bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Congenital Cystic Adenomatoid-like Malformation in a Cynomolgus Monkey (Macaca fascicularis)
Authors: Okabayashi S. , Ohno C. , Kato M. , Nakayama H. , Yasutomi Y.
Published: April 2008

Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM) is a developmental lung abnormality characterized by abnormal proliferation of mesenchymal elements and failure of bronchiolar structures to mature, ultimately resulting in the compression of normal pulmonary tissue and mediastinal shift with rapid expansion of cysts. Although various clinical and pathologic studies of CCAM in humans exist, CCAM has yet to be reported in animals, even in nonhuman primates. In the present study, histopathologic analyses of a neonatal cynomolgus monkey that died 17 days after birth revealed that normal lung architecture was replaced by disorganized overgrowths of cysts lined with simple cuboidal epithelium. The epithelium projected a few ciliates into the air spaces and produced mucus. To our knowledge, this is the first case study describing CCAM or a CCAM-like lesion in nonhuman primates.
Clinicopathologic Features of a Systemic Coronavirus-Associated Disease Resembling Feline Infectious Peritonitis in the Domestic Ferret (Mustela putorius)
Authors: Garner M. M. , Ramsell K. , Morera N. , Juan-Sallés C. , Jiménez J. , Ardiaca M. , Montesinos A. , Teifke J. P. , Löhr C. V. , Evermann J. F. , Baszler T. V. , Nordhausen R. W. , Wise A. G. , Maes R. K. , Kiupel M.
Published: April 2008

From 2002 to 2007, 23 ferrets from Europe and the United States were diagnosed with systemic pyogranulomatous inflammation resembling feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). The average age at the time of diagnosis was 11 months. The disease was progressive in all cases, and average duration of clinical illness was 67 days. Common clinical findings were anorexia, weight loss, diarrhea, and large, palpable intra-abdominal masses; less frequent findings included hind limb paresis, central nervous system signs, vomiting, and dyspnea. Frequent hematologic findings were mild anemia, thrombocytopenia, and hypergammaglobulinemia. Grossly, whitish nodules were found in numerous tissues, most frequently the mesenteric adipose tissue and lymph nodes, visceral peritoneum, liver, kidneys, spleen, and lungs. One ferret had a serous abdominal effusion. Microscopically, pyogranulomatous inflammation involved especially the visceral peritoneum, mesenteric adipose tissue, liver, lungs, kidneys, lymph nodes, spleen, pancreas, adrenal glands, and/or blood vessels. Immunohistochemically, all cases were positive for coronavirus antigen using monoclonal antibody FIPV3-70. Electron microscopic examination of inflammatory lesions identified particles with coronavirus morphology in the cytoplasm of macrophages. Partial sequencing of the coronavirus spike gene obtained from frozen tissue indicates that the virus is related to ferret enteric coronavirus.
Fatal Coxiellosis in Swainson's Blue Mountain Rainbow Lorikeets (Trichoglossus haematodus moluccanus)
Authors: Woc-Colburn A. M. , Garner M. M. , Bradway D. , West G. , D'Agostino J. , Trupkiewicz J. , Barr B. , Anderson S. E. , Rurangirwa F. R. , Nordhausen R. W.
Published: April 2008

Three Swainson's Blue Mountain Rainbow Lorikeets ( Trichoglossus haematodus moluccanus), ranging from 6 to 8 months of age, presented with lethargy, emaciation, and progressive neurologic signs. The first one died 24 hours after the onset of clinical signs, and the other two were euthanized 10 to 14 days after the onset of progressive neurologic disease. Clinical signs in these lorikeets included head pressing, hemiparesis, seizures, obtunded mentation, weakness, and lethargy. Two of the lorikeets had hepatomegaly, and one had splenomegaly on gross examination. Histopathology revealed disseminated microgranulomas in the liver, spleen, and brain, and lymphohistocytic perivascular encephalitis and cephalic vasculitis. Electron microscopic examination of macrophages in brain lesions revealed spherical to rod-shaped prokaryotic organisms with a trilaminar cell wall. Molecular analysis revealed a novel species of Coxiella. This is believed to be the first report of a Coxiella sp. causing disease in a lorikeet.
Encephalitozoon cuniculi-Associated Placentitis and Perinatal Death in an Alpaca (Lama pacos)
Authors: Webster J. D. , Miller M. A. , Vemulapalli R.
Published: April 2008

Placentitis, premature birth, and perinatal death were associated with Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection in an alpaca. Histologically, chorionic trophoblasts contained many Gram-positive, period acid-Schiff positive, variably acid-fast spores. Multifocal necrosis and infiltration by lymphocytes, eosinophils, and neutrophils were scattered throughout the chorionic membrane. Spores in trophoblasts were approximately 1 μm X 2 μm, thick-walled, and contained polar filaments and polar vacuoles consistent with microsporidia. The presence of E. cuniculi DNA was confirmed by sequencing the polymerase chain reaction amplicon from frozen placental tissue. A few glial nodules were scattered throughout the cerebrum, and mild lymphocytic inflammation was present in the heart, liver, and lung. No organisms were detected in tissues other than the placenta. This is the first reported case of E. cuniculi infection in an alpaca.
Characterization of a Biphasic Neoplasm in a Madagascar Tree Boa (Sanzinia madagascariensis)
Authors: Bera M. M. , Veeramachaneni D. N. R. , Pandher K.
Published: April 2008

We describe a disseminated biphasic neoplasm in a young Madagascar tree boa utilizing transmission electron and light microscopy. Discrete neoplastic cells identified within pulmonary capillaries and hepatic sinusoids represented the leukemic phase. Spindloid cells represented the sarcomatous phase, which comprised hepatic and fat body nodules. A zone of transition of the neoplastic cells, from discrete to spindloid, was noted along the periphery of the hepatic and fat body nodules. Ultrastructural examination elucidated similar nuclear features in the discrete and spindloid neoplastic cells and revealed collagen fibers within the spindloid neoplastic cells. These ultrastructural findings indicate that the discrete and spindloid cells represent a single neoplastic process with a subpopulation of cells exhibiting mesenchymal differentiation.
Ocular Albinism and Hypopigmentation Defects in Slc24a5—I— Mice
Authors: Vogel P. , Read R. W. , Vance R. B. , Platt K. A. , Troughton K. , Rice D. S.
Published: April 2008

As part of a high-throughput mutagenesis and phenotyping process designed to discover novel drug targets, we generated and characterized mice with a targeted mutation in Slc24a5, a gene encoding a putative cation exchanger. Upon macroscopic examination, Slc24a5—/— mice were viable, fertile, and indistinguishable by coat color from their heterozygous and wild-type litter mates. Ophthalmoscopic examination revealed diffuse retinal hypopigmentation, and a histologic examination of the eye confirmed the presence of moderate-to-marked hypopigmentation of the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE), ciliary body, and iris pigment epithelium (IPE). Hypopigmentation was most severe in the anterior layer cells of the IPE, where melanosomes were smaller, paler, and more indistinct than those of the anterior stroma and posterior IPE. The pigment granules of the posterior IPE appeared to be nearly as dark as those in stromal melanocytes; however, both cell layers were thinner and paler than corresponding layers in wild-type mice. Ultrastructural analysis of the RPE, IPE, and ciliary body pigmented cells confirmed that mutation of Slc24a5 results in marked hypopigmentation of melanosomes in optic cup-derived pigmented neuroepithelium in the eyes. Milder reductions in melanosome size and pigmentation were noted in neural crest-derived melanocytes. The severe hypopigmentation of neuroepithelium-derived cells in the eyes resulted in a novel form of ocular albinism in Slc24a5—/— mice. Our findings suggest that SLC24A5 may be a candidate gene for some forms of ocular albinism and for the BEY1/EYCL2 locus previously associated with central brown eye color in humans.
Simulated nitrogen leaching, nitrogen mass field balances and their correlation on four farms in south-western Finland during the period 2000 2005
Authors: RANKINEN K. , SALO T. , GRANLUND K.
Published: April 2008

Nitrogen (N) gross balance is one of the indicators designed for following developments in agriculture in the European Union. A nutrient surplus occurs when the quantity of a nutrient applied in fertilizers is greater than that removed during harvest. In this study the usefulness of N balance in studying the fate of N and controlling N leaching from agricultural fields in south-western Finland was evaluated. To estimate N leaching in 20002005 the mathematical, process-based model COUP was applied to twelve fields representing four agricultural production sectors. The fields represented conventional cereal production, organic cereal production and both conventional cattle and pig husbandry. Simulated N leaching was lowest from cereal production fields with a low N balance. Higher N leaching from pig and cattle production farms might be reduced by decreasing the N balance but also by applying manure in spring instead of autumn. Both N balance and simulated N leaching from organic farm were relatively high compared to low N application rate to the fields. N balance appears to be a rather useful indicator of N leaching over longer periods of time. In the short term, N leaching depends mainly on precipitation and on cultivation practices, like timing and amount of fertilizer application. Statistical evaluation indicated significant positive correlation between calculated N balance and simulated N leaching, especially when supported by constant values of precipitation and N mineralization rate. Decrease of N balance by 1 kg ha1yr1 decreased N leaching by 0.3 kg ha1yr1. High positive N balances are conducive to abundant accumulation of residual N in soil and consequently to a high risk of N leaching during rainy seasons.;
Economic and environmental performance of alternative policy measures to reduce nutrient surpluses in Finnish agriculture
Authors: LEHTONEN H. , LANKOSKI J. , KOIKKALAINEN K.
Published: April 2008

This paper provides an economic sector level analysis of the effectiveness of different policy measures in decreasing nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) surpluses from agriculture in order to reduce nutrient runoff from agricultural fields to watercourses and to improve water quality of surface waters. Assuming no changes in the EU level policies after CAP reform 2003 we focus on national level policy measures such as full or partial de-coupling of national support from production, payments for reduced nutrient surpluses of N and P, and N fertiliser tax. None of the analysed policy measures is superior one with respect to environmental performance, since full decoupling of national support would be the most effective in reducing P surpluses while payment for reduced nutrient surplus performed best with respect to N surpluses. Economic performance (farmers compliance cost per %-reduction of N or P surplus) of full and partial de-coupling of national support is clearly better than that of specialised agri-environmental policy instruments, because both decoupling scenarios result in the increase of farmers income in comparison to base scenario, and thus compliance costs are in fact negative in these two cases. Our analysis confirms the fact that the overall policy package matters a lot for the effectiveness of agrienvironmental policy measures. Environmental performance of agri-environmental policy measures may be significantly reduced, if they are implemented jointly with production coupled income support policies. Thus, in order to increase the effectiveness of agri-environmental policy measures agricultural income support policies should be decoupled from production and this alone would bring substantial reduction in nutrient surpluses.;
National and regional net nitrogen balances in Finland in 1990 2005
Authors: SALO T. , LEMOLA R. , ESALA M.
Published: April 2008

Nitrogen (N) balance has been identified as a principal agri-environmental indicator. In addition to national N balances, calculation of N balances for different agricultural regions is also recommended. In this study, national and regional net N balances for Finland were calculated. The net N balance is the result of deducting the NH3-N losses from manure and fertilisers from the gross N balance. The N balance calculation was based on data for Finnish Rural Centres and calculated per cultivated hectare. The main data inputs for the calculations were agricultural and environmental statistics, coefficients of manure excretion and crop N concentrations. Finnish national net N balance decreased from 90 kg ha1 in 1990 to 50 kg ha1 in 2005. The decrease in regional N balances was of the same magnitude. The main reason for the lower N balances was reduced use of mineral N fertilisers. Variation in the N balances was due to yield levels varying according to growing season conditions. The Rural Centres with intensive animal production tended to generate the highest N balances.;
Phosphorus losses from a subdrained clayey soil as affected by cultivation practices
Authors: UUSITALO R. , TURTOLA E. , LEMOLA R.
Published: April 2008

Conservation tillage practices are included in the Finnish Agri-Environmental Program as phosphorus (P) loss control measures, but only few experiments have been performed to check their effectiveness in the local conditions. We studied surface and subsurface losses of P from a clayey underdrained field (Jokioinen/ Kotkanoja; Vertic Cambisol/Typic Cryaquept), with 2% mean slope, during two separate experimental periods. Primary tillage treatments of the first experimental period of three years were moldboard ploughing (to 2023 cm depth) vs. no autumn tillage (wintertime stubble). During the second experimental period of five years, the treatments were moldboard ploughing (2023 cm) vs. shallow (to 58 cm) autumn tillage. The stubble treatment of the first experimental period produced higher dissolved reactive P (DRP) losses (104259 g ha1 yr1) than autumn ploughing (7796 g ha1 yr1), and equally high particulate P (PP) losses (mean 660, 2351300 g ha1 yr1). During the second experimental period, shallow autumn tillage produced 28% higher DRP losses (mean 120, 107136 g ha1 yr1) than ploughing (83117 g ha1 yr1) and 11% higher PP losses (mean 1090, 6861336 g ha1 yr1) than ploughing (7831253 g ha1 yr1). Surface runoff made up 28% and 16% of the total flow from the ploughed soil during the first and the second experimental period, respectively, as compared to 50% for the stubble and 44% for the shallow autumn tillage. Routing of flow between surface and subsurface pathways had a major influence on the P losses. In the relatively flat landscapes of the main agricultural areas of southern Finland, the potential for decreasing agricultural P losses by reduced tillage appears limited.;
Influence of EU policy on agricultural nutrient losses and the state of receiving surface waters in Finland
Authors: EKHOLM P. , GRANLUND K. , KAUPPILA P.
Published: April 2008

In Finland, the first large-scale efforts to control nutrient loading from agriculture got under way with the introduction of the EU Agri-Environmental Program in 1995. We examined whether these efforts have decreased agricultural nutrient losses and improved the quality of receiving waters. To do so we used monitoring data on fluxes of nutrients and total suspended solids in agricultural catchments in 19902004 and on the water quality of agriculturally loaded rivers, lakes and estuaries in 19902005. No clear reduction in loading or improvement in water quality was detected. Hydrological fluctuations do not seem to have eclipsed the effects of the measures taken, since there was no systematic pattern in runoff in the period studied. The apparent inefficiency of the measures taken may be due to the large nutrient reserves of the soil, which slowed down nutrient reductions within the period studied. Simultaneous changes in agricultural production (e.g. regional specialisation) and in climate may also have counteracted the effects of agri-environmental measures. The actions to reduce agricultural loading might have been more successful had they focused specifically on the areas and actions that contribute most to the current loading.;
The effect of decreasing fertilization on agricultural nitrogen leaching: a model study
Authors: GRANLUND K. , BÄRLUND I. , SALO T.
Published: April 2008

In Finland, the use of agricultural nitrogen (N) fertilizers has decreased since the beginning of the 1990s but there is not yet any clear response in observed water quality in the monitored agricultural catchments and river basins. It is therefore important to analyse how the reduction in N fertilization affects N leaching at the root zone scale. In this study the nutrient leaching model ICECREAM was used to demonstrate the effects of climatic conditions and decreased N input on N leaching. Ten years (19912000) of climatic input data from five stations located in different parts of the country were used as input to simulate nitrate N (NO3-N) leaching from barley cultivation with i) constant N fertilization (Baseline simulation, 90 kg N ha1) and ii) decreasing N fertilization (N Reduction Scenario simulation: annual linear decrease from 110 to 90 kg N ha1). The annual and regional variation of simulated N leaching was considerable in both the Baseline and N Reduction Scenario simulations. In the Baseline simulation the average annual NO3-N leaching was 24% of the N fertilization amount. From 1991 to 2000, the annual N leaching decreased close to Baseline leaching values in the N Reduction Scenario simulations, but the decrease was not linear due to high variability in N losses caused by changes in annual weather conditions. The model results indicate that it is possible to achieve a reduction in root zone N leaching by adjusting the fertilizer levels.;
Ferrocene‐bridging dinuclear cyclen copper(II) complexes as high efficient artificial nucleases: design, synthesis and interaction with DNA
Authors: Li Kun , Zhang Ji , Zhang Jing‐Jing , Zhang Zhong‐Wei , Zhuang Zhen‐Jing , Xiao Dan , Lin Hong‐Hui , Yu Xiao‐Qi
Published: April 2008

Two novel cyclen copper(II) complexes bridged by ferrocene were designed and synthesized. Both of these complexes exhibited excellent cleavage ability towards plasmid DNA via an oxidative pathway without the presence of any additives. Cyclic voltammetry was used to investigate the electrochemistry characters of the interaction between the complexes and DNA. Agarose gel electrophoresis was carried out to study the DNA restriction ability of these complexes, and the results indicated that the complexes showed higher cleavage efficiency via an oxidative pathway without the presence of any additives. The mechanism of DNA cleavage catalyzed by these complexes was examined by the addition of various scavengers, and the results showed that singlet oxygen and hydroxyl radical might be responsible for the cleavage process. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Selectivity studies in the reaction between iodobenzene and phenylacetylene: Sonogashira coupling vs hydroarylation
Authors: Barros José C. , de Souza Andréa Luzia F. , de Lima Paulo G. , da Silva Joaquim F. M. , Antunes O. A. C.
Published: April 2008

The selectivity of the coupling reaction between iodobenzene and phenylacetylene was evaluated. Several palladium catalysts, ligands and reaction conditions were tested, showing that supported catalysts, room temperature or ionic liquids (NHC precursors) favor Sonogashira coupling, while the non‐supported ones, higher temperature and PPh3 as ligand, favor hydroarylation. Neither excess of iodobenzene nor phenylboronic acids are required; and it is possible to avoid the use of PPh3, although this lowers selectivity. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrorheology and characterization of acrylic rubber and lead titanate composite materials
Authors: Tangboriboon N. , Sirivat A. , Wongkasemjit S.
Published: April 2008

Oxide one‐pot synthesis was used to synthesize a polymer precursor to lead titanate, PbTiO3. Perovskite lead titanate, PbTiO3, was synthesized via the sol–gel process. The dielectric constant, electrical conductivity and loss tangent of our acrylic rubber (AR71)–lead titanate (PT) composite material (AR/PT_8) were 14.15, 2.62 × 10−7/Ω m, and 0.093, respectively, measured at 27 °C and 1000 Hz. SEM micrographs of composites between the AR71 elastomer and PbTiO3 showed that the particles were reinforced within the matrix. The electrorheological properties of the AR71/PT composites were investigated as functions of electric field strength from 0 to 2 kV/mm and PbTiO3 particle volume fraction. The storage modulus increased linearly with particle volume fraction, with or without an electric field. Without an electric field, the particles merely acted as a filler to absorb or store additional stress. With the electric field on, particle‐induced dipole moments were generated, leading to interparticle interactions, and thus a substantial increase in storage modulus. With PbTiO3 particle volume fractions as small as 10−4 embedded in the elastomer matrix, the modulus increased by nearly a factor of 2 as the electric field strength varied from 0 to 2 kV/mm. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular effects of lithium exposure during mouse and chick gastrulation and subsequent valve dysmorphogenesis
Authors: Chen Jizhen , Han Mingda , Manisastry Shyam M. , Trotta Patrizia , Serrano Maria C. , Huhta James C. , Linask Kersti K.
Published: April 2008

BACKGROUND: Lithium (Li) has been associated with cardiac teratogenicity in the developing fetus. We took advantage of the association of therapeutic administration of Li with an increase in heart defects to gain insight into both normal and pathological heart and valve development with GSK‐3 inhibition. The objective of this study was to define whether Li mimicry of canonical Wnt/β‐catenin signaling induces cardiac valve defects. METHODS: Li was administered by a single intraperitoneal injection to the pregnant mouse on embryonic day E6.75, much earlier than heretofore analyzed. On E15.5 developing heart defects were defined by Doppler ultrasound. The embryonic hearts were analyzed for changes in patterning of active canonical Wnt expression and nuclear factor of the activated T cells‐c1 (NFATc1), both key regulators of valve development. Li‐exposed chick embryos were used to define the early cell populations during gastrulation that are susceptible to GSK‐3 inhibition and may relate to valve formation. RESULTS: Li exposure during gastrulation decreased the number of prechordal plate (PP) cells that reached the anterior intestinal portal, a region associated with valve development. Li decreased expression of Hex, an endoderm cardiac inducing molecule, normally also expressed by the PP cells, and of Sox 4 at the anterior intestinal portal and NFAT, critical factors in valvulogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: Cells existing already during gastrulation are associated with valve formation days later. The Wnt/β‐catenin signaling in PP cells is normally repressed by Wnt antagonists and Hex is up‐regulated. The antagonism occurring at the receptor level is bypassed by Li exposure by its intracellular inactivation of GSK‐3 directly to augment Wnt signaling. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Immunoglobulin G4-related sclerosing cholangitis in patients resected for presumed malignant bile duct strictures
Authors: Erdogan D , Kloek J J , ten Kate F J W , Rauws E A J , Busch O R C , Gouma D J , van Gulik T M
Published: April 2008

Background

Immunoglobulin (Ig) G4-related lymphoplasmacytic sclerosing pancreatitis has been described in the context of autoimmune pancreatitis mimicking distal cholangiocarcinoma. The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of this entity in benign bile duct strictures in patients resected for presumed hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Methods

Of 185 patients who had undergone resection of proximal bile ducts on suspicion of hilar cholangiocarcinoma between January 1984 and June 2005, 32 (17·3 per cent) had a benign bile duct stricture on histopathological examination. After re-evaluation, further immunohistochemical analysis was performed on specimens from patients with features of autoimmune-like disease.

Results

The periductal stroma in 15 patients showed features of autoimmune-like disease (diffuse, moderate to severe lymphoplasmacytic infiltration with marked fibrosis). Abundant IgG4-positive plasma cell infiltration around the bile duct lesions was seen in two of these. Although not significant, patients with features of autoimmune-like disease on histological changes showed a higher incidence of recurrent biliary complications than those without (P = 0·250).

Conclusion

Features of autoimmune-like bile duct disease were seen in almost half (15 of 32) of patients with benign hilar strictures resected for presumed hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Frank IgG4-related sclerosing disease was found in only two of the 15 patients with autoimmune-like bile duct disease.
Risk factors for complications after partial splenic embolization for liver cirrhosis
Authors: Hayashi H , Beppu T , Okabe K , Masuda T , Okabe H , Baba H
Published: April 2008

Background

Partial splenic embolization (PSE) in patients with cirrhosis can achieve a prolonged increase in blood cell count. However, there is little information on the risk factors for complications after PSE for liver cirrhosis.

Methods

Seventy patients (41 men and 29 women) with cirrhosis-induced hypersplenism underwent PSE. Based on the Child–Pugh classification, 30, 35 and five patients had class A, B and C disease respectively. Risk factors for complications after PSE were examined retrospectively by logistic regression analysis.

Results

The mean splenic infarction rate was 77·1 per cent. Twelve patients (17 per cent) had complications following PSE. In univariable analysis, Child–Pugh class C, total bilirubin level of 1·4 mg/dl or more, serum albumin level of 2·8 g/dl or less and infarcted splenic volume of 540 ml or more were significantly associated with complications after PSE. In multivariable analysis, Child–Pugh class C (P = 0·012) and infarcted splenic volume of 540 ml or more (P = 0·031) were identified as risk factors, with an odds ratio of 22·92 and 5·01 respectively.

Conclusion

Child–Pugh class C and a large splenic infarction volume are risk factors for complications after PSE for liver cirrhosis.
Sacral nerve stimulation for faecal incontinence alters colorectal transport
Authors: Michelsen H B , Christensen P , Krogh K , Rosenkilde M , Buntzen S , Theil J , Laurberg S
Published: April 2008

Background

Sacral nerve stimulation reduces the frequency of defaecation in patients with faecal incontinence. The aim of this study was to examine the mechanism behind the reduced number of bowel movements in incontinent patients treated with sacral nerve stimulation.

Methods

The study included 20 patients with faecal incontinence and a positive percutaneous nerve evaluation test: 19 women and one man, with a median age of 63 (range 28–78) years. Colorectal scintigraphy was performed to assess colorectal emptying at defaecation before and after implantation. Segmental colorectal transit times were determined using radio-opaque markers.

Results

The median frequency of defaecation per 3 weeks decreased from 56 (range 19–136) to 26 (range 12–78) (P < 0·002). At defaecation, antegrade transport from the ascending colon decreased from a median score of 8 (range 0–23) to 0 (range 0–11) per cent (P = 0·001), while retrograde transport from the descending colon increased from a median score of 0 (range 0–14) to 2 (range 0–30) per cent (P = 0·039). The median defaecation score was unchanged. There was a non-significant increase in median total gastrointestinal transit time from 2·5 (range 0·9–6·2) to 3·3 (range 0·8–6·2) days (P = 0·079).

Conclusion

Sacral nerve stimulation reduces antegrade transport from the ascending colon and increases retrograde transport from the descending colon at defaecation. This may prolong colonic transit time and increase the storage capacity of the colon.
Peritoneal lavage cytology in patients with oesophagogastric adenocarcinoma
Authors: Nath J , Moorthy K , Taniere P , Hallissey M , Alderson D
Published: April 2008

Background

The aim of the study was to determine the value of performing peritoneal lavage cytology during laparoscopy in the management of oesophagogastric adenocarcinoma.

Methods

Laparoscopy combined with peritoneal cytology was performed in patients with potentially resectable oesophagogastric adenocarcinoma. Macroscopic peritoneal findings at laparoscopy and the presence of free peritoneal tumour cells were recorded. All patients were followed to death or the census point. Patients with overt peritoneal disease or positive cytology were offered palliative chemotherapy, subject to performance status.

Results

Forty-eight (18·8 per cent) of 255 patients had overt peritoneal metastases at staging laparoscopy. Fifteen (7·2 per cent) of the remaining 207 patients had positive cytology; these patients had a median (95 per cent confidence interval) survival of 13 (3·1 to 22·9) months, versus 9 (7·4 to 10·6) months for those with overt peritoneal metastases (P = 0·517). Of patients receiving chemotherapy, those without overt metastases had a slight survival advantage over patients with metastases (median 15 (10·8 to 19·2) versus 9 (7·4 to 10·7) months; P = 0·045).

Conclusion

Positive peritoneal cytology in the absence of overt peritoneal metastases is not uncommon in oesophagogastric adenocarcinoma. It is a marker of poor prognosis even in the absence of overt peritoneal metastases.
Outcome of younger patients with acute diverticulitis
Authors: Hjern F , Josephson T , Altman D , Holmström B , Johansson C
Published: April 2008

Background

There is controversy over whether patients presenting with a primary attack of acute diverticulitis at a younger age are more prone to complications and recurrence than older patients.

Methods

A review, including postal questionnaires, was undertaken of 234 patients who had a primary episode of acute diverticulitis. The diagnosis was confirmed by computed tomography (CT) and/or pathology report. The mean length of follow-up was 30 (range 16–45) months.

Results

In 58 patients aged 50 years or less no differences in fever or white blood cell count were found in comparison with findings in 176 patients aged above 50 years. The rate of severe diverticulitis observed with CT was lower in the younger patients (2 versus 11·9 per cent; P = 0·025). Surgical management during the first admission was undertaken less commonly in younger patients (2 versus 6·8 per cent; P = 0·271). Rates of subsequent events (recurrent diverticulitis and/or further surgery) during follow-up were higher in younger patients (25 versus 19·5 per cent), but this was not significant (P = 0·423). A type II error cannot be excluded.

Conclusion

First episodes of acute diverticulitis were not more aggressive in patients aged 50 years or less. Recurrence rates were slightly higher than in older patients.
Cost-effectiveness of endarterectomy in patients with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis
Authors: Henriksson M , Lundgren F , Carlsson P
Published: April 2008

Background

Long-term health outcomes and costs are important when deciding whether a strategy of carotid endarterectomy in addition to best medical management should be recommended for patients with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis. This study investigated the cost-effectiveness of such a strategy compared with a strategy of best medical management alone.

Methods

Based on data from the randomized Asymptomatic Carotid Surgery Trial (ACST), a national vascular database and other published sources, expected costs and health outcomes in terms of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) of both treatment strategies were estimated using decision-analytical modelling. Cost-effectiveness was established for a Swedish setting from a societal perspective.

Results

Base-case analysis showed that the incremental cost per QALY of a strategy with carotid endarterectomy for 65- and 75-year-old men (women) was €34 557 (€311 133) and €58 930 (€779 776) respectively. Sensitivity analyses indicated that the duration of the treatment effect after 5 years of follow-up in the ACST was important for the cost-effectiveness results.

Conclusion

Carotid endarterectomy in addition to best medical management can be considered cost-effective in men aged 73 years or less but is less likely to be cost-effective in older men or in women.
A Structure‐Controlled Investigation of Lipase Enantioselectivity by a Path‐Planning Approach
Authors: Guieysse David , Cortés Juan , Puech‐Guenot Sophie , Barbe Sophie , Lafaquière Vincent , Monsan Pierre , Siméon Thierry , André Isabelle , Remaud‐Siméon Magali
Published: April 2008

A novel approach based on efficient path‐planning algorithms was applied to investigate the influence of substrate access on Burkholderia cepacia lipase enantioselectivity. The system studied was the transesterification of 2‐substituted racemic acid derivatives catalysed by B. cepacia lipase. In silico data provided by this approach showed a fair qualitative agreement with experimental results, and hence the potential of this computational method for fast screening of racemates. In addition, a collision detector algorithm used during the pathway searches enabled the rapid identification of amino acid residues hindering the displacement of substrates along the deep, narrow active‐site pocket of B. cepacia lipase and thus provided valuable information to guide the molecular engineering of lipase enantioselectivity.
Rapid and Efficient DNA Strand Cross‐Linking by Click Chemistry
Authors: Kočalka Petr , El‐Sagheer Afaf H. , Brown Tom
Published: April 2008

Click chemistry has been used to covalently cross‐link complementary DNA strands between bases to form very stable duplexes. Several alkyne‐ and azide‐modified uracil monomers were used to evaluate the effect of the linkers on the efficiency of the click reaction. All cross‐linked duplexes had much higher thermal stabilities than non‐cross‐linked ones, with increases in melting temperature of up to 30 °C. In some cases, the conversion was near‐quantitative, and the reaction was complete in 5 min.
Application of MCD Spectroscopy and TD‐DFT to Nonplanar Core‐Modified Tetrabenzoporphyrins: Effect of Reduced Symmetry on Nonplanar Porphyrinoids
Authors: Mack John , Bunya Masaru , Shimizu Yusuke , Uoyama Hiroki , Komobuchi Naoki , Okujima Tetsuo , Uno Hidemitsu , Ito Satoshi , Stillman Martin J. , Ono Noboru , Kobayashi Nagao
Published: April 2008

The optical spectra of a series of core‐modified tetrabenzoporphyrins were analyzed to determine the effects of core modification, ligand folding, and partial benzo substitution at the ligand periphery on the electronic structure by using magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) and NMR spectroscopy, X‐ray crystallography, cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry, and TD‐DFT calculations. Planar 21‐carba‐, 21‐thia‐, 21,23‐dithia‐, and 21‐oxa‐23‐thiatetrabenzo[b,g,l,q]porphyrins reported previously were studied together with the previously unreported 21‐oxa‐ and 21‐carba‐23‐thiatetrabenzo[b,g,l,q]porphyrins. The optical properties of these compounds are compared to those of tetrabenzo[b,g,l,q]‐, 5,10,15,20‐tetraphenyl‐, 5,10,15,20‐tetraphenyltetrabenzo[b,g,l,q]‐21‐thia‐, 5,10,15,20‐tetraphenyltetrabenzodithia‐, 5,10,15,20‐tetraphenyldibenzo[g,q]‐21,23‐dithia‐, 5,10,15,20‐tetraphenyldibenzo[b,l]‐21,23‐dithia‐, 5,10,15,20‐tetraphenyltribenzo[g,q,l]‐21‐thia‐, and 5,10,15,20‐tetraphenylbenzo[b]‐21‐thiaporphyrins. Michl's perimeter model and Gouterman's four‐orbital model are used to conceptualize the results and to account for red shifts commonly observed in the spectral bands of nonplanar porphyrinoids.
Mixed‐Transition‐Metal Acetylides: Synthesis and Characterization of Complexes with up to Six Different Transition Metals Connected by Carbon‐Rich Bridging Units
Authors: Packheiser Rico , Ecorchard Petra , Rüffer Tobias , Lang Heinrich
Published: April 2008

The synthesis and reaction chemistry of heteromultimetallic transition‐metal complexes by linking diverse metal‐complex building blocks with multifunctional carbon‐rich alkynyl‐, benzene‐, and bipyridyl‐based bridging units is discussed. In context with this background, the preparation of [1‐{(η2‐dppf)(η5‐C5H5)RuCC}‐3‐{(tBu2bpy)(CO)3ReCC}‐5‐(PPh2)C6H3] (10) (dppf=1,1′‐bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene; tBu2bpy=4,4′‐di‐tert‐butyl‐2,2′‐bipyridyl; Ph=phenyl) is described; this complex can react further, leading to the successful synthesis of heterometallic complexes of higher nuclearity. Heterotetrametallic transition‐metal compounds were formed when 10 was reacted with [{(η5‐C5Me5)RhCl2}2] (18), [(Et2S)2PtCl2] (20) or [(tht)AuCC‐bpy] (24) (Me=methyl; Et=ethyl; tht=tetrahydrothiophene; bpy=2,2′‐bipyridyl‐5‐yl). Complexes [1‐{(η2‐dppf)(η5‐C5H5)RuCC}‐3‐{(tBu2bpy)(CO)3ReCC}‐5‐{PPh2RhCl2(η5‐C5Me5)}C6H3] (19), [{1‐[(η2‐dppf)(η5‐C5H5)RuCC]‐3‐[(tBu2bpy)(CO)3ReCC]‐5‐(PPh2)C6H3}2PtCl2] (21), and [1‐{(η2‐dppf)(η5‐C5H5)RuCC}‐3‐{(tBu2bpy)(CO)3ReCC}‐5‐{PPh2AuCC‐bpy}C6H3] (25) were thereby obtained in good yield. After a prolonged time in solution, complex 25 undergoes a transmetallation reaction to produce [(tBu2bpy)(CO)3ReCC‐bpy] (26). Moreover, the bipyridyl building block in 25 allowed the synthesis of Fe‐Ru‐Re‐Au‐Mo‐ (28) and Fe‐Ru‐Re‐Au‐Cu‐Ti‐based (30) assemblies on addition of [(nbd)Mo(CO)4] (27), (nbd=1,5‐norbornadiene), or [{[Ti](μ‐σ,π‐CCSiMe3)2}Cu(NCMe)][PF6] (29) ([Ti]=(η5‐C5H4SiMe3)2Ti) to 25. The identities of 5, 6, 8, 10–12, 14–16, 19, 21, 25, 26, 28, and 30 have been confirmed by elemental analysis and IR, 1H, 13C{1H}, and 31P{1H} NMR spectroscopy. From selected samples ESI‐TOF mass spectra were measured. The solid‐state structures of 8, 12, 19 and 26 were additionally solved by single‐crystal X‐ray structure analysis, confirming the structural assignment made from spectroscopy.
Functional Macromolecules from Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes: Synthesis and Photophysical Properties of Short Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes Functionalised with 9,10‐Diphenylanthracene
Authors: Aprile Carmela , Martín Roberto , Alvaro Mercedes , Scaiano Juan C. , Garcia Hermenegildo
Published: April 2008

9,10‐Diphenylanthracene (DPA), a well‐studied organic chromophore (Φfl=0.98) that exhibits electroluminescence, has been covalently bound through 2‐(ethylthio)ethylamido linkers to the carboxylic acid groups of short, soluble single‐walled carbon nanotubes (sSWNTs) of 1 μm average length, and the resulting DPA‐functionalised sSWNT (DPA‐ sSWNT) macromolecular adducts (4.6 wt % DPA content) characterised by solution 1H NMR, Raman and IR spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. Comparison of the quenching of DPA fluorescence (steady‐state and time‐resolved) and of the transient optical spectra of sSWNTs and DPA‐sSWNTs show that the covalent linkage boosts the interaction between the DPA and the sSWNT units. DPA‐sSWNTs exhibit emission in the near‐IR region from 1100–1400 nm with an enhanced quantum yield (Φ=5.7×10−3) compared with sSWNTs (Φ=3.9×10−3).
Metal‐free Uncatalyzed Reduction of α,β‐Unsaturated Ketones Mediated by Hantzsch 1,4‐Dihydropyridine
Authors: XU Hua‐Jian , LIU You‐Cheng , FU Yao
Published: April 2008

The selective reduction of α,β‐unsaturated ketones to ketones mediated by Hantzsch ester can be carried out by refluxing in xylene in the absence of any metallo‐ or organo‐catalyst.
A Novel Acetate Selective UV‐Vis Chemosensor Containing a Tripodal Benzaldehydic‐phenylhydrazone
Authors: QIAO Yan‐Hong , LIN Hai , SHAO Jie , LIN Hua‐Kuan
Published: April 2008

A new colorimetric chemosensor 1 based on a tripodal benzaldehydic‐phenylhydrazone selectively sensing acetate ion has been synthesized. The highly selective binding ability of receptor 1 to acetate ion over other studied anions was demonstrated by UV‐Vis absorption spectroscopy in DMSO. Compared with other anions studied, its UV/Vis absorption spectrum in DMSO shows response towards the presence of acetate ion with high selectivity, and also color change from yellow to blue in the presence of acetate ion (2×10−5 mol·dm−3). Little UV/Vis absorption spectrum change has occurred when receptor 1 was treated with other different guest anions (F−, Cl−, Br−, I−, H2PO4− and OH−). The Kass of receptor 1 binding with acetate ion is 1.69×104.
Group Contribution Model for Estimate of Correlation Energies of Linear Alkyl Alcohols
Authors: ZHUO Shu‐Ping , SI Wei‐Jiang , WEI Ji‐Chong
Published: April 2008

The correlation energy contribution of a polar group in a molecular system was defined and the contributions of HO, CH3, and CH2 groups in CH3(CH2)mOH (m=0–4) linear alkyl alcohols were calculated and studied at MP2‐OPT2/6‐311++G(d) level. It is revealed that the Ecorr(HO) and Ecorr(CH3) values of two terminal groups decrease somewhat with increase of number m in CH3(CH2)mOH (m=0–4) series. The value of Ecorr(CH2) in the α position is larger than those values of methylene groups in other positions in the same system, and the farther the CH2 from HO group in the molecule, the smaller the value of Ecorr(CH2) in CH3(CH2)mOH (m=1–4) systems. Therefore, it was predicted that with the increase of number m in CH3(CH2)mOH systems the values of Ecorr(CH2) that are those of CH2 groups relatively far from the terminal HO group would show a converging trend to that of a "standard" CH2 group and its value of Ecorr(CH2) would be transferable in CH3(CH2)mOH homologous systems. The excellent fitting relationships between the total correlation energy and the number of (m−1) where m is the number of methylene groups were obtained from both results at MP2‐OPT2/6‐311++G(d) level for CH3(CH2)mOH (m= 2–4) systems by Meld program and at MP2/6‐311++G(d)//HF/6‐311++G(d) level for CH3(CH2)mOH (m=2–7) systems by Gaussian 98 program, which show that the total correlation energy is a linear function of the number of (m−1).
Interaction of Dialkyltin(IV) Bishydroxamates with 5′‐AMP or DNA:the Impact of Carbon Chain Length to Coordination Properties
Authors: SHANG Xian‐Mei , WU Ji‐Zhou , LI Qing‐Shan
Published: April 2008

Two diorganotin(IV) complexes, [Me2Sn(4‐FC6H4C(O)NHO)2] (1) and [Bu2Sn(4‐FC6H4C(O)NHO)2] (2), were synthesized. The action mode of the diorganotin(IV) complexes with adenosine‐5′‐monophosphate (5′‐AMP) or DNA under different conditions and different time was investigated by high‐solution 1H NMR and 31P NMR technology and UV spectroscopy. The complexes 1 and 2 which have different carbon chain lengths exhibited different action modes with mononucleotide or DNA. The interaction of 2 with 5′‐AMP resulted in significant chemical shift of H(8), H(2) and 31P. A hyperchromic effect of DNA could be observed due to the interaction of 2 with DNA, while interaction of 1 with 5′‐AMP or DNA could only cause obvious change of chemical shift of 31P. The results indicate that the complex 2 is the first case which could selectively bind to both the N(1) atom of the base and the phosphate oxygen atom of 5′‐AMP near a physiological condition, and may further destroy the helical structure of DNA, while 1 may merely bind to the phosphate oxygen atom of 5′‐AMP and cause the contraction of the DNA helical structure. The results first reveal that the organic group R may not only help the membrane transference of the diorganotin compounds but also play an important role in the action mode with DNA.
Transformation of Vesicles in Aqueous Two‐Phase System of an Anionic Gemini Surfactant and a Cationic Conventional Surfactant Mixture
Authors: JIANG Rong , HUANG Yi‐Xiong , ZHAO Jian‐Xi , HUANG Chang‐Cang
Published: April 2008

Transformation of vesicles formed in DTAB/C11‐p‐PhCNa aqueous surfactant two‐phase (ASTP) was observed by the transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The trans‐conformation of the gemini surfactant in the aggregates was considered to be the important factor for constructing the multi‐lamellar structure of the vesicle wall. The cation‐π interaction between the quaternary ammonium cation and the aromatic ring in the spacer was determined by the UV‐Vis spectrum analysis, which, as well as the general electrostatic attraction and hydrophobic force, contributes to the stability of the multi‐lamellar structure. The concentrations of the surface‐active ions were measured for understanding the mechanism of vesicle transformation. The results show that isoelectric mixing of the two components benefits the growth of vesicles both in size and wall thickness.
Highly Dispersed Palladium Nanoparticles on Functional MWNT Surfaces for Methanol Oxidation in Alkaline Solutions
Authors: WANG Zhe , ZHU Zan‐Zan , LI You‐Xiang , LI Hu‐Lin
Published: April 2008

Palladium nanoparticles were crystallized on 4‐aminobenzoic acid monolayer‐grafted multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) by diazotization. The structure and nature of the resulting Pd/MWNT composite were characterized by transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction, the results show that the chemically synthesized Pd nanoparticles were homogeneously dispersed and well‐separated from one another on the modified MWNT surfaces. Cyclic voltammogram showed that the Pd‐MWNT composite materials performed higher electrocatalytic activity and better long‐term stability toward methanol oxidation in alkaline solution than Pd‐C. The results imply that the Pd‐MWNT composite materials as a promising support material improve the excellent electrocatalytic activity for methanol oxidation greatly. So the Pd/MWNT composites have a good application potential to fuel cells.
Synthesis and Electrochromic Properties of Poly(3‐hexyl‐thio‐ phene) in a Room Temperature Ionic Liquid and Its Application to an Electrochromic Device
Authors: LI Xiao‐Yu , PANG Yue‐Hong , SHI Guo‐Yue , ZHU, Jun‐Ru Jun‐Ru , WANG Fei , JIN Li‐Tong
Published: April 2008

Electrochemical polymerization in a room temperature ionic liquid, 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([BMIM]PF6), was used to prepare electrochromic poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (PHexT). Characterization of the resulting polymer was performed by cyclic voltammetry and scanning electron microscopy analyses. Spectroelectrochemistry and electrochromic properties were also characterized using various experimental techniques in the same pure ionic liquid. The thin film of PHexT was orange red in its fully reduced state. After oxidization of the undoped polymer, the film underwent a reversible change to the blue form. The PHexT film exhibited high chromatic contrast (40%), comparative switching time (2.5 s) and great electrochromic efficiency (230 cm2/C). A PHexT‐based electrochromic device was constructed and its electrochromic properties were also investigated in this paper.
Vibrational Spectroscopic Study on Ion Solvation and Ion Association of Lithium Tetrafluoroborate in 4‐Ethoxymethyl‐ethylene Carbonate
Authors: QIAO Hong‐Wei , LUAN He‐Lin , ZHOU Zhi‐Ming , FANG Xiang‐Peng , YAO Wen , WANG Xin , LI Ji‐Mei
Published: April 2008

Solvation and association interactions in solutions of lithium tetrafluoroborate/4‐ethoxymethyl‐ethylene carbonate (EEC) have been studied as a function of concentration of lithium tetrafluoroborate by infrared and Raman spectroscopy. Strong interactions between Li+ and solvent molecules or BF4− anions were observed. Splitting of the ring symmetric angle deformation band, the carbonyl stretching band and the skeletal ring vibrational band suggests that the interaction between Li+ ions and EEC molecules take place via the oxygen atom on the carbonyl group. The apparent solvation numbers of Li+, varying from 4.32 to 1.26 with increasing the solution concentrations, were deduced. Band‐fitting to the B–F stretching band of BF4− anion permits detailed assess of ion pairing. The spectroscopically free BF4− anion, contact ion pair and contact ion dimmers coexist in concentrated solutions.