bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Responses in vivo to purified poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) implanted in a murine tibial defect model
Authors: Wu CK. A. , Pettit A. R. , Toulson S. , Grøndahl L. , Mackie E. J. , Cassady A. I.
Published: December 2008

Effective bone biomaterials provide structural support for bone regeneration and elicit minimal inflammatory or toxic effects in vivo. Poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) is a bacterially derived biodegradable polymer that possesses suitable mechanical strength for use as a bone biomaterial and has a slow rate of degradation in biological environments. Our previous in vitro study showed that many PHBV preparations are contaminated with bacterial lipopolysaccharide, and we developed a purification procedure to substantially remove it. Here, we have evaluated the in vivo biocompatibility of PHBV purified by H2O2 treatment and solvent extraction. We utilized a murine tibial defect model consisting of a hole drilled through the diameter of the tibial diaphysis into which nonporous cylindrical plugs of purified PHBV were implanted. The animals were sacrificed at 1 week and 4 weeks postsurgery, and tibiae were examined using histological staining. The PHBV implant induced a mild inflammatory response 1 week after injury, which persisted for 4 weeks. Granuloma type tissues formed only when the implant protruded into the overlaying tissue. Woven bone formation occurred adjacent to the implant, which gave rise to lamellar bone and stabilized the implant indicating that the PHBV did not affect this process. Our data validated the murine defect model and indicate that solid PHBV induces a mild tissue reaction with bone deposition adjacent to the implant with no fibrous tissue present at 4 weeks post surgery. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Tissue regeneration and repair of goat segmental femur defect with bioactive triphasic ceramic‐coated hydroxyapatite scaffold
Authors: Nair Manitha B. , Varma H. K. , Menon K. V. , Shenoy Sachin J. , John Annie
Published: December 2008

Bone tissue engineering which is a developing and challenging field of science, is expected to enhance the regeneration and repair of bone lost from injury or disease and ultimately to gain its aesthetic contour. The objective of this study was to fabricate a tissue‐engineered construct in vitro using a triphasic ceramic‐coated hydroxypatite (HASi) in combination with stem cells and to investigate its potential in healing segmental defect in goat model. To accomplish this attempt, mesenchymal stem cells isolated from goat bone marrow were seeded onto HASi scaffolds and induced to differentiate into the osteogenic lineage in vitro. Scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy revealed adhesion and spread‐out cells, which eventually formed a cell‐sheet like canopy over the scaffold. Cells migrated and distributed themselves within the internal voids of the porous ceramic. Concurrently, the neo‐osteogenesis of the tissue‐engineered construct was validated in vivo in comparison with bare HASi (without cells) in goat femoral diaphyseal segmental defect (2 cm) at 4 months postimplantation through radiography, computed tomography, histology, histomorphometry, scanning electron microscopy and inductively coupled plasma spectrometry. Good osteointegration and osteoconduction was observed in bare and tissue‐engineered HASi. The performance of tissue‐engineered HASi was better and faster which was evident by the lamellar bone organization of newly formed bone throughout the defect together with the degradation of the material. On the contrary with bare HASi, immature woven bony bridges still intermingled with scattered small remnants of the material was observed in the mid region of the defect at 4 months. Encouraging results from this preclinical study has proved the capability of the tissue‐engineered HASi as a promising candidate for the reconstruction of similar bony defects in humans. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Lipido‐sterolic extract of Serenoa repens (LSESr, Permixon®) treatment affects human prostate cancer cell membrane organization
Authors: Petrangeli E. , Lenti L. , Buchetti B. , Chinzari P. , Sale P. , Salvatori L. , Ravenna L. , Lococo E. , Morgante E. , Russo A. , Frati L. , Di Silverio F. , Russo M.A.
Published: December 2008

The molecular mechanism by which the lipido‐sterolic extract of Serenoa repens (LSESr, Permixon®) affects prostate cells remains to be fully elucidated. In androgen‐independent PC3 prostate cancer cells, the LSESr‐induced effects on proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated by counting cells and using a FACScan cytofluorimeter. PC3 cells were stained with JC‐1 dye to detect mitochondrial membrane potential. Cell membrane lipid composition was evaluated by thin layer chromatography and gas chromatographic analysis. Akt phosphorylation was analyzed by Western blotting and cellular ultrastructure through electron microscopy. LSESr (12.5 and 25 µg/ml) administration exerted a biphasic action by both inhibiting proliferation and stimulating apoptosis. After 1 h, it caused a marked reduction in the mitochondrial potential, decreased cholesterol content and modified phospholipid composition. A decrease in phosphatidylinositol‐4,5‐bisphosphate (PIP2) level was coupled with reduced Akt phosphorylation. After 24 h, all of these effects were restored to pre‐treatment conditions; however, the saturated (SFA)/unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) ratio increased, mainly due to a significant decrease in ω6 content. The reduction in cholesterol content could be responsible for both membrane raft disruption and redistribution of signaling complexes, allowing for a decrease of PIP2 levels, reduction of Akt phosphorylation and apoptosis induction. The decrease in ω6 content appears to be responsible for the prolonged and more consistent increase in the apoptosis rate and inhibition of proliferation observed after 2–3 days of LSESr treatment. In conclusion, LSESr administration results in complex changes in cell membrane organization and fluidity of prostate cancer cells that have progressed to hormone‐independent status. J. Cell. Physiol. 219: 69–76, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Oncogenic H‐Ras and PI3K signaling can inhibit E‐cadherin‐dependent apoptosis and promote cell survival after photodynamic therapy in mouse keratinocytes
Authors: Espada Jesús , Galaz Sergio , Sanz‐Rodríguez Francisco , Blázquez‐Castro Alfonso , Stockert Juan Carlos , Bagazgoitia Lorea , Jaén Pedro , González Salvador , Cano Amparo , Juarranz Ángeles
Published: December 2008

