bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soil Carbon and Nutrient Accumulation under Forest Plantations in Jharkhand State of India
Authors: Roy Pankaj Kumar , Samal Nihar Ranjan , Roy Malabika Biswas , Mazumdar Asis
Published: August 2010

The decrease and degradation of the tropical forests affect not only the production of timber but also the global environment in a large scale. The ability of soil to sustain and its supply of nutrients to a growing forest are controlled by a complex of biogeochemical processes. The purpose of the present study aims to assess the degraded forest fringe areas, to promote plantations of various types and to evaluate their impacts on the soil nutrients and carbon content accumulation. The soil organic carbon (SOC) and nutrient content were evaluated and compared between plantations of mixed native species (MNS), some native tree species as Shorea robusta, Dalbergia sissoo, Dendrocalamus spp., certain agro‐forestry species and some exotic varieties. The impacts of the plantations on the SOC and the nutrients were firstly analyzed through comprehensive chemical analyses and the results were compared with the soil samples collected prior to plantation forestry. Significant changes were observed in SOC content, in nutrients, and in amounts of exchangeable cations. Soil carbon levels were highest under the MNS, Dendrocalamus and Tectona grandis stands and lowest under D. sissoo and Terminalia arjuna. Total N showed highest levels under Dendrocalamus and Pongamia pinnata and significantly higher in stands of native species; lowest total N level was observed in D. sissoo plantations. The C/N ratios of the soil varied between 9.2 and 13.5 among the exchangeable cations. Ca2+ recorded the maximum levels and Na+ showed the lowest levels.
Cationic polymer‐mediated small interfering RNA delivery for P‐glycoprotein down‐regulation in tumor cells
Authors: Abbasi Meysam , Lavasanifar Afsaneh , Berthiaume Luc G. , Weinfeld Michael , Uludağ Hasan
Published: August 2010

BACKGROUND:

Among the treatment options that have been developed for cancer, chemotherapy remains 1 of the leading clinical approaches. Chemotherapy can usually control tumor growth at the onset of disease, but its effectiveness becomes limited by the overexpression of transporter proteins responsible for drug efflux, leading to multidrug resistance (MDR). To overcome this obstacle, the authors explored the feasibility of down‐regulating the main drug transporter, P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp), by using nonviral small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery as means to enhance the accumulation of chemotherapeutic agents in drug‐resistant cancer cells.

METHODS:

Several cationic carriers capable of siRNA complexation were investigated for P‐gp down‐regulation in the MDA435/LCC6 cell line and, consequently, increased cellular uptake of the chemotherapeutic agents doxorubicin and paclitaxel.

RESULTS:

Efficient siRNA delivery into tumor cells was demonstrated particularly using a palmitic‐acid substituted poly(L‐lysine), with no apparent differences in siRNA delivery between the wild type (WT)‐expressing and P‐gp‐expressing phenotype (MDR1) of the cells. Efficient siRNA delivery led to approximately 40% to 50% P‐gp suppression (based on the average expression level of the protein), an approximately 3‐fold increased DOX uptake, and increased cytotoxicity in MDR1 cells.

CONCLUSIONS:

The authors concluded that effective siRNA delivery with nonviral carriers can reduce the level of P‐gp on cell surfaces and enhance the efficiency of chemotherapeutic agents in vitro. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
The prevalence and assessment of ErbB2‐positive breast cancer in Asia
Authors: Tan Yew Oo , Han Sehwan , Lu Yen‐Shen , Yip Cheng‐Har , Sunpaweravong Patrapim , Jeong Joon , Caguioa Priscilla B. , Aggarwal Shyam , Yeoh Ee Min , Moon Hanlim
Published: August 2010

Overexpression of the epidermal growth factor receptor‐related gene ErbB2 occurs in 18% to 25% of patients with breast cancer in Western countries and is associated with a poor prognosis. The prevalence of ErbB2‐positive tumors in Asia is unclear, partly because data are limited. The objective of this review was to summarize the reported prevalence of ErbB2‐positive tumors from a large sample of Asian patients and to examine ErbB2 assessment methods in Asia. From searches of MEDLINE, local language journals, and local and international conference proceedings as well as locoregional breast cancer experts' recommendations, the authors selected up to 5 studies each from India, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand that reported ErbB2 results based on assessment with immunohistochemistry (IHC) and/or fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The reported prevalence of ErbB2‐positive tumors in 22 studies on 24,671 patients, of whom 14,398 patients were assessed for ErbB2 status, varied widely (range, 6%‐65%) as did the assessment methods used. Most studies (n = 21) used IHC to assess ErbB2 status, but definitions for positivity varied. When robust assessment methods were used, the median prevalence was 19% based on strong IHC staining (IHC3+; n = 9812 patients) and 25% based on FISH (n = 681 patients). Data on the prevalence of ErbB2‐positive breast cancer in Asia are limited. The current survey indicated that the prevalence in Asia may be similar to that in Western countries; thus, up to 1 in 4 Asian patients with breast cancer potentially could benefit from ErbB2‐targeted treatment. A standard, reliable ErbB2 assessment method available to patients across Asia is urgently required. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
The frameshift polymorphismCYP3A43_74_delA is associated with poor differentiation of breast tumors
Authors: Justenhoven Christina , Winter Stefan , Hamann Ute , Haas Susanne , Fischer Hans‐Peter , Pesch Beate , Brüning Thomas , Ko Yon‐Dschun , Brauch Hiltrud ,   for the GENICA Network
Published: August 2010

BACKGROUND:

CYP3A enzymes, due to their role in the metabolism of steroid hormones, are suggested to affect carcinogenesis of hormone‐related cancers. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the association between polymorphisms located inCYP3A43, breast cancer risk, and tumor characteristics.

METHODS:

A 3‐plex matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry assay has been established forCYP3A43_74_delA (CYP3A43*2A),CYP3A43_1018_C>G (CYP3A43*3), andCYP3A43_1047_C>T (CYP3A43*1B) polymorphisms, and 1021 breast cancer cases and 1015 age‐matched, population‐based controls from the German GENICA collection have been genotyped.

RESULTS:

No differences in genotype frequencies between cases and controls were observed, indicating thatCYP3A43_74_delA is not associated with breast cancer risk. Subgroup analyses showed an association between theCYP3A43_74_delA allele and high‐grade tumors (odds ratio, 1.74; 95% confidence interval, 1.14‐2.65 [P= .010 andPtrend= .012]).

CONCLUSIONS:

The data support the notion that theCYP3A43_74_delA variant may result in decreased protein and/or activity levels, and this may further lead to increased hormone levels to promote tumor cell growth and hinder differentiation. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Histopathologic characteristics of early stage esophageal carcinoma: A comparative study with gastric carcinoma
Authors: Goseki Narihide , Koike Morio , Yoshida Misao
Published: August 2010

Unlike the stomach, the esophageal mucosal layer has abundant vessels. To study the histopathologic character of cancer of the esophagus in comparison with that of stomach, the histologic findings (such as vascular or lymphatic permeation and lymph nodal involvement of cancer) were surveyed in 52 lesions of superficial esophageal carcinoma in which carcinoma invasion was limited to the submucosal layer, 448 cases of so‐called early gastric carcinoma in which the carcinoma invasion was limited to the submucosal layer, and 109 cases of gastric carcinoma invading the proper muscle layer (PM‐carcinoma), With respect to lymph node metastasis and lymphatic and vascular permeation, there was a particularly high incidence of carcinoma extending to the submucosal layer (SM‐carcinoma) of the esophagus and a similar high incidence of PM‐carcinoma of the stomach. Carcinoma limited to the mucosal epithelium and mucosal layer of the esophagus (MM‐carcinoma) has an incidence similar to carcinoma in the mucous membrane and SM‐carcinoma of the stomach, respectively. Thus, the cases in which carcinoma invasion was limited to the muscle layer of the mucosa of the esophagus were shown to have a prognosis similar to that of so‐called early carcinoma of the stomach.
HLA‐DR antigen expression in intestinal‐type and diffuse‐type gastric carcinoma
Authors: Teh Ming , Lee Yoke‐Sun
Published: August 2010

The expression of the HLA‐DR antigen, a Class II HLA antigen, was analyzed in 41 cases of gastric carcinoma (23 intestinal‐type and 18 diffuse‐type according to a modified Lauren classification) using a monoclonal antibody that is reactive to this antigen in routinely formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissue sections. Seventeen cases of intestinal‐type gastric carcinoma and two cases of diffuse‐type gastric carcinoma were positive for the HLA‐DR antigen. The staining in intestinal‐type carcinoma generally was stronger and more extensive than in diffuse‐type carcinoma, which showed only weak and focal staining. The difference in the frequency and pattern of staining between intestinal and diffuse‐type gastric carcinoma supports the concept that these are two distinct subtypes of gastric carcinoma.
Clinical and histopathologic evaluation of the expression of Ha‐ras and fes oncogene products in lung cancer
Authors: Nishio Hiroshi , Nakamura Shin‐Ichiro , Horai Takeshi , Ikegami Harumichi , Matsuda Minoru
Published: August 2010

The expression of Ha‐ras and fes oncogenes was investigated with the immunohistochemical method in formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissue specimens of 147 lung carcinomas. Positive immunoperoxidase reactions for Ha‐ras p21 were found in 80.5% of the adenocarcinomas, 39.5% of the squamous cell carcinomas, 21,4% of the large cell carcinomas, and 15.4% of the small cell carcinomas; those for fes P85 were found in 51.2% of the adenocarcinomas, 26.3% of the squamous cell carcinomas, 35.7% of the large cell carcinomas, and 15.4% of the small cell carcinomas. Both Ha‐ras p21 and fes P85 were expressed most frequently and most strongly in adenocarcinoma. In addition, adenocarcinoma showed significantly higher incidence of concomitant expression of Ha‐ras p21 and fes P85 as compared with other histologic types of lung cancer. Thus, the authors suggest that the cooperative effects of Ha‐ras and fes oncogenes are especially important in the carcinogenesis of adenocarcinoma. In adenocarcinoma, the incidence and grade of Haras p21 expression increased with the degree of histologic differentiation, suggesting that Ha‐ras oncogene might be related to cellular differentiation. Papillary adenocarcinoma showed more frequent Ha‐ras p21 expression in comparison with acinar adenocarcinoma. In well‐or moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma, the incidence and grade of Ha‐ras p21 immunoreactivity in the cases with poor prognosis were significantly higher than in those with good prognosis if other major prognostic factors were equivalent in the two groups. The authors propose that the expression of Ha‐ras p21 may be one of the useful prognostic factors in such carcinomas.
Primary treatment of pelvic osteosarcoma: Report of five cases
Authors: Estrada‐Aguilar J. , Greenberg H. , Walling A. , Schroer K. , Black T. , Morse S. , Hvizdala E.
Published: August 2010

Five patients, ages 12 to 20 years, with nonresectable primary (Patients 2, 3, and 5) and metastatic (Patients 1 and 4) pelvic osteosarcomas were treated with intraarterial cisplatin and concurrent radiation therapy from 1983 to 1987. Long‐term local tumor control was achieved in all five patients. Patients 1 and 3 are alive with no evidence of local recurrence or metastatic disease at 77 and 56 months of follow‐up, respectively, since diagnosis of the pelvic tumor. Patients 2, 4, and 5 died of metastatic lung disease at 25, 39, and 12 months, respectively, after diagnosis of the pelvic tumor. Patient 4 had no clinical or radiologic evidence of local recurrence. Control of tumor growth in patients with pelvic osteosarcomas can be achieved with regional chemotherapy and concurrent radiation therapy. These patients also should receive adjuvant intensive systemic chemotherapy to increase the probability of eliminating potential subclinical metastatic disease.
Immunohistochemical demonstration of elevated expression of epidermal growth factor receptor in the neoplastic changes of cervical squamous epithelium
Authors: Maruo Takeshi , Yamasaki Masaaki , Ladines‐Llave Cecilia A. , Mochizuki Matsuto
Published: August 2010

To evaluate epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor expression in the neoplastic process of squamous cell epithelium of the uterine cervix, normal, premalignant, and malignant cervical tissues were examined for the presence of EGF receptor by the avidin‐biotin immunoperoxidase techniques with a monoclonal antibody to EGF receptor, Although normal cervical epithelium did not show appreciable staining for EGF receptor, predominant staining for the receptor was observed in most dys‐plastic epithelia and carcinomas in situ. In invasive squamous carcinoma, there was a great difference in the immunohistochemically detected levels of EGF receptor among the histologic cell types. Large cell nonkeratinizing carcinoma and its keratinizing counterpart contained high levels of EGF receptor; small cell nonkeratinizing carcinoma lacked immunostainable EGF receptor, These results suggest that the elevated expression of EGF receptor may be involved in the initial stage of tumori‐genesis of cervical squamous epithelium and that EGF receptor expression may be related to the differentiation or dedifferentiation of cervical squamous carcinoma cells.
Blood eosinophilia in hodgkin's disease: A follow‐up of 25 cases in Venezuela
Authors: Desenne Jean J. , Acquatella Greta , Stem Ronald , Mullet Aixa , Sanchez Mario , Somoza Rosita
Published: August 2010

Twenty‐five patients with Hodgkin's disease and high eosinophil counts were observed for an average of 90 months. Fluctuations in the levels of eosinophils were important in the course of observation. No relation with stages, histologic type, or evolution was noticed. Steroid‐containing regimens and severe premortem conditions seemed to lower the counts. Relapse‐free survival was shorter in our 25 patients than in a control group of 50 patients with Hodgkin's disease and no eosieophilia who had approximately the same stage, histologic type, and treatment of disease. However, the overall survival was somewhat better for the eosinophilic patients with stages MB and IV (0.1 > P > 0.05).
Clinicopathologic and therapeutic aspects of angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy‐related lesions
Authors: Ohsaka Akimichi , Saito Ken , Sakai Takao , Mori Shigeo , Kobayashi Yukio , Amemiya Youichi , Sakamoto Shinobu , Miura Yasusada
Published: August 2010

The clinicopathologic features of 14 patients with angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy (AIL)‐related lesions were analyzed. Lymph node biopsy specimens from all the patients showed a diffuse obliteration of lymph node architecture, prominent vascular proliferation, a polymorphous cellular infiltrate, including immuno‐blasts, and varying degrees of clear cell proliferation. The patients were eight males and six females, with a median age of 58.5 years. All but one were in an advanced stage at the time of diagnosis. Bone marrow involvement was observed in eight patients. Thirteen patients had a negative serologic reaction for antibody to human T‐cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV‐I), and one patient was considered to be a HTLV‐I carrier. Polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia was observed in 6 patients, and 6 of the 12 patients showed elevated IgE levels. Immunophenotyping of the involved lymph nodes revealed a preponderance of T‐cells in all the patients. Eleven of these patients showed a predominance of CD4+ over CD8+ T‐cells, and only one patient showed a predominance of CD8+ over CD4+ T‐cells. Two of five patients whose gene analysis was carried out showed clonal rearrangement of the T‐cell receptor beta chain gene without rearrangement of the immunoglobulin heavy chain genes. Twelve patients received doxorubicin‐containing combination chemo therapy; of these, 7 patients achieved complete response, and the other 5 had partial response. Nine patients are still alive with a median follow‐up period of 21 months, and five patients died during the follow‐up period. Progression to high‐grade T‐cell lymphoma with systemic infiltration was ascertained in two of three cases for which autopsy was performed. From our experience, we recommend doxorubicin‐containing combination chemotherapy as initial therapy for AIL‐related lesions.
Extrapyramidal reaction to ondansetron
Authors: Halperin Joseph R. , Murphy Barbara
Published: August 2010

The authors present a case report and discussion of a patient who experienced an unusual untoward extrapyramidal reaction to ondansetron, a 5HT3‐antiseratonin receptor blocking agent used to treat chemotherapy‐induced vomiting.
Childhood cancer registry of the province of Torino, Italy: Survival, incidence, and mortality over 20 years
Authors: Mosso Maria Luisa , Colombo Renata , Giordano Livia , Pastore Guido , Terracini Benedetto , Magnani Corrado
Published: August 2010

Incident childhood cancers in the Province of Torino, Italy (population aged 0 to 14 years averaging 0,5 million) have been registered since 1967. Four population‐based exhaustive surveys have been done to collect cases diagnosed during the periods 1967 to 1969, 1970 to 1975, 1976 to 1981, and 1982 to 1986. For each registered child, vital status on June 30, 1988 was assessed. This article reports incidence, mortality, and survival rates over a 20‐year period. A statistically significant trend toward an increased incidence of soft tissue sarcomas was identified. Statistically insignificant trends included an increased incidence of brain tumors (probably reflecting improved diagnostic procedures) and a decreased incidence of thyroid tumors. Incidence rates of leukemias in the first year of life tended to decrease. As expected, survival rates of some childhood cancers dramatically improved throughout the 20‐year period; this occurred in leukemias, brain tumors, soft tissue sarcomas, and renal tumors. Survival rates are compared with observations in comparable population‐based series.
In situ X‐ray Absorption Analysis of ∼1.8 nm Dendrimer‐Encapsulated Pt Nanoparticles during Electrochemical CO Oxidation
Authors: Weir Michael G. , Myers V. Sue , Frenkel Anatoly I. , Crooks Richard M.
Published: August 2010

We report an in situ X‐ray absorption‐fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopic analysis of ∼1.8 nm Pt dendrimer‐encapsulated nanoparticles (DENs) during electrocatalytic oxidation of CO. The results indicate that Pt nanoparticles encapsulated within poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers and immobilized on a carbon electrode retain their electrocatalytic activity and are structurally stable for extended periods during CO oxidation. This is a significant finding, because nanoparticles in this size range are good experimental models for comparison to first‐principles calculations if they remain stable.
Historischer Abriss zur Entwicklung des Nachhaltigen Bauens
Authors: Vogdt Frank U. , Piesker Julia
Published: August 2010

Der Artikel beschäftigt sich mit der historischen Entwicklung des Nachhaltigkeitsgedankens und zeigt die sich daraus ergebenden Anforderungen und Qualitäten für das Nachhaltige Bauen auf. Ökonomische, ökologische und soziokulturelle Aspekte sind im Rahmen des Nachhaltigen Bauens über den gesamten Lebenszyklus eines Gebäudes “von der Wiege bis zur Bahre” gleichwertig zu betrachten. Daraus ergeben sich vielfältige Wechselwirkungen und Abhängigkeiten, die mit den Methoden einer ganzheitlichen Planung optimiert werden können. Für verschiedene ökologische, ökonomische und soziokulturelle Aspekte werden exemplarisch diese Abhängigkeiten und die sich daraus ergebenden Konsequenzen beschrieben.

Historical development of sustainable building. This article deals with the historical development of sustainability and it depicts on the resulting requirements und qualities for sustainable building. Ecological, economical und socio‐cultural aspects have to be regarded as equal considering the whole life‐cycle of the building from ”cradle to grave”. Due to this several interdependencies arise that can be optimised by means of ecological and economical life cycle analysis. Regarding several ecological, economical und socio‐cultural aspects this article identifies those dependencies and reveals the resulting implications.
Evidence for multiple, developmentally regulated isoforms of Ptprq on hair cells of the inner ear
Authors: Nayak Gowri , Goodyear Richard J. , Legan P. Kevin , Noda Masaharu , Richardson Guy P.
Published: August 2010

Ptprq is a receptor‐like inositol lipid phosphatase associated with the shaft connectors of hair bundles. Three lines of evidence suggest Ptprq is a chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan: (1) chondroitinase ABC treatment causes a loss of the ruthenium‐red reactive, electron‐dense particles associated with shaft connectors, (2) chondroitinase ABC causes an increase in the electrophoretic mobility of Ptprq, and (3) hair bundles in the developing inner ear of wild‐type mice, but not those of Ptprq−/− mice, react with monoclonal antibody (mAb) 473‐HD, an IgM that recognizes the dermatan‐sulfate‐dependent epitope DSD1. Two lines of evidence indicate that there may be multiple isoforms of Ptprq expressed in hair bundles. First, although Ptprq is expressed throughout the lifetime of most hair cells, hair bundles in the mouse and chick inner ear only express the DSD1 epitope transiently during development. Second, mAb H10, a novel mAb that recognizes an epitope common to several avian inner‐ear proteins including Ptprq, only stains mature hair bundles in the extrastriolar regions of the vestibular maculae. MAb H10 does not stain mature hair bundles in the striolar regions of the maculae or in the basilar papilla, nor does it stain immature hair bundles in any organ. Three distinct, developmentally regulated isoforms of Ptprq may therefore be expressed on hair bundles of the chick inner ear. Hair bundles in the mature chick ear that do not express the H10 epitope have longer shaft connectors than those that do, indicating the presence or absence of the H10 epitope on Ptprq may modulate the spacing of stereocilia. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 71: 129‐141, 2011
Progesterone, administered before kainic acid, prevents decrements in cognitive performance in the Morris Water Maze
Authors: Frye Cheryl A. , Walf Alicia
Published: August 2010

The nature of progesterone (P4)'s neuroprotective effects is of interest. We investigated effects of P4 when administered before, or after, kainic acid, which produces ictal activity and damage to the hippocampus, to mediate effects on spatial performance. The hypothesis was that P4, compared with vehicle, would reduce decrements in Morris Water Maze performance induced by kainic acid. Experiment 1: We examined the effects of kainic acid on plasma stress hormone, corticosterone, and progestogen (P4 and its metabolites) levels in plasma and the hippocampus after subcutaneous (s.c.) P4 administration to ovariectomized rats. Rats administered kainic acid had the highest corticosterone levels immediately following injection. P4 is 5α‐reduced to dihydroprogesterone (DHP) and subsequently metabolized to 5α‐pregnan‐3α‐ol‐20‐one (3α,5α‐THP) by 3α‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. The regimen of P4 used produced circulating and hippocampal levels of P4, DHP, and 3α,5α‐THP within a physiological range, which declined at 14 hours postinjection and were not altered by kainic acid. Experiment 2: The physiological P4 regimen was administered to rats before, or after, kainic acid‐induced seizures, and later effects on water maze performance were compared with that of rats administered vehicle. Rats administered kainic acid had significantly poorer performance in the water maze (i.e., increased latencies and distances to the hidden platform) than did rats administered vehicle. Administration of P4 before, but not after, kainic acid prevented these performance deficits. Thus, these data suggest that a physiological regimen of P4 can prevent some of the deficits in water maze performance produced by kainic acid. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 71: 142‐152, 2011
Tamoxifen‐inducible Cre‐mediated recombination in adipocytes
Authors: Sassmann Antonia , Offermanns Stefan , Wettschureck Nina
Published: August 2010

To generate a mouse line which allows inducible, Cre/loxP‐dependent recombination in adipocytes, we used RedE/RedT‐mediated recombineering to insert the CreERT2‐transgene, which encodes a fusion protein of Cre and a mutated tamoxifen‐responsive estrogen receptor, into the start codon of the adipocyte‐specific Adipoq gene. Adipoq encodes adiponectin, an adipokine specifically expressed in differentiated adipocytes. Tamoxifen treatment induced almost complete recombination in white adipose tissue of the AdipoqCreERT2 mouse line (97%–99%), while no recombination was seen in vehicle‐treated animals. Recombination in brown adipose tissue was about 15%, whereas other organs and tissues did not undergo recombination. In addition, mice expressing CreERT2 in adipocytes did not show any alterations of metabolic functions like glucose tolerance, lipolysis, or energy expenditure compared to control mice. Therefore the AdipoqCreERT2 mouse line will be a valuable tool for studying the consequences of a temporally controlled deletion of floxed genes in white adipose tissue. genesis 48:618–625, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
RU486‐inducible recombination in the salivary glands of lactoferrin promoter‐driven green fluorescent Cre transgenic mice
Authors: Chen Mei‐Ru , Liu Shan‐Wen , Wu Tzu‐Chin , Kao Vivia Y. , Yu Hsiao‐Chi , Chen Fidji H. , Hsu Ching‐Han , Chen Chin‐Tu , Lin Kurt M.
Published: August 2010

When compared with the many tamoxifen‐activated Cre mouse lines available for gene manipulation studies, relatively few RU486‐inducible Cre mice are in use, due to leakiness issues. Here, we report the generation of an RU486‐inducible triple fusion gene (GCrePR1e), consisting of green fluorescent protein, Cre, and the progesterone receptor ligand‐binding domain (F642‐L901). We sought to improve the GCrePR1e by selecting a truncated human lactoferrin (Lf) promoter to drive its expression, based on the promoter's low basal activity and innate sensitivity to RU486. The resulting vector displayed decreased leakiness and increased Cre induction by RU486 through transcriptional and posttranslational regulation in in vitro transfection assays. Inducible GCrePR1e expression was found in most organs of Lf‐GCrePR1e transgenic mice and highly activated in the salivary gland, spleen, and lymph nodes. In the bigenic mouse generated by crossing the Lf‐GCrePR1e mouse and the Cre reporter mouse (R26R‐LacZ), we found that RU486‐induced LacZ expression only in the mucous acini and striated ducts of the salivary gland and had very low background recombination in the untreated mice. Our results demonstrated that the Lf‐CrePR1e vector was suitable for in vitro recombination in culture models, and Lf‐CrePR1e transgenic mice could mediate spatially restricted and RU486‐induced gene manipulation in the salivary gland. genesis 48:585–595, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Control of Schistosoma mansoni egg‐induced inflammation by IL‐4‐responsive CD4+CD25−CD103+Foxp3− cells is IL‐10‐dependent
Authors: Dewals Benjamin , Hoving Jennifer C. , Horsnell William G. C. , Brombacher Frank
Published: August 2010

Host protection to helminth infection requires IL‐4 receptor α chain (IL‐4Rα) signalling and the establishment of finely regulated Th2 responses. In the current study, the role of IL‐4Rα‐responsive T cells in Schistosoma mansoni egg‐induced inflammation was investigated. Egg‐induced inflammation in IL‐4Rα‐responsive BALB/c mice was accompanied with Th2‐biased responses, whereas T‐cell‐specific IL‐4Rα‐deficient BALB/c mice (iLckcreIl4ra−/lox) developed Th1‐biased responses with heightened inflammation. The proportion of Foxp3+ Treg in the draining LN of control mice did not correlate with the control of inflammation and was reduced in comparison to T‐cell‐specific IL‐4Rα‐deficient mice. This was due to IL‐4‐mediated inhibition of CD4+Foxp3+ Treg conversion, demonstrated in adoptively transferred Rag2−/− mice. Interestingly, reduced footpad swelling in Il4ra−/lox mice was associated with the induction of IL‐4 and IL‐10‐secreting CD4+CD25−CD103+Foxp3− cells, confirmed in S. mansoni infection studies. Transfer of IL‐4Rα‐responsive CD4+CD25−CD103+ cells, but not CD4+CD25high or CD4+CD25−CD103− cells, controlled inflammation in iLckcreIl4ra−/lox mice. The control of inflammation depended on IL‐10, as transferred CD4+CD25−CD103+ cells from IL‐10‐deficient mice were not able to effectively downregulate inflammation. Together, these results demonstrate that IL‐4 signalling in T cells inhibits Foxp3+ Treg in vivo and promotes CD4+CD25−CD103+Foxp3− cells that control S. mansoni egg‐induced inflammation via IL‐10.
Routes to Ruthenium–Fluoro Cations of the Type [RuL2(CO)nF]+ (n = 2,3; L = PR3, NHC): A Play‐Off between Solvent, L and Weakly Coordinating Anion
Authors: Coleman Karl S. , Fawcett John , Harding Duncan A. J. , Hope Eric G. , Singh Kuldip , Solan Gregory A.
Published: August 2010

Interaction of cis,cis,trans‐[RuF2(CO)2(PPh3)2] (1a) with BF3 in acetonitrile affords the dicationic adduct [Ru(NCMe)2(CO)2(PPh3)2](BF4)(B2F7) (2), which can be readily carbonylated to form [Ru(CO)4(PPh3)2](BF4)2 (3). In contrast, reaction of 1a with BF3 in dichloromethane leads to the neutral ruthenium–fluoro species [RuF(FBF3)(CO)2(PPh3)2] (4); facile displacement of the bound FBF3 ligand in 4 occurs on treatment with CO or PPh3 to afford cationic [RuF(CO)2(L)(PPh3)2](BF4) [L = CO (5a), PPh3 (5b)]. On the other hand, reaction of 1a with PF5 in dichloromethane furnishes the coordinatively unsaturated 16‐electron salt [RuF(CO)2(PPh3)2](PF6) (6). Metathesis of the PF6 anion in 6 with KB(ArF)4 [ArF = 3,5‐(CF3)2C6H3] in dichloromethane results in rapid decomposition, while in the presence of CO solvent exchange (CH2Cl2) takes place to yield chloride‐containing [RuCl(CO)3(PPh3)2][B(ArF)4] (7). Unexpectedly, 1a proved unreactive towards tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane in dichloromethane. However, by substituting the triphenylphosphane ligands in 1a with better donor phosphanes or with an N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) [to give cis,cis,trans‐[RuF2(CO)2(L)2] [L = PEt2Ph (1b), P(CCPh)Ph2 (1c), IPr (1,3‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)imidazol‐2‐ylidene) (1d)], fluoride abstraction could be achieved using B(C6F5)3 to give 16‐electron [RuF(CO)2(L)2][FB(C6F5)3] (L = PEt2Ph (8b), P(CCPh)Ph2 (8c), IPr (8d)]. Carbonylation of 8d proceeds smoothly to generate the coordinatively saturated species [RuF(CO)3(IPr)2][FB(C6F5)3] (9) in high yield. Single crystal X‐ray structures are presented for 2, 3, 5a/3, 7 and 9.
Mechanistic Studies on Fast Ligand‐Substitution Reactions of a Very Labile PdII Complex in Several Ionic Liquids
Authors: Kern Simon , Illner Peter , Begel Svetlana , van Eldik Rudi
Published: August 2010

Detailed kinetic studies on the ligand‐substitution reactions of the very labile [Pd(terpy)Cl]+ (terpy = 2,2′:6′,2″‐terpyridine) complex have been performed for neutral and anionic nucleophiles in several imidazolium‐based ionic liquids. The detailed substitution mechanisms derived from the obtained rate and activation parameters differ from those expected on the basis of data aquired in aqueous medium, since the selected ionic liquids significantly affect the nucleophilic attack of the entering ligand on the complex. The rate constant for the substitution reaction with thiourea as entering nucleophile is much larger in water, viz. (7.8 ± 0.2) × 105 M–1 s–1, than in the ionic liquids [emim][NTf2] and [emim][EtOSO3], viz. (2.5 ± 0.1) × 104 and (1.8 ± 0.1) × 103 M–1 s–1 at 25 °C, respectively, which can be accounted for in terms of the protective interaction of the anionic components of the ionic liquids with the electrophilic metal centre.
Terahertz Time Domain Spectroscopy to Detect Low‐Frequency Vibrations of Double‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Kamaraju Natrajan , Moravsky Alexander , Loutfy R. O. , Tondusson Marc , Freysz Eric , Sood Ajay Kumar
Published: August 2010

We have measured the frequency‐dependent real index of refraction and extinction coefficient (and hence the complex dielectric function) of a free‐standing double‐walled carbon nanotube film of thickness 200 nm by using terahertz time domain spectroscopy in the frequency range 0.1 to 2.5 THz. The real index of refraction and extinction coefficient have very high values of approximately 52 and 35, respectively, at 0.1 THz, which decrease at higher frequencies. Two low‐frequency phonon modes of the carbon nanotubes at 0.45 and 0.75 THz were clearly observed for the first time in the real and imaginary parts of the complex dielectric function along with a broad resonance centred at around 1.45 THz, the latter being similar to that in single‐walled carbon nanotubes assigned to electronic excitations. Our experiments bring out a possible application of double‐walled carbon nanotube films as a neutral density filter in the THz range.
Investigation of Steric and Electronic Factors of (Arylsulfonyl)phosphane‐Palladium Catalysts in Ethene Polymerization
Authors: Piche Laurence , Daigle Jean‐Christophe , Poli Rinaldo , Claverie Jerome P.
Published: August 2010

(Arylsulfonyl)phosphane ligands, o‐Ar2PC6H4SO3H in which Ar is phenyl (Ph), naphthyl (Np), phenanthryl (Pa), or anthracenyl (An) were prepared. These bulky phosphanes were used to generate phosphanepalladium complexes [(o‐Ar2‐PC6H4SO3)PdMe(pyridine)]. These complexes catalyze ethene polymerization and yield linear polyethene. The catalytic activity of these compounds and the molecular weight of the polymer decreases in the following order: Ph > Np > Pa > An, which corresponds to increasing cone angles and decreasing basicity.
Bond Activation with Low‐Valent Nickel in Homogeneous Systems
Authors: Arévalo Alma , García Juventino J.
Published: August 2010

The use of low‐valent nickel complexes in homogeneous catalytic reactions of some industrially relevant transformations that employ low reactive substrates are presented.
1‐Alkoxyamino‐2‐nitroalkanes as Key Building Blocks for a Chemo‐ and Diastereoselective Synthesis of a New Type of Polyfunctionalized N‐Alkoxypiperidine
Authors: López‐García M. Ángeles , Maya Inés , Fernández‐Bolaños José G. , Bosica Giovanna , Ballini Roberto
Published: August 2010

A highly efficient conversion of β‐nitrostyrenes into a new kind of functionalized N‐alkoxy‐2‐hydroxypiperidine in two steps was developed, giving excellent yields and diastereoselectivity. The prepared compounds are the first examples of N‐alkoxy‐2‐hydroxypiperidines. The synthetic approach involved the conjugate addition of alkoxyamines to β‐nitrostyrenes, followed by Michael addition of the isolated nitroalkoxyamines to α,β‐unsaturated carbonyl compounds, and intramolecular addition of the alkoxyamino group to the carbonyl functionality of the (non‐isolated) adducts. Although three stereogenic centers are formed, only one diastereoisomer was detected. This unprecedented sequence of reactions can also be performed in a one‐pot fashion.
Copper‐Catalyzed Double N‐Vinylation of Aromatic Amines: An Efficient Synthesis of Various Substituted N‐Arylpyrroles
Authors: Liao Qian , Zhang Liyun , Wang Fei , Li Shutao , Xi Chanjuan
Published: August 2010

A simple and efficient approach to various substitutedN‐arylpyrroles has been developed. The method is based on the copper‐catalyzed sequential inter‐ and intramolecular N‐vinylation of aromatic amines. The reactions proceed to afford substituted N‐arylpyrroles in good‐to‐excellent yields using CuI as the precatalyst, tBuONa as the base, and N1,N2‐dimethylethane‐1,2‐diamine (DMEDA) as the ligand. Anilines with electron‐donating and ‐withdrawing substituents as well as a heteroaromatic amine performed very well under the conditions used. Tri‐ and tetrasubstituted dienyl diiodides also performed well under the reaction conditions and afforded the corresponding substituted N‐arylpyrroles in good yields. Products were also obtained in high yields with CuBr or CuCl as precatalyst.
Trichlorosilane‐Mediated Stereoselective Reduction of C=N Bonds
Authors: Guizzetti Stefania , Benaglia Maurizio
Published: August 2010

The reduction of C=N bonds represents a powerful and widely used transformation allowing new nitrogen‐containing stereocenters to be generated. Chiral amino groups are ubiquitous in a variety of bioactive molecules such as alkaloids, natural products, drugs, and medical agents, so the development of a catalytic stereoselective process for the preparation of enantiomerically enriched amines through ketoimine reduction is attracting increasing interest, especially in view of future industrial applications. Great efforts to develop efficient organocatalytic methods to perform enantioselective imine reductions and reductive amination processes have recently been made. In the last few years, trichlorosilane‐mediated reductions have received constantly increasing attention because the potential to generate chiral catalysts for imine reduction simply by coordination of HSiCl3 with a chiral Lewis base has allowed the development of several efficient organocatalytic systems. Here we offer a complete overview of different chiral promoters of stereoselective reductions with trichlorosilane, classified as N‐formyl derivatives, which may be considered historically the first class of compounds developed as chiral activators of trichlorosilane, picolinamide derivatives, and miscellaneous compounds presented in that order.
Acute‐phase proteins investigation based on lectins affinity capture prior to 2‐DE separation: Application to serum from multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Robotti Andrea , Natale Massimo , Albo Alessandra Giuliano , Lis Katarzyna , Perga Simona , Marnetto Fabiana , Gilli Francesca , Bertolotto Antonio
Published: August 2010

Plasma acute‐phase proteins (APPs) glyco‐isoforms are important biomarkers of inflammatory processes such as those occurring in multiple sclerosis (MS). Specific analysis of these proteins is often hampered by sample biochemical complexity. The aim of our study was to set up a method to accurately visualize, identify and quantify APPs glyco‐isoforms in human serum. An enrichment strategy based on affinity chromatography using the carbohydrate‐binding proteins concanavalin A (ConA) and erythrina cristagalli lectin (ECL) was applied to pooled serum samples from 15 patients and 9 healthy individuals. Image analysis of 2‐DE detected 30 spots with a fold change higher than 1.5. A total of 14 were statistically significant (p value<0.05): 7 up‐regulated and 7 down‐regulated in MS samples. ESI LC‐Nanospray IT mass spectrometry analysis confirmed that all of them were APPs isoforms supporting the idea that the accurate analysis of differential glycosylation profiles in these biomarkers is instrumental to distinguish between MS patients and healthy subjects. Additionally, overlaps in ConA/ECL maps protein patterns suggest how the used lectins are able to bind sugars harbored by the same oligosaccharide structure. Among identified proteins, the presence of complex and/or hybrid type N‐linked sugar structures is well known. Performing galectin‐3 binding and Western blotting, we were able to demonstrate a correlation between hybrid type glyco‐isoforms of β‐haptoglobin and MS. In conclusion, although the patho‐physiological role of the identified species still remains unclear and further validations are needed, these findings may have a relevant impact on disease‐specific marker identification approaches.
Systematische Einheiten in der Botanik
Authors: Rothmaler Werner
Published: August 2010

Alle sich fortpflanzende Unterschiede, welche die Natur liefert, müssen dem Naturforscher heilig seyn, nicht nur um des Systems willen, sondern auch deshalb, weil die geringen Abweichungen zuweilen über die Gesetze, nach welchen sich die Vegetation richtet, so wie über die Verbreitung der Pflanzen, und selbst über manche geognostische Verhältnisse mehr Licht zu verbreiten versprechen, als weit wichtigere Unterschiede.
Strategic resource allocation in the human brain supports cognitive coordination of object and spatial working memory
Authors: Jackson Margaret C. , Morgan Helen M. , Shapiro Kimron L. , Mohr Harald , Linden David E.J.
Published: August 2010

The ability to integrate different types of information (e.g., object identity and spatial orientation) and maintain or manipulate them concurrently in working memory (WM) facilitates the flow of ongoing tasks and is essential for normal human cognition. Research shows that object and spatial information is maintained and manipulated in WM via separate pathways in the brain (object/ventral versus spatial/dorsal). How does the human brain coordinate the activity of different specialized systems to conjoin different types of information? Here we used functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate conjunction‐ versus single‐task manipulation of object (compute average color blend) and spatial (compute intermediate angle) information in WM. Object WM was associated with ventral (inferior frontal gyrus, occipital cortex), and spatial WM with dorsal (parietal cortex, superior frontal, and temporal sulci) regions. Conjoined object/spatial WM resulted in intermediate activity in these specialized areas, but greater activity in different prefrontal and parietal areas. Unique to our study, we found lower temporo‐occipital activity and greater deactivation in temporal and medial prefrontal cortices for conjunction‐ versus single‐tasks. Using structural equation modeling, we derived a conjunction‐task connectivity model that comprises a frontoparietal network with a bidirectional DLPFC‐VLPFC connection, and a direct parietal‐extrastriate pathway. We suggest that these activation/deactivation patterns reflect efficient resource allocation throughout the brain and propose a new extended version of the biased competition model of WM. Hum Brain Mapp, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effects of physical activity, education, and body mass index on the aging brain
Authors: Ho April J. , Raji Cyrus A. , Becker James T. , Lopez Oscar L. , Kuller Lewis H. , Hua Xue , Dinov Ivo D. , Stein Jason L. , Rosano Caterina , Toga Arthur W. , Thompson Paul M.
Published: August 2010

Normal human aging is accompanied by progressive brain tissue loss and cognitive decline; however, several factors are thought to influence brain aging. We applied tensor‐based morphometry to high‐resolution brain MRI scans to determine whether educational level or physical activity was associated with brain tissue volumes in the elderly, particularly in regions susceptible to age‐related atrophy. We mapped the 3D profile of brain volume differences in 226 healthy elderly subjects (130F/96M; 77.9 ± 3.6 SD years) from the Cardiovascular Health Study‐Cognition Study. Statistical maps revealed the 3D profile of brain regions whose volumes were associated with educational level and physical activity (based on leisure‐time energy expenditure). After controlling for age, sex, and physical activity, higher educational levels were associated with ∼2–3% greater tissue volumes, on average, in the temporal lobe gray matter. After controlling for age, sex, and education, greater physical activity was associated with ∼2–2.5% greater average tissue volumes in the white matter of the corona radiata extending into the parietal‐occipital junction. Body mass index (BMI) was highly correlated with both education and physical activity, so we examined BMI as a contributing factor by including physical activity, education, and BMI in the same model; only BMI effects remained significant. This is one of the largest MRI studies of factors influencing structural brain aging, and BMI may be a key factor explaining the observed relationship between education, physical activity, and brain structure. Independent contributions to brain structure could not be teased apart as all these factors were highly correlated with one another. Hum Brain Mapp, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Specific infiltration of langerin‐positive dendritic cells in EBV‐infected tonsil, Hodgkin lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Braz‐Silva Paulo Henrique , Vitale Sébastien , Butori Catherine , Guevara Nicolas , Santini José , Magalhães Marina , Hofman Paul , Doglio Alain
Published: August 2010

We report here the existence of a novel subset of langerin (CD207)‐positive, immature dendritic cells (DCs) (CD83neg) abundantly infiltrating Epstein Barr virus (EBV)‐infected areas in tonsil, Hodgkin lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. These CD207+ DCs differ from conventional epidermal Langerhans cells in their lack of CD1a and CCR6 and their unusual tissue localization. CD207+ DC infiltration strongly correlates with EBV infection because it was neither detected in EBV negative specimens nor in tissues infected with other human viruses. These immature DCs might represent good candidates for induction of the EBV‐specific immune response.
Butyrate elicits a metabolic switch in human colon cancer cells by targeting the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex
Authors: Blouin Jean‐Marc , Penot Graziella , Collinet Martine , Nacfer Magali , Forest Claude , Laurent‐Puig Pierre , Coumoul Xavier , Barouki Robert , Benelli Chantal , Bortoli Sylvie
Published: August 2010

Butyrate, a short‐chain fatty acid produced by the colonic bacterial fermentation is able to induce cell growth inhibition and differentiation in colon cancer cells at least partially through its capacity to inhibit histone deacetylases. Since butyrate is expected to impact cellular metabolic pathways in colon cancer cells, we hypothesize that it could exert its antiproliferative properties by altering cellular metabolism. We show that although Caco2 colon cancer cells oxidized both butyrate and glucose into CO2, they displayed a higher oxidation rate with butyrate as substrate than with glucose. Furthermore, butyrate pretreatment led to an increase cell capacity to oxidize butyrate and a decreased capacity to oxidize glucose, suggesting that colon cancer cells, which are initially highly glycolytic, can switch to a butyrate utilizing phenotype, and preferentially oxidize butyrate instead of glucose as energy source to produce acetyl coA. Butyrate pretreated cells displayed a modulation of glutamine metabolism characterized by an increased incorporation of carbons derived from glutamine into lipids and a reduced lactate production. The butyrate‐stimulated glutamine utilization is linked to pyruvate dehydrogenase complex since dichloroacetate reverses this effect. Furthermore, butyrate positively regulates gene expression of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinases and this effect involves a hyperacetylation of histones at PDK4 gene promoter level. Our data suggest that butyrate exerts two distinct effects to ensure the regulation of glutamine metabolism: it provides acetyl coA needed for fatty acid synthesis, and it also plays a role in the control of the expression of genes involved in glucose utilization leading to the inactivation of PDC.