bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Self‐Sacrificing Template Route to Spinel MIIIn2S4 (MII = Mn, Zn, Cd, Fe, Co, Ni) and MIIn5S8 (MI = Cu, Ag) Porous Microspheres
Authors: Lei Shuijin , Tang Kaibin , Qi Yunxia , Fang Zhen , Zheng Huagui
Published: April 2006

A facile, self‐sacrificing template route has been developed to synthesize spinel MIIIn2S4 (MII = Mn, Zn, Cd, Fe, Co, Ni) and MIIn5S8 (MI = Cu, Ag) porous microspheres. The BET surface areas of the products are around 70 m2 g–1. The urchin‐like In2.77S4 microspheres precursor acts as both starting material and template to confine the growth of the final products. The phase structures and morphologies of the products were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and electron diffraction. Possible formation process and growth mechanism for the porous structure are proposed based on the experimental results. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Cultural macroevolution and the transmission of traits
Authors: Borgerhoff Mulder Monique , Nunn Charles L. , Towner Mary C.
Published: April 2006

Cultural traits are distributed across human societies in a patterned way. Study of the mechanisms whereby cultural traits persist and change over time is key to understanding human cultural diversity. For more than a century, a central question has engaged anthropologists interested in the study of cultural trait variation: What is the source of cultural variation? More precisely, are cultural traits transmitted primarily from ancestral to descendant populations (vertical transmission) or between contemporary, typically neighboring populations (horizontal transmission), or do they emerge as independent innovations? While debates among unilineal evolutionists and diffusionists have long since faded, there is still much uncertainty about how traits are transmitted at this macroevolutionary level, as well as about the implications of these transmission patterns for testing hypotheses regarding the adaptive function of particular cultural traits across human populations.
Differential liver sensitization to Toll-like receptor pathways in mice with alcoholic fatty liver
Authors: Gustot Thierry , Lemmers Arnaud , Moreno Christophe , Nagy Nathalie , Quertinmont Eric , Nicaise Charles , Franchimont Denis , Louis Hubert , Devière Jacques , Le Moine Olivier
Published: April 2006

Gut-derived, endotoxin-mediated hepatocellular damage has been postulated to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of alcohol-induced liver injury in rodents. Endotoxins induce production of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) by Kupffer cells via Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 and contribute to liver injury. This study addressed the contribution of other TLRs and ligands to alcoholic fatty liver. C57Bl6/J mice were fed a modified Lieber-DeCarli diet. Serum aminotransferase measurements, histological analysis, and quantification of liver TNF-α and TLR1-9 messenger RNA (mRNA) were performed. The effect of TLR ligands on liver injury was assessedin vivo. Neomycin and metronidazole or diphenyleneiodonium sulfate (DPI) were administered to evaluate the role of gut bacteria and NADPH oxidase activity, respectively, in hepatic TLR expression. Enteral ethanol (EtOH) exposure induced steatosis and increased liver weight, aminotransferase levels, and expression of TLR1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, and 9 liver mRNA. Injection of lipoteichoic acid, peptidoglycan (PGN), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), loxoribine, and oligonucleotide containing CpG (ISS-ODN) increased TNF-α mRNA expression more in the livers of EtOH-fed mice than in control mice. PGN, LPS, flagellin, and ISS-ODN induced liver inflammatory infiltrate in EtOH-fed mice but not control mice. Addition of antibiotics reduced the severity of alcoholic fatty liver without affecting TLR expression, whereas daily DPI injections reduced the EtOH-mediated upregulation of TLR2, 4, 6, and 9 mRNA.In conclusion, EtOH-fed mice exhibited an oxidative stress dependent on upregulation of multiple TLRs in the liver and are sensitive to liver inflammation induced by multiple bacterial products recognized by TLRs. (Hepatology 2006;43:989–1000.)
Altered hepatobiliary gene expressions in PFIC1: ATP8B1 gene defect is associated with CFTR downregulation
Authors: Demeilliers Christine , Jacquemin Emmanuel , Barbu Véronique , Mergey Martine , Paye François , Fouassier Laura , Chignard Nicolas , Housset Chantal , Lomri Nour-Eddine
Published: April 2006

Recent reports in patients with PFIC1 have indicated that a gene defect in ATP8B1 could cause deregulations in bile salt transporters through decreased expression and/or activity of FXR. This study aimed to: (1) define ATP8B1 expression in human hepatobiliary cell types, and (2) determine whether ATP8B1 defect affects gene expressions related to bile secretion in these cells. ATP8B1 expression was detected by RT-PCR in hepatocytes and cholangiocytes isolated from normal human liver and gallbladder. ATP8B1 mRNA levels were 20- and 200-fold higher in bile duct and gallbladder epithelial cells, respectively, than in hepatocytes. RT-PCR analyses of the liver from two patients with PFIC1, one with PFIC2, one with biliary atresia, showed that, compared to normal liver, hepatic expressions of FXR, SHP, CYP7A1, ASBT were decreased at least by 90% in all cholestatic disorders. In contrast, NTCP transcripts were less decreased (by ≤30% vs. 97%) in PFIC1 as compared with other cholestatic disorders, while BSEP transcripts, in agreement with BSEP immunohistochemical signals, were normal or less decreased (by 50% vs. 97%). CFTR hepatic expression was decreased (by 80%), exclusively in PFIC1, while bile duct mass was not reduced, as ascertained by cytokeratin-19 immunolabeling. In Mz-ChA-2 human biliary epithelial cells, a significant decrease in CFTR expression was associated with ATP8B1 invalidation by siRNA.

In conclusion

, cholangiocytes are a major site of ATP8B1 hepatobiliary expression. A defect of ATP8B1 along with CFTR downregulation can impair the contribution of these cells to bile secretion, and potentially explain the extrahepatic cystic fibrosis–like manifestations that occur in PFIC1. (Hepatology 2006;43:1125–1134.)
In vitro and in vivo (cyto)toxicity assays using PVC and LDPE as model materials
Authors: Van Tienhoven E. A. E. , Korbee D. , Schipper L. , Verharen H. W. , De Jong W. H.
Published: April 2006

The choice for a biomaterial is partly based on the outcome of (cyto)toxicity assays. The rationales behind the selection of certain parameters, such as cell lines, controls, and animals, were evaluated using a positive and a negative control, and one experimental sample designed to induce intermediate toxicity. Extraction and direct contact assays were performed using human epidermal keratinocytes and mouse fibroblasts and mouse epithelial cells. Cell survival was measured with the tetrazolium salt (MTT) reduction assay. In addition, local implantation studies were performed in mice and rats. The positive control induced a high degree of toxicity in all in vitro tests performed, indicating that the toxicity observed in the direct contact assay was due to in situ extraction of toxic components. In the direct contact assay the negative control tested on the mouse fibroblasts resulted in a significant reduction of cell survival. No decrease in cell survival was found using the experimental sample. Subcutaneous implantation studies in mice showed that the positive control material induced a severe degeneration in mice. However, in rats just minimal alterations were noted. The experimental material induced moderate responses only in mice. Our results indicate that the direct contact assay provides limited additional information on the cytotoxicity of materials if certain limitations are not taken into account. For the in vivo implantation assay mice were superior to rats in detecting local toxic responses. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
Influence of hydroxyapatite microstructure on human bone cell response
Authors: Rouahi Myriam , Gallet Olivier , Champion Eric , Dentzer Joseph , Hardouin Pierre , Anselme Karine
Published: April 2006

Microstructure of calcium phosphate ceramics has been shown to influence long‐term in vitro cellular events like proliferation and differentiation, and to favor bone integration in vivo. As long‐term cellular events are known to be dependent of early cell adhesion events, we decided to study the in vitro influence of the microstructure of a microporous hydroxyapatite (mHA) and a nonmicroporous hydroxyapatite (pHA) ceramic on serum protein adsorption and SaOs‐2 human bone cells attachment after 30 min, 1, 4, and 24 h and cell growth after 96 h. Plastic coverslips were used as controls. Hydroxyapatite composition of mHA and pHA was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction and Fourier transform infra‐red spectroscopy. The surface energies of ceramics were calculated from contact‐angle measurements in di‐iodomethane, water or complete culture medium. The total surface energy was 44.8 mJ/m2 for pHA and 48.7 mJ/m2 for plastic. The contact‐angle measurement was impossible on mHA likely because they displayed 12% of open microporosity, pHA ceramic exhibiting only closed pores (2.5%). Moreover, the roughness amplitude was largely higher on mHA (Sa = 4.35 μm) than on pHA (Sa = 0.065 μm) and plastic (Sa = 0.042 μm). Three different techniques were used to evaluate protein adsorption on the ceramics. SDS‐PAGE of desorbed proteins demonstrated that more proteins desorbed from mHA (66.02 μg/m2) than from pHA (17.2 μg/m2) or plastic (0.08 μg/m2). A new method was used to evaluate in situ the quantity of adsorbed total proteins: the temperature‐programmed desorption (TPD) analysis coupled with mass spectrometry. The TPD analysis confirmed that 10‐fold more proteins adsorbed on mHA compared with those on pHA. A direct immunolabeling on ceramics revealed than more fibronectin and serum albumin adsorbed on microporous ceramic than on dense ceramic. The morphology of SaOs‐2 cells was the same on all the substrates after 30 min. At later time points, cell morphology on mHA was radically different than on other surfaces, with the particularity of the cytoplasmic edge that appeared undistinguishable from the surface. Only the extremity of the cells and lamellipodia were visible. Cells seemed like “adsorbed” by the mHA surface, whereas on plastic and pHA surfaces the cells displayed classical aspects of polygonal spreading. The cells displayed on mHA the highest initial attachment potential after 30 min, 1, 4, 24 h but the lower proliferation potential after four days. This study confirms that a microporous ceramic surface can modulate the adsorption of proteins and further the adhesion and proliferation of human bone cells. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
The influence of the crystallinity of electrostatic spray deposition‐derived coatings on osteoblast‐like cell behavior, in vitro
Authors: Siebers M.C. , Walboomers X.F. , Leeuwenburgh S.C.G. , Wolke J.G.C. , Jansen J.A.
Published: April 2006

This article describes the influence of the crystallinity of carbonate apatite (CA) coatings on osteoblast‐like cell behavior. Porous CA coatings were produced with electrostatic spray deposition (ESD), and subsequently, received heat treatments of 400, 500, or 700°C to induce various coating crystallinities. As a result, an amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP), a crystalline CA (CCA), and a crystalline carbonated hydroxyapatite (CHA) structure were formed, respectively. Uncoated titanium substrates served as the control group. After seeding rat osteoblast‐like cells, the initial cell attachment was similar between the groups, and approached 100% after 6 h. Between the various coatings, no differences were observed for proliferation, differentiation, or mineralization. However, proliferation of the osteoblast‐like cells was lower on all coated substrates after longer culture periods, compared to the uncoated substrates, while at the same time differentiation was stimulated. Furthermore, after 8 and 16 days of incubation, scanning electron microscopy showed more signs of mineralization on coated substrates, compared to the uncoated substrates. In conclusion, porous ESD‐derived CA coatings have a positive effect on the in vitro differentiation of osteoblast‐like cells, compared to uncoated, as‐machined titanium. However, this effect is not further enhanced by the degree of crystallinity of the ESD‐derived CA coatings. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
Peptide‐loaded dendritic‐cell vaccination followed by treatment interruption for chronic HIV‐1 infection: A phase 1 trial
Authors: Ide Fuyuaki , Nakamura Tetsuya , Tomizawa Mariko , Kawana‐Tachikawa Ai , Odawara Takashi , Hosoya Noriaki , Iwamoto Aikichi
Published: April 2006

Immune response enhanced by therapeutic HIV‐1 vaccine may control viral proliferation after discontinuation of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Although which strategies for therapeutic vaccination are feasible remains controversial, application of dendritic cells (DCs) as a vaccine adjuvant represents a promising approach to improving deteriorated immune function in HIV‐1‐infected individuals. The safety and efficacy of DC‐based vaccine loaded with HIV‐1‐derived cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) peptides were thus investigated in this study. Autologous DCs loaded with seven CTL peptides with HLA‐A*2402 restriction were immunized to four HIV‐1‐infected individuals under HAART. In terms of safety, peptide‐loaded DCs were well tolerated, and only mild local and general symptoms were observed during vaccine administration. ELISPOT assays to detect IFN‐γ production in CD8+ lymphocytes revealed a limited breadth of responses to immunized peptides in two of four participants, but no response in the remaining two participants. Differences in immunological response might be attributable to the fact that responders displayed higher nadir CD4 counts before starting HAART and were immunized with a larger number of DCs per reactive peptide than non‐responders. Discontinuation of HAART after vaccination failed to lower viral set points compared to those before starting HAART. This early outcome warrants further exploration to elucidate the therapeutic value of vaccination with DCs in HIV‐1 infection. J. Med. Virol. 78:711–718, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and hepatitis C virus Co‐infection and viral subtypes at an HIV testing center in Brazil
Authors: Pereira G.A.S. , Stefani M.M.A. , Martelli C.M.T. , Turchi M.D. , Siqueira E.M.P. , Carneiro M.A.S. , Martins R.M.B.
Published: April 2006

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing sites have been recognized recently as potential settings for hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening since both viruses share common routes of transmission. HIV and HCV prevalence, predictors, co‐infection rates, and viral subtypes were studied in 592 attendants at an anonymous HIV Counseling and Testing Center in central Brazil. Anti‐HIV‐1 and ‐HCV antibodies were screened by ELISA, and Western blots were used to confirm HIV infection. Among HIV‐seropositive samples, reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and nested‐PCR were used to subtype HIV‐1 by the Heteroduplex Mobility Analysis (HMA) and HCV by the line probe assay (INNO‐LiPA). HIV and HCV seroprevalence was 3.2% (95% CI 2.0–4.9) and 2.5% (95% CI 1.5–4.0), respectively. Intravenous drug use was the risk factor most strongly associated with both HIV and HCV infections, even in a population with few intravenous drug users (n = 6); incarceration was also associated with HCV. HIV/AIDS‐positive sexual partner and homosexual/bisexual behaviors were associated independently with HIV‐1. The prevalence of HCV infection among HIV‐positive persons was 42% (95% CI 20–66), higher than in HIV‐negative persons (1.2%; 95% CI 0.5–2.5). HIV‐1 subtype B was identified in the env and gag regions of the genome. HCV subtype 3a predominated among co‐infected persons and one HCV subtype 1a was detected. Overall, a similar prevalence of HIV and HCV infections and a higher prevalence of HCV among HIV‐positive persons were observed. Integrated HIV and HCV screening at HIV testing sites may represent a unique opportunity to provide diagnosis and prevention strategies at a single visit. J. Med. Virol. 78:719–723, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Network of sexual contacts and sexually transmitted HIV infection in Burkina Faso
Authors: Latora Vito , Nyamba André , Simpore Jacques , Sylvette Bahiré , Diane Sandwidi , Sylvére Bukiki , Musumeci Salvatore
Published: April 2006

Two thirds of the people who have been infected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the world live in Sub‐Saharan African countries. The results of a study measuring the degree distribution of the network of sexual contacts in Burkina Faso are described. Such a network is responsible for the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, and in particular of HIV. It has been found that the number of different sexual partners reported by males is a power law distribution with an exponentγ = 2.9 (0.1). This is consistent with the degree distribution of scale‐free networks. On the other hand, the females can be divided into two groups: the prostitutes with an average of 400 different partners per year, and females with a stable partner, having a rapidly decreasing degree distribution. Such a result may have important implications on the control of sexually transmitted diseases and in particular of HIV. Since scale‐free networks have no epidemic threshold, a campaign based on prevention and anti‐viral treatment of few highly connected nodes can be more successful than any policy based on enlarged but random distribution of the available anti‐viral treatments. J. Med. Virol. 78:724–729, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Screening for vaginal shedding of cytomegalovirus in healthy pregnant women using real‐time PCR: Correlation of CMV in the vagina and adverse outcome of pregnancy
Authors: Tanaka Kaori , Yamada Hideto , Minami Mashiho , Kataoka Soromon , Numazaki Kei , Minakami Hisanori , Tsutsumi Hiroyuki
Published: April 2006

