bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is this dystonia?
Authors: Albanese Alberto , Lalli Stefania
Published: July 2009

Torsion dystonia is characterized by sustained muscle contractions causing twisting and repetitive movements and abnormal postures. The diagnosis can be made difficult, delayed, and often misled by several factors: variability of dystonia presentation, uncertain recognition of the specific physical signs, lack of diagnostic tests, wide etiological spectrum, and coexistence of other movement disorders. Diagnostic tools are of limited assistance for the diagnosis of dystonia, which remains based on clinical diagnostic skills. We propose here, a new diagnostic algorithm to systematize the clinical diagnostic workout. A correct recognition of the physical signs that constitute the hallmark of most dystonia syndromes provides the grounds to perform a structured diagnostic sequence and share a consistent methodology. This clinical algorithm may be enhanced by adding diagnostic tools for dystonia, once their diagnostic value is assessed. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
Polyphenol metabolites from colonic microbiota exert anti‐inflammatory activity on different inflammation models
Authors: Larrosa Mar , Luceri Cristina , Vivoli Elisa , Pagliuca Chiara , Lodovici Maura , Moneti Gloriano , Dolara Piero
Published: July 2009

The polyphenols in fruits and vegetables may be partly responsible for the health‐promoting effects attributed to fruit and vegetable intake. Although their properties have been relatively well studied, the activity of their metabolites, produced after ingestion, has been poorly investigated. Thus, the aim of this work was to study the potential anti‐inflammatory effect of 18 polyphenol metabolites, derived from colon microbiota. They were screened by measuring prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production by CCD‐18 colon fibroblast cells stimulated with IL‐1β. Metabolites that inhibited more than 50% PGE2 production were hydrocaffeic (HCAF), dihydroxyphenyl acetic (dOHPA), and hydroferulic acid (HFER), that subsequently were tested with the writhing and paw pressure test in rodents where all three compounds showed an anti‐inflammatory effect. The effect of HCAF administered orally (50 mg/kg) was also tested in the dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)‐induced colitis model. Weight loss and fecal water content were more pronounced in DSS rats than in DSS‐HCAF treated rats. HCAF treatment diminished the expression of the cytokines IL‐1β, IL‐8, and TNF‐α, reduced malonyldialdehyde (MDA) levels and oxidative DNA damage (measured as 8‐oxo‐2′‐deoxyguanosine levels) in distal colon mucosa. These results indicate that HCAF, dOHPA, and HFER have anti‐inflammatory activity in vitro and in vivo.
Naturally occurring flavonoids attenuate high glucose‐induced expression of proinflammatory cytokines in human monocytic THP‐1 cells
Authors: Wu Chi‐Hao , Wu Cheng‐Feng , Huang Hsiao‐Wen , Jao Ya‐Chien , Yen Gow‐Chin
Published: July 2009

Activation of circulating monocytes by hyperglycemia is bound to play a role in inflammatory and atherosclerosis. In this study, we examined whether flavonoids (catechin, EGCG, luteolin, quercetin, rutin) – phytochemicals that may possible belong to a new class of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) inhibitors – can attenuate high glucose (15 mmol/L, HG)‐induced inflammation in human monocytes. Our results show that all flavonoids significantly inhibited HG‐induced expression of proinflammatory genes and proteins, including TNF‐α, interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), and cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2, at a concentration of 20 μM. Flavonoids also prevented oxidative stress in activated monocytes, as demonstrated by their inhibitory effects on intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Nε‐(carboxymethyl)lysine formation caused by HG. These inhibitory effects may involve inhibition of nuclear factor‐κB activation and may be supported by downregulation of the following: i) PKC‐dependent NADPH oxidase pathway; ii) phosphorylation of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase and extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinase, and iii) mRNA expression of receptor of AGEs. In addition, we found for the first time that lower levels of Bcl‐2 protein under HG conditions could be countered by the action of flavonoids. Our data suggest that, along with their antioxidant activities, flavonoids possess anti‐inflammatory properties and might therefore have additional protective effects against glycotoxin‐related inflammation.
A novel approach to the rapid assignment of 13C NMR spectra of major components of vegetable oils such as avocado, mango kernel and macadamia nut oils
Authors: Retief Liezel , McKenzie Jean M. , Koch Klaus R.
Published: July 2009

Assignment of 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra of major fatty acid components of South African produced vegetable oils was attempted using a method in which the vegetable oil was spiked with a standard triacylglycerol. This proved to be inadequate and therefore a new rapid and potentially generic graphical linear correlation method is proposed for assignment of the 13C NMR spectra of major fatty acid components of apricot kernel, avocado pear, grapeseed, macadamia nut, mango kernel and marula vegetable oils. In this graphical correlation method, chemical shifts of fatty acids present in a known standard triacylglycerol is plotted against the corresponding chemical shifts of fatty acids present in the vegetable oils. This new approach (under carefully defined conditions and concentrations) was found especially useful for spectrally crowded regions where significant peak overlap occurs and was validated with the well‐known 13C NMR spectrum of olive oil which has been extensively reported in the literature. In this way, a full assignment of the 13C{1H} NMR spectra of the vegetable oils, as well as tripalmitolein was readily achieved and the resonances belonging to the palmitoleic acid component of the triacylglycerols in the case of macadamia nut and avocado pear oil resonances were also assigned for the first time in the 13C NMR spectra of these oils. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of a rapid, multiphase MRE sequence in a heart‐simulating phantom
Authors: Kolipaka Arunark , McGee Kiaran P. , Araoz Philip A. , Glaser Kevin J. , Manduca Armando , Ehman Richard L.
Published: July 2009

The aims of this study were to validate stiffness estimates of a phantom undergoing cyclic deformation obtained using a multiphase magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) imaging sequence by comparison with those obtained using a single‐phase MRE sequence and to quantify the stability of the multiphase‐derived stiffness estimates as a function of deformation frequency and imaging parameters. A spherical rubber shell of 10 cm diameter and 1 cm thickness was connected to a computerized flow pump to produce cyclic pressure variations within the phantom. The phantom was imaged at cyclic pressures between 18–72 bpm using single‐phase and multiphase MRE acquisitions. The shear stiffness of the phantom was resolved using a spherical shell wave inversion algorithm. Shear stiffness was averaged over the slice of interest and plotted against pressure within the phantom. A linear correlation was observed between stiffness and pressure. Good correlation (R2 = 0.98) was observed between the stiffness estimates obtained using the standard single‐phase and the multiphase pulse sequences. Stiffness estimates obtained using multiphase MRE were stable when the fraction of the deformation period required for acquisition of a single image was not greater than 42%. The results demonstrate the potential of multiphase MRE technique for imaging dynamic organs, such as the heart. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
On a third‐order Newton‐type method free of bilinear operators
Authors: Amat S. , Bermúdez C. , Busquier S. , Plaza S.
Published: July 2009

This paper is devoted to the study of a third‐order Newton‐type method. The method is free of bilinear operators, which constitutes the main limitation of the classical third‐order iterative schemes. First, a global convergence theorem in the real case is presented. Second, a semilocal convergence theorem and some examples are analyzed, including quadratic equations and integral equations. Finally, an approximation using divided differences is proposed and used for the approximation of boundary‐value problems. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An implicit wavelet sparse approximate inverse preconditioner using block finger pattern
Authors: Imakura A. , Sogabe T. , Zhang S.‐L.
Published: July 2009

Recently, an implicit wavelet sparse approximate inverse (IW‐SPAI hereafter) preconditioner has been proposed by Hawkins and Chen for nonsymmetric linear systems. The preconditioning matrix of the IW‐SPAI is characterized by a special sparse structure, the so‐calledfinger pattern, which makes it possible to construct a good sparse approximate inverse. Since the IW‐SPAI requires a number of QR factorizations with substantial costs to construct the preconditioner, there is a strong need to construct the IW‐SPAI more efficiently. The target of this paper is to reduce the costs of the IW‐SPAI using Haar basis. Under the strategy of classifying the QR factorizations into several groups and reducing the number of QR factorizations, in this paper, we introduce ablock finger patternfor Haar basis in the place of the finger pattern as the nonzero pattern of the preconditioning matrix. From the block finger pattern, we propose an implicit wavelet sparse approximate inverse preconditioner using block finger pattern (BIW‐SPAI hereafter). Numerical experiments indicate that the BIW‐SPAI is often more efficient than the IW‐SPAI. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A fast dual boundary element method for 3D anisotropic crack problems
Authors: Benedetti I. , Milazzo A. , Aliabadi M. H.
Published: July 2009

In the present paper a fast solver for dual boundary element analysis of 3D anisotropic crack problems is formulated, implemented and tested. The fast solver is based on the use of hierarchical matrices for the representation of the collocation matrix. The admissible low rank blocks are computed by adaptive cross approximation (ACA). The performance of ACA against the accuracy of the adopted computational scheme for the evaluation of the anisotropic kernels is investigated, focusing on the balance between the kernel representation accuracy and the accuracy required for ACA. The system solution is computed by a preconditioned GMRES and the preconditioner is built exploiting the hierarchical arithmetic and taking full advantage of the hierarchical format. The effectiveness of the proposed technique for anisotropic crack problems has been numerically demonstrated, highlighting the accuracy as well as the significant reduction in memory storage and analysis time. In particular, it has been numerically shown that the computational cost grows almost linearly with the number of degrees of freedom, obtaining up to solution speedups of order 10 for systems of order 104. Moreover, the sensitivity of the performance of the numerical scheme to materials with different degrees of anisotropy has been assessed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and characterization of polyurethane‐urea clay nanocomposites using montmorillonite modified by oxyethylene–oxypropylene copolymer
Authors: Salahuddin N. , Abo‐El‐Enein S. A. , Selim A. , Salah‐el‐dien O.
Published: July 2009

Clay organifier with propylene oxide‐capped polyethylene glycol (PEG) with amine end group (jeffamines ED600–2003) was synthesized through an ion exchange process between sodium cations in montmorillonite (MMT) and NH groups in ED600–2003. The d‐spacing of organoclay was found to be 1.697–1.734 nm compared to 0.96 nm of pristine MMT. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to determine the molecular dispersion of the clay within ED600. Polyurethane‐urea/montmorillonite (PUU‐MMT) nanocomposites were prepared via in situ polymerization from polyethylene glycol (PEG 400) or 1,4 butane diol (1,4 BD), toluene diisocyanate (TDI), jeffamines ED600–2003, and 1–12 wt% of organoclay. Intercalation of PUU into modified clays was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, and TEM. The barrier properties were significantly reduced; however, the thermal stability was increased in the nanocomposites as compared to the pristine polymer. Nanocomposites exhibited optical clarity and solvent resistance. The mechanical properties and the glass transition temperature of PUU were improved with the addition of organoclay. The incorporation of silicate layers gave rise to a considerable increase in the storage modulus (stiffness), demonstrating the reinforcing effect of clay on the PUU matrix. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and characterization of hyperbranched polystyrene copolymers by atom transfer radical self‐condensing vinyl copolymerization
Authors: Zhang Chuan‐hai , Li Jin‐ge , zhang Jun , Zhang Liao‐yun , Li Hua‐yi
Published: July 2009

A series of hyperbranched polystyrene copolymers were synthesized by atom transfer radical self‐condensing vinyl copolymerization (ATR‐SCVCP) of p‐chloromethylstyrene (CMS) and styrene using the complex CuCl/2,2′‐bipyridyl as catalyst. The composition and structures of these hyperbranched polystyrene copolymers were characterized by 1H‐NMR and 13C‐NMR spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and elemental analysis. The thermal properties were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The influence of the reaction conditions, including comonomer ratios, reaction time, and polymerization temperature, on the molecular weight and degree of branching (DB) of the resulting copolymers were investigated in detail. With increasing ratios of styrene in total monomers from 10 to 90%, the resulting copolymers have number‐average molecular weights that change from 6.0 to 10.5 kDa, polydispersities from 2.96 to 4.74, and a degree of branching from 0.01 to 0.45. The experimental results indicated that the structures and properties can be controlled by adjusting the reaction conditions. The concentrations of styrene in the copolymers slightly affect the copolymer structures and Tg when they are less than 50 mol%, but have a large effect at greater concentrations. The results also show that the ATR‐SCVP reaction does not follow a complete ATRP feature, but has some characteristics of step‐growth polymerization. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Grundlagen der Thrombozytenpharmakologie. Physiologie und Pathophysiologie
Authors: Jastrow Holger , Weber Artur‐Aron
Published: July 2009

Thrombozyten sind wesentlich an der Blutstillung nach Gefäßverletzungen beteiligt, können aber auch thrombotische Gefäßverschlüsse bewirken. Eine pharmakologische Hemmung der Thrombozytenfunktion ist auf allen Stufen der Thrombozytenaktivierung (initiale Aktivierung, Verstärkungsmechanismen, Ligandenbindung) möglich.
Geschichte von Acetylsalicylsäure. 100 Jahre erfolgreiche Arzneimittelforschung
Authors: Schrör Karsten
Published: July 2009

Eine ausreichende Verfügbarkeit synthetischer Salicylsäure schuf die Voraussetzungen für chemische Modifikationen der Substanz. Vor diesem Hintergrund erfolgte die Erstsynthese kristalliner und vor allem stabiler Acetylsalicylsäure (ASA) durch Felix Hoffmann in der Gruppe von Arthur Eichengrün bei Bayer in Elberfeld im Jahr 1897. Nach Einführung unter dem Handelsnamen “Aspirin” entwickelte sich die Substanz im Laufe der Jahrzehnte zu einem weithin bekannten und beliebten Hausmittel zur Behandlung von Fieber, Schmerz und Entzündungen.

Eine pharmakologische Erklärung für diese multiplen Wirkungen gelang John Vane 1971 mit dem Nachweis, dass ASA die Prostaglandinsynthese hemmt. Darüber hinaus hemmt niedrig dosierte ASA, aber nicht Salicylsäure, die Plättchenaggregation, Grundlage der Anwendung der Substanz zur Prävention atherothrombotischer Erkrankungen wie Herzinfarkt und Schlaganfall.

Die heutige Forschung geht über die Prostaglandin‐Synthesehemmung hinaus und sucht auch mit neuen Ansätzen eine Verbesserung der therapeutischen Sicherheit und Erweiterung der klinischen Anwendung, z.B. bei der Tumorprävention.
Prasugrel – ein neuer ADP‐Rezeptor‐Antagonist. Prodrug‐Aktivierung als entscheidender Unterschied
Authors: Alban Susanne
Published: July 2009

Mit der Zulassung des P2Y12‐Antagonisten Prasugrel (Efinet®) steht zum ersten Mal eine Alternative zum “Goldstandard” Clopidogrel für die duale Plättchenhemmung bei ACS zur Verfügung. Er fügt sich gut in das Bild der zeitlichen Entwicklung der Therapie des ACS ein. Im Laufe der letzten 20 Jahre ist sie sukzessive wirksamer geworden, allerdings um den Preis höherer Blutungsraten (Abb. 9).

Es bleibt abzuwarten, ob sich der unter kontrollierten Studienbedingungen gefundene Netto‐Benefit auch im klinischen Alltag bestätigen wird. Wie üblich erlaubt erst die Post‐Marketing‐Surveillance eine abschließende Beurteilung der Sicherheit. Weitere Studien werden zeigen, welche Patienten von Prasugrel profitieren und wie es optimal anzuwenden ist. Im Juni 2008 startete die TRIOLOGY ACS‐Studie (NCT00699998) mit mehr als 10.000 Patienten zum Vergleich von Prasugrel mit Clopidogrel bei Patienten mit UA/NSTEMI, bei denen eine medikamentöse Behandlung angezeigt ist. Hierbei wird die Therapie mit Prasugrel mit einer AD von nur 30 mg begonnen, die ED beträgt je nach Alter und Gewicht 5 oder 10 mg.

Das Beispiel der Clopidogrel‐Resistenz veranschaulicht, dass es prinzipiell von Vorteil ist, wenn es nicht nur eine Therapieoption für die Plättchenhemmung beim ACS gibt. Denn damit besteht die Möglichkeit, die für den einzelnen Patienten jeweils am besten geeignete Strategie auszuwählen. Neben Prasugrel befinden sich weitere Plättchenhemmstoffe in der Entwicklung. Bereits in Phase‐III‐Studien werden derzeit drei Kandidaten geprüft: Ticagrelor, ein oraler, im Gegensatz zu den Thienopyridinen direkt und reversibel wirkender P2Y12‐Antagonist, Cangrelor (AR‐C69931MX), ebenfalls ein direkter, reversibler P2Y12‐Antagonist, jedoch für die intravenöse, kurzfristige Akuttherapie, sowie SCH 530348, ein oraler Thrombin‐Rezeptorantagonist, der selektiv an PAR‐1 (Protease‐Activated Receptor) bindet. Ein weiterer Aspekt der Forschung ist die Evaluation des Potentials einer individualisierten Therapie, die auf den Ergebnissen von Point‐of‐Care‐Testung der Plättchenfunktion basiert oder sich am Vorliegen genetischer Polymorphismen orientiert.
Optimale individualisierte antithrombozytäre Therapie. Nach koronarer Stentimplantation
Authors: Zürn Christine S. , May Andreas E.
Published: July 2009

Zusammenfassend ist die optimale therapeutische Strategie für Patienten nach koronarer Stentimplantation komplex und benötigt einen zunehmend individuellen Ansatz. Hinzu kommt das Problem des unzureichenden Ansprechens mancher Patienten auf Clopidogrel, Alter, Komorbiditäten, Patienten‐Compliance etc. Obwohl wir versucht haben, einen Algorithmus zu definieren, der für die meisten Patienten geeignet ist, muss das individuelle Risikoprofil jedes einzelnen Patienten berücksichtigt werden, bevor eine koronare Intervention bei diesem Hochrisiko‐Kollektiv durchgeführt wird. Ein wichtiger Aspekt ist z.B. die Tatsache, dass ein erhöhtes Alter einen Risikofaktor sowohl für eine Stentthrombose als auch für thrombembolische Komplikationen, z.B. bei Vorhofflimmern, und für lebensbedrohliche Blutungskomplikationen darstellt.
Die Achillesferse der Influenzaviren?
Authors: Zündorf Ilse , Dingermann Theo
Published: July 2009

Influenzaviren werden über ihre Oberflächenproteine Hämagglutinin und Neuraminidase definiert. H5N1 war vor wenigen Jahren DAS Thema. Ganz frisch und kurz nach der Veröffentlichung zweier interessanter Paper zu H5N1, taucht eine neue Variante von H1N1 auf, das irgendwie aus Schweinen stammt und nun Menschen infizieren kann.
Microplasmin statt Skalpell
Authors: Heidingsfeld A. , Koob V. , Kräuter N. , Kupka J. , Rastetter A. , Zündorf I. , Dingermann T.
Published: July 2009

Blutgerinnung und Fibrinolyse bilden ein ausgeklügeltes System, das einerseits den Blutfluss aufrecht erhalten, andererseits aber Blutungen unterbinden muss. Ein wichtiger Bestandteil dabei ist Plasmin. Nun wird eine besondere Anwendung der Protease klinisch getestet: im Auge.
Klinisch relevante Interaktion zwischen Clopidogrel und Protonenpumpen‐Inhibitoren
Authors: Susanne  , Theo  , Nina  , Wolfgang  , Manfred  , Martin  , Dietmar  , Petra
Published: July 2009

Gemeinsame Stellungnahme der Arzneimittelkommission der Deutschen Apotheker (AMK) und der Deutschen Pharmazeutischen Gesellschaft e.V. (DPhG)
Mixed electron and proton conductivity of polyaniline films in aqueous solutions of acids: beyond the 1000 S cm−1 limit
Authors: Stejskal Jaroslav , Bogomolova Olga E , Blinova Natalia V , Trchová Miroslava , Šeděnková Ivana , Prokeš Jan , Sapurina Irina
Published: July 2009

BACKGROUND: The application potential of conducting polymers depends on their conductivity. It is generally assumed that the conductivity determined in the dry state is a parameter that unambiguously characterizes them.

RESULTS: The conductivity of polyaniline (PANI) films immersed in aqueous solutions of sulfuric acid may be more than 1000 times higher compared with that obtained by measurement of dry films in air, and is estimated to reach a value exceeding 3300 S cm−1 in 1 mol L−1 sulfuric acid. This is explained by the reduction of conductivity barriers between conducting PANI islands.

CONCLUSION: The organized polymer chains in the conducting islands of a PANI film are separated by disordered regions of low conductivity in the dry state. The penetration of sulfuric acid solution into the disordered areas increases the overall conductivity of the PANI film by improving the electrical contact between the islands through ionic charge transport. The electronic conductivity of the PANI film in the dry state thus converts to mixed electron–proton conduction in acidic aqueous solutions, electron conductivity being dominant in ordered regions and ionic conductivity in disordered regions separating them. Weakly bound protons are the most important ionic charge carriers hopping along the PANI chains. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Anionic alternating copolymerization of epoxide and 3,4‐dihydrocoumarin and its application to networked polymers
Authors: Sudo Atsushi , Uenishi Kazuya , Endo Takeshi
Published: July 2009

3,4‐Dihydrocoumarin (DHCM) is an aromatic six‐membered lactone, which does not undergo anionic homopolymerization. However, it does undergo copolymerization with an epoxide. The striking feature of this copolymerization is its 1:1 alternating nature, which allows for the formation of polyesters. In this mini‐review, we describe the copolymerization behavior, the polymer structure and the advantages that can be achieved by addition of DHCM to the epoxy‐imidazole curing system. Another focus is our development of DHCM analogues, which bring the advantages of DHCM to their applications as comonomers for the curing system. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Personality disorder scale predictors of depression stability over time as a partial function of mental health history
Authors: King Alan R. , Jackson David A.
Published: July 2009

The high comorbidity of personality disturbance and psychiatric symptomatology has been well established. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual‐IV (DSM‐IV) personality disorder symptom clusters often represent aberrant, intense and labile emotional reactions to stressors. The role of personality disorder traits on the variability of depression symptoms as expressed over time, however, has gained relatively little research attention. The presence and number of personality disorder diagnoses have been associated with earlier depression onset and less favourable treatment outcomes suggesting that this form of mood disturbance may be more durable over time when associated with Axis II features. The present study examined Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) temporal stability as a function of Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI‐II) personality disorder base rate scores among 406 college students with and without reported histories of significant mental health concerns. Instability of BDI scores across time was shown to be predicted (r = 0.15) by selected personality disorderscale dimensions (antisocial, self‐defeating, borderline and total number of MCMI‐II personality disorder elevations). BDI reliability did drop significantly among participants reporting a mental health treatment history and multiple personality disorder elevations. Gender differences were not found in the strength of these bivariate correlations. Women generated smaller BDI absolute differences than men. While BDI test–retest reliability was only linked modestly to personality disorder attributes in this college sample, further study may be warranted to evaluate similar relationships within a clinical sample. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ρ(T, p) model for ionic liquids based on quantitative structure–property relationship calculations
Authors: Lazzús Juan A.
Published: July 2009

Densities of ionic liquids have been estimated using a quantitative structure–property relationship (QSPR) method that involved 11 molecular descriptors. Density data of 238 experimental data sets for 163 ionic liquids (3020 data points) were used to obtain the QSPR model for a wide range of temperatures and pressures: 258–393 K and 0.09–207 MPa. Results show that the QSPR model to estimate the liquid density (R2 = 0.9307; AARD = 2.00) is accurate enough and gives lower deviations than any other similar QSPR model available in the literature. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predictors of distress and quality of life in patients undergoing cancer therapy: impact of treatment type and decisional role
Authors: Hack Thomas F. , Pickles Tom , Ruether J. Dean , Weir Lorna , Bultz Barry D. , Mackey John , Degner Lesley F.
Published: July 2009

Purpose: The purpose of this secondary investigation was to examine the impact of the type of treatment received and the perceived role in treatment decision making in predicting distress and cancer‐specific quality of life in patients newly diagnosed with breast or prostate cancer.

Method: Participants included 1057 newly diagnosed breast and prostate cancer patients from four Canadian cancer centers who partook in a randomized controlled trial examining the utility of providing patients with an audio‐recording of their treatment planning consultation. A MANCOVA was performed to predict distress and cancer‐specific quality of life at 12 weeks post‐consultation based on control variables (patient age, education, residence, tumor size (breast sample), gleason score (prostate sample), and receipt of an initial treatment consultation recording), predictor variables (treatment type—chemotherapy, hormone therapy, radiation therapy; decisional role—active, collaborative, passive), and interactions between these predictors.

Results: Women who received chemotherapy and reported having played a more passive role in treatment decision making had significantly greater distress and lower cancer‐specific quality of life at 12‐week post‐consultation. There were no statistically significant predictors of these outcomes identified for men with prostate cancer.

Conclusion: Receipt of chemotherapy places women with breast cancer at risk for distress and reduced quality of life, but only for the subset of women who report playing a passive role in treatment decision making. Prospective, longitudinal studies are needed to confirm the present findings and to explicate the antecedents, composition, and consequences of the ‘passive’ decisional role during the treatment phase of the cancer trajectory. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Personal control over the cure of breast cancer: adaptiveness, underlying beliefs and correlates
Authors: Henselmans Inge , Sanderman Robbert , Helgeson Vicki S. , de Vries Jakob , Smink Ans , Ranchor Adelita V.
Published: July 2009

Objectives: Although cognitive adaptation theory suggests that personal control acts as a stress buffer when facing adversity, maladaptive outcomes might occur when control is disconfirmed. The moderating effect of disappointing news on the adaptiveness of personal control over cure in women with breast cancer was examined and contrasted with the effect on the adaptiveness of general control over life. Additionally, the underlying beliefs and correlates of control over cure were explored.

Methods: Women with newly diagnosed breast cancer were assessed after surgery (n=228). For a sub‐sample (n=133) data before surgery and after the end of treatment were available as well. Data were collected through questionnaires and face‐to‐face interviews. The prescription of chemotherapy after surgery was used as an indicator of disappointing news.

Results: A chemotherapy prescription neither enhances nor limits the adaptiveness of disease‐specific or general control perceptions. Women reported that maintaining a positive attitude, accepting treatment and adopting a healthy life style gave them a sense of control over cure. Women with a strong sense of control over cure more often had invasive cancer, were younger and were best characterized by high optimism and strong sense of control over life.

Conclusions: The findings add to our understanding of exaggerated control perceptions in cancer patients treated with curative intent and do not give reason to assume that such perceptions should be altered because of potentially maladaptive effects. On the contrary, a strong sense of control over the cure of breast cancer seems to reflect the capacity to adapt. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Silicon Effect on the Hardness of r.f. Sputtered B–C:Si Amorphous Films
Authors: Louro Cristina , Oliveira João C. , Chhowalla Manish , Cavaleiro Albano
Published: July 2009

B–C and B–C:Si films were deposited by r.f. magnetron sputtering from a hot‐pressed B4C polycrystalline target with Si pieces placed on the preferentially eroded zone. The effect of Si content, ranging from 2 to 6 at.‐%, on the B–C films was studied at a fixed substrate bias of −70 V. Preliminary depositions with different substrate bias showed that with −70 V the deposition of free carbon was avoided. All deposited films were X‐ray diffraction (XRD) amorphous, and the result was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Si‐containing films were harder than Si‐free ones, reaching 30 GPa for compositions up to 4.5 at.‐% Si. After thermal annealing of the B–C:Si films up to 700 °C, an increase of the hardness was observed. The maximum hardness of 37 GPa was obtained for 2 at.‐% Si film annealed at 600 °C, which corresponds to an increase of ∼23% in relation to the as‐deposited conditions. No vestiges of crystallinity were found either by XRD or FTIR analysis suggesting that the structure of the Si‐containing films consisted of a local order arrangement of boron‐rich icosahedral units.
Protein profiling of low‐density lipoprotein from obese subjects
Authors: Karlsson Helen , Mörtstedt Harriet , Lindqvist Helen , Tagesson Christer , Lindahl Mats
Published: July 2009

Although obesity and high levels of low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) are well‐known risk factors for cardiovascular disease, the precise role(s) of different LDL constituents in obesity has not been explored. In the present study, we compared the LDL proteome of healthy control adults (body mass index<25) and obese subjects (body mass index>30). LDL was isolated by density‐gradient ultracentrifugation and proteins were separated with 2‐D PAGE, quantified, and identified by peptide mass fingerprinting using MALDI‐TOF MS. A new LDL‐associated protein was identified as transthyretin and found to be significantly more abundant in LDL from the obese subjects. In addition, LDL from the obese subjects contained relatively more α1‐antitrypsin, apo J, apo C‐II, than LDL from controls, and also more of an acidic isoform (pI/Mr; 5.2/23 100) of apo A‐I. On the other hand, the relative amounts of apo A‐IV and the major isoform of apo A‐I (pI/Mr; 5.3/23 100) were significantly less in LDL from the obese subjects. Apo E was less and non‐sialylated apo C‐III more abundant in LDL from obese men than control men, while there were no such differences between LDL from obese and control women. These findings illustrate that obesity is not only associated with increased LDL‐cholesterol levels but also with alterations in the LDL protein composition. The presence of transthyretin in LDL from obese subjects may reflect over‐nutrition and affect the lipid metabolism in obesity.
Proteomic Helicobacter pylori biomarkers discriminative of low‐grade gastric MALT lymphoma and duodenal ulcer
Authors: Bernarde Cédric , Khoder Ghalia , Lehours Philippe , Burucoa Christophe , Fauchère Jean‐Louis , Delchier Jean‐Charles , Mégraud Francis , Atanassov Christo
Published: July 2009

To date no reliable diagnostic method exists to predict, among the very large and clinically heterogeneous group of Helicobacter pylori‐infected patients, the extremely small group at risk for developing low‐grade gastric MALT lymphoma (LG‐MALT). Search of proteomic biomarkers holds promise for the classification of the H. pylori strains with regard to this severe clinical outcome. In the present study 69 H. pylori strains isolated from patients with two different H. pylori‐associated diseases, duodenal ulcer (DU, n=29) and LG‐MALT (n=40) were used. Protein expression patterns of the strains were analyzed by using the high‐throughput methodology SELDI. Selected proteins were purified by means of chromatographic and electrophoretic methods in view of further sequencing by LC‐MS/MS. Univariate analysis (Mann–Whitney test) of the protein expression patterns generated nine significant biomarkers that can discriminate between H. pylori strains from patients with DU and LG‐MALT. These biomarkers are of low molecular weight, ranging from 6 to 26.6 kDa. Among them, two are overexpressed in LG‐MALT strains and seven – in DU strains. Two biomarker proteins, one overexpressed in LG‐MALT strains (13.2 kDa) and another one – overexpressed in DU strains (26.6 kDa), were purified to homogeneity and identified by using LC‐MS/MS as a 50S ribosomal protein L7/L12 and a urease subunit, respectively. These biomarkers can be included in novel protein arrays for the differential diagnosis of H. pylori‐associated clinical outcomes.
Increased expression of annexin I is associated with drug‐resistance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma and other solid tumors
Authors: Chow Betty H. Y. , Chua Daniel T. T. , Sham Jonathan S. T. , Zhang Min‐Yue , Chow Louis W. C. , Bi Jiong , Ma Ning‐Fang , Xie Dan , Loo Wings T. Y. , Fung Jackie M. W. , Fu Li , Guan Xin‐Yuan
Published: July 2009

Adjuvant chemotherapy alongside radiotherapy is one of the effective therapies in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treatment. However, the appearance of drug resistance is a major obstacle for anti‐cancer chemotherapy and often causes failure of the chemotherapy. In this study, a drug‐resistant gene annexin I (ANX‐I) was identified by comparing differentially expressed proteins between a cisplatin (CDDP)‐resistant NPC cell line CNE2‐CDDP and parental CNE2 cells using 2‐DE. When ANX‐I was transfected into CNE2 cells, the CDDP resistance of CNE2 cells was dramatically increased. The drug‐resistant ability of ANX‐I was demonstrated by both in vitro and in vivo assays. The association of ANX‐I expression with clinical features was also investigated. Increased expression of ANX‐I was significantly associated with disease relapse in NPC (p<0.05). In breast and gastric cancer, increased expression of ANX‐I was significantly associated with drug resistance (p<0.001) and poor prognosis (p<0.001), respectively. Taken together, our findings suggest that ANX‐I plays an important role in drug resistance.
Proteomic profiling of heat shock proteins: An emerging molecular approach with direct pathophysiological and clinical implications
Authors: Bottoni Patrizia , Giardina Bruno , Scatena Roberto
Published: July 2009

The HSP family is one of the most ancient and evolutionarily conserved protective protein families found in nature. Originally discovered as inducible molecules capable of maintaining cellular homeostasis against abrupt temperature changes, HSPs were later determined to represent an adaptive physiological response that copes with a variety of different cellular proteotoxic stresses. These physiological molecular chaperones facilitate the synthesis, folding, assembly, trafficking and secretion of specific proteins in various cellular compartments. Most importantly, these proteins guard the whole cell proteome against misfolding and inappropriate aggregation. A series of diversified proteotoxic stresses, including heat, hypoxia/ischemia, free radicals, acidosis, ATP depletion and toxins are capable of inducing a typical cellular stress response characterised by rapid inhibition of overall protein synthesis, with a concomitant dramatic increase in HSP expression. From a pathophysiological point of view, HSP induction has been observed in a wide spectrum of inflammatory and degenerative diseases (from cancer to prion disease by passing to infective and autoimmune diseases) and, intriguingly, overexpression monitoring seems to have potential implications in terms of diagnosis, prognosis and, above all, therapy. Proteomics studies, identifying a series of modification of HSP expression patterns in different diseases, are confirming these promising clinical applications.
Targeting sarcomas by proteomic approaches
Authors: Madoz‐Gúrpide Juan
Published: July 2009

Sarcomas are a group of rare and heterogeneous tumors of mesenchymal origin. From the molecular point of view, they are grouped into two main types: (i) simple karyotypes and specific chromosomal translocations, which originate gene and protein fusions; (ii) unspecific gene alterations and complex karyotypes, with numerous gains and losses. When present, chimeric proteins provide specificity in pathogenesis and sarcoma maintenance, acting either as an aberrant transcription factor or altering RNA processing. The descriptions of numerous targets, direct and indirect, emphasize the pivotal role of the fusion over the intervention of secondary events. Accordingly, the elucidation of the cell of origin becomes critical for discovering the early molecular mechanisms involved in sarcomagenesis, as well as the identification of reliable molecular markers and possible therapeutic targets. This review describes the contribution of proteomics to sarcoma research. It reflects how the elucidation of chimeric protein target networks and differential protein expression studies can play a role in identifying the mechanisms of development and progression of sarcomas, as these proteins seem to be involved in tumor metastasis, apoptosis, and other oncogenic processes. Moreover, it may be beneficial in the diagnostic clinical domain, as it may lead to biology‐based therapeutic strategies for sarcomas.
Purification and characterisation of proteins secreted by the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae with insecticidal activity against adults of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Ortiz‐Urquiza Almudena , Garrido‐Jurado Inmaculada , Santiago‐Álvarez Cándido , Quesada‐Moraga Enrique
Published: July 2009

BACKGROUND: The control of the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly) Ceratitis capitata (Wied) is usually performed with protein bait sprays incorporating chemical insecticides that may have adverse effects on humans, non‐target organisms and the environment. In recent years, scientists have sought more environmentally friendly insecticides for medfly control, such as plant‐ and microorganism‐derived compounds. Among these compounds, entomopathogenic fungi are an unexplored source of natural insecticides.

RESULTS: The crude soluble protein extract (CSPE) of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae (Mestch.) (strain EAMa 01/58‐Su) shows chronic insecticidal activity when administered per os. Mortality in flies exhibits a dose response. The CSPE produces an antifeedant effect in adult flies, a result probably due to a progressive deterioration of the fly midgut after ingestion of the extract. Protease and temperature treatments show that insecticidal activity against C. capitata is due to proteinaceous compounds that are highly thermostable. Four monomeric proteins from this crude extract have been purified by liquid chromatography and gel electroelution. Although all four monomers seem to be involved in the insecticidal activity of the CSPE, the 15 kDa and the 11 kDa proteins appear to be mainly responsible for the observed insecticidal effect.

CONCLUSIONS: Four new fungal proteins with insecticidal activity have been purified and identified. These proteins might be combined with insect baits for C. capitata biocontrol. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
An engineered tryptophan zipper‐type peptide as a molecular recognition scaffold
Authors: Cheng Zihao , Campbell Robert E.
Published: July 2009

In an effort to develop a structured peptide scaffold that lacks a disulfide bond and is thus suitable for molecular recognition applications in the reducing environment of the cytosol, we investigated engineered versions of the trpzip class of β‐hairpin peptides. We have previously shown that even most highly folded members of the trpzip class (i.e. the 16mer peptide HP5W4) are substantially destabilized by the introduction of mutations in the turn region and therefore not an ideal peptide scaffold. To address this issue, we used a FRET‐based live cell screening system to identify extended trpzip‐type peptides with additional stabilizing interactions. One of the most promising of these extended trpzip‐type variants is the 24mer xxtz1‐peptide with the sequence KAWTHDWTWNPATGKWTWLWRKNK. A phage display library of this peptide with randomization of six residues with side chains directed towards one face of the hairpin was constructed and panned against immobilized streptavidin. We have also explored the use of xxtz1‐peptide for the presentation of an unstructured peptide ‘loop’ inserted into the turn region. Although NMR analysis provided no direct evidence for structure in the xxtz1‐peptide with the loop insertion, we did attempt to use this construct as a scaffold for phage display of randomized peptide libraries. Panning of the resulting libraries against streptavidin resulted in the identification of peptide sequences with submicromolar affinities. Interestingly, substitution of key residues in the hairpin‐derived portion of the peptide resulted in a 400‐fold decrease in Kd, suggesting that the hairpin‐derived portion plays an important role in preorganization of the loop region for molecular recognition. Copyright © 2009 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Fermi surface of a superconductor: OsB2
Authors: Hebbache M.
Published: July 2009

Osmium diboride has been known for some time as a low compressibility material and a superhard material. It is suitable for hard coating applications. It is also a superconductor below 2.1 K. Using first‐principles calculations, the author investigated the geometry of its Fermi surface (FS) and calculated the related physical quantities. The theoretical results are used to predict the frequencies of the Shubnikov–de Haas quantum oscillations. Comparison with recent measurements of the magneto‐resistance oscillations in osmium diboride is made.

magnified image

The picture shows the FS of OsB2 consisting of three sheets: a pair of two nested ellipsoidal surfaces and a corrugated tubular surface.

(© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Ab initio predictions of stability and electronic properties of cubic rhodium carbides RhCx as dependent on carbon content
Authors: Bannikov V. V. , Shein I. R. , Ivanovskii A. L.
Published: July 2009

The trends in stability, structural and electronic properties of cubic rhodium carbides as dependent on carbon stoichiometry RhCx (1 ≤ x ≤ 0.25) were studied by means of the first principles FLAPW‐GGA calculations. As distinct from carbon‐rich phases RhC1.00–0.33 with positive formation energies (Eform > 0), the carbon‐deficient sub ‐carbide RhCx ≤0.25 was found to be stable (Eform < 0), and therefore it may be synthesized. Moreover, an unusual effect of “metallization” of fcc Rh owing to the introduction of carbon was predicted. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Downregulation of pro‐inflammatory cytokines by lupeol measured using cytometric bead array immunoassay
Authors: Ahmad Sheikh Fayaz , Pandey Anjali , Kour Kiranjeet , Bani Sarang
Published: July 2009

The objective of the study was to investigate the activity of Lupeol (LUP) on proinflammatory and anti‐inflammatory cytokines in the pleural exudate from male swiss albino mice. We applied Cytometric bead array technology for simultaneously measurement of these cytokines in pleurisy induced mice treated with lupeol in graded oral doses. Cytometric bead array uses the sensitivity of amplified fluorescence detection by flowcytometer to measure soluble analytes in a particle based immune assay. This assay can accurately quantitate 5 cytokines in a 50 microlitre sample volume. Oral administration of LUP at doses of 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg p.o. produced dose related inhibition of IL‐2, IFN‐gamma and TNF‐α in the pleural exudate with the most significant effect at 100 mg/kg oral dose. LUP had a non significant inhibitory effect on the levels of IL‐4 and IL‐5. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oligonol, a new lychee fruit‐derived low‐molecular form of polyphenol, enhances lipolysis in primary rat adipocytes through activation of the ERK1/2 pathway
Authors: Ogasawara Junetsu , Kitadate Kentaro , Nishioka Hiroshi , Fujii Hajime , Sakurai Takuya , Kizaki Takako , Izawa Tetsuya , Ishida Hitoshi , Ohno Hideki
Published: July 2009

The effect of Oligonol, a phenolic product from lychee fruit polyphenol (LFP) containing catechin‐type monomers and lower oligomers of proanthocyanidin, on lipolysis in primary adipocytes was investigated in order to examine the possible mechanism underlying the regulation of in vivo metabolism in fat. Oligonol significantly increased lipolysis, which was accompanied by both activation of extracellular signaling‐related kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and down‐regulation of perilipin protein expression, without an increase in intracellular cAMP production. The increase in lipolysis with Oligonol was prevented completely by pretreatment with either PD98059 or U0126, selective ERK1/2 inhibitors, which also prevented the reduction in the expression of perilipin protein. Tumor necrosis factor‐α also down‐regulated the expression of perilipin protein. However, there was no significant alteration in the expression of Gαi protein with Oligonol. These findings indicate that Oligonol enhances lipolysis in primary adipocytes, independent of cAMP production, but its effect is dependent on activation of the ERK1/2 pathway, leading to down‐regulation of perilipin protein expression. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.