bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
6‐Shogaol suppressed lipopolysaccharide‐induced up‐expression of iNOS and COX‐2 in murine macrophages
Authors: Pan Min‐Hsiung , Hsieh Min‐Chi , Hsu Ping‐Chi , Ho Sheng‐Yow , Lai Ching‐Shu , Wu Hou , Sang Shengmin , Ho Chi‐Tang 
Published: August 2008

AbstractGinger, the rhizome ofZingiber officinale, is a traditional medicine with carminative effect, antinausea, anti‐inflammatory, and anticarcinogenic properties. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of 6‐shogaol and a related compound, 6‐gingerol, on the induction of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) in murine RAW 264.7 cells activated with LPS. Western blotting and reverse transcription‐PCR analyses demonstrated that 6‐shogaol significantly blocked protein and mRNA expression of inducible NOS (iNOS) and COX‐2 in LPS‐induced macrophages. Thein vivoanti‐inflammatory activity was evaluated by a topical 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol 13‐acetate (TPA) application to mouse skin. When applied topically onto the shaven backs of mice prior to TPA, 6‐shogaol markedly inhibited the expression of iNOS and COX‐2 proteins. Treatment with 6‐shogaol resulted in the reduction of LPS‐induced nuclear translocation of nuclear factor‐κB (NFκB) subunit and the dependent transcriptional activity of NFκB by blocking phosphorylation of inhibitor κB (IκB)α and p65 and subsequent degradation of IκBα. Transient transfection experiments using NFκB reporter constructs indicated that 6‐shogaol inhibits the transcriptional activity of NFκB in LPS‐stimulated mouse macrophages. We found that 6‐shogaol also inhibited LPS‐induced activation of PI3K/Akt and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2, but not p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK). Taken together, these results show that 6‐shogaol downregulates inflammatory iNOS and COX‐2 gene expression in macrophages by inhibiting the activation of NFκB by interfering with the activation PI3K/Akt/IκB kinases IKK and MAPK.
On the numerical solution of the Klein‐Gordon equation
Authors: Bratsos A.G. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractA predictor–corrector (P–C) scheme based on the use of rational approximants of second‐order to the matrix‐exponential term in a three‐time level reccurence relation is applied to the nonlinear Klein‐Gordon equation. This scheme is accelerated by using a modification (MPC) in which the already evaluated values are used for the corrector. Both the predictor and the corrector scheme are analyzed for local truncation error and stability. The proposed method is applied to problems possessing periodic, kinks and single, double‐soliton waves. The accuracy as well as the long time behavior of the proposed scheme is discussed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2009
Structure and mechanical properties in drawn poly(l‐lactide)/clay hybrid films
Authors: Fujimori Atsuhiro , Ninomiya Naoya , Masuko Toru 
Published: August 2008

AbstractFilms composed of poly(l‐lactide) (PLLA)/organophilic montmorillonite hybrids (PLACHs) have been prepared via a melt‐compounding process, which is followed by uniaxial drawing at 90°C in air. In addition, an enhancement of the mechanical properties of these drawn PLACH films, which is expected to differ depending on the drawn ratios, is also estimated by dynamic viscoelastic measurements. Three different organoclay concentrations in the hybrid of 3, 5, and 9 wt% were investigated. The structural parameters for the PLLA crystallites in the drawn films, such as the c‐axis orientation function (fPLLA) and crystallite size, were measured by X‐ray diffraction, and their drawn ratio (λ) and clay concentration dependence were examined from a textural viewpoint. Another orientation function (fclay) of the organoclay particles was obtained by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The values of fPLLA and crystallinity for PLLA sharply increased with λ for λ < 3, although fclay was unchanged during the initial stage of elongation. In the high‐λ region (>5), the organoclay particles in the PLACHs started orienting themselves parallel to the draw direction. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Syntheses and properties of superabsorbent composites based on natural guar gum and attapulgite
Authors: Wang Wenbo , Zheng Yian , Wang Aiqin 
Published: August 2008

AbstractUtilization of raw materials available in nature and their application to derive other useful products without any adverse impact on the environment has long been a desired goal. In this work, guar gum (GG) and attapulgite (APT) clay were used as raw materials for preparing guar gum‐g‐poly(acrylic acid)/attapulgite (GG‐g‐PAA/APT) superabsorbent composites through the graft copolymerization of GG, partially neutralized acrylic acid (AA) and APT in aqueous solution. The effects of reaction conditions such as concentrations of the initiator and crosslinker, APT content, etc. on water absorbency were investigated. The composite prepared under optimal conditions gave the best absorption of 529 g/g sample in distilled water and 61 g/g sample in 0.9 wt% NaCl solution. Swelling behaviors revealed that the superabsorbent composites retained a high water absorbency over a wide pH range of 4–11, and the developed composites also exhibited improved reswelling and water‐retention capabilities. The superabsorbent composites can be utilized as eco‐friendly water‐manageable materials for agricultural and horticultural applications. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Limb salvage surgery for children and adolescents with malignant bone tumors in a developing country
Authors: Haidar Rachid , Sagghieh Said , Muwakitt Samar , Mumtaz Ghina , Akel Samir , Kamzoul Rami , Farah Roula , Noun Peter , Khalifeh Hassan , Farhat Fadi , Razzouk Bassem , Rodriguez Galindo Carlos , Rao Bhaskar , Abboud Miguel R. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractPurposeTo describe the 5‐year experience of a multidisciplinary limb salvage program for children and adolescents with malignant bone tumors in Lebanon.Patients and MethodsBetween January 2002 to February 2007, 30 children and adolescents (2 with Ewing sarcoma and 28 with osteosarcoma) underwent Limb Salvage Surgeries (LSS) at the American University of Beirut Medical Center after partnering with the multidisciplinary team at St. Judes Children's Research Hospital (SJCRH). Procedures performed included 12 Repiphysis, noninvasively expandable, prostheses inserted in skeletally immature children, 15 modular prostheses, 2 allografts and 1 rotationplasty. All patients received pre‐ and postoperative chemotherapy.ResultsWith a mean follow‐up of 31 months, 20 patients are now off therapy, 4 died, and 6 are receiving chemotherapy (3 due to pulmonary recurrence). Complications of surgery included infections in three cases, failure of the expansion mechanism in two, femoral stem fracture in one, prostheses femoral stem loosening in one and wound dehiscence in one. Lengthening of Repiphysis prostheses was achieved by subjecting the limb to an electromagnetic field that would allow controlled release of the Repiphysis expansion mechanism. Ten patients underwent a total of 42 lengthening procedures with an average of 9 mm lengthened per procedure (range 2–15 mm). All patients have good function of the affected limb.ConclusionOur LSS results are comparable to those reported in the literature. Collaboration with SJCRH and fund raising were critical to the program's success. This endeavor could serve as a model for establishing LSS programs in developing countries. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:787–791. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neurocognitive late effects of chemotherapy in children: The past 10 years of research on brain structure and function
Authors: Anderson Fiona S. , Kunin‐Batson Alicia S. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractAdvances in the treatment of childhood cancers have greatly improved survivorship. Success has not come without cost, however, as survivors are at risk for late effects of treatment, including neurocognitive late effects (e.g., difficulties with thinking and reasoning). In the advent of chemotherapy‐only protocols, researchers are examining neurocognitive sequelae of these agents to understand the specific role of chemotherapy in neurocognitive changes and the mechanism through which these occur. In this review, we examine the state of the literature on neurocognitive late effects after chemotherapy and their proposed neural mechanisms. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;52:159–164. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Risk factors for umbilical venous catheter‐associated thrombosis in very low birth weight infants
Authors: Narang Shalu , Roy Jason , Stevens Timothy P. , Butler‐O'Hara Meggan , Mullen Craig A. , D'Angio Carl T. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackgroundThrombosis in neonates is a rare but serious occurrence, usually associated with central catheterization. The objective of this study was to investigate the risk factors associated with catheter related thrombosis in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants.ProcedureThe present retrospective study was performed using data from a randomized trial of duration of umbilical venous catheters (UVC) placement among infants <1,250 g birth weight. Twenty‐two cases of UVC‐associated thrombosis were identified in this sample. The remaining study sample (n = 188) served as the comparison group. Data on thrombosis, platelets, gestational age, birth weight, hematocrit, serum sodium, maternal preeclampsia, blood group, infant of diabetic mother (IDM) and demographic factors were collected using database and record review.ResultsAmong the total subjects (n = 210), 112 (53%) were males and 126 (60%) were Caucasians, with mean gestational age of 27.7 ± 2.1 weeks (standard deviation) and mean birth weight of 923 ± 195 g. Bivariate analysis revealed significant association of thrombosis with hematocrit >55% in the first week (odds ratio [OR] 5.4; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.0–14.6; P = 0.0003), being small for gestational age (SGA) (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.2–7.4; P = 0.02) and maternal preeclampsia (OR, 3.97; 95% CI, 1.6–9.84; P = 0.0017). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, only hematocrit >55% was independently associated with thrombus (OR, 3.7; 95% CI 1.1–11.8; P = 0.03).ConclusionsThis study demonstrates a significant, independent association between elevated hematocrit and development of UVC‐associated thrombosis. Careful monitoring for catheter‐associated thrombosis may be indicated in VLBW infants who have hematocrit >55% in the first week of life. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;52:75–79. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Monitoring the interference of protein‐protein interactions in vivo by bimolecular fluorescence complementation: the DnaK case
Authors: Morell Montse , Czihal Patricia , Hoffmann Ralf , Otvos Laszlo , Avilés Francesc X. , Ventura Salvador 
Published: August 2008

AbstractMany cellular processes depend on protein‐protein interactions. The identification of molecules able to modulate protein contacts is of significant interest for drug discovery and chemical biology. Nevertheless, finding antagonists of protein interactions that work efficiently within the cell is a challenging task. Here, we describe the novel use of bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BIFC) to detect compounds that block the interaction of target proteins in vivo. In the BIFC method, each interaction partner is fused to a complementary fragment of a fluorescent protein and interactions are detected by fluorescence restoration after reporter reassembly. Here, we demonstrate that the inhibition of specific intracellular protein interactions results in a concomitant decrease in fluorescence emission. We also show that integration of BIFC with flow cytometry might provide an effective means to detect interaction modulators by directly reading out changes in the reporter signal. The in vivo application of this approach is illustrated through monitoring the inhibition of the interaction between the Escherichia coli Hsp70 chaperone and a short peptidic substrate by pyrrhocoricin‐derived antibacterial peptides.
Proteomic profiling in an animal model of acute pancreatitis
Authors: Fétaud Vanessa , Frossard Jean‐Louis , Farina Annarita , Pastor Catherine M. , Bühler Léo , Dumonceau Jean‐Marc , Hadengue Antoine , Hochstrasser Denis F. , Lescuyer Pierre 
Published: August 2008

AbstractAcute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory disease of the pancreas, which evolves in approximately 20% of the patients to a severe illness associated with a high mortality rate. In this study, we performed a comparative proteomic analysis of pancreatic tissue extracts from rats with AP and healthy rodent controls in order to identify changes in protein expression related to the pathobiological processes of this disease. Pancreatic extracts from diseased and controls rats were analyzed by 2‐DE and MS/MS. A total of 125 proteins were identified from both samples. Comparative analysis allowed the detection of 42 proteins or protein fragments differentially expressed between diseased and control pancreas, some of them being newly described in AP. Interestingly, these changes were representative of the main pathobiological pathways involved in this disease. We observed activation of digestive proteases and increased expression of various inflammatory markers, including several members of the α‐macroglobulin family. We also detected changes related to oxidative and cell stress responses. Finally, we highlighted modifications of 14‐3‐3 proteins that could be related to apoptosis regulation. These results showed the interest of proteomic analysis to identify changes characterizing pancreatic tissue damage and, therefore, to highlight new potential biomarkers of AP.
Comprehensive proteomics of Methylobacterium extorquens AM1 metabolism under single carbon and nonmethylotrophic conditions
Authors: Bosch Gundula , Skovran Elizabeth , Xia Qiangwei , Wang Tiansong , Taub Fred , Miller Jonathan A. , Lidstrom Mary E. , Hackett Murray 
Published: August 2008

AbstractIn order to validate a gel free quantitative proteomics assay for the model methylotrophic bacterium Methylobacterium extorquens AM1, we examined the M. extorquens AM1 proteome under single carbon (methanol) and multicarbon (succinate) growth, conditions that have been studied for decades and for which extensive corroborative data have been compiled. In total, 4447 proteins from a database containing 7556 putative ORFs from M. extorquens AM1 could be identified with two or more peptide sequences, corresponding to a qualitative proteome coverage of 58%. Statistically significant nonzero (log2 scale) differential abundance ratios of methanol/succinate could be detected for 317 proteins using summed ion intensity measurements and 585 proteins using spectral counting, at a q‐value cut‐off of 0.01, a measure of false discovery rate. The results were compared to recent microarray studies performed under equivalent chemostat conditions. The M. extorquens AM1 studies demonstrated the feasibility of scaling up the multidimensional capillary HPLC MS/MS approach to a prokaryotic organism with a proteome more than three times the size of microbes we have investigated previously, while maintaining a high degree of proteome coverage and reliable quantitative abundance ratios.
The impact of tyrosine kinase 2 (Tyk2) on the proteome of murine macrophages and their response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)
Authors: Radwan Marta , Miller Ingrid , Grunert Tom , Marchetti‐Deschmann Martina , Vogl Claus , O'Donoghue Niaobh , Dunn Michael J. , Kolbe Thomas , Allmaier Günter , Gemeiner Manfred , Müller Mathias , Strobl Birgit 
Published: August 2008

AbstractTyrosine kinase 2 (Tyk2) belongs to the Janus kinase (Jak) family and is involved in signalling via a number of cytokines. Tyk2‐deficient mice are highly resistant to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced endotoxin shock. Macrophages are key players in the pathogenesis of endotoxin shock and, accordingly, defects in the LPS responses of Tyk2−/− macrophages have been reported. In the present study, the molecular role of Tyk2 is investigated in more detail using a proteomics approach. 2‐D DIGE was applied to compare protein patterns from wild‐type and Tyk2−/− macrophages and revealed significant differences in protein expression patterns between the genotypes before and after LPS treatment. Twenty‐one proteins deriving from 25 differentially expressed spots were identified by MALDI/ESI MS. Among them, we show for N‐myc interactor that its mRNA transcription/stability is positively influenced by Tyk2. In contrast, LPS‐induced expression of plasminogen activator 2 protein but not mRNA is strongly enhanced in the absence of Tyk2. Our data furthermore suggest an influence of Tyk2 on the subcellular distribution of elongation factor 2 and on LPS‐mediated changes in the peroxiredoxin 1 spot pattern. Thus, our results imply regulatory roles of Tyk2 at multiple levels and establish novel connections between Tyk2 and several cellular proteins.
Good effect of IgY against Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in cystic fibrosis patients
Authors: Nilsson Elin , Larsson Anders , Olesen Hanne V. , Wejåker Per‐Erik , Kollberg Hans 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThis is an extended open study of oral prophylactic treatment with egg yolk antibodies against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Anti‐Pseudomonas IgY, of 17 Swedish patients with cystic fibrosis. They have been on prophylactic IgY treatment for up to 12 years and altogether for 114 patient years. A group of 23 Danish CF patients served as control. There has been a total absence of adverse events. Only 29 cultures have been positive for P. aeruginosa (cultures after chronic colonization not included), that is, 2.3/100 treatment months compared to 7.0/100 months in the control group (P = 0.028). In the IgY treated group only one pair of siblings (2/17) has been chronically colonized with P. aeruginosa compared to seven patients (7/23) in the control group. Atypical mycobacteria, S. maltophilia, A. xylosoxidans, and A. fumigatus have appeared only sporadically. There have been no cultures positive for B. cepacia. There was no decrease in pulmonary functions (P = 0.730) within the IgY group. Body mass index values were normal or close to normal for all IgY treated patients. In conclusion, Anti‐Pseudomonas IgY has great potential to prevent P. aeruginosa infections. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2008; 43:892–899. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Susceptibility to neonicotinoids and risk of resistance development in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) (Homoptera: Delphacidae)
Authors: Wang Yanhua , Chen Jin , Zhu Yu Cheng , Ma Chongyong , Huang Yue , Shen Jinliang 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: In recent years, outbreaks of the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål), have occurred more frequently in China. The objective of this study was to determine the susceptibility of N. lugens to neonicotinoids and other insecticides in major rice production areas in China.RESULTS: Results indicated that substantial variations in the susceptibility to different insecticides existed in N. lugens. Field populations had developed variable resistance levels to neonicotinoids, with a high resistance level to imidacloprid (RR: 135.3–301.3‐fold), a medium resistance level to imidaclothiz (RR: 35–41.2‐fold), a low resistance level to thiamethoxam (up to 9.9‐fold) and no resistance to dinotefuran, nitenpyram and thiacloprid (RR < 3‐fold). Further examinations indicated that a field population had developed medium resistance level to fipronil (up to 10.5‐fold), and some field populations had evolved a low resistance level to buprofezin. In addition, N. lugens had been able to develop 1424‐fold resistance to imidacloprid in the laboratory after the insect was selected with imidacloprid for 26 generations.CONCLUSION: Long‐term use of imidacloprid in a wide range of rice‐growing areas might be associated with high levels of resistance in N. lugens. Therefore, insecticide resistance management strategies must be developed to prevent further increase in resistance. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Examining the nootropic effects of a special extract of Bacopa monniera on human cognitive functioning: 90 day double‐blind placebo‐controlled randomized trial
Authors: Stough Con , Downey Luke A. , Lloyd Jenny , Silber Beata , Redman Stephanie , Hutchison Chris , Wesnes Keith , Nathan Pradeep J. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractWhile Ayurvedic medicine has touted the cognitive enhancing effects of Bacopa monniera for centuries, there is a need for double‐blind placebo‐controlled investigations. One hundred and seven healthy participants were recruited for this double‐blind placebo‐controlled independent group design investigation. Sixty‐two participants completed the study with 80% treatment compliance. Neuropsychological testing using the Cognitive Drug Research cognitive assessment system was conducted at baseline and after 90 days of treatment with a special extract of Bacopa monniera (2 × 150 mg KeenMind) or placebo. The Bacopa monniera product significantly improved performance on the ‘Working Memory’ factor, more specifically spatial working memory accuracy. The number of false‐positives recorded in the Rapid visual information processing task was also reduced for the Bacopa monniera group following the treatment period. The current study provides support for the two other published studies reporting cognitive enhancing effects in healthy humans after a 90 day administration of the Bacopa monniera extract. Further studies are required to ascertain the effective dosage range, the time required to attain therapeutic levels and the effects over a longer term of administration. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stimulatory constituents of Eclipta prostrata on mouse osteoblast differentiation
Authors: Lee Mi Kyeong , Ha Na Ry , Yang Hyekyung , Sung Sang Hyun , Kim Young Choong 
Published: August 2008

AbstractOne flavonoid, diosmetin (1), and two isoflavonoids, 3′‐hydroxybiochanin A (2) and 3′‐O‐methylorobol (3), were isolated from the methanol extract of Eclipta prostrata L. by a bioactivity‐guided fractionation technique using primary cultures of mouse osteoblasts as an in vitro assay system. All three compounds significantly increased osteoblast differentiation as assessed by the alkaline phosphatase activity. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Radioprotective effects of fucoidan in mice treated with total body irradiation
Authors: Lee Jeeyoung , Kim Jeongtae , Moon Changjong , Kim Sung‐Ho , Hyun Jin Won , Park Jae Woo , Shin Taekyun 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe effects of fucoidan on the survival rate of mice treated with total body irradiation were examined. BALB/c mice were pretreated with various doses of fucoidan prior to total‐body irradiation and were monitored for 30 days. A significant improvement of survival was observed by pretreatment with fucoidan at 100 mg/kg body weight. Using this optimal dosage, survival was examined by radiation dose reduction analysis and a dose reduction factor (DRF) of 1.20 was determined at 30 days post‐irradiation. Mice pretreated with fucoidan also exhibited dose‐dependent increases in the number of bone marrow cells and endogenous spleen cell colonies at day 9 post‐irradiation. It is concluded that the increased survival of whole‐body irradiated mice pretreated with fucoidan may be attributable to the radioprotective effects of fucoidan on hematopoietic cell viability, proliferation and/or mobility, possibly through antioxidation or antiinflammatory mechanisms. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.