bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pediatricians' Use of Language Services for Families With Limited English Proficiency
Authors: Kuo Dennis Z. , O'Connor Karen G. , Flores Glenn , Minkovitz Cynthia S.
Published: March 2007

OBJECTIVES. Patients with limited English proficiency confront multiple barriers to health care access in the United States. Appropriate language services for families with limited English proficiency are essential; however, little is known about pediatricians' use of language services. The objective of this study was to examine pediatricians' provision of language services to patients with limited English proficiency and the pediatrician, practice, and state characteristics associated with use of these services.

METHODS. Data were obtained from the Periodic Survey of Fellows No. 60, a nationally representative survey of members of the American Academy of Pediatrics. A total of 1829 surveys were mailed, and responses were obtained from 58%. Use of 6 language services was assessed. Factors associated with language services use were examined after adjusting for physician, practice, and state characteristics.

RESULTS. Bilingual family members (70%) and bilingual staff (58%) were the most frequently reported language services; 40% of respondents report the use of professional interpreters, 28% use telephone interpreters, and 35% of practices report provision of translated written materials. Pediatricians in smaller and rural practices and in states with higher proportions of limited English proficiency persons report less use of professional interpreters. Pediatricians in states with third-party reimbursement for language services are more likely to report use of professional interpreters.

CONCLUSIONS. Most pediatricians report using untrained interpreters to communicate with limited English proficiency patients and their families. Pediatricians in regions with high proportions of limited English proficiency persons may be less likely to provide appropriate language services. Third-party reimbursement for professional language services may increase the use of trained interpreters and quality of care.
Nephrotic Syndrome in the First Year of Life: Two Thirds of Cases Are Caused by Mutations in 4 Genes (NPHS1, NPHS2, WT1, and LAMB2)
Authors: Hinkes Bernward G. , Mucha Bettina , Vlangos Christopher N. , Gbadegesin Rasheed , Liu Jinhong , Hasselbacher Katrin , Hangan Daniela , Ozaltin Fatih , Zenker Martin , Hildebrandt Friedhelm ,   members of the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Paediatrische Nephrologie Study Group
Published: March 2007

OBJECTIVES. Mutations in each of the NPHS1, NPHS2, WT1, and LAMB2 genes have been implicated in nephrotic syndrome, manifesting in the first year of life. The relative frequency of causative mutations in these genes in children with nephrotic syndrome manifesting in the first year of life is unknown. Therefore, we analyzed all 4 of the genes jointly in a large European cohort of 89 children from 80 families with nephrotic syndrome manifesting in the first year of life and characterized genotype/phenotype correlations.

METHODS. We performed direct exon sequencing of NPHS1, NPHS2, and the relevant exons 8 and 9 of WT1, whereas the LAMB2 gene was screened by enzymatic mismatches cleavage.

RESULTS. We detected disease-causing mutations in 66.3% (53 of 80) families (NPHS1, NPHS2, WT1, and LAMB2: 22.5%, 37.5%, 3.8%, and 2.5%, respectively). As many as 84.8% of families with congenital onset (0–3 months) and 44.1% with infantile onset (4–12 months) of nephrotic syndrome were explained by mutations. NPHS2 mutations were the most frequent cause of nephrotic syndrome among both families with congenital nephrotic syndrome (39.1%) and infantile nephrotic syndrome (35.3%), whereas NPHS1 mutations were solely found in patients with congenital onset. Of 45 children in whom steroid treatment was attempted, only 1 patient achieved a lasting response. Of these 45 treated children, 28 had causative mutations, and none of the 28 responded to treatment.

CONCLUSIONS. First, two thirds of nephrotic syndrome manifesting in the first year of life can be explained by mutations in 4 genes only (NPHS1, NPHS2, WT1, or LAMB2). Second, NPHS1 mutations occur in congenital nephrotic syndrome only. Third, infants with causative mutations in any of the 4 genes do not respond to steroid treatment; therefore, unnecessary treatment attempts can be avoided. Fourth, there are most likely additional unknown genes mutated in early-onset nephrotic syndrome.
A Comprehensive Review of Subtalar Arthrodesis
Authors: Davies Mark B. , Rosenfeld Peter F. , Stavrou Peter , Saxby Terry S.
Published: March 2007

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of a series of subtalar arthrodeses done by a single surgeon using a standard technique. Methods: A retrospective review of 95 primary isolated subtalar arthrodeses in 92 patients was done. Original diagnoses included post-traumatic subtalar arthrosis, primary osteoarthrosis, talocalcaneal coalition, and inflammatory joint disease. In all arthrodeses, a single 7.0-mm partially-threaded cancellous screw was used for fixation, and autogenous bone graft was used. Structural iliac crest autograft was required to restore heel height in three feet with post-traumatic arthrosis. In these three, autograft was harvested from the iliac crest with the remainder receiving morcellized autograft either from the tibia, fibula, or calcaneus. Results: No patients were lost to followup. Ninety-five percent (87) of patients went on to bony union radiographically. Using the Angus and Cowell rating system, 93% (88 feet) of patients had a good or fair outcome. There were seven poor results: four arthrodeses failed to unite, two patients had persistent hindfoot pain in spite of radiographic union, and one developed post-traumatic ankle arthrosis. Conclusions: The results of isolated subtalar arthrodesis using a single screw for fixation are comparable to other fixation methods. Bone graft from local sites obviates the need for iliac crest autograft in most patients.
Technique and Early Experience with Posterior Arthroscopic Subtalar Arthrodesis
Authors: Amendola Annunziato , Lee Keun-Bae , Saltzman Charles L. , Suh Jin-Soo
Published: March 2007

Background: Subtalar arthrodesis is a reliable procedure for pain relief and improved function in patients with isolated subtalar arthritis. Arthroscopic subtalar arthrodesis (ASTA) was designed to improve upon traditional methods by using a minimally invasive technique. However, posterior arthroscopic subtalar arthrodesis (PASTA) has not been described. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the early results of PASTA. Methods: A retrospective review of 11 feet in 10 patients (one bilateral) that had PASTA was conducted. Inclusion criteria were isolated subtalar arthritis with no or minimal deformity and no significant bone loss. Exclusion criteria included patients requiring adjunctive open procedures or who had significant deformity. The technique involved prone positioning, two posterolateral portals and one posteromedial portal, posterior talocalcaneal facet debridement, percutaneous cancellous allografting and internal screw fixation. Outcome measures included patient satisfaction, the modified American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, union rate, time to union, and postoperative complications. Results: All patients were discharged the day of surgery or stayed one night in the hospital. Eight patients were very satisfied, one satisfied, and one patient not satisfied with the results of their surgery. The average modified AOFAS score (maximum 94 points) improved from 36 points preoperatively to 86 points postoperatively. Ten joints fused by 10 weeks postoperatively, and one patient developed a nonunion. No other postoperative complications occurred. Conclusions: For surgeons familiar with posterior ankle or subtalar arthroscopy, PASTA offers superior exposure of the posterior talocalcaneal facet, high patient satisfaction, an excellent fusion rate, and less postoperative morbidity for patients with subtalar arthritis.
Transfibular Ankle Arthrodesis with Rigid Internal Fixation: An Assessment of Outcome
Authors: Colman Aaron B. , Pomeroy Gregory C.
Published: March 2007

Background: Transfibular ankle arthrodesis with internal fixation and fibular onlay grafting has resulted in acceptable fusion rates. This study analyzed the results of ankle arthrodesis using one operative technique in a large series of patients with high and low risks for nonunions. Methods: Fifty consecutive patients had a transfibular ankle arthrodesis with rigid internal fixation and fibular onlay strut grafting from 1997 to 2004. Two patients were lost to followup. The remaining 48 patients had preoperative and postoperative clinical and radiographic examinations and then were stratified into high-risk and low-risk groups for ankle nonunions. Fifteen of 48 patients were considered at high risk for nonunion. Rate of osseous fusion, satisfaction with the procedure, correction of the deformity, and relief of pain were evaluated. Thirty-five of 48 patients were evaluated with the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale at an average 45 months after surgery. Results: Forty-six of 48 patients had bony union (96% union rate). Fourteen of 15 (93%) high-risk patients had bony fusion in an average of 83 days. Thirty-two of 33 patients (97%) in the low-risk group had bony fusion at an average of 81 days. The AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score improved from 38 to 74 in 12 of 15 patients in the high-risk group and from 34 to 69 in 24 of 33 patients in the low-risk group from preoperative to postoperative scores. Conclusions: A transfibular ankle arthrodesis with rigid internal fixation and fibular onlay strut grafting can achieve a high rate of union in both a low-risk and high-risk patient populations. This technique can be an effective approach for most primary and revision cases with or without significant deformity. In addition the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score improved significantly both in the high-risk and low-risk groups.
Outcome Analysis of Agility Total Ankle Replacement with Prior Adjunctive Procedures: Two to Six Year Followup
Authors: Hurowitz Eli J. , Gould John S. , Fleisig Glenn S. , Fowler Rachel
Published: March 2007

Background: A retrospective case review of 65 agility total ankle replacements (64 patients) was done between April, 1998, and March, 2002. The purpose of this study was to more closely identify factors that may be predictive of a favorable outcome, including a comparison of outcome measures between patients who had preoperative corrective procedures and those patients who did not. Methods: The outcomes of this series of patients were examined with post-operative Short Form (SF)-36 scores as well as chart and radiographic review. Endpoints for this study were amputation, arthrodesis, osteochondral allograft, total ankle revision, or revision of either or both components. The Kaplan-Meier survivorship curve also was estimated including the 95% confidence intervals. Results: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were found to have a statistically significant lower rate of failure. Use of a size 1 prosthesis was associated with subsidence and the highest rate of subsequent failure, but fell short of statistical significance (because of the limited power of the study). Smoking, diabetes, and methotrexate use were not associated with an adverse outcome either clinically or statistically, but the number of patients in each group was small. The age of the patient was not a factor in predicting failure of the prosthesis in the posttraumatic arthritis group; however it trended toward significance in the osteoarthritis group. The mean time to failure in patients with osteoarthritis was shorter than in the patients with post-traumatic arthritis but fell just short of statistical significance. Conclusions: From this series we concluded that rheumatoid arthritis and use of a prosthesis larger than size 1 are predictive factors for better outcome.
Gait Analysis After Successful Mobile Bearing Total Ankle Replacement
Authors: Doets H. Cornelis , Middelkoop Marienke van , Houdijk Han , Nelissen Rob G.H.H. , Veeger H.E.J. (Dirkjan)
Published: March 2007

Background: The effect of total ankle replacement on gait is not fully known in terms of joint kinematics, ground reaction force, and activity of the muscles of the lower leg. Methods: A comparative gait study was done in 10 patients after uneventful unilateral mobile-bearing total ankle replacement and 10 healthy controls. A rigid body model was used to describe the motion of the knee and the three-dimensional motion of the ankle-hindfoot complex during barefoot walking. An opto-electronic motion analysis system was used to analyze bilateral movement patterns, synchronized with recordings of the ipsilateral vertical ground reaction forces and the electromyographic activity of four lower leg muscles. Results: Velocity was 6% lower in the patient group. Dorsiflexion in the operated ankles was reduced ( p < 0.001). No differences were found in the joint angular pattern of the knee joint and only minimal changes were found at the hindfoot-to-tibia and forefoot-to-hindfoot levels. The ground reaction force at midstance was somewhat increased ( p = 0.005), while the magnitude of the vertical peak at terminal stance was decreased ( p < 0.001). EMG activity patterns in the patient group were normal except for a higher activity of the gastrocnemius in early stance and the anterior tibial muscle in late stance. Conclusions: There is a near normal gait pattern in terms of joint kinematics of the knee, ankle, and foot after uneventful mobile-bearing total ankle replacement. The ground reaction forces and the EMG activity, however, do not fully normalize.
In Vivo Talocrural and Subtalar Kinematics: A Non-invasive 3D Dynamic MRI Study
Authors: Sheehan Frances T. , Seisler Andrea R. , Siegel Karen Lohmann
Published: March 2007

Background: To improve diagnostic accuracy, prevent injury, and reduce the effect of impairments on hindfoot function, an understanding of the combined in vivo kinematics of the talocrural and subtalar joints is critical. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to test the feasibility of quantifying talocrural and subtalar joint kinematics using fast-phase contrast (fast-PC) MRI, a noninvasive, in-vivo technique for the study of three-dimensional joint motion. Methods: Nine normal ankles and two ankles with a Stieda process were studied. Subjects were each placed supine in a 1.5 T MRI and asked to maintain a repeated dorsiflexion-plantarflexion movement while a full sagittal-oblique fast-PC dataset was acquired. The orientation and position of the calcaneus, talus, and tibia were individually quantified from these data. Results: The precision and accuracy of tracking calcaneal, talar, and tibial movement was excellent. The three-dimensional subtalar kinematics demonstrated that the talus and calcaneus do not move as a single unit. Most calcaneal-tibial supination occurred at the talocrural joint. The ankles with a Stieda process had markedly different kinematics from each other as well as from the normal group. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that fast-PC MRI is a viable, precise, and accurate technique for studying hindfoot kinematics and is potentially a useful clinical diagnostic tool. The findings call into question the earlier anatomical studies on which much of clinical practice on the foot and ankle is based. Since a clear link was found between anatomical variation and altered rearfoot kinematics, future study is warranted.
Chronic Tibiofibular Syndesmosis Injury: The Diagnostic Efficiency of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Comparative Analysis of Operative Treatment
Authors: Han Seung Hwan , Lee Jin Woo , Kim Sungjun , Suh Jin-Suck , Choi Yoon Rak
Published: March 2007

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of MRI in chronic syndesmosis injury by comparing the arthroscopic findings with MRI findings and to suggest therapeutic guidelines of syndesmotic fixation. Methods: Between January, 2003, and January, 2004, 20 patients were diagnosed with chronic syndesmosis injury according to syndesmosis widening (>2 mm) on arthroscopic examination. The average age of the patients was 32 years. The minimum followup was 22 (22 to 30) months. MRI was obtained in all patients. For evaluating the therapeutic role of syndesmotic fixation, we separated the patients into two groups (with and without transfixation) and compared preoperative and postoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scores and patient satisfaction. Results: The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of MRI were 90.0%, 94.8%, and 93.4%, respectively. In group I with syndesmotic fixation, the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale improved from 52 to 87, and in group II without syndesmotic fixation the score improved from 63 to 90 at last followup, which showed no statistically significant difference ( p = 0.6453). Also, patient satisfaction showed no difference between the two groups. Conclusions: MRI showed high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy under the criteria we proposed, and we recommend it as the main diagnostic tool for diagnosing a chronic syndesmosis injury. These findings might suggest that pain is mainly caused by hypertrophy and impingement of the soft tissue in the distal tibiofibular joint. Arthroscopic debridement alone can be recommended if the distal tibiofibular chronic syndesmosis injury is not combined with medial ankle instability and lateral displacement of the talus.
Contributing Factors to Chronic Ankle Instability
Authors: Hubbard Tricia J. , Kramer Lauren C. , Denegar Craig R. , Hertel Jay
Published: March 2007

Background: The development of repetitive ankle sprains and persistent symptoms after initial ankle sprain has been termed chronic ankle instability (CAI). There is no clear indication of which measures are most important in discriminating between individuals with and without CAI. Methods: Thirty subjects with unilateral CAI and controls had measures of ankle laxity and hypomobility, static and dynamic balance, ankle and hip strength, lower extremity alignments, and flexibility taken on both limbs. Results: Based on comparisons of CAI ankles and side-matched limbs in controls, the measures significantly predictive of CAI were increased inversion laxity (r 2 change = 0.203), increased anterior laxity (r 2 change = 0.11), more missed balance trials (r 2 change = 0.094), and lower plantarflexion to dorsiflexion peak torque (r 2 change = 0.052). Symmetry indices comparing the side-to-side differences of each measure also were calculated for each dependent variable and compared between groups. The measures significantly predictive of CAI were decreased anterior reach (r 2 change = 0.185), decreased plantarflexion peak torque (r 2 change = 0.099), decreased posterior medial reach (r 2 change = 0.094), and increased inversion laxity (r 2 change = 0.041). Conclusions: The results of this study elucidate the specific measures that best discriminate between individuals with and without CAI. Both mechanical (anterior and inversion laxity) and functional (strength, dynamic balance) insufficiencies significantly contribute to the etiology of CAI. Prevention of CAI may be possible with proper initial management of the acute injury with rehabilitation aimed at those factors that best discriminate between individuals with and without CAI.
Radiographic Results After Percutaneous Distal Metatarsal Osteotomy for Correction of Hallux Valgus Deformity
Authors: Kadakia Anish R. , Smerek Jonathan P. , Myerson Mark S.
Published: March 2007

Background: The goal of the study was to evaluate the short-term radiographic results and complications of a percutaneous distal metatarsal osteotomy for hallux valgus. Methods: From June, 2005, until October, 2005, a percutaneous distal first metatarsal osteotomy was performed in 13 consecutive patients. All patients had mild to moderate hallux valgus deformities preoperatively. The mean postoperative followup was 130 (range 50 to 207) days. The radiographs were reviewed for hallux valgus angle, 1-2 intermetatarsal angle, nonunion, malunion, and osteonecrosis. Results: The mean 2 weeks postoperative hallux valgus angle demonstrated a statistically significant ( p < 0.0001) improvement from 25 (16 to 33) degrees preoperatively to 5 (−1 to 12) degrees postoperatively. Nine patients (69%) demonstrated dorsally angulated alignment of the first metatarsal at the first postoperative examination averaging 10.8 (6 to 15) degrees that increased to 15.9 (10 to 22) degrees at final followup. One patient developed cystic changes within the metatarsal head consistent with osteonecrosis. One patient developed a nonunion with no evidence of radiographic healing at most recent followup of 180 days. Five patients (38%) had recurrent hallux valgus defined as a final angle of greater than 15 degrees. Conclusions: Percutaneous distal metatarsal osteotomy for hallux valgus is associated with an unacceptable rate of complications, specifically, osteonecrosis, nonunion, malunion, and recurrence. The intraoperative correction was routinely lost after removal of the intramedullary Kirschner wire, leading to a high rate of recurrence of hallux valgus deformity as well as dorsal elevation of the capital fragment.
Bunion Surgery Using Locking-Plate Fixation of Proximal Metatarsal Chevron Osteotomies
Authors: Gallentine James W. , DeOrio James K. , DeOrio Matthew J.
Published: March 2007

Background: Symptomatic large hallux valgus deformities commonly require surgical intervention with a proximal metatarsal osteotomy. A number of fixation methods have been described for proximal chevron osteotomies; one of the most recent is locking plates. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 16 consecutive patients (20 feet) with severe bunion deformities who had locking-plate fixation of proximal chevron osteotomies. Clinical evaluation focused on osteotomy healing, transfer lesions, and hardware-related complications. Preoperative and postoperative radiographic evaluation included the hallux valgus angle (HVA), 1-2 intermetatarsal angle (IMA), medial 1-2 intermetatarsal distance (MIMD; the amount of narrowing of the foot), sesamoid position, first metatarsal elevation, and metatarsal length change. A postoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was obtained in all patients. Results: The average radiographic improvements were HVA, 16.0 degrees, IMA, 7.6 degrees, and MIMD, 9.0 mm. Sesamoid position improved in 16 of 20 feet. First metatarsal elevation averaged 0.8 degrees, and the average metatarsal shortening was less than 1 mm. The AOFAS score averaged 94.1 points. Two complications were unrelated to plate fixation. Conclusions: The locking plate held alignment and position of the first ray after chevron osteotomy without clinical evidence of transfer lesions or hardware-related symptoms. Locking plates may improve stability of the proximal metatarsal after a chevron osteotomy for correction of hallux valgus.
Lead, Toxicology
Authors: DeVito Stephen C.
Published: March 2007

Lead is toxic to the kidney, cardiovascular system, developing red blood cells, peripheral and central nervous systems, testes, and fetus. Exposure to lead may occur from a variety of occupational and nonoccupational sources. Although in the United States regulatory and voluntary efforts have been quite successful in reducing worker and population exposure to lead, >2 million workers remain at risk of workplace lead exposure. The concern for lead as a significant public health problem has increased as evidence has mounted regarding adverse health effects at successively lower levels of lead exposure, leading to downward revision of criteria for acceptable blood lead concentrations. Exposure, toxicity, and detection of lead in humans is discussed as is the treatment of lead poisoning.
Site/Non‐Site: Extending the Parameters in Contemporary Landscape
Authors: Spens Michael
Published: March 2007

As the world teeters on the verge of environmental collapse, landscape architecture has taken on a new significance offering a longed‐for sanctuary for our increasingly urbanised lives. Here, in his introduction to the issue, guest‐editor Michael Spens explains how by taking its impetus from land art, landscape architecture, as an expanded field, transcends the conventional confines of site. This renders it possible to read architecture ‘as landscape, or as non‐landscape, as building becomes non‐site’ and the ‘site indeed materialises as the work per se’. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recombinant Landscapes in the American City
Authors: Shane Grahame
Published: March 2007

How are urban actors, such as landscape designers, community groups, developers and local politicians, actively restructuring their environments to meet the challenges of the American city in the new global context? Grahame Shane outlines the approaches to landscape that have been emerging since the mid‐20th century and are set to recombine urban assemblages whether they are located in historic city centres, postindustrial waterfronts or suburban sprawl. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
City in Suspension: New Orleans and the Construction of Ground
Authors: Correa Felipe
Published: March 2007

Underfoot, obscured from view, ground is the most fundamental material of construction and the urban landscape. As New Orleans has proved, we forget it at our peril. Shaped by the mound, the levee and most recently the pump, the ground of the Crescent City was neglected and overlooked even in areas of new development. Felipe Correa describes how, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the thorough re‐evaluation of the city's ground is a prerequisite to urban reorganisation. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Seoul's Interior Landscapes
Authors: Watson Howard
Published: March 2007

The shop floor of the department store has increasingly become a cluttered no‐man's‐land, no more than a space between competing branded concessions. Howard Watson describes how at Lotte, a department store in Seoul, South Korea, Universal Design Studio has applied its subtle decorative design style – first launched internationally in the Stella McCartney stores – to unifying effect. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Tailored Home: Housebrand
Authors: Fowlow Loraine
Published: March 2007

Loraine Fowlow describes how in Calgary, Alberta, Canada's fifth biggest city, John Brown has established Housebrand, a practice that is notable both for its innovative approach to residential design and for its adeptness in understanding its client base and the particular context of the Calgary housing market. The company has masterfully matched its own skills and services to customer demand in a way that is almost unprecedented within the architectural profession. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Trends in workplace homicides in the U.S., 1993–2002: A decade of decline
Authors: Hendricks Scott A. , Jenkins E. Lynn , Anderson Kristi R.
Published: March 2007

Background

Trends in workplace homicide rates are compared to the trends in U.S. homicides from 1993 to 2002, inclusively. The homogeneity of workplace homicide rates by victim demographics, circumstances, and types of events are also addressed.

Methods

Using publicly available data from several sources, Poisson models are used to statistically compare the trends of workplace homicide rates versus U.S. homicide rates and to compare trends within categories of workplace homicides.

Results

Overall, there was a significant decline in the rates of occupational homicide of approximately 6% per year during the study time period; this decline was found to be statistically greater than the decline of all U.S. homicides (5% per year). Taxi cab drivers and chauffeurs demonstrated the greatest decline of all occupational subgroups. When looking at the circumstances of workplace homicides, only the rate of homicides committed during a robbery or other crime demonstrated a significant decline.

Conclusions

While workplace homicides have declined in the U.S., the declines have not occurred uniformly across demographic and occupational categories. Am. J. Ind. Med. 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Supramolekulare Chemie in Wasser
Authors: Oshovsky Gennady V. , Reinhoudt David N. , Verboom Willem
Published: March 2007

Die supramolekulare Chemie in Wasser ist ein ständig wachsendes Forschungsgebiet, da nichtkovalente Wechselwirkungen in wässrigen Medien entscheidend für ein besseres Verständnis und die Kontrolle grundlegender Prozesse in der Natur sind. Dieser Aufsatz bietet einen Überblick über aktuelle Entwicklungen auf den Gebieten der wasserlöslichen synthetischen Rezeptoren, der Selbstorganisation und der molekularen Erkennung in Wasser unter Berücksichtigung von Funktionalitäten, die zur Verbesserung der Wasserlöslichkeit eingeführt werden, sowie der supramolekularen Wechselwirkungen und der Methoden, die für eine effiziente Gasterkennung und Selbstorganisation in Wasser eingesetzt werden. Zudem beschreibt er die besonderen Eigenschaften und Anwendungsmöglichkeiten supramolekularer Einheiten in wässrigen Medien.
Supramolecular Chemistry in Water
Authors: Oshovsky Gennady V. , Reinhoudt David N. , Verboom Willem
Published: March 2007

Supramolecular chemistry in water is a constantly growing research area because noncovalent interactions in aqueous media are important for obtaining a better understanding and control of the major processes in nature. This Review offers an overview of recent advances in the area of water‐soluble synthetic receptors as well as self‐assembly and molecular recognition in water, through consideration of the functionalities that are used to increase the water solubility, as well as the supramolecular interactions and approaches used for effective recognition of a guest and self‐assembly in water. The special features and applications of supramolecular entities in aqueous media are also described.
Cover Picture: Mapping the Landscape of Potentially Primordial Informational Oligomers: Oligodipeptides and Oligodipeptoids Tagged with Triazines as Recognition Elements / Mapping the Landscape of Potentially Primordial Informational Oligomers: Oligodipeptides Tagged with 2,4‐Disubstituted 5‐Aminopyrimidines as Recognition Elements (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 14/2007)
Authors: Mittapalli Gopi Kumar , Reddy Kondreddi Ravinder , Xiong Hui , Munoz Omar , Han Bo , De Riccardis Francesco , Krishnamurthy Ramanarayanan , Eschenmoser Albert , Osornio Yazmin M. , Guerrero Miguel A.
Published: March 2007

2,4‐Dioxo‐ and 2,4‐diamino derivatives of the 5‐aminopyrimidine nucleus, which are attached to an oligodipeptide backbone, display inverse base‐pairing strengths with complementary DNA and RNA compared to the corresponding 2,4‐diamino‐ and 2,4‐dioxotriazine derivatives. In their Communications on pages 2470 and 2478 ff., R. Krishnamurthy, A. Eschenmoser, and co‐workers point to a remarkable correlation between pairing strength and ΔpKa values of pairs of complementary bases.
Inside Cover: Multiplication of Human Natural Killer Cells by Nanosized Phosphonate‐Capped Dendrimers (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 14/2007)
Authors: Griffe Laurent , Poupot Mary , Marchand Patrice , Maraval Alexandrine , Turrin Cédric‐Olivier , Rolland Olivier , Métivier Pascal , Bacquet Gérard , Fournié Jean‐Jacques , Caminade Anne‐Marie , Poupot Rémy , Majoral Jean‐Pierre
Published: March 2007

Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (white blood cells) cultured in the presence of dendrimers capped with phosphonate groups reveal a selective multiplication of natural killer (NK) cells. In their Communication on page 2523 ff., A.‐M. Caminade, R. Poupot, J.‐P. Majoral, and co‐workers describe the synthesis of various phosphazene dendrimers and their effect on NK cells, which play a key role in anticancer immunity. The picture shows a fluorescence microscopy image of a NK cell (red) engaged with target cancer cells (green).
A high‐performance liquid chromatographic method for saikosaponin a quantification in rat plasma
Authors: Tang Yi‐hong , Zhang Yuan‐yuan , Zhu Hai‐yan , Huang Cheng‐gang
Published: March 2007

A high‐performance liquid chromatographic method with UV detection has been developed for the determination of saikosaponin a in rat plasma. Saikosaponin a and internal standard jujuboside A were isolated from plasma samples by solid‐phase extraction. The chromatographic separation was achieved on a reversed‐phase C18 column with the mobile phase of acetonitrile–water (35:65, v/v) at a flow rate of 1 mL/min and UV detection was set at 205 nm. The standard curve for saikosaponin a was linear over the concentration range 0.25–10 µg/mL and the limit of detection was 0.05 µg/mL. The absolute recovery was greater than 82%. The precision and accuracy ranged from 3.05 to 9.59% and 95.61 to 110.00%, respectively. The validated method was used to determine saikosaponin a in plasma samples in a pharmacokinetic study of saikosaponin a administered to Sprague–Dawley rats. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
LC‐MS characterization of efficacy substances in serum of experimental animals treated with Sophora flavescens extracts
Authors: Ye Guan , Zhu Hai‐Yan , Li Zhi‐Xiong , Ma Chun‐Hui , Fan Ming‐Song , Sun Zhao‐Lin , Huang Cheng‐Gang
Published: March 2007

Anti‐DHBV (duck hepatitis B virus) activity was found in the aqueous extracts of Sophora flavescens Ait. in vivo. Liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization ion trap mass spectrometry was applied to characterize the components in duck serum after oral administration of S. flavescens extract. Oxymatrine (1), sophoranol (2), sophoridine (3) and matrine (4) were identified in the serum. Further research on the four compounds was evaluated for their antiviral activity against HBV (hepatitis B virus) in cell culture. The results suggested that oxymatrine, sophoranol and matrine were the efficacy substances for anti‐HBV activity in aqueous extracts of S. flavescens Ait. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simultaneous determination and pharmacokinetic studies of aloe emodin and chrysophanol in rats after oral administration of Da‐Cheng‐Qi decoction by high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Tang Wen‐Fu , Yu Qin , Wan Mei‐Hua , Qin Feng , Wang Yong‐Gang , Chen Guang‐Yuan , Liang Mao‐Zhi , Huang Xi
Published: March 2007

A validated high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed for simultaneous determination and pharmacokinetic study of aloe emodin and chrysophanol in rats. It was performed on a reverse‐phase C18 column and a mobile phase made up of methanol and 0.2% acetic acid (83:17, v/v). The ultraviolet detection was 254 nm. 1,8‐dihydroxyanthraquinone was used as the internal standard. The assay was linear over the range 28–2800 ng/mL (r2 = 0.9993) for aloe emodin and 25.6–2560 ng/mL (r2 = 0.9991) for chrysophanol. The average percentage recoveries of three spiked plasmas were 98.8–104.8% and 97.7–103.2% for aloe emodin and chrysophanol, respectively. Their RSD of intra‐day and inter‐day precision at concentrations of 56, 280 and 1400 ng/mL for aloe emodin and 51.6, 258 and 1290 ng/mL for chrysophanol were less than 3.5%. This method was applied for the first time to simultaneously determinate aloe emodin and chrysophanol in rats following oral administration of traditional Chinese medicine of Da‐Cheng‐Qi decoction. The pharmacokinetic parameters showed that chrysophanol was better absorbed with higher concentrations in plasma than aloe emodin did. They both eliminated slowly in male rats. The assay is suitable for identifying the plasma and tissue levels of aloe emodin and chrysophanol in preclinical investigations. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kinetic release of triptolide after injection of renal‐targeting 14‐succinyl triptolide‐lysozyme in a rat kidney study by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry
Authors: Zheng Qiang , Ye Limin , Gao Rong , Han Jing , Xiong Meijin , Zhao Dong , Gong Tao , Zhang Zhirong
Published: March 2007

Triptolide (TP) is one of the most important biologically active components of the Chinese herb Tripterygium wilfordii Hook f (TWHf). A novel high‐performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) method was developed to study the kinetic release of TP after intravenous injection of the newly synthesized 14‐succinyl triptolide‐lysozyme (TPS–LZM). The method was validated in terms of selectivity, linearity, precision, accuracy, stability, limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ). The calibration curve was linear over the concentration range 0.5–400.0 ng/g. The mean recovery of triptolide from spiked samples, in a concentration range of 0.5–400.0 ng/g, was 91.84% (RSD = 3.69%, n = 3). The intra‐ and inter‐assay coefficients of variation were less than 6.38%. The method with simple sample pretreatment and being highly specific and precise, can be used for analysis of triptolide release in rat kidney after intravenous injection of renal‐targeting TPS–LZM conjugate. The results showed that, as compared with free TP, TPS–LZM could significantly increase the concentration and prolong the action time of TP in the kidney. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quaternary Ammonium Zinc Phthalocyanine: Inhibiting Telomerase by Stabilizing G quadruplexes and Inducing G‐Quadruplex Structure Transition and Formation
Authors: Ren Lige , Zhang Anming , Huang Jing , Wang Ping , Weng Xiaocheng , Zhang Lixia , Liang Feng , Tan Zheng , Zhou Xiang
Published: March 2007

Water‐soluble, octacationic zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) was found to be a very good G‐quadruplex DNA stabilizer by using UV‐melting studies and DNA polymerase stop assays, and a potent telomerase inhibitor by using the telomeric repeat amplification protocol (TRAP) assay. The compound’s DNA‐binding properties were also studied by surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Furthermore, CD experiments demonstrated that ZnPc could induce intramolecular G‐quadruplex structure transition from the antiparallel to parallel form. More importantly, ZnPc was found to induce parallel structure formation in cation‐deficient conditions. The stability of the induced structure was determined with CD melting assays.
High‐Density Storage of H2 in Microporous Crystalline Silica at Ambient Conditions
Authors: van den Berg Annemieke W. C. , Pescarmona Paolo P. , Schoonman Joop , Jansen Jacobus C.
Published: March 2007

Molecular hydrogen was encapsulated in the cages of clathrasil decadodecasil 3R (DD3R) during the hydrothermal synthesis of this microporous silicate. The crystalline structure of DD3R facilitates high‐density hydrogen storage at ambient conditions. Prompt gamma activation analysis (PGAA) revealed that on average about one molecule of H2 is trapped in each (512) cage of DD3R. The presence of molecular hydrogen inside the DD3R framework was confirmed by solid‐state 1H NMR spectroscopy. Temperature‐programmed decomposition (TPD) in combination with mass spectrometry showed that the encapsulated hydrogen is released upon decomposition of the clathrasil structure. This release can be promoted by the presence of water.
Cover Picture: Description of the Ground‐State Covalencies of the Bis(dithiolato) Transition‐Metal Complexes from X‐ray Absorption Spectroscopy and Time‐Dependent Density‐Functional Calculations (Chem. Eur. J. 10/2007)
Authors: Ray Kallol , DeBeer George Serena , Solomon Edward I. , Wieghardt Karl , Neese Frank
Published: March 2007

A combination of experimental and theoretical investigations has led to insight into the covalencies and bonding descriptions found in a series of transition‐metal dithiolene complexes. In their Full Paper on page 2783 ff., F. Neese, K. Wieghardt et al. describe how they use X‐ray absorption spectroscopy and time‐dependent density‐functional calculations to obtain new insights into the noninnocent nature of the dithiolate ligand.
Functional protofilament numbering of ciliary, flagellar, and centriolar microtubules
Authors: Linck Richard W. , Stephens Raymond E.
Published: March 2007

This article discusses the current state of knowledge about the evolutionarily conserved structure of ciliary, flagellar and centriolar microtubules, and formally proposes a functional numbering convention for their protofilaments. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prediction of Tyrosinase Inhibition Activity Using Atom‐Based Bilinear Indices
Authors: Marrero‐Ponce Yovani , Khan Mahmud Tareq Hassan , Casañola Martín Gerardo M. , Ather Arjumand , Sultankhodzhaev Mukhlis N. , Torrens Francisco , Rotondo Richard
Published: March 2007

A set of novel atom‐based molecular fingerprints is proposed based on a bilinear map similar to that defined in linear algebra. These molecular descriptors (MDs) are proposed as a new means of molecular parametrization easily calculated from 2D molecular information. The nonstochastic and stochastic molecular indices match molecular structure provided by molecular topology by using the kth nonstochastic and stochastic graph‐theoretical electronic‐density matrices, Mk and Sk, respectively. Thus, the kth nonstochastic and stochastic bilinear indices are calculated using Mk and Sk as matrix operators of bilinear transformations. Chemical information is coded by using different pair combinations of atomic weightings (mass, polarizability, vdW volume, and electronegativity). The results of QSAR studies of tyrosinase inhibitors using the new MDs and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) demonstrate the ability of the bilinear indices in testing biological properties. A database of 246 structurally diverse tyrosinase inhibitors was assembled. An inactive set of 412 drugs with other clinical uses was used; both active and inactive sets were processed by hierarchical and partitional cluster analyses to design training and predicting sets. Twelve LDA‐based QSAR models were obtained, the first six using the nonstochastic total and local bilinear indices and the last six with the stochastic MDs. The discriminant models were applied; globally good classifications of 99.58 and 89.96 % were observed for the best nonstochastic and stochastic bilinear indices models in the training set along with high Matthews correlation coefficients (C) of 0.99 and 0.79, respectively, in the learning set. External prediction sets used to validate the models obtained were correctly classified, with accuracies of 100 and 87.78 %, respectively, yielding C values of 1.00 and 0.73. This subset contains 180 active and inactive compounds not considered to fit the models. A simulated virtual screen demonstrated this approach in searching tyrosinase inhibitors from compounds never considered in either training or predicting series. These fitted models permitted the selection of new cycloartane compounds isolated from herbal plants as new tyrosinase inhibitors. A good correspondence between theoretical and experimental inhibitory effects on tyrosinase was observed; compound CA6 (IC50=1.32 μM) showed higher activity than the reference compounds kojic acid (IC50=16.67 μM) and L‐mimosine (IC50=3.68 μM).
Effect of Gramicidin on Phospholipid‐Modified Monolayers and on Ion Transfer at a Liquid–Liquid Interface
Authors: Santos Hélder A. , Carlsson Sanna , Murtomäki Lasse , Kontturi Kyösti
Published: March 2007

The interaction of hybrid lipid/gramicidin A (gA) monolayers with dextran sulfate (DS) and the effect of this interaction on ion transfer at a liquid–liquid interface is reported. The interfacial and physicochemical properties are studied with Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) and electrochemical techniques. The results obtained from compression isotherms demonstrate that the interactions between the different species in the hybrid monolayer vary according to the chemical nature of the lipid (hydrocarbon region and charge of the head group). Interfacial capacitance measured with AC voltammetry indicates that the DS chains form a rather flat and compact layer when adsorbed to either zwitterionic or negatively charged phospholipid monolayers, and that calcium, even at low concentrations, interacts with the monolayers. These results are successfully described by a model based on the solution of the Poisson–Boltzmann equation in the interfacial region. Ion transfer and interactions with the lipid/gA/DS‐modified monolayers were also studied with electrochemical techniques. Admittance data show that although the studied ions are not using gA channels for the transfer through the lipid membranes, the incorporation of gA in the lipid domain and the adsorption of DS at the interface have a significant effect on ion transfer across the monolayers. This effect can be explained as a consequence of the modified surface charge and of the compactness of the lipid domain due to its interaction with gA and to calcium and DS adsorption at the interface. The ion‐transfer rate, therefore, depends on the composition of the monolayer and the chemical nature of the ion.
Contribution of Charge‐Transfer Mechanisms to Surface‐Enhanced Raman Scattering with Near‐IR Excitation
Authors: Zhou Qun , Chao Yanwen , Li Yan , Xu Wei , Wu Ying , Zheng Junwei
Published: March 2007

Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering under near‐IR excitation is investigated for p‐aminothiophenol (PATP) molecules that are either adsorbed on an electrochemically roughened silver electrode or embedded in an Au/PATP/Ag molecular junction assembled on an indium‐doped tin oxide electrode. The contribution from chemical enhancement can be amplified relative to the contribution from electromagnetic enhancement, because the energy of the near‐IR excitation is far from the surface plasmon resonance of the nanosized metal particles. The energy required for the charge‐transfer process for the Au/PATP/Ag molecular junction is much lower than that of the PATP molecules adsorbed on the electrochemically roughened silver electrode. Coadsorption of chloride ions on the metal nanoparticles may result in an alteration of the local Fermi level of the metal nanoparticles, thus leading to better energy matching between the energy level of the interconnecting PATP molecules and the Fermi level of the metal nanoparticles.
A practical method to determine the amount of tissue to analyze using laser scanning cytometry
Authors: Wijsman John A. , Obert Leslie A. , Paulissen Jerome , Garrido Rosario , Toy Katherine A. , Dunstan Robert W.
Published: March 2007

Background:

Laser scanning cytometry (LSC) is a new technology similar to flow cytometry but generates data from analysis of successive microscopic fields. Unlike its use in other applications, LSC‐generated data are not random when used for tissue sections, but are dependent on the microanatomy of the tissue and the distribution and expression of the protein under investigation. For valid LSC analysis, the data generated requires the evaluation of a sufficient tissue area to ensure an accurate representation of expression within the tissue of interest.

Methods:

In this report, we describe a simple and common sense method for determining the area of tissue required for sound LSC analysis by tracking the variation in the measure of target expression with increasing number of fields until it approaches zero.

Results:

This approach was used to evaluate the expression of immunohistochemical markers with differing tissue distributions in liver (PMP70, CYP1A2, and Ki67 positive macrophages) and a colorectal adenocarcinoma (activated caspase‐3 positive cells), which exhibited diffuse, regional (centrilobular), random, and irregular distribution patterns respectively.

Conclusions:

Analyses of these markers demonstrated that the amount of tissue area required to reach a steady measure of a parameter increased with increasing variability of the tissue distribution. © 2007 International Society for Analytical Cytology