bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liver Involvement in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Case Review of 40 Patients
Authors: CHOWDHARY VAIDEHI R. , CROWSON CYNTHIA S. , POTERUCHA JOHN J. , MODER KEVIN G.
Published: November 2008

Objective

Subclinical liver involvement is frequent in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We sought to determine the presence of endstage liver disease in patients with SLE.

Methods

We carried out a retrospective chart review of our cohort of patients with SLE. Endstage liver disease was defined as presence or development of cirrhosis, portal hypertension, or hepatic encephalopathy.

Results

Forty patients with liver enzyme abnormalities were identified. Major clinical diagnostic groups were drug-induced (n = 4), viral hepatitis (hepatitis B or C and cytomegalovirus; n = 8), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD; n = 8), autoimmune hepatitis (AIH; n = 6), primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC; n = 3), and miscellaneous [n = 11; liver involvement from infection (2), cryptogenic cirrhosis (2), lymphoma (1), and indeterminate (6)]. There were no differences in mean age, total and direct bilirubin, or aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase levels. Alanine aminotransferase levels were higher in the miscellaneous group. Biopsies were performed in 20 patients and showed changes of NAFLD (n = 5), AIH (n = 4), PBC (n = 3), hepatitis C (n = 3), and cryptogenic cirrhosis (n = 2), and 1 each with phenytoin-induced liver injury, hepatic granulomas due to systemic candidiasis, and lymphomatous involvement of the liver. The median followup was 44 months (range 10–576). The estimated 5-year serious liver disease-free survival was 93% (95% confidence interval 84%–100%). Eight patients died. Mortality was not directly related to liver disease in any patient.

Conclusion

Complications of portal hypertension, cirrhosis, and hepatic encephalopathy are rare manifestations of SLE unless coexistent liver disease such as NAFLD, viral hepatitis, or AIH is present.
Influence of HLA-B*5703 and HLA-B*1403 on Susceptibility to Spondyloarthropathies in the Zambian Population
Authors: DÍAZ-PEÑA ROBERTO , BLANCO-GELAZ MIGUEL ANGEL , NJOBVU PANGANANI , LÓPEZ-VAZQUEZ ANTONIO , SUÁREZ-ÁLVAREZ BEATRIZ , LÓPEZ-LARREA CARLOS
Published: November 2008

Objective

To analyze the distribution of HLA-B alleles and to investigate their contribution in the susceptibility to spondyloarthropathies (SpA) in a sample population from Zambia, in order to determine a relationship between some HLA-B alleles and development of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), reactive arthritis (ReA), or undifferentiated SpA (uSpA).

Methods

We selected 72 patients with SpA and found that 46 had uSpA, 23 ReA, and 3AS.We also selected 92 matched controls; 55 of these had human immunodeficiency virus type I (HIV-I) infection.

Results

We found a significant increase in the rate of uSpA and ReA with features of Reiter’s syndrome (RS) in HIV-positive individuals who carried the HLA-B*5703 allele (pc < 0.0001 and pc < 0.001, respectively). Among the significant new findings identified were the presence of B*1403 in 2 of the 3 AS patients (pc < 0.05, OR 47), confirming previous data in the Togolese population.

Conclusion

The presence of B*5703 and HIV infection may not affect susceptibility to AS and ReA, but they do show an important influence in uSpA and RS. Our findings confirm that HLA-B* 1403 is the only factor to increase the risk of AS in a sub-Saharan African population, whereas HLA-B27 was virtually absent in patients with AS.
Upregulation of Myxovirus-resistance Protein A: A Possible Marker of Type I Interferon Induction in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: AIRÒ PAOLO , GHIDINI CLAUDIA , ZANOTTI CINZIA , SCARSI MIRKO , CATTANEO ROBERTO , CAIMI LUIGI , IMBERTI LUISA
Published: November 2008

Objective

To examine whether myxovirus-resistance protein A (MxA) mRNA expression, commonly considered a reliable marker of Type I interferon (IFN) bioactivity, is modified in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc); if it is associated to specific clinical features; and if its modulation is accompanied by modulation of mRNA for the Type I IFN receptor (IFNAR).

Methods

Quantification of mRNA for MxA and the subunit IFNAR1 and isoforms of IFNAR2 was performed by real-time polymerase chain reaction in 50 patients with SSc. Results were compared with those obtained from healthy controls and patients with another autoimmune disease such as multiple sclerosis.

Results

Levels of MxA mRNA above the 99th percentile of values found in healthy controls were observed in 9 out of 50 patients with SSc (p < 0.001). Induced MxA expression was significantly associated with some features of more severe disease, such as lower forced vital capacity and the presence of ischemic digital ulcers. No differences in the levels of IFNAR were found within MxA-induced and MxA-non-induced patients, but there was a direct correlation between levels of MxA and the soluble isoform of IFNAR2.

Conclusion

Our results show induction of MxA expression in some patients with SSc, which correlates with the presence of ischemic ulcers and other signs of worse disease, suggesting a potential role of Type I IFN in the pathogenesis of this disease and/or its complications.
The explosion of narratives and the multiplication of readings
Authors: Martín-Barbero Jesús
Published: November 2008

Multicultural society today is much more than just ethnic diversity. It is important to recognize that heterogeneity is composed by a wide array of factors such as literacy, oralities and audiovisual and digital culture. This article argues that current technocultural transformations in communication can alter the persistent monopolic hierarchies of public expression and thought. These transformations in turn are allowing individuals and communities, especially in Latin America, to introduce everyday oral, sound and visual cultures into new languages and new writings that give substance to contemporary communicational ecosystems.

Reconociendo que una sociedad multicultural hoy es mucho más que una mera diversidad étnica, una heterogeneidad compuesta por la cultura letrada, las oralidades, la cultura audiovisual y la digital, en este texto se sostiene que las actuales transformaciones tecnoculturales de la comunicación, al trastocar las aún persistentes jerarquías y monopolios de la expresión y el conocimiento, están posibilitando a los individuos y a las colectividades, sobre todo latinoamericanas, insertar sus cotidianas culturas orales, sonoras y visuales en los nuevos lenguajes y las nuevas escrituras que sustancian los ecosistemas comunicacionales contemporáneos.
Foreign film and television consumption and appropriation by Latin American audiences
Authors: Lozano-Rendón José Carlos
Published: November 2008

Empirical research on patterns of consumption and appropriation of foreign television and film on Mexican audiences in particular, and Latin American audiences in general, are scarce despite the long tradition of cultural imperialism and supply of foreign content studies. This article discusses the tendency of Latin American culturalists to avoid the study of the ideological readings of foreign audiovisual messages, and reviews the relevance of proposals like «cultural proximity» as a tool for understanding Mexican and Latin American audience’s patterns of television consumption.

Los estudios empíricos de recepción sobre los patrones de consumo y apropiación de cine y televisión extranjera por parte de las audiencias mexicanas, en particular, y latinoamericanas, en general, son casi inexistentes a pesar de la larga tradición del imperialismo cultural y los diagnósticos de oferta que han proliferado en los últimos años. Este artículo discute la tendencia de los culturalistas latinoamericanos a no estudiar directamente las lecturas ideológicas de los mensajes audiovisuales extranjeros, y revisa la utilidad de propuestas como la de la «proximidad cultural» en tanto herramientas para entender los patrones de consumo televisivo de las audiencias mexicanas y de América Latina en general.
The audio-visual regulation: the arguments for and against
Authors: Sopena-Palomar Jordi
Published: November 2008

The article analyzes the effectiveness of the audio-visual regulation and assesses the different arguments for and against the existence of the broadcasting authorities at the state level. The debate of the necessity of a Spanish organism of regulation is still active. Most of the European countries have created some competent authorities, like the OFCOM in United Kingdom and the CSA in France. In Spain, the broadcasting regulation is developed by regional organisms, like the Consejo Audiovisual de Navarra, the Consejo Audiovisual de Andalucía and the Consell de l’Audiovisual de Catalunya (CAC), whose case is also studied in this article.

El artículo analiza la efectividad de la regulación audiovisual y valora los diversos argumentos a favor y en contra de la existencia de consejos reguladores a nivel estatal. El debate sobre la necesidad de un organismo de este calado en España todavía persiste. La mayoría de los países comunitarios se han dotado de consejos competentes en esta materia, como es el caso del OFCOM en el Reino Unido o el CSA en Francia. En España, la regulación audiovisual se limita a organismos de alcance autonómico, como son el Consejo Audiovisual de Navarra, el de Andalucía y el Consell de l’Audiovisual de Catalunya (CAC), cuyo modelo también es abordado en este artículo.
The newsombudsman as an instrument for media education
Authors: Herrera-Damas Susana
Published: November 2008

Everybody agrees. Although we lived in the so-called Information Society, traditional systems do not enable people to make a critical consumption of mass media. For that reason, the traditional spaces must be completed by the intervention of other actors. One of them is the newsombudsman. The aim of this article is to describe the singularity of this mechanism and to specify his instruments in his educational task.

Ya casi nadie lo duda. A pesar de que vivimos en la denominada «sociedad de la información », muchas veces los sistemas tradicionales no capacitan a la audiencia para que realice un consumo crítico de los medios. Por eso, los espacios tradicionales deben ser completados por la intervención de otros actores. Uno de ellos es el defensor de la audiencia. El objetivo de este artículo es describir la singularidad de este mecanismo y especificar los instrumentos de los que dispone en su tarea formativa.
Digital literacy: full control of pen drive and mouse
Authors: Moreno-Rodríguez María Dolores
Published: November 2008

Digital literacy (DA) is a second literacy which makes us reorganize competences already acquired. It is necessary because of the increasing presence of technology at every social sphere. That is why AD promotes learning in all the new technology languages. A process which has to reach all the strata and social groups to avoid the discrimination of people who were born before the spread of CIT (communication and information technologies) which are now used and who lack the skills for their use and possibilities. Nevertherless, we can´t forget the guiding needs of the new digital generations which use technologies without any criteria and in a little reflexive way because they lack a previous learning process.

La alfabetización digital (AD) es una segunda alfabetización que nos lleva a reorganizar competencias ya adquiridas y que se hace necesaria a raíz de la creciente presencia de la tecnología en todos los ámbitos sociales. De ahí que la AD promueva el aprendizaje de los lenguajes propios de las nuevas tecnologías, un proceso que ha de alcanzar a todos los estamentos y colectivos sociales para evitar la discriminación de cuantos nacieron antes que las TIC (tecnologías de la información y la comunicación) cuyo uso ahora se impone y que carecen de destrezas sobre su utilización y potencialidades. Tampoco podemos olvidar las necesidades orientativas de las nuevas generaciones digitales que utilizan las tecnologías de manera acrítica y poco reflexiva porque carecen de un aprendizaje previo.
Transverse readings: how to build critical audiences
Authors: Aguilar-González Luz Rugenia
Published: November 2008

The main point in this article is to discuss the development of the critical reception. The method establishes an analysis of the codes and cultural sources of a specific television show, (that analysis understood as transverse readings), to identify the intertextualities in the show. The purpose is to develop the intertextual competence and the critical vision of the children. The main goal is to make children acquire a critical capacity that enables them to criticize the consumption, the rejection or the interpretation of different television shows.

En el presente artículo se realiza una propuesta para el desarrollo de la recepción crítica. El método propone que, por medio del análisis de los códigos y fuentes culturales de un programa televisivo determinado (lo que se entiende como lecturas transversales), se identifiquen las intertextualidades presentes en el mismo. La finalidad es desarrollar la competencia intertextual y la visión crítica de los niños. Ello puede contribuir a que los niños adquieran elementos para que puedan fundamentar críticamente el consumo, el rechazo o la interpretación compleja de programas de televisión.
Children programmes and sensationalist TV: entertaining, misinforming, miseducating
Authors: Digón-Regueiro Patricia
Published: November 2008

Children television in Spain is closely bound to the widespread commercial TV model. The analysis of children programmes broadcast in a regional channel of Spanish public television allows us to see not only the scarce investment for children programmes, but also the inclusion of some contents and values which could be considered as inappropriate from an educational viewpoint.

El panorama de la televisión para niños en España está estrechamente vinculado al modelo comercial de TV imperante. El análisis de programas infantiles emitidos en un canal autonómico de la televisión pública española permite observar, no sólo la poca inversión realizada en los programas destinados al público infantil, sino la inclusión de toda una serie de contenidos y valores que se podrían considerar como poco adecuados desde un punto de vista educativo.
The critical education of young people about TV: countries in northern and central Europe
Authors: Clarembeaux Michel
Published: November 2008

The main goal of this work is to analyze the education of young people about TV in non-Mediterranean European countries, especially devoted to the French community of Belgium. The author analyzes TV educational policy (not only from but also for young people) to help new generations acquire a new kind of media autonomy and the necessary maturity to replace compelling intake by intelligent and reflective consumption of their media habits.

La situación de la educación de los jóvenes con respecto a la televisión en ciertos países de la Europa no mediterránea es el eje central de este trabajo, centrado especialmente en el estudio en la comunidad francesa de Bélgica. El autor, tras la descripción, pretende diseñar una política de educación televisiva, ya desde los jóvenes, ya para los jóvenes, con el objeto de ayudar a las nuevas generaciones a que adquieran un nuevo tipo de autonomía mediática y una madurez que les permita reemplazar el consumo compulsivo por una gestión inteligente y reflexiva de sus hábitos mediáticos.
Reality construction by Spanish infancy across TV consumption
Authors: del-Río-Pereda Pablo , del-Río-Álvarez Miguel
Published: November 2008

This paper presents the preliminary exposition and results of a feasibility project for an Observatory of Consumption of Infantile Television that contributes with indexes of evolutionary impact (developmental ratings) of diverse contents, taking part in the television diet of Spanish children. The model of analysis has developed indicators about 7 evolutionary dimensions relative to the imagery representation and to the orientation in the symbolic reality. This model has been applied in a pilot stage to a limited but significant sample (the 10 and the 30 most seen programs by 4, 7, and 12-year-old Spanish children), as well as to the most seen advertising. The provisional results allow us to establish certain features of the situation of the audio-visual diet and the orientation of the imagery representation.

Aportar índices de impacto evolutivo de los diversos contenidos que componen la dieta televisiva del niño español es el objetivo del futuro «Observatorio de la Dieta Televisiva Infantil». Para ello se ha desarrollado un modelo de análisis con indicadores agrupados en 7 dimensiones evolutivas relativos al imaginario y a la orientación en la realidad simbólica de los niños y niñas. Aplicado en una etapa piloto con una muestra reducida pero significativa (los 10 y los 30 programas más vistos por los niños españoles de 4, 7 y 12 años), los resultados provisionales permiten establecer ciertos rasgos de la situación de la dieta audiovisual y su orientación del imaginario infantil.
‘Communicative Frenzy’ as disinformation
Authors: de-Pablos-Coello José Manuel
Published: November 2008

Frenzy journalism involves a determined endeavour to take active part in the subsequent future and development of an event: a journal introduces a topic for several days. This media frenzy undermines objectivity and professionalism in favour of the ideological and financial interests of the economic enterprise. The author here studies the role of the Spanish journal El País during eight days in May 2007 when a Venezuelan TV station did not obtain the broadcast license renewal.

Cuando un medio introduce en su agenda un tema de forma llamativa y monocorde durante varios días, con un alto despliegue de medios, recursos tecnológicos y personas, estamos ante lo que ya técnicamente se conoce en la literatura científica como ‘frenesí periodístico’. La objetividad y variedad informativa da paso al monotema, muchas veces empujado por intereses políticos, empresariales o simplemente de oportunidad. El autor estudia el caso de la intervención del diario «El País» durante ocho días de mayo de 2007, cuando una emisora venezolana de televisión no logró renovar la licencia administrativa para hacer uso del espectro público.
Imaging of Oxygen‐Containing Groups on Walls of Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Pumera Martin
Published: November 2008

A method for highly precise and high‐resolution imaging and location of oxygen‐containing groups on the walls of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is presented. The soft‐chemistry approach is used by means of tagging oxygen‐containing groups on the surface of CNTs with EuIII through coordinate covalent bonds. EuIII ions bonded to oxygen‐containing groups are observed by high‐angle annular dark‐field scanning TEM.

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Enzymatic Polymerization of Phosphonate Nucleosides
Authors: Renders Marleen , Lievrouw Roel , Krecmerová Marcela , Holý Antonin , Herdewijn Piet
Published: November 2008

5′‐O‐Phosphonomethyl‐2′‐deoxyadenosine (PMdA) proved to be a good substrate of the Therminator polymerase. In this article, we investigated whether the A, C, T and U analogues of this phosphonate nucleoside (PMdN) series can function as substrates of natural DNA polymerases. PMdT and PMdU could only be polymerized enzymatically to a limited extent. Nevertheless, PMdA and PMdC could be incorporated into a DNA duplex with complete chain elongation by all the DNA polymerases tested. A mixed sequence of four nucleotides containing modified C, T and A residues could be obtained with the Vent(exo−) and Therminator polymerases. The kinetic values for the incorporation of PMdA by Vent(exo−) polymerase were determined; a reduced KM value was found for the incorporation of PMdA compared to the natural substrate. Future polymerase directed evolution studies will allow us to select an enzyme with a heightened capacity to process these modified DNA building blocks into modified strands.
Diphenyl Ether Non‐Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors with Excellent Potency Against Resistant Mutant Viruses and Promising Pharmacokinetic Properties
Authors: Sweeney Zachary K. , Kennedy‐Smith Joshua J. , Wu Jeffrey , Arora Nidhi , Billedeau J. Roland , Davidson James P. , Fretland Jennifer , Hang Julie Q. , Heilek Gabrielle M. , Harris Seth F. , Hirschfeld Donald , Inbar Petra , Javanbakht Hassan , Jernelius Jesper A. , Jin Qingwu , Li Yu , Liang Weiling , Roetz Ralf , Sarma Keshab , Smith Mark , Stefanidis Dimitrio , Su Guoping , Suh Judy M. , Villaseñor Armando G. , Welch Michael , Zhang Fang‐Jie , Klumpp Klaus
Published: November 2008

Non‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) are part of the preferred treatment regimens for individuals infected with HIV. These NNRTI‐based regimens are efficacious, but the most popular NNRTIs have a low genetic barrier to resistance and have been associated with adverse events. There is therefore still a need for efficacious antiviral medicines that facilitate patient adherence and allow durable suppression of viral replication. As part of an extensive program targeted toward the discovery of NNRTIs that have favorable pharmacokinetic properties, good potency against NNRTI‐resistant viruses, and a high genetic barrier to drug resistance, we focused on the optimization of a series of diaryl ether NNRTIs. In the course of this effort, we employed molecular modeling to design a new set of NNRTIs that that are active against wild‐type HIV and key NNRTI‐resistant mutant viruses. The structure–activity relationships observed in this series of compounds provide insight into the structural features required for NNRTIs that inhibit the replication of a wide range of mutant viruses. Selected compounds have promising pharmacokinetic profiles.
Improved survival for fallopian tube cancer
Authors: Wethington Stephanie L. , Herzog Thomas J. , Seshan Venkatraman E. , Bansal Nisha , Schiff Peter B. , Burke William M. , Cohen Carmel J. , Wright Jason D.
Published: November 2008

BACKGROUND.

Fallopian tube cancers are rare neoplasms. These malignancies are thought to behave biologically and clinically like ovarian cancer. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical behavior and outcome of fallopian tube and ovarian cancer.

METHODS.

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database was reviewed to identify women with tumors of the fallopian tube (FT) and ovary (OV) diagnosed between 1988 and 2004. Demographic and clinical data were compared, and the impact of tumor site on survival was analyzed using Cox models and the Kaplan‐Meier method.

RESULTS.

A total of 55,825 patients were identified, 1576 (3%) with FT and 54,249 (97%) with OV cancer. FT patients were more likely to present with early stage tumors (P < .001). Among FT patients, 47% had stage I/II tumors compared with 29% of OV cancers. In an adjusted Cox model of all patients, cancer‐specific mortality was 48% lower in FT patients (hazard ratio, 0.52; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.48‐0.56) compared with OV cancer. Among patients with FT tumors, advanced age and stage were independent predictors of decreased survival. When stratified by stage, survival was similar for stage I and II tumors, but stage III and IV FT patients had an improved survival. The 5‐year survival for stage III FT cancer was 54% (95% CI, 48%‐60%), compared with 30% (95% CI, 29%‐31%) for OV.

CONCLUSIONS.

Fallopian tube cancers present earlier and at advanced stage have a better overall survival than primary ovarian malignancies. Future clinical trials should recognize the possible distinct clinical behavior of fallopian tube cancers. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Galanin is a selective marker of the retrotrapezoid nucleus in rats
Authors: Stornetta Ruth L. , Spirovski Darko , Moreira Thiago S. , Takakura Ana C. , West Gavin H. , Gwilt Justin M. , Pilowsky Paul M. , Guyenet Patrice G.
Published: November 2008

