bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review of the reproductive biology of amphipods and their endocrine regulation: Identification of mechanistic pathways for reproductive toxicants
Authors: Hyne Ross V
Published: September 2011

The reproductive biology of amphipods is reviewed to update the knowledge of the male and female reproductive processes of oogenesis and spermatogenesis as well as the endocrine systems of amphipods with the aim of advancing studies of reproductive toxicology. The ovarian and reproduction cycles of female gammaridean amphipods are closely correlated with the molt cycle, which is under direct control by the steroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone. The ability of males to copulate and subsequently for females to ovulate is restricted to the early postmolt period of the females. New developments in our understanding of the molt cycle and the endocrine regulatory pathways for reproduction using genomics techniques on other crustacean species are also discussed. The arthropod sterol ponasterone A or xenobiotics such as the fungicide fenarimol have been shown to elicit endocrine disruption in some crustaceans by acting as an agonist for 20-hydroxyecdysone at the ecdysone receptor or by inhibiting the synthesis of 20-hydroxyecdysone, respectively, resulting in disruption of molting and reproduction. Recent studies suggest that cadmium can inhibit secondary vitellogenesis in amphipods. Experimental approaches for examining the metabolic pathways associated with ecdysteroid hormonal signaling or metabolism, exoskeleton maintenance and molting, and the regulation of vitellogenin in amphipods are discussed. This information should aid in the identification of useful biomarkers for reproductive toxicity. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011;30:2647–2657. © 2011 SETAC
Antileukaemia effect of rapamycin alone or in combination with daunorubicin on ph+ acute lymphoblastic leukaemia cell line
Authors: Yang Xi , Lin Juan , Gong Yuping , Ma Hongbing , Shuai Xiao , Zhou Ruiqing , Guo Yong , Shan Qingqing , He Guangcui
Published: September 2011

The translocation (9;22) (q34;q11), known as the Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome and bcr‐abl fusion gene, is the common cytogenetic abnormality and an unfavourable prognosis in adult acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). Although chemotherapeutic treatment produced high rates of complete response in approximately 70%–80% of newly diagnosed Ph+ ALL, the onset of resistance and clinical relapse is rapid. Therefore, the efficacy of treatment in Ph+ ALL is still to be determined. In this study, we aimed to assess the antileukemic activity of rapamycin (RAPA) (Sigma‐Aldrich Corporation, MO, USA), a mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor, alone and in combination with daunorubicin (DNR) (Pharmacia & Upjohn Company, Germany) in a Ph+ acute lymphoblastic cell line SUP‐B15 and a primary Ph+ ALL sample in vitro. Here, we demonstrated that 50 nmol/L of RAPA significantly intensified the inhibition induced by DNR on both Ph+ ALL cell line and a primary Ph+ ALL sample. Notably, we reported that the consequence of DNR treatment induced the over expression of the componets of mammalian target of rapamycin signalling pathway, whereas RAPA effectively eliminated this deleterious side effect of DNR, which might enhance DNR's ability to kill drug‐resistant cancer. The synergistic effect was also associated with the increase in autophagy, blockage of cell cycle progression in the G1 phase. Altogether, our results suggest that DNR in combination with RAPA is more effective in the treatment of Ph+ ALL compared with DNR alone. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Therapeutic plasma exchange for the treatment of anti‐NMDA receptor encephalitis
Authors: Pham Huy P. , Daniel‐Johnson Jennifer A. , Stotler Brie A. , Stephens Hannah , Schwartz Joseph
Published: September 2011

Anti‐N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor (NMDA‐R) encephalitis is thought to be one of the common paraneoplastic‐associated encephalitides. Between February 2001 and February 2011, nine patients were diagnosed with this disorder at Columbia University Medical Center: eight females (mean age 23 years) and one male (3 years of age). Four female patients had ovarian teratomas, which were removed as part of their treatment. Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) was used as one of the treatment modalities in addition to immunosuppressive therapy, including corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), and/or rituximab. A total of 56 TPE procedures were performed in these patients on alternate days (range, 5–14 procedures/patient). Approximately 1 plasma volume (PV) was processed for all patients; 5% albumin and 0.9% normal saline were used as replacement fluid. Complications occurred in 20% of TPE procedures; 9% were possibly due to underlying disease. The remaining 11% of complications were hypotensive episodes that rapidly responded to either a fluid bolus or a vasopressor treatment. One patient demonstrated immediate clinical improvement after three TPE treatments, and four patients had significant improvement at time of discharge from the hospital. Long‐term follow‐up showed that early initiation of TPE appears to be beneficial, and patients who received IVIG after TPE did better than those who received IVIG before TPE. However, the number of patients in this series is too small to provide statistically significant conclusions. Overall, TPE is a relatively safe treatment option in patients with anti‐NMDA‐R encephalitis. Further studies are needed to elucidate the benefit of TPE in this disease. J. Clin. Apheresis, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development and evaluation of a spiral tube column for counter‐current chromatography
Authors: Cao Xueli , Pei Hairun , Huo Liangsheng , Hu Guanghui , Ito Yoichiro
Published: September 2011

An improved type‐J counter‐current chromatography (CCC) planet centrifuge with two spiral tube columns (volume 2×15 mL, β value 0.3–0.7, tubing 0.8 mm id) was developed and evaluated for its retention ability of four typical different solvent systems including heptane–methanol (1:1, v/v) (A), hexane–ethyl acetate–methanol–water (1:1:1:1, v/v) (B), n‐butanol–acetic acid–water (4:1:5, v/v) (C), PEG1000–K2HPO4–water (12.5:12.5:75, w/w) (D) under eight different operation modes. The results indicated that the spiral tube column could significantly increase the retention of four typical solvent systems compared with a traditional multilayer coil column with similar parameters (volume 35 mL, β value 0.3–0.7, tubing 0.8 mm id). The retention of stationary phase (Sf ) for the less polar system (A) and moderately polar solvent system (B) can be increased by about 10%, and for the polar system (C) and aqueous two‐phase system (ATPS) (D) by 30–40%. The preliminary applications of this spiral tube column to the separation of small molecular compounds such as moderately polar theaflavins, polar anthocyanins and dipeptides were successful. Acceptable resolution can be obtained between cytochrome c and myoglobin, lysozyme and myoglobin when it was applied on protein separation; however, it still needs to be improved with regard to its column efficiency.
Screening vasoconstriction inhibitors from traditional Chinese medicines using a vascular smooth muscle/cell membrane chromatography‐offline‐liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry
Authors: Yang Xingxin , Wang Yanwei , Zhang Xiaoxia , Chang Ruimiao , Li Xiaoni
Published: September 2011

We developed an analytical method for screening vasoconstriction inhibitors from traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) by combining vascular smooth muscle/cell membrane chromatography (VSM/CMC) with liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). Primary cultured VSM cells from rat thoracic aortas were used for preparation of the stationary phase of the VSM/CMC column. Retention fractions from the VSM/CMC column were collected and then analyzed by LC‐MS/MS under the optimized conditions offline. The suitability and reliability of the VSM/CMC‐offline‐LC‐MS/MS method was assessed using nitrendipine and nifedipine as positive controls, and this method was then applied to screen vasodilator components from the extracts of Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis (FSC) and Fructus Schisandrae Sphenantherae (FSS). The major components from both species retained by VSM/CMC were identified as deoxyschizandrin (DSD) and schisantherin A (STA) by LC‐MS/MS. Competition experiments indicated that DSD and nifedipine bound competitively to membrane receptors, while DSD and STA had partly overlapping binding sites on VSM‐cell membranes. In vitro pharmacological trials confirmed that STA and DSD could dose‐dependently relax the rat thoracic aortas pre‐contracted by KCl. Our VSM/CMC‐offline‐LC‐MS/MS method can be applied for screening vasoconstriction inhibitors from TCMs collected from FSC and FSS, and may be useful in the development of vasodilators from natural products.
Characterization of cyclofructan‐based chiral stationary phases by linear free energy relationship
Authors: Janečková Lucie , Kalíková Květa , Vozka Jiří , Armstrong Daniel W. , Bosáková Zuzana , Tesařová Eva
Published: September 2011

Cyclofructans (CFs), a new class of chiral selectors, have been recently introduced for application in liquid chromatography and capillary electrophoresis. So far, derivatized CFs have performed interesting separation possibilities for a variety of compounds. The current work is focused on characterization of three different CF‐based chiral stationary phases (CF‐based CSPs), i.e. isopropyl carbamate cyclofructan 6 (IP‐CF6), R‐naphthylethyl carbamate cyclofructan 6 (RN‐CF6) and dimethylphenyl carbamate cyclofructan 7 (DMP‐CF7). The linear free energy relationship (LFER) model was used to reveal the dominant interactions participating in the complex retention mechanism. A set of 44 different test solutes, with known solvation parameters, was used to determine the regression coefficients of the LFER equation under two mobile‐phase compositions in normal separation mode. The LFER results showed that hydrogen bond acidity, hydrophobicity and dipolarity/polarizibility mostly affect the retention and separation process on the CF‐based columns in the studied separation systems.
In vitro anti‐platelet effects of simple plant‐derived phenolic compounds are only found at high, non‐physiological concentrations
Authors: Ostertag Luisa M. , O'Kennedy Niamh , Horgan Graham W. , Kroon Paul A. , Duthie Garry G. , de Roos Baukje
Published: September 2011

Scope: Bioactive polyphenols from fruits, vegetables, and beverages have anti‐platelet effects and may thus affect the development of cardiovascular disease. We screened the effects of 26 low molecular weight phenolic compounds on two in vitro measures of human platelet function.

Methods and results: After platelets had been incubated with one of 26 low molecular weight phenolic compounds in vitro, collagen‐induced human platelet aggregation and in vitro TRAP‐induced P‐selectin expression (as marker of platelet activation) were assessed. Incubation of platelet‐rich plasma from healthy volunteers with 100 μmol/L hippuric acid, pyrogallol, catechol, or resorcinol significantly inhibited collagen‐induced platelet aggregation (all p<0.05; n≥15). Incubation of whole blood with concentrations of 100 μmol/L salicylic acid, p‐coumaric acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, 4‐hydroxyphenylpropionyl glycine, 5‐methoxysalicylic acid, and catechol significantly inhibited TRAP‐induced surface P‐selectin expression (all p<0.05; n=10). Incubation with lower concentrations of phenolics affected neither platelet aggregation nor activation.

Conclusion: As concentrations of 100 μmol/L are unlikely to be reached in the circulation, it is doubtful whether consumption of dietary phenolics in nutritionally attainable amounts plays a major role in inhibition of platelet activation and aggregation in humans.
Guide to safely withdrawing antidepressants in primary care
Authors: McHugh Beth , Krishnadas Rajeev
Published: September 2011

Our series on stopping drugs provides practical advice on why, when and how to withdraw drug therapy. Here the authors consider the challenges associated with discontinuing antidepressants. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Interface Ltd
Changing current practice – the prescribing of NSAIDs
Authors: Hollingsbee Derek , Maskrey Neal , Hutchinson Andrew , Underhill Jonathan , Bowes Alison
Published: September 2011

In the second half of 2007 the National Prescribing Centre provided an number of initiatives aimed at encouraging reviews of NSAID prescribing with regard to cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risk. The authors used this as an opportunity to evaluate the subsequent changes in prescribing. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Interface Ltd
18O/16O ratio measurements of inorganic and organic materials by elemental analysis–pyrolysis–isotope ratio mass spectrometry continuous‐flow techniques
Authors: Fourel François , Martineau François , Lécuyer Christophe , Kupka Hans‐Joachim , Lange Lutz , Ojeimi Charles , Seed Mike
Published: September 2011

We have used a high‐precision, easy, low‐cost and rapid method of oxygen isotope analysis applied to various O‐bearing matrices, organic and inorganic (sulfates, nitrates and phosphates), whose 18O/16O ratios had already been measured. It was first successfully applied to 18O analyses of natural and synthetic phosphate samples. The technique uses high‐temperature elemental analysis–pyrolysis (EA‐pyrolysis) interfaced in continuous‐flow mode to an isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) system. Using the same pyrolysis method we have been able to generate a single calibration curve for all those samples showing pyrolysis efficiencies independent of the type of matrix pyrolysed. We have also investigated this matrix‐dependent pyrolysis issue using a newly developed pyrolysis technique involving 'purge‐and‐trap' chromatography. As previously stated, silver phosphate being a very stable material, weakly hygroscopic and easily synthesized with predictable 18O/16O values, could be considered as a good candidate to become a reference material for the determination of 18O/16O ratios by EA‐pyrolysis‐IRMS. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Soil properties, strontium isotopic signatures and multi‐element profiles to authenticate the origin of vegetables from small‐scale regions: illustration with early potatoes from southern Italy
Authors: Zampella Mariavittoria , Quétel Christophe R. , Paredes Eduardo , Goitom Asfaha Daniel , Vingiani Simona , Adamo Paola
Published: September 2011

We propose a method for the authentication of the origin of vegetables grown under similar weather conditions, in sites less than 10 km distance from the sea and distributed over a rather small scale area (58651 km2). We studied how the strontium (Sr) isotopic signature and selected elemental concentrations ([Mn], [Cu], [Zn], [Rb], [Sr] and [Cd]) in early potatoes from three neighbouring administrative regions in the south of Italy were related to the geological substrate (alluvial sediments, volcanic substrates and carbonate rocks) and to selected soil chemical properties influencing the bioavailability of elements in soils (pH, cation exchange capacity and total carbonate content). Through multiple‐step multivariate statistics (PLS‐DA) we could assign 26 potatoes (including two already commercialised samples) to their respective eight sites of production, corresponding to the first two types of geological substrates. The other 12 potatoes from four sites of production had similar characteristics in terms of the geological substrate (third type) and these soil properties could be grouped together. In this case, more discriminative parameters would be required to allow the differentiation between sites.

The validation of our models included external prediction tests with data of potatoes harvested the year before and a study on the robustness of the uncertainties of the measurement results. Annual variations between multi‐elemental and Sr isotopic fingerprints were observed in potatoes harvested from soils overlying carbonate rocks, stressing the importance of testing long term variations in authentication studies. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. and European Union [2011].
The effects of molecular weight distribution and sample preparation on matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometric analysis of petroleum macromolecules
Authors: Kulkarni Sourabh U. , Räder Hans Joachim , Thies Mark C.
Published: September 2011

To date there have been no systematic, quantitative investigations of the effect of sample preparation on the matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight (MALDI) mass spectrometry response for polydisperse systems. To this end, the interrelationships between sample preparation, analyte molecular weight distribution (MWD) and solubility, and signal response were investigated for mixtures of alkylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) oligomers, the constituents of petroleum pitch that serve as precursors for advanced carbon materials. These PAH oligomers served as a useful analyte system for study, as their solvent solubilities decrease significantly with each increasing oligomeric unit. Molecular weight standards consisting of relatively pure dimer and trimer cuts of the starting M‐50 petroleum pitch were produced using a dense‐gas/supercritical extraction (DGE/SCE) technique and were then used to produce oligomeric mixtures of well‐defined composition for study. Both traditional, solvent‐based and newer, solvent‐free sample preparation methods were evaluated, and their effects on both homogeneity and signal response were determined. While solvent‐free sample preparation methods produced homogeneous samples and reproducible results regardless of the MWD of the analyte, solvent‐based samples that contained more than one oligomeric cut produced non‐homogeneous samples and poor reproducibilities. The differing solubilities of dimer, trimer, and tetramer oligomers in a given solvent (e.g., CS2 or toluene) were found to be the cause of the inhomogeneities observed in solvent‐based sample preparation. A quantitative analysis study performed with dimer/trimer mixtures over a wide range of compositions via solvent‐free sample preparation indicates that linear, reproducible calibration curves can be generated and used to calculate the molecular composition of unknown dimer/trimer mixtures with confidence. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fast quantitative determination of melamine and its derivatives by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Arnold Anne , Arrey Tabiwang N. , Karas Michael , Persike Markus
Published: September 2011

A simple, sensitive and fast method for the determination of melamine and its derivatives in milk powder using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF‐MS) was developed. Neither time‐consuming sample preparation, nor special target plates, or other extra equipment are necessary. The common matrix sinapinic acid (SA) was used with a dried‐droplet preparation. Detection limits (signal‐to‐noise (S/N) ratio = 3) for standard solutions of melamine, ammeline and cyanuric acid were 10, 25 and 10 µg/L, respectively. The limit of quantification (LOQ) for melamine was 25 µg/L and excellent linearity (R2: 0.9990) was maintained over the range of 10–2000 µg/L. Ammeline and cyanuric acid were analyzed with an LOQ of 50 µg/L and also excellent linearity (R2: 0.9997 and R2: 0.9998). Good accuracy and precision were obtained for all concentrations within the range of the standard curve. The developed method was successfully used for the determination of melamine, ammeline and cyanuric acid in milk powder samples with a simple sample preparation. The LOQ of melamine was 0.5 µg/g. Ammeline and cyanuric acid were detectable at 0.5 and 5 µg/g. This method showed excellent accuracy, precision and linearity and significantly reduces the needed analysis time, as only approximately 10 s/sample measuring time is required. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first published method to quantify melamine and derivatives by MALDI‐TOF‐MS. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of high‐temperature conversion and equilibration methods for the determination of d31‐palmitic acid oxidation in man using continuous‐flow isotope ratio mass spectrometry
Authors: Sauvinet Valérie , Gabert Laure , Alligier Maud , Normand Sylvie , Roth Hubert , Laville Martine , Désage Michel
Published: September 2011

During nutritional interventions, the ingestion of d31‐palmitic acid and H218O allows the assessment of dietary fatty acid oxidation from cumulative 2H recovery in urine and the estimation of the total body water pool (TBW) from 18O dilution. Continuous‐flow isotope ratio mass spectrometry (CF‐IRMS) coupled to either equilibration or high‐temperature conversion (HTC) techniques permits 2H‐ and 18O‐enrichment measurements in biological fluids. Thus it was of great interest to compare these methods applied to the determination of dietary fatty acid oxidation.

The linearity, accuracy and correlation between CF‐equilibration and CF‐HTC were first checked using 2H‐ and 18O‐enriched water and urine samples. Urine samples from 14 subjects were then measured with both methods. The 2H and 18O raw data were normalised against calibration lines. The final aim was to study the impact of the normalised raw results on physiological data (i.e. TBW and d31‐palmitate recovery).

No significant difference was observed between the 18O‐ and 2H‐enrichment measurements depending on the analytical method used. The TBW volumes calculated from the 18O enrichments measured either with CF‐equilibration or CF‐HTC were not significantly different: respectively, 45.1 ± 1.0 L or 45.7 ± 1.0 L (mean ± sem, p = 0.09). The palmitic acid oxidation results obtained from the 2H‐enrichment measurements and the TBW from CF‐equilibration vs. CF‐HTC were not significantly different (p ≥ 0.26): with δ2H values of, respectively, 16.2 ± 1.6% vs. 16.2 ± 1.1% at 8 h, 18.7 ± 2.0% vs. 17.6 ± 1.3% at 12 h and 21.7 ± 1.9% vs. 21.5 ± 1.3% at 3 days post‐dose (mean ± sem). Thus, even if CF‐HTC was preferred because it was more practical to carry out, both methods allow the study of dietary lipid oxidation in man and generate similar results. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differentiation of isomeric 2‐aryldimethyltetrahydro‐5‐quinolinones by electron ionization and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Dinesh Kumar Ch. , Naresh Chary V. , Dinesh A. , Reddy P. S. , Srinivas K. , Gayatri G. , Sastry G. N. , Prabhakar S.
Published: September 2011

A series of isomeric 2‐aryl‐6,6‐dimethyltetrahydro‐5‐quinolinones (set I) and 2‐aryl‐7,7‐dimethyltetrahydro‐5‐quinolinones (set II) were studied under positive ion electron ionization (EI) and electrospray ionization (ESI) techniques. Under EI conditions, the molecular ions were found to be less stable in set I isomers, and they resulted in abundant fragment ions, i.e., [M–CH3]+, [M–CO]+., [M–HCO]+, [M–(CH3,CO)]+, and [M–(CH3,CH2O)]+, when compared with set II isomers. In addition, the set I isomers showed specific fragment ions corresponding to [M–OH]+ and [M–OCH3]+. The retro‐Diels‐Alder (RDA) product ion was always higher in set II isomers. The ESI mass spectra produced [M + H]+ ions, and their decomposition showed favorable loss of CH3۬ radical, CH4 and C2H6 molecules in set I isomers. The set II isomers, however, showed predominant RDA product ions, and specific loss of H2O. The selectivity in EI and ESI was attributed to the instability of set I isomers by the presence of a gem‐dimethyl group at the α‐position, and it was supported by the data from model compounds without a gem‐dimethyl group. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations successfully corroborated the fragmentation pathways for diagnostic ions. This study revealed the effect of a gem‐dimethyl group located at the α‐position to the carbonyl having aromatic/unsaturated carbon on the other side of the carbonyl group. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of novel active acceptors possessing a positively charged structure for the transglycosylation reaction with Endo‐M and their application to oligosaccharide analysis
Authors: Min Jun Zhe , Suzuki Yasumasa , Tomiyasu Yuki , Jin Dongri , Higashi Tatsuya , Lee Yong‐Ill , Toyo'oka Toshimasa
Published: September 2011

With Boc‐Asn‐GlcNAc as a basic structure, four permanently positively charged kinds of new acceptors (GP‐Boc‐Asn‐GlcNAc, GT‐Boc‐Asn‐GlcNAc, HMP‐Boc‐Asn‐GlcNAc, MPDPZ‐Boc‐Asn‐GlcNAc) and five kinds of similar structure acceptors (2‐PA‐Boc‐Asn‐GlcNAc, 3‐PA‐Boc‐Asn‐GlcNAc, 4‐PA‐Boc‐Asn‐GlcNAc, HP‐Boc‐Asn‐GlcNAc, PDPZ‐Boc‐Asn‐GlcNAc) were synthesized as acceptors for the resolution of oligosaccharides in glycopeptides. The synthesized acceptors enzymatically reacted with Disialo‐Asn (donor) in the presence of Endo‐M. The reaction yields of each transglycosylation product were not obvious, because we do not have all the authentic Disialo‐Asn‐Boc‐acceptors. Therefore, we used the peak area of the transglycosylation product detected by mass spectrometry and evaluated the utility of each acceptor. Among the Boc‐Asn‐GlcNAc acceptors, the positively charged MPDPZ derivative peak area was the highest, MPDPZ‐Boc‐Asn‐GlcNAc with a positively charged structure showed about a 2.2 times greater sensitivity of the transglycosylation product compared to the conventional fluorescence acceptor DBD‐PZ‐Boc‐Asn‐GlcNAc. As a result, the MPDPZ‐Boc‐Asn‐GlcNAc acceptor was suitable for the transglycosylation reaction with Endo‐M. The development of a qualitative determination method for the N‐linked oligosaccharides in glycoproteins was attempted by combination of the transglycosylation reaction and semi‐micro high‐performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/ESI‐QTOF‐MS/MS). The asparaginyl‐oligosaccharides in glycoproteins, liberated by treatment with Pronase E, were separated, purified and labeled with positively charged MPDPZ. The resulting derivatives were separated by a semi‐micro HPLC system. The eluted N‐linked oligosaccharide derivatives were then introduced into a QTOF‐MS instrument and sensitively detected in the ESI+ mode. Various fragment ions based on the carbohydrate units appeared in the MS/MS spectra. Among the peaks, m/z 782.37 corresponding to MPDPZ‐Boc‐Asn‐GlcNAc is the most important one for identifying the asparaginyl‐oligosaccharides. Disialo‐Asn‐Boc‐MPDPZ was easily identified by the selected‐ion chromatogram at m/z 782.37 by MS/MS detection. Therefore, the identification of N‐linked oligosaccharides in glycoproteins seems to be possible by the proposed semi‐micro HPLC separations followed by the QTOF‐MS/MS detection. Furthermore, several oligosaccharides in ovalbumin and ribonuclease B were successfully identified by the proposed procedure. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometric characterization of DNA adducts formed by bromobenzoquinones
Authors: Lai Yongquan , Lu Minghua , Lin Shuhai , Wu Hanzhi , Cai Zongwei
Published: September 2011

Bromobenzoquinones (BBQs) represent a class of reactive metabolites of various aromatic contaminants with bromine‐containing substituents, including bromobenzene, bromophenols, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). Recently, 2,6‐dibromobenzoquinone also has been detected directly from drinking water. The alternation of the genome caused by covalent binding of chemicals or their metabolites to DNA provides a viable mechanism for carcinogenicity. In the present study, electrospray ionization coupled with ion trap mass spectrometry (ITMS), triple quadrupole MS or quadrupole time‐of‐flight MS was applied for the analysis of DNA adducts formed by BBQs. The study demonstrated 2‐monobromobenzoquinone and 2,6‐dibromobenzoquinone could covalently bind to deoxyguanosine (dG) and DNA in vitro. The chemical structures of the DNA adducts were confirmed by accurate mass values, collision‐induced fragmentation tandem mass spectra as well as isotopic patterns. Generally, the reaction mechanism for the DNA adduction involved Michael addition between the electron‐deficient carbon from the quinone and the nucleophilic exocyclic nitrogen from the dG followed by reductive cyclization with loss of a small molecule such as H2O, or HBrO. It was of particular interest to note that some adducts were generated from the reaction of one dG molecule with two BBQ molecules. The obtained results provided new information for assessing the potential cancer risk associated with bromobenzene, bromophenols, PBDEs and BBQs. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimating treatment effect via simple cross design synthesis
Authors: Kaizar Eloise E.
Published: September 2011

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are the traditional gold standard evidence for medical decision‐making. However, protocols that limit enrollment eligibility introduce selection error that severely limits a RCT's applicability to a wide range of patients. Conversely, high quality observational data can be representative of entire populations, but freedom to choose treatment can bias estimators based on this data. Cross design synthesis (CDS) is an approach to combining both RCT and observational data in a single analysis that capitalizes on the RCT's strong internal validity and the observational study's strong external validity. We proposed and assessed a simple estimator of effect size based on the CDS approach. We evaluated its properties within a formal framework of causal estimation and compared our estimator with more traditional estimators based on single sources of evidence. We show that under ideal conditions the simple CDS estimator is unbiased whenever the observational data‐based estimators' treatment selection error is constant across those who are and are not eligible for RCT participation. Whereas this assumption may not often hold in practice, assumptions required for the unbiasedness of usual single‐source estimators may also be implausible. We show that, under some reasonable data assumptions, our simple CDS estimator has smaller bias and better coverage than commonly used estimates based on randomized or observational studies alone. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Conditional predictive inference for online surveillance of spatial disease incidence
Authors: Corberán‐Vallet Ana , Lawson Andrew B.
Published: September 2011

This paper deals with the development of statistical methodology for timely detection of incident disease clusters in space and time. The increasing availability of data on both the time and the location of events enables the construction of multivariate surveillance techniques, which may enhance the ability to detect localized clusters of disease relative to the surveillance of the overall count of disease cases across the entire study region. We introduce the surveillance conditional predictive ordinate as a general Bayesian model‐based surveillance technique that allows us to detect small areas of increased disease incidence when spatial data are available. To address the problem of multiple comparisons, we incorporate a common probability that each small area signals an alarm when no change in the risk pattern of disease takes place into the analysis. We investigate the performance of the proposed surveillance technique within the framework of Bayesian hierarchical Poisson models using a simulation study. Finally, we present a case study of salmonellosis in South Carolina. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Time‐to‐event analysis with treatment arm selection at interim
Authors: Di Scala L. , Glimm E.
Published: September 2011

This paper discusses the application of an adaptive design for treatment arm selection in an oncology trial, with survival as the primary endpoint and disease progression as a key secondary endpoint. We carried out treatment arm selection at an interim analysis by using Bayesian predictive power combining evidence from the two endpoints. At the final analysis, we carried out a frequentist statistical test of efficacy on the survival endpoint. We investigated several approaches (Bonferroni approach, ‘Dunnett‐like’ approach, a conditional error function approach and a combination p‐value approach) with respect to their power and the precise conditions under which type I error control is attained. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Check‐up Time: A Closer Look at Physical Symptoms in Occupational Health Research
Authors: Shoss Mindy Krischer , Shoss Bradley Leone
Published: September 2011

In order to advance research on stress‐related symptoms in occupational health psychology, our study examined three ways to measure physical symptoms—by asking about symptom frequency, interference with daily activities and whether a doctor was seen for each symptom. We used exploratory factor analysis and item response theory to gain greater insight into these measures and compared how symptoms measured along these dimensions predicted other stress‐related outcomes in the workplace. Among the main findings of our study are the following: (1) symptoms may be categorized as those that occur as a response to acute events and those that reflect more chronic stress; (2) individuals appear to have a relatively low threshold for reporting that acute symptoms (e.g. heart pounding) interfere with daily activities; and (3) specific symptom (acute, chronic)–response format (frequency, interference) combinations uniquely predicted other strain variables in conceptually meaningful ways. Recommendations for the assessment of physical symptoms are provided. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Research on Top and Bottom Mixed Blowing CO2 in Converter Steelmaking Process
Authors: Lv Ming , Zhu Rong , Wei Xinyan , Wang Hui , Bi Xiurong
Published: September 2011

Based on the analysis of reaction mechanism between CO2 and molten pool elements at the steelmaking temperature, and on the calculation of materials and heat balance during converter steelmaking process with blowing CO2, a new technology which uses CO2‐O2 as top gas and CO2 as bottom gas in a converter was proposed and experimented in a 30 t converter. It is found that the new technology is feasible absolutely, the amounts of smoke dust and T‐Fe are reduced by 11.15% and 12.98% on average, the contents of nitrogen and phosphorus are decreased by 50% and 23.33% respectively, iron loss of slag is lowered by 3.10% and oxygen consumption is reduced remarkably. This research will provide a new blowing method for BOF steelmaking process, which can save steelmaking energy consumption and reduce smelting cost.
Relationship between sonographically estimated fetal subcutaneous adipose tissue measurements and neonatal skinfold measurements
Authors: Buhling K. J. , Doll I. , Siebert G. , Catalano P. M.
Published: September 2011

Objective

Increased subcutaneous adipose tissue is a well known characteristic of diabetic fetopathy. Prenatal estimation of adipose tissue can be performed by ultrasound, while postnatally skinfold measurements are performed using a Holtain caliper. The aim of this study was to compare these methods in the same patients.

Methods

This was a prospective study of 172 pregnant patients (142 controls and 30 with gestational diabetes) at ≥ 37 gestational weeks. In addition to fetal weight estimation, fetal subcutaneous tissue was measured at the anterior abdomen lateral to the umbilicus (SonoSfAbd) and at the middle of the femur (SonoSfFem). Within 72 h after delivery, a Holtain caliper was used to measure neonatal skinfold thickness at the left anterior iliac spine (SfAbd), at the lower angle of the left scapula (SfSca), at the middle of the femur, above the left quadriceps femoris (SfFem) and at the middle of the left triceps (SfHum). Ultrasound and mechanical measurements were correlated.

Results

The sonographic and mechanical methods showed good correlation with each other. Linear regression analysis gave the following equations: SfAbd (mm) = SonoSfAbd (mm) × 0.489 + 1.988 (r2 = 0.34, P < 0.001); SfSca (mm) = SonoSfAbd (mm) 0.457 + 2.043 (r2 = 0.40, P < 0.001); SfFem (mm) = SonoSfFem (mm) × 0.714 + 1.763 (r2 = 0.41, P < 0.001); SfHum (mm) = SonoSfFem (mm) 0.564 + 2.09 (r2 = 0.39, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Ultrasound examination is a reliable method for non‐invasive intrauterine measurement of fetal subcutaneous tissue and can be used to predict mechanical neonatal skinfold thickness measurements. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maximal amniotic fluid index as a prognostic factor in pregnancies complicated by polyhydramnios
Authors: Pri‐Paz S. , Khalek N. , Fuchs K. M. , Simpson L. L.
Published: September 2011

Objectives

Polyhydramnios is present in approximately 2% of pregnancies and has been associated with a variety of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Our aim was to evaluate the association between the maximal amniotic fluid index (AFI) and the frequency of specific adverse outcomes.

Methods

This was a retrospective chart review of 524 singleton pregnancies diagnosed with polyhydramnios and delivered in a single tertiary referral center between 2003 and 2008. Polyhydramnios was defined as either AFI ≥ 25 cm or a maximum vertical pocket (MVP) ≥ 8 cm even in the presence of AFI < 25 cm. The cohort was stratified into four groups based on the maximal AFI noted during the pregnancy: < 25 cm but with MVP ≥ 8 cm; 25–29.9 cm; 30–34.9 cm; and ≥ 35 cm. Data were collected to determine the frequency of the following adverse pregnancy outcomes: prenatally diagnosed congenital anomalies, fetal aneuploidy, preterm delivery, Cesarean delivery, low birth weight, 5‐min Apgar score < 7 and perinatal mortality.

Results

Higher AFI was associated with a statistically significant increase in the frequency of adverse pregnancy outcomes. The most severe form of polyhydramnios, as based on the maximal AFI (≥ 35 cm; n = 67), was associated with the highest rates of prenatally diagnosed congenital anomalies (79%), preterm delivery (46%), small‐for‐gestational‐age neonate (16%), aneuploidy (13%) and perinatal mortality (27%). No significant association between degree of polyhydramnios and adverse outcome was demonstrated in cases of idiopathic polyhydramnios (n = 253).

Conclusions

There is an association between the frequencies of a variety of adverse pregnancy outcomes and the severity of polyhydramnios as reflected by the maximal AFI. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prediction and probability of neonatal outcome in isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernia using multiple ultrasound parameters
Authors: Ruano R. , Takashi E. , da Silva M. M. , Campos J. A. D. B. , Tannuri U. , Zugaib M.
Published: September 2011

Objectives

To evaluate the accuracy and probabilities of different fetal ultrasound parameters to predict neonatal outcome in isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).

Methods

Between January 2004 and December 2010, we evaluated prospectively 108 fetuses with isolated CDH (82 left‐sided and 26 right‐sided). The following parameters were evaluated: gestational age at diagnosis, side of the diaphragmatic defect, presence of polyhydramnios, presence of liver herniated into the fetal thorax (liver‐up), lung‐to‐head ratio (LHR) and observed/expected LHR (o/e‐LHR), observed/expected contralateral and total fetal lung volume (o/e‐ContFLV and o/e‐TotFLV) ratios, ultrasonographic fetal lung volume/fetal weight ratio (US‐FLW), observed/expected contralateral and main pulmonary artery diameter (o/e‐ContPA and o/e‐MPA) ratios and the contralateral vascularization index (Cont‐VI). The outcomes were neonatal death and severe postnatal pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

Results

Neonatal mortality was 64.8% (70/108). Severe PAH was diagnosed in 68 (63.0%) cases, of which 63 died neonatally (92.6%) (P < 0.001). Gestational age at diagnosis, side of the defect and polyhydramnios were not associated with poor outcome (P > 0.05). LHR, o/e‐LHR, liver‐up, o/e‐ContFLV, o/e‐TotFLV, US‐FLW, o/e‐ContPA, o/e‐MPA and Cont‐VI were associated with both neonatal death and severe postnatal PAH (P < 0.001). Receiver–operating characteristics curves indicated that measuring total lung volumes (o/e‐TotFLV and US‐FLW) was more accurate than was considering only the contralateral lung sizes (LHR, o/e‐LHR and o/e‐ContFLV; P < 0.05), and Cont‐VI was the most accurate ultrasound parameter to predict neonatal death and severe PAH (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Evaluating total lung volumes is more accurate than is measuring only the contralateral lung size. Evaluating pulmonary vascularization (Cont‐VI) is the most accurate predictor of neonatal outcome. Estimating the probability of survival and severe PAH allows classification of cases according to prognosis. Copyright © 2011 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Power trips: Europeanization, market-governance, and energy policy in the Western Balkans
Authors: Lindstrom Nicole
Published: September 2011

This paper examines how the EU seeks to export its ‘market-governance’ approach to energy policy to the Western Balkans: developing open markets and regulatory institutions to promote efficient, secure and sustainable energy. The paper argues domestic change is limited to date due to normative inconsistencies within EU policy. In particular, EU pressure to open energy markets are resisted by state owners and the domestic energy-intensive industries they subsidize, while environmental groups argue the EU has privileged market liberalization over environmental goals. The result is simple ‘adoption’ of EU rules with little evidence of transformation of the status quo.
Love, Lust, and Lies under Communism: Family Values and Adulterous Liaisons in Early East Germany
Authors: Port Andrew I.
Published: September 2011

According to a joke that made the rounds in the former Soviet Union, women from different countries held on to their husbands in different ways: the German by her skills as a housewife, the Spaniard by her passionate lovemaking, the Frenchwoman by her refined elegance—and the Russian by the party committee. This sexist quip was a not so oblique reference to the ways in which the communist party intervened in the private domestic affairs of its members. But—even leaving aside the obviously offensive—it was not entirely accurate, for the practice was just as common in other communist countries as well. This included the eastern half of postwar Germany, where, as in the Soviet Union, the wives of adulterous members of the Socialist Unity Party (SED) sometimes appealed to local functionaries for assistance with their straying husbands.
An unusual presentation of aggressive epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma of the nasal cavity with high-grade histology
Authors: Park J-O , Jung C-K , Sun D-I , Kim M-S
Published: September 2011

Background:

Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma is an uncommon, low-grade carcinoma that generally occurs in the salivary glands. A few cases of epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma arising in the nasal cavity have been reported. We describe a unique case of aggressive epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma in the nasal cavity.

Case report:

A 36-year-old woman presented with a mass in her left nasal cavity. Histopathological evaluation revealed it to be an epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma with overt nuclear atypia, frequent mitoses and necrosis. The tumour recurred in the contralateral nasal cavity 15 months following primary excision. Medial maxillectomy and radiation therapy were performed. Seven-month follow up revealed extensive bone metastases.

Conclusion:

We report a rare case of aggressive epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma in the nasal cavity, with high-grade histology.
Complicated periorbital cellulitis: case report and literature review
Authors: Parvizi N , Choudhury N , Singh A
Published: September 2011

Objective:

Periorbital cellulitis secondary to rhinosinusitis is common. However, very rarely this can be complicated by a lacrimal gland abscess. We report such a case.

Method:

We present a case report and literature review concerning lacrimal gland abscess secondary to periorbital cellulitis.

Results:

Due to the location of this condition, prompt assessment and management is vital to avoid potential ophthalmological and neurological complications. Our patient failed to respond to initial conservative medical treatment, and was subsequently identified as having a lacrimal gland abscess, confirmed on contrast-enhanced computed tomography. Following definitive surgical treatment, the patient's clinical course improved. This case furthers our knowledge of this condition, and adds to the two previously reported paediatric cases.

Conclusion:

This case emphasises the importance of prompt management, and the fact that failure of clinical improvement following orbital decompression should alert the clinician to the rare possibility of an associated lacrimal gland abscess. The case also emphasises the key role of imaging and a multidisciplinary team approach when managing this condition.
Structural characteristics of septal cartilage and mucoperichondrium
Authors: Aksoy F , Yildirim Y S , Demirhan H , Özturan O , Solakoglu S
Published: September 2011

Aim:

During nasal septum surgery, elevation of mucoperichondrium from the anterior nasal septum may be more difficult than from the medial and posterior septum. This study aimed to evaluate any histological structural differences between the anterior and posterior nasal septum cartilage, mucoperichondrium and intervening tissue.

Material and method:

Unilateral mucoperichondrial flap elevation without infiltration was performed, after nasal tip and dorsum decortication, in four patients undergoing open septorhinoplasty. Full-thickness samples, including cartilage and mucoperichondrium, were removed from the anterior and posterior nasal septum and examined under light and electron microscopy.

Results:

Light microscopy showed no difference between anterior and posterior septum specimens regarding perichondrial thickness and subperichondrial cell density. Demarcation between cartilage and perichondrium and between perichondrium and lamina propria was more regular in the posterior versus the anterior septum. Electron microscopy showed no difference in chondroblast activity at the two sites.

Conclusion:

The observed tissue demarcation irregularities may explain the greater reported difficulty in elevating anterior versus posterior nasal septum mucoperichondrium. Immunohistochemical examination would further elucidate these interstructural connections.
Fellowship with Professor W P R Gibson in Otology and Cochlear Implantation, Sydney, Australia, July to December 2010
Authors: Broomfield S J
Published: September 2011

It is with great pleasure and fond memories that I write about my fellowship in Sydney between July and December 2010. I was extremely privileged to work with Professor W P R Gibson, one of the early pioneers of cochlear implantation, who is well known for his work in otological electrophysiology and also a world-renowned figure in Ménière's disease research (Figure 1). It was therefore with some anticipation that I travelled, with my family, to Australia in July 2010.
Hot water irrigation as treatment for intractable posterior epistaxis in an out-patient setting
Authors: Novoa E , Schlegel-Wagner C
Published: September 2011

The management of intractable posterior epistaxis is challenging for any physician. Nasal packing, often combined with use of an endonasal balloon system, is painful for the patient, and torturous to maintain for two to three days. If conservative treatment fails, the most commonly used treatment options are currently invasive procedures such as endoscopic coagulation of bleeding arteries, external ligation and, rarely, embolisation. This paper describes a simple, non-invasive technique of treating posterior epistaxis with hot water irrigation. Technical information is presented, and the benefits of the method are discussed.