bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Online Measurement of Hydrocortisone Particles and Improvement of the Crystallization Process
Authors: Chen J.‐X. , Yuan J.‐S. , Ulrich J. , Wang J.‐K.
Published: July 2009

Many methods have been developed to measure crystal particle size. The online Focused Beam Reflectance Measurement (FBRM) and a classical offline Laser Diffraction Method (LDM) were used to measure the size of the polyvinylchloride (PVC) particles and hydrocortisone (HC) crystals. For the standard spherical PVC particles, the particle sizes measured using both FBRM and LDM are similar. However, for the anomalistic HC particles, the difference between the particle sizes measured by the above two methods increased with the increase in the degree of scrambling. The online monitoring of the particle size by direct installation of a FBRM probe into the crystallization process helped indicate the crystal quality, and thus, improve the control of crystallization processes.
Production of Inorganic Nanoparticles by Microorganisms
Authors: Krumov N. , Perner‐Nochta I. , Oder S. , Gotcheva V. , Angelov A. , Posten C.
Published: July 2009

A promising new dimension in the field of biotechnology is the use of microorganisms for the production of inorganic nanoscale particles. The interest in nanotechnology is provoked by the unique properties of nanostructured materials and their potential fields of application ranging from medicine to electronics. This review article presents a systematic overview of the microorganisms capable of producing nanoparticles, and describes cellular mechanisms and outlines cultivation conditions that turn this process into a successful synthetic pathway.
A Model‐Based Approach to Determine the Design Space of Preparative Chromatography
Authors: Degerman M. , Westerberg K. , Nilsson B.
Published: July 2009

A dream of many pharmaceutical companies is to be able to register a large design space with the regulatory agencies. The problem is that this will require both time and money, so an intelligent method of validating a design space is needed. The design space should only cover operating points at which the process runs optimally. This means that the process should be optimized for different process scenarios and objective functions and the found operating points should be registered as design space. This paper presents a method of determining a good design space by creating Pareto fronts for the ideal case and for various process disturbance scenarios. Optimal operating points are found for varying ratios between feed costs and operating costs, making it possible to make a quantitative choice of an operating point based on this ratio and a qualitative choice based on the whole front. The analysis will show how the chromatographic process can be made more robust when optimizing for higher yields, and how the effect of the critical process parameters can change. To be certain that a robust process is found and that it has a high performance, process disturbances must be taken into account when optimizing a process.
Gold (III) porphyrin complexes induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest and inhibit tumor growth in colon cancer
Authors: Tu Shuiping , Wai‐Yin Sun Raymond , Lin Marie C. M. , Tao Cui Jian , Zou Bing , Gu Qing , Kung Hsiang‐Fu , Che Chi‐Ming , Wong Benjamin C. Y.
Published: July 2009

BACKGROUND:

Gold (III) compounds have exhibited favorable antitumor properties both in vitro and in vivo. In a previous study, the authors reported that the novel gold (III) complex 1a (gold 1a) exhibited strong cytotoxicity in some tumor cell lines. In the current study, the effect of gold 1a was investigated on colon cancer cells.

METHODS:

The cytotoxicity of gold 1a was determined by using the 3‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐2‐thihazyl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2H‐tetrazolium bromide method. Flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis and cell cycle. The expression of protein was evaluated by Western blot assay. Tumor growth in vivo was evaluated in nude mice.

RESULTS:

Gold 1a exhibited marked cytotoxic effects in vitro to human colon cancer, and the concentration of drug required to inhibit cell growth by 50% compared with control (IC50) values ranged from 0.2 μM to 3.4 μM, which represented 8.7‐fold to 20.8‐fold greater potency than that of cisplatin. Gold 1a significantly induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest and cleaved caspase 3, caspase 7, and poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase; released cytochrome C, and up‐regulated p53, p21, p27, and Bax. In vivo, intraperitoneal injection of gold 1a at doses of 1.5 mg/kg and 3.0 mg/kg significantly inhibited tumor cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, and suppressed colon cancer tumor growth. An acute toxicology study indicated that gold 1a at effective antitumor concentrations did not cause any toxic side effects in mice.

CONCLUSIONS:

The current results suggested that gold 1a may be a new potential therapeutic drug for colon cancer. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Very Long‐Range Effects: Cooperativity between Anion–π and Hydrogen‐Bonding Interactions
Authors: Lucas Xavier , Estarellas Carolina , Escudero Daniel , Frontera Antonio , Quiñonero David , Deyà Pere M.
Published: July 2009

The interplay between two important non‐covalent interactions involving aromatic rings (namely anion–π and hydrogen bonding) is investigated. Very interesting cooperativity effects are present in complexes where anion–π and hydrogen bonding interactions coexist. These effects are found in systems where the distance between the anion and the hydrogen‐bond donor/acceptor molecule is as long as ∼11 Å. These effects are studied theoretically using the energetic and geometric features of the complexes, which were computed using ab initio calculations. We use and discuss several criteria to analyze the mutual influence of the non‐covalent interactions studied herein. In addition we use Bader’s theory of atoms‐in‐molecules to characterize the interactions and to analyze the strengthening or weakening of the interactions depending upon the variation of the charge density at the critical points.
Automation in high‐content flow cytometry screening
Authors: Naumann U. , Wand M. P.
Published: July 2009

High‐content flow cytometric screening (FC‐HCS) is a 21st Century technology that combines robotic fluid handling, flow cytometric instrumentation, and bioinformatics software, so that relatively large numbers of flow cytometric samples can be processed and analysed in a short period of time. We revisit a recent application of FC‐HCS to the problem of cellular signature definition for acute graft‐versus‐host‐disease. Our focus is on automation of the data processing steps using recent advances in statistical methodology. We demonstrate that effective results, on par with those obtained via manual processing, can be achieved using our automatic techniques. Such automation of FC‐HCS has the potential to drastically improve diagnosis and biomarker identification. © 2009 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Scoring system for differential diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma and reactive mesothelial cells on cytology specimens
Authors: Kimura Noriko , Dota Kimiko , Araya Yoshikazu , Ishidate Takuzo , Ishizaka Masanori
Published: July 2009

Cytology is the only useful tool in the detection of malignant mesothelioma (MM) at an early stage. No other methods, such as immunocytochemistry or electron microscopy, are available to distinguish MM from reactive mesothelial cells (RMC). Some objective analysis of cytology specimens is necessary. On the basis of our case review and cytological features described in previous articles, we developed a scoring system for malignant mesothelioma (SSMM) of effusion cytology to distinguish MM cells from RMC.

Mesothelioma cells in effusions from 22 patients (20 pleural and 2 peritoneal mesotheliomas) were compared with RMC from 20 patients without obvious tumor cells and 50 effusions containing metastatic carcinoma cells. The SSMM is based on characteristic features of mesothelial and malignant cells. The total achievable score is 10 points: one point each is given for variety of cell size, cyanophilic cytoplasm with villosity/windows/bleb, sheet‐like arrangement, mirror‐ball‐like cell clusters, nuclear atypia, and cannibalism, respectively. Further two points each are ascribed for acidophilic large nucleoli and multinucleated cells with more than eight nuclei. The total score for each of the 22 mesotheliomas was more than 5 points. On the other hand, all RMC and the 50 metastatic carcinoma cases scored less than 3 points, aside from two cases that were treated with OK432. No single characteristic feature was observed to be consistent within the 22 mesotheliomas analyzed. Ancillary use of immunocytochemistry, such as podoplanin (D2‐40) and calretinin, supported the diagnostic accuracy of the SSMM. SSMM is useful for the differential diagnosis of MM. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Improving the dissolution and oral bioavailability of the poorly water‐soluble drug aloe‐emodin by solid dispersion with polyethylene glycol 6000
Authors: Duan Hao‐gang , Wei Yu‐hui , Li Bo‐xia , Qin Hong‐yan , Wu Xin‐an
Published: July 2009

Solid dispersions (SDs) of aloe‐emodin (AE) and polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG6000) with different drug loadings were prepared, characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and evaluated for solubility and in vitro release. The oral bioavailability of AE from SD in rats was compared with the crystalline drug. Plasma concentrations of AE were determined by HPLC. After administration of crystalline AE (35 mg·kg−1) in rats, the AUC0‐600 and Cmax were 393.6±77.1 mg·min·l−1 and 1.87±0.30 mg·l−1, respectively. For the PEG6000 SD of AE, AUC0‐600 and Cmax were boosted to 1310.5±111.9 mg·min·l−1 and 5.86±0.47 mg·l−1, respectively. The results indicated that the oral bioavailability of AE was increased significantly. Simultaneously, the Tmax value of AE for AE crystalline was decreased from 75.6±17.3 min to 44.8±14.8 min for SD. The earlier Tmax for AE from SD indicated the higher extent of absorption for SD due to their improved dissolution rate in rat intestine. This SD approach can therefore be used to enhanced dissolution and bioavailability for poorly water‐soluble drugs. Drug Dev Res, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The evaluation of a biodegradable dental chip containing chlorhexidine in chitosan base as a targeted drug delivery in the management of chronic periodontitis in patients
Authors: Jothi M.V. , Bhat K.M. , Pratibha P.K. , Bhat G.S.
Published: July 2009

Chlorhexidine is one of the commonly used agents in the treatment of periodontitis. In the present study, a biodegradable dental chip of chitosan containing chlorhexidine was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo, as a targeted drug delivery system in patients of chronic periodontitis. Thirty patients having localized periodontal pockets ≥5 mm were selected. At baseline, the experimental patients received full mouth scaling and root planing followed by placement of a chlorhexidine chip. The placebo group received plain chitosan chips, and conventional scaling and root planing were performed for the control group. Measurements of plaque, gingival index were recorded at 1, 2, 3, and 4 months. Probing depth and clinical attachment levels were recorded at the 3rd and 4th month. GCF and saliva samples were procured from the subjects to analyze the drug release at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 24 h and on days 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 30, 60, and 90. The study showed improvement in plaque index, gingival index, probing depth, and clinical attachment levels, but the chlorhexidine chip–treated group showed a significantly better improvement than placebo and control groups at the end of 120 days. Based on the results of the present in vivo study, we can conclude that the chlorhexidine‐containing chitosan drug delivery system may be an adjunct in treating patients with chronic periodontitis. Drug Dev Res, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hydrologic habitat preferences of select southeastern USA fishes resilient to river ecosystem fragmentation
Authors: Rypel Andrew L. , Bayne David R.
Published: July 2009

Large‐scale habitat preferences of riverine taxa are not always revealed by examining community data. Here, we show how lipid and growth can be used to evaluate hydrologic habitat preferences of fishes resilient to river fragmentation (i.e. species that can tolerate river fragmentation by dams, but not collapse). Lipid content was examined for seven fishes in a major southeastern USA reservoir and its largest lotic tributary over the 5 years. Controlling for effects of sex, size and year of collection, largemouth bass, spotted bass and black crappie had significantly higher lipid in lentic habitat. Conversely, channel catfish and freshwater drum had significantly higher lipid in lotic habitat. There were no significant differences in lipid of bluegill and blacktail shiner between hydrologic habitat types. Fish growth produced concordant results as largemouth bass and spotted bass had significantly faster growth in lentic habitat, whereas channel catfish and freshwater drum had significantly faster growth in lotic habitat. We were also able to document a synchronous spike in lipids of these species in both habitat types during a major drought. We surmise that the spike was driven by enhanced primary production, predator‐prey concentration and possibly also reduced reproduction during intense drought. Two conclusions are drawn from this study as a whole. First, long‐term lipid and growth observations hold promise for evaluating ecological effects of droughts over long time spans. Second, population characteristics are excellent indicators of habitat preferences and could be used more broadly to elucidate how organisms react to river ecosystem fragmentation and restoration initiatives. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vivo post‐transcriptional regulation of CD154 in mouse CD4+ T cells
Authors: Vavassori Stefano , Shi Yufang , Chen Chiann‐Chyi , Ron Yacov , Covey Lori R.
Published: July 2009

Interactions between CD40 and its ligand CD154 are involved in the progression of both cell mediated and innate immunity. These interactions are brought about by the transient expression of CD154 on activated CD4+ T cells, which is regulated, in part, at the level of mRNA turnover. Here we have focused on analyzing the pattern of post‐transcriptional regulation in mouse CD4+ T cells in response to activation. Initial experiments identify a region of the murine CD154 mRNA that binds a polypyrimidine tract‐binding protein‐containing complex (mComplex I), which is activation‐dependent and binds to a single CU‐rich site within the 3′ uTR Subsequent findings demonstrate that in vivo polyclonal activation of T cells leads to a pattern of differential CD154 mRNA stability that is directly dependent on extent of activation. Furthermore, in vitro activation of antigen‐primed T cells shows that the CD154 mRNA half‐life increases relative to that of unprimed cells. Importantly, this is the first report demonstrating that the regulation of CD154 in vivo is connected to an activation‐induced program of mRNA decay and thus provides strong evidence for post‐transcriptional mechanisms having a physiological role in regulating CD154 expression during an ongoing immune response.
High diversity of the immune repertoire in humanized NOD.SCID.γc−/− mice
Authors: Marodon Gilles , Desjardins Delphine , Mercey Laetitia , Baillou Claude , Parent Pierric , Manuel Manuarii , Caux Christophe , Bellier Bertrand , Pasqual Nicolas , Klatzmann David
Published: July 2009

The diversity of the human immune repertoire and how it relates to a functional immune response has not yet been studied in detail in humanized NOD.SCID.γc−/− immunodeficient mice. Here, we used a multiplex PCR on genomic DNA to quantify the combinatorial diversity of all possible V–J rearrangements at the TCR‐β chain and heavy chain Ig locus. We first show that the combinatorial diversity of the TCR‐β chain generated in the thymus was well preserved in the periphery, suggesting that human T cells were not vastly activated in mice, in agreement with phenotypic studies. We then show that the combinatorial diversity in NOD.SCID.γc−/− mice reached 100% of human reference samples for both the TCR and the heavy chain of Ig. To document the functionality of this repertoire, we show that a detectable but weak HLA‐restricted cellular immune response could be elicited in reconstituted mice after immunization with an adenoviral vector expressing HCV envelope glycoproteins. Altogether, our results suggest that humanized mice express a diversified repertoire and are able to mount antigen‐specific immune responses.
Preparation by Hydrothermal Techniques in a Tungstosilicate Acid Solution System and Optical Properties of Tellurium Nanotubes
Authors: Zhang Li , Wang Cong , Wen Deyun
Published: July 2009

Single‐crystalline tellurium nanotubes can be easily synthesised by a simple hydrothermal, economical and green chemical route. The tungstosilicate acid (TSA) serves as not only an effective reducing agent but also a new morphology‐directing agent for tellurium nanotubes from sodium tellurate (Na2TeO3) precursor powders. Scanning electron microscopy images show that most of the tellurium nanotubes have sloping cross‐sections and open ends with outer diameters of 100–500 nm, wall thicknesses of 30–100 nm and lengths of 30–50 μm. A few Te nanotubes have hexagonal cross‐sections. Te nanotubes grow along the [001] direction and have excellent crystallinity. The synthetic conditions also investigated for the tellurium nanotubes were molar ratio of sodium tellurate to TSA, pH of reaction solution and reaction temperature. The optical properties of the t‐Te nanotubes have been investigated. A possible mechanism for the growth of tellurium nanotubes has been discussed.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Ketoximate Derivatives of Titanium Alkoxides and Partial Hydrolysis Products Thereof
Authors: Baumann Stefan O. , Bendova Maria , Fric Helmut , Puchberger Michael , Visinescu Claudia , Schubert Ulrich
Published: July 2009

Crystalline oximate derivatives of titanium alkoxides [Ti(OR)2(ON=CR′R″)2]2 were obtained when Ti(OR)4 (R = iPr, Et) was treated with various oximes (cyclopentanone oxime, cyclohexanone oxime, acetoxime, ethyl methyl ketoxime or 2,4‐pentandione dioxime). Formation of bis‐substituted derivatives was favored in each case, and only one mono‐substituted derivative, [Ti(OiPr)3(ON=C6H10)]2, was isolated. Two isomers were observed for [Ti(OR)2(ON=CR′R″)2]2, differing by the mutual orientation of the oximate ligands. The NO groups of the oximate ligands are side‐on coordinated to one titanium atom in each case. Three partially hydrolyzed derivatives, viz. Ti6O6(OiPr)6(ON=CR2)6 (CR2 = CMe2 or C5H8) and Ti4O2(OiPr)8(ON=CMe–CH2–CMe=NO)2 were also structurally characterized. In these derivatives the NO groups bridge two titanium atoms.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Atypicality and the two fundamental dimensions: Applying the negativity effect on warmth to group perception
Authors: Kervyn Nicolas , Dolderer Mirjam , Mahieu Timothée , Yzerbyt Vincent Y.
Published: July 2009

The person perception literature has shown that negative information on warmth influences impression formation more than other kinds of information. In the present paper, we argue for the usefulness of using the knowledge accumulated on the negativity effect on warmth when studying how members of a group who are disconfirming the group stereotype are perceived. We show that negative divergent information on warmth is perceived as more surprising because it appears to be more discrepant than positive divergent information on warmth or than competence information. We also show how stereotype holders protect their stereotype by rating the surprising incoherent information as atypical. Results are discussed in terms of the necessity to apply our knowledge of the two fundamental dimensions of social perception and their properties to typicality ratings and, beyond them, to stereotype change research. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid analysis of peptides and amino acids by CE‐ESI‐MS using chemically modified fused‐silica capillaries
Authors: Lu Minghua , Zhang Lan , Lu Qiaomei , Chi Yuwu , Chen Guonan
Published: July 2009

The objective of this study was to prepare a coated capillary to achieve rapid analysis of peptides and amino acids (AAs) by CE‐ESI‐MS. The coated capillary was prepared by chemical modification of the fused silica (FS) capillary with 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonic acid (AMPS) via a silanization reaction followed by an on‐column in situ graft polymerization. In preparing capillary coating, AMPS was introduced for the following two purposes: first, to achieve strong and stable EOF in a wide pH range, and second, to obtain good repeatability of separations of peptides and AAs by reducing their adsorption to the FS capillary. The inner wall morphology, the characteristics of EOF, and the performances of coated capillary including separation ability, repeatability, and stability were investigated in detail and evaluated by analyses of four peptides (D‐Ala‐D‐Ala, Gly‐Gly‐L‐Leu, Gly‐D‐Phe, and L‐Leu‐D‐Leu) and three AAs (glycine, glutamic acid, and phenylalanine), respectively. Under the optimized conditions, the analysis times of four peptides and three AAs in the coated capillary were 5.6 and 6.0 min, respectively, i.e. much shorter than those in the bare‐FS capillary, 20 and 26 min, respectively. These coated capillaries were shown to be well suitable for CE coupling with ESI‐MS to analyze peptides and AAs thanks to high separation power, short analysis times, good repeatability and high stability.
Spatial modelling and prediction on river networks: up model, down model or hybrid?
Authors: Garreta Vincent , Monestiez Pascal , Ver Hoef Jay M.
Published: July 2009

Preservation of rivers and water resources is crucial in most environmental policies and many efforts are made to assess water quality. Environmental monitoring of large river networks are based on measurement stations. Compared to the total length of river networks, their number is often limited and there is a need to extend environmental variables that are measured locally to the whole river network. The objective of this paper is to propose several relevant geostatistical models for river modelling. These models use river distance and are based on two contrasting assumptions about dependency along a river network. Inference using maximum likelihood, model selection criterion and prediction by kriging are then developed. We illustrate our approach on two variables that differ by their distributional and spatial characteristics: summer water temperature and nitrate concentration. The data come from 141 to 187 monitoring stations in a network on a large river located in the Northeast of France that is more than 5000 km long and includes Meuse and Moselle basins. We first evaluated different spatial models and then gave prediction maps and error variance maps for the whole stream network. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Meso‐scale catchment sediment budgets: combining field surveys and modeling in the Dragonja catchment, southwest Slovenia
Authors: Keesstra S. D. , Bruijnzeel L. A. , van Huissteden J.
Published: July 2009

In this paper, we present a methodology to construct a sediment budget for meso‐scale catchments. We combine extensive field surveys and expert knowledge of the catchment with a sediment delivery model. The meso‐scale Mediterranean drainage basin of the Dragonja (91 km2), southwest Slovenia, was chosen as case study area.

During the field surveys, sheet wash was observed on sloping agricultural fields during numerous rainfall events, which was found to be the main source of sediment. With the sediment yield model WATEM/SEDEM the estimated net erosion on the hillslopes 4·1 t ha–1 y–1 (91% of inputs). The second source, bank erosion (4·2%; 0·25 t ha–1 y–1) was monitored during several years with erosion pins and photogrammetric techniques. The last source, channel incision, was derived from geomorphological mapping and lichenomery and provided 3·8% (0·17 t ha–1 y–1) of the sediment input.

The river transports its suspended sediment mainly during high‐flow events (sampled with automated water samplers). About 27% (1·2 t ha–1 y–1) of the sediment delivered to the channel is deposited on floodplains and low terraces downstream (estimated with geomorphological mapping, coring and cesium‐137 measurements). The sediment transported as bedload disintegrates during transport to the outlet due to the softness of the bedrock material. As a result, the river carries no bedload when it reaches the sea.

The results imply a build‐up of sediment in the valleys catchment. However, extreme flood events may flush large amounts of sediment stored in the lower parts of the system. Geomorphological evidence exists in the catchment that such high magnitude, low frequency events have happened in the past. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of a simple enthalpy‐based pyrolysis model in numerical simulations of pyrolysis of charring materials
Authors: Wasan S. R. , Rauwoens P. , Vierendeels J. , Merci B.
Published: July 2009

A new, simple pyrolysis model for charring materials is applied to several numerical and experimental test cases with variable externally imposed heat fluxes. The model is based on enthalpy. A piecewise linear temperature field representation is adopted, in combination with an estimate for the pyrolysis front position. Chemical kinetics are not accounted for: the pyrolysis process takes place in an infinitely thin front, at the ‘pyrolysis temperature’. The evolution in time of pyrolysis gases mass flow rates and surface temperatures is discussed. The presented model is able to reproduce numerical reference results, which were obtained with the more complex moving mesh model. It performs better than the integral model. We illustrate good agreement with numerical reference results for variable thickness and boundary conditions. This reveals that the model provides good results for the entire range of thermally thin and thermally thick materials. It also shows that possible interruption of the pyrolysis process, due to excessive heat losses, is automatically predicted with the present approach. Finally, an experimental test case is considered. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of heat transfer on a third grade fluid in a flat channel
Authors: Ellahi R. , Ariel P. D. , Hayat T. , Asghar S.
Published: July 2009

The heat transfer analysis on the laminar flow of an incompressible third grade fluid through a porous flat channel is examined. The lower plate is assumed to be at a higher temperature than the upper plate. Analytical solution for temperature distribution is obtained for various values of the controlling parameters and discussed. The obtained analytical solution is also compared with the numerical solution. The comparison shows the fact that the accuracy is remarkable. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gelenkig am offenen Herzen
Authors: Hirzinger Gerhard , Hagn Ulrich
Published: July 2009

Grundlagenforschung in der Medizintechnik: Eine innovative robotische Plattform macht die minimalinvasive Chirurgie noch intelligenter und effektiver
Trajectories of mobility and IADL function in older patients diagnosed with major depression
Authors: Hybels Celia F. , Pieper Carl F. , Blazer Dan G. , Fillenbaum Gerda G. , Steffens David C.
Published: July 2009

Objective

Research has shown an association between depression and functional limitations in older adults. Our aim was to explore the latent traits of trajectories of limitations in mobility and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) tasks in a sample of older adults diagnosed with major depression.

Methods

Participants were 248 patients enrolled in a naturalistic depression treatment study. Mobility/IADL tasks included walking one‐fourth mile, going up/down stairs, getting around the neighborhood, shopping, handling money, taking care of children, cleaning house, preparing meals and doing yardwork/gardening. Latent class trajectory analysis was used to identify classes of mobility/IADL function over a 4‐year period. Class membership was then used to predict functional status over time.

Results

Using time as the only predictor, three latent class trajectories were identified: (1) Patients with few mobility/IADL limitations (42%), (2) Patients with considerable mobility/IADL limitations (37%) and (3) Patients with basically no limitations (21%). The classes differed primarily in their initial functional status, with some immediate improvement followed by no further change for patients in Classes 1 and 2 and a stable course for patients in Class 3. In a repeated measures mixed model controlling for potential confounders, class was a significant predictor of functional status. The effect of baseline depression score, cognitive status, self‐perceived health and sex on mobility/IADL score differed by class.

Conclusions

These findings show systematic variability in functional status over time among older patients with major depression, indicating that a single trajectory may not reflect the pattern for all patients. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role of salivary function in patients with globus pharyngeus
Authors: Baek Chung‐Hwan , Chung Man Ki , Choi Joon Young , So Yoon Kyoung , Son Young‐Ik , Jeong Han‐Sin
Published: July 2009

Background.

Our aim was to investigate the prevalence and the clinical role of salivary hypofunction in patients with globus sensation.

Methods.

We conducted a prospective observational study in 340 patients with globus pharyngeus. A standard questionnaire and 99mTc‐pertechnate salivary scintigraphy were used to evaluate salivary hypofunction, with a full examination from the nasal cavity to the larynx (N = 303). We also investigated the effect of xerostomia management on globus symptoms (N = 252).

Results.

The symptom scores for xerostomia were higher in patients with severe globus (p < .05). Objective salivary hypofunction was noted in 57.4% of the patients, based on the reference values from control groups. Globus symptoms were more severe in the subgroup with salivary hypofunction (p = .0447). Conservative management of xerostomia significantly reduced the severity of globus at 1 and 3 months (p = .0002) regardless of salivary function.

Conclusions.

Salivary hypofunction seems to be an aggravating factor in globus pharyngeus, but not a direct cause. Conservative management of xerostomia improves globus symptoms. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010
How would I manage a sample submitted for flow cytometry analysis for suspicious chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Authors: Bulian Pietro , Del Poeta Giovanni , Gattei Valter
Published: July 2009

Samples submitted for a suspect of chronic lymphocytic leukemia are the most frequently observed in flow cytometry laboratories. These cases require not only a precise and prompt diagnosis but also an evaluation on the possibility of performing additional prognostic tests. We will propose two sequential flow cytometry panels and a personal opinion on how to manage these samples for both diagnostic and prognostic assessment, taking into account the published guidelines and recommendations. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Telomeres and telomerase in chronic myeloid leukaemia: impact for pathogenesis, disease progression and targeted therapy
Authors: Keller Gunhild , Brassat Ute , Braig Melanie , Heim Denise , Wege Henning , Brümmendorf Tim H.
Published: July 2009

Telomeres are specialized structures localized at the end of human chromosomes. Due to the end replication problem, each cell division results in a loss of telomeric repeats in normal somatic cells. In germ line and stem cells, the multicomponent enzyme telomerase maintains the length of telomere repeats. However, elevated telomerase activity has also been reported in the majority of solid tumours as well as in acute and chronic leukaemia. Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) serves as a model disease to study telomere biology in clonal myeloproliferative disorders. In CML, telomere shortening correlates with disease stage, duration of chronic phase (CP), prognosis measured by the Hasford risk score and the response to disease‐modifying therapeutics such as the tyrosine kinase inhibitor Imatinib. In addition, telomerase activity (TA) is already increased in CP CML and further upregulated with disease progression to accelerated phase and blast crisis (BC). Furthermore, a correlation of TA with increased genetic instability as well as a shorter survival of the patients has been reported. Here, we review the current state of knowledge of the role of telomere and telomerase biology in CML and discuss the possible impact of novel treatment approaches. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved survival in red blood cell transfusion dependent patients with primary myelofibrosis (PMF) receiving iron chelation therapy
Authors: Leitch Heather A. , Chase Jocelyn M. , Goodman Trisha A. , Ezzat Hatoon , Rollins Meaghan D. , Wong Dominic H.C. , Badawi Maha , Leger Chantal S. , Ramadan Khaled M. , Barnett Michael J. , Foltz Lynda M. , Vickars Linda M.
Published: July 2009

Many patients with primary myelofibrosis (PMF) become red blood cell (RBC) transfusion dependent (TD), risking iron overload (IOL). Iron chelation therapy (ICT) may decrease the risk of haemosiderosis associated organ dysfunction, though its benefit in PMF is undefined. To assess the effect of TD and ICT on survival in PMF, we retrospectively reviewed 41 patients. Clinical data were collected from the database and by chart review. The median age at PMF diagnosis was 64 (range 43–86) years. Median white blood cell (WBC) count at diagnosis was 7.6 (range 1.2–70.9) × 109/L; haemoglobin 104 (62–145) G/L; platelets 300 (38–2088) × 109/L. Lille, Strasser, Mayo and International Prognostic System (IPS) scores were: low risk, n = 15, 8, 11, 3; intermediate, n = 15, 19, 9, 16; high, n = 5, 11, 5, 7; respectively. Primary PMF treatment was: supportive care, n = 23; hydroxyurea, n = 10; immunomodulatory, n = 4; splenectomy, n = 2. Sixteen patients were RBC transfusion independent (TI) and 25 TD; of these 10 received ICT for a median of 18.3 (0.1–117) months. Pre‐ICT ferritin levels were a median of 2318 (range 263–8400) and at follow up 1571 (1005–3211 µg/L (p = 0.01). In an analysis of TD patients, factors significant for overall survival (OS) were: WBC count at diagnosis (p = 0.002); monocyte count (p = 0.0001); Mayo score (p = 0.05); IPS (p = 0.02); number of RBC units (NRBCU) transfused (p = 0.02) and ICT (p = 0.003). In a multivariate analysis, significant factors were: NRBCU (p = 0.001) and ICT (p = 0.0001). Five year OS for TI, TD‐ICT and TD‐NO ICT were: 100, 89 and 34%, respectively (p = 0.003). The hazard ratio (HR) for receiving >20 RBCU was 7.6 (95% Confidence Intervals [CI] 1.2–49.3) and for ICT was 0.15 (0.03–0.77). In conclusion, 61% of PMF patients developed RBC‐TD which portended inferior OS; however patients receiving ICT had comparatively improved OS, suggesting a clinical benefit. Prospective studies of IOL and the impact of ICT in PMF are warranted. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transit time evaluation using a chloride concentration input step shift after forest cutting in a Japanese headwater catchment
Authors: Oda Tomoki , Asano Yuko , Suzuki Masakazu
Published: July 2009

Mean transit times were estimated for a small headwater catchment in Japan (the Fukuroyamasawa Experimental Watershed) using the step shift in input chloride (Cl−) concentrations that occurred immediately after an episode of forest clear‐cutting. Measured Cl− concentrations in stream water began to decrease immediately after clear‐cutting, and this trend continued for 6 years. Before clear‐cutting, the input Cl− concentrations were controlled by wet and dry deposition processes, and most of the dry Cl− deposition was collected by the forest canopy and reached the ground as throughfall and stemflow. After clear‐cutting, dry deposition was no longer collected by the canopy in this way, thus causing a sharp decrease in input Cl− concentrations. By comparing measured Cl− concentrations in stream water with estimates based on the input and evaporative Cl− concentrations, it was shown that the decrease in stream water Cl− concentrations was caused mainly by this step shift in the Cl− input. It was proposed that the change in Cl− concentrations after forest cutting could be used to represent the replacement of ‘old’ water that existed before cutting by ‘new’ water that was supplied after cutting. The breakthrough curve for the new water fraction gave an approximately exponential distribution of transit times in flow‐corrected time. The mean flow‐corrected transit time was estimated as 1068 days (runoff: 3497 mm). It was therefore concluded that the step change in input Cl− concentrations immediately following forest clear‐cutting could be successfully used to estimate transit times for the entire catchment. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long‐term clinical evaluation and SEM analysis of the e‐PTFE and titanium membranes in guided tissue regeneration
Authors: Toygar Hilal Uslu , Guzeldemir Esra , Cilasun Ulkem , Akkor Didem , Arpak Nejat
Published: July 2009

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate clinical outcomes of titanium membrane and compare these findings with clinical outcomes of e‐PTFE membrane, and to investigate the effect of bacterial contamination on both membranes with SEM during long‐term healing. Results: Sixteen titanium and sixteen e‐PTFE membranes were surgically placed adjacent to periodontally involved teeth. Seven titanium and 8 e‐PTFE membranes were exposed between 4 and 6 weeks. There were no significant difference between groups for plaque and gingival index. Probing depth and clinical attachment level (CAL) were decreased in both groups when compared with baseline; however, these differences were not statistically significant. The CAL gains between the groups were statistically different in 3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th, and 24th months (p < 0.05), and the CAL gain was significantly higher in titanium membrane (p < 0.05). There was significant decrease in bleeding on probing from baseline in both groups (p < 0.05). Surfaces of 15 membranes were studied using SEM. The largest amount of bacteria was found on the external cervical surfaces of 15 exposed specimens. The entire surface showed the presence of slough epithelial cells, leukocytes, red blood cells, yeast, and microbial plaque. Thirteen external mid surfaces of the 15 specimens, external apical surfaces of three e‐PTFE and 1 titanium membrane, internal collar surfaces of all specimens, internal mid surfaces of 5 e‐PTFE and three titanium membranes and internal apical surface of only one e‐PTFE membrane were infected. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that titanium membrane is equivalent to e‐PTFE membranes for GTR in the treatment of periodontal defects. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
Ionic liquids in the selective recovery of fat from composite foodstuffs
Authors: Lateef Huma , Grimes Sue , Kewcharoenwong Pajaree , Bailey Elena
Published: July 2009

BACKGROUND: Ionic liquids (ILs) are able to dissolve a wide range of organic and inorganic molecules and have potential application in the separation and recovery of valuable components from wastes. The potential for ILs to separate sugar and fat from food waste is demonstrated using chocolate as a model system.

RESULTS: The ILs 1‐(2‐cyanoethyl)‐3‐methylimidazolium bromide (cyanoMIMBr), 1‐propyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bromide (propylMIMBr), 1‐hexylpyridinium bromide (hexylPyrBr) and 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride (butylMIMCl) were synthesised by microwave technology and fully characterised by mass spectrometry, thermogravimetric differential scanning calorimetery, thin layer chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The solubilities of the fat and carbohydrate components in the ILs are reported for the two main ingredients in chocolate. CyanoMIMBr and propylMIMBr selectively solubilise sugar leaving the fat insoluble. Both cyanoMIMBr and propylMIMBr have been used to successfully separate sugars and cocoa butter fat from white, milk and dark chocolate and the Fourier transform infrared spectra and thermogravimetric differential scanning calorimeter profiles of the extracted fat samples are in good agreement with reference material data.

CONCLUSIONS: The ILs cyanoMIMBr and propylMIMBr are successful in the separation and recovery of fat from white, milk and dark chocolate, as confirmed by FTIR and TG‐DSC data. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparative anatomy of internal incubational sacs in cupuladriid bryozoans and the evolution of brooding in free‐living cheilostomes
Authors: Ostrovsky Andrew N. , O'Dea Aaron , Rodríguez Felix
Published: July 2009

Numerous gross morphological attributes are shared among unrelated free‐living bryozoans revealing convergent evolution associated with functional demands of living on soft sediments. Here, we show that the reproductive structures across free‐living groups evolved convergently. The most prominent convergent traits are the collective reduction of external brood chambers (ovicells) and the acquisition of internal brooding. Anatomical studies of four species from the cheilostome genera Cupuladria and Discoporella (Cupuladriidae) show that these species incubate their embryos in internal brooding sacs located in the coelom of the maternal nonpolymorphic autozooids. This sac consists of a main chamber and a narrow neck communicating to the vestibulum. The distal wall of the vestibulum possesses a cuticular thickening, which may further isolate the brood cavity. The presence of this character in all four species strongly supports grouping Cupuladria and Discoporella in one taxon. Further evidence suggests that the Cupuladriidae may be nested within the Calloporidae. Based on the structure of brooding organs, two scenarios are proposed to explain the evolution of the internal brooding in cupuladriids. The evolution of brood chambers and their origin in other free‐living cheilostomes is discussed. Unlike the vast majority of Neocheilostomina, almost all free‐living cheilostomes possess nonprominent chambers for embryonic incubation, either endozooidal and immersed ovicells or internal brooding sacs, supporting the idea that internal embryonic incubation is derived. We speculate that prominent skeletal brood chambers are disadvantageous to a free‐living mode of life that demands easy movement through sediment in instable sea‐floor settings. J. Morphol., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vivo kinematics and kinetics of a bi‐cruciate substituting total knee arthroplasty: A combined fluoroscopic and gait analysis study
Authors: Catani Fabio , Ensini Andrea , Belvedere Claudio , Feliciangeli Alessandro , Benedetti Maria Grazia , Leardini Alberto , Giannini Sandro
Published: July 2009

After total knee arthroplasty, changes in articular surface geometry, soft tissue treatment, and component alignment can alter normal lower limb function. The guided motion bi‐cruciate substituting prosthesis was designed specifically to restore physiological knee joint motion. We determined whether this design could in vivo normal kinematics and kinetics, not only at the replaced knee, but also throughout both lower limbs. Sixteen patients (4 male, 12 female, mean age of 68.2 years with a range from 58 to 79 years) with primary knee osteoarthritis were implanted with the bi‐cruciate substituting prosthesis. At 6‐month follow‐up, knee joint kinematics was assessed by video‐fluoroscopy during stair‐climbing, chair‐rising/sitting, and step‐up/down. Lower limb overall function was also assessed on the same day by standard gait analysis with simultaneous electromyography during level walking. By video‐fluoroscopy, mean anteroposterior translations between femoral and tibial components during the three motor tasks were 9.7 ± 3.0, 10 ± 2.6, and 6.9 ± 3.5 mm on the medial compartment, and 14.3 ± 3.5, 18.5 ± 3.0, and 13.9 ± 3.8 mm on the lateral compartment, respectively. Axial rotation ranged from 5.6° to 26.2°. Gait analysis revealed restoration of nearly normal walking patterns in most patients. This rare combination of measurements, i.e., accurate rotation‐translation at the replaced knee and complete locomotion patterns at both lower limb joints, suggested that bi‐cruciate substituting arthroplasty can restore physiological knee motion and normal overall function. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27:1569–1575, 2009
The effect of surface variability factors on wind‐erosion susceptibility: A field study in SW Niger
Authors: Maurer Thomas , Herrmann Ludger , Stahr Karl
Published: July 2009

The effects of several surface treatments and factors that influence wind‐erosion susceptibility were measured with the means of a mobile wind tunnel. The test surfaces are situated in the SW part of the Republic of Niger in W Africa. The measurement program included the determination of total and dust‐mass fluxes and surface‐specific wind‐erosion parameters like aerodynamic roughness and friction velocities. Different treatments and variations were investigated on one typical and common sand surface type: different densities of stone cover, different kinds of millet‐residue alignments, and different topsoil humidities as well as the effect of different densities of fallow vegetation. The on‐site experiments in a controlled wind‐tunnel environment allowed the observation of effects that were only scarcely described in wind‐erosion literature. Increased stone cover resulted in increased emission due to increased turbulence and channelling effect, in spite of increased surface roughness. Millet‐residue alignment in transversal orientation to the wind direction resulted in far higher emission reduction as documented in the literature. Topsoil humidity, though far above the known threshold for erosion, could not completely inhibit particle entrainment because of the quick development of a thin superficial layer of dry particles.