bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fouling of an anion exchange chromatography operation in a monoclonal antibody process: Visualization and kinetic studies
Authors: Close Edward J. , Salm Jeffrey R. , Iskra Timothy , Sørensen Eva , Bracewell Daniel G.
Published: March 2013

Fouling of chromatographic resins over their operational lifetimes can be a significant problem for commercial bioseparations. In this article, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), batch uptake experiments, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and small‐scale column studies were applied to characterize a case study where fouling had been observed during process development. The fouling was found to occur on an anion exchange (AEX) polishing step following a protein A affinity capture step in a process for the purification of a monoclonal antibody. Fouled resin samples analyzed by SEM and batch uptake experiments indicated that after successive batch cycles, significant blockage of the pores at the resin surface occurred, thereby decreasing the protein uptake rate. Further studies were performed using CLSM to allow temporal and spatial measurements of protein adsorption within the resin, for clean, partially fouled and extensively fouled resin samples. These samples were packed within a miniaturized flowcell and challenged with fluorescently labeled albumin that enabled in situ measurements. The results indicated that the foulant has a significant impact on the kinetics of adsorption, severely decreasing the protein uptake rate, but only results in a minimal decrease in saturation capacity. The impact of the foulant on the kinetics of adsorption was further investigated by loading BSA onto fouled resin over an extended range of flow rates. By decreasing the flow rate during BSA loading, the capacity of the resin was recovered. These data support the hypothesis that the foulant is located on the particle surface, only penetrating the particle to a limited degree. The increased understanding into the nature of the fouling can help in the continued process development of this industrial example. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013; 110:2425–2435. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Suspension culture of hepatocyte‐derived reporter cells in presence of albumin to form stable three‐dimensional spheroids
Authors: Weeks C. Andrew , Newman Kristen , Turner Paul A. , Rodysill Brian , Hickey Raymond D. , Nyberg Scott L. , Janorkar Amol V.
Published: March 2013

Several studies in the past have formed 3‐dimensional (3D) spheroids of primary hepatocytes in suspension culture. Unfortunately, primary hepatocytes in a suspension environment tend to lose their differentiated function over time, generally due to damage from fluid shear stress and eventual spheroid settling. We have therefore created a novel suspension culture system, by seeding H35 rat hepatoma cells, a hepatocyte‐derived cell line, in a 24‐well tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS) plate placed atop an orbital shaker to create 3D spheroids. To provide stability to the formed spheroids, we used a long‐chain polymer, bovine serum albumin (BSA), dissolved in the cell culture medium and/or coated on TCPS surfaces placed in suspension configurations. Our results demonstrate that BSA coating of culture surfaces resulted in uniform and well‐defined spheroids with little spheroid settling or “flattening” of cell colonies in either static or suspension configurations. In BSA‐coated suspension systems, spheroid size scaled with the amount of BSA dissolved in culture medium. In static uncoated cultures, the normalized rat albumin production levels were enhanced by addition of BSA within culture medium. Thus, both addition of BSA to culture medium and application of BSA as a surface coating appear to be meaningful avenues for tailoring spheroid morphology and function. This 24‐well plate suspension culture system may be a valuable tool for high throughput investigations of liver cell behavior in a stable, uniform, 3D spheroid state. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013; 110:2548–2555. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Optimization of amorphadiene synthesis in bacillus subtilis via transcriptional, translational, and media modulation
Authors: Zhou Kang , Zou Ruiyang , Zhang Congqiang , Stephanopoulos Gregory , Too Heng‐Phon
Published: March 2013

Genetically engineered microbes have been intensively investigated as a means for the cost‐effective production of isoprenoids. Bacillus subtilis is a promising microbial host for this purpose because of its fast growth rate and GRAS (generally regarded as safe) status. To date, development of this host has been impaired by the lack of genetic tools for modulating the expression of multiple genes. In this study, we present a novel two‐promoter system which can be used to independently control the expression levels of two gene cassettes over a large dynamic range. Coupled with protein translation engineering and systematic media optimization, ∼20 mg/L amorphadiene was produced in shake flask scale, a 40‐fold improvement over the highest reported isoprenoid product yield in B. subtilis. As the tools and strategies developed here can be extended to the overproduction of other valuable metabolites, this proof‐of‐concept study lays the foundation for high level heterologous production of isoprenoids in Bacillus. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013; 110:2556–2561. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transcatheter closure of a traumatic ventricular septal defect using an amplatzer™ atrial septal occluder device
Authors: Ali Taimur A. , Fatimi Saulat H. , Hasan Babar S.
Published: March 2013

A relatively rare occurrence, the incidence of ventricular septal defect (VSD) complicating penetrating cardiac trauma has been reported at 4.5%. Closing such defects may be challenging especially in an unstable patient where cardiopulmonary bypass may exponentially increase the surgical risk. In such patients, catheter‐based device closure is a reliable and effective alternative. We describe case of a 30 year old man who presented with a stab wound to his anterior mediastinum. His injuries involved laceration to right and left ventricles and a VSD. His lacerations were repaired on a beating heart and the VSD was not addressed due to patient hemodynamic instability. The VSD was semi‐electively closed using a 24 mm Amplatzer™ device as the patient demonstrated significant left to right shunt. Post‐device closure, the patient developed hemolysis attributed to an intra‐ device residual leak. The hemolysis resolved without any complications by conservative medical management. At latest follow‐up the patient is in NYHA functional class I–II. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Vertical structure of warming consistent with an upward shift in the middle and upper troposphere
Authors: O'Gorman Paul A. , Singh Martin S.
Published: March 2013

Warming in climate‐change simulations reaches a local maximum in the tropical upper troposphere as expected from moist‐adiabatic lapse rates. But the structure of warming varies between models and differs substantially from moist adiabatic in the extratropics. Here, we relate the vertical profile of warming to the climatological temperature profile using the vertical‐shift transformation (VST). The VST captures much of the intermodel scatter in the ratio of upper‐ to middle‐tropospheric warming in both the extratropics and tropics of simulations from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 5 (CMIP5). Application of the VST to observed climatological temperatures yields warming ratios that are in the range of what is obtained from the model climatological temperatures, although biases in some model climatologies lead to substantial errors when shifted upward. Radiosonde temperature trends are consistent with an upward shift in recent decades in the Northern Hemisphere, with less‐robust results in the Southern Hemisphere.
Survival analysis of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma with simultaneous second primary tumors
Authors: Hsu Shuo–Hsiu , Wong Yong–Kie , Wang Ching‐Ping , Wang Chen–Chi , Jiang Rong–San , Chen Fun–Jou , Liu Shih–An
Published: March 2013

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate the rate of simultaneous second primary tumor (SPT) in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma. The survival of patients with simultaneous SPT was also compared with patients without.

Methods

The presence of SPT was documented along with the patients' demographic data, tumor‐related features, and survival status. Kaplan–Meier method was used for survival analysis. Relevant factors influencing the survival were examined by the Cox proportional hazard model.

Results

A total of 897 patients' medical records were obtained. Among them, 43 patients (4.8%) had simultaneous SPT and their prognosis was poorer than that of patients without. The Cox proportional hazard model revealed that patients with simultaneous SPT tended to have a higher probability of death (relative risk [RR], 1.694; p = .015).

Conclusions

Simultaneous SPT is an independent prognostic factor for patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma. Those with simultaneous SPT have poorer survival when compared to those without. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 35: 1801–1807, 2013
Intensity‐modulated radiotherapy followed by a brachytherapy boost for oropharyngeal cancer
Authors: Al‐Mamgani Abrahim , Levendag Peter C. , van Rooij Peter , Meeuwis Cees A. , Sewnaik Aniel , Teguh David N.
Published: March 2013

Background

The purpose of this study was to reduce the incidence of radiation‐induced toxicity in patients with early‐stage oropharyngeal cancer, using highly conformal radiation techniques.

Methods

Between 2000 and 2011, 167 patients with T1‐3N0‐3 oropharyngeal cancer were treated with 46‐Gy intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) followed by 22‐Gy brachytherapy boost. In patients with node‐positive disease, neck dissection was performed.

Results

The 5‐year Kaplan–Meier estimates of local control, regional control, disease‐free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) were 94%, 97%, 84%, and 72%, respectively. Feeding tubes were required in 26% of the patients. Grade ≥2 late xerostomia and dysphagia were 11% and 8%, respectively. Chemotherapy, tumor subsite, and bilateral neck irradiation correlate significantly with toxicity. Quality of life (QOL) scores deteriorate during and shortly after treatment but returned in all scales to baseline scores within 6 to 12 months, with the exception of xerostomia.

Conclusion

Brachytherapy boost and neck dissection (in node‐positive oropharyngeal cancer) after 46‐Gy of IMRT resulted in excellent outcomes with low incidence of late toxicity and good QOL scores. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 35: 1689–1697, 2012
Book Reviews
Authors: PROCITA LEONARD
Published: March 2013

Book reviewed in this article:

Anticonvulsant Drugs, Volume I. J. Mercier, editor.

Anticonvulsant Drugs, Volume II. J. Mercier, editor.

Bacterial Plasmids. G. G. Meynell.

Review of Medical Pharmacology, Third Edition. F. H. Myers, E. Jawetz, and A. Goldfine.
Book Reviews
Authors: PROCITA LEONARD
Published: March 2013

Book reviewed in this article:

Molecular Mechanisms of Antibiotic Action on Protein Biosynthesis and Membranes. Proceedings of a Symposium at the University of Granada. E. Munoz, F. Garcia‐Ferrandiz, and D. Vazquez, editors.

Modern Inhalation Anesthetics. Maynard B. Chenoweth, editor.

Steroids and Brain Edema. H. J. Reulen and K. Schürmann, editors.

Advances in Neurology, Volume 1: Huntington's Chorea, 1872–1972. A. Barbeau, T. N. Chase, and G. W. Paulson, editors.
Book Reviews
Authors: PROCITA LEONARD
Published: March 2013

Book reviewed in this article:

Essays in Toxicology, Volume 5. Wayland J. Hayes, Jr.

The Design of Clinical Trials in Cancer Therapy. Maurice Staquet

Review of Recent Advances in Studies on Cardiac Structure and Metabolism. Volume Three: Myocardial Metabolism; Volume Four: Myocardial Biology. N. S. Dhalla

Essentials of Toxicology, Second Edition. Ted A. Loomis

Pineal Chemistry in Cellular and Physiological Mechanisms. W. B. Quay

Organization of Energy‐Transducing Membranes. M. Nakao and L. Packer

Metabolic Inhibitors, Volume IV. R. M. Hochster, M. Kates, and J. H. Quastel
Book Reviews
Authors: PROCITA LEONARD
Published: March 2013

Book reviewed in this article:

Alcohol Abuse and Rehabilitation Approaches. J. G. Cull and R. E. Hardy

The Poisoned Patient: The Role of the Laboratory. CIBA Foundation Symposium 26.

Narcotics and the Hypothalamus. (Kroc Foundation Symposia, No. 2). E. Zimmerman and R. George

Steroids and Shock. Thomas M. Glenn

Clinical Pharmacology, 4th Edition. D. R. Laurence

Cellular Selection and Regulation in the Immune Response (Society of General Physiologists Series, Volume 29). Gerald M. Edelman

Drug Treatment in Psychiatry (Social and Psychological Aspects of Medical Practice). T. Silverstone and P. Turner
Book Reviews
Authors: PROCITA LEONARD
Published: March 2013

Book reviewed in this article:

Reviews of Neuroscience, Volume I. S. Ehrenpreis and I. J. Kopin

Recent Advances in Renal Physiology and Pharmacology. L. G. Wesson and G. M. Fanelli

Chemotherapy with Antibiotics and Allied Drugs. J. C. Tolhurst, G. Buckle, and S. W. Williams.

An Historical Account of Pharmacology to the Twentieth Century. Chauncey D. Leake.
Book Reviews
Authors: PROCITA LEONARD
Published: March 2013

Book reviewed in this article:

Intravenous Anesthesia. J. W. Dundee and G. M. Wyant

Marijuana: Chemistry, Pharmacology, Metabolism and Clinical Effects. Raphael Mechoulam

Platelets and Thrombosis. S. Sherry and A. Scriabine

Review of Medical Pharmacology, 4th Edition. F. H. Myers, E. Jawetz, and A. Goldfien.

Macromolecules and Behavior. G. B. Ansell and P. B. Bradley

Drugs and Behavior. Fred Leavitt. Philadelphia, W. B. Saunders

Symposium on Drug‐Induced Metabolic Changes. T. Jávor and A. Gogl

General Considerations and Principles. Principles and Techniques of Human Research and Therapeutics, Vol. I. F. Gilbert McMahon

Sexual Behavior—Pharmacology and Biochemistry. M. Sandler and G. L. Gessa

Control Mechanisms of Drinking. G. Peters, J. T. Fitzsimons, and L. Peters‐Haefeli

Catecholamines. Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology, Volume XXXIII. H. Blaschko and E. Muscholl

Chlorpromazine in Psychiatry. A Study In Therapeutic Innovation. Judith P. Swazy.
Book Reviews
Authors: PROCITA LEONARD
Published: March 2013

Book reviewed in this article:

Temporal Aspects of Therapeutics. J. Urquhart and F. E. Yates

Drug Interactions. P. L. Morselli, S. N. Cohen, and S. Garattini

Controversies in Clinical Pharmacology and Drug Development. Roger F. Palmer

A Handbook on the 1970 Federal Drug Act. Shifting The Perspective. R. L. Bogomolny, M. R. Sonnenreich, and A. J. Roccograndi.

Pharmacology and Pharmacokinetics. T. Teorell, R. L. Dedrick, and P. G. Condliffe

Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment. J. A. Krupp and M. J. Chatton.

Handbook of Medical Treatment, 14th edition. Milton J. Chatton.
Search of truncation of (N−1) electron basis containing full connected triple excitations in computing main and satellite ionization potentials via Fock‐space coupled cluster approach
Authors: Adhikari Kalipada , Chattopadhyay Sudip , De Barin Kumar , Sharma Amitava , Nath Ranendu Kumar , Sinha Dhiman
Published: March 2013

A valence‐universal multireference coupled cluster (VUMRCC) theory, realized via the eigenvalue independent partitioning (EIP) route, has been implemented with full inclusion of triples excitations for computing and analyzing the entire main and several satellite peaks in the ionization potential spectra of several molecules. The EIP‐VUMRCC method, unlike the traditional VUMRCC theory, allows divergence‐free homing‐in to satellite roots which would otherwise have been plagued by intruders, and is thus numerically more robust to obtain more efficient and dependable computational schemes allowing more extensive use of the approach. The computed ionization potentials (IPs) as a result of truncation of the (N−1) electron basis manifold involving virtual functions such as 2h‐p and 3h‐2p by different energy thresholds varying from 5 to 15 a.u. with 1 a.u. intervals as well as thresholds such as 20, 25, and 30 a.u. have been carefully looked into. Cutoff at around 25 a.u. turns out to be an optimal threshold. Molecules such as C2H4 and C2H2 (X = D,T), and N2 and CO (X = D,T,Q) with Dunning's cc‐pVXZ bases have been investigated to determine all main and 2h‐p shake‐up and 3h‐2p double shake‐up satellite IPs. We believe that the present work will pave the way to a wider application of the method by providing main and satellite IPs for some problematic N‐electron closed shell systems. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Conversion from twice daily tacrolimus to once daily tacrolimus in long-term stable liver transplant recipients
Authors: Dumortier Jérôme , Guillaud Olivier , Boillot Olivier
Published: March 2013

After organ transplantation, strategies for simplifying the therapeutic regimen may improve adherence and prevent acute organ rejection and/or late graft loss. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of conversion from a tacrolimus (TAC) twice daily (bid) formulation to a once daily (qd) formulation in a large cohort of adult liver transplantation (LT) patients. This retrospective, observational, single-center study included 394 LT patients with at least 6 months' posttransplant follow-up and no rejection episodes in the last 3 months. The conversion from a bid formulation to a qd formulation was based on a 1:1 ratio. The mean age at the time of conversion was 53 years (range = 18-72 years); 66% were men. The main indication for LT was alcoholic cirrhosis (41%). The mean conversion time after LT was 74 months (range = 6-218 months). The mean serum TAC trough level decreased after conversion (6.1 ± 5.6 ng/mL before conversion versus 4.9 ± 2.5 ng/mL after conversion, P < 0.05). After a mean follow-up of 24 months after conversion, 6 patients had converted to cyclosporine, 14 patients had stopped all calcineurin inhibitors, 16 patients had returned to TAC bid, and 358 patients were still on TAC qd. Acute rejection episodes were observed in 7 patients. In conclusion, the results of our experience indicate that the conversion from a TAC bid formulation to a qd formulation is a safe and effective strategy for the management of stable LT patients. Liver Transpl 19:529–533, 2013. © 2013 AASLD.
The history of parkinsonism: Descriptions in ancient Indian medical literature
Authors: Ovallath Sujith , Deepa P.
Published: March 2013

The clinical syndrome of parkinsonism was identified in ancient India even before the period of Christ and was treated methodically. The earliest reference to bradykinesia dates to 600 bc. Evidences prove that as early as 300 bc, Charaka proposed a coherent picture of parkinsonism by describing tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, and gait disturbances as its components. The scenario was further developed by Madhava, Vagbhata, and Dalhana all through history. The 15th‐century classic “Bhasava rajyam” introduced the term kampavata, which may be regarded as an ayurvedic analogue of parkinsonism. The pathogenesis of kampavata centered on the concept of imbalance in the vata factor, which controls psychomotor activities. The essential element in therapy was the administration of powdered seed of Mucuna pruriens, or atmagupta, which as per reports, contains 4%−6% of levodopa. In addition to proving the existence and identification of parkinsonism in ancient India, the study points to the significance of ancient Indian Sanskrit works in medical history. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society
QSAR and Predictors of Eye and Skin Effects
Authors: Liew Chin Yee , Yap Chun Wei
Published: March 2013

In this study, the ensemble of features and training samples was examined with a collection of support vector machines. The effects of data sampling methods, ratio of positive to negative compounds, and types of base models combiner to produce ensemble models were explored. The ensemble method was applied to produce four separate in silico models to classify the labels for eye/skin corrosion (H314), skin irritation (H315), serious eye damage (H318), and eye irritation (H319), which are defined in the “Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals”. To the best of our knowledge, the training set used in this work is one of the largest (made of publicly available data) with acceptable prediction performances. These models were distributed via PaDEL‐DDPredictor (http://padel.nus.edu.sg/software/padelddpredictor) that can be downloaded freely for public use.
Rendering Molecular Sketches for Publication Quality Output
Authors: Clark Alex M.
Published: March 2013

The creation of 2D molecular structure diagrams that make full use of the capabilities of modern display systems, using only input data expressed in file formats used for cheminformatics, is a complex task that requires a number of additional algorithms. Assuming that atom positions have been well chosen, the rendering engine is required to micromanage the precise positioning of atom labels, bonds and atom adjuncts, in such a way that the final output is correct, consistent with convention, and as pleasing to the eye as a diagram produced by a graphic designer. The techniques must be equally applicable when creating output for low‐resolution screens and high resolution printed output, and make use of contemporary graphics file formats in such a way that the largest possible number of software platforms are able to display the output at any resolution without degradation or inconsistency. The main issues involved in meeting these criteria are discussed, and algorithms for satisfying them are presented.
PTEN loss and KRAS activation cooperate in murine biliary tract malignancies
Authors: Marsh Victoria , Davies Emma J , Williams Geraint T , Clarke Alan R
Published: March 2013

Carcinomas of the biliary tract are aggressive malignancies in humans. Loss of the tumour suppressor PTEN has previously been associated with cholangiocarcinoma development in a murine model. Activation of KRAS is reported in up to one‐third of human cholangiocarcinomas and 50% of gall bladder carcinomas. In this study we aimed to test the potential interaction between PTEN and KRAS mutation in biliary tract malignancy. We used an inducible Cre–LoxP‐based approach to coordinately delete PTEN and activate KRAS within the adult mouse biliary epithelium. We found that activation of KRAS alone has little effect upon biliary epithelium. Loss of PTEN alone results in the development of low‐grade neoplastic lesions, following long latency and at low incidence. Combination of both mutations causes rapid development of biliary epithelial proliferative lesions, which progress through dysplasia to invasive carcinoma. We conclude that activation of the PI3′K pathway following loss of PTEN is sufficient to drive slow development of low‐grade biliary lesions in mice. In contrast, mutational activation of KRAS does not result in a similar phenotype, despite a prediction that this should activate both the RAF–MEK–ERK and PI3′‐kinase pathways. However, mutation of both genes results in rapid tumourigenesis, arguing that PTEN normally functions as a ‘brake’ on the PI3′‐kinase pathway, limiting the influence of KRAS activation. Mutation of both genes creates a ‘permissive’ environment, allowing the full effects of both mutations to be manifested. These data reveal an in vivo synergy between these mutations and provides a new mouse model of biliary tract malignancy. Copyright © 2013 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Six-dimensional superconformal couplings of non-abelian tensor and hypermultiplets
Authors: Samtleben Henning , Sezgin Ergin , Wimmer Robert
Published: March 2013

Abstract

We construct six-dimensional superconformal models with non-abelian tensor and hypermultiplets. They describe the field content of (2, 0) theories, coupled to (1, 0) vector multiplets. The latter are part of the non-abelian gauge structure that also includes non-dynamical three- and four-forms. The hypermultiplets are described by gauged nonlinear sigma models with a hyper-Kähler cone target space. We also address the question of constraints in these models and show that their resolution requires the inclusion of abelian factors. These provide couplings that were previously considered for anomaly cancellations with abelian tensor multiplets and resulted in the selection ofADEgauge groups.
Influence of high temperature and ethanol on thermostable lignocellulolytic enzymes
Authors: Skovgaard Pernille Anastasia , Jørgensen Henning
Published: March 2013

Lignocellulolytic enzymes are among the most costly part in production of bioethanol. Therefore, recycling of enzymes is interesting as a concept for reduction of process costs. However, stability of the enzymes during the process is critical. In this work, focus has been on investigating the influence of temperature and ethanol on enzyme activity and stability in the distillation step, where most enzymes are inactivated due to high temperatures. Two enzyme mixtures, a mesophilic and a thermostable mixture, were exposed to typical process conditions [temperatures from 55 to 65 °C and up to 5 % ethanol (w/v)] followed by specific enzyme activity analyses and SDS-PAGE. The thermostable and mesophilic mixture remained active at up to 65 and 55 °C, respectively. When the enzyme mixtures reached their maximum temperature limit, ethanol had a remarkable influence on enzyme activity, e.g., the more ethanol, the faster the inactivation. The reason could be the hydrophobic interaction of ethanol on the tertiary structure of the enzyme protein. The thermostable mixture was more tolerant to temperature and ethanol and could therefore be a potential candidate for recycling after distillation.
Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Surfactants 1,2,3‐tri(2‐oxypropylsulfonate‐3‐alkylether‐propoxy) Propanes
Authors: Zhou Ming , Zhao Jinzhou , Wang Xu , Jing Jiaqiang , Zhou Lizhi
Published: March 2013

A series of trimeric sulfonate surfactants 1,2,3‐tri(2‐oxypropylsulfonate‐3‐alkylether‐propoxy) propanes were prepared by the reaction of glycerin triglycidyl ether with long‐chain alcohols, followed by sulfonation with 1,3‐propane sultone. Glycerin triglycidyl ether was synthesized by the reaction of epichlorohydrin with glycerin. The chemical structures of the prepared compounds were confirmed by FTIR, 1H NMR and element analysis. Their solution properties were characterized by use of the method of equilibrium and dynamic surface tension, steady‐state fluorescence spectroscopy of pyrene and fluorescence quenching. With the increasing length of the carbon chain, the values of their CMC initially decreased. All these trimeric sulfonate surfactants had good water solubility. These compounds were superior in surface active properties to the reference surfactant SDS. The efficiency of adsorption at the water/air interface (pC20) of these surfactants was very high. It is found that the shorter hydrocarbon chain length of the trimeric sulfonate surfactants, the faster the rate of decrease of surface tension, and the bigger the aggregation number of the trimeric sulfonate surfactants.
Evaluation of Potential and Real Quality of Virgin Olive Oil from “Campos de Hellín” (Albacete, Spain)
Authors: Pardo José E. , Sena Estela , Cuesta María A. , Granell José D. , Valiente Juan , Alvarez‐Ortí Manuel
Published: March 2013

The regulated physicochemical and sensory parameters, stability parameters and fatty acid, sterol and triterpenic dialcohol composition of the olive oils from the varieties Arbequina, Benizal, Cornicabra, Cuquillo, Injerta, Manzanilla de Sevilla, Manzanilla Local, Picual and Negrilla, grown in the Campos de Hellin, were analyzed. Regarding potential quality, all the oil samples were classified in the “extra virgin” category according to the regulated parameters. The oils from the varieties Cornicabra and Picual showed remarkably high stability, due to their high total phenol content. The oils from the Benizal variety stood out due to their high campesterol and low total sterol content, exceeding and not reaching, respectively, the limits set by European regulations. This seems to be an intrinsic characteristic of this variety. When the real quality was analyzed, two clearly differentiated groups were observed: on one hand, oils from the Arbequina variety, and on the other hand, oils from the Picual variety and oils mixed from different varieties (Blend). The great number of olive varieties grown in the Campos de Hellin area enables the production of better balanced oils, producing high quality blended oils since the mixing of different varieties may compensate the deficiencies of monovarietal oils.
Investigation of changes in body composition, metabolic profile and skeletal muscle functional capacity in ischemic stroke patients: the rationale and design of the Body Size in Stroke Study (BoSSS)
Authors: Knops Michael , Werner Claudia G. , Scherbakov Nadja , Fiebach Jochen , Dreier Jens P. , Meisel Andreas , Heuschmann Peter U. , Jungehülsing Gerd J. , von Haehling Stephan , Dirnagl Ulrich , Anker Stefan D. , Doehner Wolfram
Published: March 2013

Background

Stroke is steadily increasing in prevalence. Muscle tissue wasting and functional changes are frequently observed in stroke, but this has not been studied in detail yet. There is a lack of data to support guideline recommendations on how to target muscle wasting in stroke patients. We hypothesise that pathophysiological metabolic profiles and muscle functional and structural impairment are developing in stroke patients, which are associated with stroke severity and outcome after stroke.

Methods

The Body Size in Stroke Study (BoSSS) is a prospective, longitudinal observation study that will explore associations between the metabolic profile, body tissue wasting and particular metabolic and functional changes in skeletal muscle tissue in stroke patients. Consecutive patients with acute stroke (n = 150) will be enrolled due to lacunar or territorial ischemic infarct in the area of the middle cerebral artery. Patients will be studied at annual intervals after 12 and 24 months. For comparison, healthy controls of similar age and patients with chronic heart failure will be used as control groups. The main objective is to study changes in body composition in stroke patients. Secondary, the study will focus on changes in insulin sensitivity of adipose tissue and skeletal muscle. Furthermore, measurements of endothelial function and peripheral blood flow will provide insight in the vascular regulation in stroke patients.

Conclusion

This study will be the largest observational study providing insights into the metabolic and functional changes of muscle tissue in patients with acute ischemic stroke. The new data will increase our understanding of the pathophysiologic tissue wasting in stroke disease and help to develop new therapeutic strategies.
Effects of conjugated linoleic acid on growth, non-specific immunity, antioxidant capacity, lipid deposition and related gene expression in juvenile large yellow croaker (Larmichthys crocea) fed soyabean oil-based diets
Authors: Zuo Rantao , Ai Qinghui , Mai Kangsen , Xu Wei
Published: March 2013

The effects of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on growth performance, non-specific immunity, antioxidant capacity, lipid deposition and related gene expression were investigated in the large yellow croaker (Larmichthys crocea). Fish (7·56 (sem0·60) g) were fed soyabean oil-based diets with graded levels of CLA (0, 0·42, 0·83, 1·70 %) for 70 d. Quantitative PCR was used to assess the effects of CLA on the transcription of inflammation- and fatty acid oxidation-related genes. Growth in fish fed the diet with 0·42 % CLA was significantly higher. Also, phagocytic index and respiratory burst activity were significantly higher in fish fed the diets containing 0·42 and 0·83 % CLA, respectively. Hepatic total antioxidative capacity and catalase activities increased significantly when CLA increased from 0 to 0·83 %, and then decreased with further increase of CLA. However, hepatic malondialdehyde content decreased significantly as dietary CLA increased. Lipid concentration in the whole body and muscle increased significantly with increasing dietary CLA. Transcription of genes related to inflammation (cyclo-oxygenase-2 and IL-β) in the liver and kidney and fatty acid oxidation (carnitine palmitoyl transferase I and acyl CoA oxidase) in the kidney decreased significantly as dietary CLA increased. PPARα and acyl CoA oxidase expression in the liver decreased significantly as CLA increased from 0·42 to 1·70 %. These results strongly suggest that dietary CLA could significantly affect growth performance, non-specific immunity, antioxidant capacity, lipid deposition and transcription of inflammation- and fatty acid oxidation-related genes of the large yellow croaker. This may contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms related to the physiological effects of dietary CLA in fish.
MEDEA: TRANSFORMATIONS OF A GREEK FIGURE IN LATIN LITERATURE
Authors: Manuwald Gesine
Published: March 2013

Latin writers in the ancient world are well known to have been familiar with earlier Greek writings, as well as with the first commentaries on those, and to have taken over literary genres as well as topics and motifs from Greece for their own works. But, as has been recognized in modern scholarship, this engagement with Greek material does not mean that Roman writers typically produced Latin copies of pieces by their Greek predecessors. In the terms of contemporary literary terminology, the connection between Latin and Greek literature is rather to be described as an intertextual relationship, which became increasingly complex, since later Latin authors were also influenced by their Roman predecessors.
Art and Archaeology
Authors: Spivey Nigel
Published: March 2013

The front cover of John Bintliff's Complete Archaeology of Greece is interesting. There is the Parthenon: as most of its sculptures have gone, the aspect is post-Elgin. But it stands amid an assortment of post-classical buildings: one can see a small mosque within the cella, a large barrack-like building between the temple and the Erechtheum, and in the foreground an assortment of stone-built houses – so this probably pre-dates Greek independence and certainly pre-dates the nineteenth-century ‘cleansing’ of all Byzantine, Frankish, and Ottoman remains from the Athenian Akropolis (in fact the view, from Dodwell, is dated 1820). For the author, it is a poignant image. He is, overtly (or ‘passionately’ in today's parlance), a philhellene, but his Greece is not chauvinistically selective. He mourns the current neglect of an eighteenth-century Islamic school by the Tower of the Winds; and he gives two of his colour plates over to illustrations of Byzantine and Byzantine-Frankish ceramics. Anyone familiar with Bintliff's Boeotia project will recognize here an ideological commitment to the ‘Annales school’ of history, and a certain (rather wistful) respect for a subsistence economy that unites the inhabitants of Greece across many centuries. ‘Beyond the Akropolis’ was the war-cry of the landscape archaeologists whose investigations of long-term patterns of settlement and land use reclaimed ‘the people without history’ – and who sought to reform our fetish for the obvious glories of the classical past. This book is not so militant: there is due consideration of the meaning of the Parthenon Frieze, of the contents of the shaft graves at Mycenae, and suchlike. Its tone verges on the conversational (an attractive feature of the layout is the recurrent sub-heading ‘A Personal View’); nonetheless, it carries the authority and clarity of a textbook – a considerable achievement.
POLYGYNY AND WOMEN'S HEALTH IN RURAL MALI
Authors: BOVE R. M. , VALA-HAYNES EMILY , VALEGGIA CLAUDIA
Published: March 2013

Women's social networks and social power are increasingly seen as important factors modulating their health in sub-Saharan Africa. Polygyny, a common marital structure in many societies, mediates important intra-household relationships by requiring both competition and co-operation among co-wives. Using mixed methods, semi-structured questionnaires were administered to 298 women aged 15–84 living in the Kolondiéba region of rural Mali in 1999, and supplemented by detailed interviews with 40 women. Three categories of outcome were explored: illness experience, therapeutic itinerary and social support received. Quantitative data were analysed using regression analysis and qualitative data using a grounded theory approach. In quantitative analyses, controlling for age and household wealth index, senior wives were less likely to be escorted to a healer by their husbands during illness than were junior wives or monogamous women. Polygynous women were also less likely to obtain a treatment for which there was a monetary fee. Fewer than one-third of polygynous women reported the assistance of a co-wife during illness in any given task. In qualitative analyses, women further related varied mechanisms through which polygyny impacted their health trajectories. These ranged from strongly supportive relationships, to jealousy because of unequal health or fertility, bias in emotional and material support provided by husbands, and accusations of wrong-doing and witchcraft. This study highlights the need for more prospective mixed methods analyses to further clarify the impact of polygyny on women's health-related experiences and behaviours in sub-Saharan Africa.
Changes in milk and plasma fatty acid profile in response to fish and soybean oil supplementation in dairy sheep
Authors: Tsiplakou Eleni , Zervas George
Published: March 2013

An effective strategy for enhancing the bioactive fatty acids (FA) in sheep milk could be dietary supplementation with a moderate level of a combination of soybean oil with fish oil (SFO) without negative effects on milk yield and its chemical composition. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the effects of a moderate forage diet supplementation with SFO on milk chemical composition and FA profile, as well as on plasma FA. Twelve dairy sheep were assigned to two homogenous sub-groups. Treatments involved a control diet without added oil, and a diet supplemented with 23·6 g soybean oil and 4·7 g fish oil per kg dry matter (DM) of the total ration. The results showed that SFO diet had no effect on milk yield and chemical composition. In blood plasma the concentrations oftrans-11C18:2(VA), C18:2n-6, C20:5n-3(EPA) and C22:6n-3(DHA) were significantly higher while those of C14:0, C16:0and C18:0were lower in sheep fed with SFO diet compared with control. The SFO supplementation of sheep diet increased the concentrations of VA,cis-9, trans-11C18:2CLA,trans-10, cis-12, C18:2CLA, EPA, DHA, monounsaturated FA (MUFA), polyusaturated fatty acids (PUFA) andn-3 FA and decreased those of short chain FA (SCFA), medium chain FA (MCFA), the saturated/unsaturated ratio and the atherogenicity index value in milk compared with the control. In conclussion, the SFO supplementation at the above levels in a sheep diet, with moderate forage to concentrate ratio, improved the milk FA profile from human health standpoint without negative effects on its chemical composition.
Computer or not? Use of image guidance during endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis at St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, and meta-analysis
Authors: Sunkaraneni V S , Yeh D , Qian H , Javer A R
Published: March 2013

Background:

The advantages and limitations of image guidance systems for endoscopic sinus surgery are unclear. We report our experience and present a meta-analysis of the evidence.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective analysis of endoscopic sinus surgery procedures performed with versus without image guidance. A total of 355 cases was included. Primary outcomes included complication rates and time to revision surgery. A literature search was conducted to enable identification and analysis of studies of similar comparisons.

Results:

Within 1.5 years of the index sinus surgical procedure, the risk of revision surgery was significantly higher for patients treated with non-assisted versus computer-assisted endoscopic sinus surgery (p = 0.001). Meta-analysis did not indicate a reduction in complications or revision surgery procedures with the use of image guidance systems, although the majority of included studies showed a non-significant reduction in revision surgery.

Conclusion:

Our study offers some evidence that computer-assisted endoscopic sinus surgery may delay residual disease and reduce the requirement for revision surgery. Although this finding was not borne out in the meta-analysis, the majority of identified studies demonstrated a trend towards fewer revision procedures after computer-assisted endoscopic sinus surgery. This type of surgery may offer other advantages that are not easily measurable.
Transitory stapedial myoclonus in a patient with benign fasciculation syndrome
Authors: Brigo F , Storti M , Lochner P , Nardone R
Published: March 2013

Objective:

We report a previously undescribed association between transitory stapedial myoclonus, objective tinnitus and benign fasciculation syndrome.

Method:

Case report and review of the world literature regarding stapedial myoclonus.

Results:

A 30-year-old man with a diagnosis of benign fasciculation syndrome abruptly developed severe, low-pitched tinnitus on the right side. Otoscopic examination revealed rhythmic movement of the tympanic membrane, which was synchronous with the tinnitus. No palatal spasm was noted on nasopharyngeal examination. Brain magnetic resonance imaging and pure tone audiometry were unremarkable. Based on these findings, a diagnosis of objective tinnitus due to stapedial myoclonus was made. The objective tinnitus spontaneously disappeared within 48 hours of its appearance, but in the following days the patient suffered frequent, brief episodes of objective tinnitus lasting only a few seconds.

Conclusion:

The occurrence of stapedial myoclonus in this patient indicated the presence of an underlying motor unit hyper-excitability. This case suggests that, in some patients, stapedial myoclonus may represent the clinical expression of diffuse motor unit hyper-excitability.
Case of acute, resistant fulminant Wegener's granulomatosis successfully treated by rituximab
Authors: Ebrahim A K , Loock J W
Published: March 2013

Background:

Wegener's granulomatosis is generally a chronic, indolent, inflammatory condition, treated with cytotoxics (cyclophosphamide) and corticosteroids.

Objective:

This paper reports an unusual case of acute fulminant Wegener's granulomatosis that failed to respond to conventional treatment, but showed a dramatic response to rituximab, which is a relatively new form of treatment for resistant cases.

Method:

As well as describing the case (with photographic illustrations), the current paper provides a review of the literature, focusing on acute Wegener's granulomatosis and frequency of resistance to ‘conventional’ forms of treatment. There is also an evaluation of the evidence for the effectiveness of rituximab in resistant Wegener's granulomatosis.

Results:

The patient responded remarkably well to rituximab and had no disease recurrence at 24 months' follow up.

Conclusion:

Clinicians should be aware of the acute fulminant form of Wegener's granulomatosis, as a delay in diagnosis and treatment may have fatal consequences. The paper also highlights the dramatic response to rituximab experienced by the patient.
The Chronology of the Ascension Stories in Luke and Acts
Authors: de Jonge Henk Jan
Published: March 2013

In both his Gospel and Acts, Luke places the ascension at the end of the day of Jesus' resurrection. There is no difference between Luke's dating of the ascension in his Gospel and that in Acts. The forty days mentioned in Acts 1.3 are viewed by Luke as subsequent to the ascension, not as previous to it. The forty days are not the term fixed for the ascension; they are not linked with the ascension at all. They are linked with the post-Easter, post-ascension appearances. The ascension ought to be regarded as preceding the forty days of Jesus' appearances rather than following them.
Jacques le Juste, un Oblias parmi d'autres
Authors: Bourgel Jonathan
Published: March 2013

In his Church History, Eusebius quotes a passage from Hegesippus's lostMemoriesin which he relates the martyrdom of James the Just; according to this account, the latter was called ᾽Ωβλίας. This article proposes to examine this odd term whose precise meaning remains obscure. Beyond issues related to its signification, the analysis of this word is likely to shed new light on the milieu in which the tradition quoted by Hegesippus appeared. This study seeks to demonstrate through various examples that the figure of the ᾽Ωβλίας was particularly popular in Jewish literature following the destruction of the Second Temple.
(Post-) Genomic approaches to tackle drug resistance in Leishmania
Authors: BERG MAYA , MANNAERT AN , VANAERSCHOT MANU , VAN DER AUWERA GERT , DUJARDIN JEAN-CLAUDE
Published: March 2013

Leishmaniasis, like other neglected diseases is characterized by a small arsenal of drugs for its control. To safeguard the efficacy of current drugs and guide the development of new ones it is thus of utmost importance to acquire a deep understanding of the phenomenon of drug resistance and its link with treatment outcome. We discuss here how (post-)genomic approaches may contribute to this purpose. We highlight the need for a clear definition of the phenotypes under consideration: innate and acquired resistance versus treatment failure. We provide a recent update of our knowledge on the Leishmania genome structure and dynamics, and compare the contribution of targeted and untargeted methods for the understanding of drug resistance and show their limits. We also present the main assays allowing the experimental validation of the genes putatively involved in drug resistance. The importance of analysing information downstream of the genome is stressed and further illustrated by recent metabolomics findings. Finally, the attention is called onto the challenges for implementing the acquired knowledge to the benefit of the patients and the population at risk.
Secular trends in the prevalence of dementia and depression in Swedish septuagenarians 1976–2006
Authors: Wiberg P. , Waern M. , Billstedt E. , Östling S. , Skoog I.
Published: March 2013

Background

It is not clear whether the prevalence of dementia and depression among the elderly has changed during the past 30 years.

Method

Population-based samples from Gothenburg, Sweden were examined with identical psychiatric and neuropsychiatric examinations at age 70 years in 1976–1977 (n = 404, response rate 78.8%) and 2000–2001 (n = 579, response rate 66.4%), and at age 75 in 1976–1977 (n = 303, response rate 78%) and 2005–2006 (n = 753, response rate 63.4%). Depression was diagnosed according to DSM-IV and dementia according to Kay's criteria. General linear models (GLMs) were used to test for differences between groups.

Results

Dementia was related to age but not to birth cohort or sex. Major depression was related to sex (higher in women) but not to birth cohort or age. Minor depression was related to birth cohort, sex (higher in women), age (higher at age 75) and the interaction effect of birth cohort × age; that is, the prevalence of minor depression increased with age in the 2000s but not in the 1970s. Thus, the prevalence of minor depression was higher in 2005–2006 than in 1976–1977 among 75-year-olds for both men (12.4% v. 3.7%) and women (19.1% v. 5.6%) whereas there were no birth cohort differences at age 70.

Conclusions

Secular changes were observed only for minor depression, which is considered to be related more to psychosocial factors than major depression. The high prevalence of minor depression in later-born birth cohorts emphasizes the importance of detecting minor depression in the elderly.