bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High antineoplastic activity of new heterocyclic compounds in cancer cells with resistance against classical DNA topoisomerase II‐targeting drugs
Authors: Lage Hermann , Aki‐Sener Esin , Yalcin Ismail
Published: January 2006

Twenty previously synthesized fused heterocyclic DNA‐topoisomerase II (Topo II)‐inhibiting compounds were investigated for their potential efficacy in various human cancer cell lines that were derived from different tumor entities. Moreover, different multidrug‐resistant variants of these cancer cell lines with decreased Topo II expression were investigated. In parental, drug‐sensitive cells merely the compounds BD3 and G35 showed efficacies, in terms of μM, which were similar to that of the classical Topo II inhibitor etoposide. On the other hand, most of the tested heterocyclic compounds were found more effective in drug‐resistant cells than in the parental, drug‐sensitive ones, and some of the compounds showed high antineoplastic efficacy in several drug‐resistant cell models. Compounds BD13, BD14 and BD16 exhibited high antineoplastic activities against the drug‐resistant sublines EPG85‐257RNOV and EPG85‐257RDB derived from gastric carcinoma, EPP85‐181RNOV and EPP85‐181RDB derived from pancreatic carcinoma, MCF‐7/Adr derived from breast cancer, D79/86RNOV derived from fibrosarcoma, and MeWoETO1 derived from melanoma. Furthermore, compound D23 was found highly efficient in the multidrug‐resistant variants HT‐29RNOV and HT‐29RDB derived from colon carcinoma, and compound D24 exhibited the highest antineoplastic activity among the tested compounds in the drug‐resistant subline MDA‐MB‐231ROV derived from breast cancer. In conclusion, compounds BD 13, BD 14, BD 16, D 23 and D 24 may be useful for the treatment of different multidrug‐resistant cancer cells with cross resistance against “classical” Topo II‐targeting drugs. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nuclear targeting of a midregion PTHrP fragment is necessary for stimulating growth in breast cancer cells
Authors: Kumari Rajendra , Robertson John F. , Watson Sue A.
Published: January 2006

Parathyroid‐hormone related protein (PTHrP) is the primary factor in humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy and is highly secreted by breast cancers. The pro‐hormone undergoes post‐translational processing and cleavage to give rise to mature secretory peptides, one of which is midregion PTHrP (38‐94/95/101) containing a nuclear localisation sequence (NLS) in amino acids (87‐106). The current study investigates whether the NLS in midregion PTHrP is important in breast cancer growth. PTHrP‐(67‐101), a midregion PTHrP fragment containing NLS‐(87‐101) significantly increased growth of MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB231 cells (126.3 and 121.3% of control respectively in serum conditions), independent of PTHR1 whereas PTHrP‐(67‐86), which lacks the NLS did not. Fluorescent‐labelled PTHrP‐(67‐101) translocated to the nucleus, whereas PTHrP‐(67‐86) remained cytosolic and a scrambled(+NLS) peptide was not internalised. In comparison, no growth influence or uptake was seen in non‐tumour breast cells (Hs578Bst). Increases in intracellular calcium mobilisation were observed in breast cancer cells stimulated with both PTHrP‐(67‐101) and PTHrP‐(67‐86) (EC50 of 3.2 pM and 2.2 pM respectively for MCF‐7 cells), whereas inositide turnover was not detected. Both nuclear uptake and calcium signalling were attenuated in the presence of EGTA, but not with U73122 or N‐terminal PTHrP peptides. Our studies indicate that the NLS‐containing midregion PTHrP peptide is dependent on both internalisation and nuclear translocation to induce growth in breast cancer cells. These findings highlight the importance of midregion PTHrP and its receptor in breast cancer growth and may provide potential targets for future therapeutic intervention. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cytokine‐containing gelfoam implants at a postsurgical tumor excision site to stimulate local immune reactivity
Authors: Young M. Rita I.
Published: January 2006

We previously demonstrated increased numbers of CD34+ progenitor cells in the peripheral blood of tumor bearers. Also demonstrated was the feasibility of chemoattracting these cells by sponge implants containing VEGF. The present study used a murine Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) model to test if CD34+ cells that are chemoattracted to a tumor excision site can be differentiated in situ into dendritic cells and whether this leads to increased local immune reactivity. After surgically excising established LLC tumors, mice received at the excision site gelatin sponge implants containing VEGF to chemoattract CD34+ cells, and/or GM‐CSF plus SCF to induce CD34+ cell differentiation into dendritic cells. In some studies, lysates of GFP‐transfected LLC cells (LLCGFP) were also included in the implants as a source of tumor antigen. After 2 weeks, implants and local lymph nodes were removed and analyzed. Implants containing VEGF, GM‐CSF/SCF or VEGF/GM‐CSF/SCF had a higher proportion of CD34+ cells compared to control implants. However, the number of dendritic cells was higher in implants containing GM‐CSF/SCF or VEGF/GM‐CSF/SCF than those containing either VEGF or diluent. Regional lymph node from mice containing GM‐CSF/SCF or VEGF/GM‐CSF/SCF implants showed increased dendritic cell levels. However, when lysates from LLCGFP were added to the implants, the highest proportion of dendritic cells associated with GFP was in lymph nodes of mice containing GM‐CSF/SCF implants. Lymph node cells from mice with GM‐CSF/SCF or VEGF/GM‐CSF/SCF had a higher level of proliferation and IFN‐γ secretion in response to in vitro LLC lysate challenge, with the greatest response being from lymph node cells of mice with GM‐CSF/SCF implants. These results suggest the feasibility of using GM‐CSF/SCF‐containing implants to increase dendritic cell levels, uptake of tumor antigens, trafficking to lymph nodes and stimulation of immune reactivity at tumor excision sites with residual tumor. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cigarette smoking, elevated fasting serum glucose, and risk of pancreatic cancer in Korean men
Authors: Yun Ji Eun , Jo Inho , Park Jungyong , Kim Miyong T. , Gun Ryu Hwang , Odongua Nemekhee , Kim Eunkyung , Jee Sun Ha
Published: January 2006

