bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resveratrol ameliorates vasculopathy in STZ‐induced diabetic rats: role of AGE–RAGE signalling
Authors: Jing Yu‐Hong , Chen Kuan‐Hsing , Yang Shu‐Han , Kuo Pei‐Ching , Chen Jan‐Kan
Published: April 2010

Background

Resveratrol (RSV) has been shown to ameliorate hyperglycaemia and hyperlipidaemia in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats. In the present study, we examined the beneficial effects of RSV on diabetes mellitus (DM)‐induced vasculopathy and explored its possible mechanism.

Methods

Male Sprague–Dawley rats were injected with streptozotocin at 65 mg/kg body weight The induction of DM was confirmed by a fasting plasma glucose level ≥ 300 mg/dL and symptoms of polyphagia and polydipsia. The DM rats were treated with or without RSV at 0.75 mg/kg body weight three times a day for 4–8 weeks. Animals were sacrificed and vessel wall histology was examined by microscopy. The vascular smooth muscle cell activation was assessed by the medial thickness, collagen deposition, and the expressions receptor for advanced glycation end product, NF‐κB, proliferation cell nuclear antigen, and the levels of Erk1/2 phosphorylation.

Results

In RSV‐treated DM rats, the vascular wall thickening, collagen deposition/cross‐linking, and vascular permeability were all alleviated compared with that of the untreated DM rats. The vascular smooth muscle cell of the RSV‐treated rats was characterized with less proliferation, lower NF‐κB, and Erk1/2 activation, decreased proliferation cell nuclear antigen and receptor for advanced glycation end product expression. Moreover, the plasma fructosamine was significantly reduced in RSV‐treated DM rats.

Conclusions

RSV alleviated DM‐induced vasculopathy through attenuation of advanced glycation end product–receptor for advanced glycation end product–NF‐κB signalling pathway. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Systematic Structural Coordination Chemistry of p‐tert‐Butyltetrathiacalix[4]arene: Further Complexes of Transition‐Metal Ions
Authors: Bilyk Alexander , Dunlop John W. , Fuller Rebecca O. , Hall Annegret K. , Harrowfield Jack M. , Hosseini M. Wais , Koutsantonis George A. , Murray Ian W. , Skelton Brian W. , Stamps Robert L. , White Allan H.
Published: April 2010

In extension of earlier work on complexes of p‐tert‐butyltetrathiacalix[4]arene, LH4, with late transition‐metal MII species, we report studies of complexes modelled on the basis of single‐crystal X‐ray studies as derivatives of VV, WVI, MnII, FeIII, NiII, CuII and PdII, the last as a trio of heteronuclear species also involving CaII. In complexes [VO(OH)(LH2)·2.5dmf·2H2O] (×2) (1), Cl2W(L)·3.5C6H6 (2) and [Mn(LH2)·3.5CH2Cl2] (×2) (3) included dmf is found only in the partially deprotonated calixarene cavities of 1 and 3. In oligonuclear OFe3(HCO2)(LH)2·2H2O·6dmf (4) and 2Cuac2·Cu2(L)·dmf·4.5CH2Cl2 (6) (ac = acetate) included dmf is found in both. NiII provides several species, including 5a, binuclear (Et3NH)Ni2(LH)(LH2)·2dmf·2Me2CO·H2O, 5b, a remarkable hexanuclear (binuclear + tetranuclear) aggregate, Ni6(L)(LH)2(LH2)·4MeCN·6H2O, and 5c, an even more remarkable Ni32 aggregate modelled as (centrosymmetric) Ni32(OH)40(L)6·8dmso·10dmf, in which there are two sets of nickel atoms, one disposed at the corners of a cube (Ni8), the other (Ni24) at the vertices of a cuboctahedron (the Ni8 vertices at the centres of the hexagonal faces); the hydroxy groups comprise two sets: one, (OH)24, disposed outside the spheroidal shell of nickel atoms, the other, (OH)16, disordered within, the thiacalixarene ligands L6 being disposed about the axes of the octahedron. Heteronuclear species have been found as CaII/PdII combinations CaPd2(LH)2·1.5CH2Cl2 (7a), CaPd(LH2)·3dmso·H2O·4.5MeCN (7b), Ca2Pd(LH)2·3.5dmso·1.5H2O·4MeCN (7c), all with included solvent.
Formation of Silica Nanolayers on ZnO Electrodes in Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Ueno Shintaro , Fujihara Shinobu
Published: April 2010

Zinc oxide electrodes for use in dye‐sensitized solar cells were coated with thin silica layers by using a sol–gel transformation of tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS). Coating solutions were prepared by mixing TEOS and diluted ammonia while stirring and ultrasonificating simultaneously. Two kinds of coating methods (immersing and dip‐coating) were adopted and compared to control the thickness of the silica layers on a nanometer scale. With the immersing method a relatively thick SiO2 coating was made on zinc oxide particles on the electrodes, which resulted in an increase in the open‐circuit photovoltage (Voc) and a large decrease in the short‐circuit photocurrent density (Jsc). In contrast, by using the dip‐coating method, with a relatively low withdrawal speed of 100 μm s–1, thinner SiO2 layers could be formed on the zinc oxide particles and a high Jsc as well as a high Voc was obtained. These results demonstrate that the Voc characteristics of solar cells using silica‐coated zinc oxide electrodes can be enhanced by controlling the structure of the silica‐coating layers.
Light Switches the Ligand! Photochromic Azobenzene–Phosphanes
Authors: Segarra‐Maset Maria Dolores , van Leeuwen Piet W. N. M. , Freixa Zoraida
Published: April 2010

Three phosphanes containing azobenzene groups were synthesized, and the photochemical behaviour of their platinum complexes was studied by using the light‐induced (E)/(Z) isomerization as a switch to change ligand properties.
Orthogonally Protected Cyclohexanehexols by a “One Reaction – One Product” Approach: Efficient Access to Cyclitols and Their Analogs
Authors: Jagdhane Rajendra C. , Shashidhar Mysore S.
Published: April 2010

Differentially protected myo‐inositol derivatives were prepared from commercially available myo‐inositol through regioselective O‐alkylation reactions, which give a single product in each step. These derivatives were converted into six isomeric inositol derivatives carrying orthogonal hydroxy protecting groups. For all these reactions, conditions were chosen to prevent the formation of isomeric products, which obviates the need for separation of isomers and provides the required cyclitol derivative in very good yields. The synthetic potential of these derivatives was illustrated by the conversion of some of the orthogonally protected inositol derivatives into other cyclitol derivatives. Isomeric inositols were also prepared by the global deprotection of all the hydroxy groups.
Reductive Ring‐Opening of Phthalan and Isochroman: Application to the Stereoselective Synthesis of Tetrahydroisoquinolines and Tetrahydrobenzazepines
Authors: García Daniel , Foubelo Francisco , Yus Miguel
Published: April 2010

The reaction of the dianionic intermediates 2a,b resulting from the lithiation of phthalan (1a) and isochroman (1b) with chiral N‐tert‐butylsulfinyl aldimines 9 in the presence of ZnMe2 gave, after hydrolysis, N‐tert‐butylsulfinyl amino alcohols 10 and 13, respectively, with high diastereoselectivity. Successive treatment of compounds 10 and 13 with hydrogen chloride in methanol, thionyl chloride in chloroform and sodium hydroxide led to the formation of tetrahydroisoquinolines 19 and tetrahydrobenzazepines 20. Depending on the structure of the starting chiral imine 9, benzoindolizidine 21, benzoquinolizidine 22 and benzopyrroloazepine 23 are also accessible through this methodology.
Nanostructured Iron Oxide Platform for Impedimetric Cholesterol Detection
Authors: Kaushik Ajeet , Solanki Pratima R. , Kaneto Keiichi , Kim C. G. , Ahmad Sharif , Malhotra Bansi D.
Published: April 2010

A nanostructured iron oxide (NanoFe3O4, particle size ca. 25 nm and roughness ca. 21 nm) film deposited onto a hydrolyzed indium‐tin‐oxide (ITO) coated glass plate has been used to immobilize cholesterol oxidase (ChOx) to fabricate an impedimetric cholesterol sensor. Electrochemical studies reveal that surface charged Fe3O4 nanoparticles provide better conformation for ChOx loading resulting in enhanced electron transfer between ChOx and the electrode. Impedimetric response studies of the ChOx/NanoFe3O4/ITO bioelectrode exhibit improved linearity (2.5–400 mg/dL), low detection limit (0.25 mg/dL), fast response time (25 s), high sensitivity (86 Ω/mg dL−1/cm−2) and a low value of the Michaelis‐Menten constant (Km, 0.8 mg/dL) with a regression coefficient of 0.997.
A Uniquely Configured Acetylcholinesterase‐Lecithin Biomimetic Sensing Structure at Cyclohexane/Water Interface for Electrochemical Determination of Fenthion in Organic Solvent
Authors: Li Jun , He Jingjing , Qiu Jingxia , Zhang Shanqing , Zhao Huijun , Miao Yuqing
Published: April 2010

An acetylcholinesterase (AChE)‐lecithin biomimetic structure was constructed at the oil/water interface for the direct determination of fenthion in cyclohexane. Indophenol acetate in oil phase was hydrolyzed by AChE at the two‐phase interface to produce indophenol. Square wave voltammetry was used to monitor the current decrease of substrate to assess AChE activity. The AChE incorporated in the lecithin‐based biomimetic layer possessed higher enzymatic activity and was more sensitive to fenthion inhibition than freestanding AChE. A linear relationship between the inhibition percentage and logarithm of fenthion concentration was obtained in a concentration range from 1 ng/mL to 1 mg/mL.
Electrochemical Determination of Boric Acid Using the Boric Acid–Tiron Complexation System
Authors: Fujimori Takao , Akimoto Hiroshi , Tsuji Yutaka , Takehara Kô , Yoshimura Kazuhisa
Published: April 2010

For monitoring the boron concentration in reverse osmosis (RO) water produced by desalination plants, a voltammetric determination method for the amount of electrochemically inactive boron has been developed by using the complexation with 4,5‐dihydroxybenzene‐1,3‐disulfonic acid (Tiron). Cyclic voltammetric measurements showed the oxidation peak of boric acid–Tiron 1 : 1 complex at 920 mV. This peak was successfully applied to the determination of boron in RO water with the LOD of 0.1 mg B dm−3 by using differential pulse voltammetry. The redox and acid–dissociation behaviors of Tiron and its boron complex are found to depend on the properties of pH buffer reagent.
Toxicity of three binary mixtures to Daphnia magna: Comparing chemical modes of action and deviations from conceptual models
Authors: Loureiro Susana , Svendsen Claus , Ferreira Abel L.G. , Pinheiro Clara , Ribeiro Fabianne , Soares Amadeu M.V.M.
Published: April 2010

