bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A morphometric and immunohistochemical study to assess the benefit of a sustained virological response in hepatitis C virus patients with cirrhosis
Authors: D'Ambrosio Roberta , Aghemo Alessio , Rumi Maria Grazia , Ronchi Guido , Donato Maria Francesca , Paradis Valerie , Colombo Massimo , Bedossa Pierre
Published: January 2012

Although annular fibrosis is the hallmark of cirrhosis, other microscopic changes that affect liver function such as sinusoid capillarization or loss of metabolic zonation are common. A sustained virological response (SVR) may halt fibrosis deposition in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients, but its impact on the other cirrhosis-associated lesions is unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of an SVR on cirrhosis-related histopathological features. Paired pre- and posttreatment liver biopsies from 38 HCV patients with cirrhosis with an SVR were analyzed. Fibrosis was staged using the METAVIR scoring system, and the area of fibrosis was measured using morphometry. Ductular proliferation, metabolic zonation, sinusoid capillarization, and hepatic stellate cell activation were assessed by anti-cytokeratin-7, anti-glutamine synthetase (GS), anti-cytochrome P4502E1 (CYP2E1), anti-CD34, and anti α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA). After 61 months from an SVR, cirrhosis regression was observed in 61%, and the collagen content decreased in 89%. Although periportal and lobular necroinflammation vanished, portal inflammation persisted in 66%. Ductular proliferation decreased in 92%. Before treatment, metabolic zonation was lost, as shown by GS and CYP2E1, in 71% and 88%, respectively, with normalization in 79% and 73%, after an SVR. Conversely, no changes in sinusoidal capillarization were observed after treatment, as assessed by CD34 (

P

= 0.41) and αSMA (

P

= 0.95). Finally, no differences in all the immunohistochemical scores emerged whether or not cirrhosis persisted.

Conclusion:

Cirrhosis regression and decreased fibrosis are frequently observed among HCV patients with cirrhosis with an SVR. Despite ductular proliferation vanishing and lobular zonation restoration, portal inflammation and sinusoidal capillarization may not regress after viral eradication. (HEPATOLOGY 2012)
MxA inhibits hepatitis B virus replication by interaction with hepatitis B core antigen
Authors: Li Ning , Zhang Lei , Chen Liangwei , Feng Wenfeng , Xu Yinfeng , Chen Feng , Liu Xiaohong , Chen Zhi , Liu Wei
Published: January 2012

Human MxA, an interferon-inducible cytoplasmic dynamin-like GTPase, possesses antiviral activity against multiple RNA viruses. Recently, MxA has also been demonstrated to have activity against the hepatitis B virus (HBV), a well-known DNA virus responsible for acute and chronic liver disease in humans. We investigated the molecular mechanism for the anti-HBV activity of MxA. Our results demonstrated that in HepG2.2.15 cells, MxA GTPase independently suppressed the production of hepatitis B surface antigen and HBV DNA without changing the level of hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) and the distribution of HBV mRNA. MxA significantly reduced the level of the encapsidated pregenomic RNA. Through its central interactive domain, MxA interacted with HBcAg, causing accumulation of the proteins in perinuclear compartments. MxA-HBcAg interaction significantly affected the dynamics of HBcAg by immobilizing HBcAg in the perinuclear structures.

Conclusion
: MxA displays antiviral activity against HBV involving a mechanism of MxA-HBcAg interaction that may interfere with core particle formation.
120 years of hippocampal Schaffer collaterals
Authors: Szirmai Imre , Buzsáki György , Kamondi Anita
Published: January 2012

Károly Schaffer (1864–1939) was a Hungarian neurologist who distinguished himself through original discoveries in human neuropathology. At the beginning of his scientific carrier, he described the cellular and fiber structure of the hippocampus, earning him a high reputation in neuroscience. Schaffer (1892) described the so‐called “collateral fiber system” that connects the CA3 and CA1 regions of the hippocampus, known today as Schaffer collaterals. To decipher the history of this well‐known eponym, we review Schaffer's original German publication and follow the impact of his research in the contemporary literature. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals Inc.
Double‐delayed intensification paediatric protocol without radiotherapy is an efficient treatment in adult lymphoblastic lymphoma
Authors: Corre Elise , Marjanovic Zora , Lapusan Simona , Vekhoff Anne , Hirsch Pierre , Marie Jean‐Pierre , Legrand Ollivier
Published: January 2012

Lymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL) is a rare disease associated with favourable prognosis in childhood but with poor prognosis in adults when treated with conventional non‐Hodgkin lymphoma regimens. Improvements in long‐term outcome have been made since the use of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) regimens. We report here the feasibility of a double‐delayed intensification paediatric protocol in 12 adult LBL patients. There were no relapses and no deaths, with a median follow‐up of 4.7 years. Using the same protocol, overall survival was significantly longer in LBL patients versus ALL patients (100% vs 75%, p = 0.05). Overall tolerance was acceptable and better in ALL patients. We have shown the feasibility and the good results of using this paediatric protocol in LBL. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Implications of homelessness for parenting young children: A preliminary review from a developmental attachment perspective
Authors: David Daryn H. , Gelberg Lillian , Suchman Nancy E.
Published: January 2012

Although it has been well‐documented that parents and children who experience homelessness often have compromised health and well‐being, few studies have examined the potential implications of homelessness on the process of parenting young children. In this review, we consider how parents of young children might function under the circumstances of homelessness. We begin with a brief overview of the psychological, social, and medical characteristics of homeless mothers and their young children. Using a developmental attachment perspective, we next briefly review the central tasks of parenting during the first 5 years of life, including emotion regulation and fostering of child autonomy, with an eye toward how homelessness may compromise a mother's ability to complete these tasks. Finally, we provide suggestions for further research that incorporate a developmental attachment perspective and other relevant viewpoints. Because of the paucity of research in this area, our review seeks to provide a heuristic framework for future research, intervention development, and policy.
The good, the bad, and the ambivalent: Quality of alliance in a support program for young mothers
Authors: Humphries Marisha L. , Korfmacher Jon
Published: January 2012

The relationship that develops between early childhood service providers and parents is seen as a critical component in program implementation, although little is known about how service providers and parents view this relationship. The current qualitative study examines the helping relationship between doulas and 12 African American adolescent mothers who participated in a larger study of prenatal and postnatal support. Mothers and their doulas were interviewed separately at the beginning and the end of program participation about the quality of the helping relationship and how they spent their time together. Content analysis revealed positive, negative, and ambivalent themes in mothers' and doulas' descriptions of their relationships, although the majority of the relationships were considered positive. For the most part, doulas and mothers agreed on the quality of the relationship that they formed with each other. Mothers were more likely to note the enjoyable aspects of spending time with their doula while doulas focused more on issues of trust and acceptance. The young mothers and doulas often considered amount of contact and availability (or lack thereof) as a sign of the quality of the relationship. Results are discussed in terms of the professional role of the doula and cultural influences in help‐giving behavior.
Children's emotional responsiveness and sociomoral understanding and associations with mothers' and fathers' socialization practices
Authors: Garner Pamela W.
Published: January 2012

Sixty‐two preschoolers (55% boys) were presented hypothetical dilemmas about moral transgressions. Responses were evaluated in terms of children's emotional responsiveness, prosocial motives, and readiness to intervene. Mothers and fathers reported separately on their use of victim‐oriented inductions, teaching reparations, power assertion, and love withdrawal. Four years later, parents reported on children's behavioral problems, emotion‐regulation ability, and empathy. Mothers reported using more victim‐oriented inductions than did fathers, and girls responded with more personal distress and reported more rule‐oriented motives. Maternal love withdrawal was a positive predictor of empathy and motives of concern. For fathers, teaching reparations were positively related to children's sympathy. Interestingly, mothers' power assertion was negatively related to sympathy at high levels of fathers' power assertion, but not at low levels. Maternal power assertion during the preschool years was negatively associated with children's long‐term empathy scores. School‐age outcomes also were meaningfully predicted by earlier sociomoral competence.
Livin regulates prostate cancer cell invasion by impacting the NF‐κB signaling pathway and the expression of FN and CXCR4
Authors: Chen Feng , Yang Deyong , Wang Shujing , Che Xiangyu , Wang Jianbo , Li Xiancheng , Zhang Zhiwei , Chen Xiaochi , Song Xishuang
Published: January 2012

Prostate cancer (PCa) has the second highest mortality rate of all tumor‐related diseases for males in Western countries, and the incidence of PCa in China is increasing. Previous studies have proven that inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) can regulate tumor cell invasion and metastasis. Livin is the most recently identified IAP. Our previous study showed that Livin might play an important role in the initiation of human PCa and that Livin‐α might promote cell proliferation by regulating the G1–S cell cycle transition. However, whether Livin, as an IAP, can regulate the invasive ability of PCa cells remains unknown. In this study, we found that the expression of Livin was higher in metastatic PCa tissues than in nonmetastatic tissues and that the expression of Livin was downregulated/upregulated by small interfering RNA/vector, which could inhibit/promote PC‐3/LNCaP cell invasion. This action was related to the impact of Livin on nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) and its downstream signaling pathway, including FN and CXCR4. Together, our findings suggested that Livin might regulate tumor cell invasion in PCa directly, and that Livin might be an ideal candidate for preventing tumor cell invasion. © 2012 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 2012
Comparison of two methods for noninvasive determination of carotenoids in human and animal skin: Raman spectroscopy versus reflection spectroscopy
Authors: Darvin Maxim E. , Sandhagen Carl , Koecher Wolfgang , Sterry Wolfram , Lademann Juergen , Meinke Martina C.
Published: January 2012

Based on compelling in vivo and in vitro studies on human skin, carotenoids are thought to be of great interest as powerful antioxidants acting to prevent free‐radical‐induced damages, including premature skin ageing and the development of skin diseases such as cancer. Among the available techniques that are suitable for noninvasive determination of carotenoids in human skin, are resonance Raman spectroscopy (RRS) and reflection spectroscopy (RS). For RS, a LED‐based miniaturized spectroscopic system (MSS) was developed for noninvasive measurement of carotenoids in human skin. The optimization and subsequent calibration of the MSS was performed with the use of RRS. A strong correlation between the carotenoid concentration determined by the RS and for the RRS system was achieved for human skin in vivo (R = 0.88) and for bovine udder skin in vitro (R = 0.81). (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Technologies supporting analytical cytology: clinical, research and drug discovery applications
Authors: Cecic Ivana K. , Li Gerald , MacAulay Calum
Published: January 2012

The tools and techniques developed for analytical cytology have become invaluable in expanding the development of cancer screening programs and biomarker discovery for personalized medicine. Detecting cellular, molecular, and functional changes of diseased tissue as defined by quantitative analytical methodologies has enhanced the field of medical diagnostics and prognostics. The focus of this review is to outline applications and recent technical advances in flow cytometry, laser scanning cytometry, image cytometry, and quantitative image analysis, as they pertain to clinical, research, and drug discovery applications. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The utility of far‐infrared illumination in oxygenation dynamics as measured with near‐infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Chun‐Yang , Chuang Ming‐Lung , Chuang Ching‐Cheng , Hsieh Yao‐Sheng , Sun Chia‐Wei
Published: January 2012

Near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a noninvasive method for measuring the oxygenation in muscle and other tissues in vivo. For quantitative NIRS measurement of oxygenation dynamics, the vessel‐occlusion test was usually applied as physiological intervention. There are several drawbacks of the vessel‐occlusion method that include skin contact, uncomfortable and microcirculation block of patients. Thus, we propose the far‐infrared (FIR) illumination as a new physiological intervention method in this paper. Our preliminary result shows a linear correlation of oxygenation dynamic signals between FIR illumination and arterial‐occlusion test (AOT) that implies the FIR illumination could be applied for hemodynamic response measurement in clinical diagnosis. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
In vivo imaging of hepatic excretory function in the rat by fluorescence microscopy
Authors: Recknagel Peter , Claus Ralf A. , Neugebauer Ute , Bauer Michael , Gonnert Falk A.
Published: January 2012

Applying intravital fluorescence microscopy, we assessed sinusoidal delivery and biliary clearance of two different polymethine dyes. DY635, a benzopyrylium‐based hemocyanine dye with shorter excitation wavelength than indocyanine green (ICG), was validated for assessment of hepatic excretory function. Decrease of DY635 and ICG reflecting transcellular transport was 83 ± 4% (DY635) and 14 ± 2% (ICG; p < 0.05) over 35 minutes, respectively. In cholestasis, hepatobiliary excretion of DY635 was markedly impaired (control 3176 ± 148 pmol vs. cholestatic 1929 ± 179 pmol; p < 0.05). DY635 even enabled an analysis at high resolution suggesting 1.) hepatocyte uncoupling and 2.) failure of primarily the canalicular pole, allowing in vivo insights into molecular mechanisms of this critical facet of hepatobiliary function. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Fibrillogenesis of human β2‐microglobulin in three‐dimensional silicon microstructures
Authors: Merlo Sabina , Barillaro Giuseppe , Carpignano Francesca , Silva Gloria , Surdo Salvatore , Strambini Lucanos M. , Giorgetti Sofia , Nichino Daniela , Relini Annalisa , Mazzini Giuliano , Stoppini Monica , Bellotti Vittorio
Published: January 2012

The authors describe the interaction of biological nanostructures formed by β2‐microglobulin amyloid fibrils with three‐dimensional silicon microstructures consisting in periodic arrays of vertical silicon walls (≈3 μm‐thick) separated by 50 μm‐deep air gaps (≈5 μm‐wide). These structures are of great interest from a biological point of view since they well mimic the interstitial environment typical of amyloid deposition in vivo. Moreover, they behave as hybrid photonic crystals, potentially applicable as optical transducers for label‐free detection of the kinetics of amyloid fibrils formation. Fluorescence and atomic force microscopy (AFM) show that a uniform distribution of amyloid fibrils is achieved when fibrillogenesis occurs directly on silicon. The high resolution AFM images also demonstrate that amyloid fibrils grown on silicon are characterized by the same fine structure typically ensured by fibrillogenesis in solution. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
HMGB1 mediates IFN‐γ‐induced cell proliferation in MMC cells through regulation of cyclin D1/CDK4/p16 pathway
Authors: Feng Xiaojuan , Hao Jun , Liu Qingjuan , Yang Lin , Lv Xin , Zhang Yujun , Xing Lingling , Xu Ning , Liu Shuxia
Published: January 2012

Previous studies have revealed the elevated serum levels of High‐mobility group box‐1(HMGB1) and the interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ)‐induced proliferation of renal mesangial cells in patients or experimental animals with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, it is still not elucidated whether HMGB1 involves in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis (LN) and mediates IFN‐γ‐induced mesangial cell proliferation. Therefore, in the present study we demonstrated HMGB1 mRNA and protein levels were increased in the glomeruli of LN patients and BXSB mice. HMGB1 increased the proliferation index of mouse mesangial cells (MMC) that was accompanied with the up‐regulation of cyclin D1, CDK4 and the down‐regulation of p16, subsequently promoting the transition from the G0/G1 to S stage. Inhibition of HMGB1 by a specific short hairpin RNA vector prevented cyclin D1/CDK4/p16 up‐regulation and attenuated IFN‐γ‐induced MMC cell proliferation and PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen, PCNA) expression. These findings indicate that HMGB1 mediates IFN‐γ‐induced cell proliferation in MMC cells through regulation of cyclin D1/CDK4/p16 pathway and promoting the cell cycle transition from G1 to S stage. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 2009–2019, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MiR‐221 promotes cardiac hypertrophy in vitro through the modulation of p27 expression
Authors: Wang Changxin , Wang Shuiyun , Zhao Peng , Wang Xiaojian , Wang Jizheng , Wang Yilu , Song Lei , Zou Yubao , Hui Rutai
Published: January 2012

Cardiac hypertrophy has been known as an independent predictor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Molecular mechanisms underlying the development of heart failure remain elusive. Recently, microRNAs (miRs) have been established as important regulators in cardiac hypertrophy. Here, we reported miR‐221 was up‐regulated in both transverse aortic constricted mice and patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Forced expression of miR‐221 by transfection of miR‐221 mimics increased myocyte cell size and induced the re‐expression of fetal genes, which were inhibited by the knockdown of endogenous miR‐221 in cardiomyocytes. The TargetScan algorithm‐based prediction identified that p27, a cardiac hypertrophic suppressor, is the putative target of miR‐221, which was confirmed by luciferase assay and Western blotting.

In conclusion, our results demonstrated that miR‐221 regulated cardiomyocyte hypertrophy probably through down‐regulation of p27, suggesting that miR‐221 may be a new intervention target for cardiac hypertrophy. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 2040–2046, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
3‐hydroxy 3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme a reductase inhibition impairs muscle regeneration
Authors: Trapani Laura , Segatto Marco , La Rosa Piergiorgio , Fanelli Francesca , Moreno Sandra , Marino Maria , Pallottini Valentina
Published: January 2012

Skeletal muscle has the ability to regenerate new muscle fibers after injury. The process of new muscle formation requires that quiescent mononuclear muscle precursor cells (myoblasts) become activated, proliferate, differentiate, and fuse into multinucleated myotubes which, in turn, undergo further differentiation and mature to form functional muscle fibers. Previous data demonstrated the crucial role played by 3‐hydroxy 3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR), the rate‐limiting enzyme of cholesterol biosynthetic pathway, in fetal rat myoblast (L6) differentiation. This finding, along with epidemiological studies assessing the myotoxic effect of statins, HMGR inhibitors, allowed us to speculate that HMGR could be strongly involved in skeletal muscle repair. Thus, our research was aimed at evaluating such involvement: in vitro and in vivo experiments were performed on both mouse adult satellite cell derived myoblasts (SCDM) and mouse muscles injured with cardiotoxin. Results demonstrate that HMGR inhibition by the statin Simvastatin reduces SCDM fusion index, fast MHC protein levels by 60% and slow MHC by 40%. Most importantly, HMGR inhibition delays skeletal muscle regeneration in vivo. Thus, besides complaining of myopathies, patients given Simvastatin could also undergo an impairment in muscle repair. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 2057–2063, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Protein kinase Cδ but not PKCα is involved in insulin‐induced glucose metabolism in hepatocytes
Authors: Brutman‐Barazani Tamar , Horovitz‐Fried Miriam , Aga‐Mizrachi Shlomit , Brand Chagit , Brodie Chaya , Rosa Jagoda , Sampson Sanford R.
Published: January 2012

The liver is a major insulin‐responsive tissue responsible for glucose regulation. One important mechanism in this phenomenon is insulin‐induced glycogen synthesis. Studies in our laboratory have shown that protein kinase Cs delta (PKCδ) and alpha (α) have important roles in insulin‐induced glucose transport in skeletal muscle, and that their expression and activity are regulated by insulin. Their importance in glucose regulation in liver cells is unclear. In this study we investigated the possibility that these isoforms are involved in the mediation of insulin‐induced glycogen synthesis in hepatocytes. Studies were done on rat hepatocytes in primary culture and on the AML‐12 (alpha mouse liver) cell line. Insulin increased activity and tyrosine phosphorylation of PKCδ within 5 min. In contrast, activity and tyrosine phosphorylation of PKCα were not increased by insulin. PKCδ was constitutively associated with IR, and this was increased by insulin stimulation. Suppression of PKCδ expression by transfection with RNAi, or overexpression of kinase dead (dominant negative) PKCδ reduced both the insulin‐induced activation of PKB/Akt and the phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) and reduced significantly insulin‐induced glucose uptake. In addition, treatment of primary rat hepatocytes with rottlerin abrogated insulin‐induced increase in glycogen synthesis. Neither overexpression nor inhibition of PKCα appeared to alter activation of PKB, phosphorylation of GSK3 or glucose uptake in response to insulin. We conclude that PKCδ, but not PKCα, plays an essential role in insulin‐induced glucose uptake and glycogenesis in hepatocytes. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 2064–2076, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Electrochemical Surface Structuring with Polyaniline Wrapped Hb for Hydrogen Peroxide Biosensing
Authors: He Yaping , Zheng Jianbin , Sheng Qinglin
Published: January 2012

Through the electrodeposition of aniline with hemoglobin (Hb) on zincoxide‐gold colloidal sols (ZnO‐AuNPs) modified indium oxide electrode, a hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) biosensor was constructed. Polyaniline (PANI) form a nano‐cage wrapped Hb, which provided a comfortable and stable site for the immobization of Hb. UV‐vis spectrum was employed to characterize Hb retained original structure in the resulting Hb‐PANI/ZnO‐AuNPs membrane. Electrochemical investigation of the biosensor showed a pair of well‐defined, quasi‐reversible redox peaks with Epa= ‐0.139 V and Epc = ‐0.238 V (vs. SCE) in 0.1 M pH 7.0 phosphate buffer solution at the scan rate of 100 mV/s. The biosensor displayed a fast response time (<3 s) and broad linear response to H2O2 in the range from 1.5 μM to 1.7 mM with a detection limit of 0.8 μM (S/N = 3).
(Imido)vanadium(V)‐alkyl, Alkylidene Complexes Exhibiting Unique Reactivities towards Olefins, Phenols, and Benzene via 1,2‐C‐H Bond Activation
Authors: Nomura Kotohiro
Published: January 2012

Recent examples for synthesis and reaction chemistry with (imido)vanadium(V)‐alkyl, ‐alkylidene complexes have been briefly summarized. (Arylimido)vanadium(V) dichloride complexes especially containing aryloxo ligands exhibited notable activities for ethylene polymerization, and the reacition pathways for the polymerization/dimerization using (imido)vanadium(V) dichloride complexes containing (2‐anilidomethyl)pyridine ligands can be tuned by modification of the steric bulk in the imido substituents; the adamantylimido analogues exhibited exceptionally high both activity and selectivity in the dimerization. These vanadium(V)‐alkyl complexes showed unique reactivity toward phenols; the reaction proceeds via coordination of phenols to the vanadium. The vanadium(V)‐alkylidene complexes were generated by α‐hydrogen elimination from the dialkyl analogues in the presence of PMe3 etc.; the subsequent 1,2‐C‐H bond activation of benzene with (arylimido)vanadium(V)‐alkylidene containing 1,3‐(2′,6′‐diiso‐propylphenyl)imidazolin‐2‐iminato (ImDIPPN) ligand took place cleanly.
Studies on Suzuki‐Miyaura Reactions Catalyzed by Ferrocenyl or Cobaltocenyl Phosphines Ligated Palladium Complexes
Authors: Hsiao Jun , Weng Chia‐Ming , Hong Fung‐E
Published: January 2012

DFT studies on several dppf‐ and dppc‐derived bidentate phosphines ligated palladium complexes catalyzed Suzuki‐Miyaura coupling reactions were pursued. The catalytic reactions employing ligands, having two phosphine biting sites on different cyclpentadienyl or cyclobutadiene rings, such as 1,1′‐dmpf or 1,1′‐dmpc, have been verified to be energetically more favorable than those on the same ring provided that tetra‐coordinated palladium conformations for all transition states and intermediates are maintained. Apart from the purpose of storage, the application of phosphinous acid (R2P(OH)) in Suzuki‐Miyaura reaction is inferior to tertiary phosphine (R3P).
Montmorillonite as a Heterogeneous Catalyst in the Efficient, Mild and One Pot Synthesis of Schiff Bases under Solvent‐Free Conditions
Authors: Naeimi Hossein , Rabiei Khadijeh
Published: January 2012

A mild and efficient method has been reported for preparation of Schiff base ligands through condensation reaction of various aromatic aldehydes and ketones with different aromatic amines in the presence of montmorillonite as a heterogeneous catalyst under solvent free conditions. The advantages of this friendly, economically, environmentally and mild method are such as; simplicity of the reaction procedure, reusability of catalyst, simple work‐up, high product yields and very short reaction times.
Electrochemical Oxidation and Sensitive Determination of Pyrogallol at Preanodized Screen‐Printed Carbon Electrodes
Authors: Feng Pi‐Shan , Wang Sheng‐Ming , Su Wan‐Yu , Cheng Shu‐Hua
Published: January 2012

In this study, we report a simple, low‐cost and rapid electrochemical sensor based on the anodically pretreated screen‐printed carbon electrodes (SPCE*) for the determination of pyrogallol in pH 7.0 buffer solutions. Cyclic voltammetric studies show that SPCE* lowers overpotentials and improve electrochemical behaviour of pyrogallol, compared to untreated SPCE. All experimental parameters were optimized to improve voltammetric responses; excellent analytical features were achieved by flow‐injection amperometric methods. A linear calibration plot was obtained for 10‐1000 μM pyrogallol with a slope of 0.0562 μA/μM. The detection limit (S/N = 3) was 0.33 μM. Interferences from some inorganic salts and organic compounds were studied. The assay was applied to the determination of pyrogallol in tap water and lake water, respectively.
Efficient Liquid‐Phase Oxidation of Diphenylmethane to Benzophenone over Vanadium‐Containing MCM‐41 Catalysts
Authors: Chen Chih‐Wei , Ko An‐Nan
Published: January 2012

The liquid‐phase oxidation of diphenylmethane with tert‐butylhydroperoxide has been studied using vanadium‐containing MCM‐41 materials, which were prepared by direct hydrothermal (V‐MCM‐41) and wet impregnation (V/MCM‐41) methods. These catalysts were characterized in detail by ICP‐AES, N2‐sorption, XRD, FT‐IR, 29Si and 51V NMR, TPD of ammonia, TPR of hydrogen, and chemisorption of oxygen. Both series of catalyst show good catalytic results, which are attributed to their highly ordered mesoporous structure, large BET surface area as well as the presence of easily accessible vanadium‐oxygen species as active centers in the catalyst. Further, V‐MCM‐41 exhibit superior catalytic activity (based on turnover number) than V/MCM‐41 mainly due to well‐dispersed tetrahedral vanadium‐oxygen species with higher oxidation ability. The effect of reaction parameters, i.e., temperature, time, solvent, etc. were investigated. Catalyst recycling test reveals good stability with only slight extent of leaching during the reaction.
Study on Spectrophotometric Method for Determination of Bismuth after Flotation Separation Using Microcrystalline Adsorption System
Authors: Wen Xin‐Rong , Tu Chang‐Qing
Published: January 2012

The paper presents a novel method for the flotation separation of Bi3+ using microcrystalline adsorption system prior to the determination by spectrophotometry. The effects of different parameters, such as the dosages of KI and dodecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (DTMAB), various salts and acidity etc. on the flotation yield of Bi3+ have been investigated to select the optimum experimental conditions. The possible flotation separation mechanism of Bi3+ was discussed. The results showed that under the optimum conditions, dodecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide cation (DTMAB+ ) reacted with I− to produce themicrocrystalline matter (Ms‐M) of (DTMAB+·I−), the water‐insoluble ternary association complex of (DTMAB)3[BiI6] which produced by Bi3+ and I−, DTMAB+ was quantificationally adsorbed on the surface of Ms‐M of (DTMAB+·I−) and was floated above water phase, the liquid‐solid phases were formed with clear interface. In this condition, K+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Mn2+, Zn2+, Fe2+ and Al3+ could not be floated. Therefore, Bi3+ was separated completely from the above metal ions. A new method for flotation separation and determination of bismuth using microcrystalline adsorption system was established. The proposed method has been successfully applied to the determination of Bi3+ in bismuthiferous drug samples, and the results agreed well with those obtained by pharmacopoeia method. The recoveries were 94.1%∼106.8%, and the RSD was 1.5%∼2.3%.
Schist‐like Nanostructured Manganese Oxides and Their Electrochemical Capacitance Properties
Authors: Chen Lung‐Jing , Ko Wen‐Yin , Chen Yu‐Hung , Lin Kuan‐Jiuh
Published: January 2012

With an aim to develop environment friendly and inexpensive materials for electrochemical capacitor electrodes, nanocrystalline γ‐MnO2 with layered architecture of schist‐like structure was successfully synthesized by reducing mixed MnSO4×H2O and CTAMnO4 precursors in stoichiometric amounts through a hydrothermal process. The as‐prepared MnO2 was characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and thermal gravimetric analysis. Also, cyclic voltammetry was employed to investigate the electrochemical properties of the products in neutral KCl aqueous solution, showing a higher enhanced capacitive performance than that of the sample without a coating of schist‐like γ‐MnO2, indicating that our MnO2‐based electrode provides a promising opportunity for high‐performance energy storage devices.
Pigment removal in anaerobically digested effluent through polyelectrolyte flocculation and liquid–liquid extraction
Authors: Zhang Tianxi , Jiang Anping , Harrison Joseph H. , Chen Shulin
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND: Use of flocculation in wastewater treatment involves interactions of polymer with suspended solids and some dissolved organic compounds that can have a significant impact on aggregation process.

RESULTS: It was found that a strong interaction between cationic compounds and dissolved pigments in anaerobically digested (AD) wastewater occurred. The interactions were investigated by light adsorption of the pigments using a commercial flocculant added in the solutions and through a liquid–liquid extraction method using a model cationic surfactant (CTAB) dissolved in organic solvents. The absorbance of pigments decreased significantly with added cationic flocculant as the pigments and flocculants formed insoluble complexes that were removed by centrifugation.

CONCLUSION: The absorbance results indicate that the pigments can form complexes even at high concentrations (e.g. 2000 mg L−1) of the flocculants. In addition, the extraction results demonstrated that pigments in the aqueous phase were transferred into the CTAB organic phase due to a strong interaction between the pigments and CTAB. These results suggest that the pigments present in AD effluent could be a negative factor for the flocculation process, probably resulting in the need for a high dosage of flocculants. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
How should we measure left atrium size and function?
Authors: Vizzardi Enrico , D'Aloia Antonio , Rocco Elena , Lupi Laura , Rovetta Riccardo , Quinzani Filippo , Bontempi Luca , Curnis, MD Antonio , Dei Cas Livio
Published: January 2012

Echocardiographic assessment of left atrial size from M‐mode or 2D echocardiography measurements has been used in clinical and research studies for years, but its accuracy is now questioned. New techniques, such as 3D and tissue Doppler imaging, assessing velocities, strain and strain rate, provide improved prognostic value in a wide range of diseases. 2D strain imaging using speckle tracking on B‐mode images may yield even better, angle‐independent, results than tissue Doppler imaging‐derived strain echocardiography. Finally, velocity vector imaging is a novel image analysis technique that may be used to quantify left atrial volume. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2012
Macrolide therapy and outcomes in a multicenter cohort of children hospitalized with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia
Authors: Shah Samir S. , Test Matthew , Sheffler‐Collins Seth , Weiss Anna K. , Hall Matthew
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND:

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of community‐acquired pneumonia in childhood. Few studies have addressed the association of antimicrobial treatment and outcomes.

OBJECTIVE:

To determine whether macrolide therapy is associated with improved outcomes among children hospitalized with M. pneumoniae pneumonia.

DESIGN:

Multicenter retrospective cohort study.

SETTING:

Thirty‐six children's hospitals which contribute data to the Pediatric Health Information System.

PATIENTS:

Children 6‐18 years of age discharged with a diagnosis of M. pneumoniae pneumonia.

MAIN EXPOSURE:

Initial macrolide therapy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Length of stay (LOS), all‐cause readmissions, and asthma‐related hospitalizations.

RESULTS:

Empiric macrolide therapy was administered to 405 (58.7%) of 690 patients. The median LOS was 3 days (interquartile range, 2‐6 days). Eight (1.2 %) patients were readmitted within 28 days, and 160 (23.2%) were readmitted within 15 months of index discharge. Ninety‐five (13.7%) patients were hospitalized for asthma within 15 months of index discharge. Empiric macrolide therapy was associated with a 32% shorter overall LOS (adjusted beta‐coefficient, −0.38; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.59 to −0.17). Macrolide therapy was not associated with all‐cause readmission at 28 days (adjusted odds ratio, 1.12; 95% CI: 0.22‐5.78) or 15 months (adjusted odds ratio, 1.00; 95% CI: 0.59‐1.70) or with asthma‐related hospitalizations at 15 months (adjusted odds ratio, 0.85; 95% CI: 0.36‐1.97).

CONCLUSION:

In this large multicenter study of children hospitalized with M. pneumoniae pneumonia, empiric macrolide therapy was associated with a shorter hospital LOS. Macrolide therapy was not associated with 28‐day or 15‐month hospital readmission. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2012; © 2012 Society of Hospital Medicine
Results of a retrospective observational study of intermediate care staffed by hospitalists: Impact on mortality, co‐management, and teaching
Authors: Lucena Juan Felipe , Alegre Félix , Rodil Raquel , Landecho Manuel Fortún , García‐Mouriz Alberto , Marqués Margarita , Aquerreta Irene , García Nicolás , Quiroga Jorge
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND:

Hospitalized patients are complex and institutions have to face the high cost of critical care and the limited resources of the ward. Intermediate care appears as an attractive strategy to provide rational care according to patient needs. It is an interesting scenario to expand co‐management and teaching.

STUDY DESIGN:

Retrospective observational study.

SETTING:

Intermediate care unit (ImCU) of a single academic hospital.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

456 patients admitted from April 2006 to April 2010 were included in the study. Demographics, admission physiologic parameters and in‐hospital mortality were recorded. We used the Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS II) as prognostic score system. Co‐management with medical and surgical teams, and the number of training residents were evaluated.

RESULTS:

In‐hospital mortality was 20.6%, whereas the expected mortality was 23.2% based on SAPS II score. The correlation between SAPS II predicted and observed death rates was accurate and statistically significant (Rho = 1.0, p < 0.001). Co‐management was performed with several medical and surgical teams, with an increase in perioperative comanagement of 22.7% (p = 0.014). The number of training residents in ImCU increased from 4.3% to 30.4% (p = 0.002)

CONCLUSIONS:

An ImCU led by hospitalists showed encouraging results regarding patient survival and SAPS II is an useful tool for prognostic evaluation in this population. Intermediate care serves as an expansion of role for hospitalists; and clinicians, trainees and patients may benefit from co‐management and teaching opportunities at this unique level of care. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2012; © 2012 Society of Hospital Medicine
ACUTE center for eating disorders
Authors: Chu Eugene S. , Gaudiani Jennifer L. , Mascolo Margherita , Statland Barbara , Sabel Allison , Carroll Kim , Mehler Philip S.
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND:

While patients with anorexia nervosa have a high mortality rate, more are living into adulthood. Patients with severe malnutrition secondary to anorexia nervosa often require hospitalization for medical stabilization prior to treatment in eating disorders programs.

METHODS:

We developed the ACUTE Center at Denver Health Medical Center to medically stabilize adults with the medical complications of severe malnutrition due to an eating disorder. The first 2 years of patient characteristics and outcomes are reported.

RESULTS:

From October 2008 through December 2010, the ACUTE unit had 76 admissions of which 62 were for medical stabilization, comprising 54 patients. Eighty‐nine percent of patients were female. The mean age was 27 years old (range 17–65). The mean body mass index on admission was 12.9 kg/m2 (standard deviation [SD] 2.0). At admission, patients were hyponatremic, anemic, and leukopenic, with low bone density, but had normal albumin levels. The mean body mass index on discharge was 13.1 ± 1.9 kg/m2. Median length of stay was 16 days (interquartile range [IQR] 9–29 days). Eighteen percent were discharged to home and eighty‐two percent were discharged to inpatient psychiatric eating disorder units. Inpatient mortality was zero.

DISCUSSION:

Patients with this degree of severe malnutrition due to eating disorders are medically complex and relatively uncommon. Regionalized subspecialty centers of excellence, in which a multidisciplinary team is led by practitioners of hospital medicine who have developed expertise in a rare condition, may improve clinical outcomes, optimize healthcare resources, and provide unique professional and academic opportunities for the clinicians involved. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2012;. © 2012 Society of Hospital Medicine
Job characteristics, satisfaction, and burnout across hospitalist practice models
Authors: Hinami Keiki , Whelan Chad T. , Miller Joseph A. , Wolosin Robert J. , Wetterneck Tosha B. ,   for the Society of Hospital Medicine Career Satisfaction Task Force
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND:

Nearly two‐thirds of hospitals in the United States are served by hospitalist physicians. How hospitalist work patterns and job satisfaction vary across various practice models is unknown.

METHODS:

We administered the Hospitalist Worklife Survey to a randomized stratified sample of 3105 potential hospitalists and 662 hospitalist members of 3 multistate hospitalist companies. Details about respondents' hospitalist group characteristics, their work patterns, and satisfaction with 2 global and 11 domain measures were assessed. Factors influencing job satisfaction were also solicited. These factors, job characteristics, job satisfaction, and burnout were compared across predefined practice models.

RESULTS:

The adjusted response rate was 25.6%. Among the respondents, 44% were employed by a hospital, 15% by a multispecialty physician group, 14% by a multistate hospitalist group, 14% by a university or medical school, 12% by a local hospitalist group, and 2% by other. Hospitalists of local groups reported more clinical shifts per month, and hospitalists of local and multistate groups reported more billable encounters per shift compared to other practice models. Academic hospitalists reported fewer night shifts, fewer billable encounters per shift, more nonclinical work hours, and lower earnings compared to other practice models. Differences in clinical and nonclinical responsibilities, and differences in factors most important to job satisfaction, were noted across the 5 models. Despite these differences, levels of global job satisfaction and burnout were similar across the practice models.

CONCLUSIONS:

Work patterns, compensation, and hospitalists' priorities varied significantly across practice models. Overall job satisfaction and burnout were similar across models, despite these differences. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2012; © 2012 Society of Hospital Medicine
Movement disorders: role of imaging in diagnosis
Authors: Mascalchi Mario , Vella Alessandra , Ceravolo Roberto
Published: January 2012

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI and single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) have a considerable role in the diagnosis of the single patient with movement disorders. Conventional MRI demonstrates symptomatic causes of parkinsonism but does not show any specific finding in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, SPECT using tracers of the dopamine transporter (DAT) demonstrates an asymmetric decrease of the uptake in the putamen and caudate from the earliest clinical stages. In other degenerative forms of parkinsonism, including progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), multisystem atrophy (MSA), and corticobasal degeneration (CBD), MRI reveals characteristic patterns of regional atrophy combined with signal changes or microstructural changes in the basal ganglia, pons, middle and superior cerebellar peduncles, and cerebral subcortical white matter. SPECT demonstrates a decreased uptake of tracers of the dopamine D2 receptors in the striata of patients with PSP and MSA, which is not observed in early PD. MRI also significantly contributes to the diagnosis of some inherited hyperkinetic conditions including neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation and fragile‐X tremor/ataxia syndrome by revealing characteristic symmetric signal changes in the basal ganglia and middle cerebellar peduncles, respectively. A combination of the clinical features with MRI and SPECT is recommended for optimization of the diagnostic algorithm in movement disorders. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;239‐256. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Analysis of pulse wave velocity in the thoracic aorta by flow‐sensitive four‐dimensional MRI: Reproducibility and correlation with characteristics in patients with aortic atherosclerosis
Authors: Markl Michael , Wallis Wolf , Strecker Christoph , Gladstone Beryl Primrose , Vach Werner , Harloff Andreas
Published: January 2012

Purpose:

To measure aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) using flow‐sensitive four‐dimensional (4D) MRI and to evaluate test–retest reliability, inter‐ and intra‐observer variability in volunteers and correlation with characteristics in patients with aortic atherosclerosis.

Materials and Methods:

Flow‐sensitive 4D MRI was performed in 12 volunteers (24 ± 3 years) and 86 acute stroke patients (68 ± 9 years) with aortic atherosclerosis. Retrospectively positioned 28 ± 4 analysis planes along the entire aorta (inter‐slice‐distance = 10 mm) and frame wise lumen segmentation yielded flow‐time‐curves for each plane. Global aortic PWV was calculated from time‐shifts and distances between the upslope portions of all available flow‐time curves.

Results:

Inter‐ and intra‐observer variability of PWV measurements in volunteers (7% and 8%) was low while test–retest reliability (22%) was moderate. PWV in patients was significantly higher compared with volunteers (5.8 ± 2.9 versus 3.8 ± 0.8 m/s; P = 0.02). Among 17 patient characteristics considered, statistical analysis revealed significant (P < 0.05) but low correlation of PWV with age (r = 0.25), aortic valve insufficiency (r = 0.29), and pulse pressure (r = 0.28). Multivariate modeling indicated that aortic valve insufficiency and elevated pulse pressure were significantly associated with higher PWV (adjusted R2 = 0.13).

Conclusion:

Flow‐sensitive 4D MRI allows for estimating aortic PWV with low observer dependence and moderate test–retest reliability. PWV in patients correlated with age, aortic valve insufficiency, and pulse pressure. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;35:1162‐1168. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Noninvasive evaluation of 3D hemodynamics in a complex case of single ventricle physiology
Authors: Markl Michael , Geiger Julia , Jung Bernd , Hirtler Daniel , Arnold Raoul
Published: January 2012

We report the comprehensive evaluation of the complex hemodynamics in a rare case of a pediatric patient after repair of congenital heart disease with multiple abnormalities including hypoplastic left heart, double outlet right ventricle, transposition of great arteries, ventricular septal defect, aortic coarctation, and total cavopulmonary connection. Based on a single measurement, whole‐heart flow‐sensitive 4D magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was able to demonstrate a number of regional flow alterations such as poststenotic helix formation and asymmetric flow distributions for the double arterial outlet and to the left and right lungs. Our findings illustrate the potential role of flow‐sensitive 4D MRI as a noninvasive and radiation‐free technique for the frequent postinterventional follow‐up in these pediatric patients. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;35:933–937. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.