bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome presenting with early onset recurrent acute hemorrhagic edema and hyperostosis
Authors: Chandrakasan Shanmuganathan , Singh Surjit , Dogra Sunil , Delaunay Jean , Proust Alexis , Minz Ranjana W.
Published: February 2011

We report two unusual presenting manifestations of Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome (WAS), recurrent acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy (AHEI); a form of cutaneous vasculitis and hyperostosis of the tibia. Though cutaneous vasculitis is known to occur in WAS, presentation in early infancy and as AHEI is extremely uncommon. Hyperostosis is not a well‐recognized association in WAS; only three patients with this association have been previously reported. In our patient these two unusual manifestations preceded the onset of recurrent infections. Recognition of this rare presentation led us to an early diagnosis of WAS, associated with p.Glu31Lys mutation in the WAS protein. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:1130–1132. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Complementary and alternative therapy use in pediatric oncology patients with failure of frontline chemotherapy
Authors: Paisley Margot A. , Kang Tammy I. , Insogna Iris G. , Rheingold Susan R.
Published: February 2011

Background

The use of CAM by the relapsed pediatric oncology population has largely gone unstudied. The main objective of this study was to describe the prevalence of and change in CAM use in oncology patients for whom frontline therapy had failed. Secondary objectives included describing patient/family objectives for using CAM, satisfaction with CAM, financial and time expenditures on CAM, and patient desire for physician involvement in CAM use.

Procedure

Fifty‐four patients 0–25 years of age, for whom frontline therapy had failed, were enrolled. The subjects completed an anonymous one‐time self‐administered questionnaire.

Results

Eighty‐two percent of respondents reported using CAM, 52% of which reported initiating or increasing CAM use after failure of frontline therapy. The most commonly used CAM categories were prayer/spiritual healing (83%) and oral/dietary supplements (31%). Prayer/spiritual healing was most commonly used to cure or slow the progression of cancer (59%). Oral/dietary supplements were used to improve overall health and well‐being (65%). Estimates of money and time spent ranged from $0 to >$1,275 (median $225) and 1 to >700 hr (median 10 hr). Sixty percent of CAM users reported their oncologist was unaware of their use. Most participants who used non‐spiritual/prayer CAM continued use while hospitalized or while receiving chemotherapy.

Conclusions

Understanding usage patterns may better help pediatric oncologists and palliative‐care specialists address the needs of this population, and protect against potentially dangerous drug interactions or side effects from combined CAM and chemotherapy use. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:1088–1091. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Augmented therapy improves outcome for pediatric high risk acute lymphocytic leukemia: Results of Children's Oncology Group trial P9906
Authors: Bowman W. Paul , Larsen Eric L. , Devidas Meenakshi , Linda Stephen B. , Blach Laurie , Carroll Andrew J. , Carroll William L. , Pullen D. Jeanette , Shuster Jonathan , Willman Cheryl L. , Winick Naomi , Camitta Bruce M. , Hunger Stephen P. , Borowitz Michael J.
Published: February 2011

Background

The augmented BFM regimen improves outcome for children with NCI high acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Patient age, sex, and presenting white blood cell count (WBC) can be used to identify a subset of approximately 12% of children with B‐precursor ALL that had a 5‐year continuous complete remission (CCR) rate of only about 50% on earlier Pediatric Oncology Group (POG) trials.

Procedures

Children's Oncology Group trial P9906 evaluated a modified augmented BFM regimen in 267 patients with particularly high risk B‐precursor ALL. Minimal residual disease (MRD) was assessed in blood at day 8 and in marrow at day 29 of induction and correlated with outcome.

Results

The 5‐year CCR probability for patients in P9906 was significantly better than that observed for similar patients on POG trials 8602/9006 (62.2 ± 3.7% vs. 50.6 ± 2.4%; P = 0.0007) but similar to POG 9406 (63.5 ± 2.4%; P = 0.81). Interim analysis showed poor central nervous system (CNS) control, especially in patients with initial WBC ≥100,000/microliter. Day 29 marrow MRD positive (≥0.01%) vs. negative patients had 5 year CCR rates of 37.1 ± 7.4% vs. 72.6 ± 4.3%; day 8 blood MRD positive vs. negative patients had 5 year CCR rates of 57.1 ± 4.6% vs.83.6 ± 6.3%. End induction marrow MRD predicted marrow but not CNS relapse. In multivariate analysis, day 29 MRD > 0.01%, initial WBC ≥ 100,000/µl, male gender, and day 8 blood MRD > 0.01% were significant prognostic factors.

Conclusions

Augmented BFM therapy improved outcome for children with higher risk ALL. Day 8 blood and day 29 marrow MRD were strong prognostic factors in these patients. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011; 57: 569–577. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Outcome of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Jordan
Authors: Halalsheh Hadeel , Abuirmeileh Najyah , Rihani Rawad , Bazzeh Faiha , Zaru Luna , Madanat Faris
Published: February 2011

Background

Accurate data about childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in low‐ and middle‐income countries are lacking. Our study is designed to assess survival of childhood ALL at King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC) using modified St. Jude Children's Research Hospital protocols.

Patients and methods

We reviewed the medical records of children 1–18 years of age who were diagnosed with ALL and treated at KHCC from January 2003 through December 2009. Disease characteristics and outcome were analyzed.

