bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Wogonin induces the granulocytic differentiation of human NB4 promyelocytic leukemia cells and up‐regulates phospholipid scramblase 1 gene expression
Authors: Zhang Kun , Guo Qing‐Long , You Qi‐Dong , Yang Yong , Zhang Hai‐Wei , Yang Li , Gu Hong‐Yan , Qi Qi , Tan Zi , Wang Xiaotang 
Published: March 2008

Previous studies have firmly demonstrated that wogonin, a naturally occurring monoflavonoid extracted from the root of the Chinese herb medicine Scutellaria baicalensis, could effectively inhibit the proliferation of several cancer cell lines. However, little is known about the effect of wogonin on differentiation induction of leukemic cells. Here we investigate the potential role of wogonin in the proliferation and differentiation of NB4, a human promyelocytic leukemia cell line derived from a patient with acute promyelocytic leukemia. Our results indicated that wogonin significantly suppressed the proliferation and efficiently induced the differentiation of NB4 cells. NB4 cell growth was inhibited by 55–60% after treatment with 50 µM wogonin for a period of 5 days. The results of the nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction test (with 67.13% positive cells by 50 µM wogonin for 5 days), Giemsa staining (with 67.24% positive cells by 50 µM wogonin for 5 days), and the expression of mature‐related cell‐surface differentiation antigens CD11b and CD14 (with 70.94% CD11b+ and 5.82% CD14+ cells by 50 µM wogonin for 5 days) demonstrated an increase in the differentiation‐inducing action of wogonin on the NB4 cells, which was accompanied by an increase in mRNA and protein expression of phospholipids scramblase 1 (PLSCR1). Meanwhile, the level of phosphorylated PKCδ (Ser643) was dramatically increased in wogonin treated NB4 cells. Interestingly, wogonin treatment displayed little effect on the apoptosis of NB4 cells. Taken together, the results reported here demonstrated that wogonin could promote the granulocytic differentiation of NB4 cells by up‐regulating the expression of PLSCR1 gene. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 689–695)
Influence of ABCB1 and ABCG2 polymorphisms on doxorubicin disposition in Asian breast cancer patients
Authors: Lal Suman , Wong Zee Wan , Sandanaraj Edwin , Xiang Xiaoqiang , Ang Peter Cher Siang , Lee Edmund J. D. , Chowbay Balram 
Published: March 2008

The influence of three high frequency ABCB1 polymorphisms (c.1236C>T, c.2677G>A/T, and c.3435C>T) and the ABCG2 c.421C>A polymorphism on the disposition of doxorubicin in Asian breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy was investigated in the present study. The allelic frequency of the ABCB1 c.1236T, c.2677T, c.2677A, and c.3435T variants were 60%, 38%, 7%, and 22%, respectively, and the frequency of the ABCG2 c.421A allele was 23%. Pairwise analysis showed increased exposure levels to doxorubicin in patients harboring at least one ABCB1 c.1236T allele (P = 0.03). Patients homozygous for the CC‐GG‐CC genotype had significantly lower doxorubicin exposure levels compared to the patients who had CT‐GT‐CT (P = 0.02) and TT‐TT‐TT genotypes (P = 0.03). Significantly increased clearance of doxorubicin was also observed in patients harboring CC‐GG‐CC genotypes when compared to patients harboring the CT‐GT‐CT genotype (P = 0.01). Patients harboring the CC‐GG‐CC genotypes had significantly lower peak plasma concentrations of doxorubicinol compared to patients who had TT‐TT‐TT genotypes (P = 0.03). No significant influences on doxorubicin pharmacokinetic parameters were observed in relation to the ABCG2 c.421C>A polymorphism. In conclusion, the present exploratory study suggests that the three high frequency linked polymorphisms in the ABCB1 gene might be functionally important with regards to the altered pharmacokinetics of doxorubicin in Asian breast cancer patients, resulting in significantly increased exposure levels and reduced clearance. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 816–823)
Validation of the alcohol, smoking and substance involvement screening test (ASSIST)
Authors: Humeniuk Rachel , Ali Robert , Babor Thomas F. , Farrell Michael , Formigoni Maria L. , Jittiwutikarn Jaroon , De Lacerda Roseli B. , Ling Walter , Marsden John , Monteiro Maristela , Nhiwatiwa Sekai , Pal Hemraj , Poznyak Vladimir , Simon Sara 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACTAim  The concurrent, construct and discriminative validity of the World Health Organization's Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) were examined in a multi‐site international study.Participants  One thousand and 47 participants, recruited from drug treatment (n = 350) and primary health care (PHC) settings (n = 697), were administered a battery of instruments.Measurements  Measures included the ASSIST; the Addiction Severity Index‐Lite (ASI‐Lite); the Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS); the MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI‐Plus); the Rating of Injection Site Condition (RISC); the Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST); the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT); the Revised Fagerstrom Tolerance Questionnaire (RTQ); and the Maudsley Addiction Profile (MAP).Findings  Concurrent validity was demonstrated by significant correlations between ASSIST scores and scores from the ASI‐Lite (r = 0.76–0.88), SDS (r = 0.59), AUDIT (r = 0.82) and RTQ (r = 0.78); and significantly greater ASSIST scores for those with MINI‐Plus diagnoses of abuse or dependence (P < 0.001). Construct validity was established by significant correlations between ASSIST scores and measures of risk factors for the development of drug and alcohol problems (r = 0.48–0.76). Discriminative validity was established by the capacity of the ASSIST to discriminate between substance use, abuse and dependence. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to establish cut‐off scores with suitable specificities (50–96%) and sensitivities (54–97%) for most substances.Conclusions  The findings demonstrated that the ASSIST is a valid screening test for identifying psychoactive substance use in individuals who use a number of substances and have varying degrees of substance use.
The immunomodulatory glycan LNFPIII initiates alternative activation of murine macrophages in vivo
Authors: Atochina Olga , Da’dara Akram A. , Walker Mirjam , Harn Donald A. 
Published: March 2008

SummaryThe early pathogen–macrophage interactions that help drive macrophage maturation towards classically or alternatively activated are largely unknown. To examine this question we utilized the immunomodulatory glycan Lacto‐N‐fucopentaose III (LNFPIII), which contains the Lewis X (LeX) trisaccharide, to activate murine peritoneal macrophages in vivo. Because LNFPIII is known to induce anti‐inflammatory responses, we asked if LNFPIII stimulation of macrophages in vivo initiates alternative activation events such as upregulation of Arginase 1, Ym1, FIZZ‐1, MGL‐1 or macrophage mannose receptor (MMR). Examination of peritoneal exudate cells from mice 20 hr post‐LNFPIII injection demonstrated increased Arginase 1 activity, at the mRNA and protein levels, coincident with undetectable inducible nitric oxide synthase expression or nitric oxide production. In addition to Arginase 1, Ym1 expression was also significantly upregulated at 20 and 48 hr after LNFPIII exposure in vivo. However, the expression of FIZZ‐1, MGL‐1, and MMR was not changed in these macrophages. In an attempt to determine activation requirements for functional activity, we adoptively transferred antigen‐pulsed, in vivo LNFPIII activated macrophages into naïve recipients and found that they were capable of triggering recipient T cells to secrete elevated levels of interleukin (IL)‐10 and IL‐13 compared to mice receiving control macrophages. Together, these data demonstrate that upregulation of expression of Arginase 1 and Ym1 occur very early in activation of macrophages, and can be independent of other alternatively activated (AA) macrophage markers. Importantly, these early events appear to be IL‐4/IL‐13‐independent in our model. In the future we hope to determine if upregulation of these initial AA maturational events is sufficient for these macrophages to exert immunoregulatory activity in vivo.
Shelf‐life extension of peaches through sodium alginate and methyl cellulose edible coatings
Authors: Maftoonazad Neda , Ramaswamy Hosahalli S. , Marcotte Michelle 
Published: March 2008

SummaryThe objective of this study was to determine the effect of sodium alginate and methyl cellulose coatings on the respiration rate, firmness, acidity, pH, total soluble solids and desiccation rate of peaches. Coated and uncoated control fruits were stored at 15 °C and 40% RH. Respiration rate, moisture loss, and changes in firmness, total titrable acidity, pH and total soluble solids of coated and control samples were determined at 3‐day intervals. The respiration rate, moisture loss and changes in quality parameters were much lower in coated peaches as compared with the control. While the maximum acceptable shelf‐life at 15 °C for control samples was 15 days, the coated samples maintained their acceptability up to 21 and 24 days, respectively, with sodium alginate and methyl cellulose coating. The reduced respiration and transpiration rates as a result of coatings were considered responsible for maintaining the quality and increasing the shelf‐life of peaches.
Effect of heating on physical properties and microstructure of black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) and white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) meats
Authors: Benjakul Soottawat , Visessanguan Wonnop , Kijroongrojana Kongkarn , Sriket Pisal 
Published: March 2008

SummaryEffects of heating on cooking loss, texture, colour and microstructure of black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) and white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) meats from different parts were evaluated. Cooking loss increased sharply when the samples were heated for longer time, particularly more than 1 min (P < 0.05). Among all parts, tail part of both shrimps had the highest cooking loss. The shear force of all samples increased markedly when the samples were heated for longer time, especially more than 0.5 min (P < 0.05). Black tiger shrimp and white shrimp meats had the slight differences in shear force either before or after heating. L*, a* and b*‐values increased when heating time increased up to 1 min (P < 0.05). Similar microstructures between raw meats of black tiger shrimp and white shrimp were found. Cooked meats of both species had more compact fibre arrangement with the shrinkage of sarcomere, compared with raw samples. Generally, tail portion showed the denser structure than other parts.
Optimization of process parameters and mathematical modelling for dehulling of pigeonpea
Authors: Goyal Raj K. , Vishwakarma Rajesh K. , Wanjari Onkar D. 
Published: March 2008

SummaryIn this study, hulling efficiency and hulling losses were optimised for pigeonpea. Effects of hulling time, moisture content and cottonseed oil as pre‐milling agent were studied and optimised using response surface methodology. A quadratic model satisfactorily described the hulling efficiency with an R2 value of 0.93. It predicted maximum dehulling efficiency of 89.98% at 9.82% moisture content (wet basis), 12.05‐s time of hulling and 0.28% cottonseed oil treatment. Linear model developed for hulling loss showed significant effect of time of hulling whereas effect of oil treatment and moisture content were non‐significant. The model predicted hulling loss of 2.92% on optimum conditions. The results of the model were validated experimentally and were within the range.
Zero trans shortening using rice bran oil, palm oil and palm stearin through interesterification at pilot scale
Authors: Mayamol Ponmalakunnel Nichlavose , Balachandran Chandrasekharanpillai , Samuel Tomas , Sundaresan Andikannu , Arumughan Chami 
Published: March 2008

SummaryFat blends, formulated by mixing refined, bleached and deodorised (RBD) palm oil (PO) or RBD palm stearin (PS) with RBD rice bran oil (RBO) in various ratios were subjected to chemical interesterification (CIE) at pilot scale using sodium methoxide (NaOMe) as catalyst. The resultant interesterified fat was processed through a margarine crystalliser under optimised conditions. The blends before and after CIE were investigated for triacylglycerol (TAG) composition, solid fat content (SFC) and melting characteristics, polymorphic form, fatty acid composition (FAC), bioactive (tocols, sterols, oryzanol) constituents and trans fatty acids (TFA). CIE was found to be very effective in terms of rearrangement of fatty acids (FAs) among TAGs and consequent changes in the physical characteristics. The SFC of the interesterified PS/RBO blends decreased significantly (P ≤ 0.05) when compared with those of PO/RBO blends. The interesterified binary blends with 50–60% PS and 40–50% RBO, and 70–80% PO and 20–30% RBO had SFC curves in the range of all‐purpose type shortenings. CIE facilitated the formation of β′ polymorphic forms. FAC of shortenings prepared using the optimised blends contained 15–20% C18:2 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and no TFA. Total tocol, sterol and oryzanol content of zero trans shortenings were 650–1145, 408–17 583 and 1309–14 430 ppm. CIE using NaOMe did not affect the bioactive constituents significantly (P ≤ 0.05).
Effects of gamma irradiation on quality of Pakistani blood red oranges (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck)
Authors: Khalil Shahid Akbar , Hussain Shahid , Khan Maazullah , Khattak Amal Badshah 
Published: March 2008

SummaryEffect of gamma irradiation and washing on physicochemical and sensory quality of blood red oranges was investigated. The citrus fruits were packed in cellophane bags and stored at room temperature for 42 days. Two gamma irradiation doses 0.25 and 0.5 kGy alone and in combination with washing were applied to the fruits. Weight loss decreased with gamma irradiation and increased with washing during storage. Acidity and ascorbic acid values were higher for the oranges irradiated at 0.5 kGy and minimum for the washed oranges. Generally, total soluble solids (TSS) increased during the storage period. However, washed samples had the highest concentration and 0.5 kGy‐irradiated samples had the lowest TSS at the end of the storage period. Sensory quality qualify by appearance, odour and taste are decreased during storage in both treatments. However, the fruits were still acceptable by the trained observers. It can be inferred from this study that irradiation at 0.5 kGy or in combination with washing is an effective post‐harvest technique in keeping the changes in physicochemical and sensory quality to a minimum level during storage.
Genetic diversity across the range of a temperate lizard
Authors: Howes Briar J. , Lougheed Stephen C. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractAim To examine range‐wide patterns of genetic diversity in association with range limits in a broadly distributed temperate lizard, and to identify the contributions of a series of environmental, geographical and historical variables to the observed patterns. Reduced genetic diversity may limit local adaptation in peripheral populations, thereby limiting their ability to adapt to marginal environmental conditions, possibly explaining the existence of temporally stable range limits.Location Various sampling locales throughout eastern and central USA and southern Ontario, Canada.Methods Genetic diversity of nuclear DNA microsatellites was estimated for each of 38 populations from across the range of eastern North America’s most broadly distributed lizard, the five‐lined skink,Plestiodon fasciatus(Linnaeus, 1758).Results Local climatic conditions and an interaction between distance from range border and glaciation history best predicted a population’s present‐day genetic diversity. Overall, peripheral populations had reduced genetic diversity relative to that of central populations, but this difference was attributable to the reduced genetic diversity in peripheral populations to the north and west that are not bordered by any obvious physical boundaries.Main conclusions Some, but not all, peripheral populations had reduced genetic diversity relative to that of more central populations, which probably arose through an interaction of ecological and historical factors. Peripheral populations that were bordered by an obvious boundary (e.g. an ocean) had higher diversity than peripheral populations that were not bordered by an obvious physical barrier to range expansion, suggesting that reduced intrapopulation genetic diversity is associated with range limits in the five‐lined skink.
Environmental parameters that determine species geographical range limits as a matter of time and space
Authors: Arntzen J. W. , Espregueira Themudo G. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractAim  To identify the ecological factors associated with the range borders of two amphibian species, to investigate geographical variation in environmental parameters that determine species range limits, and to develop a testable hypothesis on the species’ biogeographical history.Location  Portugal and Spain.Methods  We documented the distribution of two species of marbled newt (Triturus marmoratus and Triturus pygmaeus) from atlas data, survey data and six latitudinal transects. Countrywide ecogeographical models were constructed from presence‐only data and a suite of 19 environmental parameters. Local ecogeographical models were constructed along the contact zone.Results  Triturus marmoratus and T. pygmaeus share a parapatric range border from coastal Portugal to central Spain. Ecogeographical models performed better in descriptive mode (for the country where they were developed) than in predictive mode (when extrapolated for the neighbouring country). This suggests the existence of spatial variation for parameters that determine the species range borders. Local models showed good performance in Spain and western Portugal. Parameters dominating the models were climatic (precipitation, temperature and solar radiation), geographical (altitude) and geophysical (soil permeability). Enclaves in the distribution of T. marmoratus/T. pygmaeus also corresponded with environmental parameters. Poor‐fitting local models were found in central Portugal, where the mutual range border of the two species coincides with the River Tejo.Main conclusions  The fit and predictive performance of the ecogeographical models suggest that equilibrium conditions have been reached over most of the contact zone. Parameter selection, field observations and natural history knowledge led us to identify, in terms of reproductive strategy, a stable species with regular, but low annual recruitment (T. marmoratus) vs. an opportunistic species with fluctuating ‘all‐or‐nothing’ annual recruitment (T. pygmaeus). Ecological parapatry derives from the use of permanent ponds for breeding in T. marmoratus vs. ephemeral ponds used by T. pygmaeus. Enclaves in the distribution show that, historically, T. pygmaeus has been displacing T. marmoratus. In central Portugal, where the model fit is poor, the advance of T. pygmaeus is currently impeded by the River Tejo. We predict that once this barrier has been crossed, the contact zone will move c. 40 km to the north. As T. marmoratus and T. pygmaeus are hybridizing species, we predict the occasional presence of T. marmoratus genes in areas that have changed occupancy.
Dissimilatory iron reduction in Escherichia coli: identification of CymA of Shewanella oneidensis and NapC of E. coli as ferric reductases
Authors: Gescher Johannes S. , Cordova Carmen D. , Spormann Alfred M. 
Published: March 2008

SummaryOver geological time scales, microbial reduction of chelated Fe(III) or Fe(III) minerals has profoundly affected today's composition of our bio‐ and geosphere. However, the electron transfer reactions that are specific and defining for dissimilatory iron(III)‐reducing (DIR) bacteria are not well understood. Using a synthetic biology approach involving the reconstruction of the putative electron transport chain of the DIR bacterium Shewanella oneidensis MR‐1 in Escherichia coli, we showed that expression of cymA was necessary and sufficient to convert E. coli into a DIR bacterium. In intact cells, the Fe(III)‐reducing activity was limited to Fe(III) NTA as electron acceptor. In vitro biochemical analysis indicated that CymA, which is a cytoplasmic membrane‐associated tetrahaem c‐type cytochrome, carries reductase activity towards Fe(III) NTA, Fe(III) citrate, as well as to AQDS, a humic acid analogue. The in vitro specific activities of Fe(III) citrate reductase and AQDS reductase of E. coli spheroplasts were 10× and 30× higher, respectively, relative to the specific rates observed in intact cells, suggesting that access of chelated and insoluble forms of Fe(III) and AQDS is restricted in whole cells. Interestingly, the E. coli CymA orthologue NapC also carried ferric reductase activity. Our data support the argument that the biochemical mechanism of Fe(III) reduction per se was not the key innovation leading to environmental relevant DIR bacteria. Rather, the evolution of an extension of the electron transfer pathway from the Fe(III) reductase CymA to the cell surface via a system of periplasmic and outer membrane cytochrome proteins enabled access to diffusion‐impaired electron acceptors.
Dihydroxyacetone: a safe camouflaging option in vitiligo
Authors: Rajatanavin Natta , Suwanachote Suthida , Kulkollakarn Suthinee 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackground  Most treatment protocols for vitiligo usually do not result in complete repigmentation. Therefore, cosmetically acceptable camouflage, low cost and easy to handle alternatives are warranted.Objective  To evaluate the efficacy of low‐cost self‐tanner available in the Thai market in normal subjects with skin types III, IV, and V, and the efficacy for camouflage of 6% dihydroxyacetone (DHA) cream in the treatment of vitiligo on exposed areas of Asian skin.Methods  The study was divided into two parts. Part 1 is a prospective study of 15 healthy volunteers using three different DHA creams which were available in the Thai market with concentrations of 3.5%, 4.2%, and 5%. Part 2 was a retrospective study of 20 patients suffering from vitiligo affecting the face and/or hands and feet who were treated with 6% DHA. The data were collected through direct examination, telephone interview, face‐to‐face interview, and photographs.Results  In healthy volunteers, we found that color matching was achieved by using a higher concentration of DHA in darker‐skin subjects. Most of the vitiligo patients (88.9%) reported moderate to marked satisfaction with the cosmetic results of 6% DHA cream.Conclusion  Dihydroxyacetone offers a safe and effective therapeutic option for recalcitrant vitiligo. Dark‐skin subjects need a higher concentration of DHA cream than lighter‐skin subjects.