bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, physico‐chemical and biological study of trialkylsiloxyalkyl amine coated iron oxide/oleic acid magnetic nanoparticles for the treatment of cancer
Authors: Segal Izolda , Zablotskaya Alla , Lukevics Edmunds , Maiorov Mikhail , Zablotsky Dmitry , Blums Elmars , Shestakova Irina , Domracheva Ilona
Published: January 2008

New original water‐soluble magnetic nanoparticles based on natural components, magnetite–oleic acid–biologically active silyl modified alkanolamine, were synthesized. Physico‐chemical characterization, i.e. magnetic properties, concentration of magnetite, size of iron oxide core, of the nanoparticles synthesized and the corresponding magnetic fluids obtained, was carried out. Magnetic fluids were screened for in vitro cytotoxicity concerning human fibrosarcoma (HT‐1080), mouse hepatoma (MG‐22A) monolayer tumour cell lines and normal mouse fibroblasts (NIH 3T3). They possess low or moderate cytotoxic effects, are non‐toxic, exhibit high NO‐induction ability and strongly change tumour cell morphology. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of the addition of LiCl and CsCl salts on the mechanical properties and morphology of poly(styrene‐co‐methacrylate) ionomers
Authors: Kim Jung‐Won , Song Ju‐Myung , Kim Joon‐Seop
Published: January 2008

The effects of the addition of LiCl and CsCl salts to Li‐ and Cs‐neutralized styrene‐co‐methacrylate ionomers, respectively, on the mechanical properties and morphology of the ionomers were studied. It was observed that with increasing inorganic salt contents, the ionic modulus increased, and this indicated that the inorganic salts in the ionomers acted as fillers. However, the type of salt did not affect the increase in the ionic modulus. It was also found that the addition of the inorganic salts did not change the matrix glass‐transition temperatures of the ionomers strongly but reduced the cluster glass‐transition temperature significantly and slowly for the LiCl‐ and CsCl‐containing ionomers, respectively. In addition, with increasing salt contents, a small‐angle X‐ray scattering peak shifted to slightly lower angles. These findings suggested that some of the inorganic salts resided in the multiplet with the ionic groups of the ionomers, acting as plasticizers. The presence of an X‐ray diffraction peak for the polymers containing a relatively large amount of CsCl indicated that the CsCl salt formed phase‐separated domains at sufficiently high salt contents. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Characterization of magnetic poly(methyl methacrylate) microspheres prepared by the modified suspension polymerization
Authors: Chen Yi‐Hung , Liu Yi‐You , Lin Rong‐Hsien , Yen Fu‐Shan
Published: January 2008

The study focuses on the characterization of the superparamagnetic microspheres of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) prepared by the modified suspension polymerization. The nano‐sized oleic acid‐coated magnetite particles (OMP) mixed with methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomers and divinylbenzene were employed to produce the nonporous superparamagnetic PMMA microspheres. The morphology, composition and magnetic properties of the magnetic PMMA microspheres were characterized with the scanning electron microscopy, particle size analyzer, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and superconductor quantum interference device. As a result, the obtained PMMA microspheres had the average particle size of 1.8–6.8 μm and magnetite content of 4.74–10.85 wt %. The corresponding saturation magnetization of the PMMA microspheres was in the range of 2.04–8.51 emu/g. The diameter of the PMMA microspheres showing the polydispersity significantly decreased with the higher weight ratio of OMP to MMA. On the contrary, the magnetite content and saturation magnetization of the PMMA microspheres would increase with the higher weight ratio of OMP to MMA. Furthermore, the distinct relationships between the characteristics of magnetic PMMA microspheres and the weight ratio of OMP to MMA have been proposed. The magnetic PMMA microspheres show the good stability in the solution with the pH region of 2.1–12.9. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Environment‐friendly soy flour‐based resins without formaldehyde
Authors: Amaral‐Labat G. A. , Pizzi A. , Gonçalves A. R. , Celzard A. , Rigolet S. , Rocha G. J. M.
Published: January 2008

Glyoxalated soy flour adhesives for wood particleboard added with a much smaller proportion of glyoxalated lignin or tannin and without any addition of either formaldehyde or formaldehyde‐based resin are shown to yield results satisfying the relevant standard specifications for interior wood boards. Adhesive resin formulations in which the total content of natural material is either 70 or 80% of the total resin solids content gave good results. The resins comprising 70% by weight of natural material can be used in a much lower proportion on wood chips and can afford pressing times fast enough to be significant under industrial panel pressing conditions. The best formulation of all the ones tried was the one based on glyoxalated precooked soy flour (SG), to which a condensed tannin was added in water solution and a polymeric isocyanate (pMDI), where the proportions of the components SG/T/pMDI was 54/16/30 by weight. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Scaling rules in the science system: Influence of field‐specific citation characteristics on the impact of research groups
Authors: Raan Anthony F.J. van
Published: January 2008

A representation of science as a citation density landscape is proposed and scaling rules with the field‐specific citation density as a main topological property are investigated. The focus is on the size‐dependence of several main bibliometric indicators for a large set of research groups while distinguishing between top‐performance and lower‐performance groups. It is demonstrated that this representation of the science system is particularly effective to understand the role and the interdependencies of the different bibliometric indicators and related topological properties of the landscape.
Perceived influence of the use of electronic information resources on scholarly work and publication productivity
Authors: Vakkari Pertti
Published: January 2008

