bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Artificial neural network‐based drug design for diabetes mellitus using flavonoids
Authors: Patra Jagdish C. , Chua Boon H. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractDiabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease involving the failure to regulate glucose blood levels in the body and has been linked with numerous detrimental complications. Studies have shown that these complications can be linked to the activities of aldose reductase (AR), an enzyme of the polyol pathway. Flavonoids have been identified as good AR inhibitors (ARIs) and are also strong antioxidants with radical scavenging (RS) activity. As such, flavonoids show potential to become a better class of ARIs because they are able to concurrently address the oxidative stress issue. In this article, we carried out quantitative structure‐activity relationship analysis of flavones and flavonols (members of flavonoid family) using artificial neural networks. Three computer experiments were conducted to study the influence of hydrogen (H), hydroxyl (OH), and methoxyl (CH3) functional groups on eight substitution sites of the lead flavone molecule and to predict potential ARIs. Of 6561 possible flavones and flavonols, in experiment 1, we predicted 69 potent ARIs, and in experiment 2, we predicted 346 compounds with strong RS activity. In experiment 3, we combined these results to find overlapping compounds with both strong AR inhibition and RS activity and we are able to predict 10 potent compounds with strong AR inhibition (IC50< 0.3 μM) and RS activity (IC25< 1.0 μM). These 10 compounds show promise of being good therapeutic agents in the prevention of diabetic complications and is suggested to undergo further wet bench experimentation to prove their potency. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2011
Pro‐inflammatory angiogenesis is mediated by p38 MAP kinase
Authors: Rajashekhar Gangaraju , Kamocka Malgorzata , Marin Abby , Suckow Mark A. , Wolter William R. , Badve Sunil , Sanjeevaiah Aravind Raj , Pumiglia Kevin , Rosen Elliot , Clauss Matthias 
Published: August 2010

AbstractChronic inflammation is tightly linked to diseases associated with endothelial dysfunction including aberrant angiogenesis. To better understand the endothelial role in pro‐inflammatory angiogenesis, we analyzed signaling pathways in continuously activated endothelial cells, which were either chronically exposed to soluble TNF or the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generating H2O2, or express active transmembrane TNF. Testing in an in vitro capillary sprout formation assay, continuous endothelial activation increased angiogenesis dependent on activation of p38 MAP kinase, NADPH oxidase, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP). p38 MAP kinase‐ and MMP‐9‐dependent angiogenesis in our assay system may be part of a positive feed forward autocrine loop because continuously activated endothelial cells displayed up‐regulated ROS production and subsequent endothelial TNF expression. The pro‐angiogenic role of the p38 MAP kinase in continuously activated endothelial cells was in stark contrast to the anti‐angiogenic activity of the p38 MAP kinase in unstimulated control endothelial cells. In vivo, using an experimental prostate tumor, pharmacological inhibition of p38 MAP kinase demonstrated a significant reduction in tumor growth and in vessel density, suggesting a pro‐angiogenic role of the p38 MAP kinase in pathological angiogenesis in vivo. In conclusion, our results suggest that continuous activation of endothelial cells can cause a switch of the p38 MAP kinase from anti‐angiogenic to pro‐angiogenic activities in conditions which link oxidative stress and autocrine TNF production. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 800–808, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Changes in blood flow velocity in the radial artery during 1‐hour ultrasound monitoring with a 2‐MHz transcranial probe—A pilot study
Authors: Bardoň Petr , Školoudík David , Langová Kateřina , Herzig Roman , Kaňovský Petr 
Published: August 2010

