bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peptide inhibitors of the malaria surface protein, apical membrane antigen 1: Identification of key binding residues
Authors: Lee Erinna F. , Yao Shenggen , Sabo Jennifer K. , Fairlie W. Douglas , Stevenson Rachel A. , Harris Karen S. , Anders Robin F. , Foley Michael , Norton Raymond S.
Published: January 2011

Apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1) is essential for malaria parasite invasion of erythrocytes and is therefore an attractive target for drug development. Peptides that bind AMA1 have been identified from random peptide libraries expressed on the surface of phage. Of these, R1, which binds to a hydrophobic ligand binding site on AMA1, was a particularly potent inhibitor of parasite invasion of erythrocytes in vitro. The solution structure of R1 contains a turn‐like conformation between residues 5–10. Here the importance of residues in this turn‐like structure for binding to AMA1 was examined by site‐directed mutagenesis and NMR spectroscopy. The peptide was expressed as a fusion protein following replacement of Met16 by Leu in order to accommodate cyanogen bromide cleavage. This modified peptide (R2) displayed the same affinity for AMA1 as R1, showing that the identity of the side chain at position 16 was not critical for binding. Substitution of Phe5, Pro7, Leu8, and Phe9 with alanine led to significant (7.5‐ to >350‐fold) decreases in affinity for AMA1. Comparison of backbone amide and CαH chemical shifts for these R2 analogues with corresponding values for R2 showed no significant changes, with the exception of R2(P7A), where slightly larger differences were observed, particularly for residues flanking position 7. The absence of significant changes in the secondary chemical shifts suggests that these mutations had little effect on the solution conformation of R2. The identification of a nonpolar region of these peptides containing residues essential for AMA1 binding establishes a basis for the design of anti‐malarial drugs based on R1 mimetics. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 95: 354–364, 2011.
Large scale chiral chromatography for the separation of an enantiomer to accelerate drug development
Authors: Hsu Leo C. , Kim Hyunjung , Yang Xiqin , Ross David
Published: January 2011

There are several approaches to produce enantiomerically pure drug substances, such as recrystallization, catalytic process (ligand and enzyme), indirect chromatographic resolution, and direct chromatographic resolution. However, the use of preparative chromatography with chiral stationary phases seems to be most effective for early phase projects, where the time and resources on the developments need to be minimized to get the drug candidates into the clinical studies. We showed that by following a well‐defined process, chiral chromatography can be easily scaled up from an analytical system to a pilot plant system. We also used the results from a multicolumn continuous chromatography (MCC) study to conclude that MCC can be a cost‐effective production method for chiral manufacturing. Chirality, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Solvent‐free synthesis of chiral Schiff‐base ligands based on ferrocene under microwave irradiation and application to enantioselective nitroaldol (Henry) reaction
Authors: Öztürk Gülşen , Çolak Mehmet , Demirel Nadir
Published: January 2011

Chiral Schiff‐bases3a,3b,3c,3d,3e,3fbased on ferrocene were designed and synthesized using solvent‐free methods by mixing ferrocene carbaldehyde 1 with amino alcohols and amines2a,2b,2c,2d,2e,2funder microwave irradiation and classical method for the enantioselective nitroaldol (Henry) reaction. The Schiff‐bases were obtained in shorter reaction times and improved yield under microwave irradiation method over classical method. The highest enantioselectivity was observed in ligand3e(95% ee) when CH2Cl2was used as solvent. Chirality, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pharmacokinetics and magnetic resonance imaging of biodegradable macromolecular blood‐pool contrast agent PG–Gd in non‐human primates: a pilot study
Authors: Tian Mei , Wen Xiaoxia , Jackson Edward F. , Ng Chaan , Uthamanthil Rajesh , Liang Dong , Gelovani Juri G. , Li Chun
Published: January 2011

The purpose of this study was to evaluate poly(L‐glutamic acid)‐benzyl‐DTPA–Gd (PG–Gd), a new biodegradable macromolecular magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent, for its pharmacokinetics and MRI enhancement in nonhuman primates. Studies were performed in rhesus monkeys at intravenous doses of 0.01, 0.02 and 0.08 mmol Gd/kg. T1‐weighted MR images were acquired at 1.5 T using fast spoiled gradient recalled echo and fast spin echo imaging protocols. The small‐molecule contrast agent Magnevist was used as a control. PG–Gd in the monkey showed a bi‐exponential disposition. The initial blood concentrations within 2 h of PG–Gd administration were much higher than those for Magnevist. The high blood concentration of PG–Gd was consistent with the MR imaging data, which showed prolonged circulation of PG–Gd in the blood pool. Enhancement of blood vessels and organs with a high blood perfusion (heart, liver, and kidney) was clearly visualized at 2 h after contrast injection at the three doses used. A greater than proportional increase of the area under the blood concentration–time curve was observed when the administered single dose was increased from 0.01 to 0.08 mmol/kg. By 2 days after PG–Gd injection, the contrast agent was mostly cleared from all major organs, including kidney. The mean residence time was 15 h at the 0.08 mmol/kg dose. A similar pharmacokinetic profile was observed in mice, with a mean residence time of 5.4 h and a volume of distribution at steady‐state of 85.5 ml/kg, indicating that the drug was mainly distributed in the blood compartment. Based on this pilot study, further investigations on the potential systemic toxicity of PG–Gd in both rodents and large animals are warranted before testing this agent in humans. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cytomorphology of male breast lesions: Diagnostic pitfalls and clinical implications
Authors: Rosa Marilin , Masood Shahla
Published: January 2011

Because lesions of the male breast have been exceeded in number by those of the female breast, marginal attention was given to these lesions in the past. Fortunately, this has changed over the years leading to an increased awareness about male breast cancer. Although male breast cancer constitutes only about 1% of all diagnosed breast cancer cases, an increased mortality is seen in this patient population. This is probably caused by late diagnosis as a consequence of low level of concern about breast cancer among male patients.

However, the vast majority of lesions of the male breast are benign, gynecomastia being the number one cause of unilateral or bilateral breast mass. Since it is important to avoid unnecessary surgical treatment without missing malignancy, accurate diagnostic tools are necessary in order to triage these patients. Fine‐needle aspiration biopsy has demonstrated excellent accuracy in the diagnosis and management of breast lesions in female patients. In addition, several authors have proven the value of this technique in the evaluation of lesions of the male breast. Fine‐needle aspiration biopsy permits accurate diagnosis in many lesions arising in the male breast. It also allows gathering cytological material that can be used for ancillary studies which enhances the diagnostic value of this technique. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cytokeratin‐20 immunocytochemistry in voided urine cytology and its comparison with nuclear matrix protein‐22 and urine cytology in the detection of urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Srivastava Ruchi , Arora Vinod Kumar , Aggarwal Seema , Bhatia Arati , Singh Navjeevan , Agrawal Vivek
Published: January 2011

This study was done on 59 subjects (42 urinary bladder carcinoma patients and 17 non‐neoplastic controls). Urine cytology and bladder chek NMP22 test was done on all cases. CK20 immunostaining was performed on archived papanicolaou stained urine cytology smears in 34 cases (27 bladder carcinoma and 7 negative controls). Results of all three tests (cytology, NMP22, and CK20 immunostaining) were compared with histopathology to evaluate the accuracy of individual test. The combination of cytology and NMP22 was compared with combination of cytology and CK20 immunostaining for detection of bladder carcinoma. NMP22 had sensitivity of 92.9% and specificity of 70.6%, as compared with voided urine cytology (sensitivity of 76.2% and specificity of 76.5%) and CK20 immunostaining (sensitivity of 70.4% and specificity of 71.4%). Combination of cytology and NMP22 gave better results (sensitivity of 88.1% and specificity of 88.2%) than combination of cytology and CK20 immunostaining or any other test in isolation. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Forest ecohydrological research in the 21st century: what are the critical needs?
Authors: Vose James M. , Sun Ge , Ford Chelcy R. , Bredemeier Michael , Otsuki Kyoichi , Wei Xiaohua , Zhang Zhiqiang , Zhang Lu
Published: January 2011

Modern ecohydrologic science will be critical for providing the best information to policy makers and society to address water resource challenges in the 21st century. Implicitly, ecohydrology involves understanding both the functional interactions among vegetation, soils, and hydrologic processes at multiple scales and the linkages among upland, riparian, and aquatic components. In this paper, we review historical and contemporary ecohydrologic science, focusing on watershed structure and function and the threats to watershed structure and function. Climate change, land use change, and invasive species are among the most critical contemporary issues that affect water quantity and quality, and a mechanistic understanding of watershed ecosystem structure and function is required to understand their impacts on water quantity and quality. Economic and social values of ecosystem services such as water supply from forested watersheds must be quantified in future research, as land use decisions that impact ecohydrologic function are driven by the interplay among economic, social, political, and biological constraints. Future forest ecohydrological research should focus on: (1) understanding watershed responses to climate change and variability, (2) understanding watershed responses to losses of native species or additions of non‐native species, (3) developing integrated models that capitalize on long‐term data, (4) linking ecohydrologic processes across scales, and (5) managing forested watersheds to adapt to climate change. We stress that this new ecohydrology research must also be integrated with socio‐economic disciplines. Published in 2011. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Assessment of heritable genetic effects using new genetic tools and sentinels in an era of personalized medicine
Authors: Elespuru Rosalie K.
Published: January 2011

The challenge of estimating human health effects from damage to the germ line may be met in the genomic era. Understanding the genetic, as opposed to postconception developmental basis of birth defects is critical to their use in monitoring heritable genetic damage. The causes of common birth defects are analyzed here: mendelian genetic, multigenic, developmental, inherited, or combinational. Only a small fraction of these (noninherited, mendelian genetic) are likely to be informative relative to germ cell mutagenesis, and these won't be discernible against the general background of birth defects. Targeted genetic testing as part of personalized medicine could be integrated into a strategy for assessing germ cell alterations in populations. Thus, “sentinel mutations,” as originally proposed by Mulvihill and Ceizel, need not be restricted to X‐linked or dominant mutations or conditions visible at birth. Several new sentinels related to personalized medicine are proposed, based on health impact (likelihood of monitoring), frequency, and genetic target suitability (responsiveness to diverse mutational mechanisms). Candidates could include CYP genes (related to metabolism of xenobiotics) important in optimizing drug doses and avoiding adverse reactions. High frequency LDLR mutations (related to familial high cholesterol) predict myocardial infarction in ∼50% of individuals. The more common recessive genetic diseases (cystic fibrosis, phenylketonuria, and others) monitored in newborn screening programs could be informative given parental analysis. New opportunities for genetic analyses need to be coupled with epidemiological studies on environmental exposures. These could focus on adverse outcomes related to tobacco, the mostubiquitous and potent environmental mutagen. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2011. Published 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of N‐methyl D‐aspartate receptor subunits in amoeboid microglia mediates production of nitric oxide via NF‐κB signaling pathway and oligodendrocyte cell death in hypoxic postnatal rats
Authors: Murugan Madhuvika , Sivakumar Viswanathan , Lu Jia , Ling Eng‐Ang , Kaur Charanjit
Published: January 2011

The present study was focused on identifying the expression of N‐methyl D‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR) subunits on activated microglia and to determine their role in the pathogenesis of periventricular white matter damage (PWMD) in neonatal rats following hypoxia. One day old wistar rats were subjected to hypoxia (5% O2; 95% N2) and the mRNA and protein expression of NMDAR subunits (NR1, NR2A‐D, and NR3A) in the periventricular white matter (PWM) was determined at different time points (3,24 h, 3, 7, and 14 days) following hypoxic exposure. Immunoexpression of NR1 and NR2A‐D was localized in amoeboid microglial cells (AMC) suggesting the presence of functional NMDARs in them. The expression of NMDAR in primary microglial cultures was ascertained by RT‐PCR analysis and double immunofluorescence studies. The functionality of the microglial NMDAR in cultured microglial cells was examined by monitoring calcium movements in cells with fura‐2. In primary microglial cultures, hypoxia induced the nuclear translocation of NF‐κB which was suppressed by administration of MK801, an NMDAR antagonist. MK801 also down regulated the hypoxia‐induced expression of tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and nitric oxide (NO) production by microglia which may be mediated by the NF‐κB signaling pathway. NO produced by microglia is known to cause death of oligodendrocytes in the developing PWM. In this connection, pharmacological agents such as MK801, BAY (NF‐κB inhibitor), and 1400w (iNOS inhibitor) proved to be beneficial since they reduced the hypoxia‐induced iNOS expression, NO production, and a corresponding reduction in the death of oligodendrocytes following hypoxia. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transcriptional regulation of peripheral glial cell differentiation in the embryonic nervous system of drosophila
Authors: Schmidt Imke , Franzdóttir Sigrídur Rut , Edenfeld Gundula , Rodrigues Floriano , Zierau Ariane , Klämbt Christian
Published: January 2011

The Drosophila nervous system is ideally suited to study glial cell development and function, because it harbors only relatively few glial cells, and nervous system development is very well conserved during evolution. In the past, enhancer trap studies provided tools allowing to study glial cells with a single‐cell resolution and, moreover, disclosed a surprising molecular heterogeneity among the different glial cells. The peripheral nervous system in the embryo comprises only 12 glial cells in one hemisegment and thus offers a unique opportunity to decipher the mechanisms directing glial development. Here, we focus on transcriptional regulators that have been reported to function during gliogenesis. To uncover additional regulators, we have conducted a genetic screen and report the identification of two additional transcriptional regulators involved in the control of peripheral glial migration: nejire and tango. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Following nerve injury neuregulin‐1 drives microglial proliferation and neuropathic pain via the MEK/ERK pathway
Authors: Calvo Margarita , Zhu Ning , Grist John , Ma Zhenzhong , Loeb Jeffrey A. , Bennett David L. H.
Published: January 2011

Following peripheral nerve injury microglia accumulate within the spinal cord and adopt a proinflammatory phenotype a process which contributes to the development of neuropathic pain. We have recently shown that neuregulin‐1, a growth factor released following nerve injury, activates erbB 2, 3, and 4 receptors on microglia and stimulates proliferation, survival and chemotaxis of these cells. Here we studied the intracellular signaling pathways downstream of neuregulin‐1‐erbB activation in microglial cells. We found that neuregulin‐1 in vitro induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and Akt without activating p38MAPK. Using specific kinase inhibitors we found that the mitogenic effect of neuregulin‐1 on microglia was dependant on MEK/ERK1/2 pathway, the chemotactic effect was dependant on PI3K/Akt signaling and survival was dependant on both pathways. Intrathecal treatment with neuregulin‐1 was associated with microgliosis and development of mechanical and cold pain related hypersensitivity which was dependant on ERK1/2 phosphorylation in microglia. Spinal nerve ligation results in a robust microgliosis and sustained ERK1/2 phosphorylation within these cells. This pathway is downstream of neuregulin‐1/erbB signaling since its blockade resulted in a significant reduction in microglial ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Inhibition of the MEK/ERK1/2 pathway resulted in decreased spinal microgliosis and in reduced mechanical and cold hypersensitivity after peripheral nerve damage. We conclude that neuregulin‐1 released after nerve injury activates microglial erbB receptors which consequently stimulates the MEK/ERK1/2 pathway that drives microglial proliferation and contributes to the development of neuropathic pain. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A systematic review of the effects of physical activity on physical functioning, quality of life and depression in older people with dementia
Authors: Potter Rachel , Ellard David , Rees Karen , Thorogood Margaret
Published: January 2011

Background

Depression is common in older people with dementia. Physical activity is effective in reducing depression in adults but there is limited evidence about its effectiveness in people with dementia.

Design and Methods

A systematic review and partial meta‐analysis of physical activity interventions in people with dementia is reported. We searched eight databases for English language papers and reference lists of relevant papers. Included studies reported a physical activity intervention lasting at least 12 weeks in which participants were older and had a diagnosis of dementia. Studies compared the intervention with a non‐active or a no‐intervention control and reported at least one outcome related to physical function, quality of life or depression. At least two authors independently assessed each paper for inclusion and for study quality and extracted data.

Results

We included 13 randomised controlled trials with 896 participants. Three of six trials that reported walking as an outcome found an improvement, as did four of the five trials reporting timed get up and go tests. Only one of the four trials that reported depression as an outcome found a positive effect. Both trials that reported quality of life found an improvement.

Conclusions

There is some evidence that physical activity interventions improve physical function in older people with dementia. Evidence for an effect on depression and quality of life is limited. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Epigenetic regulation of miR‐34b and miR‐129 expression in gastric cancer
Authors: Tsai Kuo‐Wang , Wu Chew‐Wun , Hu Ling‐Yueh , Li Sung‐Chou , Liao Yu‐Lun , Lai Chun‐Hung , Kao Hsiao‐Wei , Fang Wen‐Liang , Huang Kuo‐Hung , Chan Wen‐Ching , Lin Wen‐Chang
Published: January 2011

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that play fundamental roles in diverse biological and pathological processes by targeting the expression of specific genes. Here, we identified 38 methylation‐associated miRNAs, the expression of which could be epigenetically restored by cotreatment with 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine and trichostatin A. Among these 38 miRNAs, we further analyzed miR‐34b, miR‐127‐3p, miR‐129‐3p and miR‐409 because CpG islands are predicted adjacent to them. The methylation‐silenced expression of these miRNAs could be reactivated in gastric cancer cells by treatment with demethylating drugs in a time‐dependent manner. Analysis of the methylation status of these miRNAs showed that the upstream CpG‐rich regions of mir‐34b and mir‐129‐2 are frequently methylated in gastric cancer tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues, and their methylation status correlated inversely with their expression patterns. The expression of miR‐34b and miR‐129‐3p was downregulated by DNA hypermethylation in primary gastric cancers, and the low expression was associated with poor clinicopathological features. In summary, our study shows that tumor‐specific methylation silences miR‐34b and miR‐129 in gastric cancer cells.
Activated hepatic stellate cells promote hepatocellular carcinoma development in immunocompetent mice
Authors: Zhao Wenxiu , Zhang Lei , Yin Zhenyu , Su Weixue , Ren Guangli , Zhou Changsheng , You Junyong , Fan Jia , Wang Xiaomin
Published: January 2011

Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play a central role in the hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis. Recently, HSCs were reported to have strong immune modulatory activities. However, the role of HSCs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. In this study, we showed that HSCs could promote HCC growth both in vitro and in vivo. We examined the HSC‐mediated inhibition of T‐cell proliferation and the ability of conditioned medium from activated HSCs to promote the growth of murine HCC cell lines in vitro. We also assessed the immune suppression by HSCs during the development of HCC in immunocompetent mice. Cotransplantation of HSCs promoted HCC growth and progression by enhancing tumor angiogenesis and tumor cell proliferation and by creating an immunosuppressed microenvironment. Cotransplanted HSCs inhibited the lymphocyte infiltration in tumors and the spleens of mice bearing tumors, induced apoptosis of infiltrating mononuclear cells, and enhanced the expression of B7H1 and CD4+CD25+ Treg cells. The immune modulation by HSCs seemed to be systemic. In conclusion, our data provide new information to support an integral role for HSCs in promoting HCC progression in part via their immune regulatory activities, and suggest that HSCs may serve as a therapeutic target in HCC.
miR‐223 suppresses differentiation of tumor‐induced CD11b+Gr1+myeloid‐derived suppressor cells from bone marrow cells
Authors: Liu Qiaofei , Zhang Miaomiao , Jiang Xingran , Zhang Zhiqian , Dai Lingyun , Min Siping , Wu Xilong , He Qingsheng , Liu Jingyi , Zhang Yuan , Zhang Zhujun , Yang Rongcun
Published: January 2011

Tumor‐associated factors are related to increased accumulation of CD11b+Gr1+myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). However, the exact mechanism of how genetic factors control the expansion of MDSCs in tumor‐bearing hosts remains elusive. Herein, we found that tumor‐associated MDSCs and their subsets, mononuclear MDSCs and polymorphonuclear MDSCs, have decreased expression of miR‐223 when compared to CD11b+Gr1+ cells from the spleen of disease‐free mice. With the differentiation of CD11b+Gr1+MDSCs from bone marrow cells (BMCs) upon exposure to tumor‐associated factors, the expression of both pri‐miR‐223 and mature miR‐223 was downregulated, indicating that the expression of miR‐223 could be regulated by tumor‐associated factors. Interestingly, miR‐223 remarkably inhibits differentiation of BMCs into CD11b+Gr1+MDSCs in the presence of tumor‐associated factors by targeting myocyte enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C). Using reconstituted s.c. tumor models, miR‐223 also suppresses accumulation of CD11b+Gr1+MDSCs, whereas its targeting molecule MEF2C increases the number of MDSCs. Tumor growth is slower in mice infused by miR223‐engineered BMCs than in mice infused with control transfected BMCs. As miR‐223 and its target molecule MEF2C are highly conserved between mice and humans, the modulation of miR‐223 in tumor‐induced CD11b+Gr1+MDSCs may exert an important role in controlling the increased accumulation of CD11b+Gr1+MDSCs in patients with tumor.
Plant–water relations, growth and productivity of tomato irrigated by different methods with saline and non‐saline water
Authors: Malash Nabeel M. , Flowers Timothy J. , Ragab Ragab
Published: January 2011

The effects of saline and non‐saline irrigation water on the growth, plant water uptake, water content and yield of tomato (Solanum esculentum Mill. cv Floradade) were evaluated using drip and furrow irrigation. At all growth stages, leaf area and plant dry weight (biomass) were higher under drip irrigation than under furrow irrigation for both saline and non‐saline water. Saline water reduced both plant leaf area and dry weight and the reduction was more pronounced when furrow rather than drip irrigation was used. In addition, the width of the area occupied by roots and their dry weight were higher in drip than furrow‐irrigated plants. However, roots of furrow‐irrigated plants were deeper than those of drip‐irrigated plants. In drip‐irrigated plants, root activity in the wetted root zone enhanced soil moisture depletion (water uptake) and hence resulted in higher plant water content, even in plants irrigated with saline water (up to 80 days after transplanting, “DAT”). Water use efficiency, estimated as the amount of water added per unit of dry weight produced, was higher with drip irrigation than furrow irrigation, particularly when saline water was used (until 80 DAT). Fruit ripened earlier on drip irrigated‐plants than on furrow‐irrigated ones and the total yield was higher with drip than with furrow irrigation. Saline water reduced both total and early yield, particularly when applied by furrow. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fundamentals and applications of immobilized microfluidic enzymatic reactors
Authors: Matosevic Sandro , Szita Nicolas , Baganz Frank
Published: January 2011

OVERVIEW: Over the last decade, the utility of immobilized microfluidic enzyme reactors (IMERs) has been demonstrated in a wide variety of fields, including medical diagnostics and therapy, biosensors, organic synthesis, drug discovery and many other applications. Of particular interest to the pharmaceutical industry is the potential for high throughput experimentation afforded by these systems, with a view to combinatorial synthesis for drug discovery applications. This article will focus on the current state of IMER systems, including immobilization techniques and microchannel flow generation, with a particular emphasis on applications and future prospects in view of likely directions and market potential of this field.

IMPACT: The numerous advantages of attaching enzymes to a solid support, such as reuse of a single batch of enzyme, improved stability and durability, the ability to stop the reaction rapidly by removing the product from the reaction solution and the absence of enzyme contamination of the product are some of the attractive features of such systems. There are, however, a number of issues requiring careful consideration when developing such microsystems, including, but not limited to, surface modifications and exact control of fluid behaviour in microchannels, detection limitations, increased integration, and the reusability of the chips.

APPLICATIONS: IMERs have received wide, including commercial, application as diagnostic tools for point‐of‐care applications, and, increasingly, as analytical tools in early drug development. Furthermore, peptide mapping and proteomics have employed IMER systems extensively over the past decade and growth in these areas continues. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Micro‐analysis of mother's education and child mortality: Evidence from Uganda
Authors: Bbaale Edward , Buyinza Faisal
Published: January 2011

We use maximum likelihood models to analyse the impact of mother's education on infant and child mortality in Uganda. The data were obtained from the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey 2006. Our results confirm the hypothesis that mother's education is fundamental in reducing infant and child mortality. This suggests that efforts to reduce child mortality need to target measures that aim to educate women. The government programme to extend free education at the secondary level is therefore a commendable effort that needs to be strengthened. This therefore needs to be embraced by all stakeholders to encourage girls to attain education beyond secondary level. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The surface charging effects in three‐dimensional simulation of the profiles of plasma‐etched nanostructures
Authors: Radmilović‐Radjenović M. , Radjenović B. , Savić M.
Published: January 2011

Particles and fields represent two major modeling paradigms in pure and applied science at all. Particles typically exist in a spatial domain and they may interact with other particles or with field quantities defined on that domain. A field, on the other hand, defines a set of values on a region of space. In this paper, a methodology and some of the results for three‐dimensional (3D) simulations that includes both field and particle abstractions are presented. In our studies, charging damage to a semiconductor structure during plasma etching is simulated by using 3D level set profile evolution simulator. The surface potential profiles and electric field for the entire feature were generated by solving the Laplace equation using finite elements method. Calculations were performed in the case of simplified model of Ar+/CF4 non‐equilibrium plasma etching of SiO2. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Starch granule‐associated proteins of hull‐less barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) from the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau in China
Authors: Wang Chun‐Ping , Pan Zhi‐Fen , Nima Zha‐Xi , Tang Ya‐Wei , Cai Peng , Liang Jun‐Jun , Deng Guang‐Bing , Long Hai , Yu Mao‐Qun
Published: January 2011

BACKGROUND: The starch granule‐associated proteins (SGAPs) are the minor components of the starch granules and a majority of them are believed to be starch biosynthetic enzymes. The Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau in China, one of the centres of origin of cultivated barley, is abundant in hull‐less barley resources which exhibit high polymorphism in SGAPs.

RESULTS: The SGAPs of hull‐less barley from Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau were analysed by one‐dimensional (1‐D) SDS‐PAGE, 2‐D PAGE and ESI‐Q‐TOF MS/MS. In the 1‐D SDS‐PAGE gel, four proteins including a 80 kDa starch synthase, actin, actin 4 and ATP synthase β‐subunit were identified as novel SGAPs. A total of six different bands were identified as starch granule‐bound starch synthase I (GBSSI) and the segregation of the novel GBSSI bands in F1 and F2 seeds derived from yf127 × yf70 was in accordance with Mendel's law. In the 2‐D PAGE gel, 92 spots were identified as 42 protein species which could be classified into 15 functional groups. Thirteen protein species were identified as SGAPs for the first time and multiple spots were identified as GBSSI.

CONCLUSION: This study revealed novel SGAPs in hull‐less barley from the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau in China and these will be significant in further studies of starch biosynthesis in barley. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Sensorically and antimicrobially active metabolite production of Lactobacillus strains on Jerusalem artichoke juice
Authors: Zalán Zsolt , Hudáček Jaroslav , Tóth‐Markus Marianna , Husová Eva , Solichová Kateřina , Hegyi Ferenc , Plocková Milada , Chumchalová Jana , Halász Anna
Published: January 2011

BACKGROUND: In the tubers of Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) the main carbohydrate is the well‐known prebiotic inulin, which is a good growth substrate for gut microorganisms. Jerusalem artichoke tuber is traditionally consumed boiled or pickled rather than in fermented form. Lactic acid bacteria are traditionally used in the production of fermented foods; nevertheless their behavior and metabolite production are considerably influenced by the substrate. The purpose of this study was to investigate the growth and production of the most important sensorically and antimicrobially active metabolites of different Lactobacillus strains on Jerusalem artichoke juice.

RESULTS: All investigated strains grew well (in the range 109 cfu mL−1) in the media. The organic acids (lactic acid, 110–337 mmol L−1; acetic acid, 0–180 mmol L−1; and succinic acid, 0–79 mmol L−1), hydrogen peroxide (0.25–1.77 mg L−1), mannitol (0.06–3.24 g L−1), acetoin and diacetyl production of strains varies not only according to the species but also from strain to strain, which will be demonstrated and discussed in the paper.

CONCLUSION: Our results showed that lactobacilli can be used for the fermentation of Jerusalem artichoke, which in this form could be used, alone or mixed with other raw food material, as a new synbiotic functional food. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Structural and thermal characterization of galactomannans from genus Gleditsia seeds as potential food gum substitutes
Authors: Jiang Jian‐xin , Jian Hong‐lei , Cristhian Carrasco , Zhang Wei‐ming , Sun Run‐cang
Published: January 2011

BACKGROUND: Seed galactomannans are preferred hydrocolloids since they are comparatively cheap, non‐toxic, eco‐friendly and non‐polluting during production and application. Galactomannans from seeds of three species of Gleditsia, namely G. sinensis, G. microphylla and G. melanacantha, were characterized in terms of structural and thermal properties.

RESULTS: Gleditsia polysaccharides were characterized using both chemical and chromatographic methods, as well as Fourier transform infrared, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and 13C NMR spectroscopy, and it was shown that they consist of D‐mannopyranose and D‐galactopyranose residues. The mannose/galactose (M/G) ratio of galactomannans was 3.25, 3.31 and 2.30, respectively. It was also found that these polysaccharides differ from one another in values of Mw, Mn and polydispersity. X‐ray diffraction confirmed the amorphous nature of Gleditsia galactomannans, although G. sinensis galactomannan showed a high crystallinity. Thermal analysis of the galactomannans by differential scanning calorimetry illustrated that their endothermic peaks ranged from 290 to 320 °C.

CONCLUSION: Gleditsia polysaccharides are neutral galactomannans. The higher value of M/G ratio from G. sinensis and G. microphylla indicates that their gums offer an excellent alternative for locus bean gum. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of organic and conventional growth systems on the content of carotenoids in carrot roots, and on intake and plasma status of carotenoids in humans
Authors: Søltoft Malene , Bysted Anette , Madsen Katja H , Mark Alicja Budek , Bügel Susanne G , Nielsen John , Knuthsen Pia
Published: January 2011

BACKGROUND: The demand for organic food products has increased during the last decades due to their probable health effects, among others. A higher content of secondary metabolites such as carotenoids in organic food products has been claimed, though not documented, to contribute to increased health effects of organic foods. The aim was to study the impact of organic and conventional agricultural systems on the content of carotenoids in carrots and human diets. In addition, a human cross‐over study was performed, measuring the plasma status of carotenoids in humans consuming diets made from crops from these agricultural systems.

RESULTS: The content of carotenoids in carrot roots and human diets was not significantly affected by the agricultural production system or year, despite differences in fertilisation strategy and levels. The plasma status of carotenoids increased significantly after consumption of the organic and conventional diets, but no systematic differences between the agricultural production systems were observed.

CONCLUSION: The expected higher content of presumed health‐promoting carotenoids in organic food products was not documented in this study. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Chemical and microbial properties in contaminated soils around a magnesite mine in northeast China
Authors: Yang D. , Zeng D.‐H. , Zhang J. , Li L.‐J. , Mao R.
Published: January 2011

We measured soil chemical and microbial properties at a depth of 0–20 cm among mine tailings, abandoned mined land, contaminated cropland, and uncontaminated cropland around a magnesite mine near Haicheng City, Liaoning Province, China. The objective was to clarify the impact of Mg on the soils. We found that soluble Mg2+concentration and pH were significantly higher in contaminated soils (266–345 mg kg−1and 9·9–10·3, respectively) than in uncontaminated soils (140 mg kg−1and 7·1, respectively). Soil nutrients (total N, total P, mineral N, available P and soluble Ca) and microbial biomass C and N decreased as pH and soluble Mg2+concentration increased. In addition, an increase of microbial metabolic quotient and a decrease of N mineralization rate were found in contaminated soils. Soluble Mg2+/Ca2+ratios in contaminated soils were 3·5–8·9‐times higher than in uncontaminated soils. Our results indicate that soil contamination in such magnesite mine regions is characterized by high pH, Mg2+concentration and soluble Mg2+/Ca2+ratio, and low microbial activity and N and P availability. Future soil amelioration in the magnesite regions should consider applying acid ameliorants to neutralize high pH and applying calcareous ameliorants to increase Ca2+concentration. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Factors controlling gully development: Comparing continuous and discontinuous gullies
Authors: Le Roux J. J. , Sumner P. D.
Published: January 2011

Gully erosion is a degradation process affecting soils in many parts of the World. Despite the complexity of a series of collective factors across different spatial scales, previous research has not yet explicitly quantified factor dominance between different sized gullies. This factorial analysis quantifies the differences in factor dominance between continuous gullies (cgs) and discontinuous gullies (dgs). First, gullies (totaling 5273 ha) visible from SPOT 5 imagery were mapped for a catchment (nearly 5000 km2) located in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Eleven important factors were integrated into a geographical information system including topographical variables, parent material‐soil associations and land use–cover interactions. These were utilized in a zonal approach in order to determine the extent factors differ between cgs and dgs. Factors leading to the development of cgs are gentle footslopes in zones of saturation along drainage paths with a large contributing area, erodible duplex soils derived from mudstones and poor vegetation cover due to overgrazing. Compared to cgs conditions, more dgs occur on rolling slopes where the surface becomes less frequently saturated with a smaller contributing area, soils are more stable and shallow. Factorial analysis further illustrates that differences in factor dominance between the two groups of gullies is most apparent for soil factors. A combination of overgrazing and susceptible mudstones proves to be key factors that consistently determine the development of cgs and dgs. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Outcomes in children who underwent transplantation for autoimmune hepatitis a
Authors: Martin Steven R. , Alvarez Fernando , Anand Ravinder , Song Changhong , Yin Wanrong
Published: January 2011

The outcomes of 113 children with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), registered with Studies of Pediatric Liver Transplantation and who underwent transplantation between 1995 and 2006, were compared with those who underwent transplantation for other diagnoses (non-AIH). A total of 4.9% of liver transplants were for AIH; 81% of these patients had AIH type 1 and most underwent transplantation for complications of chronic disease (60%), the majority in females (72%). Transplantation for fulminant AIH was more common in males (52.5% versus 47.5% chronic; P = 0.042). Patients with AIH differed from non-AIH patients by: age (13.0 ± 0.4 versus 4.6 ± 0.1 years; P < 0.0001), sex (64.6% female versus 52.9%; P = 0.016), ethnicity (48.7% white versus 58.2%; P < 0.0001), initial immunosuppression (tacrolimus-based: 72.6% versus 62.6%; P = 0.045; mycophenolate mofetil use: 31.0% versus 21.6%; P = 0.02), and immunosuppression at 2 years after transplant (monotherapy: 51.9% versus 17.3%; P < 0.0001). Late (>3 months), but not steroid-resistant or chronic, rejection was more common in AIH (log-rank P = 0.0015). The 5-year posttransplant survival for AIH was 86% (95% confidence interval: 73-93). Patient and graft survival, infectious and metabolic complications, and retransplantation rates did not differ between AIH and non-AIH groups. In conclusion, the higher risk for late acute rejection and greater degree of immunosuppression does not compromise outcomes of liver transplantation for AIH. Children who undergo transplantation for AIH in North America are typically female adolescents with complications of chronic AIH type 1 and include more children of African American or Latino American origin compared to the overall liver transplant population. These observations may inform detection, treatment, and surveillance strategies designed to reduce the progression of autoimmune hepatitis and subsequently, the need for transplantation.
Liver Transpl, 2011. © 2011 AASLD.
Erythropoietin is neuroprotective in a transgenic mouse model of multiple system atrophy
Authors: Köllensperger Martin , Krismer Florian , Pallua Anton , Stefanova Nadia , Poewe Werner , Wenning Gregor K.
Published: January 2011

Multiple system atrophy is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disorder with a markedly reduced life expectancy. Failure of symptomatic treatment raises an urgent need for disease‐modifying strategies. We have investigated the neuroprotective potential of erythropoietin in (proteolipid protein)‐α‐synuclein transgenic mice exposed to 3‐nitropropionic acid featuring multiple system atrophy‐like pathology including oligodendroglial α‐synuclein inclusions and selective neuronal degeneration.

Mice were treated with erythropoietin starting before (early erythropoietin) and after (late erythropoietin) intoxication with 3‐nitropropionic acid. Nonintoxicated animals receiving erythropoietin and intoxicated animals treated with saline served as control groups. Behavioral tests included pole test, open field activity, and motor behavior scale. Immunohistochemistry for tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine and cyclic adenosine monophosphate‐regulated phosphoprotein (DARPP‐32) was analyzed stereologically.

Animals receiving erythropoietin before and after 3‐nitropropionic acid intoxication scored significantly lower on the motor behavior scale and they performed better in the pole test than controls with no significant difference between early and late erythropoietin administration. Similarly, rearing scores were worse in 3‐nitropropionic acid‐treated animals with no difference between the erythropoietin subgroups. Immunohistochemistry revealed significant attenuation of 3‐nitropropionic acid‐induced loss of tyrosine hydroxylase and DARPP‐32 positive neurons in substantia nigra pars compacta and striatum, respectively, in both erythropoietin‐treated groups without significant group difference in the substantia nigra. However, at striatal level, a significant difference between early and late erythropoietin administration was observed.

In the combined (proteolipid protein)‐α‐synuclein 3‐nitropropionic acid multiple system atrophy mouse model, erythropoietin appears to rescue dopaminergic and striatal gabaergic projection neurons. This effect is associated with improved motor function. Further studies are warranted to develop erythropoietin as a potential interventional therapy in multiple system atrophy. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Kinetic studies of the preparation of nanocomposites based on encapsulated Cloisite 30B in poly[styrene‐co‐(butyl acrylate)] via mini‐emulsion polymerization
Authors: Mirzataheri Mojgan , Reza Mahdavian Ali , Atai Mohammad
Published: January 2011

Mini‐emulsion polymerization of poly[styrene‐co‐(butyl acrylate)] encapsulating various contents of Cloisite 30B was performed. The kinetic behaviours of mini‐emulsions were investigated using the gravimetric method and the effect of nanoclay content on the polymerization rate was investigated. The average number of radicals per particle was estimated by calculating the number of particles. The results showed that by increasing the nanoclay content, the average diameter of polymer particles increased. Studies of the polymerization rate indicated that the increase in particle size provided a greater average number of reactive radicals per polymer particle, which increased from 0.0520 for the neat copolymer to 0.2462 for the nanocomposite containing 5.3 wt% encapsulated nanoclay. This study also confirmed our previous claim about the role of sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) molecules in the exfoliation of nanoclay platelets. On increasing the clay content, fewer SDS molecules will be available on particle surfaces resulting in larger particles at the end of the reaction. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
New light‐emitting poly{(9,9‐di‐n‐octylfluorenediyl vinylene)‐alt‐[1,5‐(2,6‐dioctyloxy)naphthalene vinylene]}
Authors: Anuragudom Piched , El‐daye Jad , Chinwangso Pawilai , Advincula Rigoberto C , Phanichphant Sukon , Lee T Randall
Published: January 2011

A new conjugated light‐emitting AB copolymer containing alternating fluorene and naphthalene units, poly{(9,9‐di‐n‐octylfluorenediyl vinylene)‐alt‐[1,5‐(2,6‐dioctyloxy)naphthalene vinylene]} (PFV‐alt‐PNV), was synthesized via Horner‐Emmons polymerization. The polymer is completely soluble in common organic solvents and exhibits good thermal stability up to 400 °C. UV‐visible, fluorescence and photoluminescence measurements of the copolymer show peak maxima at 427, 500 and 526 nm, respectively. A light‐emitting device containing the new polymer was fabricated using a simple indium tin oxide configuration: (ITO)/PEDOT:PSS/PFV‐alt‐PNV/Al. Measurements of current versus electric field were carried out, with an onset of light emission occurring at 2.5 V. The electroluminescence brightness was observed to reach a maximum of 5000 cd m−2. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Highly trans‐1,4‐specific polymerization of 1,3‐butadiene catalyzed by [2,6‐bis{(4S)‐ (−)‐isopropyl‐2‐oxazolin‐2‐yl}pyridine] chromium complex activated with modified methylaluminoxane
Authors: Nakayama Yuushou , Sogo Kenji , Cai Zhengguo , Yasuda Hajime , Shiono Takeshi
Published: January 2011

Chromium complexes with N,N,N‐tridentate ligands, LCrCl3 (L = 2,6‐bis{(4S)‐(−)‐isopropyl‐2‐oxazolin‐2‐yl}pyridine (1), 2,2′:6′,2″‐terpyridine (2), and 4,4′,4″‐tri‐tert‐butyl‐2,2′:6′,2″‐terpyridine (3)), were prepared. The structures of 1 and 2 were determined by X‐ray crystallography. Upon activation with modified methylaluminoxane (MMAO), 1 catalyzed the polymerization of 1,3‐butadiene, while 2 and 3 was inactive. The obtained poly(1,3‐butadiene) obtained with 1‐MMAO was found to have completely trans‐1,4 structure. The 1‐MMAO system also showed catalytic activity for the polymerization of isoprene to give polyisoprene with trans‐1,4 (68%) and cis‐1,4 (32%) structure. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry