bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cytomorphological criteria, subclassifications of endocervical glandular cell abnormalities, and histopathological outcome: A frequency study
Authors: Nora Letisa Comparin Dalla , Ázara Cinara Zago Silveira , de Sousa Pace Evelinne Leonel , Martins Cássio Melo , Zeferino Luiz Carlos , do Amaral Westin Maria Cristina , Derchain Sophie Françoise , Rabelo‐Santos Silvia Helena
Published: January 2010

The objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency and the significance of cytomorphological criteria defined in studies as being predictive of neoplasia in cervical smears of women with a cytological diagnosis of atypical glandular cells (AGC) or adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS). Women (n = 103) with cytological findings suggestive of AGC or AIS, whose diagnoses were later established by histopathology, were included in the study. The criteria analyzed and classified as present or absent in cervical smears previously classified as AGC‐NOS (not otherwise specified), AGC‐FN (favor neoplasia), or AIS were as follows: irregular nuclear membranes; scanty cytoplasm; dyskeratotic cells; increased nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio; nucleoli; overlapping; papillary clusters, feathering; loss of polarity; nuclear enlargement; coarsely granular chromatin; and pseudostratified strips. Histopathology resulted in neoplastic diagnoses in 55 cases (53.3%) and nonneoplastic diagnoses in 48 cases (46.6%). Coarsely granular chromatin was observed in 62.5% of cases with a diagnosis of neoplasia. Feathering was present in 80% of cases of histopathological AIS. Loss of polarity and coarsely granular chromatin were significantly associated with neoplastic diagnosis considering all subcategories of glandular abnormalities diagnosis. In AGC‐SOE subclassification, coarsely granular chromatin was significantly associated with neoplastic diagnosis. The presence of nucleoli was significantly associated with neoplastic diagnosis in cervical smears qualified as AGC‐FN and AIS. Nuclear enlargement, increased nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio, coarsely granular chromatin and overlapping cells were found in all the subclassifications of glandular cell abnormalities irrespective of the histopathological results. Chromatin aspects, polarity, and presence of nucleoli can predict neoplasia. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010;38:806‐810. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differential expression of neuroligin genes in the nervous system of zebrafish
Authors: Davey Crystal , Tallafuss Alexandra , Washbourne Philip
Published: January 2010

The establishment and maturation of appropriate synaptic connections is crucial in the development of neuronal circuits. Cellular adhesion is believed to play a central role in this process. Neuroligins are neuronal cell adhesion molecules that are hypothesized to act in the initial formation and maturation of synaptic connections. In order to establish the zebrafish as a model to investigate the in vivo role of Neuroligin proteins in nervous system development, we identified the zebrafish orthologs of neuroligin family members and characterized their expression. Zebrafish possess seven neuroligin genes. Synteny analysis and sequence comparisons show that NLGN2, NLGN3, and NLGN4X are duplicated in zebrafish, but NLGN1 has a single zebrafish ortholog. All seven zebrafish neuroligins are expressed in complex patterns in the developing nervous system and in the adult brain. The spatial and temporal expression patterns of these genes suggest that they occupy a role in nervous system development and maintenance. Developmental Dynamics 239:703–714, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of genomic structures and expression profiles of three tandem repeats of a mouse double homeobox gene: Duxbl
Authors: Wu Shey‐Lin , Tsai Ming‐Shiun , Wong Swee‐Hee , Hsieh‐Li Hsiu‐Mei , Tsai Tz‐Shiu , Chang Wei‐Tang , Huang Shin‐Ling , Chiu Chun‐Ching , Wang Sue‐Hong
Published: January 2010

We identified and cloned a mouse double homeobox gene (Duxbl), which encodes two homeodomains. Duxbl gene, a tandem triplicate produces two major transcripts, Duxbl and Duxbl‐s. The amino acid sequences of Duxbl homeodomains are most similar to those of human DUX4 protein, associated with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy. In adult tissues, Duxbl is predominantly expressed in female reproductive organs and eyes, and slightly expressed in brain and testes. During gonad development, Duxbl is expressed from embryonic to adult stages and specifically expressed in oocytes and spermatogonia. During embryonic development, Duxbl is transcribed in limbs and tail. However, Duxbl proteins were only detected in trunk and limb muscles and in elongated myocytes and myotubes. In C2C12 muscle cell line, Duxbl expression pattern is similar to differentiated marker gene, Myogenin, increased in expression from 2 days onward in differentiating medium. We suggest that Duxbl proteins play regulatory roles during myogenesis and reproductive developments. Developmental Dynamics 239:927–940, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluating the real‐world effectiveness of cognitive‐behavior therapy efficacy research on eating disorders: A case study from a community‐based clinical setting
Authors: Lowe Michael R. , Bunnell Douglas W. , Neeren Amy M. , Chernyak Yelena , Greberman Laurel
Published: January 2010

Objective:

There is a growing consensus that there is a need to test the real‐world effectiveness of eating disorder therapies that show promise in efficacy research. This article provides a narrative account of an NIMH‐funded study that attempted to apply efficacy findings from CBT research to an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) at the largest community‐based eating disorder program in the United States.

Method:

We describe the study as originally envisioned as well as the various challenges that the researchers and the IOP staff encountered in implementing this study.

Results:

The different training, assumptions, and “ways of knowing” of the research team and the treatment staff in regard to the nature of eating disorders and their treatment created multiple challenges for both groups during the study period. We describe valuable lessons learned about how to—and how not to—implement effectiveness designs in clinical settings that are relatively unfamiliar with empirically‐based research findings.

Discussion:

It is hoped that our experience in attempting to apply efficacy‐based research findings on eating disorders treatment in a community‐based clinical setting will prove helpful to other researchers and service providers engaging in such translational research. © 2010 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2011; 44:9–18)
Neutral and Cationic Hydridoruthenium Tetrakiscarbene Complexes
Authors: Wolf Robert , Plois Markus , Hepp Alexander
Published: January 2010

Starting from the novel chlorido precursor trans‐[RuCl2(IMe)4] (1, IMe = 1,3,4,5‐tetramethylimidazol‐2‐ylidene), hydridoruthenium complexes trans‐[RuH2(IMe)4] (2) and [RuH(IMe)4][BEt4] (3BEt4) have been synthesized. Complex 2 was isolated from the reaction of 1 with LiAlH4, while ionic compound 3 was obtained when LiBHEt3 was used as the hydride source. Complexes 1–3 have been characterized by X‐ray crystallography, multinuclear NMR, IR, UV/Vis spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Neutral dihydride 2 displays a tetragonal bipyramidal geometry with four carbene groups coordinated to ruthenium in equatorial positions and two apical hydrogen atoms. DFT calculations suggest that the trans structure observed for 2 is preferred over a cis arrangement for steric reasons. The ruthenium atom of 3 has a tetragonal pyramidal coordination environment with a vacant coordination site sterically protected by the Me substituents of the ligands. Thus, compound 3 should be an attractive target for future coordination studies.
Groupwise registration based on hierarchical image clustering and atlas synthesis
Authors: Wang Qian , Chen Liya , Yap Pew‐Thian , Wu Guorong , Shen Dinggang
Published: January 2010

Groupwise registration has recently been proposed for simultaneous and consistent registration of all images in a group. Since many deformation parameters need to be optimized for each image under registration, the number of images that can be effectively handled by conventional groupwise registration methods is limited. Moreover, the robustness of registration is at stake due to significant intersubject variability. To overcome these problems, we present a groupwise registration framework, which is based on a hierarchical image clustering and atlas synthesis strategy. The basic idea is to decompose a large‐scale groupwise registration problem into a series of small‐scale problems, each of which is relatively easy to solve using a general computer. In particular, we employ a method called affinity propagation, which is designed for fast and robust clustering, to hierarchically cluster images into a pyramid of classes. Intraclass registration is then performed to register all images within individual classes, resulting in a representative center image for each class. These center images of different classes are further registered, from the bottom to the top in the pyramid. Once the registration reaches the summit of the pyramid, a single center image, or an atlas, is synthesized. Utilizing this strategy, we can efficiently and effectively register a large image group, construct their atlas, and, at the same time, establish shape correspondences between each image and the atlas. We have evaluated our framework using real and simulated data, and the results indicate that our framework achieves better robustness and registration accuracy compared to conventional methods. Hum Brain Mapp, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Biasing the organism for novelty: A pervasive property of the attention system
Authors: Chen Qi , Fuentes Luis J. , Zhou Xiaolin
Published: January 2010

Although the functional and anatomical independences between the orienting and the executive attention networks have been well established, surprisingly little is known about the potential neural interaction between them. Recent studies point out that spatial inhibition of return (IOR), a mechanism associated with the orienting network, and nonspatial inhibition of return, a mechanism associated with the executive network, might bias the organism for novel locations and objects, respectively. By orthogonally combining the spatial and the nonspatial IOR paradigms in this fMRI study, we demonstrate that the orienting and the executive networks interact and compensate each other in biasing the attention system for novelty. Behaviorally, participants responded slower to the target at the old location only when the color of the target was novel, and participants responded slower to the old color representation only when the target appeared at a novel spatial location. Neurally, the orienting network was involved in slowing down responses to the old location only when the nonspatial IOR mechanism in the executive network was not operative (i.e., when the color of the target was novel); the prefrontal executive network was involved in slowing down responses to the old color representation only when the spatial IOR mechanism in the orienting network was not functioning (i.e., when the target appeared at a novel location). Hum Brain Mapp, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic and environmental contributions to neonatal brain structure: A twin study
Authors: Gilmore John H. , Schmitt James Eric , Knickmeyer Rebecca C. , Smith Jeffrey K. , Lin Weili , Styner Martin , Gerig Guido , Neale Michael C.
Published: January 2010

