bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Damage‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and mesenchymal stem cells: A matter of attraction and excitement
Authors: Pistoia Vito , Raffaghello Lizzia 
Published: June 2011

AbstractNecrotic cell death is a typical feature of solid tumors leading to the release of necrotic products, also known as damage‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), that enhance angiogenesis and prime the immune response. Among the DAMPs, particular attention has been focused on the DNA‐binding molecule high‐mobility group box 1 (HMGB‐1) that can act as a chemoattractant and activator of granulocytes. Here, we discuss an article in this issue of the European Journal of Immunology that demonstrates that DAMPs promote both proliferation and trafficking of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), identifying HMGB‐1 as a key factor in the regulation of these processes. Moreover, the study shows that DAMPs interfere with the expression of the immunosuppressive molecule indoleamine‐2,3‐dioxygenase in MSCs, and that the biological activity of HMGB‐1 toward MSCs is abolished when HMGB‐1 is oxidized. Based on the data from this, and other studies, we depict a model in which DAMPs released from necrotic tumor cells attract and stimulate local proliferation of MSCs that differentiate into tumor‐associated fibroblasts promoting tumor growth and angiogenesis. Importantly, the hypoxic conditions of the tumor microenvironment may protect DAMPs from oxidation and thereby preserve their functionality.
Cover Picture: Eur. J. Immunol. 7/11
Authors: Freigang Stefan , Ampenberger Franziska , Spohn Gunther , Heer Sebastian , Shamshiev Abdijapar T. , Kisielow Jan , Hersberger Martin , Yamamoto Masayuki , Bachmann Martin F. , Kopf Manfred 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe cover image of this issue is a brightfield microscopy image illustrating the high density of cholesterol crystals accumulating within atherosclerotic plaques of high fat cholesterol diet‐fed Apoe−/− mice, and is provided by Freigang et al. (pp. 2040–2051). In their article, Freigang et al. identify Nrf2 as the transcription factor that regulates the potent inflammatory response triggered by such crystals. Cholesterol crystals are usually only visible as negative shadows, so‐called “clefts”, in the conventional staining techniques, whereas here the crystals are directly visualised by in situ fixation, cryosectioning and Oil Red O‐ and HE‐staining.
Determination of sphingosine kinase 2 activity using fluorescent sphingosine by capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Yangyuoru Philip M. , Otieno Antony C. , Mwongela Simon M. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe study of sphingosine and sphingosine‐1‐phosphate is now widespread due to their immense role as intra‐ and extracellular messenger molecules. The balance and interplay of these ceramide metabolites is dependent on the activities of kinase and phosphatase enzymes. Sphingosine and sphingosine‐1‐phosphate are found in very minute quantities in cells; thus, they require highly sensitive techniques for quantitative analysis. In this study, we developed a quantitative assay for the determination of sphingosine kinase 2 (SphK2) activity both in vitro and with cell lysates, using CE‐LIF. Sphingosine fluorescein was used as the substrate. The KM of SphK2 for sphingosine fluorescein was 2.8±0.8 μM with a Vmax of 2490±520 μM/min and a kcat of 1920±402/s. The inhibition of SphK2 was also investigated using four different inhibitors for which 2‐(p‐hydroxyanilino)‐4‐(p‐chlorophenyl) thiazole inhibitor was the most potent for the in vitro inhibition of SphK2 while N,N‐dimethylsphingosine (DMS) did not inhibit but rather increased SphK2 activity. The fluorescence‐based approach for the determination of the enzymatic activity of SphK2 proves to be useful for the quantitative determination of SphK2 activity in vitro and in cell lysates, and could be extended to single‐cell analysis or applied in drug screening.
The application of magnetic bead hybridization for the recovery and STR amplification of degraded and inhibited forensic DNA
Authors: Wang Jing , McCord Bruce 
Published: June 2011

AbstractA common problem in the analysis of forensic DNA evidence is the presence of environmentally degraded and inhibited DNA. Such samples produce a variety of interpretational problems such as allele imbalance, allele dropout and sequence specific inhibition. In an attempt to develop methods to enhance the recovery of this type of evidence, magnetic bead hybridization has been applied to extract and preconcentrate DNA sequences containing short tandem repeat (STR) alleles of interest. In this work, genomic DNA was fragmented by heating, and sequences associated with STR alleles were selectively hybridized to allele‐specific biotinylated probes. Each particular biotinylated probe–DNA complex was bound to streptavidin‐coated magnetic beads using enabling enrichment of target DNA sequences. Experiments conducted using degraded DNA samples, as well as samples containing a large concentration of inhibitory substances, showed good specificity and recovery of missing alleles. Based on the favorable results obtained with these specific probes, this method should prove useful as a tool to improve the recovery of alleles from degraded and inhibited DNA samples.
Transient isotachophoresis in on‐line solid phase extraction capillary electrophoresis time‐of‐flight‐mass spectrometry for peptide analysis in human plasma
Authors: Medina‐Casanellas Silvia , Benavente Fernando , Barbosa José , Sanz‐Nebot Victoria 
Published: June 2011

AbstractIn this study, we evaluated the combination of transient isotachophoresis with on‐line solid‐phase extraction capillary electrophoresis time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (SPE‐tITP‐CE‐TOF‐MS) to improve sensitivity of peptide analysis, using several opioid peptides as model compounds. First, standard solutions were analyzed in order to establish the tITP‐CE methodology using UV and TOF‐MS detection. The volume and composition of the leading and terminating electrolytes (i.e. LE and TE) for an efficient tITP were investigated to obtain optimum detection sensitivity and electrophoretic separation. In the best cases, LODs in tITP‐CE‐TOF‐MS were tenfold better than those obtained in CE‐TOF‐MS (i.e. 5 versus 50 ng/mL). Afterwards, the tITP‐CE‐TOF‐MS methodology was adapted to perform SPE‐tITP‐CE‐TOF‐MS. Repeatability, linearity and LODs were investigated and compared to the values obtained by SPE‐CE‐TOF‐MS. Furthermore, human plasma samples fortified with the opioid peptides were analyzed in order to show the potential of SPE‐tITP‐CE‐TOF‐MS for peptide analysis in biological fluids. The LODs attained in standard solutions and plasma samples for some of the studied peptides (i.e. 0.01 and 0.1 ng/mL, respectively) were tenfold better than those obtained in SPE‐CE‐TOF‐MS, proving the enhanced sensitivity that could be achieved when both on‐line preconcentration approaches were combined together.
A method for quantitative analysis of an anticancer drug in human plasma with CE‐ESI‐TOF‐MS
Authors: Elhamili Anisa , Bergquist Jonas 
Published: June 2011

AbstractIn this study, the extraction recoveries of an anticancer drug (Imatinib) from human plasma using a common liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) method and a new strong cation exchange (SCX) solid‐phase extraction (SPE) column was investigated. The extracts were analyzed with CE coupled on‐line to electrospray ionization (ESI) time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (TOF‐MS) using a monoquaternarized piperazine compound (M7C4I) for capillary coatings. Clean extracts with high and reproducible extraction recoveries ranging between 85 and 91% with % RSD values of 2.5% (n=3) were obtained using the SCX‐SPE columns. This can be compared with the recoveries obtained with the LLE method ranging between 30 and 35%. The CE‐ESI‐TOF‐MS analysis was performed in <10 min with peak efficiencies up to 4.7×105 plates/m and an average % RSD for the repeatability of the migration times of the analytes of 1.9% (n=3) using acidic buffer and adding 5% ACN to the sample. The calibration curves were linear over the range of 0–1500 ng/mL with correlation coefficient (R2)≥0.997 and % RSD values of 0.5% (n=3). The intra‐day and inter‐day assay variations were lower than 8%. The presented CE‐ESI‐TOF‐MS method with the use of SCX‐SPE columns yielded rapid, efficient and high extraction recoveries together with high sensitivity (LOD 5 ng/mL), selectivity and good linearity. Accordingly, the method can readily be used for accurate determination and therapeutic monitoring of the Imatinib blood levels for more effective patient treatment. In addition, it can be applied for the extraction, quantification and clinical assessments of metabolites of Imatinib and other basic pharmaceutical drug molecules in biological fluids or pharmaceutical dosage forms.
Setup for human sera MALDI profiling: The case of rhEPO treatment
Authors: Fania Chiara , Vasso Michele , Torretta Enrica , Robach Paul , Cairo Gaetano , Lundby Carsten , Gelfi Cecilia 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe implementation of high‐throughput technologies based on qualitative and quantitative methodologies for the characterization of complex protein mixtures is increasingly required in clinical laboratories. MALDI profiling is a robust and sensitive technology although the serum high dynamic range imposes a major limitation hampering the identification of less abundant species decreasing the quality of MALDI profiling. A setup to improve these parameters has been performed for recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) monitoring in serum, analyzing the effects of two commercially available columns (MARS Hu7 and Hu14) for immunodepletion, and two matrices (α‐cyano‐4‐hydroxycinnamic acid and 2′,4′‐dihydroxyacetophenone) for peak quality improvement. The immunodepletion capability of both columns was determined by 2‐D DIGE, which precisely revealed the efficacy of Hu14 in protein removal and the serum dynamic range decrement. In addition, the type of matrix, the sample dilution, and the efficacy of optimized parameters were used for serum profiling of ten healthy subjects before and after rhEPO treatment. The principal component analysis indicates that a combination of Hu14 column and 2′,4′‐dihydroxyacetophenone matrix increases data quality allowing the discrimination between treated and untreated samples, making serum MALDI profiling suitable for clinical monitoring of rhEPO.
Mammalian plasma membrane proteins as potential biomarkers and drug targets
Authors: Rucevic Marijana , Hixson Douglas , Josic Djuro 
Published: June 2011

AbstractDefining the plasma membrane proteome is crucial to understand the role of plasma membrane in fundamental biological processes. Change in membrane proteins is one of the first events that take place under pathological conditions, making plasma membrane proteins a likely source of potential disease biomarkers with prognostic or diagnostic potential. Membrane proteins are also potential targets for monoclonal antibodies and other drugs that block receptors or inhibit enzymes essential to the disease progress. Despite several advanced methods recently developed for the analysis of hydrophobic proteins and proteins with posttranslational modifications, integral membrane proteins are still under‐represented in plasma membrane proteome. Recent advances in proteomic investigation of plasma membrane proteins, defining their roles as diagnostic and prognostic disease biomarkers and as target molecules in disease treatment, are presented.
An improved glacial isostatic adjustment model for the British Isles
Authors: Bradley Sarah L. , Milne Glenn A. , Shennan Ian , Edwards Robin 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA) of the British Isles is of interest due to the constraints that can be provided on key model parameters such as the global meltwater signal, local ice sheet history and viscoelastic earth structure. A number of recent studies have modelled relative sea‐level (RSL) data from this region to constrain model parameters. As indicated in these studies, the sensitivity of these data to both local and global parameters results in a highly non‐unique problem. This study aims to address this inherent non‐uniqueness by combining a previously published British–Irish ice model that is based on the most recent geomorphological data with a new global ice sheet model that provides an accurate prediction of eustatic sea‐level change. In addition, constraints from Global Positioning System (GPS) measurements of present‐day vertical land motion are considered alongside the entirety of RSL data from both Great Britain and Ireland. A model solution is found that provides a high‐quality fit to both the RSL data and the GPS data. Within the range of earth viscosity values considered, the optimal data model fits were achieved with a relatively thin lithosphere (71 km), upper mantle viscosities in the range 4–6 × 1020 Pa s and lower mantle viscosities ≥ 3 × 1022 Pa s. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Concise guide to recommended lipid‐lowering drug treatment
Authors: Tomson Joseph , Bowman Louise , Armitage Jane 
Published: June 2011

AbstractLipid‐lowering treatment has been demonstrated to reduce cardiovascular events and is usually provided in general practice long term. Our Drug review discusses the efficacy and adverse effects of the various lipid‐lowering therapies, followed by sources of further information and an analysis of prescription data. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Interface Ltd
Golimumab: once‐monthly injection for rheumatic conditions
Authors: Chaplin Steve , Ostor Andrew 
Published: June 2011

AbstractGolimumab (Simponi), a new anti‐TNF agent formulated as a once‐monthly injection, is indicated for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. In our New products review, Steve Chaplin presents the clinical data relating to it efficacy and adverse effects and Dr Andrew Ostor discusses in place in treating rheumatic disease. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Interface Ltd
Microstructural characterization at the interface of Al2O3/ZnO/Al2O3 thin films grown by atomic layer deposition
Authors: Jang Yong Woon , Bang Seokhwan , Jeon Hyeongtag , Lee Jeong Yong 
Published: June 2011

