bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid detection of oleander poisoning by Dimension Vista digoxin assay (Flex Reagent Cartridge)
Authors: Dasgupta Amitava , Klein Kimberley , Risin Semyon A. , Actor Jeffrey K.
Published: March 2011

Oleander poisoning can be detected by digoxin immunoassays and for last two decades the fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) has been used for rapid detection of oleander poisoning in clinical laboratories. Recently, Abbott Laboratories (Abbott Park, IL) discontinued this assay. Therefore, we explored the possibility of using another digoxin assay (Dimension Vista Flex Reagent Cartridge, Tina Quant, EMIT 2000 and old FPIA assay for comparison) for rapid detection of oleander poisoning. When aliquots of drug‐free serum pools were supplemented with pure oleandrin or oleander extract, we observed the highest apparent digoxin values using Dimension Vista digoxin assay (Flex Reagent Cartridge). We also observed significant apparent digoxin values in vivo in sera of mice both 1 and 2 hr after feeding with oleander extract. When a serum pool prepared from patients taking digoxin was further supplemented with various amounts of oleander extract, the highest falsely elevated digoxin values were observed with Dimension Vista digoxin assay. Monitoring free digoxin using Dimension Vista digoxin assay (Flex Reagent Cartridge) did not eliminate this interference. Digibind neutralized digoxin‐like factors of oleander extract and such effect can be monitored by observing significant reduction in apparent free digoxin levels in the presence of Digibind as measured in the protein‐free ultrafiltrate using Dimension Vista digoxin assay (Flex Reagent Cartridge). J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 25:105–109, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Increased level of serum Homocysteine in vitiligo
Authors: Singh Suman , Singh Usha , Pandey Shyam Sunder
Published: March 2011

Background: Vitiligo is an acquired depigmenting disorder caused by the destruction of melanocytes. The exact etiopathogenesis and mechanisms of vitiligo are not fully understood. Vitamin B12 and folic acid levels are decreased in vitiligo, which are the important cofactors required in the metabolism of Homocysteine (Hcy). Consequently, Hcy level increases in the circulation. Therefore, it is possible that increased Hcy plays a role in melanocytes destruction. The aim was to study for any association of vitiligo with serum Hcy level. Method: A total of 30 vitiligo patients of both sexes and 30 control subjects were enrolled in this study. Sera from patients and controls were assayed for Hcy by Enzyme immunoassay. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS version‐16. Results: The mean serum level of Hcy was significantly higher in patients with vitiligo as compared with healthy controls and its level was high in male patients as compared with female patients. The Hcy level in vegetarian patients was significantly higher as compared with nonvegetarian patients. The Hcy level was also significantly higher in active vitiligo patients as compared with stable vitiligo patients. Conclusion: An increased serum Hcy may be a precipitating factor for vitiligo in the predisposed individuals. Serum Hcy is related to the gender of patients, activity of disease, and dietary habits of vitiligo patients. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 25:110–112, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
(±)‐2‐Aryl‐2,3‐dihydro‐4(1H)‐quinolinones by a tandem reduction–Michael addition reaction
Authors: Bunce Richard A. , Nammalwar Baskar
Published: March 2011

An efficient synthesis of (±)‐2‐aryl‐2,3‐dihydro‐4(1H)‐quinolinones has been developed from chalcones prepared from 2′‐nitroacetophenone and a series of substituted benzaldehydes. The cyclization sequence is initiated by reduction of the nitro group under dissolving metal conditions using iron powder in concentrated hydrochloric acid. Milder conditions, using acetic acid or acetic acid–phosphoric acid as the reaction medium, were less satisfactory. Procedural details as well as a mechanistic discussion and reaction optimization studies are presented. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2011).
Synthesis and X‐ray analysis of 7‐bromoarbidol, an impurity standard of arbidol
Authors: Tetere Zenta , Kumpiņš Viktors , Belyakov Sergey , Zicāne Daina , Turks Māris
Published: March 2011

For the first time, synthesis and X‐ray analysis of 7‐bromoarbidol hydrochloride is reported. The latter is a proven impurity of Arbidol which is an antiviral drug marketed in Russia and China. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2011).
Ethyl 1,4‐dihydro‐4‐oxo‐3‐quinolinecarboxylates by a tandem addition‐elimination‐SNAr reaction
Authors: Bunce Richard A. , Lee Eric J. , Grant Matthew T.
Published: March 2011

The ethyl 1,4‐dihydro‐4‐oxo‐3‐quinolinecarboxylate ring structure, important in several drug compounds, has been prepared in two steps from ethyl 2‐(2‐fluorobenzoyl)acetate. Treatment of this β‐ketoester with N,N‐dimethylformamide dimethyl acetal gives a 97% yield of the 2‐dimethylaminomethylene derivative. Reaction of this β‐enaminone with primary amines in N,N‐dimethylformamide at 140°C for 48 h then affords the 1,4‐dihydro‐4‐oxo‐3‐quinolinecarboxylate esters in 60–74% yields by a tandem addition‐elimination‐SNAr reaction. The synthesis of the starting material as well as procedural details and a mechanistic scenario are presented. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2011).
Does the anterior approach for total hip arthroplasty better restore stair climbing gait mechanics?
Authors: Lamontagne Mario , Varin Daniel , Beaulé Paul E.
Published: March 2011

While total hip arthroplasty (THA) provides pain relief and restores mobility, gait anomalies persist even years after surgery. A muscle sparing surgical approach could result in better postoperative gait mechanics. Our purpose was to compare both the anterior muscle sparing approach and the direct lateral approach (LAT) to a matched control group by using three‐dimensional motion analysis while performing stair ascent and descent tasks. Lower‐limb kinematics and kinetics were recorded for 20 patients that had an anterior approach (ANT), 20 that had a LAT, and 20 age‐ and weight‐matched control participants. Patients were assessed on average 10 months after surgery. Compared to the control group, during stair ascent, the anterior group had reduced peak hip extension, peak hip flexion moment, and peak hip power. The lateral group had reduced peak hip abduction, hip frontal plane range of motion, and peak hip internal rotation. In stair descent, the anterior group had reduced peak hip flexion, peak hip abduction moment and internal rotation, as well as peak hip power. The lateral group had reduced peak hip flexion, peak knee extension moment, and peak hip power. Therefore, gait anomalies persist after THA for both approaches, which could be due to other factors such as preoperative gait adaptations. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29: 1412–1417, 2011
Three‐dimensional high‐density co‐culture with primary tenocytes induces tenogenic differentiation in mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Schneider Philipp R. A. , Buhrmann Constanze , Mobasheri Ali , Matis Ulrike , Shakibaei Mehdi
Published: March 2011

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have potential applications in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering and may represent an attractive option for tendon repair and regeneration. Thus far the ability of MSCs to differentiate into tenocytes in vitro has not been investigated. Experiments were performed with and without growth factors (IGF‐1, TGF‐β1, IGF‐1/TGF‐β1, PDGF‐BB, and BMP‐12), in co‐cultures of tenocytes and MSCs mixed in different ratios and by culturing MSCs with spent media obtained from primary tenocytes. Tenogenesis was induced in MSCs through a combination of treatment with IGF‐1 and TGF‐β1, in high‐density co‐cultures and through cultivation with the spent media from primary tenocytes. Electron microscopy and immunoblotting were used to demonstrate up‐regulation of collagen I/III, decorin, tenomodulin, β1‐Integrin, MAPKinase pathway (Shc, Erk1/2), and scleraxis in the co‐cultures and provide simultaneous evidence for the inhibition of apoptosis. In monolayer co‐cultures extensive intercellular contacts between MSCs and tenocytes were observed. Cells actively exchanged vesicles, which were labeled by using immunofluorescence and immunogold techniques, suggesting the uptake and interchange of soluble factors produced by the MSCs and/or tenocytes. We conclude that MSCs possess tenogenic differentiation potential when provided with relevant stimuli and a suitable microenvironment. This approach may prove to be of practical benefit in future tissue engineering and tendon regenerative medicine research. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29: 1351–1360, 2011
Combining ligation reaction and capillary gel electrophoresis to obtain reliable long DNA probes
Authors: García‐Cañas Virginia , Mondello Monica , Cifuentes Alejandro
Published: March 2011

New DNA amplification methods are continuously developed for sensitive detection and quantification of specific DNA target sequences for, e.g. clinical, environmental or food applications. These new applications often require the use of long DNA oligonucleotides as probes for target sequences hybridization. Depending on the molecular technique, the length of DNA probes ranges from 40 to 450 nucleotides, solid‐phase chemical synthesis being the strategy generally used for their production. However, the fidelity of chemical synthesis of DNA decreases for larger DNA probes. Defects in the oligonucleotide sequence result in the loss of hybridization efficiency, affecting the sensitivity and selectivity of the amplification method. In this work, an enzymatic procedure has been developed as an alternative to solid‐phase chemical synthesis for the production of long oligonucleotides. The enzymatic procedure for probe production was based on ligation of short DNA sequences. Long DNA probes were obtained from smaller oligonucleotides together with a short sequence that acts as bridge stabilizing the molecular complex for DNA ligation. The ligation reactions were monitored by capillary gel electrophoresis with laser‐induced fluorescence detection (CGE‐LIF) using a bare fused‐silica capillary. The capillary gel electrophoresis‐LIF method demonstrated to be very useful and informative for the characterization of the ligation reaction, providing important information about the nature of some impurities, as well as for the fine optimization of the ligation conditions (i.e. ligation cycles, oligonucleotide and enzyme concentration). As a result, the yield and quality of the ligation product were highly improved. The in‐lab prepared DNA probes were used in a novel multiplex ligation‐dependent genome amplification (MLGA) method for the detection of genetically modified maize in samples. The great possibilities of the whole approach were demonstrated by the specific and sensitive detection of transgenic maize at percentages lower than 1%.
Purification and characterization of a native zinc‐binding high molecular weight multiprotein complex from human seminal plasma
Authors: Yadav Vikash Kumar , Kumar Vijay , Chhikara Nirmal , Kumar Sanjay , Manral Pallavi , Kashav Tara , Saini Savita , Srinivasan A. , Singh Sarman , Singh Tej P. , Yadav Savita
Published: March 2011

The seminal plasma comprises secretions from various accessory sex glands. During fertilization spermatozoa undergo complex sequences of precisely timed events that are regulated by the activation of different intracellular signaling pathways. The precision and efficacy of these pathways are often influenced by the assembly and interactions of multiprotein complexes, thereby directing the flow of regulatory information. Our knowledge about these protein complexes present in human seminal plasma (HuSP) is limited. Here we report the identification and characterization of a native high molecular weight zinc‐binding multiprotein complex from HuSP by utilizing 2‐DE followed by MS. Twenty‐six proteins representing isoforms and/or fragments of 11 different proteins were found to be assembled in this complex. Prostate‐specific antigen, zinc α2‐glycoprotein, prostatic acid phosphatase, and prolactin inducible protein were the major proteins of this complex. Dynamic light scattering experiments revealed changes in aggregation pattern accompanied with deviation from physiological pH and in presence of SDS. However, no significant changes were observed in the presence of physiological ligands such as zinc and fructose. The present study will be useful and contribute to guide the future studies performed for elucidation of biological significance of this native complex in HuSP.
Development and validation of a direct headspace GC‐FID method for the determination of sevoflurane, desflurane and other volatile compounds of forensic interest in biological fluids: Application on clinical and post‐mortem samples
Authors: Kovatsi Leda , Giannakis Dimitrios , Arzoglou Vasileios , Samanidou Victoria
Published: March 2011

A simple and reliable headspace GC‐flame ionization detection (HS‐GC‐FID) method has been developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of seven volatile compounds of forensic interest: sevoflurane, desflurane, ethanol, methanol, 1‐propanol, acetone and acetaldehyde. All seven compounds including acetonitrile (internal standard) eluted within 10 min and were well resolved with no endogenous interference. Good linearity was observed in the range of 1–12 mg/dL for both anesthetics and 2.5–40 mg/dL for the other five analytes. The method showed good precision, sensitivity and repeatability. Most of the analytes remained stable during the storage of samples at 4°C. Desflurane and acetone degraded (>10%), when the samples remained on the autosampler for more than 2 and 3 h, respectively. The method was finally applied on clinical and post‐mortem blood and urine samples. The clinical samples were collected both from patients who underwent surgery, as well as from the occupationally exposed medical and nursing staff of the university hospital, working in the operating rooms. The hospital staff samples were found negative for all compounds, while the patients' samples were found positive for the anesthetic administered to the patient. The post‐mortem blood samples were found positive for ethanol and acetaldehyde.
Indole‐3‐acetic acid: A potential new photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy of acne vulgaris
Authors: Na Jung‐Im , Kim So‐Young , Kim Jeong‐Hye , Youn Sang‐Woong , Huh Chang‐Hun , Park Kyoung‐Chan
Published: March 2011

Background and Objectives

ALA (5‐aminolevulinic acid) photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a new treatment option for acne. However, it needs a relatively long incubation period and adverse effects are common. Indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) is not toxic by itself but produces free radicals with ultraviolet B. In this study we examined the potential of IAA as a photosensitizer for acne treatment.

Materials and Methods

Free radical formation was measured after visible light irradiation of IAA. Antimicrobial effect was evaluated by assessing growth suppression of Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus after IAA PDT. To evaluate the histological changes, skin biopsies were performed on nude mice skin after IAA PDT. To evaluate the clinical efficacy of IAA PDT, 14 acne patients were treated with the following IAA PDT regimen: three times each with a 15 minutes incubation period and a 2‐week interval. The number of inflammatory lesions and the amount of sebum secretion were then assessed.

Results

IAA produced free radicals with green light irradiation. Importantly, IAA lost its photosensitizing ability after exposure to certain amount of light. This implies IAA PDT would not require post‐procedure photo‐protection. The growth of P. acnes and S. aureus were significantly suppressed with IAA PDT. In addition, IAA PDT treated skin showed destruction of follicular ostia epithelium. Interestingly, there was no significant difference between a 4 hours and a 30 minutes incubation, which means that longer absorption time is not necessary for IAA PDT. In the clinical study, inflammatory lesions and sebum secretion were significantly reduced. The procedure was painless and no adverse effect was observed. Photo‐protection was not performed and there were no further phototoxic responses.

Conclusions

IAA PDT has therapeutic effects on acne via its antimicrobial activities, its sebum‐reducing effect and through relieving follicular occlusion. It is a very simple and safe treatment option for acne. Lasers Surg. Med. 43:200–205, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Photodynamic therapy outcome for oral dysplasia
Authors: Jerjes Waseem , Upile Tahwinder , Hamdoon Zaid , Mosse Charles Alexander , Akram Sarah , Hopper Colin
Published: March 2011

Introduction

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive surgical intervention used in the management of tissue disorders. It can be applied before, or after, any of the conventional modalities, without compromising these treatments or being compromised itself.

Materials and Methods

In this prospective study, a total of 147 consecutive patients with oral potentially malignant disorders were treated with surface illumination PDT, using 5‐ALA or mTHPC as the photosensitizer. The average age was 53 ± 8.9 years. The patients' recovery was uneventful and no complications reported. Comparisons with the clinical and histopathological features and rate of recurrence as well as malignant transformation were made. The patients were followed‐up for a mean of 7.3 years.

Analysis and Results

Homogenous leukoplakias were identified in 55 patients, non‐homogenous leukoplakias in 73 patients, whereas 19 patients had erythroplakias. Ex‐ and current lifelong smokers formed 84.4% of the recruited patients. While people who currently smoke and drink formed 38.1% (56 patients) of the cohort. Erythroplakias were mainly identified in heavy lifelong smokers. The most common identified primary anatomical locations were the lateral border of tongue, floor of mouth and retromolar area. Moderate dysplasia was identified in 33 patients while 63 patients had severe dysplasias; and 32 patients had a histopathological diagnosis of carcinoma in situ.

The rate of recurrence in laser surgery was approximately 11.6%. Malignant transformation was observed in 11 patients (7.5%), in the tongue, floor of mouth and retromolar area. Recurrence and malignant transformation was mainly identified in erythroplakias and non‐homogenous leukoplakias. The final outcome of the cohort showed that 11 (7.5%) suffered from progressive disease, 5 (3.4%) had stable disease, 12 (8.2%) were considered partially responsive to the therapy. Complete response was identified in 119/147 patients (81%).

Conclusion

5‐ALA‐PDT and/or mTHPC‐PDT offer an effective alternative treatment for oral potentially malignant disorders. Lasers Surg. Med. 43:192–199, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Photodynamic therapy using intra‐articular photofrin for murine MRSA arthritis: Biphasic light dose response for neutrophil‐mediated antibacterial effect
Authors: Tanaka Masamitsu , Kinoshita Manabu , Yoshihara Yasuo , Shinomiya Nariyoshi , Seki Shuhji , Nemoto Koichi , Hamblin Michael R. , Morimoto Yuji
Published: March 2011

Background and Objective

Bacterial arthritis does not respond well to antibiotics and moreover multidrug resistance is spreading. We previously tested photodynamic therapy (PDT) mediated by systemic Photofrin® in a mouse model of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) arthritis, but found that neutrophils were killed by PDT and therefore the infection was potentiated.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

The present study used an intra‐articular injection of Photofrin® and optimized the light dosimetry in order to maximize bacterial killing and minimize killing of host neutrophils. MRSA (5 × 107 CFU) was injected into the mouse knee followed 3 days later by 1 µg of Photofrin® and 635‐nm diode laser illumination with a range of fluences within 5 minutes. Synovial fluid was sampled 6 hours or 1–3, 5, and 7 days after PDT to determine MRSA colony‐forming units (CFU), neutrophil numbers, and levels of cytokines.

Results

A biphasic light dose response was observed with the greatest reduction of MRSA CFU seen with a fluence of 20 J cm−2, whereas lower antibacterial efficacy was observed with fluences that were either lower or higher. Consistent with these results, a significantly higher concentration of macrophage inflammatory protein‐2, a CXC chemokine, and greater accumulation of neutrophils were seen in the infected knee joint after PDT with a fluence of 20 J cm−2 compared to fluences of 5 or 70 J cm−2.

Conclusion

PDT for murine MRSA arthritis requires appropriate light dosimetry to simultaneously maximize bacterial killing and neutrophil accumulation into the infected site, while too little light does not kill sufficient bacteria and too much light kills neutrophils and damages host tissue as well as bacteria and allows bacteria to grow unimpeded by host defense. Lasers Surg. Med. 43:221–229, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Selective nanoparticle‐directed ablation of the canine prostate
Authors: Schwartz Jon A. , Price Roger E. , Gill‐Sharp Kelly L. , Sang Krystina L. , Khorchani Jennifer , Goodwin Bradford S. , Payne J. Donald
Published: March 2011

Background and Objectives

Prostate cancer is the most frequent cancer type and the second most common cause of cancer death among US men. This study, adapted a previously reported nanoparticle‐directed photothermal treatment of brain tumors to the treatment of prostate disease by using normal canine prostate in vivo, directly injected with a suspension of nanoparticles as a proxy for prostate tumor, and by developing laser dosimetry for prostate which is marginally ablative in native tissue, yet producing photothermal coagulation in prostate tissue containing nanoparticles.

Methods

Canine prostates were exposed by surgical laparotomy and directly injected with suspensions of nanoparticles (nanoshells) and irradiated by a NIR laser source delivered percutaneously by an optical fiber catheter and isotropic diffuser. The photothermal lesions were permitted to resolve for up to 8 days, at which time each animal was euthanized, necropsied, and the prostate taken for histopathological and elemental analysis.

Results

Nanoparticles were retained for up to 4 hours in prostate and served as a proxy for prostate tumor. A marginally ablative laser dose of 3.0 W for 3 minutes was developed which would yield 4 mm‐radius coagulo‐necrotic lesions if nanoparticles were present.

Conclusion

We have shown that the addition of nanoshells to native tissue, combined with a marginally ablative laser dose can generate ablative thermal lesions, and that the radial extent of the thermal lesions is strictly confined to within ∼4 mm of the optical fiber with sub‐millimeter uncertainty. This, in turn, suggests a means of precise tumor ablation with an ability to obviate damage to critical structures limited primarily by the precision with which the optical fiber applicator can be placed. In so doing, it should be possible to realize a precise, nerve bundle and urethra sparing prostate cancer treatment using a minimally invasive, percutaneous approach. Lasers Surg. Med. 43:213–220, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fabrication of Uniaxially Aligned Poly(propylene) Nanofibers via Handspinning
Authors: Watanabe Kei , Kim Byoung‐Suhk , Enomoto Yuji , Kim Ick‐Soo
Published: March 2011

A straightforward method, which is termed novel handspinning, is reported for producing uniaxially aligned sPP nanofibers. As demonstrated by SEM analysis, the morphologies of handspun sPP nanofibers are strongly dependent upon the processing conditions such as spinning method and solvent system. Compared to the normal electrospun sPP nanofibers, the handspun sPP nanofibers show smoother morphologies. FT‐IR analysis demonstrates a significant difference in polymer chain conformation between the handspun and electrospun sPP nanofibers. Moreover, interestingly, the handspun sPP single nanofibers show higher Young's modulus and tensile strength than electrospun sPP single nanofibers.

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SEC‐MR‐NMR: Online Coupling of Size Exclusion Chromatography and Medium Resolution NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Cudaj Markus , Guthausen Gisela , Hofe Thorsten , Wilhelm Manfred
Published: March 2011

Online coupling of size exclusion chromatography together with medium resolution nuclear magnetic resonance (SEC‐MR‐NMR) might be one solution to the problem of chemically sensitive detection in liquid polymer chromatography. By use of a combination of SEC with a table‐top, specially designed 20 MHz NMR spectrometer, based on a permanent magnet, online 1H NMR spectra of SEC fractions can be obtained. The integration of digital filters, mechanical shims and electronic shims led to substantially improved sensitivity and chemical selectivity compared to former TD (time domain) 20 MHz instruments. 1H NMR spectra of PMMA and PS homopolymers as well as PS‐PMMA block copolymers were of sufficient quality to enable detection and de‐formulation of unknown polymer compounds. 1H NMR spectra of acceptable resolution and S/N ratio were collected online during the chromatography. The SEC separation online with the NMR measurements performed well and resulted in the proof of principle of the SEC‐MR‐NMR combination.

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Effect of the Molar Volume on the Elastic Properties of Vinylic Polymers: A Static Molecular Modeling Approach
Authors: Metatla Noureddine , Soldera Armand
Published: March 2011

The effect of the molar volume on the mechanical properties of three polymers is computed using molecular mechanics. It is demonstrated that elastic properties significantly depend on the molar volume. To be reproducible they must be determined for a series of “stable” glassy configurations for which the potential energy is minimized not only according to the coordinates but also to the molar volume. If these conditions are not fulfilled, a great disparity in values between experiment and simulation is observed. The procedure is first applied to PVC. It is then argued that coherent results stemming from the application of this approach to both tacticities of PMMA justifies its application toward other polymers.

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The finite element method for the mechanically based model of non‐local continuum
Authors: Zingales M. , Di Paola M. , Inzerillo G.
Published: March 2011

In this paper the finite element method (FEM) for the mechanically based non‐local elastic continuum model is proposed. In such a model each volume element of the domain is considered mutually interacting with the others, beside classical interactions involved by the Cauchy stress field, by means of central body forces that are monotonically decreasing with their inter‐distance and proportional to the product of the interacting volume elements. The constitutive relations of the long‐range interactions involve the product of the relative displacement of the centroids of volume elements by a proper, distance‐decaying function, which accounts for the decrement of the long‐range interactions as long as distance increases. In this study, the elastic problem involving long‐range central interactions for isotropic elastic continuum will be solved with the aid of the FEM. The accuracy of the solution obtained with the proposed FEM code is compared with other solutions obtained with Galerkins' approximation as well as with finite difference method. Moreover, a parametric study regarding the effect of the material length scale in the mechanically based model and in the Kr”oner–Eringen non‐local elasticity has been investigated for a plane elasticity problem. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Altruistic behavior and habit formation
Authors: Rosen Harvey S. , Sims Stephen T.
Published: March 2011

This article examines whether altruistic behavior is habit forming. The basic premise is that if engaging in altruistic behavior when young is a good predictor of such behavior in adulthood, then this is consistent with the notion that altruistic behavior is habit forming. Using U.S. data, we examine donations of both money and time and find that engaging in charitable behavior when young is a strong predictor of adult altruistic behavior, with all other things equal. A major issue in the interpretation of this result is that the correlation between youthful and adult altruistic behavior may be due to some third variable that affects both. Although it is impossible to rule out such a possibility, we are able to control for family influences that likely could affect lifetime attitudes toward altruism.
Funder‐initiated integration
Authors: Eschenfelder Beth
Published: March 2011

The active role of funders in organizational restructuring and consolidation is becoming a more common area of study, because more funders—private and government funders alike—are moving in the direction of encouraging funded agencies to explore new strategies such as mergers and integrations. This research focuses on funder‐initiated nonprofit integration and explores the challenges and strategies demonstrated by a government grantor and nine funded agencies as they planned and developed a management service organization. This was an action research study, whereby all parties participated as co‐researchers to examine the integration challenges and the partnership strategies used to move the integration process forward.
The Bergen Volunteer Medical Initiative
Authors: Abzug Rikki , Sabrin Murray
Published: March 2011

Retired physician Samuel A. Cassell has followed his goal to establish the Bergen Volunteer Medical Initiative, Inc. (BVMI), a free medical service for the uninsured based on the original model developed by retired physician Jack McConnell in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) organizations offer free medical services to the uninsured in communities all over the United States following a culture‐of‐caring philosophy, while relying heavily on the donated services of retired health care professionals. However, Cassell found that starting such a facility in wealthy Bergen County, close enough to be a suburb of New York City, was a bigger challenge than anticipated. Cassell and the BVMI board faced the problem of trying to raise funds to build a facility, only to learn that many donors would be more interested in contributing toward needed services in an organization that already had a proven track record; concerns of some area hospitals about potential duplication of efforts or unequal referrals; and concerns of local officials and suburban residents about the presence of a medical facility servicing the working poor in their business community and in their neighborhood.
First trimester pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A in pregnancies complicated by subsequent gestational diabetes
Authors: Beneventi Fausta , Simonetta Margherita , Lovati Elisabetta , Albonico Giulia , Tinelli Carmine , Locatelli Elena , Spinillo Arsenio
Published: March 2011

Objective

To compare routine first trimester biochemical and ultrasound markers in pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes with those of a control group.

Methods

First trimester data including the screening test for Down syndrome were retrieved from a computer data base. Clinical data were recorded at delivery. A multivariate quantile regression model was used to analyze the association between first trimester data and subsequent clinical outcomes in a case–control study design.

Results

In the group of women who developed second trimester gestational diabetes, both first trimester median (1494 vs 2225 mU/L,P< 0.001) and adjusted multiple of median pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A (PAPP‐A) concentrations (1.2 vs 0.7,P< 0.001) were significantly lower than in the control group. Differences between observed and expected crown‐to‐rump length expressed in mm was lower in women destined to develop gestational diabetes than in the control group (0.2 vs 1.4 mm,P< 0.005). In multivariate models, first trimester maternal PAPP‐A concentrations correlated independently and inversely to pregestational body mass index (BMI,P= 0.004), subsequent gestational diabetes (P< 0.001) and pregnancy complications (P= 0.036).

Conclusions

First trimester PAPP‐A concentrations were lower among pregnant women with subsequent gestational diabetes than in the control group. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proteomic analysis of Singapore grouper iridovirus envelope proteins and characterization of a novel envelope protein VP088
Authors: Zhou Sheng , Wan Qingjiao , Huang Youhua , Huang Xiaohong , Cao Jianhao , Ye Lili , Lim Teck‐Kwang , Lin Qingsong , Qin Qiwei
Published: March 2011

Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV) is an enveloped virus causing heavy economic losses to marine fish culture. The envelope fractions of SGIV were separated from the purified virions by Triton X‐100 treatment, and subjected to 1‐DE‐MALDI‐TOF/TOF‐MS/MS and LC‐MALDI‐TOF/TOF‐MS/MS analysis. A total of 19 virus‐encoded envelope proteins were identified in this study and 73.7% (13/17) of them were predicted to be membrane proteins. Three viral envelope proteins were uniquely identified by 1‐DE‐MALDI, whereas another ten proteins were identified only by LC‐MALDI, with six proteins identified by both workflows. VP088 was chosen as a representative of proteomic identification and characterized further. VP088 was predicted to be a viral transmembrane envelope protein which contains two RGD (Arg–Gly–Asp) motifs, three transmembrane domains, and five N‐glycosylation sites. VP088 gene transcript was first detected at 12 h p.i. and reached the peak at 48 h p.i. Combined with the drug inhibition assay, VP088 gene was identified as a late (L) gene. Recombinant VP088 (rVP088) was expressed in Escherichia coli, and the specific antiserum against rVP088 was raised. VP088 was proved to be a viral envelope protein by Western blot and immunoelectron microscopy (IEM). Furthermore, rVP088 can bind to a 94 kDa host cell membrane protein, suggesting that VP088 might function as an attaching protein. Neutralization assay also suggested that VP088 is involved in SGIV infection. This study will lead to a better understanding of molecular mechanisms of the iridoviral pathogenesis and virus–host interactions.
Proteomic characterization of the major arthropod associates of the carnivorous pitcher plant Sarracenia purpurea
Authors: Gotelli Nicholas J. , Smith Aidan M. , Ellison Aaron M. , Ballif Bryan A.
Published: March 2011

The array of biomolecules generated by a functioning ecosystem represents both a potential resource for sustainable harvest and a potential indicator of ecosystem health and function. The cupped leaves of the carnivorous pitcher plant, Sarracenia purpurea, harbor a dynamic food web of aquatic invertebrates in a fully functional miniature ecosystem. The energetic base of this food web consists of insect prey, which is shredded by aquatic invertebrates and decomposed by microbes. Biomolecules and metabolites produced by this food web are actively exchanged with the photosynthesizing plant. In this report, we provide the first proteomic characterization of the sacrophagid fly (Fletcherimyia fletcheri), the pitcher plant mosquito (Wyeomyia smithii), and the pitcher‐plant midge (Metriocnemus knabi). These three arthropods act as predators, filter feeders, and shredders at distinct trophic levels within the S. purpurea food web. More than 50 proteins from each species were identified, ten of which were predominantly or uniquely found in one species. Furthermore, 19 peptides unique to one of the three species were identified using an assembled database of 100 metazoan myosin heavy chain orthologs. These molecular signatures may be useful in species monitoring within heterogeneous ecosystem biomass and may also serve as indicators of ecosystem state.
Glycoproteomics analysis to identify a glycoform on haptoglobin associated with lung cancer
Authors: Tsai Hsien‐Yu , Boonyapranai Kongsak , Sriyam Supawadee , Yu Chong‐Jen , Wu Sz‐Wei , Khoo Kay‐Hooi , Phutrakul Suree , Chen Shui‐Tein
Published: March 2011

Glycosylation is a common protein modification that is of interest in current cancer research because altered carbohydrate moieties are often found during cancer progress. A search for biomarkers in human lung cancer serum samples using glycoproteomic approaches identified fucosylated haptoglobin (Hp) significantly increased in serum of each subtype of lung cancer compared to normal donors. In addition, MS provided evidence of an increase of Hp fucosylation; the glycan structure was determined to be an α 2,6‐linked tri‐sialylated triantennary glycan containing α1,3‐linked fucose attached to the four‐linked position of the three‐arm mannose of N‐linked core pentasaccharide. These preliminary findings suggest that the specific glycoform of Hp may be useful as a marker to monitor lung cancer progression.
Purification and identification of sperm surface proteins and changes during epididymal maturation
Authors: Belleannee Clémence , Belghazi Maya , Labas Valérie , Teixeira‐Gomes Ana‐Paula , Gatti Jean Luc , Dacheux Jean‐Louis , Dacheux Françoise
Published: March 2011

Surface membrane proteins have a key role in the sequential interactions between spermatozoa and oocytes. The aim of this study was to characterize protein changes occurring during post‐testicular differentiation using a new overall approach to study surface membrane proteins of spermatozoa. A dedicated protocol based on specific purification of surface membrane proteins labeled with sulfo‐NHS‐SS‐biotin was developed for this purpose. Appropriate gel electrophoresis separation and purification methods combined with standard proteomic methods were then used to identify and quantify surface membrane proteins from immature and mature spermatozoa. Membrane‐associated proteins were discriminated from integral membrane proteins by differential solubilization. Protein regionalization on the spermatozoon surface was achieved by comparative analysis of the surface protein extracts from the entire spermatozoa and from periacrosomal sperm plasma membranes. Identification of several known proteins and of new proteins related to the process of epididymal maturation showed the reliability of this protocol for specific purification of a subproteome and identification of new sperm membrane proteins. This approach opens up a new area in the search for male fertility markers.
Time resolved protein‐based stable isotope probing (Protein‐SIP) analysis allows quantification of induced proteins in substrate shift experiments
Authors: Taubert Martin , Jehmlich Nico , Vogt Carsten , Richnow Hans H. , Schmidt Frank , von Bergen Martin , Seifert Jana
Published: March 2011

The detection of induced proteins after introduction of specific substrates in culture is of high interest for a comparative description of organisms growing under different conditions. In this study, protein‐based stable isotope probing (Protein‐SIP) is used for a fast and reliable detection of newly synthesized proteins in a substrate shift experiment. Therefore, Pseudomonas putida ML2 cells precultured on 12C‐acetate and 12C‐benzene, respectively, were incubated with 13C‐benzene as a stable‐isotope‐labeled substrate. Protein samples from early to stationary growth phase were separated by one‐dimensional gel electrophoresis (1‐DE), subsequently tryptically digested, and analyzed by UPLC Orbitrap MS/MS measurements. Identified peptides from proteins involved in aerobic benzene degradation as well as from housekeeping proteins were chosen to calculate the labeling ratio (proportion of labeled protein to total protein) at different time points. A comparison of parameters from a nonlinear regression analysis of the calculated data enabled a clear differentiation between induced and constitutively expressed proteins. Thus, Protein‐SIP has proven to be a valuable tool for quantitative analysis of induced proteins in substrate shift experiments.
New series of AB2‐type hyperbranched polytriazoles derived from the same polymeric intermediate: Different endcapping spacers with adjustable bulk and convenient syntheses via click chemistry under copper(I) catalysis
Authors: Li Zhong'An , Wu Wenbo , Qiu Guofu , Yu Gui , Liu Yunqi , Ye Cheng , Qin Jingui , Li Zhen
Published: March 2011

In this article, according to the concept of “suitable isolation group,” six new AB2‐type polytriazoles containing azo‐chromophore moieties, derived from the same hyperbranched polymer intermediate, were successfully prepared through click reaction under copper(I) catalysis by modifying the synthetic route, in which different isolation groups in different size were introduced to the periphery of the hyperbranched polymers as end‐capping moieties. With the different end‐capping groups, these hyperbranched polymers, P1–P6, exhibited different solubility and processability; also, their nonlinear optical properties were modified accordingly, realizing the adjustment of the properties of hyperbranched polymers through the structural design. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Versatile functionalization of polyester hydrogels with electroactive aniline oligomers
Authors: Guo Baolin , Finne‐Wistrand Anna , Albertsson Ann‐Christine
Published: March 2011

Functionalizing aliphatic polyester hydrogels with an aniline oligomer is a means of achieving electrically conductive and degradable hydrogels. To lower the aniline oligomer content while maintaining a high conductivity and to overcome the acidic degradation product from polylactide reported in our previous work, a series of electroactive and degradable hydrogels based on polycaprolactone (PCL) hydrogels and carboxyl‐capped aniline pentamer (CCAP) were synthesized by a simple coupling reaction at room temperature. The reaction was carried out between the hydroxyl groups of hydroxyethylmethacrylate in a photopolymerized glycidyl methacrylate (GMA)‐functionalized PCL‐poly(ethylene glycol)‐PCL degradable network and carboxyl group of CCAP, using 1‐ethyl‐3‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide as water‐condensing agent and 4‐dimethylaminopyridine as catalyst. The electroactivity of the hydrogels was verified by cyclic voltammetry, which showed three pairs of redox peaks. The electrical conductivities and swelling ratios of these hydrogels were controlled by the CCAP content, the poly(ethylene glycol) molecular weight in the macromer, and the crosslinking density of the hydrogels. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
New pathway for qualification of novel methodologies in the European medicines agency
Authors: Manolis Efthymios , Vamvakas Spiros , Isaac Maria
Published: March 2011

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) qualification process is a new, voluntary, scientific pathway leading to either a Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) opinion or a Scientific Advice on innovative methods or drug development tools:

(i) CHMP Qualification Opinion on the acceptability of a specific use of the proposed method, based on the assessment of submitted data and

(ii) CHMP Qualification Advice on future protocols and methods for further method development towards qualification, based on the evaluation of the scientific rationale and on preliminary data submitted.

The qualification procedure was established as a response to the drug development bottlenecks and inefficiencies, but also to the availability of new methodologies, not yet integrated in the drug development and clinical management paradigm. The qualification process addresses innovative methods developed by consortia, networks, public/private partnerships, learned societies or pharmaceutical industry. It is expected to facilitate communication between the scientific community and the regulators and to address challenges with the development and use of medicines. In this article, we will present an overview of the process and the up to now scientific advice working party (SAWP) experience.
Apparent structural differences at the tetramerization region of erythroid and nonerythroid beta spectrin as discriminated by phage displayed scFvs
Authors: Song Yuanli , Antoniou Chloe , Memic Adnan , Kay Brian K. , Fung L.W.‐M.
Published: March 2011

We have screened a human immunoglobulin single‐chain variable fragment (scFv) phage library against the C‐terminal tetramerization regions of erythroid and nonerythroid beta spectrin (βI‐C1 and βII‐C1, respectively) to explore the structural uniqueness of erythroid and nonerythroid β‐spectrin isoforms. We have identified interacting scFvs, with clones “G5” and “A2” binding only to βI‐C1, and clone “F11” binding only to βII‐C1. The Kd values, estimated by competitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, of these scFvs with their target spectrin proteins were 0.1–0.3 μM. A more quantitative Kd value from isothermal titration calorimetry experiments with the recombinant G5 and βI‐C1 was 0.15 μM. The α‐spectrin fragments (model proteins), αI‐N1 and αII‐N1, competed with the βI‐C1, or βII‐C1, binding scFvs, with inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of ∼50 μM for αI‐N1, and ∼0.5 μM for αII‐N1. Our predicted structures of βI‐C1 and βII‐C1 suggest that the Helix B′ of the C‐terminal partial domain of βI differs from that of βII. Consequently, an unstructured region downstream of Helix B′ in βI may interact specifically with the unstructured, complementarity determining region H1 of G5 or A2 scFv. The corresponding region in βII was helical, and βII did not bind G5 scFv. Our results suggest that it is possible for cellular proteins to differentially associate with the C‐termini of different β‐spectrin isoforms to regulate α‐ and β‐spectrin association to form functional spectrin tetramers, and may sort β‐spectrin isoforms to their specific cellular localizations.
Novel analogues of bradykinin conformationally restricted in the C‐terminal part of the molecule
Authors: Śleszyńska Małgorzata , Wierzba Tomasz H. , Malinowski Krzysztof , Borovičková Lenka , Małuch Izabela , Sobolewski Dariusz , Lammek Bernard , Slaninová Jiřina , Prahl Adam
Published: March 2011

In the present work, achiral non‐coded amino acids, N‐(Bzl)‐Gly, X1 or X2, were substituted at position 7 of the model B2 receptor antagonist [D‐Arg0, Hyp3, Thi5, 8, D‐Phe7]‐BK. The N‐terminal amino group of the analogues was either free or acylated with 1‐Aca or Aaa. Biological activity of the compounds was assessed in the in vitro rat uterus test and the in vivo rat blood pressure test. The X17 substitution resulted in a decrease in antagonistic potency of the new peptide in both assays. The X27 and N‐(Bzl)‐Gly7 substituted analogues showed weak agonistic properties in the rat uterus test. Interestingly, the latter compound exhibited dual activity in the pressor test, i.e. intrinsic vasodepressor action and at the same time a weak antagonistic effect. Acylation of the N‐terminus enhanced antagonistic properties of the resulting peptides in the rat blood pressure test in the case of compounds containing X1 or X2 modification. Our studies provide new information about structure–activity relationship of the BK antagonists which may be helpful for designing more potent B2 receptor blockers. Copyright © 2011 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Co‐catalytic effect of Rh and Ru for the ethanol electro‐oxidation in amorphous microparticulated alloys
Authors: Blanco Tamara C. , Pierna Ángel R. , Barroso Javier
Published: March 2011

The ethanol electro‐oxidation on platinum catalyst in acid media leads to the formation of acetaldehyde and acetic acid as main products. Another problem is the poisoning of the electro‐catalyst surface with CO formed during the fuel oxidation reaction. To increase the performance of Direct Ethanol Fuel Cells (DEFCs) it is necessary to develop new electrode materials or modification of the existing Pt catalysts. This work presents the electrochemical response to ethanol and CO oxidation of different compositional amorphous alloys obtained by ball milling technique, used as electrodes. Alloys with Ni59Nb40Pt0.6Rh0.4 and Ni59Nb40Pt0.6Rh0.2Ru0.2 composi‐tions were studied. The current density towards ethanol oxidation decreases with the presence of ruthenium; however, this electrode shows the best tolerance to CO, with lower surface coverage (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)