bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early maternal deprivation induces gender‐dependent changes on the expression of hippocampal CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors of neonatal rats
Authors: Suárez Juan , Llorente Ricardo , Romero‐Zerbo Silvana Y. , Mateos Beatriz , Bermúdez‐Silva Francisco J. , de Fonseca Fernando Rodríguez , Viveros María‐Paz
Published: December 2008

Early maternal deprivation (MD) in rats (24 h, postnatal day 9–10) is a model for neurodevelopmental stress. There are some data proving that MD affects the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in a gender‐dependent manner, and that these changes may account for the proposed schizophrenia‐like phenotype of MD rats. The impact of MD on cannabinoid receptor distribution in the hippocampus is unknown. The aim of this study is to evaluate the expression of CB1 and CB2 receptors in diverse relevant subregions (DG, CA1, and CA3) of the hippocampus in 13‐day‐old rats by immunohistochemistry and densitometry. MD induced a significant decrease in CB1 immunoreactivity (more marked in males than in females), which was mainly associated with fibers in the strata pyramidale and radiatum of CA1 and in the strata oriens, pyramidale, and radiatum of CA3. In contrast, MD males and females showed a significant increase in CB2 immunoreactivity in the three hippocampal areas analyzed that was detected in neuropil and puncta in the stratum oriens of CA1 and CA3, and in the polymorphic cell layer of the dentate gyrus. A marked sex dimorphism was observed in CA3, with females exhibiting higher CB1 immunoreactivity than males, and in dentate gyrus, with females exhibiting lower CB2 immunoreactivity than males. These results point to a clear association between developmental stress and dysregulation of the ECS. The present MD procedure may provide an interesting experimental model to further address the role of the ECS in neurodevelopmental mental illnesses such as schizophrenia. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Excitability changes within transverse lamellae of dentate granule cells and their longitudinal spread following orthodromic or antidromic activation
Authors: Lømo Terje
Published: December 2008

The functional organization of the perforant path input to the dentate gyrus of the exposed hippocampus was studied in adult rabbits anesthetized with urethane and chloralose. Electrical stimulation of perforant path fibers caused excitation of granule cells along narrow, nearly transverse strips (lamellae) of tissue. Stimulation of granule cell axons (mossy fibers) in CA3 caused antidromic activation of granule cells along similar strips. Paired‐pulse stimulation revealed marked changes in granule cell excitability both within a lamella (on‐line) and for several mm off‐line along the septo‐temporal axis of the dentate gyrus. After the first pulse, granule cells were inhibited for up to about 100 ms and then facilitated for up to hundreds of ms. Feedback activity along mossy fiber collaterals exciting local inhibitory and excitatory neurons appeared to dominate in producing on‐ and off‐line inhibition and facilitation. Neurons mediating these effects could be inhibitory basket cells and other inhibitory interneurons targeting granule cells on‐ and off‐line. In addition, excitatory mossy cells with far reaching, longitudinally running axons could affect off‐line granule cells by exciting them directly or inhibit them indirectly by exciting local inhibitory interneurons. A scheme for dentate gyrus function is proposed whereby information to the dentate gyrus becomes split into interacting transverse strips of neuronal assemblies along which temporal processing occurs. A matrix of neuronal assemblies thus arises within which fragments of events and experiences is stored through the plasticity of synapses within and between the assemblies. Similar fragments may then be recognized at later times allowing memories of the whole to be created by pattern completion at subsequent computational stages in the hippocampus. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impaired in vivo synaptic plasticity in dentate gyrus and spatial memory in juvenile rats induced by prenatal morphine exposure
Authors: Niu Lei , Cao Bing , Zhu Hong , Mei Bin , Wang Ming , Yang Yupeng , Zhou Yifeng
Published: December 2008

Prenatal morphine exposure induces neurobiological changes, including deficits in learning and memory, in juvenile rat offspring. However the effects of this exposure on hippocampal plasticity, which is critical for learning and memory processes, are not well understood. The present study investigates the alterations of spatial memory and in vivo hippocampal synaptic plasticity in juvenile rats prenatally exposed to morphine. On gestation days 11–18, pregnant rats were randomly chosen to be injected twice daily with morphine or saline. Each juvenile offspring (postnatal day 22–31) performed one two‐trial Y‐maze task to evaluate spatial memory. Afterwards, the in vivo field excitatory postsynaptic potential (fEPSP) and population spike (PS) were recorded in the perforant path dentate gyrus (DG) pathway in the hippocampus. Prenatal morphine exposure reduced depotentiation (DP), but not long‐term potentiation (LTP), of the EPSP slope. However, both LTP and DP of the EPSP slope were depressed in prenatal morphine‐exposed juvenile offspring. The morphine group also showed poorer performance for the Y‐maze task than the control group. Depressed PS LTP, but not EPSP LTP, in the morphine group suggested that prenatal morphine exposure changed GABAergic inhibition, which mediates EPSP‐spike potentiation. Then a loss of GABA‐containing neurons in the DG area of the morphine group was observed using immunohistochemistry. Taken together, our results suggest that prenatal morphine exposure impairs the juvenile offspring's dentate synaptic plasticity and spatial memory, and that decreased GABAergic inhibition may play a role in these effects. These findings might contribute to an explanation for the cognitive deficits in children whose mothers abuse opiates during pregnancy. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Two‐dimensional physically based finite element runoff model for small agricultural watersheds: I. Model development
Authors: Bhardwaj Anil , Kaushal M. P.
Published: December 2008

Soil erosion by water is the root cause of ecological degradation in the Shiwalik foothills of Northern India. Simulation of runoff and its component processes is a pre‐requisite to develop the management strategies to tackle the problem, successfully. A two‐dimensional physically based distributed numerical model, ROMO2D has been developed to simulate runoff from small agricultural watersheds on an event basis. The model employs the 2‐D Richards equation with sink term to simulate infiltration and soil moisture dynamics in the vadoze zone under variable rainfall conditions, and 2‐D Saint‐Venant equations under the kinematic wave approximation along with Manning's equation as the stage‐discharge equation for runoff routing. The various flow‐governing equations have been solved numerically by employing a Galerkin finite element method for spatial discretization using quadrilateral elements and finite difference techniques for temporal solutions. The ROMO2D computer program has been developed as a class‐based program, coded in C + + in such a way that with minor modifications, the model can be used to simulate runoff on a continuous basis. The model writes output for a runoff hydrograph of each storm. Model development is described in this paper and the results of model testing and field application are to be presented in a subsequent paper. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long term trend of snow depth at Sonnblick (Austrian Alps) and its relation to climate change
Authors: Schöner W. , Auer I. , Böhm R.
Published: December 2008

The extensive snow measurement network of the Sonnblick region (Hohe Tauern, Austrian Alps) is used to describe temporal trends of snow‐depth as well as its relation to climate change for a high‐elevated site of the European Alps (2400–3100 m.a.s.l.). Spatial representativeness of single snow stakes, with readings back to 1928, is derived for maximum snow‐depth in May using a spatially dense snow depth probing from glacier mass balance measurements. Long‐term trends of snow depth show a significant reduction in the contribution of snow accumulation from core‐winter (1 December to 1 March) compared to early and late‐winter periods. Largest values of snow‐depth since 1928 were measured in the 1940s and 1950s. Comparison of monthly changes in snow‐depth with precipitation measurements underlines the high influence of wind drift on snow‐depth during winter season from 1 October to 30 April. Whereas inter‐annual variability of maximum snow‐depth is better explained by low elevation precipitation measurements than by local (high elevation) precipitation measurements, the longer‐term mean of local precipitation measurements, however, fits well to the snow‐depth measurements, if a mean snow‐density of about 400 kg m−3 is assumed (which matches field observations). Both maximum snow‐depth and winter season precipitation show a clear decreasing trend for inter‐annual variability. A statistical relationship between air temperature and fraction of solid precipitation is used for estimation of temporal trends in the fraction of solid precipitation at measurement sites. For summer a decrease of about 1% of solid precipitation per decade was found for the lowest elevated sites whereas fraction of solid precipitation in winter remains stable. Relation between snow‐depth and climate is investigated by means of local climate data of Sonnblick‐Observatory (SBO) and by means of the North‐Atlantic Oscillation Index (NAOI). Whereas winter air‐temperature is significantly correlated with the NAOI, for winter precipitation and snow depth on 1 May no correlation was found with NAOI. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A beginner's guide to integrating human resources faculty data and cost data
Authors: Levy Gary D.
Published: December 2008

This chapter presents essentials of human resource faculty data and cost data and how they can be integrated to facilitate institutional decision making.
Using return on investment models of programs and faculty for strategic planning
Authors: Redlinger Lawrence J. , Valcik Nicolas A.
Published: December 2008

This chapter discusses the use of a return on investment models for higher education institutions.
Influence of lateral canal water depth on offtake and cross‐regulator discharge
Authors: Shahrokhnia Mohammad Ali , Javan Mahmood , Shahrokhnia Mohammad Hosein
Published: December 2008

Monitoring and effective operation of control structures are of importance in a modern irrigation system. Previously developed sensitivity indicators can be useful tools for better management of irrigation systems. The influence of lateral canal water depth on the offtaking and ongoing discharges were simulated and evaluated using a simple model in the Doroodzan irrigation system in south‐western Iran. Results confirmed the influence of water level changes in the lateral irrigation canal on offtake and cross‐regulator discharge. Results obtained also led us to introduce and evaluate two other sensitivity indicators: offtake sensitivity to downstream water depth, and check sensitivity to tertiary canal water depth.

Application of the sensitivity indicators in the Doroodzan irrigation system showed the usefulness of developed sensitivity indicators. The average sensitivity indicators varied from 1.10 to 0.44 (m−1) for offtakes and 0.58 to 0.03 (m−1) for cross‐regulators. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spectral detection of micro‐metastases in lymph node histo‐pathology
Authors: Bird Benjamin , Romeo Melissa , Laver Nora , Diem Max
Published: December 2008

The first detection of breast cancer micrometastases in lymph nodes by infrared spectral imaging and methods of multivariate analysis is reported. Micrometastases are indicators of early spread of cancer from the organ originally affected by disease, and their detection is of prime importance for the staging and treatment of cancer. Infrared spectral imaging, at a spatial resolution of ca. 10–12 μm, can detect small metastases down to the level of a few cancerous cells. The results presented here add to a rapidly growing database of infrared spectral imaging results for cancer diagnostics. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Real‐time in vivo imaging of adult Zebrafish brain using optical coherence tomography
Authors: Rao K. Divakar , Alex Aneesh , Verma Yogesh , Thampi Sreeja , Gupta Pradeep K.
Published: December 2008

