bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chiral Multidimensional Gas Chromatography (MDGC) and Chiral GC–Olfactometry with a Double‐Cool‐Strand Interface: Application to Malodors
Authors: Begnaud Frédéric , Starkenmann Christian , Van de Waal Matthijs , Chaintreau Alain 
Published: February 2006

AbstractVolatile sulfur compounds such as 3‐methyl‐3‐sulfanylhexan‐1‐ol (1) are largely responsible for axillary‐sweat malodors. In this work, we describe the determination of the enantiomer ratio of the trace constituent 1 and the odor description of its antipodes (R)‐ and (S)‐1 by means of multidimensional gas chromatography (MDGC) in combination with chiral gas chromatography–olfactometry (GC‐O). This technique allowed the on‐line evaluation of the sensory character of both enantiomers via a sniffing port, and is based on a novel double‐cool‐strand interface (DCSI). First, the system's inertness was tested towards the labile compound 2‐methylfuran‐3‐thiol (MFT; 2). Then, the DCSI was used in a new configuration to achieve olfactive characterization by means of chiral GC‐O. In contrast to direct smelling after the chiral column, our technique allows, for the first time, to significantly delay the perception of the second‐eluting enantiomer after the first one. This lowers the risk of sensory saturation, as the panelist can recover from the first stimulus, before evaluating the second one. To help programming the DCSI, a dedicated program was set up. The enantiomer ratio of the sweat malodor 1 was determined as (S)/(R) 3 : 1, and the dominating (S)‐isomer was shown to largely impart its specific character to the overall odor of the sweat extract.
Ginsenoside Rd from Panax notoginseng Is Cytotoxic towards HeLa Cancer Cells and Induces Apoptosis
Authors: Yang Zhi‐Gang , Sun Hong‐Xiang , Ye Yi‐Ping 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThe saponin ginsenoside Rd (1), isolated from Panax notoginseng, is used for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, inflammation, different body pains, trauma, and internal and external bleeding due to injury. In this study, we report that 1 inhibits the cell growth of human cervical cancer (HeLa) cells in a concentration‐ and time‐dependent manner, with an IC50 value of 150.5±0.8 μg/ml after 48 h of incubation. The drug‐treated cells displayed features of apoptosis, including typical morphological characteristics and formation of DNA ladders, as evident from agarose‐gel electrophoresis. Flow‐cytometric analysis showed that the cell‐cycle distribution of HeLa cells exposed to 1 is characterized by a decrease of the G0/G1‐phase and an increase of the S‐phase cells, respectively, in a dose‐dependent manner. The apoptotic rate of HeLa cells treated for 48 h with 210 μg/ml of 1 was 35.8%. Further, 1 was found to increase the expression of Bax and to decrease the expression of Bcl‐2 proteins, respectively, and to lower the mitochondrial transmembrane potential of HeLa cells. The caspase‐3 inhibitor DEVD‐CHO (at 2 μM) increased the viability of HeLa cells treated with 1. Taken together, our study suggests that ginsenoside Rd (1) significantly inhibits HeLa cell proliferation, and induces cell apoptosis through down‐regulating Bcl‐2 expression, up‐regulating Bax expression, lowering the mitochondrial transmembrane potential, and activating the caspase‐3 pathway. Thus, 1 could serve as a lead to develop novel chemotherapeutic or chemopreventive agents against human cervical cancer.
Anthracobic Acids A and B, Two Polyketides, Produced by an Endophytic Fungus Anthracobia sp.
Authors: Shiono Yoshihito 
Published: February 2006

AbstractTwo new polyketides, anthracobic acids A and B (1 and 2, resp.), were isolated from a cultured endophytic fungus, Anthracobia sp. The NMR study revealed that both anthracobic acids contain a carboxylic acid conjugated tetraene attached to an octahydronaphthalene moiety. Both compounds showed antimicrobial activity.
Drug‐eluting stent‐supported percutaneous coronary intervention for chronic total coronary occlusion
Authors: Migliorini Angela , Moschi Guia , Vergara Ruben , Parodi Guido , Carrabba Nazario , Antoniucci David 
Published: February 2006