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most fatal human cancers and continues to be a major unsolved health problem. The goal of this study was to estimate the independent effects and interactions between cigarette smoking and diabetes on the risk of pancreatic cancer in Korean male population. Cigarette smoking and the risk of incidence and death from pancreatic cancer were examined in a 10‐year prospective cohort study of 446,407 Korean men aged 40 to 65 years who received health insurance from the National Health Insurance Corporation and who had a medical evaluation in 1992. Relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using a Cox proportional hazards model after adjusting for age, body mass index, exercise and alcohol use. Current smoking was associated with an increased risk of incidence (RR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.6–1.9) and mortality (RR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.4–1.7) from pancreatic cancer. The RR for pancreatic cancer increased with both duration and amount of smoking. Diabetes was also associated with an increased risk of both incidence (RR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.5–2.2) and mortality (RR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.4–2.1) from pancreatic cancer. There was no interaction between smoking and fasting serum glucose in terms of pancreatic cancer risk. Thus, our prospective study has demonstrated that cigarette smoking and elevated fasting serum glucose are independently associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer in a large cohort of Korean males. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Generation of tumoricidal PAX3 peptide antigen specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes
Authors: Rodeberg David A. , Nuss Rebecca A. , Elsawa Sherine F. , Erskine Courtney L. , Celis Esteban
Published: January 2006

The transcription factor PAX3 is expressed during early embryogenesis and in multiple cancer types, including embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS), Ewing sarcoma (ES) and malignant melanoma (MEL), suggesting that it could function as a general tumor associated antigen. Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) peptide binding algorithms were used to predict potential epitopes in PAX3 capable of stimulating in vitro naïve HLA‐A0201 restricted cytotoxic T‐lymphocytes (CTLs). Two peptides, PAX3‐282 (QLMAFNHLI) and a modified version of this peptide PAX3‐282.9V (QLMAFNHLV), were capable of inducing antigen‐specific CTLs. Of these peptides, PAX3‐282.9V was the most efficient inducer of primary CTL response. These CTLs were able to lyse HLA‐A0201 expressing target cells that were pulsed with peptide, and more importantly, were effective in killing tumor cells that express PAX3, including ERMS, ES and MEL cell lines. These findings provide compelling evidence that peptide PAX3‐282 is naturally processed by tumors and is presented in the context of HLA‐A0201 in adequate amounts to allow CTL recognition. Also, PAX3‐282.9V is an effective immunogenic peptide able to induce CTL recognition of PAX3‐containing tumors and may be used as an antitumor peptide vaccine. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Structurally diagnostic ion/molecule reactions: class and functional‐group identification by mass spectrometry
Authors: Eberlin Marcos N.
Published: January 2006

This article discusses the application of gas‐phase ion/molecule reactions for fine structural elucidation in mass spectrometry. This approach is illustrated via a representative collection of class‐ and functional group–selective reactions, a few of historical relevance as well as by more recent and instructive examples, and their applications. The focus is on reactions performed under well‐controlled conditions of sequential mass spectrometry, discussing key mechanistic details and potential applications. Recent and innovative strategies that allow these reactions to be performed under ambient conditions, making this fast, selective and sensitive approach for structural investigation much more generally applicable, are also discussed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
G3139 antisense oligonucleotide directed against antiapoptotic Bcl‐2 enhances doxorubicin cytotoxicity in the FU‐SY‐1 synovial sarcoma cell line
Authors: Joyner David E. , Albritton Karen H. , Bastar Jeffrey D. , Randall R. Lor
Published: January 2006

Synovial sarcoma (SS) is a highly aggressive, periarticular soft tissue sarcoma that causes death in more than half of affected children, adolescents, and young adults. Five‐ and 10‐year survival rates are as low as 36 and 20%, respectively. Bcl‐2, a negative regulator of apoptosis, is overexpressed in up to 90% of SS. Increased Bcl‐2 expression not only leads to the development of cancer, but also to resistance of many anticancer chemotherapeutic agents. We hypothesized reducing Bcl‐2 expression in SS should enhance doxorubicin cytotoxicity. Cell cultures representing two human sarcomas (FU‐SY‐1 SS and the pleomorphic SW982) and a primary human dermal fibroblast comparator (NHDF) were exposed in vitro to doxorubicin, or to doxorubicin preceded by Bcl‐2 (G3139) antisense oligonucleotides, and assayed for cell survival, apoptosis, and modulations in Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐xL mRNA and protein content. SW982 sarcoma cells proved most susceptible to doxorubicin, while NHDF mesenchymal cells were least sensitive to doxorubicin. Treatment of FU‐SY‐1 SS with G3139 reduced Bcl‐2 mRNA and protein levels, which enhanced doxorubicin‐induced cell killing. There was a concurrent reduction in Bcl‐xL mRNA following G3139 application in FU‐SY‐1 and NHDF cultures, but not in SW982. G3139 anti‐Bcl‐2 intervention sensitized the FU‐SY‐1 SS to doxorubicin, due to increased apoptosis. G3139 intervention was ineffective in the two non‐SS cell lines. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 24:474–480, 2006
Effect of soil microorganisms on the sorption of zinc and lead compounds by goethite
Authors: Perelomov Leonid , Kandeler Ellen
Published: January 2006

The objectives of this study were (1) to determine the effect of microorganisms during in‐vitro incubation on the amount of Zn and Pb from solution retained on goethite precipitated as coatings on a sand matrix and (2) to evaluate accumulation of heavy metals in the biomass of soil microorganisms in the fresh soil samples using an extractive approach. A mixture of colonies of cultivated microorganisms extracted from a Haplic Luvisol (Russia) and an Antropi‐urbic Regosol (Germany) were used to prepare the cell and the microbial‐debris suspensions. The concentrations of Zn and Pb in the studied solutions supplied with microbial suspensions and/or goethite coated sand were 0.1 mM (130.8 and 414 mg kg–1 of sand, respectively). Exchangeable forms of metals were determined by extraction with 10 mL of 1.0 M KNO3. Nonexchangeable forms of Zn and Pb were recovered using 40 mL of 0.3 M NH2OH‐HCl in 1 M HNO3. Concentrations of Pb increased in the solutions and decreased on the surface of the Fe‐mineral due to living microorganisms. In comparison to incubation of heavy‐metal solutions with goethite only, the absolute concentrations of nonexchangeable forms of metal were reduced by microbial suspension to a greater extent than those of the exchangeable forms, whereas the relative content of both fractions decreased by a factor of almost two. Sorption of Pb by goethite was inversely correlated with the concentration of organic C in the solution. Microorganisms clearly influenced the Zn sorption by goethite at concentrations of Corg > 400 mg L–1. The amount of Zn retained was decreased primarily due to decreasing Zn portions in the exchangeable fraction. Microbial debris prepared by autoclaving reduced the Pb sorption by goethite similar to the results for living cells. Living microorganisms accumulated more Zn than did microbial debris. The data of this paper show that a direct determination of heavy‐metal accumulation in soil microorganisms by extraction with 2.0 M KCl as well as by extraction with 1 M CH3COONH4 at the natural pH of the soils after chloroform fumigation of fresh soils samples with different concentrations of organic C was not possible.
Determination of micronutrients and heavy metals in soils using electro–ultrafiltration (EUF) technique by addition of DTPA
Authors: Horn Dietmar
Published: January 2006

With the electro–ultrafiltration (EUF) technique, the plant availability of several plant nutrients in soils can be characterized. The basic principle of EUF is that an electric field is induced using platinum electrodes. Ions in the soil suspension move either to the cathode or to the anode and are filtrated through ultra‐membrane filters. In the standard EUF procedure, two extractions steps are used: 30 min at 20°C and 5 min at 80°C. However, the determination of micronutrients and heavy metals with the standard EUF procedure is not possible, because the solubility of these elements in water is low and most of the watersoluble elements are precipitated when passing the platinum electrodes.

The addition of DTPA, a well known complexing agent, during a third EUF fraction (5 min at 80°C) enables extraction of micronutrients and heavy metals. Highest concentrations in the 33 soils of the study were found for iron, followed by zinc, manganese, lead, copper, and nickel. Lower concentrations were obtained for cobalt, chromium, cadmium, and molybdenum. For two soils, the EUF/DTPA procedure was compared to CaCl2/DTPA and EDTA soil extraction methods, showing that higher or comparable amounts were found with CaCl2/DTPA and much higher amounts with the EDTA method.

These results reveal that the EUF/DTPA technique in principle can be used for the determination of plant‐available micronutrients and heavy metals. However, in a next step the relationship between EUF/DTPA‐extractable elements and their availability for plants needs to be quantified.
Biodegradability of dissolved organic matter extracted from a chronosequence of forest‐floor materials
Authors: Bourbonniere Richard A. , Creed Irena F.
Published: January 2006

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is an important part of the microbially utilizable organic matter in soils. This paper describes an incubation experiment by which the lability and mobility of DOM extracted from forest‐floor materials are related to their age and degree of degradation. DOM extracted from a chronosequence of decomposing leaves (green leaves, fresh fallen leaves, litter [1 y weathering], fibric matter [2–3 y], hemic matter [>3 y], or peat [100+ y]) was applied to intact soil cores, and the CO2 produced over 5 d was measured to determine biodegradability. Biodegradability of DOM varied somewhat along the chronosequence, with the green leaves yielding more CO2 on an equal C basis than the older substrates and equivalent to glucose which was used as a reference substrate. Thus, the DOM extracts of the older substrates contain some refractory components. The humic‐acid content (or that of its precursors) of the extracts from older substrates relates to the lowered lability. The hydrophobic and hydrophilic content of DOM extracted from substrates was not related to CO2 production in the incubation studies conducted.
Microbial biomass and activity under oxic and anoxic conditions as affected by nitrate additions
Authors: Dyckmans Jens , Flessa Heiner , Lipski André , Potthoff Martin , Beese Friedrich
Published: January 2006

Soil microbial activity, biomass, and community structure were examined during the transition from oxic to anoxic conditions after the addition of glucose and with or without nitrate addition. In two sets of treatments, samples were incubated for up to 35 d in closed ampoules either aerobically until oxygen was depleted or anoxically throughout the experiment. Heat‐flow rate was monitored to indicate microbial activity. Microbial biomass and community structure were measured by adenylate and phospholipid fatty acid (PFLA) content, and adenylate energy charge (AEC) was used to monitor the physiological status of the microbial biomass.

Microbial activity was highest under oxic conditions and abruptly decreased under anoxic conditions. Activity peaks were observed after about 9 d of anoxic conditions probably triggered by increased nutrient availability from dying microbial biomass, but these peaks were smaller after initial oxic incubation or nitrate addition. Microbial biomass was unchanged under oxic conditions but decreased under anoxic conditions. Most surviving microbes switched into dormancy. Changes in the microbial‐population structure were small and occurred only after 9 d of anoxic incubation. The results show that the nutrient status and the availability of electron acceptors such as nitrate were important factors ruling the direction and the extent of shifts in the microbial activity and community structures due to anoxic conditions.
Response of the sorption behavior of Cu, Cd, and Zn to different soil management
Authors: Lair Georg J. , Gerzabek Martin H. , Haberhauer Georg , Jakusch Michael , Kirchmann Holger
Published: January 2006

This study investigated the effect of different farming practices over long time periods on the sorption‐desorption behavior of Cu, Cd, and Zn in soils. Various amendments in a long‐term field experiment over 44 y altered the chemical and physical properties of the soil. Adsorption isotherms obtained from batch sorption experiments with Cu, Cd, and Zn were well described by Freundlich equations for adsorption and desorption. The data showed that Cu was adsorbed in high amounts, followed by Zn and Cd. In most treatments, Cd ions were more weakly sorbed than Cu or Zn. Generally, adsorption coefficients KF increased among the investigated farming practices in the following order: sewage sludge ≤ fallow < inorganic fertilizer without N ≈ green manure < peat < Ca(NO3)2 < animal manure ≤ grassland/extensive pasture. The impact of different soil management on the sorption properties of agricultural soils for trace metals was quantified. Results demonstrated that the soil pH was the main factor controlling the behavior of heavy metals in soil altered through management. Furthermore, the constants KF and n of isotherms obtained from the experiments significantly correlated with the amount of solid and water‐soluble organic carbon (WSOC) in the soils. Higher soil pH and higher contents of soil organic carbon led to higher adsorption. Carboxyl and carbonyl groups as well as WSOC significantly influenced the sorption behavior of heavy metals in soils with similar mineral soil constituents.
Phosphorus‐31–nuclear magnetic–resonance spectroscopy to trace organic dung phosphorus in a temperate grassland soil
Authors: Bol Roland , Amelung Wulf , Haumaier Ludwig
Published: January 2006

Cattle dung contributes to hot‐spot inputs of nutrients to grassland systems, but not much is known about its organic P (Po) composition and fate in the grassland soils. We used 31Phosphorus (P)–Nuclear Magnetic–Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy of alkaline soil extracts to examine potentials for tracing of different functional Po forms into a temperate grassland soil amended with dung. The proportion of monoester, DNA‐diester, and phospholipid+teichoic acid P were comparable in dung extracts, but the soil was dominated by monoester P. The temporal trends in the DNA‐diester P–to–monoester P (DDNAM) and diester P–to–monoester P (DM) ratio of dung, native soil, and soil amended with dung were monitored in the 70 d field experiment. The DDNAM and DM ratio in the dung‐amended soil (0–1 and 1–5 cm depth) were always intermediate between the dung and (unamended) control soil. Clearly, extracted soil P was a mixture of incorporated dung‐derived P and native soil P. The dung‐P contribution in the 0–1 cm samples peaked at 47% of the total extracted P at day 70 and at 15% after 42 d in the 1–5 cm soil depth (based on the DM ratio). The proportions of dung‐derived P and C in the soil were positively correlated with: 1) topsoil, using the DDNAM ratio (r2 = 0.975), and 2) top‐ and subsoil, using the DM ratio (r2 = 0.656). We concluded that our DDNAM and DM‐P ratios approach (obtained from solution‐31P NMR) did trace successfully the short‐term dynamics and fate of dung Po in soil. It indicated that dung‐derived Po varied as rapidly in soil as the dung‐derived C.
Mitochondrial organization in prepubertal goat oocytes during in vitro maturation and fertilization
Authors: Velilla Esther , RodrÍguez‐Gonzalez Elisabet , Vidal Francesca , Izquierdo Dolors , Paramio Maria‐Teresa
Published: January 2006

The aim of this study was to evaluate mitochondrial distribution during in vitro maturation (at 0, 15, 20, and 27 hr of IVM) and fertilization of prepubertal goat oocytes compared to mitochondrial distribution of ovulated and in vitro fertilized oocytes from adult goats. Oocytes from prepubertal goats were recovered from a slaughterhouse and were matured in M199 with hormones and serum for 27 hr. Ovulated oocytes were collected from gonadotrophin‐treated Murciana goats. Frozen‐thawed spermatozoa were selected by centrifugation in Percoll gradient and were capacitated in DMH with 20% steer serum for 1 hr. Ovulated and IVM‐oocytes were inseminated in DMH medium with steer serum and calcium lactate for 20 hr. Oocytes and presumptive zygotes were stained with Mitotraker Green FM and observed under a confocal laser scanning microscope. Ultrastructural morphology of oocytes and presumptive zygotes were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Prepubertal goat oocytes at germinal vesicle stage (GV) presented mitochondria localized in the cortical and perinuclear region. IVM‐oocytes at metaphase II presented mitochondria peripheral polarized to the region opposite were the metaphase spindle is positioned and within the polar body. Ovulated oocytes presented peripheral mitochondria distribution and mitochondrial aggregation around the MII spindle. At 20 hr post‐insemination, mitochondria were distributed around the two synchronous pronuclei (2PN rpar; in zygotes ovulated oocytes whereas in prepubertal 2PN‐zygotes mitochondria presented a peripheral polarized distribution. Images by TEM detected that immature prepubertal goat oocytes that are less electrodense and present fewer cristae than in vitro matured prepubertal goat oocytes; these are characterized by being associated to swollen vesicles. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 73: 617–626, 2006 © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multinuclear NMR and MRI studies of the maturation of pig articular cartilage
Authors: Keinan‐Adamsky Keren , Shinar Hadassah , Navon Gil
Published: January 2006

The maturation of pig articular cartilage was followed by 2H in‐phase double quantum filtered (IP‐DQF) spectroscopic MRI, 1H T2 MRI, and 23Na DQF and triple quantum filtered MRS. The results all lead to the conclusion that the order and density of the collagen fibers in articular cartilage increase from birth to maturity. At birth, both 2H IP‐DQF signal and 1H T2 were homogeneous throughout the cartilage and their values independent of the orientation of the plug relative to the magnetic field. At maturation, the 2H IP‐DQF spectrum near the bone is composed of two pairs of quadrupolar split satellites and the 1H T2 relaxation is biexponential, indicating the presence of two groups of collagen fibers. The 2H satellites are orientation dependent, indicating that the two groups of fibers are well ordered at maturation. The fast component of 1H T2 is also orientation dependent and thus we have concluded that this component results from residual dipolar interaction, while the slow T2 component in mature cartilage, as well as the T2 relaxation in immature cartilage, is governed by other mechanisms. Magn Reson Med, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Echoplanar diffusion tensor imaging of the lower leg musculature using eddy current nulled stimulated echo preparation
Authors: Steidle G. , Schick F.
Published: January 2006

A sequence for echoplanar diffusion tensor imaging of musculature was developed using a stimulated echo preparation. The strategy was optimized in order to obtain reliable diffusion tensor data in a short measuring time. Image distortion problems due to eddy currents arising from long‐lasting diffusion sensitizing gradients could be overcome by insertion of additional gradient pulses in the TM interval of the stimulated echo preparation. In contrast to former approaches with similar intention, the proposed strategy does not influence the stimulated echo signal itself and does not lead to prolonged echo time as in the case of spin echo methods. Phantom measurements were performed to compare eddy current induced distortion effects in diffusion weighted images. The diffusion tensor in the musculature of the lower leg was investigated in four healthy subjects and maps of the trace and the three eigenvalues of the diffusion tensor, fractional anisotropy maps, and angle maps were calculated. Magn Reson Med, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Design and analysis of a practical 3D cones trajectory
Authors: Gurney Paul T. , Hargreaves Brian A. , Nishimura Dwight G.
Published: January 2006

The 3D Cones k‐space trajectory has many desirable properties for rapid and ultra‐short echo time magnetic resonance imaging. An algorithm is presented that generates the 3D Cones gradient waveforms given a desired field of view and resolution. The algorithm enables a favorable trade‐off between increases in readout time and decreases in the total number of required readouts. The resulting trajectory is very signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) efficient and has excellent aliasing properties. A rapid high‐resolution ultra‐short echo time imaging sequence is used to compare the 3D Cones trajectory to 3D projection reconstruction (3DPR) sampling schemes. For equivalent scan times, the 3D Cones trajectory has better SNR performance and fewer aliasing artifacts as compared to the 3DPR trajectory. Magn Reson Med, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dynamics of electrically charged transient evaporating sprays
Authors: Shrimpton John S. , Laoonual Yossapong
Published: January 2006

The evolution of an evaporating spray plume typical of those under consideration for use in direct injection spark ignition (DISI) engines, for early and late fuel injection strategies is investigated. Here the effect of electric charge, present on individual drops, upon the spray dispersal and evaporation rate is investigated with the aim of optimizing these parameters with respect to typical engine timescales and injection strategy. The predictions suggest that applying electric charge to drops in sprays injected early into the intake stroke does not have a beneficial effect. The spray evaporation rate is not significantly enhanced, and the long time interval between fuel injection and ignition actually promotes spray wall deposition. Conversely, applying electric charge to sprays injected late encourages secondary atomization and the increase in surface area greatly improves the evaporation rate. This is also true at higher engine speeds, corresponding to a much reduced time between fuel injection and ignition. Therefore it is suggested that the selective use of electric charge is viable way of tuning the spray character without effecting fuel metering when moving from an early to a late injection strategy in DISI engines when variable loads are required. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermal stability and degradation kinetics of poly(methyl methacrylate)/layered copper hydroxy methacrylate composites
Authors: Kandare Everson , Deng Hongmei , Wang Dongyan , Hossenlopp Jeanne M.
Published: January 2006

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/copper hydroxy methacrylate (CHM) composites were prepared via solution blending and bulk polymerization. Addition of 3% by weight of the CHM additive using solution blending resulted in a significant increment (∼45°C) in thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) T50, the temperature at which 50% of the original polymeric mass is lost. The value T50 increased by 30°C for a PMMA composite with 4% CHM, synthesized via bulk polymerization. Activation energies, Ea, were calculated as a function of conversion fractions (TGA decomposition profile) for the polymeric materials. Analysis of multiple heating rate data using the Flynn–Wall–Ozawa method resulted in Ea values that were 50 kJ mol−1 higher for conversions above 0.5 in the solution blended composite compared to a reference sample of pure PMMA recrystallized from the same solvent. Similar results were obtained for bulk polymerization process with differences in Ea values > 30 kJ mol−1 relative to pure PMMA. However, in contrast to previous studies of bulk polymerized samples, the solution‐blended composite exhibited no improvement in cone calorimetry determination of total heat release as compared with the reference PMMA sample. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
De novo monosomy 9p24.3‐pter and trisomy 17q24.3‐qter characterised by microarray comparative genomic hybridisation in a fetus with an increased nuchal translucency
Authors: Brisset Sophie , Kasakyan Serdar , L'Herminé Aurore Coulomb , Mairovitz Valérie , Gautier Evelyne , Aubry Marie‐Cécile , Benkhalifa Moncef , Tachdjian Gérard
Published: January 2006

Objectives

Increased nuchal translucency (NT) during the first trimester of pregnancy is a useful marker to detect chromosomal abnormalities. Here, we report a prenatal case with molecular cytogenetic characterisation of an abnormal derivative chromosome 9 identified through NT.

Methods

Amniocentesis was performed because of an increased NT (4.4 mm) and showed an abnormal de novo 46,XX,add(9)(p24.3) karyotype. To characterise the origin of the small additional material on 9p, we performed a microarray comparative genomic hybridisation (microarray CGH) using a genomic DNA array providing an average of 1 Mb resolution.

Results

Microarray CGH showed a deletion of distal 9p and a trisomy of distal 17q. These results were confirmed by FISH analyses. Microarray CGH provided accurate information on the breakpoint regions and the size of both distal 9p deletion and distal 17q trisomy. The fetus was therefore a carrier of a de novo derivative chromosome 9 arising from a t(9;17)(p24.3;q24.3) translocation and generating a monosomy 9p24.3‐pter and a trisomy 17q24.3‐qter.

Conclusion

This case illustrates that microarray CGH is a rapid, powerful and sensitive technology to identify small de novo unbalanced chromosomal abnormalities and can be applied in prenatal diagnosis. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nuchal translucency measurements are highly correlated in both mono‐ and dichorionic twin pairs
Authors: Wøjdemann Karen R. , Larsen Severin Olesen , Shalmi Anne‐Cathrine , Sundberg Karin , Tabor Ann , Christiansen Michael
Published: January 2006

Objectives

To establish the distribution of serological and ultrasound first‐trimester Down syndrome markers in twins and identify correlations of significance for risk calculation.

Methods

Nuchal translucency (NT), PAPP‐A and βhCG data were extracted from 181 twin pregnancies (31 mono‐ and 150 dichorionic) with a normal outcome. All pregnancies were consecutively and prospectively included and examined in the Copenhagen First‐Trimester Study. The variance of the sum and the difference of log MoM NT values in twin pairs was used to calculate the correlation.

Results

The serological markers did not correlate and were nearly twice the value seen in singleton pregnancies with a median PAPP‐A MoM of 2.14 and a median free βhCG MoM of 2.06. Chorionicity was not found to influence the level of biochemical markers. In all twin pairs (r = 0.343, p < 0.001, F‐test), as well as mono‐ (r = 0.404, p = 0.011, F‐test) and dichorionic twins (r = 0.316, p < 0.001, F‐test) there was a significant correlation between log MoM NT in each pair.

Conclusion

As the NT values of fetuses in subsequent pregnancies from the same woman do not correlate, the correlation between NTs in twins reflects that the NT is influenced by placental and maternal factors specific for the particular pregnancy, for example, nutrient supply or vascularisation. The correlation may be useful to improve the precision of the prenatal risk assessment for Down syndrome in first‐trimester twin pregnancies. The serological markers were elevated in the examined twins as previously described. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The OEIS complex: two case reports that illustrate the spectrum of abnormalities and a review of the literature
Authors: Vasudevan Pradeep C. , Cohen Marta C. , Whitby Elspeth H. , Anumba Dilly O. C. , Quarrell Oliver W. J.
Published: January 2006

We present two cases of OEIS (omphalocele, exstrophy, imperforate anus, spinal defects) complex ‐MIM 258040 and a review of the literature. Case 1 was a 14‐year‐old girl who presented at 30 weeks' gestation. An ultrasound examination showed an omphalocele and spina bifida; the bladder was not visualised. She went into spontaneous labour two weeks later and the baby died shortly after birth. A full post‐mortem examination was refused, but the mother did agree to an external examination, skin biopsy for fibroblast culture, X rays and MR imaging. The MR imaging showed a pelvic kidney, a large omphalocele containing the other kidney, liver, bowel and a fluid filled structure thought to represent an exstrophy of the bladder (EB). Case 2 was a 30‐year‐old woman who had an ultrasound examination at 20 weeks' gestation; this showed an omphalocele, but the bladder was not visualised. The pregnancy was subsequently terminated and a post‐mortem examination showed a low set umbilical cord associated with a small omphalocele; there was an imperforate anus; a blind ending rectum terminated in the omphalocele. We conclude that these two cases illustrate the variability of the OEIS complex. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Beyond resilients, undercontrollers, and overcontrollers? an extension of personality prototype research
Authors: Herzberg Philipp Yorck , Roth Marcus
Published: January 2006

Prototypes of personality were investigated in two studies. In study I, clusters of Big‐Five‐based prototypes were examined using a general population sample of 1908 German adults. Convergent evidence suggested the appropriateness of a five‐cluster solution, which corresponds to previously identified temperament based prototypes. In study II, the five‐cluster solution was cross‐validated in a sample of 256 prisoners. Moreover, it was shown that a population‐based approach (using discriminant functions derived from study I) was superior over the traditional sample‐based cluster approach (using Ward followed by k‐means). The authors argue that future typological research can be sufficiently grounded on a five‐prototype conception rather than on a three‐prototype conception, and suggest a new and flexible assignment procedure. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Female physical attractiveness in Britain and Japan: a cross‐cultural study
Authors: Swami Viren , Caprario Carolina , Tovée Martin J. , Furnham Adrian
Published: January 2006

Two purported cues to female physical attractiveness are body mass index (BMI) and body shape as measured by the waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR). This study examined the relative contribution of both cues in two culturally distinct populations. Eighty‐two male participants from Britain and Japan were asked to rate a set of images of real women with known BMI and WHR. Results showed that BMI is the primary determinant of female physical attractiveness, whereas WHR failed to emerge as a significant predictor. Results also showed that there were significant differences in preferences for physical attractiveness, with Japanese participants preferring images of women with significantly lower BMIs than Britons. Finally, results showed that the Japanese are more reliant on body shape than Britons when judging physical attractiveness. The findings are discussed in terms of evolutionary psychological explanations of mate selection, and sociocultural theories which emphasise the learning of preferences in social and cultural contexts. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
WHISCY: What information does surface conservation yield? Application to data‐driven docking
Authors: de Vries Sjoerd J. , van Dijk Aalt D.J. , Bonvin Alexandre M.J.J.
Published: January 2006

Protein–protein interactions play a key role in biological processes. Identifying the interacting residues is a first step toward understanding these interactions at a structural level. In this study, the interface prediction program WHISCY is presented. It combines surface conservation and structural information to predict protein–protein interfaces. The accuracy of the predictions is more than three times higher than a random prediction. These predictions have been combined with another interface prediction program, ProMate [Neuvirth et al. J Mol Biol 2004;338:181–199], resulting in an even more accurate predictor. The usefulness of the predictions was tested using the data‐driven docking program HADDOCK [Dominguez et al. J Am Chem Soc 2003;125:1731–1737] in an unbound docking experiment, with the goal of generating as many near‐native structures as possible. Unrefined rigid body docking solutions within 10 Å ligand RMSD from the true structure were generated for 22 out of 25 docked complexes. For 18 complexes, more than 100 of the 8000 generated models were correct. Our results demonstrates the potential of using interface predictions to drive protein–protein docking. Proteins 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Withdrawal: First‐principles calculations of the CaF2 bulk and surface electronic structure
Authors: Shi H. , Eglitis R. I. , Borstel G.
Published: January 2006

The authors withdraw their article in phys. stat. sol. (b) 242, 2041 (2005) [1] because parts of it have been published in Physical Review B [2].
The human reproductive pattern and the changes in women's roles
Authors: Díaz S.
Published: January 2006

A broader evolutionary perspective and an understanding of our reproductive behavior in the context of a constantly changing society can contribute to the debate on breastfeeding and reproductive roles of both women and men. Breastfeeding is women's work and should be valued as such. Families and societies need to accept their share of the task of supporting women to breastfeed, to include favorable conditions at the workplace, adequate health care, better nutrition, and recognition of the woman's role and importance.
A novel terminal differentiation model of human articular chondrocytes in three‐dimensional cultures mimicking chondrocytic changes in osteoarthritis
Authors: Ho Mei‐Ling , Chang Je‐Ken , Wu Shun‐Cheng , Chung Ya‐Hui , Chen Chung‐Hwan , Hung Shao‐Hung , Wang Gwo‐Jaw
Published: January 2006

This study establishes a cell culture model mimicking the terminal differentiation occurring in osteoarthritic chondrocytes. Normal articular chondrocytes obtained from human knees treated with 5‐azacytidine (Aza‐C) were harvested 3, 7 and 14 days after treatment. Phenotypic and genetic changes of articular chondrocytes were detected. The results show that mRNA expression of collagen type II, a marker for normal functional articular chondrocytes, was significantly decreased after Aza‐C treatment in comparison to the control cultures, while those of collagen type X and ALP, markers for hypertrophic chondrocytes, were significantly increased. Cell size and apoptotic rate of articular chondrocytes showed significant increases compared to the control after 14 days of Aza‐C treatment. Terminal differentiation is shown by this model of three‐dimensional cultured human articular chondrocytes, which could apply to the studies of the cellular mechanisms of osteoarthritis.
The pain self‐efficacy questionnaire: Taking pain into account
Authors: Nicholas Michael K.
Published: January 2006

Self‐efficacy beliefs in people with chronic pain have been assessed either by reference to confidence in ability to perform specific tasks or to confidence in performing more generalised constructs like coping with pain. Both approaches reflect aspects of the original conceptualisations of self‐efficacy and both have proved useful, but it is noteworthy that confidence in performing activities in the context of pain is rarely addressed. An important element in the original formulations of self‐efficacy referred to persistence in the face of obstacles and aversive experiences. In this context, self‐efficacy beliefs for people experiencing chronic pain might be expected to incorporate not just the expectation that a person could perform a particular behaviour or task, but also their confidence in being able to do it despite their pain. This aspect of the self‐efficacy construct has been included in a measure for people with chronic pain, the Pain Self‐Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ). The accumulated evidence from a number of published studies and a confirmatory analysis with a large cohort of heterogeneous chronic pain patients attending a pain management program provide support for the PSEQ's original psychometric properties developed with a sample of chronic low back pain patients. The importance of taking the context of pain into account in the assessment of self‐efficacy beliefs in pain populations and the ways in which this measure can be used to improve the assessment of people experiencing chronic pain, before and after treatment, are examined.
TTM‐based counselling in physiotherapy does not contribute to an increase of adherence to activity recommendations in older adults with chronic low back pain — A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Basler Heinz‐Dieter , Bertalanffy Helmut , Quint Sabine , Wilke Axel , Wolf Udo
Published: January 2006

Background The present study examines the outcome of counselling in physiotherapy based on the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) in a sample of elderly individuals with chronic low back pain.

Background In a prospective randomised trial with concealed assignment, elderly individuals with chronic low back pain were allocated to two treatment conditions. Both contained 10 sessions of physiotherapy, each of 20 min duration. In addition, the experimental group (EG) received 10 min counselling prior to every session based on the TTM, also provided by the physiotherapist, and the control group (CG) underwent a placebo ultrasound treatment with an inactivated device to control for the additional attention given to the EG. Assessments took place prior to the treatment (t1), immediately after termination of the treatment (t2), and at a 6‐months follow‐up. Outcome measures were physical activity calculated from one‐week activity diaries, self‐reported functional capacity, and range of motion measured by ultrasound topometry.

Background A total of 170 individuals (64% female) with a mean age of 70.3 years (SD = 4.4, range 65–84) participated in the study. The retention rate was 90%. At t3, both EG and CG showed increased physical activity and functional capacity, but no change in range of motion. Effect sizes were large. Contrary to our hypothesis, however, motivational training did not result in a better outcome compared with placebo treatment.

Background The study does not provide evidence that a short TTM‐based motivation programme is superior to placebo treatment regarding adherence to activity recommendations.
GD3‐replica peptides selected from a phage peptide library induce a GD3 ganglioside antibody response
Authors: Popa Iuliana , Ishikawa Dai , Tanaka Michinori , Ogino Koichi , Portoukalian Jacques , Taki Takao
Published: January 2006

GD3‐replica peptides were obtained from a phage peptide library and an anti‐GD3 monoclonal antibody (Mab) (4F6), and anti‐GD3 Mabs were generated by immunizing a peptide GD3P4. A Mab, 3D2 was found to recognize GD3 by immunohistochemical approaches. Amino acid analysis of heavy and light chain variable regions of 4F6 and 3D2 showed that the respective chains had the same length, and only a few different amino acid substitutions were found. The present data indicate that the immunogenic GD3P4 is processed in a certain size and exposed on the antigen‐presenting cells with a molecular shape quite similar to that of the GD3 epitope in 4F6.
Finger‐assisted stretching technique for cesarean section
Authors: Song S.H. , Oh M.J. , Kim T. , Hur J.Y. , Saw H.S. , Park Y.K.
Published: January 2006

Objective

To compare the perioperative outcomes of two cesarean section methods, the finger‐assisted stretching technique (FAST), based on a modified Joel‐Cohen method, with the traditional technique.

Methods

A retrospective review of the records of 416 women who underwent cesarean sections at Guro Hospital, Seoul, Korea, between May 1993 and December 2001 was performed. Of the 416 women, 283 underwent cesarean sections with FAST and 133 with the traditional technique.

Results

Operative time was significantly shorter with FAST (15.3 vs. 42.6 min, P < .05), and FAST was associated with lower blood loss (601 vs. 928 mL, P < .05) and shorter hospital stay (3.7 vs. 6.5 days, P < .05). There were no significant differences in wound infection, voiding difficulty, and postoperative adhesions between the two methods.

Conclusion

These results suggest that FAST may be the better technique.
Mental health care in Belgrade — Challenges and solutions
Authors: Tosevski D.L. , Pejuskovic B.
Published: January 2006

Aim

To describe principles and characteristics of mental health care in Belgrade.

Methods

Based on existing data, service provision, number of professionals working in services, funding arrangements, pathways intocare, user/carer involvement and specific issues are reported.

Results

Disastrous events in the country and the region caused an increase of mental and behavioral disorders for 13.5% in the last few years, thus making them the second largest public health problem (after cerebro-vascular diseases). The overall morbidity and mortality are on the rise. Intense acute and chronic stress, as well as the accumulated traumas caused significant psychological sequelae, especially to vulnerable people.

Discussion

Whilst various issues of mental health care in Belgrade overlap with those in other European capitals, there are also some specific problems and features. Due to prolonged adversities, the health system has deteriorated and is facing specific challenges. However, the transformation of mental health services has been initiated, with a lot of positive movements, such as preparation of the National policy for mental health care as well as the Law for protection of mentally ill individuals.