bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance:malignant ratio
Authors: Krane Jeffrey F. , VanderLaan Paul A. , Faquin William C. , Renshaw Andrew A.
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND:

The Bethesda System (TBS) for reporting thyroid cytopathology introduced the atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS) category, but did not provide adequate guidance for the appropriate use of this diagnosis. In the current study, the authors sought to identify an appropriate measure for AUS use based on experience to date with TBS.

METHODS:

The authors reviewed 8 series, including their own laboratory experiences, with a total of 30,466 thyroid aspirates classified within TBS.

RESULTS:

The median AUS rate was 9.9% with a range of 3.0% to 18.0%. Use of the individual diagnostic categories within TBS varied up to 12.7‐fold. The ratio of “suspicious for follicular neoplasm” plus “suspicious for malignancy” to “malignant” (M) diagnoses varied the least (1.8‐fold). The AUS:M ratio provided a suitable measure of assessing AUS use, with a median ratio of 2.0 and a range of 0.5 to 4.9.

CONCLUSIONS:

Based on available studies, an AUS:M ratio of 1.0 to 3.0 is recommended. AUS:M ratios > 3.0 are likely because of overdiagnosis of AUS or underdiagnosis of M. AUS:M ratios < 1.0 are mostly due to low AUS rates, at the likely expense of sensitivity. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2012;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Study on the Effects of Intermolecular Interactions on Firefly Multicolor Bioluminescence
Authors: Pinto da Silva Luís , Esteves da Silva Joaquim C. G.
Published: September 2011

Firefly luciferase exhibits a color‐tuning mechanism based on pH‐induced changes in the structure of the active site. These changes increase the polarity of the active site, and thus modulate the intermolecular interactions between the light emitter and active site molecules. In this study, the effects exerted by adenosine monophosphate (AMP), water molecules, and amino acids of Luciola cruciata luciferase active site on the emission wavelength of oxyluciferin were assessed by TD‐DFT calculations. The redshift results mainly from decreased interaction of oxyluciferin with AMP and increased interaction of the emitter with a water molecule and Phe249. Breaking of a hydrogen bond between the benzothiazole oxygen atom with formation of a similar bond to the thiazolone oxygen atom is also instrumental.
Promising TiOSO4 Composite Polybenzimidazole‐Based Membranes for High Temperature PEMFCs
Authors: Lobato Justo , Cañizares Pablo , Rodrigo Manuel A. , Úbeda Diego , Pinar F. Javier
Published: September 2011

Composite membranes were prepared from poly[2,2′‐(m‐phenylene)‐5,5′‐bibenzimidazole] (polybenzimidazole: PBI), and titanium oxysulfate (TiOSO4) with the aim of using these systems as electrolytes in high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). The presence of TiOSO4 was confirmed by using Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. Energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) mapping of titanium and sulphur revealed that the titanium salt was homogenously distributed on the surface of the membrane. The presence of the titanium salt did not change the thermal behaviour of the doped membranes. The composite membrane was used as an electrolyte in an actual fuel cell operating at 150 °C. The cell showed a lower performance than a cell operated with the standard PBI membrane, but this was attributable to the electrodes rather than the membrane. The most remarkable result was that the fuel cell operating with the composite membrane showed the best stability during the preliminary long‐term test because of the better acid retention capability of these titanium‐based materials.
Toxicological screening of basic drugs in whole blood using UPLC‐TOF‐MS
Authors: Dalsgaard Petur Weihe , Rasmussen Brian Schou , Müller Irene Breum , Linnet Kristian
Published: September 2011

Ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled with time‐of‐flight (TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) was established for toxicological screening of basic drugs in whole blood and tested on authentic samples. Whole blood samples (0.2 ml) were extracted using a Gilson apparatus equipped with Bond Elut Certify columns. Screening was performed for 175 compounds (psychotropic, cardiovascular, designer, and abused drugs). The drugs were separated in 15 min using a UPLC system (Waters ACQUITY BEH C18, 1.7 µm, 2.1 mm × 100 mm column) coupled to an LCT Premier XE (Waters) instrument. Data were processed by ChromaLynx XS using identification criteria of ± 0.2 min retention time, and ± 5 mDa mass tolerance. Whole blood was spiked with the 175 compounds in concentrations from 5–100 µg/kg to assess approximately the lowest concentrations that could be identified. This method was further applied to 119 samples from forensic investigations, leading to 302 hits, of which 291 (96%) were subsequently verified, in concentrations exceeding the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ), by a liquid chromatography (LC)‐MS/MS confirmation method. In conclusion, this UPLC‐TOF‐MS method is a useful and effective screening method for basic drugs in whole blood. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cell plasticity in Caenorhabditis elegans: From induced to natural cell reprogramming
Authors: Hajduskova Martina , Ahier Arnaud , Daniele Thomas , Jarriault Sophie
Published: September 2011

Achieving controlled reprogramming of differentiated cells into a desired cell type would open new opportunities in stem‐cell biology and regenerative medicine. Experimentation on cell reprogramming requires a model in which cell conversion can be induced and tracked individually. The tiny nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans, owing to its known cellular lineage, allows the study of direct cell type conversion with a single‐cell resolution. Indeed, recent advances have shown that despite its invariant cell lineage, cellular identities can be reprogrammed, leading to cell conversion in vivo. In addition, natural transdifferentiation events occur in the worm, providing a powerful model for the study of cellular plasticity in a physiological cellular microenvironment. Here, we review pioneer studies on induced and naturally occurring reprogramming events in C. elegans and the new notions that have emerged. genesis 50:1‐17, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Kinetic Studies on the Decomposition of Thiolatocobalamins in Acidic Solution
Authors: Schumacher Leslie A. , Mukherjee Riya , Brown Jeffrey M. , Subedi Harishchandra , Brasch Nicola E.
Published: September 2011

Thiolatocobalamins (RSCbls), or vitamin B12 derivatives with a thiolato ligand coordinated at the β‐axial site of the cobalamin, have been shown to have superior antioxidant properties relative to the currently available therapeutic forms of cobalamin. It has also recently been shown that small amounts of glutathionylcobalamin are isolable from mammalian cells in the presence of a ligand trap. Kinetic studies are now presented for four representative thiolatocobalamins of glutathione, N‐acetylcysteine, homocysteine, and captopril, which show that RSCbls spontaneously decompose to aquacobalamin (H2OCbl+) at pH < 3. A mechanism is proposed in which rapid protonation at the thiol sulfur of RSCbl precedes rate‐determining decomposition. These results indicate that protection of RSCbls from acidic environments such as that found in the stomach is essential if RSCbls are to remain intact.
Synthesis of (–)‐Oseltamivir by Using a Microreactor in the Curtius Rearrangement
Authors: Ishikawa Hayato , Bondzic Bojan P. , Hayashi Yujiro
Published: September 2011

A microflow reaction of the Curtius rearrangement by using trimethylsilyl azide as an azide source, followed by trapping of the generated isocyanate with a nucleophile was established, which is safe, inexpensive, and suitable for large‐scale synthesis. By this flow reaction in the Curtius rearrangement and recrystallization of the late‐stage acetamide intermediate the third‐generation synthesis of (–)‐Oseltamivir has been established, which is efficient, practical, and safe.
Synthetic Tripodal Squaramido‐Based Receptors for the Complexation of Antineoplastic Folates in Water
Authors: Quiñonero David , López Kenia A. , Deyà Pere M. , Piña M. Nieves , Morey Jeroni
Published: September 2011

Three suitably oriented squaramido ammonium groups form the basis of the first abiotic receptor that employs the noncovalent ammonium–carboxylate electrostatic interaction and a hydrogen bond to achieve high‐affinity molecular recognition in water. These interacctions have been studied experimentally by isothermal calorimetry (ITC), NMR spectroscopy, and MS. Also, we have proposed a model for coordination from DFT calculations and NMR spectroscopy studies. Finally, a fluorimetric ensemble of the receptor with 5‐carboxyfluorescein was useful for the quantitative fluorimetric determination of folate and methotrexate in commercial samples using competition assays.
Diastereodivergent Synthesis of 4‐Hydroxy‐2,3‐methanopipecolic Acid Derivatives as Conformationally Constrained Homoserine Analogues
Authors: Occhiato Ernesto G. , Casini Andrea , Guarna Antonio , Scarpi Dina
Published: September 2011

A short, practical procedure for the diastereodivergent synthesis of cyclopropanated 4‐hydroxypipecolic acid derivatives with high optical purity is reported. Key steps are the highly enantioselective lipase‐catalyzed kinetic resolution and the stereoselective cyclopropanation reaction of 4‐hydroxypyridine derivatives. Under the best conditions for OH‐directed cyclopropanation, Charette's Zn‐carbenoid provided cis‐4‐hydroxy‐2,3‐methanopipecolic acids in the highest yield (73–86 %) and facial selectivity (> 99:1). The trans selectivities in Michael‐type addition of dimethylsulfoxonium methylide were 1:4 to 1:7 in DMSO and diastereopure trans isomers were obtained by chromatography after OH‐deprotection in 57–73 % yield. These compounds are new, conformationally constrained homoserine analogues potentially useful as conformational probes and for drug discovery in medicinal chemistry.
Carbon Monoxide‐Free One‐Step Synthesis of Isoindole‐1,3‐diones by Cycloaminocarbonylation of o‐Haloarenes Using Formamides
Authors: Sawant Dinesh N. , Wagh Yogesh S. , Bhatte Kushal D. , Bhanage Bhalchandra M.
Published: September 2011

A new carbon monoxide‐free, solvent‐free, single step protocol for the synthesis of isoindole‐1,3‐diones from o‐haloarenes using palladium acetate and xantphos catalysis is reported. The wider applicability of this protocol for several types of o‐iodoarenes and a few o‐bromoarenes makes it attractive. Aryl iodides and aryl bromides provided moderate to excellent yields of up to 93 %.
Study of peptide–ligand interactions in open‐tubular capillary columns covalently modified with porphyrins
Authors: Yone Angel , Carballo Romina R. , Grela Denise A. , Rezzano Irene N. , Vizioli Nora M.
Published: September 2011

The inner surface of fused silica capillaries has been covalently modified with different porphyrins (deuteroporphyrin, complexes of deuteroporphyrin with metal ions Fe(III), Cu(II), Zn(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II)–meso–tetra (carboxyphenyl) porphyrin) and it was applied for the separation of biologically active peptides by open‐tubular capillary electrochromatography. Separations were performed in a mobile phase composed of 25 mM potassium phosphate, pH 4.0, 5% v/v ACN and 10 mM hydroquinone. Changes in the effective electrophoretic mobility of peptides were studied concerning porphyrin central metal atom, attachment geometry, and the presence of coordinating or aromatic amino acid residues in the peptide sequence. The results showed that differences in metal core on the porphyrin and the spatial conformation of attached porphyrin result in changes in the analyte interaction with the stationary phase.
Low Doses of Bisphenol A Induce Gene Expression Related to Lipid Synthesis and Trigger Triglyceride Accumulation in Adult Mouse Liver
Authors: Marmugi Alice , Ducheix Simon , Lasserre Frédéric , Polizzi Arnaud , Paris Alain , Priymenko Nathalie , Bertrand-Michel Justine , Pineau Thierry , Guillou Hervé , Martin Pascal G.P. , Mselli-Lakhal Laïla
Published: September 2011

Changes in lifestyle are suspected to have strongly influenced the current obesity epidemic. Based on recent experimental, clinical, and epidemiological work, it has been proposed that some food contaminants may exert damaging effects on endocrine and metabolic functions, thereby promoting obesity and associated metabolic diseases such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In this work, we investigated the effect of one suspicious food contaminant, bisphenol A (BPA),

in vivo

. We used a transcriptomic approach in male CD1 mice exposed for 28 days to different doses of BPA (0, 5, 50, 500, and 5,000 μg/kg/day) through food contamination. Data analysis revealed a specific impact of low doses of BPA on the hepatic transcriptome, more particularly on genes involved in lipid synthesis. Strikingly, the effect of BPA on the expression of

de novo

lipogenesis followed a nonmonotonic dose-response curve, with more important effects at lower doses than at the higher dose. In addition to lipogenic enzymes (Acc, Fasn, Scd1), the expression of transcription factors such as liver X Receptor, the sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c, and the carbohydrate responsive element binding protein that govern the expression of lipogenic genes also followed a nonmonotonic dose-response curve in response to BPA. Consistent with an increased fatty acid biosynthesis, determination of fat in the liver showed an accumulation of cholesteryl esters and of triglycerides.

Conclusion :

Our work suggests that exposure to low BPA doses may influence

de novo

fatty acid synthesis through increased expression of lipogenic genes, thereby contributing to hepatic steatosis. Exposure to such contaminants should be carefully examined in the etiology of metabolic diseases such as NAFLD and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. (Hepatology 2012)
A Biliary HCO3 − Umbrella Constitutes A Protective Mechanism Against Bile Acid–Induced Injury in Human Cholangiocytes
Authors: Hohenester Simon , de Buy Wenniger Lucas Maillette , Paulusma Coen C. , van Vliet Sandra J. , Jefferson Douglas M. , Oude Elferink Ronald P. , Beuers Ulrich
Published: September 2011

Human cholangiocytes are continuously exposed to millimolar levels of hydrophobic bile salt monomers. We recently hypothesized that an apical biliary HCO
Symbol
umbrella might prevent the protonation of biliary glycine–conjugated bile salts and uncontrolled cell entry of the corresponding bile acids, and that defects in this biliary HCO
Symbol
umbrella might predispose to chronic cholangiopathies. Here, we tested

in vitro

whether human cholangiocyte integrity in the presence of millimolar bile salt monomers is dependent on (1) pH, (2) adequate expression of the key HCO
Symbol
exporter, anion exchanger 2 (AE2), and (3) an intact cholangiocyte glycocalyx. To address these questions, human immortalized cholangiocytes and cholangiocarcinoma cells were exposed to chenodeoxycholate and its glycine/taurine conjugates at different pH levels. Bile acid uptake was determined radiochemically. Cell viability and apoptosis were measured enzymatically. AE2 was knocked down by lentiviral short hairpin RNA. A cholangiocyte glycocalyx was identified by electron microscopy, was enzymatically desialylated, and sialylation was quantified by flow cytometry. We found that bile acid uptake and toxicity in human immortalized cholangiocytes and cholangiocarcinoma cell lines

in vitro

were pH and AE2 dependent, with the highest rates at low pH and when AE2 expression was defective. An apical glycocalyx was identified on cholangiocytes

in vitro

by electron microscopic techniques. Desialylation of this protective layer increased cholangiocellular vulnerability in a pH–dependent manner.

Conclusion:

A biliary HCO
Symbol
umbrella protects human cholangiocytes against damage by bile acid monomers. An intact glycocalyx and adequate AE2 expression are crucial in this process. Defects of the biliary HCO
Symbol
umbrella may lead to the development of chronic cholangiopathies. (Hepatology 2012;55:173–183)
Skeletal unloading–induced insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) Nonresponsiveness is not shared by platelet-derived growth factor: The selective role of integrins in IGF-1 signaling
Authors: Long Roger K , Nishida Shigeki , Kubota Takuo , Wang Yongmei , Sakata Takeshi , Elalieh Hashem Z , Halloran Bernard P , Bikle Daniel D
Published: September 2011

