increased the ICRS Macroscopic Score (p = 0.045) while the presence of ASC did not. The ICRS Visual Histological Score was not significantly affected by the presence of either growth factors or ASCs, showing similar values in all groups. In conclusion, the use of TGF‐β2 and BMP‐7‐immobilized PCL/F127 scaffolds improved gross appearances of the osteochondral defects while not actually leading to better histological results and induced a greater degree of foreign body reaction. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010
Chitosan‐coated poly(vinyl alcohol) nanofibers for wound dressings
Authors: Kang Yun Ok , Yoon In‐Soo , Lee So Young , Kim Dae‐Duk , Lee Seung Jin , Park Won Ho , Hudson Samuel M.
Published: December 2009

A PVA nanofibrous matrix was prepared by electrospinning an aqueous 10 wt % PVA solution. The mean diameter of the PVA nanofibers electrospun from the PVA aqueous solution was 240 nm. The water resistance of the as‐spun PVA nanofibrous matrix was improved by physically crosslinking the PVA nanofibers by heat treatment at 150°C for 10 min, which were found to be the optimal heat treatment conditions determined from chemical and morphological considerations. In addition, the heat‐treated PVA (H‐PVA) nanofibrous matrix was coated with a chitosan solution to construct biomimetic nanofibrous wound dressings. The chitosan‐coated PVA (C‐PVA) nanofibrous matrix showed less hydrophilic and better tensile properties than the H‐PVA nanofibrous matrix. The effect of the chitosan coating on open wound healing in a mouse was examined. The C‐PVA and H‐PVA nanofibrous matrices showed faster wound healing than the control. The histological examination and mechanical stability revealed the C‐PVA nanofibrous matrix to be more effective as a wound‐healing accelerator in the early stages of wound healing than the H‐PVA nanofibrous matrix. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010
Recrystallization of magadiite into offretite in the presence of tetramethylammonium cations
Authors: Wang Yu , Shang Yunshuai , Wu Jian , Zhu Jiang , Yang Yang , Meng Changgong
Published: December 2009

BACKGROUND: This study was aimed at investigating the recrystallization of magadiite into offretite in the presence of tetramethylammonium cations (TMA). The offretite was characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, N2 adsorption analysis, thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis. The influence of key reaction parameters on the formation of offretite, including reaction time, TMA cations, potassium cations and the SiO2/Al2O3 reactant ratio, were examined.

RESULTS: Well‐crystallized offretite, which was composed of agglomerated samples, was prepared from a dispersion with the molar composition: 3.6 K2O: 3.6 Na2O: 1.0 Al2O3: 6.5 SiO2: 320 H2O: 1.5 TMA+ by heating at 140 °C for 3 days. The structure of offretite collapsed when the temperature rose above 1000 °C. The organic template was removed when the sample was calcined at 550 °C for 10 h.

CONCLUSION: Magadiite has been used to synthesize offretite with a high purity and well crystallized in the presence of tetramethylammonium cations. The results of the present study indicate the feasibility of a synthetic route to offretite through recrystallization of magadiite in the presence of tetramethylammonium cations. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Kinetik der sauren Abspaltung von N‐ und C‐Schutzgruppen bei Peptiden
Authors: Losse Günter , Zeidler Dieter , Grieshaber Thea
Published: December 2009

Die Spaltungsgeschwindigkeiten der wichtigsten Peptid‐N‐ und ‐C‐Schutzgruppen in Bromwasserstoff/Eisessig (Tab. 1) und Tetrahydrofuran/Salzsäure (Tab. 3) verschiedener Konzentration sowie in Eisessig (Tab. 2) und wasserfreier Trifluoressigsäure (Tab. 4) werden unter vergleichbaren Bedingungen gemessen. Die Reaktivitäten werden verglichen und Rückschlüsse auf die Peptid‐Synthese gezogen.
Advancing consumer behaviour theory in tourism via visual narrative art
Authors: Woodside Arch G. , Megehee Carol M.
Published: December 2009

This paper advances (i) propositions of consumer behaviour theory in tourism via storytelling theory and (ii) skills in decoding elements and subtle details that appear in ‘good stories’ versus not‐so‐good stories within travel contexts. The present paper presents a set of iconic story symbols for use in decoding stories and shows how to use these tools for decoding tourism‐related narratives. Practice using these visual iconic symbols in decoding stories achieves effective storytelling learning via cognitive sculpting; that is, learning improves from moving and arranging (sculpting) potentially three‐dimensional story or electronically movable icons while talking or writing narratives. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The cortisol response during physiological sexual arousal in adult women with a history of childhood sexual abuse
Authors: Rellini Alessandra H. , Hamilton Lisa Dawn , Delville Yvon , Meston Cindy M.
Published: December 2009

Many women with a history of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) experience difficulties becoming sexually aroused. This study measured cortisol and physiological sexual arousal during exposure to sexual stimuli in women with and without a history of CSA. Childhood sexual abuse survivors showed a smaller decrease in cortisol during sexual arousal than the nonsexually abused, control group potentially due to an increase in cortisol in some of the participants in the CSA group. Physiological sexual arousal was weaker in CSA survivors compared to women with no history of sexual abuse and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms showed characteristics consistent with mediation for the relationship between a history of CSA and inhibited sexual arousal responses.
Chemistry and Mechanism of Alkene Polymerization Reactions with Metallocene Catalysts
Authors: Kissin Yury V. , Goldman Alan S.
Published: December 2009

The structures of oligomers formed in ethylene polymerization reactions catalyzed by metallocene complexes are described. Ethylene was homopolymerized and copolymerized with four 1‐alkenes—propene, hex‐1‐ene, hept‐1‐ene, and 3,3‐dimethylbut‐1‐ene—using as catalysts (n‐Bu‐Cp)2ZrCl2 and (Me‐Cp)2ZrCl2 complexes activated with MAO, both in the absence and in the presence of H2. Oligomers generated in these reactions are the low molecular weight “tails” of the molecular weight distributions of the respective homopolymers and copolymers. GC analysis affords structural identification of each polymer molecule, albeit a very short one, individually. Analysis of the co‐oligomer structures provides explicit confirmation of the standard mechanisms and kinetics of chain growth and chain transfer reactions. The kinetic features include primary and secondary insertion reactions of 1‐alkene molecules into Cp2ZrC and Cp2ZrH bonds, chain transfer reactions to AlMe3, independence of chain growth rate constants on the size of polymer chains attached to active centers, etc. GC analysis also yields detailed information on an unusual feature of metallocene catalysis, namely the formation of saturated macromolecules in ethylene polymerization reactions performed in the absence of H2.

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