bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐term schisandrin B treatment mitigates age‐related impairments in mitochondrial antioxidant status and functional ability in various tissues, and improves the survival of aging C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Ko Kam Ming , Chen Na , Leung Hoi Yan , Leong Eriol P. K. , Poon Michel K. T. , Chiu Po Yee 
Published: December 2009

AbstractMitochondrial decay is a major cause of aging, leading to the subsequent death of aerobic organisms including humans. In the present study, we examined the effects of supplementation with schisandrin B (Sch B, a dibenzocyclooctadiene derivative isolated from the fruit of Schisandra chinensis), administered at 0.012% (w/w) of diet, starting from the age of 36 weeks, on age‐dependent changes in mouse mitochondrial antioxidant status and functional ability in various tissues (brain, heart, liver, and kidney) up to the age of 120 weeks. We also monitored survival of male and female C57BL/6J mice. Aging caused progressive impairment in mitochondrial antioxidant status in various tissues, as evidenced by decreases in reduced glutathione and α‐tocopherol levels, and Mn‐superoxide dismutase activity. Impairments in mitochondrial antioxidant status were invariably associated with increases in mitochondria‐driven reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in tissue homogenates, as well as decreased mitochondrial ATP‐generation capacities (ATP‐GCs), in all tested tissues. Diet supplementation with Sch B ameliorated impairment in mitochondrial antioxidant status during aging. The effects were more pronounced in younger than in older mice, when compared to age‐matched non‐supplemented controls. Sch B supplementation also suppressed mitochondria‐driven ROS production and enhanced mitochondrial ATP‐GC in various tissues during aging. The beneficial effects of Sch B supplementation on mitochondrial antioxidant status and functional ability were paralleled by survival improvement in aging male mice, when compared with controls. Sch B supplementation also improved the survival in female mice. In conclusion, long‐term Sch B supplementation mitigated age‐dependent impairments in mitochondrial antioxidant capacity and functional ability, thereby retarding the aging process in mice, particularly during early aging.
Quantitative analysis of hydroxylated polymethoxyflavones by high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Li Shiming , Wang Yu , Wang Zhenyu , Xiao Hang , Lo Chih‐Yu , Rawson Nancy , Ho Chi‐Tang 
Published: December 2009

AbstractSince the hydroxylated polymethoxyflavones were isolated from orange and other citrus peels, they have been found to exhibit potent anti‐cancer and anti‐inflammatory activities. Hydroxylated polymethoxyflavones, especially 5‐demethylnobiletin and 5‐hydroxy‐3,6,7,8,3′,4′‐hexamethoxyflavone, exert more potent activities than their counterpart polymethoxyflavones (PMFs). These findings have led to a new era of exploration of hydroxylated polymethoxyflavones and PMFs from the citrus genus for their potential application in nutraceutical, pharmaceuticals and functional foods. A practical and efficient analytical method for quantitatively characterizing the composition of PMFs has only recently been developed, and has applications both in academic research laboratories and quality controls. However, chemical analyses of the hydroxylated polymethoxyflavones have not been previously described. This paper reports the quantitative analysis of six 5‐demethylated PMFs in various commercial orange peel extracts, using high‐performance liquid chromatography with UV detection. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of an HPTLC‐based diagnostic method for invasive aspergillosis
Authors: Puri Alka , Ahmad Ajaz , Panda Bibhu Prasad 
Published: December 2009

AbstractA rapid, sensitive and specific high‐performance thin‐layer chromatographic (HPTLC) method was developed and validated for determination of gliotoxin in Aspergillus infected immunocompromised patients with invasive aspergillosis (IA). Densitometric analysis of gliotoxin was carried out in the absorbance mode at 254 nm after single‐step extraction with chloroform. The method uses TLC aluminum plates pre‐coated with silica gel 60F‐254 as a stationary phase and toluene–isoamyl alcohol–methanol (10:0.5:0.5, v/v/v) as mobile phase, which gives compact spot of gliotoxin (Rf = 0.51). The calibration curve was linear (r2 ≥ 0.994) between peak area and concentration in the tested range of 100–1000 ng spot−1 with minimum detectable range 0.025 ng μ−1 of serum sample. The mean ± SD value of slope and intercept of the standard chromatogram of gliotoxin were found to be 523.2 ± 1.555635 and 915.8 ± 30.68843, respectively. The developed method is simple, rapid, precise and less costly than earlier diagnostic methods, and different serum samples can be run on a single TLC plate for comparative analysis. The proposed method can be used to analyze gliotoxin in patient serum for easy, rapid and cost‐effective diagnosis of IA. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simultaneous determination of peimine and peiminine in rat plasma by LC‐ESI‐MS employing solid‐phase extraction
Authors: Wu Xiaodan , Chen Juanjuan , Pan Yuanjiang 
Published: December 2009

AbstractA simple and reliable LC‐ESI‐MS method for the determination of peimine and peiminine in rat plasma was developed for the first time. The method was proven to be specific and sensitive by carrying out validation. The analytes were extracted from rat plasma via solid‐phase extraction on Waters Oasis MCX cartridges. Chromatography separation was achieved on a C18 column using 10 mM ammonium acetate (adjusted to pH 3.0 with glacial acetic acid)–acetonitrile (85:15, v/v) as mobile phase. The linear range was 1–100 ng/mL for peimine and peiminine. Intra‐ and inter‐day precisiond were less than 10%. Accuracies were within 85–115% of their nominal concentrations. The limit of quantification was 1 ng/mL for both analytes. The developed assay was successfully applied to pharmacokinetic study of peimine and peiminine in rats orally administered the alkaloids extracts from Bulbus Fritillariae, demonstrating a possible broader spectrum of applications of this method. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ni Catalyst Coating on Fecralloy® Microchanneled Foils and Testing for Methane Steam Reforming
Authors: de Miguel N. , Manzanedo J. , Thormann J. , Pfeifer P. , Arias P. L. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe procedure following the washcoating of three different Ni catalyst systems (MgO, Al2O3, and CeO2/Al2O3 supported) on pretreated Fecralloy® microchanneled foils under controlled milling times and viscosities of the slurries is described. The activity of the prepared coatings is also presented. Four different series of coated foils were prepared: one per each catalyst system, keeping constant the average particle size on 5 μm, and one extra series to study the effect of reducing the average particle size of the MgO‐supported catalyst system to 3 μm. For each coating, scanning electron microscopy pictures were taken and specific surface areas and average densities of the catalyst layers were estimated. Finally, each series of coated foils was stacked and tested in a microreactor for the methane steam reforming (MSR) reaction under different conditions.
Modeling and predicting binding affinity of phencyclidine‐like compounds using machine learning methods
Authors: Erdas Ozlem , Buyukbingol Erdem , Alpaslan Ferda Nur , Adejare Adeboye 
Published: December 2009

AbstractMachine learning methods have always been promising in the science and engineering fields, and the use of these methods in chemistry and drug design has advanced especially since the 1990s. In this study, molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) surfaces of phencyclidine‐like (PCP‐like) compounds are modeled and visualized in order to extract features that are useful in predicting binding affinities. In modeling, the Cartesian coordinates of MEP surface points are mapped onto a spherical self‐organizing map (SSOM). The resulting maps are visualized using electrostatic potential (ESP) values. These values also provide features for a prediction system. Support vector machines and partial least‐squares method are used for predicting binding affinities of compounds. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Observation and calculation of vibrational circular birefringence: A new form of vibrational optical activity
Authors: Lombardi Rosina A. , Nafie Laurence A. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractWe report the first mid‐infrared observation of vibrational circular birefringence (VCB) arising from individual chiral molecules. VCB can also be called vibrational optical rotatory dispersion (VORD) and is the Kramers‐Kronig transform of vibrational circular dichroism (VCD). The method of measurement involves a simple change in the optical set‐up and electronic processing of a VCD spectrometer such that the VCB spectrum appears at twice the polarization modulation frequency as a pseudo vibrational linear dichroism (VLD) spectrum. VCB spectra are also calculated with density function theory (DFT) for the first time using a commercially available program for rotational strengths where the calculated intensities are convolved with the real, dispersive part of a normalized complex Lorentzian lineshape rather than the imaginary, absorptive part, normally used for IR and VCD intensity calculations. Comparison of themeasured and calculated VCB, VCD, and IR spectra of (+)‐R‐limonene and (−)‐S‐α‐pinene show close agreement and confirm the validity of the new VCB measurements. Chirality 21:E277–E286, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Salt Effects in the Cononsolvency of Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) Microgels
Authors: López‐León Teresa , Bastos‐González Delfina , Ortega‐Vinuesa Juan Luis , Elaïssari Abdelhamid 
Published: December 2009

AbstractPoly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) is well known to exhibit reentrant behavior or cononsolvency in response to the composition of a mixed solvent consisting of water and a low‐chain alcohol. Since the solvent structure plays an important role in this phenomenon, the presence of structure‐breaking/structure‐making ions in solution is expected to have a dramatic effect on the cononsolvency of PNIPAM. The present work examines the way that the presence of different salts can modify the reentrant‐phase diagram displayed by a cationic PNIPAM microgel in the mixed ethanol/water solvent. The effects of four Hofmeister anions—SO42−, Cl−, NO3− and SCN−—with different abilities to modify the solvent structure are analyzed. The species with kosmotropic or structure‐making character show a clear competition with ethanol for the water molecules, intensifying the nonsolvency of the PNIPAM with the EtOH volume fraction (ϕe). However, striking results are found with the most chaotropic or structure‐breaking anion, SCN−. In contrast to what happens in water‐rich solutions, the presence of SCN− in alcohol‐rich solvents enhances the solubility of the polymer, which macroscopically results in the microgel swelling. Moreover, this ion displays great stabilizing properties when ϕe> is 0.2. These results have been explained by considering how chaotropic or structure‐breaking ions interact with water and ethanol molecules.
The function and regulation of TBX22 in avian frontonasal morphogenesis
Authors: Higashihori Norihisa , Buchtová Marcela , Richman Joy M. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe frontonasal mass gives rise to the facial midline and fuses with the maxillary prominence to form the upper lip. Here we focus on the regulation and function of TBX22, a repressor dynamically expressed in the frontonasal mass. Both FGF and Noggin (a BMP antagonist) strongly induce gTBX22, however, each has opposite effects on morphogenesis ‐ Noggin inhibits whereas FGF stimulates growth. To determine whether TBX22 mediates these effects, we used retroviruses to locally increase expression levels. RCAS::hTBX22 decreased proliferation, reduced expression of MSX2 and DLX5 and caused cleft lip. Decreased levels of endogenous gTBX22 were also observed but were not the primary cause of the phenotype as determined in rescue experiments. Our data suggest that genetic or environmental insults such as those affecting the BMP pathway could lead to a gain‐of‐function of TBX22 and predispose an individual to cleft lip. Developmental Dynamics 239:458–473, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Survival of Hoxa13 homozygous mutants reveals a novel role in digit patterning and appendicular skeletal development
Authors: Perez Wilma D. , Weller Crystal R. , Shou Siming , Stadler H. Scott 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe loss of HOXA13 function severely disrupts embryonic limb development. However, because embryos lacking HOXA13 die by mid‐gestation, the defects present in the mutant limb could arise as a secondary consequence of failing embryonic health. In our analysis of the mutant Hoxa13GFP allele, we identified a surviving cohort of homozygous mutants exhibiting severe limb defects including: missing phalanx elements, fusions of the carpal/tarsal elements, and significant reductions in metacarpal/metatarsal length. Characterization of prochondrogenic genes in the affected carpal/tarsal regions revealed significant reduction in Gdf5 expression, whereas Bmp2 expression was significantly elevated. Analysis of Gdf5 mRNA localization also revealed diffuse expression in the carpal/tarsal anlagen, suggesting a role for HOXA13 in the organization of the cells necessary to delineate individual carpal/tarsal elements. Together these results identify Gdf5 as a potential target gene of HOXA13 target gene and confirm a specific role for HOXA13 during appendicular skeletal development. Developmental Dynamics 239:446–457, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Retinoic acid controls expression of tissue remodeling genes Hmgn1 and Fgf18 at the digit–interdigit junction
Authors: Zhao Xianling , Brade Thomas , Cunningham Thomas J. , Duester Gregg 
Published: December 2009

AbstractPrevious studies on retinoic acid receptor (RAR) mutants suggested that retinoic acid (RA) is required for loss of interdigital mesenchyme during digit formation. Here, we report that the RA‐generating enzyme retinaldehyde dehydrogenase‐2 (Raldh2) is expressed in the interdigital mesenchyme whereas Cyp26b1, controlling RA degradation, is expressed in digits, limiting autopodal RA action to the interdigital zones. Embryonic day 13.5 Raldh2−/− mouse embryos lose expression of the RARE‐lacZ RA‐reporter transgene and matrix metalloproteinase‐11 (Mmp11) throughout the interdigital mesenchyme, while expression of RARb, Fgf18, and high mobility group N1 (Hmgn1) is lost at the digit–interdigit junction. Raldh2−/− autopods exhibit reduced interdigital apoptosis associated with loss of Bmp7 expression, but Bmp2, Bmp4, Msx2, and Fgf8 were unaffected. Although interdigital expression of Hmgn1 was greatly down‐regulated in Raldh2−/− autopods, complementary expression of Sox9 in digit cartilage was unaffected. Regulation of Hmgn1 and Fgf18 at the digit–interdigit junction suggests RA controls tissue remodeling as well as apoptosis. Developmental Dynamics 239:665–671, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Is there anything like a citizen? A descriptive analysis of instituting a citizen's role to represent social values at the municipal level
Authors: Soma Katrine , Vatn Arild 
Published: December 2009

AbstractEnvironmental policy‐making can be challenging because of lobbying by strong private interests. This results in less consideration about what is best for the wider community. The main goal of this study is to evaluate to what extent it is possible to institutionalize a citizen's role in decision‐support processes. While the literature makes a clear distinction between private and social values, very little research is undertaken on how the framing of the instituted process influences which types of value become legitimate. Two deliberative meetings with local inhabitants were conducted in a municipality in Norway focusing on land use policy in coastal areas. The meetings were framed to facilitate dialogue and to emphasize the most important values to protect, given the interests of the wider municipality in the longer run. A large majority of the participants found the framing appropriate. Analyses of the dialogues, letters written by participants before the meetings and individual interviews undertaken afterwards document that the format of the meetings influenced strongly which arguments were found legitimate. The setting favoured the identification and specification of social values for inhabitants of the involved municipality such as public accessibility in conserved nature areas along the coast. The data moreover give insights about how the framing influenced the process. Arguments in favour of private construction interests were present, but were found to be weak in legitimacy. The framing might, however, also have influenced which social values were emphasized the most strongly. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Subjective well‐being, social support, and age‐related functioning among the very old in China
Authors: Deng Juelin , Hu Junmei , Wu Weili , Dong Birong , Wu Hongmei 
Published: December 2009

AbstractObjectivePrevious research has suggested that social support and functional status influence the subjective well‐being of the elderly. However, few studies have investigated whether these associations influence well‐being in the very old.MethodsIn this population‐based, cross‐sectional study, 1401 persons aged 90 years or over were located in Du Jiang Yan city, Sichuan, China. Among them 732 were willing to participate and provided data on a battery of standardized questionnaire inventories. The 23‐item Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale (PGCMS) was examined as an index of subjective well‐being. Functional status was assessed using the physical self‐maintenance scale (PSMS) and the instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) scales. The mini‐mental state examination (MMSE) was used to measure cognitive function. Social support was assessed using the Family Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection, and Resolve (APGAR) scale and the social support requirement scale (SSRS).ResultsThe mean age was 93.7 ± 3.4 years for the participants, of whom 68% were female. PGCMS total scores were significantly correlated with the Family APGAR and Objective Support subscale of the SSRS, as well as with scores on the MMSE and PSMS scales. However, in a multiple regression analysis, only MMSE and Family APGAR scores were independent predictors of PGCMS scores.ConclusionBoth social support from family members and cognitive function appear to be key factors associated with quality of life among the very old in China. Further research is needed among very old populations to confirm the importance of these variables and to examine potential cross‐cultural differences. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chronic endurance exercise training prevents aging‐related cognitive decline in healthy older adults: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Muscari Antonio , Giannoni Claudia , Pierpaoli Lucia , Berzigotti Annalisa , Maietta Pasqualino , Foschi Elia , Ravaioli Carlo , Poggiopollini Guido , Bianchi Giampaolo , Magalotti Donatella , Tentoni Claudio , Zoli Marco 
Published: December 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of endurance exercise training (EET) on the cognitive status of healthy community‐dwelling older adults.MethodsA randomized controlled trial was conducted involving community‐dwelling older adults from the town of Pianoro (northern Italy). We randomized 120 healthy subjects aged 65–74 years, both genders, to treatment (N = 60) and control (N = 60) groups. The treatment consisted of 12 months of supervised EET in a community gym, 3 h a week. All participants were assessed both at baseline and after 12 months on an intention‐to‐treat analysis. Cognitive status was assessed by one single test (Mini Mental State Examination, MMSE). Anthropometric indexes, routine laboratory measurements and C‐reactive protein (CRP) were also assessed.ResultsThe control group showed a significant decrease in MMSE score (mean difference −1.21, 95% CI −1.83/−0.60, p = 0.0002), which differed significantly (p = 0.02) from the treatment group scores (−0.21, 95% CI −0.79/0.37, p = 0.47). The odds ratio for the treated older adults to have a stable cognitive status after 1 year, as compared to the control group, was 2.74 (95% CI 1.16/6.48) after adjustment for age, gender, educational level and several other possible confounders. Blood pressure, body mass index, waist circumference and serum cholesterol did not differ significantly between the two groups, while CRP decreased only in the treatment group.ConclusionsA 12‐month EET intervention may reduce the progression of age‐related cognitive decline in healthy older adults. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Depression and anxiety in chronic heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: prevalence, relevance, clinical implications and management principles
Authors: Yohannes A. M. , Willgoss T. G. , Baldwin R. C. , Connolly M. J. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo review evidence regarding the prevalence, causation, clinical implications, aspects of healthcare utilisation and management of depression and anxiety in chronic heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.DesignA critical review of the literature (1994–2009).FindingsThe prevalence of depression and anxiety is high in both chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (8–80% depression; 6–74% anxiety) and chronic heart failure (10–60% depression; 11–45% anxiety). However, methodological weaknesses and the use of a wide range of diagnostic tools make it difficult to reach a consensus on rates of prevalence. Co‐morbid depression and anxiety are associated with increased mortality and healthcare utilisation and impact upon functional disability and quality of life. Despite these negative consequences, the identification and management of co‐morbid depression and anxiety in these two diseases is inadequate. There is some evidence for the positive role of pulmonary/cardiac rehabilitation and psychotherapy in the management of co‐morbid depression and anxiety, however, this is insufficient to guide recommendations.ConclusionsThe high prevalence and associated increase in morbidity and mortality justifies future research regarding the management of anxiety and depression in both chronic heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Current evidence suggests that multi‐faceted interventions such as pulmonary and cardiac rehabilitation may offer the best hope for improving outcomes for depression and anxiety. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.