bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rationing of nursing care and nurse–patient outcomes: a systematic review of quantitative studies
Authors: Papastavrou Evridiki , Andreou Panayiota , Efstathiou Georgios
Published: January 2013

Bedside rationing in nursing care refers to withholding or failure to carry out certain aspects of care because of limited resources such as time, staffing or skill mix. The absence of previous systematic reviews on nursing care rationing leads to a gap of synthesized knowledge on the factors and processes related to rationing and the potential negative consequences on both patients and nurses. The aim of this study was to gain an in‐depth understanding of the factors and processes related to nursing care rationing. Selected papers were methodologically assessed based on their design, sampling, measurement and statistical analysis. Seventeen quantitative studies were reviewed, and findings were categorized into four themes: elements of nursing care being rationed, causes of rationing, nurse outcomes and patient outcomes. Results revealed that communication with patients and families, patient ambulation, and mouth care were common elements of rationed care. Nurse–patient workload and communication barriers were reported as potential causes of rationing. Patient‐related outcomes included patient falls, nosocomial infections and low patient satisfaction levels. Nurse‐related outcomes included low job and occupational satisfaction. In addition, rationing appears to be an important organizational variable linked with patient safety and quality of care. This review increases understanding of what is actually occurring at the point of care delivery so that managers will be able to improve processes that lead to high quality of care and better patient and nurse outcomes. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ErbBs inhibition by lapatinib blocks tumor growth in an orthotopic model of human testicular germ cell tumor
Authors: Juliachs M. , Castillo‐Ávila W. , Vidal A. , Piulats J.M. , Garcia del Muro X. , Condom E. , Hernández‐Losa J. , Teixidó C. , Pandiella A. , Graupera M. , Casanovas O. , Germà J.R. , Villanueva A. , Viñals F.
Published: January 2013

In this work, we have analyzed the expression of different members of the ErbB family in human samples of testicular germ cell tumors (GCTs). We observed expression of ErbB1 or ErbB2 in different tumor subtypes, but we also found high expression of ErbB3 in all GCTs tested. This pattern of expression was maintained when primary tumors were orthotopically implanted in nude mice. We have chosen a choriocarcinoma model characterized by high levels of ErbB1, but also of ErbB2 and ErbB3, to assay the in vivo effect of ErbB inhibitors on tumoral growth. Our results showed a complete lack of effect (refractoriness) to the pure ErbB1 receptor inhibitors cetuximab and gefitinib. While these inhibitors blocked ErbB1 phosphorylation, ErbB2 phosphorylation was not affected, suggesting an ErbB1‐independent activation of this receptor. To confirm the importance of ErbB2 activation, animals were treated with lapatinib, a dual ErbB1 and ErbB2 inhibitor. Lapatinib treatment caused a 50% inhibition in tumor growth, an effect correlated with a blockade of both ErbB1 and ErbB2 phosphorylation levels, and of downstream signaling pathways (Akt, ERKs and Stat3). ErbB2 activation could still occur due to the formation of ErbB2/ErbB3 heterodimers, and ErbB3 activation was completely inhibited by lapatinib. Finally, combined inhibition of ErbB1 (gefitinib) and ErbB3 activities (knockdown expression by shRNA) inhibited tumoral testicular cells proliferation in a similar way to lapatinib. Our results explain why lapatinib but not anti‐ErbB1 agents might be effective for treatment of testicular GCT patients.
Aristolochic acid‐induced upper tract urothelial carcinoma in Taiwan: Clinical characteristics and outcomes
Authors: Chen Chung‐Hsin , Dickman Kathleen G. , Huang Chao‐Yuan , Moriya Masaaki , Shun Chia‐Tung , Tai Huai‐Ching , Huang Kuo‐How , Wang Shuo‐Meng , Lee Yuan‐Ju , Grollman Arthur P. , Pu Yeong‐Shiau
Published: January 2013

Aristolochic acid (AA), a component of all Aristolochia‐based herbal medicines, is a potent nephrotoxin and human carcinogen associated with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UUC). To investigate the clinical and pathological characteristics of AA‐induced UUC, this study included 152 UUC patients, 93 of whom had been exposed to AA based on the presence of aristolactam‐DNA adducts in the renal cortex. Gene sequencing was used to identify tumors with A:T‐to‐T:A transversions in TP53, a mutational signature associated with AA. Cases with both aristolactam‐DNA adducts and A:T‐to‐T:A transversions in TP53 were defined as AA‐UUC, whereas patients lacking both of these biomarkers were classified as non‐AA‐UUC. Cases with either biomarker were classified as possible‐AA‐UUC. Forty (26%), 60 (40%), and 52 (34%) patients were classified as AA‐UUC, possible‐AA‐UUC and non‐AA‐UUC, respectively. AA‐UUC patients were younger (median ages: 64, 68, 68 years, respectively; p=0.189), predominately female (65%, 42%, 35%, respectively; p=0.011), had more end‐stage renal disease (28%, 10%, 12%, respectively; p=0.055), and were infrequent smokers (5%, 22%, 33%, respectively; p=0.07) compared to possible‐AA‐UUC and non‐AA‐UUC patients. All 14 patients who developed contralateral UUC had aristolactam‐DNA adducts; ten of these also had signature mutations. The contralateral UUC‐free survival period was shorter in AA‐UUC compared to possible‐ or non‐AA‐UUC (p=0.019 and 0.002, respectively), whereas no differences among groups were observed for bladder cancer recurrence. In conclusion, AA‐UUC patients tend to be younger and female, and have more advanced renal disease. Notably, AA exposure was associated with an increased risk for developing synchronous bilateral and metachronous contralateral UUC.
Syndecan‐2 is a key regulator of transforming growth factor beta 2/smad2‐mediated adhesion in fibrosarcoma cells
Authors: Mytilinaiou Maria , Bano Artan , Nikitovic Dragana , Berdiaki Aikaterini , Voudouri Kallirroi , Kalogeraki Alexandra , Karamanos Nikos K. , Tzanakakis George N.
Published: January 2013

