bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A intersetorialidade como meio de superar desafios em educação em saúde
Authors: Santos Maria Fernanda Oliveira , Moreira Mariana Sene , Rocha Samuel Gonçalves , Ribeiro Vanessa Fernandes
Published: August 2012

Este trabalho foi realizado por alunos do terceiro período de medicina da Universidade de Uberaba, com apoio dos alunos de Comunicação Social da mesma. O objetivo principal era a educação em saúde em um campo prático, em escolas públicas. O trabalho baseou-se na busca da aplicação prática da saúde em seu aspecto biopsicossocial, tentando criar um meio de troca de conhecimentos entre alunos da quinta série e acadêmicos do curso de medicina. As atividades foram realizadas com alunos da escola “Professor José Geraldo Guimarães”, cuja faixa etária variava de nove a quinze anos, no bairro Pacaembu, Uberaba-MG, ao longo do segundo semestre de 2009. Como é fundamental para o acadêmico de medicina uma formação humanística baseada no conhecimento da realidade da sociedade, a presente atividade possibilitou um contato mais próximo desta realidade, permitindo a percepção de angústias, dificuldades e diferenças individuais. Não foi possível realizar exposição apenas teórica do tema proposto – educação em saúde, porque o perfil agitado da sala não permitiu este tipo de intervenção. Então, optou-se por explorar o conhecimento dos alunos e colocá-los para fazer atividades manuais, como por exemplo, a confecção de um telejornal. Para que eles realizassem este trabalho foi oferecido referencial teórico. Os temas das atividades como, por exemplo, Anorexia e Bulimia, Alimentação Saudável e Importância da Educação, presentes nas matérias do telejornal, foram escolhidos a partir da constatação de problemas que a turma apresentou nos primeiros encontros. O resultado foi um belíssimo telejornal, apresentado pelos próprios alunos, mostrando não só as matérias relacionadas à saúde, mas também sua cultura. O potencial artístico da turma para artes plásticas e o hip-hop contribuíram de forma decisiva para esse sucesso. Acredita-se que tal experiência enriqueceu os acadêmicos, tanto por causa do vínculo criado com os alunos, como pela aquisição de conhecimento das diferentes realidades, colaborando assim para a formação de médicos que vão atuar não apenas promovendo saúde, mas também, qualidade de vida. Vimos o quão é importante saber trabalhar com profissionais de outras áreas (alunos do curso de Comunicação social, que gravaram o telejornal), porque somente com essa parceria foi possível realizar esse projeto. Desta forma, ficou claro a intersetorialidade tão debatida nas salas de aulas e congressos pelo Brasil e pelo mundo, que tivemos o privilégio de vivenciar. Os futuros médicos e profissionais da saúde necessitam de ter a habilidade de lidar com todas essas diversidades, respeitando sua cultura e seu modo de vida.
Uma experiência de empoderamento de mulheres na Atenção Primária à Saúde
Authors: Oliveira Carla Luiza , Rodrigues Elisane Adriana Santos , Souza Gislaine Alves de , Silva Jacqueline dos Santos , Dias Josiane Aparecida Silva , Goncalves Leticia , Kind Luciana
Published: August 2012

Este artigo apresenta a análise de uma prática de estágio realizada em um Centro de Saúde, localizado no Distrito Sanitário Norte de Belo Horizonte. O objetivo central da prática era promover iniciativas de mobilização e discussões políticas entre mulheres moradoras da região abrangida pelo centro de saúde. No decorrer dos encontros foram produzidas discussões, tendo como pano de fundo relações de gênero, abordando-se temas como violência, saúde da mulher, divisão de trabalho, valorização das mulheres, construção de papéis sociais e direitos humanos. A prática foi nomeada como “Movimento de Mulheres” pelas próprias integrantes, em um dos encontros iniciais. O trabalho é inspirado em metodologias participativas e na compreensão de grupo como dispositivo, sobretudo no que diz respeito à coconstrução das ações em saúde. Os conceitos de gênero e empoderamento foram norteadores das reflexões e ações. Os encontros ocorreram quinzenalmente, com duração média de uma hora e meia cada. Havia aproximadamente 12 mulheres por encontro entre usuárias, estagiárias e agentes comunitárias de saúde. Como tentativa de articulação, em dois dos encontros esteve presente uma conselheira municipal de saúde, quando se discutiu o papel das mulheres na mobilização social. A prática se revelou como um importante dispositivo de integração, uma vez que aproxima e corresponsabiliza universidade, serviço e comunidade na construção das ações.
Dosimetric Comparison of Robotic and Conventional Linac-Based Stereotactic Lung Irradiation in Early-Stage Lung Cancer
Authors: Atalar B. , Aydin G. , Gungor G. , Caglar H. , Yapici B. , Ozyar E.
Published: August 2012

We aimed to compare dosimetric characteristics of conventional linear accerator-based treatment plans to those created using the robotic CyberKnife® (CK) treatment planning system for patients with early-stage lung cancer. Eight early-stage lung cancer patients treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) using a conventional linac-based (LIN) system were included in this study. New treatment plans were created for the patients with the CK treatment planning system in order to compare the two platforms' dosimetric characteristics. Planning computed tomographies (CT) were obtained in three phases: free-breathing, full exhalation and inhalation. The three GTVs were then added together for internal target volume (ITV) with LIN, whereas no ITV was used for CK. Planning target volumes (PTV) were constituted by adding 5-mm margin to GTV and ITV. Treatment plan was 54 Gy in three fractions. Five-field, seven-field, and dynamic-conformal arc planning techniques were used in LIN plans. Plans were compared according to dose heterogenity (Dmax-maximum dose), volume of 54 Gy (V54) and 27 Gy isodose (V27), conformity index (CI54 and CI27) and lung volumes. PTVs were significantly smaller in CK plans (p = 0.012). Dmax was significantly lower in ARC plans (p = 0.01). Among all plans, CK had significantly tightest isodose shell received 54 Gy and 27 Gy (p = 0.0001). Among LIN plans, V54 was significantly (p = 0.03) smaller in ARC plans; but no difference was observed for V27 values. LIN plans have better plan quality (CI27 and CI54) than CK. No statistically significant difference was observed for lung volumes. CK plans had superior V54 and V27 values compared to LIN plans due to smaller PTV. LIN plans had better CI27 and CI54 values. Advantages of LIN treatment were no neccessity for fiducial marker use, which may cause pneumothorax, and significantly shorter beam-on treatment times. Both CK and LIN methods are suitable for lung SBRT.
B-Spline Registration Based on New Concept of an Intelligent Masking Procedure and GPU Computations for the Head and Neck Adaptive Tomotherapy
Authors: Piotrowski T. , Ryczkowski A. , Kazmierska J.
Published: August 2012

The deformable image registration (DIR) procedure has been optimized for helical tomotherapy. The data on registration shifts obtained on matching planning image with pre-treatment megavoltage CT are used in our software for acceleration of the first step (rigid registration) of the DIR procedure and for implementation of the B-Spline algorithm with intelligent masking. Priorities of the masks were automatically calculated based on disagreement detected during rigid registration. Evaluation tasks included: (a) comparison of accuracy and rate for schemes of pre-registered and non-registered images; (b) qualification of the effectiveness of the intelligent masking process, and (c) determination of acceleration of achievable with GPU computing. A specially designed head and neck phantom used for evaluation included structures with controlled changes of position, volume, density, and shape. Re-contouring procedures were performed with an Adaptive Planning software (Tomotherapy Inc.). No statistical difference was observed in accuracy of DIR based on structure position match on the tomotherapy unit and non pre-registered images (p > 0.7). Using pre-registered data reduces the total time required for execution of the elastic registration procedure by 5%. These data are also necessary for intelligent masking procedure during B-Spine registration. Intelligent masking procedure increases accuracy of the registration for a masked structure (p < 0.04) without decreasing the accuracy in non-masked tissues and additionally reduces the total time by 13%. GPU computations speed up procedure 30 times. GPU computing of the DIR in current status of our investigation could be realized in a relatively short time after pre-treatment imaging. The proposed approach can be used in the routine assessment of anatomic changes occurring in healthy tissue during the course of radiotherapy. Further developments will be concentrated on the full integration of DIR computations in the imaging and treatment process of helical tomotherapy.
Palladium‐Catalyzed C‐2 Selective CH Olefination of Pyridines
Authors: Wen Ping , Li Yanmei , Zhou Kang , Ma Chao , Lan Xiaobo , Ma Chaowei , Huang Guosheng
Published: August 2012

A novel and efficient protocol for the C‐2 selective olefination of pyridines via a palladium‐catalyzed oxidative cross‐coupling reaction has been developed. A wide range of pyridines and olefin substrates including acrylic ester, styrene, and acrylamide are compatible. The products are highly useful building blocks for the synthesis of bioactive alkaloid natural products and drug molecules.
A Polymer‐Supported Chiral Fluorinated Dirhodium(II) Complex for Asymmetric Amination of Silyl Enol Ethers
Authors: Oohara Tadashi , Nambu Hisanori , Anada Masahiro , Takeda Koji , Hashimoto Shunichi
Published: August 2012

The immobilization of dirhodium(II) tetrakis[N‐tetrafluorophthaloyl‐(S)‐tert‐leucinate], [Rh2(S‐TFPTTL)4], has been accomplished by copolymerization of a dirhodium(II) complex‐containing monomer with styrene and 1,6‐bis(4‐vinylbenzyloxy)hexane as a flexible cross‐linker. The polymer‐supported chiral fluorinated dirhodium(II) complex catalyzed the amination of silyl enol ethers with [N‐(2‐nitrophenylsulfonyl)imino]phenyliodinane (NsNIPh) to provide α‐amino ketones in high yields with high levels of enantioselectivity and could be used up to 20 times as the catalyst readily withstood stirring in the presence of the solid reactant.
Characteristics of effective health and safety committees: Survey results
Authors: Morse Tim , Bracker Anne , Warren Nicholas , Goyzueta Jeanette , Cook Matthew
Published: August 2012

Background

Although perhaps the most common worker‐management structure, there has been surprisingly little research on describing and evaluating the characteristics of health and safety committees.

Methods

A survey of 380 health and safety committee members from 176 manufacturing workplaces was supplemented with administrative data and compared with reported workers' compensation rates. Survey respondents also reported perceptions of overall safety, committee, effectiveness, committee activities, and “best practices.”

Results

Extensive descriptive data is presented, including a mean of 8.7 members per committee spending 1,167 hr per year on committee business for an estimate of $40,500 worth of time per committee. Higher speed to correct action items, a focus on ergonomics, and planning for safety training was associated with lower injury rates. The discrepancy between managers and hourly committee members in estimating overall safety was strongly positively associated with injury rates.

