bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Congenital corneal staphyloma as a complication of Kabuki syndrome
Authors: Tanaka Ryuma , Takenouchi Toshiki , Uchida Keiko , Sato Takeshi , Fukushima Hiroyuki , Yoshihashi Hiroshi , Takahashi Takao , Tsubota Kazuo , Kosaki Kenjiro
Published: July 2012

Kabuki syndrome has long been clinically defined based mainly on its characteristic eye features. The recent discovery of MLL2 as a causative gene of Kabuki syndrome has enabled the extreme end of the phenotype to be explored. We herein report on two patients with striking visible congenital staphyloma at birth. A diagnosis of Kabuki syndrome was subsequently made in both patients based on a constellation of characteristic eye features, cardiac abnormalities and severe developmental delay, and finally by the confirmation of MLL2 mutations. In conclusion, congenital corneal staphyloma is a complication of Kabuki syndrome with MLL2 mutations. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cognition in nephropathic cystinosis: Pattern of expression in heterozygous carriers
Authors: Niemiec Stephen , Ballantyne Angela , Trauner Doris A.
Published: July 2012

Individuals with cystinosis exhibit specific cognitive deficits in visual spatial function. The purpose of the current study was to examine if obligate heterozygotes of the CTNS mutation have the same pattern of cognitive functioning seen in homozygotes, namely aberrant visual‐spatial functioning against a background of relatively intact visual‐perceptual functioning and overall cognitive ability. Study participants were 254 adults (100 heterozygotes and 154 controls), ages 17 years 10 months through 74 years 9 months. Tests of intelligence, visual perceptual, and visual spatial functioning were administered. Our results showed that cystinosis heterozygotes demonstrated intelligence within the normal range, and performed similarly to controls on tests of visual‐perceptual ability. In contrast, the heterozygotes performed significantly more poorly on each of the visual‐spatial tests when compared to controls. Obligate heterozygotes for the CTNS mutation display a similar pattern of visual processing decrements as do individuals with cystinosis. Namely, carriers demonstrate relative weaknesses in visual‐spatial processing, while maintaining normal visual perceptual ability and intelligence in the normal range. The visual spatial decrements in heterozygotes were not as marked as those found in individuals with cystinosis, suggesting a gene dosing effect. This study provides an impetus for other studies of gene–behavior relationships in recessive disorders, and may stimulate further interest in the role of aberrant genes on “individual differences” in behavior. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Microduplication of 3p25.2 encompassing RAF1 associated with congenital heart disease suggestive of Noonan syndrome
Authors: Luo Cheng , Yang Yi‐Feng , Yin Bang‐Liang , Chen Jin‐Lan , Huang Can , Zhang Wei‐Zhi , Wang Jian , Zhang Hong , Yang Jin‐Fu , Tan Zhi‐Ping
Published: July 2012

Noonan syndrome (NS) is a clinically variable and genetically heterogeneous disorder with congenital heart defects (CHD), short stature, and craniofacial dysmorphisms. Gain‐of‐function mutations in RAF1 can cause NS and the highly related NS with multiple lentigines (previously known as LEOPARD syndrome). Here we report on a 15‐year‐old male with NS phenotype: short stature, heart defects, low posterior hairline, facial malformations, malformed left ear with sensorineural hearing loss, widely spaced nipples, and unilateral upper limb anomaly. Using high‐resolution SNP array technology, we identified in this patient a 0.25 Mb microduplication at 3p25.2 in which RAF1 is located. Sequence analysis did not identify mutations in genes associated with Holt‐Oram syndrome. These findings suggest that duplications of genomic regions encompassing RAF1 could cause NS and are consistent with the notion that rare copy number variations encompassing causative genes may underlie a small percentage of patients with syndromic CHD like NS. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
DPAGT1‐CDG: Report of a patient with fetal hypokinesia phenotype
Authors: Carrera Ignacio Arroyo , Matthijs Gert , Perez Belen , Cerdá Celia Pérez
Published: July 2012

Congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) are due to either defects in the synthesis of the glycan moiety of glycoproteins or glycolipids and in the attachment of the glycans to proteins and lipids. Some 50 CDG have been identified. They represent a challenge for clinicians because most are multisystem diseases with a heterogeneous spectrum of clinical manifestations with involvement of any organ and system. We report on a patient with a mutation in the glycosyltransferase encoded by the DPAGT1 gene, an infrequent CDG. He showed severe fetal hypokinesia phenotype with decreased fetal movements and polyhydramnios. At birth he showed decreased facial expression, without nasolabial folds, soft long ears, U‐shaped vermilion of the upper lip, thick skin, hypertrichosis, camptodactyly, moderate multiple contractures, hypotonia and severe hypokinesia, no spontaneous movements, and very limited movements with stimuli; he died at 1½ months. Isoelectrofocusing of serum transferrin showed a type 1 pattern with increased asialo‐ and disialotransferrin. The study of the DPAGT1 gene showed he was a compound heterozygote for two novel point missense mutations [c.901C > T] + [c.1094T > G]. This phenotype expands the clinical features of the few DPATG1‐CDG patients reported. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Microarray comparative genomic hybridization and cytogenetic characterization of tissue‐specific mosaicism in three patients
Authors: Repnikova Elena A. , Astbury Caroline , Reshmi Shalini C. , Ramsey Sarah N. , Atkin Joan F. , Thrush Devon Lamb , Mitchell Anna L. , Pyatt Robert E. , Reber Kristina , Slavin Thomas , Gastier‐Foster Julie M.
Published: July 2012

The presence of more than one cell line in an individual may often be missed by classical cytogenetic analysis due to a low percentage of affected cells or analysis of cells from an unaffected or less affected germ layer. Array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) from whole blood or tissue is an important adjunct to standard karyotyping due to its ability to detect genomic imbalances that are below the resolution of karyotype analysis. We report results from three unrelated patients in whom aCGH revealed mosaicism not identified by peripheral blood chromosome analysis. This study further illustrates the important application of aCGH in detecting tissue‐specific mosaicism, thereby leading to an improvement in the ability to provide a diagnosis for patients with normal chromosome analysis and dysmorphic features, congenital anomalies, and/or developmental delay. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A family with radio‐ulnar synostosis, scoliosis, and thick vermilion of lips: A novel syndrome or variant of Giuffrè–Tsukahara syndrome?
Authors: Zhu Yimin , Jin Ke , Mei Haibo , Li Liping , Liu Zheng , Yang Yongjia , Tang Jingsong , He Xielin , Zhao Rui , He Xinyu
Published: July 2012

We report on a three‐generation Chinese family presenting with a recognizable condition consisting of radio‐ulnar synostosis, short stature, scoliosis, distinctive craniofacial features (thick vermilion to the lips, prominent eyes, and flat malar region), and a shortened and thickened femur neck. The inheritance of the trait was presumably autosomal dominant. The lack of microcephaly in the family suggested a variant of Giuffè–Tsukahara syndrome but could represent variability © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Management of pain and fatigue in the joint hypermobility syndrome (a.k.a. Ehlers–Danlos syndrome, hypermobility type): Principles and proposal for a multidisciplinary approach
Authors: Castori Marco , Morlino Silvia , Celletti Claudia , Celli Mauro , Morrone Aldo , Colombi Marina , Camerota Filippo , Grammatico Paola
Published: July 2012

Joint hypermobility syndrome (JHS), or Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (EDS) hypermobility type (EDS‐HT), is a underdiagnosed heritable connective tissue disorder characterized by generalized joint hypermobility and a wide range of visceral, pelvic, neurologic, and cognitive dysfunctions. Deterioration of quality of life is mainly associated with pain and fatigue. Except for the recognized effectiveness of physiotherapy for some musculoskeletal features, there are no standardized guidelines for the assessment and treatment of pain and fatigue. In this work, a practical classification of pain presentations and factors contributing in generating painful sensations in JHS/EDS‐HT is proposed. Pain can be topographically classified in articular limb (acute/subacute and chronic), muscular limb (myofascial and fibromyalgia), neuropathic limb, back/neck, abdominal and pelvic pain, and headache. For selected forms of pain, specific predisposing characteristics are outlined. Fatigue appears as the result of multiple factors, including muscle weakness, respiratory insufficiency, unrefreshing sleep, dysautonomia, intestinal malabsorption, reactive depression/anxiety, and excessive use of analgesics. A set of lifestyle recommendations to instruct patients as well as specific investigations aimed at characterizing pain and fatigue are identified. Available treatment options are discussed in the set of a structured multidisciplinary approach based on reliable outcome tools. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Antibody deficiency in adults with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome
Authors: Björk Aron H. , Óskarsdóttir Sólveig , Andersson Bengt A. , Friman Vanda
Published: July 2012

There are limited data on immunological disorders, infection profile, and autoimmunity among adults with the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) in the literature. To expand this knowledge base, we evaluated immunoglobulin levels, lymphocyte subsets, and T‐cell function in 26 adults, consecutively referred to our 22q11.2DS multidisciplinary team. Their medical records were also reviewed with respect to frequency and severity of infections and autoimmune disorders. Six patients had low immunoglobulin levels; among these patients, one had a combined IgA and IgG1 deficiency, one had an isolated IgG3 deficiency, and four had a profound antibody deficiency comparable to common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). Three of the patients with profound antibody deficiency showed signs of reduced T‐cell function measured as a low response to mitogen and/or antigen stimulation. The four patients with profound antibody deficiency suffered from more severe infections than the rest of the patient group. Three of them also had a history of both immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AHA). Our results suggest that a subgroup of individuals with 22q11.2DS can develop a severe antibody deficiency associated with lower respiratory tract infections and autoimmune conditions. Early diagnosis of hypogammaglobulinemia among these individuals is important in order to provide optimal treatment. We therefore recommend an immunological evaluation and follow‐up among adults with 22q11.2DS who have a history of autoimmune conditions or recurrent infections. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Immunodeficiency, centromeric instability, facial anomalies (ICF) syndrome, due to ZBTB24 mutations, presenting with large cerebral cyst
Authors: Cerbone Manuela , Wang Jun , Van der Maarel Silvère M. , D'Amico Alessandra , D'Agostino Antonio , Romano Alfonso , Brunetti‐Pierri Nicola
Published: July 2012

The immunodeficiency, centromeric instability, facial anomalies (ICF) syndrome is an autosomal recessive disease presenting with immunodeficiency secondary to hypo‐ or agamma‐globulinemia, developmental delay, and facial anomalies. Centromeric instability is the cytogenetic hallmark of the disorder which results from targeted chromosomal rearrangements related to a genomic methylation defect. We describe a patient carrying a homozygous mutation of the ZBTB24 gene, which has been recently shown to be responsible for ICF syndrome type 2. Our patient presented with intellectual disability, multiple café‐au‐lait spots, and a large cerebral arachnoidal cyst. Although laboratory signs of impaired immune function, such as reduced serum IgM were detected, our patient did not present clinical manifestations of immunodeficiency. Brain malformations abnormalities have not been reported so far in ICF syndrome and it can be speculated that ZBTB24 mutations may alter cerebral development. Nevertheless, we cannot rule out that the presence of the cerebral cyst in the patient is coincidental. In summary, our patient illustrates that clinical evidence of immunodeficiency is not a universal feature of ICF2 syndrome type 2 and suggests that brain malformations may be present in other ICF cases. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Crania with mutilated facial skeletons: A new ritual treatment in an early Pre‐Pottery Neolithic B cranial cache at Tell Qarassa North (South Syria)
Authors: Santana Jonathan , Velasco Javier , Ibáñez Juan José , Braemer Frank
Published: July 2012

