bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective Zinc(II)‐Ion Fluorescence Sensing by a Functionalized Mesoporous Material Covalently Grafted with a Fluorescent Chromophore and Consequent Biological Applications
Authors: Sarkar Krishanu , Dhara Koushik , Nandi Mahasweta , Roy Partha , Bhaumik Asim , Banerjee Pradyot
Published: December 2008

A highly ordered 2D‐hexagonal mesoporous silica material is functionalized with 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane. This organically modified mesoporous material is grafted with a dialdehyde fluorescent chromophore, 4‐methyl‐2,6‐diformyl phenol. Powder X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, N2 sorption, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and UV‐visible absorption and emission have been employed to characterize the material. This material shows excellent selective Zn2+ sensing, which is due to the fluorophore moiety present at its surface. Fluorescence measurements reveal that the emission intensity of the Zn2+‐bound mesoporous material increases significantly upon addition of various concentrations of Zn2+, while the introduction of other biologically relevant (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, and K+) and environmentally hazardous transition‐metal ions results in either unchanged or weakened intensity. The enhancement of fluorescence is attributed to the strong covalent binding of Zn2+, evident from the large binding constant value (0.87 × 104 M−1). Thus, this functionalized mesoporous material grafted with the fluorescent chromophore could monitor or recognize Zn2+ from a mixture of ions that contains Zn2+ even in trace amounts and can be considered as a selective fluorescent probe. We have examined the application of this mesoporous zinc(II) sensor to cultured living cells (A375 human melanoma and human cervical cancer cell, HeLa) by fluorescence microscopy.
Effective thermal conductivity of porous building materials – analysis and verification
Authors: Wyrwał Jerzy , Marynowicz Andrzej , Świrska Jadwiga
Published: December 2008

Effective thermal conductivity of porous building materials is a very important parameter particularly in the thermal performance analysis of building envelopes. In this part of the paper the selected models of effective thermal conductivity of 2‐phase porous building materials fully filled with air or water are analyzed and verified. The calculated values from models are compared with measured data from literature and recommendations for selecting models are provided.
Nutzerzufriedenheit und Komfort am Arbeitsplatz – Ergebnisse einer Feldstudie in Bürogebäuden
Authors: Gossauer Elke , Wagner Andreas
Published: December 2008

Mit Hilfe multivariater Statistikverfahren konnten aus Daten einer Feldstudie in 17 Bürogebäuden zahlreiche Zusammenhänge zwischen verschiedenen Parametern mit Bezug zur Nutzerzufriedenheit am Arbeitsplatz gefunden und validiert werden. Ein wichtiges Ergebnis war, dass sich die verschiedenen Zufriedenheitsparameter nicht gegenseitig beeinflussen. Für die Zufriedenheit mit der Raumtemperatur konnte ein signifikanter Unterschied zwischen den Sommer‐ und Winterbewertungen gezeigt werden; die Unzufriedenheit bei neutralem Temperaturempfinden war im Sommer deutlich höher. Insgesamt waren nur 30% der befragten Nutzer zufrieden oder sehr zufrieden mit der Raumtemperatur an ihrem Arbeitsplatz. Der bedeutendste Faktor für die Zufriedenheit mit dem Raumklima war die wahrgenommene Einflussmöglichkeit auf die Raumtemperatur. Mit einer sogenannten Handlungsrelevanzmatrix, in der einzelne Zufriedenheitsparameter über ihrer Wichtigkeit für die allgemeine Zufriedenheit aufgetragen werden, lassen sich Schwachstellen eines Gebäude aus Nutzersicht transparent machen und bieten dem Gebäudemanager Unterstützung bei der Betriebsoptimierung. Für die Gebäudeplanung lässt sich ableiten, dass kleine Büroeinheiten mit individueller Eingriffsmöglichkeit in die Raumklimaregelung die größte Akzeptanz bei Nutzern erfahren.
A Bagging‐Based Correction for the Mixture Model Estimator of Population Size
Authors: Kuhnert Ronny , Del Rio Vilas Victor J. , Gallagher James , Böhning Dankmar
Published: December 2008

Estimation of a population size by means of capture‐recapture techniques is an important problem occurring in many areas of life and social sciences. We consider the frequencies of frequencies situation, where a count variable is used to summarize how often a unit has been identified in the target population of interest. The distribution of this count variable is zero‐truncated since zero identifications do not occur in the sample. As an application we consider the surveillance of scrapie in Great Britain. In this case study holdings with scrapie that are not identified (zero counts) do not enter the surveillance database. The count variable of interest is the number of scrapie cases per holding. For count distributions a common model is the Poisson distribution and, to adjust for potential heterogeneity, a discrete mixture of Poisson distributions is used. Mixtures of Poissons usually provide an excellent fit as will be demonstrated in the application of interest. However, as it has been recently demonstrated, mixtures also suffer under the so‐called boundary problem, resulting in overestimation of population size. It is suggested here to select the mixture model on the basis of the Bayesian Information Criterion. This strategy is further refined by employing a bagging procedure leading to a series of estimates of population size. Using the median of this series, highly influential size estimates are avoided. In limited simulation studies it is shown that the procedure leads to estimates with remarkable small bias. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Enzymology of the fermentation of acetate to methane by Methanosarcina thermophila
Authors: Ferry James G.
Published: December 2008

Biologically‐produced CH4 derives from either the reduction of CO2 or the methyl group of acetate by two separate pathways present in anaerobic microbes from the Archaea domain. Elucidation of the pathway for CO2 reduction to CH4, the first to be investigated, has yielded several novel enzymes and cofactors. Most of the CH4 produced in nature derives from the methyl group of acetate. Methanosarcina thermophila is a moderate thermophile which ferments acetate by reducing the methyl group to CH4 with electrons derived from oxidation of the carbonyl group to CO2. The pathway in M. thermophila is now understood on a biochemical and genetic level comparable to understanding of the CO2‐reducing pathway. Enzymes have been purified and characterized. The genes encoding these enzymes have been cloned, sequenced, transcriptionally mapped, and their regulation defined on a molecular level. This review emphasizes recent developments concerning the enzymes which are unique to the acetate fermentation pathway in M. thermophila.
Microcalorimetric Investigation on Effects of LaIII on Metabolic Activity of Mitochondria Isolated from Hybrid Rice
Authors: Dai Jie , Li Chuan‐Ling , Zhang Ye‐Zhong , Liu Yi
Published: December 2008

Rare earth elements (REEs) have beneficial influence on plant growth and are widely used in agriculture practice, but little is known about the behavior of the REEs in mitochondria of plant cell. Thermogenic metabolic curves were determined by the ampoule method at 303 K using a TAM air isothermal microcalorimeter in mitochondria isolated from hybrid rice Liangyoupeijiu (Oryza sativa L.), and the effect of LaIII on its mitochondrial metabolism was investigated. From the obtained heat flux curves, the crucial parameters including as activity recovery rate constant (k) and maximum heat power (Pmax) were determined. Application of La3+ in concentrations ranging from 0 to 120 μg/ml significantly increased k and Pmax values with the high point reaching 346 and 222% of the control, respectively. Concentrations from 140–150 μg/ml had the opposite effect. These results were consistent with previous reports on the effects of REEs on plant growth. It was concluded that the La‐induced change of mitochondrial metabolic activity is a possible mechanism by which LaIII ions influences hybrid rice growth.
Tuberculosis in Hemodialysis Patients in Area of High Incidence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection
Authors: Marques Luiz Paulo J. , Rioja Lilimar S. , Pacheco Giselly G.L.C. , Nogueira Sandra N. , Fuck Fabiana B.S. , Santos Omar R.
Published: December 2008

BACKGROUND

Hemodialysis (HD) patients have an increased incidence of tuberculosis (TB), which may be due to decreased cellular immunity, the presence of malnutrition, and the use of immunosuppressive drugs. Poor living conditions, overcrowding, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection could be considered added risk factors. This study analyzed the incidence and clinical characteristics of TB among HD patients in an area where TB and HIV infection have a high prevalence.

METHODS

In this multicenter study, 1266 patients (663 men and 603 women) ages 20–91 years (46.1 ± 16.8 years) from 8 HD centers in different cities of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, were studied. HIV‐infected patients were excluded from the study.

RESULTS

TB was observed in 30 patients (2.3%), the pulmonary type in 11 (36.6%) and the extrapulmonary type in 19 (63.4%). The time of emergence during the HD period was very wide (2–117 months). All patients presented with unexplained fever and general symptoms such as weight loss, fatigue, and malaise in variable frequencies. The purified protein derivative (tuberculin) test was positive in only 16.6% of TB patients. They were treated with a combination of rifampicin (450–6000 mg/day), isoniazid (200–300 mg/day), and pyrazinamide (1.5–2 g/day); only 1 patient died, and 2 underwent a successful renal transplantation after the treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

TB incidence in HD patients was higher than in the general population (p < 0.0001) with a relative risk (RR) of 19.68 (13.81 < RR < 29.03), which points to the urgent need to investigate TB in all uremic patients with unexplained fever, continuous nonspecific symptoms, or when TB is suspect, whereas the response to therapy is directly dependent on early diagnosis, and the specific treatment may offer HD patients a good prognosis.
Antigen‐loaded ER microsomes from APC induce potent immune responses against viral infection
Authors: Sofra Vassiliki , Mansour Salah , Liu Mengya , Gao Bin , Primpidou Elisavet , Wang Ping , Li Suling
Published: December 2008

Although matured DC are capable of inducing effective primary and secondary immune responses in vivo, it is difficult to control the maturation and antigen loading in vitro. In this study, we show that ER‐enriched microsomal membranes (microsomes) isolated from DC contain more peptide‐receptive MHC I and II molecules than, and a similar level of costimulatory molecules to, their parental DC. After loading with defined antigenic peptides, the microsomes deliver antigenic peptide–MHC complexes (pMHC) to both CD4 and CD8 T cells effectively in vivo. The peptide‐loaded microsomes accumulate in peripheral lymphoid organs and induce stronger immune responses than peptide‐pulsed DC. The microsomal vaccines protect against acute viral infection. Our data demonstrate that peptide–MHC complexes armed microsomes from DC can be an important alternative to DC‐based vaccines for protection from viral infection.
Safety and efficacy of neonatal vaccination
Authors: Demirjian Alicia , Levy Ofer
Published: December 2008

Newborns have an immature immune system that renders them at high risk for infection while simultaneously reducing responses to most vaccines, thereby posing challenges in protecting this vulnerable population. Nevertheless, certain vaccines, such as BCG and Hepatitis B vaccine, do demonstrate safety and some efficacy at birth, providing proof of principal that certain antigen–adjuvant combinations are able to elicit protective neonatal responses. Moreover, birth is a major point of healthcare contact globally meaning that effective neonatal vaccines achieve high population penetration. Given the potentially significant benefit of vaccinating at birth, availability of a broader range of more effective neonatal vaccines is an unmet medical need and a public health priority. This review focuses on safety and efficacy of neonatal vaccination in humans as well as recent research employing novel approaches to enhance the efficacy of neonatal vaccination.
Archaeological mounds in Marajó Island in northern Brazil: A geological perspective integrating remote sensing and sedimentology
Authors: de Fátima Rossetti Dilce , Góes Ana Maria , Mann de Toledo Peter
Published: December 2008

Earthen mounds with archaeological artifacts have been well known in Marajó Island since the 19th century. Their documented dimensions are impressive, e.g., up to 20 m high, and with areas as large as 90 ha. The mounds, locally known as tesos, impose a significant relief on the very low‐lying landscape of this region, which averages 4 to 6m above present sea level. These features have been traditionally interpreted as artificial constructions of the Marajoara culture, designed for defense, cemetery purposes, or escape from flooding. Here, we provide sedimentological and geomorphological data that suggest an alternative origin for these structures that is more consistent with their monumental sizes. Rather than artificial, the Marajoara tesos seem to consist of natural morphological features related to late Pleistocene and Holocene fluvial, and possibly tidal‐influenced, paleochannels and paleobars that became abandoned as depositional conditions changed through time. Although utilized and modified by the Marajoara since at least 2000 years ago, these earthen mounds contain a significant non‐anthropogenically modified sedimentary substratum. Therefore, the large Marajoara tesos are not entirely artificial. Ancient Marajoara cultures took advantage of these natural, preexisting elevated surfaces to base their communities and develop their activities, locally increasing the sizes of these fluvial landforms. This alternative interpretation suggests less cumulative labor investment in the construction of the mounds and might have significant implications for reconstructing the organization of the Marajoara culture. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Holocene molluscs from archaeological sites of the Pampean region of Argentina: Approaches to past human uses
Authors: Bonomo Mariano , Aguirre Marina L.
Published: December 2008

The aim of this study is to provide a regional review and update our knowledge of molluscan records from Late Quaternary (12.2–0.4 ka B.P.) archaeological sites of the Pampean region. Comparisons with molluscs from the modern littoral, Holocene beach ridges, and estuarine sediments are made, allowing a synthesis of the main taxa recovered and reinterpretations of the probable past human uses. Overall, the biological and archaeological data gathered reinforce the conclusion that most taxa living far from the intertidal zone were not linked to subsistence of Pampean hunter‐gatherers. However, sporadic consumption cannot be discarded, considering the sea‐level changes during the Holocene. Other uses including ornamentation, containers, tools, or symbolic meaning can be assigned to marine molluscs which were probably collected as dead shells from the fossil deposits or from the contemporary beach. Selection of the shells by humans related mainly to shell size, shape, and color, and not to their nutritional value. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Contribution of the anterior insula to temporal auditory processing deficits in developmental dyslexia
Authors: Steinbrink Claudia , Ackermann Hermann , Lachmann Thomas , Riecker Axel
Published: December 2008

Developmental dyslexia has been assumed to arise from general auditory deficits, compromising rapid temporal integration both of linguistic and nonlinguistic acoustic stimuli. Because the effort of auditory temporal processing of speech and nonspeech test materials may depend on presentation rate, fMRI measurements were performed in dyslexics and controls during passive listening to series of syllable and click sounds, using a parametric approach. Controls showed a decrease of hemodynamic brain activation within the right and an increase within the left anterior insula as a function of the presentation rate both of click as well as syllable trains. By contrast, dyslexics exhibited this profile of hemodynamic responses under the nonspeech condition only. As concerns syllables, activation in dyslexics did not depend on presentation rate. Moreover, a subtraction analysis of hemodynamic main effects across conditions and groups revealed decreased activation both of the left and right anterior insula in dyslexics compared to controls during application both of click and syllables. These results indicate, in line with preceding studies, that the insula of both hemispheres is involved in auditory temporal processing of nonlinguistic auditory stimuli and demonstrate, furthermore, that these operations of intrasylvian cortex also extend to the linguistic domain. In addition, our data suggest that the anterior insula represents an important neural correlate of deficient temporal processing of speech and nonspeech sounds in dyslexia. Hum Brain Mapp 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pathology reporting in head and neck cancer—Snapshot of current status
Authors: King Bronwyn , Corry June
Published: December 2008

Background

Currently there is no standardized head and neck pathology reporting system in Victoria, Australia. The aim of this study was to document deficiencies in head and neck pathology reports at our institution.

Methods

The pathology reports of all patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) who presented to Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre for postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) between January 1, 2004, and March 31, 2006, were critically assessed for 16 key pathological items.

Results

Only 37% reports contained all the 16 items. The most commonly missing items were “diameter of the largest involved lymph node” (38%), “presence/absence of lymphovascular space invasion” (30%), “presence/absence of peri‐neural invasion” (28%), “clearance of margins in millimeters” (27%), and “presence/absence of extracapsular extension” (27%). The most variable item was the clearance in millimeters used to determine “clear margins”.

Conclusions

Several of the most important pathological factors predicting locoregional relapse in HNSCC are currently the least reliably reported items in head and neck pathology reports. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009
Vascular fractal dimension and total vascular area in the study of oral cancer
Authors: Goutzanis Lampros P. , Papadogeorgakis Nikolaos , Pavlopoulos Petros M. , Petsinis Vasilis , Plochoras Ioannis , Eleftheriadis Efstathios , Pantelidaki Aikaterini , Patsouris Efstratios , Alexandridis Constantinos
Published: December 2008

Background

Microvessel quantification has been studied extensively as a factor reflecting angiogenesis in various malignant tumors. The aim of our study was to evaluate the vascular fractal dimension and the immunohistochemically positive total vascular area in oral cavity carcinomas in order to assess their potential value as factors reflecting angiogenesis.

Methods

Histologic sections from 48 carcinomas and 17 nonmalignant mucosa specimens were evaluated by image analysis using fractal analysis software. Total vascular area was also quantified.

Results

Carcinomas presented higher mean values of vascular fractal dimension and total vascular area compared to normal mucosa. The difference for the vascular fractal dimension was statistically significant.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that vascular fractal dimension could be used as a reliable factor reflecting angiogenesis in oral squamous cell carcinoma and that there are several statistically significant correlations among total vascular area, vascular fractal dimension, nuclear size, and clinicopathologic factors. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009
Examining expression of folate receptor in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck as a target for a novel nanotherapeutic drug
Authors: Saba Nabil F. , Wang Xu , Müller Susan , Tighiouart Mourad , Cho Kwangjae , Nie Shuming , Chen Zhuo (Georgia) , Shin Dong M.
Published: December 2008

Background

Nanotechnology‐based drug delivery approaches may help increase therapeutic efficacy and decrease side effects of chemotherapeutics. We investigated expression levels of folate receptor in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) to evaluate folate receptor as a target for nanotherapy.

Methods

Folate receptor expression levels in archival SCCHN tissues were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and correlated with clinical parameters.

Results

Folate receptor was detected in 45% of primary tumors and 40% of corresponding lymph node metastases. Folate receptor expression in primary tumors of the metastatic group strongly correlated with the corresponding lymph node metastases (p = .0002). Folate receptor expression was inversely correlated with disease‐free survival in nonmetastatic (p = .0048), metastatic (p = .0127), and lymph node metastases (p <.001) groups, and with overall survival in the lymph node metastases group (p <.0001).

Conclusion

Folate receptor is expressed in a significant proportion of primary SCCHN and corresponding lymph node metastases tissues, and correlates with worse clinical outcome. These findings provide support for folate receptor‐mediated nanotherapeutics in SCCHN. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009
Use of single MRI and 18F‐FDG PET‐CT scans in both diagnosis and radiotherapy treatment planning in patients with head and neck cancer: Advantage on target volume and critical organ delineation
Authors: Gardner Miriam , Halimi Philippe , Valinta Danielle , Plantet Marie‐Madeleine , Alberini Jean‐Louis , Wartski Myriam , Banal Alain , Hans Stephane , Floiras Jean‐Louis , Housset Martin , Labib Alain
Published: December 2008

Background

The use of a single MRI and 18F‐fluoro deoxyglucose positron emission tomography‐CT (18F‐FDG PET‐CT) was evaluated, both in diagnostic procedure and radiotherapy planning, in patients with head and neck cancer.

Methods

Thirty‐five patients with nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal tumors were studied. The MRI and 18F‐FDG PET‐CT were used for both diagnostic work‐up and gross tumor volume and critical structure delineation. The interobserver variation (IOV) of volumes determined on MRI and CT by a radiotherapist and by a radiologist were compared as well as their impact on dose distribution.

Results

The CT‐MRI decreased the IOV of parotid glands in 12 of 35 and target volume in 15 of 35 patients. The use of 18F‐FDG PET‐CT changed the treatment design in 6 of 21 patients.

Conclusions

Diagnostic imaging performed in the treatment position can improve the accuracy of radiotherapy planning in case of intracranial tumor extension, heavy dental work, or contraindication for contrast‐enhanced CT, but not in the absence of these conditions. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009
Six New C21 Steroidal Glycosides from Cynanchum bungeiDecne
Authors: Gan Hao , Xiang Wen‐Juan , Ma Lei , Hu Li‐Hong
Published: December 2008

Six new C21 steroidal glycosides 1–6 were isolated from the stem parts of Cynanchum bungei Decne. The structures of the new glycosides were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analysis, including 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR and HR‐ESI‐MS techniques as well as by comparison of their spectral data with those of related compounds.
Furostane‐Type Steroidal Saponins from the Roots of Chlorophytum borivilianum
Authors: Acharya Debabrata , Mitaine‐Offer Anne‐Claire , Kaushik Nutan , Miyamoto Tomofumi , Paululat Thomas , Lacaille‐Dubois Marie‐Aleth
Published: December 2008

Four new furostanol steroid saponins, borivilianosides A–D (1–4, resp.), corresponding to (3β,5α,22R,25R)‐26‐(β‐D‐glucopyranosyloxy)‐22‐hydroxyfurostan‐3‐yl O‐β‐D‐xylopyranosyl‐(1→3)‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐O‐[α‐L‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→2)]‐β‐D‐galactopyranoside (1), (3β,5α,22R,25R)‐ 26‐(β‐D‐glucopyranosyloxy)‐22‐methoxyfurostan‐3‐yl O‐β‐D‐xylopyranosyl‐(1→3)‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐O‐[α‐L‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→2)]‐β‐D‐galactopyranoside (2), (3β,5α,22R,25R)‐26‐(β‐D‐glucopyranosyloxy)‐22‐methoxyfurostan‐3‐yl O‐β‐D‐xylopyranosyl‐(1→3)‐O‐[β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→2)]‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐β‐D‐galactopyranoside (3), and (3β,5α,25R)‐26‐(β‐D‐glucopyranosyloxy)furost‐20(22)‐en‐3‐yl O‐β‐D‐xylopyranosyl‐(1→3)‐O‐[β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→2)]‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐β‐D‐galactopyranoside (4), together with the known tribuluside A and (3β,5α,22R,25R)‐26‐(β‐D‐glucopyranosyloxy)‐22‐methoxyfurostan‐3‐yl O‐β‐D‐xylopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐O‐[β‐D‐xylopyranosyl‐(1→3)]‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐O‐[α‐L‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→2)]‐β‐D‐galactopyranoside were isolated from the dried roots of Chlorophytum borivilianum Sant and Fern. Their structures were elucidated by 2D‐NMR analyses (COSY, TOCSY, NOESY, HSQC, and HMBC) and mass spectrometry.
Cycloaddition Reaction of 1,4‐Dihydronaphthalene 1,4‐Epoxide with Cyclooctatetraene: Cope Rearrangement in an Adduct
Authors: Menzek Abdullah , Kelebekli Latif , Altundaş Aliye , Şahin Ertan , Polat Fatoş
Published: December 2008

The reaction of 1,4‐dihydro‐1,4‐epoxynaphthalene with cyclooctatetraene at 130±5° for 14 days gave the four products 2a,3,3a,4,9,9a,10,10a‐octahydro‐4,9‐epoxy‐3,10‐ethenocyclobuta[b]anthracene (13), 25‐oxanonacyclo[10.10.2.25,9.114,21.02,11.03,10.04,6.013,22.015,20]heptacosa‐7,15,17,19,23,26‐hexaene (14), 5,5a,6,6a,6b,6c,12a,12b,12c,13,13a,14‐dodecahydro‐5,14‐epoxy‐6,13‐ethenocycloocta[3′,4′]cyclobuta[1′,2′:3,4]cyclobuta[1,2‐b]anthracene (15) and bis‐adduct 16. The structures of the products were determined by spectroscopic methods. It was observed that adduct 14 undergoes a Cope rearrangement. The Cope rearrangement of this adduct was investigated in the temperature range of −85° to 100° by NMR spectroscopy.
Indole‐3‐carbinol inhibits MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cell motility and induces stress fibers and focal adhesion formation by activation of Rho kinase activity
Authors: Brew Christine T. , Aronchik Ida , Kosco Karena , McCammon Jasmine , Bjeldanes Leonard F. , Firestone Gary L.
Published: December 2008

Indole‐3‐carbinol (I3C), a phytochemical derived from cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and Brussels sprouts, has potent antiproliferative effects in human breast cancer cells and has been shown to decrease metastatic spread of tumors in experimental animals. Using chemotaxis and fluorescent‐bead cell motility assays, we demonstrated that I3C significantly decreased the in vitro migration of MDA‐MB‐231 cells, a highly invasive breast cancer cell line. Immunofluorescence staining of the actin cytoskeleton revealed that concurrent with the loss of cell motility, I3C treatment significantly increased stress fiber formation. Furthermore, I3C induced the localization of the focal adhesion component vinculin and tyrosine‐phosphorylated proteins to the cell periphery, which implicates an indole‐dependent enhancement of focal adhesions within the outer boundary of the cells. Coimmunoprecipitation analysis of focal adhesion kinase demonstrated that I3C stimulated the dynamic formation of the focal adhesion protein complex without altering the total level of individual focal adhesion proteins. The RhoA‐Rho kinase pathway is involved in stress fiber and focal adhesion formation, and I3C treatment stimulated Rho kinase enzymatic activity and cofilin phosphorylation, which is a downstream target of Rho kinase signaling, but did not increase the level of active GTP‐bound RhoA. Exposure of MDA‐MB‐231 cells to the Rho kinase inhibitor Y‐27632, or expression of dominant negative RhoA ablated the I3C induced formation of stress fibers and of peripheral focal adhesions. Expression of constitutively active RhoA mimicked the I3C effects on both processes. Taken together, our data demonstrate that I3C induces stress fibers and peripheral focal adhesions in a Rho kinase‐dependent manner that leads to an inhibition of motility in human breast cancer cells. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chemoprevention of rat hepatocarcinogenesis with histone deacetylase inhibitors: Efficacy of tributyrin, a butyric acid prodrug
Authors: Kuroiwa‐Trzmielina Joice , de Conti Aline , Scolastici Clarissa , Pereira Douglas , Horst Maria Aderuza , Purgatto Eduardo , Ong Thomas Prates , Moreno Fernando Salvador
Published: December 2008

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks in prevalence and mortality among top 10 cancers worldwide. Butyric acid (BA), a member of histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) has been proposed as an anticarcinogenic agent. However, its short half‐life is a therapeutical limitation. This problem could be circumvented with tributyrin (TB), a proposed BA prodrug. To investigate TB effectiveness for chemoprevention, rats were treated with the compound during initial phases of “resistant hepatocyte” model of hepatocarcinogenesis, and cellular and molecular parameters were evaluated. TB inhibited (p < 0.05) development of hepatic preneoplastic lesions (PNL) including persistent ones considered HCC progression sites. TB increased (p < 0.05) PNL remodeling, a process whereby they tend to disappear. TB did not inhibit cell proliferation in PNL, but induced (p < 0.05) apoptosis in remodeling ones. Compared to controls, rats treated with TB presented increased (p < 0.05) hepatic levels of BA indicating its effectiveness as a prodrug. Molecular mechanisms of TB‐induced hepatocarcinogenesis chemoprevention were investigated. TB increased (p < 0.05) hepatic nuclear histone H3K9 hyperacetylation specifically in PNL and p21 protein expression, which could be associated with inhibitory HDAC effects. Moreover, it reduced (p < 0.05) the frequency of persistent PNL with aberrant cytoplasmic p53 accumulation, an alteration associated with increased malignancy. Original data observed in our study support the effectiveness of TB as a prodrug of BA and as an HDACi in hepatocarcinogenesis chemoprevention. Besides histone acetylation and p21 restored expression, molecular mechanisms involved with TB anticarcinogenic actions could also be related to modulation of p53 pathways. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human papillomavirus type distribution in anal cancer and anal intraepithelial lesions
Authors: Hoots Brooke E. , Palefsky Joel M. , Pimenta Jeanne M. , Smith Jennifer S.
Published: December 2008

A systematic review was conducted of HPV type distribution in anal cancer and anal high‐grade and low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL and LSIL). A Medline search of studies using PCR or hybrid capture for HPV DNA detection was completed. A total of 1,824 cases were included: 992 invasive anal cancers, 472 HSIL cases and 360 LSIL cases. Crude HPV prevalence in anal cancer, HSIL, and LSIL was 71, 91 and 88%, respectively. HPV16/18 prevalence was 72% in invasive anal cancer, 69% in HSIL and 27% in LSIL. The HPV 16 and/or 18 prevalence in invasive anal cancer cases was similar to that reported in invasive cervical cancer. If ongoing clinical trials show efficacy in preventing anal HPV infection and associated anal lesions, prophylactic HPV vaccines may play an important role for the primary prevention of these cancers in both genders. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Homeobox gene HOPX is epigenetically silenced in human uterine endometrial cancer and suppresses estrogen‐stimulated proliferation of cancer cells by inhibiting serum response factor
Authors: Yamaguchi Shinichiro , Asanoma Kazuo , Takao Tomoka , Kato Kiyoko , Wake Norio
Published: December 2008

HOPX (homeodomain only protein X) is a newly identified homeobox gene whose loss of expression has been reported for several types of neoplasm. Although we found most human uterine endometrial cancers (HEC) defective in HOPX expression, genetic mutations in the HOPX gene were undetectable. As is the case with several tumor suppressor genes, the promoter region of HOPX is densely methylated in HEC tissue samples obtained by laser capture microdissection. HOPX mRNA and protein levels were reduced in the majority of samples, and this correlated with hypermethylation of the HOPX promoter. Forced expression of HOPX resulted in a partial block in cell proliferation, in vivo tumorigenicity and c‐fos gene expression in HEC and MCF7 cells in response to 17β‐estradiol (E2) stimulation. Analysis of the serum response element (SRE) of c‐fos gene promoter showed that the effect of HOPX expression is associated with inhibition of E2‐induced c‐fos activation through the serum response factor (SRF) motif. Knockdown of HOPX in immortalized human endometrial cells resulted in accelerated proliferation. Our study indicates that transcriptional silencing of HOPX results from hypermethylation of the HOPpromoter, which leads to HEC development. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cell‐type specific evaluation of biocompatibility of commercially available polyurethanes
Authors: Lehle Karla , Stock Martin , Schmid Thomas , Schopka Simon , Straub Rainer H. , Schmid Christof
Published: December 2008

The biocompatibility of different commercially available poly(ether)urethane (PUR), medically used as main component for pump chambers of implantable ventricular assist devices (VAD), was evaluated. We investigated the influence of the PUR manufacturing process in an in vitro cytotoxicity screening assay. Human saphenous vein endothelial cells (HSVEC) and a mouse fibroblast cell line (L929) were cultivated with different PUR specimens. Tissue‐cultured polystyrole (TCP) was used as a reference. The cytotoxic effect was evaluated by morphology (phase contrast microscopy), cell viability (mitochondrial acitvity), cell growth kinetics, and proliferation (incorporation of 3H‐methyl‐thymidine) tests. Fibronectin‐coating guaranteed the adhesion of both cell types onto the reference material. Sterilization procedure of test materials did not affect adhesion properties. L929 completely covered the surfaces of Tecothane®, Carbothane®, and Mecora specimens, whereas HSVEC formed an imperfect monolayer onto the PUR. The mitochondrial activity was reduced in all cell types attached to PUR. In addition, proliferation of cells was not observed when using these materials. Commercially available PUR provided an unfavorable support for colonization of patient‐derived HSVEC, which demanded a surface modification. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
Individual‐level influences on perceptions of neighborhood disorder: a multilevel analysis
Authors: Latkin Carl A. , German Danielle , Hua Wei , Curry Aaron D.
Published: December 2008

Health outcomes are associated with aggregate neighborhood measures and individual neighborhood perceptions. In this study, the authors sought to delineate individual, social network, and spatial factors that may influence perceptions of neighborhood disorder. Multilevel regression analysis showed that neighborhood perceptions were more negative in neighborhoods with higher crime reports. Controlling for neighborhood crime, higher perceptions of disorder were associated with younger age, no main partner, nondrug use, higher depression, more network drug use, and more time on the street. Results suggest that neighborhood perceptions are based on objective factors, individual differences in experiences, and experience of others. Accounting for individual and community‐level factors associated with neighborhood perceptions may help clarify associations between neighborhood factors and physical and mental health and assist community‐planning efforts. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Optimized protocol of a frequency domain fluorescence lifetime imaging microscope for FRET measurements
Authors: Leray Aymeric , Riquet Franck B. , Richard Elodie , Spriet Corentin , Trinel Dave , Héliot Laurent
Published: December 2008

Frequency‐domain fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) has become a commonly used technique to measure lifetimes in biological systems. However, lifetime measurements are strongly dependent on numerous experimental parameters. Here, we describe a complete calibration and characterization of a FLIM system and suggest parameter optimization for minimizing measurement errors during acquisition. We used standard fluorescent molecules and reference biological samples, exhibiting both single and multiple lifetime components, to calibrate and evaluate our frequency domain FLIM system. We identify several sources of lifetime precision degradation that may occur in FLIM measurements. Following a rigorous calibration of the system and a careful optimization of the acquisition parameters, we demonstrate fluorescence lifetime measurements accuracy and reliability. In addition, we show its potential on living cells by visualizing FRET in CHO cells. The proposed calibration and optimization protocol is suitable for the measurement of multiple lifetime components sample and is applicable to any frequency domain FLIM system. Using this method on our FLIM microscope enabled us to obtain the best fluorescence lifetime precision accessible with such a system. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sleep in hospitalized medical patients, Part 1: Factors affecting sleep
Authors: Young Julie S. , Bourgeois James A. , Hilty Donald M. , Hardin Kimberly A.
Published: December 2008

BACKGROUND:

Multiple factors lead to sleep disturbances in hospitalized medical patients. Inadequate sleep can lead to both psychological and physiological consequences.

METHODS:

A PubMed search was conducted using the terms: (“sleep deprivation,” “sleep,” or “insomnia”) and (“hospitalized,” “inpatient,” “critical illness,” or “acute illness”) to review the published data on the topic of sleep in hospitalized medical patients. The search was limited to English‐language articles published between 1997 and 2008. Subsequent PubMed searches were performed to clarify the data described in the initial search, including the terms “hospital noise,” “hospital environment,” “obstructive sleep apnea,” and “heart failure.”

RESULTS:

Few articles specifically addressed the topic of sleep in hospitalized medical patients. Data were limited to observational studies that included outcomes such as sleep complaints and staff logs of wakefulness and sleep. In Part 1, we review normal sleep architecture, and discuss how major medical disorders, the hospital environment, and medications can disrupt sleep during hospitalization. In Part 2, we will propose an evaluation and treatment algorithm to optimize sleep in hospitalized medical patients.

CONCLUSIONS:

Hospitalization may severely disrupt sleep, which can worsen pain, cardiorespiratory status, and the psychiatric health of acutely ill patients. Like vital signs, the patient sleep quality reveals much about patients' overall well‐being, and should be a routine part of medical evaluation. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2008;3(6):473–482. © 2008 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Radiochemical and biological evaluation of novel 153Sm/166Ho‐amino acid–chitosan complexes
Authors: Marques F. , Gano L. , Batista M. K. S. , Gomes C. A. R. , Gomes P. , Santos I.
Published: December 2008

153Sm/166Ho‐chitosan complexes have been considered promising agents for internal radiation therapy. By direct administration, complexes solution converts into a gel, at physiological pH, allowing its retention for a long time. Herein, we report on the synthesis of 153Sm/166Ho complexes with the novel amino acid–chitosan polymers, N‐(γ‐propanoyl‐valin)–chitosan (CHICO‐val) and N‐(γ‐propanoyl‐aspartic acid)–chitosan (CHICO‐asp). The main goal of this study was to obtain data on the radiochemical and biological behaviour of these complexes and information regarding their therapeutic potential when compared to 153Sm/166Ho‐chitosan. Radiolabelling yield of 153Sm/166Ho‐amino acid–chitosan complexes was dependent on polymer concentration but less dependent on pH. Radiochemical stability was shown to be higher for amino acid–chitosans than for chitosan, with 153Sm/166Ho‐CHICO‐val being stable up to 3 h, while 153Sm/166Ho‐CHICO‐asp is stable up to 24 h. In the presence of ascorbic acid radiochemical stability of 153Sm/166Ho‐CHICO‐val and 153Sm/166Ho‐CHICO was improved, decreasing for 153Sm/166Ho‐CHICO‐asp. In vivo behaviour of 153Sm complexes was studied in mice. The radioactive amino acid–chitosans can be directly injected into blood stream without significant retention on injection site, being trapped by liver. Biodistribution studies suggest that the radioactive amino acid–chitosans, due to its water solubility and stability may be considered potential candidates to be further explored for liver targeted nuclear therapy. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sexual dimorphism of oligodendrocytes is mediated by differential regulation of signaling pathways
Authors: Swamydas Muthulekha , Bessert Denise , Skoff Robert
Published: December 2008

Sexual dimorphism of white matter has not been considered important, the assumption being that sex hormones are not essential for glial development. We recently showed exogenous hormones in vivo differentially regulate in male and female rodents the life span of oligodendrocytes (Olgs) and amount of myelin (Cerghet et al. [2006] J. Neurosci. 26:1439–1447). To determine which hormones regulate male and female Olg development, we prepared enriched Olg cultures grown in serum‐free medium with estrogen (E2), progesterone (P2), and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) or their combinations. P2 significantly increased the number of Olgs in both sexes, but more so in females; E2 had minor effects on Olg numbers; and DHT reduced Olgs numbers in both sexes, but more so in females. Combinations of hormones affected Olg numbers differently from single hormones. The change in Olg numbers was due to changes not in proliferation but rather in survival. P2 increased pAKT by many‐fold, but MAPK levels were unchanged, indicating that activation of the Akt pathway by P2 is sufficient to regulate Olg differentiation. DHT reduced pAkt in both sexes but differentially increased pMAPK in males and decreased it in females. Stressing Olgs reveals that both sexes are protected by P2, but females are slightly better protected than males. Females always showed greater differences than males regarding changes in Olg numbers and in signaling molecules. Given the greater fluctuation of neurosteroids in women than in men and the higher incidence of multiple sclerosis (MS) in women, these sexually dimorphic differences may contribute to differences in male and female MS lesions. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Aluminum‐induced defective mitochondrial metabolism perturbs cytoskeletal dynamics in human astrocytoma cells
Authors: Lemire J. , Mailloux R. , Puiseux‐Dao S. , Appanna V. D.
Published: December 2008

Although aluminum (Al), a known environmental toxin, has been implicated in a variety of neurological disorders, the molecular mechanism responsible for these conditions is not fully understood. In this report, we demonstrate the ability of Al to trigger mitochondrial dysfunction and ineffective adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. This situation severely affected cytoskeletal dynamics. Whereas the control cells had well‐defined structures, the Al‐exposed astrocytoma cells appeared as globular structures. Creatine kinase (CK) and profilin‐2, two critical modulators of cellular morphology, were markedly diminished in the astrocytoma cells treated with Al. Antioxidants such as α‐ketoglutarate and N‐acetylcysteine mitigated the occurrence of the globular‐shaped cells promoted by Al toxicity. Taken together, these data reveal an intricate link between ATP metabolism and astrocytic dysfunction and provide molecular insights into the pathogenesis of Al‐induced neurological diseases. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Extended lymphadenectomy in the surgery of pancreatic adenocarcinoma and its relation to quality improvement issues
Authors: Rupp Christopher C. , Linehan David C.
Published: December 2008

Extended lymphadenectomy has been proposed for loco‐regional control of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. While retrospective series suggested a benefit, subsequent prospective trials have not shown a survival benefit. Methods to improve loco‐regional control of pancreatic body/tail cancer have not been extensively investigated. Lymph node status is an important surrogate of survival but is not a driving factor for adjuvant chemotherapy. Quality improvement in pancreatic cancer surgery is discussed, focusing on the impact of lymph nodes in determining prognosis. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;99:207–214. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Biodegradable Multiblock Copolymers Based on Oligodepsipeptides with Shape‐Memory Properties
Authors: Feng Yakai , Behl Marc , Kelch Steffen , Lendlein Andreas
Published: December 2008

Thermoplastic phase‐segregated multiblock copolymers with polydepsipeptides and PCL segments were prepared via coupling of diol and PCL‐diol using an aliphatic diisocyanate. The obtained multiblock copolymers showed good elastic properties and a shape memory. Almost complete fixation of the mechanical deformation, resulting in quantitative recovery of the permanent shape with a switching temperature around body temperature, was observed. In hydrolytic degradation experiments, a quick decrease of the molecular weight without induction period was observed, and the material changed from elastic to brittle in 21 d. These materials promise a high potential for biomedical applications such as smart implants or medical devices.

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Corrosion protection of sintered NdFeB magnets by CAPVD Ti2N coating
Authors: Ali A. , Ahmad A.
Published: December 2008

Sintered NdFeB magnets have poor corrosion resistance and are readily susceptible to corrosion under different environmental conditions. Cathodic arc physical vapour deposited (CAPVD) titanium nitride coating for sintered NdFeB permanent magnets has been investigated in this paper. Tafel extrapolation was employed to study the corrosion behaviour in 3.5% NaCl solution at ambient temperature. The adhesive strength of the coating was estimated with the help of the scratch test. The surface chemistry and coating morphologies were studied with scanning electron microscope (SEM). X‐Ray diffraction (XRD) was used for qualitative phase analyses of coatings and substrate. The properties of CAPVD titanium nitride coating were compared with electrodeposited multilayer nickel–copper–nickel coating. It was figured out that the CAPVD titanium nitride coating had better adhesion strength and shifted the free corrosion potential (FCP) of the system towards positive potential, providing protection to the NdFeB substrate. However, the corrosion rate of CAPVD titanium nitride coating was more than the electrodeposited multilayer nickel–copper–nickel coating. The magnetic properties remained comparable.
Pitting corrosion transformation of SUS304 stainless steel in lithium bromide solution at high temperature
Authors: Chen H.‐X. , Ma X.‐H. , Chen J.‐B. , Bo S.‐S.
Published: December 2008

The foundational data and rules of SUS304 corrosion in aqueous lithium bromide solution at 150–200 °C have been investigated by means of weight loss in this paper. The Taguchi method was chosen to investigate the effects of variables on corrosion at higher temperature. Concentration of dissolved oxygen was controlled by keeping the vessel pressure at 1.3 kPa (absolute) before the experiment. The results showed that there was a transformation tendency from pitting corrosion to general corrosion and transition concentration of pitting and film corrosion decreased with increase in solution temperature. The adsorption, activity, and diffusivity of bromine ion led to different corrosion modalities.
Supercritically‐Dried Alginate Aerogels Retain the Fibrillar Structure of the Hydrogels
Authors: Robitzer M. , David L. , Rochas C. , Di Renzo F. , Quignard F.
Published: December 2008

Summary: SAXS patterns of a Ca‐alginate hydrogel and of the derived alcogel and aerogel have been recorded. All patterns correspond to disordered arrays of rod‐like fibrils. The calculated size of the fibrils of the aerogel, 8 nm, is in good agreement with the results of scanning electron microscopy and N2 adsorption. The results suggest that ethanol exchange and CO2 supercritical drying do not affect the spatial organisation of the secondary structures of the gel and that characterisations of the aerogel can provide information on the organisation of the parent hydrogel.