bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for visual loss in an Italian population‐based cohort of patients with giant cell arteritis
Authors: Salvarani Carlo , Cimino Luca , Macchioni Pierluigi , Consonni Dario , Cantini Fabrizio , Bajocchi Gianluigi , Pipitone Nicolò , Catanoso Maria Grazia , Boiardi Luigi
Published: April 2005

Objective

To evaluate the frequency of visual manifestations at presentation in an Italian population‐based cohort of patients with biopsy‐proven giant cell arteritis (GCA), and to investigate predictors for the development of permanent visual loss.

Methods

We identified 136 Reggio Emilia (Italy) residents with biopsy‐proven GCA diagnosed between 1986 and 2002. Medical records of these 136 patients were reviewed, and demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected.

Multivariate analysis with multiple logistic regression models was performed to identify the best predictors of visual loss.

Results

Visual manifestations developed in 41 patients (30.1%). Partial or total visual loss was observed in 26 patients (19.1%). Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy was seen in 24 patients, and 2 patients had central retinal artery occlusion. Unilateral vision loss occurred in 19 patients, and bilateral visual loss in 7. In 25 patients, visual loss developed before glucocorticoid therapy for GCA was started. The age at disease onset was significantly higher in patients with permanent visual loss compared with those without it. The frequency of systemic signs/symptoms and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C‐reactive protein values at diagnosis were significantly lower in patients with permanent visual loss. By multivariate logistic regression, the only statistically significant predictor for the development of permanent visual loss was the absence of high levels of ESR at diagnosis (tertile 2: Odds ratio [OR] 0.08; tertile 3: OR 0.11). Other predictors included in the model were the absence of systemic manifestations (OR 0.24), an older age at disease diagnosis (quintile 5: OR 5.60), and the presence of an elevated platelet count at diagnosis (OR 4.99), however they were only of borderline statistical significance.

Conclusion

The proportion of Italian patients with GCA that developed visual loss was similar to that reported from other countries. The patients with low inflammatory response had a higher risk of visual loss.
Clinical academic rheumatology: Getting more than you pay for
Authors: Wickersham Pendleton , Golz Diane , West Sterling G.
Published: April 2005

Objective

Rheumatology is among the least compensated specialties in medicine today. This is a significant problem for clinical rheumatologists in academic medicine who are often expected to earn their salaries through clinical practice alone. Additionally, academic rheumatologists usually cannot generate revenue through office laboratory monitoring, radiographs, or bone densitometry to supplement their income (i.e., downstream income). The purpose of our study was to examine revenue generated from downstream income to a university by a clinical‐academic rheumatologist.

Methods

Consecutive outpatients (n = 127) seen predominately by one academic rheumatologist over one month of clinic were followed for 18 months. The total physician compensation for patient visits was calculated and compared with the revenue generated from laboratory tests, radiologic studies, consultations, and specific rheumatologic treatments and procedures performed or ordered. Medicare reimbursement rates for 2003 were used as compensation standards for all charges.

Results

Physician office visit billing generated $36,297 from 730 office visits. The total amount of downstream income from these office visits was $363,813 ($47,386 from laboratory tests, $35,582 from radiologic studies, $8,159 from rheumatologic procedures, $261,584 from rheumatologic infusions, and $11,101 from initial consultations). Therefore, $10.02 of downstream revenue was generated for every $1.00 of office visit compensation applied to the academic rheumatologist's salary.

Conclusion

Although academic rheumatologists struggle to bill their salaries through seeing more patients, they are clearly a bargain for a university hospital because they generate >$10.00 for every $1.00 they receive for an office visit.
Gaps in care for rheumatoid arthritis: A population study
Authors: Lacaille Diane , Anis Aslam H. , Guh Daphne P. , Esdaile John M.
Published: April 2005

Objective

Treatment guidelines for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) now recommend early, aggressive, and persistent use of disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to prevent joint damage in all people with active inflammation, and evaluation by a rheumatologist, when possible. This research assesses whether care for RA, at a population level, is consistent with current treatment guidelines.

Methods

Using administrative billing data from the Ministry of Health in 1996–2000, all prevalent RA cases in British Columbia, Canada were identified. Data were obtained on all medications and all provincially‐funded health care services.

Results

We identified 27,710 RA cases, yielding a prevalence rate of 0.76%, consistent with epidemiologic studies. DMARD use was inappropriately low. Only 43% of the entire RA cohort received a DMARD at least once over 5 years, and 35% over 2 years. When used, DMARDs were started in a timely fashion, but were not used consistently. Care by a rheumatologist increased DMARD use 31‐fold. Yet, only 48% and 34% saw a rheumatologist over 5 and 2 years, respectively. DMARD use was significantly more frequent, persistent, and more often used as combination therapy with continuous rheumatologist care. DMARDs were used by 84% and 73%, 40%, and 10% of people followed by rheumatologists continuously and intermittently, internists, and family physicians, respectively (P< 0.001). NSAID use, physiotherapy, and orthopedic surgeries were similar across these 4 care groups.

Conclusion

RA care in the British Columbia population was not consistent with current treatment guidelines. Efforts to educate family physicians and consumers about the shift in RA treatment paradigms and to improve access to rheumatologists are needed.
Hepatitis C virus infection in psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Palazzi Carlo , Olivieri Ignazio , D'amico Emilio , D'agostino Lorena , Nicolucci Antonio , Pennese Ernesta , Petricca Attilio
Published: April 2005

Objective

To evaluate the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), compared with patients affected by non HCV‐related rheumatic degenerative disorders.

Methods

One‐hundred consecutive subjects with PsA, and a statistically comparable group of 100 consecutive patients with peripheral osteoarthritis (OA) or sciatica due to L4–L5 or L5–S1 herniated disc were tested for HCV infection with a third‐generation microparticle enzyme immunoassay (MEIA). Positive cases were submitted to a third‐generation recombinant immunoblot assay (RIBA) confirmatory test. Comparison between the HCV prevalence obtained in the 2 enrolled groups was performed using Fisher's exact test.

Results

Anti‐HCV antibodies were found with the MEIA method, in 1 patient with PsA, and in 4 patients with OA or sciatica. The RIBA method confirmed MEIA results in all positive patients. The difference in HCV prevalence detected in the PsA group and in the control group was not statistically significant (P = 0.68). Furthermore, HCV prevalence in PsA patients was lower than the ones reported in different geographic areas of Italy.

Conclusion

Our present report does not confirm previous data that indicated an increased prevalence of HCV in PsA patients, and as a consequence, does not sustain a possible trigger role of HCV in cases of PsA. The absence of clinical or instrumental resources that consent a definite differential diagnosis between PsA and HCV‐related arthritis was outlined and analyzed.
Effectiveness of manual therapy or pulsed shortwave diathermy in addition to advice and exercise for neck disorders: A pragmatic randomized controlled trial in physical therapy clinics
Authors: Dziedzic Krysia , Hill Jonathan , Lewis Martyn , Sim Julius , Daniels Jane , Hay Elaine M.
Published: April 2005

Objective

To determine whether manual therapy or pulsed shortwave diathermy, in addition to advice and exercise, provide better clinical outcome at 6 months than advice and exercise alone in primary care patients with nonspecific neck disorders.

Methods

This was a multicenter, 3‐arm randomized controlled trial in 15 physical therapy departments. Of the 735 screened patients, 350 were recruited to the study (mean age 51 years) from July 2000 to June 2002. Participants were randomized to advice and exercise plus manual therapy, advice and exercise plus pulsed shortwave, or advice and exercise alone. Assessments were undertaken at baseline, 6 weeks, and 6 months. The primary outcome was the Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire. Analysis was by intention to treat.

Results

Of the participants, 115 were allocated to advice and exercise, 114 to advice and exercise plus manual therapy, and 121 to advice and exercise plus pulsed shortwave; 98% received the allocated treatment. There was 93% followup at 6 months. The mean ± SD fall in Northwick Park score at 6 months was 11.5 ± 15.7 for advice and exercise alone, 10.2 ± 14.1 for advice and exercise plus manual therapy, and 10.3 ± 15.0 for advice and exercise plus pulsed shortwave. There were no statistically significant differences in mean changes between groups.

Conclusion

The addition of pulsed shortwave or manual therapy to advice and exercise did not provide any additional benefits in the physical therapy treatment of neck disorders.
Gatekeeping indicators exemplified by the main players in the international gatekeeping orchestration of analytical chemistry journals
Authors: Braun Tibor , Dióspatonyi Ildikó
Published: April 2005

Most of the science indicators used in the literature for characterizing the research activity and performance of nations are based on journal articles and citations. As an alternative we have examined the use of journal gatekeepers as real and useful science indicators. As an example, gatekeepers of some analytical chemistry core journals were used. To reveal the changes in the contributions of different nations to the field studied, a comparison has been made between the 1970–1974 and the 2002 data on gatekeepers of the same journals.
The effects of expertise and feedback on search term selection and subsequent learning
Authors: Hembrooke Helene A. , Granka Laura A. , Gay Geraldine K. , Liddy Elizabeth D.
Published: April 2005

Query formation and expansion is an integral part of nearly every effort to search for information. In the work reported here we investigate the effects of domain knowledge and feedback on search term selection and reformation. We explore differences between experts and novices as they generate search terms over 10 successive trials and under two feedback conditions. Search attempts were coded on quantitative dimensions such as the number of unique terms and average time per trial, and as a whole in an attempt to characterize the user's conceptual map for the topic under differing conditions of participant‐defined domain expertise. Nine distinct strategies were identified. Differences emerged as a function of both expertise and feedback. In addition, strategic behavior varied depending on prior search conditions. The results are considered from both a theoretical and design perspective, and have direct implications for digital library usability and metadata generation, and query expansion systems.
Recording evidence in bibliographic records and descriptive metadata
Authors: Taniguchi Shoichi
Published: April 2005

In this article recording evidence for data values in addition to the values themselves in bibliographic records and descriptive metadata is proposed, with the aim of improving the expressiveness and reliability of those records and metadata. Recorded evidence indicates why and how data values are recorded for elements. Recording the history of changes in data values is also proposed, with the aim of reinforcing recorded evidence. First, evidence that can be recorded is categorized into classes: identifiers of rules or tasks, action descriptions of them, and input and output data of them. Dates of recording values and evidence are an additional class. Then, the relative usefulness of evidence classes and also levels (i.e., the record, data element, or data value level) to which an individual evidence class is applied, is examined. Second, examples that can be viewed as recorded evidence in existing bibliographic records and current cataloging rules are shown. Third, some examples of bibliographic records and descriptive metadata with notes of evidence are demonstrated. Fourth, ways of using recorded evidence are addressed.
Online monitoring and characterization of flocculating yeast cell flocs during continuous ethanol fermentation
Authors: Ge X.M. , Zhao X.Q. , Bai F.W.
Published: April 2005

Both intrinsic and observed kinetic investigations for those ethanol fermentations using self‐flocculated yeast strains have been hindered by the lack of real online monitoring techniques and proper characterization methods for the flocs. An optical detecting technique, the focused beam reflectance measurement probe developed by Lasentec (Redmond, WA) was inserted into a fermentor to monitor the floc chord length distributions. Using a simulating system composed of the floc‐buffer suspensions, the total floc chord length counts per second were directly correlated with the floc biomass concentrations so that the floc biomass concentrations can be in situ detected. Furthermore, a characterization method of the flocs was established by properly weighted treatments of the detected floc chord length distributions. When a real yeast floc ethanol fermentation system was detected during its intrinsic kinetic investigations in which the floc size needed to be controlled at a level of micrometer scale to eliminate inner mass transfer limitations, it was found and validated that CO2 produced during fermentation exerted significant disturbances. By applying 1/length‐weighted treatment, these disturbances were effectively overcome. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Selective separation of β‐lactoglobulin from sweet whey using CGAs generated from the cationic surfactant CTAB
Authors: Fuda Elisabeth , Bhatia Divesh , Pyle D.L. , Jauregi Paula
Published: April 2005

The selective separation of whey proteins was studied using colloidal gas aphrons generated from the cationic surfactant cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB). From the titration curves obtained by zeta potential measurements of individual whey proteins, it was expected to selectively adsorb the major whey proteins, i.e., bovine serum albumin, α‐lactalbumin, and β‐lactoglobulin to the aphrons and elute the remaining proteins (lactoferrin and lactoperoxidase) in the liquid phase. A number of process parameters including pH, ionic strength, and mass ratio of surfactant to protein (MCTAB/MTP) were varied in order to evaluate their effect on protein separation. Under optimum conditions (2 mmol/l CTAB, MCTAB/MTP= 0.26–0.35, pH 8, and ionic strength = 0.018 mol/l), 80–90% β‐lactoglobulin was removed from the liquid phase as a precipitate, while about 75% lactoferrin and lactoperoxidase, 80% bovine serum albumin, 95% immunoglobulin, and 65% α‐lactalbumin were recovered in the liquid fraction. Mechanistic studies using zeta potential measurements and fluorescence spectroscopy proved that electrostatic interactions modulate only partially the selectivity of protein separation, as proteins with similar surface charges do not separate to the same extent between the two phases. The selectivity of recovery of β‐lactoglobulin probably occurs in two steps: the first being the selective interaction of the protein with opposite‐charged surfactant molecules by means of electrostatic interactions, which leads to denaturation of the protein and subsequent formation and precipitation of the CTAB‐β‐lactoglobulin complex. This is followed by the separation of CTAB‐β‐lactoglobulin aggregates from the bulk liquid by flotation in the aphron phase. In this way, CGAs act as carriers which facilitate the removal of protein precipitate. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Perceived deterrence and outcomes in drug court
Authors: Marlowe Douglas B. , Festinger David S. , Foltz Carol , Lee Patricia A. , Patapis Nicholas S.
Published: April 2005

According to perceived‐deterrence theory, the likelihood that an offender will engage in drug use or illegal activity is influenced by the perceived certainty of being detected for infractions or recognized for accomplishments, the perceived certainty of receiving sanctions for infractions or rewards for accomplishments, and the anticipated magnitude of the sanctions and rewards. This study evaluated drug court participants' perceived deterrence at monthly intervals during their enrollment in drug court. Exploratory cluster analysis (N = 255) on the longitudinal scores yielded five subtypes of drug offenders characterized either by consistently elevated perceived‐deterrence scores, consistently moderate scores, consistently low scores, increasing scores, or decreasing scores. The best outcomes were associated with consistently elevated scores, whereas the worst outcomes were associated with scores that declined over time as the participants became accustomed to the program. The clusters also differed in predicted directions on demographic variables. The correlational design does not permit inferences of causality; however, the results lend credence to perceived deterrence as a potential explanatory mechanism for the effects of drug courts. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Contrasting jail diversion and in‐jail services for mental illness and substance abuse: do they serve the same clients?
Authors: Draine Jeffrey , Blank Amy , Kottsieper Petra , Solomon Phyllis
Published: April 2005

Baseline data from a study of jail diversion services and in‐jail behavioral health services were used to examine the differences in clients served by these two models of responding to people with co‐occurring mental health and substance abuse problems in the criminal justice system. Clients of the diversion service had more acute psychiatric symptoms and were more likely to have a diagnosis of psychosis NOS. Clients of the in‐jail service were more likely to have been on probation or parole in the past and to have received substance abuse treatment. Different service models may attract and serve different populations of clients. Diversion services may cast a wider net that includes clients who may not have otherwise been involved in forensic services. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficacy of a Mental Health Treatment Court with assertive community treatment
Authors: Cosden Merith , Ellens Jeffrey , Schnell Jeffrey , Yamini‐Diouf Yasmeen
Published: April 2005

This study examined the efficacy of a Mental Health Treatment Court (MHTC) with diversion to treatment supported by an assertive community treatment (ACT) model of case management. A total of 235 participants were randomly assigned to either MHTC or treatment as usual (TAU) and assessed over a 2 year period. It was hypothesized that participants in the MHTC would decrease their criminal activity and improve their psychosocial functioning relative to participants receiving TAU. While there were offenders for whom neither treatment was effective, a majority in both groups decreased jail days and improved psychosocial functioning, with MHTC participants demonstrating greater gains in most areas. The impact of implementing the MHTC on community practices, and the value of integrating criminal justice and mental health systems, is discussed. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing the effectiveness of jail diversion programs for persons with serious mental illness and co‐occurring substance use disorders
Authors: Steadman Henry J. , Naples Michelle
Published: April 2005

In recent years, jail diversion programs for people with serious mental illness and co‐occurring substance use disorders have received increasing attention and have rapidly grown in number. Previous studies suggest that jail diversion programs have the potential to achieve positive outcomes. The present study reports findings from 6 jail diversion programs (3 pre‐booking and 3 post‐booking) participating in a federally‐funded research initiative to assess the effectiveness of jail diversion programs for people with co‐occurring disorders. Diverted and non‐diverted groups were compared on self‐reported outcomes at 12 months following diversion. The findings suggest that jail diversion reduces time spent in jail without increasing the public safety risk, while linking participants to community‐based services. Jail diversion costs and the implications of these results for jail diversion programs and future research are discussed. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
First Principles Studies of Vanadia—Titania Monolayer Catalysts: Mechanisms of NO Selective Reduction
Authors: Vittadini Andrea , Casarin Maurizio , Selloni Annabella
Published: April 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Phase Stabilization Through Electronic Tuning: Electron‐Poorer Alkali‐Metal—Indium Compounds with Unprecedented In/Li Clusters.
Authors: Li Bin , Corbett John D.
Published: April 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
[3 + 2]‐Cycloaddition Reactions of Thioisatin with L‐Proline and (R)‐(‐)‐Thiaproline.
Authors: Pardasani R. T. , Pardasani P. , Sharma I. , Londhe A. , Gupta B.
Published: April 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
One‐Pot Reduction—Aldol Reaction of Esters.
Authors: Sasaki Mikio , Yudin Andrei K.
Published: April 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Substrate‐Controlled Diastereoselective Aziridination of Alkenes Using 3‐Acetoxyaminoquinazolinone in the Presence of Hexamethyldisilazane.
Authors: Ulukanli Sabri , Karabuga Semistan , Celik Ayhan , Kazaz Cavit
Published: April 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Hydroamination/Heck Reaction Sequence for a Highly Regioselective One‐Pot Synthesis of Indoles Using 2‐Chloroaniline.
Authors: Ackermann Lutz , Kaspar Ludwig T. , Gschrei Christian J.
Published: April 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Transformation of 5‐Amino‐4‐(3,4‐dimethoxyphenyl)pyrazoles in the Diazotization Reaction.
Authors: Pavlov I. V. , Kobrakov K. I. , Bogza S. L.
Published: April 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
C(6)‐Alkylation of 3‐Hydroxypiperidine via Reductive and Homolytic Cleavage of N,S‐Acetals.
Authors: Bartels Marc , Zapico Julian , Gallagher Timothy
Published: April 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
2‐R‐5‐Ar(Het)‐5,6‐dihydro‐7H‐[1,2,4]triazolo[5,1‐b][1,3]thiazin‐7‐ones.
Authors: Britsun V. N. , Lozinskii M. O.
Published: April 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Gallium Triiodide Catalyzed Organic Reaction: A Convenient Synthesis of α‐Amino Phosphonates.
Authors: Sun Peipei , Hu Zhixin , Huang Zhihao
Published: April 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Gold Nanoparticles: Assembly and Electrical Properties in 1—3 Dimensions
Authors: Schmid G. , Simon U.
Published: April 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
The Coordination Chemistry of Tripodal Tetraamine Ligands
Authors: Blackman Allan G.
Published: April 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Nickel‐Catalyzed Electrochemical Coupling of Aryl, Heteroaryl or Vinyl Halides with Activated Alkyl Chlorides: Synthetic and Stereochemical Aspects
Authors: Durandetti Muriel , Perichon Jacques
Published: April 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Seven‐Membered Hetarenes with Two or More Heteroatoms
Authors: Herr R. J.
Published: April 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Non‐Commutative Rayleigh—Schrodinger Perturbation Theory and Its Applications in Quantum Chemistry
Authors: Gineityte V.
Published: April 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Survivors of childhood cancer and their guardians
Authors: Demark‐Wahnefried Wendy , Werner Cary , Clipp Elizabeth C. , Guill Ann Bebe , Bonner Melanie , Jones Lee W. , Rosoff Philip M.
Published: April 2005

BACKGROUND

Survivors of childhood cancer are at increased risk for osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and second malignancies—conditions for which modifiable risk factors are recognized and lifestyle interventions have shown benefit. Although some data regarding health behaviors of this population exist, receptivity to health promotion is largely unknown.

METHODS

A survey was mailed to 380 survivors (age range, 11–33 years) of childhood leukemia, lymphoma, or central nervous system carcinomas (and guardians of survivors < 18 years old) to elicit data on exercise, dietary intake of calcium, fat, and fruits and vegetables, smoking status, readiness to pursue lifestyle change, quality of life, and interest in various health interventions.

RESULTS

Responses from 209 survivors (a 55% response rate) suggested that most did not meet guidelines for fruit and vegetable consumption (79%), calcium intake (68%), or exercise (52%), 42% were overweight/obese, and 84% consumed > 30% of calories from fat. Older (> 18 years) compared with younger (< 18 years) survivors were more likely to smoke (17% vs. 1%), to be obese (21.6% vs. 14.6%), and to have suboptimal calcium intakes (75.6% vs. 57.6%). No differences in lifestyle behaviors were observed between cancer groups. Compared with interventions aimed at weight control, improving self‐esteem, or smoking cessation, the highest levels of interest were found consistently for interventions aimed at getting in shape and eating healthy. Survivors preferred mailed interventions to those delivered in‐person, by telephone counselors, or via computers.

CONCLUSIONS

Survivors of childhood cancer practiced several suboptimal health behaviors. Health promotion interventions aimed at areas of interest and delivered through acceptable channels have the potential to improve long‐term health and function of this vulnerable population. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Optical Characteristics of Atomic Force Microscopy Tips for Single‐Molecule Fluorescence Applications
Authors: Gaiduk Alexander , Kühnemuth Ralf , Antonik Matthew , Seidel Claus A. M.
Published: April 2005

Knowledge of the optical properties of atomic force microscopy (AFM) tips is relevant for the combination of optical and force spectroscopy. The luminescence properties of five commercial AFM tips were characterized using a combination of multiparameter fluorescence detection (MFD) and scanning confocal techniques. These include three Si3N4 tips, one silicon tip, and one high‐density carbon (HDC) tip grown on top of a silicon tip. Time‐decay histograms of the signal were analyzed to determine the strength of scatter, constant background, and fluorescence in the observed signal. Intensity and anisotropy images with optical resolution down to the diffraction limit were generated. The optical signal recorded from the apex of the Si3N4 tips ranged from 0.7 to 1.9 times the count rates from single Rhodamine 110 molecules under similar illumination conditions. The signal is predominantly composed of scatter and background (>85 %), plus a small fluorescence component with lifetimes between 1 and 3 ns. The intensity of the recorded signal fell with increasing distance from the apex, and by 300 nm the signals fell below single‐molecule levels for all Si3N4 cantilevers. Silicon cantilevers demonstrated very low count rates relative to single‐molecule measurements under all conditions, and virtually no fluorescence. The high‐density carbon tips also demonstrated low count rates, but the signal contained a short lifetime fluorescence component (0.7 ns). The intensity of the signals from each of the tips was geometry dependent, demonstrating the highest intensities at the edges and corners. Likewise, the anisotropy of all tip signals was observed to be geometry dependent, with the dependence varying on a case‐by‐case basis. The implications for using confocal illumination instead of total internal reflection are discussed.
Insulin therapy in pregnancy complicated by diabetes: are insulin analogs a new tool?
Authors: Lapolla A. , Dalfrà M. G. , Fedele D.
Published: April 2005

It has been demonstrated that good metabolic control maintained throughout pregnancy can reduce maternal and fetal complications in diabetes. To achieve good metabolic control, before conception and throughout pregnancy, insulin therapy needs to be optimized, and, in this context, the new insulins currently on the market may help. We therefore review here what is known about the potential benefits and risks related to the use of these new insulins in pregnancy. Clinical and experimental data on insulin lispro strongly suggest that lispro does not have adverse maternal or fetal effects during pregnancy in women with preexisting diabetes, and also that its use in these women results in improved glycemic control, fewer hypoglycemic episodes, and improved patient satisfaction. In women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), the use of insulin lispro is efficient in reducing postprandial hyperglycemia and some neonatal features related to hyperglycemia, thus stressing its usefulness in this condition. As for insulin aspart, clinical data on GDM patients shows the same efficacy as insulin lispro in lowering postprandial hyperglycemia, indicating that insulin aspart may be used in GDM when this condition is characterized by postprandial hyperglycemia. The results of a multicentric study now in progress on the efficacy and safety of insulin aspart in type 1 pregnant diabetic patients will definitely be useful in establishing whether this insulin is safe in pregnancy. For the moment, the use of insulin glargine during pregnancy is not recommended owing to the lack of data on maternal and fetal effects. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CD8 T cell priming by B lymphocytes is CD4 help dependent
Authors: Castiglioni Paola , Gerloni Mara , Cortez‐Gonzalez Xochitl , Zanetti Maurizio
Published: April 2005

While it is generally accepted that B lymphocytes can present antigen and activate CD4 T cells, priming of CD8 T cells by B lymphocytes remains controversial. Recently, we showed that mice injected with genetically programmed B lymphocytes generate antigen specific CD4 and CD8 T cell responses in vivo that could also be induced in mice lacking functional dendritic cells. To gain further insights into the requirements for T cell priming by antigen‐presenting B lymphocytes, in vitro experiments were performed using ovalbumin (OVA) and OVA‐specific TCR‐transgenic CD4 and CD8 T cells. We found that while B lymphocytes can directly prime CD4 T cells, the activation of CD8 T cells requires T cell help. Transfer experiments show that help can either be contact dependent or be mediated by soluble factors in the supernatants of activated OVA‐specific CD4 T cells. Furthermore, the effect of activated CD4 T cells can be replaced by soluble recombinant IL‐4. Collectively, the data show the existence of different requirements for priming of CD4 and CD8 T cells and point to the previously unappreciated fact that the induction of CD8 T cell responses by B lymphocytes requires T cell help.
IL‐4Rα signaling is important for CD8+ T cell cytotoxicity in the absence of CD4+ T cell help
Authors: Marsland Benjamin J. , Schmitz Nicole , Kopf Manfred
Published: April 2005

Cytotoxic CD8+ T cells are key mediators of viral clearance during primary infection through their production of IFN‐γ and lysis of virally infected cells. Comparatively, the cytokines IL‐4 and IL‐13 are typically associated with the development of Th2 immune responses against allergens and parasites, while their influence on cytotoxic CD8+ T cell responses is controversial. We have investigated the roles of IL‐4 and IL‐13 in the development of CD8+ T cell responses against influenza infection. We show that in the absence of either IL‐4 or IL‐13, CD8+ T cells proliferated and a normal secondary cytotoxic response developed in vitro. In striking contrast, the absence of IL‐4Rα resulted in impaired ex vivo proliferation and consequently no secondary CTL activity, whereas the in vivo response appeared normal. We show that the presence of CD4+ T cell help, or the addition of exogenous IL‐2 in vitro, restored the response. Taken together, this work reveals previously unrecognized in vivo redundancies between IL‐4, IL‐13 and IL‐2 during immune responses against influenza virus.
Dual regulation of BCR‐mediated growth inhibition signaling by CD72
Authors: Baba Takeshi , Fusaki Noemi , Aoyama Akitoshi , Li Daniel H. , Okamura Ross M. , Parnes Jane R. , Hozumi Nobumichi
Published: April 2005

CD72 has been reported to regulate BCR‐mediated signals both positively and negatively. SHP‐1 and Grb2 bind, respectively, to ITIM1 and ITIM2 of CD72. We generated transformed B cell lines with an immature phenotype following J2 virus infection of splenocytes from CD72–/– and wild‐type (Wt) mice. The transformed lines were infected with retroviral vectors carrying Tyr (Y) to Phe (F) substitutions in the ITIM sequences (ITIM1 mutated: Y7/F; ITIM2 mutated: Y39/F; and both ITIM mutated: Y7,39/F). Cross‐linking of the BCR induced growth inhibition in transfectants expressing Wt CD72, but this response was less sensitive in transfectants with Y7,39/F. The Y7/F transfectants demonstrated the least sensitive response. We were not able to obtain transfectants with Y39/F, suggesting that CD72 associated with SHP‐1, but not with Grb2, delivers a strong negative signal. Pre‐ligation of CD72, which induces dephosphorylation of the molecule, partially rescued the Wt transfectants from growth inhibition, leading to a growth response profile similar to that of Y7,39/F transfectants. These results suggest that ITIM1/SHP‐1 delivers a very strong negative signal that is down‐modulated by signals through ITIM2/Grb2, leading to delivery of an attenuated negative signal. Thus, pre‐ligation of CD72 results in the manifestation of an ostensible positive signal.
Limited correlation between human thymus and blood NKT cell content revealed by an ontogeny study of paired tissue samples
Authors: Berzins Stuart P. , Cochrane Andrew D. , Pellicci Daniel G. , Smyth Mark J. , Godfrey Dale I.
Published: April 2005

NKT cells are a CD1d‐restricted T cell subset with strong immunoregulatory properties. Human NKT deficiencies are associated with autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes and several types of cancer, yet there is little understanding of how the human NKT cell pool develops or is maintained. In this study, we present the first detailed analysis of human NKT cells from donor‐matched postnatal thymus and blood samples. In mice, NKT cells are a thymus‐dependent population that migrates to the periphery at an immature stage. Our data show that human NKT cells also undergo early stages of development in the thymus, forming a CD4+CD161–/low population that predominates neonatal thymic and blood NKT cell pools. CD4– and CD161+ NKT cells accumulate with age in the blood, but not thymus, to the point that they dominate the NKT cell compartment in adult blood. This is consistent with the post‐thymic maturation of NKT cells exported from the thymus at the putatively immature CD4+CD161–/low stage. Interestingly, while thymus and peripheral NKT cell frequencies vary widely between patients and are relatively stable between age groups, there is no clear relationship between the NKT cell frequency in thymus and blood.
Distinct in vivo dendritic cell activation by live versus killed Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Muraille Eric , Giannino Rielle , Guirnalda Patrick , Leiner Ingrid , Jung Steffen , Pamer Eric G. , Lauvau Gregoire
Published: April 2005

Immunization of mice with live or heat‐killed Listeria monocytogenes (HKLM) efficiently primes pathogen‐specific CD8+ T cells. T lymphocytes primed by HKLM, however, undergo attenuated proliferation and do not fully differentiate. Thus, only infection with live bacteria induces long‐term, CD8+ T cell‐mediated protective immunity. In this study we demonstrate that live and heat‐killed bacteria, while both associating with Mac‐3+CD11bhi cells, localize to distinct splenic areas following intravenous inoculation. While HKLM localize to the marginal zone and the splenic red pulp, live L. monocytogenes are carried to the T cell zone of splenic white pulp. Despite these differences, in vivo depletion of CD11c‐expressing cells prevents priming of naive T cells by either HKLM or live L. monocytogenes. Analysis of CD11chi dendritic cells (DC) reveals that infection with live L. monocytogenes induces higher levels of CD40, CD80 and CD86 expression than immunization with HKLM. Our results suggest that CD8+ T cell priming following HKLM immunization or live infection is mediated by DC and that the disparate outcomes of priming can be attributed to suboptimal conditioning of DC in the absence of live, cytosol‐invasive bacteria.
Heterobimetallic Systems Containing Organometallic and Classical Coordination Sites: Effects of Subtle Changes in the Werner‐Type Site
Authors: Sheng Tianlu , Dechert Sebastian , Stückl A. Claudia , Meyer Franc
Published: April 2005

Several highly unsymmetrical heterodinuclear Mn/Zn complexes are reported, in which an organometallic CpMn‐(CO)2 fragment and a classical Werner‐type zinc coordination unit are arranged in close proximity by means of a bridging pyrazolate. Ligand scaffolds differing in the chelate size of the tripodal tetradentate {N4} binding site, and different coligands for zinc are employed. Both the zinc‐devoid precursor compounds and the bimetallic complexes with zinc(II) nested in the tris(pyridylalkyl)amine type {N4} compartment have been characterized by X‐ray crystallography. Structural and spectroscopic features as well as the redox potentials of the MnI/MnII couple indicate slight effects of the redox‐inactive Werner‐type subunit on the properties of the organometallic site. Oxidation is highly localized at the organometallic manganese site, as is evidenced by IR and EPR spectroscopy and supported by DFT calculations. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Effect of Conformation and Combination of 1,3‐Bis(4‐pyridylthio)propan‐2‐one upon Coordination Architectures: Syntheses, Characterizations and Properties
Authors: Wu Benlai , Yuan Daqiang , Jiang Feilong , Han Lei , Lou Benyong , Liu Caiping , Hong Maochun
Published: April 2005

Self‐assemblies of the conformationally labile ditopic ligand 1,3‐bis(4‐pyridylthio)propan‐2‐one (L) with square‐planer nodes CoII, NiII and with linear nodes AgI have afforded three new coordination polymers, {[Ni(L)2Cl2]}∞ (1), {[Co(L)2‐(SCN)2]·(DMF)2}∞ (2) and {[AgL]NO3}∞ (3), respectively. Structural analyses of these polymers and conformational analyses of L have revealed that metal‐assisted conformational selectivity and unique combinations of conformational isomers of L around the metal nodes probably play the key role in determining the structural topologies. In 1, a C2 symmetric array of two sorts of conformational isomers of L around NiII centers results in a 3D interpenetrating framework, while in 2 a combination of two types of conformational isomers of L around the inversion center CoII provides a 3D interpenetrating architecture of CdSO4‐like topology. In 3, L presents only a typical conformation, with higher steric energy, that links linear nodes AgI, leading to a 1D U‐like chain. The magnetic properties of 1 and 2, as well as the interesting fluorescent properties of 3, have also been investigated. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Synthesis, Structure, Coordination Expansion and Theoretical Modelling of Dichlorobis(phenoxo) Titanium(IV) Complexes
Authors: Nielson Alastair J. , Shen Chaohong , Schwerdtfeger Peter , Waters Joyce M.
Published: April 2005

Thermalisation of TiCl4 and two equivalents of a phenol in toluene is found to be the best preparative method for quantitative yields of a variety of dichlorobis(phenoxo) complexes. [TiCl2(OC6H4CMe3‐4)2] (1) is monomeric in benzene, a phenoxo‐bridged dimer in the solid state and undergoes coordination expansion with 4,4'‐dimethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine (dmbipy) to give [TiCl2(OC6H4CMe3‐4)2(dmbipy)] (2). Also monomeric are [TiCl2(OC6H2Me3‐2,4,6)2] (3) and [TiCl2(OC6H3iPr2‐2,6)2] (5) which expand their coordination with dmbipy to give [TiCl2(OC6H2Me3‐2,4,6)2(dmbipy)] (4) and [TiCl2(OC6H3iPr2‐2,6)2(dmbipy)] (6). In contrast [TiCl2(OC6H2{CMe3}2‐2,6‐Me‐4)2] (7) is only partially formed by the thermolysis reaction and does not coordinatively expand with dmbipy. [TiCl2(OC6H3Me2‐2,4)2] (8) is monomeric in benzene and reacts to form [TiCl2(OC6H3Me2‐2,4)2(dmbipy)] (9). [TiCl2(OC6H3{CMe3}2‐2,4)2] (10) forms along with the tri‐phenoxo complex [TiCl{OC6H3(CMe3)2‐2,4}3]. [TiCl2(OC6H3CMe3‐2‐Me‐6)2] (11) is monomeric in benzene and forms [TiCl2(OC6H3CMe3‐2‐Me‐6)2(dmbipy)] (12). 2‐Phenylphenol and 1‐napthol form [TiCl2(OC6H4Ph‐2)2] (13) and [TiCl2(OC10H9)2] (14) which are monomeric in benzene. DFT calculations give structural parameters for monomeric [TiCl2(OC6H5)2] (15) in good agreement with the X‐ray data for [TiCl2(OC6H3Me2‐2,6)2]. Each oxygen of the phenoxo ligand in 15 acts essentially as a 2π donor to titanium and there is substantial pπ(O)‐pπ*(C=C) backbonding with the phenyl ring, which is absent in [TiCl2(OCH3)2] (16). The global minimum for the dimer [(TiCl2{OC6H5}{μ‐OC6H5})2] is in almost perfect agreement with the crystal structure obtained for [(TiCl2{OC6H5}{μ‐OC6H5})2] or [(TiCl2{OC6H4CMe3‐4}{μ‐OC6H4CMe3‐4})2] (1). The dimerisation energy for 15 is–26.2 kJ·mol–1. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Luminescent Iridium(III)‐Terpyridine Complexes – Interplay of Ligand Centred and Charge Transfer States
Authors: Flamigni Lucia , Ventura Barbara , Barigelletti Francesco , Baranoff Etienne , Collin Jean‐Paul , Sauvage Jean‐Pierre
Published: April 2005

Electrochemical properties, ground state absorption spectra, luminescence spectra and lifetimes (at room temperature and 77 K) as well as transient absorption spectra are reported herein for newly synthesized iridium(III) complexes in which benzamide units are appended to the coordinated terpyridine fragments. The nature of the luminescent excited states (Φ < 2 × 10–3 and τ in the microsecond range, in air‐equilibrated acetonitrile at 298 K) is discussed with regards to the ligand‐centred (3LC) or charge transfer (3CT) nature. At room temperature, the excited state, a predominantly ligand‐centred triplet (3LC) for the iridium(III) terpyridine compounds, is switched for the benzamide‐containing complexes to a charge transfer state (3CT). Intense absorption in the visible range, high energy content, long excited states lifetimes at 298 and 77 K and good luminescence yields make these complexes very promising as photosensitisers (P). The CT nature of the excited states of the benzamide‐containing complexes makes them ideal components for the construction of rigid, linear arrays of the Donor‐P‐Acceptor type for charge separation. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Platinum Complexes with Only One Purine Ligand (Guanine, Deoxyguanine, or Adenine) Flanked by Two cis‐NH(CH3) Groups – Informative Models for Assessing the Interaction of Purine C6 Substituents with cis‐Amines
Authors: Carlone Maria , Marzilli Luigi G. , Natile Giovanni
Published: April 2005

syn‐(R,S)‐Me3dienPtL complexes (Me3dien = N,N',N‐trimethyldiethylenetriamine; L = a guanine, a 6‐deoxyguanine, or an adenine derivative) represent useful models for assessing the influence of the purine C6 substituent on the rate of rotation about the Pt–N7 bond. Because of the unsymmetric nature of the syn‐(R,S)‐Me3dien carrier ligand with respect to the coordination plane (all N–Me groups on one side of this plane), two rotamers are possible; they are defined as endo or exo for the six‐membered ring of the purine on the same or opposite side of the coordination plane as the N–Me groups, respectively. The derivatives of guanine (Pen), 6‐deoxyguanine (deoxy‐Pen), and adenine (MeA) used are distinguished by their C6 substituent (O, H, or NH2, respectively). At ambient temperature the rate of rotation of the purine about the Pt–N7 bond is slow on the NMR time scale for all three complexes. However, for Pen and deoxy‐Pen, an increase of the temperature from 293 to 353 K led to coalescence of the 1H NMR signals, indicating fast interconversion between rotamers and allowing evaluation of the rate constants and activation parameters (ΔH≠ and ΔS≠) for rotation. In contrast, for MeA raising the temperature to 353 K caused only a very slight broadening of the NMR signals, thus precluding a kinetic analysis of this complex by NMR methods. The rate of interconversion between the rotamers was comparable for the Pen and deoxy‐Pen complexes, notwithstanding the greater bulk of the C6 substituent in the Pen complex. On the other hand, the far slower rate of rotation for MeA, as compared to Pen, cannot be explained solely on the basis of C6 substituent bulk. Activation parameters for rotation (average values for the two rotamers: ΔH≠ = 57 ± 4 and 108 ± 3 kJ·mol–1, ΔS≠ = –18 ± 11 and 170 ± 11 J·K–1·mol–1 for Pen and deoxy‐Pen, respectively) suggest a plausible explanation for the observed trend. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Tapes of Cyclic Water Tetramers in the Double‐Helical Complex[Cd2(bpa)2Cl4]·6 H2O
Authors: Ye Bao‐Hui , Sun Ai‐Ping , Wu Tong‐Fei , Weng Yan‐Qin , Chen Xiao‐Ming
Published: April 2005

The new complex [Cd2(bpa)2Cl4]·6 H2O [bpa = N,N'‐bis(picolinamide)azine] has been synthesized in which each bpa ligand is twisted into a spiral‐like conformation and the two CdII ions are ligated by two bpa ligands to form a double‐stranded binuclear helicate. Unprecedented water chains featuring cyclic water tetramers composed of three independent water molecules are trapped by [Cd2(bpa)2Cl4] double helicates by hydrogen bonds. The binuclear chiral helicates are interlinked into homochiral layers by hydrogen bonds with the water tapes. The layers are alternately stacked in a heterochiral fashion to yield the final racemic structure. The complex shows an endotherm at 65.7 °C in the DSC due to loss of water molecules, giving an enthalpy value of 47 kJ mol–1 per water molecule. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Si‐, Ge‐, and Sn‐Centered Free Radicals: From Phantom Species to Grams‐Order‐Scale Materials (Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. 7/2005)
Authors: Lee Vladimir Ya. , Sekiguchi Akira
Published: April 2005

The cover picture shows the crystal structures of free radicals of the type (tBu2MeSi)3E· (E = Si, Ge, Sn) representing the first stable tricoordinate acyclic radicals of the heavier group 14 elements. All of these radicals have a perfect trigonal‐planar geometry, being truly π radicals, both in the crystalline form and in solution, accommodating an odd‐electron on the pz(E) orbitals. The synthesis of such stable radicals has been achieved nearly a century after the historical discovery of the first free radical species, triphenylmethyl Ph3C· by Gomberg in 1900. The recent developments in the field of stable Si‐, Ge‐, and Sn‐centered free radicals include the synthesis and physico‐chemical characterization of the neutral (cyclic and acyclic radicals) and charged (anion radicals of heavy carbene analogues, heavy alkene analogues and heavy alkyne analogues) compounds. The details of this chemistry are described and discussed in the Microreview by V. Ya. Lee and A. Sekiguchi on p. 1209 ff.