Results

Over a 7‐year period, 300 children with ALL were treated. One hundred and seventy‐three (57.7%) were males and 127 (42.3%) were females. The median age at diagnosis was 5 years. One hundred and fifty‐seven (52.3%) children were classified as low‐risk, 118 (39.3%) were standard‐risk and 25 (8.3%) were high‐risk. Two hundred and sixty‐two (88.5%) children had pre‐B cell phenotype and 34 (11.5%) had T‐cell phenotype. Two hundred and seventy‐three (91.3%) children were classified as having CNS I disease, 24 (8%) had CNS II, and 2 (0.67%) had CNS III. Cytogenetic abnormalities included: t(12;21) in 30 (12%) children and t(9;22) in 18 (7.4%). Four (1.3%) children died in induction, 6 (2%) died in first remission and 27 (9%) relapsed. After a median follow‐up of 34.5 months (range 0.32–84.5), the estimated 5‐year event free survival and overall survival were 80% and 89%, respectively.

Conclusion

Treatment protocols developed by major cooperative groups and institutions to treat childhood ALL was successfully adapted and suggest that such an approach may be useful in other low‐ and middle‐income countries. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011; 57: 385–391. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinical impact of the baseline echocardiogram in children with high‐risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Avelar Taurino , Pauliks Linda B. , Freiberg Andrew S.
Published: February 2011

Background

It is common practice to hold anthracycline induction chemotherapy in children with high‐risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia (HR‐ALL) until an echocardiogram is performed and interpreted. It is unclear whether withholding therapy in HR‐ALL children is justified by echocardiogram findings. We reviewed the initial echocardiograms in a cohort of children with HR‐ALL to determine the incidence of contraindications for anthracycline treatment.

Procedure

We identified 50 consecutive children (<21 years old) with HR‐ALL presenting at our institution over a 10‐year period. One didn't have an initial echocardiogram, 39 had pre‐therapy studies, and 10 were studied within 6 days of beginning chemotherapy. These 49 studies were reviewed to determine the incidence and clinical significance of abnormalities.

Results

All 49 patients had normal cardiac function. Initial echocardiogram findings had no impact on induction chemotherapy administration in any patient. However, only 22(45%) of the studies were completely normal. Echocardiographic abnormalities included pericardial effusion (17/49), trivial or mild mitral or aortic insufficiency (13/49), left ventricular enlargement (3/49), and structural heart disease (4/49). Twelve percent of the children had a patent foramen ovale. None of the cardiac findings required therapeutic intervention other than repositioning of indwelling lines (6/49) due to intracardiac positioning.

Conclusions

In our experience, findings on echocardiograms in childhood HR‐ALL did not impact anthracycline administration. This study suggests that induction chemotherapy should not be delayed for an echocardiogram. However, whenever possible, a pre‐therapy echocardiogram is still recommended for determining baseline function and to identify associated problems like pericardial effusions which were common in this study. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011; 57: 227–230. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bone marrow aspiration technique may have an impact on therapy stratification in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Helgestad Jon , Rosthøj Steen , Johansen Preben , Varming Kim , Østergaard Erik
Published: February 2011

Background

Morphological evaluation of early response to chemotherapy and measurement of minimal residual disease by flow cytometry or PCR are being used for evaluation of prognosis and treatment stratification in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL).

Procedure

In a series of 14 consecutive bone marrow investigations from children with precursor B‐cell ALL, morphological evaluations of smears and flow cytometric measurements of minimal residual disease in sequentially aspirated small (2 ml) and large (5–10 ml) volumes of bone marrow were compared, at various time points during therapy.

Results

The density of nucleated cells was markedly reduced in the large volume aspirate. The percentage of erythroblasts measured by flow cytometry was smaller, indicating dilution with peripheral cells. Similarly, the blast percentage was reduced with 54% in large aspirates, and in four instances with minimal residual disease of >0.1% in the small volume, the level of blasts in the large aspirate was below this limit.

Conclusions

The amount of minimal residual disease should be measured in the first 2.5 ml of bone marrow aspirated from one puncture site. The procedure should be performed by experienced and carefully instructed doctors. In large aspirates, minimal residual disease will be underestimated, which may lead to failure to undertake a required intensification of therapy and a lower fraction of high risk patients in the trial. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011; 57: 224–226. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Oral rapamycin in the treatment of patients with hamartoma syndromes and PTEN mutation
Authors: Iacobas Ionela , Burrows Patricia E. , Adams Denise M. , Sutton Vernon R. , Hollier Larry H. , Chintagumpala Murali M.
Published: February 2011

Bannayan–Riley–Ruvacalba syndrome (BRRS) belongs to the PTEN hamartoma tumor syndromes and is characterized by a high risk of malignancy in early adulthood added to local destructive effects of hamartomas in childhood. There is no standard treatment for this condition and patients are usually offered symptomatic surgical relief. Rapamycin has been reported to be effective in the management of other conditions associated with PTEN mutation. We report here a case of BRRS in a 6‐year‐old male with progressive loss of function of left hand and forearm associated with pain. He was treated with oral rapamycin and regained pain‐free full mobility. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011; 57: 321–323. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The relationship between maternal body mass, smoking status and ethnicity and first trimester nuchal translucency thickness
Authors: Cowans Nicholas J. , Spencer Kevin
Published: February 2011

Objective

To investigate the existence of a relationship between maternal body mass, maternal ethnicity and maternal smoking status and nuchal translucency (NT) in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Methods

NT measurements from 130 339 euploid, singleton pregnancies were converted to NT multiples of the median (MoM) and delta NT using expected medians determined using regression analysis. Relationships between maternal body mass index (BMI), maternal weight, maternal ethnicity and maternal smoking status and NT MoM and delta NT were examined.

Results

NT increased with gestational age. Uncorrected NT MoM and delta NT demonstrated small but significant positive relationships with either maternal BMI or maternal weight. Both NT MoM and delta NT were slightly, but significantly, increased in smokers compared to non‐smokers and Afro‐Caribbean compared to Caucasians, and slightly, but significantly, decreased in Asians compared to Caucasians.

Conclusion

Although statistically significant, all the changes reported are likely to be too small to be relevant in terms of correcting in prenatal screening. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parvovirus B19 infection in pregnancy: new insights and management
Authors: de Jong E. P. , Walther F. J. , Kroes A. C. M. , Oepkes D.
Published: February 2011

In this article, we review the virology, pathology, epidemiology and clinical spectrum of intrauterine human parvovirus B19 (B19V) infection, including intrauterine fetal death, non‐immune hydrops fetalis, thrombocytopenia and neurological manifestations such as pediatric stroke and perivascular calcifications. In addition, we discuss the new insights into the neurodevelopmental outcome of intrauterine B19V infection. Current diagnosis and management of B19V infection is summarized, including a diagnostic and follow‐up flowchart for practical clinical use. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The detection of chromosome anomalies by QF‐PCR and residual risks as compared to G‐banded analysis
Authors: Speevak Marsha D. , McGowan‐Jordan Jean , Chun Kathy
Published: February 2011

Objective

To determine the detection rate of clinically significant chromosome abnormalities using quantitative fluorescent polymerase chain reaction (QF‐PCR) of fetal DNA in comparison with G‐banded analysis of cultured amniotic fluid cells and determine the residual risk if QF‐PCR were performed alone for low‐risk cases.

Methods

Amniotic fluid samples were prospectively categorized based on the likelihood of the fetus having a chromosome anomaly. QF‐PCR results were compared with the G‐banded findings. The distribution of patients and the rates of clinically significant anomalies in each risk category were determined.

Results

A total of 4176 amniotic fluid samples were studied. Among these, 331 cases with abnormalities were detected by both methods and an additional 19 abnormal cases were detected by G‐banding only. Five of those undetected by QF‐PCR were considered clinically significant, four of which were referred due to an elevated a priori risk (>4%). If QF‐PCR is performed in all cases and G‐banding performed only in higher risk cases, the residual risk for a clinically significant chromosome abnormality will be as low as 0.083%.

Conclusions

This study suggests that QF‐PCR alone is appropriate for patients with uncomplicated pregnancies, who are referred solely for an increased risk of a common trisomy. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Second trimester serum predictors of congenital heart defects in pregnancies without chromosomal or neural tube defects
Authors: Jelliffe‐Pawlowski Laura , Baer Rebecca , Moon‐Grady Anita J. , Currier Robert J.
Published: February 2011

Objective

To compare euploid pregnancies with congenital heart defects (CHDs) to similar pregnancies without CHDs on typically collected second trimester biomarker measurements.

Method

Second trimester serum levels of alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), and unconjugated estriol were compared for 306 CHD cases and 1224 no‐CHD controls drawn from a sample of singleton pregnancies without chromosomal or neural tube defects (NTDs). Logistic regression models were built comparing biomarkers for cases and controls.

Results

Regardless of the severity of defect, CHD cases were more likely to have unusually high AFP and/or hCG levels and/or unusually low hCG and/or uE3 levels [odds ratio (OR) 1.8–2.4, 95% confidence intervals (CIs) 1.2–4.0]. Cases with critical CHDs were more than twice as likely to have an AFP multiple of the median (MoM) ≥ the 95th percentile and/or an hCG and/uE3 MoM ≤ the 5th percentile (OR 2.1–3.9, 95% CIs 1.1–7.8).

Conclusion

Abnormal levels of specific second trimester maternal serum biomarkers indicated an increased risk for CHDs among this sample of low risk pregnancies. Our data suggest that future efforts aimed at improving CHD detection in low risk pregnancies may benefit from considering serum biomarkers. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
aCGH on chorionic villi mirrors the complexity of fetoplacental mosaicism in prenatal diagnosis
Authors: Filges Isabel , Kang Anjeung , Klug Vanessa , Wenzel Friedel , Heinimann Karl , Tercanli Sevgi , Miny Peter
Published: February 2011

Objective

To describe the diagnostic performance of array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) in the presence of mosaicism in the fetoplacental unit using direct chorionic villi.

Method

In an ongoing study on the diagnostic performance of aCGH in 80 high‐risk pregnancies, we studied three cases of placental mosaicism by carrying out aCGH on DNA of direct chorionic villi and chorionic villi cultures.

Results

Case 1: A three‐ to fourfold dosage gain of the region 18p in aCGH on direct villi was due to two additional isochromosomes 18p confined to the cytotrophoblast. Case 2: aCGH on direct villi revealed a normal result, whereas trisomy 18 mosaicism was present in cultured cells. Case 3: aCGH identifies monosomy X and mosaic disomy of the region Xp11.21‐Xq12, whereas this mosaic cell line is not present in the conventional chromosome preparation on the cytotrophoblast.

Conclusion

Although interpretation of aCGH results may be straightforward in the majority of cases, placental mosaicism may cause misinterpretations of rapid aCGH results on direct chorionic villi due to discrepant chromosomal constitutions of cytotrophoblast and mesenchymal villus core. Further investigations including cultures, fluorescence in situ hybridization and possible amniocentesis will still be required for interpretation of results. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Observations of the middle school environment: The context for student behavior beyond the classroom
Authors: Rusby Julie C. , Crowley Ryann , Sprague Jeffrey , Biglan Anthony
Published: February 2011

This article describes the use of an observation system to measure middle school staff practices, environment characteristics, and student behavior in the school common areas. Data were collected at baseline from 18 middle schools participating in a randomized controlled trial of school‐wide Positive Behavior Support. The observations were reliable and showed sensitivity to differences between school settings and between schools. Multilevel models with students nested in schools were used to examine the associations of staff practices and the school environment with student behavior. Less effective behavior management and more staff criticism, graffiti, and percentage of low‐income students were associated with student problem behaviors. Greater use of effective behavior management and positive attention, and fewer low‐income students were associated with positive student behavior. The use of data‐based feedback to schools for intervention planning and monitoring is illustrated. Implications for school‐wide efforts to improve student behavior in middle schools are discussed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identification of autoantibody biomarkers for primary Sjögren's syndrome using protein microarrays
Authors: Hu Shen , Vissink Arjan , Arellano Martha , Roozendaal Caroline , Zhou Hui , Kallenberg Cees G. M. , Wong David T.
Published: February 2011

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a chronic, progressive autoimmune disease primarily affecting women. Diagnosis of SS requires an invasive salivary gland tissue biopsy and a long delay from the start of the symptoms to final diagnosis has been frequently observed. In this study, we aim to identify salivary autoantibody biomarkers for primary SS (pSS) using a protein microarray approach. Immune‐response protoarrays were used to profile saliva autoantibodies from patients with pSS (n=14), patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, n=13), and healthy control subjects (n=13). We identified 24 potential autoantibody biomarkers that can discriminate patients with pSS from both patients with SLE and healthy individuals. Four saliva autoantibody biomarkers, anti‐transglutaminase, anti‐histone, anti‐SSA, and anti‐SSB, were further tested in independent pSS (n=34), SLE (n=34), and healthy control (n=34) subjects and all were successfully validated with ELISA. This study has demonstrated the potential of a high‐throughput protein microarray approach for the discovery of autoantibody biomarkers. The identified saliva autoantibody biomarkers may lead to a clinical tool for simple, noninvasive detection of pSS at low cost.
Identification of phosphorylation sites on extracellular corneal epithelial cell maspin
Authors: Narayan Malathi , Mirza Shama P. , Twining Sally S.
Published: February 2011

Maspin, a 42‐kDa non‐classical serine protease inhibitor (serpin), is expressed by epithelial cells of various tissues including the cornea. The protein localizes to the nucleus and cytosol, and is present in the extracellular space. While extracellular maspin regulates corneal stromal fibroblast adhesion and inhibits angiogenesis during wound healing in the cornea, the molecular mechanism of its extracellular functions is unclear. We hypothesized that identifying post‐translational modifications of maspin, such as phosphorylation, may help decipher its mode of action. The focus of this study was on the identification of phosphorylation sites on extracellular maspin, since the extracellular form of the molecule is implicated in several functions. Multi‐stage fragmentation MS was used to identify sites of phosphorylation on extracellular corneal epithelial cell maspin. A total of eight serine and threonine phosphorylation sites (Thr50, Ser97, Thr118, Thr157, Ser240, Ser298, Thr310 and Ser316) were identified on the extracellular forms of the molecule. Phosphorylation of tyrosine residues was not detected on extracellular maspin from corneal epithelial cell, in contrast to breast epithelial cells. This study provides the basis for further investigation into the functional role of phosphorylation of corneal epithelial maspin.
Towards characterization of the glycoproteome of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruit using Concanavalin A lectin affinity chromatography and LC‐MALDI‐MS/MS analysis
Authors: Catalá Carmen , Howe Kevin J. , Hucko Simon , Rose Jocelyn K. C. , Thannhauser Theodore W.
Published: February 2011

The isolation and analysis of glycoproteins by coupling lectin affinity chromatography with MS has emerged as a powerful strategy to study the glycoproteome of mammalian cells. However, this approach has not been used extensively for the analysis of plant glycoproteins. As with all eukaryotes, N‐glycosylation is a common post‐translational modification for plant proteins traveling through the secretory pathway. Many such proteins are destined for the cell wall, or apoplast, where they play important roles in processes such as modifying cell wall structure, sugar metabolism, signaling, and defense against pathogens. Here, we describe a strategy to enrich for and identify secreted plant proteins based on affinity chromatography using the lectin Concanavalin A and two‐dimensional liquid chromatography, together with matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization MS analysis. The value of this approach is illustrated through the characterization of glycoproteins that are expressed in ripe tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruit, a developmental stage that is fundamentally linked with significant changes in cell wall structure and composition. This glycoprotein trap strategy allowed the isolation of a sub‐proteome with an extremely high proportion of proteins that are predicted to be resident in the cell wall or secretory pathway, and the identification of new putative cell wall proteins.
Comparative proteomics of seed maturation in oilseeds reveals differences in intermediary metabolism
Authors: Hajduch Martin , Matusova Radoslava , Houston Norma L. , Thelen Jay J.
Published: February 2011

