bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transport proteins (carriers) of mitochondria
Authors: Wohlrab Hartmut 
Published: September 2008

AbstractMitochondria are subcellular structures essential to the aerobic eukaryotic cell. Their role extends much beyond their basic reactions of oxidative phosphorylation. It encompasses the steps critical for cellular metabolic pathways, for apoptosis, and for other processes such as antiviral signaling. This short review is limited to transport proteins (carriers) that catalyze the transport of metabolites across the inner mitochondrial membrane and thus link metabolic pathway reactions in the cytosol and the mitochondrial matrix. Such transport must minimally affect the electrochemical proton gradient essential for oxidative phosphorylation (chemiosmotic mechanism of oxidative phosphorylation). Many of these transport proteins belong to a family of membrane proteins, and the major part of this review will consider their structures and functions. First studies of these transporters were carried out with intact mitochondria and with inhibitors that appeared transporter‐specific. Such an inhibitor was then utilized in the first purification of one of these transporter proteins. Its substrate‐specificity was then established after functionally active incorporation into liposomes. Questions about copurification of other transporters and thus a definitive identification of transported substrate with the purified protein were resolved definitively only after heterologous expression in bacteria, most generally as inclusion bodies, and followed by reconstitution in liposomes. Site‐specific mutations permitted the identification of amino acids essential to their transport function. These mutagenesis studies then also helped interpret human diseases with mutations in these transport proteins. The high‐resolution structure of a member of this transporter protein family dramatically advanced these studies. It raised new questions because this structure complexed with a high‐affinity inhibitor showed a monomeric protein, while purification and inhibitor stoichiometry studies suggest a functional homodimeric transport protein. Remaining key questions need to address: the homodimeric nature of the transporters, details of their transport mechanism, and the functional identification of many members of this family whose existence has only been suggested from genomic data. © 2008 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 61(1): 40–46, 2009
Interactions with nanoscale topography: Adhesion quantification and signal transduction in cells of osteogenic and multipotent lineage
Authors: Biggs Manus J. P. , Richards R. Geoff , Gadegaard Nikolaj , McMurray Rebecca J. , Affrossman Stanley , Wilkinson Chris D. W. , Oreffo Richard O. C. , Dalby Mathew J. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractPolymeric medical devices widely used in orthopedic surgery play key roles in fracture fixation and orthopedic implant design. Topographical modification and surface micro‐roughness of these devices regulate cellular adhesion, a process fundamental in the initiation of osteoinduction and osteogenesis. Advances in fabrication techniques have evolved the field of surface modification; in particular, nanotechnology has allowed the development of nanoscale substrates for the investigation into cell‐nanofeature interactions. In this study human osteoblasts (HOBs) were cultured on ordered nanoscale pits and random nano “craters” and “islands”. Adhesion subtypes were quantified by immunofluorescent microscopy and cell‐substrate interactions investigated via immuno‐scanning electron microscopy. To investigate the effects of these substrates on cellular function 1.7 k microarray analysis was used to establish gene profiles of enriched STRO‐1+ progenitor cell populations cultured on these nanotopographies. Nanotopographies affected the formation of adhesions on experimental substrates. Adhesion formation was prominent on planar control substrates and reduced on nanocrater and nanoisland topographies; nanopits, however, were shown to inhibit directly the formation of large adhesions. STRO‐1+ progenitor cells cultured on experimental substrates revealed significant changes in genetic expression. This study implicates nanotopographical modification as a significant modulator of osteoblast adhesion and cellular function in mesenchymal populations. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Preliminary in vivo evaluation of the protein transduction domain‐modified ATTEMPTS approach in enhancing asparaginase therapy
Authors: Li Yong Tao , Kwon Young Min , Spangrude Gerald J. , Liang Jun F. , Chung Hee Sun , Park Yoon Jeong , Yang Victor C. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractAsparaginase (ASNase) is an enzyme drug presently approved for the induction of remission in the treatment of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The cytotoxic effect of ASNase is derived from its ability to deplete asparagine, an essential amino acid required by certain types of leukemia cells for protein synthesis and survival. Despite its efficacy in enhancing disease remission rate and prolonging complete remission duration in ALL patients, ASNase therapy is nevertheless confounded by a number of serious toxic effects, particularly to organs associated with high protein production (e.g., liver, pancreas), due to the systemic depletion of asparagine. Presented herein is a modified version of our previously established ATTEMPTS protein delivery system that carries the potential to permit a tumor specific, intracellular delivery of ASNase, thereby allowing for a significant reduction of ASNase‐induced systemic toxicity. In a previous paper, we already demonstrated the in vitro feasibility of this heparin/protamine‐regulated, TAT‐mediated system in delivering ASNase directly into ASNase‐sensitive murine lymphoma cells. In this article, we further validated the in vivo applicability of this system in animals harboring ASNase‐encapsulated L5178Y lymphoma cells. Preliminary results showed that animals inoculated with L5178Y cells containing TAT‐ASNase exhibited an extended survival rate of ∼13% over those harboring L5178Y cells without the encapsulation of ASNase. Furthermore, the TAT‐ASNase‐treated mice also displayed a significantly improved hematological and liver histological status than the control groups. These findings bring promise to the use of the modified ATTEMPTS delivery system in achieving enhanced ASNase therapy. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Influence of surface modification on the in vitro corrosion rate of magnesium alloy AZ31
Authors: Gray‐Munro Joy E. , Seguin Christine , Strong Michael 
Published: September 2008

AbstractIn recent years, magnesium alloys have been proposed as a new class of metallic bioabsorbable implant material. Unfortunately, the production of hydrogen gas and an increase in alkalinity are both by‐products of the degradation process of these materials. This necessitates the development of magnesium alloys with controlled degradation rates. Furthermore, biocompatible coatings that can delay the onset of corrosion would ensure that the mechanical integrity of the implant remains intact in the early stages of healing. This article explores the influence of surface modification by biomimetic calcium phosphate coating, biodegradable polymer coatings, and acid etching on the corrosion rate of the AZ31 magnesium alloy in simulated body fluid. Our results indicate that all of these surface treatments have a positive impact on the corrosion rate of the material and that in the early stages of implantation it is possible to tailor the corrosion rate through an appropriate choice of surface treatment. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
In vitro cell infiltration and in vivo cell infiltration and vascularization in a fibrous, highly porous poly(D,L‐lactide) scaffold fabricated by cryogenic electrospinning technique
Authors: Leong Meng Fatt , Rasheed Mohamed Zulfikar , Lim Tze Chiun , Chian Kerm Sin 
Published: September 2008

AbstractOne of the obstacles limiting the application of electrospun scaffolds for tissue engineering is the nanoscale pores that inhibit cell infiltration. In this article, we describe a technique that uses ice crystals as templates to fabricate cryogenic electrospun scaffolds (CES) with large three‐dimensional and interconnected pores using poly(D,L‐lactide) (PLA). Manipulating the humidity of the electrospinning environment the pore sizes are controlled. We are able to achieve pore sizes ranging from 900 ± 100 μm2 to 5000 ± 2000 μm2 depending on the relative humidity used. Our results show that cells infiltrated the CES up to 50 μm in thickness in vitro under static culture conditions whereas cells did not infiltrate the conventional electrospun scaffolds. In vivo studies demonstrated improved cell infiltration and vascularization in the CES compared with conventionally prepared electrospun scaffolds. In gaining control of the pore characteristics, we can then design CES that are optimized for specific tissue engineering applications. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
A clinician's take on evidence‐based group psychotherapy: a commentary
Authors: Beecher Mark E. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractEach of the articles in this issue of the Journal of Clinical Psychology: In Session provides valuable resources to group psychotherapists looking to develop an evidence‐based practice. This article provides a summary of and commentary on this information from a clinician's point of view. I discuss the clinical utility of these resources, while acknowledging and addressing the practitioner concerns associated with them. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 64:1–5, 2008.
New directions and resources in group psychotherapy: introduction to the issue
Authors: Burlingame Gary M. , Beecher Mark E. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractEstablishing an evidence‐based practice (EBP) is a central byproduct of the ever‐increasing emphasis on accountability in mental health services. Though much has been written and developed for individual psychotherapists who wish to develop EBPs, there are far fewer resources for group psychotherapists. This article introduces a series of articles designed to provide EBPs and resources for group psychotherapists. We discuss how therapists can develop and apply the following aspects of EBPs: research‐supported treatments (RSTs), practice guidelines, practice‐based evidence, and multicultural competence. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 64:1–9, 2008.
Electricity generation from terephthalic acid using a microbial fuel cell
Authors: Song Tianshun , Xu Yuan , Ye Yejie , Chen Yingwen , Shen Shubao 
Published: September 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: Pure terephthalic acid (PTA) is a petrochemical product of global importance and is widely applied as an important raw material in making polyester fiber and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles. In this work, a single‐chamber microbial fuel cell (MFC) was constructed using terephthalic acid (TA) with a chemical oxygen demand (COD) concentration range from 500 mg L−1 to 3500 mg L−1 as the electron donor and strain PA‐18 as the biocatalyst.RESLUTS: In the single chamber MFC, several factors were examined to determine their effects on power output, including COD concentration and electrode spacing. The characteristic of the strain PA‐18 was further studied. Cyclic voltammetry showed that electrons were directly transferred onto the anode by bacteria in biofilms, rather than self‐produced mediators of bacteria in the solutions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation showed that the anodic electrode surface was covered by bacteria which were responsible for electron transfer. Direct 16s‐rDNA analysis showed that the PA‐18 bacteria shared 99% 16SrDNA sequence homology with Pseudomonas sp.CONCLUSIONS: Electricity generation from TA in MFC was observed for the first time. The maximum power density produced by TA was 160 mW m−2, lower than that achieved using domestic wastewater. This novel technology provided an economical route for electricity energy recovery in PTA wastewater treatment. High internal resistance was the major limitation. To further improve the power output, the electron transfer rate was accelerated by overexpression of membrane the protein gene of the strain PA‐18 and by reducing the electrolyte and mass transfer resistance by optimizing reactor configuration. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Ultrafast optical pulse delivery with fibers for nonlinear microscopy
Authors: Kim Daekeun , Choi Heejin , Yazdanfar Siavash , So Peter T.C. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractNonlinear microscopies including multiphoton excitation fluorescence microscopy and multiple‐harmonic generation microscopy have recently gained popularity for cellular and tissue imaging. The optimization of these imaging methods for minimally invasive use requires optical fibers to conduct light into tight space, where free‐space delivery is difficult. The delivery of high‐peak power laser pulses with optical fibers is limited by dispersion resulting from nonlinear refractive index responses. In this article, we characterize a variety of commonly used optical fibers in terms of how they affect pulse profile and imaging performance of nonlinear microscopy; the following parameters are quantified: spectral bandwidth and temporal pulse width, two‐photon excitation efficiency, and optical resolution. A theoretical explanation for the measured performance of these fibers is also provided. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Targeting of interleukin‐10 is superior to cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte associated antigen 4 with human immunoglobulin G1 for the prevention of chronic allograft deterioration in organ transplantation
Authors: Xu Tao , Haering Cristina , Lau Chi‐Keung , Obed Aiman , Ma Jian , Doenecke Axel , Scherer Marcus N. , Schnitzbauer Andreas A. , Fan Sheung‐Tat , Schlitt Hans J. , Tsui Tung‐Yu 
Published: September 2008

AbstractBackgroundGenetic manipulation of the allograft is an attractive approach to prevent the graft against chronic deterioration through stable expression of immunomodulatory or protective genes. However, the best strategy for prevention of chronic allograft deterioration remains unclear.MethodsThe efficacies of adeno‐associated viral vector‐mediated stable expression of indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO), cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte associated antigen 4 with human immunoglobulin G1 (CTLA4Ig) or interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) in the prevention of chronic allograft deterioration were compared in a rat heart transplantation model.ResultsTransduction of grafts with IL‐10 significantly prolonged allograft survival, whereas transduction of grafts with IDO did not improve graft survival compared to controls. Analysis of long‐term survived heart allografts showed that both CTLA4Ig and IL‐10 could significantly reduced the T cells and macrophage infiltration. However, stable expression of CTLA4Ig failed to prevent the development of transplant arteriosclerosis. By contrast, IL‐10 suppressed the development of transplant arteriosclerosis effectively. The suppressive effects of IL‐10 in preventing the development of chronic allograft deterioration were associated with lower transcript levels of transforming tumor growth factor beta 1 and macrophage migration inhibitory factor in the graft. In addition, higher transcript levels of heme oxygenase‐1 were found in IL‐10‐transduced allograft.ConclusionsTargeting on IL‐10 is superior to CTLA4Ig or IDO for the treatment of chronic allograft deterioration. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vaccination with a Modified Vaccinia Virus Ankara‐based vaccine protects mice from allergic sensitization
Authors: Albrecht Melanie , Suezer Yasemin , Staib Caroline , Sutter Gerd , Vieths Stefan , Reese Gerald 
Published: September 2008

AbstractBackgroundCurrently, no treatment is available for food allergy and strict avoidance of the allergenic food remains the only way to manage the allergy. New strategies leading to a safe and efficacious food allergy treatment are required. Modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA), which allows high levels of expression of recombinant protein in vivo and gives rise to a Th1‐biased specific immune response, was used as a prophylactic vaccine in a murine model of ovalbumin (OVA) allergy.MethodsAn MVA‐OVA vector vaccine was prepared. Female BALB/c mice were vaccinated twice with a MVA‐OVA vector vaccine, followed by sensitization with OVA plus alum. OVA‐specific immunoglobulin E(IgE) activity was measured by mediator release from rat basophilic leukaemia cells, whereas specific IgG subclass titers were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsExpression of immunological active OVA in mammalian cells was demonstrated. OVA‐specific IgE levels in sera from MVA‐OVA‐vaccinated mice were reduced and appeared delayed. The vaccine‐mediated immune modulation was dose‐dependent; the highest vaccine dose protected 50% of the animals from allergic sensitization. Upon sensitization, similar OVA‐specific IgG1 titers were found in all mice, but the OVA‐specific IgG2a antibody levels were strongly increased in MVA‐OVA‐vaccinated mice, signifying a Th1‐biased and, non‐allergic immune response.ConclusionsProphylactic vaccination with MVA‐OVA delays and in part even prevents the onset of a successful allergen‐specific sensitization. Recombinant MVA, which fulfills the requirements for clinical application, is a promising candidate vector for the development of novel approaches to allergen‐specific prophylactic vaccination and specific immunotherapy. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design, synthesis and iodination of an Arg‐Arg‐Leu peptide for potential use as an imaging agent for human prostate carcinoma
Authors: Yu MingMing , Wang RongFu , Yan Ping , Zhang ChunLi , Liu Meng , Cui YongGang 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe aim of this work was to design and synthesize a radioiodinated peptide containing arginine–arginine–leucine (RRL) functionality as a potential imaging agent of tumor angiogenesis. The RRL peptide was synthesized using the Fmoc solid phase method and identified by MS analysis after purification by HPLC. The RRL peptide was labeled with 131I by the Chloramine‐T method and purified through Sephadex G‐25 column. Furthermore, the 131I labeled peptide was used to evaluate its biodistribution. SPECT imaging was carried out at 24 h after the 131I labeled RRL peptide was injected into BALB/c nude mice bearing human prostate carcinoma. For the first time we have shown that a radiolabelled RRL peptide appears to be useful as a tumor angiogenic endothelium imaging agent for the diagnosis of the human prostate carcinoma. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Studies on the molecular recognition between bioactive peptides and angiotensin‐converting enzyme
