bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oligonucleotide array‐based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) of 90 neuroblastomas reveals aberration patterns closely associated with relapse pattern and outcome
Authors: Spitz Ruediger , Oberthuer Andre , Zapatka Marc , Brors Benedikt , Hero Barbara , Ernestus Karen , Oestreich Joern , Fischer Matthias , Simon Thorsten , Berthold Frank
Published: September 2006

The study of genomic alterations in neuroblastoma is of particular importance since several cytogenetic markers proved to be closely associated with the clinical phenotype. To disclose patterns of gains and losses, we performed high‐resolution oligonucleotide array‐based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH). A total cohort of 90 patients was classified into 6 subsets according to tumor stage and outcome: Stages 1‐3+ (with event), Stage 1‐3− (no event), Stage 4+/−, and Stage 4S+/−. The aberration patterns in Stages 1‐3− and 4S− tumors differed from all other groups as they were predominantly characterized by losses (3, 4, 14, X) and gains (7, 17) of whole chromosomes. However, 59/65 (91%) tumors of Stages 1‐3+ or Stage 4 revealed numerous structural copy number alterations (sCNA). While deletions in chromosomes 1, 3, and 11 discriminated outcome in Stage 4, there were no specific sCNA that distinguished tumor stage within the subgroup of unfavorable tumors. sCNA in 1p, 3p, 11q, 17q, or MYCN amplification (MNA) was seen among 22/24 patients who died, 10/12 with metastatic relapses, and 5/9 with local recurrences. Detailed breakpoint analyses on chromosomes 1, 3, 11, and 17 disclosed preferred breaking areas, although breakpoints were not identical. Amplifications were found in 18 patients and involved 2p24 (MYCN) and other segments of chromosome 2, as well as regions on chromosome arms 6q, 12q, and 17q. One single feature in 21q21.1 (BU678720, without known function yet) attracted particular attention since five patients showed a homozygous loss of this sequence. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A digital elevation model as a base for the reconstruction of Holocene land‐use potential in arid regions
Authors: Bolten Andreas , Bubenzer Olaf , Darius Frank
Published: September 2006

The study presents an attempt to reconstruct the land‐use potential of two different arid regions during the early‐ and mid‐Holocene climatic optimum using geomorphological and archaeological data sets. Field investigations and the analysis of digital elevation data, derived from ASTER‐satellite data, demonstrate that in the Western Desert of Egypt archaeological hunter and gatherer sites are concentrated in relief positions with a surplus of surface water. A statistical analysis (CCA) confirms these results. Furthermore, we found evidence that people favored plains and highlands with diffuse vegetation during the early Holocene, but were more attracted to temporary wetlands along wadis and depressions in the mid‐Holocene. It seems possible that the complex analysis of point‐specific and area‐wide archaeological and geomorphological data provide a sound base for the reconstruction of Holocene land‐use potential in arid regions. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Type‐2 cells as link between glial and neuronal lineage in adult hippocampal neurogenesis
Authors: Steiner Barbara , Klempin Friederike , Wang Liping , Kott Monika , Kettenmann Helmut , Kempermann Gerd
Published: September 2006

In the course of adult hippocampal neurogenesis, new cells go through a series of stages associated with proliferative activity. The most highly proliferative cell type is an intermediate precursor cell, called type‐2 cell. We here report that on the level of type‐2 cells a transition takes place between features associated with the glial and the neuronal lineage. We show that stem‐cell marker Sox2 and radial glia marker BLBP are expressed in type‐2 cells but label only a small percentage of the proliferating cells. By and large, precursor cell marker Sox2 was found to be widely expressed in hippocampal astrocytes. Between 3 h and 1 week after a single injection of permanent S‐phase marker bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), the number of BrdU‐labeled BLBP‐positive cells did not change, consistent with the idea that both markers here are associated with the maintained precursor cell pool. Using reporter gene mice expressing the green fluorescent protein (GFP) under the promoter for nestin we found an overlap of GFP with markers of the neuronal lineage, doublecortin (DCX) and transcription factor NeuroD1 in type‐2 cells, whereas in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)‐GFP mice expression of GFP and NeuroD1 or DCX was mutually exclusive. Electrophysiologically, the group of type‐2 cells fell into two subgroups: one with astrocytic properties and another with an early “complex” phenotype of neural progenitor cells. Our data further support the existence of proliferative precursor cells that mark the transition between glia‐like states and neuronal differentiation. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
5‐hydroxytryptamine‐mediated increase in glutamate uptake by the leech giant glial cell
Authors: Hirth Ingolf C. , Deitmer Joachim W.
Published: September 2006

The clearance of synaptically released glutamate is one of the pivotal functions of glial cells. We have studied the role of 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT, 30 μM), a neurotransmitter and neurohormone in the leech central nervous system with a versatile action spectrum, on the efficacy of glial glutamate uptake. The activity of the glutamate uptake carrier in the giant glial cell in isolated ganglia of Hirudo medicinalis was monitored by measuring the membrane current and the change in the intracellular Na+ concentration (Na+i) as induced by the glutamate carrier substrate D‐aspartate (D‐asp, 1 mM). 5‐HT increased the D‐asp‐induced current (EC50 at 5 μM) and rise in Na+i, an effect which was mimicked by the membrane‐permeable cyclic nucleotide analogue dibutyryl‐cyclic AMP (db‐cAMP). The adenylyl cyclase inhibitor SQ 22,536 and the protein kinase A antagonist Rp‐cAMP inhibited the effect of 5‐HT. Blocking the G protein in the giant glial cell by injecting GDP‐β‐S suppressed the effect of 5‐HT, but not the effect of db‐cAMP, on the D‐asp‐induced current. Our results suggest that 5‐HT enhances the glial uptake of glutamate via cAMP‐ and PKA‐mediated pathway. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of radioactivity on stent‐graft incorporation after endovascular treatment of aneurysms: An animal study
Authors: Lerouge Sophie , Raymond Jean , Schloesser Klaus , Gaboury Louis , Soulez Gilles
Published: September 2006

Poor stent‐graft (SG) incorporation into the vessel wall, following endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms (EVAR), can lead to endoleaks and SG migration. Low‐dose radiation can prevent aneurysm recurrence after coil embolization, and has been associated with a “paradoxical” increase in neointima formation after stenting in a few studies. It was hypothesized that insitu β radiation emitted from SG could improve its incorporation by preventing the persistence of circulating channels between the implant and the vessel wall and increasing neointima formation around the SG. Phosphorus 32 (32P, 200 or 400 kBq per SG (n = 6 each)) was ion implanted on the external surface of balloon‐expandable SGs. Twelve radioactive and six non‐radioactive SGs were deployed in iliac arteries of nine Mongrel dogs. Neointima formation inside the graft and the persistence of circulating flow through an artificial groove created during the endovascular procedure were assessed by follow‐up imaging and by blinded, computerized histomorphometric analysis after animal sacrifice at 3 months. Occlusion occurred in four radioactive SGs. A lesser number of patent grooves was observed along high‐activity SGs than along control SGs (1/3 versus 4/4). No difference in neointima formation was observed in radioactive and non‐radioactive SGs. Alteration of external graft surface was observed after ion implantation. Ion implantation of 32P on SGs does not seem to be a viable strategy to improve incorporation and prevent type‐I endoleak after EVAR. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
Effect of poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) contact on maturation of murine bone marrow‐derived dendritic cells
Authors: Yoshida Mutsumi , Mata Jessica , Babensee Julia E.
Published: September 2006

Understanding of biomaterial adjuvant effect and its mechanisms is essential for the effective design and selection of appropriate materials for specific applications. We have previously shown that poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA), one of the most commonly studied polymers in tissue engineering, supports an adjuvant effect as measured by enhanced immune response against a co‐delivered model antigen, which was dependent on the form of the biomaterial. Furthermore, we have shown that PLGA induces the maturation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cell‐derived dendritic cells (DCs) in vitro. In this study, the effect of PLGA contact on the maturation of murine bone marrow‐derived DCs was investigated in part to explain the biomaterial adjuvant effect observed. Treatment of bone marrow‐derived DCs from C57BL6 mice with PLGA microparticles or films lead to maturation of these cells as exemplified by increased expression of co‐stimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86 and production of proinflammatory cytokines TNF‐α and IL‐6. These results suggest that PLGA contact induces maturation of murine DCs, supporting our observations with human DCs. With the techniques developed in this study and given the results, our future goal is to utilize transgenic murine models to delineate the mechanisms of biomaterial‐induced DC maturation. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2007
Complexity in modeling of residual stresses and strains during polymerization of bone cement: Effects of conversion, constraint, heat transfer, and viscoelastic property changes
Authors: Gilbert Jeremy L.
Published: September 2006

Aseptic loosening of cemented joint prostheses remains a significant concern in orthopedic biomaterials. One possible contributor to cement loosening is the development of porosity, residual stresses, and local fracture of the cement that may arise from the in‐situ polymerization of the cement. In‐situ polymerization of acrylic bone cement is a complex set of interacting processes that involve polymerization reactions, heat generation and transfer, full or partial mechanical constraint, evolution of conversion‐ and temperature‐dependent viscoelastic material properties, and thermal and conversion‐driven changes in the density of the cement. Interactions between heat transfer and polymerization can lead to polymerization fronts moving through the material. Density changes during polymerization can, in the presence of mechanical constraint, lead to the development of locally high residual strain energy and residual stresses. This study models the interactions during bone cement polymerization and determines how residual stresses develop in cement and incorporates temperature and conversion‐dependent viscoelastic behavior. The results show that the presence of polymerization fronts in bone cement result in locally high residual strain energies. A novel heredity integral approach is presented to track residual stresses incorporating conversion and temperature dependent material property changes. Finally, the relative contribution of thermal‐ and conversion‐dependent strains to residual stresses is evaluated and it is found that the conversion‐based strains are the major contributor to the overall behavior. This framework provides the basis for understanding the complex development of residual stresses and can be used as the basis for developing more complex models of cement behavior. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
In vivo biostability of polyether polyurethanes with fluoropolymer and polyethylene oxide surface modifying endgroups; resistance to metal ion oxidation
Authors: Ward Robert , Anderson James , McVenes Rick , Stokes Ken
Published: September 2006

Polyether polyurethanes are subject to oxidation catalyzed by, and through direct (redox) reaction with transition metal ions (metal ion oxidation, MIO). The source of the ions is corrosion of metallic parts within an implanted device. A Shore 80A polyether polyurethane was modified with fluoropolymer (E80AF) or polyethylene oxide (E80AP) surface modifying end groups (SME). The SME migrates to the surface to form a covalently bonded monolayer, while maintaining the bulk properties of the polyurethane. In vitro tests in H2O2 solution indicated that both SME's accelerated MIO. Tubing samples containing cobalt mandrels were implanted in the subcutis of rabbits for up to 2 years. In vivo, E80AF significantly slowed the rate of visible degradation, but did not prevent MIO. E80AP had virtually identical visual performance to the unmodified control in vivo. Infrared spectroscopy and molecular weight correlated well with visual appearance. When cracks were seen, polyether soft segment oxidation was occurring. Both E80AP and the control developed severe loss of molecular weight in vivo. The changes were much less severe for E80AF. Thus, contrary to in vitro test results, the PEO SME had no effect at all on MIO resistance, while the fluoropolymer SME produced a significant improvement in biostability. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2007
RGTA OTR4120, a heparan sulfate mimetic, is a possible long‐term active agent to heal burned skin
Authors: Garcia‐Filipe S. , Barbier‐Chassefiere V. , Alexakis C. , Huet E. , Ledoux D. , Kerros M. E. , Petit E. , Barritault D. , Caruelle J. P. , Kern P.
Published: September 2006

Burn‐related skin fibrosis leads to loss of tissue function and hypertrophic scar formation with damaging consequences for the patient. There is therefore a great need for an efficient agent to treat burned skin. We report that ReGeneraTing Agent (RGTA) reduces burn‐induced skin alteration. The tissue‐regenerating effect of RGTA OTR4120 was evaluated after 1–6 days and after 10 months in a rat skin burn model. This effect was also examined in vitro using fibroblasts isolated from control and 6‐day‐old burned skins. We measured production of dermal collagen I, III, and V and activities of metalloproteinases 2 and 9 (MMP‐2 and MMP‐9). Ratio of collagen III over collagen I production increased 6 days after the burn, because of a decrease in collagen I production. After 10 months, ratio of collagen III over collagen I in burn sites was still increased compared with control skin, because of an increase in collagen III production. Both abnormalities were corrected by OTR4120. OTR4120 increased pro‐ and active MMP‐2 and MMP‐9, compared with healthy and burned controls and therefore accelerated remodeling. Similar data were obtained with cultured fibroblasts from healthy and burned skins. OTR4120 enhanced healing in short‐ and long‐term after burns, reducing the formation of fibrotic tissue, and then represents a potential agent to improve burned skin healing. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2007
Application of thermophilic aerobic digestion in protein enrichment of high strength agricultural waste slurry for animal feed supplementation
Authors: Ugwuanyi J Obeta , Harvey Linda M. , McNeil Brian
Published: September 2006

Thermophilic aerobic digestion (TAD) is a relatively novel waste processing technique with the potential to improve the safety and nutritional value of many agricultural and food industry wastes for use in animal feed supplementation. TAD of model agricultural waste slurry, at soluble chemical oxygen demand (COD) load of approximately 8.0 g L−1, was implemented to study the effect of the process on crude protein accretion and waste quality. Digestions were carried out under batch conditions at 0.1, 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 vvm (volume of air per volume of waste slurry per minute) aeration rates and pH 7.0, and at pH 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, 9.0, 9.5 and without pH regulation at 0.5 vvm, all at 55 °C. All reactions were carried out for 156 h using thermophilic populations indigenous to the waste. Digestion at 0.5 and 1.0 vvm led to the greatest degradation of total suspended solids (51.17% and 52.03% respectively) and the highest accretion of crude protein in treated waste (131.28% and 258.94% respectively). Protein content of the digest decreased as digestion pH increased beyond neutral. Slurry soluble protein content decreased with digestion progress, while the ammonium increased early in the process before decreasing progressively. The percentage content of most amino acids in the digest decreased slightly relative to raw waste. The quality of waste protein was comparable with the FAO standard for protein supplement for feed use. Overall, the digested waste was significantly improved relative to the raw waste. With appropriate process optimization TAD has clear potentials for use in the improvement of various wastes for recycling in animal feed. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Properties and applications of supports for enzyme‐mediated transformations in solid phase synthesis
Authors: Basso Alessandra , Braiuca Paolo , Ebert Cynthia , Gardossi Lucia , Linda Paolo
Published: September 2006

With the increasing interest in automated synthesis and screening protocols, solid supported chemistry and biochemistry have become attractive technologies. Furthermore, the use of enzymes in solid phase synthesis has opened the route to selective and mild processes. The efficiency of enzymes in transforming substrates that are bound on solid supports is strictly related to the availability of polymers endowed with specific properties, above all permeability to enzymes. This review describes how the recent developments of this rapidly evolving area have made possible novel challenging applications of enzymes in solid phase synthesis. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Multi‐phase electro‐chemical catalytic oxidation of wastewater
Authors: Gu Lin , Wang Bo , Ma Hongzhu , Kong Wuping
Published: September 2006

The removal of organic pollutants from synthetic wash wastewater by a combined multi‐phase electro‐catalytic oxidation method was evaluated using porous graphite as anode and cathode, and CuO–Co2O3–PO43− modified kaolin as catalyst. The synergic effect on COD removal was studied when integrating the electro‐chemical reactor with the effective modified kaolin in a single undivided cell; the results showed that higher COD removal efficiency was obtained than those obtained using the individual processes. Under optimal conditions of pH 3, 30 mA cm−2 current density, very effective reduction of organic pollutants was achieved with this combined electro‐chemical method. High removal efficiency (90%) of the chemical oxygen demand (COD) was obtained in 60 min in the treatment of simulated wash wastewater (anionic surfactant, sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate [DBS]). This method was also applied to treat wastewater form paper‐making and resulted in a COD reduction of 84%. Based on the investigation, a possible mechanism of this combined electro‐chemical process was proposed. The pollutants in wastewater could be decreased by the high reactive OH• that were produced via the decomposition of electro‐generated H2O2 activated by the synergic effect of electro‐field and catalyst. The results indicate that the multi‐phase catalytic electro‐chemical oxidation process is a promising technique for wastewater treatment. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Urokinase‐type plasminogen activator gene therapy in liver cirrhosis is mediated by collagens gene expression down‐regulation and up‐regulation of MMPs, HGF and VEGF
Authors: Bueno Miriam , Salgado Silvia , Beas‐Zárate Carlos , Armendariz‐Borunda Juan
Published: September 2006

Human urokinase‐type plasminogen activator (uPA) gene administration via an adenoviral (Ad)‐vector induced cirrhosis regression and ameliorated hepatic dysfunction in a model of experimental liver cirrhosis. The administration of a single dose of 6 × 1011 viral particles per kilogram of a clinical‐grade Ad‐vector was evaluated after the onset of rat liver cirrhosis via degradation of deposited collagen and a substantial decrease of α‐sma‐positive cells. Also, gene expression for pro‐fibrogenic molecules (Col I, III, IV, TIMP‐1 and PAI‐1) was clearly down‐regulated. In contrast, gene expression for collagen‐degrading enzymes such as MMP‐13 and MMP‐2 was up‐regulated. These events correlated with increased amounts of proteic free‐TIMP‐1, i.e. non‐complexed with metalloproteinases (MMPs), indicating the presence of higher amounts of active MMPs inside the liver of cirrhotic animals treated with Ad‐huPA. The harmonized and concerted expression of HGF and c‐met resulted in exacerbated hepatocyte proliferation, although these events did not induce an abnormal liver growth. Angiogenesis, i.e. formation of new blood vessels, was evaluated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression which was notably detected to be 10 times higher during the first 6 days after Ad‐huPA‐treatment in cirrhotic animals as compared with controls. These events provide a clearer rationale as to how Ad‐huPA‐induced liver regeneration on CCl4‐induced liver fibrosis takes place. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genetically engineered Bifidobacterium animalis expressing the Salmonella flagellin gene for the mucosal immunization in a mouse model
Authors: Takata Tetsuo , Shirakawa Toshiro , Kawasaki Yoshiko , Kinoshita Shohiro , Gotoh Akinobu , Kano Yasunobu , Kawabata Masato
Published: September 2006

Background

A critical component of the host defense against enteric infections is the immunological response of the mucosal membrane, a major starting point of infectious disease, such as typhoid fever. The mucosal immune system consists of an integrated network of lymphoid tissues, mucous membrane‐associated cells, and effector molecules. In the present study, we developed a recombinant Bifidobacterium animalis (B. animalis) genetically modified with the Salmonella flagellin gene for mucosal immunization as an oral typhoid vaccine.

Methods

We constructed an oral vaccine against Salmonella typhimurium, consisting of recombinant B. animalis containing the flagellin gene of Salmonella. The recombinant B. animalis was administered orally to mice every other day for 6 weeks. Anti‐flagellin antibodies in the serum and stools were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

We detected significantly higher levels of flagellin‐specific IgA in the serum and stools of the mice treated with the recombinant B. animalis containing the flagellin gene than was seen in those treated with parental B. animalis.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that an oral vaccination using recombinant B. animalis genetically modified with the flagellin gene of Salmonella may be effective against Salmonella infections. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An improved synthesis of isotope labeled 6‐hydroxychlorzoxazone
Authors: Jian Zhigang , Ray Tapan , Wu Amy , Jones Lawrence
Published: September 2006

[13C6]6‐Hydroxychlorzoxazone, a major P450 metabolite of chlorzoxazone, was synthesized from [13C6]benzene in an overall 18% yield. An improved procedure for converting 4‐chloro‐6‐nitrosoresorcinol to 6‐hydroxychlorzoxazone was developed, with a yield more than double that previously reported in the literature. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamic MR venography: An intrinsic benefit of time‐resolved MR angiography
Authors: Du Jiang , Thornton Frank J. , Mistretta Charles A. , Grist Thomas M.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

To investigate the possibility of obtaining dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance venography (DCE‐MRV) images of the lower extremities.

Materials and Methods

Peripheral contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE‐MRA) was performed on 20 patients using a time‐resolved sequence that combined undersampled projection reconstruction (PR) in‐plane and Cartesian slice encoding through‐plane. The contrast dynamics of distal vessels were depicted. An automated segmentation algorithm based on a contrast arrival time (CAT) threshold was used to generate contrast dynamics in the venous system. The signal difference between the vein and artery was measured to evaluate the effectiveness of this technique in isolating the venous contrast dynamics.

Results

The automatically generated image series depicted the contrast dynamics of both the arterial and venous systems, including asymmetric venous enhancement and background tissue enhancement. Quantitative measurement showed a mean venous/arterial signal ratio increase from 1.58 to 4.82 for the peak venous frame after arterial signal suppression.

Conclusion

DCE‐MRV is a minimally invasive technique for evaluating the venous side of the systemic vascular anatomy. Time‐resolved MRA has the potential clinical benefit of enabling both arterial and venous disease to be detected in patients undergoing CE‐MRA. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spray‐dried encapsulation of Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) with polymeric matrices
Authors: Jimenez M , García HS , Beristain CI
Published: September 2006

Conjugated linoleic acid was encapsulated in three different matrices: whey protein concentrate (WPC), gum arabic (GA) and a blend of WPC and maltodextrin 10 DE (1:1, w/w). Kinetic studies on the degradation of CLA and lipid oxidation of microcapsules were carried out at water activities from 0.108 to 0.892 at 35 and 45 °C. The highest values of CLA degradation and lipid oxidation were observed in the range of water activities 0.103–0.429 for all matrices at 45 °C, whereas the lowest CLA degradation and lipid oxidation were observed for WPC at a water activity of 0.743 and 35 °C. WPC microcapsules showed the best morphology and encapsulation efficiency and the lowest CLA degradation. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Fabrication of PDMS/glass microchips by twofold replication of PDMS and its application in genetic analysis
Authors: Qu Xiaofeng , Sang Fuming , Ren Jicun
Published: September 2006

In this paper, we describe a simple method for fabrication of high quality poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)/glass microchip by twofold replica molding of PDMS. This technique first served to transfer the negative microchannels from the glass template to the PDMS substrate as a master, and then this PDMS master with positive microchannels was used to replicate the PDMS replica with negative microchannels. Finally, the PDMS replica was bound to a glass sheet by UV radiation. The fabricated microchips were successfully applied for the detection of C677T mutation from the human methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene.
Tetrabenazine therapy of pediatric hyperkinetic movement disorders
Authors: Jain Samay , Greene Paul E. , Frucht Steven J.
Published: September 2006

Tetrabenazine (TBZ), a presynaptic dopamine depletor and postsynaptic dopamine receptor blocker, is widely used for the treatment of hyperkinetic movement disorders in adults. However, reports of its use in children are limited. We review the efficacy and tolerability of TBZ therapy in 31 children with hyperkinetic movement disorders refractory to other medications. TBZ was effective in reducing the severity of movement disorders resistant to treatment with other medicines. When compared to adult patients, pediatric patients required higher doses. Side effects were similar to the adult population; however, children had a lower incidence of drug‐induced Parkinsonism. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Body weight in patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Bachmann Cornelius G. , Trenkwalder Claudia
Published: September 2006

There is some evidence suggesting that Parkinson's disease (PD) patients exhibit lower body weight when compared to age‐matched healthy subjects. Low body mass index (BMI) is correlated with low bone mineral density, both of which are major risk factors for hip fractures. Possible determinants of weight loss in PD patients include hyposmia, impaired hand–mouth coordination, difficulty chewing, dysphagia, intestinal hypomotility, depression, decreased reward processing of dopaminergic mesolimbic regions, nausea, and anorexia as the side effects of medication, and increased energy requirements due to muscular rigidity and involuntary movements. It is unclear whether PD patients in general, or only a subgroup of those affected, definitely show lower BMI in the advanced stages of the disease. We therefore recommend that the body weight of PD patients be monitored monthly as the disease progresses, and that a patient's nutrition should be supplemented with sufficient amounts of vitamin D and calcium to reduce the risk of hip fractures and strengthen bone density. Because mealtimes may coincide with unpredictable off periods associated with akinesia and impaired hand–mouth coordination, PD patients also need flexible food schedules that accommodate the associated symptoms of this disease. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Hepatitis C virus—biology, host evasion strategies, and promising new therapies on the horizon
Authors: Qureshi Sohail A.
Published: September 2006

Hepatitis C reduces the quality of life for some 170 million people around the globe and is one of the most prevalent diseases on the planet. It is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) that is replicated by an error‐prone polymerase and therefore undergoes rapid evolution. To date, although much has been learned about the biology of HCV, only a partially effective combination therapy comprised of ribavirin and pegylated‐interferon‐α is available to hepatitis C sufferers. Given the prevalence of hepatitis C, together with the fact that almost half the chronically infected HCV patients are refractory to current therapy, there is an urgent need for an efficacious immunoprophylactic that protects individuals from HCV infection, as well as drugs that impede the viral life cycle effectively and eradicate infection. Herein, I provide an overview of the molecular biology of HCV, highlighting the functions of different virally encoded proteins in terms of how they alter signaling pathways of host cell to establish an infection and discuss whether a more promising therapy for treating hepatitis C is anywhere in sight. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 27, No. 3, 353–373, 2007
Thermal conductivity enhancement of electrically insulating syndiotactic poly(styrene) matrix for diphasic conductive polymer composites
Authors: Droval G. , Feller J.‐F. , Salagnac P. , Glouannec P.
Published: September 2006

In co‐continuous conductive polymer composites (CPCs) designed for heat generation by the Joule effect, thermal conductivity km of the electrically insulating matrix is the limiting factor to obtain good heat dissipation. To prevent the establishment of non‐desirable high temperature gradient in heating elements, it is necessary to enhance the thermal conductivity of the composite, kc, independently from its electrical conductivity, σ (already optimized). Several adequate fillers for this purpose have been selected, boron nitride (BN), talc (Mg3Si4O10 (OH)2), aluminum nitride (AlN) and aluminum oxide (Al2O3) particles, and their impact on thermal properties and syndiotactic polystyrene phase transition temperatures have been studies. Lewis and Nielson, Cheng and Vachon, Agari and Uno models were used to predict the evolution of thermal conductivity with filler content and were found to describe correctly thermal conductivity of CPCs after the determination of ϕm the maximum packing fraction, A = f(D/l) the shape factor, C1 and C2 parameters function of respectively modifications of crystals and ability of the filler particles to associate into chains. These models show that whatever the filler and unlike electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity does not go through a sharp insulator/conductor (percolation threshold). Only BN shows a real exponential increase of conductivity over 20% v/v filler. Consequently, in best conditions introducing 30% v/v of BN allows the thermal conductivity to be multiplied by six. BN particles were also found to shift the CPCs glass transition temperature (Tg), the non‐isothermal crystallization temperature (Tc,n) and the melting temperature Tm. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of alkaline proteins that are differentially expressed in an overgrowth‐mediated growth arrest and cell death of Escherichia coli by proteomic methodologies
Authors: Wang Sanying , Zhu Rui , Peng Bo , Liu Mingming , Lou Yun , Ye Xintai , Xu Zhengzheng , Liu Dong , Peng Xuanxian
Published: September 2006

The available Escherichia coli genome sequences offer an opportunity to further expand our understanding of this bacterium. In the current study, we present a rapid method for the isolation of bacterial alkaline proteins using acid incubation, purification and protein array by 2‐DE, followed by protein identification using MS. Fifty‐seven proteins were randomly chosen, in which 55 were identified by a database searching of MS data. The searching results showed that most of these alkaline proteins were involved in special functions within the cell, suggesting that alkaline proteome is an ideal fraction for an understanding of their special functions. Furthermore, alkaline proteomes were compared between the period of majority live bacteria (18‐h culture), the period of similar amount of live and dead bacteria (30‐h culture) and the period of majority dead bacteria (48‐h culture). Six proteins were identified as differentially expressed targets, in which putative transcriptional regulator and superoxide dismutase genes were cloned and expressed for antiserum preparations. The antisera were applied for the confirmation of results obtained from 2‐DE. The presented data clearly reveal that alkaline proteome analysis by 2‐DE with MS plays an important role in the understanding of protein functions within the cell, and six alkaline proteins are determined as key ones in an overgrowth‐mediated growth cycle of E. coli.
GNBSL: A new integrative system to predict the subcellular location for Gram‐negative bacteria proteins
Authors: Guo Jian , Lin Yuanlie , Liu Xiangjun
Published: September 2006

This paper proposes a new integrative system (GNBSL – Gram‐negative bacteria subcellular localization) for subcellular localization specifized on the Gram‐negative bacteria proteins. First, the system generates a position‐specific frequency matrix (PSFM) and a position‐specific scoring matrix (PSSM) for each protein sequence by searching the Swiss‐Prot database. Then different features are extracted by four modules from the PSFM and the PSSM. The features include whole‐sequence amino acid composition, N‐ and C‐terminus amino acid composition, dipeptide composition, and segment composition. Four probabilistic neural network (PNN) classifiers are used to classify these modules. To further improve the performance, two modules trained by support vector machine (SVM) are added in this system. One module extracts the residue‐couple distribution from the amino acid sequence and the other module applies a pairwise profile alignment kernel to measure the local similarity between every two sequences. Finally, an additional SVM is used to fuse the outputs from the six modules. Test on a benchmark dataset shows that the overall success rate of GNBSL is higher than those of PSORT‐B, CELLO, and PSLpred. A web server GNBSL can be visited from http://166.111.24.5/webtools/GNBSL/index.htm.
Proteomic analysis of cold adaptation in a Siberian permafrost bacterium – Exiguobacterium sibiricum 255–15 by two‐dimensional liquid separation coupled with mass spectrometry
Authors: Qiu Yinghua , Kathariou Sophia , Lubman David M.
Published: September 2006

Bacterial cold adaptation in Exiguobacterium sibiricum 255–15 was studied on a proteomic scale using a 2‐D liquid phase separation coupled with MS technology. Whole‐cell lysates of E. sibiricum 255–15 grown at 4°C and 25°C were first fractionated according to pI by chromatofocusing (CF), and further separated based on hydrophobicity by nonporous silica RP HPLC (NPS‐RP‐HPLC) which was on‐line coupled with an ESI‐TOF MS for intact protein Mr measurement and quantitative interlysate comparison. Mass maps were created to visualize the differences in protein expression between different growth temperatures. The differentially expressed proteins were then identified by PMF using a MALDI‐TOF MS and peptide sequencing by MS/MS with a MALDI quadrupole IT TOF mass spectrometer (MALDI‐QIT‐TOF MS). A total of over 500 proteins were detected in this study, of which 256 were identified. Among these proteins 39 were cold acclimation proteins (Caps) that were preferentially or uniquely expressed at 4°C and three were homologous cold shock proteins (Csps). The homologous Csps were found to be similarly expressed at 4°C and 25°C, where these three homologous Csps represent about 10% of the total soluble proteins at both 4°C and 25°C.
Synthesis and characterization of new carbazole/fluorene‐based derivatives for blue‐light‐emitting devices
Authors: Grigalevicius Saulius , Ma Liang , Xie Zhi‐Yuan , Scherf Ullrich
Published: September 2006

2,7‐Bis(9‐ethylcarbazol‐3‐yl)‐9,9‐di(2‐ethylhexyl)fluorene and a segmented copolymer composed of the same chromophores alternated with hexamethylene fragments were synthesized. The obtained materials possess good solubility in common organic solvents, high thermal stability with 1% weight loss temperature of 350–370 °C, and suitable glass transition temperatures. Both derivatives show blue fluorescence in dilute solutions as well as in solid state, demonstrating that excimers are not formed in the thin films. The fluorescence spectra of the materials do not show any peaks in the long‐wavelength region even after annealing at 200 °C in air. An organic LED with the configuration of ITO/copolymer/Al generates blue electroluminescence with the maximum peak at 416 nm, rather low turn‐on voltage (4.0 V), and brightness of about 400 cd/m2. The heterostructure device based on model derivative emitted stable blue light with low operation voltage (100 cd/m2 at ∼11 V) and demonstrated luminescence efficiency of 0.8 cd/A. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 5987–5994, 2006
Effects of polymer structure on reactivity of functional groups in reduction reaction using tin hydride soluble supports
Authors: Thibaud Sandrine , Moine Laurence , Maillard Bernard
Published: September 2006

The influence of macromolecular chains onto reactivity of the grafted functional group has been investigated through reduction of 6‐bromohexene using tin hydride soluble polymer supports. Kinetic investigations clearly indicate a retarding effect of the polymer structure on the substrate diffusion. Correlations of molecular weight and degree of functionalization with reactivity of the functional lateral groups are discussed. In dilute regime, an increasing of internal density of the polymer coil leads to a diminution of the rate constant kH. Thus, the higher density of the coil limits the substrates diffusion, which favors the radical cyclization and so formation of the cyclic product. At the opposite, in concentrated regime formation of the acyclic product, hex‐1‐ene is favored despite the higher viscosity of such medium that should limit the diffusion. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 5954–5964, 2006
Synthesis and self‐assembly of thymine‐ and adenine‐containing homopolymers and diblock copolymers
Authors: Tang Huadong , Radosz Maciej , Shen Youqing
Published: September 2006

Atom transfer radical polymerizations (ATRPs) of 1‐(4‐methacryloyloxy‐benzyl)thymine (MAT) and 9‐(2‐methacryloyloxyethyl)adenine (MAA) were conducted for the synthesis of DNA‐base functionalized polymers. The association equilibrium constant Kasso between MAT and MAA and the complexation equilibrium constant Kcomp between the corresponding polymers PMAT and PMAA were determined. A zipper‐like diblock copolymer, PMAT‐b‐PMAA, was prepared by anchoring the PMAT and PMAA blocks on the ortho‐positions of a pyridine ring via a successive two‐step ATRP. Dynamic light scattering and atom force microscopy confirmed that the block copolymer had a V‐shaped configuration in dimethylsulfoxide/N,N‐dimethylformamide. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 5995–6006, 2006
Role of sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate in 2,2,6,6‐tetramethy‐1‐piperidinyloxy‐mediated styrene miniemulsion polymerization
Authors: Lin Marcus , Hsu James C. C. , Cunningham Michael F.
Published: September 2006

In studying 2,2,6,6‐tetramethy‐1‐piperidinyloxy (TEMPO)‐mediated styrene miniemulsions, we have observed that the surfactant sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS) not only provides colloidal stability but also influences the rate of polymerization. Increasing the SDBS concentration results in higher polymerization rates, although the molecular weight distribution and particle size distribution are not significantly impacted. We have also examined another common sulfonate surfactant, DOWFAX 8390. In contrast to SDBS, DOWFAX 8390 does not affect the polymerization rate. Furthermore, DOWFAX‐stabilized polymerizations are slower than SDBS‐stabilized polymerizations. TEMPO‐mediated bulk styrene polymerizations are also accelerated significantly in the presence of SDBS. Although the mechanism for the rate acceleration is unknown, the experimental evidence suggests that SDBS is participating in the generation of radicals capable of propagating, thereby reducing the TEMPO concentration within the particles. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 5974–5986, 2006
Nitrogen isotopic composition in hair protein is different in liver cirrhotic patients
Authors: Petzke Klaus J. , Feist Thomas , Fleig Wolfgang E. , Metges Cornelia C.
Published: September 2006

The stable‐isotopic composition of nitrogen (δ15N) or carbon (δ13C) of body tissues depends on the isotopic composition of food sources and on shifts due to isotopic fractionation during metabolism. As little is known about the effects of pathophysiological conditions we measured δ15N and δ13C values in hair and hair amino acids of patients with cirrhosis (n = 21) and compared the results with those of healthy subjects (n = 100) randomly selected from the 1987–1988 VERA German nutrition survey population. Cirrhosis was reflected in lower hair 15N abundances (6.7 vs. 9.9‰ δ15N; P <0.001) whereas hair 13C abundances did not differ from healthy subjects (−19.4 vs. −19.6‰  13C). Distinct patterns of δ15N and δ13C values were measured in hair amino acids. The δ15N values of phenylalanine were significantly higher in cirrhotics (P < 0.001). With the exception of isoleucine, threonine, and proline all other measured amino acids showed lower δ15N values than healthy subjects (P < 0.001). Lower hair δ15N values were associated with cirrhotic liver disease which suggests that under this condition the altered liver amino acid metabolism affects the nitrogen isotopic composition of the amino acids used for hair protein synthesis. It remains to be determined in controlled studies whether the altered nitrogen isotopic composition directly reflects the pathophysiological condition or is related to differences in dietary protein intake from plant or animal food sources. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comparative investigation of methods for logistic regression with separated or nearly separated data
Authors: Heinze Georg
Published: September 2006

In logistic regression analysis of small or sparse data sets, results obtained by classical maximum likelihood methods cannot be generally trusted. In such analyses it may even happen that the likelihood meets the convergence criteria while at least one parameter estimate diverges to ±∞. This situation has been termed ‘separation’, and it typically occurs whenever no events are observed in one of the two groups defined by a dichotomous covariate. More generally, separation is caused by a linear combination of continuous or dichotomous covariates that perfectly separates events from non‐events. Separation implies infinite or zero maximum likelihood estimates of odds ratios, which are usually considered unrealistic. I provide some examples of separation and near‐separation in clinical data sets and discuss some options to analyse such data, including exact logistic regression analysis and a penalized likelihood approach. Both methods supply finite point estimates in case of separation. Profile penalized likelihood confidence intervals for parameters show excellent behaviour in terms of coverage probability and provide higher power than exact confidence intervals. General advantages of the penalized likelihood approach are discussed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bayesian synthesis of epidemiological evidence with different combinations of exposure groups: application to a gene–gene–environment interaction
Authors: Salanti Georgia , Higgins Julian P. T. , White Ian R.
Published: September 2006

Meta‐analysis to investigate the joint effect of multiple factors in the aetiology of a disease is of increasing importance in epidemiology. This task is often challenging in practice, because studies typically concentrate on studying the effect of only one exposure, sometimes may report the interaction between two exposures, but rarely address more complex interactions that involve more than two exposures. In this paper, we develop a meta‐analysis framework that combines estimates from studies of multiple exposures. A key development is an approach to combining results from studies that report information on any subset or combination of the full set of exposures.

The model requires assumptions to be made about the prevalence of the specific exposures. We discuss several possible model specifications and prior distributions, including information internal and external to the meta‐analysis data set, and using fixed‐effect and random‐effects meta‐analysis assumptions. The methodology is implemented in an original meta‐analysis of studies relating the risk of bladder cancer to two N‐acetyltransferase genes, NAT1 and NAT2, and smoking status. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Statistical distribution of the difference of two proportions
Authors: Nadarajah Saralees , Kotz Samuel
Published: September 2006

Differences of two proportions or rates occur most frequently in biomedical research. However, as far as published work in the Statistics in Medicine are concerned, only approximations have been used to study the distribution of such differences. In this Letter, we derive the exact probability distribution of the difference of two proportions. The expression involves a well‐known special function. It is expected that this result could be widely useful for medical practitioners. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Brief Overview of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Hardaway Robert M.
Published: September 2006

Background

The low pO2 in traumatic and septic shock was first documented at Walter Reed Army Medical Center starting in 1960. It was postulated that this respiratory failure was due to the occlusion of the pulmonary microcirculation by the microclots of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).

Materials and Methods

Animal studies showed that pulmonary failure and death could be caused by intravenous injection of a killed culture of either Escherichia coli or pneumococcal organisms or by severe muscle contusion. Severe clinical septic and traumatic shock cases were studied.

Results

Injection of either killed E. coli or killed pneumococci resulted in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and death in pigs. Muscle contusion also resulted in ARDS and death in pigs. Both ARDS and death were prevented by administration of a plasminogen activator, and ARDS in human septic or traumatic shock were safely and effectively treated by administration of a plasminogen activator.

Conclusions

Acute respiratory distress syndrome can be caused by DIC, which blocks the microcirculation of any and all organs. These microclots can be safely lysed by a plasminogen activator, thus treating ARDS and saving lives.