bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CD44 is critical for airway accumulation of antigen‐specific Th2, but not Th1, cells induced by antigen challenge in mice
Authors: Katoh Shigeki , Kaminuma Osamu , Hiroi Takachika , Mori Akio , Ohtomo Takayuki , Maeda Sachie , Shimizu Hiroki , Obase Yasushi , Oka Mikio
Published: August 2011

CD44 is a cell adhesion molecule involved in lymphocyte infiltration of inflamed tissues. We previously demonstrated that CD44 plays an important role in the development of airway inflammation in a murine model of allergic asthma. In this study, we investigated the role of CD44 expressed on CD4+ T cells in the accumulation of T‐helper type 2 (Th2) cells in the airway using CD44‐deficient mice and anti‐CD44 monoclonal antibodies. Antigen‐induced Th2‐mediated airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in sensitized mice were reduced by CD44‐deficiency. These asthmatic responses induced by the transfer of antigen‐sensitized splenic CD4+ T cells from CD44‐deficient mice were weaker than those from WT mice. Lack of CD44 failed to induce AHR by antigen challenge. Expression level and hyaluronic acid receptor activity of CD44, as well as Neu1 sialidase expression on antigen‐specific Th2 cells, were higher than those on antigen‐specific Th1 cells. Anti‐CD44 antibody preferentially suppressed the accumulation of those Th2 cells in the airway induced by antigen challenge. Our findings indicate that CD44 expressed on CD4+ T cells plays a critical role in the accumulation of antigen‐specific Th2 cells, but not Th1 cells, in the airway and in the development of AHR induced by antigen challenge.
The preTCR‐dependent DN3 to DP transition requires Notch signaling, is improved by CXCL12 signaling and is inhibited by IL‐7 signaling
Authors: Tussiwand Roxane , Engdahl Corinne , Gehre Nadine , Bosco Nabil , Ceredig Rod , Rolink Antonius G.
Published: August 2011

The requirement for Notch signaling during T‐cell development has been extensively studied. Nevertheless, the developmental stage at which it is required and whether additional signaling pathways are needed are still poorly understood. By using a stromal‐cell‐free culture system, we show that sorted double‐negative 3 (DN3) thymocytes only require a Delta‐like‐4‐induced Notch signal to differentiate into double‐positive (DP) cells. This differentiation process is preTCR‐α dependent. DN3 cells undergo 4–5 proliferation cycles, and the addition of the chemokine CXCL12 improves proliferation. IL‐7 blocks the differentiation of DN3 cells to DP cells but not the Notch‐induced proliferation of cultured DN3 cells. The impaired differentiation correlates with an inhibition of Rag‐2 up‐regulation. Overall, the in vitro stromal‐cell‐free culture system presented here also provides a powerful and unique tool for studying the mechanisms involved in the positive and negative selection of T cells.
N‐Heterocyclic‐Carbene‐Induced Monomerization of Sterically Encumbered Dialkylmagnesium and Dialkylmanganese Polymers
Authors: Kennedy Alan R. , Klett Jan , Mulvey Robert E. , Robertson Stuart D.
Published: August 2011

The sterically encumbered polymeric dialkyl complexes [M(CH2SiMe3)2]∞ [M = Mg, MnII] were deaggregated by the potent two‐electron σ‐donor, 1,3‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)imidazol‐2‐ylidene (IPr), to yield the first examples of the monomeric three‐coordinate [M(CH2SiMe3)2]·donor complexes [M = Mg (1); Mn (2)]. Similarly, monomeric three‐coordinate species M[CH(SiMe3)2]2·IPr [M = Mg, (3); Mn, (4)] were obtained from the bulkier disilyl‐substituted alkyl [CH(SiMe3)2] congeners M[CH(SiMe3)2]2·ether by displacement of the ether by IPr. Complexes 1–4, which represent rare examples of N‐heterocyclic‐carbene‐stabilized dialkylmagnesium and dialkylmanganese species, were crystallographically characterized; the diamagnetic magnesium complexes were also characterized in an arene solution by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy.
(1R,2R)‐Bis[(S)‐prolinamido]cyclohexane Modified with Ionic Groups: The First C2‐Symmetric Immobilized Organocatalyst for Asymmetric Aldol Reactions in Aqueous Media
Authors: Kochetkov Sergei V. , Kucherenko Alexandr S. , Zlotin Sergei G.
Published: August 2011

The first C2‐symmetric immobilized organocatalyst for asymmetric aldol reactions containing the (1R,2R)‐bis[(S)‐prolinamido]cyclohexane unit tagged with two imidazolium+/PF6– ion pairs has been synthesized. In its presence, (hetero)aromatic aldehydes reacted with linear or cyclic ketones in aqueous media to yield chiral aldols with high diastereo‐ and enantioselectivities and the catalyst could be recovered and reused at least 10 times without any decrease in the reaction rate or selectivity.
Bifunctional 2,5‐Diketopiperazines as Efficient Organocatalysts for the Enantioselective Conjugate Addition of Aldehydes to Nitroolefins
Authors: Durini Marco , Sahr Florian A. , Kuhn Michael , Civera Monica , Gennari Cesare , Piarulli Umberto
Published: August 2011

Four peptidomimics (3–6) containing the cis‐DKP‐1 or trans‐DKP‐2 scaffolds and either L‐Pro or D‐Pro were synthesized. DKP‐1 and DKP‐2 are bifunctional diketopiperazines formally derived from the head‐to‐tail cyclization of L‐aspartic acid and either (R)‐ or (S)‐2,3‐diaminopropionic acid, which feature aminomethyl and carboxymethyl side arms in the 3‐ and 6‐positions of the 2,5‐piperazindione ring. Peptidomimics (3–6) were tested as organocatalysts in the conjugate addition of several aldehydes to β‐nitrostyrene and (E)‐2‐(furan‐2‐yl)nitroethene with good to excellent diastereo‐ and enantioselectivities. Monte Carlo/Energy Minimization (MC/EM) conformational searches were performed on the four catalysts and their enamine derivatives with propanal to rationalize the observed stereoselectivity.
Dielectrophoresis‐assisted massively parallel cell pairing and fusion based on field constriction created by a micro‐orifice array sheet
Authors: Kimura Yuji , Gel Murat , Techaumnat Boonchai , Oana Hidehiro , Kotera Hidetoshi , Washizu Masao
Published: August 2011

In this paper, we present a novel electrofusion device that enables massive parallelism, using an electrically insulating sheet having a two‐dimensional micro‐orifice array. The sheet is sandwiched by a pair of micro‐chambers with immersed electrodes, and each chamber is filled with the suspensions of the two types of cells to be fused. Dielectrophoresis, assisted by sedimentation, is used to position the cells in the upper chamber down onto the orifices, then the device is flipped over to position the cells on the other side, so that cell pairs making contact in the orifice are formed. When a pulse voltage is applied to the electrodes, most voltage drop occurs around the orifice and impressed on the cell membrane in the orifice. This makes possible the application of size‐independent voltage to fuse two cells in contact at all orifices exclusively in 1:1 manner. In the experiment, cytoplasm of one of the cells is stained with a fluorescence dye, and the transfer of the fluorescence to the other cell is used as the indication of fusion events. The two‐dimensional orifice arrangement at the pitch of 50 μm realizes simultaneous fusion of 6×103 cells on a 4 mm diameter chip, and the fusion yield of 78–90% is achieved for various sizes and types of cells.
Increase in circulating levels of IGF‐1 and IGF‐1/IGFBP‐3 molar ratio over a decade is associated with colorectal adenomatous polyps
Authors: Soubry Adelheid , Il'yasova Dora , Sedjo Rebecca , Wang Frances , Byers Tim , Rosen Clifford , Yashin Anatoli , Ukraintseva Svetlana , Haffner Steven , D'Agostino Ralph
Published: August 2011

High levels of circulating insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) have been associated with increased risk of several cancers. Regarding colorectal cancer, these associations are generally weak. We hypothesized that an increase in IGF‐1 over time would be a stronger risk factor for cancer‐related outcomes than the actual levels. In this analysis we utilized existing data from the Insulin Resistance and Atherosclerosis Study (IRAS). Circulating IGF‐1 levels and molar ratios of IGF‐1 to IGF binding protein 3 (IGFBP‐3) were measured at three time points, within a 10‐year follow‐up period. We examined the associations of increase of the two variables with the presence of colorectal adenoma at the end of follow‐up among participants with normal glucose tolerance at baseline. This included 143 individuals, from which 24 were diagnosed with adenomatous polyps. Although the mean levels of IGF‐1 and IGF‐1/IGFBP‐3 decline with age, ∼ 30% of the participants showed an increase of at least fifteen percent (“ever increase”) in one or both of these variables, compared to baseline. We found a positive association between “ever increase” in IGF‐1 or IGF‐1/IGFBP‐3 and the presence of colorectal adenoma: ORs were 3.81 (95% CI: 1.30–10.8) and 2.83 (95% CI: 1.00–8.22), respectively. No association was found when analyzing the actual levels of both variables at any time point. Our data suggest that an increase in circulating IGF‐1 or IGF‐1/IGFBP‐3 may represent a disturbed GH/IGF1 homeostasis, which could favor the development of precancerous lesions such as colorectal adenoma.
Dimeric Resorcin[4]arene Capsules in the Solid State
Authors: Beyeh N. Kodiah , Rissanen Kari
Published: August 2011

Supramolecular chemistry research is focused on the study of weak non‐covalent intermolecular — that is, supramolecular — interactions as the driving force in self‐assembly and molecular recognition. Dimeric resorcin[4]arenes capsules have been a focus of our research for the last 15 years. This review describes the solid state complexation studies of unsubstituted phenolic resorcin[4]arenes and pyrogall[4]arenes towards the formation of dimeric capsules and assemblies using ionic and neutral species as guest molecules and templates. The multitude of different crystal structures obtained during these studies demonstrates the versatile nature of resorcin[4]arenes and pyrogall[4]arenes (2‐hydroxy‐resorcin[4]arenes) as supramolecular hosts in crystal engineering.
Effect of surface chemistry on bacterial adhesion, viability, and morphology
Authors: Parreira Paula , Magalhães Ana , Gonçalves Inês C. , Gomes Joana , Vidal Ricardo , Reis Celso A. , Leckband Deborah E. , Martins M. Cristina L.
Published: August 2011

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is one of the most common infectious agents in the world and it is thought to colonize the gastric mucosa of about half of the world's population causing several gastric diseases. In this work, the effect of surface chemistry on H. pylori nonspecific adhesion, viability, and morphology was evaluated using three H. pylori strains with different adhesins expression profile. Self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) of alkanethiols on gold were used to obtain surfaces exposing different functional groups: OH, CH3, and ethylene glycol (EG4). Bacterial adhesion onto the surfaces reached a plateau at 2 h. There was a correlation between adhesion and the exposed surface group, with bacterial cells adhering preferentially to CH3‐SAMs while EG4‐SAMs prevented H. pylori adhesion during the entire adhesion test (24 h). Surfaces that presented the EG4 group were also the only ones that significantly reduced the viability of adhered bacteria. Surface chemistry also influenced the morphology of adhered bacteria. The H. pylori rod shape observed in the control (Tissue Culture Polyethylene—TCPE) was only retrieved on CH3‐SAMs. This work demonstrates that surface chemistry, namely specific functional groups on the material, influence the nonspecific adsorption of H. pylori. Moreover, the features of the bacterial strain and the surface chemistry can alter the adhesion kinetics, as well as the morphology and viability of attached bacteria. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2011.
In vitro effect on cancer cells: Synthesis and preparation of polyurethane membranes for controlled delivery of curcumin
Authors: Nagarajan Selvaraj , Reddy Bo Siva Rami , Tsibouklis Jhon
Published: August 2011

Urethane polymers (PU) have been prepared from low‐molecular weight polylactic acid (PLA) and hexamethylene diisocyanate (HMDI) using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as a chain extender. These formed the supporting polymeric matrix of curcumin‐containing PU membranes which were prepared using a solvent evaporation technique. FTIR and XRD data indicated the molecular‐level dispersion and random distribution of curcumin in the polymer matrix, and data were consistent with observations from tensile‐strength measurements and from AFM imaging. Determination of water vapor permeability and moisture uptake measurements have indicated that the PU membrane were appropriate for use on human skin. Skin permeation studies of curcumin were consistent with zero order (R2 = 0.9874) and with Korsmeyer‐Peppas (R2 = 0.9978) kinetics‐analytical data pointed to permeation by a combination of diffusion and erosion processes, with the latter dominating. The biocompatibility of these PU membranes was indicated by in vitro cytotoxicity studies using 3T3‐L1‐Murine fibroblast cell. The in vitro therapeutic potential of the patches was demonstrated against A549 human Lung cancer cells. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2011.
The effect of calcium phosphate bone substitute on defect resolution around a rough‐surfaced dental implants in dogs
Authors: Kim Sungtae , Jung Ui‐Won , Lee Yong‐Keun , Choi Seong‐Ho
Published: August 2011

Gap defects often exist around dental implants due to morphological differences between the natural tooth extraction socket and the dental implant. Techniques that can resolve such gap defects include implant surface modification and filling of the defects with bone substitutes. Modified surfaces are generally more effective in this regard than smooth surfaces. Favorable results have also been reported using bone substitutes. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a calcium phosphate (CaP) bone substitute for resolving gap defects around implant surfaces that have been treated with grit blasting and thermal etching. Implants were placed in edentulous areas in four mongrel dogs. Gap defects with a diameter of 2 mm were prepared surgically around the dental implants. These defects were either filled with CaP bone substitute (experimental group) or left unfilled (control group). Defects were evaluated after 8 and 16 weeks of healing. Block specimens were fixed, sectioned, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Histometric measurements revealed that healing in gap defects that had been filled with CaP bone substitute proceeded until 16 weeks. Total CaP degradation seemed to occur at between 4 and 8 weeks of healing. In conclusion, a more complete defect resolution was observed in gap defects filled with CaP bone substitute after 16 weeks than after 8 weeks of healing. The beneficial effects of filling in 2‐mm gap defects around implants were attributed to the use of CaP bone substitute. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2011.
Oophorectomy‐induced bone loss is attenuated in MAGP1‐deficient mice
Authors: Craft Clarissa S. , Broekelmann Thomas J. , Zou Wei , Chappel Jean C. , Teitelbaum Steven L. , Mecham Robert P.
Published: August 2011

Microfibril‐associated glycoprotein‐1 (MAGP1), together with the fibrillins, are constitutive components of vertebrate microfibrils. Mice deficient in MAGP1 (murine MAGP1 knockout animals (Mfap2−/−); MAGP1Δ) is appropriate develop progressive osteopenia and reduced whole bone strength, and have elevated numbers of osteoclasts lining the bone surface. Our previous studies suggested that the increased osteoclast population was associated with elevated levels of receptor activator of NF‐κB ligand (RANKL), a positive regulator of osteoclast differentiation. To explore the relationship between RANKL expression and osteoclast differentiation in MAGP1 deficiency, oophorectomy (OVX) was used to stimulate RANKL expression in both WT and MAGP1Δ animals. Bone loss following OVX was monitored using whole body DEXA and in vivo µCT. While WT mice exhibited significant bone loss following OVX, percent bone loss was reduced in MAGP1Δ mice. Further, serum RANKL levels rose significantly in OVX WT mice, whereas, there was only a modest increase in RANKL following OVX in the mutant mice due to already high baseline levels. Elevated RANKL expression was normalized when cultured MAGP1Δ osteoblasts were treated with a neutralizing antibody targeting free TGFβ. These studies provide support for increased RANKL expression associated with MAGP1 deficiency and provide a link to altered TGF‐β signaling as a possible causative signaling pathway regulating RANKL expression in MAGP1Δ osteoblasts. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 93–99, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The box a domain of high mobility group box‐1 protein as an efficient siRNA carrier with anti‐inflammatory effects
Authors: Lee Sanghyun , Song Hojung , Kim Hyun Ah , Oh Binna , Lee Dong Yun , Lee Minhyung
Published: August 2011

High mobility group box‐1 (HMGB‐1) is a DNA binding nuclear protein and pro‐inflammatory cytokine. The box A domain of HMGB‐1 (rHMGB‐1A) exerts an anti‐inflammatory effect, inhibiting wild‐type HMGB‐1 (wtHMGB‐1). In this study, HMGB‐1A was evaluated as an siRNA carrier with anti‐inflammatory effects. HMGB‐1A was expressed and purified by consecutive nickel chelate chromatography, cationic exchange chromatography, and polymixin B chromatography. Purified rHMGB‐1A demonstrated an anti‐inflammatory effect, reducing tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) in wtHMGB‐1 or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activated macrophages. In gel retardation assay, rHMGB‐1A formed a stable complex with siRNA at or above a 1:2 weight ratio (siRNA:rHMGB‐1A). A heparin competition assay showed that an siRNA/rHMGB‐1A complex released siRNA more easily than an siRNA/polyethylenimine (PEI, 25 kDa) complex. Luciferase siRNA/rHMGB‐1A reduced firefly luciferase expression at a similar level as luciferase siRNA/PEI complex. Furthermore, TNF‐α siRNA/rHMGB‐1A synergistically reduced TNF‐α expression in LPS activated macrophages. Therefore, rHMGB‐1A may be useful as an siRNA carrier with anti‐inflammatory effects in siRNA therapy for various inflammatory diseases. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 122–131, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Estrogen Controls embryonic stem cell proliferation via store‐operated calcium entry and the nuclear factor of activated T‐cells (NFAT)
Authors: Wong Chun‐Kit , So Wing‐Yan , Law Sau‐Kwan , Leung Fung‐Ping , Yau Ka‐Long , Yao Xiaoqiang , Huang Yu , Li Xiangdong , Tsang Suk‐Ying
Published: August 2011

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) can self‐renew indefinitely and differentiate into all cell lineages. Calcium is a universal second messenger which regulates a number of cellular pathways. Previous studies showed that store‐operated calcium channels (SOCCs) but not voltage‐operated calcium channels are present in mouse ESCs (mESCs). In this study, store‐operated calcium entry (SOCE) was found to exist in mESCs using confocal microscopy. SOCC blockers lanthanum, 2‐aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2‐APB) and SKF‐96365 reduced mESC proliferation in a concentration‐dependent manner, suggesting that SOCE is important for ESC proliferation. Pluripotent markers, Sox‐2, Klf‐4, and Nanog, were down‐regulated by 2‐APB, suggesting that self‐renewal property of mESCs relies on SOCE. 17β‐estradiol (E2) enhanced mESC proliferation. This enhanced proliferation was associated with an increment of SOCE. Both stimulated proliferation and increased SOCE could be reversed by SOCC blockers suggesting that E2 mediates its stimulatory effect on proliferation via enhancing SOCE. Also, cyclosporin A and INCA‐6, inhibitors of calcineurin [phosphatase that de‐phosphorylates and activates nuclear factor of activated T‐cells (NFAT)], reversed the proliferative effect of E2, indicating that NFAT is involved in E2‐stimulated proliferation. Interestingly, E2 caused the nuclear translocation of NFATc4, and this could be reversed by 2‐APB. These results suggested that NFATc4 is the downstream target of E2‐induced SOCE. The present investigation provides the first line of evidence that SOCE and NFAT are crucial for ESCs to maintain their unique characteristics. In addition, the present investigation also provides novel information on the mechanisms of how E2, an important female sex hormone, affects ESC proliferation. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 2519–2530, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis of new 3,3′‐(1,4‐phenylene)bis(1,5‐diones) derivatives
Authors: Shao Qiang , Liu Hui , Wang Ting‐Ting , Zeng He‐Ping
Published: August 2011

Several 3,3′‐(1,4‐phenylene)bis(1,5‐diones) and their chalcone precursors have been prepared in good to excellent yield via aldol addition and Michael addition starting from 3‐acetyl‐2,5‐dimethylfuran or 3‐acetyl‐2,5‐dimethyl‐thiophene with terephthalaldehyde in the presence of appropriate base NaOH or lithium diisopropylamide. The kind and amount of alkali played a critical role in improving the reaction rates and yields of the products. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2011).
Synthesis and application of silica phenyl sulfonic acid as a solid acid heterogeneous catalyst for one‐pot synthesis of 2‐aryl‐1‐arylmethyl‐1H‐1,3‐benzimidazoles and bis(indolyl)methanes in water
Authors: Veisi Hojat , Sedrpoushan Alireza , Zolfigol Mohammad Ali , Mohanazadeh Farajollah
Published: August 2011

Silica phenyl sulfonic acid (SPSA) was prepared and effectively used in the one‐pot synthesis of 2‐aryl‐1‐arylmethyl‐1H‐1,3‐benzimidazoles from o‐phenylenediamine with aldehydes in water in the presence of tetrabutyl ammonium bromide with good to high yield. Also, SPSA was used as a catalyst for the synthesis of bis(indolyl)methanes in water. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2011).
Value of oxygen‐enhanced MRI of the lungs in patients with pulmonary hypertension: A qualitative and quantitative approach
Authors: Maxien Daniel , Dietrich Olaf , Thieme Sven F. , Förster Stefan , Behr Jürgen , Reiser Maximilian F. , Nikolaou Konstantin
Published: August 2011

Purpose:

To assess the clinical value of oxygen‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (oeMRI) in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) by correlation with ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) scintigraphy.

Materials and Methods:

In all, 33 patients with known PH underwent V/Q scintigraphy and oeMRI. oeMRI was used to assess the regional pulmonary function based on relative‐signal‐enhancement (RSE) and cross‐correlation‐coefficient (CCC) maps, evaluating mean RSE (mRSE), fraction of oxygen‐activated pixels (fOAP), and mean CCC (mCCC). Two reviewers, blinded to the results of scintigraphy, performed visual detection of diseased lung areas.

Results:

In 26 of the 33 patients (79%) the image quality of oeMRI reached a diagnostic level. In total, 150 lung areas were analyzed and compared. Sensitivities/specificities of oeMRI for detecting these defects were: RSE vs. ventilation scintigraphy 92%/73%; RSE vs. perfusion scintigraphy 60%/87%; CCC vs. ventilation scintigraphy 89%/81%; CCC vs. perfusion scintigraphy 50%/87%. The number of diseased lung areas in oeMRI correlated significantly with the number in V/Q scintigraphy (P < 0.01). mRSE showed a significant correlation with the number of diseased lung areas in ventilation scintigraphy (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

oeMRI is feasible in PH patients, yielding an overall moderate agreement between oeMRI and V/Q scans, with a good sensitivity of oeMRI for the detection of ventilation defects as compared with ventilation scintigraphy. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;35:86‐94. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Urine testing as a surveillance tool to monitor the impact of HPV immunization programs
Authors: Cuschieri Kate , Nandwani Rak , McGough Pauline , Cook Fiona , Hogg Lesley , Robertson Chris , Cubie Heather
Published: August 2011

HPV surveillance is necessary to monitor the impact and success of HPV immunization programs. This study was designed to evaluate the performance of HPV testing in urine to assess its suitability for epidemiological and surveillance purposes. A total of 90 females and 117 males were recruited from a UK drop‐in clinic offering integrated sexual health services. A urine sample and comparator gold‐standard sample (cervical liquid‐based cytology sample or penile swab) was collected from each subject. HPV detection was performed using a PCR‐based assay. Discrepancy between the two overall distributions [urine vs. gold standard (GS)] was measured. At the individual level, sensitivity and specificity of HPV detection in urine versus GS was measured. Prevalence of HPV was higher in urine compared to GS in both females and males. At the individual level, sensitivity of urine versus GS for HPV detection was 90.5% (79.3–96.9) and 55.9% (37.8–72.8) in females and males, respectively. The overall distribution of HPV types in urine was similar to that in gold standard, (P = 0.78; male, P = 0.88; female). Type‐specific matches in urine versus GS were achieved in 71% (61–79.5) and 63.2% (54.2–71.4) of samples from females and males, respectively. Urine, particularly from females, is a useful biospecimen for HPV surveillance purposes. Further examination into the usefulness of urine from males, including choice of relevant gold‐standard comparator, is required. J. Med. Virol. 83:1983–1987, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lymphatic vessel invasion detected by the D2‐40 monoclonal antibody is an independent prognostic factor in node‐negative esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Imamura Yu , Watanabe Masayuki , Nagai Yohei , Baba Yoshifumi , Hirashima Kotaro , Karashima Ryuichi , Iwatsuki Masaaki , Yoshida Naoya , Kinoshita Koichi , Kurashige Junji , Iyama Ken‐ichi , Baba Hideo
Published: August 2011

Background and Objectives

D2‐40 staining has been reported to be useful for both identifying lymphatic vessel invasion (LVI) and counting lymphatic vessel density (LVD) in various cancers. The aim of this study was to clarify the prognostic significance of D2‐40 staining in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

Methods

A total of 159 consecutive patients with ESCC who underwent an esophagectomy with lymph node dissection were eligible. LVI was diagnosed by both hematoxylin–eosin (LVI‐HE) and D2‐40 staining (LVI‐D2‐40) in the largest central sections of the entire tumors, while both the intratumoral and peritumoral LVD were counted by D2‐40 staining. The correlation between the prognosis and clinicopathological factors was investigated.

Results

An univariate analysis revealed that tumor invasion beyond the muscularis propria, lymph node metastasis (LNM), LVI‐HE, LVI‐D2‐40, high intratumoral LVD, and blood vessel invasion correlated with worse patients' prognosis (P < 0.05). A multivariate analysis revealed LNM to be the only independent prognostic factor in all cases (P = 0.0083). On the other hand, when the prognostic factors of 83 patients without LNM were investigated, LVI‐D2‐40 was revealed to be the only independent prognostic factor (P = 0.048).

Conclusions

LVI detected by D2‐40 staining was an independent prognostic factor in patients with node‐negative ESCC. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 105:277–283. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinicopathological features and prognostic factors of gastric cancer patients aged 40 years or younger
Authors: Hsieh Feng‐Jen , Wang Yu‐Chao , Hsu Jun‐Te , Liu Keng‐Hao , Yeh Chun‐Nan , Yeh Ta‐Sen , Hwang Tsann‐Long , Jan Yi‐Yin
Published: August 2011

Background and Objectives

Gastric adenocarcinoma (GC) occurs frequently in the sixth decade of life and is uncommon in patients aged 40 years or younger. The aims of this study were to define the clinicopathological features and elucidate the prognostic factors of GC in the young.

Methods

Between 1998 and 2006, 1,815 GC patients undergoing resection were enrolled in a prospective database. The findings for 115 (6.0%) patients aged 40 years or younger were compared with those of 1,009 patients between 56 and 75 years old.

Results

The group of young patients with GC included significantly more women than the group of old patients (60.0% vs. 37.0%, respectively); young patients also had more T4 lesions (73.9% vs. 61.6%), undifferentiated tumors (85.2% vs. 55.1%), severe desmoplasia (41.4% vs. 12.2%), Lauren's diffuse‐type cancers (55.6% vs. 27.7%), and perineural invasion (69.1% vs. 46.1%). Survival rates in younger patients at 3, 5, and 10 years after resection were 56.8%, 52.0%, and 42.1%, respectively, similar to those in older patients (P = 0.411). Unfavorable independent prognostic factors of GC in the young were degree of nodal involvement (N3 vs. N0; P = 0.001), advanced T status (T3–4 vs. T1–2; P = 0.015), tumor size (>4 vs. ≤4 cm; P = 0.019), and status of resection margins (positive vs. negative; P = 0.044).

Conclusions

GC tends to exhibit more aggressive tumor behavior in young patients than in old patients; however, the surgical survival of young and old patients was similar. Advanced nodal involvement (N3) is the most important independent prognostic factor in the young. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 105:304–309. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis and application of clindamycin succinate as a novel chiral selector for capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Wu Jianfeng , Liu Peng , Wang Li , Tian Hailin , Wang Qingwei , Zhang Shengyong
Published: August 2011

A novel chiral selector, clindamycin succinate, was synthesized and first used as a chiral selector in capillary electrophoresis (CE). The chiral resolution ability of this kind of clindamycin derivation was studied by CE using some racemic drugs as model analytes. From the experimental results, it was found that both resolution and selectivity of the selector were dependent on the following parameters: concentration of chiral selectors, pH of the running buffer, temperature of the capillary column, applied voltage and organic modifier used. The results show that the chiral selector possesses high resolution toward some racemic drugs, including ofloxacin, chlorphenamine, tryptophan, propranolol, sotalol and metoprolol. Excellent chiral resolution of these tested drugs was achieved under the optimal conditions of 50 mM clindamycin succinate, 10% MeOH v/v, 50 mM Tris buffer, pH 4.0, at 22 kV and 20°C within 25 min.
Simple and sensitive determination of low‐molecular‐mass aromatic aldehydes in swimming pool water by LC‐diode array detector
Authors: Fernández‐Molina José María , Silva Manuel
Published: August 2011

This work reports the development of a simple method for the quantitative determination of aromatic and aliphatic low‐molecular‐mass aldehydes (LMMAs) as disinfection by‐products (DBPs) in indoor swimming pool waters after chlorination with a simplified SPE sample treatment. The method is based on the continuous in situ derivatization/preconcentration of the aldehydes with 2,4‐dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) on a Lichrolut EN column in the presence of β‐CD. After elution, the 2,4‐dinitrophenylhydrazine derivatives were separated on an RP‐C18 analytical column using gradient of ACN–water at 60–80%. The optimized sample treatment described here allowed the direct analysis of large volumes of water in order to improve the sensitivity of the method; LODs in the 60–120 ng/L range were achieved for aromatic LMMAs by using a volume of 50 mL of water, precision being 7.5% or better at a concentration level of 5 μg/L. These results indicate that the ensuing method is a useful choice for the determination of LMMAs in water samples that provides better results than reported LC alternatives in terms of the LOD (except for MS/MS detection), sample requirements for analysis and cost.
Effects of freeze‐drying of samples on metabolite levels in metabolome analyses
Authors: Oikawa Akira , Otsuka Takao , Jikumaru Yusuke , Yamaguchi Shinjiro , Matsuda Fumio , Nakabayashi Ryo , Takashina Tadashi , Isuzugawa Kanji , Saito Kazuki , Shiratake Katsuhiro
Published: August 2011

Freeze‐drying (FD) is a useful technique for removing water from biological tissues, such as food samples. Cellular components freeze at once, and the ice sublimates under conditions of high vacuum and low temperatures. Because biological activity is restricted during FD, the degradation of cellular metabolites is often believed to be limited. However, the cellular structure is damaged by several factors, such as the increase in cell volume during freezing, and this has serious effects on the levels of some cellular metabolites. We studied these effects of FD on metabolite levels when using it as a sample preparation step in metabolome analysis. We observed significant decreases in the levels of some metabolites, such as succinate and choline, in Arabidopsis and pear, respectively. We also found that the effects of FD on certain metabolite levels differed between Arabidopsis plants and pear fruits. These results suggest that it is necessary to confirm the metabolite recovery in each sample species when FD is used for sample preparation.
A new HPLC method with fluorescence detection for the determination of memantine in human plasma
Authors: Toker Sıdıka E. , Sağırlı Olcay , Çetin Sevil M. , Önal Armağan
Published: August 2011

A sensitive, selective, simple and fast HPLC method based on the formation of derivative with fluorescamine was developed for the determination of memantine (ME) in human plasma. Separation was achieved on a CN column (200 mm×4.6 mm) using acetonitrile–10 mM orthophosphoric acid containing 1 mL/L triethylamine (45:55, v/v) at a flow rate of 1 mL/min. Emission and excitation wavelengths were 480 and 380 nm, respectively. Amantadine was used as an internal standard. Calibration graphs were rectilinear over the range of 1.0–100.0 ng/mL. Limit of detection and limit of quantification were found to be 0.3 and 1.0 ng/mL, respectively. Intra‐day and inter‐day relative standard deviation values were found to be <2.03%. Average recovery was also found to be around 94%. Proposed method was applied for the pharmacokinetic study in a healthy volunteer after a single oral administration of 20 mg of ME.
Application of centrifugal precipitation chromatography and high‐speed counter‐current chromatography equipped with a spiral tubing support rotor for the isolation and partial characterization of carotenoid cleavage‐like enzymes in Enteromorpha compressa (L.) Nees
Authors: Baldermann Susanne , Mulyadi Andriati N. , Yang Ziyin , Murata Ariaka , Fleischmann Peter , Winterhalter Peter , Knight Martha , Finn Thomas M. , Watanabe Naoharu
Published: August 2011

Centrifugal precipitation chromatography and a high‐speed counter‐current chromatography system equipped with a spiral tubing support rotor (spHSCCC) were successfully applied for the identification and isolation of carotenoid cleavage‐like enzymes from Enteromorpha compressa (L.) Nees. This is the first study separating active enzymes from a complex natural matrix by spHSCCC. The target enzymes were identified after fractionation of the proteins in an acetone Tris‐buffer gradient by centrifugal precipitation chromatography. Also, an aqueous two‐phase solvent system consisting of PEG 1000 and mono‐ and dibasic potassium phosphate was used for the isolation of the enzymes by spHSCCC. The purified fractions contained two proteins of 65 and 72 kDa, respectively. The enzymes could cleave β‐carotene and β‐apo‐8′‐carotenal to produce β‐ionone.
Social constraints, genetic vulnerability, and mental health following collective stress
Authors: Holman E. Alison , Lucas‐Thompson Rachel G. , Lu Tammy
Published: August 2011

A repeat‐length polymorphism of the serotonin promoter gene (5‐HTTLPR) has been associated with depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in trauma‐exposed individuals reporting unsupportive social environments. We examine the contributions of the triallelic 5‐HTTLPR genotype and social constraints to posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms in a national sample following the September 11, 2001 (9/11) terrorist attacks. Saliva was collected by mail from 711 respondents (European American subsample n = 463) of a large national probability sample of 2,729 adults. Respondents completed web‐based assessments of pre‐9/11 mental and physical health, acute stress 9 to 23 days post‐9/11, PTS symptoms, and social constraints on disclosure regarding fears of future terrorist attacks 2–3 years post‐9/11. Social constraints were positively associated with PTS symptoms 2–3 years post‐9/11. The triallelic 5‐HTTLPR genotype was not directly associated with PTS symptoms, but it interacted with social constraints to predict PTS symptoms 2‐3 years post‐9/11: Social constraints were more strongly associated with PTS symptoms for individuals with any s/lg allele than for homozygous la/la individuals. Constraints on disclosing fears about future terrorism moderate the 5‐HTTLPR genotype‐PTS symptom association even when indirectly exposed to collective stress.
The longitudinal course of PTSD among disaster workers deployed to the World Trade Center following the attacks of September 11th
Authors: Cukor Judith , Wyka Katarzyna , Mello Brittany , Olden Megan , Jayasinghe Nimali , Roberts Jennifer , Giosan Cezar , Crane Michael , Difede JoAnn
Published: August 2011

This study examined the long‐term mental health outcomes of 2,960 nonrescue disaster workers deployed to the World Trade Center site in New York City following the September 11, 2001 (9/11) terrorist attacks. Semistructured interviews and standardized self‐report measures were used to assess the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychopathology 4 and 6 years after the attacks. Clinician‐measured rates of PTSD and partial PTSD 4‐years posttrauma were 8.4% and 8.9%, respectively, in a subsample of 727 individuals. Rates decreased to 5.8% and 7.7% for full and partial PTSD 6 years posttrauma. For the larger sample, self‐report scores revealed probable PTSD and partial PTSD prevalence to be 4.8% and 3.6% at 4 years, and 2.4% and 1.8% at 6 years. Approximately 70% of workers never met criteria for PTSD. Although PTSD rates decreased significantly over time, many workers remained symptomatic, with others showing delayed‐onset PTSD. The strongest predictors of ongoing PTSD 6 years following 9/11 were trauma history (odds ratio (OR) = 2.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.06, 4.85]); the presence of major depressive disorder 1–2 years following the trauma (OR = 2.80, 95% CI [1.17, 6.71]); and extent of occupational exposure (OR = 1.31, 95% CI [1.13, 1.51]). The implications of the findings for both screening and treatment of disaster workers are discussed.
Free‐radical scavenging activities of silybin and its analogues: A pulse radiolysis study
Authors: Fu Haiying , Lin Mingzhang , Katsumura Yosuke , Muroya Yusa
Published: August 2011

The flavonolignans (silybin and analogues) are important natural compounds with multiple biological activities operating at various cell levels. Many of these effects are connected with their radical scavenging activities. In the present study, free‐radical scavenging and antioxidant activities of four natural flavonoids, namely silybin, naringenin, naringin, and hesperetin, have been studied using nanosecond pulse radiolysis techniques. The kinetics and mechanisms of the reactions of silybin and analogues with various oxidizing radicals (such as •OH,N3•, CCl3OO•, SO4•−) have been investigated. Furthermore, the transient species has been assigned and radical scavenging rate constants have also been measured. Moreover, the structure–activity relationships between chemical structures of the flavonoids and their radical scavenging activities are further analayzed by theoretical calculation. Combined our previous observation of the fast reparation of DNA damage and efficient DNA protection against radiation damage in vitro, it can be confirmed that test flavonoids are promising molecules to be used for their potential antioxidant properties. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 43: 590–597, 2011
Factors Associated With the Postoperative Status of Donor Patients for Living Donor Liver Transplantation
Authors: Wakata Yoshufumi , Nakashima Naoki , Taketomi Akinobu , Shirabe Ken , Maehara Yoshihiko , Hagihara Akihito
Published: August 2011

Deceased donor liver transplantation has been an established surgical procedure since the 1960s. More recently, the technique of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) was introduced, and it is being performed with increasing frequency. However, there is a paucity of information on the clinical outcomes of donor patients. In this study, which was conducted at a single university hospital, the relationship between potentially relevant factors (eg, patient characteristics, preoperative status, and operation characteristics) and postoperative developments in donor patients was examined. We used electronic critical pathways, which are charts of medical process that include favorable states (defined as outcomes) to be achieved during the hospital stay of a patient; predefined outcomes that are not achieved are recorded as variances. With the electronic critical pathway system, objective data about the conditions of patients and relevant clinical processes could be collected readily. Using data from the electronic critical pathways for LDLT donor patients and applying multiple logistic regression analysis, we examined factors that were related to the variance of each outcome measure for postoperative developments. Among the various donor characteristics, the duration of the operation was related to variance in 5 types of health outcomes, age and blood loss volume were related to variance in 2 types of health outcomes, and other characteristics (ie, sex, body surface area, operation urgency, and volume ratio of the remnant liver) were related to variance in 1 type of health outcome. In conclusion, the findings in this study may facilitate improvements in the postoperative status of LDLT donor patients. Further studies that incorporate analogous data from other medical facilities are necessary to verify these findings. Liver Transpl, 2011. © 2011 AASLD.
Properties of stationary distributions of a sequence of generalized Ornstein–Uhlenbeck processes
Authors: Lindner Alexander , Sato Ken‐iti
Published: August 2011

The infinite (in both directions) sequence of the distributions μ(k) of the stochastic integrals \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$\int _0^{\infty -} c^{-N_{t-}^{(k)}} dL_t^{(k)}$\end{document} for integers k is investigated. Here c > 1 and (N(k)t, Lt(k)), t ≥ 0, is a bivariate compound Poisson process with Lévy measure concentrated on three points (1, 0), (0, 1), (1, c−k). The amounts of the normalized Lévy measure at these points are denoted by p, q, r. For k = 0 the process (N(0)t, Lt(0)) is marginally Poisson and μ(0) has been studied by Lindner and Sato (Ann. Probab. 37 (2009), 250–274). The distributions μ(k) are the stationary distributions of a sequence of generalized Ornstein–Uhlenbeck processes structurally related in a particular way. Continuity properties of μ(k) are shown to be the same as those of μ(0). The dependence on k of infinite divisibility of μ(k) is clarified. The problem to find necessary and sufficient conditions in terms of c, p, q, and r for μ(k) to be infinitely divisible is somewhat involved, but completely solved for every integer k. The conditions depend on arithmetical properties of c. The symmetrizations of μ(k) are also studied. The distributions μ(k) and their symmetrizations are c−1‐decomposable, and it is shown that, for each k ≠ 0, μ(k) and its symmetrization may be infinitely divisible without the corresponding factor in the c−1‐decomposability relation being infinitely divisible. This phenomenon was first observed by Niedbalska‐Rajba (Colloq. Math. 44 (1981), 347–358) in an artificial example. The notion of quasi‐infinite divisibility is introduced and utilized, and it is shown that a quasi‐infinitely divisible distribution on [0, ∞) can have its quasi‐Lévy measure concentrated on (− ∞, 0).
Tetrazine‐Norbornene Click Reactions to Functionalize Degradable Polymers Derived from Lactide
Authors: Barker Ian A. , Hall Daniel J. , Hansell Claire F. , Du Prez Filip E. , O'Reilly Rachel K. , Dove Andrew P.
Published: August 2011

Post‐polymerization modification of polymers derived from sustainable resources using the click reaction between tetrazines and norbornenes is shown to provide a mild and efficient route for the synthesis of functional degradable polymers. Norbornene chain‐end functional poly(lactide) was synthesized using organocatalytic methods and functionalized by the addition of 3,6‐di‐2‐pyridyl‐1,2,4,5‐tetrazine without degradation of the polymer backbone. The versatility of this reaction was demonstrated by the application of analogues bearing amine and poly(ethylene oxide) groups to realize amine‐functional polymers and block copolymers. Poly(spiro[6‐methyl‐1,4‐dioxane‐2,5‐dione‐3,2′‐bicyclo[2.2.1]hept[5]ene]) was prepared from lactide. The pendant norbornene group on the backbone of the resultant polymer was modified in a similar manner to produce functional degradable polymers and graft co‐polymers.

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Mass spectrometry in the proteome analysis of mature cereal kernels
Authors: Cunsolo Vincenzo , Muccilli Vera , Saletti Rosaria , Foti Salvatore
Published: August 2011

In the last decade, the improved performance and versatility of the mass spectrometers together with the increasing availability of gene and genomic sequence database, led the mass spectrometry to become an indispensable tool for either protein and proteome analyses in cereals. Mass spectrometric works on prolamins have rapidly evolved from the determination of the molecular masses of proteins to the proteomic approaches aimed to a large‐scale protein identification and study of functional and regulatory aspects of proteins. Mass spectrometry coupled with electrophoresis, chromatographic methods, and bioinformatics tools is currently making significant contributions to a better knowledge of the composition and structure of the cereal proteins and their structure–function relationships. Results obtained using mass spectrometry, including characterization of prolamins, investigation of the gluten toxicity for coeliac patients, identification of proteins responsible of cereal allergies, determination of the protein pattern and its modification under environmental or stress effects, investigation of genetically modified varieties by proteomic approaches, are summarized here, to illustrate current trends, analytical troubles and challenges, and suggest possible future perspectives. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Mass Spec Rev 31:448–465, 2012
NMR Investigations of Temperature‐Induced Phase Transition in Aqueous Polymer Solutions
Authors: Spěváček Jiří
Published: August 2011

The different dynamics of polymer segments forming phase‐separated globular structures in aqueous (D2O) solutions affects both the shape of NMR spectra and NMR relaxation times of polymer and solvent. Two types of the approach are discussed. The first one is based on the reduction of integrated intensities of polymer NMR lines in high‐resolution NMR spectra in the system undergoing the coil‐globule phase transition. The fraction p of phase‐separated units (units with significantly reduced mobility) and subsequently, e.g., thermodynamic parameters ΔH and ΔS characterizing the coil‐globule phase transition can be determined. The second approach is based on measurements of 1H NMR relaxation times of water (HDO) which provide information on behaviour of water during phase transition. The power of both approaches is demonstrated on results obtained with solutions of several thermoresponsive homopolymers and copolymers.