AbstractObjectives:This study sought to determine the clinical and angiographic outcomes after drug‐eluting stent (DES)‐supported percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for chronic total coronary occlusion (CTO).Background:There are few data about the efficacy of DES‐supported PCI for CTO.Methods:All consecutive patients who had a sirolimus‐eluting stent or a paclitaxel‐eluting stent implanted for CTO from December 2003 to December 2004 were analyzed. Clinical and angiographic outcomes of patients treated with DES were compared with a case‐matched control group of patients treated with bare metal stents (BMS) in the 12 months before the routine use of DES.Results:Successful DES‐supported PCI was performed in 92 patients and 104 CTO. The case‐matched control group consisted of 26 patients and 27 CTO successfully treated with BMS. There were no differences between groups in baseline clinical and angiographic characteristics. Stent length in the DES group was higher as compared with that of BMS group (51 ± 28 mm vs. 40 ± 19 mm, P = 0.073). The 6‐month major adverse cardiac event (MACE) rate was lower in the DES group as compared with that of BMS group (9.8% vs. 23%, P = 0.072). The angiographic follow‐rate was 80% in the DES group and 81% in the BMS group. The 6‐month restenosis rate was 19% in the DES group and 45% in the BMS group (P < 0.001). By multivariate analysis, it was found that in the DES group, the only predictors of restenosis were stented segment length (OR 1.031, 95% CI 1.01–1.06, P = 0.009) and a target vessel reference diameter < 2.5 mm (OR 6.48, 95% CI 1.51–27.83, P = 0.012), while the only predictor of MACE was stent length (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01–1.08, P = 0.006).Conclusions:DES implantation for CTO decreases the risk of mid‐term restenosis and MACE. Small vessels and diffuse disease requiring the implantation of multiple stents and very long stents for full coverage of the target lesion are still associated with a relatively high risk of restenosis. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of outcome and complications using different types of devices for percutaneous closure of a secundum atrial septal defect in adults: A single‐center experience
Authors: Post Martijn C. , Suttorp Maarten J. , Jaarsma Wybren , Plokker H.W. Thijs 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThe objective of this study was to find differences in outcome and complications using three different types of devices for percutaneous atrial septal defect (ASD) closure in adults. Percutaneous closure of a secundum‐type ASD is increasingly performed in adult patients. All adult patients who underwent a percutaneous closure of a secundum‐type ASD in our center between November 1996 and November 2004 were included. Failure was defined as dislocation or embolization of the device, which required surgical intervention. Periprocedural and mid‐term complications were registered. Sixty‐five patients, mean age 45.7 ± 18.1 years (18 men, 47 women), underwent a percutaneous closure of an ASD with an ASDOS in 3, an Amplatzer in 36, and a Cardioseal/Starflex closure device in 26 patients. During an overall median follow‐up of 1.2 years (range, 0.1–6.7 years), the failure occurred in four patients, all Cardioseal/Starflex (P = 0.04). Within the Cardioseal/Starflex subgroup, the ASD and device diameters were significantly higher in those patients in whom the primary endpoint occurred compared to the others, 18.8 ± 3.8 vs. 13.0 ± 3.8 mm for ASD diameter (P = 0.01) and 40 (range, 40–43) vs. 33 mm (range, 20–40) for device diameter (P = 0.008). Overall complications were transient arrhythmias in 15.4%, pericardial effusion in 1.5%, and transient ischemic attack in 1.5%. Complete closure 6 months after the procedure occurred in 79.6%, without difference between the devices. Percutaneous ASD closure seems to be a relatively safe and effective procedure. However, using the larger Cardioseal/Starflex devices for closure seems to be related to a higher rate of device dislocation and embolization. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
677TT polymorphism of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase in combination with low serum vitamin B12 is associated with coronary in‐stent restenosis
Authors: Chung Sheng‐Liang , Chiou Kuan‐Rau , Charng Min‐Ji 
Published: February 2006

