bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation of new N6, 9‐disubstituted 2‐phenyl‐adenines and corresponding 8‐azaadenines.: A feasibility study for application to solid‐phase Synthesis. I
Authors: Biagi Giuliana , Giorgi Irene , Livi Oreste , Pacchini Federica , Scartoni Valerio , Salerni Oreste Leroy
Published: March 2009

A suitably substituted pyrimidine 1 was converted to a number of title compounds. Nucleophilic substitu tion involving the chlorine atoms in 1 by treatment with phenylmethanethiol yielded 2 or 3, depending on the reaction temperature. Treatment of 3 with an amine afforded 6‐phenylmethanesulfanyl‐N4‐substituted‐2‐phenyl‐pyrimidine‐4,5‐diamines 4–7. These pyrimidines were converted into 2‐phenylpurines 8–11 and 2‐phenyl‐8‐azapurines 12–14, by treatment with triethyl orthoformate in the presence of hydrochloric acid (or acetic anhydride), or with potassium nitrite and acetic acid respectively. The thioether function on C(6) was then converted into a sulfonyl group by oxidation with m‐chloroperoxybenzoic acid affording purines 15–18 and their 8‐azaanalogs 19–21; these compounds, as crude products, were treated with an amine to yield the corresponding adenines 22–25 or 8‐azaadenines 26–31. All reactions were performed under conditions com patible with the possible use of a thiomethyl resin in place of phenylmethanethiol to bind the pyrimidine ring of 1 to a solid phase.
The synthesis of substituted indazoles via cyclization of various hydrazones in the presence of polyphosphoric acid (PPA)
Authors: Guofu Qiu , Jiangtao Su , Xichun Feng , Lamei Wu , Wenjin Xu , Xianming Hu
Published: March 2009

Research directed toward the discovery of nitric oxide synthase inhibitor led to synthesis of a series of substituted indazoles via the intramolecular cyclization of various hydrazones of substituted acetophenones and benzophenones in the presence of polyphosphoric acid (PPA). The structures of the indazoles were determined by elemental analysis, H nmr, ir, and ms.
Indium‐mediated facile preparation of 2‐(heterocyclic thio)‐1‐(2,3,4‐trimethoxyphenyl)ethanone in aqueous media
Authors: Yang Song , Song Bao‐An , Zhang Hua , Hu De‐Yu , Jin Lin‐Hong , Liu Gang
Published: March 2009

An environmentally benign and efficient process for the preparation of 1‐(2,3,4‐trimethoxyphenyl)‐2‐substituted heterocyclic thio ethanone derivatives was achieved by the reactions of mercapto compounds with 2‐bromo‐1‐(2,3,4‐trimethoxyphenyl)ethanone in water mediated by indium in very high yields. Antifungal activities of the compounds were examined and moderate activity was obtained.
New results on the reactivity of 5,6‐diamino‐4‐hydroxy‐2‐mercaptopyrimidine
Authors: Cosimelli Barbara , Iadanza Manuela , Novellino Ettore , Spisani Raffaella
Published: March 2009

The reaction of 5,6‐diamino‐4‐hydroxy‐2‐mercaptopyrimidine with mono‐ and α,ω‐dihalocompounds has been reinvestigated. Alkyl derivatives of 5‐amino group, not previously described, have been obtained as reaction products. A comparison with the reactivity of 6‐amino‐4‐hydroxy‐2‐mercaptopyrimidine has been also performed.
Synthesis of new non‐symmetrical substituted 7,7′‐bisindolizines by the direct reaction of 4,4′‐bipyridinium‐ylides with dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate
Authors: Rotaru Alexandru V. , Danac Ramona P. , Druta Ioan D.
Published: March 2009

We report here on the synthesis of some novel non‐symmetrical substituted bisindolizines by 3+2 dipolar cycloaddition reaction. New compounds were prepared by the direct reaction of isolated non‐symmetrical substituted 4,4′‐bipyridinium bisylides with dimethyl acetylenedicarboxy late (DMAD). The obtained compounds can be used as precursors of fluorescent markers in fluorometric analysis.
Spiro‐heterocycles from substituted pyridines, pyrans and thiopyrans
Authors: Padmavathi Venkatapuram , Reddy Boggu Jagan Mohan , Chandra Boreddy , Reddy Obula , Padmaja Adivireddy
Published: March 2009

A new class of spiro‐pyrimidines, pyrazoles and isoxazoles are prepared by nucleophilic reaction of 3,5‐diaroyl‐2,6‐diaryl‐piperidine‐4,4‐dicarbonitrile (1), 3,5‐diaroyl‐2,6‐diaryl‐tetrahydropyran‐4,4‐dicarbonitrile (2) and 3,5‐diaroyl‐2,6‐diaryl‐tetrahydrothiopyran‐4,4‐dicarbonitrile (3) with urea, N,N'‐dimethyl urea, thiourea, hydrazine hydrate and hydroxylamine hydrochloride.
Synthesis and structure of some imines containing furoxan ring derived from isosafrole
Authors: Dinh Nguyen Huu , Ly Ngo Thi , Van Le Thi Thanh
Published: March 2009

A series of 14 imines containing furoxan and benzene rings has been prepared starting from isosafrole. The structure of reported compounds have been confirmed by elemental analysis, EI MS, UV, IR, and NMR spectroscopy. It is shown that, on treatment with Na2S2O4, the nitro group on the benzene ring was reduced to amino group, but the N→O group of the furoxan ring was not. The 1H‐ and 13C NMR signals are assigned based on their spin‐spin splitting patterns, in some cases, NOESY and HMBC spectra are used. The NOESY spectra indicate that for reported imines, the benzene and the furoxan rings could not be co‐planar; the imine group has E‐configuration.
Synthesis of 3‐(substituted)‐2,4,8,15‐tetroxa‐3‐phosphadispiro[5.2.5]hexadecane‐3‐oxides
Authors: Reddy C. Suresh , Babu Y. Hari , Sankar N. Ravi , Reddy C. Devendranath
Published: March 2009

Novel 3‐(substituted)‐2,4,8,15‐tetroxa‐3‐phosphadispiro[5.2.5]hexadecane‐3‐oxides (3‐12) have been synthesized by cyclization of 1,5‐dioxaspiro[5.5]undecande‐3,3‐dimethanol (1) with various substituted aryl phosphorus dichloridates (2) in dry toluene‐THF in the presence of triethylamine at 40‐60 oC. Their molecular structures were determined by ir, nmr and mass spectral studies and were screened for antifungal activity against Curvularia lunata and Aspergillus niger, and antibacterial activity on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Most of them possess significant activity.
A mild, efficient and improved protocol for the friedländer synthesis of quinolines using lewis acidic ionic liquid
Authors: Karthikeyan Ganesan , Perumal Paramasivan T.
Published: March 2009

Lewis acidic ionic liquid is shown to be for the first time an excellent medium and efficient catalyst for the synthesis of quinolines at room temperature from o‐amino aromatic carbonyls and ketones containing active methylene group.
Total lipid, fatty acid composition and lipid oxidation of Indian white shrimp (Fenneropenaeus indicus) fed diets containing different lipid sources
Authors: Ouraji Hossein , Shabanpour Bahareh , Kenari Abdolmohammad Abedian , Shabani Ali , Nezami Shabanali , Sudagar Mohammad , Faghani Sareh
Published: March 2009

BACKGROUND: Seafood is an important constituent of the human diet. In Iran, Indian white shrimp (Fenneropenaeus indicus) is the major cultured shrimp species as a result of market demand, local availability and growth rate. It is mainly reared using commercial feed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of replacing 50% of the fish oil by vegetable oils in shrimp feed on total lipid, fatty acid composition and lipid oxidation of shrimp muscle.

RESULTS: No significant differences in total lipid content (6.1–7.3 g kg−1) were found between edible tissues of shrimp fed different diets. The major fatty acids in shrimp muscle were palmitic, oleic, lionoleic, stearic, eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids. Higher levels of EPA and DHA were observed in muscle of shrimp fed a diet containing fish oil. Oxidative rancidity, measured as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, for all shrimps did not exceed 0.2 mg malonaldehyde kg−1 muscle tissue, which was low and acceptable.

CONCLUSION: This study had shown that the fatty acid composition of feed directly affects the fatty acid composition of Indian white shrimp muscle. Farmed Indian white shrimp can be considered as a species of low fat and shrimp muscle was quite stable to oxidation during storage. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Inhibition and inactivation evaluation of exogenous glycosidases in wines using p‐nitrophenylglycosides
Authors: Cid Alicia G , Ellenrieder Guillermo
Published: March 2009

BACKGROUND: Glycosidases are often used to improve the aroma of wines via hydrolysis of glycosidic precursors. The aim of this work was to develop a method to test activity and stability of these enzymes in wine environments using p‐nitrophenylglycosides, avoiding interference by colored substances.

RESULTS: The proposed procedure for determination of glycosidase activity in wines involves quantification of the hydrolysis product p‐nitrophenol by HPLC. The method was applied to compare the inhibition of some commercial glycosidases by red and white wines. It was found that inhibition of a β‐D‐glucosidase by ethanol, glucose and gluconolactone was smaller than that produced by wine. This enzyme was also inhibited by wine fractions rich in phenolic compounds and glycosides. When glycoside fractions were first hydrolyzed, their inhibition was strongly reduced. The stability of glycosidases in red wines was tested, showing a destabilizing effect of β‐glucosidases that was stronger than in white wine.

CONCLUSION: The method developed allows measurement of glycosidase activity on p‐nitrophenylglycosides in the presence of colored wine compounds. Comparison of relative glycosidase activity in wines to that in buffer solution under the same conditions can assist in the selection of appropriate aroma‐enhancing enzymes. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Monthly‐, medium‐, and short‐range flood warning: testing the limits of predictability
Authors: Thielen J. , Bogner K. , Pappenberger F. , Kalas M. , del Medico M. , de Roo A.
Published: March 2009

This paper describes a case study that explores the limits of the predictability of floods, by combining forecasts with multiple spatial and temporal resolutions. Monthly, medium‐ and short range numerical weather prediction (NWP) data are input to the European Flood Alert System for a flood event that affected rivers in Romania in October 2007. The NWP data comprise ensembles and deterministic forecasts of different spatial resolutions and lead times from different weather prediction models. Results are explored in terms of the individual NWP components as well as the ensemble. In this case study, ensembles of monthly weather forecasts contribute only marginally to the early warning, although some indication is given as early as 3 weeks before the event. The 15‐day medium‐range weather forecasts produce early flood warning information 9 to 11 days in advance. As the event draws nearer and is in range to be captured by the higher resolution ensemble forecasts, the spatial extent of the event is forecast with much more precision than with the medium‐range. A novel post‐processing method for the calculation of river discharge is applied to those stations where observations are available, and is able to correct for time‐shifts and to improve the quantitative forecast. The study illustrates how a combination of forecasts and post‐processing improves the lead time for early flood warnings by 2 to 3 days, while remaining reliable also in the short‐range. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
A possible case of an ossifying fibroma in a Late Neolithic population from Portugal
Authors: Silva A. M. , Wasterlain S. N.
Published: March 2009

This paper discusses the differential diagnosis of an unusual bone tumour observed in the right maxilla of one adult calvarium, from the Late Neolithic collective burial of Lapa do Bugio (Sesimbra, Portugal). The differential diagnosis of the lesion gave rise to several possible pathological conditions, namely, ossifying fibroma, fibrous dysplasia, and focal cemento‐osseous dysplasia. Despite the impossibility of performing histological analysis, various macroscopic and radiological aspects lead us to consider ossifying fibroma as the most probable diagnose. This appears to be the earliest reported case of this condition in the osteoarchaeological literature, and adds to the very few palaeopathological case descriptions available for ossifying fibroma. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hyperbranched cyclic and multicyclic polymers by “a2+b4” polycondensations
Authors: Kricheldorf Hans R.
Published: March 2009

At first, theoretical aspects of “a2+b4” polycondensations (meaning polycondensations of difunctional and tetrafunctional monomers) are discussed and compared with what is known about “a2+b3” polycondensations. The following review of experimental results is subdivided into three sections. First, syntheses of hyperbranched polyethers and polyesters by polycondensations based on equimolar feed ratios will be reported. Second, kinetically controlled (i.e., irreversible) syntheses of multicyclic polymers using equifunctional feed ratios (i.e., a2/b4 ratios of 2:1) will be described. In the third section, syntheses of multicyclic polymers via thermodynamically controlled (reversible) “a2+b4” polycondensations will be discussed. Characteristic for these polycondensations are again equifunctional feed ratios and metal alkoxides as “a2” or “b4” monomers, which catalyze rapid equilibration reactions. Finally, potential applications of the new polymers will shortly be mentioned. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 1971–1987, 2009
Iron(III)‐mediated AGET ATRP of styrene using tris(3,6‐dioxaheptyl)amine as a ligand
Authors: Bai Liangjiu , Zhang Lifen , Zhu Jian , Cheng Zhenping , Zhu Xiulin
Published: March 2009

A commercially available tris(3,6‐dioxaheptyl)amine (TDA‐1) was used as a novel ligand for activator generated by electron transfer atom transfer radical polymerization (AGET ATRP) of styrene in bulk or solution mediated by iron(III) catalyst in the presence of a limited amount of air. FeCl3·6H2O and (1‐bromoethyl)benzene (PEBr) were used as the catalyst and initiator, respectively; and environmentally benign ascorbic acid (VC) was used as the reducing agent. The polymerizations show the features of “living”/controlled free‐radical polymerizations and well‐defined polystyrenes with molecular weight Mn = 2400–36,500 g/mol and narrow polydispersity (Mw/Mn = 1.11–1.29) were obtained. The “living” feature of the obtained polymer was further confirmed by a chain‐extension experiment. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 2002–2008, 2009
Novel aromatic polymers from benzaldehyde and triphenylamine derivatives: Synthesis, electrochromic, and photochemical properties
Authors: Liou Guey‐Sheng , Chang Hui‐Wen , Lin Kai‐Han , Su Yuhlong Oliver
Published: March 2009

A series of novel triphenylamine‐based polymers were synthesized from benzaldehyde and triphenylamine derivatives. All the polymers having high molecular weight are readily soluble in many organic solvents and could be solution‐cast into amorphous films. They had glass transition temperatures (Tgs) in the range of 193–217 °C, and 10% weight loss temperatures in excess of 475 °C. Cyclic voltammograms of all polymers showed reversible oxidation redox peaks and Eonset around 0.42–0.90 V, indicating that the polymers are electrochemically active and stable. In addition, all these polymers revealed photochemical characteristics in conformity with their electrochromic characteristics. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 2118–2131, 2009
Application of computer‐aided three‐dimensional skull model with rapid prototyping technique in repair of zygomatico‐orbito‐maxillary complex fracture
Authors: Li Wei Zhong , Zhang Mei Chao , Li Shao Ping , Zhang Lei Tao , Huang Yu
Published: March 2009

Background

With the advent of CAD/CAM and rapid prototyping (RP), a technical revolution in oral and maxillofacial trauma was promoted to benefit treatment, repair of maxillofacial fractures and reconstruction of maxillofacial defects.

Methods

For a patient with zygomatico‐facial collapse deformity resulting from a zygomatico‐orbito‐maxillary complex (ZOMC) fracture, CT scan data were processed by using Mimics 10.0 for three‐dimensional (3D) reconstruction. The reduction design was aided by 3D virtual imaging and the 3D skull model was reproduced using the RP technique. In line with the design by Mimics, presurgery was performed on the 3D skull model and the semi‐coronal incision was taken for reduction of ZOMC fracture, based on the outcome from the presurgery.

Results

Postoperative CT and images revealed significantly modified zygomatic collapse and zygomatic arch rise and well‐modified facial symmetry.

Conclusions

The CAD/CAM and RP technique is a relatively useful tool that can assist surgeons with reconstruction of the maxillofacial skeleton, especially in repairs of ZOMC fracture. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Laparoscopic Monitored Colonoscopic Polypectomy: Long‐Term Follow‐Up
Authors: Franklin Morris E. , Portillo Guillermo
Published: March 2009

Background

Colonoscopy is widely used to remove benign polyps. However, a variety of “difficult polyps” are not accessible for colonoscopic removal because of their size, broad base, or difficult location (impossible to see the polyp’s base, polyps behind mucosal folds or in tortuous colonic segments). The aim of the study was to evaluate the long‐term follow‐up and oncologic safety of laparoscopically monitored colonoscopic polypectomy (LMCP).

Methods

From May 1990 to January 2008, all the patients undergoing LMCP were analyzed and prospectively followed with colonoscopic studies at 6 months, 1 year, and every year thereafter.

Results

A total of 209 polyps were removed in 160 patients: 82 men (51%) and 78 women (49%). The mean age was 74.7 years (range 46–99 years). During a mean follow‐up of 63.37 months (range 6–196 months) and median follow‐up of 65 months, there has been no recurrence.

Conclusions

Long‐term follow‐up demonstrated that a combined endoscopic‐laparoscopic approach is safe and effective. Malignant lesions identified during LMCP can be treated laparoscopically during the same operation, avoiding the need of a second procedure, with good long‐term oncologic outcome.
Corrective lower limb osteotomies in children using temporary external fixation and percutaneous locking plates
Authors: Bar-On Elhanan , Becker Tali , Katz Kalman , Velkes Steven , Salai Moshe , Weigl Daniel M.
Published: March 2009

Background

We describe a new method for corrective osteotomy and the fixation of lower limb deformities in children.

Methods

Following osteotomy, the desired position is obtained and temporarily stabilized using an external fixator. Definitive fixation is performed with a plate and locking screws inserted percutaneously under fluoroscopic guidance. The procedure was performed in 18 segments in 11 patients. Corrections were performed in all planes.

Results

The mean follow up was 18 months (range 6–36 months). All patients were corrected to within 2° of that which was planned. Union was obtained in 16 segments in ten patients within 6–16 weeks.

Conclusions

The method was found to be effective for the correction of deformity in the pediatric population. Advantages compared to conventional methods include minimal soft tissue dissection and the ability to adjust the position before definitive fixation.
On finitely recursive programs
Authors: BASELICE SABRINA , BONATTI PIERO A. , CRISCUOLO GIOVANNI
Published: March 2009

Disjunctivefinitary programsare a class of logic programs admitting function symbols and hence infinite domains. They have very good computational properties; for example, ground queries are decidable, while in the general case the stable model semantics are Π11-hard. In this paper we prove that a larger class of programs, calledfinitely recursive programs, preserve most of the good properties of finitary programs under the stable model semantics, which are as follows: (i) finitely recursive programs enjoy a compactness property; (ii) inconsistency checking and skeptical reasoning are semidecidable; (iii) skeptical resolution is complete for normal finitely recursive programs. Moreover, we show how to check inconsistency and answer skeptical queries using finite subsets of the ground program instantiation. We achieve this by extending the splitting sequence theorem by Lifschitz and Turner: we prove that if the input programPis finitely recursive, then the partial stable models determined by any smooth splitting ω-sequence converge to a stable model ofP.
FOXO3a-dependent regulation of Pink1 (Park6) mediates survival signaling in response to cytokine deprivation
Authors: Mei Yang , Zhang Yiru , Yamamoto Kazuo , Xie Wei , Mak Tak W. , You Han
Published: March 2009

Loss-of-function mutations of phosphatase/tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN)-induced putative kinase 1 (Pink1) (also known as Park6) identified in familial forms of Parkinson's disease (PD) are associated with compromised mitochondrial function. Emerging data suggest that Pink1 is an essential pro-survival factor that is induced in response to oxidative stress. However, the mechanisms regulating Pink1 expression under stress conditions remain unknown. Forkhead box, subgroup O (FOXO) transcription factors carry out distinct biological functions in response to different extracellular signals. Notably, FOXO factors possess evolutionarily conserved roles in protecting cells from oxidative stress-induced death. Here we report that the FOXO family member FOXO3a controls Pink1 transcription in both mouse and human cells subjected to growth factor deprivation and that this regulation is exerted through evolutionarily conserved FOXO binding elements. Induction of Pink1 by FOXO3a is crucial for survival signals in lymphocytes, as depletion of Pink1 sensitizes these cells to death induced by deprivation of an essential growth factor. Our data reveal that the role of FOXO factors in protecting cells from growth factor deprivation-triggered apoptosis has been underestimated and that FOXOs mediate this protection by transactivating anti-apoptotic effectors like Pink1. Given the essential role of Pink1 in combating cell death, our findings may help to dissect the mechanisms by which FOXO proteins function as anti-oxidative stress factors.
Effect of plasma rotation on the beam-driven current
Authors: Cottrell G.A. , Kemp R.
Published: March 2009

In a rotating plasma, with co-neutral beam injection (NBI), the Doppler shift of the NBI particles, as viewed in the frame of the plasma, can result in a significant reduction in the beam-driven (Ohkawa) current when the rotation is strong (i.e. with rotational Mach numbers, M ⩾ 0.5). The correction applies to the toroidal fast ion current calculated for a non-rotating plasma and is independent of the normal Z
eff and electron trapping terms. A simple analytical model is presented to estimate the magnitude of the effect for plasmas with arbitrary toroidal rotation and the conditions where this is important have been identified. This model has been compared with the results from existing Monte Carlo neutral beam codes and found to reproduce their results. The important parameters in this problem are the ratio,
, of the NBI injection particle velocity (in the laboratory frame) to the critical velocity of the plasma, and the ratio ρϕ = v
ϕ/v
crit which is related to the rotational Mach number. A phase plot in dimensionless (ρLab, ρϕ) space is presented which enables the fast ion current drive efficiencies to be compared for different tokamaks. For strongly rotating plasmas, the degradation in fast ion current efficiency is significant for ρLab ⩽ 1. However, when ρLab is larger than this, the degradation in fast ion current drive is less severe. Approaches to improve the fast ion current drive efficiency are briefly discussed.
Effect of rFVIIa dose and time to treatment on patients with haemophilia and inhibitors: analysis of HemoRec registry data from the Czech Republic
Authors: SALAJ P. , BRABEC P. , PENKA M. , POHLREICHOVA V. , SMEJKAL P. , CETKOVSKY P. , DUSEK L. , HEDNER U.
Published: March 2009

Summary.  Identifying haemophilia patients with inhibitors for clinical trials is difficult due to the limited number of patients available. Registries are therefore being established as an additional means of data collection. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa; NovoSeven®) dose ranges and dosing schedules on the incidence of re‐bleeding in haemophilia patients with inhibitors. In this retrospective, uncontrolled study, data on the bleeding patterns of adult haemophilia patients with high responding inhibitors were analysed. Only data from the Czech Republic, obtained by the HemoRec registry, were used. This study analysed ‘real‐life’ clinical data and focused on the collection of the same parameters in different patients: time from bleeding onset to first injection, effect of first injection, number of re‐bleedings, total number of injections and total amount of haemostatic drug used. Fifteen patients met the inclusion criteria and were included into the study (128 bleeding episodes). Patients treated within 2 h of bleeding onset experienced less re‐bleeding than patients treated after 2 h of bleeding onset (5.2% vs. 13.7%, respectively). In addition, patients who were treated after 2 h of bleeding onset experienced fewer re‐bleedings when high‐dose rFVIIa was used (15.8% and 0%; <120 μg kg−1 and >250 μg kg−1, respectively). Initial high‐dose rFVIIa was also associated with a decline in total rFVIIa consumption. This registry has provided a unique insight into the bleeding patterns of inhibitor patients, highlighting the importance of early treatment initiation and appropriate starting dose.
Decreased intratumoral arteries reflect portal tract destruction and aggressive characteristics in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Aishima Shinichi , Iguchi Tomohiro , Nishihara Yunosuke , Fujita Nobuhiro , Taguchi Kenichi , Taketomi Akinobu , Maehara Yoshihiko , Tsuneyoshi Masazumi
Published: March 2009

Aims:  To assess the relationship between arterial blood supply and the progression of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC).

Methods and results:  The intratumoral arterial vessel density (AVD) was assessed in 76 cases of mass‐forming type of ICC using anti‐h‐caldesmon antibody, a marker of smooth muscle cells, and AVD compared with pathological findings. AVD was directly correlated with the presence of intratumoral portal tracts (P < 0.0001) and inversely correlated with the grade of tumour necrosis (P = 0.0013). AVD was inversely correlated with vascular invasion and lymph node metastasis (P = 0.0159 and P = 0.0023, respectively). The hilar type of ICC had lower AVD regardless of tumour size, whereas the peripheral type with high AVD showed branching ductular formation composed of cuboidal cells with mild nuclear atypia. AVD was found to be an independent prognostic factor on multivariate survival analysis (P = 0.0013).

Conclusions:  This study demonstrates that intratumoral arterial vessels reflect engulfed portal tracts in ICC and decreased arterial vessels indicate aggressive tumour behaviour. Our results could contribute to clinical tumour staging and more effective therapy.
Rapid screening of tissue microarrays for Her‐2 fluorescence in situ hybridization testing is an accurate, efficient and economic method of providing an entirely in situ hybridization‐based Her‐2 testing service
Authors: Faratian Dana , Graham Ashley , Rae Frances , Thomas Jeremy
Published: March 2009

Aim:  Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) testing is the ‘gold standard’ method for Her‐2 status assessment in breast cancer patients, yet is only employed in about 30% of tests carried out because of cost and labour considerations. We have previously described tissue microarray (TMA)‐based testing to eliminate cost constraints, and now describe a rapid screening approach to reduce time spent testing.

Methods and results:  We examined 88 cases of invasive breast cancer on TMAs comparing formal FISH scoring with a rapid screening technique. Each core was screened by two observers and results recorded as positive, equivocal or negative. Each approach was timed. Data were analysed by comparing the rapid screening results with formal counts. Using rapid screening, two‐thirds of negative and half the positive cases could be eliminated with 100% accuracy. It took 2 min per observer per case to rapid screen six TMA cores at ×100 magnification. The remaining cases required formal counting, which took no longer than with whole‐section techniques.

Conclusion:  Rapid screening of TMAs for routine Her‐2 FISH testing is safe, economical and time efficient. The technique ensures that all patients receive ‘gold standard’ testing.
Effect of calorie restriction on subjective ratings of appetite
Authors: Anton S. D. , Han H. , York E. , Martin C. K. , Ravussin E. , Williamson D. A.
Published: March 2009

Background:  Energy or calorie restriction (CR) has consistently been shown to produce weight loss and have beneficial health effects in numerous species, including primates and humans. Most individuals, however, are unable to sustain weight losses induced through reductions in energy intake, potentially due to increased hunger levels. The effects that prolonged CR has on subjective aspects of appetite have not been well studied. Thus, the present study tested the effect of 6 months of caloric restriction on appetite in healthy, overweight men and women.

Methods:  Forty‐eight overweight men and women with a body mass index (BMI; kg m−2) between 25–29.9 took part in a 6‐month study and were randomised into one of four groups: healthy diet (control); 25% CR; 12.5% CR plus exercise (12.5% increased energy expenditure; CR + EX); low‐calorie diet [LCD; 3724 kJ day−1 (890 kcal day−1) until 15% of initial body weight was lost, then maintenance]. Appetite markers (i.e. hunger, fullness, desire to eat, etc.) were assessed weekly during a fasting state.

Results:  Body weight was significantly reduced in all three energy‐restricted groups (CR = −10.4 ± 0.9%; CR + EX = −10.0 ± 0.8%; and LCD = −13.9 ±0.7%), indicating that participants were adherent to their energy restriction regimen, whereas the healthy diet control group remained weight stable (control = −1.0 ± 1.1%). Despite these significant weight losses, appetite ratings of participants in the three energy‐restricted groups at month 6 were similar to the weight stable control group.

Conclusions:  CR regimens with low fat diets producing significant weight losses have similar effects on appetite markers over a 6‐month time period compared to a weight stable control group.
Elevated cerebrospinal fluid levels of prostaglandin E2 and 15‐(S)‐hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Mattsson N. , Yaong M. , Rosengren L. , Blennow K. , Månsson J.‐E. , Andersen O. , Zetterberg H. , Haghighi S. , Zho I. , Pratico D.
Published: March 2009

Objective.  To test the hypothesis that the arachodinic acid metabolites prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and 15‐(S)‐hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15(S)‐HETE) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are elevated and reflect neuroinflammation and degenerative changes in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Patients and methods.  We measured PGE2 and 15(S)‐HETE concentrations, as well as markers of axonal and astroglial injury in CSF from 46 MS patients, 46 healthy siblings and 50 controls.

Results.  We found elevated levels of both PGE2 and 15(S)‐HETE in MS compared with the control and sibling groups. Siblings had lower PGE2 levels and higher 15(S)‐HETE levels than controls. There were no correlations between either PGE2 or 15(S)‐HETE and clinical scores of MS severity or biochemical markers of axonal or astroglial injury.

Conclusion.  These data suggest no direct involvement of PGE2 and 15(S)‐HETE in the MS disease process. Rather, the elevated levels reflect a general up‐regulation of arachidonic acid metabolism and neuroinflammation.
Phylogeography of lions (Panthera leo ssp.) reveals three distinct taxa and a late Pleistocene reduction in genetic diversity
Authors: BARNETT ROSS , SHAPIRO BETH , BARNES IAN , HO SIMON Y. W. , BURGER JOACHIM , YAMAGUCHI NOBUYUKI , HIGHAM THOMAS F. G. , WHEELER H. TODD , ROSENDAHL WILFRIED , SHER ANDREI V. , SOTNIKOVA MARINA , KUZNETSOVA TATIANA , BARYSHNIKOV GENNADY F. , MARTIN LARRY D. , HARINGTON C. RICHARD , BURNS JAMES A. , COOPER ALAN
Published: March 2009

Lions were the most widespread carnivores in the late Pleistocene, ranging from southern Africa to the southern USA, but little is known about the evolutionary relationships among these Pleistocene populations or the dynamics that led to their extinction. Using ancient DNA techniques, we obtained mitochondrial sequences from 52 individuals sampled across the present and former range of lions. Phylogenetic analysis revealed three distinct clusters: (i) modern lions, Panthera leo; (ii) extinct Pleistocene cave lions, which formed a homogeneous population extending from Europe across Beringia (Siberia, Alaska and western Canada); and (iii) extinct American lions, which formed a separate population south of the Pleistocene ice sheets. The American lion appears to have become genetically isolated around 340 000 years ago, despite the apparent lack of significant barriers to gene flow with Beringian populations through much of the late Pleistocene. We found potential evidence of a severe population bottleneck in the cave lion during the previous interstadial, sometime after 48 000 years, adding to evidence from bison, mammoths, horses and brown bears that megafaunal populations underwent major genetic alterations throughout the last interstadial, potentially presaging the processes involved in the subsequent end‐Pleistocene mass extinctions.
Ecological context shapes hybridization dynamics
Authors: BUERKLE C. ALEX
Published: March 2009

Gene exchange among oak species (Quercus) in Europe is known to be pervasive and to complicate population genetic studies of this species complex. A study in this issue of Molecular Ecology adds geographical and stand‐level resolution to the patterns of genetic variation among four species and documents the relatively high frequency of hybrids (10.7–30.5% of trees in a population, including hybrids between all pairs of species; Lepais et al. 2009). In addition, the authors show that the relative abundance of parental species affects the genetic composition of hybrids and shifts the average direction of introgression. Variation in the relative abundance of parental species is one example of how the ecological context of hybridization can influence the dynamics and outcome of contact between species and represents an opportunity to investigate the components of reproductive isolation between species. This research raises several questions about the dynamics of hybridization in this well‐studied species complex, and highlights methodological and conceptual issues associated with contemporary research on hybridization.
Plasticity of enteric nerve functions in the inflamed and postinflamed gut
Authors: Mawe G. M. , Strong D. S. , Sharkey K. A.
Published: March 2009

Abstract  Inflammation of the gut alters the properties of the intrinsic and extrinsic neurons that innervate it. While the mechanisms of neuroplasticity differ amongst the inflammatory models that have been used, amongst various regions of the gut, and between intrinsic vs extrinsic neurons, a number of consistent features have been observed. For example, intrinsic and extrinsic primary afferent neurons become hyperexcitable in response to inflammation, and interneuronal synaptic transmission is facilitated in the enteric circuitry. These changes contribute to alterations in gut function and sensation in the inflamed bowel as well as functional disorders, and these changes persist for weeks beyond the point at which detectable inflammation has subsided. Thus, gaining a more thorough understanding of the mechanisms responsible for inflammation‐induced neuroplasticity, and strategies to reverse these changes are clinically relevant goals. The purpose of this review is to summarize our current knowledge regarding neurophysiological changes that occur during and following intestinal inflammation, and to identify and address gaps in our knowledge regarding the role of enteric neuroplasticity in inflammatory and functional gastrointestinal disorders.
Phytotoxic effects of Sicyos deppei (Cucurbitaceae) in germinating tomato seeds
Authors: Lara‐Núñez Aurora , Sánchez‐Nieto Sobeida , Luisa Anaya Ana , Cruz‐Ortega Rocio
Published: March 2009

The phytotoxic effect of allelochemicals is referred to as allelochemical stress and it is considered a biotic stress. Sicyos deppei G. Don (Cucurbitaceae) is an allelopathic weed that causes phytotoxicity in Lycopersicon esculentum, delaying seed germination and severely inhibiting radicle growth. This paper reports in in vitro conditions, the effects of the aqueous leachate of S. deppei—throughout tomato germination times—on (1) the dynamics of starch and sugars metabolism, (2) activity and expression of the cell wall enzymes involved in endosperm weakening that allows the protrusion of the radicle, and (3) whether abscisic acid (ABA) is involved in this altered metabolic processes. Results showed that S. deppei leachate on tomato seed germination mainly caused: (1) delay in starch degradation as well as in sucrose hydrolysis; (2) lower activity of sucrose phosphate synthase, cell wall invertase, and α‐amylase; being sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) gene expression down‐regulated, and the last two up regulated; (3) also, lower activity of endo β‐mannanase, β‐1,3 glucanase, α‐galactosidase, and exo‐polygalacturonase with altered gene expression; and (4) higher content of ABA during all times of germination. The phytotoxic effect of S. deppei aqueous leachate is because of the sum of many metabolic processes affected during tomato seed germination that finally is evidenced by a strong inhibition of radicle growth.
Genetic Improvement and Crop Management Strategies to Minimize Yield Losses in Warm Non‐traditional Wheat Growing Areas due to Spot Blotch Pathogen Cochliobolus sativus
Authors: Duveiller E. M. , Sharma R. C.
Published: March 2009

Spot blotch caused by Cochliobolus sativus emerged as a major threat to wheat production in the warmer non‐traditional wheat growing areas in the late 1980s. This foliar disease causes significant yield losses annually (15–20% on average in South Asia) endangering the livelihoods of millions of small farmers. Effective measures in the field are needed to mitigate the impact of spot blotch on food security in affected areas. This review summarizes the global knowledge on genetic improvement and crop management strategies to minimize yield losses based on latest field research. Recent studies have shown that spot blotch severity is highly influenced by stress factors affecting crop physiology which in turn affects host tolerance and resistance to the pathogen. Soil nutrient and water stress aggravate spot blotch‐induced grain yield losses. Heat stress which is gradually increasing in Asia causes higher levels of disease damage. Genetic improvement is the cornerstone of a sustainable control of spot blotch in all affected regions. Resistance is essentially based on Chinese and South American sources and inter‐specific crosses with broadly adapted semi‐dwarf germplasm. A list of genotypes consistently reported in the last 10 years to harbor at least partial resistance to spot blotch, along with their inheritance of resistance, has been compiled to help breeding programmes. As the fungus is aggressive under conditions of high relative humidity and heat which in turn influences plant susceptibility, a synthesis of the different tools for scoring disease severity is given. Because resistance is incomplete, the ultimate goal is the accumulation of minor genes of resistance in adapted high yielding genotypes. This paper shows how the use of resistant varieties, timely seeding, adequate fertilization, crop rotation, and the judicious use of fungicides can be part of an integrated management strategy for controlling yield losses due to spot blotch.
Thyroid dysfunction in patients with chronic hepatitis C: Virus‐ or therapy‐related?
Authors: Vezali Elena , Elefsiniotis Ioannis , Mihas Constantinos , Konstantinou Evangelos , Saroglou George
Published: March 2009

Background and Aims:  Thyroid dysfunction (TD) represents an extrahepatic manifestation of chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Moreover, the currently approved treatment of CHC is often associated with TD. However, it remains debatable if TD is mainly virus‐ or treatment‐related. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and features of TD, and to identify its predictors in treated and untreated CHC patients.

Methods:  Ninety‐four patients with CHC and normal thyroid function were evaluated long‐term for TD: 33 were untreated (control group) and 61 were treated with pegylated interferon alpha (PEG‐IFN‐α) plus ribavirin (treatment group). Mean follow up was 80.1 and 39.4 months, respectively.

Results:  All patients in the control group remained euthyroid, while 13 treated patients (21.3%) developed TD (P < 0.001). Eleven of these were diagnosed with hypothyroidism and two with hyperthyroidism, which then converted to hypothyroidism. In the majority of cases (9/13, 69.2%) TD did not reverse after treatment discontinuation and required hormone replacement therapy. Pretreatment virological parameters did not predict TD, according to multiple logistic regression analysis. TD was not associated with total dose of PEG‐IFN‐α or ribavirin, viral kinetics or with virological outcome, but it was linked to development of other therapy‐related autoimmune disorders (odds ratio, 8.29).

Conclusion:  Antiviral therapy of CHC possibly induces de novo or exacerbates pre‐existing silent TD. TD does not seem to correlate with any pretreatment virological parameter; it is probably not related to dose or treatment duration, nor linked to viral kinetics or virological outcome. The role of chronic hepatitis C per se in TD remains to be determined.
An interlaboratory comparison of 16S rRNA gene‐based terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism and sequencing methods for assessing microbial diversity of seafloor basalts
Authors: Orcutt Beth , Bailey Brad , Staudigel Hubert , Tebo Bradley M. , Edwards Katrina J.
Published: March 2009

We present an interlaboratory comparison between full‐length 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (TRFLP) for microbial communities hosted on seafloor basaltic lavas, with the goal of evaluating how similarly these two different DNA‐based methods used in two independent labs would estimate the microbial diversity of the same basalt samples. Two samples were selected for these analyses based on differences detected in the overall levels of microbial diversity between them. Richness estimators indicate that TRFLP analysis significantly underestimates the richness of the relatively high‐diversity seafloor basalt microbial community: at least 50% of species from the high‐diversity site are missed by TRFLP. However, both methods reveal similar dominant species from the samples, and they predict similar levels of relative diversity between the two samples. Importantly, these results suggest that DNA‐extraction or PCR‐related bias between the two laboratories is minimal. We conclude that TRFLP may be useful for relative comparisons of diversity between basalt samples, for identifying dominant species, and for estimating the richness and evenness of low‐diversity, skewed populations of seafloor basalt microbial communities, but that TRFLP may miss a majority of species in relatively highly diverse samples.
Determinants of Remittances: Recent Evidence Using Data on Internal Migrants in Vietnam*
Authors: Niimi Yoko , Pham Thai Hung , Reilly Barry
Published: March 2009

The present paper examines the determinants of remittance behavior for Vietnam using data from the 2004 Vietnam Migration Survey on internal migrants. It considers how, among other things, the vulnerability of a migrant's life at the destination, their link to relatives back home, and the time spent at the destination affect remittances. The paper finds that migrants act as risk‐averse economic agents and send remittances back to the household of origin as part of an insurance exercise in the face of economic uncertainty. Remittances are also found to be driven by a migrant's labor market earnings level. The paper highlights the important role of remittances in providing an effective means of risk‐coping and mutual support within the family.
AN AXIOMATIZATION OF QUANTILES ON THE DOMAIN OF DISTRIBUTION FUNCTIONS
Authors: Chambers Christopher P.
Published: March 2009

In an environment in which the primitive is the space of distribution functions, we characterize the quantile functions by the axioms ordinal covariance, monotonicity with respect to first‐order stochastic dominance, and upper semicontinuity. We show how to characterize the VaR in a similar manner.
Improvements in cheek volume in lipoatrophic individuals switching away from thymidine nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors
Authors: Benn P , Sauret‐Jackson V , Cartledge J , Ruff C , Sabin CA , Moyle G , Linney A , Reilly G , Edwards SG
Published: March 2009

Background

Thymidine nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) are associated with subcutaneous fat loss. Facial changes cannot be assessed by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans. There are limited objective data on the reversibility of facial lipoatrophy.

Methods

We performed a facial volume substudy of a randomized thymidine NRTI replacement study carried out in HIV‐infected subjects with moderate to severe lipoatrophy. Facial volume changes were assessed using validated 3D laser imaging. Changes in body composition were measured using DEXA scans. The association between changes in facial volume and body composition parameters at 48 weeks was measured using Spearman's rank correlation.

Results

Forty‐seven individuals (46 male), 11 receiving zidovudine and 36 receiving stavudine, switched to either tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (DF) (n=23) or abacavir (ABC) (n=24). Thirty‐nine of these 47 patients (84.8%) reported facial lipoatrophy at baseline. The median volume increase in both cheeks from baseline was 1857.3 mm3. These volume changes and increases in limb fat at 48 weeks were similar in the two groups and correlated significantly (Spearman's r=0.41, P=0.004).

Conclusions

Facial volume in lipoatrophic individuals was found to increase after thymidine NRTI replacement. We demonstrated a significant correlation between improvements in facial and limb fat parameters. Switching from thymidine NRTIs in patients with facial lipoatrophy could potentially reduce the need for cosmetic interventions.
Prevalence and distribution of solitary oral pigmented lesions: a prospective study
Authors: De Giorgi V , Sestini S , Bruscino N , Janowska A , Grazzini M , Rossari S , Lotti T
Published: March 2009

Solitary pigmented lesions are uncommon in the oral mucosa. A review of the literature reveals no information regarding the relative frequency of these lesions. The purpose of this study is to determine the relative prevalence of solitary oral pigmented lesions in a selected population of patients. This study includes 265 consecutive patients who accessed the dermatology out‐patients’ surgery of the Department of Dermatology, University of Florence between March 2006 and July 2007. The sample we studied presented 5.7% of oral pigmented lesions; the most frequent being vascular lesions. Despite the various methods used, the differential diagnosis for these particular lesions is not always easy. There is some difficulty in distinguishing between a benign pigmented lesion and a growing melanoma which, though rare (1% of all oral malignancies), is a serious and often fatal disease. Therefore, biopsy with histological exam represents the diagnostic gold standard.