AbstractIn this study, the effects of the annealing temperature and time on Al2O3/ZnO/Al2O3 thin films grown by the atomic layer deposition (ALD) method were examined using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDS). Samples were annealed for 30 s at 600, 620, and 700 °C in a N2 atmosphere, and other samples were annealed for 30 s, 5 min, and 10 min at 700 °C. The decrease in the thickness of ZnO showed a parabolic tendency at these temperature and time ranges, and ZnAl2O4 was formed by the reaction between ZnO and Al2O3 at 620 °C. Although the generated ZnAl2O4 grains could not have strict epitaxial relations with the ZnO grains, the stain in the ZnAl2O4 grains was considerably influenced by the orientation relation between ZnO and ZnAl2O4 which was related to the oxygen rearrangement for the ZnAl2O4 generation.
Seventeen-year clinical outcome of schizophrenia in Bali
Authors: Kurihara T. , Kato M. , Reverger R. , Tirta I.G.R. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the 17-year clinical outcome of schizophrenia and its predictors in Bali.MethodsSubjects were 59 consecutively admitted first-episode schizophrenia patients. Their clinical outcome was evaluated by standardized symptomatic remission criteria based on Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) scores and operational functional remission criteria at 17-year follow-up. The standardized mortality ratio (SMR) over 17 years was also calculated as another index of clinical outcome.ResultsAmong these 59 patients, 43 (72.9%) could be followed-up, 15 (25.4%) had died, and one (1.7%) was alive but refused to participate in the study. Combined remission (i.e. symptomatic and functional remission) was achieved in 14 patients (23.7% of original sample). Duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) was a significant baseline predictor of combined remission. Mean age at death of deceased subjects was 35.7, and SMR was 4.85 (95% CI: 2.4–7.3), indicating that deaths were premature. Longer DUP was associated with excess mortality.ConclusionsThe long-term outcome of schizophrenia in Bali was heterogeneous, demonstrating that a quarter achieved combined remission, half were in nonremission, and a quarter had died at 17-year follow-up. DUP was a significant predictor both for combined remission and mortality.
Actigraphic Daytime Activity is Reduced in Patients With Cognitive Impairment and Apathy
Authors: Kuhlmei A. , Walther B. , Becker T. , Müller U. , Nikolaus T. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractObjectivesApathy is a neuropsychiatric symptom in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. This study examines correlations between Apathy Evaluation Scale (AES) ratings and actigraphic measures of daytime activity. The aim of this study is to determine the value of ambulatory actigraphy in the assessment of locomotor deficits as a correlate of apathy in geriatric patients with cognitive impairment.Patients and methodsIn this cross-sectional study a total of 82 participants were recruited, 32 patients with dementia, 21 patients with MCI and 23 elderly controls. Rating scales for apathy (AES) and depression (Beck Depression Inventory, BDI) were completed. To measure daytime activity a wrist-worn actigraph and an established protocol were used. A single measure of mean daytime activity per participant was calculated for further statistical analysis.ResultsIn the two groups of patients with MCI and dementia, apathy is associated with reduced daytime activity, independent of diagnosis (no group by apathy interaction). AES scores correlate significantly with daytime activity. Cognitive impairment reduces daytime activity (effect greater in dementia than in MCI). Daytime activity is negatively correlated with memory deficits.ConclusionAmbulatory actigraphy is a promising method to evaluate self-initiated action as a correlate of apathy in patients with cognitive impairment.
Activity of dlx5a/dlx6a regulatory elements during zebrafish GABAergic neuron development
Authors: Yu Man , Xi Yanwei , Pollack Jacob , Debiais‐Thibaud Mélanie , MacDonald Ryan B. , Ekker Marc 
Published: June 2011

AbstractDuring vertebrate forebrain formation, Dlx homeobox genes play essential roles in the differentiation, migration and survival of subpallial precursor cells that will later give rise to diverse subtypes of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)‐expressing neurons, including inhibitory cortical interneurons in mammals. They also participate in the regulation of the Gad genes encoding the enzymes necessary for GABA synthesis. In mice, at least four cis‐regulatory elements (CREs) control Dlx expression in the telencephalon and diencephalon: URE2 and I12b in the Dlx1/Dlx2 bigene cluster, and I56i and I56ii in the Dlx5/Dlx6 bigene cluster. However, little is known so far with respect to the function of orthologous dlx genes and their regulatory elements during zebrafish GABAergic neuron development. To investigate whether similar dlx‐mediated pathways exist in the early developing zebrafish forebrain, we generated independent lines of transgenic zebrafish carrying two distinct GFP reporter constructs driven by a β‐globin minimal promoter: one containing a ∼1.4 kb dlx5a/dlx6a intergenic sequence (encompassing I56i and I56ii) and one with a ∼1.1 kb fragment containing only the I56i CRE, respectively. The expression patterns of these two transgenes were compared with that obtained with another construct containing the ∼1.4 kb dlx5a/dlx6a intergenic sequence and driven by a ∼3.5 kb dlx6a 5′‐flanking fragment. Our comparative analysis showed that GFP expression of the three transgene is largely overlapping throughout the ventral forebrain. Intriguingly, the dlx6a 5′‐flanking fragment has a major impact on transgene expression in the mesencephalic tectum. Furthermore, comparison of transgene expression between the ∼1.4 kb and ∼1.1 kb intergenic fragments did not show any specific spatial expression conferred by I56ii. Almost all GFP‐expressing cells in the transgenic zebrafish are GABA‐positive and also express various GABAergic interneuron markers. Together, our data suggest that zebrafish dlx5a/dlx6a intergenic CREs may be involved in a conserved genetic pathway necessary for proper dlx expression during zebrafish GABAergic neuron development.
Brain energy metabolism is activated after acute and chronic administration of fenproporex in young rats
Authors: Rezin Gislaine T. , Jeremias Isabela C. , Ferreira Gabriela K. , Cardoso Mariane R. , Morais Meline O.S. , Gomes Lara M. , Martinello Otaviana B. , Valvassori Samira S. , Quevedo João , Streck Emilio L. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractObesity is a chronic disease of multiple etiologies, including genetic, metabolic, environmental, social, and other factors. Pharmaceutical strategies in the treatment of obesity include drugs that regulate food intake, thermo genesis, fat absorption, and fat metabolism. Fenproporex is the second most commonly consumed amphetamine‐based anorectic worldwide; this drug is rapidly converted in vivo into amphetamine. Studies suggest that amphetamine induces neurotoxicity through generation of free radicals and mitochondrial apoptotic pathway by cytochrome c release, accompanied by a decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential. Mitochondria are intracellular organelles that play a crucial role in ATP production. Thus, in the present study we evaluated the activities of some enzymes of Krebs cycle, mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes and creatine kinase in the brain of young rats submitted to acute and chronic administration of fenproporex. In the acute administration, the animals received a single injection of fenproporex (6.25, 12.5 or 25 mg/kg i.p.) or tween. In the chronic administration, the animals received a single injection daily for 14 days of fenproporex (6.25, 12.5 or 25 mg/Kg i.p.). Two hours after the last injection, the rats were sacrificed by decapitation and the brain was removed for evaluation of biochemical parameters. Our results showed that the activities of citrate synthase, malate dehydrogenase and succinate dehydrogenase were increased by acute and chronic administration of fenproporex. Complexes I, II, II–III and IV and creatine kinase activities were also increased after acute and chronic administration of the drug. Our results are consistent with others reports that showed that some psychostimulant drugs increased brain energy metabolism in young rats.
Is Treatment of Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Based in Science or Faith?
Authors: Rishniw Mark , Pion Paul D 
Published: June 2011

Practical relevance Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common cardiac disease of cats. Treatment of HCM is usually directed at controlling signs of congestive heart failure (CHF), preventing occurrence or recurrence of systemic thromboembolism or delaying/preventing/reversing progression of subclinical disease. Study objective and design Despite the laudable goals of therapy, however, little objective evidence supporting therapeutic decisions has been published. We, therefore, hypothesized that cardiologists base their treatment strategies on information other than published clinically relevant science. To gain insight into therapeutic decisions that cardiologists and clinicians with an interest in cardiology (n = 99) make for cats with HCM, and on what information they base these decisions, we presented participants with, and asked them to select therapy for, 12 hypothetical scenarios of HCM (± CHF). Responses and justifications for treatment choices were compiled and compared with the results of a comprehensive literature search for published information about treatment of feline HCM. Findings Evaluation of the therapeutic strategies chosen for these hypothetical cases of HCM suggests that cardiologists or clinicians with a strong interest in cardiology often prescribe treatments knowing that little documented evidence supports their decisions.