bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding sexual offending in schizophrenia
Authors: Drake Christopher R. , Pathé Michele
Published: March 2006

Background

Studies have found an elevated incidence of violent sexual offences in males with schizophrenia. The relationship between sexual offending and psychiatric illness is, however, complex and poorly defined.

Aims

The aim of the present article is to delineate possible mechanisms that underlie offensive sexual behaviour in schizophrenia that can be used as a framework for assessing and treating these behaviours. A review of research pertaining to the aetiology of sexual deviance in schizophrenia was conducted, focusing in particular on the role of early childhood experiences, deviant sexual preferences, antisocial personality traits, psychiatric symptomatology and associated treatment effects, the impact of mental illness on sexual and social functioning, and other potential contributory factors.

Towards a typology

It is proposed that schizophrenic patients who engage in sexually offensive activities fall into four broad groups: (1) those with a pre‐existing paraphilia; (2) those whose deviant sexuality arises in the context of illness and/or its treatment; (3) those whose deviant sexuality is one manifestation of more generalized antisocial behaviour, and (4) factors other than the above. This classification provides a useful framework for evaluating and treating sexually offensive behaviours in schizophrenic patients. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Characteristics of spousal homicide perpetrators: a study of all cases of spousal homicide in Sweden 1990–1999
Authors: Belfrage Henrik , Rying Mikael
Published: March 2006

Background

In Sweden 20 000 cases of assault against women are reported to the police every year.

Method

All data on the perpetrators of spousal homicide in Sweden between 1990 and 1999 were investigated (n = 164). A control group of all other perpetrators of homicide in Sweden during the same period, i.e. cases of homicide not committed in the context of spouse violence (n = 690) was used. All verdicts, as well as all material in the police investigations, including interviews with all of the police investigators, were analysed. Copies of police examinations of the suspects, and forensic reports from the autopsies, were also examined. Data on all registered criminality were collected from the National Police Register, and in cases where the perpetrators had been subject to forensic psychiatric examinations, those reports were obtained from the Swedish National Board of Forensic Medicine. In addition, the Psychopathy Checklist: Screening Version scores were rated from the forensic psychiatric examinations.

Results

There was a four times higher suicide rate among the spousal homicide perpetrators (24%, n = 40) compared with the perpetrators in the control‐group (6%, n = 39, chi‐squared = 55,42df = 1 , p < 0.001). Consequently, suicidal ideation must be considered as an important risk factor for spousal homicide. In 79% of the cases the spousal homicide perpetrators were subject to forensic psychiatric examinations. All except 5% were diagnosed with at least one psychiatric diagnosis, and 34% were sentenced to forensic psychiatric treatment. If it is assumed that the psychiatric morbidity was high in the 24% of the perpetrators who committed suicide, then 80% of all perpetrators of spouse homicide during the study period can be characterized as mentally disordered. ‘Psychopathic’ perpetrators, who generally are over‐represented in most violent criminality, were comparatively uncommon. Only seven (4%) in the study group met the diagnostic criteria for psychopathy as measured with the PCL:SV.

Discussion

The group of spouse killers studied here fits the dysphoric/borderline group of spouse assaulters. This is a group that may benefit from treatment. Perhaps police officers could help identify this kind of spouse assaulter before a fatality occurs. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Dimensions of personality disorders in offenders
Authors: Ullrich Simone , Marneros Andreas
Published: March 2006

Background

Owing to criticisms of current concepts of personality disorders such as high comorbidity, criteria overlap and arbitrary thresholds of categorical diagnoses, a dimensional assessment is proposed that considers interrelations between different personality disorders. Results of previous factor analyses using dimensional personality disorder scores have indicated that one underlying dimension shows strong similarities to the concept of psychopathy and is similarly related to criminal recidivism.

Aim

The authors examined the underlying dimensions of ICD‐10 personality disorders, to analyse their association with criminal behaviour in general, and with specific criminal history variables.

Method

Study samples included 105 offenders and 80 non‐criminal controls. Personality disorders were measured using a clinical structured interview (IPDE), measures of personality using self‐report (NEO‐FFI, IPC, HDHQ), and criminal history variables obtained from court records.

Results

Three underlying personality disorder factors could be identified, which showed identical structures in both the forensic and the non‐forensic sample. Factor 1 comprised emotionally unstable, histrionic, paranoid and dissocial traits and showed strong similarity to the construct of psychopathy. Factor 2 was defined by anankastic personality disorder scores and an inverse relation to schizoid personality features. Factor 3 showed high negative loadings of anxious and dependent personality disorders. Self‐report measures of personality and criminal history variables yielded different associations with the three PD dimensions. Offenders with high scores on factor 1 were highly aggressive, violent and impulsive.

Conclusions

The findings generally replicated previous analyses using DSM‐III personality disorder scores. Differences can be explained by the different constructs of personality disorders included in ICD‐10. Although a diagnosis of psychopathy is not currently included in these diagnostic systems, the authors' findings indicate that a highly inter‐related pattern of personality disorder scores constitutes psychopathic personality disorder and can be used to identify impulsive, hostile and violent offenders. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Juvenile sexual delinquents: contrasting child abusers with peer abusers
Authors: Hendriks J. , Bijleveld C.C.J.H.
Published: March 2006

Background

There is growing concern regarding juvenile sex offenders, and concomitant interest in a more scientific database which could help direct management and treatment resources.

Aims

To investigate whether juveniles who sexually offend against children (or those at least five years younger than themselves) differ from those who sexually assault their peers or older victims.

Method

The study is based on data from psychological screenings conducted for the juvenile courts in the Netherlands.

Results

As hypothesized, juvenile child molesters scored higher on neuroticism, had experienced more social problems, and had been bullied more often at school than their peers who sexually assaulted same‐age or older victims. Child molesters also reported a more negative self‐image. When referred for screening, they were younger but had committed more sex offences, more often against males than females.

Conclusions

The results were suggestive of greater need for psychological interventions in the child molester group, although in both groups substantial minorities had had experience of early childhood deprivation or abuse. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Mental health outcomes of adjudicated males and females: the aftermath of juvenile delinquency and problem behaviour
Authors: Corneau Mélanie , Lanctôt Nadine
Published: March 2006

Background

Empirical evidence indicates that the rates of mental health problems and disorders are relatively high among adjudicated youths, especially females, yet few longitudinal studies have focused on gender differences regarding their mental health outcomes as adults.

Aims

The present study was designed to assess the prevalence rates of self‐reported suicide attempts and psychological help‐seeking in young adults adjudicated for antisocial behaviours in adolescence. This study also assessed gender differences in the prevalence rates of mental health problems and disorders reported by participants.

Methods

Structured interviews assessing personal and social adaptation were conducted on three occasions with 292 adjudicated male and 113 female youths (mean age 15 years on the first occasion). Data from the third testing wave (mean age 23.51 at T3) provide information on their mental health outcomes in adulthood.

Results

Results indicate that in individuals with a history of juvenile delinquency and/or problem behaviour over 10% of the males and 20% of the females reported suicide attempts, and one‐fifth and one‐third respectively reported psychological consultation. Similar and lower proportions reported psychiatric hospitalization and/or drug addiction programme/therapy at the beginning of adulthood.

Implications for practice

The present study suggests that these youths may need more mental health directed interventions in their assessment rehabilitation programmes. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Personality disorders in a Dutch forensic psychiatric sample: changes with treatment
Authors: Greeven Peter G.J. , Ruiter Corine De
Published: March 2006

Background

Evidence on the effectiveness of treatment for personality disorder (PD) is mixed, and there are very few data at all on outcomes for offender patients with PD. In the Netherlands there is nevertheless commitment to treating such people in specialized forensic psychiatric hospitals.

Aims/hypotheses

The main aim was to determine the extent to which, if at all, patients detained under the Dutch TBS provision in the Dr Henri Van der Hoeven Hospital changed during inpatient treatment.

Methods

The study followed a naturalistic design. On admission, the Structured Interview for DSM Personality Disorders (SIDP‐R) and the Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire‐Revised (PDQ‐R) were used to assess DSM axis‐II personality disorder pathology. After two years of intensive treatment they were reassessed using self‐report questionnaires.

Results

Fifty‐nine patients (54 men and five women) completed both ratings. At follow‐up, group mean indicated a significant reduction in personality disorder pathology as measured by the PDQ‐R. Analysis of changes in individual subjects according to a method described by Jacobson and Truax (1991) showed that almost 40% improved reliably (by more than two standard deviations) and more than one quarter of the sample improved to a reliable and clinically significant extent in personality disorder features.

Conclusions and clinical implications

The findings of the study are encouraging in terms of reduction of personality disorder psychopathology. Limitations to the study design are acknowledged. Further, it is not known whether this change constitutes substantial reorganization of personality, or whether it reflects a change at a more superficial level. Further follow‐up of the patients is necessary to investigate whether the positive changes remain after release from hospital. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
On the determination of empirical absolute chiral structure: Chiroptical spectrum correlations for D3 lanthanide (III) complexes
Authors: Gawryszewska P. , Legendziewicz J. , Ciunik Z. , Esfandiari N. , Muller G. , Piguet C. , Cantuel M. , Riehl J.P.
Published: March 2006

Circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) from selected transitions of Eu(III) in resolved single crystals of Na3[Eu(ODA)3]·2NaClO4·6H2O are compared to CPL results obtained from solutions containing perturbed racemic mixtures of Eu(2,6‐pyridine‐dicarboxylate)33− and enantiomerically pure d‐f helicate ΛΛ‐(−)EuCr(L8)3] in order to determine an empirical relationship between helicity and CPL spectra. Comparison of the CPL results, even for the magnetic dipole allowed transitions of Eu(III) where one measures large chiral discrimination, shows that the signs and magnitudes do not correlate with the overall helicity of the Eu(III) site. It is concluded that the symmetry of the Eu(III) site in ΛΛ‐(−)EuCr(L8)3 is not close enough to D3 to allow for the confirmation of the presumed spectra:structure correlation. Chirality, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Photo‐ionization spectroscopy and mass spectrometry of some molecular and supramolecular asymmetric systems in the isolated state
Authors: Giardini Anna , Paladini Alessandra , Catone Daniele , Piccirillo Susanna , Rondino Flaminia , Satta Mauro , Filippi Antonello , Speranza Maurizio , Turchini Stefano , Zema Nicola
Published: March 2006

Asymmetric molecular and supramolecular systems are characterized by: i. the circular dicroism in the angular distribution of valence photoelectrons emitted from randomly oriented chiral molecules by their interaction with circularly polarized VUV light; ii. the different stability and reactivity of diastereomeric aggregates. Both these aspects may have some relationship with the “chiral enrichment mechanism” of chirogenesis, based on the preferential destruction of one enantiomer of a racemate by interaction with a chiral agent, whether a massive species or a circularly polarized photon. The most recent spectroscopic and mass spectrometric studies on this topic are reported in the present mini‐review. Chirality 18:562–568, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Vesicular glutamate (VGlut), GABA (VGAT), and acetylcholine (VACht) transporters in basal forebrain axon terminals innervating the lateral hypothalamus
Authors: Henny Pablo , Jones Barbara E.
Published: March 2006

The basal forebrain (BF) is known to play important roles in cortical activation and sleep, which are likely mediated by chemically differentiated cell groups including cholinergic, γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic and other unidentified neurons. One important target of these cells is the lateral hypothalamus (LH), which is critical for arousal and the maintenance of wakefulness. To determine whether chemically specific BF neurons provide an innervation to the LH, we employed anterograde transport of 10,000 MW biotinylated dextran amine (BDA) together with immunohistochemical staining of the vesicular transporter proteins (VTPs) for glutamate (VGluT1, ‐2, and ‐3), GABA (VGAT), or acetylcholine (ACh, VAChT). In addition, we applied triple staining for the postsynaptic proteins (PSPs), PSD‐95 with VGluT or Gephyrin (Geph) with VGAT, to examine whether the BDA‐labeled varicosities may form excitatory or inhibitory synapses in the LH. Axons originating from BDA‐labeled neurons in the magnocellular preoptic nucleus (MCPO) and substantia innominata (SI) descended within the medial forebrain bundle and extended collateral varicose fibers to contact LH neurons. In the LH, the BDA‐labeled varicosities were immunopositive (+) for VAChT (∼10%), VGluT2 (∼25%), or VGAT (∼50%), revealing an important influence of newly identified glutamatergic together with GABAergic BF inputs. Moreover, in confocal microscopy, VGluT2+ and VGAT+ terminals were apposed to PSD‐95+ and Geph+ profiles respectively, indicating that they formed synaptic contacts with LH neurons. The important inputs from glutamatergic and GABAergic BF cells could thus regulate LH neurons in an opposing manner to stimulate vs. suppress cortical activation and behavioral arousal reciprocally. J. Comp. Neurol. 496:453–467, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development of callosal topography in visual cortex of normal and enucleated rats
Authors: Olavarria Jaime F. , Safaeian Pegah
Published: March 2006

In normal rats callosal projections in striate cortex connect retinotopically corresponding, nonmirror‐symmetric cortical loci, whereas in rats bilaterally enucleated at birth, callosal fibers connect topographically mismatched, mirror‐symmetric loci. Moreover, retina input specifies the topography of callosal projections by postnatal day (P)6. To investigate whether retinal input guides development of callosal maps by promoting either the corrective pruning of exuberant axon branches or the specific ingrowth and elaboration of axon branches at topographically correct places, we studied the topography of emerging callosal connections at and immediately after P6. After restricted intracortical injections of anterogradely and retrogradely transported tracers we observed that the normal, nonmirror‐symmetric callosal map, as well as the anomalous, mirror‐symmetric map observed in neonatally enucleated animals, are present by P6–7, just as collateral branches of simple architecture emerge from their parental axons and grow into superficial cortical layers. Our results therefore do not support the idea that retinal input guides callosal map formation by primarily promoting the large‐scale elimination of long, nontopographic branches and arbors. Instead, they suggest that retinal input specifies the sites on the parental axons from which interstitial branches will grow to invade middle and upper cortical layers, thereby ensuring that the location of invading interstitial branches is accurately related to the topographical location of the soma that gives rise to the parental axon. Moreover, our results from enucleated rats suggest that the cues that determine the mirror‐symmetric callosal map exert only a weak control on the topography of fiber ingrowth. J. Comp. Neurol. 496:495–512, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Organization of pontocerebellar projections to identified climbing fiber zones in the rat
Authors: Pijpers Angelique , Ruigrok Tom J.H.
Published: March 2006

The organization of pontocerebellar projections to the paravermis and hemisphere of the posterior cerebellum of the rat was studied in relation to the organization of climbing fibers. Small injections of cholera toxin subunit B were placed in the cerebellar cortex at locations predetermined by evoked climbing fiber potentials from selected body parts or based on coordinates. The injection site was characterized with respect to the zebrin pattern and by the distribution of retrogradely labeled neurons in the inferior olive. The following zones were studied: hindlimb‐related zones C1 and C2 of lobule VIII; forelimb‐related zones C1, C2, and D0/D1 of the paramedian lobule; and face‐related zones A2 of the paramedian lobule and C2 and D0 of crus 2B. The results show that the distribution of pontine neurons is closely related to the climbing fiber somatotopy. Injections centered on face‐related zones result in distribution of pontine neurons within the pontine core region. Forelimb regions surround this core, whereas hindlimb regions are mostly supplied by caudal pontine regions and by a single patch of more rostrally located neurons. This distribution fits well with published data on the somatotopy of the corticopontine projection from the rat primary somatosensory cortex. However, apart from differences in the participation of ipsilaterally projecting cells, the distribution of pontine neurons does not change significantly when the injection covers different zones of the same lobule such as C1 and C2 of lobule VIII; C1, C2, and D0/D1 of the paramedian lobule; A2 of the paramedian lobule; and C2 and D0 of crus 2B. J. Comp. Neurol. 495:513–528, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characteristics of diabetic retinopathy in SDT rats
Authors: Kakehashi Akihiro , Saito Yuka , Mori Kana , Sugi Norito , Ono Ryuichiro , Yamagami Hiroko , Shinohara Masami , Tamemoto Hiroyuki , Ishikawa San‐e , Kawakami Masanobu , Kanazawa Yasunori
Published: March 2006

Background

We previously reported a new diabetic strain of the Sprague‐Dawley rat, named the Spontaneously Diabetic Torii (SDT) rat. The purpose of the present study was to report the histologic and ultrastructural characteristics of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in a new animal model, the SDT rat.

Methods

Fifty‐three eyes of 43 SDT rats of various ages (35–82 weeks) were examined, of which 33 underwent histopathologic examination, 15 eyes fluorescein‐dextran microscopy, and five eyes the trypsin digestion method.

Results

Of the 33 eyes examined histopathologically, DR was identified in 20 eyes (61%). Large retinal folds mimicking diabetic tractional retinal detachment were observed in 20 eyes (61%). Retinal hemorrhages were seen in four eyes (12%). A neovascular fibrous membrane around the iris developed in five eyes (15%), of which two eyes had a massive anterior chamber hemorrhage. Of the 15 eyes examined by fluorescein‐dextran microscopy, an area of nonperfusion and/or extensive hyperfluorescence was observed in 12 eyes (80%). Of the five eyes examined using the trypsin digestion method, acellular capillaries and pericyte loss were observed in four eyes (80%). Of the 53 eyes, the previously mentioned retinal changes of DR were observed in 36 eyes (68%). The rats with DR (49–82 weeks; mean, 60 weeks) were older than the rats without DR (35–55 weeks; mean, 40 weeks) (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Large retinal folds mimicking tractional retinal detachment with extensive leakage of fluorescein around the optic disk was the most prominent finding of DR in SDT rats. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and Characterization of Zirconium and Hafnium Aryloxide Compounds and Their Reactivity Towards Lactide and ϵ‐Caprolactone Polymerization
Authors: Hsieh Kun‐Chun , Lee Wen‐Yi , Hsueh Li‐Feng , Lee Hon Man , Huang Jui‐Hsien
Published: March 2006

Reactions of 2 equiv. pyrrole with [C4H3N(CH2NMe2)‐2]2M(NEt2)2 in toluene generated tetra‐pyrrolyl metal compounds [C4H3N(CH2NMe2)‐2]2M(C4H4N)2 (3, M = Zr; 4, M = Hf) in moderate yields. Similarly, treatment of metal amides [C4H3N(CH2NMe2)‐2]2M(NEt2)2 with 2,6‐dimethylphenol or 2,6‐diisopropylphenol in heptane resulted in the elimination of diethylamine along with the formation of the corresponding metal alkoxides [C4H3N(CH2NMe2)‐2]2M(OR)2 (5, M = Zr, R = C6H3‐2,6‐Me2; 6, M = Hf, R = C6H3‐2,6‐Me2; 7, M = Zr, R = C6H3‐2,6‐iPr2; 8, M = Hf, R = C6H3‐2,6‐iPr2) in moderate yields. All the new compounds were characterized by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy and the structures of 3, 4, 6, 7, and 8 have also been determined by X‐ray crystallographic studies. The aryloxides and the substituted pyrrolyl ligands in both compounds 5 and 6 show fluxionality as observed by 1H NMR signals. A kinetic study on the ring‐opening polymerization of lactide exhibits a first‐order reaction of lactide monomer with compound 8. The catalytic properties of all the metal complexes have been studied for the ring‐opening polymerization of ϵ‐caprolactone. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Luminescence Modulation of a Terbium Complex with Anions and Its Application as a Reagent
Authors: Zhang Dengqing , Shi Mei , Liu Zhiqiang , Li Fuyou , Yi Tao , Huang Chunhui
Published: March 2006

A terbium complex Tb(PMIP)3(PhCN), namely tris(1‐phenyl‐3‐methyl‐4‐isobutyl‐5‐pyrazolone)‐terbium‐(pyrazino[2,3‐f][1,10]phenanthroline‐2,3‐dicarbonitrile), was synthesized as a reagent for anions. Compared with Tb(PMIP)3(H2O)2, the fluorescent quantum yield of Tb(PMIP)3(PhCN) was reduced because the triplet energy level of PhCN (20920 cm–1)is a little higher than that of 5D4 of Tb3+ (20400 cm–1) and lower than that of PMIP (23000 cm–1). This resulted in a back‐energy transfer from Tb3+ to PhCN. Interestingly, the photoluminescent properties of Tb(PMIP)3(PhCN) drastically depend on the nature of the anions added into the solution. When apropos equivalents of fluoride (or acetate) anions were added into the CH3CN solution of Tb(PMIP)3(PhCN), the replacement of PhCN with fluoride (or acetate) anions took place and the above back‐energy transfer was prohibited, which resulted in a fluorescence enhancement of the terbium complex. After excessive equivalents of fluoride (or acetate) anions were added, the replacement of PMIP with fluoride (or acetate) anions prohibited the ligand PMIP sensitized energy transfer of the terbium complex, resulting in the fluorescence quenching of the system. However, in the aqueous solution, the terbium complex shows a remarkable selectivity of fluoride anions over the other anions. As a reagent, its sensitivity is about 10–8 mol·L–1 for the fluoride anions. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
A Coordination Polymer Containing Inorganic Buckybowl Analogues
Authors: Wu Tao , Chen Miao , Li Dan
Published: March 2006

Two photoluminescent coordination polymers, {[Cu10(μ3‐Mtta)3(μ4‐Mtta)7]·2H2O}n (1), containing 2‐D wavy motifs with inorganic buckybowl analogues, and [Cu5(μ3‐Mtta)2(μ4‐Mtta)3(NH3)2]n (2, Mtta = 5‐methyl tetrazolate), were obtained by the control of solvents and auxiliary complexing agent. The ligand Mtta is a likely candidate for the construction of metal‐organic, fullerene‐like molecules. The luminescent properties of 1 and 2 are discussed. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
A Conformationally Locked AminomethylC‐Glycoside and Studies on ItsN‐Pyren‐1‐ylcarbonyl Derivative Inserted into Oligodeoxynucleotides
Authors: Verhagen Carlo , Bryld Torsten , Raunkjær Michael , Vogel Stefan , Buchalová Katerina , Wengel Jesper
Published: March 2006

A new conformationally locked aminomethylC‐glycoside has been synthesized and incorporated into oligonucleotides (ONs). The applicability of the monomer inpost‐ON synthesis (i.e., conjugation by organic synthesis performed on ONs attached to resin) has been successfully demonstrated by condensation with pyren‐1‐ylcarboxylic acid. The abilities of the pyrenyl‐derivatized ONs to recognize abasic sites in complementary strands were investigated by thermal denaturation studies, which showed the obtained pyrenyl‐derivatized ONs to be promising candidates for this purpose. The synthetic route also allowed synthesis of a conformationally locked dipeptide mimetic suitable for use in peptide and carbohydrate chemistry. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Modeling collective choice: decision‐making on complex intellective tasks
Authors: Bonner Bryan L. , Baumann Michael R. , Lehn Austin K. , Pierce Daisy M. , Wheeler Erin C.
Published: March 2006

Three studies examined group problem‐solving on complex intellective tasks. In Study 1, a decision model proposed by Laughlin and Hollingshead (1995) provided the best fit to actual group choices. This study also compared three‐person group versus individual performance with time constrained and number of problems unconstrained, with individuals solving non‐significantly more problems and groups obtaining significantly superior trials‐to‐solution scores. In Study 2, one member of each group was given additional information on how to perform the task and member extroversion was measured. Neither factor significantly impacted the decision‐making process. In Study 3, task expertise was assessed prior to the group interaction. Results indicate that group members were twice as likely to adopt an option proposed by an expert compared to other group members. Together these studies demonstrate that group problem solving is governed jointly by qualities of the task and qualities of the group members. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sample sonication after trichloroacetic acid precipitation increases protein recovery from cultured hippocampal neurons, and improves resolution and reproducibility in two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis
Authors: Manadas Bruno J. , Vougas Konstantinos , Fountoulakis Michael , Duarte Carlos B.
Published: March 2006

Protein precipitation with TCA followed by acetone washing is frequently used to clean samples before 2‐DE. However, the difficulty in solubilizing TCA‐precipitated proteins causes some variability in 2‐D gels and makes it difficult to detect some proteins. In this work we show that sonication of the samples, after TCA precipitation followed by elution in sample buffer, increases total protein recovery, and improves reproducibility and matching ratios between gels when analyzed by specialized software.
Analysis of surface and volatile compounds of flower heads of introduced plants of Chrysanthemum coronarium L. growing wild in Chile
Authors: Sebastián Betania , Urzúa Alejandro M , Vines Marcela
Published: March 2006

Surface compounds were obtained by a methylene chloride extract of fresh flower heads of wild plants of Chrysanthemum coronarium L. in Chile. Three fractions were obtained by column chromatography and analyzed by GC‐MS leading to the identification of several monoterpenes and sesquiterpene lactones. A hydrocarbon fraction of n‐alkanes from C23 to C31 and C33 was also identified. Headspace analysis of the fresh flower heads was carried out. Different proportions of the same mono‐ and sesquiterpenes were identified in the volatile fraction but not the sesquiterpene lactones. The chemical data was compared with that reported in studies of plants growing in the species' original area of distribution. The proportion of oxygenated terpenoids identified in this report, in relation to those reported in previous communications, is a most relevant characteristic and represents an important difference between the chemistry of individuals of C. coronarium present in Chile and those present in Murcia, Spain and Livorno, Italy. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Constituents of top fragrance from fresh flowers of Robinia Pseudoacacia L. occurring in China
Authors: Xie Jianchun , Sun Baoguo , Yu Min
Published: March 2006

Volatiles from the fresh flowers of Robinia Pseudoacacia L. grown in China were analyzed by GC‐MS combined with solid‐phase microextraction (SPME). The abundant compounds identified were linalool (33.1%), cis‐β‐ocimene (26.6%), (E)‐α‐bergamotene (8.9%) and formanilide (7.4%). Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Essential oil composition of leaf, flower and stem of Styrax (Styrax officinalis L.) from south‐eastern France
Authors: Tayoub Ghaleb , Schwob Isabelle , Bessière Jean‐Marie , Rabier Jacques , Masotti Véronique , Mévy Jean‐Philippe , Ruzzier Martine , Girard Gabriel , Viano Josette
Published: March 2006

The essential oil composition of Styrax officinalis L. was investigated by GC and GC–MS for the first time. Oil yields were low, whichever organ was hydrodistilled. Leaf, stem and flower oils consisted of 42.2%, 41.2% and 48.7% of terpenoids, respectively. Among all the identified terpenoids, oxygenated monoterpenes were predominant in all the plant organs. The major compounds in the leaf essential oils were (E)‐2‐hexenal (17.6%), linalool (11.9%) and geranial (5.5%). Linalool was the major compound (26.4%) in the volatile flower oil, followed by tridecanal (9.8%) and dodecane (9.6%), while α‐terpineol (17%) and eugenol (9.9%) were the main compounds in the stem essential oil. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Target genes of the WNT/β‐catenin pathway in Wilms tumors
Authors: Zirn Birgit , Samans Birgit , Wittmann Stefanie , Pietsch Thorsten , Leuschner Ivo , Graf Norbert , Gessler Manfred
Published: March 2006

The WNT/β‐catenin pathway is involved in numerous human cancers. Mutations of the CTNNB1 (β‐catenin) gene have also been detected in a subset of pediatric Wilms tumors, but the target genes of the deregulated WNT/β‐catenin pathway in these tumors have yet to be identified. To compare gene expression profiles of Wilms tumors with and without mutations of CTNNB1, we used 11.5‐k cDNA microarrays. Most of the tumors (86%) had received preoperative chemotherapy as mandated by the European SIOP protocol. The comparison between Wilms tumors with and without CTNNB1 mutations revealed several target genes specifically deregulated in CTNNB1‐mutated Wilms tumors. Among these, PITX2, APCDD1, and two members of the endothelin axis (EDN3 and EDNRA) are directly activated downstream targets of the WNT/β‐catenin pathway that may enhance proliferation of these tumor cells. In addition, several upstream inhibitors of WNT/β‐catenin signaling like WIF1 and PRDC were also strongly up‐regulated in the CTNNB1‐mutated Wilms tumors. This overexpression may be a negative feedback mechanism in tumors with uncontrolled WNT signaling. Moreover, we identified deregulated genes in both the retinoic acid and the RAS pathways, such as ATX/ENPP2 and RIS1, suggesting an association between these two pathways with that of WNT. In addition, the strong representation of muscle‐related genes in the expression profile of CTNNB1‐mutated Wilms tumors corresponded to histologically detectable areas of myomatous cells in these tumors that displayed intense and preferential nuclear β‐catenin antibody staining. This article contains Supplementary Material available at http://www.interscience.wiley.com/jpages/1045‐2257/suppmat. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The gene for polycomb group protein enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is amplified in late‐stage prostate cancer
Authors: Saramäki Outi R. , Tammela Teuvo L. J. , Martikainen Paula M. , Vessella Robert L. , Visakorpi Tapio
Published: March 2006

Overexpression of the polycomb group protein enhancer of zeste homologue 2 (EZH2) has been found in several malignancies, including prostate cancer, with an aggressive phenotype. Amplification of the gene has previously been demonstrated in several malignancies, but not in prostate cancer. Our goal was to evaluate the gene copy number and expression alterations of EZH2 in prostate cancer. The copy number of EZH2 in cell lines (LNCaP, DU145, PC‐3, 22Rv1), xenografts (n = 10), and clinical tumors (n = 191) was studied with fluorescence in situ hybridization. All cell lines had a gain of EZH2. Eight of the ten xenografts showed an increased copy number of the gene, including one case of high‐level amplification (≥5 copies of the gene and EZH2/centromere ratio ≥2). 34/125 (27%) of untreated prostate carcinomas showed increased copy number, but only one case of low‐level amplification (≥5 copies of the gene and EZH2/centromere ratio <2), whereas half (25/46) of the hormone‐refractory carcinomas showed increased copy number, including seven cases of low‐level amplification and three cases of high‐level amplification (P < 0.0001). Expression of EZH2 was significantly (P = 0.0009) higher in hormone‐refractory prostate cancer compared with that in benign prostatic hyperplasia or untreated cancer, according to quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR assay. Also, the expression of EZH2 protein was found to be higher in hormone‐refractory tumors than in hormone‐naïve tumors by immunohistochemistry. The EZH2 gene amplification was significantly (P < 0.05) associated with increased EZH2 protein expression. The data show that amplification of the EZH2 gene is rare in early prostate cancer, whereas a fraction of late‐stage tumors contains the gene amplification leading to the overexpression of the gene, thus indicating the importance of EZH2 in the progression of prostate cancer. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Porous gelatin–chondroitin–hyaluronate tri‐copolymer scaffold containing microspheres loaded with TGF‐β1 induces differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells in vivo for enhancing cartilage repair
Authors: Fan Hongbin , Hu Yunyu , Qin Ling , Li Xusheng , Wu Hong , Lv Rong
Published: March 2006

The aim of the study was to produce a novel porous gelatin–chondroitin–hyaluronate scaffold in combination with a controlled release of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1), which induced the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in vivo for enhancing cartilage repair. Gelatin microspheres loaded with TGF‐β1 (MS‐TGFβ1) showed a fast release at the initial phase (37.4%), and the ultimate accumulated release was 83.1% by day 18. The autologous MSCs seeded on MS‐TGFβ1/scaffold were implanted to repair full‐thickness cartilage defects in rabbits as in vivo differentiation repair group, while MSCs differentiated in vitro were seeded on scaffold without MS‐TGFβ1 to repair the contra lateral cartilage defects (n = 30). Fifteen additional rabbits without treatment for defects were used as control. Histology observation showed that the in vivo differentiation repair group had better chondrocyte morphology, integration, continuous subchondral bone, and much thicker newly formed cartilage layer when compared to in vitro differentiation repair group 12 and 24 weeks, postoperatively. There was a significant difference in histological grading score between these two experimental groups, and both showed much better repair than that of the control. The present study implied that the novel scaffold with MS‐TGFβ1 might serve as a new way to induce the differentiation of MSCs in vivo to enhance the cartilage repair. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
Subcutaneous evaluation of RF magnetron‐sputtered calcium pyrophosphate and hydroxylapatite‐coated Ti implants
Authors: Yonggang Yan , Wolke J.G.C. , Yubao Li , Jansen J.A.
Published: March 2006

The in vivo behavior of infrared‐heated, RF magnetron‐sputtered hydroxylapatite (HA) and calcium pyrophosphate (DCPP) coated titanium discs was investigated. The discs were implanted subcutaneously in the back of six goats for 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks. At the end of the study, coated discs were removed and examined on their physicochemical properties by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), including energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Also, implants were prepared for light microscopical evaluation of the tissue response. The results showed that heat‐treated HA coatings showed a stable behavior, i.e. no changes in the XRD pattern occurred during implantation. Also, no dissolution of the coating was observed by SEM. EDS revealed that the Ca/P ratio of the HA coatings remained stable during implantation. In contrast, heat‐treated DCPP coatings showed a compositional change into apatite and tricalcium phosphate (TCP) during implantation. This was confirmed by the SEM and EDS analysis. The Ca/P ratio of the DCPP coatings changed from 0.8 to 1.52 during implantation. Finally, histology showed that both heat‐treated HA and DCPP coatings showed no adverse tissue response, as characterized by the presence of thin, dense fibrous tissue capsule. Consequently, it can be concluded that 2 μm thick heat‐treated, RF magnetron‐sputtered HA and DCPP coatings are of sufficient thickness to withstand dissolution during 12 weeks of implantation in a subcutaneous location in goats. In addition, both coatings showed a biocompatible tissue behavior. Further, heat‐treated DCPP coatings revealed a gradual compositional change into apatite and TCP. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
Soluble sustained release gene delivery system
Authors: Bachrach Gilad , Friedman Michael , Gilinski Gladis , Steinberg Doron
Published: March 2006

Delivery of genetic substance to target cells remains an obstacle for efficient utilization of gene therapy approaches. In this study, we describe a formulation of methacrylate acid copolymer carrier of DNA, in which the release rate of the gene can be controlled by pH. Plasmid release was coupled with the polymer's dissolution, which was accelerated in alkali conditions. The released plasmid was intact and bioactive, although alteration from closed circular supercoil to relaxed conformation was observed. Confocal laser scanning microscopy detected the plasmid DNA along the central layers of the polymeric film. Gene delivery systems controlled by the dissolution of the polymeric films offer flexibility in quantity and size of the incorporated DNA, and therefore could have a potential for in vivo use. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
Molecular and cellular characterization of mesenchymal progenitors for skeletal biomedical devices
Authors: Shur I. , Zilberman M. , Einav S. , Benayahu D.
Published: March 2006

Mesenchymal cells are successfully used to create cell‐loaded devices in tissue engineering. Molecular properties of the cells and interaction with polymer scaffolds regulate the development of desired tissues. The present study compared the molecular markers in mesenchymal pleuripotent C3H10T1/2 and osteogenic MBA‐15 cells. The cells express transcription factors (TF) of chondro‐ostegenic pathway (cbfa‐1 and c‐fos) and MyoD ‐ TF of muscle differentiation pathway, but not myogenin. Analyzed cells expressed receptors for glucocorticoids, growth hormone, prolactin, and PTH, which indicates their potential responsiveness to systemic signals. Analysis of mRNA encoding for receptors of TGFβ, TNF, and various interleukins revealed differential expression of IL‐2r and TGFβ‐1r receptors, which were expressed by MBA‐15 but not by C3H10T1/2 cells. Expression of functional genes indicates differences in the stages of cell differentiation: ALK was present in MBA‐15 only, while both cell types expressed collagen‐I. Furthermore, we evaluated the expression of adhesion proteins that mediate cell–polymer interactions by flow cytometry analysis. Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) analyzed were integrinα‐M (CD11b), selectin‐E (CD62E), and PECAM‐1 (CD31), which have shown differential expression on cells cultured on plastic, poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA) or poly(DL‐lactide‐glycolide acid) (PDLGA) polymer films. Detailed molecular characterization of mesenchymal cells will enable optimization of culture conditions for successful creation of implantable cell‐loaded constructs. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
Secreted frizzled related protein 1 regulates Wnt signaling for BMP2 induced chondrocyte differentiation
Authors: Gaur Tripti , Rich Lillian , Lengner Christopher J. , Hussain Sadiq , Trevant Brune , Ayers David , Stein Janet L. , Bodine Peter V.N. , Komm Barry S. , Stein Gary S. , Lian Jane B.
Published: March 2006

Canonical Wnt signaling (β‐catenin/TCF) has emerged as a key regulator of skeletogenesis. In this study, chondrogenesis is examined in a mouse model in which the Wnt antagonist secreted frizzled related protein 1 (sFRP1) is non‐functional and results in a high bone mass phenotype and activation through the canonical pathway of the Runx2 transcription factor that is essential for bone formation. We find during the period of rapid post‐natal growth, shortened height of the growth plate and increased calcification of the hypertrophic zone (HZ) in the sFRP1−/− mouse, indicating accelerated endochondral ossification. Using mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs) induced into the chondrogenic lineage, increased chondrogenesis and accelerating differentiation of hypertrophic chondrocytes in the sFRP1−/− MEFs was observed compared to WT cells. The induced maturation of hypertrophic chondrocytes in sFRP1−/− MEFs was inversely correlated to phospho‐β‐catenin levels, indicating involvement of activated canonical Wnt signaling characterized by an increased expression of collagen type 2a1 and Sox 9. However, an absence of Indian hedgehog expression which occurs in WT cells was found. SFRP1−/− cells also exhibited an early induction of collagen type 10a1. Thus, these modifications in gene expression are contributing mechanism(s) for increased chondrocyte differentiation in SFRP1−/− cells. These studies have identified sFRP1 as a critical negative regulator of Wnt signaling for the normal progression of chondrocyte differentiation. Microarray gene profiling provided additional novel insights into the regulatory factors for appropriate Wnt signaling necessary for the control of chondrocyte maturation. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Increased sensitivity to the platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor inhibitor STI571 in chemoresistant glioma cells is associated with enhanced PDGF‐BB‐mediated signaling and STI571‐induced Akt inactivation
Authors: Servidei Tiziana , Riccardi Anna , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Dominici Carlo , Riccardi Riccardo
Published: March 2006

The platelet‐derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) is a tyrosine kinase, implicated in the development and progression of different tumors, including gliomas. Chemoresistance is a common feature of malignant gliomas. Since receptor tyrosine kinases contribute to chemoresistance in tumors, we addressed whether PDGFR signaling might confer selective growth advantage to chemoresistant cells. The effects of the PDGFR inhibitor STI571 on proliferation and PDGFR signaling were compared in chemosensitive and cisplatin‐selected, chemoresistant sublines derived from glioma and from two other PDGFR‐expressing tumors (ovarian carcinoma and neuroblastoma). The chemoresistant glioma U87/Pt cells were twofold more sensitive to STI571 growth‐inhibitory effects than the chemosensitive U87 cells, and two‐ to threefold more sensitive than five unrelated glioma cell lines. The other two paired cell lines were equally responsive. Sensitization of U87/Pt cells correlated with upregulation of the PDGF‐B isoform and with PDGF‐BB‐induced Akt overactivation, which was prevented by STI571. STI571 specifically inhibited PDGF‐BB‐, but not PDGF‐AA‐ or stem cell factor‐mediated signaling. In serum‐containing medium, STI571 decreased phospho‐Akt in U87/Pt cells, but not in U87, while activating extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (Erk) in both. STI571 antiproliferative effects were partially reverted by constitutively active Akt. Cotreatment with inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 3′‐kinase (PI3K) or mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) resulted in enhanced growth inhibition in glioma cells. Our results suggest that increased PDGF‐BB signaling may sensitize chemoresistant glioma cells to STI571, suggesting a therapeutic potential for STI571 in patients with malignant gliomas refractory to chemotherapy. Simultaneous blockade of PDGFR and PI3K or Erk pathway may enhance therapeutic targeting in gliomas. J. Cell. Physiol. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
FT‐ICRMS distinguishes the mechanism of the charge state reduction for multiply charged protein cations admixed with redox reagents in ESI
Authors: Zhao Cheng , Johnson Robert W. , Bruckenstein Stanley , Wood Troy D.
Published: March 2006

Recently, we reported on a phenomenon in which multiply charged protein cations produced by electrospray ionization could be reduced to lower and narrower charge state distributions when admixed with reducing reagents 1,4‐benzoquinone or quinhydrone. Circular dichroism spectra of the proteins indicated that secondary and tertiary structural changes upon addition of these reducing reagents were negligible, thus eliminating conformational effects as playing a role in the charge reduction mechanism. Furthermore, the extent of charge state reduction did not correspond with gas‐phase basicities of the redox reagents, suggesting that solution‐phase, and not gas‐phase, behavior dominates the observed charge state reduction. The relatively low resolution of the triple quadrupole employed did not make it possible to distinguish isotopic distributions of the multiply charged cations in order to determine whether the observed phenomenon was the result of proton‐transfer reactions between the multiply charged cations and the reducing reagent or because of electron transfer from the reducing reagent to the protein cations. Here, high‐resolution ESI‐Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry of several peptide amides in the presence of a redox reagent show isotopic distributions that are consistent only with the proton‐transfer mechanism. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.