Fibrosarcoma is a rare malignant tumor originating from fibroblasts. Transforming growth factor beta 2 (TGFβ2) has been established to regulate processes correlated to fibrosarcoma tumorigenesis. In this study, we investigated the possible participation of syndecan‐2 (SDC‐2), a cell membrane heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycan on these TGFβ2 functions. Our results demonstrate that the inhibition of SDC‐2 expression by short interfering RNA (siSDC2) abolished TGFβ2‐dependent HT1080 cell adhesion (P≤ 0.01). In parallel, the downregulation of SDC‐2 significantly inhibited TGFβ2‐induced Smad2 phosphorylation (P≤ 0.01). The immunoflourescence signal of TGF receptor III as well as its protein expression was decreased in SDC‐2‐deficient cells. The enhancement of adhesion molecules integrin β1 (P≤ 0.01) and focal adhesion kinase expression, induced by TGFβ2 treatment (P≤ 0.001), was markedly inhibited in SDC‐2‐defficient cells (P≤ 0.01). Conclusively, the obtained data suggest that SDC‐2 modulates TGFβ2 transcriptional regulation via Smad signaling to facilitate fibrosarcoma cell adhesion. © 2013 IUBMB Life, 65(2)134–143, 2013
Proteoglycans in the central nervous system: Role in development, neural repair, and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Cui Hao , Freeman Craig , Jacobson Glenn A. , Small David H.
Published: January 2013

Proteoglycans (PGs) are major components of the cell surface and extracellular matrix and play critical roles in development and maintenance of the central nervous system (CNS). PGs are a family of proteins, all of which contain a core protein to which glycosaminoglycan side chains are covalently attached. PGs possess diverse physiological roles, particularly in neural development, and are also implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). The main functions of PGs in the CNS are reviewed as are the roles of PGs in brain injury and in the development or treatment of AD. © 2013 IUBMB Life, 65(2)108–120, 2013.
ERα regulates lipid metabolism in bone through ATGL and perilipin
Authors: Wend Korinna , Wend Peter , Drew Brian G. , Hevener Andrea L. , Miranda‐Carboni Gustavo A. , Krum Susan A.
Published: January 2013

A decrease in bone mineral density during menopause is accompanied by an increase in adipocytes in the bone marrow space. Ovariectomy also leads to accumulation of fat in the bone marrow. Herein we show increased lipid accumulation in bone marrow from estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) knockout (ERαKO) mice compared to wild‐type (WT) mice or estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) knockout (ERβKO) mice. Similarly, bone marrow cells from ERαKO mice differentiated to adipocytes in culture also have increased lipid accumulation compared to cells from WT mice or ERβKO mice. Analysis of individual adipocytes shows that WT mice have fewer, but larger, lipid droplets per cell than adipocytes from ERαKO or ERβKO animals. Furthermore, higher levels of adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) protein in WT adipocytes correlate with increased lipolysis and fewer lipid droplets per cell and treatment with 17β‐estradiol (E2) potentiates this response. In contrast, cells from ERαKO mice display higher perilipin protein levels, promoting lipogenesis. Together these results demonstrate that E2 signals via ERα to regulate lipid droplet size and total lipid accumulation in the bone marrow space in vivo. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 1306–1314, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MiR‐199b‐5p targets HER2 in breast cancer cells
Authors: Fang Chen , Zhao Yu , Guo Baoyu
Published: January 2013

HER2 (ErbB2) has been reported to be overexpressed in 20–30% of breast cancer and confers poor survival because of high proliferation and metastasis rates. MicroRNAs are small noncoding RNAs that are responsible for the post‐transcriptional regulation of target genes. We found miR‐199b‐5p inhibited HER2 expression by direct targeting its 3′‐untranslated region (3′UTR) in breast cancer cells. In addition, miR‐199b‐5p inhibited HER2 downstream signaling by ERK1/2 and AKT pathways in breast cancer cells. Besides, transwell migration, wound healing, and clonogenicity were obviously inhibited by overexpression of miR‐199b‐5p in HER2‐positive breast cancer cells. We also found that miR‐199b‐5p could enhance the suppression of trastuzumab on cell migration and clonogenicity. These results suggest that miR‐199b‐5p may have the potential to be a novel important alternative therapeutic target for HER2‐positive breast cancer. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 1457–1463, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MicroRNA‐182 promotes cell growth, invasion, and chemoresistance by targeting programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) in human ovarian carcinomas
Authors: Wang Yu‐Quan , Guo Ren‐De , Guo Rui‐Meng , Sheng Wei , Yin Li‐Rong
Published: January 2013

