bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fasting-induced intestinal damage is mediated by oxidative and inflammatory responses
Authors: Abdeen S , Mathew T C , Khan I , Dashti H , Asfar S
Published: April 2009

Background

Green tea has been shown to repair fasting-induced mucosal damage in rat intestine. The aim of this study was to elucidate the underlying mechanism.

Methods

Five groups of rats were used. Group 1 had free access to chow diet and water, and those in group 2 were fasted for 3 days. Animals in group 3 were fasted for 3 days, then were allowed drinking water for a further 7 days. Groups 4 and 5 were fasted for 3 days, then given drinking water containing green tea or vitamin E respectively for 7 days. Blood was collected for estimation of total plasma antioxidants, and jejunal samples were used for immunohistochemical analysis of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and for estimation of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity.

Results

Use of green tea was associated with a significant increase in total plasma antioxidants (P < 0·001), and mucosal SOD (P < 0·001), catalase (P = 0·006) and GPx (P = 0·017), but a significant decrease in MPO activity (P < 0·001). Vitamin E produced similar changes, but the effects were smaller.

Conclusion

Green tea reverses the fasting-induced damage to the intestinal mucosa by its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect.
Pouch design and long-term functional outcome after ileal pouch–anal anastomosis
Authors: Block M , Börjesson L , Lindholm E , Öresland T
Published: April 2009

Background

Functional outcome is of utmost importance after ileal pouch–anal anastomosis. Although pouch design and construction of the anastomosis are known technical determinants of function, there are few long-term results. This retrospective study evaluated functional outcome for two different pouch designs, and for handsewn versus stapled pouch–anal anastomoses.

Methods

The analysis included 412 patients who had either a J or K pouch (double-folded J pouch), of whom 123 had a J pouch (96 handsewn and 27 stapled) and 289 had a K pouch (95 handsewn and 194 stapled). Functional outcome was evaluated by a mailed questionnaire to achieve an Öresland score (0 to 15; 15 worst).

Results

Mean functional scores were 6·1 for J pouches and 4·9 for K pouches (P < 0·001). Regression analysis showed that reservoir design and age at surgery were predictors of functional outcome (P < 0·001). A higher proportion of patients with a J pouch and handsewn anastomosis than with a K pouch and stapled anastomosis had a score of 8 or more, a level previously demonstrated to impact negatively on quality of life (32 versus 16 per cent; P = 0·006).

Conclusion

The K pouch was associated with a better long-term functional outcome than the J pouch in this patient population.
Effect of preoperative smoking cessation interventions on postoperative complications and smoking cessation
Authors: Thomsen T , Tønnesen H , Møller A M
Published: April 2009

Background

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of preoperative smoking cessation interventions on postoperative complications and smoking cessation itself.

Methods

Relevant databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of preoperative smoking cessation interventions. Trial inclusion, risk of bias assessment and data extraction were performed by two authors. Risk ratios for the above outcomes were calculated and pooled effects estimated using the fixed-effect method.

Results

Eleven RCTs were included containing 1194 patients. Smoking interventions were intensive, medium intensity and less intensive. Follow-up for postoperative complications was 30 days. For smoking cessation it was from the day of surgery to 12 months thereafter. Overall, the interventions significantly reduced the occurrence of complications (pooled risk ratio 0·56 (95 per cent confidence interval 0·41 to 0·78); P < 0·001). Intensive interventions increased smoking cessation rates both before operation and up to 12 months thereafter. The effects of medium to less intensive interventions were not significant. Meta-analysis of the effect on smoking cessation was not done owing to heterogeneity of data.

Conclusion

Surgical patients may benefit from intensive preoperative smoking cessation interventions. These include individual counselling initiated at least 4 weeks before operation and nicotine replacement therapy.
Long-term outcome of endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair
Authors: Boyle J R
Published: April 2009

Renal function is a concern
HPLC quantification of 5‐hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid in human lung cancer tissues
Authors: Paige Mikell , Saprito Mary S. , Bunyan Dorothy A. , Shim Y. Michael
Published: April 2009

A simple and cost‐effective HPLC method was established for quantification of 5‐hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5‐HETE) in human lung cancer tissues. 5‐HETE from 27 patients' lung cancer tissues were extracted by solid‐phase extraction and analyzed on a Waters Symmetry C18 column (4.6 × 250 mm, 5 µm) with a mobile phase consisting of methanol, 10 mm ammonium acetate, and 1 m acetic acid (70:30:0.1, v:v:v) at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The UV detection wavelength was set at 240 nm. The calibration curve was linear within the concentration range from 10 to 1000 ng/mL (r2 > 0.999, n = 7), the limit of detection was 1.0 ng/mL and the limit of quantitation was 10.0 ng/mL for a 100 µL injection. The relative error (%) for intra‐day accuracy was from 93.14 to 112.50% and the RSD (%) for intra‐day precision was from 0.21 to 2.60% over the concentration range 10–1000 ng/mL. By applying this method, amounts of 5‐HETE were quantitated in human lung cancer tissues from 27 human subjects. The established HPLC method was validated to be a simple, reliable and cost‐effective procedure that can be applied to conduct translational characterization of 5‐HETE in human lung cancer tissues. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enantiomeric separation of d‐ and l‐serine using high‐performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection following pre‐column diastereomer derivatization
Authors: Yamashita Kazuhide , Fukushima Takeshi , Sasaki Tsukasa , Arai Kotaro , Toyo'oka Toshimasa
Published: April 2009

Enantiomeric separation of d‐ and l‐serine on an octadecylsilica column was investigated using (2R)‐2,5‐dioxopyrrolidin‐1‐yl‐2,5,7,8‐tetramethyl‐6‐(tetrahydro‐2H‐pyran‐2‐yloxy)chroman‐2‐carboxylate (R‐NPCA), which was developed for a pre‐column derivatization reagent for electrochemical detection. In addition, (2S)‐2,5‐dioxopyrrolidin‐1‐yl‐2,5,7,8‐tetramethyl‐6‐(tetrahydro‐2H‐pyran‐2‐yloxy)chroman‐2‐carboxylate (S‐NPCA) was newly synthesized from (S)‐(−)‐6‐hydroxy‐2,5,7,8‐tetramethylchroman‐2‐carboxylic acid (S‐α‐CA), and the enantiomeric separation of d‐ and l‐serine using S‐NPCA was also examined. The enantiomeric separation of d,l‐serine was achieved using the R‐ or S‐NPCA as a chiral derivatization reagent, and the elution orders of the enantiomers were reversed between R‐ and S‐NPCA. The elution orders of d‐ and l‐serine unexpectedly reversed between the phosphate buffer at pH 4.0 and pH 2.2, both of which were used in the mobile phase. Separation factors obtained using R‐ and S‐NPCA were similar—1.09 and 1.07, respectively. The detection limit was approximately 940 fmol on the column (signal‐to‐noise ratio 3) when the applied voltage was +650 mV. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantification of testosterone undecanoate in human hair by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Pozo Oscar J. , Deventer Koen , Van Eenoo Peter , Rubens Robert , Delbeke Frans T.
Published: April 2009

Testosterone undecanoate (T‐C11) can be used by athletes in order to improve performance. After oral intake, T‐C11 is rapidly metabolized, hampering discrimination between exogenous and endogenous testosterone. A possible alternative is to detect the intact ester in hair. A method based on liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry was developed for the determination of T‐C11 in hair. The sample procedure consisted of digestion of 200 mg of pulverized hair with tris(2‐carboxyethyl)phosphine hydrochloride and liquid–liquid extraction with n‐pentane. Several parameters such as the mobile phase, the ionization source and the washing step were optimized. The method was validated at different spiked levels obtaining satisfactory values for accuracy (between 92 and 102%) with relative standard deviations lower than 7% and a limit of detection of 0.2 ng/g. The applicability of the method was checked by the analysis of three samples from patients using T‐C11. A peak for the analyte was detected in all samples with concentrations between 0.4 and 8.4 ng/g. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of fenofibric acid in human plasma by ultra performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization mass spectrometry: application to a bioequivalence study
Authors: Bhavesh Dasandi , Shah Sanjay , Shivprakash
Published: April 2009

A rapid, specific and sensitive ultra‐performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for the determination of fenofibric acid in human plasma. The method involves simple, one‐step liquid–liquid extraction procedure coupled with an Acquity UPLCTM BEH C18 column (50 × 2.1 mm, i.d., 1.7 µm) with isocratic elution at a flow‐rate of 0.2 mL/min and mefenamic acid was used as the internal standard. The Quattro Premier XE mass spectrometry was operated under the multiple reaction‐monitoring mode using the electrospray ionization technique. Using 250 µL plasma, the methods were validated over the concentration rang 0.05–7.129 µg/mL, with a lower limit of quantification of 0.05 µg/mL. The intra‐ and inter‐day precision and accuracy were within 9.3%. The recovery was 66.7% and 52.6% for fenofibric acid, and mefenamic acid, respectively. Total run time was 1.8 min only for each sample, which makes it possible to analyze more than 350 samples per day. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quality evaluation of Hpericum japomicum by using high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array detector and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Gao Wei‐Na , Luo Jian‐Guang , Kong Ling‐Yi
Published: April 2009

A high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array detection and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC‐PAD‐ESI‐MSn) method was developed to evaluate the quality of Hpericum japomicum through establishing chromatographic fingerprint and simultaneous determination of seven phenolic compounds. The analysis was achieved on an Ultimate XB‐C18 analytical column (250 mm × 4.6 mm i.d., 5 µm) using an aqueous solution of acetic acid (pH 3.8) and methanol as the mobile phase. Ten samples of H. japomicum from various habitats were investigated and the correlation coefficients of similarity were determined from the HPLC fingerprints. By using an online ESI‐MSn, 20 common peaks in chromatographic fingerprints were identified as phenols, including flavones and their glycosides, flavonones and their glucosides, flavanols, xanthones, phloroglucinols, phenyl propanoids and chromones. Based on the above study, seven phenols which are considered to be major constituents in H. japomicum, including 3,4‐dihydroxybenzoic acid (1), taxfolin‐7‐O‐α‐l‐rhamnoside (7), 7‐dihydroxy‐2‐(1‐methylpropyl)chromone‐8‐β‐d‐glucoside (8), isoquercitrin (14), quercitrin (16), quercetin‐7‐O‐α‐l‐rhamnoside (18) and quercetin (19) were quantified by the validated HPLC‐PAD method. This developed method by combination of chromatographic fingerprint and quantification analysis could be applied to control the quality of H. japomicum. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance tradeoffs among low‐complexity detection algorithms for MIMO‐LTE receivers
Authors: Morales‐Jiménez D. , Paris J. F. , Entrambasaguas J. T.
Published: April 2009

The upcoming Third‐Generation Partnership Project—Long‐Term Evolution (3GPP‐LTE) cellular standard will employ spatial multiplexing to significantly increase the data rates. Detection of the spatially multiplexed signals is an essential issue in the design of an LTE receiver. In this paper, we evaluate the performance–complexity tradeoffs for a set of low‐complexity multiple input multiple output (MIMO) detection algorithms in a realistic LTE downlink system. Specifically, antenna correlation and channel estimation errors have been considered for a practical MIMO‐LTE receiver. An LTE downlink model has been implemented in order to evaluate three types of detectors: linear, unsorted successive interference cancellation (SIC), and ordered SIC. Our simulation results show that the unsorted SIC detectors present a very poor performance–complexity tradeoff. Besides, linear detectors are shown to be the best candidates as the performance improvement for the ordered SIC detectors is not significant in a realistic scenario. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sequential changes in coagulation after renal transplantation: A thromboelastogram study
Authors: Timmermans Joep , Dolmans Guido H. C. , Kahn Delawir
Published: April 2009

BACKGROUND

Chronic renal failure is associated with complex alterations in coagulation. The changes in coagulation that occur after renal transplantation have been studied only to a limited extent. The thromboelastogram (TEG) provides a global assessment of whole blood clotting. In this study, sequential changes in coagulation after renal transplantation were investigated in 8 patients using the TEG.

METHODS

The controls included normal healthy controls (n = 6) and patients on hemodialysis (n = 5), on peritoneal dialysis (n = 6), and long term after transplantation (n = 7). The TEG parameters measured included R‐time, K‐time, alpha angle, and maximum amplitude.

RESULTS

The TEG parameters pre‐transplantation demonstrated a hypercoagulable state. There was a trend toward normal coagulation immediately after transplantation (days 2–4) and a return to hypercoagulability thereafter, compared with the normal controls. There was no difference in the TEG parameters between the patients long term after transplantation and the normal controls. The dialysis patients were also hypercoagulable.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with end‐stage renal failure on dialysis are hypercoagulable, and this persists in the early post‐transplant period. However patients long term after transplantation have normal coagulation.
Early and prolonged continuous hemodiafiltration for the treatment of severe metformin‐associated lactic acidosis
Authors: Abramo Antonio , Corini Marzia , Malacarne Paolo , Donadio Francesca , Donadio Carlo
Published: April 2009

In this article, we discuss the case of a 42‐year‐old female diabetic patient who developed severe lactic acidosis, coma, shock, rhabdomyolysis, and renal and hepatic failure during metformin therapy after alcohol abuse. The APACHE II score of this patient was 38, which is associated with an estimated mortality rate >88%. Conventional treatment of acidosis with IV infusion of sodium bicarbonate (400 mmol) was ineffective in restoring a normal acid/base balance. Lactic acidosis was successfully treated with bicarbonate‐buffered continuous veno‐venous hemodiafiltration. The patient also had a complete recovery from all complications.
Anti‐angiogenic potential of scopoletin is associated with the inhibition of ERK1/2 activation
Authors: Pan Rong , Dai Yue , Yang Jian , Li Ying , Yao Xiujuan , Xia Yufeng
Published: April 2009

Angiogenesis plays an important role in many diseases, such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetic retinopathy. Specific inhibitors of angiogenesis are therefore expected to be potential candidate therapeutics for these disorders. Recently, several naturally occurring coumarins and synthetic analogues have proved to hinder new vessel formation. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of scopoletin, a phenolic coumarin compound with various biological activities on endothelial cell activation and resultant angiogenesis. Scopoletin had no cytotoxic effect on endothelial cells at the concentrations tested but suppressed the endothelial cell migration and disrupted rat tail collagen tube formation at concentrations of 62.5, 125, 250, and 500 µM, whereas it only moderately inhibited the proliferation and adhesion of endothelial cells. Notably, scopoletin (500 µM) selectively downregulated serum‐induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation, without affecting endothelial cell p38 MAPK or JNK phosphorylation. These findings demonstrate that scopoletin has anti‐angiogenic properties that are manifest mainly through inhibiting migration and tube formation of endothelial cells via downregulating ERK1/2 activation. Scopoletin may potentially be useful for the treatment of angiogenesis‐mediated diseases and could serve as a structural basis for screening for more potent synthetic analogues. Drug Dev Res 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synaptotagmin I stabilizes synaptic vesicles via its C2A polylysine motif
Authors: Mace Kimberly E. , Biela Laurie M. , Sares Anastasia G. , Reist Noreen E.
Published: April 2009

The synaptic vesicle protein, synaptotagmin I, is a multifunctional protein required for several steps in the synaptic vesicle cycle. It is primarily composed of two calcium‐binding domains, C2A and C2B. Within each of these domains, a polylysine motif has been identified that is proposed to mediate specific functions within the synaptic vesicle cycle. While the C2B polylysine motif plays an important role in synaptic transmission in vivo, the C2A polylysine motif has not previously been analyzed at an intact synapse. Here, we show that mutation of the C2A polylysine motif increases the frequency of spontaneous transmitter release in vivo. The increased frequency is not a developmental consequence of disrupted synaptic transmission, as evoked transmitter release is unimpaired in the mutants. Our results demonstrate that synaptotagmin I plays a direct role in regulating spontaneous transmitter release, indicative of an active role in synaptic vesicle stabilization mediated by the C2A polylysine motif. genesis 47:337–345, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cytotoxic Titanium(IV) Complexes: Renaissance
Authors: Tshuva Edit Y. , Ashenhurst James A.
Published: April 2009

In this paper we overview our studies on amine–phenolato TiIV complexes as cytotoxic agents, in the context of the results reported thus far with titanocene dichloride, budotitane and derivatives. In particular, we emphasize the studies about the structure–activity relationship performed and important insights gained with the known compounds and our complexes, in regards to their hydrolytic behavior and cytotoxic activity, while pointing to potential mechanistic aspects. Titanocene dichloride and budotitane show cytotoxic activity towards cells that are resistant to cisplatin with reduced side effects. Their main drawback is their hydrolytic instability that has impeded mechanistic investigations and pharmaceutical use. Our new family of cytotoxic complexes was designed to include a single highly electron‐donating chelating ligand to afford octahedral TiIV complexes of relatively high hydrolytic stability, with the aim to retain ligand binding throughout the biological activity for achieving controlled processes and allowing mechanistic evaluation. The effect of several parameters on hydrolysis and cytotoxicity were investigated, including those relating to the tetradentate ligand and those relating to the labile groups. Overall we observed high cytotoxic activity that is strongly dependent on the ligand, and which is strongly correlated to the complex hydrolytic behavior. Additional mechanistic studies provide insights regarding the time frame of activity and cell penetration. Some comparisons to titanocene dichloride, budotitane and analogues are highlighted.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Highly Regioselective Oxirane Ring‐Opening of a Versatile Epoxypyrrolidine Precursor of New Imino‐Sugar‐Based Sphingolipid Mimics
Authors: Rives Arnaud , Génisson Yves , Faugeroux Vanessa , Zedde Chantal , Lepetit Christine , Chauvin Remi , Saffon Nathalie , Andrieu‐Abadie Nathalie , Colié Sandra , Levade Thierry , Baltas Michel
Published: April 2009

An in‐depth study of the oxirane ring‐opening reaction of a pivotal epoxypyrrolidine is reported. The introduction of various carbon‐ and heteroatom‐centered nucleophiles at C4 has been achieved with high regiocontrol. The structures of the major products were assigned on the basis on an X‐ray crystallographic study of six examples. A mechanistic study carried out at the B3LYP/6‐31G** level of theory suggested that the steric control of the vinyl substituent was responsible for the regioselectivity. Finally, this approach was used to design and prepare imino‐sugar‐based sphingolipid mimics. A highly cytotoxic C‐octylpyrrolidine is described. This compound was shown to interfere with the metabolism of sphingolipids in murine melanoma cells, notably in inhibiting the production of glucosylceramide. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Combinations of Acidic and Basic Monodentate Binaphtholic Phosphites as Supramolecular Bidentate Ligands for Enantioselective Rh‐Catalyzed Hydrogenations
Authors: Pignataro Luca , Lynikaite Benita , Cvengroš Ján , Marchini Mattia , Piarulli Umberto , Gennari Cesare
Published: April 2009

A small library of chiral BINOL‐derived monodentate phosphites containing either a carboxylic acid (‐COOH, A1–A3) or a tertiary amine (‐NMe2, B1–B4) was synthesized. The ligand combinations were screened in the enantioselective rhodium‐catalyzed hydrogenation of methyl 2‐acetamidoacrylate. The heterocombinations of the amine‐derived phosphite (R)‐B2 and of a carboxylic‐phosphite [(R)‐A1, (R)‐A2, (R)‐A3] displayed a slightly higher level of enantioselectivity compared to the corresponding homocombinations [up to 90 % ee using (R)‐A1/(R)‐B2]. The nature and extent of the interaction between the acidic and basic ligands in the rhodium complexes were studied by IR and 31P‐NMR spectroscopy. The formation of an intramolecular salt in the Rh‐heterocomplex, between the carboxylic acid and the tertiary amine, was suggested by the IR spectra. The selective formation of the Rh‐heterocomplex was quantitatively assessed by 31P‐NMR spectroscopy, using a modified acidic ligand (R)‐A1‐Me. In this way, a moderate (ca. 70:30) heterocomplex/homocomplexes ratio was determined.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
The therapeutic effect of rituximab on CD5‐positive and CD5‐negative diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Hyo Rie , Tomita Naoto , Takeuchi Kengo , Aoshima Tomohiro , Fujita Atsuko , Kuwabara Hideyuki , Hashimoto Chizuko , Takemura Sachiya , Taguchi Jun , Sakai Rika , Fujita Hiroyuki , Fujisawa Shin , Ogawa Koji , Motomura Shigeki , Suzuki Ritsuro , Ishigatsubo Yoshiaki
Published: April 2009

The prognosis of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) has improved markedly in recent years of rituximab era. The prognosis of de novo CD5‐positive DLBCL is reported to be poor, but the effect of rituximab on this type of lymphoma remains unclear. To investigate the effect of rituximab on CD5‐positive DLBCL, we collected DLBCL patients and analysed prognostic factors. A total of 157 patients with DLBCL who were immunophenotyped with flow‐cytometry (FCM) and treated with chemotherapy were subjected to analysis. Those treated with radiotherapy alone or with supportive therapy only were not included. Patients diagnosed in 2003 or later were treated with rituximab combined chemotherapy. There were 95 males and 62 females. Their age ranged from 20 to 91 years old, and the median was 65 years. Nineteen patients were diagnosed as having de novo CD5‐positive DLBCL. Rituximab was given alongside chemotherapy in 85 patients. Of these, 11 were positive for CD5 and 74 were negative. The addition of rituximab improved the overall survival (OS) of DLBCL patients (2‐year OS: 82% vs. 70%, p = 0.01). For CD5‐negative DLBCL, patients treated with rituximab showed 2‐year OS of 84%, which was significantly better than those treated without rituximab (70%, p = 0.008). However, for CD5‐positive DLBCL, the prognosis was not statistically different between the patients treated with and without rituximab (59% vs. 50%, p = 0.72). Although rituximab improved the prognosis of DLBCL, such improvement was restricted to the CD5‐negative group. Further investigation is required to improve the prognosis of patients with CD5‐positive DLBCL. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and antibacterial activity of nisin‐containing block copolymers
Authors: Joshi Pranav R. , McGuire Joseph , Neff Jennifer A.
Published: April 2009

Nisin, an antibacterial peptide proven to be an effective inhibitor of Gram‐positive bacteria, was incorporated into novel block copolymer constructs and tested for retained antibacterial activity. Covalent coupling was achieved by chemical modification of the N‐terminal isoleucine to introduce a thiol group. Thiolated‐nisin derivatives were then linked to poly[ethylene oxide]‐poly[propylene oxide]‐poly[ethylene oxide] (PEO‐PPO‐PEO) triblocks that had been end‐activated such that terminal hydroxyl groups of the PEO chains were replaced with pyridyl disulfide moieties. The nisin‐containing block copolymers were separated from free nisin by dialysis and showed antimicrobial activity against the Gram‐positive indicator strain Pediococcus pentosaceus. The contribution to antimicrobial activity from nisin that was covalently linked was not distinguished from the contribution of nisin that had associated with the PEO‐PPO‐PEO triblocks through noncovalent interactions. However, nisin that was covalently linked showed activity upon reduction of the disulfide bond and release from the end‐activated PEO. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
Mindfulness in Thailand and the United States: a case of apples versus oranges?
Authors: Christopher Michael S. , Charoensuk Sukjai , Gilbert Brennan D. , Neary Timothy J. , Pearce Kelly L.
Published: April 2009

The study and practice of mindfulness is rapidly expanding in Western psychology. Recently developed self‐report measures of mindfulness were derived from Western operationalizations and cross‐cultural validation of many of these measures is lacking, particularly in Buddhist cultures. Therefore, this study examined the measurement equivalence of the Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Skills (KIMS) and Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) among Thai (n=385) and American (n=365) college students. Multigroup confirmatory factor analysis models fit to the data revealed that the KIMS lacked configural invariance across groups, which precluded subsequent invariance tests, and although the MAAS demonstrated configural, metric, and partial scalar invariance, there was no significant latent mean MAAS difference between Thais and Americans. These findings suggest that Eastern and Western conceptualizations of mindfulness may have important differences. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 65: 1–23, 2009.
Endothelin‐1 gene polymorphism and hearing impairment in elderly Japanese
Authors: Uchida Yasue , Sugiura Saiko , Nakashima Tsutomu , Ando Fujiko , Shimokata Hiroshi
Published: April 2009

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To investigate the association between the Lys198Asn (G/T) polymorphism (rs5370) in the endothelin‐1 gene (EDN1) and hearing impairment in middle‐aged and elderly Japanese.

Study Design:

Longitudinal study.

Methods:

Data were collected from community‐dwelling Japanese adults who participated in the Longitudinal Study of Aging biennially between 1997 and 2006. The participants at baseline were 2,231 adults aged 40 years to 79 years. An average hearing threshold level of 25 dB or better in the better ear for frequencies 500 Hz, 1,000 Hz, 2,000 Hz, and 4,000 Hz was defined as no hearing impairment. Using generalized estimating equations to treat repeated observations within subjects, 7,097 cumulative data were analyzed to assess the association between hearing status and the EDN1 G/T polymorphism with adjustment for age, sex, histories of ear disease, occupational noise exposure, heart disease, hypertension, and body mass index under additive, dominant, and recessive genetic models.

Results:

Comparison with wild‐type homozygotes (GG), heterozygotes, and mutant homozygotes (GT/TT) showed a positive association with hearing impairment after adjustment for age in model 1 (odds ratio [OR] = 1.24; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02–1.50; P = .033), for age and sex in model 2 (OR = 1.29; CI = 1.06–1.57; P = .0122), and for age, sex, history of ear disease, and history of occupational noise exposure in model 3 (OR = 1.31; CI = 1.07–1.60; P = .0092). The association was also significant in model 3 under the additive model.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrated that mutant T‐allele carriers were associated with a higher risk of hearing impairment than carriers of wild‐type homozygotes in middle‐aged and elderly people. This result implies that endothelin‐1 plays a valuable role in the cochlea. Laryngoscope, 2009
Diabetes impairs recovery from noise‐induced temporary hearing loss
Authors: Wu Hung‐Pin , Cheng Tsun‐Jen , Tan Ching‐Ting , Guo Yueliang Leon , Hsu Chuan‐Jen
Published: April 2009

Objectives/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether diabetes impairs the recovery from noised‐induced temporary hearing loss.

Methods:

Twenty‐eight male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: control, diabetes with insulin control (DI), and diabetes without insulin control (DM). Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. All animals were exposed to white noise at 110 dB SPL for 8 hours. Auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds and distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) amplitudes were measured for all animals 1 day prior to noise exposure to obtain a baseline for hearing function, and then 1 hour, 1 day, 2 days, 4 days, 7 days, and 14 days after noise exposure.

Results:

One hour post exposure, ABR thresholds shifted markedly, and DPOAE was reduced similarly in all groups. Both ABR thresholds and DPOAE returned to the baseline in the control group at day 1, but they were not back to the baseline in the DM group even by day 14. Compared with the control group, the ABR threshold shifts and DPOAE returned to baseline more slowly in the DI group.

Conclusions:

The present study suggests that diabetic patients need proper blood sugar control and probably need more effective preventive measures to preserve their hearing from the effects of noise. Laryngoscope, 2009
Repair of the tympanic membrane with urinary bladder matrix
Authors: Parekh Aron , Mantle Belinda , Banks Juliane , Swarts J. Douglas , Badylak Stephen F. , Dohar Joseph E. , Hebda Patricia A.
Published: April 2009

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To test urinary bladder matrix (UBM) as a potential treatment for tympanic membrane (TM) healing and regeneration.

Study Design:

This prospective pilot study was designed to provide both qualitative and semiquantitative assessment of temporal and spatial healing events in the chinchilla model of chronic TM perforations with and without UBM patching.

Methods:

Bilateral myringotomies were performed and repeated as necessary to create subtotal perforations over an 8‐week period. Myringoplasty was then performed, with left TMs serving as controls and right TMs receiving UBM patches. TMs were excised at 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks. Fixed tissue samples were characterized for gross morphology, then processed for microscopic evaluation.

Results:

Chronic perforations were maintained with one or more repeated myringotomies. Although both control and patched TMs were thicker than native tissue, patched TMs were transparent and uniform in thickness without any inclusions. UBM patches were readily degraded and replaced by newly deposited and organized host tissue that recapitulated the native TM layers.

Conclusions:

UBM scaffolds were an effective biological scaffold for TM closure and tissue remodeling, leading to thicker than normal anatomy but otherwise normal morphology. Future studies are required to determine functional and temporal outcomes as well as alternative patch orientations. The results show particular promise as a superior alternative means of reconstructing not only chronic TM perforations but also dimeric TMs associated with retraction pockets and atelectasis. Laryngoscope, 2009
Multi‐dimensional Lotka–Volterra systems for carcinogenesis mutations
Authors: Foryś Urszula
Published: April 2009

In the paper we consider three classes of models describing carcinogenesis mutations. Every considered model is described by the system of (n+1) equations, and in each class three models are studied: the first is expressed as a system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs), the second—as a system of reaction–diffusion equations (RDEs) with the same kinetics as the first one and with the Neumann boundary conditions, while the third is also described by the system of RDEs but with the Dirichlet boundary conditions. The models are formulated on the basis of the Lotka–Volterra systems (food chains and competition systems) and in the case of RDEs the linear diffusion is considered. The differences between studied classes of models are expressed by the kinetic functions, namely by the form of kinetic function for the last variable, which reflects the dynamics of malignant cells (that is the last stage of mutations). In the first class the models are described by the typical food chain with favourable unbounded environment for the last stage, in the second one—the last equation expresses competition between the pre‐malignant and malignant cells and the environment is also unbounded, while for the third one—it is expressed by predation term but the environment is unfavourable. The properties of the systems in each class are studied and compared. It occurs that the behaviour of solutions to the systems of ODEs and RDEs with the Neumann boundary conditions is similar in each class; i.e. it does not depend on diffusion coefficients, but strongly depends on the class of models. On the other hand, in the case of the Dirichlet boundary conditions this behaviour is related to the magnitude of diffusion coefficients. For sufficiently large diffusion coefficients it is similar independently of the class of models, i.e. the trivial solution that is unstable for zero diffusion gains stability. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the domain dependence of solutions to the Navier–Stokes equations of a two‐dimensional compressible flow
Authors: Jiang Fei , Tan Zhong
Published: April 2009

We consider the Navier–Stokes equations for compressible, barotropic flow in two space dimensions, with pressure satisfying p(ϱ)=aϱlogd(ϱ) for large ϱ, here d>1 and a>0. After introducing useful tools from the theory of Orlicz spaces, we prove a compactness result for the solution set of the equations with respect to the variation of the underlying bounded spatial domain. Especially, we get a general existence theorem for the system in question with no restrictions on smoothness of the bounded spatial domain. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
1H and 13C NMR data of methyl tetra‐O‐benzoyl‐D‐pyranosides in acetone‐d6
Authors: Esmurziev Aslan , Simić Nebojša , Sundby Eirik , Hoff Bård Helge
Published: April 2009

Complete assignments of 1H‐ and 13C‐NMR resonances of five methyl tetra‐O‐benzoyl‐D‐pyranosides based on 1H, 13C, 2D DQF–COSY, HMQC, HMBC and HSQC–TOCSY experiments have been performed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An extended QR‐solver for large profiled matrices
Authors: Ruess M. , Pahl P. J.
Published: April 2009

A new method for the solution of the standard eigenvalue problem with large symmetric profile matrices is presented. The method is based on the well‐known QR‐method for dense matrices. A new, flexible and reliable extension of the method is developed that is highly suited for the independent computation of any set of eigenvalues. In order to analyze the weak convergence of the method in the presence of clustered eigenvalues, the QR‐method is studied. Two effective, stable and numerically cheap extensions are introduced to overcome the troublesome stagnation of the convergence. A repeated preconditioning process in combination with Jacobi rotations in the parts of the matrix with the strongest convergence is developed to significantly improve both local and global convergence. The extensions preserve the profile structure of the matrix. The efficiency of the new method is demonstrated with several examples. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In the twilight of democracy: public affairs consultants in Switzerland
Authors: Steiner Adrian , Jarren Otfried
Published: April 2009

Modernization processes within different fields of political communication rise new challenges. Public affairs consultants are said to meet these challenges in both an effective and efficient way. Nevertheless, the rise of public affairs consultants also poses the question of their accordance with basic principles of modern democracy. Do public affairs consultants foster or impede the democratic process with respect to participation and representation? This question is answered on the basis of empirical data on public affairs consultants in Switzerland. The analysis points out three distinguishable fields of service: lobbying, political public relations and campaigning. Whereas campaigning has the strongest public‐orientation and emphasizes direct democratic institutions, the other two fields tend to be more in the backstage of the public. Results regarding public affairs services suggest a structural discrepancy between public and non‐public forms of communication, which according to normative democracy theory has to be judged critically. With view to clients, policy fields and party affiliations, the results show strong imbalances in interest representation, which seem to have mainly structural and economic reasons. In the conclusion, these results are discussed with view to the necessity of more transparency and a further professionalization.

Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The four Ps of corporate political activity: a framework for environmental analysis and corporate action
Authors: Dahan Nicolas M.
Published: April 2009

In this paper, I propose a new integrated framework which may be used to conduct a thorough analysis of a firm's political environment. The four steps of the methodology include the problem (how a political problem emerges and can be shaped by actors), the procedure (the public decision‐making procedure), the policies (relevant public policies currently implemented) and the players (including policy‐makers as well as participants in the political debate). Together, they form what I call the ‘Four Ps of corporate political activity’.

This framework can serve not only for environmental analysis and monitoring, but also to improve the effectiveness of a firm's attempts in the field of political influence, through actions such as arena selection, issue framing, the use of procedural opportunities, proactive negotiation of a compromise or gate‐keeping the political arena.

Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sonochemical synthetic methods to produce functionalized conducting copolymers
Authors: Moghadam P. Najafi , Khalafy J. , Taheri T.
Published: April 2009

Polyaniline (PANI) is one of the most investigated intrinsically conducting polymers. Copolymerization of aniline with aniline derivatives was considered one of the most effective and promising ways of improving the properties of PANI. In this work, firstly ethyl 3‐aminobenzoate and butyl 3‐aminobenzoate were synthesized from 3‐aminobenzoic acid by direct esterification. Then the copolymerization of 3‐amino benzoic acid, ethyl 3‐aminobenzoate, and butyl 3‐aminobenzoate with aniline was carried out by sonochemical polymerization in aqueous hydrochloric acid using ammonium persulfate (APS) as an initiator. The effects of variation in the molar ratio of the two monomers on chain structure, conductivity, and the redox properties of the copolymer are discussed. The prepared polymers are characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR). Thermal behavior of the prepared copolymers was studied by differential scanning calorimetry. The copolymers were doped with HCl and their conductivity was measured. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Medicine use for headache in adolescence predicts medicine use for headache in young adulthood
Authors: Andersen Anette , Holstein Bjørn E. , Due Pernille , Hansen Ebba Holme
Published: April 2009

Background

Health risk behaviours such as smoking and binge drinking track from adolescence to adulthood. Medicine use is associated with smoking and binge drinking among adolescents. Whether medicine‐use behaviour tracks from adolescence to adulthood is unknown.

Aim

To examine tracking of medicine use for headache from age 15 to 19 to 27.

Methods

A national random sample of 15‐year‐olds (n = 996) was followed up after four and twelve years respectively in a longitudinal study in Denmark; 614 persons completed questionnaires in all three waves. The main outcome measure was medicine use for headache within the past 14 days.

Results

Medicine use for headache was common in all age groups and more females than males used medicine in all three age groups: 34.9% vs. 18.0% at age 15, 45.4% vs. 22.1% at age 19 and 44.3% vs. 29.5% at age 27. The risk of using medicine for headache at age 27 increased if medicine was used at age 15 or 19. However, use increased substantially if medicine for headache was used at both age 15 and 19 (OR = 5.83, 95%CI: 1.99–17.14 for males and OR = 4.67, 95%CI: 2.59–8.43 for females).

Conclusion

Medicine use for headache is a behavioural pattern that may track from adolescence into adulthood. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Why do Westerners self‐enhance more than East Asians?
Authors: Falk Carl F. , Heine Steven J. , Yuki Masaki , Takemura Kosuke
Published: April 2009

Much research finds that Westerners self‐enhance more than East Asians, with the exception of studies using the implicit associations test for self‐esteem (IATSE). We contrasted Japanese and Canadians on a new measure of self‐enhancement under low‐ and high‐attentional load to assess whether cultural differences vary across controlled and automatic processes. Participants also completed measures of relational mobility and the IATSE. Results indicated that Japanese and Asian‐Canadians were more self‐critical than Euro‐Canadians, both under high‐ and low‐attentional load. This cultural difference was partially mediated by relational mobility. The IATSE showed no cultural differences, but this measure did not positively correlate with any of the other measures in the study, suggesting that it is not a valid measure of ‘true’ self‐feelings. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hypocrisy or maturity? Culture and context differentiation
Authors: Matsumoto David , Yoo Seung Hee , Fontaine Johnny
Published: April 2009

We introduce a new construct called Context Differentiation (CD), and describe how it functions on both the individual and cultural levels. We derive several measures of it from a multi‐context measure of cultural display rules for emotional expressions obtained from 33 countries, and examine country and cultural differences on it, and relate those differences to cultural value dimensions associated with context. Findings indicated that cultures were reliably associated with measures of CD. The framework and findings provide a platform for new research in the future examining how individuals differentiate their behaviours across contexts, and how cultures facilitate that differentiation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exploring the simultaneous effect of nano‐silica reinforcement and electron‐beam irradiation on a model LDPE/EVA‐based TPE system
Authors: Hui Shalmali , Chaki Tapan Kumar , Chattopadhyay Santanu
Published: April 2009

BACKGROUND: The technical properties of polyolefinic thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) systems can be modified significantly using fillers like nano‐silica. Controlled irradiation can potentially be an effective way of tailoring the technical properties of such nano‐silica‐filled TPE systems.

RESULTS: The effect of controlled electron‐beam irradiation on the properties of a pristine silica nanoparticle‐filled model low‐density polyethylene/ethylene–(vinyl acetate) (LDPE/EVA) TPE system is explored in this paper. The morphology of such a filled system was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and field‐emission SEM. The dispersion of silica particles was analysed using transmission electron microscopy which clearly indicates that at low loading a fine dispersion of silica occurs in the polymer matrix. Swelling studies and Fourier transform infrared analyses indicate the occurrence of a favourable EVA–silica interaction. On the whole, it is observed that electron‐beam irradiation induces a high degree of reinforcement in all the silica‐filled samples through interfacial crosslinking as well as controlled crosslinking in the two polymer phases. In a few samples the processing characteristics are remarkably preserved following concurrent nano‐silica reinforcement and irradiation, while the technical properties of TPE systems, including set, solvent swelling and mechanical properties, are improved. However, the improvement in properties is a strong function of sequence of addition of filler in the LDPE/EVA blends.

CONCLUSION: The green technique studied can be potentially extended for the improvement of the technical properties of conventional TPE systems. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Quality of Life—Towards an understanding of individuals with psychopathic tendencies
Authors: Fritz Marie Väfors , Rajaleid Kristiina , Hemström Örjan , af Klinteberg Britt
Published: April 2009

The objectives are to explore: (1) the association between psychopathy and self‐rated quality of life; and (2) the possible role of childhood hyperactivity on the relationships between Psychopathy Checklist (PCL) scores and self‐rated domains of Quality of Life (QoL). Male subjects with a history of criminality at age 11–14 years (n = 108) and matched controls (n = 59) from a Swedish longitudinal project were studied. Self‐rated QoL domains of psychological health, family relationships and work satisfaction were dichotomized and used as dependent variables in calculations of odds ratios (ORs) with dichotomized PCL scores as the independent variable, as assessed at age 38–41. The results showed that for each of the three QoL domains, the proportion of individuals that reported dissatisfaction was significantly higher in both criminals and controls characterized by psychopathic tendencies (PT) compared with the groups with no psychopathic tendencies. Furthermore, the results revealed higher strata‐specific risk of dissatisfaction among the PT individuals for two of the domains: psychological health (OR = 6.58) and work satisfaction (OR = 7.98). Childhood hyperactivity individuals were overrepresented in the PT group. However, hyperactivity did not confound the association between PCL and QoL. The results are discussed in the light of possible treatment implications. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.