bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of plant tissue cultures in phytoremediation research: Incentives and limitations
Authors: Doran Pauline M. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe aim of this review is to critically assess the benefits and limitations associated with the use of in vitro plant cell and organ cultures as research tools in phytoremediation studies. Plant tissue cultures such as callus, cell suspensions, and hairy roots are applied frequently in phytoremediation research as model plant systems. In vitro cultures offer a range of experimental advantages in studies aimed at examining the intrinsic metabolic capabilities of plant cells and their capacity for toxicity tolerance. The ability to identify the contributions of plant cells to pollutant uptake and detoxification without interference from microorganisms is of particular significance in the search for fundamental knowledge about plants. However, if the ultimate goal of plant tissue culture experiments is the development of practical phytoremediation technology, the limitations inherent in the use of in vitro cultures as a representative of whole plants in the field must be recognized. The bioavailability of contaminants and the processes of pollutant uptake and metabolite distribution are likely to be substantially different in the two systems; this can lead to qualitative as well as quantitative differences in metabolic profiles and tolerance characteristics. Yet, many studies have demonstrated that plant tissue cultures are an extremely valuable tool in phytoremediation research. The results derived from tissue cultures can be used to predict the responses of plants to environmental contaminants, and to improve the design and thus reduce the cost of subsequent conventional whole plant experiments. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009;103: 60–76.
Inhibition of succinic acid production in metabolically engineered Escherichia coli by neutralizing agent, organic acids, and osmolarity
Authors: Andersson Christian , Helmerius Jonas , Hodge David , Berglund Kris A. , Rova Ulrika 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe economical viability of biochemical succinic acid production is a result of many processing parameters including final succinic acid concentration, recovery of succinate, and the volumetric productivity. Maintaining volumetric productivities >2.5 g L−1 h−1 is important if production of succinic acid from renewable resources should be competitive. In this work, the effects of organic acids, osmolarity, and neutralizing agent (NH4OH, KOH, NaOH, K2CO3, and Na2CO3) on the fermentative succinic acid production by Escherichia coli AFP184 were investigated. The highest concentration of succinic acid, 77 g L−1, was obtained with Na2CO3. In general, irrespective of the base used, succinic acid productivity per viable cell was significantly reduced as the concentration of the produced acid increased. Increased osmolarity resulting from base addition during succinate production only marginally affected the productivity per viable cell. Addition of the osmoprotectant glycine betaine to cultures resulted in an increased aerobic growth rate and anaerobic glucose consumption rate, but decreased succinic acid yield. When using NH4OH productivity completely ceased at a succinic acid concentration of ∼40 g L−1. Volumetric productivities remained at 2.5 g L−1 h−1 for up to 10 h longer when K‐ or Na‐bases where used instead of NH4OH. The decrease in cellular succinic acid productivity observed during the anaerobic phase was found to be due to increased organic acid concentrations rather than medium osmolarity. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2009
Development and Biological Evaluation of a Novel Aurora A Kinase Inhibitor
Authors: Sardon Teresa , Cottin Thomas , Xu Jing , Giannis Athanassios , Vernos Isabelle 
Published: February 2009

AbstractStop dividing: In the quest for antitumorigenic compounds, aurora A kinase has recently emerged as a potential drug target. In this paper three novel aurora inhibitors (shown in the illustration) have been tested for their biological activity in cultured cells. One of them (TC‐28) appears to be a promising specific aurora A inhibitor in vivo.magnified imageThe aurora kinase family groups several serine/threonine kinases with key regulatory functions during cell division. The three mammalian members, aurora A, B and C, are frequently over‐expressed in human tumors and the aurora A gene is located in a genomic region frequently amplified in breast and colon cancer. All these data have fuelled the idea that aurora kinases are promising targets for anticancer therapy. Indeed some inhibitory compounds are currently being evaluated in clinical trials. However, it was recently shown that mutations in the targeted kinase can confer resistance to a broad range of inhibitors and render patients resistant to treatments. Moreover, aurora A over‐expression results in increased resistance to antimitotic agents. The development of new compounds targeting aurora A is therefore highly relevant. We describe here the synthesis of three novel aurora kinase inhibitors, TC‐28, TC‐34 and TC‐107. We report their properties as aurora inhibitors in vitro and their effect on human tissue culture cell lines. Interestingly, our results show that TC‐28 has properties compatible with the specific inhibition of aurora A, in vivo.
