bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Questionable necessity to remove the submandibular gland in neck dissection
Authors: Takes Robert P. , Robbins K. Thomas , Woolgar Julia A. , Rinaldo Alessandra , Silver Carl E. , Olofsson Jan , Ferlito Alfio
Published: July 2010

Saliva is of major importance in taste, speech, swallowing, and protection against dental caries. Neck dissection surgery and/or radiotherapy may impair the function of the submandibular glands. Over the years, there has been a trend toward more conservative approaches to neck dissection. Metastasis to the submandibular gland itself is extremely rare and if removal of the lymph nodes of sublevel IB is imperative, it seems feasible to preserve the submandibular gland, unless it is involved by direct tumor extension of the primary tumor or the adjacent metastatic lymph nodes. Clinical studies to validate this concept are needed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
Targeted molecular therapy of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor vandetanib in a mouse model
Authors: Sano Daisuke , Fooshee David R. , Zhao Mei , Andrews Genevieve A. , Frederick Mitchell J. , Galer Chad , Milas Zvonimir L. , Morrow Phuong Khanh H. , Myers Jeffrey N.
Published: July 2010

Background

We investigated the effects of vandetanib, an inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR‐2) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), alone and in combination with paclitaxel in an orthotopic mouse model of human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Methods

The in vitro effects of vandetanib (ZACTIMA) were assessed in 2 HNSCC cell lines on cell growth, apoptosis, receptor and downstream signaling molecule expression, and phosphorylation levels. We assessed in vivo effects of vandetanib and/or paclitaxel by measuring tumor cell apoptosis, endothelial cell apoptosis, microvessel density, tumor size, and animal survival.

Results

In vitro, vandetanib inhibited the phosphorylation of EGFR and its downstream targets in HNSCC cells and inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis of HNSCC cells and extended survival and inhibited tumor growth in nude mice orthotopically injected with human HNSCC.

Conclusion

Vandetanib has the potential to be a novel molecular targeted therapy for HNSCC. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010
Neck recurrence after level I–IV or I–III selective neck dissection in the management of the clinically N0 neck in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Bajwa Mandeep S. , McMillan Roddy , Khattak Owais , Thomas Mathew , Krishnan Ojas P. , Webster Keith
Published: July 2010

Background

Controversy remains regarding extending the level I–III selective neck dissection (SND) to include level IV in the management of the clinically N0 (cN0) neck in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Methods

Histologic and follow‐up data of 87 patients with previously untreated OSCC undergoing I–IV SND and 41 undergoing I–III SND between 2002 and 2006 were reviewed.

Results

Of the 98 I–IV SNDs performed, 4 had involvement of level IV. No relationship between tumor variables and level IV involvement was identified. Survival analysis failed to demonstrate a significant difference between I–III and I–IV SND in terms of developing neck recurrence in the 2 years following surgery.

Conclusions

Level I–III SND is effective management of the cN0 neck (when coupled with postoperative radiotherapy in selected cases) in patients with OSCC, although it is recommended that a larger prospective study be performed in this field. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010
Laryngeal cancer involving a branchial cleft cyst
Authors: Ida Jonathan B. , Stark Matthew W. , Xiang Zhenggong , Fazekas‐May Mary M.
Published: July 2010

Background

Benign secondary neck lesions in the setting of laryngeal cancer have been described, but not with branchial cleft cysts. This article describes a branchial cleft cyst in a laryngectomy/neck dissection specimen.

Methods and Results

A 44‐year‐old woman presented to our emergency department with an obstructing laryngeal tumor that was staged as a T4N0M0 squamous cell cancer on the basis of clinical and radiographic findings. After laryngectomy with bilateral neck dissections, the neck specimen contained a right‐sided branchial cleft cyst, which was directly invaded by tumor. In addition, the location of the cyst relative to the larynx suggested that this was a third branchial cleft cyst.

Conclusion

This is the first report of a laryngeal carcinoma invading a branchial cleft cyst. Staging discrepancies may result from concurrent head and neck lesions, altering treatment plans, or changing the prognosis for the patient. Lesions such as this are nearly impossible to diagnose preoperatively, and a high index of suspicion for advanced cancer should be maintained. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010
Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the parotid gland: Factors affecting outcome
Authors: Ghosh‐Laskar Sarbani , Murthy Vedang , Wadasadawala Tabassum , Agarwal Jaiprakash , Budrukkar Ashwini , Patil Nikhilesh , Kane Shubhada , Chaukar Devendra , Pai Prathamesh , Chaturvedi Pankaj , D'Cruz Anil
Published: July 2010

Background

The purpose of this study was to identify the prognostic factors affecting the outcome in patients with mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) of the parotid gland.

Methods

A total of 113 patients with MEC who were treated between 1993 and 2002 were analyzed.

Results

At median follow‐up of 49 months (range, 1–143 months), disease‐free survival (DFS) at 5 and 10 years was 84.6 and 84.6%, 80.7% and 67.3%, and 52.5% and 35.0% for low‐grade, intermediate‐grade, and high‐grade tumors, respectively. Five‐year and 10‐year overall survival was 96.8% for low‐grade tumors; 94.1% and 82.4%, respectively, for intermediate‐grade tumors; and 73.3% for high‐grade tumors. High‐grade tumors and lymph node cancer‐positive neck tumors strongly predicted poor locoregional control and DFS, while close or positive cut margins showed a trend toward poorer outcomes.

Conclusion

Histologic grade is the most important factor affecting outcome in parotid MEC. Adjuvant radiotherapy is recommended for high‐grade tumors and should be tailored according to the expected risk of recurrence for low‐grade and intermediate‐grade tumors. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
Analyzing governance reforms in irrigation: Central, South and West Asian experience
Authors: Ul Hassan Muhammad Mehmood
Published: July 2010

The concepts of irrigation governance and management are often confused while reforming irrigation institutions. This paper distinguishes between irrigation governance and management and articulates the governance concept and its ingredients through a literature review. The governance performance of irrigation reforms from selected cases in Asia is analyzed using a conceptual model. The paper identifies five key concepts in analyzing governance reform as institutions, intentions, instruments, implementation and impact. The analysis reveals that poor governance results from poor design of representation and accountability in the reform. The interplay between institutions, their intentions, instruments and implementation arrangements used by reformers in the selected cases have tended to create information asymmetries amongst the users, which have led to poor awareness and participation by potential members for effective governance. When reforming irrigation governance attention needs to be paid to institutions, reform intentions, instruments, and implementation arrangements simultaneously. Design weaknesses of any one of these four components of governance can lead to suboptimal impacts. The studied management transfer programs remained unable to improve irrigation governance owing to weakness in one or more of these governance ingredients. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
OCT‐guided laser hyperthermia with passively tumor‐targeted gold nanoparticles
Authors: Sirotkina Marina A. , Elagin Vadim V. , Shirmanova Marina V. , Bugrova Marina L. , Snopova Ludmila B. , Kamensky Vladislav A. , Nadtochenko Victor A. , Denisov Nikolay N. , Zagaynova Elena V.
Published: July 2010

The goal of this study is the development of a method of local laser hyperthermia with gold nanoparticles under noninvasive optical monitoring of nanoparticle accumulation in tumor tissue in vivo. Bifunctional plasmon resonant nanoparticles that are optimal for OCT diagnostics and laser heating at the wavelength of 810 nm were used in the study. The OCT examination showed that the accumulation of gold nanoparticles in the tumor invading into skin was maximal 4–5 h after intravenous injection. It was demonstrated that nanoparticle accumulation in tumor allowed more local heating and enhanced thermal sensitivity of tumor tissue. Laser hyperthermia that heated tumor up to 44–45 °C at maximum nanoparticle accumulation induced apoptotic death of tumor cells and inhibited tumor growth by 104% on the 5th day after treatment. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Efficacy of two breath condensers
Authors: Davidsson A. , Schmekel B.
Published: July 2010

Background: Examination of Exhaled Breath Condensate has been suggested to give information about inflammatory airway diseases. Objectives: The aim was to compare efficacy and variability in gain of two commercially available exhaled breath condensers, ECoScreen® and RTube™ in an in vitro set up. Methods: Test fluids containing myeloperoxidase (MPO) or human neutrophil lipocalin (HNL) in addition to saline and bovine serum albumin were nebulized and aerosols were transferred by a servo ventilator to either of the two condensers. Analyses of MPO, HNL, or chlorine were done by means of ELISA, RIA, or a modified adsorbed organic halogen technique (AOX), respectively. Results: Recoveries of HNL were higher when using ECoScreen than RTube (P<0.05). In contrast, there were no significant differences between the two condensers in recoveries of MPO or chlorine. The spread of data was wide regarding all tested compounds. Conclusion: Variability in gain was large and ECoScreen was more efficacious then RTube in condensing the tested solutes of HNL, but not those of MPO or chlorine J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 24:219–223, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Determination of cut‐off titers and agreement between immunofluorescence and immunoblotting methods for detecting antinuclear antibodies in children
Authors: Aksu G. , Gulez N. , Azarsız E. , Karaca N. , Kutukçuler N.
Published: July 2010

Detection of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) is a diagnostic adjunct in patients with suspected autoimmune connective tissue diseases, and various detection methods are in use. The aim of this study was to analyze the agreement between the ANA immunoflourescence (IF) and immunoblotting (IB) methods and determine cut‐off for children subjects in a laboratory setting. We evaluated 729 serum samples that were analyzed by both ANA IF and IB. The results were evaluated by χ2 test and, for agreement, κ index was used. Frequencies determined for both 1:40–1:100 cut‐off titers of ANA IF in relation to IB testing supported the idea that 1:100 starting dilution should be recommended in children subjects for ANA IF method and antigen specific immunoblot testing was needed, especially for some of the ANA IF negative samples. Agreement between the two methods, especially with homogenous, granular, and nucleolar ANA IF patterns, was statistically significant. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 24:230–236, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Plasma levels of matrix metalloproteinase‐8 in patients with carotid atherosclerosis
Authors: Djurić Tamara , Živković Maja , Stanković Aleksandra , Kolaković Ana , Jekić Djole , Selaković Vesna , Alavantić Dragan
Published: July 2010

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in the remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the arterial wall during atherogenesis. Collagens are the most abundant proteins in the ECM. MMP‐8 is expressed by cells associated with the development of the atherosclerotic plaque. It cleaves collagen type I three times more potently than two other interstitial collagenases MMP‐1 and MMP‐13. The aim of this study was to investigate whether plasma MMP‐8 values are associated with occurrence of carotid plaque (CP) and possible correlations with clinical and biochemical parameters in carotid atherosclerosis (CA) patients. Total plasma MMP‐8 levels were quantified by ELISA in 63 patients with ultrasonographic evidence of CP presence and 12 controls. Plasma MMP‐8 values were significantly higher in patients with CA compared with controls (median 23.36 ng/ml vs. 13.02 ng/ml, P<0.001) but they did not differ significantly according to gender, smoking and hypertensive status, associated diseases, and use of statins. Statistically significant positive correlations were observed between MMP‐8 plasma values and C reactive protein (r=0.41, P=0.001), urea (r=0.50, P<0.001), aspartate transaminase (r=0.48, P=0.001), and creatinine levels (r=0.38, P=0.006). These results suggest association of MMP‐8 plasma levels with occurrence of CP and correlation with certain biochemical markers. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 24:246–251, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Flow cytometric reticulocyte counting: a comparison between two methods
Authors: Maconi M. , Danise P. , Cavalca L. , Formisano D.
Published: July 2010

The peripheral reticulocyte count is commonly used as an indicator of the erythropoietic activity of the bone marrow. Manual counting provides results with a high degree of inaccuracy and imprecision. Automation of counting is therefore needed. The increase in the number of methods available requires however that the results from the various methods agree with one another. The aim of our study was to evaluate the analytic performance of two automated hematology analyzers by a parallel study. We compared the analyzers between them and with manual counting. We enrolled in our study a total of 100 healthy subjects and an additional 80 patients affected by various hematological diseases. Difference between methods is statistically significant: the reference intervals of ADVIA2120 are higher than the Sysmex XE‐2100. The correlation between methods and correlation with the microscopic method are excellent and statistically significant. In conclusion, we can affirm that total automation of reticulocyte counts represents a definite improvement over microscopic counts. This study confirms the diversity of the reference intervals still exists in the new automated hematology analyzers. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 24:252–255, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Diagnostic usefulness of serum interleukin 6 (IL‐6) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) in the differentiation between pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Mroczko Barbara , Groblewska Magdalena , Gryko Mariusz , Kędra Bogusław , Szmitkowski Maciej
Published: July 2010

Previous studies have shown elevated serum levels of interleukin 6 (IL‐6) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) in patients with pancreatic cancer (PC). The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic usefulness of pretreatment serum levels of IL‐6 and CRP to differentiate between PC and chronic pancreatitis (CP) patients. Serum levels of CRP, IL‐6, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and carbohydrate antigen 19‐9 (CA 19‐9) were determined in 78 patients with PC before surgery, in 45 patients with CP, and in 70 healthy controls. Serum levels of all the proteins tested were significantly higher in cancer patients when compared with CP and healthy subjects, and increased in more advanced tumor stages. Concentrations of IL‐6 were significantly higher in nonresectable tumors and in patients who died during the 2‐year observation period. Area under receiver operating characteristic curve for IL‐6 was higher than for other substances tested in the differentiation between PC and CP. Cox's univariate analysis revealed serum IL‐6 as a significant prognostic factor of patients' survival. Our findings suggest higher diagnostic usefulness of serum IL‐6 than CRP, CEA, and CA 19‐9 in the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with PC and in the differentiation with CP. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 24:256–261, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human lymphocyte antigen B‐associated transcript 2, 3, and 5 polymorphisms and haplotypes are associated with susceptibility of Kawasaki disease and coronary artery aneurysm
Authors: Hsieh Yao‐Yuan , Lin Ying‐Ju , Chang Chi‐Chen , Chen Da‐Yuan , Hsu Chin‐Mu , Lo Ming‐Min , Hsu Kung‐Hao , Tsai Fuu‐Jen
Published: July 2010

Capsule: HLA‐B associated transcript (BAT) 2, 3, and 5 polymorphisms and haplotypes are associated with Kawasaki disease (KD) and coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) formations. Objective: KD, an acute vasculitis with unknown etiology, involves a complex interaction of immuno‐inflammatory process, cytokines activation, and genetic factors. We aimed to investigate if genetic variants of human lymphocyte antigen (HLA)‐BAT2, 3, and 5 (BAT2, 3, and 5) could be used as markers of susceptibility in KD and CAA. Methods: Individuals were divided into three groups: (1) normal controls; (2) KD with CAA; and (3) KD without CAA. Polymorphisms for BAT2 (−8671, 16483), BAT3 (8854, 2–24), and BAT5 (22655, 9569) were genotyped by PCR system with TaqMan allelic discrimination assay. Genotype/allelic frequencies and haplotypes (BAT2−8671‐BAT216483‐BAT38854‐BAT32–24‐BAT522655‐BAT59569) in each group were compared. Results: Genotype distribution and allele frequency of BAT2 −8671, BAT3 8854, and BAT5 22655, 9569 polymorphisms in each group were significantly different. BAT2 −8671*G, BAT3 8854*C, BAT5 22655*C, and 9569*A‐related genotypes and alleles are correlated with the developments of KD and CAA. BAT haplotypes of ATTGTG and ATCATG are associated with higher susceptibilities of KD with CAA susceptibility. Conclusion: BAT2 −8671, BAT3 8854, and BAT5 22655, 9569 polymorphisms as well as BAT haplotypes (ATTGTG and ATCATG) might be associated with higher KD susceptibility and CAA formation. HLA‐B region polymorphisms might contribute to the pathogenesis of KD and CAA. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 24:262–268, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Measuring sense of community in the military: cross‐cultural evidence for the validity of the brief sense of community scale and its underlying theory
Authors: Wombacher Jörg , Tagg Stephen K. , Bürgi Thomas , MacBryde Jillian
Published: July 2010

In this article, the authors present a German Sense of Community (SOC) Scale for use in military settings. The scale is based on the translation and field‐testing of an existing U.S.‐based measure of neighborhood SOC (Peterson, Speer, & McMillan, 2008). The methodological intricacies underlying cross‐cultural scale development are highlighted, as are the strategies used to overcome them. Administered in a navy context (n=270), the newly developed German measure improves the psychometric credentials of the existing scale by confirming the principal theory of SOC and its applicability across borders and contexts. Future research is encouraged to build on the strength and flexibility of the existing U.S. instrument for further cross‐cultural scale development, thus enabling SOC theory to attain its full international potential. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Associations among socioeconomic status, perceived neighborhood control, perceived individual control, and self‐reported health
Authors: Moore Spencer , Daniel Mark , Bockenholt Ulf , Gauvin Lise , Richard Lucie , Stewart Steven , Dubé Laurette
Published: July 2010

Recent research has suggested that perceived control and a person's perceptions of their neighborhood environment may mediate the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and health. This cross‐sectional study assessed whether perceptions of informal social control mediated the association between SES and self‐reported health, and if these two constructs represented distinct mechanisms linking SES with self‐reported health. The sample consisted of 869 adults residing in 300 census tracts in Montreal, Canada. Multilevel methods were used to assess the associations among self‐reported health, SES, perceived control, and perceived informal social control adjusting for sociodemographic variables. Perceived control (mediation estimate=−0.16, p<.001) and perceived informal social control (mediation estimate=−0.05, p<.05) partially mediated the association between SES and self‐reported health. Perceived control did not mediate the association of perceived informal social control with self‐reported health. Perceived informal social control may act alongside but distinct from perceived control as a mechanism linking SES to self‐reported health. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Help‐seeking among male victims of partner abuse: men's hard times
Authors: Tsui Venus , Cheung Monit , Leung Patrick
Published: July 2010

Sixty‐eight agency representatives in the United States completed a survey to identify issues of male victims in partner abuse: half referenced responses from male clients and the other half responses from male victims who were their family members, friends, colleagues, or themselves. Almost 25% revealed that male victims did not utilize social services. For those men who used services, individual counseling and legal advice were most popular; group counseling and sharing through the Internet were least used. Qualitative data found five themes that triggered men's hard times: service target perception, shame and embarrassment, denial, stigmatization, and fear. The study resulted in three recommendations: (a) increase public awareness and education; (b) provide gender‐inclusive practice and services, and (c) strengthen training for service providers working with domestic violence male victims. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Biocatalytic ester synthesis in ionic liquid media
Authors: Hernández‐Fernández Francisco J. , de los Ríos Antonia P. , Lozano‐Blanco Luis J. , Godínez Carlos
Published: July 2010

Ionic liquids have shown potential as green reaction media compared with organic solvents, mainly due to their lack of vapour pressure. In non‐aqueous enzymology, ionic liquids are opening up new fields. The advantages of using ionic liquids over the use of organic solvents as reaction medium for biocatalysis include enhancement of enzyme activity, stability and selectivity.

In this work, the enzymatic synthesis of esters in ionic liquids has been extensively reviewed. Numerous examples of the application of ionic liquids as reaction medium for the enzymatic production of esters have been included. The effect of the nature of the ionic liquid on activity, selectivity and stability of enzymes which catalyze esters synthesis has been carefully analysed. Innovative reaction methodologies for the biosynthesis of esters, including ionic liquid/supercritical carbon dioxide biphasic systems and the integrated reaction/separation processes using supported liquid membranes based on ionic liquids have been revised. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Bio‐electrochemical denitrification by a novel proton‐exchange membrane electrodialysis system—a batch mode study
Authors: Wan Dongjin , Liu Huijuan , Qu Jiuhui , Lei Pengju
Published: July 2010

BACKGROUND: Contamination of nitrate in ground and surface water has become an ever‐increasing and serious environmental problem. Biological methods hold the promise of converting nitrate into harmless nitrogen. A novel denitrification system which combines proton‐exchange membrane electrodialysis with simultaneous bio‐electrochemical autotrophic denitrification has been developed. The proton‐exchange membrane was used to transfer current and to exclude oxygen or other oxidative chemicals generated in the anode reaction. The H2 generated by the cathode was utilized by autotrophic denitrifying microorganisms in the cathode cell to reduce nitrate. In this study, the transport of H+, a denitrification kinetics model and factors influencing the denitrification rate were explored in batch mode.

RESULTS: The addition of 0.03 mol L−1 H2SO4 into the anode cell enhanced proton transport and maintained the pH of the cathode cell in an appropriate range for biological denitrification. The denitrification rate was affected by applied current and biomass. Under adequate current conditions, the kinetics of the denitrification process followed a zero‐order kinetics model; the average denitrification rate for unit biomass was calculated to be 9.36 mg NO3−‐N VSS g−1 h−1.

CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that the system is suitable for denitrification. Owing to its simple structure and operation, it has the potential for use as a system to reduce nitrate in water. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Model simulations for in situ aerobic cometabolism of trichloroethylene
Authors: Su Chien Y. , Kuo M.C. Tom , Liang Kang F. , Lin Chun Y.
Published: July 2010

BACKGROUND: While overall removal of trichloroethylene (TCE) can be estimated from in situ pilot studies of aerobic cometabolism, no quantitative information on the relative importance of the biodegradation and sorption processes is currently available. This paper presents a quantitative method to evaluate the dynamics and the individual removal efficiencies of cometabolic biodegradation and sorption processes using model simulations for in situ aerobic cometabolism.

RESULTS: The first‐order rate constant of TCE cometabolism by aerobic toluene‐utilizing bacteria was around 0.2 to 0.3 L mg−1 day−1. The TCE partition coefficient of sorption was determined at 16.4 L kg−1. The sorption process diminished as the sorption capacity of the aquifer solids became saturated. The sustainable TCE removal efficiency due to cometabolic biodegradation for the in situ pilot was determined at 25.8%, 51.8%, and 75.2% for residence times of 0.14 day, 0.57 day, and 1.16 day, respectively, after establishing an indigenous toluene‐degrading consortium.

CONCLUSION: The agreement between model simulations and pilot results demonstrates the validity of a model that incorporates fundamental microbial and transport processes of advection, dispersion, and sorption onto the aquifer solids. The mathematical model aids the understanding of both the dynamics and the individual removal efficiencies of sorption and biodegradation processes of in situ bioremediation. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis of some novel 3‐alkyl/aryl‐6‐((1H‐benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol‐1‐yl)methyl)‐[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4‐b][1,3,4]thiadiazoles
Authors: Chen Xiqing , Liu Chenjiang , Wang Jide , Li Yanping
Published: July 2010

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A series of 3‐alkyl/aryl substituted‐6‐((1H‐benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol‐1‐yl)methyl)‐[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4‐b][1, 3,4]thiadizoles4a,4b,4c,4d,4e,4f,4g,4h,4i,4j,4k,4l,4mare prepared by the condensation of 3‐alkyl/aryl substituted‐4‐amino‐5‐mercapto‐1,2,4‐triazoles2a,2b,2c,2d,2e,2f,2g,2h,2i,2j,2k,2l,2mwith benzotriazole‐1‐yl acetic acid3through a single step reaction. The structures of all newly synthesized compounds are established on the basis of their IR,1H NMR, and elemental analyses data. Two selected compounds4land4mare investigated for their analgesic and anti‐inflammatory activities; they showed weak anti‐inflammatory activity and no analgesic activity. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
Synthesis and crystal structure of 3,5‐diacetyl‐4‐methylpyrazole
Authors: Outirite Moha , Bentiss Fouad , Buisine Eric , Capet Frédéric , Lagrenée Michel
Published: July 2010

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The 3,5‐diacetyl‐4‐methylpyrazole diketone has been synthesized and its crystal structure has been determined. This diketone reacts with hydroxylamine hydrochloride to give the dioxime derivative. This reaction, conducted in presence of copper II ions, leads to the formation of L2M2 copper II complexes. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
Facile synthesis of 2,4‐diamino‐6‐alkyl‐ or 6‐aryl‐pyrimidine derivatives
Authors: Wang Xihong , Sathunuru Ramadas , Melendez Victor , Kozar Michael P. , Lin Ai J.
Published: July 2010

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Facile methods were developed to prepare a series of 6‐phenyl and 6‐alkyl‐2,4‐diaminopyrimidine derivatives. The pyrimidine ring of the final products was constructed by treatment of a 1,3‐dicarbonyl derivative with an amidine or guanidine. The 6‐phenyl‐pyrimidine derivatives were also prepared by Suzuki coupling reaction, using 2‐methylthio‐4,6‐dichloropyrimidine as the starting material. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
Synthesis and characterization of novel fluorescent compounds derived from 1,4‐diethyl‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydro‐6‐nitroquinoxaline
Authors: Satam Vijay S. , Rajule Rajkumar N. , Jagtap Amit R. , Bendre Samir R. , Pati Hari N. , Kanetkar Vinod R.
Published: July 2010

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1,4‐Diethyl‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydro‐6‐nitroquinoxaline 4 was synthesized by alkylative reduction of 6‐nitroquinoxaline. Catalytic reduction of 4 followed by cyclocondensation with heterocyclic malondialdehydes afforded novel 8‐(heteroaryl)‐1,4‐diethyl‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydropyrido[2,3‐g]quinoxalines. The solutions of these novel compounds having 1,4‐diethyl‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroquinoxaline framework as an electron releasing system showed absorption in the range of 424–426 nm in the visible region and exhibited brilliant bluish‐green fluorescence. The thermogravimetric curve obtained by thermogravimetric analysis displayed that these fluorophores possess excellent thermal stability with one‐step thermal decomposition. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
Synthesis of new 1,1′‐carbonyl‐bis[3‐aryl(heteroaryl)‐5‐(trihalomethyl)‐1H‐pyrazoles] and trifluoromethyl derivatives through ring‐opening reactions
Authors: Bonacorso Helio G. , Cechinel Cleber A. , Porte Liliane M. F. , Navarini Jussara , Cavinatto Susiane , Sehnem Ronan C. , Martins Demetrius B. , Zanatta Nilo , Martins Marcos A. P.
Published: July 2010

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Two new series of 1,1′‐carbonyl‐bis[3‐aryl(heteroaryl)‐5‐trihalomethyl‐1H‐pyrazoles], where aryl = C6H5, 4‐CH3C6H4, 4‐FC6H4, 4‐OCH3C6H4, 4‐NO2C6H4, 4,4′‐BiPh, 1‐naphthyl, and heteroaryl = 2‐thienyl and 2‐furyl have been synthesized, in a one‐pot methodology, from the reaction of 4‐methoxy‐4‐aryl(heteroaryl)‐1,1,1‐trihalobut‐3‐en‐2‐ones with 1,3‐diaminoguanidine monohydrochloride. The heterocycles were obtained regioselectively in good yields (62–86%) and in a short reaction time. Ring‐opening reactions with 1,2‐dinuleophiles and the synthesis of ethyl carboxylate derivative from a pyrazolycarbohydrazide is also reported. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
New tandem cyclo‐ and/or addition reactions between N‐arylisoindolines with benzyne and dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate
Authors: Aly Ashraf A. , Hassan Alaa A. , El‐Shaieb Kamal M. , El‐Emary Talaat I.
Published: July 2010

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Reaction of N‐arylisoindolines with benzyne afforded predominantly 10‐arylisoindolo[2,1‐f]phenanthridines. On the other hand, N‐arylisoindolines react with dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate to give dimethyl 2‐(2‐aryl‐2H‐isoindol‐1‐yl)fumarates. Possible reaction mechanisms are discussed. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
A clean and one‐pot synthesis of spiroindoline‐pyranopyrazoles
Authors: Ahadi Somayeh , Yasaei Zahra , Bazgir Ayoob
Published: July 2010

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Piperidine catalyzes efficiently the one‐pot, four‐component reaction of β‐ketoesters, hydrazine hydrate, malononitrile, and isatines in aqueous media. The reaction was done at room temperature and the spiro[indoline‐3,4′‐pyrano[2,3‐c]pyrazole]‐5′‐carbonitriles were obtained with high yields and purity via an easy work‐up procedure. These compounds were also investigated in vitro for antibacterial activities. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
A practical and stereoselective synthesis of (+/−)‐trans‐4‐benzyloctahydropyrrolo[3,4‐b][1,4]oxazine
Authors: Walker Daniel P. , Strohbach Joseph W. , McGlynn Molly A. , Lu Hwang‐Fun
Published: July 2010

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trans‐Octahydropyrrolo[3,4‐b][1,4]oxazine is an important heterocycle within the pharmaceutical industry for the preparation of biologically active analogs, including the phase III drug, finafloxacin. A practical synthesis of the title compound (2) is described in eight steps and ca. 10% overall yield. The key synthetic step is the formation of the pyrrolo[3,4‐b][1,4]oxazine core 20 via a one pot double N‐alkylation of the corresponding bis‐tosylate 18 with 4‐nitrobenzenesulfonamide. Subsequent removal of the nosyl group occurred under mild conditions. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
Age‐specific reference values for cerebrospinal fluid protein concentration in neonates and young infants
Authors: Shah Samir S. , Ebberson Jessica , Kestenbaum Lori A. , Hodinka Richard L. , Zorc Joseph J.
Published: July 2010

BACKGROUND:

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein values decline over the first few months of life as the infant's blood‐CSF barrier matures. However, published studies differ in the reported rate, timing, and magnitude of this decline.

OBJECTIVE:

To quantify the age‐related changes in CSF protein concentration and to determine accurate, age‐specific reference values for neonates and young infants.

DESIGN, SETTING AND PATIENTS:

This cross‐sectional study included infants age 56 days or younger who had a lumbar puncture performed in the emergency department of an urban tertiary care children's hospital between January 1, 2005 and June 30, 2007. Infants with conditions associated with elevated CSF protein concentrations, including traumatic lumbar puncture and bacterial or viral meningitis, were excluded.

RESULTS:

Of 1064 infants undergoing lumbar puncture, 375 (35%) met inclusion criteria. The median CSF protein value was 58 mg/dL (interquartile range: 48–72 mg/dL). In linear regression, the CSF protein concentration decreased 6.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.4%‐8.1%; P < 0.001) with each 1 week increase in age. The 95th percentile values were 115 mg/dL for infants ≤28 days and 89 mg/dL for infants 29–56 days. The 95th percentile values by age category were as follows: ages 0–14 days, 132 mg/dL; ages 15–28 days, 100 mg/dL; ages 29–42 days, 89 mg/dL; and ages 43–56 days, 83 mg/dL.

CONCLUSIONS:

We quantify the age‐related decline in CSF protein concentration among infants 56 days of age and younger and provide age‐specific reference values. The values reported here represent the largest series to‐date for this age group. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2011. © 2010 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Improving teamwork: Impact of structured interdisciplinary rounds on a hospitalist unit
Authors: O'Leary Kevin J. , Haviley Corinne , Slade Maureen E. , Shah Hiren M. , Lee Jungwha , Williams Mark V.
Published: July 2010

BACKGROUND:

Effective collaboration and teamwork is essential in providing safe and effective care. Research reveals deficiencies in teamwork on medical units involving hospitalists.

OBJECTIVE:

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of an intervention, Structured Inter‐Disciplinary Rounds (SIDR), on nurses' ratings of collaboration and teamwork.

METHODS:

The study was a controlled trial involving an intervention and control hospitalist unit. The intervention, SIDR, combined a structured format for communication with a forum for regular interdisciplinary meetings. We asked nurses to rate the quality of communication and collaboration with hospitalists using a 5‐point ordinal scale. We also assessed teamwork and safety climate using a validated instrument. Multivariable regression analyses were used to assess the impact on length of stay (LOS) and cost using both a concurrent and historic control.

RESULTS:

A total of 49 of 58 (84%) nurses completed surveys. A larger percentage of nurses rated the quality of communication and collaboration with hospitalists as high or very high on the intervention unit compared to the control unit (80% vs. 54%; P = 0.05). Nurses also rated the teamwork and safety climate significantly higher on the intervention unit (P = 0.008 and P = 0.03 for teamwork and safety climate, respectively). Multivariable analyses demonstrated no difference in the adjusted LOS and an inconsistent effect on cost.

CONCLUSIONS:

SIDR had a positive effect on nurses' ratings of collaboration and teamwork on a hospitalist unit, yet no impact on LOS and cost. Further study is required to assess the impact of SIDR on patient safety measures. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2010. © 2010 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Inhibition of neutral sphingomyelinase‐2 perturbs brain sphingolipid balance and spatial memory in mice
Authors: Tabatadze Nino , Savonenko Alena , Song Hongjun , Bandaru Veera Venkata Ratnam , Chu Michael , Haughey Norman J.
Published: July 2010

The sphingolipid ceramide is a bioactive signaling lipid that is thought to play important roles in modulating synaptic activity, in part by regulating the function of excitatory postsynaptic receptors. However, the molecular mechanisms by which ceramide exerts its effects on synaptic activity remain largely unknown. We recently demonstrated that a rapid generation of ceramide by neutral sphingomyelinase‐2 (nSMase2; also known as “sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase‐3”) played a key role in modulating excitatory postsynaptic currents by controlling the insertion and clustering of NMDA receptors (Wheeler et al. [2009] J. Neurochem. 109:1237–1249). We now demonstrate that nSMase2 plays a role in memory. Inhibition of nSMase2 impaired spatial and episodic‐like memory in mice. At the molecular level, inhibition of nSMase2 decreased ceramide, increased PSD‐95, increased the number of AMPA receptors, and altered the subunit composition of NMDA receptors. Our study identifies nSMase2 as an important component for efficient memory formation and underscores the importance of ceramide in regulating synaptic events related to learning and memory. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Factors promoting neurite outgrowth during deer antler regeneration
Authors: Pita‐Thomas Wolfgang , Nieto‐Sampedro Manuel , Maza Rodrigo M. , Nieto‐Diaz Manuel
Published: July 2010

Every year male deers completely regenerate their antlers. During this process, antlers are reinnervated by sensory fibers, growing at the highest rate recorded for any adult mammal. Despite its clinical potential, only a few studies have dealt with this fascinating phenomenon. Among the possible factors underlying fast growth of the antler's innervation, the effects of the antler's endocrine and paracrine factors were evaluated, using an in vitro assay for sensory neurite growth. We found that soluble molecules secreted by the velvet, the modified skin that covers the antler, strongly promote neurite outgrowth. Using specific blocking antibodies, we demonstrated that nerve growth factor is partially responsible for these effects, although other unidentified molecules are also involved. On the contrary, neither endocrine serum factors nor antler substrates promoted neurite outgrowth, although antler substrata from deep velvet layers cause neurite outgrowth orientation. Taken together, our results point to the existence in the deep velvet of an environment that promotes oriented axon growth, in agreement with the distribution of the antler innervation. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Replication of atmospheric oscillations, and their patterns, in predictors derived from Atmosphere–Ocean Global Climate Model output
Authors: Harding Andrew E. , Gachon Philippe , Nguyen Van‐Thanh‐Van
Published: July 2010

Atmosphere–Ocean Global Climate Model (AOGCM) output is used for many climate change impact studies and to produce ‘predictor’ data sets for statistical downscaling methods. Quantitative and qualitative evaluation and validation are required to make informed choices concerning reliable variables and their optimum combinations for both forms of research. Previous study suggests that although mean sea‐level pressure is generally well represented in models, biases associated with over‐ or underestimated activity for the Pacific Decadal Oscillation and the El Nino Southern Oscillation may exist within certain AOGCMs. This potential bias in indices of large‐scale atmospheric variability is explored. Improvements in the replication of circulation indices are discovered between the second and third generations of the Canadian AOGCM (CGCM2 and CGCM3). With respect to reanalysis product, CGCM3 output shows less winter‐time bias for the Northern Annular Mode and the North Atlantic Index than evident for the other indices under consideration. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Impact of two low ozone events on surface solar UV radiation over the northeast of Spain
Authors: Sola Y. , Lorente J.
Published: July 2010

Total ozone column (TOC) abundance over northeastern Spain follows a strong seasonal pattern with higher values in spring and lower values in fall. The annual cycle has weakened since the late 1970s, due to a decrease in the ozone annual maximum monthly mean in spring. The long‐term trend and the seasonal variability of the TOC suggest that thresholds of ozone ‘mini‐holes’ should be defined as deviations from local monthly mean levels. Ozone mini‐holes are synoptic scale regions of short‐term, large TOC reductions. The climatology of ozone mini‐holes over Barcelona shows a seasonal pattern, with a higher frequency in winter and early spring. Nevertheless, many of these events are detected in September, when the UV irradiance reaching the Earth's surface is still high. This may enhance negative effects such as erythema.

The deepest ozone ‘mini‐hole’ ever reported over the area was on 10 January 2004, when the daily TOC was about 40% lower than the climatological mean for January. A high‐pressure system induced cloud‐free skies, and the small temporal variations in aerosol concentrations indicated that low TOC was responsible for the enhanced UV radiation at ground level: the erythemal irradiance at noon was 36% higher than the day before. However, in absolute terms, this increase is relatively small as UV levels in winter are low. Nevertheless, the low ozone events observed in late spring could be biologically harmful, even though the TOC anomaly was rather less than the winter values. On 20 April 2004, low TOC and high solar elevation favoured the increase that was detected in UVB radiation, especially at shorter wavelengths. The UV Index at noon was 1 unit higher than the previous day's value, due to an uplift of the tropopause and a reduction in the ozone mixing ratio in the upper troposphere–lower stratosphere (UTLS) region. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Prolonged dry episodes and drought over China
Authors: Lei Yonghui , Duan Anmin
Published: July 2010

Prolonged dry episodes, defined by the 90th percentile of long durations without efficient precipitation (above the 0.1 mm/day threshold) in both the wet and dry seasons, have been investigated from 1958 to 2008 at 404 stations over China. Associated with droughts over northern China in summer, the enhancement of the prolonged dry episode duration is an essential feature, together with a lack of precipitation and the negative Palmer drought severity index (PDSI) in the wet season. In the dry season, durations of prolonged dry episodes have significantly increased over southern China and the Yellow River valley during the last 51 years. The prolonged dry episodes highlight the impact of a decrease in precipitation frequency, and are useful for representing short‐term droughts, particularly over semi‐arid regions and in the dry season. The occurrence of the maximum prolonged dry episodes over vulnerable regions in the early twenty‐first century is suggestive of a greater risk of droughts during both the wet and dry seasons in a warmer climate over China. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Century‐scale variability in global annual runoff examined using a water balance model
Authors: McCabe Gregory J. , Wolock David M.
Published: July 2010

A monthly water balance model (WB model) is used with CRUTS2.1 monthly temperature and precipitation data to generate time series of monthly runoff for all land areas of the globe for the period 1905 through 2002. Even though annual precipitation accounts for most of the temporal and spatial variability in annual runoff, increases in temperature have had an increasingly negative effect on annual runoff after 1980. Although the effects of increasing temperature on runoff became more apparent after 1980, the relative magnitude of these effects are small compared to the effects of precipitation on global runoff. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Rat tibial osteotomy model providing a range of normal to impaired healing
Authors: Miles Joan D. , Weinhold Paul , Brimmo Olubusola , Dahners Laurence
Published: July 2010

The purpose of this study was to develop an inexpensive and easily implemented rat tibial osteotomy model capable of producing a range of healing outcomes. A saw blade was used to create a transverse osteotomy of the tibia in 89 Sprague–Dawley rats. A 0.89 mm diameter stainless steel wire was then inserted as an intramedullary nail to stabilize the fracture. To impair healing, 1, 2, or 3 mm cylindrical polyetheretherketone (PEEK) spacer beads were threaded onto the wires, between the bone ends. Fracture healing was evaluated radiographically, biomechanically, and histologically at 5 weeks. Means were compared for statistical differences by one‐way ANOVA and Holm–Sidak multiple comparison testing. The mean number of “cortices bridged” for the no spacer group was 3.4 (SD ± 0.8), which was significantly greater than in the 1 mm (2.3 ± 1.4), 2 mm (0.8 ± 0.7), and 3 mm (0.3 ± 0.4) groups (p < 0.003). Biomechanical results correlated with radiographic findings, with an ultimate torque of 172 ± 53, 137 ± 41, 90 ± 38, and 24 ± 23 N/mm with a 0, 1, 2, or 3 mm defect, respectively. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that this inexpensive, technically straightforward model can be used to create a range of outcomes from normal healing to impaired healing, to nonunions. This model may be useful for testing new therapeutic strategies to promote fracture healing, materials thought to be able to heal critical‐sized defects, or evaluating agents suspected of impairing healing. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:109–115, 2011.
Telomere length of anterior crucial ligament after rupture: Similar telomere length in injured and noninjured ACL portions
Authors: Ponsot Elodie , Langberg Henning , Krogsgaard Michael R. , Kjaer Michael , Kadi Fawzi
Published: July 2010

The regeneration of ligaments following injury is a slow process compared to the healing of many other tissues and the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the proliferative potential of ligaments by assessing telomere length within three distinct parts of human anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) obtained during ACL reconstruction: the macroscopically injured proximal part and macroscopically noninjured mid‐ and distal portions in eight subjects (age 28 ± 8 years). The mean telomere length in ACL was within normal range of values usually reported for other tissues indicating that the endogenous machinery responsible for the proliferative potential of ligament is not implicated in its poor healing capacity. The three ACL parts showed similar mean TRF lengths (distal part: 11.5 ± 0.8 kbp, mid‐portion: 11.8 ± 1.2 kbp, proximal part: 11.9 ± 1.6 kbp) and there was no relationship between mean telomere length in ACL and the healing duration after rupture. This implies that despite the occurrence of ligament repair including a phase of intense cell proliferation the proliferative potential of ruptured ACL is not impaired. This knowledge is important for scientists and clinicians aiming to understand the mechanisms behind the low healing capacity of ligament. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:73–83, 2011.