Maintenance of E‐cadherin mediated cell–cell contacts is often required for the survival of epithelial cells and tissues. Here we report that oncogenic activation of H‐Ras in murine keratinocytes can prevent cell death induced by immunological disruption of E‐cadherin adhesion. A similar situation was observed in cells showing constitutive activation of the p110α catalytic subunit of class IA PI3K. This protective effect is associated with β‐catenin‐dependent transcription and with activation of survival factor Akt/PKB. In addition, we induced cell death by employing photodynamic therapy, using Zn‐phthalocyanine as a photosensitizer that targets E‐cadherin adhesion complexes. We have found that cell death based on this photodynamic action is also bypassed in cells showing constitutive activation of H‐Ras and p110α. Taken together, these results indicate that H‐Ras/PI3K/Akt signaling plays a key role in cell survival mediated by E‐cadherin cell–cell contacts. J. Cell. Physiol. 219: 84–93, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Purification and characterization of recombinant human erythropoietin from milk of transgenic pigs
Authors: Lee Eun Gyo , Lee Seung Hui , Park Kyung Mi , Baek Jung Eun , Yeon Sun Hee , Park Jin‐Ki , Chang Won‐Kyong , Jung Joon‐Ki , Chung Bong Hyun
Published: December 2008

BACKGROUND: Human erythropoietin (hEPO), a hydrophobic acidic glycoprotein responsible for the regulation of red blood cell production in mammals, is used for the treatment of anemia. In general, the purification of transgenic animal‐derived therapeutic proteins is not easy due to their low titer concentrations and abundant contaminant proteins. For the first time, here the purification and characterization of rhEPO from the milk of transgenic pigs are described.

RESULTS: The rhEPO was purified by heparin chromatography, reverse‐phase chromatography, and gel filtration chromatography, resulting in a 16.5% yield and > 98% purity. The rhEPO purified from the milk of transgenic pigs contained less acidic isoforms and was underglycosylated in contrast to CHO‐derived rhEPO. Cell proliferation of the F‐36/EPO‐dependent cell line was proportional to the dose of transgenic pig‐derived rhEPO.

CONCLUSION: Transgenic pig‐derived rhEPO with high purity was achieved after three‐step chromatography following two‐step precipitation. The transgenic pig‐derived rhEPO was demonstrated to have comparable potency with CHO‐derived rhEPO. Transgenic pig‐derived rhEPO may not be therapeutically feasible because of different glycosylation, and thus further studies are required to elucidate the effect of this aberrant glycosylation on the biological activity and stability in vivo. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Bilateral femoral artery aneurysms and bilateral common femoral vein thromboses
Authors: Secko Michael A. , Stone, Michael B.
Published: December 2008

We report the sonographic findings of a patient with bilateral femoral artery aneurysms with concomitant bilateral deep venous thrombosis of the common femoral veins. Femoral arterial aneurysms may be associated with additional arterial aneurysms, and rarely with associated venous thrombosis. Patients presenting with femoral artery aneurysms should undergo a thorough vascular sonographic examination that includes the abdominal aorta, the iliac vessels and the deep venous system of the lower extremity. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2009
Geographical profiling obscene phone calls—a case study
Authors: Ebberline Jessica
Published: December 2008

Studies on geographical profiling have typically focused on crimes with physical crime sites. This study focused on crimes with no physical crimes sites (i.e. no physical contact occurred between the victim and the offender). A single offender made obscene phone calls to 86 children during the years 1999–2000 in the south of Sweden. The locations in which obscene phone calls were received were analysed in a geographical profiling system (Dragnet) to see whether it could provide a map that showed the most likely area the offender would reside in. The purpose of this study was to explore whether geographical software such as Dragnet can be used by investigators of crimes with no physical crime locations. The result showed that the offender in this case had his home close to the region assigned the highest probability of containing home or base, which indicates that Dragnet can provide maps that can narrow down the search areas for the police in cases without physical crime locations. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of two contrasting agricultural land‐use practices on nitrogen leaching in a sandy soil of Middle Germany
Authors: Böhm Christian , Landgraf Dirk , Makeschin Franz
Published: December 2008

The objective of this study is to evaluate different agricultural land‐use practices in terms of N leaching and to give recommendations for a sustainable agriculture on sandy soils in Middle Germany. Soil mineral N (Nmin) and leachate N were quantified at a sandy soil in N Saxony during 3 years. Two treatments were applied: intensive (I)—using inorganic and organic fertilizer and pesticides, and organic (O)—exclusively using organic fertilizer, legume‐based crop rotation, and no pesticides. Split application of mineral fertilizers did not result in substantial N losses at treatment I. Legumes induced a considerable increase of soil mineral N and particularly of leachate mineral N (Nmin_perc) at treatment O. High Nmin_perc concentrations (up to 78 mg N L–1) were observed during as well as after the cultivation of legumes. These high Nmin_perc concentrations are the reason why clearly higher Nmin_perc losses were determined at treatment O (62 kg N ha–1 y–1) compared to treatment I (23 kg N ha–1 y–1). At both treatments, the quantity of N losses was strongly affected by the precipitation rates. Concentrations and losses of dissolved organic N (DONperc) were assessed as above average at both treatments. The results suggest that the DONperc concentration is influenced by precipitation, soil coverage, and organic fertilizers. Higher values were determined in the percolation water of treatment O. The average annual DONperc losses amounted to 15 kg N ha–1 at I and to 32 kg N ha–1 at O. The average monthly percentage of DONperc losses on the loss of the dissolved total N of percolation water (DTNperc) ranged between <1% and 55% at O and between 2% and 56% at I. For the whole measuring period of 29 months, the relative amounts of DONperc of DTNperc (21% at O and 25% at I) were more or less the same for both treatments. The results show that DONperc can contribute significantly to the total N loss, confirming the importance to consider this N fraction in N‐leaching studies. It was concluded that at sandy sites, a split application of mineral fertilizers, as applied at treatment I, seems to be more expedient for limiting the N leaching losses than legume‐based crop rotations.
Methylation profile of circulating plasma DNA in patients with pancreatic cancer
Authors: Melnikov Anatoliy A. , Scholtens Denise , Talamonti Mark S. , Bentrem David J. , Levenson Victor V.
Published: December 2008

Background and Objectives

Detection of pancreatic cancer by blood‐based test may improve outcomes. We sought to establish the feasibility of a blood‐based detection of pancreatic cancer through multiplexed array‐mediated analysis of DNA methylation.

Methods

Methylation was assessed in each plasma sample using a panel of 56 frequently methylated genes. Methylation profiles in patients with ductal cell adenocarcinoma of the pancreas (n = 30) and healthy gender and age‐matched controls (n = 30) were compared. Methylation was determined as described previously; a composite biomarker was developed for classification of cancer and normal samples. Sensitivity and specificity of the biomarker were estimated using 25 rounds of fivefold cross‐validation.

Results

Five promoters were consistently selected for the classifier during cross‐validation and comprised the final composite biomarker Five‐fold cross‐validation results indicate 76% sensitivity and 59% specificity of the biomarker, which included promoters of CCND2, SOCS1, THBS1, PLAU, and VHL.

Conclusion

Differential methylation profiling of plasma DNA can detect ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas with significant accuracy and should be explored further. While additional improvement of biomarkers is necessary, the blood‐based biomarker may be already useful as a first‐line detection tool. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;99: 119–122. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantum‐optical analogies using photonic structures
Authors: Longhi S.
Published: December 2008

Engineered photonic waveguides have provided in the past decade an extremely rich laboratory tool to visualize with optical waves the classic analogues of a wide variety of coherent quantum phenomena encountered in atomic, molecular or condensed‐matter physics. As compared to quantum systems, optics offers the rather unique advantage of a direct mapping of the wave function evolution in coordinate space by simple fluorescence imaging or scanning tunneling optical microscopy techniques. In this contribution recent theoretical and experimental advances in the field of quantum‐optical analogies are reviewed. Special attention is devoted to some relevant optical analogies based on the use of curved photonic structures, including: coherent destruction of tunneling in driven bistable potentials; coherent population transfer and adiabatic passage in laser‐driven multilevel atomic systems; quantum decay control and Zeno dynamics; electronic Bloch oscillations and Zener tunneling, Anderson localization and dynamic localization in crystalline potentials.
Solder doped polycaprolactone scaffold enables reproducible laser tissue soldering
Authors: Bregy Amadé , Bogni Serge , Bernau Vianney J.P. , Vajtai Istvan , Vollbach Felix , Petri‐Fink Alke , Constantinescu Mihai , Hofmann Heinrich , Frenz Martin , Reinert Michael
Published: December 2008

Background and Objectives

In this in vitro feasibility study we analyzed tissue fusion using bovine serum albumin (BSA) and Indocyanine green (ICG) doped polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds in combination with a diode laser as energy source while focusing on the influence of irradiation power and albumin concentration on the resulting tensile strength and induced tissue damage.

Materials and Methods

A porous PCL scaffold doped with either 25% or 40% (w/w) of BSA in combination with 0.1% (w/w) ICG was used to fuse rabbit aortas. Soldering energy was delivered through the vessel from the endoluminal side using a continuous wave diode laser at 808 nm via a 400 µm core fiber. Scaffold surface temperatures were analyzed with an infrared camera. Optimum parameters such as irradiation time, radiation power and temperature were determined in view of maximum tensile strength but simultaneously minimum thermally induced tissue damage. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was performed to measure the influence of PCL on the denaturation temperature of BSA.

Results

Optimum parameter settings were found to be 60 seconds irradiation time and 1.5 W irradiation power resulting in tensile strengths of around 2,000 mN. Corresponding scaffold surface temperature was 117.4± 12°C. Comparison of the two BSA concentration revealed that 40% BSA scaffold resulted in significant higher tensile strength compared to the 25%. At optimum parameter settings, thermal damage was restricted to the adventitia and its interface with the outermost layer of the tunica media. The DSC showed two endothermic peaks in BSA containing samples, both strongly depending on the water content and the presence of PCL and/or ICG.

Conclusions

Diode laser soldering of vascular tissue using BSA‐ICG‐PCL‐scaffolds leads to strong and reproducible tissue bonds, with vessel damage limited to the adventitia. Higher BSA content results in higher tensile strengths. The DSC‐measurements showed that BSA denaturation temperature is lowered by addition of water and/or ICG‐PCL. Lasers Surg. Med. 40:716–725, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of HSP70 in cellular thermotolerance
Authors: Beckham Josh T. , Wilmink Gerald J. , Mackanos Mark A. , Takahashi Keiko , Contag Chris H. , Takahashi Takamune , Jansen E. Duco
Published: December 2008

Background and Objective

Thermal pretreatment has been shown to condition tissue to a more severe secondary heat stress. In this research we examined the particular contribution of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) in thermal preconditioning.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

For optimization of preshock exposures, a bioluminescent Hsp70‐luciferase reporter system in NIH3T3 cells tracked the activation of the Hsp70 gene. Cells in 96‐well plates were pretreated in a 43°C water bath for 30 minutes, followed 4 hours later with a severe heat shock at 45°C for 50 minutes. Bioluminescence was measured at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 hours after preshock only (PS) and at 4 hours after preshock with heatshock (PS+HS). Viability was assessed 48 hours later with a fluorescent viability dye. Preshock induced thermotolerance was then evaluated in hsp70‐containing Murine Embryo Fibroblast (+/+) cells and Hsp70‐deficient MEF cells (−/−) through an Arrhenius damage model across varying temperatures (44.5–46°C).

Results

A time gap of 4 hours between preconditioning and the thermal insult was shown to be the most effective for thermotolerance with statistical confidence of P<0.05. The benefit of preshocking was largely abrogated in Hsp70‐deficient cells. The Arrhenius data showed that preshocking leads to increases in the activation energies, Ea, and increases in frequency factors, A. The frequency factor increase was significantly greater in Hsp70‐deficient cells.

Conclusion

The data shows that HSP70 contributes significantly to cellular thermotolerance but there are other pathways that provide residual thermotolerance in cells deficient in Hsp70. Lasers Surg. Med. 40:704–715, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Photodynamic therapy as treatment of chronic idiopathic central serous chorioretinopathy
Authors: Tarantola Ryan M. , Law Janice C. , Recchia Franco M. , Sternberg Paul , Agarwal Anita
Published: December 2008

Background and Objective

Chronic idiopathic central serous chorioretinopathy (ICSC) is characterized by persistent, recurrent, and multifocal serous detachments of the neurosensory retina. Our objective is to evaluate the visual and anatomical outcomes of patients who underwent photodynamic therapy (PDT) with Verteporfin for chronic ICSC.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

A retrospective review of 13 eyes of 12 patients (mean age 55, range 45–66 years) treated with PDT for chronic ICSC between June 2004 and January 2008 was conducted. Two eyes that subsequently developed choroidal neovascularization were excluded. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and clinical examination prior to PDT and at most recent follow‐up were recorded. Fluorescein angiography (FA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings prior to and following treatment were reviewed.

Results

Mean duration of symptoms prior to PDT was 26.7 months (range 3–108 months). Mean follow‐up duration was 21.9 months (range 2–42 months). BCVA improved in seven of eleven eyes (mean 1.7 lines, range 1–3 lines), two eyes remained unchanged, and two eyes worsened. Complete resolution of serous detachment was demonstrated in 9 of 11 eyes by FA or OCT and 10 of 11 eyes by clinical examination. One eye showed a reduction in serous detachment by OCT and clinical exam. Three eyes required two treatments for recurrent serous detachment following initial treatment.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that PDT leads to resolution of serous detachments and visual improvement in patients with chronic ICSC. Further follow‐up would be prudent to assess the long‐term outcomes and safety in this patient population. Lasers Surg. Med. 40:671–675, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Visible 405 nm SLD light photo‐destroys methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in vitro
Authors: Enwemeka Chukuka S. , Williams Deborah , Hollosi Steve , Yens David , Enwemeka Sombiri K.
Published: December 2008

Background

Infections with MRSA remain a growing public health concern, prompting the need to explore alternative treatments instead of the on‐going effort to develop stronger drug‐based therapies. We studied the effect of 405 nm blue light on two strains of MRSA—US‐300 strain of CA‐MRSA and the IS853 strain of HA‐MRSA—in vitro.

Methods

We cultured and plated each strain, following which bacteria colonies were irradiated with 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, or 60 J cm−2 energy densities—just once—using a Solaris® superluminous diode (SLD) device. Specimens were incubated at 35°C for 24 hours. Then, digital images obtained were quantified to obtain colony counts and the aggregate area occupied by bacteria colonies.

Results

Blue light irradiation produced a statistically significant dose‐dependent reduction in both the number and the aggregate area of colonies formed by each bacteria strain (P<0.001). Maximum eradication of the US‐300 (92.1%) and the IS‐853 colonies (93.5%) was achieved within 9.2 and 8.4 minutes of exposure, respectively. The longer the irradiation the more bacteria were eradicated. However, the effect was non‐linear as increases of energy densities between 1.0 and 15 J cm−2 resulted in more bacteria death than similar increases between 15 and 60 J cm−2.

