bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Loss of heterozygosity at 9p and p53 immunopositivity in surgical margins predict local relapse in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Graveland A. Peggy , Golusinski Pawel J. , Buijze Marijke , Douma Rinze , Sons Nanet , Kuik Dirk J. , Bloemena Elisabeth , Leemans C. René , Brakenhoff Ruud H. , Braakhuis Boudewijn J.M.
Published: June 2010

A major problem in head and neck cancer surgery is the high rate of local relapse (LR). In at least 25% of the surgically treated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients, a genetically defined preneoplastic lesion, also known as “field,” can be detected in the surgical margins. A remaining field may be an important cause for the development of LR. The aims of our study are (i) to investigate whether HNSCC patients with an unresected field are more likely to develop LR, and (ii) to identify molecular risk factors that predict malignant transformation of field. We retrospectively studied 35 HNSCC patients of whom 16 patients developed LR and 19 patients remained disease‐free for at least 4 years. Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at chromosomes 3p, 9p and 17p, p53 immunostaining, Ki‐67 immunostaining and histopathological grading of all available paraffin‐embedded surgical margins was performed, and related to LR. Significant associations were determined by Kaplan‐Meier analysis and Cox‐proportional hazard models. We show that presence of field is significantly associated with LR and that LOH at 9p and p53 immunostaining have the most predictive potential (hazard ratios 3.17 and 3.46, and p values 0.027 and 0.017, respectively). The combination of LOH at 9p and/or a large p53 positive field is most predictive (hazard ratio 7.06 and p = 0.01). Presence and grade of dysplasia was not associated with LR. These data may have major impact for future diagnostic workup of surgically treated HNSCC patients.
Role for transcription factor TFII‐I in the suppression of SSeCKS/Gravin/Akap12 transcription by Src
Authors: Bu Yahao , Gao Lingqiu , Gelman Irwin H.
Published: June 2010

The SSeCKS/Gravin/AKAP12 gene, encoding a kinase scaffolding protein with metastasis‐suppressing activity, is transcriptionally downregulated in Src‐transformed cells through the recruitment of HDAC1 to a Src‐responsive proximal promoter site charged with Sp1, Sp3 and USF1. However, the ectopic expression of these proteins formed a suppressive complex in Src‐transformed but not in parental NIH3T3 cells, suggesting the involvement of additional repressor factors. Transcription factor II‐I (TFII‐I) [general transcription factor 2i (Gtf2i)] was identified by mass spectrometry as being associated with the SSeCKS promoter complex in NIH3T3/Src cells, and moreover, the Src‐induced tyrosine phosphorylation of TFII‐I significantly increased its binding to the SSeCKS proximal promoter. siRNA‐mediated knockdown of TFII‐I or the expression of TFII‐IY248/249F caused the derepression of SSeCKS in NIH3T3/Src cells. Taken with previous data showing that the tyrosine phosphorylation of TFII‐I facilitates its nuclear translocation, these data suggest that Src‐family kinase‐mediated phosphorylation converts a portion of TFII‐I into a transcriptional repressor.
Trends in cervical cancer incidence and mortality in the Baltic countries, Bulgaria and Romania
Authors: Arbyn Marc , Antoine Jerome , Mägi Margit , Smailyte Giedre , Stengrevics Aivars , Suteu Ofelia , Valerianova Zdravka , Bray Freddie , Weiderpass Elisabete
Published: June 2010

The burden of cervical cancer varies considerably in the European Union (EU). In this article, we describe trends in incidence of and mortality from this cancer in the two most affected areas: the Baltic countries (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania) and Southeast Europe (Bulgaria and Romania). Incidence data were obtained from the national cancer registries. Data on population and number of deaths from uterine cancers were extracted from the World Health Organization mortality database. Mortality rates were corrected for inaccuracies in the death certification of not otherwise specified uterine cancer. Joinpoint regression was used to study the annual variation of corrected and standardized incidence and mortality rates. Changes were assessed by calendar period and age group, whereas the evolution by birth cohort was synthesized by computing standardized cohort incidence/mortality ratios. Joinpoint regression revealed rising trends of incidence (in Lithuania, Bulgaria and Romania) and of mortality (in Latvia, Lithuania, Bulgaria and Romania). In Estonia, rates were rather stable. Women born between 1940 and 1960 were at continuously increasing risk of both incidence of and mortality from cervical cancer. Although some quality issues in the registration of cancer and causes of death cannot be ignored, the trends indicate increased exposure to human papillomavirus infection and absence of effective screening programs. Rising trends of cervical cancer in the most affected EU member states reveal a worrying pattern that warrants urgent preventive actions.
Multiple antimelanoma potential of dry olive leaf extract
Authors: Mijatovic Sanja A. , Timotijevic Gordana S. , Miljkovic Djordje M. , Radovic Julijana M. , Maksimovic‐Ivanic Danijela D. , Dekanski Dragana P. , Stosic‐Grujicic Stanislava D.
Published: June 2010

Various constituents of the olive tree (Olea europaea) have been traditionally used in the treatment of infection, inflammation, prevention of chronic diseases, cardiovascular disorders and cancer. The anticancer potential of dry olive leaf extract (DOLE) represents the net effect of multilevel interactions between different biologically active compounds from the extract, cancer cells and conventional therapy. In this context, it was of primary interest to evaluate the influence of DOLE on progression of the highly malignant, immuno‐ and chemoresistant type of skin cancer—melanoma. DOLE significantly inhibited proliferation and subsequently restricted clonogenicity of the B16 mouse melanoma cell line in vitro. Moreover, late phase tumor treatment with DOLE significantly reduced tumor volume in a syngeneic strain of mice. DOLE‐treated B16 cells were blocked in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle, underwent early apoptosis and died by late necrosis. At the molecular level, the dying process started as caspase dependent, but finalized as caspase independent. In concordance, overexpression of antiapoptotic members of the Bcl‐2 family, Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐XL, and diminished expression of their natural antagonists, Bim and p53, were observed. Despite molecular suppression of the proapoptotic process, DOLE successfully promoted cell death mainly through disruption of cell membrane integrity and late caspase‐independent fragmentation of genetic material. Taken together, the results of this study indicate that DOLE possesses strong antimelanoma potential. When DOLE was applied in combination with different chemotherapeutics, various outcomes, including synergy and antagonism, were observed. This requires caution in the use of the extract as a supplementary antitumor therapeutic.
Abnormal microarchitecture and reduced stiffness at the radius and tibia in postmenopausal women with fractures
Authors: Stein Emily M , Liu X Sherry , Nickolas Thomas L , Cohen Adi , Thomas Valerie , McMahon Donald J , Zhang Chiyuan , Yin Perry T , Cosman Felicia , Nieves Jeri , Guo X Edward , Shane Elizabeth
Published: June 2010

Measurement of areal bone mineral density (aBMD) by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) has been shown to predict fracture risk. High-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) yields additional information about volumetric BMD (vBMD), microarchitecture, and strength that may increase understanding of fracture susceptibility. Women with (n = 68) and without (n = 101) a history of postmenopausal fragility fracture had aBMD measured by DXA and trabecular and cortical vBMD and trabecular microarchitecture of the radius and tibia measured by HR-pQCT. Finite-element analysis (FEA) of HR-pQCT scans was performed to estimate bone stiffness. DXA T-scores were similar in women with and without fracture at the spine, hip, and one-third radius but lower in patients with fracture at the ultradistal radius (p < .01). At the radius fracture, patients had lower total density, cortical thickness, trabecular density, number, thickness, higher trabecular separation and network heterogeneity (p < .0001 to .04). At the tibia, total, cortical, and trabecular density and cortical and trabecular thickness were lower in fracture patients (p < .0001 to .03). The differences between groups were greater at the radius than at the tibia for inner trabecular density, number, trabecular separation, and network heterogeneity (p < .01 to .05). Stiffness was reduced in fracture patients, more markedly at the radius (41% to 44%) than at the tibia (15% to 20%). Women with fractures had reduced vBMD, microarchitectural deterioration, and decreased strength. These differences were more prominent at the radius than at the tibia. HR-pQCT and FEA measurements of peripheral sites are associated with fracture prevalence and may increase understanding of the role of microarchitectural deterioration in fracture susceptibility. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Decreasing incidence and changing pattern of childhood fractures: A population-based study
Authors: Mäyränpää Mervi K , Mäkitie Outi , Kallio Pentti E
Published: June 2010

Fractures are common in children, and some studies suggest an increasing incidence. Data on population-based long-term trends are scarce. In order to establish fracture incidence and epidemiologic patterns, we carried out a population-based study in Helsinki, Finland. All fractures in children aged 0 to 15 years were recorded from public health care institutions during a 12-month period in 2005. Details regarding patient demographics, fracture site, and trauma mechanism were collected. All fractures were confirmed from radiographs. Similar data from 1967, 1978, and 1983 were used for comparison. In 2005, altogether 1396 fractures were recorded, 63% in boys. The overall fracture incidence was 163 per 10,000. Causative injuries consisted of mainly falls when running or walking or from heights less than 1.5 m. Fracture incidence peaked at 10 years in girls and 14 years in boys. An increase in fracture incidence was seen from 1967 to 1983 (24%, p < .0001), but a significant decrease (18%, p < .0001) was seen from 1983 to 2005. This reduction was largest in children between the ages of 10 and 13 years. Despite the overall decrease and marked decrease in hand (−39%, p < .0001) and foot (−48%, p < .0001) fractures, the incidence of forearm and upper arm fractures increased significantly by 31% (p < .0001) and 39% (p = .021), respectively. Based on these findings, the overall incidence of childhood fractures has decreased significantly during the last two decades. Concurrently, the incidence of forearm and upper arm fractures has increased by one-third. The reasons for these epidemiologic changes remain to be elucidated in future studies. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
The role of estrogen receptor α in growth plate cartilage for longitudinal bone growth
Authors: Börjesson Anna E , Lagerquist Marie K , Liu Chen , Shao Ruijin , Windahl Sara H , Karlsson Camilla , Sjögren Klara , Movérare-Skrtic Sofia , Antal Maria Christina , Krust Andrée , Mohan Subburaman , Chambon Pierre , Sävendahl Lars , Ohlsson Claes
Published: June 2010

