bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Matrine inhibits PMA‐induced MMP‐1 expression in human dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Jung Eunsun , Lee Jongsung , Huh Sungran , Lee Jienny , Hwang Hyunjin , Kim Youngsoo , Kim Yong‐Woo , Park Deokhoon , Yo Byun Sang
Published: August 2009

Matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (MMP‐1) plays an important role in the maintenance and turnover of extracellular matrix (ECM) macromolecules. Remodelling of extracellular matrix by MMPs is a hallmark feature of physiological and pathological processes. In this study, in order to establish the therapeutic potential of matrine, we investigated its effect on MMP‐1 expression in human dermal fibroblast cells. We found that matrine inhibited both MMP‐1 mRNA and protein expression induced by PMA (phorbol myristate acetate). Therefore, we characterized the inhibitory mechanism of matrine on PMA‐induced MMP‐1 expression. Matrine inhibited PMA‐induced activation of the AP‐1 promoter, an important nuclear transcription factor in MMP‐1 expression. Additionally, we detected that matrine suppressed the PMA‐induced phosphorylation of two mitogen‐activated protein kinases, extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinase and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase, but did not suppress the PMA‐induced phosphorylation of p38 kinase. These results suggest that matrine suppresses PMA‐induced MMP‐1 expression through inhibition of the AP‐1 signaling pathway and also may be beneficial for treatment of some inflammatory skin disorders.
Cigarette smoke effect on total salivary antioxidant capacity, salivary glutathione peroxidase and gamma‐glutamyltransferase activity
Authors: Greabu Maria , Totan Alexandra , Battino Maurizio , Mohora Maria , Didilescu Andreea , Totan Cosmin , Spinu Tudor
Published: August 2009

Saliva is the first biological fluid that inhaled cigarette smoke (CS) encounters. CS contains several carcinogens known to initiate and promote tumourigenesis and metastasis. One of the aims of this study was to establish if glutathione peroxidase and gamma‐glutamyltranspherase (GGT) could be used as possible markers for evaluating the oral oxidative stress caused by smoking. The effect of CS on free radical generation was investigated using two methods. Using different assays, different antioxidants present in saliva may be evidenced due to the different principles on which they are based.

Our results indicate that exposure to CS caused a statistically significant decrease of both salivary glutathione peroxidase (p < 0.01) and salivary GGT (p < 0.01).

We also found that exposure to CS caused a statistically significant decrease of salivary total antioxidant status (p < 0.01). Such decreases may have a consistent role in the mechanisms by which the toxic effects of CS initiate oral inflammatory diseases, promote precancerous transformations, and destroy the oral cavity homeostasis. Therefore the evaluation of total antioxidant capacity of saliva is important but it must be done together with the evaluation of salivary specific markers of oxidative stress, such as uric acid, albumin and possibly, GGT.
Therapeutic effect of phytoecdysteroids rich extract from Ajuga iva on alloxan induced diabetic rats liver, kidney and pancreas
Authors: Hamden Khaled , Elfeki Abdelfattah , Ayadi Fatma , Jamoussi Kamel , Masmoudi Hatem
Published: August 2009

In the current study, the effect of Ajuga iva extract on blood glucose, lipid profile, hepatic and renal toxicity and antioxidant enzyme activities in alloxan‐induced diabetic rats was investigated. Diabetes was confirmed by measuring the glucoserua concentration 15 days after alloxan administration. Ajuga iva extract was administrated orally 3 weeks after alloxan injection. Our results investigate that Ajuga iva extract supplementation increased the levels of both enzymatic antioxidant (superoxide dismutase, catalase and gluthation peroxidase) and metals antioxidants (iron, copper, magnesium, calcuim) and decreased lipid peroxidation level (TBARs). Besides Ajuga iva ameliorated diabetes provoked hepatic and renal toxicity appeared by a lower level in total and direct bilirubin, urea, creatinine, triglyceride (TG), cholesterol and a higher level in HDL‐cholesterol. Besides, the activities of phosphatase alkalines (PAL), aspartate and lactate transaminase (AST & ALT) were decreased. The benefices effects of phytoecdysteroids of Ajuga iva confirmed by histological observation in pancreatic tissues.

In conclusion, Ajuga iva phytoecdysteroids supplements seem to be beneficial for correcting the hyperglycemia and preventing diabetic complications in liver, pancreas and kidneys.
Cytokine response to vitamin E supplementation is dependent on pre‐supplementation cytokine levels
Authors: Belisle Sarah E. , Leka Lynette S. , Dallal Gerard E. , Jacques Paul F. , Ordovas Jose M. , Meydani Simin Nikbin , Delgado‐Lista Javier
Published: August 2009

Vitamin E supplementation has been suggested to improve immune response in the aged in part by altering cytokine production. However, there is not a consensus regarding the effect of supplemental vitamin E on cytokine production in humans. There is evidence that baseline immune health can affect immune response to supplemental vitamin E in the elderly. Thus, the effect of vitamin E on cytokines may depend on their pre‐supplementation cytokine response. Using data from a vitamin E intervention in elderly nursing home residents, we examined if the effect of vitamin E on ex vivo cytokine production of IL‐1ß, IL‐6, TNF‐α, and IFN‐γ depended on baseline cytokine production. We observed that the effect of vitamin E supplementation on cytokine production depended on pre‐supplementation production of the respective cytokines. The interactions between vitamin E and baseline cytokine production were not explained by covariates known to impact cytokine production. Our results offer evidence that baseline cytokine production should be considered in studies that examine the effect of supplemental vitamin E on immune and inflammatory responses. Our results could have implications in designing clinical trials to determine the impact of vitamin E on conditions in which cytokines are implicated such as infections and atherosclerotic disease.
Effect of acylethanolamides on lipid peroxidation and paraoxonase activity
Authors: Zolese Giovanna , Bacchetti Tiziana , Masciangelo Simona , Ragni Letizia , Ambrosi Simona , Ambrosini Annarina , Ferretti Gianna , Marini Milvia
Published: August 2009

N‐acylethanolamides (NAEs) are hydrophobic molecules synthesized in many tissues. An increase in the plasma levels of NAEs has been observed in human diseases. Previous studies have suggested that NAEs could exert a protective effect against oxidative stress.

Aim of the study was to investigate whether NAEs (oleoylethanolamide, palmitoylethanolamide and anandamide), differing for acyl chain length and unsaturation, exert a protective role against plasma lipid peroxidation triggered by incubation with Cu2+ or AAPH (2,2′‐azobis(2‐amidinopropane) dihydrochloride). Moreover, we investigated the effect of NAEs on the activity of HDL‐associated paraoxonase (PON1), an enzyme involved in the antioxidant end anti‐inflammatory role of human high density lipoproteins (HDL). The results demonstrated that the NAEs protect plasma lipids and PON1 activity against AAPH and/or copper‐induced oxidation.
Bilberry extract reduces UVA‐induced oxidative stress in HaCaT keratinocytes: A pilot study
Authors: Svobodová Alena , Rambousková Jana , Walterová Daniela , Vostalová Jitka
Published: August 2009

Exposure to UVA radiation is known to cause many adverse biological effects by inducing the stricken cells to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). In recent years the use of botanicals has received considerable interest in the skin protection. Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) fruit contains several polyphenols with strong antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties. In this study we evaluated potential UVA preventive effect of V. myrtillus fruit extract (VME; anthocyanins, 25% w/w) in HaCaT keratinocytes. Pre‐treatment (1 h) or post‐treatment (4 h) of HaCaT with VME resulted in attenuation of UVA‐caused damage. Application of the extract significantly reduced UVA‐stimulated ROS formation in keratinocytes. VME also prevented/reduced UVA‐caused peroxidation of membrane lipids and depletion of intracellular GSH. The observed cytoprotective effect may be linked to the antioxidant activity of the plant constituents, namely anthocyanins.
The anthocyanin composition of different Vaccinium, Ribes and Rubus genotypes
Authors: Scalzo Jessica , Currie Alastair , Stephens Jo , Alspach Peter , McGhie Tony
Published: August 2009

Anthocyanins, which give berryfruit their characteristic colour, have attracted the interest of researchers because of their putative health benefits. Over the past eight years, Hort Research has been analysing the anthocyanin content of numerous samples of different species of Vaccinium, Rubus and also Ribes nigrum. These samples were taken from different genotypes held in germplasm collections, cultivar and advanced selection trials, genetic studies and seedling populations. Averaged over all samples, Ribes had higher total anthocyanin contents (total ACY) than Vaccinium which was, in turn, higher than Rubus. However, all genera provided rich sources of anthocyanins and individual crop types within genera varied considerably. Five percent (i.e., 223) of our samples had total ACY of more than 5000 μg/g: most of these were blackcurrants, but some were black raspberries and three were ornamental blueberries. Vaccinium species generally contained the most diverse range of individual anthocyanins. In contrast, Ribes nigrum samples were dominated by cyanidin and delphinidin rutinosides which, on average, comprised almost 80% of the total ACY. For Rubus species almost all anthocyanins were cyanidins, although which ones were more prevalent varied with the species. The high degree of variation in total ACY and individual anthocyanin contents reported herein, coupled with the moderate to high heritabilities reported in the literature, indicate that good progress could be made in breeding cultivars with still higher total ACY levels.
Breeding strawberry (Fragaria X ananassa Duch) to increase fruit nutritional quality
Authors: Capocasa F. , Diamanti J. , Mezzetti B. , Tulipani S. , Battino M.
Published: August 2009

In the last few years the nutritional value of fruit has been widely studied and requested by the consumers, especially for protection against cardiovascular events, cancer and others as well as for the general health benefits it can provide. These benefits can be ascribed mainly to the Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) of fruit which is determined by a complex combination of bioactive compounds, generally related to specific characteristics of the genotype and of its interaction with the environment.

Strawberry breeding programs are currently used to acquire new varieties improved for specific agronomic (Yield and Size), qualitative (Firmness, Sugars Content and Acidity) and sensorial (Colour and Aroma) characteristics, all combined to increased disease resistance and plant adaptability. Nowadays, besides to all these parameters is necessary to look for the specific bioactive components well known for their effect on human health. This aspect is now highly requested by the consumer.

By testing different commercial strawberry varieties, a wide difference among their production and fruit quality, mostly related to their adaptability to the local evaluation conditions, is generally detected. Regarding their nutritional values, only few varieties nowadays differ for their higher phenol content and total antioxidant capacity.

By taking into account this knowledge different breeding programs specifically addressed to increase fruit nutritional value, have been started. A first approach is based on the use of inter‐specific crosses within wild and cultivated genotypes, so to increase variability for these characters, while the second by considering the intra‐specific crosses within cultivars already known for their agronomic behavior and good quality performance.

Herewith, we report on the major aspects related to breeding program aimed to increase strawberry fruit nutritional quality and what we can expect for the improvement of consumer acceptability of this fruit.
Current developments on the inhibitory effects of berry polyphenols on digestive enzymes
Authors: McDougall Gordon J. , Kulkarni Nimish N. , Stewart Derek
Published: August 2009

The recent developments and evidence for the effect of polyphenol components of berries on digestive enzymes has been reviewed. Certain plant polyphenols can inhibit starch digestive enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract and modulate blood glucose control in vivo. Certain berry polyphenol components can inhibit protease activities at levels which could affect protein digestion in the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, other polyphenol components show potential for the inhibition of gastrointestinal lipase activity, which is a proven therapeutic target for the control of obesity through reduced fat digestion.

Taking into account the potential synergies for inhibition of starch and lipid digestion by the spectrum of polyphenol components present within berry species, the inhibition of digestive enzymes by dietary polyphenols may be another important mechanism for the health benefits attributed to a diet rich in fruit and vegetables.
Study of the effect of Wuzhi tablet (Schisandra sphenanthera extract) on tacrolimus tissue distribution in rat by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method
Authors: Qin Xiao‐ling , Bi Hui‐chang , Wang Chang‐xi , Li Jia‐li , Wang Xue‐ding , Liu Long‐shan , Chen Xiao , Huang Min
Published: August 2009

A liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) method was developed and validated for determining tacrolimus (FK506) in rat tissues to study the effect of Schisandra sphenanthera extract on FK506 tissue distribution. After a liquid–liquid extraction with ethyl acetate, FK506 and ascomycin (IS) were subjected to LC‐MS/MS analysis using positive electrospray ionization under multiple reactions monitoring mode. Chromatographic separation of FK506 and ascomycin was achieved on a Hypersil BDS C18 column with a mobile phase consisting of methanol‐water (containing 2 mM ammonium acetate, 95 : 5, v/v). The intra‐ and inter‐batch precision of the method were less than 8.8 and 9.8%, respectively. The intra‐ and inter‐batch accuracies ranged from 97.5 to 104.0%. The lowest limit of quantification for FK506 was 0.5 ng/mL. The method was applied to a FK506 tissue distribution study with or without a dose of Wuzhi (WZ) tablet. Most of the FK506 tissue concentrations were slightly increased after a concomitant WZ tablet dose, but the whole blood concentration of FK506 was dramatically increased 3‐fold after a concomitant WZ tablet dose. These results indicated that the LC‐MS/MS method was rapid and sensitive enough to quantify FK506 in different rat tissues, and strict drug monitoring is recommended when co‐administering WZ tablet in clinical use. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alumina‐Supported Ni–Au: Surface Synergistic Effects in Catalytic Hydrodechlorination
Authors: Keane Mark A. , Gómez‐Quero Santiago , Cárdenas‐Lizana Fernando , Shen Wenqin
Published: August 2009

Catalytic gas‐phase hydrodechlorination (HDC) of 2,4‐dichlorophenol (2,4‐DCP) has been investigated over Ni/Al2O3 and Au/Al2O3 prepared by impregnation, and Au–Ni/Al2O3 prepared by reductive deposition of Au onto Ni. Catalyst activation by temperature‐programmed reduction is examined and the activated catalysts are characterized in terms of H2 chemisorption, XRD and TEM‐energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) measurements. Ni/Al2O3 (<1–10 nm) and Au/Al2O3 (<1–15 nm) exhibit a relatively narrow metal size distribution while Au–Ni/Al2O3 bore larger particles (1–30 nm) with variable surface Ni/Au ratios. Au/Al2O3 exhibits low H2 uptake and low HDC activity to generate 2‐chlorophenol (2‐CP) as the sole product. H2 chemisorption on Au–Ni/Al2O3 was approximately five times lower than that recorded for Ni/Al2O3 but both catalysts delivered equivalent initial HDC activities. Ni/Al2O3 exhibits an irreversible temporal deactivation where partial dechlorination to 2‐CP is increasingly favored over full dechlorination to phenol. In contrast, thermal treatment of Au–Ni/Al2O3 in H2 after reaction elevates HDC activity with a preferential full HDC to phenol. This response is linked to a surface reconstruction resulting in a more homogeneous combination of Ni and Au. This result was also achieved by a direct treatment of Au–Ni/Al2O3 with HCl. A parallel/ consecutive kinetic model is used to quantify the catalytic HDC response.
Development of a Recyclable and Low‐Leaching Palladium Catalyst Supported on Sulfur‐Modified Gallium Arsenide (001) for Use in Suzuki–Miyaura Coupling
Authors: Hoshiya Naoyuki , Isomura Nobuhiro , Shimoda Masahiko , Yoshikawa Hideki , Yamashita Yoshiyuki , Iizuka Kanji , Tsukamoto Shiro , Shuto Satoshi , Arisawa Mitsuhiro
Published: August 2009

A newly developed, environmentally benign palladium catalyst supported on gallium arsenide, {Pd}‐S‐GaAs(001), has both the lowest recorded leaching and high recyclability for Suzuki–Miyaura coupling. Measurements of the catalyst surface by synchrotron radiation X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy show a relationship between the surface and the activity of the catalyst. Since {Pd}‐S‐GaAs(001) makes efficient use of the rare metal Pd, it is a useful palladium catalyst from an atom‐ economical perspective. Two heterogeneity tests clarify that the presence of immobilized palladium on SGaAs is important for higher catalytic activity.
Autocatalytic Enantiomerisation at the Crystal Surface in Deracemisation of Scalemic Conglomerates
Authors: Wei Shengwei , Mauksch Michael , Tsogoeva Svetlana B.
Published: August 2009

Deracemisation of racemic or scalemic conglomerates of intrinsically chiral compounds appears to be a promising method of chiral resolution. By combining the established methods of asymmetric synthesis and the physical process of crystal growth, we were able to achieve a complete deracemisation (with 100 % ee) of an asymmetric Mannich product conglomerate—vigorously stirred in its saturated solution—from a starting enantiomeric excess value of 15.8 % in the presence of pyrrolidine (8 mol %) as an achiral catalyst for the CC bond‐forming reaction. Strong activation of this deracemisation process was observed on mild isothermal heating to only 40 °C, resulting in dramatic acceleration by a factor of about 20 with respect to the results obtained at room temperature. Despite the fact that the racemisation half‐life time of the nearly enantiopure Mannich product (with 99 % ee) in the homogenous solution at the reaction temperature is eight days, the deracemisation process took only hours in a small‐scale experiment. This apparent paradox is explained by a proposed rapid enantiomerisation at the crystal/solution interface, which was corroborated by a 13C labelling experiment that confirmed the involvement of rapid enantiomerisation. Frequent monitoring of the solution‐phase ee of the slowly racemising compound further revealed that the minor enantiomer dominated in solution, supporting an explanation based on a kinetic model. A generalisation of the process of “aymmetric autocatalysis” (resulting in automultiplication of chiral products in homogenous media) to encompass heterogeneous systems is also suggested.
Acid‐, Water‐ and High‐Temperature‐Stable Ruthenium Complexes for the Total Catalytic Deoxygenation of Glycerol to Propane
Authors: Taher Deeb , Thibault Michelle E. , Di Mondo Domenico , Jennings Michael , Schlaf Marcel
Published: August 2009

The ruthenium aqua complexes [Ru(H2O)2(bipy)2](OTf)2, [cis‐Ru(6,6′‐Cl2‐bipy)2(OH2)2](OTf)2, [Ru(H2O)2(phen)2](OTf)2, [Ru(H2O)3(2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpy)](OTf)2 and [Ru(H2O)3(Phterpy)](OTf)2 (bipy=2,2′‐bipyridine; OTf−=triflate; phen=phenanthroline; terpy= terpyridine; Phterpy=4′‐phenyl‐2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridine) are water‐ and acid‐stable catalysts for the hydrogenation of aldehydes and ketones in sulfolane solution. In the presence of HOS(O)2CF3 (triflic acid) as a dehydration co‐catalyst they directly convert 1,2‐hexanediol to n‐hexanol and hexane. The terpyridine complexes are stable and active as catalysts at temperatures ≥250 °C and in either aqueous sulfolane solution or pure water convert glycerol into n‐propanol and ultimately propane as the final reaction product in up to quantitative yield. For the terpy complexes the active catalyst is postulated to be a carbonyl species [(4′‐R‐2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpy)Ru(CO)(H2O)2](OTf)2 (R=H, Ph) formed by the decarbonylation of aldehydes (hexanal for 1,2‐hexanediol and 3‐hydroxypropanal for glycerol) generated in the reaction mixture through acid‐catalyzed dehydration. The structure of the dimeric complex [{(4′‐phenyl‐2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpy)Ru(CO)}2(μ‐OCH3)2](OTf)2 has been determined by single crystal X‐ray crystallography (Space group P$\bar 1$ (a=8.2532(17); b=12.858(3); c=14.363(3) Å; α=64.38(3); β=77.26(3); γ = 87.12(3)°, R=4.36 %).
Migration of Dictyostelium slugs: Anterior‐like cells may provide the motive force for the prespore zone
Authors: Rieu Jean‐Paul , Saito Tamao , Delanoë‐Ayari Héléne , Sawada Yasuji , Kay Robert R.
Published: August 2009

The collective motion of cells in a biological tissue originates from their individual responses to chemical and mechanical signals. The Dictyostelium slug moves as a collective of up to 100,000 cells with prestalk cells in the anterior 10–30% and prespore cells, intermingled with anterior‐like cells (AL cells), in the posterior. We used traction force microscopy to measure the forces exerted by migrating slugs. Wild‐type slugs exert frictional forces on their substratum in the direction of motion in their anterior, balanced by motive forces dispersed down their length. StlB− mutants lack the signal molecule DIF‐1 and hence a subpopulation of AL cells. They produce little if any motive force in their rear and immediately break up. This argues that AL cells, but not prespore cells, are the motive cells in the posterior zone. Slugs also exert large outward radial forces, which we have analyzed during “looping” movement. Each time the anterior touches down after a loop, the outward forces rapidly develop, approximately normal to the almost stationary contact lines. We postulate that these forces result from the immediate binding of the sheath to the substratum and the subsequent application of outward “pressure,” which might be developed in several different ways. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Outcomes after surgery or definitive radiotherapy for hypopharyngeal cancer
Authors: Mendenhall William M.
Published: August 2009

A study reported in this issue of Cancer found no survival advantage for surgery compared with radiotherapy in a large population‐based study of patients treated for squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx. However, other endpoints besides survival are important, including locoregional control, complications, and quality of life.
Radiation resistance of synthetic sapphire crystal irradiated by low‐energy neutron flux
Authors: Wang Gui‐Gen , Han Jie‐Cai , Zhang Hua‐Yu , Zhang Ming‐Fu , Zuo Hong‐Bo , Hu Zhao‐Hui , He Xiao‐Dong
Published: August 2009

In this paper, high‐quality sapphire crystal grown by an improved Kyropoulos‐like method, was irradiated by low‐energy neutron (i.e. high proportion of thermal neutron) with various flux (low: 7.5×1015 n/cm2, medium: 7.0×1016 n/cm2 and high: 3.8×1017 n/cm2). The characteristic features of neutron fluence dependence of radiation‐defect formation process, mainly including its change of the structural and optical properties prior to and after irradiation, were investigated by optical absorption (OA), photoluminescence (PL), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and positron annihilation spectroscopy (PAS). It is found that sapphire crystal exhibits high radiation resistance to low‐energy neutron with low fluence. But with the increase of irradiation fluence, it is still sensitive to neutron irradiation mostly in the UV‐visible spectral range, as irradiation‐induced color centers appear, including F‐type and their aggregate centers. Finally, the formation mechanism of the irradiation defects is also discussed. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Structure and magnetism of manganese‐doped ZnO powder samples
Authors: Ahmed S. A.
Published: August 2009

The magnetic and structural properties of manganese‐doped ZnO powder samples prepared by a solid state method are reported. Magnetization measurements indicate ferromagnetic behavior, with hysteresis observed in the M vs. H behavior at 300 K. Coercive fields were <100 Oe at 300 K. Temperature‐dependent magnetization measurements showed evidence for ordering temperatures of >300 K. However, the results show that ferromagnetism originates from the doped matrix rather than any type of magnetic cluster and the ferromagnetism is due to the defects and/or oxygen vacancies confined to the surface of the grains. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Growth and characterization of K1‐x(NH4)xH2PO4 mixed crystals onto z‐cut point seeds
Authors: De‐Gao Zhong , Bing Teng , Shu‐Hua Wang , Xue‐Jun Jiang , Ming Li , Lin‐Xiang He , Wan‐Xia Huang
Published: August 2009

Mixed crystals of potassium dihydrogen phosphate and ammonium dihydrogen phosphate were grown onto point seeds by the method of temperature reduction. It was found that the regeneration process of z‐cut point seeds became more and more difficult with increasing KH2PO4 concentration in the solution mixture. The interior stress and cracking of the mixed crystals were analyzed by synchrotron X‐ray topography. Large numbers of stress stripes were found at the seed and sectors boundaries. The lattice parameters of the pyramid and prismatic sectors of the prepared mixed crystal were calculated according to the X‐ray diffraction patterns. With solution containing 8 mol % KH2PO4, the lattice volumes of the prismatic sector of the mixed crystal were 1.3% larger than that of the pyramid sector of the crystal. Chemical etching revealed microcracks with length of hundreds of microns in the mixed crystals, which tended to spread and led to crystal cracking. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
One‐tube HLA‐B27/B2708 typing by flow cytometry using two “Anti‐HLA‐B27” monoclonal antibody reagents
Authors: Darke Chris , Coates Ernest
Published: August 2009

Background: Flow cytometry‐based methods are widely used to detect the ankylosing spondylitis‐associated HLA‐B27/B2708 antigens. However, the generally used “HLA‐B27” monoclonal antibodies (moabs) cross‐react with many HLA specificities, including the common HLA‐B7 antigen. Thus, using two “B27” moabs is highly recommended.

Methods: The assay used two “HLA‐B27” reagents, FITC and PE conjugated, respectively and a PE‐Cy5 anti‐CD3 antibody. Assay verification used 51 reference subjects possessing B*2705, B*2702, and B*2708 and a range of cross‐reactive HLA antigens. A total of 1,006 consecutive patients' samples, referred for “HLA‐B27 typing”, were assayed alongside our standard flow cytometry method. A further 12 low frequency HLA‐B*27 specificities were tested. Samples reacting with one “B27” moab only were B*27 allele typed by PCR using sequence‐specific primers.

Results: All patient B27/B2708 positives (28.3%) were identified by our one‐tube method which detected B*2705, B*2702, B*2708, and 8/12 other B*27 specificities. It was unaffected by HLA‐B7 and other cross‐reactive antigens but required a minor adjustment, a reduction in the volume of one of the “B27” moabs used, to avoid detecting a minority of HLA‐B57 subjects.

Conclusions: Our one‐tube B27/B2708 assay is simple, robust, uses two “B27” moabs for typing precision and security, does not suffer from interference by HLA‐B7 or other cross‐reactive antigens and has the obvious advantage of using a single tube per typing. © 2009 Clinical Cytometry Society
Chondroid syringoma diagnosed by fine needle aspiration cytology
Authors: Kumar Bipin
Published: August 2009

Chondroid syringoma is a rare benign skin adnexal tumor of eccrine/apocrine origin affecting commonly the head and neck region. It used to be previously called as mixed tumor of skin because of the presence of both the epithelial and mesenchymal components. There are only few case reports describing the fine needle aspiration cytologic features of chondroid syringoma for diagnosis.

We studied a 20‐year‐old male case from Taplejung district of Nepal came to Otorhinolaryngology out patient department with the complaints of painless, progressively enlarging swelling on the dorsum of nose. On examination, 2.0 × 2.0 cm, firm, non‐tender swelling was seen on the right side of dorsum of nose. Overlying skin was normal, and the swelling was fixed to the skin but freely mobile over underlying structure. A clinical diagnosis of dermoid cyst was entertained, and the case was subjected to FNAC. FNA yielded mucoid material which on microscopy showed clusters of round cells with moderate to abundant cytoplasm embedded in chondromyxoid ground substance. The nuclei were monomorphic, centrally to eccentrically located and had fine chromatin. On the basis of these cytologic features, a diagnosis of chondroid syringoma was made.

We concluded that Chondroid syringoma may be considered as a rare differential diagnosis in the swelling of head and neck region and the diagnosis can be easily confirmed or ruled out by means of fine needle aspiration cytology. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preparation of thyroid FNA material for routine cytology and BRAF testing: A validation study
Authors: Troncone Giancarlo , Cozzolino Immacolata , Fedele Maria , Malapelle Umberto , Palombini Lucio
Published: August 2009

V600E BRAF mutation is emerging as an independent marker of papillary thyroid carcinoma aggressive behavior. Papillary thyroid carcinomas harboring this mutation should be extensively resected. However, this requires an unquestionable cytological diagnosis of malignancy. Thus, cytological specimens should be properly handled to provide both morphological and molecular information. Here, we assessed whether our method of preparation of fine‐needle aspiration material is suitable for both tests. A series of 128, routinely performed, fine‐needle aspirations was analyzed. Each nodule was punctured three times. A representative Diff‐Quik smear prepared from the first two passages was evaluated onsite. When microscopy was diagnostic (n = 44), the third needle pass was dedicated to harvest material for BRAF testing; in the remaining cases (n = 84), additional direct smears for cytology were prepared and the remaining material in the needle plus the needle rinsing was collected for BRAF testing. Cellularity was adequate in 126/128 (98%) cases. Cytological diagnoses were inadequate (2%), benign (85%), follicular lesion of undetermined significance (5%), follicular neoplasms (2%), suspicious for malignancy (2%), and malignant (4%). Higher average of extracted DNA concentration was observed in the dedicated pass group (25.9 vs 7.95 ng/μl). However, the rate of successful exon 15 BRAF amplification was similar with (43/44; 97.7%) or without (79/84; 94%) the dedicated pass. Thus, our protocol is suitable for both tests. Whenever necessary BRAF testing may also be performed on the residual samples of thyroid nodules, without interfering with routine cytology. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Macrocyclic Bistriazene and its Complexes with Divalent Metal Ions
Authors: Beck Johannes , Hörner Manfredo , Dittmann Gertrud
Published: August 2009

The diazotisation of 2,2′‐diaminotolane with one equivalent of HNO2 yields the macrocyclic bis(tolanetriazene) (tolaneN3H)2 in moderate yield. As shown by the crystal structure determination, the molecule is essentially planar. After deprotonation, the central cavity is suitable for complexation of transition metal ions. In pyridine solution, the anion (tolaneN3)22– is formed, which reacts with the acetates of Co2+ and Ni2+ to the dark red coloured complexes [M((tolaneN3)2)(py)2]. The metal ions are located in the centre of the macrocycles, coordinated by four N atoms of the two triazenide groups. Two pyridine ligands occupy the axial positions, giving the central atoms a distorted octahedral coordination environment. In the temperature range between 30 and 300 K, both complexes show the expected magnetic properties of magnetically isolated ions with nearly fulfilled Curie behaviour and μeff = 3.40 for NiII and 5.19 for CoII, which is in the high spin state.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Scandium Aminopyridinates: Synthesis, Structure and Isoprene Polymerization
Authors: Döring Christian , Kretschmer Winfried P. , Bauer Tobias , Kempe Rhett
Published: August 2009

Alkane elimination reactions of [Sc(CH2SiMe3)3(thf)2] or [Sc(CH2Ph)3(thf)3] with aminopyridines (1a = (2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)‐[6‐(2,4,6‐triisopropylphenyl)pyridin‐2‐yl]amine,1b = [6‐(2,4,6‐triisopropylphenyl)pyridin‐2‐yl]‐(2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl)amine, 1c = (2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)‐[6‐(2,6‐dimethylphenyl)pyridin‐2‐yl]amine) led to selective formation of dialkyl complexes of scandium stabilized by one aminopyridinato (Ap) ligand. The reaction of these compounds with anilinium borate leads to the elimination of one of the two alkyl functions and affords organoscandium cations. The amine elimination reaction of [Sc{N(SiHMe2)2}3(thf)] with the aminopyridine 1a yields the corresponding mono(aminopyridinato) complex. Single‐crystal X‐ray analyses were carried out for [Ap*Sc(CH2Ph)2(thf)] (3a), [Ap*Sc(CH2Ph)(thf)3][B(C6H5)4] (4a) and [Ap*Sc{N(SiHMe2)2}2] (6a) (Ap*‐H = 1a). The aminopyridinato‐stabilized dialkylscandium complexes [ApScR2(thf)] (R = CH2SiMe3, CH2Ph) are initiators for controlled 3,4‐selective isoprene polymerization after activation with perfluorinated tetraphenyl borates. Variation of the polymerization temperature as well as the addition of different alkylaluminium compounds influence the microstructure of the obtained polymer. Bis(dimethylsilyl)amides of scandium polymerize isoprene in the presence of anilinium borate and alkylaluminium compounds with high cis‐1,4‐selectivity. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
An Unusual Anion–π Interaction in an ;rido Organometallic Assembly: Synthesis, First Crystal Structure, and Computational Study (Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. 25/2009)
Authors: Moussa Jamal , Gandon Vincent , Rager Marie Noelle , Malacria Max , Chamoreau Lise‐Marie , Amouri Hani
Published: August 2009

The cover picture shows the molecular structure of the neutral mononuclear iridium complex Cp*Ir(η6‐C6H2O4)(BF2)2 exhibiting an anion–π interaction between CF3SO3 and metallated pentamethylcyclopentadienyl “η‐Cp*Ir”. Computational analysis (see optimized structure) shows that this type of noncovalent interaction can be better described as a combination of anion–π and CH···anion hydrogen‐bonding interactions. Both contributions work in harmony. Details are discussed in the Short Communication by H. Amouri et al. on p. 3703 ff. The background depicts the famous réverbère “street lamp” of Paris, which resembles the iridium complex holding the anion. The lamp shown in the image is located on Île Saint‐Louis, often considered the most romantic part of Paris. The cover picture was designed by H. Amouri.
Power and behavioral approach orientation in existing power relations and the mediating effect of income
Authors: Lammers Joris , Stoker Janka I. , Stapel Diederik A.
Published: August 2009

A large number of authors have observed that the experience of power increases behavioral approach tendencies. There are however some important unresolved problems. Predominantly, the literature relies on lab manipulations, priming, and student populations. This has resulted in low face validity. Also, it is unclear what process underlies this effect. A large‐scale survey (N = 3082) reliably measures power among real low‐ and high‐power employees in existing organizations and finds strong support for the effect of power on behavioral approach. Consistent with expectations, this effect is mediated by increased access to resources. We also discuss findings that suggest the shape of this power‐approach effect might be quadratic. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Incorporating uncertainty in gully erosion calculations using the random forests modelling approach
Authors: Kuhnert Petra M. , Henderson Anne‐Kinsey , Bartley Rebecca , Herr Alexander
Published: August 2009

Gully erosion represents one of the greatest threats to agricultural watersheds around the world and this is exacerbated with continual changes to land practices and changing climatic condition at a temporal scale. Catchment based models which include gully erosion have received increased attention in recent years due to the impact of gully erosion on downstream water quality. These types of models take gully erosion calculated via a deterministic model at a particular spatial location, along with other measures of erosion to provide an end‐of‐catchment load. Although seen as a major contributor to erosion in this type of modelling framework, the error surrounding the gully erosion calculation is ignored in the sediment model. We propose a methodology that investigates the error in the gully erosion model. The methodology uses Random Forests to predict gully density and its associated prediction error across a catchment using environmental variables, which are then incorporated into the gully erosion model. We demonstrate the approach using the Burdekin catchment in Queensland, Australia, where only a very small proportion of gullies (∼0.88%) have been mapped. Our results cast doubt in the predictive ability of models of sediment transportation that use gully erosion where the error is estimated high. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Price discovery in electronic foreign exchange markets: The sterling/dollar market
Authors: Poskitt Russell
Published: August 2009

This study finds that GLOBEX has a marginally lower Hasbrouck, J. (1995) information share than Reuters D3000 in the electronic sterling/dollar foreign exchange market when returns are computed from high frequency data on either midquotes or transaction prices. However, GLOBEX's information share declines sharply when returns are computed from a mixture of GLOBEX transaction prices and Reuters D3000 midquotes. This helps explain why prior studies using this latter methodology report relatively low information shares for GLOBEX in the yen/dollar market. Variations in GLOBEX's information share on an intraday basis can be explained by variations in relative liquidity, spreads and price volatility. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 30:590–606, 2010
Construction of a 18F‐FDG PET normative database of Japanese healthy elderly subjects and its application to demented and mild cognitive impairment patients
Authors: Iseki Eizo , Murayama Norio , Yamamoto Ryoko , Fujishiro Hiroshige , Suzuki Masaru , Kawano Masato , Miki Shuya , Sato Kiyoshi
Published: August 2009

Objective

To construct a 18F‐FDG PET normative database of Japanese healthy elderly subjects and to apply it to demented and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients.

Methods

Seventy‐seven Japanese normal volunteers from 41 to 84 years of age (36 males and 41 females) who underwent clinical, neuropsychological, and MRI examinations were selected. In these subjects, 18F‐FDG PET/CT scans were performed, 18F‐FDG PET images were analyzed using the 3D‐SSP program, and a normative database for cerebral glucose metabolism was constructed. Then, 18F‐FDG PET images from 14 demented and MCI patients were evaluated based on the normative database.

Results

The 77 healthy elderly subjects were divided into three groups according to their age. In these subjects, the difference in glucose metabolism between males and females was minimal in contrast, glucose metabolism showed a weak reciprocal correlation with aging in several cerebral regions. The 3D‐SSP images of 14 demented and MCI patients based on the age‐matched 18F‐FDG PET normative database showed decreased patterns of glucose metabolism similar to those of previous studies on dementia diseases and MCI.

Conclusions

An age‐matched normative database can be applied to the evaluation of single subjects, and the application of a mixed database of males and females is viable. Normative databases are useful for detecting dementia diseases and their MCI. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
General health status and vascular disorders as correlates of late‐life depressive symptoms in a national survey sample
Authors: Stewart Robert , Hirani Vasant
Published: August 2009

Objectives

To investigate the associations between vascular disease, vascular risk factors and depressive symptoms in a national survey sample, the extent to which these associations are accounted for by general health status and the extent to which the association between depressive symptoms and worse general health is accounted for by level of vascular risk.

Methods

Data were analysed from the Health Survey for England 2005: a nationally representative cross‐sectional population survey comprising 4269 adults aged ≥ 65 living in private households. Data collected included depressive symptoms (10‐item Geriatric Depression Scale), self‐reported general health and vascular disease/risk factors, resting blood pressure and lipid profile.

Results

Case level depressive symptoms were associated with reported previous stroke, ischaemic heart disease and diabetes, as well as with current smoking. These associations were attenuated substantially when adjusted for general health status. On the other hand, the association between worse subjective health and depressive symptoms was not altered following adjustment for vascular disease/risk status.

Conclusion

Worse general health appears to account for a large part of associations between cardiovascular disorders and depression, although this may represent ‘over‐adjustment’. Cardiovascular disease/risk does not appear to account for much of the association between worse general health and depression. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Smoking and drinking in relation to depressive symptoms among persons with oral cancer or oral epithelial dysplasia
Authors: Morse Douglas E. , Psoter Walter J. , Baek Linda S. , Eisenberg Ellen , Cohen Donald , Cleveland Deborah , Mohit‐Tabatabai Mirseyed , Reisine Susan
Published: August 2009

Background.

We examined whether smoking or drinking during or before the diagnosis‐year of oral cancer or oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) was related to “subsequent depression” measured months after the oral diagnosis.

Methods.

Incident cases of oral cancer or OED were identified via 3 oral pathology laboratories. A telephone‐administered questionnaire included questions on smoking/drinking history through the diagnosis‐year and measured depressive symptoms using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies‐Depression Scale (CES‐D); scores of 16+ indicated clinical depression. “Subsequent depression” was defined as a CES‐D score of 16+, measured at the time of assessment several months after the diagnosis of oral cancer or OED.

Results.

Patients who smoked during their diagnosis‐year had twice the odds of subsequent depression relative to former/never smokers. Diagnosis‐year (vs never/former) drinking was not associated with depression; however, average alcohol consumption of >1.5 drinks/week was negatively associated with subsequent depression for both diagnosis‐year and ex‐drinkers (past reported drinking) even among heavy drinkers.

Conclusion.

Our findings suggest that subsequent depression is positively associated with diagnosis‐year smoking and negatively associated with alcohol consumption of >1.5 drinks/week among both diagnosis‐year and ex‐drinkers. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010
Abnormal medial temporal activity for bound information during working memory maintenance in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Luck David , Danion Jean‐Marie , Marrer Corrine , Pham Bich‐Tuy , Gounot Daniel , Foucher Jack
Published: August 2009

Alterations of binding in long‐term memory in schizophrenia are well established and occur as a result of aberrant activity in the medial temporal lobe (MTL). In working memory (WM), such a deficit is less clear and the pathophysiological bases remain unstudied. Seventeen patients with schizophrenia and 17 matched healthy controls performed a WM binding task while undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging. Binding was assessed by contrasting two conditions comprising an equal amount of verbal and spatial information (i.e., three letters and three spatial locations), but differing in the absence or presence of a link between them. In healthy controls, MTL activation was observed for encoding and maintenance of bound information but not for its retrieval. Between‐group comparisons revealed that patients with schizophrenia showed MTL hypoactivation during the maintenance phase only. In addition, BOLD signals correlated with behavioral performance in controls but not in patients with schizophrenia. Our results confirm the major role that the MTL plays in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Short‐term and long‐term relational memory deficits in schizophrenia may share common cognitive and functional pathological bases. Our results provide additional information about the episodic buffer that represents an integrative interface between WM and long‐term memory. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cannabis and anxiety: a critical review of the evidence
Authors: Crippa José Alexandre , Zuardi Antonio Waldo , Martín‐Santos Rocio , Bhattacharyya Sagnik , Atakan Zerrin , McGuire Philip , Fusar‐Poli Paolo
Published: August 2009

Background

Anxiety reactions and panic attacks are the acute symptoms most frequently associated with cannabis use. Understanding the relationship between cannabis and anxiety may clarify the mechanism of action of cannabis and the pathophysiology of anxiety. Aims of the present study were to review the nature of the relationship between cannabis use and anxiety, as well as the possible clinical, diagnostic and causal implications.

Method

Systematic review of the Medline, PsycLIT and EMBASE literature.

Results

Frequent cannabis users consistently have a high prevalence of anxiety disorders and patients with anxiety disorders have relatively high rates of cannabis use. However, it is unclear if cannabis use increases the risk of developing long‐lasting anxiety disorders. Many hypotheses have been proposed in an attempt to explain these relationships, including neurobiological, environmental and social influences.

Conclusions

The precise relationship between cannabis use and anxiety has yet to be established. Research is needed to fully clarify the mechanisms of such the association. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Automated laser guidance of neuronal growth cones using a spatial light modulator
Authors: Carnegie David J. , Čižmár Tomáš , Baumgartl Jörg , Gunn‐Moore Frank J. , Dholakia Kishan
Published: August 2009

The growth cone of a developing neuron can be guided using a focused infra‐red (IR) laser beam [1]. In previous setups this process has required a significant amount of user intervention to adjust continuously the laser beam to guide the growing neuron. Previously, a system using an acousto‐optical deflector (AOD) has been developed to steer the beam [2]. However, to enhance the controllability of this system, here we demonstrate the use of a computer controlled spatial light modulator (SLM) to steer and manipulate the shape of a laser beam for use in guided neuronal growth. This new experimental setup paves the way to enable a comprehensive investigation into beam shaping effects on neuronal growth and we show neuronal growth initiated by a Bessel light mode. This is a robust platform to explore the biochemistry of this novel phenomenon. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)