bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Slow down to stay alive
Authors: Hua Yingqi , Gorshkov Kirill , Yang Yanwen , Wang Wenyi , Zhang Nianxiang , Hughes Dennis P. M.
Published: March 2012

BACKGROUND:

Neuroblastoma (NBL) is a common pediatric solid tumor, and outcomes for patients with advanced neuroblastoma remain poor despite extremely aggressive treatment. Chemotherapy resistance at relapse contributes heavily to treatment failure. The poor survival of patients with high‐risk NBL prompted this investigation into novel treatment options with the objective of gaining a better understanding of resistance mechanisms. On the basis of previous work and on data from publicly available studies, the authors hypothesized that human epidermal growth factor receptor 4 (Her4) contributes to resistance.

METHODS:

Her4 expression was reduced with small‐hairpin RNA (shRNA) to over express intracellular HER4, and the authors tested its impact on tumor cell survival under various culture conditions. The resulting changes in gene expression after HER4 knockdown were measured by using a messenger RNA (mRNA) array.

RESULTS:

HER4 expression was up‐regulated in tumor spheres compared with the expression in monolayer culture. With HER4 knockdown, NBL cells became less resistant to anoikis and serum starvation. Moreover, HER4 knockdown increased the chemosensitivity of NBL cells to cisplatin, doxorubicin, etoposide, and activated ifosfamide. In mRNA array analysis, HER4 knockdown predominately altered genes related to cell cycle regulation. In NBL spheres compared with monolayers, cell proliferation was decreased, and cyclin D expression was reduced. HER4 knockdown reversed cyclin D suppression. Overexpressed intracellular HER4 slowed the cell cycle and induced chemoresistance.

CONCLUSIONS:

The current results indicated that HER4 protects NBL cells from multiple exogenous apoptotic stimuli, including anoikis, nutrient deficiency, and cytotoxic chemotherapy. The intracellular fragment of HER4 was sufficient to confer this phenotype. HER4 functions as a cell cycle suppressor, maintaining resistance to cellular stress. The current findings indicate that HER4 overexpression may be associated with refractory disease, and HER4 may be an important therapeutic target. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
A phase 2 study of bevacizumab with cisplatin plus intensity‐modulated radiation therapy for stage III/IVB head and neck squamous cell cancer
Authors: Fury Matthew G. , Lee Nancy Y. , Sherman Eric , Lisa Donna , Kelly Katherine , Lipson Brynna , Carlson Diane , Stambuk Hilda , Haque Sofia , Shen Ronglai , Kraus Dennis , Shah Jatin , Pfister David G.
Published: March 2012

BACKGROUND:

For patients with stage III through IVB head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), concurrent high‐dose cisplatin plus radiation therapy is a widely accepted standard of care. HNSCC tumors that express high levels of vascular endothelial growth factor have been associated with a worse prognosis, and bevacizumab may sensitize tumors to cisplatin and radiation.

METHODS:

Planned treatment consisted of definitive intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) (total, 70 grays) with concurrent cisplatin (50 mg/m2 on days 1, 2, 22, 23, 43, and 44) and bevacizumab (15 mg/kg on days 1, 22, and 43). The primary endpoint was 2‐year progression‐free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) was a secondary endpoint.

RESULTS:

Forty‐two previously untreated patients (34 men and 8 women; median age, 55 years; range, 27‐75 years) with stage III through IV HNSCC without distant metastasis (oropharyngeal carcinoma, 39 patients; laryngeal carcinoma, 3 patients) were treated. Human papillomavirus (HPV) status by was determined by in situ hybridization (HPV positive, 16 patients; HPV negative, 14 patients, unknown HPV status, 12 patients). The toxicities (determined according to version 3.0 of Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events Common) that were experienced by all patients (any grade) were mucositis, lymphopenia, leukopenia, throat pain, fatigue, and anemia. There were 2 treatment‐related deaths, including 1 sudden death and 1 death from aspiration pneumonia. The median follow‐up was approximately 31.8 months (range, <3 to 51 months). The 2‐year PFS rate was 75.9% (95% confidence interval, 63.9%‐90.1%), and the 2‐year OS rate was 88% (95% confidence interval, 78.6%‐98.4%). Among 32 patients for whom post‐treatment Head and Neck Performance Status Scores were obtained (median, 5.6 months after completing radiation therapy), scores of 100 for eating, speech, and diet, respectively, were recorded among 75%, 84%, and 50% of patients.

BACKGROUND:

The addition of bevacizumab to high‐dose cisplatin plus IMRT did not appear to increase toxicity to unacceptable levels among patients with HNSCC, and the efficacy results were encouraging. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Positive and negative psychosocial impact of being diagnosed with cancer as an adolescent or young adult
Authors: Bellizzi Keith M. , Smith Ashley , Schmidt Steven , Keegan Theresa H. M. , Zebrack Brad , Lynch Charles F. , Deapen Dennis , Shnorhavorian Margarett , Tompkins Bradley J. , Simon Michael ,   and the Adolescent and Young Adult Health Outcomes and Patient Experience (AYA HOPE) Study Collaborative Group
Published: March 2012

BACKGROUND:

The objective of this study was to explore the psychosocial impact of cancer on newly diagnosed adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients.

METHODS:

This was a population‐based, multicenter study of 523 newly diagnosed AYA survivors (ages 15‐39 years) of germ cell cancer (n = 204), non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 131), Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 142), acute lymphocytic leukemia (n = 21), or sarcoma (n = 25) from 7 National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registries. Age at diagnosis was categorized into 3 groups (ages 15‐20 years, 21‐29 years, and 30‐39 years).

RESULTS:

Respondents (43% response rate), on average (±standard deviation), were aged 29 = 6.7 years, and most patients (80.1%) were not receiving treatment at the time the completed the survey. With modest differences between the age groups, the most prevalent areas of life impacted in a negative way were financial, body image, control over life, work plans, relationship with spouse/significant other, and plans for having children. Endorsement of positive life impact items also was evident across the 3 age groups, particularly with regard to relationships, future plans/goals, and health competence.

CONCLUSIONS:

The current results indicated that there will be future need for interventions targeting financial assistance, body image issues, relationships, and helping AYAs to attain their education objectives. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Prognostic value of estrogen receptor α and progesterone receptor conversion in distant breast cancer metastases
Authors: Hoefnagel Laurien D. C. , Moelans Cathy B. , Meijer S. L. , van Slooten Henk‐Jan , Wesseling Pieter , Wesseling Jelle , Westenend Pieter J. , Bart Joost , Seldenrijk Cornelis A. , Nagtegaal Iris D. , Oudejans Joost , van der Valk Paul , van Gils Carla H. , van der Wall Elsken , van Diest Paul J.
Published: March 2012

BACKGROUND:

Changes in the receptor profile of primary breast cancers to their metastases (receptor conversion) have been described for the estrogen receptor α (ERα) and progesterone receptor (PR). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of receptor conversion for ERα and PR on survival in a large group of distant non‐bone breast cancer metastases.

METHODS:

Receptor conversion was studied by immunohistochemistry in a group of 233 metastatic breast cancer patients. Kaplan‐Meier overall survival curves were plotted, and differences between the curves were analyzed by log‐rank analysis. The additional prognostic value of conversion to established prognosticators was studied by Cox regression.

RESULTS:

Overall survival of patients showing conversion from positive to negative ERα or PR, or from negative to positive ERα or PR, or remaining receptor negative was comparable, and significantly worse than patients remaining receptor positive. ERα or PR receptor conversion from positive in the primary breast tumor to negative in distant metastases has independent negative prognostic value.

CONCLUSIONS:

ERα or PR receptor conversion from positive in the primary breast cancer to negative in distant metastases has negative prognostic value. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Helicobacter pylori induces promoter methylation of E‐cadherin via interleukin‐1β activation of nitric oxide production in gastric cancer cells
Authors: Huang Fung‐Yu , Chan Annie On‐On , Rashid Asif , Wong Danny Ka‐Ho , Cho Chi‐Hin , Yuen Man‐Fung
Published: March 2012

BACKGROUND:

Helicobacter pylori infection causes gastric mucosal inflammatory responses, resulting in up‐regulation of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and overproduction of mutagenic nitric oxide (NO). The authors previously demonstrated that IL‐1β plays an important role in H. pylori‐induced E‐cadherin (E‐cad) methylation. Here, they extend the study to investigate the downstream effect of IL‐1β on H. pylori‐induced gastric inflammation and aberrant DNA methylation.

METHODS:

Human gastric cancer cell lines (MKN7, MKN74, and TMK‐1) with and without pretreatment of IL‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1ra) were treated with IL‐1β or infected with H. pylori. Promoter methylation status of E‐cad was examined by methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Expression of E‐cad, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and nuclear factor κB (NFκB) was assessed by quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR, Western blotting, or immunofluorescence. NO production and total DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) activity were assayed fluorometrically.

RESULTS:

Both IL‐1β treatment and H. pylori infection‐induced E‐cad methylation led to a decrease in E‐cad expression at both mRNA and protein levels. Total DNMT enzymatic activity was significantly elevated in treated cells, accounting for the observed E‐cad methylation induction. Increased expression of NFκB was accompanied by up‐regulation of iNOS and production of NO in treated cells. Reversal of all these phenomena in cells pretreated with IL‐1ra suggested H. pylori‐induced E‐cad methylation via IL‐1β stimulation of the NFκB transcriptional system, leading to activation of DNMT activity by NO production.