Estrogens enhance skeletal growth during early sexual maturation, whereas high estradiol levels during late puberty result in growth plate fusion in humans. Although the growth plates do not fuse directly after sexual maturation in rodents, a reduction in growth plate height is seen by treatment with a high dose of estradiol. It is unknown whether the effects of estrogens on skeletal growth are mediated directly via estrogen receptors (ERs) in growth plate cartilage and/or indirectly via other mechanisms such as the growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor 1 (GH/IGF-1) axis. To determine the role of ERα in growth plate cartilage for skeletal growth, we developed a mouse model with cartilage-specific inactivation of ERα. Although mice with total ERα inactivation displayed affected longitudinal bone growth associated with alterations in the GH/IGF-1 axis, the skeletal growth was normal during sexual maturation in mice with cartilage-specific ERα inactivation. High-dose estradiol treatment of adult mice reduced the growth plate height as a consequence of attenuated proliferation of growth plate chondrocytes in control mice but not in cartilage-specific ERα−/− mice. Adult cartilage-specific ERα−/− mice continued to grow after 4 months of age, whereas growth was limited in control mice, resulting in increased femur length in 1-year-old cartilage-specific ERα−/− mice compared with control mice. We conclude that during early sexual maturation, ERα in growth plate cartilage is not important for skeletal growth. In contrast, it is essential for high-dose estradiol to reduce the growth plate height in adult mice and for reduction of longitudinal bone growth in elderly mice. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
A longitudinal HR-pQCT study of alendronate treatment in postmenopausal women with low bone density: Relations among density, cortical and trabecular microarchitecture, biomechanics, and bone turnover
Authors: Burghardt Andrew J , Kazakia Galateia J , Sode Miki , de Papp Anne E , Link Thomas M , Majumdar Sharmila
Published: June 2010

The goal of this study was to characterize longitudinal changes in bone microarchitecture and function in women treated with an established antifracture therapeutic. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study, 53 early postmenopausal women with low bone density (age = 56 ± 4 years; femoral neck T-score = −1.5 ± 0.6) were monitored by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) for 24 months following randomization to alendronate (ALN) or placebo (PBO) treatment groups. Subjects underwent annual HR-pQCT imaging of the distal radius and tibia, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and determination of biochemical markers of bone turnover (BSAP and uNTx). In addition to bone density and microarchitecture assessment, regional analysis, cortical porosity quantification, and micro-finite-element analysis were performed. After 24 months of treatment, at the distal tibia but not the radius, HR-pQCT measures showed significant improvements over baseline in the ALN group, particularly densitometric measures in the cortical and trabecular compartments and endocortical geometry (cortical thickness and area, medullary area) (p < .05). Cortical volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) in the tibia alone showed a significant difference between treatment groups after 24 months (p < .05); however, regionally, significant differences in Tb.vBMD, Tb.N, and Ct.Th were found for the lateral quadrant of the radius (p < .05). Spearman correlation analysis revealed that the biomechanical response to ALN in the radius and tibia was specifically associated with changes in trabecular microarchitecture (|ρ| = 0.51 to 0.80, p < .05), whereas PBO progression of bone loss was associated with a broad range of changes in density, geometry, and microarchitecture (|ρ| = 0.56 to 0.89, p < .05). Baseline cortical geometry and porosity measures best predicted ALN-induced change in biomechanics at both sites (ρ > 0.48, p < .05). These findings suggest a more pronounced response to ALN in the tibia than in the radius, driven by trabecular and endocortical changes. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species during meiotic resumption from diplotene arrest in mammalian oocytes
Authors: Pandey Ashutosh N. , Tripathi Anima , PremKumar Karuppanan V. , Shrivastav Tulsidas G. , Chaube Shail K.
Published: June 2010

Mammalian ovary is metabolically active organ and generates by‐products such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) on an extraordinary scale. Both follicular somatic cells as well as oocyte generate ROS and RNS synchronously and their effects are neutralized by intricate array of antioxidants. ROS such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and RNS such as nitric oxide (NO) act as signaling molecules and modulate various aspects of oocyte physiology including meiotic cell cycle arrest and resumption. Generation of intraoocyte H2O2 can induce meiotic resumption from diplotene arrest probably by the activation of adenosine monophosphate (AMP)‐activated protein kinase A (PRKA)—or Ca2+‐mediated pathway. However, reduced intraoocyte NO level may inactivate guanylyl cyclase‐mediated pathway that results in the reduced production of cyclic 3′,5′‐guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). The reduced level of cGMP results in the activation of cyclic 3′,5′‐adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)‐phosphodiesterase 3A (PDE3A), which hydrolyses cAMP. The reduced intraoocyte cAMP results in the activation of maturation promoting factor (MPF) that finally induces meiotic resumption. Thus, a transient increase of intraoocyte H2O2 level and decrease of NO level may signal meiotic resumption from diplotene arrest in mammalian oocytes. J. Cell. Biochem. 111: 521–528, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Activated α2 macroglobulin induces matrix metalloproteinase 9 expression by low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein 1 through MAPK‐ERK1/2 and NF‐κB activation in macrophage‐derived cell lines
Authors: Cáceres Leandro C. , Bonacci Gustavo R. , Sánchez María C. , Chiabrando Gustavo A.
Published: June 2010

Macrophages under certain stimuli induce matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP‐9) expression and protein secretion through the activation of MAPK‐ERK and NF‐κB signaling pathways. Previously, we demonstrated that activated α2‐macroglulin (α2M*) through the interaction with its receptor low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein 1 (LRP1) induces macrophage proliferation mediated by the activation of MAPK‐ERK1/2. In the present work, we examined whether α2M*/LRP1interaction could induce the MMP‐9 production in J774 and Raw264.7 macrophage‐derived cell lines. It was shown that α2M* promoted MMP‐9 expression and protein secretion by LRP1 in both macrophage‐derived cell lines, which was mediated by the activation of MAPK‐ERK1/2 and NF‐κB. Both intracellular signaling pathways activated by α2M* were effectively blocked by calphostin‐C, suggesting involvement of PKC. In addition, we demonstrate that α2M* produced extracellular calcium influx via LRP1. However, when the intracellular calcium mobilization was inhibited by BAPTA‐AM, the α2M*‐induced MAPK‐ER1/2 activation was fully blocked in both macrophage cell lines. Finally, using specific pharmacological inhibitors for PKC, Mek1, and NF‐κB, it was shown that the α2M*‐induced MMP‐9 protein secretion was inhibited, indicating that the MMP production promoted by the α2M*/LRP1 interaction required the activation of both signaling pathways. These findings may prove useful in the understanding of the macrophage LRP1 role in the vascular wall during atherogenic plaque progression. J. Cell. Biochem. 111: 607–617, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cancer hallmarks in induced pluripotent cells: New insights
Authors: Malchenko Sergey , Galat Vasiliy , Seftor Elisabeth A. , Vanin Elio F. , Costa Fabricio F. , Seftor Richard E.B. , Soares Marcelo B. , Hendrix Mary J.C.
Published: June 2010

Studies are beginning to emerge that demonstrate intriguing differences between human‐induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). Here, we investigated the expression of key members of the Nodal embryonic signaling pathway, critical to the maintenance of pluripotency in hESCs. Western blot and real‐time RT‐PCR analyses reveal slightly lower levels of Nodal (a TGF‐β family member) and Cripto‐1 (Nodal's co‐receptor) and a dramatic decrease in Lefty (Nodal's inhibitor and TGF‐β family member) in hiPSCs compared with hESCs. The noteworthy drop in hiPSC's Lefty expression correlated with an increase in the methylation of Lefty B CpG island. Based on these findings, we addressed a more fundamental question related to the consequences of epigenetically reprogramming hiPSCs, especially with respect to maintaining a stable ESC phenotype. A global comparative analysis of 365 microRNAs (miRs) in two hiPSC versus four hESC lines ultimately identified 10 highly expressed miRs in hiPCSs with >10‐fold difference, which have been shown to be cancer related. These data demonstrate cancer hallmarks expressed by hiPSCs, which will require further assessment for their impact on future therapies. J. Cell. Physiol. 225: 390–393, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthetic strategies in the construction of chromones
Authors: Li Nian‐Guang , Shi Zhi‐Hao , Tang Yu‐Ping , Ma Hong‐Yue , Yang Jian‐Ping , Li Bao‐Quan , Wang Zhen‐Jiang , Song Shu‐Lin , Duan Jin‐Ao
Published: June 2010

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Because of important biological applications of chromones, some synthetic strategies leading to more complex derivatives have been widely explored in the past years. Thus, the purpose of this review is to report some recent improvements of the classical synthetic methods and of some nonclassical methods to obtain simple oxygenated chromones. The strategies for synthesis of heterocycle analogs containing phosphorus, nitrogen, and sulfur are also summarized. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
Disability measures as an indicator of poverty: A case study from Viet Nam
Authors: Palmer Michael G. , Thuy Nguyen Thi Minh , Quyen Quach Thi Ngoc , Duy Dang Sy , Van Huynh Hoang , Berry Helen L.
Published: June 2010

This paper examines the relationship between disability and poverty at a health‐demographic surveillance site in Viet Nam using alternative measures of disability severity. Analysis of the site population (n = 65 400) is combined with interviews of 27 households containing members with disabilities. Results show that disability severity is positively associated with poverty. Results support recent efforts of the Vietnamese government to extend programmes of social protection for households containing members with severe disabilities. However, a higher level of disability targeting is required, both in terms of eligibility and of benefit levels. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Progesterone regulates the phosphorylation of protein phosphatases in the brain
Authors: Amorim Miguel A.R. , Guerra‐Araiza Christian , Pernía Olga , da Cruz e Silva Edgar F. , Garcia‐Segura Luis M.
Published: June 2010

Previous studies have shown that progesterone modulates the activity of different kinases and the phosphorylation of Tau in the brain. These actions of progesterone may be involved in the hormonal regulation of neuronal differentiation, neuronal function, and neuroprotection. However, the action of progesterone on protein phosphatases in the nervous system has not been explored previously. In this study we have assessed the effect of the administration of progesterone to adult ovariectomized rats on protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) and phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) in the hypothalamus, the hippocampus, and the cerebellum. Total levels of PP2A, the state of methylation of PP2A, and total levels of PTEN were unaffected by the hormone in the three brain regions studied. In contrast, progesterone significantly increased the levels of PP2A phosphorylated in tyrosine 307 in the hippocampus and the cerebellum and significantly decreased the levels of PTEN phosphorylated in serine 380 in the hypothalamus and in the hippocampus compared with control values. Estradiol priming blocked the effect of progesterone on PP2A phosphorylation in the hippocampus and on PTEN phosphorylation in the hypothalamus and the hippocampus. In contrast, the action of progesterone on PP2A phosphorylation in the cerebellum was not modified by estradiol priming. These findings suggest that the regulation of the phosphorylation of PP2A and PTEN may be involved in the effects of progesterone on the phosphorylation of Tau and on the activity of phophoinositide‐3 kinase and mitogen‐activated protein kinase in the brain. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Zinc signaling through glucocorticoid and glutamate signaling in stressful circumstances
Authors: Takeda Atsushi , Tamano Haruna
Published: June 2010

Humans and animals are constantly exposed to environmental stress. The hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis responds to stress, followed by glucocorticoid secretion from the adrenal glands. This response serves to maintain homeostasis in the living body through energy mobilization or to restore it. The brain is an important target for glucocorticoids. The hippocampus participates in the regulation of the HPA axis. Stress activates glutamatergic neurons in the hippocampus, and serious stress induces dyshomeostasis of extracellular glutamate. This dyshomeostasis, which is potentiated by glucocorticoids, modifies cognitive and emotional behavior. On the other hand, zinc is necessary for glucocorticoid signaling and is released from glutamatergic (zincergic) neurons to modulate synaptic glutamate signaling. Stress also induces dyshomeostasis of extracellular zinc, which may be linked to dyshomeostasis of extracellular glutamate. Thus, glucocorticoid signaling might also contribute to dyshomeostasis of extracellular zinc. It is likely that zinc signaling participates in cognitive and emotional behavior through glucocorticoid and glutamate signaling under stressful circumstances. This Mini‐Review analyzes the relationship among signals of glucocorticoid, glutamate, and zinc under stressful circumstances to elucidate the significance of the zinc signaling in response to stress. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reliable and non‐destructive Raman analysis to determine the urea concentration in a cream formulation
Authors: Oh Changyong , Sriphong Lawan , Kim Minjung , Chung Hoeil , Asavapichayont Panida
Published: June 2010

We present a reliable and nondestructive analytical method for the determination of urea concentration in a pharmaceutical cream formulation using Raman spectroscopy. A pharmaceutical cream is a highly viscous emulsion; therefore, its composition and physical mixing could be inhomogeneous on a microscopic scale. The local environment around the urea could vary, which could influence the molecular vibrations of the urea molecule. As expected, when Raman spectra were collected by focusing the laser onto a tiny area (∼2–3 µm), the position of the urea band at 1003 cm−1 varied as a result of the microscopic inhomogeneity within the sample. Therefore, acquisition of Raman spectra representative of the entire sample rather than a localized portion of it is very important for the analysis of pharmaceutical creams. Based on the preliminary Raman mapping results of a urea cream, a sample area of at least 750 × 750 µm should be covered for reliable quantitative analysis. In this study, we used a wide‐area illumination scheme capable of covering a sample area of 28.3 mm2 for Raman spectral collection in order to ensure a reliable representative sample. In addition, to simplify the measurements, Raman spectra of urea creams in plastic bottles were directly collected without further sampling, and partial least squares regression was used for quantitative analysis. The urea concentrations were accurately determined despite the spectral collection being performed through plastic bottles. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman spectroscopic study of phase transitions in undoped morphotropic PbZr1−xTixO3
Authors: Deluca Marco , Fukumura Hideo , Tonari Nobuhiko , Capiani Claudio , Hasuike Noriyuki , Kisoda Kenji , Galassi Carmen , Harima Hiroshi
Published: June 2010

Several PbZr1−xTixO3 (PZT) compositions in the proximity of the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) were examined by means of Raman spectroscopy in the 15–800 K temperature range. Previous studies performed by other researchers using various techniques evidenced that, in the phase diagram of PZT, areas with rhombohedral/monoclinic and tetragonal/monoclinic phases coexist across the MPB. For these compositions, either long‐range or short‐range symmetry ordering of the monoclinic phase should be considered, so that no true rhombohedral–monoclinic–tetragonal phase boundary exists. In addition, the onset of antiferrodistortive phase transitions between high‐T and low‐T perovskite phases has been predicted by ab initio calculations and experimentally reported. In the present work, low‐T and high‐T Raman scattering spectra were collected on undoped PbZr1−xTixO3 with compositions x = 0.42, 0.45, 0.465, 0.48 and 0.53 in an attempt to clarify the current open issues on the phase diagram of PZT. Spectra clearly belonging to the respective phases were observed in the rhombohedral, monoclinic and tetragonal areas, thus confirming that monoclinic ordering is long‐range only for a narrow range of compositions. Raman measurements at cryogenic temperatures allowed detecting all predicted low‐T phases, including the tetragonal one. These results are in good agreement with both ab initio calculations and experimental results obtained by other authors on the same compositions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Liquid chromatographic analysis of the anticancer alkaloid luotonin A and some new derivatives in human serum samples
Authors: González‐Ruiz Víctor , Mussardo Pierluigi , Corda Elisa , Girotti Stefano , Olives Ana I. , Martín María Antonia
Published: June 2010

The quantitation of the natural cytotoxic and anti‐inflammatory alkaloid luotonin A and five recently synthesized derivatives is described, constituting the first report of a HPLC method for the analysis of these compounds in human serum samples. The conditions for the chromatographic separation were optimized and the method was validated for the analysis of these compounds in biological samples according to international guidelines. An RP‐HPLC method with fluorimetric detection and a C18 stationary phase was applied. Different ACN/water mobile phases were assayed, including 0–4% of a mobile phase modifier such as tetrahydrofuran, dioxane or tert‐butyl methyl ether. Isocratic and gradient elution conditions are compared. The influence of pH on the efficiency and resolution of the separation was also considered. The developed method was applied to the determination of luotonins in pooled human serum samples by gradient elution RP‐HPLC using a simple cleanup procedure. The proposed chromatographic method exhibits satisfactory analytical figures of merit, with LOD from 1.0×10−10 to 2.0×10−10 M, intraday and interday precision below 6% except for the concentration level closest to LOD, and good agreement between experimental and theoretical concentrations. Therefore, the developed method is suitable, reliable, rapid, and simple.
Micro‐electrochemical characterization of galvanic corrosion of TA2/316L composite plate
Authors: Cheng X. , Li X. , Dong C. , Xiao K.
Published: June 2010

Galvanic corrosion behavior of TA2/316L composite plate was investigated in the solution of 3.5 wt% NaCl by galvanic potential monitoring, scanning localized electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (LEIS) and scanning vibrating micro‐electrode (SVME) techniques. The results demonstrated that the pitting corrosion resistance of 316L for the galvanic combination sample is lower, and the coupled current density is higher than for the single 316L sample. It indicates that the galvanic action works on the corrosion behavior of the TA2 titanium alloy/316L stainless steel galvanic combination in sodium chloride solution. The galvanic effect width was determined as 1500 µm.
Relevance of the cathodic process on the passivation of stainless steels – an approximation to the origin of the rouging phenomenon
Authors: Klapper H. Sarmiento , Göllner J. , Heyn A. , Burkert A.
Published: June 2010

Unwanted corrosive phenomena on stainless steel surfaces like rouging had been observed for years occurring at certain service conditions. Rouging consists in the formation of a colored surface film containing mainly iron on metallic surfaces in contact with high‐purity waters. In spite of numerous hypotheses and experimental examinations a clear explanation about the origin of rouging on stainless steels is currently still lacking. Because rouging occurs even at well passivated stainless steel surfaces the origin of this corrosive phenomenon should be related to the weakness of the stability of the passive film. In the present paper electrochemical noise measurements regarding the stability of the passive layer of alloy 904L (1.4539, X1NiCrMoCu25‐20‐5) in high‐purity water at 70 °C depending on the cathodic process are presented. In addition, the importance of the cathodic reaction on the passivation and stability of the passive layer is discussed.
Recent advances in understanding metal dusting: A review
Authors: Young D. J. , Zhang J. , Geers C. , Schütze M.
Published: June 2010

Recent experimental investigations have widened the understanding of metal dusting significantly. Microscopic observations have been used to dissect dusting mechanisms. Iron dusts by growing a cementite surface scale, which catalyses graphite nucleation and growth. The resulting volume expansion leads to cementite disintegration. Cementite formation on iron can be suppressed by alloying with germanium. Nonetheless, dusting occurs via the direct growth of graphite into the metal, producing nanoparticles of ferrite. This process is faster, because carbon diffusion is more rapid in α‐Fe than in Fe3C. Austenitic materials cannot form cementite, and dust via formation of graphite at external surfaces and interior grain boundaries. The coke deposit consists of carbon nanotubes with austenite particles at their tips, or graphite particles encapsulating austenite. TEM studies demonstrate the inward growth of graphite within the metal interior. It is therefore concluded that the dusting mechanism of austenitic materials like high alloy Cr–Ni steels and Ni base materials is one of graphite nucleation and growth within the near surface metal. In all alloys examined, both ferritic and austenitic, the principal mass transfer process is inward diffusion of carbon. Alloying iron with nickel leads to a transformation from one mechanism with carbide formation to the other without. Copper alloying in nickel and high nickel content stainless steels strongly suppresses graphite nucleation, as does also an intermetallic Ni–Sn phase, thereby reducing greatly the overall dusting rate. A surface layer of intermetallic Ni–Sn Fe‐base materials facilitates the formation of a Fe3SnC surface scale which also prevents coking and metal dusting. Current understanding of the roles of temperature, gas composition and surface oxides on dusting rates are summarised. Finally, protection against metal dusting by coatings is discussed in terms of their effects on catalysis of carbon deposition, and on protective oxide formation.
A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study to assess the mitochondria‐targeted antioxidant MitoQ as a disease‐modifying therapy in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Snow Barry J. , Rolfe Fiona L. , Lockhart Michelle M. , Frampton Christopher M. , O'Sullivan John D. , Fung Victor , Smith Robin A.J. , Murphy Michael P. , Taylor Kenneth M. ,   On behalf of the Protect Study Group
Published: June 2010

Multiple lines of evidence point to mitochondrial oxidative stress as a potential pathogenic cause for Parkinson's disease (PD). MitoQ is a powerful mitochondrial antioxidant. It is absorbed orally and concentrates within mitochondria where it has been shown to protect against oxidative damage. We enrolled 128 newly diagnosed untreated patients with PD in a double‐blind study of two doses of MitoQ compared with placebo to explore the hypothesis that, over 12 months, MitoQ would slow the progression of PD as measured by clinical scores, particularly the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale. We showed no difference between MitoQ and placebo on any measure of PD progression. MitoQ does not slow the progression of PD, and this finding should be taken into account when considering the oxidative stress hypothesis for the pathogenesis of PD. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
Increased reaction time predicts visual learning deficits in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Marinelli Lucio , Perfetti Bernardo , Moisello Clara , Di Rocco Alessandro , Eidelberg David , Abbruzzese Giovanni , Ghilardi Maria Felice
Published: June 2010

To determine whether the process involved in movement preparation of patients in the early stages of Parkinson's disease (PD) shares attentional resources with visual learning, we tested 23 patients with PD and 13 healthy controls with two different tasks. The first was a motor task where subjects were required to move as soon as possible to randomly presented targets by minimizing reaction time. The second was a visual learning task where targets were presented in a preset order and subjects were asked to learn the sequence order by attending to the display without moving. Patients with PD showed higher reaction and movement times, while visual learning was reduced compared with controls. For patients with PD, reaction times, but not movement times, displayed an inverse significant correlation with the scores of visual learning. We conclude that visual declarative learning and movement preparation might share similar attentional and working memory resources. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
The prebiotic, oligofructose‐enriched inulin modulates the faecal metabolite profile: Anin vitroanalysis
Authors: De Preter Vicky , Falony Gwen , Windey Karen , Hamer Henrike M. , De Vuyst Luc , Verbeke Kristin
Published: June 2010

Scope:Health benefits of prebiotic administration have been judged mainly from the increased numbers of bifidobacteria and the enhanced production of short‐chain fatty acids in the colon. Only a few studies have focused on the capacity of prebiotics to decrease the proteolytic fermentation, which might contribute to health as well.

Methods and results:The influence of the prebiotic oligofructose‐enriched inulin (OF‐IN) on the pattern of volatile organic compounds was characterized using anin vitrofaecal model. Faecal slurries, obtained from healthy subjects, were anaerobically incubated at 37°C with and without different doses of OF‐IN (2.5, 5, 10, or 20 mg) and changes in the metabolite pattern and pH were evaluated. A total of 107 different volatile organic compounds were identified and classified according to their chemical classes. The concentration of esters and acids significantly increased with increasing doses of OF‐IN. Similar effects were observed for some aldehydes. To the contrary, OF‐IN dose‐dependently inhibited the formation of S‐compounds. Also, the generation of other protein fermentation metabolites such as phenolic compounds was inhibited in the presence of OF‐IN.

Conclusion:Our results confirmed a clear dose‐dependent stimulation of saccharolytic fermentation. Importantly, a significant decrease in toxic protein fermentation metabolites such as sulphides attended these effects.
Effect of exogenous DNA on bovine sperm functionality using the sperm mediated gene transfer (SMGT) technique
Authors: Canovas Sebastian , Gutierrez‐Adan Alfonso , Gadea Joaquin
Published: June 2010

Sperm mediated gene transfer (SMGT) could provide the opportunity to carry out transgenesis on a mass scale using spermatozoa as vectors for exogenous DNA. However, the efficiency of sperm‐mediated DNA transfer is still questionable, and the mode of transmission to the egg has not yet been well understood. Our aim was to investigate the capacity of bovine spermatozoa to carry exogenous DNA and its relationship to sperm functionality. We studied these parameters using flow cytometry to measure viability (necrosis and apoptosis) and capacitation status, computer‐assisted semen analysis (CASA) to measure motility parameters and in vitro fertilization (IVF) to assess fertilizing capacity. Furthermore, we studied the effect of capacitation status on interaction with exogenous DNA, and the role of heparin supplementation in this process. Bull spermatozoa showed a high capacity to bind DNA quickly and reached a maximum after 30 min, with approximately half of the DNA‐bound spermatozoa being viable. Incubation with exogenous DNA induced a decrease in sperm viability and motility and increased the proportion of apoptotic cells, but did not affect the cleavage rate in IVF assay. Heparin increased high‐lipid disorder and the number of sperm with DNA bound (viable and dead). In conclusion, this study shows that live spermatozoa can bind exogenous DNA with a slight negative effect in some parameters of sperm function that in our opinion, would not drastically compromise fertility. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 77: 687–698, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reactive extrusion of PLA and of PLA/carbon nanotubes nanocomposite: processing, characterization and flame retardancy
Authors: Bourbigot Serge , Fontaine Gaëlle , Gallos Antoine , Bellayer Séverine
Published: June 2010

Aliphatic polyesters such as polylactide (PLA) currently deserve particular attention in the area of environmentally degradable polymer materials. PLA is produced via polymerization of renewable products, namely lactic acid or lactide. In this work, the synthesis of PLA is done by reactive extrusion via ring opening polymerization of L,L‐lactide using a continuous single‐stage process which is a fast and an easy method. The resulting PLA is fully characterized by solid state NMR. It is shown that it exhibits properties similar to those of PLA synthesized by the traditional methods. A kinetic model based on a phenomenological approach permits one to describe the polymerization of L,L‐lactide. PLA nanocomposites containing multi‐wall carbon nanotube (MWNT) are also prepared by reactive extrusion. Reaction to fire of PLA nanocomposite shows a slight improvement of the flame retardancy. The nanodispersion characterized by transmission electronic microscopy (TEM) is acceptable but should be improved to obtain the best flame retardancy. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and optical properties of poly (vinyl acetate)/bismuth oxide nanorods
Authors: Mahmoud Waleed E. , Al‐Ghamdi A. A. , Al‐Agel F.
Published: June 2010

Poly (vinyl acetate) (PVAc) loaded bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) nanorods were successfully prepared at ambient pressure. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize the final product. It was found that Bi2O3 nanorods were formed and the diameter of the rods was confined to about 8 nm. The diameter and length of formed rods were found to increase by increasing the bismuth oxide concentration in the PVAc matrix. The optical properties of the nanocomposite films were characterized from the analysis of the experimentally recorded transmittance and reflectance data in the spectral wavelength range of 300–800 nm. The values of some important parameters of the studied films are determined such as refractive index (n), extinction coefficient (k), optical absorption coefficient (α), and band energy gap (Eg). According to the analysis of dispersion curves, it has been found that the dispersion data obeyed the single oscillator of the Wemple–DiDomenico model, from which the dispersion parameters and high‐frequency dielectric constant were determined. In such work, from the transmission spectra, the dielectric constant (ε∞) and the third‐order optical nonlinear susceptibility χ(3) were determined. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study on the friction and wear behavior of surface‐modified carbon nanotube filled carbon fabric composites
Authors: Zhang Xinrui , Pei Xianqiang , Wang Qihua
Published: June 2010

The functionalization of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) was achieved by grafting furfuryl amine (FA) onto the surfaces of MWNTs. Furthermore, the functional MWNTs were incorporated into carbon fabric composites and the tribological properties of the resulting composites were investigated systematically on a model ring‐on‐block test rig. Friction and wear tests revealed that the modified MWNTs filled carbon fabric composite has the highest wear resistance under all different sliding conditions. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed that MWNTs were successfully functionalized and the modification led to an improvement in the dispersion of MWNTs, which played an important role on the enhanced tribological properties of carbon fabric composites. It can also be found that the friction and wear behavior of MWNTs filled carbon fabric composites are closely related with the sliding conditions such as sliding speed, load, and lubrication conditions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multifunctional PES fabrics modified with colloidal Ag and TiO2nanoparticles
Authors: Mihailović Darka , Šaponjić Zoran , Vodnik Vesna , Potkonjak Branislav , Jovančić Petar , Nedeljković Jovan M. , Radetić Maja
Published: June 2010

This study is aimed to highlight the possibility of engineering the multifunctional textile nanocomposite material based on the polyester (PES) fabric modified with colloidal Ag and TiO2nanoparticles (NPs). The effects of concentration of NPs as well as the order of Ag and TiO2NPs loading on antimicrobial, UV protective, and photocatalytic properties of PES fabrics were examined. The antimicrobial activity of differently modified PES fabrics was tested against Gram‐negative bacteriumEscherichia coli, Gram‐positive bacteriumStaphylococcus aureus, and fungusCandida albicans. The concentration of Ag colloid and the order of Ag and TiO2NPs loading considerably affected the antimicrobial efficiency of PES fabrics. The fabrics provided maximum UV protection upon surface modification with Ag and TiO2NPs. Ag NPs enhanced Ag NPs enhanced the photodegradation activity of TiO2NPs and total photodegradation of methylene blue was achieved after 24 hr of UV illumination. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Flammability of carbon nanofiber–clay nanopaper based polymer composites
Authors: Zhuge Jinfeng , Tang Yong , Gou Jihua , Chen Ruey‐Hung , Ibeh Christopher , Hu Yuan
Published: June 2010

In this study, a hybrid nanopaper consisting of carbon nanofiber (CNF), and pristine montmorillonite clay (MMT, Cloisite Na+) was fabricated through a paper‐making process. The hybrid nanopaper was coated onto the surface of glass fiber (GF) reinforced polymer matrix composites through resin transfer molding process. The characterization results using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersion analysis of X‐ray (EDAX) show that the nanopaper had a porous structure and the polymer resin completely penetrated the hybrid nanopaper. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) test results revealed that the addition of MMT clay nanoparticles significantly enhanced the thermal stability of the nanopaper. The flammability of composite samples was evaluated by cone calorimeter test under a radiant heat flux of 50 kW/m2. The peak heat release rate (PHRR) was dramatically reduced for the composites coated with the CNF–MMT nanopaper. For comparison, the composites coated with the CNF–organic MMT clay (OMT, Cloisite 20A) nanopaper were also evaluated with cone calorimeter test. The test results showed that the MMT clay was more effective than the OMT in the reduction of the PHRR. The combustion behavior of these samples was also examined by microscale combustion calorimetry (MCC) test. The PHRR obtained from the MCC test decreased with the MMT content in the nanopaper, which was in good agreement with cone calorimeter test results. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.