bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Response of groundwater chemical characteristics to ecological water conveyance in the lower reaches of the Tarim River, Xinjiang, China
Authors: Li Weihong , Hao Xinming , Chen Yongjin , Zhang Lihua , Ma Xiaodong , Zhou Honghua
Published: September 2009

The purpose of this study was to determine the chemical characteristics of the groundwater and their changes in response to ecological water conveyance along a cut‐off river section in the lower reaches of the Tarim River, Xinjiang, China, during the intermittent ecological water conveyance between 2000 and 2007. Data were collected at 33 monitoring wells in nine sections in the lower reaches of the river. The results show that the groundwater quality improved continuously with increasing numbers of ecological water‐conveyance episodes. Longitudinally, the changing trend in groundwater salinity within the river reach was approximately W‐shaped. The two peak values appeared in the Tugmailai section in the middle and in the Kaogan section in the lower part of the river reach. Transversely, the changing trend in groundwater salinity showed obvious salt accumulation in the groundwater 750 m from the river channel. The groundwater salinity within 750 m of the river channel was relatively low and it did not change greatly. The groundwater salinity decreased along both sides of the river, which favoured the restoration of the riparian vegetation. These results also demonstrate a significant correlation between the height of the groundwater and groundwater salinity. The groundwater salinity was relatively low and the vegetation cover was greater than 30% in areas of groundwater level of 4–5 m. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of the groundwater threshold of desert riparian forest vegetation along the middle and lower reaches of the Tarim River, China
Authors: Hao Xingming , Li Weihong , Huang Xiang , Zhu Chenggang , Ma Jianxin
Published: September 2009

Survival of desert riparian vegetation along the middle and lower reaches of the Tarim River in China depends almost entirely on groundwater. The aim of this project was to study the effect of various water table levels on desert riparian forest vegetation and to determine the groundwater threshold under which desert riparian forest vegetation can grow normally. Using data collected from 2 years (2006–2007) of monitoring (groundwater, vegetation plots, and soil profiles) of the middle and lower reaches of the Tarim River, the relationship between vegetation and environmental factors was analysed using detrended canonical correspondence analysis (DCCA). The average depth of the groundwater table at the study sites was divided into six ranges (0–2, 2–4, 4–6, 6–8, 8–10, and >10 m) to compare the influence of groundwater level on species diversity. Using the ecological suitability theory and data from previous studies of several major plant species in the study area, a logarithm normal distribution relation model was built between the growth of plants and the depth of groundwater. The results of DCCA ordination indicated that groundwater depth (GWD) and soil moisture are the crucial environmental factors affecting the distribution of plants. Species diversity was the highest at the 2–4 m level, followed by the 4–6 m level, and then the 0–2 m level. When the groundwater level dropped to below 6 m, species diversity decreased greatly, and the slope of Hill's index (diversity ordering) tended to level off. Thus, the optimum groundwater level for major plant growth is 2–4 m and the threshold GWD is about 6 m. To restore the vegetation and ecosystem of the lower reaches of the Tarim River, the water table must be kept at a minimum of 6 m in depth. It should also be maintained at 2–4 m in the vicinity of the water way and at 4–6 m for the rest of this arid area. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prediction of water table under stream–aquifer interactions over an arid region
Authors: Xie Zhenghui , Yuan Xing
Published: September 2009

In arid regions, groundwater is recharged laterally from rivers; this recharge is the primary source of water for vegetation. The rise or decline of the water table results in salinization or desertification respectively, and damages vegetation growth. Therefore, prediction of the water table with consideration of the stream–aquifer interactions is very important for understanding the hyporheic processes under human intervention, and to assess the ecological effects and water resource management of arid regions. This paper used a statistical‐dynamical approach to predict the water table elevation near a river channel in an arid region from river discharge, which was achieved by a numerical model, a fitted stage‐discharge function, and an automatic parameter calibration method. The model was established by reducing the problem of water table prediction under stream–aquifer interactions to an initial value problem of the differential equations with prescribed river discharge based on Darcy's law; the model parameters were automatically calibrated by the Shuffled Complex Evolution method. Synthetic experiments were used to test the sensitivities of the water table prediction to model parameters, and showed the robustness of the proposed scheme under different conditions. The proposed scheme was also calibrated and validated using data collected at the Yingsu section in the lower reaches of the Tarim River. The systematic biases, mean absolute errors, root mean squared errors, and correlation coefficients for the validation had ranges of −0·22 ∼ 0·16 m, 0·14 ∼ 0·33 m, 0·18 ∼ 0·44 m and 0·94 ∼ 0·99 m respectively. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Salinization risk in semi‐arid floodplain wetlands subjected to engineered wetting and drying cycles
Authors: Crosbie Russell S. , McEwan Kerryn L. , Jolly Ian D. , Holland Kate L. , Lamontagne Sebastien , Moe Kamilla Grotthing , Simmons Craig T.
Published: September 2009

This study investigated the surface water–groundwater interactions of three semi‐arid floodplain wetlands of the lower River Murray (SE Australia) using a combination of hydrometric, natural tracer and geophysical methods. The current management objective for these wetlands is to mimic the natural surface water flow regime by engineering wetting and drying cycles for the benefit of the biota. However, the impact this will have on groundwater processes and wetland salinization is unknown. This study found that when inundated, two of the wetlands were groundwater recharge features, whereas the other was a groundwater throughflow system. After these wetlands were dried, there was a reversal of the hydraulic gradients and all three wetlands became groundwater discharge features. The transformation of these wetlands to groundwater discharge features after the removal of surface water means that there is an increased risk of salinization when wetting and drying cycles are reintroduced. In arid/semi‐arid regions of the world where wetlands are in direct contact with saline groundwater, extreme caution should be applied when altering the management of the surface hydrology of the wetlands because increases in salinity can impact upon biodiversity. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Does why we reminisce reflect how you behave? Linking maternal reminiscing goals to child behavioural and emotional problems
Authors: Kulkofsky Sarah
Published: September 2009

Recent theoretical and empirical work suggests that joint mother–child reminiscence may reflect both explicit and implicit socialization goals. The present study investigates mothers' explicit socialization goals that may be enacted during joint reminiscence in relation to children's behavioural and emotional problems. Two hundred and sixty‐five mothers of 3‐ to 8‐year‐old children completed an online survey that included a measure of seven reminiscing goals (emotional understanding, behaviour control, bonding, interdependence, entertainment, memory skill development, and maintaining peer relationships). In addition, mothers completed measures of children's emotion problems, conduct problems, hyperactivity, and peer problems as well as supportive parenting and maternal attachment. Findings indicated that controlling for supportive parenting and maternal attachment, emotional understanding was a unique predictor of children's emotion problems, directing behaviour was a unique predictor of conduct problems, and bonding was a unique predictor of hyperactivity. These findings provide support for the functional nature of joint reminiscence. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Increasing demands and changing institutional research roles: How technology can help
Authors: Huynh Bao , Gibbons Mary Frances , Vera Fonda
Published: September 2009

With increasing demands on institutional research professionals, the need to work more productively and efficiently, as well as to produce higher‐quality products and communicate more effectively, is essential. What hardware and software programs can help?
Physiological condition status and muscle‐based biomarkers in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), after long‐term exposure to carbamazepine
Authors: Li Zhi‐Hua , Zlabek Vladimir , Velisek Josef , Grabic Roman , Machova Jana , Randak Tomas
Published: September 2009

Recently, residual pharmaceuticals are generally recognized as relevant sources of aquatic environmental pollutants. However, the toxicological effects of these contaminants have not been adequately researched. In this study, the chronic toxic effects of carbamazepine (CBZ), an anticonvulsant pharmaceutical commonly present in surface and ground water, on physiological condition status and muscle‐based biomarkers of rainbow trout were investigated. Fish were exposed at sublethal concentrations of CBZ (1.0 µg l−1, 0.2 mg l−1 and 2.0 mg l−1) for 42 days. Compared with the control, there was a significant lower (P < 0.05) condition factor in fish exposed at the highest concentration of CBZ (2.0 mg l−1), but the hepatosomatic indices in all groups were not significant changes. At lower CBZ concentration (1.0 µg l−1, 0.2 mg l−1), the antioxidant enzyme activities were induced slightly, except catalase, while at the highest concentration (2.0 mg l−1) oxidative stress was apparent as reflected by the significant higher lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyls in the fish muscle, associated with a significant inhibition of antioxidant enzymes activities. Moreover, energy metabolic parameters (RNA–DNA ratio, Na+–K+–ATPase) were significantly inhibited in muscle of the fish exposed at the highest concentration (2.0 mg l−1), compared with the control. In short, CBZ‐induced physiological and biochemical responses in fish were reflected in parameters measured in this study, which suggest that these biomarkers could be used as potential indicators for monitoring residual pharmaceuticals present in aquatic environment. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sonographic diagnosis and monitoring of an intramural duodenal hematoma following upper endoscopic biopsy in a child
Authors: Antoniou Dimitris , Zarifi Maria , Gentimi Fotini , Christopoulos‐Geroulanos George
Published: September 2009

Intramural duodenal hematoma is an uncommon complication of pediatric endoscopic biopsy that occurs mainly in children with bleeding disorders. We report the case of a 5‐year‐old girl who presented with signs of partial duodenal obstruction and acute pancreatitis due to duodenal hematoma following endoscopic biopsy. The lesion was diagnosed and monitored by sonography and resolved with conservative management. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2009
Serial compression B‐scan and Doppler sonography for the screening of deep venous thrombosis in patients with spinal cord injuries
Authors: Germing Alfried , Schakrouf Mahmud , Lindstaedt Michael , Grewe Peter , Meindl Renate , Mügge Andreas
Published: September 2009

Purpose

To evaluate the usefulness of serial compression B‐scan and Doppler sonography (US) in screening for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of the lower extremities in patients with spinal cord injuries.

Method

Patients with paraplegia and tetraplegia due to spinal cord injuries were screened by a serial compression B‐scan and Doppler US protocol for DVT of the bilateral lower extremities within the first 36 hours after admission, at day 7 and at day 21. In patients with DVT, a follow‐up US examination was performed 3 weeks after diagnosis to assess thrombi distribution.

Results

Between January 2007 and March 2008, a total of 115 patients (75 males, 40 females), aged 19 to 85 years, were included. The first US examination documented a DVT in 44 cases (38.3%). After an initial negative scan, sonography after 7 days and 21 days showed DVT in 6 patients and 2 patients, respectively. Cumulative rate of DVT after the first 3 weeks was 45.2% (n=52). Follow‐up US after 3 weeks in patients with DVT documented a complete recanalization in 19 patients (36.5%), no change in 12 patients (23.1%), and residual thrombi with partial recanalization in 21 patients (40.4%).

Conclusion

Our study supports the use of serial compression B‐scan and Doppler US as a screening tool for DVT of the lower extremities in patients with spinal cord injuries early after injury. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2010
Efficient gene delivery into mammalian cells by recombinant baculovirus containing a hybrid cytomegalovirus promoter/Semliki Forest virus replicon
Authors: Pan Yongfei , Zhao Qian , Fang Liurong , Luo Rui , Chen Huanchun , Xiao Shaobo
Published: September 2009

Background

Baculovirus, which is widely utilized as an excellent tool for the production of recombinant protein in insect cells, has recently emerged as a novel and attractive gene delivery vehicle for mammalian cells. Alphavirus, such as Semliki Forest virus (SFV), has also received considerable attention for use as expression vectors because of its self‐replicating property. In the present study, we investigated the characterization of recombinant baculovirus incorporating a hybrid cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter/SFV replicon.

Methods

Recombinant baculovirus containing the hybrid CMV promoter/SFV replicon was constructed. Using enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP) as the reporter gene, gene delivery efficiencies and the ability to express heterogenous protein in mammalian cells were evaluated. Optimal transduction conditions, including transduction temperature, time and dose, were also investigated.

Results

The obtained recombinant baculovirus, Bac‐CMV/SFV‐EGFP, exhibited high transduction efficiency and high‐level expression of reporter protein in mammalian cells. Furthermore, this recombinant baculovirus could induce apoptosis in mammalian cells in the course of transduction, as demonstrated by the observed DNA laddering patterns and increased caspase‐3 activity.

Conclusions

The developed baculovirus vector has a high transduction efficiency and the ability to mediate foreign gene expression in mammalian cells. Taken together with its pro‐apoptotic properties, this baculovirus vector may provide an alternative tool for vaccine development. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A lentiviral vector‐based adenovirus fiber‐pseudotyping approach for expedited functional assessment of candidate retargeted fibers
Authors: Uil Taco G. , de Vrij Jeroen , Vellinga Jort , Rabelink Martijn J. W. E. , Cramer Steve J. , Chan On Ying A. , Pugnali Margherita , Magnusson Maria , Lindholm Leif , Boulanger Pierre , Hoeben Rob C.
Published: September 2009

Background

Many studies aimed at retargeting adenovirus (Ad) rationally focus on genetic modification of fiber, which is the primary receptor‐binding protein of Ad. Retargeted fibers ultimately require functional validation in the viral context.

Methods

Lentiviral vectors (LV) were used to express fiber variants in cells. Infections with a fiber gene‐deleted Ad vector yielded fiber‐pseudotyped viruses. An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and slot blot‐based assays probed target binding‐ability of retargeted fibers. Differential treatments with an alkylating agent prior to western blot analysis allowed for examination of intra‐ and extracellular redox states of fibers.

Results

In the present study, LV‐based fiber‐pseudotyping of Ad is presented as an accelerated means to test new fibers. LV‐mediated gene transfer yielded stable and uniform populations of fiber variant‐expressing cells. These populations were found to effectively support fiber‐pseudotyping of Ad. As a secondary objective of the study, we functionally assessed a chimeric fiber harboring a tumor antigen‐directed single‐chain antibody fragment (scFv). This fiber was shown to trimerize and achieve a degree of binding to its antigenic target. However, its capsid incorporation ability was impaired and, moreover, it was unable to confer a detectable level of target binding upon Ad. Importantly, subsequent analyses of this fiber revealed the improper folding of its scFv constituent.

Conclusions

LV‐based fiber‐pseudotyping was established as a convenient method for testing modified fibers for functionality within Ad particles. Furthermore, a new chimeric fiber was found to be inadequate for Ad retargeting. The folding difficulties encountered for this particular fiber might be generally inherent to the use (i.e. for genetic Ad capsid incorporation) of complex, disulfide bridge‐containing natural ligands. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficient adenovirus‐mediated gene transfer to gastric tissue by oral administration
Authors: Liu Xiao‐Fei , Shi Yun , Zhang Jin‐Yu , Zhuang Yuan , Jia Ke‐Ran , Mao Xu‐Hu , Guo Ying , Liu Tao , Liu Zhen , Wu Chao , Zhang Wei‐Jun , Zhou Wei‐Ying , Guo Gang , Zou Quan‐Ming
Published: September 2009

Background

Recombinant adenoviruses (rAd) are well‐characterized viral vectors and have been studied in many human diseases. However, there are no detailed methods for transferring genes to the stomach using rAd.

Methods

Gastric epithelial cells were infected with rAd encoding green fluorescence protein (AdGFP) for different times, or with AdGFP that had been incubated in artificial gastric juice at different pH values for 1 h. Gene expression was detected by fluorescence microscope and flow cytometry. Mice were infected via oral administration with rAd encoding red fluorescence protein and β‐galactosidase (AdRFP‐lacZ) or rAd encoding mouse interleukin‐17 (AdmIL‐17), and tissues were collected at the indicated times after infection. LacZ expression in different tissues was detected by X‐gal staining and IL‐17 expression in the stomach was assessed by the real‐time polymerase chain reaction and an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Inflammation in the stomach was also assessed.

Results

rAd could infect the gastric epithelial cells and tolerate pH 5 for 1 h in vitro. Adenovirus‐mediated genes were specifically expressed in the gastrointestinal tract and transgene expression persisted in gastric tissue for up to 7 days after oral administration of AdRFP‐lacZ. Oral administration of AdmIL‐17 induced mIL‐17 expression in gastric tissue at the mRNA and protein levels and protein level peaked on day 5 post‐infection. IL‐6, a target protein of IL‐17, and gastric inflammation also increased in AdmIL‐17‐infected mice.

Conclusions

The present study has established a detailed method for transferring adenovirus‐mediated gene to the stomach, which may provide a valuable approach for gene therapy or the study of the basic biology of gastric diseases. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Asking for help: Internal medicine residents' use of a medical procedure service
Authors: Huang Grace C. , Smith C. Christopher , York Meghan , Weingart Saul N.
Published: September 2009

BACKGROUND:

Little is known about the professional help‐seeking behavior of residents as they perform procedures in the hospital.

OBJECTIVE:

To determine when residents seek formal supervision to perform inpatient medical procedures.

DESIGN:

We conducted a prospective cohort study of resident physicians' use of formal supervision through a medical procedure service (MPS) for placing central venous catheters (CVCs) and performing thoracenteses. We compared resident, procedure, and patient characteristics among MPS and non‐MPS procedures. We performed bivariable and multivariable analyses to examine factors associated with use of the MPS. We also performed a subgroup analysis of non‐MPS procedures to assess the influence of resident, procedure, and patient characteristics on the choice of informal supervision.

SETTING:

Boston teaching hospital.

SUBJECTS:

Sixty‐nine internal medicine residents.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE:

Use of an elective MPS for formal faculty supervision.

RESULTS:

Among 191 procedures performed, 79 (41%) used the MPS. Residents were more likely to seek faculty supervision via the MPS among patients with 3 or more comorbidities (odds ratio [OR], 2.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2‐3.5). They were less likely to seek MPS supervision when procedures were performed urgently or emergently (OR, 0.4; 95% CI, 0.2‐0.8). There were few differences in the characteristics of unsupervised and informally supervised procedures.

CONCLUSIONS:

Resident physicians appear to seek formal assistance appropriately for procedures they perform on sicker patients. Additional research is needed to understand whether overconfidence or poor access to attending physicians is responsible for their failure to seek consultation with urgent and emergent cases. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2009;4:404–409. © 2009 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Ancillary testing in children with rotavirus gastroenteritis
Authors: Rowinsky Peter A. , Steenhoff Andrew P. , Kung Shiang‐Ju , Arbeter Allan , Shah Samir S.
Published: September 2009

OBJECTIVES:

Costly microbiological assays are frequently performed in patients with rotavirus gastroenteritis (RGE) to exclude concurrent serious bacterial infection (SBI). The incidence of concurrent SBI in this population is unknown but estimated to be low. The primary objective was to describe the incidence of SBI in children with RGE. The secondary objective was to elucidate risk factors for prolonged length of stay (LOS) in the cohort.

METHODS:

All children ≤18 years seen at a community hospital for laboratory‐confirmed RGE over a 4‐year period were included in a retrospective cohort study to describe the incidence of concurrent SBI and to identify risk factors for prolonged LOS. Prolonged LOS was defined as hospitalization for ≥3 days.

RESULTS:

Ninety‐four cases of RGE were identified; 58 (61.7%) males and 80 (85.1%) African Americans. The median age was 8 months (interquartile range [IQR], 1 month to 16 years) and 83 patients (88.3%) required admission. There were no cases of SBI. The median LOS was 2 days. Age ≤ 6 months (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 3.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2‐7.7; P = 0.022) and collection of a peripheral blood culture (adjusted OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.0‐7.1; P = 0.043) were associated with LOS ≥ 3 days.

CONCLUSIONS:

In children evaluated at a community hospital with laboratory‐confirmed RGE, no episodes of SBI occurred. This finding challenges the need to perform invasive, costly, microbiological assays to exclude concurrent SBI in this population. Children 6 months and younger were at increased risk of prolonged hospitalization from RGE. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2009;4:E36–E40. © 2009 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Polar phonon mode selection rules in tip‐enhanced Raman scattering
Authors: Berweger Samuel , Raschke Markus B.
Published: September 2009

We discuss the use of the symmetry selectivity of phonon Raman scattering to determine nanocrystallographic information of solids using tip‐enhanced Raman scattering (TERS). The necessary degrees of freedom arise from the combination of the Raman selection rules reflecting crystal symmetry superimposed by the polarization and k‐vector‐dependent field enhancement and scattering of the scanning probe tip. The resulting phonon TERS selection rules are discussed, including the use of the crystal Raman tensor and momentum conservation for polar phonon modes. We demonstrate the selection rules for both far‐field and tip‐enhanced near‐field Raman scattering from bulk and nanocrystalline LiNbO3. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman and SERS study of metoclopramide at different pH values
Authors: Leopold Nicolae , Cîntǎ‐Pînzaru Simona , Szabó László , Ileşan Daniela , Chiş Vasile , Cozar Onuc , Kiefer Wolfgang
Published: September 2009

Conjugate acid–base forms of the drug metoclopramide were investigated by Raman spectroscopy in aqueous solutions and by surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), when the molecules were adsorbed on colloidal silver surfaces. Raman spectra were recorded at pH values below 8, metoclopramide being poorly water soluble at higher pH values. The SERS spectra of metoclopramide were recorded in the 3–11 pH range, even in spite of its low solubility at basic pH values. The Raman and SERS spectra were assigned by means of density functional theory (DFT) calculations. By monitoring several SERS marker bands, the protonated, neutral or the coexistence of both molecular species adsorbed on the colloidal silver particles could be evidenced. The adsorbate orientation was deduced to be perpendicular to the metal surface for the protonated molecular species and tilted for the neutral metoclopramide molecular species. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman spectra of organic acids obtained using a portable instrument at −5 °C in a mountain area at 2000 m above sea level
Authors: Jehlička J. , Vítek P. , Edwards H. G. M.
Published: September 2009

Well‐resolved Raman spectra of organic acids were obtained with 785 nm excitation using a portable Raman instrument (Ahura First Defender XL) under low temperature −5 °C atmospheric conditions at an altitude of 2000 m (Axamer Lizum, Innental, Austria). The portable Raman spectrometer tested in this setting permits fast and unambiguous detection of solid forms of these organic acids (formic, acetic, valeric, hexanoic, heptanoic, isophthalic, ascorbic and mellitic) under field conditions. This demonstrates the possibility to use a miniaturized Raman spectrometer as a key instrument for investigating the presence of organic compounds and biomolecules under low temperature conditions. These results are important for future missions focusing not only on Mars, where Raman spectroscopy will be a key non‐destructive analytical tool for the in situ identification of organic compounds relevant to life detection on planetary surfaces or near sub‐surfaces. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of temperature, pH and film thickness on nisin release from antimicrobial whey protein isolate edible films
Authors: Rossi‐Márquez Giovanna , Han Jung H , García‐Almendárez Blanca , Castaño‐Tostado Eduardo , Regalado‐González Carlos
Published: September 2009

BACKGROUND:An active packaging film based on whey protein isolate (WPI) was developed by incorporating nisin to promote microbial food safety. The effect of temperature and pH on the release of nisin from edible films of different thickness was investigated. The film mechanical properties and inhibitory effect were also evaluated.

RESULTS:Nisin release was significantly favoured by low pH, with the highest release after 24 h (1325 IU), which was not significantly affected by temperature (5 or 10 °C). Thickness significantly affected film elongation, with thicker films showing the highest elongation (54.3 ± 2.7%). Water vapour permeability (0.15 ± 0.4 g mm m−2kPa−1h−1) and elastic modulus were not significantly affected by thickness. The highest nisin effective diffusivity (5.88 × 10−14m2s−1) was obtained using a solution at pH 4, 112 µm film thickness and a temperature of 5 °C. More than four log cycles ofBrochotrix thermosphactawere reduced from the surface of a ham sample after 8 days of incubation at 4 °C by the active WPI film containing 473 IU cm−2nisin.

CONCLUSION:Nisin diffusivity from WPI edible films was favoured at lower pH and film thickness. This active packaging film may be used to preserve the quality and safety of meat products. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
LC‐MS of streptomycin following desalting of a nonvolatile mobile phase and pH gradient
Authors: Pendela Murali , Hoogmartens Jos , Van Schepdael Ann , Adams Erwin
Published: September 2009

Streptomycin (SM) is composed of streptidine, streptose and N‐methyl glucosamine sugar moieties. For the determination of SM and its related substances, an ion‐pair LC‐UV detection method using a Supelcosil LC‐ABZ column was developed previously. While analyzing commercial samples, several unknown compounds were detected. Most of these compounds are not yet characterized. In this study, the above LC method was coupled to MS for impurity profiling in a selected commercial sample. However, it could not be directly coupled to MS due to the presence of the nonvolatile salt, buffer and ion‐pair reagent in the mobile phase. So, for structural characterization, each peak eluted from the nonvolatile eluent system was collected and transferred to MS after the desalting process. In total, 16 compounds were studied, 15 compounds including 12 unknowns could be identified.
Rapid screening of beta‐adrenergic agents and related compounds in human urine for anti‐doping purpose using capillary electrophoresis with dynamic coating
Authors: Mazzarino Monica , de la Torre Xavier , Mazzei Franco , Botrè Francesco
Published: September 2009

This paper presents a capillary electrophoresis method, developed for the detection, in human urine, of beta‐adrenergic agents and phenolalkylamines. The electrophoretic separation is achieved in less than 10 min and is based on the use of CEofix kit, for the dynamic capillary coating. The effects of accelerator buffer pH and separation voltage were investigated. The optimum buffer pH was found to be 2.5 for beta2‐agonists and 6.2 for beta‐blockers and phenoalkylamines with a separation voltage of 15 kV. Urine samples spiked with the compounds here studied were treated according to the standard procedure (SPE and evaporation to dryness) and analyzed by CE interfaced with an UV diode‐array, set at 195 and 210 nm. The quantitative validation results, obtained analyzing samples at three different concentrations, show a good precision of peak areas that do not exceed 5% for intra‐day assays and 10% for inter‐day assays. Good linearity (r2 > 0.995) was obtained within the 50–500 ng/mL concentration range. The qualitative validation data show a relative migration times (MTs) variation lower than 1%. The analytes were clearly distinguishable in urine, with LOD and LOQ in the range of 10–80 and 40–100 ng/mL, respectively.
Kinetic and thermodynamic characterization of camptothecin hydrolysis at physiological pH in the absence and presence of human serum albumin
Authors: Thakur Rishi , Kunadharaju Sasank , Savva Michalakis
Published: September 2009

To accurately derive the kinetic and thermodynamic parameters governing the hydrolysis of the lactone ring at physiological pH, a derivative spectrophotometric technique was used for the simultaneous estimation of lactone and carboxylate forms of camptothecin (CPT). The hydrolysis of the CPT‐lactone and the lactonization of CPT‐carboxylate at 310.15 K followed a first‐order decay with apparent rate constants equal to 0.0279 ± 0.0016 min−1 and 0.0282 ± 0.0024 min−1, respectively. The activation energy associated with the hydrolysis of the CPT‐lactone and the lactonization of the CPT‐carboxylate as calculated from the Arrhenius equation was 89.18 ± 0.84 and 86.49 ± 2.7 kJ mol−1, respectively. The enthalpy and entropy of the thermodynamically favored hydrolysis reaction were on average 10.49 kJ mol−1 and 48.00 J K−1 mol−1, respectively. The positive enthalpy and entropy values of the CPT‐lactone hydrolysis indicate that the reaction is endothermic and entropically driven. The stability of CPT‐lactone in the presence of human serum albumin (HSA) was also analyzed. Notwithstanding the much faster hydrolysis of the CPT‐lactone in the presence of HSA at various temperatures, the energy of activation was determined to be similar to the one estimated in the absence of HSA, suggesting that HSA does not catalyze the hydrolysis reaction, but it merely binds, sequesters, and stabilizes the CPT‐carboxylate species. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 41: 704–715, 2009
Ab initio chemical kinetics for the NH2 + HNOx Reactions, Part I: Kinetics and Mechanism for NH2 + HNO
Authors: Xu Shucheng , Lin M. C.
Published: September 2009

The kinetics and mechanism for the reaction of NH2 with HNO have been investigated by ab initio calculations with rate constant prediction. The potential energy surface of this reaction has been computed by single‐point calculations at the CCSD(T)/6‐311+G(3df, 2p) level based on geometries optimized at the CCSD/6‐311++G(d, p) level. The major products of this reaction were found to be NH3 + NO formed by H‐abstraction via a long‐lived H2N⋅⋅⋅HNO complex and the H2NN(H)O radical intermediate formed by association with 26.9 kcal/mol binding energy. The rate constants for formation of primary products in the temperature range of 300–3000 K were predicted by variational transition state or RRKM theories. The predicted total rate constants at the 760 Torr Ar pressure can be represented by ktotal = 3.83 × 10−20 × T+2.47exp(1450/T) at T = 300–600 K; 2.58 × 10−22 × T+3.15 exp(1831/T) cm3 molecule−1 s−1 at T = 600−3000 K. The branching ratios of major channels at 760 Torr Ar pressure are predicted: k1 + k3 + k4 producing NH3 + NO accounts for 0.59–0.90 at T = 300–3000 K peaking around 1000 K, k2 accounts for 0.41–0.03 at T = 300–600 K decreasing with temperature, and k5 accounts for 0.07–0.27 at T > 600 K increasing gradually with temperature. The NH3 + NO formation rate constant was found to be a factor of 3–10 smaller than that of the isoelectronic reaction CH3 + HNO producing CH4 + NO, which has been shown to take place by barrierless H‐abstraction without involving a hydrogen‐bonding complex as in the NH2 case. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 41: 677–677, 2009
Advances in protein turnover analysis at the global level and biological insights
Authors: Li Qingbo
Published: September 2009

The concept of a dynamic state of body constituents, a precursor of the modern term of proteome dynamics, was conceived over a century ago. But, not until recently can we examine the dynamics of individual “constituents” for example, proteins at a truly global level. The path of advancement in our understanding of protein turnover at the global level is marked by the introduction of some key technological innovations. These methods include the isotopic tracer technique in the 1930s, the two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis technique in the 1970s, the sector mass spectrometer that could analyze isotopomers of peptides in the early 1990s, the 2D gel/MALDI‐TOF proteomics technology in the late 1990s, the booming liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry proteomics technology in this decade, and the recently emerging protein‐tagging approaches that offer single‐cell resolution for protein turnover measurements. The long‐standing inquiry raised in the 1950s about the existence of a dynamic state in different organisms at different physiological conditions can now be answered with an individual “constituent” resolution on a truly global scale. Now it appears that protein degradation is not necessarily an end to the protein function. Rather, it can be the start of a new function because protein degradation clears the way for the action of other proteins. Protein turnover participates in a multi‐layer complex regulatory network and shares equal importance with gene transcription and protein translation. The advances in technologies for protein turnover analysis and the improved understanding of the biological role of protein turnover will likely help to solve some long‐standing biomedical problems such as the tuberculosis disease that at the present day still affects one‐third of the world population. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 29:717–736, 2010
Influence of apple polyphenols on inflammatory gene expression
Authors: Jung Mathias , Triebel Sven , Anke Timm , Richling Elke , Erkel Gerhard
Published: September 2009

Apples (Malusspp., Rosaceae) and products thereof contain high amounts of polyphenols which show diverse biological activities and may contribute to beneficial health effects, like protecting the intestine against inflammation initiated by chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). IBD are characterized by an excessive release of several proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines by different cell types which results consequently in an increased inflammatory response. In the present study we investigated the preventive effectiveness of polyphenolic juice extracts and single major constituents on inflammatory gene expression in immunorelevant human cell lines (DLD‐1, T84, MonoMac6, Jurkat) induced with specific stimuli. Besides the influence on proinflammatory gene expression, the effect on NF‐κB‐, IP‐10‐, IL‐8‐promoter‐, STAT1‐dependent signal transduction, and the relative protein levels of multiple released cytokines and chemokines were studied. DNA microarray analysis of several genes known to be strongly regulated during gastrointestinal inflammation, combined with quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) revealed that the apple juice extract AE04 (100–200 μg/mL) significantly inhibited the expression of NF‐κB regulated proinflammatory genes (TNF‐α, IL‐1β, CXCL9, CXCL10), inflammatory relevant enzymes (COX‐2, CYP3A4), and transcription factors (STAT1, IRF1) in LPS/IFN‐γ stimulated MonoMac6 cells without significant effects on the expression of house‐keeping genes. A screening of some major compounds of AE04 revealed that the flavan‐3‐ol dimer procyanidin B2is mainly responsible for the anti‐inflammatory activity of AE04. Furthermore, the dihydrochalcone aglycone phloretin and the dimeric flavan‐3‐ol procyanidin B1significantly inhibited proinflammatory gene expression and repressed NF‐κB‐, IP‐10‐, IL‐8‐promoter‐, and STAT1‐dependent signal transduction in a dose‐dependent manner. The influence on proinflammatory gene expression by the applied polyphenols thereby strongly correlated with the increased protein levels investigated by human cytokine array studies. In summary, we evaluated selected compounds responsible for the anti‐inflammatory activity of AE04. In particular, procyanidin B1, procyanidin B2, and phloretin revealed anti‐inflammatory activitiesin vitroand therefore may serve as transcription‐based inhibitors of proinflammatory gene expression.
Important roles of the hyphenated HPLC‐DAD‐MS‐SPE‐NMR technique in metabonomics
Authors: Tang Huiru , Xiao Chaoni , Wang Yulan
Published: September 2009

Metabolite identification is a key step for metabonomics study. A fully automated hyphenation of HPLC‐diode‐array detector (DAD) mass spectrometry (MS) solid phase extraction (SPE)–NMR spectroscopy (HPLC‐DAD‐MS‐SPE‐NMR) is one of the most efficient methods to determine the structure of a given unknown metabolite in a complex mixture (metabonome) and hence represents one of the most important analytical techniques for the further development of metabonomics. In this review, some recent applications of this technique in identifying novel and trace metabolites in plant extracts and drug metabolism have been discussed. Modification of this hyphenated technique, enabling multiple trappings of strong polar metabolites for biofluids, needs further development. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pure and mixed gas permeation through a composite polydimethylsiloxane membrane
Authors: Sadrzadeh Mohtada , Amirilargani Mohammad , Shahidi Kazem , Mohammadi Toraj
Published: September 2009

A thin polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) layer on polyethersulfone (PES) support was synthesized and pure and mixed gas permeation of C3H8, CH4, and H2 through it was measured. At first, a macroporous PES support was prepared by using the phase inversion method and characterized. Then, a thin layer of PDMS was coated over the support. Finally, permeation behavior of the synthesized composite membrane was investigated by pure and mixed gas experiments under various operating conditions. The synthesized PDMS/PES membrane showed much better gas permeation performance than others reported in the literature. Pure gas experiments showed that increase in the transmembrane pressure increases the permeability coefficient of heavier gases, C3H8, while decreases those of lighter ones, CH4 and H2. Exactly opposite behavior was observed in mixed gas experiments due to the competitive sorption and diffusion in the plasticized polymer matrix. Temperature was realized to induce similar effects on the permeability of pure and mixed gases. As expected, in rubbery membranes such as PDMS, permeability values of more condensable gases decrease with increasing temperature, whereas those of permanent gases increase. In the case of mixed gas experiments, increase in the C3H8 concentration in feed led to increase in the permeabilities of all the components due to the C3H8‐induced swelling of the PDMS film. High C3H8/H2 and C3H8/CH4 ideal selectivities of 22.1 and 14.7, respectively, at a transmembrane pressure of 7 atm as well as reasonable C3H8 separation factor (SF) values for all mixed gas experiments (in the range of 8.1–16.8) demonstrated the ability of the synthesized PDMS/PES membrane for the separation of organic vapors from permanent gases. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Data mining on electronic health record databases for signal detection in pharmacovigilance: which events to monitor?
Authors: Trifirò Gianluca , Pariente Antoine , Coloma Preciosa M. , Kors Jan A. , Polimeni Giovanni , Miremont‐Salamé Ghada , Catania Maria Antonietta , Salvo Francesco , David Anaelle , Moore Nicholas , Caputi Achille Patrizio , Sturkenboom Miriam , Molokhia Mariam , Hippisley‐Cox Julia , Acedo Carlos Diaz , van der Lei Johan , Fourrier‐Reglat Annie
Published: September 2009

Purpose

Data mining on electronic health records (EHRs) has emerged as a promising complementary method for post‐marketing drug safety surveillance. The EU‐ADR project, funded by the European Commission, is developing techniques that allow mining of EHRs for adverse drug events across different countries in Europe. Since mining on all possible events was considered to unduly increase the number of spurious signals, we wanted to create a ranked list of high‐priority events.

Methods

Scientific literature, medical textbooks, and websites of regulatory agencies were reviewed to create a preliminary list of events that are deemed important in pharmacovigilance. Two teams of pharmacovigilance experts independently rated each event on five criteria: ‘trigger for drug withdrawal’, ‘trigger for black box warning’, ‘leading to emergency department visit or hospital admission’, ‘probability of event to be drug‐related’, and ‘likelihood of death’. In case of disagreement, a consensus score was obtained. Ordinal scales between 0 and 3 were used for rating the criteria, and an overall score was computed to rank the events.

Results

An initial list comprising 23 adverse events was identified. After rating all the events and calculation of overall scores, a ranked list was established. The top‐ranking events were: cutaneous bullous eruptions, acute renal failure, anaphylactic shock, acute myocardial infarction, and rhabdomyolysis.

Conclusions

A ranked list of 23 adverse drug events judged as important in pharmacovigilance was created to permit focused data mining. The list will need to be updated periodically as knowledge on drug safety evolves and new issues in drug safety arise. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Systematic reviews of adverse effects of drug interventions: a survey of their conduct and reporting quality
Authors: Cornelius V. R. , Perrio M. J. , Shakir S. A.W. , Smith L. A.
Published: September 2009

Purpose

There is a need for high quality evidence on the adverse effects of medical interventions to inform policy, practice and research. Methods to systematically review adverse effects have not been fully developed. We aimed to assess the current methods and reporting used by such reviews.

Methods

Survey of general medical, drug safety and pharmacology journals published in 2006. Methods including: searching, inclusion criteria, quality assessment and meta‐analysis were assessed.

Results

Forty three systematic reviews from 2704 abstracts in 16 journals were included. The search strategy was not reported by 10 (23%) of reviews. The collection and reporting of the adverse effects from primary studies was described by 4/37 (12%) reviews and the quality of included studies was assessed by 15 (35%) of reviews. Meta‐analysis on rare outcomes and handing of zero event data were inconsistent. A polarity in the standard of reporting between reviews was observed. The reporting standard we found was similar to another survey of systematic reviews.

Conclusion

Reporting was poor with respect to searching and definition/collection of adverse effects and guidelines such as QUOROM and MOOSE could be employed by authors. Comprehensive and clear reporting should be enforced by journals. The low proportion of reviews assessing quality, and the inconsistencies observed when modelling rare event data reflect the need for empirical research to underpin methods in these areas. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Confounder summary scores when comparing the effects of multiple drug exposures
Authors: Cadarette Suzanne M. , Gagne Joshua J. , Solomon Daniel H. , Katz Jeffrey N. , Stürmer Til
Published: September 2009

Purpose

Little information is available comparing methods to adjust for confounding when considering multiple drug exposures. We compared three analytic strategies to control for confounding based on measured variables: conventional multivariable, exposure propensity score (EPS), and disease risk score (DRS).

Methods

Each method was applied to a dataset (2000–2006) recently used to examine the comparative effectiveness of four drugs. The relative effectiveness of risedronate, nasal calcitonin, and raloxifene in preventing non‐vertebral fracture, were each compared to alendronate. EPSs were derived both by using multinomial logistic regression (single model EPS) and by three separate logistic regression models (separate model EPS). DRSs were derived and event rates compared using Cox proportional hazard models. DRSs derived among the entire cohort (full cohort DRS) was compared to DRSs derived only among the referent alendronate (unexposed cohort DRS).

Results

Less than 8% deviation from the base estimate (conventional multivariable) was observed applying single model EPS, separate model EPS or full cohort DRS. Applying the unexposed cohort DRS when background risk for fracture differed between comparison drug exposure cohorts resulted in −7 to + 13% deviation from our base estimate.

Conclusions

With sufficient numbers of exposed and outcomes, either conventional multivariable, EPS or full cohort DRS may be used to adjust for confounding to compare the effects of multiple drug exposures. However, our data also suggest that unexposed cohort DRS may be problematic when background risks differ between referent and exposed groups. Further empirical and simulation studies will help to clarify the generalizability of our findings. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.