bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lysosomal destabilization and cathepsin B contributes for cytochrome c release and caspase activation in embelin‐induced apoptosis
Authors: Joy Beena , Sivadasan Rajeeve , Emilia Abraham T. , John Mohan , Sobhan Praveen K. , Seervi Mahendra , T.R. Santhoshkumar 
Published: November 2009

AbstractXIAP is an important antiapoptotic protein capable of conferring resistance to cancer cells. Embelin, the small molecular inhibitor of XIAP, possesses wide spectrum of biological activities with strong inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B and downstream antiapoptotic genes. However, the mechanism of its cell death induction is not known. Our studies using colon cancer cells lacking p53 and Bax suggest that both lysosomes and mitochondria are prominent targets of embelin‐induced cell death. Embelin induced cell‐cycle arrest in G1 phase through p21, downstream of p53. In the absence of p21, the cells are sensitized to death in a Bax‐dependent manner. The loss of mitochondrial membrane potential induced by embelin was independent of Bax and p53, but lysosomal integrity loss was strongly influenced by the presence of p53 but not by Bax. Lysosomal role was further substantiated by enhanced cathepsin B activity noticed in embelin‐treated cells. p53‐dependent lysosomal destabilization and cathepsin B activation contribute for increased sensitivity of p21‐deficient cells to embelin with enhanced caspase 9 and caspase 3 activation. Cathepsin B inhibitor reduced cell death and cytochrome c release in embelin‐treated cells indicating lysosomal pathway as the upstream of mitochondrial death signaling. Deficiency of cell‐cycle arrest machinery renders cells more sensitive to embelin with enhanced lysosomal destabilization and caspase processing emphasizing its potential therapeutic importance to address clinical drug resistance. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A comparison of the in vitro biotransformation of (–)‐epicatechin and procyanidin B2 by human faecal microbiota
Authors: Stoupi Stavroula , Williamson Gary , Drynan J. Warren , Barron Denis , Clifford Michael N. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe catabolism by human faecal microbiota of (–)‐epicatechin (1) (2, 3‐cis stereochemistry) and its dimer pure procyanidin B2 (2), has been compared using a static in vitro culture model. The catabolites were characterised by LC‐MSn, UV absorption and relative retention time, and quantified relative to standards. No more than ∼10% of procyanidin B2 (2) was converted to epicatechin (1) by scission of the interflavan bond. Five phenolic acid catabolites (Mr<290) were unique to 2, and ten phenolic acid catabolites (Mr<290) were common to both substrates. The dominant catabolites (≥24 h incubation) were 5‐(3′‐hydroxy phenyl) valeric acid (9), 3‐(3′‐hydroxyphenyl) propionic acid (10) and phenyl acetic acid (12) (maximum yields 27.4±4.2, 38.2±4.2, 22.7±2.9%, respectively, from 1 and 9.4±1.2, 52.8±2.1, 28.8±1.6%, respectively, from 2). Substrate 2 was degraded twice as rapidly as 1. Evidence is presented for the production of previously unreported catabolites of 2 that retain the flavanol A‐ring and the C4→C8 interflavan bond. It was confirmed that catabolism favoured removal of the 4′‐hydroxyl rather than the 3′‐hydroxyl group and that both β‐oxidation and α‐oxidation occurred.
A possible case of Scheuermann's disease from Akarçay Höyük, Birecik (Şanlıurfa, Turkey)
Authors: Üstündağ H. , Deveci A. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractDuring excavations in Akarçay Höyük, located in Birecik (Şanlıurfa, Turkey), a human and a horse skeleton were found together as a co‐burial. This burial was in an Islamic cemetery dated to 13th–14th century AD. The human skeleton was that of a young adult female with a distinct thoracic kyphosis. Three adjacent thoracic vertebral bodies, T4, T5 and T6, were wedge shaped and this wedging was also apparent in radiographs. There were Schmorl's nodes and anterior extensions on the same vertebral bodies. All these vertebral changes are typical signs of Scheuermann's disease (SD). Since she was buried with a horse, it is likely that she was a horse rider. Although she was young, the skeletal changes associated with horse riding like elongated acetabula and enthesopathies on the femora were evident. There was a compression fracture on T12, and irregularities on the upper and lower vertebral body rims due to traumatic anterior disc herniation. It is postulated that a trauma due to horse riding is responsible for the occurrence of SD in this case. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Possible cases of scalping from pre‐hispanic highland Peru
Authors: Toyne J. Marla 
Published: November 2009

AbstractFor years, the pre‐Hispanic Chachapoya of Northern Peru have been described as the ‘Warriors of the Clouds’. A more detailed look at newly excavated osteological samples from the highland site of Kuelap allows us to better examine the types of traumatic injuries among the Chachapoya. This paper describes an individual with evidence of a recent scalp removal including cut marks encircling the vault and a large area of active inflammatory response due to exposure of the outer table. The degree of osseous response and a small area of healing indicate short‐term survival. A second fragmentary skull demonstrates similar features but more advanced healing. The location and patterning of the cut marks are consistent with North American Indian pre‐historic and historic cases of scalping. The skulls of these two individuals provide the first osteological evidence of scalp removal from a pre‐Hispanic South American Andean context, although it is difficult to determine the motivation whether for therapeutic treatment or trophy taking. These cases, along with other evidence of interpersonal violence and cranial trauma, serve to elucidate the possible volatile nature of cultural contact between this region and lowland Amazonian tribes, where scalps and trophy heads were commonly taken in raids. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proteomics reveal tissue‐specific features of the cress (Lepidium sativum L.) endosperm cap proteome and its hormone‐induced changes during seed germination
Authors: Müller Kerstin , Job Claudette , Belghazi Maya , Job Dominique , Leubner‐Metzger Gerhard 
Published: November 2009

AbstractMature angiosperm seeds consist of an embryo surrounded by the endosperm and the testa. The endosperm cap that covers the radicle plays a regulatory role during germination and is a major target of abscisic acidinduced inhibition of germination. Cress (Lepidium sativum) is a close relative of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis). Cress seeds offer the unique possibility of performing tissue‐specific proteomics due to their larger size while benefiting the genomic tools available for Arabidopsis. This work provides the first description of endosperm cap proteomics during seed germination. An analysis of the proteome of the cress endosperm cap at key stages during germination and after radicle protrusion in the presence and absence of abscisic acid led to the identification of 144 proteins, which were clustered by the changes in their abundances and categorized by function. Proteins with a function in energy production, protein stability and stress response were overrepresented among the identified endosperm cap proteins. This strongly suggests that the cress endosperm cap is not a storage tissue as the cereal endosperm but a metabolically very active tissue regulating the rate of radicle protrusion.
Patterns in vegetation composition, surface height and thaw depth in polygon mires in the Yakutian Arctic (NE Siberia): a microtopographical characterisation of the active layer
Authors: Minke Merten , Donner Norman , Karpov Nikolay , de Klerk Pim , Joosten Hans 
Published: November 2009

AbstractMapping of two low‐centred ice‐wedge polygons in the Yakutian tundra (NE Siberia) along a regular grid with 1‐m spacing revealed large spatial variability in thaw depths and strong correlation with relief, water and vegetation. Average thaw depths in polygon ridges (23 cm and 31 cm) were smaller than in depressions (33 cm and 40 cm, respectively). The greatest thaw depths, however, were also found in the ridges and probably result from thermal erosion by water flow. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rockfall activity in the Kangchenjunga area, Nepal Himalaya
Authors: Regmi Dhananjay , Watanabe Teiji 
Published: November 2009

AbstractRockfall activity and related environmental factors (i.e. bedrock thermal regime and precipitation) were monitored through most of one year at elevations between 4600 m and 6800 m in the Kangchenjunga valley of the Nepal Himalaya to identify rockfall dynamics, estimate rockfall frequency for different aspects, and assess temporal and spatial variations in rockfall activity. Rockfall activity on north‐facing slopes is mainly controlled by insolation relating to solar elevation and showed an abrupt increase in the pre‐monsoon season. Rockfall activity on east‐, west‐ and south‐facing slopes is controlled by the duration and effectiveness of sunshine and accumulation of snow. The north‐facing slope has a small diurnal range of rock surface temperatures and exhibits seasonal freeze‐thaw, whereas the other aspects show frequent diurnal freeze‐thaw. These differences result in seasonal rockfall activity on the north‐facing slope and the infrequent release of large debris and year‐round rockfall activity on the other aspects. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using the MODIS land surface temperature product for mapping permafrost: an application to northern Québec and Labrador, Canada
Authors: Hachem Sonia , Allard Michel , Duguay Claude 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe Land Surface Temperature (LST) products of the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometers (MODIS) aboard NASA's Terra and Aqua satellites were used to develop maps of annual near‐surface temperatures for comparison with the spatial distribution of permafrost and boundaries of the permafrost zones. The methodological approach involved fitting a sinusoidal model over the daily LST readings to reproduce seasonal thermal variations near the ground for each 1‐km2 pixel. Calculations of mean annual surface temperatures and of thawing and freezing indices led to the development of regional maps, in this case for northern Québec and Labrador. The maps show the expected geographic distribution of near‐surface temperatures and acceptably represent known permafrost boundaries. Ongoing efforts to incorporate snow and vegetation cover from complementary remotely sensed data should improve the ground surface temperature mapping capability based on this approach. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cellular uptake and biological activity of peptide nucleic acids conjugated with peptides with and without cell‐penetrating ability
Authors: Turner Yvonne , Wallukat Gerd , Säälik Pille , Wiesner Burkhard , Pritz Stephan , Oehlke Johannes 
Published: November 2009

AbstractA 12‐mer peptide nucleic acid (PNA) directed against the nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor mRNA was disulfide bridged with various peptides without and with cell‐penetrating features. The cellular uptake and the antisense activity of these conjugates were assessed in parallel. Quantitation of the internalized PNA was performed by using an approach based on capillary electrophoresis with laser‐induced fluorescence detection (CE‐LIF). This approach enabled a selective assessment of the PNA moiety liberated from the conjugate in the reducing intracellular environment, thus avoiding bias of the results by surface adsorption. The biological activity of the conjugates was studied by an assay based on the downregulation of the nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (CM). Comparable cellular uptake was found for all conjugates and for the naked PNA, irrespective of the cell‐penetrating properties of the peptide components. All conjugates exhibited a comparable biological activity in the 100 nMrange. The naked PNA also exhibited extensive antisense activity, which, however, proved about five times lower than that of the conjugates. The found results suggest cellular uptake and the bioactivity of PNA‐peptide conjugates to be not primarily related to the cell‐penetrating ability of their peptide components. Likewise from these results it can be inferred that the superior bioactivity of the PNA‐peptide conjugates in comparison with that of naked PNA rely on as yet unknown factors rather than on higher membrane permeability. Several hints point to the resistance against cellular export and the aggregation propensity combined with the endocytosis rate to be candidates for such factors. Copyright © 2009 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Blinded sample size recalculation for clinical trials with normal data and baseline adjusted analysis
Authors: Friede Tim , Kieser Meinhard 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBaseline adjusted analyses are commonly encountered in practice, and regulatory guidelines endorse this practice. Sample size calculations for this kind of analyses require knowledge of the magnitude of nuisance parameters that are usually not given when the results of clinical trials are reported in the literature. It is therefore quite natural to start with a preliminary calculated sample size based on the sparse information available in the planning phase and to re‐estimate the value of the nuisance parameters (and with it the sample size) when a portion of the planned number of patients have completed the study. We investigate the characteristics of this internal pilot study design when an analysis of covariance with normally distributed outcome and one random covariate is applied. For this purpose we first assess the accuracy of four approximate sample size formulae within the fixed sample size design. Then the performance of the recalculation procedure with respect to its actual Type I error rate and power characteristics is examined. The results of simulation studies show that this approach has favorable properties with respect to the Type I error rate and power. Together with its simplicity, these features should make it attractive for practical application. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inhibitory effect of the cree traditional medicine wiishichimanaanh (Vaccinium vitis‐idaea) on advanced glycation endproduct formation: identification of active principles
Authors: Beaulieu Louis‐Philippe , Harris Cory S. , Saleem Ammar , Cuerrier Alain , Haddad Pierre S. , Martineau Louis C. , Bennett Steffany A.L. , Arnason John T. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractLike many aboriginal populations, First Nations communities such as the Cree of Eeyou Istchee are facing continuously increasing rates of diabetes and related complications. Advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs), which readily form and accumulate with sustained hyperglycemia, contribute to the development of diabetic complications and, as such, are considered a potential therapeutic target. In the present study, the inhibition of AGE formation by ethanolic extracts of the Cree medicinal plant Vaccinium vitis‐idaea L. was assessed by fluorometric detection of fluorescent AGEs and immunodetection of Nϵ‐(carboxymethyl)lysine adducts of albumin. Extracts from V. vitis‐idaea berries demonstrated a concentration‐dependent inhibition of AGE formation in both measures. High performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS) identified nine main phenolic constituents. Four were selected for further testing, of which catechin, quercetin‐3‐O‐galactoside and cyanidin‐3‐O‐glucoside but not para‐coumaric acid displayed antiglycation activities. These results demonstrate that the flavonoid components of the berry extract are potent antiglycation agents and provide pharmacological validation for the traditional use of V. vitis‐idaea as an antidiabetic remedy. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Suppression of inducible nitric oxide synthase expression by furfuran lignans from flower buds of Magnolia fargesii in BV‐2 microglial cells
Authors: Kim Ji Sun , Kim Jae Yeon , Lee Hwa Jin , Lim Hyo Jin , Lee Da Yeon , Kim Do Hee , Ryu Jae‐Ha 
Published: November 2009

AbstractActivated microglia produces diverse neurotoxic factors such as nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor‐α that serve as apoptotic inducers resulting in various neurodegenerative diseases. The inhibition of microglia‐derived NO production by inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) has been reported to be beneficial in retarding neurodegenerative disorders. Three active lignans have been isolated from the flower buds of Magnolia fargesii by the bioassay‐guided fractionation using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐activated BV‐2 microglial cell culture system. The structures of them were identified as kobusin (1), aschantin (2) and fargesin (3) by the analyses of spectroscopic data. They inhibited the production of NO by activated microglia. Their IC50 values were 21.8 ± 3.7, 14.8 ± 2.5 and 10.4 ± 2.8 μg/mL, respectively. They suppressed LPS‐induced NF‐κB activation and the expression of iNOS protein and mRNA. Furthermore, they showed scavenging activity of neurotoxic peroxynitrite that can be produced by NO and superoxide anion. These results imply that lignans from Magnolia fargesii might be beneficial for the treatment of neuro‐inflammatory diseases through the inhibition of iNOS expression and peroxynitrite scavenging potential. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neuroprotective and neurochemical properties of mint extracts
Authors: López Víctor , Martín Sara , Gómez‐Serranillos Maria Pilar , Carretero Maria Emilia , Jäger Anna K. , Calvo Maria Isabel 
Published: November 2009

AbstractMints are aromatic plants with a tradition as medicinal remedies and culinary herbs. With the aim of investigating potential central nervous system (CNS) activities of traditional medicinal plants, four species and one hybrid of the genus Mentha (M. aquatica, M. longifolia, M. pulegium, M. suaveolens and M. × piperita) were selected. Methanolic extracts of the plants were tested for protective effects against hydrogen‐peroxide‐induced toxicity in PC12 cells, antioxidant activity (by ABTS and X/XO methods) and neurochemical properties (MAO‐A inhibition, AChE inhibition and affinity to the GABAA receptor). Mentha × piperita and Mentha aquatica produced significant (p < 0.05) protection of the PC12 cells against oxidative stress. All the plants exhibited antioxidant and MAO‐A inhibitory activities, M. × piperita being the most active. M. aquatica showed the highest affinity to the GABAA‐receptor assay. Results demonstrate that mints might have effect on the CNS. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prophylaxis with Centella asiatica confers protection to prepubertal mice against 3‐nitropropionic‐acid‐induced oxidative stress in brain
Authors: Shinomol George K. , Ravikumar Hosamani , Muralidhara  
Published: November 2009

AbstractWhile the usage of Centella asiatica (CA) is on the increase worldwide, evidence demonstrating its protective efficacy against neurotoxicants is scarce. Hence the present study aimed to understand the neuroprotective efficacy of a standardized aqueous extract of CA against 3‐nitropropionic‐acid(3‐NPA)‐induced oxidative stress in the brain of prepubertal mice. We assessed the degree of oxidative stress in cytoplasm of brain regions of male mice (4 wk‐ old) given CA prophylaxis (5 mg/kg bw) for 10 days followed by 3‐NPA administration (i.p.75 mg/kg bw) on the last 2 days. The neurotoxicant elicited marked oxidative stress in the brain of untreated mice as evident by enhanced malondialdehyde levels, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, hydroperoxides and protein carbonyls (a measure of protein oxidation) in striatum and other regions (cortex, cerebellum and hippocampus), while CA prophylaxis completely ameliorated the 3‐NPA‐ induced oxidative stress. Depletion of glutathione (GSH) levels, total thiols, perturbations in antioxidant enzymes and cholinergic enzymes in brain discernible among 3‐NPA‐treated mice were predominantly restored to normalcy with CA prophylaxis. It is hypothesized that the prophylactic protection offered by CA extract against neurotoxicant exposure may be largely due to its ability to enhance GSH, thiols and antioxidant defenses in the brain of prepubertal mice. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Increased vascular permeability, angiogenesis and wound healing induced by the serum of natural latex of the rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis
Authors: Mendonça Ricardo José , Maurício Vanessa Beatriz , de Bortolli Teixeira Larissa , Lachat João José , Coutinho‐Netto Joaquim 
Published: November 2009

AbstractIncreases in vascular permeability and angiogenesis are crucial events to wound repair, tumoral growth and revascularization of tissues submitted to ischemia. An increased vascular permeability allows a variety of cytokines and growth factors to reach the damaged tissue. Nevertheless, the angiogenesis supply tissues with a wide variety of nutrients and is also important to metabolites clearance. It has been suggested that the natural latex from Hevea brasiliensis showed wound healing properties and angiogenic activity. Thus, the purpose of this work was to characterize its angiogenic activity and its effects on vascular permeability and wound healing. The serum fraction of the latex was separated from the rubber with reduction of the pH. The activity of the dialyzed serum fraction on the vascular permeability injected in subcutaneous tissue was assayed according Mile's method. The angiogenic activity was determined using a chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane assay and its effects on the wound‐healing process was determined by the rabbit ear dermal ulcer model. The serum fraction showed evident angiogenic effect and it was effective in enhancing vascular permeability. In dermal ulcers, this material significantly accelerated wound healing. Moreover, the serum fraction boiled and treated with proteases lost these activities. These results are in accordance with the enhancement of wound healing observed in clinical trials carried out with a biomembrane prepared with the same natural latex. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of the aqueous extract of Salvia Miltiorrhiza (danshen) and its magnesium tanshinoate B‐enriched form on blood pressure
Authors: Leung S.W.S. , Zhu D‐Y. , Man R.Y.K. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractDanshen is the dried root and rhizome of the Chinese medicinal plant Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Labiatae), which has been used to treat hypertension and myocardial infarction. One of its water‐soluble active components is magnesium tanshinoate B (MTB). The present study examined and compared the cardiovascular effects of the water‐soluble extract of danshen (SME) and its MTB‐enriched form (containing 70% of MTB (MTB70)). Anaesthetized rats were infused intravenously with saline or phenylephrine to achieve a normal or elevated blood pressure, respectively. Different doses of SME, MTB70 or vehicle were then injected intravenously and their effect on blood pressure was monitored. The results indicate that SME and MTB70 reduce blood pressure dose‐dependently. Independently of the initial blood pressure, SME caused a smaller reduction in blood pressure than MTB70. In rats infused with phenylephrine, MTB70 caused greater decreases in blood pressure than in rats infused with saline, while the responses to SME did not differ between the two groups. From these findings, it appears that MTB is one of the major components responsible for the cardiovascular effects of danshen, and that the beneficial cardiovascular effect of the extract is more prominent under conditions of elevated blood pressure. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.