CONCLUSIONS:

These findings reveal a previously unknown effect of IL‐1β and NO on H. pylori‐induced aberrant DNA methylation. This possible pathway indicates the role of NO in epigenetic modification that links inflammation to carcinogenesis. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Gas‐Phase Thermodynamics as a Validation of Computational Catalysis on Surfaces: A Case Study of Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis
Authors: Zhang Igor Ying , Xu Xin
Published: March 2012

Density functional theory has become a valuable tool to study surface catalysis. However, due to the scarcity of clean and reliable experimental data on surfaces, the theoretical methods employed to explore heterogeneous catalytic mechanisms are usually less well validated than those for gas‐phase reactions. We argue herein that gas‐phase reactions and the corresponding surface reactions are related through the Born–Haber cycle and computational catalysis on surfaces will be less meaningful if gas‐phase behavior cannot first be suitably determined. In this contribution, we have constructed a set of gas‐phase reactions relevant to the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis as a case study. With this set, we have tested the validity of the widely used PBE and B3LYP functionals and found that neither of them are capable of describing all kinds of gas‐phase reactions properly, such that some surface reactions may be biased falsely against the others. Significantly, XYG3, which is a double‐hybrid functional that includes Hartree–Fock‐like exchange and many‐body perturbation correlation effects, presents a significant improvement for all of the gas‐phase reactions, holding promise for further development for surface catalysis.
Mutual Influence between Halogen Bonds and Cation–π Interactions: A Theoretical Study
Authors: Lu Yunxiang , Liu Yingtao , Li Haiying , Zhu Xiang , Liu Honglai , Zhu Weiliang
Published: March 2012

The interplay between halogen bonds and cation–π interactions is investigated by ab initio calculations at the MP2 level of theory. Different energetic effects are observed in the studied complexes in which halogen bonds and cation–π interactions coexist, which can be ascribed to the direction of charge transfer for the two interactions. These effects are analyzed in detail in terms of the structural, energetic, and charge‐transfer properties of the complexes. In addition, the quantum theory of atoms in molecules is employed to characterize the interactions and to examine their enhancement and attenuation in terms of the variations in electron density at the bond and cage critical points. Finally, experimental evidence for a combination of the two interactions is obtained from the Cambridge Structural Database.
Stroke recovery and sensory plasticity: Common mechanisms?
Authors: Moore David R.
Published: March 2012

Presentations in this symposium are considered in the context of mechanisms of sensory plasticity, particularly in the auditory system. The auditory nervous system has two discrete end organs that are separately vulnerable to clinical and experimental injury, and brainstem processing mechanisms that are highly specialized for temporal, spectral, and spatial coding. These include giant axo‐somatic synapses and neurons with spatially segregated bipolar dendrites, each innervated exclusively from one ear. This architecture allows exquisite control of afferent‐target interactions, including known excitatory and inhibitory couplings, and consequently enhanced interpretation of data from other brain systems. For example, deafening can silence the auditory nerve, but has surprisingly little impact on normal brain function, as evidenced by the success of cochlear implants. The observed amplification from one brain region to another of degeneration following stroke or discrete brain lesions may thus be due to secondary rather than primary afferent consequences of the lesion. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 54:326‐331, 2012.
Ecogeomorphic expressions of an aspect‐controlled semiarid basin: II. Topographic and vegetation controls on solar irradiance
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Jurado Hugo A. , Vivoni Enrique R.
Published: March 2012

Topography‐mediated microclimates give rise to opposing hillslope ecosystems in north facing and south facing slopes of a semiarid basin in central New Mexico. It is hypothesized that large solar irradiance differences are a driving mechanism in the observed vegetation patterns. Using a distributed solar radiation model, we explore the topography–vegetation controls on annual and seasonal irradiance in the basin. Three digital elevation models (DEMs), ranging from 1 m to 10 m resolution, and a digital surface model with tree canopies, from Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), are used to assess improvements in capturing irradiance differences in the opposing slopes. Remarkably reduced irradiance is found in the north facing slope throughout the year. This suggests that terrain aspect is a first‐order control on the spatial distribution of irradiance, with terrain slope leading to differences within each aspect. Tree cover and its spatial arrangement are important second‐order controls on irradiance which can overwhelm topographic effects in specific locations and times of year. For example, differences between north facing and south facing slopes are maximized in the spring equinox, rather than the winter solstice, when tree shading and reflection are accounted for. North facing trees also diminish intercanopy radiation, depending on tree cover and vegetation albedo, with important ecological implications for the conifer–grass association. Solar irradiance analysis helps identify the underlying topographic and vegetation controls on microclimate in the opposing hillslope ecosystems, suggesting a feedback mechanism that helps reinforce the differences in vegetation establishment. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nitrile Oxide/Alkyne Cycloadditions – A Credible Platform for Synthesis of Bioinspired Molecules by Metal‐Free Molecular Clicking
Authors: Heaney Frances
Published: March 2012

The need for precise and flexible synthetic methodology to underpin modern research in chemical biology and materials science has fuelled a resurgence of interest in Huisgen 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition chemistry. Of late, the in vogue chemistry for the assembly of complex biological molecules and specialist materials has been the copper‐catalysed azide alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction. However, in certain circumstances aversion to the copper catalyst flaws this approach and alternatives have been sought. Click chemistry has developed beyond the original triazole‐forming trick and azides are no longer the only dipoles pursued as click cycloaddition partners. This article reviews some of the complications of the CuAAC reaction and evaluates the potential of nitrile oxide/alkyne cycloaddition (NOAC) as a covalent conjugation tool. With a focus on applications in nucleic acid chemistry and materials science it presents the case for a prominent position for nitrile oxides in the catalyst‐free bioconjugation toolbox.
Concise Synthesis of Norrisolide
Authors: Granger Krista , Snapper Marc L.
Published: March 2012

The marine natural product norrisolide has been synthesized in a convergent manner with a longest linear sequence of 14 steps. The hydrindane portion of the molecules is prepared through conjugate addition of a functionalized allyl group into cyclopentenone, followed by stereoselective trapping of the enolate generated from the resulting enol silyl ether with an allyl electrophile. Ring‐closing metathesis then establishes the 6–5 ring system. Likewise, selective preparation of the side chain features an enantioselective cyclopropanation of furan‐2‐one, followed by rearrangement and hydrogenation. Coupling of the two major fragments through a Shapiro reaction, followed by reduction and olefination then completes the carbon framework of the natural product. The final steps of the synthesis involve adjustments to the oxidation state of the side chain. New strategies to generate both the hydrindane core and the oxidized side chain has allowed for the more concise and efficient preparation of the natural product.
Emotional time travel: Emotion regulation and the overestimation of future anger and sadness
Authors: van Dijk Wilco W. , van Dillen Lotte F. , Seip Elise C. , Rotteveel Mark
Published: March 2012

In the present study we examined the role of four specific forms of reappraisal in people's overestimation of their future experiences of anger and sadness. Results show that forecasters predicted to experience more intense anger and sadness following social exclusion than experiencers actually felt. This impact bias was shown in both the overall intensity of these emotions and their associated response tendencies. Results also show that forecasters indicated less reappraisal of the situation than experiencers actually employ. Moreover, for experiencers, reappraisal (i.e., relativisation) of social exclusion decreased their experience of anger, whereas forecasters' predicted reappraisal was not related to their forecasted experience of anger. These findings add importantly to earlier research by indicating how a specific emotion regulatory process (i.e., reappraisal) is related to the impact bias in affective forecasting. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
When curiosity kills no cat—but mediates the relation between distant future thoughts and global processing across sensory modalities
Authors: Förster Jens , Becker Daniela
Published: March 2012

Four studies examined the effect of primed temporal distance on global versus local perception, using auditory, haptic, gustatory, and olfactory stimuli. The studies show that thinking of the more distant (versus proximal) future facilitated Gestalt perception and impaired perception of details across all four modalities: Participants thinking about the distant future listened more to the Gestalt than to the details of an artificial poem, they grasped more the overall shape than the single parts of a set of boxes, they tasted more the overall flavor than the ingredients of a müsli, and they smelled more the general aroma than the ingredients of everyday objects. The participants' self‐reported curiosity mediated our results, which is consistent with Novelty Categorization Theory. Moreover, the results are discussed within the framework of Construal Level Theory of psychological distance and GLOMOsys. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thinking deadline: The impact of regulatory focus on deadline descriptions and deadline behavior
Authors: Woltin Karl‐Andrew , Jonas Kai J.
Published: March 2012

In everyday life, people are constantly faced with deadlines. The current research investigated whether a self‐regulatory orientation in terms of promotion and prevention focus impacts on what individuals center on when considering deadlines. Specifically, we assumed promotion focus to enhance thinking about deadline descriptions and prevention focus to enhance thinking about deadline‐related behavior, both in terms of their self‐regulatory concerns (i.e., advancement versus security). Studies 1a and 1b, across a multitude of deadlines, provide evidence for this: Chronic promotion focus was related to growth‐oriented deadline descriptions whereas chronic prevention focus was related to safety‐oriented deadline behavior. Additionally, Study 1c shows that effects stem from experiences with past deadlines rather than deliberations of future deadlines. Finally, Study 2, manipulating regulatory focus and having participants spontaneously generate texts in relation to one specific deadline, replicated the effect for descriptions versus behavior. In sum, our results show that individuals' self‐regulation impacts on deadline conceptualizations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pursuing perfection or pursuing protection? Self‐evaluation motives moderate the behavioral consequences of counterfactual thoughts
Authors: Tyser Maurissa P. , McCrea Sean M. , Knüpfer Kristin
Published: March 2012

Counterfactual thoughts identifying how a past performance could have been better (e.g., “If only I had studied for the exam, I would have gotten an A!”) have been shown to increase effort and performance on future tasks. The present work examines whether current self‐evaluation motives moderate this link between past and future behavior. In two studies, we demonstrate that the preparatory benefits of counterfactual thoughts are limited to situations in which individuals pursue a self‐improvement motive. When individuals are instead motivated by self‐protection concerns, counterfactuals can be used to excuse poor performance, undermining any desire to improve in the future. The behavioral consequences of counterfactual thoughts are therefore dependent upon active self‐evaluation motives. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mental time travel: A conceptual overview of social psychological perspectives on a fundamental human capacity
Authors: Epstude Kai , Peetz Johanna
Published: March 2012

Humans have the unique capacity to mentally travel through time, that is, to reflect on the past, anticipate the future, and construct alternate realities in their minds. The ability to mentally travel through time affects a variety of social psychological topics. Representations of events can differ considerably, depending on the event's temporal location and distance from the present. Current emotions may be influenced by thoughts of future and past times (e.g., nostalgia, hope). Judgments about future events and actions are an important aspect of everyday functioning (e.g., predictions). Indeed, hypothetical thought about counterfactual events that might never come to pass may change the perception and evaluation of present reality. Despite this varied and extensive influence of time on affect, judgment, perception, and behavior, these diverse topics have not been brought together under one common roof. In this overview article and in the special issue on Mental Time Travel, we aim to identify key themes of mental time travel research, point to communalities and differences, and help to integrate various aspects of mental time travel research. Future directions regarding open questions, need for theoretical integration, and further empirical research are discussed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Talking loudly but lazing at work—Behavioral effects of stereotypes are context dependent
Authors: Müller Florian , Rothermund Klaus
Published: March 2012

Recent research suggests that stereotype activation is context dependent. In the current research, we tested whether this context‐dependence also generalizes to behavioral effects of stereotypes. Extending previous findings, we could show that activation of the category “Italians” in a work context (but not in an interaction context) resulted in slow behavior (Experiment 1), whereas it increased the loudness of speech in an interaction context (but not in a work context; Experiment 2). Our results further strengthen the notion of context‐specific mental representations of stereotypes. Stereotypic attributes become activated and exert their influence on behavior in close correspondence with the current situation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recovery from Disordered Eating: Sufferers' and Clinicians' Perspectives
Authors: Emanuelli Francesca , Waller Glenn , Jones‐Chester Matthew , Ostuzzi Roberto
Published: March 2012

Objective

Disagreement exists on how to define recovery from eating disorders. Definitions typically include a combination of physical, cognitive, emotional, psychological and social factors. However, none provides multidimensional recovery models, addressing and comparing sufferers'1 and clinicians' viewpoints. This study investigates those recovery perspectives.

Method

Two‐hundred and thirty‐eight participants (individuals with eating difficulties and clinicians working in the field) completed a checklist, rating the importance of somatic, psychological, emotional, social, eating‐related and body experience‐related recovery criteria.

Results

Recovery criteria fell into meaningful factors (psychological–emotional–social, weight‐controlling behaviours, non‐life‐threatening and life‐threatening features and evaluation of one's own appearance). Sufferers and clinicians agreed on the ranking of importance of these factors. However, sufferers considered ‘psychological–emotional–social’ and ‘evaluation of one's own appearance’ criteria as more important to recovery than clinicians.

Discussion

Findings are discussed in relation to existing research, together with study limitations and future research. Clinical implications are outlined, focusing on the facilitation of recovery. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
In vitro exposure to fullerene C60 influences redox state and lipid peroxidation in brain and gills from Cyprinus carpio (Cyprinidae)
Authors: Ferreira Josencler L.R. , Barros Daniela M. , Geracitano Laura A. , Fillmann Gilberto , Fossa Carlos Eduardo , de Almeida Eduardo A. , de Castro Prado Mariana , Neves Bernardo Ruegger Almeida , Pinheiro Maurício Veloso Brant , Monserrat José M.
Published: March 2012

Studies concerning the impact of nanomaterials, especially fullerene (C60), in fresh water environments and their effects on the physiology of aquatic organisms are still scarce and conflicting. We aimed to assess in vitro effects of fullerene in brain and gill homogenates of carp Cyprinus carpio, evaluating redox parameters. A fullerene suspension was prepared by continued stirring under fluorescent light during two months. The suspension concentration was measured by total carbon content and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy nephelometry. Characterization of C60 aggregates was performed with an enhanced dark-field microscopy system and transmission electronic microscopy. Organ homogenates were exposed during 1, 2, and 4 h under fluorescent light. Redox parameters evaluated were reduced glutathione and oxidized glutathione, cysteine and cystine, total antioxidant capacity; activity of the antioxidant enzymes glutathione S-transferase and glutathione reductase (GR), and lipid peroxidation (TBARS assay). Fullerene induced a significant increase (p < 0.05) in lipid peroxidation after 2 h in both organs and reduced GR activity after 1 h (gills) and 4 h (brain) and antioxidant capacity after 4 h (brain). Levels of oxidized glutathione increased in the brain at 1 h and decreased at 2 h as well. Given these results, it can be concluded that C60 can induce redox disruption via thiol/disulfide pathway, leading to oxidative damage (higher TBARS values) and loss of antioxidant competence. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 961–967. © 2012 SETAC
Oxidative damage and antioxidant response of Allium cepa meristematic and elongation cells exposed to metronidazole
Authors: Andrioli Nancy , Sabatini Sebastián E. , Mudry Marta D. , Ríos de Molina María del Carmen
Published: March 2012

The toxicity of metronidazole (MTZ) in meristematic and elongation zones of Allium cepa roots was analyzed for 30 h of exposition. Toxic effects were evaluated by lipid peroxidation (content of thiobarbituric-reactive substances [TBARS]), reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, ascorbate acid and dehydroascorbate acid content, and enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase. The root zones showed differentiated susceptibility to MTZ. In the elongation zone, MTZ induced an increase of TBARS content and a significant rise in GSH levels, whereas in the meristematic zone, lipid peroxidation was not observed and all antioxidant defense parameters analyzed were significantly increased. These results indicate that MTZ exposure induced oxidative stress in A. cepa roots, and that the antioxidant defenses in the meristematic zone are more efficient compared with the elongation zone, which is probably related to higher oxidative metabolism of meristematic tissue. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 968–972. © 2012 SETAC
Temporal relationships between depressive symptoms and white matter hyperintensities in older men and women
Authors: Dotson Vonetta M. , Zonderman Alan B. , Kraut Michael A. , Resnick Susan M.
Published: March 2012

Objective

Associations between vascular disease and depression in late life, including increased white matter hyperintensities (WMHs), have been reported. Whether depression is an etiology or a consequence of vascular disease is still unknown. We investigated the temporal relationship between depressive symptoms and WMHs in older men and women.

Methods

We utilized data from 90 dementia‐free older adults (39 women, 51 men), 57 years of age and older at baseline, from the neuroimaging substudy of the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. Participants were followed for up to 8 years. Ratings of white matter disease burden were available for the first, last, and at least one interim visit, and participants completed the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D) annually. Statistical models, performed separately in men and women, examined whether depressive symptoms predicted subsequent WMH ratings or WMHs predicted subsequent depressive symptoms.

Results

The total CES‐D score was not associated with WMHs in men or women. In men, the CES‐D depressed mood subscale predicted accelerating longitudinal increases in WMHs at older ages, but WMHs did not predict subsequent depressive symptoms. In women, there were no significant associations between the CES‐D depressed mood subscale and WMHs.

Conclusions

White matter disease may be a consequence of depressed mood in men but not in women. Intervention strategies for depression may slow the progression of white matter disease in older men. These results add to previous findings documenting sex differences in the correlates of depressive disorders in late life. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A randomized control trial of integrated care for families managing infant colic
Authors: Salisbury Amy L. , High Pamela , Twomey Jean E. , Dickstein Susan , Chapman Heather , Liu Jing , Lester Barry
Published: March 2012

This article presents a randomized clinical trial examining the effectiveness of a unique model of integrated care for the treatment of infant colic. Families seeking help for infant colic were randomized to either the family‐centered treatment (TX; n = 31) or standard pediatric care (SC; n = 31). All parents completed 3 days of Infant Behavior Diaries (Barr et al., 1998) and the Colic Symptom Checklist (Lester, 1997), Beck Depression Inventory (Beck & Steer, 1984), and Parenting Stress Index 3rd ed.‐SF (Abidin, 1995). TX families were seen three times by a pediatrician and a mental health clinician within 1, 2, and 6 weeks of baseline data. TX families received individualized treatment plans addressing problem areas of sleep, feeding, routine, and family mental health. SC families were seen only by their own healthcare provider. All families were visited at home by a research assistant to retrieve data at 2, 6, and 10 weeks after baseline. Family‐based treatment accelerated the rate of reduction of infant crying faster than did standard pediatric care. Infants in the TX group had more hours of sleep at 2 weeks posttreatment and spent less time feeding at 2, 6, and 10 weeks posttreatment than did SC infants. Results indicate that individualized family‐based treatment reduces infant colic more rapidly than does standard pediatric care.
Development of regulation disorders into specific psychopathology
Authors: Bron Tannetje I. , van Rijen Elisabeth H.M. , van Abeelen Alexandrina M. , Lambregtse‐van den Berg Mijke P.
Published: March 2012

Underlying deficits in self‐regulation and sensory processing are seen in children with regulation disorders (RD) and might lead to emotional and behavioral problems as the child develops. However, little is known about the specific developmental course of RD. This follow‐up study was conducted to investigate the development of a clinical sample of RD children, diagnosed by means of the Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood, Revised (DC:0–3R; ZERO TO THREE, 1994), toward specific psychopathology 4 to 10 years later based on parent‐ and teacher‐reports on the Child Behavior Checklist (T.M. Achenbach & L.A. Rescorla, 2007). Parental reports showed that 39 to 69% of children with RD had internalizing, externalizing, and total problems above borderline cutoffs, as compared to norm group data (16%). In addition, higher rates of affective, anxiety, attention deficit/hyperactivity, oppositional defiant, and conduct problems were reported. Analyses between RD subtypes showed significant differences on future attention problems and rule‐breaking behavior, wherein less favorable results were found for the Hypersensitive subtype Type A (fearful/cautious) in comparison to the sensory stimulation‐seeking/impulsive subtype. The current results indicate persistence of emotional and behavioral problems into middle childhood and adolescence in children with preschool RD diagnoses. More attention should be paid to differentiation of psychopathology in these children since developmental outcomes may differ between RD subtypes.
Growing pains: Twin family study evidence for genetic susceptibility and a genetic relationship with restless legs syndrome
Authors: Champion D. , Pathirana S. , Flynn C. , Taylor A. , Hopper J.L. , Berkovic S.F. , Jaaniste T. , Qiu W.
Published: March 2012

Background

Growing pains (GP) is a prevalent familial childhood disorder of unknown aetiology. Familial occurrence of GP, and individual and familial association of GP with restless legs syndrome (RLS) has been reported.

Methods

We applied a twin family design to search for evidence of genetic susceptibility to GP, and for a genetic relationship between GP and RLS. The parents of 1843 twin pairs aged 3–16 years were administered a questionnaire, which identified 88 pairs with at least one twin individual fulfilling criteria for GP. Standard questionnaires for history of GP and RLS were completed for these twin pairs, their siblings and parents.

Results

Twenty‐five of 34 monozygotic (MZ) pairs were concordant for GP, compared with 12 of the 54 dizygotic (DZ) pairs. The casewise concordance was 0.85 and 0.36 for MZ and DZ pairs, respectively (p < 0.001). The lifetime GP prevalence for relatives of twins with GP was 51% for non‐twin siblings, 47% for parents. Twenty‐three percent of twin individuals with GP met RLS criteria compared with 8% of twin individuals without GP (p = 0.03). Of the twins with GP concordance, 19% met RLS criteria compared with 2% of twins with GP discordance (p = 0.01). In two MZ pairs, one had GP and the other RLS. The lifetime prevalence of RLS was 40% for mothers, and 24% for fathers and 18% for non‐twin siblings.

Conclusion

This first twin family study of GP provides evidence for a genetic aetiology and for a genetic relationship to RLS.
Pain‐related catastrophizing in pain patients and people with pain in the general population
Authors: de Boer M.J. , Struys M.M.R.F. , Versteegen G.J.
Published: March 2012

Background

Catastrophizing is a defining factor in the pain experience and strongly contributes to the prediction of various aspects of health. Catastrophizing is not just present in pain patients, but may also be present in people with non‐clinical pain. The aim of the present study is to investigate levels of catastrophizing in pain patients and people with pain from the general population. Also, the relationship between catastrophizing and pain intensity, specialist consultation and use of pain medication is studied.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey design was used, including 150 pain patients and 376 respondents from the general population.

Results

The results show that pain is highly prevalent in the general population. The pain patients reported significantly higher levels of pain intensity and catastrophizing than the community pain sample. In both samples, significant positive correlations between catastrophizing and pain intensity were found. The data show a linear relationship between catastrophizing and pain intensity, which can be interpreted as evidence for a dose–response pattern in pain‐related catastrophizing. Furthermore, catastrophizing predicted specialist consultation and medication use in the community pain sample.

Conclusions

It can be concluded that pain‐related catastrophizing is present in pain patients as well as people with pain from the general population in a dose–response pattern. Catastrophizing seems to be an important factor determining certain aspects of pain‐related medical consumption, even in non‐clinical pain, and should therefore be a target of the screening procedure and early intervention.
Ciliogenic RFX transcription factors regulate FGF1 gene promoter
Authors: Hsu Yi‐Chao , Kao Chien‐Yu , Chung Yu‐Fen , Chen Mei‐Shu , Chiu Ing‐Ming
Published: March 2012

Fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1) has been shown to regulate cell proliferation, cell division, and neurogenesis. Human FGF1 gene 1B promoter (−540 to +31)‐driven green fluorescence (F1BGFP) was shown to recapitulate endogenous FGF1 gene expression. It can also be used to isolate neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) and glioblastoma stem cells (GBM‐SCs) from developing mouse brains and human glioblastoma tissues, respectively. However, the regulatory mechanisms of FGF‐1B promoter and F1BGFP(+) cells are not clear. In this study, we present several lines of evidence to show the roles of ciliogenic RFX transcription factors in the regulation of FGF‐1B gene promoter and F1BGFP(+) cells: (i) RFX1, RFX2, and RFX3 transcription factors could directly bind the 18‐bp cis‐element (−484 to −467), and contribute to the regulation of FGF1 promoter and neurosphere formation. (ii) We demonstrated RFX2/RFX3 complex could only be detected in the nuclear extract of FGF‐1B positive cells, but not in FGF‐1B negative cells. (iii) Protein kinase C inhibitors, staurosporine and rottlerin, could decrease the percentage of F1BGFP(+) cells and their neurosphere formation efficiency through reducing the RFX2/3 complex. (iv) RNA interference knockdown of RFX2 could significantly reduce the percentage of F1BGFP(+) cells and their neurosphere formation efficiency whereas overexpression of RFX2 resulted in the opposite effects. Taken together, this study suggests ciliogenic RFX transcription factors regulate FGF‐1B promoter activity and the maintenance of F1BGFP(+) NSPCs and GBM‐SCs. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 2511–2522, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Strategies for tissue and organ decellularization
Authors: Gilbert Thomas W.
Published: March 2012

Decellularized tissues have been successfully used in a variety of tissue engineering/regenerative medicine applications, and more recently decellularized organs have been utilized in the first stages of organ engineering. The protocols used to decellularize simple tissues versus intact organs differ greatly. Herein, the most commonly used decellularization methods for both surgical mesh materials and whole organs are described, with consideration given to how these different processes affect the extracellular matrix and the host response to the scaffold. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 2217–2222, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Oxygen‐bound hell's gate globin I by classical versus LB nanotemplate method
Authors: Pechkova Eugenia , Scudieri Dora , Belmonte Luca , Nicolini Claudio
Published: March 2012

X‐ray atomic structure of recombinant Hell's gate globin I (HGbI) from Methylacidophilum infernorum was calculated from the X‐ray diffraction data of two different types of crystals: obtained by classical hanging drop and by LB nanotemplate method under the same crystallization conditions. After the accurate comparison of crystallographic parameters and electron density maps of two structures they appears to be quite similar, while the quality of the crystals grown by LB nanotemplate method was higher then of those grown by classical method. Indeed, the resolution of the LB crystal structure was 1.65 Å, while classical crystals showed only 3.2 Å resolution. Moreover, the reproducibility of this result in the case of LB crystals was much better—nine crystals from 10 gave the same structural results, while only two of 10 classical crystals were appropriate for the X‐ray structure resolution. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 2543–2548, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Monomeric adenine decay dynamics influenced by the DNA environment
Authors: Lu You , Lan Zhenggang , Thiel Walter
Published: March 2012

We report on‐the‐fly surface‐hopping dynamics simulations of single adenine embedded in solvated DNA oligomers, (dA)10 and (dA)10·(dT)10. Both model systems are found to decay from the S1 to the S0 state via distinct monomeric channels, on account of the strong hydrogen‐bonding interactions between the Watson–Crick pair in the double‐stranded oligomer. Surprisingly, the decay times (several picoseconds) for the current models are 10 times longer than those of adenine in the gas or aqueous phase, while matching one of the time constants observed experimentally. We discuss possible reasons for these longer decay times, including steric hindrance in the DNA strands, electronic effects of the environment, and the presence of other local excited‐state minima. We present optimized geometries and relative energies for representative S0 and S1 minima as well as conical intersections related to the hopping events. We have also computed steady‐state and time‐dependent fluorescence spectra that may help understand the experimental observations. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Aqua‐planet simulations of the formation of the South Atlantic convergence zone
Authors: Nieto Ferreira Rosana , Chao Winston C.
Published: March 2012

The impact of Amazon Basin convection and cold fronts on the formation and maintenance of the South Atlantic convergence zone (SACZ) is studied using aqua‐planet simulations with a general circulation model. In the model, a circular patch of warm sea‐surface temperature (SST) is used to mimic the effect of the Amazon Basin on South American monsoon convection. The aqua‐planet simulations were designed to study the effect of the strength and latitude of Amazon Basin convection on the formation of the SACZ. The simulations indicate that the strength of the SACZ increases as the Amazon convection intensifies and is moved away from the equator. Of the two controls studied here, the latitude of the Amazon convection exerts the strongest effect on the strength of the SACZ. An analysis of the synoptic‐scale variability in the simulations shows the importance of frontal systems in the formation of the aqua‐planet SACZ. Composite time series of frontal systems that occurred in the simulations show that a robust SACZ occurs when fronts penetrate into the subtropics and become stationary there as they cross eastward of the longitude of the Amazon Basin. Moisture convergence associated with these frontal systems produces rainfall not along the model SACZ region and along a large portion of the northern model Amazon Basin. Simulations in which the warm SST patch was too weak or too close to the equator did not produce frontal systems that extended into the tropics and became stationary, and did not form a SACZ. In the model, the SACZ forms as Amazon Basin convection strengthens and migrates far enough southward to allow frontal systems to penetrate into the tropics and stall over South America. This result is in agreement with observations that the SACZ tends to form after the onset of the monsoon season in the Amazon Basin. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Portable smart films for ultrasensitive detection and chemical analysis using SERS and SERRS
Authors: Cabrera F. C. , Aoki P. H. B. , Aroca R. F. , Constantino C. J. L. , dos Santos D. S. , Job A. E.
Published: March 2012

Metallic nanostructures, much smaller than the wavelength of visible light, which support localized surface plasmon resonances, are central to the giant signal enhancement achieved in surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and surface‐enhanced resonance Raman scattering (SERRS). Plasmonic driven SERS and SERRS is a powerful analytical tool for ultrasensitive detection down to single molecule detection. For all practical SERS applications a key issue is the development of reproducible and portable SERS‐active substrates, where the most widely used metals for nanostructure fabrication are silver and gold. Here, we report the fabrication of a ‘smart film’, containing gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), produced by in situ reduction of gold chloride III (Au+3) in natural rubber (NR) membranes for SERS and SERRS applications. The composite films (NR/AuNP membranes) show characteristic plasmon absorption of Au nanostructures, which notably do not influence the mechanical properties of the NR membranes. The term ‘smart film’ has to do with the fact that the SERS substrate (smart film) is flexible and standalone, which allows one to take it anywhere and to dip it into solutions containing the analyte to be characterized by SERS or SERRS technique. Besides, the synthesis of the AuNPs at the surface of NR films is much simpler than making an Au colloid and cast it onto a substrate surface or preparing an Au evaporated film. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.