bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genes and Gene Expression in the Brains of Human Alcoholics
Authors: DODD PETER R. , BUCKLEY S. TRACEY , ECKERT ALLISON L. , FOLEY PHILOMENA F. , INNES DAVID J.
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  Chronic alcohol misuse by human subjects leads to neuronal loss in regions such as the superior frontal cortex (SFC). Propensity to alcoholism is associated with several genes. γ‐Aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptor expression differs between alcoholics and controls, whereas glutamate receptor differences are muted. We determined whether genotype differentiated the regional presentation of GABAA and glutamate‐NMDA (N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate) receptors in SFC. Autopsy tissue was obtained from alcoholics without comorbid disease, alcoholics with liver cirrhosis, and matched controls. ADH1C, DRD2B, EAAT2, and APOE genotypes modulated GABAA‐β subunit protein expression in SFC toward a less‐effective form of the receptor. Most genotypes did not divide alcoholics and controls on glutamate‐NMDA receptor pharmacology, although gender and cirrhosis did. Genotype may affect amino acid transmission locally to influence neuronal vulnerability.
Effects of Methamphetamine on the Cerebellar Cortex
Authors: FERRUCCI MICHELA , BUSCETI CARLA L. , FALLENI ALESSANDRA , GIORGI FILIPPO S. , RUGGIERI STEFANO , FORNAI FRANCESCO
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  Methamphetamine (METH) targets monoamine nerve terminals and produces motor effects, which are related to changes in catecholamine activity within the basal ganglia. Cerebellum plays an important role in motor control, nonetheless only a few studies investigated the effects of METH in this area. In this article, we report preliminary results on protein expression in the cerebellum following METH administration. In particular, we focused on the rate‐limiting catecholamine‐synthesizing enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). By using immunoblotting, we found that METH administration produces a dose‐dependent increase of TH within the cerebellar cortex of mice, which is opposite to the decrease of TH within the striatum. Further investigations are needed in order to determine the time course, the cerebellar regions, the cellular (and subcellular) compartments, and the functional role related to these effects.
Methamphetamine‐Induced Selective Dopaminergic Neurotoxicity Is Accompanied by an Increase in Striatal Nitrate in the Mouse
Authors: ANDERSON KAREN L. , ITZHAK YOSSEF
Published: November 2006

Abstract: Exposure to high doses of methamphetamine (METH), a major drug of abuse, may cause neuronal damage. Previous studies have implicated the role of peroxynitrite, produced by nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species, in dopaminergic neurotoxicity produced by METH in mice. The present article was undertaken to investigate if a neurotoxic regimen of METH is associated with changes in tissue levels of nitrate and nitrite, which are the stable products of NO. Administration of METH (5 mg/kg × 3) to Swiss Webster mice resulted in marked depletion of dopamine (DA) and DA transporter (DAT) binding sites but no change in 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) and 5‐HT transporter (5‐HTT) binding sites in the striatum, amygdala, frontal cortex, and hippocampus, suggesting that METH causes selective neurotoxicity to DA nerve terminals. The concentration of nitrate in the striatum was increased by about two‐fold after METH administration; however, no changes in nitrate concentration were detected in other brain regions that endured dopaminergic neurotoxicity. These findings suggest that (a) a neurotoxic regimen of METH produces selective increase in NO in the striatum, which may generate toxic species such as peroxynitrite, and (b) toxins other than NO‐related derivatives may mediate dopaminergic neurotoxicity in the amygdala and frontal cortex.
No Association between CART (Cocaine‐ and Amphetamine‐Regulated Transcript) Gene and Methamphetamine Dependence
Authors: MORIO A. , UJIKE H. , NOMURA A. , TANAKA Y. , MORITA Y. , OTANI K. , KISHIMOTO M. , HARANO M. , INADA T. , KOMIYAMA T. , YAMADA M. , SEKINE Y. , IWATA N. , IYO M. , SORA I. , OZAKI N. , KURODA S.
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  Cocaine‐ and amphetamine‐regulated transcript (CART) was originally discovered as a peptide that increased in the rat striatum after injection of a psychostimulant drug, such as cocaine or amphetamine, and is suggested to play potential roles in drug dependence. We tested the genetic association between the CART gene and methamphetamine (METH) dependence and/or psychosis. The subjects were 203 patients with METH dependence and 239 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the CART gene, −156A>G and IVS1 + 224G>A, were examined
. There were no significant differences in genotype and allele distributions of the polymorphisms between patients with METH dependence and/or psychosis and controls. Neither were significant differences in subgroups of clinical phenotypes, for example, age at first consumption of METH, latency to onset of psychotic symptoms after the first consumption of METH, prognosis of psychosis after therapy, complication of spontaneous relapse to a psychotic state, or multisubstance abuse status, observed. The present findings suggest that the CART gene may not play a pivotal role in the development of METH dependence and psychosis, at least in a Japanese population.
Differential Effects of Donepezil on Methamphetamine and Cocaine Dependencies
Authors: TAKAMATSU YUKIO , YAMANISHI YOSHIHARU , HAGINO YOKO , YAMAMOTO HIDEKO , IKEDA KAZUTAKA
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  Donepezil, a choline esterase inhibitor, has been widely used as a medicine for Alzheimer's disease. Recently, a study showed that donepezil inhibited addictive behaviors induced by cocaine, including cocaine‐conditioned place preference (CPP) and locomotor sensitization to cocaine. In the present study, we investigated the effects of donepezil on methamphetamine (METH)‐induced behavioral changes in mice. In counterbalanced CPP tests, the intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of 3 mg/kg donepezil prior to 2 mg/kg METH i.p. failed to inhibit METH CPP, whereas pretreatment with 3 mg/kg donepezil abolished the CPP for cocaine (10 mg/kg, i.p.). Similarly, in locomotor sensitization experiments, i.p. administration of 1 mg/kg donepezil prior to 2 mg/kg METH i.p. failed to inhibit locomotor sensitivity to METH, whereas pretreatment with 1 mg/kg donepezil significantly inhibited locomotor sensitivity to cocaine (10 mg/kg, i.p.). These results suggest that donepezil may be a useful tool for treating cocaine dependence but not for treating METH dependence. The differences in the donepezil effects on addictive behaviors induced by METH and cocaine might be due to differences in the involvement of acetylcholine in the mechanisms of METH and cocaine dependencies.
Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity and Water Maze Learning in Cocaine Self‐Administered Rats
Authors: DEL OLMO N. , HIGUERA‐MATAS A. , MIGUÉNS M. , GARCÍA‐LECUMBERRI C. , BORCEL E. , SOLÍS J.M. , AMBROSIO E.
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  Previously, we have shown that long‐term potentiation (LTP) in hippocampus of Lewis rats was significantly modulated by cocaine self‐administration. Using a single train of high‐frequency stimulation of 100 Hz for 1s (HFS), we found an enhancement of LTP after cocaine self‐administration that was maintained even during the extinction of this behavior. However, the effects of cocaine self‐administration on a hippocampal‐dependent spatial learning task were unknown. Therefore, in the present study our first objective was to analyze if cocaine self‐administration might affect the performance in a hippocampus‐dependent task, such as the Morris water maze test. Male adult Lewis (LEW) rats self‐administered cocaine (1 mg/kg/injection) or saline (0.9% NaCl) for 3 weeks. Three hours after finishing the last self‐administration session, animals were submitted to Morris water maze training for 3 consecutives days. A memory test was carried out 24 h after the last training session. No significant differences were found in escape latencies and time spent in the quadrant where the platform was located during training. Given that we did not find any cocaine effect on this spatial learning task, our second objective was to estimate indirectly if brain cocaine levels have failed to modulate LTP in animals that were performing the water maze trials. To this end, we tested if cocaine application to hippocampal slices of naïve subjects was able to evoke LTP. The results indicated that cocaine produced an enhanced LTP in these hippocampal slices. Taking together, the results of the present study suggest that hippocampal LTP‐like processes generated after cocaine self‐administration are not related to spatial learning hippocampal‐dependent tasks, such as the water maze test.
Persistent and Reversible Morphine Withdrawal‐Induced Morphological Changes in the Nucleus Accumbens
Authors: DIANA MARCO , SPIGA SATURNINO , ACQUAS ELIO
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  Morphine withdrawal produces a hypofunction of mesencephalic dopamine (DA) neurons which impinge upon medium spiny neurons (MSN) of the forebrain. After chronic treatment rats were either spontaneously or pharmacologically withdrawn from chronic morphine: under these two distinct conditions we studied the effects of withdrawal on spine density of MSN of the core and shell of the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) at various times (1–3–7–14 days). MSN were stained with the Golgi–Cox procedure and analyzed by a confocal laser‐scanning microscope. Our analysis shows that both spontaneous and naloxone‐induced withdrawal produces a long‐lasting but reversible reduction in spines' density in shell MSN, as compared with core MSN. This effect is selectively localized at the level of second‐order dendritic trunks and persists up to 14 days when spine density was found within control (pretreatment) values. By contrast, spine density counts of NAcc MSN from rats chronically treated with morphine, did not reveal any change over time. Collectively, the results of the present article suggest that spontaneous and pharmacologically precipitated withdrawal, but not chronic morphine, persistently but reversibly reduce spines' density under a condition of reduced mesolimbic DA transmission, and the reduction of spines' density in second‐order dendritic trunks is selectively segregated in the MSN of the shell of the NAcc. Morphine withdrawal dramatically, lastingly, and reversibly reduces spine density, selectively in second‐order dendritic trunks of NAcc shell MSN, thereby further impoverishing the already abated DA transmission. These results may be relevant in the most harmful consequences of drug addiction such as craving and loss of control over intake and are in line with recent views suggesting the hypodopaminergic state as a cardinal feature of drug dependence.
Discovery of the Presence and Functional Expression of Cannabinoid CB2 Receptors in Brain
Authors: ONAIVI EMMANUEL S. , ISHIGURO HIROKI , GONG JIAN‐PING , PATEL SEJAL , PERCHUK ALEX , MEOZZI PAUL A. , MYERS LESTER , MORA ZOILA , TAGLIAFERRO PATRICIA , GARDNER EILEEN , BRUSCO ALICIA , AKINSHOLA BABATUNDE E. , LIU QING‐RONG , HOPE BRUCE , IWASAKI SHINYA , ARINAMI TADAO , TEASENFITZ LINDSEY , UHL GEORGE R.
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  Two well‐characterized cannabinoid receptors (CBrs), CB1 and CB2, mediate the effects of cannabinoids and marijuana use, with functional evidence for other CBrs. CB1 receptors are expressed primarily in brain and peripheral tissues. For over a decade several laboratories were unable to detect CB2 receptors in brain and were known to be intensely expressed in peripheral and immune tissues and have traditionally been referred to as peripheral CB2 CBrs. We have reported the discovery and functional presence of CB2 cannabinoid receptors in mammalian brain that may be involved in depression and drug abuse and this was supported by reports of identification of neuronal CB2 receptors that are involved in emesis. We used RT‐PCR, immunoblotting, hippocampal cultures, immunohistochemistry, transmission electron microscopy, and stereotaxic techniques with behavioral assays to determine the functional expression of CB2 CBrs in rat brain and mice brain exposed to chronic mild stress (CMS) or those treated with abused drugs. RT‐PCR analyses supported the expression of brain CB2 receptor transcripts at levels much lower than those of CB1 receptors. In situ hybridization revealed CB2 mRNA in cerebellar neurons of wild‐type but not of CB2 knockout mice. Abundant CB2 receptor immunoreactivity (iCB2) in neuronal and glial processes was detected in brain and CB2 expression was detected in neuron‐specific enolase (NSE) positive hippocampal cell cultures. The effect of direct CB2 antisense oligonucleotide injection into the brain and treatment with JWH015 in motor function and plus‐maze tests also demonstrated the functional presence of CB2 cannabinoid receptors in the central nervous system (CNS). Thus, contrary to the prevailing view that CB2 CBrs are restricted to peripheral tissues and predominantly in immune cells, we demonstrated that CB2 CBrs and their gene transcripts are widely distributed in the brain. This multifocal expression of CB2 immunoreactivity in brain suggests that CB2 receptors may play broader roles in the brain than previously anticipated and may be exploited as new targets in the treatment of depression and substance abuse.
Effects of Prenatal Exposure to Methamphetamine on the Development of the Rat Retina
Authors: MELO PEDRO , RODRIGUES LORENA G. , SILVA M. CAROLINA , TAVARES MARIA AMÉLIA
Published: November 2006

Abstract: In recent years there has been growing use of methamphetamine (METH) by pregnant women, resulting in an increasing number of children exposed prenatally to this drug of abuse. METH is known to be potentially neurotoxic to human adults, but there is minimal information with respect to the consequences of such exposure to the fetus. The purpose of this study was to ascertain external parameters of animal development, as well as neurochemical and immunohistochemical alterations at three key points of retinal development (postnatal day [PND] 7, 14, and 30). Rats of the Wistar strain were used in this experimental model. Pregnant females received a dose of 5 mg/kg body weight per day of METH‐HCl in 0.9% saline, from gestational day (GD) 8 to 22. The control group to be used was pair fed and saline injected. Litters were randomly culled at PND 1 to 8 pups. Analysis of maternal body weight gain during pregnancy showed that females treated with METH had lower body weights than control‐treated females. The body weight on PND 1, showed that animals treated with METH prenatally had smaller body weights than the control‐treated animals and also that females weighed less than males. Prenatal exposure to METH did not alter the retinal levels of 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) in the male group and the level of dopamine (DA) in both female and male groups when compared with their respective pair fed control groups during the first month of life. Correlating with the neurochemical data, no obvious changes on the localization of TH immunoreactivity in the rat retina at PND 7, 14, and 30 could be detected between control and METH‐treated animals. Thus, exposure to METH disrupted this pattern in a gender‐dependent manner. These data confirm previous observation that developing rats are protected against the adult type of METH‐induced neurotoxicity. Therefore, conventional markers used for adult animals appear to be unsatisfactory to demarcate boundaries of the PND 1 to 30 critical periods.
MDMA in Adolescent Male Rats
Authors: FARIA RAQUEL , MAGALHÃES ANA , MONTEIRO PEDRO R.R. , GOMES‐DA‐SILVA JOANA , AMÉLIA TAVARES MARIA , SUMMAVIELLE TERESA
Published: November 2006

Abstract: Long‐term behavioral consequences of the neurotoxicity produced by 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in the adolescent rat are still mostly unknown. Here, adolescent male rats (postnatal day 45 PND [45]) were exposed to 10 mg/kg of MDMA, intraperitoneally, every 2 h for 6 h. Controls were given 0.9% saline in the same protocol. Ten days after exposure, the behavioral effects of MDMA were assessed in the elevated plus‐maze (n= 6 per group). After behavioral testing, animals were sacrificed and the amygdalae were dissected and processed for HPLC determination of dopamine (DA), serotonin (5‐HT), and metabolites. Results showed a significant decrease in the 5‐HT content (P< 0.05), but no significant alterations in DA or its metabolites. Behavioral observation in the elevated plus‐maze showed a decreased number of entries in the unprotected arms (P< 0.05), which were correlated to the number of entries and time spent in the central platform. Rearing was also decreased (P< 0.05). No differences were observed in head dips, grooming, or number of entries in the protected arms of the apparatus. Therefore, we conclude that, as in the adult rat, exposure to MDMA in the adolescent rat is associated to long‐term depletion of the 5‐HT content and increased anxiety‐like behavior.
Balance between Dopamine and Serotonin Release Modulates Behavioral Effects of Amphetamine‐Type Drugs
Authors: ROTHMAN RICHARD B. , BAUMANN MICHAEL H.
Published: November 2006

Abstract: The abuse of illicit stimulants is a worldwide crisis, yet few medicines are available for treating stimulant addiction. We have advocated the idea of “agonist therapy” for cocaine dependence. This strategy involves administration of stimulant‐like medications (e.g., monoamine releasers) to alleviate cocaine withdrawal symptoms and prevent relapse. A chief limitation of this strategy is that many candidate medicines possess high abuse liability due to activation of mesolimbic dopamine (DA) neurons in reward pathways. Evidence suggests that serotonin (5‐HT) neurons can provide an inhibitory influence over mesolimbic DA neurons. Thus, it might be predicted that the balance between DA and 5‐HT transmission is a critical variable when developing medications with reduced stimulant side effects. In this article, we review recent studies from our laboratory that examined neurochemical and behavioral effects of a series of monoamine releasers which displayed different potencies at DA and 5‐HT transporters. The data show that increasing 5‐HT release can attenuate stimulant effects mediated by DA release, such as motor stimulation and drug self‐administration. Our findings support the work of others and indicate that elevated synaptic 5‐HT can dampen certain behavioral effects of DA‐releasing agents. Moreover, the relationship between DA and 5‐HT releasing potency is an important determinant in developing new agonist medications with reduced stimulant properties.
ER vesicles and mitochondria move and communicate at synapses
Authors: Mironov Sergej L. , Symonchuk Natalya
Published: November 2006

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria are multifunctional cell organelles and their involvement in Ca2+ handling is important in various neural activities. In the respiratory neurons, we observed ER as continuous reticulum in the soma and as isolated vesicles in dendrites. The vesicles moved bidirectionally with intermittent stops and decreased their velocity near exocytotic sites. ER vesicles and mitochondria that resided in these regions changed lumenal Ca2+ and mitochondrial potential in concert with synaptic activity. Ca2+ release from ER or mitochondria evoked exocytosis. ER vesicles and mitochondria bidirectionally exchanged Ca2+, the efficacy of which depended on the distance between organelles. Depolarisation-evoked exocytosis had different kinetics, depending on whether functional ER vesicles and mitochondria were present in perisynaptic regions and able to exchange Ca2+ or only one organelle type was available. Transfer of Ca2+ from ER to mitochondria produced long-lasting elevations of residual Ca2+ that increased the duration of exocytosis. In slice preparations, synaptic currents in inspiratory neurons were suppressed after disengagement of ER vesicles and mitochondria, and the activity was potentiated after stimulation of Ca2+ exchange between the organelles. We propose that communication between perisynaptic ER vesicles and mitochondria can shape intracellular Ca2+ signals and modulate synaptic and integrative neural activities.
Characterization of the Rab8-specific membrane traffic route linked to protrusion formation
Authors: Hattula Katarina , Furuhjelm Johanna , Tikkanen Jaana , Tanhuanpää Kimmo , Laakkonen Pirjo , Peränen Johan
Published: November 2006

Rab8 has a drastic effect on cell shape, but the membrane trafficking route it regulates is poorly defined. Here, we show that endogenous and ectopically expressed Rab8 is associated with macropinosomes generated at ruffling membrane domains. These macropinosomes fuse or transform into tubules that move toward the cell center, from where they are recycled back to the leading edge. The biogenesis of these tubules is dependent on actin and microtubular dynamics. Expression of dominant-negative Rab8 mutants or depletion of Rab8 by RNA interference inhibit protrusion formation, but promote cell-cell adhesion and actin stress fiber formation, whereas expression of the constitutively active Rab8-Q67L has the opposite effect. Rab8 localization overlaps with both Rab11 and Arf6, and is functionally linked to Arf6. We also demonstrate that Rab8 activity is needed for the transport of transferrin and the transferrin receptor to the pericentriolar region and to cell protrusions, and that Rab8 controls the traffic of cholera toxin B to the Golgi compartment. Finally, Rab8 colocalizes and binds specifically to a synaptotagmin-like protein (Slp1/JFC1), which is involved in controlling Rab8 membrane dynamics. We propose that Rab8 regulates a membrane-recycling pathway that mediates protrusion formation.
Convergence ofIgf2expression and adhesion signalling via RhoA and p38 MAPK enhances myogenic differentiation
Authors: Lovett Fiona A. , Gonzalez Ivelisse , Salih Dervis A. M. , Cobb Laura J. , Tripathi Gyanendra , Cosgrove Ruth A. , Murrell Adele , Kilshaw Peter J. , Pell Jennifer M.
Published: November 2006

Cell-cell contact is essential for appropriate co-ordination of development and it initiates significant signalling events. During myogenesis, committed myoblasts migrate to sites of muscle formation, align and form adhesive contacts that instigate cell-cycle exit and terminal differentiation into multinucleated myotubes; thus myogenesis is an excellent paradigm for the investigation of signals derived from cell-cell contact. PI3-K and p38 MAPK are both essential for successful myogenesis. Pro-myogenic growth factors such as IGF-II activate PI3-K via receptor tyrosine kinases but the extracellular cues and upstream intermediates required for activation of the p38 MAPK pathway in myoblast differentiation are not known. Initial observations suggested a correlation between p38 MAPK phosphorylation and cell density, which was also related to N-cadherin levels and Igf2 expression. Subsequent studies using N-cadherin ligand, dominant-negative N-cadherin, constitutively active and dominant-negative forms of RhoA, and MKK6 and p38 constructs, reveal a novel pathway in differentiating myoblasts that links cell-cell adhesion via N-cadherin to Igf2 expression (assessed using northern and promoter-reporter analyses) via RhoA and p38α and/or β but not γ. We thus define a regulatory mechanism for p38 activation that relates cell-cell-derived adhesion signalling to the synthesis of the major fetal growth factor, IGF-II.
Annealing Effect of Cermet Membranes on Hydrogen Permeability
Authors: Song Sun-Ju , Wachsman Eric D , Lee Tae H , Chen Ling , Dorris Stephen E , Balachandran U (Balu)
Published: November 2006

Ni–SrCe0.8Yb0.2O3−δ cermet membranes are being developed to separate hydrogen from hydrogen-containing gas mixtures at high temperature. The hydrogen flux of an annealed membrane showed higher flux than that of an as-sintered membrane. The major contribution to overall flux was from ambipolar diffusion through the metal-to-oxide grain boundary. The higher hydrogen permeation flux of an annealed membrane may be understood by its larger metal grains and lower tortuosity, leading to a less-effective length for proton diffusion.
Preparation of Phenyl-modified Siloxane Glasses with Softening Temperature Controlled by Rapid Heat Treatment (RHT)
Authors: Kuniyoshi Minoru , Takahashi Masahide , Tokuda Yomei , Yoko Toshinobu
Published: November 2006

Thermosoftening phenylpolysiloxane glasses with controlled softening temperature have been obtained by a heat treatment at temperatures close to the decomposition temperature of organic component for several minutes, which we call a rapid heat treatment (RHT). Precursor glasses for RHT should be silanol-free, which were prepared by polycondensation of fully hydrolyzed small oligomers. The softening temperature (Ts) and weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of the obtained glasses could be controlled by the RHT at 400–500 °C for 5 min. The decrease of the molecular weight through the rearrangement of siloxane network was responsible for a decrease of the softening temperature by RHT.
Solvothermal Fabrication of Monodisperse Zinc-blende CdS Nanocrystals
Authors: Chen Ming , Pan Lijia , Cao Jieming , Zheng Mingbo , Chen Yongping , Cao Yulin , Zhang Haiqian
Published: November 2006

Nearly monodisperse CdS semiconductor nanocrystals have been successfully fabricated by a simple solvothermal route using cheap and low-cost normal inorganic compounds as precursors. The reaction temperature is demonstrated to be critical for the fabrication of the monodisperse nanocrystals. The nanocrystals were characterized by XRD, TEM, UV–vis absorption and photoluminescence spectra. Without involving special conditions, this method can be expected to make considerable contribution to the fabrication of various nanocrystals and nanocrystals-related research.
Enhancement of the Photocatalytic Reactivity of Unique Rectangular Column-structured TiO2 Photocatalysts by Incorporating Nanosized Metal Particles
Authors: Kudo Takeshi , Kudo Yuko , Hasegawa Akira , Anpo Masakazu
Published: November 2006

Highly efficient rectangular column-structured TiO2 photocatalysts have been developed by loading various metal nanoparticles on TiO2, such as copper (Cu/TiO2) or platinum (Pt/TiO2), by a photodeposition method. It was observed that with a Cu-loaded Cu/TiO2 photocatalyst, there was less decrease in the photocatalytic activity due to the poisoning of the photo-formed inorganics than with unloaded TiO2 catalysts.
A Novel Transmetallation of Triarylstibanes into Arylboronate: Boro-induced Ipso-deantimonation and Its Theoretical Calculation
Authors: Yasuike Shuji , Nakata Kazuhide , Qin Weiwei , Kaji Toshiyuki , Kurita Jyoji
Published: November 2006

Treatment of triarylstibanes with boron trichloride followed by derivatization with methanol and 1,3-propanediol afforded arylboronates in good yield with all three aryl groups on the antimony being utilized. Theoretical calculation of the reaction pathway revealed that the transformation proceeds through boro-induced ipso-deantimonation and the reactivity of Ph3M (M = P, As, Sb, and Bi) should be governed by the stability of the corresponding cations Ar2M+.
Electrochemical Evaluation of the Structural Difference in Azurins-1 and -2 from Alcaligenes xylosoxidans GIFU 1051 in Aqueous Solution Using Self-assembled Monolayers of Optically Active CoIII Complexes
Authors: Takahashi Isao , Inomata Tomohiko , Funahashi Yasuhiro , Ozawa Tomohiro , Masuda Hideki
Published: November 2006

Two types of azurins (azurins-1 and -2), derived from Alcaligenes xylosoxidans GIFU 1051, were first discriminated electrochemically using Au electrode modified with the optically active CoIII complexes with (S)-/(R)-phenylalanine derivatives. They indicated the different redox behaviors induced by small difference in the structural environment around type-1 Cu.
Long‐term results of treatment for glomus jugulare and glomus vagale tumors with radiotherapy
Authors: Cole James M. , Beiler David
Published: November 2006

Since 1954, 39 cases of glomus jugulare or vagale tumor have been treated by the authors with radiotherapy. The initial results with orthovoltage (280 kV) therapy were unpredictable, but 30 patients with 32 tumors treated with megavoltage radiotherapy (Cobalt‐60 [60Co] or linear accelerator) have shown either no evidence of recurrence or complications, with one exception, or died of causes unrelated to their glomus tumor. Megavoltage radiotherapy is recommended for primary treatment of all glomus tumors that present with evidence of bone invasion or nerve involvement.
External beam irradiation alone or combined with neck dissection for base of tongue carcinoma: An alternative to primary surgery
Authors: Hinerman Russell W. , Parsons James T. , Mendenhall William M. , Million Rodney R. , Stringer Scott P. , Cassisi Nicholas J.
Published: November 2006

From 1964 to 1990, 134 patients were treated at the University of Florida with continuous‐course external beam irradiation, alone or followed by a planned neck dissection, for T1 (n = 17), T2 (n = 47), T3 (n = 49), or T4 (n = 21) carcinoma of the base of tongue.

The 5‐year rate of local control was 90% for stage T1, 92% for T2, 73% for T3, and 35% for T4. Probability of control above the clavicles at 5 years according to modified American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage was 100% for stages I and II, 75% for stage III, 84% for stage IVa, and 52% for stage IVb. Probability of relapse‐free survival at 5 years was 100% for stages I and II, 68% for stage III, 81% for stage IVa, and 37% for stage IVb. Severe complications occurred in 2% of patients.

Compared with surgical resection of the primary tumor, external beam radiotherapy results in similar rates of local control and survival with a lower risk of severe complications.
Hypericin uptake in rabbits and nude mice transplanted with human squamous cell carcinomas: Study of a new sensitizer for laser phototherapy
Authors: Chung Phil‐Sang , Rhee Chung‐Ku , Saxton Romaine E. , Castro Dan J. , Paiva Marcos B. , Soudant Jacques , Mathey Annick , Foote Christopher
Published: November 2006

Tissue uptake and biodistribution of hypericin was measured in rabbits and in nu/nu mice xenografted with P3 human squamous cell carcinoma to assess the value of this dye as an in vivo sensitizer for laser photoinactivation of solid tumors. Hypericin has absorption maxima at 545 and 590 nm with a fluorescence emission peak at 640 nm in ethanol. Dye uptake after intravenous injection was tested at 4 and 24 hours in rabbit tissues by ethanol extraction and quantitative fluorescence spectrophotometry. Maximum dye levels were seen at 4 hours in most vascular organs with lung having fivefold higher uptake than spleen followed by liver, blood, and kidney. Mice were examined after 2, 4, 6, 8, and 24 hours and after 3 and 7 days for dye uptake. The peak concentration of hypericin in murine organs was reached at 4 hours with uptake per gram of tissue as follows: lung>spleen>liver>blood>kidney>heart>gut>tumor>stomach>skin>muscle>brain. Elimination of hypericin was rapid in most murine organs with residual dye under 10% of maximum by 7 days compared to 25% to 30% retention for the squamous cell tumors and several normal tissues. These results suggest that hypericin may be a useful photosensitizer for KTP/532 laser interstitial therapy of human cancer.
Mucociliary activity and ultrastructural abnormalities of regenerated sinus mucosa in rabbits
Authors: Min Yang‐Gi , Kim Ic‐Tae , Park Sang‐Hoo
Published: November 2006

The purpose of this study was to observe histologic findings in the regenerated maxillary sinus mucosa and restoration of ciliary activity by measuring the speed of mucociliary transport after complete surgical removal of the maxillary sinus mucosa. The maxillary sinuses of 32 rabbits were opened anteriorly and one side of the sinus mucosa of each animal was completely removed. In 16 animals, the natural ostia were widened, and, in another 16 animals, the natural ostia were left undisturbed. The contralateral, sham‐operated sinus was used as a control for each animal.

The animals of each group were reanesthetized and the maxillary sinuses were reopened at planned intervals. The speed of mucociliary transport toward the maxillary ostium, determined by India ink particle movement, was reduced to 6.4 mm/min, whereas it was 10.8 mm/min in the control side. Beating cilia were observed in 16% by dark‐field microscopy, in contrast to 66% in the control sinus. Pseudostratified columnar epithelia without cilia were present in 12%, with the remaining consisting of pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelia (88%). Light microscopic examination showed increase in submucosal fibrotic proliferation, decrease in submucosal glands, and infiltration of inflammatory cells. Under transmission electron microscopy, abnormal cilia such as compound cilia or edematous cilia were frequently found in the regenerated specimens. These observations suggest that mucociliary clearance of the regenerated sinus mucosa may be significantly diminished compared with that of the original mucosa.
Total conservative parotidectomy for primary benign pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland: A 25‐year experience with 229 patients
Authors: Laccourreye Henri , Laccourreye Ollivier , Cauchois Régis , Jouffre Véronique , Ménard Madeleine , Brasnu Daniel
Published: November 2006

A 25‐year experience with total conservative parotidectomy for primary benign pleomorphic adenoma (PBPA) of the parotid gland in a consecutive series of 229 patients has been reviewed. This study focuses on survival, morbidity, PBPA recurrence, postoperative facial nerve dysfunction, and Frey's syndrome. Surgical death was never encountered in this study. The overall incidence for postoperative hemorrhage, hematoma, seroma, skin necrosis, great auricular nerve schwannoma, and keloid scar was 1.7%, 6.1%, 4.8%, 0.9%, 15.7%, and 8.3%, respectively. Five‐, 10‐, 15‐, and 20‐year PBPA control actuarial rate was 99.6%. The overall incidence for temporary facial paresis and paralysis was 64.6% and 5.6%, respectively. Kaplan‐Meier actuarial analysis demonstrated that paresis recovery was noted until the eighteenth postoperative month. The overall incidence for permanent facial paresis and paralysis was 3.9% and 0%, respectively. None of the following variables—sex, age, PBPA size, PBPA location, PBPA contact with the facial nerve, inadvertent PBPA spillage, or surgeon's experience— was statistically related to PBPA recurrence and facial nerve dysfunction. The overall incidence for Frey's syndrome was 65.9%. Kaplan‐Meier actuarial analysis demonstrated the need for a minimal 5‐year follow‐up to assess Frey's syndrome incidence. The mean age was statistically lower in patients presenting with Frey's syndrome.
The State of US Emergency Care: A Call to Action for Hospital Pharmacists
Authors: Idrees Umbreen , Clements Elizabeth
Published: November 2006

The recent publication of the Institute of Medicine/Board on Health Care Services reports on the future of emergency care in the US health system has identified the main limitations of the care provided by emergency departments (EDs). Increased development of ED pharmacy services and increased involvement of pharmacists in the ED can contribute to improvements in shortcomings identified in the report. Pharmacy training programs must take the initiative to incorporate emergency care into their curricula to meet the predicted increase in demand for ED pharmacists. Pharmacy associations, administrators, and ED practitioners must direct research on the impact of the pharmacist in the ED.
Optical data storage in LC cells
Authors: Sutkowski M. , Grudniewski T. , Zmijan R. , Parka J. , Nowinowski-Kruszelnicki E.
Published: November 2006

Liquid crystal devices as a medium for holograms storage have been investigated. Long term memory effects in LC cells have been observed. Experiments proved that certain combination of insulating alignment layers has a major influence on the long term memory effect. Optimal liquid crystal cell construction allows us to achieve sufficient diffraction efficiency to record holographic patterns and to develop a re-writable holographic medium. The configuration of PVK and polyimide layers in LC cell construction with specific LC mixture was tested. The method of permanent and re-writable recording of optical data (holographic pattern) onto LC cells was achieved. However, the method of erasing recorded data was realized but mechanisms of this phenomenon are not clearly understood yet.
Hydrotropic and surfactant properties of novel diisopropyl naphthalene sulfonates
Authors: Burns Robert L. , Duliba Edward P.
Published: November 2006

A novel surfactant and hydrotrope, sodium diisopropylnaphthalene sulfonate (SDIPNS) has been developed. It contains about 92% diisopropylnaphthalene sulfonate, compared to other materials which are less than 50% diisopropylnaphthalene sulfonate. Aqueous solutions of 34–36% active SDIPNS have dual functionality. They have excellent surface properties and are compatible with conventional anionic, nonionic, and amphoteric surfactants. They demonstrate good laundering detergency in combination with sodium lauryl ethoxy sulfate, with or without builder. They maintain surface activity in 150 ppm hard water (Ca2+/Mg2+=2∶1), 5% NaCl, pH 2, and pH 12. They are effective hydrotropes. They enhance surfactant solubility, raise the cloud point of nonionic surfactants, and modify the viscosity of surfactant formulations. They are light in color and are low‐foaming.
Nonionic cleavable ortho ester surfactants
Authors: Hellberg Per‐Erik , Bergström Karin , Juberg Malin
Published: November 2006

A new class of cleavable surfactants based on the ortho ester link is described. Ortho ester surfactants were synthesized from a short‐chain ortho ester, a fatty alcohol, and a poly(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether. The triple functionality of the ortho ester link results in a mixture of surface‐active and nonsurface‐active species. Structures were confirmed by 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance. Hydrolysis characteristics at pH values ranging from 2 to 8 were determined. It was shown that, after a steep rise, hydrolysis curves flattened out before complete hydrolysis was reached. Ortho ester surfactants hydrolyze more rapidly than corresponding acetal surfactants. Hydrolysis rates are higher for purified samples and at higher temeprature, while plateau levels are higher for the purified surfactant mixtures and at lower pH. The origin of these results is discussed. Data also indicate that the hydrolysis mechanism changes with pH. A test of the loss of emulsification capacity for an ortho ester surfactant with time at pH values from 2 to 11.5 and at 22 or 50°C was carried out, showing rapid breaking of the emulsion at mild acid conditions and a requirement of pH≥10 for long‐term stability. Surface tension and critical micelle concentration were determined for some of the surfactant mixtures. It was demonstrated that ortho ester surfactants possess excellent biodegradation properties. The new surfactants are promising candidates for use in industrial processes where temporary surfactant action is required.
Optimization of the enzymatic esterification of diglycerol and lauric acid
Authors: García Eva , Ferrari Flavio , García Tomás , Martínez Mercedes , Aracil José
Published: November 2006

In recent years, a number of industrial applications for lipases in biotransformation of fatty acids and lipids have been developed. One of the main reasons for this growing interest is the reduced overall catalyst cost owing to the development of commercially available immobilized enzymes, using polymeric carriers that facilitate recovery and reuse of the catalyst. Additional benefits for industrial applications include the specificity of the enzyme and the mild processing conditions. Diglycerol resulting from the dimerization of glycerol may replace molecules such as propylene glycol as the hydrophilic moiety of surfactants. Also, diglycerol fatty acid esters are useful as biodegradable nonionic surfactants for food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. In this study, the enzymatic esterification of diglycerol and lauric acid has been optimized in a solvent‐free system. The reaction was carried out in a stirred batch reactor with a vacuum pump in order to shift the equilibrium toward the products. The commercial lipase Novozym‐435 was chosen as the most suitable catalyst, and the initial acid/alcohol ratio was always 1∶1. The reaction of lauric acid and diglycerol leveled off at equilibrium conversion after approximately 1 h of reaction. Previous work indicated that only temperature and catalyst concentration had significant effects on the conversion, and a full two‐factorial design has proved effective in the study of the influence of these two variables on the process. The temperature range studied was 63–77°C, and the range of the catalyst concentration was 0.2–5.8 wt%. Both catalyst concentration and temperature were found to be significant factors in the esterification process, and their influences are positive. The effect of the interaction between temperature and catalyst concentration was small. A first‐order approach could not fit the data adequately, and a model that included quadratic effects was required. A second‐order model was developed to predict the yield of ester as a function of the variables. Analysis of residuals showed that the model predicted accurately the acid conversion over the experimental range considered. This model is useful to determine the optimal operating conditions for the industrial process.
Relative rates of sulfonation of linear and branched long‐chain alkylbenzenes
Authors: Ward Robert S. , Diaper Richard L. , Roberts David W.
Published: November 2006

Relative rates of sulfonation of a series of 1‐phenylalkanes and isomeric branched‐chain alkylbenzenes by gaseous SO3 have been determined. It has been shown that the composition of the mixture undergoing sulfonation has an important bearing on the actual relative rate constant (krel) values obtained. This is taken as evidence for the involvement of pyrosulfonic acids as the actual sulfonating species involved in the sulfonation reaction. Consistent krel values have been obtained by using an “active solvent” in 10‐fold excess as the sulfonating medium. Whereas the branched‐chain isomers show very little variation in their rates of sulfonation, the rates of sulfonation of the 1‐phenylalkanes increase as the length of the alkyl chain decreases.
Determination of critical micelle concentration (CMC) of nonionic surfactants by donor‐acceptor interaction with lodine and correlation of CMC with hydrophile‐lipophile balance and other parameters of the surfactants
Authors: Hait Samik Kumar , Moulik Satya Priya
Published: November 2006

The nonionic surfactants form donor‐acceptor complexes with iodine in aqueous medium. The spectral absorption and the shift in the λmax of l2 upon complexation have been exploited to determine the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of Tweens, Brijs, and Triton X‐100. The CMC values obtained closely agree with those determined by other methods, including measurements of static surface tension, differential refractive index, and iodine solubilization. The spectral characteristics of the complex salt Kl3 can be utilized as well to derive similar information. The CMC and the spectral shift can be correlated with the weight fraction of the polyoxyethylene groups and the hydrophile‐lipophile balance (HLB) in various ways, with the parameters in these relationships depending on the series to which the surfactant belong. Because both CMC and HLB depend on temperature, the results and the relations obtained are temperature‐dependent; those presented are with reference to 298 K.
Differences between alkyl polyglucosides of natural alcohol and oxo‐alcohol
Authors: Zhang Jian , Xie Ke‐chang , Dai Xi‐hai , Zhang Gao‐yong
Published: November 2006

This paper describes the differences between alkyl polyglucosides (APG) of natural alcohol and oxo‐alcohol. The same reaction rate was observed for the one‐step synthesis of APG from branched alcohols and from linear alcohols. Biodegradation studies showed that the primary biodegradability value of natural C8–10APG was slightly higher than for oxo‐C10–11APG, and there was no significant difference between oxo‐C12–13APG and C12–14APG. The primary biodegradability value of oxo‐C14–15APG was lower than the four APG already named. The goal of this study of the physicochemical properties of these APG of natural alcohol and oxo‐alcohol was to evaluate their differences. Diversification of APG selection will help improve its physicochemical properties and expand its application fields. The results are that the wetting abilities of oxo‐C10–11APG and oxo‐C12–13APG are better than the natural alcohol C8–10APG and C12–14APG, whereas the foamabilities of oxo‐C10–11APG and oxo‐C12–13APG are worse than those for natural C8–10APG and C12–14APG. There are no real differences in surface tension and detergency between APG of natural alcohol and oxo‐alcohol.
Synergism in mixed monolayers of alkylpolyglucoside and alkylsorbitan surfactants at liquid/liquid interface
Authors: Cinteza Otilia , Dudau Manuela
Published: November 2006

A study of nonideal behavior in the formation of mixed monolayers at the oil‐water interface was performed for a nonionic‐nonionic surfactant system. Mixtures containing alkylpolyglucoside and alkylsorbitan derivatives were investigated. As the oily phase, colza‐rapeseed and olive oils were used. To evidence a synergetic effect in the interfacial tension reduction in the oil‐water‐surfactant‐cosurfactant system, the model based on the regular solution theory was modified for the case of both surfactants being soluble in the water as well as in the oily phase. For determination of the condition for the synergism and the point of the maximum synergetic effect, the molar fraction in the mixed monolayer Xs and the interaction parameter βs were calculated, using experimental data for the interfacial tension and for the partition coefficient. A set of general equations was developed, to allow the analysis of a mixture containing a water‐soluble and an oil‐soluble surfactant. The equations are applied according the characteristics of studied quaternary systems. The mathematical model was tested with literature data, and the results were compared with those obtained from the phase diagram of oil‐water‐mixed surfactant system. The systems water‐vegetable oil‐alkylpolyglucoside‐alkylsorbitan show a maximum synergetic effect at molar fractions between 0.85 and 0.90. The liquid‐liquid interfacial tension and partition coefficient data were used to calculate the point of the maximum synergetic effect, i.e., the surfactant‐cosurfactant ratio, which ensures the interfacial tension miniumum. The dramatic reduction in interfacial tension due to the presence of the surfactant mixture at the interface at the point of the synergism maximum is related to the formation of three‐phase and single‐phase microemulsions. The results were applied to obtain single‐phase microemulsion in water‐vegetable oil‐alkylpolyglucoside‐alkylsorbitan systems.