bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low cost CD4 enumeration using generic monoclonal antibody reagents and a two‐color user‐defined MultiSET™ protocol
Authors: Pattanapanyasat Kovit , Shain Hla , Prasertsilpa Varipin , Noulsri Egarit , Lerdwana Surada , Eksaengsri Achara
Published: August 2006

Background:

The standard three‐tube, three‐color flow cytometric method utilizing the TriTEST™ reagents in conjunction with the MultiSET™ software commonly used in most laboratories in Thailand for CD4 enumeration is expensive and thus unavailable to most HIV‐infected patients. A more affordable method, i.e., the PanLeucogating protocol using only two monoclonal antibody reagents, has been described but requires the use of the CellQUEST™ software that does not have automatic gating and reporting facilities. We describe a simple protocol that utilizes a two‐color user‐defined protocol with the automated MultiSET™ software for the acquisition, analysis, and reporting of CD4 results.

Methods:

A two‐color user‐defined protocol was set up following instructions in the Becton Dickinson Biosciences MultiSET™ manual, adhering strictly to the information regarding the Gate and Attractor Hierarchy for analyzing various reagent combinations. This simple two‐color user‐defined MultiSET™ software was evaluated using generic monoclonal reagents in comparison with the standard TriTEST™/MultiSET™ protocol.

Results:

The two‐color user‐defined MultiSET™ software is easy to use. It requires only modification of the original MultiSET™ program and the results obtained are comparable with those derived from the standard TriTEST™/MultiSET™ protocol.

Conclusion:

The use of this easy and reliable two‐color user‐defined MultiSET™ protocol represents an affordable alternative to CD4 testing in resource‐poor settings. © 2006 International Society for Analytical Cytology
Interactions between mouse IgG2 antibodies are common and mediated by plasma C1q
Authors: Wood Brent L. , Levin Greg R.
Published: August 2006

Background:

The simultaneous use of multiple antibodies for multicolor flow cytometry is increasingly common and presents the opportunity for antibody interactions.

Methods:

Antibodies of differing isotypes were evaluated in pair‐wise combinations for the presence of antibody interactions, using a standard whole blood lysing method or variations thereof.

Results:

Artifactual interactions were identified and preferentially involved IgG2a (58%) or IgG2b (33%) antibodies and a single IgG1 antibody (3%). The interactions were present in all 10 random peripheral blood samples evaluated and required only whole blood and the two antibodies. Plasma removal prior to antibody incubation eliminated the interaction, as did switching any single IgG2 antibody to an IgG1 clone. Heat‐inactivated plasma eliminated the interactions, and the addition of purified C1q to washed cells was capable of recreating the interaction in its entirety, confirming the mediation by complement C1q.

Conclusions:

Complement C1q mediates significant interactions between mouse IgG2 class antibodies; these interactions are very common and may be prevented by either complete serum removal or use of alternate IgG1 clones. Such interactions represent a significant potential source of artifact in the use of whole blood lysis methods for specimen preparation for multicolor flow cytometry. © 2006 International Society for Analytical Cytology
Tol2 transposon‐mediated transgenesis in Xenopus tropicalis
Authors: Hamlet Michelle R. Johnson , Yergeau Donald A. , Kuliyev Emin , Takeda Masatoshi , Taira Masanori , Kawakami Koichi , Mead Paul E.
Published: August 2006

The diploid frog Xenopus tropicalis is becoming a powerful developmental genetic model system. Sequencing of the X. tropicalis genome is nearing completion and several labs are embarking on mutagenesis screens. We are interested in developing insertional mutagenesis strategies in X. tropicalis. Transposon‐mediated insertional mutagenesis, once used exclusively in plants and invertebrate systems, is now more widely applicable to vertebrates. The first step in developing transposons as tools for mutagenesis is to demonstrate that these mobile elements function efficiently in the target organism. Here, we show that the Medaka fish transposon, Tol2, is able to stably integrate into the X. tropicalis genome and will serve as a powerful tool for insertional mutagenesis strategies in the frog. genesis 44:438–445, 2006 Published 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The IgD CH1 region contains the binding site for the human respiratory pathogen Moraxella catarrhalis IgD‐binding protein MID
Authors: Samuelsson Martin , Jendholm Johan , Amisten Stefan , Morrison Sherie L. , Forsgren Arne , Riesbeck Kristian
Published: August 2006

The Moraxella catarrhalis IgD‐binding protein (MID) has a unique specificity for human IgD, and the sequence with maximal IgD binding is located within the amino acids MID962–1200. In the present paper, we examined the MID binding site on IgD using a series of recombinant Ig. Full‐length IgD, IgD F(ab’)2, and an IgD F(ab’) C290R mutant lacking the inter‐heavy‐chain cysteine 290 were manufactured. Furthermore, a series of IgD/IgG chimeras were constructed. ELISA, dot blot and flow cytometry were used to study the binding of purified Ig to native MID, recombinant MID962–1200 or to Moraxella with or without MID. MID962–1200 bound both the IgD F(ab’)2 and F(ab’) C290R, indicating that the binding occurred independently of antibody structure. When amino acids 157–224 of the IgD CH1 region were substituted with IgG sequences, binding by M. catarrhalis or recombinant MID962–1200 was abolished. Subsequent smaller substitutions of IgD CH1 157–224 with IgG sequences led us to conclude that IgD CH1 amino acids 198–206 were crucial for the interaction between MID and IgD.
Hierarchy of eosinophil chemoattractants: role of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase
Authors: Schratl Petra , Sturm Eva M. , Royer Julia F. , Sturm Gunter J. , Lippe Irmgard T. , Peskar Bernhard A. , Heinemann Akos
Published: August 2006

Several chemoattractants can regulate the recruitment of eosinophils to sites of inflammation, but the hierarchy among them is unknown. We observed here that eosinophil chemotaxis towards eotaxin or 5‐oxo‐6,8,11,14‐eicosatetraenoic acid (5‐oxo‐ETE) was amplified up to sixfold in the presence of prostaglandin (PG) D2. This effect was only seen in eosinophils, and not in neutrophils or basophils. Pretreatment with the chemoattractant receptor‐homologous molecule expressed on TH2 cells (CRTH2) antagonist ramatroban prevented the PGD2enhancement of eosinophil migrations. In contrast, eotaxin or 5‐oxo‐ETE inhibited the migration of eosinophils towards PGD2. 5‐oxo‐ETE enhanced the chemotaxis to eotaxin, while eotaxin had no effect on 5‐oxo‐ETE‐induced migration. 5‐oxo‐ETE induced the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase, and inhibition of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase by SB‐202190 converted the effect of 5‐oxo‐ETE on the chemotaxis to PGD2from inhibition to enhancement. The presence of blood or plasma markedly decreased the sensitivity of eosinophils to eotaxin or 5‐oxo‐ETE, while responses to PGD2were unaltered. In conclusion, PGD2might be an initial chemoattractant, since it maintains its potency in the circulation and augments the responsiveness of eosinophils to other chemoattractants. In contrast, eotaxin seems to be an end‐point chemoattractant, since it has reduced efficacy in blood and is capable of down‐modulating eosinophil responsiveness to other chemoattractants.
Antibody‐independent B cell‐intrinsic and ‐extrinsic roles for CD21/35
Authors: Rossbacher Joerg , Haberman Ann M. , Neschen Susanne , Khalil Ashraf , Shlomchik Mark J.
Published: August 2006

Mice lacking C3, C4 or complement receptor 1/2 (Cr) have defective germinal centers (GC). The requirement for C4 implicates complement fixation by immune complexes (IC) via the classical pathway. Yet, transgenic (Tg) mice that lack circulating antibody but still express membrane IgM (mIgM) have normal GC responses. We showed previously that cross‐linking mIgM leads to the deposition of C3 on the B cell surface and that disruption of this pathway diminishes GC responses. Here, we investigate the role of Cr in this process by generating mIgM‐Tg mice that lack Cr and serum Ig. These mIgM/Cr–/– mice have smaller, transient GC, with incomplete B cell receptor down‐regulation and peanut agglutinin up‐regulation, compared to mIgM/Crwt counterparts. BM chimera experiments showed that Cr on B cells is required for normal GC responses. These results establish that Cr ligands generated at the B cell surface are sufficient for normal GC responses and function by signaling Cr on B cells. Unexpectedly, chimera experiments also showed a critical role for Cr on follicular dendritic cells (FDC), even in the absence of IC, indicating novel functions for FDC‐expressed Cr beyond the capture of C3‐coated IC.
Development of nephritis but not sialadenitis in autoimmune‐prone BAFF transgenic mice lacking marginal zone B cells
Authors: Fletcher Carrie A. , Sutherland Andrew P. R. , Groom Joanna R. , Batten Marcel L. , Ng Lai Guan , Gommerman Jennifer , Mackay Fabienne
Published: August 2006

B cell‐activating factor belonging to the TNF family (BAFF) is a B cell survival factor required for B cell maturation. BAFF transgenic (Tg) mice develop autoimmune disorders characterized by autoantibody production, which leads to nephritis and salivary gland destruction (sialadenitis), features reminiscent of systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren's syndrome (SS), respectively. Disease in BAFF Tg mice correlates with the expansion of the marginal zone (MZ) B cell compartment and the abnormal presence of MZ‐like B cells in the blood, LN and inflamed salivary glands, suggesting a role for these cells in BAFF‐induced autoimmunity. Lymphotoxin‐β (LTβ)‐deficient mice show disrupted splenic architecture, lack MZ B cells and some peripheral LN, and are unable to mount T cell‐dependent immune responses. BAFF Tg mice lacking LTβ (LTβ▵‐BTg) retained these defects, yet still developed nephritis associated with the presence of B‐1 B cells in the kidneys. However, in contrast to old BAFF Tg mice, aging LTβ▵‐BTg mice no longer developed sialadenitis. Thus, autoimmune disorders in BAFF Tg mice are possibly events coordinated by MZ and B‐1 B cells at separate anatomical sites.
Kinetic Evaluation of Ligand Hemilability in Transition Metal Complexes
Authors: Bassetti Mauro
Published: August 2006

Hemilability is the property of hybrid ligands to undergo a reversible metal chelate opening process by rupture of the weakest coordinative bond, yielding a coordinatively unsaturated complex. While experimental evidences of the process rely on the observation of fluxional behavior in the metal complex or on the spectroscopic detection of the species with different chelating bites, various effects are speculatively attributed to hemilability. In this review, this property is discussed in the context of its effects on the rate and mechanisms of bimolecular reactions. Examples of kinetics performed on ligand substitution, oxidative addition, alkyne tautomerization, and dehydrobromination reactions illustrate that the ligand hemilability process can be detected through simple kinetic analyses and can be quantitatively evaluated with respect to alternative reaction pathways. Since this concept affects various fields of chemistry, e.g. catalysis, supramolecular chemistry, molecular sensing, and materials, the kinetic approach may assist the rational design of ligands with the expected properties.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Cobaloximes with Pyrazine and Their Dimetallic Complexes
Authors: Mandal Debaprasad , Gupta Bhagwan D.
Published: August 2006

Mono‐ and dinuclear cobaloximes with inorganic anions and pyrazine (Pz) as a base/bridging ligand were synthesized and characterized by 1H, 13C, UV/Vis and IR spectroscopy and X‐ray structure analysis. Mononuclear complexes XCo(dioxime)2Pz were used as precursors for building homo‐ and heterodimetallic complexes. The X‐ray crystal structures of ClCo(dmgH)2Pz, ClCo(dpgH)2Pz, [Co(dpgH)2(NO2)2]Na, and [Co(dmgH)2(NO2)2]2[Ag]2·H2O are reported. [Co(dmgH)2(NO2)2]2[Ag]2·H2O shows two AgI ions in different environments: one is in tetrahedral, whereas the other is in capped trigonal coordination and the metal‐organic framework in this molecule shows helical structure. A cyclic voltammetry study in [XCo(dioxime)2]2‐μ‐Pz and XCo(dioxime)2Pz [dioxime = dmgH (dimethylglyoximato), dpgH (diphenylglyoximato)] is reported. The reduction, CoIII to CoII and CoII to CoI, is found to be more difficult in [XCo(dpgH)2]2‐μ‐Pz than in XCo(dpgH)2Pz. The CV data have been interpreted in terms of cobalt anisotropy. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Substituted Ring‐Fused Yttrium Derivatives – X‐ray Crystal Structures of [(L′YCl2·THF)2LiCl·2THF] and [{L′YCl(OH)}6·2THF] (L′ = 2‐Phenyl‐4,5,6,7,8‐hexahydroazulenyl)
Authors: Paolucci Gino , Vignola Manuela , Zanella Alessandra , Bertolasi Valerio , Polo Eleonora , Sostero Silvana
Published: August 2006

The reaction of lithium salts of ring‐fused ligands (L), where the ring fused to the cyclopentadienyl moiety is a saturated one (six, seven, or eight carbon atoms), with YCl3 in THF in 2:1 and 1:1 molar ratios affords complexes of formula [L2YCl]2 and [(LYCl2·THF)2LiCl·2THF], respectively. Here we report the synthesis, spectroscopic characterization, and X‐ray crystal structure of [(L′YCl2·THF)2LiCl·2THF] (L′ = 2‐phenyl‐4,5,6,7,8‐hexahydroazulenyl), together with the crystal structure of the hexameric species [{L′YCl(OH)}6·2THF], which was quite unexpectedly isolated during the attempted crystallization of the latter complex and is probably formed by partial hydrolysis of that complex. The activity of the new complexes towards ethylene and 1‐hexene polymerization reactions was also tested. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Imidazo[1,5‐a]pyridinium Salts from Phenylchlorocarbene and 2‐Pyridyl Schiff Bases: Synthesis, Reaction Mechanism and Effect of Rotamerism
Authors: Bonneau Roland , Guionneau Philippe
Published: August 2006

3‐Phenylimidazo[1,5‐a]pyridinium salts are easily prepared in excellent yield by thermolysis of phenylchlorodiazirine in the presence of 2‐pyridyl Schiff bases (2‐Pyr‐CH=NR, where R is an aromatic or alkyl group). When the reaction is conducted in an alkane solvent, the salts precipitate and are easily obtained with a high level of purity after filtration and repeated washing of the precipitate with a nonpolar solvent. A laser‐flash photolysis study of the reaction mechanism reveals that the phenylchlorocarbene produced by decomposition of the diazirine reacts with the Schiff base to give two different ylides. The intramolecular cyclization of these two ylides yields the same intermediate product, which rapidly eliminates a chlorine anion. Neither semi‐empirical calculations of the energy barriers for the formation and cyclization of the various possible ylides, nor comparison of their calculated and experimental absorption spectra, allow us to determine whether the two ylides are rotamers of a pyridinium ylide or a pyridinium ylide and an iminium ylide. Only the comparison of systems where R is a cyclohexyl or a tert‐butyl group indicates that the two ylides are rotamers of a pyridinium ylide.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Substituent Effects in the Ring–Chain Tautomerism of 1‐Alkyl‐3‐arylnaphth[1,2‐e][1,3]oxazines
Authors: Tóth Diána , Szatmári István , Fülöp Ferenc
Published: August 2006

New 1‐(1‐aminoalkyl)‐2‐naphthols 8–11 have been synthesised by the condensation of 2‐naphthol with aliphaticaldehydes in the presence of ammonia, followed by acidic hydrolysis. The condensation of 7–11 with substitutedbenzaldehydes after microwave irradiation led to1‐alkyl‐3‐aryl‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐naphth[1,2‐e][1,3]oxazines,which proved to be three‐component (rt‐o‐rc) tautomeric mixtures in CDCl3 at 300 K. The electronic effects of the 1‐alkyl and 3‐aryl groups on the tautomeric ratios could be determined for both the ringtrans–chain and the ringcis–chain equilibria with the aid of two‐variant linear equations. A significant difference was found between the coefficients of the Meyer parameter Va, which characterises the volume of the portion of the alkyl substituent within 0.3 nm of the reaction centre, for ringtrans–chain and ringcis–chain equilibria, and this is explained in terms of the stereoelectronic effect caused by the alkyl substituent at position 1. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Comprehensive genome and transcriptome analysis of the 11q13 amplicon in human oral cancer and synteny to the 7F5 amplicon in murine oral carcinoma
Authors: Huang Xin , Godfrey Tony E. , Gooding William E. , McCarty Kenneth S. , Gollin Susanne M.
Published: August 2006

11q13 amplification occurs in a wide variety of tumors, including almost half of oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) where it has been correlated with a poor outcome. In this study, we compiled 3.6 Mb of DNA sequence in the 11q13 amplicon core and refined the physical map of the amplicon. In the process, we determined the genomic structure and normal tissue expression patterns of two recently identified genes, TAOS2/TMEM16A and MRGF, which reside in the amplicon core. We then quantified DNA copy number and mRNA expression of all genes in the 11q13 amplicon in cell lines and primary tumors from OSCC. With the exception of FGF3, FGF4, FGF19, and MRGF, all genes were overexpressed in most tumors with genomic amplification. Furthermore, we found that the expression of genes in the amplicon appeared to be highly coordinated, making it difficult to determine which gene or genes are driving amplification. However, in nonamplified primary tumors, three genes, TAOS2/TMEM16A, OCIM, and TPCN2, are frequently overexpressed, whereas CCND1 and EMS1 are not. These results suggest that in addition to CCND1 and EMS1, other important genes also may be target genes driving 11q13 amplification. We hypothesize that 11q13 amplification may be driven by a cassette of genes that provide growth or metastatic advantage to cancer cells. This is supported by the finding that the human 11q13 amplicon core is syntenic to mouse chromosomal band 7F5, which is frequently amplified in chemically induced murine OSCC. This article contains Supplementary Material available at http://www.interscience.wiley.com/jpages/1045‐2257/suppmat. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ordovician graptolite evolutionary radiation: a review
Authors: Xu Chen , Yuan‐Dong Zhang , Jun‐Xuan Fan
Published: August 2006

Based on the global graptolite genera and higher rank taxa, we propose three radiation stages through the Ordovician. The isograptid type of development is present within anisograptids predominating in the Tremadocian. Thus, the evolutionary radiation of the Anisograptid fauna from Tremadocian is proposed as the beginning of the Ordovician graptolite radiation. The second graptolite radiation event is the radiation of the Dichograptid fauna, which began from the T. fruticosus Biozone. The third radiation event, the radiation of Diplograptid fauna began immediately after that of the dichograptids. This radiation includes the peak in total diversity of all the Ordovician graptoloids in the Nemagraptus gracilis Biozone. The radiation extended through the Sandbian and Katian and then was interrupted by a major extinction during the early Hirnantian. Thus, the Ordovician graptolite radiation events coincide with those of the three graptolite faunas proposed by Bulman. The distribution and expansion of the Ordovician graptolites in South China may exemplify the graptolite origination pattern, which begins from the slope belt and expanded into both the shelf and oceanic zones. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stimulation of TLR9 with CpG ODN enhances apoptosis of glioma and prolongs the survival of mice with experimental brain tumors
Authors: Andaloussi Abdeljabar El , Sonabend Adam M. , Han Yu , Lesniak Maciej S.
Published: August 2006

Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) recognize a set of conserved molecular structures, so called pathogen‐associated molecular patterns, which allow them to sense and initiate innate and adaptive immune responses. In this study, we examined the expression of TLRs in both human and murine glioma. We then analyzed the change in TLR expression after treatment with synthetic phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) containing unmethylated CpG dinucleotides (CpG ODNs), strong activators of both innate and adaptive immunity. In addition, we investigated the in vivo effect of CpG injection into C57BL/6 mice implanted with syngeneic GL261 glioma. Our results indicate that TLR9 is overexpressed in human and murine glioma cell lines and CpG stimulation prolongs the survival of mice with experimental brain tumors. CpGs induce TLR9 down‐regulation, followed by apoptosis of GL261 cells in vitro as well as in vivo. Furthermore, the effects of CpG stimulation appear to enhance the antigen presenting capacity of microglia, shift the immune response toward CD8+ T cells, and decrease the number of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells. Taken together, our data support the role of CpG in glioma immunotherapy and provide a rationale for further clinical development of CpG therapy in patients with malignant glioma. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Steroids and glial cell function
Authors: Garcia‐Segura Luis M. , Melcangi Roberto C.
Published: August 2006

Hormonal and locally produced steroids act in the nervous system as neuroendocrine regulators, as trophic factors and as neuromodulators and have a major impact on neural development and function. Glial cells play a prominent role in the local production of steroids and in the mediation of steroid effects on neurons and other glial cells. In this review, we examine the role of glia in the synthesis and metabolism of steroids and the functional implications of glial steroidogenesis. We analyze the mechanisms of steroid signaling on glia, including the role of nuclear receptors and the mechanisms of membrane and cytoplasmic signaling mediated by changes in intracellular calcium levels and activation of signaling kinases. Effects of steroids on functional parameters of glia, such as proliferation, myelin formation, metabolism, cytoskeletal reorganization, and gliosis are also reviewed, as well as the implications of steroid actions on glia for the regulation of synaptic function and connectivity, the regulation of neuroendocrine events, and the response of neural tissue to injury. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Efficacy and safety of ultrasonically activated shears in thyroid surgery
Authors: Karvounaris Dimitrios C. , Antonopoulos Vassilios , Psarras Kyriakos , Sakadamis Athanasios
Published: August 2006

Background.

The purpose of this prospective study is to evaluate the efficacy of ultrasonically activated shears (UAS) in hemostasis as well as its safety in regard to complications in thyroid surgery.

Methods.

Three hundred patients who had undergone surgery on the thyroid gland were divided into 2 groups of 150 patients each. Hemostasis as well as division of blood vessels and thyroid tissue were performed with the use of UAS in the first group and by conventional ligations in the second group.

Results.

The use of UAS resulted in as much as a 39.7% reduction in the operative time of the total thyroidectomy and a 30.8% reduction of the lobectomy (p < .001). However, there was no important difference in the postoperative blood loss in either the temporary hypoparathyroidism or the paresis of recurrent laryngeal nerves.

Conclusions.

The use of UAS in thyroid surgery is a safe method for hemostasis, as well as for the division of blood vessels and thyroid tissue. It leads to the reduction of the total operative time without serious complications. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2006
Radiation‐induced xerostomia
Authors: Chambers Mark S. , Rosenthal David I. , Weber Randal S.
Published: August 2006

Background.

Radiation‐induced xerostomia is a frequent and usually permanent side effect of radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. We summarize recent developments in the prevention and treatment of radiation‐induced xerostomia.

Methods.

The Medline database was searched for articles published within the past 10 years on the prevention and treatment of postirradiation xerostomia. Proceedings of recent important national meetings and government Web registries of clinical trials and therapeutic agents were also consulted. Priority was given to randomized controlled trials but, because of the scarcity of such trials, small open trials were included in this review. No other predetermined selection criteria were used, although articles exploring the effects of xerostomia and its treatment on quality of life were considered of special interest.

Results.

A variety of preventive approaches for postirradiation xerostomia exist, involving more conformal radiation delivery technology, radioprotective agents, and even preirradiation surgical techniques. Therapeutic interventions include supportive care, saliva supplementation, and the use of procholinergic salivary secretagogues.

Conclusions.

Radiation‐induced xerostomia constitutes a significant morbidity after orofacial irradiation. Careful preventive techniques, meticulous supportive care, and new preventive and therapeutic agents may prove useful in combination. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2006
Nutritional factors and survival of patients with oral cancer
Authors: Liu Shih‐An , Tsai Wen‐Chen , Wong Yong‐Kie , Lin Jin‐Ching , Poon Chiu‐Kwan , Chao Shou‐Yee , Hsiao Ying‐Lyung , Chan Man‐Yee , Cheng Chi‐Sheng , Wang Chen‐Chi , Wang Ching‐Ping
Published: August 2006

Background.

Our objective was to determine the survival rate of patients with oral cancer who were treated at a medical center in central Taiwan. Furthermore, we attempted to investigate whether nutritional factors influence the survival.

Methods.

We carried out a retrospective review of 1010 chart records of patients with oral cancer. We used the Kaplan–Meier method for survival analysis and the Cox proportional hazard models to investigate the prognosticators.

Results.

Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed an overall 5‐year survival rate of 63.24%. The Cox proportional hazard model revealed that those with a preoperative body mass index (BMI) of <22.8 kg/m2 tended to have a higher probability of death (relative risk [RR] = 1.292, p = .022). In addition, those with a preoperative serum albumin level of <4.15 g/dL were generally associated with a poorer prognosis (RR = 1.313, p = .016).

Conclusions.

Apart from clinical features, nutritional factors also had a significant influence on the survival of patients with oral cancer. Therefore, good nutritional status is crucial for patients with oral cancer in improving their survival. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2006
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines: Established models and rationale for selection
Authors: Lin Charles J. , Grandis Jennifer R. , Carey Thomas E. , Gollin Susanne M. , Whiteside Theresa L. , Koch Wayne M. , Ferris Robert L. , Lai Stephen Y.
Published: August 2006

Background.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines are important preclinical models in the search for novel and targeted therapies to treat head and neck cancer. Unlike many other cancer types, a wide variety of primary and metastatic HNSCC cell lines are available. An easily accessible guide that organizes important characteristics of HNSCC cell lines would be valuable for the selection of appropriate HNSCC cell lines for in vitro or in vivo studies.

Methods.

A literature search was performed.

Results.

Cell growth and culture parameters from HNSCC cell lines were catalogued into tables or lists of selected characteristics. Methods for establishing cancer cell lines and basic cell culture maintenance techniques were reviewed.

Conclusions.

A compendium of HNSCC cell line characteristics is useful for organizing the accumulating information regarding cell line characteristics to assist investigators with the development of appropriate preclinical models. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2006
Episodic memory—From brain to mind
Authors: Ferbinteanu Janina , Kennedy Pamela J. , Shapiro Matthew L.
Published: August 2006

Neuronal mechanisms of episodic memory, the conscious recollection of autobiographical events, are largely unknown because electrophysiological studies in humans are conducted only in exceptional circumstances. Unit recording studies in animals are thus crucial for understanding the neurophysiological substrate that enables people to remember their individual past. Two features of episodic memory—autonoetic consciousness, the self‐aware ability to “travel through time”, and one‐trial learning, the acquisition of information in one occurrence of the event—raise important questions about the validity of animal models and the ability of unit recording studies to capture essential aspects of memory for episodes. We argue that autonoetic experience is a feature of human consciousness rather than an obligatory aspect of memory for episodes, and that episodic memory is reconstructive and thus its key features can be modeled in animal behavioral tasks that do not involve either autonoetic consciousness or one‐trial learning. We propose that the most powerful strategy for investigating neurophysiological mechanisms of episodic memory entails recording unit activity in brain areas homologous to those required for episodic memory in humans (e.g., hippocampus and prefrontal cortex) as animals perform tasks with explicitly defined episodic‐like aspects. Within this framework, empirical data suggest that the basic structure of episodic memory is a temporally extended representation that distinguishes the beginning from the end of an event. Future research is needed to fully understand how neural encodings of context, sequences of items/events, and goals are integrated within mnemonic representations of autobiographical events. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) is essential for sulfur mustard‐induced DNA damage repair, but has no role in DNA ligase activation
Authors: Bhat K. Ramachandra , Benton Betty J. , Ray Radharaman
Published: August 2006

Concurrent activation of poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) and DNA ligase was observed in cultured human epidermal keratinocytes (HEK) exposed to the DNA alkylating compound sulfur mustard (SM), suggesting that DNA ligase activation could be due to its modification by PARP. Using HEK, intracellular 3H‐labeled NAD+ (3H‐adenine) was metabolically generated and then these cells were exposed to SM (1 mM). DNA ligase I isolated from these cells was not 3H‐labeled, indicating that DNA ligase I is not a substrate for (ADP‐ribosyl)ation by PARP. In HEK, when PARP was inhibited by 3‐amino benzamide (3‐AB, 2 mM), SM‐activated DNA ligase had a half‐life that was four‐fold higher than that observed in the absence of 3‐AB. These results suggest that DNA repair requires PARP, and that DNA ligase remains activated until DNA damage repair is complete. The results show that in SM‐exposed HEK, DNA ligase I is activated by phosphorylation catalysed by DNA‐dependent protein kinase (DNA‐PK). Therefore, the role of PARP in DNA repair is other than that of DNA ligase I activation. By using the DNA ligase I phosphorylation assay and decreasing PARP chemically as well as by PARP anti‐sense mRNA expression in the cells, it was confirmed that PARP does not modify DNA ligase I. In conclusion, it is proposed that PARP is essential for efficient DNA repair; however, PARP participates in DNA repair by altering the chromosomal structure to make the DNA damage site(s) accessible to the repair enzymes. Published in 2006 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of emulsified chitosan–PLGA matrices formed using controlled‐rate freezing and lyophilization technique
Authors: Moshfeghian Aliakbar , Tillman Jeremy , Madihally Sundararajan V.
Published: August 2006

This study evaluated the formation of chitosan–50:50 poly‐lactic‐co‐glycolic acid (PLGA) blend matrices using controlled‐rate freezing and lyophilization technique (CRFLT). An emulsion system was used in the presence of 1,2‐dimyristoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine (DMPC), a cellular component, as a stabilizer. Blended scaffolds showed an open pore morphology and homogenous interdispersion of PLGA and chitosan. Forming emulsions after dissolving PLGA in chloroform, benzene, or methylene chloride indicated better emulsion stability with benzene and chloroform. Scaffolds formed by freezing at −20, −78, and −196°C from these emulsions showed significant influence of the solvent and freezing temperature on the microarchitecture of the scaffold. By controlling the concentration of chitosan, scaffolds with greater than 90% porosity were attained. Since the two polymers degrade by different mechanisms, formed scaffolds were analyzed for degradation characteristics for 4 weeks in presence of 10 mg/L lysozyme. These results showed no significant difference in the weight loss and dimension changes, as all scaffolds showed significant (a) weight loss and (b) nearly 60% reduction in volume. Further, pH of the incubation media decreased in all the samples. When cellular activity of green fluorescence protein‐transfected smooth muscle cells was analyzed, no apparent cytotoxicity was observed. However, the cell spreading area decreased. In summary, these results show promising potential in tissue engineering and drug delivery applications. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
CD44 regulates myoblast migration and differentiation
Authors: Mylona Eleni , Jones Kristen A. , Mills Stephen T. , Pavlath Grace K.
Published: August 2006

CD44 is a transmembrane protein that plays a role in cell–cell interactions and motility in a number of cell types. Cell–cell interactions are critical for myoblast differentiation and fusion but whether CD44 regulates myogenesis is unknown. Here, we show that CD44 plays a functional role in early myogenesis. Analyses of myofiber cross‐sectional area, after local injury in mouse tibialis anterior (TA) muscles, revealed that growth was transiently delayed in the absence of CD44. A muscle‐intrinsic role for CD44 is suggested as primary myoblasts from CD44−/− mice displayed attenuated differentiation and subsequent myotube formation at early times in a differentiation‐inducing in vitro environment. Chemotaxis of CD44−/− myoblasts toward hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was totally abrogated, although expression of their respective receptors did not appear to differ from wild‐type. Furthermore, motility of CD44−/− myoblasts was decreased at early stages of differentiation as determined by time‐lapse microscopy. Wild‐type myoblasts contained two subpopulations of slow‐ and fast‐migrating cells, whereas CD44−/− myoblasts were composed predominantly of the slower migrating subpopulation. Taken together, these data suggest that myoblast migration and differentiation are closely linked and CD44 is a key regulator. J. Cell. Physiol. 209: 314–321, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Simultaneous analysis of seven astragalosides in Radix Astragali and related preparations by liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Wang Duo , Song Yue , Li Song‐Lin , Bian Yun‐Yun , Guan Jia , Li Ping
Published: August 2006

A method has been developed for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of pharmacologically active astragalosides isolated from several species of the genus Astragalus by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. Seven astragalosides in Radix Astragali and their commercial pharmaceutical preparations were analyzed using the developed method. The extracted ion current chromatograms were obtained from the total ion current chromatogram using the m/z of [M+Na]+ ions produced by target compounds for peak determination. The limits of detection and limits of quantification were in the range of 0.10–0.22 ng and 0.22–0.52 ng in full scan mode, respectively. All calibration curves showed good linear regression (r2 ⪈0.9965) within the test range. The overall intra‐ and inter‐day precision was less than 2.86% for peak area and the accuracy was higher than 92.9% on using ginsenoside I as internal standard. The assay was successfully utilized to analyze the major biologically active astragalosides in six samples of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao. and eight commercial preparations. The overall results demonstrate that this method is simple, selective, and suitable for the quality control of Chinese medicine and their preparation in the low nanogram range.
Response surface methodology in the development of a stacking‐sensitive capillary electrophoresis method by field‐amplified injection for the analysis of tricyclic antidepressants in the presence of salts
Authors: Acedo‐Valenzuela María‐Isabel , Galeano‐Díaz Teresa , Mora‐Díez Nielene , Silva‐Rodríguez Antonio
Published: August 2006

The work presented here explores the possibilities of the electrokinetic injection (EK) to achieve sensitive methods for the determination of tricyclic antidepressants in biological samples (serum). The addition of ACN to the sample, with high content in salts, causes stacking at the tip of the capillary, in a similar way as for hydrodynamic injection. An experimental design with the response surface methodology has been used to find the optimum composition of the matrix of the sample (sodium chloride and ACN percentages) and the conditions for the EK (water‐plug length, time, and voltage of injection) in few experiments. The composition of the separation buffer was the same as utilized in a previous paper. The use of a bubble capillary to reach lower detection limits implies a loss of the resolution and requires a new optimization. Finally, a comparison between electrokinetic and hydrodynamic injections is made.
Capillary electrochromatography with monolithic silica columns. IV. Electrochromatographic characterization of polar bonded monolithic stationary phases having surface‐bound cyano functionalities
Authors: Zhong Hengwen , El Rassi Ziad
Published: August 2006

Two polar ligands, namely 3‐hydroxypropionitrile and 1H‐imidazole‐4,5‐dicarbonitrile (IDCN) were covalently attached to epoxy‐activated silica‐based monolithic capillary columns via an epoxide ring‐opening reaction to yield CN–OH‐Monolith and 2CN–OH‐Monolith, respectively. The silica monolith was prepared by a sol–gel process, and the resulting “rod‐like” stationary phase was subjected to pore tailoring with an alkaline solution to convert small pore domains to mesopore domains, thus yielding a monolith with bimodal pore structure consisting of flow through pores (i. e., flow channels for mobile‐phase flow) and mesopores that provide most of the adsorption capacity of the monolith toward the separated solutes. The two polar monoliths, CN–OH‐Monolith and 2CN–OH‐Monolith, were evaluated in normal‐phase CEC with organic‐rich mobile phases less polar than the stationary phase. The 2CN–OH‐Monolith bearing more polar functions than the CN–OH‐Monolith exhibited more retention and improved selectivity toward model polar solutes.
HPLC determination of ciprofloxacin, cloxacillin, and ibuprofen drugs in human urine samples
Authors: Espinosa‐Mansilla Anunciación , Muñoz de la Peña Arsenio , González Gómez David , Cañada‐Cañada Florentina
Published: August 2006

This paper reports, for the first time, a liquid chromatographic method for the simultaneous determination of three frequently co‐administered active principles, two antibiotics, ciprofloxacin (CIPRO) and cloxacillin (CLOXA) belonging to the fluoroquinolones and β‐lactam families, respectively, and ibuprofen (IBU), a non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug. The chromatographic separation was performed on a C‐18 analytical column, using isocratic elution with methanol‐acetonitrile‐pH 3 formate buffer (CT = 0.1 M) (15 : 12 : 73, v/v/v) for 3 min and, after that, a linear gradient with methanol‐acetonitrile (88 : 12, v/v) for 8 min. Several absorption spectra were obtained for each peak using a DAD detector. Chromatograms at the maximum absorption wavelength for each analyte, 220 nm for both IBU and CLOXA, and 280 nm for CIPRO were selected as the most suitable. The proposed chromatographic method requires about 15 min per sample. The presence of a urine background was tested and no interference was found. The method was satisfactorily applied to the determination of CIPRO, CLOXA, and IBU, in fortified urine, and in urine samples from a patient undergoing treatment with these three active principles, among others. Limits of quantification in urine were 1.00, 1.70, and 2.87 μg/mL for CIPRO, CLOXA, and IBU, respectively.
Managing innovation through social architecture, learning, and competencies: a new conceptual approach
Authors: Murray Peter , Blackman Deborah
Published: August 2006

Traditional innovative narratives are presented in a structured, almost prescribed, fashion in the innovation literature. This structural approach treats knowledge as a commodity that can be easily developed and shared. In this paper we argue the opposite, suggesting that developing competencies is fundamentally linked to socially constructed innovative practices and processes developed over time as the organisation evolves and learns new ways. We suggest that the latter is better reflected by a processual view of knowledge management; how it evolves, how it leads to innovation. While the innovation literature is familiar with the importance of learning and knowledge practices, we contend that the learning routines themselves are not practised in a systematic fashion. We argue that innovation is seldom of a breakthrough type. Instead, we call for an integrative approach that combines social processes with learning and innovation. Socially crafted routines we suggest lead to greater innovative outcomes and effectiveness. This paper explores and investigates these ideas by matching different contexts to processes. The paper develops a theoretical framework which indicates the integrative and interactive forces required for successful innovation implementation. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Process learning in alliances developing radical versus incremental innovations: evidence from the telecommunications industry
Authors: Feller Jan , Parhankangas Annaleena , Smeds Riitta
Published: August 2006

This paper sets out to explore the extent to which the alliance partners' approaches to knowledge creation, as well as their ability to upgrade their collaborative R&D processes, vary by the novelty of technology developed within the partnership. The empirical data are based on a survey of 105 R&D partnerships in the global telecommunications industry. The results of this study show that the alliances developing radical innovations differ from alliances developing the incremental innovations in terms of their knowledge creation processes, partner and alliance characteristics, as well as process learning outcomes. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An empirical examination of performance measurement for managing continuous innovation in logistics
Authors: Soosay Claudine A. , Chapman Ross L.
Published: August 2006

Performance measurement within organisations identifies areas of a business that need attention and improvement. The measurement and control of logistics performance requires the selection of critical performance measures and the development of information systems to gather required data, report on variance analysis and recommend corrective action. The logistics function is increasing in its strategic importance as more and more firms in developed economies such as Singapore and Australia are forced to compete globally to survive. Innovative firms measure outcomes of strategies and action plans to ensure that systems and processes allow for continuing improvement. The key objective of the research reported in this paper was to investigate the performance measures used in logistics firms and their significance in enabling improvements and continuous innovation in logistics operations. The study adapted and refined the CIMA model for Continuous Innovation and used it as the basis for in‐depth case studies on 10 firms from Singapore and Australia. The findings show that logistics firms are placing an increasing importance on performance measurement, and using a broader spectrum of performance measures, due to the dynamic business environment. This study provides important lessons for managers in logistics organisations (and in organisations that include a logistics function) because the timely and effective measurement of outcomes is imperative for firms wishing to examine the effectiveness of their innovation processes and competitiveness in the marketplace. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
What knowledge management for mobile workers?
Authors: Corso Mariano , Giacobbe Andrea , Martini Antonella , Pellegrini Luisa
Published: August 2006

In today's global economy, many economic activities in and among firms are based on the contribution of workers that are mobile or work most of their time in geographically dispersed locations. In such environments, tools supporting Knowledge Management (KM) are essential, not only because of the advantage for business performance, but also because of their potential benefit in terms of people satisfaction and well being. Building on from the results of a 3‐year field research survey in Italy, this paper explores: (i) the emerging approaches that companies use to manage knowledge in such dispersed environments; and (ii) their relations with Dispersed Workers (DW) Profiles (types and activities). Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Traditional versus improved agroforestry systems in Vietnam: a comparison
Authors: Sekhar N. U.
Published: August 2006

Combined with the diverse biophysical and social heterogeneity encountered in the northern mountains, the socioeconomic changes in Vietnam that accompanied the decollectivisation process led to complex agrarian dynamics that today challenge traditional farming and management of natural resources. Data for this study were collected from villages in and around Ba Be National Park (BNP) in the Bac Kan Province located in the northern mountains of Vietnam. Traditional slash and burn cultivation is no longer a sustainable practice in Vietnam. The main challenges in the region are to protect biodiversity, maintain the land productivity and simultaneously support local livelihoods. The study shows that improved agroforestry cultivation could provide significantly higher productivity and income per unit of land, besides decreasing pressure on natural forests. The challenge to protect biodiversity is not met, as improved agroforestry implies less tree species. From an institutional and socio‐economic perspective, it is not easy for local communities to readily adapt to improved agroforestry. New systems must be tailored site‐specific to the diverse local conditions of resource‐poor farmers. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.