Authors: Pina A.S. , Roque A.C.A. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractHigh blood pressure or hypertension is a condition affecting many individuals and represents a controllable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease and stroke. A non‐pharmacological approach to manage these includes the application of food components with antihypertensive activity. Milk protein‐derived peptides have been exploited as natural hypotensive agents, namely the peptides Val‐Pro‐Pro (VPP) and Ile‐Pro‐Pro (IPP), already commercialized in functional foods as a potential alternative to synthetic drugs. These bioactive peptides inhibit in vitro and in vivo the Angiotensin I‐converting enzyme (ACE), a protein with an important role in blood pressure regulation. In this work, we attempted to elucidate the possible mode of interaction between the peptides and ACE, including mechanisms of binding to the cofactor Zn2+, and further contrast this with the known mode of inhibition exerted by synthetic drugs (Captopril, Enalaprilat and Lisinopril). The bioactive peptide Ala‐Leu‐Pro‐Met‐His‐Ile‐Arg (ALPMHIR), also known to inhibit the enzyme ACE but with a lower efficiency than VPP and IPP, was utilized in the docking studies for comparison. It was observed that the best docking poses obtained for VPP and IPP were located at the ACE catalytic site with very high resemblance to the drugs mode of interaction, including the coordination with Zn2+. As for ALPMHIR, the best docking poses were located in the narrow ACE channel outside the catalytic site, representing higher affinity energies and fewer resemblances with the interaction established by drugs. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparing the antibody responses against recombinant hemagglutinin proteins of avian influenza A (H5N1) virus expressed in insect cells and bacteria
Authors: Shen Shuo , Mahadevappa Geetha , Oh Hsueh‐Ling Janice , Wee Boon Yu , Choi Yook‐Wah , Hwang Le‐Ann , Lim Seng Gee , Hong Wanjin , Lal Sunil K. , Tan Yee‐Joo 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe hemagglutinin (HA) of influenza A virus plays an essential role in mediating the entry of the virus into host cells. Here, recombinant full‐length HA5 protein from a H5N1 isolate (A/chicken/hatay/2004(H5N1)) was expressed and purified from the baculovirus‐insect cell system. As expected, full‐length HA5 elicits strong neutralizing antibodies, as evaluated in micro‐neutralization tests using HA5 pseudotyped lentiviral particles. In addition, two fragments of HA5 were expressed in bacteria and the N‐terminal fragment, covering the ectodomain before the HA1/HA2 polybasic cleavage site, was found to elicit neutralizing antibodies. But the C‐terminal fragment, which covers the remaining portion of the ectodomain, did not. Neutralizing titer of the anti‐serum against the N‐terminal fragment is only four times lower than the anti‐serum against the full‐length HA5 protein. Using a novel membrane fusion assay, the abilities of these antibodies to block membrane fusion were found to correlate well with the neutralization activities. J. Med. Virol. 80:1972–1983, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinical significance of a set of single nucleotide polymorphisms of hepatitis B virus core gene in Chinese Han patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Li Yirong , Wang Xuepin , Chen Fenghua , Ma Ronghong , Wen Xiaobo , Hu Lihua 
Published: September 2008

AbstractTo evaluate clinical significance of a set of SNPs of HBV core gene, a modified PCR‐RFLP assay developed by Hannoun was adapted to determine HBV SNPs in 312 Chinese Han patients with chronic hepatitis B. Five typical RFLP patterns were found and named RFLP patterns C, D, E, G, and C/G mixture. The distribution of RFLP patterns was as follows: C, 61.5%; D, 2.6%; E, 9.6%; G, 16.7%; C/G mixture, 9.6%. The PCR amplicons of core gene were cloned into pGM‐T, then colony PCR combined with RFLP and sequencing were used to confirm the presence of cleavage sites of Tsp509I and SNPs. 5 SNPs, A261T, A336C, A336T T337C and T385C, were found to be associated with RFLP patterns change and only SNP A336C or A336T caused the substitution of Glu‐83 with Asp in HBcAg. The serum HBV DNA level in RFLP pattern C was higher than that in RFLP pattern G and C/G mixture, respectively, most possibly which associating with aminoacid change, Glu83Asp. The rate of elevated serum ALT levels in RFLP pattern C/G mixture was significantly lower than that in RFLP patterns C and G, respectively. The PCR amplicons of HBV S gene were sequenced and genotyped with HBV genotyping tools. It was found that RFLP patterns E and G were categorized into genotype B, RFLP pattern C showed two genotypes (B, C), and RFLP pattern D coincided with HBV genotype D, therefore, the modified PCR‐RFLP can be adapted to determine HBV SNPs, not genotypes in Chinese Han patients with chronic hepatitis B. J. Med. Virol. 80:1885–1890, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.