bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgical treatment of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma with intracranial extension
Authors: Margalit Nevo , Wasserzug Oshri , De-Row Ari , Abergel Avraham , Fliss Dan M. , Gil Ziv
Published: September 2009

Object

The purpose of this study was to describe the surgical treatment and outcomes of patients with intracranial extension of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA).

Methods

Twenty-one patients who underwent operations for JNAs between 1994 and 2008 were enrolled in the study. Seven patients (33%) had intracranial tumor extension. The middle cranial fossa and cavernous sinus were involved in 4 patients who underwent operations via the combined infratemporal fossa-midfacial degloving approach. The anterior skull base was involved in 3 patients who underwent the subcranialmidfacial degloving approach.

Results

Complete tumor removal was achieved in all patients. Postoperative complications included 1 case of soft-tissue infection. None of the patients had tumor recurrence after a mean follow-up of 42 months (range 29–85 months). No adjuvant therapy was required in any patient.

Conclusions

Combined approaches can be used effectively for treatment of JNAs with intracranial extension without the need for adjuvant therapy.
Prevalence of pineal cysts in children and young adults
Authors: Al-Holou Wajd N. , Garton Hugh J. L. , Muraszko Karin M. , Ibrahim Mohannad , Maher Cormac O.
Published: September 2009

Object

Pineal cysts are a frequent incidental finding on intracranial imaging. In adults, the prevalence of pineal cysts is estimated to be 1.1–4.3%. However, the prevalence is not well established in younger patients.

Methods

The authors retrospectively reviewed a consecutive series of 14,516 patients 25 years of age and younger, who underwent brain MR imaging at a single institution over an 11-year period. In patients identified with pineal cysts, the authors analyzed the images according to cyst size, signal characteristics, enhancement pattern, and evidence of local mass effect. Patient characteristics including demographics and other intracranial diagnoses were collected in the pineal cyst population and compared with a randomly selected age- and sex-matched control patient population. The data were evaluated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression, linear regression, and ANOVA.

Results

The authors identified 288 pineal region cysts (2.0%). The prevalence of pineal cysts was higher in female (2.4%) than in male patients (1.5%; p < 0.001). Pineal cysts were identified in patients of all ages, with an increased prevalence found in older patients (p < 0.001). Pineal cyst size was similar for all age and sex groups.

Conclusions

Pineal cysts are common in the pediatric population, with an increased prevalence in girls and in older patients.
Binding and Docking Interactions of NO, CO and O2 in Heme Proteins as Probed by Density Functional Theory
Authors: Daskalakis Vangelis , Varotsis Constantinos
Published: September 2009

Dynamics and reactivity in heme proteins include direct and indirect interactions of the ligands/substrates like CO, NO and O2 with the environment. Direct electrostatic interactions result from amino acid side chains in the inner cavities and/or metal coordination in the active site, whereas indirect interactions result by ligands in the same coordination sphere. Interactions play a crucial role in stabilizing transition states in catalysis or altering ligation chemistry. We have probed, by Density Functional Theory (DFT), the perturbation degree in the stretching vibrational frequencies of CO, NO and O2 molecules in the presence of electrostatic interactions or hydrogen bonds, under conditions simulating the inner cavities. Moreover, we have studied the vibrational characteristics of the heme bound form of the CO and NO ligands by altering the chemistry of the proximal to the heme ligand. CO, NO and O2 molecules are highly polarizable exerting vibrational shifts up to 80, 200 and 120 cm-1, respectively, compared to the non-interacting ligand. The importance of Density Functional Theory (DFT) methodology in the investigation of the heme-ligand-protein interactions is also addressed.
Carbosilane and Carbosiloxane Dendrimers
Authors: Kim Chungkyun , Hong Jang  Hwan
Published: September 2009

This review focuses on novel carbosilane dendrimers containing branches with Si-C and Si-O-C bonds. Introduction of organic moieties into the dendrimers is performed by hydrosilation of carbon-carbon double/triple bonds. Versatile organic or organometallic moieties are introduced onto the peripheral regions of dendrimers by coupling and complexation reactions, which clearly demonstrates their potential for variation.
Achieving Effective Care Coordination in the Medical Home
Authors: McAllister Jeanne W. , Presler Elizabeth , Turchi Renee , Antonelli Richard C.
Published: September 2009

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Define care coordination as a critical element of the patient and family-centered medical home.

2.

Discuss challenges and opportunities pertinent to the implementation of effective coordination of care within the medical home

3.

Discuss how providing team-based, comprehensive, continuous, and coordinated care enhances outcomes for children, youth, their families and the satisfaction of healthcare professionals.
Younger Residents in Nursing Homes
Authors: Persson Diane I. , Ostwald Sharon K.
Published: September 2009

Younger residents in nursing facilities represent a growing but little recognized population. This study examined a group of younger residents, describing issues identified by residents and facility staff and identifying strategies that might improve their quality of life. In this study, the majority of younger residents were men with significant physical and mental health deficits, who spent most of their time alone or watching television. Residents wanted a greater variety of relevant recreational activities and more meaningful relationships with family, staff, and other residents. Staff believed nursing facilities were not designed for younger residents, resulting in unmet psychosocial and recreational needs.
Identifying and Treating Wound Infection: Topical and Systemic Antibiotic Therapy
Authors: Bonham Phyllis A.
Published: September 2009

The presence of infection is a major causative factor for delayed or nonhealing wounds. Indiscriminate and routine wound cultures are not recommended, but after the clinical diagnosis of infection is made, culture is recommended to identify the causative organisms and guide antibiotic therapy. The purpose of this article is to discuss how to identify and confirm wound infection and the use of topical and systemic antibiotic agents to treat wound infection.
Stromal Thickness in the Normal Cornea: Three-dimensional Display With Artemis Very High-Frequency Digital Ultrasound
Authors: Reinstein Dan Z. , Archer Timothy J. , Gobbe Marine , Silverman Ronald H. , Coleman D. Jackson
Published: September 2009

Purpose:

To characterize the stromal thickness profile in a population of normal eyes.

Methods:

Stromal thickness profile was measured in vivo by Artemis very high-frequency digital ultrasound scanning (ArcScan, Morrison, Colo) across the central 10-mm corneal diameter on 110 normal eyes. Maps of the average, standard deviation, minimum, maximum, and range of stromal thickness were plotted. The average location of the thinnest stroma was found. The cross-sectional hemi-meridional stromal thickness profile was calculated using annular averaging. The absolute stromal thickness progression relative to the thinnest point was calculated using annular averaging as well as for 8 hemi-meridians individually.

Results:

The mean stromal thickness at the corneal vertex and at the thinnest point were 465.4±36.9
µ
m and 461.8±37.3
µ
m, respectively. The thinnest stroma was displaced on average 0.17±0.31 mm inferiorly and 0.33±0.40 mm temporally from the corneal vertex. The average absolute stromal thickness progression from the thinnest point could be described by the quadratic equation: stromal thickness = 6.411 × radius
2
+ 2.444 × radius (R
2
= 0.999). Absolute stromal thickness progression was independent of stromal thickness at the thinnest point. The increase in hemi-meridional absolute stromal thickness progression was greatest superiorly and lowest temporally.

Conclusions:

Three-dimensional thickness mapping of the corneal stroma and stromal thickness progression in a population of normal eyes represent a normative data set, which may help in early diagnosis of corneal abnormalities such as keratoconus and pellucid marginal degeneration. Absolute stromal thickness progression was found to be independent of stromal thickness. [
J Refract Surg
. 2009;25:776–786.]
Comparison of Sequential vs Same-Day Simultaneous Collagen Cross-Linking and Topography-Guided PRK for Treatment of Keratoconus
Authors: Kanellopoulos Anastasios John
Published: September 2009

Purpose:

The safety and efficacy of corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) and topography-guided photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) using a different sequence and timing were evaluated in consecutive keratoconus cases.

Methods:

This study included a total of 325 eyes with keratoconus. Eyes were divided into two groups. The first group (n=127 eyes) underwent CXL with subsequent topography-guided PRK performed 6 months later (sequential group) and the second group (n=198 eyes) underwent CXL and PRK in a combined procedure on the same day (simultaneous group). Statistical differences were examined for pre- to postoperative changes in uncorrected (UCVA, logMAR) and best-spectaclecorrected visual acuity (BSCVA, logMAR), manifest refraction spherical equivalent (MRSE), keratometry (K), topography, central corneal thickness, endothelial cell count, corneal haze, and ectatic progression. Mean follow-up was 36±18 months (range: 24 to 68 months).

Results:

At last follow-up in the sequential group, the mean UCVA improved from 0.9±0.3 logMAR to 0.49±0.25 logMAR, and mean BSCVA from 0.41±0.25 logMAR to 0.16±0.22 logMAR. Mean reduction in spherical equivalent refraction was 2.50±1.20 diopters (D), mean haze score was 1.2±0.5, and mean reduction in K was 2.75±1.30 D. In the simultaneous group, mean UCVA improved from 0.96±0.2 logMAR to 0.3±0.2 logMAR, and mean BSCVA from 0.39±0.3 logMAR to 0.11±0.16 logMAR. Mean reduction in spherical equivalent refraction was 3.20±1.40 D, mean haze score was 0.5±0.3, and mean reduction in K was 3.50±1.3 D. Endothelial cell count preoperatively and at last follow-up was unchanged (
P
<.05) in both groups. Statistically, the simultaneous group did better (
P
<.05) in all fields evaluated, with improvement in UCVA and BSCVA, a greater mean reduction in spherical equivalent refraction and keratometry, and less corneal haze.

Conclusions:

Same-day simultaneous topography-guided PRK and CXL appears to be superior to sequential CXL with later PRK in the visual rehabilitation of progressing keratoconus. [
J Refract Surg
. 2009;25:S812–S818.]
Transconjunctival Sutureless Vitrectomy for the Treatment of Vitreoretinal Complications in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Yang Sung Jae , Yoon Sam Young , Kim June-gone , Yoon Young Hee
Published: September 2009

Background and Objective:

To compare the safety and effectiveness of 25-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy (TSV) with conventional 20-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for the treatment of vitreoretinal complications in patients with diabetic retinopathy.

Patients and Methods:

Forty-five eyes of 44 consecutive patients with diabetes mellitus who had undergone 25-gauge TSV for the treatment of vitreous hemorrhage, traction retinal detachment, or diabetic macular edema and 45 control patients with diabetes mellitus who had undergone conventional 20-gauge PPV were studied.

Results:

The mean duration of surgery in the 25-gauge TSV group was statistically significantly shorter than that in the 20-gauge PPV group. The mean visual acuity at both 1 week and 1 month after surgery was statistically significantly better in the 25-gauge TSV group than in the 20-gauge PPV group. Complications in the 25-gauge TSV group were similar to those in the 20-gauge PPV group.

Conclusion:

A shorter operation time and faster recovery of postoperative visual acuity were the main advantages of using 25-gauge TSV. Despite its limitations, 25-gauge TSV can be safely used for the treatment of vitreoretinal complications in patients with diabetes mellitus.

[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging 2009;40:461–466.]
Phenotypic Heterogeneity and Lesion Size Measurements in Stargardt Macular Dystrophy
Authors: Shah Sandeep N. , Koozekanani Dara D. , Kim Judy E.
Published: September 2009

Fundus autofluorescence has been used in Stargardt macular dystrophy and fundus flavimaculatus to better understand disease status and progression. Fundus autofluorescence images delineate atrophic regions with great clarity and high contrast. The authors investigated whether fundus autofluorescence images revealed more atrophy than color fundus photographs by studying a family of three siblings with long-standing disease that demonstrated a heterogeneous fundus appearance. Findings on fundus autofluorescence were compared with color fundus photographs and fluorescein images. Optical coherence tomography images were also analyzed. Areas of atrophic lesions were measured and compared on fundus autofluorescence and color fundus photographs. Autofluorescence images delineated atrophic regions more clearly than color fundus photographs. However, the measured areas of atrophy were only modestly larger in fundus autofluorescence images than in color fundus photographs. The optical coherence tomography images showed severe outer retinal atrophy and loss of foveal contour.
[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging 2009;40:506–512.]
A mechanistic model for roll waves for two‐phase pipe flow
Authors: Johnson George W. , Bertelsen Arnold F. , Nossen Jan
Published: September 2009

A new two‐phase roll wave model is compared with data from high pressure two‐phase stratified pipe flow experiments. Results from 754 experiments, including mean wave speed, wave height, pressure gradient, holdup and wave length, are compared with theoretical results. The model was able to predict these physical quantities with good accuracy without introducing any new empirically determined quantities to the two‐fluid model equations. This was possible by finding the unique theoretical limit for nonlinear roll amplitude and applying a new approach for determining the friction factor at the gas‐liquid interface. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009
Chemical Variation in Piper aduncum and Biological Properties of Its Dillapiole‐Rich Essential Oil
Authors: de Almeida Roseli R. P. , Souto Raimundo N. P. , Bastos Cleber N. , da Silva Milton H. L. , Maia José G. S.
Published: September 2009

The essential oils of the specimens of Piper aduncum that occur in deforested areas of Brazilian Amazon, North Brazil, are rich in dillapiole (35–90%), a derivative of phenylpropene, to which are attributed biological properties. On the other hand, the oils of the specimens with occurrence in the Atlantic Forest, and Northeastern and Southeastern Brazil, do not contain dillapiole, but only terpene compounds such as (E)‐nerolidol and linalool. One specimen existing in the Amazon was hydrodistilled. The obtained oil was fractioned on a silica chromatographic column, resulting in fractions rich in dillapiole (95.0–98.9%) utilized for analyses by GC and GC/MS, structural characterization by NMR, confirmation of their biological properties, and to obtain the isomer isodillapiole. Dillapiole showed a fungicide action against the fungus Clinipellis perniciosa (witches' broom) by inhibition of its basidiospores, in concentrations ranging from 0.6 to 1.0 ppm. The larvicide and insecticide actions of dillapiole were tested against the larvae and the adult insects of Anopheles marajoara and Aedes aegypti (malaria and dengue mosquitoes), resulting in mortality of the larvae (48 h, 100%) at a concentration of 100 ppm, and mortality of the insects (30 min, 100%) at a concentration of 600 ppm. The isomeric isodillapiole showed no significant activity in the same biological tests.
Cashmirols A and B, New Lipoxygenase Inhibiting Triterpenes from Sorbus cashmiriana
Authors: Kazmi Mehdi Hassan , Ahmed Ejaz , Hameed Saira , Malik Abdul , Fatima Itrat , Ashraf Muhammad
Published: September 2009

Two new triterpenes, cashmirols A and B (1 and 2, resp.), along with three known compounds have been isolated from the AcOEt‐soluble fraction of Sorbus cashmiriana, and their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic techniques including two‐dimensional NMR. Both compounds displayed lipoxygenase enzyme inhibitory potential.
Interaction of Isoquinoline Alkaloids with Polymorphic DNA Structures
Authors: Bhadra Kakali , Maiti Motilal , Kumar Gopinatha Suresh
Published: September 2009

The interaction of berberine, palmatine, and coralyne with the B, Z, and HL form of poly[d(G‐C)] was studied. Berberine and palmatine showed moderate binding to the B form, while coralyne showed higher binding, as revealed from spectroscopic and thermodynamic data. Berberine and coralyne binding to the B form was exothermic and enthalpy‐driven, while palmatine showed exothermic binding which was favored by both negative enthalpy and negative entropy changes. Berberine and palmatine neither bind nor converted the Z‐form structure to B form. Coralyne, on the other hand, exhibited a strong binding affinity to Z DNA structure that was enthalpy‐driven. Berberine binding to the HL form was cooperative, exothermic, and favored by both negative enthalpy and negative entropy changes with the formation of an induced CD band. Palmatine showed weak binding, while coralyne showed a strong binding with the HL form. The structural differences in the isoquinoline alkaloids appear to influence the affinity and mode of interactions with these polymorphic DNA structures.
Asymmetric Cyanation of Aldehydes, Ketones, Aldimines, and Ketimines Catalyzed by a Versatile Catalyst Generated from Cinchona Alkaloid, Achiral Substituted 2,2′‐Biphenol and Tetraisopropyl Titanate
Authors: Wang Jun , Wang Wentao , Li Wei , Hu Xiaolei , Shen Ke , Tan Cheng , Liu Xiaohua , Feng Xiaoming
Published: September 2009

Full investigation of cyanation of aldehydes, ketones, aldimines and ketimines with trimethylsilyl cyanide (TMSCN) or ethyl cyanoformate (CNCOOEt) as the cyanide source has been accomplished by employing an in situ generated catalyst from cinchona alkaloid, tetraisopropyl titanate [Ti(OiPr)4] and an achiral modified biphenol. With TMSCN as the cyanide source, good to excellent results have been achieved for the Strecker reaction of N‐Ts (Ts=p‐toluenesulfonyl) aldimines and ketimines (up to >99 % yield and >99 % ee) as well as for the cyanation of ketones (up to 99 % yield and 98 % ee). By using CNCOOEt as the alternative cyanide source, cyanation of aldehyde was accomplished and various enantioenriched cyanohydrin carbonates were prepared in up to 99 % yield and 96 % ee. Noteworthy, CNCOOEt was successfully employed for the first time in the asymmetric Strecker reaction of aldimines and ketimines, affording various α‐amino nitriles with excellent yields and ee values (up to >99 % yield and >99 % ee). The merits of current protocol involved facile availability of ligand components, operational simplicity and mild reaction conditions, which made it convenient to prepare synthetically important chiral cyanohydrins and α‐amino nitriles. Furthermore, control experiments and NMR analyses were performed to shed light on the catalyst structure. It is indicated that all the hydroxyl groups in cinchona alkaloid and biphenol complex with TiIV, forming the catalyst with the structure of (biphenoxide)Ti(OR*)(OiPr). The absolute configuration adopted by biphenol 4 m in the catalyst was identified as S configuration according to the evidence from control experiments and NMR analyses. Moreover, the roles of the protonic additive (iPrOH) and the tertiary amine in the cinchona alkaloid were studied in detail, and the real cyanide reagent in the catalytic cycle was found to be hydrogen cyanide (HCN). Finally, two plausible catalytic cycles were proposed to elucidate the reaction mechanisms.
Cucurbit[7]uril Complexation Drives Thermal trans–cis‐Azobenzene Isomerization and Enables Colorimetric Amine Detection
Authors: Wu Jing , Isaacs Lyle
Published: September 2009

Complexation of yellow diaminoazobenzenes 1 and 3 inside cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) results in the formation of purple‐colored CB[7]⋅cis‐1⋅2 H+ and CB[7]⋅cis‐3⋅2 H+ complexes, respectively. The high binding affinity and selectivity displayed by CB[7] toward 1 and 3 pays the >10 kcal mol−1 thermodynamic cost for this isomerization. We investigated the behavior of these complexes as a function of pH and observed large pKa shifts and high pH responsiveness, which are characteristic of cucurbit[n]uril molecular containers. The remarkable yellow to purple color change was utilized in the construction of an indicator displacement assay for biologically active amines 4–10. This indicator displacement assay is capable of quantifying the pseudoephedrine (5) content in Sudafed tablets over the 5–350 μM range.
Mathematical modelling of avascular tumour growth based on diffusion of nutrients and its validation
Authors: Kiran Kanchi Lakshmi , Jayachandran Devaraj , Lakshminarayanan S.
Published: September 2009

In this paper, a mathematical model based on the diffusion of nutrients is developed by considering the physiological changes accompanying the growth of avascular tumour. Avascular tumour growth involves the formation of three different zones namely proliferation, quiescent and necrotic zones. The main processes on which avascular tumour growth depends are: (i) diffusion of nutrients through the tumour from the contiguous tissues, (ii) consumption rate of the nutrients by the cells in the tumour, and (iii) cell death by apoptosis and necrosis. In the model, we consider the tumour to be spherical and the principal nutrients responsible for its growth are oxygen and glucose. By solving for the concentration profiles using the model developed, we are able to compute the radii of the quiescent and necrotic zones as well as that of the tumour. The proposed model is also validated using in vitro tumour growth data and Gompertzian empirical relationship parameters available in the literature. Our model is also successful in capturing the saturated volume of the avascular tumour for different nutrient concentrations at the tumour surface.
Process development studies on recovery of clean coal from ultra fine hardcoal tailings using enhanced gravity separator
Authors: Özgen Selçuk , Türksoy Velit Orçun , Sabah Eyüp , Oruç Filiz
Published: September 2009

In this study, we report the experimental results with respect to the beneficiation of fine hardcoal from the Çatalağzı Coal Preparation site tailings containing about 90% (by weight) of −600 µm size particles. These tailings contain 28.41% ash. The coal sample was subjected to a two‐stage concentration process. The underflow product of hydrocyclone under optimized conditions was further processed in Mozley Multi‐Gravity Separator to reduce the ash content of the coal. The results showed that a coal product containing 6.98% ash was obtainable with recovery of 61.73% by this two‐stage concentration process.
Primary tibial adamantinoma diagnosed by fine needle aspiration
Authors: Bishop Justin A. , Ali Syed Z.
Published: September 2009

Adamantinoma is one of the rarest primary bone tumors and is almost exclusively found in the tibia. Because of its scarcity, there are only a handful of reported cases of adamantinoma diagnosed by fine needle aspiration (FNA). We report a case of a 30‐year‐old woman seen at The Johns Hopkins Hospital for a 2.5‐cm lytic lesion in the distal diaphysis of the tibia. A computed tomography‐guided FNA of the lesion revealed a moderately cellular lesion consisting of a biphasic admixture of epithelioid cells seen singly and in fragments. These cells had round to oval nuclei with pale chromatin and well‐formed nuclear grooves. The other population had more elongated nuclei and spindled appearance. An immunostain for cytokeratin was positive, supporting the diagnosis of adamantinoma. Due primarily to its rarity, the diagnosis of adamantinoma on FNA can be challenging and must be made in the context of its characteristic clinical and radiographic setting. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pulmonary non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) of diffuse large B‐cell type with simultaneous humeral involvement in a young lady: An uncommon presentation with cytologic implications
Authors: Ruben Irene , Dighe Swati , Ajit Dulhan , Gujral Sumeet , Jambhekar Nirmala A. , Rekhi Bharat
Published: September 2009

A bronchogenic carcinoma, almost invariably, presents as a lung mass. Primary pulmonary lymphomas are rare. We report an unusual case of a pulmonary non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) with simultaneous involvement of the right humerus in a 37 year old lady. Bronchial lavage smears showed atypical cells with irregular nuclear membranes raising a suspicion of a hematolymphoid tumor, over a small cell carcinoma that was the closest differential diagnosis. Biopsy from the lung mass and from the lesion in the humerus showed an identical malignant round cell tumor with prominent apoptosis. On immunohistochemistry (IHC), tumor cells were diffusely positive for leukocyte common antigen (LCA), CD20 and MIB1 (70%), while negative for cytokeratin (CK), epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) synaptophysin, chromogranin, neuron specific enolase (NSE), CD3, and CD10. Diagnosis of a pulmonary NHL of diffuse large B‐cell type with involvement of the humerus was formed.

The case is presented to create an index of suspicion for the possibility of a NHL on respiratory samples, while dealing with small round cells with irregular nuclear membranes. IHC is necessary to confirm he diagnosis. A simultaneous association in the humerus in our case makes it unusual. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Determination of 13C/12C ratios of urinary epitestosterone and its main metabolites 5α‐ and 5β‐androstane‐3α, 17α‐diol
Authors: Piper Thomas , Riemann Phillip , Opfermann Georg , Mareck Ute , Geyer Hans , Vajiala Graziela , Flenker Ulrich , Schänzer Wilhelm
Published: September 2009

Epitestosterone (17α‐hydroxy‐androst‐4‐en‐3‐one, EpiT) belongs to the list of prohibited substances of the World Anti‐Doping Agency (WADA). Although it possesses no anabolic effect, it is presumed to be misused by athletes in order to mask administration of testosterone (T) by lowering the urinary T/EpiT ratio.

To improve detection, an excretion study with 40 mg of orally administered EpiT was conducted focusing on the metabolites of EpiT: 5α‐ and 5β‐androstane‐3α,17 α‐diol (5aEpiD and 5bEpiD). A reference population of n = 74 volunteers was investigated to elucidate the urinary concentrations of these steroids.

In order to prove whether an unusual finding in urinary concentrations or ratios is due to an illicit intake of steroids or due to physiological elevation, determination of carbon isotope ratios is advisable. A method for isotope ratio determination was developed to enable 13C/12C ratios of EpiT, 5bEpiD, 5aEpiD, pregnanediol and androsterone and etiocholanolone to be measured from a single urine specimen. The method's validity was tested by applying linear mixing models and specificity was ensured by means of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis. δ13C values at natural levels were determined with a reference population and both Δ values and corresponding reference limits were calculated.

Considering the implemented EpiT‐metabolites, a more than twofold extension of the detection time of EpiT administration was achieved with both the urinary concentration thresholds and the 13C/12C ratios. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lanthanide Complexes for Nonlinear Optics: From Fundamental Aspects to Applications
Authors: Andraud Chantal , Maury Olivier
Published: September 2009

Magnetic and luminescence properties of lanthanide complexes have been extensively studied; however, their potentialities in nonlinear optics (NLO) have been less explored. Since beginning of the 2000s, these properties have become an emerging field of research from the point of view of both fundamental aspects and bioimaging applications. In this microreview, we attempt to make an exhaustive compilation of about ten years of research endeavours in lanthanide coordination chemistry and crystal engineering for nonlinear optics.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Induction of aneuploidy by single‐walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Sargent L.M. , Shvedova A.A. , Hubbs A.F. , Salisbury J.L. , Benkovic S.A. , Kashon M.L. , Lowry D.T. , Murray A.R. , Kisin E.R. , Friend S. , McKinstry K.T. , Battelli L. , Reynolds S.H.
Published: September 2009

Engineered carbon nanotubes are newly emerging manufactured particles with potential applications in electronics, computers, aerospace, and medicine. The low density and small size of these biologically persistent particles makes respiratory exposures to workers likely during the production or use of commercial products. The narrow diameter and great length of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) suggest the potential to interact with critical biological structures. To examine the potential of nanotubes to induce genetic damage in normal lung cells, cultured primary and immortalized human airway epithelial cells were exposed to SWCNT or a positive control, vanadium pentoxide. After 24 hr of exposure to either SWCNT or vanadium pentoxide, fragmented centrosomes, multiple mitotic spindle poles, anaphase bridges, and aneuploid chromosome number were observed. Confocal microscopy demonstrated nanotubes within the nucleus that were in association with cellular and mitotic tubulin as well as the chromatin. Our results are the first to report disruption of the mitotic spindle by SWCNT. The nanotube bundles are similar to the size of microtubules that form the mitotic spindle and may be incorporated into the mitotic spindle apparatus. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2009. Published 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hydrophilic Carotenoids: Surface Properties and Aggregation Behavior of the Potassium Salt of the Highly Unsaturated Diacid Norbixin
Authors: Breukers Stefanie , Øpstad Christer L. , Sliwka Hans‐Richard , Partali Vassilia
Published: September 2009

The oft‐claimed ‘good’ water solubility of the food color norbixin (3) could not be confirmed. In contrast, the potassium salt 5 of norbixin formed suitable dispersions. The surface and aggregation properties of salt 5 were investigated and compared with other naturally occurring and synthetic hydrophilic carotenoids (Table).
Phenylethyl Glycosides from Digitalis lanata
Authors: Kırmızıbekmez Hasan , Celep Engin , Masullo Milena , Bassarello Carla , Yeşilada Erdem , Piacente Sonia
Published: September 2009

Three new phenylethyl glycosides, 3′′′′‐O‐methylmaxoside (=2‐(3,4‐dihydroxyphenyl)ethyl O‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→3)‐O‐[β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→6)]‐4‐O‐(E)‐feruloyl‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside; 1), digilanatosides A (=2‐(3,4‐dihydroxyphenyl)ethyl O‐6‐O‐(E)‐sinapoyl‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→3)‐4‐O‐(E)‐caffeoyl‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside; 2), and digilanatoside B (=2‐(3,4‐dihydroxyphenyl)ethyl O‐6‐O‐(E)‐p‐coumaroyl‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→3)‐4‐O‐(E)‐caffeoyl‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside; 3) were isolated from the aerial parts of Digitalis lanata, along with two known phenylethyl glycosides, purpureaside A and maxoside, a phenylpropanoid glucose ester, 1‐O‐(E)‐feruloyl‐β‐glucopyranose, a benzoquinolethanoid glucoside, cornoside, a cardenolide, lanatoside C, a furostane‐type steroidal saponin, purpureagitoside, and a disaccharide, sucrose. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic evidence (1D‐ and 2D‐NMR, and HR‐MALDI‐MS).
Palladium‐Catalyzed Cascade Oligocyclizations Involving Competing Elementary Steps Such as Thermal [1,5]‐Acyl Shifts
Authors: Tokan Wajdi M. , Schweizer Stefan , Thies Claudia , Meyer Frank. E. , Parsons Philip J. , de Meijere Armin
Published: September 2009

Palladium(Pd)‐catalyzed oligocyclizations of 2‐bromotetradec‐1‐ene‐7,13‐diynes with an unsubstituted terminal acetylene moiety like 3 and 5 and 15‐bromohexadec‐15‐ene‐3,9‐diyn‐2‐ones like 4 and 6 afforded fulvene derivatives 20 and 21 (Scheme 7) and bis(cyclohexane)‐annulated methylenecyclopentene systems 16 and 18 (Schemes 5 and 6), respectively. These transformations constitute cascades of cyclizing carbopalladation steps with ensuing [1,5]‐sigmatropic H‐atom and acyl shifts, respectively (Scheme 8). In contrast, analogous substrates with one three‐atom and one four‐atom tether between the unsaturated C,C‐bonds, such as 1 and 2, behave differently in that the Pd‐substituted hexa‐1,3,5‐triene intermediates 12 undergo a 6π‐electrocyclization instead of a 5‐exo‐trig carbopalladation followed by β‐hydride elimination to furnish tricyclic bis‐annulated benzene derivatives 13 and 14 (Scheme 4).
One‐Pot Synthesis of Functionalized (4‐Oxo‐1,3‐thiazinan‐5‐yl)acetic Acids from Isothiocyanates, Primary Alkylamines, and Ithaconic Anhydride
Authors: Yavari Issa , Bayat Mohammad J. , Souri Sanaz , Sirouspour Mehdi
Published: September 2009

A one‐pot synthesis of 2‐(4‐oxo‐1,3‐thiazinan‐5‐yl)acetic acids is described via a three‐component reaction between primary alkylamines and ithaconic anhydride and phenyl isothiocyanate or benzoyl isothiocyanate.
Elongation cutoff technique armed with quantum fast multipole method for linear scaling
Authors: Korchowiec Jacek , Lewandowski Jakub , Makowski Marcin , Gu Feng Long , Aoki Yuriko
Published: September 2009

A linear‐scaling implementation of the elongation cutoff technique (ELG/C) that speeds up Hartree‐Fock (HF) self‐consistent field calculations is presented. The cutoff method avoids the known bottleneck of the conventional HF scheme, that is, diagonalization, because it operates within the low dimension subspace of the whole atomic orbital space. The efficiency of ELG/C is illustrated for two model systems. The obtained results indicate that the ELG/C is a very efficient sparse matrix algebra scheme. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2009
Bone marrow aspirate and biopsy: a pathologist's perspective. II. interpretation of the bone marrow aspirate and biopsy
Authors: Riley Roger S. , Williams David , Ross Micaela , Zhao Shawn , Chesney Alden , Clark Bradly D. , Ben‐Ezra Jonathan M.
Published: September 2009

Bone marrow examination has become increasingly important for the diagnosis and treatment of hematologic and other illnesses. Morphologic evaluation of the bone marrow aspirate and biopsy has recently been supplemented by increasingly sophisticated ancillary assays, including immunocytochemistry, cytogenetic analysis, flow cytometry, and molecular assays. With our rapidly expanding knowledge of the clinical and biologic diversity of leukemia and other hematologic neoplasms, and an increasing variety of therapeutic options, the bone marrow examination has became more critical for therapeutic monitoring and planning optimal therapy. Sensitive moleculartechniques, in vitro drug sensitivity testing, and a number of other special assays are available to provide valuable data to assist these endeavors. Fortunately, improvements in bone marrow aspirate and needle technology has made the procurement of adequate specimens more reliable and efficient, while the use of conscious sedation has improved patient comfort. The procurement of bone marrow specimens was reviewed in the first part of this series. This paper specifically addresses the diagnostic interpretation of bone marrow specimens and the use of ancillary techniques. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 23:259–307, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Heterogeneity of non‐cycling and cycling synchronized murine hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells
Authors: Colvin Gerald A. , Berz David , Liu Liansheng , Dooner Mark S. , Dooner Gerri , Pascual Sheila , Chung Samuel , Sui Yunxia , Quesenberry Peter J.
Published: September 2009

Purified long‐term multilineage repopulating marrow stem cells have been considered to be homogenous, but functionally these cells are heterogeneous. Many investigators urge clonal studies to define stem cells but, if stem cells are truly heterogeneous, clonal studies can only define heterogeneity. We have determined the colony growth and differentiation of individual lineage negative, rhodamine low, Hoechst low (LRH) stem cells at various times in cytokine culture, corresponding to specific cell cycle stages. These highly purified and cycle synchronized (98% in S phase at 40 h of culture) stem cells were exposed to two cytokine cocktails for 0, 18, 32, or 40 h and clonal differentiation assessed 14 days later. Total heterogeneity as to gross colony morphology and differentiation stage was demonstrated. This heterogeneity showed patterns of differentiation at different cycle times. These data hearken to previous suggestions that stem cells might be similar to radioactive isotopes; decay rate of a population of radioisotopes being highly predictable, while the decay of individual nuclei is heterogeneous and unpredictable (Till et al., 1964). Marrow stem cells may be most adequately defined on a population basis; stem cells existing in a continuum of reversible change rather than a hierarchy. J. Cell. Physiol. 222:57–65, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
p38 MAPK activity is stimulated by vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 activation and is essential for shear stress‐induced angiogenesis
Authors: Gee Eric , Milkiewicz Malgorzata , Haas Tara L.
Published: September 2009

Increased capillary shear stress induces angiogenesis in skeletal muscle, but the signaling mechanisms underlying this response are not known. We hypothesize that shear stress‐dependent activation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) causes p38 and ERK1/2 phosphorylation, which contribute to shear stress‐induced angiogenesis. Skeletal muscle microvascular endothelial cells were sheared (12 dynes/cm2, 0.5–24 h). VEGFR2‐Y1214 phosphorylation increased in response to elevated shear stress and VEGF stimulation. p38 and ERK1/2 phosphorylation increased at 2 h of shear stress but only p38 remained phosphorylated at 6 and 24 h of shear stress. VEGFR2 inhibition abrogated p38, but not ERK1/2 phosphorylation. VEGF production was increased in response to shear stress at 6 h, and this increased production was abolished by p38 inhibition. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were administered prazosin (50 mg/L drinking water, 1, 2, 4, or 7 days) to induce chronically elevated capillary shear stress in skeletal muscle. In some experiments, mini‐osmotic pumps were used to dispense p38 inhibitor SB203580 or its inactive analog SB202474, to the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) of control and prazosin‐treated rats. Immunostaining and Western blotting showed increases in p38 phosphorylation in capillaries from rats treated with prazosin for 2 days but returned to basal levels at 4 and 7 days. p38 inhibition abolished the increase in capillary to muscle fiber ratio seen after 7 days of prazosin treatment. Our data suggest that p38 activation is necessary for shear stress‐dependent angiogenesis. J. Cell. Physiol. 222:120–126, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human embryonic stem cells are pre‐mitotically committed to self‐renewal and acquire a lengthened G1 phase upon lineage programming
Authors: Becker Klaus A. , Stein Janet L. , Lian Jane B. , van Wijnen Andre J. , Stein Gary S.
Published: September 2009

Self‐renewal of human embryonic stem (hES) cells proceeds by a unique abbreviated cell cycle with a shortened G1 phase and distinctions in molecular cell cycle regulatory parameters. In this study, we show that early lineage‐commitment of pluripotent hES cells modifies cell cycle kinetics. Human ES cells acquire a lengthened G1 within 72 h after lineage‐programming is initiated, as reflected by loss of the pluripotency factor Oct4 and alterations in nuclear morphology. In hES cells that maintain the pristine pluripotent state, we find that autocrine mechanisms contribute to sustaining the abbreviated cell cycle. Our data show that naïve and mitotically synchronized pluripotent hES cells are competent to initiate two consecutive S phases in the absence of external growth factors. We conclude that short‐term self‐renewal of pluripotent hES cells occurs autonomously, in part due to secreted factors, and that pluripotency is functionally linked to the abbreviated hES cell cycle. J. Cell. Physiol. 222:103–110, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinical and virological survey of patients with hepatitis B surface antigen in an Italian region: Clinical considerations and disease burden
Authors: Torre Francesco , Basso Monica , Giannini Edoardo G. , Feasi Marcello , Boni Silvia , Grasso Alessandro , De Leo Pasqualina , Dodi Ferdinando , Marazzi Maria Grazia , Azzola Emilio , Bartolacci Valentina , Percario Gianfranco , Beltrame Andrea , Borro Paolo , Picciotto Antonino
Published: September 2009

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in an Italian region, Liguria (1,572,000 inhabitants), by means of a network of 12 referral centers for liver diseases. All patients with HBV surface antigen followed throughout 2006 were included. Personal data, infectious status with risk factors, other non‐infectious risk factors for liver disease, clinical status, and treatment were the questionnaire. Four hundred forty‐five patients (71% male) were evaluated. Their median age was 48 years (range 5–84), and 83.4% were of Italian origin. Community‐acquired infection was the principal mode of HBV transmission (82.5%), followed by previous intravenous drug use (9.4%), perinatal transmission (6.3%), and transfusion‐associated transmission (1.8%). Hepatitis B e‐antigen was present in 20.4% of the patients, while co‐infections with hepatitis D virus and/or hepatitis C virus and/or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) were observed in 18.7% of the patients. Chronic active hepatitis was present in 62.5% of the patients, cirrhosis in 13.5%, hepatocellular carcinoma in 2.2%, and 21.8% of the patients were inactive carriers of HBV. In all, 42.5% of the patients were treated with interferon or lamivudine and/or adefovir‐dipivoxil. Forty‐nine patients were co‐infected with HIV (86% on highly active antiviral therapy). Nevertheless, this study identified only 2.2% of the expected patients with HBV. Hence, it has to be reasoned that few potential infectious or treatable patients are referred to liver disease centers. HBV infection is still an underestimated health problem, and few potential infectious or treatable patients are referred to tertiary centers. J. Med. Virol. 81:1882–1886, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development of a consensus microarray method for identification of some highly pathogenic viruses
Authors: Xiao‐Ping Kang , Yong‐Qiang Li , Qing‐Ge Sun , Hong Liu , Qing‐Yu Zhu , Yin‐Hui Yang
Published: September 2009

Some highly pathogenic viruses, such as Chikungunya virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, Yellow fever virus, Dengue virus, Hanta virus, SARS‐CoV, and H5N1 avian influenza virus can cause severe infectious diseases. However, the consensus method for detecting these viruses has not been well established. A rapid and sensitive microarray approach for detection of these viruses and a panel of specific probes covering nine genera and 16 virus species were designed. 70‐mer oligonucleotides were used at the genus level and 50‐mer oligonucleotides were at the species level, respectively. To decrease the interference of the host genome in hybridization, the consensus genus primers were designed and used to reverse transcribe only virus genome. The synthesis of the second strand was carried out with a random primer sequence (5′‐GTTTCCCAGTAGGTCTCNNNNNNNN‐3′). The amplified products were labeled and processed for microarray analyses. This microarray‐based method used the highly conserved consensus primers to synthesize specifically the virus cDNA and could identify effectively Chikungunya virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, Yellow fever virus, Dengue virus, Tick borne encephalitis virus, and H5N1 avian influenza virus. Using this method, one unknown virus isolated from pig brain in Shanxi Province, China was identified. This method may have an important potential application for the diagnosis of virus infection. J. Med. Virol. 81:1945–1950, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular characterization of the env gene of two CCR5/CXCR4‐independent human immunodeficiency 2 primary isolates
Authors: Santos‐Costa Quirina , Parreira Ricardo , Moniz‐Pereira José , Azevedo‐Pereira José Miguel
Published: September 2009

Human immunodeficiency virus 2 (HIV‐2) infection is characterized by a slower disease progression and lower transmission rates. The molecular features that could be assigned as directly involved in this in vivo phenotype remain essentially unknown, and the importance of HIV‐2 as a model to understand pathogenicity of HIV infection has been frequently underestimated. The early events of the HIV replication cycle involve the interaction between viral envelope glycoproteins and cellular receptors: the CD4 molecule and a chemokine receptor, usually CCR5 or CXCR4. Despite the importance of these two chemokine receptors in human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV‐1) entry into cells, we have previously shown that in some HIV‐2 asymptomatic individuals, a viral population exists that is unable to use both CCR5 and CXCR4. The goal of the present study was to investigate whether possible regions in the env gene of these viruses might account for this phenotype. From the molecular characterization of these env genes we could not detect any correlation between V3 loop sequence and viral phenotype. In contrast, it reveals the existence of remarkable differences in the V1/V2 and C5 regions of the surface glycoprotein, including the loss of a putative glycosilation site. Moreover, in the transmembrane glycoprotein some unique sequence signatures could be detected in the central ectodomain and second heptad repeat (HR2). Some of the mutations affect well‐conserved residues, and may affect the conformation and/or the dynamics of envelope glycoproteins complex, including the SU–TM association and the modulation of viral entry function. J. Med. Virol. 81:1869–1881, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Investigation of the occurrence of torque tenovirus in malignant and potentially malignant disorders associated with human papillomavirus
Authors: Fehér Enikő , Gáll Tamás , Murvai Melinda , Kis Andrea , Boda Róbert , Sápy Tamás , Tar Ildikó , Gergely Lajos , Szarka Krisztina
Published: September 2009

In a previous pilot study, a significantly poorer outcome of laryngeal cancer was found in patients co‐infected with human papillomavirus (HPV) and genogroup 1 torque tenovirus (TTV). The present study aimed to collect data on the overall prevalence of TTVs on the prevalence of genogroup 1 TTV in two other malignancies associated with HPV, oral squamous cell cancer and cervical cancer, and in oral and cervical premalignant lesions (oral lichen planus, oral leukoplakia, cervical atypia). Oral samples from all patients were accompanied with a sample from the healthy mucosa. The overall prevalence of TTV was significantly higher both in oral squamous cell cancer and cervical cancer compared with other patient groups or with the respective controls. The prevalence of genogroup 1 TTV was significantly higher in lesions of oral squamous cell cancer and oral lichen planus, but not in lesions of oral leukoplakia (24.6%, 10.1%, and 4.5%, respectively), compared with the prevalence in the oral cavity of controls (1.4%). Co‐infection rates with genogroup 1 TTV and HPV were significantly higher in oral squamous cell cancer than in controls, oral lichen planus or oral leukoplakia patients (12.3%, 0.0%, 6.7%, and 4.5%, respectively). The prevalence of genogroup 1 TTV in all cervical samples were comparable. These data suggest that genogroup 1 TTV may be associated specifically with some head and neck mucosal disorders, but disproves a (co)carcinogenic role in oral cancer or cervical cancer as well as an association with HPV or with malignancies associated with HPV. J. Med. Virol. 81:1975–1981, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.