bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender-based treatment outcomes in diabetic hypertension
Authors: Damanhori AHH , Al Khaja KAJ , Sequeira RP
Published: February 2009

Background:

In developing countries, gender-based treatment disparities in cardiovascular preventive therapy have received little attention.

Aims:

To evaluate the gender-based differences in cardiovascular disease risk profile, drug prescribing pattern, and blood pressure (BP) and glycemic control rates in diabetic hypertensives treated at primary care setting in Bahrain.

Settings and Design:

A retrospective study at primary care setting.

Materials and Methods:

An audit of the medical records of 392 diabetic hypertensives (127 men, 265 women).

Results:

BP and glycemic targets were achieved in <10% and <13% of diabetic hypertensives, respectively. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors monotherapy was more often prescribed in males. Apart from this, no significant differences in prescribing pattern were observed between male and female diabetic hypertensives treated with either antihypertensive mono or multidrug therapies. With the exception of insulin which was more often prescribed to females, a similar prescribing pattern and rank order of antidiabetics, either as monotherapy or combinations, was observed in both genders. The majority of diabetic hypertensives were at high cardiovascular risk. The body mass index and total cholesterol level were greater in females. Prescribing lipid-lowering drugs and aspirin were suboptimal; aspirin was more often prescribed to males. There was no gender-based difference with regard to the use of lipid-lowering drugs. Conclusions: BP and glycemic controls were suboptimal in both male and female diabetic hypertensives treated by primary care physicians. Cardiovascular disease preventive strategies have received little attention regardless of gender or other risk factors. Gender-based treatment inequities also need to be addressed.
Laparoscopic pyeloplasty
Authors: Bryant RJ , Craig E , Oakley N
Published: February 2009

Background:

Laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty has become the "gold-standard" procedure for pelviureteric junction (PUJ) obstruction but consists of a steep learning curve especially via the retroperitoneal route.

Aims:

To examine the feasibility and safety of introducing this technique via the retroperitoneal approach to a laparoscopic naοve center.

Settings and Design:

A retrospective data analysis of a single surgeon's (NEO) series from a large UK teaching hospital.

Materials and Methods:

The notes and imaging of all patients who underwent pyeloplasty for PUJ obstruction by NEO during a five-year period were reviewed.

Statistical Analysis:

Parametric and nonparametric data are presented analyzed with Excel XP (Microsoft, Redmond, WA, USA).

Results:

Our series consists of 67 patients. Three ports were used in 47/57 (82%), and the antegrade technique for stent insertion was utilized in 41/67 (61%). Median time to drink, eat, and mobilize was one day (range one to two), and to discharge three days (range three to four). Two patients required conversion to an open procedure, and two developed intraoperative complications. Postoperative complications at 30 (three major, seven minor) and 90 days (three major, three minor) are presented. With median follow-up of 15 months 61/65 (94%) patients were unobstructed, and 57/63 (90%) of patients were pain-free. Two patients re-obstructed requiring further surgery.

Conclusions:

Analysis of our series of patients illustrates that adopting a policy of retroperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty for primary PUJ obstruction is feasible without compromising patient safety or functional results. There is no need to breach the peritoneum to facilitate the learning curve.
Dysarthric Bengali speech
Authors: Chakraborty N , Roy T , Hazra A , Biswas A , Bhattacharya K
Published: February 2009

Background and Aims:

Dysarthria affects linguistic domains such as respiration, phonation, articulation, resonance and prosody due to upper motor neuron, lower motor neuron, cerebellar or extrapyramidal tract lesions. Although Bengali is one of the major languages globally, dysarthric Bengali speech has not been subjected to neurolinguistic analysis. We attempted such an analysis with the goal of identifying the speech defects in native Bengali speakers in various types of dysarthria encountered in neurological disorders.

Settings and Design:

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 66 dysarthric subjects, predominantly middle-aged males, attending the Neuromedicine OPD of a tertiary care teaching hospital in Kolkata.

Materials and Methods:

After neurological examination, an instrument comprising commonly used Bengali words and a text block covering all Bengali vowels and consonants were used to carry out perceptual analysis of dysarthric speech. From recorded speech, 24 parameters pertaining to five linguistic domains were assessed. The Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance, Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were used for analysis.

Results:

The dysarthria types were spastic (15 subjects), flaccid (10), mixed (12), hypokinetic (12), hyperkinetic (9) and ataxic (8). Of the 24 parameters assessed, 15 were found to occur in one or more types with a prevalence of at least 25%. Imprecise consonant was the most frequently occurring defect in most dysarthrias. The spectrum of defects in each type was identified. Some parameters were capable of distinguishing between types.

Conclusions:

This perceptual analysis has defined linguistic defects likely to be encountered in dysarthric Bengali speech in neurological disorders. The speech distortion can be described and distinguished by a limited number of parameters. This may be of importance to the speech therapist and neurologist in planning rehabilitation and further management.
Prevesical hydatid cyst
Authors: Chokki A , Zribi R , Nouira S , Dziri Ch
Published: February 2009

Echinococcal cysts usually involve the liver; extrahepatic localization is reported in 11% of all cases of abdominal hydatid disease. We report a case of a prevesical hydatid cyst. A 53-year-old man was admitted with a large suprapubic mass. Ultrasonography and computed tomography revealed a cystic mass situated in front of the urinary bladder. There were no cysts in any other location. Serological tests were positive for Echinococcus. The patient was operated on and the cyst was completely excised. The pathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of Echinococcosis. Isolated hydatid cyst situated in front of the urinary bladder has never been described in the literature. Hydatid cyst should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of abdominopelvic masses in endemic regions, before any procedure like puncture, biopsy or cystectomy, in order to avoid dissemination of the cystic contents or an anaphylactic shock.
A General Approach to First Order Phase Transitions and the Anomalous Behavior of Coexisting Phases in the Magnetic Case
Authors: Gama Sergio , de Campos Ariana , Coelho Adelino A. , Alves Cleber S. , Ren Yang , Garcia Flávio , Brown Dennis E. , da Silva Luzeli M. , Carvalho A. Magnus G. , Gandra Flávio C. G. , dos Santos Adenilson O. , Cardoso Lisandro P. , von Ranke Pedro J.
Published: February 2009

First order phase transitions for materials with exotic properties are usually believed to happen at fixed values of the intensive parameters (such as pressure, temperature, etc.) characterizing their properties. It is also considered that the extensive properties of the phases (such as entropy, volume, etc.) have discontinuities at the transition point, but that for each phase the intensive parameters remain constant during the transition. These features are a hallmark for systems described by two thermodynamic degrees of freedom. In this work it is shown that first order phase transitions must be understood in the broader framework of thermodynamic systems described by three or more degrees of freedom. This means that the transitions occur along intervals of the intensive parameters, that the properties of the phases coexisting during the transition may show peculiar behaviors characteristic of each system, and that a generalized Clausius–Clapeyron equation must be obeyed. These features for the magnetic case are confirmed, and it is shown that experimental calorimetric data agree well with the magnetic Clausius–Clapeyron equation for MnAs. An estimate for the point in the temperature‐field plane where the first order magnetic transition turns to a second order one is obtained (the critical parameters) for MnAs and Gd5Ge2Si2 compounds. Anomalous behavior of the volumes of the coexisting phases during the magnetic first order transition is measured, and it is shown that the anomalies for the individual phases are hidden in the behavior of the global properties as the volume.
Enantioselective Aza‐Henry Reaction with Acyclic Guanidine‐Thiourea Bifunctional Organocatalyst
Authors: Takada Keisuke , Nagasawa Kazuo
Published: February 2009

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A highly enantioselective aza‐Henry reaction of imines with nitromethane was achieved with a reactive guanidine‐thiourea bifunctional organocatalyst affording β‐nitroamines with high enantioselectivity (up to 96% ee). The diastereo‐ and enantioselective version of this reaction with nitroalkanes also proceeded selectively (up to 99:1 dr with 99% ee).
Ionothermal Synthesis of Zirconium Phosphates and Their Catalytic Behavior in the Selective Oxidation of Cyclohexane
Authors: Liu Lei , Li Yang , Wei Haibo , Dong Mei , Wang Jianguo , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , Li Jinping , Dong Jinxiang , Morris Russell E.
Published: February 2009

Gutes Benehmen: Drei Zirconiumverbindungen mit ein‐, zwei‐ und dreidimensionalen Strukturen wurden mithilfe der Ionothermalmethode hergestellt. Das 3D‐Zirconiumphosphat (siehe Bild; F grün, H weiß, O rot, P violett, Zr gelb) ist ein sehr guter Oxidationskatalysator mit einer Cyclohexan‐Umwandlung von 32 % und einer Cyclohexanon‐Selektivität bis 83 %.

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Engineering A Uranyl‐Specific Binding Protein from NikR
Authors: Wegner Seraphine V. , Boyaci Hande , Chen Hao , Jensen Mark P. , He Chuan
Published: February 2009

Ein uranylselektives DNA bindendes Protein wurde ausgehend von dem Nickel(II)‐responsiven Protein NikR aus E. coli als Templat entwickelt. Das resultierende NikR′‐Protein bindet Uranyl (siehe Bild) mit einer Dissoziationskonstante Kd=53 nM und lagert in Gegenwart von Uranyl selektiv DNA an.

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Mechanism of Cyclic Carbonate Synthesis from Epoxides and CO2
Authors: North Michael , Pasquale Riccardo
Published: February 2009

Drei verknüpfte Katalysezyklen spielen bei der durch einen Di(aluminium(salen))‐Komplex und Bu4NBr katalysierten Titelreaktion eine Rolle. Im ersten aktiviert Bu4NBr als Nucleophil das Epoxid. Im zweiten wird CO2 durch das in situ gebildete Bu3N aktiviert. Im dritten bringt der Aluminium(salen)‐Komplex die beiden aktivierten Spezies zusammen, sodass die entscheidenden Bindungen intramolekular gebildet werden können.

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LiCl‐vermittelte Synthese funktionalisierter benzylischer Indium(III)‐halogenide und hoch chemoselektive Palladium‐katalysierte Kreuzkupplung mit einem protischen Cosolvens
Authors: Chen Yi‐Hung , Sun Mai , Knochel Paul
Published: February 2009

Empfindliche Funktionen wie COR, CHO oder CH2OH können in benzylischen Indiumreagentien vorhanden sein, die über direkte Indiuminsertion mithilfe von LiCl hergestellt wurden. Diese Reagentien lassen sich in Gegenwart eines protischen Cosolvens in Pd‐katalysierten Kreuzkupplungen nach Aktivierung mit iPrMgCl⋅LiCl umsetzen (siehe Schema). Die Umsetzung mit Elektrophilen mit NH‐ oder OH‐Gruppen ergibt bemerkenswerte Chemoselektivitäten.

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Isolating and Probing the Hot Spot Formed between Two Silver Nanocubes
Authors: Camargo Pedro H. C. , Rycenga Matthew , Au Leslie , Xia Younan
Published: February 2009

Hotspots können die Empfindlichkeit der oberflächenverstärkten Raman‐Streuung (SERS) stark erhöhen, doch erklärt werden konnte dieses Phänomen bisher nicht. Eine neue Strategie (siehe Bild) setzt auf das Plasmaätzen, um an Hotspots zwischen zwei Silbernanowürfeln adsorbierte SERS‐aktive Moleküle zu isolieren und gezielt zu untersuchen.

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Engineering A Uranyl‐Specific Binding Protein from NikR
Authors: Wegner Seraphine V. , Boyaci Hande , Chen Hao , Jensen Mark P. , He Chuan
Published: February 2009

A new pick‐up line: The first uranyl‐selective DNA‐binding protein is designed using the E. coli nickel(II)‐responsive protein NikR as the template. The resulting NikR′ protein binds uranyl (see picture) with a dissociation constant Kd=53 nM and selectively binds to DNA in the presence of uranyl.

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Incorporation of Tellurocysteine into Glutathione Transferase Generates High Glutathione Peroxidase Efficiency
Authors: Liu Xiaoman , Silks Louis A. , Liu Cuiping , Ollivault‐Shiflett Morgane , Huang Xin , Li Jing , Luo Guimin , Hou Ya‐Ming , Liu Junqiu , Shen Jiacong
Published: February 2009

A rival to native peroxidase! An existing binding site for glutathione was combined with the catalytic residue tellurocysteine by using an auxotrophic expression system to create an engineered enzyme that functions as a glutathione peroxidase from the scaffold of a glutathione transferase (see picture). The catalytic activity of the telluroenzyme in the reduction of hydroperoxides by glutathione is comparable to that of native glutathione peroxidase.

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Assembly of Nanocrystal Arrays by Block‐Copolymer‐Directed Nucleation
Authors: Morin Stephen A. , La Young‐Hye , Liu Chi‐Chun , Streifer Jeremy A. , Hamers Robert J. , Nealey Paul F. , Jin Song
Published: February 2009

Growing in line: The surface chemistry of self‐assembled nanostructured block copolymers is used to control the sites at which semiconducting metal sulfide nanocrystals nucleate and grow on a surface directly from aqueous solutions. This process is a new and general strategy for the bottom‐up assembly of functional nanocrystalline materials for a variety of applications.

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Tuning the Supramolecular Chirality of Polyaniline by Methyl Substitution
Authors: Yan Yong , Deng Ke , Yu Zai , Wei Zhixiang
Published: February 2009

A game of Twister: The induced helicity of polyaniline and its supramolecular structures could be tuned by the methyl substitution of one of the monomers. By copolymerization of aniline with m‐toluidine, the helicity of copolymer (PMANI) nanofibers was totally inverted compared to that of polyaniline (PANI), while copolymer nanofibers with o‐toluidine (POANI) had the same helicity as that of polyaniline (see picture).

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Preparation of poly(vinyl chloride) latexes using a dual surfactant system: The effect in the particle size distribution
Authors: Tomás A. , Gil M. H. , Bordado J. C. , Gonçalves P. , Rodrigues P.
Published: February 2009

The control of the average particle size and size distribution in the emulsion polymerization of vinyl chloride monomer is an important parameter to determine, not only the latex characteristics, but also the properties of the final dispersion powder in several industrial applications. It is possible to manipulate the particle size distribution (PSD) by applying a mixture of an anionic surfactant‐fatty alcohol before the start of the free radical polymerization. Contrary to the procedures of the miniemulsion and the derivative diffusional swelling techniques, no kind of high shear is applied to the monomer and/or surfactant mixtures. In fact, the concentration and selection of the anionic surfactant, together with the fatty‐alcohol, can play an interesting role on the final PSD of the polymer's particles. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Vinyl polymerization of norbornene with bis(imino)pyridyl nickel(II) complexes
Authors: Huang Yuanbiao , Chen Jianxin , Chi Lisheng , Wei Chunxia , Zhang Zhichun , Li Zhongshui , Li Aike , Zhang Li
Published: February 2009

A series of different steric hindrance nickel(II) complexes 1–6 bearing 2,6‐bis(imino)pyridine ligands have been synthesized and characterized. The molecular structures of the complexes 3–5 were determined by X‐ray diffraction analysis. The coordination geometry around the nickel center of the complexes is either square pyramid for complexes 3 and 4 or trigonal bipyramid for complex 5. All of the nickel complexes exhibit high catalytic activity for norbornene polymerization in the presence of MAO, although low activity for ethylene oligomerization and polymerization. The effects of the Al/Ni ratio, halogen, monomer concentration, temperature, and reaction time on activity of catalyst for norbornene polymerization and polymer microstructure were investigated. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
TiO2 Nanotubes in Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells: Critical Factors for the Conversion Efficiency
Authors: Ghicov Andrei , Albu Sergiu P. , Hahn Robert , Kim Doohun , Stergiopoulos Thomas , Kunze Julia , Schiller Carl‐Albrecht , Falaras Polycarpos , Schmuki Patrik
Published: February 2009

Particle vs tube: The present paper systematically investigates a range of fundamental geometrical and structural features of TiO2 nanotube layers and their effect on the dye‐sensitized solar cell conversion efficiency, to deduce the most promising strategies for improvement. It is found that the performance of the cells strongly depends on the morphology and crystalline structure of the nanotubes.

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A multivariate IFR notion based on the multivariate dispersive ordering
Authors: Arias‐Nicolás José Pablo , Belzunce Félix , Núñez‐Barrera Olga , Suárez‐Llorens Alfonso
Published: February 2009

In this paper we present a definition of multivariate increasing failure rate based on the concept of multivariate dispersion. This new definition is an extension of the univariate characterization of increasing failure rate distributions under dispersive ordering of the residual lives. We study this definition in the Clayton–Oakes model and the family of generalized order statistics. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reproductive and developmental effects and physical and chemical properties of pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) in the rat
Authors: Quinn Michael J. , Crouse Lee C.B. , McFarland Craig A. , LaFiandra Emily M. , Johnson Mark S.
Published: February 2009

Pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) is an explosive chemical that has been detected in environmental media. Although previous toxicology studies have shown PETN to be relatively benign, a lack of available information concerning developmental and reproductive effects from oral PETN exposure was needed. Sprague‐Dawley rats were exposed to oral daily adjusted volumetric doses of 0, 100, 500, or 1,000 mg PETN/kg body mass in a corn oil vehicle for up to 56 days. Mating, duration of gestation, body weight, feed consumption, overall condition of adults, and the number, sex, and condition of pups were recorded. Histological examinations were also performed on the ovaries, testes, and epididymides of animals from the control and the highest dose groups. Other environmental criteria, water solubility, octanol/water partition coefficient, and biodegradation rates of neat PETN were also determined. Only body weights and feed consumption were affected by treatment; however, these differences may be attributed more to volumetric adjustments of vehicle in the control and high‐dose groups than to PETN toxicity. No adverse effects on development or reproduction from PETN exposure were observed. Water solubility, octanol water partition coefficient, and water suspension and biodegradation rates suggest PETN is unlikely to transport or bioaccumulate in the environment to any appreciable extent. Additionally, biotic processes are most likely faster in breaking down PETN than the abiotic processes involved in dissolving PETN in water. Birth Defects Res (Part B) 86:65‐71, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Using Penalized Splines to Model Age‐ and Season‐of‐Birth‐Dependent Effects of Childhood Mortality Risk Factors in Rural Burkina Faso
Authors: Becher Heiko , Kauermann Göran , Khomski Pavel , Kouyaté Bocar
Published: February 2009

Several previous studies have identified risk factors for childhood mortality in high risk areas, such as Sub‐Saharan Africa. Among these are lifestyle factors related for example to nutrition or sanitation. Other factors are related to social class, ethnicity and poverty in general. Few studies have investigated a dependence of these factors by age and season of birth which is the focus in this study. We perform a survival analysis of 9121 children born between 1998 and 2001 in a rural area of western Burkina Faso. The whole population is under demographic surveillance since 1993. All cause mortality is used as the endpoint and follow‐up information until the age of five years is available. Recently developed spline regression methods are used for the analysis. Ethnic group, religion, age of mother, twin status, sex, and distance to next health center are used as covariates all of which having a clear effect on survival in standard Cox regression analysis. With penalized spline regression, a more detailed risk pattern is observed. Ethnicity is more related to death at early age, as well as age of mother. The effect of the risk factors considered also appear to be related with season of birth (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Assessment of Multiple Ordinal Endpoints
Authors: Häberle Lothar , Pfahlberg Annette , Gefeller Olaf
Published: February 2009

Ranking multivariate ordinal data and applying a non‐parametric test is an analytical approach commonly employed to compare treatments. We study three types of ranking and demonstrate how to combine them. The ranking methods rest upon partial orders of the multidimensional measurements or upon the sum of ranks. Since their usage is simple as regards statistical assumptions and technical realization, they are also adapted for health professionals without deep statistical knowledge. Our goal is discussing differences between the approaches and disclosing possible statistical consequences of their usage (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Isolation and identification of two novel SDS‐resistant secreted chitinases from Aeromonas schubertii
Authors: Liu Chao‐Lin , Shen Chia‐Rui , Hsu Fong‐Fu , Chen Jeen‐Kuan , Wu Pei‐Tzu , Guo Shang‐Hsin , Lee Wen‐Chien , Yu Feng‐Wei , Mackey Zachary B. , Turk John , Gross Michael L.
Published: February 2009

Two SDS‐resistant endochitinases, designated as ASCHI53 and ASCHI61, were isolated from Aeromonas schubertii in a soil sample from southern Taiwan. MALDI‐TOF mass measurement indicates the molecular weights of 53,527 for ASCHI53 and 61,202 for ASCHI61. N‐terminal and internal amino acid sequences were obtained, and BLAST analysis of the sequences and MS/MS peptide sequencing showed that they were novel proteins. Degradation of chitin by these two endochitinases gave rise to hexameric chitin oligosaccharide, a compound known to have several potent biomedical functions. ASCHI53 and ASCHI61 retained, respectively, 65% and 75%, of their chitinase activity in the presence of 5% SDS and 100% of their activity in the presence of 10% β‐mercaptoethanol. These results demonstrate that they are SDS‐resistant endochitinases and probably have a rigid structure. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2009
Engineering the embryoid body microenvironment to direct embryonic stem cell differentiation
Authors: Bratt‐Leal Andrés M. , Carpenedo Richard L. , McDevitt Todd C.
Published: February 2009

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are pluripotent cells capable of differentiating into all somatic and germ cell types. The intrinsic ability of pluripotent cells to generate a vast array of different cells makes ESCs a robust resource for a variety of cell transplantation and tissue engineering applications, however, efficient and controlled means of directing ESC differentiation is essential for the development of regenerative therapies. ESCs are commonly differentiated in vitro by spontaneously self‐assembling in suspension culture into 3D cell aggregates called embryoid bodies (EBs), which mimic many of the hallmarks of early embryonic development, yet the 3D organization and structure of EBs also presents unique challenges to effectively direct the differentiation of the cells. ESC differentiation is strongly influenced by physical and chemical signals comprising the local extracellular microenvironment, thus current methods to engineer EB differentiation have focused primarily on spatially controlling EB size, adding soluble factors to the media, or culturing EBs on or within natural or synthetic extracellular matrices. Although most such strategies aim to influence differentiation from the exterior of EBs, engineering the microenvironment directly within EBs enables new opportunities to efficiently direct the fate of the cells by locally controlling the presentation of morphogenic cues. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2009
Considering religion and beliefs in child protection and safeguarding work: is any consensus emerging?
Authors: Gilligan Philip
Published: February 2009

Diverse, but significant, phenomena have combined to raise both the profile of issues related to religion and child abuse and the need for professionals to understand and respond appropriately to them. The nature of some of these issues is explored and attempts made to clarify them. Data collected by the author primarily from questionnaires completed by professionals involved in child protection and safeguarding work are analysed and discussed. Some patterns are identified and explored. Finally, it is suggested that, despite the apparent emergence of a more general recognition and acknowledgement of these issues amongst many professionals, relevant day‐to‐day practice remains largely dependent on individual views and attitudes. Moreover, practitioners are able to continue with ‘religion‐blind’ and ‘belief‐blind’ approaches without these being significantly challenged by agency policies or by professional cultures. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design of Protonated Polyazamacrocycles Based on Phenanthroline Motifs for Selective Uptake of Aromatic Carboxylate Anions and Herbicides
Authors: Cruz Carla , Calisto Vânia , Delgado Rita , Félix Vítor
Published: February 2009

Three novel large polyazamacrocycles containing two 1,10‐phenanthroline units connected by different polyamine spacers have been synthesised and their protonated forms used as receptors for several aromatic carboxylate anions. The receptors bind to the anions in a 1:1 stoichiometry and exhibit remarkable binding selectivity (see figure). Analysis shows that molecular recognition is governed by π–π stacking interactions and multiple NH⋅⋅⋅OC hydrogen bonds.

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Three novel large polyazamacrocycles containing two 1,10‐phenanthroline (phen) units connected by two polyamine spacers of different length, [32]phen2N4, [30]phen2N6 and Me2[34]phen2N6, have been synthesised and their protonated forms used as receptors for binding studies with several aromatic carboxylate anions (benzoate (bzc−), 1‐naphthalate (naphc−), 9‐anthracenate (anthc−), pyrene‐1‐carboxylate (pyrc−), phthalate, (ph2−), isophthalate (iph2−), terephthalate (tph2−), 2,5‐dihydroxy‐1,4‐benzenediacetate (dihyac2−) and, 1,3,5‐benzenetricarboxylate (btc3−)) and three herbicides (4‐amino‐3,5,6‐trichloropyridine‐2‐carboxylate (ATCP−), dichlorophenoxyacetate (2,4‐D−) and glyphosate (PMG2−)) in water solution. The [30]phen2N6 receptor was found to be the most suitable for binding the anions considered in a 1:1 stoichiometry. The three receptors exhibit a remarkable binding selectivity towards the extended aromatic anion pyrc− at low pH values. Their binding affinities for the monocarboxylate anions decrease with the extension of the aromatic system in the order pyrc−>anthc−>naphc−>bzc−, which indicates the presence of π–π stacking interactions in the molecular recognition of these anions. Molecular dynamics simulations carried out for the binding of {H4[30]phen2N6}4+ and {H6Me2[34]phen2N6}6+ with pyrc−, anthc−, naphc−, iph2− and btc3− in water showed that these receptors adopt a folded conformation with the anion inserted between the two phen heads and that the molecular recognition is governed by π–π stacking interactions and multiple NH⋅⋅⋅OC hydrogen bonds. The binding free energies estimated theoretically are very similar to those found by potentiometric methods, which supports the proposed binding arrangement.
Gold‐ and Platinum‐Catalyzed Cycloisomerization of Enynyl Esters versus Allenenyl Esters: An Experimental and Theoretical Study
Authors: Marion Nicolas , Lemière Gilles , Correa Andrea , Costabile Chiara , Ramón Rubén S. , Moreau Xavier , de Frémont Pierre , Dahmane Rim , Hours Alexandra , Lesage Denis , Tabet Jean‐Claude , Goddard Jean‐Philippe , Gandon Vincent , Cavallo Luigi , Fensterbank Louis , Malacria Max , Nolan Steven P.
Published: February 2009

Ester‐way to heaven: Unexpected formation of bicyclo[3.1.0]hexene 4 was the main focus of combined experimental and theoretical studies on the Au‐catalyzed cycloisomerization of branched dienyne 1 (see scheme), which provided better understanding of the mechanistic details governing the cyclization of enynes bearing a propargylic ester group.

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Experimental and theoretical studies on Au‐ and Pt‐catalyzed cycloisomerization of a branched dienyne with an acetate group at the propargylic position are presented. The peculiar architecture of the dienyne precursor, which has both a 1,6‐ and a 1,5‐enyne skeleton, leads, in the presence of alkynophilic gold catalysts, to mixtures of bicyclic compounds 3, 4, and 5. Formation of unprecedented bicyclo[3.1.0]hexene 5 is the main focus of this study. The effect of the ancillary ligand on the gold center was examined and found to be crucial for formation of 5. Further mechanistic studies, involving cyclization of an enantioenriched dienyne precursor, 18O‐labeling experiments, and DFT calculations, allowed an unprecedented reaction pathway to be proposed. We show that bicyclo[3.1.0]hexene 5 is likely formed by a 1,3‐OAc shift/allene–ene cyclization/1,2‐OAc shift sequence, as calculated by DFT and supported by Au‐catalyzed cyclization of isolated allenenyl acetate 7, which leads to improved selectivity in the formation of 5. Additionally, the possibility of OAc migration from allenyl acetates was supported by a trapping experiment with styrene that afforded the corresponding cyclopropane derivative. This unprecedented generation of a vinyl metal carbene from an allenyl ester supports a facile enynyl ester/allenenyl ester equilibrium. Further examination of the difference in reactivity between enynyl acetates and their corresponding [3,3]‐rearranged allenenyl acetates toward Au‐ and Pt‐catalyzed cycloisomerization is also presented.
Coupled Sensitizer–Catalyst Dyads: Electron‐Transfer Reactions in a Perylene–Polyoxometalate Conjugate
Authors: Odobel Fabrice , Séverac Marjorie , Pellegrin Yann , Blart Errol , Fosse Céline , Cannizzo Caroline , Mayer Cédric R. , Elliott Kristopher J. , Harriman Anthony
Published: February 2009

Ultrafast discharge of a single‐electron capacitor: A variety of intramolecular electron‐transfer reactions are apparent for polyoxometalates functionalized with covalently attached perylene monoimide chromophores, but these are restricted to single‐electron events. (et=electron transfer, cr=charge recombination, csr=charge‐shift reaction, PER=perylene, POM=polyoxometalate).

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A new strategy is introduced that permits covalent attachment of an organic chromophore to a polyoxometalate (POM) cluster. Two examples are reported that differ according to the nature of the anchoring group and the flexibility of the linker. Both POMs are functionalized with perylene monoimide units, which function as photon collectors and form a relatively long‐lived charge‐transfer state under illumination. They are reduced to a stable π‐radical anion by electrolysis or to a protonated dianion under photolysis in the presence of aqueous triethanolamine. The presence of the POM opens up an intramolecular electron‐transfer route by which the charge‐transfer state reduces the POM. The rate of this process depends on the molecular conformation and appears to involve through‐space interactions. Prior reduction of the POM leads to efficient fluorescence quenching, again due to intramolecular electron transfer. In most cases, it is difficult to resolve the electron‐transfer products because of relatively fast reverse charge shift that occurs within a closed conformer. Although the POM can store multiple electrons, it has not proved possible to use these systems as molecular‐scale capacitors because of efficient electron transfer from the one‐electron‐reduced POM to the excited singlet state of the perylene monoimide.
Hydrogenation of CC Multiple Bonds Mediated by [Pd(NHC)(PCy3)] (NHC=N‐Heterocyclic Carbene) under Mild Reaction Conditions
Authors: Jurčík Václav , Nolan Steven P. , Cazin Catherine S. J.
Published: February 2009

N‐Heterocyclic carbenes do it again! [Pd(SIPr)(PCy3)] (1; SIPr=N,N′‐(bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)imidazolidine), which is stable under H2, was shown to be a highly active catalyst for the hydrogenation of a wide range of alkenes and alkynes. Reactions proceed under mild conditions (relatively low Pd loading, RT, low pressures of H2) even when sterically hindered alkenes (tri‐ and tetra‐substituted) are used.

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Pseudo P waves: A cause of diagnostic confusion in wide QRS tachycardia
Authors: Chapman P. D. , Wetherbee J. N. , Troup P. J.
Published: February 2009

A patient with wide QRS tachycardia is described. His initial electrocardiogram revealed P waves in lead V1 that led to a diagnosis of supraventricular tachycardia. Subsequently, during an electrophysiology study, the tachycardia was reproduced and documented to be ventricular in origin. The P waves seen were actually part of the QRS complex and therefore pseudo P waves. The correct diagnosis of the arrhythmia allowed for more appropriate therapy for the patient. This case illustrates that pseudo P waves may be present on the surface electrocardiogram and confuse the diagnosis of wide QRS tachycardia.
Time sequence of anginal pain
Authors: Mattioli G. , Cioni G. , Andreoli C.
Published: February 2009

We studied 187 patients with angina at rest in order to evaluate the circadian rhythm of chest pain attacks. All subjects were followed for 7 days in absence of therapy (placebo period) and then with therapy (nifedipine, metoprolol, or isosorbide dinitrate). During the placebo period (1309 days) 1466 attacks were recorded, on an average of 1.1 per day. Most episodes occurred between 5 and 8 A.M. The incidence of chest pain attacks was much lower between 9 A.M. and 4 P.M. During the period with therapy, a reduction of painful episodes was observed, while the diurnal distribution remained unchanged. Furthermore, we studied the relationship between circadian distribution of anginal attacks and the extension of coronary damage in the 76 patients who underwent coronary angiography. Alterations of diurnal distribution of chest pain attacks were noted in subjects with normal coronary arteries and those with one‐vessel and two‐vessel disease. Patients with three‐vessel disease or left main coronary artery stenosis showed more uniform distribution of their attacks.
Normal sympathetic neural activity in patients with mitral valve prolapse
Authors: Lenders J. W. M. , Fast J. H. , Blankers J. , De BOO T. H. , Lemmens W. A. J. , Thien T. H.
Published: February 2009

The hemodynamic and neurohumoral responses to head‐up tilt and isometric exercise were studied in 14 mitral valve prolapse (MVP) patients with and 10 MVP patients without complaints and in 16 healthy control subjects. Plasma catecholamines at rest were not different between the three groups and neither were their changes during either test. The hemodynamic changes during head‐up tilt were not different between the three groups. The symptomatic MVP patients showed a lower rise in diastolic blood pressure (14.3±6.4%) than the controls (22.9±9.6%) (p<0.05) during isometric exercise. In view of the fact that the neurohumoral responses to both tests were the same for all groups, we cannot support the suggestions from other studies that MVP patients have an impaired or enhanced sympathetic tone. Moreover, since there were no differences between symptomatic and asymptomatic MVP patients it is doubtful whether the complaints of symptomatic MVP patients are related to a high sympathetic neural activity.
The surgical experience with annuloaortic ectasia at the medical university of south carolina
Authors: Clevenger F. W. , Crawford F. A.
Published: February 2009

Hemodynamically significant aortic insufficiency can result from dilitation of the aortic valve annulus in association with an ascending aortic aneurysm (annuloaortic ectasia). Controversy has centered around the optimal surgical management. This study evaluates the results of total replacement of the aortic valve and ascending thoracic aorta with a valved aortic prosthesis and reimplantation of the coronary arteries in a small series. In 7 patients with a mean preoperative New York Heart Association Classification (NYHAC) of III, there have been no operative or long‐term mortalities, and the average upgrade in NYHAC is 1.6. There have been no major complications or technical difficulties. The composite approach to the repair of patients with annuloaortic ectasia is described and advocated.
Appearance of T‐Wave inversions without raised serum enzyme activity in suspected acute myocardial infarction: Clinical outcome in relation to subendocardial infarction
Authors: Herlitz J. , HJALMARSON Å.
Published: February 2009

In 67 patients with a clinical history of suspected acute myocardial infarction (MI) who developed T‐wave inversions in standard ECG and had normal serum aspartate aminotransferase activity (possible MI) the clinical outcome was compared with that in patients fulfilling criteria for subendocardial infarction. Patients with possible MI had a lower mortality (p=0.02) and also a lower reinfarction rate (p=0.14) during the first 2 years as compared with those with subendocardial MI. Although patients with subendocardial MI had more problems with chest pain in the acute phase, angina pectoris occurred more frequently in patients with possible MI during a longer follow‐up period. Congestive heart failure occurred more frequently in patients with subendocardial MI during initial hospitalization, whereas treatment for heart failure appeared similar in the two groups during a longer follow‐up time. We conclude that the clinical course in patients with possible MI, here defined as chest pain and appearance of T‐wave inversions without elevation of serum enzyme activity, seems to differ from that in patients with subendocardial MI, particularly regarding long‐term survival and incidence of angina pectoris.
Anomalous origin of the right coronary artery arising from the circumflex artery
Authors: Tavernarakis A. , Voudris V. , Ifantis G. , Tsaganos N.
Published: February 2009

A case of anomalous origin of the right coronary artery discovered among 3100 selective coronary arteriograms is described. This artery was arising from the circumflex artery. The position, distribution, and configuration of this coronary artery was as a normal right coronary artery, except that its origin was in the peripheral segment of the circumflex artery. This anomalous origin is very rare and seems not to give rise to any clinical significance.
Detection of spontaneous echocardiographic contrast within the left atrium by transesophageal echocardiography: spontaneous echocardiographic contrast
Authors: Erbel R. , Stern H. , Ehrenthal W. , Schreiner G. , Treese N. , Meyer J. , Krämer G. , Thelen M. , Schweizer P.
Published: February 2009

Transesophageal echocardiography was performed in 314 patients over a period of 24 months using a 3.5 MHz phased‐array system fitted to the distal end of a conventional 12 mm endoscope. In 12 patients (2.6%) transesophageal echocardiography could not be performed because of adverse reaction to the gastroscopic procedure. Side effects were a transient A‐V block in one patient and asthmatic attack in another. Mitral valve lesions were found in 99 of 314 patients. In 9 of these 99 patients (11%), including 1 patient with mitral valve stenosis and sinus rhythm, 2 with atrial fibrillation, 3 with disc, and 3 with porcine mitral prosthesis, spontaneous echocardiographic contrast was found within the left atrium, described as faint echoes in 2 patients and dense echoes filling the whole left atrium and following turbulent flow in the other 7 patients. Only in 2 patients was left atrium shown to have additional echoes within its cavity in the four‐chamber view by transthoracic echocardiography. Signs of cerebral emboli were found in 5 of 9 patients and of peripheral embolism in 3 of 9 patients. Their mechanism seems to involve red cell aggregation, which is greatest at low flow velocity such as in dilated left atria in the case of mitral valve stenosis or prosthesis. The additional effect of platelet aggregation must be discussed because increased platelet aggregation was detected in all patients with spontaneous echocardiographic contrast. Transesophageal echocardiography seems to be of great diagnostic value in patients with mitral valve lesions and cerebral and peripheral embolism, giving new insight into the pathophysiologic mechanism and possibly improving the therapeutic approach in the near future.
Comparison of dopamine and dobutamine in patients requiring postoperative circulatory support
Authors: Disesa V. J. , Gold J. P. , Shemin R. J. , Collins J. J. , Cohn L. H.
Published: February 2009

We compared dopamine and dobutamine following cardiac surgery in a sequential cross‐over study of 9 patients who required inotropic support after volume replenishment. Seven patients had mitral valve replacement, 2 with simultaneous coronary revascularization (CABG), and 1 each with simultaneous tricuspid annuloplasty and aortic valve replacement; 1 had isolated CABG and 1 had repair of a postinfarction ventricular septal defect. Heart rate, right and left atrial pressures, pulmonary and mean arterial pressure, systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance, and cardiac index were measured and calculated. Inotropic support with dopamine or dobutamine was begun for treatment of low cardiac index within 12 hours postoperatively. Measurements were made after 20 minutes on either agent at 5–10 m̈g/kg per min when cardiac output and general clinical state were stable. Each patient was then switched to the other agent at approximately the same dose rate, titrating the dosage to the same cardiac output, and repeat measurements were made at 20 minutes when again stable. Similar dosages of dopamine (6.2±1.7 m̈g/kg/min) and dobutamine (6.7±2.5 m̈g/kg/min) produced equivalent heart rate (103±19 vs. 102±13 beats/min, p=NS), cardiac index (2.8±1.1 vs. 2.9±1.2 l/min/m2, p=NS), and pulmonary arterial pressure and vascular resistance. Mean systemic arterial pressure was significantly lower with dobutamine (59±5 vs. 67±7 mmHg, p<0.05) as were mean left (14±5 vs. 18±6 mmHg, p<0.0001) and right (9±2 vs. 11±2 mmHg, p<0.05) atrial pressures. Systemic vascular resistance was also reduced with dobutamine but the difference was not statistically significant.
Argon laser recanalization of three totally occluded human right coronary arteries
Authors: Choy D. S. J. , Marco J. , Fournial G. , Stertzer S.
Published: February 2009

We report the successful recanalization, in vivo, of three totally occluded human right coronary arteries with an argon laser catheter during coronary artery bypass surgery. The laser catheter and technique of laser recanalization are described. At 15 days postoperatively, two of the laser‐treated arteries were reoccluded angiographically. The third patient refused postoperative angiography.
Studies on ergometer exercise testing I. Significance of the type of st‐segment response, sex, and chest pain
Authors: Pellinen T. J. , Virtanen K. S. , Valle M. , Frick M. H.
Published: February 2009

Ergometer exercise electrocardiographic (EECG) data were surveyed in a series of 328 patients (277 men and 51 women) subjected to coronary arteriography. The sensitivity and specificity of EECG for coronary artery disease (CAD) were 84% and 54%, respectively. The predictive accuracy of a positive test for CAD was 95% in men and 81% in women. The predictive accuracy of a negative test was 25% in men and 62% in women. When slowly ascending ST depression was considered insignificant, the sensitivity of EECG declined to 71%, with an increase in specificity to 64%. CAD was present in 89% of the patients with slowly ascending ST depression and 65% of them had a multivessel disease. Seventy‐two subjects had postexercise ST‐segment elevation. The predictive value of this sign for CAD was 94%. Exercise‐induced chest pain had quite a similar diagnostic significance as EECG. The prevalence of CAD in patients with a history of typical angina was 94% in both sexes. Atypical chest pain was associated with normal coronary arteriography in 59% of males and 100% of females.
Incidence of systemic thromboembolic lesions in acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Puletti M. , Cusmano E. , Testa M. G. , Borgia C. , Fanari F. , Curione M.
Published: February 2009

In a series of 1277 cases of acute myocardial infarction, 30 episodes of systemic, noncerebral, thromboembolic lesions in 22 patients have been detected. Locations most frequently involved were the extremities (60%), kidneys (16.6%), spleen (13.3%), and mesentery (10%). The incidence of thromboembolism has been higher in patients over the age of 60. In the great majority of cases, the myocardial infarction has been anterolateral, often with a superimposed pump failure. Mortality has been very high (54.5%), perhaps in relation to the advanced age of the patients and to the extension of the infarction. Embolism at the extremities has been well treated with Fogarty's catheter. Among patients whose postmortem examination has been performed a high incidence of ventricular aneurysm (3 of 7) and mural thrombosis (5 of 7) has resulted. In the cases of ventricular aneurysm, episodes of atrial fibrillation have always occurred.
Eosinophilic endomyocardiopathy
Authors: Kudenchuk P. J. , Hosenpud J. D. , Fletcher S.
Published: February 2009

A young patient with a severely elevated eosinophil count died from manifestations of severe eosinophilic endomyocardiopathy. Echocardiographic and hemodynamic evaluation were diagnostic of a rapidly progressive restrictive cardiomyopathy. Progression of cardiac disease in the face of medical treatment is an ominous sign and may argue for earlier surgical intervention in this syndrome.
Isolated rheumatic tricuspid regurgitation and stenosis
Authors: Fujii S. , Funaki K. , Denzumi N.
Published: February 2009

The case of a 73‐year‐old man with right heart failure and systolic and diastolic murmur at the fourth left intercostal space is described. There was a history of rheumatic fever. Two‐dimensional echocardiography showed rheumatic change of the tricuspid valve with giant right atrium and ventricle, which was confirmed during operation. This is an unusual case of isolated tricuspid regurgitation and stenosis with convincing evidence of rheumatic etiology.