bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Pioglitazone on Pancreatic β-Cell Function and Diabetes Risk in Hispanic Women With Prior Gestational Diabetes
Authors: Xiang Anny H. , Peters Ruth K. , Kjos Siri L. , Marroquin Aura , Goico Jose , Ochoa Cesar , Kawakubo Miwa , Buchanan Thomas A.
Published: June 2006

The Pioglitazone In Prevention Of Diabetes (PIPOD) study was conducted to evaluate β-cell function, insulin resistance, and the incidence of diabetes during treatment with pioglitazone in Hispanic women with prior gestational diabetes who had completed participation in the Troglitazone In Prevention Of Diabetes (TRIPOD) study. Women who completed the TRIPOD study were offered participation in the PIPOD study for a planned 3 years of drug treatment and 6 months of postdrug washout. Oral glucose tolerance tests were performed annually on pioglitazone and at the end of the postdrug washout. Intravenous glucose tolerance tests (IVGTTs) for assessment of insulin sensitivity and β-cell function were conducted at baseline, after 1 year on pioglitazone, and at the end of the postdrug washout. Of 95 women who were not diabetic at the end of the TRIPOD study, 89 enrolled in the PIPOD study, 86 completed at least one follow-up visit, and 65 completed all study visits, including the postdrug tests. Comparison of changes in β-cell compensation for insulin resistance across the TRIPOD and PIPOD studies revealed that pioglitazone stopped the decline in β-cell function that occurred during placebo treatment in the TRIPOD study and maintained the stability of β-cell function that had occurred during troglitazone treatment in the TRIPOD study. The risk of diabetes, which occurred at an average rate of 4.6% per year, was lowest in women with the largest reduction in total IVGTT insulin area after 1 year of treatment. The similarity of findings between the PIPOD and TRIPOD studies support a class effect of thiazolidinedione drugs to enhance insulin sensitivity, reduce insulin secretory demands, and preserve pancreatic β-cell function, all in association with a relatively low rate of type 2 diabetes, in Hispanic women with prior gestational diabetes.
Effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus DSM13241 as a probiotic in healthy adult cats
Authors: Marshall-Jones Zoe V. , Baillon Marie-Louise A. , Croft Julie M. , Butterwick Richard F.
Published: June 2006

Objective—To evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with the probiotic strain Lactobacillus acidophilus DSM13241 in healthy adult cats.

Animals—15 adult cats.

Procedures—Cats were fed a nutritionally complete dry food for 5 weeks. Fecal character was assessed daily, and a single fecal sample and 3-mL blood sample were collected for bacterial enumeration and hematologic analysis, respectively. Cats were then fed the same diet supplemented with L acidophilus DSM13241 (2 × 108 CFU/d) for 4.5 weeks. Repeat fecal and hematologic measurements were taken prior to the return to control diet for a 4-week period.

Results—The probiotic species was recovered from feces, demonstrating survival through the feline gastrointestinal tract. Probiotic supplementation was associated with increased numbers of beneficial Lactobacillus and L acidophilus groups in feces and decreased numbers of Clostridium spp and Enterococcus faecalis, indicating an altered bacterial balance in the gastrointestinal tract microflora. Fecal pH was also decreased suggesting a colonic environment selective for the beneficial lactic acid bacterial population. Systemic and immunomodulatory effects were associated with administration of L acidophilus DSM13241 including altered cell numbers within WBC subsets and enhanced phagocytic capacity in the peripheral granulocyte population. In addition, plasma endotoxin concentrations were decreased during probiotic feeding, and RBCs had a decreased susceptibility to osmotic pressure.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Probiotic strain L acidophilus DSM13241 fed at 2 × 108 CFU/d can alter the balance of gastrointestinal microflora in healthy cats. Furthermore, administration of this probiotic results in beneficial systemic and immunomodulatory effects in cats.
Genetic analyses of the radiographic appearance of the distal sesamoid bones in Hanoverian Warmblood horses
Authors: Stock Kathrin F. , Distl Ottmar
Published: June 2006

Objective—To evaluate whether additive genetic correlations existed between certain aspects of the radiographic appearance of the distal sesamoid (navicular) bones (RNB) or between RNB and other types of radiographic changes in the limbs of Hanoverian Warmblood horses.

Animals—5,157 horses.

Procedures—Quasi-linear and binary traits were defined by the appearance of canales sesamoidales (CSs) and the structure and contour of the forelimb navicular bones (NBs). Prevalences of osseous fragments in the metacarphophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal (fetlock) and tarsocrural joints and deforming arthropathy in tarsal joints were analyzed as binary traits. Genetic parameters were estimated by use of multivariate linear models.

Results—Heritability estimates for the RNB traits ranged from 0.10 to 0.34. Additive genetic correlations among those traits were usually close to unity. Extensive radiographic changes in the NBs, including changes in CSs and alterations in structure and contour, had correlations with less distinct radiographic changes. Negative additive genetic correlations were observed between small numbers of short and conical CSs in the central portion of the distal border of the NB and osseous fragments and arthropathy, and between most types of radiographic findings in the NBs and osseous fragments in tarsal joints.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The genetic bases for different types of RNB were not identical. The detection of correlations between normal RNB and findings of short and conical CSs versus deformed CSs and structural and contour changes warrants further study. Genetically justified distinction between physiologic and pathologic NB changes will increase the efficiency of selecting against NBs with radiographically apparent alterations.
Activity of feline interferon-omega after ocular or oral administration in cats as indicated by Mx protein expression in conjunctival and white blood cells
Authors: Bracklein Thorsten , Theise Sandra , Metzler Alfred , Spiess Bernhard M. , Richter Marianne
Published: June 2006

Objective—To assess the biological response to recombinant feline interferon-omega (rFeIFN-ω) following ocular or oral administration in cats via estimation of Mx protein expression in conjunctival cells (CCs) and WBCs.

Animals—10 specific pathogen–free cats.

Procedures—In multiple single-dose drug experiments, each cat received various concentrations of rFeIFN-ω administered topically into both eyes (50 to 10,000 U/eye) and orally (200 to 20,000 units). The same cats received saline (0.9% NaCl) solution topically and orally as control treatments. The CCs and WBCs were collected prior to treatment (day 0), on day 1, and every third or seventh day thereafter until samples yielded negative results for Mx protein. Samples were examined for Mx protein expression via immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting procedures involving murine anti-Mx protein monoclonal antibody M143.

Results—After topical application of 10,000 U of rFeIFN-ω/eye, CCs stained for Mx protein for a minimum of 7 days, whereas WBCs were positive for Mx protein for a minimum of 31 days. After topical application of lower concentrations, CCs did not express Mx protein, in contrast to WBCs, which stained for Mx protein at 1,000 units for at least 1 day. Following oral administration, Mx protein was expressed in WBCs at rFeIFN-ω concentrations as low as 200 units, whereas CCs did not stain for Mx protein at any concentration.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicate that Mx protein expression (a marker of the biological response to rFeIFN-ω) in CCs and WBCs of rFeIFN-ω–treated cats depends on the dose of rFeIFN-ω, site of administration, and cell type.
Serologic evidence of vesivirus-specific antibodies associated with abortion in horses
Authors: Kurth Andreas , Skilling Douglas E. , Smith Alvin W.
Published: June 2006

Objective—To test horses for serologic evidence of an association between vesiviral antibodies and abortion.

Sample Population—Sera from 141 horses.

Procedures—2 experiments were conducted. Experiment 1 comprised sera obtained in 2001 and 2002 from 3 groups of horses (58 mares from farms with a history of abortion problems, 25 mares between 3 and 13 years of age with unknown reproductive histories that were sold at auction [breeding-age control mares], and 29 mixed-age males and yearling females sold at auction [negative control population]). Experiment 2 comprised sera from 3 groups of pregnant mares (10 pregnant mares fed Eastern tent caterpillars [ETCs], 9 pregnant mares fed ETC frass only, and 10 pregnant control mares). Sera were analyzed for antibodies against vesivirus by use of a validated recombinant vesivirusspecific peptide antigen in an indirect ELISA.

Results—For experiment 1, 37 of 58 (63.8%) mares from farms with abortion problems were seropositive for vesivirus antibodies, whereas 10 of 25 (40%) breeding-age control mares were seropositive. All 29 mixed-age males and yearling females were seronegative for vesivirus antibodies. For experiment 2, 17 of 29 mares aborted (some from each group). Seropositive status for vesivirus antibodies increased from 47.1% (8/17) to 88.2% (15/17) for the pregnant mares that aborted during the experiment.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance—Significant association was detected between seropositive status for vesivirus and abortion in mares; consequently, vesivirus appears to be a pathogenic virus associated with abortion in mares. These data support adding vesivirus antibody testing into diagnostic screening to determine the cause for abortion in mares.
In vitro activity of an ear rinse containing tromethamine, EDTA, and benzyl alcohol on bacterial pathogens from dogs with otitis
Authors: Cole Lynette K. , Luu Dao H. , Rajala-Schultz Paivi J. , Meadows Cheyney , Torres Audrey H.
Published: June 2006

Objective—To evaluate the in vitro activity of an ear rinse (ER) containing tromethamine, EDTA, and benzyl alcohol on bacterial pathogens from dogs with otitis.

Sample Population—Organisms were collected from ear swab specimens from the external and middle ear and included Staphylococcus spp (n = 11; Staphylococcus intermedius [7] and Staphylococcus spp [4]), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (5), Proteus spp (5), β-hemolytic streptococcus (11), and 1 control strain of each organism.

Procedures—3 test solutions were evaluated including EDTA, tromethamine, and benzyl alcohol (ER); EDTA and tromethamine (ER without benzyl alcohol [ER – BA]); and purified water. Ten-milliliter aliquots of each test solution were transferred into 36 tubes and inoculated with one of the organisms. Samples were retrieved from each tube at 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes, transferred to Petri dishes, mixed with soybeancasein digest agar, and incubated. After incubation, plates were examined for growth, and the number of colonies was expressed as CFU per milliliter.

Results—ER significantly decreased bacterial growth in vitro of P aeruginosa and β-hemolytic streptococcal organisms within 15 minutes, Proteus spp within 30 minutes, and Staphylococcus spp within 60 minutes. Comparatively, the presence of benzyl alcohol in ER significantly decreased bacterial growth of β-hemolytic streptococcus and Proteus spp.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—On the basis of results of this study, future studies should be performed to evaluate the in vivo efficacy of ER alone as a treatment for otic infections caused by β-hemolytic streptococcus, P aeruginosa, and Proteus spp and of ER combined with an antimicrobial agent for otic infections caused by Staphylococcus spp.
Comparison of cell populations derived from canine olfactory bulb and olfactory mucosal cultures
Authors: Ito Daisuke , Ibanez Chrystelle , Ogawa Hiroyuki , Franklin Robin J. M. , Jeffery Nick D.
Published: June 2006

Objective—To evaluate the numbers and proportions of olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) in cell cultures derived from the olfactory bulb (OB) and olfactory mucosa of dogs.

Animals—7 dogs.

Procedures—OB tissue and olfactory mucosa from the nasal cavity and frontal sinus were obtained from euthanatized dogs and prepared for cell culture. At 7, 14, and 21 days of culture in vitro, numbers and proportions of OECs, astrocytes, and fibroblasts were determined via immunocytochemistry. Antibody against the low-affinity nerve growth factor receptor p75 was used to identify OECs, antibody against glial fibrillary acidic protein was used to identify astrocytes, and antibody against fibronectin was used to identify fibroblasts.

Results—Cultured OECs derived from the olfactory mucosa of the nasal cavity and frontal sinus had similar characteristics. However, whereas OECs in the OB cell cultures constituted approximately 50% of the cells at 7 days and approximately 75% at 21 days the proportion of OECs in cultures derived from both mucosal types was much lower, with approximately 40% OECs at 7 days and approximately 25% at 21 days. Analysis of OEC numbers revealed that these changes were accompanied by corresponding decreases and increases in the population of cells with fibronectin receptors.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Although olfactory mucosal cell cultures yielded a sufficient number of OECs for spinal cord transplantation procedures in dogs, modification of culture conditions would be required to ensure that the derived cell population contained a sufficient proportion of OECs.
Pharmacokinetics of intravenously administered caffeine in healthy alpacas (Lama pacos) and llamas (Lama glama)
Authors: Lakritz Jeffrey , Middleton John R. , Anderson David E. , Linden Daniel R. , Sams Richard A. , Tessman Ronald K. , Tyler Jeff W.
Published: June 2006

Objective—To determine the pharmacokinetic disposition of IV administered caffeine in healthy Lama spp camelids.

Animals—4 adult male alpacas and 4 adult female llamas.

Procedures—Caffeine (3 mg/kg) was administered as an IV bolus. Plasma caffeine concentrations were determined by use of high-performance liquid chromatography in 6 animals and by use of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry in 2 llamas.

Results—Median elimination half-life was 11 hours (range, 9.3 to 29.8 hours) in alpacas and 16 hours (range, 5.4 to 17 hours) in llamas. The volume of distribution at steady state was 0.60 L/kg (range, 0.45 to 0.93 L/kg) in alpacas and 0.75 L/kg (range, 0.68 to 1.15 L/kg) in llamas. Total plasma clearance was 44 mL/h/kg (range, 24 to 56 mL/h/kg) in alpacas and 42 mL/h/kg (range, 30 to 109 mL/h/kg) in llamas.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—High-performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry were suitable methods for determination of plasma caffeine concentrations in alpacas and llamas. Plasma caffeine concentration-time curves were best described by a 2-compartment model. Elimination half-lives, plasma clearance, volume of distribution at steady state, and mean residence time were not significantly different between alpacas and llamas. Intravenous administration of caffeine at a dose of 3 mg/kg did not induce clinical signs of excitement.
Pharmacokinetics of difloxacin after intravenous, intramuscular, and intragastric administration to horses
Authors: Fernández-Varón Emilio , Cárceles Carlos M. , Marín Pedro , Martos Nieves , Escudero Elisa , Ayala Ignacio
Published: June 2006

Objective—To study the pharmacokinetics of difloxacin (5 mg/kg) following IV, IM, and intragastric (IG) administration to healthy horses.

Animals—6 healthy mature horses.

Procedures—A crossover study design with 3 phases was used (15-day washout periods between treatments). An injectable formulation of difloxacin (5%) was administered IV and IM in single doses (5 mg/kg); for IG administration, an oral solution was prepared and administered via nasogastric tube. Blood samples were collected before and at intervals after each administration. A high-performance liquid chromatography assay with fluorescence detection was used to determine plasma difloxacin concentrations. Pharmacokinetic parameters of difloxacin were analyzed. Plasma creatine kinase activity was monitored to assess tissue damage.

Results—Difloxacin plasma concentration versus time data after IV administration were best described by a 2-compartment open model. The disposition of difloxacin following IM or IG administration was best described by a 1-compartment model. Mean half-life for difloxacin administered IV, IM, and IG was 2.66, 5.72, and 10.75 hours, respectively. Clearance after IV administration was 0.28 L/kg•h. After IM administration, the absolute mean ± SD bioavailability was 95.81 ± 3.11% and maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) was 1.48 ± 0.12 mg/L. After IG administration, the absolute bioavailability was 68.62 ± 10.60% and Cmax was 0.732 ± 0.05 mg/L. At 12 hours after IM administration, plasma creatine kinase activity had increased 7-fold, compared with the preinjection value.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Data suggest that difloxacin is likely to be effective for treating susceptible bacterial infections in horses.
Pharmacokinetics of marbofloxacin in blue and gold macaws (Ara ararauna)
Authors: Carpenter James W. , Hunter Robert P. , Olsen John H. , Henry Heather , Isaza Ramiro , Koch David E.
Published: June 2006

Objective—To determine the pharmacokinetics of marbofloxacin after single IV and orally administered doses in blue and gold macaws.

Animals—10 healthy blue and gold macaws.

Procedures—In a crossover study, marbofloxacin (2.5 mg/kg) was administered orally (via crop gavage) to 5 birds and IV to 5 birds. Blood samples were obtained at 0, 0.5, 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours after marbofloxacin administration. After a 4-week washout period, the study was repeated, with the first 5 birds receiving the dose IV and the second 5 birds receiving the dose orally. Serum marbofloxacin concentrations were quantitated by use of a validated liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry assay.

Results—After oral administration, mean ± SD area under the curve was 7.94 ± 2.08 μg•h/mL, maximum plasma concentration was 1.08 ± 0.316 μg/mL, and bioavailability was 90.0 ± 31%. After IV administration of marbofloxacin, the apparent volume of distribution was 1.3 ± 0.32 L/kg, plasma clearance was 0.29 ± 0.078 L/h/kg, area under the curve was 9.41 ± 2.84 μg•h/mL, and the harmonic mean terminal half-life was 4.3 hours.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Single IV and orally administered doses of marbofloxacin were well tolerated by blue and gold macaws. The orally administered dose was well absorbed. Administration of marbofloxacin at a dosage of 2.5 mg/kg, PO, every 24 hours may be appropriate to control bacterial infections susceptible to marbofloxacin in this species.
Assessment of the catabolic effects of interleukin-1β on proteoglycan metabolism in equine cartilage cocultured with synoviocytes
Authors: Gregg Abigail J. , Fortier Lisa A. , Mohammed Hussni O. , Mayr Karen G. , Miller Brian J. , Haupt Jennifer L.
Published: June 2006

Objective—To evaluate the effects of interleukin (IL)-1β on proteoglycan metabolism in equine cartilage explants when cultured in the presence of synoviocytes.

Sample Population—Samples of cartilage and synovium collected from the femoropatellar joints of three 2- to 3-year-old horses.

Procedures—3 experimental groups were established: cartilage explants only, synoviocytes only, and cartilage explants-synoviocytes in coculture. In each group, samples were cultured with or without IL-1β (10 ng/mL) for 96 hours. Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content of cartilage and medium samples was measured by use of a spectrophotometric assay; RNA was isolated from synoviocytes and cartilage and analyzed for expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-3 and -13 (cartilage and synoviocytes), aggrecan (cartilage), collagen type IIB (cartilage), and 18S as a control (cartilage and synoviocytes) by use of quantitative PCR assays. Cartilage matrix metachromasia was assessed histochemically.

Results—IL-1β–induced GAG loss from cartilage was significantly less in cocultures than in cartilage-only cultures. Cartilage aggrecan gene expression was also significantly less downregulated and synoviocyte MMP-3 expression was less upregulated by IL-1β in cocultures, compared with cartilage- and synoviocyteonly cultures. Histochemical findings supported the molecular and biochemical results and revealed maintenance of matrix metachromasia in cocultured cartilage treated with IL-1β.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that synoviocytes secrete 1 or more mediators that preferentially protect matrix GAG metabolism from the degradative effects of IL-1β. Further studies involving proteomic and microarray approaches in similar coculture systems may elucidate novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of osteoarthritis.
Pharmacokinetics of the opioid antagonist N-methylnaltrexone and evaluation of its effects on gastrointestinal tract function in horses treated or not treated with morphine
Authors: Boscan Pedro , Van Hoogmoed Linda M. , Pypendop Bruno H. , Farver Thomas B. , Snyder Jack R.
Published: June 2006

Objective—To determine the pharmacokinetics and effects of the morphine antagonist N-methylnaltrexone (MNTX) on gastrointestinal tract function in horses when administered alone and in combination with morphine.

Animals—5 healthy adult horses.

Procedures—Horses were treated with MNTX (1 mg/kg, IV), and serial blood samples were collected for determination of drug pharmacokinetics. For evaluation of effects on the gastrointestinal tract when administered alone, MNTX was administered at a dosage of 0.75 mg/kg, IV, twice daily for 4 days. For evaluation of effects when administered concurrently with morphine, MNTX (0.75 mg/kg, IV, q 12 hours) and morphine (0.5 mg/kg, IV, q 12 hours) were administered for 6 days. Gastrointestinal variables evaluated were defecation frequency, weight of feces produced, fecal moisture content, intestinal transit time, and borborygmus scores.

Results—The time-concentration data for MNTX disposition best fit a 2-compartment model with a steady-state volume of distribution of 244.6 ± 21.8 mL/kg, t1/2 of 47.04 ± 11.65 minutes, and clearance of 11.43 ± 1.06 mL/min/kg. Adverse effects were not observed at doses ≤ 1 mg/kg. Administration of MNTX increased daily fecal weight. When administered concurrently with morphine, MNTX partially prevented the effects of morphine on the gastrointestinal tract by increasing defecation frequency, fecal weight, fecal moisture content, and borborygmus score, and by preventing increases in intestinal transit time.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Because MNTX does not cross the blood-brain barrier, administration of the drug should not alter the analgesic effects of opioids and may attenuate the adverse gastrointestinal effects associated with use of opioids in horses.
Clinicopathologic findings and outcome in dogs with infective endocarditis: 71 cases (1992–2005)
Authors: Sykes Jane E. , Kittleson Mark D. , Chomel Bruno B. , MacDonald Kristin A. , Pesavento Patricia A.
Published: June 2006

Objectives—To evaluate clinical, laboratory, and necropsy findings in dogs with infective endocarditis (IE).

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—71 dogs with possible or definite IE.

Procedures—Medical records were reviewed for signalment, clinical features, and results of clinicopathologic testing and diagnostic imaging. Yearly incidence and the effect of variables on survival were determined by use of survival curve analysis.

Results—The overall incidence of IE was 0.05%. Most affected dogs were of large breeds, and > 75% were older than 5 years. The aortic valve was affected in 36 of the 71 (51%) dogs, and the mitral valve was affected in 59%. Lameness caused by immune-mediated polyarthritis, septic arthritis, or peripheral arterial thromboembolism was observed in 53% of the dogs. Neurologic complications were diagnosed in 17 of 71 (24%) dogs. Thromboembolic disease was suspected in 31 of 71 (44%) of dogs. The mortality rate associated with IE was 56%, and median survival time was 54 days. Factors negatively associated with survival included thrombocytopenia, high serum creatinine concentration, renal complications, and thromboembolic complications.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—A diagnosis of IE should be suspected in dogs with fever, systolic or diastolic murmur, and locomotor problems. Dogs with thrombocytopenia, high serum creatinine concentration, thromboembolism, or renal complications may have a shorter survival time.
Persistent infection with bovine viral diarrhea virus in an alpaca
Authors: Mattson Donald E. , Baker Rocky J. , Catania Jacquelynne E. , Imbur Sheila R. , Wellejus Kevin M. , Bell Robert B.
Published: June 2006

Case Description—A 2.5-month-old female alpaca that had been born prematurely was examined because of moderate mucopurulent nasal discharge and high rectal temperature.

Clinical Findings—In addition to pyrexia and clinical signs of disease of the upper portion of the respiratory tract, the cria had inappetence and was in an unthrifty condition. Hematologic abnormalities included low WBC count, low hemoglobin concentration, and low PCV. Samples of blood were submitted for bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) isolation and serologic evaluation. Other adults and newborn crias in the herd were similarly examined. Bovine viral diarrhea virus was detected in the cria, and a diagnosis of persistent infection with BVDV was made at 5.5 months of age. Persistent BVDV infection was suspected in another cria born into the herd but was not identified in any of the adult alpacas.

Treatment and Outcome—Despite several treatments with antimicrobials, no permanent improvement of the cria's condition was achieved. Because of the poor prognosis, the owners requested euthanasia of the cria; BVDV was isolated from specimens of multiple organs collected at necropsy.

Clinical Relevance—To date, BVDV infection in New World camelids has not been regarded as a major disease entity. Findings in the cria of this report illustrate that some strains of BVDV readily infect alpacas. Clinical description of the disease plus clinicopathologic findings suggest that persistent BVDV infection may be greatly overlooked as a cause of chronic anemia and failure to thrive in alpacas.
Holographic grating recording in azobenzene functionalized polymers
Authors: Sobolewska Anna , Miniewicz Andrzej , Grabiec Eugenia , Sek Danuta
Published: June 2006

A group of 22 polymers have been synthesized to test their suitability for recording holographic gratings. Polyamides, polyimides, polyesters and their combinations were functionalized with pendant azobenzene groups containing single or double N=N. The polymers were studied using a standard degenerate two-wave mixing technique, which enables measurement of light-induced periodic modification of polymer refractive index and absorption coefficient by analysis of the diffracted light. Two qualitatively different configurations of the holographic polarization recording were used, s-s and s-p. The relationship between structural properties of polymer matrix and azobenzene groups and the holographic grating recording kinetics and light diffraction efficiency was investigated.
Formation and multinuclear magnetic resonance investigation of silylammonium tetracarbonylcobaltate contact ion pairs
Authors: Sisak Attila , Szalontai Gábor.
Published: June 2006

Silylcobalt tetracarbonyls were reacted with various amines (B) in non-polar solvents to form silylammonium tetracarbonylcobaltate contact ion pairs formulated as [BSiR3+, −Co(CO)4]. The compounds were characterized by IR and multinuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy both in solution and in solid state. Their properties are analogous to the known ion pairs [BH+, −Co(CO)4] and to amine adducts of halosilanes as well.
Effect of dopant concentration on photocatalytic activity of TiO2 film doped by Mn non-uniformly
Authors: Zhang Kaijian , Xu Wei , Li Xinjun , Zheng Shaojian , Xu Gang
Published: June 2006

The thin films of TiO2 doped by Mn non-uniformly were prepared by sol-gel method under process control. In our preceding study, we investigated in detail, the effect of doping mode on the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 films showing that Mn non-uniform doping can greatly enhance the activity. In this study we looked at the effect of doping concentration on the photocatalytic activity of the TiO2 films. In this paper, the thin films were characterized by UV-vis spectrophotometer and electrochemical workstation. The activity of the photocatalyst was also evaluated by photocatalytic degradation rate of aqueous methyl orange under UV radiation. The results illustrate that the TiO2 thin film doped by Mn non-uniformly at the optimal dopant concentration (0.7 at %) is of the highest activity, and on the contrary, the activity of those doped uniformly is decreased. As a comparison, in 80 min, the degradation rate of methyl orange is 62 %, 12 % and 34 % for Mn non-uniform doping film (0.7 at %), the uniform doping film (0.7 at %) and pure titanium dioxide film, respectively. We have seen that, for the doping and the pure TiO2 films, the stronger signals of open circuit potential and transient photocurrent, the better photocatalytic activity. We also discusse the effect of dopant concentration on the photocatalytic activity of the TiO2 films in terms of effective separation of the photon-generated carriers in the semiconductor.
Extraction-spectrophotometric study on the vanadium(V)-2,3-dihydroxynaphthalene — iodonitrotetrazolium chloride — water — chloroform system and its analytical application
Authors: Simeonova Zhivka , Gavazov Kiril , Alexandrov Alexander
Published: June 2006

The formation of a new ternary ion-associate complex of vanadium(V) with 2,3-dihydroxynaphthalene and iodonitrotetrazolium chloride with a composition ratio of 1:2:1 is reported. The complex is quantitatively extracted from water into chloroform. The molar absorptivity (ɛ) of the extract at λ
max=340 nm is 2.5 × 104 dm3/mol cm, and Beer’s law is obeyed for concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 0.9 µg/cm3 V(V). The following constants are determined: the extraction constant, the association constant, the distribution constant, and the recovery factor. The effects of foreign ions and reagents are studied. A selective and sensitive method is developed for determination of vanadium in steels.
A new oxidation process. Transformation of gem-bishydroperoxides into esters
Authors: Terent’ev Alexander , Platonov Maxim , Kutkin Alexander
Published: June 2006

A new oxidation process has been found where α,ω-dicarboxylic acid esters and ω-hydroxycarboxylic acid esters are formed on heating gem-bishydroperoxides in alcohol in the presence of BF3·Et2O. By addition of H2O2 to this reaction α,ω-dicarboxylic acid esters are formed almost selectively.
Isotachophoretic determination of theanine
Authors: Kvasnička Frantšek , Krátká Jana
Published: June 2006

Free amino acids, the key quality components of tea, are contained in higher amounts in higher grade teas. Among free amino acids in tea, the content of theanine, which is the amino acid of the highest amount, shows high correlation to the price of green tea. A capillary isotachophoresis (CITP) method was developed for the analysis of L-theanine in tea and food supplements. The optimized electrolyte system was following: 0.01 mol/l HCl + 0.02 mol/l TRIS + 0.05% HEC (leading electrolyte), 0.01 mol/L-valine + barium hydroxide to pH 10 (terminating electrolyte). Good separation of L-theanine from other components of sample was achieved within 20 min. Method characteristics, i.e., linearity (0–200 mg/l), accuracy (99 ± 2 %), intra-assay (1.5 %), quantification limit (2 mg/l), and detection limit (0.7 mg/l) were determined. Sufficient sensitivity, low labouriousness (extraction only) and low running cost are important attributes of this method. It was proved that the developed method is suitable for the routine analysis of L-theanine in green tea and food supplements containing green tea extract.
Surface properties of some carotenoids spread in monolayers at the air/water interface. Experimental and computational approach
Authors: Horovitz Ossi , Tomoaia Gheorghe , Racz Csaba , Mocanu Aurora , Bobos Liviu-Dorel , Tomoaia-Cotisel Maria
Published: June 2006

The surface pressure versus molecular area isotherms of some carotenoids: β,β-carotene-4-one (echinenone, ECH), β,β-carotene-4,4′-dione (canthaxanthin, CAN) and 4,4′-diapo-ω,ω-carotene-4,4′-dial (APO), spread at the air/water interface, are reported. A van der Waals type state equation is used to describe the high molecular area portions of the compression isotherms and interaction parameters within monolayers are derived. Quantum chemical semi-empirical SCF MO calculations (AM1 and PM3) are performed for the optimized geometries of molecules and dipole moments are calculated. Similar theoretical magnitudes are obtained by both methods. Surface properties, like collapse pressure, surface compressional modulus and interaction parameters are discussed in terms of dipole-dipole interactions, and correlations with the calculated quantities for the carotenoid molecules are analyzed. The orientation of the different carotenoid molecules in the monolayer is discussed.
Duality triads of higher rank: Further properties and some examples
Authors: Schork Matthias
Published: June 2006

It is shown that duality triads of higher rank are closely related to orthogonal matrix polynomials on the real line. Furthermore, some examples of duality triads of higher rank are discussed. In particular, it is shown that the generalized Stirling numbers of rank r give rise to a duality triad of rank r.
Biophysical changes induced by cholesterol on phosphatidylcholine artificial biomembranes containing alamethicin oligomers
Authors: Cernescu Adrian , Luchian Tudor
Published: June 2006

Cholesterol is an important constituent of eukaryotic cell membranes, whose interaction with phospholipids leads to a broad range of biological roles, such as: maintenance of proper fluidity, formation of raft domains, reduction of passive permeability of various chemical species through the bilayer (e.g., glucose, glycerol, K+, Na+ and Cl− ions), and increased mechanical strength of the membrane. In this work we studied an interesting paradigm, as to whether cholesterol-containing phosphatidylcholine biomembranes influence the kinetics and transport features of alamethicin oligomers embedded into it. We demonstrate that moderate relative amounts of cholesterol increase the electrical conductance of various sub-conductance states of the alamethicin oligomer, caused probably by a non-monotonic change in the lumped dipole moment of the biomembrane. Our data suggest that biomembrane stiffness caused by cholesterol, visibly modifies the association-dissociation rates of alamethicin oligomerization in the biomembrane. Moreover, increasing concentrations of cholesterol seem to lead to more stable intermediate alamethicin oligomers. We show that in the presence of cholesterol, as the diameter of the alamethicin oligomer increases, so does the time of another monomer to get picked up. These results brings into focus the interesting issue of how oligomerization of proteins affects their interaction affinities for membrane-based lipids.
Transient properties of a bistable kinetic model with quantum corrections
Authors: Ai Bao-quan , Zheng Hua , Xie Hui-zhang , Liu Liang-gang
Published: June 2006

The transient properties of a Brownian particle moving in a bistable system with quantum corrections are investigated. The Quantum Smoluchowski Equation (QSE) is fully valid for high temperatures; for low temperatures it is valid only in a restricted domain of the state space. The quantum effects in a bistable system stand out for low temperatures. Explicit expressions of the mean first-passage time (MFPT) are obtained by using a steepest-descent approximation. The quantum effects are against the particle moving towards the destination from its original position.
A family‐based and case‐control association study of SOX10 in schizophrenia
Authors: Iwamoto Kazuya , Bundo Miki , Yamada Kazuo , Takao Hitomi , Iwayama Yoshimi , Yoshikawa Takeo , Kato Tadafumi
Published: June 2006

Downregulation of oligodendrocyte‐related genes in postmortem brains of patients with schizophrenia has been reported by several DNA microarray studies. We recently reported that enhanced DNA methylation of SOX10, which encodes a transcription factor responsible for terminal differentiation of oligodendrocyte, correlated with lower expression of SOX10 and other oligodendrocyte‐related genes. Although we ruled out the possible role of SNPs of SOX10 in the altered expression and epigenetic status of oligodendrocyte genes by mutation screening of the SOX10 gene, it is not known whether its genetic polymorphisms contribute to susceptibility to schizophrenia. Here we performed a case‐control and family‐based association study of SOX10 in Japanese patients with schizophrenia using six SNPs and one microsatellite marker. None of these markers showed significant associations with schizophrenia by case‐control or family‐based association study. Haplotype analysis did not reveal significant associations between the two groups. We concluded that genetic variations in the SOX10 gene do not contribute to susceptibility to Japanese schizophrenia. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association study of the CNR1 gene exon 3 alternative promoter region polymorphisms and substance dependence
Authors: Herman Aryeh I. , Kranzler Henry R. , Cubells Joseph F. , Gelernter Joel , Covault Jonathan
Published: June 2006

An alternative promoter producing a novel 5′‐untranslated region of cannabinoid receptor mRNA has recently been described in CNR1, the gene encoding the cannabinoid receptor protein. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) adjacent to this site were reported to be associated with polysubstance abuse [Zhang et al., 2004]. We examined the association of 4 SNPs (rs6928499, rs806379, rs1535255, rs2023239) in the distal region of intron 2 of CNR1 both with individual substance dependence diagnoses (i.e., alcohol, cocaine, and opioids), as well as with polysubstance dependence. The study samples consisted of European‐American (EA) and African‐American (AA) subjects with drug and or alcohol dependence (n = 895), and controls (n = 472). Subjects were grouped as polysubstance dependent, opioid dependent, cocaine dependent, cannabis dependent, and alcohol dependent. There was a modest association of marker rs1535255 with alcohol dependence (P = 0.04), though with correction for multiple phenotype comparisons, this effect was not considered statistically significant. These findings fail to replicate the original report of an association between SNPs adjacent to an alternative CNR1 exon 3 transcription start site and polysubstance abuse. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association analyses suggest GPR24 as a shared susceptibility gene for bipolar affective disorder and schizophrenia
Authors: Severinsen J.E. , Als T.D. , Binderup H. , Kruse T.A. , Wang A.G. , Vang M. , Muir W.J. , Blackwood D.H.R. , Mors O. , Børglum A.D.
Published: June 2006

Linkage analyses suggest that chromosome 22q12‐13 may harbor a shared susceptibility locus for bipolar affective disorder (BPD) and schizophrenia (SZ). In a study of a sample from the Faeroe Islands we have previously reported association between both disorders and microsatellite markers in a 3.6 cM segment on 22q13. The present study investigated three candidate genes located in this segment: GPR24, ADSL, and ST13. Nine SNPs located in these genes and one microsatellite marker (D22S279) were applied in an association analysis of two samples: an extension of the previously analyzed Faeroese sample comprising 28 distantly related cases (17 BPD, 11 SZ subjects) and 44 controls, and a Scottish sample including 162 patients with BPD, 103 with SZ, and 200 controls. In both samples significant associations were observed in both disorders with predominantly GPR24 SNPs and haplotypes. In the Faeroese sample overall P‐values of 0.0009, 0.0054, and 0.0023 were found for haplotypes in BPD, SZ, and combined cases, respectively, and in the Scottish sample overall P‐values of 0.0003, 0.0005, and 0.016 were observed for similar groupings. Specific haplotypes showed associations with lowest P‐values of 7 × 10−5 and 0.0006 in the combined group of cases from the Faeroe Islands and Scotland, respectively. The G protein‐coupled receptor 24 encoded by GPR24 binds melanin‐concentrating hormone (MCH) and has been implicated with feeding behavior, energy metabolism, and regulation of stress and mood. To our knowledge this is the first study reporting association between GPR24 and BPD and SZ, suggesting that GPR24 variants may confer susceptibility to both disorders. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association analysis of δ‐opioid receptor gene polymorphisms in methamphetamine dependence/psychosis
Authors: Kobayashi Hideaki , Hata Harumi , Ujike Hiroshi , Harano Mutsuo , Inada Toshiya , Komiyama Tokutaro , Yamada Mitsuhiko , Sekine Yoshimoto , Iwata Nakao , Iyo Masaomi , Ozaki Norio , Itokawa Masanari , Naka Maki , Ide Soichiro , Ikeda Kazutaka , Numachi Yohtaro , Sora Ichiro
Published: June 2006

The role of the δ‐opioid receptor (OPRD1) in methamphetamine (MAP) addiction was investigated using association analysis betweenOPRD1gene polymorphisms and MAP dependence/psychosis. DNA samples from Japanese patients with MAP dependence/psychosis were analyzed to find polymorphisms inOPRD1gene exons and exon–intron boundaries. One novel single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in intron 1 and two SNPs in exon 3 were identified. The two SNPs in exon 3 were in linkage disequilibrium. No significant difference was observed in either genotypic or allelic frequencies of these SNPs between controls (n = 260) and MAP dependent/psychotic patients (n = 170). Global analyses using the three SNPs and subcategory analyses on clinical parameters also showed no significant differences. These results suggest that theOPRD1gene variants may not be a factor in vulnerability to MAP dependence/psychosis. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Meniere's disease gene linked to chromosome 12p12.3
Authors: Klar Joakim , Frykholm Carina , Friberg Ulla , Dahl Niklas
Published: June 2006

Meniere's disease (MD) is characterized by spontaneous attacks of vertigo, fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, and aural fullness. The majority of patients with MD appear sporadic but 5%–13% of the cases have a family history for the disease. The cause of both the sporadic and inherited forms of MD remains unclear despite a number of candidate genes defined from their association with hearing loss. We have performed a genome wide linkage scan on a large Swedish family segregating MD in five generations. Five candidate regions with a lod score of >1 were identified. Two additional families with autosomal dominant MD were analyzed for linkage to these regions and a cumulative Zmax of 3.46 was obtained for a single region on chromosome 12p. In two of the three families, a shared haplotype was found to extend over 1.7 Mb which suggests a common ancestral origin. Within this region, a single recombination event restricts the candidate region to 463 kb. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cover Picture: Kinetically Controlled Ligation for the Convergent Chemical Synthesis of Proteins (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 24/2006)
Authors: Bang Duhee , Pentelute Brad L. , Kent Stephen B. H.
Published: June 2006

Convergent chemical ligation enables the more efficient total synthesis of protein molecules. S. B. H. Kent and co‐workers describe in their Communication on page 3985 ff. how the two halves of the target peptide chain can be synthesized by kinetically controlled chemical ligation of unprotected peptide segments. A final native chemical ligation step then gives the full‐length polypeptide chain, which folds with high efficiency to give the synthetic protein molecule. (The artwork for the coverpicture was prepared by David Boerema.)
Studies on crystal morphology and crystallization kinetics of polypropylene filled with CaCO3 of different size and size distribution
Authors: Zhang Jun , Ding Qing‐Jun , Zhou Ning‐Lin , Li Li , Ma Zhen‐Mao , Shen Jian
Published: May 2006

Changes in the crystal morphology, crystallinity, and the melting temperature of thermoplastics resulted in significant changes in the mechanical behavior of composites containing them. For this reason, the research of crystal morphology and crystallization kinetics in thermoplastic composites became an important requirement. The thermoplastic filled with the filler of different size gradation was a new method for improving processability of thermoplastic composites. We have previously reported that the melt viscosity of polypropylene (PP) composites, which were filled with 30 wt % CaCO3 of effective size gradation, could be evidently declined. In this study, two sizes of CaCO3, 325 meshes and 1500 meshes, were blended by different proportions and filled into PP matrix with 30 wt %. Crystal morphology and isothermal crystallization kinetics of a series of composites were characterized by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and polarizing microscope. The results showed that composites filled with CaCO3 of effective size gradation leaded to a well‐crystalline order and a large crystal size, while their isothermal crystallization kinetics and crystallization rate constant (k) were declined, and their Avrami exponents (n) and crystallization half‐life (t1/2) were increased compared with the composites filled with single size CaCO3. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 2437–2444, 2006
Polyaniline as corrosion inhibitor for iron in acid solutions
Authors: Jeyaprabha C. , Sathiyanarayanan S. , Venkatachari G.
Published: May 2006

In recent years, polymer amines have been studied as an efficient corrosion inhibitor for iron in acid media. In this article, the performance of water soluble polyaniline as corrosion inhibitor for iron in 0.5M H2SO4 has been evaluated by potentiodynamic polarization, linear polarization, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and compared with the performance of the aniline monomer. It has been found that polyaniline is an efficient inhibitor, since the maximum efficiency of 84% has been observed at a concentration of 100 ppm, whereas the monomer has accelerated the corrosion. FTIR studies have shown that the polyaniline is strongly adsorbed on the iron surface and inhibits the corrosion effectively. However, aniline has been found to improve the passivation tendency of iron at higher concentrations. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 2144–2153, 2006
Mechanism of crosslinking Tencel woven fabric for superior easy‐care properties and analysis using fluorescence microscopy
Authors: Abdullah Iram , Blackburn Richard S. , Russell Stephen J. , Taylor Jim
Published: May 2006

A crosslinking treatment to impart easy‐care properties to Tencel fabric has been investigated, using dimethyloldihydroxyethylene urea (Reaktant DH) as crosslinking agent and magnesium chloride hexahydrate as catalyst. Nonconventional treatment techniques such as “flash curing,” “moist curing,” “pad‐batch‐cure,” and “pad‐dry‐dry steam cure” are used to facilitate better penetration of crosslinking monomer into the fiber interior. Easy‐care properties of Tencel fabrics using these techniques are evaluated and compared with those treated with resin monomer using conventional pad‐dry‐cure process. Analysis of treated fabric using a fluorescent labeling technique and image analysis shows that nonconventional techniques significantly improve the penetration of crosslinking agent. The results further suggest that these techniques can be used to improve abrasion resistance and fabric handle of Tencel woven fabric. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 2154–2161, 2006