bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Osteoid osteomas: intraoperative bone scan–assisted resection
Authors: Blaskiewicz Donald J. , Sure Durga R. , Hedequist Daniel J. , Emans John B. , Grant Frederick , Proctor Mark R.
Published: September 2009

Object

Osteoid osteomas (OOs) are benign lesions of the spine, but can cause significant pain and spinal deformity in the pediatric population. They are often surgically elusive, and may require multiple surgical procedures to ensure complete resection. Nuclear medicine intraoperative bone scans (IOBSs) are highly sensitive for lesion localization and verification of complete surgical extirpation.

Methods

A retrospective review of 20 consecutive patients who had undergone resection of a spinal OO at the authors' institution was undertaken. In all cases, IOBSs were used for lesion localization and verification of resection. Postoperative imaging and clinical follow-up were obtained.

Results

The average length of follow-up was 56 months, with a range of 8–156 months. Five patients had undergone a total of 12 unsuccessful prior procedures for resection at other institutions where IOBSs were not used. In these patients, complete resection was accomplished with the use of IOBSs at the authors' institution. Of the 15 patients who presented to this institution with a newly diagnosed OO and who underwent IOBS-assisted resection, 14 had complete resection without recurrence. One patient, however, was found to have a discrete recurrence adjacent to the initial resection bed at the time of follow-up.

Conclusions

Osteoid osteomas are benign lesions of the spine, and complete resection is curative. If resection is incomplete, then recurrence is likely. The IOBS modality is highly sensitive for detecting OO and for guiding complete resection. The IOBS modality should be considered as a first-line surgical adjunct in cases of suspected OO.
Successful treatment of severe cerebral vasospasm following hemorrhage of an arteriovenous malformation
Authors: Pendharkar Arjun V. , Guzman Raphael , Dodd Robert , Cornfield David , Edwards Michael S. B.
Published: September 2009

The authors describe the case of a 13-year-old boy who presented with an intraventricular hemorrhage caused by a left trigonal arteriovenous malformation. After an initial recovery, the patient experienced complete right-sided paresis on posthemorrhage Day 6. Severe cerebral vasospasm was found on MR angiography and confirmed on conventional cerebral angiography. Intraarterial nicardipine injection and balloon angioplasty were successfully performed with improved vasospasm and subsequent neurological recovery. Cerebral vasospasm should be considered in the differential diagnosis for neurological deterioration following an arteriovenous malformation hemorrhage, and aggressive treatment can be administered to prevent ischemia and further neurological deficits.
Atlantal fracture with transverse ligament disruption in a child
Authors: Vilela Marcelo D. , Peterson Eric C.
Published: September 2009

Even though fractures in children with immature spines occur predominantly in the upper cervical spine, isolated C-1 fractures are relatively rare. The fractures in almost all cases reported to date were considered stable due to the presence of the intact transverse ligament. The authors report the case of a young child who sustained a Jefferson fracture and in whom MR imaging revealed disruption of the transverse ligament. Although surgical treatment has been suggested as the treatment of choice for children with unstable atlantoaxial injuries, external immobilization alone allowed a full recovery in the patient with no evidence of instability at follow-up.
Classification of Sperm Whale Clicks (Physeter Macrocephalus) with Gaussian-Kernel-Based Networks
Authors: Van der Schaar Mike , Delory Eric , André Michel
Published: September 2009

With the aim of classifying sperm whales, this report compares two methods that can use Gaussian functions, a radial basis function network, and support vector machines which were trained with two different approaches known as C-SVM and ν-SVM. The methods were tested on data recordings from seven different male sperm whales, six containing single click trains and the seventh containing a complete dive. Both types of classifiers could distinguish between the clicks of the seven different whales, but the SVM seemed to have better generalisation towards unknown data, at the cost of needing more information and slower performance.
Optical Properties of Nitrogen-Substituted Strontium Titanate Thin Films Prepared by Pulsed Laser Deposition
Authors: Marozau Ivan , Shkabko Andrey , Döbeli Max , Lippert Thomas , Logvinovich Dimitri , Mallepell Marc , Schneider Christof  W. , Weidenkaff Anke , Wokaun Alexander
Published: September 2009

Perovskite-type N-substituted SrTiO3 thin films with a preferential (001) orientation were grown by pulsed laser deposition on (001)-oriented MgO and LaAlO3 substrates. Application of N2 or ammonia using a synchronized reactive gas pulse produces SrTiO3-x:Nx films with a nitrogen content of up to 4.1 at.% if prepared with the NH3 gas pulse at a substrate temperature of 720 °C. Incorporating nitrogen in SrTiO3 results in an optical absorption at 370-460 nm associated with localized N(2p) orbitals. The estimated energy of these levels is ≈2.7 eV below the conduction band. In addition, the optical absorption increases gradually with increasing nitrogen content.
Family-centered, Culturally, and Linguistically Competent Care: Essential Components of the Medical Home
Authors: Goode Tawara D. , Haywood Sonja Harris , Wells Nora , Rhee Kyu
Published: September 2009

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Identify compelling reasons to provide care that is family-centered and culturally and linguistically competent.

2.

Explain conceptual frameworks and definitions for family-centered care as well as cultural and linguistic competence.

3.

