bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ChemInform Abstract: Functional Acetylenic Molecular Architecture
Authors: Diederich Francois
Published: June 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: NMR Spectroscopy as a Probe of Surfaces of Supported Metal Catalysts
Authors: Van der Klink J. J.
Published: June 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
Simulation and validation of ethanol removal from water in an adsorption packed bed: Isotherm and mass transfer parameter determination in batch studies
Authors: Jones R. A. , Thibault J. , Tezel F. H.
Published: June 2010

Preferential adsorption of ethanol from ethanol/water mixtures in batch equilibrium and kinetic experiments were carried out on a commercially available activated carbon adsorbent Filtrasorb 600 (F‐600). A model based on finite difference method was developed and employed to determine the mass transfer parameters and equilibrium behaviour for the adsorption of ethanol from simple batch systems. The estimates of the adsorption isotherm along with the mass transfer parameters were used to simulate the transient performance that could be expected in a packed bed under various operating conditions (feed flow rate, feed concentration, and particle size). The applicability of the simulation results were found to be a good match with experimental packed bed experiments over the entire range of operating conditions tested.
Sympathetic innervation of the ileocecal junction in horses
Authors: Russo D. , Bombardi C. , Grandis A. , Furness J.B. , Spadari A. , Bernardini C. , Chiocchetti R.
Published: June 2010

The distribution and chemical phenotypes of sympathetic and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons innervating the equine ileocecal junction (ICJ) were studied by combining retrograde tracing and immunohistochemistry. Immunoreactivity (IR) for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), dopamine beta‐hydroxylase (DBH), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP), substance P (SP), and neuropeptide Y (NPY) was investigated. Sympathetic neurons projecting to the ICJ were distributed within the celiac (CG), cranial mesenteric (CranMG), and caudal mesenteric (CaudMG) ganglia, as well as in the last ganglia of the thoracic sympathetic chain and in the splanchnic ganglia. In the CG and CranMG 91 ± 8% and 93 ± 12% of the neurons innervating the ICJ expressed TH‐ and DBH‐IR, respectively. In the CaudMG 90 ± 15% and 94 ± 5% of ICJ innervating neurons were TH‐ and DBH‐IR, respectively. Sympathetic (TH‐IR) fibers innervated the myenteric and submucosal ganglia, ileal blood vessels, and the muscle layers. They were more concentrated at the ICJ level and were also seen encircling myenteric plexus (MP) and submucosal plexus (SMP) descending neurons that were retrogradely labeled from the ICJ. Among the few retrogradely labeled DRG neurons, nNOS‐, CGRP‐, and SP‐IR nerve cells were observed. Dense networks of CGRP‐, nNOS‐, and SP‐IR varicosities were seen around retrogradely labeled prevertebral ganglia neurons. The CGRP‐IR fibers are probably the endings of neurons projecting from the intestine to the prevertebral ganglia. These findings indicate that this crucial region of the intestinal tract is strongly influenced by the sympathetic system and that sensory information of visceral origin influences the sympathetic control of the ICJ. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:4046–4066, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Long‐term regulation in calretinin staining in the rat inferior colliculus after unilateral auditory cortical ablation
Authors: Clarkson Cheryl , Juíz José M. , Merchán Miguel Á.
Published: June 2010

In this study we analyzed the effects in the inferior colliculus of a unilateral ablation of the auditory cortex in rats. Variations in both calretinin immunoreactivity and protein levels determined by Western blot suggest that such lesions induce changes in the regulation of this calcium‐binding protein. Stereological counts of calretinin‐immunoreactive neurons in the inferior colliculus 15, 90, and 180 days after the lesion showed a progressive increase in the number of immunoreactive neurons, with a parallel increase in the intensity of staining. Two hundred forty days after the cortical lesion, both the number of immunoreactive neurons and the staining intensity had returned to control values. The effects of the cortical lesion on calretinin regulation are more intense in those inferior colliculus subdivisions more densely innervated by the corticocollicular projection. This finding, along with the time course of calretinin regulation suggests that degeneration of the descending projection is linked to calretinin regulation in the inferior colliculus. We hypothesize, based on the role of calretinin, that the observed increase in immunoreactivity levels seen in the inferior colliculus after lesioning of the auditory cortex may be related to altered excitability in deafferented neurons. Our finding, may reflect adaptive mechanisms to changes in calcium influx and excitability in inferior colliculus neurons induced by lesions of the descending projection from the cortex to the inferior colliculus. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:4261–4276, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An explicit Schilder‐type theorem for super‐Brownian motions
Authors: Xiang Kai‐Nan
Published: June 2010

Like ordinary Brownian motion, super‐Brownian motion, a central object in the theory of superprocesses, is a universal object arising in a variety of settings. Schilder‐type theorems and Cramér‐type theorems are two of the major topics for large‐deviation theory. A Schilder‐type (which is also a Cramér‐type) sample large deviation for super‐Brownian motions with a good rate function represented by a variation formula was established in 1993 and 1994; since then there have been very valuable contributions for giving an affirmative answer to the question of whether this sample large deviation holds with an explicit good rate function. In this paper, thanks to previous results on this issue and the Brownian snake, we establish such a large deviation for nonzero finite initial measures. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Form and Function of the Upper Airways and Larynx
Authors: Proctor Donald F.
Published: June 2010

The sections in this article are:

Upper Respiratory Tract as a Conducting Airway

Oronasal Breathing

Nasal Cycle

Effects of Nasal Breathing on Breathing Mechanics

Larynx

Patency and Obstruction of the Airways
Genome size, self‐organization and DNA's dark matter
Authors: Solé Ricard V.
Published: June 2010

Chromosomes exhibit several features indicating that its spatiotemporal dynamics is self‐organized. It has been recently suggested that a negative correlation between genome size and mean chromosome number would also be a fingerprint of selforganization, related to how human language is organized at the level of words and syllables. However, the vast dominance of non‐coding DNA in eukaryotic genomes should prevent an interpretation of genome/chromosome size based on functional trade‐offs related to information storage and transmission. Moreover, the reported negative correlation is shown to be an inevitable consequence of the definitions of chromosome and genome length and it is thus unrelated to any type of special generative process. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 16: 20–23, 2010
A low distortion CMOS continuous‐time common‐mode feedback circuit
Authors: Lai Yen‐Tai , Lin Hung‐Yi
Published: June 2010

In high‐gain fully differential operational amplifier (FD op‐amp) design, the output common‐mode (CM) voltage of the FD op‐amp is quite sensitive to device properties and mismatch. It is, therefore, necessary to add an additional control circuit, referred to as the common‐mode feedback (CMFB) circuit, to stabilize the output CM voltage at some specified voltage. In this paper, we present a high linear CMOS continuous‐time CMFB circuit based on two differential pairs and the source degeneration using MOS transistors. Theoretical analysis and SPICE simulation results are provided to validate our proposed ideas. Finally, we present two design applications of the proposed configuration, one is the FD folded‐cascode op‐amp and the other is the Multiply‐by‐Two circuit which is the key component in the popular 1.5 bit/stage pipelined analog‐to‐digital converter. Comparison with conventional topologies shows that the new configuration has attractive characteristics concerning their implementation in high linear analog integrated circuits. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Effect of an Electrical Bias on the Mechanism of Decomposition of Transients with Metal–Carbon σ Bonds
Authors: Rusonik Irena , Cohen Haim , Lugowskoy Alex , Krasnopolski Alexander , Zinigrad Michael , Meyerstein Dan
Published: June 2010

When CCl3CO2– reacts thermally with porous iron electrodes, the radical ·CCl2CO2– is formed. This radical reacts with the surface of the electrode to form a transient with a Fe–C σ bond, Fe0(s)–CCl2COO–. The mechanism of decomposition of this transient depends on the electrical bias applied to the electrode: at a low bias of E > –0.9 V vs. SCE, HCCl2COO– is the major final product, whereas at a higher bias of E < –1.2 V vs. SCE, HC(O)CO2– is the major product.
A Template‐Mediated Click–Click Reaction: PNA–DNA, PNA–PNA (or Peptide) Ligation, and Single Nucleotide Discrimination
Authors: Peng Xiaohua , Li Hong , Seidman Michael
Published: June 2010

A highly efficient chemical ligation was developed for quantitative conjugation of PNA with DNA (PNA or peptide) by using the copper‐catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition reaction. Whereas PNAs with an alkyne at the C‐terminus and an azide at the N‐terminus have been used, an efficient click–click reaction occurs. The PNA click ligation is sequence specific and capable of single nucleotide discrimination.
Risk-based analysis of polychlorinated biphenyl toxicity in harbor seals
Authors: Mos Lizzy , Cameron Marc , Jeffries Steven J , Koop Ben F , Ross Peter S
Published: June 2010

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have been associated with adverse health effects in marine mammals. However, the complex mixtures to which free-ranging populations are exposed constrain the elucidation of cause-and-effect relationships between specific POPs and the observed health risks. In this study, we 1) assembled data from studies showing polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)-associated effects on the health of free-ranging harbor seals in the northeastern Pacific Ocean, 2) carried out additional POP analyses on seal samples to broaden the available data on contaminant residues, and 3) derived estimates of individual POPs and their toxic risks. Taken together, these components were used to generate a new toxicity reference value (TRV) for the protection of marine mammal health. In this case study of seals in British Columbia, Canada, and Washington State, USA, PCBs were the single most abundant POP and were correlated with several adverse health effects. PCB exposures consistently exceeded regulatory toxicity thresholds for fish-eating wildlife. Nursing seal pups were at particular risk, reflecting their greatly increased dietary intake of PCBs and their sensitivity to developmental toxicity. Based on the collective evidence obtained, we propose TRVs (consisting of 5% tissue residue concentration and dose) of 1.3 mg/kg lipid weight tissue residue in blubber and 0.05 mg/kg lipid weight tolerable daily intake in prey. Insofar as the TRVs are lower than previously established TRVs and regulatory guidelines, our study highlights the current underestimation of risks associated with PCBs in high-trophic-level wildlife. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2010;6:631–640. © 2010 SETAC
Postmenopausal hormone use and incident ovarian cancer: Associations differ by regimen
Authors: Hildebrand Janet S. , Gapstur Susan M. , Feigelson Heather Spencer , Teras Lauren R. , Thun Michael J. , Patel Alpa V.
Published: June 2010

Ovarian cancer has been associated in epidemiologic studies with postmenopausal hormone use. Whether associations differ by hormone regimen, current status or duration of use is unclear. We examined epithelial ovarian cancer incidence in relation to unopposed estrogen (E‐only) and estrogen plus progestin (E + P) among 54,436 postmenopausal women of the Cancer Prevention Study II Nutrition Cohort, a US cohort prospectively followed for cancer incidence since 1992. Demographic, medical, reproductive and lifestyle information was collected at enrollment and updated throughout follow‐up via self‐administered questionnaire. Extended Cox models were used to estimate age‐ and multivariate‐adjusted relative risk (RR) of ovarian cancer according to hormone regimen, current status and duration of use. During 15 years of follow‐up, 297 incident cases were identified. Relative to “never” use of hormones, current E‐only use was associated with a twofold higher risk [RR 2.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.50–2.85]; each 5‐year increment of use was associated with a 25% higher risk (RR 1.25, 95% CI 1.15–1.36); ≥20 years of use was associated with a near threefold higher risk (RR 2.89; 95% CI 1.71–4.87; trend p = 0.01). Past E‐only use was not significantly associated with ovarian cancer, although a modest increase in risk per each 5‐year increment of use was suggested (RR 1.14, 95% CI 0.92–1.41). Neither current nor former E + P use was associated with ovarian cancer risk (RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.86–1.35; RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.68–1.71, respectively, per 5‐year increment). These findings suggest that progestins may mitigate some of the detrimental effects of estrogen on the ovarian epithelium.
Double 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of N‐methyl Azomethine ylide to meta‐Dinitrobenzene annelated with nitrogen aromatic heterocycles
Authors: Bastrakov Maxim A. , Starosotnikov Alexey M. , Pechenkin Sergey Yu. , Kachala Vadim V. , Glukhov Ivan V. , Shevelev Svyatoslav A.
Published: June 2010

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The 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of unstabilized azomethine ylide 1 with meta‐dinitrobenzene fused with nitrogen heterocycles affords the corresponding decahydropyrrolo[3,4‐e]isoindole cycloadducts in good yields. This is a first example of [3+2]‐cycloaddition of azomethine ylides to nitroarenes. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel 2‐(4‐O‐β‐D‐glucosidoxyphenyl)‐4,5‐disubstituted imidazoles
Authors: Taile V. S. , Hatzade K. M. , Gaidhane P. K. , Ingle V. N.
Published: June 2010

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A series of 2‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐4,5‐disubstituted imidazoles (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e) prepared from α‐diketones, ammonium acetate, and p‐hydroxybenzaldehyde, which were glucosylated by using α‐acetobromoglucose to form 2‐(4‐O‐β‐D‐2,3,4,6‐tetra‐O‐acetyl‐glucosidoxyphenyl)‐4,5‐disubstituted imidazoles (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e) which on catalytic deacetylation with CH3ONa in methanol afforded the title compound 2‐(4‐O‐β‐D‐glucosidoxyphenyl)‐4,5‐disubstituted imidazoles (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e). Compounds were characterized by elemental analysis and by instrumental technique, similarly the title compounds were investigated for antimicrobial and antifungal activity. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
2‐substituted 4H‐[1,3]thiazolo[3,2‐a][1,3,5]triazine‐4‐thiones: Synthesis, crystal structure, and antifungal activity
Authors: Saeed Sohail , Rashid Naghmana , Jones Peter G. , Yunas Uzma
Published: June 2010

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2‐(4‐Substituted aryl)‐4H‐[1,3]thiazolo[3,2‐a][1,3,5]triazine‐4‐thiones (3a, 3b) and 2‐(2‐thiophene)‐4H‐[1,3]thiazolo[3,2‐a][1,3,5]triazine‐4‐thione (3d) were synthesized by the reaction of arylisothiocyanates/thiophene‐2‐isothiocyanate with 2‐aminothiazole in the presence of tetrabutylammonium bromide as phase transfer catalyst. Compound 3c was synthesized by the catalytic reduction (10% Pd‐C) of 3a. Compounds 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d were characterized by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and elemental analysis. All the compounds were tested in vitro against Fusarium solani, A.fumigatus, and Aspergillus flavus using standard drugs. The crystal structure of 3a was determined from single crystal X‐ray diffraction data. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
Carbene induced rearrangement products from two furoquinolinone scaffolds
Authors: Lindahl Karl‐Fredrik , Carroll Anthony , Quinn Ronald J. , Ripper Justin A.
Published: June 2010

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Novel double CH‐insertion and rearrangement products (5, 6, and 7) were isolated from treatment of 1 or 2 with dimethyl diazomalonate (3) under dirhodiumtetrakis mediated carbenoid chemistry conditions. A new possible reaction pathway is suggested and discussed. Also other diazo compounds were tested. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
Polyphenols and phenolic acids from strawberry and apple decrease glucose uptake and transport by human intestinal Caco‐2 cells
Authors: Manzano Susana , Williamson Gary
Published: June 2010

The effect of polyphenols, phenolic acids and tannins (PPTs) from strawberry and apple on uptake and apical to basolateral transport of glucose was investigated using Caco‐2 intestinal cell monolayers. Substantial inhibition on both uptake and transport was observed by extracts from both strawberry and apple. Using sodium‐containing (glucose transporters SGLT1 and GLUT2 both active) and sodium‐free (only GLUT2 active) conditions, we show that the inhibition of GLUT2 was greater than that of SGLT1. The extracts were analyzed and some of the constituent PPTs were also tested. Quercetin‐3‐O‐rhamnoside (IC50=31 μM), phloridzin (IC50=146 μM), and 5‐caffeoylquinic acid (IC50=2570 μM) contributed 26, 52 and 12%, respectively, to the inhibitory activity of the apple extract, whereas pelargonidin‐3‐O‐glucoside (IC50=802 μM) contributed 26% to the total inhibition by the strawberry extract. For the strawberry extract, the inhibition of transport was non‐competitive based on kinetic analysis, whereas the inhibition of cellular uptake was a mixed‐type inhibition, with changes in both Vmax and apparent Km. The results in this assay show that some PPTs inhibit glucose transport from the intestinal lumen into cells and also the GLUT2‐facilitated exit on the basolateral side.
Flavone induces changes in intermediary metabolism that prevent microadenoma formation in colonic tissue of carcinogen‐treated mice
Authors: Winkelmann Isabel , Diehl Daniela , Oesterle Doris , Daniel Hannelore , Wenzel Uwe
Published: June 2010

Scope: Colorectal cancer is a major cause of cancer deaths worldwide with the need for improved therapeutics and adjuvants.

Methods and results: We here tested whether the secondary plant compound flavone affects the development of aberrant crypt foci and microadenomas triggered in C57BL/6J mice by 1,2‐dimethylhydrazine. Ten weeks after the last 1,2‐dimethylhydrazine injection, flavone was applied at 400 mg/kg body weight over 4  wk by gavage. Flavone was found to increase apoptosis and to reduce the rate of proliferation and aberrant crypt formation. More importantly, development of microadenomas was completely suppressed by flavone. Proteome analysis by 2‐DE with mass spectrometric identification of regulated proteins suggests a downregulation of tricarboxylic acid cycle activity in colonocytes with compensation by increased FADH2 production via a partial β‐oxidation of long‐chain fatty acids to meet energy demands. Transcriptome analysis, using a Gene Chip expression array with 24 000 gene probes confirmed the proteome data and moreover revealed the increased expression of various solute transporters, suggesting increased substrate supply to be used for tricarboxylic acid cycle‐independent energy production.

Conclusion: In conclusion, changes in the levels of proteins from intermediary metabolism or their encoding mRNAs are linked to flavone‐induced apoptosis and the prevention of microadenoma formation in transformed colonocytes of mice.
Assessing exposure to phthalates – The human biomonitoring approach
Authors: Wittassek Matthias , Koch Holger Martin , Angerer Jürgen , Brüning Thomas
Published: June 2010

Some phthalates are developmental and reproductive toxicants in animals. Exposure to phthalates is considered to be potentially harmful to human health as well. Based on a comprehensive literature research, we present an overview of the sources of human phthalate exposure and results of exposure assessments with special focus on human biomonitoring data. Among the general population, there is widespread exposure to a number of phthalates. Foodstuff is the major source of phthalate exposure, particularly for the long‐chain phthalates such as di(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate. For short‐chain phthalates such as di‐n‐butyl‐phthalate, additional pathways are of relevance. In general, children are exposed to higher phthalate doses than adults. Especially, high exposures can occur through some medications or medical devices. By comparing exposure data with existing limit values, one can also assess the risks associated with exposure to phthalates. Within the general population, some individuals exceed tolerable daily intake values for one or more phthalates. In high exposure groups, (intensive medical care, medications) tolerable daily intake transgressions can be substantial. Recent findings from animal studies suggest that a cumulative risk assessment for phthalates is warranted, and a cumulative exposure assessment to phthalates via human biomonitoring is a major step into this direction.
Automatic segmentation of rodent spinal cord diffusion MR images
Authors: Tidwell Vanessa K. , Kim Joong H. , Song Sheng‐Kwei , Nehorai Arye
Published: June 2010

MRI, is a key tool for noninvasive spinal cord lesion analysis; however, accurate, quantitative methods for this analysis are lacking. A new, multistep, multidimensional approach, utilizing the classification expectation maximization algorithm, is proposed for MRI segmentation of spinal cord tissues. Diffusion tensor imaging is used to generate multiple images of each spinal slice, with different diffusion direction weightings. The maximum likelihood tissue classifications are then jointly estimated to produce a binary classification image, corresponding to voxels containing either spinal cord or background. Edge detection is employed to find a nonparametric curve encapsulating the entire spinal cord. The algorithm is evaluated using data from in vivo diffusion tensor imaging of control and injured mouse spinal cords. The algorithm is shown to remain accurate for whole spinal cord, white matter, and hemorrhage segmentation in the presence of significant injury. The results of the method are shown to be at least on par with expert manual segmentation. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Support vector machines in DSC‐based glioma imaging: Suggestions for optimal characterization
Authors: Zöllner Frank G. , Emblem Kyrre E. , Schad Lothar R.
Published: June 2010

Dynamic susceptibility contrast magnetic resonance perfusion imaging (DSC‐MRI) is a useful method to characterize gliomas. Recently, support vector machines (SVMs) have been introduced as means to prospectively characterize new patients based on information from previous patients. Based on features derived from automatically segmented tumor volumes from 101 DSC‐MR examinations, four different SVM models were compared. All SVM models achieved high prediction accuracies (>82%) after rebalancing the training data sets to equal amounts of samples per class. Best discrimination was obtained using a SVM model with a radial basis function kernel. A correct prediction of low‐grade glioma was obtained at 83% (true positive rate) and for high‐grade glioma at 91% (true negative rate) on the independent test data set. In conclusion, the combination of automated tumor segmentation followed by SVM classification is feasible. Thereby, a powerful tool is available to characterize glioma presurgically in patients. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Improving temporal resolution of pulmonary perfusion imaging in rats using the partially separable functions model
Authors: Brinegar Cornelius , Schmitter Sarah S. , Mistry Nilesh N. , Johnson G. Allan , Liang Zhi‐Pei
Published: June 2010

Dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI (or DCE‐MRI) is a useful tool for measuring blood flow and perfusion, and it has found use in the study of pulmonary perfusion in animal models. However, DCE‐MRI experiments are difficult in small animals such as rats. A recently developed method known as Interleaved Radial Imaging and Sliding window‐keyhole (IRIS) addresses this problem by using a data acquisition scheme that covers (k,t)‐space with data acquired from multiple bolus injections of a contrast agent. However, the temporal resolution of IRIS is limited by the effects of temporal averaging inherent in the sliding window and keyhole operations. This article describes a new method to cover (k,t)‐space based on the theory of partially separable functions (PSF). Specifically, a sparse sampling of (k,t)‐space is performed to acquire two data sets, one with high‐temporal resolution and the other with extended k‐space coverage. The high‐temporal resolution training data are used to determine the temporal basis functions of the PSF model, whereas the other data set is used to determine the spatial variations of the model. The proposed method was validated by simulations and demonstrated by an experimental study. In this particular study, the proposed method achieved a temporal resolution of 32 msec. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Drug utilization in Belgian nursing homes: impact of residents' and institutional characteristics
Authors: Elseviers Monique M. , Vander Stichele Robert R. , Van Bortel Luc
Published: June 2010

Purpose

This study aims to investigate drug utilization in Belgian nursing homes in relation to the characteristics of residents and the institution.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study design was used. A total of 2510 residents were randomly selected from a stratified random sample of 76 Belgian nursing homes with at least 30 beds, including high‐intensity care beds. Data collection was based on medical chart review supplemented with clinical information from general practitioners (GPs)

Results

The residents included had a mean age of 85 and 77% were female. They presented a median of 2 clinical problems (range 0–10), three care problems (range 0–10) and 48% had dementia. Their medical consumption amounted to a mean of 8.4 prescriptions including 7.1 for chronic treatment. Mean expenditure per month for chronic medication was 140 EUR (SD 125), including 53 EUR out‐of‐pocket payment.

This study confirmed that multiple comorbidity was associated with polypharmacy. After peaking in the seventh decade, medical consumption decreased in older age groups. In palliative care, the number of prescriptions decreased while expenditure increased. A marked decrease in prescriptions, particularly of pain‐relieving medication, was observed with increasing dementia. Larger public institutions, with an active coordinating physician and served by hospital pharmacists, had lower consumption and expenditure.

Conclusion

A high level of drug utilization, influenced by the characteristics of residents and the institution, was observed in Belgian nursing homes. There is a need to develop a comprehensive monitoring system of prescribing quality for nursing home residents. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prucalopride (Resolor): new treatment for chronic constipation
Authors: Chaplin Steve , Blaker Paul , Wilkinson Mark
Published: June 2010

Prucalopride (Resolor) is a new treatment for women with chronic constipation who have not responded to conventional laxatives. In our New products review, Steve Chaplin presents the data relating to its efficacy and adverse effects and Drs Paul Blaker and Mark Wilkinson comment on its place in the treatment of constipation. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Interface Ltd
An audit of antibiotic resistance in urinary tract infection
Authors: Trafford George , Osborne Peter , Muir Alison
Published: June 2010

The authors describe the results of an audit of MSU samples to explain a high rate of local resistance to a practice's first‐line use of trimethoprim in urinary tract infection. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Interface Ltd
Properties of strontium copper oxide (SCO) deposited by PLD using the 308 nm laser and formation of SCO/Si heterostructures
Authors: Louloudakis D. , Varda M. , Papadopoulou E. L. , Kayambaki M. , Tsagaraki K. , Kambilafka V. , Modreanu M. , Huyberechts G. , Aperathitis E.
Published: June 2010

The XeCl excimer laser (308 nm) was used for depositing p‐type SrCu2O2 (SCO) films by pulsed‐laser deposition (PLD) from undoped and Ba‐doped (6%) SCO targets. The SCO films were deposited at 300 °C on glass and p‐type Si substrates, while the oxygen pressure was kept constant at 5 × 10−2 Pa and their properties were investigated just after deposition and after annealing at 330 °C in forming gas. The films were amorphous just after deposition but became stoichiometric SrCu2O2 polycrystalline after annealing and very resistive. The Ba‐doped SCO films showed lower transmittance than the undoped ones but for both films the transmittance increased to around 70–80% in the NIR‐IR spectrum. The optical energy gap was found to be around 3.24 eV after annealing. SCO films deposited on p‐Si exhibited rectifying properties, behaving like p−‐SCO/p‐Si heterojunctions and their I–V and C–V characteristics were examined with temperature. An explanation of the diode behaviour is attempted based on materials properties and heterodiode characteristics.
Optimal tapers for compensating losses in plasmonic waveguides
Authors: Davoyan Arthur R. , Shadrivov Ilya V. , Kivshar Yuri S. , Gramotnev Dmitri K.
Published: June 2010

We consider propagation of surface plasmon polaritons in two‐dimensional tapered slot waveguides. We derive an analytical formula for the change of the amplitude of a plasmon mode due to tapering. We show that the taper leads to the field enhancement effectively compensating the mode attenuation due to losses. We obtain numerically the shape of the optimal function of the taper that provides exact loss compensation. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Cordycepin suppresses TNF‐alpha‐induced invasion, migration and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 expression in human bladder cancer cells
Authors: Lee Eo‐Jin , Kim Wun‐Jae , Moon Sung‐Kwon
Published: June 2010

Cordycepin (3′‐deoxyadenosine), a nucleoside derivative isolated from Cordyceps militaris, reportedly has antitumor effects, but its effect on the regulation of matrix metalloproteinases‐9 (MMP‐9), which regulates invasion and migration by cancer cells, has not been clearly elucidated. Cancer cell invasion and migration was investigated using a Matrigel invasion assay and wound healing analysis in two different bladder cancer cell lines: 5637 and T‐24. The results of the present study show that TNF‐α‐induced invasion and migration of cancer cells were inhibited by cordycepin. In addition, cordycepin inhibited TNF‐α‐induced proliferation in cancer cells, independent of the apoptosis pathway. Furthermore, the TNF‐α‐induced MMP‐9 expression was suppressed by cordycepin, but MMP‐2 expression was not. The inhibited MMP‐9 expression by cordycepin was associated with a decreased promoter activity of the MMP‐9 gene. Finally, cordycepin reduced the transcriptional activity of the transcription factors, nuclear factor kappaB (NF‐βB) and activator protein‐1 (AP‐1), which were identified by gel‐shift assay as cis‐elements for TNF‐α activation of the MMP‐9 promoter in both bladder cancer cell lines. These results suggest that cordycepin maybe an effective therapeutic approach to treat bladder cancer. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new and weakly antispasmodic protoberberine alkaloid from Rhizoma Coptidis
Authors: Zhao Ming , Xian Yan‐Fang , Ip Siu‐Po , Fong Harry HS , Che Chun‐Tao
Published: June 2010

A new protoberberine alkaloid, 3‐hydroxy‐2‐methoxy‐9,10‐methylenedioxy‐8‐oxo‐protoberberine, along with three known compounds, was isolated from Rhizoma Coptidis. The new compound displayed weak antispasmodic activity against acetylcholine‐induced contraction in isolated guinea‐pig ileum with an IC50 of 83.7 μm. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of antinociceptive, antinflammatory activities and phytochemical analysis of aerial parts ofUrtica urensL.
Authors: Marrassini Carla , Acevedo Cristina , Miño Jorge , Ferraro Graciela , Gorzalczany Susana
Published: June 2010

The antinociceptive and antiinflammatory activities of the ethanol extract of the aerial part ofUrtica urenswere determined by experimental animal models.U. urensextract was found to possess significant antinociceptive activity in chemically induced mouse pain models (ED5039.3 mg/kg: 17.2–74.5 mg/kg) in the writhing test and 62.8% inhibition of the licking time in the late phase of the formalin test at a dose of 500 mg/kg p.o. and antiinflammatory activity on carrageenan‐induced rat hind paw edema (41.5% inhibition at a dose of 300 mg/kg i.p.). The extract displayed activity neither in the thermal model of pain nor in the topical inflammation model. The major component of the extract was determined as chlorogenic acid (670 mg/1000 g dry weight) and could be partly responsible for this activity. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Berberis vulgaris root bark extract prevents hyperoxaluria induced urolithiasis in rats
Authors: Bashir Samra , Gilani Anwar H. , Siddiqui Anwar A. , Pervez Shahid , Khan Saeed R. , Sarfaraz Noor Jehan , Shah Abdul Jabbar
Published: June 2010

Berberis vulgaris is a widely used plant for the treatment of urolithiasis. To evaluate its antiurolithic potential, the crude aqueous‐methanol extract of Berberis vulgaris root bark (Bv.Cr) was tested in an animal model of urolithiasis, developed in male Wistar rats by adding 0.75% ethylene glycol in drinking water. Bv.Cr (50 mg/kg) inhibited CaOx crystal deposition in renal tubules and protected against associated changes including polyuria, weight loss, impaired renal function and the development of oxidative stress in kidneys. Activity‐guided fractionation revealed the concentration of antiurolithic constituent(s) mainly in the aqueous fraction. These data, indicating the presence of antiurolithic activity in Berberis vulgaris root bark, rationalize its medicinal use for the treatment of urolithiasis. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gleditsia sinensis thorn extract inhibits human colon cancer cells: the role of ERK1/2, G2/M‐phase cell cycle arrest and p53 expression
Authors: Lee Se‐Jung , Park Keerang , Ha Sang‐Do , Kim Wun‐Jae , Moon Sung‐Kwon
Published: June 2010

The thorns of Gleditsia sinensis are used as a medicinal herb in China and Korea. However, the mechanisms responsible for the antitumor effects of the water extract of Gleditsia sinensis thorns (WEGS) remain unknown. HCT116 cells treated with the WEGS at a dose of 800 μg/mL (IC50) showed a significant decrease in cell growth and an increase in cell cycle arrest during the G2/M‐phase. G2/M‐phase arrest was correlated with increased p53 levels and down‐regulation of the check‐point proteins, cyclinB1, Cdc2 and Cdc25c. In addition, treatment with WEGS induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), p38 MAP kinase and JNK (c‐Jun N‐terminal kinases). Moreover, inhibition of ERK by treatment of cells with the ERK‐specific inhibitor PD98059 blocked WEGS‐mediated p53 expression. Similarly, blockage of ERK function in the WEGS‐treated cells reversed cell‐growth inhibition and decreased cell cycle proteins. Finally, in vivo WEGS treatment significantly inhibited the growth of HCT116 tumor cell xenografts in nude mice with no negative side effects, including loss of body weight. These results describe the molecular mechanisms whereby the WEGS might inhibit proliferation of colon cancer both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that WEGS has potential as an anticancer agent for the treatment of malignancies. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rhus chinensisandGalla Chinensis– folklore to modern evidence: review
Authors: Djakpo Odilon , Yao Weirong
Published: June 2010

The speciesRhus chinensisMill. (Anacardiaceae) is an important representative of the genusRhus, which contains over 250 individual species found in temperate and tropical regions worldwide.Rhus chinensishas long been used by folk medicine practitioners in Asia. Leaves, roots, stem, bark, fruit and particularly the galls onRhus chinensisleaves,Galla chinensis, are recognized to have preventative and therapeutic effects on different ailments (such as diarrhea, dysentery, rectal and intestinal cancer, diabetes mellitus, sepsis, oral diseases and inflammation). However, it is critical to separate evidence from anecdote. Fortunately, recent scientific research has revealed thatRhus chinensiscompounds possess strong antiviral, antibacterial, anticancer, hepatoprotective, antidiarrheal and antioxidant activities. Moreover, compounds isolated from the stem ofRhus chinensissignificantly suppressed HIV‐1 activityin vitro. Compounds from this plant were also found to inhibit enamel demineralizationin vitroand enhance remineralization of dental enamel with fluoride. This review highlights claims from traditional and tribal medicinal lore and makes a contemporary summary of phytochemical, biological and pharmacological findings on this plant material. It aims to show that the pharmaceutical potential of this plant deserves closer attention. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Paullinia cupana Mart. var. sorbilis, guarana, increases survival of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) bearing mice by decreasing cyclin‐D1 expression and inducing a G0/G1 cell cycle arrest in EAC cells
Authors: Fukumasu Heidge , Latorre Andreia Oliveira , Zaidan‐Dagli Maria Lucia
Published: June 2010

The objective of this work is to report the antiproliferative effect of P. cupana treatment in Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC)‐bearing animals. Female mice were treated with three doses of powdered P. cupana (100, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg) for 7 days, injected with 105 EAC cells and treated up to day 21. In addition, a survival experiment was carried out with the same protocol. P. cupana decreased the ascites volume (p = 0.0120), cell number (p = 0.0004) and hemorrhage (p = 0.0054). This occurred through a G1‐phase arrest (p < 0.01) induced by a decreased gene expression of Cyclin D1 in EAC cells. Furthermore, P. cupana significantly increased the survival of EAC‐bearing animals (p = 0.0012). In conclusion, the P. cupana growth control effect in this model was correlated with a decreased expression of cyclin D1 and a G1 phase arrest. These results reinforce the cancer therapeutic potential of this Brazilian plant. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interactions within the alcohol dehydrogenase Zn(II)‐metalloenzyme active site: Interplay between subvalence, electron correlation/dispersion, and charge transfer/induction effects
Authors: de Courcy Benoît , Dognon Jean‐Pierre , Clavaguéra Carine , Gresh Nohad , Piquemal Jean‐Philip
Published: June 2010

Following our preceding works (de Courcy et al. J Chem Theo Comput 2008, 4, 1659; de Courcy, et al. Interdiscip Sci Comput Life Sci 2009, 1, 55), we have studied by quantum chemistry a model of the alcohol dehydrogenase Zn‐metalloenzyme (ADH) binding site. Using several interpretative techniques such as the topological analysis of the electron localization function (ELF) and quantum theory of atoms in molecules combined with energy decomposition analysis schemes, we have analyzed the physical origin of the interactions occurring in this site, which is stabilized by an indirect cation‐π interaction. While polarization effects are important for the metal, which is able to adapt its outer‐shell density (the so‐called subvalence domains) to its ligands, they do not play a key role in the overall interaction of the system that is dominated by dispersion. The ELF analysis shows that only minor charge transfer phenomena are observed between the constitutive fragments of the system. From a methodological standpoint, density functional theory functionals appear unable to handle the system whereas dispersion‐corrected methods (DFT‐D) perform significantly better, giving reasonable answers as compared with post‐Hartree‐Fock methods. The stabilization energy brought by the presence of Phe93 to the active binding site of ADH is about −3 kcal/mol. The importance of accounting for basis set superposition error is also emphasized. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
Discrepancies between isotope ratio infrared spectroscopy and isotope ratio mass spectrometry for the stable isotope analysis of plant and soil waters
Authors: West Adam G. , Goldsmith Gregory R. , Brooks Paul D. , Dawson Todd E.
Published: June 2010

The use of isotope ratio infrared spectroscopy (IRIS) for the stable hydrogen and oxygen isotope analysis of water is increasing. While IRIS has many advantages over traditional isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS), it may also be prone to errors that do not impact upon IRMS analyses. Of particular concern is the potential for contaminants in the water sample to interfere with the spectroscopy, thus leading to erroneous stable isotope data. Water extracted from plant and soil samples may often contain organic contaminants. The extent to which contaminants may interfere with IRIS and thus impact upon data quality is presently unknown. We tested the performance of IRIS relative to IRMS for water extracted from 11 plant species and one organic soil horizon. IRIS deviated considerably from IRMS for over half of the samples tested, with deviations as large as 46‰ (δ2H) and 15.4‰ (δ18O) being measured. This effect was reduced somewhat by using activated charcoal to remove organics from the water; however, deviations as large as 35‰ (δ2H) and 11.8‰ (δ18O) were still measured for these cleaned samples. Interestingly, the use of activated charcoal to clean water samples had less effect than previously thought for IRMS analyses. Our data show that extreme caution is required when using IRIS to analyse water samples that may contain organic contaminants. We suggest that the development of new cleaning techniques for removing organic contaminants together with instrument‐based software to flag potentially problematic samples are necessary to ensure accurate plant and soil water analyses using IRIS. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometric study of binary As‐Se glasses
Authors: Pangavhane Sachinkumar Dagurao , Němec Petr , Wagner Tomáš , Janča Jan , Havel Josef
Published: June 2010

Binary chalcogenide As‐Se glasses and their thin films are important for optics, computers, materials science and technological applications. To increase understanding of the properties of thin films fabricated by plasma deposition techniques, more information concerning the physics of plasma plume is needed. In this study the formation of clusters in plasma plume from different As‐Se glasses by laser desorption ionization (LDI) or laser ablation (LA) was studied by time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (TOF MS) in positive and negative ion modes. Formation of a number of AspSeq singly charged clusters As3Se (q = 1–5), AsSe (q = 1–3), As2Se (q = 2–4), and As3Se (q = 2–5) was found from As‐Se glasses with the molar ratio As:Se in the range from 1:2 to 7:3. The stoichiometry of the AspSeq clusters was determined via isotopic envelope analysis and computer modeling. The structure of the clusters is proposed and the relationship to the structure of the parent glasses, as also suggested by Raman scattering spectra, is discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Strategy for the elucidation of elemental compositions of trace analytes based on a mass resolution of 100 000 full width at half maximum
Authors: Kaufmann Anton
Published: June 2010

Elemental compositions (ECs) can be elucidated by evaluating the high‐resolution mass spectra of unknown or suspected unfragmented analyte ions. Classical approaches utilize the exact mass of the monoisotopic peak (M + 0) and the relative abundance of isotope peaks (M + 1 and M + 2). The availability of high‐resolution instruments like the Orbitrap currently permits mass resolutions up to 100 000 full width at half maximum. This not only allows the determination of relative isotopic abundances (RIAs), but also the extraction of other diagnostic information from the spectra, such as fully resolved signals originating from 34S isotopes and fully or partially resolved signals related to 15N isotopes (isotopic fine structure). Fully and partially resolved peaks can be evaluated by visual inspection of the measured peak profiles. This approach is shown to be capable of correctly discarding many of the EC candidates which were proposed by commercial EC calculating algorithms. Using this intuitive strategy significantly extends the upper mass range for the successful elucidation of ECs. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry probing of formation and recognition of the G‐quadruplex in the proximal promoter of the human vascular endothelial growth factor gene
Authors: Li Huihui , Yuan Gu
Published: June 2010

The formation of the G‐quadruplex of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene was probed by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS). It found that cations (K+ and NH), CH3OH and pH influence significantly the formation of the G‐quadruplex structure. Additionally, a perylene derivative (P3) and polydatin (P4) have shown to be potential G‐quadruplex binding agents with structurally specific recognition. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of growth hormone secretagogue pralmorelin (GHRP‐2) and its metabolite in human urine by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Okano Masato , Sato Mitsuhiko , Ikekita Ayako , Kageyama Shinji
Published: June 2010

GHRP‐2 (pralmorelin, D‐Ala‐D‐(β‐naphthyl)‐Ala‐Ala‐Trp‐D‐Phe‐Lys‐NH2), which belongs to a class of growth hormone secretagogue (GHS), is intravenously used to diagnose growth hormone (GH) deficiency. Because it may be misused in expectation of a growth‐promoting effect by athletes, the illicit use of GHS by athletes has been prohibited by the World Anti‐Doping Agency (WADA). Therefore, the mass spectrometric identification of urinary GHRP‐2 and its metabolite D‐Ala‐D‐(β‐naphthyl)‐Ala‐Ala‐OH (AA‐3) was studied using liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry for doping control purposes. The method consists of solid‐phase extraction using stable‐isotope‐labeled GHRP‐2 as an internal standard and subsequent ultra‐performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry, and the two target peptides were determined at urinary concentrations of 0.5–10 ng/mL. The recoveries ranged from 84 to 101%, and the assay precisions were calculated as 1.6–3.8% (intra‐day) and 1.9–4.3% (inter‐day). Intravenous administration of GHRP‐2 in ten male volunteers was studied to demonstrate the applicability of the method. In all ten cases, unchanged GHRP‐2 and its specific metabolite AA‐3 were detected in urine. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.