As an important tumor suppressor, programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) influences transcription and translation of multiple genes, and modulates different signal transduction pathways. However, the upstream regulation of this gene is largely unknown. In this study, we found that microRNA‐182 (miRNA‐182, miR‐182) was upregulated, whereas PDCD4 was downregulated in ovarian cancer tissues and cell lines. Blocking or increase of miR‐182 in ovarian cancer cell lines led to an opposite alteration of endogenous PDCD4 protein level. Using fluorescent reporter assay, we confirmed the direct and negative regulation of PDCD4 by miR‐182, which was dependent on the predicted miR‐182 binding site within PDCD4 3′ untranslated region (3′ UTR). MTT and colony formation assays suggested that miR‐182 blockage suppressed, whereas miR‐182 mimics enhanced viability and colony formation of ovarian cancer cells. These effects may partly be attributed to the cell cycle promotion activity of miR‐182. miR‐182 also contributed to migration and invasion activities of ovarian cancer cells. Furthermore, miR‐182 reduced the chemosensitivity of ovarian cancer cells to CDDP and Taxol, possibly by its anti‐apoptosis activity. Importantly, all the alterations of the above cellular phenotypes by blocking or enhancing of miR‐182 could be alleviated by subsequent suppression or ectopic expression of its target PDCD4, respectively. We conclude that in ovarian cancer cells, miR‐182 acts as an oncogenic miRNA by directly and negatively regulating PDCD4. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 1464–1473, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Topology, glycosylation and conformational changes in the membrane domain of the vacuolar H+‐ATPase a subunit
Authors: Kartner Norbert , Yao Yeqi , Bhargava Ajay , Manolson Morris F.
Published: January 2013

Published topological models of the integral membrane a subunit of the vacuolar proton‐translocating ATPase complex have not been in agreement with respect to either the number of transmembrane helices within the integral membrane domain, or their limits and orientations within the lipid bilayer. In the present work we have constructed a predictive model of the membrane insertion of the yeast a subunit, Vph1p, from a consensus of seven topology prediction algorithms. The model was tested experimentally using epitope tagging, green fluorescent protein fusion, and protease accessibility analysis in purified yeast vacuoles. Results suggest that a consensus prediction of eight transmembrane helices with both the amino‐terminus and carboxyl‐terminus in the cytoplasm is correct. Characterization of two glycosylation sites within the homologous mouse a subunit membrane domain further corroborates this topology. Moreover, the model takes into account published data on cytoplasmic and luminal accessibility of specific amino acids. Changes in the degree of protease accessibility in response to the V‐ATPase substrate, MgATP, and the V‐ATPase‐specific inhibitor, concanamycin A, suggest that functional conformational changes occur in the large cytoplasmic loop between TM6 and TM7 of Vph1p. These data substantially confirm one topological model of the V‐ATPase a subunit and support the notion that conformational changes occur within the membrane domain, possibly involving previously proposed axial rotation and/or linear displacement of TM7 in the proton transport cycle. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 1474–1487, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
HDAC inhibitor DWP0016 activates p53 transcription and acetylation to inhibit cell growth in U251 glioblastoma cells
Authors: Jin Hui , Liang Lei , Liu Lifeng , Deng Weiping , Liu Jianwen
Published: January 2013

Here we report a hydroacid named DWP0016, which exhibited HDAC inhibition and induced p53 acetylation in U251 glioblastoma cells. DWP0016 effectively inhibited the cell growth of U251 cells and other four carcinoma cell lines but did not affect the normal cells. Cell cycle distribution analysis showed DWP0016 arrested at G1 phase cell cycle dose‐dependently in U251 cells. DWP0016 induced caspase‐dependent and independent apoptosis in U251 cells, which was identified by flow cytometry analysis, caspases activity analysis, Western blotting assay, and caspases inhibition. Mechanisms research suggested that DWP0016 activated transcription and acetylation of tumor suppressor p53. DWP0016 regulated p300, CBP, and PCAF to facilitate p53 acetylation at lys382 in U251 cells. In addition, activation of p53 by DWP0016 promoted PUMA to catalyze mitochondrial pathway. Besides, siRNA assay indicated p53 was the key gene to induce growth inhibition, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis in DWP0016 treated U251 cells. Conclusively, our results show DWP0016 is a potent HDAC inhibitor and the anti‐tumor activity is consistent with its intended p53 activation mechanisms. These findings indicate the promising antitumor potential of DWP0016 for further glioblastoma treatment applications. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 1498–1509, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB accelerates prostate cancer growth by promoting the proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Cheng Jiwen , Ye Huama , Liu Zhiyong , Xu Chuanliang , Zhang Zhensheng , Liu Yan , Sun Yinghao
Published: January 2013

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) favor cancer growth by facilitating immunosuppression status in tumor microenvironment. However, the function and mechanism of MSCs in initiating and developing prostate cancer remains to be fully understood. In this study, we first found that MSCs promoted prostate cancer (PCa) tumor growth in vivo and cell proliferation in vitro by using PCs cell strain RM‐1. Both exogenous and endogenous MSCs could be recruited into the tumor microenvironment by using bone‐marrow transplantation model. We further demonstrated that PDGF‐BB produced by RM‐1 cell promoted MSCs proliferation in vivo and in vitro, which was abrogated by Si‐RNA specific to PDGF‐BB. And inflammatory cytokines, such as interferon gamma, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and anti‐inflammatory cytokine transformation growth factor alpha, further increased the ability of RM‐1 to produce PDGF‐BB. Overall, PCa cells produced PDGF‐BB favors the proliferation of MSCs, which may elicit immunosuppressive function and enable PCa cells to escape from the immunity surveillance in tumor inflammatory microenvironment. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 1510–1518, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Translational control of JunB, an AP‐1 transcription factor, in activated human endothelial cells
Authors: Schmid Douglas I. , Schwertz Hansjörg , Jiang Huimiao , Campbell Robert A. , Weyrich Andrew S. , McIntyre Thomas M. , Zimmerman Guy A. , Kraiss Larry W.
Published: January 2013

