bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LPA rescues ER stress‐associated apoptosis in hypoxia and serum deprivation‐stimulated mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Li Zongwei , Wei Hua , Liu Xuebin , Hu Shengshou , Cong Xiangfeng , Chen Xi
Published: June 2010

Poor viability of transplanted mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the infracted heart has limited their therapeutic efficacy in cardiac repair after myocardial infarction. We previously demonstrated that hypoxia and serum deprivation (hypoxia/SD) induced mitochondria‐dependent apoptosis in MSCs, while lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) could almost completely block this apoptotic process. However, the role of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and its upstream signaling events in hypoxia/SD‐induced MSC apoptosis remain largely unknown. Here we found that hypoxia/SD‐induced MSC apoptosis was associated with ER stress, as shown by the induction of CHOP expression and procaspase‐12 cleavage, while the effects were abrogated by LPA treatment, suggesting ER stress is also a target of LPA. Furthermore, hypoxia/SD induced p38 activation, inhibition of which resulted in decreases of apoptotic cells, procaspase‐12 cleavage and mitochondrial cytochrome c release that function in parallel in MSC apoptosis. Unexpectedly, p38 inhibition enhanced hypoxia/SD‐induced CHOP expression. Interestingly, p38 activation, a common process mediating various biological effects of LPA, was inhibited by LPA in this study, and the regulation of p38 pathway by LPA was dependent on LPA1/3/Gi/ERK1/2 pathway‐mediated MKP‐1 induction but independent of PI3K/Akt pathway. Collectively, our findings indicate that ER stress is a target of LPA to antagonize hypoxia/SD‐induced MSC apoptosis, and the modulation of mitochondrial and ER stress‐associated apoptotic pathways by LPA is at least partly dependent on LPA1/3/Gi/ERK/MKP‐1 pathway‐mediated p38 inhibition. This study may provide new anti‐apoptotic targets for elevating the viability of MSCs for therapeutic potential of cardiac repair. J. Cell. Biochem. 111: 811–820, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Group parent training with immigrant chinese families: enhancing engagement and augmenting skills training
Authors: Lau Anna S. , Fung Joey J. , Yung Vanda
Published: June 2010

Parent training (PT) is an evidence‐based treatment for reducing and preventing child conduct problems and abusive parenting. However, questions have been raised about the dissemination of PT to culturally diverse families who hold different views on childrearing. Group PT was applied in two Chinese immigrant families illustrating strategies for addressing potential cultural barriers. The Incredible Years program builds in therapeutic process elements to address cultural concerns to enhance engagement. In addition, augmenting basic PT with additional skills training can help parents manage stressors common in immigrant families to facilitate uptake of new parenting skills. This implementation experience suggested that high‐risk immigrant Chinese parents can be effectively engaged in group PT, even when they are not in treatment voluntarily. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 66:1–15, 2010.
Evidence‐based practices with ethnic minorities: strange bedfellows no more
Authors: Morales Eduardo , Norcross John C.
Published: June 2010

Multiculturalism and evidence‐based practice (EBP) in psychotherapy hailed from disparate sources and rarely interacted. These strange bedfellows have become fast friends in recent years as they recognize their crucial interdependence: multiculturalism without strong research risks becoming an empty political value and EBP without cultural sensitivity risks irrelevancy. In this article, the authors reviewed various incarnations and recent manifestations of their overdue intersection, including several conferences, federal initiatives, and organizational accomplishments. They introduced the subsequent 6 articles in this special issue of the Journal of Clinical Psychology: In Session, which described and illustrated cultural‐sensitive evidence‐based practices. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 66:1–9, 2010.
Carbonic anhydrase II regulates differentiation of ameloblasts via intracellular pH‐dependent JNK signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Xiaogu , Suzawa Tetsuo , Ohtsuka Hirotada , Zhao Baohong , Miyamoto Yoichi , Miyauchi Tomohiko , Nishimura Riko , Inoue Tomio , Nakamura Masanori , Baba Kazuyoshi , Kamijo Ryutaro
Published: June 2010

Differentiation of ameloblasts from undifferentiated epithelial cells is controlled by diverse growth factors, as well as interactions between epithelium and mesenchyme. However, there is a considerable lack of knowledge regarding the precise mechanisms that control ameloblast differentiation and enamel biomineralization. We found that the expression level of carbonic anhydrase II (CAII) is strongly up‐regulated in parallel with differentiation of enamel epithelium tissues, while the enzyme activity of CA was also increased along with differentiation in ameloblast primary cultures. The expression level of amelogenin, a marker of secretory‐stage ameloblasts, was enhanced by ethoxzolamide (EZA), a CA inhibitor, as well as CAII antisense (CAIIAS), whereas the expression of enamel matrix serine proteinase‐1 (EMSP‐1), a marker for maturation‐stage ameloblasts, was suppressed by both. These agents also promoted ameloblast proliferation. In addition, inhibition of ameloblast differentiation by EZA and CAIIAS was confirmed using tooth germ organ cultures. Furthermore, EZA and CAIIAS elevated intracellular pH in ameloblasts, while experimental decreases in intracellular pH abolished the effect of CAIIAS on ameloblasts and triggered the activation of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK). SP600125, a JNK inhibitor, abrogated the response of ameloblasts to an experimental decrease in intracellular pH, while the inhibition of JNK also impaired ameloblast differentiation. These results suggest a novel role for CAII during amelogenesis, that is, controlling the differentiation of ameloblasts. Regulation of intracellular pH, followed by activation of the JNK signaling pathway, may be responsible for the effects of CAII on ameloblasts. J. Cell. Physiol. 225: 709–719, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Shedding of microparticles by myofibroblasts as mediator of cellular cross‐talk during normal wound healing
Authors: Moulin Véronique J. , Mayrand Dominique , Messier Hugo , Martinez Maria Carmen , Lopez‐Vallé Carlos A. , Genest Hervé
Published: June 2010

Interactions between cells are a crucial mechanism to correctly heal a wounded tissue. Myofibroblasts have a central role during healing but their means to communicate with other cells is unknown. Microparticles (MP) have demonstrated a potential role as mediators of cellular interactions during various diseases. We have analyzed the production of MP by normal (Wmyo) and pathological (hypertrophic scar, Hmyo) myofibroblasts and human dermal fibroblasts (Fb) when treated with serum or plasma as examples of body fluids. We have shown that the presence of these body fluids induced a very significant increase in MP production by Wmyo while no MP production was denoted for Hmyo and Fb. These effects were at least due to thermally sensitive protein(s) with a molecular mass >30 kDa. Furthermore, the increase in MP production was not linked to an increase in apoptotic Wmyo. MP characterization showed that VEGF and FGF2 were present in MP and that endothelial and (myo)fibroblast cell growth can be stimulated by MP treatment. We postulated that MP production by myofibroblasts could modulate mesenchymal cell growth and angiogenesis during normal healing. J. Cell. Physiol. 225: 734–740, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Embryo‐fetal erythroid megaloblasts in the human coelomic cavity
Authors: Renda Maria Concetta , Giambona Antonino , Fecarotta Emanuela , Leto Filippo , Makrydimas George , Renda Disma , Damiani Gianfranca , Jakil Maria Cristina , Picciotto Francesco , Piazza Angela , Valtieri Mauro , Maggio Aurelio
Published: June 2010

The coelomic cavity is part of the extraembryonic mesoderm, surrounding amniotic cavity, embryo, and yolk sac in the early gestation. It is now believed to represent an important transfer interface and a reservoir of nutrients for the embryo. Coelocentesis by ultrasound‐guided transvaginal puncture offers an easier access to the early human embryo, from 28 days post‐fertilization. However, despite some studies about its biochemical composition being reported, our knowledge about the presence of cellular elements and their quality in this compartment are still limited. Here we studied human coelomic fluids sampled from 6.6 (48 days) to 10 weeks of gestation, demonstrating the presence of functional embryonic erythroid precursors, that is, megaloblasts in the coelomic cavity. The ease of access of the coelomic cavity could allow the development of novel strategies for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes by ultrasound imaging and ultrasound‐guided puncture. J. Cell. Physiol. 225: 385–389, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effect of cell density on the maturation and contractile ability of muscle derived cells in a 3D tissue‐engineered skeletal muscle model and determination of the cellular and mechanical stimuli required for the synthesis of a postural phenotype
Authors: Mudera V. , Smith A.S.T. , Brady M.A. , Lewis M.P.
Published: June 2010

The successful engineering of a truly biomimetic model of skeletal muscle could have a significant impact on a number of biomedical disciplines. Although a variety of techniques are currently being developed, there is, as of yet, no widely available and easily reproducible culture system for the synthesis of 3D artificial muscle tissues. In attempting to generate such a model it is essential to optimise any protocol in order to generate a tissue that best represents the in vivo environment. Since the maturation of muscle derived cells in culture is critically dependent on density, a major factor to be addressed in the development of these models is the ideal concentration at which to seed cells in order to generate an optimal response. In studying the effect of cell density on the performance of cells in an established 3D collagen based model of skeletal muscle, we demonstrate that an optimum density does exist in terms of peak force generation and myogenic gene expression data. Greater densities however, lead to the formation of a more physiologically relevant tissue with a phenotype characteristic of slow, postural muscle. J. Cell. Physiol. 225: 646–653, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rural out‐migration and economic development at origin: A review of the evidence
Authors: Mendola Mariapia
Published: June 2010

A major feature of the current ‘mass migration’ process is its strong linkages to countries of origin. Migrants belong to spatially extended families and play a crucial role in shaping economic development in home regions. This paper reviews the wide‐ranging socio‐economic literature on the nexus between labor migration, both domestic and international, and economic development at origin, with a special focus on out‐migration from poor rural regions of developing countries. We disentangle direct effects on migrant‐sending households from spillover effects on the rest of the economy, highlighting some key knowledge gaps and policy concerns related to the complex and intimate relation between rural labour mobility and economic behaviour of people left behind. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The weekend matters: Relationships between stress recovery and affective experiences
Authors: Fritz Charlotte , Sonnentag Sabine , Spector Paul E. , McInroe Jennifer A.
Published: June 2010

Non‐work experiences during the weekend provide opportunities to recover from work demands and to replenish lost resources. This longitudinal study examined how specific recovery experiences during the weekend (relaxation, mastery, control, and detachment), as well as non‐work hassles, were associated with specific positive and negative affective states during the following workweek. Participants (N = 229) completed surveys before the weekend, during the weekend, and during the following workweek. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that after controlling for affective states the previous week, recovery experiences during the weekend significantly explained variance in affective states at the end of the weekend and during the following workweek. Suggestions for future research include a closer examination of the role of individual differences, self‐regulation, and specific work demands in employee stress recovery. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Who and what is fair matters: A multi‐foci social exchange model of creativity
Authors: Khazanchi Shalini , Masterson Suzanne S.
Published: June 2010

To better understand the role of fairness in creativity, we developed and tested a multi‐foci social exchange model of creativity. Specifically, we examined the effect of both the organization and supervisor as distinct sources of interpersonal and informational justice types on creativity through the mediating mechanisms of trust and social exchange relationships. The data were collected from 205 employees and their supervisors at a large chemical engineering plant in India. Structural equation modeling was used to test the model. Results show that both interpersonal and informational justice types influence creativity via different mechanisms but both justice types were not equally important for employee creativity. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genetic underpinnings of survey response
Authors: Thompson Lori Foster , Zhang Zhen , Arvey Richard D.
Published: June 2010

This study investigates the influence of genetic factors on survey response behavior. A pool of 558 male and 500 female twin pairs from the Minnesota Twin Registry (MTR) was asked to complete a paper‐and‐pencil survey of leadership activities. We used quantitative genetics techniques to estimate the genetic, shared environmental, and nonshared environmental effects on people's compliance with the request for survey participation. Results indicated that genetic influences explained 45% of the variance in survey response behavior for both women and men, with little shared environmental effects. Similar estimates were obtained after we partialled out potential confounds including twin closeness, age, and education. The results have important implications for response rates and nonresponse bias in survey‐based research. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The integrated WRF/urban modelling system: development, evaluation, and applications to urban environmental problems
Authors: Chen Fei , Kusaka Hiroyuki , Bornstein Robert , Ching Jason , Grimmond C. S. B. , Grossman‐Clarke Susanne , Loridan Thomas , Manning Kevin W. , Martilli Alberto , Miao Shiguang , Sailor David , Salamanca Francisco P. , Taha Haider , Tewari Mukul , Wang Xuemei , Wyszogrodzki Andrzej A. , Zhang Chaolin
Published: June 2010

To bridge the gaps between traditional mesoscale modelling and microscale modelling, the National Center for Atmospheric Research, in collaboration with other agencies and research groups, has developed an integrated urban modelling system coupled to the weather research and forecasting (WRF) model as a community tool to address urban environmental issues. The core of this WRF/urban modelling system consists of the following: (1) three methods with different degrees of freedom to parameterize urban surface processes, ranging from a simple bulk parameterization to a sophisticated multi‐layer urban canopy model with an indoor–outdoor exchange sub‐model that directly interacts with the atmospheric boundary layer, (2) coupling to fine‐scale computational fluid dynamic Reynolds‐averaged Navier–Stokes and Large‐Eddy simulation models for transport and dispersion (T&D) applications, (3) procedures to incorporate high‐resolution urban land use, building morphology, and anthropogenic heating data using the National Urban Database and Access Portal Tool (NUDAPT), and (4) an urbanized high‐resolution land data assimilation system. This paper provides an overview of this modelling system; addresses the daunting challenges of initializing the coupled WRF/urban model and of specifying the potentially vast number of parameters required to execute the WRF/urban model; explores the model sensitivity to these urban parameters; and evaluates the ability of WRF/urban to capture urban heat islands, complex boundary‐layer structures aloft, and urban plume T&D for several major metropolitan regions. Recent applications of this modelling system illustrate its promising utility, as a regional climate‐modelling tool, to investigate impacts of future urbanization on regional meteorological conditions and on air quality under future climate change scenarios. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Quantitative determination of fluoxetine in human serum by high performance thin layer chromatography
Authors: Mennickent Sigrid , Fierro Ricardo , Vega Mario , De Diego Marta , Godoy C. Gloria
Published: June 2010

A high performance thin layer chromatographic method was developed and validated for the quantification of fluoxetine in human serum. Fluoxetine was extracted by liquid–liquid extraction method with diethyl ether as extraction solvent. Imipramine was used as internal standard. The chromatographic separation was achieved on precoated silica gel F 254 high performance thin layer chromatographic plates using a mixture of toluene/acetic acid glacial (4:5 v/v) as mobile phase. 4‐Dimethylamino‐azobenzene‐4‐sulphonyl chloride was used as derivatization reagent. Densitometric detection was done at 272 nm. The method was linear between 12.5 and 87.5 ng/spot, corresponding to 0.05 and 0.35 ng/μL of fluoxetine in human serum after extraction process and applying 25 μL to the chromatographic plates. The method correlation coefficient was 0.999. The intra‐assay and inter‐assay precisions, expressed as the RSD, were in the range of 0.70–2.01% (n=3) and 0.81–3.90% (n=9), respectively. The LOD was 0.23 ng, and the LOQ was 0.70 ng. The method proved be accurate, with a recovery between 94.75 and 98.95%, with a RSD not higher than 3.61% and was selective for the active principle tested. This method was successfully applied to quantify fluoxetine in patient serum samples. In conclusion, the method is useful for quantitative determination of fluoxetine in human serum.
Enzymatic transformation of platycosides and one‐step separation of platycodin D by high‐speed countercurrent chromatography
Authors: Ha In Jin , Ha Young Wan , Kang Minseok , Lee Jongsung , Park Deokhoon , Kim Yeong Shik
Published: June 2010

Platycosides, the saponins found in the roots of Platycodon grandiflorum (Platycodi Radix), are typically composed of oleanane triterpenes with two side chains. In platycosides, platycodin D, a glucose unit at C‐3, is a major component, which has several pharmacological activities. Because of the high demand for this compound, we attempted to enzymatically convert platycodin D3 and platycoside E, having two and three glucose units at C‐3, respectively, into platycodin D. In this study, we tested the ability of several glycosidases to transform platycosides, or more specifically, the ability to transform platycoside E and platycodin D3 into platycodin D. To obtain pure platycodin D on a preparative scale, high‐speed countercurrent chromatography with a solvent system of ethyl acetate/n‐butanol/water (1.2:1:2, v/v/v) was used for the separation of the enzymatically transformed product. Approximately 39.4 mg of platycodin D (99.8% purity) was obtained from 200 mg of the product in a one‐step separation. The results strongly support the advantage of enzymatic transformation of the platycosides for the efficient enrichment of platycodin D in the complicated extract of the medicinal plant.
Investigation of ractopamine‐imprinted polymer for dispersive solid‐phase extraction of trace β‐agonists in pig tissues
Authors: Hu Yuling , Liu Ruijin , Li Yuanwen , Li Gongke
Published: June 2010

Ractopamine, as an alternative β‐agonist to clenbuterol, is more and more used as leanness‐enhancing agent in the swine industry. This work presents a new molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) using ractopamine as template for dispersive solid‐phase extraction of trace ractopamine and the structural related β‐agonists in animal tissues. The binding properties and selectivity of MIP were investigated. High selectivity in polar environment was found, since the extraction capacity of ractopamine with the MIP was 4.5‐fold as much as that with the non‐imprinted polymer in acetonitrile. Cross‐selectivity investigation indicates that the MIP preferentially binds the template and then the structural analogues according to their molecular similarity. Thermodynamic and kinetic investigation was performed to interpret the specific adsorption and molecular recognition of the MIP for ractopamine. Standard free energy, standard enthalpy, and standard entropy were determined. Related information suggested that adsorption of ractopamine onto MIP was an exothermic, spontaneous process. The MIP can be applied as dispersive solid‐phase extraction material for enrichment of ractopamine, isoxsuprine, fenoterol and clenbuterol in complex samples before HPLC analysis. The method revealed detection limits of 0.20–0.90 μg/L, recoveries of 83.8–115.2 and 85.2–110.2% for the spiked pig muscle and pig liver, respectively, with the RSD from 2.5 to 8.8%.
Optimization of microwave‐assisted extraction of protopine and allocryptopine from stems of Macleaya cordata (Willd) R. Br. using response surface methodology
Authors: Zhong Ming , Huang Ke‐Long , Zeng Jian‐Guo , Li Shuang , She Jin‐Ming , Li Guiyin , Zhang Li
Published: June 2010

The purpose of the research was to investigate the multiple response optimizations for the extraction of protopine and allocryptopine from the stems of Macleaya cordata (Willd) R. Br. by using microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE). A three‐level, three‐factor Box–Behnken design of response surface methodology was used to develop response model, and desirability function was employed to optimize the effects of main extraction parameters. Three variables, ethanol concentration (20–80%, v/v), extraction temperature (30–70°C) and solvent/solid ratio (10:1 to 30:1, mL/g), were investigated in this study. The results showed that the optimum parameters of MAE were ethanol concentration of 45.2 % (v/v), extraction temperature of 54.7°C and solvent/solid ratio of 20.4:1 (mL/g). Under these conditions, the extraction yields of protopine and allocryptopine were 89.4 and 102.0%, respectively, and the extracta sicca yield was 12.5%. The combination use of response surface methodology, Box‐Behnken design and the appropriate desirability function could provide an insight into a lab‐scale MAE process, and help to develop procedures for commercial production of active ingredients from medical plants.
A rapid method with ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry for simultaneous determination of five type B trichothecenes in traditional Chinese medicines
Authors: Han Zheng , Liu Xuesong , Ren Yiping , Luan Lianjun , Wu Yongjiang
Published: June 2010

A speedy and selective ultra‐HPLC‐MS/MS method for simultaneous determination of deoxynivalenol (DON), 3‐acetyldeoxynivalenol (3‐ADON), 15‐ADON, nivalenol and fusarenon X in traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) was developed. The method was based on one‐step sample cleanup using reliable homemade cleanup cartridges. A linear gradient mobile‐phase system, consisting of water containing 0.2% aqueous ammonia and acetonitrile/methanol (90:10, v/v) at a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min, and an Acquity UPLC HSS T3 column (100 mm×2.1 mm, 1.8 μm) were employed to obtain the best resolution of the target analytes. [13C15]–DON was used as the internal standard to accomplish as accurate as possible quantitation. The established method was further validated by determining the linearity (R2≥0.9990), sensitivity (LOQ, 0.29–0.99 μg/kg), recovery (88.5–119.5%) and precision (RSD≤15.8%). It was shown to be a suitable method for simultaneous determination of DON, 3‐ADON, 15‐ADON, nivalenol and fusarenon X in various TCM matrices. The utility and practical impact of the method was demonstrated using different TCM samples.
Ultra‐performance LC MS/MS method for quantification of clopidogrel active metabolite
Authors: Delavenne Xavier , Basset Thierry , Zufferey Paul , Malouk Nora , Laporte Silvy , Mismetti Patrick
Published: June 2010

A sensible ultra‐performance LC–MS method was developed and validated for the quantification of clopidogrel active metabolite in human plasma, with clopidogrel D4 as internal standard. Plasma pretreatment involved a one‐step protein precipitation with acetonitrile. The separation was performed by reverse‐phase chromatography on a C8 column. The method was linear over the concentration range of 1–150 ng/mL. The intra‐ and inter‐day precision values were below 17% and accuracy was from 1.7 to 7.5% at all quality control levels. The lower LOQ was 0.8 ng/mL. Sample analysis time was reduced to 5 min including sample preparation (limited to protein precipitation). The present method was successfully applied to a clopidogrel active metabolite pharmacokinetic study following oral administration to healthy volunteers.
Determination of trace organophosphorus pesticides in water samples with TiO2 nanotubes cartridge prior to GC‐flame photometric detection
Authors: Huang Yunrui , Zhou Qingxiang , Xiao Junping , Xie Guohong
Published: June 2010

This article described a new method for the sensitive determination of organophosphorus pesticides in water samples using SPE in combination with GC‐flame photometric detection. In the procedure of method development, TiO2 nanotubes were used as SPE adsorbents for the enrichment of organophosphorus pesticides from water samples. Several factors, such as eluent and its volume, sample pH, sample volume, sample flow rate, and concentration of humic acid, were optimized. Under the optimal conditions, the proposed method had good linear ranges as 0.1–40 μg/L for each of them, LOD of 0.11, 0.014, and 0.0025 μg/L, and LOQs of 0.37, 0.047, and 0.0083 μg/L for chlorpyrifos, phorate, and methyl parathion, respectively. The proposed method was validated with real environmental water samples and the spiked recoveries were over the range of 86.5–115.1%. All these results indicated that TiO2 nanotubes, as a new SPE adsorbent, would be used widespread for the preconcentraiton and determination of environmental pollutants in the future.
Capillary isotachophoresis for the analysis of ionic liquid entities
Authors: Markowska Aleksandra , Stepnowski Piotr
Published: June 2010

Simple, selective and sensitive isotachophoretic methods for the analysis of ionic liquid (IL) compartments were developed in this study. A leading electrolyte containing 10 mM L‐histidine + 10 mM histidine hydrochloride and a terminating electrolyte containing 5 mM glutamic acid + 5 mM L‐histidine were selected to separate nitrate(V), chlorate(V), hexafluorophosphate, dicyanimide, trifluoromethanesulfonate, phosphate(V) and bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide in anionic mode. In contrast, seven short‐chain alkylimidazolium, alkylpyrrolidinium, alkylpyridinium and non‐chromophoric tetraalkylammonium and tetraalkylphosphonium IL cations were separated with 10 mM potassium hydroxide + 10 mM acetic acid as leading electrolyte, and 10 mM β‐alanine + 10 mM acetate as terminating electrolyte. Both methods were optimized and validated with good analytical performance parameters. LOD was about 3–5 μM, and the repeatability lay in the range of 1.06–5.59%. These methods were evaluated for their applicability to the analysis of soil samples and freshwater contaminated with ILs. In light of hitherto the absence of reports on the determination of non‐chromophoric IL cations, this study delivers for the first time a universal method enabling analysis of these species. Moreover, as there is still significant lack of methodologies of IL anion analysis, the obtained results offer an interesting alternative in that matter.
Neural stimulation with optical radiation
Authors: Richter C.‐P. , Matic A.I. , Wells J.D. , Jansen E.D. , Walsh J.T.
Published: June 2010

This paper reviews the existing research on infrared neural stimulation, a means of artificially stimulating neurons that has been proposed as an alternative to electrical stimulation. Infrared neural stimulation (INS) is defined as the direct induction of an evoked potential in response to a transient targeted deposition of optical energy. The foremost advantage of using optical radiation for neural stimulation is its spatial resolution. Exogenously applied or trans‐genetically synthesized fluorophores are not used to achieve stimulation. Here, current work on INS is presented for motor nerves, sensory nerves, central nervous system, and in vitro preparations. A discussion follows addressing the mechanism of INS and its potential use in neuroprostheses. A brief review of neural depolarization involving other optical methods is also presented. Topics covered include optical stimulation concurrent with electrical stimulation, optical stimulation using exogenous fluorophores, and optical stimulation by transgenic induction of light‐gated ion channels.
Severe polyuria and polydipsia in hyponatremic‐hypertensive syndrome associated with Wilms tumor
Authors: D'Angelo Paolo , Catania Serena , Zirilli Giusy , Collini Paola , Tropia Serena , Perotti Daniela , Terenziani Monica , Spreafico Filippo
Published: June 2010

The combination of hyponatremia and renovascular hypertension is known as hyponatremic‐hypertensive syndrome (HHS) and so rarely described in children but associated with various kinds of occlusions of the renal artery. We describe two children who presented HHS with severe hypokalemia, polyuria, and polydipsia associated with Wilms tumor, which required treatment with an angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor before nephrectomy. All HHS signs and symptoms resolved only following surgical resection of the tumor, allowing chemotherapy to be given. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2010;55:566–569. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Frequencies of ETV6–RUNX1 fusion and hyperdiploidy in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia are lower in far east than west
Authors: Liang Der‐Cherng , Shih Lee‐Yung , Yang Chao‐Ping , Hung Iou‐Jih , Liu Hsi‐Che , Jaing Tang‐Her , Yeh Ting‐Chi , Liang Sung‐Tzu , Chang Chia‐Ling , Lee En‐Hui , Lai Chung Liang , Chang Wan‐Hui
Published: June 2010

Background

Both ETV6–RUNX1 (TEL–AML1) fusion and hyperdiploidy (>50 chromosomes) in transformed lymphoblasts are favorable genetic features in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

Procedure

Among 433 Taiwanese children with ALL diagnosed at our hospitals between 1997 and 2007, the ETV6–RUNX1 fusion was found in 15.8%, and hyperdiploidy (>50 chromosomes) in 14.1% of the patients. These frequencies were lower than those reported in the West, leading us to conduct a meta‐analysis of ETV6–RUNX1 fusion and hyperdiploidy frequencies in childhood ALL based on published reports.

Results

The frequency of ETV6–RUNX1 fusion in the Far East (Japan, Korea, China, Hong Kong, Chinese in Singapore, and Taiwan) was 13.4% (177/1,321, range: 9–23%, median 13%), significantly lower than the 22.8% (1,664/7,291, range: 19–26%, median 23%) in the West (West Europe and the United States) (P < 0.001, odds ratio = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.7–2.4). Similarly, the frequency of hyperdiploidy in Japan and Taiwan was 14.3% (333/2,334, range: 12–20%, median 16%), significantly lower than the 25.2% in the West (5,173/20,510, range: 18–34%, median 23.5%; P < 0.001, odds ratio = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.8–2.3).

Conclusions

This meta‐analysis demonstrates lower frequencies of ETV6–RUNX1 fusion and hyperdiploidy among leukemia patients in the Far East compared with the West. The integral relationship of these genetic features with a favorable outcome in childhood ALL warrants further study of potentially important epidemiologic factors, including placental exposure to leukemogenic agents, and host pharmacogenetics. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2010;55:430–433. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Proteomic analysis of low‐ to high‐grade astrocytomas reveals an alteration of the expression level of raf kinase inhibitor protein and nucleophosmin
Authors: Gimenez Marcela , de Oliveira Souza Vanessa Cristina , Izumi Clarice , Barbieri Manuela R. , Chammas Roger , Oba‐Shinjo Sueli Mieko , Uno Miyuki , Marie Suely Kazue Nagahashi , Rosa José Cesar
Published: June 2010

Proteomic approaches have been useful for the identification of aberrantly expressed proteins in complex diseases such as cancer. These proteins are not only potential disease biomarkers, but also targets for therapy. The aim of this study was to identify differentially expressed proteins in diffuse astrocytoma grade II, anaplastic astrocytoma grade III and glioblastoma multiforme grade IV in human tumor samples and in non‐neoplastic brain tissue as control using 2‐DE and MS. Tumor and control brain tissue dissection was guided by histological hematoxylin/eosin tissue sections to provide more than 90% of tumor cells and astrocytes. Six proteins were detected as up‐regulated in higher grade astrocytomas and the most important finding was nucleophosmin (NPM) (p<0.05), whereas four proteins were down‐regulated, among them raf kinase inhibitor protein (RKIP) (p<0.05). We report here for the first time the alteration of NPM and RKIP expression in brain cancer. Our focus on these proteins was due to the fact that they are involved in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and RAS/RAF/MAPK pathways, known for their contribution to the development and progression of gliomas. The proteomic data for NPM and RKIP were confirmed by Western blot, quantitative real‐time PCR and immunohistochemistry. Due to the participation of NPM and RKIP in uncontrolled proliferation and evasion of apoptosis, these proteins are likely targets for drug development.
Treatment options in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Walker Paul , Calverley Peter
Published: June 2010

Management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease requires a true multidisciplinary approach, and therapies with a strong evidence base can bring benefits to patients. Our Drug review considers the available treatments and their efficacy, followed by sources of further information. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Interface Ltd
Prescriber 1990‐2010: key developments in drug treatment
Authors: Livingston Martin
Published: June 2010

We asked our editorial consultants to highlight the significant advances made in their therapeutic areas over the past 20 years. Here we look at developments in mental and women's health. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Interface Ltd
Inhibitory effects of Hoelen extract on melanogenesis in B16/F1 melanoma cells
Authors: Chang Mun Seog , Choi Moon Jung , Park Soo Yeon , Park Seong Kyu
Published: June 2010

Melanin synthesis is regulated by melanogenic proteins, such as tyrosinase, tyrosinase‐related protein 1 (TRP‐1) and TRP‐2. The effects of Hoelen extract on melanogenesis were investigated in B16Fl murine melanoma cells. Specifically, tyrosinase activity, cell viability and melanin content were assayed, and western blotting and RT‐PCR for tyrosinase, TRP‐1 and TRP‐2 conducted. The results show that Hoelen significantly inhibited melanin synthesis through inhibition of TRP‐2 expression, while it did not affect tyrosinase activity or its expression. Taken together, RT‐PCR results showed that the depigmentation effect of Hoelen may be due to inhibition of TRP‐2 gene transcription. These results suggest that Hoelen may be a useful inhibitor for the attenuation of melanogenesis and hyperpigmentation in skin cells. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Toxicological evaluation of fucoidan from Undaria pinnatifidain vitro and in vivo
Authors: Chung Hyuck‐Jin , Jeun Jungae , Houng Soung‐Jin , Jun Hee‐Jin , Kweon Dong‐Keon , Lee Sung‐Joon
Published: June 2010

The potential toxicity of fucoidan from Undaria pinnatifida was investigated in vitro and in vivo. By the Ames test, fucoidan showed no mutagenicity up to 500 μL/plate, and inhibited the mutagenicity induced by 4‐nitro‐quinoline‐1‐oxide, by up to 71%, compared with controls. In the bone marrow micronucleus test, fucoidan, at all levels tested, did not change the micronucleated polychromatic erythrocyte percentage ratio in mouse bone marrow cells. As an acute in vivo toxicity test, fucoidan from 0 to 2000 mg/kg body weight per day was administered orally to Sprague‐Dawley rats for 28 days. No significant toxicological change was induced by fucoidan treatment up to 1000 mg/kg body weight per day in biochemical analyses, hematological analyses, necropsy and liver histopathology. The plasma ALT level was slightly, but significantly, increased in male rats at 2000 mg/kg/day. The consumption of fucoidan from Undaria pinnatifida, up to 1000 mg/kg body weight per day, may be safe in rodents, with no sign of toxicity after up to 28 days of daily administration. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The ability of green tea to positively modulate key markers of gastrointestinal function in rats
Authors: Molan Abdul‐Lateef , Liu Zhuojian , Tiwari Ruby
Published: June 2010

The beneficial effects of selenium‐containing green tea (Se‐GTE, 1.44 mg selenium/kg dry leaves) and China green tea (CH‐GTE, 0.13 mg selenium/kg leaves) on the population size of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria and the activity of two microbial enzymes in the caeca of rats have been investigated. Oral gavage of rats with Se‐GTE extract for 6 days resulted in a significant increase in caecal counts of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria (p < 0.05) while significantly reducing the caecal counts of bacteroides and clostridial bacteria. In contrast, gavaging the rats with CH‐GTE extract for 6 days resulted in a slight but not significant increase in the numbers of caecal lactobacilli and bifidobacteria but decreased significantly the numbers of bacteroides (p < 0.05) and clostridia (p < 0.05). In addition, rats gavaged with CH‐GTE and Se‐GTE showed a 17.2% and 21.3% reduction in the activity of the bacterial enzyme β‐glucuronidase, respectively, when compared with the rats gavaged with water only. β‐glucuronidase is considered to be one of the enzymes that increases the risk for colorectal cancer. Moreover, gavaging rats with these teas resulted in 19% and 25.5% increments in the activity of β‐glucosidase, respectively. In conclusion, Se‐GTE showed both bifidogenic and lactogenic effects and the high level of selenium may be behind the superiority of this tea over CH‐GTE. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antidiabetic effect of propolis: reduction of expression of glucose‐6‐phosphatase through inhibition of Y279 and Y216 autophosphorylation of GSK‐3α/β in HepG2 cells
Authors: Kang Li‐Jung , Lee Hwanghee Blaise , Bae Hyeun‐Jong , Lee Seong‐Gene
Published: June 2010

Propolis is a sticky, resinous material that honey bees collect from various plants, and mix with wax and other secretions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antidiabetic effect of propolis through an analysis of the expression and enzyme activity of glucose‐6‐phosphatase (G6Pase) and to elucidate the mechanism by which propolis inhibits G6Pase gene expression. When HepG2 cells were incubated in high glucose media (25 mm), G6Pase expression was induced. Propolis significantly reduced the expression and enzyme activity of G6Pase; however, the hypoglycemic effect was not abolished by the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase inhibitor, LY294002, and by the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor, U0126. Propolis inhibited the activity of GSK3α and β via the inhibition of serine and tyrosine phosphorylation, specifically, Y279 for GSK3α and Y216 for GSK3β. The phosphorylations of Y279 and Y216 occur through autophosphorylation by GSK3α/β and are involved in their own activity. Although propolis showed antioxidant activity, antidiabetic effect of propolis was not influenced by hydrogen peroxide andN‐acetylcysteine. These results suggest that propolis inhibits the expression of G6Pase by inhibiting the autophosphorylation of Y279 and Y216 of GSK3α and β, respectively, which are involved in the activation of GSK3. These findings suggest that propolis may be a potential antidiabetic agent for the treatment of insulin‐insensitive diabetes. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Acute effects of dietary ginger on muscle pain induced by eccentric exercise
Authors: Black Christopher D. , O'Connor Patrick J.
Published: June 2010

Zingiber officinale, commonly known as ginger, has analgesic and antiinflammatory properties. The acute effects of ginger on muscle pain, inflammation and dysfunction induced by eccentric exercise were examined. Twenty‐seven participants performed 24 eccentric actions of the non‐dominant elbow flexors. In a double‐blind, cross‐over design, participants ingested a 2 g dose of ginger or placebo 24 h and 48 h after exercise. Pain intensity (0–100 mm), arm volume (water displacement), range‐of‐motion (goniometry) and metabolic rate were assessed before and 45 min after ingestion of ginger or placebo. Eccentric exercise induced moderate arm pain (39 ± 20 mm; mean ± SD) and dysfunction (14% decrease in ROM) and an increase in volume (1.8%). Overall, ginger consumption demonstrated no effect on muscle pain, dysfunction, or metabolic rate compared with placebo. In the sub‐set of participants who consumed ginger 24 h after exercise, arm pain was reduced (13%, −5.9 ± 8.8 mm) the following day, 48 h after exercise. Participants who ingested placebo 24 h post‐exercise exhibited no change in pain the following day (0.0 ± 14.7 mm). In conclusion, a single 2 g dose of ginger does not attenuate eccentric exercise‐induced muscle pain, inflammation or dysfunction 45 min after ingestion. However, ginger may attenuate the day‐to‐day progression of muscle pain. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vitro antiviral activity of lutein against hepatitis B virus
Authors: Pang Ran , Tao Jun‐Yan , Zhang Shu‐Ling , Zhao Lei , Yue Xin , Wang Yue‐Feng , Ye Pian , Dong Ji‐Hua , Zhu Ying , Wu Jian‐Guo
Published: June 2010

Despite the availability of an effective vaccine, the hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and its treatment remains one of the foremost public health problems in the world. The present study was performed in order to investigate the anti‐HBV activity of lutein in vitro. The antiviral activity of lutein was examined by detecting the levels of HBsAg, HBeAg and extracellular HBV DNA in stable HBV‐producing human hepatoblastoma HepG2 2.2.15 cells. It was found that lutein effectively suppressed the secretion of HBsAg from HepG2 2.2.15 cells in a dose‐dependent manner, and it also suppressed the amount of extracellular HBV DNA. A luciferase reporter gene assay was used to determine the effects of lutein on the activities of HBV promoters. The results showed that lutein inhibited the activity of HBV full‐length promoter (Fp). These data indicate that lutein possesses an anti‐HBV activity and exerts its antivirus effects via inhibition of HBV transcription. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of berberine as a novel agonist of fatty acid receptor GPR40
Authors: Rayasam Geetha Vani , Tulasi Vamshi Krishna , Sundaram Sindhuja , Singh Winny , Kant Rajiv , Davis Joseph Alex , Saini Kulvinder Singh , Ray Abhijit
Published: June 2010

Several herbal plants such as Chinese herb Rhizoma Coptidis have been reported to possess antidiabetic activity. Berberine is its major active constituent and functions as an insulin sensitizer and insulin secretagogue. It has been reported to modulate several signaling pathways and targets. The objective of the current study is to investigate if berberine can function as a ligand of fatty acid receptor GPR40, which stimulates glucose dependent insulin secretion. Towards this objective, a mammalian cell line with stable overexpression of GPR40 was generated and characterized. Berberine stimulated calcium mobilization with an EC50 of 0.76 μm in this GPR40 overexpressing cell line. Further, berberine stimulated glucose dependent insulin secretion from rat pancreatic beta cell line. This suggests that berberine functions as an agonist of fatty acid receptor GPR40 and might be a novel antidiabetic mechanism of action for berberine. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Icariin improves memory impairment in Alzheimer's disease model mice (5xFAD) and attenuates amyloid β‐induced neurite atrophy
Authors: Urano Takuya , Tohda Chihiro
Published: June 2010

Essential therapeutic drugs for Alzheimer's disease (AD) have not been developed. Since the neuritic atrophy leading to synaptic losses is one of the critical causes of memory impairment in AD, the effects of several constituents in tonic herbal medicines on neuritic atrophy and memory deficits have been studied. The present study investigated the effects of icariin, a main constituent in Epimedii Herba, a well known tonic crude drug, in an in vitro AD model and transgenic mouse AD model (5xFAD). Amyloid β(1–42)‐induced atrophies of axons and dendrites were restored by post‐treatment with icariin in rat cortical neurons. Administration of icariin for 8 days (p.o.) improved spatial memory impairment in 5xFAD mice. These novel findings suggest that icariin may improve memory dysfunction in AD and have a potential to extend neurites even when amyloid β‐induced neurite atrophy has already occurred. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Systemic effect of Fructus Psoraleae extract on bone in mice
Authors: Wong Ricky W. K. , Rabie A. Bakr M.
Published: June 2010

Fructus Psoraleae extract is used in China for the treatment of bone diseases. The objective of the study was to investigate the systemic effect of Fructus Psoraleae extract consumption on bone histomorphology. Sixteen 8‐week‐old male BALB/c mice were divided into control and experimental groups. In the control group, eight mice were fed daily with distilled water. In the experimental group, eight mice were fed daily with distilled water mixed with Fructus Psoraleae extract. The mice were kept for 5 weeks and then killed. Using micro‐computed tomography, 20 micro‐tomographic slices with a separation of 0.25 mm were acquired to cover the proximal end of the left tibia of each mouse. Quantitative morphometry of the bone structure was performed. The results showed that consumption of Fructus Psoraleae extract significantly increased the bone volume/tissue volume ratio by 11.8%. The bone trabeculae increased by 7.1% in thickness so that the bone density was increased. To conclude, Fructus Psoraleae extract taken orally increases bone density and alters bone histomorphology. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.