bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Charaterization of Tc‐99m‐tricarbonyl complexes as transport substrates of the multidrug resistance (MDR1) P‐glycoprotein
Authors: Dyszlewski M. , Blake H. , Dahlheimer J. , Piwnica‐Worms D.
Published: April 2012

One of the best characterized mechanisms of drug resistance in human tumors is overexpression of the multidrug resistance (MDR1) P‐glycoprotein (Pgp). Pgp functions as an energy‐dependent extrusion pump that efficiently transports drugs out of tumor cells and has thus been an attractive target for improving cancer therapies (1). Lipophilic cationic radiopharmaceuticals, such as 99mTc‐sestamibi and 99mTc‐tetrofosmin, have been validated as transport substrates for Pgp in a variety of multidrug resistant human and rodent cells and have demonstrated utility for functional imaging of Pgp transport and modulation in both normal human tissues and tumors as well as in FVB mdrla/lb(‐l‐) gene knockout mice (2–7). The aim of this study was to explore the Pgp recognition properties of novel 99mTc(I)‐tricarbonyl complexes containing either methoxyisobutylisonitrile (MIBI) or dimethylmethoxypropylphosphine (DMMPP) ligands that have recently been reported as potential cardiac imaging agents (8).
Synthesis and characterization of [99mTc]metomidate as the tricarbonyl‐conjugate
Authors: Netter M. , Zolle I. , Schibli R. , Hammerschmidt F. , Berger M. , Schubiger P. A.
Published: April 2012

Functionalized metomidate was labelled with the [99mTc]tricarbonyl‐complex in high yield. With carrier amounts of Tc‐99 the analogous [99Tc]tricarbonyl‐BiPy‐MTO‐conjugate was obtained, showing an identical retention time, however, conjugate formation was not quantitative. When the [Re]tribromo‐tricarbonyl‐ligand was reacted with the BiPy‐MTO‐precursor, the reaction parameters had to be optimized for conjugate formation. Based on high adrenocortical binding to adrenal tissue slices, it is expected that the radiotracer will also localize in the adrenal in‐vivo.
Technetium‐99m‐MAG3 as a transport substrate of rat renal organic anion transporter‐1
Authors: Shikano N. , Kawai K. , Ishikawa N. , Kubodera A.
Published: April 2012

The first step of technetium‐99m‐mercaptoacetylglycylglycylglycine (99mTc‐MAG3) secretion by the proximal tubule cells is the extraction of 99mTc‐MAG3 from the peritubular plasma by proximal tubule cells through the basolateral membrane. The evidence for 99mTc‐MAG3 being excreted from renal proximal tubules via rat organic anion transporter 1 (OAT1) by molecular biological experiments with expressed OAT1 in Xenopus laevis oocytes was discussed. Inhibition studies of 99mTc‐MAG3 revealed that OAT1 mediated Na+‐independent 99mTc‐MAG3 uptake, and that this transport was energy‐independent. Accumulated dicarboxylate, such as glutarate, stimulated 99mTc‐MAG3 uptake. Tc‐99m‐MAG3, as well as paminohippurate (PAH), and o‐iodohippurate (OIH), was confirmed to be a transport substrate of OAT1 by the uptake of expressed oocytes.
Preparation and experimental study of a new renal imaging agent: N, N‐BIS (2‐aminoethyl) propane haxaacetic acid labeled with technitium‐99m
Authors: Wang R. F. , Zhang C. L. , Huo L. , He X. K. , Fu Z. L. , Liu G. Z. , Liu F.
Published: April 2012

The purpose of this study is to prepare 99mTc‐diaminoethylpropane diamine haxaacetic acid and clarify its renal excretion mechanism. BPHA obtained from chemical synthesis and characterized by IR and MS was labeled with technitium‐99m. The renal excretion mechanism was determined by probenecid inhibition experiment. The radioactivity remained in the body at different time point postinjection was measured by a γ detector. Renal dynamic imaging of rabbit and human was performed using a γ camera. For all the experiments 99mTc‐DTPA was also examined as contrast. Similar to 99mTc‐DTPA, 99mTc‐BPHA was excreted with a glomerular excretion mechanism. After 24 h, 99mTc‐BPHA remained in the body was very little. Kidney imaging of rabbit and volunteer showed excellent kidney images and fast 99mTc‐BPHA excretion. The results showed that the self‐made 99mTc‐BPHA appeared to be a glomerular filtration imaging agent satisfying clinical requirement and an alternative to 99mTc‐DTPA.
Effect of ginkgo biloba on the in vitro labeling of red blood cells and plasma proteins with technetium‐99M
Authors: Moreno S. R. F. , Feliciano G. D. , Freitas R. S. , Mattos D. M. , Gomes M. L. , Farah M. B. , Laurentino‐Filho G. L. , Rocha E. K. , Filho M. Bernardo
Published: April 2012

Ginkgo biloba is the phytoterapic most used in popular medicine in the treatment of inflammation, free‐radical with traumatic brain injury and Alzheimer's dementia. Red blood cells (RBC) labeled with technetium‐99m (Tc‐99m) are used for several evaluations in nuclear medicine. This labeling depends on a reducing agent, usually the stannous ion. Any drug which alters the labeling of the tracer could be expected to modify the disposition of the radiopharmaceutical. We have evaluated the influence of the Ginkgo biloba extract on the labeling of RBC and plasma proteins with Tc‐99m. Blood was withdrawn and incubated with Ginkgo biloba extract (0; 0.004; 0.04; 0.4; 4 and 20 mg/mL). Stannous chloride (1.2 μl/mL) was added and, then, Tc‐99m was added. Plasma (P) and blood cells (RBC) were isolated, also precipitated with trichloroacetic acid and soluble (SF) and insoluble fractions (IF) separated. The analysis of the results shows that there is a decrease in the radioactivity (from 97.7 ± 0.7 to 49.5 ± 3.9%) in RBC with the drug (4mg/mL). In the labeling process of RBC with Tc‐99m, the stannous and pertechnetate ions pass though the membrane, so, we suggest that the Ginkgo biloba effect can be explained by (i) an inhibition of the transport of these ions, (ii) damage in membrane, (iii) competition with the cited ions for the same binding sites, or (iv) possible generation of reactive oxygen species that could oxidize the stannous ion.
Effect of the leaf extract from cauliflower (brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis) on the biodistribution of the radiopharmaceutical sodium pertechnetate in mice and on the electrophoretic mobility of plasmid pUC 9.1 DNA
Authors: Lima E. A. C. , Dire G. , Mattos D. M. M. , de Oliveira M. Nunes , Mattos J. C. P. , Dantas F. J. S. , Caldeira‐De‐Araújo A. , Bernardo‐Filho M.
Published: April 2012

There is evidence that the biodistribution of radiopharmaceuticals may be altered by a variety of drugs. If unknown, the drug interaction with radiopharmaceuticals can lead to misdiagnosis or the necessity to repeat the examination, increasing the dose to the patient. Different substances has the ability to modify the electrophoretic mobility of the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Cauliflower has the leaves used in folk medicine. We evaluated the influence of the leaf extract of cauliflower on: (i) the biodistribution of the radiopharmaceutical sodium pertechnetate (99mTcO4Na) and in (ii) the mobility of a plasmid pUC 9.1 through gel electrophoresis analysis. 99mTcO4Na (0.3ml) was administered into female Wistar rats which had drunk or not the extract for 60 days. After 10 min, the animals were sacrificed, the organs isolated, the radioactivity determined in a well counter and the percentages of radioactivity per gram (%ATI/g) in the organs calculated. The %ATI/g was not significantly altered (p>0.05) in the treated animals. The supercoiled form of the plasmid was modified by the cauliflower extract. We suggest that the action of this extract on the DNA might be explained by a direct effect or by the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that could be inducing lesions in the plasmid DNA. However, this lesive effect was not capable to alter the biodistribution of the 99mTcO4Na in the treated animals with the extract.
Synthesis and evaluation of a new bifunctional chelator designed for labeling biomolecules by the technetium‐tricarbonyl technology
Authors: Baidoo Ke , Knight Lc , Romano Je , Gabriel Jl , Maurer Ah
Published: April 2012

We have prepared a new bifunctional chelating agent 6‐(N′‐Pyridin‐2‐ylmethylene‐hydrazino)‐nicotinic acid for use in labeling biomolecules by the technetium‐tricarbonyl technology. The utility of the bifunctional chelate for 99mTc labeling was evaluated using recombinant bitistatin. High yield, high affinity 99mTc labeled bitistatin was obtained. The 99mTc labeled bitistatin has great potential for use in imaging thrombi.
Radiochemical investigations of 177Lu‐DOTA‐8‐Aoc‐BBN[7‐14]NH2: A new gastrin releasing peptide receptor (GRPr) targeting radiopharma ceutical
Authors: Smith Charles J. , Hoffman Timothy J. , Hayes Donald L. , Owen Nellie K. , Sieckman Gary L. , Volkert Wynn A.
Published: April 2012

The new conjugate, 177Lu‐DOTA‐8‐Aoc‐BBN[7–14]NH2, was prepared in high yield (≥95%) upon addition of 177LuCl3 to an aqueous solution (Ammonium Acetate) of DOTA‐8‐Aoc‐BBN[7–14]NH2. The 177Lu‐DOTA‐8‐Aoc‐BBN[7–14]NH2‐conjugate is stable over a wide range of pHs and does not undergo in vitro decomposition for ≤24h. Biodistribution studies of the 177Luconjugate were determined in tumor bearing (PC‐3), SCID mice. Tumor uptake and retention values of 4.22 ± 1.09%ID/g, 3.03 ± 0.91%ID/g, and 1.54 ± 1.14%ID/g were obtained at 1, 4, and 24h, respectively.
Synthesis, antibody conjugation, radiolabeling, and biodistribution of the first diethylene triamine pentahydroxamate (DTPH) bifunctional chelating agent
Authors: Safavy A. , Smith D. C. , Bazooband A. , Buchsbaum D. J.
Published: April 2012

Synthesis of a novel pentahydroxamic acid bifunctional chelating agent (BCA) constructed on the diethylene triamine core of diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) is reported. Thus, the Nα, Nζ‐[tetrakis((N‐hydroxy‐N‐methyl)carbonyl)]‐N4‐[((N‐hydroxy‐N‐methyl)carbonyl)]‐4‐(2, 6‐diamino)‐4‐azahexanoic hydrazide (DTPH, 1) was synthesized through a convergent synthetic strategy, in 14 steps and in 8% overall yield. The BCA was conjugated to the monoclonal antibody (MAb) ?CH2HuCC49 and the conjugate was radiolabeled with 177Lu. Results of biodistribution of this labeled conjugate in athymic nude mice are reported.
Production and radioassay of TC‐94M for pet studies
Authors: Szajek L. P. , Der M. , Plascjak P. , Eckelman W. C.
Published: April 2012

The goal of this work was to develop a remote apparatus for the preparation of Tc‐94m pertechnetate, suitable for the injection into a variety of Tc‐99m instant kits, and to develop a dose calibrator radioassay of this radionuclide for use in the radiopharmacy. At the NIH Clinical Center Tc‐94m has been produced utilizing 12.1 ± 0.5 MeV protons in the Mo‐94 (p, n) Tc‐94m nuclear reaction with >92% isotopically enriched Mo‐94 molybdenum oxide pellet external target and NaOH/MEK chemical separation. With a Tc‐94m average production rate of 15 ± 3 mCi/μA‐hr (17 preparations) we have routinely obtained 25 ± 6 mCi of Tc‐94m pertechnetate at 45 minutes past EOB in the first 3 mL of isotopic saline for injection into a Tc‐99m‐sestamibi instant kit.
A research resource in radionuclide research
Authors: Mccarthy D. W. , Bigott H. M. , Perkins T. A. , Voller T. F. , Welch M. J.
Published: April 2012

Since September 1999, Washington University has been funded as a Research Resource in Radionuclide Research by the National Cancer Institute. The goals of the Resource include providing novel radionuclides for collaborative research and other applications. In addition, imaging facilities at Washington University, including the microPET (Concorde Microsystems, Knoxville, TN), the first commercial device based on the design of Cherry and colleagues (1), are being made available to collaborators to assist in the evaluation of radiotracers for both diagnosis and therapy.
Preliminary evaluation of radiolabeled bitistatin as a potential agent for targeting integrins in tumor angiogenesis with pet
Authors: Knight L. C. , Mccarthy D. , Romano J. E. , Welch M. J.
Published: April 2012

To determine whether bitistatin could target tumors by integrin receptors in tumor neovasculature for eventual imaging with PET, we tested the biodistribution of radioiodinated bitistatin in mice bearing mammary tumors. High uptake in tumor (up to 12% ID/g) was observed with maximum uptake at 2 hours. Uptake was primarily blockable and therefore receptor‐mediated. These studies suggest that bitistatin, and possibly other disintegrins, have sufficient affinity for αvβ3 to localize in tumors, and that bitistatin labeled with a positron‐emitting radionuclide such as 124I or 64Cu should enable tumor imaging with PET.
L‐[2‐RADIOIODO]‐Tyrosine a potential tumour tracer for spect. Radiosynthesis, in vitro and in vivo evaluation
Authors: Mertens J. , Iterbeke K. , Lahoutte T. , Joos C. , Tourwé D. , Bossuyt A.
Published: April 2012

The pharmacophore L‐2‐Br‐tyrosine (2‐Br‐T) was obtained by a stereospecific synthesis in which benzophenonimine glycinesultame, sodium hexamethyldisilane and O‐(methoxycarbonyl)‐3‐bromo‐4‐bromo ethylphenol are successively coupled followed by hydrolysis.

Radioiodination (N.C.A.123/125I) was performed by Cu1+ assisted nucleophilic exchange on 2‐Br‐T with a mean labelling yield of 85%. RPHPLC coupled to C18 Sep‐pak recovery allowed to obtain the radioactive compound with a radiochemical purity of >98%. The in vitro evaluation was carried out on WiDr cells (human colon carcinoma). L‐2‐125I‐ tyrosine (2‐*I‐T) was shown to follow for the larger part the L‐transport system. For times up to 60 minutes the uptake was comparable with that of the reference 3H‐tyr. A considerable amount of the radioactivity uptake was slowly washed out in efflux conditions. In comparison with 3H‐tyr the incorporation in proteins was low. This can point to a retention mechanism which can be favourable for diagnosis. In vivo in rats bearing R1M rabdomyosarcoma tumours, the uptake in the tumour 40 minutes p.i. represented 1% ID/g with a tumour to blood ratio of 1.8. The tracer is fastly cleared from the blood to the bladder.
Efficient synthesis of 2‐bromo‐1‐[18F]fluoroethane and its application in the automated preparation of 18F‐fluoroethylated radiopharmaceuticals
Authors: Comagic S. , Piel M. , Schirrmacher R. , Höhnemann S. , Rösch F.
Published: April 2012

An efficient synthesis of 2‐bromo‐1‐[18F]fluoroethane from commercially available 1,2‐dibromoethane and its integration into an automated preparation device was developed for the routine synthesis of 18F‐fluoroethylated radiopharmaceuticals. The precursor 1,2‐dibromoethane was reacted with the [18F]fluoride/Kryptofix®2.2.2./carbonate‐complex in acetonitrile at 70°C for 3 minutes. The crude reaction mixture was diluted with water, loaded on a LiChrolute ®EN‐cartridge, eluated with acetonitrile and passed through an Alumina ®B‐cartridge. The method can provide 2‐bromo‐1‐[18F]fluoroethane with 98% radiochemical purity completely free of 1, 2‐dibromoethan within 10 min, thus avoiding a purifying distillation step. This method was easily integrated into an automated system for the routine synthesis of 18F‐fluoroalkylated radiopharmaceuticals.
Preparation of 16α‐[18F]fluoroestradiol‐3‐sulphamate and 16α‐[18F]fluoroestradiol‐17β‐sulphamate in an automated module
Authors: Römer J. , Füchtner F. , Steinbach J. , Kasch H.
Published: April 2012

The procedure described can simultaneously provide about 3GBq 16α‐[18F]fluoroestradiol‐3‐sulphamate and about 1 GBq 16α‐[18F]fluoroestradiol‐17β‐sulphamate of high radiochemical purity. By treating 16α‐[18F]fluoroestradiol‐3, 17β‐disulphamate with Kryptofix 2.2.2 and potassium carbonate as a base, 16α‐[18F]fluoro‐estradiol‐17β‐sulphamate became accessible with a still higher radioactivity level.
Purification and concentration of radioiodine isotopes using platinum, palladium and nickel, and the application in heterogeneous catalysis
Authors: Braker A. H. , Moet F. P. , van der Zwart R. E. , Eersels J. L. H. , Herscheid J. D. M.
Published: April 2012

It is possible to concentrate and purify radioiodine using a small column, filled with platinum powder. Iodine is absorbed quantitatively in diluted sulfuric acid and desorbed in an alternating stream of hydrogen gas and an appropriate solvent. The chemical form of the eluted iodine is iodide, even when oxidation products of iodine are loaded on the column.

As on‐column halogen exchange reactions were not successful, concentration and reactions on nickel and palladium columns are now under investigation.
Preparation of [11C]formaldehyde from [11C]methanol using silver‐containing ceramics
Authors: Roeda D. , Dollé F. , Crouzel C.
Published: April 2012

A silver‐containing ceramics has been evaluated as a catalyst for oxidation of [11C]methanol to [11C]formaldehyde. 7.99 GBq of [11C]carbon dioxide was reduced to [11C]methanol which could be reoxidized to 1.73 GBq of [11C]formaldehyde in 5 minutes (25%, decay corrected).
Synthesis and in vivo evaluation of [18F]ORG 13063, a potential pet radioligand for the 5‐HT1A receptor
Authors: Vandecapelle M. , De Vos F. , Vermeirsch H. , Strijckmans K. , Leysen D. , Audenaert K. , Dierckx R. A. , Slegers G.
Published: April 2012

[18F]Org 13063 or 4‐[18F]fluoro‐N‐{2‐[4‐(6‐trifluoromethyl‐2‐pyridinyl)‐1‐piperazinyl]ethyl}benzamide was synthesized by nucleophilic aromatic substitution on the nitro precursor in a microwave oven (5 min, 700 W). Overall radiochemical yield was 20 % (EOB), chemical and radiochemical purity were respectively higher than 95 and 99 %. Specific activity was always higher than 18.5 GBq/μmol (500 mCi/μmol). Biodistribution studies in rabbits were performed leading to 0.77 % ID in the brain at 5 min p.i. Radioactivity concentration of brain was significantly higher than that of blood. However, no significant differences in % ID/g tissue of the different isolated brain regions (hippocampus, hypothalamus, striatum, cortex and cerebellum) could be demonstrated.
Synthesis and radiosynthesis with a positron emitter of EP 00652218, a potent antagonist of NK1 receptor, and of a fluoro analog for in vivo evaluation of the substance P receptor by pet
Authors: Guéret C. , Le Bas M. D. , Perrio C. , Dauphin F , Dhilly M. , Chazalviel L. , Emond P. , Chalon S. , Tymciu S. , Guilloteau D. , Lasne M.‐C. , Barré L.
Published: April 2012

Neurokinins (NKs) are the most important of the peptides released from neuronal sensory afferents. In mammals different NKs [substance P (SP), neurokinin A (NKA) and neurokinin B (NKB)] act as neurotransmitters and neuromodulators.(1) The biological responses induced by these neuropeptides are mediated by three distinct receptors NK1, NK2 and NK3 respectively. The NK1 receptors are widely distributed throughout the CNS and peripheral nervous systems. In recent years, clinical studies with selective NK1 receptor antagonists showed results for the treatment of emesis, depression, anxiety, pain and migraine.(2) Since the discovery of the first selective non‐peptide NK1 antagonist CP‐96,345, a considerable research in this area has been developed by the pharmaceutical industry.(3) In 1995, Takeda company described a novel class of highly potent, selective, and orally active NK1 antagonists such as 6‐pyrido[3, 4‐b]pyridinecarboxamide derivatives.(4) In this series, EP 00652218 1 (Scheme 1) was shown to exhibit subnanomolar affinity (IC50: 0.21nM, in vitro inhibition of [125I]‐BH‐SP binding in human IM‐9 cells) towards the NK1 receptors. Moreover, SAR studies demonstrated that the bis (trifluoromethylbenzyl) moiety was essential for the affinity. This led us to consider that EP 00652218 1 could be a good candidate for in vivo imaging of NK1 receptors and that the design of pyridine or phenyl ring substituted analogs would retain a high affinity. In order to develop ligands that could be used either in PET or SPECT studies, we undertook the synthesis of compounds bearing an halogen atom (fluorine, bromine or iodine). In this paper we report both the synthesis and labelling of the reference EP 00652218 1 with carbon‐11 and of the analog 2 with fluorine‐18 (Schemes 1, 2 and 3).
Tibiofemoral cartilage contact biomechanics in patients after reconstruction of a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament
Authors: Hosseini Ali , Van de Velde Samuel , Gill Thomas J. , Li Guoan
Published: April 2012

We investigated the in vivo cartilage contact biomechanics of the tibiofemoral joint in patients after reconstruction of a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). A dual fluoroscopic and MR imaging technique was used to investigate the cartilage contact biomechanics of the tibiofemoral joint during in vivo weight‐bearing flexion of the knee in eight patients 6 months following clinically successful reconstruction of an acute isolated ACL rupture. The location of tibiofemoral cartilage contact, size of the contact area, cartilage thickness at the contact area, and magnitude of the cartilage contact deformation of the ACL‐reconstructed knees were compared with those previously measured in intact (contralateral) knees and ACL‐deficient knees of the same subjects. Contact biomechanics of the tibiofemoral cartilage after ACL reconstruction were similar to those measured in intact knees. However, at lower flexion, the abnormal posterior and lateral shift of cartilage contact location to smaller regions of thinner tibial cartilage that has been described in ACL‐deficient knees persisted in ACL‐reconstructed knees, resulting in an increase of the magnitude of cartilage contact deformation at those flexion angles. Reconstruction of the ACL restored some of the in vivo cartilage contact biomechanics of the tibiofemoral joint to normal. Clinically, recovering anterior knee stability might be insufficient to prevent post‐operative cartilage degeneration due to lack of restoration of in vivo cartilage contact biomechanics. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:1781–1788, 2012
Angiogenesis and myogenesis in mouse tibialis anterior muscles during distraction osteogenesis: VEGF, its receptors, and myogenin genes expression
Authors: Nishisho Toshihiko , Yukata Kiminori , Matsui Yoshito , Matsuura Tetsuya , Higashino Kosaku , Suganuma Katsuyoshi , Nikawa Takeshi , Yasui Natsuo
Published: April 2012

Angiogenesis and myogenesis occur in the surrounding skeletal muscles following distraction osteogenesis, but their molecular mechanisms remain unclear. The present study investigated morphological features of lengthened muscles and the time course change of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), its receptors (VEGFR‐1 and VEGFR‐2) and myogenin gene expression profiles related to angiogenesis and myogenesis in tibialis anterior (TA) muscles with a mouse model of distraction osteogenesis, which involves 1 week of waiting period (latency phase), 2 weeks of intermittent distraction (distraction phase), and 5 weeks of remodeling period (consolidation phase). Macroscopic findings showed that lengthened TA muscles increased to approximately 42% longer and 10% heavier at the end of the process when compared to pre‐surgery. During the distraction phase, VEGF and its receptors were induced in the vascular endothelial cells, myogenin‐positive satellite cells and myocytes, and subsequently, capillary progression and myogenesis were increased. Real‐time RT‐PCR showed that Vegf, Vegfr‐1, Vegfr‐2, and myogenin genes expression was enhanced during the muscle lengthening. Vegf and Vegfr‐1 were upregulated following the recession of angiogenesis at the consolidation phase. We conclude that upregulation of VEGF and its receptors by mechanical tension‐stress could be involved in the process of angiogenesis and myogenesis in lengthened muscles. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:1767–1773, 2012
Identification of biomarkers of meat tenderisation and its use for early classification of Asturian beef into fast and late tenderising meat
Authors: Sierra Verónica , Fernández‐Suárez Verónica , Castro Pedro , Osoro Koldo , Vega‐Naredo Ignacio , García‐Macía Marina , Rodríguez‐Colunga Pepa , Coto‐Montes Ana , Oliván Mamen
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND: The objective of this work was to study the post‐mortem evolution of potential biomarkers (µ‐calpain activity and proteolytic profile) of meat tenderisation in bovine longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle from several biotypes coming from two beef breeds (‘Asturiana de los Valles’ and ‘Asturiana de la Montaña’) and showing different levels of muscular hypertrophy (mh/mh, mh/+, + /+).

RESULTS: LD samples were taken at 2, 12, 24 and 48 h and 3, 7, 14 and 21 days post‐mortem. The presence of muscular hypertrophy produced a faster rate of pH decline, faster exhaustion of µ‐calpain activity and earlier occurrence of proteolytic changes. Changes in the electrophoretic pattern of some peptides from sarcoplasmic (glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase) and myofibrillar (troponin T and troponin I) muscle extracts within the first 24 h significantly correlated with meat toughness and allowed accurate discrimination of meat products into two groups: (1) fast tenderising meat, coming from mh‐biotypes, and (2) late tenderising meat, from normal (+/+) biotypes.

CONCLUSION: Early monitoring (within 24 h after slaughter) of selected biomarkers in LD muscle allowed accurate prediction of ultimate meat toughness and could be used in the meat industry as a tool for early classification of beef into fast and late tenderising meat. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Nutrient content, in vitro ruminal fermentation characteristics and methane reduction potential of tropical tannin‐containing leaves
Authors: Bhatta Raghavendra , Saravanan Mani , Baruah Luna , Sampath Koratekere T
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND: Plant tannins as rumen modifiers are better than chemicals or antibiotic‐based modifiers since these compounds are natural products which are environmentally friendly and therefore have a better acceptance with regard to feed safety issues. Tropical plants containing phenols such as tannins were found to suppress or eliminate protozoa from the rumen and reduce methane and ammonia production. The screening of these plants is an important step in the identification of new compounds and feed additives which might contribute to mitigate rumen methanogenesis. The present study was carried out to determine the efficacy of tannins from tropical tree leaves for their methane reduction properties.

RESULTS: Activity of tannins, as represented by the increase in gas volume with the addition of polyethylene glycol (PEG)‐6000 as a tannin binder (tannin bioassay) was highest in Ficus bengalensis (555%), followed by Azardirachta indica (78.5%). PEG addition did not alter (P > 0.05) methane percentage in Ficus racemosa, Glyricidia maculata, Leucena leucocephala, Morus alba and Semaroba glauca, confirming that tannins in these samples did not affect methanogenesis. The increase (P < 0.05) in protozoa population with PEG was maximal in Ficus religiosa (50), followed by Moringa oleifera (31.2), Azardirachta indica (29.9) and Semaroba glauca (27.5). There was no change (P > 0.05) in the protozoa population in Autocarpus integrifolia, Ficus bengalensis, Jatropha curcus, Morus alba and Sesbania grandiflora, demonstrating that methane reduction observed in these samples per se was not due to defaunation effect of the tannin. The increase in total volatile fatty acid concentration in samples with PEG ranged from 0.6% to > 70%. The highest increase (%) in NH3‐N was recorded in Azardirachta indica (67.4), followed by Ficus mysoriensis (35.7) and Semaroba glauca (32.6) leaves, reflecting strong protein binding properties of tannin.

CONCLUSION: The results of our study established that in vitro methanogenesis was not essentially related to the density of protozoa population. Tropical tree leaves containing tannins such as Autocarpus integrifolia, Jatropha curcus and Sesbania grandiflora have the potential to suppress methanogenesis. Therefore tannins contained in these plants could be of interest in the development of new additives in ruminant nutrition. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Enhancing the polyphenol content of a red‐fleshed Japanese plum (Prunus salicina Lindl.) nectar by incorporating a polyphenol‐rich extract from the skins
Authors: de Beer Dalene , Steyn Naomi , Joubert Elizabeth , Muller Nina
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND: Plum skins are a waste product generated during production of plum juice or pulp. Polyphenols, shown to have various health‐promoting properties, can be recovered from this waste product. Red‐fleshed plum nectar formulations containing plum skin extract in varying amounts were characterised in terms of intensity of sensory attributes, consumer acceptability, colour, polyphenol content and antioxidant activity. Commercial beverages containing red fruits were used as benchmarks.

RESULTS: The polyphenolic profile of the plum skin extract was similar to that of the pulp, including anthocyanins, flavonols, flavan‐3‐ols and a phenolic acid. Addition of the extract to plum nectar, which enhanced the colour, polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity, was limited by its negative sensory impact. The formulations were deemed acceptable by consumers, although a decrease in positive sensory attributes (plum flavour, plum aroma and sweetness) and an increase in negative sensory attributes (plant‐like flavour, plant‐like aroma, acidity and astringency) were observed with increasing skin extract content. The formulations compared favourably with commercial beverages in terms of colour total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity.

CONCLUSION: Plum skins were successfully used to enhance the functional status of plum nectar. Use of a functional ingredient from plum skins is, therefore, a feasible value‐addition strategy. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of high hydrostatic pressure on structure and colour of red ginseng (Panax ginseng)
Authors: Ghafoor Kashif , Kim Sun‐Ok , Lee Dong‐Un , Seong Kijun , Park Jiyong
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND: The conventional method of processing ginseng (Panax ginseng) roots into red ginseng involves mainly heating and drying processes. In the present study, this method was modified by using high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) to improve the physicochemical characteristics of red ginseng.

RESULTS: The HHP process (600 MPa for 1 min) significantly improved the histological properties of red ginseng by increasing cellular disruption and release of cell contents. The total reducing sugar content was significantly (P < 0.05) higher (increased from 10.67 to 15.25 mg g−1) in red ginseng processed at 600 MPa for 1 min. Similarly, the total free amino acid content also increased significantly (from 2.81 to 7.77 mg g−1). The HHP process resulted in superior and more even colouration and gave an attractive visual appearance to red ginseng. The optical density at 420 nm and Hunter's colour a value (redness) of extracts prepared from red ginseng increased significantly (P < 0.05) with the application of HHP.

CONCLUSION: HHP‐processed red ginseng has significantly higher reducing sugar and free amino acid contents together with a more compact cell structure and superior visual quality (brighter red colour). Hence the application of HHP in red ginseng processing can result in ginseng products of improved quality compared with those obtained by the conventional method. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Outer‐sphere reduction of hexacyanoferrate(III) by enolizable and nonenolizable aldehydes in alkaline medium
Authors: Bera Ashok K. , Pal Biswajit , Sen Gupta Kalyan K.
Published: April 2012

Outer‐sphere reduction of hexacyanoferrate(III) by some enolizable/nonenolizable aldehydes (viz., aliphatic, heterocyclic, and aromatic aldehydes) in alkaline medium has been studied spectrophotometrically at λmax = 420 nm. The reactions are first order each in [aldehyde] and [Fe(CN)63−]. The rate increases with an increase in [OH−] in the oxidation of aliphatic and heterocyclic aldehydes, whereas it is independent of [OH−] in the reaction with aromatic aldehydes. The intervention of free radicals in the reaction mixture was carried out using both acrylonitrile and acrylamide scavenger in two different experiments. The kinetic results indicate that the oxidation of benzaldehyde in aqueous medium proceeds at a slower rate than the aliphatic aldehydes (other than formaldehyde) and furfural. The values of third‐order rate constant (k3) at 308 K in the oxidations of some aliphatic aldehydes and furfural follow the order (CH3)2CH > CH3CH2 > CH3 > C4H3O > H. The rate constants correlate with Taft's σ* value, the reaction constant being negative (–9.8). The pseudo–first‐order rate constants in the oxidations of benzaldehyde and substituted benzaldehydes follow the order NO2 > H > Cl > OCH3. The Hammett plot is also linear with a ρ value (0.6488) for meta‐ and para‐substituted benzaldehydes. The kinetic isotope effect for benzaldehyde (kH/kD = 1.93 at 303 K) was obtained. The rate‐determining step is the outer‐sphere formation of Fe(CN)64− and free radicals, which is followed by the rapid oxidation of free radicals by Fe(CN)63− to give products. The kinetic data and hence thermodynamic parameters have been used to distinguish enolizable and nonenolizable aldehydes. An attempt has also been made to correlate kinetic data with hydration equilibrium constants of some aliphatic aldehydes. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 44: 494–505, 2012
Size‐Controlled Fabrication of Polydiacetylene‐Embedded Microfibers on a Microfluidic Chip
Authors: Yoo Imsung , Song Simon , Yoon Bora , Kim Jong‐Man
Published: April 2012

A microfluidic technique was employed to fabricate polydiacetylene (PDA)‐embedded hydrogel microfibers. By taking advantage of calcium ion‐induced insoluble hydrogel formation, supramolecularly assembled diacetylene (DA)‐surfactant complexes were successfully immobilized in the calcium alginate fibers. Thus, instantaneous microfiber formation was observed when the core flow of DA supramolecules‐containing alginate solution met the sheath flow of calcium ions. UV irradiation of the resulting fibers afforded blue colored PDAs, and the formation of a conjugated polymer was confirmed by heat‐induced phase transition and by Raman spectroscopy. By adjusting the core and sheath flow rates, PDA‐embedded hydrogel fibers of various sizes were obtained.
A Hilbert space approach to homogenization of linear ordinary differential equations including delay and memory terms
Authors: Waurick M.
Published: April 2012

We present an abstract approach to homogenization in a Hilbert space setting. Related compactness results are obtained. Moreover, the homogenized equations may be computed explicitly, if periodicity is imposed. Examples for the applicability of our homogenization result for linear ordinary (integro‐)differential equations are given. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diabetic renal disease in older people
Authors: Akerman Catherine , Kirk Adam , Hewitt Jonathan
Published: April 2012

As the population ages and the prevalence of diabetes increases, more and more older people will suffer from diabetic complications, including renal disease. There are very few studies of older diabetic people with renal disease and most of our knowledge and treatment base are derived from information generated in younger patients.

In older people, blockade of the renin‐angiotensin system seems to be as important as it is in younger people; however, these drugs are often prescribed at suboptimal doses. Further, while glycaemic and blood pressure control is paramount, factors such as cognitive impairment and postural hypotension can make the management of these aspects difficult in older people. Cardiovascular disease is very common in people with chronic renal disease, and thus older people are also likely to benefit from cardiovascular risk factor protection.

Estimating renal function in older people can also be less reliable due to reduced muscle mass and less well validated measures of renal function. However, when end‐stage renal disease is established, many treatment options, including renal replacement therapy, are well tolerated and are being increasingly used in older people.

This article discusses the evidence and treatments available for older people with diabetic renal disease. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons.
Renewal of driving licences and long duration insulin‐treated diabetes: a comparison of medical assessment and self‐reporting by drivers
Authors: Rees Simon DR , Browne Andrew , Major Heather G , Frier Brian M
Published: April 2012

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) relies on self‐declaration of a relevant medical condition, such as insulin‐treated diabetes, in determining medical fitness for licensing Group 1 (car or motorcycle) drivers. Problems such as severe hypoglycaemia (requiring the assistance of another person) may lead to revocation of the licence, but may not always be reported.

The aim of the present study was to assess the sensitivity and accuracy of medical self‐declaration in drivers who had insulin‐treated diabetes of long duration.

The study took place in 2007–08, involving 2779 drivers who had insulin‐treated diabetes for 15 years or more when applying to renew their Group 1 licence. The driver's self‐declaration was compared with the assessment made independently by their doctor as a medical report. Responses were analysed to assess risk of severe hypoglycaemia and presence of impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia (IAH); the accuracy and sensitivity of self‐declarations were evaluated.

Overall, self‐declarations of 293 drivers (10.5%) were inconsistent with their doctors' reporting of recorded episodes of severe hypoglycaemia or IAH. This inconsistency was greatest in those treated with insulin for 20 years or more and in older drivers aged over 49 years. Detailed examination of these 293 cases with inconsistent declarations resulted in 25 drivers (8.5% of this subgroup) being refused a licence.

One in 10 drivers with insulin‐treated diabetes of long duration (10.5%) had returned inaccurate self‐reports, resulting in 25 (8.5% of this group) having their licence refused. This resulted in a review of the process of licence renewal for those with insulin‐treated diabetes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons.
Cyclic deformations of polypropylene with a strain‐controlled program
Authors: Drozdov A.D. , Dusunceli N.
Published: April 2012

Experimental data are reported on isotactic polypropylene in uniaxial tensile cyclic tests with a strain‐controlled program (oscillations between fixed minimum and maximum strains). The following characteristic features of stress–strain diagrams are observed: (i) logarithmic decay in maximum and minimum stresses with number of cycles (cyclic softening), (ii) more pronounced reduction in minimum stress than in maximum stress (cyclic strengthening), (iii) independence of rates of decrease in maximum and minimum stresses of strain rate, (iv) decrease in hysteresis energy with number of cycles. To rationalize these observations, a constitutive model is derived in cyclic viscoelasticity and viscoplasticity of semicrystalline polymers. Numerical simulation demonstrates that the model correctly describes experimental stress–strain curves and quantitatively predicts evolution of maximum and minimum stresses with number of cycles. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Three‐photon absorption properties of a novel symmetrical Carbazole derivative having terminal 1,10‐phenanthroline rings via carbon–nitrogen (C = N) double bond
Authors: Li Liang , Yuan Ningning , Wang Ping , Wu Yiqun , Song Yinglin , Chen Zhimin , He Chunying
Published: April 2012

Three‐photon absorption (3PA) properties of symmetric‐type carbazole derivatives show great potential for application in light‐activated therapy and optical limiting. A novel symmetrical carbazole derivative (abbreviated as POCP) with end‐groups of 1,10‐phenanthroline rings as the donor moieties, chained via carbon–nitrogen (C = N) double bond, has been synthetized and its three photon absorption properties has been also determined by using a Q‐switched Nd: YAG laser pumped with 30 ps pulses at 1064 nm in dimethylformamide. The measurement of 3PA cross‐section of this compound is performed by open aperture Z‐scan and σ3PA is 481 × 10–78 cm6 • s2/photon2 for the transition S0 → S1. The influence of the molecular structure of this compound on three‐photon absorption cross‐sections is discussed micromechanically by Austin model 1 and Zerner's Intermediate Neglect of Differential Overlap/S method. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Organic photovoltaics: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Gaudiana Russell
Published: April 2012

Challenges remain overcome on the road to manufacturing stable, high‐performance organic photovoltaic modules in high volume at low cost. The major challenges are centered on stability to high‐intensity solar radiation, which represents one of the many accelerated aging tests, and module efficiency. Several of the underlying problems for both of these will be discussed in the text, and some will be addressed in the following papers. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2012
Assessing ventilatory control in infants at high risk of sleep disordered breathing: A study of infants with cleft lip and/or palate
Authors: MacLean Joanna E. , Tan Sara , Fitzgerald Dominic A. , Waters Karen A.
Published: April 2012

Neonatal exposure to intermittent hypoxia results in altered ventilatory response to subsequent hypoxia in animal models. The effect of similar exposure in human infants is unknown. Our objective was to determine the impact of sleep disordered breathing (SDB) in early infancy on ventilatory response in infants. We recruited consecutive infants with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) to undergo ventilatory response testing using exposure to a hypoxic (15% O2) gas mixture during sleep. This population is at high risk of SDB because of smaller airway caliber and abnormal palatal muscle attachments predisposing them to airway obstruction of ranging severity from birth. Ventilatory responses were compared between infants with a low apnea–hypopnea index (AHI; AHI < 15 events/hr) and a high AHI (AHI ≥ 15 events/hr). Testing was successfully completed in 22 of 23 infants who underwent testing at 4.4 ± 4.8 months. Infants with high AHI had lower weight z‐scores, higher number of oxygen desaturation events during sleep, but similar oxygen saturation (SpO2) nadir compared to infants with low AHI. The pattern of ventilatory response to hypoxia differed between the two groups; infants with high AHI had an earlier ventilatory decline and a blunted maximal ventilatory response to hypoxia. Infants with a high AHI use a different strategy to augment ventilation in response to hypoxia; while infants with a low AHI initially increased respiratory rate, tidal volume was the first parameter to increase in infants with high AHI. These results demonstrate that SDB in infancy is associated with altered ventilatory response to hypoxia. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:265–273. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Population dynamics and breeding patterns of multimammate mouse, Mastomys natalensis (Smith 1834), in irrigated rice fields in Eastern Tanzania
Authors: Mulungu Loth S , Ngowo Victoria , Mdangi Mashaka , Katakweba Abdul S , Tesha Protas , Mrosso Furaha P , Mchomvu Mary , Sheyo Paul M , Kilonzo Bukhet S
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND: Multimammate mice are the most important vertebrate pests in Sub‐Saharan Africa and are also reservoirs of many zoonotic diseases, including sylvan plague. This study investigated the population dynamics and breeding patterns of this mouse in irrigated rice cropping systems in eastern Tanzania.

RESULTS: The multimammate mouse, Mastomys natalensis, population varied with habitat and months. Fallow land had a more abundant population than rice fields. The highest population peak was observed during the dry season from July to October. Mastomys natalensis is sexually active throughout the year in the study area, although it reaches the highest level in June and December when rice is at the maturity stage. This suggests that breeding is highly influenced by the presence of a rice crop in both seasons. More juvenile individuals were recorded in August and September, indicating that they were produced in the previous breeding months. The sex ratio of M. natalensis was not skewed to either males or females, indicating that it was at parity.

CONCLUSION: Rodent population dynamics during the study periods in all habitats indicated that high birth rates accounted for the rapid population growth and turnover. Regular control and sustainable operations are thus essential if rodent pest populations are to be kept within tolerable limits. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Development of a thin‐film sensor array for analytical monitoring of heavy metals in aqueous solutions
Authors: Spelthahn Heiko , Kirsanov Dmitry , Legin Andrey , Osterrath Thomas , Schubert Jürgen , Zander Willi , Schöning Michael J.
Published: April 2012

In industrial processes there is a variety of heavy metals (e.g., copper, zinc, cadmium, and lead) in use for wires, coatings, paints, alloys, batteries, etc. Since the application of these transition metals for industry is inevitable, it is a vital task to develop proper analytical techniques for their monitoring at low activity levels, especially because most of these elements are acutely toxic for biological organisms. The determination of ions in solution by means of a simple and inexpensive sensor array is, therefore, a promising task. In this work, a sensor array with heavy metal‐sensitive chalcogenide glass membranes for the simultaneous detection of the four ions Ag+, Cu2+, Cd2+, and Pb2+ in solution is realized. The results of the physical characterization by means of microscopy, profilometry, Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as well as the electrochemical characterization by means of potentiometric measurements are presented. Additionally, the possibility to expand the sensor array by polymeric sensor membranes is discussed.
A fusion protein for regenerative surfaces
Authors: Dassinger Nina , Vornicescu Doru , Merkl Stefan , Kehrel Marcus , Dayyoub Eyas , Bakowsky Udo , Keusgen Michael
Published: April 2012

Immobilization of biomolecules on solid surfaces is often combined with a partial loss of functionality. Therefore, smooth immobilization procedures are urgently required. Most recently, a Concanavalin A–Streptavidin (Con A–SAv) fusion protein was obtained, which allows the design of functionalized interfaces via self‐assembling. The protein was successfully produced in Escherichia coli and the functionality was tested by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) measurements as well as by the mean of reflectometric interference spectroscopy. A re‐generation of the mannan‐coated surfaces, by washing with buffer containing 10% methyl α‐D‐mannopyranoside, could be demonstrated. This procedure should allow multiple measurements without replacing the chip. Investigation of the functionalized surfaces by atomic force microscopy showed a rather uniform coating with mannan and the fusion protein. In conclusion, the designed Con A–SAv fusion protein can be used as a universal linker between mannan‐coated surfaces and biotinylated biomolecules, e.g. biotinylated antibodies.
A mass‐conserving non‐iteration‐dimensional‐split semi‐Lagrangian advection scheme for limited‐area modelling
Authors: Zhang Yunfei , Juang Hann‐Ming Henry
Published: April 2012

A newly developed mass‐conserving semi‐Lagrangian advection scheme for limited area modelling is illustrated, which requires no initial guess and no iteration for determining trajectories and is different from the traditional semi‐Lagrangian scheme. This scheme uses operator splitting to extend one dimension to multi‐dimensions to avoid 2D interpolation or remapping. In addition to the mass conservation, the scheme is relatively simple and is competitively accurate as compared to other semi‐Lagrangian schemes. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society