Stimulated endothelial cells (EC) assume an activated phenotype with pro‐inflammatory and prothrombotic features, requiring new gene and protein expression. New protein synthesis in activated EC is largely regulated by transcriptional events controlled by a variety of transcription factors. However, post‐transcriptional control of gene expression also influences phenotype and allows the cell to alter protein expression in a faster and more direct way than is typically possible with transcriptional mechanisms. We sought to demonstrate that post‐transcriptional control of gene expression occurs during EC activation. Using thrombin‐activated EC and a high‐throughput, microarray‐based approach, we identified a number of gene products that may be regulated through post‐transcriptional mechanisms, including the AP‐1 transcription factor JunB. Using polysome profiling, cytoplasts and other standard cell biologic techniques, JunB is shown to be regulated at a post‐transcriptional level during EC activation. In activated EC, the AP‐1 transcription factor JunB, is regulated on a post‐transcriptional level. Signal‐dependent control of translation may regulate transcription factor expression and therefore, subsequent transcriptional events in stimulated EC. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 1519–1528, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hydrogen sulfide reduces cell adhesion and relevant inflammatory triggering by preventing ADAM17‐dependent TNF‐α activation
Authors: Perna Alessandra F. , Sepe Immacolata , Lanza Diana , Capasso Rosanna , Zappavigna Silvia , Capasso Giovambattista , Caraglia Michele , Ingrosso Diego
Published: January 2013

H2S is the third endogenous gaseous mediator, after nitric oxide and carbon monoxide, possessing pleiotropic effects, including cytoprotection and anti‐inflammatory action. We analyzed, in an in vitro model entailing monocyte adhesion to an endothelial monolayer, the changes induced by H2S on various potential targets, including cytokines, chemokines, and proteases, playing a crucial role in inflammation and cell adhesion. Results show that H2S prevents the increase in monocyte adhesion induced by tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α). Under these conditions, downregulation of monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1), chemokine C‐C motif receptor 2, and increase of cluster of differentiation 36 could be detected in monocytes. In endothelial cells, H2S treatment reduces the increase in MCP‐1, inter‐cellular adhesion molecule‐1, vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1, and of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase metallopeptidase domain 17 (ADAM17), both at the gene expression and protein levels. Cystathionine γ‐lyase and 3‐mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase, the major H2S forming enzymes, are downregulated in endothelial cells. In addition, H2S significantly reduces activation of ADAM17 by PMA in endothelial cells, with consequent reduction of both ADAM17‐dependent TNF‐α ectodomain shedding and MCP‐1 release. In conclusion, H2S is able to prevent endothelial activation by hampering endothelial activation, triggered by TNF‐α. The mechanism of this protective effect is mainly mediated by down‐modulation of ADAM17‐dependent TNF‐converting enzyme (TACE) activity with consequent inhibition of soluble TNF‐α shedding and its relevant MCP‐1 release in the medium. These results are discussed in the light of the potential protective role of H2S in pro‐inflammatory and pro‐atherogenic processes, such as chronic renal failure. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 1536–1548, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assessing the quality of absolute hydration free energies among CHARMM‐compatible ligand parameterization schemes
Authors: Knight Jennifer L. , Yesselman Joseph D. , Brooks Charles L.
Published: January 2013

Multipurpose atom‐typer for CHARMM (MATCH), an atom‐typing toolset for molecular mechanics force fields, was recently developed in our laboratory. Here, we assess the ability of MATCH‐generated parameters and partial atomic charges to reproduce experimental absolute hydration free energies for a series of 457 small neutral molecules in GBMV2, Generalized Born with a smooth SWitching (GBSW), and fast analytical continuum treatment of solvation (FACTS) implicit solvent models. The quality of hydration free energies associated with small molecule parameters obtained from ParamChem, SwissParam, and Antechamber are compared. Given optimized surface tension coefficients for scaling the surface area term in the nonpolar contribution, these automated parameterization schemes with GBMV2 and GBSW demonstrate reasonable agreement with experimental hydration free energies (average unsigned errors of 0.9–1.5 kcal/mol and R2 of 0.63–0.87). GBMV2 and GBSW consistently provide slightly more accurate estimates than FACTS, whereas Antechamber parameters yield marginally more accurate estimates than the current generation of MATCH, ParamChem, and SwissParam parameterization strategies. Modeling with MATCH libraries that are derived from different CHARMM topology and parameter files highlights the importance of having sufficient coverage of chemical space within the underlying databases of these automated schemes and the benefit of targeting specific functional groups for parameterization efforts to maximize both the breadth and the depth of the parameterized space. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A simple “hands‐off” apparatus to inflate concealed soft parts of the genitalia of small insect specimens
Authors: Hünefeld Frank , Brehm Gunnar , Pohl Hans
Published: January 2013

We describe a simple, effective and relatively cheap instrument for the inflation of soft parts of insect genitalia, particularly the vesica (endophallus) of small male lepidopteran specimens. It can also be applied in female genitalia and for the hyperextension of postabdominal segments of the telescoping type. A fine glass capillary is mounted on a self‐constructed micromanipulator system with capillary holder, moveably placed aside a microscope. The micromanipulator is constructed from the x‐ and y‐pinions of a discarded microscope table and the z‐pinion of a discarded microscope. Preparation is carried out as usual on a microscopic slide. The inflatable soft parts are pushed out mechanically and then fully inflated and subsequently hardened by pumping absolute alcohol with a medical syringe via a flexible PVC tube, the capillary holder and the glass capillary into the phallus. With affordable effort, our “hands‐off”apparatus might considerably ease preparation. Microsc. Res. Tech. 76:258–262, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A practical implementation of multifrequency widefield frequency‐domain fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy
Authors: Chen Hongtao , Gratton Enrico
Published: January 2013

Widefield frequency‐domain fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FD‐FLIM) is a fast and accurate method to measure the fluorescence lifetime, especially in kinetic studies in biomedical researches. However, the small range of modulation frequencies available in commercial instruments makes this technique limited in its applications. Herein, we describe a practical implementation of multifrequency widefield FD‐FLIM using a pulsed supercontinuum laser and a direct digital synthesizer. In this instrument we use a pulse to modulate the image intensifier rather than the more conventional sine‐wave modulation. This allows parallel multifrequency FLIM measurement using the Fast Fourier Transform and the cross‐correlation technique, which permits precise and simultaneous isolation of individual frequencies. In addition, the pulse modulation at the cathode of image intensifier restores the loss of optical resolution caused by the defocusing effect when the cathode is sinusoidally modulated. Furthermore, in our implementation of this technique, data can be graphically analyzed by the phasor method while data are acquired, which allows easy fit‐free lifetime analysis of FLIM images. Here, our measurements of standard fluorescent samples and a Föster resonance energy transfer pair demonstrate that the widefield multifrequency FLIM system is a valuable and simple tool in fluorescence imaging studies. Microsc. Res. Tech. 76:282–289, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Application of microscopy for discrimination of eight Swertia species utilized in the traditional Chinese medicine “Qingyedan”
Authors: Li Yao‐Li , Shang Ming‐Ying , Chen Ji‐Jun , Cai Shao‐Qing
Published: January 2013

Many Swertia species are utilized as a traditional medicine under the name “Qingyedan” in China, but are easily confused with one another. To distinguish eight Swertia species (S. mileensis, S. cincta, S. patens, S. punicea, S. delavayi, S. nervosa, S. macrosperma, and S. yunnanensis) and to ensure their safety and efficacy, the microscopic and macroscopic characteristics of the roots, stems, leaves, and flowers of them were examined. The results showed that microscopic and macroscopic features helpful for authentication of the eight species were the sinuosity of the anticlinal walls of epidermal cells and presence or absence of hairs on the leaf lamina; presence or absence of V‐shaped fibers and fibers with sinuous abaxial wall in the sepals; shape of epidermal cells and pattern of papillae on hairs on the margin of corolla nectary; distribution of stomata in leaf and sepal epidermises, stone cells in cortex and phloem of roots and in cortex and pith of stems, crystals in parenchymatous cells of mesophyll and stem, stomata size, stem diameter, and 4‐ or 5‐merous flowers, and so on. Two keys to the eight Swertia species based on macroscopic and microscopic characteristics are presented. The study indicates that microscopy and related techniques are convenient, practicable, and can be unambiguously applied for authentication of Swertia species. Microsc. Res. Tech. 76:296–310, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hot and steady: Elevated temperatures do not enhance muscle disuse atrophy during prolonged aestivation in the ectotherm Cyclorana alboguttata
Authors: Young K.M. , Cramp R.L. , Franklin C.E.
Published: January 2013

Cover illustration. The cover image shows a Australian Green‐striped burrowing frog, Cyclorana albogutatta, emerging from its burrow after aestivation. In this issue of the Journal of Morphology, Young et al. study the effect of temperature on the extent of muscle disuse atrophy in the gastrocnemius and iliofibularis muscles during aestivation in the burrowing frog C. alboguttata. (pp. 165‐174). They show that despite being inactive and immobile for many months during aestivation this frogs protects it skeletal muscles from extensive disuse atrophy even at elevated temperatures. Photo: Karen Young.
Re‐analysis of key evidence in the case for a hemispherically synchronous response to the Younger Dryas climatic event
Authors: Green Helen , Woodhead Jon , Hellstrom John , Pickering Robyn , Drysdale Russell
Published: January 2013

A south‐east Australian speleothem stable isotope record displaying an apparent cooling synchronous with the northern hemisphere Younger Dryas climate event (12.9–11.7 ka) has significantly influenced scientific thinking on the climatic response of the southern hemisphere following the Last Glacial Maximum. This is one of very few records displaying such a response, and yet the cooling was inferred from substantial extrapolation between just three uranium‐series ages. Technological advances since then have produced major improvements in both the spatial resolution and the accuracy of uranium‐series geochronologies. Re‐analysis of this sample has yielded ages of 7.96 ± 0.36 to 7.69 ± 0.33 ka for the interval previously inferred to span the Younger Dryas, and reveals a substantial hiatus in deposition from 6.93 ± 0.64 to 1.83 ± 0.16 ka. These data not only refute the original evidence for an inter‐hemispheric synchroneity of the Younger Dryas but also reject any evidence for neoglacial conditions at 3 ka. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Systematic Reviews to Support Evidence‐based Medicine (2nd edition) by Khalid Khan, Regina Kunz, Jos Kleijnen and Gerd Antes: A Review
Authors: Johnson Blair T. , Low Robert E. , LaCroix Jessica M.
Published: January 2013

In many scientific disciplines, systematic reviews and meta‐analyses are increasingly indispensable as summaries of the evidence in relation to a particular phenomenon, making it ever more important for scientists to know how best to review evidence. Khan, Kunz, Kleijnen, and Antes's Systematic Reviews to Support Evidence‐Based Medicine (2nd edition, 2011, CRC Press, ISBN‐13: 9781853157943) provides a fine, brief introduction to the subject, in particular for those in medicine and public health fields. Our review details strengths of this book, such as its conciseness and clarity and its close match to current conventions in systematic reviewing. We also discuss nuances of the subject that might augment a future edition or lead readers to other resources. In doing so, these discussions also address how present practices in systematic reviewing might improve. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Odour‐causing compounds in air samples: Gas–liquid partition coefficients and determination using solid‐phase microextraction and GC with mass spectrometric detection
Authors: Godayol Anna , Alonso Mònica , Sanchez Juan M. , Anticó Enriqueta
Published: January 2013

A quantification method based on solid‐phase microextraction followed by GC coupled to MS was developed for the determination of gas–liquid partition coefficients and for the air monitoring of a group of odour‐causing compounds that had previously been found in wastewater samples including dimethyl disulphide, phenol, indole, skatole, octanal, nonanal, benzothiazole and some terpenes. Using a divinylbenzene/carboxen/polydimethylsiloxane fibre, adsorption kinetics have been studied to define an extraction time that would avoid coating saturation. It was found that for an extraction time of 10 min, external calibration could be performed in the range of 0.4–100 μg/m3, with detection limits between 0.1 and 20 μg/m3. Inter‐day precision of the developed method was evaluated (n = 5) and RSD values between 12 and 24% were obtained for all compounds. The proposed method has been applied to the analysis of air samples surrounding a wastewater treatment plant in Catalonia (Spain). In all air samples evaluated, dimethyl disulphide, limonene and phenol were detected, and the first two were the compounds that showed the highest partition coefficients.
Comparison of activated chromatography resins for protein immobilization
Authors: Besselink Tamara , Liu Meng , Ottens Marcel , van Beckhoven Ruud , Janssen Anja E. M. , Boom Remko M.
Published: January 2013

The adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA) to an immobilized camelid‐derived antibody fragment was investigated using six different activated resins, of which two are prototypes. The resins differed in base material, coupling chemistry and particle size. The adsorption, washing and desorption stage of the affinity chromatography process were taken into account. Dynamic binding capacities at 10% breakthrough ranged between 0.76 and 4.8 mg BSA/mL resin. The washing volume ranged between 2.9 and 10 column volumes. One of the resins did not concentrate BSA, while the highest concentration was 13‐fold. We present a method to rank and weigh the properties of the resins to find the optimal resin to meet specific requirements. For three of the resins the adsorption flow rate was varied, while the washing and desorption flow rate was kept the same. The dynamic binding capacity decreased with increasing flow rate, as expected. For one resin, the washing volume remained constant, but for the others it decreased with increasing adsorption flow rate. The number of column volumes required to purify a given amount of BSA increases with increasing flow rate, which indicates that higher flow rates do not necessarily speed up the process.
Multivariate data analysis of UV spectra in monitoring elution and determining endpoint of chromatography using polyamide column
Authors: Yan Binjun , Qu Haibin
Published: January 2013

Chromatography using polyamide column is one of the most critical purification operations that affect the safety and efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) products. To ensure successful operation and reduce time and solvent consumption, UV spectroscopy combined with multivariate data analysis as an online analytical tool was developed for monitoring the polyamide column chromatography of the TCM Danshen. The process trajectories were established by principal component analysis of the UV spectra and used to determine the endpoint of the washing stage and investigate the impacts of the process conditions. The online analysis method developed determined the concentration of salvianolic acid B (an important compound in Danshen) in the effluent rapidly and precisely with a coefficient of determination of 0.9963 and helped to collect salvianolic acid B quantitatively for determining the endpoint of elution. The methodology proposed is an effective approach applicable in guiding successful operations in the chromatographic separation.
Surface initiated polymerization of a cationic monomer on inner surfaces of silica capillaries: Analyte separation by capillary electrophoresis versus polyelectrolyte behavior
Authors: Witos Joanna , Karesoja Mikko , Karjalainen Erno , Tenhu Heikki , Riekkola Marja‐Liisa
Published: January 2013

[2‐(Methacryloyl)oxyethyl]trimethylammonium chloride was successfully polymerized by surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization method on the inner surface of fused‐silica capillaries resulting in a covalently bound poly([2‐(methacryloyl)oxyethyl]trimethylammonium chloride) coating. The coated capillaries provided in capillary electrophoresis an excellent run‐to‐run repeatability, capillary‐to‐capillary and day‐to‐day reproducibility. The capillaries worked reliably over 1 month with EOF repeatability below 0.5%. The positively charged coated capillaries were successfully applied to the capillary electrophoretic separation of three standard proteins and five β‐blockers with the separation efficiencies ranging from 132 000 to 303 000 plates/m, and from 82 000 to 189 000 plates/m, respectively. In addition, challenging high‐ and low‐density lipoprotein particles could be separated. The hydrodynamic sizes of free polymer chains in buffers used in the capillary electrophoretic experiments were measured for the characterization of the coatings.
Addressing the Measurement of Tourism in Terms of Poverty Reduction: Tourism Value Chain Analysis in Lao PDR and Mali
Authors: Thomas Frederic
Published: January 2013

Although tourism obviously contributes to the economic growth of developing countries, the idea that it can be an efficient tool to alleviate poverty does not always receive unanimous support. The absence of a consensual methodology to measure the employee pro‐poor income impact of tourism has had a negative impact on two major levels: on research, to begin with, and on the acknowledgement of tourism as a tool to alleviate poverty. This paper discusses two recent tourism value chains, which allow the use and then the comparison of different poverty measures and then show that tourism impact strongly depends on the chosen poverty threshold. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficiency droop in light‐emitting diodes: Challenges and countermeasures
Authors: Cho Jaehee , Schubert E. Fred , Kim Jong Kyu
Published: January 2013

Efficiency droop, i.e. the loss of efficiency at high operating current, afflicts nitride‐based light‐emitting diodes (LEDs). The droop phenomenon is currently the subject of intense research, as it retards the advancement of solid‐state lighting which is just starting to supplant fluorescent as well as incandescent lighting. Although the technical community does not yet have consented to a single cause of droop, this article provides a summary of the present state of droop research, reviews currently discussed droop mechanisms, and presents a recently developed theoretical model for the efficiency droop. In the theoretical model, carrier leakage out of the active region caused by the asymmetry of the pn junction, specifically the disparity between electron and hole concentrations and mobilities, is discussed in detail. The model is in agreement with the droop's key behaviors not only for GaInN LEDs but also for AlGaInP LEDs.
Advanced optical trapping by complex beam shaping
Authors: Woerdemann Mike , Alpmann Christina , Esseling Michael , Denz Cornelia
Published: January 2013

Optical tweezers, a simple and robust implementation of optical micromanipulation technologies, have become a standard tool in biological, medical and physics research laboratories. Recently, with the utilization of holographic beam shaping techniques, more sophisticated trapping configurations have been realized to overcome current challenges in applications. Holographically generated higher‐order light modes, for example, can induce highly structured and ordered three‐dimensional optical potential landscapes with promising applications in optically guided assembly, transfer of orbital angular momentum, or acceleration of particles along defined trajectories. The non‐diffracting property of particular light modes enables the optical manipulation in multiple planes or the creation of axially extended particle structures. Alongside with these concepts which rely on direct interaction of the light field with particles, two promising adjacent approaches tackle fundamental limitations by utilizing non‐optical forces which are, however, induced by optical light fields. Optoelectronic tweezers take advantage of dielectrophoretic forces for adaptive and flexible, massively parallel trapping. Photophoretic trapping makes use of thermal forces and by this means is perfectly suited for trapping absorbing particles. Hence the possibility to tailor light fields holographically, combined with the complementary dielectrophoretic and photophoretic trapping provides a holistic approach to the majority of optical micromanipulation scenarios.
Graphene supports the propagation of subwavelength optical solitons
Authors: Nesterov Maxim L. , Bravo‐Abad Jorge , Nikitin Alexey Yu. , García‐Vidal Francisco J. , Martin‐Moreno Luis
Published: January 2013

Nonlinear propagation of light in a graphene monolayer is studied theoretically. It is shown how the large intrinsic nonlinearity of graphene at optical frequencies enables the formation of quasi one‐dimensional self‐guided beams (spatial solitons) featuring subwavelength widths at moderate electric‐field peak intensities. A novel class of nonlinear self‐confined modes resulting from the hybridization of surface plasmon polaritons with graphene optical solitons is also demonstrated.
Phase‐controlled directional switching of surface plasmon polaritons via beam interference
Authors: Lee Seung‐Yeol , Lee Wooyoung , Lee Yohan , Won Jun‐Yeon , Kim Joonsoo , Lee Il‐Min , Lee Byoungho
Published: January 2013

A novel method for switching the direction of surface plasmon polarition (SPP) launching is proposed. The principle behind the switching mechanism is based on the relative phase difference between the reference beam and the control beam. Selective guidance of the direction of SPP can be explained by the composition of the charge parity that is induced near the slit edge, which is caused by interference created by two incident beams. The switching of SPP launching direction could be implemented by simple phase modulation of the control beam when the slit parameters satisfy the specific conditions at the designed specific wavelength. An experimental demonstration, in good agreement with numerical results, shows that our configuration of SPP switching can be operated by a quite simple interaction.
A note on quarkonial systems and multilevel partition of unity methods
Authors: Dahlke Stephan , Oswald Peter , Raasch Thorsten
Published: January 2013

We discuss the connection between the theory of quarkonial decompositions for function spaces developed by Hans Triebel, and the multilevel partition of unity method. The central result is an alternative approach to the stability of quarkonial decompositions in Besov spaces\documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$B_{pp}^s({\mathbb {R}}^n)$\end{document},s>n(1/p− 1)+, which leads to relaxed decay assumptions on the elements of a quarkonial system as the monomial degree grows.
Affiliated subspaces and infiniteness of von Neumann algebras
Authors: Hamhalter Jan , Turilova Ekaterina
Published: January 2013

We show that the structural properties of von Neumann algebra s are connected with the metric and order theoretic properties of various classes of affiliated subspaces. Among others we show that properly infinite von Neumann algebra s always admit an affiliated subspace for which (1) closed and orthogonally closed affiliated subspaces are different; (2) splitting and quasi‐splitting affiliated subspaces do not coincide. We provide an involved construction showing that concepts of splitting and quasi‐splitting subspaces are non‐equivalent in any GNS representation space arising from a faithful normal state on a Type I factor. We are putting together the theory of quasi‐splitting subspaces developed for inner product spaces on one side and the modular theory of von Neumann algebra s on the other side.
Garcinol sensitizes human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells to gemcitabine in association with microRNA signatures
Authors: Parasramka Mansi A. , Ali Shadan , Banerjee Sanjeev , Deryavoush Tara , Sarkar Fazlul H , Gupta SmitiV.
Published: January 2013

Background

Alterations in microRNA (miRNA/miR) genes are of biological importance in the pathophysiology of cancers, including pancreatic cancer (PaCa). Although growing evidence supports the role of miRNA in cancer, their response to dietary phytochemicals is less known. Previously, we showed that garcinol induces PaCa cell growth arrest and apoptosis in vitro. The present study, discusses chemo‐sensitization by garcinol in synergism with first‐line PaCa drug, gemcitabine. The miRNA expression profile of gemcitabine‐resistant Panc‐1 cells treated with garcinol and/or gemcitabine was also evaluated.

Methods and results

Garcinol synergizes with gemcitabine to inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in PaCa cells with significant modulation of key cancer regulators including PARP, VEGF, MMPs, ILs, caspases, and NF‐κB. In addition, biostatistical analyses, quantitative reverse transcription PCR data, and in silico modeling using TargetScan5, PicTar, and DNA intelligent analysis, microT‐V.B4 database showed that these two agents modulated a number of microRNAs (miR‐21, miR‐196a, miR‐495, miR‐605, miR‐638, and miR‐453) linked to various canonical oncogenic signaling pathways.

Conclusion

We identified garcinol‐specific miRNA biomarkers that sensitize PaCa cells to gemcitabine treatment, thus attenuating the drug‐resistance phenotype. These results prompt further interest in garcinol and gemcitabine combination strategy as a drug modality to improve treatment outcome in patients diagnosed with PaCa.
Direct and indirect antioxidant properties of α‐lipoic acid and therapeutic potential
Authors: Rochette Luc , Ghibu Stéliana , Richard Carole , Zeller Marianne , Cottin Yves , Vergely Catherine
Published: January 2013

Diabetes has emerged as a major threat to worldwide health. The exact mechanisms underlying the disease are unknown; however, there is growing evidence that the excess generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) associated with hyperglycemia, causes oxidative stress in a variety of tissues. In this context, various natural compounds with pleiotropic actions like α‐lipoic acid (LA) are of interest, especially in metabolic diseases such as diabetes. LA, either as a dietary supplement or a therapeutic agent, modulates redox potential because of its ability to match the redox status between different subcellular compartments as well as extracellularly. Both the oxidized (disulfide) and reduced (di‐thiol: dihydro‐lipoic acid, DHLA) forms of LA show antioxidant properties. LA exerts antioxidant effects in biological systems through ROS quenching but also via an action on transition metal chelation. Dietary supplementation with LA has been successfully employed in a variety of in vivo models of disease associated with an imbalance of redox status: diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The complex and intimate association between increased oxidative stress and increased inflammation in related disorders such as diabetes, makes it difficult to establish the temporal sequence of the relationship.
Conformational analysis of a secondary hydroxamic acid in aqueous solution by NOE spectroscopy
Authors: Sippl Stefanie P. , Schenck Heather L.
Published: January 2013

Hydroxamic acids are metal‐binding compounds used by micro‐organisms and possess applications in medicine and industry. Hydroxamic acids favor two conformations, E and Z; metal binding is limited to the Z conformation. The Z conformation may be identifiable by NOE spectroscopy, but analysis is complicated by the potential for long‐range coupling as well as for relayed NOEs due to conformational switching. In this report, we re‐examine the reported conformational preference of N‐methyl acetohydroxamic acid (NMHA) in D2O using NOE spectroscopy. We find that the favored conformation of NMHA in aqueous solution is the E conformation, contrary to an earlier report. NOE build‐up curves are proposed as a valuable tool to probe conformational behavior in similar systems. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gel Formation in Aqueous Suspension Nitroxide‐Mediated Radical Co‐Polymerization of Styrene/Divinylbenzene
Authors: Gonçalves Miguel A. D. , Pinto Virgínia D. , Dias Rolando C. S. , Costa Mário Rui P. F. N. , Aguiar Leandro G. , Giudici Reinaldo
Published: January 2013

Results from an experimental study concerning gel formation with nitroxide‐mediated radical polymerization (NMRP) of styrene (S) and divinylbenzene (DVB) in aqueous suspension are reported. Influence of certain polymerization parameters on the dynamics of network formation was measured, namely the polymerization temperature and initial composition. Soluble polymer formed at different polymerization times was analyzed by size exclusion chromatography (SEC) with refractive index (RI) and multi angle laser light scattering (MALLS) detection. Concentration of pendant double bonds (PDB) was quantified by means of ICl titration and the morphology of the S/DVB particles was inspected by SEM. Incidence of cyclizations was assessed and the improvement of network homogeneity when using NMRP/FRP is discussed.

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