bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Resveratrol and Piceatannol Cytotoxicity in Macrophages, T Cells, and Skin Cells
Authors: Radkar Vijayalaxmi , Hardej Diane , Lau-Cam Cesar , Billack Blase 
Published: October 2007

Evaluation of Resveratrol and Piceatannol Cytotoxicity in Macrophages, T Cells, and Skin CellsThe cytotoxicity of resveratrol and of piceatannol, a structural analog of resveratrol, was examined in cultured cells. Using a MTT-based assay, which measures the conversion of 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) to a colored formazan product in living cells, resveratrol was found to inhibit the viability of transformed mouse macrophages, tumor-derived human T cells and human epidermoid carcinoma cells in a concentration-dependent manner, with the effect decreasing in the order: T cells (LC50 ~27 μmol L-1, 24 h; ~9 μmol L-1; 48h) > macrophages (LC50~29 μmol L-1, 24 h; 39 μmol L-1, 48 h) > skin cells (LC50 ~91 μmol L-1, 24 h; ~66 μmol L-1, 48 h). Paradoxically, a high concentration of resveratrol (50 μmol L-1) inhibited the proliferation of all three cell types, and a low concentration (5 μmol L-1) stimulated the proliferation of macrophages. The viability of macrophages was also decreased by piceatannol in a concentration-dependent manner. The stimulation of macrophages with zymosan lowered the cytotoxicity of both resveratrol and piceatannol. Scanning electron microscopy of cells treated with resveratrol revealed changes in cellular morphology that were consistent with toxicity. In macrophages and skin cells, resveratrol (50 μmol L-1) induced a time-dependent increase in reduced glutathione levels but did not alter the background levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances. Taken together, the present data indicate that resveratrol is toxic to cultured macrophages, T cells and skin cells at concentrations ≥25 μmol L-1, and that the cytotoxicity occurs via a mechanism that does not involve oxidative stress. Furthermore, the degree of toxicity of both resveratrol and piceatannol towards macrophages depends on the activation status of these cells, with zymosan-activated cells appearing more resistant than nonstimulated cells.
Effect of Aluminium on the Levels of Some Essential Elements in Occupationally Exposed Workers
Authors: Metwally Fateheya , Mazhar Manal 
Published: October 2007

Effect of Aluminium on the Levels of Some Essential Elements in Occupationally Exposed WorkersThe mechanism of aluminium-induced cytotoxicity has not yet been defined. This study investigated possible changes in essential elements in workers occupationally exposed to Al fumes. It included 60 exposed workers and a matching control group of 60 employees not occupationally exposed to Al. Mean serum copper, calcium, zinc and iron were significantly lower in the exposed group than in controls. In addition, mean plasma and urine levels of Al were significantly higher in the exposed employees than in the controls. A statistically significant negative correlation was found between plasma and urinary Al and the studied essential elements. These findings corroborate the hypothesis that Al exposure has an adverse effect on essential elements in humans, with subsequent impact on the cellular enzymatic and metabolic processes.
Drug Analysis in Necrophagous Flies and Human Tissues
Authors: Definis-Gojanović Marija , Sutlović Davorka , Britvić Dolores , Kokan Bože 
Published: October 2007

Drug Analysis in Necrophagous Flies and Human TissuesNecrophagous insects may provide useful information about the time, place and cause of death. In addition, they can serve as reliable alternative specimens for toxicological analysis in cases where human tissue and fluids, normally taken during autopsies, are not available, due to decomposition of the corpse. This paper reports the results of drug analysis of the larvae of two fly families, Calliphoridae and Sarcophagidae, collected from the body of a middle-aged man who had committed suicide approximately three weeks before his corpse was found. Multiple samples of decomposed human tissue, of the blowfly, and of the larval flesh were analysed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), and amphetamine was detected in all samples. While the screening results were beyond doubt, the quantitative analysis was less clear, and further research is needed in this area.
Suicide by Fentanyl
Authors: Sutlović Davorka , Definis-Gojanović Marija 
Published: October 2007

Suicide by FentanylFentanyl is a potent, short-acting narcotic analgesic widely used as surgical anaesthetic. This article presents a case in which fentanyl was self-injected by a 41-year old nurse, an employee at the hospital emergency department, who was found dead at home. She had no known history of drug and alcohol abuse. Two syringes, one empty and one filled with a clear liquid, were found near the body, while a needle was stuck into her hand.Toxicological analysis showed fentanyl poisoning. Fentanyl overdose was declared the cause of death and the manner of death was classified as suicide.To our knowledge, death due to the intravenous injection of fentanyl has not previously been reported in Croatia.
Contaminants in Fish: Risk-Benefit Considerations
Authors: Costa Lucio 
Published: October 2007

Contaminants in Fish: Risk-Benefit ConsiderationsFish provide a healthful source of dietary protein and are high in nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids. There is evidence of beneficial effects of fish consumption in coronary heart disease, stroke, age-related macular degeneration, and growth and development. Yet, benefits may be offset by the presence of contaminants, such as methylmercury (MeHg), dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and several other halogenated persistent organic pollutants. MeHg is a known developmental neurotoxicant, as evidenced by several animal studies and episodes of human intoxication in Japan and Iraq. Fish represent the main source of exposure to MeHg for the general population, and large predatory fish (swordfish, tuna) have the highest levels of MeHg contamination. Provisional tolerable weekly intakes of 0.7 μg kg-1 to 1.6 μg kg-1 have been set by regulatory agencies. Concern for contamination of fish with dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs stems from their reported carcinogenicity, immunotoxicity, and reproductive and developmental toxicities. Farmed and wild-caught fish appear to have similar levels of contaminants. Advisories are in place that recommend limited consumption of certain fish in children, pregnant women and women of childbearing age. Careful risk-benefit considerations should foster fish consumption while minimizing exposure to toxic contaminants.
Mechanisms of Organophosphate Toxicity and Detoxication with Emphasis on Studies in Croatia
Authors: Reiner Elsa , Radić Zoran , Simeon-Rudolf Vera 
Published: October 2007

Mechanisms of Organophosphate Toxicity and Detoxication with Emphasis on Studies in CroatiaThis review comprises studies on the mechanisms of toxicity and detoxication of organophosphorus (OP) compounds done in Croatia in different research areas. One area is the synthesis of antidotes against OP poisoning and their in vivo testing in experimental animals. In vitro studies included in this review focus on the mechanisms of reversible inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), protection of cholinesterases from inhibition by OPs, and reactivation of phosphylated cholinesterases. The third area comprises distribution profiles of BChE and paraoxonase (PON) phenotypes in selected population groups and the detection of OPs and metabolites in humans. Finally, methods are described for the detection of OP compounds in human blood and other media by means of cholinesterase inhibition.
Axonal Degeneration and Neuropathy Target Esterase
Authors: Glynn Paul 
Published: October 2007

Axonal Degeneration and Neuropathy Target EsteraseThis brief review summarises recent observations which suggest a possible mechanism for organophosphate-induced delayed neuropathy (OPIDN). Neuropathy target esterase (NTE) has been shown to deacylate endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho). Raised levels of PtdCho are present in the brains of swiss cheese/NTE mutant Drosophila together with abnormal membrane structures, axonal and dendritic degeneration and neural cell loss. Similar vacuolated pathology is found in the brains of mice with brain-specific deletion of the NTE gene and, in old age, these mice show clinical and histopathological features of neuropathy resembling those in wild-type mice chronically dosed with tri-ortho-cresylphosphate. It is suggested that OPIDN results from the loss of NTE's phospholipase activity which in turn causes ER malfunction and perturbation of axonal transport and glial-axonal interactions.
Red Blood Cell Acetylcholinesterase and Plasma Butyrylcholinesterase Status: Important Indicators for the Treatment of Patients Poisoned by Organophosphorus Compounds
Authors: Thiermann Horst , Kehe Kai , Steinritz Dirk , Mikler John , Hill Ira , Zilker Thomas , Eyer Peter , Worek Franz 
Published: October 2007

Red Blood Cell Acetylcholinesterase and Plasma Butyrylcholinesterase Status: Important Indicators for the Treatment of Patients Poisoned by Organophosphorus CompoundsInhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is regarded as the primary toxic mechanism of organophosphorus compounds (OP). Therapeutic strategies are directed to antagonise overstimulation of muscarinic receptors with atropine and to reactivate inhibited AChE with oximes. Reactivation is crucial within the neuromuscular synapse, where atropine is ineffective, since peripheral neuromuscular block eventually leads to respiratory failure. Patients with OP intoxication have to be identified as early as possible.During an international NBC-defence exercise anesthetised pigs were poisoned with sarin, followed by treatment with atropine and oxime. Blood samples were drawn and red blood cell (RBC)-AChE activity determined with a fielded test system on-site. Within a few minutes the poisoning was verified. After administration of HI-6, RBC-AChE activity increased rapidly. Blood samples were reanalysed in our laboratory in Munich. Almost identical course of the AChE activities was recorded by both systems.The more comprehensive cholinesterase status was determined in Munich. Oxime administration can be stopped when AChE is aged completely, but has to be continued as long as poison is present in the body and reactivation is possible.To aid the on-site physician in optimising diagnosis and treatment, a fielded test system should be available to allow rapid determination of the complete cholinesterase status.
Endurance Exercise Training to Improve Economy of Movement of People With Parkinson Disease: Three Case Reports
Authors: Schenkman Margaret , Hall Deborah , Kumar Rajeev , Kohrt Wendy M 
Published: October 2007

Background and PurposeEven early in Parkinson disease (PD), individuals have reduced economy of movement. In this case report, the effects of endurance exercise training are examined on walking economy and other measures for 3 individuals in early and middle stages of PD.PatientsThe patients were 1 woman and 2 men with PD, aged 52 to 72 years, classified at Hoehn and Yahr stages 2 to 2.5.InterventionEach patient completed 4 months of supervised endurance exercise training and 12 months of home exercise, with monthly clinic follow-up sessions. Strategies were included to enhance adherence to exercise.OutcomesThe main outcome measure was economy of movement (rate of oxygen consumption during gait) measured at 4 treadmill speeds. Secondary outcome measures included the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Continuous-Scale Physical Functional Performance Test (CS-PFP), Functional Reach Test (FRT), and Functional Axial Rotation Test (FAR). Economy of movement improved for all 3 patients after 4 months of supervised exercise and remained above baseline at 16 months. Two patients also had scores that were above baseline for UPDRS total score, CS-PFP, FRT, and FAR, even at 16 months.Discussion and ConclusionsEvidence from these 3 individuals suggests that gains may occur with a treadmill training program that is coupled with specific strategies to enhance adherence to exercise.
Variability in Effective Radiating Area at 1 MHz Affects Ultrasound Treatment Intensity
Authors: Straub Stephen J , Johns Lennart D , Howard Samuel M 
Published: October 2007

Background and Purpose
Previous research has indicated that not all ultrasound transducers heat at equal rates; however, the cause of this disparity is unclear. Variability in spatial average intensity (SAI) has been implicated in this disparity at 3 MHz. This variability has not been explored at 1 MHz.

Methods
Sixty-six 5-cm2 ultrasound transducers were purchased from 6 different manufacturers. Transducers were calibrated and assessed for effective radiating area (ERA), total output power, and SAI using standardized measurement techniques.

Results
Total output power values fell within US Food and Drug Administration guidelines, but there were large variations in ERA. The resulting SAI values showed large deviations (−43% to +61%) from the digitally displayed value. Intra-manufacturer SAI values varied up to 53%.

Discussion and Conclusion
Spatial average intensity can vary largely from the values displayed on these ultrasound generators; in a calibrated cohort, this difference is primarily attributable to differences in measured ERA. Patterns of SAI variability within the manufacturer at 1 MHz do not follow previous reports of variability at 3 MHz.
Effects of Intensity of Treadmill Training on Developmental Outcomes and Stepping in Infants With Down Syndrome: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Ulrich Dale A , Lloyd Meghann C , Tiernan Chad W , Looper Julia E , Angulo-Barroso Rosa M 
Published: October 2007

Background and PurposeInfants with Down syndrome (DS) are consistently late walkers. The purpose of this investigation was to test the effects of individualized, progressively more intense treadmill training on developmental outcomes in infants with DS.SubjectsThirty infants born with DS were randomly assigned to receive lower-intensity, generalized treadmill training or higher-intensity, individualized training implemented by their parents in their homes.MethodsResearch staff members monitored implementation of training, physical growth, and onset of motor milestones of all infants on a monthly basis.ResultsInfants in the higher-intensity, individualized training group increased their stepping more dramatically over the course of training. Infants in the higher-intensity training group attained most of the motor milestones at an earlier mean age.Discussion and ConclusionTreadmill training of infants with DS is an excellent supplement to regularly scheduled physical therapy intervention for the purpose of reducing the delay in the onset of walking.
The role of fenofibrate in clinical practice
Authors: Zambon Alberto , Cusi Kenneth 
Published: October 2007

Clinical guidelines highlight the importance of dyslipidaemia management for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. While statins represent the main focus of therapy, there is increasing evidence that the addition of a fibrate such as fenofibrate provides further reduction in risk. Fenofibrate also offers a number of benefits beyond lipid modification; these are mediated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPARα) activation and appear to be independent of effects of glucose and lipid metabolism. Furthermore, as shown by the Fenofibrate Intervention for Event Lowering in Diabetes (FIELD) study, fenofibrate treatment has promising effects in preventing progression of diabetes-related microvascular complications. PPARα is critical to lipid metabolism in the liver. Recent findings which showed that pioglitazone, a PPARγ agonist with weak PPARα activity, improved fatty liver disease in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes have prompted interest in whether more potent PPARα agonists, such as fenofibrate, may have a role in the management of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The combination of fenofibrate and a statin is well tolerated, with no apparent increase in the risk of myopathy, unlike gemfibrozil-statin combination therapy. In overview, the available evidence indicates that the combination of fenofibrate with a statin is a useful approach for optimising reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, as well as delaying the progression of diabetes-related microvascular complications. Data are awaited from the ongoing Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) study to evaluate the outcome benefits of this approach.
Sorption and desorption parameters of water or ethanol in light‐cured dental dimethacrylate resins
Authors: Sideridou Irini D. , Karabela Maria M. , Vouvoudi Evagelia Ch. , Papanastasiou Georgios E. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractTwo cycles of sorption/desorption of water or ethanol by light‐cured dental resins of bisphenol A glycol dimethacrylate (Bis‐GMA), bisphenol A ethoxylated dimethacrylate (Bis‐EMA) urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA) triethylene glycol dimethacrylate and decanediol dimethacrylate (D3MA) were studied. The experimental curves mt = f(t) taken for the first water sorption by poly‐Bis‐GMA, poly‐Bis‐EMA and poly‐UDMA showed a maximum. A maximum was also observed in the curve obtained for first sorption of ethanol by poly‐Bis‐GMA. In all other cases, the curves for sorption or desorption of water or ethanol showed Fickian behavior. The experimental data obtained for first sorption of water or ethanol were perfectly fitted to a new proposed equation, which predicts water or ethanol sorption with simultaneous extraction of unreacted the monomer. This equation gave us the possibility for the determination of the diffusion coefficient of the extraction of the unreacted Bis‐GMA during the water and ethanol sorption, as well as the diffusion coefficient of the extraction of the unreacted Bis‐EMA and UDMA during the water sorption. The maximum water or ethanol absorbed at equilibrium and the diffusion coefficient are determined from the second sorption/desorption cycle during which the extraction of the monomer is negligible. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Synthesis and electrochemical properties of phloroglucin‐based ferrocenyl compounds and their application in anion recognition
Authors: Deng Libo , Wang Li , Yu Haojie , Wang Jianjun , Dong Xiaochen , Li Jianhua , Tan Qiaohua , Huo Jia 
Published: October 2007

AbstractPhloroglucin‐based ferrocenyl compounds, including hyperbranched phloroglucin‐based ferrocenyl polymer and phloroglucin‐based ferrocenyl dendrimer (Generation0), were prepared by a convenient approach. Cyclic voltammograms were used to investigate their electrochemical properties, and we found that the scanning rate and solvent had remarkable effects on electrochemical behavior of the compounds. These compounds showed electrochemical responses to the anions, and a selective recognition for H2PO over other anions was observed. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Molecular insight into mechanism of antimicrobial action of the β‐hairpin peptide arenicin: Specific oligomerization in detergent micelles
Authors: Ovchinnikova Tatiana V. , Shenkarev Zakhar O. , Balandin Sergey V. , Nadezhdin Kirill D. , Paramonov Alexander S. , Kokryakov Vladimir N. , Arseniev Alexander S. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractArenicins are 21‐residue cationic antimicrobial peptides isolated from marine polychaeta Arenicola marina. The peptides exhibit potent broad‐spectrum antimicrobial activity. In water solution arenicin‐2 adopts a β‐hairpin conformation, stabilized by one disulfide and nine hydrogen bonds. To determine the propensity for the peptide oligomerization in membrane mimetic systems, the recombinant arenicin‐2 was overexpressed as a fused form in Escherichia coli. The arenicin‐2 oligomerization and intermolecular packing in membrane mimicking environment were investigated using high‐resolution NMR spectroscopy. The present studies show that arenicin‐2 preserves a β‐hairpin structure and forms asymmetric dimers upon incorporation into the dodecylphosphocholine micelle. Two monomers of arenicin‐2 are aligned parallel to each other by the N‐terminal strands of the β‐hairpin (CN↑↑NC type of association). Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis indicated that in environment of anionic SDS micelles the arenicin‐2 might undergo further oligomerization and form tetramers. Our results afford further molecular insight into possible mechanism of antimicrobial action of arenicins. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 89: 455–464, 2008.This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Retardation of the unfolding process by single N‐glycosylation of ribonuclease A based on molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Choi Youngjin , Lee Jong Hyun , Hwang Suntae , Kim Joong‐Kwon , Jeong Karpjoo , Jung Seunho 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe conformational characteristics of glycosylated‐ and unglycosylated bovine pancreatic ribonuclease A (RNaseA) were traced with unfolding molecular dynamics simulations using CHARMM program at 470 K. The glycosylated RNase (Glc_RNase) possesses nearly identical protein structure with RNaseA, differing only by presence of a single acetylglucosamine residue N‐linked to Asn34 in the RNaseA. Attaching of monomeric N‐acetylglucosamine residue to the Asn34 in RNaseA resulted in a change of denaturing process of Glc_RNase. Simulations showed that the unfolding of RNaseA involved significant weakening of nonlocal interactions whereas the glycosylation led Glc_RNase to preserve the nonlocal interactions even in its denatured form. Even in simulations over 8 ns at 470 K, Glc_RNase remained relatively stable as a less denatured conformation. However, conformation of RNaseA was changed to a fully unfolded state before 3 ns of the simulations at 470 K. This difference was due to fact that formation of hydrogen bond bridges and nonlocal contacts induced by the attached N‐acetylglucosamine of Glc_RNase showing in the unfolding simulations. These high‐temperature unfolding MD simulations provided a theoretical basis for the previous experimental work in which Glc_RNase showed slower unfolding kinetics compared with unglycosylated RNaseA, suggesting that single N‐glycosylation induced retardation of unfolding process of the ribonuclease protein. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 89: 114–123, 2008.This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com