Twin studies have found that global brain volumes, including total intracranial volume (ICV), total gray matter, and total white matter volumes are highly heritable in adults and older children. Very little is known about genetic and environmental contributions to brain structure in very young children and whether these contributions change over the course of development. We performed structural imaging on a 3T MR scanner of 217 neonatal twins, 41 same‐sex monozygotic, 50 same‐sex dizygotic pairs, and 35 “single” twins—neonates with brain scans unavailable for their co‐twins. Tissue segmentation and parcellation was performed, and structural equation modeling was used to estimate additive genetic, common environmental, and unique environmental effects on brain structure. Heritability of ICV (0.73) and total white matter volume (0.85) was high and similar to that described in older children and adults; the heritability of total gray matter (0.56) was somewhat lower. Heritability of lateral ventricle volume was high (0.71), whereas the heritability of cerebellar volume was low (0.17). Comparison with previous twin studies in older children and adults reveal that three general patterns of how heritability can change during postnatal brain development: (1) for global white matter volumes, heritability is comparable to reported heritability in adults, (2) for global gray matter volume and cerebellar volume, heritability increases with age, and (3) for lateral ventricle volume, heritability decreases with age. More detailed studies of the changes in the relative genetic and environmental effects on brain structure throughout early childhood development are needed. Hum Brain Mapp, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Power calculations for multicenter imaging studies controlled by the false discovery rate
Authors: Suckling John , Barnes Anna , Job Dominic , Brenan David , Lymer Katherine , Dazzan Paola , Marques Tiago Reis , MacKay Clare , McKie Shane , Williams Steve R. , Williams Steven C. R. , Lawrie Stephen , Deakin Bill
Published: January 2010

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is widely used in brain imaging research (neuroimaging) to explore structural and functional changes across dispersed neural networks visible only via multisubject experiments. Multicenter investigations are an effective way to increase recruitment rates. This article describes image‐based power calculations for a two‐group, cross‐sectional design specified by the mean effect size and its standard error, sample size, false discovery rate (FDR), and size of the network (i.e., proportion of image locations) that truly demonstrates an effect. Minimum sample size (for fixed effect size) and the minimum effect size (for fixed sample size) are calculated by specifying the acceptable power threshold. Within‐center variance was estimated in five participating centers by repeat MRI scanning of 12 healthy participants from whom distributions of gray matter were estimated. The effect on outcome measures when varying FDR and the proportion of true positives is presented. Their spatial patterns reflect within‐center variance, which is consistent across centers. Sample sizes 3–6 times larger are needed when detecting effects in subcortical regions compared to the neocortex. Hypothesized multicenter studies of patients with first episode psychosis and control participants were simulated with varying proportions of the cohort recruited at each center. There is little penalty to sample size for recruitment at five centers compared to the center with the lowest variance alone. At 80% power 80 participants per group are required to observe differences in gray matter in high variance regions. Hum Brain Mapp, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effect of model order selection in group PICA
Authors: Abou‐Elseoud Ahmed , Starck Tuomo , Remes Jukka , Nikkinen Juha , Tervonen Osmo , Kiviniemi Vesa
Published: January 2010

Independent component analysis (ICA) of functional MRI data is sensitive to model order selection. There is a lack of knowledge about the effect of increasing model order on independent components' (ICs) characteristics of resting state networks (RSNs). Probabilistic group ICA (group PICA) of 55 healthy control subjects resting state data was repeated 100 times using ICASSO repeatability software and after clustering of components, centrotype components were used for further analysis. Visual signal sources (VSS), default mode network (DMN), primary somatosensory (S1), secondary somatosensory (S2), primary motor cortex (M1), striatum, and precuneus (preC) components were chosen as components of interest to be evaluated by varying group probabilistic independent component analysis (PICA) model order between 10 and 200. At model order 10, DMN and VSS components fuse several functionally separate sources that at higher model orders branch into multiple components. Both volume and mean z‐score of components of interest showed significant (P < 0.05) changes as a function of model order. In conclusion, model order has a significant effect on ICs characteristics. Our findings suggest that using model orders ≤20 provides a general picture of large scale brain networks. However, detection of some components (i.e., S1, S2, and striatum) requires higher model order estimation. Model orders 30–40 showed spatial overlapping of some IC sources. Model orders 70 ± 10 offer a more detailed evaluation of RSNs in a group PICA setting. Model orders > 100 showed a decrease in ICA repeatability, but added no significance to either volume or mean z‐score results. Hum Brain Mapp, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The contrast dependence of the cortical fMRI deficit in amblyopia; a selective loss at higher contrasts
Authors: Hess Robert F. , Li Xingfeng , Lu Guangming , Thompson Benjamin , Hansen Bruce C.
Published: January 2010

Although there is general agreement that the fMRI cortical response is reduced in humans with amblyopia, the deficit is subtle and has little correlation with threshold‐based psychophysics. From a purely contrast sensitivity perspective, one would expect fMRI responses to be selectively reduced for stimuli of low contrasts. However, to date, all fMRI stimuli used in studies of amblyopia have been of high contrast. Furthermore, if the deficit is selective for low contrasts, one would expect it to reflect a selective M‐cell loss, because M‐cells have much higher contrast gain than P‐cells and make a larger contribution to the threshold detection of stimuli of low spatial and medium temporal frequencies. To test these two predictions, we compared % BOLD response between the eyes of normals and amblyopes for low‐ and high‐contrast stimuli using a phase‐encoded design. The results suggest that the fMRI deficit in amblyopia depends upon stimulus contrast and that it is greater at high contrasts. This is consistent with a selective P‐cell contrast deficit at a precortical or early cortical site. Hum Brain Mapp, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Surface vegetation controls on evapotranspiration from a sub‐humid Western Boreal Plain wetland
Authors: Brown S. M. , Petrone R. M. , Mendoza C. , Devito K. J.
Published: January 2010

Wetlands in the Western Boreal Plain (WBP) of North Central Alberta exist within a moisture‐deficit regime where evapotranspiration (ET) is the dominant hydrologic flux. As such these systems are extremely susceptible to the slightest climatic variability that may upset the balance between precipitation (P) and ET. Wetland ET is predominantly controlled by vegetation composition but may also vary due to moisture regimes and microclimatic factors. To address this variability in moisture regimes, ET was examined in a typical moraine‐wetland‐pond system of the WBP during the 2005 and 2006 snow‐free seasons. Closed dynamic chamber measurements were used to gather data on plant community‐scale actual evapotranspiration (ET) in an undisturbed natural bog with varying degrees of canopy cover surrounding a shallow groundwater‐fed pond. For the purposes of scaling plant community ET contributions to those of the wetland, potential ET (PETEQ) was measured using a Priestley–Taylor energy balance approach at three separate wetland sites with varying aspects surrounding the central pond, along with actual evapotranspiration using a roving eddy covariance (EC) tower. Growing season peak ET rates ranged from 0·2 mm/h to 0·6 mm/h depending on the location, vegetation composition and time period. Sphagnum contributions were the greatest early in the growing season, reaching peaks of 0·6 mm/h, while lichen sites exhibited the greatest late season rates at 0·4 mm/h. Thus, Sphagnum and other nonvascular wetland plant species control ET differently throughout the growing season and as such should be considered an integral part of the moisture and water balances within wetland environments at the sub‐landscape unit scale. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrochemistry of ice stream beds—evaporitic or microbial effects?
Authors: Skidmore Mark , Tranter Martyn , Tulaczyk Slawek , Lanoil Brian
Published: January 2010

Recently, new data have been acquired on the chemical composition of waters within the glacial till beneath the Kamb Ice Stream (KIS, formerly Ice Stream C) and the Bindschadler Ice Stream (BIS, formerly Ice Stream D), two of the arteries of ice loss from the Antarctic Ice Sheet (AIS). We compare this water chemistry with basally stored subglacial waters from Arctic and Alpine glaciers and the only other measurements of sub‐ice sheet chemistry to date, that emerging from beneath Law Dome near Casey Station, SW Antarctica, during a jökulhlaup. We find that the chemistries pose significant questions about the hydrology and biogeochemistry of ice sheet beds. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Epigenetic inactivation and tumor suppressor activity of HAI‐2/SPINT2 in gastric cancer
Authors: Dong Wenjie , Chen Xiaobing , Xie Jing , Sun Pinghu , Wu Yunlin
Published: January 2010

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) activator inhibitor type 2 (HAI‐2/SPINT2) encodes Kunitz‐type protease inhibitor that regulates HGF activity. Inspection of the human HAI‐2/SPINT2 locus uncovered a large and dense CpG island within the 5′ region of this gene. Analysis of cultured human gastric tumor lines indicated that HAI‐2/SPINT2 expression is either undetectable or in low abundance in several lines; however, enhanced gene expression was measured in cells cultured on the DNA demethylating agent 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine. Bisulfite DNA sequencing confirmed the densely methylated HAI‐2/SPINT2 promoter region. Forced expression of HAI‐2/SPINT2 induced cell apoptosis, suppressed anchorage independent growth in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. We investigated HAI‐2/SPINT2 aberrant methylation in patients with gastric cancer. The HAI‐2/SPINT2 methylation was found preferentially in cancerous tissues (30 of 40, 75%) compared with nontumor tissues (no methylation was detected), indicating that this aberrant characteristic is common in gastric malignancies. In conclusion, epigenetic inactivation of HAI‐2/SPINT2 is a common event contributing to gastric carcinogenesis and may be a potential biomarker for gastric cancer.
Distribution of carbon‐14 labeled C60 ([14C]C60) in the pregnant and in the lactating dam and the effect of C60 exposure on the biochemical profile of urine
Authors: Sumner Susan C. J. , Fennell Timothy R. , Snyder Rodney W. , Taylor George F. , Lewin Anita H.
Published: January 2010

This study was conducted to determine the distribution of [14C]C60 in the pregnant rat and fetuses, and in the lactating rat and offspring. Pregnant rats were dosed on gestation day (gd) 15 and lactating rats were dosed on postnatal day (pnd) 8 via tail vein injection with a suspension of ∼0.3 mg [14C]C60 kg−1 body weight prepared in polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), or with PVP alone. Tissues were collected at 24 and 48 h after dosing. The largest portion of the administered dose was detected in the liver (∼43%, pregnant dam; ∼35%, lactating dam) and lung (∼25%, lactating dam). Radioactivity (∼6%) was distributed to the reproductive tract, placenta and fetuses of the pregnant dam. Lactating rats had radioactivity distributed to the milk (3140 dpm g−1 tissue, 24 h; 1620 dpm g−1 tissue, 48 h), and to the pups' GI tract (2.8%, 24 h; 4.4% 48 h) and liver (<1%). Blood radioactivity was significant at 24 h (14–19%) and at 48 h (7%) after dosing; largely accounted for in the plasma fraction. Less that 4% of the dose was recovered in the maternal spleen, heart, brain, urine or feces. Metabolomics analysis of urine indicated that dams exposed to [14C]C60 had decreased metabolites derived from the Krebs cycle and increased metabolites derived from the urea cycle or glycolysis, as well as alterations in the levels of some sulfur‐containing amino acids and purine/pyrimidine metabolites. This study demonstrated that [14C]C60 crosses the placenta and is transmitted to offspring via the dam's milk and subsequently systemically absorbed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modified paraffin wax for improvement of histological analysis efficiency
Authors: Lim Jin Ik , Lim Kook‐Jin , Choi Jin‐Young , Lee Yong‐Keun
Published: January 2010

Paraffin wax is usually used as an embedding medium for histological analysis of natural tissue. However, it is not easy to obtain enough numbers of satisfactory sectioned slices because of the difference in mechanical properties between the paraffin and embedded tissue. We describe a modified paraffin wax that can improve the histological analysis efficiency of natural tissue, composed of paraffin and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) resin (0, 3, 5, and 10 wt %). Softening temperature of the paraffin/EVA media was similar to that of paraffin (50–60°C). The paraffin/EVA media dissolved completely in xylene after 30 min at 50°C. Physical properties such as the amount of load under the same compressive displacement, elastic recovery, and crystal intensity increased with increased EVA content. EVA medium (5 wt %) was regarded as an optimal composition, based on the sectioning efficiency measured by the numbers of unimpaired sectioned slices, amount of load under the same compressive displacement, and elastic recovery test. Based on the staining test of sectioned slices embedded in a 5 wt % EVA medium by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Masson trichrome (MT), and other staining tests, it was concluded that the modified paraffin wax can improve the histological analysis efficiency with various natural tissues. Microsc. Res. Tech. 73:761–765, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A convenient synthesis of novel N‐dichloroacetyl‐1,3‐oxazolidine
Authors: Ye Fei , Yang Lei , Li Haitao , Fu Ying , Xu Weijun
Published: January 2010

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A short and efficient route of synthesis and structural characterization of a series of novel N‐dichloroacetyl‐1,3‐oxazolidine derivatives has been developed. These new compounds characterized of the disubstitution at position 2 by alkyl, cycloalkane, and phenyl were synthesized in good yields via a sequential procedure involving condensation and acylation. All the compounds are characterized by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and element analysis. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
Synthesis and herbicidal activity of O,O‐dialkyl N‐[2‐(5,7‐dimethyl‐[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidin‐2‐yloxy)benzoxyl]‐1‐amino‐1‐substitutedbenzyl phosphonates
Authors: Tang Wu , Shi De‐Qing
Published: January 2010

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A series of novel 1,2,4‐triazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine derivatives containing an α‐amino phosphonate moiety 5 were designed and synthesized by the multi‐step reactions. Their structures were clearly confirmed by spectroscopic data (IR, 1H NMR, 31P NMR, MS) and elemental analysis, compound 5b was further determined by X‐ray diffraction crystallography. The results of preliminary bioassay indicated that some of the title compounds 5 possessed moderate herbicidal activities against dicotyledonous plants (Brassica campestris L) at the concentration of 100 mg/L. For example, compound 5i possessed 92.0% inhibitory activity against B. campestris L and showed better activity than that of the commercialized herbicide Bispyribac‐sodium; however, compounds 5 displayed weak herbicidal activity at the concentration of 10 mg/L. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
Facile synthesis and herbicidal activity of novel multisubstituted pyridine derivatives
Authors: Ren Qingyun , Mo Wenyan , Gao Ling , He Hongwu , Gu Yucheng
Published: January 2010

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Ketene N,S‐acetals reacted with β‐ketoesters in the presence of Zn(NO3)2 · 6H2O as catalyst, in ethanol solvent, giving 6‐alkylsulfanylpyridines 4 in good yields without complicated purification procedures. Oxidization of compounds 4 with aqueous hydrogen peroxide in the presence of catalytic sodium wolframate led to the formation of 6‐alkylsulfonylpyridine derivatives 5, which could be further derivatized in the 6‐position by nucleophilic reactions with phenols or amines to give multisubstituted pyridine compounds 8. Bioassays indicated that some of the compounds of the type 8 have good herbicidal activity at a dose of 100 mg/L on the roots of oil rape and barnyard grass. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
Microwave‐assisted synthesis and evaluation of antimicrobial activity of 3‐{3‐(s‐aryl and s‐heteroaromatic)acryloyl}‐2H‐chromen‐2‐one derivatives
Authors: Ajani Olayinka O. , Nwinyi Obinna C.
Published: January 2010

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The exploration of potential utilization of microwaves as an energy source for heterocyclic synthesis was herein investigated using condensation of 3‐acetylcoumarin (1) with aromatic and heteroaromatic aldehydes to afford the corresponding aromatic chalcones (2a,2b,2c,2d,2e,2f,2g,2h,2i,2j) and heteroaromatic chalcones (3a,3b,3c,3d,3eand4a,4b,4c,4d,4e), respectively, in good to excellent yield within 1–3 min. The chemical structures were confirmed by analytical and spectral data. All the synthesized compounds were screened for their antibacterial activity and 3‐{3‐(4‐dimethylaminophenyl)acryloyl}‐2H‐chromen‐2‐one (2i) was discovered to be the most active at minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 7.8 μg/mL. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
One‐pot three‐component synthesis of tetrasubstituted N—H pyrroles from secondary propargylic alcohols, 1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds and tert‐butyl carbamate
Authors: Cadierno Victorio , Gimeno José , Nebra Noel
Published: January 2010

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Several tetrasubstituted NH pyrroles, functionalized with ester or ketone groups at C‐3 position, were prepared by one‐pot coupling of secondary propargylic alcohols with 1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds and tert‐butyl carbamate, via in situ deprotection of the corresponding pentasubstituted N‐Boc pyrroles. The three‐component coupling process was promoted by the combined use of the 16‐electron ruthenium(II) catalyst [Ru(η3‐2‐C3H4Me)(CO)(dppf)][SbF6] (dppf = 1,1′‐bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene) and trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
The top 10 infectious disease pitfalls that hospitalists can avoid
Authors: Paige Neil M. , Vazirani Sondra S. , Graber Christopher J.
Published: January 2010

Infectious diseases are commonly encountered by hospitalists in their day‐to‐day care of patients. Challenges involved in caring for patients with infectious diseases include choosing the correct antibiotic, treating patients with a penicillin allergy, interpreting blood cultures, and caring for patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The evidence‐based pearls in this article will help hospitalists avoid common pitfalls in the recognition and treatment of such disorders and guide their decision about when to consult an infectious diseases specialist. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2010;5:42–45. © 2010 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Early prediction of septic shock in hospitalized patients
Authors: Thiel Steven W. , Rosini Jamie M. , Shannon William , Doherty Joshua A. , Micek Scott T. , Kollef Marin H.
Published: January 2010

BACKGROUND:

Hospitalized patients who develop severe sepsis have significant morbidity and mortality. Early goal‐directed therapy has been shown to decrease mortality in severe sepsis and septic shock, though a delay in recognizing impending sepsis often precludes this intervention.

OBJECTIVE:

To identify early predictors of septic shock among hospitalized non‐intensive care unit (ICU) medical patients.

DESIGN:

Retrospective cohort analysis.

SETTING:

A 1200‐bed academic medical center.

PATIENTS:

Derivation cohort consisted of 13,785 patients hospitalized during 2005. The validation cohorts consisted of 13,737 patients during 2006 and 13,937 patients from 2007.

INTERVENTION:

Development and prospective validation of a prediction model using Recursive Partitioning And Regression Tree (RPART) analysis.

METHODS:

RPART analysis of routine laboratory and hemodynamic variables from the derivation cohort to identify predictors prior to the occurrence of shock. Two models were generated, 1 including arterial blood gas (ABG) data and 1 without.

RESULTS:

When applied to the 2006 cohort, 347 (54.7%) and 121 (19.1%) of the 635 patients developing septic shock were correctly identified by the 2 models, respectively. For the 2007 patients, the 2 models correctly identified 367 (55.0%) and 102 (15.3%) of the 667 patients developing septic shock, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

Readily available data can be employed to predict non‐ICU patients who develop septic shock several hours prior to ICU admission. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2010;5:19–25. © 2010 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Intravenous immunoglobulin for the treatment of severe Clostridium difficile colitis: An observational study and review of the literature
Authors: Abougergi Marwan S. , Broor Apoorv , Cui Wei , Jaar Bernard G.
Published: January 2010

BACKGROUND:

Clostridium difficile colitis (CDC) is the most common cause of hospital‐acquired diarrhea. The increase in the incidence and fatality rate of CDC over the past decade has stimulated a search for new therapies, including intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). We report our experience with IVIG for the treatment of 21 patients with severe CDC.

METHOD:

Retrospective review of patients with severe CDC who received IVIG between July 2002 and April 2006 at a teaching hospital. The existing literature on IVIG infusion for severe CDC was also reviewed.

RESULTS:

Twenty‐one of 1230 patients with CDC were treated with IVIG. The mean age was 68 (range, 35–98) years, with mean hospital stay of 23 (range, 9–64) days. Conventional treatment was used for an average of 8 (range, 1–25) days before IVIG infusion. All patients had evidence of pancolitis (radiologically) or ileus (clinically). The mean Acute Physiological Assessment and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) score was 25 (range, 6–39) at day 1 of IVIG infusion. Nine patients (43%) survived their hospitalization with colitis resolution while 12 (57%) died. One patient developed pulmonary edema after IVIG infusion. Symptoms resolved after an average of 10 (range, 2–20) days for survivors. Two patients underwent urgent colectomy.

CONCLUSIONS:

This is the largest case series describing IVIG use for patients with severe CDC and the one with the highest mortality rate to date. The use of IVIG in this setting does not seem to benefit all patients. Benefit appears to depend on the extent of systemic involvement. Further studies are needed before adopting IVIG as routine treatment for severe CDC. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2010;5:E1–E9. © 2010 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Performance of the maximum modified early warning score to predict the need for higher care utilization among admitted emergency department patients
Authors: Heitz Corey R. , Gaillard John P. , Blumstein Howard , Case Doug , Messick Catherine , Miller Chadwick D.
Published: January 2010

BACKGROUND:

It is uncertain whether ED‐calculated risk scores can predict required intensity of care upon hospital admission. This investigation examines whether versions of the Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) predict high level of care utilization among patients admitted from the ED.

METHODS:

A retrospective chart review of 299 admissions was implemented. Exclusions prior to abstraction included pediatrics, cardiology, or trauma admissions. Using a data‐gathering instrument, abstractors recorded physiologic parameters and clinical variables. Risk scores were calculated electronically. In contrast to the original MEWS, the MEWS Max was calculated using data from the entire ED visit. The primary outcome composite included all‐cause mortality and higher care utilization within 24 hours.

RESULTS:

The final analysis contained 280 participants. 76 (27%) met the composite endpoint of death (n = 1) or higher care utilization (n = 76). The MEWS Max was associated with the composite outcome (OR=l.6 [95% CI 1.3‐1.8] for each one point increase). The MEWS Max had moderate predictive ability (C statistic: MEWS Max 0.73 [0.66‐0.79]) but classified 82% of participants as intermediate (10‐40%) risk. Inclusion of additional variables slightly improved the predictive ability (C statistic 0.76 [0.69–0.82]) and correctly reclassified 17% of patients as <10% risk.

CONCLUSIONS:

The MEWS Max has moderate ability to predict the need for higher level of care. Addition of ED length of stay and other variables to MEWS Max may identify patients at both low and high risk of requiring a higher level of care. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2010;5:E46–E52. © 2010 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Impact of a restrictive antimicrobial policy on the process and timing of antimicrobial administration
Authors: Winters Bradford D. , Thiemann David R. , Brotman Daniel J.
Published: January 2010

BACKGROUND:

In‐hospital antimicrobial approval policies are designed to curb the indiscriminant use of antimicrobials. These policies usually require written forms and/or direct requests to an Infectious Disease specialist (or surrogate) prior to release of the antimicrobial. We hypothesized that the approval processes at our institution results in delayed antimicrobial administration.

METHODS:

We performed a retrospective cohort study examining the time from order to administration for 25 different antimicrobials ordered “stat.” Antimicrobials were classified as restricted (required approval) or unrestricted. We compared these 2 classes to each other both during the daytime (8 AM to 10 PM), when approval is required for restricted antimicrobials, and at night when the first dose of all antimicrobials is exempted. We defined a delay in administration when the medication was given >1 hour from time of order. We separately examined delays of >2 hours.

RESULTS:

A higher percentage of >1‐hour delays occurred when the antimicrobial was restricted (odds ratio [OR] = 1.49; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.23‐1.82). Similar results were seen for >2‐hour delays (OR = 1.78; 95% CI = 1.39‐2.21). During the exempt‐from‐restriction time period (10 PM to 8 AM), there was no difference between these 2 classes of antimicrobials. Results were unchanged by adjustment for service (medicine vs. surgery vs. other), patient characteristics (age, sex, race), or by weekday vs. weekend.

CONCLUSIONS:

Statistically significant delays in stat antimicrobial administration occur in our institution when antimicrobials require preapproval. These findings illustrate the importance of considering clinical efficiency when restrictions are put in place for time‐sensitive therapies such as antimicrobials. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2010;5:E41–E45. © 2010 Society of Hospital Medicine.
The temporal and spatial structures of recent and future trends in extreme indices over Korea from a regional climate projection
Authors: Im E. S. , Jung I. W. , Bae D. H.
Published: January 2010

The temporal and spatial characteristics of trends in extreme indices over Korea between 1971 and 2100 are investigated using daily minimum (Tmin) and maximum (Tmax) temperature and precipitation data from a regional climate projection at 20 km grid spacing. Five temperature–based indices and five precipitation–based indices are selected to comprehensively consider the frequency, intensity, and persistence of extreme events. In addition, Mann–Kendall tests are used to detect the statistical significance of trends in these indices. For validation during the reference period (1971–2000), the model reasonably simulates the temporal and spatial pattern of the trend. The model captures observed direction and magnitude well in various types of extremes. Indices based on Tmin show a considerable change towards warmer climate conditions while indices based on Tmax do not reveal any distinct trend, implying an asymmetric response of Tmin and Tmax to global warming. Indices of the frequency and intensity of heavy precipitation show a significant increase, whereas the duration of dry and wet consecutive days shows no change. For future projections, the temperature–based indices exhibit a much more significant and consistent trend than the precipitation–based indices, with statistical significance at the 95% confidence level for all indices. The frequency and intensity of heavy precipitation are projected to increase in the 21st century, continuing the trend of the reference climate. Although the future projected changes in the duration of consecutive dry and wet days are not statistically significant, the signal becomes more pronounced with respect to the reference simulation. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Variability in the summer season hydrological cycle over the Atlantic‐Europe region 1979–2007
Authors: Allan Richard P. , Zveryaev Igor I.
Published: January 2010

Variability in aspects of the hydrological cycle over the Europe‐Atlantic region during the summer season is analysed for the period 1979–2007, using observational estimates, reanalyses and climate model simulations. Warming and moistening trends are evident in observations and models although decadal changes in water vapour are not well represented by reanalyses, including the new European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Interim reanalysis. Over the north Atlantic and northern Europe, observed water vapour trends are close to that expected from the temperature trends and Clausius–Clapeyron equation (7% K−1), larger than the model simulations. Precipitation over Europe is dominated by large‐scale dynamics with positive phases of the North Atlantic Oscillation coinciding with drier conditions over north Europe and wetter conditions over the Mediterranean region. Evaporation trends over Europe are positive in reanalyses and models, especially for the Mediterranean region (1–3% per decade in reanalyses and climate models). Over the north Atlantic, declining precipitation combined with increased moisture contributed to an apparent rise in water vapour residence time. Maximum precipitation minus evaporation over the north Atlantic occurred during summer 1991, declining thereafter. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
BMP‐7–induced ectopic bone formation and fracture healing is impaired by systemic NSAID application in C57BL/6‐mice
Authors: Spiro Alexander S. , Timo Beil F. , Baranowsky Anke , Barvencik Florian , Schilling Arndt F. , Nguyen Khoa , Khadem Shahram , Seitz Sebastian , Rueger Johannes M. , Schinke Thorsten , Amling Michael
Published: January 2010

Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are known to potentially impair the fracture healing process. The aim of the present study was to determine if the impairment of bone healing by systemic NSAID application is, at least in part, due to an interaction of NSAIDs with the bone anabolic BMP‐7 pathway. Therefore, we first analyzed fracture healing in control and diclofenac‐treated mice, where we not only found a significant impairment of fracture healing due to diclofenac treatment as assessed by biomechanical testing and µCT imaging, but also found high coexpression of bone morphogenetic protein‐7 (BMP‐7) and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) within the fracture callus of both groups. To experimentally address the possible interaction between BMP‐7 and COX‐2, we then induced ectopic bone formation in control (n = 10) and diclofenac‐treated mice (n = 10) by application of BMP‐7 (recombinant human OP‐1, rhOP‐1) into the hamstring muscles. After 20 days of treatment, each ectopic bone nodule was analyzed by contact‐radiography, µCT, histology, and histomorphometry. Diclofenac application decreased the trabecular number and bone mass in the ectopic bone nodules significantly due to reduced osteoblast number and activity. These data demonstrate that the bone anabolic effect of BMP‐7 and fracture healing is impaired by diclofenac application, and suggest that the potential negative impact of NSAIDs on fracture healing is, at least in part, due to interference with BMP‐7 signaling. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:785–791, 2010
Modulation of Wnt signaling influences fracture repair
Authors: Komatsu David E. , Mary Michelle N. , Schroeder Robert Jason , Robling Alex G. , Turner Charles H. , Warden Stuart J.
Published: January 2010

While the importance of Wnt signaling in skeletal development and homeostasis is well documented, little is known regarding its function in fracture repair. We hypothesized that activation and inactivation of Wnt signaling would enhance and impair fracture repair, respectively. Femoral fractures were generated in Lrp5 knockout mice (Lrp5−/−) and wild‐type littermates (Lrp5+/+), as well as C57BL/6 mice. Lrp5−/− and Lrp5+/+ mice were untreated, while C57BL/6 mice were treated 2×/week with vehicle or anti‐Dkk1 antibodies (Dkk1 Ab) initiated immediately postoperatively (Day 0) or 4 days postoperatively (Day 4). Fractures were radiographed weekly until sacrifice at day 28, followed by DXA, pQCT, and biomechanical analyses. Lrp5−/− mice showed impaired repair compared to Lrp5+/+ mice, as evidenced by reduced callus area, BMC, BMD, and biomechanical properties. The effects of Dkk1 Ab treatment depended on the timing of initiation. Day 0 initiation enhanced repair, with significant gains seen for callus area, BMC, BMD, and biomechanical properties, whereas Day 4 initiation had no effect. These results validated our hypothesis that Wnt signaling influences fracture repair, with prompt activation enhancing repair and inactivation impairing it. Furthermore, these data suggest that activation of Wnt signaling during fracture repair may have clinical utility in facilitating fracture repair. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:928–936, 2010
Increased morbidity rates in patients with heart disease or chronic liver disease following radical gastric surgery
Authors: Jeong Sang‐Ho , Ahn Hye Sung , Yoo Moon‐Won , Cho Jae‐Jin , Lee Hyuk‐Joon , Kim Hyung‐Ho , Lee Kuhn‐Uk , Yang Han‐Kwang
Published: January 2010

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate possible associations between (i) comorbid disease and (ii) perioperative risk factors and morbidity following radical surgery for gastric cancer.

Materials and Methods

Consecutive patients (759) undergoing radical gastrectomy and D2 level lymph node dissection for gastric cancer were included. Clinical data concerning patient characteristics, operative methods, and complications were collected prospectively.

Results

The morbidity rate for radical gastrectomy was 14.2% (108/759). The most significant comorbid risk factors for postoperative morbidity were heart disease [anticoagulant medication: OR = 1.5 (95% CI = 0.35–6.6, P = 0.53); history without medication: OR = 4.0 (95% CI = 1.1–14.6, P = 0.03); history with current medication: OR = 6.7 (95% CI = 1.5–29.9, P = 0.01)] and chronic liver disease [chronic hepatitis: OR = 2.4 (95% CI = 0.9–6.5, P = 0.07); liver cirrhosis class A: OR = 8.4 (95% CI = 2.8–25.3, P = 0.00); liver cirrhosis class B: OR = 9.38 (95% CI = 0.7–115.5, P = 0.08)]. The most significant perioperative risk factors for postoperative morbidity were high TNM stage and combined organ resection (P < 0.05), and there was no association between increased postoperative morbidity and well controlled hypertension, anticoagulant therapy, diabetes mellitus, pulmonary disease, tuberculosis, or thyroid disease (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Patients with heart disease or chronic liver disease are at a higher risk of morbidity following radical surgery for gastric cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010; 101:200–204. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.