bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flow‐injection chemiluminescence determination of enrofloxacin using the Ru(phen)32+–Ce(IV) system and central composite design for the optimization of chemical variables
Authors: Rezaei B. , Mokhtari A.
Published: May 2008

The main purpose of this study was to develop an inexpensive, simple, rapid and sensitive chemiluminescence (CL) method for the determination of enrofloxacin (ENRO) using a flow‐injection system. This method is based on rapid reduction of Ru(phen)33+, which is produced in the reaction between Ru(phen)32+ and acidic Ce(IV) by ENRO, producing strong CL. A central composite design (CCD) was used for optimization of the chemical variables. Regression analysis of the data from the CCD demonstrated that a second‐order polynomial model is an adequate description of the surface over the factor limits studied. Optimization using CCD gave approximately four‐fold better results than the single‐factor‐at‐a‐time method. Under optimal experimental conditions, the CL response was proportional to the concentration of ENRO over a wide range (0.008–3.6 µg/mL) with a correlation coefficient of 0.9986 and a detection limit of 0.003 µg/mL (3σ). The relative standard deviation for 11 repeated determinations of 0.14 µg/mL ENRO was 4.2%. This method was successfully applied to the analysis of commercial formulations, spiked plasma and spiked poultry tissue. Sample analyses showed good recovery percentages for drugs and spiked plasma (95.1–103.9%). Recovery percentages for spiked poultry tissue were in the range 77.6–87.3%. The minimum sampling rate was 100 samples/h. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of free cholesterol based on a novel flow‐injection chemiluminescence method by immobilizing enzyme
Authors: Hu Yufei , Zhang Zhujun
Published: May 2008

A novel flow injection chemiluminescence method is proposed for determination of cholesterol in this paper. The cholesterol oxidase was immobilized onto sol–gel and prepared as an enzymatic reaction column. The determination of cholesterol was performed by quantitative determination of hydrogen peroxide produced from an enzymatic reaction. The luminol–H2O2–metal chelate diperiodatocuprate(III) system ensured that the method was highly sensitive and selective. Free cholesterol was determined over the range 5.0 × 10–8 mol/L–5.0 × 10–7 mol/L, with a limit of detection (3σ) of 1.9 × 10–8 mol/L. The relative standard deviation (RSD) for 2.5 × 10–7 mol/L was 2.7% (n = 7). The proposed method offered the advantages of sensitivity, selectivity, simplicity and rapidity for free cholesterol determination, and was successfully applied to the direct determination of free cholesterol in serum. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DISABKIDS smiley questionnaire: the TAKE 6 assisted health‐related quality of life measure for 4 to 7‐year‐olds
Authors: Chaplin John E. , Koopman Hendrik M. , Schmidt Silke ,   The DISABKIDS Group
Published: May 2008

The DISABKIDS Smiley TAKE 6 was developed to meet the need for a research instrument to measure the health‐related quality of life (HrQoL) of children 4–7 years old. TAKE 6 is a European generic assisted‐report questionnaire with a proxy version. The items of TAKE 6, scored using a five‐point Likert scale, cover a single HrQoL domain. Child and parent focus groups identified the statements which, following a European pilot study, were reduced to six items. A field study of 435 children with a chronic disease in seven European countries revealed that the questionnaire had good reliability (inter‐class correlation 0.69), had convergent validity with the KINDL‐R (child quality of life questionnaire‐revised) (rho 0.60) and satisfactory construct validity showing separation between severity and different medical conditions. The questionnaire was understandable by young children and could be completed within two minutes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of the mental health continuum–short form (MHC–SF) in setswana‐speaking South Africans
Authors: Keyes Corey L. M. , Wissing Marié , Potgieter Johan P. , Temane Michael , Kruger Annamarie , van Rooy Sinette
Published: May 2008

A continuous assessment and a categorical diagnosis of the presence of mental health, described as flourishing, and the absence of mental health, characterized as languishing, is applied to a random sample of 1050 Setswana‐speaking adults in the Northwest province of South Africa. Factor analysis revealed that the mental health continuum–short form (MHC–SF) replicated the three‐factor structure of emotional, psychological and social well‐being found in US samples. The internal reliability of the overall MHC–SF Scale was 0.74. The total score on the MHC–SF correlated 0.52 with a measure of positive affect, between 0.35 and 0.40 with measures of generalized self‐efficacy and satisfaction with life, and between 0.30 and 0.35 with measures of coping strategies, sense of coherence, and community collective self‐efficacy. The total score on the MHC–SF correlated −0.22 with the total score on the General Health Questionnaire. Criteria for the categorical diagnosis were applied, and findings revealed that 20% were flourishing, 67.8% were moderately mentally healthy, and 12.2% were languishing. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the hypothesized two‐continua model of mental health and mental illness found in the USA. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mental health of children and adolescents in 12 European countries—results from the European KIDSCREEN study
Authors: Ravens‐Sieberer Ulrike , Erhart Michael , Gosch Angela , Wille Nora ,   The European KIDSCREEN Group
Published: May 2008

Within the European Screening for and Promotion of Health‐Related Quality of Life in Children and Adolescents—A European Public Health Perspective (KIDSCREEN) Study, emotional well‐being and behaviour was examined in national representative samples of 22 000 children and adolescents aged 8 to 18.

The proportion of children and adolescents showing signs of mental health problems (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire—SDQ) varied across countries and socio‐demographic and socio‐economic subgroups. Risk factors examined included adverse family climate, low socio‐economic status, poor social support and decreased mental well‐being of the parents. When several risk factors occur simultaneously, the prevalence of mental health problems increases markedly. Children and adolescents with mental health problems display distinctly impaired health‐related quality of life (KIDSCREEN‐10).

Cross‐cultural differences in the observed patterns of mental health problems were discussed. High‐risk groups are cross‐culturally characterized by poor social support and mental distress of parents. Strengthening social and familial resources should be a key objective, both in prevention and in interventions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
State transitions of Vibrio parahaemolyticus VBNC cells evaluated by flow cytometry
Authors: Falcioni Tania , Papa Stefano , Campana Raffaella , Manti Anita , Battistelli Michela , Baffone Wally
Published: May 2008

Background

Vibrio parahaemolyticus, in response to environmental conditions, may be present in a viable but nonculturable state (VBNC), which can still be responsible for cases of infectious diseases in humans.

Methods

The characterization of the cellular states of V. parahaemolyticus during entry into, persistence in, and resuscitation from the VBNC state, was assessed through plate culture method and epifluorescence microscope evaluation of actively respiring cells. Flow cytometry (FCM) in combination with SYBR Green I (SG) and propidium iodide allowed us to distinguish between viable, dead, and damaged‐cells. Immunofluorescence labeling detected by FCM was used to study changes in antibody affinity.

Results

Two groups of bacteria, one with High Nucleic Acid (HNA) and one having Low Nucleic Acid (LNA) content, were differentiated using SG and FCM and each was correlated with cell viability. With the aging of the microcosm, the LNA bacteria population increased while the HNA population gradually disappeared. Cytofluorimetric immunofluorescence analyses showed that the bacterial cell levels dropped from 95% at day 0 to 40% at day 26 and by day 29, antibody affinity was virtually lost. FCM analyses of light scatter signals expressed by cell population highlighted morphological changes indicating a reduction in cell size, as also shown by scanning electron microscopy images and variations in cell structure.

Conclusions

The methodology used has provided useful data in relation to the state transitions of V. parahaemolyticus regarding cell viability, antigenic surface components, and the quantification of morphological variations during its entry into the VBNC state. © 2008 Clinical Cytometry Society
The clinical significance of subjective memory complaints in the diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment and dementia: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Mitchell Alex J.
Published: May 2008

Background

Subjective memory complaints (SMC) are frequently reported by individuals with objective evidence of cognitive decline although the exact rate of complaints and their diagnostic value is uncertain.

Method

A meta‐analysis was conducted for all studies examining SMC and either concurrent dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Results

Eight studies reported the rate of SMC in dementia, seven studies reported the rate of SMC in MCI and of these four compared the rate of SMC in dementia and MCI head‐to‐head. SMC were present in 42.8% of those with dementia and 38.2% of those with MCI. Across all levels of cognitive impairments 39.8% of people had SMC compared with 17.4% in healthy elderly controls (Relative Risk 2.3). In head‐to‐head studies there was a significantly higher rate of SMC in dementia vs MCI (48.4% vs 35.1%). Examining the diagnostic value of SMC in dementia, the meta‐analytic pooled sensitivity was 43.0% and specificity was 85.8%. For MCI, meta‐analytic pooled sensitivity was 37.4% and specificity was 86.9%. In community studies with a low prevalence the positive and negative predictive values were 18.5% and 93.7% for dementia and 31.4% and 86.9% for MCI. The clinical utility index which calculates the value of a diagnostic method suggested ‘poor’ value for ruling in a diagnosis of dementia but ‘good’ value for ruling out a diagnosis.

Conclusions

When assessed by simple questions, SMC appear to be present in the minority of those with mild cognitive impairment and dementia. In cross‐sectional community settings, even when people agree that they have SMC there is only a 20% or 30% chance that dementia or MCI are present, respectively. Despite this, the absence of SMC may be a reasonable method of excluding dementia and MCI and could be incorporated into short screening programs for dementia and MCI but replication is required in clinical settings. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A revisit on older adults suicides and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) epidemic in Hong Kong
Authors: Cheung Y. T. , Chau P. H. , Yip Paul S. F.
Published: May 2008

Background

The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak in 2003 had an enormous impact on Hong Kong society and the suicide rate was also at its historical high, 18.6 per 100,000. The most significant increase was found among the older adults aged 65 or above.

Methods

Poisson Regression Models were used to examine impact of the SARS epidemic on older adults suicides in Hong Kong. A complete set of the suicide statistics for the period 1993–2004 from the Coroners' Court were made available for the analysis. Chi‐square test was used to compare the profile of the older adult suicide cases in the pre‐SARS, peri‐SARS and post‐SARS periods.

Results

It showed an excess of older adults suicides in April 2003, when compared to the month of April of the other years. A trough, instead of the usual summer peak, was observed in June, suggesting some of the older adults suicides might have been brought forward. On a year basis, the annual older adult's suicide rates in 2003 and 2004 were significantly higher than that in 2002, suggesting the suicide rate did not return to the level before the SARS epidemic. Based on the Coroners' suicide death records, overall severity of illness, level of dependency and worrying of having sickness among the older adult suicides were found to be significantly different in the pre‐SARS, peri‐SARS and post‐SARS periods.

Conclusion

The SARS epidemic was associated with an increase in older adults' suicide rate in April 2003 and some suicide deaths in June 2003 might have been brought forward. Moreover, an increase in the annual older adults' suicide rate in 2003 was observed and the rate in 2004 did not return to the level of 2002. Loneliness and disconnectedness among the older adults in the community were likely to be associated with the excess older adults' suicides in 2003. Maintaining and enhancing mental well being of the public over the period of epidemic is as important as curbing the spread of the epidemic. Attention and effort should also be made to enhance the community's ability to manage fear and anxiety, especially in vulnerable groups over the period of epidemic to prevent tragic and unnecessary suicide deaths. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantifying the association between computerised measures of attention and confusion assessment method defined delirium: a prospective study of older orthopaedic surgical patients, free of dementia
Authors: Lowery David Peter , Wesnes Keith , Brewster Nigel , Ballard Clive
Published: May 2008

Objective

To determine whether attentional impairments are reliable neuropsychological markers of delirium.

Method

A prospective cohort of one hundred patients admitted for elective orthopaedic surgery, 70 years and over, and free of dementia were recruited from an Orthopaedic unit in a university teaching hospital. Computerized assessments of attention and the Mini Mental State Examination were administered pre and post operatively. The Confusion Assessment Method was used to evaluate signs and symptoms of delirium.

Results

Over the first post operative week after surgery people with delirium scored lower on the MMSE (F = 23.53 (1, 53); p = 0.000); and performed less accurately (F = 20.02 (1, 55); p = 0.000), slower (F = 14.58 (1, 54); p = 0.000) and with greater variability of reaction time (F = 31.52 (1, 53); p = 0.000) than people without delirium. The group with delirium's neuropsychological performance was marked by a quadratic trend of accuracy (F = 10.5 (1, 8); p = 0.018) across the first post operative week. Conversely the group without delirium demonstrate quadratic trends for reaction time (F = 6.91 (1, 49); p = 0.011); and linear trends for the variability of reaction time (F = 7.06 (1, 49); p = 0.011) over this period.

Conclusions

To date the absence of any well validated neuropsychological markers of delirium has hindered progress of research of delirium. The data within this study suggest key indices of attention and in particular fluctuating cognition may offer excellent discriminative utility for this clinically important condition. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Population projection of US adults with lifetime experience of depressive disorder by age and sex from year 2005 to 2050
Authors: Heo Moonseong , Murphy Christopher F. , Fontaine Kevin R. , Bruce Martha L. , Alexopoulos George S.
Published: May 2008

Objective

To estimate the projected population of US adults aged 18 years or older with lifetime experience of doctor‐diagnosed depressive disorder from 2005–2050.

Methods

Based on nationally representative survey data from the year 2006 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS), prevalence estimates of doctor‐diagnosed depression (minor or major, and dysthymia) were weighted to incorporate the complex sampling design and increase generalizability of the findings. The weighted prevalence data by age and sex in 2006 were then used to estimate the projected adult population with lifetime experience of depressive disorder based on the sex‐specific US Census national population projections from year 2005–2050.

Results

In year 2006 the (weighted) prevalence of lifetime experience of depressive disorder was 15.7% among 188,292 respondents aged 18 years or older. Female prevalence was 20.6%, which was about twice as high as the prevalence among males (11%). From year 2005–2050, the total number of US adults with depressive disorder will increase from 33.9 million to 45.8 million, a 35% increase. The increase is projected to be greater in the elderly population aged ≥65 years (3.8–8.2, a 117% increase) than in the young population aged <65 years (30.1–37.7, a 25% increase).

Conclusions

By year 2050, approximately 46 million US adults aged 18 years or older will be diagnosed with a depressive disorder. The increase will be more pronounced in adults aged 65 or older. Prevention, detection, and treatment of depressive disorders might attenuate the magnitude of this estimate. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Locus control region mediated regulation of adult β‐globin gene expression
Authors: Liang Shermi , Moghimi Babak , Yang Thomas P. , Strouboulis John , Bungert Jörg
Published: May 2008

Many genes residing in gene clusters and expressed in a differentiation or developmental‐stage specific manner are regulated by locus control regions (LCRs). These complex genetic regulatory elements are often composed of several DNAse I hypersensitive sites (HS sites) that function together to regulate the expression of several cis‐linked genes. Particularly well characterized is the LCR associated with the β‐globin gene locus. The β‐globin LCR consists of five HS sites that are located upstream of the β‐like globin genes. Recent data demonstrate that the LCR is required for the association of the β‐globin gene locus with transcription foci or factories. The observation that RNA polymerase II associates with the LCR in erythroid progenitor or hematopoietic stem cells which do not express the globin genes suggests that the LCR is always in an accessible chromatin configuration during differentiation of erythroid cells. We propose that erythroid specific factors together with ubiquitous proteins mediate a change in chromatin configuration that juxtaposes the globin genes and the LCR. The proximity then facilitates the transfer of activities from the LCR to the globin genes. In this article we will discuss recent observations regarding β‐globin locus activation with a particular emphasis on LCR mediated activation of adult β‐globin gene expression. J. Cell. Biochem. 105: 9–16, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Irregularity strength of dense graphs
Authors: Cuckler Bill , Lazebnik Felix
Published: May 2008

Let G be a simple graph of order n with no isolated vertices and no isolated edges. For a positive integer w, an assignment f on G is a function f: E(G) → {1, 2,…, w}. For a vertex v, f(v) is defined as the sum f(e) over all edges e of G incident with v. f is called irregular, if all f(v) are distinct. The smallest w for which there exists an irregular assignment on G is called the irregularity strength of G, and it is denoted by s(G). We show that if the minimum degree δ (G) ≥ 10n3/4 log1/4 n, then s(G) ≤ 48 (n/δ) + 6. For these δ, this improves the magnitude of the previous best upper bound of Frieze et al. by a log n factor. It also provides an affirmative answer to a question of Lehel, whether for every α ∈ (0, 1), there exists a constant c = c( α) such that s(G) ≤ c for every graph G of order n with minimum degree δ(G) ≥ (1 − α)n. Specializing the argument for d‐regular graphs with d ≥ 104/3 n2/3 log1/3 n, we prove that s(G) ≤ 48 (n/d) + 6. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 58: 299–313, 2008
Non‐path spectrum sets
Authors: Chen Guantao , Faudree Ralph. J. , Li Xuechao , Schiermeyer Ingo
Published: May 2008

A path of a graph is called maximal if it is not a proper subpath of any other path of the graph. The path spectrum of a graph G, denoted by ps(G), is the set of lengths of all maximal paths in the graph. A set S of positive integers is called a path spectrum if there is a connected graph G such that ps(G) = S. Jacobson et al. showed that all sets of positive integers with cardinality of 1 or 2 are path spectrum sets. Their results raised the question of whether all sets of positive integers are path spectra. We show that, for every positive integer k ≥ 3, there are infinitely many sets of k positive integers which are not path spectra. A set S of positive integers is called an absolute path spectrum if there are infinitely many connected graphs G such that ps(G) = S. We completely characterize absolute path spectra S for |S| ≤ 2. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 58: 329–350, 2008
Regulation of A1adenosine receptor functioning induced by P2Y1purinergic receptor activation in human astroglial cells
Authors: Tonazzini I. , Trincavelli M. L. , Montali M. , Martini C.
Published: May 2008

In the rat brain, a heteromeric association between adenosine A1and purinergic P2Y1receptors has been demonstrated. It is suggested that this association plays an important role in the control of purine‐mediated responses during pathophysiological conditions. Recently, we have demonstrated that these receptors colocalize on glutamatergic synaptic and astroglial membranes in rat hippocampus and reciprocally interact, thus modulating their functional responses at the G protein coupling level. In the present work, by means of immunoprecipitation studies, we demonstrated that A1and P2Y1receptors are present in human astroglial cells (ADF) and aggregate to form a multimeric complex. P2Y1receptor activation by its agonist, 2‐methylthio‐adenosine 5′‐diphosphate (MeSADP), induced a time‐dependent reduction in agonist‐mediated A1receptor functional responses, causing a drop in A1receptor agonist potency to promote receptor–G protein coupling and to inhibit the adenylate cyclase pathway. These effects appeared to be selectively mediated by P2Y1receptor activation and probably occurred as a consequence of a direct receptor–receptor interaction at the plasma membrane level. These results indicated that P2Y1receptor activation induces A1receptor heterologous desensitization. The interaction between A1and P2Y1receptors may play an important role in the purinergic signaling cascade in astrocytes, which are involved in cell‐to‐cell communication and in control of synaptic transmission, particularly during pathological conditions, when large amounts of purines are released. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Astrocyte‐only Npc1 reduces neuronal cholesterol and triples life span of Npc1–/– mice
Authors: Zhang Min , Strnatka Diana , Donohue Carolyn , Hallows Janice L. , Vincent Inez , Erickson Robert P.
Published: May 2008

Niemann‐Pick type C (NPC) disease is an autosomal recessive, lethal neurodegenerative disorder. Although neurodegeneration of Purkinje cells in the mouse model (Npc1–/–) is thought to be autonomous, the basis of neuronal death in other regions of the brain remains elusive. We addressed this issue in vivo by using the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) promoter to direct astrocyte‐specific, replacement expression of Npc1 in Npc1–/– mice. These mice showed enhanced survival, decreased neuronal storage of cholesterol associated with less accumulation of axonal spheroids, lower numbers of degenerated neurons and reactive astrocytes, and restoration of myelin tracts. Their death was not associated with the usual terminal decline in weight but instead with a loss of Purkinje cells and motor coordination. We conclude that neurodegeneration of Npc1–/– mice is greatly affected by the loss of fibrillary astrocyte function. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The major yolk protein is synthesized in the digestive tract and secreted into the body cavities in sea urchin larvae
Authors: Unuma Tatsuya , Konishi Kooichi , Kiyomoto Masato , Matranga Valeria , Yamano Keisuke , Ohta Hiromi , Yokota Yukio
Published: May 2008

Major yolk protein (MYP), a transferrin superfamily protein contained in yolk granules of sea urchin eggs, also occurs in the coelomic fluid of male and female adult sea urchins regardless of their reproductive cycle. MYP in the coelomic fluid (CFMYP; 180 kDa) has a zinc‐binding capacity and has a higher molecular mass than MYP in eggs (EGMYP; 170 kDa). CFMYP is thought to be synthesized in the digestive tract and secreted into the coelomic fluid where it is involved in the transport of zinc derived from food. To clarify when and where MYP synthesis starts, we investigated the expression of MYP during larval development and growth in Pseudocentrotus depressus. MYP mRNA was detected using RT‐PCR in the early 8‐arm pluteus stage and its expression persisted until after metamorphosis. Real‐time RT‐PCR revealed that MYP mRNA increased exponentially from the early 8‐arm stage to metamorphosis. Western blotting showed that maternal EGMYP disappeared by the 4‐arm stage and that newly synthesized CFMYP was present at and after the mid 8‐arm stage. In the late 8‐arm larvae, MYP mRNA was detected in the digestive tract using in situ hybridization, and the protein was found in the somatocoel and the blastocoel‐derived space between the somatocoel and epidermis using immunohistochemistry. These results suggest that CFMYP is synthesized in the digestive tract and secreted into the body cavities at and after the early 8‐arm stage. We assume that in larvae, CFMYP transports zinc derived from food via the body cavities to various tissues, as suggested for adults. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 76: 142–150, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Epidemiologic research on man‐made disasters: Strategies and implications of cohort definition for World Trade Center worker and volunteer surveillance program
Authors: Savitz David A. , Oxman Rachael T. , Metzger Kristina B. , Wallenstein Sylvan , Stein Diane , Moline Jacqueline M. , Herbert Robin
Published: May 2008

Studies of long‐term health consequences of disasters face unique methodologic challenges. The authors focused on studies of the health of cleanup and recovery workers, who are often poorly enumerated at the outset and difficult to follow over time. Comparison of the experience at the World Trade Center disaster with 4 past incidents of chemical and radiation releases at Seveso, Italy; Bhopal, India; Chernobyl, Ukraine; and Three Mile Island, USA, provided useful contrasts. Each event had methodologic advantages and disadvantages that depended on the nature of the disaster and the availability of records on area residents, and the emergency‐response and cleanup protocol. The World Trade Center Worker Monitoring Program has well‐defined eligibility criteria but lacks information on the universe of eligible workers to characterize response proportions or the potential for distortion of reported health effects. Nonparticipation may result from lack of interest, lack of awareness of the program, availability of another source of medical care, medical conditions precluding participation, inability to take time off from work, moving out of the area, death, or shift from initially ineligible to eligible status. Some of these considerations suggest selective participation by the sickest individuals, whereas others favor participation by the healthiest. The greatest concern with the validity of inferences regarding elevated health risks relative to external populations is the potential for selective enrollment among those who are affected. If there were a large pool of nonparticipating workers and those who suffered ill health were most motivated to enroll, the rates of disease among participants would be substantially higher than among all those eligible for the program. Future disaster follow‐up studies would benefit substantially by having access to accurate estimates of the number of workers and information on the individuals who contributed to the cleanup and recovery effort. Mt Sinai J Med 75:77–87, 2008 © 2008 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Responder safety and health: Preparing for future disasters
Authors: Reissman Dori B. , Howard John
Published: May 2008

This article reviews lessons learned about managing the safety and health of workers who were involved in disaster response, recovery, and cleanup after the 2001 World Trade Center (WTC) disaster. The first two sections review ongoing responder health burdens and the tragic toll of this disaster from a worker safety and health perspective. The remaining sections address changes in federal infrastructure, response planning, and resources for protection of response and recovery personnel.

Proper preparation includes pre‐event and “just‐in‐time” disaster‐worker training on likely hazards, organizational assets for hazard monitoring, and hands‐on instruction in the use of assigned protective equipment. Good planning includes predeployment medical review to ensure “fitness for duty” and considers the following: (1) personal risk factors, (2) hazards likely to be associated with particular field locations, and (3) risks involved with assigned tasks (eg, workload and pace, work/rest cycles, available resources, and team/supervisory dynamics). Planning also should address worker health surveillance, medical monitoring, and availability of medical care (including mental health services). Disaster safety managers should anticipate likely hazards within planning scenarios and prepare asset inventories to facilitate making timely safety decisions.

Disaster safety management begins immediately and provides ongoing real‐time guidance to incident leadership at all levels of government. Robust standards must be met to reliably protect workers/responders. An integrated and measurable multiagency safety management function must be built into the incident command system before an incident occurs. This function delineates roles and responsibilities for rapid exposure assessments, ensuring cross‐agency consistency in data interpretation, and timely, effective communication of information and control strategies. The ability to perform this safety mangement function should be tested and evaluated in exercise simulations and drills at multiple levels.

Joint planning and exercising of the safety management plan and its function are effective ways to build interagency relationships and to be more systemic in managing logistics for safety equipment and converging personnel. Planning must include mechanisms to enable safety decisions to be implemented—such as effective and rapid scene control (site access), personnel tracking, and safety enforcement. Worker safety and health preparedness and leadership are essential for protecting workers and promoting resiliency among personnel involved in disaster response, recovery, and cleanup. Mt Sinai J Med 75:135–141, 2008 © 2008 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Capacity assessment and intervention in 56‐yr‐old man with schizophrenia
Authors: Schlechter Alan
Published: May 2008

The importance of the doctor‐patient relationship among patients with schizophrenia is especially evident within the context of medication adherence. The association between patients' positive perception of their psychiatrist and medication adherence has been established in several studies. This is the case of a 56‐year‐old man with schizophrenia and multiple medical problems who is refusing to take any medications. We discuss the risks and benefits of having a patient declared incompetent along with assessing the patient's capacity. The case highlights situations when a physician might question a patient's decisional capacity but conclude that the decision should be accepted so as to maintain rapport with the patient and continue treatment. Mt Sinai J Med 75:153–155, 2008. © 2008 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Formylation of activated arenes by phenyl formate: implications for the mechanism of the Fries rearrangement of aryl formates
Authors: Bagno Alessandro , Kantlehner Willi , Saielli Giacomo
Published: May 2008

We present an NMR and DFT investigation of the reaction of phenyl formate with 3‐methoxyphenol and 3,5‐dimethoxyphenol with excess BCl3. The products obtained (3‐methoxy‐ and 3,5‐dimethoxy‐salicylaldehyde, respectively) are the same as those resulting from the Fries rearrangement of 3‐methoxy‐ and 3,5‐dimethoxy‐phenyl formate. These results represent a novel regioselective synthetic route to aromatic aldehydes, using phenyl formate as a source of formylating agent. They also unambiguously prove that the Fries rearrangement of aryl formates (that we recently investigated in J. Org. Chem. 71, 9331–9340, 2006) is intermolecular: the intermediate formyl chloride is released in situ and, in turn, it formylates the intermediate dichloroborate ester of 3‐methoxy‐ and 3,5‐dimethoxy‐phenol in a second independent step. The BCl2 moiety bound to the aryl oxygen of the substituted phenol interacts with the formyl chloride strongly favouring the ortho substitution. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the ‘livingness’ of a dynamic library of cyclophane formaldehyde acetals incorporating calix[4]arene subunits
Authors: Cacciapagliaa Roberta , Di Stefanoa Stefano , Mandolinia Luigi
Published: May 2008

The acid catalyzed transacetalation of cyclophane formaldehyde acetals incorporating calix[4]arene subunits generates a short‐lived dynamic library of macrocycles. The side reaction responsible for the loss of ‘livingness’ is the unexpected decomposition of monomeric units into a bridged ether and formaldehyde. A plausible mechanism is suggested, in which the crucial step is the formation of benzyl carbocations strongly stabilized by the alkoxy substituents at the lower rim of the calix[4]arene moieties. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of random polyampholyte brushes by atom transfer radical polymerization
Authors: Sanjuan Sarah , Tran Yvette
Published: May 2008

We report the synthesis of random polyampholyte brushes containing 2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) and methacrylic acid (MAA). The preparation of polyampholyte brushes is performed by the “grafting from” strategy using surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The first step consists in the formation of the self‐assembled monolayer of the ATRP initiator. Secondly, the chains are grown from the surface by controlled/“living” radical polymerization. The random copolymer brushes and the corresponding homopolymers brushes containing 2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate and tert‐butyl methacrylate (tBuMA) are prepared. The last step is the deprotection of the tBuMA form to the MAA segment by in situ hydrolysis reaction. The annealed DMAEMA group can also be converted to the quenched form by in situ quaternization reaction. This results in the formation of “annealed” and “semiannealed” polyampholyte brushes. The “annealed” polyampholyte corresponds to the random copolymer that contains only annealed units, weak acid and weak base. The “semiannealed” polyampholyte consists of the mixture of annealed (weak acid) and quenched (quaternized segment) units. Polyampholyte brushes with various grafting densities are synthesized and carefully characterized using surface techniques such as ellipsometry and FTIR‐ATR. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 4305–4319, 2008
Synthesis and characterization of amphiphilic block–graft MPEG‐b‐(PαN3CL‐g‐alkyne) degradable copolymers by ring‐opening polymerization and click chemistry
Authors: Lee Ren‐Shen , Huang Yi‐Ting
Published: May 2008

A straightforward strategy is proposed for the synthesis of novel, amphiphilic block–graft MPEG‐b‐(PαN3CL‐g‐alkyne) degradable copolymers. First, the ring‐opening polymerization of α‐chloro‐ε‐caprolactone (αClCL) was initiated by hydroxy‐terminated macroinitiator monomethoxy poly(ethylene glycol) (MPEG) with SnOct2 as the catalyst. In a second step, pendent chlorides were converted into azides by the reaction with sodium azide. Finally, various kinds of terminal alkynes were reacted with pendent azides by copper‐catalyzed Huisgen's 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition, and thus a “click” reaction. These copolymers were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), 1H NMR, IR, and gel permeation chromatography. By fixing the length of the MPEG block and increasing the length of PαClCL (or PαN3CL) block, an increase tendency in Tgs was observed. However, the copolymers of MPEG‐b‐PαClCL and MPEG‐b‐PαN3CL were semicrystalline when the Mn of MPEG was above 2000 g mol−1. The block–graft copolymers formed micelles in the aqueous phase with critical micelle concentrations (CMCs) in the range of 1.4–12.0 mg L−1 depending on the composition of polymers. The lengths of hydrophilic segment influence the shape of the micelle. The mean hydrodynamic diameters of the micelles from dynamic light scattering were in the range of 90–160 nm. In vitro hydrolytic degradation of block–graft copolymers is faster than the corresponding block copolymers. The drug entrapment efficiency and the drug loading content of micelles depending on the composition of block–graft polymers were described. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 4320–4331, 2008
Acid‐labile, thermoresponsive (meth)acrylamide polymers with pendant cyclic acetal moieties
Authors: Huang Xiao‐Nan , Du Fu‐Sheng , Zhang Bo , Zhao Jing‐Yi , Li Zi‐Chen
Published: May 2008

Acid‐labile, thermoresponsive polymers with pendant six‐membered cyclic acetal groups were prepared by radical polymerization of two monomers, N‐(2,2‐dimethyl‐1,3‐dioxan‐5‐yl) methacrylamide (NDMM) and N‐(2,2‐dimethyl‐1,3‐dioxan‐5‐yl) acrylamide (NDMA). The aqueous solution properties of the polymers, PNDMM and PNDMA, were studied by turbidimetry, 1H NMR, fluorescence, and DSC measurements. It is found that both polymers show sensitive and reversible phase transitions with distinct lower critical solution temperatures (LCST). Below their LCSTs, there are still some polymer aggregates as evidenced by measurements of pyrene excitation spectra and urea effects on the cloud points (CP) of polymers. The salting effect of six inorganic sodium salts on the phase transition behavior of PNDMM was investigated by turbidimetric approach. The salting‐out to salting‐in effect is in the order of SO42− > F− > Cl− > Br− > I− > SCN−, following the Hofmeister's series. pH‐dependent hydrolysis of PNDMM and PNDMA was studied by turbidimetric and 1H NMR methods. They are both pH‐sensitive and their hydrolysis rates significantly increase with decreasing pH value. The CP of PNDMM gradually increases with the acid‐triggered hydrolysis of the acetal groups and the hydrolyzed polymer with ∼ 30% hydrolysis degree does not show thermally induced phase transition. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 4332–4343, 2008
The effect of the core on the thermotropic behavior of three‐arm star poly[11‐(4′‐cyanophenyl‐4′′‐phenoxy)undecyl acrylate]s synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization
Authors: Pugh Coleen , Kasko Andrea M. , Grunwald Steven R.
Published: May 2008

“Three‐arm star” poly[11‐(4′‐cyanophenyl‐4′′‐phenoxy)undecyl acrylate]s were synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of 11‐(4′‐cyanophenyl‐4′′‐phenoxy)undecyl acrylate using two new trifunctional initiators: 1,3,5‐tri‐ (methyl 2‐bromopropionate)benzene and 2,4,6‐tri[4′‐methyl(2′′‐bromopropionate)phenoxymethyl]mesitylene. The polymers synthesized with 1,3,5‐tri(methyl 2‐bromopropionate)benzene (series II) contained 14–127 repeat units according to gel permeation chromatography relative to linear polystyrene (GPCPSt) and 13–271 repeat units according to GPC with a light scattering detector (GPCLS). Those synthesized with 2,4,6‐tri[4′‐methyl(2′′‐bromopropionate)phenoxymethyl]mesitylene (series III) contained 14–87 repeat units according to GPCPSt and 10–120 repeat units according to GPCLS. The absolute molecular weight, size, and shape of both series of polymers were characterized by light scattering in CH2Cl2, and their thermotropic behavior was analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry; both types of properties were compared to those of the other architectures, especially the corresponding three‐arm star poly[11‐(4′‐cyanophenyl‐4′′‐phenoxy)undecyl acrylate]s synthesized previously using 1,3,5‐trisbromomethylmesitylene as the initiator. The size and shape of the three‐arm star polymers in CH2Cl2 are similar, although the isotropization temperature in the solid state decreases and the breadth of the isotropization transition increases with increasing size and flexibility of the trifunctional core. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 4363–4382, 2008
Doll‐like face: Is it an underestimated clinical presentation of cystic fibrosis?
Authors: Kose Mehmet , Pekcan Sevgi , Kiper Nural , Aslan Ayse Tana , Cobanoglu Nazan , Yalcin Ebru , Dogru Deniz , Ozcelik Ugur
Published: May 2008

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most prevalant inheritable chronic disease in caucasian children. The clinical syndrome of kwashiorkor is well‐recognized complication of CF. The edema of the face can be seen in kwashiorkor. As doll‐like face is very rare and underestimated clinical presentation of CF patients complicated with hypoproteinemia we evaluated demographic features and laboratory characteristics of 5 patients diagnosed as CF with doll‐like face. Methods: Between June 2005 and January 2008, 115 children were diagnosed as having CF enrolled in our center. Five infants were diagnosed as CF with doll‐like face before the age of 6 months participitated in study. Results: The incidence of doll‐like face younger than the 6 months of age were 9.4% in our center. 48 infants diagnosed as CF without doll‐like face before the age of 6 months participitated in the study as controls (group2). Physical examination revealed doll‐like face and pitting edema of lower extremities in group 1. Their weight and length were under the third centile. Laboratory findings of group 1 include: mean hemoglobin 7.6g/dl; mean total protein 4.4 g/dl; albumin 2.3 g/dl. When compared control group in order to; 11.4 g/dl (range 7.6–17.9); 6.2 g/dl (range 4.0–8.8); 4.7 g/dl (range 2.1–5.8). mean hemoglobin, total protein and albumin values were lower in group 1. Conclusion: In a subgroup of patients, doll‐like face may be the presenting manifestation of CF. Especially in developing countries clinicians should be aware of in patients with malnutrition and doll‐like face and CF should be considered in differential diagnosis. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2008; 43:634–637. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intrinsic catch‐up growth of hypoplastic fetal lungs is mediated by interleukin‐6
Authors: Nogueira‐Silva Cristina , Moura Rute S. , Esteves Nuno , Gonzaga Sílvia , Correia‐Pinto Jorge
Published: May 2008

Fetal lung hypoplasia is a common finding in several fetal conditions such as congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Interestingly, previous studies have demonstrated that hypoplastic lungs have the ability to recover to normal size, when relieved from mechanical factors. However, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Recently, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) has been involved in catch‐up growth phenomenon in children. Thus, we hypothesized that IL‐6 could mediate fetal growth recover from hypoplastic lungs. Control and nitrofen‐induced hypoplastic lung explants were cultured either in normal conditions or with IL‐6 neutralizing antibodies. The total number of peripheral airway buds, epithelial perimeter, and total explant area were analyzed and daily branching rates were calculated. Additionally, IL‐6 mRNA and protein expression was assessed both in qualitative (by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry) and in quantitative (by real‐time PCR and Western blot) approaches, in control and hypoplastic lungs (nitrofen and CDH groups). Nitrofen‐induced hypoplastic lungs showed in vitro, out of systemic environment, the ability to recover from hypoplasia and presented daily branching rates significantly higher than controls. Blocking IL‐6 activity significantly diminished the intrinsic capacity of hypoplastic fetal lungs to recover from hypoplasia and attenuated their daily branching rates. Although more exacerbated in CDH, both nitrofen‐exposed lungs presented significant IL‐6 mRNA and protein over‐expression throughout all studied gestational ages. The present study suggests, for the first time, that fetal lung is able to recover from growth retardation through a way that resembles the catch‐up growth phenomenon, and it seems to be, at least partially, orchestrated by intrinsic mechanisms implicating IL‐6. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2008; 43:680–689. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bronchoalveolar cytology for diagnosing pulmonary GVHD after bone marrow transplant in children
Authors: Rochat I. , Posfay‐Barbe K.M. , Kumar N. , Pache J.‐C. , Kaiser L. , Ozsahin H. , Barazzone Argiroffo C. , Bongiovanni M.
Published: May 2008

Background

Cytological composition of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid in pediatric bone marrow transplant (BMT) recipients with pulmonary complications has not been comprehensively described and BAL specific markers of pulmonary GVHD are lacking. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the role of BAL in the diagnosis of pulmonary GVHD by comparing BAL cytological findings between pediatric allogenic BMT patients with pulmonary complications and oncology children receiving chemotherapy alone.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of BAL specimens for cytology, total and differential cell counts and presence of infections.

Results

Seventeen BMT and 13 chemotherapy BAL were analyzed. BAL total cell count was increased but similar between groups (96.9 × 104 vs. 98.2 × 104, P = NS). BAL cellular composition differed considerably between groups with a significantly higher number of lymphocytes (18% vs. 6.25%, P = 0.03) and a significantly lower number of neutrophils (25.9% vs. 58%, P = 0.02) in BMT BAL specimens. Atypical epithelial cells were significantly more frequent (75% vs. 30.8%, P = 0.027), and significantly more severe (P = 0.01) in BMT patients. The presence and severity of atypia was not associated with infection or pneumotoxic drug exposure (P = NS).

Conclusion

BAL cytology differs significantly between BMT and chemotherapy patients. The presence BAL lymphocytosis and severe epithelial cell atypia concomitantly to respiratory symptoms and GVHD in other organs may suggest the diagnosis of pulmonary GHVD. Prospective studies assessing the reliability of this finding combined with markers such as epithelial cell apoptosis and increased cytokines are needed. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2008; 43:697–702. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Slow‐responders to IV β2‐adrenergic agonist therapy: Defining a novel phenotype in pediatric asthma
Authors: Carroll Christopher L. , Schramm Craig M. , Zucker Aaron R.
Published: May 2008

Objectives

While aerosolized administration of β2‐adrenergic receptor (β2‐AR) agonists is the mainstay of treatment for pediatric asthma exacerbations, the efficacy of intravenous (IV) delivery is controversial. Failure to demonstrate improved outcomes with IV β2‐AR agonists may be due to phenotypic differences within this patient population. Our hypothesis is that children who respond more slowly to IV β2‐AR agonist therapy comprise a distinct phenotype.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of all children admitted to the ICU for status asthmaticus who were treated with IV terbutaline between December 2002 and September 2006.

Results

Seventy‐eight children were treated with IV terbutaline according to guidelines that adjusted the dose by clinical asthma score. After examining the histogram of duration of terbutaline infusions, a 48‐hr cutoff was chosen to define responsiveness. Thirty‐eight (49%) children were slow‐responders by this definition. There were no significant differences in baseline asthma severity or severity on admission between the slow‐responders and responders. Slow‐responders required significantly higher total doses of IV terbutaline, higher maximum administration rates, and had longer ICU and hospital length of stay.

Conclusion

There were significant differences in outcomes between the responders and slow‐responders without differences in acute or chronic illness severity. Other factors may have lead to slower response to IV β2‐agonist therapy. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2008; 43:627–633. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.