bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developmental Toxicity Studies with Atrazine and its Major Metabolites in Rats and Rabbits
Authors: Scialli Anthony R. , DeSesso John M. , Breckenridge Charles B.
Published: May 2014

Atrazine (ATR), hydroxyatrazine (OH‐ATR), and the three chloro metabolites of ATR (deethylatrazine [DEA], deisopropylatrazine [DIA], diaminochlorotriazine [DACT]) were evaluated for developmental effects in rats and rabbits. Three developmental toxicity studies were conducted on ATR in rats (two studies) and rabbits and a developmental toxicity study was conducted in rats for each of the four ATR metabolites DEA, DIA, DACT, and OH‐ATZ. ATR administration by gavage to pregnant rats and rabbits from implantation (gestation day [GD] 6 in rat, GD 7 in rabbit) through closure of the palate (GD 15 in rat and GD 19 in rabbit) did not statistically significantly alter the incidence of developmental abnormalities or malformations at dose levels up to 100 (rat) or 75 (rabbit) mg/kg bw/day. There were no effects on developmental toxicity parameters for DEA, DIA, DACT, or OH‐ATR at oral dose levels up to 100, 100, 150, or 125 mg/kg bw/day, respectively, with the exception of reductions in fetal body weight by DACT and OH‐ATR in the presence of decreased maternal body weight gain. ATR did not adversely affect developmental end points in a two‐generation study conducted in rats exposed to dose levels up to 500 ppm (38.7 mg/kg/day) in the diet. The 500‐ppm dose level resulted in significantly reduced maternal body weight gain. Overall, data show that neither ATR nor its metabolites statistically significantly affected rat or rabbit embryo‐fetal development even at dose levels producing maternal toxicity.
Aqueous synthesis of highly luminescent surface Mn2+‐doped CdTe quantum dots as a potential multimodal agent
Authors: Zhang Fei , He Fei , He Xi‐Wen , Li Wen‐You , Zhang Yu‐Kui
Published: May 2014

Mn2+‐doped CdTe quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized directly via a facile surface doping strategy in aqueous solution. The best optical property emerged when the added amount of Mn2+ was 5% compared to Cd2+ in the CdTe nanoparticles and the reaction temperature was 60 °C. The fluorescence and magnetic properties of the QDs were studied. The as‐prepared Mn2+‐doped CdTe QDs have high quantum yield (48.13%) and a narrow distribution with an average diameter of 3.7 nm. The utility of biological imaging was also studied. Depending on the high quantum yield, cells in culture were illuminated and made more distinct from each other compared to results obtained with normal QDs. They also have a prominent longitudinal relaxivity value (r1 = 4.2 mM−1s−1), which could indicate that the Mn2+‐doped CdTe QDs can be used as a potential multimodal agent for fluorescence and magnetic resonance imaging. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
NADH plays the vital role for chiral pure D‐(−)‐2,3‐butanediol production in Bacillus subtilis under limited oxygen conditions
Authors: Fu Jing , Wang Zhiwen , Chen Tao , Liu Weixi , Shi Ting , Wang Guanglu , Tang Ya‐jie , Zhao Xueming
Published: May 2014

Compared with traditional pathogenic producers, Bacillus subtilis as a Class I microorganism offers many advantages for industrial‐scale 2,3‐butanediol production. Unlike previous reports in which two stereoisomers (with a ratio of 3:2) were produced, we first found that wild type B. subtilis 168 generates only D‐(−)‐2,3‐butanediol (purity >99%) under low oxygen conditions. The total high yield of 2,3‐butanediol and acetoin, and acetoin reductase enzyme assay indicate that it is the high level of NADH availability, instead of high acetoin reductase activity, contributes more to 2,3‐butanediol production in B. subtilis. The strategy for increasing the pool of NADH availability, the key factor for 2,3‐butanediol production, was designed through low dissolved oxygen control, adding reducing substrates and rationally metabolic engineering. A transhydrogenase encoded by udhA was introduced to provide more NADH from NADPH and allowed enhanced 2,3‐butanediol production. Finally, BSF20 produced 49.29 g/L D(−)‐2,3‐butanediol. These results demonstrated that B. subtilis is a competitive producer for chiral 2,3‐butanediol production. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2014;111: 2126–2131. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simultaneous quantitative and qualitative analysis of aliskiren, enalapril and its active metabolite enalaprilat in undiluted human urine utilizing LC‐ESI‐MS/MS
Authors: Burckhardt Bjoern B. , Tins Jutta , Laeer Stephanie
Published: May 2014

The benefit–risk ratio of combined blocking by the direct renin inhibitor aliskiren and an angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor (e.g. enalapril) on the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system is discussed. No method was available for simultaneous determination of both drugs in urine. A novel sensitive method for simultaneous quantification in undiluted human urine was developed which enables systematic pharmacokinetic investigations, especially in poorly investigated populations like children. Matrix effects were clearly reduced by applying solid‐phase extraction followed by a chromatographic separation on XselectTM C18 CSH columns. Mobile phase consisted of methanol and water, both acidified with formic acid. Under gradient conditions and a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min the column effluent was monitored by tandem mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization. Calibration curves were constructed in the range of 9.4–9600 ng/mL regarding aliskiren, 11.6–12000 ng/mL for enalapril and 8.8–9000 ng/mL for enalaprilat. All curves were analyzed utilizing 1/x2‐weighted quadratic squared regression. Intra‐run and inter‐run precision were 3.2–5.8% and 6.1–10.3% for aliskiren, 2.4–6.1% and 3.9–7.9% for enalapril as well as 3.1–9.4% and 4.7–12.7% regarding enalaprilat. Selectivity, accuracy and stability results comply with current international bioanalysis guidelines. The fully validated method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic investigation in healthy volunteers. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
HPLC‐DAD for the determination of three different classes of antifungals: method characterization, statistical approach, and application to a permeation study
Authors: Miron Diogo , Lange Alini , Zimmer Aline R. , Mayorga Paulo , Schapoval Elfrides E. S.
Published: May 2014

This study describes and characterizes methods for high‐performance liquid chromatography diode array detection (HPLC‐DAD) analysis of formulations containing molecules with antifungal activity of three different classes: terbinafine and butenafine (allylamines), miconazole and fluconazole (azoles), and geraniol, neral and geranial (monoterpenes). All methods used the same chromatographic column (RP18), enabling the analysis to be performed in a single batch. The specificity was extensively discussed through the establishment of purity peak methods. The analytical parameters (linearity, precision and accuracy) were calculated and discussed in detail using specific statistical approaches. All substances showed satisfactory results for chromatographic and analytical parameters. Limits of 1.3% to mean repeatability and 2.0% for intermediate precision are suggested as acceptance criteria in validation of methods by HPLC‐DAD, in situations where there is no extensive pretreatment of the samples. The methods proved to be robust and significant factors were discussed regarding their influence on chromatographic parameters (retention time, resolution, tailing factor and column efficiency). Finally, the application of the developed methods was demonstrated by the results of a permeation study of the antifungal agents through bovine hoof membranes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Do not just do it, do it right: urinary metabolomics –establishing clinically relevant baselines
Authors: Trivedi Drupad K. , Iles Ray K.
Published: May 2014

Metabolomics is currently being adopted as a tool to understand numerous clinical pathologies. It is essential to choose the best combination of techniques in order to optimize the information gained from the biological sample examined. For example, separation by reverse‐phase liquid chromatography may be suitable for biological fluids in which lipids, proteins and small organic compounds coexist in a relatively nonpolar environment, such as serum. However, urine is a highly polar environment and metabolites are often specifically altered to render them polar suitable for normal phase/hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography. Similarly, detectors such as high‐resolution mass spectrometry (MS) may negate the need for a pre‐separation but specific detection and quantification of less abundant analytes in targeted metabolomics may require concentration of the ions by methods such an ion trap MS. In addition, the inherent variability of metabolomic profiles need to be established in appropriately large sample sets of normal controls. This review aims to explore various techniques that have been tried and tested over the past decade. Consideration is given to various key drawbacks and positive alternatives published by active research groups and an optimum combination that should be used for urinary metabolomics is suggested to generate a reliable dataset for baseline studies. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Getting consent into perspective
Authors: Wilkinson Timothy M.
Published: May 2014

This article continues a debate with Gareth Jones about the ethics of anatomy. The article discusses the distinction between direct and indirect reasons to require the deceased's consent prior to anatomical use. Getting this distinction wrong has potentially radical and unwelcome implications for the ethics of many uses of dead bodies. The article then exposes an ambiguity in asking what anatomical uses are ethical: we must distinguish between, on the one hand, who ought to have the power to make decisions and, on the other, how those with power ought to exercise it. It then applies this distinction to the ethics of the public display of bodies for entertainment. Clin. Anat. 27:844–846, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Metal Ion Coordination of a Multichromophoric Highly Luminescent Polysulfurated Pyrene
Authors: Fermi Andrea , Ceroni Paola , Roy Myriam , Gingras Marc , Bergamini Giacomo
Published: May 2014

We have designed a new multichromophoric system based on a tetra(phenylthio)pyrene core appended with four terpyridine units. The system behaves as a molecular antenna that collects light with the peripheral units and funnels the energy to the very highly luminescent core. The addition of metals ions to the investigated system can not only switch the direction of the intramolecular energy transfer, but also control the formation of three‐dimensional nanoscopic objects in a dual function.
New Antimicrobial and Biocompatible Implant Coating with Synergic Silver–Vancomycin Conjugate Action
Authors: Varisco Massimo , Khanna Nina , Brunetto Priscilla S. , Fromm Katharina M.
Published: May 2014

Materials foreign to the body are used ever more frequently, as increasing numbers of patients require implants. As a consequence, the numbers of implant‐related infections have grown as well, and with increasing resistance. Treatments often fail; thus, new antibacterial coating strategies are being developed by scientists to avoid, or at least strongly reduce, bacterial adhesion to implant surfaces. In this study, we focused on producing a self‐protective coating combining silver(I) ions and a vancomycin‐derived molecule, intelligent pyridinate vancomycin (IPV), with a synergetic and effective action against bacteria. These AgI–IPV conjugate‐coated surfaces are well characterized and exhibit strong bactericidal activity in vitro against Staphylococci strains. Furthermore, the released quantities of both drugs from the coated surfaces do not affect their biocompatibility and soft tissue integration. These newly developed AgI–IPV conjugate coatings thus represent a possible and efficient protection method against bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation during and after implant surgery.
Disease and treatment characteristics do not predict symptom occurrence profiles in oncology outpatients receiving chemotherapy
Authors: Miaskowski Christine , Cooper Bruce A. , Melisko Michelle , Chen Lee‐May , Mastick Judy , West Claudia , Paul Steven M. , Dunn Laura B. , Schmidt Brian L. , Hammer Marilyn , Cartwright Frances , Wright Fay , Langford Dale J. , Lee Kathryn , Aouizerat Bradley E.
Published: May 2014

BACKGROUND

A large amount of interindividual variability exists in the occurrence of symptoms in patients receiving chemotherapy (CTX). The purposes of the current study, which was performed in a sample of 582 oncology outpatients who were receiving CTX, were to identify subgroups of patients based on their distinct experiences with 25 commonly occurring symptoms and to identify demographic and clinical characteristics associated with subgroup membership. In addition, differences in quality of life outcomes were evaluated.

METHODS

Oncology outpatients with breast, gastrointestinal, gynecological, or lung cancer completed the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale before their next cycle of CTX. Latent class analysis was used to identify subgroups of patients with distinct symptom experiences.

RESULTS

Three distinct subgroups of patients were identified (ie, 36.1% in Low class; 50.0% in Moderate class, and 13.9% in All High class). Patients in the All High class were significantly younger and more likely to be female and nonwhite, and had lower levels of social support, lower socioeconomic status, poorer functional status, and a higher level of comorbidity.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings from the current study support the clinical observation that some oncology patients experience a differentially higher symptom burden during CTX. These high‐risk patients experience significant decrements in quality of life. Cancer 2014;120:2371–2378. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Recommendations for the implementation of distress screening programs in cancer centers: Report from the American Psychosocial Oncology Society (APOS), Association of Oncology Social Work (AOSW), and Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) joint task force
Authors: Pirl William F. , Fann Jesse R. , Greer Joseph A. , Braun Ilana , Deshields Teresa , Fulcher Caryl , Harvey Elizabeth , Holland Jimmie , Kennedy Vicki , Lazenby Mark , Wagner Lynne , Underhill Meghan , Walker Deborah K. , Zabora James , Zebrack Bradley , Bardwell Wayne A.
Published: May 2014

In 2015, the American College of Surgeons (ACoS) Commission on Cancer will require cancer centers to implement screening programs for psychosocial distress as a new criterion for accreditation. A joint task force from the American Psychosocial Oncology Society, the Association of Oncology Social Work, and the Oncology Nursing Society developed consensus‐based recommendations to guide the implementation of this requirement. In this review, the authors provide recommendations regarding each of the 6 components necessary to meet the ACoS standard: 1) inclusion of psychosocial representation on the cancer committee, 2) timing of screening, 3) method/mode of screening, 4) tools for screening, 5) assessment and referral, and 6) documentation. Cancer 2014;120:2946–2954. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Coaxial Carbon/Metal Oxide/Aligned Carbon Nanotube Arrays as High‐Performance Anodes for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Lou Fengliu , Zhou Haitao , Tran Trung Dung , Melandsø Buan Marthe Emelie , Vullum‐Bruer Fride , Rønning Magnus , Walmsley John Charles , Chen De
Published: May 2014

Invited for this month′s cover is the group of Prof. D. Chen at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. The image shows how the aggregation of carbon/metal oxide core–shell arrays, which are used as anodes for lithium ion batteries, can be avoided—through carbon coating, as a result of which carbon/metal oxide/carbon sandwich arrays are formed. The Full Paper itself is available at 10.1002/cssc.201300461
Tuning Thin‐Film Electrolyte for Lithium Battery by Grafting Cyclic Carbonate and Combed Poly(ethylene oxide) on Polysiloxane
Authors: Li Jie , Lin Yue , Yao Hehua , Yuan Changfu , Liu Jin
Published: May 2014

A tunable polysiloxane thin‐film electrolyte for all‐solid‐state lithium‐ion batteries was developed. The polysiloxane was synthesized by hydrosilylation of polymethylhydrosiloxane with cyclic [(allyloxy)methyl]ethylene ester carbonic acid and vinyl tris(2‐methoxyethoxy)silane. 1H NMR spectroscopy and gel‐permeation chromatography demonstrated that the bifunctional groups of the cyclic propylene carbonate (PC) and combed poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) were well grafted on the polysiloxane. At PC/PEO=6:4, the polysiloxane‐based electrolyte had an ionic conductivity of 1.55×10−4 and 1.50×10−3 S cm−1 at 25 and 100 °C, respectively. The LiFePO4/Li batteries fabricated with the thin‐film electrolyte presented excellent cycling performance in the temperature range from 25 to 100 °C with an initial discharge capacity at a rate of 1 C of 88.2 and 140 mA h g−1 at 25 and 100 °C, respectively.
Transformation of Cellulose and its Derived Carbohydrates into Formic and Lactic Acids Catalyzed by Vanadyl Cations
Authors: Tang Zhenchen , Deng Weiping , Wang Yanliang , Zhu Enze , Wan Xiaoyue , Zhang Qinghong , Wang Ye
Published: May 2014

The transformation of cellulose or cellulose‐derived carbohydrates into platform chemicals is the key to establish biomass‐based sustainable chemical processes. The systems able to catalyze the conversion of cellulose into key chemicals in water without the consumption of hydrogen are limited. We report that simple vanadyl (VO2+) cations catalyze the conversions of cellulose and its monomer, glucose, into lactic acid and formic acid in water. We have discovered an interesting shift of the major product from formic acid to lactic acid on switching the reaction atmosphere from oxygen to nitrogen. Our studies suggest that VO2+ catalyzes the isomerization of glucose to fructose, the retro‐aldol fragmentation of fructose to two trioses, and the isomerization of trioses, which leads to the formation of lactic acid under anaerobic conditions. The oxidative cleavage of CC bonds in the intermediates caused by the redox conversion of VO2+/VO2+ under aerobic conditions results in formic acid and CO2. We demonstrate that the addition of an alcohol suppresses the formation of CO2 and enhances the formic acid yield significantly to 70–75 %.
FR‐190997, a Nonpeptide Bradykinin B2‐Receptor Partial Agonist, is a Potent and Efficacious Intraocular Pressure Lowering Agent in Ocular Hypertensive Cynomolgus Monkeys
Authors: Sharif Najam A. , Katoli Parvaneh , Scott Daniel , Li Linya , Kelly Curtis , Xu Shouxi , Husain Shahid , Toris Carol , Crosson Craig
Published: May 2014

Preclinical Research

FR‐190997 (8‐[2,6‐dichloro‐3‐[N‐[(E)‐4‐(N‐methylcarbamoyl) cinnaminoacetyl]‐N‐methylamino]benzyloxy]‐2‐methyl‐4‐ (2‐pyridylmethoxy) quinoline), a nonpeptide bradykinin (BK) B2‐receptor‐selective agonist, represents a novel class of ocular hypotensive agents. FR‐190997 exhibited a high affinity for the human cloned B2‐receptor (Ki = 9.8 nM) and a relatively high potency (EC50 = 155 nM) for mobilizing intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) in human ocular cells from nonpigmented ciliary epithelium; trabecular meshwork [h‐TM]; ciliary muscle [h‐CM] that are involved in regulating intraocular pressure (IOP). Unlike BK, FR‐190997 behaved as a partial agonist (Emax = 38–80%) in these cells and its [Ca2+]i — mobilizing effects were blocked by the B2‐receptor‐selective antagonists (HOE‐140, Ki = 0.8–7 nM; WIN‐64338, Ki = 157–425 nM). FR‐190997 stimulated the production of prostaglandins (PGs) in h‐CM and h‐TM cells (EC50 = 15–19 nM; Emax = 27–33%); an effect that was reduced by the cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitor bromfenac, and by HOE‐140. FR‐190997 also induced pro‐matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐1 and MMP‐3 release from h‐CM cells. FR‐190997 significantly lowered IOP (37% [P < 0.001] with 30 μg, 24 h post‐topical ocular dosing) in ocular hypertensive eyes of conscious Cynomolgus monkeys. This effect was reduced by bromfenac and completely blocked by a B2‐antagonist. FR‐190997 primarily stimulated uveoslceral outflow (UVSO) of aqueous humor (2.6 to 3.9‐fold above baseline). In conclusion, FR‐190997 is a B2‐receptor selective partial agonist that activates phospholipase C, mobilizes [Ca2+]; induces PG and pro‐MMP production, and that profoundly lowers IOP by promoting UVSO in ocular hypertensive Cynomolgus monkey eyes.
Neutral theory and the species abundance distribution: recent developments and prospects for unifying niche and neutral perspectives
Authors: Matthews Thomas J. , Whittaker Robert J.
Published: May 2014

Published in 2001, The Unified Neutral Theory of Biodiversity and Biogeography (UNTB) emphasizes the importance of stochastic processes in ecological community structure, and has challenged the traditional niche‐based view of ecology. While neutral models have since been applied to a broad range of ecological and macroecological phenomena, the majority of research relating to neutral theory has focused exclusively on the species abundance distribution (SAD). Here, we synthesize the large body of work on neutral theory in the context of the species abundance distribution, with a particular focus on integrating ideas from neutral theory with traditional niche theory. First, we summarize the basic tenets of neutral theory; both in general and in the context of SADs. Second, we explore the issues associated with neutral theory and the SAD, such as complications with fitting and model comparison, the underlying assumptions of neutral models, and the difficultly of linking pattern to process. Third, we highlight the advances in understanding of SADs that have resulted from neutral theory and models. Finally, we focus consideration on recent developments aimed at unifying neutral‐ and niche‐based approaches to ecology, with a particular emphasis on what this means for SAD theory, embracing, for instance, ideas of emergent neutrality and stochastic niche theory. We put forward the argument that the prospect of the unification of niche and neutral perspectives represents one of the most promising future avenues of neutral theory research.
The evolutionary ecology of the Lygaeidae
Authors: Burdfield‐Steel Emily R. , Shuker David M.
Published: May 2014

The Lygaeidae (sensu lato) are a highly successful family of true bugs found worldwide, yet many aspects of their ecology and evolution remain obscure or unknown. While a few species have attracted considerable attention as model species for the study of insect physiology, it is only relatively recently that biologists have begun to explore aspects of their behavior, life history evolution, and patterns of intra‐ and interspecific ecological interactions across more species. As a result though, a range of new phenotypes and opportunities for addressing current questions in evolutionary ecology has been uncovered. For example, researchers have revealed hitherto unexpectedly rich patterns of bacterial symbiosis, begun to explore the evolutionary function of the family's complex genitalia, and also found evidence of parthenogenesis. Here we review our current understanding of the biology and ecology of the group as a whole, focusing on several of the best‐studied characteristics of the group, including aposematism (i.e., the evolution of warning coloration), chemical communication, sexual selection (especially, postcopulatory sexual selection), sexual conflict, and patterns of host‐endosymbiont coevolution. Importantly, many of these aspects of lygaeid biology are likely to interact, offering new avenues for research, for instance into how the evolution of aposematism influences sexual selection. With the growing availability of genomic tools for previously “non‐model” organisms, combined with the relative ease of keeping many of the polyphagous species in the laboratory, we argue that these bugs offer many opportunities for behavioral and evolutionary ecologists.
Effects of exercise training on depression in patients with heart failure: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Tu Rong‐Hui , Zeng Zhi‐Yu , Zhong Guo‐Qiang , Wu Wei‐Feng , Lu Yun‐Juan , Bo Zhan‐Dong , He Yan , Huang Wei‐Qiang , Yao Li‐Mei
Published: May 2014

Aims

The aim of this review is to assess the effects of exercise training on the symptoms of depression in heart failure (HF) patients.

Methods and results

Randomized controlled trials of exercise training in patients with HF and symptoms of depression were identified. The depression data were pooled using meta‐analysis, and 19 studies were identified, with a total of 3447 patients, of which 16 (3226 patients) provided data for the meta‐analysis. Exercise training demonstrated significant reductions in the symptoms of depression [standardized mean difference (SMD) –0.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) –0.55 to −0.21], and its antidepressive effect was consistent in a number of HF groups, such as in ages under and over 65 years (SMD −0.14, 95% CI −0.22 to −0.07 vs. SMD −0.44, 95% CI −0.61 to −0.27) and EFs of <50% (SMD −0.38, 95% CI −0.56 to −0.20), as well as in a range of interventional strategies, including the aerobic mode (SMD −0.40, 95% CI −0.61 to −0.19), centre, home, or combined setting (SMD −0.61, 95% CI −0.95 to −0.27 vs. SMD −0.25, 95% CI −0.44 to −0.07 vs. SMD −0.13, 95% CI −0.21 to −0.05), and short or longer training programmes (≤12 weeks, SMD −0.50, 95% CI −0.73 to −0.27; 12–26 weeks, SMD −0.47, 95% CI −0.82 to −0.11; >26 weeks, SMD −0.12, 95% CI −0.20 to −0.04). The beneficial effects were preserved when blind design trials were considered (SMD −0.14, 95% CI −0.22 to −0.07).

Conclusion

Exercise training significantly decreased the symptoms of depression in patients with HF. This benefit remained unclear in cases of HF with a normal EF and combined aerobic and strength training. Random controlled trials are needed to verify the benefit of exercise in these populations, and in very old, asymptomatic, and severe HF patients.
A multicentre cohort study of acute heart failure syndromes in Korea: rationale, design, and interim observations of the Korean Acute Heart Failure (KorAHF) registry
Authors: Lee Sang Eun , Cho Hyun‐Jai , Lee Hae‐Young , Yang Han‐Mo , Choi Jin‐Oh , Jeon Eun‐Seok , Kim Min‐Seok , Kim Jae‐Joong , Hwang Kyung‐Kuk , Chae Shung Chull , Seo Suk Min , Baek Sang Hong , Kang Seok‐Min , Oh Il‐Young , Choi Dong‐Ju , Yoo Byung‐Su , Ahn Youngkeun , Park Hyun‐Young , Cho Myeong‐Chan , Oh Byung‐Hee
Published: May 2014

Aims

The Korean Acute Heart Failure registry (KorAHF) aims to evaluate the clinical characteristics, management, hospital course, and long‐term outcomes of patients hospitalized for acute heart failure syndrome (AHFS) in Korea.

Methods and results

This is a prospective observational multicentre cohort study funded by the Korea National Institute of Health. Patients hospitalized for AHFS in 10 tertiary university hospitals across the country have been consecutively enrolled since March 2011. The study is expected to complete the scheduled enrolment of 5000 patients some time in 2014, and follow‐up is planned through 2016. As of April 2012, the interim analysis of 2066 consecutive subjects was performed to understand the baseline characteristics of the population. The mean age was 69 ± 14 years; 55% were male; and 50% were de novo heart failure. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 40 ± 18%. Ischaemia was both the leading cause (38%) and the most frequent aggravating factor (26%) of AHFS. ACE inhibitors/ARBs and beta‐blockers were prescribed at discharge in 65% and 51% of the patients, respectively. In‐hospital mortality was 5.2%, and 0.9% of patients received urgent heart transplantation. Low blood pressure and azotaemia were the most important predictors of in‐hospital mortality. The post‐discharge 30‐day and 180‐day all‐cause mortality were 1.2% and 9.2%, respectively.

Conclusions

Our analysis reveals that the prognosis of AHFS in Korea is poor and that there are specific features, including lower blood pressures at admission and lower rates of heart failure related to hypertension, compared with other registries. Adherence to current guidelines should be improved.
Gold Nanoparticles Stabilized by Glycodendrimers: Synthesis and Application to the Catalytic Reduction of 4‐Nitrophenol
Authors: Gatard Sylvain , Salmon Lionel , Deraedt Christophe , Ruiz Jaime , Astruc Didier , Bouquillon Sandrine
Published: May 2014

Air‐stable gold nanoparticles stabilized by glycodendrimers (AuDSNs) in water were prepared in the presence of a reducing agent, NaBH4. A UV/Vis spectroscopy study demonstrates that no spontaneous reduction of Au3+ ions occurs in the presence of glycodendrimers. The AuDSNs were characterized by UV/Vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). TEM images show that the AuDSNs were very small (average diameter: 2.6 nm). The catalytic activity of these AuDSNs was evaluated for the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP) to 4‐aminophenol (4‐AP) by NaBH4 monitored by UV/Vis spectroscopy. Studies of the reduction reaction reveal that the rate constant depends on the concentration of 4‐NP.
From Molecular Magnets to Magnetic Nanomaterials – Deposition of Co7 Single‐Molecule Magnet; Theoretical Investigation of the Exchange Interactions
Authors: Tangoulis Vassilis , Skarlis Michalis , Raptopoulou Catherine P. , Psycharis Vassilis , Dendrinou‐Samara Catherine
Published: May 2014

The synthesis, characterization, and magnetic behavior of a new Co7 disc [CoII4CoIII3(Htea)3(tea)3](NO3)2·2CH3OH·1.5H2O (1, H3tea = triethanolamine), which was isolated in high yield in the presence of only triethanolamine, is reported. Magnetic measurements confirmed that 1 belongs to the family of single‐molecule magnets (SMMs), and this is the second example of a cobalt(II)‐based complex with CoII4CoIII3 oxidation levels. A spin‐coating method was used for the deposition of 1 on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) substrates. According to AFM/magnetic force microscopy (AFM/MFM) studies, molecular aggregates were deposited at the center of terraces in a homogeneous distribution. The obtained mean diameter was 21.2 ± 7.0 nm, and the mean height was 1.4 ± 0.5 nm. Assuming that the aggregates can be modeled as a spherical cap, a rough estimate of 74–263 molecules of 1 per aggregate is obtained.
Unsymmetrical Bisphosphines for the Amidation of Aryl Chlorides: A Kinetic Study
Authors: Falk Florian C. , Oechsle Peter , Thiel Werner R. , Daniliuc Constantin‐Gabriel , Paradies Jan
Published: May 2014

The rate‐determining step of the palladium‐catalyzed amidation of 4‐chlorotoluene with benzamide in the presence of unsymmetrical bisphosphines was investigated. Isostructural [2.2]paracyclophane‐derived bisphosphines bearing dicyclohexylphosphino and diarylphosphino moieties were investigated as ligands in the oxidative addition and reductive elimination by kinetic studies. The reductive elimination was accelerated when a bisphosphine ligand was applied that contained an electron‐rich phosphine group and a less electron‐releasing phosphino moiety. Apart from the reductive elimination, the transmetallation had the largest impact on the palladium‐catalyzed amidation of aryl halides.
On the perceived effectiveness of transformational–transactional leadership: The role of encouraged strategies and followers' regulatory focus
Authors: Hamstra Melvyn R. W. , Van Yperen Nico W. , Wisse Barbara , Sassenberg Kai
Published: May 2014

The present research sought to examine when and why transformational and transactional leadership are perceived by followers to be effective. A series of five studies revealed that perceived effectiveness of transformational and transactional leadership is influenced by the fit between leadership style‐driven encouraged strategies and followers' preferred strategies. Specifically, we found that transformational leadership primarily encourages promotion‐focused strategies and, accordingly, creates a regulatory fit for promotion‐focused followers. In contrast, transactional leadership primarily encourages prevention‐focused strategies, creating a regulatory fit for prevention‐focused followers. As a consequence of this regulatory fit, leadership is perceived as more effective and predictive of enhanced effort. By integrating literature on self‐regulation with insights from leadership research, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the leadership process and of interpersonal influences on self‐regulatory experiences. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assay of urinary 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine by capillary electrophoresis with spectrophotometric detection using a high‐sensitivity detection cell and solid‐phase extraction
Authors: Petrů Klára , Široká Jitka , Bydžovská Lucie , Krčmová Lenka , Polášek Miroslav
Published: May 2014

A sensitive capillary electrophoretic method featuring spectrophotometric detection using a commercial Z‐cell was devised for the assay of 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8OHdG) in human urine. Solid‐phase extraction (SPE) based on hydrophilic‐lipophilic‐balanced RP sorbent was utilized for urine sample pretreatment and analyte preconcentration. The separation was carried out in conventional fused‐silica capillaries employing a Z‐cell with hydrodynamic sample injection (at 50 mbar for 12 s). The BGE (pH* 9.2, adjusted with 1 M NaOH) contained 0.15 M boric acid and 10% v/v ACN. The detection wavelength was 282 nm. The calibration curve for 8OHdG (measured in spiked urine) was linear in the range 10–1000 ng/mL; R2 = 0.9993. The LOD was 3 ng/mL (11 nmol/L) of 8OHdG. Determination of the 8OHdG urinary levels was possible even in healthy individuals.
Modelling palaeosol preservation in aeolian dunes
Authors: Telfer Matt W.
Published: May 2014

In some of the world's desert and desert‐marginal areas (e.g. Simpson/Strzelecki, Australia) dunefields preserve well‐developed palaeosols, whereas in other regions with broadly similar climatic regimes and topography (e.g. southwest Kalahari), the dunes are characterized by very poorly developed internal stratigraphy. It has been postulated that dunes such as those in the Kalahari may never have had conditions conducive to soil formation, or that soils once formed but any evidence of palaeosols has been lost due to reworking. This study develops and applies a one‐dimensional numerical model to simulate dune development, soil formation and soil preservation. Variables in the model allowed experimentation on the influence of sediment supply, the time taken for soil to form, and the additional resistance to erosion offered by the soil.

Reduced sediment supply plays a vital role in landscape development during periods of initial pedogenesis. Although re‐exhumed palaeosols influence sediment supply, the effect is minimal. Although under almost all parameterized conditions more than half (and up to 80‐90%) of those soils initially formed are lost due to reworking, evidence of their past formation remains in the large majority of profiles, and the dominant factor in controlling the preservation of palaeosols is the frequency of their formation. The implication is that where dunes are found without palaeosols, the most likely (albeit not certain) inference is that they have never formed. Counter‐intuitively, the limited sediment supply means their additional resistance to erosion becomes almost inconsequential to their preservation, at least until the unit approaches complete invulnerability. Short chronostratigraphic hiatuses around palaeosols are normal, and although long gaps can occur, they are extremely infrequent. Where such gaps are observed in field studies, external forcing factors (e.g. climatic or environmental changes) are implied, as they are highly unlikely to result from stochastic net preservation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Distributional Cost‐Effectiveness Analysis of Health Care Programmes – A Methodological Case Study of the UK Bowel Cancer Screening Programme
Authors: Asaria Miqdad , Griffin Susan , Cookson Richard , Whyte Sophie , Tappenden Paul
Published: May 2014

This paper presents an application of a new methodological framework for undertaking distributional cost‐effectiveness analysis to combine the objectives of maximising health and minimising unfair variation in health when evaluating population health interventions. The National Health Service bowel cancer screening programme introduced in 2006 is expected to improve population health on average and to worsen population health inequalities associated with deprivation and ethnicity – a classic case of ‘intervention‐generated inequality’. We demonstrate the distributional cost‐effectiveness analysis framework by examining two redesign options for the bowel cancer screening programme: (i) the introduction of an enhanced targeted reminder aimed at increasing screening uptake in deprived and ethnically diverse neighbourhoods and (ii) the introduction of a basic universal reminder aimed at increasing screening uptake across the whole population. Our analysis indicates that the universal reminder is the strategy that maximises population health, while the targeted reminder is the screening strategy that minimises unfair variation in health. The framework is used to demonstrate how these two objectives can be traded off against each other, and how alternative social value judgements influence the assessment of which strategy is best, including judgements about which dimensions of health variation are considered unfair and judgements about societal levels of inequality aversion. © 2014 The Authors.Health Economicspublished by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Anticancer effects of anandamide on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells via the production of receptor‐independent reactive oxygen species
Authors: Park Seok‐Woo , Kim Ji‐Eun , Oh Sang‐Mi , Cha Won‐Jae , Hah Jeong‐Hun , Sung Myung‐Whun
Published: May 2014

Background

The endocannabinoids, anandamide (AEA) and 2‐arachidonoyl glycerol (2‐AG), are considered promising potential anticancer agents. In this study, we examined the anticancer effects of AEA and 2‐AG in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines.

Methods and Results

Our results showed that AEA effectively inhibited proliferation of HNSCC cells whereas 2‐AG did not. The anticancer effect of AEA seemed to be mediated by a receptor‐independent mechanism. Inhibitors of AEA intracellular transportation and transfection of HNSCC cells with fatty acid amide hydrolase, a key enzyme in AEA metabolism, reversed AEA‐dependent inhibition of cell proliferation. We found that cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) did not mediate the anticancer effects of AEA; instead we observed an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production after AEA treatment. Moreover, antioxidants partially reversed AEA‐dependent inhibition of cell proliferation.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that AEA might have anticancer effects on HNSCC cells by mediating an increase in ROS levels through a receptor‐independent mechanism. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: 1187–1192, 2015
Transoral laser microsurgery for laryngeal carcinoma: Survival analysis in a hospital‐based population
Authors: Breda Eduardo , Catarino Raquel , Monteiro Eurico
Published: May 2014

Background

Although already established for treatment for early‐stage laryngeal cancers, transoral laser microsurgery indications for more advanced tumors are not unanimous. Additionally, no outcomes concerning the Portuguese population are currently accessible.

Methods

Outcomes of 248 patients presenting laryngeal carcinoma primarily treated by transoral laser microsurgery with curative intention in tertiary referral center were retrospectively evaluated and compared with concerning literature.

Results

For supraglottic tumors (23 stage I–II and 20 stage III–IV), 5‐year disease‐specific survival (DSS) was, respectively, 88.4% and 72.7%, and the total larynx‐preservation rate was 90.7%. For glottic cancer (165 stage I–II and 40 stage III–IV), 5‐year DSS was, respectively, 96.5% and 90.8% and the larynx preservation rate was 88.3%.

Conclusion

Transoral laser microsurgery, alone or with neck dissection and adjuvant therapy, is an efficient procedure for treatment of laryngeal cancer in different stages. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study reporting transoral laser microsurgery outcomes in the Portuguese population. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: 1181–1186, 2015
In vitro study of normoxic epidermal growth factor receptor–induced hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1‐alpha, vascular endothelial growth factor, and BNIP3 expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines: Implications for anti–epidermal growth factor receptor therapy
Authors: Secades Pablo , de Santa‐María Inés Saenz , Merlo Anna , Suarez Carlos , Chiara María‐Dolores
Published: May 2014

Background

We previously showed that activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) induces hypoxia inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells. In this study, we have furthered this by investigating the mechanism of HIF‐1α activation by epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its association with the sensitivity to gefitinib.

Methods

EGFR/HIF‐1α signaling was tested by immunoblot, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), cell proliferation, and apoptosis assays.

Results

HIF‐1α accumulated in cells overexpressing EGF and phosphorylated epidermal growth factor receptor (pEGFR), phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase (pPI3K), and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (pMAPK). EGF‐induced expression of HIF‐1α and its targets, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and BNIP3, were blocked by gefitinib and PI3K‐inhibitors and MAPK‐inhibitors. HIF‐1α‐siRNAs abrogated EGF‐induced BNIP3 but not VEGF expression. Gefitinib inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis more strongly in cells with constitutively active EGFR/HIF‐1α signaling than in cells lacking activation of these pathways. HIF‐1α‐siRNA treatment reduced sensitivity to gefitinib.

Conclusion

The search for molecular predictors of sensitivity to gefitinib in HNSCC should be extended to the activation status of EGFR‐downstream pathways, phosphorylated protein kinase B, pMAPK, and HIF‐1α. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: 1150–1162, 2015
Inter‐comparison of high‐resolution gridded climate data sets and their implication on hydrological model simulation over the Athabasca Watershed, Canada
Authors: Eum Hyung‐Il , Dibike Yonas , Prowse Terry , Bonsal Barrie
Published: May 2014

Several different gridded climate data sets have recently been made available with the purpose of providing a consistent set of climatic data for many hydro‐climatic studies. Recent advances in land‐surface schemes and their implementation in fully distributed processes‐based hydrologic models have demanded even higher‐resolution gridded data. It remains, however, a challenge to identify the most reliable gridded climate data for hydrologic modelling, especially in mountainous headwater regions where there is significant spatial variability but few observing stations. Moreover, the accuracy of such climate forcing data applied to alpine headwaters directly affects the modelled hydrologic responses of the lower, downstream portions of river basins. This study evaluates the spatial and temporal differences in precipitation and temperature fields among three high‐resolution climate data sets available in Canada, namely, the North American Regional Reanalysis, the Canadian Precipitation Analysis and the thin‐plate smoothing splines (ANUSPLIN). Inter‐comparison of the quality of these data sets was undertaken for the Athabasca River basin in western Canada. The hydrologic responses of this watershed with respect to each of the three gridded climate data sets were also evaluated using the Variable Infiltration Capacity model. Results indicate that the data sets have systematic differences, which vary with regional characteristics – the largest differences being for mountainous regions. The hydrologic model simulations corresponding to those three forcing data sets also show significant differences and more with North American Regional Reanalysis than those between Canadian Precipitation Analysis and ANUSPLIN. © 2014 Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada. Hydrological Processes © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Effect of verapamil on the pharmacokinetics of pasireotide in healthy volunteers
Authors: Kornberger Ruediger , Ting Lillian S.L. , Tripathi Anadya P. , Rodrigues Heidi , Nesheiwat Dalal , Passos Vanessa Q. , Hu Ke
Published: May 2014

We evaluated the drug‐drug interaction between pasireotide SC and verapamil, a known P‐glycoprotein inhibitor. Subjects received pasireotide SC (single dose, 600 μg) on day 1, and samples for pharmacokinetics evaluation were collected from days 1 to 8. Subjects received an oral dose of verapamil 240 mg/d for 10 days (days 15–24). On day 18, subjects also received pasireotide SC 600 μg. Pharmacokinetic sampling for pasireotide SC and verapamil was done during days 18 to 25 and days 15 to 21, respectively. Safety evaluations were performed throughout the study period, including a 30‐day post‐treatment follow‐up. Pharmacokinetic profiles of pasireotide SC alone and in combination with verapamil sustained‐release (SR) were superimposable with the geometric mean ratios (90% confidence interval [CI]) of 0.98 (0.91–1.06) for Cmax, 0.97 (0.90–1.04) for AUClast, and 0.98 (0.92–1.05) for AUCinf. Exploratory analyses showed a 17% (90% CI, 0.72–0.94) reduction in Ctrough and 31% (0.58–0.82) reduction in Cmax (8 hours post‐dose) for verapamil SR with pasireotide SC versus verapamil alone. Pasireotide SC with or without verapamil was well tolerated. In conclusion, there was no change in the rate of pasireotide absorption and elimination or extent of exposure following concomitant administration with verapamil.
Synthesis of glycerol carbonate and monoacetin from glycerol and carbon dioxide over Cu catalysts: the role of supports
Authors: Zhang Juan , He Dehua
Published: May 2014

BACKGROUND

Glycerol is a co‐product in biodiesel production, and glycerol carbonate is an important product from the carbonylation of glycerol. However, the direct reaction of glycerol with CO2 is limited by thermodynamics. Cu‐based catalysts were applied in the synthesis of glycerol carbonate and monoacetin from glycerol and CO2 in the presence of CH3CN to overcome the thermodynamic limitation.

RESULTS

The physical and chemical properties of Cu‐based catalysts supported on different supports were characterized by XRD, BET, TEM, NH3/CO2‐TPD, H2‐TPR and N2O chemisorptions. The supported Cu catalysts exhibited different sizes of Cu particles and different acid–base properties. The reaction routes could be divided into three steps: the carbonylation of glycerol with CO2, the hydrolysis of CH3CN and the esterification of glycerol with acetic acid. The esterification of glycerol with acetic acid was more preferable thermodynamically to promote the whole reaction.

CONCLUSION

Cu species played the decisive role in the activity of the catalysts in this reaction. The reaction rate of glycerol decreased with the increase of Cu particle size. The catalysts with Lewis base sites tended to favor the formation of glycerol carbonate, and the Lewis acid sites accelerated the formation of monoacetin. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Obstructed bi‐leaflet prosthetic mitral valve imaging with real‐time three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography
Authors: Shimbo Mai , Watanabe Hiroyuki , Kimura Shunsuke , Terada Mai , Iino Takako , Iino Kenji , Ito Hiroshi
Published: May 2014

Real‐time three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (RT3D‐TEE) can provide unique visualization and better understanding of the relationship among cardiac structures. Here, we report the case of an 85‐year‐old woman with an obstructed mitral prosthetic valve diagnosed promptly by RT3D‐TEE, which clearly showed a leaflet stuck in the closed position. The opening and closing angles of the valve leaflets measured by RT3D‐TEE were compatible with those measured by fluoroscopy. Moreover, RT3D‐TEE revealed, in the ring of the prosthetic valve, thrombi that were not visible on fluoroscopy. RT3D‐TEE might be a valuable diagnostic technique for prosthetic mitral valve thrombosis. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 43:64–67, 2015