bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new concept in cancer care: The supportive care program
Authors: Esper Peg , Hampton Janet N. , Finn John , Smith David C. , Regiani Sandra , Pienta Kenneth J.
Published: May 2006

This article describes the findings of a pilot program designed to enter advanced prostate cancer patients into the hospice benefit while they are still being actively treated, but in situations where treatment is known to be primarily palliative in nature. The supportive care program (SCP) combines the medical model’s goal to prolong life with the goal of hospice to palliate symptoms and improve quality of life (QOL). The concept of a SCP was developed to create a team approach where advanced prostate cancer patients who are starting investigational chemotherapy are concurrently enrolled into a hospice program. The objectives were to identify whether SCP improved QOL and continuity of care while remaining cost-effective. Data were collected on patient quality of life, performance status, use of health care resources, and costs for the 36 enrolled patients. A comparison was made to a matched set of 23 control patients. Our findings indicate that the SCP contributes to continuity of care while being cost-effective.
Perspective: A New Ethic for Health Promotion: Reflections on a Philosophy of Health Education for the 21st Century
Authors: Buchanan David R.
Published: May 2006

This article describes two models for thinking about the purposes of health education—a medical model and an educationmodel—andtraces how concerns about the validity of research have driven preferencefor the medical model. In the medical model, the purpose of health education is to develop effective interventions that will prevent people from adopting unhealthy behaviors. Here, health educators are expected to replicate the methods identified by researchers to effect targeted changes in health behavior. The article then describes an alternative way of thinking about the purposes of health education. In pursuing a philosophy of education, the purpose of research and practice would be to clarify basic social values and to strengthen one's faculty for making value judgments. Practitioners here use research results as a stimulus for dialogue about the role of good health habits in living the kind of life that community members find most valuable.
Multimodal behavior management for people with dementia
Authors: Allen Brad
Published: May 2006

Various psychological approaches are effective in maintaining and maximizing functioning in Alzheimer's disease. The most efficacious approaches have been based on a combination of individualized, interdisciplinary, and holistic treatment. Such a treatment approach is comparable to Lazarus's multimodal model, which has also been referred to as “systematic eclecticism.” The multimodal model is especially well suited for people experiencing dementia, a progressive disorder.
AD-venture program: Therapeutic biking for the treatment of depression in long-term care residents with dementia
Authors: Buettner Linda L. , Fitzsimmons Suzanne
Published: May 2006

This project tested an innovative intervention in a controlled clinical investigation of a nonpharmacological treatment of depression in long-term care residents with dementia. This treatment utilized a wheelchair bicycle in a recreation therapy protocol, which combined small group activity therapy and one-to-one bike rides with a staff member. Depression levels were significantly reduced in the two-week portion of the study with levels maintained in the 10-week maintenance period. Improvements were also found in sleep and levels of activity engagement.
Co-morbidity associated with dementia
Authors: Sanderson Maureen , Wang Jing , Davis Dorothy R. , Lane Marcia J. , Cornman Carol B. , Fadden Mary K.
Published: May 2006

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify common co-morbid conditions associated with dementia subtypes and to evaluate the association of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, and anemia with dementia subtypes relative to controls.

Methods: Hospital discharge data were used to identify 15,013 subjects from South Carolina with a diagnosis of dementia between 1998 and 1999. A control group of 15,013 persons without dementia was randomly sampled from hospital discharge records and matched to persons with dementia on the basis of age, race, and gender. Multiple hospitalizations for each patient were merged, and repeated diagnoses during separate hospitalizations were counted once.

Results: After adjusting for age, race, and gender, persons with Alzheimer's disease and dementia associated with medical conditions were less likely to be diagnosed with hypertension, diabetes, congestive heart failure, and atrial fibrillation than were controls. Patients with multiinfarct dementia were also less likely to have congestive heart failure, but were more likely to have diabetes. Anemia was not associated with any dementia subtype.

Conclusions: There are distinct differences in comorbid conditions among dementia subtypes. Our research does not support previous studies that suggest a circulatory component to the development of Alzheimer's disease.
Basic Care I: The effect of dementia-specific training on certified nursing assistants and other sraff
Authors: Peterson Diane , Berg-Weger Marla , McGillick Janis , Schwartz Lorelei
Published: May 2006

This study evaluates the effectiveness of Basic Care I, a dementia-specific training course offered by the St. Louis Alzheimer's Association. Using three standardized measures, the effects of the course on knowledge gain, stress level, and sense of work-related self-esteem are examined. Findings suggest that participation in Basic Care I increases retained learning, as 76.4 percent of the sample showed improvement on dementia knowledge scores. The outcomes of stress and self-esteem measures are inconclusive but indicate areas for future study. Implications for program planning are discussed.
Memories in the Making©: Outcome-based evaluation of an art program for individuals with dementing illnesses
Authors: Rentz Clarissa A.
Published: May 2006

The author presents the results of a pilot project, an outcomes-based evaluation of Memories in the Making©: An art program for individuals with dementing illnesses. Sponsored by the Greater Cincinnati Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association and implemented at adult day and nursing home sites, participants in the weekly art program use paints to express themselves by creating colorful visual images on paper or fabric. The individuals experienced pleasurable, sustained activity while engaged in making art. Utilizing M.P. Lawton's conceptualization of psychological well-being as a framework, chapter staff developed an observational instrument, which measured objective and subjective indicators of the affect state and self-esteem of 41 participants in the art program. Overall, preliminary data suggests that participation in the weekly sessions contributed to the individuals’ sense of well-being. However, more rigorous study is warranted using comparison groups to determine if indeed an enhanced sense of well-being can be attributed with certainty to the intervention of the Memories in the Making art program.
Assessing the health of adult daughter former caregivers for elders with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Berg-Weger Marla , Rauch Shannon M. , Rubio Doris McGartland , Tebb Susan S.
Published: May 2006

Past research is varied in assessing the effect of caregiving on health, particularly caregivers in the postcaregiving phase. The variation may be due, in part, to methodological issues, including the use of health measures not psychometrically tested. The study examines the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF-36)1 health survey with 102 former caregivers whose family member was deceased for at least one year at the time of the study and had been identified as having Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder. The SF-36 measures eight dimensions of physical and mental health and has been tested on a variety of populations, though not with former daughter caregivers. Confirmatory Factor Analysis supported the factorial validity of the SF-36 for this population, indicating it is a promising tool for understanding postcaregiver health.
Attitudes of relatives and nursing staff toward tuboenteral feeding in severely demented patients
Authors: Lubart Emilia , Leibovitz Arthur , Habot Beni
Published: May 2006

Elder y patients with advanced dementia present a challenge with respect to efficient nutrition and hydration because of oropharyngeal dysphagia and lack of patient cooperation. For increasing numbers ofpatients, long-term tuboenteralfeeding (TEF) is an alternative for providing food and fluids, with the hope of reducing the risk of aspiration. The purpose of this study is to learn about the opinions and the attitudes of relatives and nursing staff regarding patients on TEFfor at least one year.

The study included all the dementedpatients on TEF in four skilled nursing facilities andfour nursing wards. Researchers retrieved clinical data from patients' medical records and prepared a questionnaire to survey the opinions of relatives and staff members.

The study included 1]] patients: 89 on nasogastric tube (NGT) feeding and 22 on percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) feeding. The clinical condition of both groups was satisfactory, as reflected by albumin, hemoglobin, and Body Mass Index (BMI). Relatives of the demented patients as well as the staff members were ambivalent toward TEE Although most of them called it an essential procedure for delivering food and fluids for life support, about the same number expressed concerns that TEF prolonged a life of suffering. Nevertheless, most relatives and staff members were resistant to the idea of withholding TEF.

The data show that TEF does provide efficient nutrition and hydration to patients with advanced dementia, and it is used in accordance with the will of the relatives. Any change in the present approach regarding TEF in these patients should be preceded by discussions with their relatives.
Characteristics of staff victims of psychiatric patient assaults: Updated review of findings, 1995-2001
Authors: Flannery Raymond B.
Published: May 2006

This paper examines the peer-reviewed, databasedjournal articles on the characteristics of staffvictims ofpsychiatric patient assaults from 1995 to 2001. These studies partially confirm earlier-findings in that patient assaults on staff victims continue across all disciplines. Unlike findings in earlier reviews, this review found that psychiatric residents and older, more experienced nurses were at highest riskfor violence. Since there is little empirical data on staff victims of assaults by Alzheimers and other dementia patients, this paper will explore the implications of the presentfindingsfor long-term care settings.
Dying dementia patients: Too much suffering, too little palliation
Authors: Aminoff Bechor Zvi , Adunsky Abraham
Published: May 2006

Suffering is traditionally viewed as a state encompassing psychological distress, spiritual concerns, and various aspects of physical pain. There is insufficient clinical evidence for suffering in dying dementia patients, which may lead to inappropriate evaluation and insufficient palliative treatment. Our objective was to evaluate the suffering of terminal dementia patients over time, from admission to a geriatric ward to the last day of life. The study included consecutive end-stage dementia patients dying in a general geriatric department of a tertiary hospital. Patients were evaluated weekly by the Mini Suffering State Examination scale (MSSE). Seventy-one patients were studied. Mean survival of patients was 38.0 ± 5.1 days. MSSE increased during hospital stays from 5.62 ± 2.31 to 6.89 ± 1.95 (p < 0.001). According to the MSSE scale, 63.4 percent and 29.6 percent of patients died with a high and intermediate level of suffering, respectively. Only 7 percent of the patients died with a low level of suffering. In particular, patients were restless (p < 0.001), had pressure sores (p = 0.01), and were considered medically unstable (p < 0.001). We concluded that, despite traditional medical and nursing care, a large proportion of dying dementia patients experienced an increasing amount of suffering as they approached death. New palliative treatment approaches should be developed for these patients.
Is the immobility of advanced dementia a form of lorazepam-responsive catatonia?
Authors: Alisky Joseph Martin
Published: May 2006

Patients with end-stage dementia typically are very immobilized. Could this state actually be a form of lorazepam-responsive catatonia? Catatonia has been documented following cerebrovascular accidents, head injury, HIV encephalitis, brain tumors, and multiple sclerosis. Identified anatomical substrates include frontal lobes, parietal lobes, limbic system, diencephalon, and basal ganglia. Given that Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, corticobasal degeneration, frontotemporal dementia, and Parkinsonian dementia often have degeneration in some of the same areas, dramatic awakenings might be possible by giving lorazepam challenges to locked-in dementia patients. If even a small percentage were lorazepam responders, the impact worldwide would be tremendous. Serious consideration should be given to undertaking large-scale clinical trials.
Alleviation of multiple abnormalities by galantamine treatment in two patients with dementia with Lewy bodies
Authors: Holm Alvin C.
Published: May 2006

Two patients diagnosed with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) presented with prominent behavioral disturbances. The first patient experienced well-formed visual hallucinations, movement disorders, and cognitive decline and was increasingly resistant to care. He was treated with galantamine 4 mg bid, which was increased to 8 mg bid after four weeks. Improvements in behavior, attention, and cognition made it possible for this patient to be transferred back to long-term care after 32 days. The second patient had increasing confusion, fluctuating cognition, agitation, and psychosis. He was given donepezil initially, then switched to galantamine 4 mg bid. He was assessed as stable for discharge with improved behavior control after three weeks. Both patients also were receiving an atypical antipsychotic (quetiapine) and an antidepressant (venlafaxine and sertraline, respectively).
Mitochondrial failures in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Zhu Xiongwei , Smith Mark A. , Perry George , Aliev Gjumrakch
Published: May 2006

Mitochondrial dysfunction and free radical-induced oxidative damage have been implicated in the pathogenesis of several different neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Huntington's disease (HD), and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The defective adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production and increased oxygen radicals may induce mitochondria-dependent cell death because damaged mitochondria are unable to maintain the energy demands of the cell. The role of vascular hypoperfusion-induced mitochondria failure in the pathogenesis of AD now has been widely accepted. However, the exact cellular mechanisms behind vascular lesions and their relation to oxidative stress markers identified by RNA oxidation, lipid peroxidation, or mitochondrial DNA (mt DNA) deletion remain unknown. Future studies comparing the spectrum of mitochondrial damage and the relationship to oxidative stress-induced damage during the aging process or, more importantly, during the maturation of AD pathology are warranted.
Sleep-wake states ub transgenic mouse models overexpressing the human β-amyloid precursor protein
Authors: Huitrón-Reséndiz Salvador , Sánchez-Alavez Manuel , Criado José R.
Published: May 2006

Studies testing the amyloid hypothesis and recent advances in mouse molecular genetic technologies have played a critical role in improving our understanding of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Mouse models of AD currently available show only some of the characteristic neuropathology in human AD. Studies have demonstrated, however, that these models are excellent tools for characterizing different aspects of the molecular pathology of AD and the neurobiological basis for the clinical heterogeneity in AD. The present discussion focuses on behavioral and physiological data obtained in transgenic (Tg) mice overexpressing the mutant human ßamyloid precursor protein (hßAPP). This mouse model exhibits memory and neurophysiological deficits at ages preceding amyloid-ß-peptide (Aß) plaque formation that worsened with age and Aß plaque formation. In spite of these findings, very little emphasis has been placed on characterizing the neurobiological basis of the diverse neuropsychiatric symptoms that are also observed in AD, including sleep disturbances. Taking into consideration the relationship between memory processes and sleep, the use of animal models of AD as a preclinical bioassay has the potential to characterize the neural substrates mediating clinical manifestations of AD, such as sleep-wake states, and contribute to the development of treatments for early stages of AD.
Instrumental help and caregivers' distress: Effects of change in informal and formal help
Authors: Jarrott Shannon E. , Zarit Steven H. , Stephens Mary Ann Parris , Townsend Aloen , Greene Rick
Published: May 2006

Family caregivers of persons with dementia rely on a range of resources to provide care and cope with caregiving stressors. Informal (unpaid) and formal (paid) instrumental support contribute to diverse caregiver outcomes. Previous research of caregiver support has focused on subjective measures of help or has compared caregivers receiving formal services to those who do not. We focused instead on the effects of change in the amount of formal and informal instrumental assistance on caregivers' distress. We expected that greater gains in assistance would be associated with greater reduction of caregivers' distress. Increases in formal but not informal levels of assistance were associated with improvement in each measure of distress. Additional measures may be needed to fully understand the effects of informal and formal assistance.
Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia: The effects of physical activity at adult day service centers
Authors: Woodhead Erin L. , Zarit Steven H. , Braungart Elizabeth R. , Rovine Michael R. , Femia Elia E.
Published: May 2006

Adult day services (ADS) are an increasingly popular option for caregivers of people with dementia, but there is little research on the effects of activities on the behavior and mood of the client. This study examines participation by 94 individuals in different types of adult day-care activities and their association with changes in behavior and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) for the client during a three-month span. Three domains of BPSD were examined: restless behaviors, mood behaviors, and positive behaviors. Using growth curve modeling, results show that the restless and mood behavior domains, on average, were stable over three months, whereas positive behaviors increased. For all three behavior domains there were individual differences in average level of BPSD. Average rate of change for individuals also varied from the mean for restless and mood behaviors. Physical activities, social activities, engaging activities, and watching and listening activities, along with a day-care dosage variable, were used as covariates to explain these individual differences in change. Engaging activities explained some of the individual variance for restless behaviors; as individuals increased one increment in engaging activities, they had fewer restless behavior problems over time. These results suggest that some features of programming may be related to improvements in restless behavior.
A randomized, controlled study of an Alzheimer's caregiver skills training program
Authors: Martin-Cook Kristin , Davis Barbara A. , Hynan Linda S. , Weiner Myron F.
Published: May 2006

This study was an attempt to improve the quality of the relationship between dementia caregivers and their loved ones by decreasing the gap between caregivers' expectations and patients' actual functional abilities and by teaching supportive skills. Although a group of 49 caregiver-patient dyads were recruited, the outcome measures of only those dyads (47) that completed the week seven session were used for analysis. Half of the dyads were randomized to an intervention group and the other half to a waiting list. The intervention group (N = 24) completed a four-session caregiver training program in which caregivers first watched investigators administering to their loved ones the Texas Functional Living Scale and later progressed to helping their loved ones by appropriate cueing to perform the tasks involved. Comparisons were made between baseline scores, scores at seven weeks, and scores at the end of 17 weeks on the congruence between caregiver estimates and patients' actual performance on the Independent Living Scale and measures of cognition, function, preillness quality of relationship, caregiver mood, feeling of self-efficacy, and several other measures. We were not able to increase the congruence between caregiver estimates and patients' actual performance and found no change in any other measure. We did find the expected relationship between depression and caregiver sense of self-efficacy.
Neurocognitive testing supports a broader concept of mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Gualtieri C. Thomas , Johnson Lynda G.
Published: May 2006

The narrow concept of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) as an early form of Alzheimer’s disease has been broadened by research that established the existence of alternative forms of the condition that may presage other forms of dementia. The research presented here was a naturalistic, cross-sectional study of patients in a community referral clinic—patients with MCI and mild dementia—compared to normal controls.

A comprehensive, computerized neurocognitive screening battery developed by one of the authors (CNS Vital Signs) was administered to all of the subjects. Participants consisted of 36 patients with MCI and 53 patients with mild dementia, diagnosed by standard criteria, and 89 matched normal controls. Multivariate analysis indicated significant differences among the three groups for all 15 primary test variables and for all five of the domain scores. Tests of memory, processing speed, and cognitive flexibility were the most cogent discriminators between normal controls and MCI patients, and between MCI patients and patients with mild dementia. The same three tests also had the greatest sensitivity and specificity.

The results of this study indicate that computerized testing can differentiate among normal controls, MCI patients, and patients with mild dementia. Also, in a diverse group of MCI and mild dementia patients, impairments in memory, processing speed, and cognitive flexibility were the most prominent observed deficits.
Cognitive domains associated with performance on the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status—modified
Authors: Crooks Valerie C. , Petitti Diana B. , Robins Sean B. , Buckwalter J. Galen
Published: May 2006

Global cognitive screening tests are increasingly used in clinical and research settings. However, many have not been developed following systematic psychometric principles; thus, construct validity is not clearly defined. It is the aim of this study to identify the cognitive domains that are associated with the total score from the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status-modified (TICS-m). Data came from 104 women (75 years of age and older) who were participants in a longitudinal study of dementia and had been given the TICS-m and a battery of standardized neuropsychological tests. Factor analysis of all these neuropsychological tests yielded six interpretable factors: episodic memory for words, episodic memory for contextual information, working memory, episodic memory for nonverbal information, attention, and visuospatial processing efficiency. The TICS-m score showed modest associations with several distinct cognitive domains, including episodic memory for words and nonverbal information and attention.
Inhibition of NF-κB activation by 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors protects brain against injury in a rat model of focal cerebral ischemia
Authors: Jatana Manu , Giri Shailendra , Ansari Mubeen A , Elango Chinnasamy , Singh Avtar K , Singh Inderjit , Khan Mushfiquddin
Published: May 2006

Background

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States of America. Brain ischemia-reperfusion (IR) triggers a complex series of biochemical events including inflammation. Leukotrienes derived from 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) cause inflammation and are thus involved in the pathobiology of stroke injury.

Methods

To test the neuroprotective efficacy of 5-LOX inhibition in a rat model of focal cerebral IR, ischemic animals were either pre- or post-treated with a potent selective 5-LOX inhibitor, (N- [3-[3-(-fluorophenoxy) phenyl]-1-methyl-2-propenyl]-N-hydroxyurea (BW-B 70C). They were evaluated at 24 h after reperfusion for brain infarction, neurological deficit score, and the expression of 5-LOX. Furthermore, the mechanism and the anti-inflammatory potential of BW-B 70C in the regulation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and inflammatory inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were investigated bothin vivoandin vitro.

Results and discussion

Both pre- and post-treatment with BW-B 70C reduced infarctions and improved neurological deficit scores. Immunohistochemical study of brain sections showed IR-mediated increased expression of 5-LOX in the neurons and microglia. BW-B 70C down-regulated 5-LOX and inhibited iNOS expression by preventing NF-κB activation. Two other structurally different 5-LOX inhibitors were also administered post IR: caffeic acid and 2, 3, 5-trimethyl-6- [12-hydroxy-5, 10-dodecadiynyl]-1, 4-benzoquinone (AA-861). As with BW-B 70C, they provided remarkable neuroprotection. Furthermore, in vitro, BW-B 70C inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS) mediated nitric oxide production, iNOS induction and NF-κB activation in the BV2 microglial cell line. Treating rat primary microglia with BW-B70C confirmed blockage of LPS-mediated translocation of the p65 subunit of NF-κB from cytosol to nucleus.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates the neuroprotective potential of 5-LOX inhibition through down-regulation of NF-κB in a rat model of experimental stroke.
Arteriolar vasoconstrictive response: comparing the effects of arginine vasopressin and norepinephrine
Authors: Friesenecker Barbara E , Tsai Amy G , Martini Judith , Ulmer Hanno , Wenzel Volker , Hasibeder Walter R , Intaglietta Marcos , Dünser Martin W
Published: May 2006

Introduction

This study was designed to examine differences in the arteriolar vasoconstrictive response between arginine vasopressin (AVP) and norepinephrine (NE) on the microcirculatory level in the hamster window chamber model in unanesthetized, normotonic hamsters using intravital microscopy. It is known from patients with advanced vasodilatory shock that AVP exerts strong additional vasoconstriction when incremental dosage increases of NE have no further effect on mean arterial blood pressure (MAP).

Methods

In a prospective controlled experimental study, eleven awake, male golden Syrian hamsters were instrumented with a viewing window inserted into the dorsal skinfold. NE (2 μg/kg/minute) and AVP (0.0001 IU/kg/minute, equivalent to 4 IU/h in a 70 kg patient) were continuously infused to achieve a similar increase in MAP. According to their position within the arteriolar network, arterioles were grouped into five types: A0 (branch off small artery) to A4 (branch off A3 arteriole).

Results

Reduction of arteriolar diameter (NE, -31 ± 12% versus AVP, -49 ± 7%; p = 0.002), cross sectional area (NE, -49 ± 17% versus AVP, -73 ± 7%; p = 0.002), and arteriolar blood flow (NE, -62 ± 13% versus AVP, -80 ± 6%; p = 0.004) in A0 arterioles was significantly more pronounced in AVP animals. There was no difference in red blood cell velocities in A0 arterioles between groups. The reduction of diameter, cross sectional area, red blood cell velocity, and arteriolar blood flow in A1 to A4 arterioles was comparable in AVP and NE animals.

Conclusion

Within the microvascular network, AVP exerted significantly stronger vasoconstriction on large A0 arterioles than NE under physiological conditions. This observation may partly explain why AVP is such a potent vasopressor hormone and can increase systemic vascular resistance even in advanced vasodilatory shock unresponsive to increases in standard catecholamine therapy.
Regulation of Membrane-Associated Prostaglandin E2 Synthase 1 in Pregnant Sheep Intrauterine Tissues by Glucocorticoid and Estradiol
Authors: Zhang Qi , Collins Valta , Chakrabarty Kaushik , Wolf Roman F. , Unno Nobuya , Howe David , Rose James C. , Wu Wen Xuan
Published: May 2006

This study was designed to determine the regulatory effect of glucocorticoid and estradiol on expression of ovine intrauterine membrane-associated prostaglandin E2 synthase 1 (mPTGES1) in late gestation and at labor. For gestational and labor groups, 16 pregnant ewes from 95–147 d gestational age (dGA) and four pregnant ewes at spontaneous term labor were used. The fetal glucocorticoid group, 14 pregnant ewes at 123–125 dGA with fetuses, was divided into the following groups: after sham adrenalectomy (n = 5), adrenalectomy (n = 4), and adrenalectomy with fetal cortisol replacement to late gestation levels (n = 5). For the maternal glucocorticoid group, nine pregnant ewes were treated with saline (n = 4) and three courses of maternal dexamethasone (n = 5). For the estradiol group, 10 pregnant ewes at 119–121 dGA were treated with sesame oil (n = 5) or estradiol (n = 5) to produce labor levels of estradiol in maternal plasma. Endometrial, myometrial, and placental mRNA and proteins were analyzed by Northern and Western blot and immunocytochemistry for mPTGES1. Data were analyzed by Student’s t test and ANOVA. There was a significant increase of placental mPTGES1 in late gestation. Glucocorticoids, given to the mother or fetus, significantly stimulated mPTGES1 in placenta. mPTGES1 was elevated only in the endometrium during spontaneous term labor and after estradiol treatment. The mPTGES1 was localized in the myometrial smooth muscle cells, endometrial stromal cells, and placental trophoblast cells. Our study suggested that increased expression of placental mPTGES1 throughout late gestation might result from the increased fetal and maternal circulating glucocorticoids, whereas elevated maternal plasma estradiol concentration might be responsible for the induced mPTGES1 expression in the endometrium during labor.
The Octopus vulgaris Estrogen Receptor Is a Constitutive Transcriptional Activator: Evolutionary and Functional Implications
Authors: Keay June , Bridgham Jamie T. , Thornton Joseph W.
Published: May 2006

Steroid hormones such as estrogens and androgens are important regulators of reproduction, physiology, and development in a variety of animal taxa, including vertebrates and mollusks. Steroid hormone receptors, which mediate the classic cellular responses to these hormones, were thought to be vertebrate specific, which left the molecular mechanisms of steroid action in invertebrates unresolved. Recently an estrogen receptor (ER) ortholog was isolated from the sea hare Aplysia californica, but the functional significance of the receptor was unclear because estrogens and other steroids are not known to be important in that species. Furthermore, the Aplysia ER was found to be a constitutive transcriptional activator, but it was unclear whether the estrogen independence of the ER was an Aplysia-specific novelty or a more ancient character general to the mollusks. Here we report on the isolation and functional characterization of the first ER ortholog from an invertebrate in which estrogens are produced and play an apparent role, the cephalopod Octopus vulgaris. We show that the Octopus ER is a strong constitutive transcriptional activator from canonical estrogen response elements. The receptor does not bind estradiol and is unresponsive to estrogens and other vertebrate steroid hormones. These characteristics are similar to those observed with the Aplysia ER and support the hypothesis that the evolving ER gained constitutive activity deep in the mollusk lineage. The apparent reproductive role of estrogens in Octopus and other mollusks is unlikely to be mediated by the ER and may take place through an ancient, non-ER-mediated pathway.
Transition Metal-Catalyzed C–C Bond Formation Reactions Using Alkyl Halides
Authors: Terao Jun , Kambe Nobuaki
Published: May 2006

This account reviews transition metal-catalyzed C–C bond formation reactions using alkyl halides, which have rarely been used as carbon sources in conventional transition metal-catalyzed systems. In the reactions, ate complexes formed by the reaction of transition metals with a Grignard reagent play important roles as the active catalytic species. The reactions mentioned here are mechanistically new and provide a promising methodology for the construction of carbon frameworks employing alkyl halides.
Rapid and Efficient Admicelle-Mediated Extraction of Chlorophenols in Water
Authors: Saitoh Tohru , Kondo Taizo , Hiraide Masataka
Published: May 2006

Cetyltrimethylammonium chloride was sorbed on silica gels and formed stable admicelles at pH 9. The extractabilities of chlorophenols were greater than those to sodium dodecyl sulfate–γ-alumina admicelles. Because the admicelles were floatable, the flotation was found to be useful for the rapid and efficient recovery of admicelles.
SmI2-Promoted Deacetoxylation of O-Acetylsugar Lactones. An Easy Access to Deoxysugar Lactones
Authors: Inanaga Junji , Katsuki Junko , Yamaguchi Masaru
Published: May 2006

Selective deacetoxylation of O-acetylsugar lactones and O-acetyl-3-deoxysugar lactones was accomplished at room temperature with the aid of SmI2 in the presence of pivalic acid or acetic acid to give the corresponding α,β-unsaturated lactones and saturated lactones (2,3-dideoxysugar derivatives), respectively.
Direct Amination of 2-Methylpropene with Ammonia into t-Butylamine on Proton-exchanged ZSM-5 Zeolite Catalyst
Authors: Tabata Masahiro , Mizuno Noritaka , Iwamoto Masakazu
Published: May 2006

Proton-exchanged ZSM-5 zeolite with silica/alumina = 51 showed a pronounced catalytic activity for the title reaction and it was suggested that this reaction would proceed on Brønsted acid site.
Spectroscopic Observation of Self-Assembly of a Macrocyclic Tetranuclear Complex Composed of Pt2+ and 4,4′-Bipyridine
Authors: Fujita Makoto , Yazaki Jun , Ogura Katsuyuki
Published: May 2006

Macrocyclic tetranuclear Pt(II) complex [(en)Pt(4,4′-bpy)]4(NO3)8 (en = ethylenediamine; bpy = bipyridine) assembled by treating (en)Pt(NO3)2 with 4,4′-bpy in water. The assembling was monitored by 1H NMR.
Template Synthesis of a Macrocyclic Tetracopper(II) Complex with Two Bridging Hydroxide Ions in Face-to-face Manner
Authors: Sakiyama Hiroshi , Motoda Ken-ichiro , Okawa Hisashi , Kida Sigeo
Published: May 2006

The reaction of 2,6-diformyl-4-methylphenol, triethylenetetramine, and copper(II) perchlorate hexahydrate in the 2:2:4 molar ratio formed a macrocyclic tetracopper(II) complex [Cu4(L)(OH)2](ClO4)4 where H2L denotes the macrocycle formed by two molecules of 2,6-diformyl-4-methylphenol and two molecules of triethylenetetramine. The two hydroxide groups, each bridging a pair of copper(II) ions, are facing each other in a close distance so as to be replaced by an azide ion, affording [Cu4(L)(N3)](ClO4)5.
Synthesis and Characterization of Poly(N-trialkylsilylmaleimide)s through Radical and Anionic Polymerizations
Authors: Matsumoto Akikazu , Oki Yoshitaka , Horie Atsushi , Otsu Takayuki
Published: May 2006

N-Trialkylsilylmaleimides bearing trimethylsilyl, t-butyldimethylsilyl and dimethylthexylsilyl groups as N-substituents were prepared and polymerized with a radical or anionic initiator. It was revealed that the resulting polymers had a high molecular weight, and showed excellent thermal stability. These polymers were readily converted to polymaleimide by acid hydrolysis.
Synthesis of Thermally Stable Vinyl Polymers from Adamantyl-Containing Acrylic Derivatives
Authors: Otsu Takayuki , Matsumoto Akikazu , Horie Atsushi , Tanaka Satoshi
Published: May 2006

1-Adamantyl and 3,5-dimethyl-1-adamantyl acrylates, methacrylates, and crotonates were polymerized through radical or anionic mechanism. Thermally stable and less-flexible vinyl polymers were obtained, depending on the structure of the repeating monomer units.
Correlation between Spin-Coupling Constants of Oxalate-bridged Binuclear Cu(II)–Cr(III) Complexes and of Ferromagnetic Phase-Transition Temperature Tc of {NBu4[CuCr(ox)3]}x
Authors: Ohba Masaaki , Tamaki Hiroko , Matsumoto Naohide , Okawa Hisashi , Kida Sigeo
Published: May 2006

Three oxalate-bridged binuclear Cu(II)–Cr(III) complexes [(salen)Cr(ox)Cu(Lm)] (1, HL1 = N-salicylidene-N-(2-pyridylethyl)amine; 2, HL2 = N-acetylacetonylidene-N-(2-pyridylethyl)amine; 3, HL3 = N-salicylidene-N′,N′-diethylethylenediamine) have been prepared and the cryomagnetic susceptibility measurements(4.2–300 K) revealed that the spin-coupling is ferromagnetic with the J values +2.8, +2.2, and +2.7 cm−1 for 1, 2, and 3, respectively, based on H = −2JSCuSCr. The J values are well compatible with J = +2.9 cm−1 of {NBu4[CuCr(ox)3]}x evaluated from the equation Tc=nJ/3k[SCr(SCr+1)SCu(SCu+1)]1/2 (Tc = 7 K, n = 3) based on Heisenberg’s theory of ferromagnetism.
Solid-Phase Synthesis of Oligoribonucleotides Using 5′-9-Fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl and 2′-1-(Isopropoxyl)ethyl Protection
Authors: Ogawa Takashi , Hosaka Hideo , Makita Tatsusi , Takaku Hiroshi
Published: May 2006

The 1-(isopropoxy)ethyl group (Ipe) has been employed for the protection of the 2′-hydroxy groups of ribonucleoside residues in the synthesis of oligoribonucleotides by the phosphoramidite approach on a solid support, using an base-labile 5′-9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc) group.
An Efficient Asymmetric Aldol Reaction Promoted by a Chiral Tin(II) Lewis Acid Consisting of Tin(II) Triflate, (R)-2-[(N-1-Naphthylamino)methyl]tetrahydrothiophene and a Tin(IV) Compound
Authors: Mukaiyama Teruaki , Asanuma Hajime , Hachiya Iwao , Harada Tsunehiro , Kobayashi Shu
Published: May 2006

The title chiral Lewis acid is successfully employed in the enantioselective aldol reactions of silyl enol ether of S-ethyl propanethioate with achiral aldehydes to afford the corresponding aldol-type adducts in a highly stereoselective manner.
The Proximal Imidazole Effect on Manganese(III)–Cyclam Complex
Authors: Kimura Eiichi , Shionoya Mitsuhiko , Yamauchi Tsuyoshi , Shiro Motoo
Published: May 2006

The synthesis, X-ray structure, and chemical properties are reported of a new 5 co-ordinate Mn(III) complex with imidazole-pendant cyclam, which has been found to be an efficient catalyst for alkene epoxidation.
La2O3-loaded SnO2 Element as a CO2 Gas Sensor
Authors: Yoshioka Tetsunori , Mizuno Noritaka , Iwamoto Masakazu
Published: May 2006

Among SnO2 elements modified by various metal oxides, La2O3-loaded SnO2 element was found to show promising sensing properties to CO2 in dry air at 673 K, rather high sensitivity and quick response. The sensitivity to CO2 depended on the operation temperature and the amounts of metal oxides loaded. A linear relationship between the sensitivity and the concentration of CO2 was observed for La2O3-loaded SnO2 element.
Intercalation of LiClO4 into the Organic Derivative of Layered Zirconium Phosphate
Authors: Yamanaka Shoji , Sarubo Masayoshi , Tadanobu Kazuo , Hattori Makoto
Published: May 2006

The interlayer surface of γ-zirconium phosphate was chemically modified by the reaction with ethylene oxide. The resulting layered organic derivative can be intercalated with LiClO4, forming solid solutions over a pretty wide range of the compositions. The ionic conductivities and the Raman spectra of the solid solutions have been studied.
Nitrosamines and Hydrazones of Dinitroformaldehyde from N,N-Disubstituted Hydrazines, a Dialkyl Nitroxide, and Tetranitromethane
Authors: Krishnan Ashwin M , Wolford Lionel T , Boyer Joseph H
Published: May 2006

N,N-Disubstituted hydrazines reacted with a mixture of a dialkylnitroxide and tetranitromethane to give nitrosamines and small amounts of hydrazones of dinitroformaldehyde.
Synthesis of Pyrazole Carboxylic Acid via Cobalt-Catalyzed Liquid Phase Oxidation
Authors: Tanaka Norio , Shinke Shuzo , Takigawa Shinichiro
Published: May 2006

In the presence of catalytic amount of cobalt acetate(II), manganese acetate(II) and bromide ion, the selective oxidation of 3,5-dichloro-1,4-dimethylpyrazole with molecular oxygen afforded 3,5-dichloro-1-methylpyrazole-4-carboxylic acid in more than 95% yield.
Regioselective Mono- and Di-C-acylation of Tungsten Diazoalkane Complexes via Alkenyldiazenido Complexes
Authors: Miyagi Hidekazu , Ishii Youichi , Aoshima Takayuki , Mizobe Yasushi , Hidai Masanobu
Published: May 2006

Tungsten alkenyldiazenido complexes reacted with isocyanates, isothiocyanate, and diphenylketene to give regioselectively α-acylated diazoalkane complexes after protonation. In the reaction of trans-[WF(NNCMe=CH2)(dpe)2] (dpe = Ph2PCH2CH2PPh2) with excess aryl isocyanates, α,α-diacylated diazoalkane complexes such as trans-[WF{NN=CMeCH(CONHPh)2}(dpe)2][BF4] were obtained, whose structure was determined by the X-ray analysis.
Preparation of Porous Supports in the SiO2–ZrO2–Na2O System
Authors: Tsurita Yasushi , Wada Keisuke
Published: May 2006

A new method of preparation of porous supports with SiO2–ZrO2–Na2O composition was investigated by heating the sol-gel derived SiO2 gel together with NaCl and ZrOCl2 at 760 °C. In the presence of ZrOCl2, crystallization of the SiO2 gel was suppressed and incorporation of Na2O into composition was identified. The microspherical porous supports, thus formed, possessed porous glass like texture and their pore size was about 500 Å in radius.
Novel Negative Solvatochromic Betaine Dyes, 5-(2,4,6-Triphenyl-N-pyridinio)tropolonates. Synthesis and Characterization
Authors: Takeshita Hitoshi , Mori Akira , Kato Nobuo , Wada Eiji , Kanemasa Shuji , Mori Akira , Fujimoto Etsuo , Nishiyama Nobuaki
Published: May 2006

5-(2,4,6-Triphenyl-N-pyridinio)tropolonates, troponoid betaine dyes, were prepared. These dyes were negatively solvatochromic and more blue-shifted than ET 30 in all of the solvents. The dihedral angle between the pyridinium and the tropolonate rings was larger than that of ET 30.
Versatile Dehydrogenative Aromatization of α,β-Unsaturated Cyclohexenones with VO(OEt)Cl2-Me3SiOTf
Authors: Hirao Toshikazu , Mori Makoto , Ohshiro Yoshiki
Published: May 2006

An oxovanadium compound obtained from VO(OEt)Cl2 and AgOTf or MesSiOTf efficiently induced dehydrogenative aromatization of α,β-unsaturated cyclohexenones to give aryl ethyl ethers in good yields.
Stereoselectivity in the Polarographic Reduction of Chromium(III) Complexes with L-α-Amino Acids
Authors: Oki Hisaya , Gessoh Hideya , Nakata Ryuji
Published: May 2006

Polarographic reduction behaviors of fac-[Cr(AA)3] complexes, where AA is an L-α-amino acidato ligand, have been studied in Me2SO. These complexes showed two reduction waves at mercury electrode and the first corresponded to Cr(III) → Cr(II). This reduction potential was found to be more positive for the (+)546-isomer than for the corresponding (−)546-isomer in the presence of Et4N+.
Radical Polyaddition of Dithiols to 1,4 -Bis(allenyloxy)xylylene. Synthesis of Functional Polymer Containing Reactive Carbon-Carbon Double Bonds in the Backbone
Authors: Yokozawa Tsutomu , Sato Eiichi , Endo Takeshi
Published: May 2006

Radical polyadditions of 1,4-benzenedithiol or bis(4-mercaptophenyl)sulfide to 1,4-bis(allenyloxy)xylylene were described. Thiol groups added to the terminal double bonds of allenyloxy groups selectively to give polymers containing both reactive carbon-carbon double bonds in the main chain and methyl groups in the side chain. The obtained polymers easily underwent crosslinking by the reaction of the double bonds in the backbone with Lewis acid.
The Synthesis of a New Ring System, Germatrisilacyclobutane [R2Si]3GeR′2 and Its Molecular Structure
Authors: Suzuki Hideo , Fukuda Yoko , Sato Norikazu , Ohmori Hideki , Goto Midori , Watanabe Hamao
Published: May 2006

A new type of ring system, the first germatrisilacyclobutane [R2Si]3GeR′2 (R = iPr, tBuCH2; R′ = Me3SiCH2) was synthesized and characterized. The X-ray structure analysis revealed that the both Si3Ge rings are nonplanar, and that the Si–Si and Si–Ge bond distances are considerably longer than those of the corresponding normal ones, respectively. The ring strain energy was estimated to be ca. 25 kcal/mol.
Preparation of Ruthenium(II) Complex-Containing Polymer Monolayers and Langmuir–Blodgett Films
Authors: Miyashita Tokuji , Saito Hidenao , Matsuda Minoru
Published: May 2006

The copolymers of [Ru(bpy)2(Vbpy)]2+ and N-dodecylacrylamide (DDA) form a stable condensed monolayer on a water surface and the monolayers could be transferred onto solid supports, yielding the Y-typed (bilayer type) ruthenium(II) complex-containing polymer Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) films.
Suppression of the Metal Instability and Continuous Change of the Carrier Density in (MeBr-DCNQI)2Cu1−xLix
Authors: Kobayashi Hayao , Miyamoto Akihito , Moriyama Hiroshi , Kato Reizo , Kobayashi Akiko
Published: May 2006

Electrical resistivities and IR spectra of new mixed cation (Cu/Li)-DCNQI systems were examined. (MeBr-DCNQI)2Cu1−xLix (0.25 < x < 0.5) remains in the metallic state down to 4 K. The stretching frequency of C=N(imine) of DCNQI shows a linear dependence on the charge of DCNQIf which is consistent with the mixed valency of Cu (Cu+1.3).
Cooperative Binding of Porphyrin by Anti-Porphyrin Antibodies
Authors: Harada Akira , Okamoto Kazutake , Kamachi Mikiharu
Published: May 2006

One of the monoclonal antibodies specific for MESO-tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)porphine (TCPP) causes a large shift of the Soret band of TCPP to a longer wavelength and large induced Cotton effects (ICD) on TCPP. Quantitative analyses of the binding of TCPP to the antibody by ICD show that not only one-to-one binding but two-to-one (binding site: TCPP) binding occurs in excess of the antibody over TCPP.
Photochemical Control of Ionic Conduction by Crowned Spirobenzopyran
Authors: Kimura Keiichi , Yamashita Takashi , Yokoyama Masaaki
Published: May 2006

Ionic conduction in composite films incorporating a crowned spirobenzopyran and LiClO4 was controlled photochemically. UV light irradiation, which promotes the isomerization of spirobenzopyran to its corresponding merocyanine form, depressed Li+ conduction due to its enhanced Li+ complexation, while visible light irradiation restored the initial ionic conduction.