bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dietary vitamin mix levels influence the ossification process in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) larvae
Authors: Mazurais D. , Darias M. J. , Gouillou-Coustans M. F. , Le Gall M. M. , Huelvan C. , Desbruyères E. , Quazuguel P. , Cahu C. , Zambonino-Infante J. L.
Published: November 2007

The influence of dietary vitamins on growth, survival, and morphogenesis was evaluated until day 38 of posthatching life in European sea bass larvae ( Dicentrarchus labrax). A standard vitamin mix (VM), at double the concentration of the U.S. National Research Council's recommendations, was incorporated into larval feeds at 0.5%, 1.5%, 2.5%, 4.0%, and 8.0% to give treatments VM 0.5, VM 1.5, VM 2.5, VM 4.0, and VM 8.0, respectively. The group fed the VM 0.5 diet all died before day 30. At day 38, the larvae group fed VM 1.5 had 33% survival, while the other groups, with higher vitamin levels, showed at least 50% survival. The higher the percentage VM in the diet, the lower the percentage of column deformities. High dietary vitamin levels positively influenced the formation of mineralized bone in larvae: the higher the dietary vitamin level, the higher the ossification status. In the larvae group fed at the highest vitamin levels, we observed a temporal sequence of coordinated growth factor expression, in which the expression of bone morphometric protein (BMP-4) preceded the expression of IGF-1, which stimulated the maturation of osteoblasts (revealed by high osteocalcin expression levels). In groups fed lower proportions of vitamins, elevated proliferator peroxisome-activated receptors (PPAR-γ) expression coincided with low BMP-4 expression. Our results suggest that high levels of PPAR-γ transcripts in larvae-fed diets with a low VM content converted some osteoblasts into adipocytes during the first two weeks of life. This loss of osteoblasts is likely to have caused skeletal deformities.
Attenuation of acute and chronic liver injury in rats by iron-deficient diet
Authors: Otogawa Kohji , Ogawa Tomohiro , Shiga Ryoko , Nakatani Kazuki , Ikeda Kazuo , Nakajima Yuji , Kawada Norifumi
Published: November 2007

Oxidative stress due to iron deposition in hepatocytes or Kupffer cells contributes to the initiation and perpetuation of liver injury. The aim of this study was to clarify the association between dietary iron and liver injuries in rats. Liver injury was initiated by the administration of thioacetamide or ligation of the common bile duct in rats fed a control diet (CD) or iron-deficient diet (ID). In the acute liver injury model induced by thioacetamide, serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, as well as hepatic levels of lipid peroxide and 4-hydroxynonenal, were significantly decreased in the ID group. The expression of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase biotin-dUTP nick-end labeling positivity showed a similar tendency. The expression of interleukin-1β and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 mRNA was suppressed in the ID group. In liver fibrosis induced by an 8-wk thioacetamide administration, ID suppressed collagen deposition and smooth muscle α-actin expression. The expressions of collagen 1A2, transforming growth factor β, and platelet-derived growth factor receptor β mRNA were all significantly decreased in the ID group. Liver fibrosis was additionally suppressed in the bile-duct ligation model by ID. In culture experiments, deferoxamine attenuated the activation process of rat hepatic stellate cells, a dominant producer of collagen in the liver. In conclusion, reduced dietary iron is considered to be beneficial in improving acute and chronic liver injuries by reducing oxidative stress. The results obtained in this study support the clinical usefulness of an iron-reduced diet for the improvement of liver disorders induced by chronic hepatitis C and alcoholic/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.
Transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 channels act as mechanoreceptors and cause substance P release and sensory activation in rat kidneys
Authors: Feng Nan-Hsiung , Lee Hsang-Hsing , Shiang Jeng-Chaun , Ma Ming-Chieh
Published: November 2007

Stimulation of capsaicin receptors results in an increase in afferent renal nerve activity (ARNA), but it is unclear how capsaicin contributes to sensory activation intrarenally. Here, we studied the relationships between capsaicin receptor activation, substance P (SP) release, and the sensory response in the rat renal pelvis. Immunoblots showed that one of the capsaicin receptors, transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 channel (TRPV1), was found in various renal tissues and was especially abundant in the renal pelvis, where most sensory nerve fibers originate. Interestingly, immunolabeling showed colocalization of TRPV1, SP, and the panneuronal marker PGP9.5 in the renal pelvis. Electrophysiological recordings showed that SP and capsaicin activated the same mechanosensitive ARNA in a single-unit preparation. Intrapelvic administration of capsaicin or a specific TRPV1 agonist, resiniferatoxin, resulted in a dose-dependent increase in multi-unit ARNA and SP release, and these effects were blocked by the TRVP1 blocker capsazepine. Inhibition of the SP receptor by L-703,606 largely prevented capsaicin- or resiniferatoxin-induced ARNA. Capsazepine also prevented intrapelvic pressure (IPP)-dependent ARNA activation and contralateral diuresis/natriuresis in the renorenal reflex at an IPP of 20 mmHg, but had no effect at an IPP of 50 mmHg. These data indicate that TRPV1, a low-pressure baroreceptor, is present in the renal pelvis and exclusively regulates neuropeptide release from primary renal afferent C-fibers in response to mechanostimulation.
Moderate exercise training does not worsen left ventricle remodeling and function in untreated severe hypertensive rats
Authors: Boissiere Julien , Eder Véronique , Machet Marie-Christine , Courteix Daniel , Bonnet Pierre
Published: November 2007

Exercise training and hypertension induced cardiac hypertrophy but modulate differently left ventricle (LV) function. This study set out to evaluate cardiac adaptations induced by moderate exercise training in normotensive and untreated severe hypertensive rats. Four groups of animals were studied: normotensive (Ctl) and severe hypertensive (HT) Wistar rats were assigned to be sedentary (Sed) or perform a moderate exercise training (Ex) over a 10-wk period. Severe hypertension was induced in rat by a two-kidney, one-clip model. At the end of the training period, hemodynamic parameters and LV morphology and function were assessed using catheterism and conventional pulsed Doppler echocardiography. LV histology was performed to study fibrosis infiltrations. Severe hypertension increased systolic blood pressure to 202 ± 9 mmHg and induced pathological hypertrophy (LV hypertrophy index was 0.34 ± 0.02 vs. 0.44 ± 0.02 in Ctl-Sed and HT-Sed groups, respectively) with LV relaxation alteration (early-to-atrial wave ratio = 2.02 ± 0.11 vs. 1.63 ± 0.12). Blood pressure was not altered by exercise training, but arterial stiffness was reduced in trained hypertensive rats (pulse pressure was 75 ± 7 vs. 62 ± 3 mmHg in HT-Sed and HT-Ex groups, respectively). Exercise training induced eccentric hypertrophy in both Ex groups by increasing LV cavity without alteration of LV systolic function. However, LV hypertrophy index was significantly decreased in normotensive rats only (0.34 ± 0.02 vs. 0.30 ± 0.02 in Ctl-Sed and Ctl-Ex groups, respectively). Moreover, exercise training improved LV passive filling in Ctl-Ex rats but not in Ht-Ex rats. In this study, exercise training did not reduce blood pressure and induced an additional physiological hypertrophy in untreated HT rats, which was slightly blunted when compared with Ctl rats. However, cardiac function was not worsened by exercise training.
Developmental Decrease in Short-Term Facilitation at Schaffer Collateral Synapses in Hippocampus Is mGluR1 Sensitive
Authors: Speed Haley E. , Dobrunz Lynn E.
Published: November 2007

Developmental changes can occur in the dynamic properties of synapses, known as short-term plasticity. Using rat acute hippocampal slices at room temperature, we have previously shown a decrease in short-term facilitation at Schaffer collateral synapses from young adults compared with juveniles in response to temporally complex natural stimulus patterns such as synapses receive in vivo. Here we show that this developmental decrease in facilitation is also seen at 32°C and investigate the underlying mechanism. Addition of the mGluR1 antagonist LY367385 increases short-term facilitation in response to the natural stimulus pattern, showing that mGluR1 is activated by synaptically released glutamate. Although synaptic activation of mGluR1 occurs at both ages, the effect is larger in young adults. Furthermore, blocking mGluR1 eliminates most of the developmental decrease in short-term facilitation during the natural stimulus pattern. We investigated possible retrograde/downstream messengers involved after synaptic activation of mGluR1. Blocking cannabinoid receptors has no effect on the response during the natural stimulus pattern, indicating that the reduction in facilitation during synaptic activation of mGluR1 does not occur through release of endocannabinoids. We find that blocking GABAB receptors increases facilitation during the natural stimulus pattern and occludes the effect of the mGluR1 antagonist, indicating a role for the modulation of GABA release from inhibitory interneurons by mGluR1 activation. These data suggest a model where synaptic activation of mGluR1 on inhibitory interneurons causes an increase in GABA release by inhibitory interneurons, which activates GABAB receptors on Schaffer collateral synapses and inhibits short-term facilitation during the natural stimulus pattern.
A Feature‐Selective Independent Component Analysis Method for Functional MRI
Authors: Li Yi-Ou , Adalı Tülay , Calhoun Vince D.
Published: November 2007

In this work, we propose a simple and effective scheme to incorporate prior knowledge about the
sources of interest (SOIs) in independent component analysis (ICA) and apply the method to estimate
brain activations from functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data. We name the proposed
method as feature‐selective ICA since it incorporates the features in the sample space of the independent
components during ICA estimation. The feature‐selective scheme is achieved through a filtering operation
in the source sample space followed by a projection onto the demixing vector space by a least squares
projection in an iterative ICA process. We perform ICA estimation of artificial activations superimposed
into a resting state fMRI dataset to show that the feature‐selective scheme improves the detection of
injected activation from the independent component estimated by ICA. We also compare the task‐related
sources estimated from true fMRI data by a feature‐selective ICA algorithm versus an ICA algorithm
and show evidence that the feature‐selective scheme helps improve the estimation of the sources in both
spatial activation patterns and the time courses.
Spectroscopic Characterization of Electrodeposited Poly(o-toluidine) Thin Films and Electrical Properties of ITO/Poly(o-toluidine)/Aluminum Schottky Diodes
Authors: Elmansouri A. , Outzourhit A. , Oueriagli A. , Lachkar A. , Hadik N. , Achour M. E. , Abouelaoualim A. , Berrada K. , Ameziane E. L.
Published: November 2007

Poly(o-toluidine) (POT) thin films were synthesized by electrochemical polymerization under cyclic voltammetric conditions from o-toluidine monomer in an aqueous solution of HCl as a supporting electrolyte. The electrosynthesized films were characterized by UV-Visible, FT-Raman, and FTIR spectroscopies. The optical transmissions of the as-deposited films were measured in the 400–900 nm wavelength range. These measurements showed that the optical band gap of the polymer films is in the order of 2.52 eV. The FT-Raman and FTIR measurements showed that the POT film is composed of imine and amine units. ITO/POT/Al devices were fabricated by thermal evaporation of aluminum circular contacts on films deposited on ITO-coated glass. The nonlinear current-voltage characteristics of these devices indicate a rectifying behavior. The diode parameters were calculated from I-V characteristics using the modified Shockley equation. The measured C-V and C-F characteristics are presented.
Multismoothness in Banach Spaces
Authors: Lin Bor-Luh , Rao T. S. S. R. K.
Published: November 2007

In this paper, motivated by the results published by R. Khalil and A. Saleh in 2005, we study the notion ofk-smooth points and the notion ofk-smoothness, which are dual to the notion ofk-rotundity. Generalizing these notions and combining smoothness with the recently introduced notion of unitary, we study classes of Banach spaces for which the vector space, spanned by the state space corresponding to a unit vector, is a closed set.
The Equivalence between "Equation missing" -Stabilities of The Krasnoselskij and The Mann Iterations
Authors: Şoltuz Ştefan M
Published: November 2007

We prove the equivalence between the "Equation missing"-stabilities of the Krasnoselskij and the Mann iterations; a consequence is the equivalence with the "Equation missing"-stability of the Picard-Banach iteration.
A Molecular Dynamics Study of the Effect of Voids on the Deformation Behavior of Nanocrystalline Copper
Authors: Zheng Chen , Zhang Yong-Wei
Published: November 2007

Molecular dynamics simulations are performed to study the effect of preexisting ellipsoidal voids on the tensile deformation behavior in nanocrystalline copper. No crack propagation is observed regardless of the orientation of the voids with respect to the tensile direction. However it is found that the voids may assist the shear plane formation via (1) emitting dislocations from the void tips, (2) relieving triple-junction confinement, and (3) catalyzing grain splitting.
Novel “Enhanced-Cognition” RFID Architectures on Organic/Paper Low-Cost Substrates Utilizing Inkjet Technologies
Authors: Yang Li , Rida Amin , Vyas Rushi , Tentzeris Manos M.
Published: November 2007

The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of novel design and integration approaches for improved performance “enhanced-cognition” UHF passive and active radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. Antenna design rules are explained for a variety of applications. A strategy that is currently under development for embedding power sources and integration of sensors and integrated circuits (ICs) on low-cost organic substrates, such as liquid crystal polymer (LCP) and paper, enabling the use of inkjet-printing capability for the UHF frequency band, is discussed in the paper. The proposed technologies could potentially revolutionize RFID tags allowing for integrated sensing capabilities for various applications such as security, military, logistics, automotion, and pharmaceutics.
Getting Across the Plasma Membrane and Beyond: Intracellular Uses of Colloidal Semiconductor Nanocrystals
Authors: Luccardini Camilla , Yakovlev Aleksey , Gaillard Stéphane , van ‘t Hoff Marcel , Alberola Alicia Piera , Mallet Jean-Maurice , Parak Wolfgang J. , Feltz Anne , Oheim Martin
Published: November 2007

Semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) are increasingly being used as photoluminescen markers in biological imaging. Their brightness, large Stokes shift, and high photostability compared to organic fluorophores permit the exploration of biological phenomena at the single-molecule scale with superior temporal resolution and spatial precision. NCs have predominantly been used as extracellular markers for tagging and tracking membrane proteins. Successful internalization and intracellular labelling with NCs have been demonstrated for both fixed immunolabelled and live cells. However, the precise localization and subcellular compartment labelled are less clear. Generally, live cell studies are limited by the requirement of fairly invasive protocols for loading NCs and the relatively large size of NCs compared to the cellular machinery, along with the subsequent sequestration of NCs in endosomal/lysosomal compartments. For long-period observation the potential cytotoxicity of cytoplasmically loaded NCs must be evaluated. This review focuses on the challenges of intracellular uses of NCs.
On the MMSE Criterion for Space-Time Coded Signaling in the Presence of Unknown Interference
Authors: Matsumoto Tad , Hong Aihua
Published: November 2007

The primary goal of this letter is to provide comparative assessments to the two cases where different criteria are used in joint over antenna minimum mean squared error (JA-MMSE) spatial filtering for space-time coded systems in the presence of unknown interference. It is shown that additional constraints to preserve the space-time coded signal structure in JA-MMSE spatial filtering place floor in bit error rate (BER) performance, while imposing no additional constraint places no error floor.
A Dual of the Compression-Expansion Fixed Point Theorems
Authors: Avery Richard , Henderson Johnny , O'Regan Donal
Published: November 2007

This paper presents a dual of the fixed point theorems of compression and expansion of functional type as well as the original Leggett-Williams fixed point theorem. The multi-valued situation is also discussed.
Does a Simple Cope's Rule Mechanism Overlook Predators?
Authors: Penteriani Vincenzo , Kenward Robert
Published: November 2007

The Cope’s rule predicts a tendency for species to evolve towards an increase in size. Recently, it has been suggested that such a tendency is due to the fact that large body sizes provide a general increase in individual fitness. Here we highlight evidence that predator species do not always fit the large-size = high-fitness mechanism for Cope’s rule. Given the specific requirements of predators and the complexity of prey-predator relationships, any analysis that does not take into account all animal groups may overlook a significant portion of evolutive trends. Generalisations may not be possible regardless of taxa.
Evolving Role of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Management of Extrahepatic Hepatic Ductal Injuries due to Blunt Trauma: Diagnostic and Treatment Algorithms
Authors: Jaik Nikhil P. , Hoey Brian A. , Stawicki S. Peter
Published: November 2007

Extrahepatic hepatic ductal injuries (EHDIs) due to blunt abdominal trauma are rare. Given the rarity of these injuries and the insidious onset of symptoms, EHDI are commonly missed during the initial trauma evaluation, making their diagnosis difficult and frequently delayed. Diagnostic modalities useful in the setting of EHDI include computed tomography (CT), abdominal ultrasonography (AUS), nuclear imaging (HIDA scan), and cholangiography. Traditional options in management of EHDI include primary ductal repair with or without a T-tube, biliary-enteric anastomosis, ductal ligation, stenting, and drainage. Simple drainage and biliary decompression is often the most appropriate treatment in unstable patients. More recently, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) allowed for diagnosis and potential treatment of these injuries via stenting and/or papillotomy. Our review of 53 cases of EHDI reported in the English-language literature has focused on the evolving role of ERCP in diagnosis and treatment of these injuries. Diagnostic and treatment algorithms incorporating ERCP have been designed to help systematize and simplify the management of EHDI. An illustrative case is reported of blunt traumatic injury involving both the extrahepatic portion of the left hepatic duct and its confluence with the right hepatic duct. This injury was successfully diagnosed and treated using ERCP.
Synthesis, Structure, Electrochemistry, and Spectral Characterization of Bis-Isatin Thiocarbohydrazone Metal Complexes and Their Antitumor Activity Against Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma in Swiss Albino Mice
Authors: Sathisha M. P. , Revankar V. K. , Pai K. S. R.
Published: November 2007

The synthesis, structure, electrochemistry, and biological studies of Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) complexes of thiocarbohydrazone ligand are described. The ligand is synthesized starting from thiocarbohydrazide and isatin. It is evident from the IR data that in all the complexes, only one part of the ligand is coordinated to the metal ion resulting mononuclear complexes. The ligand coordinates essentially through the carbonyl oxygen of the isatin fragment, the nitrogen atom of the azomethine group, and sulfur atom after deprotonation to give five membered rings.H1NMR spectrum of the ligand shows only one set of signals for the aromatic protons, while the NH of isatin and NH of hydrazone give rise to two different singlets in the 11–14 ppm range. The formulations, [Cu(L)Cl]·2H2O, [Cu(L)(CH3COO)]·2H2O, [Ni(L)Cl], [Ni(L)(CH3COO)], [Co(L2)], and [Zn(L2)]·2H2O are in accordance with elemental analyses, physical, and spectroscopic measurements. The complexes are soluble in organic solvents. Molar conductance values in DMF indicate the nonelectrolytic nature of the complexes. Copper complex displays quasireversible cyclic voltametric responses with Ep near−0.659 v and 0.504 v Vs Ag/AgCl at the scan rate of 0.1 V/s. Copper(II) complexes show a single line EPR signals. For the observed magnetic moment and electronic spectral data possible explanation has been discussed. From all the available data, the probable structures for the complexes have been proposed. The compounds synthesized in present study have shown promising cytotoxic activity when screened using the in vitro method and at the same time were shown to have good activity when tested using the Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) model. The antimicrobial screening showed that the cobalt complex possesses enhanced antimicrobial activity towards fungi.
The Lowell Affair
Authors: Alexander Ben
Published: November 2007

In February 1949, less than a year before Senator Joseph McCarthy embarked on his nationwide anticommunist campaign, poet Robert Lowell rocked the eastern establishment's art world by attempting to purge the administration at an upstate New York artists' community. As Yaddo's future hung in the balance, loyalties collided, Left battled Right, and aesthetics shouted down politics.
Food, Fuel, and the New England Environment in the War for Independence, 1775–1776
Authors: Hsiung David C.
Published: November 2007

Early in the American Revolution, British and American forces in New England fought to secure natural resources more than they battled each other. By extracting wool, hay, and firewood from a hinterland that barely sustained the civilian population, the Continental Congress and Massachusetts governments exercised powers that would come to shape Americans' relationship with their environment.
Robert Lowell in the twenty-first century
Authors: Axelrod Steven Gould
Published: November 2007

A brilliant new Selected Poems, a moving and absorbing new volume of Letters, and several innovative critical studies have again restored Robert Lowell's reputation. In the poems and letters, as Lowell struggles to make sense of his world and his psyche, his words reveal themselves as a unique combination of beauty, awkwardness, eloquence, and power.
Preparation and Physical Properties of MDEA-based Polyurethane Cationomers and their Application to Textile Coatings
Authors: Tsai Hsiang-Chin , Hong Po-Da , Yen Meng-Shung
Published: November 2007

Cationic aqueous polyurethane (CAPU) coatings were prepared by the acetone process using 4,4-methylene bis (isocyantocyclohexane) (H12MDI), N-methyldiethyolamine (N-MDEA) and a series of various polydiols (polyethylene glycol (PEG), polypropylene glycol (PPG) and polytetramethylene glycol (PTMG) for ether-type polyols and polycaprolactone (PCL) for ester-type polyol) with different molecular weights (Mn =1000, 2000 and 3000 g/mole). The surface tension of CAPU dispersion, contact angle, thermal properties of CAPU casting film and its tensile strength were examined. The waterproof (WP) and water vapor permeability (WVP) of coated fabric and its washing durability were also studied. Our results showed the ether-based CAPU showed a higher surface tension value, contact angle and WVP with a sequence of PEG-PU > PTMG-PU > PPG-PU > PCL-PU, and it increased with increasing M n of the soft segment. As for the thermal properties, the PEG-PU had the highest glass transition temperatures of the soft segment (Tgs) and melting point (Tms) than those of PCL -PU, PTMG-PU and PPG-PU. For the thermal stability of CAPUs casting film, the PEG-PU had ideal thermal stability, followed by PTMG-PU and PCL -PU, and the CAPU with a larger M n of the soft segment had better thermal stability. The PTMG-PU had excellent tensile strength, followed by PCL -PU and PPG-PU. For coated fabric, the trend of WVP followed the order: PEG-PU > PTMG-PU > PPG-PU > PCL -PU, while the WP followed the order: PTMG-PU > PCLPU > PPG-PU > PEG-PU. Finally, the CAPUcoated fabric had an excellent performance after washing and its wash-durability was still 80 %.
The Academic Self-Efficacy of Urban Youth
Authors: Perry Justin C. , DeWine David B. , Duffy Ryan D. , Vance Kristen S.
Published: November 2007

To inform effective school-to-work programs, this study evaluates the effect of a school-based psychoeducational intervention on the academic self-efficacy of urban youth enrolled in the ninth grade. Using a mixed-methods design, data were collected using a quantitative measure of academic self-efficacy and eight semistructured interviews over the course of an academic school semester. As hypothesized, t tests did not reveal a statistical difference in academic self-efficacy between preintervention (Time 1) and postintervention (Time 2). A consensual qualitative analysis of the interviews, however, indicated enhanced developmental specificity concerning use of academic skills and articulation of goals between Time 1 and Time 2. Limitations of the study and future directions for research are discussed.
What Is Most Important to Students' Long-Term Career Choices
Authors: Duffy Ryan D. , Sedlacek William E.
Published: November 2007

This study examined the variables incoming first-year college students believed were most important to their long-term career choice. A sample of 31,731 students were surveyed from 1995 to 2004, and results revealed that men placed a greater emphasis on making money, women placed a greater emphasis on working with people and contributing to society, White students placed a greater emphasis on having independence and intrinsic interest in the field, and African Americans and Asian Americans espoused higher extrinsic work values. Additional analyses revealed significant cohort differences, as over the 10-year period students reported a 10% increase in the selection of intrinsic values, a 5% decrease in selection of extrinsic values, and a 5% decrease in selection of prestige values.
The Suitability of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Chronic Hepatitis C
Authors: Koerbel Lynn S. , Zucker Donna M.
Published: November 2007

As incidence of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) in the United States increases, management of physical and psychological symptoms over the long term becomes crucial. Research has shown meditation to be a valuable tool in reducing such symptoms for various chronic illnesses. In particular, the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program offers curriculum that has been shown to influence both physiology and perception of disease states. Although there has been no direct research to date on the effectiveness of the MBSR program for CHC, several studies have shown significant findings affecting other chronic conditions, including heart disease, fibromyalgia, and HIV. The purpose of this literature review is to examine recent research, summarize findings, and indicate appropriate inclusion of MBSR as a primary, secondary, and tertiary treatment option in conjunction with biomedical care for those diagnosed with CHC. Thusly, nurses can better inform their clients with this condition.
Induction of an inhibitor antibody to factor XI in a patient with severe inherited factor XI deficiency by Rh immune globulin
Authors: Zucker Michal , Zivelin Ariella , Teitel Jerome , Seligsohn Uri
Published: November 2007

In this paper, we report an inhibitor antibody to factor XI (FXI) in a woman with severe inherited FXI deficiency, induced by FXI present in an Rh immune globulin preparation. The patient is homozygous for the Glu117Stop mutation, associated with a FXI level of less than 1 U/dL. Unlike all previously described patients with severe FXI deficiency and an inhibitor, the patient had never been exposed to blood products. Following 3 injections of Rh immune globulin during pregnancy, she developed an inhibitor to FXI (8 Bethesda units) that was shown to bind specifically to FXI and inhibit factor IX cleavage by purified FXIa. The administered Rh immune globulin and 2 other similar products were shown to contain FXI. Clinicians should be aware of the potential for immunization of severely FXI-deficient patients by FXI present in Rh immune globulin preparations.
The care of patients with subthreshold depression in primary care: Is it all that bad? A qualitative study on the views of general practitioners and patients
Authors: Backenstrass Matthias , Joest Katharina , Rosemann Thomas , Szecsenyi Joachim
Published: November 2007

Background

Studies show that subthreshold depression is highly prevalent in primary care, has impact on the quality of life and causes immense health care costs. Although this points to the clinical relevance of subthreshold depression, contradictory results exist regarding the often self-remitting course of this state. However, first steps towards quality improvement in the care of subthreshold depressive patients are being undertaken. This makes it important to gather information from both a GPs' and a patients' point of view concerning the clinical relevance as well as the status quo of diagnosis and treatment in order to appraise the need for quality improvement research.

Method

We conducted qualitative, semi-structured interviews for the questioning of 20 GPs and 20 patients with subthreshold depression on aspects of clinical relevance and on the status quo of diagnosis and treatment. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed on a content analytical theoretical background using Atlas.ti software.

Results

Most of the GPs found subthreshold depression to be clinically significant. Although some problems in diagnosis and treatment were mentioned, the GPs had sensible diagnostic and treatment strategies at hand which resulted from the long and trustful relationship with the patients and which corresponded to the patients' expectations. The patients rather expected their GP to listen to them than to take specific actions towards symptom relief and, in the main, were satisfied with the GPs' care.

Conclusion

The study shows that subthreshold depression is a clinically relevant issue for GPs but raises the possibility that quality improvement might not be as necessary as past studies showed. Further quantitative research using larger random samples is needed to determine the effectiveness of the strategies used by the GPs, patients' satisfaction with these strategies and the course of these patients' symptoms in primary care.
Activation of proteinase-activated receptor 2 in human osteoarthritic cartilage upregulates catabolic and proinflammatory pathways capable of inducing cartilage degradation: a basic science study
Authors: Boileau Christelle , Amiable Nathalie , Martel-Pelletier Johanne , Fahmi Hassan , Duval Nicolas , Pelletier Jean-Pierre
Published: November 2007

Proteinase-activated receptors (PARs) belong to a family of G protein-coupled receptors. PARs are activated by a serine-dependent cleavage generating a tethered activating ligand. PAR-2 was shown to be involved in inflammatory pathways. We investigated thein situlevels and modulation of PAR-2 in human normal and osteoarthritis (OA) cartilage/chondrocytes. Furthermore, we evaluated the role of PAR-2 on the synthesis of the major catabolic factors in OA cartilage, including metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and MMP-13 and the inflammatory mediator cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), as well as the PAR-2-activated signalling pathways in OA chondrocytes. PAR-2 expression was determined using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and protein levels by immunohistochemistry in normal and OA cartilage. Protein modulation was investigated in OA cartilage explants treated with a specific PAR-2-activating peptide (PAR-2-AP), SLIGKV-NH2(1 to 400 μM), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) (100 pg/mL), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) (5 ng/mL), transforming growth factor-beta-1 (TGF-β1) (10 ng/mL), or the signalling pathway inhibitors of p38 (SB202190), MEK1/2 (mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase) (PD98059), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) (SN50), and PAR-2 levels were determined by immunohistochemistry. Signalling pathways were analyzed on OA chondrocytes by Western blot using specific phospho-antibodies against extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (Erk1/2), p38, JNK (c-junN-terminal kinase), and NF-κB in the presence or absence of the PAR-2-AP and/or IL-1β. PAR-2-induced MMP and COX-2 levels in cartilage were determined by immunohistochemistry. PAR-2 is produced by human chondrocytes and is significantly upregulated in OA compared with normal chondrocytes (p< 0.04 andp< 0.03, respectively). The receptor levels were significantly upregulated by IL-1β (p< 0.006) and TNF-α (p< 0.002) as well as by the PAR-2-AP at 10, 100, and 400 μM (p< 0.02) and were downregulated by the inhibition of p38. After 48 hours of incubation, PAR-2 activation significantly induced MMP-1 and COX-2 starting at 10 μM (bothp< 0.005) and MMP-13 at 100 μM (p< 0.02) as well as the phosphorylation of Erk1/2 and p38 within 5 minutes of incubation (p< 0.03). Though not statistically significant, IL-1β produced an additional effect on the activation of Erk1/2 and p38. This study documents, for the first time, functional consequences of PAR-2 activation in human OA cartilage, identifies p38 as the major signalling pathway regulating its synthesis, and demonstrates that specific PAR-2 activation induces Erk1/2 and p38 in OA chondrocytes. These results suggest PAR-2 as a potential new therapeutic target for the treatment of OA.
Inhibition of proteasome activity by the dietary flavonoid apigenin is associated with growth inhibition in cultured breast cancer cells and xenografts
Authors: Chen Di , Landis-Piwowar Kristin R , Chen Marina S , Dou Q Ping
Published: November 2007

Introduction

Proteasome inhibition is an attractive approach to anticancer therapy and may have relevancy in breast cancer treatment. Natural products, such as dietary flavonoids, have been suggested as natural proteasome inhibitors with potential use for cancer prevention and therapeutics. We previously reported that apigenin, a flavonoid widely distributed in many fruits and vegetables, can inhibit proteasome activity and can induce apoptosis in cultured leukemia Jurkat T cells. Whether apigenin has proteasome-inhibitory activity in the highly metastatic human breast MDA-MB-231 cells and xenografts, however, is unknown.

Methods

MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell cultures and xenografts were treated with apigenin, followed by measurement of reduced cellular viability/proliferation, proteasome inhibition, and apoptosis induction. Inhibition of the proteasome was determined by levels of the proteasomal chymotrypsin-like activity, by ubiquitinated proteins, and by accumulation of proteasome target proteins in extracts of the treated cells or tumors. Apoptotic cell death was measured by capase-3/caspase-7 activation, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage, and immunohistochemistry for terminal nucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick end labeling positivity.

Results

We report for the first time that apigenin inhibits the proteasomal chymotrypsin-like activity and induces apoptosis not only in cultured MDA-MB-231 cells but also in MDA-MB-231 xenografts. Furthermore, while apigenin has antibreast tumor activity, no apparent toxicity to the tested animals was observed.

Conclusion

We have shown that apigenin is an effective proteasome inhibitor in cultured breast cancer cells and in breast cancer xenografts. Furthermore, apigenin induces apoptotic cell death in human breast cancer cells and exhibits anticancer activities in tumors. The results suggest its potential benefits in breast cancer prevention and treatment.
Essential roles of TGF-β in anti-CD3 antibody therapy: reversal of diabetes in nonobese diabetic mice independent of Foxp3+CD4+ regulatory T cells
Authors: Chen Guojiang , Han Gencheng , Wang Jianan , Wang Renxi , Xu Ruonan , Shen Beifen , Qian Jiahua , Li Yan
Published: November 2007

Anti-CD3 mAb have potentials to treat overt autoimmunity as reported recently. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this report, using an animal model of type 1 diabetes, we found that TGF-β1, an important immunoregulatory cytokine, plays a critical role in anti-CD3-mediated diabetes reversion and immune tolerance. Anti-CD3 treatment increased the TGF-β1 production, lasting for a long period of time, which contributed to maintaining peripheral tolerance by controlling pathogenic cells. Furthermore, we found that anti-CD3 treatment did not increase the forkhead box p3+ (Foxp3+)CD4+ regulatory T cells (Tregs). When fractionated from anti-CD3-treated, remitting mice and cotransferred with splenic cells from diabetic NOD mice, these Tregs failed to inhibit diabetes development in NOD.scid mice. Moreover, we found that the depletion of these Tregs did not affect an anti-CD3-mediated, therapeutic effect and the level of TGF-β1 production, which suggested that an increased level of TGF-β1 may not derive from these Tregs. Thus, our data showed a dispensable role of Foxp3+CD4+ Tregs in anti-CD3 antibody-reversed diabetes in NOD mice. These findings may have an important implication for understanding the involved mechanisms responsible for immunomodulatory function of anti-CD3 antibody on autoimmune diseases.
The increase of cell-membranous phosphatidylcholines containing polyunsaturated fatty acid residues induces phosphorylation of p53 through activation of ATR
Authors: Zhang Xu Hannah , Zhao Chunying , Ma Zhongmin Alex
Published: November 2007

The G1 phase of the cell cycle is marked by the rapid turnover of phospholipids. This turnover is regulated by CTP:phosphocholine-cytidylyltransferase (CCT) and group VIA Ca2+-independent-phospholipase A2 (iPLA2). We previously reported that inhibition of iPLA2 arrests cells in G1 phase of the cell cycle by activating the p53-p21 checkpoint. Here we further characterize the mechanism of p53 activation. We show that specific inhibition of iPLA2 induces a time dependent phosphorylation of Ser15 in p53 in the absence of DNA damage. This phosphorylation requires the kinase ataxia-telangiectasia and Rad-3-related (ATR) but not the ataxia-telangiectasia-mutated (ATM) kinase. Moreover, we identify in cell membranes a significant increase of phosphatidylcholines (PCs) containing chains of polyunsaturated fatty acids and a decrease of PCs containing saturated fatty acids in response to inhibition of iPLA2. The time course of phosphorylation of Ser15 in p53 correlates with increasing levels of PCs containing polyunsaturated fatty acids. We further demonstrate that the PCs with linoleic acid in their sn-2 position (18:2n6) induce phosphorylation of Ser15 in p53 in an ATR-dependent manner. Our findings establish that cells can regulate the levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids in phospholipids through iPLA2-mediated deacylation of PCs. Disruption of this regulation increases the proportions of PCs containing polyunsaturated fatty acids and activates the ATR-p53 signalling pathway.
A novel mitosis-specific dynamic actin structure inDictyosteliumcells
Authors: Itoh Go , Yumura Shigehiko
Published: November 2007

Cell division of various animal cells depends on their attachment to a substratum. Dictyostelium cells deficient in type II myosin, analogous to myosin in muscle, can divide on a substratum without the contractile ring. To investigate the mechanism of this substratum-dependent cytokinesis, the dynamics of actin in the ventral cortex were observed by confocal and total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy. Specifically during mitosis, we found novel actin-containing structures (mitosis-specific dynamic actin structures, MiDASes) underneath the nuclei and centrosomes. When the nucleus divided, the MiDAS also split in two and followed the movement of the daughter nuclei. At that time, the distal ends of astral microtubules reached mainly the MiDAS regions of the ventral cortex. An inhibitor of microtubules induced disappearance of MiDASes, leading to aborted cytokinesis, suggesting that astral microtubules are required for the formation and maintenance of MiDASes. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching experiments revealed that the MiDAS was highly dynamic and comprised small actin-containing dot-like structures. Interference reflection microscopy and assays blowing away the cell bodies by jet streaming showed that MiDASes were major attachment sites of dividing cells. Thus, the MiDASes are strong candidates for scaffolds for substratum-dependent cytokinesis, serving to transmit mechanical force to the substratum.
Rescue of oogenesis in Cx37-null mutant mice by oocyte-specific replacement with Cx43
Authors: Li Tony Y. , Colley Deanne , Barr Kevin J. , Yee Siu-Pok , Kidder Gerald M.
Published: November 2007

Mammalian oocytes and surrounding granulosa cells are metabolically coupled via gap junctions. In growing follicles of the mouse, gap junctions between oocytes and granulosa cells are assembled from connexin 37 (Cx37, encoded by Gja4), whereas those between granulosa cells are assembled from connexin 43 (Cx43, encoded by Gja1). This spatial separation, and the different permeability properties of gap junctions composed of Cx37 and Cx43, suggests that Cx37 channels serve a unique function in oogenesis. Female mice lacking Cx37 are sterile because oocytes do not complete their development. To test the hypothesis that the unique properties of Cx37 make it irreplaceable in oocytes, Cx43 was ectopically expressed in growing oocytes lacking Cx37. Transgenic mice were produced in which Gja1 is expressed in oocytes under control of the Zp3 (zona pellucida protein 3) gene promoter. When the transgene was crossed into the Cx37-null mutant line, oocyte–granulosa-cell coupling, oocyte growth and maturation, and fertility were all restored. Thus, despite their different properties, Cx43 is physiologically equivalent to Cx37 in coupling oocytes with granulosa cells.
Deoxygenative Allylation of Benzyl Acetates and Cinnamyl Alcohols Catalyzed by Molecular Iodine
Authors: Yadav J S , Reddy B V Subba , Reddy A Srinivas , Eeshwaraiah B
Published: November 2007

Benzyl acetates undergo smooth deoxygenative allylation with allyltrimethylsilane in the presence of 10 mol % of molecular iodine under mild conditions to afford the corresponding allyl derivatives in excellent yields and with high selectivity. Cinnamyl alcohols also react readily with allylsilane under similar conditions. The use of molecular iodine makes this method quite simple, more convenient and cost effective.
Risk Factors for Self-Reported Adverse Drug Events Among Medicare Enrollees
Authors: Oladimeji Olayinka , Farris Karen B , Urmie Julie G , Doucette William R
Published: November 2007

Background:

Adverse drug events (ADEs) occur in older adults. ADEs occur in up to 6.5% of all hospitalized patients and outpatients, and about 28% of these events are preventable. The proportion of outpatients with an ADE ranges from 5% to 35%, depending on the exact definition used. There is a critical need to examine the risk factors associated with having an ADE to increase awareness about medication safety among older adults.

Objective:

To quantify the association between risk factors such as the number of pharmacies used by patients and their concern and necessity beliefs about medicines, and self-reported ADEs.

Methods:

A cross-sectional Internet survey was administered by Harris Interactive. Harris Interactive asked individuals from their online panel who were 65 years of age or older, US residents, and enrolled in Medicare to complete the survey. A convenience sample of 1220 anonymous surveys was obtained. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed. The dependent variable was self-reported ADEs, defined as the patient's visiting a physician to report an unwanted reaction or medicine problem in the past year. Independent variables included sociodemographics, self-rated health, number of medications, sum of symptoms experienced, concern and necessity beliefs about medicines, number of pharmacies, and whether subjects skipped doses of their medications to save money or stopped taking the drugs due to cost.

Results:

Eighteen percent of respondents reported an ADE. ADEs were related to being female (OR 1.56; 95% CI 1.05 to 2.33), number of pharmacies (OR 3.40; 95% CI 1.56 to 7.41), number of symptoms experienced (OR 3.39; 95% CI 1.87 to 6.14), concern beliefs about medicines (OR 1.14; 95% CI 1.08 to 1.20), and having a graduate academic degree (OR 2.17; 95% CI 1.41 to 3.36).

Conclusions:

The number of pharmacies, concern beliefs about medicines, and number of symptoms experienced in the past month were associated with self-reported ADEs. Discussing patients’ beliefs about their drug therapy with them is likely to affect their expectations and interpretation of symptoms, as well as future attributions regarding drug therapy.
New application of indium catalysts: A novel and green concept in the fine chemicals industry
Authors: Wildermann Angela , Foricher Yann , Netscher Thomas , Bonrath Werner
Published: November 2007

New industrially important catalytic processes for application in the fine chemicals industry (e.g., synthesis of vitamins and key-intermediates) are presented. Protocols with indium catalysts provide the advantages of high selectivity and low catalyst loading for Friedel-Crafts-type alkylation, Wagner-Meerwein rearrangement, and acylation reactions. The transformations discussed could be carried out in a continuous manner.
Distillable ionic liquids for a new multicomponent reaction
Authors: Rosamilia Anthony E. , Strauss Christopher R. , Scott Janet L.
Published: November 2007

Adducts of dimethylamine and carbon dioxide form a "distillable ionic liquid" (DIMCARB) that may used as both a reaction medium and catalyst in the direct, atom-economical synthesis of useful synthetic building blocks, such as mono-condensed α,β-unsaturated ketones. The utilization of such building blocks in the synthesis of two new classes of versatile macrocycles, by a sequence of condensation reactions (H2O by-product), is described. Investigation into the mechanism of action of DIMCARB catalysis and observation of an aniline impurity arising from a competing reaction sequence led to development of a new multicomponent reaction for the direct preparation of 2- or 4-substituted anilines. Some of the macrocycles and anilines are, respectively, supramolecular host compounds and ligands for the preparation of metal complexes.
Direct NO decomposition over stepped transition-metal surfaces
Authors: Falsig Hanne , Bligaard Thomas , Christensen Claus H. , Nørskov Jens K.
Published: November 2007

We establish the full potential energy diagram for the direct NO decomposition reaction over stepped transition-metal surfaces by combining a database of adsorption energies on stepped metal surfaces with known Brønsted-Evans-Polanyi (BEP) relations for the activation barriers of dissociation of diatomic molecules over stepped transition- and noble-metal surfaces. The potential energy diagram directly points to why Pd and Pt are the best direct NO decomposition catalysts among the 3d, 4d, and 5d metals. We analyze the NO decomposition reaction in terms of a Sabatier-Gibbs-type analysis, and we demonstrate that this type of analysis yields results that to within a surprisingly small margin of error are directly proportional to the measured direct NO decomposition over Ru, Rh, Pt, Pd, Ag, and Au. We suggest that Pd, which is a better catalyst than Pt under the employed reaction conditions, is a better catalyst only because it binds O slightly weaker compared to N than the other metals in the study.