bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LIMITED EFFECT OF REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES ON THE COMPOSITION OF SUSCEPTIBLE ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS IN THE MIDGUTS OF Lymantria Dispar CATERPILLARS
Authors: Barbehenn Raymond V. , Niewiadomski Julie , Kochmanski Joseph , Constabel C. Peter
Published: September 2012

The essential amino acids (EAAs) arginine, histidine, lysine, and methionine, as well as cysteine (semiessential), are believed to be susceptible to reactions with reactive oxygen species (ROS) in biological systems. The decreased availability of these EAAs could harm insect nutrition, since several of them can also be limiting for protein synthesis. However, no in vivo studies have quantified the effect of ROS in the midguts of insect herbivores on EAA composition. This study examined the association between elevated levels of ROS in the midgut fluid of Lymantria dispar caterpillars and the compositions of EAAs (protein‐bound + protein‐free) in their midgut fluid and frass. Contrary to expectation, the compositions of EAAs were not significantly decreased by ROS in midgut fluid ex vivo when incubated with phenolic compounds. Two in vivo comparisons of low‐ and high‐ROS‐producing leaves also showed similar results: there were no significant decreases in the compositions of EAAs in the midgut fluids and/or frass of larvae with elevated levels of ROS in their midguts. In addition, waste nitrogen excretion was not significantly increased from larvae on high‐ROS treatments, as would be expected if ROS produced unbalanced EAA compositions. These results suggest that L. dispar larvae are able to tolerate elevated levels of ROS in their midguts without nutritionally significant changes in the compositions of susceptible EAAs in their food.
Prednisolone‐Glucose Derivative Conjugate: Synthesis, Biodistribution and Pharmacodynamics Evaluation
Authors: Liu Xing , Li Wenhao , Liang Zhen , Zhang Xuan , Guo Yangming , Gong Tao , Zhang Zhirong
Published: September 2012

This study was aimed at synthesizing and evaluating a prednisolone‐glucose derivative conjugate (PDG) that was expected to increase renal biodistribution without affecting pharmacological action and to decrease the systemic side effects of prednisolone. The PDG was designed and synthesized by tethering 6‐amino‐6‐deoxy‐D‐glucose (a D‐glucose derivative) to prednisolone and its chemical structure was confirmed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and LC‐MS. This conjugate was then subjected to in vitro and in vivo evaluation like stability studies, biological distribution, pharmacodynamics, and systemic side effects studies. In these studies, PDG not only showed significant enhancement of renal target efficiency with high values of relative uptake efficiency (RE, 24.1), concentration efficiency (CE, 8.6), and kidney targeting index (KTI, 16.3), but retained the curative potency against minimal change nephrosis (MCN). In the systemic side effects study, no osteoporosis was observed in rats after the administration of PDG for 20 days, which exhibited limited side effects. Conclusively, our findings showed a pharmacologically active conjugate with the characteristics of renal targeting and limited systemic side effects. The results implied the potential of PDG as a promising therapeutic in the treatment of renal diseases.
Systematic review of serious games for medical education and surgical skills training
Authors: Graafland M , Schraagen J M , Schijven M P
Published: September 2012

Background

The application of digital games for training medical professionals is on the rise. So-called ‘serious’ games form training tools that provide a challenging simulated environment, ideal for future surgical training. Ultimately, serious games are directed at reducing medical error and subsequent healthcare costs. The aim was to review current serious games for training medical professionals and to evaluate the validity testing of such games.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, PsychInfo and CINAHL were searched using predefined inclusion criteria for available studies up to April 2012. The primary endpoint was validation according to current criteria.

Results

A total of 25 articles were identified, describing a total of 30 serious games. The games were divided into two categories: those developed for specific educational purposes (17) and commercial games also useful for developing skills relevant to medical personnel (13). Pooling of data was not performed owing to the heterogeneity of study designs and serious games. Six serious games were identified that had a process of validation. Of these six, three games were developed for team training in critical care and triage, and three were commercially available games applied to train laparoscopic psychomotor skills. None of the serious games had completed a full validation process for the purpose of use.

Conclusion

Blended and interactive learning by means of serious games may be applied to train both technical and non-technical skills relevant to the surgical field. Games developed or used for this purpose need validation before integration into surgical teaching curricula.
Acute aortic dissection type A
Authors: Krüger T , Conzelmann L O , Bonser R S , Borger M A , Czerny M , Wildhirt S , Carrel T , Mohr F W , Schlensak C , Weigang E
Published: September 2012

Background

Acute aortic dissection type A (AADA) is a life-threatening vascular emergency. Clinical presentation ranges from pain related to the acute event, collapse due to aortic rupture or pericardial tamponade, or manifestations of organ or limb ischaemia. The purpose of this review was to clarify important clinical issues of AADA management, with a focus on diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

Methods

Based on a MEDLINE search the latest literature on this topic was reviewed. Results from the German Registry for Acute Aortic Dissection Type A (GERAADA) are also described.

Results

Currently, the perioperative mortality rate of AADA is below 20 per cent, the rate of definitive postoperative neurological impairment approaches 12 per cent and the long-term prognosis after surviving the acute phase of the disease is good. Many pathology- and therapy-associated factors influence the outcome of AADA, including prompt diagnosis with computed tomography and better cerebral protection strategies during aortic arch reconstruction. Endovascular technologies are emerging that may lead to less invasive treatment options.

Conclusion

AADA is an emergency that can present with a wide variety of clinical scenarios. Advances in the surgical management of this complex disease are improving outcomes.
Randomized clinical trial of chronic pain after the transinguinal preperitoneal technique compared with Lichtenstein's method for inguinal hernia repair
Authors: Koning G G , Keus F , Koeslag L , Cheung C L , Avçi M , van Laarhoven C J H M , Vriens P W H E
Published: September 2012

Background

Preliminary experience has suggested that preperitoneal mesh positioning causes less chronic pain than Lichtenstein's technique for inguinal hernia repair. Therefore, a randomized clinical trial was conducted with the aim of evaluating the incidence of postoperative chronic pain after transinguinal preperitoneal (TIPP) mesh repair versus Lichtenstein's technique.

Methods

Patients with a primary unilateral inguinal hernia were randomized to either TIPP or Lichtenstein's repair in two training hospitals. The primary outcome was the number of patients with chronic pain after surgery. Secondary outcomes were adverse events. Follow-up was scheduled after 14 days, 3 months and 1 year. Patients and outcome assessors were blinded.

Results

A total of 302 patients were randomized to TIPP (143) or Lichtenstein (159) repair. Baseline characteristics were comparable in the two groups. Some 98·0 per cent of the patients were included in the analysis (141 in the TIPP group and 155 in the Lichtenstein group). Significantly fewer patients in the TIPP group had continuous chronic pain 1 year after surgery: five patients (3·5 per cent) versus 20 patients (12·9 per cent) in the Lichtenstein group (P = 0·004). An additional 12 patients (8·5 per cent) in the TIPP group and 60 (38·7 per cent) in the Lichtenstein group experienced pain during activity (P = 0·001). There were two patients with recurrence in the TIPP group and four in the Lichtenstein group, but no significant differences were found in other severe adverse events between the groups.

Conclusion

Fewer patients had continuous chronic pain at 1 year after the TIPP mesh inguinal hernia repair compared with Lichtenstein's repair. Registration number: ISRCTN93798494 (http://www.controlled-trials.com).
Volume and accreditation, but not specialty, affect quality standards in colonoscopy
Authors: Bhangu A , Bowley D M , Horner R , Baranowski E , Raman S , Karandikar S
Published: September 2012

Background

The Global Rating Scale, defined by the Joint Advisory Group for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, requires monitoring of endoscopic performance indicators. There are known variations in colonoscopic performance, and investigation of factors causing this is needed. This study aimed to analyse the impact of endoscopist specialty and procedural volume on the quality of colonoscopy.

Methods

Data collected prospectively from a UK hospital endoscopy service between June 2007 and January 2010 were analysed. The main endpoint was the adenoma detection rate (ADR). Secondary endpoints were polyp detection rate (PDR), reported caecal intubation rate (CIR) and reported complications. Multivariable binary regression models were built to adjust for confounding patient-level and endoscopist-level variation.

Results

A total of 10 026 colonoscopies were included, with an overall ADR of 19·2 per cent, a CIR of 90·2 per cent and a perforation rate of 0·06 per cent. In univariable analyses, surgeons had a higher ADR and higher PDR, but lower CIR, compared with physicians. Surgeons had a significantly different case mix in terms of age, sex and indication for colonoscopy. After adjusting for this case mix in multivariable analysis, specialty was no longer a significant predictor of ADR; however, surgeons retained their higher PDR and physicians their higher CIR. Endoscopists accredited for screening and those performing more than 100 colonoscopies per year had a higher ADR.

Conclusion

Adjusting for case mix, physicians and surgeons performed equally well in terms of ADR. Accreditation and a higher annual number of colonoscopies were more important factors in achieving quality standards.
Randomized double-blind crossover study of alternative stimulator settings in sacral nerve stimulation for faecal incontinence
Authors: Duelund-Jakobsen J , Dudding T , Bradshaw E , Buntzen S , Lundby L , Laurberg S , Vaizey C
Published: September 2012

Background

Sacral nerve stimulation is an established treatment for faecal incontinence. Nearly half of all patients experience loss of efficacy at some point. Standard reprogramming restores efficacy for some, but not all, patients. This study aimed to determine whether alternative stimulator settings would increase treatment efficacy.

Methods

Patients with sustained loss of efficacy were recruited from two international specialist centres. A number of alternative stimulation parameters were tested using a double-blind randomized crossover study design. Stimulation settings tested were pulse frequencies of 6·9 and 31 Hz, and pulse widths of 90 and 330 µs, compared with one standard setting of 14 Hz/210 µs. Treatment efficacy was evaluated using a disease-specific quality-of-life score (Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale, FIQLS) and a bowel habit diary completed before randomization, during the study period and after 3 months of follow-up with one preferred setting.

Results

Fifteen patients were analysed. With one preferred setting, three of four subdomains in the FIQLS improved significantly. The mean(s.d.) total number of incontinence episodes dropped from 11·7(10·8) to 4·8(4·5) per 3 weeks (P = 0·011) and improvements were maintained after 3 months of follow-up. Optimal pacemaker settings were individual, but a trend towards highest patient satisfaction and improved treatment outcome was evident for high-frequency stimulation (31 Hz/210 µs), which was preferred by eight of the 15 patients.

Conclusion

Patients experiencing loss of efficacy can experience improvement if alternative pacemaker settings are tested. High-frequency stimulation (31 Hz/210 µs) was preferred by more than half of the patients, and improved treatment outcome was sustained at 3 months. Registration number: NCT01254695 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
Randomized clinical trial on the effect of fibrin sealant on latissimus dorsi donor-site seroma formation after breast reconstruction
Authors: Llewellyn-Bennett R , Greenwood R , Benson J R , English R , Turner J , Rayter Z , Winters Z E
Published: September 2012

Background

Latissimus dorsi (LD) flap procedures comprise 50 per cent of breast reconstructions in the UK. They are frequently complicated by seroma formation. Fibrin sealants may reduce seroma volumes at the donor site. The aim was to investigate the effect of fibrin sealant (Tisseel®) on total seroma volumes from the breast, axilla and back (donor site) after LD breast reconstruction. Secondary outcomes were specific back seroma volumes together with incidence and severity of wound complications.

Methods

Consecutive women undergoing implant-assisted or extended autologous LD flap reconstruction were randomized to either standard care or application of fibrin sealant to the donor-site chest wall. All participants were blinded for the study duration but assessors were only partially blinded. Non-parametric methods were used for analysis.

Results

A total of 107 women were included (sealant 54, control 53). Overall back seroma volumes were high, with no significant differences between control and sealant groups over 3 months. Fibrin sealant failed to reduce in situ back drainage volumes in the 10 days after surgery, and did not affect the rate or volume of seromas following drain removal.

Conclusion

This randomized study, which was powered for size effect, failed to show any benefit from fibrin sealant in minimizing back seromas after LD procedures.
Prognosis in patients with sentinel node-positive melanoma without immediate completion lymph node dissection
Authors:   for the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Melanoma Group, van der Ploeg A P T , van Akkooi A C J , Rutkowski P , Cook M , Nieweg O E , Rossi C R , Testori A , Suciu S , Verhoef C , Eggermont A M M
Published: September 2012

Background

The therapeutic value of immediate completion lymph node dissection (CLND) for sentinel node (SN)-positive melanoma is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of immediate CLND on the outcome of patients with SN-positive melanoma.

Methods

Patients with SN metastases treated between 1993 and 2008 at ten cancer centres from the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Melanoma Group were included in this retrospective study. Maximum tumour size, intranodal location and penetrative depth of SN metastases were measured. Outcome in those who had CLND was compared with that in patients who did not undergo completion lymphadenectomy.

Results

Of 1174 patients with SN-positive melanoma, 1113 (94·8 per cent) underwent CLND and 61 (5·2 per cent) did not. Median follow-up for the two groups was 34 and 48 months respectively. In univariable survival analysis, CLND did not significantly influence disease-specific survival (hazard ratio (HR) 0·89, 95 per cent confidence interval 0·58 to 1·37; P = 0·600). However, patients who did not undergo CLND had more favourable prognostic factors. Matched-pair analysis, with matching for age, Breslow thickness, tumour ulceration and SN tumour burden, showed that CLND had no influence on survival (HR 0·86, 0·46 to 1·61; P = 0·640). After adjusting for prognostic factors in multivariable survival analyses, no difference in survival was found.

Conclusion

In these two cohorts of patients with SN-positive melanoma and prognostic heterogeneity, outcome was not influenced by CLND.
Staging and outcome depending on surgical treatment in adenocarcinomas of the oesophagogastric junction
Authors: Reeh M , Mina S , Bockhorn M , Kutup A , Nentwich M F , Marx A , Sauter G , Rösch T , Izbicki J R , Bogoevski D
Published: September 2012

Background

Owing to controversial staging and classification of adenocarcinoma of the oesophago-gastric junction (AOG) before surgery, the choice of appropriate surgical approach remains problematic. In a retrospective study, preoperative staging of AOG and the impact of preoperative misclassification on outcome were analysed.

Methods

Data from patients with AOG were analysed from a prospectively collected database with regard to surgical treatment, preoperative and postoperative staging, and outcome.

Results

One-hundred and thirty patients with Siewert types I and II AOG who did not have neoadjuvant treatment were included in the study: 41 patients with an AOG type I who underwent oesophagectomy, 51 patients with an AOG staged before surgery as type I who underwent oesophagectomy but in whom the final histology showed a type II tumour, and 38 patients whose tumours were staged as AOG type II before and after operation who underwent gastrectomy. Among patients who had an oesophagectomy, lymph node metastases (P = 0·022), tumour relapse (P = 0·009) and recurrent distant metastases (P = 0·028) were significantly more frequent in patients with AOG type II; those with AOG type II had shorter overall survival than those with type I tumours (P = 0·024). Among those with AOG type II, recurrence-free survival was significantly shorter after oesophagectomy compared with extended gastrectomy (P = 0·019). Thoracoabdominal oesophagectomy had a favourable influence on outcome compared with the transhiatal approach.

Conclusion

Accurate preoperative staging of AOG and appropriate surgical therapy are crucial for outcome. AOG type II is a more aggressive tumour with higher recurrence rates than AOG type I. These patients therefore benefit from more radical surgical treatment.
Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair
Authors: de Beaux A C , Tulloh B
Published: September 2012

Weak evidence to support its widespread adoption
Effects of mechanical stimulation induced by compression and medium perfusion on cardiac tissue engineering
Authors: Shachar Michal , Benishti Nessi , Cohen Smadar
Published: September 2012

Cardiac tissue engineering presents a challenge due to the complexity of the muscle tissue and the need for multiple signals to induce tissue regeneration in vitro. We investigated the effects of compression (1 Hz, 15% strain) combined with fluid shear stress (10−2–10−1 dynes/cm2) provided by medium perfusion on the outcome of cardiac tissue engineering. Neonatal rat cardiac cells were seeded in Arginine‐Glycine‐Aspartate (RGD)‐attached alginate scaffolds, and the constructs were cultivated in a compression bioreactor. A daily, short‐term (30 min) compression (i.e., “intermittent compression”) for 4 days induced the formation of cardiac tissue with typical striation, while in the continuously compressed constructs (i.e., “continuous compression”), the cells remained spherical. By Western blot, on day 4 the expression of the gap junction protein connexin 43 was significantly greater in the “intermittent compression” constructs and the cardiomyocyte markers (α‐actinin and N‐cadherin) showed a trend of better preservation compared to the noncompressed constructs. This regime of compression had no effect on the proliferation of nonmyocyte cells, which maintained low expression level of proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Elevated secretion levels of basic fibroblast growth factor and transforming growth factor‐β in the daily, intermittently compressed constructs likely attributed to tissue formation. Our study thus establishes the formation of an improved cardiac tissue in vitro, when induced by combined mechanical signals of compression and fluid shear stress provided by perfusion. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2012
Statistical vs. Stochastic experimental design: An experimental comparison on the example of protein refolding
Authors: Anselment Bernd , Schoemig Veronika , Kesten Christopher , Weuster‐Botz Dirk
Published: September 2012

Optimization of experimental problems is a challenging task in both engineering and science. In principle, two different design of experiments (DOE) strategies exist: statistical and stochastic methods. Both aim to efficiently and precisely identify optimal solutions inside the problem‐specific search space. Here, we evaluate and compare both strategies on the same experimental problem, the optimization of the refolding conditions of the lipase fromThermomyces lanuginosuswith 26 variables under study. Protein refolding is one of the main bottlenecks in the process development for recombinant proteins. Despite intensive effort, the prediction of refolding from sequence information alone is still not applicable today. Instead, suitable refolding conditions are typically derived empirically in large screening experiments. Thus, protein refolding should constitute a good performance test for DOE strategies. We compared an iterative stochastic optimization applying a genetic algorithm and a standard statistical design consisting of a D‐optimal screening step followed by an optimization via response surface methodology. Our results revealed that only the stochastic optimization was able to identify optimal refolding conditions (∼1.400 U g−1refolded activity), which were 3.4‐fold higher than the standard. Additionally, the stochastic optimization proved quite robust, as three independent optimizations performed similar. In contrast, the statistical DOE resulted in a suboptimal solution and failed to identify comparable activities. Interactions between process variables proved to be pivotal for this optimization. Hence, the linear screening model was not able to identify the most important process variables correctly. Thereby, this study highlighted the limits of the classic two‐step statistical DOE. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2012
Platelet‐derived growth factor promotes the proliferation of human umbilical cord‐derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Qiu Pubin , Song Wencong , Niu Zhiwei , Bai Yaofu , Li Wei , Pan Shaohui , Peng Sha , Hua Jinlian
Published: September 2012

This study was designed to investigate the effect of platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) on the proliferation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC‐MSCs) and further explore the mechanism of PDGF in promoting the proliferation of UC‐MSCs. The human UC‐MSCs were treated with different concentrations of PDGF, and the effects were evaluated by counting the cell number, the cell viability, the expression of PDGF receptors analyzed by RT‐PCR, and the detection of the gene expression of cell proliferation, cell cycle and pluripotency, and Brdu assay by immunofluorescent staining and Quantitative real‐time (QRT‐PCR). The results showed that PDGF could promote the proliferation of UC‐MSCs in vitro in a dose‐dependent way, and 10 to 50 ng/ml PDGF had a significant proliferation effect on UC‐MSCs; the most obvious concentration was 50 ng/ml. Significant inhibition on the proliferation of UC‐MSCs was observed when the concentration of PDGF was higher than 100 ng/ml, and all cells died when the concentration reached 200 ng/ml PDGF. The PDGF‐treated cells had stronger proliferation and antiapoptotic capacity than the control group by Brdu staining. The expression of the proliferation‐related genes C‐MYC, PCNA and TERT and cell cycle–related genes cyclin A, cyclin 1 and CDK2 were up‐regulated in PDGF medium compared with control. However, pluripotent gene OCT4 was not significantly different between cells cultured in PDGF and cells analyzed by immunofluorescence and QRT‐PCR. The PDGF could promote the proliferation of human UC‐MSCs in vitro. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Live‐Cell Studies of p300/CBP Histone Acetyltransferase Activity and Inhibition
Authors: Dancy Beverley M. , Crump Nicholas T. , Peterson Daniel J. , Mukherjee Chandrani , Bowers Erin M. , Ahn Young‐Hoon , Yoshida Minoru , Zhang Jin , Mahadevan Louis C. , Meyers David J. , Boeke Jef D. , Cole Philip A.
Published: September 2012

Histone acetyltransferase enzymes (HATs) are important therapeutic targets, but there are few cell‐based assays available for evaluating the pharmacodynamics of HAT inhibitors. Here we present the application of a FRET‐based reporter, Histac, in live‐cell studies of p300/CBP HAT inhibition, by both genetic and pharmacologic disruption. shRNA knockdown of p300/CBP led to increased Histac FRET, thus suggesting a role for p300/CBP in the acetylation of the histone H4 tail. Additionally, we describe a new p300/CBP HAT inhibitor, C107, and show that it can also increase cellular Histac FRET. Taken together, these studies provide a live‐cell strategy for identifying and evaluating p300/CBP inhibitors.
Crystal Structures of BapA Complexes with β‐Lactam‐Derived Inhibitors Illustrate Substrate Specificity and Enantioselectivity of β‐Aminopeptidases
Authors: Heck Tobias , Merz Tobias , Reimer Artur , Seebach Dieter , Rentsch Daniel , Briand Christophe , Grütter Markus G. , Kohler Hans‐Peter E. , Geueke Birgit
Published: September 2012

β‐Aminopeptidases have exclusive biocatalytic potential because they react with peptides composed of β‐amino acids, which serve as building blocks for the design of non‐natural peptidomimetics. We have identified the β‐lactam antibiotic ampicillin and the ampicillin‐derived penicilloic acid as novel inhibitors of the β‐aminopeptidase BapA from Sphingosinicella xenopeptidilytica (Ki values of 0.69 and 0.74 mM, respectively). We report high‐resolution crystal structures of BapA in noncovalent complexes with these inhibitors and with the serine protease inhibitor 4‐(2‐aminoethyl)benzenesulfonyl fluoride. All three inhibitors showed similar binding characteristics; the aromatic moiety extended into a hydrophobic binding pocket of the active site, and the free amino group formed a salt bridge with Glu133 of BapA. The exact position of the inhibitors and structural details of the ligand binding pocket illustrate the specificity and the enantioselectivity of BapA‐catalyzed reactions with β‐peptide substrates.
CO2‐Fixation on Aliphatic α,ω‐Diamines to Form Cyclic Ureas, Catalyzed by Ceria Nanoparticles that were Obtained by Templating with Alginate
Authors: Primo Ana , Aguado Eric , Garcia Hermenegildo
Published: September 2012

Ceria nanoparticles (average particle size: 8 nm) have been obtained by the calcination of alginate aerogel beads that were precipitated from aqueous solutions of (NH4)2Ce(NO3)6. These nanoparticles were considerably more active as a catalyst for CO2‐insertion into aliphatic α,ω‐diamines than the analogous commercial CeO2 with larger particle size (40 nm). CeO2 that was obtained by templating with the natural alginate biopolymer afforded the cyclic urea of ethylenediamine in EtOH solvent at 160 °C in 37 % yield. This yield is remarkable for a process that involves CO2 as a feedstock. Other α,ω‐diamines, such as diethylenetriamine, N,N′‐dimethylethylenediamine, N‐(2‐aminoethyl)acetamide, and 1,4‐diaminobutane, also formed their corresponding cyclic ureas in 4–36 % yield. The catalyst lost activity upon reuse, thereby leading to severe deactivation that was only partially recovered by washing with aqueous acidic solutions.
Highly Selective Linear Dimerization of Styrenes by Ceria‐Supported Ruthenium Catalysts
Authors: Shimura Shun , Miura Hiroki , Tsukada Shinji , Wada Kenji , Hosokawa Saburo , Inoue Masashi
Published: September 2012

Ceria‐supported ruthenium (Ru/CeO2) was found to be an effective catalyst for linear‐selective dimerization of styrenes. The dimerization of styrene in the presence of Ru/CeO2 together with ethanol and formalin in mesitylene at 150 °C gave (E)‐1,4‐diaryl‐1‐butene in 63 % yield with high linear selectivity (95 %). The presence of ethanol and/or formaldehyde is indispensable. Whereas a zirconia‐supported ruthenium showed moderate activity, catalysts supported on other metal oxides were not effective at all. The hot filtration tests indicated that the Ru/CeO2 catalyst acts heterogeneously. The leaching of ruthenium species into the solution was negligible according to analysis by using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. The regioselectivity can be switched through the choice of a suitable solvent: the reactions in N,N‐dimethylacetamide or N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone gave the corresponding branched dimers in good yields with complete regioselectivity.
Synthesis and Temperature‐Induced Morphological Control in a Hybrid Porous Iron–Phosphonate Nanomaterial and Its Excellent Catalytic Activity in the Synthesis of Benzimidazoles
Authors: Dutta Arghya , Mondal John , Patra Astam K. , Bhaumik Asim
Published: September 2012

A new organic–inorganic hybrid porous iron–phosphonate material, HPFP‐1, has been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions by using hexamethylenediamine‐N,N,N′,N′‐tetrakis‐(methylphosphonic acid) (HDTMP) as the organophosphorus precursor. The morphology of this material was found to be different at three different temperatures. The material that was synthesized at 453 K showed a flake‐like particle morphology and the material was highly crystalline. Whereas, the materials that were synthesized at 443 K and 423 K were semi‐crystalline and showed rod‐like‐ and spherical morphological features, respectively. SEM and TEM were employed to understand this change in particle morphology depending on the reaction temperature. Powder XRD analysis suggested the formation of a new tetragonal phase in HPFP‐1 (a=11.313, c=15.825 Å; V=2025.659 Å3). N2‐sorption analysis suggested the existence of supermicropores and interparticle mesopores in these materials. Elemental‐ and thermal analyses, as well as FTIR spectroscopy, were employed to verify the composition and framework bonding of the material. The HPFP‐1 material showed excellent catalytic activity for the synthesis of benzimidazole derivatives under mild liquid‐phase reaction conditions.
Controlling the Assembly of Chalcogenide Anions in Ionic Liquids: From Binary Ge/Se through Ternary Ge/Sn/Se to Binary Sn/Se Frameworks
Authors: Lin Yumei , Massa Werner , Dehnen Stefanie
Published: September 2012

Seven compounds with binary or ternary Ge/Se, Ge/Sn/Se, or Sn/Se anionic substructures crystallized upon the ionothermal reactions of [K4(H2O)3][Ge4Se10] with SnCl4⋅5 H2O or SnCl2 in [BMMIm][BF4] or [BMIm][BF4] (BMMIm=1‐butyl‐2,3‐dimethyl‐imidazolium, BMIm=1‐butyl‐3‐methyl‐imidazolium). The products were obtained by subtly varying the reaction conditions; the nature and amount of an additional amine was the most important parameter in the product selection and in determining the Sn/Ge ratio in the isolated products. The crystal structures of these chalcogenides were based on complex anions with unprecedented topologies that varied from discrete clusters (0D) through 1D chain structures or 2D layers to 3D frameworks. The architecture and composition of the title compounds were well reflected by their optical absorption behavior. Herein, we report a convenient approach for the generation of chalcogenidometallate phases with fine‐tunable electronic properties in ionic liquids, which have been inaccessible by traditional methods.
ChemInform Abstract: Well‐Defined Crystallites Autoclaved from the Nitrate/NH4OH Reaction System as the Precursor for (Y,Eu)2O3 Red Phosphor: Crystallization Mechanism, Phase and Morphology Control, and Luminescent Property.
Authors: Zhu Qi , Li Ji‐Guang , Ma Renzhi , Sasaki Takayoshi , Yang Xiaojing , Li Xiaodong , Sun Xudong , Sakka Yoshio
Published: September 2012

Hexagonal platelets of Ln2(OH)5NO3·nH2O (Ln: Y, Eu), hexagonal prisms and microwires of Ln4O(OH)9NO3, square nanoplatelets of Ln2.94(NO3)0.06·nH2O, and spindle‐like microrods of Ln(OH)3 are hydrothermally synthesized from aqueous solutions of Ln(NO3)3 (sometimes together with NH4NO3) and NH4OH (autoclave, pH 6—13, 120—200 °C, 24 h).
ChemInform Abstract: Syntheses, Structures, and Optical Properties of Ba4MInSe6 (M: Cu, Ag).
Authors: Yin Wenlong , Feng Kai , Hao Wenyu , Yao Jiyong , Wu Yicheng
Published: September 2012

The new title compounds are synthesized by solid state reactions of M2Se (M: Cu, Ag), BaSe, and In2Se3 (973—1073 K, 48 h).
ChemInform Abstract: Sulfinyl‐Mediated Stereoselective Overman Rearrangements and Diels—Alder Cycloadditions.
Authors: Fernandez de la Pradilla Roberto , Colomer Ignacio , Viso Alma
Published: September 2012

The reaction proceeds with high chemo‐ and diastereoselectivity.
ChemInform Abstract: A Remarkably Simple α‐Oximation of Aldehydes via Organo‐SOMO Catalysis.
Authors: Gentili Patrizia , Pedetti Silvia
Published: September 2012

The radical oximation of aldehydes provides a valuable route for the synthesis of a large variety of natural products.
ChemInform Abstract: Mononuclear Palladium and Heterodinuclear Palladium—Ruthenium Complexes of Semicarbazone Ligands. Synthesis, Characterization, and Application in C—C Cross‐Coupling Reactions.
Authors: Datta Sayanti , Seth Dipravath Kumar , Halder Sarmistha , Sheldrick William S. , Mayer‐Figge Heike , Drew Michael G. B. , Bhattacharya Samaresh
Published: September 2012

A variety of mononuclear palladium and heterobinuclear Pd—Ru N,N,O‐pincer complexes is synthesized and studied in Suzuki, Heck and Sonogashira cross‐coupling.
ChemInform Abstract: Recyclable Hypervalent Iodine(III) Reagent Iodosodilactone as an Efficient Coupling Reagent for Direct Esterification, Amidation, and Peptide Coupling.
Authors: Tian Jun , Gao Wen‐Chao , Zhou Dong‐Mei , Zhang Chi
Published: September 2012

Under these conditions a wide range of esters, amides, and peptides as well as macrocyclic lactones can be prepared in good to high yields.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of 1,2‐Disubstituted Cyclopentenes by Palladium‐Catalyzed Reaction of Homopropargyl‐Substituted Dicarbonyl Compounds with Organic Halides via 5‐Endo‐Dig Cyclization.
Authors: Fujino Daishi , Yorimitsu Hideki , Osuka Atsuhiro
Published: September 2012

Aromatic, alkenyl‐ and alkynyl‐ bromides and chlorides are used affording cyclopentene products with good yields.
ChemInform Abstract: Asymmetric Organocatalytic Cascade Michael/Michael/Henry Reaction Sequence: Control of All Stereocenters in One Cyclohexane Skeleton.
Authors: Mao Zhifeng , Jia Yaomei , Xu Zhaoqing , Wang Rui
Published: September 2012

Hexasubstituted chiral cyclohexanols are constructed in one step.
ChemInform Abstract: Control of Six Contiguous Stereocenters in an Asymmetric Organocatalytic One‐Pot Michael/Michael/Aldol Addition Sequence.
Authors: Enders Dieter , Urbanietz Gregor , Cassens‐Sasse Elisa , Keess Sebastian , Raabe Gerhard
Published: September 2012

The reaction of β‐ketoesters, aromatic nitroalkenes and aromatic α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes provides highly substituted cyclohexanes with 6 contiguous stereocenters including a quaternary one.
ChemInform Abstract: Rhodium‐Catalyzed Allylic Substitution Reactions with Indium(III) Organometallics.
Authors: Riveiros Ricardo , Tato Ruben , Perez Sestelo Jose , Sarandeses Luis A.
Published: September 2012

Only in the case of (IVc) a slight amount of the γ‐adduct is obtained due to steric effects.
ChemInform Abstract: One‐Pot Primary Aminomethylation of Aryl and Heteroaryl Halides with Sodium Phthalimidomethyltrifluoroborate.
Authors: Murai Norio , Miyano Masayuki , Yonaga Masahiro , Tanaka Keigo
Published: September 2012

A one‐pot primary aminomethylation with substrate (I) leads to the corresponding amines and is followed by deamidination to afford the desired products.
ChemInform Abstract: Chemoselective Organocatalytic Aerobic Oxidation of Primary Amines to Secondary Imines.
Authors: Wendlandt Alison E. , Stahl Shannon S.
Published: September 2012

A wide range of primary benzylic amines is oxidized to secondary imine dimers under conditions A), where many functional groups are tolerated.
ChemInform Abstract: Knoelker′s Iron Complex: An Efficient in situ Generated Catalyst for Reductive Amination of Alkyl Aldehydes an Amines.
Authors: Pagnoux‐Ozherelyeva Anastassiya , Pannetier Nicolas , Mbaye Mbaye Diagne , Gaillard Sylvain , Renaud Jean‐Luc
Published: September 2012

The first homogeneous well‐defined iron catalyst for the title reaction under low pressure of hydrogen is reported.
ChemInform Abstract: A Novel Multicomponent Tandem Phosphine‐Catalyzed Umpolung Reaction: Facile Access to Highly Functionalized α‐Aminonitriles.
Authors: Chen Jian‐Ming , Fang Yin‐Zhi , Wei Zhong‐lin , Liao Wei‐Wei
Published: September 2012

Benzylamine and morpholine do not react and substituted allenes are less suitable than (IV).
ChemInform Abstract: The Vinylogous Aldol Reaction of Unsaturated Esters and Enolizable Aldehydes Using the Novel Lewis Acid Aluminum Tris(2,6‐di‐2‐naphthylphenoxide).
Authors: Gazaille Jeffrey A. , Sammakia Tarek
Published: September 2012

Acid (I) generated in situ, promotes the reaction with various aldehydes including hindered, α‐branched and oxygenated ones.
ChemInform Abstract: Efficient Synthesis of γ‐Keto Sulfones by NHC‐Catalyzed Intermolecular Stetter Reaction.
Authors: Bhunia Anup , Yetra Santhivardhana Reddy , Bhojgude Sachin Suresh , Biju Akkattu T.
Published: September 2012

The reaction is applied to a wide range of aromatic, heteroaromatic and aliphatic aldehydes.
ChemInform Abstract: Deca‐heterosubstituted Corannulenes.
Authors: Pogoreltsev Alla , Solel Ephrath , Pappo Doron , Keinan Ehud
Published: September 2012

The synthesis of the novel title compounds is presented by using an important excess of base.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of 1,3‐Disubstituted Azetidines via a Tandem Ring‐Opening Ring‐Closing Procedure.
Authors: March‐Cortijos Andrea , Snape Timothy J. , Turner Nicholas J.
Published: September 2012

Treatment of epoxide (I) with primary amines results in formation of the expected azetidines.
ChemInform Abstract: Three‐Component Synthesis of Substituted β‐(Trifluoromethyl)pyrroles via Grob Cyclization of 1,1,1‐Trifluoro‐3‐nitrobut‐2‐ene with 1,3‐Dicarbonylic Compounds and Ammonia or Primary Amines.
Authors: Korotaev Vladislav Yu. , Barkov Alexey Yu. , Kotovich Ivan V. , Sosnovskikh Vyacheslav Ya.
Published: September 2012

A variety of substituted β‐(trifluoromethyl)pyrroles of type (IV) is prepared via a one‐pot three‐component Grob cyclization of 1,1,1‐trifluoro‐3‐nitrobut‐2‐ene (I) with 1,3‐dicarbonylic compounds and ammonia or primary amines.
ChemInform Abstract: A New Tandem Cross Metathesis—Intramolecular Aza‐Michael Reaction for the Synthesis of α,α‐Difluorinated Lactams.
Authors: Fustero Santos , Baez Claribel , Sanchez‐Rosello Maria , Asensio Amparo , Miro Javier , del Pozo Carlos
Published: September 2012

Difluorinated amides are treated with methyl vinyl ketone or analogous esters to produce the desired γ‐ and δ‐lactam units including optically active versions.
ChemInform Abstract: Asymmetric Pericyclic Cascade Approach to Spirocyclic Oxindoles.
Authors: Richmond Edward , Duguet Nicolas , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , Lebl Tomas , Smith Andrew D.
Published: September 2012

The reaction of racemic nitrones with cycloalkylketenes affords the spirocyclic oxindoles in good yields.
ChemInform Abstract: A Highly Efficient Cu‐Catalyst System for N‐Arylation of Azoles in Water.
Authors: Wang Deping , Zhang Fuxing , Kuang Daizhi , Yu Jiangxi , Li Junhua
Published: September 2012

The combination of CuI, an oxime, and Bu4NI is successfully applied as a catalytic system for the N‐arylation of imidazoles (I) and (VI), benzimidazole (IV), pyrazole (IX), and triazole (XII).
ChemInform Abstract: Iron‐Catalyzed 2‐Arylbenzoxazole Formation from o‐Nitrophenols and Benzylic Alcohols.
Authors: Wu Mingyue , Hu Xiong , Liu Juan , Liao Yunfeng , Deng Guo‐Jun
Published: September 2012

The reaction of nitrophenols with benzylic and heterobenzylic alcohols tolerates a wide range of functional groups.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis and anti‐Norovirus Activity of Pyranobenzopyrone Compounds.
Authors: Pokhrel Laxman , Kim Yunjeong , Nguyen Thi D. T. , Prior Allan M. , Lu Jianyu , Chang Kyeong‐Ok , Hua Duy H.
Published: September 2012

A series of 14 title compounds of type (IV) is tested for anti‐norovirus effects.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Indolizidinone Analogues of Cytotoxic Alkaloids: Monocyclic Precursors Are also Active.
Authors: Boto Alicia , Miguelez Javier , Marin Raquel , Diaz Mario
Published: September 2012

A two‐step route is reported for the transformation of readily available hydroxyproline N‐amides into indolizidinone derivatives of type (V) and (VI).
ChemInform Abstract: Ultrasound‐Assisted Synthesis and Preliminary Bioactivity of Novel 2H‐1,2,4‐Thiadiazolo[2,3‐a]pyrimidine Derivatives Containing Fluorine.
Authors: Wang Mao Rong , Jiang Lin , Zhou Shao Fang , Zhang Ze Yuan , Ji Zeng Chen
Published: September 2012

The four‐step synthesis of the title compounds (III) is based on the ultrasound‐ promoted oxidative cyclization of precursors (II).
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Alkaloid‐Like Compounds via the Bridging Ritter Reaction.
Authors: Hemtasin Chulida , Ung Alison T. , Kanokmedhakul Somdej , Kanokmedhakul Kwanjai , Bishop Roger , Satraruji Thanaphat , Bishop David
Published: September 2012

10 Alkaloid‐like compounds are prepared using alcohol (I) as starting product.
ChemInform Abstract: Palladium‐Catalyzed Desymmetrization of Silacyclobutanes with Alkynes: Enantioselective Synthesis of Silicon‐Stereogenic 1‐Sila‐2‐cyclohexenes and Mechanistic Considerations.
Authors: Shintani Ryo , Moriya Kohei , Hayashi Tamio
Published: September 2012

Enantioenriched products are obtained from the title reactions.
ChemInform Abstract: Efficient Synthesis of α‐Tertiary α‐Silylamines from Aryl Sulfonylimidates via One‐Pot, Sequential C—Si/C—C Bond Formations.
Authors: Han Xiao‐Jun , Yao Ming , Lu Chong‐Dao
Published: September 2012

Bulky Grignard reagents possessing a β‐hydrogen atom react poorly with formation of an α‐branched α‐silylamine (XI) as side product, generated via hydride transfer.
ChemInform Abstract: Polycyclic Polyprenylated Acylphloroglucinols and Cytotoxic Constituents of Hypericum androsaemum.
Authors: Wang Kou , Wang Yuan‐Yuan , Gao Xiu , Chen Xuan‐Qin , Peng Li‐Yan , Li Yan , Xu Gang , Zhao Qin‐Shi
Published: September 2012

Androforin A (I) and hyperandrone A (II) are isolated from the aerial parts together with a series of known constituents.
ChemInform Abstract: Five New β‐Carboline‐Type Alkaloids from Stellaria dichotoma var. lanceolata.
Authors: Cao Li‐Hua , Zhang Wei , Luo Jian‐Guang , Kong Ling‐Yi
Published: September 2012

[i.e.
ChemInform Abstract: Functionalization of Pyrrolo[2,3‐d]pyrimidine by Palladium‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling Reactions
Authors: Tumkevicius S. , Dodonova J.
Published: September 2012

Review: 73 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Accessing the Synthetic Chemistry of Radical Ions
Authors: Ischay Michael A. , Yoon Tehshik P.
Published: September 2012

Review: radical cation and radical anion reactivity distinguished from other reactive intermediates that are commonly employed, use of transition metal photocatalysis as convenient means to investigate radical‐ion mediated reactions; ca. 130 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloadditions of Nitrones to Hetero‐Substituted Alkenes. Part 2. Sila‐, Thia‐, Phospha‐ and Halo‐Substituted Alkenes
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Binh , Martel Arnaud , Gaulon‐Nourry Catherine , Dhal Robert , Dujardin Gilles
Published: September 2012

Review: 139 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Recent Synthetic Approaches to Anticancer 9‐Anilinoacridines. A Review
Authors: Gellerman Gary
Published: September 2012

Review: 119 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Photochirogenesis
Authors: Yang Cheng , Inoue Yoshihisa
Published: September 2012

Review: 213 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Recent Trends in Synthesis of Quinoxaline and Its Derivatives
Authors: Bharagava Dinesh , Garg Gopal
Published: September 2012

Review: 51 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Phase Behavior of Ionic Liquid Systems
Authors: Kroon Maaike C. , Peters Cor J.
Published: September 2012

Review: 230 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Hydrogenases and Oxygen
Authors: Stiebritz Martin Tillmann , Reiher Markus
Published: September 2012

Review: 138 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Solid State Fermentation, Microbial Growth Kinetics
Authors: Mitchell David A. , Stuart Deidre M. , Tanner Robert D.
Published: September 2012

Review: 48 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Simulation of Alternative Fuels for Potential Utilization in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Paradis Hedvig , Andersson Martin , Yuan Jinliang , Sunden Bengt
Published: September 2012

Review: 41 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Discrete Molecular Dynamics
Authors: Proctor Elizabeth A. , Ding Feng , Dokholyan Nikolay V.
Published: September 2012

Review: 56 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Assignment of the Absolute Configuration of Polyfunctional Compounds by NMR Using Chiral Derivatizing Agents
Authors: Seco J. M. , Quinoa E. , Riguera R.
Published: September 2012

Review: 154 refs.
Mortality Rate Increases Steeply With Nonadherence to Statin Therapy in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Allonen Jaakko , Nieminen Markku S. , Lokki Maisa , Parkkonen Olavi , Vaara Satu , Perola Markus , Hiekkalinna Tero , Strandberg Timo E. , Sinisalo Juha
Published: September 2012

Background:

In a prospective cohort of consecutive acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients, we compared the adherence rate of statin usage and mortality rate during a median follow‐up of 23 months.

Hypothesis:

Adherence to statin therapy after acute coronary syndrome affects mortality rate.

Methods:

We analyzed ACS patients (N = 1969; age, 65.9 ± 11.8 years; female 30.4%) who underwent angiography between March 2006 and March 2008. The postdischarge usage of statins was based on the purchase register of the Social Insurance Institution of Finland. The death rate was verified from Statistics Finland.

Results:

At discharge, the rate of statin prescription to patients was 95.4% (n = 1878). When comparing adherent patients (n = 1200; 61.7%), who purchased the medication systematically until the end of the median 23‐month follow‐up, with nonadherent patients (n = 94; 4.8%), who did not use the medication at all, there was a vast difference in absolute death rate between the groups: 4.9% vs 14.9%, respectively (P < 0.001). We conducted Cox proportional hazards model with ACS type, cerebrovascular attack, diabetes, age, 3‐artery disease, and cancer as adjusted confounders. Compared with regular statin users, nonusers were associated with a >2× increased hazard ratio of mortality (hazard ratio: 2.70, 95% confidence interval: 1.49‐4.90, P = 0.001).

Conclusions:

Statin medication is essential for discharged ACS patients. They should be strongly encouraged to purchase and use it.

The authors have no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.