bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring Functional, Communicative, and Critical Health Literacy Among Diabetic Patients
Authors: Ishikawa Hirono , Takeuchi Takeaki , Yano Eiji
Published: April 2008

OBJECTIVE—Health literacy (HL), the capacity of individuals to access, understand, and use health information to make informed and appropriate health-related decisions, has been recognized as an important concept in patient education and disease management. This study examined the psychometric properties of newly developed scales for measuring three different levels of HL (i.e., functional, communicative, and critical) in patients with diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—The reliability and validity of the three HL scales were evaluated in a sample of 138 outpatients with type 2 diabetes. In addition, sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, knowledge of diabetes, information-seeking behaviors, and self-efficacy were assessed for each patient through a self-report questionnaire and review of electronic medical records.

RESULTS—Scale items were constructed to directly reflect the definition of HL. Internal consistency of functional, communicative, and critical HL scales was adequately high (α = 0.84, α = 0.77, and α = 0.65, respectively). Three interpretable factors were identified in exploratory factor analysis. Correlations between HL scales and other measures supported the construct validity of the scales. The three HL scales were only moderately correlated with each other, suggesting that each represents a different domain of HL abilities and skills.

CONCLUSIONS—Our newly developed HL scales are reliable and valid measures of three types of HL in diabetic patients. Exploring a patient's HL levels may provide a better understanding of the patient's potential barriers to self-management of disease and health-promoting behaviors.
Biphasic Insulin Aspart 30 Three Times Daily Is More Effective Than a Twice-Daily Regimen, Without Increasing Hypoglycemia, in Chinese Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes Inadequately Controlled on Oral Antidiabetes Drugs
Authors: Yang Wenying , Ji Qiuhe , Zhu Dalong , Yang Jinkui , Chen Lulu , Liu Zhimin , Yu Demin , Yan Li
Published: April 2008

OBJECTIVE—To assess the efficacy and safety of twice- and thrice-daily biphasic insulin aspart 30 (BIAsp 30) in Chinese subjects with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with oral antidiabetes drugs (OADs).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—In this 24-week, multicenter, parallel-group, randomized, treat-to-target study, 321 Chinese insulin-naïve subjects with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes (fasting blood glucose ≥7.8 mmol/l and A1C ≥7.5%) were randomized (1:1) to twice- or thrice-daily (BID and TID groups, respectively) BIAsp 30 without OADs. Initial insulin doses were based on fasting blood glucose at randomization. Insulin dose was adjusted with algorithm-controlled titration to achieve premeal blood glucose of 4.4–6.1 mmol/l.

RESULTS—A1C decreased significantly in both groups (BID group −2.48 ± 0.07%; TID group −2.81 ± 0.07%). Thrice-daily BIAsp 30 showed superiority in A1C improvement (−0.33% [95% CI −0.53 to −0.13]; P < 0.01) and helped more subjects achieve A1C targets <7% (BID group 51.3% vs. TID group 65.8%; P < 0.01). Thrice-daily BIAsp 30 was more effective in subjects with baseline A1C ≥9% (<7%: BID group 41.5% vs. TID group 58.3%; P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in rates of overall and nocturnal major and minor hypoglycemia per subject year between groups. No significant differences in weight gain (BID group 3.87 ± 0.28 kg; TID group 4.09 ± 0.27 kg) and mean daily insulin doses (BID group 0.82 ± 0.28 units/kg; TID group 0.86 ± 0.34 units/kg) were observed.

CONCLUSIONS—Twice- and thrice-daily BIAsp 30 were effective in Chinese insulin-naïve subjects with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. Thrice-daily BIAsp 30 offered greater reduction in A1C without increasing risk of hypoglycemia, insulin dose, and weight gain, especially in subjects with A1C ≥9%.
Sleep-Disordered Breathing and Impaired Glucose Metabolism in Normal-Weight and Overweight/Obese Individuals
Authors: Seicean Sinziana , Kirchner H. Lester , Gottlieb Daniel J. , Punjabi Naresh M. , Resnick Helaine , Sanders Mark , Budhiraja Rohit , Singer Mendel , Redline Susan
Published: April 2008

OBJECTIVE—To characterize the association between sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and impaired fasting glucose (IFG), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), combined IFG and IGT, and occult diabetes in individuals of different body habitus.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Cross-sectional analysis of 2,588 participants (aged 52–96 years; 46% men) without known diabetes. SDB was defined as respiratory disturbance index ≥10 events/h. IFG, IGT, occult diabetes, and body weight were classified according to recent accepted guidelines. Participants with and without SDB were compared on prevalence and odds ratios for measures of impaired glucose metabolism (IGM), adjusting for age, sex, race, BMI, and waist circumference.

RESULTS—SDB was observed in 209 nonoverweight and 1,036 overweight/obese participants. SDB groups had significantly higher adjusted prevalence and adjusted odds of IFG, IFG plus IGT, and occult diabetes. The adjusted odds ratio for all subjects was 1.3 (95% CI 1.1–1.6) for IFG, 1.2 (1.0–1.4) for IGT, 1.4 (1.1–2.7) for IFG plus IGT, and 1.7 (1.1–2.7) for occult diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS—SDB was associated with occult diabetes, IFG, and IFG plus IGT, after adjusting for age, sex, race, BMI, and waist circumference. The magnitude of these associations was similar in nonoverweight and overweight participants. The consistency of associations across all measures of IGM and body habitus groups and the significant association between SDB and IFG plus IGT, a risk factor for rapid progression to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mortality, suggests the importance of SDB as a risk factor for clinically important levels of metabolic dysfunction.
Low Adiponectin Levels Are Associated With Atherogenic Dyslipidemia and Lipid-Rich Plaque in Nondiabetic Coronary Arteries
Authors: Marso Steven P. , Mehta Sameer K. , Frutkin Andrew , House John A. , McCrary Justin R. , Kulkarni Krishnaji R.
Published: April 2008

OBJECTIVE—The purpose of this study was to determine whether an association exists between adiponectin and plaque composition in human coronary arteries.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Adiponectin is an adipocyte-derived protein with antiatherogenic and insulin-sensitizing properties. To date, the relationship between adiponectin and plaque composition is unknown. Fasting blood samples were collected from 185 patients undergoing coronary angiography and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). Plaque composition was categorized as fibrous, fibrofatty, necrotic core, or dense calcium and further classified as IVUS-derived adaptive or pathological intimal thickening, fibroatheroma, fibrocalcific, or thin cap fibroatheroma.

RESULTS—Adiponectin correlated with normalized plaque volume (r = −0.16, P = 0.025) and atheroma lipid content as measured by normalized fibrofatty volume (r = −0.19, P = 0.009). Low adiponectin levels were associated with IVUS-derived pathological intimal thickening (r = −0.18, P = 0.01). With increasing quartiles (Q) of adiponectin, the normalized volume of fibrofatty plaque decreased (P = 0.03), which was driven by reductions in the nondiabetic cohort (Q1 44.2 mm3; Q2 28.2 mm3; Q3 24.7 mm3; and Q4 23.4 mm3; P = 0.01). No similar association was present in diabetic patients. Low adiponectin levels were also associated with IVUS-derived pathological intimal thickening in nondiabetic (r = −0.20, P = 0.03) but not diabetic patients.

CONCLUSIONS—Low adiponectin levels are associated with atherogenic lipoproteins (elevated triglycerides, small dense LDL cholesterol, and low HDL cholesterol), increased plaque volume, lipid-rich plaque, and IVUS-derived pathological intimal thickening in the total cohort that was driven by the nondiabetic population, suggesting an antiatherogenic role in the early stages of lesion development.
C-Reactive Protein in Relation to the Development of Microalbuminuria in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Marcovecchio M. Loredana , Giannini Cosimo , Widmer Barry , Dalton R. Neil , Martinotti Stefano , Chiarelli Francesco , Dunger David B.
Published: April 2008

OBJECTIVES—To perform a longitudinal evaluation of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in young people with type 1 diabetes in relation to the development of microalbuminuria (MA).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—hs-CRP was measured in 329 blood samples collected from 49 subjects with type 1 diabetes with MA and 49 normoalbuminuric subjects matched for age, sex, and duration of diabetes.

RESULTS—In subjects developing MA, a progressive rise in hs-CRP was detected with levels significantly higher in the years after the onset of MA when compared with levels before MA onset (P = 0.003; age-adjusted P = 0.06). After the onset of MA, hs-CRP levels were significantly higher in subjects with MA when compared with normoalbuminuric subjects (median 1.9 mg/l [range 0.2–9.8] vs. 1.1 mg/l [0.2–6.4]; P = 0.02; adjusted P = 0.036).

CONCLUSIONS—In this population of young subjects with type 1 diabetes, there was a significant increase in hs-CRP levels after the onset of MA, likely reflecting a general state of inflammation.
Circulating Surfactant Protein A (SP-A), a Marker of Lung Injury, Is Associated With Insulin Resistance
Authors: Fernández-Real José Manuel , Chico Berta , Shiratori Masanori , Nara Yusuke , Takahashi Hiroki , Ricart Wifredo
Published: April 2008

OBJECTIVES—Impaired lung function and inflammation have both attracted interest as potentially novel risk factors for glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. We hypothesized that circulating levels of surfactant protein (SP)-A, which reflects interstitial lung injury, could be associated with altered glucose tolerance and insulin resistance.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Circulating SP-A concentration and metabolic variables (including insulin sensitivity by minimal model method, n = 89) were measured in 164 nonsmoking men.

RESULTS—Circulating SP-A concentration was significantly higher among patients with glucose intolerance and type 2 diabetes than in subjects with normal glucose tolerance, even after adjustment for BMI, age, and smoking status (ex/never). The most significant differences were found in overweight and obese subjects with altered glucose tolerance (n = 59) who showed significantly increased serum SP-A concentrations (by a mean of 24%) compared with obese subjects with normal glucose tolerance (n = 58) (log SP-A 1.54 ± 0.13 vs. 1.44 ± 0.13; P < 0.0001). Insulin sensitivity (P = 0.003) contributed independently to 22% of SP-A variance among all subjects. In subjects with altered glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity (P = 0.01) and fasting triglycerides (P = 0.02) contributed to 37% of SP-A variance. Controlling for serum creatinine or C-reactive protein in these models did not significantly change the results.

CONCLUSIONS—Lung-derived SP-A protein was associated with altered glucose tolerance and insulin resistance in 164 nonsmoking men.
Effect of Insulin Glulisine on Microvascular Blood Flow and Endothelial Function in the Postprandial State
Authors: Hohberg Clothilde , Forst Thomas , Larbig Martin , Safinowski Michael , Diessel Stefan , Hehenwarter Silvia , Weber Matthias M. , Schöndorf Thomas , Pfützner Andreas
Published: April 2008

OBJECTIVE—To investigate the effect of insulin glulisine on postprandial microvascular blood flow in type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—A total of 15 patients with type 2 diabetes received insulin glulisine or human insulin before a liquid meal test. Thereafter, skin microvascular blood flow was measured by laser Doppler fluxmetry and blood samples were taken for measurement of plasma levels of glucose, insulin, intact proinsulin, asymmetric dimethylarginine, nitrotyrosine, interleukin-18, matrix metalloproteinase-9, oxidized LDL, and free fatty acids.

RESULTS—Insulin glulisine injections resulted in higher postprandial insulin levels (means ± SEM area under the curve [AUC]0–120 51.0 ± 6.8 vs. 38.2 ± 5.4 mU/l; P = 0.004), while plasma glucose (AUC0–240 158 ± 9 vs. 180 ± 9 mg/dl; P < 0.05) and intact proinsulin (AUC0–240 26.2 ± 3.5 vs. 31.2 ± 4.3 pmol/l; P = 0.002) were lower. Microvascular blood flow increased after insulin glulisine injection (27.9 ± 3.1 to 51.7 ± 9.9 arbitrary units [AU]; P < 0.05), while only a minor increase was found during human insulin (27.9 ± 3.1 to 34.4 ± 7.8 AU; not significant). Asymmetric dimethylarginine and nitrotyrosine levels were reduced after insulin glulisine (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS—Insulin glulisine is superior to human insulin in restoring postprandial metabolic and microvascular physiology.
Long-Term N-Acetylcysteine and l-Arginine Administration Reduces Endothelial Activation and Systolic Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Martina Valentino , Masha Andi , Gigliardi Valentina Ramella , Brocato Loredana , Manzato Enzo , Berchio Arrigo , Massarenti Paola , Settanni Fabio , Della Casa Lara , Bergamini Stefania , Iannone Anna
Published: April 2008

OBJECTIVE—Reactive oxygen and nitric oxide (NO) have recently been considered to be involved in the cardiovascular complications of patients with type 2 diabetes, as NO is thought to lose its beneficial physiological effects in the presence of oxygen radicals. For this reason, we tested the effects of l-arginine (ARG) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) administration in increasing NO bioavailability by reducing free radical formation.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—A double-blind study was performed on 24 male patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension divided into two groups of 12 patients that randomly received either an oral supplementation of placebo or NAC + ARG for 6 months.

RESULTS—The NAC + ARG treatment caused a reduction of both systolic (P < 0.05) and diastolic (P < 0.05) mean arterial blood pressure, total cholesterol (P < 0.01), LDL cholesterol (P < 0.005), oxidized LDL (P < 0.05), high-sensitive C-reactive protein (P < 0.05), intracellular adhesion molecule (P < 0.05), vascular cell adhesion molecule (P < 0.01), nitrotyrosine (P < 0.01), fibrinogen (P < 0.01), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (P < 0.05), and an improvement of the intima-media thickness during endothelial postischemic vasodilation (P < 0.02). HDL cholesterol increased (P < 0.05). No changes in other parameters studied were observed.

CONCLUSIONS—NAC + ARG administration seems to be a potential well-tolerated antiatherogenic therapy because it improves endothelial function in hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes by improving NO bioavailability via reduction of oxidative stress and increase of NO production. Our study's results give prominence to its potential use in primary and secondary cardiovascular prevention in these patients.
Determination of phenolic acids by capillary zone electrophoresis and HPLC
Authors: Kvasnička František , Čopíková Jana , Ševčík Rudolf , Krátká Jana , Syntytsia Andrej , Voldřich Michal
Published: April 2008

Selected phenolic acids are determined by capillary zone electrophoresis and HPLC, each using UV detection. The optimised CZE background electrolyte contained 50 mM acetic acid, 95 mM 6-aminocaproic acid, 0.1% polyacrylamide, 1% polyvinylpyrrolidone, and 10% methanol. Twelve phenolic acids (gallic, p-hydroxybenzoic, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic, vanillic, syringic, o-coumaric, p-coumaric, caffeic, sinapic, ferulic, salicylic and chlorogenic) were separated within 10 minutes. Chromatographic separation of these phenolic acids was carried out on an Eclipse XBD C8 column using a mobile phase gradient (acetonitrile / methanol / water / 0.1% phosphoric acid); all were separated within 25 minutes. Electrophoretic and chromatographic determinations of ferulic and chlorogenic acids were compared on barley, malt, and potato samples. The methods’ characteristics were: linearity (1–20 mg ml and 0.2–4 mg ml−1), accuracy (recovery 94 ± 5% and 96 ± 4%), intra-assay repeatability (4.1% and 3.5%), and detection limit (0.2 and 0.02 mg ml−1).
The Influence of the Length of the First Metatarsal on Transfer Metatarsalgia after Wu's Osteotomy
Authors: Tóth Kálmán , Huszanyik István , Boda Krisztina , Róde László , Kellermann Péter
Published: April 2008

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate how changes in the length of the first metatarsal, hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal 1–2 angle (IMA), plantar angulation and sesamoid position influence the severity of the postoperative 2–5 metatarsalgia and to determine patient satisfaction with the cosmetic outcome after Wu's osteotomy.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective analysis of the clinical data and radiographs of 87 cases was performed at a mean followup time of 4.2 years after Wu's subcapital cross osteotomies.

Results

The mean HVA decreased from 42 to 13 degrees, the mean IMA 1–2 from 22 to 10 degrees. The mean first metatarsal lengthening was 0.3 mm. A negative correlation was found between lengthening of the first metatarsal and metatarsalgia at rays 2 and 3. No such pattern was found between the fourth and fifth metatarsal. No correlation was found between the 2–5 metatarsalgia and the decrease in either the HVA or the IMA 1–2. A positive correlation was detected between the HVA decrease and the patients’ satisfaction with their postoperative foot alignment; there was no correlation between the perceived postoperative foot alignment and either the first metatarsal lengthening or the IMA 1–2 decrease.

Conclusion

Preservation of the length of the first metatarsal during osteotomy seems to prevent the postoperative transfer metatarsalgia on the second and third rays; however, it has no major influence on the satisfaction of the patients with their foot alignment. A greater correction of the HVA angle resulted in a higher level of satisfaction with the foot cosmesis.
A novel ascomycetous endophytic association in the rhizoids of the leafy liverwort family, Schistochilaceae (Jungermanniidae, Hepaticopsida)
Authors: Pressel Silvia , Ligrone Roberto , Duckett Jeffrey G. , Davis E. Christine
Published: April 2008

Liverworts form diverse associations with endophytic fungi similar to mycorrhizas in vascular plants. Whereas the widespread occurrence of glomeromycotes in the basal liverwort lineages is well documented, knowledge of the distribution of ascomycetes and basidiomycetes in derived thalloid and leafy clades is more fragmented. Our discovery that the ramified and septate rhizoids of the Schistochilaceae, the sister group to all other ascomycete‐containing liverworts, are packed with fungal hyphae prompted this study on the effects of the fungi on rhizoid morphology, host specificity, the cytology of the association, and a molecular analysis of the endophytes. Two species of Pachyschistochila and their fungi were grown axenically. Axenic rhizoids were unbranched and nonseptate. Reinfected with their own fungus and that from the other species, both Pachyschistochila species produced branched and septate rhizoids identical to those in nature. Woronin bodies and simple septa identified the fungus as an ascomycete referable, according to phylogenetic analyses of ITS sequences, to the Rhizoscyphus (Hymenoscyphus) ericae aggregate, also found in other liverwort–ascomycete associations and in mycorrhizas in the Ericales. Healthy hyphae and host cytoplasm suggest that the Schistochila–fungus association reflects a balanced mutualistic relationship. The recent dating of the divergence of the Jungermanniales from the fungus‐free Porellales in the Permian and the origins of the Schistochilaceae in the Triassic indicate that these associations in liverworts predate the appearance of the Ericales.
Phylogeny of marattioid ferns (Marattiaceae): inferring a root in the absence of a closely related outgroup
Authors: Murdock Andrew G.
Published: April 2008

Closely related outgroups are optimal for rooting phylogenetic trees; however, such ideal outgroups are not always available. A phylogeny of the marattioid ferns (Marattiaceae), an ancient lineage with no close relatives, was reconstructed using nucleotide sequences of multiple chloroplast regions (rps4 + rps4–trnS spacer, trnS–trnG spacer + trnG intron, rbcL, atpB), from 88 collections, selected to cover the broadest possible range of morphologies and geographic distributions within the extant taxa. Because marattioid ferns are phylogenetically isolated from other lineages, and internal branches are relatively short, rooting was problematic. Root placement was strongly affected by long‐branch attraction under maximum parsimony and by model choice under maximum likelihood. A multifaceted approach to rooting was employed to isolate the sources of bias and produce a consensus root position. In a statistical comparison of all possible root positions with three different outgroups, most root positions were not significantly less optimal than the maximum likelihood root position, including the consensus root position. This phylogeny has several important taxonomic implications for marattioid ferns: Marattia in the broad sense is paraphyletic; the Hawaiian endemic Marattia douglasii is most closely related to tropical American taxa; and Angiopteris is monophyletic only if Archangiopteris and Macroglossum are included.
Comparison of population genetic diversity between a rare, narrowly distributed species and a common, widespread species of Alnus (Betulaceae)
Authors: Gibson J. Phil , Rice Stanley A. , Stucke Clare M.
Published: April 2008

Comparisons of population genetic diversity between related rare and widespread species provide valuable insights to the consequences of rarity and are critical for conservation planning. Population genetic diversity of A. maritima, a rare species, was compared with its common, widespread congener A. serrulata to evaluate the impacts of small population size and high isolation on genetic diversity in A. maritima and to provide population genetic data to be used in conservation planning for A. maritima. Genetic data were also used to evaluate whether the disjunct distribution of A. maritima was due to range reduction or anthropogenic dispersal. Genetic diversity was lower in A. maritima (He = 0.217) than in A. serrulata (He = 0.268), and there is also higher inbreeding within A. maritima populations (f = 0.483) than A. serrulata populations (f = 0.269). The partitioning of genetic variation was also higher among A. maritima populations (Θ = 0.278), but not significantly different from that of A. serrulata (Θ = 0.197). Significant genetic differences among A. maritima populations support using local populations as seed sources for regional conservation efforts. The results also indicate that the highly disjunct distribution of A. maritima is due to natural range reduction in the past and not anthropogenic establishment of Oklahoma and Georgia populations.
Hybridization between the escaped Rosa rugosa (Rosaceae) and native R. blanda in eastern North America
Authors: Mercure Marjorie , Bruneau Anne
Published: April 2008

Rosa rugosa, a vigorous ornamental shrub introduced from Asia in the 19th century, is now naturalized in coastal northeastern North America, where it occasionally grows in sympatry with the native R. blanda. To document hybridization between these species, evaluate its extent across the area of sympatry, and examine the use of morphology as a field monitoring tool, we sampled 179 individuals of parental species and putative hybrids in 13 pure and 11 mixed populations. We developed allele‐specific primers to assay single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) markers from one chloroplast region and four low‐copy nuclear introns. Our results revealed frequent bidirectional hybridization and infrequent introgression in sympatric populations of these species. The recurrent presence of F1 hybrids in mixed populations indicated the weakness of early‐acting reproductive barriers. Morphological data were concordant with molecular data and provided additional evidence for the presence of a few backcrosses. Morphological analyses yielded diagnostic characters for identifying hybrids and monitoring the hybrid zone. Such hybridization could ultimately lead to the genetic assimilation of R. blanda in mixed populations and to the formation of invasive hybrid genotypes, a phenomenon that is of economic and ecological concern because of the increasing number of exotic species worldwide.
Electrophosphorescent Polyfluorenes Containing Osmium Complexes in the Conjugated Backbone
Authors: Chien Chen‐Han , Liao Song‐Fu , Wu Chen‐Hao , Shu Ching‐Fong , Chang Sheng‐Yuan , Chi Yun , Chou Pi‐Tai , Lai Cheng‐Hsuan
Published: April 2008

Electrophosphorescent copolymers have been synthesized by covalent bonding of a red‐emitting osmium complex Os(bpftz), which contains two 3‐trifluoromethyl‐5‐(4‐tert‐butyl‐2‐pyridyl)triazolate (bpftz) cyclometalated ligands, into the backbone of a bipolar polyfluorene (PF) copolymer. Employing these copolymers, a highly efficient red polymer light‐emitting diode has been realised that has an external quantum efficiency of 18.0%, a maximum brightness of 38 000 cd m−2, and an emission centered at 618 nm. In addition, after incorporating appropriate amounts of green‐emitting benzothiadiazole (BT) and the aforementioned Os(bpftz) into the bipolar PF, an efficient white‐light electroluminescent polymer is obtained that displays simultaneous blue, green, and red emissions.
Polyelectrolyte Multilayer Films of Controlled Stiffness Modulate Myoblast Cell Differentiation
Authors: Ren Kefeng , Crouzier Thomas , Roy Christian , Picart Catherine
Published: April 2008

In addition to their chemical properties and topographical features, the mechanical properties of gels have been recently demonstrated to play an important role in various cellular processes, which include cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation. In this work, multilayer films made of poly(L‐lysine)/hyaluronan (PLL/HA) of controlled stiffness have been used to investigate the effects of the mechanical properties of thin films on skeletal muscle cell (C2C12 cells) differentiation. Prior to differentiation, the cells need adhere and proliferate in a growth medium. Stiff films (E0 > 320 kPa) promote the formation of focal adhesions and organization of the cytoskeleton as well as an enhanced proliferation, whereas soft films are not favorable for cell anchoring, spreading, or proliferation. C2C12 cells were then switched to a low serum‐containing medium to induce cell differentiation, which was also greatly dependent on film stiffness. Although myogenin and troponin T expressions are only moderately affected by the film stiffness, the morphology of the myotubes exhibit striking stiffness‐dependent differences. Soft films allow differentiation only for a few days and the myotubes are very short and thick. Cell clumping followed by aggregate detachment is observed after ∼2 to 4 d. On stiffer films, significantly more elongated and thinner myotubes are observed for up to ∼2 weeks. Myotube striation is also observed but only for the stiffer films. These results demonstrate that film stiffness strongly modulates adhesion, proliferation and differentiation, each of these processes having its own stiffness requirement.
Layered Double Hydroxide Nano‐ and Microstructures Grown Directly on Metal Substrates and Their Calcined Products for Application as Li‐Ion Battery Electrodes
Authors: Liu Jinping , Li Yuanyuan , Huang Xintang , Li Guangyun , Li Zikun
Published: April 2008

Layered double hydroxide (LDH) nano‐ and microstructures with controllable size and morphology have been fabricated on “bivalent metal” substrates such as zinc and copper by a one‐step, room‐temperature process, in which metal substrates act as both reactants and supports. By manipulating the concentration of NH3 · H2O, the thickness and lateral size of the LDH materials can be tuned from several tens of nanometers to several hundreds of nanometers and from several hundreds of nanometers to several micrometers, respectively. This method is general and may be readily extended to any other alkali‐resisted substrate coated with Zn and Cu. As an example, Zn‐covered stainless steel foil has been shown to be effective for the growth of a ZnAl LDH film. After calcinating the as‐grown LDH at high temperature (650 °C) in argon gas, a ZnO/ZnAl2O4 porous nanosheet film is obtained, which is then directly used for the first time as the anode material for Li‐ion batteries with the operating voltage window of 0.05–2.5 V (vs. Li). The result demonstrates that ZnO/ZnAl2O4 has higher discharge and charge capacities and considerably better cycling stability compared to pure ZnO (Li insertion/extraction rate: 200 or 500 mA g−1). The improved electrochemical performance can be ascribed to the buffering effect of the inactive matrix ZnAl2O4 by relieving the stress caused by the volume change during charge–discharge cycling. This work represents a successful example for the development of promising ZnO‐based anode materials for Li‐ion batteries.
Polystannanes: Polymers of a Molecular, Jacketed Metal–Wire Structure
Authors: Choffat Fabien , Smith Paul , Caseri Walter
Published: April 2008

Organometallic polymers comprising a backbone of covalently connected metal atoms can be regarded as molecular metal wires surrounded by a jacket of organic matter. Such polymers are rare and their materials properties are largely unexplored. Here, we report on polystannanes, (SnR2)n, that is, polymers with a backbone of tin atoms, which are synthesized by dehydropolymerization of dialkylstannanes (H2SnR2) with the catalyst [RhCl(PPh3)3]. The polystannanes feature reversible phase transitions into liquid‐crystalline states, remarkably, even below room temperature, and, interestingly, oriented either parallel or perpendicular to external driving forces, depending on the length of the alkyl substituents.
Fine mapping of a locus for nonsyndromic mental retardation on chromosome 19p13
Authors: Nolan D.K. , Chen P. , Das S. , Ober C. , Waggoner D.
Published: April 2008

Mental retardation (MR) occurs in approximately 3% of the population and therefore significantly impacts public health. Despite this relatively high prevalence, the specific causes of MR remain unknown in most cases, although both genetic and environmental factors are known to contribute. We describe a consanguineous family with autosomal recessive (AR) nonsyndromic MR (NSMR). Because the consanguinity of this family is complex, we explore alternative approaches for generating accurate estimates of the evidence for linkage in this family, and demonstrate evidence for linkage to chromosome 19p13 (lod score ranging from 1.2 to 3.5, depending on assumptions of allele frequencies). Fine mapping of the linked region defined a critical region of 3.6 Mb, which overlaps with a previously reported gene (CC2D1A) for MR. However, no mutations in the coding region of this gene are present in the family we describe. These results suggest that another gene causing autosomal recessive nonsyndromic MR (ARNSMR) is located within this genomic region. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Brief communication: Locomotor limb preferences in captive chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes): Implications for morphological asymmetries in limb bones
Authors: Hopkins William D.
Published: April 2008

Understanding the evolutionary origins of hemispheric specialization remains a topic of considerable interest in a variety of scientific disciplines. Whether nonhuman primates exhibit population‐level limb preferences continues to be a controversial topic. In this study, limb preferences for ascending and descending locomotion were assessed as a means of examining the hypothesis that asymmetries in forelimb bones might be attributed to asymmetries in posture. The results indicated that captive chimpanzees showed a population‐level leftward asymmetry in descending locomotion but no group bias for ascending locomotion. The results are consistent with previous behavioral studies in captive chimpanzees as well as studies on skeletal asymmetries of the forelimbs of chimpanzees. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intelligente Erhaltungskonzepte: Parkgaragen nachhaltig instand setzen
Authors: Beecken Christoph A. , vom Berg Wiebke
Published: April 2008

Tiefgaragen und Parkhäuser aus den 1960er und 1970er Jahren weisen meist ähnliche Schadensbilder auf, die häufig auf die gleichen Ausführungs‐ und Instandsetzungsmängel zurückzuführen sind. Auf Grundlage der typischen Schäden und ihrer Analyse werden anhand von zwei Bauvorhaben in Hessen Erhaltungskonzepte entwickelt, um Stahlbeton‐Parkgaragen wirtschaftlich und nachhaltig instand zu setzen. Besonderes Augenmerk wird auf die systematische Erfassung der Schäden und deren fachgerechte und dauerhafte Behebung gelegt. Außerdem werden statische Konzepte für die Abfangung aufgehender hoher Gebäude und ihre praktische Umsetzung beschrieben.
Das neue Bewehrungssystem; Druckglieder mit hochfestem Betonstahl SAS 670/800
Authors: Falkner Horst , Gerritzen Dominique , Jungwirth Dieter , Sparowitz Lutz
Published: April 2008

Der herkömmliche Stahlbetonbau wird durch ein neuartiges, innovatives Stahlbetondruckglied erweitert. Es kommt ein von der Annahütte entwickelter Gewindestahl SAS 670/800 bis Durchmesser 75 mm, mit Muffenverbindungen und Endankern zur Anwendung. Diese Druckglieder lassen sich mit Bewehrungsgehalten bis 20 % und kleinen Abmessungen wirtschaftlich in hoher Qualität herstellen. Unter Berücksichtigung des Kriechens und Schwindens des Betons oder/und der Verwendung faserbewehrter duktiler Betone lassen sich diese hochfesten Betonstähle SAS 670/800, deren Quetschgrenze über der Stauchungsgrenze ϵc2 liegt, voll ausnutzen.

Dem stehen nach gültiger Norm eine Ausnutzung des Betonstahls BSt 500 mit ∼2 ‰, Durchmesser bis ≤ 40 mm und zulässige Bewehrungsgrade im Übergreifungsbereich von max. 9% gegenüber.

Im Teil I wird auf Grundlage des Eurocodes über modifizierte Bemessungs‐ und Konstruktionskonzepte sowie durchgeführte Versuche berichtet. Im Teil II werden u. a. die Megastützen des Opernturms Frankfurt vorgestellt, die mit diesem Konzept über einer Zustimmung im Einzelfall ausgeführt wurden.

Das System ist/wird derzeit in verschiedenen Ländern, wie USA, Russland, Österreich und Europa, allgemein bauaufsichtlich zugelassen.
Dauerhaftigkeitspotentiale selbstverdichtender Betone
Authors: Lowke Dirk , Schmidt Karl , Schießl Peter , Heinz Detlef
Published: April 2008

Mit der Verwendung selbstverdichtender Betone sind aufgrund seiner außergewöhnlichen Frischbetoneigenschaften zahlreiche technologische und wirtschaftliche Vorteile verbunden. Für den Planer stellt sich jedoch die Frage, ob es durch die besondere Betonzusammensetzung zu einer Beeinflussung der Dauerhaftigkeitseigenschaften kommt. Im Rahmen von Untersuchungen am Centrum Baustoffe und Materialprüfung (cbm) der TU München sollte daher das Dauerhaftigkeitspotential selbstverdichtender Betone aufgezeigt werden. In einer ersten Versuchsreihe wurde der Frage nachgegangen, inwieweit sich der Mehlkorngehalt und die bei selbstverdichtenden Betonen oft notwendige Verwendung von stabilisierenden Zusatzmitteln auf die Dauerhaftigkeitseigenschaften auswirken. Weiterhin wurde untersucht, wie die betontechnologischen Besonderheiten die Empfindlichkeit der selbstverdichtenden Betone gegenüber einer schädigenden Alkalireaktion beeinflussen. In diesem Zusammenhang wurde zudem geklärt, ob durch die Verwendung von Flugasche, als puzzolanischer Betonzusatzstoff, einer schädigenden Alkalireaktion bei Verwendung reaktiver Gesteinskörnungen entgegengewirkt werden kann.
Innenwannen aus Beton als nachträgliche Abdichtung vernässter Keller im drückenden Grundwasser
Authors: Hohmann Rainer , Tetz Christoph , Dahmen Heinz‐Peter
Published: April 2008

Bundesweit hat die Vernässung von Gebäuden in den letzten Jahren deutlich zugenommen. Gleichzeitig aber möchten Hausbesitzer Keller häufig hochwertiger nutzen als früher. Damit stellt sich die Frage nach geeigneten Sanierungsmethoden. Eine Möglichkeit der Sanierung ist die nachträgliche Erstellung einer druckwasserhaltenden Innenwanne aus Beton. Hierbei handelt es sich um eine hochwertige Maßanfertigung, die auf die objektspezifischen Randbedingungen abgestimmt sein muss und hohe Anforderungen an die Planung und die Ausführung stellt. Der Beitrag zeigt an ausgewählten Beispielen, wie vernässte Kellerräume durch die nachträgliche Erstellung einer druckwasserhaltenden Innenwanne aus Beton ertüchtigt wurden.
Wholly endovascular repair of thoracoabdominal aneurysm
Authors: Gilling-Smith G L , McWilliams R G , Scurr J R H , Brennan J A , Fisher R K , Harris P L , Vallabhaneni S R
Published: April 2008

Background

The aim was to evaluate a wholly endovascular approach to the repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA).

Methods

Six patients (median age 71 years) underwent wholly endovascular repair of TAAA (maximum diameter 56–85 mm) employing individually customized endografts. Procedures were performed under general anaesthesia, with spinal drainage in five patients. Patients were followed by serial computed tomography, plain radiography and duplex imaging for a median of 17 (range 8–44) months.

Results

All grafts were deployed as intended, with preservation of all target vessels. There were no postoperative deaths, strokes or paraplegia. One patient suffered a silent myocardial infarction. In two patients a persistent paraostial endoleak was treated by further balloon dilatation of the stent within the endograft fenestration. Imaging before discharge confirmed aneurysm exclusion in all patients. Two patients required late secondary intervention to abolish endoleaks due to side-branch disconnection. One patient suffered late occlusion of the coeliac axis without clinical sequelae, and late occlusion of a solitary renal artery in another resulted in dependence on dialysis. There have been no late deaths and all aneurysms remain excluded.

Conclusion

Wholly endovascular TAAA repair is relatively safe, but long-term follow-up is required to establish its durability.
Aggressive vascular surgery in asymptomatic patients is a bad idea
Authors: van der Graaf Y
Published: April 2008

The reflections of a non-surgeon
A systematic review of topical negative pressure therapy for acute and chronic wounds
Authors: Ubbink D T , Westerbos S J , Nelson E A , Vermeulen H
Published: April 2008

Background

Topical negative pressure (TNP) therapy is becoming increasingly popular for all kinds of wounds. Its clinical and cost effectiveness is unclear.

Methods

A search of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on TNP in adult patients with all kinds of wounds in all settings was undertaken in Medline, Embase, Cinahl (to October 2007) and the Cochrane Library (to issue 4, 2007). Information was also sought from manufacturer of the VAC® device. Selection of trials for analysis, quality assessment, data abstraction and data synthesis were conducted by two authors independently. The primary endpoint was any measure of wound healing. Secondary endpoints were infection, pain, quality of life, oedema, microcirculation, bacterial load, adverse events, duration of hospital stay and cost.

Results

The search identified 15 publications on 13 RCTs. These reported on patients with chronic wounds, diabetic wounds, pressure ulcers, skin grafts and acute wounds. In chronic and diabetic wounds, TNP did not allow earlier complete wound healing. It was, however, associated with a 1–10 day reduction in the time needed to prepare the wound for secondary closure surgery. In one trial on acute wounds, 17 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 0·02 to 0·32) per cent more wounds appeared to heal with TNP; the number needed to treat was six. This was, however, at the cost of an 11 (95 per cent c.i. 0·01 to 0·21) per cent higher complication rate; the number needed to harm was nine.

Conclusion

There is little evidence to support the use of TNP in the treatment of wounds.
Multivariate curve resolution of mixed bacterial DNA sequence spectra: identification and quantification of bacteria in undefined mixture samples
Authors: Zimonja M. , Rudi K. , Trosvik P. , Næs T.
Published: April 2008

A comprehensive understanding of factors that influence microbial competition and cooperation, their diversity and processes will be greatly beneficial in many research areas. Current tools for microflora determinations are far from suitable for high‐throughput monitoring of development in complex microbial communities. Here, we describe the application of a calibration free method, multivariate curve resolution with alternating least squares (MCR‐ALS), for identification and quantification of different microbes in mixture samples. The idea is to utilize MCR‐ALS to enable close monitoring of ecology in a variety of microbial communities. The data from two designed experiments consisting of DNA sequence spectra measured on mixtures were analysed with MCR‐ALS using no prior information on the data except for appropriate constraints, such as non‐negativity and closure. The results were compared both to the known true concentrations as well as to the results obtained from the well‐established multivariate calibration method partial least squares (PLS) regression. MCR‐ALS performed as well as PLS regression, successfully extracting all pure bacterial spectra and quantitative information on these, with 97.81% and 97.91% explained variance for the first and the second data set, respectively. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robust partial least squares regression—part III, outlier analysis and application studies
Authors: Kruger Uwe , Zhou Yan , Wang Xun , Rooney David , Thompson Jillian
Published: April 2008

This paper is the third part of the work on robust partial least squares (RPLS) regression. The paper focuses on implementation issues for outlier detection and diagnosis. Furthermore, the paper introduces a numerically more efficient algorithm for determining the Stahel–Donoho estimator (SDE). This has been identified as a potential drawback of the new proposed RPLS algorithm, detailed in Part II of this work. Finally, a total of three application studies are presented which involve data recorded from (i) a calibration experiment (similar number of variables/observations), (ii) a distillation process for purifying benzene (considerably more observations than variables) and (iii) an experiment of a multi‐component concentration determination using Raman spectroscopy (considerably more variables than observations). Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A pilot case series using qualitative and quantitative methods: Biological, psychological and social outcome in severe and enduring eating disorder (anorexia nervosa)
Authors: Arkell James , Robinson Paul
Published: April 2008

Objective:

We explore the level of disability and quality of life in participants with severe and enduring eating disorder (anorexia nervosa).

Method:

We use qualitative and quantitative methods to assess in detail eleven participants with a 10‐year history of anorexia nervosa. Outcomes for quality of life are compared with those of a sample of primary care patients with moderate–severe depression. Outcomes for living skills are compared with a standardized community sample of patients with schizophrenia.

Results:

Despite scoring highly for communication skills and levels of responsibility, participants were as impaired as the sample of patients with schizophrenia for self‐care and social contact. Participants were severely depressed and scores for quality of life mirrored those of the primary care population. Qualitative data illustrate intrapersonal and interpersonal avoidance leading to self‐neglect and social isolation despite social skills.

Conclusion:

Quality of life and living skills are as impaired as those of other severe and enduring mental illnesses. © 2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2008
Two (3,10)‐Connected 2D Networks Based on Pentanuclear Metal Clusters as Building Blocks
Authors: Xiao Dongrong , Yuan Ruo , Chai Yaqin , Wang Enbo
Published: April 2008

Self‐assembly of a long, V‐shaped 4,4′‐sulfonyldibenzoato (sdba) ligand and metal salts in the presence of a heterocyclic aromatic ligand affords two (3,10)‐connected 2D networks: [Cd5(μ3‐OH)2(sdba)4(2,2′‐bpy)2(H2O)2]·2H2O (1) and [Mn5(μ3‐OH)2(sdba)4(2,2′‐bpy)2(H2O)2]·H2O (2) (2,2′‐bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridine). Their structures were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis, and they were further characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, and TG analysis. Compounds 1 and 2 are isostructural and represent the highest connected topology presently known for 2D nets. More interestingly, when the strong hydrogen bonds between layers are taken into account, the resulting netbecomes a (3,12)‐connected 3D network with complex(32.4)2(38.422.524.610.72) topology, which possesses the highest observed connectivity (twelve connectivity) known to date. The magnetic properties of compound 2 have been studied by measuring its magnetic susceptibility in the temperature range 2–300 K. The results indicate the existence of antiferromagnetic coupling within the pentanuclear manganese cluster. Furthermore, the luminescent properties of 1 are discussed.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Synthesis of Bifunctional Integrin‐Binding Peptides Containing PEG Spacers of Defined Length for Non‐Viral Gene Delivery
Authors: Pilkington‐Miksa Michael A. , Sarkar Supti , Writer Michele J. , Barker Susie E. , Shamlou Parviz Ayazi , Hart Stephen L. , Hailes Helen C. , Tabor Alethea B.
Published: April 2008

Improving the buffer and serum stability of non‐viral gene delivery vectors, and increasing their circulation time in vivo, is an important focus of current research in gene therapy. The most successful strategies to date have involved shielding the complexes with large polydisperse PEG adducts. However, this approach is accompanied by a fall in transfection efficiency. In this paper we describe the solid‐phase synthesis of a series of bifunctional peptides bearing short PEG spacers of defined structure as components of lipopolyplex gene delivery vectors. Short, high‐yielding routes to a series of PEG‐amino acids are described: these PEG‐amino acids can be used in varying combinations to afford bifunctional peptides with varying lengths of PEG spacers by using standard solid‐phase synthesis techniques. A series of lipopolyplexes were formulated using these bifunctional peptides, and their transfection properties assessed. Dynamic light scattering measurements on the complex with the best transfection properties showed that in phosphate‐buffered saline this complex was considerably more stable, and aggregated more slowly, than a complex formulated using a similar peptide lacking the short PEG spacer.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)