bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancement of Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch Fiber Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephtalate) Biocomposites by Matrix Esterification Using Succinic Anhydride
Authors: Siyamak Samira , Ibrahim Nor Azowa , Abdolmohammadi Sanaz , Yunus Wan Md Zin Bin Wan , Rahman Mohamad Zaki AB
Published: February 2012

In this work, the oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) fiber was used as a source of lignocellulosic filler to fabricate a novel type of cost effective biodegradable composite, based on the aliphatic aromatic co-polyester poly(butylene adipate-co-terephtalate) PBAT (EcoflexTM), as a fully biodegradable thermoplastic polymer matrix. The aim of this research was to improve the new biocomposites’ performance by chemical modification using succinic anhydride (SAH) as a coupling agent in the presence and absence of dicumyl peroxide (DCP) and benzoyl peroxide (BPO) as initiators. For the composite preparation, several blends were prepared with varying ratios of filler and matrix using the melt blending technique. The composites were prepared at various fiber contents of 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 (wt %) and characterized. The effects of fiber loading and coupling agent loading on the thermal properties of biodegradable polymer composites were evaluated using thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used for morphological studies. The chemical structure of the new biocomposites was also analyzed using the Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy technique. The PBAT biocomposite reinforced with 40 (wt %) of EFB fiber showed the best mechanical properties compared to the other PBAT/EFB fiber biocomposites. Biocomposite treatment with 4 (wt %) succinic anhydride (SAH) and 1 (wt %) dicumyl peroxide (DCP) improved both tensile and flexural strength as well as tensile and flexural modulus. The FTIR analyses proved the mechanical test results by presenting the evidence of successful esterification using SAH/DCP in the biocomposites’ spectra. The SEM micrograph of the tensile fractured surfaces showed the improvement of fiber-matrix adhesion after using SAH. The TGA results showed that chemical modification using SAH/DCP improved the thermal stability of the PBAT/EFB biocomposite.
Biomarker Discovery by Novel Sensors Based on Nanoproteomics Approaches
Authors: Dasilva Noelia , Díez Paula , Matarraz Sergio , González-González María , Paradinas Sara , Orfao Alberto , Fuentes Manuel
Published: February 2012

During the last years, proteomics has facilitated biomarker discovery by coupling high-throughput techniques with novel nanosensors. In the present review, we focus on the study of label-based and label-free detection systems, as well as nanotechnology approaches, indicating their advantages and applications in biomarker discovery. In addition, several disease biomarkers are shown in order to display the clinical importance of the improvement of sensitivity and selectivity by using nanoproteomics approaches as novel sensors.
Synthesis, solid-state fluorescence properties, and computational analysis of novel 2-aminobenzo[4,5]thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidine 5,5-dioxides
Authors: Yokota Kenichirou , Hagimori Masayori , Mizuyama Naoko , Nishimura Yasuhisa , Fujito Hiroshi , Shigemitsu Yasuhiro , Tominaga Yoshinori
Published: February 2012

New fluorescent compounds, benzo[4,5]thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidine 5,5-dioxides (3a–g), 2-amino-4-methylsulfanylbenzo[4,5]thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidine (6), and 2-amino-4-methylsulfanyl-7-methoxybenzo[4,5]furo[3,2-d]pyrimidine (7), were synthesized in good yields from heterocyclic ketene dithioacetals (1a–c) and guanidine carbonate (2a) or (S)-methylisothiourea sulfate (2b) in pyridine under reflux. Among the fused pyrimidine derivatives, compound 3c, which has an amino group at the 2-position and a benzylamino group at the 4-position of the pyrimidine ring, showed the strongest solid-state fluorescence. The absorption and emission properties of the compounds were quantitatively reproduced by a series of ab initio quantum-chemical calculations.
Preliminary Validation of a Self-reported Screening Questionnaire for Inflammatory Back Pain
Authors: KEELING STEPHANIE O. , MAJUMDAR SUMIT R. , CONNER-SPADY BARBARA , BATTIÉ MICHELE C. , CARROLL LINDA J. , MAKSYMOWYCH WALTER P.
Published: February 2012

Objective.

Inflammatory back pain (IBP) is an important feature of axial spondyloarthritis (SpA) that is poorly recognized in primary care, perhaps delaying diagnosis of SpA. We aimed to develop and validate a self-report questionnaire using important domains reported by patients with IBP.

Methods.

We developed a 6-item questionnaire assessing spinal/hip stiffness, nocturnal pain, diurnal variation, effects of exercise/rest, and peripheral joint pain/swelling. This was compared with the Calin questionnaire and the domains comprising the Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS) criteria for IBP in 220 patients with established axial SpA and 66 patients with mechanical back pain followed in tertiary care rheumatology clinics. The classification utility of each item was evaluated using sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratio (LR). Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze different combinations of items to develop candidate scoring systems.

Results.

The single item “diurnal variation” had the highest combination of sensitivity (49%) and specificity (92%) for IBP (positive LR 5.95, 95% CI 2.54–13.94), outperforming the Calin and ASAS IBP criteria, which had sensitivities of 83% and 59%, specificities 42% and 66%, positive LR 1.42 and 1.72, negative LR 0.41 and 0.62, respectively. Classification utility of this item was even higher in SpA patients with disease duration < 6 years (sensitivity 48%, specificity 96%, positive LR 12, negative LR 0.54). The other 5 items did not improve classification utility in any combination.

Conclusion.

Assessment of a single self-reported item, “diurnal variation,” had substantial classification utility for IBP. This domain is not addressed in existing criteria for IBP, indicating a potentially important omission.
Infliximab Treatment Increases Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Assessment of Heart Function by Echocardiography, Endothelin 1, Interleukin 6, and NT-pro Brain Natriuretic Peptide
Authors: KOTYLA PRZEMYSLAW J. , OWCZAREK ALEKSANDER , RAKOCZY JAROSLAW , LEWICKI MACIEJ , KUCHARZ EUGENE J. , EMERY PAUL
Published: February 2012

Objective.

To study the influence of anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) treatment on echocardiographic measures and concentrations of endothelin 1 (ET-1), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and amino-terminal fragment of pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in a cohort of 23 female patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods.

We recruited 23 patients (mean age 51.3 ± 1.55 yrs) with RA resistant to treatment with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and average disease duration of 7.1 ± 1.0 years who had been selected to start treatment with the anti-TNF-α antagonist infliximab. Transthoracic echocardiographic examinations were performed before the first infusion and repeated after 1 year of treatment. Data for age, sex, RA disease activity by Disease Activity Score (DAS28) and echocardiographic data, NT-proBNP, IL-6, ET-1, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and other routine laboratory data were collected before treatment and after 1 year.

Results.

Twelve months of treatment with infliximab resulted in reduction of RA activity (i.e., reduction of DAS and acute-phase reactants). There was increased left ventricle ejection fraction, from 58.5% before treatment to 63% after. Treatment with infliximab also resulted in significant reduction of ET-1 (1.26 fmol/ml before treatment vs 0.43 fmol/ml after), IL-6 (58.46 pg/ml vs 3.46 pg/ml), and NT-proBNP (43.06 fmol/ml vs 14.78 fmol/ml). These reductions were observed after just 4 months of treatment and remained significant until the termination of the study.

Conclusion.

In patients with RA, treatment with infliximab contributed significantly to increase in left ventricular ejection fraction. Improvement of cardiac function was shown by conventional echocardiography; there was reduction of biochemical markers of heart failure.
Time to Consultation and Disease-modifying Antirheumatic Drug Treatment of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis — Northern Alberta Perspective
Authors: NANJI JALAL A. , CHOI MAY , FERRARI ROBERT , LYDDELL CHRISTOPHER , RUSSELL ANTHONY S.
Published: February 2012

Objective.

To determine the timeliness of consultation and initiation of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) referred to rheumatologists.

Methods.

The first part of the study was a review of the charts of 151 patients with RA followed by 3 rheumatologists. The outcome measure was the interval between symptom onset and consultation with a rheumatologist. The second part of the study involved a chart review of 4 family physician practices in a small urban center in order to determine the accuracy of diagnostic coding (International Classification of Diseases; ICD-9) of RA, as well as the proportion of patients with RA seen by a rheumatologist. Finally, a survey was sent to primary care physicians at a group of walk-in clinics to determine what percentage of their patients with RA were referred to a rheumatologist and, concerning referral patterns, how likely it is they would refer a confirmed or suspected RA patient to a rheumatologist.

Results.

Patients with RA referred to rheumatologists in this sample were seen by a rheumatologist at a mean of 9.8 months (median 5 mo, range 0–129 mo) after symptom onset, and mean 1.2 months (median 4.0 mo, range 0–8 mo) after being referred by their primary care physician. All referred patients with confirmed RA were started on DMARD within 1 week of initial consultation. Primary care physicians would refer suspected RA patients 99.5% of the time (median 100, range 90–100%), and 87.6% (median 90, range 50–100%) of patients with confirmed RA would have seen a rheumatologist at least once. A chart review showed that, in a select group of family physicians, 70.9% (22/31) of patients coded as RA per the ICD-9 did indeed have RA and all had seen a rheumatologist for their condition.

Conclusion.

In Northern Alberta, patients with RA are seen and started on DMARD therapy in a timely fashion. Most of the delay is at the primary care level, suggesting a need for improved education of patients and primary care physicians rather than a formal triage system.
Relationship Between Angiotensin-converting Enzyme Insertion/Deletion Gene Polymorphism and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus/Lupus Nephritis: A Systematic Review and Metaanalysis
Authors: ZHOU TIAN-BIAO , LIU YUN-GUANG , LIN NA , QIN YUAN-HAN , HUANG KEN , SHAO MING-BIN , PENG DAN-DAN
Published: February 2012

Objective.

Results from studies of the association between angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) insertion/deletion (I/D) gene polymorphism and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)/lupus nephritis (LN) are controversial. We performed this metaanalysis to evaluate the relationship between ACE I/D gene polymorphism and SLE/LN and to explore whether theACED allele or DD genotype could become a predictive marker for risk of SLE/LN.

Methods.

Association studies were identified from the databases of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and CBM-disc (China Biological Medicine Database) as of May 1, 2011, and eligible investigations were synthesized using a metaanalysis method. Results were expressed with OR for dichotomous data, and 95% CI were calculated.

Results.

Sixteen investigations were identified for the analysis of association between ACE I/D gene polymorphism and SLE, consisting of 1959 patients with SLE and 2078 controls. In the overall populations, there was a marked association between D allele or DD genotype and SLE susceptibility (D: OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.04–1.58, p = 0.02; DD: OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.17–2.19, p = 0.003), and DD homozygous was associated with LN risk (OR 2.78, 95% CI 1.26–6.11, p = 0.01). In the subgroup analysis, DD genotype associated with SLE risk was observed in Asians; no other association was found in Asians, whites, Africans, and Brazilians.

Conclusion.

D allele and DD homozygous are significant genetic molecular markers to predict SLE susceptibility, and DD genotype is a valuable marker to predict the LN risk. More investigations are required to clarify the association of the D allele or DD homozygous with SLE/LN susceptibility.
Assessing the Performance of the Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score at Diagnosis for Children with Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-associated Vasculitis in A Registry for Childhood Vasculitis (ARChiVe)
Authors: MORISHITA KIMBERLY , LI SUZANNE C. , MUSCAL EYAL , SPALDING STEVEN , GUZMAN JAIME , URIBE AMERICA , ABRAMSON LESLIE , BASZIS KEVIN , BENSELER SUSANNE , BOWYER SUZANNE , CAMPILLO SARAH , CHIRA PETER , HERSH AIMEE O. , HIGGINS GLORIA , EBERHARD ANNE , EDE KALEO , IMUNDO LISA , JUNG LAWRENCE , KIM SUSAN , KINGSBURY DANIEL J. , KLEIN-GITELMAN MARISA , LAWSON ERICA F. , LOVELL DANIEL J. , MASON THOMAS , McCURDY DEBORAH , NANDA KABITA , NASSI LORIEN , O’NEIL KATHLEEN M. , RABINOVICH EGLA , RAMSEY SUZANNE E. , REIFF ANDREAS , ROSENKRANZ MARGALIT , SCHIKLER KENNETH , STEVENS ANNE , WAHEZI DAWN , CABRAL DAVID A.
Published: February 2012

Objective.

There are no validated tools for measuring disease activity in pediatric vasculitis. The Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS) is a valid disease activity tool in adult vasculitis. Version 3 (BVAS v.3) correlates well with physician’s global assessment (PGA), treatment decision, and C-reactive protein in adults. The utility of BVAS v.3 in pediatric vasculitis is not known. We assessed the association of BVAS v.3 scores with PGA, treatment decision, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) at diagnosis in pediatric antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV).

Methods.

Children with AAV diagnosed between 2004 and 2010 at all ARChiVe centers were eligible. BVAS v.3 scores were calculated with a standardized online tool (www.vasculitis.org). Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (rs) was used to test the strength of association between BVAS v.3 and PGA, treatment decision, and ESR.

Results.

A total of 152 patients were included. The physician diagnosis of these patients was predominantly granulomatosis with polyangiitis (n = 99). The median BVAS v.3 score was 18.0 (range 0–40). The BVAS v.3 correlations were rs = 0.379 (95% CI 0.233 to 0.509) with PGA, rs = 0.521 (95% CI 0.393 to 0.629) with treatment decision, and rs = 0.403 (95% CI 0.253 to 0.533) with ESR.

Conclusion.

Applied to children with AAV, BVAS v.3 had a weak correlation with PGA and moderate correlation with both ESR and treatment decision. Prospective evaluation of BVAS v.3 and/or pediatric-specific modifications to BVAS v.3 may be required before it can be formalized as a disease activity assessment tool in pediatric AAV.
Performance of the Assessment in Spondyloarthritis International Society Classification for Axial and Peripheral Spondyloarthritis in an Established Clinical Cohort: Comparison with Criteria Sets of Amor and the European Spondylarthropathy Study Group
Authors: CHEUNG PETER P. , PATERNOTTE SIMON , BURKI VINCENT , DURNEZ ANNE , ELHAI MURIEL , FABREGUET ISABELLE , KOUMAKIS EUGENIE , MEYER MAGALI , PAYET JUDITH , ROURE FANNY , DOUGADOS MAXIME , GOSSEC LAURE
Published: February 2012

Objective.

To evaluate the performance of the Assessment in Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS) criteria (axial or peripheral) against the Amor and European Spondylarthropathy Study Group criteria in established spondyloarthritis (SpA).

Methods.

Rheumatologist-diagnosed patients with SpA were retrospectively classified according to the different criteria sets. Clinical characteristics of patients fulfilling all 3 criteria were compared with those who did not, by nonparametric statistics.

Results.

ASAS classified 90% of the 231 patients, with 169 (73%) fulfilling all 3 criteria sets. Multivariate analysis showed the 62 patients not fulfilling all criteria sets were older at symptom onset (p < 0.001) and less likely to have inflammatory back pain (p < 0.001), peripheral arthritis (p < 0.001), or elevated C-reactive protein levels (p = 0.034).

Conclusion.

ASAS criteria can be used in established disease.
Adalimumab Monotherapy in a Patient with Psoriatic Arthritis Associated with Chronic Renal Failure on Hemodialysis: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Shimojima Yasuhiro , Matsuda Masayuki , Ishii Wataru , Ikeda Shu-ichi
Published: February 2012

We report a patient with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) who was successfully treated with adalimumab even while under hemodialysis therapy for associated chronic renal failure. Flow cytometry of circulating lymphocytes revealed an obvious decrease in both Th1 and Th17 cells after starting adalimumab. The latter returned to the pretreatment level in the course of adalimumab therapy, while the former did not. Adalimumab is a potent therapeutic option for PsA patients with chronic renal failure on hemodialysis, and Th1 in peripheral blood may reflect the disease activity.
Coordination of physiological and structural traits in Amazon forest trees
Authors: Patiño S. , Fyllas N. M. , Baker T. R. , Paiva R. , Quesada C. A. , Santos A. J. B. , Schwarz M. , ter Steege H. , Phillips O. L. , Lloyd J.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. Many plant traits covary in a non-random manner reflecting interdependencies associated with "ecological strategy" dimensions. To understand how plants integrate their structural and physiological investments, data on leaf and leaflet size and the ratio of leaf area to sapwood area (ΦLS) obtained for 1020 individual trees (encompassing 661 species) located in 52 tropical forest plots across the Amazon Basin were incorporated into an analysis utilising existing data on species maximum height (Hmax), seed size, leaf mass per unit area (MA), foliar nutrients and δ13C, and branch xylem density (ρx). Utilising a common principal components approach allowing eigenvalues to vary between two soil fertility dependent species groups, five taxonomically controlled trait dimensions were identified. The first involves primarily cations, foliar carbon and MA and is associated with differences in foliar construction costs. The second relates to some components of the classic "leaf economic spectrum", but with increased individual leaf areas and a higher ΦLS newly identified components for tropical tree species. The third relates primarily to increasing Hmax and hence variations in light acquisition strategy involving greater MA, reductions in ΦLS and less negative δ13C. Although these first three dimensions were more important for species from high fertility sites the final two dimensions were more important for low fertility species and were associated with variations linked to reproductive and shade tolerance strategies. Environmental conditions influenced structural traits with ρx of individual species decreasing with increased soil fertility and higher temperatures. This soil fertility response appears to be synchronised with increases in foliar nutrient concentrations and reductions in foliar [C]. Leaf and leaflet area and ΦLS were less responsive to the environment than ρx. Thus, although genetically determined foliar traits such as those associated with leaf construction costs coordinate independently of structural characteristics such as maximum height, others such as the classical "leaf economic spectrum" covary with structural traits such as leaf size and ΦLS. Coordinated structural and physiological adaptions are also associated with light acquisition/shade tolerance strategies with several traits such as MA and [C] being significant components of more than one ecological strategy dimension. This is argued to be a consequence of a range of different potential underlying causes for any observed variation in such "ambiguous" traits. Environmental effects on structural and physiological characteristics are also coordinated but in a different way to the gamut of linkages associated with genotypic differences.
Changes of serum VEGF concentration after intravitreal injection of Avastin in treatment of diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Davidović Sofija P. , Nikolić Stanislava V. , Ćurić Nikola J. , Latinović Slobodanka L.J. , Drašković Dragan O. , Čabarkapa Velibor S. , Stošić Zoran Z.
Published: February 2012

Purpose

Avastin (bevacizumab) intravitreal injections are widely used for treatment of diabetic retinopathy. The aim of our study was to analyze effect of 1.25 mg of intravitreal Avastin on serum concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in diabetic patients.

Methods

Participants were 10 diabetic patients on insulin therapy, without any other eye or systemic disease, and no kidney disfunction. Both eyes of diabetic patients were injected simultaneously with 1.25 mg of intravitreal Avastin, as a first step in treatment of nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy with clinically significant macular edema (4 patients), and of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (6 patients). Fluorescein angiography was performed prior to and laser therapy followed 1 month after Avastin treatment. VEGF concentration in patients serum was measured by ELISA technique: on the day of the Avastin administration, and 1, 7, and 28 days after intravitreal injection.

Results

In all analyzed participants, 24 hours after Avastin treatment, serum levels of VEGF were lower then basal (preinjection value). Maximal reduction of serum VEGF was noted on the 7th postoperative day. Twenty-eight days after, VEGF level in serum was raised, without completely reaching basal preoperative concentrations in most patients.

Conclusions

Intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF drugs have an effect on decreasing systemic VEGF values. Rhythm of changes in serum VEGF concentrations and lowest detected concentration on the seventh postinjection day are according to pharmacokinetics of Avastin in serum and vitreous, reported by similar studies. The small number of patients involved in this pilot study implicates the need for further studies.
The Treatment of Early-Stage Germ Cell Tumors of the Testis (GCTT)
Authors: Salvioni Roberto , Nicolai Nicola , Necchi Andrea , Torelli Tullio , Piva Luigi , Stagni Silvia , Catanzaro Mario Achille , Biasoni Davide , Milani Angelo , Colecchia Maurizio , Spreafico Carlo , Morosi Carlo , Marchianò Alfonso , Crippa Flavio
Published: February 2012

The treatment of tumors of the testis represents an ideal model of care for cancer. Many different, intersecting strategies are available for managing germ-cell cancers, particularly in the early-stage disease. Which is ‘right’ remains a matter of debate, and requires balancing efficacy against late effects, bearing in mind the complexity of treatment strategies and the available expertise. The cornerstone of this model of success is linked to the quality and appropriateness of care.

The current therapeutic strategy is very complex (Fig. 1). High-tech surgery, medical oncology and radiotherapy are involved at various levels of diagnostic techniques of the latest generation. The choice of therapy, alone or integrated, is often influenced by prognostic factors. In this article we will examine the important points and sometimes the subject of controversy in both diagnosis and treatment of these early-stage tumors (Clinical Stage I: disease confined to the testis; Clinical Stage IIA: retroperitoneal lymph nodes <2 cm).
Stroke in Young Adults: A Prospective Study from Northwestern Nigeria
Authors: Owolabi L. F. , Ibrahim A.
Published: February 2012

Background. Stroke is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in young adults especially in developing countries. This two-centre prospective study aimed at reviewing the pattern, types, and case fatality of stroke in the young adults in Northwestern part of Nigeria. Methods. Consecutive patients aged 18–40 years admitted to the medical wards of two tertiary hospitals from June 2008 to August 2010 were recruited. Relevant clinical data were obtained from the patients.The survivors were followed up in neurology clinics for 6 months. Results. A total of 71 patients aged 18–40 yrs, (mean age was ) comprising 52(73%) males and 19(23%) females were enrolled. Forty two (59.1%) patients had infarctive stroke. The risk factors included hypertension (74.7%) patients, smoking (50.7%), hypercholesterolemia (9.9%), non-hypertensive cardiac diseases (8.5%), HIV (8.5%), diabetes mellitus (4.2%) cocaine and amphetamine (2.8%), and sickle cell disease (2.8%). Only twelve (17%) patients presented within the first 6 hours of onset of stroke. Seventeen (23.9 %) patients died, case fatality in the first 24 and 72 hrs was 4.2% and 19.7%, respectively. Conclusion. Our data suggests that stroke in young adults is not as uncommon as previously suggested. Hypertension, smoking, hypercholesterolemia, cardiac diseases and HIV are the most common risk factors.
Identidade pela fotografia: construção e resgate da identidade na Comunidade Novo Aarão Reis
Authors: Costa Laís de Paula Fiuza , Ávila Rodrigo Viana de
Published: February 2012

Este artigo relata uma experiência inovadora de montagem expositiva itinerante de fotografias, que foi realizada no Centro de Saúde da Comunidade do Novo Aarão Reis, Município de Belo Horizonte, em Minas Gerais. Tem como objetivo apresentar uma forma de construção, resgate e manutenção da memória, história e identidade dos moradores da comunidade, na medida em que transforma a percepção dos moradores sobre si mesmos e sobre o mundo que os cerca. Ainda, expõe estes moradores a outros de outras localidades da imensa “aldeia global”, fazendo surgir, sobre a coletividade, a percepção e a legitimidade de pertencer ao Novo Aarão Reis, não só de maneira física, mas também imaginativamente na perspectiva do simplesmente ser e pertencer.
Effects of infertility, pregnancy loss, and patient concerns on family size of women with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Clowse Megan E. B. , Chakravarty Eliza , Costenbader Karen H. , Chambers Christina , Michaud Kaleb
Published: February 2012

Objective

Women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have fewer children on average than other women. We sought to determine the roles of infertility, pregnancy loss, and personal choice on family size in women with these diseases.

Methods

A reproductive history questionnaire was completed by women with RA and SLE participating in a longitudinal observational study. Within each disease cohort, participants were divided into 3 groups: those interested in having children at symptom onset who had either fewer children than planned (group A) or the same number as planned (group B), and those no longer interested in having children at diagnosis (group C).

Results

Of the 578 RA and 114 SLE women surveyed, >60% were in group C. Of those interested in having children, 55% with RA and 64% with SLE had fewer children than originally planned. Among women with RA, group A had 1 less pregnancy, 1 less live birth, and an infertility rate 1.5 times higher than group B; the miscarriage rate was similar in both groups. Compared to SLE group B, SLE group A had a similar number of pregnancies, but a 3‐fold higher rate of miscarriage and 1 less live birth. Concerns about child health and personal welfare were associated with a lower pregnancy rate.

Conclusion

In this population, more than one‐half of young women with RA or SLE had fewer biologic children than desired. While patient choice plays a role, infertility in RA patients and miscarriage in SLE patients are also important.
Exciton‐Charge Annihilation in Organic Semiconductor Films
Authors: Hodgkiss Justin M. , Albert‐Seifried Sebastian , Rao Akshay , Barker Alex J. , Campbell Andrew R. , Marsh R. Alex , Friend Richard H.
Published: February 2012

Time‐resolved optical spectroscopy is used to investigate exciton‐charge annihilation reactions in blended films of organic semiconductors. In donor–acceptor blends where charges are photogenerated via excitons, pulsed optical excitation can deliver a sufficient density of temporally overlapping excitons and charges for them to interact. Transient absorption spectroscopy measurements demonstrate clear signatures of exciton‐charge annihilation reactions at excitation densities of ≈1018 cm−3. The strength of exciton‐charge annihilation is consistent with a resonant energy transfer mechanism between fluorescent excitons and resonantly absorbing charges, which is shown to generally be strong in organic semiconductors. The extent of exciton‐charge annihilation is very sensitive not only to fluence but also to blend morphology, becoming notably strong in donor–acceptor blends with nanomorphologies optimized for photovoltaic operation. The results highlight both the value of transient optical spectroscopy to interrogate exciton‐charge annihilation reactions and the need to recognize and account for annihilation reactions in other transient optical investigations of organic semiconductors.
Facile Synthesis of Monodisperse Mesoporous Zirconium Titanium Oxide Microspheres with Varying Compositions and High Surface Areas for Heavy Metal Ion Sequestration
Authors: Chen Dehong , Cao Lu , Hanley Tracey L. , Caruso Rachel A.
Published: February 2012

Monodisperse mesoporous zirconium titanium oxide microspheres with varying compositions (Zr content from 0 to 100%), high surface areas (up to 413 m2/g) and well‐interconnected mesopores are synthesized via a combined sol–gel self‐assembly and solvothermal process. Surface areas, pore diameters, crystallinity and mesostructures of the products are controlled by changing the composition of the microspheres. The resulting mesoporous microspheres are tested as adsorbents to remove Cr (VI) anions from solution and the binary oxides show very high adsorption capacities (>25.40 mg/g, that is 0.49 mmol/g) in contrast to previously reported oxides (4.25 mg/g for TiO2, 4.47 mg/g for α‐Fe2O3, 5.8 mg/g for CeO2). The maximum adsorption capacities of the mesoporous microspheres of varying compositions correlate with the amount of surface hydroxyl groups on the materials. A maximum adsorption capacity of 29.46 mg/g (0.57 mmol/g) is achieved on the microspheres containing 30% Zr due to abundant active hydroxyl groups for heavy metal ion adsorption. Owing to their integrated features (including variable compositions, high specific surface area, tunable pore size and monodisperse grain size) as well as specific acid‐base surface properties, such mesoporous zirconium titanium oxide microspheres are also expected to have potential either as catalysts or catalyst supports for industrial applications.
MHC‐dependent mate choice in humans: Why genomic patterns from the HapMap European American dataset support the hypothesis
Authors: Laurent Romain , Chaix Raphaëlle
Published: February 2012

The role of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in mate choice in humans is controversial. Nowadays, the availability of genetic variation data at genomic scales allows for a careful assessment of this question. In 2008, Chaix et al. reported evidence for MHC‐dependent mate choice among European American spouses from the HapMap 2 dataset. Recently, Derti et al. suggested that this observation was not robust. Furthermore, when Derti et al. applied similar analyses to the HapMap 3 European American samples, they did not see a significant effect. Although some of the points raised by Derti et al. are relevant, we disagree with the reported absence of evidence for MHC‐dependent mate choice within the HapMap samples. More precisely, we show here that the MHC dissimilarity among HapMap 3 European American spouses is still extreme in comparison to the rest of the genome, even after multiple testing correction. This finding supports the hypothesis of MHC‐dependent mate choice in some human populations.
Development and validation of automated SPE‐HPLC‐MS/MS methods for the quantification of asenapine, a new antipsychotic agent, and its two major metabolites in human urine
Authors: de Boer Theo , Meulman Erik , Meijering Henri , Wieling Jaap , Dogterom Peter , Lass Holger
Published: February 2012

To support the evaluation of the pharmacokinetic parameters of asenapine (ASE) in urine, we developed and validated online solid‐phase extraction high‐performance liquid chromatography methods with tandem mass spectrometry detection (SPE‐LC‐MS/MS) for the quantification of ASE and two of its major metabolites, N‐desmethylasenapine (DMA) and asenapine‐N+‐glucuronide (ASG). The linearity in human urine was found acceptable for quantification in a concentration range of 0.500–100 ng/mL for ASE and DMA and 10.0–3000 ng/mL for ASG, respectively. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ethnobotany, Chemistry, and Biological Activities of the Genus Tithonia (Asteraceae)
Authors: Chagas‐Paula Daniela A. , Oliveira Rejane B. , Rocha Bruno A. , Da Costa Fernando B.
Published: February 2012

The genus Tithonia is an important source of diverse natural products, particularly sesquiterpene lactones, diterpenes, and flavonoids. The collected information in this review attempts to summarize the recent developments in the ethnobotany, biological activities, and secondary metabolite chemistry of this genus. More than 100 structures of natural products from Tithonia are reported in this review. The species that has been most investigated in this genus is T. diversifolia, from which ca. 150 compounds were isolated. Biological studies are described to evaluate the anti‐inflammatory, analgesic, antimalarial, antiviral, antidiabetic, antidiarrhoeal, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, vasorelaxant, cancer‐chemopreventive, cytotoxic, toxicological, bioinsecticide, and repellent activities. A few of these studies have been carried out with isolated compounds from Tithonia species, but the majority has been conducted with different extracts. The relationship between the biological activity and the toxicity of compounds isolated from the plants of this genus as well as T. diversifolia extracts still remains unclear, and mechanisms of action remain to be determined.
2,5‐Diketopiperazines from the Marine‐Derived Fungus Aspergillus fumigatus YK‐7
Authors: Wang Yu , Li Zhan‐Lin , Bai Jiao , Zhang Li‐Min , Wu Xin , Zhang Lin , Pei Yue‐Hu , Jing Yong‐Kui , Hua Hui‐Ming
Published: February 2012

Five new diketopiperazines, prenylcyclotryprostatin B (1), 20‐hydroxycyclotryprostatin B (2), 9‐hydroxyfumitremorgin C (3), 6‐hydroxytryprostatin B (4), and spirogliotoxin (5), were isolated from the marine‐derived fungus Aspergillus fumigatus YK‐7, along with nine known compounds, 6–14. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, and their antiproliferative effects on human leukemic monocyte lymphoma U937 and human prostate cancer PC‐3 cell lines were assessed in vitro. Compounds 10, 12, and 13 exhibited significant cell growth‐inhibitory activities against U937 cell line, with the IC50 values of 1.8, 0.2, and 0.5 μM, respectively.
Spatial and Temporal Variation of Secondary Metabolite Profiles in Ginkgo biloba Leaves
Authors: Kaur Pushpinder , Chaudhary Abha , Singh Rakesh Deosharan , Gopichand  , Prasad Ramdeen , Singh Bikram
Published: February 2012

Terpene trilactones (TTLs) are the main bioactive constituents of Ginkgo biloba used for the preparation of drugs for several ailments. Flavonoid glycosides (FGs) are the significant group of compounds found in Ginkgo leaves used in food and healthcare products. The variation in the content of bioactive constituents, as well as antioxidant activity, with respect to change in altitude and the time of sample collection was investigated. The amount of TTLs varied from 0.218–0.709% w/w, whereas FGs were observed in the range of 0.130–0.209% w/w. Ginkgolides J and A showed significant variation (p≤0.05) with the change in altitude, while other components remained more or less unaffected. The amount of TTLs and FGs were not affected significantly by the time of sample collection. The antioxidant capacity (by using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays) of ginkgo extracts was highly dependent on the altitude, and was at maximum in the samples collected from 1000–2000 m, followed by the samples collected from altitudes lower than 1000 m and higher than 2000 m. Thus, Ginkgo harvested from 1000–2000 m of altitudinal range irrespective of the season could provide better nutraceutical formulations, whereas that from below 1000 m may yield a terpene trilactone‐enriched fraction.
Studies on the Secondary Metabolites of a Pseudoalteromonas sp. Isolated from Sediments Collected at the Northeastern Coast of Brazil
Authors: Arthaud Isabelle D. B. , Rodrigues Felipe A. R. , Jimenez Paula C. , Montenegro Raquel C. , Angelim Alysson L. , Maciel Vânia M. M. , Silveira Edilberto R. , Freitas Hozana P. S. , Sousa Thiciana S. , Pessoa Otília D. L. , Lotufo Tito M. C. , Costa‐Lotufo Letícia V.
Published: February 2012

Continuing search for anticancer compounds from the marine environment, we have studied microorganisms that inhabit intertidal sediments of the northeastern Brazilian coast. Of the 32 strains isolated, 13 were selected for biological evaluation of their crude extracts. The acetate extract obtained from a Gram‐negative bacterium was strongly active against cancer cell lines with IC50 values that ranged from 0.04 (HL60 leukemia cells) to 0.26 μg/ml (MDA MB‐435 melanoma cells). The bacterium was identified as a Pseudoalteromonas sp. based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing. A bioassay‐guided fractionation of the active extract led to the isolation of prodigiosin, a well‐known tripyrrole red pigment with immunosuppressive and anticancer activities. Further experiments with ErbB‐2 overexpressing cell lines, including HB4a‐C3.6 (moderate overexpression), HB4a‐C5.2 (high overexpression), and the parental HB4a cell line, were performed. Prodigiosin was moderately active toward HB4a cells with an IC50 of 4.6 μg/ml, while it was 115 and 18 times more active toward HB4a‐C3.6 cells (IC50 of 0.04 μg/ml) and HB4a‐C5.2 (IC50 of 0.26 μg/ml) cells, respectively. These data suggest that, in spite of its previously described apoptosis‐inducing properties, prodigiosin can selectively recognize cells overexpressing ErbB‐2, which could be highly appealing in human breast cancer therapy.
Specific DNA Duplex Formation at an Artificial Lipid Bilayer: towards a New DNA Biosensor Technology
Authors: Werz Emma , Korneev Sergei , Montilla‐Martinez Malayko , Wagner Richard , Hemmler Roland , Walter Claudius , Eisfeld Jörg , Gall Karsten , Rosemeyer Helmut
Published: February 2012

A novel technique is described which comprises a base‐specific DNA duplex formation at a lipid bilayerH2O‐phase boundary layer. Two different probes of oligonucleotides both carrying a double‐tailed lipid at the 5′‐terminus were incorporated into stable artificial lipid bilayers separating two compartments (cis/trans‐channel) of an optically transparent microfluidic sample carrier with perfusion capabilities. Both the cis‐ and trans‐channels are filled with saline buffer. Injection of a cyanine‐5‐labeled target DNA sequence, which is complementary to only one of the oligonucleotide probes, into the cis‐channel, followed by a thorough perfusion, leads to an immobilization of the labeled complementary oligonucleotide on the membrane as detected by single‐molecule fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy. In the case of fluorescent but non‐complementary DNA sequences, no immobilized fluorescent oligonucleotide duplex could be detected on the membrane. This clearly verifies a specific duplex formation at the membrane interface.
Oligoethylene Glycols as Highly Efficient Mutifunctional Promoters for Nucleophilic‐Substitution Reactions
Authors: Jadhav Vinod H. , Jang Seung Ho , Jeong Hwan‐Jeong , Lim Seok Tae , Sohn Myung‐Hee , Kim Ju‐Young , Lee Sungyul , Lee Ji Woong , Song Choong Eui , Kim Dong Wook
Published: February 2012

Herein, we report the promising use of n‐oligoethylene glycols (oligoEGs) as mutifunctional promoters for nucleophilic‐substitution reactions employing alkali metal salts. Among the various oligoEGs tested, pentaethylene glycol (pentaEG) had the most efficient catalytic activity. In particular, when compared with other nucleophiles examined, a fluorine nucleophile generated from CsF was significantly activated by the pentaEG promoter. We also performed various facile nucleophilic‐displacement reactions, such as the halogenation, acetoxylation, thioacetoxylation, nitrilation, and azidation of various substrates with potassium halides, acetate, thioacetate, cyanide, and sodium azide, respectively, in the presence of the pentaEG promoter. All of these reactions provided their desired products in excellent yields. Furthermore, the combination of pentaEG and a tert‐alcohol medium showed tremendous efficiency in the nucleophilic‐displacement reactions (fluorination and methoxylation) of base‐sensitive substrates with basic nucleophiles (cesium fluoride and potassium methoxide, respectively). The catalytic role of oligoEGs was examined by quantum‐chemical methods. The oxygen atoms in oligoEGs were found to act as Lewis bases on the metal cations to produce the “flexible” nucleophile, whereas the two terminal hydroxy (OH) groups acted as “anchors” to orientate the nucleophile and the substrate into an ideal configuration for the reaction.
ChemInform Abstract: Structures of the Strontium and Barium Dodecahydro‐closo‐dodecaborates.
Authors: Her Jae‐Hyuk , Wu Hui , Verdal Nina , Zhou Wei , Stavila Vitalie , Udovic Terrence J.
Published: February 2012

The structures of SrB12H12 and BaB12H12 are determined by X‐ray and neutron powder diffraction, neutron vibrational spectroscopy, and DFT calculations.
ChemInform Abstract: The New Complex Lanthanum Tetrelide La55Sn36.6Ge24.4.
Authors: Duerr Ines , Roehr Caroline
Published: February 2012

The new title compound is prepared by melting a stoichiometric mixture of the elements and its structure is determined by single crystal XRD.
ChemInform Abstract: Frustrated Magnetism in the S = 1 Kagome Lattice BaNi3(OH)2(VO4)2.
Authors: Freedman Danna E. , Chisnell Robin , McQueen Tyrel M. , Lee Young S. , Payen Christophe , Nocera Daniel G.
Published: February 2012

The new two‐dimensional magnetically frustrated title compound is synthesized from an aqueous NH4OH solution containing Ni(OH)2, V2O5, an Ba(OAc)2 (reflux, 4 h).
ChemInform Abstract: Pb2.85Ba2.15Fe4SnO13: A New Member of the AnBnO3n‐2 Anion‐Deficient Perovskite‐Based Homologous Series.
Authors: Korneychik Oleg E. , Batuk Maria , Abakumov Artem M. , Hadermann Joke , Rozova Marina G. , Sheptyakov Denis V. , Pokholok Konstantin V. , Filimonov Dmitry S. , Antipov Evgeny V.
Published: February 2012

The title compound is synthesized by solid state reaction of PbO, BaCO3, Fe2O3, and SnO2 in air (850 °C for 50 h and 900, 950, and 980 °C for 10 h each).
ChemInform Abstract: BaSn6Co6O19 — A Novel Frustrated Antiferromagnet with the Magnetoplumbite Type Structure.
Authors: Shlyk L. , Niewa R.
Published: February 2012

Single crystals of the new title compound are prepared by reaction of SnO2, Co3O4, and excess BaCl2 acting as reactive flux (1320 °C, several days).
ChemInform Abstract: A Novel Sandwich‐Type Europium‐Substituted Germanomolybdate Linked with Coordination Cation [Cu(en)2]2+.
Authors: Yang Lan‐Jun , Xu Lin , Li Feng‐Yan , Wang Yu‐Chao , Xu Bing‐Bing
Published: February 2012

The structure of title compound (V) is determined by single crystal XRD (triclinic, space group P$\bar 1$, Z = 1).
ChemInform Abstract: Structure and Properties of Rhombohedral CePd3Ga8: A Variant of the Cubic Parent Compound with BaHg11 Structure Type.
Authors: Macaluso Robin T. , Francisco Melanie , Young David P. , Stadler Shane , Mitchell John F. , Geiser Urs , Hong Han‐yul , Kanatzidis Mercouri G.
Published: February 2012

Single crystals of the new title compound are prepared from the elements using excess gallium as a flux (alumina crucible, 1150 °C, 2 h, 80—90% yield).
ChemInform Abstract: Palladium on Carbon‐Catalyzed Solvent‐Free and Solid‐Phase Hydrogenation and Suzuki—Miyaura Reaction.
Authors: Monguchi Yasunari , Fujita Yuki , Hashimoto Shota , Ina Mariko , Takahashi Tohru , Ito Ryo , Nozaki Kei , Maegawa Tomohiro , Sajiki Hironao
Published: February 2012

Solvent‐free Pd—C‐catalyzed hydrogenation of a diversity of reducible functionalities, e.g. benzyl ethers and esters, multiple C—C bonds, alcohols, aromatic chloride, N‐Cbz, nitro, and azido groups, is presented.
ChemInform Abstract: Selective 1:2 Coupling of Aldehydes and Allenes with Control of Regiochemistry.
Authors: Toyoshima Takeharu , Miura Tomoya , Murakami Masahiro
Published: February 2012

The rhodium‐catalyzed title reaction affords either of two constitutional isomers of β,γ‐dialkylidene ketones as main product.
ChemInform Abstract: Catalytic Syntheses of N‐Heterocyclic Ynones and Ynediones by in situ Activation of Carboxylic Acids with Oxalyl Chloride.
Authors: Boersch Christina , Merkul Eugen , Mueller Thomas J. J.
Published: February 2012

Starting from α‐keto carboxylic acids, the glyoxylyl chlorides generated in situ by reaction with oxalyl chloride are transformed under Castro conditions into ynediones.
ChemInform Abstract: Glycerol as an Alternative Green Reaction Medium for Multicomponent Reactions Using PS‐PEG‐OSO3H as Catalyst.
Authors: Quan Zheng‐Jun , Ren Rong‐Guo , Da Yu‐Xia , Zhang Zhang , Wang Xi‐Cun
Published: February 2012

For the first time different multicomponent reactions are operated in glycerol as reaction medium and in the presence of polystyrene‐PEG resin‐supported sulfuric acid as catalyst.
ChemInform Abstract: A Mild One‐Pot Conversion of Alkenes into Amines Through Tandem Ozonolysis and Reductive Amination.
Authors: Kyasa ShivaKumar , Fisher Thomas J. , Dussault Patrick H.
Published: February 2012

The sequence offers an interesting synthesis of a diversity of amines.
ChemInform Abstract: Facile, Environmentally Friendly Synthesis of Benzaldehyde and Phenylacetaldehyde Analogues from Readily Available Toluene Derivatives.
Authors: Dai Liyan , Yu Jie , Chen Yingqi , Yu Shichao
Published: February 2012

The title compounds (II) and (IV) are formed via oxidation and hydrolysis, resp., of intermediate styrylamines.
ChemInform Abstract: Ceric Ammonium Nitrate Catalyzed Oxidation of Aldehydes and Alcohols.
Authors: Gowda Ravikumar R. , Chakraborty Debashis
Published: February 2012

The presented method is accompanied by kinetic studies.
ChemInform Abstract: Palladium‐Catalyzed Amidation of N‐Tosylhydrazones with Isocyanides.
Authors: Zhou Fengtao , Ding Ke , Cai Qian
Published: February 2012

The Pd‐catalyzed aminocarbonylation of carbenes, in situ generated from N‐tosylhydrazones, with isocyanides represents a novel access towards carboxylic amides, e.g. (III), (V), (VIII) and (X).
ChemInform Abstract: Mild and Efficient Deoxygenation of Sulfoxides to Sulfides with Cp2TiCl2/Gallium System.
Authors: Yoo Byung Woo , Min Sang Ki
Published: February 2012

Sulfoxide reduction fails with Cp2TiCl2 or gallium alone.
ChemInform Abstract: An Efficient and Simple Protocol for a PdCl2‐Ligandless and Additive‐Free Suzuki Coupling Reaction of Aryl Bromides.
Authors: Qiu Jun , Wang Limin , Liu Mingtao , Shen Qiang , Tang Jun
Published: February 2012

The reaction is amenable to a diversity of functionalized substrates under mild reaction conditions.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis and Structures of a Series of Bulky “Rind‐Br” Based on a Rigid Fused‐Ring s‐Hydrindacene Skeleton.
Authors: Matsuo Tsukasa , et al. et al.
Published: February 2012

A variety of octasubstituted s‐hydrindacenyl bromides is prepared by BCl3‐catalyzed intramolecular Friedel—Crafts reaction of appropriate dichlorides followed by bromination or vice versa.
ChemInform Abstract: Covalent Binding of Fullerene C60 to Pharmacologically Important Compounds
Authors: Tuktarov A. R. , Khuzina L. L. , Dzhemilev U. M.
Published: February 2012

methanofullerenes and pyrazolinofullerenes