bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sperm‐associated antigen 9 is a biomarker for early cervical carcinoma
Authors: Garg Manoj , Kanojia Deepika , Salhan Sudha , Suri Sushma , Gupta Anju , Lohiya Nirmal Kumar , Suri Anil
Published: March 2009

BACKGROUND:

Cervical cancer is the second most common malignancy in women, with nearly half a million new cases diagnosed each year worldwide. The authors' recent studies have suggested an association of the cancer testis antigen sperm‐associated antigen 9 (SPAG9) in ovarian carcinomas. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the clinical utility of SPAG9 expression and humoral immune response in cervical carcinomas.

METHODS:

SPAG9 mRNA expression was assessed by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and in situ RNA hybridization. In addition, the authors investigated SPAG9 protein expression by immunohistochemistry and analyzed its association with various stages and grades of cervical cancer patients. They also tested the humoral immune response against SPAG9 in cervical cancer patients.

RESULTS:

RT‐PCR, in situ RNA hybridization, and immunohistochemical analyses revealed that SPAG9 expression was significantly associated with tumor grades in 82% of early stage cervical cancer specimens. SPAG9 antibodies were detected in approximately 80% of cervical cancer patients, but not in healthy controls. Statistical analysis revealed that a significant proportion of early stage cancer patients with a high SPAG9 immunoreactivity score (IRS) exhibited significantly higher antibody response against SPAG9 compared with moderate SPAG9 IRSs, suggesting a close relation between SPAG9 protein expression and humoral immune response.

CONCLUSIONS:

The current study findings revealed that in early stage cervical cancer, a substantial number of patients exhibited SPAG9 expression and generated SPAG9 antibodies, supporting its potential role in early detection and diagnosis in cervical cancer management. Furthermore, these findings provide leads for future development of noninvasive serologic biomarkers for the early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of cervical cancer. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Multilayer Structures of Self‐Assembled Gold Nanoparticles as a Unique SERS and SEIRA Substrate
Authors: Baia Monica , Toderas Felicia , Baia Lucian , Maniu Dana , Astilean Simion
Published: March 2009

Gold deposits: Multilayer gold nanostructures deposited on a glass substrate are characterized by AFM and UV/Vis spectroscopy. Detailed analysis of the recorded spectra shows the potential of this substrate in surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy and surface‐enhanced IR absorption (see picture) for providing information about the adsorbed species.

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Metallic multilayer structures consisting of self‐assembled nanoparticles are prepared by successive immersion of a functionalized glass substrate in a gold colloidal suspension, and are characterized by UV/Vis spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. The ability of the thin film to concomitantly enhance the Raman and IR signals of an adsorbed molecule is evaluated and a detailed analysis of the recorded spectra is provided, which emphasizes the capability of these complementary methods to provide information about the adsorbed species. This unique surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and surface‐enhanced infrared absorption (SEIRA) substrate could be further used for applications in the elucidation of the structure of a great variety of adsorbed samples.
Processes in civil case mediations
Authors: Wall James A. , Chan‐Serafin Suzanne
Published: March 2009

In a quantitative and qualitative study, we investigated mediators' behaviors, disputants' behaviors (i.e., plaintiffs' and defendants'), and the concessions and agreements in sixty‐two authentic civil court mediations. We predicted mediators would apply more assertive techniques whenever these disputants indicated their goals were high. We also predicted that plaintiffs would make larger concessions than defendants, that mediators would perceive they have more leverage on plaintiffs, and that mediators would apply more of the assertive techniques to them. All of these predictions were supported. In closing, we delineated the implications of our results for scholars and practitioners.
The Sieve Model: An innovative process for identifying alternatives to custody evaluations
Authors: Silver Robert B. , Silver Deborah Coe
Published: March 2009

This article reviews the development of the Sieve Model, conceived from dissatisfaction with adversarial processes that encouraged endless destructive fighting and depletion of financial and emotional family resources. Adversarial approaches discourage constructive problem solving and cooperation and are very hard on children. Rather than a piecemeal approach toward divorce, a systemic model was conceived. The Sieve Model is being implemented in the 20th Judicial Circuit of the State of Florida through differentiated case management, after a study revealed that protracted cases primarily involved disputes over children. Families are invited to use pertinent elements in an individualized fashion. Family law professionals are challenged to develop other solution‐based efforts akin to mediation to assist families of divorce. The Sieve Model encourages participants to practice solving problems rather than creating them, decreasing divorce brutality and postjudgment conflicts.
Overexpression of the transcription factor Msx1 is insufficient to drive complete regeneration of refractory stage Xenopus laevis hindlimbs
Authors: Barker Donna M. , Beck Caroline W.
Published: March 2009

Xenopus laevis tadpoles are capable of hindlimb regeneration, although this ability declines with age. Bmp signaling is one pathway known to be necessary for successful regeneration to occur. Using an inducible transgenic line containing an activated version of the Bmp target Msx1, we assessed the ability of this transcription factor to enhance regeneration in older limbs. Despite considerable evidence correlating msx1 expression with regenerative success in vertebrate regeneration models, we show that induction of msx1 during hindlimb regeneration fails to induce complete regeneration. However, we did observe some improvement in regenerative outcome, linked to morphological changes in the early wound epithelium and a corresponding increase in proliferation in the underlying distal mesenchyme, neither of which are maintained later. Additionally, we show that Msx1 is not able to rescue limb regeneration in a Bmp signalling‐deficient background, indicating that additional Bmp targets are required for regeneration in anuran limbs. Developmental Dynamics 238:1366–1378, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Summary of ‘Over‐the‐counter medications for acute cough in children and adults in ambulatory settings’, including tables of key findings and quality of included trials
Authors: Smith S. M. , Schroeder K. , Fahey T.
Published: March 2009

This is a summary, including tables of key findings and quality of included trials of a Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Smith SM, Schroeder K, Fahey T. Over‐the‐counter medications for acute cough in children and adults in ambulatory settings (Review). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008, Issue No. 1. Art No.: CD001831. DOI:10.1.002/14 651 858.CD001831.pub3.

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying Commentary. Copyright © 2009 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
High‐Pressure–High‐Temperature Behavior of ζ‐Fe2N and Phase Transition to ϵ‐Fe3N1.5
Authors: Schwarz Ulrich , Wosylus Aron , Wessel Michael , Dronskowski Richard , Hanfland Michael , Rau Dieter , Niewa Rainer
Published: March 2009

Under the high‐pressure–high‐temperature conditions of a resistivity‐heated Walker‐type two‐stage multi‐anvil device [1600(200) K and 15(2) GPa] ζ‐Fe2N is transformed to single‐crystalline ϵ‐Fe3N1+x (x = 0.5). The crystal structure was refined in space group P6322 [a = 4.8016(2) Å, c = 4.4269(2) Å, Z = 2, R(F) = 1.27 %] resulting in a composition of Fe3N1.47(1), i.e., under the selected preparation conditions the structural change takes place under conservation of the nitrogen content within experimental error. The applied pressure is necessary to prevent decomposition and formation of elemental nitrogen at elevated temperatures. Application of pressure in a diamond anvil cell at ambient temperature without external heating gives no indication of a phase transition of the starting material. A least‐squares fit of a Murnaghan‐type equation of state to the experimental pressure‐volume data up to 25 GPa results in a compressibility of B0 = 162.1(8) GPa, B0′ = 5.24(8), with V0 = 118.09(1) Å3. Density‐functional electronic‐structure calculations on ζ‐Fe2N and ϵ‐Fe2N for 0 K indicate that no pressure‐induced phase transition can occur such that the phase transition must be driven by temperature, as is observed in the experiments. The bulk module for ζ‐Fe2N (B0 = 219 GPa, B0′ = 4.46 GPa) is in acceptable agreement with the experimental results. Similar to the case of ϵ‐Fe3N1.1, ϵ‐Fe3N1.5 may be described both in space group P312 and P6322, and again space group P312 is favored by 12.1 kJ/mol. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Simultaneous Determination of Dopamine and Ascorbic Acid Using the Nano‐Gold Self‐Assembled Glassy Carbon Electrode
Authors: Hu Guangzhi , Guo Yong , Shao Shijun
Published: March 2009

Electrochemical behavior of dopamine (DA) was investigated at the gold nanoparticles self‐assembled glassy carbon electrode (GNP/LC/GCE), which was fabricated by self‐assembling gold nanoparticles on the surface of L‐cysteine (LC) modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) via successive cyclic voltammetry (CV). A pair of well‐defined redox peaks of DA on the GNP/LC/GCE was obtained at Epa=0.197 V and Epc=0.146 V, respectively. And the peak separation between DA and AA is about 0.2 V, which is enough for simultaneous determination of DA and AA. The peak currents of DA and AA were proportional with their concentrations in the range of 6.0×10−8–8.5×10−5 mol L−1 and 1.0×10−6–2.5×10−3 mol L−1, with the detection limit of 2.0×10−8 mol L−1 and 3.0×10−7 mol L−1 (S/N=3), respectively. The modified electrode exhibits an excellent reproducibility, sensibility and stability for simultaneous determination of DA and AA in human serum with satisfactory result.
Electrochemical Characterization and Application of Carbon Ionic Liquid Electrodes Containing 1 : 12 Phosphomolybdic Acid
Authors: Haghighi Behzad , Hamidi Hassan
Published: March 2009

1 : 12 Phosphomolybdic acid (PMo12) and graphite powder were homogeneously dispersed into an n‐octylpyridinum hexafluorophosphate base carbon ionic liquid electrode (CILE). The cyclic voltammograms of the PMo12 modified CILE showed three well‐defined pairs of redox peaks due to the PMo12 system. Formal potentials and electrochemical characteristics including electron transfer rate constant and transfer coefficient were evaluated. Additionally, PMo12 modified CILE exhibited good electrocatalytic activity toward iodate reduction. The kinetic of catalytic reduction of iodate on PMo12 modified CILE was investigated in detail. The modified electrode was used for amperometric determination of iodate in commercial table salt.
Potentiometric Stripping Analysis at Antimony Film Electrodes
Authors: Tesařová Eva , Vytřas Karel
Published: March 2009

New procedures of potentiometric stripping analysis can be based on the use of antimony film electrodes and antimony(III) salts. In this paper, antimony films are generated onto carbon paste electrodes in situ and after electrolytic preconcentration of the metals to be determined, the excess antimony(III) serves as a chemical oxidant. Moreover in acidic solutions containing halide ions, the oxidation ability of antimony(III) is adequately limited because of formation of its corresponding halide complexes. Compared with similar total substitution of traditionally used mercury(II) by bismuth(III), the use of antimony(III) offers higher sensitivity in detection of heavy metals, namely, cadmium and lead.
Psychopathological features in patients with Parkinson's disease and related caregivers' burden
Authors: Stella Florindo , Banzato Claudio E. M. , Quagliato Elizabeth M. A. Barasnevicius , Viana Maura Aparecida , Christofoletti Gustavo
Published: March 2009

Background

Along with classical motor disorders in Parkinson's disease (PD), psychopathological features frequently co‐occur, which may increase the caregiver's burden.

Aims

To identify the profile of psychopathological symptoms in patients with PD and the impact imposed by this condition on the caregiver's burden.

Subjects

Fifty patients with idiopathic PD seen consecutively at the Movement Disorder Outpatient Clinic at the Hospital of State University of Campinas, Brazil, and their 50 respective caregivers were studied.

Methods

The 50 patients with PD were divided into three groups according to the respective psychiatric diagnosis received (depression: N = 17, dementia: N = 13 and non‐depressed and non‐demented: N = 20). We divided the caregivers into three groups according to the mental condition of their patients. To assess the mental condition of patients and the caregiver's burden, and to correlate those psychopathological features found with clinical features of PD, we applied the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI).

Results

Patients with dementia presented the highest NPI scores of psychopathological symptoms (26.4), followed by patients with depression (24.9). Non‐depressed and non‐demented patients revealed fewer symptoms (7.2). Caregivers' burden was found to be proportional to the degree of patients' symptomatology.

Conclusion

Patients with dementia presented more severe motor impairment and lower functionality, followed by patients with depression and those non‐demented, non‐depressed. Psychotic symptoms, agitation, aberrant motor behaviours and sleep disturbances were higher in dementia group. Neuropsychiatric disturbances correlated with caregiver's burden, which was highest in patients with dementia. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrochemistry of Hemin Self‐Assembled from Aqueous Hexadecyltrimethylammonium Bromide (CTAB) Solution on Single‐Wall‐Carbon‐Nanotube‐Modified Glassy Carbon Electrodes
Authors: Liu Jiwei , Qiu Jingxia , Sun Kai , Chen Jin , Miao Yuqing
Published: March 2009

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Hemin could be dissolved directly in H2O solution in the presence of the cationic surfactant hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). The hemin is adsorbed on the surface of single‐wall‐carbon‐nanotube‐modified glassy carbon (GC) electrodes by self‐assembly. The modified electrodes exhibit a well‐defined, reversible redox peak with the reduction potential at −0.30 V and a potential separation of 61 mV at pH 7.0. The peak current is found to increase linearly with the scan rate in the range 25–200 mV, and the peak potential is pH‐dependent. The modified electrodes exhibit obvious signal enhancement for the electrochemical reduction of O2 and H2O2, and oxidation of L‐cysteine, which is useful to develop their application in electroanalysis and biosensors.
Ouvrardianines A and B, Two New Norditerpenoid Alkaloids from Aconitum ouvrardianum
Authors: Jing Hong , Yang Xiao‐Dong , Zhao Jing‐Feng , Yang Shu , Zhang Hong‐Bin , Li Liang
Published: March 2009

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Two new norditerpenoid alkaloids, ouvrardianines A and B (1 and 2, resp.), together with eight known compounds, were isolated from Aconitum ouvrardianum. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated as (1α,6α,14α,16β)‐8‐(acetyloxy)‐13‐hydroxy‐1,6,16‐trimethoxy‐4‐(methoxymethyl)aconit‐19‐en‐14‐yl benzoate (1) and (1α,6α,14α,16β)‐8‐(acetyloxy)‐20‐formyl‐13‐hydroxy‐1,6,16‐trimethoxy‐4‐(methoxymethyl)aconitan‐14‐yl benzoate (2) on the basis of spectral analyses. The new compound 1 was found to contain the rare C(19)N imine group.
A New Lycopodium Alkaloid, Lycoposerramine‐R, with a Novel Skeleton and Three New Fawcettimine‐Related Alkaloids from Lycopodium serratum
Authors: Katakawa Kazuaki , Kogure Noriyuki , Kitajima Mariko , Takayama Hiromitsu
Published: March 2009

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A new Lycopodium alkaloid, lycoposerramine‐R, possessing an unusual tetracyclic ring system, was isolated from Lycopodium serratum. Its structure as well as those of three new co‐existing fawcettimine‐related alkaloids were elucidated by means of extensive spectroscopic analysis.
New Galloylated Flavonoid Glycosides from Geranium stepporumDavis
Authors: Şöhretoğlu Didem , Sakar Mahmut Koray , Sterner Olov
Published: March 2009

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Two new galloylated flavonoid glycosides, quercetin‐3‐O‐(3″‐O‐galloyl)‐β‐glucopyranoside (1) and quercetin‐3‐O‐(3″‐O‐galloyl)‐β‐galactopyranoside (2) were isolated from the aerial parts of Geranium stepporum along with the four known flavonoids, quercetin 3‐O‐β‐glucopyranoside (3), quercetin 3‐O‐β‐galactopyranoside (4), quercetin 3‐O‐(6″‐O‐galloyl)‐β‐glucopyranoside (5) and quercetin 3‐O‐(6″‐O‐galloyl)‐β‐galactopyranoside (6). The structure elucidation of the isolated compounds was accomplished by spectroscopic methods (UV, 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR, and ESI‐TOF‐MS).
DNA‐Binding Study of Nickel(II) and Zinc(II) Complexes with Two Novel Chromenone‐Based Schiff‐Base Ligands
Authors: Qin Dong‐Dong , Yang Zheng‐Yin , Li Tian‐Rong , Qi Gao‐Fei
Published: March 2009

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Two new chromenone‐based Schiff‐base ligands, 3‐{[(1,5‐dihydro‐3‐methyl‐5‐thioxo‐4H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐4‐yl)imino]methyl}‐6‐hydroxy‐4H‐1‐benzopyran‐4‐one (L1) and 2,2′‐bis[(6‐hydroxy‐4‐oxo‐4H‐1‐benzopyran‐3‐yl)methylene]carbonothioic dihydrazide (L2), and their NiII and ZnII complexes were prepared. All the complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, IR data, and molar conductivity. The binding of these four complexes to calf‐thymus DNA was carefully investigated by UV/VIS spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, viscosity measurements, and CD spectra. The experimental results indicate that the four complexes bind to calf‐thymus DNA in an intercalative mode, with the intrinsic binding constants (K) of 3.94⋅104 ([NiL1]), 5.15⋅103 ([ZnL1]), 4.12⋅104 ([NiL2]), and 3.75⋅104 M−1 ([ZnL2]). These data show that the complexes of L2 can interact more strongly with DNA than complexes of L1, and the NiII complexes have a higher binding constant than ZnII complexes.
Acylation of a 6‐(Methylamino)‐5‐nitrosopyrimidine and 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition of an 8‐Methylisoxanthopterin N(5)‐Oxide. Synthesis of C(6),N(8)‐Disubstituted Isoxanthopterins
Authors: Steinlin Thomas , Vasella Andrea
Published: March 2009

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Acylation of 2‐amino‐4‐(benzyloxy)‐6‐(methylamino)‐5‐nitrosopyrimidine (5) with acetic anhydride or chloroacetic anhydride in the presence of 4‐(dimethylamino)pyridine (DMAP) led to the C(2)‐acylamino derivatives 6 and 7, respectively. In the absence of a base, acetylation did not lead to a product, while chloroacetylation led to the 6‐chloropteridine 11. Chloroacetylation in the presence of Hünig's base provided the pteridinone N(5)‐oxide 10, suggesting that acylation of 5 is readily reversible, and that the unfavourable equilibrium must be displaced by a follow‐up reaction to trap the acylation product. Acylation of 5 with hexadienoyl chloride, followed by intramolecular Diels–Alder reaction, provided the pteridinone 12. A high yielding 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of the acylnitrone 10 to electron‐poor and electron‐rich dipolarophiles, followed by spontaneous N,O‐bond cleavage, gave the C(6)‐substituted pteridinones 19a–19e that were deprotected to the pteridine‐4,7(3H,8H)‐diones 20a–20e. Substitution of the 6‐chloropterin 11 provided the 6‐morpholinopteridine 25. Sonogashira coupling yielded the fluorescent [(pteridin‐6‐yl)ethynyl]‐glucopyranoside 26, 6‐ethynylpteridine 28, and 6,6′‐(ethynediyl)bispteridine 29. The alkyne 28 reacted with Me3SiCl and LiBr in MeCN to produce the bromoalkene 31.
Trust‐based or performance‐based management—a study of employment contracting in hospitals
Authors: Pettersen Inger Johanne
Published: March 2009

Hospitals are frequently changing managerial practices due to numerous public sector reforms taking place. In general, these reforms include the making and monitoring of contracts that regulate relations between the hospitals and their professional staffs.

The aim of this paper is to discuss some main characteristics of the contracts that regulate the perceived relations between physicians as employees and the public hospital as employer. The theoretical framework is based on a contract theory approach. The empirical data is based on survey data from full‐time employed physicians in the medical and surgical divisions in one of the largest university hospitals in Norway. This study shows that perceived obligations and psychological contracts indicate high degree of relational contracts between the hospital and the physicians. These socio‐cultural elements should be recognized as important mechanisms of coordination and communication when policy makers and hospital managers are designing hospital management control systems. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Profit‐sharing plans and affective commitment: Does the context matter?
Authors: Bayo‐Moriones Alberto , Larraza‐Kintana Martin
Published: March 2009

This article analyzes the relationship between profit‐sharing plans (PSP) and affective commitment and how it is affected by the context of the PSP application. Overall, there is a positive relationship between profit sharing and commitment that is strongest in very small firms. The efficacy of a PSP in improving employees' affective commitment appears to be greatest in firms with low job‐related employee participation. Its application in workplaces where employees enjoy high levels of participation appears to have little impact and may even result in slight declines in affective commitment. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effectiveness of organizational efforts to lower turnover intentions: The moderating role of employee locus of control
Authors: Ng Thomas W. H. , Butts Marcus M.
Published: March 2009

In the current career climate characterized by change and turbulence, employees may demonstrate limited psychological attachment to their employers. Rousseau (1998) suggested that organizations can elicit psychological attachment from employees by reinforcing perceptions of organizational membership and demonstrating care and support for them. The effectiveness of these strategies, however, may depend on individuals' personality traits. In this study, we examined the moderating effect of locus of control in the relationship among four valued aspects of the work environment—information sharing, job significance, opportunity for learning, and availability of rewards for performance—and employees' intentions to stay. In two empirical studies, we found that information sharing, job significance, and locus of control interacted to positively affect intentions to stay and that opportunity for learning, availability of rewards for performance, and locus of control also interacted to increase intentions to stay. Implications of these results for theory building and practice are discussed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Seasonal hyporheic temperature dynamics over riffle bedforms
Authors: Hannah David M. , Malcolm Iain A. , Bradley Chris
Published: March 2009

There is growing interest in riverbed temperature due to the ecological and biogeochemical significance of the hyporheic zone, and its potential to moderate river temperature. Riffles exhibit complex thermal behaviour, hypothesized to be caused by local alteration of groundwater–surface water (GW–SW) interactions, but hitherto most research has been in upland/gravel‐bed/hard rock catchments. Accordingly, this article aims: (1) to characterize spatio‐temporal variability in hyporheic temperature over two riffles (R1 and R2) in a lowland river basin (Tern, Shropshire, UK) underlain by sandstone, and (2) to explain thermal dynamics by inferring hyporheic processes and the influence of GW–SW interactions. Hyporheic (riffle head, crest and tail at 0·1, 0·2 and 0·4 m), water column, spring water and air temperature were collected at 15 min resolution over 22 months and used to explore seasonal variations. Borehole water levels and temperature provide insight into groundwater variability over a hydrological year. Hyporheic temperature is cooler (warmer) than water column in summer (winter), with convergence in spring and autumn. Riffle heads and R2 crest yield small thermal gradients, and R1 tail larger vertical difference. R1 crest temperature is similar and attenuated (cf. water column) at all depths. R2 tail temperature differs markedly from surface water. Thus, hyporheic temperature varies temporally across and between riffles, reflecting: (1) hydroclimatological controls on river and groundwater temperature, and (2) hydrological, local morphological and sedimentary controls on surface water and groundwater flux. This research demonstrates the utility of depth‐related riverbed temperature time‐series in understanding hyporheic zone processes and GW–SW interactions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐temperature beverages and foods and esophageal cancer risk—A systematic review
Authors: Islami Farhad , Boffetta Paolo , Ren Jian‐Song , Pedoeim Leah , Khatib Dara , Kamangar Farin
Published: March 2009

Coffee, tea and maté may cause esophageal cancer (EC) by causing thermal injury to the esophageal mucosa. If so, the risk of EC attributable to thermal injury could be large in populations in which these beverages are commonly consumed. In addition, these drinks may cause or prevent EC via their chemical constituents. Therefore, a large number of epidemiologic studies have investigated the association of an indicator of amount or temperature of use of these drinks or other hot foods and beverages with risk of EC. We conducted a systematic review of these studies and report the results for amount and temperature of use separately. By searching PubMed and the ISI, we found 59 eligible studies. For coffee and tea, there was little evidence for an association between amount of use and EC risk; however, the majority of studies showed an increased risk of EC associated with higher drinking temperature which was statistically significant in most of them. For maté drinking, the number of studies was limited, but they consistently showed that EC risk increased with both amount consumed and temperature, and these 2 were independent risk factors. For other hot foods and drinks, over half of the studies showed statistically significant increased risks of EC associated with higher temperature of intake. Overall, the available results strongly suggest that high‐temperature beverage drinking increases the risk of EC. Future studies will require standardized strategies that allow for combining data and results should be reported by histological subtypes of EC. © 2009 UICC
Posttranslational regulation of Myc by promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger protein
Authors: Shi Jin , Vogt Peter K.
Published: March 2009

The promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger (PLZF) protein, a transcriptional repressor, induces cellular resistance to oncogenic transformation by diverse oncoproteins. Two point mutants of PLZF that have lost the antioncogenic activity of the wild‐type protein are oncogenic in chicken embryo fibroblasts; this activity is correlated with differential effects on Myc. Wild‐type PLZF represses Myc transcription without affecting total Myc protein levels and reduces the levels of phosphorylated Myc. The PLZF mutants do not alter Myc transcription or protein expression but increase the levels of phosphorylated Myc. These modifications of Myc are correlated with PLZF‐induced changes in Akt and the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Wild‐type PLZF downregulates the MAPK pathway and activates Akt, resulting in reduced phosphorylation on serine 62 of Myc by Erk and on threonine 58 by glycogen synthase kinase 3β. The mutants fail to activate Akt and only slightly downregulate phospho‐Erk. We postulate that the 2 PLZF mutants are oncogenic, because they function as dominant negatives of wild‐type PLZF, enhancing Myc phosphorylation and increasing Myc transcriptional and oncogenic activity. In support of this suggestion, a specific inhibitor of Myc is able to revert the transformed phenotype of PLZF mutant‐expressing cells. © 2009 UICC
CD4+ lymphocytes modulate prostate cancer progression in mice
Authors: Poutahidis Theofilos , Rao Varada P. , Olipitz Werner , Taylor Christie L. , Jackson Erin A. , Levkovich Tatiana , Lee Chung Wei , Fox James G. , Ge Zhongming , Erdman Susan E.
Published: March 2009

Chronic inflammation contributes to the development of prostate cancer in humans. Here, we show that male ApcMin/+ mice also develop prostate carcinoma with increasing age, mimicking that seen in humans in their 5th or 6th decade of life. Proinflammatory cytokines were significantly linked with cancer and increasing age in our mouse model; however, prostate and bowel tissues lacked evidence of inflammatory cell infiltrates other than mast cells. Lymphocytes protected against cancer, and protection from prostate cancer resided in antiinflammatory CD4+CD25+ regulatory (TREG) cells that downregulated inflammatory cytokines. Supplementation with syngeneic TREG cells collected from wild‐type mice reduced the levels of interleukin (IL)‐6 (p < 0.05) and IL‐9 (p < 0.001) and lowered prostate cancer risk (p < 0.05). Depletion of CD25+ cells in 2‐month‐old animals increased the expression of IL‐6 (p < 0.005) within prostate and increased the frequency of high‐grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (p < 0.05) and microinvasive prostatic carcinoma (p < 0.05) in dorsolateral prostate. Depletion of CD25+ cells in young animals also increased the frequency of intestinal cancer in Min mice. Taken together, chronically elevated proinflammatory cytokines promoted carcinoma in ApcMin/+ mice. TREG lymphocytes downregulated inflammation‐associated carcinogenic processes and contributed to immune and epithelial homeostasis. © 2009 UICC
Clinicopathological significance of stanniocalcin 2 gene expression in colorectal cancer
Authors: Ieta Keisuke , Tanaka Fumiaki , Yokobori Takehiko , Kita Yoshiaki , Haraguchi Naotsugu , Mimori Koshi , Kato Hiroyuki , Asao Takayuki , Inoue Hiroshi , Kuwano Hiroyuki , Mori Masaki
Published: March 2009

Laser microdissection (LMD) and microarray were used to identify genes associated with colorectal cancer. Stanniocalcin 2 (STC2) expression and clinicopathological significance in 139 clinical colorectal cancer samples were specifically investigated using real‐time quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. A number of genes upregulated in colorectal cancer cells compared to normal colorectal epithelial cells were identified including STC2. STC2 gene expression in cancer tissue was higher than in corresponding normal colorectal epithelial tissue in 124 of 139 cases (89.2%, p < 0.01). Tumors with high STC2 expression showed higher frequencies of lymph node metastasis, lymphatic invasion, tumor depth, tumor size and AJCC Stage classification (p < 0.01). Patients with high STC2 expression also showed significantly worse overall survival rates than those with low STC2 expression (p < 0.01). Furthermore, STC2 gene appeared to be associated with colorectal cancer progression and may be a useful prognostic indicator for colorectal cancer. © 2009 UICC
Common immune‐related risk factors and incident non‐Hodgkin lymphoma: The multiethnic cohort
Authors: Erber Eva , Lim Unhee , Maskarinec Gertraud , Kolonel Laurence N.
Published: March 2009

Severe immune dysfunction is an established risk factor of lymphoma, but the role of moderate alterations of immunity is not clear and prospective investigations are needed. We examined several immune‐related disorders and medications in relation to non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in the Multiethnic Cohort. Over 215,000 subjects of African American, Caucasian, Japanese American, Latino and Native Hawaiian ancestry aged 45–75 years completed a questionnaire, including information on medical history, in 1993–1996. After exclusions, we performed Cox regression among 193,050 cohort members including 939 incident NHL cases while adjusting for sex, age, ethnicity, education, body mass index and alcohol intake. Self‐reported diabetes was not associated with NHL overall, but was positively associated with risk among Japanese Americans [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.55; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.10–2.17]. Participants with a history of blood transfusion were at increased risk with HR = 1.39 (95% CI: 1.06–1.84) in men and HR = 1.22 (95% CI: 0.94–1.58) in women, especially for the diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma subtype. History of asthma or other allergies was associated with elevated risk only among Latinos (HR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.07–2.00) who also showed a significant relation between current use of antihistamines and NHL (HR = 1.80; 95% CI: 1.09–2.97). Use of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs was not associated with NHL. Our findings from this large prospective study support a moderate risk for NHL related to blood transfusions, current long‐term antihistamine use and diabetes, but the associations were limited to certain ethnic groups and require further replications. © 2009 UICC
A comparative biochemical analysis of glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans in human orthotopic and heterotopic bone
Authors: Mania Vassiliki M. , Kallivokas Alkiviadis G. , Malavaki Christina , Asimakopoulou Athanasia P. , Kanakis John , Theocharis Achilleas D. , Klironomos George , Gatzounis George , Mouzaki Athanasia , Panagiotopoulos Elias , Karamanos Nikos K.
Published: March 2009

Glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans are macromolecules of the bone and are involved in the assembly, maturation, mineralization, and maintenance of the extracellular matrix. Heterotopic ossification is the rapid development of calcified bone tissue at ectopic sites of the body, mainly in soft tissues that normally do not ossify. The aim of this study was to characterize the molecular profiles of glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans in normal and heterotopic bone samples to assess whether differences exist between orthotopic and heterotopic bone. Heterotopic bone tissues contained lower amounts of glycosaminoglycans compared to normal femoral bone. Structural analysis of chondroitin sulfate (CS) revealed that both heterotopic and normal femoral bones were composed mainly of 6‐sulfated disaccharides. Quantitative differences in the disaccharide composition of CS, such as the decrease of 6‐sulfated disaccharides in heterotopic bone with a concurrent increase of 4‐sulfated and nonsulfated disaccharides, were found between ectopic bone and normal femoral bone. The proteoglycans decorin and aggrecan were both detected in all bone samples using specific antibodies. The detection of minor amounts of aggrecan in mature human bone, such as femoral bone, as well as in ectopic bone is described for the first time. These results may elucidate the phenomenon of ectopic bone formation and assist in early detection. © 2009 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 61(4): 447–452, 2009
A‐kinase anchoring proteins: From protein complexes to physiology and disease
Authors: Carnegie Graeme K. , Means Christopher K. , Scott John D.
Published: March 2009

Protein scaffold complexes are a key mechanism by which a common signaling pathway can serve many different functions. Sequestering a signaling enzyme to a specific subcellular environment not only ensures that the enzyme is near its relevant targets, but also segregates this activity to prevent indiscriminate phosphorylation of other substrates. One family of diverse, well‐studied scaffolding proteins are the A‐kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs). These anchoring proteins form multi‐protein complexes that integrate cAMP signaling with other pathways and signaling events. In this review, we focus on recent advances in the elucidation of AKAP function. © 2009 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 61(4): 394–406, 2009
Recent advances in understanding the structure of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
Authors: Zouridakis Marios , Zisimopoulou Paraskevi , Poulas Konstantinos , Tzartos Socrates J.
Published: March 2009

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), members of the Cys‐loop ligand‐gated ion channels (LGICs) superfamily, are involved in signal transduction upon binding of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine or exogenous ligands, such as nicotine. nAChRs are pentameric assemblies of homologous subunits surrounding a central pore that gates cation flux, and are expressed at the neuromuscular junction and in the nervous system and several nonneuronal cell types. The 17 known nAChR subunits assemble into a variety of pharmacologically distinct receptor subtypes. nAChRs are implicated in a range of physiological functions and pathophysiological conditions related to muscle contraction, learning and memory, reward, motor control, arousal, and analgesia, and therefore present an important target for drug research. Such studies would be greatly facilitated by knowledge of the high‐resolution structure of the nAChR. Although this information is far from complete, important progress has been made mainly based on electron microscopy studies ofTorpedonAChR and the high‐resolution X‐ray crystal structures of the homologous molluscan acetylcholine‐binding proteins, the extracellular domain of the mouse nAChR α1 subunit, and two prokaryotic pentameric LGICs. Here, we review some of the latest advances in our understanding of nAChR structure and gating. © 2009 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 61(4): 407–423, 2009
Regulation and roles for claudin‐family tight junction proteins
Authors: Findley Mary K. , Koval Michael
Published: March 2009

Transmembrane proteins known as claudins play a critical role in tight junctions by regulating paracellular barrier permeability. The control of claudin assembly into tight junctions requires a complex interplay between several classes of claudins, other transmembrane proteins and scaffold proteins. Claudins are also subject to regulation by post‐translational modifications including phosphorylation and palmitoylation. Several human diseases have been linked to claudin mutations, underscoring the physiologic function of these proteins. Roles for claudins in regulating cell phenotype and growth control also are beginning to emerge, suggesting a multifaceted role for claudins in regulation of cells beyond serving as a simple structural element of tight junctions. © 2009 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 61(4):431–437, 2009
Prolonged osteogenesis from human mesenchymal stem cells implanted in immunodeficient mice by using coralline hydroxyapatite incorporating rhBMP2 microspheres
Authors: Fu Kun , Xu Qingguo , Czernuszka Jan , McKenna Charles E. , Ebetino Frank H. , Russell R. Graham G. , Triffitt James T. , Xia Zhidao
Published: March 2009

The local environment plays an important role in osteogenic tissue regeneration. Our previous studies have shown that xenogenic transplantation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) alone into immunodeficient mice did not result in long‐term bone formation. This study investigates whether bone formation can be prolonged by incorporating human mesenchymal stem cells in mineralized scaffolds together with controlled delivery of a growth factor, BMP2. A composite of coralline hydroxyapatite (CHA) with poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA)‐encapsulated rhBMP2 was incorporated with hMSCs in vitro. After 2 weeks in vitro culture the constructs were implanted subcutaneously in CB17 scid beige mice and harvested 10 weeks after implantation. The mineralized tissues were stained by using a fluorescent marker, 5FAM‐risedronate, followed by observation with fluorescence microscopy, histology, histomorphometry, mouse‐anti‐human vimentin immunohistochemistry, and scanning microscopy. The results showed that compared with control materials in which only fibrous tissue formed following implantation of coralline scaffolds, bone‐like tissue formed within the CHA composite containing PLGA encapsulated rhBMP2 and hMSCs for up to 10 weeks after implantation. Human cells, identified by the human vimentin‐specific monoclonal antibody were seen within the bone‐like tissue. In conclusion, incorporation of hMSCs into CHA with controlled delivery of BMP showed prolonged bone formation in immunodeficient mice. Further research is required to optimize the growth factor delivery system and to understand the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms involved. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Effect of hyaluronic acid amide derivative on equine synovial fluid viscoelasticity
Authors: Borzacchiello A. , Mayol L. , Schiavinato A. , Ambrosio L.
Published: March 2009

An amphiphilic hyaluronic acid (HA) derivative has been obtained by the amidation of the carboxylic group of the glucuronic acid. This derivative, HYADD4®‐G (HY4), is the hexadecylamide of 500–730 kDa hyaluronic acid, derived from Streptococcus equi at about 2% degree of substitution (2 mol hexadecylamine per 100 mol hexuronic acid). Its viscoelastic properties, at a concentration of 5 mg/mL in phosphate buffer saline, have been compared with those solutions of native HA, having the same molecular weight. Changes in the viscoelastic properties of equine synovial fluid (SF) when mixed with HY4 over a series of volume ratios—viz 1:2, 1:1, 3:1, and 7:1—have been evaluated. HY4 is able to associate into aqueous solution, and its rheological behavior is typical of a weak gel. Throughout the frequency range investigated (0.1–10 Hz), the elastic modulus G′ is higher than the viscous modulus G″, and both moduli are frequency independent, and G′ value is about two orders of magnitude higher than that of a comparable solution of native HA. The addition of HY4 to equine synovial fluid (SF) increased its viscoelasticity at all the SF:HY4 ratios tested. These results demonstrate that HY4 is able to integrate with SF, increasing the synovial fluid rheology, and could be an interesting new option in viscosupplement therapy of osteoarthritis, particularly considering its low degree of chemical modification from native HA. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Techniques for oxygen transfer measurement in bioreactors: a review
Authors: Suresh S , Srivastava VC , Mishra IM
Published: March 2009

Oxygen is the most essential requirement for aerobic bioprocesses. The microbial growth in a bioreactor depends upon the oxygen transfer rate (OTR). The OTR is widely used to study the growth behavior of microbial and plant cell cultures. The mass transfer coefficient (kLa) determines the magnitude of the OTR. There are many techniques for measuring oxygen concentration and OTR in bioreactors. Zirconia, electrochemical, infrared, ultrasonic and laser cells are used to measure oxygen concentration in the liquid medium. Optical sensors are better alternatives to measure oxygen concentration in small bioreactors. Sulfite oxidation and gassing‐out methods with a Clark‐type electrode have been used for OTR measurements in bioreactors. Many new novel techniques have evolved recently for intermittent and continuous online measurement of OTR/kLa in various types of bioreactors. The present paper gives an overview of various measurement techniques and their limitations and/or suitability for measurement of OTR/kLa in various kinds of bioreactors, especially small bioreactors. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
How to visualize the spider mite silk?
Authors: Clotuche G. , Goff G. Le , Mailleux A‐C , Deneubourg J‐L , Detrain C. , Hance T.
Published: March 2009

Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) is a phytophagous mite that forms colonies of several thousand individuals. Like spiders, every individual produces abundant silk strands and is able to construct a common web for the entire colony. Despite the importance of this silk for the biology of this worldwide species, only one previous study suggested how to visualize it. To analyze the web structuration, we developed a simple technique to dye T. urticae'silk on both inert and living substrates. Fluorescent brightener 28 (FB) (Sigma F3543) diluted in different solvents at different concentrations regarding the substrate was used to observe single strands of silk. On glass lenses, a 0.5% dimethyl sulfoxide solution was used and on bean leaves, a 0.1% aqueous solution. A difference of silk deposit was observed depending the substrate: rectilinear threads on glass lenses and more sinuous ones on bean leaves. This visualizing technique will help to carry out future studies about the web architecture and silk used by T. urticae. It might also be useful for the study of other silk‐spinning arthropods. Microsc. Res. Tech. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sex influences the effect of a lifelong increase in serotonin transporter function on cerebral metabolism
Authors: Dawson Neil , Ferrington Linda , Olverman Henry J. , Harmar Anthony J. , Kelly Paul A. T.
Published: March 2009

Polymorphic variation in the human serotonin transporter (SERT; 5‐HTT) gene resulting in a lifelong increase in SERT expression is associated with reduced anxiety and a reduced risk of affective disorder. Evidence also suggests that sex influences the effect of this polymorphism on affective functioning. Here we use novel transgenic mice overexpressing human SERT (hSERT OVR) to investigate the possible influence of sex on the alterations in SERT protein expression and cerebral function that occur in response to increased SERT gene transcription. SERT binding levels were significantly increased in the brain of hSERT OVR mice in a region‐dependent manner. The increased SERT binding in hSERT OVR mice was more pronounced in female than in male mice. Cerebral metabolism, as reflected by a quantitative index of local cerebral glucose utilization (iLCMRglu), was significantly decreased in many brain regions in hSERT OVR female as compared with wild‐type female mice, whereas there was no evidence for a significant effect in any region in males. The ability of hSERT overexpression to modify cerebral metabolism was significantly greater in females than in males. This effect was particularly pronounced in the medial striatum, globus pallidus, somatosensory cortex, mamillary body, and ventrolateral thalamus. Overall, these findings demonstrate that the influence of a lifelong increase in SERT gene transcription on cerebral function is greater in females than in males and may relate, in part, to the influence of sex on genetically driven increases in SERT protein expression. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Increasing the function of the glutamate‐nitric oxide‐cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway increases the ability to learn a Y‐maze task
Authors: Llansola Marta , Hernandez‐Viadel Mariluz , Erceg Slaven , Montoliu Carmina , Felipo Vicente
Published: March 2009

N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors play a crucial role in learning. However, the molecular mechanisms by which NMDA receptors contribute to learning processes are not known in detail. Activation of NMDA receptors leads to increased calcium in the postsynaptic neuron. Calcium binds to calmodulin and activates neuronal nitric oxide synthase, increasing nitric oxide (NO), which activates soluble guanylate cyclase, increasing cGMP. Part of this cGMP is released to the extracellular space. Several reports indicate that impairment of this glutamate‐NO‐cGMP pathway reduces the ability to learn a Y‐maze conditional discrimination task by rats. The aim of this work was to assess whether enhancing the function of this pathway increases the ability to learn this task. Prenatal exposure to the polybrominated diphenylether PBDE‐99 during embryonic days 2–9 or 11–19 enhances the function of the glutamate‐NO‐cGMP pathway in cerebellum in vivo as assessed by microdialysis in freely moving rats. This was associated with an increase in the ability to learn the Y‐maze task. Rats prenatally exposed to PBDE need fewer trials than control rats to learn the Y‐maze task. These results show that the function of the glutamate‐NO‐cGMP modulates the ability of rats to learn the Y‐maze task, that the function of the pathway under physiological conditions is not optimal for learning, and that performance in the Y‐maze task may be improved by enhancing slightly the function of the pathway and cGMP formation. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.