bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcriptional census of 36 microdissected colorectal cancers yields a gene signature to distinguish UICC II and III
Authors: Groene Joern , Mansmann Ulrich , Meister Reinhard , Staub Eike , Roepcke Stefan , Heinze Maya , Klaman Irina , Brümmendorf Thomas , Hermann Klaus , Loddenkemper Christoph , Pilarsky Christian , Mann Benno , Adams Hans‐Peter , Buhr Heinz Johannes , Rosenthal André
Published: May 2006

UICC stage II and III colorectal cancers (CRC) differ fundamentally in prognosis and therapeutic concepts. To analyze differential gene expression between both stages and to establish a relationship between molecular background and clinical presentation, tumor material from 36 unselected consecutive patients presenting with sporadic CRC, 18 UICC stage II and 18 UICC stage III, were laser microdissected to separate epithelial tumor cells. Gene expression levels were measured using U133A Affymetrix gene arrays. Twelve CRC associated signal transduction pathways as well as all 22,000 probe sets were screened for differential gene expression. We identified a signature consisting of 45 probe sets that allowed discrimination between UICC stage II and stage III with a rate of correct classification of about 80%. The most distinctive elements in this signature were the gene GSTP‐binding elongation factor (GSPT2) and the transcription factor HOXA9. Differential expression of these genes was confirmed by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (p(HOXA9) = 0.04, p(GSTP2) = 0.02). Despite the reliability of the presented data, there was no substantial differential expression of genes in cancer‐related pathways. However, the comparison with recently published data corroborates the 45 gene signature showing structural agreement in the direction of fold changes of gene expression levels for our set of genes chosen to discriminate between both stages. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anisotropic scaffolds facilitate enhanced neurite extension in vitro
Authors: Dodla Mahesh Chandra , Bellamkonda Ravi V.
Published: May 2006

Tissue engineering (TE) techniques to enhance nerve regeneration following nerve damage have had limited success in matching the performance of autografts across short nerve gaps (< 10 mm). For regeneration over longer nerve gaps, TE techniques have been less successful than autografts. Most engineered scaffolds do not present directional cues to the regenerating nerves. In our efforts to design a TE scaffold to replace the autograft, we hypothesize that anisotropic hydrogel scaffolds with gradients of a growth‐promoting glycoprotein, laminin‐1 (LN‐1), may promote directional neurite extension and enhance regeneration. In this study we report the engineering of three‐dimensional (3D) agarose scaffolds with photoimmobilized gradients of LN‐1 of differing slopes. Dorsal root ganglia (DRG) from chicken embryos were cultured in the agarose scaffolds and their neurite extension rate was determined. DRG neurite extension rates were significantly higher in the anisotropic scaffolds, with a maximal growth rate in an anisotropic scaffold twice that of the maximal growth rate in isotropic scaffolds of LN‐1. We suggest that these anisotropic scaffolds, presenting an optimal gradient of LN‐1, may significantly impact nerve regeneration. Such anisotropic scaffolds may represent a new generation of tissue engineered materials with built‐in directional cues for guided tissue or nerve regeneration. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
Collagen I‐coated titanium surfaces: Mesenchymal cell adhesion and in vivo evaluation in trabecular bone implants
Authors: Morra M. , Cassinelli C. , Cascardo G. , Mazzucco L. , Borzini P. , Fini M. , Giavaresi G. , Giardino R.
Published: May 2006

The goal of the study was the evaluation of the effect of modification of titanium implants by acrylic acid surface grafting‐collagen I coupling. Tests were performed on titanium samples treated by galvanostatic anodization to create a porous surface topography. Surface characterization by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirms the biochemical modification of the surface and shows a surface topography characterized by pores mostly below 1 μm diameter. In vitro evaluation involving human mesenchymal cells shows enhanced cell growth on collagen coated surfaces as compared to titanium ones. Four weeks in vivo evaluation of implants in rabbit femur trabecular bone shows improvements of bone‐to‐implant contact, while improvement of bone ingrowth is slightly not significant (p = 0.056), when compared to the control. Overall, these data indicate that integration in trabecular, or cancellous, bone can be enhanced by the surface collagen layer, confirming previous findings obtained by modification of machined surfaces by the same approach in cortical bone implants. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
Isolation and characterization of UHMWPE wear particles down to ten nanometers in size from in vitro hip and knee joint simulators
Authors: Tipper J.L. , Galvin A.L. , Williams S. , McEwen H.M.J. , Stone M.H. , Ingham E. , Fisher J.
Published: May 2006

There is currently considerable interest in the wear debris and osteolytic potential of different types of bearings used in total joint replacements. The biological activity of the wear debris is dependent on the size and volume of the particles produced. Wear volume also plays an important role in the functional biological activity of a joint replacement. In vitro studies have shown that crosslinking of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) acetabular cups and tibial trays produces a reduction in wear volume, and crosslinking has now been introduced clinically for both types of prostheses. Previous studies have identified both micron and submicron‐sized polyethylene wear particles. The aim of this study was to characterize the wear and wear particles generated from moderately crosslinked GUR 1020 GVF UHMWPE acetabular cups and tibial trays in hip and knee joint wear simulators down to 10 nanometers in size. The wear rates of the two prosthesis types were very similar at 25.6 ± 5.3 mm3 per million cycles for the hip prostheses and 22.75 ± 5.95 mm3 per million cycles for the knee prostheses. Nanometer‐sized wear particles were isolated and characterized from both hip and knee simulator lubricants for the first time. Significantly higher numbers (p < 0.05) of particles in the nanometer (<0.1 μm) size range were produced by the hip prostheses compared to the knee prostheses. The knee prostheses produced larger particles, with the mode of particle size in the 0.1–1.0 μm size range, compared to <0.1 μm size range for the hip prostheses. In addition, the knee prostheses produced a greater volumetric concentration of wear particles in the 1.0–10 μm size range, and consequently lower specific biological activity and functional biological activity indices. These results indicated that the knee prostheses had a lower osteolytic potential compared to the hip prostheses. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
Molecular vibrational analysis and MAS‐NMR spectroscopy study of epilepsy drugs encapsulated in TiO2‐sol–gel reservoirs
Authors: Lopez T. , Navarrete J. , Conde R. , Ascencio J.A. , Manjarrez J. , Gonzalez R.D.
Published: May 2006

A nanostructured matrix, consisting of titania, was designed in such a way that an antiepileptic drug could be encapsulated and released according to a well‐defined time release schedule. The titania was synthesized by a sol–gel method in which titanium n‐butoxide was used as the precursor for the formation of the sol. The synthesis was optimized to yield a homogeneous particle size with a high porosity and an anatase crystal structure. The antiepilectic drugs, phenytoine or valproic acid, were added during the gelation stage in order to obtain a homogeneous gel phase. The resulting nanostructured matrix including the drug showed only weak attractive forces, such as London forces, dipole–dipole coupling, and in some cases hydrogen bonds. The resulting assembly, referred to as a reservoir, was characterized using conventional FTIR and NMR spectroscopic techniques. Theoretical simulation studies were performed so as to obtain an understanding of the equilibrium electrostatic potential distribution and the relative charges on the titania and the anticonvulsants. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
In vitro testing of calcium phosphate (HA, TCP, and biphasic HA‐TCP) whiskers
Authors: Jalota Sahil , Bhaduri Sarit B. , Tas A. Cuneyt
Published: May 2006

Calcium phosphate [single‐phase hydroxyapatite (HA, Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2), single‐phase tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP, Ca3(PO4)2), and biphasic HA‐TCP] whiskers were formed by using a novel microwave‐assisted molten salt mediated process. Aqueous solutions containing NaNO3, HNO3, Ca(NO3)2·4H2O, and KH2PO4 (with or without urea) were used as starting reagents. These solutions were irradiated in a household microwave oven for 5 min. As‐recovered precursors were then simply stirred in water at room temperature for 1 h to obtain the whiskers of the desired calcium phosphate (CaP) bioceramics. These whiskers were evaluated, respectively, in vitro by (1) soaking those in synthetic body fluid (SBF) solutions at 37°C for one week, and (2) performing cell attachment and total protein assay tests on the neat whiskers by using a mouse osteoblast cell line (7F2). β‐TCP, HA, and HA‐TCP biphasic whiskers were all found to possess apatite‐inducing ability when soaked in SBF. SBF‐soaked whiskers were found to have BET surface areas ranging from 45 to 112 m2/g. Although the osteoblast viability and protein concentrations were found to be the highest on the neat HA whiskers, cells were attached and proliferated on all the whiskers. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
Expression of genes regulating Malonyl‐CoA in human skeletal muscle
Authors: Pender Celia , Trentadue Anna R. , Pories Walter J. , Dohm G. Lynis , Houmard Joseph A. , Youngren Jack F.
Published: May 2006

In humans and animal models, increased intramuscular lipid (IML) stores have been implicated in insulin resistance. Malonyl‐CoA plays a critical role in cellular lipid metabolism both by serving as a precursor in the synthesis of lipids and by inhibiting lipid oxidation. In muscle, Malonyl‐CoA acts primarily as a negative allosteric regulator of carnitine palmitoyl transferase‐1 (CPT1) activity, thereby blocking the transport of long chain fatty acyl CoAs into the mitochondria for oxidation. In muscle, increased malonyl‐CoA, decreased muscle CPT1 activity, and increased IML have all been reported in obesity. In order to determine whether malonyl‐CoA synthesis might be under transcriptional as well as biochemical regulation, we measured mRNA content of several key genes that contribute to the cellular metabolism of malonyl‐CoA in muscle biopsies from lean to morbidly obese subjects. Employing quantitative real‐time PCR, we determined that expression of mitochondrial acetyl‐CoA carboxylase 2 (ACC2) was increased by 50% with obesity (P < 0.05). In both lean and obese subjects, expression of mitochondrial ACC2 was 20‐fold greater than that of cytoplasmic ACC1, consistent with their hypothesized roles in synthesizing malonyl‐CoA from acetyl‐CoA for CPT1 regulation and lipogenesis, respectively. In addition, in both lean and obese subjects, expression of malonyl‐CoA decarboxylase was approximately 40‐fold greater than fatty acid synthase, consistent with degradation, rather than lipogenesis, being the primary fate of malonyl‐CoA in human muscle. No other genes showed signs of increased mRNA content with obesity, suggesting that there may be selective transcriptional regulation of malonyl‐CoA metabolism in human obesity. J. Cell. Biochem. 99: 860–867, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of mannose moieties in N‐ and O‐linked oligosaccharides of the primordial germ cells of Xenopus embryos
Authors: Alonso Edurne , Gómez Laura , Madrid Juan Francisco , Sáez Francisco José
Published: May 2006

The presence of mannose (Man) in the glycoconjugates of primordial germ cells (PGCs) of Xenopus embryos was elucidated by lectin histochemistry with Concanavalin A (Con A) and snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis) bulb lectin (GNA), in combination with deglycosylative pretreatments: β‐elimination, which removes O‐linked oligosaccharides, and incubation with Peptide N glycosidase F (PNGase F), which removes N‐linked glycan chains. In addition, histochemistry with Con A, which binds to Man and glucose (Glc), was also performed after glucose‐oxidase incubation, which converts Glc into gluconic acid, and GNA was carried out after acid hydrolysis, which removes terminal sialic acid (NeuAc) moieties. PGCs were analyzed during their migration over the mesentery until the genital ridge, and after colonization of this gonad anlage. The results showed that for both lectins: (1) the PGCs and other surrounding tissue showed a similar binding pattern, and (2) the staining in the PGCs was similar in the developmental stages studied. Labeling with Con A was due to Man, and not to Glc, as shown after incubation with glucose‐oxidase, and it was assumed that Man was in N‐linked oligosaccharides. However, GNA labeling was mainly due to O‐linked oligosaccharides, because the pretreatment of β‐elimination turned cells negative. Moreover, acid hydrolysis pretreatment gave rise to a stronger GNA‐staining, suggesting that either Man was also in subterminal position to NeuAc or some Man‐containing glycans were unmasked after removal of NeuAc from other oligosaccharide chains. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mechanism of plasmid delivery by hydrodynamic tail vein injection. II. Morphological studies
Authors: Budker Vladimir G. , Subbotin Vladimir M. , Budker Tatiana , Sebestyén Magdolna G. , Zhang Guofeng , Wolff Jon A.
Published: May 2006

Background

The efficient delivery of plasmid DNA (pDNA) to hepatocytes by a hydrodynamic tail vein (HTV) procedure has greatly popularized the use of naked nucleic acids. The hydrodynamic process renders onto the tissue increased physical forces in terms of increased pressures and shear forces that could lead to transient or permanent membrane damage. It can also trigger a series of cellular events to seal or reorganize the stretched membrane. Our goal was to study the uptake mechanism by following the morphological changes in the liver and correlate these with the fate of the injected plasmid DNA.

Methods

We utilized both light microscopic (LM) and electron microscopic (EM) techniques to determine the effect of the HTV procedure on hepatocytes and non‐parenchymal cells at various times after injection. The LM studies used paraffin‐embedded livers with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The immune‐EM studies used antibodies labeled with sub‐nanometer gold particles followed by silver enhancement to identify the location of injected pDNA at the subcellular level. The level of overall damage to liver cells was estimated based on alanine aminotransferase (ALT) release and clearance.

Results

Both the LM and EM results showed the appearance of large vesicles in hepatocytes as early as 5 min post‐injection. The number of vesicles decreased by 20–60 min. Plasmid DNA molecules often appeared to be associated with or inside such vesicles. DNA could also be detected in the space of Disse, in the cytoplasm and in nuclei. Non‐parenchymal cells also contained DNA, but HTV‐induced vesicles could not be observed in them.

Conclusions

Our studies suggest an alternative or additional pathway for naked DNA into hepatocytes besides direct entry via membrane pores. It may be difficult to prove which of these pathways lead to gene expression, but the membrane pore hypothesis alone appears insufficient to explain why expression happens preferentially in hepatocytes. Further study is needed to delineate the importance of each of these putative pathways and their interrelationship in enabling oligonucleotide (siRNA) activity and pDNA expression. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reform complementarities and economic growth in the Middle East and North Africa
Authors: Nabli Mustapha Kamel , Véganzonès‐Varoudakis Marie‐Ange
Published: May 2006

In this paper we empirically analyse the linkages amongst economic reforms, human capital, physical infrastructure, and growth for a panel of 44 developing countries over 1970–1980 to 1999. For this purpose, we generate aggregated reform indicators using principal component analysis. We show that the growth performance of Middle East and North Africa (MENA) has been disappointing because these economies have lagged behind in terms of economic reforms. However, our analysis also reveals that the growth dividend of some reforms has been small. This is the case when structural reforms are implemented in an unstable macroeconomic environment (which corresponds to the situation of the MENA countries in the 1980s), and when macroeconomic reforms are accompanied by a low level of structural reforms (as observed during the 1990s). Our result illustrates the complementarities between reforms as modelled by Mussa (1987) and Williamson (1994). Actually, after human capital and physical infrastructure, our analysis finds that macroeconomic and external stability are key variables for the reform process and for the growth prospects of the developing world. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interleukin‐1α stimulates non‐amyloidogenic pathway by α‐secretase (ADAM‐10 and ADAM‐17) cleavage of APP in human astrocytic cells involving p38 MAP kinase
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Sanghamitra , Hartley Dean M. , Cahill Catherine M. , Lahiri Debomay K. , Chattopadhyay Naibedya , Rogers Jack T.
Published: May 2006

Interleukin‐1α (IL‐1α) stimulates a disintegrin and metalloproteinase, ADAM‐17 synthesis, consistent with activation of the soluble fragment of Amyloid Precursor Protein, APP, (sAPPα) in human primary astrocytes. To characterize the mechanism by which IL‐1α promotes the non‐amyloidogenic pathway of APP metabolism, we used U373 MG astrocytoma cells. IL‐1α significantly increased levels of ADAM‐10 and ADAM‐17 mRNA in 16 hr. Upregulation of ADAM‐17 mRNA by IL‐1α was more pronounced despite higher basal levels of ADAM‐10 mRNA. This pattern was also observed at the protein level with the upregulation of α‐secretase. RNA interference (RNAi) of ADAM‐10 and ADAM‐17 inhibited IL‐1α‐stimulated sAPPα release and the effect was more pronounced with ADAM‐17 RNAi. Concomitantly, the level of sAPPα was significantly increased by IL‐1α in 48 hr; however, IL‐1α stimulated cell‐associated APP levels maximally at 6 h but the induction declined at 48 hr. IL‐1α treatment of cells for 48 h reduced both intracellular and secreted levels of amyloid‐β, Aβ‐40, and Aβ‐42 peptides. Multiple MAP kinases (MAPK), including MEK/ERK, p38 kinase, PI3 kinase (PI3K) but not JNK were involved in the regulation of IL‐1α‐stimulated α‐secretase activity and sAPPα release. p38 MAPK seems to be the most proximal of these MAPKs, as it was the earliest to be activated by IL‐1α and blocking this pathway attenuated activation of IL‐1α‐induced MEK and PI3K pathways. Our data show a complex mechanism of sAPPα regulation by IL‐1α that involves ADAM‐10, ADAM‐17 and p38 MAPK upstream of MEK and PI3K. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of antibacterial activity of extracts of five species of wood‐colonizing fungi
Authors: Janeš Damjan , Umek Andrej , Kreft Samo
Published: May 2006

Screening new organisms for antibacterial activity and searching for new antibacterial drugs is important due to the constant generation of new antibiotic‐resistant strains of pathogenic bacteria. An E. coli broth microdilution test was used to evaluate the results of the Vibrio fischeri bioluminescence test in five of the most antibacterially active species of wood‐colonizing fungi. Serpula lacrymans was found to be a potential source of thermostable antibiotic(s) and the Vibrio fischeri bioluminescence test was confirmed to be a useful method for screening for antibacterial activity. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Characterization of bacteriocin HV219, produced by Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis HV219 isolated from human vaginal secretions
Authors: Todorov Svetoslav D. , Danova Svetla T. , Van Reenen Carol A. , Meincken Martina , Dinkova Galina , Ivanova Iskra V. , Dicks Leon M. T.
Published: May 2006

Bacteriocin HV219, produced by Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis HV219, is active against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. Activity was lost when treated with proteolytic enzymes, SDS, Triton X‐114 and Triton X‐100, but not at pH 2.0 to 10.0 or after 20 min at 121 °C. Growth in the presence of yeast extract as sole nitrogen source yielded 3200 AU/ml. No bacHV219 activity was recorded in MRS broth with maltose, mannose, lactose or sucrose as sole carbohydrate, but fructose yielded 1600 AU/ml. K2HPO4 at 10.0 g/l yielded 3200 AU/ml. Addition of 1.0 mg/l cyanocobalamin, l‐ascorbic acid and thiamine to MRS broth yielded 3200 AU/ml, 1600 AU/ml and 1600 AU/ml, respectively. The mode of activity is bacteriolytic, as confirmed by atomic force microscopy. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Plant growth promotion and induction of resistance in Camellia sinensis by Bacillus megaterium
Authors: Chakraborty Usha , Chakraborty Bishwanath , Basnet Merab
Published: May 2006

Bacillus megaterium de Bary TRS‐4 was isolated from tea rhizosphere and tested for its ability to promote growth and cause disease reduction in tea plants. In vivo studies revealed the ability of this bacterium to promote growth of tea plants very significantly. Brown root rot disease, caused by Fomes lamaoensis was markedly reduced by application of the bacterium to the soil. Population of F. lamaoensis in soil before and after application of B. megaterium, as determined by ELISA and dot‐blot using PAb raised against the pathogen, was shown to be greatly reduced in presence of the bacterium. Biochemical changes induced in tea plants were also examined. Root colonization by B. megaterium and subsequent inoculation with F. lamaoensis also led to an increase in polyphenolics, as well as in defense related enzymes‐peroxidase, chitinase, β ‐1,3‐glucanase and phenyl alanine ammonia lyase. Determination of mechanism of action of this bacterium revealed it to be able to solubilize phosphate, produce IAA, siderophore and antifungal metabolite. The plant growth promotion and reduction of disease intensity have been shown to be due to a combination of several mechanisms. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A mathematical model of Saccharomyces cerevisiae growth in response to cadmium toxicity
Authors: Hietala Katie A. , Lynch Miranda L. , Allshouse John C. , Johns Craig J. , Roane Timberley M.
Published: May 2006

Microbial growth can be described using models derived by differential equations, but available mathematical models have yet to adequately describe lag phase related cell growth or cell mortality in response to chemical toxicity. Lag phase cell behavior, however, dictates the onset of exponential growth and the number of actively growing cells available to initiate exponential growth, important factors in the success of remediation efforts. In this study, a five‐parameter polynomial ratio (PR) model was used to characterize the growth, from lag through stationary phase, of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae in response to cadmium toxicity. The PR model used in this study has the advantages over standard mathematical models in the ability to represent the initial cell mortality observed when S. cerevisiae is exposed to increasing cadmium levels, up to 12 mg/l Cd, as well as following cell recovery and growth to stationary levels. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Screening and selection of most potent diazotrophic cyanobacterial isolate exhibiting natural tolerance to rice field herbicides for exploitation as biofertilizer
Authors: Singh Surendra , Datta Pallavi
Published: May 2006

Periodic applications of heavy dosages of herbicides in modern rice‐agriculture are a necessary evil for obtaining high crop productivity. Such herbicides are not only detrimental to weeds but biofertilizer strains of diazotrophic cyanobacteria also. It is therefore, essential to screen and select such biofertilizer strains of diazotrophic cyanobacteria exhibiting natural tolerance to common rice‐field herbicides that can be further improved by mutational techniques to make biofertilizer technology a viable one. Therefore, efforts have been made to screen five dominant diazotrophic cyanobacterial forms e.g. filamentous heterocystous Nostoc punctiforme , Nostoc calcicola , Anabaena variabilis and unicellular Gloeocapsa sp. and Aphanocapsa sp. along with standard laboratory strain Nostoc muscorum ISU against increasing concentrations (0–100 mg l–1) of four commercial grade common rice‐field herbicides i.e. Arozin, Butachlor, Alachlor and 2,4‐D under diazotrophic growth conditions. The lethal and IGC50 concentrations for all four herbicides tested were found highest for A. variabilis as compared to other test cyanobacteria. The lowest reduction in chlorophyll a content, photosynthetic oxygen evolution, and N2‐fixation was found in A. variabilis as compared to other rice field isolates and standard laboratory strain N. muscorum ISU. On the basis of prolong survival potential and lowest reductions in vital metabolic activities tested at IGC50 concentration of four herbicides, it is concluded that A. variabilis is the most potent and promising cyanobacterial isolate as compared with other forms. This could be further improved by mutational techniques for exploitation as most potential and viable biofertilizer strain. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A new p ‐terphenyl derivative from fruiting bodies of the basidiomycete Sarcodon laevigatum
Authors: Ma Bing‐Ji , Hu Qun , Liu Ji‐Kai
Published: May 2006

A new metabolite with p ‐terphenyl core, named sarcodan (1), together with three known p ‐terphenyl metabolites (3, 4, 5) represented as Fig. 1, was isolated from the fruiting bodies of the basidiomycete Sarcodon laevigatum . The structures of these compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic and chemical methods. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Isolation and identification of mixed linked β ‐glucan degrading bacteria in the intestine of broiler chickens and partial characterization of respective 1,3‐1,4‐β ‐glucanase activities
Authors: Beckmann Lutz , Simon Ortwin , Vahjen Wilfried
Published: May 2006

Media with 1,3‐1,4‐β ‐glucans as selective markers were used for isolation of non‐starch‐polysaccharide (NSP) degrading bacteria from the intestinal tract of broiler chicken. Formerly unknown 1,3‐1,4‐β endoglucanase activities in various bacterial species were identified in this study. E. faecium , Streptococcus , Bacteroides and Clostridium strains seem to be responsible for degradation of mixed linked β ‐glucans in the small intestine and in the hind gut of chickens. Strict anaerobic bacteria (Bacteroides ovatus , B. uniformis , presumably B. capillosus and Clostridium perfringens ) as well as an unidentified bacterium with 98% 16S rDNA homology to an uncultered chicken cecum bacterium were isolated. Additionally, Streptococcus bovis with 1,3‐1,4‐β ‐endoglucanase activity was also detected. Different 1,3‐1,4‐β ‐endoglucanase activity profiles were observed in SDS/PAGE zymograms. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Earlier spring in Seoul, Korea
Authors: Ho Chang‐Hoi , Lee E.‐J. , Lee I. , Jeong S.‐J.
Published: May 2006

In the present study, long‐term changes in the first bloom date of shrub and tree species in Seoul (126.56°E, 37.34°N), Korea were examined using historical observational data for the period 1922–2004 (83 years). The study focused on two shrub species, golden‐bell (Forsythia koreana) and azalea (Rhododendron mucronulatum), and three tree species, cherry (Prunus yedoensis), peach (Prunus persica), and American locust (Robinia pseudoacacia). The annual‐mean temperature has increased by about 2 °C in Seoul over the 83 years analyzed. The temperature increase is significant during the winter and early spring and becomes less significant during late spring. As a result of this regional warming, all five species showed an advance in the first bloom date over this time period. The advanced date is particularly apparent in early‐spring flowering species like golden‐bell (−2.4 days 10‐year−1), azalea (−2.4 days 10‐year−1), cherry (−1.4 days 10‐year−1), and peach (−1.4 days 10‐year−1) as compared to late‐spring flowering species like American locust (−0.5 days 10‐year−1).

The present results have demonstrated that the major factor for the determination of flower blooming is heat accumulation, i.e. a certain threshold of growing degree‐days (GDD) index. In particular, early spring flowers were sensitive to the accumulation of warm temperature than late‐spring flowers. Copyright © 2006 Royal Meteorological Society
Observation of SERS effect in Raman optical activity, a new tool for chiral vibrational spectroscopy
Authors: Abdali Salim
Published: May 2006

A new tool for chiral vibrational spectroscopy is reported here. A surface enhanced effect was observed using Raman optical activity (ROA). This observation opens new possibilities for ROA as a tool for vibrational spectroscopy. The combination of surface enhanced effect (SE) and ROA into surface enhanced Raman optical activity (SEROA) takes this tool to another level, where a single molecule may be studied with respect to chirality, secondary structure and fold determination. ROA has been able to provide information about important dynamics in molecular understanding. Until recently, however, ROA measurements required a longer exposure and higher concentration of the sample. With SEROA these obstacles can be overcome because both studies on single molecule, i.e. very low concentration, and faster acquisition of the signal can be carried out. In the present, work silver colloids were mixed with solution, in which a pentapeptide, Met‐Enkephalin, was dissolved. SEROA signals were recorded and the results are reported here. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vibrational characterization of poly(1‐methylpyrrole‐ co‐squaric acid) and poly(1‐dodecylpyrrole‐co‐squaric acid) by enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Sant'Ana Antonio Carlos , de Siqueira Leonardo José Amaral , Santos Paulo Sergio , Temperini Marcia Laudelina Arruda
Published: May 2006

Poly(1‐methylpyrrole‐co‐squaric acid) (PMPS) and poly(1‐dodecylpyrrole‐co‐squaric acid) (PDPS), copolymers of the class of polysquaraines, were synthesized and their structure determined by UV‐VIS‐NIR, resonance Raman and surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopies. The spectroscopic results led to a structure different from that proposed in the literature, having radical units localized in the protonated squarate moieties and polypyrrole dication‐like segments. The resonance Raman profiles indicate the presence of two chromospheres that are consistent with the electronic data. The Raman assignment was supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Studies of dopant effects in poly(3,4‐ethylenedi‐oxythiophene) using Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Chiu William W. , Travaš‐Sejdić Jadranka , Cooney Ralph P. , Bowmaker Graham A.
Published: May 2006

Raman spectroscopy has been used to study the doping processes in poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) PEDOT prepared via conventional electrochemical methods. The initially doped PEDOT films resulting from the polymerization process were first dedoped before being further oxidized in different electrolyte solutions at a number of different potentials to generate polymer films doped with a variety of dopants with different doping levels. Raman spectra of these re‐doped PEDOT films were recorded ex‐situ in order to monitor the progress of the re‐doping processes by observing the shifts in the positions of CC stretching vibrations. This has provided an understanding of the extent of conversion between PEDOT structures from the dedoped state to the highly doped state during electrochemical re‐doping. It was discovered that the extent of conversion varies with the type of dopant incorporated in the polymer films, which suggests that the doping process depends also on the nature of the dopant. Factors such as the size, the structural complexity and the charge on the dopant are believed to have significant effects on the efficiency of the doping processes in PEDOT. A curve‐fitting method was also applied to fit the symmetric CαCβ stretching band and its neighboring bands, in order to calculate the ratio of the band intensities due to the neutral and the oxidized structures in PEDOT. The doping level can then be approximately estimated by substituting this ratio into a previously determined correlation equation. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Growth of soybean sprouts affected by chitosans prepared under various deproteinization and demineralization times
Authors: No Hong Kyoon , Kim Soon Dong , Prinyawiwatkul Witoon , Meyers Samuel P
Published: May 2006

Chitosan, a natural biopolymer derived by deacetylation of chitin, has been extensively used in biomedical, agricultural and food applications. The ultimate aim of research effort was to develop various economic/simplified chitosan production processes for particular food applications. Therefore, a set of experiments was designed to evaluate the effect of chitosans prepared under various deproteinization (DP) times (at 0, 5 and 15 min) and demineralization (DM) times (at 0, 10, 20 and 30 min) on the growth of soybean sprouts. Chitosan treatment increased the total weight of soybean sprouts by 10.7–13.8% compared with that of the control; the effectiveness of the chitosan treatment was independent of DP and DM times. The increase (12.7%) in the growth of soybean sprouts by chitosan prepared without DP and DM steps was noteworthy. This investigation demonstrates that the elimination of DP and DM steps or a reduction in the reaction time required for optimum DP and DM in the production of chitosan needs further studies before being considered for particular usages. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Gallbladder cancer: A global perspective
Authors: Kapoor V.K.
Published: May 2006

Gallbladder cancer, the commonest malignancy of the biliary tract worldwide, is common in northern India. It can be clinically obvious, an unexpected finding at laparotomy, detected incidentally on histological examination or may be missed only to present with recurrence during follow up. US, CECT, uppeer gastro‐intestinal endoscopy, and laparoscopy are useful for diagnosis and staging. We have adopted a ‘middle path’—between pessimistic nihilism of the West and aggressive radicalism of Japan—of management, i.e., extended cholecystectomy for early disease confined to the gallbladder and hepato‐dudodenal ligament, and non‐surgical palliation for advanced disease. The aetiological role of gallstones in the causation of gallbladder cancer needs to be investigated to decide the place of prophylactic cholecystectomy, if any. J. Surg. Oncol. 2006;93:607–609. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An objective assessment of demography of gallbladder cancer
Authors: Kumar J. Ram , Tewari Mallika , Rai Arundhati , Sinha Rohan , Mohapatra Sadhu C. , Shukla Hari S.
Published: May 2006

Background and Objectives

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is a lethal disease with a wide geographical, ethnic, and cultural variation suggesting major environmental influences such as diet and life style factors in the development of disease. An objective assessment of demographic profile and full implication of these features to recognize the population at risk is needed. This study was therefore undertaken to study the demography of GBC in Varanasi.

Methods

A retrospective study as a case—control model comprised 328 cases of GBC and 328 controls with gallstone disease (GSD). The relevant demographic data were collected and analyzed for identification of independent significant features and for the risk of GBC based on these features by calculating odds ratio.

Results and Conclusions

GBC predominantly a disease of females belonged to fourth and fifth decade of life. Among 328 cases of GBC only 75 were male and 253 female (M:F = 1:3.37). Majority of GBC patients were above 40 years and multiparous females. Family history of GBC was higher in GBC patients. Majority of GBC patients were of low socioeconomic status and hailed from rural background. This group tends to consume open mustard oil and water from hand pump. This study emphasizes the usefulness of demographic evaluation in diagnosis of GBC and a systematic approach to assessment of demographic features of GBC is recommended. J. Surg. Oncol. 2006;93:610–614. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gallstones and gallbladder cancer‐volume and weight of gallstones are associated with gallbladder cancer: A case‐control study
Authors: Roa Iván , Ibacache Gilda , Roa Juan , Araya Juan , de Aretxabala Xabier , Muñoz Sergio
Published: May 2006

Background

Gallstones are considered the most important risk factor for gallbladder cancer.

Aim

To identify differences in the number, weight, volume, and density of gallstones associated with chronic cholecystitis (CC), gallbladder dysplasia (GD), and gallbladder cancer (GBC).

Methods

A total of 125 cases were selected, of which 93 had gallstones associated with GBC and 31 had gallstones associated with GD. The controls were those with CC, matched by sex and age. The number, weight, volume, and density of these gallstones were examined in order to determine differences and relative cancer risk.

Results

Number: Multiple gallstones were present in over 76% of cases (GBC and GD) and controls (P = ns). The average number of multiple stones was 21 in GBC versus 14 in controls (P < 0.01). Weight: The average weight of the gallstones was 9.6 g in GBC versus 6.0 g in controls (P = 0.0004). The average weight in multiple stones over 10 g had strong association with GBC (P = 0.0006). Volume: The average volume was 11.7 and 6.48 ml in GBC and controls (P = 0.0002). Average volumes of 6, 8, and 10 ml had a relative cancer risk of 5, 7, and 11 times, respectively. Size: No differences were shown between GBC, GD, and controls.

Conclusions

The volume of gallstones associated with other risk factors of GBC may be helpful in prioritizing cholecystectomies in symptomatic patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2006;93:624–628. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
K‐ras, p53 mutations, and microsatellite instability (MSI) in gallbladder cancer
Authors: Saetta Angelica A.
Published: May 2006

Despite the considerable progress in understanding the molecular pathology of carcinogenesis, the genetic mechanisms underlying the development and progression of gallbladder cancer (GC) are poorly understood. The survival of GC patients is generally poor. Therefore, it is very useful to define valuable prognostic factors. The most extensively studied oncogenes in gallbladder carcinogenesis are ras, commonly mutated in neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract. K‐ras oncogene is altered in a subset of gallbladder patients and mainly in those having anomalous junction of the pancreaticobiliary tract. Most of the studies of genetic abnormalities in GC have focused on p53 gene. p53 mutation/overexpression and/or LOH is present in more than 50% of gallbladder carcinomas, suggesting an important role in their pathogenesis. However, these results have not any predictive value yet. Moreover, the involvement of an alternative molecular pathway, that of microsatellite instability (MSI), is found in a limited group of GC patients. Additional research is necessary to establish its possible relation to defects of the mismatch repair (MMR) system and its proposed prognostic significance. Further elucidation of the molecular events specific to GC will help to identify novel molecular targets for the diagnosis and clinical management of the patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2006;93:644–649. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Application of modern imaging methods in diagnosis of gallbladder cancer
Authors: Rodríguez‐Fernández Antonio , Gómez‐Río Manuel , Medina‐Benítez Antonio , Moral Jesús Villar‐del , Ramos‐Font Carlos , Ramia‐Ángel José Manuel , Llamas‐Elvira José Manuel , Ferrón‐Orihuela Jose Antonio , Lardelli‐Claret Pablo
Published: May 2006

The poor prognosis of gallbladder cancer (GBC) is related to its dissemination capacity and usually late diagnosis due to its non‐specific clinical appearance. Recent improvements in hepatobiliary surgery have underlined the importance of an early specific diagnosis, which requires a multidisciplinary approach and, when possible, specialized equipment. The first step in an early diagnosis is to identify patients in the appropriate epidemiological setting (e.g., incidental finding, chronic cholecystitis) for the correct interpretation of test results. It is desirable to enhance the sensitivity of the initial ultrasound (US) examination by use of the appropriate technology in skilled specialist hands. When GBC is suggested by US findings, FDG‐PET can be considered complementary to establish the benign/malignant nature of the lesion and to obtain a primary staging study. If GBC is confirmed, thin slice spiral CT can contribute valuable information on local spread. In this regard, recent hybrid PET‐CT systems provide structural and functional information simultaneously and may offer early and accurate T, N, and M staging with an improved specificity. J. Surg. Oncol. 2006;93:650–654. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
CA 125: A potential tumor marker for gallbladder cancer
Authors: Chaube Amita , Tewari Mallika , Singh Usha , Shukla H.S.
Published: May 2006

Background

CA 125 is a glycoprotein and a commonly used tumor marker in ovarian carcinoma. Its use in gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) has not yet been reported. We have henceforth examined for the first time the diagnostic utility of CA 125 in patients with gallbladder diseases.

Patients and Methods

Serum CA 125 was measured in 64 patients with GBC, 47 Gallstone disease (GSD) and 23 healthy volunteers by ELISA. CA 125 level was compared between different cohorts by non‐parametric test (Kruskal Wallis and Mann‐Whitney test). Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was constructed to see the diagnostic utility of CA 125. Its level was also correlated with age, sex and clinico‐pathological parameters of the patients included in the study.

Results

Mean value of CA 125 in patients with GBC, GSD and healthy volunteers was 77.44 ± 141.31 U/ml, 7.85 ± 5.40 U/ml, and 8.08 ± 3.26 U/ml respectively and showed a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001). CA 125 at cut off value of 11 U/ml yielded 64% sensitivity and 90% specificity in differentiating benign from malignant gallbladder disease. CA 125 level increased with stage and grade of the GBC though this was not statistically significant. A higher level of CA 125 was found in presence of gallbladder mass, weight loss, ascites and loss of appetite compared to patients with GSD. No association of CA 125 was apparent with either age or sex of the patients.

Conclusion

CA 125 has a diagnostic potential for GBC and can differentiate GBC from GSD in light of other clinical details. J. Surg. Oncol. 2006;93:665–669. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Surgical strategies in patients with gallbladder cancer: Nihilism to optimism
Authors: Sikora Sadiq S. , Singh Rajneesh K.
Published: May 2006

Introduction

Gallbladder cancer is an aggressive disease with dismal results of surgical treatment and a poor prognosis. However, over the last few decades selected groups have reported improved results with aggressive surgery for gallbladder cancer.

Methods

Review of recent world literature was done to provide an update on the current concepts of surgical treatment of this disease.

Results

Long‐term survival is possible in early stage gallbladder carcinoma. Tis and T1a gallbladder carcinoma can be treated with simple cholecystectomy only. However, in T1b and beyond cancers, aggressive surgery (extended cholecystectomy) is important in improving the long‐term prognosis. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy should not be performed where there is a high index of suspicion of malignancy due to the frequent association with factors (such as gallbladder perforation and bile spill) which may lead to implantation of cancer cells and dissemination. Surgical resection for advanced carcinoma gallbladder is recommended only if a potentially curative R0 resection is possible. Aggressive surgery with vascular and multivisceral resection has been shown to be feasible albeit with an increase in mortality and morbidity. However, the true benefit of these radical resections is yet to be realized, as the actual number of long‐term survivors of advanced gallbladder carcinoma is few.

Conclusions

Surgery for gallbladder carcinoma, like other malignancies, has the potential to be curative only in local or regional disease. Pattern of loco‐regional spread of disease dictates the surgical procedure. Radical surgery improves survival in early gallbladder carcinoma. The long‐term benefit of aggressive surgery for advanced disease is unclear and may be offset by the high mortality and morbidity. J. Surg. Oncol. 2006;93:670–681. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Management of cancer gallbladder found as a surprise on a resected gallbladder specimen
Authors: Misra Mahesh Chandra , Guleria Sandeep
Published: May 2006

Carcinoma gallbladder is associated with an overall 5‐year survival rate reported less than 5% due to late diagnosis. Advent of ultrasound scanning may help in detecting gallbladder polyps and an early gallbladder cancer. Excellent 5‐year survival (up to 100%) has been reported for Stage Ia disease and the survival has significantly improved for Stage Ib, II, and III if appropriate re‐operation is carried out soon after the incidental detection of gallbladder cancer. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is contraindicated in the presence of gallbladder cancer. It is recommended to excise all laparoscopic port sites, at the time of re‐operation. Re‐operation for Stage II gallbladder cancer is associated with a 90–100% 3‐year survival rate. Patients with Stage III and IV tumors also benefit from an extended cholecystectomy. Patients with bulky primary tumors without lymph node metastases (T4N0) seem to have a better prognosis than those with distant lymph node metastases, and should be treated aggressively. It is advantageous to perform the appropriate extent of surgery for gallbladder cancer at the initial operation. Heightened awareness of the presence of cancer and the knowledge of appropriate management are important. For patients whose cancer is an incidental finding on pathologic review, re‐resection is indicated for all disease except Stage Ia. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy have not been found effective as an adjuvant or palliative therapy in gallbladder cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2006;93:690–698. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chemoradiotherapy in gallbladder cancer
Authors: de Aretxabala Xabier , Roa Ivan , Berrios Marcela , Hepp Juan , Gallardo Jorge , Cordova Andres , Roa Juan Carlos , Leon Jorge , Maluenda Fernando
Published: May 2006

Gallbladder cancer (GC) is considered a rare disease associated with a poor prognosis. Unfortunately, the low number of cases makes the performance of trials addressing the role of adjuvant, neoadjuvant, and/or palliative therapy difficult. For a long time, the majority of trials were 5‐fluorouracil (5 FU)‐based, and results were uniformly poor. Since the introduction of Gemcitabine, response rates of approximately 30% have been observed through the use of this drug and new approaches have been tested. In this sense, drugs such as Cisplatin and Capecitabine have been employed concurrently with gemcitabine and/or radiation. Since a recurrence pattern is both distant and local, chernoradiation seems a logical option to deal with the disease. However, at the present time, the lack of valid and scientific evidence means that most of the recommendations originate from trials dealing with other tumors, such as pancreas cancer and biliary tract cancer (BTC). The aforementioned treatment alternatives warrant further evaluation focusing on GC. J. Surg. Oncol. 2006;93:699–704. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.