bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Controlled Degradability of Polysaccharide Multilayer Films In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Picart C. , Schneider A. , Etienne O. , Mutterer J. , Schaaf P. , Egles C. , Jessel N. , Voegel J.‐C.
Published: October 2005

This article demonstrates the possibility of tuning the degradability of polysaccharide multilayer films in vitro and in vivo. Chitosan and hyaluronan multilayer films (CHI/HA) were either native or crosslinked using a water soluble carbodiimide, 1‐ethyl‐3‐(3‐dimethylamino‐propyl)carbodiimide (EDC) at various concentrations in combination with N‐hydroxysulfosuccinimide. The in‐vitro degradation of the films in contact with lysozyme and hyaluronidase was followed by quartz crystal microbalance measurements, fluorimetry, and confocal laser scanning microscopy after labeling of the chitosan with fluorescein isothiocyanate (CHIFITC). The native films were subjected to degradation by these enzymes, and the crosslinked films were more resistant to enzymatic degradation. Films made of chitosan of medium molecular weight were more resistant than films made of chitosan‐oligosaccharides. The films were also brought in contact with plasma, which induced a change in film structure for the native film but did not have any effect on the crosslinked film. The in‐vitro study shows that macrophages can degrade all types of films and internalize the chitosan. The in‐vivo degradation of the films implanted in mouse peritoneal cavity for a week again showed an almost complete degradation of the native films, whereas the crosslinked films were only partially degraded. Taken together, these results suggest that polysaccharide multilayer films are of potential interest for in‐vivo applications as biodegradable coatings, and that degradation can be tuned by using chitosan of different molecular weights and by controlling film crosslinking.
Supported Cell‐Membrane Sheets for Functional Fluorescence Imaging of Membrane Proteins
Authors: Perez J.‐B. , Martinez K. L. , Segura J.‐M. , Vogel H.
Published: October 2005

Cell‐membrane sheets suitable for in‐vitro functional fluorescence studies have been prepared by direct detachment from cell membranes using poly‐L‐lysine‐coated glass slides. The resulting transferred planar membranes conserve the composition as well as most properties of the original plasma membrane; in particular, both membrane leaflets remain fluid, allowing the investigation of diffusion properties of different cellular membrane components. Measurements on membrane sheets offer several advantages as compared to those on living cells. First, access to the intracellular leaflet is obtained, in particular to the intracellular part of membrane proteins and to cytoplasmic membrane‐associated proteins, opening the possibility of labeling them and modulating their properties with membrane impermeable compounds. Second, the cytosolic autofluorescence of the cells is absent, allowing ultrasensitive measurements to be performed down to the single‐molecule level. Third, the complexity of cellular processes occurring at the plasma membrane can be reduced, allowing the sequential investigation of selected events from complex biochemical networks. These advantages are illustrated by ligand‐binding studies on the α1b‐adrenergic receptor. Our results indicate that supported membrane sheets might find a broad application as an ideal in‐vitro system for the elucidation of complex signaling pathways.
Skeletal changes in epidermal nevus syndrome: Does focal bone disease harbor clues concerning pathogenesis?
Authors: Heike Carrie L. , Cunningham Michael L. , Steiner Robert D. , Wenkert Deborah , Hornung Robin L. , Gruss Joseph S. , Gannon Francis H. , McAlister William H. , Mumm Steven , Whyte Michael P.
Published: October 2005

Epidermal nevus syndrome (ENS) is a rare, sporadic, congenital disorder of unknown etiology featuring a complex and highly variable phenotype that can include focal or generalized skeletal disease. We describe a young man with ENS manifesting right‐sided linear skin lesions, generalized weakness, diffuse osteopenia associated with hypophosphatemic rickets, and distinctive focal bone lesions ipsilateral to the skin findings. Review of the literature concerning ENS–associated skeletal disease suggested such focal bone defects are fibrous dysplasia, but our patient did not have the typical radiographic or histopathologic findings of fibrous dysplasia. Nevertheless, his circulating fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF‐23) level was elevated, likely functioning as a “phosphatonin,” yet no activating mutations inGNASpreviously reported in fibrous dysplasia or McCune–Albright syndrome were detected in his leukocytes or affected skin. We postulate that the focal skeletal disease, although different than fibrous dysplasia, may be a source of FGF‐23 in ENS. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Du Pan syndrome phenotype caused by heterozygous pathogenic mutations in CDMP1 gene
Authors: Szczaluba K. , Hilbert K. , Obersztyn E. , Zabel B. , Mazurczak T. , Kozlowski K.
Published: October 2005

Du Pan syndrome is a rare acromesomelic dysplasia with characteristic clinical and radiographic findings. It is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. Almost all the patients reported have been from Muslim countries. We report on a female and her child with Du Pan syndrome from a Caucasian, Polish family. Three new heterozygous mutations clustered on one allele of the CDMP1 gene were identified in the affected individuals resulting in the first familial case with dominant Du Pan syndrome. A possible synergistic effect of the cis‐acting mutations located in the active domain of the mature CDMP1 protein is likely to be responsible for the clinical expression of the disorder. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A 72‐year‐old Danish puzzle resolved—comparative analysis of phenotypes in families with different‐sized HOXD13 polyalanine expansions
Authors: Kjaer Klaus W. , Hansen Lars , Eiberg Hans , Utkus Algirdas , Skovgaard Lene T. , Leicht Pernille , Opitz John M. , Tommerup Niels
Published: October 2005

A phenotype–genotype correlation was previously described for carriers of different sized of polyalanine expansions in HOXD13. We report on a detailed comparison of 55 members (∼220 limbs) from 4 Danish families with duplications of 21 or 27 bp, expanding the polyalanine repeat from 15 to 22 and 24 residues, respectively. Two of these were previously described by Danish pioneers of human genetics, Tage Kemp and Oluf Thomsen. A clinical score was assigned to each limb based on manifestations assumed to represent different degrees of a duplication defect in hand rays 3–4 and foot rays 4–5. The length of metacarpals and phalangeal bones in rays 1, 2, and 5 was measured on hand radiographs and converted to Z‐scores. The relative difference between corresponding right and left bones and directional, total, and fluctuating asymmetry was calculated for each individual. All of these parameters were compared between carriers of the +9 alanine expansion, the +7 alanine expansion, and non‐mutation carriers with affected parents from the two families. Upper limb scores and the rate of abnormal bones (>2SD) were significantly higher in the first group than in the others. The first metacarpal and the middle phalanx of the little finger were significantly shorter, and the proximal phalanx of the index finger was significantly longer in this group than in the others. An increased level of total and fluctuating asymmetry was observed in long expansion carriers. Thus, our data have added evidence to the phenotype–genotype correlation previously reported, which was further extended to include lesser involvement of bones in ray 1, 2, and 5. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hypertrichosis in patients with SURF1 mutations
Authors: Østergaard Elsebet , Bradinova Irena , Ravn Susanne Holst , Hansen Flemming Juul , Simeonov Emil , Christensen Ernst , Wibrand Flemming , Schwartz Marianne
Published: October 2005

We present three patients with SURF1 mutations. In addition to Leigh syndrome all patients had hypertrichosis, a clinical sign that is not usually associated with Leigh syndrome. The hypertrichosis was not congenital and it was mainly distributed on the extremities and forehead. In addition to our three patients, we have identified five patients in the literature with hypertrichosis and Leigh syndrome due to SURF1 mutations. Since most patients had onset of hypertrichosis before the diagnosis of Leigh syndrome was made, we suggest that clinicians consider Leigh syndrome in patients with, for example, psychomotor retardation or other unspecific symptoms in combination with hypertrichosis. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A girl with partial trisomy 12q24.31 inherited from her father and a possible novel syndrome transmitted from her mother
Authors: Bao Liming , Schorry Elizabeth K.
Published: October 2005

We report on a familial partial trisomy 12q in a girl and her father both of whom have an unbalanced translocation, der(16)t(12;16)(q24.31;q24.3), resulting in trisomy 12q24.31 → qter and 16q subtelomere deletion. By comparing phenotypes of the girl and the father, we suggest that clinical features related to trisomy 12q24.31 → qter are mild development delays, mild mental retardation, broad forehead, simplified ear helices, small mouth, and thin lips. The mother who has a normal karyotype has moderate mental retardation and a facial appearance similar to the girl. Both the girl and the mother have distinctive short, curly, and kinky hair. We suspect a possible new syndrome in the maternal family with mental retardation and curly, kinky hair. Thus, this patient likely inherited two discreet conditions causing mental retardation. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Founder SVA retrotransposal insertion in Fukuyama‐type congenital muscular dystrophy and its origin in Japanese and Northeast Asian populations
Authors: Watanabe Masashi , Kobayashi Kazuhiro , Jin Feng , Park Kyung Sook , Yamada Takatsugu , Tokunaga Katsushi , Toda Tatsushi
Published: October 2005

Fukuyama‐type congenital muscular dystrophy (FCMD), one of the most common autosomal recessive disorders in Japan, is characterized by congenital muscular dystrophy associated with brain malformation due to a defect in neuronal migration. Previously, we identified the gene responsible for FCMD, which encodes the fukutin protein. Most FCMD‐bearing chromosomes (87%) are derived from a single ancestral founder, who lived 2,000–2,500 years ago and whose mutation consisted of a 3‐kb retrotransposal insertion in the 3′ non‐coding region of the fukutin gene. Here we show, through detailed sequence analysis, that the founder insertion is derived from the SINE‐VNTR‐Alu (SVA) retroposon. To enable rapid detection of this insertion, we have developed a PCR‐based diagnostic method that uses three primers simultaneously. We used this method to investigate the distribution and origin of the founder insertion, screening a total of 4,718 control DNA samples from Japanese and other Northeast Asian populations. Fifteen founder chromosomes were detected among 2,814 Japanese individuals. Heterozygous carriers were found in various regions throughout Japan, with an averaged ratio of 1 in 188. In Korean populations, we detected one carrier in 935 individuals. However, we were unable to detect any heterozygous alleles in 203 Mongolians and 766 Mainland Chinese populations. These data largely rule out the possibility that a single ancestor bearing an insertion‐chromosome immigrated to Japan from Korea or Mainland China and appear to confirm that FCMD carriers are rare outside of Japan. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Detection of cryptic chromosome aberrations in a patient with a balanced t(1;9)(p34.2;p24) by array‐based comparative genomic hybridization
Authors: Hayashi Shin , Kurosawa Kenji , Imoto Issei , Mizutani Shuki , Inazawa Johji
Published: October 2005

Mental retardation (MR) is one of the most common phenotypes in congenital disorders, but in many cases the pathogenesis remains unknown. Here, we report on a 5‐year‐old boy with mild developmental disability, cranial malformation, minor anomalies, and moderate MR. G‐banded chromosome analysis revealed that he carried an apparent balanced translocation, t(1;9)(p34.2;p24). However, our array‐based comparative genomic hybridization (CGH‐array) analysis detected a cryptic genomic duplication and a deletion at the breakpoints. Further fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) showed that the duplication was approximately 7.9 Mb in size at 1p34.3‐p33, and the deletion was 4 Mb at 9pter‐p24. Although some features of the patient were consistent with those of monosomy 9p‐syndrome, his features were not typical of cases of the syndrome, suggesting that the small deletion region involved in 9p may limit his phenotype. On the other hand, interstitial duplication at 1p34.3‐p33 is very rare and his phenotype did not match with that in previous reports. CGH‐array is a potentially useful technique for investigating cryptic copy‐number alterations in cases of apparently balanced chromosome rearrangements in patients with unexpected clinical features. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular cytogenetic characterization of an insertional translocation, ins(6;7)(p25;q33q34): Deletion/duplication of 7q33‐34 and clinical correlations
Authors: Malmgren H. , Malm G. , Sahlén S. , Karlsson M. , Blennow Elisabeth
Published: October 2005

A balanced insertional translocation between chromosomes 6 and 7, ins(6;7)(p25;q33q34) has been extensively investigated. The insertional translocation was found in several members of a three‐generation family, where some were healthy balanced carriers while others had clinical symptoms due to deletion or duplication of 7q33‐34. The deleted/duplicated segment could only be detected using high resolution banding and fluorescent in situ hybridization. A number of BAC/PAC clones located on chromosome 6 and 7 were used to characterize the breakpoint regions in detail and to determine the size of the deletion, which was 7.6 Mb, containing up to 68 genes. However, the insert on chromosome 6 was only 7.4 Mb, due to a deletion of 227 kb at the distal breakpoint on 7q. This small deletion was also found in the “balanced” carriers, and although the chromosome segment contains at least eight genes, none of the carriers seem to be affected by haploinsufficiency, since the phenotype is apparently normal. This is the first detailed characterization and phenotype correlation of such a deletion/duplication of distal 7q. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Frontal lobe epilepsy and mutations of the corticotropin‐releasing hormone gene
Authors: Combi Romina , Dalprà Leda , Ferini‐Strambi Luigi , Tenchini Maria L.
Published: October 2005

Nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy up to now has been considered a channelopathy caused by mutations in the α4 and β2 subunits of the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. However, these mutations account for only a minority of patients, and the existence of at least a new locus for the disease has been demonstrated. In one Italian nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy family, we identified two new putative loci on chromosomes 3 and 8, where several candidate genes are mapped. In particular, on chromosome 8, corticotropin‐releasing hormone gene (CRH) appears to be a good candidate. We therefore searched for CRH mutations in the proband. The study allowed the identification of a nucleotide variation in the promoter that was subsequently detected in all affected and obligate carrier members of the same family, in two sporadic cases, in all affected members of an additional compliant family, and in the proband of a noncompliant family. Moreover, a different mutation in the promoter was detected in a familial case. In vitro experiments showed altered levels of gene expression. CRH alterations could explain several autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy clinical features. Ann Neurol 2006
Syntheses and properties of a thiacrown ether and its acyclic model compound modified with germanium moieties
Authors: Ida Toshihiro , Takase Yutaka , Takeuchi Yoshito
Published: October 2005

A thiacrown ether (1) and its acyclic model compound (2), modified with germanium moieties, were synthesized and their structures confirmed by NMR spectrometry and elemental analysis. The germanium atom, located in one of the side chains of 2, is pentacoordinated by virtue of a weak hypervalent O → Ge interaction. The cation capture/transport ability is almost null for both compounds, probably owing to the proximity of the cation and anion binding sites. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Embryotoxicity studies of tri‐n‐butyltin(IV) complexes of 5‐[(E)‐2‐(aryl)‐1‐diazenyl]‐2‐hydroxybenzoic acid and 2‐[(E)‐2‐(3‐formyl‐4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐1‐diazenyl] benzoic acid on sea urchin development
Authors: Basu Baul Tushar S. , Rynjah Wandondor , Singh Keisham Surjit , Pellerito Claudia , D'Agati Paolo , Pellerito Lorenzo
Published: October 2005

The toxicity studies of free 5‐[(E)‐2‐(aryl)‐1‐diazenyl]‐2‐hydroxybenzoic acid and 2‐[(E)‐2‐(3‐formyl‐4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐1‐diazenyl]benzoic acid and their tri‐n‐butyltin(IV) complexes were evaluated by using sea urchin early developmental stages as recommended model organisms for toxicity tests. The novel complexes, as the parent tri‐n‐butyltin(IV) chloride (TBTCl), caused mitosis block and induced high embryonic mortality in sea urchin. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Facile synthesis of pyridinium aryltetrachlorotellurates: crystal and molecular structure of [C5H6N][RTeCl4] (R = m‐O2NC6H4, p‐NCC6H4)
Authors: Beckmann Jens , Duthie Andrew , Mitchell Cassandra
Published: October 2005

Arylation of TeCl4 with arylboroxine–pyridine complexes [(RBO)3·C5H5N, where R = m‐O2NC6H4 (1), p‐O2NC6H4 (2), m‐NCC6H4 (3), p‐NCC6H4 (4)] and advantageous moisture provided good yields of the pyridinium aryltetrachlorotellurates [C5H6N][RTeCl4] [R = m‐O2NC6H4 (5), p‐O2NC6H4 (6), m‐NCC6H4 (7), p‐NCC6H4 (8)]. Compounds 5 and 8 have been investigated by X‐ray crystallography. Key features of both crystal structures are intermolecular secondary TeċċċCl interactions between the aryltetrachlorotellurate anions and weak association of the cations and anions. Electrospray mass spectra of compound 5 reveal that the associative interactions also play a role in solution. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and crystal structure of three nido 11‐vertex platinaborane clusters
Authors: Dou Jianmin , Wu Libin , Guo Qingliang , Li Dacheng , Wang Daqi , Hu Chunhua , Zheng Peiju
Published: October 2005

The reaction of [PtCl2(PPh3)2] with closo‐B10H102− in ethanol under reflux conditions gave two nido 11‐vertex platinaundecaborane clusters: [(PPh3)2PtB10H10‐8,10‐(OEt)2]·CH2Cl2 (1) and [(PPh3)2PtB10H11‐11‐OEt]·CH2Cl2 (2). A novel B10H102− deboronated nido 11‐vertex diplatinaundecaborane [(µ‐PPh2)(PPh3)2Pt2B9H6‐3,9,11‐(OEt)3]·CH2Cl2 (3) was obtained when the same reaction was carried out under solvothermal conditions. All of these compounds were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Both clusters 1 and 2 have a nido 11‐vertex {PtB10} polyhedral skeleton in which the Pt atom lies in the open PtB4 face. Each Pt atom connects with four B atoms and two P atoms of the PPh3 ligands. Cluster 3 has a nido 11‐vertex {Pt2B9} polyhedral skeleton in which two Pt atoms sit in neighbouring positions of the open Pt2B3 face, bridged by a PPh2 group. Each Pt atom connects three B atoms and a P atom of the PPh3 ligand. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
1,3‐Dihydro‐1‐hydroxy‐3‐morpholin‐4‐yl‐2,1‐benzoxaborole: product of the reaction of o‐formylphenylboronic acid with morpholine
Authors: Sporzyński Andrzej , Lewandowski Michał , Rogowska Paulina , Cyrański Michał K.
Published: October 2005

o‐Formylphenylboronic acid reacts with morpholine to form 1,3‐dihydro‐1‐hydroxy‐3‐morpholin‐4‐yl‐2,1‐benzoxaborole. The typical hydrogen‐bonded dimer motif with a planar benzoxaborole fragment has been obtained in the solid state. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Facile synthesis of a tricyclohexylphosphine‐stabilized η3‐allyl‐carboxylato Ni(II) complex and its relevance in electrochemical butadiene carbon dioxide coupling
Authors: Schulz Peter S. , Walter Olaf , Dinjus Eckhard
Published: October 2005

With the reaction of bis(1,5‐cyclooctadiene)nickel(0) andtrans‐penta‐2,4‐dienoic acid in the presence of tricyclohexylphosphine, a new more general method was developed to synthesize cyclic π3‐allyl‐carboxylato Ni(II) complexes, which are known to be intermediates in the CC coupling of butadiene and CO2. The cyclic π3‐allyl‐carboxylato Ni(II) complex obtained is tested as a mediator in the electrochemical coupling reaction of butadiene and carbon dioxide. We also demonstrate the dependency on the coordination sphere by using platinum instead of nickel as the metal center. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of CdS Micorpheres by a Hydrothermal Microemulsion Method
Authors: Xu Sheng , Peng Qing
Published: October 2005

CdS micropheres were prepared by a hydrothermal microemulsion method in cyclohexane/Triton X‐100/pentanol/water at 180 °C. The as‐prepared samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction analysis, transmission electron microscopy, electron diffraction, energy diffraction X‐ray analysis and photoluminescence spectra. It was found that CdS microspheres with diameter of 1.5–2.5µm were aggregated by nanocrystals. The formation mechanism was proposed.
Investigation of Microstructures and Anti‐corrosion Properties of Aluminium‐Zinc Alloys
Authors: Qi Zhong‐Nan , Zhang Chang‐Qiao , Wang Ruo‐Xi , Liu Cheng‐Bu , Chen Zheng‐Long
Published: October 2005

Electro‐chemical experiment was carried out to test the corrosion rates of aluminium‐zinc hot‐dip coating. It is shown that 5.3% aluminium‐zinc alloy (weight ratio) has superior anti‐corrosion property. The determined microstructure has displayed amorphous structure composed of nanometer sized particle of the system. The analysis indicated large negative change of Gibbs energy of 5.3% aluminium‐zinc system. Molecular dynamics simulation showed that 5.3% aluminium‐zinc system has very different behavior from other systems. A phase transition of this particular system was observed from simulation. The transition temperature was determined around 400 K. The simulation indicated that 5.3% aluminium‐zinc system is amorphous over temperature range from 300 to 900 K, supporting the inference from experiments that amorphous solid of aluminium‐zinc alloy has special anti‐corrosion character.
Synthesis and Characterization of Bis(guanidinate) Zirconium Complexes
Authors: Pang Xing‐An , Yao Ying‐Ming , Wang Jun‐Feng , Sheng Hong‐Ting , Zhang Yong , Shen Qi
Published: October 2005

Addition of one equivalent of LiN(i‐Pr)2 or LiN(CH2)5 to carbodiimides, RNCNR [R=cyclohexyl (Cy), isopropyl (i‐Pr)], generated the corresponding lithium of tetrasubstituted guanidinates {Li[RNC(N R2′)NR](THF)}2 [R=i‐Pr, N R2′=N(i‐Pr)2 (1), N(CH2)5 (2); R=Cy, N R2′=N(i‐Pr) 2 (3), N(CH2)5 (4)]. Treatment of ZrCl4 with freshly prepared solutions of their lithium guanidinates provided a series of bis(guanidinate) complexes of Zr with the general formula Zr[RNC(N R2′)NR]2Cl2 [R=i‐Pr, NR2′=N(i‐Pr) 2 (5), N(CH2)5 (6); R=Cy, N R2′=N(i‐Pr)2 (7), N(CH2)5 (8)]. Complexes 1, 2, 5–8 were characterized by elemental analysis, IR and 1H NMR spectra. The molecular structures of complexes 1, 7 and 8 were further determined by X‐ray diffraction studies.
Reaction of Enaminones with Aminopyrazoles: Synthesis, Structures and Bioactivities of 7‐Aryl‐3‐cyano‐2‐substituted Pyrazolo[1,5‐a] pyrimidines
Authors: Wen Li‐Rong , Wang Shu‐Wen , Li Ming , Yang Hua‐Zheng
Published: October 2005

The condensation reactions of 5‐amino‐4‐cyano‐3‐substituted‐1H‐pyrazole 2 or 3 with enaminones 1 in the presence of glacial acetic acid gave twelve new 7‐aryl‐3‐cyano‐2‐substituted pyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidines 4 and 5 at room temperature. Their structures were characterized by elemental analysis, IR and 1H NMR. The structure of 4a was further confirmed by X‐ray crystallography analysis. A plausible reaction mechanism for the formation of the title compounds was also proposed. The bioassay tests showed that compounds 4a, 4c, 4e, 4f, 5a and 5d possessed moderate herbicidal activity.
New Aspects in the Chemistry of Three‐membered Ring Compounds Containing a Highly Coordinate Main Group Element
Authors: Takayuki Kawashima
Published: October 2005

The title compounds were synthesized by taking advantage of the Martin ligand. Their structures were determined by X‐ray crystallography. Pentacoordinate thiasiliranides were hydrolyzed to give the corresponding thiol. Pentacoordinate chalcogenaphosphiranes were found to have polar P‐chalcogen bonds, which were confirmed by their reactions with CF 3SO3Me to give the corresponding 1‐(methylchalcogena)alkylphosphonium triflates and by the solvent‐dependent NMR studies.
Reactions of Hydroxyl Radical with Salicylic Acid Derivatives: A Pulse Radiolysis Study
Authors: Ma Jian‐Hua
Published: October 2005

Based on pulse radiolysis of aqueous solutions of two salicylic acid derivatives including ethyl salicylate and benzylsalicylate the transient absorption spectra and the rate constants of hydroxyl radical with salicylic acid derivatives were determined for the first time. The results indicated that ethyl salicylate and benzylsalicylate have efficient activities to scavenge hydroxyl radical.
Heteropolyacid‐catalyzed Reaction of Epoxides with Ketones: Efficient Synthesis of 1,3‐Dioxolane Derivatives
Authors: He Jun‐Yi , Gao Fei‐Xue , Hua Rui‐Mao
Published: October 2005

An efficient method for the preparation of 1,3‐dioxolanes via the coupling of epoxides with ketones catalyzed by heteropolyacids at ambient temperature has been described.
The impact of receiving genetic test results on general and cancer‐specific psychologic distress among members of an African‐American kindred with a BRCA1 mutation
Authors: Kinney Anita Yeomans , Bloor Lindsey E. , Mandal Diptasri , Simonsen Sara Ellis , Baty Bonnie Jeanne , Holubkov Richard , Seggar Kate , Neuhausen Susan , Smith Ken
Published: October 2005

BACKGROUND

Numerous studies have examined short‐term and long‐term psychologic responses to genetic testing for breast/ovarian carcinoma susceptibility in clinic samples and among families who participated in genetic linkage studies. However, to the authors' knowledge, the vast majority of studies focused on non‐Latino whites and women. In this prospective study, the authors investigated the psychologic impact of receiving carrier‐specific BRCA1 test results as part of a genetic education/counseling intervention in female and male members of an African‐American kindred with a BRCA1 mutation.

METHODS

Eighty‐five of 101 participating kindred members (84%) underwent genetic counseling/education and testing according to an established protocol. Participants completed in‐person or telephone‐administered, computer‐assisted interviews. At baseline and after the receipt of test results (1 mo, 4 mos, and 12 mos), general psychologic distress (i.e., anxiety and depression) and cancer‐specific distress were measured. Statistical analyses were performed using linear mixed‐model approaches for longitudinal data.

RESULTS

The hypothesis that mutation carriers, particularly women who had no personal history of breast carcinoma, were expected to report greater distress than noncarriers was not supported. After controlling for socioeconomic status and personal history of breast/ovarian carcinoma, noncarriers reported significant declines in the distress measures (depressive symptoms, anxiety and cancer‐related worries), whereas distress was not altered markedly in carriers after genetic risk notification.

CONCLUSIONS

The current findings suggested that individuals receiving BRCA1 test results who learn that they are not carriers of a deleterious mutation may experience psychologic benefits. Furthermore, those who learned that they were mutation carriers did not appear to have adverse, clinically meaningful psychologic outcomes. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Differential expression of insulin‐like growth factor binding protein 1 and ferritin light polypeptide in gestational trophoblastic neoplasia
Authors: Feng Hui‐Chen , Tsao Sai‐Wah , Ngan Hextan Y.S. , Xue Wei‐Cheng , Chiu Pui‐Man , Cheung Annie N.Y.
Published: October 2005

BACKGROUND

Hydatidiform mole (HM), the most common type of gestational trophoblastic diseases, can be considered as placenta with abnormal chromosome composition with potential of malignant transformation. Few biologic markers can predict subsequent development of persistent gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) requiring chemotherapy.

METHODS

Suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) combined with cDNA microarray was used to compare the differential expression pattern of HM that spontaneously regressed and that subsequently developed metastatic GTN. Tissue‐specific chips were constructed from the subtracted cDNA libraries, followed by cDNA microarray analysis. Verification by quantitative RNA analysis by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemical analysis was performed in 23 genotyped complete HM.

RESULTS

Sixteen differentially expressed transcripts were identified. Quantitative RNA analysis confirmed down‐regulation of ferritin light polypeptide (FTL) (P = 0.037) and insulin‐like growth factor binding protein 1 (IGFBP1) (P = 0.037) in HM that subsequently developed GTN when compared with those HM that regressed. Immunohistochemical analysis further confirmed reduced IGFBP1 protein (P = 0.03) expression in HM that developed GTN.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings showed that reduced expression of genes related to cell invasion and immunosuppression, especially FTL and IGFBP1, were associated with development of GTN, and this finding may provide a better understanding of the pathogenesis of GTN. The potential application of FTL and IGFBP1 in management of patients with HM should be explored. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
The relationship between peripheral glucose utilisation and insulin sensitivity in the regulation of hepatic glucose production: studies in normal and alloxan‐diabetic dogs
Authors: Christopher M. J. , Rantzau C. , Alford F. P.
Published: October 2005

Background

Hepatic glucose overproduction (HGP) of diabetes could be primary or could occur in response to the metabolic needs of peripheral (skeletal muscle (SkM)) tissues. This question was tested in normal and diabetic dogs.

Methods

HGP, SkM glucose uptake (Rdtissue), metabolic clearance of glucose (MCRg) and glycolytic flux (GFexog), and SkM biopsies were measured in the same dogs before and after alloxan‐induced diabetes. Normal dogs were exposed to (1) an extended 20‐h fast, (2) low‐ and high‐dose glucose infusions (GINF) at basal insulinaemia, and chronic diabetic dogs were exposed to (3) hyperglycaemia, (4) phlorizin‐induced normoglycaemia, and (5) poor and good diabetic control.

Results

(1) Prolonged fast: HGP, Rdtissue, and GFexog fell in parallel (p < 0.05). (2) Low‐dose GINF: plasma glucose, insulin, Rdtissue, MCRg, and GFexog were unchanged, but HGP fell by ∼40%, paralleling the supplemental GINF. (3) High‐dose GINF at basal insulin: plasma glucose doubled and synchronous changes in HGP, Rdtissue, MCRg, and GFexog occurred; ICglucose, G6P, and glycogen were unchanged. (4) Hyperglycaemic diabetes: HGP was raised (p < 0.05), matching urinary glucose loss (UGL) and decreased MCRg, and maintaining normal basal Rdtissue and GFexog. SkM ICglucose was increased and glycogen decreased (both p < 0.05). (5) Phlorizin‐induced normoglycaemia in diabetic dogs: HGP rose, matching the increased UGL, while maintaining normal Rdtissue and GFexog. Intramuscular substrates normalised. (6) Whole body and SkM metabolism normalised with correction of the insulin resistance and good diabetic control.

Conclusion

HGP reflects whether SkM is in a state of relative glucose ‘excess’ or absolute/relative glucose ‘deprivation’. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Immunological mechanisms associated with long‐term remission of human type 1 diabetes
Authors: Karges Beate , Durinovic‐Belló Ivana , Heinze Eberhard , Debatin Klaus‐Michael , Boehm Bernhard , Karges Wolfram
Published: October 2005

Background

Preservation of beta cell function is a central goal in type 1 diabetes (type 1 DM) immune intervention. The characterization of individuals with recovery from established type 1 DM should provide insight into regulatory mechanisms of beta cell autoimmunity.

Methods

We studied a patient with antibody‐positive type 1 DM with complete recovery of beta cell function for an observation period of 60 months. Using a preproinsulin (PPI) peptide library approach and in vitro cytokine profiling, cellular autoimmunity was characterized in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and CD4+ T‐helper cell subsets.

Results

A predominant secretion of interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) was detected in the patient's PBMC, mostly attributable to naïve and recently primed CD45+RA+ T cells, with limited PPI epitope recognition. In contrast to a cohort of patients with permanent type 1 DM, interferon‐γ secretion was low in PBMC and CD45+RA+, but not in CD45+RA− insulin‐reactive T lymphocytes. Autoantibodies against islet cells, tyrosine phosphatase IA‐2, GAD65 and insulin were positive at diabetes onset, but gradually declined during follow‐up.

Conclusions

Our observations support the concept that IL‐10‐dependent regulatory CD4+ T‐cell pathways are involved in beta cell recovery after the onset of hyperglycemia in autoimmune type 1 DM. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Generation of cell diversity and segmental pattern in the embryonic central nervous system of Drosophila
Authors: Technau Gerhard M. , Berger Christian , Urbach Rolf
Published: October 2005

Development of the central nervous system (CNS) involves the transformation of a two‐dimensional epithelial sheet of uniform ectodermal cells, the neuroectoderm, into a highly complex three‐dimensional structure consisting of a huge variety of different neural cell types. Characteristic numbers of each cell type become arranged in reproducible spatial patterns, which is a prerequisite for the establishment of specific functional contacts. The fruitfly Drosophila is a suitable model to approach the mechanisms controlling the generation of cell diversity and pattern in the developing CNS, as it allows linking of gene function to individually identifiable cells. This review addresses aspects of the formation and specification of neural stem cells (neuroblasts) in Drosophila in the light of recent studies on their segmental diversification. Developmental Dynamics 235:861–869, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hoxa2 knockdown in Xenopus results in hyoid to mandibular homeosis
Authors: Baltzinger Mireille , Ori Michela , Pasqualetti Massimo , Nardi Irma , Rijli Filippo M.
Published: October 2005

The skeletal structures of the face and throat are derived from cranial neural crest cells (NCCs) that migrate from the embryonic neural tube into a series of branchial arches (BAs). The first arch (BA1) gives rise to the upper and lower jaw cartilages, whereas hyoid structures are generated from the second arch (BA2). The Hox paralogue group 2 (PG2) genes, Hoxa2 and Hoxb2, show distinct roles for hyoid patterning in tetrapods and fishes. In the mouse, Hoxa2 acts as a selector of hyoid identity, while its paralogue Hoxb2 is not required. On the contrary, in zebrafish Hoxa2 and Hoxb2 are functionally redundant for hyoid arch patterning. Here, we show that in Xenopus embryos morpholino‐induced functional knockdown of Hoxa2 is sufficient to induce homeotic changes of the second arch cartilage. Moreover, Hoxb2 is downregulated in the BA2 of Xenopus embryos, even though initially expressed in second arch NCCs, similar to mouse and unlike in zebrafish. Finally, Xbap, a gene involved in jaw joint formation, is selectively upregulated in the BA2 of Hoxa2 knocked‐down frog embryos, supporting a hyoid to mandibular change of NCC identity. Thus, in Xenopus Hoxa2 does not act redundantly with Hoxb2 for BA2 patterning, similar to mouse and unlike in fish. These data bring novel insights into the regulation of Hox PG2 genes and hyoid patterning in vertebrate evolution and suggest that Hoxa2 function is required at late stages of BA2 development. Developmental Dynamics 234:858–867, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Zebrafish KLF4 is essential for anterior mesendoderm/pre‐polster differentiation and hatching
Authors: Gardiner Melissa R. , Daggett David F. , Zon Leonard I. , Perkins Andrew C.
Published: October 2005

Gene knockout studies of Krüppel‐like factors (KLFs) in mice have shown essential roles in organogenesis. A screen for KLF family members in zebrafish identified many KLFs. One of these, zebrafish KLF4 (zKLF4) is the homologue of neptune, a Xenopus laevis KLF. zKLF4 is expressed from approximately 80% epiboly a patch of dorsal/anterior mesendodermal cells called the pre‐polster and, subsequently, in the polster and hatching gland. Here we investigate the function of zKLF4 using morpholino‐based antisense oligonucleotides. Knockdown of zKLF4 resulted in complete absence of hatching gland formation and subsequent hatching in zebrafish. In addition, there was early knockdown of expression of the pre‐polster/anterior mesendoderm markers CatL, cap1, and BMP4. These results indicate zKLF4 is expressed within the pre‐polster, an early mesendodermal site, and that it plays a critical role in the differentiation of these cells into hatching gland cells. Developmental Dynamics 234:992–996, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tbx3, the ulnar‐mammary syndrome gene, and Tbx2 interact in mammary gland development through a p19Arf/p53‐independent pathway
Authors: Jerome‐Majewska Loydie A. , Jenkins Gerard P. , Ernstoff Elana , Zindy Frederique , Sherr Charles J. , Papaioannou Virginia E.
Published: October 2005

The closely related T‐box genes Tbx2 and Tbx3 are both expressed in the developing mammary glands of mouse embryos and both have been implicated in mammary carcinogenesis. Tbx3 is essential for induction of the mammary placodes in mice. In humans, mutations in TBX3 are responsible for ulnar‐mammary syndrome. Here, we show a haploinsufficiency effect of Tbx3 on maintenance of the mammary placodes and on the extent of branching of the ductal tree in mice. Loss or heterozygosity for Tbx2, on the other hand, has no effect on either induction or maintenance of the placodes, although a small effect was seen on branching morphogenesis in adult heterozygotes. However, the deficiency in maintenance of the mammary placodes in Tbx2, Tbx3 double heterozygous mice is more marked than in Tbx3 single heterozygotes, indicating a genetic interaction between the two genes. In spite of a large body of evidence implicating these genes in cell cycle control through the p19Arf/p53 pathways, we find no evidence for involvement of these pathways either in embryonic lethality of homozygous mutants or in the mammary gland phenotype of Tbx3 heterozygous mice. Developmental Dynamics 234:922–933, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High‐Pressure Assisted Synthesis of Fused Norbornenes Containing Two7‐Metallonorbornene Units
Authors: Eckert‐Maksić Mirjana , Margetić Davor , Kirin Srećko , Milić Dalibor , Matković‐Čalogović Dubravka
Published: October 2005

The high‐pressure synthesis of new rod‐like and U‐shaped polycyclic compounds containing two 7‐metallonorbornene (silicon or germanium) units fused to the 7‐oxanorbornene rings is described. In addition, the structural features of adduct 9 established by X‐ray structure determination and DFT calculations of model compounds are discussed. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Consequences of P‐Chirality in Chimeric 2′‐O‐Methyloligoribonucleotides with Stereoregular Methylphosphonothioate Linkages
Authors: Wozniak Lucyna A. , Janicka Magdalena , Bukowiecka‐Matusiak Małgorzata
Published: October 2005

Stereoregular chimeric oligonucleotides modified with diastereomerically pure methylphosphonothioate linkages interact with complementary DNA or RNA templates in a stereodependent manner. There is an unprecedented large difference in the stability of duplexes of oligonucleotides modified with alternating methylphosphonothioate linkages (ΔTm = 34 °C) that is dependent only on the stereochemistry of the methylphosphonothioate phosphorus centres. The nature of these interactions was studied by circular dichroism and NMR spectroscopy, and a thermodynamic analysis was performed. The collected data indicate that the absolute configuration at the P‐chiral methylphosphonothioate linkages in chimeric 2′‐O‐methylribonucleotides could, in some cases, determine the global conformation of single–strand oligonucleotides and constrain the conformation of hybrid duplexes formed with RNA. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Chemoselective Lithiation of 1‐Bromo‐n‐chloroalkanes
Authors: Foubelo Francisco , Abou Abdeslam , Yus Miguel
Published: October 2005

Reactions between different 1‐bromo‐n‐chloroalkanes (1–3), lithium/naphthalene (1:2 molar ratio) and a carbonyl compound R1R2CO in THF at –78 °C provide, after hydrolysis with water, the corresponding chlorinated alcohols 4 through selective lithiation of the carbon–bromine bond. When an excess of lithium (1:7 molar ratio) is added to the reaction mixture before the hydrolysis, lithiation of the remaining carbon–chlorine bond takes place. The addition of a second carbonyl compound R3R4CO, followed by hydrolysis, affords the corresponding diols 7. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Application of Diffusion‐Ordered Spectroscopy (DOSY) as a Solvent Signal Filter for NMR in Neat Ionic Liquids
Authors: Giernoth Ralf , Bankmann Dennis
Published: October 2005

The use of common, that is nondeuterated, ionic liquids for NMR spectroscopic purposes as the only solvent causes large signals arising from solvent resonances. Ionic liquids (ILs) with long side chains possess signals throughout the spectral range of protons, thus rendering simple solvent signal suppression techniques ineffective. Here we present solvent signal suppression based on diffusion‐ordered NMR spectroscopy (DOSY). In contrast to the well established usage of DOSY to filter water resonances from biological systems, here we filter out the slower moving molecules. This method allows in many cases for the complete removal of the solvent signals from 1H spectra of solutes and may become a useful tool for in situ studies of reactions performed in ILs. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
A Novel Bis(zinc–porphyrin)–Oxoporphyrinogen Donor–Acceptor Triad: Synthesis, Electrochemical, Computational and Photochemical Studies
Authors: Hill Jonathan P. , Sandanayaka Atula S. D. , McCarty Amy L. , Karr Paul A. , Zandler Melvin E. , Charvet Richard , Ariga Katsuhiko , Araki Yasuyuki , Ito Osamu , D'Souza Francis
Published: October 2005

The first example of a porphyrin‐quinonoid donor–acceptor triad featuring (tetraphenylporphinato)zinc(II) moieties covalently attached to an oxoporphyrinogen through its macrocyclic nitrogen atoms is reported. This arrangement of chromophores results in an interesting interplay between the electron‐donating zinc–porphyrin(s) and the electron/energy accepting oxoporphyrinogen. The optical absorption of the triad reveals features corresponding to both the donor and acceptor entities. The geometry and electronic structure of the triad deduced from B3LYP/3‐21G(*) calculations reveal an absence of inter‐chromophoric interactions and localization of the HOMO on one zinc–porphyrin group and the LUMO on the oxoporphyrinogen scaffold. The electrochemical redox states of the triad were established from a comparative electrochemistry of the triad and the reference compounds. Both steady‐state and time‐resolved emission studies revealed quenching of the singlet excited state of zinc–porphyrin in the triad, and the free‐energy calculations performed using Weller’s approach indicate the possibility of electron transfer from the singlet excited zinc–porphyrin group to the oxoporphyrinogen in polar solvents. Time‐resolved fluorescence studies reveal excited state energy transfer from zinc–porphyrin to oxoporphyrinogen in nonpolar solvents, while nanosecond transient absorption studies combined with time‐resolved fluorescence studies in polar solvents are indicative of the occurrence of photoinduced charge separation from the singlet excited zinc–porphyrin to the oxoporphyrinogen. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Segregation of micron‐scale membrane sub‐domains in live murine sperm
Authors: Selvaraj Vimal , Asano Atsushi , Buttke Danielle E. , McElwee John L. , Nelson Jacquelyn L. , Wolff Collin A. , Merdiushev Tanya , Fornés Miguel W. , Cohen Alex W. , Lisanti Michael P. , Rothblat George H. , Kopf Gregory S. , Travis Alexander J.
Published: October 2005

Lipid rafts, membrane sub‐domains enriched in sterols and sphingolipids, are controversial because demonstrations of rafts have often utilized fixed cells. We showed in living sperm that the ganglioside GM1 localized to a micron‐scale membrane sub‐domain in the plasma membrane overlying the acrosome. We investigated four models proposed for membrane sub‐domain maintenance. GM1 segregation was maintained in live sperm incubated under non‐capacitating conditions, and after sterol efflux, a membrane alteration necessary for capacitation. The complete lack of GM1 diffusion to the post‐acrosomal plasma membrane (PAPM) in live cells argued against the transient confinement zone model. However, within seconds after cessation of sperm motility, GM1 dramatically redistributed several microns from the acrosomal sub‐domain to the post‐acrosomal, non‐raft sub‐domain. This redistribution was not accompanied by movement of sterols, and was induced by the pentameric cholera toxin subunit B (CTB). These data argued against a lipid–lipid interaction model for sub‐domain maintenance. Although impossible to rule out a lipid shell model definitively, mice lacking caveolin‐1 maintained segregation of both sterols and GM1, arguing against a role for lipid shells surrounding caveolin‐1 in sub‐domain maintenance. Scanning electron microscopy of sperm freeze‐dried without fixation identified cytoskeletal structures at the sub‐domain boundary. Although drugs used to disrupt actin and intermediate filaments had no effect on the segregation of GM1, we found that disulfide‐bonded proteins played a significant role in sub‐domain segregation. Together, these data provide an example of membrane sub‐domains extreme in terms of size and stability of lipid segregation, and implicate a protein‐based membrane compartmentation mechanism. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.