This study explores how the use of electronic information resources has influenced scholars' opinion of their work, and how this is connected to their publication productivity. The data consist of a nationwide Web‐based survey of the end‐users of FinELib, the Finnish Electronic Library, at all universities in Finland. Scholars feel that the use of electronic literature has improved their work considerably in several ways. This influence can be differentiated into two dimensions. The first one is improved accessibility and availability of literature, and the second is more directly related to the content and quality of scholarly work. The perceived improved access is positively associated with the number of international publications produced, among doctoral students in particular. The more direct influence of e‐resource use on the content of scholarly work is, however, not associated with publication productivity. The results seem to imply that investments in academic digital libraries are beneficial for the researchers and for the universities.
Unique Reactivity of the Mukaiyama Glycosidation Catalyst (SnCl3ClO4) Toward β‐Mannopyranosides
Authors: Wang Yonghui , Cheon Hwan‐Sung , Kishi Yoshito
Published: January 2008

Glycosidation of a mannosyl donor in the presence of the Mukaiyama catalyst was found to give exceptionally high α/β selectivity. A systematic study was conducted to reveal that selective β‐to‐α anomerization accounts for the observed high α/β stereoselectivity. Furthermore, the Mukaiyama catalyst was shown to exhibit an unusual level of substrate and anomer selectivity for the anomerization. On the basis of the combined anomeric and Δ2 effects, a mechanistic rationale was proposed, thereby suggesting the minimum structural moiety essential for the anomerization in question. With this analysis, β‐talo‐, β‐altro‐, and β‐idopyranosides are predicted to exhibit a reactivity profile similar to β‐mannopyranosides, but all other pyranosides should not. This prediction was verified by using β‐ and α‐talopyranosides as an example.
Use of specified critical periods of different congenital abnormalities instead of the first trimester concept
Authors: Czeizel Andrew E. , Puhó Erzsébet H. , Ács Nándor , Bánhidy Ferenc
Published: January 2008

BACKGROUND: Previously the first trimester, later the 2nd and/or 3rd gestational months were evaluated at the analysis of different exposures in different congenital abnormalities. However, different congenital abnormalities have different critical periods. The objective of this study was to check the feasibility of a new approach to consider the specified critical periods of different congenital abnormalities separately. METHODS: The potential teratogenic effect of oral ampicillin treatment and maternal influenza/fever during the study pregnancy regarding any time in pregnancy, during the first trimester, in the 2nd and/or 3rd gestational months, and finally in the specified critical periods of given congenital abnormalities were evaluated in the population‐based large data set of the Hungarian Case‐Control Surveillance System of Congenital Abnormalities. RESULTS: Of 22,843 cases, 1644 (7.2%) and 1328 (5.8%) were born to mothers who had oral ampicillin treatment or were affected with influenza/fever during the study pregnancy, while of 38,151 control newborns without any defect, 2631 (6.9 %) and 1838 (4.8%) had mothers with ampicillin treatment or influenza/fever, respectively. The analysis of different exposure time windows showed some difference in the risk for congenital abnormalities. The use of specified critical periods of different congenital abnormalities was feasible. CONCLUSIONS: The use of specified critical periods of different congenital abnormalities seems to be more scientific‐based than the previously accepted methods for the evaluation of different exposure time windows. Thus this new and feasible approach is recommended for the controlled epidemiological studies in the future after an international consensus in the specified critical periods of different congenital abnormalities and other methodological issues. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
VACTERL association and maternal diabetes: A possible causal relationship?
Authors: Castori Marco , Rinaldi Rosanna , Capocaccia Paolo , Roggini Mario , Grammatico Paola
Published: January 2008

BACKGROUND: Some factors(s)/features(s) of maternal insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus are considered common human teratogens. Although the variable association of cardiac, renal, and skeletal anomalies are commonly observed in infants from diabetic mothers, the relationship between VACTERL (i.e., the association of vertebral and cardiac defects, tracheo‐esophageal fistula, renal/radial malformations, and other limb anomalies) and maternal diabetes has not been sufficiently emphasized in the literature. CASE: We report on a 3‐year‐old boy presenting with a constellation of blastogenetic malformations strongly suggestive of VACTERL association. His mother was affected by insulin‐dependent diabetes since she was 7 years old and pregnancy history disclosed very high glucose and HbA1c levels, especially during the first 2 gestational months. CONCLUSIONS: In an attempt to properly counsel the parents, we reviewed the literature and identified four additional patients with VACTERL and first trimester exposure to maternal diabetes mellitus. Although this evidence does not strongly support a causal relationship between these two conditions, additional arguments may substantiate this hypothesis. The pathogenesis of diabetic embryopathy in relation to the VACTERL phenotype is also discussed. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The course of illness following inpatient treatment of adults with longstanding eating disorders: A 5‐year follow‐up
Authors: Vrabel KariAnne R. , Rosenvinge Jan H. , Hoffart Asle , Martinsen Egil W. , Rø Øyvind
Published: January 2008

Objective:

The objectives of this article were to study the course and outcome of longstanding eating disorders (ED) 5 years after completing treatment and to identify subgroups of patients with different course and outcome.

Method:

A total of 77 patients with a mean age of 30 years were assessed at the beginning and end of in‐patient therapy and at 1‐, 2‐ and 5‐year follow‐up, respectively.

Results:

Of the 90% who participated in the 5‐year follow‐up, 46 patients (61%) had improved, and 30 (39%) did not meet diagnostic criteria for an ED. Cluster analysis identified a group of patient with no improvement over time.

Conclusion:

Overall, the course is favourable, but a subgroup of patients with no improvement over time may need intensified treatment efforts. © 2007 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord, 2008
Screening for osteoporosis in anorexia nervosa: Prevalence and predictors of reduced bone mineral density
Authors: Winston Anthony P. , Alwazeer Ahmed E.F. , Bankart Michael J.G.
Published: January 2008

Objective:

Decreased bone mineral density (BMD) in anorexia nervosa (AN) can be detected easily by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA). This study was designed to assess the prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia in AN, identify predictors, and determine the diagnostic yield of screening with DXA.

Method:

DXA was used to screen 59 unselected adult patients with a history of AN.

Results:

Osteoporosis was identified in 18 patients (31%) and osteopenia in 30 (51%). The spine had a lower mean T‐score than either the hip or femur. BMI significantly predicted T‐score (p = 0.0006) and the odds of having osteoporosis (p = 0.0188). There was a significant association between use of oestrogens and the presence of osteoporosis or osteopenia (p = 0.0491). There was no significant association between duration of AN and T‐score. A duration of AN of less than 1 year was found in 12% of those with osteoporosis.

Conclusion:

BMI is a strong predictor of BMD in AN. DXA is an effective screening tool and should probably be offered routinely. © 2007 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord, 2008
Design of precompensator for a diagonal interactor using Markov parameters
Authors: Mutoh Yasuhiko
Published: January 2008

An interactor plays a basic role in the design problems of multivariable control systems, such as the model matching control, decoupling control, adaptive control, and disturbance decoupling control. For example, it is well known that a linear multivariable system is decouplable by the static state feedback if and only if it has a diagonal interactor. But, in general, the interactor is a lower left triangular matrix, which makes the design problems of multivariable control systems complicated. From this point of view, the precompensator such that the total system has a diagonal interactor is important for multivariable control systems to simplify their design procedure. This paper concerns the systematic design method of the precompensator for a diagonal interactor using Markov parameters of the plant. It will also be proved that this compensator is always obtained by the proposed design algorithm. Furthermore, this argument will be a basic idea when this technique is applied to the nonlinear multivariable systems. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 163(1): 65–72, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20599
Analysis of high‐frequency oscillations in voltage transformers
Authors: Shibuya Yoshikazu , Wada Kotaro , Muto Hirotaka
Published: January 2008

High‐frequency oscillations in voltage transformers are analyzed by the FFT method, using an equivalent lumped circuit. Such an analysis has been regarded as difficult because the transformers used in high‐voltage distribution systems have a large number of turns. The constants of the equivalent circuit are evaluated on a turn‐to‐turn basis. The frequency domain analysis is followed by time domain analysis using the FFT technique. Both characteristics are verified by an experiment on a 6.6‐kV voltage transformer. The nature of the high‐frequency oscillation is shown for a simpler model. It is found that the interlayer voltage becomes highest at the entrance to the incoming surge. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 163(1): 8–15, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20643
Disposable Injection‐Moulded Cell‐on‐a‐Chip Microfluidic Devices with Integrated Conducting Polymer Electrodes for On‐Line Voltammetric and Electrochemiluminescence Detection
Authors: Naseri N. Gharib , Baldock S. J. , Economou A. , Goddard N. J. , Fielden P. R.
Published: January 2008

This work reports the construction and characterization of plastic electrochemical micro‐flow‐cells with integrated injection‐moulded polymer electrodes. The three electrodes (working, auxiliary, and reference) were fabricated by injection‐moulding from a conducting grade of polystyrene loaded with carbon fibers. On‐chip reference electrodes were prepared by coating one of the conducting polymer electrodes with a Ag/AgCl layer (implemented either by e‐beam evaporation of Ag followed by electrochemical formation of AgCl or by applying a Ag/AgCl paste). Working electrodes were either polymer electrodes coated with Au by e‐beam evaporation or bare conducting polymer electrodes. The electrodes were integrated into the micro‐flow‐cells by an over‐moulding process followed by ultrasonic welding. The devices were characterized by optical and electrochemical techniques. Studies by cyclic voltammetry (CV), anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) and electrochemiluminescence (ECL) demonstrate ‘proof–of‐principle’ of the micro‐flow‐cells as electrochemical sensors.
Working Electrodes from Amalgam Paste for Electrochemical Measurements
Authors: Yosypchuk Bogdan , Šestáková Ivana
Published: January 2008

Paste electrode with paste amalgam as an active electrode material is described here for the first time. Designed electrode from silver paste amalgam (AgA‐PE) is solely metallic and does not contain any organic binder. Mechanical surface regeneration of AgA‐PE is performed in the same way as for classical carbon paste electrodes and reproducibility of such regeneration is about 10%. Electrochemical surface regeneration appeared very efficient for most measurements. In dependence on paste metal content, the electrode surface can be liquid (resembling a film) or rather solid. The hydrogen overvoltage on AgA‐PE is high, and the electrode allows measurements at highly negative potentials. AgA‐PE is well suited for study of reduction or oxidation processes without an accumulation step. Anodic stripping voltammetry of some metals tested on the electrode is influenced by formation of intermetallic compounds. The measurement based on cathodic stripping voltammetry (adenine, cysteine) and on catalytic processes from adsorbed state (complex of osmium tetroxide with 2,2′‐bipyridine) can be performed on AgA‐PE practically under the same conditions as found earlier for HMDE and for silver solid amalgam electrode. The working electrode from paste amalgam combines the advantages of paste and metal electrodes.
Electron Transfer Behavior through Densely Packed Self‐Assembled Monolayers of a Novel Heteroaromatic Thiol Derivative onto the Gold Surface
Authors: Shamsipur Mojtaba , Kazemi Sayed Habib , Mehdinia Ali , Mousavi Mir Fazlollah , Sharghi Hashem
Published: January 2008

This article is describing the electrical characteristics of the self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) formed during spontaneous chemical adsorption of a recently synthesized heteroaromatic thiol 2‐(2‐mercaptophenylnitrilomethylidyne)‐phenol (L). Some surfactants were used to regulate the electron transfer through the resulting SAMs, as investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results revealed that the surface structure is approximately complete and fractional coverage is very close to unity. The use of surfactants clearly improved the electron transfer properties. Furthermore, complementary experiments were carried out to investigate the electron transfer from modified surface to cytochrome C (cyt‐C), as a biological iron containing protein, which exists in living cells with important life roles. It was found that cyt‐C is able to interact with the modified surface so that it can be used as a scaffold to study the electrochemical characteristics of sensitive biological compounds like proteins. The voltammetric behavior of the redox protein on the resulting SAMs was found to be highly reproducible, emphasizing the fact that the protein denaturation is greatly suppressed.
Path‐dependent currency options with mean reversion
Authors: Wong Hoi Ying , Lau Ka Yung
Published: January 2008

This paper develops a path‐dependent currency option pricing framework in which the exchange rate follows a mean‐reverting lognormal process. Analytical solutions are derived for barrier options with a constant barrier, lookback options, and turbo warrants. As the analytical solutions are obtained using a Laplace transform, this study numerically shows that the solution implemented with a numerical Laplace inversion is efficient and accurate. The pricing behavior of path‐dependent options with mean reversion is contrasted with the Black‐Scholes model. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 28:275–293, 2008
Does deliverability enhance the value of U.S. Treasury bonds?
Authors: Kuipers David R.
Published: January 2008

This study presents the first examination of the value associated with long‐term U.S. Treasury bonds related to their delivery eligibility in the Treasury bond futures market. The opportunity for study has recently become possible given the reduced maturity of Treasury's noncallable bonds in the market. Consistent with rational behavior, deliverable bonds are found to be more valuable than otherwise comparable, ineligible bonds, and the estimated premia are larger than those previously documented for deliverable bills. However, although detectable and statistically significant, the deliverability component of a cash bond's value is somewhat modest in economic terms; some policy implications of this result are discussed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 28:264–274, 2008
Wandering behavior in veterans with psychiatric diagnoses residing in nursing homes
Authors: Molinari Victor , King‐Kallimanis Bellinda , Volicer Ladislav , Brown Lisa , Schonfeld Lawrence
Published: January 2008

Objective

To investigate nursing home residents with psychiatric diagnoses who wander and who are not diagnosed with dementia.

Method

A national cross‐sectional study was conducted in a male Veterans Administration Nursing Home Care Unit population using a retrospective review of the MDS.

Results

Eleven thousand six hundred and nineteen residents were identified as having a psychiatric diagnosis without significant cognitive impairment; just under 1% (n = 113) wandered. Using rare events logit regression, we determined that a diagnosis of schizophrenia/bipolar disorder or comorbid psychiatric conditions were associated with increased risk of wandering compared to residents diagnosed with anxiety/depression. Psychiatric wanderers were also more likely to, have symptoms of delirium, exhibit socially inappropriate behavior, manifest problems in decision‐making, take anti‐psychotic medications, and to be more independent in locomotion.

Conclusions

Psychiatric wanderers may be conceptualized better as exhibiting ambulatory concomitants of unremitted neurological/psychiatric symptoms or medication side effects of their treatment. Findings have implications for addressing treatable causes of wandering. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of a sedative antihistamine, D‐chlorpheniramine, on regional cerebral perfusion and performance during simulated car driving
Authors: Tashiro Manabu , Sakurada Yumiko , Mochizuki Hideki , Horikawa Etsuo , Maruyama Masahiro , Okamura Nobuyuki , Watanuki Shoichi , Arai Hiroyuki , Itoh Masatoshi , Yanai Kazuhiko
Published: January 2008

Objectives

The sedative side effects of antihistamines have been recognized to be potentially dangerous in car driving, but the mechanism underlying these effects has not yet been elucidated to date. The aim of the present study is to examine regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) responses during a simulated car‐driving task following oral administration of D‐chlorpheniramine using positron emission tomography (PET) and [15O]H2O, based on a single‐blind cross‐over study‐design.

Methods

Right‐handed, healthy male volunteers (n = 14) drove a car in a simulated environment following oral administration of D‐chlorpheniramine repetab 6 mg or placebo. Their rCBF was measured using PET with [15O]H2O in the following three conditions: (1) resting, (2) active driving, and (3) passive driving. All ‘in‐car’ views during the simulated driving were videotaped and used for rating driving performance.

Results

Performance evaluation revealed that the number of lane deviations significantly increased in the D‐chlorpheniramine condition compared with the placebo condition (p < 0.01). Subjective sleepiness was not significantly different between the two drug conditions. The regions of diminished brain responses following D‐chlorpheniramine treatment were detected in the parietal, temporal and visual cortices, and in the cerebellum. The regions of augmented rCBF responses were found in the orbitofrontal cortex and cerebellar vermis.

Conclusion

These results suggest that D‐chlorpheniramine tends to suppress visuo‐spatial cognition and visuo‐motor coordinating functions rather than attention and motor functions during car driving. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, multiple‐ascending‐dose study on the effects of ABIO‐08/01, a novel anxiolytic drug, on perception and cognition, utilizing event‐related potential mapping and low‐resolution brain electromagnetic tomography
Authors: Anderer Peter , Saletu Bernd , Wolzt Michael , Culic Svetlana , Assandri Alessandro , Nannipieri Fabrizio , Rosini Sergio , Saletu‐Zyhlarz Gerda M.
Published: January 2008

Early pharmacological studies in animals demonstrated that ABIO‐08/01, a new isoxazoline, exerted anxiolytic and anticonvulsant, but also cognition‐enhancing properties. Thus, the aim of the present double‐blind, placebo‐controlled multiple‐ascending‐dose study was to investigate the effect of the new compound on event‐related potentials (ERPs). In a randomized ascending‐dose design for phase‐1 studies, 16 young healthy male subjects aged 30.2 ± 5.7 years received three ascending drug doses (10, 20, and 40 mg) and placebo for 7 days, with a washout period of 8 days in between. Auditory ERPs were recorded pre‐dose and 2 h post‐dose on days 1 (acute effect) and 5 (subacute and absolute superimposed effect). Descriptive statistics with one confirmatory statement on P300 latency demonstrated a significant shortening after acute, subacute, and superimposed administration of 40 mg ABIO‐08/01. While ERP amplitudes showed only minor effects, low‐resolution brain electromagnetic tomography (LORETA) demonstrated that ABIO‐08/01 promotes more efficient information processing by reallocating perceptual and cognitive ERP resources. Thus, our ERP studies confirm early pharmacological findings in animals of a cognition‐enhancing effect of ABIO‐08/01, which is interesting in the context of the anxiolytic mode of action of the compound as its CNS effects are quite different from those of anxiolytic sedatives, such as benzodiazepines. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coffee, tea, caffeine and risk of breast cancer: A 22‐year follow‐up
Authors: Ganmaa Davaasambuu , Willett Walter C. , Li Tricia Y. , Feskanich Diane , van Dam Rob M. , Lopez‐Garcia Esther , Hunter David J. , Holmes Michelle D.
Published: January 2008

The relation between consumption of coffee, tea and caffeine and risk of breast cancer remains unsettled. We examined data from a large, long‐term cohort study to evaluate whether high intake of coffee and caffeine is associated with increased risk of breast cancer. This was a prospective cohort study with 85,987 female participants in the Nurses' Health Study. Consumption of coffee, tea and caffeine consumption was assessed in 1980, 1984, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998 and the follow‐up continued through 2002. We documented 5,272 cases of invasive breast cancer during 1,715,230 person‐years. The multivariate relative risks (RRs) of breast cancer across categories of caffeinated coffee consumption were: 1.0 for <1cup/month (reference category), 1.01 (95% confidence interval: 0.92–1.12) for 1 month to 4.9 week, 0.92 (0.84–1.01) for 5 week to 1.9 days, 0.93 (0.85–1.02) for 2–3.9 days, 0.92 (0.82–1.03) for ≥4 cups per day (p for trend = 0.14). Intakes of tea and decaffeinated coffee were also not significantly associated with risk of breast cancer. RRs (95% CI) for increasing quintiles of caffeine intake were 1.00, 0.98 (0.90–1.07), 0.92 (0.84–1.00), 0.94 (0.87–1.03) and 0.93 (0.85–1.01) (p for trend = 0.06). A significant inverse association of caffeine intake with breast cancers was observed among postmenopausal women; for the highest quintile of intake compared to the lowest RR 0.88 (95% CI = 0.79–0.97, p for trend = 0.03). We observed no substantial association between caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee and tea consumption and risk of breast cancer in the overall cohort. However, our results suggested a weak inverse association between caffeine‐containing beverages and risk of postmenopausal breast cancer. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tumorigenicity and genotoxicity of an environmental pollutant 2,7‐dinitrofluorene after systemic administration at a low dose level to female rats
Authors: Malejka‐Giganti Danuta , Parkin Daniel R. , Decker Richard W. , Niehans Gloria A. , Bliss Robin L. , Churchwell Mona I. , Beland Frederick A.
Published: January 2008

Environmental pollution with nitroaromatic compounds may pose health hazards. We have examined the tumorigenicity in female Sprague‐Dawley rats of 2,7‐dinitrofluorene (2,7‐diNF) and 9‐oxo‐2,7‐diNF administered by intraperitoneal (i.p.) and oral routes at 10 μmol/kg body weight, 3 times per week for 4 weeks. After i.p. treatment, the estimated median latency for the combined malignant and benign mammary tumors was decreased in 2,7‐diNF‐ (p = 0.003) or 9‐oxo‐2,7‐diNF‐treated (p = 0.007), relative to vehicle‐treated rats (42 or 64 vs. 80 weeks, respectively), whereas after oral dosing, there were no significant differences. At 90 weeks, the malignant mammary tumor incidence in 2,7‐diNF‐, 9‐oxo‐2,7‐diNF‐ and vehicle‐i.p. treated rats was 44 (p = 0.02 vs. vehicle‐treated), 25 and 6%, respectively. Liver and mammary gland DNA was analyzed by HPLC combined with electrospray tandem mass spectrometry for the presence of a deoxyguanosine (dG‐2,7‐diNF) adduct and a deoxyadenosine (dA‐2,7‐diNF) adduct derived from 2,7‐diNF, and a deoxyguanosine (dG‐9‐oxo‐2,7‐diNF) adduct derived from 9‐oxo‐2,7‐diNF. Both dG‐2,7‐diNF and dA‐2,7‐diNF were detected in DNA of 2,7‐diNF‐treated rats, whereas only very low levels of dG‐9‐oxo‐2,7‐diNF were detected in DNA of 9‐oxo‐2,7‐diNF‐treated rats. After i.p. treatment, the dA‐2,7‐diNF level was higher (p < 0.01) in the mammary gland than liver (13.6 vs. 7.8 adducts/108 nucleotides). In the mammary gland, the dG‐2,7‐diNF level was higher (p < 0.05) after i.p. than oral dosing and also higher (p < 0.05) than in the liver (36 vs. 8.6 and vs. 9.1 adducts/108 nucleotides, respectively). The preferential display of carcinogenicity and genotoxicity in the mammary gland by low doses of 2,7‐diNF signifies its potential relevance for environmental breast cancer. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Haplotype and genotypes of the VDR gene and cutaneous melanoma risk in non‐Hispanic whites in Texas: A case–control study
Authors: Li Chunying , Liu Zhensheng , Wang Li E. , Gershenwald Jeffrey E. , Lee Jeffrey E. , Prieto Victor G. , Duvic Madeleine , Grimm Elizabeth A. , Wei Qingyi
Published: January 2008

In a hospital‐based case–control study of 805 non‐Hispanic whites with cutaneous melanoma and 841 cancer‐free age‐, sex‐ and ethnicity‐matched control subjects, 3 VDR polymorphisms (i.e., TaqI, BsmI and FokI) were genotyped using blood samples collected between 1994 and 2006. We tested the hypothesis that the haplotypes and combined genotypes of these polymorphisms were associated with melanoma risk by interacting with known risk factors. Haplotypes t‐B‐F (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.52; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.34–0.80) and t‐B‐f (adjusted OR, 0.51; CI, 0.27–0.94) were associated with a reduced risk when compared to T‐b‐f. The combined genotypes Tt+tt/Bb+BB/Ff+ff (adjusted OR, 0.69; CI, 0.52, 0.90) and Tt+tt/Bb+BB/FF (adjusted OR, 0.58; CI, 0.43, 0.78) were also associated with reduced risk, whereas the combined genotype TT/Bb+BB/Ff+ff genotype (adjusted OR, 2.35; CI, 1.13, 4.98) was associated with increased risk when compared to TT/bb/Ff+ff genotypes. On multivariate analysis, only the TaqI polymorphism was an independent risk factor, while the FokI polymorphism interacted with skin color (p = 0.029), moles (p = 0.017) and first‐degree relatives with any cancer (p = 0.013) in modifying risk. Together, these findings suggest that VDR polymorphisms may directly affect or modify the risk associated with known melanoma risk factors. Larger, population‐based studies are needed to replicate our findings. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sperm storage in the oviduct of the American alligator
Authors: Gist Daniel H. , Bagwill April , Lance Valentine , Sever David M. , Elsey Ruth M.
Published: January 2008

Oviducts of the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) were examined histologically for the presence of stored sperm. Two regions containing sperm were identified, one at the junction of the posterior uterus and the vagina (UVJ) and the other at the junction of the tube and isthmus (TIJ). In these areas, sperm were found in the lumina of oviductal glands. The glands in these areas of the oviduct are diffuse and shallow and appear to allow better access to sperm than glands located elsewhere. Histochemically, the glands of the UVJ reacted weakly for carbohydrates and proteins, whereas those of the TIJ reacted strongly for these same two components, secretions of which are associated with sperm storage structures in other reptiles. Sperm were not in contact with the glandular epithelium, and glands at the UVJ contained more sperm than those at the TIJ. Oviductal sperm storage was observed not only in recently mated females but in all females possessing uterine eggs as well as all females known to be associated with a nest. We conclude that female alligators are capable of storing sperm in their oviductal glands, but not from one year to the next. J. Exp. Zool. 309A:581–587, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bradykinin increases blood–tumor barrier permeability by down‐regulating the expression levels of ZO‐1, occludin, and claudin‐5 and rearranging actin cytoskeleton
Authors: Liu Li‐bo , Xue Yi‐xue , Liu Yun‐hui , Wang Yi‐bao
Published: January 2008

Bradykinin (BK) has been shown to open blood‐tumor barrier (BTB) selectively and to increase permeability of the BTB transiently, but the mechanism is unclear. This study was performed to determine whether BK opens the BTB by affecting the tight junction (TJ)‐associated proteins zonula occluden‐1 (ZO‐1), occludin, and caludin‐5 and cytoskeleton protein filamentous actin (F‐actin). In rat brain glioma model and BTB model in vitro, we find that the protein expression levels of ZO‐1, occludin, and claudin‐5 are attenuated by BK induction. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence assays show that the attenuated expression of ZO‐1, occludin, and claudin‐5 and F‐actin is most obvious in the smaller tumor capillaries (<20 μm) after BK infusion, and there is no change in the larger tumor capillaries (>20 μm). The redistribution of ZO‐1, occludin, and claudin‐5 and rearrangement of F‐actin in brain microvascular endothelial cells are observed at the same time. Meanwhile, Evans blue assay shows that the permeability of BTB increases after BK infusion. Transmission electron microscopy indicates that TJ is opened and that pinocytotic vesicular density is increased. Transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and horseradish peroxidase flux assays also reveal that TJ is opened by BK induction. In addition, radioimmunity and Western blot assay reveal a significant decrease in expression levels of cAMP and catalytic subunit of protien kinase A (PKAcs) of tumor tissue. This study demonstrates that the increase of BK‐mediated BTB permeability is associated with the down‐regulation of ZO‐1, occludin, and claudin‐5 and the rearrangement of F‐actin and that cAMP/PKA signal transduction system might be involved in the modulating process. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Thrombin‐induced oxidative stress contributes to the death of hippocampal neurons: Role of neuronal NADPH oxidase
Authors: Park Keun W. , Jin Byung K.
Published: January 2008

The present study investigated whether thrombin can induce the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through activation of neuronal NADPH oxidase and whether this contributes to oxidative damage and consequently to neurodegeneration. Immunocytochemical and biochemical evidence demonstrated that, in neuron‐enriched hippocampal cultures, thrombin induces neurodegeneration in a dose‐dependent manner. In parallel, ROS production was evident as assessed by analyzing DCF and hydroethidine. Real‐time PCR analysis, at various time points after thrombin treatment, also demonstrated that expression of NADPH oxidase subunits (p47phox and p67phox) occurs. In addition, Western blot analysis and double‐label immunocytochemistry showed an up‐regulation in the expression of cytosolic components (Rac 1 and p67phox), the translocation of cytosolic proteins (p47phox and p67phox) to the membrane, and the localization of gp91phox or p47phox expression in hippocampal neurons of cultures and CA1 layer. The thrombin‐induced ROS production, protein oxidation, and loss of cultured hippocampal neurons were partially attenuated by an NADPH oxidase inhibitor and/or by several antioxidants. Collectively, the present study is the first to demonstrate that, in cultured hippocampal neurons, thrombin‐induced neurotoxicity is, at least in part, caused by neuronal NADPH oxidase‐mediated oxidative stress. This strongly suggests that thrombin can act as an endogenous neurotoxin, and inhibitors of thrombin and/or antioxidants can be useful agents for treating oxidative stress‐mediated hippocampal neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Indirect down‐regulation of nuclear NF‐κB levels by cobalamin in the spinal cord and liver of the rat
Authors: Veber Daniela , Mutti Elena , Tacchini Lorenza , Gammella Elena , Tredici Giovanni , Scalabrino Giuseppe
Published: January 2008

We used electrophoretic mobility shift assays to investigate the effects of cobalamin (Cbl) deficiency on the levels of activated nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) in the spinal cords (SCs) and livers of rats made Cbl‐deficient (Cbl‐D) by total gastrectomy or a Cbl‐D diet. We chose the SC and liver because they are severely or scarcely affected, respectively, by Cbl deficiency in terms of histological damage. We found permanently increased NF‐κB levels (particularly the p50 and p65 subunits) in the SCs and livers of both types of Cbl‐D rats, and Western blot analysis demonstrated increased p65 levels. NF‐κB and p65 protein levels normalized when the totally gastrectomized (TGX) rats were treated with Cbl replacement. As we have previously demonstrated that Cbl deficiency increases tumor necrosis factor (TNF)–α and nerve growth factor (NGF) levels in the SC (each of which is a known NF‐κB activator), we redetermined NF‐κB levels in the SCs and livers of TGX rats treated with anti‐TNF‐α or anti‐NGF antibodies and found that NF‐κB levels normalized in both tissues after either treatment. These results demonstrate that: (1) Cbl physiologically and indirectly down‐regulates NF‐κB levels in rat SC and liver, and (2) NF‐κB is an important signaling molecule after Cbl deficiency injury. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dynamic in vivo three‐dimensional (3D) kinematics of the anterior cruciate ligament/medial collateral ligament transected ovine stifle joint
Authors: Tapper Janet E. , Fukushima Shige , Azuma Hiro , Sutherland Craig , Marchuk Linda , Thornton Gail M. , Ronsky Janet L. , Zernicke Ron , Shrive Nigel G. , Frank Cyril B.
Published: January 2008

The objective of this study was to use an ovine stifle joint model to assess the impact of combined transection of the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments on three‐dimensional (3D) joint motion serially over 20 weeks after transection. In vivo 3D kinematics were measured in the right hind limb of eight sheep while walking on a treadmill (accuracy, 0.4 mm ± 0.4 mm, 0.4° ± 0.4°). Five sheep received surgical ligament transection and three sheep received sham surgery without transection. At 2 weeks after transection, average joint flexion at hoof strike was significantly increased (8.9° ± 3.0°), and the tibial position was significantly shifted in the anterior direction relative to the femur during midstance (4.9 mm ± 0.9 mm). By 20 weeks after transection, joint flexion had normalized, but the tibial position was significantly adducted (0.5° ± 0.7°) and shifted in the medial (2.5 mm ± 1.2 mm), anterior (5.8 mm ± 1.9 mm), and superior directions (1.6 mm ± 0.4 mm). At 2 and 20 weeks after surgical intervention, the maximal anterior tibial position was significantly increased during mid‐stance in the transected group (4.9 mm ± 0. 9 mm and 5.8 mm ± 1.9 mm) compared to the sham operated group (0.2 mm ± 0.2 mm and −0.1 ± 0.1 mm). Although the anterior tibial shift was observed in all transected sheep, a high degree of variability existed between sheep, in the intitial joint position, the magnitude of the early change, the change over time, and the change at 20 weeks. In this situation statistics must be interpreted carefully, and in future studies, individual changes should be assessed in the context of individual pathological changes in order to investigate potential clinical significance. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:660–672, 2008
In vivo intervertebral disc remodeling: Kinetics of mRNA expression in response to a single loading event
Authors: MacLean Jeffrey J. , Roughley Peter J. , Monsey Robert D. , Alini Mauro , Iatridis James C.
Published: January 2008

Kinetics of mRNA expression following a single loading event was measured using an in vivo rat tail model. Animals were instrumented and loaded in compression for 1.5 h at 1 MPa and 1 Hz. Real‐time RT‐PCR was used to measure mRNA levels 0, 8, 24 and 72 h after mechanical stimulation for genes associated with matrix proteins (aggrecan, collagen‐I, collagen‐II), proteases (MMP‐2, MMP‐3, MMP‐13, ADAMTS‐4), and their inhibitors (TIMP‐1, TIMP‐3) in anulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus regions. Baseline mRNA levels were of greatest abundance for matrix proteins and lowest for proteases. The mRNA levels reached maximum levels 24 h following mechanical stimulation for the majority of genes evaluated, but some had maximum levels 8 and 72 h following loading. The mRNA levels returned to baseline levels for all genes in the nucleus 72 h following loading, but the majority of genes in the anulus remained upregulated. Results support a coordinated strategy of relative mRNA expression that varied over time beginning with inhibition of tissue breakdown, followed by synthesis of aggrecan and matrix degrading enzymes, and eventually collagen metabolism days following loading. Consequently, optimal time for tissue harvest for mRNA measurements depends on genes of interest. Results suggest attempts at anabolic remodeling must be given adequate time for metabolic processes and protein synthesis to occur, and that changes in TIMP and MMP levels may have greater potency in affecting structural protein abundance than direct changes in the structural protein messages. Results have important implications for disc remodeling and tissue engineering. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:579–588, 2008
Gradient HPLC of antibiotics in urine, ground water, chicken muscle, hospital wastewater, and pharmaceutical samples using C‐18 and RP‐amide columns
Authors: Kumar Ashwini , Kumar Malik Ashok , Kumar Tewary Dhananjay , Singh Baldev
Published: January 2008

A simple and highly sensitive high pressure liquid chromatographic (HPLC‐UV) method has been developed for the determination of ofloxacin, lomefloxacin, cinoxacin, and nalidixic acid, in mobile phase citrate buffer (0.001 M) of pH 4.5 prepared in water (X), methanol (Y), and ACN (Z) using gradient at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min by direct UV absorbance detection at λ = 280 nm. Separation of analytes was studied on the C‐18 and RP‐amide columns and best results were observed on the RP‐amide column with LODs (3.3×S/m) 0.89, 0.55, 0.67, and 1.41 ng/mL for ofloxacin, lomefloxacin, cinoxacin, and nalidixic acid, respectively, and better RSD than the C‐18 column. The recovery of Fluoroquinolones (FQs) in urine, ground water, hospital wastewater, and chicken muscle using this method is more than 90%. The method was successfully applied to the analysis of ofloxacin, lomefloxacin, cinoxacin, and nalidixic acid in urine, ground water, pharmaceutical dosage forms, hospital wastewater, and chicken muscle.
Purification of hydroxyanthraquinones and cinnamic acid from the roots of Rheum officinale Baill.
Authors: Huang Yanyan , Sun Ailing , Qi Yuanying , Liu Renmin
Published: January 2008

A chromatographic method for isolation and purification of chemical constituents from the well‐known traditional Chinese drug Da‐huang (roots of Rheum officinale Baill.) was established by using 12% cross‐linked agarose gel, Superose 12, as the separation media. A two‐step separation procedure is employed. Sixty five percent methanol was used as the eluent for separation of cinnamic acid, rhein, physcion and emodin form Da‐huang crude extract. The fraction containing aloe‐emodin and chrysophanol was then separated by using 55% methanol containing 0.5% acetic acid as the eluent. As a result, cinnamic acid and five kinds of hydroxyanthraquinones including rhein, aloe‐emodin, chrysophanol, physcion and emodin were obtained. The retention behavior of hydroxyanthraquinones on Superose 12 was also studied. The retention of hydroxyanthraquinones on Superose 12 is based on a mixture of hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions between the hydroxyl groups of the hydroxyanthraquinones and the residues of the cross‐linking reagents used in the manufacturing process of Superose 12.
NMR spin‐spin couplings involving nuclei in the neighborhood of a carbonyl group. 3JCH couplings in α‐substituted acetamides
Authors: Pedersoli Susimaire , dos Santos Francisco P. , Rittner Roberto , Contreras Rubén H. , Tormena Cláudio F.
Published: January 2008

In this work 3JCH spin‐spin coupling constants (SSCCs) for the cis‐ and trans‐conformers for α‐X‐acetamides (X = F, Cl, Br and CN) (1–4) were studied in detail since they were found to be notably different for both conformers. These differences are rationalized as originating in the changes of the strong negative hyperconjugative interactions that take place within the carbonyl group. Such changes are found to depend not only on conformation, but also on solvent. For the cis‐conformers there is a close proximity between the X‐substituent and the in‐plane oxygen lone pair of pure p character, which affects notably their respective negative hyperconjugative interactions. Both the efficiency for transmitting the Fermi contact (FC) term through the coupling pathway of 3JCH SSCCs and its potential as a probe to study the stereochemical properties of the XH2C group are discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.