bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ChemInform Abstract: HIV‐1 Integrase Inhibitors: 2007—2008 Update
Authors: Ramkumar Kavya , Serrao Erik , Odde Srinivas , Neamati Nouri
Published: December 2010

Review: 139 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Future Perspectives of Nonadiabatic Chemical Dynamics
Authors: Nanbu Shinkoh , Ishida Toshimasa , Nakamura Hiroki
Published: December 2010

Review: 50 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: “Alive” Dyes as Fluorescent Sensors: Fluorophore, Mechanism, Receptor and Images in Living Cells
Authors: Qian Xuhong , Xiao Yi , Xu Yufang , Guo Xiangfeng , Qian Junhong , Zhu Weipin
Published: December 2010

Review: [94 refs.]
ChemInform Abstract: Naturally Occurring Triterpenoid Saponins
Authors: Dinda Biswanath , Debnath Sudhan , Mohanta Bikas Chandra , Harigaya Yoshihiro
Published: December 2010

Review: 538 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Pigments of Fungi (Macromycetes)
Authors: Zhou Zhong‐Yu , Liu Ji‐Kai
Published: December 2010

Review: 198 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Bioprospecting for Antituberculosis Leads from Microbial Metabolites
Authors: Ashforth Elizabeth Jane , Fu Chengzhang , Liu Xiangyang , Dai Huanqin , Song Fuhang , Guo Hui , Zhang Lixin
Published: December 2010

Review: 122 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Putting a Positive Spin on Molecular Bridges
Authors: Guldi Dirk M.
Published: December 2010

Review: 27 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: From Nanostructured Liquid Crystals to Polymer‐Based Electrolytes
Authors: Kato Takashi
Published: December 2010

Review: 17 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Improvement of Intestinal Absoprtion of Poorly Absorbable Drugs by Polyamidoamine (PAMAM) Dendrimers as Novel Absoprtion Enhancers
Authors: Yamamoto Akira
Published: December 2010

Review: 11 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Development of Delivery System of Bisphosphonates for the Treatment of Osteoporosis
Authors: Katsumi Hidemasa , Kusamori Kosuke , Sakane Toshiyasu , Yamamoto Akira
Published: December 2010

Review: 19 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Introducing Quadrupole Interactions into the Peptide Design Toolkit
Authors: Marsden Hana Robson , Fraaije Johannes G. E. M. , Kros Alexander
Published: December 2010

Review: 12 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Imaging of Self‐Assembled Structures: Interpretation of TEM and Cryo‐TEM Images
Authors: Friedrich Heiner , Frederik Peter M. , de With Gijsbertus , Sommerdijk Nico A. J. M.
Published: December 2010

Review: ca. 80 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Solid‐State NMR Spectroscopy on Complex Biomolecules
Authors: Renault Marie , Cukkemane Abhishek , Baldus Marc
Published: December 2010

Review: 144 refs.
New Material Design Strategy for Chromatographic Separation Steps in Bio‐Recovery and Downstream Processing
Authors: Ndocko Ndocko Eugene , Ditz Reinhard , Josch Jan‐Pablo , Strube Jochen
Published: December 2010

The increasing demand for higher efficiency, better economy, and more sustainability in bioprocess design has led to approaches characterized by high‐throughput screening and the implementation of platform technologies. The presented approach incorporates an a priori material design strategy for selective materials in combination with process development and design to address the full optimization potential of all elements involved. The design strategies are directly linked with an economic process assessment to provide quantitative data for the implementation. Different material design parameters like pore structure were varied in the presented theoretical study. A rigorous material design model is proposed for so‐called irregularities within the porous system.
Endoscopic ultrasound guided fine‐needle aspiration diagnosis of duodenal high grade neuroendocrine carcinoma underlying a villous adenoma: Report of a case
Authors: Tasso David M. , Attam Rajeev , Aslan Deniz L. , Pambuccian Stefan E.
Published: December 2010

Endoscopic ultrasound guided fine‐needle aspiration biopsy is a reliable and accurate method for the diagnosis of submucosal lesions of the gastrointestinal tract. We report the cytopathologic findings of a case of duodenal high‐grade neuroendocrine carcinoma in a 68‐year‐old woman who presented with melena and marked anemia, 45 years after kidney transplantation. Imaging studies performed in the work‐up of melena showed a duodenal mass, which on endoscopy proved to be an exophytic, villous duodenal lesion, 3 cm from the ampulla. Forceps biopsy of the exophytic lesion showed a villous adenoma. Endoscopic ultrasound additionally revealed an underlying submucosal lesion and EUS‐guided fine needle aspiration of this submucosal mass and of the enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes was diagnostic of a high‐grade neuroendocrine carcinoma. The aspirates showed abundant cellularity with tumor cells arranged in sheets and occasional loose clusters. The neoplastic cells had a moderate amount of pale cytoplasm and large round to oval hyperchromatic nuclei with focally prominent nucleoli. Mitoses, apoptotic bodies and necrotic debris were also present. The tumor cells were strongly and diffusely positive for cytokeratin AE1/AE3, synaptophysin and chromogranin and showed a very high proliferative fraction on Ki67 staining, supporting the diagnosis of a high‐grade neuroendocrine carcinoma. This is to our knowledge the first case of high‐grade neuroendocrine carcinoma of the duodenum diagnosed by EUS‐FNA. This case also emphasizes the diagnostic value of EUS‐FNA sampling of the submucosal and intramural component of villous tumors of the gastrointestinal tract when mucosal forceps biopsies show only benign findings. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2012. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Necrotic granulomatous pseudotumor following metal‐on‐metal hip arthroplasty: A potential mimic of sarcoma on fine needle aspiration cytology
Authors: Singh Charanjeet , Kaplan Alesia , Pambuccian Stefan E.
Published: December 2010

A 69‐year‐old female presented with left leg pain 4 months after total hip replacement for left hip joint protrusio acetabuli. A “cystic” mass lesion was identified radiologically in relation to the arthroplasty and an initial CT‐guided core needle biopsy showed a spindle cell proliferation with associated necrosis, interpreted as suspicious for malignancy. A repeat CT‐guided fine needle aspiration showed necrosis, “ghost” spindle cells, aggregates of histiocytes, giant cells, and inflammatory cells as well as scattered large atypical spindle cells. The simultaneously obtained core biopsy showed extensive necrosis with ghost spindle cells that was surrounded by CD68+ histiocytes, which in turn were surrounded by a predominantly CD3+, CD4+ lymphocytic infiltrate. A diagnosis of necrotic granulomatous pseudotumor was made after a diagnosis of sarcoma was initially entertained. This unusual tissue response is rarely seen after metal‐on‐metal arthroplasty, occurs more often in females and may represent a type‐IV hypersensitivity reaction incited by very small‐sized particulate metallic debris that forms haptens in association with serum proteins. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinical trials in New Zealand: Progress, people, and policies
Authors: Lockhart Michelle Marie , Babar Zaheer‐Ud‐Din , Garg Sanjay
Published: December 2010

Competition for clinical trial projects outsourced by the global pharmaceutical industry is increasing with more countries bidding to provide these services. A comprehensive review of the clinical trial landscape in New Zealand was conducted by analysing clinical trial applications, and interviewing senior industry representatives on their expertise, capabilities, knowledge management, and innovative behaviours, as well as the policies and factors that had influenced the development of the industry. The number of clinical trial application approvals increased from 33 in 1989/1990 to 113 in 2008/2009 indicating continued confidence of the pharmaceutical industry in placing clinical research projects in New Zealand. Much of this growth has been due to an increasing number of phase I and II trials as a result of the availability of new purpose‐built facilities. The sponsors of clinical trials in New Zealand have changed from predominantly representatives of the pharmaceutical industry to mainly local and overseas CROs. The industry representatives are very experienced with the range of capabilities expected for clinical trials. They prefer informal sources of knowledge acquisition and display innovative behaviours such as solving problems that cause others difficulty, teamwork, and project planning. A large number of factors have encouraged the clinical trials industry in New Zealand including quality sites and data, the western healthcare system, the high incidence of some diseases, and seasonal opposition to Europe and the United States. Respondents suggested policies and strategies to address the increasing threat from global competition. New Zealand has developed significant expertise in clinical research but it should continue to monitor its industry to ensure continued growth. Drug Dev Res 72: 299–304, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A general predictive model for estimating monthly ecosystem evapotranspiration
Authors: Sun Ge , Alstad Karrin , Chen Jiquan , Chen Shiping , Ford Chelcy R. , Lin Guanghui , Liu Chenfeng , Lu Nan , McNulty Steven G. , Miao Haixia , Noormets Asko , Vose James M. , Wilske Burkhard , Zeppel Melanie , Zhang Yan , Zhang Zhiqiang
Published: December 2010

Accurately quantifying evapotranspiration (ET) is essential for modelling regional‐scale ecosystem water balances. This study assembled an ET data set estimated from eddy flux and sapflow measurements for 13 ecosystems across a large climatic and management gradient from the United States, China, and Australia. Our objectives were to determine the relationships among monthly measured actual ET (ET), calculated FAO‐56 grass reference ET (ETo), measured precipitation (P), and leaf area index (LAI)—one associated key parameter of ecosystem structure. Results showed that the growing season ET from wet forests was generally higher than ETo while those from grasslands or woodlands in the arid and semi‐arid regions were lower than ETo. Second, growing season ET was found to be converged to within ± 10% of P for most of the ecosystems examined. Therefore, our study suggested that soil water storage in the nongrowing season was important in influencing ET and water yield during the growing season. Lastly, monthly LAI, P, and ETo together explained about 85% of the variability of monthly ET. We concluded that the three variables LAI, P, and ETo, which were increasingly available from remote sensing products and weather station networks, could be used for estimating monthly regional ET dynamics with a reasonable accuracy. Such an empirical model has the potential to project the effects of climate and land management on water resources and carbon sequestration when integrated with ecosystem models. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Syntheses and Biological Properties of Brefeldin Analogues
Authors: Förster Sebastian , Persch Elke , Tverskoy Olena , Rominger Frank , Helmchen Günter , Klein Christian , Gönen Basak , Brügger Britta
Published: December 2010

Total and partial syntheses of brefeldin analogues are described. (6R)‐Hydroxy‐BFA (5) was obtained through a total synthesis from (1S,2R)‐2‐[(trityloxy)methyl]cyclopent‐3‐ene‐1‐carbonitrile (cis‐8) in 13 steps. The BFA lactam analogue 6 was prepared via the key building block 25, which was accessed in four steps from BFA (1). (7S)‐Amino‐BFC (7) was obtained from 7‐dehydro‐BFA (3) by reductive amination. The structures of the brefeldin analogues were determined by X‐ray analyses. The activities of the brefeldin analogues in blocking protein traffic between the endoplasmatic reticulum and the Golgi apparatus were determined both for mammalian cells and for plant cells. Molecular mechanics calculations and docking into the Arf1‐GEF protein complex, an established receptor of BFA, were carried out.
A Configurationally Stable Chiral Concave Imidazolinium Salt
Authors: Reimers Tim , Näther Christian , Lüning Ulrich
Published: December 2010

Starting from symmetric bis‐ortho‐alkenyl‐substituted aniline 11 and unsymmetric bis‐alkenyl‐substituted aminonaphthalene 12, imidazolinium salt 17 has been prepared. Salt 17 was cyclized by ring‐closing metathesis, and hydrogenation gave axially chiral N‐heterocyclic carbene precursor 19. The configurational stability of 19 was proven by temperature‐dependent NMR studies and also by the use of Λ‐BINPHAT as a chiral shift reagent. Compound 19 was also characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction.
Fully integrated PDMS/SU‐8/quartz microfluidic chip with a novel macroporous poly dimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membrane for isoelectric focusing of proteins using whole‐channel imaging detection
Authors: Shameli Seyed Mostafa , Elbuken Caglar , Ou Junjie , Ren Carolyn L. , Pawliszyn Janusz
Published: December 2010

A fully integrated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)/modified PDMS membrane/SU‐8/quartz hybrid chip was developed for protein separation using isoelectric focusing (IEF) mechanism coupled with whole‐channel imaging detection (WCID) method. This microfluidic chip integrates three components into one single chip: (i) modified PDMS membranes for separating electrolytes in the reservoirs from the sample in the microchannel and thus reducing pressure disturbance, (ii) SU‐8 optical slit to block UV light (below 300 nm) outside the channel aiming to increase detection sensitivity, and (iii) injection and discharge capillaries for continuous operation. Integration of all these components on a single chip is challenging because it requires fabrication techniques for perfect bonding between different materials and is prone to leakage and blockage. This study has addressed all the challenges and presented a fully integrated chip, which is more robust with higher sensitivity than the previously developed IEF chips. This chip was tested by performing protein and pI marker separation. The separation results obtained in this chip were compared with that obtained in commercial cartridges. Side‐by‐side comparison validated the developed chip and fabrication techniques.
Generator step‐up transformer post mortem assessment
Authors: Susa D. , Liland K.B. , Lundgaard L. , Vårdal G.
Published: December 2010

The condition assessment of the 190 MVA, OFWF, step‐up generator transformer was performed by the mapping of degree of polymerization (DP). The transformer was taken out of service after 36 years and the active part, (transformer core and windings), was removed from the tank for close examination due to the major thermal fault at the transformer core. The transformer insulation consisted of two different materials, i.e. winding insulation was the thermally upgraded paper and spacer‐pressboard system was Kraft paper. The temperature mapping is also shown, where the temperature estimation is based on the paper aging kinetics, transformer loading and insulation operating history. New equation for the relative aging rate is given considering all insulation conditions providing possibility of counting transformer loss‐of‐life more accurately. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of real case transmission systems constraints on wind power operation
Authors: Vallée François , Lobry Jacques , Deblecker Olivier
Published: December 2010

In this paper, a general strategy is proposed in order to introduce in a realistic way wind power into a HLII (bulk power system) nonsequential Monte Carlo adequacy study with economic dispatch. By use of the implemented solution, wind power can consequently be confronted to operational constraints related to high‐powered thermal units, nuclear parks or cogeneration. Moreover, in order to optimize the large‐scale integration of wind power production, the required reinforcements on a given electrical grid can also be evaluated on basis of the presented developments. The elaborated strategy can practically be applied to every kind of nonsequential Monte Carlo approach used to technically analyze a given transmission system. In the context of this work, the proposed solution has been implemented into the simulation tool Scanner© (property of Tractebel Engineering – Gaz de France – Suez company). Finally, in order to point out the efficiency and the usefulness of the proposed wind power model, the developed simulation tool has been firstly applied to an academic test system: the Roy Billinton test system (RBTS). Afterwards, in order to fully access the large offshore wind potential in the North Sea, the same tool has been used to evaluate the onshore reinforcements required in the Belgian transmission network. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detecting cognitive impairment in individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease: the “Clock‐in‐the‐Box” screening test
Authors: Grande Laura J. , Rudolph James L. , Milberg William P. , Barber Colleen E. , McGlinchey Regina E.
Published: December 2010

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance on the Clock‐in‐the‐Box (CIB), a screening measure for cognitive function, relative to neuropsychological testing in an older population with cardiovascular risk.

Methods

A prospective cohort of older patients (>50 years) with cardiovascular risk was recruited to perform the CIB and complete a brief neuropsychological battery consisting of Trailmaking tests, the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test (HVLT), and fluency tasks. Performance on the CIB was scored according to standard criteria (range 0–8, 0–worst). The performance on the total CIB, working memory subscale (CIB–WM), and planning/organization (COB–PO) was compared to neuropsychological measures.

Results

The cohort (n = 127) was older (age 67 ± 7 years) and diverse with 33% female (n = 42) and 42% non‐white race (n = 53). Cardiac risk factors were prevalent: hypertension (83%), hyperlipidemia (74%), overweight (84%), diabetes (48%), prior cardiac disease (39%), and smoking (11%). The CIB (mean 6.5 ± 1.3) took 84 ± 21 s on average to complete and had good inter‐rater reliability (κ = 0.809, p < 0.01). The CIB–WM subscale was significantly correlated with performance on Trailmaking B and HVLT learning, recall, and recognition. The CIB–PO subscale was significantly associated with semantic and phonemic fluency, Trailmaking B, and HVLT learning and recall. In regression modeling, CIB–WM significantly predicted performance on HVLT learning, recall, and retention. CIB–PO subscale predicted performance on Trailmaking B, HVLT learning, and HVLT recall.

Conclusions

The CIB is a brief cognitive screening instrument with good reliability and predictive validity in a CV risk population. The CIB–WM and CIB–PO subscales could provide utility for clinicians. Published in 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Over‐ and under‐diagnosis of dementia in ethnic minorities: a nationwide register‐based study
Authors: Nielsen T. R. , Vogel A. , Phung T. K. T. , Gade A. , Waldemar G.
Published: December 2010

Objective

Among dementia professionals in several European countries, it is believed that dementia is under‐diagnosed and under‐treated to a greater extent among ethnic minorities than in the native population. It is unknown whether this belief holds true. The objective of this study was to compare the prevalence of register‐based dementia diagnoses in the largest ethnic minority groups in Denmark with the prevalence of register‐based dementia diagnoses in the general Danish population.

Methods

By linking the Danish hospital registers with the Danish Civil Registration System, nationwide dementia cases for three main ethnic minorities were identified. Age‐ and gender‐specific prevalence rates for dementia were calculated and compared to previously published data for the general population.

Results

The study population consisted of 68 219 persons aged 20 and older. A total of 174 dementia cases were identified. The mean age at diagnosis was 57.7 years (SD = 16.2). Compared to the general population, there was a higher prevalence of dementia among those younger than 60 years, and a markedly lower prevalence of dementia among those 60 years and older.

Conclusions

Dementia is under‐diagnosed to a greater extent among ethnic minorities in the age group 60 years and older but is over‐diagnosed in the age group younger than 60 years. Several factors may contribute to this pattern, including cultural differences in help‐seeking behaviour, and problems in navigating the health‐care system. Furthermore, cross‐cultural assessment of dementia can be difficult because of language barriers and cultural differences. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of grid resolution on the integrated and distributed response of a coupled surface–subsurface hydrological model for the des Anglais catchment, Quebec
Authors: Sulis Mauro , Paniconi Claudio , Camporese Matteo
Published: December 2010

Digital elevation models (DEMs) at different resolutions (180, 360, and 720 m) are used to examine the impact of different levels of landscape representation on the hydrological response of a 690‐km2 catchment in southern Quebec. Frequency distributions of local slope, plan curvature, and drainage area are calculated for each grid size resolution. This landscape analysis reveals that DEM grid size significantly affects computed topographic attributes, which in turn explains some of the differences in the hydrological simulations. The simulations that are then carried out, using a coupled, process‐based model of surface and subsurface flow, examine the effects of grid size on both the integrated response of the catchment (discharge at the main outlet and at two internal points) and the distributed response (water table depth, surface saturation, and soil water storage). The results indicate that discharge volumes increase as the DEM is coarsened, and that coarser DEMs are also wetter overall in terms of water table depth and soil water storage. The reasons for these trends include an increase in the total drainage area of the catchment for larger DEM cell sizes, due to aggregation effects at the boundary cells of the catchment, and to a decrease in local slope and plan curvature variations, which in turn limits the capacity of the watershed to transmit water downslope and laterally. The results obtained also show that grid resolution effects are less pronounced during dry periods when soil moisture dynamics are mostly controlled by vertical fluxes of evaporation and percolation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Potential use of microbial community investigations to analyse hydrothermal systems behaviour: the case of Ischia Island, Southern Italy
Authors: Bucci Antonio , Naclerio Gino , Allocca Vincenzo , Celico Pietro , Celico Fulvio
Published: December 2010

The Ischia hydrothermal system was analysed through hydrogeological and microbial community investigations. Mesophilic communities were detected in two cold springs, suggesting a negligible influence of thermal circuits in freshwater sub‐systems which are mainly or only fed by local precipitations. Thermophilic and extremely thermophilic bacteria were detected in two wells, according to higher water temperatures (61 and 85 °C), even if the two communities show significant differences. In one well, thermophilic and extremely thermophilic bacteria are associated with strains belonging to ε‐Proteobacteria isolated in different sulphur‐rich carbonate environments. This association suggests a greater influence on ascending hot fluids that interact with the carbonate basement of volcanic rocks. In the other well, thermophilic and extremely thermophilic bacteria are associated with strains isolated in cold hypersaline environments or in aquatic habitats where terrestrial and marine components are coupled. This association supports the fact that seawater intrusion can affect this part of Ischia, according to results of hydrogeological and geochemical surveys. Differences in groundwater temperature and bacterial communities are probably mainly due to differences in permeability between volcanic rocks and differences in hydrogeologic behaviour between faults in the upper carbonate basement, above the deep magma chamber, that influence relationships between ascending hot fluids and local recharge. This study contributes to discussion of the reliability of the actual behaviour models of the Ischia system, based on the results of geochemical and isotopic investigations, and, in a wider context, it shows that microbial community investigations may be a valuable supplementary tool for analysing hydrothermal system behaviour. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Smooth muscle phenotypic diversity is mediated through alterations in Myocardin gene splicing
Authors: Ilagan Roger M. , Genheimer Christopher W. , Quinlan Sarah F. , Guthrie Kelly I. , Sangha Namrata , Ramachandrannair Sajini , Kelley Rusty W. , Presnell Sharon C. , Basu Joydeep , Ludlow John W.
Published: December 2010

Myocardin (MYOCD) is a smooth and cardiac muscle‐specific transcriptional coactivator that is required for the proper expression of contraction‐related genes. Through its function to transactivate effector genes, MYOCD plays an essential role in mediating the switch between contractile and non‐contractile phenotypes, particularly in smooth muscle cells (SMC). There are at least two known transcript variants of MYOCD that are expressed in SMC, differing only by the presence (+) or absence (Δ) of Exon 11. To date, no functional role has been assigned to the domain encoded by Exon 11, nor have any notable differences between the ability of each isoform to activate contraction‐related genes been observed. In this study we compared sequences for Exon 11 among several mammalian species and identified a highly conserved, putative target sequence for glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) phosphorylation, suggesting a regulatory role for Exon 11 that can be modulated by alternative splicing. The function of Exon 11 was investigated by altering MYOCD splice selection in cultured porcine SMC with small interfering RNAs (siRNA) and specific chemical inhibitors, resulting in a relative increase in expression of ΔExon 11 variants in the endogenous pool of MYOCD mRNA. The relative increase in ΔExon 11 mRNAs correlated with a reduction of contractile phenotype in the porcine SMC as evidenced by morphological assessment and molecular analysis of effector genes. Together, these data suggest that MYOCD ΔExon 11 may participate in modulating SMC phenotype, potentially acting as a dominant‐negative repressor of contraction‐related genes. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 2702–2711, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association between the chondrocyte phenotype and the expression of adipokines and their receptors: Evidence for a role of leptin but not adiponectin in the expression of cartilage‐specific markers
Authors: Francin Pierre‐Jean , Guillaume Cécile , Humbert Anne‐Claude , Pottie Pascale , Netter Patrick , Mainard Didier , Presle Nathalie
Published: December 2010

Although extensive evidence support the key role of adipokines in cartilage homeostasis, contradictory data have been found for their expression and their effects in chondrocytes. This study was then undertaken to determine whether a phenotypic modulation may affect the expression of adipokines and their receptors in human chondrocytes. The expression of leptin, adiponectin and their receptors, as well as cartilage‐specific genes was examined in chondrocytes obtained from patients with osteoarthritis either directly after cells harvest or after culture in monolayer or in alginate beads. The results showed major changes in the gene expression pattern after culture in monolayer with a shift from the adipokines to their receptors. Interestingly, this downregulation of adipokines was associated with a loss of chondrocyte phenotype, and chondrocytes recovered a cartilage‐like expression profile of leptin and adiponectin when cultured in a tridimensional chondrocyte phenotype‐inducing system, but ceased expressing their receptors. Further experiments clearly showed that leptin but not adiponectin promoted the expression of cartilage‐specific markers through mitogen‐activated protein kinase, Janus kinase and phosphatidylinositol‐3 kinase signaling pathways. In conclusion, our data indicate that any phenotypic modulation could affect chondrocyte responsiveness to leptin or adiponectin, and provide evidence for an important role for leptin in regulating the expression of cartilage‐specific markers. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 2790–2797, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Model for the evaluation of root wear by histometric analysis
Authors: José Pimentel Lopes de Oliveira Guilherme , Silveira Faeda Rafael , Marcantonio Elcio , Chiérici Marcantonio Rosemary Adriana
Published: December 2010

Background:

Knowledge of the wear to the root surface caused by different instruments is essential in the choice of the type of tool used in relation to the phase of periodontal treatment which the patient is undergoing.

Purpose:

The objective of this study was to present a new methodology for evaluating tooth wear produced by the instrumentation of the root surface.

Study Design:

The present study used five teeth, the proximals of which were divided in three regions: coronal, median, and an apical. The coronal region was scaled with a curette, the apical region was irradiated with the Erbium, Chromium: Yttrium‐Scandium‐Gallium‐Garnet laser (Er,Cr:YSGG laser) and the medial region was left untreated, which served as control. The teeth underwent a histological process and were analyzed histometrically. The t test (P < 0.05) was used to analyze the root wear.

Results:

The regions that were irradiated with the Er,Cr:YSGG laser presented less wear (113.37 ± 32.94 μm) in comparison to the regions that were scaled with manual curettes (169.83 ± 24.76 μm) (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

The methodology proposed was efficient in the measurement of the wear caused by the root instrumentation and proved easy to execute, easy to reproduce, and of low cost and with high calibration accuracy. Microsc. Res. Tech. 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Recombinant coagulation factor VIIa labelled with the fac‐99 mTc(CO)3‐core: synthesis and in vitro evaluation of a putative new radiopharmaceutical for imaging in acute bleeding lesion
Authors: Madsen Jacob , Kristensen Jesper B. , Olsen Ole H. , Christoffersen Carsten L. , Petersen Lars C. , Tranholm Mikael , Kjaer Andreas , Hesse Birger
Published: December 2010

Coagulation in blood is initiated when coagulation factor VII (FVII) binds to exposed TF and is activated to FVIIa, and the TF/FVIIa complex may therefore provide a marker of vascular injury potentially applicable in diagnostic imaging of acute gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Methods: Recombinant FVIIa (rFVIIa) was radiolabeled with technetium‐99 m in a direct labeling reaction using the ‘carbonyl approach’ using the IsoLink® carbonyl labeling agent. The properties of 99 mTc(CO)3‐rFVIIa complex was analyzed by TCA precipitation, HPLC and FVIIa functional integrity was tested in in vitro assays. Results: Labeling of rFVIIa was possible without tagging with a chelater. Incorporation of radioactivity depended strongly on rFVIIa concentration and temperature. More than 95% incorporation was achieved after 30 min at 45°C with 0.76 mg/ml rFVIIa. 99 mTc(CO)3‐rFVIIa was obtained in 46% radiochemical yield and in >95% radiochemical purity. Pull down experiments showed that the biological activity (binding to tissue factor and to anti‐FVII antibody) of the radiolabelled product remained intact in the formulation mixture as well as in human serum. By computer modeling analysis, two candidate sites for stabilizing the 99 mTc(CO)‐ligand structure in FVIIa were identified. Conclusion: Radiolabelled rFVIIa derivatives may represent a novel tool for the diagnosis of acute gastrointestinal bleeding lesions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanistic approach of the difference in hydrolysis rate between the 2‐ and 4‐isomers of no‐carrier‐added [18F]fluoromethyl‐L‐phenylalanine
Authors: Kersemans Ken , Mertens John , De Proft Frank , Geerlings Paul
Published: December 2010

No‐carrier‐added (n.c.a.) 2‐[18F]fluoromethyl‐l‐phenylalanine (2‐[18F]FMP) was found to be very sensitive to hydrolysis in aqueous solutions. In this paper, the defluorination reaction was studied in detail to elucidate its mechanism. Therefore, besides 2‐[18F]FMP and 4‐[18F]FMP, 2‐[18F]fluoromethyl‐phenethylamine (2‐[18F]FMPAM) and 4‐[18F]FMPAM were synthesized, both ‘mimetic’ molecules of the decarboxylated amino acid analogues. Radiosynthesis, using a customized Scintomics automatic synthesis hotboxthreemodule, resulted in a high overall yield and a radiochemical purity of >99%. The defluorination rates of all compounds were studied by HPLC. The defluorination rate of 2‐[18F]FMLP at 50°C was approximately 300 times faster than that of n.c.a. 4‐[18F]FMLP. The defluorination rate of 2‐[18F]FMPAM is somewhat lower than of 2‐[18F]FMP but still very high in comparison with 4‐[18F]FMPAM, which is virtually stable. It allowed to elucidate the reaction mechanism ruled by two distinct intramolecular interactions. First, the hydrogen bond interaction between the amine and the benzylic fluorine weakening the carbon–fluorine bond. Secondly, the formation of a second hydrogen bond between the carboxyl oxygen atom and one of the benzylic hydrogen atoms rendering the benzyl fluoride group even more susceptible to hydrolysis. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MRI of inducible P‐selectin expression in human activated platelets involved in the early stages of atherosclerosis
Authors: Jacobin‐Valat Marie‐Josée , Deramchia Kamel , Mornet Stéphane , Hagemeyer Christoph E. , Bonetto Stéphane , Robert Rémy , Biran Marc , Massot Philippe , Miraux Sylvain , Sanchez Stéphane , Bouzier‐Sore Anne‐Karine , Franconi Jean‐Michel , Duguet Etienne , Clofent‐Sanchez Gisèle
Published: December 2010

The noninvasive imaging of atherosclerotic plaques at an early stage of atherogenesis remains a major challenge for the evaluation of the pathologic state of patients at high risk of acute coronary syndromes. Recent studies have emphasized the importance of platelet–endothelial cell interactions in atherosclerosis‐prone arteries at early stages, and the prominent role of P‐selectin in the initial loose contact between platelets and diseased vessel walls. A specific MR contrast agent was developed here for the targeting, with high affinity, of P‐selectin expressed in large amounts on activated platelets and endothelial cells. For this purpose, PEGylated dextran/iron oxide nanoparticles [PEG, poly(ethylene glycol)], named versatile ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (VUSPIO) particles, labeled with rhodamine were coupled to an anti‐human P‐selectin antibody (VH10). Flow cytometry and microscopy experiments on human activated platelets were highly correlated with MRI (performed at 4.7 and 0.2 T), with a 50% signal decrease in T2 and T1 values corresponding to the strong labeling of activated vs resting platelets. The number of 1000 VH10–VUSPIO nanoparticles attained per activated platelet appeared to be optimal for the detection of hypo‐ and hyper‐signals in the platelet pellet on T2‐ and T1‐weighted MRI. Furthermore, in vivo imaging of atherosclerotic plaques in ApoE mice at 4.7 T showed a spatial resolution adapted to the imaging of intimal thickening and a hypo‐signal at 4.7 T, as a result of the accumulation of VH10–VUSPIO nanoparticles in the plaque. Our work provides support for the further assessment of the use of VH10–VUSPIO nanoparticles as a promising imaging modality able to identify the early stages of atherosclerosis with regard to the pertinence of both the target and the antibody‐conjugated contrast agent used. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A 2D‐based approach to guaranteed cost repetitive control for uncertain discrete‐time systems
Authors: Chen Wentao , Zhang Weidong
Published: December 2010

This paper presents a two‐dimensional (2 D)‐based approach to the problem of guaranteed cost repetitive control for uncertain discrete‐time systems. The objective is to design a control law such that the closed‐loop repetitive control system is robustly stable and a certain bound of performance criteria is guaranteed for all admissible uncertainties. It is shown first how the proposed repetitive control scheme can be equivalently formulated in the form of a distinct class of 2 D system. Then, sufficient conditions for the existence of guaranteed cost control law are derived in terms of linear matrix inequality (LMI), and the control law matrices are characterized by the feasible solutions to this LMI. Moreover, an optimization problem is introduced to efficiently solve the optimal guaranteed cost control law by minimizing the upper bound of the cost function. The proposed approach is applicable not only to SISO systems, but also to MIMO systems. Two numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed controller design procedures. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mit siRNA gegen Hepatitis C?
Authors: Zündorf Ilse , Dingermann Theo
Published: December 2010

Im Januar 2010 erschien ein Artikel in der renommierten Fachzeitschrift Science, in dem ein ganz neuer Ansatz gegen Hepatitis‐C‐Viren verfolgt wurde: Statt ein virus‐spezifisches Enzym zu attackieren, wurde eine kleine wirtsspezifische miRNA inhibiert. Bei chronisch infizierten Schimpansen war der Ansatz erfolgreich. Doch was ist die Ratio dahinter?
Diagnostik und Klinik der Infektion mit Hepatitis‐A‐ und Hepatitis‐E‐Viren. Übertragung durch Trinkwasser und Lebensmittel
Authors: Benckert Julia , Berg Thomas
Published: December 2010

Die Hepatitis A wird vor allem durch kontaminiertes Trinkwasser und Lebensmittel übertragen. Die Erkrankung verläuft bei Kindern meist asymptomatisch. Bei Erwaschenen kommt es jedoch oft zu den typischen Symptomen Ikterus und Abgeschlagenheit. Schwere Verläufe bis hin zu Leberversagen treten selten, insbesondere jedoch bei Patienten mit vorbestehenden chronischen Lebererkrankungen auf. Eine spezifische Therapie existiert nicht. Jedoch steht eine effektive Impfung zur Verfügung, die für Risikogruppen empfohlen ist. Wie die Hepatitis A wird auch die akute Hepatitis E in Endemiegebieten fäkal‐oral übertragen. In Industrieländern werden zunehmend autochthone Infektionen mit HEV‐Genotyp 3 durch am ehesten zoonotische Übertragung diagnostiziert. Besondere Bedeutung erhält die Erkrankungen bei Schwangeren, bei denen vermehrt schwere Verläufe mit Leberversagen auftreten können. Bei Patienten nach Transplantationen sind zudem jüngst chronische Verläufe der Hepatitis E beschrieben worden.
Klinik und Diagnostik der Hepatitiden B, C und D. Akuter oder chronischer Verlauf?
Authors: Jochum Christoph , Gerken Guido
Published: December 2010

Die Klinik der Virushepatitiden B, C und D ist ähnlich, bei der akuten Infektion reicht sie von völlig asymptomatischem bis zu schwerem ikterischen Verlauf mit in seltenen Fällen auftretendem Leberversagen. Dabei verläuft die akute Hepatitis D schwerer und die akute Hepatitis C leichter. Die chronische Virushepatitis ist durch geringe oder nur wenige Symptome gekennzeichnet, vor allem Müdigkeit und Oberbauchschmerzen stehen im Vordergrund. In einem Teil der Patienten entwickeln sich über die Zeit Symptome des fortgeschrittenen Leberschadens und der Zirrhose.

Die Diagnose der Hepatitis B wird durch den Nachweis des HBsAg gestellt, die der Hepatitis D durch das Anti‐HDV. Die Hepatitis C wird durch die Virus‐RNA diagnostiziert, als Screeningtest eignet sich das Anti‐HCV. Zum Verlauf wird bei der Hepatitis B die HBV‐DNA bestimmt; bei der Hepatitis C wird die Quantifizierung der Virus‐RNA zum Therapie‐Monitoring genutzt. Die Leberbiopsie hat ihren Stellenwert in der Bestimmung des Stadiums und der Aktivität der Lebererkrankung.
Leitliniengerechte Therapie der Hepatitis B. Korrekte Indikationsstellung ist die Voraussetzung
Authors: Cornberg Markus , Manns Michael
Published: December 2010

Entscheidend für das optimale Management von Patienten mit einer HBV‐infektion ist die korrekte Indikationsstellung. Eine Therapieindikation besteht bei Patienten mit fulminanter Hepatitis B, chronischer Hepatitis B und HBV‐DNA‐Menge > 2.000 IU/mL sowie bei Patienten mit Leberzirrhose bei jeder nachweisbaren HBV‐DNA. Vor einer immunsuppressiven Therapie kann auch bei sonst fehlender Therapieindikation eine prophylaktische Therapie notwendig sein. Eine Schwangerschaft stellt eine besondere Situation dar, bei der eine antivirale Therapie, nach Abwägen von Nutzen und Risiken für Mutter und Kind, sinnvoll sein kann. Bei der Auswahl des Therapiekonzeptes sollte zunächst eine IFN‐Therapie evaluiert werden, da hier eine limitierte Therapiedauer möglich ist und insgesamt eine höhere Chance für eine Anti‐HBs‐Serokonversion besteht. Bei der Therapie mit Nukleosid‐ oder Nukleotidanaloga handelt es sich meist um eine Langzeittherapie. Daher sind Kontrollen alle drei bis sechs Monate wichtig, um Compliance und Nebenwirkungen zu überprüfen und um rechtzeitig ein Therapieversagen zu erkennen.
Development and application of a rapid and efficient CZE method coupled with correction factors for determination of monosaccharide composition of acidic hetero‐polysaccharides from Ephedra sinica
Authors: Xia Yong‐gang , Wang Qiu‐hong , Liang Jun , Yang Bing‐you , Li Guo‐yu , Kuang Hai‐xue
Published: December 2010

Introduction – Ephedrine alkaloids cannot account for all the effects of Ephedra sinica and the polysaccharides are also demonstrated to be one of the main bioactive constituents of E. sinica. However, no work has been reported on the analysis of monosaccharide composition of purified polysaccharides isolated from the stem of E. sinica.

Objective – To develop a rapid and efficient capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) method based on pre‐column derivatisation with 1‐phenyl‐3‐methyl‐5‐pyrazolone for the simultaneous determination of neutral and acidic sugars of purified polysaccharides from E. sinica.

Methodology – Three polysaccharides (ESP‐A3, ESP‐A4 and ESP‐B4) were isolated and purified by ion exchange and gel‐filtration chromatography from the stem of E. sinica. The effects of background electrolyte pH and concentration, applied voltage and temperature on the separation were investigated. Meanwhile, factors affecting the hydrolysis of ESP‐B4 with sulphuric acid were investigated by changing the hydrolysis time, acid concentration and hydrolytic temperature to achieve complete hydrolysis. The standard curves coupled with correction factors were used to calculate molar ratios.

Results – The optimal CZE method coupled with correction factors was successfully applied to the determination of molar ratios of three purified polysaccharides and their corresponding partial acid hydrolysis products. ESP‐A3, ESP‐A4 and ESP‐B4 were all typical acidic hetero‐polysaccharides and consisted of xylose, arabinose, glucose, rhamnose, mannose, galactose, glucuronic acid and galacturonic acid, and their corresponding molar ratios were 6.8:7.5:1.0:14.0:13.7:22.3:10.2:3.8 for ESP‐A3, 1.2:4.1:1.0:5.1:1.6:17.3:3.1:2.2 for ESP‐A4, and 1.0:4.5:1.0:2.0:1.0:5.5:1.5:50.0 for ESP‐B4.

Conclusion – The results provided scientific evidence for the further study of the structure and bioactivity of complex acidic E. sinica polysaccharides. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of recorded medication use in the Medical Birth Registry of Norway with prescribed medicines registered in the Norwegian Prescription Database
Authors: Espnes Marte Gravseth , Bjørge Tone , Engeland Anders
Published: December 2010

Purpose

Maternal medication use during pregnancy is explored extensively, as it may cause birth defects. This study aimed to evaluate the validity of recorded medication use in the Medical Birth Registry of Norway (MBRN).

Methods

This study was based on the nationwide population‐based registries, the MBRN and the Norwegian Prescription Database (NorPD). These registries were linked using a unique 11‐digit identification number. The sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value (PPV) of recorded medication use in MBRN were computed using data from NorPD as the reference.

Results

Among the 163,678 pregnancies included in our study, the sensitivity for total drug use during pregnancy was calculated to be 32% and PPV was 82%. When we looked at the use of medication during the whole pregnancy, the sensitivities of drug registration for the main groups in the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC)‐classification varied from 50% (ATC group H) to 2% (ATC group S).

Conclusion

The medication use recorded in MBRN is poor compared with prescribed medicines registered in NorPD. There was a substantial difference between the different ATC codes regarding the sensitivity of MBRN in the registration of medication use during pregnancy. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Harte Nuss für Theoretiker. Hundert Jahre Supraleitung
Authors: Huebener Rudolf P.
Published: December 2010

1911 entdeckte der niederländische Physiker Heike Kamerlingh Onnes das Phänomen der Supraleitung. Er hatte auch früh die Vision, diese technisch einzusetzen. In den 1930er Jahren fanden Walther Meißner und Robert Ochsenfeld mit dem nach ihnen benannten Effekt die zweite grundlegende Eigenschaft der Supraleitung. Eine Theorie zur klassischen Supraleitung gelang John Bardeen, Leon Cooper und Robert Schrieffer im Jahr 1957. Zuvor hatte Alexei Abrikossow mit den Flusslinien eine wichtige Eigenschaft von Typ‐II‐Supraleitern entdeckt. Diese bahnten den Weg zu den ersten technischen Anwendungen. 1986 entdeckten dann Georg Bednorz und Alex Müller die Hochtemperatur‐Supraleitung. Inzwischen sind zu diesen Kupraten weitere neue Hochtemperatur‐Supraleiter hinzu gekommen.
Separated by a common translation? How the british and the dutch communicate
Authors: Rottier Bart , Ripmeester Nannette , Bush Andrew
Published: December 2010

The British and Dutch share a long naval‐, war‐ and medical history, in good times as well as bad. Their language has a common Germanic origin, but the English people may use special ways to express values or opinions, from which the sometimes paradoxical meaning is not always clear to the other party. Particularly with the Dutch, renowned for their directness, this may cause confusion. We provide a comprehensive set of expressions, each with paired interpretations, to foster Anglo–Dutch cooperation. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2011; 46:409–411. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pulmonary surfactant in respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis: The role in pathogenesis and clinical implications
Authors: Barreira Eliane Roseli , Precioso Alexander Roberto , Bousso Albert
Published: December 2010

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis is the leading cause of lower respiratory tract infection, and the most frequent reason for hospitalization among infants throughout the world. In addition to the acute consequences of the disease, RSV bronchiolitis in early childhood is related to further development of recurrent wheezing and asthma. Despite the medical and economic burden of the disease, therapeutic options are limited to supportive measures, and mechanical ventilation in severe cases. Growing evidence suggests an important role of changes in pulmonary surfactant content and composition in the pathogenesis of severe RSV bronchiolitis. Besides the well‐known importance of pulmonary surfactant in maintenance of pulmonary homeostasis and lung mechanics, the surfactant proteins SP‐A and SP‐D are essential components of the pulmonary innate immune system. Deficiencies of such proteins, which develop in severe RSV bronchiolitis, may be related to impairment in viral clearance, and exacerbated inflammatory response. A comprehensive understanding of the role of the pulmonary surfactant in the pathogenesis of the disease may help the development of new treatment strategies. We conducted a review of the literature to analyze the evidences of pulmonary surfactant changes in the pathogenesis of severe RSV bronchiolitis, its relation to the inflammatory and immune response, and the possible role of pulmonary surfactant replacement in the treatment of the disease. Pediatr. Pulmonol. 2011; 46:415–420. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.