Photogenerated Quinone Methides as Protein Affinity Labeling Reagents
Authors: Jiang Jiangsong , Zeng Dexing , Li Shuwei 
Published: February 2009

AbstractHighly specific protein labeling: Photogenerated quinine methides (QMs) can act as highly specific light‐controllable protein affinity labeling reagents, broadening their applications to the study of protein–ligand and protein–protein interactions. The reactions between QMs and nucleophiles are less heterogeneous than those of other photogenerated active intermediates such as carbenes and nitrenes, making it easier to identify labeled species.magnified image
Cover Picture: Assessing Carbohydrate–Carbohydrate Interactions by NMR Spectroscopy: The Trisaccharide Epitope from the Marine Sponge Microciona prolifera (ChemBioChem 3/2009)
Authors: Santos J. Ignacio , Carvalho de Souza Adriana , Cañada F. Javier , Martín‐Santamaría Sonsoles , Kamerling Johannis P. , Jiménez‐Barbero Jesús 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe cover picture shows a 3D model, derived from molecular dynamics simulations, of the trisaccharides that result from the mutual interaction in solution of the synthetically prepared trisaccharide epitope of the marine sponge Microciona prolifera and gold glyconanoparticles, displaying the same sugar moiety, in the presence of calcium. As can be seen, the trisaccharides are gathered together by bridged calcium atoms, thus precluding the dissociation of the complex. The different trisaccharide entities interact in a parallel fashion and are layered in pairs. Thus, they show a segmental type of interaction that could explain the actual interaction in Nature of the native g‐200 acidic glycan present in the MAFp3 glycoprotein, with the polysaccharide–polysaccharide interaction taking place via the trisaccharide epitopes. For further details, see the article by J. Kamerling, J. Jiménez‐Barbero et al. on p. 511 ff. The picture of Microciona prolifera was taken from http://www.uniprot.org/taxonomy/27928magnified image
EPR Spectroscopy of a Family of CrIII7MII (M = Cd, Zn, Mn, Ni) “Wheels”: Studies of Isostructural Compounds with Different Spin Ground States
Authors: Piligkos Stergios , Weihe Høgni , Bill Eckhard , Neese Frank , El Mkami Hassane , Smith Graham M. , Collison David , Rajaraman Gopalan , Timco Grigore A. , Winpenny Richard E. P. , McInnes Eric J. L. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractSpinning wheels: The presented highly resolved multifrequency continuous wave EPR spectra (e.g., see figure) of the heterooctametalic “wheels” Cr7M provide rare examples of high nuclearity polymetallic systems where detailed information on the spin‐Hamiltonian parameters of the ground and excited spin states is observed.magnified imageWe present highly resolved multifrequency (X‐, K‐, Q‐ and W‐band) continous wave EPR spectra of the heterooctametalic “wheels”, [(CH3)2NH2][CrIII7MIIF8((CH3)3CCOO)16], hereafter Cr7M, where M=Cd, Zn, Mn, and Ni. These experimental spectra provide rare examples of high nuclearity polymetallic systems where detailed information on the spin‐Hamiltonian parameters of the ground and excited spin states is observed. We interpret the EPR spectra by use of restricted size effective subspaces obtained by the rigorous solution of spin‐Hamiltonians of dimension up to 105 by use of the Davidson algorithm. We show that transferability of spin‐Hamiltonian parameters across complexes of the Cr7M family is possible and that the spin‐Hamiltonian parameters of Cr7M do not have sharply defined values, but are rather distributed around a mean value.
Enhanced Electron‐Transfer Properties of Cofacial Porphyrin Dimers through π–π Interactions
Authors: Takai Atsuro , Gros Claude P. , Barbe Jean‐Michel , Guilard Roger , Fukuzumi Shunichi 
Published: February 2009

Abstractπ–π assisted: Photoinduced electron transfer from cofacial porphyrin dimers to electron acceptors is prominently accelerated, whereas the back electron transfer is decelerated, relative to the corresponding porphyrin monomer (see figure).magnified imageThe radical cation of zinc tetrapentylporphyrin is dimerized with an excess of the neutral counterpart to form the dimer radical cation in which the unpaired electron is delocalized over both porphyrin rings. The dimeric radical cation exhibits an NIR absorption spectrum characteristic of weak π‐bond formation between the porphyrin rings. When cofacial porphyrin dimers, linked by different spacers, are oxidized such π‐bond formation between the porphyrin rings is also recognized in cyclic voltammetry, and Vis/NIR and ESR spectroscopic measurements. The dynamics of photoinduced electron transfer from the triplet excited states of cofacial porphyrin dimers to a series of electron acceptors were investigated by using laser flash photolysis measurements and compared with the porphyrin monomer. The rates of photoinduced electron‐transfer reactions of cofacial porphyrin dimers are prominently accelerated compared with the reference monomer. The driving‐force dependence of the rate constants of photoinduced electron‐transfer reactions was analyzed in light of the Marcus theory of electron transfer to afford the reorganization energies of electron transfer (λ). The λ values of cofacial porphyrin dimers are significantly smaller than those of the porphyrin monomer when compared at the same driving force of the photoinduced electron transfer. The λ values increase linearly with an increase in the driving force of the photoinduced electron transfer. This is accompanied by an increase in the distance between electron donor and acceptor molecules, where the electron transfer occurs. The enhanced electron‐transfer properties of cofacial porphyrin dimers, in relation with the important role of the special pair in the photosynthetic reaction center, result from the smaller reorganization energy (λ) together with the larger driving force of the photoinduced electron transfer due to the π‐electron delocalization in the dimer radical cations.
Energetic Ethylene‐ and Propylene‐Bridged Bis(nitroiminotetrazolate) Salts
Authors: Joo Young‐Hyuk , Shreeve Jean'ne M. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractHigh energy density materials with ethylene‐ and propylene bis(5‐nitroiminotetrazolate) as the anions are reported; all salts were fully characterized by IR, and 1H, 13C, and 15N NMR spectroscopy as well as elemental analyses. In addition, the heats of formation (ΔHf) and the detonation pressures (P) and velocities (D) were calculated.magnified imageThe synthesis and detonation properties of high energy density materials with ethylene‐ and propylene bis(nitroiminotetrazolate) as the anions are reported; all salts were fully characterized by IR, and 1H, 13C, and 15N NMR spectroscopy as well as elemental analyses. In addition, the heats of formation (ΔHf) were calculated with the Gaussian 3.0 suite of programs. By using the experimental values for the densities of the nitroiminotetrazolate salts, the detonation pressures (P) and velocities (D) were calculated using Cheetah 5.0.
Cover Picture: Size Selection During Crystallization of Oppositely Charged Nanoparticles (Chem. Eur. J. 9/2009)
Authors: Kowalczyk Bartlomiej , Kalsin Alexander M. , Orlik Rafal , Bishop Kyle J. M. , Patashinskii Alexander Z. , Mitus Antoni , Grzybowski Bartosz A. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractOppositely charged nanoparticles characterized by different size distributions can form 3D supracrystals. In their Communication on page 2032 ff., Grzybowski et al. come to the conclusion that, from both the experimental data and the simulations, the growth of 3D crystals is hindered by entropic effects, owing to finite nanoparticle polydispersities.magnified image
Two‐Dimensional echocardiographic evaluation of the severity of mitral stenosis with reference to the prediction for mitral valve commissurotomy or replacement
Authors: Okamura K. , Fukuda I. , Maeta H. , Mitsui T. , Hori M. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThirty patients with mitral stenosis were classified into three grades of severity reflected by anterior mitral leaflet and subvalvular apparatus using two‐dimensional echocardiography in order to study the possibility of predicting the type of surgery indicated, and were evaluated pre‐ and postoperatively for systolic and diastolic volumes; left heart function using left ventricular posterior wall movement (LVPWVsmax, LVPWVdmax) and posterior wall excursion (PWE) and newly devised left atrial empty volume ratio (LAEVR). The LVPWVsmax was increased from 57±7 to 74±7 mm/s (p<0.001) in grade I, from 48±13 to 63±9 mm/s (p<0.02) in grade II, and from 44±6 to 64±7 mm/s (p<0.001) in grade III. The LVPWVdmax showed an increase from 68±15 to 91 ± 15 mm/s (p<0.001) in grade I, from 57±17 to 86±18 mm/s (p<0.01) in grade II, and from 55±11 to 83±6 mm/s (p<0.01) in grade III. In the PWE, there was an improvement from 12.4±1.6 to 15.5±2.1 mm (p<0.01) in grade I; from 10.5±2.0 to 12.5 ± 1.5 mm (p<0.02) in grade II; and from 9.4±1.5 to 14.4 ± 1.5 mm (p<0.001) in grade III. In the LAEVR, there was also an improvement from 65 ± 12 to 39±21% (p<0.01) in grade I; from 53±13 to 51 ± 12% in grade II; and from 67±15 to 32±18% (p<0.001) in grade III. From these results, it may be concluded that even in cases with dome formation of the anterior mitral leaflet by two‐dimensional echocardiography, when a half or more of leaflet and subvalvular apparatus are thickened, it is difficult to obtain good valvular and left heart function by open mitral commissurotomy and suggests recommendation of mitral valve replacement in grade II and III cases.
Significance of collateral circulation on peri‐infarct zone: Assessment with stress thallium‐201 scintigraphy
Authors: Imamura T. , Araki H. , Fukuyama T. , Maruoka Y. , Ootsubo H. , Nakamura M. , Koiwaya Y. , Tanaka K. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractTo evaluate the significance of collateral circulation on peri‐infarct zone, stress myocardial scintigraphy and contrast left ventriculography (LVG) were performed in 38 patients with recent myocardial infarction (MI). All patients had at least one completely occluded coronary artery corresponding to the infarct area. In patients with good collaterals, stress induced transient enlargement of the perfusion defect, however, in those with poor or no collaterals the enlargement did not occur (p>0.05). Wall motion abnormality on LVG was significantly milder in the former patients than in the latter (p>0.001). Transient enlargement of the perfusion defect after stress and milder left ventricular asynergy were more frequently observed in patients with anterior MI and good collaterals. These observations indicate that good collaterals may keep some myocardium in the peri‐infarct zone viable.
Intravenous diltiazem for the treatment of supraventricular tachycardia
Authors: Sternbach G. L. , Schroeder J. S. , Eliastam M. , Beier‐Scott L. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractTo determine the effects of diltiazem hydrochloride on patients with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, we administered intravenous diltiazem, 0.25 mg/kg to patients who presented to the Stanford Medical Center Emergency Department with this rhythm. Blood pressure was recorded prior to administration, and monitored for 20 min thereafter. Six of the ten patients converted to sinus rhythm a mean of 7.75 min (±4.4) after drug administration. The remaining four experienced slowing of heart rates from a mean of 177 to 166 beats/min. Systolic blood pressure fell a mean of 12.4 mmHg during treatment, but returned to pretreatment level or higher within 20 min following diltiazem administration. This mean degree of blood pressure reduction compares favorably with effects produced by intravenous verapamil under comparable circumstances. Intravenous diltiazem appears to be a safe and effective drug for the conversion of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia.
Transient global amnesia after coronary angiography
Authors: Koehler P. J. , Endtz L. J. , DenB AKKER P. B. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractA 69‐year‐old woman suffered transient global amnesia as a complication following coronary angiography. Three reports have been described earlier. The etiology of this condition is discussed. Possibly, this complication is overlooked in some cases.
Comparative analysis of myocardial enzyme activities of the energy‐supplying metabolism in patients with dilative cardiomyopathies and valve diseases
Authors: Klein H. H. , Spaar U. , Schlepple H. , Wiegand V. , Kreuzer H. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractWe determined representative enzyme activities of glycogenolysis (glycogen phosphorylase) glycolysis (d‐glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase, GAPDH), β oxidation of free fatty acids (1‐3‐hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenase, HADH), citric acid cycle (citrate synthase, CS), lactate fermentation (lactate dehydrogenase LDH), and creatine phosphate metabolism (creatine kinase, CK) in left ventricular samples of 36 patients to investigate if the metabolic capacities of the energysupplying pathways are differently affected in different heart diseases. There were 17 patients with mitral valve diseases (MVD), 8 patients with aortic valve diseases (AVD), and 11 patients who suffered from dilative cardiomyopathies (DCM). The main metabolic characteristic on the level of enzymatic organization in patients with DCM was an increased ratio of GAPDH/HADH activities and a decreased ratio of HADH/CS activities compared to the valve‐diseased patients. This result indicates that the capacity of glucose oxidation is enhanced at the expense of fatty acid metabolism in patients with DCM. Furthermore, we determined significantly lower myocardial CK activities in this group of patients, most probably reflecting a diminished content of myofibrils. Citrate synthase activity was lowest in patients with AVD. Although we cannot rule out that the impaired left ventricular function is in part responsible for the shift of the capacities of the energy‐supplying metabolism in patients with DCM, we favor the assumption that it is a specific feature of this myocardial disease.
