bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Equilibration Reaction from Single Addition of Base to Determine Soil Lime Requirement
Authors: Thompson J.S. , Kissel D.E. , Cabrera M.L. , Sonon L.S.
Published: February 2010

The University of Georgia Soil, Plant, and Water Laboratory (SPW) uses a single‐addition titration for estimating soil lime requirement. The lime requirement depends in part on a soil's pH buffering capacity (described as lime buffer capacity [LBC] in mg CaCO3 kg−1 per pH unit), which is estimated from the rise in soil pH after Ca(OH)2 is added and allowed to react for 30 min. The 30‐min reaction time has not been sufficient to reach equilibrium between the soil and Ca(OH)2, resulting in an underestimation of the LBC. As a corrective measure, the SPW adjusts the agricultural lime recommendations to account for the lack of equilibrium. This study investigated the rate of pH change after Ca(OH)2 is added to acid soils. Specifically, the objectives of this study were to: (i) determine the time in which the Ca(OH)2–treated samples reached pH equilibrium; and (ii) determine if a relationship exists between the LBC estimated from a 30‐min equilibration and the LBC estimated from the time in which the sample had reached an equilibrium pH. The 25 soils used in this study were equilibrated for up to 96 h. Results indicated that the soils had reached an equilibrium pH by 84 h after the addition of Ca(OH)2 The ratio (mean of 84‐ and 96‐h LBC/30‐min LBC) could be predicted with the equation 1.4742 + 0.0023(30‐min LBC) (r2 = 0.82). This relationship allows the current titration procedure with 30‐min equilibration time to be used to predict the equilibrium LBC, which in turn can be used to calculate more accurate lime recommendations.
Accurate Determination of the Bulk Electrical Conductivity with the TDR100 Cable Tester
Authors: Bechtold M. , Huisman J.A. , Weihermüller L. , Vereecken H.
Published: February 2010

Time domain reflectometry (TDR) is commonly used to determine the soil bulk electrical conductivity. To obtain accurate measurements, the three parameters of a series resistor model (probe constant, Kp; cable resistance, Rc; and remaining resistance, R0) are typically calibrated using liquids with known electrical conductivity. Several studies have reported discrepancies between calibrated and directly measured parameters of the series resistor model. In this study, we examined the possibility that a technical issue with the TDR100 cable tester contributed to part of these inconsistencies. Our results showed that with an increasing level of waveform averaging, the reflection coefficient, as well as Kp, RC, and R0, approached a maximum value. A comparison with independently determined values indicated that a high level of waveform averaging provided the physically most plausible results. Based on our results, we propose averaging at least 16 waveforms, each consisting of at least 250 points. An oscilloscope‐based signal analysis showed that the increase in the reflection coefficient with increasing waveform averaging in saline media is related to a capacitance associated with electrode polarization in combination with a change in the pulse period of the pulse train when the TDR100 starts collecting data points. This capacitance resulted in a slow change of the average voltage in the TDR pulse train until a stable average voltage was reached. Higher levels of waveform averaging cancel the impact of the first erroneous voltage measurements out. In practical applications, the errors in the determination of the bulk electrical conductivity can be as high as 5% for the low‐conductivity range (<0.1 S m−1) and up to 370% in saline media (1.4 S m−1) when waveform averaging is changed after calibration.
Utilization of Vermicomposts in Soil Restoration: Effects on Soil Biological Properties
Authors: Tejada Manuel , Gómez Isidoro , Hernández Teresa , García Carlos
Published: February 2010

Increasingly, organic soil amendments are being examined for their potential use in soil restoration and for preventing soil erosion. Two vermicomposts, differing in their chemical nature (obtained from cow dung, CD, and green forage, GF), were applied annually for a period of 3 yr to a Xerollic Calciorthid soil located near Seville (Guadalquivir Valley, Andalusia, Spain) to evaluate the efficiency of these organic amendments in soil restoration. Their effects on the plant cover and biological properties (microbial biomass, soil respiration, and enzymatic activities such as dehydrogenase, urease, β‐glucosidase, phosphatase, and arylsulfatase) of the soil were determined. The organic wastes were applied at 3 and 6 Mg C ha−1, respectively. After 3 yr of successive soil amendment, the application of CD vermicompost to the soil had a greater effect on the soil biological properties than GF vermicompost. The final soil microbial biomass C, dehydrogenase, urease, β‐glucosidase, phosphatase, and arylsulfatase values were 28.3, 25.9, 12.6, 26, 12, and 14.2% higher in CD‐amended soils than in the GF‐amended soils. This may have been due to a greater labile fraction of organic matter in the CD than the GF vermicompost; however, the results obtained for the enzymatic activities stabilized in humic matrix mitigated that the highest values occurred in the soils amended with GF vermicompost with respect to those amended with CD vermicompost. This increased formation of enzymes immobilized in soils humic matrix may prolong any increase in soil enzymatic activities and plant cover produced by the amendment.
Base Oils Biodegradability Prediction with Data Mining Techniques
Authors: Abdelmelek Sihem Ben , Saidane Saloua , Trabelsi Malika
Published: February 2010

In this paper, we apply various data mining techniques including continuous numeric and discrete classification prediction models of base oils biodegradability, with emphasis on improving prediction accuracy. The results show that highly biodegradable oils can be better predicted through numeric models. In contrast, classification models did not uncover a similar dichotomy. With the exception of Memory Based Reasoning and Decision Trees, tested classification techniques achieved high classification prediction. However, the technique of Decision Trees helped uncover the most significant predictors. A simple classification rule derived based on this predictor resulted in good classification accuracy. The application of this rule enables efficient classification of base oils into either low or high biodegradability classes with high accuracy. For the latter, a higher precision biodegradability prediction can be obtained using continuous modeling techniques.
Targeted Therapies in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Dean Emma , El-Helw Loaie , Hasan Jurjees
Published: February 2010

Molecularly targeted therapy is relatively new to ovarian cancer despite the unquestionable success with these agents in other solid tumours such as breast and colorectal cancer. Advanced ovarian cancer is chemosensitive and patients can survive several years on treatment. However chemotherapy diminishes in efficacy over time whilst toxicities persist. Newer biological agents that target explicit molecular pathways and lack specific chemotherapy toxicities such as myelosuppression offer the advantage of long-term therapy with a manageable toxicity profile enabling patients to enjoy a good quality of life. In this review we appraise the emerging data on novel targeted therapies in ovarian cancer. We discuss the role of these compounds in the front-line treatment of ovarian cancer and in relapsed disease; and describe how the development of predictive clinical, molecular and imaging biomarkers will define the role of biological agents in the treatment of ovarian cancer.
When Do Sexual Partnerships Need to Be Accounted for in Transmission Models of Human Papillomavirus?
Authors: Muller Heidi , Bauch Chris
Published: February 2010

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is often transmitted through sexual partnerships. However, many previous HPV transmission models ignore the existence of partnerships by implicitly assuming that each new sexual contact is made with a different person. Here, we develop a simplified pair model—based on the example of HPV—that explicitly includes sexual partnership formation and dissolution. We show that not including partnerships can potentially result in biased projections of HPV prevalence. However, if transmission rates are calibrated to match empirical pre-vaccine HPV prevalence, the projected prevalence under a vaccination program does not vary significantly, regardless of whether partnerships are included.
Marine Natural Meroterpenes: Synthesis and Antiproliferative Activity
Authors: Simon-Levert Annabel , Menniti Christophe , Soulère Laurent , Genevière Anne-Marie , Barthomeuf Chantal , Banaigs Bernard , Witczak Anne
Published: February 2010

Meroterpenes are compounds of mixed biogenesis, isolated from plants, microorganisms and marine invertebrates. We have previously isolated and determined the structure for a series of meroterpenes extracted from the ascidian Aplidium aff. densum. Here, we demonstrate the chemical synthesis of three of them and their derivatives, and evaluate their biological activity on two bacterial strains, on sea urchin eggs, and on cancerous and healthy human cells.
Revealing the Power of the Natural Red Pigment Lycopene
Authors: Kong Kin-Weng , Khoo Hock-Eng , Prasad K. Nagendra , Ismail Amin , Tan Chin-Ping , Rajab Nor Fadilah
Published: February 2010

By-products derived from food processing are attractive source for their valuable bioactive components and color pigments. These by-products are useful for development as functional foods, nutraceuticals, food ingredients, additives, and also as cosmetic products. Lycopene is a bioactive red colored pigment naturally occurring in plants. Industrial by-products obtained from the plants are the good sources of lycopene. Interest in lycopene is increasing due to increasing evidence proving its preventive properties toward numerous diseases. In vitro, in vivo and ex vivo studies have demonstrated that lycopene-rich foods are inversely associated to diseases such as cancers, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and others. This paper also reviews the properties, absorption, transportation, and distribution of lycopene and its by-products in human body. The mechanism of action and interaction of lycopene with other bioactive compounds are also discussed, because these are the crucial features for beneficial role of lycopene. However, information on the effect of food processing on lycopene stability and availability was discussed for better understanding of its characteristics.
Synthesis of 1-(4-Trifluoromethoxyphenyl)-2,5-dimethyl-3-(2-R-thiazol-4-yl)-1H-pyrroles via Chain Heterocyclization
Authors: Vovk Mykhaylo V. , Pinchuk Oleksandr M. , Tolmachov Andrij O. , Gakh Andrei A.
Published: February 2010

The title compounds, (4-trifluoromethoxyphenyl)-2,5-dimethyl-3-(2-R-thiazol-4-yl)-1H-pyrroles, were prepared in four steps starting from commercially available 4-trifluoromethoxyaniline. The pyrrole (second ring) was added in one step using the Paal-Knorr method. The thiazole (third ring) was added in three steps using chloroacylation with chloroacetonitrile followed by heterocyclization with thioamides/thioureas.
Isolation and Identification of Two New Polyynes from a North American Ethnic Medicinal Plant--Oplopanax horridus (Smith) Miq.
Authors: Huang Wei-Hua , Zhang Qing-Wen , Wang Chong-Zhi , Yuan Chun-Su , Li Shao-Ping
Published: February 2010

Two new polyynes, named oplopantriol A (5) and oplopantriol B (6), were isolated from the root bark of Oplopanax horridus (Smith) Miq, an ethnic medicinal plant of North America, along with four known polyynes: (3S,8S)-falcarindiol (1), oplopandiol (2), (11S,16S,9Z)-9,17-octadecadiene-12,14-diyne-1,11,16-triol, 1-acetate (3) and oplopandiol acetate (4). The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic analyses, including 1D and 2D NMR techniques and chemical methods. The absolute configurations of the new compounds 5 and 6 were determined by comparing their optical rotation values with the hydrolysis products of the known compounds 3 and 4, respectively, derived from the same plant. On the basis of an analysis of their physical and chemical properties we show that the alkaline hydrolysis of 3 and 4 afforded the new compounds 5 and 6, respectively.
Do Pregnant Women and Those at Risk of Developing Post-Natal Depression Consume Lower Amounts of Long Chain Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids?
Authors: Cosatto Victoria F. , Else Paul L. , Meyer Barbara J.
Published: February 2010

The aims were to compare intakes of long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC n-3 PUFA) in pregnant and non-pregnant women in Australia and to compare these intakes to the Australian National Nutrition Survey of 1995 (NNS95) [1] and to determine if the LC n-3 PUFA intakes differed in women who may be ‘at risk’ compared with women ‘not at risk’ of developing post-natal depression (PND). A validated LC n-3 PUFA food frequency questionnaire and pregnant women’s Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) scores were used. LC n-3 PUFA intakes were comparable to the NNS95 but did not differ due to pregnancy or whether or not a woman is at risk of developing PND.
Natural Resources Management: Life Cycle Assessment and Forest Certification and Sustainability Issues
Authors: Straka Thomas J. , Layton Patricia A.
Published: February 2010

Forest sustainability and forest certification are important natural resource management and environmental issues. Forest certification addresses the social and environmental issues in the acquisition of raw materials (e.g., lumber to be used in the building process). Life cycle assessment is a common technique used in the evaluation of forest sustainability issues and forest certification programs. Life cycle assessment is a tool to evaluate multiple issue environmental and some social impacts attributed to a product or process (e.g., wood as a building material). Inputs (like raw material extraction) and outputs (like pollution) are measured over the entire life process, with a goal to minimize negative environmental impacts over the life cycle of a product or process. The relationship between forest certification schemes and life cycle assessment is examined and assessed.
Engineering Life into Technology: the Application of Complexity Theory to a Potential Phase Transition in Intelligence
Authors: Swan Melanie
Published: February 2010

Information optimization is a centerpiece phenomenon in the universe. It develops from simplicity, then continuously breaks symmetry and cycles through instability to progress to increasingly dense nodes of complexity and diversity. Intelligence has arisen as the information optimization node with the greatest complexity. A contemporary imbalance is presented in that exponentially growing technology could be poised as a potential sole successor to human intelligence. A complex dynamical system is emerging in response, the engineering of life into technology. Numerous network elements are developing which could self-organize into the next node of symmetry, a phase transition in intelligence.
Effective Supramolecular Chirogenesis in Ethane-Bridged Bis-Porphyrinoids
Authors: Borovkov Victor
Published: February 2010

This feature article gives a general introduction to the phenomenon of supramolecular chirogenesis using the most representative examples of different chirogenic assemblies on the basis of ethane-bridged bis-porphyrinoids. Supramolecular chirogenesis is based upon a smart combination of supramolecular chemistry and chirality sciences and deals with various aspects of asymmetry induction, transfer, amplification, and modulation. These chiral processes are governed by numerous noncovalent supramolecular forces thus allowing a judicious, mechanistic, and dynamic control by applying a variety of internal and external influencing factors. Currently, supramolecular chirogenesis is widely used in different fields of fundamental and applied branches of science and modern technology, touching on such important issues as origin of chirality on the Earth, asymmetry sensing, enantioselective catalysis, nonlinear optics, polymer and materials science, pharmacy and medicine, nanotechnology, molecular and supramolecular devices, chiral memory, absolute configuration determination, etc.
Animal Toxins: How is Complexity Represented in Databases?
Authors: Jungo Florence , Estreicher Anne , Bairoch Amos , Bougueleret Lydie , Xenarios Ioannis
Published: February 2010

Peptide toxins synthesized by venomous animals have been extensively studied in the last decades. To be useful to the scientific community, this knowledge has been stored, annotated and made easy to retrieve by several databases. The aim of this article is to present what type of information users can access from each database. ArachnoServer and ConoServer focus on spider toxins and cone snail toxins, respectively. UniProtKB, a generalist protein knowledgebase, has an animal toxin-dedicated annotation program that includes toxins from all venomous animals. Finally, the ATDB metadatabase compiles data and annotations from other databases and provides toxin ontology.
Restriction of Rift Valley Fever Virus Virulence in Mosquito Cells
Authors: Vaughn Valerie  M. , Streeter Cale  C. , Miller David  J. , Gerrard Sonja  R.
Published: February 2010

Arboviruses are maintained in a natural cycle that requires blood-sucking arthropod and vertebrate hosts. Arboviruses are believed to persistently infect their arthropod host without overt pathology and cause acute infection with viremia in their vertebrate host. We have focused on elucidating how a specific arbovirus, Rift Valley fever (RVF) virus, causes cytopathic effect in cells derived from vertebrates and non-cytopathic infection in cells derived from arthropods. We demonstrate that the vertebrate virulence factor, NSs, is functional in arthropod cells but is expressed at significantly lower levels in infected arthropod versus infected vertebrate cells.
Minimizing the Environmental Impact of Sea Brine Disposal by Coupling Desalination Plants with Solar Saltworks: A Case Study for Greece
Authors: Laspidou Chrysi , Hadjibiros Kimon , Gialis Stylianos
Published: February 2010

The explosive increase in world population, along with the fast socio-economic development, have led to an increased water demand, making water shortage one of the greatest problems of modern society. Countries such as Greece, Saudi Arabia and Tunisia face serious water shortage issues and have resorted to solutions such as transporting water by ships from the mainland to islands, a practice that is expensive, energy-intensive and unsustainable. Desalination of sea-water is suitable for supplying arid regions with potable water, but extensive brine discharge may affect marine biota. To avoid this impact, we explore the option of directing the desalination effluent to a solar saltworks for brine concentration and salt production, in order to achieve a zero discharge desalination plant. In this context, we conducted a survey in order to evaluate the potential of transferring desalination brine to solar saltworks, so that its disposal to the sea is avoided. Our analysis showed that brine transfer by trucks is prohibitively expensive. In order to make the zero discharge desalination plant economically feasible, efforts should be directed into developing a more efficient technology that will result in the production of only a fraction of the brine that is produced from our systems today.
Characterization of pore system and their influence on decay rates caused by salt weathering on limestones and dolostones quarried in Abanto (Zaragoza, Spain)
Authors: Buj O. , López P. L. , Gisbert J.
Published: February 2010

The Abanto natural stone is a rock used in modern constructions and currently quarried as an ornamental rock in Abanto, Zaragoza. The varieties described here are a limestone with depositional texture and a crystalline limestone. In this work we have carried out a detailed study of the mineralogy, texture, hydric behaviour, pore system characteristics, dynamic behaviour and behaviour against the effects of salt crystallisation. After 30 cycles of salts crystallization, the weight loss in these rocks is lower than 0.5%. This low weathering is a consequence of the configuration of their pore system, characterised by a low open porosity and high percentages of microporosity with pore-throat sizes on average of less than a 0.2 µm.

The petrographical and physical characteristics, as well as its high resistance against salt crystallisation confer these rocks a high technical quality for their use as building stones in modern construction.
COLORECTAL CANCER CELL DETECTION BY FOLIC ACID-CONJUGATED CHITOSAN NANOPARTICLES
Authors: Yang Shu-Jyuan , Chen Jian-Wen , Lin Fang-Huei , Young Tai-Horng , Lou Pei-Jen , Shieh Ming-Jium
Published: February 2010

The endoscopy is a common diagnosis method for the detection of colorectal cancer and there are two methods to improve the diagnostic sensitivity. One is chromoendoscopy, and the other is magnifying endoscopy. Color contrast dye, such as indigo carmine, usually is sprayed on the surface of the intestine and can accumulate in the pits and crevices of the mucosa to enhance the identification of the lesion. However, this color contrast dye does not have target-specific and local-retention properties. For these reasons we encapsulated indigo carmine into chitosan nanoparticles (CNIC) by the ionic gelation to increase the retention time on intestine surface, and conjugated folic acid with chitosan nanoparticles (fCNIC) to target specifically adenomatous polyps. The size and zeta potential of CNIC and fCNIC measured by transmission electron microscope and zetasizer were both at the range of 120–140 nm and 20 mV respectively. The loading efficiency of indigo carmine in fCNIC was in the range of 60–70% and depended on the concentration of acetic acid solution used to dissolve chitosan and folic acid–chitosan conjugates and folic acid conjugation percentage. Bioassy results of fCNIC targeting to HT-29 colon cancer cells revealed that the prepared particle with high folic acid conjugation had a better adhesion effect. These results implied that fCNIC with high folic acid conjugation could serve as an ideal vector for a colon-specific targeting system. According to this concept, we designed a novel detection system to enhance the accuracy of endoscopic diagnosis for colorectal cancer.
Certification, Empowerment, and Intent to Leave Current Position and the Profession Among Critical Care Nurses
Authors: Fitzpatrick Joyce J. , Campo Theresa M. , Graham Gregory , Lavandero Ramón
Published: February 2010

Background This study was based on the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses’ (AACNs’) interest in determining the value and influence of specialty certification.

Objectives To examine relationships between AACN specialty certification and empowerment, and, secondarily, to examine these variables as related to intent to leave the current position and the nursing profession.

Methods AACN members were asked to participate in a Web-based survey; 6589 AACN members completed the surveys.

Results Perceptions of empowerment differed significantly among nurses certified by AACN and nurses without such certification. Additional analyses revealed significant differences in empowerment related to position, education, salary, ethnicity, sex, intent to leave the current position, and intent to leave the profession. Forty-one percent of the participants indicated intent to leave their current position in the next year; only 6.9% indicated their intent to leave the profession in the next year. Intent to leave current position differed significantly according to age, sex, years of experience, ethnicity, educational level, and certification.

Conclusions The value of specialty certification and the importance of empowerment among critical care nurses are affirmed. The next step in the continued journey toward increasing retention of critical care nurses, and thereby improving patient care, is to evaluate existing programs focused on retention and identify needed enhancements.
In Vivo Redundant Function of the 3′ IgH Regulatory Element HS3b in the Mouse
Authors: Bébin Anne-Gaëlle , Carrion Claire , Marquet Marie , Cogné Nadine , Lecardeur Sandrine , Cogné Michel , Pinaud Eric
Published: February 2010

In the mouse, the regulatory region located at the 3′ end of the IgH locus includes four transcriptional enhancers: HS3a, HS1-2, HS3b, and HS4; the first three lie in a quasi-palindromic structure. Although the upstream elements HS3a and HS1-2 proved dispensable for Ig expression and class switch recombination (CSR), the joint deletion of HS3b and HS4 led to a consistent decrease in IgH expression in resting B cells and to a major CSR defect. Within this pair of distal enhancers, it was questionable whether HS3b and HS4 could be considered individually as elements critical for IgH expression and/or CSR. Studies in HS4-deficient mice recently revealed the role of HS4 as restricted to Igμ-chain expression from the pre-B to the mature B cell stage and left HS3b as the last candidate for CSR regulation. Our present study finally invalidates the hypothesis that CSR could mostly rely on HS3b itself. B cells from HS3b-deficient animals undergo normal proliferation, germline transcription, and CSR upon in vitro stimulation with LPS; in vivo Ag-specific responses are not affected. In conclusion, our study highlights a major effect of the global ambiance of the IgH locus; enhancers demonstrated as being strongly synergistic in transgenes turn out to be redundant in their endogenous context.
PE_PGRS Antigens ofMycobacterium tuberculosisInduce Maturation and Activation of Human Dendritic Cells
Authors: Bansal Kushagra , Elluru Sri Ramulu , Narayana Yeddula , Chaturvedi Rashmi , Patil Shripad A. , Kaveri Srini V. , Bayry Jagadeesh , Balaji Kithiganahalli N.
Published: February 2010

Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of pulmonary tuberculosis, infects one-third of the world’s population. Activation of host immune responses for containment of mycobacterial infections involves participation of innate immune cells, such as dendritic cells (DCs). DCs are sentinels of the immune system and are important for eliciting both primary and secondary immune responses to pathogens. In this context, to understand the molecular pathogenesis of tuberculosis and host response to mycobacteria and to conceive prospective vaccine candidates, it is important to understand how cell wall Ags of M. tuberculosis and, in particular, the proline-glutamic acid_polymorphic guanine-cytosine–rich sequence (PE_PGRS) family of proteins modulate DC maturation and function. In this study, we demonstrate that two cell wall-associated/secretory PE_PGRS proteins, PE_PGRS 17 (Rv0978c) and PE_PGRS 11 (Rv0754), recognize TLR2, induce maturation and activation of human DCs, and enhance the ability of DCs to stimulate CD4+ T cells. We further found that PE_PGRS protein-mediated activation of DCs involves participation of ERK1/2, p38 MAPK, and NF-κB signaling pathways. Priming of human DCs with IFN-γ further augmented PE_PGRS 17 or PE_PGRS 11 Ag-induced DC maturation and secretion of key proinflammatory cytokines. Our results suggest that by activating DCs, PE_PGRS proteins, important mycobacterial cell wall Ags, could potentially contribute in the initiation of innate immune responses during tuberculosis infection and hence regulate the clinical course of tuberculosis.
The American College of Rheumatology Preliminary Diagnostic Criteria for Fibromyalgia and Measurement of Symptom Severity
Authors: Wolfe Frederick , Clauw Daniel J. , Fitzcharles Mary‐Ann , Goldenberg Don L. , Katz Robert S. , Mease Philip , Russell Anthony S. , Russell I. Jon , Winfield John B. , Yunus Muhammad B.
Published: February 2010

Objective

To develop simple, practical criteria for clinical diagnosis of fibromyalgia that are suitable for use in primary and specialty care and that do not require a tender point examination, and to provide a severity scale for characteristic fibromyalgia symptoms.

Methods

We performed a multicenter study of 829 previously diagnosed fibromyalgia patients and controls using physician physical and interview examinations, including a widespread pain index (WPI), a measure of the number of painful body regions. Random forest and recursive partitioning analyses were used to guide the development of a case definition of fibromyalgia, to develop criteria, and to construct a symptom severity (SS) scale.

Results

Approximately 25% of fibromyalgia patients did not satisfy the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 1990 classification criteria at the time of the study. The most important diagnostic variables were WPI and categorical scales for cognitive symptoms, unrefreshed sleep, fatigue, and number of somatic symptoms. The categorical scales were summed to create an SS scale. We combined the SS scale and the WPI to recommend a new case definition of fibromyalgia: (WPI ≥7 AND SS ≥5) OR (WPI 3–6 AND SS ≥9).

Conclusion

This simple clinical case definition of fibromyalgia correctly classifies 88.1% of cases classified by the ACR classification criteria, and does not require a physical or tender point examination. The SS scale enables assessment of fibromyalgia symptom severity in persons with current or previous fibromyalgia, and in those to whom the criteria have not been applied. It will be especially useful in the longitudinal evaluation of patients with marked symptom variability.
A proposed framework to standardize the neurocognitive assessment of patients with pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Ross Gail S. , Zelko Frank , Klein‐Gitelman Marisa , Levy Deborah M. , Muscal Eyal , Schanberg Laura E. , Anthony Kelly , Brunner Hermine I.
Published: February 2010

Objective

To develop and propose a standardized battery of neuropsychological tests for the assessment of cognitive functioning of children and adolescents with pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

A committee of health care professionals involved in the assessment of pediatric SLE patients reviewed the literature to identify cognitive domains most commonly affected in pediatric SLE and in adult SLE. They then reviewed the standardized tests available for children and adolescents that assess the cognitive domains identified. Through a structured consensus formation process, the committee considered the psychometric characteristics and durations of the tests.

Results

A test battery was developed that appears suitable to provide a comprehensive assessment of cognitive domains commonly affected by pediatric SLE within a 2.5‐hour period.

Conclusion

It is hoped that the consistent use of this reliable and efficient battery increases the practicality of routine evaluations in pediatric SLE, enabling between‐cohort comparisons and facilitating the longitudinal assessment of individual patients over time.
Diamondoid Phosphines – Selective Phosphorylation of Nanodiamonds[1]
Authors: Schwertfeger Hartmut , Machuy Mareike M. , Würtele Christian , Dahl Jeremy E. P. , Carlson Robert M. K. , Schreiner Peter R.
Published: February 2010

The diamondoids (nanodiamonds) diamantane and triamantane were selectively converted into diorganophosphinic acid chlorides by reacting them with phosphorus trichloride under Friedel–Crafts‐like conditions. The di‐diamondoid phosphinic acid chlorides were subsequently reduced with trichlorosilane to give the hitherto unknown corresponding di‐diamondoid phosphines. These diamondoid phosphinic acid chlorides and phosphines are of great utility as starting materials in organo‐element and coordination chemistry due to their extraordinary rigidity and steric bulk.
Recent Advances in the Research of Lymphatic Stomata
Authors: Wang Zi‐Bin , Li Meng , Li Ji‐Cheng
Published: February 2010

Lymphatic stomata are small openings of lymphatic capillaries on the free surface of the mesothelium. The peritoneal cavity, pleural cavity, and pericardial cavity are connected with lymphatic system via these small openings, which have the function of active absorption. The ultrastructure of the lymphatic stomata and their absorption from the body cavities are important clinically, such as ascites elimination, neoplasm metastasis, and inflammatory reaction. The lymphatic stomata play an important role in the physiological and pathological conditions. Our previous study indicated for the first time that nitric oxide (NO) could regulate the opening and absorption of the lymphatic stomata. It could decrease the level of free intracellular calcium [Ca2+] through increasing the cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) level in the rat peritoneal mesothelial cells, thus regulating the lymphatic stomata. This process is related with the NO‐cGMP‐[Ca2+] signal pathway. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in understanding the development and the function of the lymphatic stomata. The ultrastructure and regulations of the lymphatic stomata are also discussed in this review. Anat Rec, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression and Immunolocalization of Calcium Transport Proteins in the Canine Duodenum, Kidney, and Pancreas
Authors: Palm Claudia , Hartmann Katrin , Weber Karin
Published: February 2010

The aim of the study was to elucidate expression and localization of several calcium handling proteins and the regulating vitamin D receptor (VDR) in the dog using RT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry. The results of RNA expression and antibody staining were compared to ensure specificity. We found several antibodies to be useful for further studies on calcium homeostasis. Anat Rec, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Morbidity and mortality in the Italian Gastric Cancer Study Group randomized clinical trial of D1 versus D2 resection for gastric cancer
Authors: Degiuli M , Sasako M , Ponti A
Published: February 2010

Background

A randomized clinical trial was performed to compare D1 and D2 gastrectomy in specialized Western centres. This paper reports short-term results.

Method

A total of 267 patients with gastric cancer were randomly assigned to either a D1 or a D2 procedure in five specialized centres. Based on the findings of the phase II trial and published phase III trials, a prespecified non-inferiority boundary at 12 per cent difference between groups was set regarding total morbidity.

Results

In the intention-to-treat analysis, the overall morbidity rate after D2 and D1 dissections was 17·9 and 12·0 per cent respectively (P = 0·178), with a 95 per cent confidence interval of the difference of 0 to 13·0 per cent, slightly exceeding the prespecified non-inferiority limit. There was a single duodenal stump leak in the D2 arm (0·7 per cent). The postoperative 30-day mortality rate was 3·0 per cent after D1 and 2·2 per cent after D2 gastrectomy (P = 0·722).

Conclusion

In specialized centres the rate of complications following D2 dissection is much lower than in published randomized Western trials. D2 dissection, in an appropriate setting, can therefore be considered a safe option for the radical management of gastric cancer in Western patients. Registration number: ISRCTN11154654 (http://www.controlled-trials.com).
The pharmacological role of nucleotidases in snake venoms
Authors: Dhananjaya Bhadrapura L. , D'Souza Cletus J. M.
Published: February 2010

Several hydrolytic enzymes of snake venom have evolved to interfere in various physiological processes, which are well defined. However, hydrolytic enzymes such as nucleotidases (5′nucleotidase, ATPase, and ADPase) are less studied and their pharmacological role in venoms is not clearly defined. Very few studies have shown the pharmacological importance of these endogenous purine release related enzymes in venoms. The near‐ubiquitous distribution of these enzymes in venoms, suggests a significant role for these enzymes in envenomation. It is suggested that their major function is in the generation of purines (mainly adenosine)—a multitoxin. Therefore, it appears that these enzymes play a central role in liberating adenosine and through the action of adenosine help in prey immobilization. However, apart from this, these enzymes could also possess other pharmacological activities. Further research is needed to biologically characterize these enzymes in snake venoms, such that their role in venom is clearly established. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transcatheter closure of the left atrial appendage: Initial experience with the amplatzer cardiac plug device
Authors: Rodés‐Cabau Josep , Champagne Jean , Bernier Mathieu
Published: February 2010

Percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) closure might reduce the cardioembolic risk in those patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation who are not candidates for warfarin therapy. This report presents the case of two patients with atrial fibrillation who had contraindications for warfarin therapy due to bleeding complications and a high cardioembolic risk (CHADS2 ≥2) who underwent successful LAA closure with a new device, the Amplatzer Cardiac Plug. The characteristics of the device and the main technical aspects of the procedure, as well as the potential advantages of this device for LAA closure, are discussed. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impact of coronary artery disease on outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Masson Jean‐Bernard , Lee May , Boone Robert H. , Al Ali Abdullah , Al Bugami Saad , Hamburger Jaap , John Mancini G.B. , Ye Jian , Cheung Anson , Humphries Karin H. , Wood David , Nietlispach Fabian , Webb John G.
Published: February 2010

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) negatively impacts prognosis of patients undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement and revascularization is generally recommended at the time of surgery. Implications of CAD and preprocedural revascularization in the setting of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) are not known. Method: Patients who underwent successful TAVI from January 2005 to December 2007 were retrospectively divided into five groups according to the extent of CAD assessed with the Duke Myocardial Jeopardy Score: no CAD, CAD with DMJS 0, 2, 4, and ≥6. Study endpoints included 30‐day and 1‐year survival, evolution of symptoms, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and mitral regurgitation (MR) and need of revascularization during follow‐up. Results: One hundred and thirty‐six patients were included, among which 104 (76.5%) had coexisting CAD. Thirty‐day mortality in the five study groups was respectively 6.3, 14.6, 7.1, 5.6, and 17.7% with no statistically significant difference between groups (P = 0.56). Overall survival rate at one year was 77.9% (95% CL: 70.9, 84.9) with no difference between groups (P = 0.63). Symptoms, LVEF, and MR all significantly improved in the first month after TAVI, but the extent of improvement did not differ between groups (P > 0.08). Revascularization after TAVI was uncommon. Conclusion: The presence of CAD or nonrevascularized myocardium was not associated with an increased risk of adverse events in this initial cohort. On the basis of these early results, complete revascularization may not constitute a prerequisite of TAVI. This conclusion will require re‐assessment as experience accrues in patients with extensive CAD. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rotational atherectomy in resistant chronic total occlusions
Authors: Pagnotta Paolo , Briguori Carlo , Mango Ruggiero , Visconti Gabriella , Focaccio Amelia , Belli Guido , Presbitero Patrizia
Published: February 2010

Objectives: To assess the application of rotational atherectomy to improving the success rate of percutaneous recanalization of chronic total occlusion (CTO). Background: Although the inability to cross the occlusion with a guidewire is the reason for failure in the majority of cases, one of the most frustrating situations that may occur during a recanalization procedure is when a guidewire crosses successfully but it is impossible to advance any device over the wire through the occluded segment. Methods: From January 2006 to October 2009, 45/648 (7%) consecutive patients with CTO resistant to recanalization by conventional techniques were treated by high‐speed rotational atherectomy (Rotablator group). Results: All but two lesions were successfully crossed by Rotablator and eventually treated by stent implantation. As compared to the 603 CTO treated by conventional techniques (Conventional group), the 45 patients in the Rotablator group were older, more often female, active smokers, with chronic kidney disease and higher rate of previous surgical revascularization. The CTO in the Rotablator group had a longer duration. Peri‐procedural myocardial infarction was more frequent in the Rotablator group (35% vs. 22%; P = 0.044). Coronary perforation occurred only in three patients in the Conventional group and two of these patients needed urgent surgical intervention. No patient died from either group. Conclusions: The inability to cross a CTO with a balloon catheter occurs in approximately 7% of all CTOs that are successfully crossed with a guidewire. Rotational atherectomy is a safe and effective technique to overcome this frustrating situation. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Orbital atherectomy for symptomatic lower extremity disease
Authors: Korabathina Ravikiran , Mody Kanika P. , Yu Jennie , Han Seol Young , Patel Ruchika , Staniloae Cezar S.
Published: February 2010

Background. Plaque‐debulking technologies have been proposed as alternative treatment options for peripheral arterial disease. Orbital atherectomy (OA), using the DiamondBack360® device, has emerged as one promising modality. Methods. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of OA in the first 200 lesions treated at our institution. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and lesion and procedural variables were collected and analyzed. The primary safety endpoint was the 30‐day major adverse events (MAE), including death, myocardial infarction, stroke, unplanned amputation, or target lesion revascularization. Other safety endpoints included access‐site complications, occurrence of dissections, perforations, distal embolization, spasm, and hemolysis. The efficacy endpoints were procedural success, need for adjunctive therapy, and improvement in ankle‐brachial index. Multivariate analysis was performed to find independent predictors of the safety endpoints. Results. One hundred seventeen (58.5%) lesions were femoral, 31 (15.5%) were popliteal, and 52 (26.0%) were tibial. The procedural success (residual stenosis ≤30%) was comparable between the femoral and tibial lesions (86.3% vs. 92.5%, P = 0.18), but significantly lower for the popliteal lesions when compared with femoral and tibial (64.7% vs. 86.3%, P = 0.058, and 64.7% vs. 92.5%, P = 0.007 respectively). MAE at 30‐days occurred in 3 (2.2%) procedures, and major access‐site complications also occurred in 3 (2.2%). There were 31 (15.5%) dissections; independent predictors were diabetes mellitus (OR: 7.3, P = 0.008), crown‐to‐RVD ratio <0.6 (OR: 11.6, P = 0.005), and atherectomy time >360 sec (OR: 11.8, P = 0.001). There were 2 (1.0%) distal embolizations, 6 (3.0%) arterial spasms, and no perforations. Laboratory evidence of hemolysis was noted in 33.8% of cases. Conclusion. Orbital atherectomy allows for a significant procedural success, limited need for stenting, and favorable safety profile. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stable Bulky Particles Formed by TS‐1 Zeolite Nanocrystals in the Presence of H2O2
Authors: Shan Zhichao , Lu Zhenda , Wang Liang , Zhou Cong , Ren Limin , Zhang Lin , Meng Xiangju , Ma Shujie , Xiao Feng‐Shou
Published: February 2010

Bulky particles of TS‐1 zeolite (larger than 20 μm) are successfully collected by simple filtration after crystallization of TS‐1 zeolite in the presence of H2O2. Bulky TS‐1 (B‐TS‐1) has good stability under both ultrasonic conditions and in recycling of the catalyst. Nitrogen isotherms show that B‐TS‐1 has a larger mesopore volume (0.55 cm3 g−1) than conventional TS‐1 nanocrystals (N‐TS‐1; less than 300 nm) obtained from high‐speed centrifugation (0.28 cm3 g−1). In catalytic hydroxylation of phenol with H2O2, both fresh (25 %) and recycled B‐TS‐1 (24 %) show similar high activities to N‐TS‐1 (28 %). B‐TS‐1 was further characterized by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, UV/Vis spectroscopy, and other techniques. The results suggest that bulky particles of B‐TS‐1 were formed by strong interactions of the nanocrystals with each other in the synthesis of TS‐1 zeolite. Such unique structural features might be responsible for the high stability of the bulky particles, large mesopore volume, and high catalytic activities in phenol hydroxylation, as well as the collection of B‐TS‐1 from a simple filtration route.
Contrast‐induced Kidney Injury: Focus on Modifiable Risk Factors and Prophylactic Strategies
Authors: Kagan Anna , Sheikh‐Hamad David
Published: February 2010

Contrast‐induced nephropathy, also known as contrast‐induced acute kidney injury, is associated with rapid and often irreversible decline in kidney function following the administration of iodinated contrast agents. Contrast‐induced nephropathy is the third leading cause of acute kidney injury in hospitalized patients, and substantially increases mortality, morbidity, and length of hospitalization. Contrast‐induced nephropathy follows a predictable time of onset and is potentially preventable. It has been the subject of numerous studies addressing characteristics of the populations at risk and prophylactic strategies. This evidence‐based review summarizes recent literature and provides a nephrologists' perspective on contrast‐induced nephropathy, focusing on: the pathophysiology of contrast‐induced nephropathy; identification of populations at risk; correlation between contrast‐induced nephropathy and the type of contrast agent used; and finally, measures to prevent contrast‐induced nephropathy, including intravenous fluids, sodium bicarbonate, N‐acetylcysteine, and hemofiltration/hemodialysis. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fragmented QRS Complex: A Novel Marker of Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Chatterjee Saurav , Changawala Nisarg
Published: February 2010

QRS complex fragmentation, defined as changes in QRS morphology with different RSR′ patterns: additional R waves, notched S wave, or > 1R′ wave, has recently been linked with various cardiac conditions and even been postulated to be predictive of outcomes in certain pathologies. The current article aims to consolidate the available information about this morphological ECG abnormality and its predictive value. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Subdiffraction‐Resolution Fluorescence Microscopy of Myosin–Actin Motility
Authors: Endesfelder Ulrike , van de Linde Sebastian , Wolter Steve , Sauer Markus , Heilemann Mike
Published: February 2010

Subdiffraction‐resolution imaging by subsequent localization of single photoswitchable molecules can achieve a spatial resolution in the range of ∼20 nm with moderate excitation intensities, but have so far been too slow for imaging faster dynamics in biology. Herein, we introduce a novel approach for video‐like subdiffraction microscopy based on rapid and reversible photoswitching of commercially available organic carbocyanine fluorophores. With the present concept, we demonstrate in vitro studies on the motility of fluorophore‐labeled actin filaments along myosin II. Actin filaments were densely labeled with carbocyanine fluorophores, and the gliding velocity adjusted by the concentration of ATP. At imaging frame rates of ∼100 Hz, only 100 consecutive frames are sufficient to generate a single high‐resolution image of moving actin filaments with a lateral resolution of ∼30 nm. A video‐like sequence is generated from individual reconstructed images by additionally applying a sliding window algorithm. We measured velocities of individual actin filaments of up to ∼0.18 μm s−1, observed strong bending and disruption of filaments as well as locally immobile fragments.