bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Estrous Cycle Modulates Small Leucine‐Rich Proteoglycans Expression in Mouse Uterine Tissues
Authors: Salgado Renato M. , Favaro Rodolfo R. , Martin Sebastian San , Zorn Telma M.T.
Published: October 2008

In the pregnant mouse uterus, small leucine‐rich proteoglycans (SLRPs) are drastically remodeled within a few hours after fertilization, suggesting that ovarian hormone levels modulate their synthesis and degradation. In this study, we followed by immunoperoxidase approach, the presence of four members of the SLRP family (decorin, lumican, biglycan, and fibromodulin) in the uterine tissues along the estrous cycle of the mouse. All molecules except fibromodulin, which predominates in the myometrium, showed a striking modulation in their distribution in the endometrial stroma, following the rise in the level of estrogen. Moreover, notable differences in the distribution of SLRPs were observed between superficial and deep stroma, as well as between the internal and external layers of the myometrium. Only biglycan and fibromodulin were expressed in the luminal and glandular epithelia. All four SLRPs were found in cytoplasmic granules of mononucleated cells. The pattern of distribution of the immunoreaction for these molecules in the uterine tissues was found to be estrous cycle‐stage dependent, suggesting that these molecules undergo ovarian hormonal control and probably participate in the preparation of the uterus for decidualization and embryo implantation. In addition, this and previous results from our laboratory suggest the existence of two subpopulations of endometrial fibroblasts that may be related to the centrifugal development of the decidua. Anat Rec, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
meso‐3,5‐Bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl‐Substituted Expanded Porphyrins: Synthesis, Characterization, and Optical, Electrochemical, and Photophysical Properties
Authors: Kang Soonchul , Hayashi Hironobu , Umeyama Tomokazu , Matano Yoshihiro , Tkachenko Nikolai V. , Lemmetyinen Helge , Imahori Hiroshi
Published: October 2008

Trifluoroacetic acid‐catalyzed condensation of pyrrole with electron‐deficient and sterically hindered 3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)benzaldehyde results in the unexpected production of a series of meso‐3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl‐substituted expanded porphyrins including [22]sapphyrin 2, N‐fused [22]pentaphyrin 3, [26]hexaphyrin 4, and intact [32]heptaphyrin 5 together with the conventional 5,10,15,20‐tetrakis(3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)porphyrin 1. These expanded porphyrins are characterized by mass spectrometry, 1H NMR spectroscopy, UV/Vis/NIR absorption spectroscopy, and fluorescence spectroscopy. The optical and electrochemical measurements reveal a decrease in the HOMO–LUMO gap with increasing size of the conjugated macrocycles, and in accordance with the trend, the deactivation of the excited singlet state to the ground state is enhanced.
DNA damage sensible engineered promoter for cellular biosensing of cytotoxicity
Authors: Wada Ken‐Ichi , Hamaguchi Yu , Furukawa Kiyoshi , Taniguchi Akiyoshi
Published: October 2008

We have established a cytotoxic sensor cell line by transfecting HepG2 cells with a luciferase protein plasmid derived from the heat shock protein 70B′ (HSP70B′) promoter, which is induced by cytotoxic reagents. HSP70B genes are up‐regulated by a wide‐range of cytotoxic stimulators, in particular, those that denature proteins. However, the HSP70B genes do not respond to DNA damage. We used a PCR array to detect marker genes of DNA damage‐related cytotoxic stimulation and found the BTG2 gene to be one such gene. Analysis of the BTG2 gene functional promoter region by transfection of various deletion constructs into HepG2 cells indicated that the p53 and NFY biding sites on BTG2 are important for the response to DNA damage. We then constructed HepG2 sensor cells using the functional BTG2 promoter, and found that these sensor cells can specifically detect the cytotoxicity accompanied by DNA strand breaks with high sensitivity. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009;102: 1460–1465. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prospective multicentre clinical trial of stapled transanal rectal resection for obstructive defaecation syndrome
Authors: Arroyo A , González-Argenté F X , García-Domingo M , Espin-Basany E , De-la-Portilla F , Pérez-Vicente F , Calpena R
Published: October 2008

Background

This prospective multicentre study assessed the safety and effectiveness of stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) for treatment of obstructive defaecation syndrome (ODS).

Methods

Between February 2001 and June 2006, 104 patients diagnosed with ODS were treated with STARR. Follow-up was scheduled for 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery, and annually thereafter. Variables related to the patient, surgical technique and outcome were analysed.

Results

Mean operating time was 46·7 min. Haemorrhage at the staple line occurred in 55 patients (52·9 per cent). Three patients required surgical revision in the first 48 h owing to persistent bleeding. The median postoperative pain score was 2·4 on a scale from 1 to 10. Mean hospital stay was 2·2 days. The mean constipation score improved from 13·5 before surgery to 5·1 at 1-year follow-up (P = 0·006). Twenty-three patients reported faecal incontinence at 4 weeks after surgery, but only nine still had minor residual incontinence by 1 year. At a median follow-up of 26 (range 12–72) months, ODS had recurred or persisted radiologically and/or clinically in 11 patients.

Conclusion

STARR is associated with low morbidity and a short hospital stay, and is an effective alternative treatment for ODS.
Comparison of multislice computed tomography and endoscopic ultrasonography with operative and histological findings in suspected pancreatic and periampullary malignancy
Authors: Mansfield S D , Scott J , Oppong K , Richardson D L , Sen G , Jaques B C , Manas D M , Charnley R M
Published: October 2008

Background

This study compared multislice computed tomography (MSCT) with endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) in the diagnosis and staging of pancreatic and periampullary malignancy.

Methods

Data were collected prospectively on patients having MSCT and EUS for suspected pancreatic and periampullary malignancy.

Results

Eighty-four patients had MSCT and EUS, of whom 35 underwent operative assessment (29 resections). In assessing malignancy, there was no significant difference between MSCT and EUS, and agreement was good (82 per cent, κ = 0·49); the sensitivity and specificity of MSCT were 97 and 87 per cent, compared with 95 and 52 per cent respectively for EUS (P = 0·264). For portal vein/superior mesenteric vein invasion, MSCT was superior (P = 0·017) and agreement was moderate (72 per cent, κ = 0·42); the sensitivity and specificity were 88 and 92 per cent for MSCT, and 50 and 83 per cent for EUS. For resectability, there was no significant difference and agreement was good (78 per cent, κ = 0·51). EUS had an impact on the management of 14 patients in whom MSCT suggested benign disease or equivocal resectability.

Conclusion

MSCT is the imaging method of choice for pancreatic and periampullary tumours. Routine EUS should be reserved for those with borderline resectability on MSCT.
Recurrent events following patent foramen ovale closure in patients above 55 years of age with presumed paradoxical embolism
Authors: Spies Christian , Khandelwal Abha , Timmemanns Ines , Kavinsky Clifford J. , Schräder Rainer , Hijazi Ziyad M.
Published: October 2008

Objectives: The aim of this article is to summarize our experience of patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure in patients above the age of 55 years. Background: PFO is associated with cryptogenic thromboembolic events (TEs) in patients younger than 55 years. Little is known about the recurrence rate of TE in patients above the age of 55 years undergoing PFO closure for presumed paradoxical embolism. Methods: PFO closure was performed in 1,055 patients, 423 of whom were above 55 years of age. Implantation of the device was guided by fluoroscopy and transesophageal or intracardiac echocardiography. Results: A PFO occluding device was implanted successfully in all patients. Residual shunt was documented in 10% of patients above 55 years of age and in 8.4% of patients aged 55 years or younger (P = 0.325). During a median follow‐up period of 18 months (range, 0–162 months) the annual incidence of recurrent TE in patients above 55 years was 1.8% while patients aged 55 or below had an annual incidence of recurrent TE of 1.3%. TE‐free survival was similar in patients above 55 years of age compared with those aged 55 years and below. Conclusions: PFO closure in older patients is as efficient and seems comparable to those under the age of 55. Although traditional cardiovascular risk factors may be more frequent in the older age group compared with those younger than 55 years, PFO closure should not be withheld as a possible therapeutic option in this age group. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Electrochemical Behavior of Ascorbic Acid on Hexaaza Macrocyclic Copper(II) Complex Modified Au Electrode and Its Analytical Application
Authors: WU Hai‐Xia , DONG Shu‐Qing , KANG Jing‐Wan , LU Xiao‐Quan
Published: October 2008

A novel hexaaza macrocyclic copper(II) complex modified Au electrode was developed and used for the measurement of ascorbic acid. Its electrochemical behavior was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and scanning electrochemical microscopy. This modified electrode exhibited electrocatalytic response to the oxidation of ascorbic acid. Compared with a bare gold electrode, the modified electrode exhibited a 250 mV shift of the oxidation potential of ascorbic acid in the cathodic direction and a marked enhancement of the current response. The response current revealed a good linear relationship with the concentration of ascorbic acid in the range of 5.0×10−7 to 4.0×10−5 mol/L and the detection limit of 4.8×10−8 mol/L (S/N=3) in the pH 4.0 Tris‐HCl buffer of ascorbic acid in fruits without any other pretreatment. The concentrations of ascorbic acid measured by this method were in good agreement with the literature values. It is very promising for the modified electrode to be used as an electrochemical sensor for the detection of ascorbic acid.
Synthesis and Anion Recognition of Novel Molecular Tweezer Receptors Based on Carbonyl Thiosemicarbazide for Fluoride Ions
Authors: WEI Wei , ZHANG You‐Ming , WEI Tai‐Bao
Published: October 2008

Three title compounds have been designed and synthesized in high yields as novel anion receptors, which show a higher selectivity for F− than other halide ions. The binding properties for fluoride ions of the receptors have been examined by UV‐Vis and 1H NMR spectroscopy, indicating that a 1:1 stoichiometry complex is formed between the receptors and fluoride ions through hydrogen bonding interactions in DMSO solution. In addition, because these receptors have more binding points, they have better binding properties for anions than the molecular tweezer receptors based on thiourea we reported last time.
Determination of the Fungicide Anilazine in Soil and River Water by Differential Pulse Polarography
Authors: Mercan Hülya , Inam Recai
Published: October 2008

The electrochemical behavior of anilazine (4,6‐dichloro‐N‐(2‐chlorophenyl)‐1,3,5‐triazin‐2‐amine) fungicide has been studied at a dropping mercury electrode. The differential pulse polarographic technique was used to establish an electroanalytical procedure for the determination of the anilazine levels in natural water and soil samples. Three reduction peaks were observed as a function of pH. The polarographic reduction that exhibited only a single well‐defined peak in the pH range from 1.0 to 5.0, was chosen for the analytical determination. The variation of pH and polarographic parameters indicated that the optimum conditions under which anilazine could be reduced were pH = 2.0, Britton‐Robinson (B‐R) buffer solution, a reduction peak potential of –795 mV (vs. SCE), scan rate of 5 mV s–1, pulse amplitude of –50 mV with a pulse duration of 50 ms at an ambient temperature of 20 ± 3°C. A linear relationship between the first peak height and the concentration of anilazine was obtained in the range of 0.497 to 64.800 μM, with a detection limit of 0.128 μM. The mean recoveries of the 10.0 μM anilazine spiked to soil and river water were 9.8 ± 0.1 and 9.6 ± 0.5 μM at the 95% confidence level, respectively. The sufficiently good recoveries and low relative standard deviation (RSD) data reflects the high accuracy and precision of the proposed pulse polarographic method. The interferences with the reduction peak of anilazine peak observed with several commonly used pesticides and inorganic species were also tested. Some interfering species were eliminated either by providing selectivity with pH changes or using complexing agents, e. g., EDTA.
Very small embryonic‐like stem cells are present in adult murine organs: ImageStream‐based morphological analysis and distribution studies
Authors: Zuba‐Surma Ewa K. , Kucia Magdalena , Wu Wan , Klich Izabela , Lillard James W. , Ratajczak Janina , Ratajczak Mariusz Z.
Published: October 2008

Recently, we purified a population of CXCR4+/Oct‐4+/SSEA‐1+/Sca‐1+/Lin−/CD45− very small embryonic‐like stem cells (VSELs) from adult murine bone marrow (BM). After using flow cytometry, ImageStream analysis, confocal microscopy, and real time RT‐PCR, we report that similar cells could be also identified and isolated from several organs in adult mice. The highest total numbers of Oct‐4+ VSELs were found in the brain, kidneys, muscles, pancreas, and BM. These observations support our hypothesis that a population of very primitive cells expressing germ line/epiblast markers (Oct‐4, SSEA‐1) is deposited early during embryogenesis in various organs and survives into adulthood. Further studies are needed to determine whether these cells, after being isolated from various adult human organs similarly to their murine BM‐derived counterparts, are endowed with pluripotent stem cell properties. © 2008 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Generation and expression of a Hoxa11eGFP targeted allele in mice
Authors: Nelson Lisa T. , Rakshit Sabita , Sun Hanshi , Wellik Deneen M.
Published: October 2008

Hox genes are crucial for body axis specification during embryonic development. Hoxa11 plays a role in anteroposterior patterning of the axial skeleton, development of the urogenital tract of both sexes, and proximodistal patterning of the limbs. Hoxa11 expression is also observed in the neural tube. Herein, we report the generation of a Hoxa11eGFP targeted knock‐in allele in mice in which eGFP replaces the first coding exon of Hoxa11 as an in‐frame fusion. This allele closely recapitulates the reported mRNA expression patterns for Hoxa11. Hoxa11eGFP can be visualized in the tail, neural tube, limbs, kidneys, and reproductive tract of both sexes. Additionally, homozygous mutants recapitulate reported phenotypes for Hoxa11 loss of function mice, exhibiting loss of fertility in both males and females. This targeted mouse line will prove useful as a vital marker for Hoxa11 protein localization during control (heterozygous) or mutant organogenesis. Developmental Dynamics 237:3410–3416, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Signaling pathways regulating the expression of Prx1 and Prx2 in the chick mandibular mesenchyme
Authors: Doufexi Aikaterini‐El , Mina Mina
Published: October 2008

Prx1 and Prx2 are members of the aristaless‐related homeobox genes shown to play redundant but essential roles in morphogenesis of the mandibular processes. To gain insight into the signaling pathways that regulate expression of Prx genes in the mandibular mesenchyme, we used the chick as a model system. We examined the patterns of gene expression in the face and the roles of signals derived from the epithelium on the expression of Prx genes in the mandibular mesenchyme. Our results demonstrated stage‐dependent roles of mandibular epithelium on the expression of Prx in the mandibular mesenchyme and provide evidence for positive roles of members of the fibroblast and hedgehog families derived from mandibular epithelium on the expression of Prx genes in the mandibular mesenchyme. Our studies suggest that endothelin‐1 signaling derived from the mesenchyme is involved in restricting the expression of Prx2 to the medial mandibular mesenchyme. Developmental Dynamics 237:3115–3127, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gene nomenclature guidelines for the planarian Schmidtea mediterranea
Authors: Reddien Peter W. , Newmark Phillip A. , Sánchez Alvarado Alejandro
Published: October 2008

The planarian Schmidtea mediterranea is rapidly emerging as an important model system for the study of stem cells, regeneration and tissue homeostasis. Left, the central nervous system as visualized by whole‐mount in situ hybridization with a probe against Smed‐synapsin (syn), the planarian homolog to the neurotransmitter release regulator. Top right, confocal projection of the cephalic ganglia (green) after anti‐tubulin staining. Bottom right, the remarkable developmental plasticity of planarians illustrated by the generation of a duplicitas cruciata after surgical manipulation. Images are from Hara Kang, University of Utah; Phillip A. Newmark, University of Illinois; and Andrew Glazer, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, respectively. See Reddien et al., Developmental Dynamics 237:3099–3101. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Generation of a tightly regulated doxycycline‐inducible model for studying mouse intestinal biology
Authors: Roth Sabrina , Franken Patrick , van Veelen Wendy , Blonden Lau , Raghoebir Lalini , Beverloo Berna , van Drunen Ellen , Kuipers Ernst J. , Rottier Robbert , Fodde Riccardo , Smits Ron
Published: October 2008