Probable early acute hepatitis with parenteral amiodarone
Authors: Lupon‐Rosés J. , SimÓa‐Canonge R. , Lu‐Cortez L. , Permanyer‐Miralda G. , Allende‐Monclús H. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractA patient with acute changes suggesting acute hepatitis after parenteral amiodarone administration is described. A 77‐year‐old man with previous myocardial infarction was admitted with chronic left heart failure and atrial tachycardia. Initial hepatic function tests were strictly normal. After therapy with parenteral amiodarone (2300 mg in 3 days) and other measures, signs of congestive heart failure disappeared; subsequently the patient developed jaundice, marked increase in serum transaminase levels and fall in prothrombin time, and histologic changes of severe centrilobular necrosis were observed in hepatic biopsy. Clinical, laboratory (absence of others markers of hepatic disease), and histological findings seem to rule out common causes of hepatic disease. Therefore, parenteral amiodarone was implicated as the cause of acute hepatitis in this patient. In addition, there were findings suggesting a possibly immunologically mediated mechanism.
The current status of ablation of cardiac conduction tissue and ectopic myocardial foci by transvenous electrical discharges
Authors: Ward D. E. , Camm A. J. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractAblation of AV nodal/His bundle conduction by fulgurative electrical discharges has revolutionized the management of refractory supraventricular tachycardias of any type which requires AV conduction over the normal anatomical pathways. The success and safety of the technique is such that it has eclipsed operative ablation of AV conduction. It is increasingly clear that both anomalous pathway conduction and ventricular tachycardia foci may be destroyed by the technique of fulguration and preliminary evidence suggests that certain types of atrial foci may also be susceptible to this method of ablation. Development of purpose‐designed electrodes for delivery of the discharges is likely to reduce maximum energy requirements and increase the safety of fulguration.
Acute and chronic effects of nicardipine on systolic and diastolic left ventricular performance in patients with heart failure: A pilot study
Authors: Lahiri A. , Robinson C. W. , Kohli R. S. , Caruana M. P. , Raftery E. B. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractNicardipine is a new calcium ion antagonist with vasodilating properties which has been shown to be effective in the treatment of hypertension and angina. We have studied its effect on systolic and diastolic left ventricular function in patients with mild to moderate degrees of congestive heart failure. Ten male patients with New York Heart Association Class II and III heart failure underwent acute treatment with an intravenous infusion of nicardipine (10 mg over 10 minutes). A nuclear probe was used to monitor left ventricular ejection fraction, peak filling rate, and relative cardiac output. Blood pressure and heart rate were also measured. The blood pressure (mean±SD) fell from 133±26/86±11 mmHg to 103±22/69±13; the heart rate rose from 67±9 beats/min to 85±10; left ventricular ejection fraction from 31±7 to 38±6%; relative cardiac output from 24±9 to 41±11; peak filling rate from 1.18±0.4 end‐diastolic volume per second to 1.82±0.4 (p<0.001 in all cases) at the end of infusion. After 4 weeks of chronic treatment in eight patients (20 mg to be taken three times daily (tds) in one and 40 mg tds in 7), the blood pressure and heart rate had returned to baseline values but the improvements in left ventricular ejection fraction, relative cardiac output, and peak filling rate were sustained; this was associated with functional improvement in all 8 patients. This preliminary study suggests that nicardipine has a potent vasodilator effect and produces significant objective improvement in left ventricular function, without producing any negative ionotropic effects. Further studies are required to confirm these effects in a wider range of patients with heart failure.
Amiodarone: An effective alternative for recalcitrant supraventricular and ventricular tachycardias
Authors: Best J. F. , Rinkenberger R. , Lynch L. , Dunn M. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractAmiodarone was used in the treatment of 21 patients with supraventricular or ventricular arrhythmias which were refractory to conventional antiarrhythmic drugs, individually or in combination. Six of seven patients with supraventricular arrhythmias and 12 of 14 with ventricular tachycardia were controlled with amiodarone. Although side effects were common, only one patient was removed from treatment due to pulmonary fibrosis. We conclude that amiodarone is an effective antiarrhythmic drug for refractory ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias.