bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overexpression Nanog Activates Pluripotent Genes in Porcine Fetal Fibroblasts and Nuclear Transfer Embryos
Authors: Zhang Li , Luo Yi‐Bo , Bou Gerelchimeg , Kong Qing‐Ran , Huan Yan‐Jun , Zhu Jiang , Wang Jian‐Yu , Li Hui , Wang Feng , Shi Yong‐Qian , Wei Yan‐Chang , Liu Zhong‐Hua
Published: October 2011

Nanog as an important transcription factor plays a pivotal role in maintaining pluripotency and in reprogramming the epigenome of somatic cells. Its ability to function on committed somatic cells and embryos has been well defined in mouse and human, but rarely in pig. To better understand Nanog's function on reprogramming in porcine fetal fibroblast (PFF) and nuclear transfer (NT) embryo, we cloned porcine Nanog CDS and constructed pcDNA3.1 (+)/Nanog and pEGFP‐C1/Nanog overexpression vectors and transfected them into PFFs. We studied the cell biological changes and the expression of Nanog, Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, C‐myc, and Sall4 in transfected PFFs. We also detected the development potential of the cloned embryos harboring Nanog stably overexpressed fibroblasts and the expression of Oct4, Sox2, and both endogenous and exogenous Nanog in these embryos. The results showed that transient overexpression Nanog in PFF could activate the expression of Oct4 (5‐fold), C‐myc (2‐fold), and Sall4 (5‐fold) in somatic cells, but they could not be maintained during G418 selection. In NT embryos, although Nanog overexpression did not have a significant effect on blastocyst development rate and blastocyst cell number, it could significantly activate the expression of endogenous Nanog, Oct4, Sox2 to 160‐fold, 93‐fold, and 182‐fold, respectively (P < 0.05). Our results demonstrate that Nanog could interact with and activate other pluripotent genes both in PFFs and embryos. Anat Rec, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enhanced phosphorylation of STAT‐1 is dependent on double‐stranded RNA–dependent protein kinase signaling in HLA–B27–expressing U937 monocytic cells
Authors: Ruuska Marja , Sahlberg Anna S. , Colbert Robert A. , Granfors Kaisa , Penttinen Markus A.
Published: October 2011

Objective

To study the phosphorylation of STAT‐1 in HLA–B27–transfected human monocytic cells and the role of the signaling molecules double‐stranded RNA–dependent protein kinase (PKR) and p38 in STAT‐1 phosphorylation.

Methods

U937 human monocytic cell transfectants stably expressing wild‐type HLA–B27 or mutated HLA–B27 heavy chains with amino acid substitutions in the B pocket were prepared. Mock‐transfected cells were prepared using the antibiotic resistance vectors (pSV2neo or RSV5neo) alone. Phorbol myristate acetate–differentiated cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or infected with Salmonella enteritidis. The phosphorylation and expression levels of STAT‐1 protein were detected by Western blotting and flow cytometry. Specific inhibitors were added in cell culture to study the role of PKR and p38 in STAT‐1 phosphorylation.

Results

STAT‐1 was constitutively highly phosphorylated on the tyrosine 701 residue in HLA–B27–positive monocytic cells when compared to control cells, even prior to stimulation with LPS or bacteria. This phenotype was associated with the expression of HLA–B27 heavy chains that misfold. In addition, phosphorylation of STAT‐1 was dependent on PKR.

Conclusion

Our results show that STAT‐1 tyrosine 701 is constitutively highly phosphorylated in the HLA–B27–expressing monocyte/macrophage cell line. Since phosphorylation of tyrosine 701 on STAT‐1 is sufficient to induce interferon (IFN)–dependent genes, constitutive activity of this phosphorylation site may lead to the overexpression of IFN‐dependent genes, as well as other STAT‐1–dependent genes, in HLA–B27 monocyte/macrophages. Our results offer a mechanism by which B27 expression alone, without any external trigger, is potentially capable of inducing activation of STAT‐1, a critical regulator of the inflammatory response.
Osteoarthritic change is delayed in a Ctsk‐knockout mouse model of osteoarthritis
Authors: Kozawa Eiji , Nishida Yoshihiro , Cheng Xian Wu , Urakawa Hiroshi , Arai Eisuke , Futamura Naohisa , Shi Guo‐Ping , Kuzuya Masafumi , Hu Lina , Sasaki Takeshi , Ishiguro Naoki
Published: October 2011

Objective

Several studies have shown that cathepsin K (CTK) is overexpressed in osteoarthritic (OA) cartilage and subchondral bone. However, it has not been well established whether CTK expression is harmful or beneficial. We undertook this study to investigate the direct involvement of CTK in OA development using Ctsk‐knockout (Ctsk−/−) mice in a joint instability–induced model of OA.

Methods

We analyzed the natural course of the phenotype of 25‐week‐old Ctsk−/− mice. OA development was evaluated with a modified Mankin histologic score up to 8 weeks after surgery was performed to destabilize the knee in Ctsk−/− and Ctsk+/+ mice. Histologic analysis was used to evaluate expression of CTK, matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP‐13), ADAMTS‐5, and tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) proteins in chondrocytes, synovial cells, and osteoclasts. Bone architecture was analyzed by histomorphometry.

Results

Bone mineral content and bone volume were higher in Ctsk−/− mice at 25 weeks, whereas OA did not develop spontaneously in either Ctsk−/− or Ctsk+/+ mice. In a model of destabilization‐induced OA, OA progression was significantly delayed in Ctsk−/− mice. CTK was overexpressed in chondrocytes and synovial cells of knee joints developing OA in Ctsk+/+ mice. MMP‐13 and ADAMTS‐5 were less strongly expressed in chondrocytes of Ctsk−/− mice, and MMP‐13 was less strongly expressed in synovial cells. TRAP‐positive osteoclasts were overexpressed in Ctsk−/− mice.

Conclusion

These results indicate that CTK plays crucial direct roles in the early to intermediate stage of OA development. CTK‐positive chondrocytes and synovial cells may be a possible target to prevent disease progression in OA.
Corporate Responsibility Reporting and its Determinants in Comparative Perspective – a Review of the Empirical Literature and a Meta‐analysis
Authors: Fifka Matthias S.
Published: October 2011

For four decades, reporting on corporate responsibility by businesses has been the subject of empirical research. In the 1970s and 1980s, studies mostly originated from Anglo‐Saxon and Western European countries. During the last two decades research on responsibility reporting was increasingly undertaken in emerging and developing countries as well – always following the reporting practices of the respective businesses. Consequentially, a very large number of studies exist today. Many of these have empirically investigated the determinants of responsibility reporting and examined whether internal factors like size and industry or external factors like stakeholder pressures have an impact on disclosure. Thus, the purpose of the following paper is twofold. First, it seeks to provide an overview of the existing literature in order to facilitate further research. Overall, 186 studies have been examined for the determinants which they considered and have been grouped according to their geographical origin. This provides for an analysis of whether academics from different regions have taken different approaches to the empirical examination of responsibility reporting and if their results differed. The findings show that scholars across regions have taken different paths in empirical research, but indications for a variation in the impact of specific determinants on reporting are weak. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Transcriptional gene silencing of kallikrein 5 and kallikrein 7 using siRNA prevents epithelial cell detachment induced by alkaline shock in an in vitro model of eczema
Authors: Britland Stephen , Hoyle Milli
Published: October 2011

Eczema is widely considered to be an exacerbation of alkaline stress to the skin. Epidermal barrier dysfunction is a feature of eczema pathology, which predisposes affected individuals to distressing morbid symptoms. At least two serine proteases, stratum corneum chymotryptic enzyme (kallikrein 7 [KLK7]) and stratum corneum tryptic enzyme (kallikrien 5 [KLK5]), have increased activity levels in eczematous lesions and both have been implicated in the destruction of corneodesomosomes, which are crucial to epidermal integrity. The present in vitro study investigated whether transcriptional gene silencing after siRNA transfection could influence the activity of these signature enzymes in an in vitro model of eczema induced by alkaline shock. HaCaT epithelial cells were subjected to alkaline stress by the addition of 1,1,3,3‐tetramethyl guanidine “superbase” (TMG) to the culture media. The culture media were subsequently tested for chymotryspin, trypsin, plasmin, and urokinase activity using colorimetric peptide assays and for reactive oxygen species using WST1 cell viability reagent. Cells that had been transfected with small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) against KLK5 and KLK7 for 24 h before alkaline shock did not exhibit the increase in serine protease levels observed in untreated controls. Moreover, an endpoint MTT assay (3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) confirmed that detachment of cells from the culture substrate observed in alkaline‐stressed cells did not occur in siRNA‐treated cells. This in vitro study has established the proof‐of‐principle that siRNA therapy appears to mitigate the consequences of alkaline shock to the serine protease‐associated fragility of epithelial cells that is characteristic of eczema. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2012
Finite element model for nutrient distribution analysis of a hollow fiber membrane bioreactor
Authors: Unnikrishnan G. U. , Unnikrishnan V. U. , Reddy J. N.
Published: October 2011

Hollow fiber membrane bioreactors (HFMB) are extensively used for the development of tissue substitutes for bones and cartilages. In an HFMB, the nutrient transport is dependent on the material properties of the porous scaffold and fiber membrane and also on the fluid flow through the hollow fiber. The difficulty in obtaining real‐time data along with the presence of large number of variables in experimental studies have lead to increased application of computational models for the performance analysis of bioreactors. A major difficulty in the computational analysis of HFMB is the modeling of the interactions at the fluid and porous scaffold interfaces, which has often been neglected or incorporated using specific boundary conditions. In this study, a new FEM is developed to analyze the fluid flow in the fluid‐porous region with the interface coupled directly into the FEM. Distribution of nutrients in the bioreactor is studied by coupling mass transport equations to the fluid‐porous finite element framework. The new model is implemented to study the influence of permeability, cell density, and flow rate on the nutrient concentration distribution in the HFMB. The developed computational framework is an ideal tool to study fluid flow through porous‐open channels and can also be used for the design of bioreactors for optimal tissue growth. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Practical attacks and improvements to an efficient radio frequency identification authentication protocol
Authors: Erguler Imran , Anarim Emin
Published: October 2011

In 2008, a scalable radio frequency identification (RFID) authentication protocol was proposed by Yanfei Liu to provide security and privacy for RFID tags. This protocol only needs O(1) time complexity to find out the identifier of the RFID tag irrespective of the total number of the tags in the system. Based on our analysis, however, a security flaw, which has gone unnoticed in the design of the protocol, makes the scheme vulnerable to tracking attack, tag impersonation attack, and desynchronization attack, if the attacker has the possibility to tamper with only one RFID tag. Because low‐cost devices are not tamper‐resistant, such an attack could be feasible, and we can apply the resulting attacks on authentication, untraceability, and desynchronization resistance of the protocol. To counteract such flaws, we revise the scheme with a stateful variant and also show that the proposed model requires less tag and server‐side computation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Flexible software architecture and language for mobile agents
Authors: Ciobanu Gabriel , Juravle Călin
Published: October 2011

In this paper, we present a flexible software architecture and a language for systems of mobile agents starting from a formalism with timed interactions and explicit locations. The language supports the specification of a distributed system, that is, agents and their physical distribution, and allows a timed migration in a distributed environment. Advanced software technologies are used to define the software architecture and the agents language, facilitating also the agents development. We illustrate the system by a dynamic network discovery in which the agents take into account the latency and the CPU load when choosing where to migrate. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Early development influences ontogeny of personality types in young laboratory rats
Authors: Rödel Heiko G. , Meyer Susann
Published: October 2011

Features of an individual's early development are frequently reported to alter the postnatal ontogeny in litter‐bearing mammals with respect to various physiological parameters. We hypothesized that such effects might also apply to the ontogeny of personality types. On the one hand, litter size effects by means of more contacts with littermates, might lead to the development of more offensive types. On the other hand, smaller and less developed young from larger litters might be less offensive due to their lower physical capabilities to deal with challenging situations. We studied these contrasting hypotheses in young rats, which we tested in a battery of emotionality tests. There were clear indications for the existence of distinct behavioral types by means of consistencies in behavioral responses within and across contexts. Based on these responses, we calculated three new variables by PCA, which we interpreted to mainly reflect boldness, exploration, and anxiety. Overall, our results strongly suggest that the early development alters the ontogeny of personality types, with heavier individuals being bolder and more explorative. Furthermore, body mass and litter size influenced the changes in the behavioral responses in successive tests, further supporting the importance of the litter size‐dependent body mass for the ontogeny of personalities. Anxiety also depended on litter size, however, in a nonlinear way. Animals born to litters of small or large sizes had higher scores, whereas individuals from medium‐sized litters were less anxious. This optimum curve indicates that opposing effects of litter size are involved in shaping personalities in young rats. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 53:601–613, 2011.
Cell–cell adhesion defects in Mrj mutant trophoblast cells are associated with failure to pattern the chorion during early placental development
Authors: Watson Erica D. , Hughes Martha , Simmons David G. , Natale David R.C. , Sutherland Ann E. , Cross James C.
Published: October 2011

Early placental development in mice involves patterning of the chorion into distinct layers, though little is understood regarding the interactions that regulate its organization. Here we demonstrate that keratin aggregates found in Mrj−/− chorionic trophoblast cells are associated with abnormal cell morphology, collapse of the actin cytoskeleton, E‐cadherin and β‐catenin misexpression and extracellular matrix (ECM) disorganization. Accordingly, Mrj−/− trophoblast cells in vitro are nonadherent and display erratic migratory behavior. These cells also fail to differentiate into syncytiotrophoblast cells since Rhox4b expression, a marker of syncytiotrophoblast progenitors, was maintained and Gcm1, Synb, and Syna expression failed to increase. This differentiation defect was not solely attributable to E‐cadherin misexpression or ECM disorganization. However, plating Mrj‐deficient cells on exogenous laminin‐511 normalized their cell behavior. Lastly, we show that Mrj−/− chorions at embryonic day 8.5 have expanded Rhox4b expression domains and do not form normal layers of gene expression suggesting that chorion patterning requires Mrj. Developmental Dynamics 240:2505–2519, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Measurement of runoff and soil loss from two differently sized plots in a subtropical environment (Brazil)
Authors: Thomaz Edivaldo L. , Vestena Leandro R.
Published: October 2011

Studies of soil erosion on small plots present upscaling problems. The results in the literature on the effect of slope length (i.e. scale) on runoff and soil erosion are contradictory. Furthermore, most studies that examine scale effects measured through erosion plots have been conducted in Mediterranean environments. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of plot size on runoff and soil loss in a subtropical environment. Other measurements were taken to appraise the topsoil property changes inside the plots. The soil was ploughed twice, the surface was leveled with a hoe and it was kept bare during the experiment. Data were collected from 10 paired plots, five plots measuring 10 m × 1 m and five plots measuring 1 m × 1 m, installed in the same pedo‐geomorphologic unit. Measurements were carried out from November 2008 to November 2009. During this period, 97 natural storms were registered. The results indicate that the small plots tended to have higher runoff (30% higher) compared to larger plots, especially during periods of greater rainfall volume, duration and intensity. The soil loss was similar in both the 1 m2 plots (6·33 kg/m2) and the 10 m2 plots (6·26 kg/m2). Moreover, the dynamics of the soil loss during the experiment was relatively similar across both plot sizes. The large plots tended to have a greater internal complexity. In these plots, the steps retreat were higher, the overland flow scars were more frequent, and points of rill initiation and protochannels emerged in several parts of the plots. The results of the small plots were comparable to the results obtained on the large plots, especially in relation to soil loss. These plots were useful for short‐term assessments of soil erosion. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Absorption and reflection of infrared radiation by polymers in fire‐like environments
Authors: Linteris Gregory , Zammarano Mauro , Wilthan Boris , Hanssen Leonard
Published: October 2011

In large‐scale fires, the input of energy to burning materials occurs predominantly by radiative transfer. The in‐depth (rather than just surface) absorption of radiant energy by a polymer influences its ignition time and burning rate. The present investigation examines two methods for obtaining the absorption coefficient of polymers for infrared radiation from high‐temperature sources: a broadband method and a spectral method. Data on the total average broadband transmittance for 11 thermoplastics are presented (as are reflectance data), and the absorption coefficient is found to vary with thickness. Implications for modeling of mass loss experiments are discussed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Continuous and discrete adjoints to the Euler equations for fluids
Authors: Alauzet F. , Pironneau O.
Published: October 2011

Adjoints are used in optimization to speed‐up computations, simplify optimality conditions or compute sensitivities. Because time is reversed in adjoint equations with first‐order time derivatives, boundary conditions, and transmission conditions through shocks can be difficult to understand. In this article, we analyze the adjoint equations that arise in the context of compressible flows governed by the Euler equations of fluid dynamics. We show that the continuous and discrete adjoints computed by automatic differentiation agree numerically; in particular, the adjoint is found to be continuous at the shocks and usually discontinuous at contact discontinuities by both.Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Squamous epithelial changes of the larynx: Diagnosis and therapy
Authors: Ferlito Alfio , Devaney Kenneth O. , Woolgar Julia A. , Slootweg Pieter J. , Paleri Vinidh , Takes Robert P. , Strojan Primož , Bradley Patrick J. , Rinaldo Alessandra
Published: October 2011

It can be confusing for clinicians to work their way through the tangle of pathologic terms used in surgical pathology reports to describe squamous abnormalities in laryngeal biopsies. After a brief review of the normal microscopic anatomy of the larynx and time‐honored clinical designations for surface‐based abnormalities, this report sorts pathologic changes into 2 groups: those changes that do not carry a premalignant potential (including squamous metaplasia, squamous hyperplasia, pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia, keratosis, and parakeratosis) and those that do (including dyskeratosis, laryngeal intraepithelial neoplasia [LIN], atypia, dysplasia, and carcinoma in situ). Generally, lesions in the first group do not require additional therapy or close follow‐up; lesions in the second group, however, demand either some form of local therapy or close follow‐up to monitor for the development of a more aggressive pathology. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
Pyridostigmine bromide protection against acetylcholinesterase inhibition by pesticides
Authors: Henderson John D. , Glucksman Gabriela , Leong Bryan , Tigyi Andras , Ankirskaia Anna , Siddique Imteaz , Lam Helen , DePeters Ed , Wilson Barry W.
Published: October 2011

Pyridostigmine bromide (PB) has been used to protect soldiers from the toxic effects of soman, a chemical warfare agent. Recent research shows that pyridostigmine bromide protects a significant percentage of acetylcholinesterase in isolated human intercostal muscle. Findings presented here indicate that red blood cell acetylcholinesterase is similarly protected by pyridostigmine bromide from the action of diisopropyl fluorophosphate and several organophosphate pesticides including chlorpyrifos‐oxon, diazinon‐oxon, and paraoxon, but not malaoxon, using the bovine red blood cell as a subject. These findings suggest that pretreatment with PB may protect growers, farmworkers, first responders, and the public, in general, from the effects of selected pesticides. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 26:31–34, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10:1002/jbt.20410
Failures in interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT): factors related to treatment resistances
Authors: Ravitz Paula , McBride Carolina , Maunder Robert
Published: October 2011

Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) is an effective treatment for depression across the lifespan and across cultures. However, even when delivered with fidelity, some patients drop out and others do not improve sufficiently. Attention to IPT treatment attrition, dropout, nonresponse, or failure can elucidate its limitations and the opportunities to improve its effectiveness. Studies of factors known to moderate and negatively predict IPT depression treatment response are reviewed along with recommended modifications to improve outcomes. Although the risk of treatment failure always exists, it is possible to enhance treatment effectiveness by attending to the therapeutic alliance, strategically addressing depression, and adapting IPT to patient characteristics. These include adding pharmacotherapy, extending the course of treatment, and targeting specific symptoms or interpersonal vulnerabilities. Case examples illustrate several of these points. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 67:1–11, 2011.
Quantitative and sensitive detection of SARS coronavirus nucleocapsid protein using quantum dots‐conjugated RNA aptamer on chip
Authors: Roh Changhyun , Jo Sung Kee
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND: Globally, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS‐CoV) is a newly emerging virus that causes SARS with high mortality rate in infected people. The nucleocapsid (N) protein of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)‐associated coronavirus (SARS‐CoV) is an important antigen for the early diagnosis of SARS and the detection of diseases. Here, a new quantum dots (QDs)‐conjugated RNA aptamer with high sensitivity and rapidity is proposed for the detection of SARS‐CoV N protein using an on chip system.

RESULTS: A QDs‐conjugated RNA aptamer can specifically hybridize on the immobilized SARS‐CoV N protein on the surface of a glass chip. Detection is based on the optical signal variation of a QDs‐supported RNA aptamer interacting on an immobilized protein chip. Using an optical QDs‐based RNA aptamer chip, SARS N protein was detected at concentrations as low as 0.1 pg mL−1.

CONCLUSIONS: It was demonstrated that the QDs‐conjugated RNA aptamer could interact on a designed chip specifically and sensitively. This device could form a QDs‐conjugated biosensor prototype chip for SARS‐CoV N protein diagnosis. The proposed visual SARS‐CoV N protein detection technique may avoid the limitations of other reported methods because of its high sensitivity, good specificity, ease of use, and the ability to perform one‐spot monitoring. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Influence of moisture content on the specific methanogenic activity of dry mesophilic municipal solid waste digestate
Authors: Le Hyaric Ronan , Benbelkacem Hassen , Bollon Julien , Bayard Rémy , Escudié Renaud , Buffière Pierre
Published: October 2011

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of moisture content on the specific methanogenic activity (SMA) of a fresh dry mesophilic digestate from a municipal solid waste digester plant. For this purpose, SMA tests were performed under mesophilic conditions in 500 mL glass bottles of volume used as batch reactors, during a period of 20–25 days. Cellulose, propionate and acetate were used as substrates (5 gCOD kg−1 digestate) at four different moisture contents, ranging from 65 to 82%. The moisture content strongly influenced the specific methanogenic activity. The highest SMA values were observed at a moisture content of 82% (11.1, 7.8 and 6.0 mgCOD gVS−1 d−1 for cellulose, propionate and acetate spikes, respectively). SMA and moisture content were found to be linearly linked. Dry digestion at low water content is thus detrimental to the biological activity, probably due to physical limitations. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Current strategies and challenges for the purification of stem cells
Authors: González‐González Mirna , Vázquez‐Villegas Patricia , García‐Salinas Carolina , Rito‐Palomares Marco
Published: October 2011

During the past decade, stem cell transplant has emerged as a novel therapeutic alternative for several diseases. If therapies are to be implemented in clinical settings, efficient scale‐up of stem cells isolation methodologies would be crucial. A brief, process‐oriented overview of the current most widely used technologies for stem cells separation is presented. This review classifies available methods into three broad categories: (1) isopycnic centrifugation, including density gradient and cell culture; (2) immunochemical, employing immune labeling; and (3) novel, tagless procedures. These groups are further subdivided into more specific techniques, highlighting their advantages and limitations. Particular cases in each category were selected to further compare the purification parameters of recovery, cell viability, purity, process time, and throughput. A particular focus on process scale‐up feasibility and the challenges of this rapidly emerging field are stated. Lastly, likely directions are suggested for the development of new proposals which will make stem cells purification more advantageous and viable for clinical use. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Oxidative coupling of various aromatic phenols and anilines in water using a laccase from Trametes villosa and insights into the ‘PEG effect’
Authors: Steevensz Aaron , Al‐Ansari Mohammad Mousa , Taylor Keith E. , Bewtra Jatinder K. , Biswas Nihar
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND: Studies with peroxidases (EC 1.11.1.7) have demonstrated extended lifetimes for conversion of phenolics into insoluble polymers in the presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG). Yet the mechanism of this ‘PEG effect’ has eluded investigators. The effectiveness of a laccase (EC 1.10.3.2) with PEGs of various average molar masses on the conversion of phenol, o‐, m‐, p‐cresols, aniline, o‐, m‐, and p‐toluidines was investigated. This structure‐activity comparison, with and without the additive, could provide further insight into the ‘PEG effect’.

RESULTS: The ‘PEG effect’ was observed only with the cresols and only with PEGs of average molar mass ≥ 1450. Other additives capable of H‐bonding, such as polyvinylpyrrolidone, had similar results. When a ‘PEG effect’ was observed there was a linear relationship between the amount of additive used and the amount incorporated into the precipitate, suggesting a strong interaction between products and PEG, which was confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Optimum pH was not affected by the quantity or molar mass of the PEG added.

CONCLUSION: PEG only enhances the laccase‐catalyzed oxidative coupling of certain substrates implying a product‐additive relationship that may be related to the functionality and substituent positioning of the substrate. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Defence against oxidative stress in two species of land snails (Helix pomatia and Helix aspersa) subjected to estivation
Authors: Nowakowska Anna , Caputa Michał , Rogalska Justyna
Published: October 2011

During summer, land snails are exposed to estivation/arousal cycles that imposes oxidative stress, but they exhibit different patterns of antioxidant defence. To test the ability of two related species, Helix pomatia and Helix aspersa, to modulate their antioxidant defence mechanism during estivation/arousal cycles, we examined activities of catalase and glutathione‐related enzymes and concentrations of glutathione and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS; as products of lipid peroxidation). In both species, estivation evoked changes in activity of total and selenium‐dependent glutathione peroxidase (GPx), but did not affect activity of catalase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione transferase, and had no effect on concentration of glutathione. Activity of catalase in estivating snails, instead of the expected increase, showed a tendency to diminish. Extremely low activities of catalase in the foot were usually associated with extremely high activities of both forms of GPx. In conclusion, maintenance of relatively high activities of the antioxidant enzymes and accumulation of glutathione, resulting in a low and stable concentration of TBARS, plays an important role in scavenging oxygen free radicals from the organism of both species. J. Exp. Zool. 315:593–601, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
“Psychoanalysis is good, synthesis is better”: The German reception of Freud, 1930 and 1956
Authors: Kauders Anthony D.
Published: October 2011

Frankfurt's decision to award Freud the Goethe Prize in 1930 as well as the same city's decision to celebrate Freud's 100th birthday in 1956 will allow us to trace specific traditions in the German encounter with psychoanalysis. The diachronic approach will show that certain traditions survived well into the late 1950s, at a time when West Germany's intellectual landscape was otherwise changing on several fronts. Psychoanalysis remained anathema because it did not conform with the idealism and holism prevalent in the academic community. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Health insurance and length of stay for children hospitalized with community‐acquired pneumonia
Authors: Pati Susmita , Lorch Scott A. , Lee Grace E. , Sheffler‐Collins Seth , Shah Samir S.
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND:

Disparities in patterns of care and outcomes for ambulatory‐care sensitive childhood conditions such as community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) persist. However, the influence of insurance status on length of stay (LOS) for children hospitalized with CAP remains unexplored.

METHODS:

Secondary analysis of children (<18 years) hospitalized with CAP sampled in the Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) for years 1997, 2000, 2003, and 2006. Insurance status (private, public, uninsured) was based on claims data. Hospital LOS was calculated in days. Taking into account the complex sampling design, negative binomial regression models produced adjusted estimates of incidence rate ratios (IRR) for hospital LOS for children by insurance status.

RESULTS:

There was little variation in the categories of insurance status of children hospitalized with CAP between 1997 and 2006, with at least 40% privately insured, at least 40% publicly insured, and at least 5% uninsured in each sampled year. In all years, publicly insured children had a significantly longer hospital stay than privately insured children, and uninsured children had a significantly shorter hospital stay than privately insured children. These observed differences persisted after multivariate adjustment.

CONCLUSIONS:

Differences in LOS between uninsured, publicly insured, and privately insured children with CAP raise concerns about potential differences in hospital discharge practices related to insurance status and type. As healthcare reform is implemented, policy makers should strengthen efforts to reduce these disparities in order to achieve health for the population. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2012. © 2011 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Three‐dimensional late gadolinium enhancement imaging of the left atrium with a hybrid radial acquisition and compressed sensing
Authors: Adluru Ganesh , Chen Liyong , Kim Seong‐Eun , Burgon Nathan , Kholmovski Eugene G. , Marrouche Nassir F. , DiBella Edward V.R.
Published: October 2011

Purpose:

To develop and test a hybrid radial (stack of stars) acquisition and compressed sensing reconstruction for efficient late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) imaging of the left atrium.

Materials and Methods:

Two hybrid radial acquisition schemes, kx‐ky‐first and kz‐first, are tested using the signal equation for an inversion recovery sequence with simulated data. Undersampled data reconstructions are then performed using a compressed sensing approach with a three‐dimensional total variation constraint. The data acquisition and reconstruction framework is tested on five atrial fibrillation patients after treatment by radio‐frequency ablation. The hybrid radial data are acquired with free breathing without respiratory navigation.

Results:

The kz‐first radial acquisition gave improved image quality as compared to a kx‐ky‐first scheme. Compressed sensing reconstructions improved the overall quality of undersampled radial LGE images. An image quality metric that takes into account the signal, noise, artifact, and blur for the radial images was 35% (±17%) higher than the corresponding Cartesian acquisitions. Total acquisition time for 36 slices with 1.25 × 1.25 × 2.5 mm3 resolution was under 3 min for the proposed scheme.

Conclusion:

Hybrid radial LGE imaging of the LA with compressed sensing is a promising approach for obtaining images efficiently and offers more robust image quality than Cartesian acquisitions that were acquired without a respiratory navigator signal. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Investigation of lipid composition of dissected sentinel lymph nodes of breast cancer patients by 7T proton MR spectroscopy
Authors: Korteweg Mies A. , Veldhuis Wouter B. , Mali Willem P.Th.M. , Diepstraten Suzanne C.E. , Luijten Peter R. , van den Bosch Maurice A.A.J. , Eijkemans René M.J.C. , van Diest Paul J. , Klomp Dennis W.J.
Published: October 2011

Purpose:

To determine lipid composition of excised healthy and metastatic sentinel lymph nodes of breast cancer patients, as lipids are a potential discriminatory marker for malignancy.

Materials and Methods:

Ten breast cancer patients undergoing surgical nodal staging were included. 1H‐magnetic resonance spectroscopic images (MRSI) were acquired without water and lipid suppression (resolution 3.0 × 3.0 × 5.0 mm3). MRSI was compared to histopathology. Six groups of lipid resonances (5.4–5.2, 4.3–4.1, 2.8, 2.3–2.0, 1.6–1.3, 0.9 ppm) were identified. The intensity ratios of the total of these resonances to this total including the water resonance and of each lipid resonance to the total of all lipid resonances were determined. For statistical analysis, a mixed model was applied after logistic transformation. The results were expressed as ratios of the median values of these lipid compositions in metastatic to benign nodes.

Results:

In all, 6/32 (19%) of the excised nodes contained metastases. The ratios of the lipid resonances 5.4–5.2, 4.3–4.1, 2.8, 2.3–2.0, 1.6–1.3, 0.9 ppm between metastatic vs. benign were 0.3, 1.2, 0.2, 0.2, 1.2, and 0.9, respectively. Only the ratios of signals from unsaturated fatty acids to the total lipid signal differed significantly.

Conclusion:

Metastatic axillary lymph nodes contained fewer unsaturated fatty acids than benign nodes. 7T 1H‐MRS may be useful for detecting axillary breast cancer metastases. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;387‐392. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Liver X receptors regulate cholesterol homeostasis in oligodendrocytes
Authors: Nelissen Katherine , Mulder Monique , Smets Ilse , Timmermans Silke , Smeets Karen , Ameloot Marcel , Hendriks Jerome J.A.
Published: October 2011

Cholesterol synthesis and transport in oligodendrocytes are essential for optimal myelination and remyelination in pathological conditions such as multiple sclerosis. However, little is known about cholesterol homeostasis in the myelin‐forming oligodendrocytes. Liver X receptors (LXRs) are nuclear oxysterol receptors that regulate genes involved in cholesterol homeostasis and may therefore play an important role in de‐ and remyelination. We investigated whether LXRs regulate cholesterol homeostasis in oligodendrocytes. mRNA expression of genes encoding LXR‐α and LXR‐β and their target genes (ABCA1, ABCG1, ABCG4, apoE, and LDLR) was detected in oligodendrocytes derived from both neonatal and adult rats using quantitative real‐time PCR. The expression of LXR‐β and several target genes was increased during oligodendrocyte differentiation. We further demonstrated that treatment of primary neonatal rat oligodendrocytes with the synthetic LXR agonist T0901317 induced the expression of several established LXR target genes, including ABCA1, ABCG1, apoE, and LDLR. Treatment of oligodendrocytes with T0901317 resulted in an enhanced cholesterol efflux in the presence of apolipoprotein A‐I or high‐density lipoprotein particles. These data show that LXRs are involved in regulating cholesterol homeostasis in oligodendrocytes. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Global phosphorus scarcity: identifying synergies for a sustainable future
Authors: Neset Tina‐Simone S , Cordell Dana
Published: October 2011

Global food production is dependent on constant inputs of phosphorus. In the current system this phosphorus is not predominantly derived from organic recycled waste, but to a large degree from phosphate‐rock based mineral fertilisers. However, phosphate rock is a finite resource that cannot be manufactured. Our dependency therefore needs to be addressed from a sustainability perspective in order to ensure global food supplies for a growing global population. The situation is made more urgent by predictions that, for example, the consumption of resource intensive foods and the demand for biomass energy will increase. The scientific and societal debate has so far been focussed on the exact timing of peak phosphorus and on when the total depletion of the global reserves will occur. Even though the timing of these events is important, all dimensions of phosphorus scarcity need to be addressed in a manner which acknowledges linkages to other sustainable development challenges and which takes into consideration the synergies between different sustainability measures. Many sustainable phosphorus measures have positive impacts on other challenges; for example, shifting global diets to more plant‐based foods would not only reduce global phosphorus consumption, but also reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce nitrogen fertiliser demand and reduce water consumption. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparison of beer quality attributes between beers brewed with 100% barley malt and 100% barley raw material
Authors: Steiner Elisabeth , Auer Andrea , Becker Thomas , Gastl Martina
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND: Brewing with 100% barley using the Ondea® Pro exogenous brewing enzyme product was compared to brewing with 100% barley. The use of barley, rather than malt, in the brewing process and the consequences for selected beer quality attributes (foam formation, colloidal stability and filterability, sensory differences, protein content and composition) was considered.

RESULTS: The quality attributes of barley, malt, kettle‐full‐wort, cold wort, unfiltered beer and filtered beer were assessed. A particular focus was given to monitoring changes in the barley protein composition during the brewing process and how the exogenous OndeaPro® enzymes influenced wort protein composition. All analyses were based on standard brewing methods described in ASBC, EBC or MEBAK. To monitor the protein changes two‐dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was used.

CONCLUSION: It was shown that by brewing beer with 100% barley and an appropriate addition of exogenous Ondea® Pro enzymes it was possible to efficiently brew beer of a satisfactory quality. The production of beers brewed with 100% barley resulted in good process efficiency (lautering and filtration) and to a final product whose sensory quality was described as light, with little body and mouthfeel, very good foam stability and similar organoleptic qualities compared to conventional malt beer. In spite of the sensory evaluation differences could still be seen in protein content and composition. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of a dietary supplement containing glucosamine hydrochloride, chondroitin sulfate and quercetin glycosides on symptomatic knee osteoarthritis: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Kanzaki Noriyuki , Saito Kayo , Maeda Akifumi , Kitagawa Yoshinori , Kiso Yoshinobu , Watanabe Keita , Tomonaga Akihito , Nagaoka Isao , Yamaguchi Hideyo
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND: Oral glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, alone and in combination, have been used worldwide for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA), but their efficacy is controversial. This clinical study was aimed at investigating the potential of a dietary supplement containing glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate in combination with derivatives of quercetin, a naturally occurring flavonoid, (GCQ supplement) for knee OA care.

RESULTS: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study was conducted in 40 Japanese subjects with symptomatic knee OA. Subjects were randomly assigned to GCQ supplement (1200 mg glucosamine hydrochloride, 60 mg chondroitin sulfate and 45 mg quercetin glycosides per day) or placebo and the treatment and follow‐up were continued for 16 weeks. The results of symptomatic efficacy assessment based on Japanese Orthopaedic Association criteria showed that scores for two of the four symptom/function subscales, as well as the aggregate scores, were significantly improved at week 16 or earlier in the GCQ group compared to the placebo group. Moreover, analyses of cartilage metabolism biomarkers showed a trend of improvement in type II collagen synthesis/degradation balance in the GCQ group during follow‐up.

CONCLUSION: GCQ supplement was thought to be more effective than placebo in decreasing the intensity of knee OA‐associated clinical symptoms. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Storage effects on anthocyanins, phenolics and antioxidant activity of thermally processed conventional and organic blueberries
Authors: Syamaladevi Roopesh M , Andrews Preston K , Davies Neal M , Walters Thomas , Sablani Shyam S
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND: Consumer demand for products rich in phytochemicals is increasing as a result of greater awareness of their potential health benefits. However, processed products are stored for long‐term and the phytochemicals are susceptible to degradation during storage. The objective of this study was to assess the storage effects on phytochemicals in thermally processed blueberries. Thermally processed canned berries and juice/puree were analysed for phytochemicals during their long‐term storage.

RESULTS: The phytochemical retention of thermally processed blueberries during storage was not influenced by production system (conventional versus organic). During 13 months of storage, total anthocyanins, total phenolics and total antioxidant activity in canned blueberry solids decreased by up to 86, 69 and 52% respectively. In canned blueberry syrup, total anthocyanins and total antioxidant activity decreased by up to 68 and 15% respectively, while total phenolic content increased by up to 117%. Similar trends in phytochemical content were observed in juice/puree stored for 4 months. The extent of changes in phytochemicals of thermally processed blueberries during storage was significantly influenced by blanching.

CONCLUSION: Long‐term storage of thermally processed blueberries had varying degrees of influence on degradation of total anthocyanins, total phenolics and total antioxidant activity. Blanching before thermal processing helped to preserve the phytochemicals during storage of blueberries. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis and thermochemical study of quinoxaline‐N‐oxides: enthalpies of dissociation of the N–O bond
Authors: Viveiros Miguel L. F. , Freitas Vera L. S. , Vale Nuno , Gomes José R. B. , Gomes Paula , da Silva Maria D. M. C. Ribeiro
Published: October 2011

The synthesis of three new quinoxaline mono‐N‐oxides derivatives, namely, 2‐tert‐butoxycarbonyl‐3‐methylquinoxaline‐N‐oxide, 2‐phenylcarbamoyl‐3‐ethylquinoxaline‐N‐oxide, and 2‐carbamoyl‐3‐methylquinoxaline‐N‐oxide, from their corresponding 1,4‐di‐N‐oxides is reported. Samples of these compounds were used for a thermochemical study, which allowed derivation of their gaseous standard molar enthalpies of formation, , from their enthalpies of formation in the condensed phase, , determined by static bomb combustion calorimetry, and from their enthalpies of sublimation, , determined by Calvet microcalorimetry. Finally, combining the for the quinoxaline‐N‐oxides derived in this work with literature values for the corresponding 1,4‐di‐N‐oxides and atomic oxygen, the bond dissociation enthalpies for cleavage of the first N−O bond in the di‐N‐oxides, DH1(N–O), were obtained and compared with existing data. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.