bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Facile Synthesis of Crystalline SnO2 Nanowires on Various Current Collector Substrates
Authors: Zhong Yu , Zhang Yong , Li Ruying , Cai Mei , Sun Xueliang
Published: September 2012

Crystalline SnO2 nanowires with smooth surface and uniform diameter were readily produced via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method on various current collectors including carbon paper, stainless steel and copper. The growth followed a vapor‐liquid‐solid (VLS) mechanism employing a gold thin film as the catalyst. Morphology, composition and structure of the SnO2 nanowires on different collectors were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Morphology results demonstrated that the growth of SnO2 nanowires only occurred in a narrow temperature range, while the structure and composition information unveiled the correlation between the quality of the nanowires and the employed substrates. The unique architecture of SnO2 nanowires directly growing on current collectors are expected to act as building blocks in producing various types of nanodevices, especially as anode materials for Li‐ion batteries.
Preparation of Poly(sodium‐4‐styrene sulfonate) Functionalized Graphene/Manganese Dioxide Composites for Supercapacitor Application with Superior Cycling Stability
Authors: Li Zhangpeng , Wang Jinqing , Wang Zhaofeng , Niu Lengyuan , Sun Jinfeng , Yang Shengrong
Published: September 2012

A series of poly(sodium‐4‐styrene sulfonate) functionalized graphene/manganese dioxide (PSS‐GS/MnO2) composites as electrode materials for supercapacitors are prepared via a simple and facile route. The morphology and microstructure of the as‐prepared samples are characterized by field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Raman microscope and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The electrochemical performances of the as‐prepared composites are evaluated by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge/discharge experiments and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in 1 M Na2SO4 electrolyte, demonstrating that the resulting composite materials exhibit excellent gravimetric capacitance and long cycle life. Moreover, the relationship of the specific surface areas and electrochemical performance is investigated and discussed. The results demonstrate that the specific capacitance increases with the increase of the specific surface area and the specific capacitance of PSS‐GS/MnO2‐2 with the highest specific surface area can reach 223 F g−1 at the current density of 0.1 A g−1. The enhanced specific capacitance can be attributed to the higher specific surface area and uniform pore size distribution, which enable effective electrolyte transport and active site accessibility.
Introduction: Clinicians Respond to Their Clients’ Technology
Authors: Rosegrant John
Published: September 2012

The contributors to this special issue of The Journal of Clinical Psychology: In Session have given us a wide range of ideas about technology use among children and adolescents, illustrated with rich clinical material. Of the many interesting issues they raise, I briefly discuss four that are particularly salient: the interaction of technology with personality and development; the concept of Internet addiction; the importance of adult guidance and limit setting; and technology and clinical creativity. Taken as a whole, these papers suggest that while technology can certainly contribute to and help create pathology, it can also contribute to growth, and that in either case technology interacts with fundamental human needs and developmental processes.
Assessment of teamwork during structured interdisciplinary rounds on medical units
Authors: O'Leary Kevin J. , Boudreau Yvonne N. , Creden Amanda J. , Slade Maureen E. , Williams Mark V.
Published: September 2012

BACKGROUND:

Interdisciplinary rounds (IDR) provide a means to assemble hospital team members and improve collaboration. Little is known about teamwork during IDR.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate and characterize teamwork during IDR.

DESIGN:

Cross‐sectional observational study.

SETTING:

Six medical units which had implemented structured interdisciplinary rounds (SIDR).

MEASUREMENTS:

We adapted the Observational Teamwork Assessment for Surgery (OTAS) tool, a behaviorally anchored rating scale shown to be reliable and valid in surgical settings. OTAS provides scores ranging from 0 to 6 (0 = problematic behavior; 6 = exemplary behavior) across 5 domains (communication, coordination, cooperation/backup behavior, leadership, and monitoring/situational awareness) and for prespecified subteams. Two researchers conducted direct observations using the adapted OTAS tool.

RESULTS:

We conducted 7–8 independent observations for each unit (total = 44) and 20 joint observations. Inter‐rater reliability was excellent at the unit level (Spearman's rho = 0.75), and good across domains (rho = 0.53–0.68) and subteams (rho = 0.53–0.76) with the exception of the physician subteam, for which it was poor (rho = 0.35). Though teamwork scores were generally high, we found differences across units, with a median (interquartile range [IQR]) 4.5 (3.9–4.9) for the lowest and 5.4 (5.3–5.5) for the highest performing unit (P < 0.01). Domain scores differed, with leadership receiving the lowest (median [IQR] = 5.0 [4.6–5.3]), and cooperation/backup behavior and monitoring/situational awareness receiving highest scores (median [IQR] = 5.4 [5.0–5.5] and 5.4 [5.0–5.7]). Differences across subteams were of borderline significance (P = 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS:

The adapted OTAS instrument demonstrated acceptable reliability for assessing teamwork during SIDR across units, domains, and most subteams. Variation in performance suggests a need to improve consistency of teamwork and emphasizes the importance of leadership. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2012. © 2012 Society of Hospital Medicine
Collaborative development of teaching scripts: An efficient faculty development approach for a busy clinical teaching unit
Authors: Lang Valerie J. , O'Connor Alec B. , Blatt Amy , Gracey Catherine
Published: September 2012

BACKGROUND:

Exemplary teachers have been shown to use teaching scripts, ways of organizing the content and instructional approach for commonly encountered teachable moments. This study describes a busy hospitalist unit's early experience with the collaborative development of teaching scripts.

METHODS:

In 2010, during monthly workshops, 10 faculty members each prepared and presented a teaching script for a different commonly encountered diagnosis. Open‐ended surveys assessing the impact on faculty were analyzed using an iterative approach. Changes in faculty self‐efficacy, and the frequency and applicability of teaching were measured.

RESULTS:

The program required 10 hours of attendance time and a mean of 4.3 hours for each faculty member who prepared a teaching script. No significant differences in quantity or applicability of teaching were detected, but faculty self‐efficacy improved significantly. In addition, faculty described beneficial effects in their individual professional development, development of a shared mental model of professional responsibility, and interpersonal relationships. A majority of comments were positive; negative comments focused on the time required to prepare scripts, and apprehension about presenting to peers.

CONCLUSIONS:

The program was an efficient approach to improve self‐rated teaching skills, enhance professional development, and build collegiality among clinician‐teachers. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2012; © 2012 Society of Hospital Medicine
Rapid and facile detection of four date rape drugs in different beverages utilizing proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTR‐MS)
Authors: Jürschik Simone , Agarwal Bishu , Kassebacher Thomas , Sulzer Philipp , Mayhew Christopher A. , Märk Tilmann D.
Published: September 2012

In this work, we illustrate the application of proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTR‐MS) in the field of food and drink safety. We present proof‐of‐principle measurements of four different drinks (water, tea, red wine and white wine) each spiked separately with four different date rape drugs (chloral hydrate, tricholorethanol, γ‐butyrolactone and butanediol). At first, the ideal PTR‐MS operating conditions (reduced electric field strength and monitoring the most abundant [fragment] ion) for detection of the drugs were determined utilizing a time‐of‐flight‐based PTR‐MS instrument. We then dissolved small quantities of the drugs (below the activation threshold for effects on humans) into the various types of drinks and detected them using a quadrupole‐based PTR‐MS instrument via two different sampling methods: (1) dynamic headspace sampling and (2) direct liquid injection. Both methods have their advantages and drawbacks. Only with dynamic headspace sampling can rape drug contaminations be detected within a timeframe of seconds, and therefore, this method is the most promising use of PTR‐MS as a fast, sensitive and selective monitor for the detection of food and drink contamination. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analytical investigations about the presence of prednisolone in cow urine
Authors: Dusi Guglielmo , Vago Giorgio , Ghidelli Valentina , Pellegrino Roberto M. , Galarini Roberta
Published: September 2012

Since 2008, the analyses carried out in the Lombardia region as part of National Residue Control Plans have evidenced unexpected frequent detection of the corticosteroid prednisolone (PRED) in cow urine samples taken to the slaughterhouse. Considering the scarce plausibility of these high frequent findings, analytical investigations were started to ascertain the real presence of this corticosteroid. The applied confirmatory method involved liquid‐chromatography low‐resolution tandem mass spectrometry (triple quadrupole) as instrumental technique, and it was validated in compliance with the requirements of the Commission Decision 2002/657/EC. However, recently some criticism regarding Commission Decision 2002/657/EC identification criteria has been pointed out, experimentally demonstrating false positive results (wrong identification) although these criteria have been strictly observed. Therefore, considering the serious implications (i.e. the possibility that PRED could be considered endogenous in particular animal conditions), studies were carried out to investigate the reliability of PRED identification through the change of the chromatographic conditions (mobile phases, gradient and analytical column) of the confirmatory procedure routinely applied. Further confirmation came from the application of high‐resolution mass spectrometry technique (MS2 and MS3 experiments) to analyze incurred cow urines samples. All the obtained results confirmed definitively the real presence of this corticosteroid excluding false‐positive findings in routine analysis. In addition, other experiments demonstrated that high‐resolution mass spectrometers (Time of Flight and Orbitrap technologies) could be successfully applied to routine determination of steroid residues in biological fluids at very low concentrations (< 1 µg L−1). Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Removal of 2,4,5‐trichlorophenol by bacterial isolates from the secondary sludge of pulp and paper mill
Authors: Karn Santosh Kr. , Reddy M. Sudhakara
Published: September 2012

2,4,5‐trichlorophenol (2,4,5‐TCP) mineralizing bacteria were isolated from the secondary sludge of pulp and paper industry. These isolates used 2,4,5‐TCP as a source of carbon and energy and were capable of degrading this compound, as indicated by stoichimetric release of chloride and biomass formation. Based on 16S rRNA sequence analysis, these bacteria were identified as Kocuria sp. (CL2), Bacillus pumillus (CL5), Pseudomonas stutzeri (CL7). HPLC analysis revealed that these isolates were able to degrade 2,4,5‐TCP at higher concentrations (600 mg/l or 3.0 mM). A consortia of these isolates completely removed 2,4,5‐TCP from the sludge obtained from pulp and paper mill within 2 weeks when supplemented at a rate of 100 mg l−1. Bacterial consortium also significantly reduced absorbable organic halogen (AOX) and extractable organic halogen (EOX) by 61% and 63%, respectively from the sludge. These isolates have high potential to remove 2,4,5‐TCP and may be used for remediation of pulp paper mill waste containing 2,4,5‐TCP.
Inactivation or clearance of Coxiella burnetii in rat serum samples to enable safe serological testing
Authors: Opsteegh Marieke , de Heer Lianne , van den Berg Harold , van der Giessen Joke
Published: September 2012

To allow processing of serum samples from animals experimentally infected with Coxiella burnetii outside the BSL‐3 facility, an inactivation or clearance protocol that does not hamper serological testing may be required. The effects of filtration (0.1 µm pore size), heating at 56 °C for 30 min, addition of NaN3 (0.09% w/v), and combinations thereof on the presence of viable C. burnetii as well as OD‐values in ELISA were tested. Only filtration was shown to effectively clear all culturable C. burnetii.
Suppression subtractive hybridization and comparative expression analysis to identify developmentally regulated genes in filamentous fungi
Authors: Gesing Stefan , Schindler Daniel , Nowrousian Minou
Published: September 2012

Ascomycetes differentiate four major morphological types of fruiting bodies (apothecia, perithecia, pseudothecia and cleistothecia) that are derived from an ancestral fruiting body. Thus, fruiting body differentiation is most likely controlled by a set of common core genes. One way to identify such genes is to search for genes with evolutionary conserved expression patterns. Using suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH), we selected differentially expressed transcripts in Pyronema confluens (Pezizales) by comparing two cDNA libraries specific for sexual and for vegetative development, respectively. The expression patterns of selected genes from both libraries were verified by quantitative real time PCR. Expression of several corresponding homologous genes was found to be conserved in two members of the Sordariales (Sordaria macrospora and Neurospora crassa), a derived group of ascomycetes that is only distantly related to the Pezizales. Knockout studies with N. crassa orthologues of differentially regulated genes revealed a functional role during fruiting body development for the gene NCU05079, encoding a putative MFS peptide transporter. These data indicate conserved gene expression patterns and a functional role of the corresponding genes during fruiting body development; such genes are candidates of choice for further functional analysis.
Simulating effects of climate scenarios on hydrological processes in southern Brazil using a lysimeter
Authors: Pinheiro Adilson , Graciano Regina L. G. , Kaufmann Vander
Published: September 2012

The purpose of this article is to simulate how future climate scenarios will affect evapotranspiration, surface runoff and drainage in an agricultural area. The area's behaviour is represented by a lysimeter consisting of an undisturbed soil core with volume 1 m3, sited in the basin of the Concordia River near the town of Lontras in the southern Brazilian State of Santa Catarina. The simulation used the SWAP (Soil‐Water‐Atmosphere‐Plant) model, calibrated and verified with data on rainfall, temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and direction, radiation and soil water content over a 34‐month period. Hydrological processes characterizing the basin soils were determined from present climate as baseline, and from series generated for maximum and minimum scenarios of carbon emissions (scenarios A2 and B2, respectively). Simulations were made for conditions of bare soil and for maize cultivation. Results showed that for these two conditions A2 and B2 give annual mean rainfall depths, evapotranspiration and interception of the same order of magnitude as in the baseline period. Depths of surface runoff were greater than baseline for both scenarios and for both cultivation conditions. For bare soil, the increases were about 118 and 268% for B2 and A2, respectively. These differences were generated from frequency distributions of maximum daily rainfalls in scenarios A2 and B2 that were greater than those for baseline. However, drainage flow was lower for the two soil conditions, and for the two scenarios A2 and B2, relative to baseline conditions.
The on‐site/remote Raman analysis with mobile instruments: a review of drawbacks and success in cultural heritage studies and other associated fields
Authors: Colomban Philippe
Published: September 2012

The miniaturisation of laser sources, charge‐coupled device electronic control boxes and increasing Lap‐top computer capacity led to a revolution in Raman spectrometry: Measurements can be made outside the laboratory with transportable, mobile and ultramobile instruments, even in severe conditions (e.g. rock shelter in mountains). However, many specific difficulties must be previously solved: The variety of mobile laser sources remains limited to red and green excitations, the positioning/focusing and protection against solar/bulb lighting are difficult and, more importantly, the spectral resolution and spectral window are limited. Nevertheless, the definition of good procedures and the use of advanced optics allow the on‐site analysis of various cultural heritage materials: pigments of pastels, miniatures, drawings, glasses, enamels and glazes, rock art, crystalline and amorphous phases of pottery, enamelled glass artefacts or stained glasses, bronze and brass patinas, etc. Simultaneously, mobile instruments equipped with a telescope and pulsed Yttrium Aluminum Garnet laser are being implemented for planetary mission (Mars). The present state of the art and future development are discussed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Expression of MicroRNA machinery proteins in different types of chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Zhang Ya‐Na , Cao Ping‐Ping , Zhang Xin‐Hao , Lu Xiang , Liu Zheng
Published: September 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) has recently been shown in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), the biogenesis and function of which are modulated by miRNA machinery proteins. The expression of these proteins in inflammatory airway diseases is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of miRNA machinery components in CRS.

Study Design:

Case–control experimental study.

Methods:

The mRNA expression levels of miRNA machinery components including Drosha, Dicer, protein activator of the interferon‐induced protein kinase (PACT), human immunodeficiency virus transactivating response RNA‐binding protein, fragile X mental retardation protein, and argonaute 2/eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2C, 2 in nasal biopsies from control, CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP), eosinophilic, and noneosinophilic CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) subjects were determined by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistochemical staining was employed to examine the protein expression of PACT and the cellular source of PACT.

Results:

Among the tested components, only PACT mRNA expression was found to be altered in CRS, the levels of which were upregulated in CRSwNP as compared with control. In comparison with control and CRSsNP, PACT protein expression was also significantly upregulated in CRSwNP, with a further increase in eosinophilic CRSwNP. PACT was mainly expressed in CD138+ plasma cells. A higher percentage of PACT‐positive plasma cells in total plasma cells was detected in eosinophilic CRSwNP than in noneosinophilic CRSwNP. PACT protein expression correlated with disease severity and eosinophil infiltration.

Conclusions:

PACT may be associated with the plasma cell function and eosinophilic inflammation in CRSwNP. However, further experimentation is needed to clarify the functions of PACT.
Surface Engineering of Poly(ethylene terephthalate) for Durable Hemocompatibility via a Surface Interpenetrating Network Technique
Authors: Li Jiang , Lin Francis , Li Lingdong , Li Jing , Liu Song
Published: September 2012

Heparin was covalently bonded on chemically inert PET substrate using a surface modification technique–surface interpenetrating network with the purpose of fabricating long‐lasting biocompatible materials as vascular grafts. FTIR and XPS spectra confirmed the successful heparinization of PET (PET‐Hep). The density of surface‐immobilized heparin as quantified by a colorimetric method could reach 2.4 μg cm−2 (in the reported optimal range: 1.5–3.0 μg cm−2). The hemocompatibility of the heparin‐immobilized PET was improved as evidenced by a platelet adhesion test: significantly less platelet adhesion on PET‐Hep (11.60%) than on untreated PET (48.91%). An MTT assay indicated PET‐Hep was nontoxic to human dermal fibroblast cells. After an initial 5.24% loss of heparin from PET‐Hep in the first 14 h immersion in PBS buffer solution, no further leaching of heparin was found.
On dual spaces of anisotropic Hardy spaces
Authors: Dekel Shai , Weissblat Tal
Published: September 2012

In this paper we generalize the analysis of the Campanato‐type dual spaces 1, 3, for the highly anisotropic Hardy spaces on \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$\mathbb {R}^n$\end{document} introduced in 10. These Hardy spaces are constructed over multi‐level ellipsoid covers of \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$\mathbb {R}^n$\end{document}, where the ellipsoids can change shape rapidly from point to point and from level to level.
Polymers with Upper Critical Solution Temperature in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Seuring Jan , Agarwal Seema
Published: September 2012

This review focuses on polymers with upper critical solution temperature (UCST) in water or electrolyte solution and provides a detailed survey of the yet few existing examples. A guide for synthetic chemists for the design of novel UCST polymers is presented and possible handles to tune the phase transition temperature, sharpness of transition, hysteresis, and effectiveness of phase separation are discussed. This review tries to answer the question why polymers with UCST remained largely underrepresented in academic as well as applied research and what requirements have to be fulfilled to make these polymers suitable for the development of smart materials with a positive thermoresponse.
QSAR Modelling of CYP3A4 Inhibition as a Screening Tool in the Context of DrugDrug Interaction Studies
Authors: Hamon Véronique , Horvath Dragos , Gaudin Cédric , Desrivot Julie , Junges Céline , Arrault Alban , Bertrand Marc , Vayer Philippe
Published: September 2012

Drugdrug interaction potential (DDI), especially cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 inhibition potential, is one of the most important parameters to be optimized before preclinical and clinical pharmaceutical development as regard to the number of marketed drug metabolized mainly by this CYP and potentially co‐administered with the future drug. The present study aims to develop in silico models for CYP3A4 inhibition prediction to help medicinal chemists during the discovery phase and even before the synthesis of new chemical entities (NCEs), focusing on NCEs devoid of any inhibitory potential toward this CYP. In order to find a relevant relationship between CYP3A4 inhibition and chemical features of the screened compounds, we applied a genetic‐algorithm‐based QSAR exploratory tool SQS (Stochastic QSAR Sampler) in combination with different description approaches comprising alignment‐independent Volsurf descriptors, ISIDA fragments and Topological Fuzzy Pharmacophore Triplets. The experimental data used to build models were extracted from an in‐house database. We derived a model with good prediction ability that was confirmed on both newly synthesized compound and public dataset retrieved from Pubchem database. This model is a promising efficient tool for filtering out potentially problematic compounds.
Construction and Consensus Performance of (Q)SAR Models for Predicting Phospholipidosis Using a Dataset of 743 Compounds
Authors: Orogo Amabel M. , Choi Sydney S. , Minnier Barbara L. , Kruhlak Naomi L.
Published: September 2012

Drug‐induced phospholipidosis (PLD) continues to be a safety concern for pharmaceutical companies and regulatory agencies, prompting the FDA/CDER Phospholipidosis Working Group to develop a database of PLD findings that was recently expanded to contain a total of 743 compounds (385 positive and 358 negative). Three commercial (quantitative) structure‐activity relationship [(Q)SAR)] software platforms [MC4PC, Leadscope Predictive Data Miner (LPDM), and Derek for Windows (DfW)] were used to build and/or test models with the database and evaluated individually and together for their ability to predict PLD induction. Models constructed with MC4PC showed improved sensitivity over previous models constructed with an earlier version of the database and software (61.2 % vs. 50.0 %), but lower specificity in cross‐validation experiments (58.2 % vs. 91.9 %) due in part to the more balanced ratio of positives to negatives in the training set. A new model created with LPDM gave good cross‐validation statistics (79.0 % sensitivity, 78.0 % specificity) and the single DfW structural alert for PLD was found to have high positive predictivity (83.3 %) but low sensitivity (10.4 %) when tested with the entire PLD database. Combining the predictions of MC4PC, LPDM and/or DfW resulted in increased sensitivity and coverage over using one software platform alone, although it did not enhance the overall prediction accuracy beyond that of the best performing individual software platform. The comparison across software platforms, however, facilitated the identification and analysis of chemicals that were consistently predicted incorrectly by all platforms. The prevalence of cationic amphiphilic drug (CAD) structural motifs in the database contributed heavily to many of the structural alerts and discriminating features in the models, but the subset of incorrectly predicted structures across all models underscores the need to account for mitigating features and/or additional filtering criteria to assess PLD, in particular for PLD‐inducing non‐CADs and non‐PLD‐inducing CADs. (Q)SAR tools may be used as part of an early screening battery or regulatory risk assessment approach to identify those compounds with the greatest chance of inducing PLD and potentially toxicity.
Gene‐diet‐interactions in folate‐mediated one‐carbon metabolism modify colon cancer risk
Authors: Liu Amy Y. , Scherer Dominique , Poole Elizabeth , Potter John D. , Curtin Karen , Makar Karen , Slattery Martha L. , Caan Bette J. , Ulrich Cornelia M.
Published: September 2012

Scope

The importance of folate‐mediated one‐carbon metabolism (FOCM) in colorectal carcinogenesis is emphasized by observations that high dietary folate intake is associated with decreased risk of colon cancer (CC) and its precursors. Additionally, polymorphisms in FOCM‐related genes have been repeatedly associated with risk, supporting a causal relationship between folate and colorectal carcinogenesis.

Methods and results

We investigated ten candidate polymorphisms with defined or probable functional impact in eight FOCM‐related genes (SHMT1, DHFR, DNMT1, MTHFD1, MTHFR, MTRR, TCN2, and TDG) in 1609 CC cases and 1974 controls for association with CC risk and for interaction with dietary factors. No polymorphism was statistically significantly associated with overall risk of CC. However, statistically significant interactions modifying CC risk were observed for DNMT1 I311V with dietary folate, methionine, vitamin B2, and vitamin B12 intake and for MTRR I22M with dietary folate, a predefined one‐carbon dietary pattern, and vitamin B6 intake. We observed statistically significant gene‐diet interactions with five additional polymorphisms.

Conclusion

Our results provide evidence that FOCM‐related dietary intakes modify the association between CC risk and FOCM allelic variants. These findings add to observations showing that folate‐related gene‐nutrient interactions play an important role in modifying the risk of CC.
Bilberries reduce low‐grade inflammation in individuals with features of metabolic syndrome
Authors: Kolehmainen Marjukka , Mykkänen Otto , Kirjavainen Pirkka V. , Leppänen Tiina , Moilanen Eeva , Adriaens Michiel , Laaksonen David E. , Hallikainen Maarit , Puupponen‐Pimiä Riitta , Pulkkinen Leena , Mykkänen Hannu , Gylling Helena , Poutanen Kaisa , Törrönen Riitta
Published: September 2012

Scope

Low‐grade inflammation is a hallmark of cardiometabolic risk. Bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus) are rich in polyphenols with potential anti‐inflammatory properties. We studied the impact of bilberries on inflammation and gene expression profile in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in subjects with metabolic syndrome.

Methods and results

In randomized, controlled dietary intervention, the participants consumed either a diet rich in bilberries (n = 15) or a control diet (n = 12). The bilberry group consumed daily an equivalent dose of 400 g fresh bilberries, while the control group maintained their habitual diet. No differences were found between the groups in body weight, glucose, or lipid metabolism, but bilberry supplementation tended to decrease serum high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, IL‐6, IL‐12, and LPS concentrations. An inflammation score was significantly different between the groups (p = 0.024). In transcriptomics analyses (three participants with improved oral glucose tolerance test in the bilberry group), Toll‐like receptor signaling, cytoplasmic ribosomal proteins, and B‐cell receptor signaling pathways were differently regulated. QPCR analyses (n = 13 and 11 in the bilberry and control groups, respectively) showed decreased expression of MMD and CCR2 transcripts associated with monocyte and macrophage function associated genes.

Conclusion

Regular bilberry consumption may reduce low‐grade inflammation indicating decreased cardiometabolic risk in the long term.
Specificity of IgE antibodies from patients allergic to goat's milk and tolerant to cow's milk determined with plasmin‐derived peptides of bovine and caprine β‐caseins
Authors: Bernard Hervé , Ah‐Leung Sandrine , Tilleul Sylvain , Drumare Marie‐Françoise , Paty Evelyne , Bidat Etienne , Wal Jean‐Michel , Hazebrouck Stéphane
Published: September 2012

Scope

Despite a sequence homology of 90% between bovine and caprine β‐caseins (CN), IgE antibodies from patients allergic to goat's milk (GM), but tolerant to cow's milk (CM), recognize caprine β‐CN without cross‐reacting with bovine β‐CN. We investigated this lack of cross‐reactivity by evaluating the IgE‐reactivity toward peptides isolated from plasmin hydolysates of bovine and caprine β‐CN.

Methods and results

The IgE‐binding capacity of plasmin‐derived peptides was evaluated with sera from 10 CM‐allergic patients and 12 GM‐allergic/CM‐tolerant patients. In CM‐allergic patients, IgE reactivity of caprine fragments (f29‐107) and (f108‐207), but not (f1‐28), was similar to that of the bovine counterparts. In contrast, all bovine fragments were poorly recognized by IgE antibodies from GM‐allergic/CM‐tolerant patients. The peptide (f29‐107) was generally the most immunoreactive fragment of caprine β‐CN. By using synthetic peptides, the immunodominant IgE‐binding epitope recognized by most GM‐allergic/CM‐tolerant patients was located in the caprine domain 49–79.

Conclusion

The restricted specificity of the IgE response toward the caprine β‐CN in GM‐allergic/CM‐tolerant patients is mainly directed against the domain 49–79, which differs from its bovine counterpart by only three amino acid substitutions.
1H and 13C NMR spectral assignments of novel chromenylchalcones
Authors: Yoon Hyuk , Ahn Seunghyun , Hwang Doseok , Jo Geunhyeong , Kim Dong Woon , Kim Sang Ho , Koh Dongsoo , Lim Yoongho
Published: September 2012

Several types of chalcones containing 2H‐chromen group were synthesized. Claisen–Schmidt condensation of 2H‐chromen‐3‐carbaldehydes (I) with methoxy substituted acetophenones afforded (E)‐3‐(2H‐chromen‐3‐yl)‐1‐(methoxyphenyl)prop‐2‐en‐1‐ones (chromenylchalcones, 1–7). Other types of chromenylchalcone, (E)‐1‐(6‐methoxy‐2H‐chromen‐3‐yl)‐3‐(methoxyphenyl)prop‐2‐en‐1‐ones (8–13) were also obtained between reaction of methoxy substituted benzaldehydes and 1‐(6‐methoxy‐2H‐chromen‐3‐yl)ethanone (II). Dichromenylchalcones (14–16) were also synthesized through the same reaction between aldehydes (I) and ketone (II). Their complete 1H‐NMR and 13C‐NMR assignments are reported here and more polysubstituted chromenylchalcones synthesized or isolated from the natural sources in the future can be identified on the basis of the NMR data reported here. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐precision calibration of MRS thermometry using validated temperature standards: effects of ionic strength and protein content on the calibration
Authors: Vescovo E. , Levick A. , Childs C. , Machin G. , Zhao S. , Williams S. R.
Published: September 2012

Currently, there is very limited ability to measure the temperature of the brain, but a direct technique for its estimation in vivo could improve the detection of patients at risk of temperature‐related brain damage, help in the diagnosis of stroke and tumour, and provide useful information on the mechanisms of thermoregulation of the brain. In this article, new calibrations in vitro of MRS thermometry using temperature‐stabilised reference phantoms are reported. The phantoms comprise two concentric glass spheres: the inner sphere contains the phantom material to be measured by MRS, and the outer sphere contains a substance with a known temperature stable to within 0.2 °C. The substances were freezing organic fixed‐point compounds (diphenyl ether and ethylene carbonate, freezing at 26.3 and 35.8 °C, respectively) or temperature‐controlled circulating water. The phantom temperature was continuously monitored with a fluoroptic probe calibrated at the National Physical Laboratory with traceability to the International Temperature Scale 1990 (ITS‐90). The MRS temperature calibration was obtained by measuring the chemical shift of water relative to N‐acetylaspartate (NAA) in a single voxel as a function of temperature using a 1.5‐T Philips Intera scanner. Measurements were made for several phantom materials to assess the effect of tissue composition on the water–NAA chemical shift against temperature calibration. The phantom mixtures contained 25 mm of NAA buffered to pH 6.5 or 7.5 and several ionic salts or bovine serum albumin (BSA). Spectra were acquired from 25 to 45 °C. The correlation between frequency differences and phantom temperature was very linear with small residuals. However, the linear fitting parameters varied with ionic composition and BSA concentration. The ‘apparent’ temperature (calibrated using the water–NAA frequency differences) decreased by approximately 1 °C for every 100 mm increase in ionic concentration and increased proportionally to the concentration of BSA. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
OCVD polymerization of PEDOT: effect of pre‐treatment steps on PEDOT‐coated conductive fibers and a morphological study of PEDOT distribution on textile yarns
Authors: Bashir Tariq , Ali Majid , Cho Sung‐Woo , Persson Nils‐Krister , Skrifvars Mikael
Published: September 2012

The functionalization of textile fibers with intrinsically conductive polymers has become a prominent research area throughout the world. A number of coating techniques have already been utilized and optimized to get the uniform layers of conductive polymers on the surface of different substrates. In our previous study, we produced poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT)‐coated conductive fibers by employing oxidative chemical vapor deposition (oCVD) technique. This paper describes the effects of pre‐treatment steps, such as surface treatment of textile fibers with organic solvents, drying of oxidant‐enriched fibers at variable temperatures and time, and oxidant type on the electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties of PEDOT‐coated conductive fibers. Two well‐known oxidants, ferric(III)chloride and ferric(III)p‐toluenesulfonate (FepTS), were studied, and then their results were compared. In order to verify the PEDOT‐coated layer and, to some extent, its impregnation inside the viscose yarns, a morphological study was carried out by using the attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic imaging technique and computed tomography scanning across the obtained conductive fibers. Differential scanning calorimetric and thermogravimetric analysis were utilized to investigate the thermal properties and the contents of PEDOT in PEDOT‐coated fibers. The mechanical properties of conductive fibers were evaluated by tensile strength testing of produced fibers. Effects of all of these pre‐treatment steps on electrical properties were analyzed with Kiethly picoammeter. This study cannot only be exploited to improve the properties of conductive fibers but also to optimize the oCVD process for the production of conductive textile fibers by coating with different conjugated polymers. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical, histologic, and genetic features of mesothelioma in a 7‐Year‐old child
Authors: Sugalski Aaron , Davis Mary , Prasannan Latha , Saldivar Victor , Hung Jaclyn Y. , Tomlinson Gail E.
Published: September 2012

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a highly aggressive malignancy that is extremely rare in children. This case report documents a 7‐year‐old male without previous asbestos exposure with peritoneal MM that initially responded to chemotherapy with cisplatin and gemcitabine but ultimately metastasized to his chest. He was diagnosed with MM based on histology, extensive immunohistochemical analyses, and an elevated serum CA‐125 level. Cytogenetics and comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) analysis of his tumor identified a single extra copy number of chromosome 11 with few other changes noted. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 146–148. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Surveillance following head, neck, and chest radiotherapy: Thyroid ultrasound monitoring for secondary thyroid malignancy
Authors: Kelly Caitlin , Rivard Linda , Salvi Sharad , Hayani Ammar , Hopkins William , O'Brien Sarah , Martin Laura , Canner Jason
Published: September 2012

Children who receive head, neck, or chest radiotherapy for various primary malignancies have increased risk for secondary thyroid malignancy. Thyroid nodules are difficult to identify by physical examination and/or laboratory tests. Thyroid ultrasound can detect non‐palpable nodules without adverse side effects. We performed a retrospective chart review of 36 patients who received radiotherapy and underwent thyroid ultrasound. Forty‐seven percent (n = 17) had ≥1 nodule(s) detected. Seven patients underwent thyroidectomy; four of whom were diagnosed with thyroid malignancy. Our study suggests routine use of thyroid ultrasound in high‐risk patients detects subclinical thyroid nodules and potential thyroid malignancy post‐radiotherapy. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 140–142. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
BIRC5 expression is a poor prognostic marker in Ewing sarcoma
Authors: Hingorani Pooja , Dickman Paul , Garcia‐Filion Pamela , White‐Collins Andrea , Kolb Edward A. , Azorsa David O.
Published: September 2012

Background

BIRC5 (Survivin), an inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP), is over‐expressed in several human cancers and increased expression is associated with poor prognosis. The goal of the current study was to evaluate the role of BIRC5 in Ewing sarcoma (ES), the second most common pediatric bone sarcoma.

Procedure

BIRC5 protein expression was determined in ES cell lines using Western Blot analysis. Functional role of survivin on growth and viability of ES cells was assessed by siRNA knockdown of BIRC5 and by using a small molecule inhibitor YM155. Immunohistochemical analysis for BIRC5 protein was performed on patient tumor samples using an anti‐survivin antibody. The degree of BIRC5 protein expression was correlated with clinical parameters and patient outcome.

Results

BIRC5 is over‐expressed in a panel of ES cell lines. Gene silencing of BIRC5 in the ES cell line TC‐71 decreases cell growth by more than 50% for each BIRC5 siRNA construct compared to non‐silencing siRNA control constructs. YM155 also reduces ES cell growth and viability with an EC50 ranging from 2.8 to 6.2 nM. BIRC5 protein is expressed in majority of the ES tumor samples with minimal expression in normal tissue (P < 0.005). Tumors with more than 50% expression are associated with worse overall survival than tumors with less than 50% expression (Hazard Ratio: 6.05; CI: 1.7–21.4; P = 0.04).

Conclusion

BIRC5 is over‐expressed in ES cell lines and tumor samples. Further, it plays an important role in cell growth and viability in vitro. Higher degree of expression in patients is an independent poor prognostic factor. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 35–40. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effect of the contents of exomphalos and nuchal translucency at 11–14 weeks on the likelihood of associated chromosomal abnormality
Authors: Iacovella C. , Contro E. , Ghi T. , Pilu G. , Papageorghiou A. , Thilaganathan B. , Bhide A.
Published: September 2012

Objectives

Previous publications suggest that exomphalos containing the liver as less likely to be associated with aneuploidy. The objective of the study was to explore the influence of exomphalos contents and nuchal translucency (NT) on the likelihood of aneuploidy.

Methods

A retrospective search was conducted to identify all cases of exomphalos from the databases of two fetal medicine units seen from September 2000 to March 2011.

Results

A total of 95 fetuses with exomphalos were selected. NT was normal in 42 fetuses (44.2%). The exomphalos content was bowel alone in 68 (71.6%). The effect of exomphalos content and NT on likelihood of aneuploidy was explored using logistic regression. It showed no significant contribution of exomphalos content on the likelihood of aneuploidy (adjusted odds ratio: 1.44, 95% CI: 0.538 to 3.84).

Conclusions

When the diagnosis is made in the first trimester, the risk of aneuploidy is no different when the sac contains only bowel as compared with when it contains the liver. Increase in the NT is 4–5 times as likely with an abnormal karyotype as with normal NT. Detection of exomphalos in the first trimester warrants an offer of chromosomal assessment regardless of sac contents or NT. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Confined placental mosaicism at chorionic villous sampling: risk factors and pregnancy outcome
Authors: Baffero Giulia Maria , Somigliana Edgardo , Crovetto Francesca , Paffoni Alessio , Persico Nicola , Guerneri Silvana , Lalatta Faustina , Fogliani Roberto , Fedele Luigi
Published: September 2012

Objective

This study aims to investigate the clinical relevance of confined placental mosaicism (CPM) detected at chorionic villous sampling (CVS) and to identify risk factors for this condition.

Method

Women diagnosed with CPM between January 2005 and December 2009 were identified. They were matched to women with unremarkable CVS in a 1 : 2 ratio by study period and contacted by phone for interview.

Results

One hundred fifteen exposed and 230 unexposed women were selected. Baseline characteristics did not differ between the study groups apart from maternal body mass index, which is mildly higher in the CPM group (+0.6 kg/m2, p = 0.047), and maternal age, which is higher in women with type III CPM (39.7 ± 2.6 vs 37.1 ± 3.2 years, p = 0.005). A higher frequency of gestational hypertension was observed in exposed women (10% vs 2%) (p = 0.003). Small for gestational age newborns were more frequent in women with type I CPM (15% vs 5%, p = 0.03). The incidence of other main complications of pregnancy (stillbirth, prematurity, preeclampsia and gestational diabetes mellitus) was similar. Neonatal complications and subsequent infant health and development did not also differ.

Conclusion

Women with the diagnosis of CPM at CVS can be generally reassured regarding the course of pregnancy and infant health and development. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Is spontaneous reporting always the most important information supporting drug withdrawals for pharmacovigilance reasons in France?
Authors: Paludetto Marie‐Noelle , Olivier‐Abbal Pascale , Montastruc Jean‐Louis
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The objective of our study was to determine the nature of scientific evidence leading to drug withdrawal for safety reasons in France (between 2005 and 2011).

Methods

Drugs (i.e., active ingredients) withdrawn were identified from the Web site of the French Health Products Agency. Additional information allowed us to classify these withdrawals according to the nature of evidence as clinical trials (CT), case reports/case series (CR/CS), case–control studies (CC), cohort, animal, or observational studies.

Results

A total of 22 active ingredients were withdrawn from the French market between 2005 and 2011. The nature and type of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) leading more frequently to drug withdrawal were cardiovascular (10‐fold), neurological (5‐fold), or hepatic, cutaneous, or psychiatric (3‐fold each) ADRs. CR (19/22; 86.4%) and CT (13/22; 59.1%) were the most frequently involved methods. In 5 of 22 (23%) cases, CR were the sole evidence. However, 68% (15/22) of regulatory decisions were based on multiple sources of evidence: For example, data from CR + CT were used in eight cases. CC or cohort studies were used in only five cases.

Conclusion

This study underlines that spontaneous reporting remained the most important source of drug withdrawals between 2005 and 2011. However, its relative importance decreased in comparison with that in 1997–2004. The importance of pharmacoepidemiological methods slightly increased but remained low. Finally, regulatory authorities seem to have more frequently based their safety decisions on multiple sources of evidence than before. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Compressive‐shear adhesion characterization of polyvinyl‐butyral and ethylene‐vinyl acetate at different curing times before and after exposure to damp‐heat conditions
Authors: Chapuis Valentin , Pélisset Ségolène , Raeis‐Barnéoud Marylène , Li Heng‐Yu , Ballif Christophe , Perret‐Aebi Laure‐Emmanuelle
Published: September 2012

Photovoltaic (PV) module efficiency and reliability are two factors that have an important impact on the final cost of the PV electricity production. It is widely accepted that a good adhesion between the encapsulant and the different substrates of a PV module is needed to ensure long‐term reliability. Several testing procedures exist that use a metric derived from the force at interface failure to characterize the adhesion. It has, however, not been demonstrated that those metrics relate directly to the interfacial adhesion (defined as the surface energy density needed to break interfacial bonds), and the obtained results usually relate to an apparent adhesion strength. In this work, we describe a new design for compressive‐shear testing of polymer layers bonded to rigid substrates. We use it to characterize real interfacial adhesion of ethylene‐vinyl acetate (EVA) and polyvinyl‐butyral (PVB) to a glass substrate before and after degradation in damp‐heat. Our results show that a peak‐force based metric is unable to capture the evolution of adhesion through degradation, and a new metric based on the elastic strain energy of the encapsulant is proposed. Moreover, we show that PVB adhesion to glass is much more affected by damp‐heat exposure where polymer saturation takes place, in comparison with the adhesion of EVA to glass. The presented characterization protocol is a powerful tool that can help in assessing the reliability of an encapsulant facing specific degradation conditions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.