bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suicide by Fentanyl
Authors: Sutlović Davorka , Definis-Gojanović Marija
Published: October 2007

Suicide by Fentanyl

Fentanyl is a potent, short-acting narcotic analgesic widely used as surgical anaesthetic. This article presents a case in which fentanyl was self-injected by a 41-year old nurse, an employee at the hospital emergency department, who was found dead at home. She had no known history of drug and alcohol abuse. Two syringes, one empty and one filled with a clear liquid, were found near the body, while a needle was stuck into her hand.

Toxicological analysis showed fentanyl poisoning. Fentanyl overdose was declared the cause of death and the manner of death was classified as suicide.

To our knowledge, death due to the intravenous injection of fentanyl has not previously been reported in Croatia.
Contaminants in Fish: Risk-Benefit Considerations
Authors: Costa Lucio
Published: October 2007

Contaminants in Fish: Risk-Benefit Considerations

Fish provide a healthful source of dietary protein and are high in nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids. There is evidence of beneficial effects of fish consumption in coronary heart disease, stroke, age-related macular degeneration, and growth and development. Yet, benefits may be offset by the presence of contaminants, such as methylmercury (MeHg), dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and several other halogenated persistent organic pollutants. MeHg is a known developmental neurotoxicant, as evidenced by several animal studies and episodes of human intoxication in Japan and Iraq. Fish represent the main source of exposure to MeHg for the general population, and large predatory fish (swordfish, tuna) have the highest levels of MeHg contamination. Provisional tolerable weekly intakes of 0.7 μg kg-1 to 1.6 μg kg-1 have been set by regulatory agencies. Concern for contamination of fish with dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs stems from their reported carcinogenicity, immunotoxicity, and reproductive and developmental toxicities. Farmed and wild-caught fish appear to have similar levels of contaminants. Advisories are in place that recommend limited consumption of certain fish in children, pregnant women and women of childbearing age. Careful risk-benefit considerations should foster fish consumption while minimizing exposure to toxic contaminants.
Mechanisms of Organophosphate Toxicity and Detoxication with Emphasis on Studies in Croatia
Authors: Reiner Elsa , Radić Zoran , Simeon-Rudolf Vera
Published: October 2007

Mechanisms of Organophosphate Toxicity and Detoxication with Emphasis on Studies in Croatia

This review comprises studies on the mechanisms of toxicity and detoxication of organophosphorus (OP) compounds done in Croatia in different research areas. One area is the synthesis of antidotes against OP poisoning and their in vivo testing in experimental animals. In vitro studies included in this review focus on the mechanisms of reversible inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), protection of cholinesterases from inhibition by OPs, and reactivation of phosphylated cholinesterases. The third area comprises distribution profiles of BChE and paraoxonase (PON) phenotypes in selected population groups and the detection of OPs and metabolites in humans. Finally, methods are described for the detection of OP compounds in human blood and other media by means of cholinesterase inhibition.
Axonal Degeneration and Neuropathy Target Esterase
Authors: Glynn Paul
Published: October 2007

Axonal Degeneration and Neuropathy Target Esterase

This brief review summarises recent observations which suggest a possible mechanism for organophosphate-induced delayed neuropathy (OPIDN). Neuropathy target esterase (NTE) has been shown to deacylate endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho). Raised levels of PtdCho are present in the brains of swiss cheese/NTE mutant Drosophila together with abnormal membrane structures, axonal and dendritic degeneration and neural cell loss. Similar vacuolated pathology is found in the brains of mice with brain-specific deletion of the NTE gene and, in old age, these mice show clinical and histopathological features of neuropathy resembling those in wild-type mice chronically dosed with tri-ortho-cresylphosphate. It is suggested that OPIDN results from the loss of NTE's phospholipase activity which in turn causes ER malfunction and perturbation of axonal transport and glial-axonal interactions.
Red Blood Cell Acetylcholinesterase and Plasma Butyrylcholinesterase Status: Important Indicators for the Treatment of Patients Poisoned by Organophosphorus Compounds
Authors: Thiermann Horst , Kehe Kai , Steinritz Dirk , Mikler John , Hill Ira , Zilker Thomas , Eyer Peter , Worek Franz
Published: October 2007

Red Blood Cell Acetylcholinesterase and Plasma Butyrylcholinesterase Status: Important Indicators for the Treatment of Patients Poisoned by Organophosphorus Compounds

Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is regarded as the primary toxic mechanism of organophosphorus compounds (OP). Therapeutic strategies are directed to antagonise overstimulation of muscarinic receptors with atropine and to reactivate inhibited AChE with oximes. Reactivation is crucial within the neuromuscular synapse, where atropine is ineffective, since peripheral neuromuscular block eventually leads to respiratory failure. Patients with OP intoxication have to be identified as early as possible.

During an international NBC-defence exercise anesthetised pigs were poisoned with sarin, followed by treatment with atropine and oxime. Blood samples were drawn and red blood cell (RBC)-AChE activity determined with a fielded test system on-site. Within a few minutes the poisoning was verified. After administration of HI-6, RBC-AChE activity increased rapidly. Blood samples were reanalysed in our laboratory in Munich. Almost identical course of the AChE activities was recorded by both systems.

The more comprehensive cholinesterase status was determined in Munich. Oxime administration can be stopped when AChE is aged completely, but has to be continued as long as poison is present in the body and reactivation is possible.

To aid the on-site physician in optimising diagnosis and treatment, a fielded test system should be available to allow rapid determination of the complete cholinesterase status.
Endurance Exercise Training to Improve Economy of Movement of People With Parkinson Disease: Three Case Reports
Authors: Schenkman Margaret , Hall Deborah , Kumar Rajeev , Kohrt Wendy M
Published: October 2007

Background and Purpose

Even early in Parkinson disease (PD), individuals have reduced economy of movement. In this case report, the effects of endurance exercise training are examined on walking economy and other measures for 3 individuals in early and middle stages of PD.

Patients

The patients were 1 woman and 2 men with PD, aged 52 to 72 years, classified at Hoehn and Yahr stages 2 to 2.5.

Intervention

Each patient completed 4 months of supervised endurance exercise training and 12 months of home exercise, with monthly clinic follow-up sessions. Strategies were included to enhance adherence to exercise.

Outcomes

The main outcome measure was economy of movement (rate of oxygen consumption during gait) measured at 4 treadmill speeds. Secondary outcome measures included the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Continuous-Scale Physical Functional Performance Test (CS-PFP), Functional Reach Test (FRT), and Functional Axial Rotation Test (FAR). Economy of movement improved for all 3 patients after 4 months of supervised exercise and remained above baseline at 16 months. Two patients also had scores that were above baseline for UPDRS total score, CS-PFP, FRT, and FAR, even at 16 months.

Discussion and Conclusions

Evidence from these 3 individuals suggests that gains may occur with a treadmill training program that is coupled with specific strategies to enhance adherence to exercise.
Variability in Effective Radiating Area at 1 MHz Affects Ultrasound Treatment Intensity
Authors: Straub Stephen J , Johns Lennart D , Howard Samuel M
Published: October 2007

Background and Purpose

Previous research has indicated that not all ultrasound transducers heat at equal rates; however, the cause of this disparity is unclear. Variability in spatial average intensity (SAI) has been implicated in this disparity at 3 MHz. This variability has not been explored at 1 MHz.

Methods

Sixty-six 5-cm2 ultrasound transducers were purchased from 6 different manufacturers. Transducers were calibrated and assessed for effective radiating area (ERA), total output power, and SAI using standardized measurement techniques.

Results

Total output power values fell within US Food and Drug Administration guidelines, but there were large variations in ERA. The resulting SAI values showed large deviations (−43% to +61%) from the digitally displayed value. Intra-manufacturer SAI values varied up to 53%.

Discussion and Conclusion

Spatial average intensity can vary largely from the values displayed on these ultrasound generators; in a calibrated cohort, this difference is primarily attributable to differences in measured ERA. Patterns of SAI variability within the manufacturer at 1 MHz do not follow previous reports of variability at 3 MHz.
Effects of Intensity of Treadmill Training on Developmental Outcomes and Stepping in Infants With Down Syndrome: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Ulrich Dale A , Lloyd Meghann C , Tiernan Chad W , Looper Julia E , Angulo-Barroso Rosa M
Published: October 2007

Background and Purpose

Infants with Down syndrome (DS) are consistently late walkers. The purpose of this investigation was to test the effects of individualized, progressively more intense treadmill training on developmental outcomes in infants with DS.

Subjects

Thirty infants born with DS were randomly assigned to receive lower-intensity, generalized treadmill training or higher-intensity, individualized training implemented by their parents in their homes.

Methods

Research staff members monitored implementation of training, physical growth, and onset of motor milestones of all infants on a monthly basis.

Results

Infants in the higher-intensity, individualized training group increased their stepping more dramatically over the course of training. Infants in the higher-intensity training group attained most of the motor milestones at an earlier mean age.

Discussion and Conclusion

Treadmill training of infants with DS is an excellent supplement to regularly scheduled physical therapy intervention for the purpose of reducing the delay in the onset of walking.
Clinical implications of the metabolic syndrome
Authors: Ceska Richard
Published: October 2007

The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome among developed countries is rising, and this is largely driven by increasing obesity rates. Central obesity plays a key role in the pathogenesis of the metabolic syndrome: it promotes inflammation, hypertension and dyslipidaemia, and leads to the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus and atherosclerosis. Clinical management should be focused on multifactorial intervention to address all the associated cardiovascular risk factors. The atherogenic mixed dyslipidaemic profile associated with the metabolic syndrome is an important target for intervention to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and premature cardiovascular disease.
Metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes: lipid and physiological consequences
Authors: Chapman M John
Published: October 2007

The metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes are insulin-resistant states which are commonly associated with an atherogenic dyslipidaemia involving mild to moderately elevated triglycerides, a preponderance of small, dense low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles and low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). In addition, there is a spectrum of qualitative changes in the lipoprotein profile, particularly in the functional capacity of HDL to facilitate cellular cholesterol efflux and to protect LDL against oxidative modification. Together, these quantitative and qualitative anomalies promote elevated oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction and inflammation, which drive the development of premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Moreover, recent evidence indicates that this dyslipidaemic profile may play a critical role in the development and progression of diabetic microvascular disease. An integrated therapeutic approach to correct both the quantitative and qualitative changes characteristic of diabetic dyslipidaemia clearly constitutes a priority for reduction of both macrovascular and microvascular risk.
Diabetic retinopathy: treatment and prevention
Authors: Dodson Paul M
Published: October 2007

Diabetic eye disease is the major cause of blindness and vision loss among working-age people in developed countries. Microangiopathy and capillary occlusion underlie the pathogenesis of disease. While laser treatment is regarded as the standard therapy, intensive medical management of glycaemia and hypertension is also a priority in order to reduce the risk of diabetic retinopathy. Recent data have prompted a re-evaluation of the role of lipid-modifying therapy in reducing diabetic retinopathy. The Fenofibrate Intervention for Event Lowering in Diabetes (FIELD) study demonstrated a significant 30% relative reduction in the need for first retinal laser therapy in patients with (predominantly early-stage) type 2 diabetes treated with fenofibrate 200 mg daily, from 5.2% with placebo to 3.6% with fenofibrate, p=0.0003. The benefit of fenofibrate was evident within the first year of treatment. These promising data justify further evaluation of the mechanism and role of fenofibrate, in addition to standard therapy, in the management of diabetic retinopathy.
The role of fenofibrate in clinical practice
Authors: Zambon Alberto , Cusi Kenneth
Published: October 2007

Clinical guidelines highlight the importance of dyslipidaemia management for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. While statins represent the main focus of therapy, there is increasing evidence that the addition of a fibrate such as fenofibrate provides further reduction in risk. Fenofibrate also offers a number of benefits beyond lipid modification; these are mediated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPARα) activation and appear to be independent of effects of glucose and lipid metabolism. Furthermore, as shown by the Fenofibrate Intervention for Event Lowering in Diabetes (FIELD) study, fenofibrate treatment has promising effects in preventing progression of diabetes-related microvascular complications.

PPARα is critical to lipid metabolism in the liver. Recent findings which showed that pioglitazone, a PPARγ agonist with weak PPARα activity, improved fatty liver disease in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes have prompted interest in whether more potent PPARα agonists, such as fenofibrate, may have a role in the management of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The combination of fenofibrate and a statin is well tolerated, with no apparent increase in the risk of myopathy, unlike gemfibrozil-statin combination therapy.

In overview, the available evidence indicates that the combination of fenofibrate with a statin is a useful approach for optimising reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, as well as delaying the progression of diabetes-related microvascular complications. Data are awaited from the ongoing Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) study to evaluate the outcome benefits of this approach.
Sorption and desorption parameters of water or ethanol in light‐cured dental dimethacrylate resins
Authors: Sideridou Irini D. , Karabela Maria M. , Vouvoudi Evagelia Ch. , Papanastasiou Georgios E.
Published: October 2007

Two cycles of sorption/desorption of water or ethanol by light‐cured dental resins of bisphenol A glycol dimethacrylate (Bis‐GMA), bisphenol A ethoxylated dimethacrylate (Bis‐EMA) urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA) triethylene glycol dimethacrylate and decanediol dimethacrylate (D3MA) were studied. The experimental curves mt = f(t) taken for the first water sorption by poly‐Bis‐GMA, poly‐Bis‐EMA and poly‐UDMA showed a maximum. A maximum was also observed in the curve obtained for first sorption of ethanol by poly‐Bis‐GMA. In all other cases, the curves for sorption or desorption of water or ethanol showed Fickian behavior. The experimental data obtained for first sorption of water or ethanol were perfectly fitted to a new proposed equation, which predicts water or ethanol sorption with simultaneous extraction of unreacted the monomer. This equation gave us the possibility for the determination of the diffusion coefficient of the extraction of the unreacted Bis‐GMA during the water and ethanol sorption, as well as the diffusion coefficient of the extraction of the unreacted Bis‐EMA and UDMA during the water sorption. The maximum water or ethanol absorbed at equilibrium and the diffusion coefficient are determined from the second sorption/desorption cycle during which the extraction of the monomer is negligible. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Synthesis and electrochemical properties of phloroglucin‐based ferrocenyl compounds and their application in anion recognition
Authors: Deng Libo , Wang Li , Yu Haojie , Wang Jianjun , Dong Xiaochen , Li Jianhua , Tan Qiaohua , Huo Jia
Published: October 2007

Phloroglucin‐based ferrocenyl compounds, including hyperbranched phloroglucin‐based ferrocenyl polymer and phloroglucin‐based ferrocenyl dendrimer (Generation0), were prepared by a convenient approach. Cyclic voltammograms were used to investigate their electrochemical properties, and we found that the scanning rate and solvent had remarkable effects on electrochemical behavior of the compounds. These compounds showed electrochemical responses to the anions, and a selective recognition for H2PO over other anions was observed. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Molecular insight into mechanism of antimicrobial action of the β‐hairpin peptide arenicin: Specific oligomerization in detergent micelles
Authors: Ovchinnikova Tatiana V. , Shenkarev Zakhar O. , Balandin Sergey V. , Nadezhdin Kirill D. , Paramonov Alexander S. , Kokryakov Vladimir N. , Arseniev Alexander S.
Published: October 2007

Arenicins are 21‐residue cationic antimicrobial peptides isolated from marine polychaeta Arenicola marina. The peptides exhibit potent broad‐spectrum antimicrobial activity. In water solution arenicin‐2 adopts a β‐hairpin conformation, stabilized by one disulfide and nine hydrogen bonds. To determine the propensity for the peptide oligomerization in membrane mimetic systems, the recombinant arenicin‐2 was overexpressed as a fused form in Escherichia coli. The arenicin‐2 oligomerization and intermolecular packing in membrane mimicking environment were investigated using high‐resolution NMR spectroscopy. The present studies show that arenicin‐2 preserves a β‐hairpin structure and forms asymmetric dimers upon incorporation into the dodecylphosphocholine micelle. Two monomers of arenicin‐2 are aligned parallel to each other by the N‐terminal strands of the β‐hairpin (CN↑↑NC type of association). Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis indicated that in environment of anionic SDS micelles the arenicin‐2 might undergo further oligomerization and form tetramers. Our results afford further molecular insight into possible mechanism of antimicrobial action of arenicins. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 89: 455–464, 2008.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Retardation of the unfolding process by single N‐glycosylation of ribonuclease A based on molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Choi Youngjin , Lee Jong Hyun , Hwang Suntae , Kim Joong‐Kwon , Jeong Karpjoo , Jung Seunho
Published: October 2007

The conformational characteristics of glycosylated‐ and unglycosylated bovine pancreatic ribonuclease A (RNaseA) were traced with unfolding molecular dynamics simulations using CHARMM program at 470 K. The glycosylated RNase (Glc_RNase) possesses nearly identical protein structure with RNaseA, differing only by presence of a single acetylglucosamine residue N‐linked to Asn34 in the RNaseA. Attaching of monomeric N‐acetylglucosamine residue to the Asn34 in RNaseA resulted in a change of denaturing process of Glc_RNase. Simulations showed that the unfolding of RNaseA involved significant weakening of nonlocal interactions whereas the glycosylation led Glc_RNase to preserve the nonlocal interactions even in its denatured form. Even in simulations over 8 ns at 470 K, Glc_RNase remained relatively stable as a less denatured conformation. However, conformation of RNaseA was changed to a fully unfolded state before 3 ns of the simulations at 470 K. This difference was due to fact that formation of hydrogen bond bridges and nonlocal contacts induced by the attached N‐acetylglucosamine of Glc_RNase showing in the unfolding simulations. These high‐temperature unfolding MD simulations provided a theoretical basis for the previous experimental work in which Glc_RNase showed slower unfolding kinetics compared with unglycosylated RNaseA, suggesting that single N‐glycosylation induced retardation of unfolding process of the ribonuclease protein. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 89: 114–123, 2008.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Structure‐guided discovery of cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitors
Authors: Fischmann Thierry O. , Hruza Alan , Duca José S. , Ramanathan Lata , Mayhood Todd , Windsor William T. , Le Hung V. , Guzi Timothy J. , Dwyer Michael P. , Paruch Kamil , Doll Ronald J. , Lees Emma , Parry David , Seghezzi Wolfgang , Madison Vincent
Published: October 2007

CDK2 inhibitors containing the related bicyclic heterocycles pyrazolopyrimidines and imidazopyrazines were discovered through high‐throughput screening. Crystal structures of inhibitors with these bicyclic cores and two more related ones show that all but one have a common binding mode featuring two hydrogen bonds (H‐bonds) to the backbone of the kinase hinge region. Even though ab initio computations indicated that the imidazopyrazine core would bind more tightly to the hinge, pyrazolopyrimidines gain an advantage in potency through participation of N4 in an H‐bond network involving two catalytic residues and bridging water molecules. Further insight into inhibitor/CDK2 interactions was gained from analysis of additional crystal structures. Significant gains in potency were obtained by optimizing the fit of hydrophobic substituents to the gatekeeper region of the ATP binding site. The most potent inhibitors have good selectivity. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 89: 372–379, 2008.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Lebendiger Straßenbelag auf Ameisenautobahnen
Authors: Knoll Ulrike
Published: October 2007

Über Stock und über Stein, über Blätter und Wurzeln bahnen sich Treiberameisen ihren Weg durch den Wald – schwer bepackt mit Beute. Um zügig marschieren zu können, bessern einige Arbeiterinnen die Straßen mit ungewöhnlichem Füllmaterial aus: ihrem eigenen Körper.
Management of sporadic and multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 gastrinomas
Authors: Fendrich V , Langer P , Waldmann J , Bartsch D K , Rothmund M
Published: October 2007

Background

Gastrinomas are functional endocrine duodenopancreatic tumours and are responsible for Zollinger–Ellison syndrome (ZES). Clinical presentation, localization techniques and operative management were reviewed.

Methods

An electronic search of the Medline database was undertaken for articles published in English between January 1987 and May 2007. This timeframe was chosen because of the fundamental changes in operative strategy, antisecretory therapy and localization techniques during this period.

Results and conclusion

Most gastrinomas are located in the ‘gastrinoma triangle’, comprising the head of the pancreas, and the first and second parts of the duodenum. Some 20 per cent of gastrinomas occur in association with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) and 50–60 per cent of tumours are malignant at the time of diagnosis. Biochemical evidence justifies operation of which duodenotomy is an essential part. Only complete tumour resection allows 5- and 10-year survival rates of 90 per cent. Pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy may be the procedure of choice for MEN1–ZES.
Surgical approaches to peritonitis
Authors: Boermeester M A
Published: October 2007

Relaparotomy ‘on demand’ advocated
The use of naphthalene‐2,3‐dicarboxaldehyde for the analysis of primary amines using high‐performance liquid chromatography and capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Rammouz Georges , Lacroix Marlène , Garrigues Jean Christophe , Poinsot Véréna , Couderc François
Published: October 2007

This paper reviews analytical methods, instrumental developments and applications for derivatization of primary amines with naphthalene‐2,3‐dicarboxaldehyde using fluorescence and chemiluminescence detection with capillary electrophoresis (CE) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The use of lasers as well as lamps as the excitation source for fluorescence detection is discussed. The detection limit observed with naphthalene‐2,3‐dicarboxaldehyde derivatization is often lower and better than those obtained with other analytical separations and other fluorescent dyes. In addition, this paper describes the crucial points that influence the stability of NDA primary amine derivatives, and summarize the separation, derivatization and migration conditions of the different techniques, with their advantages and drawbacks. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of cell cultures of Taxus wallichiana using direct analysis in real‐time mass spectrometric technique
Authors: Banerjee Suchitra , Madhusudanan K. P. , Khanuja Suman P. S. , Chattopadhyay Sunil K.
Published: October 2007

The applicability of a new mass spectrometric technique, DART (direct analysis in real time) has been studied in the analysis of the calli of Taxus wallichiana. The intact callus samples were directly analyzed by holding them in the gap between the DART source and mass spectrometer for measurements. Five C‐14 oxygenated taxoids were characterized from the analysis of the calli of the Taxus wallichiana almost instantaneously. The confirmation of the structures of the identified taxoids was made through their accurate molecular formula determinations. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of a glucose sensing antibody using weak affinity chromatography
Authors: Engström Henrik A. , Johansson Reine , Koch‐Schmidt Per , Gregorius Klaus , Ohlson Sten , Bergström Maria
Published: October 2007

Continuous monitoring of drug levels and endogenous molecules in biological fluids is a developing research area with many applications. One example is the need to improve life for millions of diabetes mellitus patients by continuously monitoring the glucose level. In order to have a dynamic response, the recognition molecule in a continuous sensor should preferentially have a fast dissociation rate and a dissociation constant in the millimolar range. We have evaluated the monoclonal antibody (mAb) 3F1E8‐A2 for its potential to be used in a future glucose sensor application. The mAb was generated from hybridomas by immunizing mice with 10 kDa dextran (an α1,6‐glucose polymer) with the aim of obtaining mAbs that can recognize the glucose monomer. The mAb was immobilized to macroporous silica and the interaction with dextran‐derived oligosaccharides was evaluated with weak affinity chromatography (WAC). To measure the low affinities between the mAb 3F1E8‐A2 and different monosaccharides, a competitive weak affinity chromatography approach was employed. It was found that the mAb had a higher specificity for glucose compared with other monosaccharides and the dissociation constant (Kd) towards glucose was determined as 18.8 ± 2.6 mm. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changing need for bioanalysis during drug development
Authors: Srinivas Nuggehally R.
Published: October 2007

Recent years have witnessed the introduction of several high‐quality review articles into the literature covering various scientific and technical aspects of bioanalysis, including chirality aspects. Now it is widely accepted that bioanalysis is an integral part of the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic characterization of a novel chemical entity (NCE) from the time of its discovery and during various stages of drug development leading to its market authorization. There is a need for a comprehensive review article that takes into account the changing faces of bioanalysis from the time of inception of an NCE at the discovery stage and as the NCE moves forward in development. This review attempts to cover the versatility in the applicability of bioanalytical aspects with respect to the nature, rigor and available choices of analyses. For ease of understanding, bioanalytical aspects are discussed under sections covering discovery, preclinical and clinical stages. It is intended to give some general thoughts in this area which will form basis of a general framework as to how one would approach bioanalysis from inception (i.e. discovery of a lead molecule) and progressing through various stages of drug development. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of an immunoaffinity extraction column for enrichment of adducts between human serum albumin and hexahydrophthalic anhydride in plasma
Authors: Johannesson Gunvor A. , Kristiansson Monica H. , Jönsson Bo A. G. , Lindh Christian H.
Published: October 2007

An immunoaffinity extraction (IAE) column was prepared for extraction of adducts between human serum albumin (HSA) and hexahydrophthalic anhydride (HHPA). HHPA is a strong sensitizer inducing immunoglobulin E antibodies in vivo. Polyclonal antibodies from a rabbit immunized with keyhole limpet hemocyananin–HHPA conjugate were purified using a Protein A Sepharose gel. To obtain antibodies with optimal affinity towards HHPA–protein adducts, HHPA‐specific antibodies were selected using an N‐hydroxysuccinimide–Sepharose column coupled with albumin–HHPA conjugate. Antibodies eluted from this column at pH 2.2 were selected to prepare the IAE column. The column was evaluated using 2 mL plasma spiked with HSA–HHPA conjugate. The column was eluted with glycine buffer at pH 2.0. The conjugates in the eluate were hydrolyzed to the corresponding HHP acid and quantified by mass spectrometry. The average recovery of HHPA adducts in 11 experiments was 68% with a coefficient of variation (CV) of 7%. The column's capacity to bind protein–HHPA adducts was found to be linear in the range of 0.15–1.2 nmol conjugate. The evaluation showed that the IAE column had adequate affinity towards the HHPA adducts and that the adducts could be extracted with good recovery and precision from a large volume of plasma. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Towards New Organometallic Wires: Tetraruthenium Complexes Bridged by Phenylenevinylene and Vinylpyridine Ligands
Authors: Maurer Jörg , Sarkar Biprajit , Kaim Wolfgang , Winter Rainer F. , Záliš Stanislav
Published: October 2007

The tetranuclear complexes [{(PiPr3)2(CO)ClRu(μ‐CHCHpy)Ru Cl(CO)(PPh3)2}2(μ‐CHCH‐C6H4‐ CHCH‐1,4)] (3 a) and [{(PiPr3)2(CO)ClRu(μ‐CHCHpy)RuCl(CO)(PPh3)2}2(μ‐CHCH‐C6H4‐CHCH‐1,3)] (3 b), which contain vinylpyridine ligands that connect peripheral Ru(PiPr3)2(CO)Cl units to a central divinylphenylene‐bridged diruthenium core, have been prepared and investigated. These complexes, in various oxidation states up to the tetracation level, have been characterized by standard electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical techniques, including IR, UV/Vis/NIR and ESR spectroscopy. A comparison with the results for the vinylpyridine‐bridged dinuclear complex [PiPr3)2(CO)ClRu(μ‐CHCHpy)RuCl(CO)(PPh3)2(CHCHPh)] (6) and the divinylphenylene‐bridged complexes [{(EtOOCpy)(CO)Cl(PPh3)2Ru}2(μ‐CHCH‐C6H4‐CHCH‐1,4)] (8 a) and [{(EtOOCpy)(CO)Cl(PPh3)2Ru}2(μ‐CHCH‐C6H4‐CHCH‐1,3)] (8 b), which represent the outer sections (6) or the inner core (8 a,b) of complexes 3 a,b, and with the mononuclear complex [(EtOOCpy)(CO)(PPh3)2RuCl(CHCHPh)] (7) indicate that every accessible oxidation process is primarily centred on one of the vinyl ligands, with smaller contributions from the metal centres. The experimental results and quantum chemical calculations indicate charge‐ and spin‐delocalization across the central divinylphenylenediruthenium part of 3 a,b or the styrylruthenium unit of 6, but not beyond. The energy gap between the higher lying styryl‐ or divinylphenylenediruthenium‐based and the lower occupied vinylpyridineruthenium‐based orbitals increases in the order 6<3 b<3 a and thus follows the conjugation within the non‐heteroatom‐substituted aromatic vinyl ligand.
Effective Enhancement of Fluorescence Signals in Rotaxane‐Doped Reversible Hydrosol–Gel Systems
Authors: Zhu Liangliang , Ma Xiang , Ji Fengyuan , Wang Qiaochun , Tian He
Published: October 2007

Rotaxane‐based nanoscale architectures have a huge potential to be processed into widely applied devices. In this work, light‐driven rotaxanes with fluorescent chromophores based on α‐cyclodextrin (α‐CyD) have been doped into amphoteric thermoreversible hydrosol–gels to form a new type of disperse system with reversible optical signals. The photoisomerizations with α‐CyD shuttling have been studied by induced circular dichroism (ICD). Compared with their corresponding solutions, the rotaxane‐doped hydrosol–gel systems produce much more obvious fluorescent binary signals.
A Borogermanate with Three‐Dimensional Open‐Framework Layers
Authors: Xiong Ding‐Bang , Zhao Jing‐Tai , Chen Hao‐Hong , Yang Xin‐Xin
Published: October 2007

A layered borogermanate with three‐dimensional microporosity within the layers, K4[B8Ge2O17(OH)2] (monoclinic, space group: C2/c; a=12.095(2), b=6.7979(14), c=19.944(4) Å; β=93.04(3)°; V=1637.6(6) Å3; Z=4), has been synthesized in a flux of potassium borate. Because of its three‐dimensional pore structure and thermal stability, the compound has the potential to eventually form nanocomposites with polymers and to be processed into thin microporous films.
Phosphino‐Aminothiazoline Platinum(II) and Platinum(II)/Gold(I) Complexes: Structural, Chemical and Vapoluminescent Properties
Authors: Pattacini Roberto , Giansante Carlo , Ceroni Paola , Maestri Mauro , Braunstein Pierre
Published: October 2007

Phosphino‐amino‐thiazolines and ‐thiazoles can exist in solution in two tautomeric forms, in which the NH proton involves the endo‐cyclic or exo‐cyclic nitrogen atom. The two tautomers show different reactivities toward alcoholysis; the imino form degrades more rapidly. Their bischelated platinum complexes were studied in the solid state by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. Thus, the unique stereoelectronic features of the [Pt(PNth)] (PNth=diphenylposphino‐aminothiazoline) moiety were revealed. The complex cis‐[Pt(PNth)2] reacts with gold(I) salts to yield dimetallic compounds, the molecular structures of which have been determined by X‐ray diffraction. Solid cis‐[Pt(PNth)2] shows vapoluminescent properties if exposed to alcohol vapors. A combined photophysical and crystallographic investigation has been carried out to clarify the unprecedented rigidochromic role of the alcohol in this phenomenon.
Die Koordinierungsstelle Umwelttechnik im Verein Deutscher Ingenieure – Brückenschlag zwischen Mensch und Technik, Ökologie und Ökonomie
Authors: Subklew Günter , Czernak Peter , Wolfertz Rüdiger
Published: October 2007

Im Jahr 1987 wurde die VDI‐Koordinierungsstelle Umwelttechnik (VDI‐KUT) gegründet, um das umfangreiche Fachwissen der Fachgesellschaften innerhalb des VDI auf dem breiten Sektor der Umwelttechnik zu bündeln. Seit dem Jahr 1999 hat die VDI‐KUT den Status einer VDI‐Fachgesellschaft und betreut mehr als 5000 VDI‐Mitglieder. Sie gliedert sich einerseits in die zwei übergeordneten Fachbereiche „Technisches Management”︁ und „Betriebliche Ressourceneffizienz”︁ mit sieben Fachausschüssen und den entsprechenden Richtlinienausschüssen sowie in die Umwelttechnik‐Arbeitskreise von 42 Bezirksvereinen. Innerhalb des VDI wirkt die VDI‐KUT durch Koordination und Dokumentation des umweltrelevanten Fachwissens der VDI‐Fachgesellschaften. Im nationalen und internationalen Bereich bestehen enge Kontakte und Kooperationsbeziehungen zu zahlreichen Institutionen und Gremien, in die die VDI‐KUT ihre Fachkompetenz als offizieller Vertreter des VDI einbringt. Die in der VDI‐KUT ehrenamtlich tätigen Mitglieder werden fachlich und organisatorisch durch die Geschäftsstelle unterstützt, die auch für die Einbindung in die Gesamtstruktur des VDI verantwortlich zeichnet.
Biologische Abluftreinigung von Druckereiablüften: Optimierung eines Biowäschers
Authors: Dobslaw D. , Dobslaw C. , Fütterer N. , Engesser K.‐H.
Published: October 2007

Beim Bedrucken von Folien in einem Druckereibetrieb treten großvolumige Abluftströme auf, die Ethanol, Butanol sowie Ethoxy‐2‐propanol (EP) enthalten. Diese Abluft wird über einen Biowäscher gereinigt. Bei kontinuierlichem Betrieb tritt jedoch eine Akkumulation von Ethoxy‐2‐propanol im Waschwasser auf. Zusätzlich kommt es in unregelmäßigen Zeitabständen zu einem starken Biomassewachstum auf der Schüttung des Absorbers und somit zu dessen Verstopfung. Beide Probleme sollten einer Lösung zugeführt werden.
Das JUMP‐Tool der Effizienz‐Agentur NRW – Der Sprung zur Produktinnovation
Authors: Niemczyk Michael
Published: October 2007

Seit 2005 stärkt die Effizienz‐Agentur NRW (EFA), Duisburg, mit dem JUMP‐Tool die Methodenkompetenz kleiner und mittlerer Unternehmen in der Produktentwicklung und unterstützt so auch die Konzeption umweltfreundlicherer Produkte. Um die „Umweltgerechte Produktgestaltung”︁ in den Unternehmen zu einem Erfolg werden zu lassen, bedarf es in vielen Fällen der Unterstützung durch externes Fachwissen. Mit dem Beratungsinstrument JUMP‐Tool der EFA wird dieses externe Wissen gezielt und an die Bedürfnisse der Unternehmen angepasst vermittelt. Im Unternehmen wird man sich so über die Auswirkungen der Produkte während des gesamten Lebenszyklus bewusster und kann eine entsprechende Produktverantwortung wahrnehmen.
Prozessintensivierung: Reaktive und membranunterstützte Rektifikation
Authors: Górak A. , Hoffmann A. , Kreis P.
Published: October 2007

Reaktive Trennverfahren sind Prozesse, in denen Reaktion und Trennung simultan in bestimmten Zonen eines Apparates verlaufen. Hybride Trennverfahren bewirken eine Intensivierung bestehender Prozesse durch die Verschaltung von mindestens zwei verschiedenen Grundoperationen. Am Beispiel der Reaktivrektifikation und der membranunterstützten Rektifikation soll in diesem Beitrag gezeigt werden, welchen Stand die Modellierung und Simulation reaktiver und hybrider Trennverfahren erreicht hat. Die Modellvalidierung erfolgt anhand von mehreren Prozessbeispielen.
Color study of Mudejar paintings of the pond found in the palace of “Reales Alcazares” in Seville
Authors: Durán‐Benito A. , Herrera‐Quintero L. K. , Robador‐González M. D. , Pérez‐Rodríguez J. L.
Published: October 2007

The color, chemical composition, and mineralogical phases of the superpositioned layers of materials in the architectural construction elements of the pond found in the middle of the “Patio de las Doncellas” Mudejar style Palace were analyzed during archaeological research on the “Reales Alcazares” palace in Sevilla, southern Spain. This analysis was conducted using visible spectroscopy, Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy coupled with an energy dispersive X‐ray analyzer, and X‐ray diffraction. The aim of this work is to study the color in the ornamentation of the pond by chemical and physical methods, and special attention has been paid to the superposition of materials. The results show that in the 14th century, the pond was covered with a lime mortar finished with a geometric drawing of Mudejar bow manufacture. The pigments used for the paints were made using albero (sedimentary material) that has a very light yellow color and iron oxide and vermilion or cinnabar for the red color. According toRobador et al. [Informe científico‐técnico y arqueológico del “Patio de las Doncellas” del Real Alcázar de Sevilla. ICMSE‐CSIC; 2004. p 80–110], in the 15th century this lime mortar was peaked, and another drawing was applied over it. The pigment used for the black color in the geometric drawing of waves over this last mortar was carbon obtained from burned animal bone. The red color that appears in the surface of the mortar was made with iron oxide and vermilion or cinnabar. The analysis of the paintings proves the two interventions made regarding the pond and the time at which they were made. Moreover, the characterization of pigments has facilitated the choice of materials and colors used to carry out the restoration of this historical building. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 32, 489–495, 2007
Color changes in cyanosis and the significance of congenital dichromasy and lighting
Authors: Dain Stephen
Published: October 2007

There are anecdotal reports of color vision deficient medical practitioners (particularly deuteranopes) having difficulty in recognizing cyanosis. An understanding of the color changes in oxygenated blood has led to a better understanding of the lighting needs for hospitals. Using the same database, this article investigates the propensity for color vision deficient observers to make mistakes with cyanotic patients. The possibilities for helping the observer with appropriate color of lighting are considered. The spectral reflectances of blood at varying oxygenation levels previously reported were used Color Res Appl 1998; 23: 4–17; Lighting 1998; 65: 18–24 to calculate chromaticity and lightness. The direction of the chromaticity change was compared with the protanopic and deuteranopic confusion lines. An attempt was made to identify sources that enhanced color changes for the color deficient. The color change of blood oxygenation is closely aligned with the confusion lines of congenital dichromats (particularly protanopia) showing the potential for difficulty in making this decision. No source could be demonstrated to solve the problem or even reduce it significantly. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 32, 428–432, 2007
An example of sex‐linked color vision differences
Authors: Pardo Pedro J. , Pérez A. L. , Suero M. I.
Published: October 2007

It is well known that men and women may experience, perceptually and cognitively, the appearance of color differently. One of the possible physiological factors underlying these differences is a sexual dimorphism in the gene that encodes the photopigment of the long‐wavelength‐sensitive cones in the retina, manifest in a different frequency of expression in men and women. The present work describes a psychophysical experiment that revealed significant differences in color perception between men and women, and that consequently advises the separate treatment of the two populations. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 32, 433–439, 2007
Chromatic luminance, colorimetric purity, and optimal aperture‐color stimuli
Authors: Pridmore Ralph W.
Published: October 2007

Chromatic luminance (i.e., luminance of a monochromatic color) is the source of all luminance, since achromatic luminance arises only from mixing colors and their chromatic luminances. The ratio of chromatic luminance to total luminance (i.e., chromatic plus achromatic luminance) is known as colorimetric purity, and its measurement has long been problematic for nonspectral hues. Colorimetric purity (pc) is a luminance metric in contrast to excitation purity, which is a chromaticity‐diagram metric approximating saturation. The CIE definition of pc contains a fallacy. CIE defines maximum (1.0) pc for spectral stimuli as monochromatic (i.e., optimal) stimuli, and as the line between spectrum ends for nonspectrals. However, this line has <0.003 lm/W according to CIE colorimetric data and is therefore effectively invisible. It only represents the limit of theoretically attainable colors, and is of no practical use in color reproduction or color appearance. Required is a locus giving optimal rather than invisible nonspectral stimuli. The problem is partly semantic. CIE wisely adopted the term colorimetric purity, rather than the original spectral luminance purity, to permit an equivalent metric for spectrals and nonspectrals, but the parameter of equivalence was never clear. Since 1 pc denotes optimal aperture‐color stimuli for spectrals, arguably 1 pc should denote optimal stimuli consistently for all stimuli. The problem reduces to calculating optimal aperture‐color stimuli (“optimal” in energy efficiency in color‐matching) for nonspectrals, shown to comprise 442 + 613 nm in all CIE illuminants. This remedy merely requires redefinition of 1 pc for nonspectrals as the line 442–613 nm, and gives meaningful pc values over the hue cycle allowing new research of chromatic luminance relations with color appearance. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 32, 469–476, 2007
The feasibility of establishing new color image scales using the magnitude estimation method
Authors: Kuo Wen‐Guey
Published: October 2007

Color image is one of the most important factors in art and design. In general, artists and designers apply their own personal image meanings into their work. However, the image meaning for a specific work is frequently in conflict with those of the general observer. Thus it is necessary and important to derive one set of merit color image scales which can be utilized to predict the color image meanings of works in parallel with the average person's perception and which can also serve as a guide for artists and designers. In this study, the psychophysical method (magnitude estimation method), usually used in visual measurement of color appearance, was employed to attempt to establish new color image scales to evaluate the color image meanings of works matching those of the average person. The results show that new color image scales WIP are developed, and the relativity between the latest color image scales WIP and the color attributes (say Lightness L*, Hue h, and Chroma C*) of the CIELAB color space is also discussed. The total mean value of coefficient of variation for the results of visual assessment in the experiment of evaluating the color image meanings of the 207 color specimens used, in general, is about 36, similar to that for those experiments conducted using the psychological method. Also, a good relationship between the new color image scales and the color attributes of the CIELAB color space can be found. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 32, 463–468, 2007