Demonstrate practical approaches useful at the individual practice level that advance and sustain this type of care.
Spontaneous Spinal Subdural Hematoma: Case Study
Authors: Dampeer Rebecca Anne
Published: September 2009

Spinal cord hematomas are remarkably uncommon. Even more rare are spontaneous spinal subdural hematomas without underlying pathological changes. In some patients, compression of the spinal cord by spinal subdural hematoma has led to acute paraplegia. Spontaneous spinal subdural hematomas occur most often in the thoracic spine and are manifested by sudden back pain that radiates to the upper or lower extremities or to the trunk and variable degrees of motor, sensory, and autonomic disturbances. Clinicians should consider spontaneous spinal subdural hematoma when patients who are taking anticoagulants report back or radicular pain and the development of paraparesis, because early diagnosis is essential for preventing irreversible paralysis. Diagnosis of spontaneous spinal subdural hematoma requires prompt radiological assessment; magnetic resonance imaging is the preferred method. Treatment includes emergent decompressive laminectomy and evacuation of the hematoma to prevent or minimize permanent neurological damage caused by spinal cord compression, ischemia, and spinal cord injury.
Sensitivity of Nursing Home Cost Comparisons to Method of Dementia Diagnosis Ascertainment
Authors: Gruber-Baldini Ann L. , Stuart Bruce , Zuckerman Ilene H. , Hsu Van Doren , Boockvar Kenneth S. , Zimmerman Sheryl , Kittner Steven , Quinn Charlene C. , Hebel J. Richard , May Conrad , Magaziner Jay
Published: September 2009

This study compared the association of differing methods of dementia ascertainment, derived from multiple sources, with nursing home (NH) estimates of prevalence of dementia, length of stay, and costs an understudied issue. Subjects were 2050 new admissions to 59 Maryland NHs, from 1992 to 1995 followed longitudinally for 2 years. Dementia was ascertained at admission from charts, Medicare claims, and expert panel. Overall 59.5% of the sample had some indicator of dementia. The expert panel found a higher prevalence of dementia (48.0%) than chart review (36.9%) or Medicare claims (38.6%). Dementia cases had lower relative average per patient monthly costs, but longer NH length of stay compared to nondementia cases across all methods. The prevalence of dementia varied widely by method of ascertainment, and there was only moderate agreement across methods. However, lower costs for dementia among NH admissions are a robust finding across these methods.
Down memory lane to a better future
Authors: Vorster Jakobus M.
Published: September 2009

In the body of research on an ethics of forgiveness, scholars differ about the place of remembrance in the act of forgiveness. One line of thought follows the argument of the philosopher Nietzsche, who maintained that people cannot live in the present when they are prisoners of the past. Without forgetting, the human species would have to relive the past continuously, and would never live in the present moment. Without forgetting, there can be no future. An opposite opinion follows the argument of Wiesel, who said that he discovered that only memory could help him to reclaim his humanity after the inhumanity of the Holocaust. What is therefore the relation between forgiveness and forgetfulness? This article deals with this question from a Christian ethical perspective. With a biblical-theological hermeneutical model as angle of approach, the investigation focuses on the evidence provided, in this regard, by the institution and meaning of the relevant feasts in the biblical history. These are the Passover, the Feast of the Huts, the Feast of Purim and the Lord’s Supper. The study reaches the conclusion that remembrance is an essential part of forgiveness, and should be a core ingredient in socio-political transition.
Monomer concentration effect on electrochemically modified carbon fiber with poly[1‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐1H‐pyrrole] as microcapacitor electrode
Authors: Sezai Sarac A. , Sezgin Sibel , Ates Murat , Turhan Metehan C.
Published: September 2009

In this study, films of poly[1‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐1H‐pyrrole] [poly(MPPy)] were electrochemically grown on carbon fiber microelectrodes (CFMEs) in 0.05 M of tetraethyl ammonium perchlorate–dichloromethane. The effect of different monomer concentrations (range = 1–10 mM) on electrochemical properties of resulting polymers was characterized by cyclic voltammetry, Fourier transform infrared reflectance‐attenuated total reflection spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. All modified CFMEs were found to have capacitance on the basis of Nyquist, Bode‐magnitude, Bode‐phase, and Admittance plots. An equivalent circuit model of (R(C(R(QR)))(CR)) gave the best fit for all monomer concentrations used. Furthermore, SEM and AFM results showed that poly(MPPy) was formed as a continuous and well‐adhered film onto CFME. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 28:120–130, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.20152
Characterization of combustion‐derived individual fine particulates by computer‐controlled scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Zhang Lian , Yu Dunxi , Yao Hong , Xu Minghou , Wang Qunying , Ninomiya Yoshihiko
Published: September 2009

Particulate matter (PM) emission from the combustion of solid fuels potentially poses a severe threat to the environment. In this article, a novel approach was developed to examine the properties of individual particles in PM. With this method, PM emitted from combustion was first size‐segregated. Subsequently, each size was characterized by computer‐controlled scanning electron microscopy (CCSEM) for both bulk property and single particle analysis. Combustion of bituminous coal, dried sewage sludge (DSS) and their mixture were conducted at 1200°C in a laboratory‐scale drop tube furnace. Three individual sizes smaller than 2.5 μm were investigated. The results indicate that a prior size‐segregation can greatly minimize the particle size contrast and phase contrast on the backscattered images during CCSEM analysis. Consequently, high accuracy can be achieved for quantifying the sub‐micron particles and their inherent volatile metals. Regarding the PM properties as attained, concentrations of volatile metals including Na, K, and Zn have a negative relationship with particle size; they are enriched in the smallest particles around 0.11 μm as studied here. Strong interactions can occur during the cofiring of coal and DSS, leading to the distinct properties of PM emitted from cofiring. The method developed here and results attained from it are helpful for management of the risks relating to PM emission during coal‐fired boilers. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009
The fourth level of social structure in a multi‐level society: ecological and social functions of clans in hamadryas baboons
Authors: Schreier Amy L. , Swedell Larissa
Published: September 2009

Hamadryas baboons are known for their complex, multi‐level social structure consisting of troops, bands, and one‐male units (OMUs) [Kummer, 1968. Social organization of hamadryas baboons. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press. 189p]. Abegglen [1984. On socialization in hamadryas baboons: a field study. Lewisburg, PA: Bucknell University Press. 207p.] observed a fourth level of social structure comprising several OMUs that rested near one another on sleeping cliffs, traveled most closely together during daily foraging, and sometimes traveled as subgroups independently from the rest of the band. Abegglen called these associations “clans” and suggested that they consisted of related males. Here we confirm the existence of clans in a second wild hamadryas population, a band of about 200 baboons at the Filoha site in lowland Ethiopia. During all‐day follows from December 1997 through September 1998 and March 2005 through February 2006, data were collected on activity patterns, social interactions, nearest neighbors, band fissions, and takeovers. Association indices were computed for each dyad of leader males, and results of cluster analyses indicated that in each of the two observation periods this band comprised two large clans ranging in size from 7 to 13 OMUs. All band fissions occurred along clan lines, and most takeovers involved the transfer of females within the same clan. Our results support the notion that clans provide an additional level of flexibility to deal with the sparse distribution of resources in hamadryas habitats. The large clan sizes at Filoha may simply be the largest size that the band can split into and still obtain enough food during periods of food scarcity. Our results also suggest that both male and female relationships play a role in the social cohesion of clans and that males exchange females within clans but not between them. Am. J. Primatol. 71:948–955, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Terpenoid Diversity in the Leaf Essential Oils of Himalayan Lauraceae Species
Authors: Joshi Subhash C. , Padalia Rajendra C. , Bisht Dinesh S. , Mathela Chandra S.
Published: September 2009

The leaf terpenoid compositions of nine Lauraceae species, viz., Neolitsea pallens, Lindera pulcherrima, Dodecadenia grandiflora, Persea duthiei, Persea odoratissima, Persea gamblei, Phoebe lanceolata, Cinnamomum tamala, and Cinnamomum camphora, collected from the Himalayan region (India) were examined by GC, GC/MS, and NMR analyses in order to determine the similarities and differences among their volatile constituents. Furano‐sesquiterpenoids were the principal constituents of N. pallens, L. pulcherrima, and D. grandiflora. (E)‐Nerolidol, limonene, β‐pinene, and α‐pinene were the major constituents of P. duthiei; α‐pinene, sabinene, and β‐caryophyllene were predominant in P. odoratissima, while the oils of P. gamblei and P. lanceolata possessed β‐caryophyllene as common major constituent. C. camphora and C. tamala were marked by the presence of camphor and cinnamaldehyde, respectively. Cluster analysis of the oil composition was carried out in order to discern the differences and similarities within nine species of six genera of Lauraceae.
A New Antimicrobial Fatty Acid from the Calcareous Sponge Paragrantia cf. waguensis
Authors: Tianero Ma. Diarey B. , Hanif Novriyandi , de Voogd Nicole J. , van Soest Rob W. M. , Tanaka Junichi
Published: September 2009

A new acetylenic fatty acid, 1, has been isolated from the title sponge. The structure of the molecule was elucidated to contain an enyne and a thiophene by spectroscopic methods. Compound 1 showed a weak cytotoxic effect against NBT‐T2 rat bladder epithelial cells (IC50>20 μg/ml), and antimicrobial activity with minimal‐inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 64 and 128 μg/ml against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, respectively.
Removal of Anionic Surfactants from Wastewater Using a Constructed Wetland
Authors: Šíma Jan , Havelka Michal , Holcová Veronika
Published: September 2009

Removal of anionic surfactants from municipal wastewater using a constructed wetland with a horizontal subsurface flow was studied in 2007 and 2008. Extraction spectrophotometry with methylene blue served to determine the analyte concentrations in individual samples. The anionic surfactant‐removal efficiency depended on actual conditions, mostly the treated water flow intensity, its temperature, and a redox‐potential gradient in the longitudinal profile of the wetland bed. It increased with decreasing inflow and increasing temperature. The average efficiency was 83.7% in 2007 and 81.7% in 2008; however, values higher than 85% were often determined during the summer period. On the other hand, the efficiencies were usually lower than 80% in winter, especially in periods with intensive precipitation and inflows. The average concentration of anionic surfactants in water taken at the outflow was lower than 0.65 mg/l (expressed as sodium dodecyl sulfate). The most significant fraction of anionic surfactants (almost 50%) was degraded at the beginning (1 m from the inflow zone) of the wetland bed. The rhizosphere aeration via the vegetation roots strongly supported the anionic‐surfactant removal.
Orthogonally Self‐Assembled Multifunctional Block Copolymers
Authors: Ambade Ashootosh V. , Burd Caroline , Higley Mary Nell , Nair Kamlesh P. , Weck Marcus
Published: September 2009

We report the synthesis of telechelic poly(norbornene) and poly(cyclooctene) homopolymers by ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) and their subsequent functionalization and block copolymer formation based on noncovalent interactions. Whereas all the poly(norbornene)s contain either a metal complex or a hydrogen‐bonding moiety along the polymer side‐chains, together with a single hydrogen‐bonding‐based molecular recognition moiety at one terminal end of the polymer chain. These homopolymers allow for the formation of side‐chain‐functionalized AB and ABA block copolymers through self‐assembly. The orthogonal natures of all side‐ and main‐chain self‐assembly events were demonstrated by 1H NMR spectroscopy and isothermal titration calorimetry. The resulting fully functionalized block copolymers are the first copolymers combining both side‐ and main‐chain self‐assembly, thereby providing a high degree of control over copolymer functionalization and architecture and bringing synthetic materials one step closer to the dynamic self‐assembly structures found in nature.
Asymmetric Synthesis of 1,1‐Diarylalkyl Units by a Copper Hydride Catalyzed Reduction: Differentiation Between Two Similar Aryl Substituents
Authors: Yoo Kihyun , Kim Hyohyun , Yun Jaesook
Published: September 2009

An efficient method for the preparation of enantiomerically enriched 1,1‐diarylalkyl units has been developed. The use of copper hydride complexed by the (R)‐1‐[(S)‐2‐diphenylphosphino)ferrocenyl]ethyldicyclohexylphosphine (Josiphos) ligand effects a highly enantioselective conjugate reduction of β,β‐diaryl‐substituted α,β‐unsaturated nitriles with aryl groups of similar steric demand and no secondary coordination site. A range of substrates with meta and para substituents on the aryl group were reduced with good to excellent enantioselectivities (up to 97 % enantiomeric excess (ee)) and this methodology was applied to the formal synthesis of indatraline.
Versatile Photophysical Properties of meso‐Aryl‐Substituted Subporphyrins: Dipolar and Octupolar Charge‐Transfer Interactions
Authors: Easwaramoorthi Shanmugam , Shin Jae‐Yoon , Cho Sung , Kim Pyosang , Inokuma Yasuhide , Tsurumaki Eiji , Osuka Atsuhiro , Kim Dongho
Published: September 2009

Donor–acceptor systems based on subporphyrins with nitro and amino substituents at meta and para positions of the meso‐phenyl groups were synthesized and their photophysical properties have been systematically investigated. These molecules show two types of charge‐transfer interactions, that is, from center to periphery and periphery to center depending on the peripheral substitution, in which the subporphyrin moiety plays a dual role as both donor and acceptor. Based on the solvent‐polarity‐dependent photophysical properties, we have shown that the fluorescence emission of para isomers originates from the solvatochromic, dipolar, symmetry‐broken, and relaxed excited states, whereas the non‐solvatochromic fluorescence of meta isomers is of the octupolar type with false symmetry breaking. The restricted meso‐(4‐aminophenyl) rotation at low temperature prevents the intramolecular charge‐transfer (ICT)‐forming process. The two‐photon absorption (TPA) cross‐section values were determined by photoexcitation at 800 nm in nonpolar toluene and polar acetonitrile solvents to see the effect of ICT on the TPA processes. The large enhancement in the TPA cross‐section value of approximately 3200 GM (1 GM=10−50 cm4 s photon−1) with donor–acceptor substitution has been attributed to the octupolar effect and ICT interactions. A correlation was found between the electron‐donating/‐withdrawing abilities of the peripheral groups and the TPA cross‐section values, that is, p‐aminophenyl>m‐aminophenyl>nitrophenyl. The increased stability of octupolar ICT interactions in highly polar solvents enhances the TPA cross‐section value by a factor of approximately 2 and 4, respectively, for p‐amino‐ and m‐nitrophenyl‐substituted subporphyrins. On the other hand, the stabilization of the symmetry‐broken, dipolar ICT state gives rise to a negligible impact on the TPA processes.
Cooperative Self‐Assembly‐Assisted Formation of Monodisperse Optically Active Spherical and Anisotropic Nanoparticles
Authors: Sun Zaicheng , Bai Feng , Wu Huimeng , Schmitt Samantha K. , Boye Daniel M. , Jiang Zhang , Wang Jin , Fan Hongyou
Published: September 2009

We report a new method in which spontaneous self‐assembly is employed to synthesize monodisperse polymer nanoparticles with controlled size (<50 nm), shape, tunable functionality, and enhanced solvent and thermal stability. Cooperative noncovalent interactions, such as hydrogen bonding and aromatic π–π stacking, assist self‐assembly of amphiphilic macromolecules (polystyrene‐block‐polyvinylpyridine, PSPVP) and structure directing agents (SDAs) to form both spherical and anisotropic solid polymer nanoparticles with SDAs residing in the particle core surrounded by the polymers. Through detailed investigations by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), we have rationalized nanoparticle morphology evolution and dependence on factors such as SDA concentration and PVP size. By keeping the PS chain size constant, the particle morphology progresses from continuous films to spherical particles, and on to cylindrical nanowires or rods with increasing the PVP chain size. The final nanoparticles are very stable and can be redispersed in common solvents to form homogenous solutions and thin films of ordered nanoparticle arrays through solvent evaporation processes. These nanoparticles exhibit tunable fluorescent colors (or emissions) depending on the choices of the central SDAs. Our method is simple and general without requiring complicated synthetic chemistry, stabilizing surfactants, or annealing procedures (e.g., temperature or solvent annealing), making scalable synthesis feasible.
Vocal and locomotor responses of piglets to social isolation and reunion
Authors: Colonnello Valentina , Iacobucci Paolo , Newberry Ruth C.
Published: September 2009

Potentiation of infant isolation calls following a brief reunion with the mother is considered an index of filial bonding in altricial rodents. We investigated potentiation of isolation and reunion responses in 15‐day‐old unweaned domestic piglets (Sus scrofa domesticus). When piglets were re‐isolated following a brief, comforting reunion with their mother and littermates in their home pen, they displayed a persistence (relative potentiation) of calling and jumping. In contrast, when re‐isolated following a brief interaction with their mother or an unfamiliar sow in a familiar or unfamiliar location, or with littermates alone, calling rate and locomotion dropped. Subsequently, piglets spent more time near their mother's face if they had previously interacted with an unfamiliar sow rather than their mother, consistent with maternal recognition. Although we did not detect maternal potentiation as described in altricial rodents, filial attachment bonding was clearly evident in piglet responses, especially during reunions. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 52: 1–12, 2010
Amination of Alcohols Catalyzed by Copper‐Aluminium Hydrotalcite: A Green Synthesis of Amines
Authors: Likhar Pravin R. , Arundhathi Racha , Kantam Mannepalli Lakshmi , Prathima Parvathaneni Sai
Published: September 2009

Copper‐aluminium hydrotalcite (CuAl‐HT)/K2CO3 has been employed in the activation of various benzyl alcohols with benzylamines to afford the corresponding amines in good to high yields. Experimentation showed that the reaction takes place through sequential transformations: the oxidation of alcohols into carbonyl compounds, imine formation between amines and carbonyl compounds, and then reduction ofimines to amines, heterogeneously catalyzed by non‐noble Cu‐Al HT catalyst in a one‐pot and straightforward fashion. The process was further extended to amination of alcohols with anilines, which are often resistant to alkylation reactions when substituted with strong electron‐withdrawing groups. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Three New Sesquiterpenoids from Chrysanthemum indicum L.
Authors: Feng Zi‐Ming , Song Shuang , Xia Peng‐Fei , Jiang Jian‐Shuang , Zhang Pei‐Cheng
Published: September 2009

Phytochemical investigation of the flowers of Chrysanthemum indicum L. led to the isolation of three new sesquiterpenoids, indicumolide A (1), indicumolide B (2), and indicumolide C (3). Their structures were elucidated by various spectroscopic methods.
Two New 11‐Hydroxy‐Substituted Gelsedine‐Type Indole Alkaloids from the Stems of Gelsemium elegans
Authors: Zhang Bin‐Feng , Chou Gui‐Xin , Wang Zheng‐Tao
Published: September 2009

Two new 11‐hydroxy‐substituted gelsedine‐type indole alkaloids, named 11,14‐dihydroxygelsenicine (1) and 11‐hydroxygelsenicine (2), together with six known alkaloids, i.e., koumine, gelsemine, 14‐hydroxygelsenicine, 11‐hydroxyhumantenine, gelsenicine, and (19Z)‐akuammidine, were isolated from the EtOH extract of the stems of Gelsemium elegans Benth. Their structures were determined mainly by means of spectroscopic analyses including HR‐ESI‐MS and 2D‐NMR (HSQC, HMBC, 1H,1H‐COSY). The configuration of 1 was confirmed by X‐ray‐diffraction analysis.
Influence of moisture content on measurement accuracy of porous media thermal conductivity
Authors: Yu Mingzhi , Sui Xiaofeng , Peng Xiaofeng , Fang Zhaohong
Published: September 2009

The thermal conductivity measurement accuracy of sand was experimentally studied with a hot disk thermal constant analyzer and water morphologies, distribution, and evolution at the pore scale were observed with a charge coupled device (CCD) combined with a microscope. It was found that thermal conductivities of samples with low moisture content (<25%) could not be accurately measured. For samples with low moisture content, the analysis showed that the water in the region adjacent to the analyzer sensor mainly existed as isolated liquid bridges between/among sand particles and would evaporate and diffuse to relatively far regions because of being heated by the sensor during measurement. Water evaporation and diffusion caused the sample constitution in the region adjacent to the sensor to vary throughout the whole measurement process, and accordingly induced low accuracy of the obtained thermal conductivities. Due to high water connectivity in pores, the rate of water evaporation and diffusion in porous media of high moisture content was relatively slow when compared with that of low moisture content. Meanwhile, water in the relatively far regions flowed back to the region adjacent to the sensor by capillary force. Therefore, samples consisting of the region adjacent to the sensor maintained the constant and thermal conductivities of porous media with relatively high moisture content and could be measured with high accuracy. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20272
The utility of serum human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) in patients with a pelvic mass
Authors: Montagnana Martina , Lippi Giuseppe , Ruzzenente Orazio , Bresciani Valentina , Danese Elisa , Scevarolli Silvia , Salvagno Gian Luca , Giudici Silvia , Franchi Massimo , Guidi Gian Cesare
Published: September 2009

Aim: Although CA125 is the most widely used cancer marker in the diagnostic approach of pelvic masses in women, its clinical usefulness is limited because it lacks expression of the antigen in the early stages of disease. The human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) is frequently over‐expressed in ovarian cancer, whereas its expression in normal tissues, including the ovary, is low. The aim of this study was to assess the concentration of both HE4 and CA125 in patients with different forms of benign and malign pelvic masses.

Methods: The study population included 99 patients with gynecological cancer (46 ovarian, 39 endometrial, 14 cervical) and 40 affected by benign disease (22 endometriosis and 18 benign ovarian mass). Twelve control subjects were also included in the study. In all the patients, serumsamples were collected on the day before scheduled surgery.

Results: The median CA125 and HE4 serum levels were significantly higher among ovarian cancer patients as compared with healthy subjects and with those with benign mass, cervical, and endometrial tumors. The receiver operating characteristics curve analysis on healthy controls and patients with ovarian cancers revealed that HE4 had a significantly higher area under the curve when compared with CA125 (0.99 vs. 0.91), with a sensibility and specificity of 98 and 100%, respectively.

Conclusions: HE4 seems to be a promising ovarian cancer marker, and its measurement might improve the diagnostic approach to patients with pelvic masses. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 23:331–335, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An improved microalbumin method (µALB_2) with extended analytical measurement range evaluated on the ADVIA® chemistry systems
Authors: Datta Pradip , Dasgupta Amitava
Published: September 2009

Quantitative determination of albumin (ALB) in human urine is important to assess kidney functions in a variety of diseases. Recently, Siemens released an improved Microalbumin assay (µALB_2) to measure urinary ALB on the automated, random access ADVIA 1650/1800, ADVIA 2400, and ADVIA 1200 Chemistry Systems. We evaluated analytical performances of this new method. All ADVIA Chemistry Systems use the same microalbumin reagent packs, µALB_2 calibrators, and commercial controls. The within‐run and total CVs of the improved method with two‐level BioRad Liquichek Urine Chemistry controls (∼2 and 9 mg/dl ALB) and a urine pool (∼29 mg/dl ALB) on all ADVIA Chemistry systems were <4.1 and <6.1%, respectively (40 replicates per sample). The analytical range/linearity of the method (all ADVIA systems) was from 0.3 mg/dl to theALB concentration in the highest level of calibrator (∼38–42 mg/dl). The improved method (µALB_2) on the ADVIA 1650/1800 (y) correlated well with both the Beckman DXC 800 Microalbumin and the old microalbumin method on the ADVIA 1650/1800 analyzers. The improved method showed <10% interference with 16 chemicals from acetaminophen to uric acid that may be present in urine. The improved method has a minimum of 60 days' on‐system stability on all systems with the calibration frequencies of (with/without a Reagent Container insert) 20/30 days (ADVIA1200), 50/60 days (ADVIA1650/1800), and 20/60 days (ADVIA2400). No prozone was observed with the method on any platform up to the highest ALB concentration tested in a sample (4,000 mg/dl). J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 23:314–318, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular epidemiology of human astrovirus and adenovirus serotypes 40/41 strains related to acute diarrhea in Tunisian children
Authors: Sdiri‐Loulizi Khira , Gharbi‐Khelifi Hakima , de Rougemont Alexis , Hassine Mouna , Chouchane Slaheddine , Sakly Nabil , Pothier Pierre , Guédiche Mohamed Neji , Aouni Mahjoub , Ambert‐Balay Katia
Published: September 2009

Human astrovirus (AstV) and adenovirus types 40 and 41 (AdV 40/41) are responsible for epidemic and endemic acute gastroenteritis in children and adults. The present study was designed to evaluate the prevalence and genetic diversity of enteric viruses in children in Tunisia. A total of 788 fecal samples were collected during a 4‐year period in the region of Monastir, from children under 12 years old, hospitalized or presenting in dispensaries with symptoms of acute gastroenteritis. AstV and AdV40/41 were detected by immunoenzymatic methods and confirmed by PCR/RT‐PCR and sequence analysis. Phylogenetic analyses were performed for nucleotide homology with reference strains. AstV and AdV40/41 were characterized as a causative agent in 28 (3.6%) and 18 (2.3%) of the fecal samples, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the AstVs belonged to the serotypes 3 (n = 4; 14.3%) and 1 (n = 24; 85.7%), and the enteric AdVs to the serotypes 40 (n = 1; 5.6%) and 41 (n = 17; 94.4%). This is the first report that describes the molecular epidemiology of AstV and AdV40/41 in Tunisian children. Their respective detection rate was very low, far below that of rotavirus and norovirus. The genetic diversity among these two viruses is relatively limited and varies depending on the area. J. Med. Virol. 81:1895–1902, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Correlation between HIV‐1 seropositivity and prevalence of a γ‐secretase polymorphism in two distinct ethnic populations
Authors: van Loo Karen M.J. , van Schijndel Jessica E. , van Zweeden Martine , van Manen Daniëlle , Trip Mieke D. , Petersen Desiree C. , Schuitemaker Hanneke , Hayes Vanessa M. , Martens Gerard J.M.
Published: September 2009

Susceptibility for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) infection may be influenced by host genetics. Recent findings with a Wistar rat model raised the possibility that the γ‐secretase pathway may be associated with an individual's susceptibility to infection. A functional single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the γ‐secretase component APH1B (Phe217Leu; rs1047552) was therefore analyzed for association with HIV‐1 infection. The SNP showed a tendency for association with HIV‐1 infection in a Xhosa indigenous South African Bantu study (P = 0.087), and associated significantly in a Caucasian Dutch study (P = 0.049). Together, the results suggest a role for the γ‐secretase pathway in susceptibility to HIV‐1 infection. J. Med. Virol. 81:1847–1851, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Emergence and diversity of different HIV‐1 subtypes in South Africa, 2000–2001
Authors: Jacobs G.B. , Loxton A.G. , Laten A. , Robson B. , van Rensburg E. Janse , Engelbrecht S.
Published: September 2009

HIV‐1 is a major health problem in South Africa with an average prevalence rate of 29.1% in pregnant women and between 4.9 and 6.1 million people infected. Using env gp120 V3 serotyping and genotyping techniques 410 patient samples were investigated. Most of the samples were obtained from different clinics in the greater Cape Town area of the Western Cape Province in South Africa. These included an academic hospital, state and private clinics, an informal settlement, sex worker cohorts, and the blood transfusion services. RNA was extracted from plasma samples followed by RT‐PCR and sequencing of the env gp120 V3 region. Sequence fragments were assembled using Sequencher V4.7 and subsequently codon aligned. Distance calculation, tree construction methods, and bootstrap analysis were implemented using MEGA version 4.0. Viral load measurements indicated that HIV‐1 RNA levels from 74 samples were below the assay detection limit. Three hundred thirty‐six samples were used for env PCR and sequencing and 320 were assigned to subtypes. The majority of the sequences were subtyped as C (n = 285, 89.0%). Other subtypes detected were subtype A (n = 10, 3.1%); subtype B (n = 22, 6.8%); one each of subtypes F1, G, U, and a CH recombinant. Whether this diversity will have major implications for HIV‐1 evolution and vaccine development in this region remains undetermined. J. Med. Virol. 81:1852–1859, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence of persistent and latent viruses in untreated patients infected with HIV‐1 from Ghana, West Africa
Authors: Compston Lara Isobel , Li Chengyao , Sarkodie Francis , Owusu‐Ofori Shirley , Opare‐Sem Ohene , Allain Jean‐Pierre
Published: September 2009

Only limited epidemiological data, pertaining to the prevalence of common persistent viruses has been reported in Ghana. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of persistent viruses in individuals with untreated HIV‐1 infection and uninfected blood donors. Paired plasma and cellular samples from HIV‐negative blood donors, asymptomatic HIV and symptomatic/AIDS cohorts were screened by multiplex PCR then qPCR for parvovirus B19 (B19V), hepatitis B virus (HBV), GB virus‐C (GBV‐C), cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), human herpesvirus‐8 (HHV‐8) and varicella‐zoster virus (VZV). IgG antibodies specific to each target virus were tested to determine exposure rates. No evidence of viraemia was found for B19V and VZV in any group. Prevalence of GBV‐C plasma viraemia was significantly higher in asymptomatic and symptomatic HIV infection (16.7%) and (16.2%) than in blood donors (4%) P < 0.005. Occult HBV infection was significantly more frequent in symptomatic HIV infection (10.9%) compared to asymptomatic HIV (3.6%) and blood donors (1.6%) P < 0.005. Although there was a high background of EBV viraemia in cellular fractions of blood donors (8.3%), it was significantly higher in asymptomatic (44.6%) and symptomatic HIV (14.6%) P < 0.0001. For CMV, the significantly increased prevalence of viraemia was only observed in the plasma fraction of the symptomatic HIV‐1/AIDS patients (7.6%) compared to asymptomatic individuals (1.8%) and blood donors (0.8%) P ≤ 0.001. The background seroprevalence in blood donors was high for B19V (≥64%), HBV (≥70%), CMV and EBV (≥90%) and was significantly increased in HIV infections for HBV, CMV, VZV (symptomatic HIV), and HHV‐8 (asymptomatic and symptomatic HIV). J. Med. Virol. 81:1860–1868, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase and calcium channels mediate signaling in depolarization‐induced activation of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma coactivator‐1α in neurons
Authors: Liang Huan Ling , Dhar Shilpa S. , Wong‐Riley Margaret T.T.
Published: September 2009

Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma coactivator 1α (PGC‐1α) coactivates a number of transcription factors critical for mitochondrial biogenesis. Previously, we found that the expression of PGC‐1α is governed by neuronal activity, but the signaling mechanism is poorly understood. The present study aimed at testing our hypothesis that depolarizing activation of PGC‐1α in neurons is mediated by p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and calcium channels. Cultured primary neurons and N2a cells were depolarized with 20 mM KCl for varying times, and increases in PGC‐1α mRNA and protein levels were found after 0.5 and 1 hr of stimulation, respectively. These levels returned to those of controls after the withdrawal of KCl. Significantly, 15 min of KCl stimulation induced an up‐regulation of both p38 MAPK and phosphorylated p38 MAPK that were suppressed by 30 min of pretreatment with SB203580, a blocker of p38 MAPK that also blocked the up‐regulation of PGC‐1α by KCl. Likewise, 30 min of pretreatment with nifedipine, a calcium channel blocker, also prevented the up‐regulation of PGC‐1α mRNA and proteins by KCl. Furthermore, a knockdown of p38 MAPK with small interference hairpin RNA significantly suppressed PGC‐1α mRNA and protein levels. Our results indicate that both p38 MAPK and calcium play important roles in mediating signaling in depolarization‐induced activation of PGC‐1α at the protein and message levels in neurons. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Protective effects of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors γ coactivator‐1α against neuronal cell death in the hippocampal CA1 subfield after transient global ischemia
Authors: Chen Shang‐Der , Lin Tsu‐Kung , Yang Ding‐I , Lee Su‐Ying , Shaw Fu‐Zen , Liou Chia‐Wei , Chuang Yao‐Chung
Published: September 2009

Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors γ coactivator‐1α (PGC‐1α) may regulate the mitochondrial antioxidant defense system under many neuropathological settings. However, the exact role of PGC‐1α in ischemic brain damage is still under debate. Based on an experimental model of transient global ischemia (TGI), this study evaluated the hypothesis that the activation of PGC‐1α signaling pathway protects hippocampal CA1 neurons against delayed neuronal death after TGI. In Sprague‐Dawley rats, significantly increased content of oxidized proteins in the hippocampal CA1 tissue was observed as early as 30 min after TGI, followed by augmentation of PGC‐1α expression at 1 hr. Expression of uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) and superoxide dismutases 2 (SOD2) in the hippocampal CA1 neurons was upregulated 4–48 hr after TGI. In addition, knock‐down of PGC‐1α expression by pretreatment with a specific antisense oligodeoxynucleotide in the hippocampal CA1 subfield downregulated the expression of UCP2 and SOD2 with resultant exacerbation of oxidative stress and augmentation of delayed neuronal cell death in the hippocampus after TGI. Overall, our results indicate that PGC‐1α is induced by cerebral ischemia leading to upregulation of UCP2 and SOD2, thereby providing a neuroprotective effect against ischemic brain injury in the hippocampus by ameliorating oxidative stress. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Decreased levels of PSD95 and two associated proteins and increased levels of BCl2 and caspase 3 in hippocampus from subjects with amnestic mild cognitive impairment: Insights into their potential roles for loss of synapses and memory, accumulation of Aβ, and neurodegeneration in a prodromal stage of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Sultana Rukhsana , Banks William A. , Butterfield D. Allan
Published: September 2009

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and is pathologically characterized by senile plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, synaptic disruption and loss, and progressive neuronal deficits. The exact mechanism(s) of AD pathogenesis largely remain unknown. With advances in technology diagnosis of a pre‐AD stage referred to as amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has become possible. Amnestic MCI is characterized clinically by memory deficit, but normal activities of daily living and no dementia. In the present study, compared to controls, we observed in hippocampus from subjects with MCI a significantly decreased level of PSD95, a key synaptic protein, and also decreased levels of two proteins associated with PSD95, the N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor, subunit 2A (NR2A) and the low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐1 (LRP1). PSD95 and NR2A are involved in long‐term potentiation, a key component of memory formation, and LRP1 is involved in efflux of amyloid beta‐peptide (1‐42). Aβ (1‐42) conceivably is critical to the pathogenesis of MCI and AD, including the oxidative stress under which brain in both conditions exist. The data obtained from the current study suggest a possible involvement of these proteins in synaptic alterations, apoptosis and consequent decrements in learning and memory associated with the progression of MCI to AD. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Overexpression of aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A1 reduces oxidation‐induced toxicity in SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells
Authors: Zhang M. , Shoeb M. , Goswamy J. , Liu P. , Xiao T.L. , Hogan D. , Campbell G.A. , Ansari N.H.
Published: September 2009

Oxidative stress leading to lipid peroxidation is a problem in neurodegenerative diseases, because the brain is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids and low in endogenous antioxidants. One of the most toxic byproducts of lipid peroxidation, 4‐hydroxynonenal (HNE), is implicated in oxidative stress‐induced damage in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In this study, the human neuroblastoma cell line SH‐SY5Y was used to test the protective effects of increasing the detoxification of HNE by overexpressing the HNE‐detoxifying enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A1 (ALDH1). Overexpression of ALDH1 in the SH‐SY5Y cells acts to reduce production of protein–HNE adducts and activation of caspase‐3. Our data suggest that detoxification of HNE could be therapeutic in preventing some of the toxic disruptions of the brain's redox systems found in many neurodegenerative diseases. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cystatin C and parenchymal thickness/kidney length ratio in Wilms tumor survivors
Authors: Stefanowicz Joanna , Kosiak Mateusz , Kosiak Wojciech , Korbus‐Kosiak Anna , Sierota Danuta , Owczuk Radoslaw
Published: September 2009

Background

This study presents a clinical, biochemical, and sonographic evaluation of single kidneys in Wilms tumor survivors.

Procedure

The function of single kidneys in 26 Wilms tumor survivors (mean age, 11.17 years; mean follow‐up, 7.09 years) was evaluated using cystatin C (CysC) levels and compared to serum creatinine concentration and glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), the latter of which was estimated by the Schwartz formula. The length of the kidney, the resistance index (RI) of the renal vessels, and the parenchymal thickness/kidney length ratio (PT/KL) were evaluated by sonographic examination.

Results

Group A (n = 15) consisted of children with normal CysC levels, and group B (n = 11) consisted of children with CysC over 0.95 mg/L. No differences were observed between the groups in creatinine concentration, age, follow‐up evaluation, age at the time of diagnosis, or kidney size. Children with elevated CysC had statistically lower eGFR (P = 0.02) and PT/KL (P = 0.0065). The correlation rate between CysC and PT/KL in all children was −0.38. Kidney hypertrophy was observed in 23 children and was correlated with CysC (group A, R = 0.46; group B, R = 0.4; P < 0.05). RI was normal in all individuals.

Conclusions

CysC levels may be elevated in people with normal GFR. Hypertrophy of a single kidney increases with deteriorating kidney function. PT/KL should be verified in future studies as a sonographic marker of kidney impairment. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010; 54:41–46. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.