Proteomics is increasingly being used to understand enzyme expression and regulatory mechanisms involved in the accumulation of storage reserves in crops with sequenced genomes. During the past six years, considerable progress has been made to characterize proteomes of both mature and developing seeds, particularly oilseeds – plants which accumulate principally oil and protein as storage reserves. This review summarizes the emerging proteomics data, with emphasis on seed filling in soy, rapeseed, castor and Arabidopsis as each of these oilseeds were analyzed using very similar proteomic strategies. These parallel studies provide a comprehensive view of source–sink relationships, specifically sucrose assimilation into organic acid intermediates for de novo amino acid and fatty acid synthesis. We map these biochemical processes for seed maturation and illustrate the differences and similarities among the four oilseeds. For example, while the four oilseeds appear capable of producing cytosolic phosphoenolpyruvate as the principal carbon intermediate, soybean and castor also express malic enzymes and malate dehydrogenase, together capable of producing malate that has been previously proposed to be the major intermediate for fatty acid synthesis in castor. We discuss these and other differences in the context of intermediary metabolism for developing oilseeds.
Implications of high‐temperature events and water deficits on protein profiles in wheat (Triticum aestivumL. cv. Vinjett) grain
Authors: Yang Fen , Jørgensen Anders D. , Li Huawei , Søndergaard Ib , Finnie Christine , Svensson Birte , Jiang Dong , Wollenweber Bernd , Jacobsen Susanne
Published: February 2011

Increased climatic variability is resulting in an increase of both the frequency and the magnitude of extreme climate events. Therefore, cereals may be exposed to more than one stress event in the growing season, which may ultimately affect crop yield and quality. Here, effects are reported of interaction of water deficits and/or a high‐temperature event (32°C) during vegetative growth (terminal spikelet) with either of these stress events applied during generative growth (anthesis) in wheat. Influence of combinations of stress on protein fractions (albumins, globulins, gliadins and glutenins) in grains and stress‐induced changes on the albumin and gliadin proteomes were investigated by 2‐DE and MS. The synthesis of individual protein fractions was shown to be affected by both the type and time of the applied stresses. Identified drought or high‐temperature‐responsive proteins included proteins involved in primary metabolism, storage and stress response such as late embryogenesis abundant proteins, peroxiredoxins and α‐amylase/trypsin inhibitors. Several proteins, e.g. heat shock protein and 14‐3‐3 protein changed in abundance only under multiple high temperatures.
Towards the profiling of the Arabidopsis thaliana plasma membrane transportome by targeted proteomics
Authors: Monneuse Jean‐Marc , Sugano Madeleine , Becue Thierry , Santoni Véronique , Hem Sonia , Rossignol Michel
Published: February 2011

Plant membranes bear a variety of transporters belonging to multigene families that are affected by environmental and nutritional conditions. In addition, they often display high‐sequence identity, making difficult in‐depth investigation by current shot‐gun strategies. In this study, we set up a targeted proteomics approach aimed at identifying and quantifying within single experiments the five major proton pumps of the autoinhibited H+ATPases (AHA) family, the 13 plasma membrane intrinsic proteins (PIP) water channels (PIPs), and ten members of ammonium transporters (AMTs) and nitrate transporter (NRT) families. Proteotypic peptides were selected and isotopically labeled heavy versions were used for technical optimization and for quantification of the corresponding light version in biological samples. This approach allowed to quantify simultaneously nine PIPs in leaf membranes and 13 PIPs together with three autoinhibited H+ATPases, two ammonium transporters, and two NRTs in root membranes. Similarly, it was used to investigate the effect of a salt stress on the expression of these latter 20 transporters in roots. These novel isoform‐specific data were compared with published transcriptome information and revealed a close correlation between PIP isoforms and transcripts levels. The obtained resource is reusable and can be expanded to other transporter families for large‐scale profiling of membrane transporters.
Rice proteomics: A move toward expanded proteome coverage to comparative and functional proteomics uncovers the mysteries of rice and plant biology
Authors: Agrawal Ganesh Kumar , Rakwal Randeep
Published: February 2011

Growing rice is an important socio‐economic activity. Rice proteomics has achieved a tremendous progress in establishing techniques to proteomes of almost all tissues, organs, and organelles during the past one decade (year 2000–2010). We have compiled these progresses time to time over this period. The present compilation discusses proteomics research in rice published between 1st April 2008 and 30th July 2010. Progress continues mainly towards protein cataloging deep into the proteome with high‐confident protein assignment and some functional significance than ever before by (i) identifying previously unreported/low‐abundance proteins, (ii) quantifying relative/absolute values of proteins, (iii) assigning protein responses to biotic/abiotic stresses, (iv) protein localization into organelles, (v) validating previous proteomes and eliminating false‐positive proteins, and (vi) discovering potential biomarkers for tissues, organs, organelles, and for screening transgenic plants and food‐safety evaluation. The notable achievements in global mapping of phosphorylation sites and identifying several novel secreted proteins into the extracellular space are worth appreciating. Our ever‐increasing knowledge on the rice proteomics is beginning to impact the biology of not only rice, but also crops and plants. These major achievements will be discussed in this review keeping in mind newcomers, young, and established scientists in proteomics and plants.
The Management of International Development Projects: Moving toward a Standard Approach or Differentiation?
Authors: Landoni Paolo , Corti Benedetta
Published: February 2011

International cooperation supplies international aid to developing countries and emerging economies, typically through projects; to manage these projects, a specific approach based on the “project cycle” was introduced in 1970. In recent decades, many development agencies have adopted the project cycle, but they have also changed it over time, and today agencies work with different standards. In this article, the history of project management systems in international cooperation is reported, and the approaches adopted by five of the main worldwide governmental development agencies are compared. The analysis shows both the common aspects and differences in order to highlight limits and propose further research.
Dispersion polymerization using hydroxy‐functional macroazoinitiators as an inistab
Authors: Fujii Syuji , Suzaki Motomichi , Kakigi Yuichi , Aono Kodai , Yusa Shin‐Ichi , Nakamura Yoshinobu
Published: February 2011

Hydroxy‐functional macroazoinitiators with central azo unit have been synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization of 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate or 2‐hydroxypropyl methacrylate in methanol. The mean degrees of polymerization of the polymer chains beside the azo group were fixed at 30 and 60. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and gel permeation chromatography were used to characterize the macroazoinitiators in terms of their chemical structure, molecular weight, and polydispersity, respectively. Dispersion polymerizations of styrene using the hydroxy‐functional macroazoinitiators as an inistab (initiator + colloidal stabilizer) in 2‐propanol or 2‐propanol/water media resulted in submicrometer‐sized polystyrene latex particles with hydroxy‐functional polymer hair. Electron microscopies, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, thin layer chromatography, and 1H NMR were used to characterize the particles in terms of their morphologies, particle sizes, and their distributions and chemical compositions. The synthesized particles behaved as an effective particulate emulsifier for the stabilization of oil‐in‐water emulsions. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Ethylene polymerization with FI complexes having novel phenoxy‐imine ligands: Effect of metal type and complex immobilization
Authors: Krasuska Agata , Białek Marzena , Czaja Krystyna
Published: February 2011

A series of bis(phenoxy‐imine) vanadium and zirconium complexes with different types of R3 substituents at the nitrogen atom, where R3 = phenyl, naphthyl, or anthryl, was synthesized and investigated in ethylene polymerization. Moreover, the catalytic performance was verified for three supported catalysts, which had been obtained by immobilization of bis[N‐(salicylidene)‐1‐naphthylaminato]M(IV) dichloride complexes (M = V, Zr, or Ti) on the magnesium carrier MgCl2(THF)2/Et2AlCl. Catalytic performance of both supported and homogeneous catalysts was verified in conjunction with methylaluminoxane (MAO) or with alkylaluminium compounds (EtnAlCl3−n, n = 1–3). The activity of FI vanadium and zirconium complexes was observed to decline for the growing size of R3, whereas the average molecular weight (MW) of the polymers was growing for larger substituent. Moreover, vanadium complexes exhibited the highest activity with EtAlCl2, whereas zirconium ones showed the best activity with MAO. All immobilized systems were most active in conjunction with MAO, and their activities were higher than those for their homogeneous counterparts, and they gave polymers with higher average MWs. That effect was in particular evident for the titanium catalyst. The vanadium complex 3 was also a good precursor for ethylene/1‐octene copolymerization; however, its immobilization reduced its potential for incorporation of a comonomer into a polyethylene chain. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Cu(0) mediated polymerization in toluene using online rapid GPC monitoring
Authors: Levere Martin E. , Willoughby Ian , O'Donohue Stephen , Wright Peter M. , Grice Anthony J. , Fidge Christopher , Remzi Becer C. , Haddleton David M.
Published: February 2011

Polymerization of methyl acrylate (MA) catalyzed by Cu(0) is carried out in toluene using a range of alcohols and phenol as additives to facilitate the reaction. The polar/coordinating additives promote disproportionation of Cu(I) to Cu(0), the proposed active species in single electron transfer living radical polymerization (SET‐LRP), and Cu(II) whilst toluene maintains solubility of the reagents and products. In this work, the use of alcohols as additives is optimized. Polymerizations are monitored in real time using rapid chromatography to obtain conversion and molecular weight distribution data without the necessity of manual sampling. Rapid gel permeation chromatography with low angle laser light scattering detection is shown to be a viable method of obtaining molecular weight distribution data in real time compared with conventional analytical techniques. Moreover, the changes in CuBr2 concentration during SET‐LRP reactions are monitored online using a photodiode array detector. Finally, the kinetics of SET‐LRP of MA using an ultra pure highly porous Cu(0) is performed and a detailed discussion on the role of Cu(II) is provided. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Correlation of architecture with excimer emission in 100% pyrene‐labeled self‐assembled polymers
Authors: Kaushlendra K. , Deepak V. D. , Asha S. K.
Published: February 2011

Pyrene was incorporated as pendant unit to side‐chain urethane methacrylate polymers having a short ethyleneoxy or a long polyethyleneoxy spacer segment. The short‐spacer pyrene urethane methacrylate was also incorporated either as block or random copolymer (1:9) along with polystyrene. The excimer emission was observed to be different for different polymers with the random copolymer exhibiting the lowest efficiency. But, the total quantum yield was highest (ϕ = 0.58) for random copolymer due to the high emission coefficient of monomer compared to that of excimer. The polymer dynamics were compared by steady state emission and fluorescence decay in THF or THF/water (9:1) solvent mixture and films. The solid state decay profile showed decay without a rise time indicating presence of ground state aggregates. In THF/water (9:1), the decay profile at the excimer emission (500 nm) showed a rise time indicating dynamic excimers. The evolution of excimeric emission centred ∼430 or ∼480 nm as a function of temperature was also studied in THF/water (9:1). The IE/IM ratio for the λ343 nm excitation exhibited steady increase with temperature with the block copolymer PS‐b‐PIHP exhibiting the highest ratio and highest rate of increase; whereas, the random copolymer PS‐r‐PIHP had the lowest IE/IM ratios. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Solid‐state NMR as a tool to describe and quantify the morphology of photoactive layers used in plastic solar cells
Authors: Mens Raoul , Bertho Sabine , Chambon Sylvain , D'Haen Jan , Lutsen Laurence , Manca Jean , Gelan Jan , Vanderzande Dirk , Adriaensens Peter
Published: February 2011

The optimization and control of the nanomorphology of thin films used as active layer in bulk heterojunction (BHJ) plastic solar cells is of key importance for a better understanding of the photovoltaic mechanisms and for increasing the device performances. Hereto, solid‐state NMR relaxation experiments have been evaluated to describe the film morphology of one of the “work‐horse” systems poly(2‐methoxy‐5‐(3′,7′‐dimethyloctyloxy)‐1,4‐phenylene‐vinylene)/[6, 6]‐phenyl‐C61butyric acid methyl ester (MDMO‐PPV/PCBM) in a quantitative way. Attention is focused on the influence of the processing solvent (toluene vs. chlorobenzene), the blend composition, and the casting technique, that is, spin coating versus doctor blading. It is demonstrated that independently of the solvent and casting technique, part of the PCBM becomes phase separated from the mixed phase. Whereas casting from toluene results in the development of well‐defined PCBM crystallites, casting from chlorobenzene leads to the formation of PCBM‐rich domains that contain substructures of weakly organized PCBM nanoclusters. The amount and physico‐chemical state of the phase separated PCBM is quantified by solid‐state NMR relaxation times experiments. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Block copolymer containing poly(3‐hexylthiophene) and poly(4‐vinylpyridine): Synthesis and its interaction with CdSe quantum dots for hybrid organic applications
Authors: Palaniappan Kumaranand , Hundt Nadia , Sista Prakash , Nguyen Hien , Hao Jing , Bhatt Mahesh P. , Han Yun‐Yue , Schmiedel Elizabeth A. , Sheina Elena E. , Biewer Michael C. , Stefan Mihaela C.
Published: February 2011

Poly(3‐hexylthiophene)‐b‐poly(4‐vinylpyridine) diblock copolymer was synthesized by RAFT polymerization of 4‐vinyl pyridine using a trithiocarbonate‐terminated poly(3‐hexylthiophene) macro‐RAFT agent. The optoelectronic properties and the morphology of the block copolymer blends with CdSe quantum dots were investigated. UV‐vis and fluorescence experiments were performed to prove the charge transfer between CdSe and poly(3‐hexylthiophene)‐b‐poly(4‐vinylpyridine) diblock copolymer. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Preparation and characterization of Ag‐deposited aminosilane‐modified silicate by chemical reduction method
Authors: Wu K. H. , Chang Y. C. , Zheng M. Z. , Yang C. C. , Lin W. P.
Published: February 2011

Nanocomposites based on silver (Ag) and organically modified silicate (Ormosil) were prepared by an in situ reduction method, in which silver nitrate, tetraethoxysilane and N‐[3‐(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]diethylenetriamine (ATS) acted as precursor, linker, and colloidal suspension stabilizer, respectively. The objective of the study was to produce silver nanoparticles through AgNO3 chemical reduction in a continuous media, in which aminosilanes act as superficial modifiers of Ag nanoparticles, inhibiting their growth and preventing aggregation. The physical properties of the Ormosil/Ag composites were examined using NMR, electron spin resonance, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, and thermal gravimetric analysis spectroscopy, the results of which indicated that Ag was incorporated in the Ormosil matrix after impregnation. The Ag content and surface morphology of the Ormosil/Ag composites depended on the initial concentration of AgNO3. The antibacterial effects of the Ormosil/Ag composites were assessed by the zone of inhibition and plate‐counting methods, and an excellent antibacterial performance was discovered. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2011
Structure—Property relationships for exciton transfer in conjugated polymers
Authors: Andrew Trisha L. , Swager Timothy M.
Published: February 2011

The ability of conjugated polymers to function as electronic materials is dependent on the efficient transport of excitons along the polymer chain. Generally, the photophysics of the chromophore monomer dictate the excited state behavior of the corresponding conjugated polymers. Different molecular structures are examined to study the role of excited state lifetimes and molecular conformations on energy transfer. The incorporation of rigid, three‐dimensional scaffolds, such as iptycenes and cyclophanes, can encourage an oblique packing of the chromophore units of a conjugated polymer, thus allowing the formation of electronically‐coupled aggregates that retain high quantum yields of emission. Rigid iptycene scaffolds also act as excellent structural directors that encourage complete solvation of PPEs in a liquid crystal (LC) solvent. LC‐PPE mixtures display both an enhanced conformational alignment of polymer chains and extended effective conjugation lengths relative to isotropic solutions, which leads to enhanced energy transfer. Facile exciton migration in poly(p‐phenylene ethynylene)s (PPEs) allows energy absorbed over large areas to be funneled into traps created by the binding of analytes, resulting in signal amplification in sensory devices. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2011
Hydration‐mediated effects of saccharide stereochemistry on poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) gel swelling
Authors: Manukovsky Nurit , Shpigelman Avi , Edelman Ravit , Livney Yoav D.
Published: February 2011

To shed new light on the mechanisms of saccharide stereochemistry effect on macromolecules in aqueous solutions, we studied the effect of three monosaccharide stereoisomers, glucose, galactose, and mannose, on the swelling of Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPA) hydrogels. We equilibrated PNIPA hydrogels in sugar solutions of different concentrations at 25 °C, and determined gel volume and mass swelling ratios, and sugar concentration imbalance. The volume‐phase‐transition occurred at molal concentrations of 0.587 ± 0.004 (galactose), 0.724 ± 0.003 (glucose), and 0.846 ± 0.004 (mannose). The same order of sugars emerged for the gel‐swelling and the magnitude of the sugar concentration‐imbalance, which correlated with sugar isentropic molar compressibility and hydration number. The more hydrated the sugar, the worse a cosolvent it is for the polymer, hence the larger the deswelling and the more negative the sugar concentration imbalance. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2011
The phase behavior of a polymer‐fullerene bulk heterojunction system that contains bimolecular crystals
Authors: Cates Nichole , Gysel Roman , Miller Chad E. , Verploegen Eric , Beiley Zach , Heeney Martin , McCulloch Iain , Bao Zhenan , Toney Michael F. , McGehee Michael D.
Published: February 2011

Polymer:fullerene blends have been widely studied as an inexpensive alternative to traditional silicon solar cells. Some polymer:fullerene blends, such as blends of poly(2,5‐bis(3‐tetradecylthiophen‐2‐yl)thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene (pBTTT) with phenyl‐c71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM), form bimolecular crystals due to fullerene intercalation between the polymer side chains. Here we present the determination of the eutectic pBTTT:PC71BM phase diagram using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and two‐dimensional grazing incidence X‐ray scattering (2D GIXS) with in‐situ thermal annealing. The phase diagram explains why the most efficient pBTTT:PC71BM solar cells have 75–80 wt % PC71BM since these blends lie in the center of the only room‐temperature phase region containing both electron‐conducting (PC71BM) and hole‐conducting (bimolecular crystal) phases. We show that intercalation can be suppressed in 50:50 pBTTT:PC71BM blends by using rapid thermal annealing to heat the blends above the eutectic temperature, which forces PC71BM out of the bimolecular crystal, followed by quick cooling to kinetically trap the pure PC71BM phase. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2011
Self‐reported cognitive functioning in postmenopausal breast cancer patients before and during endocrine treatment: findings from the neuropsychological TEAM side‐study
Authors: Schilder C. M. T. , Seynaeve C. , Linn S. C. , Boogerd W. , Beex L. V. A. M. , Gundy C. M. , Nortier J. W. R. , van de Velde C. J. H. , van Dam F. S. A. M. , Schagen S. B.
Published: February 2011

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate self‐reported cognitive functioning of postmenopausal breast cancer patients before and during endocrine treatment compared with healthy female controls, and to investigate associations between self‐reported cognitive functioning, cognitive test performance and anxiety/depression, fatigue, and menopausal complaints.

Methods: Self‐reported cognitive functioning, anxiety/depression, fatigue, menopausal complaints, and cognitive tests performance were assessed before (T1) and after 1 year (T2) of adjuvant endocrine treatment in postmenopausal chemotherapy‐naïve breast cancer patients. Self‐reported cognitive functioning was assessed by the cognitive failures questionnaire and interview questions concerning cognitive complaints. Patients participated in the TEAM‐trial, a prospective randomized study investigating tamoxifen versus exemestane as adjuvant therapy for hormone‐sensitive breast cancer. Identical information was obtained from healthy postmenopausal volunteers.

Results: Two measures for self‐reported cognitive functioning provided the distinctive results. At T1 and T2, healthy controls reported a higher frequency of cognitive failures than patients; change over time did not differ between groups. The prevalence of cognitive complaints did not differ between the groups at T1, but change over time regarding attention/concentration complaints differed between groups, due to an increased prevalence in tamoxifen users. Self‐reported cognitive functioning showed moderate associations with anxiety/depression, fatigue, and menopausal complaints. Cognitive test performance was not associated with self‐reported cognitive functioning, but weakly with anxiety/depression and fatigue.

Conclusion: Adjuvant therapy with tamoxifen and exemestane did not influence the self‐reported frequency of cognitive failures. Increased attention/concentration complaints were observed in tamoxifen users, but not in exemestane users. This latter finding should be confirmed with better validated instruments. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.