bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomarker analysis on breast ductal lavage cells in women with and without breast cancer
Authors: Zhang Wei , Yang Yu‐Ching , Zhang Bao‐Ning , Pan Qin‐Jing , Hart Steven D , Duvall Karen , Zhang Zuo‐Feng , Rao Jian‐Yu
Published: February 2006

Recent studies show that morphology based analysis of ductal lavage specimens failed to detect many cancers in women with breast cancer. Such an observation raises doubts about the potential role of ductal lavage in an individual's risk assessment and early detection of breast cancer. We hypothesize that biomarker‐based analysis using markers of malignancy field defects including DNA 5c exceeding rate (DNA 5cER) and G‐actin might provide a more reliable test for breast cancer risk. The study was performed in 2 phases, the training and validation phase. For the training phase, 36 Chinese women were recruited (13 with breast cancer, 8 with intraductal papilloma and 15 with benign breast diseases). The validation phase included 10 women with cancer and 7 women without cancer. Ductal lavage samples were processed by the ThinPrep technique and evaluated by morphology followed by biomarker analysis using laser scan cytometry (LSC) for G‐actin and DNA5cER. In the training phase, biomarker analysis was performed on the 67% (24 of 36) of samples that had over 100 epithelial cells. The sensitivity of DNA5cER was 90% with a specificity of 100%, and G‐actin was 100% and 93%, respectively. By contrast, the sensitivity and specificity obtained by cytology alone were 67% and 93%, respectively. Similar results were obtained from the small validation study. Quantitative analysis of biomarkers for G‐actin and DNA5cER is feasible and useful in distinguishing benign from malignant breast disease on archived ductal lavage slides. Further studies are warranted to determine the value of these biomarkers in prospective trials. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development of a high‐throughput membrane‐array method for molecular diagnosis of circulating tumor cells in patients with gastric cancers
Authors: Wu Chan‐Hang , Lin Shiu‐Ru , Yu Fang‐Jung , Wu Deng‐Chyang , Pan Yong‐Sang , Hsieh Jan‐Sing , Huang Sung‐Yu , Wang Jaw‐Yuan
Published: February 2006

Recently several noninvasive methods have been employed to detect circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in cancer patients. In this study, we have developed a highly sensitive, high‐throughput colorimetric membrane‐array method that was designed to detect a panel of mRNA markers including human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), cytrokeratin‐19 (CK‐19), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and mucin 1 (MUC1) mRNA for the presence of CTCs in the peripheral blood of patients with gastric cancer (GC). Digoxigenin‐labeled cDNA targets synthesized following total RNA isolation from peripheral blood samples of 64 GC patients and 80 healthy individuals were subjected to membrane‐array hybridization. The results showed that membrane array could positively detect 5 cancer cells/ml of peripheral blood in GC cell‐dilution experiments. The sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy for hTERT, CK‐19, CEA and MUC1 mRNA ranged from 78.1% to 82.8%, 76.3% to 85% and 81.3% to 83.3%, respectively. Both CEA and MUC1 mRNA expression was correlated significantly with all malignant biological properties of GC, such as macroscopic type, depth of tumor invasion, lymph‐node metastasis, TNM stage and coexisting distant metastasis (all p < 0.05). Using these 4 markers in combination, the sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of membrane array were raised to 89.1%, 91.3% and 90.3%, respectively. The expression of all 4 mRNA markers was an independent predictor for postoperative recurrence/metastasis. GC patients with the expression of all the 4 mRNA markers showed a poorer survival rate than those without the expression of any 1 mRNA marker (p = 0.0223). These findings demonstrated that our membrane‐array method could detect CTCs in the circulation of GC patients with considerably high sensitivity and specificity. The identification of CTCs in the peripheral blood may be useful in the auxiliary cancer diagnostics or postoperative surveillance of GC patients for recurrence/metastasis. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Revive energy audits with today's cost management
Authors: Roth Harold P.
Published: February 2006

Remember the 1970s? We had petroleum shortages and price increases back then, too. But many companies also had conducted energy audits—to see where they could reduce energy usage. Accountants contributed their skills in auditing and cost management to make the process even more successful.

In many ways, we're in a similar situation today. But energy audits aren't as popular—even though recent advances in cost management could make energy audits even more useful.

The author thinks it's time to revive energy audits—using today's cost management techniques. And he shows how to do it. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc..
Taming SOX costs with six sigma
Authors: Martin Dale R. , Juras Paul E. , Aldhizer III George R.
Published: February 2006

The Sarbanes‐Oxley Act (SOX) was passed to fight fraud. But SOX has imposed a lot of additional work and expense on public companies and their independent auditors. Large public companies have been shocked at the multibillion‐dollar costs of first‐year SOX compliance. And year two's costs do not look much better.

Is there a way to get SOX costs under control? The authors say the answer is yes, and it can be done by using a powerful quality improvement tool: Six Sigma. They show how to use it and how to avoid common pitfalls. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Managing M&A costs
Authors: Venema William H.
Published: February 2006

Merger and acquisition (M&A) activity increased in 2005, but vocal critics are decrying the huge transaction costs usually involved. Shareholders of the buying firms mostly lost out.

But it doesn't have to be that way, says the author, who has assisted scores of M&A clients over two decades. And he explains how to control M&A costs. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc..
How the nanotechnology revolution will affect cost management
Authors: Dutta Saurav , Lawson Raef , Marcinko David
Published: February 2006

Nanotechnology—the application of research about objects at the molecular level—holds the promise of transforming the processes used to produce goods, revolutionizing whole industries, and transforming society as a whole. This article explores the cost management and corporate financial implications of this coming revolution. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Zippo lights up with ABC/M
Authors: Miller John , Muras Andrew , Vecchio Robert
Published: February 2006

Zippo Manufacturing wanted a product‐ and customer‐profitability reporting system, but it was leery of the potential costs and complexities. By using a few simple principles to get results quickly and inexpensively, Zippo soon had a working and effective system. Partly as a result, Zippo was recognized in 2005 as a best practice organization for Calculating and Reporting Customer Profitability by the APQC, a member‐based nonprofit for process and performance improvement. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Determining the financial value of implementing lean
Authors: TomasYu‐Lee Reginald
Published: February 2006

Lean is about getting more out of a company's resources, which leads to increased output at slower rates of investment in growing markets or the ability to meet relatively constant or declining demand with fewer resources than otherwise needed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Involvement of somatolactin in background adaptation of the cichlid fish Cichlasoma dimerus
Authors: Cánepa Maximiliano Martín , Pandolfi Matías , Maggese María Cristina , Vissio Paula Gabriela
Published: February 2006

Somatolactin (SL) is a pituitary hormone present exclusively in fish that is involved in different physiological processes. The role of SL was evaluated in Cichlasoma dimerus (Teleostei, Perciformes) exposed for 10 days to a black and white background (BB and WB). Changes in α‐melanophore stimulating hormone (αMSH) and melanin concentrating hormone (MCH) cells were also analyzed for comparison with SL. A melanin dispersing effect was observed in fish exposed to a BB, while a concentrating one was observed in those exposed to a WB. By Western blot, three SL‐immunoreactive (ir) bands (32, 28 and 23.5 kD) were evidenced. Pituitary SL‐ir levels were 2.66‐ and 2.67‐fold greater in the 32 Kd and 28 kD bands, respectively, in BB fish compared with those of WB fish. The SL‐ir 23.5 Kd band was not included in the analysis because of its unknown identity. In addition, SL‐ir cell number and area were significantly higher in the BB condition (BB 22.73±1.46, WB 7.37±0.54 and BB 27.39±1.00 μm2; WB: 16.61±0.65 μm2). No significant differences were observed in the number of the hypothalamic MCH‐ir neurons. However, a significant difference was observed in their nuclear area (BB 11.61±0.42 μm2, WB 17.80±0.84 μm2). αMSH‐ir cells showed a marked increased in number (BB 35.96±1.22, WB 24.36±1.04), but no significant differences were observed in the cell area. In conclusion, this study presented clear evidence towards a possible involvement of SL in the adaptation to background colors in teleost together with αMSH and MCH. J. Exp. Zool. 305A, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of local and systemic CTLA4Ig gene transfer on corneal allograft survival
Authors: Gong Nianqiao , Pleyer Uwe , Yang Jun , Vogt Katrin , Hill Marcelo , Anegon Ignacio , Volk Hans‐Dieter , Ritter Thomas
Published: February 2006

Background

To analyse the effects of local (ex vivo) or systemic (in vivo) administration of adenovirus type 5 encoding CTLA4Ig (AdCTLA4Ig) on its influence to prolong corneal allograft survival and to study the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

A MHC class I/II mismatched rat corneal transplant model was used. Recipients were randomly assigned to receive ex vivo gene‐modified corneas expressing either CTLA4Ig, CTLA4Ig/IL‐10 or a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection (1.0 × 109 or 1.0 × 1010 infectious particles) of AdCTLA4Ig 1 day before transplantation and graft survival was analysed. The immunoregulatory effect of this treatment was examined by analysing intra‐graft cytokine mRNA expression pattern at day 12 post‐transplant. The anti‐adenovirus immunity also was investigated.

Results

Ex vivo gene transfer resulted in a modest but significant prolongation of graft survival (p = 0.0036 compared to no treatment). In contrast, systemic gene therapy (1.0 × 109 or 1.0 × 1010 infectious particles) significantly prolonged graft survival (p = 0.0007 and 0.0001, respectively, compared to no treatment). Systemic (1.0 × 1010 infectious particles) therapy resulted in frequent indefinite survival of allogeneic grafts which was not observed in the other therapeutic regimens. Moreover, systemic therapy prevented the intra‐graft accumulation and activation of T cells and resulted in a reduced mRNA expression of both TH1 and TH2 cytokines. The generation of anti‐adenovirus antibodies was also efficiently inhibited.

Conclusions

CTLA4Ig gene therapy is a successful strategy for the prevention of allogeneic graft rejection in corneal transplantation. Our work has further elucidated the mechanisms of corneal allograft rejection which may lead to novel therapeutic strategies. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Imaging and therapy of malignant pleural mesothelioma using replication‐competent herpes simplex viruses
Authors: Adusumilli Prasad S. , Stiles Brendon M. , Chan Mei‐Ki , Mullerad Michael , Eisenberg David P. , Ben‐Porat Leah , Huq Rumana , Rusch Valerie W. , Fong Yuman
Published: February 2006

Background

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive cancer that is refractory to current treatment modalities. Oncolytic herpes simplex viruses (HSV) used for gene therapy are genetically engineered, replication‐competent viruses that selectively target tumor cells while sparing normal host tissue. The localized nature, the potential accessibility and the relative lack of distant metastasis make MPM a particularly suitable disease for oncolytic viral therapy.

Methods

The infectivity, selective replication, vector spread and cytotoxic ability of three oncolytic HSV: G207, NV1020 and NV1066, were tested against eleven pathological types of MPM cell lines including those that are resistant to radiation therapy, gemcitabine or cisplatin. The therapeutic efficacy and the effect on survival of NV1066 were confirmed in a murine MPM model.

Results

All three oncolytic HSV were highly effective against all the MPM cell lines tested. Even at very low concentrations of MOI 0.01 (MOI: multiplicity of viral infection, ratio of viral particles per cancer cell), HSV were highly effective against MPM cells that are resistant to radiation, gemcitabine and cisplatin. NV1066, an oncolytic HSV that expresses green fluorescent protein (GFP), was able to delineate the extent of the disease in a murine model of MPM due to selective infection and expression of GFP in tumor cells. Furthermore, NV1066 was able to reduce the tumor burden and prolong survival even when treatment was at an advanced stage of the disease.

Conclusion

These findings support the continued investigation of oncolytic HSV as potential therapy for patients with therapy‐resistant MPM. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficient in toto targeted recombination in mouse liver by meganuclease‐induced double‐strand break
Authors: Gouble Agnès , Smith Julianne , Bruneau Sylvia , Perez Christophe , Guyot Valérie , Cabaniols Jean‐Pierre , Leduc Sophie , Fiette Laurence , Avé Patrick , Micheau Béatrice , Duchateau Philippe , Pâques Frédéric
Published: February 2006

Background

Sequence‐specific endonucleases with large recognition sites can cleave DNA in living cells, and, as a consequence, stimulate homologous recombination (HR) up to 10 000‐fold. The recent development of artificial meganucleases with chosen specificities has provided the potential to target any chromosomal locus. Thus, they may represent a universal genome engineering tool and seem to be very promising for acute gene therapy. However, in toto applications depend on the ability to target somatic tissues as well as the proficiency of somatic cells to perform double‐strand break (DSB)‐induced HR.

Methods

In order to investigate DSB‐induced HR in toto, we have designed transgenic mouse lines carrying a LagoZ gene interrupted by one I‐SceI cleavage site surrounded by two direct repeats. The LagoZ gene can be rescued upon cleavage by I‐SceI and HR between the two repeats in a process called single‐strand annealing. β‐Galactosidase activity is monitored in liver after tail vein injection of adenovirus expressing the meganuclease I‐SceI.

Results

In toto staining revealed a strong dotted pattern in all animals injected with adenovirus expressing I‐SceI. In contrast, no staining could be detected in the control. β‐Galactosidase activity in liver extract, tissue section staining, and PCR analysis confirmed the presence of the recombined LagoZ gene.

Conclusions

We demonstrate for the first time that meganucleases can be successfully delivered in animal and induce targeted genomic recombination in mice liver in toto. These results are an essential step towards the use of designed meganucleases and show the high potential of this technology in the field of gene therapy. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of wing morphology in three birds of prey: Correlations with differences in flight behavior
Authors: Corvidae Elaine L. , Bierregaard Richard O. , Peters Susan E.
Published: February 2006

Flight is the overriding characteristic of birds that has influenced most of their morphological, physiological, and behavioral features. Flight adaptations are essential for survival in the wide variety of environments that birds occupy. Therefore, locomotor structure, including skeletal and muscular characteristics, is adapted to reflect the flight style necessitated by different ecological niches. Red‐tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) soar to locate their prey, Cooper's hawks (Accipiter cooperii) actively chase down avian prey, and ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) soar and hover to locate fish. In this study, wing ratios, proportions of skeletal elements, and relative sizes of selected flight muscles were compared among these species. Oxidative and glycolytic enzyme activities of several muscles were also analyzed via assays for citrate synthase (CS) and for lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). It was found that structural characteristics of these three raptors differ in ways consistent with prevailing aerodynamic models. The similarity of enzymatic activities among different muscles of the three species shows low physiological differentiation and suggests that wing architecture may play a greater role in determining flight styles for these birds. J. Morphol. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Regulation by GD3 of the proinflammatory response of microglia mediated by interleukin‐15
Authors: Gómez‐Nicola Diego , Doncel‐Pérez Ernesto , Nieto‐Sampedro Manuel
Published: February 2006

The interleukin (IL)‐15‐dependent immune responses of murine microglia were strongly affected by low concentrations of the ganglioside GD3. The ganglioside binding to IL‐15 inhibited the proinflammatory effects of the cytokine, reducing IL‐15‐dependent T‐cell proliferation as well as mRNA expression for IL‐15Rα, p65, and NFATc2 in the N13 murine microglial cell line. Treatment of primary murine microglial cultures with GD3 abolished IL‐15 production, without affecting cellular viability, but decreased the production of nitric oxide, a direct sensor of inflammation and nuclear factor‐κB activity. We conclude that low doses of GD3 could inhibit specific proinflammatory mechanisms and modulate the inflammatory environment, leading to a less reactive scene. Microglial cells are one of the main actors in the inflammatory events that follow CNS trauma or an autoimmune disease episode, modulating the internal production of cytokines, growth factors, and other homeostatic molecules that may determine the evolution and outcome of tissue damage. Proinflammatory cytokines have a relevant role in the initial events, and modulation of their activity by gangliosides could cut down their harmful effects and interfere with invasion of the CNS by peripheral immune cells. The antiinflammatory properties of GD3 could be significant in the treatment of pain subsequent to CNS damage. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Regulation of human neural precursor cells by laminin and integrins
Authors: Flanagan Lisa A. , Rebaza Liza M. , Derzic Stanislava , Schwartz Philip H. , Monuki Edwin S.
Published: February 2006

Deciphering the factors that regulate human neural stem cells will greatly aid in their use as models of development and as therapeutic agents. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a component of stem cell niches in vivo and regulates multiple functions in diverse cell types, yet little is known about its effects on human neural stem/precursor cells (NSPCs). We therefore plated human NSPCs on four different substrates (poly‐L‐ornithine, fibronectin, laminin, and matrigel) and compared their responses with those of mouse NSPCs. Compared with the other substrates, laminin matrices enhanced NSPC migration, expansion, differentiation into neurons and astrocytes, and elongation of neurites from NSPC‐derived neurons. Laminin had a similar spectrum of effects on both human and mouse cells, highlighting the evolutionary conservation of NSPC regulation by this component of the ECM. Flow cytometry revealed that human NSPCs express on their cell surfaces the laminin‐binding integrins α3, α6, α7, β1, and β4, and function‐blocking antibodies to the α6 subunit confirmed a role for integrins in laminin‐dependent migration of human NSPCs. These results define laminin and its integrin receptors as key regulators of human NSPCs. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Noradrenergic regulation of galanin expression in the supraoptic nucleus in the rat hypothalamus. An ex vivo study
Authors: Melnikova Victoria I. , Raison Danièle , Hardin‐Pouzet Hélène , Ugrumov Mikhail V. , Calas Andre , Grange‐Messent Valerie
Published: February 2006

Galanin is coexpressed with vasopressin and oxytocin in magnocellular neurons of the rat neuroendocrine hypothalamus. Various physiological stimuli, such as osmotic stimulation or lactation, that affect vasopressin and oxytocin expression and release also modulate galanin expression. Magnocellular neurons are highly innervated by noradrenergic inputs from the brainstem. The noradrenergic system plays a critical excitatory role in the activation of vasopressin‐expressing and oxytocin‐expressing neurons. Here, we have evaluated the possible regulation of Gal expression by noradrenaline in the magnocellular neurons of supraoptic nucleus in an ex vivo acute model of rat hypothalamic slices. The slices containing the supraoptic nucleus were incubated with 10–4 M noradrenaline for 1 or 4 hr. The levels of galanin and galanin mRNA were estimated by semiquantitative immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization, respectively. Our results show that the amount of galanin‐immunopositive material in the cell bodies of the magnocellular neurons increased significantly after incubation with noradrenaline compared with control slices at the same time point and that this effect was more pronounced after 4 hr than after 1 hr. In situ hybridization showed that radiolabeling of the supraoptic nucleus with a radioactive galanin probe increased slightly after 1 hr of incubation and increased considerably after 4 hr of incubation with noradrenaline. Our study shows that galanin may be a target in the regulation of the hypothalamic magnocellular–neurohypophysial system by noradrenaline. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Semisynthetic sphingoglycolipid LIGA20 is neuroprotective against human immunodeficiency virus‐gp120‐mediated apoptosis
Authors: Bachis Alessia , Mocchetti Italo
Published: February 2006

Apoptosis and neuronal atrophy are commonly seen in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) in the late phase of infection. The HIV‐1 envelope glycoprotein gp120 has been suggested to be a causal agent of neuronal loss. Therefore, blocking gp120 neurotoxicity may be an effective way to reduce the neuronal degeneration seen in HIV patients. Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) prevents gp120‐mediated apoptosis in cerebellar granule cells. However, BDNF poorly crosses the blood–brain barrier and therefore may not be a suitable therapy for HIV patients. LIGA20 is a semisynthetic sphingoglycolipid that may be a valid alternative to BDNF. In fact, it has been shown that LIGA20 mimics the neuroprotective properties of BDNF. The present study was undertaken to characterize the relative potency of LIGA20 to antagonize gp120‐mediated apoptosis. Cerebellar granule cells were exposed to gp120IIIB (5 nM) or stromal‐cell derived factor‐1 (SDF), the natural ligand for the CXCR4 receptor to which gp120 binds, alone or in combination with LIGA20 (5 μM), and cell death/survival was determined 12 and 24 hr later by various markers of apoptosis. LIGA20 blocked the neurotoxic effect of gp120 and SDF. The neurotrophic effect of LIGA20 was reversed by K252a, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor used to block TrkB signaling, suggesting the involvement of TrkB activation. These findings provide the rationale for exploring the ability of compounds that mimic BDNF activity to reduce neuronal cell death in HIV‐1‐positive patients. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Leukemia inhibitory factor is produced by myelin‐reactive T cells from multiple sclerosis patients and protects against tumor necrosis factor‐α‐induced oligodendrocyte apoptosis
Authors: Vanderlocht Joris , Hellings Niels , Hendriks Jerome J.A. , Vandenabeele Frank , Moreels Marjan , Buntinx Mieke , Hoekstra Dick , Antel Jack P. , Stinissen Piet
Published: February 2006

In multiple sclerosis (MS), damage to oligodendrocytes is believed to be caused by an aberrant immune response initiated by autoreactive T cells. Increasing evidence indicates that these T cells are not exclusively detrimental but might also exert protective effects. We report for the first time that myelin‐reactive T‐cell clones from eight MS patients (6/19) and five healthy controls (4/11) produce leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), a member of the neuropoietic family of neurotrophins. In addition, T‐cell clones specific for tetanus toxoid, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and monocytes, but not B cells, secreted LIF. LIF‐producing T lymphocytes and macrophages were also identified immunohistochemically in both active and chronic‐active MS lesions. We further demonstrated dose‐dependent protective effects of LIF on tumor necrosis factor‐α‐induced apoptosis of oligodendrocytes. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that peripheral and CNS‐infiltrating T cells from MS patients produce LIF, a protective factor for oligodendrocytes. This study emphasizes that secretion of LIF may contribute to the neuroprotective effects of autoreactive T cells. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Trkb receptors modulation of glutamate release is limited to a subset of nerve terminals in the adult rat hippocampus
Authors: Pereira Daniela B. , Rebola Nelson , Rodrigues Ricardo J. , Cunha Rodrigo A. , Carvalho Arsélio P. , Duarte Carlos B.
Published: February 2006

Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) modulates glutamatergic excitatory transmission in hippocampal primary cultures by acting at a presynaptic locus. Although it has been suggested that BDNF also modulates adult hippocampus glutamatergic transmission, this remains a matter of controversy. To clarify a putative role for this neurotrophin in the modulation of glutamate release we applied exogenous BDNF to isolated adult rat hippocampal nerve terminals. BDNF, at 100 ng/ml, potentiated by 25% the K+‐evoked release of [3H]glutamate from hippocampal synaptosomes. The small effect of BDNF on [3H]glutamate release correlated with a modest increase in phospholipase Cγ (PLCγ) phosphorylation, and with the lack of effect of BDNF on extracellular‐signal regulated kinase (ERK) and Akt phosphorylation. Immunocytochemistry studies demonstrated that only about one‐third of glutamatergic synaptosomes were positive for TrkB immunoreactivity. Furthermore, biotinylation and subsynaptic fractionation studies showed that only one‐fourth of total full‐length TrkB was present at the plasma membrane, evenly distributed between the presynaptic active zone and the postsynaptic density. These results indicate that BDNF modulates synaptic transmission presynaptically in a small subset of hippocampal glutamatergic synapses that contain TrkB and that express the receptor on the plasma membrane. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
S100B protects LAN‐5 neuroblastoma cells against Aβ amyloid‐induced neurotoxicity via RAGE engagement at low doses but increases Aβ amyloid neurotoxicity at high doses
Authors: Businaro R. , Leone S. , Fabrizi C. , Sorci G. , Donato R. , Lauro G.M. , Fumagalli L.
Published: February 2006

At the concentrations normally found in the brain extracellular space the glial‐derived protein, S100B, protects neurons against neurotoxic agents by interacting with the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE). It is known that at relatively high concentrations S100B is neurotoxic causing neuronal death via excessive stimulation of RAGE. S100B is detected within senile plaques in Alzheimer's disease, where its role is unknown. The present study was undertaken to evaluate a putative neuroprotective role of S100B against Aβ amyloid‐induced neurotoxicity. We treated LAN‐5 neuroblastoma cultures with toxic amounts of Aβ25‐35 amyloid peptide. Our results show that at nanomolar concentrations S100B protects cells against Aβ‐mediated cytotoxicity, as assessed by 3‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐thiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP‐fluorescein isothiocyanate nick end‐labeling (TUNEL) experiments, by countering the Aβ‐mediated decrease in the expression of the anti‐apoptotic factor Bcl‐2. This effect depends on S100B binding to RAGE because S100B is unable to contrast Aβ‐mediated neurotoxicity in neurons overexpressing a signaling‐deficient RAGE mutant lacking the cytosolic and transducing domain. Our data suggest that at nanomolar doses S100B counteracts Aβ peptide neurotoxicity in a RAGE‐mediated manner. However, at micromolar doses S100B is toxic to LAN‐5 cells and its toxicity adds to that of the Aβ peptide, suggesting that additional molecular mechanisms may be involved in the neurotoxic process. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Early social enrichment augments adult hippocampal BDNF levels and survival of BrdU‐positive cells while increasing anxiety‐ and “depression”‐like behavior
Authors: Branchi Igor , D'Andrea Ivana , Sietzema Jantine , Fiore Marco , Di Fausto Veronica , Aloe Luigi , Alleva Enrico
Published: February 2006

Early experiences affect brain function and behavior at adulthood. Being reared in a communal nest (CN), consisting of a single nest where three mothers keep their pups together and share care‐giving behavior from birth to weaning (postnatal day [PND] 25), provides an highly socially stimulating environment to the developing pup. Communal nest characterizes the natural ecologic niche of many rodent species including the mouse. At adulthood, CN reared mice, compared to mice reared in standard nesting laboratory condition (SN), show an increase in BDNF protein levels and longer survival of BrdU‐positive cells in the hippocampus. Open field and elevated plus maze results indicate that CN mice, although showing levels of exploratory and locomotor activity similar to those of SN mice, displayed increased anxiety‐like behavior, performing more thigmotaxis in the open field and spending less time in the open arms of the plus maze. Furthermore, CN mice displayed higher levels of immobility behavior in the forced swim test. Overall, these findings show that CN, an highly stimulating early social environment, increases adult neuronal plasticity, as suggested by high BDNF levels and augmented number of newly generated cells in the hippocampus, which is associated to an increased anxiety‐ and “depression”‐like behavior. These findings are discussed in the framework of the neurotrophin hypothesis of depression. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Women, power, and sex composition in small groups: an evolutionary perspective
Authors: Colarelli Stephen M. , Spranger Jennifer L. , Hechanova Ma. Regina
Published: February 2006

Despite the massive influx of women into the workforce, women have made only minor gains into top management positions. Most explanations for this asymmetry have been based on sex differences in socialization and traits. We propose that an evolutionary psychological perspective offers an alternative explanation: sex differences in power are due to differences in the way men and women use influence behaviors insmall groups, and these differences were sculpted, in part, by natural selection. This produced sex differences in psychological and physiological mechanisms—principally in the neuroendocrine system—that influence motivations to use influence in groups. We review studies on sex differences in influence in small groups. For each type of influence behavior that we examine—competition, dominance, and coalition formation—we discuss ultimate and proximate causes. We conclude with implications for future research and for public and organizational policy. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of seasonal pressure patterns on temporal variability of vegetation activity in Central Siberia
Authors: Vicente‐Serrano Sergio M. , Grippa Manuela , Delbart Nicolas , Le Toan Thuy , Kergoat Laurent
Published: February 2006

This paper analyses the spatial distribution of the inter‐annual variability of vegetation activity in central Siberia and its relationship with atmospheric circulation variability. We used NOAA‐AVHRR NDVI series from Pathfinder Land Data Set at 1° of spatial resolution, and we calculated the annual vegetation activity in each pixel (aNDVI) from 1982 to 2001. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to determine the general spatial patterns of inter‐annual variability of vegetation activity. We identified three main modes, which explain more than 50% of the total variance, each corresponding to a large region. By means of surface pressure grids, we analysed the main patterns of the seasonal atmospheric circulation in the study area: its variability was summarised by means of a few circulation modes and the patterns differ significantly between winter, spring and summer. However, a pattern with a North–South dipole structure represents the general spatial pattern of atmospheric circulation. We investigated the effect of seasonal atmospheric circulation patterns on the inter‐annual variation of vegetation activity. In general, the strongest relationships between the atmospheric circulation variability, climate and the aNDVI variability were found in areas where the climatic characteristics are more limiting for the vegetation development, such as the northern regions. This may be explained by the fact that in these areas the variability of atmospheric circulation modes determines summer temperatures, which have a direct impact on vegetation activity. Copyright © 2006 Royal Meteorological Society.
Assessing land degradation in the Monduli District, northern Tanzania
Authors: Kiunsi R. B. , Meadows M. E.
Published: February 2006

One of the many contentious issues facing the appropriate and accurate assessment of land degradation is the varying emphasis placed on vegetation degradation and soil degradation processes. This has led to the compartmentalization of land degradation assessment methods, depending on the particular perspective adopted. The land degradation assessment method presented here attempts to take into account both vegetation and soil degradation. This methodology is applied to the southern part of the Monduli District of northeast Tanzania, an area typifying the so‐called ‘affected drylands’ of Africa. Three sets of land cover maps synchronized against long‐term rainfall data (1960s, 1991 and 1999) were used to assess land degradation in the area. Utilizing these three sets of land cover maps as a basis for change detection, it is possible to distinguish areas that experienced changes in vegetation due to rainfall variability from those areas that were subject to changes consequent upon anthropological factors. All areas that displayed overall depletion of natural and semi‐natural vegetation due to human factors were deemed to have undergone land degradation, whereas areas that experienced inter‐annual land cover changes due to rainfall variability were classified as experiencing cover change due to ecosystem dynamics. This method provides a complete and appropriate assessment of land degradation in the study area and can be used to improve degradation assessment in other semiarid areas. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Subsurface drainage for reversing degradation of waterlogged saline lands
Authors: Sharma D. P. , Gupta S. K.
Published: February 2006

In irrigated agriculture of arid and semiarid regions waterlogging coupled with salinity is a serious problem. Experimental evidence at several locations has led to the realization that subsurface drainage is an essential intervention to reverse the processes of land degradation responsible for the formation of waterlogged saline lands. This paper presents the results of a study conducted from 1995 to 2000 to evaluate the impacts of subsurface drainage on soil properties, groundwater‐table behaviour and crop productivity in a waterlogged saline area of 2200 ha. A subsurface drainage system was installed at 1·6 m depth with 60 m drain spacing covering an area of 1200 ha (23 blocks) during 1997–99 and compared with an undrained block of 1000 ha. Subsurface drainage facilitated the reclamation of waterlogged saline lands and a decrease in the soil salinity (ECe, dS m−1) that ranged from 16·0 to 66·3 per cent in different blocks. On average, 35·7 per cent decrease in salt content was observed when compared with the initial value. Provision of subsurface drainage controlled the water‐table below the root zone during the monsoon season and helped in bringing the soil to optimum moisture content for the sowing of winter crops. In the drained area, the increase in yields of different crops ranged from 18·8 to 27·6 per cent. However, in the undrained area the yield of different crops decreased due to the increased waterlogging and soil salinity problems. Overall the results indicated that investment in subsurface drainage is a viable option for reversing the land degradation of waterlogged saline lands in a monsoon climate. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Femtosecond laser ablation elemental mass spectrometry
Authors: Hergenröder Roland , Samek Ota , Hommes Vanja
Published: February 2006

Laser ablation mass spectrometry (LA‐MS) has always been an interesting method for the elemental analysis of solid samples. Chemical analysis with a laser requires small amounts of material. Depending on the analytical detection system, subpicogram quantities may be sufficient. In addition, a focused laser beam permits the spatial characterization of heterogeneity in solid samples typically with micrometer resolution in terms of lateral and depth dimensions. With the advent of high‐energy, ultra‐short pulse lasers, new possibilities arise. The task of this review is to discuss the principle differences between the ablation process of short (>1 ps) and ultra‐short (<1 ps) pulses. Based on the timescales and the energy balance of the process that underlies an ablation event, it will be shown that ultra‐short pulses are less thermal and cause less collateral damages than longer pulses. The confinement of the pulse energy to the focal region guarantees a better spatial resolution in all dimensions and improves the analytical figures of merit (e.g., fractionation). Applications that demonstrate these features and that will be presented are in‐depth profiling of multi‐layer samples and the elemental analysis of biological materials. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 25:551–572, 2006
Chemical cross‐linking and mass spectrometry to map three‐dimensional protein structures and protein–protein interactions
Authors: Sinz Andrea
Published: February 2006

Closely related to studying the function of a protein is the analysis of its three‐dimensional structure and the identification of interaction sites with its binding partners. An alternative approach to the high‐resolution methods for three‐dimensional protein structure analysis, such as X‐ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy, consists of covalently connecting two functional groups of the protein(s) under investigation. The location of the created cross‐links imposes a distance constraint on the location of the respective side chains and allows one to draw conclusions on the three‐dimensional structure of the protein or a protein complex. Recently, chemical cross‐linking of proteins has been combined with a mass spectrometric analysis of the created cross‐linked products. This review article describes the most popular cross‐linking reagents for protein structure analysis and gives an overview of the different available strategies that employ chemical cross‐linking and different mass spectrometric techniques. The challenges for mass spectrometry caused by the enormous complexity of the cross‐linking reaction mixtures are emphasized. The various approaches described in the literature to facilitate the mass spectrometric detection of cross‐linked products as well as computer software for data analyses are reviewed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 25:663–682, 2006
A nitrogen‐15 NMR study of hydrogen bonding in 1‐alkyl‐4‐imino‐1,4‐dihydro‐3‐quinolinecarboxylic acids and related compounds
Authors: Carlton Laurence , Staskun Benjamin , van Es Theodorus
Published: February 2006

The title compounds contain groups (amine, amide, imine, carboxylic acid) that are capable of forming intramolecular hydrogen bonds involving a six‐membered ring. In compounds where the two interacting functional groups are imine and carboxylic acid, the imine is protonated to give a zwitterion; where the two groups are imine and amide, the amide remains intact and forms a hydrogen bond to the imine nitrogen. The former is confirmed by the iminium 15N signal, which shows the coupling of 1J(15N,1H) −85 to −86.8 Hz and 3J(1H,1H) 3.7–4.2 Hz between the iminium proton and the methine proton of a cyclopropyl substituent on the iminium nitrogen. Hydrogen bonding of the amide is confirmed by its high 1H chemical shift and by coupling of the amide hydrogen to (amide) nitrogen [(1J(15N,1H) −84.7 to −90.7 Hz)] and to ortho carbons of a phenyl substituent. Data obtained from N,N‐dimethylanthranilic acid show 15N1H coupling of (−)8.2 Hz at 223 K (increasing to (−)5.3 Hz at 243 K) consistent with the presence of a N··· HO hydrogen bond. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of maturation stage at cryopreservation on post‐thaw cytoskeleton quality and fertilizability of equine oocytes
Authors: Tharasanit T. , Colenbrander B. , Stout T.A.E.
Published: February 2006

Oocyte cryopreservation is a potentially valuable technique for salvaging the germ‐line when a valuable mare dies, but facilities for in vitro embryo production or oocyte transfer are not immediately available. This study examined the influence of maturation stage and freezing technique on the cryopreservability of equine oocytes. Cumulus oocyte complexes were frozen at the immature stage (GV) or after maturation in vitro for 30 hr (MII), using either conventional slow freezing (CF) or open pulled straw vitrification (OPS); cryoprotectant‐exposed and untreated nonfrozen oocytes served as controls. After thawing, GV oocytes were matured in vitro, and MII oocytes were incubated for 0 or 6 hr, before staining to examine meiotic spindle quality by confocal microscopy. To assess fertilizability, CF MII oocytes were subjected to intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and cultured in vitro. At 12, 24, and 48 hr after ICSI, injected oocytes were fixed to examine their progression through fertilization. Both maturation stage and freezing technique affected oocyte survival. The meiosis resumption rate was higher for OPS than CF for GV oocytes (28% vs. 1.2%; P < 0.05), but still much lower than for controls (66%). Cryopreserving oocytes at either stage induced meiotic spindle disruption (37%–67% normal spindles vs. 99% in controls; P < 0.05). Among frozen oocytes, however, spindle quality was best for oocytes frozen by CF at the MII stage and incubated for 6 hr post‐thaw (67% normal); since this combination of cryopreservation/IVM yielded the highest proportion of oocytes reaching MII with a normal spindle (35% compared to <20% for other groups), it was used when examining the effects of cryopreservation on fertilizability. In this respect, the rate of normal fertilization for CF MII oocytes after ICSI was much lower than for controls (total oocyte activation rate, 26% vs. 56%; cleavage rate at 48 hr, 8% vs. 42%: P < 0.05). Thus, although IVM followed by CF yields a respectable percentage of normal‐looking MII oocytes (35%), their ability to support fertilization is severely compromised. Mol. Reprod. Dev. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification and expression profiling of 10 novel spermatid expressed CYPT genes
Authors: Hansen Martin A. , Nielsen John E. , Tanaka Masami , Almstrup Kristian , Skakkebæk Niels E. , Leffers Henrik
Published: February 2006

To identify candidate genes for poor sperm morphology, we have screened for genes expressed during spermiogenesis. We identified 10 new members of the cysteine‐rich perinuclear theca (CYPT) family showing that this family contains at least 15 members, which also includes the casein kinase II target genes. Based on similarity the CYPT sequences could be divided into two groups, Cypt1–10 and the novel members Cypt12–15. The 5′‐end of the CYPT family is highly similar to exon1A and part of the first intron of Zfy2. Seven CYPT genes mapped to the X chromosome; six contained an intron and one was intron‐less. One CYPT gene mapped to chromosome 3 and one mapped to chromosome 9 which were both intron‐less. The upstream region of the CYPT family and Zfy2 genes is conserved. For some the conservation extended over a large region, however, only about 150 nucleotides is conserved among all CYPT members and Zfy2. Nevertheless, the short conserved promoter leads to essentially identical expression profiles for the CYPT family members and Zfy2, which was clearly different from the profile of Zfy1. Expression of the CYPT family and Zfy2 preceded the expression of other spermatid‐specific genes such as the transition proteins and the protamines. In situ hybridization revealed a low expression in pachytene spermatocytes from stages IX–X followed by a strong upregulation in spermatids from stage VI with maximum expression in spermatids in stages VII–VIII. The CYPT family may function in the remodeling of the spermatid nucleus before condensation of the DNA. Mol. Reprod. Dev. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neurophysiological testing in anorectal disorders
Authors: Lefaucheur Jean‐Pascal
Published: February 2006

The neurophysiological techniques currently available to evaluate anorectal disorders include concentric needle electromyography (EMG) of the external anal sphincter, anal nerve terminal motor latency (TML) measurement in response to transrectal electrical stimulation or sacral magnetic stimulation, motor evoked potentials (MEPs) of the anal sphincter to transcranial magnetic cortical stimulation, cortical recording of somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) to anal nerve stimulation, quantification of electrical or thermal sensory thresholds (QSTs) within the anal canal, sacral anal reflex (SAR) latency measurement in response to pudendal nerve or perianal stimulation, and perianal recording of sympathetic skin responses (SSRs). In most cases, a comprehensive approach using several tests is helpful for diagnosis: needle EMG signs of sphincter denervation or prolonged TML give evidence for anal motor nerve lesion; SEP/QST or SSR abnormalities can suggest sensory or autonomic neuropathy; and in the absence of peripheral nerve disorder, MEPs, SEPs, SSRs, and SARs can assist in demonstrating and localizing spinal or supraspinal disease. Such techniques are complementary to other methods of investigation, such as pelvic floor imaging and anorectal manometry, to establish the diagnosis and guide therapeutic management of neurogenic anorectal disorders. Muscle Nerve, 2005
Neuropathies associated with excessive exposure to lead
Authors: Thomson Ruth M. , Parry Gareth J.
Published: February 2006

Exposure to lead is a ubiquitous problem of the modern era. The majority of cases of all forms of lead intoxication, especially lead neuropathy, result from industrial exposure. In the Western world meticulous monitoring in industry has reduced the risk of overt lead neuropathy. The classic form of lead neuropathy consists of weakness that primarily involves the wrist and finger extensors but which later spreads to other muscles. There is only minimal sensory involvement. Less commonly, there is a more typical toxic neuropathy with distally accentuated sensory and motor involvement. The motor neuropathy is more likely to develop following relatively short‐term exposure to high lead concentrations and evolves in a subacute fashion. Prognosis for recovery is good as long as exposure is terminated promptly. The distal sensory and motor neuropathy develops after many years of exposure, evolves more slowly, and recovery is less certain. There is a generally weak relationship between the development of lead neuropathy and blood lead levels, at least for the subacute motor neuropathy, leading to speculation that the metabolic basis for the neuropathy is interference with porphyrin metabolism. Lead intoxication in humans causes axonal degeneration, but in some other species it causes a primarily demyelinating neuropathy. It should be possible to prevent lead neuropathy by good industrial hygiene. Close monitoring should identify excessive lead exposure before it causes overt neuropathy. If evidence of excessive exposure is found or if overt neuropathy develops, exposure must be terminated immediately. The role of chelation therapy in the treatment of lead neuropathy is controversial. Muscle Nerve, 2006