Conclusion

At low doses, blue light photo‐destroys HA‐MRSA and CA‐MRSA in vitro; raising the prospect that phototherapy may be an effective clinical tool in the on‐going effort to stem MRSA infections. Lasers Surg. Med. 40:734–737, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Correlation between antiangiogenic activity and antioxidant activity of various components from propolis
Authors: Ahn Mok‐Ryeon , Kunimasa Kazuhiro , Kumazawa Shigenori , Nakayama Tsutomu , Kaji Kazuhiko , Uto Yoshihiro , Hori Hitoshi , Nagasawa Hideko , Ohta Toshiro
Published: December 2008

Propolis possesses various physiological activities. In this study, we examined the antiangiogenic and antioxidant activities of various components from propolis: acacetin, apigenin, artepillin C, caffeic acid phenethyl ester, chrysin, p‐coumaric acid, galangin, kaempferol, pinocembrin, and quercetin. The effects of these components were tested on in vitro models of angiogenesis, tube formation and growth of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Furthermore, these components were evaluated for their antioxidant activities by 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical‐scavenging and ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Two propolis components, caffeic acid phenethyl ester, and quercetin, possessed strong inhibitory effects on tube formation and on endothelial cell proliferation and, coincidentally, showed strong antioxidant activity. Artepillin C, galangin, and kaempferol also possessed strong antiangiogenic and antioxidant activities to a slightly less degree. In contrast, acacetin, apigenin, and pinocembrin possessed a considerable degree of antiangiogenic activities, although they showed very low antioxidant activities. From these results, we propose that components from propolis such as artepillin C, caffeic acid phenethyl ester, galangin, kaempferol, and quercetin might represent a new class of dietary‐derived antioxidative compounds with antiangiogenic activities. These propolis components may have the potential to be developed into pharmaceutical drugs for the treatment of angiogenesis‐dependent human diseases such as tumors.
Respective contribution exerted by AF‐1 and AF‐2 transactivation functions in estrogen receptor α induced transcriptional activity by isoflavones and equol: Consequence on breast cancer cell proliferation
Authors: Carreau Charlotte , Flouriot Gilles , Bennetau‐Pelissero Catherine , Potier Mylène
Published: December 2008

Estrogens used in hormone replacement therapy regimens may increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Paradoxically, high consumption of plant‐derived phytoestrogens, particularly soybean isoflavones, is associated with a low incidence of breast cancer. To explore the molecular basis for these potentially different experimental/clinical outcomes, we investigated whether soybean isoflavones elicit distinct transcriptional actions from estrogens by performing transient transfections in different cell lines. Our results demonstrate that 17β estradiol (E2), isoflavones, and equol (EQ) effectively trigger the transcriptional activation with both estrogen receptors (ER), ERα and ERβ. ERα transcriptional activity is mediated through two transactivation domains AF‐1 and AF‐2, whose activity is tightly regulated in a cell‐type and promoter‐specific manner. Isoflavones, genistein, and daidzein (DAI), and EQ, the main estrogenic metabolite of DAI, are ERα agonists for transcriptional activation. The molecular mechanisms for ERα‐induced transcriptional activity by isoflavones and EQ involve their capacity to act mainly through AF‐1 regardless of the cell type. Therefore, our data indicate that estrogenic ligands, such as isoflavones and EQ, exert their effects on ERα transactivation similarly to the endogenous ligand E2, and suggest that the risk of estrogen‐related diseases might not be reduced by soy‐rich food and/or isoflavone‐ or EQ‐based supplements.
Older individuals appear to acquire mitotically older colorectal cancers
Authors: Woo Yen‐Jung , Siegmund Kimberly D , Tavaré Simon , Shibata Darryl
Published: December 2008

The incidence of many common cancers increases with ageing. The purpose of this study is to infer whether cancer mitotic ages (total numbers of divisions since the zygote) also increase with chronological age. Mitotic ages may be inferred by counting numbers of replication errors or neutral passenger changes. Methylation at certain CpG‐rich sequences or ‘tags’ appears to be proportional to mitotic age, because age‐related increases in tag methylation are observed in mitotic tissues such as the colon. Such passenger tag methylation was measured by bisulphite sequencing from 16 colorectal cancers from differently aged male individuals. Both normal colon and cancers exhibited significant age‐related increases in tag methylation, but cancer methylation was significantly higher. Therefore, older individuals appear to have mitotically older colorectal cancers. Cell division per se may be an important mechanism underlying the increased incidence of colorectal cancer with ageing, because the neoplastic phase appears more commonly to start from mitotically older crypt stem cells. Copyright © 2008 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The development of multiple bladder tumour recurrences in relation to the FGFR3 mutation status of the primary tumour
Authors: Kompier Lucie C , van der Aa Madelon NM , Lurkin Irene , Vermeij Marcel , Kirkels Wim J , Bangma Chris H , van der Kwast Theodorus H , Zwarthoff Ellen C
Published: December 2008

Non‐muscle invasive bladder cancers (NMI‐BCs) represent 75% of bladder cancers upon presentation. After removal of the primary tumour by transurethral resection, multiple recurrences continue to develop in 70% of patients. Consequently, prolonged and costly surveillance by cystoscopy is required. Mutations in the FGFR3 oncogene are common in NMI‐BCs and are associated with a lower chance of progression to muscle‐invasive disease. Here we analysed the consistency of FGFR3 mutations in primary and recurrent tumours. This knowledge is of crucial importance if FGFR3 mutation analysis on urinary cells is to be used as an alternative for cystoscopical surveillance. To this end, we monitored the disease process and FGFR3 mutation status of primary and recurrent tumours in 118 patients with NMI‐BC. During median follow‐up of 8.8 years, these patients underwent 2133 cystoscopies and 80 patients developed 414 recurrences. FGFR3 mutations were equally prevalent in primary and recurrent tumours (63%). Patients can have different types of FGFR3 mutations in different tumours. Recurrence risk was not significantly different for patients with a mutant or wild‐type primary tumour. Recurrence rates varied widely between patients but were constant for a patient and were unrelated to FGFR3 status. In the mutant patient group, in contrast to the wild‐type group, recurrences continued to develop after 10 years. In 81% of the recurrences of patients with a mutant primary tumour, a mutation was found. Moreover, recurrences in this patient group were of lower stage and grade than those of patients with a wild‐type primary tumour (p < 0.001). These results suggest that surveillance by FGFR3 mutation analysis on voided urine in combination with a reduced cystoscopy frequency of patients presenting with an FGFR3 mutant tumour is worth investigating. Copyright © 2008 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Solvent effects in the decomposition reaction of some products formed by the reaction of sorbic acid with sodium nitrite: 1,4‐dinitro‐2‐methylpyrrole and ethylnitrolic acid
Authors: Pérez‐Prior M. Teresa , Manso José A. , Gómez‐Bombarelli Rafael , González‐Pérez Marina , Céspedes Isaac F. , García‐Santos M. Pilar , Calle Emilio , Casado Julio
Published: December 2008

A kinetic study of the decomposition reaction of 1,4‐dinitro‐2‐methylpyrrole (NMP) and ethylnitrolic acid (ENA), both formed in the reaction between sorbic acid and sodium nitrite was performed in the 3.5–4.2 pH range in water/dioxane mixtures. Conclusions were drawn as follows: (i) The decomposition of NMP occurs through nucleophilic attack by OH− ions, the rate equation being: r = kdecNMP [OH− ][NMP]. (ii) The rate law for the decomposition of ENA is: r = $k_{dec}^{ENA}$ [ENA]Ka/(Ka + [H+]), Ka being the ENA dissociation constant. (iii) The value of Ka decreases when the water/dioxane ratio decreases, log Ka being proportional to the Onsager parameter (ϵ − 1)/(2ϵ + 1). This permits the equilibrium between non‐dissociated and the dissociated forms of ENA to be rationalized. (iv) No appreciable variation in the ΔH# and ΔS# values with composition of the medium was observed, either in the NMP decomposition reaction, or in the ENA decomposition reaction. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical properties of imidazole derivatives functionalized single‐walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Wan Li , Wang Xianbao , Wang Shimin , Li Shaoqing , Li Qin , Tian Rong , Li Mingjian
Published: December 2008

The imidazole derivatives functionalized single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) were synthesized by a diazonium‐based reaction. We have designed and synthesized two imidazole derivatives to modify SWNTs. The resulting products were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, ultraviolet visible (UV/Vis) spectroscopy, thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Electrochemical measurements via a cyclic voltammetry method revealed that the weak intramolecular electronic interactions presented between the attached imidazole derivatives groups and the nanotubes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Non‐native α‐helix formation is not necessary for folding of lipocalin: Comparison of burst‐phase folding between tear lipocalin and β‐lactoglobulin
Authors: Tsukamoto Seiichi , Yamashita Takako , Yamada Yoshiteru , Fujiwara Kazuo , Maki Kosuke , Kuwajima Kunihiro , Matsumura Yoshitaka , Kihara Hiroshi , Tsuge Hideaki , Ikeguchi Masamichi
Published: December 2008

Tear lipocalin and β‐lactoglobulin are members of the lipocalin superfamily. They have similar tertiary structures but unusually low overall sequence similarity. Non‐native helical structures are formed during the early stage of β‐lactoglobulin folding. To address whether the non‐native helix formation is found in the folding of other lipocalin superfamily proteins, the folding kinetics of a tear lipocalin variant were investigated by stopped‐flow methods measuring the time‐dependent changes in circular dichroism (CD) spectrum and small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS). CD spectrum showed that extensive secondary structures are not formed during a burst‐phase (within a measurement dead time). The SAXS data showed that the radius of gyration becomes much smaller than in the unfolded state during the burst‐phase, indicating that the molecule is collapsed during an early stage of folding. Therefore, non‐native helix formation is not general for folding of all lipocalin family members. The non‐native helix content in the burst‐phase folding appears to depend on helical propensities of the amino acid sequence. Proteins 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Merging chemical and biological space: Structural mapping of enzyme binding pocket space
Authors: Weskamp Nils , Hüllermeier Eyke , Klebe Gerhard
Published: December 2008

Structure‐based drug design tries to mutually map pharmacological space populated by putative target proteins onto chemical space comprising possible small molecule drug candidates. Both spaces are connected where proteins and ligands recognize each other: in the binding pockets. Therefore, it is highly relevant to study the properties of the space composed by all possible binding cavities. In the present contribution, a global mapping of protein cavity space is presented by extracting consensus cavities from individual members of protein families and clustering them in terms of their shape and exposed physicochemical properties. Discovered similarities indicate common binding epitopes in binding pockets independent of any possibly given similarity in sequence and fold space. Unexpected links between remote targets indicate possible cross‐reactivity of ligands and suggest putative side effects. The global clustering of cavity space is compared to a similar clustering of sequence and fold space and compared to chemical ligand space spanned by the chemical properties of small molecules found in binding pockets of crystalline complexes. The overall similarity architecture of sequence, fold, and cavity space differs significantly. Similarities in cavity space can be mapped best to similarities in ligand binding space indicating possible cross‐reactivities. Most cross‐reactivities affect co‐factor and other endogenous ligand binding sites. Proteins 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Learning from incidents: A practical application
Authors: Kerin Trish
Published: December 2008

Confucius is credited with stating “By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.” It is only the true innovators who can learn by reflection; for the rest of us need to learn by either imitation or experience. When we consider experience in the context of the process industry, this is often equipment damage or human impact such as injuries or fatalities. This article focuses on the practical application of learning from others' incidents outside the immediate workplace at the Australian Vinyls Corporation Laverton plant. This article describes methods to learn by imitation potentially saves not only financial and production resources, but also human life. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 2009
Magnetoexciton–LO‐phonon problem in a two‐dimensional polar crystal
Authors: Koinov Z. G.
Published: December 2008

We use the Bethe–Salpeter formalism to study the effects of the Fröhlich electron–LO‐phonon interaction on the dispersion of two‐dimensional magnetoexcitons in polar crystals. The lowest Landau level approximation is applied to evaluate analytically both the binding energy and the exciton mass in a strong magnetic field regime. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Single versus double ion implantation: a deep level study
Authors: Alfieri G. , Kimoto T.
Published: December 2008

We performed a comparison study of electrically active defects generated in single and double ion implantated 4H‐SiC epilayers. Capacitance–voltage (C –V) and deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) measurements revealed that dou‐ ble implantation, is responsible for a different compensation mechanism of the net‐acceptor concentration, and for the different nature and annealing behavior of the detected deep levels. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Binding energy of heavy excitons in spherical quantum dots under hydrostatic pressure
Authors: Moscoso‐Moreno C. A. , Franco R. , Silva‐Valencia J.
Published: December 2008

The binding energy of heavy hole excitons in a spherical GaAs–Ga1–x Alx As quantum dot under isotropic hydrostatic pressure was calculated using the Hylleraas coordinate system and a variational approach within the approximation of the effective mass. The influences of hydrostatic pressure on the effective masses of the electron and the heavy hole, the dielectric constant and the conduction‐ and valence‐band offsets between the well and the barriers are taken into account in the calculation. The binding energy is computed as a function of hydrostatic pressure, the dot sizes and the Al(x) concentration. The results show that the binding energy derived from exciton increases with the pressure, especially for small quantum dots. Also, we have found that the binding energy increases with the pressure and the concentration for a fixed quantum dot radius, which can be useful for technological applications. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Coherent exciton–surface plasmon polariton interactions in hybrid metal semiconductor nanostructures
Authors: Vasa P. , Pomraenke R. , Schwieger S. , Mazur Yu. I. , Kunets Vas. , Srinivasan P. , Johnson E. , Runge E. , Salamo G. , Lienau C.
Published: December 2008

We report on an experimental study of the optical properties of a metal‐semiconductor hybrid structure consisting of a gold grating on a GaAs quantum well (QW). Our experiments reveal a coherent coupling between the surface plasmon polaritons (SPP) excited on a metal grating and the QW excitons. The hybrid structure is designed to optimize the radiative exciton‐SPP interaction which is probed by low‐temperature, angle‐resolved far‐field reflection spectroscopy. As a result of the coupling, a significant shift of ∼7 meV and an increase in broadening by ∼4 meV of the QW exciton resonance are observed. The results are explained with the help of a phenomenological two layered model, predicting coupling strengths as large as 30 meV. Such a strong interaction can, e.g. be used to enhance the luminescence yield of semiconductor quantum structures or to amplify SPP waves. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electric field‐induced exciton localization in quantum wells
Authors: Sperlich Karsten , Ludwig Patrick , Filinov Alexei , Bonitz Michael , Stolz Heinrich , Hommel Detlef , Gust Arne
Published: December 2008

We report on first spectrally and spatially high resolved measurements of a recently suggested electrostatic confinement [Ludwig et al., Phys. Status Solidi B 243(10), 2363 (2006)] for excitons in a single quantum well. For this strongly correlated many‐particle system we present finite‐temperature quantum Monte‐Carlo results and discuss the specific trap parameters at which a phase transition to a mesoscopic Wigner crystal phase of spatially indirect excitons is expected to be accessable. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Bacopa monniera extract Induces apoptosis in murine sarcoma cells (S‐180)
Authors: Rohini G. , Devi C. S. Shyamala
Published: December 2008

The Ayurvedic system of medicine recommends Bacopa monniera (BM) in the treatment of tumors. The present study aims to determine the mode of cell death induced by the ethanolic extract of BM in mouse S‐180 cells. BM‐treated S‐180 cells were assessed for cell viability in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner using dye exclusion studies. Morphological changes in the BM‐treated and untreated cells were studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Glutathione (GSH) levels were quantified and the percentage of apoptotic cells was determined using Annexin V‐FITC assay. The results indicate that BM induces a dose‐ and time‐dependent loss of cell viability with maximum cytotoxicity at 48 h at a concentration of 550 µg/ml. TEM studies indicate apoptosis in the BM‐treated cells. GSH levels were decreased in the BM‐treated cells and Annexin V‐FITC assay revealed 90.2% of the cells as apoptotic. Conclusively, BM induces cell death by apoptosis in S‐180 cells. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Presence of blood‐pressure lowering and spasmolytic constituents inBuddleja crispa
Authors: Gilani Anwarul H. , Bukhari Ishfaq A. , Khan Rafeeq A. , Shah Abdul J. , Ahmad Ijaz , Malik Abdul
Published: December 2008

This aim of this study was to investigate the crude extract ofBuddleja crispa(Bc.Cr) and its active constituent(s) for their antihypertensive and antispasmodic activities. The Bc.Cr caused a dose‐dependent (3–10 mg/kg) fall in mean arterial pressure in rats under anesthesia. In rabbit aorta preparations, Bc.Cr (0.03–1 mg/mL) caused inhibition of high K+(80 mM) precontractions. The Bc.Cr (0.03–1 mg/mL) also inhibited spontaneous and high K+precontractions in rabbit jejunum preparations, suggestive of calcium channel blocking (CCB) activity. CCB activity was further confirmed when pretreatment of the tissues with Bc.Cr (0.03–0.10 mg/mL) caused a rightward shift in Ca++concentration response curves, similar to verapamil. Among the pure compounds, BdI‐H3 was more potent against the high K+than spontaneous contractions and was around eight times more potent than Bc.Cr against the spontaneous contractions while the other two compounds, BdI‐2 and BH‐3 were inactive. Activity‐directed fractionation revealed that the hexane fraction was more potent against K+precontractions. These data indicate that Bc.Cr possesses a blood‐pressure lowering effect, mediated possibly through CCB, though additional mechanism(s) cannot be ruled out. Among the pure compounds, Bdl‐H3 is likely to be the active compound involved in the spasmolytic and possibly BP lowering effect of the parent crude extract. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isoliquiritigenin, a flavonoid from licorice, plays a dual role in regulating gastrointestinal motilityin vitroandin vivo
Authors: Chen Gang , Zhu Lingxin , Liu Yang , Zhou Qian , Chen Hao , Yang Jing
Published: December 2008

Licorice root has been used for years to regulate gastrointestinal function in traditional Chinese medicine. This study reveals the gastrointestinal effects of isoliquiritigenin, a flavonoid isolated from the roots ofGlycyrrhiza glabra(a kind of Licorice).In vivo, isoliquiritigenin produced a dual dose‐related effect on the charcoal meal travel, inhibitory at the low doses, while prokinetic at the high doses.In vitro, isoliquiritigenin showed an atropine‐sensitive concentration‐dependent spasmogenic effect in isolated rat stomach fundus. However, a spasmolytic effect was observed in isolated rabbit jejunums, guinea pig ileums and atropinized rat stomach fundus, either as noncompetitive inhibition of agonist concentration‐response curves, inhibition of high K+(80 mM)‐induced contractions, or displacement of Ca2+concentration‐response curves to the right, indicating a calcium antagonist effect. Pretreatment with Nω‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME; 30 µM), indomethacin (10 µM), methylene blue (10 µM), tetraethylammonium chloride (0.5 mM), glibenclamide (1 µM), 4‐aminopyridine (0.1 mM), or clotrimazole (1 µM) did not inhibit the spasmolytic effect. These results indicate that isoliquiritigenin plays a dual role in regulating gastrointestinal motility, both spasmogenic and spasmolytic. The spasmogenic effect may involve the activating of muscarinic receptors, while the spasmolytic effect is predominantly due to blockade of the calcium channels. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antidepressant profile of Ptychopetalum olacoides Bentham (Marapuama) in mice
Authors: Piato Ângelo L. , Rizon Lucas P. , Martins Bárbara S. , Nunes Domingos S. , Elisabetsky Elaine
Published: December 2008

Depression has become of universal major importance, and it is therefore vital to expand the armamentarium for treating the condition. Lack of motivation and lassitude are major symptoms treated with the use of Marapuama (Ptychopetalum olacoides, PO) remedies by communities in the Brazilian Amazon. Considering the prominence of such symptoms in depression, the present study was designed to verify the effects of a standardized PO ethanol extract (POEE) on the forced swimming (FST) and tail suspension tests (TST). POEE i.p. (15–100 mg/kg) and oral (300 mg/kg) resulted in a significant and dose‐related anti‐immobility effect. We further examined the involvement of dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin in these antidepressant‐like effects. POEE effects were prevented when catecholamine synthesis was inhibited by ‐α‐methyl‐ρ‐tyrosine (AMPT) (100 mg/kg, i.p.), while inhibition of serotonin synthesis with ρ‐chlorophenylalanine methyl ester hydrochloride (PCPA) (100 mg/kg, i.p.) was devoid of effect. The blockade of β‐adrenergic (propranolol 2 mg/kg, i.p.) and D1 dopamine (SCH 23390 0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) receptors prevented POEE anti‐immobility effects; by contrast, blockade of D2 dopamine (sulpiride 2 and 50 mg/kg, i.p.) receptors was ineffective. Consistent with traditional use, the results indicate that POEE possesses antidepressant‐like effects, possibly mediated by β‐adrenergic and D1 dopamine receptors. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.