bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One‐year outcomes of consecutive patients treated by endeavor zotarolimus and resolute zotarolimus stents: The impact of polymer coating in drug‐eluting stent technology
Authors: Talarico Giovanni Paolo , Burzotta Francesco , Trani Carlo , Tommasino Antonella , Niccoli Giampaolo , Porto Italo , Leone Antonio Maria , Mongiardo Rocco , Schiavoni Giovanni , Crea Filippo
Published: May 2012

Background

Polymer‐coating represents a key component of drug‐eluting stent (DES) technology and its possible impact on vessel‐wall healing is a matter of debate. The clinical impact of different polymer‐coating may be assessed by comparing the outcome of patients treated by DES having the same stent platform and drug, and differing in the polymer. Thus, we compared the clinical outcome of patients treated by Endeavor Zotarolimus‐eluting stent (E‐ZES) and Resolute Zotarolimus‐eluting stent (R‐ZES) as they differ in the polymer‐coating only.

Methods

At our Institution, E‐ZES was available during a first period and then it was substituted by the R‐ZES during a second period. Clinical, angiographic, and procedural data were prospectively collected. Clinical follow‐up was prospectively obtained up to 1‐year. Primary endpoint was the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) at 12‐month.

Results

A total of 467 patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention were enrolled: 233 patients treated with E‐ZES and 234 with R‐ZES. Patients treated by R‐ZES had similar clinical characteristics and worse angiographic characteristics compared with those treated by E‐ZES. At 12‐month follow‐up, MACE rate was significantly lower in the R‐ZES group compared with E‐ZES group (4.2% vs. 14.6%; P < 0.01). This difference was due to nonsignificantly lower rates of death and myocardial infarction and to significant lower rate of target‐lesion‐revascularization (R‐ZES 3.4% vs. E‐ZES 10.3%, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that the clinical outcome of patients treated by DES differing for the polymer coating only may be different. Polymer coating is a pivotal, probably underrated, component of DES technology which may influence the clinical performance of DES. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The transradial approach for carotid artery stenting
Authors: Etxegoien Nicholena , Rhyne Diana , Kedev Sasko , Sachar Ravish , Mann Tift
Published: May 2012

Background

Carotid artery stenting (CAS) is an alternative to carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for revascularization of the internal carotid artery (ICA). CAS from the femoral approach may be problematic due to peripheral vascular disease, anatomical variations of the aortic arch, and access site complications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the right radial approach (RRA) for CAS.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of all patients who had undergone transradial (TR) CAS at two centers was performed. Demographics, the technique used to deploy the sheath in the common carotid, procedural details, results, and complications were evaluated.

Results

CAS was attempted from TR in 382 patients (mean age 68, 70% male). CAS was successful in 347/382 (91%) patients; 201/216 (93%) right CA, 14/16 (88%) bovine left CA, 132/150 (88%) left CA. The specific technique varied with the anatomy. Seven different carotid artery stents (51% Xact) and seven different distal embolic protection devices were used. Adverse events included two major strokes (0.6%) one of whom died, three minor strokes (1%), and no myocardial infarction at 30 days. No bleeding complications occurred although 23 (6%) of patients had asymptomatic postprocedure radial occlusion. Inadequate catheter support at the origin of the CCA was the technical cause of failure in the unsuccessful cases which were then completed from femoral access as part of the same procedure.

Conclusion

The transradial approach is an alternative for CAS in the presence of factors that increase the risk or difficulty of femoral access. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
First experience with the new GORE® septal occluder for the closure of multiple atrial septal defects
Authors: Freixa Xavier , Garceau Patrick , Asgar Anita W.
Published: May 2012

Transcatheter closure of an atrial septal defect (ASD) is considered the standard of care for most of the patients with secundum ASD. The existence of multiple or fenestrated ASD may constitute a challenge to achieve a satisfactory result. Data on the usage of multiple devices for closing multiple defects are limited. The GORE® Septal Occluder (GSO) represents a new generation of transcatheter ASD occluders with a design that provides superior conformability, apposition, and closure performance compared with the previous GORE® HELEX device. The present case report describes the first clinical experience with the implantation of two GSO devices in a patient with multiple ASDs and fenestrated septum. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Enantioseparation of Racemic Mixtures Based on Solvent Sublation
Authors: Jiao Feipeng , Yang Weijie , Wang Fen , Tian Lingxing , Li Lin , Chen Xiaoqing , Mu Kelang
Published: June 2012

A method of solvent sublation was developed for the enantioseparation of racemic ofloxacin (rac Oflx) and racemic tryptophan (rac Trp). In this method, dibenzoyl‐L‐tartaric acid (L‐DBTA) and di‐(2‐ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (D2EHPA) and sodium lauryl sulfate (SDS) were used as chiral coextractants and foamer, respectively. Several important parameters influencing the separation performances, such as pH in aqueous phase, concentrations of rac mixtures, L‐DBTA, D2EHPA, and SDS, were investigated. Under the optimal operation conditions, the enantiomeric excess and enantioselectivity were 60.08% and 5.58 for Oflx and 65.09% and 6.31 for Trp, respectively. The yields of D‐enantiomer and L‐enantiomer were 34.23% and 8.54% for Oflx and 18.59% and 3.93% for Trp, respectively. The results suggest that the enantioselectivities have been enhanced compared with the traditional chiral extraction. This technique is an efficient chiral separation method, with many advantages such as low expenditures of organic solvent, low consumption of chiral extractant, and easy realization of multistage operation. Chirality 24:661‐667, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Facile Approach to Fabricate Water‐soluble Au‐Fe3O4 Nanoparticle for Liver Cancer Cells Imaging
Authors: Liang Zhongshi , Wu Xianrong , Xie Yegui , Liu Shunying
Published: June 2012

