bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation of polymorphism of MTHFRs and RFC‐1 genes with neural tube defects in China
Authors: Shang Yali , Zhao Hong , Niu Bo , Li Wan‐I , Zhou Ran , Zhang Ting , Xie Jun
Published: November 2007

BACKGROUND:

Maternal periconceptional supplementation of folate reduces the incidence of neonatal Neural Tube Defects, indicating that changes in folate metabolism play a role in formation of NTDs. The mutations on two genes involved in folate metabolism, the C677 of the MTHFR gene and the RFC‐1(A80G) gene are potential risk factors of NTDs.

METHODS:

In this study, we analyzed the genotypic distributions and allele frequencies of MTHFR C677T and RFC‐1 A80G polymorphisms in DNA samples from mothers with at least one previous child with NTDs (the NTD group) and controls.

RESULTS:

Our results indicated that there was a significant difference in the genotype and allele frequencies of RFC‐1 80A→G between the NTD group and controls (p = .008 and p = .017, respectively). There was, however, no significant difference in the genotype and allele frequencies of the MTHFR 677C→T polymorphism between the NTD group and controls. The NTD group was further separated into the upper and lower types by location of abnormalities. The frequency of RFC‐1 80A/G and 80G/G was significantly higher in the upper group than the control (p = .009 and p = .005, respectively). The frequency of G‐alleles was also significantly higher in the upper group than the control (OR 2.42; p = .006; 95% CI: 1.28–4.58). For the MTHFR C677 gene, the frequency of T‐alleles was significantly lower in the lower defect type than the control group (OR 0.32; p = .027; 95% CI: 0.11–0.9).

CONCLUSIONS:

These results suggest that in the Shanxi population RFC‐1 polymorphisms may play a role in NTD risk, whereas the impact of MTHFR C677T polymorphisms requires further clarification. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Maternal smoking and the risk for clubfoot in infants
Authors: Dickinson Kathryn C. , Meyer Robert E. , Kotch Jonathan
Published: November 2007

BACKGROUND:

Clubfoot is one of the most common major birth defects, with a prevalence of approximately 1 per 1,000 live births. The etiology of clubfoot is complex and not well understood, and yet, few epidemiologic studies of risk factors have been conducted. Maternal smoking has been suggested as a possible risk factor. The purpose of this population‐based, case‐control study was to examine the association between maternal smoking and clubfoot.

METHODS:

Data from the North Carolina Birth Defects Monitoring Program matched to North Carolina birth certificates and health services data were used in the analysis of 443 cases of clubfoot and 4,492 randomly sampled controls for the years 1999–2003. Smoking data were ascertained from the birth certificates, and the reliability of the data was assessed by comparing them with reported smoking from the North Carolina Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System. Multiple logistic regression was used to calculate crude and adjusted ORs and 95% CIs for smoking and clubfoot.

RESULTS:

The crude OR for maternal smoking during pregnancy and clubfoot was 1.49 (95% CI: 1.15, 1.92). Controlling for maternal age, race/ethnicity, infant's sex, and timing of prenatal care initiation did not appreciably change the results (adjusted OR 1.40; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.83).

CONCLUSIONS:

This study is consistent with the hypothesis that smoking during pregnancy is associated with a slightly increased risk of an infant being born with clubfoot. Further research is needed to confirm this association, and to identify potential genetic factors that may modify the magnitude of the risk. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecules versus morphology? Not for the human cranium
Authors: Roseman Charles C. , Weaver Timothy D.
Published: November 2007

Evolutionary investigations of human crania typically take a limited view of cranial diversity as they discount the possibility that human cranial variation could simply be due to the effects of random genetic drift, gene flow and mutation in favor of natural selection and developmental changes. Natural selection alone cannot explain similarities between patterns of cranial and molecular diversity observed in humans. It appears that the amount of phenotypic variance in the human cranium decreases at the population level as a function of distance from Sub‐Saharan Africa much in the same way as observed for human molecular data.1 BioEssays 29:1185–1188, 2007. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An evolution revolution provides further revelation
Authors: Lupski James R.
Published: November 2007

The extent of copy‐number variation (CNV) in the human genome has been appreciated only recently. Nevertheless, for almost four decades, gene duplication has been a prevailing hypothesis for evolutionary change. Recently, gene CNV spanning 60 million years of human and primate evolution has been determined1 enabling lineage‐specific gene CNV to be identified. Primate lineage‐specific gene CNV studies reveal that almost one third of all human genes exhibit a copy‐number change in one or more primate species. Intriguingly, human lineage‐specific gene amplification can be correlated to the emergence of human‐specific traits such as cognition and endurance running. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. BioEssays 29:1182–1184, 2007. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Supporting debottlenecking of global human processes by applying appropriate balances
Authors: Pfennig Andreas
Published: November 2007

Global balances form a fundamental framework for evaluating processes. Human activities can be viewed as global processes aiming at generating drinking water, food, and energy as main products. Obviously, these global processes need debottlenecking, since global process environment is no longer capable of sustainably supporting them. Thus, balances are set up, which on one hand are easily understandable to ensure that everyone can comprehend the resulting consequences. On the other hand, these balances are evaluated to allow conclusions on boundary conditions for the debottlenecking. It turns out that even basic balances allow the formulation of significant conclusions, which are fundamental guidelines for future development. This development refers to research in science and technology that should be (further) strengthened as well as to implementation of existing technology. Moreover, very significant ethical questions become obvious. It is, e.g. not clear, if the challenges we are globally facing can be solved simply be applying and developing technology or if more fundamental changes in global society are essential to overcome problems during transition into a sustainable community. These changes address individual behavior concerning reproductive activities and nutritional habits. The reshaping of our economy would need closing the cycles for all essential material fluxes.
Macroporous gel particles as robust macroporous matrices for cell immobilization
Authors: Plieva Fatima M. , Oknianska Alina , Degerman Eva , Mattiasson Bo
Published: November 2007

A new design of robust matrices for cell immobilization is described. Macroporous gels (MGs) with immobilized microbial cells were prepared at subzero temperatures and were formed inside a plastic core (so‐called, protective housing). Due to the protective housing the macroporous gel particles with immobilized cells can be used in well‐stirred bioreactors. High retained activity of yeast (77–92%) and Escherichia coli (50–91%) cells immobilized in MGs after drying and storage in the dried state was due to the high structural stability and heterogeneous porous structure of the MGs.
Genomics as knowledge enterprise: Implementing an electronic research habitat at the Biopolis Experimental Therapeutics Center
Authors: Mitchell Wayne , Breen Colin , Entzeroth Michael
Published: November 2007

The Experimental Therapeutics Center (ETC) has been established at Biopolis to advance translational research by bridging the gap between discovery science and commercialization. We describe the Electronic Research Habitat at ETC, a comprehensive hardware and software infrastructure designed to effectively manage terabyte data flows and storage, increase back office efficiency, enhance the scientific work experience, and satisfy rigorous regulatory and legal requirements. Our habitat design is secure, scalable and robust, and it strives to embody the core values of the knowledge‐based workplace, thus contributing to the strategic goal of building a “knowledge economy” in the context of Singapore's on‐going biotechnology initiative.
Randomized clinical trial of the effects of methylprednisolone on renal function after major vascular surgery
Authors: Turner S , Derham C , Orsi N M , Bosomworth M , Bellamy M C , Howell S J
Published: November 2007

Background

Perioperative renal dysfunction following abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair is multifactorial and may involve hypotension, hypoxia and ischaemia–reperfusion injury. Studies of cardiac and hepatic transplant surgery have demonstrated beneficial effects on renal function of high-dose methylprednisolone administered before surgery.

Methods

Twenty patients undergoing elective open AAA repair were randomized to receive either methylprednisolone 10 mg/kg or dextrose (control) before induction of anaesthesia. Blood was analysed for a panel of cytokines representative of T helper cell type 1 and 2 subsets. Urine was analysed for subclinical markers of renal dysfunction (albumin, α1-microglobulin and N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase).

Results

Data from 18 patients were analysed. Both groups demonstrated glomerular and proximal convoluted tubular dysfunction that was unaffected by steroid treatment. Steroid administration increased serum levels of urea and creatinine (both P < 0·001). The steroid group had increased interleukin 10 levels (P = 0·005 compared to controls). There were no differences between groups in overall surgical complications, length of intensive care unit (P = 0·821) and hospital (P = 0·719) stay, or 30-day mortality.

Conclusion

Methylprednisolone administration altered the cytokine profile favourably but adversely affected postoperative renal function.
Ileocolic anastomosis
Authors: Bissett I P
Published: November 2007

Stapled anastomoses leak less
Synthesis of Biologically Relevant Biflavanoids – A Review
Authors: Rahman Mohammed , Riaz Muhammad , Desai Umesh R.
Published: November 2007

Recent investigations show that naturally occurring biflavanoids possess anti‐inflammatory, anticancer, antiviral, antimicrobial, vasorelaxant, and anticlotting activities. These activities have been discovered from the small number of biflavanoid structures that have been investigated, although the natural biflavanoid library is likely to be large. Structurally, biflavanoids are polyphenolic molecules comprised of two identical or non‐identical flavanoid units conjoined in a symmetrical or unsymmetrical manner through an alkyl or an alkoxy‐based linker of varying length. These possibilities introduce significant structural variation in biflavanoids, which is further amplified by the positions of functional groups – hydroxy, methoxy, keto, or double bond – and stereogenic centers on the flavanoid scaffold. In combination, the class of biflavanoids represents a library of structurally diverse molecules, which remains to be fully exploited. Since the time of their discovery, several chemical approaches utilizing coupling and rearrangement strategies have been developed to synthesize biflavanoids. This review compiles these synthetic approaches into nine different methods including Ullmann coupling of halogenated flavones, biphenyl‐based construction of biflavanoids, metal‐catalyzed cross‐coupling of flavones, Wessely–Moser rearrangements, oxidative coupling of flavones, Ullmann condensation with nucleophiles, nucleophilic substitutions for alkoxy biflavanoids, and dehydrogenation‐based or hydrogenation‐based synthesis. Newer, more robust synthetic approaches are necessary to realize the full potential of the structurally diverse class of biflavanoids.
Modeling Dipeptides as ACE Inhibitors and Bitter‐Tasting Compounds by Means of E‐State Structure‐Information Representation
Authors: Spasov Borislav , Hall Lowell H.
Published: November 2007

Topological Structure‐Information Representation (SIR) serves as the basis for QSAR model development on two data sets of dipeptides. Data sets of both bitter‐taste (48 compounds) and angiotensin‐conveting‐enzym (ACE) inhibition (58 compounds) were analyzed by means of multiple linear‐regression methods to produce QSAR models that relate structure to property. For the bitter‐taste data set, two variables describe the data well, both being whole‐molecule descriptors: 1χv (molecular connectivity first‐order valence index) and SHBa (sum of E‐State indices for H‐bond acceptors) yield r2=0.88, s=0.22. External validation and cross‐validation indicate that the model may be predictive. For the ACE‐inhibition data set, five variables produced a satisfactory model. Four of the descriptors relate to amino acid side chains: the E‐State polarity/non‐polarity index Qv (for position A adjacent to the N‐terminus; Fig. 1) and the E‐State index s2 (for the backbone position of substitution), along with the square of the molecular connectivity path‐four valence index (4χPC; for side chain B adjacent to C‐terminus) and the E‐State index s5 (for the attachment point of the side chain B (Fig. 1)). Together with the E‐State whole‐molecule descriptor for internal H‐bonding (five skeletal bonds; SHBint5), the five variables form a predictive model (r2=0.88, s=0.36). Both external‐test and cross‐validation‐test statistics indicate that the model may be predictive. This study is the first investigation in which E‐State descriptors are developed for amino acid side chains.
Effect of retinoic acid on transglutaminase and ornithine decarboxylase activities during liver regeneration
Authors: Ohtake Yosuke , Maruko Akiko , Ohishi Nao , Kawaguchi Masasumi , Satoh Tetsuharu , Ohkubo Yasuhito
Published: November 2007

Liver regeneration is regulated by several factors, including growth factors, cytokines, and post‐translational modifications of several proteins. It is suggested that transglutaminase 2 (TG2) and ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) are involved in liver regeneration. To investigate the role of TG2 and ODC activities in regenerating liver, we used retinoic acid (RA), an inducer of TG2 and a suppressor of ODC. Regenerating rat liver was prepared by 70% partial hepatectomy (PH). Rats were sacrificed at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 days after surgery. RA was intraperitoneally injected immediately after PH. TG2 and ODC activities and products (ε‐(γ‐glutamyl) lysine isopeptide (Gln–Lys) and polyamines, respectively) were examined at the indicated times. In RA‐treated rat, DNA synthesis and ODC activity declined and the peak shifted to 2 days after PH, whereas TG2 activity increased at 1 day after PH. At that time, protein–polyamine, especially the protein–spermidine (SPD) bond, transiently decreased, whereas the formation of the Gln–Lys bond increased after PH. These results suggested that in regenerating liver, enhanced the formation of Gln–Lys bonds catalyzed by TG2 led to reduced DNA synthesis, whereas when ODC produced newly synthesized SPD, the inhibition of Gln–Lys bond production by the preferential formation of protein–SPD bonds led to an increase in DNA synthesis. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of AngioJet mechanical thrombectomy for acute peripheral ischemia associated with stent fracture
Authors: Barbato Joel E. , Wholey Mark H.
Published: November 2007

Stent fracture has been an uncommonly described etiology in the development of acute peripheral ischemia. We describe the utilization of a rheolytic thrombectomy catheter with thrombolytics for the rapid treatment of superficial femoral artery thrombosis after recanalization and subsequent stent fracture. The implications of stent fracture and the therapeutic maneuvers associated with their treatment in peripheral applications are discussed. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The characteristics of dissemination of embolic materials during renal artery stenting
Authors: Kawarada Osami , Yokoi Yoshiaki , Takemoto Kazushi
Published: November 2007

Background:

Though one of the major complications of renal artery stenting is dissemination of embolic materials which may cause deterioration of renal function, the characteristics of this phenomenon are unclear. We investigated the characteristics of embolization in renal artery stenting by intrarenal duplex ultrasound monitoring.

Method:

A total of 17 patients with 21 lesions that underwent primary renal artery stenting were prospectively included. Intrarenal artery blood flow velocity spectra exhibiting microembolic signals (MES) were examined during renal artery intervention.

Result:

Renal artery stenting was successful in all cases. Predilatation was needed in eight cases, and direct stenting without predilatation was performed in 13 cases. Postdilatation or flare formation was performed in 13 cases. Multiple stenting was not performed in any patients, though stenting of both renal arteries was performed in four cases. Major embolization and no reflow/slow flow were not determined by angiography. Except for one case of technical kidney failure, real‐time intrarenal duplex ultrasound monitoring was possible and the study protocol was completed. MES were detected during all procedural phases. The number of cardiac beats with MES was significantly higher in stenting (11.1 ± 2.8) following postdilatation/flare formation (8.3 ± 4.1) than in predilatation (3.3 ± 2.1) (predilatation vs. stenting: P < 0.001, predilatation vs. postdilatation/flare: P = 0.009, stenting vs. postdilatation/flare: P = 0.03). The mean creatinine value was 1.31 ± 0.68 mg/dl at baseline and 1.54 ± 1.08 at 1 month. Deterioration of renal function was observed in 43% (3/7) of patients with renal impairment, whereas 10% (1/10) of patients without renal impairment experienced deterioration of renal function (P = 0.250).

Conclusion:

Dissemination of embolic materials was detected in all procedures. Higher MES were detected in stenting following postdilatation/flare formation. Pre‐existing renal impairment yielded a trend toward the deterioration of renal function after renal artery stenting during the short‐term follow‐up. Protected renal artery stenting might be considered advisable, at least in atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis patients with renal impairment though a larger number and long‐term study will be required. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comments on a Possible Transition to Solid‐Phase Homochirality
Authors: Crusats Joaquim , Veintemillas‐Verdaguer Sabino , Ribó Josep M.
Published: November 2007

As a response to a Concept article published by D. G. Blackmond in this journal, which intended to offer alternative explanations to interpretations in a previous Concept article written by us, we show that errors concerning the solubility behavior of some enantiomorphs and concerning the application of the number of components in the Gibbs phase rule led the author toward the misunderstanding of our previous arguments and to non‐valid conclusions.
A layer‐integrated approach for shallow water free‐surface flow computation
Authors: Hung Meng‐Chi , Hsieh Te‐Yung , Tsai Tung‐Lin , Yang Jinn‐Chuang
Published: November 2007

A novel semi‐three‐dimensional (semi‐3D) layer‐integrated approach was proposed in this study for the shallow water free‐surface flow computation. A quadratic shape function proposed to approximate the velocity distribution in the layer ensures the continuity of velocities and shear stresses at interfaces. To discretize the governing equations, the finite volume formulation with staggered grid is used. As the two‐dimensional (2D) sub‐model for locating the free surface is not needed in this approach, the computational time consumption has been dramatically reduced. The model was verified through the wind‐induced circulation in a closed basin by comparing the velocity profiles to the analytical solution. The formation of the velocity profiles due to change of viscosity distribution and the evolution process of water surface slope were also investigated. Further, the eddy viscosity is estimated by a function related to discharge, water depth, and Manning's n under the assumption of parabolic distribution of longitudinal velocity along the vertical direction for open channel flows. Two designed hypothetical cases were conducted to examine the proposed eddy viscosity relation and to demonstrate the capabilities of the proposed model. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
X‐ray diffraction analysis of powder and thin film of (Gd1‐xYx)2O3 prepared by sol‐gel process
Authors: Heiba Z. K. , Arda L.
Published: November 2007

The mixed oxide (Gd1‐xYx)2O3 (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) were synthesized, as powder and thin film, by a sol‐gel process. X‐ray diffraction data were collected and crystal structure and microstructure analysis were performed using Rietveld refinement method. All samples were found to have the same crystal system and formed solid solutions over the whole range of x. The cationic distribution, Gd3+ and Y3+, over the two non‐equivalent sites 8b and 24d of the space group Ia3 is found to be random for all values of (x). The lattice parameter is found to vary linearly with the composition (x). Replacing Gd3+ and Y3+ by each other introduces a systemic decrease in the x‐coordinate of cation position (24d) and slight changes in the oxygen coordinates. Crystallite size and microstrain analysis is performed along different crystallographic directions and anisotropic changes are found with the composition parameter (x). The average crystallite size ranges from 75 to 149 nm and the r.m.s strain from 0.027 to 0.068 x10‐2. Textured Gd1.841Y0.159O3 (400) buffer layers, with a high degree of alignment in both out‐plane and in‐plan, are successfully grown on cube textured Ni (001) tape substrates by sol–gel dip coating process. The resulting buffer layers are crack‐free, pinhole‐free, dense and smooth. YbBa2Cu3O7‐x (YbBCO) thin film could be (00l) epitaxially grown on the obtained buffer layer using sol–gel dipping technique. (© 2007 WILEY ‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Uncertainties in crystallization of hen‐egg white lysozyme: reproducibility issue
Authors: Yin Da‐Chuan , Wakayama Nobuko I. , Lu Hui‐Meng , Ye Ya‐Jing , Li Hai‐Sheng , Luo Hui‐Min , Inatomi Yuko
Published: November 2007

The reproducibility of biomacromolecular crystallization (tetragonal and orthorhombic lysozyme crystals) was studied by monitoring the evolution of protein concentration during the crystallization process using Mach‐Zehnder interferometer. It was found that formation of both tetragonal and orthorhombic crystals exhibited poor reproducibility. When the crystallization occurred under isothermal conditions, the protein concentration in the solution varied differently in different experiments under identical conditions (for both types of crystals). Moreover, in the case of orthorhombic lysozyme crystallization (under either isothermal or thermal gradient conditions), it is clear that the crystals could not be always readily formed. When formation of tetragonal lysozyme crystals was conducted at a temperature gradient condition, however, the evolution of concentration was reproducible. The phenomena found in this study revealed that biomacromolecular crystallization can be uncertain, which is probably caused by the process of nucleation. Such uncertainties will be harmful for the efforts of screening crystallization conditions for biomacromolecules. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Micronization of the officinal component emodin via the SEDS process through prefilming atomization
Authors: Hong Hai Long , Suo Quan Ling , Lang Zhong Min , Han Li Min , Li Chun Ping
Published: November 2007

The micronization of emodin in a mixed solution of dichloromethane and methanol by the Solution Enhanced Dispersion by Supercritical Fluids through Prefilming Atomization (SEDS‐PA) process has been successfully performed. Morphologies and particle sizes (PSs) of the emodin microparticles were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The results of micronization show that the acicular or rod‐like emodin crystals with PSs of about 3‐10 µm wide and 100‐300 µm long have successfully been micronized to needle‐like, rod‐like, twisted fiber‐like and coalesced net‐like microparticles with PSs of about 0.1‐1.0μm wide and 2‐40μm long by the SEDS‐PA process. The effect of technological conditions on micronization has been studied. With the increase of initial solution concentration and temperature, the PSs of emodin microparticles increase. With the increase of solution flow rate and pressure, the PSs of emodin microparticles decrease. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Characteristics of Al / p‐AgGaTe2 polycrystalline thin film Schottky barrier diode
Authors: Patel S. S. , Patel B. H. , Patel T. S.
Published: November 2007

An Al/p‐AgGaTe2 polycrystalline thin film schottky barrier diode have been prepared by flash‐evaporation of p‐AgGaTe2 onto a pre‐deposited film of aluminium. The current‐voltage, capacitance‐voltage and photoresponse of the diode have been investigated. The important physical parameter such as barrier height of the fabricated diode was derived from these measurements. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Thermo‐morphological properties of the smectic C* mesophase in new chiral salicyaldimine liquid crystals
Authors: Nesrullajev A. , Bilgin‐Eran B.
Published: November 2007

Specific textures and their temperature transformations in large temperature interval for the chiral smectic C* mesophase of new liquid crystalline materials, synthesized by our group, have been investigated in detail. Temperature dependences of the pitch of helical structure of the smectic C* mesophase have been determined for these materials. (© 2007 WILEY ‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Preparation and characterisation of fluorapatite whiskers
Authors: Surendran R. , Chinnakali K.
Published: November 2007

Fluorapatite (FAp) whiskers were prepared by using Molten Salt Synthesis (MSS) technique. β‐tricalcium phosphate (TCP) and various fluorine salts, along with potassium sulphate as a flux salt were used as starting materials for preparing FAp whiskers. Effects of flux to powder weight ratio, temperature and soaking time on the morphology were studied. The optimum temperature to obtain FAp whiskers was found to be 1175°C. The phase purity of the prepared FAp whiskers were confirmed by powder X‐ray diffraction and FTIR spectra, and the whiskers were further characterized by laser Raman spectra, chemical analysis and DTA/TGA thermal analysis. The morphology of the FAp whiskers were investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Efficacy of Equoral in Prophylactic Immunosuppression after De Novo Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Zadražil Josef , Jabry Sadek Al , Horák Pavel , Bachleda Petr , Gibejová Agata , Kamarád Vojtěch
Published: November 2007

BACKGROUND

Cyclosporin A is a well‐known calcineurin inhibitor that has been used for prophylactic immunosuppression after organ transplantation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new generic cyclosporin formulation, Equoral (Teva Pharmaceuticals), in the treatment of de novo renal transplant recipients.

METHODS

Twenty cadaveric‐donor renal transplant recipients between 23 and 71 years of age at the time of transplantation (mean age 52 ± 12.5 years) were followed for 12 months to determine if the grafts functioned and if there were rejection attacks and side effects. In addition to cyclosporin, all patients received mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept) and prednisone (Prednison).

RESULTS

Mean serum creatinine level decreased significantly after transplantation. In 6 of the 20 patients observed, 7 biopsies showed acute rejection episodes (35%). Over the 12‐month post‐transplant period, all patients showed stable graft function, with a mean serum creatinine level of 202.1 ± 130.9 μmol/L. Patient and renal graft survival rates were 100% after 12 months. Most of the observed adverse events were those commonly reported with the use of cyclosporin, and they resolved with a reduction in the cyclosporin dose. Equoral treatment demonstrated an acceptable safety profile with maintenance of satisfactory and stable renal function.

CONCLUSIONS

Equoral as a primary immunosuppressant for de novo kidney transplant recipients seems effective and safe in terms of acute rejection rate, patient and renal graft survival rates, and side effect profiles.
A primer of endometrial cytology with histological correlation
Authors: Maksem John A. , Meiers Isabelle , Robboy Stanley J.
Published: November 2007

Cytology is an effective method for assessing benign endometrium and for discovering premalignant and malignant endometrial states. In addition, it is useful for diagnosing non‐neoplastic abnormalities of the endometrium. This overview compares endometrial cytology to endometrial histology for a variety of benign, abnormal non‐neoplastic, and neoplastic conditions; and, discusses both diagnostic criteria and pitfalls in the assessment of endometrial brushings specimens. It also makes an attempt to estimate levels of confidence in endometrial cytodiagnosis. When endometrial brushing is used in conjunction with other diagnostic techniques such as ultrasonography/sonohysterography or hysteroscopy, cytology becomes a sensitive case finding technique that shows good patient acceptance (because of a significant decrease in procedure‐associated pain) and high diagnostic yield. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2007;35:817–844. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mesothelioma: You do not have to work for it
Authors: Ampleford Elizabeth J. , Ohar Jill
Published: November 2007

Asbestos pollution is a global problem. Asbestos exposure induced mesothelioma does not require an ‘occupational’ type of exposure. Bystander exposures may result in earlier age of disease onset and more aggressive disease progression as described in the following 3 case reports. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2007;35:774–777. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mechanistic QSAR of aromatic amines: New models for discriminating between homocyclic mutagens and nonmutagens, and validation of models for carcinogens
Authors: Benigni Romualdo , Bossa Cecilia , Netzeva Tatiana , Rodomonte Andrea , Tsakovska Ivanka
Published: November 2007

Because of its environmental and industrial importance, the aromatic amines are the single chemical class most studied for its ability to induce mutations and cancer. The large database of mutagenicity and carcinogenicity results has been studied with Quantitative Structure‐Activity Relationship (QSAR) approaches by several authors, leading to models for the following: (a) the mutagenic potency in Salmonella thyphimurium; (b) the carcinogenic potency in rodents; and (c) the discrimination between rodent carcinogens and noncarcinogens. However, satisfactory models for the discrimination between mutagens and nonmutagens are lacking. The present work provides new QSARs for mutagenic/nonmutagenic homocyclic aromatic amines in S. typhimurium strains TA98 and TA100. The two new models are validated by checking their ability to predict the mutagenicity of further aromatic amines not included in the training set, and not used to generate the QSAR models. In addition, we also validated previous QSAR models for the carcinogenicity/noncarcinogenicity of the aromatic amines with external data. The mechanistic implications of the models are discussed in light of the other QSARs for the aromatic amines. The results of the analysis point to two QSAR models (one for mutagenicity and one for rodent carcinogenicity) as reliable tools for the in silico characterization of the risk posed by the aromatic amines. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Joint Theoretical and Experimental Insight into the Electronic Structure of Chromophores Derived from 6H,12H‐5,11‐Methanodibenzo[b,f][1,5]diazocine
Authors: Lemaur Vincent , Cornil Jérôme , Didier Delphine , Mujawase Aline , Sergeyev Sergey
Published: November 2007

We report on the synthesis and electronic spectra of the chiral, donor‐acceptor (push‐pull) chromophores (±)‐4 and (±)‐5 with a 6H,12H‐5,11‐methanodibenzo[b,f][1,5]diazocine scaffold (Scheme 1 and Fig. 2). The electronic structures of these compounds were investigated at a quantum‐chemical level (Figs. 2 and 3). The chemical reactivity of 6H,12H‐5,11‐methanodibenzo[b,f][1,5]diazocine ((±)‐11) towards aromatic electrophilic substitution (Scheme 2 and Table) provided additional information about its electronic structure and confirmed nonnegligible delocalization of the lone pair of the bridge‐head N‐atoms in this heterocyclic system.
Diastereoselective 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloadditions of Chiral Derivatives of 2‐Oxoethanenitrile Oxide to Noncyclic Conjugated Symmetrical Alkenes
Authors: Romański Jan , Jóźwik Julita , Chapuis Christian , Jurczak Janusz
Published: November 2007

Asymmetric 1,3‐dipolar cycloadditions of chiral derivatives of the nitrile oxides 3a–3c derived from (2R)‐bornane‐10,2‐sultam, (2R)‐10‐(dicyclohexylsulfamoyl)isoborneol, and (1R)‐8‐phenylmenthol, to either (E)‐stilbene 4 or dimethyl fumarate 5, leading to the corresponding 4,5‐dihydroisoxazoles 6a–6c and 7a–7c in both moderate yields and diastereoselectivities, are presented. All cycloadducts were converted into the corresponding methyl esters 8 and 9, which were used for determination of their enantiomeric purities via chiral HPLC analyses. In the case of both stilbene cycloadducts 6a and 6b, their absolute configurations were determined by X‐ray crystal‐structure analyses. These [3+2] cycloadditions suggest the participation of the thermodynamically less stable SO2/CO syn‐conformer in the πy approach along the CO bond of the linear nitrile oxide 3a.
Two Novel Monoterpene Alkaloid Dimers from Incarvillea arguta
Authors: Fu Jian‐Jun , Jin Hui‐Zi , Shen Yun‐Heng , Zhang Wei‐Dong , Xu Wen‐Zheng , Zeng Qi , Yan Shi‐Kai
Published: November 2007

Two novel monoterpene alkaloid dimers, named argutanes A and B (1 and 2, resp.), together with the known alkaloid boschniakine (3), were isolated from the roots of Incarvillea arguta. The structures were elucidated on the basis of 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR, as well as HR‐ESI‐MS data.
8‐(3,3‐Dimethylallyl)‐Substituted Flavonoid Glycosides from the Aerial Parts of Epimedium koreanum
Authors: Zhao Hai‐Yu , Fan Li , Zhou Lei , Han Jian , Wang Bao‐Rong , Guo De‐An
Published: November 2007

Ten 8‐(3,3‐dimethylallyl)‐substituted flavonoid glycosides, including the four new flavonol glycosides 1 and 3–5 and the new flavanonol glycoside 2, besides five known flavonol glycosides, were isolated from the aerial parts of Epimedium koreanum Nakai. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic methods, including UV, IR, 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR, ESI‐MSn, HR‐ESI‐MS, and circular dichroism (CD) experiments.
Diterpenoid Alkaloids of Delphinium buschianumGrossh.
Authors: Bitiş Leyla , Süzgeç Sevda , Sözer Ulaş , Özçelik Hasan , Zapp Josef , Kiemer Alexandra K. , Meriçli Filiz , Meriçli Ali H.
Published: November 2007

From the aerial parts of Delphinium buschianum Grossh., collected in Turkey, a new diterpenoid alkaloid 1, named budelphine, was isolated along with the known diterpenoid alkaloids karakoline (2), 18‐hydroxy‐14‐O‐methylgadesine (3), delsoline (4), lapaconidine (5), columbianine (6), 14‐benzoylneoline (7), and hetisine (9). The structure of 1 was established on the basis of 1H‐, 13C‐, DEPT, 1H,1H‐COSY, NOESY, HSQC, and HMBC NMR studies.
An efficient methodology for estimating irrigation return flow coefficients of irrigated crops at watershed and seasonal scale
Authors: Dewandel B. , Gandolfi J.‐M. , de Condappa D. , Ahmed S.
Published: November 2007

Irrigation return flow coefficients, i.e. the ratio between the quantity of water returned from the cultivated area to the groundwater system and the amount of abstraction, vary by more than 50% for rice cultivation using standing water irrigation to 0% in the case of drip irrigation technique. This component of the groundwater budget plays an important role, particularly in intensively irrigated areas. Thus, to avoid any inaccurate aquifer budgeting, modelling and consequently any erroneous watershed management, this component needs to be accurately assessed for a particular time‐step (e.g. weekly, seasonally) onto the studied area.

The present paper proposes a cost‐effective and useful methodology for assessing irrigation return flow coefficients (Cf = irrigation return flow/pumping flow) based on (i) basic crops field survey and meteorological data and (ii) the use of a simple hydraulic model that combines both water balance technique and unsaturated/saturated flow theory.

An attempt to estimate the uncertainty of irrigation return flow coefficient estimates based on the uncertainty introduced by the pumping and the natural spatial variability of the soil characteristics is also proposed. Results have been compared to real field conditions and allow us to (i) estimate the uncertainty and (ii) validate and demonstrate the robustness of the applied methodology.

The proposed methodology allows relatively good estimates of the irrigation return flow coefficients at watershed and seasonal scale. The irrigation return flow coefficients are calculated as: 51 ± 8% in rainy season (Kharif) and 48 ± 4% in summer (Rabi) for rice; 26 ± 11% in rainy season and 24 ± 4% in summer for vegetables; 13 ± 8% in rainy season and 11 ± 3% in summer for flowers. These results were found to be consistent with the existing literature. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Does the incorporation of process conceptualization and tracer data improve the structure and performance of a simple rainfall‐runoff model in a Scottish mesoscale catchment?
Authors: Tetzlaff D. , Uhlenbrook S. , Eppert S. , Soulsby C.
Published: November 2007

A geomorphological instantaneous unit hydrograph (GIUH) rainfall‐runoff model was applied in a 31 km2 montane catchment in Scotland. Modelling was based on flow path length distributions derived from a digital terrain model (DTM). The model was applied in two ways; a single landscape unit response based on the DTM alone, and a two‐landscape unit response, which incorporated the distribution of saturated areas derived from field‐validated geographic information system (GIS) analysis based on a DTM and soil maps. This was to test the hypothesis that incorporation of process‐information would enhance the model performance. The model was applied with limited multiple event calibration to produce parameter sets which could be applied to a spectrum of events with contrasting characteristics and antecedent conditions. Gran alkalinity was used as a tracer to provide an additional objective measure for assessing model performance. The models captured the hydrological response dynamics of the catchment reasonably well. In general, the single landscape unit approach produced the best individual model performance statistics, though the two‐landscape unit approach provided a range of models, which bracketed the storm hydrograph response more realistically. There was a tendency to over‐predict the rising limb of the hydrograph, underestimate large storm event peaks and anticipate the hydrograph recession too rapidly. Most of these limitations could be explained by the simplistic assumptions embedded within the GIUH approach. The modelling also gave feasible predictions of stream water chemistry, though these could not be used as a basis for model rejection. Nevertheless, the study suggested that the approach has potential for prediction of hydrological response in ungauged montane headwater basins. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of aquifer parameters based on measurements of tidal effects on a coastal aquifer near Beihai, China
Authors: Zhou Xun
Published: November 2007

Measurements of the tide and groundwater levels in coastal zones are of importance in determining the properties of coastal aquifers. The solution to a one‐dimensional unsteady groundwater flow model in a coastal confined aquifer with sinusoidal fluctuation of the tide shows that the tidal efficiency decreases exponentially with distance and the time lag increases linearly with distance from the coast. The aquifer property described by the ratio of storage coefficient to transmissivity is determined if the damping constant of the tidal efficiency or the slope of the time lag with distance are obtained on the basis of tidal measurements. Hourly observations of the tide and groundwater levels at 10 wells on the northern coast near Beihai, China show that with distance from the coast, tidal efficiency decreases roughly exponentially and the time lag increases roughly linearly. The estimated ratio of storage coefficient to transmissivity of the confined aquifer ranges from 1·169 × 10−6 d m−2 to 1·83 × 10−7 d m−2. For a given transmissivity of 750 m2 d−1, the storage coefficient of the aquifer is 8·7675 × 10−4 with the tidal efficiency method and 1·3725 × 10−4 with the time lag method. The damping constant of the tidal efficiency with distance can be defined as the tidal propagation coefficient. The value of the confined aquifer is determined as 0·0018892 m−1. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A BTOP model to extend TOPMODEL for distributed hydrological simulation of large basins
Authors: Takeuchi Kuniyoshi , Hapuarachchi Prasantha , Zhou Maichun , Ishidaira Hiroshi , Magome Jun
Published: November 2007

Topography is a dominant factor in hillslope hydrology. TOPMODEL, which uses a topographical index derived from a simplified steady state assumption of mass balance and empirical equations of motion over a hillslope, has many advantages in this respect. Its use has been demonstrated in many small basins (catchment areas of the order of 2–500 km2) but not in large basins (catchment areas of the order of 10 000–100 000 km2). The objective of this paper is to introduce the Block‐wise TOPMODEL (BTOP) as an extension of the TOPMODEL concept in a grid based framework for distributed hydrological simulation of large river basins. This extension was made by redefining the topographical index by using an effective contributing area af(a) (0⩽f(a)⩽1) per unit grid cell area instead of the upstream catchment area per unit contour length and introducing a concept of mean groundwater travel distance. Further the transmissivity parameter T0 was replaced by a groundwater dischargeability D which can provide a link between hill slope hydrology and macro hydrology. The BTOP model uses all the original TOPMODEL equations in their basic form. The BTOP model has been used as the core hydrological module of an integrated distributed hydrological model YHyM with advanced modules of precipitation, evapotranspiration, flow routing etc. Although the model has been successfully applied to many catchments around the world since 1999, there has not been a comprehensive theoretical basis presented in such applications. In this paper, an attempt is made to address this issue highlighted with an example application using the Mekong basin. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oscillating peat surface levels in a restiad peatland, New Zealand—magnitude and spatiotemporal variability
Authors: Fritz Christian , Campbell David I. , Schipper Louis A.
Published: November 2007

Hydrology, particularly the water table position below the surface (relative water level, RWL), is an important control on biogeochemical and ecological processes in peatlands. The surface elevation (SE) in a peatland oscillates in response to changes in effective stress on the peat matrix mainly caused by water level fluctuations. This phenomenon is called peatland surface oscillation (PSO). To investigate the spatiotemporal variability of PSO, surface elevation and the water level above sea level (AWL) were measured monthly (23 sites) over one year in a warm‐temperate restiad peatland, New Zealand. At one site peat surface elevation was measured indirectly by monitoring AWL and RWL continuously with pressure transducers. Annual PSO (the difference between maximum and minimum surface elevation) ranged from 3·2 to 28 cm (mean = 14·9 cm). Surface elevation changes were caused by AWL fluctuations. Spatially homogenous AWL fluctuations (mean 40 cm among sites) translated into RWL fluctuations reduced 27–56% by PSO except for three sites with shallow and dense peat at the peatland margin (7–17%). The SE‐AWL relationship was linear for 15 sites. However, eight sites showed significantly higher rates of surface elevation changes during the wet season and thus a non‐linear behaviour. We suggest flotation of upper peat layers during the wet season causing this non‐linear behaviour. Surprisingly, PSO was subjected to hysteresis: the positive SE‐AWL relationship reversed after rainfall when the surface slowly rose despite rapidly receding AWL. Hysteresis was more prominent during the dry season than during the wet season. Total peat thickness and bulk density together could only explain 50% of the spatial variability of PSO based on manual measurements. However, we found three broad types of SE‐AWL relationships differing in shape and slope of SE‐AWL curves. These oscillation types reflected patterns in vegetation and flooding. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of boric acid and borax on titanium dioxide genotoxicity
Authors: Turkez Hasan
Published: November 2007

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a potential carcinogenic/mutagenic agent although it is used in many areas including medical industries and cosmetics. Boron (as boric acid and borax) has also well‐described biological effects and therapeutic benefits. In a previous study, sister‐chromatid exchanges (SCEs) and micronuclei (MN) rates were assessed in control and TiO2‐treated (1, 2, 3, 5, 7.5 and 10 µm) human whole blood cultures. The results showed that the rates of SCE (at 2, 3, 5, 7.5 and 10 µm) and MN (at 5, 7.5 and 10 µm) formation in peripheral lymphocytes were increased significantly by TiO2 compared with the controls. The present study also investigated the genetic effects of boric acid and borax (2.5, 5 and 10 µm) on cultures with and without TiO2 addition. No significant increase in SCE and MN frequencies were observed at all concentrations of boron compounds. However, TiO2‐induced SCE and MN could be reduced significantly by the presence of boric acid and borax. In conclusion, this study indicated for the first time that boric acid and borax led to an increased resistance of DNA to damage induced by TiO2. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of zearalenone and α‐zearalenol toxicity on boar sperm DNA integrity
Authors: Tsakmakidis Ioannis A. , Lymberopoulos Aristoteles G. , Khalifa Tarek A. A. , Boscos Constanten M. , Saratsi Aikaterini , Alexopoulos Costas
Published: November 2007

This study aimed at investigating the in vitro effects of zearalenone (zen) and α‐zearalenol (α‐zen) on motility and nuclear chromatin integrity (NCI) of boar spermatozoa. Mycotoxins were tested, at levels ranging from 10 to 30 µg ml−1 of diluted semen. Four boars were used for semen collection (eight replicates per boar, four per mycotoxin). After the addition of zen or α‐zen, semen samples were incubated for 4 h at 38.5 °C, 5% CO2 and 96% humidified air. Motility and NCI were assessed at 0 and 4 h of incubation. No significant differences were noticed in motility among the experimental groups (P > 0.05) for all tested boars. Chromatin instability was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in spermatozoa of only one boar treated with zen and α‐zen independently of the dose. In conclusion, under our experimental conditions, zen and α‐zen did not affect the motility of boar sperm, whereas the effects of these toxins on sperm NCI were individual‐dependent. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.