bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduced local recurrence of a single brain metastasis through microscopic total resection
Authors: Yoo Heon , Kim Young Zoon , Nam Byung Ho , Shin Sang Hoon , Yang Hee Seok , Lee Jin Soo , Zo Jae Il , Lee Seung Hoon
Published: December 2008

Object

The goal of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic impact of the resection of metastatic brain tumor cells infiltrating adjacent brain parenchyma.

Methods

Between July 2001 and February 2007, 94 patients (67 males and 27 females, with a mean age of 55.0 ±12.0 years) underwent resection of a single brain metastasis, followed by systemic chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy. In 43 patients with tumors located in noneloquent areas, the authors performed microscopic total resections (MTRs) that included tumor cells infiltrating adjacent brain parenchyma, and they pathologically confirmed during surgery that the resection margins were free of tumor cells (MTR group). In 51 patients with lesions in eloquent locations, gross-total resections (GTRs) were performed without the removal of neighboring brain parenchyma (GTR group). The 2 groups were then compared for local recurrence and survival.

Results

The MTR group had better local control of the tumor than did the GTR group; 10 (23.3%) of 43 patients in the MTR group and 22 (43.1%) of 51 patients in the GTR group had a local recurrence (p = 0.04). The median time to tumor progression in the MTR group could not be calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method, whereas it was 11.4 months in the GTR group. The 1- and 2-year respective local recurrence rates were 29.1 and 29.1% in the MTR group and 58.6 and 63.2% in the GTR group (p = 0.01). Multivariate analysis showed that the MTR procedure was associated with a decreased risk of local recurrence (p = 0.003). A Cox regression analysis revealed that the hazard ratio for a local recurrence in the MTR group versus the GTR group was 3.14 (95% CI 1.47–6.72, p = 0.003). There was no significant difference in the local recurrence rate between the MTR group without radiotherapy (10 [30.3%] of 33) and the GTR group with postoperative radiotherapy (5 [26.3%] of 19).

Conclusions

The results in this study suggest that MTRs including tumor cells infiltrating adjacent brain parenchyma for a single brain metastasis provide better local tumor control.
Anosmia after endovascular and open surgical treatment of intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Moman Maaike R. , Verweij Bon H. , Buwalda Joeri , Rinkel Gabriël J. E.
Published: December 2008

Object

Patients treated for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) often report a loss of smell. To discriminate between the effects of aneurysmal rupture and treatment, the authors assessed the occurrence of anosmia after clipping and coiling of unruptured aneurysms as well as after the coiling of ruptured aneurysms.

Methods

The authors interviewed patients in whom an unruptured aneurysm was treated by clipping (32 cases) or endovascular coiling (26 cases) as well as patients with SAH who underwent coil therapy (32 cases). A geographically defined subset of 20 patients per group was invited to undergo olfactory testing.

Results

Nine clip-treated patients (28% [95% CI 14–47%]) in the unruptured group reported having anosmia, and no coil-treated patient in the unruptured group (95% [CI 0–13%]) reported having anosmia; in the SAH group, 7 patients (22% [95% CI 9–40%]) reported having anosmia. Anosmia had improved over time in 3 of the clip-treated patients and in all but 1 of the patients with SAH. Examination revealed olfactory disturbance in 13 (65% [95% CI 41–85%]) of the clip-treated and 8 (42% [95% CI 20–67%]) of the coil-treated patients with unruptured aneurysms, and also in 7 (35% [95% CI 15–59%]) coil-treated patients with SAH. In 20 patients who underwent clip therapy for unruptured aneurysms, 19 (95% [95% CI 75–100%]) had olfactory dysfunction on the side ipsilateral to surgery (anosmia reported by 8 of them).

Conclusions

Both clip treatment and SAH contribute to the occurrence of anosmia, with different chances of improvement. Olfactory dysfunction occurs in almost all patients on the side of surgery and can occur subclinically after coil deployment.
Intracranial electroencephalography seizure onset patterns and surgical outcomes in nonlesional extratemporal epilepsy
Authors: Wetjen Nicholas M. , Marsh W. Richard , Meyer Fredric B. , Cascino Gregory D. , So Elson , Britton Jeffrey W. , Stead S. Matthew , Worrell Gregory A.
Published: December 2008

Object

Patients with normal MR imaging (nonlesional) findings and medically refractory extratemporal epilepsy make up a disproportionate number of nonexcellent outcomes after epilepsy surgery. In this paper, the authors investigated the usefulness of intracranial electroencephalography (iEEG) in the identification of surgical candidates.

Methods

Between 1992 and 2002, 51 consecutive patients with normal MR imaging findings and extratemporal epilepsy underwent intracranial electrode monitoring. The implantation of intracranial electrodes was determined by seizure semiology, interictal and ictal scalp EEG, SPECT, and in some patients PET studies. The demographics of patients at the time of surgery, lobar localization of electrode implantation, duration of follow-up, and Engel outcome score were abstracted from the Mayo Rochester Epilepsy Surgery Database. A blinded independent review of the iEEG records was conducted for this study.

Results

Thirty-one (61%) of the 51 patients who underwent iEEG ultimately underwent resection for their epilepsy. For 28 (90.3%) of the 31 patients who had epilepsy surgery, adequate information regarding follow-up (> 1 year), seizure frequency, and iEEG recordings was available. Twenty-six (92.9%) of 28 patients had frontal lobe resections, and 2 had parietal lobe resections. The most common iEEG pattern at seizure onset in the surgically treated group was a focal high-frequency discharge (in 15 [53.6%] of 28 patients). Ten (35.7%) of the 28 surgically treated patients were seizure free. Fourteen (50%) had Engel Class I outcomes, and overall, 17 (60.7%) had significant improvement (Engel Class I and IIAB with ≥80% seizure reduction). Focal high-frequency oscillation at seizure onset was associated with Engel Class I surgical outcome (12 [85.7%] of 14 patients, p = 0.02), and it was uncommon in the nonexcellent outcome group (3 [21.4%] of 14 patients).

Conclusions

A focal high-frequency oscillation (> 20 Hz) at seizure onset on iEEG may identify patients with nonlesional extratemporal epilepsy who are likely to have an Engel Class I outcome after epilepsy surgery. The prospect of excellent outcome in nonlesional extratemporal lobe epilepsy prior to intracranial monitoring is poor (14 [27.5%] of 51 patients). However, iEEG can further stratify patients and help identify those with a greater likelihood of Engel Class I outcome after surgery.
Tumor-to-tumor metastasis: esophageal carcinoma metastatic to an intracranial paraganglioma
Authors: Lu Jian-Qiang , Khalil Moosa , Hu William , Sutherland Garnette R. , Clark Arthur W.
Published: December 2008

Tumor-to-tumor metastasis (TTM) is a relatively rare but well-documented phenomenon. The authors report a unique case of esophageal carcinoma metastatic to an intracranial paraganglioma. A sellar and suprasellar tumor was found using MR imaging in an 81-year-old man who presented with a 3-week history of progressive headache and blurred vision. A subtotal excision of the tumor was achieved. Histopathological examination of the tumor disclosed a neoplasm with two distinct components: one showing the classic Zellballen pattern of a paraganglioma, the other exhibiting malignant features leading to the diagnosis of a poorly differentiated carcinoma metastatic to a sellar/suprasellar paraganglioma. The primary esophageal carcinoma was not uncovered until 2 months later, after the patient presented with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The patient died 4 months after initial presentation. This case expands the spectrum of TTM, and emphasizes the importance of TTM in the practice of pathology.
Revascularization for complex intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Surdell Daniel L. , Hage Ziad A. , Eddleman Christopher S. , Gupta Dhanesh K. , Bendok Bernard R. , Batjer H. Hunt
Published: December 2008

The modern management of intracranial aneurysms includes both constructive and deconstructive strategies to eliminate the aneurysm from the circulation. Both microsurgical and endovascular techniques are used to achieve this goal. Although most aneurysms can be eliminated from the circulation with simple clip reconstruction and/or coil insertion, some require revascularization techniques to enhance tolerance of temporary arterial occlusion during clipping of the aneurysm neck or to enable proximal occlusion or trapping. In fact, the importance of revascularization techniques has grown because of the need for complex reconstructions when endovascular therapies fail. Moreover, the safety and feasibility of bypass have progressed due to advances in neuroanesthesia, technological innovations, and ~ 5 decades of accumulating wisdom by bypass practitioners. Cerebral revascularization strategies become necessary in select patients who possess challenging vascular aneurysms due to size, shape, location, intramural thrombus, atherosclerotic plaques, aneurysm type (for example, dissecting aneurysms), vessels arising from the dome, or poor collateral vascularization when parent artery or branch occlusion is required. These techniques are used to prevent cerebral ischemia and subsequent clinical sequelae. Bypass techniques should be considered in cases in which balloon test occlusion demonstrates inadequate cerebral blood flow and in which there is a need for Hunterian ligation, trapping, or prolonged temporary occlusion. This review article will focus on decision making in bypass surgery for complex aneurysms. Specifically, the authors will review graft options, the utility of balloon test occlusion in decision making, and bypass strategies for various aneurysm types.
Tobacco OPBP1 Enhances Salt Tolerance and Disease Resistance of Transgenic Rice
Authors: Chen Xujun , Guo Zejian
Published: December 2008

Osmotin promoter binding protein 1 (OPBP1), an AP2/ERF transcription factor of tobacco, has been demonstrated to function in disease resistance and salt tolerance in tobacco. To increase stress tolerant capability of rice, we generated rice plants with an OPBP1 overexpressing construct. Salinity shock treatment with 250 mM NaCl indicated that most of the OPBP1 transgenic plants can survive, whereas the control seedlings cannot. Similar recovery was found by using the seedlings grown in 200 mM NaCl for two weeks. The OPBP1 transgenic and control plants were also studied for oxidative stress tolerance by treatment with paraquat, showing the transgenic lines were damaged less in comparison with the control plants. Further, the OPBP1 overexpression lines exhibited enhanced resistance to infections of Magnaporthe oryzae and Rhizoctonia solani pathogens. Gene expressing analysis showed increase in mRNA accumulation of several stress related genes. These results suggest that expression of OPBP1 gene increase the detoxification capability of rice.
Occurrence of Aflatoxin M1 in Dairy Products in Southern Italy
Authors: Montagna Maria  Teresa , Napoli Christian , De Giglio Osvalda , Iatta Roberta , Barbuti Giovanna
Published: December 2008

A screening survey of the presence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) was carried out on 265 samples of cheese made from cow, buffalo, goat, sheep, sheep-goat milk collected in the Apulia region (Southern Italy). Selected samples included unripened, medium and long-term ripened cheeses. AFM1 was found in 16.6% of the analyzed samples. The highest positive incidence was for medium and long-term ripened cheeses, especially those made from sheep-goat milk, while buffalo cheeses tested consistently negative. Our results show that the level of contamination by AFM1 in dairy products from Apulia Region are lower than in other Italian and European regions. Moreover, it is important to underline that a common European norm concerning the AFM1 threshold limits for dairy products is still lacking.
Eliminating the Interference of Oxygen for Sensing Hydrogen Peroxide with the Polyaniline Modified Electrode
Authors: Gu Yesong , Chen Chien-Chung
Published: December 2008

Polyaniline (PANI) has been shown to possess excellent catalytic activity toward oxygen reduction, however, this molecule may interfere with the electrochemical measurement of other targets when using a polyaniline modified platinum (PANI/Pt) electrode. In this study, we have demonstrated the considerable effects of dissolved oxygen on the sensing of hydrogen peroxide with the PANI/Pt electrode. Accordingly, we proposed a strategy to eliminate the influence of dissolved oxygen with oxygen scavengers. Our results indicated that as an oxygen scavenger sodium thiosulfate was very effective in the removal of dissolved oxygen from the sample solution, and had negligible effect on the quantification of hydrogen peroxide when its applied concentration was below 1 mM.
Evaluation of canola seeds of different cultivars with special emphasis on the quantification of erucic acid and glucosinolates
Authors: Ali Sadia , Anwar Farooq , Ashraf Samia , Talpur Farah Naz , Ashraf Muhammad
Published: December 2008

This study reports the characterization of the seeds and seed oils of five locally grown canola cultivars: Zafar-2002, Bulbul (Frontier), Dunkeld, Oscar and Con-11. The oil contents from canola seeds ranged from 34.3 to 39.3%. The levels of protein, fiber, ash and moisture were found to be 22.1-41.0, 12.0-14.0, 3.0-3.5 and 4.0-7.5%, respectively. The glucosinolate (GSL) contents in the canola seeds examined ranged from 49.7 to 78.1 mmol g-1. The extracted canola seed oils revealed an iodine value of 118.2-124.6 g of I/100g of oil; refractive index (40 °C), 1.460-1.464; density (24 °C), 0.914-0.919 mg mL–1; saponification value, 187-195; unsaponifiable matter, 0.51-1.10%; acidity (% as oleic acid), 0.40-1.40, and color (1-in. cell), 1.35-1.73 R + 21.0-38.0 Y. Peroxide value (meq/ kg of oil) and specific extinctions at 232 and 270 nm were determined to be 2.00-7.08, 2.17-3.16 and 0.44-0.91, respectively. The seed oils of the five canola cultivars mainly consisted of oleic (C18:1), linoleic (C18:2) and linolenic (C18:3) acids at levels of 49.16-62.14, 14.61, 23.45 and 6.97-9.10%, respectively. The concentrations of palmitic (C16:0), stearic (C18:0), erucic (C22:1) and gadoleic (C20:1) acids ranged from 3.47 to 6.00, 1.51 to 2.10, traces to 13.03 and 1.30 to 10.63%, respectively. A small amount of arachidic acid (20:0) with a contribution below 1% was also detected. The contents of tocopherols (α, γ, and δ) in the canola oils accounted for 77.1-270.3, 191-500, 3.5-15.6 mg kg-1, respectively.The presence of rather high levels of erucic acid and GSL in the present analysis of canola emphasized the need to further reduce the contents of these two antinutritional constituents in the investigated cultivars.
Study on jojoba oil hydrogenation
Authors: Willnecker Alberto , Pramparo María C.
Published: December 2008

Trials were cattied out on jojoba oil hydrogenation to study the effects of the main operative variable on iodine index and melting point. . A batch reactor with nickel catalysts was used. The effects selected for analysis were the reaction temperature, the operation pressure and the amount of catalyst.The range of temperature studied was 120-200ºC, the pressure was between 2 and 4 atm and the amount of catalyst ranged from 0.2 – 0.6% (percentage of catalyst mass over oil mass). The results showed that these three factors affected the reaction significantly; although temperature was the most influential in the progression of the reaction. In addition, the kinetic behavior was studied using a potential model of pseudo-first order and the corresponding kinetic parameters were obtained.
Effect of physical refining on chemical and sensory quality of coconut oil
Authors: Torres-González M. , Angulo-Guerrero O. , Oliart-Ros R. M. , Medina-Juárez L. A.
Published: December 2008

The effect of the physical refining stages (degumming, bleaching and deodorization) on some coconut oil quality and sensory parameters was evaluated. The fatty acid profile was within the range reported for this oil. The free fatty acids level (FFA) and the moisture content were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in all stages from 2.37 to 0.66% and from 0.67% to 0.1% respectively. Peroxide value (PV) was not detected after bleaching, but increased to 0.67 mEq/kg after deodorization. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were found in p-anisidine value (AV). The tocopherols content was lower than the reported for this oil (6.57 ppm).The sterol level (899 ppm) was similar to the level reported for this oil. Both tocopherols and sterols content were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in all stages of refining, but the major losses were produced during bleaching. The coconut oil was evaluated using a scaling sensory test. The sensory quality was improved by the refining process. The deodorized oil got the best sensory notes.
Different fattening systems of Iberian pigs according to the 1-alkene hydrocarbon content in the subcutaneous fat
Authors: Viera-Alcaide I. , Narváez-Rivas M. , Vicario I. M. , Graciani-Constante E. , León-Camacho M.
Published: December 2008

The n-Alkene content in samples of subcutaneous fat corresponding to 755 castrated male Iberian pigs has been determined by an off-line combination of HPLC and GC method. The samples corresponded to three groups based on the type of feeding during the finish fattening period (“Montanera”, fed on acorns and pasture; “Recebo”, fed on acorns, feed and pasture; and “Cebo”, fed on feed and pasture). By using the n-alkenes as chemical descriptors, multivariate statistical techniques were applied to differentiate between the three fattening diet types for Iberian pigs. The most differentiating variables were n-C16:1, n-C18:1, n-C22:1 and n-C24:1. However, a clear classification of the samples was not achieved. The level of classification was improved when the data corresponding to the animals fed with the “Recebo” fattening diet was removed from the analysis. A relationship between n-C14:1, n-C16:1 and n-C18:1 levels and the slaughter period was found to be very low for the animals fed with the “Cebo” fattening diet when the animals had not been closely managed and pasture had not been included in their fattening diet.
Selection of Lactobacillus plantarum strains for their use as starter cultures in Algerian olive fermentations
Authors: Mokhbi Abdelouahab , Kaid-Harche Meriem , Lamri Karima , Rezki Meriem , Kacem Mourad
Published: December 2008

The aim of this research was to evaluate some technological traits of L. plantarum strains previously isolated from fermented olives. For this purpose, 11 strains were tested for their in vitro antibiotic susceptibility, resistance to low pH values, acidifying activity, proteolytic activity, haemolytic activity, lactic acid and exopolysaccharide production and resistance to freeze-drying .Collectively, the strains were susceptible to most of the antibiotics tested and showed survival at pH 2. Most strains showed high (1.035 ± 0.29 to 0.912 ± 0.21 mmol/l ± sd of lactic acid) or medium (0.556 ± 0.29 to 0.692 ± 0.18 mmol/l±sd) acidification activity with good proteolytic activity (1.49 ± 0.25 to 5.25 ± 0.11 mg L–1 tyrosine). None of the strains produced exopolysaccharides or haemolysis in sheep’s blood.
Dietary fatty acids affecting hepatic metabolism and atherosclerosis – mechanisms unravelled using a proteomics approach
Authors: Rodríguez Gutiérrez Guillermo , De Roos Baukje
Published: December 2008

Dietary fatty acids play an important role in the aetiology of coronary heart disease. The effects of dietary fatty acids on lipoprotein metabolism are well described, but additional or alternative mechanisms relating to potential influence on coronary heart disease are not known. This review describes how proteomics techniques have been used to identify proteins that are differentially regulated by dietary fatty acids. Such proteins may reveal pathways by which dietary fatty acids influence disease risk.
Diet-gene interactions between dietary fat intake and common polymorphisms in determining lipid metabolism
Authors: Corella Dolores
Published: December 2008

Current dietary guidelines for fat intake have not taken into consideration the possible genetic differences underlying the individual variability in responsiveness to dietary components. Genetic variability has been identified in humans for all the known lipid metabolim-related genes resulting in a plethora of candidate genes and genetic variants to examine in diet-gene interaction studies focused on fat consumption. Some examples of fat-gene interaction are reviewed. These include: the interaction between total intake and the 514C/T in the hepatic lipase gene promoter in determining high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) metabolism; the interaction between polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and the 75G/A polymorphism in the APOA1 gene plasma HDL-C concentrations; the interaction between PUFA and the L162V polymorphism in the PPARA gene in determining triglycerides and APOC3 concentrations; and the interaction between PUFA intake and the 1131TC in the APOA5 gene in determining triglyceride metabolism. Although hundreds of diet-gene interaction studies in lipid metabolism have been published, the level of evidence to make specific nutritional recommendations to the population is still low and more research in nutrigenetics has to be undertaken.
Study of the effects of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids: Molecular mechanisms involved in intestinal inflammation
Authors: Knoch Bianca , Barnett Matthew P.G. , Roy Nicole C. , McNabb Warren C.
Published: December 2008

The use of “omics” techniques in combination with model systems and molecular tools allows to understand how foods and food components act on metabolic pathways to regulate transcriptional processes. Polyunsaturated fatty acids have distinctive nutritional and metabolic effects because they give rise to lipid mediated products and affect the expression of various genes involved in intestinal inflammation. The present review focuses on the molecular effects of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids on intestinal inflammation.
Recent advances in lipoprotein and atherosclerosis: A nutrigenomic approach
Authors: López Sergio , Ortega Almudena , Varela Lourdes , Bermúdez Beatriz , Muriana Francisco JG , Abia Rocío
Published: December 2008

Atherosclerosis is a disease in which multiple factors contribute to the degeneration of the vascular wall. Many risk factors have been identified as having influence on the progression of atherosclerosis among them, the type of diet. Multifactorial interaction among lipoproteins, vascular wall cells, and inflammatory mediators has been recognised as the basis of atherogenesis. Dietary intake affects lipoprotein concentration and composition providing risk or protection at several stages of atherosclerosis. More intriguingly, it has been demonstrated that the extent to which each lipid or lipoprotein is associated with cardiovascular disease depends on the time to last meal; thus, postprandial lipoproteins, main lipoproteins in blood after a high-fat meal, have been shown to strongly influence atherogenesis. As a complex biological process, the full cellular and molecular characterization of atherosclerosis derived by diet, calls for application of the newly developing “omics” techniques of analysis. This review will considered recent studies using high-throughput technologies and a nutrigenomic approach to reveal the patho-physiological effects that the fasting and postprandial lipoproteins may exert on the vascular wall.
Loss in tocopherols and oxidative stability during the frying of frozen cassava chips
Authors: Corsini Mara S. , Silva Marta G. , Jorge Neuza
Published: December 2008

The present study was aimed at verifying tocopherols losses and oxidative stability changes in vegetable oils used in discontinuous frying. The frying of frozen cassava chips was carried out in a household electric frying pan, where the oil was heated to a temperature of 180°C for 25 hours, with fresh oil replacement. The results obtained from the analytical determinations were submitted to variance analysis, in a factorial scheme, using a completely randomized design, making it possible to determine the influence of the type of oil and frying times on changes in the oil. The data show that the smallest changes occur in palm oil, which is more saturated. For sunflower and cottonseed oils, which are more unsaturated, there was a clear decrease in both tocopherol concentration and oxidative stability.
Eduardo Torroja y la industrialización de la "machine à habiter" 1949-1961
Authors: Cassinello P.
Published: December 2008

En el legado de Eduardo Torroja existen aspectos, cuya repercusión histórica no ha sido sufi cientemente analizada, y que, sin embargo, fueron importantes eslabones de la cadena tejida en torno al desarrollo e industrialización de la nueva vivienda demandada por el Movimiento Moderno desde las primeras décadas del siglo XX. Es sabido que en 1920 Le Corbusier denominó la nueva casa como la "machine à habiter / máquina de habitar", en un rotundo deseo de enfatizar la necesidad de hacerla partícipe de la revolución industrial que desde el inicio del siglo XX estaba cambiando el mundo. La Arquitectura debía preparase para dar muerte a la artesanía abriendo paso a la racionalización, industrialización y prefabricación. La casa, entendida como una máquina, sería un objeto útil, fabricado mediante el ensamblaje de piezas industrializadas al igual que un coche, un avión o un barco. Por ello Le Corbusier declaró la necesidad de crear la entonces inexistente "Caja de Elementos de Construcción" que haría posible la industrialización de la Arquitectura. Eduardo Torroja, fundador en 1934 del Instituto Técnico de la Construcción y la Edificación, que en pocos años alcanzó protagonismo internacional, lideró el desarrollo de la precaria y artesanal industria de la construcción española. La industrialización de la vivienda ocupó un papel fundamental en las investigaciones desarrolladas, que desembocaron en la aparición de nuevas patentes, normativas, y elementos estructurales y constructivos, que fueron llenando paulatinamente la demandada "Caja de Elementos de Construcción", contribuyendo a que la Arquitectura y la Ingeniería alcanzaran las deseadas metas de la Modernidad.
Arquitectura, Industria y Sostenibilidad
Authors: Ruiz-Larrea C. , Prieto E. , Gómez A.
Published: December 2008

El modelo de crecimiento de España de los últimos años, vinculado excesivamente a la promoción inmobiliaria oportunista, ha sido, sin duda, el más insostenible de la Unión Europa. Lo prueba que nuestra dependencia energética, históricamente ya excesiva, se ha ido incrementando incluso en la última década, sin bajar nunca de un porcentaje del 80%.La necesidad de incorporar a la vivienda las estrategias pasivas y las nuevas técnicas activas orientadas al ahorro, la efi ciencia y la mejora del confort doméstico, y la creciente complejidad de las soluciones a ellas asociadas, son factores que trascienden, sin duda, el campo del diseño y la construcción tradicional de viviendas. Se trata de un modelo en franca decadencia que ha sustituido, sin más, la mano de obra cualifi cada heredada de las estructuras gremiales por la voluntariosa pero inexperta mano de los inmigrantes. En este nuevo contexto, será, sin duda, la efi ciencia energética el concepto llave que abrirá de nuevo las puertas a una renovada industrialización: ahorro y efi ciencia en origen por el control del diseño y la fabricación; efi ciencia en la puesta en obra y ahorro por la rapidez derivada de ella; ahorro y efi ciencia en la vida útil del edifi cio por la técnica incorporada e, incluso, ahorro y efi - ciencia en la propia muerte del edifi cio, preparándolo a su particular "buen morir": el reciclaje. Se trata, sin duda, de parámetros de gran importancia para la construcción del nuevo paradigma de la sostenibilidad. Para acometer la tarea de recuperar a la industria para la arquitectura, es necesario trabajar con catálogos abiertos de productos. Sin embargo, frente a la escasez de estos catálogos, es necesario modifi car o "sintonizar" los existentes a modo de un particular "tuning industrial", como primer paso para cimentar una industrialización sólida y generalizada.
La arquitectura residencial como una realidad industrial. Tres ejemplos recientes
Authors: Pich-Aguilera F. , Batlle T. , Casaldàliga P.
Published: December 2008

En este artículo se aborda la temática de industrialización de componentes y sistemas constructivos, destinados a la edificación residencial. Partiendo del análisis de los sistemas constructivos tradicionales, se valoran las posibilidades técnicas y económicas de la industria contemporánea para mejorar los procesos de fabricación y de puesta en obra. Se aboga por una industrialización y una especialización del sector de la construcción. Finalmente se enumeran un conjunto de conceptos (consumo de agua y energía, condicione laborales de los obreros…), la consecución de los cuales reforzará a la industrialización como una profunda mejora de la construcción de los edificios destinados a uso residencial en España. La reflexión expuesta se ejemplifica con 3 obras proyectadas y edifi cadas a partir de su industrialización y que son representativas de las tipologías residenciales más comunes en nuestro país. La variabilidad de estos casos de estudio, y los satisfactorios resultados muestran el amplio abanico de edificios que se pueden resolver mediante estos sistemas constructivos y estructurales. Los ejemplos expuestos responden a las tipologías de: – Edificio de Vivienda plurifamiliar de baja altura: desarrollo de un sistema estructural industrializado mediante módulos tridimensionales como soporte de forjados de placas alveolares. – Edificio de vivienda plurifamiliar en altura: desarrollo de un sistema estructural industrializado para edificios en altura con un sistema de rigidización mediante tensores metálicos. – Edificio de vivienda unifamiliar aislada: desarrollo de una tipología de vivienda bioclimática que incorpora en su arquitectura, sus sistemas industriales y sus materiales parámetros de sostenibilidad ambiental.
Concurso de Ideas INVISO-2008
Authors: Oteiza I. , Queipo de Llano J. , Gómez G.
Published: December 2008

Se publican a continuación los trabajos presentados para el Concurso de Ideas –INVISO 2008, convocado por el Proyecto Singular y Estratégico "OPTIMIZACIÓN DE LA PRODUCCIÓN DE VIVIENDAS. –Industrialización de viviendas sostenibles-INVISO"–. Este proyecto tiene por objetivos promocionar la industrialización de la vivienda dentro del marco de la sostenibilidad de la construcción. El 28 de abril de 2008, se presentaron 24 trabajos de los cuales se escogieron los dos primeros premios, se otorgó una mención y quedaron dos finalistas. El jurado, compuesto por especialistas en el tema de la industrialización y de la vivienda, consideró oportuno la publicación y difusión de estos trabajos premiados.
Tailored Mesoporosity Development in Zeolite Crystals by Partial Detemplation and Desilication
Authors: Pérez‐Ramírez Javier , Abelló Sònia , Bonilla Adriana , Groen Johan C.
Published: December 2008

Partial detemplation of zeolites followed by desilication in alkaline medium is demonstrated as a powerful and elegant approach to design hierarchical zeolites with tailored degree of mesoporosity. This achievement, illustrated for large beta crystals, is based on the fact that the template‐containing zeolite is virtually inert to Si leaching upon treatment in aqueous NaOH solutions. Partial removal of the structure‐directing agent creates regions in the crystal susceptible to mesopore formation by subsequent desilication, while template‐containing regions are protected from silicon extraction. Variation of the calcination temperature in the range 230–550 °C determines the amount of template removed and enables control of the extent of mesopore formation in the zeolite (20–230 m2 g−1) upon alkaline treatment. The functionality of the introduced mesoporosity in the hierarchical beta crystals is demonstrated by the improved performance in the catalytic pyrolysis of low‐density polyethylene. The partial detemplation–desilication treatment enhances the tuning options of this demetallation method.
Highly Fluorescent Poly(dimethylsiloxane) for On‐Chip Temperature Measurements
Authors: Zhou Jianhua , Yan Hui , Zheng Yizhe , Wu Hongkai
Published: December 2008

This work describes a convenient method to generate a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) composite containing ZnO quantum dots (QDs) for whole‐chip temperature measurements. This composite is highly fluorescent and very sensitive to temperature changes (0.4 nm °C−1, compared to 0.1 nm °C−1 in commonly used CdSe QDs). It also shows extremely high fluorescent stability under various conditions over long time without phase separation or fluorescent changes. Both merits make this composite an ideal material for sensing temperature changes on microfluidic chips. The bonding between the QDs and PDMS is studied by comparing PDMS composites with ZnO QDs of different sizes, and a model is given to elucidate the high stability of this composite.
Unique Versatility of Ionic Liquids as Clean Decarboxylation Catalyst Cum Solvent: A Metal‐ and Quinoline‐Free Paradigm towards Synthesis of Indoles, Styrenes, Stilbenes and Arene Derivatives under Microwave Irradiation in Aqueous Conditions
Authors: Sharma Abhishek , Kumar Rakesh , Sharma Naina , Kumar Vinod , Sinha Arun K.
Published: December 2008

Ionic liquids have been found to provide a new platform for metal‐ and quinoline‐free decarboxylation of various N‐heteroaryl and aryl carboxylic acids under microwave irradiation in aqueous condition. The method was found to possess a wide substrate scope towards the synthesis of various pharmacologically and industrially important aromatic compounds including indoles, styrenes, stilbenes, and nitro‐ or hydroxyarene derivatives. The decarboxylation of indole and α‐phenylcinnamic acids proceeded well without addition of any catalyst in neat 1‐hexyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bromide ([hmim]Br) and 1‐methylimidazolium p‐toluenesulfonic acid ([Hmim]PTSA), respectively, while addition of a mild base like aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO3) to [hmim]Br further improved the decarboxylation of hydroxylated cinnamic and aromatic acid substrates. The developed methodology not only precludes the usage of toxic metal/quinoline and harsh organic bases but also offers several inherent benefits like recyclability of reagent system, reduction in waste and hazards, short reaction time besides ease of product recovery.
Human immunodeficiency virus protease inhibitors and risk for peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Ellis Ronald J. , Marquie‐Beck Jennifer , Delaney Patrick , Alexander Terry , Clifford David B. , McArthur Justin C. , Simpson David M. , Ake Christopher , Collier Ann C. , Gelman Benjamin B. , McCutchan J. Allen , Morgello Susan , Grant Igor
Published: December 2008

Objective

Two recent analyses found that exposure to protease inhibitors (PIs) in the context of antiretroviral (ARV) therapy increased the risk for distal sensory polyneuropathy (DSPN) in subjects with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. These findings were supported by an in vitro model in which PI exposure produced neurite retraction and process loss in dorsal root ganglion sensory neurons. Confirmation of peripheral nerve toxicity with PIs could substantially limit their long‐term use in highly active ARV therapy.

Methods

We evaluated current and past exposure to PIs as a risk factor for DSPN in 1,159 HIV‐infected individuals enrolled in a large, prospective, observational, multicenter study. Signs of DSPN were ascertained by neurological examination. Subjects were grouped into categories according to past and current exposure to any ARV and to PIs. We included disease indicators such as nadir CD4, plasma viral load, and duration of HIV infection, as well as advancing age and exposure to dideoxynucleoside ARVs in multivariate models.

Results

In univariate analyses, both past and current PI exposure significantly increased the risk for DSPN. However, after adjusting for previously validated concomitant risk factors in multivariate models, none of the PI exposure groups was more likely to have DSPN than ARV naive subjects. A secondary evaluation of duration of PI use and exposure to individual PI drugs was similarly nonsignificant in multivariate models, except for small effects of amprenavir and lopinavir.

Interpretation

Evaluation of concomitant risks for HIV DSPN suggests that the independent risk attributable to PIs, if any, is small. This risk must be weighed against the important role of PIs in modern ARV therapy regimens. Ann Neurol 2008;64:566–572
Mitochondrial function and morphology are impaired in parkin‐mutant fibroblasts
Authors: Mortiboys Heather , Thomas Kelly Jean , Koopman Werner J. H. , Klaffke Stefanie , Abou‐Sleiman Patrick , Olpin Simon , Wood Nicholas W. , Willems Peter H. G. M. , Smeitink Jan A. M. , Cookson Mark R. , Bandmann Oliver
Published: December 2008

Objective

There are marked mitochondrial abnormalities in parkin‐knock‐out Drosophila and other model systems. The aim of our study was to determine mitochondrial function and morphology in parkin‐mutant patients. We also investigated whether pharmacological rescue of impaired mitochondrial function may be possible in parkin‐mutant human tissue.

Methods

We used three sets of techniques, namely, biochemical measurements of mitochondrial function, quantitative morphology, and live cell imaging of functional connectivity to assess the mitochondrial respiratory chain, the outer shape and connectivity of the mitochondria, and their functional inner connectivity in fibroblasts from patients with homozygous or compound heterozygous parkin mutations.

Results

Parkin‐mutant cells had lower mitochondrial complex I activity and complex I–linked adenosine triphosphate production, which correlated with a greater degree of mitochondrial branching, suggesting that the functional and morphological effects of parkin are related. Knockdown of parkin in control fibroblasts confirmed that parkin deficiency is sufficient to explain these mitochondrial effects. In contrast, 50% knockdown of parkin, mimicking haploinsufficiency in human patient tissue, did not result in impaired mitochondrial function or morphology. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching assays demonstrated a lower level of functional connectivity of the mitochondrial matrix, which further worsened after rotenone exposure. Treatment with experimental neuroprotective compounds resulted in a rescue of the mitochondrial membrane potential.

Interpretation

Our study demonstrates marked abnormalities of mitochondrial function and morphology in parkin‐mutant patients and provides proof‐of‐principle data for the potential usefulness of this new model system as a tool to screen for disease‐modifying compounds in genetically homogenous parkinsonian disorders. Ann Neurol 2008;64:555–565
Prodromal Alzheimer's disease: Successive emergence of the clinical symptoms
Authors: Amieva Hélène , Le Goff Mélanie , Millet Xavier , Orgogozo Jean Marc , Pérès Karine , Barberger‐Gateau Pascale , Jacqmin‐Gadda Hélène , Dartigues Jean François
Published: December 2008

Objective

Whereas cognitive deficits are known to be detectable long before the typical symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are evident, previous studies have failed to determine when cognitive functioning actually begins to decline before dementia. Utilizing the long follow‐up of the PAQUID study, we examined the emergence of the first clinical symptoms over a 14‐year period of follow‐up before the dementia phase of AD.

Methods

This study relies on a case–control sample selected from the PAQUID cohort. Of the 3,777 initial subjects of the cohort, 350 subjects experienced development of AD during the 14 years of follow‐up. The cases were matched to 350 elderly control subjects. The evolution of scores on cognitive, functional, and depression scales was described throughout the 14‐year follow‐up using a semiparametric extension of the mixed‐effects linear model.

Results

The first decline in cognitive performances appeared as early as 12 years before dementia in measures of semantic memory and conceptual formation. Then, more global deficits appeared that were concomitant with an increase in memory complaints and depressive symptoms. About 2 years later, as a consequence of cognitive dysfunction, the subjects started to become slightly dependent in their activities of daily living. In the last 3 years, the impairment significantly worsened until the subjects reached the dementia phase.

Interpretation

This approach, describing the 14 years preceding dementia, provides a clear illustration of the particularly long and progressive prodromal phase of AD, and shows the successive emergence of cognitive deficits, depressive symptoms, and functional impairment during this phase. Ann Neurol 2008;64:492–498
Detection of isolated cerebrovascular β‐amyloid with pittsburgh compound B
Authors: Greenberg Steven M. , Grabowski Thomas , Gurol M. Edip , Skehan Maureen E. , Nandigam R. N. Kaveer , Becker John A. , Garcia‐Alloza Monica , Prada Claudia , Frosch Matthew P. , Rosand Jonathan , Viswanathan Anand , Smith Eric E. , Johnson Keith A.
Published: December 2008

Imaging of cerebrovascular β‐amyloid (cerebral amyloid angiopathy) is complicated by the nearly universal overlap of this pathology with Alzheimer's pathology. We performed positron emission tomographic imaging with Pittsburgh Compound B on 42‐year‐old man with early manifestations of Iowa‐type hereditary cerebral amyloid angiopathy, a form of the disorder with little or no plaque deposits of fibrillar β‐amyloid. The results demonstrated increased Pittsburgh Compound B retention selectively in occipital cortex, sparing regions typically labeled in Alzheimer's disease. These results offer compelling evidence that Pittsburgh Compound B positron emission tomography can noninvasively detect isolated cerebral amyloid angiopathy before overt signs of tissue damage such as hemorrhage or white matter lesions. Ann Neurol 2008;64:587–591
Traveling the Vitamin B12 Pathway: Oral Delivery of Protein and Peptide Drugs
Authors: Petrus Amanda K. , Fairchild Timothy J. , Doyle Robert P.
Published: December 2008

Oral routes of administration for therapeutic peptides and proteins face two major barriers: proteolytic degradation in the stomach and an inadequate absorption mechanism for polypeptides within the intestinal lumen. As a result, peptide‐based therapeutics are administered by injection, a painful process associated with lower patient compliance. The development of a means of overcoming these two major obstacles and enabling the successful delivery of peptide therapeutics by the oral route of administration has therefore been the target of extensive scientific endeavor. This Minireview focuses on oral peptide/protein delivery by the dietary uptake pathway for vitamin B12. Recent progress in this field includes the delivery of erythropoietin, granulocyte‐colony‐stimulating factor, luteinizing‐hormone‐releasing hormone, and insulin.
Drug Delivery by Soft Matter: Matrix and Vesicular Carriers
Authors: Soussan Elodie , Cassel Stéphanie , Blanzat Muriel , Rico‐Lattes Isabelle
Published: December 2008

The increasing need for drug delivery systems that improve specificity and activity and at the same time reduce toxicity to ensure maximum treatment safety has led to the development of a great variety of drug vectors. Carriers based on soft matter have particularly interesting characteristics. Herein we present the current standing of the research in this area, and focus on two main families, namely matrix systems and vesicles. We outline the structure, properties, and potential applications of these vectors, and discuss their main advantages and drawbacks in their synthesis.
In vitro release of rifampicin and biocompatibility of oleoylchitosan nanoparticles
Authors: Li Yan Yan , Chen Xi Guang , Zhang Jing , Liu Cheng Sheng , Xue Yu Ping , Sun Gang Zheng , Zhang Wei Fen
Published: December 2008

Oleoylchitosan (OCS) self‐assembled nanoparticles as a carrier system for hydrophobic drug delivery was proposed. The OCS nanoparticles were prepared by an o/w emulsification method. Mean diameter of the OCS nanoparticles was around 275.3 nm. All the OCS and OCS nanoparticles have good biocompatibility from the cytotoxicity testing and erythrocyte toxicity assay. And the biocompatibility of OCS nanoparticles was better than OCS. Rifampicin, as a model drug, was investigated for its release properties in vitro. The release of rifampicin from solution with pH 6.0 and 6.8 was characterized by a faster release than from solution with pH 3.8. The increase of sodium tripolyphosphate could slower the release of drug. The sample with low concentration of rifampicin, released faster and entirely. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
A Marquesan coral reef (French Polynesia) in historical context: an integrated socio‐ecological approach
Authors: Aswani Shankar , Allen Melinda S.
Published: December 2008

Marine biologists are increasingly aware of the impact that even small human populations can have on coral reefs around the world, while conservationists and fisheries managers have a growing appreciation of the importance of culturally informed management strategies in coral reef conservation efforts. Despite these recognitions, however, examples of integrated field studies are limited.

In this paper evidence from various disciplines is used to study the interaction between humans and one of the largest reefs in the Marquesas Islands, at Anaho Bay, Nuku Hiva Island, with the aim of assessing possible anthropogenic impacts over time.

First, it reports on a marine biological survey of the benthic substrates of the bay and the taxonomic composition and spatial distributions of the local fish species. Second, it draws on results from an ongoing archaeological study and integrates these with interviews of village elders to gain a historical perspective on the reef and potential human impacts.

The biological results indicated that the reef is in a state of decline, although fish densities are moderately high. The archaeological evidence, in turn, demonstrates that human populations have occupied this valley for at least the last 700 years. Throughout this period marine resources have been an important source of both food and raw materials for tools. The archaeological study also highlights aspects of landscape change, both natural and human‐induced, that probably have been detrimental to reef health.

Using the combined biological and anthropological data, this paper considers the nexus of factors that have led to the current reef conditions and considers management issues for the future. Key in this regard are processes that have initiated erosion and soil run‐off, and fluctuations in the local human populations.

Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.