The rat retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN) contains CO2‐activated neurons that contribute to the central chemoreflex and to breathing automaticity. These neurons have two known markers, the transcription factor Phox2b and vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (VGLUT2). Noncatecholaminergic galanin‐immunoreactive (ir) neurons within a region of the lower brainstem that seems identical to what is currently defined as the RTN have been previously described. Here we ask whether these galanin‐expressing neurons are the same cells as the recently characterized CO2‐sensitive neurons of the RTN. By using in situ hybridization, we found that pre‐pro‐galanin (PPGal) mRNA is expressed by an isolated cluster of neurons that is co‐extensive with the RTN as defined by a population of strongly Phox2b‐ir neurons devoid of tyrosine hydroxylase (Phox2b+/TH− neurons). This bilateral structure contains about 1,000 PPGal mRNA‐positive neurons in the rat. The PPGal mRNA‐positive neurons were Phox2b+/TH− and as susceptible to destruction by the toxin [Sar9, Met (O2)11]‐substance P as the rest of the RTN Phox2b+/TH− cells of the RTN. CO2‐activated neurons were recorded in the RTN of anesthetized rats and were labeled with biotinamide. Many of those cells (7/17, 41%, five rats) contained PPGal‐mRNA. In conclusion, galanin mRNA is a very specific marker of the glutamatergic Phox2b+/TH− neurons of the RTN, but galanin mRNA identifies only half of these putative central respiratory chemoreceptors. J. Comp. Neurol. 512:373–383, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dopamine's role in social modulation of infant isolation‐induced vocalization: I. Reunion responses to the dam, but not littermates, are dopamine dependent
Authors: Shair Harry N. , Muller Jeff M. , Moore Holly
Published: November 2008

Rat pups' vocalization during social separation and the cessation of vocalization upon social reunion (contact quieting) model early life affiliative relationships. The present study examined the roles of dopamine (DA) receptors in regulating contact quieting. Contact quieting to the dam, but not to littermates, was disrupted by either blockade or exogenous stimulation of DA D1‐like receptors. The D2 antagonist raclopride also prevented the quieting effect of reunion with the dam and had a lesser effect on the quieting properties of littermates. In contrast, the D2 agonist quinpirole permitted or enhanced contact quieting. Combined systemic and local striatal administration of D2 ligands showed that stimulation of striatal D2 receptors can enhance, but is not necessary for, contact quieting to the dam. These results are consistent with the literature linking the neural mechanisms of affiliation and reinforcement. This is also the first demonstration that the neurochemical substrates of an infant comfort response to dams differ from a behaviorally similar response to siblings. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 51: 131–146, 2009
Palladium‐Catalyzed Oligocyclizations of 2‐Bromoalk‐1‐ene‐(n+1),(m+n+1)‐diynes – Influence of Tether Lengths and Substituents on the Outcome of the Reaction (Part I)
Authors: Tokan Wajdi M. , Meyer Frank E. , Schweizer Stefan , Parsons Philip J. , de Meijere Armin
Published: November 2008

The outcomes and the mechanistic pathways of the palladium‐catalyzed Heck‐type cascade oligocyclizations of various 2‐bromoalkenediynes were explored with respect to the lengths of the tethers between the multiple bonds and the nature of the substituent at the acetylenic terminus. Just like substrates containing two three‐atom tethers, 2‐bromotridec‐1‐ene‐6,13‐diynes 10a,b with one three‐ and one four‐atom tether undergo two consecutive intramolecular 5‐ and 6‐exo‐dig carbopalladations with subsequent 6π‐electrocyclization and β‐hydride elimination to form tricycles 35a,b with a central benzene ring in 67 and 61 % yield, respectively, independent of the fact that 10a contains an electron donor and 10b an electron acceptor at the acetylene terminus. However, when 2‐bromotetradec‐1‐ene‐7,13‐diynes 22, 29 on one side and 16, 27, 31 on the other are subjected to Heck reaction conditions, tricycles with a central benzene ring are formed only, when the substituent at the acetylene terminus is not a methoxycarbonyl group as in 22, 29. Thus, the bisannelated benzene derivatives 36 and 37 are formed from 22 and 29 in 79 and 18 % yield, respectively, whereas 16, 27 and 31 with their methoxycarbonyl substituents at the acetylenic end yield tetracyclic systems 38, 39 and 40, consisting of a central five‐membered and two annelated six‐membered as well as an additional annelated three‐membered ring, predominantly (54, 19 and 18 % yield, respectively). The cascade reaction leading to the latter products must involve a 5‐exo‐trig carbopalladation rather than 6π‐electrocyclization as the third step. Apparently, the nature and the substitution pattern of the tether in the substrates 16, 22, 31 linking the vinyl bromide moiety with the internal acetylene affect the yield of the tetracyclic product.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Structural Analysis of the Capsular Polysaccharide from Acinetobacter lwoffii F78
Authors: Hanuszkiewicz Anna , Kaczyński Zbigniew , Lindner Buko , Goldmann Torsten , Vollmer Ekkehard , Debarry Jennifer , Heine Holger , Holst Otto
Published: November 2008

The capsular polysaccharide from Acinetobacter lwoffii F78 was isolated and purified, and its structure was elucidated by chemical analyses, NMR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. The presence of a capsule on this bacterium was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy experiments, and the utilization of the antilipid A monoclonal antibody proved the nonendotoxin origin of the isolated material. The structure represents a novel nonbranched aminopolysaccharide with high heterogeneity of amino groups substituents: →3)‐α‐L‐FucNAc‐(1→3)‐β‐D‐QuiNR14NR2‐(1→4)‐β‐L‐GlcNR33NR4A‐(1→, where R1 = 3‐hydroxybutyric acid (3‐HBA) or N‐acetylated alanine (AlaNAc), R2 = AlaNAc or 3‐HBA, R3 = acetyl or 3‐HBA, and R4 = 3‐HBA or acetyl.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Truly Catalytic and Chemoselective Cleavage of Benzylidene Acetal with Phosphomolybdic Acid Supported on Silica Gel
Authors: Kumar Ponminor Senthil , Kumar Gaddale Devanna Kishore , Baskaran Sundarababu
Published: November 2008

Phosphomolybdic acid supported on silica gel provides a truly catalytic method for the chemoselective cleavage of benzylidene acetals having sensitive functional groups under mild conditions. It is easy to perform on large scale owing to minimal catalyst loading (0.5 mol‐%). Several sensitive functional groups such as TBDPS ether, ‐OMs, ‐OAc, allyl ether, N‐Boc, N‐Fmoc and N‐Cbz are stable under the reaction conditions. In addition, benzylidene acetal is selectively cleaved in the presence of isopropylidene ketal.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Application of Impedimetric and Voltammetric Genosensor for Detection of a Biological Warfare: Anthrax
Authors: Kara Pinar , Meric Buket , Ozsoz Mehmet
Published: November 2008

A strategy for the detection of anthrax, which is a potential biological weapon by using an electrochemical genosensing technology, is investigated. An alkanathiol‐linked or unlabeled capture probe related to B. anthracis is immobilized onto gold or graphite electrode surface. A 101‐mer anthrax target is used for hybridization. The extent of hybridization between probe and target sequences is determined by using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and electrochemical impedance spectrometry (EIS). EIS analysis are based on electron transfer resistance (Rct) in the presence of [Fe(CN)6]3−/4− and DPV measurements are based on transduction of both guanine oxidation and Meldola's blue (MDB) reduction signal as hybridization indicator. The response of the probe‐modified electrodes which was interacted with a noncomplementary sequence was the same as the responses of probe‐modified surface and proved the specifity of the hybridization with the target. According to these results the developed genosensors based on EIS and DPV techniques can be employed for rapid and selective detection of B. anthracis.
Public insurance and private savings: who is affected and by how much?
Authors: Maynard Alex , Qiu Jiaping
Published: November 2008

This paper employs a recently developed instrumental quantile regression method to investigate the effect of Medicaid on household savings across different wealth groups. It finds that the disincentive effect of Medicaid on household savings is heavily concentrated in the middle net‐worth households. In contrast, the effects on the bottom and top net‐worth households are quite small and insignificant. These heterogeneous incentive effects are partly explained by Medicaid asset tests. Our findings hold regardless of whether affluence is measured in terms of wealth or income. They suggest that despite generating substantial crowd‐out for the mean household, Medicaid expansions are unlikely to discourage the savings of the poorest households. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biochemical characterization of membrane fractions in murine sperm: Identification of three distinct sub‐types of membrane rafts
Authors: Asano Atsushi , Selvaraj Vimal , Buttke Danielle E. , Nelson Jacquelyn L. , Green Karin M. , Evans James E. , Travis Alexander J.
Published: November 2008

Despite enormous interest in membrane raft micro‐domains, no studies in any cell type have defined the relative compositions of the raft fractions on the basis of their major components—sterols, phospholipids, and proteins—or additional raft‐associating lipids such as the ganglioside, GM1. Our previous localization data in live sperm showed that the plasma membrane overlying the acrosome represents a stabilized platform enriched in GM1 and sterols. These findings, along with the physiological requirement for sterol efflux for sperm to function, prompted us to characterize sperm membrane fractions biochemically. After confirming limitations of commonly used detergent‐based approaches, we utilized a non‐detergent‐based method, separating membrane fractions that were reproducibly distinct based on sterol, GM1, phospholipid, and protein compositions (both mass amounts and molar ratios). Based on fraction buoyancy and biochemical composition, we identified at least three highly reproducible sub‐types of membrane raft. Electron microscopy revealed that raft fractions were free of visible contaminants and were separated by buoyancy rather than morphology. Quantitative proteomic comparisons and fluorescence localization of lipids suggested that different organelles contributed differentially to individual raft sub‐types, but that multiple membrane micro‐domain sub‐types could exist within individual domains. This has important implications for scaffolding functions broadly associated with rafts. Most importantly, we show that the common practice of characterizing membrane domains as either “raft” or “non‐raft” oversimplifies the actual biochemical complexity of cellular membranes. J. Cell. Physiol. 218: 537–548, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Proteasome inhibitor MG132 induces BAG3 expression through activation of heat shock factor 1
Authors: Du Zhen‐Xian , Zhang Hai‐Yan , Meng Xin , Gao Yan‐Yan , Zou Ren‐Long , Liu Bao‐Qin , Guan Yifu , Wang Hua‐Qin
Published: November 2008

BAG3 protein, a member of the BAG co‐chaperones family, sustains cell survival in a variety of normal and neoplastic cell types, via its interaction with a variety of partners, such as the heat shock protein (HSP) 70, Bcl‐2, Raf‐1 and others. Expression of BAG3 is induced by some stressful stimuli, such as heat shock, heavy metal exposure. We have reported that proteasome inhibitors can also induce BAG3 expression at the transcriptional level and the induction of BAG3 compromises proteasome inhibitors‐mediated apoptosis. However, the molecular mechanism of BAG3 upregulation has not been elucidated. In the current study, we provide evidence that heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1) is involved in BAG3 induction by proteasome inhibitor MG132. Using a series of varying lengths of 5′‐flanking region of the BAG3 gene into luciferase reporter vectors, we found that MG132 stimulated the promoter activity via the −326/−233 and −825/−689 regions, which contains one putative heat shock‐responsive element (HSE) for HSF1‐binding, respectively. Site‐directed deletion of the sites abrogated the enhanced reporter activity in response to MG132 treatment. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay demonstrated that HSF1 directly bound to the MG132‐responsive site on the BAG3 promoter. Activation of HSF1 occurred with MG132 along with BAG3 upregulation. Furthermore, knockdown HSF1 by small interfering RNA attenuated the BAG3 upregulation due to MG132.These results indicate that the proteasome inhibitor MG132 induces BAG3 expression through HSF1 activation. J. Cell. Physiol. 218: 631–637, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The epidermal growth factor receptor ligands at a glance
Authors: Schneider Marlon R. , Wolf Eckhard
Published: November 2008

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) regulates key processes of cell biology, including proliferation, survival, and differentiation during development, tissue homeostasis, and tumorigenesis. Canonical EGFR activation involves the binding of seven peptide growth factors. These ligands are synthesized as transmembrane proteins comprising an N‐terminal extension, the EGF module, a short juxtamembrane stalk, a hydrophobic transmembrane domain, and a carboxy‐terminal fragment. The central structural and functional feature is the EGF module, a sequence containing six cysteines in a conserved spacement which is responsible for binding to the EGFR. While the membrane‐anchored peptide can be biologically active by juxtacrine signaling, in most cases the EGF module is proteolytically cleaved (a process termed ectodomain shedding) to release the soluble growth factor, which may act in an endocrine, paracrine, or autocrine fashion. This review summarizes the structural and functional properties of these fascinating molecules and presents selected examples to illustrate their roles in development, physiology, and pathology. J. Cell. Physiol. 218: 460–466, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Topical delivery of interleukin‐13 antisense oligonucleotides with cationic elastic liposome for the treatment of atopic dermatitis
Authors: Kim Sung Tae , Lee Kyung‐Mi , Park Hyun‐Joo , Jin Su‐Eon , Ahn Woong Shick , Kim Chong‐Kook
Published: November 2008

Background

Interleukin (IL)‐13, overproduced in the skin of atopic dermatitis (AD), has been shown to play an essential role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Thus, inhibition of IL‐13 production should provide a key step to alleviate disease conditions of the atopic skin. In the present study, IL‐13 antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) was designed and formulated with cationic elastic liposome (cEL) to improve transdermal delivery.

Methods

ASOs were generated against murine IL‐13 mRNA (+4 to + 23) and complexed with cEL. Physicochemical properties of IL‐13 ASO/cEL complex were examined by DNA retardation and DNase I protection assay. An in vitro inhibition study was performed in T‐helper 2 (Th2) cells and cytotoxicity was tested by the XTT assay. The in vivo effect of IL‐13 ASO/cEL complex was tested in a murine model of AD.

Results

In vitro, the IL‐13 ASO/cEL complex showed dose‐ and ratio‐dependent inhibition of IL‐13 secretion in Th2 cells. At the IL‐13 ASO/cEL ratio of 6, maximum inhibition of IL‐13 secretion was observed. When applied to the ovalbumin‐sensitized murine model of AD, topically administered IL‐13 ASO/cEL complex dramatically suppressed IL‐13 production (by up to 70% of the control) in the affected skin region. In addition, the levels of IL‐4 and IL‐5 were also significantly reduced. Moreover, IL‐13 ASO/cEL‐treated AD mice showed reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells into the epidermal and dermal areas, with concomitant reduction of skin thickness.

Conclusions

These data suggests that IL‐13 ASO/cEL complex can provide a potential therapeutic tool for the treatment of AD and also be applied to other immune diseases associated with the production of Il‐13. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Poly[lactic‐co‐(glycolic acid)]‐Grafted Hyaluronic Acid Copolymer Micelle Nanoparticles for Target‐Specific Delivery of Doxorubicin
Authors: Lee Hyukjin , Ahn Cheol‐Hee , Park Tae Gwan
Published: November 2008

PLGA‐grafted HA copolymers were synthesized and utilized as target specific micelle carriers for DOX. For grafting hydrophobic PLGA chains onto the backbone of hydrophilic HA, HA was solubilized in an anhydrous DMSO by nano‐complexing with dimethoxy‐PEG. The carboxylic groups of HA were chemically grafted with PLGA, producing HA‐g‐PLGA copolymers. Resultant HA‐g‐PLGA self‐assembled in aqueous solution to form multi‐cored micellar aggregates and DOX was encapsulated during the self‐assembly. DOX‐loaded HA‐g‐PLGA micelle nanoparticles exhibited higher cellular uptake and greater cytotoxicity than free DOX for HCT‐116 cells that over‐expressed HA receptor, suggesting that they were taken up by the cells via HA receptor‐mediated endocytosis.

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Charge/Discharge Properties of Organometallic Batteries Fabricated with Ferrocene–Containing Polymers
Authors: Tamura Kosaku , Akutagawa Nao , Satoh Masaharu , Wada Jun , Masuda Toshio
Published: November 2008

A group of ferrocene‐containing polymers were synthesized from vinylferrocene, ethynylferrocene and 1,1′‐dibromoferrocene, and properties of the formed polymers were examined to clarify their potential as a new class of cathode‐active, charge‐storage materials for rechargeable batteries. Vinylferrocene polymerized with 2,2′‐azoisobutyronitrile (AIBN) to give a polymer with number‐average molecular weights of 2 200–5 100 g · mol−1 in 12–41% yields, while ethynylferrocene and 1,1′‐dibromoferrocene polymerized with Rh catalysts and by step‐growth mechanism, respectively, to provide insoluble polymers in 71–96% yields. The capacities of organometallic rechargeable cells fabricated with poly(vinylferrocene), poly(ethynylferrocene), and poly(ferrocene) reached 105, 105, and 95 Ah · kg−1, respectively. In particular, poly(vinylferrocene) displayed completely reversible charge/discharge processes featuring a constant voltage of around 3.5 V.

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Effective utility functions induced by organizational target‐based incentives
Authors: Abbas Ali E. , Matheson James E. , Bordley Robert F.
Published: November 2008

Many companies set performance targets for their divisions to decentralize the decision‐making process and communicate with outside investors. This paper analyzes the effects of performance targets on the decision‐making behavior of the divisions. We introduce the notion of an ‘effective utility function’—a function that a division should use in its selection of projects if it wishes to maximize the probability of achieving its targets. We show that many target‐based incentives induce S‐shaped utility functions and discuss the organizational problems they may pose. We then show how an organization can set targets that induce expected utility maximization. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transplanted dopaminergic neurons develop PD pathologic changes: A second case report
Authors: Kordower Jeffrey H. , Chu Yaping , Hauser Robert A. , Olanow C.Warren , Freeman Thomas B.
Published: November 2008

This report describes pathological changes within the grafted neurons of another patient with Parkinson's disease (PD) who died 14 years posttransplantation. Although numerous healthy appearing grafted neurons were present at this long‐term time point, some displayed Lewy bodies as evidenced by alpha‐synuclein, ubiquitin, and thioflavin‐S staining. Additionally, there was a general loss of dopamine transporter‐immunoreactivity in grafted neurons. Some grafted cell displayed a loss of tyrosine hydroxylase. These data support the emerging concept that PD‐like pathology is seen in young grafted neurons when they survive long term. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
CH···N and CH···O intramolecular hydrogen bonding effects in the 1H, 13C and 15 N NMR spectra of the configurational isomers of 1‐vinylpyrrole‐2‐carbaldehyde oxime substantiated by DFT calculations
Authors: Afonin Andrei V. , Ushakov Igor A. , Vashchenko Alexander V. , Simonenko Dmitry E. , Ivanov Andrei V. , Vasil'tsov Alexander M. , Mikhaleva Al'bina I. , Trofimov Boris A.
Published: November 2008

According to the 1H, 13C and 15N NMR spectroscopic data and DFT calculations, the E‐isomer of 1‐vinylpyrrole‐2‐carbaldehyde adopts preferable conformation with the anti‐orientation of the vinyl group relative to the carbaldehyde oxime group and with the syn‐arrangement of the carbaldehyde oxime group with reference to the pyrrole ring. This conformation is stabilized by the CH···N intramolecular hydrogen bond between the α‐hydrogen of the vinyl group and the oxime group nitrogen, which causes a pronounced high‐frequency shift of the α‐hydrogen signal in 1H NMR (∼0.5 ppm) and an increase in the corresponding one‐bond 13C–1H coupling constant (ca 4 Hz). In the Z‐isomer, the carbaldehyde oxime group turns to the anti‐position with respect to the pyrrole ring. The CH···O intramolecular hydrogen bond between the H‐3 hydrogen of the pyrrole ring and the oxime group oxygen is realized in this case. Due to such hydrogen bonding, the H‐3 hydrogen resonance is shifted to a higher frequency by about 1 ppm and the one‐bond 13C–1H coupling constant for this proton increases by ∼5 Hz. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Which pulse sequence is optimal for myo‐inositol detection at 3T?
Authors: Hancu Ileana
Published: November 2008

Optimized myo‐inositol (mI) detection is important for diagnosing and monitoring a multitude of pathological conditions of the brain. Simulations are presented in this work, performed to decide which pulse sequence has the most significant advantage in terms of improving repeatability and accuracy of mI measurements at 3T over the pulse sequence used typically in the clinic, a TE = 35 ms PRESS sequence. Five classes of pulse sequences, four previously suggested for optimized mI detection (a short TE PRESS, a Carr‐Purcell PRESS sequence, an optimized STEAM sequence, an optimized zero quantum filter), and one optimized for mI detection in this work (a single quantum filter) were compared to a standard, TE = 35 ms pulse sequence. While limiting the SNR of an acquisition to the equivalent SNR of a spectrum acquired in 5 min from an 8 cc voxel, it was found through simulations that the most repeatable mI measurements would be obtained with a Carr‐Purcell sequence. This sequence was implemented in a clinical scanner, and improved mI measurements were demonstrated in vivo. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanistic investigation on the oxidation of ampicillin drug by diperiodatoargentate (III) in aqueous alkaline medium
Authors: Hosamani Ragunatharaddi R. , Shetti Nagaraj P. , Nandibewoor Sharanappa T.
Published: November 2008

The kinetics of oxidation of antibiotic drug, ampicillin (AMP) by diperiodatoargentate (III) (DPA) in alkaline medium at a constant ionic strength of 0.25‐mol dm−3 was studied spectrophotometrically. The reaction between DPA and AMP in alkaline medium exhibits 1:2 stoichiometry (AMP:DPA). The reaction is of first order in [DPA] and has less than unit order in both [AMP] and [alkali]. Added periodate retarded the rate of reaction and intervention of free radicals was observed in the reaction. The oxidation reaction in alkaline medium has been shown to proceed via a DPA–AMP complex, which decomposes slowly in a rate‐determining step followed by other fast steps to give the products. The main products were identified by spot test, IR and NMR studies. The reaction constants involved in the different steps of the mechanism are calculated. The activation parameters with respect to slow step of the mechanism were computed and discussed and thermodynamic quantities were also determined. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.