bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synergistic up‐regulation of MCP‐2/CCL8 activity is counteracted by chemokine cleavage, limiting its inflammatory and anti‐tumoral effects
Authors: Struyf Sofie , Proost Paul , Vandercappellen Jo , Dempe Sebastian , Noyens Becky , Nelissen Sofie , Gouwy Mieke , Locati Massimo , Opdenakker Ghislain , Dinsart Christiane , Van Damme Jo 
Published: February 2009

AbstractChemokines mediate the inflammatory response by attracting various leukocyte types. MCP‐2/CC chemokine ligand 8 (CCL8) was induced at only suboptimal levels in fibroblasts and endothelial cells by IL‐1β or IFN‐γ, unless these cytokines were combined. IFN‐γ also synergized with the TLR ligands peptidoglycan (TLR2), dsRNA (TLR3) or LPS (TLR4). Under these conditions, intact MCP‐2/CCL8(1–76) produced by fibroblasts was found to be processed into MCP‐2/CCL8(6–75), which lacked chemotactic activity for monocytic cells. Furthermore, the capacity of MCP‐2/CCL8(6–75) to increase intracellular calcium levels through CCR1, CCR2, CCR3 and CCR5 was severely reduced. However, the truncated isoform still blocked these receptors for other ligands. MCP‐2/CCL8(6–75) induced internalization of CCR2, inhibited MCP‐1/CCL2 and MCP‐2/CCL8 ERK signaling and antagonized the chemotactic activity of several CCR2 ligands (MCP‐1/CCL2, MCP‐2/CCL8, MCP‐3/CCL7). In contrast to MCP‐3/CCL7, parvoviral delivery of MCP‐2/CCL8 into B78/H1 melanoma failed to inhibit tumor growth, partially due to proteolytic cleavage into inactive MCP‐2/CCL8 missing five NH2‐terminal residues. However, in an alternative tumor model, using HeLa cells, MCP‐2/CCL8 retarded tumor development. These data indicate that optimal induction and delivery of MCP‐2/CCL8 is counteracted by converting this chemokine into a receptor antagonist, thereby losing its anti‐tumoral potential.
Pattern and diversity of cytokine production differentiates between Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and disease
Authors: Sutherland Jayne S. , Adetifa Ifedayo M. , Hill Philip C. , Adegbola Richard A. , Ota Martin O. C. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractTuberculosis (TB) remains a global health problem. The solution involves development of an effective vaccine, but has been limited by incomplete understanding of what constitutes protective immunity during natural infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In this study, M. tuberculosis‐specific responses following an overnight whole‐blood assay were assessed by intracellular cytokine staining and luminex, and compared between TB cases and exposed household contacts. TB cases had significantly higher levels of IFN‐γ+TNF‐α+IL‐2+CD4+T cells compared with contacts. TB cases also had a significantly higher proportion of cells single‐positive for TNF‐α, but lower proportion of cells producing IL‐2 alone and these differences were seen for both CD4+and CD8+ T cells. Cytokine profiles from culture supernatants were significantly biased toward a Th1 phenotype (IFN‐γ and IL‐12(p40)) together with a complete abrogation of IL‐17 secretion in TB cases. Our data indicate that despite a robust response to TB antigens in active TB disease, changes in the pattern of cytokine production between TB infection and disease clearly contribute to disease progression.
Comparison of stable human Treg and Th clones by transcriptional profiling
Authors: Stockis Julie , Fink Wolfram , François Violaine , Connerotte Thierry , de Smet Charles , Knoops Laurent , van der Bruggen Pierre , Boon Thierry , Coulie Pierre G. , Lucas Sophie 
Published: February 2009

AbstractFrom cancerous and non‐cancerous patients, we derived stable clones of CD4+ Treg, defined as clones that expressed high CD25 at rest, were anergic in vitro, and suppressed the proliferation of co‐cultured CD4+ cells. A conserved region of FOXP3 intron 1 was demethylated in all Treg clones, whereas it was methylated in non‐regulatory Th and CTL clones. In our panel of human clones, this stable epigenetic mark correlated better with suppressive activity than did FOXP3 mRNA or protein expression. We used expression microarrays to compare Treg and Th clones after activation, which is required for suppressive function. The transcriptional profile that is specific of activated Treg clones includes a TGF‐β signature. Both activated Treg and Th clones produced the latent form of TGF‐β. However, SMAD2 phosphorylation was observed after activation in the Treg but not in the Th clones, indicating that only activated Treg clones produced the bioactive form of TGF‐β. A TGF‐β signature was also displayed by a Th clone “suppressed” by a Treg clone. In conclusion, the hallmark of our panel of activated human Treg clones is to produce bioactive TGF‐β which has autocrine actions on Tregs and can have paracrine actions on other T cells.
A Simple Building‐Block Route to (Phosphanyl‐carbene)palladium Complexes via Intermolecular Addition of Functionalised Phosphanes to Isocyanides
Authors: Eberhard Michael R. , van Vliet Bart , Durán Páchon Laura , Rothenberg Gadi , Eastham Graham , Kooijman Huub , Spek Anthony L. , Elsevier Cornelis J. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractWe present a straightforward protocol for making (phosphanyl‐carbene)PdII complexes. These complexes have bidentate ligands containing an acyclic diamino‐ or aminooxy‐carbene and a phosphane. The synthesis gives good yields (typically 70–90 %) for a variety of complexes (22 compounds). Moreover, it does not require the synthesis of imidazolium salts nor the a priori generation of free carbenes. Three of the new complexes were tested as catalysts for Sonogashira and Hay coupling reactions, with good yields and selectivities. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Sulfur Dioxide and Water: Structures and Energies of the Hydrated Species SO2·nH2O, [HSO3]–·nH2O, [SO3H]–·nH2O, and H2SO3·nH2O (n = 0–8)
Authors: Steudel Ralf , Steudel Yana 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe structures of a large number of hydrates of sulfur dioxide (SO2·nH2O), of the sulfonate ion ([HSO3]–·nH2O), of the tautomeric hydrogensulfite anion ([SO3H]–·nH2O), and of sulfurous acid (H2SO3·nH2O) with up to eight water molecules attached to these species have been optimized at the B3LYP/6‐31G(2df,p) level of theory (DFT). The calculated vibrational frequencies allow the definite assignment of certain characteristic modes, and in this way a convincing interpretation of published spectra of aqueous SO2 as well as of SO2 adsorbed on very cold ice crystals has been achieved for the first time. Single‐point calculations at the G3X(MP2) level of theory were used to calculate the binding energies of the water molecules in SO2·nH2O as well as the relative stabilities of the isomeric anionic species [HSO3]–·nH2O and [SO3H]–·nH2O. Generally, the water molecules tend to stick together forming clusters, whereas the particular sulfur‐containing molecule remains at the surface of the water cluster, but it is always strongly hydrogen‐bonded. Only when there are more than six water molecules are the anions more or less completely surrounded by water molecules. DFT calculations erroneously predict that the gaseous hydrated sulfonate ions are more stable than the isomeric hydrogensulfite ions, even when hydrated with six water molecules. However, if these hydrated species are calculated as being embedded in a polar continuum simulating the aqueous phase, the hydrogensulfite ions are more stable than the sulfonate ions, in agreement with various spectroscopic observations on aqueous sulfite solutions. On the other hand, at the higher G3X(MP2) level, the gaseous hydrated hydrogensulfite anions are more stable than the corresponding sulfonate ions only if the number of water molecules is larger than four, whereas for the weakly hydrated anions the order of relative energies is reversed. The possible implications of these results for the enzymatic oxidation of “sulfite ions” ([HSO3]– and [SO3H]–) by sulfite oxidase are discussed. The conversion of SO2·6H2O into its isomer H2SO3·5H2O is predicted to be exothermic (ΔH°298 = –56.1 kJ mol–1) and exergonic (ΔG°298 = –22.5 kJ mol–1). (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Synthesis and Characterization of Thiolate‐Oxo Ligated Zinc Alkyl Derivatives for Production of Zn‐Based Nanoparticles (Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. 7/2009)
Authors: Boyle Timothy J. , Pratt Harry D. , Alam Todd M. , Headley Thomas , Rodriguez Mark A. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe cover picture shows two novel single‐source precursors {(μ4‐3MPA)[Zn(Et)(py)]4}∞ (top left) and (2MPO)Zn(Et)py (bottom right) used for the production of Zn(OxSy) nanomoaterials. The processing conditions, such as solution precipitation or solvothermal, led to the first solution route that successfully yielded Zn0 nanowires or a mixed phase of ZnS and ZnO nanorods. Details are discussed in the article by T. J. Boyle et al. on p. 855 ff.
Familiarity and person construal: Individuating knowledge moderates the automaticity of category activation
Authors: Quinn Kimberly A. , Mason Malia F. , Macrae C. Neil 
Published: February 2009

AbstractIn this experiment, we examined how perceivers' familiarity with targets moderates person construal. Based on evidence from object categorization that level of construal varies with expertise in a manner that maximizes cue validity, we reasoned that although social (i.e., group‐level) categorization is functional for construing unfamiliar others (about whom little or no individuating information is available), it is less functional for familiar others (about whom a great deal of individuating information is available). Results from an automatic priming paradigm provided evidence for our reasoning: Participants categorized unfamiliar faces according to the most salient categorical dimension available in the visual information (in this case, sex), but did not do so for familiar faces. Implications for models of person perception are discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of mortality salience aroused by threats against human identity on intergroup bias
Authors: Agustin Echebarria‐Echabe 
Published: February 2009

AbstractAn experimental study on the effects of mortality salience aroused by threats against different components of the Self (personal, social and human identities) on intergroup bias is presented. It is hypothesised and found that the mortality salience per se does not inevitably led to increments of intergroup bias. This increment occurs when mortality salience is aroused by threats against personal or social identities. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Self‐esteem as a source of evaluative conditioning
Authors: Zhang Hong , Chan Darius K‐S. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThis study was designed to examine whether self‐esteem can be used as a source of evaluative conditioning, and whether implicit or explicit self‐esteem was more predictive of the evaluative conditioning effect. Moreover, the role of contingency awareness in the acquisition of the evaluative conditioning effect was also examined. Words related to the self and a general other were served as unconditioned stimuli (USs) in the evaluative conditioning process in order to see whether the evaluation could be transferred to neutral, abstract paintings after 10 times of pairing. An evaluative conditioning effect was demonstrated in that the evaluation of the paintings became more positive after repeatedly paired with words about the self but not words about general others. Implicit self‐esteem predicted the magnitude of the evaluative conditioning effect, while the association between explicit self‐esteem and the evaluative conditioning effect was nonsignificant, both with and without the effect of contingency awareness being controlled for. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Temperature‐dependent Performances of a Fuel Cell Using a Superacid Zirconia‐doped Nafion Polymer Electrolyte
Authors: Navarra M. A. , Abbati C. , Croce F. , Scrosati B. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractSulphated zirconia‐added Nafion membranes were prepared and used as polymer electrolyte separators in H2‐air fuel cells. The cell performances of the composite membrane were compared with those of an unmodified Nafion membrane having the same thickness. The cell response was studied by means of voltage–current dependence, in situ impedance spectroscopy and current interrupt‐based cell resistance. The effect of temperature on the cells behaviour was evaluated. When using the composite membrane as an electrolyte a general enhancement was found, both in terms of power density delivered and ohmic resistance. Moreover, the high‐temperature impedance response of the zirconia‐doped Nafion‐based cell was highly improved, showing a wellcontrolled charge transfer resistance.
Formation of Nanostructured Gold Sponges by Anodic Dealloying. EIS Investigation of Product and Process
Authors: Cattarin S. , Kramer D. , Lui A. , Musiani M. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractGold sponges are prepared by anodic leaching of silver from Ag75Au25 alloy sheets in 1 mol L—1 HClO4 solutions. EIS investigations performed after exhaustive dissolution, under blocking conditions, show classical porous behaviour and a capacity, increasing with dissolution potential, in the range of 3–10 F g—1. The observed time decrease of capacity is consistent with the occurrence of slow coarsening phenomena. EIS investigations performed during dissolution show a faradaic process in parallel with capacitive charging of the metal sponge, and a much larger capacity. The phenomena are discussed and a simulation is presented, based on a set of plausible parameters.
Increased expression of fatty acid synthase in human aberrant crypt foci: Possible target for colorectal cancer prevention
Authors: Kearney Kathleen E. , Pretlow Thomas G. , Pretlow Theresa P. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractAberrant crypt foci (ACF), the earliest identified monoclonal lesions in the colon, provide insights into changes that promote and/or accompany the transformation of normal colonic epithelial cells to colorectal cancer. Fatty acid synthase (FAS), the primary enzyme involved in de novo lipogenesis from carbohydrates, is expressed at low levels in most normal human tissues but is elevated in several human neoplasms including colorectal adenomas and carcinomas. To determine if this pathway is altered even earlier in colorectal tumorigenesis, 35 human ACF from 21 patients were evaluated for the immunohistochemical expression of FAS. Sections of colon cancer served as positive controls, and normal colonic mucosa distant from cancer or ACF served as negative controls. FAS expression was increased in 30 (86%) ACF compared with that in adjacent normal colonic mucosa. The expression of FAS in ACF was not related to the degree of dysplasia or to the number of crypts in the ACF. The over expression of FAS in a high proportion of ACF suggests that this enzyme plays an important role very early in colorectal tumorigenesis and may be a target for chemoprevention. © 2009 UICC
Greater vegetable and fruit intake is associated with a lower risk of breast cancer among Chinese women
Authors: Zhang Cai‐Xia , Ho Suzanne C. , Chen Yu‐Ming , Fu Jian‐Hua , Cheng Shou‐Zhen , Lin Fang‐Yu 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe effect of vegetable and fruit consumption on breast cancer risk is controversial. We examined the association between vegetable and fruit intake and breast cancer risk in a hospital‐based case–control study conducted in Guangdong, China. Four hundred and thirty‐eight cases were frequency matched to 438 controls by age (5‐year interval) and residence (rural/urban). Dietary intake was assessed by face‐to‐face interviews using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CI) after adjusting for various potential confounders. Total vegetable and fruit intake was found to be inversely associated with breast cancer risk. The ORs of the highest quartile relative to the lowest quartile of total vegetable and fruit intake were 0.28 (95% CI 0.18–0.43) and 0.53 (95% CI 0.34–0.82), respectively. Consumption of individual vegetable and fruit groups such as dark green leafy vegetables, cruciferous vegetables, carrots and tomatoes, banana, watermelon/papaya/cantaloupe were all inversely and significantly related with breast cancer risk. An inverse association was also observed for vitamin A, carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, and fiber intake. These data indicate that greater intake of vegetables and fruits is associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer among Chinese women residing in Guangdong. © 2009 UICC
In vitroassay for drug‐induced hepatosteatosis using rat primary hepatocytes, a fluorescent lipid analog and gene expression analysis
Authors: Fujimura Hisako , Murakami Naoko , Kurabe Michie , Toriumi Wataru 
Published: February 2009

AbstractTo evaluate new drugs' potential for hepatosteatosis, we developed a cell‐based assay using a fluorescent fatty acid analog: BODIPY558/568 C12. Rat primary hepatocytes were exposed to positive reference compounds [cyclosporine A (CsA), clofibrate (CFR), tetracycline (TC), valproic acid (VPA), carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), tamoxifen (TMX)] in the presence of BODIPY558/568 C12. The formation of fluorsecent particles or lipid droplets in the cytoplasm was confirmed by confocal laser scanning microscopy and electron microscopy respectively. The accumulation of BODIPY558/568 C12was measured by fluorometry and high content imaging method. All positive reference compounds increased fluorescent particles in number and fluorescence intensity. High content imaging was more sensitive and selective method than fluorometry to detect fluorescent particles. Gene expression analysis of the hepatocytes showed two patterns: genes related to lipid metabolism/synthesis were down‐regulated by oxidative stress inducing compounds: CsA, TC and TMX, and up‐regulated by peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐alpha agonists: CFR and VPA. From these findings, we concluded that the cell‐based assay developed in this study is an appropriate method to predict drugs' potential for hepatosteatosis, and gene expression analysis is useful to profile the mechanism of the hepatosteatosis. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Statins, stem cells, and cancer
Authors: Gauthaman Kalamegam , Fong Chui‐Yee , Bongso Ariff 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe statins (3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors) were proven to be effective antilipid agents against cardiovascular disease. Recent reports demonstrate an anticancer effect induced by the statins through inhibition of cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis, or inhibition of angiogenesis. These effects are due to suppression of the mevalonate pathway leading to depletion of various downstream products that play an essential role in cell cycle progression, cell signaling, and membrane integrity. Recent evidence suggests a shared genomic fingerprint between embryonic stem cells, cancer cells, and cancer stem cells. Activation targets of NANOG, OCT4, SOX2, and c‐MYC are more frequently overexpressed in certain tumors. In the absence of bona fide cancer stem cell lines, human embryonic stem cells, which have similar properties to cancer and cancer stem cells, have been an excellent model throwing light on the anticancer affects of various putative anticancer agents. It was shown that key cellular functions in karyotypically abnormal colorectal and ovarian cancer cells and human embryonic stem cells are inhibited by the statins and this is mediated via a suppression of this stemness pathway. The strategy for treatment of cancers may thus be the targeting of a putative cancer stem cell within the tumor with specific agents such as the statins with or without chemotherapy. The statins may thus play a dual prophylactic role as a lipid‐lowering drug for the prevention of heart disease and as an anticancer agent to prevent certain cancers. This review examines the relationship between the statins, stem cells, and certain cancers. J. Cell. Biochem. 106: 975–983, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Optimization of oil and carotenes recoveries from palm oil mill effluent using response surface methodology
Authors: Ahmad A. L. , Chan C. Y. , Abd Shukor S. R. , Mashitah M. D. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: Palm oil mill effluent (POME) is a liquid waste that is highly polluting and has a significant impact on the environment if not dealt with properly. POME contains oil and carotenes that needs to be treated before discharge. In this work solvent extraction was used to recover oil‐containing carotenes from POME. Optimum conditions for the extraction of oil and carotenes from POME were determined using response surface methodology.RESULTS: A central composite design was used to investigate the effects of three independent factors, namely solvent:POME ratio, mixing rate (rpm) and mixing time (min) on the responses, extracted oil and carotenes recovery. The optimal conditions for extraction of oil and carotenes from POME were 8:10 solvent:POME ratio; 500 rpm mixing rate and 25 min mixing time. Under these conditions, the amount of oil extracted from POME was 7885 mg L−1, and carotenes recovery was 87.1%.CONCLUSION: The experimental values agreed with those predicted, thus indicating the suitability of the model employed in optimizing the extraction parameters. A high yield of carotenes was obtained under the optimized conditions, with relatively low solvent levels. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Possible protection by notoginsenoside R1 against glutamate neurotoxicity mediated by N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptors composed of an NR1/NR2B subunit assembly
Authors: Gu Bin , Nakamichi Noritaka , Zhang Wen‐Sheng , Nakamura Yukary , Kambe Yuki , Fukumori Ryo , Takuma Kazuhiro , Yamada Kiyofumi , Takarada Takeshi , Taniura Hideo , Yoneda Yukio 
Published: February 2009

AbstractNotoginsenoside R1 (NTR1) is the main active ingredient inPanax notoginseng, a herbal medicine widely used in Asia for years. The purpose of this study was to investigate pharmacological properties of NTR1 on neurotoxicity of glutamate (Glu) in primary cultured mouse cortical neurons along with its possible mechanism of action. Wefound that NTR1 significantly protected neurons from the loss of cellular viability caused by brief exposure to 10 μM Glu for 1 hr in a dose‐dependent manner at concentrations from 0.1 to 10 μM, without affecting the viability alone. NTR1 significantly inhibited the increased number of cells positive to propidium iodide (PI) staining, increase of intracellular free Ca2+ions, overproduction of intracellular reactive oxygen species, and depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential in cultured neurons exposed to Glu, in addition to blocking decreased Bcl‐2 and increased Bax expression levels. We further evaluated the target site at which NTR1 protects neurons from Glu toxicity by using the acquired expression strategy of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor subunits in human embryonic kidney 293 cells. We found that 10 μM NTR1 protected NR1/NR2B subunit expressing cells from cell death by 100 μM NMDA, but not cells expressing NR1/NR2A subunits, when determined by PI staining. These results suggest that NTR1 may preferentially protect neurons from Glu excitotoxicity mediated by NMDA receptor composed of an NR1/NR2B subunit assembly in the brain. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.