bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression of the stem cell marker CD133 in recurrent glioblastoma and its value for prognosis
Authors: Pallini Roberto , Ricci‐Vitiani Lucia , Montano Nicola , Mollinari Cristiana , Biffoni Mauro , Cenci Tonia , Pierconti Francesco , Martini Maurizio , De Maria Ruggero , Larocca Luigi Maria
Published: August 2010

BACKGROUND:

Experimental data suggest that glioblastoma cells expressing the stem cell marker CD133 play a major role in radiochemoresistance and tumor aggressiveness. To date, however, there is no clinical evidence that the fraction of CD133‐positive cells in glioblastoma that recurs after radiochemotherapy may be relevant for prognosis.

METHODS:

The authors used immunohistochemistry to assess CD133 expression in 37 paired glioblastoma samples, including 1 primary tumor sample and 1 recurrent tumor sample, after patients received adjuvant radiochemotherapy. To assess the actual composition of the CD133‐positive glioblastoma cell population, fluorescence‐associated cell sorting (FACS) analysis was used to sort CD133‐positive/CD45‐negative cells that were assayed for tumor‐specific chromosomal aberrations using interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization. To rule out endothelial precursor cells, CD133‐positive fractions also were assayed with anti‐CD34 by FACS.

RESULTS:

In recurrent glioblastomas, the percentage of CD133‐positive cells was increased by 4.6‐fold compared with the percentage in primary glioblastomas, although, in some tumors, it increased up to 10‐fold and 20‐fold. Unexpectedly, the increase in CD133 expression was associated significantly with longer survival after tumor recurrence. An analysis of tumor‐specific chromosomal aberrations and in vivo studies revealed that the CD133‐positive cell compartment of recurrent glioblastoma was composed of both cancer stem cells and nontumor neural stem cells. The latter cells represented from 20% to 60% of the CD133‐positive cell population, and their relative percentage favorably affected the survival of patients with recurrent glioblastoma. Endothelial CD133‐positive/CD34‐positive precursors did not contribute to the CD133‐positive cell population.

CONCLUSIONS:

The authors hypothesized that, similar to the phenomenon described in glioblastoma models, neural stem/progenitor cells that are recruited by the tumor from surrounding brain may exert an antitumorigenic effect. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Outcome of therapy‐related acute promyelocytic leukemia with or without arsenic trioxide as a component of frontline therapy
Authors: Dayyani Farshid , Kantarjian Hagop , O'Brien Susan , Pierce Sherry , Jones Dan , Faderl Stefan , Garcia‐Manero Guillermo , Cortes Jorge , Ravandi Farhad
Published: August 2010

BACKGROUND:

Patients with therapy‐related acute promyelocytic leukemia (t‐APL) have been commonly exposed to topoisomerase inhibitors and may potentially benefit from induction regimens omitting anthracyclines.

METHODS:

Retrospective analysis of the outcomes of 29 patients with t‐APL who were either treated with arsenic trioxide (ATO) and all‐trans‐retinoic acid (ATRA) or with standard ATRA plus anthracycline‐based chemotherapy was performed.

RESULTS:

Prior therapy included chemotherapy alone, radiation alone, or a combination of the 2 in 19%, 33%, and 47% of patients, respectively. The combination of ATO and ATRA (n = 19) for induction resulted in a similar remission rate compared with ATRA plus chemotherapy (n = 10) (89% vs 70%; P = .35). The median overall survival for the patients treated with ATRA plus ATO was not reached compared with that for patients treated with ATRA plus chemotherapy (161 weeks; P = .79).

CONCLUSIONS:

In this cohort of t‐APL patients, outcomes with ATO and ATRA appeared to be comparable to anthracycline‐containing induction regimens. This combination may be preferable in t‐APL patients to avoid any risk of anthracycline‐induced toxicities. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Detection of EGFR and KRAS mutations in fine‐needle aspirates stored on Whatman FTA cards
Authors: da Cunha Santos Gilda , Liu Ni , Tsao Ming‐Sound , Kamel‐Reid Suzanne , Chin Kayu , Geddie William R.
Published: August 2010

BACKGROUND:

The aims of this study were to compare the quality of DNA recovered from fine‐needle aspirates (FNAs) stored on Whatman FTA cards with that retrieved from corresponding cell blocks and to determine whether the DNA extracted from the cards is suitable for multiple mutation analyses.

METHODS:

FNAs collected from 18 resected lung tumors and cell suspensions from 4 lung cancer cell lines were placed on FTA Indicating Micro Cards and further processed to produce paired formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) cell blocks. Fragment analysis was used for the detection of EGFR exon 19 deletion, and direct sequencing for detection of EGFR exon 21 L858R mutation and exon 2 deletion of KRAS. Corresponding FFPE tissue sections from 2 resection specimens were also tested.

RESULTS:

Analyses were successful with all FNAs and lung cancer‐derived cell lines collected on cards. Polymerase chain reaction failed in 2 cell blocks. For FNAs collected on cards, 5 cases showed EGFR and 3 showed KRAS mutations. Eleven cases were wild type. With cell blocks, 4 cases were found to harbor KRAS and 4 harbored EGFR mutations. All lung cancer‐derived cell lines tested positive for their respective mutations, and there was complete agreement between card and cell block FNA samples for EGFR exon 21. For EGFR exon 19, 1 of 18 cases showed discordant results between the card and cell block, and for KRAS 1 of 17. The two resection specimens tested gave concordant results with the FTA card.

CONCLUSIONS:

Storage of cytologic material on FTA cards can maximize and simplify sample procurement for multiple mutational analyses with results similar to those from cell blocks. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
POGGI: generating puzzle instances for online games on grid infrastructures
Authors: Iosup Alexandru
Published: August 2010

The developers of Massively multiplayer online games (MMOGs) rely on attractive content such as logical challenges (puzzles) to entertain and generate revenue from millions of concurrent players. While a large part of the content is currently generated by hand, the exponentially increasing number of players and their new demand for player‐customized content have made manual content generation undesirable. Thus, in this work we investigate the problem of automated, player‐customized game content generation at MMOG scale; to make our investigation tractable, we focus on puzzle game content generation. In this context, we design POGGI, an architecture for generating player‐customized game content using on‐demand, grid resources. POGGI focuses on the large‐scale generation of puzzle instances that match well the solving ability of the players, and that lead to fresh playing experience. Using our reference implementation of POGGI, we show through experiments in a real resource pool of over 1600 nodes that POGGI can generate commercial‐quality content at MMOG scale. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spatial embedding as an enabling constraint: Introduction to a special issue of complexity on the topic of “Spatial Organization”
Authors: Bullock Seth , Geard Nicholas
Published: August 2010

We introduce and discuss the role of spatial embedding as an enabling constraint on complex system structure and function. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 16:8–10, 2010
Acceptance of pain, self‐compassion and psychopathology: Using the Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire to identify patients' subgroups
Authors: Costa Joana , Pinto‐Gouveia José
Published: August 2010

The present study explores whether specific subgroups of patients could be identified based on Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire scores. A battery of self‐report questionnaire was used to assess acceptance of pain, self‐compassion and psychopathology in 103 participants with chronic pain, from Portuguese health care units.

K‐Means cluster were performed and the results supported three subgroups of patients (low acceptance subgroup; high acceptance subgroup; intermediate subgroup with activity engagement near to the mean and low willingness to pain).

One‐way ANOVA's showed that the three subgroups identified differed significantly from each other on psychopathology and self‐compassion. Results indicated that the intermediate subgroup presented less depression and stress, compared with the low acceptance subgroup. In what concerns self‐compassion, the low acceptance subgroup reported higher self‐judgment, isolation and over identification, compared with the intermediate subgroup. These subgroups also differed from each other in common humanity and mindfulness. Implications and clinical utility of the results were discussed, suggesting the increase of willingness to pain as an important key in chronic pain interventions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message:

• Findings suggest the buffer effect of activity engagement in chronic pain on psychopathology;

• The expressive relation between activity engagement and self‐compassion in chronic pain;

• The presence of an intermediate subgroup of patients suggests that the increase of willingness to pain may add unique benefits in the treatment of chronic pain.
The relationship between resilience and levels of anxiety, depression, and obsessive–compulsive symptoms in adolescents
Authors: Hjemdal Odin , Vogel Patrick A. , Solem Stian , Hagen Kristen , Stiles Tore C.
Published: August 2010

Objective: Mental health problems affect approximately 20% of adolescents. Traditionally, the principal focus has been on vulnerability and risk factors and less on protective factors. The study, therefore, explores the relation between frequent psychiatric symptoms and resilience factors among older adolescents.

Method: The Resilience Scale for Adolescents (READ) was completed by 307 Norwegian high school students (M = 16.4 years) along with the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales, and the Obsessive–Compulsive Inventory‐Revised.

Results: Higher resilience scores predicted lower scores on levels of depression, anxiety, stress and obsessive–compulsive symptoms after controlling for age and gender.

Conclusion: This study provides further evidence that it may be fruitful for clinicians and researchers to attend to resilience factors in relation to psychological symptoms among older adolescents. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message:

• Resilience is significantly related to psychological symptoms in older adolescents after controlling for age and gender.

• Resilience factors are differently expressed by female and male youths, but overall resilience is equally distributed among the sexes.

• Assessment of resilience factors may provide appropriate targets for interventions among youths.
Mood and anxiety symptom questionnaire anxiety items in an adult british clinical sample: One scale or two?
Authors: Bedford Alan , Lukic Goran , Allerhand Michael , Deary Ian J.
Published: August 2010

In seeking to establish British clinical normative data for the two anxiety scales (anxious symptoms and anxious arousal) of the Mood and Anxiety Symptom Questionnaire (MASQ), the responses of 237 British National Health Service outpatients were examined. Factor analyses (exploratory and confirmatory) failed to confirm the expected structure. Data were presented and discussed, considering the 28 anxiety item pool in terms of being either two highly correlated scales of somatic anxiety versus psychological anxiety, or as a single general anxiety scale. As neither of these outcomes accorded with the test constructors' assumptions, it was concluded that the MASQ is not a suitable measure for assessing the tripartite model of adverse mood states in British clinical samples. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message:

• Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses failed to confirm the a priori MASQ anxiety items' structure.

• Alternative explanations were of either a) two highly correlated scales of somatic anxiety and psychological anxiety or b) a single general anxiety scale.
High‐order sensitivity invariants
Authors: Izydorczyk Jacek , Chojcan Jan
Published: August 2010

The aim of the research reported in this paper is to extend the notion of invariant sensitivity sum, widely known for electrical networks, from first‐order sensitivities to high‐order sensitivities. The results are high‐order invariant sums of sensitivities of the first and the second kind, formulated for nonlinear lumped circuit, which consists of one‐port and two‐ports only. One‐ports are generalized resistances, capacitances, inductances, voltages, and current sources, whereas two‐ports are nonlinear generalizations of four types of controlled sources. It is observed that the invariant sums actually found for nonlinear lumped networks are generalizations of sums given earlier by authors for linear lumped networks. The article is illustrated by numerical sensitivity analysis of simple linear and nonlinear circuits. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A phenomenological spice model for magneto‐impedance sensors
Authors: De La Cruz Blas Carlos A. , Gómez‐Polo Cristina , Carlosena Alfonso , Olivera Jesús
Published: August 2010

In this paper a lumped circuit model of magneto‐impedance (MI) sensors that can be easily implemented in Spice‐like simulators is proposed. The model is based on the equivalent circuit of a Padé's approximation derived from the impedance relied on Bessel functions. Thus, the model can simulate the transient and frequency responses from DC to several megahertz for a fix external magnetic field. Besides, the model can predict the impedance changes of the sensors as a nonlinear function of an external magnetic field via behavioral sources. This allows simulating MI sensors using magnetic feedback for controlling their response to improve linearity and dynamic range. The model has been verified using Spice simulations together with measurement results from a discrete prototype for generating the pulse voltage source, a simple modulation‐type configuration, and a feedback structure. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance analysis and simulations of 32‐ary cyclic code‐shift keying
Authors: Kao Chi‐Han , Robertson Clark , Kragh Frank , Lin Kyle
Published: August 2010

Cyclic code‐shift keying (CCSK) is the baseband 32‐ary symbol modulation scheme used by the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS), the communication terminal for Link‐16. CCSK is not orthogonal and an analytic expression for the probability of symbol error for CCSK has thus far been elusive. In this paper, an analytic upper bound on the probability of symbol error of CCSK is derived for the 32‐chip CCSK starting sequence chosen for JTIDS. The analytically obtained probability of symbol error is compared with two different Monte Carlo simulations for additive white Gaussian noise. The results of both simulations match the analytic results very well and show that the analytic method yields a tight upper bound. A new 32‐chip CCSK starting sequence which has a smaller maximum off‐peak cross‐correlation value than the current JTIDS starting sequence is proposed and evaluated both analytically and by simulation. The results obtained for the new CCSK starting sequence compare favorably with the CCSK starting sequence chosen for JTIDS. Published in 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance analysis of the unicasting mode in multi‐relay systems
Authors: Long Hang , Wei Meiying , Duan Ruchen , Zheng Kan , Wang Wenbo
Published: August 2010

The unicasting mode is a natural choice in multi‐relay systems to utilize the spatial potential of source and destination nodes. In the unicasting phase, the source node transmits different data streams to several relay nodes with the downlink multi‐user precoding; in the multi‐accessing phase, relay nodes transmit the received data streams to the destination node simultaneously. In this paper, the received signal‐to‐noise‐ratio (SNR) at the destination node of the unicasting mode is analyzed and derived, which can be calculated with two SNRs related to the two phases as an approximate harmonic mean function. Then, an approximate method for calculating the system ergodic capacity is presented. The inner products between singular vectors are approximately replaced by their expectations and distribution functions of singular values are derived. The numerical and simulation results demonstrate the efficiency of the analysis and the approximate method. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A study of forward error correction for mobile multicast
Authors: Alexiou Antonios , Bouras Christos , Papazois Andreas
Published: August 2010

3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has standardized the use of forward error correction (FEC) for the provision of reliable data transmission in the mobile multicast framework. This error control method inevitably adds a constant overhead in the transmitted data. However, it is so simple as to meet a prime objective for mobile multicast services; that is scalability to applications with thousands of receivers. In this paper, we present a study on the impact of application layer FEC on mobile multicast transmissions. We examine whether it is beneficial or not, how the optimal code dimension varies based on network conditions, which parameters affect the optimal code selection, and how this can be done. Additionally, we focus on one of the most critical aspects in mobile multicast transmission, which is power control. The evaluation is performed with the aid of a novel scheme that incorporates the properties of an evolved mobile network, as they are specified by the 3GPP. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spatial expectations of young human infants, following passive movement
Authors: Kaufman Jordy , Needham Amy
Published: August 2010

Three experiments are described that investigate 4.5‐month‐old infants' spatial thinking during passive movement using a task that required no manual or visual search. In these experiments, infants habituated to a display located near one corner of a table. Before the test trial the infants were either moved to the opposite side of the table or they remained in the same position that they held during the habituation trials. Also, between the habituation trials and the test trial, the display was either surreptitiously moved to the diagonally opposite position on the table, or the display remained stationary. The results showed that infants generally dishabituated when the actual (allocentric/objective) location of the display was changed between habituation and test. However, in Experiment 3, in which infants had reduced experience moving around the testing chamber, infants dishabituated to a change in their egocentric spatial relationship to the display. The results of this experiment suggest that experience moving around the testing chamber was a prerequisite for such location constancy. Taken together, the findings presented here indicate that with enough experience, young infants become aware of key spatial relationships in their environment during passive movement. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 53: 23–36, 2011.
A Cre transgenic line for studying V2 neuronal lineages and functions in the spinal cord
Authors: Li Shengguo , Misra Kamana , Xiang Mengqing
Published: August 2010

During spinal neurogenesis, the p2 progenitor domain generates at least two subclasses of interneurons named V2a and V2b, which are components of the locomotor central pattern generator. The winged‐helix/forkhead transcription factor Foxn4 is expressed in a subset of p2 progenitors and required for specifying V2b interneurons. Here, we report the generation of a Foxn4‐Cre BAC transgenic mouse line that drives Cre recombinase expression mimicking endogenous Foxn4 expression pattern in the developing spinal cord. We used this transgenic line to map neuronal lineages derived from Foxn4‐expressing progenitors and found that they gave rise to all neurons of the V2a, V2b, and the newly identified V2c lineages. These data suggest that Foxn4 may be transiently expressed by all p2 progenitors and that the Foxn4‐Cre line may serve as a useful genetic tool not only for lineage analysis but also for functional studies of genes and neurons involved in locomotion. genesis 48:667–672, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
New Screen‐Printed Ion‐Selective Electrodes for Potentiometric Titration of Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide in Different Civilic Media
Authors: Mohamed Gehad G. , Ali Tamer Awad , El‐Shahat M. F. , Al‐Sabagh A. M. , Migahed M. A.
Published: August 2010

The performance of home‐made printed carbon ink in the fabrication of a simple screen‐printed carbon paste electrodes (SPCPEs) was studied. Such electrodes are applied for the potentiometric titration and hence determination of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) in different pharmaceuticals and water samples. The performances of the new screen printed electrodes towards CTAB are compared with those for carbon paste, coated‐wire, coated graphite and polyvinyl chloride electrodes. SPCPEs have been successfully used for the potentiometric titration of CTAB in the analytical grad solutions, with a potential jump amounts to 1050 mV. The effect of plasticizer type, carbon content, binding materials, printing ink formulation, response time and printing process are optimized. The method is applied for pharmaceutical preparations with a percentage recovery of 99.20 % and RSD=0.45. The electrodes passes a near‐Nernstian cationic slope of 58.70±1.3 and 56.32±2.4 mV and lower detection limit of 6.8×10−7 and 5.80×10−7 M with a reproducibility of 0.145 and 3.25 % and response time of about 3 s and exhibit adequate shelf‐life of 6 and 2 months for SPCPE and CPE, respectively. The frequently used CTAB of analytical and technical grade as well as different water samples has been successfully titrated and the results obtained agreed with those obtained with commercial electrode and standard two phase titration method. The sensitivity of the proposed method is comparable with the official method indicating its possibility to be used in field measurements.
SE‐30 Graphite Composite Electrode: An Alternative for the Development of Electrochemical Biosensors
Authors: Safavi Afsaneh , Maleki Norooz , Tajabadi Fariba
Published: August 2010

A new graphite composite electrode was constructed by mixing graphite powder with chromatography stationary phase, SE‐30, as the binder. The electrochemical behavior of the new electrode has been evaluated and compared with that of traditional carbon paste electrode (CPE). The proposed electrode provides a remarkable increase in the rate of electron transfer of biomolecules such as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH), cysteine, ascorbic acid and catechol and shows a low surface fouling effects. The electrode shows highly promising results when used as an amperometic sensor for biocompounds such as NADH.
A novel PEG coating immobilized onto capillary through polydopamine coating for separation of proteins in CE
Authors: Zeng Rongju , Luo Zhaofeng , Zhou Dan , Cao Fuhu , Wang Yanmei
Published: August 2010

The antifouling PEG‐immobilized capillary was introduced for the protein separation in CE through mussel adhesive protein inspired polydopamine coating for the first time. The polydopamine, formed by spontaneous oxidative polymerization of dopamine at alkaline in the inner surface of capillary, was exploited to immobilize amine‐functionalized PEG onto the capillary surface. During the process, polydopamine‐graft‐PEG copolymer was formed via Michael addition or Schiff base reactions. The polymer coating was observed using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and SEM. And both of them indicated the formation of the polymer coating. A comparative study of EOF showed that the novel coating could provide effective suppression of EOF and minimized adsorption of proteins. As a consequence, fast and efficient separations of three proteins such as lysozyme, cytochrome c, and ribounclease A were obtained within a broad pH range. Furthermore, the long‐term stability of polydopamine‐graft‐PEG coating in consecutive protein separation runs and the high separation efficiency proved that this novel coating was capable of minimizing protein adsorption during the capillary separation. The successful capillary performance also was demonstrated in the separation of protein mixture and milk powder samples at acidic pH.
Effects of ferrous sulfate, inoculum history, and anionic form on lead, zinc, and copper toxicity to Acidithiobacillus caldus strain BC13
Authors: Aston John E. , Peyton Brent M. , Lee Brady D. , Apel William A.
Published: August 2010

The current study reports the single and combined toxicities of Pb, Zn, and Cu to Acidithiobacillus caldus strain BC13. The observed half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50), ± 95% confidence intervals, for Pb, Zn, and Cu were 0.9 ± 0.1 mM, 39 ± 0.5 mM, and 120 ± 8 mM, respectively. The observed minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for Pb, Zn, and Cu were 7.5 mM, 75 mM, and 250 mM, respectively. When metals were presented in binary mixtures, the toxicities were less than additive. For example, when 50% of the Pb MIC and 50% of the Cu MIC were presented together, the specific growth rate was inhibited by only 59 ± 3%, rather than 100%. In addition, the presence of ferrous iron in the growth media decreased Pb and Zn toxicity to A. caldus strain BC13. The importance of inoculum history was evaluated by pre-adapting cultures through subsequent transfers in the presence of Pb, Zn, and Cu at their respective IC50s. After pre-adaptation, cultures had specific growth rates 39 ± 11, 32 ± 7, and 28 ± 12% higher in the presence of Pb, Zn, and Cu IC50s, respectively, compared with cultures that had not been pre-adapted. In addition, when cells exposed to the MICs of Pb, Zn, and Cu were harvested, washed, and re-inoculated into fresh, metal-free medium, they grew, showing that the cells remained viable with little residual toxicity. Finally, metal chlorides showed more toxicity than metal sulfates, and studies using sodium chloride or a mixture of metal sulfates and sodium chloride suggested that this was attributable to an additive combination of the metal and chloride toxicities. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:2669–2675. © 2010 SETAC
Ecotoxicological effects of diuron and chlorotoluron nitrate-induced photodegradation products: Monospecific and aquatic mesocosm-integrated studies
Authors: Nélieu Sylvie , Bonnemoy Frédérique , Bonnet Jean-Louis , Lefeuvre Luz , Baudiffier Damien , Heydorff Micheline , Quéméneur Alphonse , Azam Didier , Ducrot Paul-Henri , Lagadic Laurent , Bohatier Jacques , Einhorn Jacques
Published: August 2010

The ecotoxicological impact of nitrate-induced photodegradation products of diuron and chlorotoluron was studied through monospecific biotests conducted in conjunction with experiments in outdoor aquatic mesocosms. Organisms representing three trophic levels were used: two heterotrophic microorganisms, the luminescent bacterium Vibrio fischeri and the ciliated protozoa Tetrahymena pyriformis, and one metazoa, the gastropod Lymnaea stagnalis. Among the variety of the phenylurea photoproducts, the N-formylated ones appeared clearly more toxic than the parent compounds towards the microorganisms, whereas the nitroderivatives showed a similar toxicity. Using photodegraded solutions of diuron, toxicity was maintained or even increased during disappearance of the initial herbicide, demonstrating that some of the photoproducts may have an impact additively or in synergy. Enzymatic biomarker assays performed on Lymnaea stagnalis exposed under monospecific conditions showed significant effects, due to the combination of nitrate with the pesticide and its photoproducts. A positive impact on snail fecundity was observed with chlorotoluron both under monospecific laboratory and integrated mesocosm conditions. Oviposition stimulation took place when first- and second-generation photoproducts were predominant. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:2644–2652. © 2010 SETAC
Effects of Flavoured Mouth Rinses on Morning Breath Odour: a Sensory, Analytical and Microbial Evaluation
Authors: Troccaz Myriam , Haefliger Olivier P. , Cayeux Isabelle , Beccucci Sabine , Jeckelmann Nicolas , Barra Jérôme , Clark Anthony J. , Schrenzel Jacques , Baehni Pierre
Published: August 2010

Transient oral malodour such as morning bad breath is very common and is caused by accumulation of bacteria and food residues, mainly at the posterior part of the tongue. The use of antimicrobial flavours may help to reduce malodours with limited side effects. The purpose of this work was to compare the effects of five alcohol‐free mouth rinses containing 0.2% w/w antimicrobial flavour oil on 24 human subjects in a randomized, double‐blind clinical study. Two mouth rinses containing triclosan and peppermint oil were used as positive controls. Oral malodours and flavour intensities, as well as analytical and microbial analyses of saliva samples, were performed before rinsing and 1 min and 1 h after rinsing the mouth with a 20 ml mouth rinse for 1 min. Immediately after rinsing, oral malodour scores and salivary bacterial counts were markedly reduced (85 ± 9% and 54 ± 12% decreases, respectively). At 1 h after rinsing, maximum efficacy (61 ± 18% reduction in oral malodours, 40 ± 11% decrease in salivary bacterial count) was observed with the mouth rinses containing the highest levels of menthol, limonene, carvone and eugenol, and these ingredients could still be detected in the saliva of most subjects. The finding that selected antimicrobial flavours have beneficial effects against salivary microorganisms and transient oral malodours may be important for the design of oral care products that promote fresh breath up to 1 h after rinsing without compromising taste.
Crucial role of cytochrome P450 in hepatotoxicity induced by 2,3‐dimethoxy‐1,4‐naphthoquinone in rats
Authors: Ishihara Yasuhiro , Ishii Satomi , Sakai Yufu , Yamamura Nobue , Onishi Yukiko , Shimamoto Norio
Published: August 2010

Quinone toxicity is induced by two principal mechanisms: arylation/alkylation and a redox cycle. We have previously shown that increases in intracellular levels of superoxide anion and cell death induced by 2,3‐dimethoxy‐1,4‐naphthoquinone (DMNQ), a redox cycling quinone, are enhanced by pretreatment of rat primary hepatocytes with cytochrome P450 inhibitors. This indicates a novel interaction of quinones with cytochrome P450, and is thus worthy of further investigation using anin vivomodel. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of cytochrome P450 inhibitors on DMNQ‐induced hepatotoxicity in rats. When DMNQ was administered intraperitoneally, the activities of serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase were found to increase in a dose‐dependent manner, indicating that hepatotoxicity was induced by treatment with DMNQ. Pretreatment with the cytochrome P450 inhibitors SKF‐525A (SKF), cimetidine and ketoconazole potentiated the DMNQ‐induced hepatotoxicity. The blood concentration of DMNQ was not affected by administration of SKF. Pretreatment with the antioxidantα‐tocopherol almost completely attenuated the hepatotoxicity induced by DMNQ and by the combination of DMNQ with SKF. Levels of reduced glutathione in the liver were decreased and levels of oxidized glutathione were increased by treatment with DMNQ. These effects were potentiated by pretreatment with SKF. DMNQ‐induced lipid peroxidation in the liver was also enhanced by pretreatment with SKF. Taken together, these results indicate that DMNQ‐induced hepatotoxicity is augmented by inhibition of cytochrome P450 and that this augmentation is due to the enhancement of oxidative stress. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hematologic and hemostatic changes induced by different columns during LDL apheresis
Authors: Hovland Anders , Hardersen Randolf , Nielsen Erik Waage , Mollnes Tom Eirik , Lappegård Knut Tore
Published: August 2010

Low density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis is a long‐term treatment and its impact on risk factors other than lipoproteins could be of importance. Three patients with familial hypercholesterolemia participated in six consecutive treatments with three different LDL apheresis columns in random order: DL‐75, LA‐15, and EC‐50W. We compared treatment effects on hemoglobin, leukocytes, platelets, fibrinogen, thrombin‐antithrombin complexes (TAT), plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1), and homocysteine. Hemoglobin, leukocytes and platelets decreased significantly with DL‐75 (P < 0.05). Hemoglobin and leukocytes increased significantly with LA‐15 and EC‐50W (P < 0.05). Platelets were unchanged. The DL‐75 column was statistically different from LA‐15 and EC‐50W regarding these parameters. With the columns DL‐75, LA‐15, and EC‐50W fibrinogen decreased significantly by 28%, 32%, and 42%, PAI‐1 decreased significantly by 72%, 58%, and 30% while TAT increased significantly by 138%, 3%, and 251%, respectively (P < 0.05 for all). When comparing the columns there were significant differences between all of them regarding fibrinogen, no differences regarding TAT and a difference between DL‐75 and EC‐50W regarding PAI‐1. With the columns DL‐75, LA‐15 and EC‐50W homocysteine decreased 22%, 9%, and 13%, respectively, but there were no inter column differences. In conclusion, the three LDL apheresis columns affected important hematological and hemostatic risk factors differently. J. Clin. Apheresis, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Compressive mechanical force augments osteoclastogenesis by bone marrow macrophages through activation of c‐Fms‐mediated signaling
Authors: Cho Eui‐Sic , Lee Keun‐Soo , Son Young‐Ok , Jang Yong‐Suk , Lee Seung‐Youp , Kwak So‐Yeong , Yang Yeon‐Mi , Park Seung‐Moon , Lee Jeong‐Chae
Published: August 2010

Little is known about the effects of mechanical forces on osteoclastogenesis by bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) in the absence of mechanosensitive cells, including osteoblasts and fibroblasts. In this study, we examined the effects of mechanical force on osteoclastogenesis by applying centrifugal force to BMMs using a horizontal microplate rotor. Our findings, as measured by an in vitro model system, show that tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α is capable of inducing osteoclast differentiation from BMMs and bone resorption in the presence of macrophage‐colony stimulating factor (M‐CSF) and is further facilitated by receptor activator of nuclear factor‐kappaB (NF‐κB) ligand (RANKL). Application of force to BMMs accelerated TNF‐α‐induced osteoclastogenesis; this was inhibited either by anti‐TNF‐α or anti‐TNF‐α receptor but not by OPG. TNF‐α also increased c‐Fms expression at both mRNA and protein levels in BMMs. An anti‐c‐Fms antibody completely inhibited osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption induced by TNF‐α but partially blocked osteoclastogenesis stimulated in combination with RANKL. These results suggest that TNF‐α (in the presence of M‐CSF) is capable of inducing osteoclastogenesis from BMMs, and that osteoclastogenesis is significantly stimulated by force application through the activation of c‐Fms‐mediated signaling. Overall, the present study reveals the facilitating effect of mechanical force on osteoclastic differentiation from BMMs without the addition of mechanosensitive cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 111: 1260–1269, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A simulation strategy for the atomistic modeling of flexible molecules covalently tethered to rigid surfaces: Application to peptides
Authors: Curcó David , Zanuy David , Nussinov Ruth , Alemán Carlos
Published: August 2010

A computational strategy to model flexible molecules tethered to a rigid inert surface is presented. The strategy is able to provide uncorrelated relaxed microstructures at the atomistic level. It combines an algorithm to generate molecules tethered to the surface without atomic overlaps, a method to insert solvent molecules and ions in the simulation box, and a powerful relaxation procedure. The reliability of the strategy has been investigated by simulating two different systems: (i) mixed monolayers consisting of binary mixtures of long‐chain alkyl thiols of different lengths adsorbed on a rigid inert surface and (ii) CREKA (Cys‐Arg‐Glu‐Lys‐Ala), a short linear pentapeptide that recognizes clotted plasma proteins and selectively homes to tumors, covalently tethered to a rigid inert surface in aqueous solution. In the first, we examined the segregation of the two species in the monolayers using different long‐chain:short‐chain ratios, whereas in the second, we explored the conformational space of CREKA and ions distribution considering densities of peptides per nm2 ranging from 0.03 to 1.67. Results indicate a spontaneous segregation in alkyl thiol monolayers, which enhances when the concentration of longest chains increases. However, the whole conformational profile of CREKA depends on the number of molecules tethered to the surface pointing out the large influence of molecular density on the intermolecular interactions, even though the bioactive conformation was found as the most stable in all cases. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2011
An efficient and scalable synthesis of (2R,αS)‐3,4‐dihydro‐2‐[3‐(1,1,2,2‐tetrafluoroethoxy)phenyl]‐5‐[3‐(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]‐α‐(trifluoromethyl)‐1(2H)‐quinolineethanol: A potent CETP inhibitor
Authors: Wang Aihua , Zhang Yan , Lu Songfeng , Murray William V. , Kuo Gee‐Hong
Published: August 2010

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An efficient and scalable synthesis of the potent CETP inhibitor, (2R,αS)‐3,4‐dihydro‐2‐[3‐(1,1,2,2‐tetrafluoroethoxy)phenyl]‐5‐[3‐(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]‐α‐(trifluoromethyl)‐1(2H)‐quinolineethanol 1, is described. One of the important intermediates, tetrahydroquinoline 10, was readily prepared by reductive cyclization of nitroketone 9 in high yield. Asymmetric synthesis of 10 with high enantiomeric excess (<80% ee) was also developed. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
One‐pot synthesis and evaluation for 15‐lipoxygenase inhibition of 1‐ethoxy‐4‐cyano‐5‐ethoxycarbonyl‐3H‐azuleno[1,2‐c]pyran‐ 3‐imine
Authors: Lin Bing Bing , Lin Yun‐Shan
Published: August 2010

A method at room temperature, with one pot of 24 h reaction, to synthesize 1‐ethoxy‐4‐cyano‐5‐ethoxycarbonyl‐3H‐azuleno[1,2‐c]pyran‐3‐imine which showed inhibitory effect on 15‐lipoxygenase at IC50 = 23.2 ± 1.3 mM. J. Heterocyclic Chem., 2011.
Synthesis of bis‐pyrrole tetra esters and alcohols as novel mimetics of the anticancer mitomycin
Authors: Abdulla Zubair M. , Iyer Radhakrishnan P. , Akamanchi Krishnamachari G. , Degani Mariam S. , Coutinho Evans C.
Published: August 2010

Open‐chain bis‐Reissert compounds 1 were converted to the corresponding bis‐oxazolium intermediates via acid‐catalyzed intramolecular cyclization. These oxazolium compounds exist in a variety of tautomeric structures in which the meso‐ionic form can be intercepted by reaction with dipolarophiles in a 1,3‐dipolar‐cycloaddition reaction to produce a variety of highly functionalized bis‐pyrrole esters 2. In turn, the bis‐pyrrole esters could be converted to the corresponding bis‐pyrrole tetrols 3 in high yields. J. Heterocyclic Chem., 2011.
Efficient diverse approach for quinoxaline‐derived glycosylated and morphinylated analogs
Authors: Beldi Razika , Atta Kamal F. , Aboul‐Ela Sallah , El Ashry El Sayed H.
Published: August 2010

Sulfanyl‐glycosides have been synthesized by reaction of 2,3‐dimercaptoquinoxaline (1) with acetohalo sugars in presence of base to give the thioglycosides‐derived quinoxalines 5, 6, 7 and 9. Similarly, the acyclic analogs 23, 24, 25, 26 were prepared by coupling of 1 with different acyclo‐alkylating agents. The preparation of 3‐morpholinyl‐quinoxalines 10 and 11 allowed the synthesis of 3‐glycosylsulfanyl‐2‐morpholinyl‐quinoxalines 12, 13, 14 and 17 as well as the acyclic analogs 27, 28, 29. Microwave irradiation of the reactants turned out to be preferred over the conventional method for achieving the synthetic goals. This study made an available venue to the synthesis of diverse quinoxaline derivatives. J. Heterocyclic Chem., 2011.
One‐pot synthesis and antimicrobial activity of novel quinolone heterocyclic derivatives
Authors: Zheng Hui , Liu Juan , Zhang Pengfei
Published: August 2010

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A series of novel quinolone heterocyclic derivatives from natural amino acid were synthesized in one‐pot method, which is very beneficial for the industrial operation to save manufacturing costs. These new compounds were characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, infrared spectrum, mass spectrum, and elemental analysis. The preliminary bioassays results revealed that they had certain antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
DNA–DNA sequence homology recognition: physical mechanisms and open questions
Authors: Cherstvy A. G.
Published: August 2010

First, we summarize recent experimental facts on homologous DNA pairing in vitro and discuss possible mechanisms of DNA–DNA sequence recognition. Then, we overview the mechanism of DNA–DNA recognition based on complementarity of DNA charge patterns. The theory predicts the recognition energy up to 10 kBT for close parallel homologous DNA fragments of gene‐relevant lengths. We argue why this estimate cannot be directly applied to pairing of homologous DNA loci in experiments on yeast chromosomes. Namely, DNA–DNA distances assessed from experiments are much larger than those typically used in theory. Finally, we suggest some experiments that could help to judge whether short‐range electrostatic forces indeed govern DNA pairing. This viewpoint paper introduces recently developed theoretical concepts to molecular biologists, with a hope to generate a junction between theory and future experiments on DNA recognition. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phosphorylation of ERK in the spinal dorsal horn following pancreatic pronociceptive stimuli with proteinase‐activated receptor‐2 agonists and hydrogen sulfide in rats: Evidence for involvement of distinct mechanisms
Authors: Fukushima Osamu , Nishimura Sachiyo , Matsunami Maho , Aoki Yuka , Nishikawa Hiroyuki , Ishikura Hiroyasu , Kawabata Atsufumi
Published: August 2010

Noxious stimuli cause prompt phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) in the spinal dorsal horn that contributes to facilitation of pain sensation and is often used as an immediate marker for excitation of spinal neurons following somatic and colonic nociception. Here we asked whether two distinct pronociceptive stimuli with proteinase‐activated receptor‐2 (PAR2) agonists and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in the pancreas cause phosphorylation of ERK in the spinal dorsal horn and also examined involvement of their possible downstream signaling molecules, transient receptor potential vanilloid‐1 (TRPV1) and T‐type Ca2+ channels, respectively. Capsaicin (a TRPV1 agonist), trypsin (an endogenous PAR2 agonist), SLIGRL‐NH2 (a PAR2‐activating peptide), and NaHS (an H2S donor) were infused into the pancreatic duct in anesthetized rats, and phosphorylated ERK in the spinal cord was detected by immunohistochemistry. Intraductal administration of capsaicin and trypsin caused prompt phosphorylation of ERK in the superficial layers of T9, but not T5 or T12, spinal dorsal horn. SLIGRL‐NH2 and NaHS, administered in the same manner, also produced ERK phosphorylation in the corresponding spinal regions. Mibefradil, a T‐type Ca2+ channel blocker, abolished the phosphorylation of ERK caused by intraductal NaHS but not SLIGRL‐NH2. In contrast, capsazepine, an inhibitor of TRPV1, suppressed the phosphorylation of ERK caused by intraductal SLIGRL‐NH2 but not NaHS. Our data thus demonstrate that pancreatic pronociceptive stimuli with PAR2 agonists and H2S cause ERK phosphorylation in the spinal dorsal horn, through activation of TRPV1 and T‐type Ca2+ channels, respectively, and that those two pronociceptive pathways are independent of each other. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of transglutaminase 2 in apoptosis induced by hydrogen peroxide in human chondrocytes
Authors: Han Ilkyu , Park Hee Jung , Seong Sang Cheol , Lee Sahnghoon , Kim In‐Gyu , Lee Myung Chul
Published: August 2010

Chondrocyte apoptosis has been implicated in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis. Transglutaminase 2 (TG2), the expression of which is higher in osteoarthritis patients, has been shown to be up‐regulated during apoptosis in many experimental models. This study investigated the expression and role of TG2 in human chondrocytes undergoing apoptosis induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Human chondrocytes were obtained from the knee articular cartilage of patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty. Apoptosis was induced by H2O2 and was measured with Annexin‐V flow cytometry, DNA Fragmentation ELISA and DAPI staining. Western Blot, an in situ activity assay and immunocytochemistry were used to examine TG2 expression. The role of TG2 was evaluated by TG‐specific siRNA transfection and monodansylcadaverine (MDC), a competitive substrate for TG2. H2O2 induced apoptosis of human chondrocytes in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. The level of TG2 expression was higher in the chondrocytes undergoing H2O2‐induced apoptosis. Inhibition of TG2 by siRNA or MDC increased the level of apoptosis in the H2O2‐treated chondrocytes. TG2 expression is higher in human chondrocytes undergoing apoptosis, and inhibition of TG2 leads to increased apoptosis. These results may raise the possibility of TG2 as a modulator of cartilage damage in osteoarthritis by offering protection against chondrocyte apoptosis. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:252–257, 2011
Micro‐conformational transitions in L‐alanine single crystals revisited by low wavenumber Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Kolesov Boris A. , Boldyreva Elena V.
Published: August 2010

The properties of the crystalline L‐alanine have been attracting attention for a very long time, and there is much controversy in the results already reported. One of the most interesting problems is that of the localization of vibrational energy and the micro‐transitions (named ‘breathers’ by Barthes et al. [M. Barthes, H. N. Bordallo, F. Dénoyer, J.‐E. Lorenzo, J. Zaccaro, A. Robert, F. Zontone, Eur. Phys. J. 2004, B37, 375]. In the present study, we have addressed this problem once again, having measured the high‐resolution polarized Raman spectra in the temperature range from 4 to 300 K. The wavenumber, bandwidth and intensity of all the modes polarized along the c‐axis (the axis of the head‐to‐tail chains of zwitterion in the structure) show discontinuities at 30–50, 100–120 and 180–220 K. We interpret the observed anomalies of spectral characteristics in terms of micro‐conformational transitions accompanied by the rearrangement of the hydrogen‐bond network and relate them to previously published work. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.