bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Task difficulty in the Morris water task influences the survival of new neurons in the dentate gyrus
Authors: Epp Jonathan R. , Haack Andrew K. , Galea Liisa A.M.
Published: August 2009

Adult neurogenesis continues throughout life in the mammalian hippocampus. The precise function of the adult generated neurons remains uncertain although there is growing evidence that they are involved in hippocampus‐dependent learning and memory. Training rats on a hidden platform version of the Morris water task has been shown to increase or decrease the survival of newly produced cells in the dentate gyrus (DG) compared to training on a visible platform version. Here we investigated whether the difficulty of the task is related to the degree or direction of the change in neurogenesis. We trained rats on either a visible platform version of the Morris water task or one of three different hidden platform paradigms: four training trials per session version, two training trials per session, and reduced‐cue (a version in which the majority of the distal cues were removed from the room). BrdU was administered 6 days prior to training and rats were perfused 24 h after the last training session. As expected, training on the four trial hidden platform version increased cell survival compared to training on the visible platform version. However, training on the more difficult reduced‐cue hidden platform version resulted in a decrease in cell survival. Rats that received fewer trials per session did not differ in terms of cell survival in comparison to rats trained on the visible platform version. These findings demonstrate that altering the difficulty of the spatial task has an impact on the corresponding change in cell survival. The lack of obvious distal cues likely changed the strategy used by the rats to determine the location of the platform and resulted in a decrease, instead of an increase in cell survival in the hippocampus. In conclusion, different types of hippocampus‐dependent learning can differentially impact cell survival. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Foreseeing the future: Occurrence probability of imagined future events modulates hippocampal activation
Authors: Weiler Julia A. , Suchan Boris , Daum Irene
Published: August 2009

Episodic memory and episodic future thinking are known to share a set of brain regions. Potential differences in activation patterns associated with the two conditions are as yet inconclusive, in particular with respect to hippocampal involvement. Hippocampal activation is modulated by a range of phenomenal qualities during the imagination of both past and future events (Addis et al. (2004) Hippocampus 14:752–762; Addis and Schacter (2008) Hippocampus 18:227–237). A relevant variable in this regard is the occurrence probability of an episode, which varies for future but not past events and thus cannot be equated across conditions. Using parametric modulation analysis, we investigated the effect of occurrence probability of imagined future events on brain activation patterns, while effects of temporal distance, amount of details, and emotionality were controlled for. Activation of right anterior hippocampus increased with decreasing occurrence probability, presumably reflecting higher processing demands during binding of more disparate details for unlikely events. This finding may contribute to the understanding of previously reported inconsistent results concerning hippocampal involvement during the imagination of past and future events. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hippocampal theta activity is selectively associated with contingency detection but not discrimination in rabbit discrimination‐reversal eyeblink conditioning
Authors: Nokia Miriam S. , Wikgren Jan
Published: August 2009

The relative power of the hippocampal theta‐band (∼6 Hz) activity (theta ratio) is thought to reflect a distinct neural state and has been shown to affect learning rate in classical eyeblink conditioning in rabbits. We sought to determine if the theta ratio is mostly related to the detection of the contingency between the stimuli used in conditioning or also to the learning of more complex inhibitory associations when a highly demanding delay discrimination‐reversal eyeblink conditioning paradigm is used. A high hippocampal theta ratio was not only associated with a fast increase in conditioned responding in general but also correlated with slow emergence of discriminative responding due to sustained responding to the conditioned stimulus not paired with an unconditioned stimulus. The results indicate that the neural state reflected by the hippocampal theta ratio is specifically linked to forming associations between stimuli rather than to the learning of inhibitory associations needed for successful discrimination. This is in line with the view that the hippocampus is responsible for contingency detection in the early phase of learning in eyeblink conditioning. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The activation of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 induced by protein kinase C alpha in decidualization
Authors: Tsai Jen‐Hsiang , Hwang Jin‐Ming , Ying Tsung‐Ho , Shyu Jyh‐Cherng , Tsai Chin‐Chiu , Hsieh Yih‐Shou , Wang Yi‐Wei , Liu Jer‐Yuh , Kao Shao‐Hsuan
Published: August 2009

This study investigated the protein kinase C (PKC) and matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) in the development of deciduomata in pseudo‐pregnant and pregnant rats. The results showed that the expression of MMP‐2 was significantly increased from day 2 to day 5 in pseudo‐pregnancy and from day 7 to day 9 in pregnancy. To further investigate the correlation between MMP‐2 and protein kinase Cα (PKCα), the expression of MMP‐2 in the 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol 13‐acetate (TPA)‐treated organotypic culture of decidual tissue was determined. The results showed that the active form of MMP‐2 was significantly increased in the TPA‐treated cultures. Moreover, this response was inhibited by the PKC inhibitor H7, the PKCα specific inhibitor Gö‐6976 and the translation inhibitor cycloheximide, but not by the transcription inhibitor actinomycin D or the replication inhibitor mitomycin C. In addition, TPA also reversed the MMP‐2 expression after by progesterone pretreatment in the primary decidual cells. These findings indicate that PKCα may play an important role in the regulation of the MMP‐2 expression during decidualization. J. Cell. Biochem. 108: 547–554, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Antitumor activity of a novel antisense oligonucleotide against Akt1
Authors: Yoon Heejeong , Kim Deog Joong , Ahn Eun Hyun , Gellert Ginelle C. , Shay Jerry W. , Ahn Chang‐Ho , Lee Young Bok
Published: August 2009

The AKT pathway is an important therapeutic target for cancer drug discovery as it functions as a main point for transducing extracellular and intracellular oncogenic signals. Moreover, alternations of the AKT pathway have been found in a wide range of cancers. In the present study, we found that an Akt1 antisense oligonucleotide (Akt1 AO) significantly downregulated the expression of AKT1 at both the mRNA and protein levels and inhibited cellular growth at nanomolar concentrations in various types of human cancer cells. Combined treatment of Akt1 AO with several cytotoxic drugs resulted in an additive growth inhibition of Caki‐1 cells. The in vivo effectiveness of Akt1 AO was determined using two different xenograft nude mouse models. Akt1 AO (30 mg/kg, i.v. every 48 h) significantly inhibited the tumor growth of nude mouse subcutaneously implanted with U251 human glioblastoma cells after 27 days treatment. Akt1 AO (30 mg/kg, i.p continuously via osmotic pump) also significantly inhibited the tumor formation in nude mice implanted with luciferase‐expressing MIA human pancreatic cancer cells (MIA‐Luc) after 14 days of treatment. The luciferase signals from MIA‐Luc cells were reduced or completely abolished after 2 weeks of treatment and the implanted tumors were barely detectable. Our findings suggest that Akt1 AO alone or in combination with other clinically approved anticancer agents should be further explored and progressed into clinical studies as a potential novel therapeutic agent. J. Cell. Biochem. 108: 832–838, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cellular senescence and longevity of osteophyte‐derived mesenchymal stem cells compared to patient‐matched bone marrow stromal cells
Authors: Singh Sanjleena , Dhaliwal Navdeep , Crawford Ross , Xiao Yin
Published: August 2009

This study aimed to determine the cellular aging of osteophyte‐derived mesenchymal cells (oMSCs) in comparison to patient‐matched bone marrow stromal cells (bMSCs). Extensive expansion of the cell cultures was performed and early and late passage cells (passages 4 and 9, respectively) were used to study signs of cellular aging, telomere length, telomerase activity, and cell‐cycle‐related gene expression. Our results showed that cellular aging was more prominent in bMSCs than in oMSCs, and that oMSCs had longer telomere length in late passages compared with bMSCs, although there was no significant difference in telomere lengths in the early passages in either cell type. Telomerase activity was detectable only in early passage oMSCs and not in bMSCs. In osteophyte tissues telomerase‐positive cells were found to be located perivascularly and were Stro‐1 positive. Fifteen cell‐cycle regulator genes were investigated and only three genes (APC, CCND2, and BMP2) were differentially expressed between bMSC and oMSC. Our results indicate that oMSCs retain a level of telomerase activity in vitro, which may account for the relatively greater longevity of these cells, compared with bMSCs, by preventing replicative senescence. J. Cell. Biochem. 108: 839–850, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Down‐regulation of uPA and uPAR by 3,3′‐diindolylmethane contributes to the inhibition of cell growth and migration of breast cancer cells
Authors: Ahmad Aamir , Kong Dejuan , Wang Zhiwei , Sarkar Sanila H. , Banerjee Sanjeev , Sarkar Fazlul H.
Published: August 2009

3,3′‐Diindolylmethane (DIM) is a known anti‐tumor agent against breast and other cancers; however, its exact mechanism of action remains unclear. The urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and its receptor (uPAR) system are involved in the degradation of basement membrane and extracellular matrix, leading to tumor cell invasion and metastasis. Since uPA‐uPAR system is highly activated in aggressive breast cancer, we hypothesized that the biological activity of B‐DIM could be mediated via inactivation of uPA‐uPAR system. We found that B‐DIM treatment as well as silencing of uPA‐uPAR led to the inhibition of cell growth and motility of MDA‐MB‐231 cells, which was in part due to inhibition of VEGF and MMP‐9. Moreover, silencing of uPA‐uPAR led to decreased sensitivity of these cells to B‐DIM indicating an important role of uPA‐uPAR in B‐DIM‐mediated inhibition of cell growth and migration. We also found similar effects of B‐DIM on MCF‐7, cells expressing low levels of uPA‐uPAR, which was due to direct down‐regulation of MMP‐9 and VEGF, independent of uPA‐uPAR system. Interestingly, over‐expression of uPA‐uPAR in MCF‐7 cells attenuated the inhibitory effects of B‐DIM. Our results, therefore, suggest that B‐DIM down‐regulates uPA‐uPAR in aggressive breast cancers but in the absence of uPA‐uPAR, B‐DIM can directly inhibit VEGF and MMP‐9 leading to the inhibition of cell growth and migration of breast cancer cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 108: 916–925, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Alchemical free energy simulations for biological complexes: powerful but temperamental …
Authors: Aleksandrov Alexey , Thompson Damien , Simonson Thomas
Published: August 2009

Free energy simulations compare multiple ligand:receptor complexes by “alchemically” transforming one into another, yielding binding free energy differences. Since their introduction in the 1980s, many technical and theoretical obstacles were surmounted, and the method (“MDFE,” since molecular dynamics are often used) has matured into a powerful tool. We describe its current status, its effectiveness, and the challenges it faces. MDFE has provided chemical accuracy for many systems but remains expensive, with significant human overhead costs. The bottlenecks have shifted, partly due to increased computer power. To study diverse sets of ligands, force field availability and accuracy can be a major difficulty. Another difficulty is the frequent need to consider multiple states, related to sidechain protonation or buried waters, for example. Sophisticated, automated methods to sample these states are maturing, such as constant pH simulations. Meanwhile, combinations of MDFE and simpler approaches, like continuum dielectric models, can be very effective. As illustrations, we show how, with careful force field parameterization, MDFE accurately predicts binding specificities between complex tetracycline ligands and their targets. We describe substrate binding to the aspartyl‐tRNA synthetase enzyme, where many distinct electrostatic states play a role, and a histidine and a Mg2+ion act as coupled switches that help enforce a strict preference for the aspartate substrate, relative to several analogs. Overall, MDFE has achieved a predictive status, where novel ligands can be studied and molecular recognition elucidated in depth. It should play an increasing role in the analysis of complex cellular processes and biomolecular engineering. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Emergent network structure and initial group performance: The moderating role of pre‐existing relationships
Authors: Parise Salvatore , Rollag Keith
Published: August 2009

Organization restructurings often put groups of employees into new teams and roles, and it is not unusual for some of these new teammates to have pre‐existing work and friendship relationships. While there has been much theorizing on the impact of existing social network structures on group performance, there has been less research on how pre‐existing relationships help or hinder initial group performance, especially in teams with interdependent roles and tasks. We explore several hypotheses in a competitive management simulation involving 42 teams and find that (1) the density of pre‐existing work and friendship relationships are directly associated with higher initial group performance, and (2) pre‐existing work network density moderates the relationship between emergent work network density and initial group performance. In other words, the degree to which emergent work ties are based on pre‐existing work relationships (i.e., former co‐workers actually work together in their new roles) also contributes to higher initial group productivity. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman tensor elements for multiferroic BiFeO3 with rhombohedral R3c symmetry
Authors: Porporati Alessandro Alan , Tsuji Keisuke , Valant Matjaz , Axelsson Anna‐Karin , Pezzotti Giuseppe
Published: August 2009

A quantitative assessment of the Raman spectrum emitted from a coarse‐grained polycrystal of multiferroic BiFeO3 has been carried out by means of a polarized Raman microprobe. The dependence of the intensity of Raman phonon modes has been first theoretically modeled as a function of crystal rotation. Then, the Raman tensor elements have been experimentally determined from the analysis of the Ag and Eg vibrational modes. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vibrational spectroscopic studies and ab initio calculations of phenyl phosphate disodium salt
Authors: Anto P. L. , Anto Ruby John , Varghese Hema Tresa , Panicker C. Yohannan , Philip Daizy
Published: August 2009

The Fourier‐transform infrared and Fourier‐tranform Raman spectra of phenyl phosphate disodium salt were recorded and analyzed. The surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectrum was recorded in a silver colloid. The vibrational wavenumbers of the compound were computed using the Hartree–Fock/6‐31G* basis and compared with the experimental values. The molecule is adsorbed on the silver surface with the benzene ring in a tilted orientation. The presence of the phenyl ring and the phosphate group vibrations in the SERS spectrum reveal the interactions between the phenyl ring and the phosphate group with the silver surface. The first hyperpolarizability is calculated, and the calculated molecular geometry is compared with those of similar reported structures. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Growth profile of stimulated Raman anti‐Stokes scattering influenced by fluorescence seeding in liquid‐core optical fiber
Authors: Men Zhi‐Wei , Fang Wen‐Hui , Li Zuo‐Wei , Sun Xiu‐Ping , Gao Shu‐Qin , Lu Guo‐Hui
Published: August 2009

We demonstrated the growth profile of stimulated Raman anti‐Stokes scattering (SRS) of carbon disulfide (CS2) influenced by fluorescence seeding of all‐trans‐β‐carotene and rhodamine‐B (RhB) in liquid‐core optical fiber (LCOF). The pump energy which was needed to build up the first‐order anti‐Stokes radiation of CS2 solutions with the fluorescence seeding was lower than that of CS2 solutions without fluorescence seeding because of the fluorescence enhancement effect on the intensity of the first‐order Stokes radiation. The first‐order anti‐Stokes radiation of the RhB solution (10−8 M) was built up at a lower pump energy than that of the all‐trans‐β‐carotene solution (10−6 M), and the intensity of the first‐order anti‐Stokes radiation of the RhB solution was higher than that of the all‐trans‐β‐carotene solution. Simultaneously, the coupled wave differential equations were obtained by the theoretical derivation, and the growth profile of the first‐order anti‐Stokes radiation was theoretically calculated with and without the fluorescence seeding by these equations. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Human‐in‐mouse modeling of primary head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Law Jonathan H. , Whigham Amy S. , Wirth Pamela S. , Liu Dan , Pham Michelle Q. , Vadivelu Sangeetha , Kirkbride Kellye C. , Brown Brandee T. , Burkey Brian B. , Sinard Robert J. , Netterville James L. , Yarbrough Wendell G.
Published: August 2009

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To develop a reliable modeling system for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Study Design:

Laboratory‐based translational study.

Methods:

HNSCC tissue was obtained from patients at biopsy/resection, cultured, and implanted into mice. In vivo, tumor growth, and survival was monitored by bioluminescence imaging. Histology and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to confirm HNSCC and human origin.

Results:

Short‐term culture techniques were optimized allowing survival of primary HNSCC cells more than 7 days in 76% of tumors. The size of the tumor biopsy collected did not correlate with the success of short‐term culture or xenograft establishment. Xenograft modeling was attempted in primary HNSCCs from 12 patients with a success rate of 92%. Immunostaining confirmed human origin of epithelial tumor cells within the modeled tumor. Bioluminescence and Ki67 IHC suggested tumor proliferation within the model. Luciferase expression was maintained for as long as 100 days in modeled tumors.

Conclusions:

The techniques developed for short‐term primary tumor culture followed by xenograft modeling provide a low‐cost and tractable model for evaluation of HNSCC response to standard and novel therapies. The high success rate of human‐in‐mouse tumor formation from primary HNSCC suggests that selection pressures for tumor growth in this model may be less than those observed for establishment of cell lines. Bioluminescent imaging provides a useful tool for evaluating tumor growth and could be expanded to measure response of the modeled tumor to therapy. This model could be adapted for xenograft modeled growth of other primary tumor types. Laryngoscope, 2009
Predictors of variability in urinary incontinence and overactive bladder symptoms
Authors: Stewart W.F. , Minassian V.A. , Hirsch A.G. , Kolodner K. , Fitzgerald M. , Burgio K. , Cundiff G.W. , Blaivas J. , Newman D. , Lerch V.R. , Dilley A.
Published: August 2009

Aims

We used data from the General Longitudinal Overactive Bladder Evaluation (GLOBE) to understand predictors of variation in urgency and urinary incontinence (UI) symptoms over time.

Methods

A random sample of Geisinger Clinic primary care patients (men and women) 40+ years of age were recruited for a survey of bladder control symptoms at baseline and 12 months later. Symptom questions used a 4‐week recall period. Composite scores were derived for urgency and UI frequency. Logistic regression was used to evaluate predictors of variation in scores at cross‐section and longitudinally.

Results

A majority of those with UI symptoms and almost 40% of those with urgency symptoms reported episodes of once a week or less often; 17% had symptoms a few times a week or more often. Twenty‐one percent with urgency symptoms and 25% with UI symptoms at baseline did not have active symptoms 12 months later. The strongest predictors of active symptoms at follow‐up were baseline symptom score and duration of time since first onset of symptoms. Of those with no urgency symptoms at baseline, 22% had urgency at 12 months. Among those with no UI symptoms at baseline, 13% had UI symptoms 12 months later. Among the latter, age (males only) and BMI were the strongest predictors of symptoms at follow‐up.

Conclusions

Inter‐individual and intra‐individual occurrences of urgency and UI symptoms are highly variable in the general population. Use of established predictors to select individuals with less variability in symptoms may help to reduce placebo rates in clinical trials. Neurourol. Urodynam. 29:328–335, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Executive summary: The International Consultation on incontinence 2008—committee on: “Dynamic Testing”; for Urinary or fecal incontinence. Part 3: Anorectal physiology studies
Authors: Rosier Peter F.W.M. , Hosker Gordon L. , Szabó László , Capewell Ann , Gajewski Jerzy B. , Sand Peter K.
Published: August 2009

Aims

The members of ‘The International Consultation on Incontinence 2008 (Paris) Committee on Dynamic Testing’ provide an executive summary of the chapter ‘Dynamic Testing’ that discusses testing methods for patients with signs and or symptoms of incontinence. Testing of patients with signs and or symptoms of urinary as well as testing of patients with fecal incontinence is discussed.

Methods

Evidence based and consensus committee report.

Results

The chapter ‘Dynamic Testing’ is a continuation of previous Consultation‐reports added with a new systematic literature search and expert discussion. Conclusions, based on the published evidence and recommendations, based on the integration of evidence with expert experience and discussion are provided separately, for transparency.

Conclusion

This third part of a series of three articles summarizes the recommendations given in the paragraph: ‘Anorectal physiology studies’ with regard to fecal incontinence (whether or not in combination with urinary incontinence) and includes only the most recent and relevant literature references. Neurourol. Urodynam. 29: 153–158, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An adjustable sling in the management of recurrent urodynamic stress incontinence after previous failed midurethral tape
Authors: Schmid Corina , Bloch Emmanuel , Amann Esther , Mueller Michael D. , Kuhn Annette
Published: August 2009

Objective

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the feasibility and outcome of an adjustable sling system AMI in patients with recurrent urinary stress incontinence after failed suburethral sling insertion.

Patients and Methods

Twenty‐five patients with recurrent urinary stress incontinence treated with an adjustable sling system AMI were analyzed for feasibility and outcome. Patients' incontinence bother was quantified using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) from 0 to 10. Multichannel urodynamics and pad tests were pre‐ and postoperatively performed. Time of adjustment, time of the surgical intervention, and clinical outcome were also recorded.

Results

Twenty‐five patients were treated with the adjustable sling system AMI. Median time of adjustment was 3 days (range 1–8) and a median follow up time of 12 months. Twenty‐one out of 25 patients were continent, four patients suffered from persisting incontinence. One patient was put on clean intermittent self‐catheterization (CISC). Detrusor pressure at maximum flow rate (pdet/Qmax) increased significantly as did the maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP). Patient satisfaction improved significantly.

Conclusion

Adjustable slings in women with stress urinary incontinence might be indicated in difficult situations after surgical failure. As we present a selective group of patients these findings may not apply to other patients with recurrent stress incontinence. Neurourol. Urodynam. 29:573–577, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Antimuscarinics and overactive bladder: other mechanism of action
Authors: Yamaguchi Osamu
Published: August 2009

Antimuscarinics are considered first‐line treatment for patients with overactive bladder (OAB). However, the mechanism by which antimuscarinics improve the symptoms of OAB remains to be elucidated. Animal studies suggest that antimuscarinics may exert an inhibitory effect on afferent nerves without an effect on detrusor contraction. A release of acetylcholine from the urothelium has been demonstrated in isolated human bladder. In addition, muscarinic receptors (MRs) were found in the urothelium and suburothelial myofibroblasts, suggesting a role for MR mechanisms in urothelial sensory function. Acetylcholine released during the storage phase could be expected to enhance the myogenic contractile activity of the detrusor, which can generate afferent signals. It is suggested that antimuscarinics may decrease bladder afferent activity by blocking MR in the above sites, thereby improving OAB symptoms. Neurourol. Urodynam. 29: 112–115, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lessons learned: Impact of a continence promotion activity for older community‐dwelling women
Authors: Tannenbaum C. , Drali R. , Holroyd‐Leduc J. , Richard L.
Published: August 2009

Aims

Few studies have documented the effectiveness of continence promotion programs targeting older incontinent women. We sought to evaluate the impact of an interactive continence workshop on changing participants' attitudes, knowledge and skills in relation to self‐managing or seeking care for incontinence.

Methods

A quasi‐experimental prospective cohort study with repeated measures was carried out on a population of 90 incontinent women aged 55–87 participating in a continence promotion workshop. Inclusion criteria were a weekly average of one or more episodes of involuntary urine loss during the preceding 3 months and having never sought help for this problem. Incontinence‐related knowledge, attitudes, skills and intentions for seeking care were assessed immediately prior and subsequent to the workshop. Three‐ and 6‐month telephone follow‐ups were conducted to determine rates of healthcare seeking and reasons for not seeking care.

Results

Improvements in incontinence‐related knowledge and attitudes occurred in up to 94% participants. Forty‐three percent of the study participants initiated and were satisfied with self‐treatment, and an additional 42% consulted a health care professional.

Conclusion

Interactive continence workshops promote self‐management and consultation seeking among older women with incontinence. Further testing of different strategies for promoting continence awareness needs to occur in larger studies with more sensitive instruments, a control group, and better specification of the goals, process and outcomes of the health promotion activity being tested. Neurourol. Urodynam. 29:540–544, 2010. 2010. Copyright © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Urodynamic effects of silodosin, a new α1A‐adrenoceptor selective antagonist, for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Yamanishi Tomonori , Mizuno Tomoya , Tatsumiya Katsuhisa , Watanabe Miho , Kamai Takao , Yoshida Ken‐Ichiro
Published: August 2009

Aims

To investigate urodynamically the effects of silodosin, a new α1A‐adrenoceptor‐selective antagonist, in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Methods

Thirty six male patients with BPH (69.9 ± 7.3 years), who were referred as candidates for surgery, were treated with silodosin (4 mg twice daily). The total International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) was 20.7 ± 7.4, maximum flow rate (Qmax) was 6.7 ± 3.0 ml/sec, and prostate volume was 45.6 ± 24.5 ml.

Results

Total IPSS, storage and voiding symptom subscores and QOL score decreased significantly, and Qmaxincreased significantly after 1–12 months of therapy (allP < 0.05). In urodynamic study (n = 29), maximum cystometric capacity increased significantly (P = 0.0027), and detrusor overactivity disappeared in 8 of 20 patients (40%) and improved (bladder capacity increased more than 50%) in 7 (35%) after the therapy. In pressure/flow studies (n = 27), the obstruction grade was improved in 15 patients (56%). Detrusor opening pressure, detrusor pressure at Qmax, bladder outlet obstruction index, and Schäfer's obstruction class decreased significantly after therapy (allP < 0.01). After 12 months, 16 patients (44%) are still on silodosin for 23.3 ± 7.0 (range 12–36) months, and the improvements in IPSS and Qmaxwere stable. Twenty patients withdrew because of insufficient effectiveness in 13 patients (12 patients underwent surgery), side effects in 3, and unknown reasons in 4.

Conclusion

Silodosin appears to improve detrusor overactivity and obstruction grade in patients with BPH. With silodosin treatment, LUTS could be managed effectively for more than a year in at least 44% of the patients. Neurourol. Urodynam. 29:558–562, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Costs of pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic‐cell transplantation
Authors: Majhail Navneet S. , Mothukuri Jaya M. , MacMillan Margaret L. , Verneris Michael R. , Orchard Paul J. , Wagner John E. , Weisdorf Daniel J.
Published: August 2009

Background

Allogeneic hematopoietic‐cell transplantation (HCT), although curative for some high‐risk diseases, is a complex and costly procedure. The costs of transplantation among children have not been described previously.

Procedure

We compared the costs of HCT within the first 100‐days among children who received myeloablative HCT from either a matched related donor (MRD, N = 27), matched unrelated donor (MUD, N = 28) or unrelated umbilical cord blood (UCB, N = 91). We also conducted analyses to describe predictors of higher costs of transplantation.

Results

The 100‐day probabilities of overall survival were 96%, 96% and 87% for MRD, MUD and UCB, respectively. The mean cost per day survived (excluding costs of graft acquisition) was $3,446 (standard deviation (SD), $851) for MRD, $4,050 (SD, $1,194) for MUD and $4,522 (SD, $2,053) for UCB recipients. The costs of MUD and UCB HCT remained similar when costs of graft acquisition were considered within total costs of transplantation. In multivariable analysis, adjusting for important patient, disease, and transplant related characteristics, factors associated with higher costs within the first 100‐days were HCT using MUD or UCB, Lansky score <90 at transplant, graft failure, need for dialysis, need for mechanical ventilation and occurrence of hepatic veno‐occlusive disease.

Conclusions

Within the first 100‐days, the costs of MUD and UCB HCT are similar, while MRD HCT is less costly. These costs are primarily driven by severe post‐transplant complications and graft failure. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010; 54:138–143. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantitative DY‐maleimide‐based proteomic 2‐DE‐labeling strategies using human skin proteins
Authors: Dietz Lisa , Bosque Alberto , Pankert Patrick , Ohnesorge Stefanie , Merz Patrick , Anel Alberto , Schnölzer Martina , Thierse Hermann‐Josef
Published: August 2009

Sensitive differential proteomic analysis is challenging and often limited by distinct labeling or tagging strategies. In this study, we have examined the sensitivity, linearity, and photophysical properties of novel protein labeling DY‐maleimide dyes (DY‐505‐MAL, DY‐555‐MAL and DY‐635‐MAL). All MS compatible DY‐maleimide dyes exhibited excellent emission spectra, high sensitivity, and high linearity, when applied to standard 1‐DE protein analysis. Correspondingly, 2‐DE analysis of DY‐635‐MAL or DY‐505‐MAL maximal‐labeled human keratinocyte proteins displayed remarkably high sensitivity. Compared with a standard fluorescent protein stain, DY‐635‐MAL or DY‐505‐MAL 2‐DE analysis demonstrated equally high spot quality with an overall increase in the number of spots detectable (up to threefold higher;>1000 spots/gel). However, as determined with a FLA‐5100 imaging system, comparative MultiGauge, and Delta2D analysis, not all DY‐maleimide dyes possessed DIGE compatible fluorescent emission properties. However, DY‐505‐MAL and DY‐635‐MAL were found to be suitable for more complex, time and gel intensive, focused multiplexing analyses. Notably – as demonstrated with allergen‐stimulated human skin proteins – defined, singular DY‐maleimide dye protein labeling (SDPL) allows high quality, time saving, simple, and reliable differential proteomic examination.
Preferential mode of cyclization of tetrahydrofuran amino acids containing peptides: some theoretical insights
Authors: Kumar N. V. Suresh , Sharma Purshotam , Singh Harjinder , Koley Dipankar , Roy Saumya , Chakraborty Tushar Kanti
Published: August 2009

Theoretical insights have been provided for the observed preference of cyclodimerization over intramolecular cyclization reactions in linear tripeptides containing “2,5‐cis” (2S,5R)‐tetrahydrofuran amino acid as well as in those containing “2,5‐trans” (2S,5S)‐tetrahydrofuran amino acid, using quantum chemical methods. The geometries of species involved as well as the feasibility of cyclization reactions are studied at the B3LYP/6‐31G(d,p) level of theory in gas phase as well as in solvent phase. Thermodynamic data from Hessian calculations favor the intermolecular cyclization. Analysis of optimized geometries reveals the existence of additional stabilizing hydrogen bonding interactions in intermolecularly cyclized products. The existence of these second‐order interactions is substantiated by topological (atoms in molecules (AIM)) and natural bond orbital (NBO) analyses. Such interactions are absent in the intramolecular cyclization products. Further justification for the presence of stabilizing interactions in intermolecularly cyclized products comes from the molecular electrostatic potentials and electron density surfaces. Kinetic control favoring the intermolecularly cyclized products due to additional entropy of activation in the intramolecular case is surmised. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Earthworm inspired locomotive motion from fast swelling hybrid hydrogels
Authors: Arora Hitesh , Malik Rahul , Yeghiazarian Lilit , Cohen Claude , Wiesner Ulrich
Published: August 2009

Diverse motion mechanisms encountered in nature serve successfully as a guide for engineering efficient mobile devices used in cargo transport and force generation. We have previously demonstrated earthworm locomotion inspired directed motion and cargo transport using a pNIPA hydrogel‐based device. The motility mechanism involved sequential shrinking and swelling of segments of a long gel in a glass capillary, induced by volume phase transitions, through a simple temperature stimulus using peltier elements. The same effect is generated in the earthworm by flexing and stretching muscles along the body as it moves in its underground burrow. The shrinking segments move the body forward while the swollen segments anchor against the walls to prevent slippage. Here, we show an improved device, using the same working principle, made of super‐porous, mechanically robust organic‐inorganic hybrid hydrogels (also known as nanocomposite hydrogels), which show large volume phase transitions above 32 °C without requiring lengthy hydrolysis times. The gels demonstrate fast swelling kinetics with complete restoration of their initial size in short times, making the gels reusable for multiple cycles. This improved device, with its reusability, fast swelling kinetics, and efficient slip‐free motion, opens a variety of possibilities for applications in microfluidics, nanobiotechnology, small‐scale robotics, and micro electro mechanical systems. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 5027–5033, 2009
Water‐soluble anionic conjugated polymers for metal ion sensing: Effect of interchain aggregation
Authors: Chen Yi , Pu Kan‐Yi , Fan Qu‐Li , Qi Xiao‐Ying , Huang Yan‐Qin , Lu Xiao‐Mei , Huang Wei
Published: August 2009

Three sulfonato‐containing fluorene‐based anionic water‐soluble conjugated polymers, which are specially designed to link fluorene with alternating moieties such as bipyridine (P1), pyridine (P2), and benzene (P3) have been synthesized via the Pd‐catalyzed Sonogashira‐coupling reaction, respectively. These polymers had good solubility in water and showed different responses for transition metal ions with different valence in aqueous environments: the fluorescence of bipyridine‐containing P1 can be completely quenched by addition of all transition metal ions selected and showed a good selectivity for Ni2+; the pyridine‐containing P2 had a little response for monovalent and divalent metal ions while showed good quenching with the addition of trivalent metal ions (with a special selectivity for Fe3+); P3 had responses only for the trivalent metal ions within the ionic concentration we studied. After investigation of the UV‐vis absorption spectra, PL emission spectra, DLS, and fluorescence lifetime of P1–P3 in aqueous solution when adding transition metal ions, we found that the different spectrum responses of these polymers are attributed to the different coordination ability of the units linked with fluorene in the main chain. The energy or electron‐transfer reactions were the main reason for fluorescence quenching of P1 and P2. On the other hand, interchain aggregation caused by trivalent metal ions lead to fluorescence quenching for P3 and also caused partly fluorescence quenching of P1 and P2. These results revealed the origin of ionochromic effects of these polymers and suggested the potential application for these polymers as novel chemosensors with higher sensing sensitivity in aqueous environments. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 5057–5067, 2009
New associative EHEC‐g‐PAam copolymers: Their syntheses, characterization, and rheological behavior
Authors: Hiltunen Miia , Riihelä Simon , Maunu Sirkka Liisa
Published: August 2009

The syntheses and rheological behavior of ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose (EHEC)‐based graft‐copolymers were studied. Copolymers were prepared by grafting EHEC with acrylamide (Aam) via reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Hydroxyl groups of EHEC were esterified with a carboxylic acid functional chain transfer agent (CTA) to prepare EHEC‐macroCTAs with different degrees of substitution. EHEC‐macroCTAs were characterized by ATR‐FTIR, 13C NMR, and SEC, and elemental analysis was used to quantify the degree of CTA substitution. EHEC‐macroCTAs with different degrees of substitution were copolymerized with acrylamide by “grafting from” technique. Formation of new cellulose‐based copolymers was comprehensively confirmed by 1H NMR, ATR‐FTIR, and SEC measurements. Further, the associations of EHEC‐g‐PAam copolymers in water were studied at various concentrations and temperatures by means of UV–vis spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and rheological measurements. The results indicate that copolymers have both intra and intermolecular association in water depending on the amount of grafts. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 1869–1879, 2009
Phase morphology and mechanical properties of the electrospun polyoxymethylene/polyurethane blend fiber mats
Authors: Peng Pan , Chen Yi‐Zhang , Gao Yan‐Fang , Yu Jian , Guo Zhao‐Xia
Published: August 2009

Polyoxymethylene/thermoplastic polyurethane (POM/TPU) blends containing 10–30 wt % of TPU were electrospun using hexafluoroisopropanol as the solvent. The average fiber diameter increases with the increase in TPU content from 0.68 μm for neat POM fibers to 0.92 μm for POM/TPU 7:3 blend fibers due to the increase in solution viscosity. Core/sheath structure with the major component POM as the core and the minor component TPU as the sheath was observed by transmission electron microscopy and further confirmed by surface N contents of the blend fiber mats. The crystalline melting point and the degree of crystallinity of POM have no obvious change by coelectrospinning with TPU due to lack of interaction between POM and TPU as revealed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Tensile tests showed that the unusual high ductility of POM fiber mat could be further increased by coelectrospinning with 10 or 20 wt % TPU without significantly decreasing the stiffness and strength. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 1853–1859, 2009
Preparation and characterization of epoxy/polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane hybrid nanocomposites
Authors: Huang Jieh‐Ming , Huang Hui‐Ju , Wang Yu‐Xiang , Chen Wen‐Yi , Chang Feng‐Chih
Published: August 2009

We have prepared epoxy/polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) nanocomposites by photopolymerization from octakis(glycidylsiloxy)octasilsesquioxane (OG) and diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A. We used nuclear magnetic resonance, Raman, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies to characterize the chemical structure of the synthetic OG. Differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) revealed that the nanocomposites possessed higher glass transition temperatures than that of the pristine epoxy resin. Furthermore, DMA indicated that all of the nanocomposites exhibited enhanced storage moduli in the rubbery state, a phenomenon that we ascribe to both the nano‐reinforcement effect of the POSS cages and the additional degree of crosslinking that resulted from the reactions between the epoxy and OG units. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the thermal stability of the nanocomposites was better than that of the pristine epoxy. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 1927–1934, 2009
Competitive hydrogen bonding and self‐assembly in poly(2‐vinyl pyridine)‐block‐poly(methyl methacrylate)/poly(hydroxyether of bisphenol A) blends
Authors: Salim Nisa V. , Hameed Nishar , Guo Qipeng
Published: August 2009

Blends of poly(2‐vinyl pyridine)‐block‐poly(methyl methacrylate) (P2VP‐b‐PMMA) and poly(hydroxyether of bisphenol A) (phenoxy) were prepared by solvent casting from chloroform solution. The specific interactions, phase behavior and nanostructure morphologies of these blends were investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic light scattering (DLS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In this block copolymer/homopolymer blend system, it is established that competitive hydrogen bonding exists as both blocks of the P2VP‐b‐PMMA are capable of forming intermolecular hydrogen bonds with phenoxy. It was observed that the interaction between phenoxy and P2VP is stronger than that between phenoxy and PMMA. This imbalance in the intermolecular interactions and the repulsions between the two blocks of the diblock copolymer lead to a variety of phase morphologies. At low phenoxy concentration, spherical micelles are observed. As the concentration increases, PMMA begins to interact with phenoxy, leading to the changes of morphology from spherical to wormlike micelles and finally forms a homogenous system. A model is proposed to describe the self‐assembled nanostructures of the P2VP‐b‐PMMA/phenoxy blends, and the competitive hydrogen bonding is responsible for the morphological changes. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 1894–1905, 2009
Diameter control of electrospun chitosan‐collagen fibers
Authors: Chen Zong‐Gang , Wei Bo , Mo Xiu‐Mei , Cui Fu‐Zhai
Published: August 2009

In this article, the effects of fundamental parameters including applied voltage, feed rate of solution, collecting distance of fibers, the ratio of chitosan to collagen in the fibers and polymer solution concentration on the diameter and morphology of electrospun collagen‐chitosan complex nanofibers were studied to produce ultrafine polymer fibers. Based on the systematic parametric study, it is possible to control the diameter and morphology of the electrospun polymer fibers. This will also be helpful for electrospinning of various polymers. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 1949–1955, 2009
Relationship Between the Low Temperature Thermolysis and Detonation Temperature of Carbocyclic Nitroaromatic Compounds
Authors: Hossein Keshavarz Mohammad , Reza Pouretedal Hamid , Sadeghi Hossein , Semnani Abolfazl
Published: August 2009

In this paper, a new relationship between the activation energies (Ea) of the low temperature thermolysis and detonation temperature for different carbocyclic nitroaromatic compounds is introduced. Two structural parameters are needed to obtain a relatively good correlation for Ea. The resulting R2 value of the new correlation is 0.942. The new equation assumes that the calculated detonation temperature can be applied to predict Ea of carbocyclic nitroaromatic compounds with the general formula CaHbNcOd and any complicated molecular structure. The proposed new method was also used to predict Ea of some technologically attractive high thermostable polynitro arenes with complex molecular structure, e.g., 2,2′,2″,2′′′,4,4′,4″,4′′′,6,6′,6″,6′′′‐dodecanitro‐[1,3′,1′,1″] quaterphenyl (DODECA).
Raman processes of KNaSO4 and K3Na(SO4)2 single crystals studied by 23Na and 39K nuclear magnetic resonance
Authors: Lim Ae Ran , Choi Il Hwan , Chang Jin‐Hae
Published: August 2009

The spin–lattice relaxation rate, T, of the 23Na and 39K nuclei in KNaSO4 and K3Na(SO4)2 crystals was determined in the temperature range 160–420 K. The results showed similar temperature dependences of T for both types of nuclei, indicating that the local environment has an important influence on T of the metal nuclei. Moreover, the T values of the 23Na and 39K nuclei in the two crystals were found to increase with increasing temperature, and T was determined to be proportional to Tk for both metals. In the case of KNaSO4 and K3Na(SO4)2, T was found to have a temperature dependence proportional to T2, indicating that Raman processes may be responsible for the relaxation of the 23Na and 39K nuclei. Therefore, for the 23Na and 39K nuclei in the two crystals, Raman processes with k = 2 are more effective in nuclear quadrupole relaxation than direct processes.
Electronic structures of PrBa2Cu3O7, Pr2Ba4Cu7O15−y (y = 0, 1), and PrBa2Cu4O8 based on LSDA + U method
Authors: Tavana A. , Shirazi M. , Akhavan M.
Published: August 2009

The electronic structures of PrBa2Cu3O7 (Pr123), Pr2Ba4Cu7O15−y (Pr247), and PrBa2Cu4O8 (Pr124) cuprates have been obtained using density‐functional theory in the local spin density approximation plus onsite Coulomb interaction (LSDA + U). Onsite Hubbard correlation, U, has been considered for Pr‐f and Cu‐d orbitals and the effects of considering these correlation corrections on the PrO hybridizations have been inspected. Results imply that the Pr ionization state in Pr123 system is constituted from two different configurations, and the energy of the f states in these two configurations has an important role in superconductivity properties of the system. Our calculations also show that in both Pr124 and Pr247 systems, suppression of superconductivity is weaker than that in the Pr123 system. This occurs due to the weaker PrO bond in both Pr124 and Pr247 systems. The role of the double chain and single chain on the conduction properties of these compounds has been investigated. We have also studied the effect of oxygen deficiency in Pr247 system, which seems to revive superconductivity in this system. Investigating the hole carriers in the CuO2 plane shows a correlation between superconductivity suppression and hole decrement in the planes.