bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circulating Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Concentration Is Downregulated by Intralipid/Heparin Infusion or High-Fat Meal in Young Healthy Male Subjects
Authors: Karczewska-Kupczewska Monika , Kowalska Irina , Nikołajuk Agnieszka , Adamska Agnieszka , Zielińska Magdalena , Kamińska Natalia , Otziomek Elżbieta , Górska Maria , Strczkowski Marek
Published: December 2011

OBJECTIVE

Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes are associated with an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) regulates neuronal differentiation and synaptic plasticity, and its decreased levels are supposed to play a role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease and other disorders. The aim of the current study was to estimate the effects of hyperinsulinemia and serum free fatty acids (FFA) elevation on circulating BDNF concentration in humans.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We studied 18 healthy male subjects (mean age 25.6 ± 3.0 years; mean BMI 26.6 ± 4.8 kg/m2). Serum and plasma BDNF concentration was measured in the baseline state and in the 120 and 360 min of euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp with or without intralipid/heparin infusion. Furthermore, plasma BDNF was measured in 20 male subjects (mean age 22.7 ± 2.3 years; mean BMI 24.9 ± 1.5 kg/m2) 360 min after a high-fat meal.

RESULTS

Insulin sensitivity was reduced by ∼40% after 6 h of intralipid/heparin infusion (P < 0.001). During both clamps, serum and plasma BDNF followed the same pattern. Hyperinsulinemia had no effect on circulating BDNF. Raising FFA had no effect on circulating BDNF in 120 min; however, it resulted in a significant decrease by 43% in serum and by 35% in plasma BDNF after 360 min (P = 0.005 and 0.006, respectively). High-fat meal also resulted in a decrease by 27.8% in plasma BDNF (P = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data show that raising FFA decreases circulating BDNF. This might indicate a potential link between FFA-induced insulin resistance and neurodegenerative disorders.
A Study of Patients’ Perceptions of Diabetes Care Delivery and Diabetes
Authors: Raballo Marzia , Trevisan Martina , Trinetta Anna Franca , Charrier Lorena , Cavallo Franco , Porta Massimo , Trento Marina
Published: December 2011

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the perceptions of diabetes care and diabetes in patients followed long-term by group or usual care.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Three open questions were administered to 120 patients (43 with T1DM and 77 with T2DM) who had been randomized at least 2 years before to be followed by group care and 121 (41 T1DM and 80 T2DM) who had always been on usual care. The responses were analyzed by propositional analysis, by identifying the focal nuclei, i.e., the terms around which all sentences are organized, and then other predicates, according to their hierarchical relationship to the nuclear proposition. Specific communicative units were arbitrarily classified into three categories: attitudes, empowerment, and locus of control.

RESULTS

Patients on group care showed more positive attitudes, higher sense of empowerment, and more internal locus of control than those on usual care. In addition, they expressed a wider and more articulated range of concepts associated with the care received and made less use of medical terminology (P < 0.001, all). Higher HbA1c was associated with negative attitudes (P = 0.025) and negative empowerment (P = 0.055).

CONCLUSIONS

Group treatment reinforces communication and peer identification and may achieve its clinical results by promoting awareness, self-efficacy, positive attitudes toward diabetes and the setting of care, an internal locus of control, and, ultimately, empowerment in the patients.
High Fat Intake Leads to Acute Postprandial Exposure to Circulating Endotoxin in Type 2 Diabetic Subjects
Authors: Harte Alison L. , Varma Madhusudhan C. , Tripathi Gyanendra , McGee Kirsty C. , Al-Daghri Nasser M. , Al-Attas Omar S. , Sabico Shaun , O’Hare Joseph P. , Ceriello Antonio , Saravanan Ponnusamy , Kumar Sudhesh , McTernan Philip G.
Published: December 2011

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the changes in circulating endotoxin after a high–saturated fat meal to determine whether these effects depend on metabolic disease state.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Subjects (n = 54) were given a high-fat meal (75 g fat, 5 g carbohydrate, 6 g protein) after an overnight fast (nonobese control [NOC]: age 39.9 ± 11.8 years [mean ± SD], BMI 24.9 ± 3.2 kg/m2, n = 9; obese: age 43.8 ± 9.5 years, BMI 33.3 ± 2.5 kg/m2, n = 15; impaired glucose tolerance [IGT]: age 41.7 ± 11.3 years, BMI 32.0 ± 4.5 kg/m2, n = 12; type 2 diabetic: age 45.4 ± 10.1 years, BMI 30.3 ± 4.5 kg/m2, n = 18). Blood was collected before (0 h) and after the meal (1–4 h) for analysis.

RESULTS

Baseline endotoxin was significantly higher in the type 2 diabetic and IGT subjects than in NOC subjects, with baseline circulating endotoxin levels 60.6% higher in type 2 diabetic subjects than in NOC subjects (P < 0.05). Ingestion of a high-fat meal led to a significant rise in endotoxin levels in type 2 diabetic, IGT, and obese subjects over the 4-h time period (P < 0.05). These findings also showed that, at 4 h after a meal, type 2 diabetic subjects had higher circulating endotoxin levels (125.4%↑) than NOC subjects (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These studies have highlighted that exposure to a high-fat meal elevates circulating endotoxin irrespective of metabolic state, as early as 1 h after a meal. However, this increase is substantial in IGT and type 2 diabetic subjects, suggesting that metabolic endotoxinemia is exacerbated after high fat intake. In conclusion, our data suggest that, in a compromised metabolic state such as type 2 diabetes, a continual snacking routine will cumulatively promote their condition more rapidly than in other individuals because of the greater exposure to endotoxin.
Nationwide Study on Trends in Hospital Admissions for Major Cardiovascular Events and Procedures Among People With and Without Diabetes in England, 2004–2009
Authors: Vamos Eszter P. , Millett Christopher , Parsons Camille , Aylin Paul , Majeed Azeem , Bottle Alex
Published: December 2011

OBJECTIVE

It is unclear whether people with and without diabetes equally benefitted from reductions in cardiovascular disease (CVD). We aimed to compare recent trends in hospital admission rates for angina, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), stroke, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) among people with and without diabetes in England.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We identified all patients aged >16 years with cardiovascular events in England between 2004–2005 and 2009–2010 using national hospital activity data. Diabetes- and nondiabetes-specific rates were calculated for each year. To test for time trend, we fitted Poisson regression models.

RESULTS

In people with diabetes, admission rates for angina, AMI, and CABG decreased significantly by 5% (rate ratio 0.95 [95% CI 0.94–0.96]), 5% (0.95 [0.93–0.97]), and 3% (0.97 [0.95–0.98]) per year, respectively. Admission rates for stroke did not significantly change (0.99 [0.98–1.004]) but increased for PCI (1.01 [1.005–1.03]) in people with diabetes. People with and without diabetes experienced similar proportional changes for all outcomes, with no significant differences in trends between these groups. However, diabetes was associated with an ~3.5- to 5-fold risk of CVD events. In-hospital mortality rates declined for AMI and stroke, remained unchanged for CABG, and increased for PCI admissions in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This national study suggests similar changes in admissions for CVD in people with and without diabetes. Aggressive risk reduction is needed to further reduce the high absolute and relative risk of CVD still present in people with diabetes.
Laser texturization to improve absorption and weld penetration of aluminum alloys
Authors: Sánchez-Amaya J. M. , Boukha Z. , González-Rovira L. , Navas J. , Martín-Calleja J. , Botana F. J.
Published: December 2011

In the present work, laser texturization treatments have been performed for the first time on aluminum alloys to increase their absorption and weld penetration. Adjusting the experimental conditions, laser texturization increases the roughness and decreases the diffuse and specular reflectance of surfaces. The textured samples were subsequently subjected to bead-on-plate laser weld treatments with a high power diode laser. Taking the weld beads of sandblasted samples as reference, depth improvements percentages around 20% are reached in some textured samples. Laser texturization has demonstrated to increase the weld penetration ability of aluminum alloys, constituting a potential tool to reduce the energetic requirements of the laser welding process.
Surgical treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of tongue with carbon dioxide laser radiation (CO2)
Authors: Niccoli-Filho Walter , Murilo-Santos Lúcio , Morosolli Aline R. C. , de Oliveira Moura Cardoso Gerusa , Vitor dos Santos Canellas João
Published: December 2011

In this clinical study, we proposed to observe the efficacy of the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue (SCCT) by carbon dioxide (CO2) laser surgery. Twelve patients with SCCT were treated with excisional surgery using the CO2 laser with a spot size of 0.8 mm, 10 W, power density of 2.5 W/cm2 in continuous mode, and under constant vacuum removal of the plume. The post surgical clinical evaluations were done every day until the sutures were removed and then every 7 days up to 1 month postoperatively. Subjects were re-examined quarterly until the fifth year post surgery. After 5 yr of follow-up for all subjects, there was no recurrence of the SCCT at the involved sites. The functional and aesthetic results observed were excellent. It is concluded that CO2 laser ablation of SCCT is an extremely useful surgical technique that can provide a clean field and is capable of providing surgical results consistent with accepted principles of oncological surgery.
Hazard class downscaling of a class 4 retina safe laser
Authors: Simmons Jed A. , Marchant Alan B.
Published: December 2011

A class 4 pulsed laser can be operated in a safe regime without reducing instantaneous irradiance or pulse energy by shortening its dwell time through duty cycle reduction or scanning. A conservative relationship for hazard distance as a function of scan rate is derived for the case of a scanning, retina safe laser.
Possible explanations for different surface quality in laser cutting with 1 and 10 μm beams
Authors: Hirano Koji , Fabbro Remy
Published: December 2011

In laser cutting of thick steel sheets, quality difference is observed between cut surfaces obtained with 1 and 10 μm laser beams. This paper investigates physical mechanisms for this interesting and important problem of the wavelength dependence. First, striation generation process is described, based on a 3D structure of melt flow on a kerf front, which was revealed for the first time by our recent experimental observations. Two fundamental processes are suggested to explain the difference in the cut surface quality: destabilization of the melt flow in the central part of the kerf front and downward displacement of discrete melt accumulations along the side parts of the front. Then each of the processes is analyzed using a simplified analytical model. The results show that in both processes, different angular dependence of the absorptivity of the laser beam can result in the quality difference. Finally, the authors propose the use of radial polarization to improve the quality with the 1 μm wavelength.
Ultra-high speed disk laser cutting of carbon fiber reinforced plastics
Authors: Jung Kwang-Woon , Kawahito Yousuke , Katayama Seiji
Published: December 2011

Laser cutting of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRPs) has been known to be difficult due to the thermal damage to CFRP material. Therefore, with the objectives of evaluating the cutting possibility for long- or short-fiber pellet CFRP sheets of 3 mm in thickness and obtaining narrower heat affected zone (HAZ) for better cut quality, ultra-high speed cutting was conducted by using a continuous-wave high brightness disk laser. The increase in the laser power rendered the cutting time shorter and the kerf depth deeper for CFRP full cut. It was revealed that CFRP cut with narrow HAZ of less than 50 μm could be produced under the conditions of the laser powers of 2–5 kW, the cutting speed of 5 m/s, the time interval between repeated runs of 1 s, and the defocused distance of 0 mm. It was also confirmed that short fiber pellet CFRP was more easily cut and suffered less thermal damage in comparison with long fiber one. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the tensile strength of fully laser-cut CFRP was almost equal to that of the base CFRP specimen. This means the laser-cut surfaces of the CFRP sheet were not degraded in mechanical properties.
Slope erosion control with the use of fly-ash and sewage sludge
Authors: Koda Eugeniusz , Osiński Piotr
Published: January 2012

Slope erosion control with the use of fly-ash and sewage sludge

The paper presents alternative methods of the earth slopes reinforcement. The techniques proposed utilise recycled materials such as fly-ash and sewage sludge. It is described how implementation of fly-ash made capping materials and hydroseeding method (with the use of the sewage sludge) can effectively control high earth slopes erosion, based on the example of embankment type landfill where remedial works were proceeded. Moreover, it is assessed how the influence of the vegetation cover on engineered landfills, can significantly increase the safety factor of slopes.
Evaluation of annual corrosion tests for aggressive water
Authors: Dubová V. , Ilavský J. , Barloková D.
Published: January 2012

Evaluation of annual corrosion tests for aggressive water

Internal corrosion has a significant effect on the useful life of pipes, the hydraulic conditions of a distribution system and the quality of the water transported. All water is corrosive under some conditions, and the level of this corrosion depends on the physical and chemical properties of the water and properties of the pipe material. Galvanic treatment is an innovation for protecting against corrosion, and this method is also suitable for removal of water stone too. This method consists of the electrogalvanic principle, which is generated by the flowing of water between a zinc anode and the cupro-alloy cover of a column. This article presents experimental corrosion tests at water resource Pernek (This water resource-well marked as HL-1 is close to the Pernek of village), where the device is operating based on this principle.
Changes in water resources in selected lakes in the middle and lower catchment of the River Warta
Authors: Ptak Mariusz , Ławniczak Agnieszka
Published: January 2012

Changes in water resources in selected lakes in the middle and lower catchment of the River Warta

Lakes play a very important function in water retention, particularly in areas with strong water deficiency. Water resources in lakes determine the possibility of using them for different purposes, e.g. economic development (irrigation or drinking water, water supply for industry). With ongoing processes causing a reduction in lake capacity (shrinking and shallowing), it is necessary to investigate the scale and rate of decreasing lake resources, in terms of the economic and natural consequences of this process. The aim of the study was to test changes in water resources in lakes situated in the middle and lower River Warta catchment. Special attention was paid to lakes characterised by reduced water resources in order to identify factors contributing to this phenomenon. Our current studies of 127 lakes showed a 10% decrease in water resources over 50 years (1910-1960) in the analysed part of the catchment. Our results indicated that the predominant process causing the disappearance of lakes is shallowing. This factor should be monitored carefully to avoid further lake loss.
Resource selection by sympatric free‐ranging dairy cattle and brown bears Ursus arctos
Authors: Steyaert Sam M. J. G. , St⊘en Ole‐Gunnar , Elfström Marcus , Karlsson Jens , Lammeren Ron Van , Bokdam Jan , Zedrosser Andreas , Brunberg Sven , Swenson Jon E.
Published: January 2012

Livestock depredation is an important factor that contributes to low public acceptance of large carnivores, and it is often used as an incentive to reduce large carnivore populations. In central Sweden, brown bears Ursus arctos coexist with a traditional cattle husbandry system that allows daytime free‐ranging of dairy cattle. Despite a growing brown bear population, depredation on cattle remained stable during the last decade and is among the lowest rates reported worldwide. Nevertheless, major stakeholders argue for a substantial reduction in brown bear numbers, among other reasons, to safeguard the traditional husbandry system. Based on satellite tracking data, we assessed and correlated the resource selection of nine brown bears that were sympatric with six daytime free‐ranging cattle herds during the free‐ranging season (i.e. June‐August) in 2008. We found a significant and negative relationship between resource selection of brown bears and free‐ranging cattle during the study period, mainly because of inverse relationships between the species towards vegetation density and human‐related infrastructure, such as forest roads, buildings and settlements. We predict that the probability of an encounter between these species, given that there is no directed predation, is highest in dense vegetation patches close to the human habitation‐related variables. Because of the low reported depredation rates and the apparent habitat segregation between the species, our results provide no support for the argument to reduce brown bear numbers to safeguard the traditional cattle herding system.
Hometown Disadvantage? It Depends on Where You’re From
Authors: Reininger Michelle
Published: December 2011

This article focuses on an overlooked factor in the unequal sorting of teachers across schools: the geographic preferences of teachers. Using data from the National Education Longitudinal Study, the author examines the patterns of geographic mobility of new teachers and compares them to the patterns of other college graduates. Specifically, the author demonstrates that teachers’ preference for working close to where they grew up is a distinct characteristic of teachers, and the author further explores the implications of those preferences for schools facing chronic shortages of teachers. The author finds that the local nature of the labor force and the differential rates of graduation and production of teachers from traditionally hard-to-staff schools are reinforcing existing deficits of local teacher labor supply.
Designing and Analyzing Studies That Randomize Schools to Estimate Intervention Effects on Student Academic Outcomes Without Classroom-Level Information
Authors: Zhu Pei , Jacob Robin , Bloom Howard , Xu Zeyu
Published: December 2011

This paper provides practical guidance for researchers who are designing and analyzing studies that randomize schools—which comprise three levels of clustering (students in classrooms in schools)—to measure intervention effects on student academic outcomes when information on the middle level (classrooms) is missing. This situation arises frequently in practice because many available data sets identify the schools that students attend but not the classrooms in which they are taught. Do studies conducted under these circumstances yield results that are substantially different from what they would have been if this information had been available? The paper first considers this problem in the context of planning a school randomized study based on preexisting two-level information about how academic outcomes for students vary across schools and across students within schools (but not across classrooms in schools). The paper next considers this issue in the context of estimating intervention effects from school-randomized studies. Findings are based on empirical analyses of four multisite data sets using academic outcomes for students within classrooms within schools. The results indicate that in almost all situations one will obtain nearly identical results whether or not the classroom or middle level is omitted when designing or analyzing studies.
In vitro cultivation and regeneration of Solanum melongena (L.) using stem, root and leaf explants
Authors: Ray Bishnu Pada , Hassan Lutful , Sarker Smreeti Kana
Published: January 2012

The treatment combinations was BAP (0, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 mg/L) and NAA (0, 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 mg/L). The rate of callus formation varied in different treatments. The highest amount of callus (48.66%) was produced on MS medium containing 2.0 mg/l BAP and 0.5 mg/l NAA from stem and 8.2 days required for callus induction. The number of shoot regenerated through callus from stem containing 2.0 mg/l BAP and 0.5 mg/l NAA was 3.4 (23.287%) and days required for 38.8 days. Key words: Regeneration; BAP; NAA. Nepal Journal of Biotechnology. Jan. 2011, Vol. 1, No. 1 : 49-54
Genetic Relationship among Nepalese Rice Landraces and Cultivars based on RAPD Markers
Authors: Joshi Bal K , Bimb Hari P , Kansakar David , Ghimire Ekta
Published: January 2012

Genetic information of any genotype is necessary to manage and utilize them in conservation and breeding program. A total of 28 RAPD markers were used to relate the genetic structure among 50 Nepalese rice genotypes consisting of 29 landraces, 12 breeding lines and 9 released cultivars. Some of them are aromatic and blast resistance. Only four primers (P41, P60, P109 and P141) amplified the DNA of these genotypes with scorable bands. Primer 60 produced the highest number of bands (8). The highest number of present bands (6) was shown by primer 41 in 10 rice genotypes. Grouping of these genotypes based on the adaptation to agro-climatic zone was not observed, probably due to low percentage coverage of genome by four primers.  Most of the genotypes grouped in two clusters. Kali Marsi and IR-24 formed separate individual cluster. Mansara and Jarneli were the most similar landraces (0.96). Churenodhan and Pranpyuri were the most closely related with Masuli. Only one genotype NR-285-18 has fallen in the first quadrant by principal component (PC) analysis and the fourth quadrant was empty. The highest contribution in PC1 was from the second band of primer 41. This RAPD information can be used for selecting lines and for blast resistance breeding.Key words: Genetic distance; rice; RAPDDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njb.v2i1.5635Nepal Journal of Biotechnology Jan.2012, Vol.2(1): 16-25
Lovastatin production by Aspergillus fischeri under solid state fermentation from coconut oil cake
Authors: Latha Parvatham Madhu , Chanakya Pallem , Srikanth Manipati
Published: January 2012

The main aim of the present investigation was to optimize the fermentation parameters that enhance the maximum production of lovastatin by Aspergillus fischeri using coconut oil cake as the solid substrate under solid state fermentation. The maximum yield of lovastatin (14.77 mg/g dry substrate) using coconut oil cake as the substrate was achieved with the following optimized process parameters: fermentation time (7 days), initial moisture content (60% v/w), inoculum volume (2ml of five day old culture), initial pH (5.0), incubation temperature (30ºC), lactose (1% w/v) and malt extract (1% w/v).Keywords: Lovastatin; Aspergillus fischeri; Coconut oil cake; Fermentation parameters; OptimizationDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njb.v2i1.5641 Nepal Journal of Biotechnology Jan.2012, Vol.2(1): 26-36
Photochemical and Electrochemical Oxygenation of Thiophenes, Benzo[b]Thiophenes and Dibenzothiophenes; Photochemical and Electrochemical Behaviour of Their Oxygenated Intermediates and Products
Authors: Thiemann Thies
Published: December 2011

The photooxygenation of thiophenes, benzo[ b]thiophenes and dibenzothiophenes is discussed, especially in view of the oxidative removal of these S-containing contaminants from fuels. Furthermore, the photochemistry of the intermediates and the products from these processes is detailed. Finally, an account is given of the electrooxidation of thiophenes and derivatives to the corresponding sulfoxides and sulfones as well as of the electrochemical behaviour of the intermediate thiophene S-oxides.
Synthesis, Structure and Herbicidal Activity of Substituted Phenyl Pyrazole Derivatives
Authors: Zhou Yuhan , Xue Na , Wang Guowei , Qu Jingping
Published: December 2011

To search for novel Protox inhibitors, a series of phenyl and 1,4-benzoxazin-5-yl pyrazole derivatives were synthesised from 3-(4-chloro-2-fluoro-5-methoxyphenyl)-1-methyl-5-trifluoromethyl-1 H-pyrazole or its halogen substituted derivatives, via a serial of reactions that included nitration, reduction, acetylation, ring closure, methylation, etc. The single crystal of 2-(N-acetylacetamido)-6-chloro-3-[4-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-1-methyl-1 H-pyrazol-3-yl]-4-fluorophenyl acetate was prepared, and its structure was determined by X-ray analysis. The preliminary bioassay test shows that some of the compounds have high bioactivity. Especially, even at a low dosage of 150 g hm−2, 2-(N-acetylaceta-mido)-6-chloro-3-[4-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-1-methyl-1 H-pyrazol-3-yl]-4-fluorophenyl acetate exhibited high activity, the inhibiting rate for both of the weeds reached above 90%.
Synthesis and Crystal Structures of four Transition Metal Complexes with 1,4,5,6-Tetrahydro-6-oxo-3-Pyridazinecarboxylic Acid
Authors: Bao Xiaoge , Zhang Xiuqing , Yu Qing , Bian Hedong , Liang Hong
Published: December 2011

Four transition metal complexes [Zn(topca)2(H2O)2], [Zn(topca)2(H2O)2]·2H2O, [Ni(topca)2(H2O)2]·2H2O and [Cd(topca)2 (H2O)2], (Htocpa = 1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-6-oxo-3- pyridazinecarboxylic acid), have been synthesised and their X-ray structures determined. The complexes are isomorphous, and the metal centres are six-coordinated with two pyridazinyl N atoms, two carboxyl O atoms from two ligands and two water molecules.
Structure and Characterisation of a Novel 3-D Ba(II)–MOF Based on the {Ba4O7} Core
Authors: Ma Kui-Rong , Zhu Yu-Lan , Yin Qi-Fan , Hu Hua-You , Ma Feng
Published: December 2011

A novel three-dimensional barium metal–organic framework [Ba3(btc)2(H2O)4]·0.5H2O (H3btc = 1,3,5-benzenetricarbox-ylic acid) has been synthesised under hydrothermal conditions, and characterised by single-crystal X-ray structure determination, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray powder diffraction, IR, and photoluminescence studies. The volume of the tunnel formed by the two-dimensional layers is 341.9 Å3 per unit cell using PLATON based on the crystal structures, comprising 14.3% of the crystal volume 2387.2 Å3. The solid-state fluorescence measurement of this compound at room temperature reveals a fluorescent emission band at 454.5 nm under the excitation of 337 nm, assigned to a charge-transfer transition.
X-ray Crystal Structures of Ethoxycarbonyl-, Diethyl-2-Triphenyl-Λ5-Phosphoranylidene-N-Phenylimide Derivatives
Authors: Arsanious Mona H. N.
Published: December 2011

Phenylisothiocyanate reacts with ethyltriphenylphosphanylideneacetate at room temperature to yield 2-(ethoxycar-bonyl)-2-(triphenyl-Λ5-phosphanylidene)-N’-phenylethane thioimidic acid and diethyl-2-(triphenyl-Λ5-phosphanylidene)-3-(phenylimino)pentanedioate. The formation of phosphoranes are explained according to mechanism of the Wittig type reaction. The X-ray analysis structures of phosphorane adducts were studied.
A Novel Oxo-Centred, Trinuclear Iron Nicotinato Complex: Fe3(O)(C6NO2H5)6(H2O)3·3H2O·7Cl
Authors: Chen Wentong
Published: December 2011

Hydrothermal reaction of FeCl3 and nicotinic acid gave a novel, trinuclear metal-nicotinato complex Fe3(O)(C6NO2H5)6(H2O)3·3H2O·7Cl. An X-ray crystal structure analysis reveals that it features an isolated structure. The crystal belongs to the rhombohedral, space group R--3c with a = b = 19.9410(6) Å, c = 30.505(1) Å, V = 10504.9(6) Å3, Z = 6, C36H42Cl7Fe3N6O19, Mr = 1278.46, Dc = 1.213 g cm−3, S = 0.980, μ(Mo Kα) = 0.936 mm−1, F(000) = 3894, R = 0.0694 and wR2 = 0.1579. The iron atom has a slightly distorted octahedral geometry, coordinated by six oxygen atoms. All three octahedrons interconnect to each other via corner-sharing an oxygen atom, yielding an oxo-centred, trinuclear iron cluster. The [Fe3(O)(C6NO2H5)6(H2O)3]7+ species, lattice water molecules and chloride ions are held together via hydrogen bonds to construct a three-dimensional (3-D) open framework, with a large void space (2803.9 Å3) corresponding to 26.7% of the unit-cell volume (10504.9 Å3).
A Simple Synthesis of N-Vinylpyrrole, N-vinylindole and N-Vinylcarbazole Derivatives
Authors: Karimi Zahra , Mosslemin Mohammad H. , Anary-Abbasinejad Mohammad , Hassanabadi Alireza
Published: December 2011

Reaction of pyrrole, indole or carbazole with dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylates catalysed by N-methylimidazole provides a simple and efficient route for the synthesis of N-vinylpyrrole, N-vinylindole and N-vinylcarbazole derivatives in high yields.
Synthesis and Antibacterial Activities of Pleuromutilin Derivatives with Quinazolinone and Thioether Groups
Authors: Yao Yuan-peng , Dai Fu-ying , Dong Kui-kui , Mao Qiang , Wang Yu-liang , Chen Tian
Published: December 2011

Ten novel pleuromutilin derivatives with quinazolinone and thioether groups in the C14 side chain have been designed and synthesised. The antibacterial activities of the target compounds were tested via the agar-well diffusion method in vitro in the concentration of 5.0 μg mL−1 The results showed that all target compounds had displayed obvious antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC26112 and Staphylococcus aureus SC.
Stereoselective One-Pot Synthesis of (E)-3-(4-Arylpiperazin-1-yl)-1-Arylprop-2-en-1-Ones
Authors: Li Ai-Jun , Chen Shao-Rui
Published: December 2011

A simple and efficient method has been developed for stereoselective one-pot synthesis of ( E)-3-(4-arylpiperazin-1-yl)-1-arylprop-2-en-1-ones by condensation of aryl ketones with arylpiperazines and N, N-dimethylformamide dimethyl acetal in acetic acid with 54–69% yields. Compared with reported methods, this one-step procedure appears to be a useful approach to prepare ( E)-β-enaminoketones with good stereoselectivity, simple operation and moderate yields.
An Efficient One-Pot Synthesis of 1,3,5-Substitutec-1H-Pyrazoles Derivatives
Authors: Hassanabadi Alireza , Hosseini-Tabatabaei Mohammad R. , Shahraki Mehdi , Anary-Abbasinejad Mohammad , Ghoroghchian Saeedeh
Published: December 2011

One-pot reaction between dialkyl acetylendicarboxylates and different hydrazide acids in the presence of triphenylphosphine leds to 1,3,5-substituted-1 H-pyrazoles derivatives in excellent yields. In the absence of triphenylphosphine, dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylate adds to hydrazide acids to produce dialkyl 2-(arylhydrazono)succinates were obtained in good yields.
Synthesis and Anti-Plasmodial Activity of 8β, 13β-Dihydroxypodocarpane Derivatives
Authors: Young Ryan M. , Popplewell Wendy L. , Caira Mino R. , van Zyl Robyn L. , Davies-Coleman Michael T.
Published: December 2011

8β,13β-Dihydroxypodocarpane and eight C-13 substituted derivatives were prepared from the precursor 8β-hydroxy-13-podocarpanone synthesised from the naturally occurring diterpene (+)-manool. The synthetic compounds exhibited a range of anti-plasmodial activities (IC50 1–29 μM) and only induced minimal haemolysis of erythrocytes at concentrations 50 and 100 μM. No changes in the morphology of erythrocytes were detected at sub-haemolytic concentrations.
A Convenient and Efficient Synthesis of Naphthazarin
Authors: Peng Ying , Zhou Wen , Zhang Min , Wang Cheng-Dong , Chen Qian , Jiang Sheng-Jie , Li Shao-Shun
Published: December 2011

A convenient and efficient synthetic method of the important intermediate naphthazarin is presented starting from 1, 4, 5, 8-tetramethoxynaphthalene in an overall yield of 87%. Compared with the reported synthesis, this method has several advantages. Firstly, the reaction conditions are milder; secondly, the workup of each step is simpler and the yield is considerably higher; thirdly, all the reactions involved in the method are more suitable for large-scale preparations.
Diastereoselective Synthesis of Functionalised Stable Phosphorus Ylides
Authors: Mosslemin Mohammad Hossein , Anaraki-Ardakani Hossein , Barazandeh-Doust Maryam
Published: December 2011

Stable phosphorus ylides were obtained in excellent yields from the reaction between electron-deficient acetylenic compounds, and 2-cyano-N-(aryl) or alkyl acetamide in the presence of triphenylphosphine in dichloromethane.
Solvent-free synthesis of novel chiral unsymmetrical urea molecular tweezers under microwave irradiation
Authors: Zhao Zhigang , Xia Zhenyang , Li Xiaorui , Shi Peiyu
Published: December 2011

Seven novel chiral unsymmetrical urea molecular tweezers based on 1, 3-phenoxyacetic acid have been designed and synthesised using solid K2CO3 as supporter in the solvent-free conditions under microwave irradiation. This method is simple, fast, efficient and eco-friendly. The structures of target compounds were characterised by IR, 1H NMR, MS spectra and elemental analyses and their molecular recognition properties were investigated by UV-Vis spectral titration. The preliminary results indicated that these molecular tweezers possess good selectivity for D/L amino acid methyl esters and some anions.
Synthesis of 2-hydroxy-5-methyl-3-hexanone
Authors: Tian Hong-yu , Ye Hong-lin , Sun Bao-guo , Wang Ya-ling
Published: December 2011

2-Hydroxy-5-methyl-3-hexanone, which is a characteristic component of eucalyptus honeys, was synthesised by oxidation of the silyl enol ether of 5-methyl-3-hexanone. 5-Methyl-3-hexanone was prepared by Grignard reaction and oxidation starting from isovaleraldehyde and ethylmagnesium bromide. The desired silyl enol ether was produced with high selectivity by deprotonation of 5-methyl-3-hexanone with NaHMDS in n-hexane followed by reaction with chlorotrimethylsilane and then oxidised by MCPBA to give pure 2-hydroxy-5-methyl-3-hexanone in about 77% yield after purification by flash chromatography. 2-Hydroxy-5-methyl-3-hexanone has a cheese and sour milk odour.
Synthetic Utility of 2-Furylmethylene-2,3,4,9-Tetrahydrocarbazol-1-Ones: Syntheses of Pyrazolo, Isoxazolo, Pyrido and Pyrimido Annelated Carbazoles
Authors: Sridharan Makuteswaran , Prasad Karnam Jayarampillai Rajendra
Published: December 2011

2-Furylmethylene-2,3,4,9-tetrahydrocarbazol-1-ones were obtained from the mixed aldol condensation of 2,3,4,9-tetrahydrocarbazole-1-ones and furan-2-carbaldehyde (furfural). The corresponding enones were utilised as the synthons to prepare various heteroannulated pyrazolo[3,4- a]-, isoxazolo[3,4- a]-, pyrido[2,3- a]-, and pyrimido[4,5- a] carbazoles under different conditions using various reagents. Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies of 2-furylmeth-ylene-6-methyl-2,3,4,9-tetrahydrocarbazol-1-one are discussed.
Comments on ‘Prediction of internal pressure of binary liquid mixtures using Flory's statistical theory’
Authors: Oswal Shantilal
Published: December 2011

A. Ali and M. Tariq ( J. Chem. Res., 30, 2006, 261) have reported the prediction of internal pressure of binary liquid mixtures using Flory's statistical theory. It is now shown that the Ali–Tariq approach to calculate thermal expansion coefficient αp and isothermal compressibility κT for both organic liquids and liquid mixtures, is totally wrong, misleading and introduces errors in thermodynamic data. It should also be emphasised that once the correct expressions for calculating Flory's interaction parameter X12 are known, one should use only those expressions to derive X12 in the prediction of any thermodynamic property of liquid mixtures.
Wine or Raki - The Interplay of Climate and Society in Early Modern Ottoman Bosnia
Authors: Mrgić Jelena
Published: January 2012

Variations in the agricultural production of cereals and grapes observed in sixteenth century Ottoman tax registers of Northern Bosnia could be ascribed to changes provoked, among other causes, by climatic variability during the early phase of the 'Little Ice Age' (ca 1550-1650). Comparative analysis with other well-studied European regions is conducted within the general frame of the socio-cultural context of climate and other impacts on a pre-industrial society. Secondly, a significant cultural change is evaluated: the beginning of raki (brandy or Brandtwein) production and consumption in the Central Balkans. This change is first recorded in Bosnia and Serbia in the late sixteenth century, at the same time as wine-growing began to diminish, and by the nineteenth century raki had replaced the popular consumption of wine. The results of the historical analysis show which adaptive strategies farmers in Ottoman Bosnia applied as they faced the challenges of climate deterioration and harvest failures, as well as those of war, famine and epidemics. The survival strategies included crop pattern changes, abandonment of viticulture, intensification of pig rearing and itinerant trade and population migrations, which all correspond well to the situation observed in other European states and the Ottoman Empire. The study aims to increase the historical knowledge of a marginalised region whose environmental history has not yet been brought under closer investigation.
Correlation of Heart Rate Variability and 24- hour Mean Heart Rate with TIMI Risk Score in Acute ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Chakravortty SK , Khan MR , Kundu S , Barua SK , Dutta B , Uddin MN , Islam AKMM , Ullah M , Majumder AAS
Published: January 2012

Background: Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) risk score, heart rate variability (HRV) and 24hour mean heart rate all are important predictor of prognosis after ST segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI). Correlation among these factors has not been studied thoroughly. Methods: This study was conducted in NICVD (National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases), Dhaka, from July 2008 to June 2009. Total 105 STEMI patients were included in the study. TIMI risk score were calculated and each patient under went 24hour Holter monitoring. SDNN for HRV and mean RR interval for mean heart rate were recorded. Results : Ninety one patients (mean age 53.9 ± 10.8 years), 86.7% were males and 14( mean age 59.8 ± 8.8 years), 13.3% were female. Stratification of subjects by TIMI risk score shows that nearly 60% had risk score in the range of 3 – 7, 17. % between 0 – 2 and 24% 8 or more than 8.SDNN and RR interval stratified by TIMI risk score demonstrates that both the variables decreases significantly with the increase of TIMI risk score. Among the TIMI risk groups SDNN values were 120.0 ± 19, 871.0 ± 20.5 and 40.9 ± 6.4 msec in mild, moderate and high risk group respectively(p=<0.001). Mean RR were 836.8 ± 121.0, 776.7 ± 130.3 and 649.7 ± 75.5 msec in low, intermediate and high risk group respectively(p<0.001). There was a significant correlation between depressed SDNN and high TIMI risk score (r=.893, p=.001). High TIMI risk score also showed a negative correlation with mean RR interval (r=-574, p<0.001). Mean RR and SDNN show a perfect linear relationship (r = 0.657, p < 0.001). Conclusion: It was observed that depressed heart rate variability and increased 24-hours mean heart rate correlates with high TIMI risk score after acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Keywords: TIMI risk score; Heart rate variability; STEMI   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v4i1.9383 Cardiovasc. J. 2011; 4(1): 8-12
Pre-Procedural C-Reactive Protein Level Predicts In-Hospital Outcome in Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Haque MM , Ullah M , Alam MS , Ulabbi SU , Uddin R
Published: January 2012

Background:To accurately stratify patients undergoing PCI, according to their risk of future adverse events, a quest for risk predictors is ongoing worldwide. But only a few powerful and independent predictors of early and late major adverse cardiovascular events have been found. These include traditional risk factors, such as acute coronary instability, diabetes mellitus, reference vessel diameter, and lesion and/or stent length. This study was undertaken to find out the relationship between pre-procedural CRP level with in-hospital (both procedural and before discharge) complications. Materials & methods: This prospective study was carried out in National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), Dhaka during the period of June,2006 to May,2007. After fulfilling the exclusion criteria, 100 consecutive patients were selected as sample those underwent percutaneous coronary intervention. C-Reactive protein (CRP) was measured in all patients before the procedure. Those having pre-procedural CRP level <.3 mg/dl was labeled as group-I and those with CRP level e”.3 mg/dl was labeled as group-II. In hospital outcomes were compared between two groups after percutaneous coronary intervention. Results: During the procedure, higher rate of complications (10.0% vs 26.0%) were noted in group- II, which was statistically significant. Among many complications abrupt occlusion, threatened (dissection and new thrombus) and residual stenosis were significantly high in group-II. Other complications like coronary spasm, arrhythmia, side branch occlusion, heart failure, shock and no reflow were also high in higher level of CRP level patients but statistically not significant. Inhospital complications were also significantly high (10.0% vs 28.0%) in patients with higher level of CRP ie. Group-II. Among other complications recurrence of ischemia and myocardial infarction developed at significantly higher rate in group-II. Post procedural CK-MB rose significantly (18.0% vs 36.0%) in patients with higher level of CRP (group-II) in comparison to normal level of CRP patients (group-I). When the in-hospital complications were distributed among three tertiles of CRP, it was observed that complications were proportionately high with increasing level of CRP. Conclusions: Many studies, conducted abroad, have suggested that factors like gender, extreme age, diabetes, multi-vessel disease and lesion characteristics adversely influence PCI outcome. But in this study, multivariate regression analysis has shown that elevated level of CRP is even stronger independent predictor of PCI outcome. Keywords: C-Reactive Protein; In hosital outcome; PCI. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v4i1.9387 Cardiovasc. J. 2011; 4(1): 32-41
A Case Report of an Adolescent with Anomalous Origin of the Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Trunk (ALCAPA)
Authors: Momenuzzaman NA , Rima Rezoana
Published: January 2012

Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery is a serious congenital cardiac defect associated with high mortality rates in infancy. It is undoubtedly a rare defect but its diagnosis during life is possible in most cases, and successful surgery appears within reach. The object of this paper is to report our experience with a fourteen years old girl with this rare anomaly. The presenting symptoms of our patient during infancy were not that are considered classic for this anomaly. Though the child had excessive sweating and symptoms of heart failure during infancy. The girl was suspected to have ALCAPA clinically and echocardiographically finally selective right coronary arteriography established the diagnosis. Keywords: Congenital heart disease; ALCAPA. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v4i1.9397 Cardiovasc. J. 2011; 4(1): 92-95
Left Atrial Myxoma in a Child: An Uncommon Presentation of a Rare Tumour in Early Age
Authors: Maruf MF , Akter T , Islam F , Chowdhury AA , Khan JH , Hassan K , Hosain SN , Ahsan NAK
Published: January 2012

Myxomas are rare tumours but are the most common benign tumours of the heart. They can arise from any heart chamber. However, they arise more frequently from the left atrium. They have rarely been described as originating in early age. A case of left atrial myxoma successfully removed using cardiopulmonary bypass in a 8-year-old child is presented. Review of the literature emphasizes the rarity and clinically aggressive behavior of this tumor in this age group. The object of this case report is to present myxoma in children and to evaluate possible differences between young and adult patients. Keywords: Myxoma; Left Atrium DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v4i1.9399 Cardiovasc. J. 2011; 4(1): 99-101
RETRACTED: Plasmonic Nanostructures Prepared by Soft UV Nanoimprint Lithography and Their Application in Biological Sensing
Authors: Barbillon Grégory
Published: January 2012

We prepared high-density plasmonic nanostructures on a glass substrate. By using soft UV nanoimprint lithography, gold nanodisks with a diameter of 65 nm were obtained on an area of 1 mm2. We tested these gold nanosensors in the biotin/streptavidin system to study their selectivity and sensitivity of detection. The prepared gold nanodisks could detect streptavidin at 10 pM.
Antimycobacterial Activity of Salicylanilide Benzenesulfonates
Authors: Krátký Martin , Vinšová Jarmila , Rodriguez Nabila Guisado , Stolaříková Jiřina
Published: January 2012

A series of eighteen novel esters of salicylanilides with benzenesulfonic acid were designed, synthesized and characterized by IR, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR. They were evaluated in vitro as potential antimycobacterial agents towards Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium avium and two strains of Mycobacterium kansasii. In general, the minimum inhibitory concentrations range from 1 to 500 µmol/L. The most active compound against M. tuberculosis was 4-chloro-2-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenylcarbamoyl)-phenyl benzenesulfonate, with MIC of 1 µmol/L and towards M. kansasii its isomer 5-chloro-2-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenylcarbamoyl)phenyl benzenesulfonate (MIC of 2–4 µmol/L). M. avium was the less susceptible strain. However, generally, salicylanilide benzenesulfonates did not surpass the activity of other salicylanilide esters with carboxylic acids.
89Zr-Radiolabeled Trastuzumab Imaging in Orthotopic and Metastatic Breast Tumors
Authors: Chang Albert J. , DeSilva Ravindra , Jain Sandeep , Lears Kimberley , Rogers Buck , Lapi Suzanne
Published: January 2012

The human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2/neu) is overexpressed in 20–30% of breast cancers and is associated with tumor growth, angiogenesis, and development of distant metastases. Trastuzumab, an anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody, is used for the treatment of HER2 positive breast cancer and clinical efficacy of this agent is dependent on HER2 expression. Targeted PET imaging of HER2 with radiolabeled trastuzumab may be used to determine HER2 expression levels and guide therapy selection. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate a facile 89Zr-trastuzumab preparation method that can be efficiently applied for clinical grade production. Also, relative HER2 expression levels in orthotopic and metastatic breast cancer models were assessed by PET imaging using the 89Zr-trastuzumab produced by this simpler method.
A Wireless sEMG Recording System and Its Application to Muscle Fatigue Detection
Authors: Chang Kang-Ming , Liu Shin-Hong , Wu Xuan-Han
Published: January 2012

Surface electromyography (sEMG) is an important measurement for monitoring exercise and fitness. Because if its high sampling frequency requirement, wireless transmission of sEMG data is a challenge. In this article a wireless sEMG measurement system with a sampling frequency of 2 KHz is developed based upon a MSP 430 microcontroller and Bluetooth transmission. Standard isotonic and isometric muscle contraction are clearly represented in the receiving user interface. Muscle fatigue detection is an important application of sEMG. Traditional muscle fatigue is detected from the median frequency of the sEMG power spectrum. The regression slope of the linear regression of median frequency is an important muscle fatigue index. A more negative slope value represents a higher muscle fatigue condition. To test the system performance, muscle fatigue detection was examined by having subjects run on a pedaled-multifunctional elliptical trainer for approximately 30 minutes at three loading levels. Ten subjects underwent a total of 60 exercise sessions to provide the experimental data. Results showed that the regression slope gradually decreases as expected, and there is a significant gender difference.