bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antidiabetic and antioxidative effects of Annona squamosa leaves are possibly mediated through quercetin‐3‐O‐glucoside
Authors: Panda Sunanda , Kar Anand
Published: December 2008

Present investigation was made to reveal the involvement of a quercetin in the antidiabetic and antiperoxidative effects of Annona squamosa leaf extract.

Quercetin‐3‐O‐glucoside (characterized by UV, IR, MS and NMR analyses) was isolated from Annona squamosa leaves and examined for its potential to regulate alloxan‐induced hyperglycemia and lipid peroxidation (LPO) in rats. While in alloxan treated animals, an increase in the concentration of serum glucose with a parallel decrease in insulin level was observed, administration of 15 mg/kg/day of isolated quercetin‐3‐O‐glucoside for 10 consecutive days to the hyperglycemic animals reversed these effects and simultaneously inhibited the activity of hepatic glucose‐6‐phosphatase. It further decreased the hepatic and renal LPO with a concomitant increase in the activities of antioxidative enzymes, such as catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and in glutathione (GSH) content, indicating its safe and antiperoxidative effects. These findings suggest the potential of quercetin‐3‐O‐glucoside in the amelioration of diabetes mellitus and tissue lipid peroxidation. It also appears that the antidiabetic effects of A. squamosa leaf extract is possibly mediated through the insulin stimulating and/or free radical scavenging properties of its active constituent, quercetin‐3‐O‐glucoside.
Influence of Coenzyme Q10 on release of pro‐inflammatory chemokines in the human monocytic cell line THP‐1
Authors: Schmelzer Constance , Lorenz Gerti , Rimbach Gerald , Döring Frank
Published: December 2008

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10 ) is an obligatory element in the mitochondrial electron transport system and functions as a potent antioxidant of lipid membranes. In‐vivo and in‐vitro studies indicate an involvement of CoQ10 in inflammatory pathways. Here we studied in the human monocytic cell‐line THP‐1 the influence of CoQ10 on LPS‐induced secretion of the pro‐inflammatory chemokines Macrophage inflammatory protein‐1 alpha (MIP‐1α), Regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) and Monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1). In comparison to unstimulated cells, LPS leads to 22‐, 3‐ and 4.5‐fold higher levels of MIP‐1α, RANTES and MCP‐1 in the cell culture medium, respectively. Pre‐incubation of cells with 10 μM CoQ10 resulted in a significant decrease of LPS‐induced MIP‐1α and RANTES secretion to 55.04% (p = 0.02) and 76.84% (p = 0.04), respectively. In conclusion, CoQ10 reduces the LPS‐induced secretion levels of the pro‐inflammatory chemokines MIP‐1α and RANTES in the human monocytic cell line THP‐1. These data suggest that CoQ10 possesses anti‐inflammatory properties.
Free radical scavenging activity, metal chelation and antioxidant power of some of the Indian spices
Authors: Yadav Amit Singh , Bhatnagar Deepak
Published: December 2008

Food constituents are the major source of various phytochemicals and micronutrients. The importance of these dietary constituents has been stressed in recent years due to their antioxidant and anticarcinogenic potential. Spices used in Indian foods such as cloves (Syzygium aromaticum), licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), mace (aril of Myristica fragans), and greater cardamom (Amomum subulatum) were tested for their antioxidant properties in vitro. The metal chelating activity, bleomycin dependent DNA oxidation, diphenyl‐p‐picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and the ferric reducing /antioxidant power (FRAP) were measured in rat liver homogenate in presence of spices. Metal chelating activity was significantly high with all the spice extracts except mace. The spices due to higher reducing potential (in presence of bleomycin‐FeCl3 ) showed increased DNA oxidation. Cloves showed the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity, followed by licorice, mace and cardamom. FRAP values for cloves were also the highest, while other spices showed comparatively lesser FRAP values. The results show that the spices tested are strong antioxidants and may have beneficial effects on human health.
Adiponectin and leptin up‐regulate extracellular matrix production by dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Ezure Tomonobu , Amano Satoshi
Published: December 2008

Adipocytes were recently shown to secrete adipocytokines, such as adiponectin and leptin, which may have an endocrine role. Subcutaneous adipose tissue lies just beneath the dermis, and dermal condition is correlated with body mass index (BMI). However, it is not clear whether adipocytokines released by adipocytes in subcutaneous adipose tissue influence the adjacent dermis. We found that human dermal fibroblasts express genes encoding receptors for adiponectin and leptin, and that those cytokines both significantly increase production of hyaluronic acid (HA), a major extracellular matrix component (ECM) of dermis, by dermal fibroblasts. This effect is accompanied with up‐regulation of HA synthase 2 gene expression. Moreover, adiponectin significantly increases production of collagen, the most abundant component of ECM in dermis, by dermal fibroblasts. These results suggest that subcutaneous adipocytes influence dermal condition by up‐regulating collagen and HA production by dermal fibroblasts via secretion of adiponectin and leptin.
Assessment of antioxidative activity of extract from fermented grain food mixture using chemical and cellular systems
Authors: Ogawa Yoko , Omata Yo , Nishio Keiko , Saito Yoshiro , Yoshida Yasukazu , Niki Etsuo
Published: December 2008

Fermented food is a rich source of antioxidants and micronutrients with the potential to prevent various human diseases. The increasing evidence indicates that in addition to its direct action, radical‐scavenging antioxidants may modulate the cellular antioxidant system such as glutathione. In the present study, we investigated the antioxidant activity of Antioxidant Biofactor (AOBTM ) extracts, a mixture of commercially available fermented grain food by using chemical and cellular experimental systems. In the former system, the total radical scavenging capacity was assessed from the bleaching of pyranine and pyrogallol red that is induced by free radicals generated from an azo initiator. In this assay system, the radical scavenging capacity per gram of AOB was estimated to be 95 μmol. On the other hand, the cytoprotective effect of AOB was also investigated on the basis of PC12 cell death induced by 6‐hydroxydopamine. In this cellular system, AOB extract exhibited a cytoprotective effect only when the cells were pretreated with AOB. This pretreatment resulted in a significant increase in the levels of cellular glutathione as well as regulator of glutathione synthesis, such as the cystine/glutamate exchange transport system (xCT). This evidence suggests that AOB possesses both direct and indirect antioxidant activities to cope with oxidative insults.
Refolding and purification of rhNTA protein by chromatography
Authors: Fan Xiangdong , Xu DianSheng , Lu Bing , Xia Jie , Wei Dongzhi
Published: December 2008

RhNTA protein is a new thrombolytic agent which has potential medicinal and commercial value. Protein refolding is a bottleneck for large‐scale production of valuable proteins expressed as inclusion bodies in Escherichia coli. The denatured rhNTA protein was refolded by an improved size‐exclusion chromatography refolding process achieved by combining an increasing arginine gradient and a decreasing urea gradient (two gradients) with a size‐exclusion chromatography refolding system. The refolding of denatured rhNTA protein showed that this method could significantly increase the activity recovery of protein at high protein concentration. The activity recovery of 37% was obtained from the initial rhNTA protein concentration up to 20 mg/mL. After refolding by two‐gradient size‐exclusion chromatography refolding processes, the refolded rhNTA was purified by ion‐exchange and affinity chromatography. The purified rhNTA protein showed one band in SDS‐PAGE and the specific activity of purified rhNTA protein was 110,000 U/mg. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Keratan sulfate‐containing proteoglycans in sheep brain with particular reference to phosphacan and synaptic vesicle proteoglycan isoforms
Authors: Sinouris Efstathios A. , Skandalis Spyros S. , Kilia Virginia , Theocharis Achilleas D. , Theocharis Dimitrios A. , Ravazoula Panagiota , Vynios Demitrios H. , Papageorgakopoulou Nickoletta
Published: December 2008

Proteoglycans (PGs) are widely expressed in all areas of the brain. In this study, the keratan sulfate‐containing PGs (KS‐PGs) from cerebrum (CB), cerebellum (CL) and brainstem (BS) of young sheep brain were isolated, purified and characterized. The amount of KS‐PGs in CL was significantly lower than that in CB and BS. KS‐PGs were characterized by increased extent of glycosylation and heterogeneity of KS chains in CL. Western blot analyses demonstrated the presence of the KS‐PGs phosphacan, SV2A and SV2B isoforms of synaptic vesicle proteoglycan in all three areas of the young sheep brain. Phosphacan predominated in BS and CB, showing significant molecular heterogeneity. SV2A and SV2B were found in two forms of high and low molecular sizes according to their extent of glycosylation in sheep brain. SV2A predominated in CL, where forms with very high molecular sizes were detected. Immunohistochemical examination revealed that SV2A was localized in the extracellular matrix of both gray and white matter. In contrast, phosphacan and SV2B were mainly localized in the white matter in all brain regions. The results of the present study demonstrated that KS‐PGs are present in the three areas of the sheep brain, showing significant variations in their content, structure and localization among the distinct areas. These differences may be important for the physiology of the brain. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of urinary androgen glucuronides by capillary electrophoresis with electrospray tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Cho Sung‐Hee , Lee Jeongae , Choi Man Ho , Lee Won‐Yong , Chung Bong Chul
Published: December 2008

Capillary electrophoresis–electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (CE‐ESI/MS/MS) is a simple and highly sensitive method for quantifying seven urinary androgen glucuronides. The urine samples were diluted and filtered through a membrane filter, and the filtrate was injected into a CE‐MS/MS system without further sample preparation steps such as extraction and derivatization. The calibration ranges were 0.01–5 µg/mL for glucuronides of androsterone and 11β‐OHAn‐3G, and 5–500 ng/mL for glucuronides of 11‐ketoAn, DHEA, testosterone, epitestosterone and DHT. The linearity of the method was 0.992–0.998, and the limits‐of‐detection at a signal‐to‐noise ratio of 3 were 5–10 ng/mL. The coefficients of variation were in the range of 4.0–9.0% for intra‐day assay and 4.1–9.8% for inter‐day assay. The proposed method may be applicable to metabolic profiling in both quantitative and qualitative analysis. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid analysis of tetracaine for a tape stripping pharmacokinetic study using short‐end capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Al‐Otaibi F. , Tucker A. T. , Johnston A. , Perrett D.
Published: December 2008

A rapid and simple short‐end (reverse) capillary zone electrophoresis method was developed and validated for the separation and quantification of tetracaine in skin using tape samples. The separation was performed in a 485 mm (400 mm to window) × 50 µm internal diameter fused silica capillary using a background electrolyte of phosphoric acid–Tris pH2.5 at –25 kV. The extraction of tetracaine from tape samples was achieved using methanol diluted to 50% with water before injection. Procaine was the internal standard. The migration times for procaine and tetracaine were 1.25 and 1.36 min, respectively. The limit of quantification for tetracaine was 50 µg, with a signal‐to‐noise ratio greater than 10. The calibration curve was linear from 50 to 1200 µg with r2 greater than 0.99. The CV for both within‐ and between‐assay imprecision and the percentage inaccuracy for the quality control samples including lower and upper limits of quantitation were <12.1% and <11%, respectively. The absolute mean recovery of tetracaine was >97%. The accuracy and selectivity of this method allowed the rapid measurement of tetracaine in tape samples obtained from a skin tape stripping study of local anaesthetics in healthy subjects. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Highly sensitive method for the determination of ropinirole with a lower limit of quantitation of 3.45 pg/mL in human plasma by LC‐ESI‐MS/MS: application to a clinical pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Bharathi D. Vijaya , Jagadeesh B. , Kumar S. Sirish , Lakshmi Revathi Naga , Hotha Kishore Kumar , Naidu A. , Mullangi Ramesh
Published: December 2008

A highly sensitive, rapid assay method has been developed and validated for the estimation of ropinirole (RPR) in human plasma with liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization in the positive‐ion mode. A solid‐phase process was used to extract RPR and citalopram (internal standard, IS) from human plasma. Chromatographic separation was operated with 0.2% ammonia solution:acetonitrile (20:80, v/v) at a flow rate of 0.50 mL/min on a Hypurity C18 column with a total run time of 3.2 min. The MS/MS ion transitions monitored were 261.2 → 114.2 for RPR and 325.1 → 209.0 for IS. Method validation and clinical sample analysis were performed as per FDA guidelines and the results met the acceptance criteria. The lower limit of quantitation achieved was 3.45 pg/mL and the linearity was observed from 3.45 to 1200 pg/mL. The intra‐day and inter‐day precisions were in the range of 4.71–7.98 and 6.56–8.31%, respectively. This novel method has been applied to a pharmacokinetic study of RPR in humans. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultratrace analysis of uracil and 5‐fluorouracil by molecularly imprinted polymer brushes grafted to silylated solid‐phase microextraction fiber in combination with complementary molecularly imprinted polymer‐based sensor
Authors: Prasad Bhim Bali , Tiwari Khushaboo , Singh Meenakshi , Sharma Piyush Sindhu , Patel Amit Kumar , Srivastava Shrinkhala
Published: December 2008

Main inborn errors of metabolism diagnosable through uracil (Ura) analysis and the therapeutic monitoring of toxic 5‐fluorouracil (5FU) in dihydro pyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficient patients require a sensitive, reproducible, selective and accurate method. In this work, an artificial receptor in the format of molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) brush ‘grafted to’ the surface of sol–gel immobilized on cost‐effective homemade solid‐phase microextraction (SPME) fibers, individually imprinted with either of Ura and 5FU, was used in combination with a voltammetric sensor duly modified with the same MIP. This combination provided up to 10‐ and 8.4‐fold preconcentrations of Ura and 5FU, respectively, which was more than sufficient for achieving stringent detection limits in the primitive diagnosis of uracil disorders and fluoropyrimidine toxicity in DPD‐deficient patients. The proposed method permits the assessment of Ura and 5FU plasma concentrations with detection limits pf 0.0245 and 0.0484 ng mL−1 (RSD = 1.0–2.5%, S/N = 3), respectively, without any problems of non‐specific false‐positives and cross‐reactivities in complicated matrices of biological samples. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid analysis of N‐linked oligosaccharides in glycoproteins (ovalbumin, ribonuclease B and fetuin) by reversed‐phase ultra‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection and electrospray ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Kurihara Takamasa , Min Jun Zhe , Hirata Asuka , Toyo'oka Toshimasa , Inagaki Shinsuke
Published: December 2008

Rapid, selective and sensitive determination of N‐linked oligosaccharides in glycoproteins (ovalbumin, ribonuclease B and fetuin) was performed by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) with fluorescence (FL) and electrospray ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (ESI‐TOF‐MS). The asparaginyl‐oligosaccharide moiety was first liberated from each glycoprotein by pronase E (a proteolitic enzyme). The oligosaccharide fractions separated by gel‐permeation chromatography were labeled with 1‐pyrenesulfonyl chloride (PSC, a fluorescence reagent), separated by UPLC in a short run time, and then detected by FL and TOF‐MS. The PSC‐labeled oligosaccharides were selectively identified from the FL detection and then sensitively determined by ESI‐TOF‐MS. As the results, 15, eight and four kinds of N‐linked oligosaccharides were detected from ovalbumin, ribonuclease B and fetuin, respectively. Because the present method is rapid (within 9 min), selective and sensitive (approximate 60 fmol, S/N = 5), the determination of N‐linked oligosaccharides in various glycoproteins seems to be possible. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transport behavior of ellagic acid of pomegranate leaf tannins and its correlation with total cholesterol alteration in HepG2 cells
Authors: Lan Jiaqi , Lei Fan , Hua Lei , Wang Yugang , Xing Dongming , Du Lijun
Published: December 2008

The aim of this study was to investigate whether ellagic acid in pomegranate leaf tannins could be transported into HepG2 cells and its transport behavior. High‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with a 996 photodiode array detector at 254 nm was applied. The mobile phase was an acetonitrile–water solution (containing 0.1% triethylamine, pH 3.0; 16:64, v/v, for determining ellagic acid in cells). The flow rate was 0.8 mL/min. Cells were incubated with pomegranate leaf tannins with 100 and 50 µg/mL (containing 1.71 and 0.85 µg/mL of ellagic acid, respectively) for a specific time, then lysed and sonicated in methanol to extract intracellular ellagic acid. A 10 µL aliquot of sample was injected into the HPLC system to determine ellagic acid concentration. The results showed that ellagic acid in pomegranate leaf tannins could be transported into the cells, which was in correlation with total cholesterol alteration in the cells. This is the first time that the transport behavior of ellagic acid through HepG2 cells in vitro has been comprehensively demonstrated. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of column‐switching HPLC method in evaluating pharmacokinetic parameters of zaltoprofen and its salt
Authors: Yang Hyun Kyoung , Kim Seo Young , Kim Joon Seop , Sah Hongkee , Lee Hwa Jeong
Published: December 2008

The objective of this study was to compare the pharmacokinetic parameters of zaltoprofen and those of its sodium salt in rats. Zaltoprofen, a potent non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory agent, was virtually insoluble in water, but its sodium salt had excellent water solubility. To investigate the effect of aqueous solubility differences upon their pharmacokinetic parameters, minicapsules containing the drug powders were administrated orally to rats, and blood samples were taken via the common carotid artery. A column‐switching high‐performance liquid chromatographic analytical procedure was developed and validated for the quantitation of zaltoprofen in rat plasma samples. Our study demonstrated that the time required to reach maximum plasma concentration (Tmax) of zaltoprofen sodium was significantly reduced and its maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) was increased 1.5‐fold, relative to the values for zaltoprofen. It is anticipated that the sodium salt of zaltoprofen will allow the rapid onset of the drug's action in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dodging matrix effects in liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometric assays—compilation of key learnings and perspectives
Authors: Srinivas Nuggehally R.
Published: December 2008

Triple quad liquid chromatography mass spectrometric assays (LC/MS/MS) have revolutionized the analysis of drug(s)/metabolite(s) with exceptional speed, sensitivity and selectivity features. From inception to date, several new and innovative features have been regularly proposed by researchers to further enhance the value in the applicability of this analytical tool. However, owing to such compressed run times and scanty sample preparation procedures, LC/MS/MS assays that are not fully optimized generally have issues of matrix effects, where ionization potential is either suppressed or enhanced due to the presence of other materials (endogenous/exogenous) in the matrix. By definition, even co‐medications, isomeric or isobaric impurities, and drug excipients used in dosing solutions could also potentially contribute to matrix effects. This article captures some of the interesting work carried out by researchers to understand and handle matrix effects. Additionally, it provides perspectives to effectively deal with matrix effects. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The importance of attitudinally appropriate description of cardiac anatomy
Authors: Anderson Robert H. , Loukas Marios
Published: December 2008

The essence of anatomic description is to account for structures as they lie within the body as viewed in the so‐called anatomic position. This important basic principle of gross anatomy has been ignored for years by those describing the relationships of structures within the heart, these cardiac components usually being described in the setting of the heart removed from the body, and positioned on its apex. With the increasing use in clinical practice of tomographic techniques for diagnosis, in which the heart is viewed as it lies within the body, this conventional approach to description of cardiac structures becomes increasingly confusing. Thus, when the heart is viewed in attitudinally appropriate fashion, with the apex pointing to the left, and with the so‐called right heart chambers positioned anteriorly relative to the so‐called left counterparts, the current adjectives used for description are found to be wanting. For example, with the heart in the position it occupies during life, the so‐called posterior descending coronary artery is seen to be positioned inferiorly relative to the ventricular mass. It is more correct to describe this artery as being inferior and interventricular. Such a change has major clinical significance, since blockage of the artery produces inferior myocardial infarction, the leads used for electrocardiographic recording being placed so as to respect the anatomic position. Another example of the deficiencies of the “Valentine” approach to cardiac description is seen when the mitral valve is viewed in attitudinally appropriate fashion. The papillary muscles supporting the tendinous cords are seen to be located inferiorly and adjacent to the ventricular septum, and superiorly and located on the posterior left ventricular wall when viewed in this fashion. Currently, however, the inferoseptal muscle is described as being posteromedial. Those performing electrophysiological studies of the heart have already appreciated the problems created by assessing the heart in “Valentine” fashion, since when described in this way, a catheter passing upwards through the inferior caval vein is said to progress in an anterior fashion. A committee has recommended use of attitudinally appropriate terminology to avoid these problems. We suggest that those teaching cardiac anatomy in medical schools should also insist on the use of attitudinally appropriate nomenclature when describing the heart, as is currently the case for all other structures in the body. Clin. Anat. 22:47–51, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The clinical anatomy of the coronary collateral circulation
Authors: Loukas Marios , Bilinsky Samuel , Bilinsky Esther , Petru Matusz , Anderson Robert H.
Published: December 2008

Although the structure and function of the coronary vasculature has been exhaustively studied, it still holds significant elements of mystery for the researcher and clinician. This is particularly true regarding the structure and function of the human collateral coronary circulation. Controversy still exists concerning the pathways of collateral vessels as well as their function. Controversies also exist relative to the methods used to delineate the pathways, these being additionally compounded by the lack of standardization of the studies and measurements. In this review, we summarize our current knowledge of this functionally significant vascular network. Clin. Anat. 22:146–160, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cardiac veins: A review of the literature
Authors: Loukas Marios , Bilinsky Samuel , Bilinsky Esther , El‐Sedfy Abraham , Anderson Robert H.
Published: December 2008

Cardiac veins have long stood in the shadow of their more extensively studied counterparts, the coronary arteries. The clinical importance of the coronary venous system, nonetheless, should not be underestimated. Intricate and beneficial therapeutic options are increasingly being developed that depend on knowledge of the structure of this venous network. Such interventions have been shown greatly to promote cardiac health, and to enhance the efficacy of cardiac pacing. A comprehensive appreciation of the architecture of the coronary venous system, therefore, is crucial to optimal cardiac care. It is possible to provide an overview of the arrangement of the cardiac veins, with the larger veins draining to the coronary sinus, and thence to the right atrium, but with smaller and minimal veins draining directly to the cavities of the atrial chambers. The venous pathways, nonetheless, are highly variable, making exceptions the commonly accepted rule. As such, unique solutions for imaging, and simple attentiveness to possible venous variations, can greatly enhance clinical outcomes. For example, identifying the diameter, course, and valves of the cardiac veins allows for anticipation of impediments during interventional procedures, and allows for informed clinical decision‐making. Also of significance is awareness of alternate arrangements that may be encountered in terms of venous drainage, and the importance of intramural venous collecting spaces in these patterns. The objective of our review, therefore, is to explore and describe the anatomical distribution of the coronary veins Clin. Anat. 22:129–145, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The normal and abnormal anatomy of the coronary arteries
Authors: Loukas Marios , Groat Christopher , Khangura Rajkamal , Owens Deyzi Gueorguieva , Anderson Robert H.
Published: December 2008

Beneficial therapeutic options are increasingly available for coronary arterial disease. To take full advantage of these options, those performing the interventions require a thorough knowledge of the normal arrangement, and likely anatomic variations, of the coronary arterial system. A comprehensive appreciation of the architecture of the coronary arterial system, therefore, is crucial to optimal cardiac care. Simple attention to potential variations in the origin and course of the major coronary arteries can greatly enhance clinical outcomes. The objective of this review, therefore, is to describe the normal anatomical distribution of the coronary arteries in the human heart, and to list the most common arterial variations. Clin. Anat. 22:114–128, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intergroup contact in Romania: When minority size is positively related to intergroup conflict
Authors: Cernat Vasile
Published: December 2008

Contexts in which minority size is positively related to intergroup conflict are challenging for the contact hypothesis. In such situations, if opportunities for contact increase prejudice, the contact hypothesis may seem less credible, but if they reduce prejudice, the contact hypothesis may seem less useful for improving intergroup relations. Based on path analyses run on a Romanian national probability sample (N = 733), the current research shows that the contact hypothesis can nevertheless be relevant. Because the Hungarian minority is concentrated in Transylvania, a region with a long history of conflict between Romanians and Hungarians, Transylvanians have more opportunities for out‐group contact than other Romanians. However, the analyses also detected significant differences within Transylvania: Urban Transylvanians have more opportunities for contact with Hungarians than rural Transylvanians and, consequently, are less negative towards them. The results, which closely match recent historical events, suggest that a proper application of the contact hypothesis at a societal level has to take into account that minority size is not necessarily equivalent to opportunities for contact and that inter‐regional comparisons in opportunities for contact can hide significant intra‐regional differences. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perceived strengths of urban girls and boys experiencing homelessness
Authors: Israel Nathaniel , Jozefowicz‐Simbeni Debra M. Hernandez
Published: December 2008

Homelessness, with concomitant poverty and mobility, is often associated with multiple negative outcomes for school‐aged children; less is known about the positive characteristics of children experiencing homelessness. This study focused on understanding the mother‐perceived strengths of 50 elementary school‐aged children experiencing homelessness. Mothers typically identified multiple child strengths, even among children experiencing emotional or behavioural difficulties. These strengths included positive personality and behavioural characteristics, intelligence and academic achievement and positive physical attributes. Implications for intervention and further research are discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Negative consequences of community group participation for women's mental health and well‐being: Implications for gender aware social capital building
Authors: Osborne Katy , Baum Fran , Ziersch Anna
Published: December 2008

Participation in community groups is argued to be an important way to create health‐promoting social capital. However, relatively little attention has been paid to the ways in which gender affects the health promotion potential of participation. This paper reports on a qualitative study of women's experiences of participation in a diverse range of community groups, and considers how such involvement can potentially have a negative impact upon mental well‐being. In‐depth interviews were conducted with 30 women in Adelaide, South Australia. Women's accounts of their group involvement reflected that their identities as mothers were particularly important in shaping their participation. Some women reported difficulties in combining group involvement with their family responsibilities. Stress attached to negotiating social interaction within groups was also raised as an issue. It was found that participation can reinforce gender inequality and potentially have severe negative consequences for mental health, issues that need to be considered alongside the potential health benefits. The findings are considered in light of Bourdieu's critical conceptualization of social capital. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Is there space for time in social psychology publications? A content analysis across five journals
Authors: Spini Dario , Elcheroth Guy , Figini Daniel
Published: December 2008

To what extent can social psychology study individuals within social contexts without strengthening theories and methods appropriate for the analysis of individual development within changing societies? Theoretical and epistemological arguments stressing the centrality of a temporal dimension are reviewed. In order to generate an objective picture of the current research practices, a standardized content analysis was carried out on 699 empirical studies published around 2000 in the European Journal of Social Psychology (EJSP), the British Journal of Social Psychology (BJSP), the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology (JPSP), the Journal of Community and Applied Social Psychology (JCASP) and Social Psychology Quarterly (SPQ). This corpus was completed by a four‐point longitudinal analysis—1972/1986/1993/2000—of BJSP, EJSP and JPSP publications. Findings reveal that most empirical studies are carried out on student samples and do not include time‐ or age‐related explanatory variables, particularly in European mainstream publications. Structural analyses taking into account research methods, research topics, journals, and countries of the first authors suggest two oppositions that organize the field of research: a laboratory versus contextualized approach and a developmental versus monographic approach of social psychology. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parental negotiations of the moral terrain of risk in relation to young people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Almack Kathryn , Clegg Jennifer , Murphy Elizabeth
Published: December 2008

This paper draws upon parental accounts from a study of the process of transition for a cohort of 28 young people with relatively severe intellectual disabilities who left special schools in 2004 and 2005 in two adjacent English localities. This paper examines how parents negotiate these boundaries and position themselves in relation to risk. A primary concern identified by parents during this transition period focuses on the risk of harm facing these vulnerable young people (whether through accidents or through sexual, emotional, physical or financial abuse) as they move into the adult world. These concerns are juxtaposed with discourses that increasingly promote the possibilities for people with intellectual disabilities to express and follow their own wishes and aspirations. For example, the policy agenda in England and Wales actively endorses the start of adult life as a time of opportunity for young people and promotes the values of independence and choice. In accounting for the management of risk in the young people's lives, we conclude that parents navigate complex boundaries between being seen to be over‐protective and ‘letting go’; between trusting others to act in the young adults' best interests and allowing these young people the autonomy to negotiate risk. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Access to reproductive technologies by single women and lesbians: Social representations and public debate
Authors: Correia Helen , Broderick Pia
Published: December 2008

A landmark decision in 2000 by the Federal Court of Australia (FCA) allowed access to medically assisted reproductive technologies (MART) regardless of marital status, i.e. by single women and lesbians. This decision sparked much debate, including comments by the Prime Minister of Australia and hundreds of letters to newspapers around the country. In this study, 180 letters to the editor in two newspapers were analyzed to identify themes and processes relevant to conceptualizing who should have access to MART. Representations of family were particularly evident and themes supported the traditional family structure of a mother, father and children, arguing that access to MART should be restricted to this family form. However, emerging representations of family, based on themes of positive parenting values, independent of gender and number of parents, were also observed, suggesting that political agendas restricting MART to heterosexual family structures are not supported by public consensus, or by the emerging acceptance of alternative family forms. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biosynthetic Gene Cluster of Cetoniacytone A, an Unusual Aminocyclitol from the Endosymbiotic BacteriumActinomycessp. Lu 9419
Authors: Wu Xiumei , Flatt Patricia M. , Xu Hui , Mahmud Taifo
Published: December 2008

A gene cluster responsible for the biosynthesis of the antitumor agent cetoniacytone A was identified inActinomycessp. strain Lu 9419, an endosymbiotic bacterium isolated from the intestines of the rose chafer beetle (Cetonia aurata). The nucleotide sequence analysis of the 46 kb DNA region revealed the presence of 31 complete ORFs, including genes predicted to encode a 2‐epi‐5‐epi‐valiolone synthase (CetA), a glyoxalase/bleomycin resistance protein (CetB), an acyltransferase (CetD), an FAD‐dependent dehydrogenase (CetF2), two oxidoreductases (CetF1 and CetG), two aminotransferases (CetH and CetM), and a pyranose oxidase (CetL). CetA has previously been demonstrated to catalyze the cyclization of sedoheptulose 7‐phosphate to the cyclic intermediate, 2‐epi‐5‐epi‐valiolone. In this report, the glyoxalase/bleomycin resistance protein homolog CetB was identified as a 2‐epi‐5‐epi‐valiolone epimerase (EVE), a new member of the vicinal oxygen chelate (VOC) superfamily. The 24 kDa recombinant histidine‐tagged CetB was found to form a homodimer; each monomer contains two βαβββ scaffolds that form a metal binding site with two histidine and two glutamic acid residues. A BLAST search using the newly isolated cet biosynthetic genes revealed an analogous suite of genes in the genome ofFrankia alniACN14a, suggesting that this plant symbiotic nitrogen‐fixing bacterium is capable of producing a secondary metabolite related to the cetoniacytones.
The Molecular Basis of Inhibition of Golgi α‐Mannosidase II by Mannostatin A
Authors: Kuntz Douglas A. , Zhong Wei , Guo Jun , Rose David R. , Boons Geert‐Jan
Published: December 2008

Mannostatin A is a potent inhibitor of the mannose‐trimming enzyme, Golgi α‐mannosidase II (GMII), which acts late in the N‐glycan processing pathway. Inhibition of this enzyme provides a route to blocking the transformation‐associated changes in cancer cell surface oligosaccharide structures. Here, we report on the synthesis of new Mannostatin derivatives and analyze their binding in the active site of Drosophila GMII by X‐ray crystallography. The results indicate that the interaction with the backbone carbonyl of Arg876 is crucial to the high potency of the inhibitor—an effect enhanced by the hydrophobic interaction between the thiomethyl group and an aromatic pocket vicinal to the cleavage site. The various structures indicate that differences in the hydration of protein–ligand complexes are also important determinants of plasticity as well as selectivity of inhibitor binding.
Riboswitches: Ancient and Promising Genetic Regulators
Authors: Blouin Simon , Mulhbacher Jérôme , Penedo J. Carlos , Lafontaine Daniel A.
Published: December 2008

Bait and switch: Metabolite‐sensing riboswitches make use of RNA structural modulation to regulate gene expression, as illustrated in the scheme, in response to subtle changes in metabolite concentrations. This review describes the current knowledge about naturally occurring riboswitches and their growing potential as antibacterial cellular targets and as molecular biosensors.

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Newly discovered metabolite‐sensing riboswitches have revealed that cellular processes extensively make use of RNA structural modulation to regulate gene expression in response to subtle changes in metabolite concentrations. Riboswitches are involved at various regulation levels of gene expression, such as transcription attenuation, translation initiation, mRNA splicing and mRNA processing. Riboswitches are found in the three kingdoms of life, and in various cases, are involved in the regulation of essential genes, which makes their regulation an essential part of cell survival. Because riboswitches operate without the assistance of accessory proteins, they are believed to be remnants of an ancient time, when gene regulation was strictly based on RNA, from which are left numerous “living molecular fossils”, as exemplified by ribozymes, and more spectacularly, by the ribosome. Due to their nature, riboswitches hold high expectations for the manipulation of gene expression and the detection of small metabolites, and also offer an unprecedented potential for the discovery of novel classes of antimicrobial agents.
Hydrogen Bonds as Structural Directive towards Unusual Polynuclear Complexes: Synthesis, Structure, and Magnetic Properties of Copper(II) and Nickel(II) Complexes with a 2‐Aminoglucose Ligand
Authors: Burkhardt Anja , Spielberg Eike T. , Simon Sascha , Görls Helmar , Buchholz Axel , Plass Winfried
Published: December 2008

The reaction of benzyl 2‐amino‐4,6‐O‐benzylidene‐2‐deoxy‐α‐D‐glucopyranoside (HL) with the metal salts Cu(ClO4)2⋅6 H2O and Ni(NO3)2⋅6 H2O affords via self‐assembly a tetranuclear μ4‐hydroxido bridged copper(II) complex [(μ4‐OH)Cu4(L)4(MeOH)3(H2O)](ClO4)3 (1) and a trinuclear alcoholate bridged nickel(II) complex [Ni3(L)5(HL)]NO3 (2), respectively. Both complexes crystallize in the acentric space group P21. The X‐ray crystal structure reveals the rare (μ4‐OH)Cu4O4 core for complex 1 which is μ2‐alcoholate bridged. The copper(II) ions possess a distorted square‐pyramidal geometry with an [NO4] donor set. The core is stabilized by hydrogen bonding between the coordinating amino group of the glucose backbone and the benzylidene protected oxygen atom O4 of a neighboring {Cu(L)} fragment as hydrogen‐bond acceptor. For complex 2 an [N4O2] donor set is observed at the nickel(II) ions with a distorted octahedral geometry. The trinuclear isosceles Ni3 core is bridged by μ3‐alcoholate O3 oxygen atoms of two glucose ligands. The two short edges are capped by μ2‐alcoholate O3 oxygen atoms of the two ligands coordinated at the nickel(II) ion at the vertex of these two edges. Along the elongated edge of the triangle a strong hydrogen bond (244 pm) between the O3 oxygen atoms of ligands coordinating at the two relevant nickel(II) ions is observed. The coordinating amino groups of the these two glucose ligands are involved in additional hydrogen bonds with O4 oxygen atoms of adjacent ligands further stabilizing the trinuclear core. The carbohydrate backbones in all cases adopt the stable 4C1 chair conformation and exhibit the rare chitosan‐like trans‐2,3‐chelation. Temperature dependent magnetic measurements indicate an overall antiferromagnetic behavior for complex 1 with J1=−260 and J2=−205 cm−1 (g=2.122). Compound 2 is the first ferromagnetically coupled trinuclear nickel(II) complex with JA=16.4 and JB=11.0 cm−1 (g1,2=2.183, g3=2.247). For the high‐spin nickel(II) centers a zero‐field splitting of D1,2=3.7 cm−1 and D3=1.8 cm−1 is observed. The S=3 ground state of complex 2 is consistent with magnetization measurements at low temperatures.
Complex Long‐Range Magnetic Ordering Behaviors in Anisotropic Cobalt(II)–Azide Multilayer Systems
Authors: Gao En‐Qing , Liu Pei‐Pei , Wang Yan‐Qin , Yue Qi , Wang Qing‐Lun
Published: December 2008

The crystal structures and magnetic properties of two new CoII molecular magnets, [Co(N3)2(btzb)] (1) and [Co(N3)2(btze)2] (2), are described and discussed (btzb=1,4‐bis(tetrazol‐1‐yl)butane and btze=1,4‐bis(tetrazol‐1‐yl)ethane). In the materials, (4,4) layers with μ‐1,3‐azide bridges are cross‐linked by the monolayered btzb bridging ligands or spaced by bilayered btze terminal ligands to give a 3D (1) or 2D (2) coordination network with significantly different interlayer separations (10.6 vs. 15.2 Å). The observation that the layers in 1 and 2 are almost identical have not only allowed us to determine how the interlayer separation imposes its influences on their magnetic behavior, but also helps us understand the complex magnetic behavior of each structure. In the high‐temperature range (>25 K), almost identical magnetic behaviors, typical of 2D antiferromagnetic systems, are observed for 1 and 2. At low temperature they exhibit unusual and different behaviors that combine spin canting (weak ferromagnetism), metamagnetism, and stepped hysteresis. It has been found that the interlayer separation has little influence on the ordering temperature (23 vs. 22 K), but imposes very‐strong influence on the metamagnetic critical field (6500 vs. 450 Oe), the coercivity (7500 vs. 650 Oe), and the hysteresis‐step size. It may also play an adjusting role in determining the canting angle. Taking into account the strong anisotropy of the systems and the interlayer dipolar interactions, we have reasonably interpreted the unusual metamagnetic and hysteresis behaviors and the differences between 1 and 2. In particularly, the stepped hysteresis loops have been explained by two weak ferromagnetic states.
(2,2‐Diphenyl‐[1,3]oxathiolan‐5‐ylmethyl)‐(3‐phenyl‐propyl)‐amine: a Potent and Selective 5‐HT1AReceptor Agonist
Authors: Franchini Silvia , Tait Annalisa , Prandi Adolfo , Sorbi Claudia , Gallesi Rossella , Buccioni Michela , Marucci Gabriella , De Stefani Carla , Cilia Antonio , Brasili Livio
Published: December 2008

A selective 5‐HT1Areceptor agonist: A new series of ligands acting at 5‐HT1Aserotonin receptor were identified. Among them (2,2‐diphenyl‐[1,3]oxathiolan‐5‐yl‐methyl)‐(3‐phenyl‐propyl)amine (shown) possesses outstanding activity (pKi=8.72, pD2=7.67,Emax=85) and selectivity (5‐HT1A/α1D>150), and represents a new 5‐HT1Aagonist chemotype.

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Starting from compound1, a previously reported α1D‐adrenoceptors antagonist, a new series of ligands acting at 5‐HT1Aserotonin receptor were identified through simple structure modifications. Among them (2,2‐diphenyl‐[1,3]oxathiolan‐5‐yl‐methyl)‐(3‐phenyl‐propyl)amine (19) exhibits outstanding activity (pKi=8.72, pD2=7.67,Emax=85) and selectivity (5‐HT1A/α1D>150), and represents an as yet unidentified 5‐HT1Aagonist scaffold.
Exploring the Implications of Vitamin B12 Conjugation to Insulin on Insulin Receptor Binding
Authors: Petrus Amanda K. , Allis Damian G. , Smith Robert P. , Fairchild Timothy J. , Doyle Robert P.
Published: December 2008

The dynamic behavior of insulin in solution and its binding geometry with the insulin receptor (IR) have been the focus of experimental and computational studies. We investigated how the structure of an orally deliverable insulin changes in solution after vitamin B12 conjugation and its effect on IR binding capacity. In vitro immunoelectron microscopy confirms conjugate activity, IR binding, and cellular uptake.

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We recently reported a vitamin B12 (B12) based insulin conjugate that produced significantly decreased blood glucose levels in diabetic STZ‐rat models. The results of this study posed a fundamental question, namely what implications does B12 conjugation have on insulin's interaction with the insulin receptor (IR)? To explore this question we used a combination of molecular dynamics simulations and immunoelectron microscopy, and the results are described herein. This investigation demonstrates that chemical modification of insulin by linking relatively large pendant groups does not inherently interfere with IR recognition. Furthermore, given that we have previously demonstrated a significant drop in blood glucose concentration following the oral administration of the B12–insulin bioconjugate used in this work, it is reasonable to conclude that the IR recognition described herein is associated with maintenance of biological activity for insulin. This outcome offers significant research scope for chemical modification of insulin with the purpose of improving oral‐uptake efficiency.
Tritium‐LabeledN1‐[3‐(1H‐imidazol‐4‐yl)propyl]‐N2‐propionylguanidine ([3H]UR‐PI294), a High‐Affinity Histamine H3and H4Receptor Radioligand
Authors: Igel Patrick , Schnell David , Bernhardt Günther , Seifert Roland , Buschauer Armin
Published: December 2008

Histamine mediatesits various functions through four histamine receptor subtypes. The H3subtype is mainly found in the central nervous system, where it modulates the release of histamine and other neurotransmitters, whereas the H4subtype plays a crucial role in inflammatory and immunological processes. Herein, the synthesis and characterization of a conveniently accessible tritiated radioligand is reported that proved to be a versatile pharmacological probe.

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This study reports the synthesis and pharmacological characterization of tritium‐labeledN1‐[3‐(1H‐imidazol‐4‐yl)propyl]‐N2‐propionylguanidine ([3H]UR‐PI294), a novel and readily accessible radioligand for the human histamine H3receptor (hH3R) and H4receptor (hH4R). The radioligand displays high affinity for both histamine receptor subtypes (KD(hH3R)=1.1 nM,KD(hH4R)=5.1 nM) and is shown to be a valuable pharmacological tool for the determination of hH3R and hH4R affinities.