bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unusually Strong Positive Cooperativity in Binding of Peptides to Latent Membrane Protein‐1 DNA Fragments of the Epstein–Barr Viral Gene
Authors: Yang Chia‐Hung , Jeng Kee‐Ching G. , Yang Wan‐Hsu , Chen Yu‐Ling , Hung Chia‐Chun , Lin Juey‐Wen , Chen Shui‐Tein , Richardson Simon , Martin Christopher R. H. , Waring Michael J. , Sheh Leung
Published: June 2006

The DNA‐binding preferences of two oligopeptide amides, (His‐Pro‐Arg‐Lys)3NH2 (HR‐12) and (Ser‐Pro‐Arg‐Lys)3NH2 (SP‐12), have been examined by quantitative DNase I footprinting studies. Two different DNA fragments were investigated: a pair of 5′‐32P‐labeled duplexes from pBR322 with one or other of the complementary strands labeled and a corresponding pair of 5′‐32P‐labeled duplexes representing fragments of the latent membrane protein (LMP‐1) gene from a pathogenic Epstein–Barr virus variant derived from nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The major objective was to examine molecular recognition and cooperative features associated with sequence‐selective binding of synthetic peptides to the LMP‐1 fragments. At various binding sites on the pBR322 fragments, Hill coefficients (nH) ranging from 1.9–2.2 were observed; these results indicate modest positive cooperativity between binding sites for both peptides. By contrast, unusually high values of nH, ranging from 4.0–9.3, were observed at various binding sites on the LMP‐1 fragments. Allosteric models can be constructed to interpret the observed cooperative interactions between different DNA recognition sites in the LMP‐1 gene upon binding of the peptide ligands. It is noteworthy that these models feature a novel network of cooperativity interconnecting multiple DNA allosteric sites. The evidence of sequence selectivity and strong cooperativity discovered in this work may prove to be a general feature of peptide interactions with some nucleic acids.
Early administration of abciximab bolus in the emergency department improves angiographic outcome after primary PCI as assessed by TIMI frame count: Results of the early ReoPro administration in myocardial infarction (ERAMI) trial
Authors: Gabriel H. Mesquita , Oliveira Joaquim A. , da Silva Pedro Canas , da Costa J. Marques , da Cunha J.A. Correia
Published: June 2006

Objectives: We assessed the safety and efficacy of early administration of abciximab prior to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients. Background: Research suggests that platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors, e.g. abciximab, may improve myocardial perfusion. In particular, early administration in the emergency department, prior to PCI, may result in more effective reperfusion. Methods: Eighty AMI patients with planned PCI were randomized in a double‐blind fashion to receive a 0.25 mg/kg abciximab bolus either “early” in the emergency department or “late” in the catheterization laboratory after angiographic assessment. In total, 74 patients underwent PCI after diagnostic angiography, all of which then received an abciximab infusion of 0.125 μg/kg/min for 12 hr. Results: Prior to PCI, no significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding the angiographic endpoints or ST‐segment resolution. After PCI, thrombolysis in MI (TIMI) frame count (TFC) was significantly improved in patients treated early rather than in those treated late (23 ± 10 vs. 41 ± 35; P = 0.02). Consistent trends, also favoring early treatment, were observed for TIMI flow grade 3 (TFG 3), corrected TFC (CTFC), and TIMI myocardial perfusion grade 3 (TMPG 3). Nine deaths (4 early, 5 late) and six significant bleeds (4 early, 2 late) were observed at 30 days after randomization. Conclusions: Early administration of abciximab is both feasible and safe in patients planned for primary PCI, increasing coronary flow and myocardial reperfusion after PCI, as demonstrated by significantly decreased TFC scores and trends toward improvements in TFG, CTFC, and TMPG. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Valence Tautomerism in Octahedral and Square‐Planar Phenoxyl–Nickel(II) Complexes: Are Imino Nitrogen Atoms Good Friends?
Authors: Rotthaus Olaf , Thomas Fabrice , Jarjayes Olivier , Philouze Christian , Saint‐Aman Eric , Pierre Jean‐Louis
Published: June 2006

The two tetradentate ligands H2L and H2LMe afford the slightly distorted square‐planar low‐spin NiII complexes 1 and 2, which comprise two coordinated phenolate groups. Complex 1 has been electrochemically oxidized into 1+, which contains a coordinated phenoxyl radical, with a contribution from the nickel orbital. In the presence of pyridine, 1+ is converted into 1Py+, an octahedral phenolate nickel(III) complex with two pyridines axially coordinated: An intramolecular electron transfer (valence tautomerism) is promoted by the geometrical changes, from square planar to octahedral, around the metal center. The tetradentate ligand H2LMe, in the presence of pyridine, and the hexadentate ligand H2LPy in CH2Cl2 afford, respectively, the octahedral high‐spin NiII complexes 2Py and 3, which involve two equatorial phenolates and two axially coordinated pyridines. At 100 K, the one‐electron‐oxidized product 2Py+ comprises a phenoxyl radical ferromagnetically coupled to the high‐spin NiII ion, with large zero‐field splitting parameters, while 3+ involves a phenoxyl radical antiferromagnetically coupled to the high‐spin NiII ion.
Adsorption of Methanol and Methoxy on Cu(111) Surface: A First‐principles Periodic Density Functional Theory Study
Authors: Chen Wen‐Kai , Liu Shu‐Hong , Cao Mei‐Juan , Lu Chun‐Hai , Xu Ying , Li Jun‐Qian
Published: July 2006

