bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contribution of 4–1BBL on radioresistant cells in providing survival signals through 4–1BB expressed on CD8+ memory T cells in the bone marrow
Authors: Lin Gloria H. Y. , Edele Fanny , Mbanwi Achire N. , Wortzman Michael E. , Snell Laura M. , Vidric Mariana , Roth Katrin , Hauser Anja E. , Watts Tania H.
Published: August 2012

The persistence of memory lymphocytes is a critical feature of adaptive immunity. The TNF family ligand 4–1BBL supports the antigen‐independent survival of CD8+ memory T cells. Here, we show that mice lacking 4–1BB only on αβ T cells show a similar defect in CD8+ T‐cell recall responses, as previously shown in 4–1BBL‐deficient mice. We show that 4–1BB is selectively expressed on BM CD8+ but not CD4+ memory T cells of unimmunized mice. Its ligand, 4–1BBL, is found on VCAM‐1+ stromal cells, CD11c+ cells, and a Gr1lo myeloid population in unimmunized mice. Adoptive transfer of in vitro generated memory T cells into mice lacking 4–1BBL only on radioresistant cells recapitulates the defect in CD8+ T‐cell survival seen in the complete knockout mice, with smaller effects of 4–1BBL on hematopoietic cells. In BM, adoptively transferred DsRed CD8+ memory T cells are most often found in proximity to VCAM‐1+ cells or Gr1+ cells, followed by B220+ cells and to a much lesser extent near CD11c+ cells. Thus, a VCAM‐1+CD45− stromal cell is a plausible candidate for the radioresistant cell that provides 4–1BBL to CD8+ memory T cells in the BM.
Shining a New Light on an Old Game – An OsII‐Based Near‐IR Light Switch
Authors: Trovato Emanuela , Di Pietro Maria Letizia , Puntoriero Fausto
Published: August 2012

We present a high‐yield synthesis, the spectroscopic, electrochemical, and photophysical characterization of a new near‐IR OsII DNA light switch based on the pydppz ligand {pydppz = 3‐(pyrid‐2′‐yl)dipyrido[3,2‐a:2′,3′‐c]phenazine}. The new compound represents, to the best of our knowledge, the first example of an [Os(tpy)2]‐like species able to intercalate into DNA. This compound is completely quenched in aqueous solution and becomes luminescent in the near‐IR spectral region in the presence of a small amount of biopolymer. Thus this osmium species behaves as a real OFF‐ON DNA light switch.
An Approach to Nanobioparticles – Synthesis and Characterization of Fulleropeptides
Authors: Bjelaković Mira , Todorović Nina , Milić Dragana
Published: August 2012

Two sets of new peptides incorporating fulleropyrrolidine units – Fp‐GABAn‐Glym‐OtBu – have been designed, synthesized and completely characterized. In the first series the chain contained only GABA (γ‐aminobutyric) residues, whereas in the second one glycine moieties were also inserted as well as GABA. Most of the target compounds were prepared by DCC/DMAP‐assisted coupling of previously synthesized GABA‐containing fulleropyrrolidinic acid and corresponding C‐protected small peptides, although for two fulleropeptides [3+2] cycloadditions of azomethine ylides to C60 were employed. All new compounds were characterized by standard spectroscopic methods. Complete assignments of peptide spin systems were achieved by extensive NMR analysis (1H, 13C, H,H‐COSY, HSQC, HMBC and TOCSY).
Preparation and Reactions of Aliphatic 2‐Pentafluorosulfanyl Aldehydes
Authors: Ngo Silvana C. , Lin Jin‐Hong , Savoie Paul R. , Hines Erica M. , Pugliese Kaitlin M. , Welch John T.
Published: August 2012

A facile preparation of aliphatic 2‐pentafluorosulfanyl aldehydes is described. To investigate the utility of the aldehydes as synthetic building blocks, various transformations of the aldehydes were explored. The pentafluorosulfanyl group was stable under a variety of reaction conditions, and the pentafluorosulfanylated products were obtained in moderate to good yields in most cases.
Development of a generic micellar electrokinetic chromatography method for the separation of 15 antimalarial drugs as a tool to detect medicine counterfeiting
Authors: Lamalle Caroline , Marini Roland Djang'Eing'A , Debrus Benjamin , Lebrun Pierre , Crommen Jacques , Hubert Philippe , Servais Anne‐Catherine , Fillet Marianne
Published: August 2012

Since antimalarial drugs counterfeiting is dramatically present on theAfrican market, the development of simple analytical methods for their quality control is of great importance. This work consists in theCEanalysis of 15 antimalarials (artesunate, artemether, amodiaquine, chloroquine, piperaquine, primaquine, quinine, cinchonine, mefloquine, halofantrine, sulfadoxine, sulfalen, atovaquone, proguanil, and pyrimethamine). Since all these molecules cannot be ionized at the same pH,MEKCwas preferred because it also allows separation of neutral compounds. Preliminary experiments were first carried out to select the most crucial factors affecting the antimalarials separation. Several conditions were tested and four parameters as well as their investigation domain were chosen: pH (5–10),SDSconcentration (20–90 mM),ACNproportion (10–40%), and temperature (20–35°C). Then, the experimental design methodology was used and a central composite design was selected. Mathematical modeling of the migration times allowed the prediction of optimal conditions (29°C, pH 6.6, 29 mMSDS, 36%ACN) regarding analyte separation. The prediction at this optimum was verified experimentally and led to the separation of 13 compounds within 8 min. Finally, the method was successfully applied to the quality control ofAfrican antimalarial medicines for their qualitative and quantitative content.
Nanometer‐sized alumina packed microcolumn solid‐phase extraction combined with field‐amplified sample stacking‐capillary electrophoresis for the speciation analysis of inorganic selenium in environmental water samples
Authors: Duan Jiankuan , Hu Bin , He Man
Published: August 2012

In this paper, a new method of nanometer‐sized alumina packed microcolumn SPE combined with field‐amplified sample stacking (FASS)–CE‐UV detection was developed for the speciation analysis of inorganic selenium in environmental water samples. Self‐synthesized nanometer‐sized alumina was packed in a microcolumn as the SPE adsorbent to retain Se(IV) and Se(VI) simultaneously at pH 6 and the retained inorganic selenium was eluted by concentrated ammonia. The eluent was used for FASS–CE–UV analysis after NH3 evaporation. The factors affecting the preconcentration of both Se(IV) and Se(VI) by SPE and FASS were studied and the optimal CE separation conditions for Se(IV) and Se(VI) were obtained. Under the optimal conditions, the LODs of 57 ng L−1 (Se(IV)) and 71 ng L−1 (Se(VI)) were obtained, respectively. The developed method was validated by the analysis of a certified reference material of GBW(E)080395 environmental water and the determined value was in a good agreement with the certified value. It was also successfully applied to the speciation analysis of inorganic selenium in environmental water samples, including Yangtze River water, spring water, and tap water.
Analysis of short‐chain aliphatic amines in food and water samples using a near infrared cyanine 1‐(ε‐succinimydyl‐hexanoate)‐1′‐methyl‐3,3,3′,3′‐tetramethyl‐indocarbocyanine‐5,5′‐disulfonate potassium with CE–LIF detection
Authors: Fu Ni‐Na , Zhang Hua‐Shan , Wang Hong
Published: August 2012

Precolumn derivatization of six short‐chain aliphatic amines by a near‐infrared dye, 1‐(ε‐succinimydyl‐hexanoate)‐1′‐methyl‐3,3,3′,3′‐tetramethyl‐indocarbocyanine‐5,5′‐ disulfonate potassium (MeCy5‐OSu), followed by MEKC–CE–LIF detection has been developed as a method for the determination of aliphatic amines in environmental water and food. Optimum derivatization was operated nicely in pH 9.0 borate buffer at 20°C for 30 min. Well separated peaks were observed with a pH 9.5 BGE containing 10 mmol L−1 phosphoric acid, 20 mmol L−1 SDS, and 7% methanol buffered with 1.0 mol L−1 NaOH. The separation procedure was rapidly achieved within 11 min and the matrix interferences could be effectively eliminated. A linear calibration graph was obtained for 5–200 nmol L−1 analytes with a correlation coefficient in the range 0.9933–0.9995 for amines. This method was successfully utilized to determine aliphatic amines in lake, sewage water, and red wine with recoveries ranging from 96.4 to 105% and the RSDs ranging from 0.9 to 2.9%. Near‐infrared, LIF‐detector‐compatible MeCy5‐OSu was proved suitable for the accurate, sensitive, and rapid separation and determination of aliphatic amines in water and food samples.
Robust and high‐resolution simulations of nonlinear electrokinetic processes in variable cross‐section channels
Authors: Bahga Supreet S. , Bercovici Moran , Santiago Juan G.
Published: August 2012

We present a model and an associated numerical scheme to simulate complex electrokinetic processes in channels with nonuniform cross‐sectional area. We develop a quasi‐1D model based on local cross‐sectional area averaging of the equations describing unsteady, multispecies, electromigration‐diffusion transport. Our approach uses techniques of lubrication theory to approximate electrokinetic flows in channels with arbitrary variations in cross‐section; and we include chemical equilibrium calculations for weak electrolytes, Taylor–Aris type dispersion due of nonuniform bulk flow, and the effects of ionic strength on species mobility and on acid–base equilibrium constants. To solve the quasi‐1D governing equations, we provide a dissipative finite volume scheme that adds numerical dissipation at selective locations to ensure both unconditional stability and high accuracy. We couple the numerical scheme with a novel adaptive grid refinement algorithm that further improves the accuracy of simulations by minimizing numerical dissipation. We benchmark our numerical scheme with existing numerical schemes by simulating nonlinear electrokinetic problems, including ITP and electromigration dispersion in CZE. Simulation results show that our approach yields fast, stable, and high‐resolution solutions using an order of magnitude less grid points compared to the existing dissipative schemes. To highlight our model's capabilities, we demonstrate simulations that predict increase in detection sensitivity of ITP in converging cross‐sectional area channels. We also show that our simulations of ITP in variable cross‐sectional area channels have very good quantitative agreement with published experimental data.
Feasibility of electroextraction as versatile sample preconcentration for fast and sensitive analysis of urine metabolites, demonstrated on acylcarnitines
Authors: Lindenburg Petrus W. , Tjaden Ubbo R. , van der Greef Jan , Hankemeier Thomas
Published: August 2012

In this work, we demonstrate the applicability of electroextraction (EE) to urine metabolites. To investigate which urine metabolite classes are susceptible to EE, off‐line EE experiments were carried out with a prototype device, in which urine metabolites were electroextracted from ethyl acetate into water. The obtained extracts were examined with direct infusion MS and the results demonstrated that several compound classes could be extracted, amongst which amino acids and acylcarnitines. Acylcarnitines were selected for evaluation of the performance of EE. For this, the EE setup was adapted to capillary EE (cEE) to be able to analyze large urine sample series, and it was coupled online to LC‐MS. cEE‐LC‐MS of acylcarnitines was optimized and characterized. The recovery, linearity, repeatability, and detection limit of the cEE‐LC‐MS method was good to excellent. To demonstrate the versatility of EE for sample preparation in analytical procedures, extracts were injected into a CZE‐MS system, resulting in detection of the acylcarnitines along with more than 100 presumed metabolite peaks. The results presented here indicate that EE can be used as a fast sample preconcentration technique of low abundant urine metabolites, in combination with both LC and CZE.
Role of bis(monoacylglycero)phosphate in propranolol binding to phospholipid membranes under acidic conditions as measured by high‐performance frontal analysis/capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Hamaguchi Ryohei , Kuroda Yukihiro , Tanimoto Toshiko , Haginaka Jun
Published: August 2012

Bis(monoacylglycero)phosphate (BMP) is localized in acidic organelles such as late endosomes or lysosomes. It has been reported that BMP levels increase under phospholipidosis induced by cationic amphiphilic drugs. In the present study, the effect of BMP on the binding of propranolol (PRO) to phospholipid liposomes under acidic conditions was investigated. Binding experiments were conducted by high‐performance frontal analysis/capillary electrophoresis. PRO showed nonspecific binding to BMP‐containing liposomes (BMP:phosphatidylcholine = 1:4), when numbers of bound drug molecules per lipid molecule (r) ranged 0.01–0.06. Total binding affinity increased depending on the BMP content. Binding affinity was decreased by low ionic strength, or by substitution of BMP with diacylglycerol, suggesting that electrostatic interactions were involved. The binding‐enhancement effect of BMP was almost equivalent to that of phosphatidylglycerol, and slightly larger than that of phosphatidylserine. An acidic environment (pH 5.0) decreased total binding affinity to BMP‐containing liposomes. This could be explained by the pH‐partition theory (i.e., the loss in affinity was caused by a decrease in the neutral form of the drug accessible to the membrane core). These results suggest that PRO binding is enhanced by BMP in late endosomes or lysosomes, whereas an acidic environment weakens such binding.
The impact of antipsychotics and neuropsychiatric symptoms on the quality of life of people with dementia living in nursing homes
Authors: van de Ven‐Vakhteeva Julia , Bor Hans , Wetzels Roland B. , Koopmans Raymond T. C. M. , Zuidema Sytse U.
Published: August 2012

Objective

This study aimed to establish whether antipsychotic (AP) use in patients with dementia negatively affects quality of life (QoL) independent of neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS).

Method

We tested 290 patients with dementia living in nine nursing homes throughout the Netherlands in a longitudinal study. The measurements were repeated every 6 months over 2 years. We studied the change in NPS and AP use and their effect on QoL over time in two separate generalized estimating equations. We assessed QoL and NPS using the Qualidem questionnaire and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory‐Nursing Home Version (NPI‐NH), respectively.

Results

Antipsychotic prescriptions did not significantly change participant QoL, whereas NPI‐NH total score changes consistently predicted changes in QoL. According to the Qualidem, the development of QoL in patients who chronically used APs did not differ from AP‐free patients, except on the restless tense behavior subscale. AP‐free patients' “restless tense behavior” improved compared with patients who chronically used APs, who showed a slight deterioration in these symptoms; however, this effect did not significantly influence total QoL.

Conclusion

Antipsychotic use does not necessarily have detrimental effects on the QoL of patients with dementia; rather, NPS consistently and negatively affects QoL. The use of APs to treat NPS is justified when used carefully (i.e., their benefits and side effects should be monitored). Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk of skin cancer and other malignancies in kidney, liver, heart and lung transplant recipients 1970 to 2008—A Swedish population‐based study
Authors: Krynitz Britta , Edgren Gustaf , Lindelöf Bernt , Baecklund Eva , Brattström Christina , Wilczek Henryk , Smedby Karin E.
Published: August 2012

Organ transplant recipients are at increased risk of a wide range of malignancies, especially cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). Few previous population‐based studies have quantified and compared cancer risks according to graft type and with long‐term follow‐up. Using nationwide Swedish registers, we identified 10,476 recipients transplanted from 1970 to 2008 and followed them for cancer occurrence. Relative risks of cancer in comparison with the general population were expressed as standardized incidence ratios (SIR) and within the transplanted cohort as incidence rate ratios (IRR). During a total follow‐up of 93,432 person‐years, patients were diagnosed with 1,175 cancers excluding SCC, and with 2,231 SCC, SIRcancer excl SCC 2.4 (95% CI, 2.2–2.5); SIRSCC 121 (95% CI, 116–127). Cancer risks were most increased among heart and/or lung recipients SIRcancer excl SCC 3.3 (95% CI, 2.8–4.0); SIRSCC 198 (95% CI, 174–224), followed by kidney SIRcancer excl SCC 2.3 (95% CI, 2.1–2.4); SIRSCC 121 (95% CI, 116–127) and liver recipients SIRcancer excl SCC 2.3 (95% CI, 1.9–2.8); SIRSCC 32 (95% CI, 24–42). During follow‐up, risk of cancer excluding SCC remained stable while risk of SCC tripled over 20 years irrespective of graft type, partly due to a subgroup of patients developing new SCCs at a rapidly increasing rate. In summary, post‐transplant cancer risk varied by transplanted organ and by cancer site, with the bulk of the excess risk driven by an exceptionally high and accelerating risk of SCC. These findings underscore the importance of regular skin screening in organ transplant recipients.
A comparison of four scales for anxiety, depression, and neuroticism
Authors: Meites Karen , Lovallo William , Pishkin Vladimir
Published: August 2012

Examined the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Zung Self‐Rating Depression Scale (SDS), and the Taylor Manifest Anxiety Scale (TMAS) for specificity and validity as measures of anxiety and depression. It was hypothesized that if the BDI and SDS were specific to symptoms of depression, they would show high correlations with each other, low correlations with the TMAS, and intermediate correlations with the Neuroticism scale of the Eysenck Personality Inventory (EPI‐N). The four instruments were administered to 170 undergraduate students, and correlations and qualitative content analyses showed that the BDI, SDS and TMAS were intercorrelated significantly with the EPI‐N scale and that item content overlapped heavily among the tests. The results suggest all four tests tap an emotionality factor of stability‐instability.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INTENSITY AND BREADTH OF AFTER‐SCHOOL PROGRAM PARTICIPATION AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT: EVIDENCE FROM A SHORT‐TERM LONGITUDINAL STUDY
Authors: Springer Ken , Diffily Deborah
Published: August 2012

We explored the extent to which intensity and breadth of participation in an after‐school program (ASP) predicted academic achievement, as measured by changes in grades and attendance. The sample comprised 719 2nd‐grade through 8th‐grade Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas members during the 2009–2010 academic year. With respect to intensity, extent of club participation was positively related to increases in GPA from the first‐week to the last 6‐week grading period. This relationship was stronger for elementary students. In addition, intensity was negatively related to changes in school absences from the first week to the last 6 weeks for both grade levels. With respect to breadth, participation in greater numbers of programs was related to greater improvement in GPA, but only among elementary students, and only when program participation was substantial. Overall, the results suggest that participation in structured ASPs like Boys and Girls Clubs positively affects academic achievement.
UNANTICIPATED EFFECT OF A RANDOMIZED PEER NETWORK INTERVENTION ON DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS AMONG YOUNG METHAMPHETAMINE USERS IN THAILAND
Authors: German D. , Sutcliffe C. G. , Sirirojn B. , Sherman S. G. , Latkin C. A. , Aramrattana A. , Celentano D. D.
Published: August 2012

We examined the effect on depressive symptoms of a peer network‐oriented intervention effective in reducing sexual risk behavior and methamphetamine (MA) use. Current Thai MA users aged 18‐25 years and their drug and/or sex network members enrolled in a randomized controlled trial with 4 follow‐ups over 12 months. A total of 415 index participants recruited 568 network members. Linear repeated measures models were fit with depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale [CES‐D]) as the outcome. Among indexes in the intervention condition, mean CES‐D decreased from 20.0 to 15.7 (p < 0.0001) over follow‐up. Controlling for covariates and changes in MA and alcohol use, CES‐D in this group decreased by 0.35 points per month (95% confidence interval, 0.45, ‐0.25). All other groups showed minimal changes in CES‐D score. The peer‐oriented, community‐based intervention designed to reduce MA use and sexual risk behavior also resulted in substantial reduction in depressive symptoms, independent of changes in MA use.
INFORMAL SOCIAL CONTROL OF INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN: RESULTS FROM A CONCEPT MAPPING STUDY OF URBAN NEIGHBORHOODS
Authors: Frye Victoria , Paul Margaret M. , Todd Mary‐Justine , Lewis Veronica , Cupid and Jane Coleman Malik , Salmon Christina , O'Campo Patricia
Published: August 2012

How the neighborhood environment relates to intimate partner violence against women has been studied using theories applied originally to general violence. Extending social disorganization and collective efficacy theories, they apply a traditional measure informal social control that does not reflect behaviors specific to partner violence. We conducted a concept mapping study in two New York City neighborhoods, to understand what behaviors neighborhood residents might enact to prevent partner violence and how feasible and effective residents believed them to be. Results revealed a range of “preventive intervention behaviors.” Cluster analysis revealed that these behaviors grouped into four general areas, corresponding to the victim, perpetrator, community, and formal systems. Preventive intervention behaviors rated by participants as most feasible focused on the victim, whereas those rated most effective involved formal systems. Results have theoretical and practical implications for future research and programs to engage neighbors and neighborhoods in intimate partner violence prevention.
THE ANALYSIS OF THE RESILIENCE OF ADULTS ONE YEAR AFTER THE 2008 WENCHUAN EARTHQUAKE
Authors: Li Min , Xu Jiuping , He Yuan , Wu Zhibin
Published: August 2012

Resilience, the ability to spring back from adversity and successfully adapt to it, is becoming an increasingly popular focus in research on the intervention and prevention of mental breakdown. This article aims to assess the resilience of adults exposed to the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake 1 year after the occurrence of the earthquake, to explore the relationship between demographic factors (such as gender, age, ethnic group, education level, and monthly income) and resilience via the Resilience Scale for Adults, and to identify the significant predictors of resilience. Using variance analysis and multiple regression analysis of all demographic factors above we further elaborate the findings.
Ethylbenzene removal under mesophilic conditions in a biofilter with Macadamia ternifolia nutshells as a carrier material
Authors: Volckaert Diëgo , Álvarez‐Hornos F. Javier , Heynderickx Philippe M. , Kittikoon Chidnapa , Van Langenhove Herman
Published: August 2012

BACKGROUND

Biofilters are suitable to treat industrial emissions polluted with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), responsible for photochemical smog and depletion of the ozone layer. This study analyzes the performance of a biofilter with Macadamia ternifolia nutshells as a carrier material treating air streams contaminated with ethylbenzene under mesophilic conditions with continuous feeding.

RESULTS

The biofilter was operated continuously for 5 months applying several inlet loads (IL), empty bed residence times (EBRT) and temperatures. At a temperature of 303 ± 1 K removal efficiencies (RE) higher than 90% were obtained for ILs lower than 85.6 g m−3 h−1 and 70.6 g m−3 h−1 at an EBRT of 150 and 90 s. The yield coefficient resulted in 0.73 g of dry biomass formed per g of ethylbenzene degraded. Michaelis–Mentens half saturation parameter Km and maximum volumetric elimination rate rm were calculated for EBRT of 90 s, Km = 0.28 ± 0.09 g m−3 and rm = 89 ± 11 g m−3 h−1, and 150 s, Km = 0.72 ± 0.18 g m−3 and rm = 117 ± 15 g m−3 h−1.

CONCLUSIONS

The experimental data shows that a biofilter with Macadamia ternifolia nutshells (waste material in Thailand) as a carrier material is a good option for air treatment in tropical areas with typical temperatures varying from 292 to 313 K, using ethylbenzene as a test substrate. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Preoperative “NPO” as an opportunity for diabetes screening
Authors: Sheehy Ann M. , Benca Joan , Glinberg Simone L. , Li Zhanhai , Nautiyal Amit , Anderson Paul A. , Squire Matthew W. , Coursin Douglas B.
Published: August 2012

BACKGROUND:

Novel preventive care opportunities, such as in hospitalized patients, may merit further investigation in an Accountable Care Organization (ACO) model. As 40% of patients with diabetes are undiagnosed, diabetes screening is an urgent public health need. Screening fasting preoperative patients may present an effective means to identify patients who might otherwise remain undiagnosed.

OBJECTIVE:

To pilot an inpatient preventive care strategy for diabetes screening that would ascertain prevalence of unrecognized inpatient diabetes (DM) and impaired fasting glucose (IFG), determine reproducibility of preoperative fasting blood glucose (FBG), and establish feasibility of inpatient preventive screening.

DESIGN:

Prospective observational study.

SETTING:

Large Midwestern academic medical center.

PATIENTS:

Two hundred seventy‐five elective orthopedic patients with a preoperative visit between December 1, 2007 and November 30, 2008. Most patients (96.6%) had seen their primary care provider (PCP) within 12 months, and 100% were insured.

MEASUREMENTS:

Medical history was recorded, and hemoglobin A1C (Hgb A1C) and FBG were drawn immediately prior to surgery. Patients with preoperative FBG ≥100 mg/dL had FBG drawn 6–8 weeks postoperatively.

RESULTS:

Twenty‐four percent (67/275) of patients had previously unrecognized DM or IFG by virtue of 2 abnormal values. Sixty‐four percent of patients with FBG ≥100 mg/dL preoperatively remained elevated at ambulatory follow‐up. No patients with new DM or IFG had point‐of‐care glucose checks ordered or had dysglycemia mentioned on discharge summary.

CONCLUSIONS:

Inpatient undiagnosed DM and IFG is common, even in insured, elective surgery patients with recent primary care visits. Preoperative FBG can be used to screen, but results need to be conveyed to PCPs. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2012; © 2012 Society of Hospital Medicine
Survey of overnight academic hospitalist supervision of trainees
Authors: Farnan Jeanne M. , Burger Alfred , Boonayasai Romsai T. , Leykum Luci , Harrison Rebecca , Machulsky Julie , Parekh Vikas , Sharpe Bradley A. , Schleyer Anneliese M. , Arora Vineet M. ,   for the SGIM Housestaff Oversight Subcommittee
Published: August 2012

In 2003, Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) announced the first in a series of guidelines related to the residency training. The most recent recommendations include explicit recommendations regarding the provision of on‐site clinical supervision for trainees of internal medicine. To meet these standards, many internal medicine residency programs turned to hospitalist programs to fill that need. However, much is unknown about the current relationships between hospitalist and residency programs, specifically with regard to supervisory roles and supervision policies. We aimed to describe how academic hospitalists currently supervise housestaff during the on‐call, or overnight, period and hospitalist program leader their perceptions of how these new policies would impact trainee‐hospitalist interactions. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2012; © 2012 Society of Hospital Medicine
Perceptions of readmitted patients on the transition from hospital to home
Authors: Kangovi Shreya , Grande David , Meehan Patricia , Mitra Nandita , Shannon Richard , Long Judith A.
Published: August 2012

BACKGROUND:

Hospital leaders have had mixed success reducing readmissions Little is known about the readmitted patient's perspective.

METHODS:

A cross‐sectional 36‐item survey was administered to 1084 readmitted inpatients of The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (an urban academic medical center) and Penn Presbyterian Medical Center (an urban community hospital) between November 10, 2010 and July 5, 2011. The survey response rate was 32.9%.

RESULTS:

The most commonly reported issues contributing to readmission were: 1) feeling unprepared for discharge (11.8%); 2) difficulty performing activities of daily living (ADLs) (10.6%); 3) trouble adhering to discharge medications (5.7%); 4) difficulty accessing discharge medications (5.0%); and 5) lack of social support (4.7%). Low‐socioeconomic status (SES) (defined as uninsured or Medicaid) patients were more likely than high‐SES patients to report difficulty understanding (odds ratio [OR] 2.7; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1, 6.6) and executing (OR 2.2; 95% CI 1.1, 4.4) discharge instructions, difficulty adhering to medications (OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.2, 3.0), lack of social support (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.2, 3.6), lack of basic resources (OR 2.6; 95% CI 1.1, 6.1), and substance abuse (OR 6.7; 95% CI 2.3, 19.2).

CONCLUSIONS:

Patients reported transition challenges which they believe contribute to illness relapse and readmission. Interventions designed to address these challenges, and tailored for patient characteristics such as SES, may better address the root causes of readmission. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2012. © 2012 Society of Hospital Medicine
Home video unit transforms itself to adapt to the shift to digital consumption
Authors: Dasgupta Tathagata
Published: August 2012

Rising to the challenges presented by drastically changing consumer consumption patterns that resulted from ever‐evolving technology, a lackluster economy, and increasing competition, the home video business unit of a major film studio embarked on a series of initiatives that sprang from global transformation workshops delivered to cross‐functional, cross‐hierarchical teams. As a result of those efforts, the organization was realigned as a supply‐chain management unit and saved millions of dollars by avoiding excess production. Meanwhile, employees at all levels acquired mastery of continuous improvement tools to ensure that top management's vision of flexibility and large‐scale efficiencies would be disseminated throughout the organization well into the future. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Integrating workplace affect with psychological contract breach and employees' attitudes
Authors: Arain Ghulam Ali , Hameed Imran , Farooq Omer
Published: August 2012

Contributing to the exploration of the role of emotions/affect in the employee‐employer relationship, a study of 250 white‐collar and blue‐collar workers from eight public‐ and private‐sector organizations in Pakistan integrated affective reactions (psychological contract violation and affective commitment) with the concept of psychological contract breach and work attitudes. The researchers found that affective reactions are elicited by employees' experience of breach of psychological contract and have negative effects on work attitudes, specifically job satisfaction and turnover intention. Their results, which may be generalized to other developing countries in South Asia, also showed that affective reactions mediate the direct relationship between psychological contract breach and workplace attitudes. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Interpreting the success of Zappos.com, Four Seasons, and Nordstrom: Customer centricity is but one‐third of the job
Authors: Kopelman Richard E. , Chiou Andy Y. , Lipani Louis J. , Zhu Zhu
Published: August 2012

Can organizations that are noted for outstanding customer service rely solely on their remarkable customer‐centricity to achieve success? An analysis incorporating Internet‐based surveys, traditional measures of customer satisfaction and financial performance, and an examination of the practices at three exceptionally successful customer‐focused companies—Zappos.com, Four Seasons, and Nordstrom—shows that an emphasis on employee satisfaction and productivity also play key roles in organizational excellence. Management practices at these firms illustrate the validity of the Cube One framework, which posits that a combination of customer‐, employee‐, and productivity‐directed practices drives organizational performance. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Glacially derived material in an Inner Mongolian desert lake during Marine Isotope Stage 2
Authors: Selvaraj Kandasamy , Chen Chen‐Tung Arthur , Babu C. Prakash , Lou Jiann‐Yuh , Liu Ching‐Ling , Hsu Kenneth J.
Published: August 2012

Establishing the precise timing of continental glacial dynamics and abrupt high‐latitude climate events is crucial to understanding the causes of global climate change. Here we present multi‐proxy records in a lake sediment core from arid Inner Mongolia (Wuliangsuhai Lake) that show two distinct glacially derived sedimentation events at ∼26.2–21.8 and ∼17.3–11.5k cal a BP. Fine sediments from the Last Glacial Maximum separate these glacially derived coarse sediments. Within these intervals, the occurrence of granite clasts at ∼24–23.5, 17.3–17 and 15.6–14.1k cal a BP implies either sediment discharge by meltwater as well as strong current flow in the Yellow River and/or sediment influx through hill‐slope mass wasting and landsliding from the nearby Yin Mountains. Surface microfeatures of quartz grains and spot elemental analysis of black specks in these intervals, however, indicate that physical weathering is dominant and that the provenance of the rocks is probably from a glacial source. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time glacier‐derived materials have been detected in any desert lake in the Yellow River basin. The occurrence of granite clasts roughly correlates with Heinrich events in the North Atlantic, suggesting synchronous ice sheet dynamics in high‐ and mid‐latitude regions during the Last Glacial period. Although our data provide unprecedented evidence for the influence of glacier‐related processes in arid Inner Mongolia, further well‐dated records are clearly needed to re‐evaluate the correlative inference drawn between granite clast layers in Wuliangsuhai Lake and Heinrich events in the North Atlantic. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterisation and phenolic profiles of two rare olive oils from southern Tunisia: Dhokar and Gemri‐Dhokar cultivars
Authors: Rigane Ghayth , Ayadi Mohamed , Boukhris Maher , Sayadi Sami , Bouaziz Mohamed
Published: August 2012

BACKGROUND: The aim of this work was to study the chemical characteristics of two Tunisian cultivars, namely Dhokar and Gemri‐Dhokar, to analyse the fatty acids, sterols, triacylglycerols, triterpenic alcohols, and to determine the phenolic composition and oxidative stability.

RESULTS: Among the rare varieties, Gemri‐Dhokar olive oil had the highest value of oleic acid (69.39%) whereas Dhokar oil was noteworthy for its lower content of phenolic compounds (94.56 mg kg−1 gallic acid equivalents of oil) and presented the highest level of palmitic acid (19.37%). The main sterols found in all olive oil samples were β‐sitosterol and Δ5‐avenasterol, whereas cholesterol and 24‐methylenecholesterol were also found in all samples but in lower amounts. Two triterpenic dialcohols (erythrodiol and uvaol) were also detected and their content ranged from 1.45 to 2.30%, in Gemri‐Dhokar and Dhokar olive oil, respectively. Ten phenolic compounds were identified. In all samples, the main phenols found were oleuropein aglycon and pinoresinol. These phenolic compounds showed significant correlations with oxidative stability.

CONCLUSION: The analytical parameters of two oils that were determined in this study were greatly influenced by genetic factors (cultivar). © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Assessment of endogenous antioxidative compounds and antioxidant activities of lager beers
Authors: Zhao Haifeng , Li Huipin , Sun Guifang , Yang Bao , Zhao Mouming
Published: August 2012

BACKGROUND: Flavour stability is increasingly becoming the limiting factor in the shelf life of beer. Increasing the antioxidant activity of beer itself could suppress the rate of oxidative reaction and improve the flavour stability of beer. This report describes the levels of phenolic compounds, melanoidins and sulfur dioxide, and antioxidant activities of 40 lager beers. The relationships between antioxidative compounds and antioxidant activity were elucidated by multivariate analysis techniques.

RESULTS: The results showed that the total phenolic content and the melanoidins content correlated well (P < 0.05) with antioxidant activity, while there was no significant correlation (P > 0.05) between total sulfur dioxide content and antioxidant activity. Satisfactory discrimination among beer samples with significantly different antioxidant activity was achieved by principal component analysis. Results from stepwise linear regression further demonstrated that different antioxidative components responsible for antioxidant activity were dependent on the assay used. The phenolic compound group is by far the most antioxidative compounds in beer and total phenolic content, melanoidins and sulfur dioxide together made a 22–68% contribution to the antioxidant activities of beers.

CONCLUSION: Therefore, it might be an efficient means for brewers to increase total phenolic content during brewing for improvement in flavour stability of the final beer. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of garlic oil on milk fatty acid profile and lipogenesis‐related gene expression in mammary gland of dairy goats
Authors: Zhu Zhi , Hang Suqin , Zhu Honglong , Zhong Sheng , Mao Shengyong , Zhu Weiyun
Published: August 2012

BACKGROUND: Garlic oil (GO) has blood lipid‐lowering effects. Milk fatty acid (FA) originates partly from plasma, and can be affected by the mammary lipogenesis. This study aimed to investigate GO effects on milk FA profile and mammary lipogenesis‐related gene expression. Early‐lactation goats were randomly allocated to four treatments with six goats each, and offered corn silage ad libitum and fixed amount of 0.79 kg day−1 dry matter (DM) concentrate mixed with GO (0, 0.57, 1.14, 1.71 g kg−1 DM) for 30 days consisting of 26‐day adaptation.

RESULTS: Intake of corn silage reduced (P≤0.05) as GO level increased in the concentrate. Lipase activity and lactose content linearly increased, while non‐esterified FA concentration quadratically decreased with increasing GO level (P≤0.05). The proportions of short‐ and medium‐chain (C14:0, C15:0 and C16:0) and saturated FA decreased, whereas C18, cis9 trans11 conjugated linoleic acid (c9t11 CLA), t10c12 CLA, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated FA, and some ≥ C20 FA proportions increased in a linear manner with increasing GO level (P≤0.05). The mRNA abundance of genes remained unchanged (P > 0.1) as GO level increased.

CONCLUSION: Garlic oil altered milk FA profile and these effects may not be related to the mammary lipogenesis‐related genes expression. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of cooking on the total antioxidant capacity and phenolic profile of some whole‐meal African cereals
Authors: N'Dri Denis , Mazzeo Teresa , Zaupa Maria , Ferracane Rosalia , Fogliano Vincenzo , Pellegrini Nicoletta
Published: August 2012

BACKGROUND: At present, sorghum, fonio and millet are not placed as important commodities in the North American and European food basket, but their importance as ingredients in multigrain and gluten‐free cereal products is highlighted. Therefore in this study the phenolic profile (evaluated by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry), total phenolic content (assessed by Folin–Ciocalteu assay) and total antioxidant capacity were measured in three African whole grains, i.e. sorghum (Sorghum bicolor ssp. bicolor), fonio (Digitaria exilis) and pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.), before and after a cooking procedure.

RESULTS: After the cooking process, soluble phenolic acids increased significantly in sorghum, whereas bound ones and anthocyanins decreased significantly. In millet the cooking process significantly enhanced soluble phenolic acids without affecting those bound, whereas in fonio a slight but significant decrease in almost all soluble phenolic acids was observed along with a significant increase in bound ones. Finally, the cooking process negatively affected both total phenolic content and total antioxidant capacity.

CONCLUSION: This is one of the few reports dealing with the antioxidant compounds of these three African whole grains in which the effect of cooking was also evaluated. The data suggested that, to improve their antioxidant properties, specific cultivars should be selected and the cooking procedures carefully considered. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Simple, rapid, and sensitive determination of beta‐blockers in environmental water using dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction followed by liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection
Authors: Vázquez Ma del Mar Parrilla , Vázquez Piedad Parrilla , Galera Maria Martínez , Sánchez Luis Molina
Published: August 2012

A novel method, dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction combined with liquid chromatography‐fluorescence detection is proposed for the determination of three beta‐blockers (metoprolol, bisoprolol, and betaxolol) in ground water, river water, and bottled mineral water. Some important parameters, such as the kind and volume of extraction and dispersive solvents, extraction time, pH, and salt effect were investigated and optimized. In the method, a suitable mixture of extraction solvent (60 μL carbon tetrachloride) and dispersive solvent (1 mL acetonitrile) were injected into the aqueous samples (5.00 mL) and the cloudy solution was observed. After centrifugation, the enriched analytes in the bottom CCl4 phase were determined by liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Under the optimum conditions, the enrichment factors (EFs) for metoprolol, bisoprolol, and betaxolol were 180, 190, and 182, and the limits of detection (LODs) were 1.8, 1.4, and 1.0 ng L−1, respectively. A good linear relationship between the peak area and the concentration of analytes was obtained in the range of 3–150 ng L−1. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) for the extraction of 10 ng L−1 of beta‐blockers were in the range of 4.6–5.7% (n = 5). Compared with other methods, dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction is a very simple, rapid, sensitive (low limit of detection), and economical (only 1.06 mL volume of organic solvent) method, which is in compliance with the requirements of green analytical methodologies.
Determination of morphine, codeine, and paclitaxel in human serum and plasma by micellar electrokinetic chromatography
Authors: Rodríguez Juana , Contento Ana M. , Castañeda Gregorio , Muñoz Lorena , Berciano Miguel A.
Published: August 2012

A micellar electrokinetic chromatography method is proposed for the determination of morphine, codeine, and paclitaxel at clinical relevant levels in human serum and plasma, which are employed in the treatment of patients with cancer. Optimal conditions for the separation were investigated. A background electrolyte solutions consisting of 20 mM borate buffer adjusted to pH 8.5, sodium dodecyl sulphate 60 mM and 15% methanol, hydrodynamic injection, and 25 kV as separation voltage were used. Detection wavelength was 212 nm for morphine and codeine and 200 nm for paclitaxel. Aspects such as stability of the solutions, linearity, accuracy, precision, and robust and ruggedness were examined in order to validate the proposed method. Detection limits obtained for all the studied compounds ranged between 26 and 52 ng/mL. Before micellar electrokinetic chromatography determination, the samples were purified and enriched by means of an extraction–preconcentration step with a preconditioned C18 cartridge. This method was applied to the analysis of serum and plasma samples from different cancer patients undergoing treatment with paclitaxel or/and codeine.
Effects of nasal surgery on the upper airway: A drug‐induced sleep endoscopy study
Authors: Victores Andrew Jacob , Takashima Masayoshi
Published: August 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To evaluate the impact of nasal surgery on the oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal anatomy of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by comparing drug‐induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) data prior to and following nasal surgery.

Study Design:

Retrospective review of medical records and DISE video recordings.

Methods:

Twenty‐four patients with OSA were identified who underwent nasal surgery for symptomatic nasal obstruction. Clinic charts and DISE video recordings were reviewed. Preoperative and postoperative DISE recordings were compared to determine whether nasal surgery affected the level, degree, and sustainability of upper airway obstruction.

Results:

Overall, the pattern of upper airway obstruction did not change significantly following nasal surgery (P > .05). Almost all patients demonstrated residual obstruction by postoperative DISE (96%), with no change in plans for surgical management of oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal collapse (83%). Partial improvement in palatal collapse was present in a subset of patients without tongue base obstruction (P < .05). Postoperative apnea–hypopnea index decreased from a mean of 23.6 to 20.4 events/hr, but this change was not significant (P > .05).

Conclusions:

For most patients with OSA, surgical repair of nasal obstruction does not significantly improve oropharyngeal or hypopharyngeal collapse as seen on DISE. However, mild improvement in palatal collapse is seen in a subset of patients without tongue base obstruction. This study reveals that if DISE is being utilized to direct surgical management of OSA, it does not need to be repeated for most patients after nasal surgery. Laryngoscope, 2012
Permanent hair reduction with a home‐use diode laser: Safety and effectiveness 1 year after eight treatments
Authors: Wheeland Ronald G.
Published: August 2012

Background and Objectives

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a home‐use hair removal diode laser (TRIA Beauty, Inc., Dublin, CA) in a multiple treatment regimen.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Thirteen indicated adults with naturally brown or black hair and Fitzpatrick skin type I–IV received 8 monthly treatments with the diode laser at three fluences, with a fourth area left untreated as a control. Quantitative hair counts were made at each treatment visit and periodically for 12 months after the last treatment.

Results

The treated sites exhibited statistically significant hair count reduction that generally increased with each treatment and remained stable during the 1 year follow‐up period. The mean percent hair count reduction was 47%, 55%, and 73% at 1 month after the last treatment and 44%, 49%, and 65% at 12 months after the last treatment at fluences of 7, 12, and 20 J/cm2, respectively, compared to control. Eighty‐six percent (86%) of subjects had greater than 30% hair reduction and 38% had >80% hair reduction at 12 months post‐treatment. At the same time point, 31% of subjects reported complete (100%) hair removal and 69% reported that the hair that did regrow was less noticeable due to being finer and/or lighter. The only observed side effects were erythema and edema that were mild, transient, and self‐resolving usually within a few hours.

Conclusions

The home‐use diode laser was safe and highly effective at permanently reducing unwanted hair. Lasers Surg. Med. 44: 550–557, 2012. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc.