bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chemotherapy pretreatment sensitizes solid tumor‐derived cell lines to Vα24+ NKT cell‐mediated cytotoxicity
Authors: Mattarollo Stephen R. , Kenna Tony , Nieda Mie , Nicol Andrew J. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThere is an increasing awareness of the therapeutic potential for combining immune‐based therapies with chemotherapy in the treatment of malignant diseases, but few published studies evaluate possible cytotoxic synergies between chemotherapy and cytotoxic immune cells. Human Vα24+/Vβ11+ NKT cells are being evaluated for use in cell‐based immunotherapy of malignancy because of their immune regulatory functions and potent cytotoxic potential. In this study, we evaluated the cytotoxicity of combinations of chemotherapy and NKT cells to determine whether there is a potential to combine these treatment modalities for human cancer therapy. The cytotoxicity of NKT cells was tested against solid‐tumor derived cell lines NCI‐H358, DLD‐1, HT‐29, DU‐145, TSU‐Pr1 and MDA‐MB231, with or without prior treatment of these target cells, with a range of chemotherapy agents. Low concentrations of chemotherapeutic agents led to sensitization of cell lines to NKT‐mediated cytotoxicity, with the greatest effect being observed for prostate cancer cells. Synergistic cytotoxicity occurred in an NKT cell in a dose‐dependent manner. Chemotherapy agents induced upregulation of cell surface TRAIL‐R2 (DR5) and Fas (CD95) expression, increasing the capacity for NKT cells to recognize and kill via TRAIL‐ and FasL‐mediated pathways. We conclude that administration of cytotoxic immune cells after chemotherapy may increase antitumor activities in comparison with the use of either treatment alone. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Risk factors for prostate cancer: A national case‐control study
Authors: Cox Brian , Sneyd Mary J. , Paul Charlotte , Skegg David C. G. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractStatutory notification of cancer in New Zealand provided an opportunity to investigate risk factors for prostate cancer in a large national population‐based case‐control study. We analyzed data obtained from telephone interviews with 923 cases and 1,224 controls. For inclusion in the study, all subjects had to have been married at some time. We found an increased risk of prostate cancer among those with a history of prostate cancer in first degree relatives (RR 2.6; 95% CI, 1.9–3.7) and an increased risk of prostate cancer with length of marriage among men married only once and still married at interview. For a consecutive subgroup of 550 cases and 819 controls, data on height and weight at age 20 and at 5 years before interview were collected. Men less than or equal to 1.7 m in height at age 20 years had a lower risk of prostate cancer than men taller at that age. There was no association between weight or body mass index and risk of prostate cancer. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Docosahexaenoic acid in combination with celecoxib modulates HSP70 and p53 proteins in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Narayanan Narayanan K. , Narayanan Bhagavathi A. , Bosland Maarten , Condon Mark S. , Nargi Dominick 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe role of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) and the mechanism by which it influences the development and behavior of prostate cancer is unclear. Selective COX‐2 inhibitors may be effective against prostate cancer via COX‐2‐independent mechanisms. But administration of high doses of COX‐2 inhibitors over longer period of time may not be devoid of side effects. There is increasing interest in using COX‐2 inhibitors in combination with other chemopreventive agents to overcome the issue of toxicity. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying their combined actions are not well understood. Therefore, the present study was designed to determine the effects of low doses of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in combination with celecoxib on the molecular targets at the proteins level in rat prostate cancer cells. Two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis, in combination with mass spectrometry analysis, was used for protein identification. Western blot analysis confirmed the proteins identified. Paraffin‐embedded tissue sections from the rat prostate tumor were used to detect base level expression of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and p53. The rate of cancer cell growth was inhibited more effectively (p < 0.01) by DHA in combination with celecoxib at lower doses (2.5 μM each). A total number of twelve proteins were differentially expressed by the combined action of DHA and celecoxib at low doses. It was interesting to note that these agents activated both HSP70 and p53 proteins. Activation of HSP70 by the combined actions of DHA and celecoxib in the presence of wild‐type p53 reveals a unique COX‐2 independent mode of action against prostate cancer. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Serum concentrations of Dickkopf‐1 protein are increased in patients with multiple myeloma and reduced after autologous stem cell transplantation
Authors: Politou Marianna C. , Heath Deborah J. , Rahemtulla Amin , Szydlo Richard , Anagnostopoulos Athanasios , Dimopoulos Meletios A. , Croucher Peter I. , Terpos Evangelos 
Published: April 2006

AbstractDickkopf‐1 (DKK‐1) protein, a soluble inhibitor of Wnt signalling, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of myeloma bone disease through the suppression of osteoblast differentiation. In this study, serum concentrations of DKK‐1 were measured in 50 myeloma patients (32 at diagnosis and 18 before and after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), 18 patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), and 22 healthy controls. Serum DKK‐1 levels were increased in MM at diagnosis compared with MGUS (mean ± SD: 67 ± 54 ng/mL vs. 38 ± 13 ng/mL; p = 0.006) and controls (31 ± 11 ng/mL; p = 0.02), while there was no difference between MGUS patients and controls. Although patients with stage 2 and 3 myeloma had higher DKK‐1 values than stage 1 patients (79 ± 63 vs. 40 ± 13; p = 0.005), no significant correlation between serum DKK‐1 and myeloma bone disease was observed. Myeloma patients before ASCT also had increased levels of DKK‐1 (63 ± 77 ng/mL; p = 0.03) compared with controls, supporting the notion that DKK‐1 may be responsible for the suppressed osteoblast activity even in patients with low tumor burden. After ASCT, there was a sustained decrease in DKK‐1 levels over time, while bone formation markers elevated, suggesting that the reduction of DKK‐1 levels after ASCT may correlate with the normalization of osteoblast function. These results could provide the basis for developing agents that block DKK‐1, thus restoring osteoblast function and counteracting the increased osteoclastogenesis observed in myeloma. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Biocompatibility of elastin‐like polymer poly(VPAVG) microparticles: in vitro and in vivo studies
Authors: Rincón A.C. , Molina‐Martinez I. T. , de las Heras B. , Alonso M. , Baílez C. , Rodríguez‐Cabello J.C. , Herrero‐Vanrell R. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractPoly(L‐valine–L‐proline–L‐alanine–L‐valine–L‐glycine) (VPAVG) is a new kind of proteinaceous polymer belonging to the Elastin‐like family. These polymers are based on the recurrence of certain short peptide monomers that are considered as “building blocks” in the natural elastin. This smart thermoresponsive polymer has the ability to self‐associate at physiological temperature to form aggregates with about 60% in water. This ability can be harnessed to prepare microparticles loaded with an active substance. The aim of this report is to evaluate, from the results of the experiment conducted, the biocompatibility of microparticles prepared from poly(VPAVG). We have studied the cytotoxic effects of microparticles, edema formation after subcutaneous injection (1 and 2.5 mg) in rats (n = 6), and also intraocular tolerance after the intravitreal injection of 2.5 mg of poly(VPAVG) microparticles into pigmented rabbits (n = 12). The polymer did not induce any cytotoxicity or nonspecific depression of cellular respiration on macrophages under the range of polymer concentrations investigated in this study (20, 30, 40, and 60 mg/mL). We observed no inflammatory response to microparticles after subcutaneous injection in the hind‐paw of rats, with no significant differences between the control group (PBS) and experimental groups. Anterior and posterior segment signs were evaluated after intraocular injection of poly(VPAVG) microparticles. Only a few eyes (2/11) of the experimental group presented inflammation signs at day 28 postinjection. Nevertheless, 45% (5/11) of the eyes receiving microparticles showed tractional retinal detachment. The results observed in this work suggested certain fibroblastic activity induced by poly(VPAVG) microparticles after their intraocular injection. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
Silicon addition to hydroxyapatite increases nanoscale electrostatic, van der Waals, and adhesive interactions
Authors: Vandiver Jennifer , Dean Delphine , Patel Nelesh , Botelho Claudia , Best Serena , Santos José D. , Lopes Maria A. , Bonfield William , Ortiz Christine 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe normal intersurface forces between nanosized probe tips functionalized with COO−‐terminated alkanethiol self‐assembling monolayers and dense, polycrystalline silicon‐substituted synthetic hydroxyapatite (SiHA) and phase pure hydroxyapatite (HA) were measured via a nanomechanical technique called chemically specific high‐resolution force spectroscopy. A significantly larger van der Waals interaction was observed for the SiHA compared to HA; Hamaker constants (A) were found to be ASiHA = 35 ± 27 zJ and AHA = 13 ± 12 zJ. Using the Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek approximation, which assumes linear additivity of the electrostatic double layer and van der Waals components, and the nonlinear Poisson–Boltzmann surface charge model for electrostatic double‐layer forces, the surface charge per unit area, σ (C/m2), was calculated as a function of position for specific nanosized areas within individual grains. SiHA was observed to be more negatively charged than HA with σSiHA = −0.024 ± 0.013 C/m2, two times greater than σHA = −0.011 ± 0.006 C/m2. Additionally, SiHA was found to have increased surface adhesion (0.7 ± 0.3 nN) compared to HA (0.5 ± 0.3 nN). The characterization of the nanoscale variations in surface forces of SiHA and HA will enable an improved understanding of the initial stages of bone–biomaterial bonding. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
Effect of arachidonic and eicosapentaenoic acid metabolism on RAW 264.7 macrophage proliferation
Authors: Nieves Diana , Moreno Juan José 
Published: April 2006

AbstractProstaglandins (PGs) and leukotrienes (LTs) derived from arachidonic acid (AA) are potent mediators of inflammation and cell proliferation. Dietary intake of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) appears beneficial to both inflammatory processes and cell proliferation. However, there is no clear mechanism explaining these effects. In this study, we investigated the effect of EPA on the AA incorporation in phospholipid membranes, on AA release and metabolism, and consequently, on PG synthesis. Our results showed not only that [3H]AA and [14C]EPA were similar incorporated into RAW 264.7 macrophage membranes, but also that the redistribution pattern between phospholipids was alike. [3H]AA or [14C]EPA release was induced by fetal bovine serum (FBS) in a similar fashion with AA metabolizing 3‐fold more than EPA. In this way, we observed that AA could be metabolized by cyclooxygenase (COX)‐1, COX‐2 and 5‐lipoxygenase (5‐LOX) whereas EPA was metabolized by COX‐2 and 5‐LOX pathways. Moreover, both fatty acids were able to induce COX‐2 expression. When we incubated [3H]AA labeled cells with exogenous EPA, we observed that EPA did not modify FBS‐induced [3H]AA release but that the presence of EPA decreased [3H]AA metabolism and therefore PGE2 synthesis. Moreover, we studied the effect of AA and EPA metabolites on macrophage proliferation. Our results showed that PGE3 stimulated cell growth with a potency similar to that of PGE2, whereas LTB5 was less effective than LTB4. These data suggest that the effects of EPA on cell growth might be attributable, at least in part, to the marked decrease of eicosanoid release. J. Cell. Physiol. 208: 428–434, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Degradation of C/EBPβ in cultured myotubes is calpain‐dependent
Authors: Wei Wei , Yang Hongmei , Cao Peirang , Menconi Michael , Chamberlain Chester , Petkova Victoria , Hasselgren Per‐Olof 
Published: April 2006

AbstractMembers of the C/EBP transcription factor family regulate cell differentiation and multiple other cellular functions. The cellular levels of C/EBPα, γ, δ, ε, and Gadd153/CHOP are regulated in part by proteasome‐dependent degradation. In contrast, mechanisms regulating the degradation of C/EBPβ are poorly understood. We tested the hypothesis that the degradation of C/EBPβ is calpain‐dependent. Studies were performed in cultured L6 myotubes (a rat skeletal muscle cell line) because we have found previously that C/EBPβ may be involved in the regulation of muscle proteolysis. Treatment of cultured L6 myotubes with the calpain inhibitors calpeptin and Calpain Inhibitor I and II resulted in increased C/EBPβ concentrations but did not influence cellular levels of the other C/EBP transcription factor family members. Transfection of myoblasts with a plasmid expressing the endogenous calpain inhibitor calpastatin resulted in increased cellular levels of C/EBPβ whereas the opposite result was observed in myoblasts overexpressing µ‐ or m‐calpain. Co‐immunoprecipitation provided evidence for protein–protein interaction between C/EBPβ and µ‐ and m‐calpain suggesting that C/EBPβ may be a calpain substrate. This notion was supported by experiments in which immunoprecipitated C/EBPβ was incubated with purified µ‐calpain in a cell‐free system. The increase in C/EBPβ levels caused by inhibition of calpain activity was accompanied by increased C/EBPβ DNA‐binding and gene activation. The present results suggest that C/EBPβ is degraded by a calpain‐dependent mechanism in skeletal muscle cells and that the role of calpains is specific for C/EBPβ among different members of the C/EBP transcription factor family. J. Cell. Physiol. 208: 386–398, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
HRTEM of dislocation cores and thin‐foil effects in metals and intermetallic compounds
Authors: Mills M.J. , Baluc N.L. , Sarosi P.M. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractExamples of the observation and analysis of dislocation cores and dislocation fine structure in metals and intermetallics using high resolution transmission electron microscopy are discussed. Specific examples include the 60° dislocations in aluminum, a〈011〉 edge dislocations in NiAl, and screw dislocations in Ni3Al. The effect of the thin TEM foils on the structure and imaging of these dislocations is discussed in light of embedded atom method calculations for several configurations and coupled with image simulations. Some generalizations based on these calculations are discussed. These analyses enables determination of the spreading or decomposition of the edge component of the cores, both in and out of the glide plane, which can have significant implications for the modeling of macroscopic behavior. Microsc. Res. Tech. 69:317–329, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Defect analysis in crystals using X‐ray topography
Authors: Raghothamachar Balaji , Dhanaraj Govindhan , Bai Jie , Dudley Michael 
Published: April 2006

AbstractA brief review of X‐ray topography—a nondestructive method for direct observation and characterization of defects in single crystals—is presented here. The origin and development of this characterization method and the different techniques derived from it are described. Emphasis is placed on synchrotron X‐ray topography and its application in studying various crystal imperfections. Mechanisms of contrast formation on X‐ray topographs are discussed, with emphasis on contrast associated with dislocations. Determination of Burgers vectors and line directions of dislocations from analysis of X‐ray topographs is explained. Contrast from inclusions is illustrated, and their differentiation from dislocations is demonstrated with the aid of simulated topographs. Contrast arising from the deformation fields associated with cracks is also briefly covered. Microsc. Res. Tech. 69:343–358, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
AFM study of the plastic deformation of polysynthetically‐twinned (PST) TiAI crystals in soft orientation
Authors: Chen Yali , Pope David P. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractPST TiAl samples with a nominal composition of Ti52Al48 were deformed at room temperature with compression axis inclined to the lamellar interfaces by 45° and one of the side surface normal directions set to be 〈11$\bar{2}$〉. The deformation structures on the free surfaces of the deformed samples were investigated using Atomic Force Microscope (AFM). It was found that in‐plane shear (shear in planes parallel to lamellar interfaces) is the dominant deformation mode in all γ domains and most of the deformation traces on the free surfaces are parallel to lamellar interfaces. Out‐of‐plane shear (shear in planes inclined to lamellar interfaces) also occurs but contributes much less to the macroscopic strain. This selective activation of deformation modes leads to a highly anisotropic deformation behavior in PST crystals with this orientation. Microsc. Res. Tech. 69:366–373, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fast gas chromatography–negative‐ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry with microscale volume sample preparation for the determination of benzodiazepines and α‐hydroxy metabolites, zaleplon and zopiclone in whole blood
Authors: Gunnar Teemu , Ariniemi Kari , Lillsunde Pirjo 
Published: April 2006

AbstractFast gas chromatography/negative‐ion chemical ionization mass spectrometric (GC/NICI‐MS) assay combined with rapid and nonlaborious sample preparation is presented for the simultaneous determination of benzodiazepines and α‐hydroxy metabolites, zaleplon and zopiclone in whole blood. The compounds were extracted from 100 µl of whole blood by simultaneous multitube, microscale liquid‐liquid extraction (LLE) and derivatized by N‐methyl‐N‐(tert‐butyldimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide (MTBSTFA), without the need for the time‐consuming concentration stage. In the analytical separation, various parameters of fast GC/NICI‐MS were applied, e.g. the use of hydrogen as a GC carrier gas, a high carrier gas velocity, a small film thickness of the analytical column, fast MS data acquisition, fast temperature ramping, and high initial and final temperatures of GC column. Sensitive identification, screening and quantitation of 18 compounds of interest were achieved in chromatographic separation in only 4.40 min. Accurate and reproducible results were obtained by using five different and carefully selected deuterated analogues on the basis of the chemical properties of the target analytes. Nevertheless, for α‐OH‐midazolam, and for bromazepam and flunitrazepam at low concentrations, the results can be considered only semiquantitative on the basis of the validation data. The extraction efficiencies ranged from 74.3 to 105.7% and the limits of quantitation (LOQ) from 1 to 100 ng ml−1. Rapid sample preparation and fast chromatographic separation allowed cost‐efficient, reliable and high sample‐throughput analyses with a low amount of manual work. The method was fully validated and accredited according to EN ISO/IEC 17025 standards and is applicable for sensitive, reliable and quantitative determination of benzodiazepines, zaleplon and zopiclone, e.g. in clinical and forensic toxicology. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Non‐enzymatic model glycation reactions — a comprehensive study of the reactivity of a modified arginine with aldehydic and diketonic dicarbonyl compounds by electrospray mass spectrometry
Authors: Saraiva Marco A. , Borges Carlos M. , Florêncio M. Helena 
Published: April 2006

AbstractNon‐enzymatic glycation (Maillard reaction) of long‐lived proteins is a major contributor to the pathology of diabetes, and possibly aging and Alzheimer's disease. Among the amino residues in proteins arginine plays an important role, and its modification by sugar moieties generates the so‐called advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Moreover, α‐dicarbonyl compounds have been found as the main participants in those modifications.Four α‐dicarbonyl compounds, aldehydic and ketonic, were reacted with the modified amino acid Nα ‐acetyl‐L‐arginine (AcArg), in an attempt to establish structure/activity relationships for the reactivity of α‐dicarbonyls with the amine compound. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS), combined with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), was used to identify and characterize reagents, intermediates and reaction products. The fragmentation patterns of precursor ions showed similarities in all reaction systems studied, in which fragmentation of the amino acid residue prevails, especially for the dehydrated and/or multiple dehydrated precursor ions. For the non‐hydrated ion species, fragmentation of the arginyl guanidino group was mainly observed. Specific information regarding the nature of the ions formed, in which the dicarbonyl electrophile character played an important role, was obtained. As an example, singly and doubly hydrated acetyl‐argpyrimidine ions were detected for the methylglyoxal reaction only. For symmetrical dicarbonyls, glyoxal and diacetyl, the importance of steric contributions with respect to the energetic ones is discussed. Furthermore, the dehydrated acetyl‐tetrahydropyrimidine ions for methylglyoxal and phenylglyoxal reactions revealed fragment ion compositions including the protonated molecules of acetyl‐argpyrimidine, ‐hydroimidazolone and ‐5‐methylimidazolone. An explanation for the acetyl‐argpyrimidine formation from the acetyl‐hydroimidazolone formation reaction is proposed. Aspects such as the amount of acetyl‐hydroimidazolone formed, the response of the hydration equilibria of the dicarbonyl forms to the new unhydrated dicarbonyls introduced by the reversal of the acetyl‐hydroimidazolone formation reaction and the stability of the dicarbonyl intermediate involved in the acetyl‐argpyrimidine formation are proposed, as being responsible to control the formation of acetyl‐argpyrimidine. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reducing runoff by managing crop location at the catchment level, considering agronomic constraints at farm level
Authors: Joannon A. , Souchère V. , Martin P. , Papy F. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractRunoff and erosion cause frequent damage through muddy floods in the loess belt of Northern Europe. One possibility for reducing damage is to lower runoff on agricultural land by spatially alternating different crops at the catchment level. But crop location results from decisions taken at the farm level. This study aimed to assess the existing leeway to modify crop location in the farms of a catchment, in order to reduce runoff at the catchment's outlet. The case study was the Bourville catchment (1086 ha), cultivated by 28 farmers and located in Pays de Caux, France. First, crop location rules in the 14 main farms of the catchment were analysed on the basis of surveys carried out with farmers, distinguishing spatial constraints from temporal ones. These rules made it possible to simulate crop location on each farm territory for the 2001–2002 crop year. Each field of the catchment was classified depending on whether one or several crops could be sown, taking into account both field history and farmer decision rules. Then two extreme scenarios of crop location in the Bourville catchment were built. Runoff simulation at the outlet with the STREAM model showed that runoff could be reduced while sticking to current farmer decision rules in terms of crop location. Depending on rainfall event characteristics, runoff reduction varied between 13·5 per cent and 4·5 per cent. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.