AbstractBackground:Recent studies have shown that a common mutation (nucleotide 677 C→T) in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene may contribute to a mild rise in plasma homocysteine levels and increase the incidence of coronary artery disease. Therefore, this study was designed to further investigate whether the effects of MTHFR 677 C to T mutation, plasma homocysteine, serum vitamin B12, and folate can influence restenosis after successful coronary stenting.Methods and Results:We investigated 260 patients each with a lesion after successful coronary stent placement. All patients received a repeated angiography after 6 months, or earlier if clinically indicated. Angiographic in‐stent restenosis (ISR) was defined as ≥50% diameter stenosis at follow‐up. Genotyping for MTHFR was based on a polymerase chain reaction technique. Also fasting plasma homocysteine, vitamin B12, and folate levels were measured at the same time. The ISR rate was higher among the patients with the TT genotype than in those with the non‐TT genotypes (64.0% versus 32.9%, P = 0.002). There was no significant difference in plasma homocysteine levels among patients with the TT genotype and patients with the non‐TT genotypes (15.9 ± 7.6 versus 15.5 ± 6.6 μmol/L, P = 0.75). However, among the patients with the TT genotype, those with higher plasma homocysteine levels (≥12 μmol/L) demonstrated a significantly higher ISR rate (75.0% versus 33.5%, P = 0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the combined presence of the MTHFR TT genotype and lower than average serum vitamin B12 (≥550 pg/mL) resulted in the most significant difference in the risk of ISR (OR = 3.57, CI = 1.51–8.46, P = 0.004; OR = 2.36, CI = 1.35–4.15, P = 0.003).Conclusions:MTHFR 677TT polymorphism and low serum vitamin B12 each individually increased the risk of coronary ISR. Furthermore, the combination of these parameters resulted in a greater increase in risk. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Large‐Scale Synthesis of Flexible Gold/Cross‐Linked‐PVA Sub‐Microcables and Cross‐Linked‐PVA Tubes/Fibers by Using Templating Approaches Based on Silver/Cross‐Linked‐PVA Sub‐Microcables
Authors: Luo Lin‐Bao , Yu Shu‐Hong , Qian Hai‐Sheng , Gong Jun‐Yan 
Published: February 2006

AbstractWell‐defined silver/cross‐linked‐poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) sub‐microcables, which were synthesized from a hydrothermal reaction using AgCl and PVA as precursors, have been used as sacrificial templates to fabricate gold/cross‐linked‐PVA sub‐microcables by etching the silver/cross‐linked‐PVA sub‐microcables with tetrachloroaurate(III). In addition, well‐defined cross‐linked‐PVA sub‐microtubes/sub‐microfibers can also be produced by the removal of the silver cores of such sub‐microcables at ambient temperature. The channel diameter and the shell thickness could be tuned by controlling the diameter of the core sub‐microfibers and the shell thickness of the precursor sub‐microcables. These cross‐linked‐PVA‐based cables, tubes, and fibers have the potential to be used in future applications such as nanodevices.
Visual cycle protein RPE65 persists in new retinal cells during retinal regeneration of adult newt
Authors: Chiba Chikafumi , Hoshino Akika , Nakamura Kenta , Susaki Kanako , Yamano Yuka , Kaneko Yuko , Kuwata Osamu , Maruo Fumiaki , Saito Takehiko 
Published: February 2006

AbstractAdult newts can regenerate their entire retina through transdifferentiation of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The objective of this study was to redescribe the retina regeneration process by means of modern biological techniques. We report two different antibodies (RPE‐No.112 and MAB5428) that recognize the newt homolog of RPE65, which is involved in the visual cycle and exclusively label the RPE cell‐layer in the adult newt eye. We analyzed the process of retinal regeneration by immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting and propose that this process should be divided into nine stages. We found that the RPE65 protein is present in the RPE‐derived new retinal rudiment at 14 days postoperative (po) and in the regenerating retinas at the 3–4 cell stage (19 days po). These observations suggest that certain characteristics of RPE cells overlap with those of retinal stem/progenitor cells during the period of transdifferentiation. However, RPE65 protein was not detected in either retinal stem/progenitor cells in the ciliary marginal zone (CMZ) of adult eyes or in neuroepithelium present during retina development, where it was first detected in differentiated RPE. Moreover, the gene expression of RPE65 was drastically downregulated in the early phase of transdifferentiation (by 10 days po), while those of Connexin43 and Pax‐6, both expressed in regenerating retinas, were differently upregulated. These observations suggest that the RPE65 protein in the RPE‐derived retinal rudiment may represent the remainder after protein degradation or discharge rather than newly synthesized protein. J. Comp. Neurol. 40:391–407, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Age‐related molecular reorganization at the node of Ranvier
Authors: Hinman Jason D. , Peters Alan , Cabral Howard , Rosene Douglas L. , Hollander William , Rasband Matthew N. , Abraham Carmela R. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractIn myelinated axons, action potential conduction is dependent on the discrete clustering of ion channels at specialized regions of the axon, termed nodes of Ranvier. This organization is controlled, at least in part, by the adherence of myelin sheaths to the axolemma in the adjacent region of the paranode. Age‐related disruption in the integrity of internodal myelin sheaths is well described and includes splitting of myelin sheaths, redundant myelin, and fluctuations in biochemical constituents of myelin. These changes have been proposed to contribute to age‐related cognitive decline; in previous studies of monkeys, myelin changes correlate with cognitive performance. In the present study, we hypothesize that age‐dependent myelin breakdown results in concomitant disruption at sites of axoglial contact, in particular at the paranode, and that this disruption alters the molecular organization in this region. In aged monkey and rat optic nerves, immunolabeling for voltage‐dependent potassium channels of the Shaker family (Kv1.2), normally localizing in the adjacent juxtaparanode, were mislocalized to the paranode. Similarly, immunolabeling for the paranodal marker caspr reveals irregular caspr‐labeled paranodal profiles, suggesting that there may be age‐related changes in paranodal structure. Ultrastructural analysis of paranodal segments from optic nerve of aged monkeys shows that, in a subset of myelinated axons with thick sheaths, some paranodal loops fail to contact the axolemma. Thus, age‐dependent myelin alterations affect axonal protein localization and may be detrimental to maintenance of axonal conduction. J. Comp. Neurol. 495:351–362, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Restricted distribution of D‐unit‐rich chondroitin sulfate carbohydrate chains in the neuropil encircling the optic tract and on a subset of retinal axons in chick embryos
Authors: Ichijo Hiroyuki 
Published: February 2006

AbstractTo obtain basic information about the structural diversity and functional specificity of chondroitin sulfates (CSs) in the formation of the retinotectal pathway in chick embryos, the distribution of CSs around the optic tract was investigated by using anti‐CS monoclonal antibodies with different specificities. The CSs are unbranched polymers composed of repeating disaccharide units of glucuronic acid (GlcA) and N‐acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc). The disaccharide units are classified into O‐, A‐, C‐, D‐, and E‐units based on the position(s) of the added sulfate group(s). The MO‐225 monoclonal antibody recognizes CSs that are rich in the D‐unit [GlcA(2S)β1–3GalNAc(6S)]; the MO‐225 epitopes were distributed in the diencephalotelencephalic boundary and the neuropil encircling the optic tract. In addition, they were distributed on membrane surfaces of the retinal axons running in an interface layer in contact with the neuropil encircling the optic tract. The results suggest that D‐unit‐rich CSs are involved in delimiting the border of the optic tract and in the chronological sorting of the retinal axons. J. Comp. Neurol. 495:470–479, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Active zone protein CAST is a component of conventional and ribbon synapses in mouse retina
Authors: Deguchi‐Tawarada Maki , Inoue Eiji , Takao‐Rikitsu Etsuko , Inoue Marie , Kitajima Isao , Ohtsuka Toshihisa , Takai Yoshimi 
Published: February 2006

AbstractCAST is a novel cytomatrix at the active zone (CAZ)‐associated protein. In conventional brain synapses, CAST forms a large molecular complex with other CAZ proteins, including RIM, Munc13‐1, Bassoon, and Piccolo. Here we investigated the distribution of CAST and its structurally related protein, ELKS, in mouse retina. Immunofluorescence analyses revealed that CAST and ELKS showed punctate signals in the outer and inner plexiform layers of the retina that were well‐colocalized with those of Bassoon and RIM. Both proteins were found presynaptically at glutamatergic ribbon synapses, and at conventional GABAergic and glycinergic synapses. Moreover, immunoelectron microscopy revealed that CAST, like Bassoon and RIM, localized at the base of synaptic ribbons, whereas ELKS localized around the ribbons. Both proteins also localized in the vicinity of the presynaptic plasma membrane of conventional synapses in the retina. These results indicated that CAST and ELKS were novel components of the presynaptic apparatus of mouse retina. J. Comp. Neurol. 495:480–496, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A major role for astrocytes in the neuroprotective effect of estrogen
Authors: Sortino Maria Angela , Platania Paola , Chisari Mariangela , Merlo Sara , Copani Agata , Catania Maria Vincenza 
Published: February 2006

AbstractEstrogen exerts neurotrophic and neuroprotective activity as suggested by both in vitro and in vivo evidence. Expression of estrogen receptors has been demonstrated in neurons and also in glial cells. Glia, and in particular astrocytes, represent a target for estrogen and contribute to the neuroprotective effect of the steroid hormone. Particular emphasis is given here to the role of astrocytes in mediating some of the protective effects of estrogen in models of neuronal damage. Estrogen receptors are up‐regulated in different brain areas during neurodegeneration, a phenomenon that may potentiate neuroprotective mechanisms, and estrogen appears effective in modulating the uptake of the excitotoxin glutamate. In addition, following neuronal insults, astrocytes may represent a source of estrogen through over‐expression of the estrogen‐synthesizing enzyme, aromatase. The contribution of astrocytes as a source of growth factors is also discussed in terms of the neuroprotection obtained in different in vitro models of neurodegenerative conditions. Drug Dev. Res. 66:126–135, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Estradiol‐induced enhancement in cell proliferation is mediated through estrogen receptors in the dentate gyrus of adult female rats
Authors: Nagy Anna I. , Ormerod Brandi K. , Mazzucco Christine , Galea Liisa A.M. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractHigh‐level estradiol enhances cell proliferation in the dentate gyrus of adult female rats within 4 h of administration and then suppresses cell proliferation within 48 h via an adrenal steroid‐dependent mechanism (Ormerod et al., [2003b] J Neurobiol 55:247–260). Here, we investigate whether the estradiol‐induced enhancement in progenitor cell proliferation is mediated through estrogen receptors (ERSs) using the selective ER antagonist ICI 182,780 (ICI). Ovariectomized Sprague‐Dawley rats were given two subcutaneous injections of either vehicle + vehicle (VEH; 0.1 ml sesame oil); VEH+ICI (500 µg); estradiol benzoate (EB; 10 µg)+VEH; or EB +ICI. The cell synthesis marker, 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (200 mg/kg) was administered 4 h later. Animals were perfused 24 h after BrdU injection and cell proliferation was assessed following immunohistochemical processing of the tissue. Relative to VEH, EB increased cell proliferation by approximately 50%. This EB‐induced increase was partially blocked by ICI 182,780 treatment, and ICI 182,780 treatment alone enhanced cell proliferation. Our results demonstrate that estradiol enhances cell proliferation in the dentate gyrus of adult female rats by activating estrogen receptors. Drug Dev. Res. 66:142–149, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effect of estrogens and antiestrogens in rat models of hot flush
Authors: Merchenthaler Istvan 
Published: February 2006

AbstractRat models of hot flush provide important preclinical tools for evaluating the effect of estrogens and the selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERM), including tamoxifen, raloxifene, and tibolone, some of which have received renewed attention as agents to treat neurodegenerative diseases. The first rat model of hot flush is the ovariectomized morphine‐dependent model. When morphine is withdrawn with the opioid antagonist naloxone, temperature of the tail is increased by 4–6°C (“hot flush”). Estrogens reduce the elevation of tail skin temperature significantly. Tamoxifen functions as a partial agonist, whereas raloxifene functions as anti‐estrogen in this animal model. However, when co‐administered with estrogen, both tamoxifen and raloxifene antagonize estrogen's action. The second model is based on the diurnal change in tail skin temperature of intact rats, which is 6°C lower during the active phase (lights off) than in the passive phase (lights on) of the day. Ovariectomy affects tail skin temperature of the rats' active but not their passive phase, and skin temperature drops only 1°C instead of the 6°C measured in intact, cycling rats. Estrogen and tibolone restore the changes in tail skin temperature to that present in intact rats; however, raloxifene functions as anti‐estrogen in this model. Although neither of the two models exactly recapitulates the hot flush occurring in humans, the heat‐dissipating mechanisms are probably similar. Thus, both models can be used to evaluate the estrogenic versus anti‐estrogenic nature of estrogen receptor ligands, and both models, therefore, provide valuable preclinical tools for drug discovery aimed at identifying compounds to alleviate hot flushes in humans. Drug Dev. Res. 66:182–188, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fabrication of 1 × 2 interleaver by parallel‐coupled microring resonator
Authors: Ito Toshinobu , Kokubun Yasuo 
Published: February 2006

AbstractFor narrower wavelength spacing in order to allow a further increase of communication capacity for optical communications, interleavers are used in addition to wavelength multiplexer/demultiplexers. The wavelength filters for an interleaver are required to have characteristics in which box‐shaped filtering characteristics with a narrow bandwidth appear alternatively and periodically. A ring resonator filter can be made to have a box‐shaped filter characteristic by higher‐order cascading so that the peaks appear periodically in wavelength. By using these properties, an interleaver with fourth‐order parallel ring resonators is proposed. A 1 × 2 interleaver is fabricated for trial by a design that expands the fabrication tolerance by using an improved waveguide pattern. The interleave characteristics of the spectrum are demonstrated. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 2, 89(3): 56–64, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience. wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecjb.20171