bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Mitochondrial Dynamics and Functions Using Imaging Approaches
Authors: Mitra Kasturi , Lippincott‐Schwartz Jennifer
Published: March 2010

Mitochondria are organelles that have been primarily known as the powerhouse of the cell. However, recent advances in the field have revealed that mitochondria are also involved in many other cellular activities like lipid modifications, redox balance, calcium balance, and even controlled cell death. These multifunctional organelles are motile and highly dynamic in shapes and forms; the dynamism is brought about by the mitochondria's ability to undergo fission and fusion with each other. Therefore, it is very important to be able to image mitochondrial shape changes to relate to the variety of cellular functions these organelles have to accomplish. The protocols described here will enable researchers to perform steady‐state and time‐lapse imaging of mitochondria in live cells by using confocal microscopy. High‐resolution three‐dimensional imaging of mitochondria will not only be helpful in understanding mitochondrial structure in detail but it also could be used to analyze their structural relationships with other organelles in the cell. FRAP (fluorescence recovery after photobleaching) studies can be performed to understand mitochondrial dynamics or dynamics of any mitochondrial molecule within the organelle. The microirradiation assay can be performed to study functional continuity between mitochondria. A protocol for measuring mitochondrial potential has also been included in this unit. In conclusion, the protocols described here will aid the understanding of mitochondrial structure‐function relationship. Curr. Protoc. Cell Biol. 46:4.25.1‐4.25.21. © 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Childhood‐onset disease as a predictor of mortality in an adult cohort of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Hersh Aimee O. , Trupin Laura , Yazdany Jinoos , Panopalis Peter , Julian Laura , Katz Patricia , Criswell Lindsey A. , Yelin Edward
Published: March 2010

Objective

To examine childhood‐onset disease as a predictor of mortality in a cohort of adult patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

Data were derived from the University of California Lupus Outcomes Study, a longitudinal cohort of 957 adult subjects with SLE that includes 98 subjects with childhood‐onset SLE. Baseline and followup data were obtained via telephone interviews conducted in 2002–2007. The number of deaths during 5 years of followup was determined and standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) for the cohort, and across age groups, were calculated. Kaplan‐Meier life table analysis was used to compare mortality rates between childhood‐ (defined as SLE diagnosis at <18 years of age) and adult‐onset SLE. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were used to determine predictors of mortality.

Results

During the median followup period of 48 months, 72 deaths (7.5% of subjects) occurred, including 9 deaths (12.5%) in subjects with childhood‐onset SLE. The overall SMR was 2.5 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 2.0–3.2). In Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis, after adjusting for age, childhood‐onset subjects were at increased risk for mortality throughout the followup period (P< 0.0001). In a multivariate model adjusting for age, disease duration, and other covariates, childhood‐onset SLE was independently associated with an increased mortality risk (hazard ratio [HR] 3.1, 95% CI 1.3–7.3), as was low socioeconomic status measured by education (HR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1–3.2), and end stage renal disease (HR 2.1, 95% CI 1.1–4.0).

Conclusion

Childhood‐onset SLE was a strong predictor of mortality in this cohort. Interventions are needed to prevent early mortality in this population.
The Structural Rigidity of the Cranium of Australopithecus africanus: Implications for Diet, Dietary Adaptations, and the Allometry of Feeding Biomechanics
Authors: Strait David S. , Grosse Ian R. , Dechow Paul C. , Smith Amanda L. , Wang Qian , Weber Gerhard W. , Neubauer Simon , Slice Dennis E. , Chalk Janine , Richmond Brian G. , Lucas Peter W. , Spencer Mark A. , Schrein Caitlin , Wright Barth W. , Byron Craig , Ross Callum F.
Published: March 2010

Australopithecus africanus is an early hominin (i.e., human relative) believed to exhibit stress‐reducing adaptations in its craniofacial skeleton that may be related to the consumption of resistant food items using its premolar teeth. Finite element analyses simulating molar and premolar biting were used to test the hypothesis that the cranium of A. africanus is structurally more rigid than that of Macaca fascicularis, an Old World monkey that lacks derived australopith facial features. Previously generated finite element models of crania of these species were subjected to isometrically scaled loads, permitting a direct comparison of strain magnitudes. Moreover, strain energy (SE) in the models was compared after results were scaled to account for differences in bone volume and muscle forces. Results indicate that strains in certain skeletal regions below the orbits are higher in M. fascicularis than in A. africanus. Moreover, although premolar bites produce von Mises strains in the rostrum that are elevated relative to those produced by molar biting in both species, rostral strains are much higher in the macaque than in the australopith. These data suggest that at least the midface of A. africanus is more rigid than that of M. fascicularis. Comparisons of SE reveal that the A. africanus cranium is, overall, more rigid than that of M. fascicularis during premolar biting. This is consistent with the hypothesis that this hominin may have periodically consumed large, hard food items. However, the SE data suggest that the A. africanus cranium is marginally less rigid than that of the macaque during molar biting. It is hypothesized that the SE results are being influenced by the allometric scaling of cranial cortical bone thickness. Anat Rec, 293:583–593, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Microanatomical Assessment of Nasomaxillary Suture Patency
Authors: Smith Timothy D. , Burrows Anne M. , Dumont Elizabeth R.
Published: March 2010

In addition to acting as a growth site, sutures in the facial skeleton are important for distributing mechanical forces during mastication. In the present study, the extent of fusion of a facial suture is assessed in two samples of adult bushbabies (Galago moholi and Otolemur garnettii). Microanatomical techniques were used to determine the loci of osseous bridges across the nasomaxillary suture (NMS). Histological sections containing sutures with osseous bridging were rated as “fused.” One of the specimens was studied using micro‐computed tomography before paraffin embedding and serial sectioning. At all ages, O. garnettii shows more advanced fusion of the NMS than G. moholi. The youngest O. garnettii shows multiple foci of fusion of the NMS; however, 13% of the posterior most suture is patent. Throughout the NMS of this animal, sutural fusion is isolated to one or two small osseous bridges, typically of woven bone. These bridges are most often on the external (superficial) surface of the suture, but in numerous sections the site of fusion occurs deep to an external notch. In G. moholi, the youngest adults studied showed little or no fusion across the NMS. However, the nasal and maxillary bones were indirectly tethered at some levels by other bones that were fused to both nasal and maxillary bones. These results indicate that microanatomical evidence is required to fully assess the extent of fusion of facial sutures. These findings also support previous observations of differing magnitude of suture fusion between the two species. Anat Rec, 293:651–657, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mammalian Limb Loading and Chondral Modeling During Ontogeny
Authors: Hammond Ashley S. , Ning Jie , WARD CAROL V. , Ravosa Matthew J.
Published: March 2010

The adaptive growth response of cartilage, or chondral modeling, can result in changes in joint and limb proportions during ontogeny and ultimately contribute to the adult form. Despite Hamrick's (1999) reevaluation of the mechanisms of chondral modeling, the process of chondral modeling remains poorly studied in animal models. Here, we characterize the macro‐ and microanatomical responses of the femoral growth plate, articular cartilage, and bone in 15 juvenile Sus scrofa domestica subjected to different locomotor activity patterns. The exercised animals exhibit thinner cartilage zones, greater cellularity and larger proliferative chondrocyte areas in the growth plate, as well as larger femoral dimensions and a more elongate femoral head compared with sedentary controls. In general, the growth plate demonstrates greater adaptive changes than articular cartilage. Moreover, chondrocyte hypertrophy and proliferation were found to be responsive to locomotor loading and thus more important factors in chondral modeling than the extracellular matrix variables that were examined herein. In sum, the underlying mechanisms of adaptive chondrogenesis and bone plasticity are key to informing evolutionary and translational studies regarding determinants of variation in joint form and function. Given the disparity between the predictions of chondral modeling theory and our experimental findings, this suggests a need for further evaluation of chondral modeling responses during ontogeny. Anat Rec, 293:658–670, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Indium‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Keto Esters from Cyclic 1,3‐Diketones and Alcohols and Application to the Synthesis of Seratrodast
Authors: Kuninobu Yoichiro , Kawata Atsushi , Noborio Taihei , Yamamoto Syun‐ichi , Matsuki Takashi , Takata Kazumi , Takai Kazuhiko
Published: March 2010

Esterification reactions from cyclic 1,3‐diketones and alcohols are carried out in the presence of several Lewis acids. In particular, indium(III) triflate, In(OTf)3, iron(III) triflate, Fe(OTf)3, copper(II) triflate, Cu(OTf)2, and silver(I) triflate, AgOTf, show high catalytic activities. These reactions proceed through the carbon–carbon bond cleavage by a retro‐aldol reaction and were found to be highly regioselective even in the presence of other functional groups. This type of reaction can also be applied to the preparation of the keto esters during the synthesis of seratrodast, which is an antiasthmatic and eicosanoid antagonist.
Complex Kinetics of Fluctuating Enzymes: Phase Diagram Characterization of a Minimal Kinetic Scheme
Authors: Min Wei , Jiang Liang , Xie X. Sunney
Published: March 2010

Enzyme molecules are dynamic entities with stochastic fluctuation in both protein conformation and enzymatic activity. However, such a notion of fluctuating enzymes, best characterized by recent single‐molecule experiments, was not considered in the classic Michaelis–Menten (MM) kinetic scheme. Here we incorporate the fluctuation concept into the reversible MM scheme, and solve analytically all the possible kinetics (i.e., substrate concentration dependent enzymatic velocity) for a minimal model of fluctuating enzymes. Such a minimal model is found to display a variety of distinct kinetic behaviors (phases) in addition to the classic MM kinetics; excess substrate inhibition, sigmoidal kinetics, and concave biphasic kinetics. We find that all these kinetic phases are interrelated and unified under the framework of fluctuating enzymes and can be adequately described by a phase diagram that consists of two master parameters. Functionally, substrate inhibition, sigmoidal kinetics, and convex biphasic phases exhibit positive cooperativity, whereas concave biphasic phases display negative cooperativity. Remarkably, all these complex kinetics are produced by fluctuating enzymes with single substrate binding site, but the two conformations are, therefore, fundamentally different from the classic MWC and KNF models that require multiple subunit or binding sites. This model also suggests that, for a given enzyme/substrate pair, the non‐MM behaviors could undergo transitions among different kinetic phases induced by varying product concentrations, owing to the fundamental Haldane symmetry in the reversible MM scheme.
Using BRET to study chemical compound‐induced disruptions of the p53‐HDM2 interactions in live cells
Authors: Mazars Anne , Fåhraeus Robin
Published: March 2010

Modification of protein‐protein interactions (PPIs) holds promise for novel rational drug design. Disrupting or modifying protein interactions offers new challenges in terms of chemical compound libraries and techniques for compound validation. As proteins interact with several partners in different allosteric conformation in a pathological and tissue‐specific fashion, it is difficult to predict the in vivo effect of PPI acting compounds identified by in vitro screening assays. It is therefore desirable to develop techniques that rapidly allow cell‐based validation of protein interacting compounds. The binding of the p53 tumor suppressor to the HDM2 E3 ubiquitin ligase is important for controlling p53 activity, and several compounds, such as Nutlin‐3, have been designed to bind a hydrophobic pocket in the N‐terminus of HDM2 to prevent the interaction with p53 to stabilize and activate downstream p53 pathways. We have used the p53‐HDM2 interaction as a model system to explore the bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) technique for validating compounds that disrupt PPIs in living cells.
Polymerization and matrix physical properties as important design considerations for soluble collagen formulations
Authors: Kreger S. T. , Bell B. J. , Bailey J. , Stites E. , Kuske J. , Waisner B. , Voytik‐Harbin S. L.
Published: March 2010

Despite extensive use of type I collagen for research and medical applications, its fibril‐forming or polymerization potential has yet to be fully defined and exploited. Here, we describe a type I collagen formulation that is acid solubilized from porcine skin collagen (PSC), quality controlled based upon polymerization potential, and well suited as a platform polymer for preparing three‐dimensional (3D) culture systems and injectable/implantable in vivo cellular microenvironments in which both relevant biochemical and biophysical parameters can be precision‐controlled. PSC is compared with three commercial collagens in terms of composition and purity as well as polymerization potential, which is described by kinetic parameters and fibril microstructure and mechanical properties of formed matrices. When subjected to identical polymerization conditions, PSC showed significantly decreased polymerization times compared to the other collagens and yielded matrices with the greatest mechanical integrity and broadest range of mechanical properties as characterized in oscillatory shear, uniaxial extension, and unconfined compression. Compositional and intrinsic viscosity analyses suggest that the enhanced polymerization potential of PSC may be attributed to its unique oligomer composition. Collectively, this work demonstrates the importance of standardizing next generation collagen formulations based upon polymerization potential and provides preliminary insight into the contribution of oligomers to collagen polymerization properties. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 93: 690–707, 2010.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Intrathoracic manifestations of cervical anastomotic leaks after transhiatal and transthoracic oesophagectomy
Authors: van Heijl M , van Wijngaarden A K S , Lagarde S M , Busch O R C , van Lanschot J J B , van Berge Henegouwen M I
Published: March 2010

Background

A possible advantage of cervical oesophagogastrostomy over intrathoracic anastomosis after oesophagectomy is the presumed mild clinical course of cervical anastomotic leakage. The incidence and consequences of intrathoracic manifestations after cervical anastomotic leakage remain unclear, and were investigated in this study.

Methods

Consecutive patients undergoing potentially curative transhiatal oesophagectomy (THO) or transthoracic oesophagectomy (TTO) with cervical oesophagogastrostomy between 1993 and 2007 were included. Intrathoracic manifestations after cervical anastomotic leakage were compared following THO and TTO. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify potential risk factors for intrathoracic manifestations.

Results

Seventy-nine (15·8 per cent) of 501 patients developed anastomotic leakage after THO compared with 50 (15·3 per cent) of 327 after TTO (P = 0·853). Intrathoracic manifestations developed in 21 (27 per cent) and 22 (44 per cent) patients respectively (P = 0·041). A transthoracic approach was the only independent predictor of the development of intrathoracic manifestations in patients with cervical leakage (odds ratio 2·60; P = 0·022). Total hospital stay (P < 0·001), intensive care unit stay (P < 0·001) and in-hospital mortality (P = 0·035) were greater in patients with intrathoracic manifestations than in those without.

Conclusion

Intrathoracic manifestations of cervical anastomotic leakage are associated with a prolonged hospital stay, carry a higher mortality and occur more frequently after TTO than THO.
Risk of reintervention after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair
Authors: Karthikesalingam A , Holt P J E , Hinchliffe R J , Nordon I M , Loftus I M , Thompson M M
Published: March 2010

Background

The role of symptomatic presentation in directing reintervention after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) was investigated.

Methods

All patients undergoing infrarenal EVAR between 2001 and 2009 were studied. Those needing reintervention were divided into symptomatic and asymptomatic presentations. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were used to calculate freedom from reintervention, and log rank tests for subgroup analyses. Multivariable analysis identified risk factors for reintervention.

Results

The study included 553 patients with a mean(s.d.) age of 75(7) years and aneurysm diameter of 65(13) mm. The 30-day mortality rate was 2·5 per cent. Median follow-up was 31 (range 1–97) months. There were 86 reinterventions in 69 (12·5 per cent) of 553 patients; 41 presented with symptoms and 28 were asymptomatic. Reintervention-free survival rates at 1, 3 and 5 years were 90·1, 85·3 and 81·2 per cent. The reintervention rate was higher in patients who needed an intraoperative adjunct during the index procedure (P = 0·014) and in those who did not have intraoperative computed tomography angiography (P = 0·024). Intraoperative adjuncts were an independent risk factor for future reintervention (hazard ratio 2·62, 95 per cent confidence interval 1·18 to 3·76; P = 0·012).

Conclusion

Most patients requiring reintervention presented symptomatically. A high-risk subgroup may be identifiable to rationalize a postoperative surveillance programme.
Vascular redox imbalance in rats submitted to chronic exercise
Authors: da Rocha Ricardo Fagundes , de Oliveira Marcos Roberto , de Bittencourt Pasquali Matheus Augusto , Andrades Michael Éverton , Oliveira Max William Soares , Behr Guilherme Antônio , Moreira José Cláudio Fonseca
Published: March 2010

Exercise training has been used for treatment/prevention of many cardiovascular diseases, but the mechanisms need to be clarified. Thus, our aim was to compare oxidative stress parameters between rats submitted to a swimming training and sedentary rats (control). Twelve male rats were divided into two groups: control and exercise training. The exercise training had daily 1 h swimming sessions for 8 weeks and a load (5% of its body mass) was placed in rat's tail. Thereafter the animals were killed, aorta and heart were surgically removed and blood was collected. Body mass gain, thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS), carbonyl content, total reactive antioxidant potential (TRAP), total antioxidant reactivity (TAR), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and catalase (CAT) activity were evaluted. The trained rats showed a lower body mass gain and no modifications on heart. An increased SOD activity was observed on aorta after the training, but no changes were seen for CAT activity, which led to an increased SOD/CAT ratio. The arterial TBARS was also increased for trained rats. The decrease in TRAP in exercise training was the single modification on plasma. Our findings suggest that the increased SOD activity could play a role in vascular adaptations to exercise training. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New volatile anesthetic, desflurane, reduces vitamin E level in blood of operative patients via oxidative stress
Authors: Eroglu Fusun , Yavuz Lutfi , Ceylan Berit G. , Yılmaz Funda , Eroglu Erol , Delibas Namik , Nazıroğlu Mustafa
Published: March 2010

It has been well known that some volatile anesthetic agents produce oxidative stress. Desflurane as a new volatile agent might have limited oxidative toxic effect because it is relatively a new short‐acting anesthetic characterized by a short duration of action and a quick postanesthetic recovery. We investigated effect of desflurane on serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px), lipid peroxidation (LP), vitamin E, and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) values in patients. Fifteen adult patients are scheduled for elective surgery, ASA I or II physical status. Tidal volume and ventilation frequency were kept unchanged during the operation. Baseline values in venous blood samples were preoperatively taken and blood was also taken postoperatively at the 1st and the 12th hours of desflurane exposure. LP levels were significantly (p < 0.05) higher postoperatively at 1st hour than in preoperative values while α‐tocopherol concentration was significantly (p < 0.001) lower in postoperative period at 1st hour than in preoperative period. Erythrocyte SOD and serum GSH‐Px activities did not differ between pre‐ and postoperative periods. In conclusion, we observed that desflurane produced oxidative stress by decreasing α‐tocopherol levels. Use of vitamin E may be possible to reduce the oxidative effect of desflurane. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of Cobalt Ion‐Based Coordination Polymer Nanowires and Their Conversion into Porous Co3O4 Nanowires with Good Lithium Storage Properties
Authors: Li Chengchao , Yin Xiaoming , Chen Libao , Li Qiuhong , Wang Taihong
Published: March 2010

Cobalt ion‐based coordination polymer nanowires were synthesized by using nitrilotriacetic acid (NA) as a chelating agent by a one‐step hydrothermal approach. In the synthesis, cobalt ions were bonded with amino or carboxyl groups of NA to form one‐dimension polymer nanowires, which can be confirmed by FTIR and TGA results. Our experimental results show that the morphologies of polymer nanowires greatly depend on the precursor salts, ratios between deionized water and isopropyl alcohol. The probable molecular formula and growth mechanism have been proposed. After heat treatment, the cobalt ion‐based coordination polymer nanowires can be converted into porous Co3O4 nanowires, which completely preserved the nanowire‐like morphology. When used as anodes in lithium‐ion batteries, the obtained porous Co3O4 nanowires exhibited a high reversible capacity of 810 mA h g−1 and stable cyclic retention at 30th cycle. The good electrochemical performance could be attributed to the porous nanostructure of Co3O4, which provides pathways for easy accessibility of electrolytes and fast transportation of lithium ions.
Induced Chiroptical Changes of a Water‐Soluble Cryptophane by Encapsulation of Guest Molecules and Counterion Effects
Authors: Bouchet Aude , Brotin Thierry , Cavagnat Dominique , Buffeteau Thierry
Published: March 2010

We report the synthesis of the water‐soluble cryptophanol derivative 1 and the study of the chiroptical properties of its two enantiomers (>99 % ee) by polarimetry, electronic circular dichroism (ECD), and vibrational circular dichroism (VCD). We show that cryptophanol 1 exhibits unusual chiroptical properties in water under basic conditions (pH>12). For instance, the shapes of the ECD and VCD spectra of 1 in water were strongly dependent on the nature of the alkali metal ions (Li+, Na+, K+, Cs+) surrounding the cryptophane and whether or not a guest molecule is present inside the cavity of the host. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example in which the nature of these counterions governs the chiroptical properties of a host molecule. Moreover, specific ECD spectra were obtained depending on the size of the guest molecules. This makes 1 a good sensor for small neutral molecules in aqueous solvent. Finally, VCD experiments associated with DFT calculations show that the chiroptical changes can be directly correlated to the presence of charges close to the aromatic rings and with a conformational change of the alkyl chains upon encapsulation.
Ionic‐Liquid‐Supported (ILS) Catalysts for Asymmetric Organic Synthesis
Authors: Ni Bukuo , Headley Allan D.
Published: March 2010

The asymmetric synthesis of compounds that contain new CC and CO bonds remains one of the most important types of synthesis in organic chemistry. Over the years, many different types of catalysts have been designed and used effectively to carry out such transformations. Ionic‐liquid‐supported (ILS) catalysts represent a new and very effective class of catalysts that are used to facilitate the asymmetric synthesis of such compounds. There are many advantages to using ILS catalysts; they are nontoxic, environmentally benign, and, most important, recyclable. An overview of the design, synthesis, mode of action, and effectiveness of this class of catalysts is reported.
Shuangancistrotectorines A–E, Dimeric Naphthylisoquinoline Alkaloids with Three Chiral Biaryl Axes from the Chinese Plant Ancistrocladus tectorius
Authors: Xu Minjuan , Bruhn Torsten , Hertlein Barbara , Brun Reto , Stich August , Wu Jun , Bringmann Gerhard
Published: March 2010

Five novel dimeric naphthylisoquinoline alkaloids, shuangancistrotectorines A (3 a), B (3 b), C (4), D (5 a), and E (5 b), have been isolated from the twigs of the Chinese plant Ancistrocladus tectorius. Their absolute stereostructures were determined by spectroscopic and chiroptical methods in combination with quantum chemical CD calculations. In contrast to all other known dimeric naphthylisoquinoline alkaloids, in which the central binaphthalene axis is 6′,6′′‐coupled and thus not rotationally hindered, the dimers described here are linked via the sterically more hindered 3′,3′′‐ or 1′,1′′‐positions of the naphthalene units. They are thus the first such dimers—and even the very first natural products at all—that have three consecutive stereogenic axes. Hence, including the stereogenic centers, they have up to seven stereogenic units in total. Some of the compounds, in particular shuangancistrotectorines A, B, and D (3 a, 3 b, and 5 a) exhibit very good, and specific, antiplasmodial activities.
Circular dichroism of donor–acceptor cyclophanes: (4Rp;12Rp)‐ and (4Sp;12Rp)‐12,15‐dimethoxy[2.2]paracyclophane‐4,7‐dicarboxylic acid derivatives
Authors: Furo Takahiro , Mori Tadashi , Inoue Yoshihisa
Published: March 2010

The electronic circular dichroism (CD) spectra were recorded for three diastereomeric eclipsed–staggered pairs of charge‐transfer cyclophanes with different substituents, i.e., (4Rp;12Rp)‐ and (4Sp;12Rp)‐12,15‐dimethoxy[2.2]paracyclophane‐4,7‐dicarboxylic acid derivatives (1a‐c and 2a‐c, where a, b, and c denote methyl ester, carboxylic acid, and carboxylate, respectively). The effects of altering the donor–acceptor interaction between the π systems on the chiroptical properties were experimentally investigated. The anisotropy (g) factors of eclipsed species 2 were not significantly affected by the sort of substituent, while staggered 1 behaved in a significantly different way in CD spectra depending on the charge, affording contrasting CD profiles for neutral a/b versus anionic c. This study provides not only the novel insights into the planar chirality of substituted [2.2]paracyclophanes but also a basis for the potential application of such dramatic CD spectral difference between the acid–base pair to the chiroptical pH‐sensors. Chirality 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of Gender on Long‐term Prognosis of Patients With Chronic Heart Failure Seen in Heart Failure Clinics
Authors: Jiménez‐Navarro Manuel F. , Ramirez‐Marrero Miguel A. , Anguita‐Sánchez Manuel , Castillo Juan Carlos ,   for the BADAPIC Investigators
Published: March 2010

Background

Controversy exists concerning the influence of gender in the prognosis of patients with heart failure and no evidence is available from specific heart failure clinics.

Hypothesis

Women with ambulatory heart failure are managed differently than men, although their prognosis might be better than men.

Methods and Results

We analyzed the clinical characteristics, complementary test results, treatment, and prognosis in 4720 patients with chronic heart failure seen in 62 specialized clinics forming part of a multicenter registry during a mean follow‐up of 40 months. The mean age was 65 ± 12 years and 71% were men. The men were younger than the women and more often had a history of hyperlipidemia and ischemic heart disease. The men had a more advanced heart failure New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class (III‐IV) than the women and a greater frequency of systolic ventricular dysfunction. The men more often received treatment with β‐blockers, vasodilators, and antiplatelet aggregators as well as higher mean doses as compared with the women. The overall survival after the follow‐up was similar for both genders, although the women had lower rates of survival free of admission for heart failure.

Conclusions

Despite the mortality of women and men with heart failure being similar, the rate of readmission for heart failure is greater in women in specialized heart failure clinics. These results may be associated with the pharmacological treatment differences observed. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Implications of Cheyne‐Stokes Breathing in Advanced Systolic Heart Failure
Authors: Amir Offer , Reisfeld Daniel , Sberro Hila , Paz Hagar , Mintz Shira , Lewis Basil S.
Published: March 2010

Background

Cheyne‐Stokes breathing (CSB) has been associated with heart failure (HF) patients for many years; however, its true prevalence and its prognostic implications are still obscure.

Hypothesis

The goal of this study was to investigate the prevalence and the possible prognostic implications of nocturnal CSB in advanced heart failure patients.

Methods

We performed single night full polysomonography ambulatory sleep studies in 71 HF patients. We analyzed the patients' sleep studies, clinical and laboratory data, and 6 month mortality.

Results

A total of 71 chronic systolic HF patients were analyzed, 60 males, 11 females, age 65 ± 13 years. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 27% ± 11%. Short episodes of CSB (at least 3 min duration) were present in all patients, and mean CSB duration was 1 hour. CSB duration was associated significantly with both high serum levels of N‐terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) as well as with 6 month mortality. Log CSB time had a significant correlation with log NT‐proBNP (r = 0.5, P<.0001). Based on median CSB duration, the Kaplan‐Meier survival curve analysis showed significant association with 6 month mortality (P = .03).

Conclusions

CSB prevalence in advanced HF patients is higher than previously reported and is associated with increased serum levels of NT‐proBNP and higher 6 month mortality. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of Biventricular Functions With Tissue Doppler Imaging in Patients With Myotonic Dystrophy
Authors: Ozyigit Tolga , Ozben Beste , Oflaz Huseyin , Serdaroglu Piraye
Published: March 2010

Background:

Myotonic dystrophy (MD) is characterized by myotonia with dystrophic involvement of the muscles. Cardiac involvement is usually not evident in the early stages of MD.

Hypothesis:

We investigated biventricular functions by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) in MD patients with no overt cardiac involvement to explore the value of TDI in the early detection of myocardial dysfunction.

Methods:

A total of 21 MD patients (15 male, age: 32.2 ± 12.3 yrs) and 21 healthy controls (13 male, age: 32.2 ± 7.8 yrs) were included. In addition to conventional echocardiography, pulsed Doppler and TDI were performed including measurement of myocardial performance index (MPI); peak systolic (Sm) and early (Em) and atrial (Am) diastolic myocardial velocities at the basal mitral and tricuspid annulus.

Results:

All patients and controls had normal ejection fraction. Transmitral E peak velocity was significantly lower while both deceleration time of E velocity and isovolumic relaxation time were significantly longer in MD patients (P = 0.007, P = 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively). Sm, Em and Am peak velocities were significantly lower in MD patients in all segments except for Em of the mitral anterior annulus and Am of the tricuspid lateral annulus. Both left and right ventricular MPI were significantly higher in MD patients (P < 0.001 and P = 0.013, respectively).

Conclusion:

There are changes in myocardial systolic and diastolic functions in MD patients although they have no overt heart failure. Myocardial tissue velocities and MPI are useful in identifying subclinical biventricular involvement in these patients. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
QRS Duration Is Associated With Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Left Ventricular Dysfunction
Authors: El‐Chami Mikhael F. , Brancato Candace , Langberg Jonathan , Delurgio David B. , Bush Heather , Brosius Lynne , Leon Angel R.
Published: March 2010

Background:

QRSduration (QRSd) is associated with higher mortality and morbidity in patients with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. The association between QRSd and atrial fibrillation (AF) has not been studied in this patient population.

Objectives:

To investigate the association between QRSd and AF in patients with LV dysfunction.

Methods:

Data were obtained from the National Registry to Advance Heart Health (ADVANCENT) registry, a prospective multicenter registry of patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 40%. A total of 25 268 patients from 106 centers in the United States, were enrolled between June 2003 and November 2004. Demographic and clinical characteristics of patients were collected from interviews and medical records.

Results:

Mean age was 66.3±13 years, 71.5% were males, and 81.9% were white. A total of 14 452 (57.8%) patients had a QRSd < 120 ms, 5304 (21.2%) had a QRSd between 120 and 150 ms, and 5269 (21%) had a QRSd > 150 ms. Atrial fibrillation occurred in 20.9%, 27.5%, and 35.5% of patients in the QRS groups, respectively (P < 0.0001). After adjusting for potential AF risk factors (age, gender, race, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, renal failure, cancer, lung disease, New York Heart Association [NYHA] class, ejection fraction, etiology of cardiomyopathy) and the use of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, β‐blockers, and lipid lowering drugs, QRS duration remained independently associated with AF (odds ratio: 1.20, 95% confidence interval: 1.14–1.25).

Conclusion:

In this large cohort of patients, QRSd was strongly associated with AF and therefore may predict the occurrence of this arrhythmia in patients with LV dysfunction. This association persisted after adjusting for disease severity, comorbid conditions, and the use of medications known to be protective against AF. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Grading Chronic Angina Pectoris (Myocardial Ischemia)
Authors: Conti C. Richard
Published: March 2010

Once it is determined that the patient's symptoms are thought to be due to chronic stable myocardial ischemia, the symptoms are then graded as 1 to 4 using the Canadian Cardiovascular Society classification (CCVS). Class 1‐angina with strenuous exertion, Class ll‐angina with moderate exertion, Class lll‐angina with mild exertion, Class lV‐angina with any level of physical exertion. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chiral Aryloxyalkylamines: Selective 5‐HT1B/1DActivation and Analgesic Activity
Authors: Carocci Alessia , Lentini Giovanni , Catalano Alessia , Cavalluzzi Maria Maddalena , Bruno Claudio , Muraglia Marilena , Colabufo Nicola Antonio , Galeotti Nicoletta , Corbo Filomena , Matucci Rosanna , Ghelardini Carla , Franchini Carlo
Published: March 2010

A series of chiral 2,3‐dichlorophenoxy and 1‐naphthyloxy alkylamines were synthesized, and their binding affinities towards 5‐HT1Dand h5‐HT1Breceptors were evaluated. In the naphthyloxy series, the (R)‐prolinol derivative was the most selective 5‐HT1Dligand, while (S)‐N‐methyl‐2‐(1‐naphthyloxy)propan‐1‐amine showed the highest selectivity for h5‐HT1B. Both compounds performed as 5‐HT1Dagonists in the isolated guinea pig assay and showed higher analgesic activity than both sumatriptan and the achiral analogue20 bin the mouse hot‐plate test. Neither ligand displayed any affinity for nicotinic ACh receptors present in mouse brain membranes, thus indicating that their analgesic activity does not arise through interaction with these receptors.
E‐selectin targeting to visualize tumorsin vivo
Authors: Hirai Masahiko , Hiramatsu Yoshie , Iwashita Shinki , Otani Takayuki , Chen Ling , Li Yue‐guang , Okada Masashi , Oie Kazunori , Igarashi Koich , Wakita Hideaki , Seno Masaharu
Published: March 2010

Generally angiogenic factors induce the expression of E‐selectin in vascular endothelial cells in the tumors. In this study, we employed an anti‐E‐selectin monoclonal antibody to target tumors in vivo and evaluated an optical imaging reagent to visualize tumor regions. The anti‐E‐selectin antibody was conjugated on the surface of liposomes, which encapsulated the near‐infrared fluorescent substances Cy3 or Cy5.5. The liposomes efficiently recognized human umbilical vein endothelial cells only when E‐selectin was induced by angiogenic factors such as TNF‐α in vitro. Cy5.5 encapsulated into liposomes that were conjugated with an anti‐E‐selectin antibody successfully visualized Ehrlich ascites tumor cells when transplanted into mice. Thus, E‐selectin targeting with liposomes containing a near‐infrared fluorescent dye was found effective in visualizing tumors in vivo. This strategy should be extremely useful as a method to identify sentinel lymphatic nodes and angiogenic tumors as well as use for drug delivery to tumor cells. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk factors for fatigue severity in primary brain tumor patients
Authors: Armstrong Terri S. , Cron Stanley G. , Bolanos Elizabeth Vera , Gilbert Mark R. , Kang Duck‐Hee
Published: March 2010

BACKGROUND:

In addition to neurologic symptoms, fatigue is commonly reported in patients with primary brain tumors during radiation therapy and in long–term survivors of low–grade brain tumors. Other factors have not been explored. The aim of this study was to identify demographic and clinical factors that predict fatigue severity and to evaluate the association of fatigue with other symptoms throughout the disease trajectory.

METHODS:

Two hundred one patients with primary brain tumors completed the M. D. Anderson Symptom Inventory–Brain Tumor Module and a demographic checklist. Clinical data, including treatment, tumor grade, and performance status, were also collected. Correlations among fatigue and other recorded symptoms were evaluated. Logistic regression modeling was performed to evaluate factors associated with fatigue severity.

RESULTS:

Fatigue severity was associated with symptoms including pain, drowsiness, distress, difficulty sleeping, and weakness as well as overall symptom severity and interference. Poor performance status (Karnofsky scale) (odds ratio [OR], 5.73; P = .001), female sex (OR, 2.48; P = .005), and disease status (OR, 2.20; P = .013) were the strongest predictors of fatigue. Severity of fatigue for women was primarily predicted by disease status (OR, 3.33; P = .01) For men, antidepressant use (OR, 4.43; P = .013) in addition to opioids (OR, 3.46; P = .017) and performance status (OR, 12.47; P = .0001) predicted fatigue severity.

CONCLUSIONS:

Fatigue should not be considered a solitary symptom with 1 root cause, but a complex symptom related to the severity of other symptoms and potentially having various etiologies. Future studies should consider these factors in planning interventions and assessing response. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Sustainable entrepreneurship in SMEs: a case study analysis
Authors: Rodgers Cheryl
Published: March 2010

Sustainability is oft thought of as the privilege of the large corporate – with sufficient funds to invest in anything from effective green Public Relations (PR) to improving its carbon footprint. What is perhaps less well‐understood and documented is the range of activities undertaken by small and medium enterprises (SMEs), including very small entrepreneurial start‐ups, some of which base their entire business rationale on sustainable principles. This paper uses a case study approach to explore the modus operandi of ecopreneurship and draws on both primary research and secondary data to develop and explore sustainable entrepreneurship in this sector. Preliminary findings suggest that ecopreneurial SMEs are looking to other goals alongside financial ones and are prepared to go to significant lengths to achieve such goals. Monetary measures are not, of course, entirely absent, but are very strongly conditioned by the ecoconscious nature of the business. In short, sustainability imperatives remain paramount. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Dynamics of Filament Formation in Laser Produced Collisional Magnetoplasma
Authors: Singh A. , Aggarwal M. , Singh Gill T.
Published: March 2010

The paper presents an investigation of growth dynamics of spike in a collisional magneto plasma in the presence of externally applied magnetic field. We have set up and solved the non‐linear differential equations for growth and width of the laser spikes. We have considered the mechanism of nonuniform heating of carriers along the wavefront which is important in collisional plasmas. The effect of intensity of main beam and magnetic field on growth dynamics of spikes is studied (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Cytometry in cell necrobiology revisited. Recent advances and new vistas
Authors: Wlodkowic Donald , Skommer Joanna , Darzynkiewicz Zbigniew
Published: March 2010

Over a decade has passed since publication of the last review on “Cytometry in cell necrobiology.” During these years we have witnessed many substantial developments in the field of cell necrobiology such as remarkable advancements in cytometric technologies and improvements in analytical biochemistry. The latest innovative platforms such as laser scanning cytometry, multispectral imaging cytometry, spectroscopic cytometry, and microfluidic Lab‐on‐a‐Chip solutions rapidly emerge as highly advantageous tools in cell necrobiology studies. Furthermore, we have recently gained substantial knowledge on alternative cell demise modes such as caspase‐independent apoptosis‐like programmed cell death (PCD), autophagy, necrosis‐like PCD, or mitotic catastrophe, all with profound connotations to pathogenesis and treatment. Although detection of classical, caspase‐dependent apoptosis is still the major ground for the advancement of cytometric techniques, there is an increasing demand for novel analytical tools to rapidly quantify noncanonical modes of cell death. This review highlights the key developments warranting a renaissance and evolution of cytometric techniques in the field of cell necrobiology. © 2010 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Genetic network underlying temperature‐dependent sex determination is endogenously regulated by temperature in isolated cultured Trachemys scripta gonads
Authors: Shoemaker‐Daly Christina M. , Jackson Kyle , Yatsu Ryohei , Matsumoto Yuiko , Crews David
Published: March 2010

In reptiles with temperature‐dependent sex determination, gonadogenesis is initially directed by the incubation temperature of the egg during the middle third of embryonic development. The mechanism by which temperature is transduced into a sex‐determining molecular signal remains a mystery, and here we examine the molecular network underlying sex determination in gonads in vitro. We use a whole organ culture system to show that expression of putative members of the sex‐determining network (Dmrt1, Sox9, Mis, and FoxL2) are regulated by temperature endogenously within cells in the bipotential gonad and do not require other embryonic tissues to be expressed in a normal pattern in the red‐eared slider turtle, Trachemys scripta. Furthermore, following a change in temperature, these factors exhibit temperature‐responsive expression patterns that last for the duration of gonadogenesis. Finally, mosaic misexpression of a fusion Sox9 construct demonstrates the ability to functionally manipulate the gonad at the molecular level. Developmental Dynamics 239:1061–1075, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reaction of Double Ylide C(PPh3)2 with [W(CO)6] – Crystal Structures of [(CO)5­W(CCPPh3)] and [(CO)5W{η1‐O2C2(PPh3)2}] and Bonding Analyses of [TM­(CCPR3)] Compounds
Authors: Petz Wolfgang , Neumüller Bernhard , Tonner Ralf
Published: March 2010

The photochemically generated complex [(CO)5W(thf)] reacts with C(PPh3)2 (1) to provide the salt (HC{PPh3}2)2[W2(CO)10] (5) in high yield by abstraction of a proton from the solvent thf. With [W(CO)6], a slow reaction in benzene occurs to give a mixture of [(CO)5W{O2C2(PPh3)2}] (6) and the heterocumulene (phosphonioacetylide) complex [(CO)5W(CCPPh3)] (7) by a Wittig type reaction. Both compounds were characterized by spectroscopic and X‐ray diffraction analyses. Theoretical density functional calculations reveal that the ligand CCPPh3 in 7 and in similar complexes is a strong σ‐donor but weak π‐acceptor.
Studies in Solution and the Solid State of Coordination Compounds Derived from LiBH4, NaBH4, and Bidentate Aromatic Amines
Authors: Aguilar‐Martínez Milagros , Félix‐Baéz Genaro , Pérez‐Martínez César , Nöth Heinrich , Flores‐Parra Angelina , Colorado Raul , Galvez‐Ruiz Juan Carlos
Published: March 2010

The mixture of 2,2′‐bipyridylamine, 2,2′‐bipyridine, 1,10‐phenanthroline, 1,2‐phenylendiamine, and 1,4‐phenylendiamine each with LiBH4 and NaBH4 in a 1:1 molar ratio in THF yields seven new complexes of the type MBH4·L‐THF and one complex of the type MBH4·L. These compounds were characterized by IR and NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray single‐crystal structure determinations. In the solid state, the [BH4]– group is bidentate, as deduced from the stretching patterns observed in IR spectra and confirmed by X‐ray single‐crystal structure analysis. NMR spectroscopy showed that all amines act as bidentate ligands and are symmetrically coordinated to the metal cation. Complexes LiBH4‐2,2′‐bipyridine‐THF (1), NaBH4‐2,2′‐bipyridine‐THF (2), LiBH4‐1,10‐phenanthroline‐THF (3), and NaBH4‐1,10‐phenanthroline‐THF (4) have a discrete molecular structure, whereas the complexes LiBH4‐1,2‐phenylendiamine‐THF (5), NaBH4‐1,2‐phenylendiamine‐THF (6), LiBH4‐2,2′‐dipyridilamine (7), and LiBH4‐1,4‐phenylendiamine‐THF (8) have polymeric structures in the solid state. N‐borane‐dipyridylamine adduct 9 was isolated from an aged solution of 7. IR spectroscopy of the new complexes showed that the structures of complexes 1, 3, 4, and 6 are maintained in the solid state and in solution. A rotational barrier for the [BH4]– group of less than 38 KJ mol–1 was estimated for some of the new complexes.