The impact of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection of the genital tract during pregnancy on adverse pregnancy outcomes is not understood fully. A real‐time PCR assay was used to determine vaginal shedding of CMV in 993 healthy pregnant Japanese women and the results were compared with the outcome of pregnancy. CMV DNA was detected in 76 (7.7%) of the women. The outcome of pregnancy could be determined finally in 848 women, of whom 60 (7.1%) were CMV positive. The carriers of CMV had an increased miscarriage rate (RR 6.96, 95% CI 2.04–23.84, P < 0.01). These findings suggest that latent genital tract CMV infection predisposes to adverse pregnancy outcomes. J. Med. Virol. 78:757–759, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clonality analysis by sequence variation of the latent membrane protein 1 gene in patients with chronic active Epstein–Barr virus infection
Authors: Shibata Yukiko , Hoshino Yo , Hara Shinya , Yagasaki Hiroshi , Kojima Seiji , Nishiyama Yukihiro , Morishima Tsuneo , Kimura Hiroshi
Published: April 2006

Chronic active Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection is a severe systemic disease associated with high rates of mortality and morbidity. Recent studies suggest that the clonal expansion of EBV‐infected T or natural killer cells plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of chronic active EBV infection. However, it is not clear whether chronic active EBV infection is truly a monoclonal disorder that originates from one cell. The clonality of EBV was investigated by sequence variation of the latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) gene, which has a high degree of sequence heterogeneity. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were obtained from nine Japanese patients with chronic active EBV infection and four with infectious mononucleosis. A carboxyl‐terminal region of the LMP1 gene was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The amplified PCR products were subcloned, and 18 clones from each sample were sequenced. Patients with chronic active EBV infection each had two to five different LMP1 nucleotide sequences, whereas patients with infectious mononucleosis each had one to seven different sequences. Patients with chronic active EBV infection and infectious mononucleosis both had one dominant sequence. Longitudinal analysis was performed in four patients with chronic active EBV infection, in whom the dominant strains were found to have remained unchanged for several years. The results suggest that EBV in patients with chronic active EBV infection was polyclonal, although clonal expansion may occur. Collectively, these findings are critical to clarify further the pathogenesis of chronic active EBV infection and aid in the development of effective treatment strategies. J. Med. Virol. 78:770–779, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adverse response of non‐indigenous cattle of European breeds to live attenuated Smithburn Rift Valley fever vaccine
Authors: Botros Boulos , Omar Adel , Elian Khairat , Mohamed Gihan , Soliman Atef , Salib Adel , Salman Diaa , Saad Magdi , Earhart Kenneth
Published: April 2006

Three hundred eighteen European cows and 115 buffaloes were vaccinated with locally prepared Smithburn vaccine, of which, 100 cows and 20 buffaloes were pregnant. Twenty‐eight cows aborted within 72 days post‐vaccination, buffaloes did not abort. Blood samples collected 77 days post‐vaccination from aborted cows, 17 pregnant cows, 5 pregnant buffaloes, and 32 non‐pregnant cows. Sera were tested by ELISA for anti‐RVF IgM and IgG. All aborted cows were strongly positive for IgG. Five of 17 cows and two of five buffaloes that did not abort were IgG positive. The percentage of IgM positives in aborted cows was 25% and 0% in non‐aborted cows. The percentage of IgG positives in pregnant non‐aborted cows was lower than in non‐pregnant cows. The percentage of IgG positives of non‐pregnant cows was lower than pregnant aborted cows. Virus was isolated from one aborted fetus. The nucleotide sequence of fetus virus was compared to Smithburn of Onderstepoort, local Smithburn and virus isolates from 1993 to 1994 and 1977 RVF outbreaks. The nucleotide sequences of Onderstepoort and Egyptian Smithburn vaccines were almost identical. The sequences of 1993–1994 isolates were identical to 1977 outbreak virus. Virus from the fetus had two mutations; it is apparently a variant that is genetically distant from local Smithburn and Onderstepoort vaccines. Fetus virus was genetically distant from virus of 1993/1994 and 1977 outbreaks. In conclusion, antibody response to vaccination with local Smithburn had occurred in some, but not all the cows and buffaloes. Virus isolation from the fetus suggests in utero transmission of used vaccine virus, which resulted in high abortions in European cows. J. Med. Virol. 78:787–791, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Outbreak of sapovirus infection among infants and children with acute gastroenteritis in Osaka City, Japan during 2004–2005
Authors: Phan Tung Gia , Trinh Quang Duy , Yagyu Fumihiro , Sugita Kumiko , Okitsu Shoko , Müller Werner E.G. , Ushijima Hiroshi
Published: April 2006

