bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Missense mutations in the ABCB6 transporter cause dominant familialpseudohyperkalemia
Authors: Andolfo Immacolata , Alper Seth L. , Delaunay Jean , Auriemma Carla , Russo Roberta , Asci Roberta , Esposito Maria Rosaria , Sharma Alok K. , Shmukler Boris E. , Brugnara Carlo , De Franceschi Lucia , Iolascon Achille
Published: October 2012

Familial Pseudohyperkalemia (FP) is a dominant red cell trait characterized by increased serum [K+] in whole blood stored at or below room temperature, without additional hematological abnormalities. Functional gene mapping and sequencing analysis of the candidate genes within the 2q35–q36 critical interval identified—in 20 affected individuals among three multigenerational FP families—two novel heterozygous missense mutations in the ABCB6 gene that cosegregated with disease phenotype. The two genomic substitutions altered two adjacent nucleotides within codon 375 of ABCB6, a porphyrin transporter that, in erythrocyte membranes, bears the Langereis blood group antigen system. The ABCB6 R375Q mutation did not alter the levels of mRNA or protein, or protein localization in mature erythrocytes or erythroid precursor cells, but it is predicted to modestly alter protein structure. ABCB6 mRNA and protein levels increase during in vitro erythroid differentiation of CD34+ erythroid precursors and the erythroleukemia cell lines HEL and K562. These data suggest that the two missense mutations in residue 375 of the ABCB6 polypeptide found in affected individuals of families with chromosome 2‐linked FP could contribute to the red cell K+ leak characteristic of this condition. Am. J. Hematol. 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
ANK3 as a risk gene for schizophrenia: New data in han Chinese and meta analysis
Authors: Yuan Aihua , Yi Zhenghui , Wang Qiang , Sun Jinhua , Li Zhiqiang , Du Yasong , Zhang Chen , Yu Tao , Fan Juan , Li Huafang , Yu Shunying
Published: October 2012

Histological and neuroimaging evidence supports the hypothesis that neuronal disconnectivity may be involved in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. A genome‐wide association study (GWAS) showed a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), rs10761482 in ankyrin 3 (ANK3), a major neuron‐enriched gene, was associated with schizophrenia although inconsistent results had been reported. Two meta analyses reported another SNP rs10994336 in ANK3 gene confers risk to bipolar disorder (BD). Due to evidence of genetic overlap between schizophrenia and BD, we investigated common findings by analyzing the association of ANK3 polymorphisms (rs10761482, rs10994336, and two missenses, rs3808942 and rs3808943) with schizophrenia, using the Han Chinese population. A total of 516 schizophrenia cases, 400 controls, and 81 trios of early onset schizophrenia were recruited for association studies. Furthermore, the published datasets were combined with our results to determine the effect of the loci on schizophrenia. Our association study showed the frequencies of C allele of rs10761482 and T allele of rs10994336 were higher in patients than in controls. Furthermore, allele condition analyses indicated the association signal observed at rs10761482 and rs10994336 was independent. A haplotype analysis revealed the rs10761482–rs3808942–rs3808943 haplotype was associated with schizophrenia. The frequency of the T–T–T haplotype was higher in patients than in controls. In the transmission disequilibrium test analysis, the C allele of rs10761482 and the rs10761482–rs3808942–rs3808943 haplotype were preferentially transmitted in the trios. Meta analysis incorporating previous and current studies also showed rs10761482 and rs10994336 were associated with schizophrenia. We conclude that ANK3 gene has a major influence on susceptibility to schizophrenia across populations. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Coping and the biosocial consequences of food insecurity in the 21st century
Authors: Hadley Craig , Crooks Deborah L.
Published: October 2012

Food security occurs when all members of a household have reliable access to food in sufficient quantity and quality to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. Given the important biological and social value of food for humans, food and food sufficiency have been traditional topics of study among biological anthropologists. The focus on food insecurity, however, has emerged within the past two decades and recent global events, including the food crisis of 2007/2008, have led to renewed interests in the topic of food insecurity and wellbeing. Here, we review current and novel threats to food security, current thinking on measurement and definitions, and then outline a model that links food insecurity to coping strategies and then to health outcomes. We suggest that coping strategies are typically context‐specific and can be food and nonfood based. We further suggest that coping strategies may impact health quite broadly, not just through nutritional pathways. We then review available data on the relationship between food insecurity and nutritional status, chronic diseases, infectious diseases, and mental health. Our review highlights the far reaching consequences of food insecurity for human wellbeing but also the considerable variability in its effect and our limited empirical knowledge of the pathways through which food insecurity impacts health. We conclude by offering thoughts on how biological anthropologists might contribute to growing our understanding of food insecurity and human health and wellbeing. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Determining the best graft‐sealant combination for skull base repair using a soft tissue in vitro porcine model
Authors: Fandiño Marcela , Macdonald Kristian , Singh Devin , Whyne Cari , Witterick Ian
Published: October 2012

Background

The purpose of this work was to compare the absolute breaking strength of various soft tissue skull base (SB) repairs in an in vitro porcine model.

Methods

A burst pressure (BP) testing system was designed using an axial loading force to create increasing hydraulic pressure. Defects measuring 0.5 × 0.5 cm were created in fascia lata samples. Defects were repaired using various grafts (pericranium and 2 different dural substitutes, Alloderm® and Durasis®) measuring 1.0 × 1.0 cm to cover the deficient area. Grafts were further reinforced onto the fascia background with either fibrin glue (Tisseel®) or hydrogel sealant (DuraSeal™). Each combination of graft and sealant was conducted 6 times and tested 24 hours after the repair.

Results

The mean BP (±standard deviation [SD]) were as follows: DuraSeal™‐Alloderm, 12.5 ± 5.8 mmHg; DuraSeal™‐Durasis, 21.8 ± 20.7 mmHg; DuraSeal™‐pericranium, 44.7 ± 30.1 mmHg; Tisseel‐Alloderm, 30.6 ± 26.3 mmHg; Tisseel‐Durasis, 15.8 ± 18.6 mmHg; and Tisseel‐pericranium, 95.5 ± 86 mmHg. One‐way analysis of variance showed that the strongest type of repair was Tisseel‐pericranium when adjusting for the others (p < 0.0001). The difference in mean BP of repair with DuraSeal™ vs Tisseel® was not statistically significant (p = 0.22). Comparing sealants, the use of Alloderm® or Durasis® decreased the strength of the repair in comparison to pericranium (p < 0.0001). Bonferroni analysis showed a significant difference between pericranium and Alloderm® (p < 0.05) and between pericranium and Durasis® (p < 0.05) but not between Alloderm® and Durasis® (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

In this model, the strongest type of repair (pressure 6 times higher than normal intracranial pressure) was the combination of Tisseel®‐pericranium. Our data will help guide surgeons who repair SB defects to choose the best graft and sealant.
Management of severe epistaxis after Young's procedure: a case report
Authors: Ting Jonathan Y. , Remenschneider Aaron , Holbrook Eric H.
Published: October 2012

Background

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is an autosomal dominant disorder affecting multiple organ systems, with epistaxis being the most common manifestation. Multiple procedures have been used for the management of epistaxis in the setting of HHT, including closure of the anterior nares via a Young's procedure. While this procedure results in loss of smell and permanent nasal obstruction, proponents note significant improvement in patient symptomatology.

Methods

Case report.

Results

A 70‐year‐old female with a history of HHT presented to an outside hospital with bleeding into the nasopharynx 2 months after undergoing a modified Young's procedure at an unaffiliated institution. She was transfused with 2 units of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) and transferred to our facility. Due to persistent epistaxis and need for airway protection, the patient was intubated and her throat was packed. She also developed aspiration pneumonia and hypotensive shock requiring vasopressors. Twenty‐four hours following bilateral internal maxillary and sphenopalatine artery embolization, she developed significant epistaxis requiring reversal of the Young's procedure on the left and placement of an anterior‐posterior pack at the bedside. Upon packing removal several days later in the operating room, she was noted to have significant bleeding that necessitated reversal of the Young's procedure on the right side to obtain adequate exposure and hemostasis.

Conclusion

We report a case of significant, life‐threatening epistaxis following a modified Young's procedure that requiring multiple transfusions, bilateral embolization, and ultimately reversal of the Young's procedure for control of epistaxis. Although recognized as a potential complication, to our knowledge this is the first report in the English literature of such a case.
Use of nasopharyngeal culture to determine appropriateness of antibiotic therapy in acute bacterial rhinosinusitis
Authors: Lee Stella , Woodbury Kristin , Ferguson Berrylin J.
Published: October 2012

Background

Rhinosinusitis is one of the top 5 diagnoses for which an antibiotic is prescribed, often without a clear bacterial etiology. This study evaluated whether nasopharyngeal culture and gram stain could serve as a surrogate for endoscopically obtained middle meatal cultures in directing appropriate therapy for acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS). This study also investigated the utility of a rapid sinus test screen in differentiating bacterial from nonbacterial rhinosinusitis.

Methods

Thirty‐one adult patients met inclusion criteria for ABRS. Samples were obtained from both the middle meatus and nasopharynx for Gram stain and culture. Nasal mucous samples were tested with a rapid sinus test strip measuring pH, levels of protein, nitrites, and leukocyte esterase.

Results

Sixty‐one percent (61%) of nasopharyngeal and 48% of middle meatal samples grew pathogenic bacteria. The concordance rate was 84% between the 2 sites (p = 0.0006). The following pathogenic organisms were detected: Moraxella catarrhalis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. For nasopharyngeal samples, reliance on Gram stain alone exhibited a sensitivity of 31% and specificity of 100% and, similarly, for middle meatus samples, 47% and 93%, respectively. The rapid sinus test revealed a sensitivity of 83% and specificity of 7%.

Conclusion

Nasopharyngeal and middle meatal cultures exhibited high concordance for pathogenic bacteria. Gram stain exhibited moderate sensitivity and excellent specificity. Nasopharyngeal cultures could provide a viable method, especially in a primary care setting, for determining the appropriateness of antibiotic therapy. The rapid sinus test's lack of specificity precluded its utility in the differentiation between bacterial and nonbacterial rhinosinusitis.
Endoscopic endonasal anatomy of the nasopharynx in a cadaver model
Authors: Becker Adam M. , Hwang Peter H.
Published: October 2012

Background

Nasopharyngectomy is an accepted treatment for recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma following radiation with or without chemotherapy. Traditionally, the nasopharynx has been approached through relatively invasive “open” techniques including transpalatal, maxillary swing, and trans‐mandibular‐pterygoid approaches. Contemporary management has included the use of endoscopic techniques to exenterate tumors in this location. The purpose of the present study is to describe the endoscopic anatomy of this region through cadaveric dissection and to characterize the technical limitations of the approach.

Methods

Five fresh cadaveric heads were dissected to study the endoscopic anatomy of the nasopharynx and associated structures.

Results

Endoscopic dissection of the nasopharynx was completed in all 5 specimens. Nasopharyngeal anatomy including the buccopharyngeal fascia, pharyngobasilar fascia, superior constrictor, longus capitus, longus coli, fossa of Rosenmuller, basisphenoid, auditory torus, and internal carotid artery were characterized.

Conclusion

Surgical access to the nasopharynx has posed significant challenges in the treatment of recurrent or persistent nasopharyngeal carcinoma. This study demonstrated that endoscopic dissection of this region is feasible and has the potential to completely exenterate these lesions.
Cationic starch iodophores
Authors: Bendoraitiene Joana , Sarkinas Antanas , Pavelas Danilovas Paulius , Rutkaite Ramune , Klimaviciute Rima , Zemaitaitis Algirdas
Published: October 2012

Cross‐linked cationic starches N‐(2‐hydroxyl)propyl‐3‐trimethyl ammonium starch chloride (CQS chloride), N‐(2‐hydroxyl)propyl‐3‐trimethyl ammonium starch iodide (CQS iodide), and N‐(2‐hydroxyl)propyl‐3‐trimethyl ammonium starch iodide–iodine (CQS triiodide) with the degree of substitution (DS) according to cationic groups from 0.04 to 0.62, as well as cross‐linked starch–iodine complexes were synthesized and tested as potential antibacterial agents. Cationic starch iodine derivatives were obtained during ion exchange reaction between CQS chloride and iodide or iodide–iodine anions in aqueous solutions. CQSDS≤0.3 chloride can form several types of iodine complexes, such as the blue amylose–iodine inclusion complex and ionic CQS+I−·(I2)m complex (m ≥ 1). The antibacterial activity of modified starches–iodine samples against different pathogenic bacterial cultures and contaminated water microorganisms was evaluated. CQS chloride and CQS iodide were found to be bacteriostatic. A strong antibacterial activity was characteristic of CQS triiodides in which molecular iodine is present in both ionic and inclusion complexes. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Endothelial Differentiation and Vasculogenesis Induced by Three‐Dimensional Adipose‐Derived Stem Cells
Authors: Park In Su , Kim Soo Hyun , Jung Youngmee , Rhie Jong‐Won , Kim Sang‐Heon
Published: October 2012

Recently, an angiogenic therapy based on adipose‐derived stem cells (ASCs) in an ischemic model has been reported. This study demonstrates the differentiation of human ASCs (hASCs) into endothelial cells clusters by culturing the cells in the form of three dimensional cell masses (3DCMs), which is based on the adherent activity of ASCs for a substrate. The 3DCM composed of hASCs induced hypoxic conditions and expressed angiogenic factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor and interleukin‐8. From immunochemical staining analysis, the 3DCMs of hASCs were CD31+, KDR+, and CD34+, whereas monolayer‐cultured hASCs were negative for the these markers. To evaluate the ability of vasculature to form within 3DCMs, the 3DCMs were mixed in Matrigel/fibrin gel and injected into mice. Mature tubular microvessels perfused with blood were observed in the 3DCM/gel 20 days after injection, but not in the gel alone or hASC/gel mixture. Vasculature formed in the 3DCM/gel was recognized by antibodies against human α‐smooth muscle actin, KDR, CD31, and CD34, but not by antibodies against murine antigens. These results suggest that the vasculatures originated from the embedded human cells. The 3DCMs of hASCs could function as a source of vascular cells for neovascularization, and could also be co‐implanted with other cell types for regenerative medicine. Anat Rec, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparative Three‐Dimensional Structure of the Trabecular Bone in the Talus of Primates and Its Relationship to Ankle Joint Loads Generated During Locomotion
Authors: Hébert David , Lebrun Renaud , Marivaux Laurent
Published: October 2012

The trabecular structure of the ankle bone in small to medium‐bodied (60–5000 g) primates of distinct locomotor types was analyzed using high‐resolution X‐ray computed tomography. There are large inter‐, intraspecific, and regional (medial vs. lateral) variations in the trabecular architecture of the talar body. Body mass has no effect on the bone volume fraction or on the fabric anisotropy. However, both the number and thickness of trabeculae seem to be body mass‐dependent. All taxa show anisotropic trabecular bone, but the degree of anisotropy and elongation values vary, notably across the locomotion categories. The fabric orientation in the talar body indicates that, practically, all taxa studied display a generally consistent pattern of orientation restricted primarily to a dorsoplantar direction. We have observed a mediolateral difference in the bone volume fraction in most primates who are proficient or frequent climbers. This could reflect a specific reinforcement of the trabecular structure in response to the loads engendered in habitually sustained foot inversion. In contrast, tali of primates who are proficient or frequent leapers rather exhibit a different three‐dimensional distribution of the material, which consists of a more anisotropic trabecular structure. This could reflect stronger unidirectional and stereotypical‐loading conditions generated at the ankle joints during a leap. Finally, it appears that the talar trabecular bone structure has a good potential for predicting locomotion in extinct species. We have analyzed the trabecular bone structure of the talus of some Eocene European primates (Adapis, Leptadapis, and Necrolemur) and compared the functional signal of the external versus internal talar anatomy in these fossils. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reaction of an “Invisible” Frustrated N/B Lewis Pair with Dihydrogen
Authors: Schwendemann Sina , Oishi Shunsuke , Saito Susumu , Fröhlich Roland , Kehr Gerald , Erker Gerhard
Published: October 2012

D‐(+)‐Camphor forms the enamine 2 with piperidine. Compound 2 adds HB(C6F5)2 at the enamine carbon atom C3 to form a Lewis acid/Lewis base adduct (exo‐/endo‐isomers of 3). Exposure of 3 to dihydrogen (2.5 bar, room temperature) leads to heterolytic splitting of H2 to form the H+/H− addition products (4, two diastereoisomers) of the “invisible” frustrated Lewis pairs (5, two diastereoisomers) that were apparently generated in situ by enamine hydroboration under equilibrium conditions.
Pregnancy termination following prenatal diagnosis of anencephaly or spina bifida: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Johnson Candice Y. , Honein Margaret A. , Dana Flanders W. , Howards Penelope P. , Oakley Godfrey P. , Rasmussen Sonja A.
Published: October 2012

BACKGROUND

In regions where prenatal screening for anencephaly and spina bifida is widespread, many cases of these defects are diagnosed prenatally. The purpose of this study was to estimate the frequency of termination of pregnancy (TOP) following prenatal diagnosis of anencephaly or spina bifida and to investigate factors associated with TOP that might lead to selection bias in epidemiologic studies.

METHODS

We included articles indexed in Medline or Embase between 1990 and May 2012 reporting the frequency of TOP following prenatal diagnosis of anencephaly or spina bifida with English‐language abstracts, 20 or more prenatally diagnosed cases, and at least half of the study years in 1990 or later. We summarized the frequency of TOP across studies using random‐effects metaanalysis and stratified results by fetal and study characteristics.

RESULTS

Among the 17 studies identified, 9 included anencephaly and 15 included spina bifida. Nine were from Europe, six were from North America, and one each was from South America and Asia. The overall frequency of TOP following prenatal diagnosis was 83% for anencephaly (range, 59–100%) and 63% for spina bifida (range, 31–97%). There were insufficient data to stratify the results for anencephaly; TOP for spina bifida was more common when the prenatal diagnosis occurred at less than 24 weeks' gestation, with defects of greater severity, and in Europe versus North America.

CONCLUSIONS

Because underascertainment of birth defects might be more likely when the pregnancy ends in TOP and TOP is associated with fetal characteristics, selection bias is possible in epidemiologic studies of anencephaly or spina bifida. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Protein kinase a mediated anti‐inflammatory effects exerted by adenosine treatment in mouse chondrocytes stimulated with IL‐1β
Authors: Campo Giuseppe M. , Avenoso Angela , D'Ascola Angela , Prestipino Vera , Scuruchi Michele , Nastasi Giancarlo , Calatroni Alberto , Campo Salvatore
Published: October 2012

Hyaluronan (HA) fragments produced by degradation of native highly polymerized HA during inflammation may exacerbate proinflammatory responses in different pathologies. In contrast, the nucleoside adenosine (ADO) interacting with cell surface adenosine receptors A2AR, A2BR, A1, and A3, acts as endogenous modulator of the inflammation. The engagement of high‐affinity A2AR by ADO activates a pathway leading to increased cAMP production. Elevated levels of cAMP associate with the activation of protein kinase A (PKA) able to inhibit NF‐kB, hence exerting anti‐inflammatory activity. In this study the effect of ADO treatment in normal murine chondrocytes stimulated with interleukin‐1beta (IL‐1beta) was investigated. mRNA and related protein levels were measured for enzymes, receptors and pro‐inflammatory cytokines TNF‐alpha, IL‐6 and Il‐18. IL‐1beta stimulation significantly up‐regulated HA levels, its fragmentation, cAMP, PKA, cytokine levels, and activated NF‐kB. ADO treatment increased cAMP and PKA levels, while reduced NF‐kB activation and cytokine levels. HA inhibition by specific synthetic HA blocking peptide (Pep‐1) reduced IL‐1beta action but not ADO activity. While A2AR inhibition by specific small interference RNA (siRNA) increased inflammation and decreased cAMP and PKA levels. This study suggests that HA is partially responsible for the up‐regulation of proinflammatory cytokines in chondrocytes and that endogenous/exogenous ADO may reduce inflammation via PKA. © 2012 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.
Controlled Preparation and Reactive Silver‐Ion Sorption of Electrically Conductive Poly(N‐butylaniline)–Lignosulfonate Composite Nanospheres
Authors: Lü Qiu‐Feng , Zhang Jia‐Yin , He Zhi‐Wei
Published: October 2012

Electroconductive poly(N‐butylaniline)–lignosulfonate (PBA–LS) composite nanospheres were prepared in a facile way by in situ, unstirred polymerization of N‐butylaniline with lignosulfonate (LS) as a dispersant and dopant. The LS content was used to optimize the size, structure, electroconductivity, solubility, and silver ion adsorptive capacity of the PBA–LS nanospheres. Uniform PBA–LS10 nanospheres with a minimal mean diameter of 375 nm and high stability were obtained when the LS content was 10 wt %. The PBA–LS10 nanospheres possess an increased electroconductivity of 0.109 S cm−1 compared with that of poly(N‐butylaniline) (0.0751 S cm−1). Furthermore, the PBA–LS10 nanospheres have a maximal silver‐ion sorption capacity of 815.0 mg g−1 at an initial silver ion concentration of 50 mmol L−1 (25 °C for 48 h), an enhancement of 70.4 % compared with PBA. Moreover, a sorption mechanism of silver ions on the PBA–LS10 nanospheres is proposed. TEM and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction results showed that silver nanoparticles with a diameter size range of 6.8–55 nm was achieved after sorption, indicating that the PBA–LS10 nanospheres had high reductibility for silver ions.
Dabigatran Compared With Warfarin for Stroke Prevention With Atrial Fibrillation: Experience in Hong Kong
Authors: Ho Jason C. S. , Chang Andy M. , Yan Bryan P. , Yu Cheuk Man , Lam Yat Yin , Lee Vivian W. Y.
Published: October 2012

Background:

Dabigatran is an oral direct thrombin inhibitor recently approved for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF) as an alternative to warfarin. The primary advantages of dabigatran are freedom from monitoring and less interaction with other drugs and food. It is ideal for patients who are unwilling to adhere to regular coagulation monitoring or whose therapeutic effect using warfarin is not optimal despite adequate monitoring and management. However, the impact of dabigatran on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and drug compliance has been less evaluated. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and humanistic outcomes of dabigatran use in Hong Kong.

Hypothesis:

Dabigatran 110 mg twice daily was non‐inferior in stroke prophylaxis in AF patients compared to adjusted‐dose warfarin; while dabigatran 150 mg twice daily was superior to adjusted‐dose warfarin in the real world data in Hong Kong.

Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed 244 patients with newly diagnosed AF and prescribed dabigatran (n = 122) or warfarin (n = 122) for stroke prophylaxis from the Prince of Wales Hospital between January 2010 to November 2011. Clinical outcomes including death, stroke, bleeding, and HRQoL using the EuroQol EQ‐5D‐5L were compared between patients on dabigatran and warfarin.

Results:

The median duration of follow‐up was 310 days. Stroke occurred in 2 patients (1.64%) in the dabigatran group and 4 in the warfarin group (3.28%) (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 0.53, P = 0.47). Bleeding of any degree occurred in 28 patients on dabigatran and 38 patients on warfarin (adjusted HR: 0.76, P = 0.28), with age over 70 years and renal impairment being significant positive predictors of bleeding (P = 0.01 and 0.02, respectively). Dyspepsia was the most common adverse event of dabigatran over warfarin (19.7% vs 8.2%, P = 0.01). Rate of discontinuation of dabigatran was 25.4%, with dyspepsia being the most common cause for discontinuation (6 patients, 4.92%). There was no significant difference in drug compliance or HRQoL at 1 year between the 2 groups (utility score 0.77 [dabigatran] vs 0.74 [warfarin], P = 0.28).

Conclusions:

In Hong Kong, the clinical efficacy and safety of dabigatran were comparable to that of warfarin, and drug compliance and HRQoL of using dabigatran and warfarin were similar after 1 year of use. Clin. Cardiol. 2012 DOI: 10.1002/clc.22069

This study was supported by the School of Pharmacy, The Chinese University of Hong Kong. The authors have no other funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Care of Patients With Apparently Asymptomatic Severe Aortic Valve Stenosis
Authors: Williamson Mary Ann , Gelfand Eli V.
Published: October 2012

Although most asymptomatic patients with aortic stenosis (AS) have an excellent prognosis with observation only, some patients with severely stenotic aortic valves in the absence of symptoms may benefit from early intervention. In this article, we will review the literature on the use of varied imaging modalities, clinical factors, and biomarker testing to risk stratify such patients. Additionally, we will review the role of medical therapy to modify the course in AS. Clin. Cardiol. 2012 DOI: 10.1002/clc.22072

The authors have no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Ethyl Acetate: X‐ray, Solvent and Computed Structures
Authors: Boese A. Daniel , Kirchner Michael , Echeverria Gustavo A. , Boese Roland
Published: October 2012

Ethyl acetate (ethyl ethanoate) was crystallized in situ and the crystal structure was determined. In the solid, the molecule is flat withtransconformation. The geometric details of ethyl acetate as a solvate are analyzed statistically using the Cambridge Structural Database, uncovering a high degree of hidden disorder. Despite the disorder, they exhibit a preference of thetransover thegaucheisomer, with a negligible contribution of thecisisomer. These results are compared to ab initio calculations on both solid‐state and molecular level. For the molecular structures, the computed energy differences of the isomers match the statistics found as a solvent. Several DFT‐D2 methods used to calculate the solid state yield results that differ significantly from the experiment.
Fabrication and photocatalytic property of CuO nanosheets via a facile solution route
Authors: Li Fei , Liu Xueqin , Zhang Qiang , Kong Tao , Jin Hongyun
Published: October 2012

Two‐dimensional (2D) CuO nanosheets were fabricated on Cu foils using a solution method. The method was novel, easy and can be completed at room temperature in the absence of any surfactant. The obtained materials were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐Vis) spectroscopy. The effects of reaction time and temperature on the morphology and formation of CuO nanosheets were investigated, and a possible mechanism for the formation of CuO nanosheets was proposed. Experiments demonstrated that the formation of CuO nanosheets were significantly influenced by the growth time, and the reaction temperature was a key factor in determining the size of CuO nanosheets. Photocatalytic performance of CuO nanosheets was evaluated by measuring the decomposition rate of methyl orange solution. About 93% of the methyl orange was degraded after 150 min, which was much more efficient than that of CuO nanoparticles.
Nucleation in a gas‐solid state reaction
Authors: Wrobel R. J. , Arabczyk W. , Narkiewicz U.
Published: October 2012

A nucleation in a reaction of a gas with a solid state where one of the products is solid (GSR‐S) has been discussed. It was pointed out that the phenomenon observed for nanopowders, i.e. nucleation in sequence of the crystallites sizes, should be valid in case of defected monocrystals. However in such a case the constituents of a monocrystal, i.e. mosaic domains separated by structural defects, should undergo phase transition in sequence of size or, in other words, the time needed for the initiation of a nucleus in the case of a small domain is shorter than in the case of big one. Finally the less defected the crystal is, the bigger domains are, and thus the longer nucleation time is needed.
Mild hydrothermal synthesis and structures of mixed‐valence iron phosphates: SrFe3(PO4)3 and the interesting Mg2+‐doped AFe3 (PO4)3 (A = Ba, Pb) in Fe2+ site
Authors: Chen Yan
Published: October 2012

Series of mixed valence monophosphates AFe3‐xMgx(PO4)3 [A = Sr(x = 0), Ba(x = 0.6), Pb(x = 0.6)] were synthesized by mild hydrothermal treatment at 210 °C. Refinements of single crystal X‐ray diffraction datas show all these compounds are isostructural. The attempts to make AFe3(PO4)3 (A = Ba, Pb) hydrothermally in the experiment were unsuccessful. However, the Mg‐doped homologues AFe2.4Mg0.6(PO4)3 (A = Ba, Pb) were synthesized with the addition of MgCO3 in the reactants as mineralizer. EDS and single crystal X‐ray data refinement indicated that the Mg2+ cations were doped in the Fe2+ sites of AFe2.4Mg0.6(PO4)3 (A = Ba, Pb). The influence of the Mg‐doping on the structure and the reason why the Mg doped in the Fe(II) site instead of A site was discussed from the point of view of the bond valence model.
Temperature control of protein crystal nucleation
Authors: Nanev Christo N. , Hodzhaoglu Feyzim V.
Published: October 2012

The thermal variant of the classical nucleation‐growth‐separation principle is shown, both theoretically and experimentally, to be a reliable tool for studying protein crystal nucleation. The classical nucleation theory is used to elucidate the temperature dependence of crystal nucleus size. A one‐to‐one ratio of the number density of nuclei formed to crystals grown to visible size is achieved using the nucleation‐growth‐separation method. The experiments conducted in such a way show that new nuclei are prevented from appearing while avoiding any crystal loss due to dissolution. The same method is used to study experimentally the interval of growth temperatures where the number density of (nucleated) crystals is relatively insensitive to the growth temperature. It is argued that this temperature interval corresponds to the width of the so‐called metastable zone.
Scoring CSR Reporting in Listed Companies – Evidence from Italian Best Practices
Authors: Romolini Alberto , Fissi Silvia , Gori Elena
Published: October 2012

In the last decade, political pressure from international organisms has contributed to the divulgation and the adoption of social accountability practices. Using an inductive method, this research examines the state of the art of best social reporting practices carried out by Italian listed companies, by scoring and assessing the different maturity levels in application of the principles required by the main reporting models mentioned and by exploring the indicators disclosed in corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports. We analyze CSR reporting by Italian companies making up the FTSE ECPI Leaders Index of the Italian Stock Exchange. The findings show an overall good level of disclosure. The data confirm the results of previous studies as they highlight the escalation in sustainability reporting: both the quantity and quality of sustainability information are increasing. However, the results may raise doubts that companies consider CSR as a ‘fashion’. In fact, one of the criticisms levelled against CSR is that information is self‐gathered and self‐reported. More mandatory rules may improve transparency; however these may compromise the CSR concept, so it is necessary to further investigate the findings. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Crystallinity‐Controlled Titanium Oxide–Carbon Nanocomposites with Enhanced Lithium Storage Performance
Authors: Zhou Yuanyuan , Lee Jinwoo , Lee Chul Wee , Wu Mihye , Yoon Songhun
Published: October 2012

Nanocomposites of crystalline‐controlled TiO2–carbon are prepared by a novel one‐step approach and applied in anodes of lithium ion batteries. In our nanocomposite anodes, the Li+ capacity contribution from the TiO2 phase was enormous, above 400 mAh g−1 (Li1+xTiO2, x>0.2), and the volumetric capacity was as high as 877 mAh cm−3 with full voltage utilization to 0 V versus Li/Li+, which resulted in higher energy density than that of state‐of‐the‐art titania anodes. For the first time, it was clearly revealed that the capacity at 1.2 and 2.0 V corresponded to Li+ storage at amorphous and crystalline TiO2, respectively. Furthermore, improvements in the rate capability and cycle performance were observed; this was attributed to resistance reduction induced by higher electrical/Li+ conduction and faster Li+ diffusion.
Impacts of Salmonella enteritidis infection on liver transcriptome in broilers
Authors: Coble Derrick J. , Sandford Erin E. , Ji Tieming , Abernathy Jason , Fleming Damarius , Zhou Huaijun , Lamont Susan J.
Published: October 2012

Salmonella enterica serovar enteritidis is an enteric bacterium that can contaminate chicken eggs and meat, resulting in production losses and consumer illness. To provide insight into the systemic metabolic effects of S. enteritidis infection, liver samples were harvested 10‐days postinfection from broiler hens. Hepatic global gene expression levels were assessed using a chicken 44K Agilent microarray. Forty‐four genes were differentially expressed at a significance level of q value < 0.05. One hundred eighty‐three genes were differentially expressed at a suggestive significance level of q value < 0.1. A predominance of downregulation existed among significantly differentially expressed genes. Cell cycle and metabolism networks were created from the differentially expressed genes. Mitochondria‐mediated apoptosis, electron transport, peptidase activity, vein constriction, cell differentiation, IL‐2 signaling, Jak‐Stat signaling, B‐cell receptor signaling, GDP/GTP exchange, and protein recycling were among the functions of the differentially expressed genes that were down‐regulated in response to S. enteritidis. The effects of S. enteritidis infection on the liver transcriptome profiles of broilers reflect a predominance of downregulation of genes with cell cycle and metabolic functions. The most pronounced response was the downregulation of genes that function in metabolic pathways, inflammation, and mitochondria‐mediated apoptosis. These results provide insight into important systemic metabolic mechanisms that are active in the chicken liver in response to S. enteritidis infection at 10‐days postinfection. genesis 51:357–364, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Triguanide Derivatives: Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Evaluation of the Proliferation Effect on Some Tumor Cell Lines
Authors: Štrukil Vjekoslav , Glasovac Zoran , Đilović Ivica , Matković‐Čalogović Dubravka , Šuman Lidija , Kralj Marijeta , Eckert‐Maksić Mirjana
Published: October 2012

One‐pot synthesis of new pentasubstituted triguanides 1a–e starting from the corresponding monosubstituted guanidine derivatives and diisopropylcarbodiimide is described and a mechanism for formation of the products observed is proposed. The structures of 1a–d were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses of their acetate salts. The structure of compound 1e was also confirmed by X‐ray crystallography using its sulfate salt. The X‐ray structure provided strong evidence of extensive electron delocalization within the triguanide core despite its non‐planar structure. In addition, the effect of tautomerism on the course of the reaction, with emphasis on possible reaction paths leading to the side products, is discussed in some detail. Finally, antiproliferative effects of the acetate salts of the newly prepared compounds on five cancer lines in vitro were evaluated. It was found that acetates of 1a–c exhibit strong cytostatic and cytotoxic activity, with the strongest effect observed for the acetate of benzyl derivative 1c.
Isolation of Langerhans islets by dielectrophoresis
Authors: Burgarella Sarah , Merlo Sabina , Figliuzzi Marina , Remuzzi Andrea
Published: October 2012

The purification of Langerhans islets from fragments of pancreatic exocrine tissue is a critical stage for the further transplantation of insulin secreting islets in patients affected by type I diabetes. Aim of our work was the evaluation of dielectrophoresis as a promising method for pancreatic islets isolation without physical contact in miniaturized lab‐on‐chip devices. DEP exploits the dielectric properties of particles suspended in a fluid, in a region where the amplitude of the electric field is characterized by a high gradient. Langerhans islets are aggregates of cells and have a minimum diameter of 50 microns. Dielectric models of pancreatic islets as cell aggregates were derived from single pancreatic beta cells model. Numerical simulations were performed to optimize the exact shape and size of the quadrupole microelectrode configuration and to determine the DEP forces acting on islets. A custom electronic setup was developed for the generation of sinusoidal signals with proper voltage and frequency and used to perform DEP experiments with samples of Langerhans islets. Dielectric models were found sufficiently accurate and negative DEP, showing repulsion from the electrodes, was observed for pancreatic islets. The results of this work demonstrate that Langerhans islet can be manipulated without physical contact by dielectrophoresis, a technique that can be applied on cell aggregates in miniaturized lab‐on‐chip devices.
Spatial modeling for risk assessment of extreme values from environmental time series: a Bayesian nonparametric approach
Authors: Kottas Athanasios , Wang Ziwei , Rodríguez Abel
Published: October 2012

We propose an approach to modeling and risk assessment for extremes of environmental processes evolving over time and recorded at a number of spatial locations. We follow an extension of the point process approach to analysis of extremes under which the times of exceedances over a given threshold are assumed to arise from a non‐homogeneous Poisson process. To achieve flexible shapes and temporal heterogeneity for the intensity of extremes at any particular spatial location, we utilize a logit‐normal mixture model for the corresponding Poisson process density. A spatial Dirichlet process prior for the mixing distributions completes the nonparametric spatio‐temporal model formulation. We discuss methods for posterior simulation, using Markov chain Monte Carlo techniques, and develop inference for spatial interpolation of risk assessment quantities for high‐level exceedances of the environmental process. The methodology is tested with a synthetic data example and is further illustrated with analysis of rainfall exceedances recorded over a period of 50 years from a region in South Africa. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of pyrolusite loading on sewage sludge‐based activated carbon in Cu(II), Pb(II), and Cd(II) adsorption
Authors: Xie Ruzhen , Jiang Wenju , Wang Li , Peng Jianfei , Chen Yao
Published: October 2012

Activated carbons were prepared from sewage sludge by chemical activation with pyrolusite addition to develop effective adsorbents for the removal of Cu(II), Pb(II), and Cd(II) metal ions from aqueous solution. The transition metal compositions in pyrolusite were demonstrated to exhibit catalytic alike effects on the formation of pore structures, the carbon with pyrolusite addition showed 11.30% higher BET surface area than the one without pyrolusite addition. The XRD pattern showed the presence of MnO2 on the carbon surface by pyrolusite addition, and the accumulation of metal ions can also be seen on the carbon surface after adsorbing metal ions. The analyses of Boehm titration data, FTIR and XPS suggested that the surface chemistry of the activated carbons were modified by pyrolusite addition. Some acid functional groups (hydroxyl and carboxylate) were introduced to the carbon surface, which were responsible for the enhanced removal of Cu(II), Pb(II), and Cd(II). Adsorption experiments showed that the removal rate toward Cu(II), Pb(II), and Cd(II) were increased 30.2, 15.7, and 2.95% with pyrolusite modification, respectively. The adsorption selectivity in multi‐ions solution was also studied for further understanding the adsorption affinities of pyrolusite modified adsorbents. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 32: 1066–1073, 2013
Feasibility of lead and copper recovery from MSWI fly ash by combining acid leaching and electrodeposition treatment
Authors: Yang Renbo , Liao Wing‐Ping , Lin Chi‐Ying
Published: October 2012

This research is the first to investigate acid leaching treatment of municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly ash and handling of the fresh leachate using the electrodeposition (ED) technique. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the feasibility of acid leaching to extract Pb and Cu from fly ash and the recovery of Pb and Cu from the fresh leachate. Acid leaching fly ash at a fixed liquid–solid (L/S) ratio of 20/1 with a 0.5 N HNO3 solution has a loss mass of ∼68.6%, and the leaching percentages of Cl, Pb, and Cu are 87.6, 59.4, and 77.0%, respectively. As for the sequential extraction analyses, acid leaching can yield Pb and Cu from fly ash transformed into a comparatively steady fraction. Electrodeposition at an electric current of 10 A can recover 25.7% Pb and 59.8% Cu. This article also presents a solution for combining acid leaching treatment and the ED technique to handle MSWI fly ash. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 32: 1074–1081, 2013
The influence of global climate change on the scientific foundations and applications of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry: Introduction to a SETAC international workshop
Authors: Stahl Ralph G. , Hooper Michael J. , Balbus John M. , Clements William , Fritz Alyce , Gouin Todd , Helm Roger , Hickey Christopher , Landis Wayne , Moe S. Jannicke
Published: October 2012

This is the first of seven papers resulting from a Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) international workshop titled “The Influence of Global Climate Change on the Scientific Foundations and Applications of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry.” The workshop involved 36 scientists from 11 countries and was designed to answer the following question: How will global climate change influence the environmental impacts of chemicals and other stressors and the way we assess and manage them in the environment? While more detail is found in the complete series of articles, some key consensus points are as follows: (1) human actions (including mitigation of and adaptation to impacts of global climate change [GCC]) may have as much influence on the fate and distribution of chemical contaminants as does GCC, and modeled predictions should be interpreted cautiously; (2) climate change can affect the toxicity of chemicals, but chemicals can also affect how organisms acclimate to climate change; (3) effects of GCC may be slow, variable, and difficult to detect, though some populations and communities of high vulnerability may exhibit responses sooner and more dramatically than others; (4) future approaches to human and ecological risk assessments will need to incorporate multiple stressors and cumulative risks considering the wide spectrum of potential impacts stemming from GCC; and (5) baseline/reference conditions for estimating resource injury and restoration/rehabilitation will continually shift due to GCC and represent significant challenges to practitioners. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2013;32:13–19. © 2012 SETAC
Flame‐retardant finishing of cotton fabrics using polyamino carboxylic acids and sodium hypophosphite
Authors: Ameri Dehabadi Vahid , Buschmann Hans‐Jürgen , Gutmann Jochen Stefan
Published: October 2012

The purpose of this research was to use polyamino carboxylic acids (PACAs) and their combination with sodium hypophosphite (NaH2PO2) as a flame‐retardant finishing system for cotton fabrics. Flammability of cotton fabric was evaluated by 45° flammability test, differential scanning calorimetry and measuring the char yield. The combination of polyamino carboxylic acids and sodium hypophosphite as a phosphorus‐containing catalyst reduces the flammability of cotton. The pyrolysis properties and the results of char yield of the finished cotton show that with increasing amount of catalyst, the flame retardancy increases. Fastness against multiple laundering, whiteness and tensile strength of the cotton finished with PACAs/NaH2PO2 to multiple standard laundering have been studied, too. The flame retardancy effect has an acceptable washing fastness. Whiteness and tensile strength of the finished cotton do not change significantly. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.