bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Obesity, Insulin Resistance, Hypertension and Sleep in the Child
Authors: Kohyama Jun
Published: September 2012

Sleep loss produces various insults on human health. The current mini-review introduces recent evidence on the relationship among sleep loss, obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and sleep apnea with paying special attention to children. Ten relationships were explained; 1. Sleep loss induces obesity. 2. Obesity induces sleep apnea. 3. Obesity induces insulin resistance. 4. Obesity induces hypertension. 5. Sleep loss induces insulin resistance. 6. Sleep loss induces hypertension. 7. Sleep apnea with obesity induces insulin resistance. 8. Sleep apnea with obesity induces hypertension. 9. Sleep apnea without obesity induces insulin resistance. 10. Sleep apnea without obesity induces hypertension. To secure child health, the need for paying attention to sleep was emphasized.
Do Childhood Cancer Survivors Meet the Diet and Physical Activity Guidelines? A Review of Guidelines and Literature
Authors: Zhang Fang Fang , Saltzman Edward , Must Aviva , Parsons Susan K.
Published: September 2012

Despite advances in cancer treatment, childhood cancer survivors are at higher risk of developing chronic health conditions than peers who have not had cancer. Being overweight or obese adds to the already elevated risk of cardiovascular diseases and metabolic abnormalities. Diet and physical activity are modifiable behaviors that reduce obesity risk and have been shown to improve cancer survival in adult cancer survivors. Specific guidelines have been developed for cancer survivors that provide advice on nutrition, physical activity and weight management following cancer diagnosis and treatment. In this review, we report on existing nutrition and physical activity guidelines for cancer survivors, supplemented by available literature on diet and physical activity status of childhood cancer survivors and their associations with health-related outcomes. The 2012 American Cancer Society (ACS) and the 2008 Children’s Oncology Group (COG) guidelines provide similar advice on diet but the ACS guidelines also offer specific advice on physical activity and weight management. Thirty-one observational studies and 18 intervention trials published prior to June 2012 that met the inclusion criteria were reviewed. Results suggest that a high proportion of childhood cancer survivors had poor adherence to dietary and physical activity guidelines. Although findings from existing intervention trials are preliminary due to small sample size, available evidence suggests that exercise intervention is safe and feasible for patients and survivors of childhood cancer. Childhood cancer survivors should be encouraged to engage in physical activity, adopt a healthy diet, and maintain a healthy weight throughout cancer survivorship.
O desamparo adolescente na adolescente contemporaneidade: Contribuições da orientação profissional
Authors: Valore Luciana Albanese
Published: September 2012

O presente estudo objetiva circunscrever possíveis contribuições da orientação profissional, pensada como estratégia clínica, na lida com o que, no âmbito da adolescência contemporânea, alguns psicanalistas têm denominado de desamparo. Tendo como pressuposto que as transformações vivenciadas por nossa sociedade, particularmente nas relações de e com o trabalho, inauguram novos modos de conviver e novas formas de subjetivação, analisam-se alguns de seus efeitos na configuração da adolescência, na relação jovem-adulto e na construção do futuro. Tal análise, articulada a resultados de pesquisas realizadas no campo da Psicologia Vocacional, embora aponte dificuldades quanto à transição para a vida adulta – dada a condição adolescente da própria ordem social – evidencia o potencial do processo de orientação como ferramenta auxiliar para a superação do sentimento de fragilidade psíquica e de desamparo. Superação esta possível, na medida em que a orientação profissional aqui afirmada, dentre outros aspectos, visa a favorecer a mudança na posição subjetiva; ou seja, no modo como o adolescente pode vir a reconhecer-se como sujeito de suas escolhas. Para tanto, entende-se que, conjuntamente à tarefa da escolha, cabe auxiliá-lo no, cada vez mais difícil, trabalho de tornar-se “gente grande”.
Relações de apego no contexto da institucionalização na infância e da adoção tardia
Authors: Cavalcante Lília Iêda Chaves , Colino Magalhães Celina Maria
Published: September 2012

Estudos apresentam evidências de que são vários os fatores que podem influenciar na qualidade do apego entre pais e filhos adotivos, em particular quando envolve crianças com histórico de longa permanência em abrigos e instituições similares. O tema tem sido ainda pouco explorado pela literatura científica, considerando que são raros os estudos que propõem a discussão da formação do apego nesse contexto específico. Entre as realizadas nas últimas décadas, está a sugestão de que são importantes os efeitos para o desenvolvimento do tempo que a criança passou no convívio com figuras de referência na família de origem e em instituições de acolhimento infantil antes de ser adotada. Desse modo, estudos têm apresentado um conjunto de fatores que podem favorecer ou inibir a formação do apego nessas relações, mas poucos destacam a disponibilidade da criança adotada tardiamente, assim como de seus novos cuidadores, para essa forma de vinculação. Este artigo cumpre assim com o propósito de apresentar referências bibliográficas que ilustram a produção sobre o tema e oferecem subsídios para esse debate na contemporaneidade.
Contemporaneidade e sofrimento psíquico: Relações entre modos de vida e demandas psicoterapêuticas
Authors: Ewald Ariane Patricia , Thieme de Carvalho Moura Michelle , Meletti da Silva Goulart Samira
Published: September 2012

Este artigo é desdobramento de trabalho realizado no Serviço de Psicologia da Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, durante o qual foram pesquisados 327 relatórios de triagens realizadas no serviço, com o objetivo de compreender o contexto social das demandas por psicoterapia e como estas sofrem influencia de tal contexto. Através de uma análise quantitativa, foi observada que a principal queixa era referente à dificuldade de se relacionar com os outros, seguida por depressão, pânico e medos, e ansiedade. Em análise qualitativa, os resultados evidenciaram estreita relação entre as demandas por psicoterapia e o cenário atual, marcado pela “fluidez”, pelo excesso, “urgência”, desempenho e técnica, que geram insegurança e medos diversos, notadamente expressos nas queixas clínicas. Esses dados apontam para a importância de entender a queixa clínica dentro de um contexto histórico-social, fazendo-nos refletir sobre os modos de vida na atualidade.
Robust adaptive asymptotic tracking control of uncertain nonlinear systems subject to nonsmooth actuator nonlinearities
Authors: Zheng Yunfeng , Wen Changyun , Li Zhengguo
Published: September 2012

In this paper, we control a class of uncertain nonlinear systems preceded by nonsmooth actuator nonlinearities such as dead zone, backlash, or hysteresis. Such nonlinearities will be handled in a unified framework by using a linear model with time‐varying parameters to approximate their input–output characteristics. Two robust adaptive control schemes based on Nussbaum gain technique are proposed. The controllers can guarantee global uniform boundedness of all signals and also asymptotic tracking. Simulation results also illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed schemes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Magnetic Cores with Porous Coatings: Growth of Metal‐Organic Frameworks on Particles Using Liquid Phase Epitaxy
Authors: Silvestre Martin E. , Franzreb Matthias , Weidler Peter G. , Shekhah Osama , Wöll Christof
Published: September 2012

A novel method for the homogeneous coating of magnetic nanoparticles with metal organic frameworks (MOFs) is reported. Using a liquid phase epitaxy process, a well‐defined number of [Cu3(btc)2]nH2O, HKUST‐1, layers are grown on COOH terminated silica magnetic beads. The structure and porosity of the deposited MOF coatings are studied using X‐ray diffraction and BET analysis. In addition, size and shape of the fabricated composites are analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. Potential applications of particle based MOF films include catalytic coatings and chromatographic media.
Recent Advances in the Development of Semiconducting DPP‐Containing Polymers for Transistor Applications
Authors: Nielsen Christian B. , Turbiez Mathieu , McCulloch Iain
Published: September 2012

This progress report summarizes the numerous DPP‐containing polymers recently developed for field‐effect transistor applications including diphenyl‐DPP and dithienyl‐DPP‐based polymers as the most commonly reported materials, but also difuranyl‐DPP, diselenophenyl‐DPP and dithienothienyl‐DPP‐containing polymers. We discuss the hole and electron mobilities that were reported in relation to structural properties such as alkyl substitution patterns, polymer molecular weights and solid state packing, as well as electronic properties including HOMO and LUMO energy levels. We moreover consider important aspects of ambipolar charge transport and highlight fundamental structure‐property relations such as the relationships between the thin film morphologies and the charge carrier mobilities observed for DPP‐containing polymers.
Intracranial volume, cranial thickness, and hyperostosis frontalis interna in the elderly
Authors: May Hila , Mali Yael , Dar Gali , Abbas Janan , Hershkovitz Israel , Peled Nathan
Published: September 2012

Objectives:

According to the “brain reserve hypothesis,” a larger premorbid brain protects against the development of dementia. The aim of this study was to reveal a possible pathophysiology of brain degenerative diseases by studying intracranial bone lesions that act to reduce intracranial volume (ICV), such as hyperostosis frontalis interna (HFI).

Methods:

Three hundred and eighty postmenopausal females (aged 60+) who had undergone a head computerized tomography scan (Brilliance 64, Philips Healthcare, Cleveland, OH) at the Carmel Medical Center, Haifa, Israel, before the study were included. The subjects were divided into four groups according to their degree of HFI. Six measurements of the skull and brain were taken.

Results:

As HFI becomes more severe, the cranial bone thickness and cranial bone volume increase. This process is accompanied by a decrease in ICV. In none of the HFI groups studied there was a significant association between ICV and cranial bone thickness. The inter‐relationships between the various thickness parameters are not disturbed by the degree of HFI.

Conclusion:

HFI is accompanied by an increase in thickness of all calvarial bones and reduced ICV. In addition, the thickening process initiated by HFI is synchronized among the calvarial bones. Presence of HFI suggests a decrease in brain volume and has a major clinical significance as it may indicate the beginning of degenerative processes of the brain. In addition, as females age, their skulls tend to develop more robust characteristics. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2012. © 2012Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Catalytic Selective Synthesis
Authors: Mahatthananchai Jessada , Dumas Aaron M. , Bode Jeffrey W.
Published: September 2012

Complete control of the product of a catalytic reaction can be achieved on the basis of catalyst structure, even when the reaction conditions are nearly identical. Catalyst‐controlled selectivity is well established for enantioselective catalysis but less formulated for catalytic regio‐, chemo‐, or product‐selective reactions. This Review describes selective transformations of the same starting materials into two or more different products simply by the choice of catalyst. By collecting and highlighting examples of selective catalysis, we hope that the field will be encouraged by the progress that has been made while bringing attention to unmet needs in the design and mechanistic understanding of selective catalysts.
Catalytic, Asymmetric Halofunctionalization of Alkenes—A Critical Perspective
Authors: Denmark Scott E. , Kuester William E. , Burk Matthew T.
Published: September 2012

Despite the fact that halogenation of alkenes has been known for centuries, enantioselective variants of this reaction have only recently been developed. In the past three years, catalytic enantioselective versions of halofunctionalizations with the four common halogens have appeared and although important breakthroughs, they represent just the very beginnings of a nascent field. This Minireview provides a critical analysis of the challenges that accompany the development of general and highly enantioselective halofunctionalization reactions. Moreover, the focus herein, diverges from previous reviews of the field by identifying the various modes of catalysis and the different strategies implemented for asymmetric induction.
Preparation of High‐Performance Water‐Soluble Quantum Dots for Biorecognition through Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer
Authors: Huang Chin‐Ping , Chao Cheng‐Fu , Shen Mo‐Yuan , Chen Teng‐Ming , Li Yaw‐Kuen
Published: September 2012

An improved method for the synthesis of high‐performance and water‐soluble quantum dots (QDs) involving the encapsulation of mercaptosuccinic acid coated QDs (MSA‐QDs) with poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) followed by their direct photoactivation with fluorescent radiation near 295 K to yield PDDA‐coated QDs (PDDA‐QDs) has been demonstrated. The quantum yield (QY) of the PDDA‐QDs was significantly improved from 0.6 (QY of MSA‐QDs) to 48 %. By using this synthetic strategy, highly photoluminescent PDDA‐QDs of varied size were readily prepared. The surface properties of PDDA‐QDs and MSA‐QDs were extensively characterized. The highly luminescent and positively charged PDDA‐QDs serve as a useful and convenient tool for protein adsorption. With a Δ5‐3‐ketosteroid isomerase adsorbed PDDA‐QD complex, the biorecognition of steroids was demonstrated through the application of fluorescent resonance energy transfer.
On the Role of Homogeneity When Controlling Single‐Leader Networks
Authors: Twu Philip , Egerstedt Magnus
Published: September 2012

This paper presents an approach to controlling agent positions in single‐leader networks to target points while explicitly taking agent homogeneity into account. When the capabilities of agents to accomplish tasks at each of the targets are identical, then the label of the target points may be permuted while still expressing the same intention. In single‐leader networks which are not completely controllable, such a permutation of the target points may at times move a target closer to the system's reachable subspace, thereby allowing the network to surpass the limitations on controllability when homogeneity is not considered explicitly. To fully exploit this property in homogeneous networks, it is then necessary to find the permutation of a target point which brings it closest to the reachable subspace. However, finding this optimal permutation is shown to be in general a non‐deterministic polynomial‐time (NP)‐hard problem. Specific network topologies are identified for when finding such an optimal permutation of a target point can be advantageous when controlling single‐leader networks. Moreover, an alternate view of the problem of finding optimal permutations is presented in which clustering‐based algorithms can be applied to find suboptimal solutions.
Pharmacokinetic and safety evaluation of the use of ciprofloxacin on an isoniazid‐rifampicin regimen in rabbits
Authors: Padilha Elias Carvalho , Pires Rodrigo Vieira , Filho Marco Antonio Ferraz Nogueira , de Pontes Machado Diego Vinicius , Baldan Helen Mariana , Davanço Marcelo Gomes , Campos Michel Leandro , Brunetti Iguatemy Lourenço , Peccinini Rosângela Gonçalves
Published: September 2012

The combination of isoniazid (INH), rifampicin (RMP) and pyrazinamide (PYR) is used in the treatment of tuberculosis. Although this treatment is effective in most clinical cases, the side‐effects and the development of mycobacterium resistance have hindered its success. There is evidence that the combination of INH, RMP and ciprofloxacin (CIPRO) is useful in the treatment of tuberculosis. However, the influence of this drug combination on the hepatotoxicity of INH is unknown. In this study, the safety of combined INH, RMP and CIPRO was evaluated. Male albino rabbits (n = 20) were divided into four groups and subjected to multiple oral doses for 7 days according to the following treatments: water (group 1); 50 mg/kg INH (group 2); 50 mg/kg INH + 100 mg/kg RMP (group 3) and 50 mg/kg INH + 100 mg/kg RMP + 50 mg/kg CIPRO (group 4). Blood samples were taken before and after treatments for the determination of ALT, AST, ALP and bilirubin to assess hepatotoxicity. For pharmacokinetic analysis, serial blood samples were collected over 24 h on day 7 of treatment. Plasma concentrations of INH and acetylisoniazid (AcINH) were determined by HPLC. Biochemical parameters did not show any statistically significant differences between the groups that received the drug combinations. The pharmacokinetic profile of INH was also similar for both groups of combinations. These findings allow us to infer that the inclusion of CIPRO did not increase the risk of hepatotoxicity when compared with the classic combination of INH and RMP. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spectroscopic study of the interaction between lycopene and bovine serum albumin
Authors: Rodríguez Galdón Beatriz , Pinto Corraliza Carmen , Cestero Carrillo Juan J. , Macías Laso Pedro
Published: September 2012

The interaction of lycopene with bovine serum albumin (BSA) in aqueous solution was studied by fluorescence quenching, three‐dimensional fluorescence and circular dichroism spectroscopy. The data showed that the fluorescence of BSA was quenched by lycopene at different temperatures through a dynamic mechanism. The evaluation of three‐dimensional fluorescence spectra revealed a conformational modification of BSA induced by coupling with lycopene and an increase in protein diameter as a consequence of the ligand–protein interaction. Moreover, the information obtained from evaluation of the effect of lycopene on BSA conformation by circular dichroism strongly supported the existence of a slight unfolding of BSA induced by coupling to lycopene. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The activity of prolactin releasing peptide correlates with its helicity
Authors: DeLuca Stephanie H. , Rathmann Daniel , Beck‐Sickinger Annette G. , Meiler Jens
Published: September 2012

The prolactin releasing peptide (PrRP) is involved in regulating food intake and body weight homeostasis, but molecular details on the activation of the PrRP receptor remain unclear. C‐terminal segments of PrRP with 20 (PrRP20) and 13 (PrRP8‐20) amino acids, respectively, have been suggested to be fully active. The data presented herein indicate this is true for the wildtype receptor only; a 5‐10‐fold loss of activity was found for PrRP8‐20 compared to PrRP20 at two extracellular loop mutants of the receptor. To gain insight into the secondary structure of PrRP, we used CD spectroscopy performed in TFE and SDS. Additionally, previously reported NMR data, combined with ROSETTANMR, were employed to determine the structure of amidated PrRP20. The structural ensemble agrees with the spectroscopic data for the full‐length peptide, which exists in an equilibrium between α‐ and 310‐helix. We demonstrate that PrRP8‐20's reduced propensity to form an α‐helix correlates with its reduced biological activity on mutant receptors. Further, distinct amino acid replacements in PrRP significantly decrease affinity and activity but have no influence on the secondary structure of the peptide. We conclude that formation of a primarily α‐helical C‐terminal region of PrRP is critical for receptor activation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 99: 273–281, 2013.
Chemopreventive efficacy of green tea drinking against 1,2‐dimethyl hydrazine‐induced rat colon carcinogenesis
Authors: Sadik Nermin A. H.
Published: September 2012

Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of tumour‐related deaths. In the present study, the chemopreventive effect of green tea on 1,2‐dimethylhydrazine (DMH)‐induced colon carcinogenesis was studied in male Wistar rats. The DMH group received subcutaneous injections of DMH (30 mg kg−1 body weight) once a week for 30 weeks, the normal group received the vehicle of DMH, and the DMH + green tea group received DMH simultaneously with 1% green tea as their sole source of drinking fluid throughout the experimental period. In the DMH group treated with green tea, significant reductions in gene overexpressions of colonic nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB), tumour necrosis factor α, inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase 2, and NF‐κB immunostaining indicates the anti‐inflammatory effect of green tea in attenuating colon cancer. Moreover, the anti‐angiogenic and anti‐invasiveness effects of green tea were revealed as reductions of both vascular endothelial growth factor and matrix metalloproteinase‐7 mRNA expression levels. These effects were confirmed by the significant reduction of serum tumour necrosis factor α, C‐reactive protein levels, inhibition of tumour incidence, and nearly normal survival rate and colonic architecture. It can be concluded that green tea exerts a potent chemopreventive effect on colon carcinogenesis possibly due to the inhibition of NF‐κB. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isocaloric intake of a high‐fat diet promotes insulin resistance and inflammation in Wistar rats
Authors: Jacob Patrícia Silva , de Meneses Fujii Tatiane Mieko , Yamada Monica , Borges Maria Carolina , Pantaleão Lucas Carminatti , Borelli Primavera , Fock Ricardo , Rogero Marcelo Macedo
Published: September 2012

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of isocaloric intake from a high‐fat diet (HFD) on insulin resistance and inflammation in rats. Male Wistar rats were fed on an HFD (n = 12) or control diet (n = 12) for 12 weeks. Subsequently, all animals were euthanized, and blood glucose, insulin, free fatty acids, C‐reactive protein, lipid profile, cytokines and hepatic‐enzyme activity were determined. Carcass chemical composition was also analyzed. During the first and the twelfth weeks of the experimental protocol, the oral glucose tolerance test and insulin tolerance test were performed and demonstrated insulin resistance (P < 0.05) in the HFD group. Although food intake (g) was lower (P < 0.05) in the HFD group compared with the control group, the concentration of total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein, C‐reactive protein and liver weight were all significantly higher. The kinase inhibitor of κB, c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase and protein kinase B expressions were determined in the liver and skeletal muscle. After an insulin stimulus, the HFD group demonstrated decreased (P = 0.05) hepatic protein kinase B expression, whereas the kinase inhibitor of κB phospho/total ratio was elevated in the HFD muscle (P = 0.02). In conclusion, the isocaloric intake from the HFD induced insulin resistance, associated with impaired insulin signalling in the liver and an inflammatory response in the muscle. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mutation in Elongation Factor G Confers Resistance to the Antibiotic Argyrin in the Opportunistic Pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Bielecki Piotr , Lukat Peer , Hüsecken Kristina , Dötsch Andreas , Steinmetz Heinrich , Hartmann Rolf W. , Müller Rolf , Häussler Susanne
Published: September 2012

The natural myxobacterial product argyrin is a cyclic peptide exhibiting immunosuppressive activity as well as antibacterial activity directed against the highly intrinsically resistant opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In this study, we used whole‐genome sequencing technology as a powerful tool to determine the mode of action of argyrin. Sequencing of argyrin‐resistant P. aeruginosa isolates selected in vitro uncovered six point mutations that distinguished the resistant mutants from their susceptible parental strain. All six mutations were localized within one gene: fusA1, which encodes for the elongation factor EF‐G. After the reintroduction of selected mutations into the susceptible wild type, the strain became resistant to argyrin. Surface plasmon resonance experiments confirmed the interaction of argyrin A with FusA1. Interestingly, EF‐G has been previously shown to be the target of the anti‐Staphylococcus antibiotic fusidic acid. Mapping of the mutations onto a structural model of EF‐G revealed that the mutations conveying resistance against argyrin were clustered within domain III on the side opposite to that involved in fusidic acid binding, thus indicating that argyrin exhibits a new mode of protein synthesis inhibition. Although no mutations causing argyrin resistance have been found in other genes of P. aeruginosa, analysis of the sequence identity in EF‐G and its correlation with argyrin resistance in different bacteria imply that additional factors such as uptake of argyrin play a role in the argyrin resistance of other organisms.
Aortocoronary saphenous vein graft rupture during diagnostic angiography
Authors: Salcedo Jonathan D. , Bhakta Mayurkumar D. , Kern Morton J.
Published: September 2012

Coronary saphenous vein graft (SVG) rupture during diagnostic angiography is a very rare but known complication of the procedure. It has typically been reported to occur at the site of pseudoaneurysms or secondary to an interventional procedure involving the graft. We present a case of SVG mid‐body rupture during diagnostic angiography that occurred without evidence of pseudoaneurysmal changes. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transulnar catheterization in patients with ipsilateral radial artery occlusion
Authors: Kwan Tak W. , Ratcliffe Justin A. , Chaudhry Muhammad , Huang Yili , Wong Sally , Zhou Xuanjing , Pancholy Samir , Patel Tejas
Published: September 2012

Background

The transradial approach to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has recently gained popularity among interventionalists. However, radial artery occlusion (RAO) limits the ability for repeat catheterization. In current practice, transulnar catheterization is thought to be a contraindication in patients with ipsilateral RAO.

Methods

Seventeen consecutive patients undergoing transulnar catheterization and PCI were reviewed. Each of the patients had clinical follow‐up post‐procedure at days 1, 7, and 30.

Results

We successfully performed 17 ulnar catheterizations in patients with ipsilateral RAO. All patents were subsequently found to have adequate collaterals from the anterior interosseous branch. One patient developed ulnar artery spasm and another patient developed a forearm hematoma. Overall, no patient suffered any ulnar nerve injury. The ulnar artery was patent both by palpation and by the presence of an adequate plethysmographic signal during follow‐up at days 1, 7, and 30. No patients developed with any signs or symptoms of hand ischemia during follow‐up.

Conclusion

In patients with RAO, ipsilateral transulnar catheterization may not be an absolute contraindication. Our results suggest that extensive collaterals from the anterior interosseous artery may be the reason for protection against hand ischemia in the setting of RAO. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transseptal approach for the management of paravalvular regurgitation after transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Martinez Claudia A. , O'Neill Brian , Singh Vikas , O'Neill William W.
Published: September 2012

In the era of transcatheter aortic valve therapies, the presence of residual paravalvular regurgitation (PVR) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) may become a clinical challenge. Management of late symptomatic PVR is still unknown. We describe a challenging case of percutaneous closure attempt of a clinically significant PVR in a patient after Edwards SAPIEN (Edwards Lifesciences, CA) TAVR. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transcatheter access route options for treatment of degenerated mitral valve prosthesis with a balloon‐expandable biological valve
Authors: Schaefer Ulrich , Frerker Christian , Bader Ralf , Schmoeckel Michael , Busse Cord , Kuck Karl‐Heinz
Published: September 2012

Objectives

There is an ongoing discussion if valve‐in‐valve implantations into failing mitral xenografts should be performed only via a transapical approach.

Background

In selected high‐risk patients, transcatheter valve implantation is an emerging therapy for degenerated mitral xenografts in need of repeated valve replacement.

Methods

Here we describe three different strategies to treat a failing mitral biological prosthesis (Carpentier Edwards S.A.V) by implantation of a SAPIEN‐XT valve, which was performed in three different patients. As access site, a transjugular/transseptal approach, a transfemoral/transseptal approach, and a transapical approach were chosen.

Results

With all three approaches, valve‐in‐valve implantation was successfully achieved. The acute hemodynamic effects were excellent and according to VARC there was no adverse event recorded during a 6 months follow‐up.

Conclusions

Feasibility of all three approaches is demonstrated and might be taken into consideration for treatment in various patients. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Three‐dimensional intravascular ultrasound evaluation of carina and plaque shift at the distal left main coronary artery bifurcation after treatment with a one‐stent cross‐over technique
Authors: Xiu Jiancheng , Choi So‐Yeon , Mintz Gary S. , Araki Hiroshi , Masuda Naoki , Morino Yoshihiro , Sonoda Shinjo , Tahk Seung Jea , Ochiai Masahiko , Maehara Akiko
Published: September 2012

Objective

To assess the geometrical changes in the distal left main coronary artery (LMCA), left anterior descending (LAD), and left circumflex (LCX) that occur after a distal LMCA lesion is treated using a one‐stent cross‐over strategy.

Background

Morphological changes after stent implantation into distal LMCA lesions are not fully understood.

Methods

We used pre‐ and postintervention three‐dimensional intravascular ultrasound of both the LAD and LCX as well as of the LMCA to evaluate distal LMCA lesions after a 1‐stent cross‐over strategy. In 38 distal LMCA bifurcation lesions, cross‐sectional measurements were performed every 1 mm over a 5‐mm segment in the LAD and LCX distal to the carina and over the entire LMCA proximal to the carina.

Results

The increase in lumen volume correlated with the increase in external elastic membrane volumes: R = 0.917, P < 0.001, in the LMCA and R = 0.785, P < 0.001, in the LAD with no decrease in plaque volume except at the distal end of the LMCA (P = 0.081) and at the LAD carina (P = 0.11). The LCX lumen area decreased significantly at the LCX carina from 5.9 ± 2.0 mm2 to 5.3 ± 1.9 mm2 (P < 0.01); however, the response was variable from a 4.0 mm2 decrease to a 1.8 mm2 increase in lumen area. While the change in LCX lumen area at the carina correlated with the change in vessel area (R = 0.791, P < 0.001), there was also a small increase in plaque area at the LCX carina from 6.4 ± 2.9 mm2 to 6.8 ± 2.9 mm2 (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

LMCA bifurcation lumen changes after cross‐over single‐stent implantation were determined primarily by conformational changes in vessel geometry. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Thermodynamic Analysis‐Based Improvement for the Boil‐off Gas Reliquefaction Process of Liquefied Ethylene Vessels
Authors: Li Y. , Jin G. , Zhong Z.
Published: September 2012

A new optimization design of the boil‐off gas (BOG) reliquefaction process for liquefied ethylene (LEG) vessels is proposed in order to reduce the reliquefaction process energy cost and improve its cold exergy efficiency. The exergy loss of each component is calculated and the efficiency of the available energy utilization is evaluated on the basis of a detailed thermodynamic analysis. The exergy analysis results indicate that the exergy efficiency of the improved BOG reliquefaction process is about 19.0 % higher than that of the existing process, and the amount of refrigerant used in the improved process is reduced by about 44.9 % per hour. The power consumption could be decreased by 16 %. The circulation volumes of the refrigerant and BOG are both significantly reduced, thus lowering the equipment and operation costs of the BOG reliquefaction process.
Recent Advances in Microbial Fuel Cells Integrated with Sludge Treatment
Authors: Wang Z. , Mei X. , Ma J. , Wu Z.
Published: September 2012

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs), which can directly convert chemical energy in organic matters into electricity, have drawn a lot of attention in the past decades. Recently, MFCs have been integrated with waste‐activated sludge (WAS) treatment for recovering energy from WAS. Since 2004, a number of publications regarding this topic have been published. The recent advances in MFCs powered by WAS are critically reviewed. MFC reactor designs, MFC performances, and sludge degradation efficiencies are addressed based on the recent related publications. The challenges and corresponding enhancement measures of MFCs using WAS as fuel are also discussed.
The Remarkable Effect of the Manganese Ion with Dioxygen on the Stability of π‐Conjugated Radical Cations
Authors: El‐Agamey Ali , Fukuzumi Shunichi
Published: September 2012

In this paper, nanosecond laser flash photolysis has been used to investigate the influence of metal ions on the kinetics of radical cations of a range of carotenoids (astaxanthin (ASTA), canthaxanthin (CAN), and β‐carotene (β‐CAR)) and various electron donors (1,4‐diphenyl‐1,3‐butadiene (14DPB), 1,6‐diphenyl‐1,3,5‐hexatriene (16DPH), 4‐methoxy‐trans‐stilbene (4 MeOSt), andtrans‐stilbene (trans‐St)) in benzonitrile. Radical cations have been generated by means of photosensitized electron‐transfer (ET) using 1,4‐dicyanonaphthalene (14DCN) and biphenyl (BP). The kinetic decay of CAR.+shows a strong dependence on the identity of the examined metal ion. For example, whereas NaClO4has a weak effect on the kinetics of CAR.+, Ni(ClO4)2causes a strong retardation of the decay of CAR.+. It is also interesting to note that Mn2+, which is a biologically relevant metal ion, shows the strongest effect of all the investigated metal ions (e.g., in the presence of Mn2+ions, the half‐life (t1/2) of CAN.+(t1/2>90 ms) is more than three orders of magnitude higher than in the absence of the metal ions (t1/2≈16 μs)). Furthermore, the influence of metal‐ion and oxygen concentrations on the kinetics of CAR.+reveals their pronounced effect on the kinetic decay of CAR.+. However, these remarkable effects are greatly diminished if either oxygen or metal ions are removed from the investigated solutions. Therefore, it can be concluded that oxygen and metal ions interact cooperatively to induce the observed substantial effects on the stabilities of CAR.+. These results are the first direct observation of the major role of oxygen in the stabilization of radical cations, and they support the earlier mechanism proposed by Astruc et al. for the role of oxygen in the inhibition of cage reactions. On the basis of these results, the factors that affect the stability of radical cations are discussed and the mechanism that shows the role of oxygen and metal ions in the enhancement of radical‐cation stability is described.
Synthesis and Supramolecular Studies of Chiral Boronated Platinum(II) Complexes: Insights into the Molecular Recognition of Carboranes by β‐Cyclodextrin
Authors: Ching H. Y. Vincent , Clifford Sarah , Bhadbhade Mohan , Clarke Ronald J. , Rendina Louis M.
Published: September 2012

The synthesis and characterisation of a novel isomeric family of closo‐carborane‐containing PtII complexes ((R/S)‐(1–4)⋅2 NO3) are reported. Related complexes (5⋅NO3 and 6⋅NO3) that contain the 7,8‐nido‐carborane cluster were obtained from the selective deboronation of the 1,2‐closo‐carborane analogues. The corresponding water‐soluble supramolecular 1:1 host–guest β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) adducts ((R/S)‐(1–4)⋅β‐CD⋅2 NO3) were also prepared and fully characterised. HR‐ESI‐MS experiments confirmed the presence of the host–guest adducts, and 2D‐1H{11B} ROESY NMR studies showed that the boron clusters enter the β‐CD from the side of the wider annulus. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) experiments revealed enthalpically driven 1:1 and higher‐order supramolecular interactions between β‐CD and (R/S)‐(1–4)⋅2 NO3 in aqueous solution. A comparison of the predominate 1:1 binding mode established that the affinity of β‐CD for the guest molecule is mainly influenced by the pyridyl ring substitution pattern and chirality of the host, whilst the nature of the closo‐carborane isomer also plays some role, with the most favourable structural features for β‐CD binding being the presence of the 4‐pyridyl ring, 1,12‐closo‐carborane, and an S configuration. The results reported here represent the first comprehensive calorimetric study of the supramolecular interactions between closo‐carborane compounds and β‐CD, and it provides fascinating insights into the structural features influencing the thermodynamics of this phenomenon.
Electronic Coupling between Two Amine Redox Sites through the 5,5′‐Positions of Metal‐Chelating 2,2′‐Bipyridines
Authors: Nie Hai‐Jing , Chen Xialing , Yao Chang‐Jiang , Zhong Yu‐Wu , Hutchison Geoffrey R. , Yao Jiannian
Published: September 2012

Electron delocalization of new mixed‐valent (MV) systems with the aid of lateral metal chelation is reported. 2,2′‐Bipyridine (bpy) derivatives with one or two appended di‐p‐anisylamino groups on the 5,5′‐positions and a coordinated [Ru(bpy)2] (bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine), [Re(CO)3Cl], or [Ir(ppy)2] (ppy=2‐phenylpyridine) component were prepared. The single‐crystal molecular structure of the bis‐amine ligand without metal chelation is presented. The electronic properties of these complexes were studied and compared by electrochemical and spectroscopic techniques and DFT/TDDFT calculations. Compounds with two di‐p‐anisylamino groups were oxidized by a chemical or electrochemical method and monitored by near‐infrared (NIR) absorption spectral changes. Marcus–Hush analysis of the resulting intervalence charge‐transfer transitions indicated that electron coupling of these mixed‐valent systems is enhanced by metal chelation and that the iridium complex has the largest coupling. TDDFT calculations were employed to interpret the NIR transitions of these MV systems.
Ruthenium(II/III)‐Based Compounds with Encouraging Antiproliferative Activity against Non‐small‐Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Nagy Eszter M. , Pettenuzzo Andrea , Boscutti Giulia , Marchiò Luciano , Dalla Via Lisa , Fregona Dolores
Published: September 2012

Hereby we present the synthesis of several ruthenium(II) and ruthenium(III) dithiocarbamato complexes. Proceeding from the Na[trans‐RuIII(dmso)2Cl4] (2) andcis‐[RuII(dmso)4Cl2] (3) precursors, the diamagnetic, mixed‐ligand [RuIIL2(dmso)2] complexes4and5, the paramagnetic, neutral [RuIIIL3] monomers6and7, the antiferromagnetically coupled ionic α‐[RuIII2L5]Cl complexes8and9as well as the β‐[RuIII2L5]Cl dinuclear species10and11(L=dimethyl‐ (DMDT) and pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (PDT)) were obtained. All the compounds were fully characterised by elemental analysis as well as1H NMR and FTIR spectroscopy. Moreover, for the first time the crystal structures of the dinuclear β‐[RuIII2(dmdt)5]BF4⋅CHCl3⋅CH3CN and of the novel [RuIIL2(dmso)2] complexes were also determined and discussed. For both the mono‐ and dinuclear RuIIand RuIIIcomplexes the central metal atoms assume a distorted octahedral geometry. Furthermore, in vitro cytotoxicity of the complexes has been evaluated on non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) NCI‐H1975 cells. All the mono‐ and dinuclear RuIIIdithiocarbamato compounds (i.e., complexes6–10) show interesting cytotoxic activity, up to one order of magnitude higher with respect to cisplatin. Otherwise, no significant antiproliferative effect for either the precursors2and3or the RuIIcomplexes4and5has been observed.
Highly Enantioselective Synthesis of 1,2,3‐Substituted Cyclopropanes by Using α‐Iodo‐ and α‐Chloromethylzinc Carbenoids
Authors: Beaulieu Louis‐Philippe B. , Zimmer Lucie E. , Gagnon Alexandre , Charette André B.
Published: September 2012

Herein, we report the enantio‐ and diastereoselective formation of trans‐iodo‐ and trans‐chlorocyclopropanes from α‐iodo‐ and α‐chlorozinc carbenoids by using a dioxaborolane‐derived chiral ligand. The synthetically useful iodocyclopropane building blocks were derivatized by an electrophilic trapping of the corresponding cyclopropyl lithium species or a Negishi coupling to give access to a variety of enantioenriched 1,2,3‐substituted cyclopropanes. The synthetic utility of this method was demonstrated by the formal synthesis of an HIV‐1 protease inhibitor. In addition, the related stereoselective bromocyclopropanation was also investigated. New insights about the relative electrophilicity of haloiodomethylzinc carbenoids are also presented.
Catalyst‐Free Imidation of Allyl Sulfides with Chloramine‐T and Subsequent [2,3]‐Sigmatropic Rearrangement
Authors: Jiang Yubo , Mo Fanyang , Qiu Di , Kuang Chunxiang , Zhang Yan , Wang Jianbo
Published: September 2012

A facile synthesis of various allyl sulfonamides based on imidation of allyl sulfides with chloramine‐T and subsequent [2,3]‐sigmatropic rearrangement has been achieved without metal catalysts. The reaction completes smoothly within 10 min, providing excellent yields in environment friendly solvent of alcohol. Functional groups such as bromine, hydroxyl, protected amido and aldehyde are tolerant under this condition.
Design, Synthesis, and Bioevaluation of Novel Strobilurin Derivatives
Authors: Zhu Xiaolei , Wang Fu , Li Hui , Yang Wenchao , Chen Qiong , Yang Guangfu
Published: September 2012

Strobilurins are one of the most important natural products with fungicidal activities and well known for their novel action mode, broad fungicidal spectrum, lower toxicity against mammalian cells, and environmentally benign characteristics. Design and syntheses of strobilurin analogues therefore have attracted great attention in the field of agrochemistry. Previously, we successfully developed a new molecular design method of pharmacophore‐linked fragment virtual screening (PFVS) and discovered a lead compound (E)‐methyl‐2‐(2‐(((3‐(imino‐(phenyl)methyl)phenyl)thio)methyl)phenyl)‐3‐methoxyacrylate (1). To discover new strobilurin analogues with higher fungicidal activity, the structural modification of compound 1 was carried out guided by bioisosterism. A series of benzophenone derivatives 2a–2j were synthesized, among which compound 2j with a Ki value of 1.89 nmol/L was identified as the most promising inhibitor of porcine cytochrome bc1 complex, 157‐fold improved binding affinity compared to the commercially available bc1 inhibitor Azoxystrobin (AZ). In addition, most of the new compounds displayed excellent fungicidal activity against Sphaerotheca fuliginea at the concentration of 200 µmol/L. The present work indicates that strobilurin analogues containing benzophenone side chains may be the ideal leads for future fungicide discovery.
Highly Efficient Oxidative Cleavage of Carbon‐Carbon Double Bond over meso‐Tetraphenyl Cobalt Porphyrin Catalyst in the Presence of Molecular Oxygen
Authors: Zhou Xiantai , Ji Hongbing
Published: September 2012

Highly efficient and selective carbon‐carbon double bond aerobic cleavage of olefins catalyzed by metalloporphyrins was investigated, and carbonyl compounds and epoxide were produced as the main products. CoTPP (cobalt meso‐tetraphenyl porphyrin) showed excellent activity for the oxidative cleavage of carbon‐carbon double bond by using styrene as model compound, in which the TOF (turnover frequency) and selectivity toward benzaldehyde was obtained with 2×104 h−1 and 86%, respectively.
RAFT Copolymerization of Glycidyl Methacrylate and N,N‐Dimethylaminoethyl Methacrylate
Authors: Cao Jun , Zhang Lifen , Pan Xiangqiang , Cheng Zhenping , Zhu Xiulin
Published: September 2012

In this work, copolymerization of two functional monomers, glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and N,N‐dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA), was firstly carried out via reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization successfully. The copolymerization kinetics was investigated under the molar ratio of n[GMA+DMAEMA]0/n[AIBN]0/n[CPDN]0=300/1/3 at 60°C. The copolymerization showed typical "living" features such as first‐order polymerization kinetics, linear increase of molecular weight with monomer conversion and narrow molecular weight distribution. The reactivity ratios of GMA and DMAEMA were calculated by the extended Kelen‐Tüdös linearization methods. The epoxy group of the copolymer PGMA‐co‐PDMAEMA remained intact under the conditions of RAFT copolymerization and could easily be post‐modified by ethylenediamine. Moreover, the modified copolymer could be used as a gene carrier.
One‐Pot Terpolymerization of CO2, Propylene Oxide and Lactide Using Rare‐earth Ternary Catalyst
Authors: Gu Lin , Qin Yusheng , Gao Yonggang , Wang Xianhong , Wang Fosong
Published: September 2012

A convenient one‐pot terpolymerization of CO2, propylene oxide (PO), and L‐lactide (L‐LA) in short polymerization time (10 h or shorter) to afford poly(propylene carbonate‐lactide) with excellent mechanical property and thermal stability using Y(CCl3COO)3‐ZnEt2‐glycerin rare‐earth ternary catalyst is reported. The yield of the copolymerization was between 69.7 and 111.7 g/(g Zn), corresponding to L‐LA/PO molar feed ratio varying from 0 to 0.1, and the number average molecular weight was between 5.5×104 and 11.9×104. The L‐LA content in the terpolymer increased from 1.1% to 34.7% when L‐LA/PO molar feed ratio changed from 0.01 to 0.1. Introducing L‐LA as the third comonomer could significantly improve the mechanical strength and thermal stability of PPC. For the terpolymer obtained from L‐LA/PO molar feed ratio of 1:50, the elongation at break reached 40.5%, which is 3 times of that of pure PPC, and the thermal decomposition temperature increased by 32°C compared with pure PPC.
Enhancement of Alkene Epoxidation Activity of Titanosilicates by Gas‐Phase Ammonia Modification
Authors: Zhang Liyan , Xu Le , Sun Jingjing , Jiang Jingang , Liu Yueming , Wu Haihong , Wu Peng
Published: September 2012

Novel ammonia‐treated titanosilicates have been prepared by heating the samples of Ti‐MWW, TS‐1 and Ti‐Beta under pure ammonia gas flow at 673 K for a period of time. The ammonia modification improved their catalytic performance in liquid‐phase oxidations. Especially, the catalytic activities of ammonified Ti‐MWW, N‐Ti‐MWW, were enhanced greatly in the epoxidation of 1‐hexene with H2O2. The reason that the ammonia treatment played such an important role in post‐modification of titanosilicate was investigated in details. In comparison to the parent Ti‐MWW catalyst, N‐Ti‐MMW was more robust and produced less coke in oxidation reactions.
Facile Synthesis of Chiral Diphosphine‐Containing Multiple Dendrimeric Catalysts for Enantioselective Hydrogenation
Authors: Zhao Liwen , Liu Ji , Feng Yu , He Yanmei , Fan Qinghua
Published: September 2012

A new kind of chiral diphosphine PyrPhos‐functionalized codendrimers have been synthesized via a liquid‐phase strategy in high yields. The resulting dendrimeric PyrPhos ligands were purified by a simple solvent precipitation without the need for chromatographic separation, and well characterized by 1H, 13C and 31P NMR, MALDI‐TOF mass spectroscopy as well as elemental analysis. Their rhodium complexes were applied to the asymmetric hydrogenation of α‐acetamido cinnamic acids. Excellent enantioselectivities were achieved, which are comparable to those with the corresponding small molecular catalysts. In addition, these codendrimeric catalysts showed better catalytic performance than the dendrimeric catalysts with Rh(PyrPhos) sites located in the focal point of poly(aryl ether) dendrons or in the periphery of poly(propyleneimine) dendrimers.