Adsorption of methanol and methoxy at four selected sites (top, bridge, hcp, fcc) on Cu(111) surface has been investigated by density functional theory method at the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) level. The calculation on adsorption energies, geometry and electronic structures, Mulliken charges, and vibrational frequencies of CH3OH and CH3O on clean Cu(111) surface was performed with full‐geometry optimization, and compared with the experimental data. The obtained results are in agreement with available experimental data. The most favorite adsorption site for methanol on Cu(111) surface is the top site, where C–O axis is tilted to the surface. Moreover, the preferred adsorption site for methoxy on Cu(111) surface is the fcc site, and it adsorbs in an upright geometry with pseudo‐C3v local symmetry. Possible decomposition pathways also have been investigated by transition‐state searching methods. Methoxy radical, CH3O, was found to be the decomposition intermediate. Methanol can be adsorbed on the surface with its oxygen atom directly on a Cu atom, and weakly chemisorbed on Cu(111) surface. In contrast to methanol, methoxy is strongly chemisorbed to the surface.
Study of Structural Stability of Cyclophilin A by NMR and Circular Dichroism Spectra
Authors: Shi Yan‐Hong , Lin Dong‐Hai , Huang Jian‐Ying , Shen Xu
Published: July 2006

The structural stability of cyclophilin A (CypA) was investigated using H/D exchange and temperature coefficients of chemical shifts of amide protons, monitored by 2D heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy. Amide proton exchange rates were measured by H/D exchange experiments for slow‐exchange protons and measured by SEA (Solvent Exposed Amides)‐HSQC experiments for fast‐exchange protons. Temperature coefficients of chemical shifts and hydrogen exchange rates of amide protons show reasonably good correlation with the protein structure. Totally, 44 out of 153 non‐proline assigned residues still exist in 86 d of hydrogen‐deuterium exchange at 4 °C, suggesting that CypA structure should be highly stable. Residues in secondary structures of α2, β1, β2, β5, β6 and β7 might constitute the hydrophobic core of the protein. The change in free energy of unfolding (ΔGu) of CypA was estimated to be (21.99±1.53) kJ·mol−1 by circular dichroism (CD). The large free energy change is also an indicator of the high structural stability.
Primary breast cancer phenotypes associated with propensity for central nervous system metastases
Authors: Tham Yee‐Lu , Sexton Krystal , Kramer Rita , Hilsenbeck Susan , Elledge Richard
Published: July 2006

BACKGROUND.

There is anecdotal evidence that the incidence of central nervous system (CNS) metastases in breast cancer patients is increasing. It is unclear whether specific tumor biological properties or the use of systemic therapies influence this risk.

METHODS.

Using a database of 10,782 patients, 2685 patients were identified who experienced recurrence distantly. Clinical and biological features were analyzed in 2 ways: 1) patients who ever had versus those who never had CNS metastases, and 2) CNS metastases as the first site of recurrence versus those who had other sites. Correlations of survival after CNS metastasis with clinical and biologic features were also analyzed.

RESULTS.

In the ever versus never analysis, CNS metastases were significantly associated with younger age, premenopausal status, infiltrating ductal carcinoma histology (IDC), estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) negativity, low Bcl‐2, high S‐phase, aneuploidy, and altered p53. Tumor size, lymph node status, and use of adjuvant systemic therapy played little role. HER‐2 overexpression was not associated with an increased risk in these patients (none of whom were treated with trastuzumab) (P = .91). However, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) overexpression was associated with increased risk (P = .02). A multivariate analysis revealed ER negativity (odds ratio [OR] 2.8, P<.001), IDC histology (OR 2.5, P = .02), and young age (P<.001) as independent factors for CNS metastases. The clinical and biologic profiles of primary tumors with CNS metastases at first recurrence did not differ from those with CNS metastases after recurrence to other sites, except for HER‐2 status. HER‐2‐positive tumors were not more likely to undergo recurrence initially in the CNS (P = .04). The median survival after CNS metastases was 5.5 months and HER‐2‐positive patients had a shorter survival.

CONCLUSIONS.

Younger patients with hormone receptor‐negative, highly proliferative, genomically unstable, and p53‐altered tumors were at increased relative risk for CNS metastases. HER‐2 expression and adjuvant systemic therapies did not increase this risk. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
HUVECs from newborns with a strong family history of diabetes show diminished ROS synthesis in the presence of high glucose concentrations
Authors: Alvarado‐Vásquez Noé , Páez Araceli , Zapata Estrella , Alcázar‐Leyva Susana , Zenteno Edgar , Massó Felipe , Montaño Luis F.
Published: June 2006

Background

A family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) increases the probability to develop DM and endothelial dysfunction. The probable mechanism involves augmented reactive oxygen species (ROS) synthesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the synthesis of ROS in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) obtained from healthy newborns with (experimental) and without (control) a strong family history of type 2 DM, exposed to different glucose concentrations.

Methods

HUVECs were exposed to various glucose concentrations for 24 and 48 h periods, before cell proliferation, mitochondrial activity, and mitochondrial membrane potential were determined. Intracellular ROS synthesis in the presence or absence of the mitochondrial uncoupler CCCP, cytochalasin B, or diphenyleneiodonium (DPI) was also evaluated.

Results

As opposed to control HUVECs, we found that experimental HUVECs exposed to 30 mmol/L glucose showed a 50% decrease in cell proliferation, a 90% reduction in mitochondrial activity, and a statistically significant inhibition of ROS synthesis in the presence of CCCP or cytochalasin B; DPI had no effect.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that mitochondria and NAD(P)H‐oxidase from HUVECs obtained from healthy newborns with a family history of DM have an innate deficient response to high glucose concentrations. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A role for the transcription factor RelB in IFN‐α production and in IFN‐α‐stimulated cross‐priming
Authors: Le Bon Agne , Montoya Maria , Edwards Matthew J. , Thompson Clare , Burke Shannon A. , Ashton Miranda , Lo David , Tough David F. , Borrow Persephone
Published: June 2006

Chimeric mice generated with bone marrow from RelB‐deficient (–/–), RelB‐heterozygous (+/–) and wild‐type (+/+) mice were used to determine how total or partial absence of the transcription factor RelB in haematopoietic cells affects the immune response generated after lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection. In RelB–/– chimeras, early virus replication was enhanced and LCMV clearance was impaired. Although plasmacytoid dendritic cell numbers were similar, serum interferon (IFN)‐α levels in RelB–/– and RelB+/– chimeras were markedly lower than in RelB+/+ chimeras during early LCMV infection. Further, both RelB–/– and RelB+/– chimeras mounted a lower‐magnitude LCMV‐specific CD8+ T cell response than their RelB+/+ counterparts, although the LCMV‐specific CD8+ T cells present were differentiated into functional cytotoxic cells. In LCMV‐infected RelB–/– mice, induction of cross‐priming to an independently injected soluble protein, which depends on the IFN‐α/β made during the viral infection, was also impaired. Notably, provision of exogenous IFN‐α did not restore the ability of RelB–/– mice to cross‐prime. In summary, these results show that the RelB/NF‐κB pathway is required for optimal IFN‐α production after LCMV infection and suggest a crucial role for RelB in IFN‐α‐stimulated cross‐priming of CD8+ T cell responses.
Dissecting CXCR5+ T cell populations – on the quest for a better understanding of B cell help during T dependent antibody responses
Authors: Warnatz Klaus
Published: June 2006

High affinity antibody responses against protein antigens critically depend on T cell help during the germinal center reaction. So called follicular helper T cells (TFH), present in the germinal centers of human tonsils, have been characterised by the expression of CXCR5; however, only subgroups of the heterogeneous CXCR5 T cell population strongly support antibody production. A paper in this issue of the European Journal of Immunology demonstrates that high expression of the inducible co‐stimulator (ICOS) molecule, rather than CD57, correlates with the follicular helper function. This result represents another step towards a better understanding of the complexity of the different T cell subpopulations participating in the germinal center reaction.

See accompanying article http://www.dx.doi.org/10.1002/eji.200536136
Amperometric Detection of Glucose with Glucose Oxidase Immobilized in Layered Double Hydroxides
Authors: Shan Dan , Yao Wenjuan , Xue Huaiguo
Published: June 2006

A novel cheap and simple amperometric biosensor, based on the immobilization of glucose oxidase (GOD) into anionic clay; layered double hydroxides (LDHs) [Zn3‐Al‐Cl] is presented. GOD can be entrapped in the LDHs gel via electrostatic interaction. Amperometric detection of glucose with an unmediated sensor at 0.6 V (vs. SCE) results in a rapid response (5 s), a wide linear range of 0.001–12 mM, as well as good operational stability. The low detection limit was 0.1 μM at 3σ. The apparent Michaelis‐Menten constant (K$\rm{ {_{M}^{app}})}$ is 4.4 mM. The general interferences that coexisted in blood serum do not affect glucose determination, except for uric acid. In addition, optimization of the biosensor construction and the effects of the applied potential on the amperometric response of the sensor were investigated and discussed herein.
An integrated map of the murine hippocampal proteome based upon five mouse strains
Authors: Pollak Daniela D. , John Julius , Hoeger Harald , Lubec Gert
Published: June 2006

With the advent of proteomics technologies it is possible to simultaneously demonstrate the expression of hundreds of proteins. The information offered by proteomics provides context‐based understanding of cellular protein networks and has been proven to be a valuable approach in neuroscience studies. The mouse hippocampus has been a major target of analysis in the search for molecular correlates to neuronal information storage. Although human and rat hippocampal samples have been successfully subjected to proteomic profiling, no elaborate analysis providing the fundamental experimental basis for protein‐expression studies in the mouse hippocampus has been carried out as yet. This led us to construct a master map generated from the individual hippocampal proteomes of five different mouse strains. A proteomic approach, based upon 2‐DE coupled to MS (MALDI‐TOF/TOF) has been chosen in an attempt to establish a comprehensive reference database of proteins expressed in the mouse hippocampus. 469 individual proteins, represented by 1156 spots displaying various functional states of the respective gene products were identified. Proteomic profiling of the hippocampus, a brain region with a pivotal role for neuronal information processing and storage may provide insight into the characteristics of proteins serving this highly sophisticated function.
Combination of 768‐well microplate array diagonal gel electrophoresis with duplex PCR of X and Y chromosome markers for quality control of epidemiological DNA banks
Authors: Huang Shuwen , Chen Xiao‐he , Day Ian N. M.
Published: June 2006

Large DNA banks for human epidemiological studies have become an increasingly important research tool. The power of genotype‐phenotype studies is dependent both on the quality of phenotyping and of genotyping and of correct linking of phenotypes to genotypes. Samples must be tracked through numerous steps between subject or patient and post‐genotypic data. Only one phenotype, sex, has a perfect and binary correlation with genotype. In mixed sex studies, it may be advantageous for purposes of quality control to keep sexes mixed during the steps from acquisition to DNA bank, in order to be able to check later for sample swaps. We have designed a duplex PCR combining an amplicon from MAOA marking the X chromosome and an amplicon from DDX3Y marking the Y chromosome. We combined this with a simple economical palmtop sized 768‐well microplate compatible electrophoresis system developed in‐house for examination of duplex PCR products. We applied this quality control test in the validation of two DNA banks.
Evaluation of whole‐genome amplification of low‐copy‐number DNA in chimerism analysis after allogeneic stem cell transplantation using STR marker typing
Authors: Nagy Marion , Rascon Jelena , Massenkeil Gero , Ebell Wolfram , Roewer Lutz
Published: June 2006

Whole‐genome DNA amplification (WGA) is a promising method that generates large amounts of DNA from samples of limited quantity. We investigated the accuracy of a multiplex PCR approach to WGA over STR loci. The amplification bias within a locus and over all analyzed loci was investigated in relation to the amount of template in the WGA reaction, the specific STR locus, and allele length. We observed reproducible error‐free STR profiles with 10 ng down to 1 ng of DNA template. The amplification deviation at a locus and between loci was within the intra‐method reproducibility. WGA is the method of choice for amplifying nanogram amounts of genomic DNA for different applications. We detected unbalanced STR amplifications at one locus and between loci, allelic drop‐outs, and additional alleles after WGA of low‐copy‐number DNA. We found that the high number of drop‐outs and drop‐ins could be eradicated using pooled DNA from separate WGA reactions even with as little as 100 pg of starting template. Nevertheless, the quality of the results was still not sufficient for use in routine chimerism analysis of limited specific cell populations after allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
Preparative capillary zone electrophoresis using a dynamic coated wide‐bore capillary
Authors: Yassine Mahmoud M. , Lucy Charles A.
Published: June 2006

Preparative capillary zone electrophoresis separations of cytochrome c from bovine and horse heart are performed efficiently in a surfactant‐coated capillary. The surfactant, dimethylditetradecylammonium bromide (2C14DAB), effectively eliminated protein adsorption from the capillary surface, such that symmetrical peaks with efficiencies of 0.7 million plates/m were observed in 50‐µm id capillaries when low concentrations of protein were injected. At protein concentrations greater than 1 g/L, electromigration dispersion became the dominant source of band broadening and the peak shape distorted to triangular fronting. Matching of the mobility of the buffer co‐ion to that of the cytochrome c resulted in dramatic improvements in the efficiency and peak shape. Using 100 mM bis(2‐hydroxyethyl)imino‐tris(hydroxymethyl)methane phosphate buffer at pH 7.0 with a 100‐µm id capillary, the maximum sample loading capacity in a single run was 160 pmol (2.0 µg) of each protein.
Capillary electrophoresis‐mass spectrometry of citrus endophytic bacteria siderophores
Authors: Simionato Ana V. Colnaghi , Simó Carolina , Cifuentes Alejandro , Lacava Paulo Teixeira , Araújo Wellington Luiz , Azevedo João Lúcio , Carrilho Emanuel
Published: June 2006

CE‐ESI‐MS with a liquid sheath interface and IT mass analyzer was used for analysis of siderophores from different strains of Methylobacterium spp. citrus endophyte extracts. Three Methylobacterium strains were investigated according to positive bioassay tests. Bacteria cultures were grown under Fe(III) absence (siderophore producing cultures) and under Fe(III) presence (control cultures). Siderophores were extracted from culture supernatant with polystyrene resins. BGE and sheath‐liquid composition were optimized, respectively, in order to assure both, best peak resolution and ESI‐MS sensitivity. The best analysis conditions were obtained with 100 mmol/L ammonium bicarbonate at pH 8 as BGE and methanol:H2O 25:75 + 0.05% formic acid as sheath liquid. CZE‐ESI‐MS analysis revealed two possible siderophores, according to bacterium species, presenting Mr of 1004.3 and 798.3 Da.
An apolipoprotein E variant may protect against age‐related macular degeneration through cytokine regulation
Authors: Bojanowski Christine M. , Shen Defen , Chew Emily Y. , Ning Baitang , Csaky Karl G. , Green W. Richard , Chan Chi‐Chao , Tuo Jingsheng
Published: July 2006

Age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of visual impairment and blindness among the elderly in Western countries. Genetic factors, age, cigarette smoking, nutrition, and exposure to light have been identified as AMD risk factors. In this study, we investigated the association between ApoE C112R/R158C single nucleotide polymorphisms (which determine the E2, E3, and E4 isoforms) and age‐related macular degeneration (AMD), and the mechanism underlying the association. Genomic DNA was extracted from 133 clinically screened controls, 94 volunteers with a younger mean age, 120 patients with advanced AMD, and 40 archived ocular AMD slides for single nucleotide polymorphism typing. The effects of recombinant ApoE isoforms on CCL2 (a chemokine), CX3CR1 (a chemokine receptor), and VEGF (a cytokine) expression in cultured human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells were tested and serum cholesterol profiles of the clinically screened subjects were analyzed. ApoE112R (E4) distribution differed significantly between AMD patients and controls. ApoE112R allele frequency was 10.9% in the AMD group when compared with 16.5% in the younger controls and 18.8% in the clinically screened controls. The pathologically diagnosed archived AMD cases had the lowest allele frequency of 5%. No significant differences in ApoE158C (E2) distribution were observed among the groups. A meta‐analysis of 8 cohorts including 4,289 subjects showed a strong association between AMD and 112R, but not 158C. In vitro studies found that recombinant ApoE suppresses CCL2 and VEGF expression in RPE cells. However, the E4 isoform showed more suppression than E3 in both cases. These results further confirm the association between ApoE112R and a decreased risk of AMD development. The underlying mechanisms may involve differential regulation of both CCL2 and VEGF by the ApoE isoforms. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2006. Published 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Wind erodibility of soils at Fort Irwin, California (Mojave Desert), USA, before and after trampling disturbance: implications for land management
Authors: Belnap J. , Phillips S. L. , Herrick J. E. , Johansen J. R.
Published: June 2006

Recently disturbed and ‘control’ (i.e. less recently disturbed) soils in the Mojave Desert were compared for their vulnerability to wind erosion, using a wind tunnel, before and after being experimentally trampled. Before trampling, control sites had greater cyanobacterial biomass, soil surface stability, threshold friction velocities (TFV; i.e. the wind speed required to move soil particles), and sediment yield than sites that had been more recently disturbed by military manoeuvres. After trampling, all sites showed a large drop in TFVs and a concomitant increase in sediment yield. Simple correlation analyses showed that the decline in TFVs and the rise in sediment yield were significantly related to cyanobacterial biomass (as indicated by soil chlorophyll a). However, chlorophyll a amounts were very low compared to chlorophyll a amounts found at cooler desert sites, where chlorophyll a is often the most important factor in determining TFV and sediment yield. Multiple regression analyses showed that other factors at Fort Irwin were more important than cyanobacterial biomass in determining the overall site susceptibility to wind erosion. These factors included soil texture (especially the fine, medium and coarse sand fractions), rock cover, and the inherent stability of the soil (as indicated by subsurface soil stability tests). Thus, our results indicate that there is a threshold of biomass below which cyanobacterial crusts are not the dominant factor in soil vulnerability to wind erosion. Most undisturbed soil surfaces in the Mojave Desert region produce very little sediment, but even moderate disturbance increases soil loss from these sites. Because current weathering rates and dust inputs are very low, soil formation rates are low as well. Therefore, soil loss in this region is likely to have long‐term effects. Published in 2006 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Geological processes and site structure: Assessing integrity at a Late Paleolithic open‐air site in northern France
Authors: Enloe James G.
Published: July 2006

The difficulty of reading the archaeological record of caves and rock shelters is becoming increasingly obvious to Paleolithic researchers. Although some open‐air sites are thought to avoid such taphonomic complications, interpreting their archaeological record is less straightforward than assumed. Postdepositional processes may obscure structure in configurations of features and artifacts. Recently developed techniques for the excavation and analysis of Paleolithic cave sites can be applied to open‐air sites before spatial patterning is interpreted for inferences about prehistoric social organization. Analysis of the orientation of elongated artifacts on the occupation surface of the late Upper Paleolithic site of Verberie, France, is employed for evaluation of the integrity of site structure. Results indicate spatial structure largely undisturbed by geological processes. The lack of disturbance in the configuration of archaeological materials allows for a behavioral interpretation of those remains. The proposition that Verberie was a hunting campsite for initial carcass processing is supported. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
P2X7 receptors on microglial cells mediate injury to cortical neurons in vitro
Authors: Skaper Stephen D. , Facci Laura , Culbert Ainsley A. , Evans Nicholas A. , Chessell Iain , Davis John B. , Richardson Jill C.
Published: June 2006

The P2X7 receptor has been implicated in the release of cytokines and in the induction of cell death, and is up‐regulated in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Using cocultures of rat cortical neurons and microglia, we show that ATP and the more potent P2X7 agonist benzoylbenzoyl‐ATP (BzATP) cause neuronal cell injury. The deleterious effects of BzATP‐treated microglia were prevented by nonselective P2X antagonists (PPADS and oxidized ATP) and by the more selective P2X7 antagonist Brilliant Blue G. Similar concentrations of BzATP caused release of superoxide and nitric oxide from isolated microglia, and neuronal cell injury was attenuated by a superoxide dismutase mimetic and by a peroxynitrite decomposition catalyst, suggesting a role for reactive oxide species. Cocultures composed of wild‐type cortical neurons, and microglia from P2X7 receptor‐deficient mice failed to exhibit neuronal cell injury in the presence of BzATP, but retained sensitivity to injury when microglia were derived from genotypically matched normal (P2X7+/+ mice), thereby establishing P2X7 involvement in the injury process. P2X7 receptor activation on microglia thus appears necessary for microglial‐mediated injury of neurons, and proposes that targeting P2X7 receptors may constitute a novel approach for the treatment of acute and chronic neurodegenerative disorders where a microglial component is evident. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bioactive glass S53P4 in frontal sinus obliteration: A long‐term clinical experience
Authors: Peltola Matti , Aitasalo Kalle , Suonpää Jouko , Varpula Matti , Yli‐Urpo Antti
Published: July 2006

Background.

Synthetic, osteoconductive, and antimicrobial bioactive glass (BAG) has been used in many surgical applications.

Methods.

BAG was used as obliteration material in a series of osteoplastic frontal sinus operations on 42 patients suffering from chronic frontal sinusitis, which could not be cured with other means of treatment.

Results.

Accurate obliteration of sinuses was achieved in 39 patients. Uneventful recovery and clinical outcome were seen in 92% of the patients. Histopathologic samples harvested at 1, 5, and 10 years after obliteration revealed a healing process progressing from the fibrous tissue phase to bone formation with scattered fibrous tissue and bony obliteration maintaining BAG granule remnants. Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) studies showed bone produced by BAG to be similar to natural frontal bone. Micorobiologic cultures obtained with histologic samples revealed no growth of bacteria.

Conclusions.

BAG appears to be a reliable frontal sinus obliteration material, providing favorable conditions for total bony sinus obliteration. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2006
Monitoring and comparison of performance on French community irrigation schemes: review of achievements coordinated by AFEID between 2003 and 2005
Authors: Polge Marc , Villocel Alain , Onimus François
Published: June 2006

In the frame of the World Bank‐coordinated International Irrigation Benchmarking Programme, AFEID (Association Française pour l'Etude de l'Irrigation et du Drainage) has taken up the task of reviewing French experience and the methods used to monitor, examine/interpret, compare and improve performance on French irrigation schemes. The review was described in a publication for the 2003 ICID conference in Montpellier. Preparatory work at the time provided evidence that performance analysis and comparison activities existed and were already being used by the managers of community irrigation schemes in many different shapes and forms.

AFEID later organised technical talks in May 2004 so that the managing entities involved in the comparison activities could present their achievements and discuss them. The talks confirmed the existence of a definite go‐ahead attitude out in the field on some very different issues: technical assets, human assets, administrative and legal assets, communication and financial management to minimize pricing changes in the agricultural world. However, at the end of the day, the debate stressed that concern about external threats (legislation, regulations, urban development, etc.) was largely predominant and that those threats have imposed themselves as the main factors that encourage network managers to consult one another to determine the actions to be taken. Suggestions to work towards a more structured, wider‐shared comparative analysis were somewhat restricted.

Nevertheless, the talks did enable the establishment of conditions in which the benchmarking approach can be pursued in France in new terms: “How to facilitate the development of ongoing activities so that the structures involved can consolidate their scope of comparison and monitor their performance improvement actions over time.”

Considering the achievements during these first two years of work, AFEID is thinking of furthering the subject along two additional lines of action:

Encouraging the formation of benchmarking groups composed of community irrigation scheme managers wishing to improve the performance of their systems through joint action to analyse performance;

Furthering the study within the AFEID Benchmarking Working Group in order to accompany previous initiatives, to improve its perception of the situation according to the lessons learnt from their exchanges, to facilitate dissemination and to make use of all the feedback and work at national and international level. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Calcium carbonate–calcium phosphate mixed cement compositions for bone reconstruction
Authors: Combes C. , Bareille R. , Rey C.
Published: June 2006

The feasibility of making calcium carbonate–calcium phosphate (CaCO3–CaP) mixed cements, comprising at least 40% (w/w) CaCO3 in the dry powder ingredients, has been demonstrated. Several original cement compositions were obtained by mixing metastable crystalline CaCO3 phases with metastable amorphous or crystalline CaP powders in aqueous medium. The cements set within at most 1 h at 37°C in atmosphere saturated with water. The hardened cement is microporous and exhibits weak compressive strength. The setting reaction appeared to be essentially related to the formation of a highly carbonated nanocrystalline apatite phase by reaction of the metastable CaP phase with part or almost all of the metastable CaCO3 phase. The recrystallization of metastable CaP varieties led to a final cement consisting of a highly carbonated poorly crystalline apatite analogous to bone mineral associated with various amounts of vaterite and/or aragonite. The presence of controlled amounts of CaCO3 with a higher solubility than that of the apatite formed in the well‐developed CaP cements might be of interest to increase resorption rates in biomedical cement and favors its replacement by bone tissue. Cytotoxicity testing revealed excellent cytocompatibility of CaCO3–CaP mixed cement compositions. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
In vitro biocompatibility of a novel membrane of the composite poly(vinylidene‐trifluoroethylene)/barium titanate
Authors: Beloti Márcio M. , de Oliveira Paulo T. , Gimenes Rossano , Zaghete Maria A. , Bertolini Márcio J. , Rosa Adalberto L.
Published: June 2006

This study was aimed at investigating the in vitro biocompatibility of a novel membrane of the composite poly(vinylidene‐trifluoroethylene)/barium titanate (P(VDF‐TrFE)/BT). Osteoblastic cells were obtained from human alveolar bone fragments and cultured under standard osteogenic condition until subconfluence. First passaged cells were cultured on P(VDF‐TrFE)/BT and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e‐PTFE – control) membranes in 24‐well plates. Cell adhesion and spreading were evaluated at 30 min, and 4 and 24 h. For proliferation assay, cells were cultured for 1, 7, and 10 days. Cell viability was detected by trypan blue at 7 and 10 days. Total protein content and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were measured at 7, 14, and 21 days. Cultures were stained with Alizarin red at 21 days, for detection of mineralized matrix. Data were compared by ANOVA and Student t test. Cell attachment (p = 0.001), cell number (p = 0.001), and ALP activity (p = 0.0001) were greater on P(VDF‐TrFE)/BT. Additionally, doubling time was greater on P(VDF‐TrFE)/BT (p = 0.03), indicating a decreased proliferation rate. Bone‐like nodule formation took place only on P(VDF‐TrFE)/BT. The present results showed that both membranes are biocompatible. However, P(VDF‐TrFE)/BT presented a better in vitro biocompatibility and allowed bone‐like nodule formation. Therefore, P(VDF‐TrFE)/BT could be an alternative membrane to be used in guided tissue regeneration. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
Incorporation of a lauric acid‐conjugated GRGDS peptide directly into the matrix of a poly(carbonate‐urea)urethane polymer for use in cardiovascular bypass graft applications
Authors: Kidane Asmeret G. , Punshon Geoffrey , Salacinski Henryk J. , Ramesh Bala , Dooley Audrey , Olbrich Michael , Heitz Johannes , Hamilton George , Seifalian Alexander M.
Published: July 2006

Gly–Arg–Gly–Asp–Ser (GRGDS) was modified by conjugation to lauric acid (LA) to facilitate incorporation into the matrix of a poly(carbonate‐urea)urethane (PCU) used in vascular bypass grafts. GRGDS and LA‐GRGDS were synthesized using solid phase Fmoc chemistry and characterized by high performance liquid chromatography and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. LA‐GRGDS was passively coated and incorporated as nanoparticle dispersion on the PCU films. Biocompatibility of the modified surfaces was investigated. Endothelial cells seeded on LA‐GRGDS coated and incorporated PCU showed after 48 h and 72 h a significant (p < 0.05) increase in metabolism compared with unmodified PCU. The platelet adhesion and hemolysis studies showed that the modification of PCU had no adverse effect. In conclusion, LA‐conjugated RGD derivatives, such as LA‐GRGDS, that permit solubility into solvents used in solvent casting methodologies should have wide applicability in polymer development for use in coronary, vascular, and dialysis bypass grafts, and furthermore scaffolds utilized for tissue regeneration and tissue engineering. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
Novel nerve guidance material prepared from bovine aponeurosis
Authors: Lin Hang , Chen Bing , Wang Bin , Zhao Yannan , Sun Wenjie , Dai Jianwu
Published: June 2006

Spinal cord injury (SCI) creates an adverse environment for axon regeneration. As a result, the axons at the injury sites begin to be atrophy, retract and lose their functions. Several strategies to promote axon regeneration at the injury site have been tested, but the progress is very limited. One of the major reasons is that the regenerated axons often extend randomly and do not reach the proper place. Fabricating linearly ordered materials as nerve guidance would be important to solve such problems. In this study, a novel type of nerve guidance material was prepared from the bovine aponeurosis, which mainly consisted of ordered collagen fibers. The processed material showed good cell compatibility and low immunogenisity. Moreover, the processed material guided the neurites outgrowth of in vitro cultured cortical neurons along its fibers. The results suggested that the processed aponeurosis would be a proper nerve guidance biomaterial for SCI repair. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
In vitro evaluation of in situ gels as short term vitreous substitutes
Authors: Suri S. , Banerjee R.
Published: July 2006

Dysfunction of the vitreous humor, present in the posterior cavity of the eye, leads to its detachment from the retina and vision loss. In this study, biopolymers were evaluated as in situ gels for short term vitreous substitution. Biophysical characterization revealed that the viscosity of the vitreous was >4000 cP at a shear rate of 0.15/s and it formed a gel with elastic modulus G′ greater than the viscous modulus G″. Biopolymers of gellan and hyaluronic acid (8:2 w/w, 1% concentration) were low viscosity liquids at 37°C and gelation was triggered both by the addition of 0.18 mM CaCl2 as well as ocular temperature, thus making them feasible as in situ gels. Gelation was confirmed by viscoelastic moduli where G′ was greater than G″, similar to the vitreous and unlike that of silicone oil, a common vitreous substitute. The gels had a viscosity >5000 cP at a shear rate of 0.512/s, excellent light transmittance and absence of syneresis. Contact angle studies with water and simulated ocular fluids showed that gellan hyaluronic acid gels had similar wetting properties to that of vitreous with contact angles of 27° ± 1°, 36.7° ± 1.6°, and 33.7° ± 0.5° for water, simulated tear fluid, and simulated aqueous humor, respectively. The results of this study suggest that biopolymers of gellan and hylauronic acid are suitable as in situ gels, have biophysical properties similar to that of the vitreous, and may be promising as alternatives to silicone oil as short‐term vitreous substitutes. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
Caldesmon is a cytoskeletal target for PKC in endothelium
Authors: Bogatcheva Natalia V. , Birukova Anna , Borbiev Talaibek , Kolosova Irina , Liu Feng , Garcia Joe G.N. , Verin Alexander D.
Published: July 2006

We have previously shown that treatment of bovine endothelial cell (EC) monolayers with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) leads to the thinning of cortical actin ring and rearrangement of the cytoskeleton into a grid‐like structure, concomitant with the loss of endothelial barrier function. In the current work, we focused on caldesmon, a cytoskeletal protein, regulating actomyosin interaction. We hypothesized that protein kinase C (PKC) activation by PMA leads to the changes in caldesmon properties such as phosphorylation and cellular localization. We demonstrate here that PMA induces both myosin and caldesmon redistribution from cortical ring into the grid‐like network. However, the initial step of PMA‐induced actin and myosin redistribution is not followed by caldesmon redistribution. Co‐immunoprecipitation experiments revealed that short‐term PMA (5 min) treatment leads to the weakening of caldesmon ability to bind actin and, to the lesser extent, myosin. Prolonged incubation (15–60 min) with PMA, however, strengthens caldesmon complexes with actin and myosin, which correlates with the grid‐like actin network formation. PMA stimulation leads to an immediate increase in caldesmon Ser/Thr phosphorylation. This process occurs at sites distinct from the sites specific for ERK1/2 phosphorylation and correlates with caldesmon dissociation from the actomyosin complex. Inhibition of ERK‐kinase MEK fails to abolish grid‐like structure formation, although reducing PMA‐induced weakening of the cortical actin ring, whereas inhibition of PKC reverses PMA‐induced cytoskeletal rearrangement. Our results suggest that PKC‐dependent phosphorylation of caldesmon is involved in PMA‐mediated complex cytoskeletal changes leading to the EC barrier compromise. J. Cell. Biochem. 99: 1593–1605, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differential effects of imatinib on PDGF‐induced proliferation and PDGF receptor signaling in human arterial and venous smooth muscle cells
Authors: Li Li , Blumenthal Donald K. , Masaki Takahisa , Terry Christi M. , Cheung Alfred K.
Published: June 2006

Platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) has been implicated in smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation, a key event in the development of myointimal hyperplasia in vascular grafts. Recent evidence suggests that the PDGF receptor (PDGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor, imatinib, can prevent arterial proliferative diseases. Because hyperplasia is far more common at the venous anastomosis than the arterial anastomosis in vascular grafts, we investigated whether imatinib also inhibited venous SMC (VSMC) proliferation, and examined possible differences in its mechanism of action between VSMC and arterial SMC (ASMC). Human ASMC and VSMC were stimulated with PDGF‐AB, in the presence or absence of imatinib (0.1–10 µM). Proliferation was assayed using the 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation assay, while PDGFR, Akt and ERK1/2‐mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways were investigated by immunoblotting. The proliferative response to PDGF at 50 and 100 ng/ml was 32 and 43% greater, respectively, in VSMC than in ASMC. Similarly, PDGF‐stimulated proliferation was more sensitive to inhibition by imatinib in VSMC than ASMC (IC50 = 0.05 µM vs. 0.4 µM; P < 0.01). Imatinib also more effectively inhibited PDGF‐induced phosphorylation of PDGFRβ and Akt in VSMC, compared to ASMC. These data highlight inherent pharmacodynamic differences between VSMC and ASMC in receptor and cell signaling functions and suggest that imatinib therapy may be useful for the prevention of venous stenosis in vascular grafts. J. Cell. Biochem. 99: 1553–1563, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anthocyanidins inhibit migration of glioblastoma cells: Structure‐activity relationship and involvement of the plasminolytic system
Authors: Lamy Sylvie , Lafleur René , Bédard Valérie , Moghrabi Albert , Barrette Stéphane , Gingras Denis , Béliveau Richard
Published: July 2006

Complete resection of malignant glioblastomas is usually impossible because of diffuse and widespread invasion of tumor cells, and complementary approaches need to be developed in order to improve the efficacy of current treatments. Consumption of fruits and berries has been associated with decreased risk of developing cancer and there is great interest in the use of molecules from dietary origin to improve anticancer therapies. In this work, we report that the aglycons of the most abundant anthocyanins in fruits, cyanidin (Cy), delphinidin (Dp), and petunidin (Pt), act as potent inhibitors of glioblastoma cell migration. Dp clearly exhibited the highest inhibitory potency, this effect being related to the ortho‐dihydroxyphenyl structure on the B‐ring and the presence of a free hydroxyl group at position 3. Dp decreases the expression of both urokinase‐type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) and the low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein (LRP), acting at the transcriptional levels. In addition, Dp upregulated urokinase‐type plasminogen activator (uPA) and downregulated the plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) but decreased, in a concentration‐dependent manner, the uPA‐dependent conversion of plasminogen to plasmin, indicating that the upregulation of uPA observed with these compounds was not associated with induction of the plasminolytic activity. Overall, these results demonstrate that Dp, Pt, and Cy affect plasminogen activation, thus leading to the inhibition of glioblastoma cell migration and therefore they may be helpful for the development of new strategies for cancer prevention and therapy. J. Cell. Biochem. 100: 100–111, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stress generation in depression: Reflections on origins, research, and future directions
Authors: Hammen Constance
Published: June 2006

Depressed individuals report higher rates of stressful life events, especially those that have occurred in part because of the person's characteristics and behaviors affecting interpersonal interactions. Termed stress generation, this phenomenon draws attention to the role of the individual as an active contributor rather than passive player in his or her environment, and is therefore an example of action theory. In this article, the author speculates about the intellectual origins of her stress generation perspective, and notes somewhat similar transactional approaches to the stress‐disorder link outside of depression research. The literature on stress generation in depression is reviewed, including studies that attempt to explore its correlates and predictors, covering clinical, contextual, family, genetic, cognitive, interpersonal, and personality variables. Empirical and conceptual gaps in our understanding of processes contributing to stressors in the lives of depressed people remain. The author concludes with suggestions for further research, with the goal of furthering understanding both of mechanisms of depression and of dysfunctional interpersonal processes, as well as development of effective interventions to help break the stress‐recurrence cycle of depression. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 62: 1065–1082, 2006.