Integrin receptors bind extracellular matrix proteins, and this link between the cell membrane and the surrounding matrix may translate skeletal loading to biologic activity in osteoprogenitor cells. The interaction between integrin and growth factor receptors allows for mechanically induced regulation of growth factor signaling. Skeletal unloading leads to decreased bone formation and osteoblast proliferation that can be explained in part by a failure of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) to activate its signaling pathways in unloaded bone. The aim of this study is to determine whether unloading-induced resistance is specific for IGF-1 or common to other skeletal growth factors, and to examine the regulatory role of integrins in IGF-1 signaling. Bone marrow osteoprogenitor (BMOp) cells were isolated from control or hindlimb suspended rats. Unloaded BMOp cells treated with IGF-1 failed to respond with increased proliferation, receptor phosphorylation, or signaling activation in the setting of intact ligand binding, whereas the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) response was fully intact. Pretreatment of control BMOp cells with an integrin inhibitor, echistatin, failed to disrupt PDGF signaling but blocked IGF-1 signaling. Recovery of IGF-1 signaling in unloaded BMOp cells followed the recovery of marked reduction in integrin expression induced by skeletal unloading. Selective targeting of integrin subunits with siRNA oligonucleotides revealed that integrin β1 and β3 are required for normal IGF-1 receptor phosphorylation. We conclude that integrins, in particular integrin β3, are regulators of IGF-1, but not PDGF, signaling in osteoblasts, suggesting that PDGF could be considered for investigation in prevention and/or treatment of bone loss during immobilization and other forms of skeletal unloading. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Interferon‐γ stimulates p11‐dependent surface expression of annexin A2 in lung epithelial cells to enhance phagocytosis
Authors: Fang Yi‐Ting , Lin Chiou‐Feng , Wang Chi‐Yun , Anderson Robert , Lin Yee‐Shin
Published: September 2011

Annexin A2 (p36) is usually present together with its natural ligand p11 as a heterotetramer complex, which has multiple biological functions depending on its cellular localization. However, the detailed mechanism of annexin A2 translocation and its physiological role in inflammation remain unclear. Here, we show that IFN‐γ stimulation enhances surface translocation of annexin A2 on lung epithelial cells. While total annexin A2 protein remains unchanged, the expression of p11 is upregulated via the IFN‐γ‐activated JAK2/STAT1 signal pathway. Notably, IFN‐γ‐induced p11 expression is required for annexin A2 translocation to the cell surface. Since annexin A2 lacks a signal peptide for surface translocation by the classical endoplasmic reticulum‐Golgi route, its mode of trafficking remains unclear. We observed that p11‐dependent surface translocation of annexin A2 is associated with the exosomal secretion pathway. The IFN‐γ‐induced increase of annexin A2 in the exosomes is blocked in p11‐silenced cells. Furthermore, IFN‐γ‐induced surface expression of annexin A2 mediates phagocytosis of apoptotic cells by lung epithelial cells. These findings provide insights into the surface translocation mechanism of annexin A2 and illustrate a pivotal function of surface annexin A2 in the phagocytic response to IFN‐γ. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 2775–2787, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effect of biomass adsorption on the removal of selected pharmaceutical compounds in an immersed membrane bioreactor system
Authors: Dialynas Emmanuel , Diamadopoulos Evan
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND: The performance of a pilot membrane bioreactor system (MBR) was tested for the treatment of municipal wastewater, with emphasis on the capability for removal of selected pharmaceuticals

RESULTS: The MBR showed excellent performance with regards to conventional pollutants. However, the removal of specific pharmaceuticals was not as high. Carbamazepine and 17 α‐ethinyl estradiol showed the lowest removal, with mean removal rates of around 20%. Clofibric acid showed the highest removal 70%, while for 17β‐estradiol the mean removal was 40%. In order to distinguish between the two basic mechanisms of removal, adsorption on biomass and biodegradation, adsorption studies on inactivated biomass were performed and mass balances were written for the four pharmaceuticals. The immediate removal observed for the three compounds during short hydraulic retention times may have been primarily due to adsorption.

CONCLUSIONS: The removal of carbamazepine, 17β‐estradiol and 17α‐ethynil estradiol, as well as half of the removal of chlofibric acid could be attributed to direct adsorption on biomass within the hydraulic residence time of the reactor. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of struvite seed crystal on MAP crystallization
Authors: Liu Zhigang , Zhao Qingliang , Wei Liangliang , Wu Deli , Ma Luming
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND: There has been considerable controversy over the effect of seed crystal additions on crystallization of magnesium ammonium phosphate hexahydrates (MAP). In this study, batch experiments were carried out to verify this effect using synthetic solutions.

RESULTS: Addition of seed crystals could increase the rate of MAP crystallization and significantly shorten the reaction crystallization time, especially for solutions with a lower supersaturation ratio (Ω). Crystallization time of MAP with and without seed addition can be expressed by two different formulas, in which the crystallization with feed addition followed an exponential function, and the secondary formula fitted a two‐order power function. When 0.422 g L−1 of seed crystals was added the equilibration time for crystallization calculated by the formula was reduced by 75 min for low supersaturation ratio solution and 26 min for medium supersaturation ratio solution.

CONCLUSION: To increase the MAP reaction rate and to shorten induction and equilibration times, seed crystal addition should be practiced Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Potential use of wine yeasts immobilized on Penicillium chrysogenum for ethanol production
Authors: García‐Martínez Teresa , Puig‐Pujol Anna , Peinado Rafael A. , Moreno Juan , Mauricio Juan C.
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND: Six different wine yeast strains (G1, X4, X5, P29, QA23, Uvaferm BC) were co‐immobilized in a natural, spontaneous way with Penicillium chrysogenum under special conditions without the need for an external support or chemical binder and provided six different ‘yeast biocapsules’. The purpose was to characterize and evaluate the biocapsules obtained in terms of yeast cell viability, ethanol production and reusability to assess their suitability for ethanol production and the development of industrially competitive alternative wine and beer production methods.

RESULTS: Biocapsule size was found to decrease and quantity to increase with increasing shaking rate during the immobilization process. The fermentations were realized in YPD medium containing 18% (w/v) glucose with repeated fermentations reaching 10% (v/v) ethanol. X4 and Uvaferm BC biocapsules afforded at least seven uses with no significant decrease in ethanol production; P29 and QA23 biocapsules five times; and G1 and X5 three times each. Seemingly, ethanol production was directly related to the viability of yeast cells in the immobilizate under defined assay conditions.

