bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Binge eating in the bariatric surgery population: A review of the literature
Authors: Niego Sara H. , Kofman Michele D. , Weiss Jeffrey J , Geliebter Allan
Published: February 2007

Objective:

This article reviews the status of the literature addressing clinically significant binge eating in the bariatric surgery patient. The goal is to provide a background that will guide patients, surgeons, and mental health practitioners toward the most successful long‐term surgical outcome when binge eating is identified.

Method:

Pubmed and Medline search with subsequent reference list search of identified articles. We searched literature through April 2006 on the influence of binge eating (BE) on surgical outcome.

Results:

Those with pre‐surgical BE are more likely to retain the eating pathology and, if they do, to have poorer weight loss outcome. Many people who binge ate prior to surgery report continued feelings of loss of control when eating small amounts of food after surgery. Studies that employed the DSM‐IV definition of a binge episode reported absence of BE after surgery, unlike those that modified binge criteria after surgery.

Conclusion:

Clinically significant BE is related to poorer surgical outcomes, and additional interventions may be needed to improve long term outcomes. Though surgery does alter body's physiology, claims that the psychological aspects of BE are “cured” by obesity surgery must be viewed with caution. Researchers and practitioners must reach a consensus on how to define BE after gastric surgery so that future long‐term prospective studies may further evaluate the effect of BE on surgical outcome and vice versa. © 2007 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2007
Murine dendritic cell transdifferentiation into osteoclasts is differentially regulated by innate and adaptive cytokines
Authors: Speziani Carole , Rivollier Aymeric , Gallois Anne , Coury Fabienne , Mazzorana Marlène , Azocar Olga , Flacher Monique , Bella Chantal , Tebib Jacques , Jurdic Pierre , Rabourdin‐Combe Chantal , Delprat Christine
Published: February 2007

Dendritic cells (DC) are the mononuclear cells that initiate adaptive immune responses. Osteoclasts (OC) are the multinucleated giant cells that resorb bone. As previously described for human conventional DC (cDC), we demonstrate that murine cDC, either in vitro generated from Fms‐like tyrosine kinase 3 (Flt3)+ bone marrow progenitors or ex vivo purified from spleen, are able to develop into OC in response to M‐CSF and receptor activator of NF‐κB ligand (RANKL) in vitro. This transdifferentiation is driven by the immune environment that controls cDC maturation, cell fusion, tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and bone resorption activities. Only immature cDC have the capacity to become OC since mature cDC or plasmacytoid DC do not. Additions of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines, such as IL‐1β and TNF‐α, or human rheumatoid synovial fluid, increase murine cDC transdifferentiation into OC, whereas IFN‐α inhibits it. The adaptive cytokine, IFN‐γ, inhibits cDC fusion while IL‐4 increases it. IL‐2, IFN‐γ and IL‐4 inhibit TRAP and bone resorption activities contrary to IL‐10, which enhances both activities. A putative new “immune multinucleated giant cell” unable to resorb bone, which is formed owing to IL‐4, is underlined. The future analysis of cDC transdifferentiation into OC in murine models of inflammatory arthritis will give us the quantitative importance of this phenomenon in vivo.
Pathologic expression of MHC class II is driven by mitogen‐activated protein kinases
Authors: Martins Isabelle , Deshayes Frederique , Baton Fabrice , Forget Antoine , Ciechomska Iwona , Sylla Khaoussou , Aoudjit Fawzi , Charron Dominique , Al‐Daccak Reem , Alcaide‐Loridan Catherine
Published: February 2007

The class II transactivator (CIITA) is the master regulator of MHC class II molecules (MHC II). In melanoma, the MHC II are constitutively expressed due to an abnormal transcription of CIITA from its promoter III (pIII), and requires the presence of a 1‐kb enhancer located upstream from this latter. Since mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK) have been shown to be activated in most melanomas, we sought to analyze their possible involvement in CIITA expression. Using chemical inhibitors and dominant‐negative constructs of MAPK‐ERK kinase (Mek1) and MAPK‐JNK, we evidenced the inhibition of MHC II and CIITA expression in melanoma cell lines displaying activated MAPK. Transcriptional regulation by MAPK is known to involve the AP‐1 transcription factor family. Sequence analysis revealed an AP‐1‐responsive motif in the enhancer of CIITA pIII at –5954/–5947 from the site of transcription initiation. Its mutagenesis reduced CIITA expression four‐ to fivefold in melanoma cell lines and alleviated the effect of dominant‐negative constructs of the MAPK pathway. Together, our findings demonstrate that MAPK‐ERK and MAPK‐JNK are regulators of CIITA transcription in melanoma, and pinpoint an AP‐1‐responsive site in the CIITA gene pIII. This should have considerable impact on our understanding of the physio‐pathologic expression of MHC II.
HER‐2/neu antigen loss and relapse of mammary carcinoma are actively induced by T cell‐mediated anti‐tumor immune responses
Authors: Kmieciak Maciej , Knutson Keith L. , Dumur Catherine I. , Manjili Masoud H.
Published: February 2007

Induction of tumor‐specific immune responses results in the inhibition of tumor development. However, tumors recur because of the tumor immunoediting process that facilitates development of escape mechanisms in tumors. It is not known whether tumor escape is an active process whereby anti‐tumor immune responses induce loss or downregulation of the target antigen in the antigen‐positive clones. To address this question, we used rat neu‐overexpressing mouse mammary carcinoma (MMC) and its relapsed neu antigen‐negative variant (ANV). ANV emerged from MMC under pressure from neu‐specific T cell responses in vivo. We then cloned residual neu antigen‐negative cells from MMC and residual neu antigen‐positive cells from ANV. We found marked differences between these neu‐negative clones and ANV, demonstrating that the residual neu‐negative clones are probably not the origin of ANV. Since initial rejection of MMC was associated with the presence of IFN‐γ‐secreting T cells, we treated MMC with IFN‐γ and showed that IFN‐γ could induce downregulation of neu expression in MMC. This appears to be due to methylation of the neu promoter. Together, these data suggest that neu antigen loss is an active process that occurs in primary tumors due to the neu‐targeted anti‐tumor immune responses.
Generalized multi‐organ autoimmunity in CCR7‐deficient mice
Authors: Davalos‐Misslitz Ana C. M. , Rieckenberg Julia , Willenzon Stefanie , Worbs Tim , Kremmer Elisabeth , Bernhardt Günter , Förster Reinhold
Published: February 2007

Development of autoimmunity is a multi‐factorial process involving genetic predisposition as well as environmental and stochastic factors. Although the mechanisms responsible for the initiation of autoimmunity remain only partially understood, several studies have demonstrated that genetic predisposition plays a major role in this process. In the present study, we analyzed the influence of CCR7 signaling in the development of autoimmunity, because this chemokine receptor is essentially involved in the functional organization of thymus architecture. We demonstrate that CCR7‐deficient mice are prone to develop generalized multi‐organ autoimmunity. The autoimmune phenotype of CCR7–/– mice encompasses the presence of lymphocyte infiltrates in several peripheral organs, circulating autoantibodies against a multitude of tissue‐specific antigens and IgG deposition on renal glomeruli. Additionally, CCR7‐deficient mice show increased susceptibility to streptozotocin‐induced diabetes and spontaneously display signs of chronic autoimmune renal disease. Thus, this study identifies CCR7 as a genetic factor involved in the regulation of autoimmunity.
Keggin POMs Modified by Bonding to Multitrack Cu(bipy) Chains through Linearly Arrayed Terminal and Bridging Oxygen Atoms of the M3O13 Triad
Authors: Sha Jingquan , Peng Jun , Liu Hongsheng , Chen Jing , Dong Baoxia , Tian Aixiang , Su Zhongmin
Published: February 2007

Two novel complexes based on the Keggin POMs modified by the Cu(4,4′‐bipy) moiety, {[Cu(4,4′‐bipy)]3[HSiMo12O40]}·1.5H2O (1) and {[Cu(4,4′‐bipy)]4[SiW12O40]}·3H2O (2) (bipy = bipyridine), have been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by routine physical methods and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Complexes 1 and 2 represent the first examples of fully oxidized Keggin POM anions as pendant polydentate ligands covalently bonded to a multitrack Cu(bipy) polymer chain(s) through linearly arrayed Od···Oc···Od (Od, terminal oxygen; Oc, bridging oxygen) atoms of single M3O13 triad(s). In the crystalline lattice of 1, the 1D chain is constructed from a α‐[SiMo12O40]4– (SiMo12) cluster as a pendant tridentate ligand covalently bonded to three CuI(4,4′‐bipy) subunits, and the neighbouring polymer strands interconnect with the Keggin fragments geared like the teeth of a zipper. In compound 2, the 2D extended layer structure is composed of a α‐[SiW12O40]4– (SiW12) cluster as a pendant hexadentate ligand covalently bonded to four CuI(4,4′‐bipy) subunits and forms a 2D net‐texture structure with a large vacancy (30.9 × 10.6 Å), and the 2D layers are arranged in a parallel staggering fashion to form a 3D framework.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Control of the EOF in CE using polyelectrolytes of different charge densities
Authors: Danger Grégoire , Ramonda Michel , Cottet Hervé
Published: February 2007

The control of the EOF direction and magnitude remains one of the more challenging issues for the optimization of separations in CE. In this work, we investigated the possibility to use variously charged polyanions for a fine‐tuning of the EOF using polyelectrolyte multilayers. For that purpose, polyanions of poly(acrylamide‐co‐2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonate) (PAMAMPS) with different chemical charge rates varying between 3 and 100% were used. These copolymers are statistic hydrophilic copolymers of acrylamide (AM) and 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonate (AMPS). The study of the influence of the chemical charge rate (AMPS molar proportion in the copolymer) on the electroosmotic mobility (μeo) of a capillary modified by a polyelectrolyte bilayer (polycation/PAMAMPS) revealed that the fine‐tuning of the EOF was possible, at least for cathodic or slightly anodic EOF (μeo from −5×10−5 to +35×10−5 cm2V−1s−1). Electroosmotic mobility values were compared with the free‐draining electrophoretic mobilities of the PAMAMPS constituting the last layer of the capillary coating. The stability of the EOF is discussed in detail on the basis of successive determinations of electroosmotic mobility and migration times. The application to the separation of a model peptide mixture demonstrated the interest (and the simplicity) of this approach for optimizing resolution and analysis time. Experimental resolutions were compared to the theoretical ones that we would obtain on a fused‐silica capillary having the same EOF as the coated capillary.
Large‐scale differential display analysis of T helper cell differentiation
Authors: Ojala Pekka , Virtanen Eveliina , Chen Zhi
Published: February 2007

We have developed a novel large‐scale multicapillary fluorescent differential display (FDD) platform amenable to further automation. The power of the method is demonstrated by the analysis of T helper cell differentiation. Eight RNA samples from wild type, Stat4 knockout and Stat6 knockout mice were analyzed with 16 anchoring primers and 24 arbitrary primers, resulting in 285 294 sample peaks. Visually selected patterns of differential expression suggest two major regulatory mechanisms: activation and Stat4 genotype. A subset of the findings is reproduced in the confirmatory differential display (DD) that included technical and biological replicates. In a small fragment identification pilot study, we identify Ifi27 and Cct8 to be up‐regulated by T cell activation. We present a method for the analysis of electropherogram similarity across large datasets, based on correlation of low‐resolution representations of electrophoretic data. We show how it can be applied to analyze experimental and technical variables. Using this method, we demonstrate the effect of activation and genotype. In addition, agreement of our real experimental data to the theoretical basis of DD, as well as issues in anchoring primer selectivity, are studied.
A wide‐range, low‐cost 150 bp ladder for sizing DNA fragments between 150 and 4500 bp
Authors: Barvish Zeev , Davis Claytus , Gitelman Inna
Published: February 2007

Agarose gel electrophoresis, a very routine procedure, requires molecular weight standards; these are usually manufactured from plasmid or viral DNA fragments, or more recently, from PCR products of defined sizes. We describe here the preparation of a molecular weight standard from a completely different DNA source – the uniquely organized genome of the beetle Tenebrio molitor. The standard can be used to accurately size DNAs between 150 and 4500 bp, a useful range of sizes for many agarose gel electrophoresis applications, including separation of PCR products and plasmid cloning targets. In addition, it is easy to prepare, inexpensive, and rivals the best of the commercial ladders.
Determination of xanthohumol in hops (Humulus lupulus L.) by nonaqueous CE
Authors: Kac Javor , Zakrajšek Jure , Mlinarič Aleš , Kreft Samo , Filipič Metka
Published: February 2007

Xanthohumol (XN) is a prenylated chalcone with antimutagenic and anticancer activity from hops. A nonaqueous reverse polarity capillary electrophoretic method for the determination of XN in hop extract was developed and validated. The optimal parameters were a 64.5 cm long fused‐silica capillary with 50 μm id at 25°C; 30 kV negative voltage (anode at detector side of the capillary); nonaqueous buffer with 75 mM NaOH and 50 mM boric acid in methanol; hydrodynamical injection with 10 mbar for 40 s; and detection at 440 nm. XN, isoxanthohumol (IX), colupulone, adlupulone, and n‐lupulone were well resolved on the electropherogram. The LOD for XN was 0.05 mg/L and RSD for peak area was below 3%. The amount of XN in different samples of hop pellets varied from 0.14 to 0.42%.
Cell cycle‐dependent characterization of single MCF‐7 breast cancer cells by 2‐D CE
Authors: Harwood Melissa M. , Bleecker Joan V. , Rabinovitch Peter S. , Dovichi Norman J.
Published: February 2007

The composition of single MCF‐7 breast cancer cells is characterized using 2‐D CE. Individual MCF‐7 cells were aspirated into a 30 μm inner diameter fused‐silica capillary and lysed by contact with an SDS‐containing buffer. Proteins and other primary amines were fluorescently labeled on‐column using the fluorogenic dye 3‐(2‐furoyl)quinoline‐2‐carboxaldehyde. Labeled components were separated first according to molecular weight using capillary sieving electrophoresis (CSE) and then by MEKC. Analytes were detected in a sheath‐flow cuvette using LIF. The expression profiles for MCF‐7 cellular homogenate and a single MCF‐7 cell are compared. As a proof‐of‐principle investigation, variation in expression was also compared within and between G1 and G2/M cell cycle phases for MCF‐7 cells. Following their treatment with the viable nuclear stain Hoechst 33342, MCF‐7 cells were sorted by flow cytometry on the basis of their ploidy. Sorted cells were then analyzed by 2‐D CE. The degree of variability was >2.5 times larger between cells of different phases than between cells of the same phase. In typical 1 h 2‐D CE separations using MCF‐7 cells, over 100 components are resolved.
Ultrahigh‐pressure dual online solid phase extraction/capillary reverse‐phase liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (DO‐SPE/cRPLC/MS/MS): A versatile separation platform for high‐throughput and highly sensitive proteomic analyses
Authors: Min Hye‐Ki , Hyung Seok‐Won , Shin Joong‐Won , Nam Hui‐Sun , Ahn Sung‐Hyun , Jung Hee Jung , Lee Sang‐Won
Published: February 2007

Capillary RPLC/ESI‐MS (cRPLC/ESI‐MS) is one of the most powerful analytical tools for current proteomic research. The development of cRPLC techniques coupled online to a mass spectrometer has focused on increasing the separation efficiency, detection sensitivity, and throughput. Recently, the use of high‐pressure (over 10 000 psi) LC systems that utilize long, small inner diameter capillary columns has gained much attention for proteomic analyses. In this study, we developed an ultrahigh‐pressure dual online SPE/capillary RPLC (DO‐SPE/cRPLC) system. This LC system employs two online SPE columns and two capillary columns (75 μm inner diameter×1 m length) in a single separation system, and has a maximum operating pressure of 10 000 psi. This DO‐SPE/cRPLC system is capable of providing high‐resolution separation in addition to several other advantageous features, such as high reproducibility in terms of the LC retention time, rapid sample injection, online desalting, online sample enrichment of dilute samples, and increased throughput as a result of essentially removing the column equilibration time between successive experiments. We coupled the DO‐SPE/cRPLC system online to a tandem mass spectrometer to allow high‐throughput proteomic analyses. In this paper, we demonstrate the efficiency of this DO‐SPE/cRPLC/MS/MS system by its use in the analyses of proteomic samples exhibiting different levels of complexity.
Reference strand‐mediated conformation analysis‐based typing of multiple alleles in the rhesus macaque MHC class I Mamu‐A and Mamu‐B loci
Authors: Tanaka‐Takahashi Yumiko , Yasunami Michio , Naruse Taeko , Hinohara Kunihiko , Matano Tetsuro , Mori Kazuyasu , Miyazawa Masaaki , Honda Mitsuo , Yasutomi Yasuhiro , Nagai Yoshiyuki , Kimura Akinori
Published: February 2007

The rhesus macaque exhibits individual differences in susceptibility and resistance to infectious agents such as simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) under experimental conditions, and these may be genetically determined at least in part by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I polymorphism. Although the importance of defining MHC class I polymorphism is well recognized, development of a generic and comprehensive molecular typing method of MHC class I alleles of the rhesus macaque has been hampered because, during the evolution of this species, multiple copies of similar DNA sequences have been generated by duplication events including the coding sequences of Mamu‐A and Mamu‐B loci. We report here a newly developed reference strand‐mediated conformation analysis (RSCA)‐based typing method of multiple Mamu‐A and Mamu‐B cDNAs that allowed us to estimate the number of expressed alleles. This technique detected 1–7 Mamu‐A signals and 2–12 Mamu‐B signals in a single sample, indicating that the number of functional alleles may vary. By comparing the data from the parents with those from the descendants in the breeding colony, several MHC class I haplotypes consisting of variable numbers of functional Mamu‐A and Mamu‐B alleles could be assigned.
Defining shore platform boundaries using airborne laser scan data: a preliminary investigation
Authors: Palamara D. R. , Dickson M. E. , Kennedy D. M.
Published: February 2007

As an initial evaluation of the potential of digital elevation models (DEMs) and geographic information systems (GISs) for geomorphic characterization of rocky shorelines, airborne laser scan (ALS) data have been used to characterize shore platforms around Shag Point, southeastern New Zealand. The platforms have been characterized using field‐based techniques in previously published research, and therefore offer an ideal site for evaluation purposes. The main challenge involved the delineation of the shore platform area in terms of landward and seaward extents. The cliff top and landward edge of the shore platform was readily mapped, whereas the seaward edge of platforms was mapped with lesser precision due to difficulties associated with tidal inundation and the interference of wave action and surface water. In the central region of the study area (∼0·1 km2) higher platform elevations and dense point cloud data enabled the generation of a high‐resolution (1 m) DEM. In analysing the DEM, ALS offered an advantage over the previous field survey in respect of the ability to assess continuous topography in plan‐view. The extent and form of two distinctive erosional surfaces is clearly apparent and was revealed through classifications based on slope and elevation. The spatial continuity of the upper surface implies that, in addition to the role of rock structure described in previous work, sea level and wave exposure may have been important factors in the generation and preservation of platform morphology at Shag Point. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new technique for non‐destructive field measurement of rock‐surface strength: an application of the Equotip hardness tester to weathering studies
Authors: Aoki Hisashi , Matsukura Yukinori
Published: February 2007

Tafone‐like depressions have developed on the Aoshima sandstone blocks used for a masonry bridge pier in the coastal spray zone. A thin layer of partial granular disintegration was found on the surface in depressions. To evaluate quantitatively the strength of the thin weathered layer, the hardness was measured at the surface of the sandstone blocks using both an Equotip hardness tester and an L‐type Schmidt hammer. Comparison of the two testing results indicates that the Equotip hardness value is more sensitive in evaluating the strength of a thin layer of weathered surface rock than the Schmidt hardness value. By applying two methods, i.e. both the repeated impact method and the single impact method, the Equotip tester can evaluate the strengths of fresh internal and weathered surficial portions of rocks having a thin weathering layer. Comparison of the two strengths enables evaluation of strength reduction due to weathering. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biocatalytic aldehyde reduction using tailor‐made whole‐cell catalysts: a novel synthesis of the aroma chemical cinnamyl alcohol
Authors: Chamouleau Francoise , Hagedorn Chad , May Oliver , Gröger Harald
Published: February 2007

A biocatalytic method for the synthesis of the aroma chemical cinnamyl alcohol by means of a wholecell‐catalysed reduction of cinnamyl aldehyde has been developed. As a biocatalyst, recombinant whole cells overexpressing an alcohol dehydrogenase from Lactobacillus kefir and a glucose dehydrogenase from Thermoplasma acidophilum have been used in combination with d‐glucose as co‐substrate. The reduction process proceeds with a conversion of 98%, even at a high substrate input of 166 g/l cinnamyl aldehyde, and gives a yield of 77% of the desired product, cinnamyl alcohol. In addition to high product concentrations, further advantages of this approach are the use of a low‐cost whole‐cell catalyst, the high purity of the product, as well as the fact that there is no need for the addition of external co‐factor in the biotransformation step. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Essential oil composition of the flowerheads of Chrysanthemum coronarium L. from Greece
Authors: Basta Andriani , Pavlović Milica , Couladis Maria , Tzakou Olga
Published: February 2007

The essential oils of the flowerheads (capitula) of Chrysanthemum coronarium (Compositae), collected in two different locations in Greece, were obtained by hydrodistillation and analysed by GC–MS. Fifty‐six constituents were identified, of which oxygenated monoterpenes made the highest contribution. The major constituents in sample A were trans‐chrysanthenyl acetate (13.2%), trans‐chrysanthenyl isovalerate (10.2%) and cis‐chrysanthenyl acetate (9.9%), while those of sample B were camphor (15.7%), cis‐chrysanthenyl acetate (9.1%) and trans‐chrysanthenyl acetate (7.8%). Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exocytosis of ATP from astrocyte progenitors modulates spontaneous Ca2+ oscillations and cell migration
Authors: Striedinger Katharine , Meda Paolo , Scemes Eliana
Published: February 2007

In the mature central nervous system (CNS) regulated secretion of ATP from astrocytes is thought to play a significant role in cell signaling. Whether such a mechanism is also operative in the developing nervous system and, if so, during which stage of development, has not been investigated. We have tackled this question using cells derived from reconstituted neurospheres, as well as brain explants of embryonic mice. Here, we show that in both models of neural cell development, astrocyte progenitors are competent for the regulated secretion of ATP‐containing vesicles. We further document that this secretion is dependent on cytosolic Ca2+ and the v‐SNARE system, and takes place by exocytosis. Interference with ATP secretion alters spontaneous Ca2+ oscillations and migration of neural progenitors. These data indicate that astrocyte progenitors acquire early in development the competence for regulated secretion of ATP, and that this event is implicated in the regulation of at least two cell functions, which are critical for the proper morphogenesis and functional maturation of the CNS. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pigment epithelium‐derived factor acts as an opponent of growth‐stimulatory factors in retinal glial–endothelial cell interactions
Authors: Yafai Yousef , Lange Johannes , Wiedemann Peter , Reichenbach Andreas , Eichler Wolfram
Published: February 2007

Pigment epithelium‐derived factor (PEDF), a glycoprotein with pleiotropic functions, is naturally occuring in the eye and considered as crucial to prevent pathological angiogenesis. Since retinal glial (Müller) cells produce PEDF, the authors have studied its impact on glial–endothelial cellular interactions. Bovine retinal endothelial cells were cultured in the presence of culture media originating from primary Müller cells, and endothelial proliferation as well as phosphorylation of the mitogen‐activated protein kinases extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERK)‐1/‐2 were investigated. The concerted activity of Müller‐cell derived soluble mediators attenuated endothelial proliferation and ERK‐1/‐2 activation, regardless of whether the Müller cells were preincubated under normoxia or hypoxia, and even though the endothelial cells were stimulated by vascular endothelial growth factor‐A (VEGF). This inhibitory activity was no longer demonstrable if high levels of basic fibroblast growth factor or VEGF were supplied, suggesting that in cases of pathological neovascularization, overproduction of proangiogenic mediators overrides the “antiangiogenic background” provided by Müller cells. However, neutralizing the activity of PEDF partially restored endothelial cell proliferation and resulted in increased ERK‐1/‐2 activation, which is in concordance with findings demonstrating that exogenously applied PEDF is able to suppress VEGF‐induced ERK‐1/‐2 phosphorylation. PEDF production by Müller cells is not only regulated by retinal oxygen but also by the activity of soluble factors released from retinal endothelial cells. For instance, PEDF levels were significantly elevated in glial (Müller)–endothelial cell cocultures as compared with bovine retinal endothelial cell‐free Müller cell cultures. These results have implications for the pathogenesis of retinal neovascularization since the Müller cell may be regarded as a central control element which modulates retinal PEDF levels and, thus, is of critical importance for adjusting the balance between proangiogenic and antiangiogenic mediators. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of low‐level arsenic exposure on the developmental toxicity of anilofos in rats
Authors: Aggarwal Manoj , Wangikar P. B. , Sarkar S. N. , Rao G. S. , Kumar Dinesh , Dwivedi P. , Malik J. K.
Published: February 2007

In view of the increased use of anilofos for crop protection and ever increasing arsenic levels in drinking water in many countries, the coexistence of arsenic and anilofos in the environment is a reality and simultaneous exposure of humans and animals to these contaminants could be potentially hazardous. The aim of the present study was to examine whether coexposure to arsenic at the groundwater contamination level could alter the embryofetal toxicity of anilofos in rat model. Anilofos (100 mg kg−1 day−1) and sodium arsenite (1 mg arsenic kg−1 day−1) were administered by gavage either individually or in combination to the pregnant rats from day 6 to day 15 of gestation. Arsenic did not produce any significant effects either on maternal or fetal parameters at the given dose. Anilofos alone significantly decreased maternal weight gain, feed and water intakes, gravid uterine weights, number of live fetuses and fetal body weights and increased resorptions. There were increased incidences of gross, skeletal and visceral anomalies in the fetuses of anilofos‐treated group. The main skeletal abnormality was increased intercostal space, while the visceral anomaly was an interventricular septal defect. Treatment with the combination of arsenic and anilofos significantly enhanced the fetal changes with much greater magnitude compared with the effects produced by anilofos alone. Anomalies such as midfacial cleft, exencephaly and anophthalmia were seen only in the fetuses of the combination group. The results show that anilofos interferes with embryofetal development and coexposure with arsenic at environmentally realistic concentrations produces additive or synergistic effects on the developmental toxicity of anilofos in rats. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deltamethrin induces mitochondrial membrane permeability and altered expression of cytochrome C in rat brain
Authors: Chen Dan , Huang Xiaowei , Liu Linlin , Shi Nian
Published: February 2007

Deltamethrin is a type II synthetic pyrethroid insecticide and is used extensively. Numerous studies have demonstrated that deltamethrin can cause severe central nervous system symptoms. The mechanism of neuro‐toxicity caused by deltamethrin is still poorly understood. This study investigated the effect of deltamethrin on the mitochondria‐mediated apoptosis pathway in rat brain. The cortex and hippocampus mitochondrial membrane potential, permeability transition, expression of cytochrome c and activity of cytochrome c oxidase was assayed at 5, 24, 48 and 72 h following deltamethrin treatment. The study observed that the membrane potential, change of absorbance at 540 nm (A540), intensities of cytochrome c in mitochondria and activity of cytochrome c oxidase in the cortex and hippocampus of treated groups were significantly lower than those of the control group. The results of the study demonstrated that deltamethrin induced a decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and increased permeability, and reduced the expression of cytochrome c, thus depressing the activity of cytochrome c oxidase significantly. It indicates that deltamethrin may have an effect on mitochondria‐mediated apoptosis of nerve cells in the rat brain. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Histological evaluation of an impacted bone graft substitute composed of a combination of mineralized and demineralized allograft in a sheep vertebral bone defect
Authors: Fujishiro Takaaki , Bauer Thomas W. , Kobayashi Naomi , Kobayashi Hideo , Sunwoo Moon Hae , Seim Howard B. , Turner A. Simon
Published: February 2007

Demineralized bone matrix (DBMs) preparations are a potential alternative or supplement to autogenous bone graft, but many DBMs have not been adequately tested in clinically relevant animal models. The aim of current study was to compare the efficacy of a new bone graft substitute composed of a combination of mineralized and demineralized allograft, along with hyaluronic acid (AFT Bone Void Filler™) with several other bone graft materials in a sheep vertebral bone void model. A drilled defect in the sheep vertebral body was filled with either the new DBM preparation, calcium sulfate (OsteoSet™), autologous bone graft, or left empty. The sheep were euthanized after 6 or 12 weeks, and the defects were examined by histology and quantitative histomorphometry. The morphometry data were analyzed by one‐way analysis of variance with the post hoc Tukey‐Kramer test or the Student's t‐test. All of the bone defects in the AFT DBM preparation group showed good new bone formation with variable amounts of residual DBM and mineralized bone graft. The DBM preparation group at 12 weeks contained significantly more new bone than the defects treated with calcium sulfate or left empty (respectively, p < 0.05, p < 0.01). There was no significant difference between the DBM and autograft groups. No adverse inflammatory reactions were associated with any of the three graft materials. The AFT preparation of a mixture of mineralized and demineralized allograft appears to be an effective autograft substitute as tested in this sheep vertebral bone void model. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2007
Effects of Cymbopogon citratus L. essential oil on the growth, morphogenesis and aflatoxin production of Aspergillus flavus ML2‐strain
Authors: Helal G. A. , Sarhan M. M. , Abu Shahla A. N. K. , Abou El‐Khair E. K.
Published: February 2007

The mycelial growth of Aspergillus flavus Link was completely inhibited using 1.5 (µl/ml or 2.0 (µl/ml of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil applied by fumigation or contact method in Czapek's liquid medium, respectively. This oil was found also to be fungicidal at the same concentrations. The sublethal doses 1.0 and 1.5 (µl/ml inhibited about 65% of fungal growth after five days of incubation and delayed conidiation as compared with the control. Microscopic observations using Light Microscope (LM), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) were carried out to determine the ultra structural modifications of A. flavus hyphae after treatment with C. citratus essential oil. The hyphal diameter decreased and hyphal wall appeared as precipitates and disappeared in some regions. This oil also caused plasma membrane disruption and mitochondrial structure disorganization. Moreover, Ca+2, K+ and Mg+2 leakages increased from the fumigated mycelium and its total lipid content decreased, while the saturated and unsaturated fatty acids increased. One of the most important results obtained during this study was the ability of C. citratus essential oil at its sublethal dose to completely inhibit aflatoxin B1 production from A. flavus. These findings increase the possibility of exploiting C. citratus essential oil as an effective inhibitor of biodegradation and storage contaminating fungi and also in fruit juice preservation. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Isolation and characterization of pathogenic Vibrio parahaemolyticus from diseased post‐larvae of abalone Haliotis diversicolor supertexta
Authors: Cai Junpeng , Li Juan , Thompson Kim D. , Li Chuanxia , Han Hongcao
Published: February 2007

Mass mortality among the post‐larvae of cultured abalone Haliotis diversicolor supertexta has occurred on the south coast of China since 2002. The diseased abalone are generally 10 to 30 days old, and typical signs of the disease include them turning white in colour and falling off the diatom films on which they were cultured. Among sixteen different motile bacteria isolated from the diseased post‐larvae, four were identified as Vibrio parahaemolyticus on the basis of biochemical characteristics when compared with those of a V. parahaemolyticus type strain ATCC 17802T. Isolate 25, a representative isolate of V. parahaemolyticus recovered from diseased abalone, was virulent for the post‐larvae with an LD50 value of 3.5 × 105 CFU (colony forming units)/ml. All moribund post‐larvae artificially infected with the bacterium turned white and fell off the diatom films on which they were cultured as seen to occur during natural outbreaks of the disease, and it was possible to recover the bacterium from artificially infected post‐larvae. The results of the study indicate that V. parahaemolyticus is a pathogenic bacterium to abalone post‐larvae. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Cloning and characterization of Fpmtr1, an amino acid transporter gene of Fusarium proliferatum (Gibberella intermedia)
Authors: Jeney Apor , Béki Emese , Keszthelyi Anita , Leslie John F. , Hornok László
Published: February 2007

Fpmtr1, an amino acid transporter gene from Fusarium proliferatum was strongly expressed during conidial germination and repressed in late stationary phase. To identify the specific function of this gene, ΔFpmtr1 knock‐out mutants were generated by gene replacement. Vegetative growth of the ΔFpmtr1 mutants was normal both in liquid and on solid media, but conidial germination was delayed. The ΔFpmtr1 mutants and the wild type were equally fertile when used as males in sexual crosses, however if the mutants were used as the female parent then the fertility of the cross decreased dramatically. Inactivation of Fpmtr1 abolished vegetative self‐incompatibility in strain ITEM 2287 of F. proliferatum, but the ΔFpmtr1 mutants were still vegetatively incompatible with the other strains of the fungus. Endophytic colonization capability of the mutants, assessed on maize seedlings also was adversely affected. These data suggest that Fpmtr1 is involved in multiple developmental processes related to both sexual and parasexual events in F. proliferatum. Furthermore, the fungus might have problems in adapting to a less than optimal environment if this otherwise dispensable transporter has been inactivated. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Isolation and characterisation of Ralstonia solanacearum strains from Solanaceae crops in Ethiopia
Authors: Lemessa Fikre , Zeller Wolfgang
Published: February 2007

Eighty one isolates of Ralstonia solanacearum ‐like bacteria on triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) medium were collected from different Solanaceae crops (i.e. potato, tomato and pepper plants and potato tubers) at various sites in Ethiopia. Of these, 62 strains were identified as R. solanacearum based on their cultural characteristics on TTC medium, tomato pathogenicity bioassay, carbon source utilisation patterns and a specific PCR‐based assay. By Hayward's classification method, based on carbon source utilisation, 19 of the 62 R. solanacearum strains were identified as biovar I and 43 strains were identified as biovar II. The biovar I strains exhibited a high growth rate at high temperatures (37 °C). Whereas the growth rate of biovar II strains was greatest at lower temperatures (22 °C). Biovar I strains had broader host range than biovar II strains, which were limited to potato, tomato, and eggplant. To our knowledge, this is the first report of R. solanacearum biovar I in Ethiopia. The existence of biovar I strains in Ethiopia raises concerns because they have a broader host range than biovar II strains. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Superoxide dismutases of heavy metal resistant streptomycetes
Authors: Schmidt Astrid , Schmidt André , Haferburg Götz , Kothe Erika
Published: February 2007

Heavy metal tolerant and resistant strains of streptomycetes isolated from a former uranium mining site were screened for their superoxide dismutase expression. From the strains tolerating high concentrations of different heavy metals, one was selected for its tolerance of concentrations of heavy metals (Ni, Cu, Cd, Cr, Mn, Zn, Fe). This strain, Streptomyces acidiscabies E13, was chosen for the purpose of superoxide dismutase analysis. Gel electrophoresis and activity staining revealed only one each of a nickel (NiSOD) and an iron (FeZnSOD) containing superoxide dismutase as shown by differential enzymatic repression studies. The gene for nickel containing superoxide dismutase, sodN, was cloned and sequenced from this strain. The genomic sequence shows 92.7% nucleotide identity and 96.1% amino acid identity to sodN of S. coelicolor. Expression can be activated by nickel as well as other heavy metals and active enzyme is produced in media lacking nickel but containing copper, iron or zinc. Thus, the selected strain is well suited for further characterization of the enzyme encoded by sodN. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Gene expressions and enzyme analyses in theSchizosaccharomyces pombe Δpap1transcription factor mutant exposed to Cd2+
Authors: Takács Krisztina , Gazdag Zoltán , Raspor Peter , Pesti Miklós
Published: February 2007

The objective of this study was to investigate the role of the Pap1 transcription factor in response to long‐term Cd2+stress. TheSchizosaccharomyces pombewild‐type strain and theΔpap1mutant, treated with 0.5 mM CdSO4, were used in antioxidant enzyme and gene expression experiments. TheΔpap1mutant proved to be sensitive to Cd2+in the spot test assay, suggesting that the Pap1 transcription factor plays an important role in the response to Cd2+stress. The Cd2+uptake was the same in both strains. Determination of the superoxide level in the wild‐type strain proved that superoxide was generated, suggesting that long‐term Cd2+treatment could trigger oxidative stress. Furthermore, theΔpap1mutant displayed higher amounts of superoxide. These results were supported by the significantly lower amount of peroxide generated in the reaction catalyzed by superoxide dismutase (SOD). TheΔpap1mutant had a significantly lower glutathione S‐transferase specific activity than that of the wild‐type strain during long‐term Cd2+stress, caused by the lower GSH and sulfide assimilation. We have demonstrated that GST III activity was not induced by Cd2+stress in theΔpap1mutant. The overall low GST activity was not sufficient for the cell to eliminate Cd2+caused damage and could result in a Cd2+‐sensitive phenotype of theΔpap1mutant. The RT‐PCR and Northern blot experiments proved thatgst2was not induced either by short‐term or by long‐term Cd2+treatment. TheSPCC965.06(a putative K+ion channel subunit) gene expression increased, while thehmt1(an ABC‐type vacuolar transporter protein) expression decreased in both strains. No detectable alteration in the mRNA levels of,gpx1,hmt2,sod1,sod, andtrx1was observed. SOD enzyme analyses revealed that the absence of Pap1 protein could result in a lower SODs activity and affect the sulfate assimilation. This is the first report on the fact that the Pap1 transcription factor could play an important role in the cellular post‐transcriptional/post‐translational enzyme activity induction processes of SODs that occur in response to Cd2+. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Relaxation characteristics of (6s6p) 3P1
174Yb level
Authors: Yevseyev I V , Ishchenko V N , Khvorostov E B , Kochubei S A , Rubtsova N N
Published: February 2007

First proposal is made to measure the ratio of stimulated photon echo power corresponding to two different mutual orientations of exciting pulses polarizations as a function of the buffer gas pressure to extract the spectroscopic information concerning the relaxation rates difference of orientation and alignment from these measurements. The absolute value of the difference between relaxation characteristics |γb
(1)-γb
(2)| corresponding to orientation and alignment of 3P1 (6s6p) level of 174Yb due to it's collisions with krypton atoms is measured. The fact of the difference between orientation and alignment relaxation rates is reliably stated.
Structure and properties of rubber blends with ferromagnetic fillers
Authors: Ürögiová E. , Hudec I. , Bellušová D. , Šuri P.
Published: February 2007

The influence of hard magnetic strontium ferrite filler content on the structure, vulcanization characteristics, magnetic and mechanical properties of rubber blends was studied. The variations of rubber–ferrite composites properties were evaluated as a function of ferrite and carbon black loading by application of the design of the experimental method. Obtained results revealed that the cure time is not influenced by ferrite and carbon black content in rubber blends. The remanent magnetization and tensile strength of filled rubber blends are linearly dependent on the mass fraction of the magnetic filler in rubber blends, while the elongation at break and modules are influenced by the weight content of ferrite particles and carbon black in rubber blends. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Poly(propylene) with micro‐fillers—the way of enhancement of toughness
Authors: Kucera J. , Nezbedova E.
Published: February 2007

Commercially available poly(propylene)(PP)(MOSTEN, MFR = 4 g/10 min) supplied by a Czech company Chemopetrol Litvínov and precipitated calcium carbonate (CaCO3) was used for this study. The CaCO3 particles were coated with surface agent improving their dispersion.

The effect of the PP structure, the volume content and surface coating of particles on the decisive mechanical properties (dynamic modulus of elasticity and dynamic fracture toughness) was evaluated by means of dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) and instrumented Charpy tester. The dispersion of the filler particles was qualitatively estimated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The change of solid phase PP ratio was evaluated utilizing differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and nuclear magnetic resonance (pulsed 1H‐NMR).

The composites in the study demonstrated the enhanced toughness with respect to the native PP. The correlation between the structure and fracture parameters was confirmed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perfluorocarbons: Life sciences and biomedical uses Dedicated to the memory of Professor Guy Ourisson, a true RENAISSANCE man.
Authors: Krafft Marie Pierre , Riess Jean G.
Published: February 2007

Perfluorocarbons are primarily characterized by outstanding chemical and biological inertness, and intense hydrophobic and lipophobic effects. The latter effects provide a powerful noncovalent, labile binding interaction that can promote selective self‐ assembly. Perfluoro compounds do not mimic nature, yet they can offer abiotic building blocks for the de novo design of functional biopolymers and alternative solutions to physiologically vital issues. They offer new tags useful for molecular recognition, selective sorting, and templated binding (e.g., selective peptide and nucleic acid pairing). They also stabilize membranes and provide micro‐ and nanocompartmented fluorous environments. Perfluorocarbons provide inert, apolar carrier fluids for lab‐on‐a‐chip experiments and assays using microfluidic technologies. Low water solubility, combined with high vapor pressure, allows stabilization of injectable microbubbles that serve as contrast agents for diagnostic ultrasound imaging. High gas solubilities are the basis for an abiotic means for intravascular oxygen delivery. Other biomedical applications of fluorocarbons include lung surfactant replacement and ophthalmologic aids. Diverse colloids with fluorocarbon phases and/or shells are being investigated for molecular imaging using ultrasound or magnetic resonance, and for targeted drug delivery. Highly fluorinated polymers provide a range of inert materials (e.g., fluorosilicons, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene) for contact lenses, reconstructive surgery (e.g., vascular grafts), and other devices. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 1185–1198, 2007.