The removal of crania from burials, their ritual use and their disposal, generally in cranial caches, are the most particular characteristics of the funerary ritual in the transition to the Neolithic in the Near East. Despite the importance of this ritual, detailed studies of cranial caches are rare. This funerary ritual has traditionally been interpreted as a form of ancestor‐veneration. However, this study of the cranial caches found at the site of Tell Qarassa North, South Syria, dated in the second half of the ninth millennium BC, questions this interpretation. The 12 crania, found in two groups arranged in two circles on the floor of a room, belonged to male individuals, apart from one child and one preadolescent. In 10 of the 11 cases, the facial skeletons were deliberately mutilated. In the context of the Pre‐Pottery Neolithic B, when the symbolism of the human face played a vital role in ritual practice, this mutilation of the facial skeleton could be interpreted as an act of hostility. In the absence of indicators of social stratification or signs of violence that might indicate more coercive forms of society, the veneration of ancestors has been explained as a mechanism for social cohesion, which would have been necessary in a context of rapid growth in the population of settlements. However, data on the negative nature of some funerary rites, of punishment or indifference rather than veneration, should make us question an over‐idealized view of the first Neolithic societies. Am J Phys Anthropol 149:205–216, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cost effectiveness of magnetic resonance imaging in the workup of the dysosmia patient
Authors: Decker Jennifer R. , Meen Eric K. , Kern Robert C. , Chandra Rakesh K.
Published: July 2012

Background

Intracranial causes of dysosmia are uncommon. Nonetheless, a missed intracranial disorder or neoplasm is worrisome. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used in diagnosis; however, the cost effectiveness of this practice is unclear. We hypothesize that MRI scans for idiopathic dysosmia will demonstrate sufficient significant findings to be a cost‐effective screening tool.

Methods

Tertiary‐care otolaryngology clinic records were queried for smell and taste disturbance. The patients underwent anosmia‐protocol MRI of the brain for idiopathic dysosmia in 122 cases. Each MRI report was reviewed for dysosmia findings, intracranial neoplasms, and incidental findings.

Results

MRI was normal in 44.3%, there were dysosmia‐related findings in 25.4%, and incidental findings in 40.2%. The most common related diagnosis was occult frontoethmoid sinusitis (18.8%). The most common incidental diagnosis was small vessel disease (21.1%). Intracranial neoplasms were observed in 6 patients (4.9%). Nine patients had intracranial causes of dysosmia including olfactory meningiomas, infarct, trauma, and atrophy. MRI cost per dysosmia etiology diagnosis was $9445. Costs increased to $32,355 and $48,880 per intracranial cause or neoplasm, respectively. Cost to diagnose 1 causal intracranial neoplasm was $146,400. From 1997 to 2003, median medical malpractice settlements ranged from $625,616 for misdiagnosis to $682,500 for delay in treatment to $1,750,000 for brain injury. The median jury award was $975,000 for misdiagnosis, $1,550,000 for delayed treatment, and $6,000,000 for brain injury.

Conclusion

MRI in idiopathic dysosmia yielded information regarding the diagnosis in one‐quarter of cases. The implications of missing an intracranial neoplasm alone justify the cost of screening MRI for idiopathic dysosmia. © 2013 ARS–AAOA, LLC.
Electrochemical polymerization of 2‐thiophen‐3‐yl‐malonic acid for biosensor application
Authors: Celik Gamze , Eren Esin , Uygun Aysegul
Published: July 2012

Poly(2‐thiophene‐3‐yl‐malonic acid) (P3TMA) was synthesized electrochemically using tetrabutylammonium perchlorate (TBAClO4) as electrolyte into acetonitrile (ACN) for glucose biosensor application. The properties of P3TMA were investigated using FTIR, SEM, and electrochemical measurements. The glucose oxidase enzyme (GOD) was chemically immobilized onto P3TMA modified electrode using glutaraldehyde as crosslinking. It was observed that response current of P3TMA/GOD enzyme electrode increased linearly with loading glucose concentration. Michaelis Menten constant (Km) of P3TMA/GOD enzyme electrode was calculated as 0.03517 mM. FTIR and SEM analyses were used to confirm immobilization of GOD onto surface of P3TMA‐modified electrode. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Effect of biological degradation by termites on the flexural properties of pinewood residue/recycled high‐density polyethylene composites
Authors: López‐Naranjo Edgar J. , Alzate‐Gaviria Liliana M. , Hernández‐Zárate Galdy , Reyes‐Trujeque Javier , Cupul‐Manzano Carlos V. , Cruz‐Estrada Ricardo H.
Published: July 2012

Wood–plastic composites (WPCs) are considered to be highly durable materials and immune to any type of biological attack. However, when one of these composites is exposed to accelerated weathering, its surface is affected by the appearance of cracks, which constitute an ideal access route for biotic agents. Although the destruction of wood caused by termites is recognized worldwide, information on their effects on WPC‐based products is scarce. Thus, in this study, we aimed to examine the effects of termite attacks on weathered and nonweathered pinewood residue/recycled high‐density polyethylene composites. In this study, WPCs with 40 wt % wood were prepared. Test samples obtained by compression molding and profile extrusion were subjected to weathering cycles for 1000 and 2000 h with a UV‐type accelerated tester equipped with UVA‐340 fluorescent lamps. Afterward, specimens were exposed to the attack of higher termites (Nasutitermes nigriceps) native to the Yucatan Peninsula. Subsequently, flexural mechanical essays, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses were performed. FTIR spectroscopy and DSC showed that the surfaces of the compression‐molded specimens were degraded to a higher extent because of the accelerated weathering. The microscopy results revealed that severe damage was caused by the termites on the surface of the compression‐molded samples. Statistical analysis of the mechanical test results showed that biotic attack produced significant changes in the samples previously exposed to accelerated weathering. The results show that the processing method directly affected the sample performance because of differences in the surface composition. The profile‐extruded composites seemed to better resist termite attack. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Layer‐by‐layer self‐assembled multilayer films of single‐walled carbon nanotubes and tin disulfide nanoparticles with chitosan for the fabrication of biosensors
Authors: Pan Yan , Zhang Yu‐Zhong , Li Yong
Published: July 2012

In this study, multilayer films containing chitosan, tin disulfide (SnS2) nanoparticles, and single‐walled carbon nanotubes were prepared on glassy carbon electrodes with the use of a layer‐by‐layer assembly technique. The resulting films were characterized with cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), scanning electron microscopy, and ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy. The results of CV and EIS indicates that the peak currents and charge‐transfer resistance all had linear responses to the number of assembled layers. The multilayer‐film‐modified electrode showed excellent electrocatalytic properties for some species, such as dopamine hydrochloride (DA), ascorbic acid (AA), and uric acid (UA). The well‐separated voltammetric signals of DA, UA, and AA could be obtained on the assembled multilayer‐film‐modified electrode, and the peak‐to‐peak potential separations were 171, 136, and 307 mV for DA–UA, DA–AA, and UA–AA on CV, respectively. These facts showed that the multilayer‐film‐modified electrode could be used as a new sensor for the simultaneous detection of DA and UA in the presence of AA in a real sample. In addition, the multilayer films were stable, selective, and reproducible. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Characterization of composites based on recycled expanded polystyrene reinforced with curaua fibers
Authors: Borsoi Cleide , Scienza Lisete C. , Zattera Ademir J.
Published: July 2012

This study evaluated the mechanical, thermal, rheological, and morphological properties of virgin and recycled matrices and their composites with 20 wt % of curaua fiber. The recycling process of postconsumer polystyrene was carried out by grinding and extrusion. It was found that the recycling of expanded polystyrene did not have a major influence on the mechanical properties; however, the thermal stability was increased. The addition of curaua fibers led to increases in the tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, rigidity, thermal stability and melt viscosity of the composites. The composites made with the recycled matrix revealed higher thermal stability and melt viscosity than those made with the virgin matrix. Scanning electron microscopy characterization showed empty spaces where the curaua fibers had pulled out of the matrices in the fractured regions, indicating poor interfacial adhesion without the use of a coupling agent. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Double‐metal complexation of heterogels containing cyanobacterial polysaccharides
Authors: Okajima Maiko K. , le Nguyen Quyen Thi , Nakamura Masatoshi , Ogawa Tetsuya , Kurata Hiroki , Kaneko Tatsuo
Published: July 2012

Cryogenic‐transmission electron microscopy of metal complexes with cyanobacterial polysaccharides, sacran, extracted from Aphanothece sacrum biomaterials reveals that Nd3+ complexes form networks composed of thick strings with a thickness ranging 10–20 nm while Fe2+ ones make dense entanglement of very thin strings. When Fe2+ and Nd3+ double complexation occurs, dense nanonetworks composed of thick strings with a thickness around 10 nm are formed. Next we prepared heterogels by crosslinking poly(vinyl alcohol) chains in the presence of sacran and investigated the effects of double complexation on metal sorption. The amount of Nd3+ sorbed into the heterogels in the 1 : 1 miscible solution of Fe2+ and Nd3+ is higher than that in the solution containing only Nd3+, suggesting that Fe2+ assists the Nd3+ sorption. In addition, it is found that the amount of sorbed Nd3+ is much higher than that of sorbed Fe2+ even in the acidic condition of pH 2. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Mechanistic investigation of food effect on disintegration and dissolution of BCS class III compound solid formulations: the importance of viscosity
Authors: Radwan Asma , Amidon Gordon L. , Langguth Peter
Published: July 2012

A negative food effect, i.e. a decrease in bioavailability upon the co‐administration of compounds together with food, has been attributed particularly with high solubility/low permeability compounds (BCS class III). Different mechanisms have been proposed including intestinal dilution leading to a lower concentration gradient across the intestinal wall as well as binding of the active pharmaceutical ingredient to food components in the intestine and thereby decreasing the fraction of the dose available for absorption. These mechanisms refer primarily to the compound and not to the dosage form. An increase in viscosity of the dissolution fluid will in particular affect the absorption of BCS type III compounds with preferential absorption in the upper small intestine if the API release is delayed from the dosage form. The present study demonstrated that the increase in viscosity of the dissolution medium, following ingestion of a solid meal, may drastically reduce disintegration and dissolution. For that purpose the viscosity of the standard FDA meal was determined and simulated by solutions of HPMC in buffer. As model formulations, three commercially available tablets containing trospium chloride, a BCS class III m‐cholinoreceptor antagonist was used. Trospium chloride drug products have been described to undergo a negative food effect of more than 80% following ingestion with food. The tablets showed prolonged disintegration times and reduced dissolution rates in viscous media, which could be attributed to changes in the liquid penetration rates. The effect was particularly significant for film‐coated tablets relative to uncoated dosage forms. The results show the necessity of considering media viscosity when designing in vitro models of drug release for BCS type III drug formulations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evolution in response to climate change: In pursuit of the missing evidence
Authors: Merilä Juha
Published: July 2012

Climate change is imposing intensified and novel selection pressures on organisms by altering abiotic and biotic environmental conditions on Earth, but studies demonstrating genetic adaptation to climate change mediated selection are still scarce. Evidence is accumulating to indicate that both genetic and ecological constrains may often limit populations' abilities to adapt to large scale effects of climate warming. These constraints may predispose many organisms to respond to climate change with range shifts and phenotypic plasticity, rather than through evolutionary adaptation. In general, broad conclusions about the role of evolutionary adaptation in mitigating climate change induced fitness loss in the wild are as yet difficult to make.

Editor's suggested further reading in BioEssays: How will fish that evolved at constant sub‐zero temperatures cope with global warming? Notothenioids as a case study Abstract
Measuring the Outcome of Structured Spousal Violence Risk Assessments Using the B‐SAFER: Risk in Relation to Recidivism and Intervention
Authors: Belfrage Henrik , Strand Susanne
Published: July 2012

In this study, 216 risk assessments conducted by law enforcement officers in a suburb of Stockholm using the Brief Spousal Assault Form for the Evaluation of Risk (B‐SAFER) were followed up and correlated to both recidivism and type of protective actions implemented by the police. The results showed high recidivism rates across all risk categories, except in the highest risk group, where the recidivism rate was significantly lower. This finding suggests a poor, and even negative, predictive power of the police risk assessments: the higher the police‐assessed risk, the lower the recidivism rate. However, it was clear that the police did very little, or nothing, in cases not assessed as high risk. All resources appear to have been directed to the high‐risk cases, which seems to have had a preventive effect. Our results point to the importance of studying the nature and extent of protective actions taken in response to risk assessment, before drawing conclusions about the predictive validity of risk assessment instruments. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemical Classification of the Essential Oils of the Iranian Salvia Species in Comparison with Their Botanical Taxonomy
Authors: Jassbi Amir Reza , Asadollahi Mojtaba , Masroor Mahdi , Schuman Meredith C. , Mehdizadeh Zeynab , Soleimani Mahboobeh , Miri Ramin
Published: July 2012

The essential oils of eight Salvia species collected from different localities in Iran were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The analytical results were compared with those previously published for related Iranian sage species in order to identify chemical markers for these species. Salvia eremophila, S. hypoleuca, and S. reuteriana are endemic, while S. atropatana, S. chloroleuca, S. santolinifolia, S. aegyptiaca, and S. macrosiphon also grow wild in neighboring countries. We categorized the Iranian Salvia species into four main chemotypes according to their essential‐oil constituents: those which are dominated by 1) monoterpenes, 2) mono‐ and sesquiterpenes, or 3) sesquiterpenes as the major constituents, and 4) those containing low‐molecular‐weight acids, aldehydes, and esters, and green‐leaf volatiles (GLVs). Likely due to the chemical diversity of different Salvia chemotypes, this categorization was supported by principal component analysis (PCA) for the group sampled here, but not for the values reported in the literature. We identified the following chemical markers: α‐pinene, β‐pinene, 1,8‐cineol, linalool, and borneol in monoterpene‐rich species, or β‐caryophyllene, germacrene D, bicyclogermacrene, spathulenol, and caryophyllene oxide in sesquiterpene‐rich species. Among these, α‐pinene, β‐caryophyllene, and germacrene D are the most common and abundant in the Salvia species investigated. In accordance with their close biological taxonomy, the chemical similarity of the essential oils of S. santolinifolia and S. eremophila is so high that we may consider them chemically identical.
Extraction of the Essential Oil from Endemic Origanum bilgeri P.H.Davis with Two Different Methods: Comparison of the Oil Composition and Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Sözmen Fazli , Uysal Burcu , Köse Elif Odabaş , Aktaş Özgür , Cinbilgel Ilker , Oksal Birsen S.
Published: July 2012

The antibacterial activity and chemical composition of the essential oils (EOs) isolated from Origanum bilgeri P.H.Davis by two different extraction methods, i.e., hydrodistillation (HD) and solvent‐free microwave extraction (SFME), were examined. This endemic Origanum species had shown very good antibacterial activity. The composition of the O. bilgeri EOs obtained by SFME and HD was investigated by GC/MS analysis. The main components of the oils obtained by both methods were carvacrol (90.20–84.30%), p‐cymene (3.40–5.85%), γ‐terpinene (0.47–1.20%), and thymol (0.69–1.08%). The EO isolation by SFME offered many important advantages, including a higher extraction yield, a shorter extraction time, and a higher content of the active component carvacrol. The carvacrol‐rich oils obtained by both HD and SFME showed a good antibacterial activity. The largest inhibition zones were observed for the O. bilgeri EO obtained by SFME. Our study suggests that O. bilgeri EO has the potential to be used as preventative against bacterial contamination in many foods, instead of the common synthetic antimicrobial products.
Glycosidic Inhibitors of Melanogenesis from Leaves of Momordica charantia
Authors: Kikuchi Takashi , Zhang Jie , Huang Yan , Watanabe Kensuke , Ishii Kenta , Yamamoto Ayako , Fukatsu Makoto , Tanaka Reiko , Akihisa Toshihiro
Published: July 2012

Eight glycosidic compounds, 1–8, including two new compounds, (4ξ)‐α‐terpineol 8‐O‐[α‐L‐arabinopyranosyl‐(1→6)‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside] (5) and myrtenol 10‐O‐[β‐D‐apiofuranosyl‐(1→6)‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside] (7), were isolated from the BuOH‐soluble fraction of a MeOH extract of Momordica charantia leaves. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses and comparison with literature. Upon evaluation of compounds 1–8 on the melanogenesis in B16 melanoma cells induced with α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (α‐MSH), these compounds were found to exhibit inhibitory activities with 7.1–27.0% and 23.6–46.4% reduction of melanin content at 30 μM and 100 μM, respectively, with no or almost no toxicity to the cells (80.0–103.5% of cell viability at 100 μM). Western blot analysis showed that compound 7 reduced the protein levels of MITF, tyrosinase, TRP‐1, and TRP‐2 mostly in a concentration‐dependent manner, suggesting that this compound inhibits melanogenesis on the α‐MSH‐stimulated B16 melanoma cells by, at least in part, inhibiting the expression of MITF, followed by decreasing the expression of tyrosinase, TRP‐1, and TRP‐2.
Environment‐Related Variations of the Composition of the Essential Oils of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) in the Balkan Penninsula
Authors: Lakušić Dmitar V. , Ristić Mihailo S. , Slavkovska Violeta N. , Šinžar‐Sekulić Jasmina B. , Lakušić Branislava S.
Published: July 2012

Composition of the essential oils of Rosmarinus officinalis of ten populations from the Balkan Peninsula were determined by GC/FID and GC/MS. The main constituents were 1,8‐cineole, camphor, α‐pinene, and borneol. Multivariate statistical analysis (UPGMA cluster analysis and principal‐component analysis (PCA)) revealed two major types of rosemary oil, i.e., 1,8‐cineole and camphor‐type, and two intermediate types, i.e., camphor/1,8‐cineole/borneol type and 1,8‐cineole/camphor type. The regression analyses (simple linear regression and stepwise multiple regression) have shown that, with respect to basic geographic, orographic, and 19 bioclimatic characteristics of each population, bioclimatic factor temperature of habitat represented the dominant abiogenetic factor, which, in chemical sense, led to differentiation of populations in the studied region. Also, the regression analysis have shown that some constituents of essential oils are independent of any single bioclimatic factors. However, some constituents display statistically significant correlations with some abiotic factors.
Chemotypification of Astrantia major L. (Apiaceae): Essential‐Oil and Lignan Profiles of Fruits
Authors: Radulović Niko S. , Mladenović Marko Z. , Ðorđević Nevenka D.
Published: July 2012

The fruit essential oils of two populations of Astrantia major L. (Apiaceae, subfamily Saniculoideae) were analyzed in detail by GC and GC/MS analyses. Seventy‐six constituents identified accounted for 92.7–94.0% of the oils. The two oils differed significantly: the wild‐growing population from Serbia contained zingiberene (47.9%), β‐bisabolene (9.7%), and β‐sesquiphellandrene (7.9%), while the one from Poland (botanical gardens) was sesquiterpene‐poor with the major contributors oleic acid (38.6%), nonacosane (15.4%), and linoleic acid (5.1%). Motivated by the unresolved taxonomical relations between the Saniculoideae and Apioideae subfamilies, we performed multivariate statistical analyses on the compositional data of these A. major samples, and additional 14 Saniculoideae and 31 Apioideae taxa. This allowed us to assess the chemotaxonomical usefulness of such chemical data in differentiating taxa from these two Apiaceae subfamilies and to corroborate the existence of at least two A. major chemotypes. Diethyl ether extracts of the two samples of A. major fruits yielded seven diaryltetrahydrofurofurano lignans. Except for eudesmin that has been found for the first time in a Saniculoideae taxon, all other lignans (magnolin, epimagnolins A and B, epieudesmin, yangambin, and epiyangambin) are new for the entire plant family Apiaceae. The lignan profiles also supported the existence of two separate A. major chemotypes.
Influence of Mannosylation on Immunostimulating Activity of Adamant‐1‐yl Tripeptide
Authors: Ribić Rosana , Habjanec Lidija , Frkanec Ruža , Vranešić Branka , Tomić Srđanka
Published: July 2012

The mannosylated derivative of adamant‐1‐yl tripeptide (D‐(Ad‐1‐yl)Gly‐L‐Ala‐D‐isoGln) was prepared to study the effects of mannosylation on adjuvant (immunostimulating) activity. Mannosylated adamant‐1‐yl tripeptide (Man‐OCH2CH(Me)CO‐D‐(Ad‐1‐yl)Gly‐L‐Ala‐D‐isoGln) is a non‐pyrogenic, H2O‐soluble, and non‐toxic compound. Adjuvant activity of mannosylated adamantyl tripeptide was tested in the mouse model with ovalbumin as an antigen and in comparison to the parent tripeptide and peptidoglycan monomer (PGM, β‐D‐GlcNAc‐(1→4)‐D‐MurNAc‐L‐Ala‐D‐isoGln‐mesoDAP(εNH2)‐D‐Ala‐D‐Ala), a well‐known effective adjuvant. The mannosylation of adamantyl tripeptide caused the amplification of its immunostimulating activity in such a way that it was comparable to that of PGM.
Influence of Salt Concentration and Nitrogen Source on Growth and Productivity of Anaerobiosprillum succiniciproducens
Authors: Bretz K. , Kabasci S.
Published: July 2012

The influence of salts and organic nitrogen sources on the growth and acid production of Anaerobiosprillum succiniciproducens was studied. In shake flask experiments, maximum specific growth rate and acid production increased by reducing the salt concentration. Additionally, growth and acid production were affected by the type of organic nitrogen source and by the pH value. Through the optimization, optical density could be increased from 1.9 ± 0.1 to 3.0 ± 0.1 and succinic acid concentration from 4.0 ± 0.2 to 6.5 ± 0.1 g L–1. In fed‐batch experiments with the optimized medium, the final succinic acid concentration was 25.6 % higher compared to the reference. Also, the succinic acid/acetic acid ratio was affected by the optimization. The experimental results indicated that A. succiniciproducens consumed only organic nitrogen sources because growth and productivity were not influenced by the addition of ammonium sulfate.
Mechanical Stability of Structured Packings
Authors: Ausner Ilja , Keller Thomas
Published: July 2012

Seit Jahrzehnten sind die strukturierten Packungen aus Destillations‐ und Absorptionsprozessen nicht mehr wegzudenken. Verbesserungen in Kapazität und Effizienz trugen zum Erfolg der strukturierten Packungen bei und sind auch heute noch Ziel weiterer Produktentwicklungen. Allerdings wird seither auch immer wieder die mechanische Stabilität im Hinblick auf Langlebigkeit der Packung diskutiert und gefragt, wie hoch ein Packungsbett bei welcher Materialdicke gebaut werden könnte. Dieser Beitrag stellt Methoden vor, mit denen die mechanische Stabilität von Packungen bestimmt werden kann, um so die Frage nach der möglichen Packungsbetthöhe zu beantworten.
Novel Steroidal (6R)‐Spiro‐1,3,4‐thiadiazoline Derivatives as Anti‐bacterial Agents
Authors: Khan Salman A. , Asiri Abdullah M.
Published: July 2012

Novel steroidal (6R)‐spiro‐1,3,4‐thiadiazoline derivatives have been synthesized by the cyclization of steroidal thiosemicarbazones. Thiosemicarbazones have been synthesized by the reaction of steroidal ketones with thiosemicarbazide. All the compounds have been characterized by IR, 1H NMR, mass and elemental analyses. The antibacterial activities of these compounds have been first tested in vitro by the disk diffusion assay against two Gram‐positive and two Gram‐negative bacteria, and then the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values have been determined with the reference of standard drug amoxicillin. The results showed that steroidal thiadiazoline derivatives exhibited better antibacterial activity than the steroidal thiosemicarbazone derivatives. Chloro and acetoxy substituents on the 3β‐position of the steroidal thiadiazoline ring increased the anti‐bacterial activity. Among all the compounds, compounds 7 and 8 were found better inhibitors as compared to the respective drug amoxicillin.
Reductive Amination of Aldehydes and Ketones with Primary Amines by Using Lithium Amidoborane as Reducing Reagent
Authors: Xu Weiliang , Zheng Xueli , Wu Guotao , Chen Ping
Published: July 2012

A variety of secondary amines were obtained in high isolated yields in the reductive amination of aldehydes and ketones by using lithium amidoborane as reducing agent. Compared to ammonia borane, lithium amidoborane has higher reducibility, and thus, exhibits faster reaction rate.
An Optic/Proton Dual‐Controlled Fluorescence Switch based on Novel Photochromic Bithienylethene Derivatives
Authors: Zhang Jiaqi , Jin Jiayu , Zhang Junji , Zou Lei
Published: July 2012

A simple method for the synthesis of new bithienylethenes bearing a functional group on the cyclopentene moiety is developed. Three new photochromic compounds (4a, 4b, 4c) have been successfully synthesized through this simple method, and exhibit good photochromic properties with alternate irradiation of ultraviolet and visible light. Furthermore, the ?uorescence of compound 4a, which bears a quinoline unit on the cyclopentene, can be modulated via optic and proton dual inputs. Upon excitation by 320 nm light, 4a emits a strong ?uorescence at 404 nm. After irradiation with 254 nm light, the emission intensity is reduced due to the ?uorescence resonance energy transfers (FRET) from quinoline unit to bithienylethene unit. Moreover, on addition of H+, the fluorescence is quenched completely due to the protonation of the quinoline. In addition, both the FRET and protonation process are reversible, which indicates a potential application in molecular switches and logic gates.
Synthesis of a Phenylhydrazone‐based Colorimetric Anion Sensor with Complementary IMP/INH Logic Functions
Authors: Uahengo Veikko , Xiong Bi , Zhou Nana , Cai Ping , Hu Kai , Cheng Gongzhen
Published: July 2012

A dinitrophenyl hydrazone colorimetric anion sensor (receptor 1) was synthesized and its recognition properties towards various anions were investigated by naked eye observation and spectroscopic methods, namely UV‐vis and 1H NMR titrations in DMSO. The addition of AcO−, F− and H2PO4− to receptor 1 resulted in marked red shift of the charge‐transfer absorbance band (Δλ=91 nm, 407 nm to 498 nm) concomitant with a 'naked‐eye' detectable colour change from yellow to pink. However, both the colour and spectral changes were reversible by the addition of cations (MII) of 3d5‐10 as well as CdII, HgII, MgII and CaII. Subsequently, complementary IMP/INH logic functions based on colour and spectral switching (ON/OFF) were affirmed. The sensor can, thus be utilized as a colorimetric molecular switch modulated by F−/MII.
Rapid Detection of Irreversible Acetylcholineasterase Inhibitor by Mass Spectrometry Assay
Authors: Cai Tingting , Zhang Li , Wang Rong , Liang Chen , Zhao Wusheng , Fu Defeng , Zhang Yurong , Guo Yinlong
Published: July 2012

Here we developed a rapid method to detect acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization Fourier transform mass spectrometry (MALDI‐FTMS) for screening irreversible AChE inhibitors. Due to its good salt‐tolerance and low sample consumption, MALDI‐FTMS could facilitate rapid detection, especially detection in real application. AChE activity was determined through calculating abundance of substrate and product in mass spectrometry. By this approach, we investigated the relation of organophosphorous (OP) concentrations and AChE inhibition. Shown in different inhibition curves from different OP pesticides, enzyme inhibitions still kept good correlation with concentration of OPs. Finally, this AChE‐inhibited method was applied to screen whole bloods of four decedents and discuss their death reason. In contrast to healthy persons, three of decedents showed low AChE activity, and probably died for irreversible AChE inhibitors. Through the following detecting in GC‐MS/MS, the possible death reason of these three decedents was confirmed, and another decedent actually died for sumicidin, a non‐AChE inhibitor. It demonstrated that screening irreversible AChE inhibitors by detecting enzyme activity in MALDI‐FTMS provided fast and accurate analysis results and excluded another toxicants not functioning on AChE. This method offered alternative choices for indicating the existence of enzyme inhibitors.
Cocaine Detection in Blood Serum Using Aptamer Biosensor on Gold Nanoparticles and Progressive Dilution
Authors: Ge Jing , Liu Zhaofang , Zhao Xin Sheng
Published: July 2012

To fight against the illegal usage of cocaine it is necessary to develop various analytical methodologies. We report here an aptamer‐based biosensor for the determination of cocaine using gold nanoparticles as the fluorescence quencher. By employing the progressive dilution (PD) strategy, simultaneous qualitative and quantitative analysis of cocaine in blood serum was achieved without pretreatment of the sample. The method described in this paper offers significant improvement in the detection accuracy and can be used to quantify cocaine levels in complex biological samples such as serum with a simple procedure.
A Novel Metal‐free Reductive Esterification of N‐Tosylhydrazones with Carboxylic Acids
Authors: Zhou Ankun , Wu Lei , Li Dazhi , Chen Qingqing , Zhang Xiao , Xia Wujiong
Published: July 2012

A novel method for the synthesis of esters via reductive coupling of N‐tosylhydrazones with carboxylic acids under metal‐free conditions has been developed. Various functional groups were found to be tolerable under the reaction conditions to afford low to good yields.
Polar opposites: Fine‐tuning cytokinesis through SIN asymmetry
Authors: Johnson Alyssa E. , McCollum Dannel , Gould Kathleen L.
Published: July 2012

Mitotic exit and cell division must be spatially and temporally integrated to facilitate equal division of genetic material between daughter cells. In the fission yeast,Schizosaccharomyces pombe, a spindle pole body (SPB) localized signaling cascade termed the septation initiation network (SIN) couples mitotic exit with cytokinesis. The SIN is controlled at many levels to ensure that cytokinesis is executed once per cell cycle and only after cells segregate their DNA. An interesting facet of the SIN is that its activity is asymmetric on the two SPBs during anaphase; however, how and why the SIN is asymmetric has remained elusive. Many key factors controlling SIN asymmetry have now been identified, shedding light on the significance of SIN asymmetry in regulating cytokinesis. In this review, we highlight recent advances in our understanding of SIN regulation, with an emphasis on how SIN asymmetry is achieved and how this aspect of SIN regulation fine‐tunes cytokinesis. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
Phase 3, randomized, placebo‐controlled study of zibotentan (ZD4054) in patients with castration‐resistant prostate cancer metastatic to bone
Authors: Nelson Joel B. , Fizazi Karim , Miller Kurt , Higano Celestia , Moul Judd W. , Akaza Hideyuki , Morris Thomas , McIntosh Stuart , Pemberton Kristine , Gleave Martin
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND:

Endothelin‐1 and the endothelin A (ETA) receptor have been implicated in prostate cancer progression in bone. This study aimed to determine whether the specific ETA receptor antagonist, zibotentan, prolonged overall survival (OS) in patients with castration‐resistant prostate cancer and bone metastases who were pain‐free or mildly symptomatic for pain.

METHODS:

Patients were randomized 1:1 to zibotentan 10 mg/day or placebo, plus standard prostate cancer treatment. The primary endpoint was OS. Secondary endpoints included times to pain progression, chemotherapy use, new bone metastases, and safety. Efficacy endpoints were analyzed using a log‐rank test.

RESULTS:

A total of 594 patients were randomized (zibotentan, n = 299; placebo, n = 295). Median OS was 24.5 months in zibotentan‐treated patients versus 22.5 months for placebo, but the difference did not reach statistical significance (hazard ratio, 0.87; 95.2% confidence interval, 0.69‐1.10; P = .240). No statistically significant differences were observed for any secondary efficacy endpoints. Peripheral edema (44%) and headache (31%) were the most commonly reported adverse events in the zibotentan group. Cardiac failure events were higher in the zibotentan group than placebo (any grade, 5.7% and 1.7%; Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events grade ≥3, 3.0% and 1.0%, respectively); these were manageable and reversible.

CONCLUSIONS:

In this large, randomized, placebo‐controlled phase 3 trial, treatment with zibotentan 10 mg/day did not lead to a statistically significant improvement in OS in this patient population. Zibotentan had an acceptable safety profile. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.