Au‐Fe3O4 nanoparticles were widely used as nanoplatforms for biologic applications through readily further functionalization. Dopamine (DA)‐coated superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles (DA@Fe3O4) have been successfully synthesized using a one‐step process by modified coprecipitation method. Then 2–3 nm gold nanoparticles were easily conjugated to DA@Fe3O4 nanoparticles by the electrostatic force between gold nanoparticles and amino groups of dopamine to afford water‐soluble Au‐Fe3O4 hybrid nanoparticles. A detailed investigation by dynamic light scatting (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) were performed in order to characterize the physicochemical properties of the hybrid nanoparticles. The hybrid nanoparticles were easily functionalized with a targeted small peptide A54 (AGKGTPSLETTP) and fluorescence probe fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) for liver cancer cell BEL‐7402 imaging. This simple approach to prepare hybrid nanoparticles provides a facile nanoplatform for muti‐functional derivations and may be extended to the immobilization of other metals or bimolecular on SPIO surface.
Synthesis, Antitumor and Apoptosis Inducing Activities of Novel 5‐Fluorouracil Derivatives of Rare Earth (Sm, Eu) Substituted Polyoxometalates
Authors: Feng Changgen , Gan Qiang , Liu Xia , He Hongyou
Published: June 2012

Two novel 5‐fluorouracil derivatives of rare earth (Sm, Eu) substituted polyoxometalates, K9(C4H4FN2O2)2Sm(PW11O39)2·11H2O (FSmPW) and K9H(C4H4FN2O2)Eu(PW11O39)2·11H2O (FEuPW) were synthesized and characterized by element analysis, ICP, FT‐IR, 1H NMR and XRD analysis. Thermal stability analysis was performed by TG and FT‐IR. The results of MTT assay show that FSmPW and FEuPW have higher cytotoxicity than known compound C4H4FN2O2H2PW12O40·8H2O, and the IC50 values of FSmPW and FEuPW are 4.20, 3.49 µmol·L−1 against HeLa cells and 4.62, 7.19 µmol·L−1 against HepG‐2 cells. Apoptosis analysis reveals the apoptosis inducing activity of the two compounds, which may play an important role in the cytotoxicity of polyoxometalates.
Responsive Gels with the Polymer Containing Alternating Naphthalene Diimide and Fluorinated Alkyl Chains: Gel Formation and Responsiveness as Well as Electrical Conductivity of Polymer Thin Films
Authors: Luo Hewei , Liu Zitong , Cai Zhengxu , Wu Liusuo , Zhang Guanxin , Liu Chenyang , Zhang Deqing
Published: June 2012

A new electroactive polymer 1 with alternating NDI (naphthalene diimide) moieties and fluorinated alkyl chains was prepared and characterized. Gels of polymer 1 were formed in several solvents. Interestingly, gels of polymer 1 exhibited responsiveness toward N2H4, F− and CN−. Absorption and ESR spectroscopic studies revealed that such responsiveness is owing to the reduction of NDI moieties into the respective NDI.−. In addition, thin films of polymer 1 were easily prepared with spin‐coating technique and the electrical conductivity of thin films reached 52.4 S/m after exposure to N2H4 vapor.
Syntheses and Structures of Three Copper Coordination Polymers Based on Bis(triazol‐1‐ylmethyl)benzene
Authors: Ge Haiyan , Peng Yanfen , Ding Jiangang , Li Baolong , Zhang Yong
Published: June 2012

Three copper(II) coordination polymers [Cu(mbtz)2(NCS)2]n (1), [Cu(mbtz)2Cl2]n (2) and [Cu(mbtz)(btec)0.5]n (3) (mbtz=1,3‐bis(1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐ylmethyl)benzene, btec=1,2,4,5‐benzenetetracarboxylate) were synthesized. In 1 and 2, two mbtz ligands are wrapped around each other and are held together by Cu(II) atoms to form one‐dimensional double chain. In 3, each btec ligand connects four Cu(II) atoms through its four carboxylate groups, resulting in a planar two‐dimensional [Cu(btec)0.5]n network. The Cu(II) atoms are further coordinated mbtz ligands to fulfil their coordination geometry and construct new [Cu(btec)0.5(mbtz)]n network. 2 and 3 further form the three‐dimensional network through the π···π stacking interactions between the mbtz ligands. The thermal stabilities of 1, 2 and 3 were measured.
Synthesis of Hirtellanine B, an Isoflavonoid with Potent Antiproliferative Effects in Cancer Cells
Authors: Zheng Shuyan , Fu Runzhong , Shen Zhengwu
Published: June 2012

We reported the first total synthesis of hirtellanine B, using oxidative coupling for the key reactions, which resulted in a high yield. The antiproliferative activity of hirtellanine B against Jurkat cells, Raji cells and K562 cells were also investigated. It was found that hirtellanine B could induce G2/M arrest and apoptosis in human lymphoid/leukemia tumor cells.
Five New Sesquiterpenoids from Chrysanthemum indicum
Authors: Liu Leilei , Wang Rui , Yang Junli , Shi Yanping
Published: June 2012

Two new germacranes, chrysanthemumins C (1) and D (2), and five eudesmanes, chrysanthemumols I–K (3–5) as new ones, eudesm‐4(14)‐ene‐3α,11‐diol (6) and canusesnol E (7), were isolated from the ethyl acetate soluble fraction of 95% EtOH extract of the flowers of Chrysanthemum indicum. The structures of isolated sesquiterpenoids were elucidated on basis of extensive spectroscopic evidences.
Alternative Methylation for the Synthesis of (+)‐Perophoramidine
Authors: Du Yu , Wu Haoxing , Song Hao , Qin Yong , Zhang Dan
Published: June 2012

An alternative N1‐methylation strategy was reported in the late‐stage of the total synthesis of (+)‐perophoramidine. Preparation of (+)‐perophoramidine was featured by an acid‐catalyzed isomerization of amidine 5 to its CN double bond tautomer 8, followed by two steps of N1‐methylation with NaHMDS/MeOTf and oxidation with MnO2. In contrast, direct methylation of amidine 5 afforded the N23‐methylation conformers 9a and 9b. Further oxidation of 9a and 9b led to N23‐methylated perophoramidine.
The hunt for gene effects pertinent to behavioral traits and psychiatric disorders: From mouse to human
Authors: Wahlsten Douglas
Published: June 2012

The field of behavioral genetics was reviewed in the classic 1960 text by Fuller and Thompson. Since then, there has been remarkable progress in the genetic analysis of animal behavior. Many molecular genetic methods in common use today were not even anticipated in 1960. Animal models for many human psychiatric disorders have been discovered or created. In human behavior genetics, however, powerful new methods have failed to reveal even one bona fide, replicable gene effect pertinent to the normal range of variation in intelligence and personality. There is no explanatory or predictive value in that genetic information. For several psychiatric disorders, including autism and schizophrenia, many large genetic effects arise from de novo mutations. Genetically, the disorders are heterogeneous; different cases with the same diagnosis have different causes. The promises of the molecular genetic revolution have not been fulfilled in behavioral domains of most interest to human psychology. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals,Inc. Dev Psychobiol 54: 475–492, 2012.
Rapid early innate control of hepatitis C virus during IFN‐α treatment compromises adaptive CD4+T‐cell immunity
Authors: Pembroke Tom , Rees Ian , Gallagher Kathleen , Jones Emma , Mizen Paul , Navruzov Timur , Freedman Andrew , Fielding Ceri , Humphreys Ian R. , Wang Eddie C. Y. , Gallimore Awen M. , Godkin Andrew
Published: June 2012

The ability to control HCV with IFN‐α‐based treatments provides an opportunity in humans to study how the rate of viral clearance in vivo impinges on the development of antiviral responses. Ex vivo (IFN‐γ‐producing) and cultured antiviral CD4+ T cells, serum cytokines, and viral loads were measured repeatedly in a cohort of chronically HCV‐infected subjects (n = 33) receiving IFN‐α. Rapid control of virus indicated by an increased calculated rate of virus clearance, occurred in those subjects demonstrating absent/minimal T‐cell responses (p < 0.0006). Surprisingly, in subjects who demonstrated the most robust T‐cell responses (and reduced serum IL‐10), there was actually a reduced rate of early virus clearance. A subsequent analysis of NK‐cell function in available subjects (n = 8) revealed an inverse correlation between pretreatment NK‐cell expression of NKp46 and the potential to upregulate cytotoxic function on exposure to IFN‐α (p < 0.004), as well as the subsequent measured rate of viral clearance (p = 0.045). Thus, the CD4+ T‐cell response during IFN‐α treatment appears to be shaped by the rate of innate virus suppression. These data suggest that individuals who respond most effectively to immune intervention may be most in need of subsequent vaccination to prevent reinfection.
Antibodies and carbohydrate ligands binding to DC‐SIGN differentially modulate receptor trafficking
Authors: Tacken Paul J. , ter Huurne Menno , Torensma Ruurd , Figdor Carl G.
Published: June 2012

DCs are regarded as key APCs that initiate humoral and cellular immune responses. Consequently, targeted delivery of Ag toward DC‐specific receptors enhances vaccine efficacy. DC‐SIGN is a C‐type lectin receptor that facilitates DC‐specific delivery of Ag. This is accomplished by conjugating Ag to receptor‐specific Ab or carbohydrate ligands that bind to its carbohydrate recognition domain. Here, we investigated the fate of DC‐SIGN following receptor triggering with Ab. Both whole and single‐chain Ab induced rapid internalization of about half of the surface receptor molecules. Biochemical studies showed that about half of the receptor molecules were still intracellular after 3 h, while minimal or no resurfacing of internalized or newly synthesized unbound DC‐SIGN molecules was observed. Prolonged exposure of DCs to DC‐SIGN Ab, but not carbohydrate ligands, resulted in reduced receptor expression levels, which lasted up to 2 days following removal of the Ab. In addition, exposure to DC‐SIGN Ab reduced the ability of the receptor to internalize. Consequently, DC‐SIGN showed a poor ability to accumulate targeting Abs within DCs. Vaccine efficacy may therefore be enhanced by strategies increasing the amount of Ag entering via a single receptor molecule, such as the use of targeting moieties allowing DC‐SIGN recycling or Ab‐coated vaccine carriers.
Broad heparin‐binding haemagglutinin‐specific cytokine and chemokine response in infants following Mycobacterium bovis BCG vaccination
Authors: Smith Steven G. , Lecher Sophie , Blitz Rose , Locht Camille , Dockrell Hazel M.
Published: June 2012

Heparin‐binding haemagglutinin (HBHA)‐specific immune responses have been linked to protection against tuberculosis (TB). We investigated the hypothesis that BCG vaccination of human infants primes an HBHA‐specific response, using multiplex to measure secreted cytokines and chemokines following HBHA and Mycobacterium tuberculosis purified protein derivative (PPD) stimulation of diluted whole blood samples from BCG‐vaccinated or ‐unvaccinated infants. Of 42 analytes measured, 24 and 32 significant, BCG‐associated increases were detected in response to HBHA and PPD, respectively. Both response profiles included Th‐1, Th‐2, Th‐17 and inflammatory cytokines and chemokines (e.g. IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, IL‐5, IL‐10, IL‐13, IL‐17, MIP‐1α and MIP‐1β). We also found that six of the seven responses most closely correlated with IFN‐γ were common to both HBHA and PPD. Notably, all HBHA‐specific secretion of cytokines and chemokines from infant samples was dependant on previous BCG vaccination. Also, long‐term persistence of HBHA‐specific responses was found in adolescents with evidence of infant BCG vaccination. This study demonstrates for the first time BCG priming of an HBHA‐specific immune response in infants that is characterised by a broad cytokine and chemokine signature. It also suggests a number of BCG vaccination associated, HBHA‐induced responses that should be useful for future studies of biomarkers of protection against TB.
Anti‐IL‐6 receptor mAb eliminates myeloid‐derived suppressor cells and inhibits tumor growth by enhancing T‐cell responses
Authors: Sumida Kentaro , Wakita Daiko , Narita Yoshinori , Masuko Kazutaka , Terada Satoshi , Watanabe Kazue , Satoh Takayuki , Kitamura Hidemitsu , Nishimura Takashi
Published: June 2012

CD11b+Gr‐1+ immature myeloid cells (ImCs), which are abnormally increased in tumor‐bearing mice, were classified into three different subsets according to their phenotypic and morphological characteristics: Gr‐1low F4/80+ macrophages (MΦ‐ImCs), Gr‐1mid stab neutrophils (Neutstab‐ImCs), and Gr‐1high segmented neutrophils (Neutseg‐ImCs). In the spleen, only MΦ‐ImCs but not Neutstab‐ImCs and Neutseg‐ImCs exhibited a significant immunosuppressive activity in MLR. In contrast, tumor‐infiltrating leukocytes (TILs) contained only two ImC subsets, MΦ‐ImCs and Neutseg‐ImC, both of which exhibited stronger inhibitory activity against T cells compared with spleen‐MΦ‐ImCs. Thus, we concluded that tumor‐infiltrating MΦ‐ImCs and Neutseg‐ImCs were fully differentiated myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) with stronger T‐cell inhibitory activity. Indeed, spleen MΦ‐ImCs were converted into stronger MΦ‐MDSCs by tumor‐derived factor (TDF). Moreover, both spleen Neutstab‐ImCs and Neutseg‐ImCs differentiated into Neutseg‐MDSCs with suppressive activity after culture with TDF. We first demonstrated that administration of anti‐IL‐6R mAb could downregulate the accumulation of MΦ‐MDSCs and Neutseg‐MDSCs in tumor‐bearing mice. The elimination of those MDSCs caused subsequent enhancement of antitumor T‐cell responses, including IFN‐γ‐production. The therapeutic effect of anti‐IL‐6R mAb was further enhanced by combination with gemcitabine (GEM). Thus, we propose that anti‐IL‐6R mAb could become a novel tool for the downmodulation of MDSCs to enhance antitumor T‐cell responses in tumor‐bearing hosts.
Nanoemulsion mucosal adjuvant uniquely activates cytokine production by nasal ciliated epithelium and induces dendritic cell trafficking
Authors: Makidon Paul E. , Belyakov Igor M. , Blanco Luz P. , Janczak Katarzyna W. , Landers Jeffrey , Bielinska Anna U. , Groom Jeffrey V. , Baker James R.
Published: June 2012

While the nasal mucosa is a potentially useful site for human immunization, toxin‐based nasal adjuvants are generally unsafe and less effective in humans. Safe mucosal adjuvants that activate protective immunity via mucosal administration are highly dependent on barrier antigen sampling by epithelial and DCs. Here, we demonstrate that protein antigens formulated in unique oil‐in‐water nanoemulsions (NEs) result in distinctive transcellular antigen uptake in ciliated nasal epithelial cells, leading to delivery into nasal associated lymphoid tissue. NE formulation also enhances MHC class II expression in epithelial cells and DC activation/trafficking to regional lymphoid tissues in mice. These materials appear to induce local epithelial cell apoptosis and heterogeneous cytokine production by mucosal epithelial cells and mixed nasal tissues, including G‐CSF, GM‐CSF, IL‐1a, IL‐1b, IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐12, IP‐10, KC, MIP‐1a, TGF‐β, and TSLP. This is the first observation of a nasal adjuvant that activates calreticulin‐associated apoptosis of ciliated nasal epithelial cells to generate broad cytokine/chemokine responses in mucosal tissue.
Chiral Supramolecular Frameworks Based on Chiral Metallocycles: Crystal Structures and Photophysical Properties
Authors: Xu Jinxia , Wang Ruiying , Li Yameng , Gao Zhiyang , Yao Rui , Wang Song , Wu Benlai
Published: June 2012

Four purely chiral supramolecular frameworks were constructed from a new chiral terpyridyl ligand, (S)‐2{4‐[2,6‐bis(pyridin‐2‐yl)pyridin‐4‐yl]benzylamino}propanoic acid (H2ptpy). The resulting compounds 1–4, namely [Cd2(Hptpy)2(Ac)2]·3CH3OH·H2O (1) [Ni2(Hptpy)2(CH3OH)(H2O)](ClO4)2·CH3OH·H2O (2), [Ni2(Hptpy)2(H2O)2](SCN)2 (3), and [Cu2(Hptpy)2](dca)2·4H2O (4) (Ac = acetate and dca = dicyanamide) all consist of those chiral metallocyclic units. As expected, those chiral nanometallocycles not only induced a chiral array or helicates but also amplified chirality through hydrogen‐bonding interactions, and finally aggregated into complicated higher‐dimensional chiral supramolecular architectures with chiral voids for further use. The formation of the metallocyclic units is easily monitored by UV/Vis spectra. Spectrophotometric titrations were performed by titrating Na(Hptpy) with a soltution of Cd(Ac)2 in methanol, and the global stability constants of [Cd2(Hptpy)2]2+ (log β = 17.60) were calculated. In combination with the structural analyses and UV/Vis and ES mass spectra, it is tentatively deduced that metallocycle units in 1–4 are the thermodynamically favored species in solution. Both the chiral H2ptpy ligand and 1 in the solid state and in solution display purple emission. The bathochromic shift of 1 is mainly due to the bichelation and intrametallocyclic π–π interactions.
Organo‐Phosph(on/in)ate‐Bridged Dimers of Vanadium(IV) Complexes with the Kläui Ligand: Synthesis and Characterization
Authors: Riart‐Ferrer Xavier , Anderson Alexander E. , Nelson Brandon M. , Hao Fei , McLauchlan Craig C.
Published: June 2012

A series of dinuclear organophosphorus‐bridged vanadium(IV) complexes with the Kläui ligand, [CpPOMeCo]–, have been synthesized to model the catalytic activity of industrially used vanadium phosphate oxidation catalysts. Dimeric species of the general formula [(CpPOMeCo)V(O)(μ‐O2PR′R″)]2 (R′,R″ = H, OH, Me, Ph, or 4‐OPh‐NO2), [(CpPOMeCo)V(O)]2(μ‐oxalate), and [(CpPOMeCo)V(Cl)]2(μ‐oxalate) are reported. These complexes have been characterized via spectral and magnetic analyses. The synthesis, characterization, and X‐ray structures of the mononuclear vanadium(IV) complexes (CpPOMeCo)V(O)Cl(OH2) and(CpPOMeCo)V(O)(acac) are also presented here. [CpPOMeCo]–= η5‐cyclopentadienyltris(dimethylphosphito‐κ1P)cobaltate(III); acac = acetylacetonate.
Highly Enantioselective Organocatalytic Formation of Functionalized Cyclopentane Derivatives via Tandem Conjugate Addition/α‐Alkylation of Enals
Authors: Remeš Marek , Veselý Jan
Published: June 2012

An enantioselective tandem reaction between dialkyl 2‐haloethylmalonates and aromatic enals catalyzed by secondary amine catalysts is described. The reaction proceeds through a Michael/α‐alkylation reaction sequence to afford the final 1,1,2,3‐tetrasubstituted cyclopentanes in good yields (up to 75 %) with high diastereoselectivity and enantioselectivity (up to 20:1 dr and 93 % ee). Moreover, the Michael/α‐alkylation reaction also proceeds with a low catalyst loading (5 mol‐%) with only a slight influence on selectivity and O‐ and N‐alkylation products were not observed.
Ordered Mesoporous Proline Organocatalyst with High Activity and Strong Durability in Promoting Intermolecular Cross‐Conjugated Additions
Authors: He Wenhan , Zhang Fang , Shi Xiaodong , Li Hexing
Published: June 2012

A proline‐modified porous SBA‐15 was developed and applied as organocatalyst in promoting intermolecular conjugated addition between nitroalkenes and enones. This heterogeneous catalyst exhibited high efficiency and great durability toward the designated reaction, giving good to excellent yields even after multiple recycles (measured up to 7 times). By considering the unique Lewis‐base activation mechanism, the reported work supplies the platform to further investigate this new class of transformation by combining the benefits of both homogeneous catalysts for high catalytic efficiencies and heterogeneous catalysts for easy separation and reuse.
Near Room Temperature Cross‐Coupling Reactions of Arene Boronic Acids with a Quinoxaline 1,4‐Dioxide Benzylsulfanyl Derivative
Authors: Dahbi Samir , Bisseret Philippe
Published: June 2012

A new quinoxaline 1,4‐dioxide benzylsulfanyl derivative was tested under mild conditions in copper‐mediated Liebeskind–Srogl (LS) cross‐coupling reactions with arene boronic acids. These first organometallic cross‐coupling reactions performed on a quinoxaline 1,4‐dioxide derivative open new perspectives in medicinal chemistry. They represent also the first LS cross‐couplings run with an electrophile equipped with an aryl N‐oxide moiety.
Stability and accuracy in a hybrid test example
Authors: Molina Francisco J. , Marazzi Francesco , Viaccoz Bernard , Bosi Anna
Published: May 2012

This paper presents an example of the application of error monitoring techniques to the results of a pseudodynamic test performed at variable testing speeds. For the faster testing speeds, the control errors increased and the test reliability was lost in terms of accuracy and stability, as observed by the evolution of the monitoring parameters. The applied monitoring methods were the spatial model identification of frequency and damping distortions and the error energy, which have been proposed in previous publications. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Purinergic receptors in microglia: Functional modal shifts of microglia mediated by P2 and P1 receptors
Authors: Koizumi Schuichi , Ohsawa Keiko , Inoue Kazuhide , Kohsaka Shinichi
Published: June 2012

Microglia are sensitive to environmental changes and are immediately transformed into several phenotypes. For such dynamic “modal shifts”, purinergic receptors have central roles. When microglia sense ATP/ADP leaked from injured cells by P2Y12 receptors, they are transformed into a moving phenotype, showing process extension and migration toward the injured sites. Microglia upregulate adenosine A2A receptors, by which they retract the processes showing an amoeboid‐shaped, activated phenotype. Microglia also upregulate P2Y6 receptors, and if they meet UDP leaked from dead cells, microglia start to engulf and eat the dead cells as a phagocytic phenotype. The P2Y12 receptor‐mediated responses are modulated by other P2 or P1 receptors. In contrast, the P2Y6 receptor‐mediated responses were not influenced by P2Y12 receptors and vice versa. Microglia appear to use purinergic signals either cooperatively or distinctively to cause their modal shifts. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cognitive differences among depressed and non‐depressed MCI participants: a project FRONTIER study
Authors: Johnson Leigh A , Mauer Cortney , Jahn Danielle , Song Michael , Wyshywaniuk Lauren , Hall James R. , Balldin Valerie Hobson , O'Bryant Sid E.
Published: June 2012

Objective

Depression is the most commonly reported psychiatric symptom in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, more research is needed examining the impact of depression on cognitive functioning in MCI patients. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in cognitive functioning in a sample of community‐ based, depressed, and non‐depressed MCI patients.

Methods

One hundred and five participants with MCI were included in this study. Participants were recruited from Project FRONTIER, a study of rural health. Depression was assessed via the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS‐30), and cognition was measured using the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status.

Results

The results indicated that depressed MCI participants performed significantly worse than their non‐depressed counterparts on several cognitive measures. MCI participants with depression scored significantly lower on immediate memory (t = 3.4, p < 0.01) and delayed memory (t = 2.8, p < 0.01) indices than their non‐depressed counterparts.

Conclusions

The results of this study indicated that MCI participants with depression experienced greater deficits in cognitive functioning than their non‐depressed counterparts. Depressed MCI participants exhibited greater deficits in both immediate and delayed memory. Thus, identifying and treating depression in individuals with MCI may improve memory and cognitive functioning. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The structure of affective symptomatology in older adults with osteoarthritis
Authors: Parmelee Patricia A. , Harralson Tina L. , McPherron Jesse A. , Schumacher H. Ralph
Published: June 2012

Objective

To examine the structure of symptoms of affective disorder among older adults with a chronic health problem (osteoarthritis) and to explore cross‐sectional and longitudinal associations of obtained affective symptom clusters with key health outcomes (pain, functional disability, perceived health).

Methods

One‐year longitudinal study of older adults with diagnosed osteoarthritis of the knee. Symptoms of DSM depression and anxiety were assessed in a research diagnostic interview by using a DSM‐IV symptom checklist; self‐reports captured demographic characteristics, objective health, pain, disability, and perceived health. Confirmatory factor analysis tested comparability of affective symptom structure in this sample to findings of previous research; ordinary least squares regression examined cross‐sectional and longitudinal associations of affective symptoms with health outcomes, controlling for demographics and objective health.

Results

The current sample displayed an affective symptom structure comparable with that observed in previous research, with symptoms clustering into depressed mood (DM), somatic symptoms (SS), and psychic anxiety (PA) factors. DM was cross‐sectionally associated with pain and disability and marginally with perceived health; SS predicted current pain and perceived health. Only DM predicted 1 year change in disability and perceived health (but not pain).

Conclusions

This research confirms the role of SS of distress in fueling disability and perceived ill health among older adults who are chronically ill. However, it is DM that drives changes in perceived health and functional ability. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Suspended sediment source apportionment in Chesapeake Bay watershed using Bayesian chemical mass balance receptor modeling
Authors: Massoudieh Arash , Gellis Allen , Banks William S. , Wieczorek Michael E.
Published: June 2012

A Bayesian chemical mass balance approach was used to estimate the contributions of potential sources into the suspended sediments in the Mill Stream, a tributary of Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, US. The Bayesian approach allows us to incorporate the uncertainties as a result of measurement errors in the elemental profiles of sources and suspended sediments in the stream and also the heterogeneities of the elemental profiles among samples into the analysis and provides us with probability densities representing the contribution of each source. Based on the obtained results, river bank erosion is the major source of sediments with a contribution estimated to range from 83% to 99% with a 95% credible interval. Also, a 95% credible interval in a range of 0.06% to 8% for cropland and 0.1% to 14% for forestland was provided. Hence, while the contribution of sediments from cropland or forestland cannot be ruled out, the model does not definitively demonstrate a significant contribution from either source. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterizing the changing behaviours of precipitation concentration in the Yangtze River Basin, China
Authors: Wang Weiguang , Xing Wanqiu , Yang Tao , Shao Quanxi , Peng Shizhang , Yu Zhongbo , Yong Bin
Published: June 2012

The statistical characteristics of precipitation on the daily resolution play an important role not only in the risk assessment of floods and droughts but also in the land use management. In this study, spatial and temporal patterns of the precipitation concentration in the Yangtze River Basin are investigated by using three indices, i.e. precipitation concentration index (CI), precipitation concentration degree (PCD) and precipitation concentration period (PCP). Based on meteorological data of 147 stations for the period of 1960–2008, non‐parametric trend analysis and wavelet transformation analysis are employed to detect the temporal variation of these indices. Spatial variability of precipitation concentration indices and their trends are analysed and demonstrated with the help of GIS tools. The results indicate the following: (i) The high precipitation CI values mainly distribute in the middle region of the Yangtze River Basin, whereas the lower and lowest CI values are found in the lower and upper regions, respectively. A roughly east–west gradient for PCD value and PCP value varies from 0.26 to 0.77 and from 123 to 197, respectively. (ii) The analysis results of precipitation CI trends for different periods (i.e. recent 40, 30 and 20 years) show that the middle region of the Yangtze River Basin experienced a transition from decreasing precipitation CI to increasing precipitation CI during the last two decades, although the decreasing long‐term trends in the precipitation CI are not significant in most areas during the period of 1960–2008. (iii) The upper basin, middle basin and lower basin are, respectively, dominated by the significant decreasing, increasing and no significant trends in PCD. A dominance of insignificant PCP trends is observed in the entire basin during 1960–2008 despite that a few areas in the upper region are characterized by significant decreasing trends. (iv) Interdecadal oscillations can be found for three precipitation indices, but with no constant periodicity. Furthermore, good positive correlations have been detected between precipitation CI and PCD, whereas insignificant correlation coefficients of PCP with precipitation are common in the basin. The results can provide beneficial reference to water resource and eco‐environment and mitigation to flood or drought hazards in the Yangtze River Basin for policymakers and stakeholders. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
HuR inhibits apoptosis by amplifying Akt signaling through a positive feedback loop
Authors: Singh Mamata , Martinez Alaina R. , Govindaraju Suman , Lee Beth S.
Published: June 2012

Human antigen R (HuR) is a post‐transcriptional regulator of gene expression that plays a key role in stabilizing mRNAs during cellular stress, leading to enhanced survival. HuR expression is tightly regulated through multiple transcription and post‐transcriptional controls. Although HuR is known to stabilize a subset of mRNAs involved in cell survival, its role in the survival pathway of PI3‐kinase/Akt signaling is unclear. Here, we show that in renal proximal tubule cells, HuR performs a central role in cell survival by amplifying Akt signaling in a positive feedback loop. Key to this feedback loop is HuR‐mediated stabilization of mRNA encoding Grb10, an adaptor protein whose expression is critical for Akt activation. Stimulation of Akt by interaction with Grb10 then activates NF‐κB, which further enhances HuR mRNA and protein expression. This feedback loop is active in unstressed cells, but its effects are increased during stress. Therefore, this study demonstrates a central role for HuR in Akt signaling and reveals a mechanism by which modest changes in HuR levels below or above normal may be amplified, potentially resulting in cell death or cellular transformation. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 182–189, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MicroRNA‐199a‐3p, microRNA‐193b, and microRNA‐320c are correlated to aging and regulate human cartilage metabolism
Authors: Ukai Taku , Sato Masato , Akutsu Hidenori , Umezawa Akihiro , Mochida Joji
Published: June 2012

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNAs of ∼22 base pairs that regulate gene expression. We harvested cartilage tissue from patients with polydactylism, anterior cruciate ligament injury, and osteoarthritis undergoing total knee arthroplasty and used microarrays to identify miRNAs whose expression is upregulated or downregulated with age. The results were assessed by real‐time PCR and MTT assay in a mimic group, in which synthetic double‐stranded RNA from the isolated miRNA was transfected to upregulate expression, and in an inhibitor group, in which the miRNA was bound specifically to downregulate expression. The expression of two miRNAs (miR‐199a‐3p and miR‐193b) was upregulated with age and that of one miRNA (miR‐320c) was downregulated with age. A real‐time PCR assay showed that type 2 collagen, aggrecan, and SOX9 expression were downregulated in the miR‐199a‐3p mimic group but was upregulated in the inhibitor group. Similar results were observed for miR‐193b. By contrast, ADAMTS5 expression was downregulated in the miR‐320c mimic group and upregulated in the inhibitor group. Cell proliferative activity was upregulated significantly in the miR‐193b inhibitor group compared with the control group. We believe that miR‐199a‐3p and miR‐193b are involved in the senescence of chondrocytes, and miR‐320c is involved in the juvenile properties of chondrocytes. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:1915–1922, 2012
BMP induced inflammation: A comparison of rhBMP‐7 and rhBMP‐2
Authors: Lee Kwang‐Bok , Taghavi Cyrus E. , Murray Samuel S. , Song Kyung‐Jin , Keorochana Gun , Wang Jeffrey C.
Published: June 2012

Concern has been raised because of reports of inflammatory swelling following the use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (rhBMP‐2) and recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐7 (rhBMP‐7). The purpose of this study is to compare the inflammatory action of rhBMP‐7 with those of rhBMP‐2. ELISA assays (IL‐6, TNF‐α) were used to measure the cytokine response to different concentrations of rhBMP‐7 and ‐2. Recombinant human BMP‐7 was absorbed into absorbable collagen sponges and different amounts were implanted either subcutaneously (SC) or intramuscularly (IM) into the backs of rats. Using MRI and MIPAV software, we measured the degree of soft tissue edema at 3 h and at 2, 4, and 7 days postoperatively. After sacrificing rats on day 7 the inflammatory zone and mass were measured and the tissue examined histologically. Soft tissue edema after rhBMP‐7 and rhBMP‐2 implantation was dose‐dependent and peaked at 3 h for the subcutaneous implants and at 2 days for the intramuscular implants. RhBMP‐7 was associated with a significantly smaller soft tissue edema volume than was rhBMP‐2 only at the highest dose (20 µg/ml). Both rhBMP‐2 and rhBMP‐7 triggered dose‐dependent inflammatory reactions. Compared to rhBMP‐2, rhBMP‐7 is associated with somewhat smaller soft tissue edema volumes. Although rhBMP‐7 is associated with an inflammatory reaction leading to soft tissue edema, at high doses this response is significantly less than that seen with rhBMP‐2. Our animal model can be used to test materials that could ameliorate this reaction. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:1985–1994, 2012
Absolute Raman intensity measurements and determination of the vibrational second hyperpolarizability of adamantyl endcapped polyynes
Authors: Lucotti A. , Tommasini M. , Fazzi D. , Del Zoppo M. , Chalifoux W. A. , Tykwinski R. R. , Zerbi G.
Published: June 2012

Linear sp‐carbon polyynes are ideal molecules for the direct investigation of the physical properties of one‐dimensional conjugated systems. Traditionally, the main obstacle to the study of these systems has been their instability under normal laboratory conditions. Thanks to improved chemical syntheses, a broadened range of polyynes is now available for study, including the hydrocarbon series endcapped with adamantyl groups, Ad[n]. In this work, the quantitative Raman spectroscopic analysis is reported for each member of this homologous series. The Raman scattering intensities corresponding to the major features of the polyyne segment (i.e., the effective conjugation coordinate or Я lines) are then used to evaluate the nonlinear optical (NLO) behavior via determination of the vibrational contribution to the second hyperpolarizability (γvib). This study shows that γvib values as a function of length are of the same order of magnitude as those arising from the electronic contribution to the molecular second hyperpolarizability, γele, as reported for triisopropylsilyl polyynes, TIPS[n], using the differential optical Kerr effect technique. The nonlinear response for Ad[n] polyynes, supported by the analogous response for TIPS[n] polyynes, confirms that linear sp‐carbon molecules have large second hyperpolarizabilities that show a power‐law increase in γ‐values versus length that is larger than other known π‐conjugated systems, such as polyenes. Furthermore, the NLO response of polyynes versus length approaches the theoretical limit described by Kuzyk more closely than other conjugated organic oligomers. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using network meta‐analysis to evaluate the existence of small‐study effects in a network of interventions
Authors: Chaimani Anna , Salanti Georgia
Published: June 2012

Suggested methods for exploring the presence of small‐study effects in a meta‐analysis and the possibility of publication bias are associated with important limitations. When a meta‐analysis comprises only a few studies, funnel plots are difficult to interpret, and regression‐based approaches to test and account for small‐study effects have low power. Assuming that the cause of funnel plot asymmetry is likely to affect an entire research field rather than only a particular comparison of interventions, we suggest that network meta‐regression is employed to account for small‐study effects in a set of related meta‐analyses. We present several possible models for the direction and distribution of small‐study effects and we describe the methods by re‐analysing two published networks. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vitro and in vivo antifungal properties of cysteine proteinase inhibitor from green kiwifruit
Authors: Popovic Milica M , Bulajic Aleksandra , Ristic Danijela , Krstic Branka , Jankov Ratko M , Gavrovic‐Jankulovic Marija
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND: Higher plants possess several mechanisms of defense against plant pathogens. Proteins actively synthesized in response to those stresses are called defense‐related proteins which, among others, include certain protease inhibitors. It is of particular relevance to investigate plant natural defense mechanisms for pathogen control which include cystatins—specific inhibitors of cysteine proteases.

RESULTS: In this study, a cysteine proteinase inhibitor (CPI), 11 kDa in size, was purified from green kiwifruit to homogeneity. Immuno‐tissue print results indicated that CPI is most abundant in the outer layer of pericarp, near the peel, and the inner most part of the pulp—sites where it could act as a natural barrier against pathogens entering the fruit. The purified protein (15 µmol L−1) showed antifungal activity against two phytopathogenic fungi (Alternaria radicina and Botrytis cinerea) by inhibiting fungal spore germination. In vivo, CPI (10 µmol L−1) was able to prevent artificial infection of apple and carrot with spore suspension of B. cinerea and A. radicina, respectively. It also exerted activity on both intracellular and fermentation fluid proteinases.

CONCLUSION: Identification and characterization of plant defense molecules is the first step towards creation of improved methods for pathogen control based on naturally occurring molecules. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Changes in biogenic amines of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) fillets stored at different temperatures and their relation to total volatile base nitrogen, microbiological and sensory score
Authors: Shi Ce , Cui Jianyun , Lu Han , Shen Huixing , Luo Yongkang
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND: Biogenic amines have received considerable attention owing to their undesirable effects in humans. There are few studies of changes in biogenic amine contents related to freshwater fish. Silver carp is an important freshwater fish species in China. This study aimed to investigate the changes in biogenic amines and their relation to total volatile base nitrogen (TVB‐N), microbiological and sensory score of silver carp fillets stored at 0, 3 and 15 °C.

RESULTS: The total biogenic amine contents of all silver carp fillets (regardless of storage time and temperature) ranged from 13.05 to 318.10 mg kg−1. Putrescine and histamine were the main biogenic amines in silver carp fillets during storage. Cadaverine was only detected after 12 days at 3 °C and after 2 days at 15 °C. Spermidine and spermine contents increased during the early storage period and then slightly decreased.

CONCLUSION: Low temperature could control the quality of silver carp fillets by inhibiting the contents of biogenic amines. Putrescine showed significant correlation with TVB‐N, total aerobic content, sensory score, tryptamine and phenylethylamine. Putrescine was a good quality marker of silver carp fillets in the cold chain. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Chemical composition and sensory quality of bovine milk as affected by type of forage and proportion of concentrate in the feed ration
Authors: Larsen Mette K , Kidmose Ulla , Kristensen Troels , Beaumont Pierre , Mortensen Grith
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to investigate how some small changes in the forage content of maize and lucerne silage and in the ration between forage and concentrate in the diet of dairy cows affect milk quality. Milk quality was assessed by quantitative descriptive sensory analysis and by analysis of tocopherols and carotenoids as well as fatty acid composition.

RESULTS: Changing the ratio between maize silage and lucerne silage from 5:1 to 2:1 increased milk fat content of carotenoids (23–27%) and C18:3 n3 (15%), and reduced stale aroma and creamy flavour. Increasing the proportion of concentrates in the feed ration from 0.2 to 0.4 increased energy corrected milk yield (26%), reduced fat content (−10%), increased C18 fatty acids (8–62%) and reduced C16 (−20%) content in milk fat. In addition, this milk type was described by the sensory panel as less oily, less saturated and less yellow. The changes in milk composition were related to differences in feed composition.

CONCLUSION: The study revealed the potential to produce milk with a distinct composition and sensory quality based on even small changes in the feed composition that are straightforward to implement by farmers. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry