bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
N- Hydroxyphthalimide and transition metal salts as catalysts of the liquid-phase oxidation of 1-methoxy-4-(1-methylethyl)benzene with oxygen
Authors: Orlińska Beata , Romanowska Iwona
Published: June 2011

The oxidation process of 1-methoxy-4-(1-methylethyl)benzene catalysed by N-hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI) or NHPI in combination with Cu(II), Co(II), Mn(II) and Fe(II) salts was studied. The effects of the amount of catalyst and the temperature were determined. 1-Methyl-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl hydroperoxide was obtained in a yield of 73 mol% when 1-methoxy-4-(1-methylethyl)benzene was oxidised for 3 h at 60°C in acetonitrile as a solvent in the presence of NHPI. 1-(4-Methoxyphenyl)ethanone with high selectivity up to 68–75 mol%, but low yield amounting to 11 mol% was obtained when 1-methoxy-4-(1-methylethyl)benzene was oxidised in the presence of the NHPI/Cu(II) system at 120°C.
Adsorption of nicotinic acid on the surface of nanosized hydroxyapatite and structurally modified hydroxyapatite
Authors: Dancu Alexandra-Cristina , Barabas Reka , Bogya Erzsebet-Sara
Published: June 2011

In the present paper, hydroxyapatite and structurally modified hydroxyapatite were investigated to establish the best material for nicotinic acid adsorption. Structurally modified hydroxyapatite wa prepared by adding sodium silicate in the reaction medium. The influence of silica concentration, presence of small amounts of metal ions, temperature and initial concentrations of nicotinic acid solutions on the adsorption capacity, were studied. Results indicated that structurally modified hydroxyapatite doped with copper adsorbed the highest amount of nicotinic acid. For this material the adsorption capacity was 0.232 mg nicotinic acid / g material, at an initial concentration of 10−4 M nicotinic acid. For all types of materials, best results were obtained at 15°C. The amount of nicotinic acid adsorbed increases with the decrease in temperature and with the increase in the initial concentration of nicotinic acid. Adsorption kinetics data were modeled using pseudo-first and pseudo-second order models while the interference due to diffusion was analyzed with intraparticle diffusion model. The results indicate that pseudo-second order model best describes the adsorption kinetics data, indicating the formation of chemical bonding.

The materials used in this study were characterized by the following methods: IR, Coulter Counter analyzer, Scanning Electron Microscope and BET
Optical properties of ZnO nanoparticles synthesized by varying the sodium hydroxide to zinc acetate molar ratios using a Sol-Gel process
Authors: Dejene Francis , Ali Abdub , Swart Hendrik , Botha Reinhardt , Roro Kittesa , Coetsee Liza , Biggs Mart
Published: June 2011

Material property dependence on the OH−/Zn2+ molar ratio of the precursor was investigated by varying the amount of NaOH during synthesis of ZnO. It was necessary to control the water content and temperature of the mixture to ensure the reproducibility. It was observed that the structural properties, particle size, photoluminescence intensity and wavelength of maximum intensity were influenced by the molar ratio of the precursor. The XRD spectra for ZnO nanoparticles show the entire peaks corresponding to the various planes of wurtzite ZnO, indicating a single phase. UV measurements show the absorption that comes from the ZnO nanoparticles in visible region. The absorption edge of these ZnO nanoparticles are shifted to higher energies and the determined band gap energies are blue shifted as the OH−/Zn2 molar ration increases, due to the quantum confinement effects. The photoluminescence characterization of the ZnO nanostructures exhibited a broad emission band centred at green (600 nm) region for all molar ratios except for OH−/Zn2+ = 1.7 where a second blue emission around 468 nm was also observed. The photoluminescence properties of ZnO nanoparticles were largely determined by the size and surface properties of the nanoparticles.
Synthesis and in vitro antimicrobial activity of new 3-(2-morpholinoquinolin-3-yl) substituted acrylonitrile and propanenitrile derivatives
Authors: Makawana Jigar , Patel Manish , Patel Ranjan
Published: June 2011

A series of new 3-(2-morpholinoquinolin-3-yl)acrylonitrile derivatives (IVa-IVf) has been synthesised by the base-catalysed condensation reaction of 2-morpholinoqionoline-3-carboxaldehydes (IIa-IIc) and 2-cyanomethylbenzimidazoles (IIIa-IIIb). Subsequent regiospecific reduction of the C—C double bond in acrylonitrile moiety afforded 3-(2-morpholinoquinolin-3-yl)propanenitrile derivatives (Va-Vf). All the compounds synthesised were subjected to in vitro antimicrobial screening against some representatives of bacteria and fungi. The majority of the compounds were found to be active against Gram-positive bacteria Bacillus subtilis and Clostridium tetani as well as against the fungal pathogen Candida albicans.
Intercalation of basic amino acids into layered zirconium proline-N-methylphosphonate phosphate
Authors: Zeng Ren-Quan , Fu Xiang-Kai , Yang Xin-Bin
Published: June 2011

Intercalation of basic amino acids into layered zirconium proline-N-methylphosphonate phosphate (α-ZPMP) was investigated at room temperature. Three kinds of host-guest compounds were prepared and characterised by elemental analysis, inductively coupled plasma analysis (ICP), Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FT-IR), Raman spectrum, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and thermoanalysis. The interaction of amino acid guests with P-OH of α-ZPMP host was documented by FT-IR and Raman spectra. In addition, the XRD patterns indicated that l-arginine or l-lysine were intercalated into the interlayer galleries of α-ZPMP host; the interlayer distances of the Larginine and l-lysine intercalation compounds were expanded from 1.520 nm to 2.218 nm and 2.207 nm, respectively. l-arginine and l-lysine would be arranged as a mono-molecule layer in different orientations. The interlayer distance of l-histidine (d = 1.522 nm) was similar to that of α-ZPMP host (d = 1.520 nm), l-histidine might be adsorbed on the outer surface of the α-ZPMP host. Thermoanalysis showed that the intercalated l-arginine and l-lysine were removed at 110–305°C or 150–250°C, respectively, the adsorbed l-histidine was released at a temperature of up to 320°C.
Analysis of streptolydigin degradation and conversion in cultural supernatants of Streptomyces lydicus AS 4.2501
Authors: Li Liangzhi , Fu Jiaolong , Qiu Yexian , Wang Jinlian
Published: June 2011

A variety of structural analogues of streptolydigin exists in the cultural supernatants of Streptomyces lydicus AS 4.2501. The degradation of streptolydigin in cultural supernatants with different pH values kept at 25°C in a thermostatic bath was investigated using LC-MS/MS detection. Analysis of the alkaline supernatants (pH 9.50) provides evidence of degradation and conversion between streptolydigin and its structural analogues. Interestingly, a new streptolydigin analogue was detected by LC-MS and photo-diode array (PDA) detection in the process of alkaline degradation. After 48 h in a thermostatic bath, the degradation of streptolydigin and its two analogues at pH 9.50 approached pseudo-first order kinetics. Comparatively, the degradation of streptolydigin was much more rapid in the cultural supernatants with pH 3.05, only requiring 2 hours. Qualitative analysis of the degradation products by LC-MS/MS and PDA indicated that hydrolysis of the epoxy ether bond and acid amide bond was the major mechanism of degradation in acidic cultural supernatants. Two degradation products in the acid supernatant were assumed.
Terahertz detectors and focal plane arrays
Authors: Rogalski A. , Sizov F.
Published: June 2011

Terahertz (THz) technology is one of emerging technologies that will change our life. A lot of attractive applications in security, medicine, biology, astronomy, and non-destructive materials testing have been demonstrated already. However, the realization of THz emitters and receivers is a challenge because the frequencies are too high for conventional electronics and the photon energies are too small for classical optics. As a result, THz radiation is resistant to the techniques commonly employed in these well established neighbouring bands.

In the paper, issues associated with the development and exploitation of THz radiation detectors and focal plane arrays are discussed. Historical impressive progress in THz detector sensitivity in a period of more than half century is analyzed. More attention is put on the basic physical phenomena and the recent progress in both direct and heterodyne detectors. After short description of general classification of THz detectors, more details concern Schottky barrier diodes, pair braking detectors, hot electron mixers and field-effect transistor detectors, where links between THz devices and modern technologies such as micromachining are underlined. Also, the operational conditions of THz detectors and their upper performance limits are reviewed. Finally, recent advances in novel nanoelectronic materials and technologies are described. It is expected that applications of nanoscale materials and devices will open the door for further performance improvement in THz detectors.
Phase maps of polycrystalline human biological fluids networks: statistical, correlation, and fractal analysis
Authors: Ushenko Y.
Published: June 2011

The complex statistical and fractal analysis of phase properties, inherent to birefringence networks of liquid crystals consisting of optically-thin layers, prepared from synovial fluid taken from human joints, is performed in this work. Within the framework of a statistical approach, the authors have investigated values and ranges for changes of statistical moments of the 1-st to the 4-th orders that characterize coordinate distributions for phase shifts between orthogonal components of amplitudes inherent to laser radiation, transformed by synovial fluid layers, for human joints with various pathologies. The correlation criteria for differentiation of phase maps, describing pathologically changed liquid-crystal networks, have been ascertained. In the framework of the fractal approach, dimensions of self-similar coordinate phase distributions as well as features of transformation of logarithmic dependences for power spectra of these distributions for various types of human joint pathologies are determined.
Detection of brain micrometastases by high-resolution stereotactic magnetic resonance imaging and its impact on the timing of and risk for distant recurrences
Authors: Hanssens Patrick , Karlsson Bengt , Yeo Tseng Tsai , Chou Ning , Beute Guus
Published: June 2011

Object

The aim of this study was to assess the order of micrometastases that can be detected with high-resolution MR imaging at the time of Gamma Knife surgery (GKS), and to estimate the impact this has on the time until and incidence of distant recurrences.

Methods

A consecutive series of 835 patients with brain metastases treated with GKS in a 7-year period, excluding patients in whom earlier brain metastases were treated with other modalities, were retrospectively analyzed. In all patients GKS was based on high Gd–dose (0.3 mmol/kg), high-resolution stereotactic MR imaging. These images were compared with the standard pretreatment MR images, and the difference in number of metastases found was analyzed. The distant recurrence rate following GKS was compared with that found in a prospective randomized study (Aoyama et al.) comparing radiosurgery to radiosurgery plus prophylactic whole-brain radiation therapy.

Results

New tumors were diagnosed in 40% (95% CI 36%–43%) of all patients as well as in the majority of patients with multiple lesions found on the diagnostic scan. The more tumors there were on the diagnostic scan, the higher the likelihood of detecting additional lesions with high-resolution imaging. It was calculated that approximately 50% of the micrometastases present at the time of GKS could be diagnosed with high-resolution imaging, which decreased the incidence of and delayed the time for the development of distant recurrences.

Conclusions

Additional brain metastases can be diagnosed in 40% of patients by using high-resolution imaging. Thus, radiosurgical treatments based on high-resolution stereotactic MR imaging decrease the incidence of and lengthen the time to distant recurrences.
Computed tomography–based morphometric analysis of the human occipital condyle for occipital condyle–cervical fusion
Authors: Le Tien V. , Dakwar Elias , Hann Shannon , Effio Euclides , Baaj Ali A. , Martinez Carlos , Vale Fernando L. , Uribe Juan S.
Published: June 2011

Object

Occipital condyle screws serve as an alternative fixation point in occipital-cervical fusion. Their placement requires a thorough understanding of the anatomy of the occipital condyles and associated structures. This study is a CT-based morphometric analysis of occipital condyles as related to occipital condyle–cervical fusion.

Methods

A total of 170 patients were examined with CT scans of the craniocervical junction at a single institution, for a total of 340 occipital condyles, between March 6, 2006, and July 30, 2006. All CT scans were negative for traumatic, degenerative, and neoplastic pathological entities. Condylar anteroposterior (AP) length, transverse width, height, projected screw angle, and projected screw lengths were measured on an EBW Portal 2.5 CT Viewer Workstation (Philips Electronics).

The longest axis in the AP orientation of the occipital condyle was accepted as the length. The transverse width was a line perpendicular to the midpoint of the long axis. The height was measured in the coronal projection that had the thickest craniocaudal portion of the condyle. The screw trajectory started 5 mm lateral to the medial edge of the condyle and a line was directed anteromedially in the longest axis. The angle was measured relative to the sagittal midline. The screw length was measured from the outer cortex of the posterior wall to the outer cortex of the anterior wall.

Results

The mean ± SD values for occipital condyle measurements were as follows: AP length was 22.38 ± 2.19 mm (range 14.7–27.6 mm); width was 11.18 ± 1.44 mm (range 7.4–19.0 mm); height was 9.92 ± 1.30 mm (range 5.1–14.3 mm); screw angle was 20.30° ± 4.89° (range 8.0°–34.0°); and screw length was 20.30 ± 2.24 mm (range 13.0–27.6 mm).

Conclusions

These measurements correlate with previous cadaveric and radiographic studies of the occipital condyle, and emphasize the role of preoperative planning for the feasibility of placement of an occipital condyle screw.
Optimal Designs of Staggered Dean Vortex Micromixers
Authors: Chen Jyh Jian , Chen Chun Huei , Shie Shian Ruei
Published: June 2011

A novel parallel laminar micromixer with a two-dimensional staggered Dean Vortex micromixer is optimized and fabricated in our study. Dean vortices induced by centrifugal forces in curved rectangular channels cause fluids to produce secondary flows. The split-and-recombination (SAR) structures of the flow channels and the impinging effects result in the reduction of the diffusion distance of two fluids. Three different designs of a curved channel micromixer are introduced to evaluate the mixing performance of the designed micromixer. Mixing performances are demonstrated by means of a pH indicator using an optical microscope and fluorescent particles via a confocal microscope at different flow rates corresponding to Reynolds numbers (Re) ranging from 0.5 to 50. The comparison between the experimental data and numerical results shows a very reasonable agreement. At a Re of 50, the mixing length at the sixth segment, corresponding to the downstream distance of 21.0 mm, can be achieved in a distance 4 times shorter than when the Re equals 1. An optimization of this micromixer is performed with two geometric parameters. These are the angle between the lines from the center to two intersections of two consecutive curved channels, θ, and the angle between two lines of the centers of three consecutive curved channels, φ. It can be found that the maximal mixing index is related to the maximal value of the sum of θ and φ, which is equal to 139.82°.
A Mitochondrial Membrane Exopolyphosphatase Is Modulated by, and Plays a Role in, the Energy Metabolism of Hard Tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus Embryos
Authors: Campos Eldo , Façanha Arnoldo R. , Costa Evenilton P. , Fraga Amanda , Moraes Jorge , Da Silva Vaz Jr. Itabajara , Masuda Aoi , Logullo Carlos
Published: June 2011

The physiological roles of polyphosphates (polyP) recently found in arthropod mitochondria remain obscure. Here, the relationship between the mitochondrial membrane exopolyphosphatase (PPX) and the energy metabolism of hard tick Rhipicephalus microplus embryos are investigated. Mitochondrial respiration was activated by adenosine diphosphate using polyP as the only source of inorganic phosphate (Pi) and this activation was much greater using polyP3 than polyP15. After mitochondrial subfractionation, most of the PPX activity was recovered in the membrane fraction and its kinetic analysis revealed that the affinity for polyP3 was 10 times stronger than that for polyP15. Membrane PPX activity was also increased in the presence of the respiratory substrate pyruvic acid and after addition of the protonophore carbonyl cyanide-p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone. Furthermore, these stimulatory effects disappeared upon addition of the cytochrome oxidase inhibitor potassium cyanide and the activity was completely inhibited by 20 µg/mL heparin. The activity was either increased or decreased by 50% upon addition of dithiothreitol or hydrogen peroxide, respectively, suggesting redox regulation. These results indicate a PPX activity that is regulated during mitochondrial respiration and that plays a role in adenosine-5’-triphosphate synthesis in hard tick embryos.
Recombinant Cytokines from Plants
Authors: Sirko Agnieszka , Vaněk Tomas , Góra-Sochacka Anna , Redkiewicz Patrycja
Published: June 2011

Plant-based platforms have been successfully applied for the last two decades for the efficient production of pharmaceutical proteins. The number of commercialized products biomanufactured in plants is, however, rather discouraging. Cytokines are small glycosylated polypeptides used in the treatment of cancer, immune disorders and various other related diseases. Because the clinical use of cytokines is limited by high production costs they are good candidates for plant-made pharmaceuticals. Several research groups explored the possibilities of cost-effective production of animal cytokines in plant systems. This review summarizes recent advances in this field.
Curcumin: An Anti-Inflammatory Molecule from a Curry Spice on the Path to Cancer Treatment
Authors: Basnet Purusotam , Skalko-Basnet Natasa
Published: June 2011

Oxidative damage and inflammation have been pointed out in preclinical studies as the root cause of cancer and other chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, Alzheimer’s disease, etc. Epidemiological and clinical studies have suggested that cancer could be prevented or significantly reduced by treatment with anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory drugs, therefore, curcumin, a principal component of turmeric (a curry spice) showing strong anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, might be a potential candidate for the prevention and/or treatment of cancer and other chronic diseases. However, curcumin, a highly pleiotropic molecule with an excellent safety profile targeting multiple diseases with strong evidence on the molecular level, could not achieve its optimum therapeutic outcome in past clinical trials, largely due to its low solubility and poor bioavailability. Curcumin can be developed as a therapeutic drug through improvement in formulation properties or delivery systems, enabling its enhanced absorption and cellular uptake. This review mainly focuses on the anti-inflammatory potential of curcumin and recent developments in dosage form and nanoparticulate delivery systems with the possibilities of therapeutic application of curcumin for the prevention and/or treatment of cancer.
Determining Optimum Conditions for Lipase-Catalyzed Synthesis of Triethanolamine (TEA)-Based Esterquat Cationic Surfactant by a Taguchi Robust Design Method
Authors: Masoumi Hamid Reza Fard , Kassim Anuar , Basri Mahiran , Abdullah Dzulkifly Kuang
Published: June 2011

A Taguchi robust design method with an L9 orthogonal array was implemented to optimize experimental conditions for the biosynthesis of triethanolamine (TEA)-based esterquat cationic surfactants using an enzymatic reaction method. The esterification reaction conversion% was considered as the response. Enzyme amount, reaction time, reaction temperature and molar ratio of substrates, [oleic acid: triethanolamine (OA:TEA)] were chosen as main parameters. As a result of the Taguchi analysis in this study, the molar ratio of substrates was found to be the most influential parameter on the esterification reaction conversion%. The amount of enzyme in the reaction had also a significant effect on reaction conversion%.
Development of a New Ground Truth Database for Global Urban Area Mapping from a Gazetteer
Authors: Miyazaki Hiroyuki , Iwao Koki , Shibasaki Ryosuke
Published: June 2011

We developed a ground truth database for urban areas from the Global Rural-Urban Mapping Project (GRUMP) Settlement Points gazetteer of populated place names by visually interpreting 3,734 urban points on satellite images, thus acquiring 2,144 urban and 1,388 non-urban data points. Our database contained many more urban data points than the existing databases, which had only 0 to 11 ground truth data points. We used our database in combination with the Degree Confluence Project database to assess the accuracy of eight satellite-derived urban area maps, among which the MODIS Terra + Aqua Land Cover Type Yearly L3 Global 500 m SIN Grid was the most accurate (84% overall accuracy; kappa coefficient, 0.63). Moreover, the most recently published maps were not necessarily the most accurate. We compared the accuracy assessment results of our database with those of another database and found that ours detected more errors of commission but included less chance agreement.
Use of Mobile Phones as Intelligent Sensors for Sound Input Analysis and Sleep State Detection
Authors: Krejcar Ondrej , Jirka Jakub , Janckulik Dalibor
Published: June 2011

Sleep is not just a passive process, but rather a highly dynamic process that is terminated by waking up. Throughout the night a specific number of sleep stages that are repeatedly changing in various periods of time take place. These specific time intervals and specific sleep stages are very important for the wake up event. It is far more difficult to wake up during the deep NREM (2–4) stage of sleep because the rest of the body is still sleeping. On the other hand if we wake up during the mild (REM, NREM1) sleep stage it is a much more pleasant experience for us and for our bodies. This problem led the authors to undertake this study and develop a Windows Mobile-based device application called wakeNsmile. The wakeNsmile application records and monitors the sleep stages for specific amounts of time before a desired alarm time set by users. It uses a built-in microphone and determines the optimal time to wake the user up. Hence, if the user sets an alarm in wakeNsmile to 7:00 and wakeNsmile detects that a more appropriate time to wake up (REM stage) is at 6:50, the alarm will start at 6:50. The current availability and low price of mobile devices is yet another reason to use and develop such an application that will hopefully help someone to wakeNsmile in the morning. So far, the wakeNsmile application has been tested on four individuals introduced in the final section.
Alkene selenenylation: A comprehensive analysis of relative reactivities, stereochemistry and asymmetric induction, and their comparisons with sulfenylation
Authors: Soloshonok Vadim A , Nelson Donna J
Published: June 2011

A broad perspective of various factors influencing alkene selenenylation has been developed by concurrent detailed analysis of key experimental and theoretical data, such as asymmetric induction, stereochemistry, relative reactivities, and comparison with that of alkene sulfenylation. Alkyl group branching α to the double bond was shown to have the greatest effect on alkene reactivity and the stereochemical outcome of corresponding addition reactions. This is in sharp contrast with other additions to alkenes, which depend more on the degree of substitution on C=C or upon substituent electronic effects. Electronic and steric effects influencing asymmetric induction, stereochemistry, regiochemistry, and relative reactivities in the addition of PhSeOTf to alkenes are compared and contrasted with those of PhSCl.
The Potential Role of Interferon-regulatory Factor 7 Among Taiwanese Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: LIN LI-HSIN , LING PIN , LIU MING-FEI
Published: June 2011

Objective.

Type I interferons (IFN), especially IFN-α, have been proposed to underlie the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Members of the IFN regulatory factor (IRF) family, which regulate IFN expression, have been implicated as risk factors for SLE. Our aims were to investigate the expression of IRF7 and its correlation with disease activity and to explore the association in Taiwanese patients between 2 genetic single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of IRF7 and SLE.

Methods.

IRF7 messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in 51 adult patients with SLE and 65 age-matched and sex-matched controls. Their serum IFN-α levels were determined by ELISA and the clinical manifestations were recorded at the same time. Two IRF7 SNP, rs1061501 and rs1061502, were examined by genotyping across 92 patients with SLE and 92 age and sex-matched healthy control subjects.

Results.

Compared with controls, the expression of IRF7 mRNA was significantly increased in patients with SLE and was positively correlated with both the serum level of IFN-α and lupus disease activity. The distribution of SNP rs1061501 by genotype (CC, CT, and TT) and by allele (C, T) was significantly different between the SLE and the control group (p = 0.028 for genotype and p = 0.009 for allele). There were no significant differences for SNP rs1061502.

Conclusion.

The results suggest that dysregulation of IRF7 might mediate an excessive production of IFN-α, which then exerts a crucial effect on the pathogenesis of human SLE. The IRF7 SNP rs1061501 TT genotype and T allele are enriched in Taiwanese patients with SLE and thus would seem to be associated with an increased risk of developing SLE.
Person-Centered Care
Authors: Jones Carol S.
Published: June 2011

Many long-term care facilities are making the transition from an institutional medical model to a person-centered care model and becoming culture change facilities. The heart of person-centered care is the relationship between the resident and the frontline staff who care for the resident daily. The life of the resident is enriched when his or her desires are honored each and every day. Several different culture change models that embrace person-centered care are available. The transformation of each facility can be accomplished using the Holistic Approach to Transformational Change (HATCh) model.
Recurrent Falls Among Community-Dwelling Older Koreans: Prevalence and Multivariate Risk Factors
Authors: Yoo In-Young
Published: June 2011

This study was conducted to determine the risk factors for nonfallers versus fallers (1+ falls) and nonfallers/one-time fallers versus recurrent fallers (2+ falls) using the Resident Assessment Instrument-Home Care (RAI-HC©). Community-dwelling Koreans 65 and older (N= 411) comprised the sample. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the factors predictive of fallers and recurrent fallers. Eight predictive factors were statistically significant with regard to recurrent falls: unsteady gait, low scores related to performance of activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental ADLs (IADLs), high pain scores, number of housing environmental hazards, use of an assistive device, fear of falling, and reduced vision. Based on the findings, it is important to assess the risk factors for recurrent falls and develop differentiation strategies that help prevent recurrent falls, including management of gait problems, pain control, use of appropriate assistive devices, a fear management program, regular eye examinations, making improvements to ADLs and IADLs, and creating a safer home environment. In addition, using a standardized tool such as the RAI-HC would help assess multivariate fall risk factors to facilitate comparisons across different community care settings.
Reassessing Nurse Aide Job Satisfaction in a Texas Nursing Home
Authors: Thompson Mark A. , Horne Kathleen K. , Huerta Timothy R.
Published: June 2011

This article reports a study that replicates and extends Castle’s2007study by examining factors related to satisfaction of nurse aides at Carillon House, a 120-bed nonprofit skilled nursing facility in Lubbock, Texas. The Nursing Home Nurse Aide Job Satisfaction Questionnaire was adapted to allow for the collection of qualitative responses and administered to the nursing staff. The results suggest that satisfaction among nurse aides is related to rewards, workload, and the team environment created among coworkers. These findings differ from what is generally found in the literature and may be related to the higher-than-average satisfaction rating of nurse aides at this facility. The study provides evidence that large-scale surveys may have ignored a stratified effect where higher satisfaction organizations have different driving forces than what has been demonstrated in the literature to date.
Barriers to Depression Care for Black Older Adults
Authors: Shellman Juliette , Granara Camella , Rosengarten Gabrielle
Published: June 2011

Late-life depression is a public health problem in the United States. Untreated, depression contributes to poorer health outcomes and increased mortality among older adults. Specifically, Black older adults are at higher risk for misdiagnosis, undertreatment, and more severe depressive symptomatology than other groups. Barriers to identification and treatment of depression in Black older adults include lack of access to quality mental health care, the stigma of mental illness, mistrust of mental health providers, and poor provider-client communication. Recommendations for gerontological nursing practice, education, and research to improve the care of depressed Black older adults are discussed. Implications for policy development are presented.
Effectiveness of Interference Screw Fixation in Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Nissen Carl W.
Published: June 2011

Ulnar collateral ligament disruptions of the elbow are increasingly common for athletes involved in overhead sports. One newer reconstructive technique combines the use of a biotenodesis screw for ulnar fixation with the docking procedure for humeral fixation referred to as the DANE procedure. Biomechanical evaluations have determined that the combined procedure has properties similar to previous methods, but few comparative clinical studies have been performed. The current study compares the DANE procedure to a traditional method of ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction with a medium range follow-up.

Twelve ulnar collateral ligament reconstructions were observed for a minimum of 21 months. Six reconstructions were performed using bone tunnels on the ulna. The other 6 used a biotenodesis interference screw on the ulna. Both groups used the docking procedure on the humerus. Identical rehabilitation phases were followed by both groups. Attention was paid not only to the time to return to play and the level able to be returned to but also to interoperative differences, including tourniquet time.

We concluded that the DANE reconstruction is an appropriate and effective method. Results are similar to those achieved with a traditional reconstructive method. The study also demonstrates that tourniquet time and, therefore, operative time is less for the DANE procedure.
Trends in Surgical Management for Type II Odontoid Fracture: 20 Years of Experience at a Regional Spinal Cord Injury Center
Authors: Smith Harvey E. , Vaccaro Alexander R. , Maltenfort Mitchell , Albert Todd J. , Hilibrand Alan S. , Anderson D. Greg , Harrop James , Fehlings Michael G. , Kopjar Branko , Brodke Darrel S. , Arnold Paul M. , Shaffrey Christopher I.
Published: June 2011

This study reviewed surgical treatment methods in patients with type II odontoid fracture who were admitted to a level 1 spinal cord injury center during a 20-year period. Of the 186 patients who met inclusion criteria, 75 were treated operatively. The rate of surgical intervention increased during the study period. Length of hospital stay was not related to treatment. Estimated blood loss was significantly higher for posterior techniques. The Brooks technique and anterior odontoid screw fixation declined in frequency, whereas the Magerl technique has been used at a consistent rate since its introduction. The C1 lateral mass and C2 pedicle/isthmus screw technique has increased significantly since its description. Pneumonia, vocal cord, and swallowing problems occurred more often with anterior approaches.
Effect of Olecranon Resection on Joint Stability and Strain of the Medial Ulnar Collateral Ligament
Authors: Lee Yeon Soo , Alcid Jess G. , McGarry Michelle H. , Elattrache Neal S. , Lee Thay Q.
Published: June 2011

This study aimed to assess the effect of posteromedial olecranon resection on the stability of the elbow joint, forearm kinematics, and strain in the anterior bundle of the medial ulnar collateral ligament. Seven elbows were tested after resecting all soft tissues except the capsuloligamentous structures. Varus-valgus angulation, forearm rotation, and the length of the anterior bundle of the medial ulnar collateral ligament were measured at 3 posteromedial olecranon resection stages of 0, 4, and 8 mm, and at elbow flexion angles of 30°, 60°, and 90°. Posteromedial olecranon resection significantly increased varus and valgus laxities at 60° and 90° of elbow flexion but had a larger effect on varus motion than valgus movement. With more posteromedial olecranon resection, the valgus angulation and varus-valgus laxity proportionally increased. In most cases, parallel resections of the posteromedial olecranon significantly decreased the functional varus-valgus stiffness. There was no significant effect on strain in the anterior bundle of the medial ulnar collateral ligament due to olecranon resection. When treating an overhead athlete with posteromedial olecranon impingement, the resection should be limited to osteophytic overgrowth. Throwers may be susceptible to ulnar collateral ligament injury following posteromedial olecranon resection due to increased elbow laxity.
Acute Aortic Dissection or Ruptured Aortic Aneurysm Associated with Back Pain and Paraplegia
Authors: Yoshioka Katsuhito , Toribatake Yasumitsu , Kawahara Norio , Tomita Katsuro
Published: June 2011

Acute aortic dissection and a ruptured aortic aneurysm are both catastrophic events that usually present suddenly. Although these conditions are relatively uncommon compared to other diseases treated by the orthopedists as a primary practitioner, they are of primary importance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the key points that differentiate these conditions from spinal disease.

A review of 50 patients with aortic dissection (n=40) or a ruptured aortic aneurysm (n=10) was performed to determine the manifestations (eg, back pain and paraplegia). We also evaluated the predisposing factor and blood pressure on admission and reviewed clinical imaging (radiographs, computed tomography [CT]) retrospectively.

Sudden severe isolated back pain was observed in 18 (45.0%) of 40 patients, and 31 (77.5%) of 40 patients had at least some back pain in aortic dissection, while 1 patient had sudden paraplegia with a ruptured aortic aneurysm. Hypertension was the most predisposing factor and was present in 29 (58.0%) of 50 patients. On admission, hypertension was present in 26 (56.5%) of 46 patients, and hypotension was present in 14 (30.4%) of 46 patients. In all cases, the correct diagnosis was made based on CT.

For a patient with an abrupt onset of severe back pain, acute aortic dissection and a ruptured aortic aneurysm should be considered in the differential diagnosis from spinal disease. The most reliable tool for imaging diagnosis was CT.
Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ-Regulated Cathepsin D Is Required for Lipid Antigen Presentation by Dendritic Cells
Authors: Nakken Britt , Varga Tamas , Szatmari Istvan , Szeles Lajos , Gyongyosi Adrienn , Illarionov Petr A. , Dezso Balazs , Gogolak Peter , Rajnavolgyi Eva , Nagy Laszlo
Published: June 2011

It is well established that dendritic cells (DCs) take up, process, and present lipid Ags in complex with CD1d molecules to invariant NKT cells. The lipid-activated transcription factor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), has previously been shown to regulate CD1d expression in human monocyte-derived DCs, providing a link between lipid metabolism and lipid Ag presentation. We report that PPARγ regulates the expression of a lysosomal protease, cathepsin D (CatD), in human monocyte-derived DCs. Inhibition of CatD specifically reduced the expansion of invariant NKT cells and furthermore resulted in decreased maturation of saposins, a group of lipid transfer proteins required for lysosomal lipid Ag processing and loading. These results reveal a novel mechanism of lipid Ag presentation and identify CatD as a key component of this machinery and firmly place PPARγ as the transcriptional regulator linking lipid metabolism and lipid Ag processing.
Human Metapneumovirus Glycoprotein G Inhibits TLR4-Dependent Signaling in Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells
Authors: Kolli Deepthi , Bao Xiaoyong , Liu Tianshuang , Hong Chao , Wang Tian , Garofalo Roberto P. , Casola Antonella
Published: June 2011

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a major cause of upper and lower respiratory infections in children and adults. Recent work from our group demonstrated that hMPV G glycoprotein is an important virulence factor, responsible for inhibiting innate immune responses in airway epithelial cells. Myeloid dendritic cells (DCs) are potent APCs and play a major role in initiating and modulating the innate and adaptive immune responses. In this study, we found that TLR4 plays a major role in hMPV-induced activation of monocyte-derived DCs (moDCs), as downregulation of its expression by small interfering RNA significantly blocked hMPV-induced chemokine and type I IFN expression. Similar results were found in bone marrow-derived DCs from TLR4-deficient mice. moDCs infected with a virus lacking G protein expression produced higher levels of cytokines and chemokines compared with cells infected with wild-type virus, suggesting that G protein plays an inhibitory role in viral-induced cellular responses. Specifically, G protein affects TLR4-dependent signaling, as infection of moDCs with recombinant hMPV lacking G protein inhibited LPS-induced production of cytokine and chemokines significantly less than did wild-type virus, and treatment of moDCs with purified G protein resulted in a similar inhibition of LPS-dependent signaling. Our results demonstrate that hMPV G protein plays an important role in inhibiting host innate immune responses, likely affecting adaptive responses too.
Migrational Guidance of Neutrophils Is Mechanotransduced via High-Affinity LFA-1 and Calcium Flux
Authors: Dixit Neha , Yamayoshi Itsukyo , Nazarian Ari , Simon Scott I.
Published: June 2011

Acute inflammation triggers the innate immune response of neutrophils that efficiently traffic from the bloodstream to concentrate at high numbers at the site of tissue infection or wounding. A gatekeeper in this process is activation of β2 integrins, which form bond clusters with ICAM-1 on the endothelial surface. These bond clusters serve dual functions of providing adhesive strength to anchor neutrophils under the shear forces of blood flow and directional guidance for cell polarization and subsequent transmigration on inflamed endothelium. We hypothesized that shear forces transmitted through high-affinity LFA-1 facilitates the cooperation with the calcium release-activated channel Orai1 in directing localized cytoskeletal activation and directed migration. By using vascular mimetic microfluidic channels, we observed neutrophil arrest on a substrate of either ICAM-1 or allosteric Abs that stabilize a high- or low-affinity conformation of LFA-1. Neutrophils captured via low-affinity LFA-1 did not exhibit intracellular calcium flux, F-actin polymerization, cell polarization, or directional migration under shear flow. In contrast, high-affinity LFA-1 provided orientation along a uropod–pseudopod axis that required calcium flux through Orai1. We demonstrate how the shear stress of blood flow can transduce distinct outside–in signals at focal sites of high-affinity LFA-1 that provide contact-mediated guidance for neutrophil emigration.
Sleep after Vaccination Boosts Immunological Memory
Authors: Lange Tanja , Dimitrov Stoyan , Bollinger Thomas , Diekelmann Susanne , Born Jan
Published: June 2011

Sleep regulates immune functions. We asked whether sleep can influence immunological memory formation. Twenty-seven healthy men were vaccinated against hepatitis A three times, at weeks 0, 8, and 16 with conditions of sleep versus wakefulness in the following night. Sleep was recorded polysomnographically, and hormone levels were assessed throughout the night. Vaccination-induced Th cell and Ab responses were repeatedly monitored for 1 y. Compared with the wake condition, sleep after vaccination doubled the frequency of Ag-specific Th cells and increased the fraction of Th1 cytokine-producing cells in this population. Moreover, sleep markedly increased Ag-specific IgG1. The effects were followed up for 1 y and were associated with high sleep slow-wave activity during the postvaccination night as well as with accompanying levels of immunoregulatory hormones (i.e., increased growth hormone and prolactin but decreased cortisol release). Our findings provide novel evidence that sleep promotes human Th1 immune responses, implicating a critical role for slow-wave sleep in this process. The proinflammatory milieu induced during this sleep stage apparently acts as adjuvant that facilitates the transfer of antigenic information from APCs to Ag-specific Th cells. Like the nervous system, the immune system takes advantage of the offline conditions during sleep to foster adaptive immune responses resulting in improved immunological memory.
Salmonella Synthesizing 1-Monophosphorylated Lipopolysaccharide Exhibits Low Endotoxic Activity while Retaining Its Immunogenicity
Authors: Kong Qingke , Six David A. , Roland Kenneth L. , Liu Qing , Gu Lillian , Reynolds C. Michael , Wang Xiaoyuan , Raetz Christian R. H. , Curtiss Roy
Published: June 2011

The development of safe live, attenuated Salmonella vaccines may be facilitated by detoxification of its LPS. Recent characterization of the lipid A 1-phosphatase, LpxE, from Francisella tularensis allowed us to construct recombinant, plasmid-free strains of Salmonella that produce predominantly 1-dephosphorylated lipid A, similar to the adjuvant approved for human use. Complete lipid A 1-dephosphorylation was also confirmed under low pH, low Mg2+ culture conditions, which induce lipid A modifications. lpxE expression in Salmonella reduced its virulence in mice by five orders of magnitude. Moreover, mice inoculated with these detoxified strains were protected against wild-type challenge. Candidate Salmonella vaccine strains synthesizing pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA) were also confirmed to possess nearly complete lipid A 1-dephosphorylation. After inoculation by the LpxE/PspA strains, mice produced robust levels of anti-PspA Abs and showed significantly improved survival against challenge with wild-type Streptococcus pneumoniae WU2 compared with vector-only–immunized mice, validating Salmonella synthesizing 1-dephosphorylated lipid A as an Ag-delivery system.
TLR2 Signaling and Th2 Responses Drive Tannerella forsythia-Induced Periodontal Bone Loss
Authors: Myneni Srinivas R. , Settem Rajendra P. , Connell Terry D. , Keegan Achsah D. , Gaffen Sarah L. , Sharma Ashu
Published: June 2011

Periodontal disease (PD) is a chronic inflammation of the tooth-supporting soft tissue and alveolar bone due to infection by a select group of Gram-negative microbes, which leads to tooth loss if untreated. Because mice deficient in CD4+ cells are resistant to infection-induced alveolar bone loss, Th cells have been implicated in bone-destructive processes during PD. However, the extent to which different Th cell subtypes play roles in pathogenesis or host protection remains to be defined and is likely to vary depending on the dominant microorganism involved. By far, Porphyromonas gingivalis is the best-studied periodontal microbe in PD. Although the Gram-negative anaerobe Tannerella forsythia is also a vital contributor to periodontal bone loss, almost nothing is known about immune responses to this organism. Previous studies from our laboratory revealed that T. forsythia induces periodontal bone loss in mice and that this bone loss depends on the bacterially expressed BspA protein. In this study, we showed that T. forsythia activates murine APCs primarily through TLR2-dependent signaling via BspA. Furthermore, T. forsythia infection causes a pronounced Th2 bias, evidenced by T cell expression of IL-5, but not IFN-γ or IL-17, in draining lymph nodes. Consistently, deficiencies in TLR2 or STAT6 result in resistance to T. forsythia-induced alveolar bone loss. Thus, TLR2 signaling and Th2 cells play pathogenic roles in T. forsythia-induced alveolar bone destruction.
A Naive-Like Population of Human CD1d-Restricted T Cells Expressing Intermediate Levels of Promyelocytic Leukemia Zinc Finger
Authors: Constantinides Michael G. , Picard Damien , Savage Adam K. , Bendelac Albert
Published: June 2011

Rare CD1d-α-galactosylceramide–specific T cells that do not express the invariant Vα24 chain of human NKT cells were recently identified after expansion in vitro with the lipid Ag, but their phenotype and frequency in vivo and lineage relationship with NKT cells could not be elucidated. By using a CD1d tetramer-based method to enrich these cells from fresh peripheral blood, we demonstrated their naive-like CD62LhighCD45RO−CD4+ phenotype and relatively high frequency of ∼10−5 in several healthy individuals. Notably, these cells expressed the NKT lineage-specific transcription promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger (PLZF), indicating a developmental relationship with NKT cells and ruling out the possibility that they were conventional MHC-restricted T cells cross-reacting against CD1d-α-galactosylceramide. Although PLZF is known to direct the effector program of NKT cells, we show in this study that the naive-like cells expressed it at a significantly lower amount than NKT cells. Further, we present mouse studies demonstrating a sharp PLZF expression threshold requirement for induction of the effector phenotype. These findings directly demonstrate in vivo the existence of naive-like CD1d-restricted human T cells marked by intermediate levels of PLZF.
Chiral Pharmaceutical Intermediaries Obtained by Reduction of 2-Halo-1-(4-substituted phenyl)-ethanones Mediated by Geotrichum candidum CCT 1205 and
Rhodotorula glutinis CCT 2182
Authors: Fardelone Lucídio C. , Rodrigues J. Augusto R. , Moran Paulo J. S.
Published: June 2011

Enantioselective reductions of p-R1-C6H4C(O)CH2R2 (R1 = Cl, Br, CH3, OCH3, NO2 and R2 = Br, Cl) mediated by Geotrichum candidum CCT 1205 and Rhodotorula glutinis CCT 2182 afforded the corresponding halohydrins with complementary R and S configurations, respectively, in excellent yield and enantiomeric excesses. The obtained (R)- or (S)-halohydrins are important building blocks in chemical and pharmaceutical industries.