To develop a sensitive and inducible system to study intestinal biology, we generated a transgenic mouse model expressing the reverse tetracycline transactivator rtTA2‐M2 under control of the 12.4 kb murine Villin promoter. The newly generated Villin‐rtTA2‐M2 mice were then bred with the previously developed tetO‐HIST1H2BJ/GFP model to assess inducibility and tissue‐specificity. Expression of the histone H2B‐GFP fusion protein was observed exclusively upon doxycycline induction and was uniformly distributed throughout the intestinal epithelium. The Villin‐rtTA2‐M2 was also found to drive transgene expression in the developing mouse intestine. Furthermore, we could detect transgene expression in the proximal tubules of the kidney and in a population of alleged gastric progenitor cells. By administering different concentrations of doxycycline, we show that the Villin‐rtTA2‐M2 system drives transgene expression in a dosage‐dependent fashion. Thus, we have generated a novel doxycycline‐inducible mouse model, providing a valuable tool to study the effect of different gene dosages on intestinal physiology and pathology. genesis 47:7–13, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Pax3‐Cre transgene exhibits a rostrocaudal gradient of expression in the skeletal muscle lineage
Authors: Jarad George , Miner Jeffrey H.
Published: October 2008

Pax3‐Cre (P3Pro‐Cre) transgenic mice have been used for conditional gene deletion and/or lineage tracing in derivatives of neural crest, neural tube, metanephric mesenchyme, and ureteric mesenchyme. However, the extent of its expression in skeletal muscle has not been reported. We investigated the expression of P3Pro‐Cre in the skeletal muscle lineage using the R26R reporter and found an unexpected rostrocaudal gradient of expression. By X‐gal staining, head, neck, forelimb, diaphragm, and most of the chest wall muscles did not show evidence of Cre expression, whereas all muscle groups posterior of the diaphragm stained blue. Intercostal muscles exhibited a rostrocaudal gradient of staining. The consistency of this expression pattern was demonstrated by using P3Pro‐Cre to mutate a conditional dystroglycan allele. The result was loss of dystroglycan from caudal muscles, which exhibited the histological signs of muscle fiber injury and regeneration characteristic of muscular dystrophy. The lack of dystroglycan in regenerating myofibers suggests that the P3Pro‐Cre transgene is active in satellite cells and/or in their precursors. In contrast, rostral muscles, including feeding and breathing muscles, maintained dystroglycan expression and were spared from disease. Accordingly, the mutants were viable for over a year. Its unique gradient of activity makes the P3Pro‐Cre transgene a previously unappreciated yet powerful tool for manipulating gene expression in skeletal muscle and its precursors. genesis 47:1–6, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Predictors of response to cognitive behavioral treatment for bulimia nervosa delivered via telemedicine versus face‐to‐face
Authors: Marrone Sonia , Mitchell James E. , Crosby Ross , Wonderlich Steve , Jollie‐Trottier Tami
Published: October 2008

Objective:

This study presents the results of a receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis to evaluate response to cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) for patients with bulimia nervosa (BN), delivered via telemedicine (TV‐CBT) or face‐to‐face (FTF‐CBT).

Method:

Data were gathered on 116 adults treated with CBT for BN. Response to treatment (i.e., percent reduction in binge eating and purging behavior) were examined at weeks two, four, six, and eight. ROC analysis was completed to predict abstinence at end of treatment (EOT) as well as 3‐month and 1‐year follow‐up for the entire sample and by treatment group (TV‐CBT versus FTF‐CBT).

Results:

ROC analyses revealed that abstinence at EOT and 1‐year follow‐up was predicted by percent reduction in binge eating behavior whereas abstinence at 3‐month follow‐up was predicted by percent reduction in purging behavior. Results showed differences in predictors of treatment response when ROC analyses were completed for the entire sample and by treatment group.

Discussion:

Results suggest that evaluating percent reduction in binge eating and purging at weeks two, four, six, and eight of treatment is a clinically useful tool for predicting treatment response at EOT, 3‐month, and 1‐year follow‐up. © 2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2009
Di‐ or Trinuclear 3d–4f Schiff Base Complexes: The Role of Anions
Authors: Costes Jean‐Pierre , Donnadieu Bruno , Gheorghe Ruxandra , Novitchi Ghenadie , Tuchagues Jean‐Pierre , Vendier Laure
Published: October 2008

We demonstrate through structural, spectroscopic, and magnetic studies that the main factors governing the nuclearity of M–Gd (M = Cu, Ni) complexes derived from compartmental Schiff base ligands are the different affinities of the lanthanide ions for the potential ligands and anions present in the reaction medium. In the eight examples studied, there is competition between the tetradentate O2O2 coordination site of the polydentate ligand and the anionic entities brought by the gadolinium salts. The strong affinity of nitrato anions for lanthanides yields dinuclear complexes and prevents formation of trinuclear entities, whereas the use of poorly coordinating anions such as triflates may yield either dinuclear or trinuclear complexes, depending on the 3d/4f ratio.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Spin Canting in a Cobalt(II) Radical Complex with an Acentric Counter Anion (Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. 31/2008)
Authors: Mitsumoto Kiyotaka , Shiga Takuya , Nakano Motohiro , Nihei Masayuki , Nishikawa Hiroyuki , Oshio Hiroki
Published: October 2008

The cover picture shows that cobalt(II) diradical complexes with centric and acentric counter anions, [CoCl(bisimpy)(MeOH)2]X (X = PF6 and ClO4), crystallize in the centrosymmetric and polar space groups of P21c and Pna21, respectively. The PF6– salt is paramagnetic down to 1.8 K, whereas the ClO4– salt shows a weak ferromagnetic long‐range order with metamagnetic behavior at 1.8 K. Spin canting can arise from single‐ion magnetic anisotropy and/or antisymmetric exchange interaction (Dzyaloshinsky–Moriya interaction). The noncentrosymmetric space group of the latter complex is compatible with both mechanisms. Details are discussed in the Short Communication by H. Oshio et al. on p. 4851 ff.
Synthesis of 3‐Deoxy Glycals via Tandem Metathesis Sequences and Their Use in an Intermolecular Heck Arylation
Authors: Schmidt Bernd , Biernat Anne
Published: October 2008

Deoxy glycals can be synthesized from a mannitol‐derived C2‐symmetric diene diol by using the tandem RCM/isomerization approach. Incorporation of a ruthenium‐catalyzed dehydrogenative silylation step into the reaction sequence is possible. Thus, an orthogonally protected 3‐deoxy glycalresults via a tandem RCM/hydrosilylation/isomerization sequence. All ruthenium‐catalyzed steps of this tandem sequence occur under distinct conditions, allowing for the selective synthesis of the intermediates. The 3‐deoxy glycals obtained via this route undergo a regio‐ and stereoselective Heck reaction, as exemplified by the synthesis of a C‐aryl glycoside. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
HAMLET (human α‐lactalbumin made lethal to tumor cells) triggers autophagic tumor cell death
Authors: Aits Sonja , Gustafsson Lotta , Hallgren Oskar , Brest Patrick , Gustafsson Mattias , Trulsson Maria , Mossberg Ann‐Kristin , Simon Hans‐Uwe , Mograbi Baharia , Svanborg Catharina
Published: October 2008

HAMLET, a complex of partially unfolded α‐lactalbumin and oleic acid, kills a wide range of tumor cells. Here we propose that HAMLET causes macroautophagy in tumor cells and that this contributes to their death. Cell death was accompanied by mitochondrial damage and a reduction in the level of active mTOR and HAMLET triggered extensive cytoplasmic vacuolization and the formation of double‐membrane‐enclosed vesicles typical of macroautophagy. In addition, HAMLET caused a change from uniform (LC3‐I) to granular (LC3‐II) staining in LC3‐GFP‐transfected cells reflecting LC3 translocation during macroautophagy, and this was blocked by the macroautophagy inhibitor 3‐methyladenine. HAMLET also caused accumulation of LC3‐II detected by Western blot when lysosomal degradation was inhibited suggesting that HAMLET caused an increase in autophagic flux. To determine if macroautophagy contributed to cell death, we used RNA interference against Beclin‐1 and Atg5. Suppression of Beclin‐1 and Atg5 improved the survival of HAMLET‐treated tumor cells and inhibited the increase in granular LC3‐GFP staining. The results show that HAMLET triggers macroautophagy in tumor cells and suggest that macroautophagy contributes to HAMLET‐induced tumor cell death. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Treatment outcomes and clinicopathologic characteristics of triple‐negative breast cancer patients who received platinum‐containing chemotherapy
Authors: Uhm Ji Eun , Park Yeon Hee , Yi Seong Yoon , Cho Eun Yoon , Choi Yoon La , Lee Su Jin , Park Min Jae , Lee Se‐Hoon , Jun Hyun Jung , Ahn Jin Seok , Kang Won Ki , Park Keunchil , Im Young‐Hyuck
Published: October 2008

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of platinum‐containing chemotherapy for metastatic triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients in terms of the response rate (RR) and progression‐free survival. A second aim was to characterize the clinical behavior at the time of relapse of TNBC. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical outcomes of patients with metastatic breast cancer who received taxane–platinum chemotherapy as the first‐ or second‐line treatment, focusing on the TN phenotype. In total, 257 patients with metastatic breast cancer received platinum‐containing chemotherapy at Samsung Medical Center from 1999 to 2006. Of these patients, 106 patients with available data on estrogen (ER), progesterone (PgR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor‐2 (HER2) receptor status received taxane–platinum regimen as the first‐ or second‐line treatment. The overall RR of patients with TNBC was 39%. This rate did not differ significantly from those of patients with other phenotypes. The time to death after chemotherapy (19 vs. 50 months, p = 0.037) and overall survival (OS) (21 vs. 56 months, p = 0.030) differed significantly between patients with TNBC and non‐TNBC. TNBC showed a unique locoregional infiltration pattern at relapse, which might reflect its aggressive clinical behavior. Despite the similar response to platinum‐containing chemotherapy, patients with TNBC had a shorter OS than patients with non‐TNBC. The implication of TN phenotype as poor prognostic factor is uncertain, because it needs to be defined whether poor outcome is related to the rapid growing characteristics of tumor itself or the resistance to drug therapy. Further prospective studies are warranted. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Markers of inflammation and risk of ovarian cancer in Los Angeles County
Authors: Wu Anna H. , Pearce Celeste L. , Tseng Chiu‐Chen , Templeman Claire , Pike Malcolm C.
Published: October 2008

Factors that increase inflammation have been suggested to influence the development of ovarian cancer, but these factors have not been well studied. To further investigate this question, we studied the role of talc use, history of endometrioisis and use of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and risk of ovarian cancer in a population‐based case‐control study in Los Angeles County involving 609 women with newly diagnosed epithelial ovarian cancer and 688 population‐based control women. Risk of ovarian cancer increased significantly with increasing frequency and duration of talc use; compared to never users risk was highest among long‐duration (20+ years), frequent (at least daily) talc users (adjusted relative risk (RR) = 2.08, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.34–3.23). A history of physician‐diagnosed endometriosis was statistically significantly associated with risk (RR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.01–2.75). Women who were talc users and had a history of endometriosis showed a 3‐fold increased risk (RR = 3.12, 95% CI = 1.36–7.22). Contrary to the hypothesis that risk of ovarian cancer may be reduced by use of NSAIDs; risk increased with increasing frequency (per 7 times/week, RR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.14–1.43) and years of NSAID use (per 5 years of use, RR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.10–1.42); this was consistent across types of NSAIDs. We conclude that risk of ovarian cancer is significantly associated with talc use and with a history of endometriosis, as has been found in previous studies. The NSAID finding was unexpected and suggests that factors associated with inflammation are associated with ovarian cancer risk. This result needs confirmation with careful attention to the reasons for NSAID use. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of Helicobacter pylori infection on genetic instability, the aberrant CpG island methylation status and the cellular phenotype in Barrett's esophagus in a Japanese population
Authors: Moriichi Kentaro , Watari Jiro , Das Kiron M. , Tanabe Hiroki , Fujiya Mikihiro , Ashida Toshifumi , Kohgo Yutaka
Published: October 2008

Genetic or epigenetic alterations in Barrett's esophagus (BE) with/without Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection remain unclear. We examined the effects of H. pylori infection on genetic instability (GIN), the CpG island methylation status and a biomarker related to BE carcinogenesis. We analyzed 113 Japanese individuals with endoscopically suspected BE. The patients included, Group CLE (n = 25): no specialized intestinal metaplasia (SIM) in a columnar lined epithelium (control); Group BE (n = 88): all had SIM. Microsatellite instability and a loss of heterozygosity as GIN, the methylation status at hMLH1, E‐cadherin, p16 and APC, and immunoreactivity using a monoclonal antibody (mAb) Das‐1, which specifically reacts with BE, were evaluated. Nine additional patients with BE were prospectively followed up for 2 years after successful H. pylori eradication. The frequency of GIN, methylation at E‐cadherin and APC, and mAb Das‐1 reactivity in Group BE was significantly higher than that in Group CLE (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001 and p < 0.005, and p < 0.0001, respectively). Furthermore, GIN, E‐cadherin methylation and mAb Das‐1 reactivity showed a significantly higher incidence in patients with H.pylori infection than in those without H. pylori infection (p < 0.01, p < 0.005, and p < 0.01, respectively). Interestingly, the patients from Group BE were observed to change to a stable state of molecular alterations in 60% for GIN, 42.9% for E‐cadherin methylation and 55.6% for APC methylation, or a reduction of mAb Das‐1 reactivity was noted in 25% following eradication. H. pylori infection may therefore affect these molecular alterations associated with the pathogenesis of BE, to some degree, in the Japanese population. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Radiation‐induced cathepsin S is involved in radioresistance
Authors: Seo Haeng Ran , Bae Sangwoo , Lee Yun‐Sil
Published: October 2008

Previous studies have suggested that the production of cathepsin S (CatS), a cysteine protease, was specifically induced in radiation‐induced rat mammary tumors. In this study, we further investigate the mechanism by which CatS is induced by radiation and its function. Radiation induced production of CatS at both the mRNA and protein level, and increased its protease activity. In addition, these radiation induced changes occurred in a dose and time‐dependent fashion. Agents such as bleomycin, As2O3 and H2O2, which produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), also induced CatS expression; however, other agents that damage DNA such as taxol and cisplatin did not. Additionally, treatment of the cells with the ROS scavengers, N‐acetylcysteine and catalase, inhibited the radiation induced CatS expression. Furthermore, radiation‐induced ROS was also involved in IFN‐γ production, which was responsible for radiation‐mediated CatS expression. Moreover, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) data obtained using an IFN‐stimulated response element (ISRE) oligonucleotide revealed that IFN regulatory factor‐1 (IRF1) was the critical transcriptional mediator of IFN‐γ‐dependent CatS production after radiation. Finally, CatS overespression was found to induce radioresistance; however, knockdown of CatS resulted in the suppression of radioresistance. Taken together, the results of this study indicate that radiation induced CatS expression via ROS‐IFN‐γ pathways, and that this increased expression may be involved in radioresistance. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sense of coherence moderates late effects of early childhood Holocaust exposure
Authors: van der Hal‐van Raalte Elisheva A.M. , van IJzendoorn Marinus H. , Bakermans–Kranenburg Marian J.
Published: October 2008

This study evaluated child Holocaust survivors with an emphasis on potential protective factors facilitating participants' adaptation to post‐Holocaust life. We examined Antonovsky's (1979, 1987) salutogenic paradigm, testing the mediating and moderating effect of participants' sense of coherence (SOC) on the association between early childhood deprivation due to Holocaust persecution and posttraumatic stress later in life. The nonclinical sample, composed of 203 child Holocaust survivors born between 1935 and 1944 completed questionnaires on Holocaust survival exposure, inventories on current health, posttraumatic stress, and SOC. The results indicated that SOC moderates the association between traumatic experiences during the war and posttraumatic stress, and SOC acts as a protective factor, buffering the impact of traumatic Holocaust experiences on child survivors in old age. Survivors with a less coherent perspective on the meaning of their life showed greater vulnerability for posttraumatic complaints. The moderating role of the SOC may suggest promising avenues of therapeutic interventions for child Holocaust survivors and other adults with early childhood trauma. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 64:1–17, 2008.
The use of integrated countercurrent nanofiltration cascades for advanced separations
Authors: Caus Alexander , Braeken Leen , Boussu Katleen , Van der Bruggen Bart
Published: October 2008

BACKGROUND: The concept of integrated countercurrent nanofiltration cascades is derived from fractional distillation and results in an enriched and a depleted stream, the volume and purity of which can be controlled by changing the operating parameters. The aim of this study was to assess the potential of integrated countercurrent nanofiltration cascades for advanced separation of individual organic components in aqueous solution by means of single‐stage filtration experiments using xylose and maltose and cascade simulations. The influence of module recovery, membrane characteristics, recycled fraction and the number of modules was evaluated.

RESULTS: It was found that, in order to obtain a high product purity with a limited number of modules, there has to be a sufficiently high rejection difference between the components. Membranes with high rejections for the studied components (e.g. NF70 and UTC20) allow one to obtain a good separation factor but a low product recovery in a cascade configuration. A higher product recovery but lower separation factors are obtained for a cascade consisting of membranes with low rejections (e.g. NFPES10). Independently of the difference in rejection between the components, the number of modules, the recycled fraction and the module recovery determine the separation to a large extent.

CONCLUSION: The optimal number of modules depends on the trade‐off between a high selectivity and a high xylose recovery; the module recovery should be as high as (practically) possible. Higher selectivities and higher product recoveries are also obtained when the retentate is recycled to the previous module. This is different from the traditional cascade approach where retentates are recycled to the next module. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
The skeletal kinematics of lung ventilation in three basal bird taxa (emu, tinamou, and guinea fowl)
Authors: Claessens Leon P.A.M.
Published: October 2008

In vivo visceral and skeletal kinematics of lung ventilation was examined using cineradiography in two palaeognaths, the emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) and the Chilean tinamou (Nothoprocta perdicaria), and a basal neognath, the helmeted guinea fowl (Numida meleagris). Upon inspiration, the thorax expands in all dimensions. The vertebral ribs swing forward and upward, thereby increasing the transverse diameter of the trunk. The consistent location of the parapophysis throughout the dorsal vertebral series, ventral and cranial to the diapophysis, ensures a relatively uniform lateral expansion. An increase in the angle between the vertebral and the sternal ribs causes the sternal ribs to push the sternum ventrally. Owing to the greater length of the caudal sternal ribs, the caudal sternal margin is displaced further ventrally than the cranial sternal margin. When observed in lateral view, sternal movement is not linear, but elliptical.

The avian thorax is highly constrained in its movement when compared with crocodylians, the other extant archosaur clade. Birds lack a lumbar region and intermediate ribs. Sternal ribs are completely ossified, and have a bicondylar articulation with the sternum. Considering the importance of pressure differences between cranial and caudal air sac complexes for the generation of unidirectional air flow in the avian lung, it is hypothesized that a decrease in the degrees of freedom of movement of the avian trunk skeleton, greater expansion of the ventrocaudal trunk region, and elliptical sternal movement may represent specific adaptations for fine‐tuned control over air flow within the complex avian pulmonary system. J. Exp. Zool. 311A:586–599, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Primary chondrification foci in the wing basipodium of Struthio camelus with comments on interpretation of autopodial elements in Crocodilia and Aves
Authors: Kundrát Martin
Published: October 2008

The present analysis consists of (1) description of the primary chondrification patterns and their transformation into ossified elements in the basipodium of Struthio camelus; (2) comparison of these with the conditions found in Alligator and Gallus; and (3) interpretation of the autopodial elements of Archaeopteryx. Conclusions: (1) The existence of five discrete metacarpal condensations in the 16‐day embryo of Struthio argues for unique linear patterning process for each, and these are interpreted as digits 2,3,4 originating from metacarpal condensations 2,3,4. Nine chondrogenic foci appear in the Struthio carpus: radiale, centrale, intermedium, ulnare, pseudoulnare, pisiform, distal carpal 2+3, distal carpal 4, and distal carpal 5. It is evident that: (a) the avian “radiale” represents fused chondrogenic foci of the intermedium plus the radiale; (b) a neomorph carpal element, the pseudoulnare (probably avian autapomorphy), replaces the ulnare cartilage in Struthio; (c) the pseudoulnare in Struthio and Hinchliffe's element “X” are not identical to each other. (2) Spatio‐temporal conditions of the autopodium are less constrained in the development of Struthio than they are in Gallus. This favors the ostrich model as the more appropriate for interpretation of the autopodial skeleton in the oldest birds and their ancestors. (3) An interpretation of the elements of the hand skeleton of Archaeopteryx is as follows: (a) digits 2,3,4; (b) distal carpal 2+3 (the semilunate); (c) distal carpal 4 (a missing element filling the gap between the semilunate and metacarpal IV); (d) the radiale+intermedium complex (the proximal carpal bone); (e) the pseudoulnare (the proximal carpal bone). J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 312B:30–41, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Insights into the early evolution of SOX genes from expression analyses in a ctenophore
Authors: Jager Muriel , Quéinnec Eric , Chiori Roxane , Le Guyader Hervé , Manuel Michaël
Published: October 2008

SOX genes encode transcription factors acting in various developmental processes in bilaterian animals, such as stem cell maintenance and the control of specification and differentiation of cell types in a variety of contexts, notably in the developing nervous system. To gain insights into the early evolution of this important family of developmental regulators, we investigated the expression of one subgroup B, two subgroup E, one subgroup F and two divergent SOX genes in the cydippid larva and in the adult of the ctenophore Pleurobrachia pileus. Transcripts of the two unclassified SOX (PpiSOX2/12) were detected in the female germ line and in various populations of putative somatic stem cells/undifferentiated progenitors. The remaining genes had spatially restricted expression patterns in ciliated epithelial cells, notably within neuro‐sensory territories. These data are compatible with an ancient involvement of SOX proteins in controlling aspects of stem cell maintenance, cellular differentiation and specification, notably within neuro‐sensory epithelia. In addition, the results highlight the complexity of the ctenophore anatomy and suggest that the SOX played an important role in the elaboration of the unique ctenophore body plan during evolution, through multiple gene co‐option. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 310B:650–667, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tobacco, alcohol, and drug use among hospital patients: Concurrent use and willingness to change
Authors: Katz Ariel , Goldberg David , Smith Jennifer , Trick William E.
Published: October 2008

BACKGROUND:

Data are limited on concurrent smoking and substance use among hospital patients. To better inform hospital‐based intervention strategies, we evaluated the prevalence and concurrent use of these behaviors. This study evaluated the association between tobacco, alcohol, and other drug use, compared willingness to quit smoking among patients with and without substance use, and evaluated the relationship between willingness to quit smoking and readiness to change substance use.

METHODS:

This study was a cross‐sectional survey of non–Intensive Care Unit hospital patients at 2 public hospitals (a 464‐bed tertiary‐care hospital and a 100‐bed community hospital) by bedside interview. Severity of use and willingness to change behavior was determined. We evaluated the association between smoking and substance use by multivariable methods.

RESULTS:

Of 7,391 patients with known smoking status, 2,684 (36%) were current smokers. Among them, 1,376 hospitalized smokers (51%) had concurrent substance use. Among the 1,972 patients with at‐risk alcohol or drug use, the prevalence of smoking was 70% compared to 24% for non‐substance users (P < .01). Compared to other patients who smoked, substance‐dependent patients were more likely (Prevalence Rate Ratio = 1.4, 95% Confidence Interval = 1.1‐1.9) to be moderate to heavy smokers. Regardless of substance use pattern, most patients (60%) expressed a desire to immediately quit smoking.

CONCLUSION:

Hospital patients who describe at‐risk substance use are likely to smoke and express willingness to quit smoking. Given the prevalence of concurrent smoking and substance use and patients' desire to change both behaviors, there is a need for coordination of substance use and smoking cessation interventions. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2008;3:369–375. © 2008 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Estimating the direct costs of social conflicts: Road blockings in Bolivia
Authors: De Borger Bruno , Verardi Vincenzo
Published: October 2008

Social conflicts are a serious obstacle to economic growth in many Latin American societies, affecting economic activity both in the short and the long run. The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, we develop a methodology to estimate the direct, short‐run impact of frequently occurring exponents of local conflicts, such as road blockings, on economic activity. The methodology is based on using high frequency (daily) data to estimate the relation between a proxy for economic activity and the occurrence of road blockings. Careful analysis of impulse‐response functions traces the effect of such local social conflicts on economic activity. This information is combined with the aggregate annual time series relation between gross domestic product (GDP) and the high frequency proxy for economic activity to estimate the direct cost of local social conflicts for the economy as a whole. Second, we apply the proposed methodology to analyse the direct economic costs of road blockings in Bolivia, using detailed daily information for the year 2003. The results show that these costs are large. Stronger institutions are a critical factor in reducing the prevalence of such conflicts and to avoid the huge economic costs that they imply. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Can mass dissociation patterns of transition‐metal complexes be predicted from electrochemical data?
Authors: Toma Sergio H. , Alexiou Anamaria D. P. , Toma Henrique E. , Araki Koiti , Eberlin Marcos N.
Published: October 2008

The Cooks kinetic method has been very convenient to correlate the relative dissociation rates obtained by collision‐induced fragmentation experiments with the energies of two related bonds in molecules and complexes in the gas phase. Reliable bond energy data are, however, not always available, particularly for polynuclear transition‐metal complexes, such as the triruthenium acetate clusters of the general formula [Ru3 (µ3‐O)(µ‐CH3COO)6(py)2(L)]+, where L = ring substituted N‐heterocyclic ligands. Accordingly, their gas‐phase collision‐induced tandem mass spectrometry (CID MS/MS) dissociation patterns have been analyzed pursuing a relationship with the more easily accessible redox potentials (E1/2) and Lever's EL parameters. In fact, excellent linear correlations of ln(1/2AL/Apy), where Apy and AL are the abundance of the fragments retaining the pyridine (py) and L ligand, respectively, with E1/2 and EL were found. This result shows that those electrochemical parameters are correlated with bond energies and can be used in the analysis of the dissociation data. Such modified Cooks method can be used, for example, to determine the electronic effects of substituents on the metal–ligand bonds for a series of transition‐metal complexes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.