Complex mixtures makes the assessment of environmental hazards difficult due to possible antagonistic or synergistic interactions that can occur between chemicals, or even more complex effect patterns like dose-level or dose-ratio–dependent responses. The aim of the present work was to investigate the acute and sublethal responses of Daphnia magna Straus exposed to four single chemical compounds (imidacloprid, thiacloprid, nickel chloride, and chlorpyrifos) and three binary chemical mixtures. In the immobilization and feeding inhibition bioassays, chlorpyrifos was the most toxic to D. magna, followed by nickel chloride, and imidacloprid and thiacloprid, which showed similar levels of toxicity. The MIXTOX was used to evaluate mixture toxicity. Observed data was compared with the expected mixture effects predicted by concentration addition (CA) and independent action (IA) models; deviations for synergistic/antagonistic interactions, dose-level and dose-ratio dependency were also used. In the mixture toxicity assessment, several patterns of response were obtained depending on the mixture but also on the endpoint tested. For imidacloprid and thiacloprid, deviations for synergism were observed in acute exposures (immobilization), and antagonism for feeding rates at sublethal concentrations. For imidacloprid and chlorpyrifos, antagonism was found in both exposures. In the nickel and chlorpyrifos case study, deviations for synergism were observed in the acute exposure; a dose-ratio deviation was observed in the feeding inhibition test, with a pattern for antagonism, except for where nickel exerts more than 60% of the mixture toxicity. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010; 29:1716–1726. © 2010 SETAC
Channel code design with causal side information at the encoder
Authors: Farmanbar Hamid , Gharan Shahab Oveis , Khandani Amir K.
Published: April 2010

The problem of channel code design for the M‐ary input AWGN channel with additive Q‐ary interference where the sequence of i.i.d. interference symbols is known causally at the encoder is considered. The code design criterion at high SNR is derived by defining a new distance measure between the input symbols of the Shannon's derived channel. For the case of binary‐input channel, i.e. M‐2, it is shown that it is sufficient to use only two (out of 2Q) input symbols of the derived channel in the encoding as far as the distance spectrum of code is concerned. This reduces the problem of channel code design for the binary‐input AWGN channel with known interference at the encoder to design of binary codes for the binary symmetric channel where the Hamming distance among codewords is the major factor in the performance of the code. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Benefit–risk analysis for the clinician: ‘primum non nocere’ revisited—the case for antipsychotics in the treatment of behavioural disturbances in dementia
Authors: Naarding P. , van Grevenstein M. , Beekman A. T. F.
Published: April 2010

The results of clinical trials are often presented in a way that only highlights either the benefits or the risks of the treatment under study. Especially in older age, clinical psychiatric problems are often of complex nature, which requires integrating multiple sources of data to reach clinical decisions. An analytical, decision‐making strategy can be of help in arranging the results of various studies in such a way as to aid decision‐making. In this paper, we clarify this method using the case of the risks and benefits of using antipsychotics in older people with dementia and behavioural disturbances. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parental conditional regard as a predictor of deficiencies in young children's capacities to respond to sad feelings
Authors: Roth Guy , Assor Avi
Published: April 2010

This study explored the relationship between parents' use of conditional regard (PCR, Assor, Roth, & Deci, 2004; Roth, 2008) to promote suppression of sad feelings and the following emotional skills in young children: (1) recognition of sadness in facial expressions, (2) awareness of sad feelings in oneself, and (3) empathic response to others' sad feelings. The study distinguished between two PCR components: conditional negative regard (similar to love withdrawal) and conditional positive regard. Emotion‐focused interviews were conducted with 102 children aged 5–6 years, and their parents completed questionnaires assessing parents' use of conditional regard. As expected, both PCR components correlated negatively with the emotional skills. Regression analyses showed that the seemingly benign practice of conditional positive regard had unique negative associations with the three emotional skills also when effects of negative PCR were controlled. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface nanoscale patterning of bioactive glass to support cellular growth and differentiation
Authors: Lei Bo , Chen Xiaofeng , Wang Yingjun , Zhao Naru , Du Chang , Fang Liming
Published: April 2010

Bioactive glasses (BGs) have been widely used for bone tissue regeneration as they are able to bond directly with bone. Clinical applications of these materials are likely to be in particulate form. Nanoscale materials can mimic the surface properties of natural tissues, which have exhibited superior cytocompatible property and improved tissue regeneration. The objective of this study is to prepare bioactive glass particles with nanoscale or non‐nanoscale surface features and investigate their microstructure, apatite‐forming bioactivity and cellular response. The microstructure and micro‐nanoscale surface morphology were controlled by adding a hydroxyl‐carboxyl acid (citric acid) in the sol–gel process. Results shown that the addition of citric acid induced the formation of nanoscale surface structure and increased the specific surface area, pore volume and pore size of bioactive glass particles. The citric acid with low‐concentration‐derived sol–gel bioactive glasses (CBGs) resulted in an enhanced apatite‐formation ability in simulated body fluids (SBF) compared to normal bioactive glasses. The attachment and proliferation of rat marrow mesenchymal stem cells (RMSCs) on CBGs (low concentration) were higher than those of normal BGs, demonstrating that the CBGs had the excellent cytocompatibility. RMSCs on CBGs (low concentration) expressed the higher alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP) than normal BGs and tissue culture plastic, revealing that CBGs can induced differentiation of RMSCs to the osteogenic lineage. Such improved physical and biological properties of CBGs (low concentration) should be useful in developing new bioactive glass materials for stem cell‐based bone regeneration or biomimic tissue engineering scaffolds. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2010
Fabrication of cardiac patch with decellularized porcine myocardial scaffold and bone marrow mononuclear cells
Authors: Wang Bo , Borazjani Ali , Tahai Mina , de Jongh Curry Amy L. , Simionescu Dan T. , Guan Jianjun , To Filip , Elder Steve H. , Liao Jun
Published: April 2010

Tissue engineered cardiac grafts are a promising therapeutic mode for ventricular wall reconstruction. Recently, it has been found that acellular tissue scaffolds provide natural ultrastructural, mechanical, and compositional cues for recellularization and tissue remodeling. We thus assess the potential of decellularized porcine myocardium as a scaffold for thick cardiac patch tissue engineering. Myocardial sections with 2‐mm thickness were decellularized using 0.1% sodium dodecyl sulfate and then reseeded with differentiated bone marrow mononuclear cells. We found that thorough decellularization could be achieved after 2.5 weeks of treatment. Reseeded cells were found to infiltrate and proliferate in the tissue constructs. Immunohistological staining studies showed that the reseeded cells maintained cardiomyocyte‐like phenotype and possible endothelialization was found in locations close to vasculature channels, indicating angiogenesis potential. Both biaxial and uniaxial mechanical testing showed a stiffer mechanical response of the acellular myocardial scaffolds; however, tissue extensibility and tensile modulus were found to recover in the constructs along with the culture time, as expected from increased cellular content. The cardiac patch that we envision for clinical application will benefit from the natural architecture of myocardial extracellular matrix, which has the potential to promote stem cell differentiation, cardiac regeneration, and angiogenesis. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2010
Behavior of human chondrocytes in engineered porous bacterial cellulose scaffolds
Authors: Andersson Jessica , Stenhamre Hanna , Bäckdahl Henrik , Gatenholm Paul
Published: April 2010

Regeneration of articular cartilage damage is an area of great interest due to the limited ability of cartilage to self‐repair. The latest cartilage repair strategies are dependent on access to biomaterials to which chondrocytes can attach and in which they can migrate and proliferate, producing their own extracellular matrix. In the present study, engineered porous bacterial cellulose (BC) scaffolds were prepared by fermentation ofAcetobacter xylinum(A. xylinum) in the presence of slightly fused wax particles with a diameter of 150–300 μm, which were then removed by extrusion. This porous material was evaluated as a scaffold for cartilage regeneration. Articular chondrocytes from young adult patients as well as neonatal articular chondrocytes were seeded with various seeding techniques onto the porous BC scaffolds. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis and confocal microscopy analysis showed that cells entered the pores of the scaffolds and that they increasingly filled out the pores over time. Furthermore, DNA analysis implied that the chondrocytes proliferated within the porous BC. Alcian blue van Gieson staining revealed glycosaminoglycan (GAG) production by chondrocytes in areas where cells were clustered together. With some further development, this novel biomaterial can be a suitable candidate for cartilage regeneration applications. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2010
Biochanin A induction of sulfotransferases in rats
Authors: Chen Yue , Huang Chaoqun , Zhou Tianyan , Zhang Shunfen , Chen Guangping
Published: April 2010

Biochanin A (BCA) is a dietary isoflavone present in red clover (Trifoliumn pretense) and many herbal products. BCA has been reported to have chemopreventive actions against various cancers including prostate, breast, colon cancer, and so on. Sulfotransferases are a family of phase II drug‐metabolizing enzymes, which are important for xenobiotic detoxification and regulation of biological signaling molecule biological activities. Sulfotransferase gene expressions are regulated by different hormones and xenobiotics. Improper regulation of sulfotransferases leads to improper functions of biological signaling molecules, which in turn can cause cancer or other diseases. BCA inhibits the enzyme activities of the phase I drug‐metabolizing enzymes CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 in Chinese hamster ovary cells and induces the phase II drug‐metabolizing enzymes UDP‐glucuronosyltransferases in human prostate cancer cells. BCA induction of sulfotransferases has not been studied. This investigation evaluates the in vivo regulation of sulfotransferases at protein and mRNA levels in the liver and intestine of Sprague‐Dawley rats treated with BCA (0, 2, 10, and 50 mg/kg/day) for 7 days. Our experimental results demonstrate for the first time that chronic BCA treatment can significantly induce the expression of rat sulfotransferase 1A1 (rSULT1A1, AST‐IV), sulfotransferase 2A1 (rSULT2A1, STa), and rat estrogen sulfotransferase (rSULT1E1, EST) in rat liver and intestine. Our Western blot results are in good agreement with real‐time RT‐PCR data, suggesting that BCA induction of sulfotransferases occurs at the transcriptional level. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 24:102–114, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20318
Preventive effect of caffeic acid on lysosomal dysfunction in isoproterenol‐induced myocardial infarcted rats
Authors: Senthil Kumaran K. , Stanely Mainzen Prince P.
Published: April 2010

We evaluated the preventive effect of caffeic acid (CA) on lysosomal enzymes in isoproterenol (ISO)‐treated myocardial infarcted rats. Male albino Wistar rats were pretreated with CA (15 mg/kg) daily for a period of 10 days. After the pretreatment period, ISO (100 mg/kg) was subcutaneously injected to rats twice at an interval of 24 h. The activity of serum creatine kinase‐MB and lactate dehydrogenase was increased significantly (P < 0.05) in ISO‐induced myocardial infarcted rats. The levels of plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and lipid hydroperoxides were significantly (P < 0.05) increased, and the level of plasma‐reduced glutathione was significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in ISO‐induced myocardial infarcted rats. The activities of lysosomal enzymes (β‐glucuronidase, β‐N‐acetylglucosaminidase, β‐galactosidase, cathepsin‐B and cathepsin‐D) were increased significantly (P < 0.05) in the serum and heart of ISO‐induced myocardial infarcted rats. ISO induction also resulted in decreased stability of membranes, which was reflected by lowered activities of β‐glucuronidase and cathepsin‐D in different fractions except cytosol. Pretreatment with CA (15 mg/kg) to ISO‐treated rats significantly (P < 0.05) prevented the changes in the activities of cardiac marker enzymes, the levels of lipid peroxidation products, reduced glutathione and the activities of lysosomal enzymes in the serum, heart, and subcellular fractions. Oral treatment with CA (15 mg/kg) to normal control rats did not show any significant effect. Thus, the results of our study showed that CA prevented the lysosomal membrane damage against ISO‐induced myocardial infarction. The observed effects of CA are due to membrane‐stabilizing, antilipo peroxidative, and antioxidant effects. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 24:115–122, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20319
The induction of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, superoxide anion, myeloperoxidase, and superoxide dismutase in the peritoneal lavage cells of mice after prolonged exposure to dichloroacetate and trichloroacetate
Authors: Hassoun Ezdihar A. , Spildener Jessica , Cearfoss Jacquelyn
Published: April 2010

The induction of phagocytic activation in response to prolonged treatment with different doses of dichloroacetate (DCA) and trichloroacetate (TCA) has been investigated in mice. Groups of B6C3F1 male mice were administered 7.7, 77, 154, and 410 mg of DCA or TCA/kg/day, postorally, for 4‐ and 13‐weeks. Peritoneal lavage cells (PLCs) were isolated and assayed for the different biomarkers of phagocytyic activation, including superoxide anion (SA), tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), and myeloperoxidase (MPO). In addition, the role of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the SA production was also assessed. DCA and TCA produced significant and dose‐dependent increases in SA and TNF‐α production and in MPO activity, but the increases in response to the high doses of the compounds (>77 mg/kg/day) in the 13‐week treatment period were less significant than those produced in the 4‐week treatment period. Also, dose‐dependent increases in SOD activity were observed in both periods of treatments. In general, the results demonstrate significant induction of the biomarkers of phagocytic activation by doses of DCA and TCA that were previously shown to be noncarcinogenic, with significantly greater increases observed at the earlier period of exposure, as compared with later period. These findings may argue against the contribution of those mechanisms to the hepatotoxicity/hepatocarcinogenicity of the compounds and suggest them to be early adaptive/ protective mechanisms against their long‐term effects. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 24:136–144, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20322
Expression of a novel tropomyosin isoform in axolotl heart and skeletal muscle
Authors: Thomas Anish , Rajan Sudarsan , Thurston Harold L. , Masineni Sreeharsha N. , Dube Preeti , Bose Abhishek , Muthu Vasundhara , Dube Syamalima , Wieczorek David F. , Poiesz Bernard J. , Dube Dipak K.
Published: April 2010

TPM1κ is an alternatively spliced isoform of the TPM1 gene whose specific role in cardiac development and disease is yet to be elucidated. Although mRNA studies have shown TPM1κ expression in axolotl heart and skeletal muscle, it has not been quantified. Also the presence of TPM1κ protein in axolotl heart and skeletal muscle has not been demonstrated. In this study, we quantified TPM1κ mRNA expression in axolotl heart and skeletal muscle. Using a newly developed TPM1κ specific antibody, we demonstrated the expression and incorporation of TPM1κ protein in myofibrils of axolotl heart and skeletal muscle. The results support the potential role of TPM1κ in myofibrillogenesis and sarcomeric function. J. Cell. Biochem. 110: 875–881, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Acute pancreatitis
Authors: Munsell Melissa A. , Buscaglia Jonathan M.
Published: April 2010

Acute pancreatitis is a common disease most frequently caused by gallstone disease or excess alcohol ingestion. Diagnosis is usually based on characteristic symptoms, often in conjunction with elevated serum pancreatic enzymes. Imaging is not always necessary, but may be performed for many reasons, such as to confirm a diagnosis of pancreatitis, rule out other causes of abdominal pain, elucidate the cause of pancreatitis, or to evaluate for complications such as necrosis or pseudocysts. Though the majority of patients will have mild, self‐limiting disease, some will develop severe disease associated with organ failure. These patients are at risk to develop complications from ongoing pancreatic inflammation such as pancreatic necrosis, fluid collections, pseudocysts, and pancreatic duct disruption. Validated scoring systems can help predict the severity of pancreatitis, and thus, guide monitoring and intervention.

Treatment of acute pancreatitis involves supportive care with fluid replacement, pain control, and controlled initiation of regular food intake. Prophylactic antibiotics are not recommended in acute pancreatitis if there is no evidence of pancreatic infection. In patients who fail to improve, further evaluation is necessary to assess for complications that require intervention such as pseudocysts or pancreatic necrosis. Endoscopy, including ERCP and EUS, and/or cholecystectomy may be indicated in the appropriate clinical setting. Ultimately, the management of the patient with severe acute pancreatitis will require a multidisciplinary approach. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2010;5:241–250. © 2010 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Integrating pediatric hospitalists in the academic health science center: Practice and perceptions in a canadian center
Authors: Mahant Sanjay , Mekky Magda , Parkin Patricia
Published: April 2010

BACKGROUND:

The integration of hospitalists in academic settings has been identified as a challenge to the hospitalist movement. The Division of Pediatric Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, was established in 1981, providing a rich resource to examine this field in the academic context and inform academic program development.

OBJECTIVES:

To explore the characteristics, practice, perceptions, and contributions of pediatric hospital medicine in an academic health science center (AHSC).

METHODS:

A cross‐sectional survey of physicians attending on the pediatric medicine inpatient unit (PMIU) (n = 20).

RESULTS:

Clinical activity included attending on the PMIU, consultation and comanagement outside the PMIU, and outpatient care of “hospital intense” patients. There was a high level of engagement in research, education, and quality improvement activities. Perceived advantages to a career as a hospitalist included: working in a team; generalist approach to care; stability relative to community practice; intellectually stimulating and rewarding work; and growing area for scholarship. Perceived disadvantages to a career as a hospitalist included: burnout; recognition and respect; and lack of long‐term relationships with patients. Themes regarding barriers to establishing a career as a hospitalist in an AHSC were as follows: burnout; time and skills to develop an academic niche; balance between clinical and academic priorities; and system for career advancement.

CONCLUSIONS:

The contributions of pediatric hospitalists to the academic mission were diverse. Fellowship training, faculty development, and balance between time allocated to direct patient care and academic pursuits should be defined. This will help ensure career development, viability, and realization of excellence in the academic context. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2010;5:228–233. © 2010 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Treatment of lactic acidosis: Appropriate confusion
Authors: Rachoin Jean‐Sebastien , Weisberg Lawrence S. , McFadden Christopher B.
Published: April 2010

BACKGROUND:

Lactic acidosis (LA) is common in hospitalized patients and is associated with poor clinical outcomes. There have been major recent advances in our understanding of lactate generation and physiology. However, treatment of LA is an area of controversy and uncertainty, and the use of agents to raise pH is not clearly beneficial.

AIM AND METHODS:

We reviewed animal and human studies on the pathogenesis, impact, and treatment of LA, published in the English language and available through the PubMed/MEDLINE database. Our aim was to clarify the physiology of the generation of LA, its impact on outcomes, and the different treatment modalities available. We also examined relevant data regarding LA induced by medications commonly prescribed by hospitalists: biguanides, nucleoside analog reverse‐transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), linezolid, and lorazepam.

RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS:

Lactic acid is a marker of tissue ischemia but it also may accumulate without tissue hypoperfusion. In the latter circumstance, lactic acid accumulation may be an adaptive mechanism—a novel possibility quite in contrast to the traditional view of lactic acid as only a marker of tissue ischemia. Studies on the treatment of LA with sodium bicarbonate or other buffers fail to show consistent clinical benefit. Severe acidemia in the setting of LA is a particularly poorly studied area. In the settings of medication‐induced LA, optimal treatment, apart from prompt cessation of the offending agent, is still unclear. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2010;5:E1–E7. © 2010 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Cross‐sectional analysis of hospitalist prevalence and quality of care in California
Authors: Vasilevskis Eduard E. , Knebel R. Justin , Dudley R. Adams , Wachter Robert M. , Auerbach Andrew D.
Published: April 2010

BACKGROUND:

Hospital leaders usually provide financial support to hospitalists groups, often with an expectation of improved performance on publicly reported quality metrics. Whether the presence of hospitalists is associated with differences in hospital‐level performance is unknown.

OBJECTIVE:

Assess the relationship between hospitalist prevalence and quality performance.

DESIGN:

Cross‐sectional study.

PARTICIPANTS:

A total of 208 California hospitals participating in a voluntary reporting initiative.

INTERVENTION:

Survey of hospital personnel with knowledge of the utilization of hospitalists for patient care.

MEASUREMENTS:

Sixteen publicly reported quality process measures across 3 medical conditions: acute myocardial infarction (AMI); congestive heart failure (CHF); and pneumonia. Using multivariable models, we assessed the relationship between the presence of hospitalists and the percentage of missed quality opportunities for each process measure.

RESULTS:

Of 208 eligible hospitals, 170 (82%) had hospitalist services. After adjustment, hospitals with hospitalists had similar performance for cardiac and pneumonia measures assessed at admission and fewer missed processes for CHF measures assessed at discharge. Among sites with hospitalists, every 10% increase in the estimated percentage of patients admitted by hospitalists was associated with 0.5% fewer (P < 0.001) missed quality opportunities for AMI at admission, and 0.6% (P < 0.001), 0.5% (P = 0.004), and 1.5% (P = 0.006) fewer missed quality opportunities for AMI, CHF, and pneumonia assessed at discharge, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

The presence of hospitalists in California was associated with modest improvements in performance on publicly reported process measures. Whether hospitalists directly improve quality or simply reflect a hospital's level of investment in quality remains a subject for future study. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2010;5:200–207. © 2010 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) with associated S. aureus bacteriuria (SABU) as a predictor of complications and mortality
Authors: Perez‐Jorge Emilio V. , Burdette Steven D. , Markert Ronald J. , Beam William B.
Published: April 2010

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Staphylococcus aureus (SA) bacteremia (SAB) is associated with a high rate of complications, most of which are related to hematogenous seeding into deep tissues or prosthetic material. SA bacteriuria (SABU) has been described in association with SAB, but has not been evaluated as a predictor for complicated bacteremia, which was the objective of our study.

METHODS (DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS):

We conducted a retrospective study of patients admitted to the hospital with SAB. The 118 patients included in the study were divided in 2 cohorts: a group with SABU and a group without SA in the urine. We followed the 2 cohorts for an average of 8 months and evaluated the differences in complications and mortality.

RESULTS:

SABU was found in 28 of 118 patients with SAB. Eighteen patients (64%) in this group had complications from the bacteremia, while in the group without SABU only 33% (30/90 patients) had complications (P = 0.004). The SABU group also had more deaths (32% vs. 14%; P = 0.036).

CONCLUSIONS:

In this population of hospitalized patients with SAB, the presence of SABU was associated with an increased risk of early complications, including septic shock, and with higher mortality. A routine urine culture in search of SABU may be a helpful tool for detection of those patients with SAB who are at increased risk of complications and death. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2010;5:208–211. © 2010 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Safety and efficacy of continuous insulin infusion in noncritical care settings
Authors: Smiley Dawn , Rhee Mary , Peng Limin , Roediger Laurian , Mulligan Patrick , Satterwhite Lewis , Bowen Patrick , Umpierrez Guillermo E.
Published: April 2010

BACKGROUND:

Continuous insulin infusion (CII) to manage hyperglycemia is the accepted standard of care in the intensive care unit (ICU); however, the safety and efficacy of CII in the non‐ICU setting has not been determined.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS:

This is a retrospective analysis of 200 consecutive patients receiving CII while admitted to general medical‐surgical units at Emory University Hospital. We evaluated clinical outcomes and rates of hyperglycemia (blood glucose [BG] >200 mg/dL) and hypoglycemia (BG <60 mg/dL) events during CII.

RESULTS:

A total of 200 patients (age 52 ± 16 years; male/female [M/F] 108/92) were admitted to general medicine (45%) or surgery (55%) services, 88.5% with history of diabetes and 41% treated with corticosteroids. The mean BG prior to and during the CII was 323 mg/dL and 170 mg/dL, respectively. Blood glucose of ≤150 mg/dL was the targeted goal in 85% of patients and 67% achieved a BG ≤150 mg/dL by hospital day 2. Hypoglycemia (BG <60 mg/dL) occurred at least once in 22% of patients, and severe hypoglycemia (BG <40 mg/dL) occurred in 5% of patients. Multivariate regression analyses showed that nutrition status during CII was associated with increased frequency of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia. Compared to patients kept nil per os (NPO), oral intake during CII increased rates of hyperglycemic (P = 0.012) and hypoglycemic events (P = 0.035).

CONCLUSIONS:

CII resulted in rapid and sustained glycemic control and a rate of hypoglycemic events similar to that reported in recent ICU trials. The rates of hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic events are significantly higher in patients allowed to eat during CII. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2010;5:212–217. © 2010 Society of Hospital Medicine.
On the modelling of DC‐DC converters: An enhanced approach
Authors: Guesmi Kamel , Hamzaoui Abdelaziz
Published: April 2010

DC‐DC converters are nonlinear systems that can exhibit complicated phenomena, which make difficult the system behaviour analysis and the controller design. The validity of any prediction and analysis of the converter behaviour are, mainly, related to the used modelling technique. For a rigorous description, an accurate modelling technique with minimum of simplifying assumptions is needed. In this study, a more general and simple modelling method of DC‐DC converters is proposed. It is based on introducing enhancements to the existing discrete modelling approach of DC‐DC power converters to obtain an accurate description of the system behaviour with a minimum of simplifying assumptions and validity hypothesis of the model. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Real‐time measurement of oxyhemoglobin concentration changes in the frontal micturition area: An fNIRS study
Authors: Sakakibara Ryuji , Tsunoyama Kuniko , Takahashi Osamu , Sugiyama Megumi , Kishi Masahiko , Ogawa Emina , Uchiyama Tomoyuki , Yamamoto Tatsuya , Yamanishi Tomonori , Awa Yusuke , Yamaguchi Chiharu
Published: April 2010

Objective

To explore brain activity in the frontal micturition area during natural bladder behavior.

Methods

Five control subjects (one man and four women; mean age 61 years [38–70]) and four subjects with detrusor overactivity (all men; mean age 55 years [33–65]) were enrolled in the study. We performed real‐time measurements of oxyhemoglobin concentration (oxy‐Hb) changes in the frontal micturition area using functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) in response to quasi‐natural, continuous bladder filling, and voiding in a sitting position.

Results

In the control group the following results were obtained: (1) a slight increase of oxy‐Hb before first sensation occurred, (2) there was a continuous increase of oxy‐Hb during bladder filling to the point just after voiding began, (3) there was a continuous decrease of oxy‐Hb after voiding, (4) in subjects who were unable to urinate, oxy‐Hb also decreased after attempting to void, and (5) the area activated was the bilateral lateral prefrontal area, particularly Brodmann's areas 8, 10, and 46. In the detrusor overactivity group, (6) an increase of oxy‐Hb before first sensation was rare and frontal cortical activation was weak, (7) at the moment detrusor overactivity appeared, fNIRS brain activity in the frontal cortex did not change significantly; and otherwise the results were almost the same as those in the control group.

Conclusions

This study shows that the frontal micturition area is activated during natural bladder filling and voiding using fNIRS. Neurourol. Urodynam. 29:757–764, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stimulated smooth muscle neosphincter in male intrinsic sphincter deficiency: Proof of principle studies in a rabbit model
Authors: Furness John B. , Shafton Anthony D. , Hirst G. David S. , O'Connell Helen E.
Published: April 2010

Aims

Intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD) causes significant disability and impairment of quality of life despite a range of treatment options. We investigated a novel method to improve sphincter function that does not appear to have been previously attempted, that is, transplantation to create a smooth muscle cuff, that subsequently becomes innervated, around the urethra.

Methods

Bladder pressure and passage of urine were measured in conscious, sedated rabbits of three groups: 6 control (unoperated) rabbits, 8 rabbits rendered incontinent by incision of their urethral wall, and 12 lesioned rabbits treated by transplantation of a circumferential strip of autologous dartos muscle whose innervation was later stimulated electrically. Effects of stimulation were tested up to 6 months after surgery.

Results

Lesions of the proximal urethra caused the bladder to leak at filling volumes that previously caused no leak. The volume added to cause first leak was less than half the volume added to cause a voiding reflex in unoperated rabbits. Transplantation of dartos to the lesioned bladder neck did not affect urodynamic parameters. However, electrical stimulation of the innervation of the transplant increased the bladder volume necessary to cause voiding and restored voiding pressures and filling volumes towards normal. These effects were maintained for 6 months and were not related to spontaneous healing.

Conclusions

Free transplants of smooth muscle that become innervated offer promise as a treatment for ISD that is unlikely to cause urethral erosion and will not require a pump to restore continence. Neurourol. Urodynam. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Avoid cruising on the uroflowmeter: Evaluation of cruising artifact on spinning disc flowmeters in an experimental setup
Authors: Addla Sanjai Kumar , Marri Rajender Reddy , Daayana Sai Lakshmi , Irwin Paul
Published: April 2010

Aims

The aim of our study was to access the variability of maximum flow rate (Qmax), average flow rate (Qav) and flow pattern while varying the point of impact of flow on the flowmeter.

Methods

Water was delivered through a motorised tube holder in a standardised experimental set up. Flow was directed in 4 different directions on the funnel; 1) Periphery, 2) Base, 3) Centre and, 4) in a cruising motion from the periphery of the funnel to the centre and back again. The variation in the Qmax, Qav and the flow pattern were studied at 4 different flow rates. The variables recorded when the flow was directed at the centre of the funnel was taken as baseline.

Results

There was a significant difference in the Qmax and Qavwhen the point of impact was at the periphery or in a cruising motion compared to the centre. The difference was more marked with cruising motion with a characteristic flow pattern. The maximum percentage difference in Qav was 4.1%, whereas the difference in Qmax was higher at 16.6% on comparing crusing motion with the values from the centre.

Conclusion

We have demonstrated a significant variation in Qmax, Qav and flow pattern with change in the point of impact on the flowmeter. Though the changes in Qav were statistically significant, the alteration in the recorded Qmax values was more striking. Our study emphasizes the importance of combining Qav and flow pattern along with Qmax in interpretation of results of uroflowmetry. Neurourol. Urodynam. 29:1301–1305, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impact of delivery mode on electromyographic activity of pelvic floor: Comparative prospective study
Authors: Botelho Simone , Riccetto Cássio , Herrmann Viviane , Pereira Larissa Carvalho , Amorim César , Palma Paulo
Published: April 2010

Aims

Several studies evidenced the association between pregnancy, mode of delivery and genitourinary symptoms. However, there are still controversies about the role of mode of delivery in the prevention or aggravation of these symptoms. This study aimed to compare the impact of three distinct modes of delivery on pelvic floor muscle contractility.

Methods

Seventy‐five primiparous women were divided into three groups: (1) vaginal delivery with mediolateral episiotomy (n = 28); (2) elective cesarean section (n = 26); (3) emergency cesarean section (n = 21). All patients underwent vaginal digital examination, grading the muscle contractility from 0 to 5 and surface electromyography (EMG) of the pelvic floor during the last trimester of pregnancy and 45 days after delivery.

Results

There was a significant increase in pelvic floor contractility in the elective cesarean section group, from 2.35 to 2.92 (P = 0.03), when compared to the vaginal delivery and emergency cesarean section groups. Analysis of electromyography data showed a significant reduction in maximum contraction of the pelvic floor after vaginal delivery, from 39.17 to 31.14 µV (P = 0.001), which was not observed in both cesarean section groups.

Conclusion

Vaginal delivery was associated with a decrease in pelvic floor muscle strength and endurance 45 days after delivery when compared to elective cesarean section as well as emergency cesarean section. Neurourol. Urodynam. 29:1258–1261, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.