Conclusions

Communications and worker involvement may be important to address discrepancy issues. Prospective studies are needed to distinguish directionality of associations. Am. J. Ind. Med. 56:163–179, 2013. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Growth standards of patients with Noonan and Noonan‐like syndromes with mutations in the RAS/MAPK pathway
Authors: Malaquias Alexsandra C. , Brasil Amanda S. , Pereira Alexandre C. , Arnhold Ivo J.P. , Mendonca Berenice B. , Bertola Debora R. , Jorge Alexander A.L.
Published: August 2012

Noonan syndrome (NS) and Noonan‐like syndromes (NLS) are autosomal dominant disorders caused by heterozygous mutations in genes of the RAS/MAPK pathway. The aim of the study was to construct specific growth charts for patients with NS and NLS. Anthropometric measurements (mean of 4.3 measurements per patient) were obtained in a mixed cross‐sectional and longitudinal mode from 127 NS and 10 NLS patients with mutations identified in PTPN11 (n = 90), SOS1 (n = 14), RAF1 (n = 10), KRAS (n = 8), BRAF (n = 11), and SHOC2 (n = 4) genes. Height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) references were constructed using the lambda, mu, sigma (LMS) method. Patients had birth weight and length within normal ranges for gestational age although a higher preterm frequency (16%) was observed. Mean final heights were 157.4 cm [−2.4 standard deviation score (SDS)] and 148.4 cm (−2.2 SDS) for adult males and females, respectively. BMI SDS was lower when compared to Brazilian standards (BMI SDS of −0.9 and −0.5 SDS for males and females, respectively). Patients harboring mutations in RAF1 and SHOC2 gene were shorter than other genotypes, whereas patients with SOS1 and BRAF mutations had more preserved postnatal growth. In addition, patients with RAF1 and BRAF had the highest BMI whereas patients with SHOC2 and KRAS mutations had the lowest BMI. The present study established the first height, weight, and BMI reference curves for NS and NLS patients, based only on patients with a proven molecular cause. These charts can be useful for the clinical follow‐up of patients with NS and NLS. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evanescent matter
Authors: Peebles P.J.E.
Published: August 2012

The ΛCDM cosmology offers a picture for galaxy formation that is broadly promising but difficult to reconcile with the evidence that galaxies were assembled earlier than seems naturally to follow from this cosmology, and that environment has had strikingly little effect on the evolution of ellipticals and pure disk spiral galaxies after assembly. Reconciliation might be aided by adding to ΛCDM evanescent matter that has an evolving mass and a fifth force large enough to aid earlier assembly of more nearly isolated protogalaxies.
Systematic tailoring of water absorption in photopolymerizable (meth)acrylate networks and its effect on mechanical properties
Authors: Lakhera Nishant , Smith Kathryn E. , Frick Carl P.
Published: August 2012

Photopolymerizable (meth)acrylate networks offer several advantages as biomedical materials including their ability to be formed in situ, fast synthesis rates, and tailorable material properties. The objective of this study was to identify how phosphate buffered saline (PBS) absorption affects the thermomechanical properties of a ternary (meth)acrylate network. Copolymers consisting of 2‐hydroxyethyl (meth)acrylate (2HEMA), benzyl acrylate (BZA), and poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PEGDMA; Mn ∼ 750) were synthesized under UV with varying weight ratios of 2HEMA to BZA. Each composition underwent dynamic mechanical analysis, tensile strain‐to‐failure testing, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis, and swelling measurements after 24‐h immersion in PBS. Networks with higher 2HEMA concentrations absorbed larger amounts of PBS resulting in a larger decrease in the glass transition temperature. PBS absorption affects the mechanical properties of BZA‐2HEMA‐PEGDMA networks in a manner dependent upon the amount of PBS absorbed into the network. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Integrating knowledge representation and quantitative modelling in physiology
Authors: de Bono Bernard , Hunter Peter
Published: August 2012

A wealth of potentially shareable resources, such as data and models, is being generated through the study of physiology by computational means. Although in principle the resources generated are reusable, in practice, few can currently be shared. A key reason for this disparity stems from the lack of consistent cataloguing and annotation of these resources in a standardised manner. Here, we outline our vision for applying community‐based modelling standards in support of an automated integration of models across physiological systems and scales. Two key initiatives, the Physiome Project and the European contribution – the Virtual Phsysiological Human Project, have emerged to support this multiscale model integration, and we focus on the role played by two key components of these frameworks, model encoding and semantic metadata annotation. We present examples of biomedical modelling scenarios (the endocrine effect of atrial natriuretic peptide, and the implications of alcohol and glucose toxicity) to illustrate the role that encoding standards and knowledge representation approaches, such as ontologies, could play in the management, searching and visualisation of physiology models, and thus in providing a rational basis for healthcare decisions and contributing towards realising the goal of of personalized medicine.
Usefulness of balloon angioplasty for the right ventricle‐pulmonary artery shunt with the modified norwood procedure
Authors: Ohno Naoki , Ohtsuki Shinichi , Kataoka Koichi , Baba Kenji , Okamoto Yoshio , Kondo Maiko , Sano Shunji , Kasahara Shingo , Honjo Osami , Morishima Tsuneo
Published: August 2012

Objective

We sought to evaluate the efficacy of balloon angioplasty (BA) for severely desaturated patients due to a stenotic right ventricle (RV) to pulmonary artery (PA) shunt following modified Norwood procedure.

Methods

Of 87 patients who underwent a Norwood procedure with the RV‐PA shunt between February 1998 through March 2010, 22 (25%) patients underwent BA. The efficacy of BA was assessed by angiographic measurement of the changes in the internal diameters of the stenotic portions of the shunt, changes in arterial saturation and clinical outcomes.

Results

BA was performed for stenotic RV‐PA shunts following stage I palliation (n = 17, 77%), or those placed as an additional blood source (n = 5, 23%, 3 patients awaiting biventricular repair, 2 patients following stage II palliation). The location of the BA was at the distal anastomosis in 12 (54.5%), proximal anastomosis in 21 (95.4%) and in the mid‐portion of the shunt in 11 (50%) cases. The diameters of these three shunt portions were measured from the anterior–posterior and lateral angiographic images, increasing significantly after BA (p < 0.0001) in all. Arterial saturation significantly improved after BA in all cases (66.5 ± 4.3% to 79.4 ± 3.4%, p < 0.0001). Freedom from reintervention was 100%. All patients underwent subsequent elective planned surgery at an appropriate age with no mortality.

Conclusions

A BA‐alone strategy for a stenotic RV‐PA shunt was effective for all three shunt portions, minimizing shunt‐related premature surgical intervention. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development and preclinical evaluation of a biodegradable ventricular septal defect occluder
Authors: Huang Xin‐miao , Zhu Yu‐feng , Cao Jiang , Hu Jian‐qiang , Bai Yuan , Jiang Hai‐bing , Li Zhao‐feng , Chen Ying , Wang Wei , Qin Yong‐wen
Published: August 2012

Objectives

This study evaluated the feasibility, effectiveness, and safety of a biodegradable (BD) occluder for closure of ventricular septal defect (VSD) in an acute canine model.

Background

All current available VSD occluders are permanent implants which consist of a metal framework and synthetic fabrics. However, the septal occluder in vivo plays the role of a temporary bridge that facilitates the ingrowth of fibrous connective tissue and endothelialization. The ideal occluder may be a temporary scaffold which can be gradually absorbed in vivo and replaced by “native” tissue.

Methods

The BD VSD occluder consists of a polydioxanone (PDO) framework and two pieces of poly‐L‐lactic acid (PLLA) fabrics. Percutaneous transcatheter closure of interventionally created VSDs was performed in 16 dogs using the BD occluders. Follow‐up consisted of electrocardiography, transthoracic echocardiography, and fluoroscopy from 1 week to 24 weeks post‐implantation. Gross pathology and histopathology were obtained at 6, 12, and 24 weeks follow‐up.

Results

Implantation of the BD occluders was successful in 15 animals. The devices became well integrated into the ventricular septum with complete endothelialization at 12 weeks after implantation. After 24 weeks in vivo, the PDO framework of devices was largely absorbed and replaced by the ingrowth of collagenous fibers, and the PLLA fabric within disks was partly degraded. Neither occluder dislocation nor VSD recanalization occurred during follow‐up.

Conclusions

The BD occluder proved safe and effective for VSD closure. This device is characterized by compatible mechanical properties, a fully BD property, and a good match between the degradation of occluder and the healing response of organism. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Are adverse events following an invasive strategy in patients with non‐ST‐segment elevation acute coronary syndromes more frequent at US sites versus Non‐US sites? analysis from the ACUITY trial
Authors: Tobbia Patrick , Brodie Bruce R. , Stuckey Thomas , McLaurin Brent T. , Cox David A. , Fahy Martin , Xu Ke , Mehran Roxana , Stone Gregg W.
Published: August 2012

Objective

To compare outcomes between US and non‐US (OUS) sites in patients with non ST‐elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTEACS) and to evaluate potential reasons for differences in outcomes.

Background

There are little data comparing outcomes at US versus OUS sites in patients with NSTEACS managed with an invasive strategy.

Methods

The ACUITY trial randomized 13,819 patients with NSTEACS in 17 countries to an invasive approach with one of three strategies: (1) heparin plus glycoprotein platelet inhibitors (GPI), (2) bivalirudin plus GPI, or (3) bivalirudin alone.

Results

US patients were more often female, were younger, heavier, and had more diabetes, prior myocardial infarction (MI), and prior bypass surgery. US patients were less often treated with percutaneous coronary intervention but had more frequent drug‐eluting stent use. US patients had lower mortality and higher MI rates at 30 days and 1 year and higher composite ischemic outcome at 30 days. After adjusting for differences in baseline variables, US patients had higher rates of MI and composite ischemic outcome at 30 days and higher rates of MI at 1 year {HR [95% confidence interval (CI)] = 1.36 [1.18–1.56], P < 0.0001} with no differences in mortality. There were no differences in treatment effects comparing bivalirudin with the other strategies between US and OUS sites.

Conclusions

US versus OUS patients with NSTEACS had higher adjusted rates of MI and ischemia. The reasons for these differences are not clear but may be due to unmeasured confounders, different thresholds for event reporting, or valid differences in systems of care which may impact outcomes. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Outcomes of carotid stenting in patients with previous neck radiation
Authors: Cam Akin , Shishehbor Mehdi H. , Bajaj Navkaranbir S. , Ozkan Alper , Bajzer Christopher T. , Kapadia Samir R.
Published: August 2012

Objectives

Our aim was to report outcomes of percutaneous stenting of carotid stenosis in patients with previous neck radiation.

Background

Post‐irradiation carotid disease is often extensive and involves atypical areas. Data regarding outcomes of stenting of these lesions are scarce.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed medical records at our institution from January 1998 through May 2010 to determine baseline characteristics, procedural details, and follow‐up data of patients who underwent stenting of radiation‐associated carotid stenosis.

Results

Our study included 70 patients who underwent a total of 83 procedures. Of these, 47 patients were male (67%), mean age was 66.3 ± 10.6 years. Mean follow‐up was 47.5 months (range from 1 to 155 months). All patients had a history of radiotherapy to the neck area, with laryngeal cancer being the most common reason. Furthermore, 41 patients (58.5%) had previous neck surgery due to malignancies. An embolic protection device was used in 61 (73%) procedures. During the follow‐up, 5 (6%) ipsilateral events among a total of 10 (12.0%) ischemic events were observed. There was 1 intraprocedural stroke (1.2%), but there were no other ischemic event at 30 days and 1‐year post procedure. Mortality was 4.8% during the first 30 days, 8.6% during the first year and 60% at the end of the study. Restenosis was seen in 2 (2.4%) patients at 1 year and in total nine patients (10.8 %) with long‐term follow‐up.

Conclusions

Carotid stenting is a safe and durable treatment option for patients with severe carotid stenosis and neck radiation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Outcomes after primary percutaneous coronary intervention in octogenarians and nonagenarians with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction: From the Western Denmark heart registry
Authors: Antonsen Lisbeth , Jensen Lisette Okkels , Terkelsen Christian Juhl , Tilsted Hans‐Henrik , Junker Anders , Maeng Michael , Hansen Knud Noerregaard , Lassen Jens Flensted , Thuesen Leif , Thayssen Per
Published: August 2012

Background

Elderly patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) constitute a particular risk group in relation to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI).

Objective

We examined the proportion of octogenarians and nonagenarians undergoing PPCI in Western Denmark, and their short‐ and long‐term mortality rates.

Methods

From 2002 to 2009 all consecutive patients ≥80 years with STEMI treated with PPCI were identified in the population based Western Denmark Heart Registry. Cox regression analysis was used to compute hazard ratios, controlling for potential confounding.

Results

A total of 1,322 elderly (1,213 octogenarians and 109 nonagenarians), corresponding to 11.6% of the total PPCI treated STEMI population were treated with PPCI between 2002 and 2009. The annual proportion of octogenarians referred for PPCI increased from n = 52 (6.2%) in 2002 to n = 172 (11.8%) in 2009 (P < 0.01), while it remained unchanged in nonagenarians: n = 6 (0.6%) in 2002 to n = 13 (0.8%) in 2009 (P = ns). For octogenarians and nonagenarians, 30‐day mortality was 17.2% versus 25.8% (log‐rank P = 0.028), 1‐year mortality was 27.6% versus 32.5% (log‐rank P = 0.18) and 5‐year mortality 53.6% versus 57.3% (log‐rank P = 0.087), respectively. Adjusted 30‐day hazard ratio (HR) = 1.59 (95% confidence interval = CI: 1.07–2.36), 1‐year HR = 1.34 (CI: 0.95–1.90), and 5‐year mortality HR = 1.39 (CI: 1.04–1.85) was higher in nonagenarians compared with octogenarians.

Conclusion

The annual proportion of octogenarians with STEMI treated with PPCI doubled from 2002 to 2009, while the proportion of nonagenarians remained unchanged. Although nonagenarians had the highest short‐ and long‐term mortality, we found the outcome acceptable with a 5‐year survival of more than 40% in both groups. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Novel percutaneous transcatheter intervention for refractory active endocarditis as a bridge to surgery–angiovac aspiration system
Authors: Divekar Abhay A. , Scholz Thomas , Fernandez Joss D.
Published: August 2012

Guidelines for the treatment of active right‐sided endocarditis are not well defined. We report the first novel use of an aspiration catheter system for transcatheter therapy of refractory active right sided endocarditis on a bioprosthetic valve in a high‐risk surgical patient as a bridge to surgical intervention. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Carotid artery access for transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Guyton Robert A. , Block Peter C. , Thourani Vinod H. , Lerakis Stamatios , Babaliaros Vasilis
Published: August 2012

We report three patients who had successful transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) via carotid artery access. None were candidates for thoracotomy (including minimal access incisions) and had no other vascular access sites that would accommodate the transcatheter valve sheath. Antegrade carotid perfusion and retrograde insertion of the delivery sheath maintained cerebral blood flow without sequelae. Carotid access for TAVR is an option for unusual patients without other access. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dramatic Specific‐Ion Effect in Supramolecular Hydrogels
Authors: Roy Sangita , Javid Nadeem , Frederix Pim W. J. M. , Lamprou Dimitrios A. , Urquhart Andrew J. , Hunt Neil T. , Halling Peter J. , Ulijn Rein V.
Published: August 2012

We report on a pronounced specific‐ion effect on the intermolecular and chiral organization, supramolecular structure formation, and resulting materials properties for a series of low molecular weight peptide‐based hydrogelators, observed in the presence of simple inorganic salts. This effect was demonstrated using aromatic short peptide amphiphiles, based on fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc). Gel‐phase materials were formed due to molecular self‐assembly, driven by a combination of hydrogen bonding and π‐stacking interactions. Pronounced morphological changes were observed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) for Fmoc‐YL peptide, ranging from dense fibrous networks to spherical aggregates, depending on the type of anions present. The gels formed had variable mechanical properties, with G′ values between 0.8 kPa and 2.4 kPa as determined by rheometry. Spectroscopic analysis provided insights into the differential mode of self‐assembly, which was found to be dictated by the hydrophobic interactions of the fluorenyl component, with comparable H‐bonding patterns observed in each case. The efficiency of the anions in promoting the hydrophobic interactions and thereby self‐assembly was found to be consistent with the Hofmeister anion sequence. Similar effects were observed with other hydrophobic peptides, Fmoc‐VL and Fmoc‐LL. The effect was found to be less pronounced for a less hydrophobic peptide, Fmoc‐AA. To get more insights into the molecular mechanism, the effect of anions on sol–gel equilibrium was investigated, which indicates the observed changes result from the specific‐ion effects on gels structure, rather than on the sol–gel equilibrium. Thus, we demonstrate that, by simply changing the ionic environment, structurally diverse materials can be accessed providing an important design consideration in nanofabrication via molecular self‐assembly.
Schwermetallfreie Aktivatoren chemischer Reaktionen
Authors: Jaenicke Lothar
Published: August 2012

Ein wesentliches Anliegen an heutige Chemiker ist, chemische Reaktionen unter umweltschonenderen Bedingungen auszuführen, als es von ihren Vorgängern seit Alchimistenjahrhunderten gefordert war. Dazu gehört auch, gängige und bewährte Syntheseverfahren mit komplexbildenden oder katalysierenden Schwermetallen so zu modifizieren, dass an deren Stelle in Bindungsart und ‐geometrie äquivalente, harmlosere Leichtatome in Reaktionszentren gesetzt werden. Es ist ganz im Sinn bewährten chemischen Denkens, die homologen Reihen des Periodensystems ins Visier zu nehmen und abzuklopfen.
Der lange Weg zum Makromolekül
Authors: Braun Dietrich
Published: August 2012

Das um 1920 von Hermann Staudinger geprägte Wort “Makromolekül” hat eine lange Vorgeschichte: Ausgehend von dem auf Berzelius zurückgehenden Begriff der Polymerie und der Entwicklung der organischen Chemie im 19. Jahrhundert sowie der Kolloidlehre (Thomas Graham) und der Micellartheorie (Carl Wilhelm von Nägeli) entstanden erst anfangs des 20. Jahrhunderts experimentell gesicherte Vorstellungen über Größe und Bau natürlicher und synthetischer Polymerer. Sie gipfeln in der inzwischen allgemein akzeptierten Erkenntnis, dass synthetische makromolekulare Stoffe aus Gemischen von polymerhomologen Molekülen mit hauptvalenzmäßiger Verknüpfung der sie bildenden Atome bestehen.
Contractile‐ring assembly in fission yeast cytokinesis: Recent advances and new perspectives
Authors: Lee I‐Ju , Coffman Valerie C. , Wu Jian‐Qiu
Published: August 2012

The fission yeastSchizosaccharomyces pombeis an excellent model organism to study cytokinesis. Here, we review recent advances on contractile‐ring assembly in fission yeast. First, we summarize the assembly of cytokinesis nodes, the precursors of a normal contractile ring. IQGAP Rng2 and myosin essential light chain Cdc4 are recruited by the anillin‐like protein Mid1, followed by the addition of other cytokinesis node proteins. Mid1 localization on the plasma membrane is stabilized by interphase node proteins. Second, we discuss proteins and processes that contribute to the search, capture, pull, and release mechanism of contractile‐ring assembly. Actin filaments nucleated by formin Cdc12, the motor activity of myosin‐II, the stiffness of the actin network, and severing of actin filaments by cofilin all play essential roles in contractile‐ring assembly. Finally, we discuss the Mid1‐independent pathway for ring assembly, and the possible mechanisms underlying the ring maturation and constriction. Collectively, we provide an overview of the current understanding of contractile‐ring assembly and uncover future directions in studying cytokinesis in fission yeast. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
G protein‐coupled receptors participate in cytokinesis
Authors: Zhang Xin , Bedigian Anne V. , Wang Wenchao , Eggert Ulrike S.
Published: August 2012

Cytokinesis, the last step during cell division, is a highly coordinated process that involves the relay of signals from both the outside and inside of the cell. We have a basic understanding of how cells regulate internal events, but how cells respond to extracellular cues is less explored. In a systematic RNAi screen of G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) and their effectors, we found that some GPCRs are involved in cytokinesis. RNAi knockdown of these GPCRs caused increased binucleated cell formation, and live cell imaging showed that most formed midbodies but failed at the abscission stage. OR2A4 (olfactory receptor, family 2, subfamily A, member 4) localized to cytokinetic structures in cells and its knockdown caused cytokinesis failure at an earlier stage, likely due to effects on the actin cytoskeleton. Identifying the downstream components that transmit GPCR signals during cytokinesis will be the next step and we show that GIPC1 (GIPC PDZ domain containing family, member 1), an adaptor protein for GPCRs, may play a part. RNAi knockdown of GIPC1 significantly increased binucleated cell formation. Understanding the molecular details of GPCRs and their interaction proteins in cytokinesis regulation will give us important clues about GPCRs signaling as well as how cells communicate with their environment during division. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
Cytokinesis inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Cabernard Clemens
Published: August 2012

Cytokinesis is the process that physically separates two sibling cells, ensuring the proper partitioning of the nuclear and cytoplasmic contents at the end of cell division. Cytokinesis requires a fine‐tuned molecular machinery that has to be assembled with high spatiotemporal precision.Drosophila melanogasteris an ideal model system to investigate this cellular process. Genetic screens performed in spermatocytes, neuroblasts, and Schneider cells revealed numerous evolutionary conserved components. These genetically amenable systems have proven to be very useful to further elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanism of cytokinesis, significantly contributing to our current understanding of this important cellular process. As in other organisms, cytokinesis is largely dependent on the mitotic spindle, providing positional cues for cleavage furrow placement and progression. However, spindle‐independent mechanisms could also be important during special cases of cytokinesis, such as asymmetric cell division. Thus, powerful fly genetics combined with single‐cell analysis, live imaging, and biochemical assays will continue to provide important insights into the mechanism of cytokinesis. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
Curcumin Analogues with Potent and Selective Anti‐proliferative Activity on Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia: Involvement of Accumulated Misfolded Nuclear Receptor Co‐repressor (N‐CoR) Protein as a Basis for Selective Activity
Authors: Tan Kheng‐Lin , Koh Siang‐Boon , Ee Rachel Pui‐Lai , Khan Matiullah , Go Mei‐Lin
Published: August 2012

Curcumin arrests the proliferation of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) cells by stabilizing the misfolded nuclear receptor co‐repressor (N‐CoR) protein, thereby sensitizing APL cells to apoptosis induced by the unfolded protein response. This phenomenon was attributed to inhibition of the proteasomal and protease‐induced breakdown of misfolded N‐CoR by curcumin. Curcumin is, however, a modest inhibitor and affected the viability of APL cells at micromolar concentrations. Modifying curcumin at its conjugated β‐diketone linker and terminal phenyl rings yielded potent congeners with sub‐micromolar growth inhibitory activities which selectively kill APL cells over non‐APL leukemic and nonmalignant cells. Analogues with pronounced APL‐selective anti‐proliferative activities, as observed in representative dibenzylidenecyclohexanones and dibenzylidenecyclopentanones, strongly promoted the accumulation of misfolded and nonfunctional N‐CoR at significantly lower concentrations than their growth inhibitory IC50 values. These compounds also inhibited the human 20S proteasome in an enzyme‐based assay, thus providing convincing support for the prevailing hypothesis that impeding the degradation of N‐CoR is a key mechanistic event contributing to APL cell death.
Quenched Free Energy and Large Deviations for Random Walks in Random Potentials
Authors: Rassoul‐Agha Firas , Seppäläinen Timo , Yilmaz Atilla
Published: August 2012

We study quenched distributions on random walks in a random potential on integer lattices of arbitrary dimension and with an arbitrary finite set of admissible steps. The potential can be unbounded and can depend on a few steps of the walk. Directed, undirected, and stretched polymers, as well as random walk in random environment, are covered. The restriction needed is on the moment of the potential, in relation to the degree of mixing of the ergodic environment. We derive two variational formulas for the limiting quenched free energy and prove a process‐level quenched large deviation principle (LDP) for the empirical measure. As a corollary we obtain LDPs for types of random walks in random environments not covered by earlier results. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Enhancing the Reaction Rates of Morita–Baylis–Hillman Reaction in Heterocyclic Aldehydes by Substitutions
Authors: Kunnikuruvan Sooraj , Batra Sanjay , Nair Nisanth N.
Published: August 2012

The molecular origin of the experimentally observed pronounced difference in the rates of Morita–Baylis–Hillman (MBH) reaction in heterocyclic aldehydes, depending on the position of the formyl group, is investigated herein by using DFT‐based mechanistic studies and free energy computations. These calculations are based on the 1,4‐diazobicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO)‐catalyzed MBH reaction of methyl acrylate with substituted 4‐ and 5‐isoxazolecarbaldehyde, which are slow‐ and fast‐reacting substrates, respectively. As a result of this study, we propose that by tailoring ring substitutions the reactivity of the formyl group for MBH reactions may be enhanced in slow‐reacting heterocyclic aldehydes. This proposition is demonstrated by enhancing the rate of the MBH reaction in 4‐isoxazolecarbaldehyde more than 104‐fold by installing an ester substitution at the C‐3 position. Similarly, the reactivity of the formyl group towards the MBH reaction in substituted 3‐pyrazolecarbaldehyde and pyridinecarbaldehyde is shown to be increased several‐fold by a halo substitution. We also confirm that the reasons for different reactivities of heterocyclic aldehydes and the proposed scheme for improving the reaction rates remains valid for all the three mechanisms proposed for the MBH reaction, namely, Hill–Isaacs, McQuade, and Aggarwal.
Synthesis and Characterization of a (μ‐η2:η2‐Peroxido)dicopper(II) Complex with N,N′,N″‐Triisopropyl‐cis,cis‐1,3,5‐triaminocyclohexane (R3TACH, R = iPr): Selective Preparation of (μ‐η2:η2‐Peroxido)dicopper(II) and Bis(μ‐oxido)dicopper(III) Species Regulated by Substituent Groups
Authors: Matsumoto Jun , Kajita Yuji , Masuda Hideki
Published: August 2012

The new CuI complex of N,N′,N″‐triisopropyl‐cis,cis‐1,3,5‐triaminocyclohexane (iPr3TACH), [Cu(iPr3TACH)(MeCN)](X), immediately reacts with dioxygen at –80 °C to give a (μ‐η2:η2‐peroxido)dicopper(II) complex. This observation is significantly different from the previously reported cases of bis(μ‐oxido)dicopper(III) complexes that were generated by the reaction of copper(I) complexes of other TACH ligands (Et3TACH, iBu3TACH, and Bn3TACH) with dioxygen under the same reaction conditions. Such selective preparations have been explained in terms of the structural specificity provided by the TACH ligands that surround the metal centers. The obtained (μ‐η2:η2‐peroxido)dicopper(II) complex exhibits ortho‐hydroxylation of a phenolate to ortho‐quinone with ca. 50 % yield based on the peroxido intermediate. The bis(μ‐oxido)dicopper(III) complexes with other TACH derivatives are not capable of oxygenation of phenolate. The (μ‐η2:η2‐peroxido)dicopper core is discussed in the context of the reaction mechanism of tyrosinase.
PdII‐Catalyzed Conjugate Addition of Boronic Acids to Ketoglutaconic Esters toward the Synthesis of Functionalized Pyridazin‐3(2H)‐ones with Neuroprotective Activity
Authors: Roscales Silvia , Ortega Andrea , Martín‐Aragón Sagrario , Bermejo‐Bescós Paloma , Csákÿ Aurelio G.
Published: August 2012

The development of the regioselective conjugate addition of boronic acids to ketoglutaconic esters under transition metal catalysis is reported. Among the different catalysts tested for this transformation, the dicationic PdII catalysts generated with Pd(OCOCF3)2, dppben, and HBF4 performed best in terms of yields, regioselectivities and avoidance of Heck‐type by‐products. The resulting 4‐aryl‐2‐oxopentadienoates were transformed into pyridazin‐3(2H)‐ones, potentially useful for the therapy of neurodegenerative diseases. These compounds simultaneously exhibited β‐secretase activity, inhibition of β‐amyloid (βA) aggregation, and disaggregation of pre‐formed βA fibrils, and also had a good scavenging profile for intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Bismuth‐Coated Iridium Microwire Electrode for the Determination of Trace Metals by Anodic Stripping Voltammetry
Authors: Kyrisoglou Christos , Economou Anastasios , Efstathiou Constantinos E.
Published: August 2012

This work reports the utility of an iridium microwire plated in situ with a bismuth film for the simultaneous determination of Pb(II) and Cd(II) by square‐wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV). The experimental variables (concentration of the bismuth plating solution, preconcentration potential, accumulation time) were investigated. The limit of detection was 1 µg L−1 for Pb(II) and 1.5 µg L−1 for Cd(II) (at 300 s of preconcentration) and the % relative standard deviations were lower than 4.9 % and 5.5 %, respectively, at the 20 µg L−1 level (n=8). In addition, a study was made of coating the iridium‐based bismuth‐film microsensor with a film of Nafion for operation in the presence of surfactants. Finally, the electrode was applied to the determination of Pb(II) and Cd(II) in wastewater and tapwater samples.
Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube‐CaCO3 Nanoparticle Composites for the Construction of a Tyrosinase‐Based Amperometric Dopamine Biosensor
Authors: Bujduveanu Magdalena‐Rodica , Yao Wenjuan , Le Goff Alan , Gorgy Karine , Shan Dan , Diao Guo‐Wang , Ungureanu Eleonora‐Mihaela , Cosnier Serge
Published: August 2012

We report the fabrication of a highly sensitive dopamine biosensor based on the entrapment of tyrosinase into CaCO3 nanoparticles at Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube (MWCNT) electrodes. CaCO3 acts as host matrix for tyrosinase and MWCNT provides a highly porous conductive network enhancing the enzyme immobilization and the electrochemical transduction of the enzyme reaction by boosting the amplification phenomenon involved in the biosensing of catechol and dopamine. The comparison of the performance of CaCO3‐tyrosinase electrodes with and without MWCNT film clearly indicates the improvement in sensitivity and maximum current brought by the combination of MWCNTs and inorganic nanomaterials. These nanostructured hybrid bioelectrodes exhibit a high sensitivity for the detection of catechol and dopamine, namely 35.7 A mol−1 L cm−2, the detection limit for dopamine being 15 nmol L−1 with no influence of the presence of interferents, i.e. uric acid and ascorbic acid.
A Nitrite Biosensor Based on the Direct Electron Transfer of Hemoglobin Immobilized on Carboxyl‐Functionalized Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes/Polyimide Composite
Authors: Kou Huanhuan , Jia Lingpu , Wang Chunming , Ye Weichun
Published: August 2012

The high electrically conductive carboxyl‐functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (COOH‐MWCNTs) were used to combine with nonconducting polyimide (PI) to generate a PI/COOH‐MWCNTs membrane. PI served as a matrix to entrap COOH‐MWCNTs and hemoglobin (Hb). COOH‐MWCNTs can improve the conductivity of the composite. The direct electrochemistry measurement indicated that the PI/COOH‐MWCNTs composite enhanced the immobilization of Hb significantly. Besides, the Hb/PI/COOH‐MWCNTs/GCE biosensor possessed excellent electrocatalytic activity for the detection of nitrite. Therefore, PI is a good matrix for Hb immobilization and it has application in sensor construction. This work is promising in the development of sensitive biosensors based on PI/COOH‐MWCNTs composite film.
Preventing acute gut wall damage in infectious diarrhoeas with glycosylated dendrimers
Authors: Teo Ian , Toms Steve M. , Marteyn Benoit , Barata Teresa S. , Simpson Peter , Johnston Karen A. , Schnupf Pamela , Puhar Andrea , Bell Tracey , Tang Chris , Zloh Mire , Matthews Steve , Rendle Phillip M. , Sansonetti Philippe J. , Shaunak Sunil
Published: August 2012

Intestinal pathogens use the host's excessive inflammatory cytokine response, designed to eliminate dangerous bacteria, to disrupt epithelial gut wall integrity and promote their tissue invasion. We sought to develop a non‐antibiotic‐based approach to prevent this injury. Molecular docking studies suggested that glycosylated dendrimers block the TLR4‐MD‐2‐LPS complex, and a 13.6 kDa polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer glucosamine (DG) reduced the induction of human monocyte interleukin (IL)‐6 by Gram‐negative bacteria. In a rabbit model of shigellosis, PAMAM‐DG prevented epithelial gut wall damage and intestinal villous destruction, reduced local IL‐6 and IL‐8 expression, and minimized bacterial invasion. Computational modelling studies identified a 3.3 kDa polypropyletherimine (PETIM)‐DG as the smallest likely bioactive molecule. In human monocytes, high purity PETIM‐DG potently inhibited Shigella Lipid A‐induced IL‐6 expression. In rabbits, PETIM‐DG prevented Shigella‐induced epithelial gut wall damage, reduced local IL‐6 and IL‐8 expression, and minimized bacterial invasion. There was no change in β‐defensin, IL‐10, interferon‐β, transforming growth factor‐β, CD3 or FoxP3 expression. Small and orally delivered DG could be useful for preventing gut wall tissue damage in a wide spectrum of infectious diarrhoeal diseases.

–>See accompanying article http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/emmm.201201668