AbstractPurposeMultiple biologic effects of ultrasound on the human body have been described. Our aim was to monitor changes in blood flow velocities in the radial artery during continuous pulsed wave Doppler monitoring (DM).MethodsFifteen healthy volunteers (8 males; mean age 55 ± 17 years) underwent two 1‐hour sessions of left radial artery DM using a diagnostic transcranial 2‐MHz pulsed‐wave transducer. Blood flow velocities were recorded twice at 2‐minute intervals, for the measurement of peak systolic velocity, end‐diastolic velocity, and mean flow velocity, and the calculation of pulsatility index, and resistance index. Insonation was either intermittent (by periods <10 seconds) or continuous during the first session, and conversely during the second session 2 weeks later.ResultsBlood flow velocities and indices fluctuated during both sessions. These changes were symmetrical during the intermittent DM session. In contrast, end‐diastolic velocity increased while pulsatility index and resistance index decreased significantly during the continuous DM session (p < 0.05 for all three parameters). The changes in peak systolic velocity and mean flow velocity did not differ between sessions.ConclusionsOne‐hour sonographic Doppler monitoring using a 2‐MHz diagnostic transcranial PW Doppler probe may induce peripheral vasorelaxation in humans. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2010
Sonographic assessment of fatty liver infiltration using the measurement of para‐ and perirenal fat thickness
Authors: Kawasaki Satsuki , Hasegawa Osamu , Satoh Shinobu , Numata Kazushi , Terauchi Yasuo 
Published: August 2010

AbstractPurposeUsefulness of abdominal ultrasonography for quantitative estimation of fatty liver by measurement of para‐ and perirenal sonographic fat thickness (UFT) was investigated.MethodsStudy subjects were 286 patients hospitalized for the treatment of diabetes. These subjects underwent blood chemistry studies, abdominal ultrasonography, and CT. On sonography, the thickness of combined para‐ and perirenal fat was measured between the kidney and the inner aspect of the abdominal musculature. Measurements on both sides were averaged as the UFT. Fatty liver infiltration was graded on a scale of grade 0 to 3: 0, none; 1, mild; 2, moderate; and 3, severe. With abdominal CT, the ratio of CT attenuation value of the liver to that of the spleen (L/S ratio) was measured.ResultsA positive correlation was found between UFT and FL grade or between UFT and L/S ratio (p< 0.0001). Positive correlations were also found between UFT and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (p< 0.05), or cholinesterase (p< 0.0001).ConclusionMeasurement of UFT is a useful method for the quantification of fatty liver as well as for the quantification of visceral fat. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2010
Synthesis, characterization, and antimicrobial activity of 3′‐(4‐(2‐substituted thiazol‐4‐yl)phenyl)spiro[indoline‐3,2′‐thiazolidine]‐2,4′‐diones
Authors: Mhaske Pravin C. , Shelke Shivaji H. , Jadhav Rahul P. , Raundal Hemant N. , Patil Sachin V. , Patil Amar A. , Bobade Vivek D. 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
magnified image A series of 3′‐(4‐(2‐methyl/phenyl/benzylthiazol‐4‐yl)phenyl)spiro[indoline‐3,2′‐thiazolidine]‐2,4′‐diones was synthesized. The structures of the synthesized compounds were evaluated by analytical and spectral (IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, LC‐MS, and elemental analysis) methods. All the synthesized compounds were screened for qualitative (Zone of inhibition) and quantitative antimicrobial activities (MIC). Most of the derivatives showed good activity towards Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
An efficient one‐pot solvent‐free synthesis of 2,3‐dihydroquinazoline‐4(1H)‐ones via Al/Al2O3 nanoparticles
Authors: Kassaee M. Z. , Rostamizadeh Shahnaz , Shadjou Nasrin , Motamedi Elahe , Esmaeelzadeh Maryam 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
magnified image An efficient one‐pot, solvent‐free method is reported for the synthesis of 2‐phenyl‐2,3‐dihydroquinazoline‐4(1H)‐one as well as its o‐Cl, o‐OMe, m‐Br, m‐NO2, p‐OH, p‐NO2, p‐CN, p‐PhCH2O, p‐Cl, p‐F, p‐Br, p‐Me, and o,m‐dichloro derivatives, using our “as‐prepared” arc discharge fabricated Al/Al2O3 nanoparticles. Compared with our previous report and other known methods, this route gives higher yields with shorter reaction times, whereas its green catalyst appears recyclable at least four times‐with minor decrease in its catalytic activity, under mild conditions. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
Aberrant stress‐induced Hsp70 expression in immune cells in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Cwiklinska Hanna , Mycko Marcin P. , Szymanska Bozena , Matysiak Mariola , Selmaj Krzysztof W. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractHeat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), a prominent member of the heat shock protein family, is a stress‐induced chaperone, contributing to the “protein triage” mechanism. However, we and others have previously shown that chaperonin activity of Hsp70 also promotes immune recognition of protein/peptide antigens, including myelin autoantigens. Hsp70 has been strikingly elevated in multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions. In a search for the mechanism of Hsp70 up‐regulation in MS, we analyzed Hsp70 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from MS patients (n = 49), healthy controls (n = 40), and patients with rheumatoid arthritis, (RA; n = 13). Hsp70 was detected by Western blot, and Hsp70 levels were quantified by ELISA. We found that Hsp70 was expressed at low levels in ex vivo PBMCs. However, after heat shock, Hsp70 was up‐regulated significantly more (up to sixfold) in MS patients compared with healthy controls. This significant overproduction of Hsp70 was also seen following another stress condition, LPS stimulation. Hsp70 is a product of several independent genes, and we found the HSPA1B gene product to be the major form responsible for Hsp70 protein overexpression in PBMCs. Hsp70 overexpression was preceded by increased nuclear presence of heat shock factor 1 (HSF1). HSF1 activation depends on phosphorylation, and we found that inhibition of the A group of protein kinase C isoenzymes significantly reduced inducible Hsp70 production. These results indicate that immune cells from MS patients are more prone to Hsp70 induction under stress conditions, suggesting a possible link between Hsp70 overexpression and development of autoimmunity. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Localized alteration of microtubule polymerization in response to guidance cues
Authors: Kelly Terri‐Ann N. , Katagiri Yasuhiro , Vartanian Keri B. , Kumar Pramukta , Chen Inn‐Inn , Rosoff William J. , Urbach Jeffery S. , Geller Herbert M. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractInhibition of microtubule dynamic instability prevents growth cone turning in response to guidance cues, yet specific changes in microtubule polymerization as growth cones encounter boundaries have not been investigated. In this study, we examined the rate and direction of microtubule polymerization in response to soluble nerve growth factor (NGF) and immobilized chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) by expressing enhanced GFP‐EB3 in rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells. GFP‐EB3 comets were monitored in live cells using time‐lapse epifluorescent microscopy. With an automated tracking system, the rate of microtubule polymerization was calculated as the frame‐to‐frame displacement of EB3 comets. Our results demonstrate that the rate of microtubule polymerization is increased following NGF treatment, whereas contact with CSPGs decreases microtubule polymerization rates. This reduction in microtubule polymerization rates was specifically localized to neurites in direct contact with CSPGs and not at noncontacting neurites. Additionally, we found an increase in the percentage of microtubules polymerizing in the retrograde direction in neurites at CSPG boundaries, with a concomitant decrease in the rate of retrograde microtubule polymerization. These results implicate localized changes in microtubule dynamics as an important component of the growth cone response to guidance cues. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reduction of hippocampal N‐acetyl aspartate level in aged APPSwe/PS1dE9 transgenic mice is associated with degeneration of CA3 pyramidal neurons
Authors: Xu Wei , Zhan Yanqiang , Huang Wei , Wang Xuxia , Zhang Sumin , Lei Hao 
Published: August 2010

AbstractAge‐related metabolic changes in the hippocampus of APPSwe/PS1dE9 mice were measured with long echo‐time in vivo 1H‐magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS). Thioflavine S staining and Nissl staining were used to characterize deposition of Aβ aggregates and neuronal degeneration in the transgenic animals, respectively. The results showed that the APPSwe/PS1dE9 mice had significantly decreased hippocampal N‐acetyl aspartate (NAA)/total creatine (tCr) level at 16 months of age, which was associated with degeneration of and intracellular deposition of thioflavine S‐positive materials in hippocampal CA3 pyramidal neurons. The results of this study provide direct evidence showing association among Aβ pathology (intracellular deposition of thioflavine S‐positive materials), neuronal degeneration, and metabolic changes observable with in vivo 1H‐MRS in the hippocampus of APPSwe/PS1dE9 mice. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular characterization of uropathogenic and diarrheagenic Escherichia coli pathotypes
Authors: Regua‐Mangia Adriana Hamond , Irino Kinue , da Silva Pacheco Raquel , Pimentel Bezerra Rose Mary , Santos Périssé André Reynaldo , Teixeira Lucia Martins 
Published: August 2010

AbstractIn this study diarrheagenic and uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) strains were comparatively characterized according to serotype, hemolytic activity, protein polymorphism among housekeeping enzymes, phylogenetic group and urovirulence genes. Intra‐serogroup/serotype variations were observed. Hemolytic activity was detected in 100%, 93%, 67% and 39% of UPEC, EAEC, EPEC and ETEC strains, respectively. The alpha‐hemolytic phenotype was observed in all pathogenic groups while beta‐hemolytic phenotype was less frequent. PCR phylotyping revealed higher prevalence of diarrheagenic E. coli in groups A and D while uropathogenic strains were mainly found in subgroup B2. Amplification assays revealed that 74%, 45% and 22% of UPEC, EAEC and EPEC strains, respectively, carried at least one of the urovirulence sequences. The molecular typing system revealed a pathotype‐specific clonal group distribution and showed a closer relationship between the EAEC and UPEC. Additionally, the occurrence of urovirulence traits, especially those related to iron acquisition, was more frequent among EAEC and UPEC than among the other E. coli pathotypes. This observation is of special value considering that the EAEC pathotype constitutes an emerging group of enteropathogens, particularly, in developing countries, and information on their pathogenic and phylogenetic characteristics is still scarce. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Water‐soluble red pigments from Isaria farinosa and structural characterization of the main colored component
Authors: Velmurugan Palanivel , Lee Yong Hoon , Nanthakumar Kuppanan , Kamala‐Kannan Seralathan , Dufossé Laurent , Mapari Sameer AS , Oh Byung‐Taek 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThe present study describes the red pigment synthesized by the filamentous fungi Isaria farinosa under submerged culture conditions. The pigment production was optimal under the following conditions: pH 5, agitation speed 150 rpm, temperature 27 °C, incubation time 192 h, light source total darkness, sucrose and glucose as carbon source, yeast extract, meat peptone and monosodium glutamate at a fixed concentration of 3% as nitrogen source. The addition of 10 mM CaCl2 to the culture medium increased the biomass and pigment production. Structural elucidation of the pigment using gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed that the red pigment contains an anthraquinone‐related compound. In addition, the isolated pigment was water soluble, and was stable when exposed to salt solution (96.1% of stability after treatment with sodium chloride), acid (72.1% with citric acid), heat (86.2% at 60 °C), and sunlight (99.4%). These results are promising to further exploit the fungal culture of Isaria farinosa for producing the red pigment and, subsequently, to considerably increase its yield. The study has commercial importance in the production of Isaria farinosa pigment for industrial application after considerable toxicological examination. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Vancomycin‐resistant enterococci from Portuguese wastewater treatment plants
Authors: Araújo Carlos , Torres Carmen , Silva Nuno , Carneiro Catarina , Gonçalves Alexandre , Radhouani Hajer , Correia Susana , da Costa Paulo Martins , Paccheco Rui , Zarazaga Myriam , Ruiz‐Larrea Fernanda , Poeta Patrícia , Igrejas Gilberto 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThe objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence of vancomycin resistant enterococci in sludge and sewage of urban and poultry‐slaughterhouse wastewater treatment plants. A total of 17 vancomycin resistant enterococci (eight vanA ‐containing Enterococcus faecium and nine vanC1/vanC2 ‐containing Enterococcus gallinarum/casseliflavus) were found among 499 isolates of sewage and sludge samples of 14 urban and nine poultry‐slaughterhouse wastewater treatment plants. These seventeen VRE isolates showed resistance to kanamycin (n = 8), tetracycline (n = 7), erythromycin (n = 7), ciprofloxacin (n = 7), ampicillin (n = 7), streptomycin (n = 6), and gentamicin (n = 2). The tetM gene, related with tetracycline resistance, was found in six of eight van A‐containing isolates, in all seven vanC‐1 isolates and in one of two vanC‐2 isolates. The ermB gene in seven erythromycin‐resistant isolates; and the aac6 ′‐aph2 ″ gene in the two high‐level‐gentamicin‐resistant isolates. Moreover, two vanA ‐containing E. faecium isolates harbored the hyl virulence gene, and three isolates the entA bacteriocin gene. The purK‐1 allele was detected in our urban vanA ‐containing E. faecium isolate, and we found as well the purK‐6 allele in one poultry‐slaughterhouse vanA ‐containing E. faecium isolate. This study suggests that the wastewater treatment plants might be an important source of dissemination of antibiotic‐resistant enterococci in Portugal. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Mutual influence of soil basidiomycetes and white mustard plants on their enzymatic and catabolic activities
Authors: Gramss Gerhard , Mascher René 
Published: August 2010

AbstractLiquid and volatile emanations in interactions of soil basidiomycetes with herbs affect fungal oxidoreductases and stress‐related plant peroxidases (PO). In this study, gnotobiotic co‐cultures between 6 non‐pathogenic saprobes and 2 ectomycorrhizal basidiomycetes with the non‐host plant white mustard were established on glucose‐salt medium with the respective controls. Determined were oxidoreductase activities for culture fluids and plant tissues at initial fungal idiophase and degradation rates of Remazol‐BBR and 5 PAHs. In culture fluids of Agaricus arvensis, A. porphyrizon, Lepista nebularis, Stropharia rugoso‐annulata, and Hypholoma fasciculare (group‐5), the laccase‐deficient plant enabled activity increases in fungal laccase (by 2300‐fold), in extracellular (fungal and?) plant‐derived peroxidases (by 21‐fold), and in the dissipation of phenanthrene and anthracene. Oxidative activities in roots rose by 46000‐fold during adsorption of fungal laccases. Increases in the stress‐related shoot‐PO (by 4.1‐fold) were exclusively elicited by group‐5 saprobes and correlated with plant‐phenolic‐mediated formations of Mn(III) and increases in Remazol BBR bleaching. Agaricus bisporus and the ectomycorrhizal Hebeloma crustuliniforme and Suillus granulatus did not respond to plant emanations with elevated laccase activities but solubilized apparently root‐surface PO. They failed to elicit stress‐related activity increases of PO in white mustard shoot and prevented Mn(III) formation in several tissues. It is concluded that white mustard emanations promoted the catabolic performance of the plant‐stress eliciting group‐5 saprobes but not of A. bisporus and the ectomycorrhizal fungi with their low stress‐inducing potential. The nature of the plant‐released stimuli and the classes of fungus‐released stress agents discussed must be determined in further studies. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Biomechanical properties of mixtures of blood and synovial fluid
Authors: McCarty William J. , Luan Anna , Siddiqui Meena , Hansen Bradley C. , Masuda Koichi , Sah Robert L. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractSynovial fluid (SF) is a viscous ultrafiltrate of plasma that lubricates articulating joint motion. During acute trauma and certain cartilage repair procedures, blood is introduced into the joint and mixes with variable amounts of SF. The hypothesis of this study was that the dilution of blood with SF alters the rheological properties of the blood and the mechanical properties of the clot formed. The objectives were to determine the composition (solid fraction, protein content), coagulation (fibrin polymerization time, torsional strength), and mechanical (stiffness, permeability) properties of mixtures of blood with 10% or 50%SF. While the initial stages of coagulation of blood were not markedly affected by the presence of the SF, dilution with SF altered the coagulation torque profile over time, decreased the final clot structure mechanical stiffness (42–90% decrease), and increased the fluid permeability of the clots (41‐ to 468‐fold). Compared to diluting blood with PBS, SF had a smaller effect on the mechanical properties of the clot, possibly due to the presence of high molecular weight hyaluronan. These properties of blood/SF mixtures may facilitate an understanding of the repair environment in the joint and of mechanisms of cartilage repair. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:240–246, 2011
Raman microspectroscopic evidence that dry‐fixing preserves the temporal pattern of non‐specific differentiation in live human embryonic stem cells
Authors: Konorov Stanislav O. , Schulze H. Georg , Caron Nicolas J. , Piret James M. , Blades Michael W. , Turner Robin F. B. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractRaman microspectroscopy allows the classification of populations of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) in different stages of differentiation based on the relative intensities of certain amino acid and nucleic acid bands. Here, we report the results of a comparative study of the Raman spectra of live cells versus cells killed and fixed by rapid desiccation, focusing on the ratio of intensities at 757 cm−1 (tryptophan) and 784 cm−1 (DNA and RNA). We observe that the same temporal pattern emerges over a 3‐week time course in both sample types. This suggests that prolonged observations of dry‐fixed cells can yield high signal‐to‐noise chemical images that cannot be obtained from colonies of living cells where the time scale of significant biological changes are comparable to the time scale of the measurement. This permits, for example, comparison of the spatial distributions of cells at different stages of differentiation within the same colonies. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.