One hundred and twenty five fecal specimens were collected from sporadic cases of acute gastroenteritis in a pediatric clinic in Osaka City, Japan from July 2004 to June 2005 and tested for the presence of rotavirus, norovirus, sapovirus, astrovirus, and adenovirus by RT‐multiplex PCR. Among diarrheal viruses detected, norovirus was the most prevalent (19.2%, 24 of 125), followed by group A rotavirus (18.4%, 23 of 125), astrovirus (1.6%, 2 of 125), and adenovirus (0.8%, 1 of 125), respectively. Interestingly, sapovirus infection was identified with high incidence of 17.6% (22 of 125). Sapovirus was subjected to molecular genetic analysis by sequencing. It was found that sapovirus detected in this study was classified into four genotypes (GI/1, GI/4, GI/6, and GI/8), and sapovirus GI/6 was predominant, followed by GI/8 and accounted for 81.8% (18 of 22) and 9.1% (2 of 22), respectively. It was noteworthy that sapovirus GI/6 infection was apparently confined within the period of 5 months (August 2004 through December 2004). This pattern of infection implied the outbreak of sapovirus GI/6 in these patients, which was the first outbreak of acute gastroenteritis attributed to sapovirus in Osaka City. Another interesting feature of the study was the appearance of two novel, naturally occurring recombinant sapoviruses circulating in the Japanese population studied. This report confirmed the presence as well as the importance of sapovirus causing acute gastroenteritis among Japanese infants and children. J. Med. Virol. 78:839–846, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nitric oxide and peroxynitrite induce cellular death in bovine chromaffin cells: Evidence for a mixed necrotic and apoptotic mechanism with caspases activation
Authors: Vicente S. , Pérez‐Rodríguez R. , Oliván A.M. , Martínez Palacián A. , González M.P. , Oset‐Gasque M.J.
Published: April 2006

Treatment of chromaffin cells with nitric oxide (NO) donors (SNP and SNAP) and peroxynitrite produces a time‐ and dose‐dependent necrotic and apoptotic cell death. Necrotic cell death was characterized by both an increase in lactate dehydrogenase and ATP release and changes in nuclei and cell morphology (as seen with fluorescence microscopy analysis with propidium iodide and Hoechst 33342). Apoptotic cell death was characterized by nuclear fragmentation and presence of apoptotic cell bodies, by a decrease in DNA content, and by an increase in DNA fragmentation. Treatment of chromaffin cells with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or cytokines (interferon‐γ, tumor necrosis factor‐α) resulted only in apoptotic cell death. Apoptotic effects of NO‐inducing compounds were specifically reversed, depending on the stimuli, by the NO scavenger carboxy‐PTIO (CPTio) or by the NOS inhibitors L‐NMA and thiocitrulline. NO‐induced apoptotic death in chromaffin cells was concomitant to a cell cycle arrest in G0G1 phase and a decrease in the number of chromaffin cells in the G2M and S phases of cell cycle. All NO‐producing compounds were able to induce activation of caspase 3 and cytochrome c release, and specific inhibitors of caspase 3 and 9, such as Ac‐DEVD‐CHO (CPP32) and Ac‐Z‐LEHD‐FMK, respectively, prevented NO‐induced apoptosis in chromaffin cells. These results suggest that chromaffin cells could be good models for investigating the molecular basis of degeneration in diseases showing death of catecholaminergic neurons, phenomenon in which NO plays an important role. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
α‐Amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methylisoxazole‐4‐propionic acid‐mediated excitotoxic axonal damage is attenuated in the absence of myelin proteolipid protein
Authors: Fowler J.H. , Edgar J.M. , Pringle A. , McLaughlin M. , McCulloch J. , Griffiths I.R. , Garbern J.Y. , Nave K.A. , Dewar D.
Published: April 2006

In vivo and in vitro studies have shown that α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methylisoxazole‐4‐propionic acid (AMPA)‐receptor‐mediated excitotoxicity causes cytoskeletal damage to axons. AMPA/kainate receptors are present on oligodendrocytes and myelin, but currently there is no evidence to suggest that axon cylinders contain AMPA receptors. Proteolipid protein (PLP) and DM20 are integral membrane proteins expressed by CNS oligodendrocytes and located in compact myelin. Humans and mice lacking normal PLP/DM20 develop axonal swellings and degeneration, suggesting that local interactions between axons and the oligodendrocyte/myelin unit are important for the normal functioning of axons and that PLP/DM20 is involved in this process. To determine whether perturbed glial–axonal interaction affects AMPA‐receptor‐mediated axonal damage, AMPA (1.5 nmol) was injected into the caudate nucleus of anesthetized Plp knockout and wild‐type male mice (n = 13). Twenty‐four hours later, axonal damage was detected by using neurofilament 200 (NF 200) immunohistochemistry and neuronal damage detected via histology. AMPA‐induced axonal damage, assessed with NF 200 immunohistochemistry, was significantly reduced in Plp knockout mice compared with wild‐type mice (P = 0.015). There was no significant difference in the levels of neuronal perikaryal damage between the Plp knockout and wild‐type mice. In addition, there was no significant difference in the levels of glutamate receptor subunits GluR1–4 or KA2 in Plp knockout compared with wild‐type littermates. The present study suggests that PLP‐mediated interactions among oligodendrocytes, myelin, and axons may be involved in AMPA‐mediated axonal damage. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spinocerebellar ataxia types 2 and 3 segregating simultaneously in a single family
Authors: França Marcondes C. , Calcagnotto Maria E. , Da Costa Jaderson C. , Lopes‐Cendes Iscia
Published: April 2006

Spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) types 2 and 3 are autosomal‐dominant neurodegenerative disorders caused by mutations in two different genes. We identified mutations for SCA2 and SCA3 segregating simultaneously in a single Brazilian family. The index patient had SCA2, whereas her two second‐degree cousins had SCA3. Disease was more rapidly progressive in the SCA2 patient, who presented severe brainstem and pancerebellar atrophy, as opposed to the two SCA3 patients, who had only mild cerebellar vermian atrophy. In such situations, molecular confirmation of all patients may avoid misdiagnosis of SCA subtypes and eventual errors in predictive testing of unaffected family members. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Neuroanatomy of the brachial plexus: The missing link in the continuity between the central and peripheral nervous systems
Authors: Johnson Elizabeth O. , Vekris Marios D. , Zoubos Aristides B. , Soucacos Panayotis N.
Published: April 2006

The brachial plexus is a complex network of nerves which extends from the neck to the axilla and which supplies motor, sensory, and sympathetic fibers to the upper extremity. Generally it is formed by the union of the ventral primary rami of the spinal nerves, C5–C8 and T1, the so‐called “roots” of the brachial plexus. The goal here is to examine the neural architecture of the brachial plexus. The most constant arrangement of nerve fibers will be delineated, and then the predominant variations in neural architecture will be defined, particularly the prefixed and postfixed plexus, as well as the microanatomy and anatomy of the major terminal branches of the plexus. Multiple tracts connect many parts of the nervous system, and multiple ascending and descending tracts connect the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and lower spinal centers with the brain. This reflects that the nervous system is able to extract different pieces of sensory information from its surroundings and encode them separately, and that it is able to control specific aspects of motor behavior using different sets of neurons. Examination of the major sensory or motor pathways reveals a highly and tightly organized nervous system. In particular, at each of many levels, we see fairly exact maps of the world within the brain. In an effort to understand the functional neuroanatomy of the brachial plexus, this paper will focus briefly on the nervous connections of the nerves of the upper extremity with the brain. The goal here is to better understand “what the brain sees” after nerve injury and repair. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2006
Primary nerve repair in associated lesions of the axillary artery and brachial plexus
Authors: Battiston Bruno , Bertoldo Ugo , Tos Pierluigi , Cimino Francesco
Published: April 2006

Diagnosis becomes more complex when there is an association of a brachial plexus injury with an arterial lesion. The principal clinical picture in most cases is acute ischemia that requires initial treatment in the emergency room, and the final results of nerve repair are generally poorer. Although delayed brachial plexus reconstruction is preferred by some authors, our experience leads us to the opinion that a combined repair presents several advantages. Immediately after trauma, the surgical field is free of scar tissue, and a precise evaluation of both the number and level of damaged nerves may be made. Vascular and nerve repair may be mutually agreed upon by both the vascular surgeon and microsurgeon, and simple sutures may often be used instead of grafts in early nerve repair. Even if the extent of nerve damage may sometimes be difficult to assess, the results of early, easier repairs can be observed in our series of 14 combined lesions. Our results indicate that collaboration between microsurgeons and vascular surgeons is a very important factor in providing a correct approach to these problematic patients. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2006
Neuroblastoma in adults: Incidence and survival analysis based on SEER data
Authors: Esiashvili Natia , Goodman Michael , Ward Kevin , Marcus Robert B. , Johnstone Peter A.S.
Published: April 2006

Purpose

Clinical data on survival outcomes of adult patients (defined as 20 years of age and older) with neuroblastoma are scarce due to the rarity of the disease. Small single institution reports have described worse outcomes for adults than pediatric patients.

Materials/Methods

Data from the public access Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results database were reviewed for a 30‐year period between 1973 and 2002 for the diagnosis of neuroblastoma. Analyses compared frequency and survival rates of neuroblastoma among children and adults with particular focus on the incidence, case characteristics, and long‐term survival of the adult patients.

Results

The observed 3‐ and 5‐year survival rates were lowest among adult patients (45.9% and 36.3%, respectively), whereas infants fared best with 86.0% 3‐year and 84.6% 5‐year overall survival. There was a steady decline in the incidence of adult neuroblastoma from 0.47 cases per million per year in 1973–1977 to 0.12 cases per million per year in 1998–2002. When the long‐term adult neuroblastoma survival was examined in detail for 1‐, 3‐, 5‐, 7‐, and 10‐year follow‐up periods, there was continuous decrease in survival during the first 7 years after the diagnosis with subsequent stabilization for both observed (OS) and relative survival (RS) rates. There was a notable trend towards improved outcome over the past three decades.

Conclusions

Adults with neuroblastoma have significantly worse outcome than children. This may be due to tumor biology, more virulent clinical course, or possibly due to the fact that adults are less sensitive or have poor tolerance to pediatric chemotherapy regimens. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;49:41–46. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Electrical properties of polypyrrole/p‐InP structure
Authors: Aydoğan Şaki̇r , Sağlam Mustafa , Türüt Abdulmeci̇t
Published: April 2006

The polypyrrole/p‐InP structure has been fabricated by the electrochemical polymerization of the organic polypyrrole onto the p‐InP substrate. The current–voltage (I–V), capacitance–voltage (C–V), and capacitance–frequency (C–f) characteristics of the PPy/p‐InP structure have been determined at room temperature. The structure showed nonideal I–V behavior with the ideality factor and the barrier height 1.48 and 0.69 eV respectively. C–f measurements of the structure have been carried out using the Schottky capacitance spectroscopy technique and it has been seen that there is a good agreement between the experimental and theoretical values. Also, it has been seen that capacitance almost show a plateau up to a certain value of frequency, after which, the capacitance decreases. The higher values of capacitance at low frequencies were attributed to the excess capacitance resulting from the interface states in equilibrium with the p‐InP that can follow the a.c. signal. The interface state density Nss and relaxation time τ of the structure were determined from C–f characteristics. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 1572–1579, 2006
Metabolism of [14C]‐2,4‐dichlorophenol in edible plants
Authors: Laurent François , Debrauwer Laurent , Pascal‐Lorber Sophie
Published: April 2006

Several 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4‐D)‐sensitive plants have been modified by genetic engineering with tfdA gene to acquire 2,4‐D tolerance. The expression product of this gene degrades 2,4‐D to 2,4‐dichlorophenol (DCP), which is less phytotoxic but could cause a problem of food safety. After a comparison of 2,4‐D and DCP metabolism in transgenic 2,4‐D‐tolerant and wild cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), a direct study of DCP metabolism in edible plants was performed. After petiolar uptake of a [U‐phenyl‐14C]‐DCP solution followed by a 48 h water chase, aqueous extracts were analysed by high‐performance liquid chromatography. Metabolites were thereafter isolated and their structural identities were determined by enzymatic and chemical hydrolyses and mass spectrometry analyses. The metabolic fate of DCP was equivalent to 2,4‐D metabolism in transgenic 2,4‐D‐tolerant cotton. In addition, DCP metabolism was similar in transgenic and wild cotton. The major terminal metabolites were DCP‐saccharide conjugates in all species, essentially DCP‐(6‐O‐malonyl)‐glucoside or its precursor DCP‐glucose. The significance of this metabolic pathway with regard to food safety is discussed. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Design of a minimized cyclic tetrapeptide that neutralizes bacterial endotoxins
Authors: Mora Puig , Mas‐Moruno Carlos , Tamborero Silvia , Cruz Luis J. , PÉrez‐PayÁ Enrique , Albericio Fernando
Published: April 2006

Septic shock is a leading cause of mortality in intensive care patients, and no specific drugs are as yet available for its treatment. Therefore, new leads are required in order to increase the number of active molecules that may develop into efficacious and safe LPS‐neutralizing molecules during pre‐clinical stages. We used peptides, derived from the binding regions of known LPS‐binding proteins, as scaffolds to introduce modifications at the amino acid level. Structure–activity relationship studies have shown that these modifications generate highly active peptides. Thus, from a bioactive peptide with an initial 16 amino acid residues, a tetrapeptide sequence was determined. After inserting this sequence in a Cys cyclic peptide, it showed the same biological activity as the parent peptide. This sequence could provide the basis for the design of small molecules with LPS‐binding properties. Copyright © 2006 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analytical application of acetate anion in negative electrospray ionization mass spectrometry for the analysis of triterpenoid saponins–ginsenosides
Authors: Ng Kwan‐Ming , Che Chi‐Ming , Wo Siu‐Kwan , Tam Paul Kwong‐Hang , Lau Allan Sik‐Yin
Published: April 2006

Ginsenosides containing different numbers of glycosyl groups can be easily differentiated based on the formation of characteristic ginsenoside‐acetate adduct anions and deprotonated ginsenosides generated by electrospray ionization (ESI) of methanolic solutions of ginsenosides (M) and ammonium acetate (NH4OAc). Ginsenosides containing two glycosyl groups gave a characteristic mass spectral pattern consisting of [M+2OAc]2−, [M−H+OAc]2− and [M−2H]2− ions with m/z values differing by 30 Th, while this mass spectral pattern was not observed for ginsenosides containing one glycosyl group. Formation of [M+2OAc]2− was influenced by the chain length of glycosyl groups and was used to differentiate the ginsenosides containing different combinations of monosaccharide and disaccharide units in the glycosyl groups. Under identical collisional activation conditions, [M+OAc]−, [M−H+OAc]2− and [M+2OAc]2− underwent proton abstractions predominantly to generate [M−H]−, [M−2H]2− and [M−H+OAc]2− ions, respectively. The ion intensity ratios, I/I, I/I and I/I, being sensitive to the structural differences of ginsenosides, could differentiate the isomeric ginsenosides, including (i) Rf, F11 and Rg1, (ii) Rd and Re, and (iii) Rb2 and Rc. Additionally, NH4OAc was found to enhance the sensitivity of detection of ginsenosides in the form of [M−H]− down to the femtomole level. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study of automated mass spectral deconvolution and identification system (AMDIS) in pesticide residue analysis
Authors: Zhang Weiguo , Wu Ping , Li Chongjiu
Published: April 2006

The effects of overlapping levels and concentration ratios of overlapping components, and of scan rates of the mass spectrometer, on the capability of the automated mass spectral deconvolution and identification system (AMDIS) in pesticide residue analysis were studied. To investigate the capability of AMDIS in removing interferences from the overlapping peaks, this system was applied to data files obtained from the gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis of two overlapping (co‐eluting) pesticides (β‐HCH and PCNB) in full scan mode. Differences in overlap levels, the concentration ratios of the two overlapping components and the scan rates of the instrument were studied. When the difference in scan number of overlapping compounds was equal to 1 scan, AMDIS incompletely extracted ‘purified’ mass spectra but as the difference increased to 3 or more scans, complete correct spectra could be extracted. The results also show that when the scan rate was in the range of 0.4–0.90 s/scan and the concentration ratios of the target compound/interference were above 1/5, there were ideal deconvolution results for this approach. To further study the application of AMDIS to pesticide residue analysis, AMDIS was applied to the identification of pesticides spiked in real samples (cabbage and rice). Typical pesticides being evaluated were identified using AMDIS at concentrations >50 ng/g in the extracts. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detection of artifacts and peptide modifications in liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry data using two‐dimensional signal intensity map data visualization
Authors: Berg Matthias , Parbel Axel , Pettersen Harald , Fenyö David , Björkesten Lennart
Published: April 2006

We demonstrate how visualization of liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry data as a two‐dimensional signal intensity map can be used to assess the overall quality of the data, for the identification of polymer contaminants and artifacts, as well as for the confirmation of post‐translational modifications. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Serial analysis of stable nitrogen and carbon isotopes in hair: monitoring starvation and recovery phases of patients suffering from anorexia nervosa
Authors: Mekota Anna‐Maria , Grupe Gisela , Ufer Sandra , Cuntz Ullrich
Published: April 2006

Stable nitrogen and carbon isotopic ratios of hair strands of six patients suffering from anorexia nervosa were measured to monitor a dietary change from near starvation to recovery. This paper presents the results of a first‐time study of nitrogen and carbon balance of the patients prior to and after admittance to a hospital and therapy. Sequential analysis of the isotopic ratios of hair strands of all patients could be related to the respective body mass index (BMI) of each patient. Our hypothesis concerning the diachronic change in δ15N and δ13C during therapy was met: The δ15N values were inversely related to the BMI, indicating a slow‐down in catabolism of bodily protein due to the process of gluconeogenesis during the starvation phase. In contrast, the δ13C values and BMI were in phase: an increase in BMI resulted in an increase in the δ13C values. This rise in δ13C ratios is best interpreted by an increased supply of protein in the diet. Furthermore, δ15N and δ13C were inversely related. We conclude that hair, which is easily and non‐traumatically sampled, is an adequate monitor that reflects dietary change and nitrogen balance within days. This isotopic method may also be applied in forensic studies with regard to cases of deprivation, and starvation, and may be a method for investigating starvation in historic populations. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Discovery of fatty acid ester metabolites of spirolide toxins in mussels from Norway using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Aasen John A. B. , Hardstaff William , Aune Tore , Quilliam Michael A.
Published: April 2006

Cultured mussels sampled in the spring of 2002 and 2003 from Skjer, a location in the Sognefjord, Norway, tested positive in the mouse bioassay for lipophilic toxins. In a previous report, it was established that a number of spirolides, cyclic imine toxins produced by the phytoplankton Alexandrium ostenfeldii, were present in the mussels and were responsible for the observed toxicity. The main toxin proved to be a new compound named 20‐methyl spirolide G. In subsequent studies, a delayed onset of spirolide‐like symptoms in the mouse bioassay exceeding the usual time limit of 20 min was observed in some samples, with symptoms and death appearing as long as 45–50 min after injection. It is well known that shellfish can extensively metabolize other toxins, such as okadaic acid and the dinophysistoxins, to fatty acid acyl esters and it is also known that a delayed onset of toxic symptoms with such metabolites can occur. Analyses performed with liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) have revealed a complex mixture of esters of 20‐methyl spirolide G in the contaminated mussels. Precursor ion scanning has delineated the range of fatty acid esters involved, while product ion scanning has provided information on structure. Identity was also supported through reaction of 20‐methyl spirolide G with palmitic anhydride, which produced a derivative with a retention time and spectrum identical with one putative metabolite, 17‐O‐palmitoyl‐20‐methyl spirolide G. Copyright © 2006 Crown in the right of Canada. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The influence of structural features on facile McLafferty‐type, even‐electron rearrangements in tandem mass spectra of carboxylate anions
Authors: Grossert J. Stuart , Cook Matthew C. , White Robert L.
Published: April 2006

In contrast to the well‐described McLafferty rearrangement in odd‐electron cations, relatively little has been reported on comparable rearrangements in even‐electron ions, especially negative ions. This work reports a systematic study using tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) fragment ion spectra of carboxylate anions having a suitably acidic proton in the γ position. The rearrangement process was studied in both ion trap and triple quadrupole mass spectrometers; characteristic enolate anions and stable neutral products were formed at low collision energies. The process has diagnostic and analytical potential in, for example, the analysis of peptides having C‐terminal serine residues and of 3‐hydroxy‐ or 3‐aminocarboxylic acids in complex mixtures. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The spatial dynamics of invasive species spread
Authors: BenDor Todd K. , Metcalf Sara S.
Published: April 2006

The problem of invasive species spread requires timely analysis of the biological dynamics that lead to spatial dispersion. Here, a spatial dynamic model captures the invasive behavior of the recently introduced emerald ash borer (EAB) (Agrilus planipennis) and its impacts on host ash (Fraxinusspp.) trees. Parasite–host system dynamics are extended spatially using the Spatial Modeling Environment. The resulting model can serve as a repository for changing knowledge about EAB biology and behavior. Studies of the rapid EAB infestation in Michigan are used to inform simulations of its spread in DuPage County, Illinois, USA. We use a geographic information system to create heterogeneous host landscapes and to test alternative policy scenarios. We test the effectiveness of three suppression scenarios: the Michigan eradication strategy, firewood quarantines, and ash tree thinning. Simulations demonstrate that EAB spatial spread accelerates with degraded host capacity, with results pointing to firewood quarantines as the most effective solution. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.