We report noninvasive imaging of the brain of adult Zebrafish (Danio rerio) using real time optical coherence tomography (OCT) capable of acquiring cross sectional 2D OCT images @ 8 frames/sec. Anatomic features such as telencephalon, tectum opticum, eminentia Granularis and cerebellum were clearly resolved in the OCT images. A 3D model of Zebrafish brain was reconstructed, for the first time to our knowledge, using these 2D OCT images. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Diethyl maleate‐induced oxidative stress leads to testicular germ cell apoptosis involving Bax and Bcl‐2
Authors: Kalia Sumiti , Bansal M. P.
Published: December 2008

Testicular germ cell apoptosis is normally a continuous process throughout life. However, massive testicular germ cell loss is known to result from a wide variety of cellular stresses including toxicant exposure. Thus, the present study was aimed to investigate the mechanisms of germ cell loss under stress conditions following diethyl maleate (DEM) exposure. Stress conditions were generated in male Balb/c mice by depleting glutathione by DEM administration. The germ cell apoptosis was found to be increased as assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)‐mediated deoxy‐UTP biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining, evaluation of histoarchitechture of testis, and germ cell numbers. It was found that the germ cell number was significantly reduced in DEM‐treated sections. RT‐PCR was carried out to assess Bax/Bcl‐2 mRNA expression levels. Immunohistochemistry of Bax and Bcl‐2 revealed Bax activation. The prevalence and cellular localization of the above markers in testicular tissues of DEM‐treated animals suggest the possible involvement of Bax/Bcl‐2 in the male germ cell apoptosis. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 22:371–381, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20252
Purification and characterization of a novel high molecular weight exotoxin produced by red tide phytoplankton, Alexandrium tamarense
Authors: Yamasaki Yasuhiro , Katsuo Daisuke , Nakayasu Seiichiro , Salati Cristina , Duan JingJing , Zou Yanan , Matsuyama Yukihiko , Yamaguchi Kenichi , Oda Tatsuya
Published: December 2008

Our recent studies have demonstrated that the aqueous extract prepared from Alexandrium tamarense, a harmful red tide phytoplankton, showed cytotoxicity on Vero cells. In this study, the toxic substance was purified from the culture supernatant of A. tamarense. Based on the gel‐filtration profile, the molecular mass of a purified toxin was estimated to be about 1,000 kDa. On sodium dodecylsulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) analysis, a main band with molecular mass of 1,000 kDa was detected with periodic acid‐Schiff (PAS) staining, but no protein bands were detected by Coomassie brilliant blue (CBB) protein staining. Sugar composition analysis of the toxin suggested that the toxin contains galactose, fucose, mannose, N‐acetylglucosamine, xylose, and other minor saccharides, whereas no significant levels of amino acids were detected by amino acid analysis. These results suggest that the toxin is a polysaccharide‐based compound. The toxin showed cytotoxic effects on various cell lines in a concentration‐dependent manner. Among the cell lines tested, U937 cells were the most susceptible to the toxin. In U937 cells treated with the toxin, a typical apoptotic nuclear morphological change and DNA fragmentation were observed. This is the first report demonstrating that a polysaccharide‐based toxin isolated from red tide phytoplankton can induce apoptotic cell death. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 22:405–415, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20253
The role of nuclear factor‐κB in rats of radiocontrast‐media‐induced nephropathy
Authors: Xu XunHui , Wu TianHua , Ding XiaoQiang , Zhu JiaMing , Zou JianZhou , He JianQiang
Published: December 2008

This study was undertaken to examine the possible role of the DNA‐binding activity of nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) in rat of radiocontrast‐media‐induced nephropathy (RCIN) and to explore the characteristic of RCIN in rats and the role of NF‐κB in its occurrence. Forty‐eight adult male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into Groups A–D. Rats of Groups A and B were intravenously injected with NG‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME) (10 mg/kg) and indomethacin (10 mg/kg), respectively. Rats of Groups C and D were intravenously injected with 1‐M phosphate buffer (PH = 8.4 3 mL/kg) and normal saline (NS 2 mL/kg), respectively. After 30 min, Groups A and D were injected with NS (8 mL/kg) and Groups B and C were injected with diatrizoate (DTZ 8 mL/kg). After injected contrast media (CM) for 6 h, the serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen of rat in Group B increased sharply as compared with Groups A, C, and D. After 48 h, the data recovered to 49.28 ± 8.81 μmol/L and 6.72 ± 2.75 mmol/L, respectively. Vacuolization of the tubule epithelial cells of the kidney was observed in Group A. Especially, these pathological changes were most obvious in outer medulla. Contrast to group A, the DNA‐binding activity of NF‐κB in rat kidney of Group B reached a peak at the 6th h and recovered to the normal level after the 48th h. CM mainly damages renal tubular–interstitial, which appears the earliest and most serious in the outer medulla. Activation of NF‐κB of renal may be one of the mechanisms of RCIN occurrence. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 22:416–421, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20256
HDAC4 contributes to IL‐1‐induced mPGES‐1 expression in human synovial fibroblasts through up‐regulation of Egr‐1 transcriptional activity
Authors: Chabane Nadir , Li Xinfang , Fahmi Hassan
Published: December 2008

Microsomal prostaglandin E synthase‐1 (mPGES‐1) catalyzes the terminal step in the biosynthesis of PGE2, which contributes to many physiopathological processes. We show here that inhibitors of histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity, trichostatin A (TSA), butyric acid (BA), and valproic acid (BA) prevented IL‐1‐induced mPGES‐1 protein expression in human synovial fibroblasts. TSA also inhibited IL‐1‐induced mPGES‐1 mRNA expression and promoter activation. Overexpression of HDAC4, but not of HDAC1, 2, 3, 5, or 6 enhanced, whereas HDAC4 silencing with small interfering RNA (siRNA) reduced, IL‐1‐induced mPGES‐1 promoter activation, implying that HDAC4 contributes to mPGES‐1 gene expression. Consistently, IL‐1‐induced mPGES‐1 protein expression was prevented by siRNA for HDAC4. We also demonstrate that IL‐1‐induced HDAC4 recruitment to the mPGES‐1 promoter. This recruitment was not accompanied by deacetylation of histones H3 and H4, suggesting that HDAC4 contributes to mPGES‐1 induction independently of local deacetylation of histones H3 and H4. We then investigated whether HDAC4 regulates mPGES‐1 expression by modulating the activity of Egr‐1, a key transcription factor in IL‐1‐induced mPGES‐1 expression. We found that HDAC4 overexpression enhances, whereas HDAC4 knockdown by siRNA reduces Egr‐1‐mediated activation of the mPGES‐1 promoter. Together these data indicate that HDAC4 contributes to transcriptional induction of mPGES‐1 by IL‐1 through a mechanism involving up‐regulation of Egr‐1 transcriptional activity. J. Cell. Biochem. 106: 453–463, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of tamoxifen and retinoic acid on bradykinin induced proliferation in MCF‐7 cells
Authors: Searovic Paola , Alonso Marcelo , Oses Carolina , Pereira‐Flores Karla , Velarde Victoria , Saez Claudia G.
Published: December 2008

Chemopreventive approaches for the treatment of breast cancer have been validated clinically and with in vitro studies. The combined action of tamoxifen/all‐trans retinoic acid was advantageous in MCF‐7 cells, reducing cell proliferation, Bcl‐2 and c‐Myc protein levels and increasing E‐Cadherin protein levels and Gap junctional Intercellular Communication. We further investigated their combined effect in the presence of bradykinin, a pro‐inflammatory agent, previously reported to contribute to the proliferation of breast cancer cells. Bradykinin increased MCF‐7 cell proliferation, c‐Myc levels and ERK1/2 activity. The co‐incubation of bradykinin‐MCF‐7 cells with tamoxifen/all‐trans retinoic acid reduced cell proliferation, ERK1/2 activity, as well as Bcl‐2, c‐Myc, and bradykinin receptor‐2 levels, without altering the enhanced E‐cadherin levels induced by tamoxifen/all‐trans retinoic acid. We showed that the anti‐tumoral effect of tamoxifen/all‐trans retinoic acid is beneficial in MCF‐7 breast cancer cells grown in a bradykinin‐pro‐mitogenic environment, an effect that might be, at least in part, through the MAPK pathway and B2‐bradykinin receptor inhibition. J. Cell. Biochem. 106: 473–481, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
8‐chloro‐adenosine‐induced E2F1 promotes p14ARF gene activation in H1299 cells through displacing Sp1 from multiple overlapping E2F1/Sp1 sites
Authors: Zhang Hai‐Jun , Li Wen‐Juan , Yang Sheng‐Yong , Li Shu‐Yan , Ni Ju‐Hua , Jia Hong‐Ti
Published: December 2008

The regulation of p14ARF gene by E2F transcription factor, which differs from that of classical E2F targets, has recently been attributed to a variant E2F‐response element. However, promoter assays suggest multiple elements present in the p14ARF promoter and argue against the idea that the ARF promoter has a unique ability to distinguish between aberrant and physiological levels of E2F1. Therefore, the functional characterization of the promoter still needs to be done. We demonstrate that at least two overlapping E2F1/Sp1 binding sites are present in the p14ARF promoter, and E2F1 activates the promoter through displacing constitutive Sp1 from the overlapping sites. We found that 8‐chloro‐adenosine (a metabolite of 8‐Cl‐cAMP) exposure induced the p14ARF gene in human lung cancer H1299 cells, followed by increased expression of E2F1 and constitutive expression of Sp1. The combination of cotransfection and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) indicated that constitutive binding of Sp1 to the overlapping sites contributed to a constitutive expression of the ARF gene in unexposed H1299, whereas displacing Sp1 from the overlapping sites by E2F1 promoted the gene activation after exposure. EMSA and chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed increased association of E2F1 with the overlapping sites in the active promoter in 8‐Cl‐Ado‐exposed cells. Together, these data suggest that the overlapping E2F1/Sp1 site, being present in multiple copies in the p14ARF promoter, may serve as the targets for both E2F1 and Sp1, thereby playing a crucial role in response to some oncogenic signals and stimulators, which activate the ARF gene through inducing E2F in the cell. J. Cell. Biochem. 106: 464–472, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Loss of profilin‐1 expression enhances breast cancer cell motility by Ena/VASP proteins
Authors: Bae Yong Ho , Ding Zhijie , Zou Li , Wells Alan , Gertler Frank , Roy Partha
Published: December 2008

We previously showed that silencing profilin‐1 (Pfn1) expression increases breast cancer cell motility, but the underlying mechanisms have not been explored. Herein, we demonstrate that loss of Pfn1 expression leads to slower but more stable lamellipodial protrusion thereby enhancing the net protrusion rate and the overall motility of MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells. Interestingly, MDA‐MB‐231 cells showed dramatic enrichment of VASP at their leading edge when Pfn1 expression was downregulated and this observation was also reproducible in other cell types including human mammary epithelial cells and vascular endothelial cells. We further demonstrate that Pfn1 downregulation results in a hyper‐motile phenotype of MDA‐MB‐231 cells in an Ena/VASP‐dependent mechanism. Pfn1‐depleted cells display a strong colocalization of VASP with lamellipodin (Lpd—a PI(3,4)P2‐binding protein that has been previously implicated in lamellipodial targeting of Ena/VASP) at the leading edge. Finally, inhibition of PI3‐kinase (important for generation of PI(3,4)P2) delocalizes VASP from the leading edge. This observation is consistent with a possible involvement of Lpd in enhanced membrane recruitment of VASP that results from loss of Pfn1 expression. Our findings for the first time highlight a possible mechanism of how reduced expression of a pro‐migratory molecule like Pfn1 could actually promote motility of breast cancer cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 219: 354–364, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Over‐expression of glycerol dehydrogenase and 1,3‐propanediol oxidoreductase in Klebsiella pneumoniae and their effects on conversion of glycerol into 1,3‐propanediol in resting cell system
Authors: Zhao Li , Ma Xingyuan , Zheng Yu , Zhang Jianguo , Wei Guodong , Wei Dongzhi
Published: December 2008

BACKGROUND: Glycerol dehydrogenase [EC.1.1.1.6] and 1,3‐propanediol oxidoreductase [EC.1.1.1.202] were proved to be two of the key enzymes for glycerol conversion to 1,3‐propanediol in Klebsiella pneumoniae under anaerobic conditions. For insight into their significance on 1,3‐propanediol production under micro‐aerobic conditions, these two enzymes were over‐expressed in K. pneumoniae individually, and their effects on conversion of glycerol into 1,3‐propanediol in a resting cell system under micro‐aerobic conditions were investigated.

RESULTS: In the resting cell system, over‐expression of 1,3‐propanediol oxidoreductase led to faster glycerol conversion and 1,3‐propanediol production. After a 12 h conversion process, it improved the yield of 1,3‐propanediol by 20.4% (222.1 mmol L−1 versus 184.4 mmol L−1) and enhanced the conversion ratio of glycerol into 1,3‐propanediol from 50.8% to 59.8% (mol mol−1). Over‐expression of glycerol dehydrogenase in K. pneumoniae had no significant influence both on 1,3‐propanediol yield and on the conversion ratio of glycerol into 1,3‐propanediol in the resting cell system.

CONCLUSION: The results were important for an understanding of the significance of glycerol dehydrogenase and 1,3‐propanediol oxidoreductase in 1,3‐proanediol production under micro‐aerobic conditions, and for developing better strategies to improve 1,3‐propanediol yield. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Supercritical CO2 extraction of pigment components with pharmaceutical importance from Chlorella vulgaris
Authors: Kitada Kiwa , Machmudah Siti , Sasaki Mitsuru , Goto Motonobu , Nakashima Yuya , Kumamoto Shoichiro , Hasegawa Takashi
Published: December 2008

BACKGROUND: Chlorella vulgaris is a green microalgae that contains various pigment components of carotenoids and chlorophylls. Supercritical CO2 is widely used for extraction of pharmaceutical compounds because it is non‐oxic and easily separated from extracted material by simply depressurizing. In this work, pharmaceutical compounds from Chlorella vulgaris have been extracted using supercritical CO2 with or without entrainer at various extraction conditions.

RESULTS: Based on high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis, the extracts contained pigment components, such as lutein, β‐carotene, chlorophyll a and b. Higher extraction pressure and temperature promoted higher lutein extraction by supercritical CO2. The optimum pressure and temperature for extraction were obtained as 50 MPa and 80 °C. Ethanol as an entrainer was more effective than acetone for the extraction of pigment components. Pigment components in the extract obtained by supercritical CO2 with and without entrainer were compared with the extract obtained by a conventional extraction method.

CONCLUSION: Supercritical CO2 has been successfully applied for the extraction of pigment components from Chlorella vulgaris. Supercritical CO2 enabled high selectivity for lutein extraction; however, the lutein yield was lower than that obtained by extraction using supercritical CO2 with ethanol and soxhlet. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Green tissue‐specific production of a microbial endo‐cellulase in maize (Zea mays L.) endoplasmic‐reticulum and mitochondria converts cellulose into fermentable sugars
Authors: Mei Chuansheng , Park Sang‐Hyuck , Sabzikar Robab , Callista Ransom Chunfang Qi , Sticklen Mariam
Published: December 2008

BACKGROUND: Commercial conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to fermentable sugars for biofuels and chemical byproducts uses relatively expensive bulk production of biologically active cellulase enzymes, which could alternatively be achieved by using solar energy for direct production of these enzymes within feedstock crop cellulosic biomass.

RESULTS: The Acidothermus cellulolyticus endo‐cellulase E1 has been produced in transgenic maize plants. This heterologous enzyme was specifically targeted for accumulation into two sub‐cellular compartments, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) or mitochondria of plant leaves and stalks. Furthermore, successful use of this maize‐produced heterologous cellulase in converting cellulose into fermentable sugars for biofuels, has been confirmed.

CONCLUSIONS: Green‐specific expression of cellulases in maize plants can avoid public controversies associated with production of transgene products in maize seeds and/or pollen. Sub‐cellular targeting of cellulases may result in better expression of transgene products because these compartments, specially ER, normally contain molecular chaperones that enhance protein folding and there the biological activity. Also, using solar energy to produce cellulases within crop cellulosic biomass can replace the costly process of cellulase production in microbial bioreactors, and therefore, save costs. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Cobalt removal from waste‐water by means of supported liquid membranes
Authors: Verbeken Kim , Vanheule Bruno , Pinoy Luc , Verhaege Marc
Published: December 2008

BACKGROUND: Supported liquid membranes (SLM) are an alternative technique to remove and recover metals from diluted process solutions and waste‐water. In the present work, the removal of Co(II) from a synthetic CoSO4 solution containing initial amounts of cobalt(II) in the range 100–200 ppm (0.1–0.2 g dm−3) has been studied on a pilot scale. By performing batch equilibrium experiments, the optimal settings, i.e. the composition of the organic phase, the pH of the feed, the type and concentration of the stripping agent were determined.

RESULTS: It is shown that the equilibrium characteristics of a synergistic extractant mixture containing di‐2‐ethyl‐hexylphosphoric acid (D2EHPA) and 5‐dodecylsalicylaldoxime (LIX 860‐I) are superior to D2EHPA. Both hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid have been evaluated as stripping solutions in liquid–liquid extraction tests and as the receiving phase in a SLM configuration. Although equilibrium tests showed no difference in stripping characteristics between both chemicals, it was observed that in a SLM configuration the stability of the system when hydrochloric acid is used is poor. With a commercially available SLM module (Liqui‐Cel Extra‐Flow 4 × 28) having a surface area of 19 m2, a steady Co(II) flux of 0.140 gm−2h−1 has been obtained at influent concentrations of cobalt between 100 and 200 ppm with 3 mol dm−3 sulfuric acid as stripping phase.

CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained show that a supported liquid membrane containing a synergistic mixture of LIX 860‐I and D2EHPA gives the possibility of recovering cobalt from dilute solutions. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Analysis of mice with targeted deletion of AQP9 gene provides conclusive evidence for expression of AQP9 in neurons
Authors: Mylonakou Maria N. , Petersen Petur H. , Rinvik Eric , Rojek Aleksandra , Valdimarsdottir Erla , Zelenin Sergey , Zeuthen Thomas , Nielsen Søren , Ottersen Ole P. , Amiry‐Moghaddam Mahmood
Published: December 2008

AQP9 is an aquaglyceroporin that serves important functions in peripheral organs, including the liver. Reflecting the lack of AQP9 knockout mice, uncertainties still prevail regarding the localization and roles of AQP9 in the central nervous system. Here we present a comprehensive analysis of AQP9 gene expression in brain, based on a quantitative and multipronged approach that includes the use of animals with targeted deletion of the AQP9 gene. We show by real‐time PCR that AQP9 mRNA concentration in rat and mouse brain is ∼3% and ∼0.5%, respectively, of that in rat and mouse liver, the organ with the highest level of AQP9. By blue native gel analysis it could be demonstrated that the brain contains tetrameric AQP9, corresponding to the functional form of AQP9. The band corresponding to the AQP9 tetramer was absent in AQP9 knockout brain and liver. Immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization analyses with AQP9 knockout controls show that subpopulations of nigral neurons express AQP9 both at the mRNA and at the protein levels and that populations of cortical cells (including hilar neurons in the hippocampus) contain AQP9 mRNA but no detectable AQP9 immunosignal. The present data provide conclusive evidence for the presence of tetrameric AQP9 in brain and for the expression of AQP9 in neurons. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
AUF1 and Hu proteins in the developing rat brain: Implication in the proliferation and differentiation of neural progenitors
Authors: Hambardzumyan Dolores , Sergent‐Tanguy Solène , Thinard Reynald , Bonnamain Virginie , Masip Manuel , Fabre Annabelle , Boudin Hélène , Neveu Isabelle , Naveilhan Philippe
Published: December 2008

Posttranscriptional events such as RNA stabilization are important for cell differentiation, but little is known about the impact of AU‐rich binding proteins (AUBPs) on the fate of neural cells. Expression of destabilizing AUBPs such as AUF1 and neuronal‐specific stabilizing proteins such as HuB, HuC and HuD was therefore analyzed in the developing central nervous system. Real‐time RT‐PCR indicated a specific developmental pattern in the postnatal cerebellum, with a progressive down‐regulation of AUF1 from P1, whereas HuB was strongly up‐regulated at about P7. These changes were accompanied by a progressive increase in AUF1p45 and the disappearance of one HuB isoform from P15, suggesting particular roles for these AUBPs in the developing cerebellum. AUF1 was detected in the three main cerebellar layers, whereas Hu proteins were found only in postmitotic neurons. A role for Hu proteins in the early stages of neuronal differentiation is further supported by arrest of cell proliferation following induction of HuB or HuD expression in a neural stem cell line. The decrease in nestin expression suggest that HuD, but not HuB, favors the transition of neural progenitors into early neuroblasts, but other factors are most probably required for their full differentiation into neurons, insofar as GAP‐43 was not detected in HuD‐transfected cells. These data suggest critical roles for HuB at the very earliest stages of neuronal differentiation, such as cell cycle exit, and HuD might also be involved in the transition of neural progenitors into early neuroblasts. Taken together, the present results strengthen the importance of AUBPs in brain ontogenesis. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Aberrant axonal projections from mammillary bodies in Pax6 mutant mice: Possible roles of Netrin‐1 and Slit 2 in mammillary projections
Authors: Tsuchiya Reiko , Takahashi Kaoru , Liu Fu‐Chin , Takahashi Hiroshi
Published: December 2008

Early events in the axonal tract formation from mammillary bodies remain poorly understood. In the present study, we reported an aberrant pattern of axonal projections from mammillary bodies to the dorsal thalamus in mice lacking the transcription factor Pax6. We found that Netrin‐1 was ectopically up‐regulated and that both Slit1 and Slit2 were down‐regulated in the presumptive dorsal thalamus of Pax6 mutant mice. We then examined the effects of Netrin‐1 and Slit2 on the mammillary axons by in utero electroporation techniques. Netrin‐1 had an attractive action toward the mammillary axons. Moreover, mammillary trajectories were disorganized in Netrin‐1‐deficient mice. On the other hand, Slit2 had a repulsive effect on the mammillary axons. These findings suggest that the combination of Netrin and Slit may be involved in proper axonal projection from the mammillary bodies and that their misexpression in the diencephalon may cause the misrouting of these axons in Pax6 mutant mice. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neuroanatomical relationships of substance P‐immunoreactive intrapulmonary C‐fibers and nicotinic cholinergic receptors
Authors: Dehkordi Ozra , Rose Jed E. , Balan Kannan V. , Kc Prabha , Millis Richard M. , Jayam‐Trouth Annapurni
Published: December 2008

Previous studies have suggested that sensory mechanisms may be important components of addiction to, and withdrawal from, cigarette smoking. The sensory and respiratory responses to nicotine are mediated, in part, by bronchopulmonary C‐fiber afferents. Nicotine has a direct stimulatory effect on pulmonary sensory neurons, and nicotinic cholinergic receptors (nAChRs) composed of various combinations of α and β subunits are known to be present in pulmonary ganglia. At the subcellular level, however, little is known about expression of nAChRs on sensory fibers in the intrapulmonary airways. The present study was therefore designed to evaluate the expression of nAChRs on a subset of intrapulmonary sensory nerve endings known to exhibit immunoreactivity for substance P (SP). The presence of nAChR subunits was first confirmed at the mRNA and protein levels in rat lung tissues by using RT‐PCR and Western blot techniques. Then, double labeling of SP‐immunoreactive (‐IR) C‐fibers and different nAChR subunits was performed. α2, α3, α4, α5, α7, and β2 subunits were detected at all levels of the intrapulmonary airways; including bronchi, terminal and respiratory bronchioles, alveolar walls, and alveolar macrophages. None of the nAChR subunits studied was expressed by the SP‐IR C‐fibers. However, SP‐expressing C‐fibers were observed in close proximity to and intermingling with nAChR‐expressing airway epithelial cells. The close proximity of C‐fibers to nAChR‐expressing airway epithelial cells suggests that a component of nicotinic stimulation of SP‐IR C‐fiber afferents may be mediated by endogenous chemical substances released by nAChR‐expressing epithelial cells. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rho proteins are negative regulators of TLR2, TLR3, and TLR4 signaling in astrocytes
Authors: Borysiewicz Elizabeth , Fil Daniel , Konat Gregory W.
Published: December 2008

The family of Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) expressed by innate immune cells recognizes a spectrum of microbial components as well as molecules released from injured tissues. TLR ligation activates intracellular signaling cascades that culminate in the up‐regulation of proinflammatory genes. We have recently demonstrated that the up‐regulation of inflammatory cytokines mediated by TLR4 in astrocytes is negatively controlled by the monomeric GTPases of Rho subfamily. The present study was undertaken to examine further the involvement of Rho proteins in the inflammatory response of astrocytes elicited by the ligation of three TLRs that use divergent signaling pathways. Astrocyte cultures established from newborn rat brains were challenged with ligands of TLR2, TLR3, and TLR4. The expression of genes encoding interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNFα), interferon‐β (IFNβ), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS2) was up‐regulated 24 hr after the challenge as determined by real‐time RT‐PCR. Pretreatment of the cells with toxin B, which specifically inactivates Rho proteins, enhanced the up‐regulation of gene expression. The extent of this enhancement was both receptor and gene dependent. The enhancing effect of Rho protein inactivation was also evident at the protein level of IL‐6 and NOS2 as reveled by ELISA and immunoblot analyses, respectively. These results suggest that Rho proteins control TLR‐mediated up‐regulation of inflammatory genes in astrocytes by interfering with multiple events along the signaling pathways. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Striatal transplantation in a rodent model of multiple system atrophy: Effects on L‐Dopa response
Authors: Köllensperger Martin , Stefanova Nadia , Pallua Anton , Puschban Zoe , Dechant Georg , Hainzer Monika , Reindl Markus , Poewe Werner , Nikkhah Guido , Wenning Gregor K.
Published: December 2008

Progressive degeneration of striatal projection neurons is thought to account for the loss of L‐Dopa response observed in the majority of patients with the parkinsonian variant of multiple system atrophy (MSA‐P). Here we have investigated the effects of E14 embryonic striatal allografts on dopaminergic responsiveness in the unilateral double‐lesion rat model of MSA‐P by using tests of complex motor behavior. Both sham and graft animals showed an increase in apomorphine‐induced rotations as well as an improvement in cylinder test performance following surgical intervention. In contrast, L‐Dopa responsiveness of stepping behavior was improved only in grafted animals. The restoration of apomorphine‐induced rotation correlated with the P‐zone volume of grafts. Our findings indicate that transplantation of embryonic striatal grafts might, at least to some extent, restore responsiveness to L‐Dopa in tasks of complex motor behavior. Therefore, striatal transplantation should be further defined preclinically as a possible therapeutic option for patients with MSA‐P and a failing L‐Dopa response. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinicopathologic characteristics and outcomes of gastric cancers with the MSI‐H phenotype
Authors: Seo Hyung Min , Chang Yeon Soo , Joo Sun Hyung , Kim Youn Wha , Park Yong‐Koo , Hong Sung Wha , Lee Suk‐Hwan
Published: December 2008

Objectives

We examined the correlation between microsatellite instability (MSI) status and the clinicopathological features and prognostic value in gastric cancer and compared the efficacy of immunohistochemical staining for hMLH1 and hMSH2 with a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based test.

Methods

MSI status was examined in 328 consecutive gastric adenocarcinomas using tissue preserved in paraffin blocks. DNA extracted from tumor sections and the corresponding normal tissue was analyzed using PCR at the five microsatellite loci recommended by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Immunohistochemical staining for hMLH1 and hMSH2 was performed and the results were compared with the MSI status measured using PCR. The relationship of the clinicopathologic variables to MSI status was analyzed.

Results

Of the gastric cancers, 8.2% (n = 27) contained MSI‐H and this was associated with older age (>70 years), distal tumor location, tumor size, and intestinal subtype. Lymphatic and vascular invasion were associated with the disease‐free survival. On immunohistochemical staining, the loss of expression of hMLH1 or hMSH2 was observed in 11% (n = 36). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of immunohistochemical staining were 63.0%, 93.7%, 47.2%, 96.6%, and 91.2%, respectively.

Conclusions

Gastric cancers with MSI‐H have specific clinicopathologic characteristics, such as older age at diagnosis, distal tumor location, increased tumor size, and intestinal histologic type. However, immunohistochemical staining for hMLH1 and hMSH2 is not as accurate as the PCR‐based MSI test. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;99: 143–147. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stressful life events and posttraumatic stress symptoms in children with cancer
Authors: Currier Joseph M. , Jobe‐Shields Lisa E. , Phipps Sean
Published: December 2008

This study examined the contribution of stressful life events in posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) stemming from childhood cancer among 121 patients. When controlling for demographic characteristics (age, gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status), cancer factors (treatment status, time since diagnosis, and cancer type), and intensity of parental PTSS, history of stressful life events in the child's life emerged as a salient correlate of PTSS across the different measures and reporting methods used in the study. Overall, children who had experienced more frequent and severe life stressors endorsed greater PTSS in relation to the cancer experience. Clinical work and future research on children with cancer should focus accordingly on the potential cumulative impact of stressful life events on PTSS.
Impact of Donor Graft Steatosis on Overall Outcome and Viral Recurrence After Liver Transplantation for Hepatitis C Virus Cirrhosis
Authors: Briceño Javier , Ciria Ruben , Pleguezuelo María , de la Mata Manuel , Muntané Jordi , Naranjo Álvaro , Sánchez-Hidalgo Juan , Marchal Trinidad , Rufián Sebastián , López-Cillero Pedro
Published: December 2008

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of donor graft steatosis on overall outcome, viral recurrence, and fibrosis progression in orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) for hepatitis C virus (HCV) cirrhosis. One hundred twenty patients who underwent OLT for HCV cirrhosis between 1995 and 2005 were included in the study. Donor steatosis was categorized as absent (0%-10%; n = 40), mild (10%-30%; n = 32), moderate (30%-60%; n = 29), or severe (>60%; n = 19). A Cox multivariate analysis for marginal donor variables and a Model for End-Stage Liver Disease index were performed. Fibrosis evolution was analyzed in liver biopsies (fibrosis < 2 or ≥2) 3, 6, and 12 months post-OLT and in the late post-OLT period. Fifty-six grafts were lost (46%). The survival of the grafts was inversely proportional to donor liver steatosis: 82%, 72%, and 72% at 1, 2, and 3 years post-OLT in the absence of steatosis; 73%, 63%, and 58% with mild steatosis; 74%, 62%, and 43% with moderate steatosis; and 62%, 49%, and 42% with severe steatosis (P = 0.012). HCV recurrence was earlier and more frequent in recipients with steatosis > 30% (46% versus 32% at 3 months, P = 0.017; 58% versus 43% at 6 months, P = 0.020; 70% versus 56% at 12 months, P = 0.058; and 95% versus 69% at 3 years post-OLT, P = 0.0001). Graft survival was lower in alcoholic liver disease recipients versus HCV recipients when steatosis was >30% at 3, 6, and 12 months post-OLT (P = 0.042) but not when steatosis was <30% (P = 0.53). A higher fibrosis score was obtained 3 months post-OLT (P = 0.033), 6 months post-OLT (P = 0.306), 12 months post-OLT (P = 0.035), and in the late post-OLT period (P = 0.009). In conclusion, donor graft steatosis influences the outcome of OLT for HCV cirrhosis. HCV recurrence is more frequent and earlier in recipients of moderately and severely steatotic livers. Fibrosis evolution is higher when graft steatosis is >30%. OLT with >30% steatotic donor livers should be precluded in HCV recipients. Liver Transpl 15:37–48, 2009. © 2008 AASLD.