CONCLUSIONS: X4 and Uvaferm BC may be the most suitable yeast strains for autoimmobilization on P. chrysogenum with a view to their use in alcoholic fermentation processes. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Insight of EDX analysis and EFTEM: Are spherocrystals located in strombidae digestive gland implied in detoxification of trace metals?
Authors: Volland Jean‐Marie , Lechaire Jean‐Pierre , Frebourg Ghislaine , Aldana Aranda Dalila , Ramdine Gaëlle , Gros Olivier
Published: September 2011

Digestive tubules of Strombidae are composed by three cell types: digestive cells, vacuolated cells, and crypt cells. The last one is characterized by the presence of intracellular granules identified as spherocrystals. Such structures are known to occur in basophilic cells of gastropod digestive gland, where they are supposed to be involved in the regulation of some minerals and in detoxification. In this study, energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDX) and energy filtered transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM) were used to determine the elemental content of spherocrystals in two Strombidae, Strombus gigas and Strombus pugilis. In freshly collected individuals of both species, the following elements were detected: Ca, Fe, Mg, P, and Zn. Aluminum and Mn were also detected in S. gigas. Their presence in spherocrystals indicates that, in Strombidae, spherocrystals are involved in the regulation of minerals and essential trace metals. In order to answer the question “are spherocrystals involved in nonessential trace metals scavenging?,” artificial cadmium and lead exposure by both waterborne and dietary pathways was applied to S. pugilis. No evidence of cadmium (Cd(NO3)2) or lead (Pb(NO3)2) provided by food was found in spherocrystals. Cadmium provided in water (Cd(NO3)2 and CdCl2) causes structural modifications of the digestive gland; however, this element was not trapped in spherocrystals. These results suggest that spherocrystals are not involved in detoxification of such nonessential trace metals. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of Brazilian green propolis throughout the seasons by headspace GC/MS and ESI‐MS
Authors: Nunes Cleiton A , Guerreiro Mário C
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND: A screening of the chemical composition of eight commercial classes of raw Brazilian green propolis throughout the seasons was carried out. A multivariate exploratory analysis of chemical composition obtained by gas chromatography associated with mass spectrometry with headspace extraction (HS‐GC/MS), and by mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization (ESI‐MS) was carried out using principal component analysis (PCA).

RESULTS: Differences in the volatile and polyphenolic profiles of propolis samples were verified during the seasons. Within each season, the high quality commercial classes of propolis presented similar characteristics, while the low quality classes presented distinct compositions. In spring and summer, propolis of the trimming class, commonly considered of low quality by beekeepers, presented a composition similar to the superior quality propolis.

CONCLUSION: Seasonality influences the chemical composition of the commercial classes of raw Brazilian green propolis. Headspace‐GC/MS and ESI‐MS assisted by PCA are effective to characterize volatile and non‐volatile compounds of the propolis samples, and to correlate it to the seasons. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Discrimination of probiotic Lactobacillus strains for poultry by repetitive sequenced‐based PCR fingerprinting
Authors: Lee Chin Mei , Sieo Chin Chin , Cheah Yoke‐Kqueen , Abdullah Norhani , Ho Yin Wan
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND: Four repetitive element sequence‐based polymerase chain reaction (rep‐PCR) methods, namely repetitive extragenic palindromic PCR (REP‐PCR), enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus PCR (ERIC‐PCR), polytrinucleotide (GTG)5‐PCR and BOX‐PCR, were evaluated for the molecular differentiation of 12 probiotic Lactobacillus strains previously isolated from the gastrointestinal tract of chickens and used as a multistrain probiotic. This study represents the first analysis of the comparative efficacy of these four rep‐PCR methods and their combination (composite rep‐PCR) in the molecular typing of Lactobacillus strains based on a discriminatory index (D).

RESULTS: Species‐specific and strain‐specific profiles were observed from rep‐PCR. From the numerical analysis of composite rep‐PCR, BOX‐PCR, (GTG)5‐PCR, REP‐PCR and ERIC‐PCR, D values of 0.9118, 0.9044, 0.8897, 0.8750 and 0.8529 respectively were obtained. Composite rep‐PCR analysis was the most discriminative method, with eight Lactobacillus strains, namely L. brevis ATCC 14869T, L. reuteri C 10, L. reuteri ATCC 23272T, L. gallinarum ATCC 33199T, L. salivarius ATCC 11741T, L. salivarius I 24, L. panis JCM 11053T and L. panis C 17, being differentiated at the strain level.

CONCLUSION: Composite rep‐PCR analysis is potentially a useful fingerprinting method to discriminate probiotic Lactobacillus strains isolated from the gastrointestinal tract of chickens. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Phenolic characterisation of red wines from different grape varieties cultivated in Mendoza province (Argentina)
Authors: Fanzone Martín , Zamora Fernando , Jofré Viviana , Assof Mariela , Gómez‐Cordovés Carmen , Peña‐Neira Álvaro
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND: Knowledge of the chemical composition of wine and its association with the grape variety/cultivar is of paramount importance in oenology and a necessary tool for marketing. Phenolic compounds are very important quality parameters of wines because of their impact on colour, taste and health properties. The aim of the present work was to study and describe the non‐flavonoid and flavonoid composition of wines from the principal red grape varieties cultivated in Mendoza (Argentina).

RESULTS: Sixty phenolic compounds, including phenolic acids/derivatives, stilbenes, anthocyanins, flavanols, flavonols and dihydroflavonols, were identified and quantified using high‐performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection coupled with electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (HPLC‐DAD/ESI‐MS). Marked quantitative differences could be seen in the phenolic profile among varieties, especially in stilbenes, acylated anthocyanins and other flavonoids.

CONCLUSION: The polyphenolic content of Malbec wines was higher compared with the other red varieties. Dihydroflavonols represent a significant finding from the chemotaxonomic point of view, especially for Malbec variety. This is the first report on the individual phenolic composition of red wines from Mendoza (Argentina) and suggests that anthocyanins, flavanols and phenolic acids exert a great influence on cultivar‐based differentiation. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Micromachining using high‐power picosecond lasers
Authors: Engelhardt Uli , Hildenhagen Jens , Dickmann Klaus
Published: September 2011

For the micromachining of temperature‐sensitive and brittle‐rigid components ultra short pulsed lasers are being used more and more. Due to the short pulse durations in the femto‐ and pico second range such systems with only a few Watt of average power have high pulsed peak powers of an order of 10 MW. This allows machining a wide range of materials including transparent materials via non‐linear absorption, enabled by the high intensity in the focus of radiation. The intensity can reach values of several TW/cm2. This leads to the immediate evaporation of the material, ideally, without melt and burr.
MAKING LAND MANAGEMENT MORE SUSTAINABLE: EXPERIENCE IMPLEMENTING A NEW METHODOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK IN BOTSWANA
Authors: Perkins J. , Reed M. , Akanyang L. , Atlhopheng J. , Chanda R. , Magole L. , Mphinyane W. , Mulale K. , Sebego R. , Fleskens L. , Irvine B. , Kirkby M.
Published: September 2011

It is increasingly recognised that tackling land degradation through more sustainable land management depends on incorporating multiple perspectives by using a variety of methods at multiple scales, including the perspectives of those who manage and/or use the land. This paper reports experience implementing a previously proposed methodological framework that is designed to facilitate knowledge sharing between researchers and stakeholders about land degradation severity and extent, and sustainable land management options. Empirical findings are presented from the Botswana site of the EU‐funded Desertification Mitigation and Remediation of Land project. The paper reflects upon the challenges and benefits of the proposed framework and identifies a number of benefits, notably related to insights arising from the integration of local and scientific knowledge, and the ownership of the sustainable land management strategies that emerged from the process. However, implementing the framework was not without challenges, and levels of poverty and formal education may limit the implementation of the framework in some developing world contexts. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
3D THz metamaterials from micro/nanomanufacturing
Authors: Moser H.O. , Rockstuhl C.
Published: September 2011

Metamaterials are engineered composite materials offering unprecedented control of wave propagation. Despite their complexity, effective properties can frequently be extracted by conceptualizing them as homogeneous and isotropic media with dispersive electric permittivity and magnetic permeability. For an ideal isotropic medium, strong dispersion in these properties causes wave and field vectors to form a left‐handed (E,H,k)‐frame involving backward waves, and offering control of quantities like the refractive index which may become negative. Experimental evidence exists from microwaves to the visible. Applications include sub‐wavelength‐resolution imaging, invisibility cloaking, plasmonics‐based lasers, metananocircuits, and omnidirectional absorbers. As the engineered sub‐structures must be smaller than their design wavelength, micro/nanomanufacturing is exploited from primary pattern generation over lithography to templating and molecular beam epitaxy. 3D metamaterials have been made by stacking of layers, multilayer structuring, and 3D primary pattern generation. Theory shows that full properties may build up over one or a very few layers.
A high‐fat diet increases angiogenesis, solid tumor growth, and lung metastasis of CT26 colon cancer cells in obesity‐resistant BALB/c mice
Authors: Park Heesook , Kim Minhee , Kwon Gyoo Taik , Lim Do Young , Yu Rina , Sung Mi‐Kyung , Lee Ki Won , Daily James W. , Park Jung Han Yoon
Published: September 2011

We evaluated whether high‐fat diet (HFD), in the absence of increased calorie intake, increases colon cancer growth and metastasis. Four‐week‐old male BALB/c mice were fed on an HFD (60 kcal% fat) or control diet (10 kcal% fat) for 16 wk, after which CT26 colon cancer cells were subcutaneously injected into the right flank. Solid tumor growth and the number and volume of tumor nodules in the lung were increased markedly in the HFD group with only a slight increase in body weight (5.9%). HFD feeding increased tumor tissue levels of Ki67, cyclin A, cyclin D1, CDK2, Bcl‐xL, and Bcl‐2; reduced p53 levels and TUNEL‐positive apoptotic cells; increased the levels of CD45, CD68, CD31, VEGF, P‐VEGF receptor‐2, iNOS, and COX‐2 as well as hemoglobin content; and increased the levels of HIF‐1α, P‐STAT3‐Y705, P‐STAT3‐S727, P‐IκB‐α, P‐p65, p65, P‐c‐Jun, P‐Akt, P‐ERK1/2, P‐p38, and P‐SAPK/JNK. HFD feeding increased the serum levels of EGF, insulin, IGF‐I, IFN‐γ, leptin, RANTES, MCP‐1, IL‐1ra, and SDF‐1α and media conditioned by epididymal fat tissue explants from HFD‐fed mice caused an increase in microvessel outgrowth from the mouse aorta and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. These results indicate that the chronic consumption of an HFD increases colon cancer cell proliferation, tumor angiogenesis, and lung metastasis in mice in the absence of discernible weight gain. HFD feeding increases the levels of growth factors which activate transcription factors, thereby inducing the expression of many genes involved in the stimulation of inflammation, angiogenesis, and cellular proliferation. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Basal ganglia atrophy in prodromal Huntington's disease is detectable over one year using automated segmentation
Authors: Majid D.S. Adnan , Aron Adam R. , Thompson Wesley , Sheldon Sarah , Hamza Samar , Stoffers Diederick , Holland Dominic , Goldstein Jody , Corey‐Bloom Jody , Dale Anders M.
Published: September 2011

Future clinical trials of neuroprotection in prodromal Huntington's (known as preHD) will require sensitive in vivo imaging biomarkers to track disease progression over the shortest period. Since basal ganglia atrophy is the most prominent structural characteristic of Huntington's pathology, systematic assessment of longitudinal subcortical atrophy holds great potential for future biomarker development. We studied 36 preHD and 22 age‐matched controls using a novel method to quantify regional change from T1‐weighted structural images acquired 1 year apart. We assessed cross‐sectional volume differences and longitudinal volumetric change in 7 subcortical structures—the accumbens, amygdala, caudate, hippocampus, pallidum, putamen, and thalamus. At baseline, accumbens, caudate, pallidum, and putamen volumes were reduced in preHD versus controls (all P < .01). Longitudinally, atrophy was greater in preHD than controls in the caudate, pallidum, and putamen (all P < .01). Each structure showed a large between‐group effect size, especially the pallidum where Cohen's d was 1.21. Using pallidal atrophy as a biomarker, we estimate that a hypothetical 1‐year neuroprotection study would require only 35 preHD per arm to detect a 50% slowing in atrophy and only 138 preHD per arm to detect a 25% slowing in atrophy. The effect sizes calculated for preHD basal ganglia atrophy over 1 year are some of the largest reported to date. Consequently, this translates to strikingly small sample size estimates that will greatly facilitate any future neuroprotection study. This underscores the utility of this automatic image segmentation and longitudinal nonlinear registration method for upcoming studies of preHD and other neurodegenerative disorders. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Validation of the MDS‐UPDRS Part I for nonmotor symptoms in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Gallagher David A. , Goetz Christopher G. , Stebbins Glenn , Lees Andrew J. , Schrag Anette
Published: September 2011

The UPDRS has been the main outcome measure in studies of PD. Modifications have been made to improve scale properties and represent the breadth of manifestations of PD, particularly nonmotor symptoms (NMS), resulting in the Movement Disorder Society's revision of the UPDRS (MDS‐UPDRS). This study was undertaken to determine the validity of MDS‐UPDRS Part I (nonmotor experiences of daily living). The MDS‐UPDRS and a number of validated scales for the NMS in PD were used in 94 patients with PD from Hoehn and Yahr stage I to V. We assessed reliability, floor and ceiling effects, and correlations with validated scales for the nonmotor symptoms of PD. MDS‐UPDRS Part I showed high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha: 0.85), small floor and ceiling effects (2% floor and 0% ceiling effect), and good concurrent validity (correlation with the original UPDRS Part I: r = 0.81, P < 0.001). The standardized z‐score of the MDS‐UPDRS Part I score demonstrated high convergent validity with the composite z‐score of nonmotor scales (r = 0.89, P < 0.0001), and the two subscores based on the original factor analysis of Part I also had high correlations with the composite z‐scores of corresponding nonmotor scales (depression, anxiety, apathy factor score: r = 0.72, P < 0.0001; other nonmotor features factor score: r = 0.87, P < 0.0001). Our data demonstrate that the MDS‐UPDRS Part I total score has a strong relationship with a composite score of validated scales for the nonmotor aspects of PD. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Neuropsychological correlates of theory of mind in patients with early Parkinson's disease
Authors: Santangelo Gabriella , Vitale Carmine , Trojano Luigi , Errico Domenico , Amboni Marianna , Barbarulo Anna Maria , Grossi Dario , Barone Paolo
Published: September 2011

The theory of mind is the ability to attribute mental states to oneself and others and to understand that others have beliefs, desires and intentions different from one's own. The aim of the study was to explore the neuropsychological correlates of theory of mind in patients affected by early Parkinson's disease (PD). Thirty‐three PD patients and 33 age‐, sex‐, and education‐matched control subjects underwent the Frontal Assessment Battery, as well as tasks assessing “cognitive” and “affective” theory of mind, and memory abilities; questionnaires evaluating behavioral disorders and quality of life were also administrated. Although the 2 groups did not differ on neuropsychological tasks, PD patients' performance on tasks assessing cognitive and affective theory of mind was significantly worse than controls. Moreover, PD patients had more behavioral disorders and worse quality of life than controls. After covarying for behavioral and quality of life scores, the differences between patients and controls on theory of mind tasks remained significant. “Cognitive” theory of mind was associated with Frontal Assessment Battery score and 2 domains of quality of life scale, whereas “affective” theory of mind scores correlated only with behavioral scales such as the Frontal Behavioral Inventory and Apathy Evaluation Scale. The results demonstrate that both affective and cognitive aspects of theory of mind are simultaneously impaired in early PD and suggest that deficits in the 2 subcomponents of theory of mind may be linked to dysfunction of different frontosubcortical circuitries in early PD. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Effects of protonation and co‐anion on the 1H and 13C chemical shifts of 2r,6c‐ diphenylpiperidin‐4‐ones: evidence for the formation of ion pair
Authors: Vimalraj V. , Pandiarajan K.
Published: September 2011

1H and 13C NMR spectra have been recorded for 2r,6c‐diphenylpiperidin‐4‐one (1a), 3t‐alkyl‐2r,6c‐diphenylpiperidin‐4‐ones 1b‐d, 3t‐alkyl‐2r,6c‐diphenyl‐4‐oxopiperidinium nitrates 2b and 2d, 3t‐alkyl‐2r,6c‐diphenylpiperidin‐4‐one hydrochlorides 3a‐c and 3t‐methyl‐2r,6c‐diphenyl‐4‐oxopiperidinium picrate 4b in DMSO‐d6. For 1b, 2b and 3b, 1H and 13C NMR spectra have been recorded in CH3OD also. For 1b, 1d, 2b, 2d, 3b and 4b, 2D spectra have also been recorded. In DMSO‐d6 the protons of the piperidine ring and the ortho protons of the phenyl groups are markedly deshielded due to protonation. Protonation shields all the carbons of the piperidine ring and the ipso carbons of the phenyl groups markedly but deshields the other aromatic carbons slightly. The deshieldings on H‐3a, H‐5a and the ortho protons of the phenyl groups are less in the nitrate and picrate than in the corresponding hydrochloride. The effects on 13C chemical shifts are not influenced by the co‐anion. These observations suggest that the nitrates and pictrate exist as ion pairs in DMSO‐d6 and the nitrate and picrate ions shield, H‐3a, H‐5a and the ortho protons by magnetic anistropic effect. In CH3OD for 2b and 3b in addition to the ion‐pair containing free ions two ion‐pairs containing solvated ions are also present. The effects of protonation in the ion pairs containing the solvated ions are significantly different from those in the ion‐pair containing free ions. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maximum delay computation for interdomain path selection
Authors: Amigo Isabel , Vaton Sandrine , Chonavel Thierry , Larroca Federico
Published: September 2011

One important problem when deploying interdomain path selection is advertising metrics that hold for a long period of time. In this paper we propose a method to aid interdomain path selection mechanisms in that sense. We present a means of computing a bound on the end‐to‐end delay of traversing a domain considering that the traffic varies within a given uncertainty set. This provides a robust and a verifiable quality of service value for traversing the autonomous system (AS), without revealing confidential information. Consequently, the bound can be safely conceived as a metric to be announced by each AS in the process of interdomain path selection. We show how the maximum delay value is obtained for an interdomain bandwidth demand and we propose an exact method and a numerical approximation method for computing it, neither of which rely on a complex monitoring infrastructure. Simulations with real data that illustrate the problem and validate our results are also presented. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The correlation between lung volume and liver herniation measurements by fetal MRI in isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernia: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies
Authors: Mayer Steffi , Klaritsch Philipp , Petersen Scott , Done Elisa , Sandaite Inga , Till Holger , Claus Filip , Deprest Jan A.
Published: September 2011

Objective

We conducted a meta‐analysis to assess the correlation of lung volume and liver position measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with survival until discharge in fetuses with isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).

Method

Systematic searches of MEDLINE and EMBASE from 1 January 1980 to 10 December 2010 were performed. Studies correlating total fetal lung volumes (TFLV, observed/expected (O/E) TFLV) and/or liver position by fetal MRI to survival in expectantly managed fetuses with CDH were included. Data on the side of the defect, position of the liver, TFLV, O/E TFLV, gestational age (GA) at MRI, GA and weight at birth were collected. Odds ratio (OR) for dichotomous data, mean differences (MD) or standardized mean differences (SMD) for continuous variables were determined using RevMan 5.0 software.

Results

Nineteen studies (n = 602 fetuses) were included. Survival was associated with left‐sided defects (OR 2.52; p = 0.01), “liver down” (OR 0.18; p < 0.00001), a higher TFLV (MD 9.63; p < 0.00001) and O/E TFLV (SMD 0.98; p < 0.00001) as well as higher birth weight (MD 146.60; p = 0.04). GA at MRI (MD 0.70) and GA at birth (MD 0.33) were not correlated with survival.

Conclusions

MRI measurements of fetal lung volumes, liver position and side of the defect correlate well with neonatal survival in fetuses with isolated CDH. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and properties of polyimide solvent‐resistant nanofiltration membrane obtained by a two‐step method
Authors: Fang Bing , Pan Kai , Meng Qinghan , Cao Bing
Published: September 2011

This study investigated the preparation of polyimide solvent‐resistant nanofiltration membranes by a two‐step method (casting the membrane first and then crosslinking by the thermal imidization method). The influences of polymer concentration, thickness of membranes, temperature of the imidization, phase inversion time and thermal imidization procedure were studied. The membranes with the highest rejection rate of Fast Green FCF (molecular weight 808.86 g mol−1) were prepared in the following conditions: polymer concentration 13 wt%, phase inversion time 1 h, membrane thickness 150 µm and thermal imidization procedure 200 °C for 2.5 h, 250 °C for 2 h and 300 °C for 2 h in a vacuum environment; the heating rate was 5 °C min−1. The membrane was stable in most of the solvents tested and the fluxes of some common solvents were equal to or higher than a number of commercial solvent‐resistant nanofiltration membranes. A much higher rejection of dyes in water than in methanol was observed in the filtration experiments and a new way to explain it was developed. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry