bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Anti‐bacterial Activity of Four Kinds of Alkaloids in Rhizoma Coptidis Based on Microcalorimetry
Authors: KONG Weijun , ZHAO Yanling , XIAO Xiaohe , JIN Cheng , LIU Yi , LI Zulun 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe anti‐bacterial activities of four kinds of alkaloids in Rhizoma Coptidis, a traditional Chinese medicinal (TCM) herb, on Escherichia coli (E. coli) growth were investigated and compared by microcalorimetry. The four kinds of alkaloids were berberine, coptisine, palmatine and jatrorrhizine. The heat flow power‐time curves of E. coli growth in the presence of the four kinds of alkaloids were measured using an LKB‐2277 Bio‐activity monitor using a stop‐flow method, at 37°C. Then the thermal kinetic parameters such as, growth rate constant k, maximum power output of the log phase Pm,log and the stationary phase Pm,stat, growth inhibitory ratio I, generation time tg, total heat output of the log phase Qt,log and half‐inhibitory concentration of the drugs, IC50, were obtained from the curves. The four kinds of alkaloids had different anti‐E. coli activities. k, Pm,log and Qt,log of E. coli in the presence of the four kinds of alkaloids decreased with increasing concentrations of the alkaloids. Judged from the values of k, Pm,log, Qt,log, I and IC50, the experimental results revealed that the sequence of anti‐bacterial activities of the four kinds of alkaloids was berberine>coptisine>palmatine>jatrorrhizine. The functional groups methylenedioxy at C‐2 and C‐3 on phenyl ring improved anti‐bacterial activity more remarkably than methoxyl at C‐2 and C‐3 on the phenyl ring. However, the antibacterial activity did not vary significantly with methylenedioxy or methoxyl at C‐9 and C‐10 on the other phenyl ring.
Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Electroactive Poly(ether sulfone) via Oxidative Coupling Polymerization
Authors: CUI Lili , CHAO Danming , MAO Hui , LI Yongxin , ZHANG Junfeng , WANG Ce 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBy oxidative coupling polymerization a novel electroactive poly(ether sulfone), with fixed conjugated length of oligoaniline (phenyl‐capped aniline tetramer) in the main chain, was successfully synthesized. The structure of the electroactive poly(ether sulfone) was confirmed by FTIR, NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD). Electrochemical activity of the poly(ether sulfone) was tested in 1.0 mol·L−1 H2SO4 aqueous solution which shows two redox peaks. Moreover, the thermal properties of the poly(ether sulfone) were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Its electrical conductivity is about 1.37×10−7 S·cm−1 at room temperature upon preliminarily protonic‐doped experiment.
The Gender Differences in Baseline Characteristics and Statin Intervention Among Outpatients with Coronary Heart Disease in China: The China Cholesterol Education Program
Authors: Li Xiankai , Xu Yawei , Li Jue , Hu Dayi 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackgroundThe China Cholesterol Education Program (CCEP) aimed to investigate the baseline characteristics of outpatients with coronary heart disease (CHD) according to gender, especially lipid levels, statin intervention, and rates of achieving their goal low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) level.MethodsA total of 4778 CHD outpatients were enrolled from 52 centers in 6 Chinese cities from January 2006 to January 2007.ResultsFemale outpatients were significantly older than male outpatients (66±10 vs 63±11 years, P <0.001). Male outpatients were more likely to smoke than female outpatients (P<0.001). Female outpatients had a higher prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, LDL‐C level, and total cholesterol level (all P values <0.001). About 82% of the participants received statin therapy. The LDL‐C levels were 3.06±1.08 mmol/L and 2.89±0.97 mmol/L in outpatients at high risk and very high risk respectively (P<0.001). Though there were higher rates of statin intervention, only 36.2% of the high risk outpatients got to the target LDL‐C level (<2.6 mmol/L); 10.9% of the very high risk outpatients achieved the optimal LDL‐C level (<1.82 mmol/L) suggested by National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. The rate of achieving target was only 42.2%, even when LDL‐C <2.6 mmol/L was the target level for patients at very high risk. Only 19.4% of the outpatients at very high risk achieved the target (LDL‐C <2.08 mmol/L) suggested by the updated Chinese guideline for CHD.ConclusionAlthough the outpatients received a higher rate of statin therapy, the rates of achieving the target were lower. There is still a significant gap between the guidelines and clinical practice in statin intervention among these CHD outpatients, particularly for women. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Upstream High‐Dose Tirofiban Does Not Reduce Myocardial Infarct Size in Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Pilot Study
Authors: Song Young Bin , Hahn Joo‐Yong , Gwon Hyeon‐Cheol , Kim Jun Hyung , Lee Sang Yeub , Choe Yeon Hyeon , Choi Seung‐Hyuk , Choi Jin‐Ho , Lee Sang Hoon 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackgroundPrimary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is more effective than fibrinolytic therapy for ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), but initial treatment delay to intervention is the main limitation of this strategy. Hypothesis: Upstream use of high‐dose tirofiban could reduce myocardial infarct size, using analysis of contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE‐MRI).MethodsPatients with STEMI within 12 hours after symptom onset were randomized to a facilitated PCI group (n = 19) or to a primary PCI group (n = 20). The primary endpoint was myocardial infarct size evaluated by the volume of delayed hyperenhancement on CE‐MRI at 1 month after index procedure.ResultsThe baseline clinical characteristics were not significantly different between the 2 groups. Although the incidence of pre‐PCI thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade 2 to 3 was significantly higher in the facilitated PCI group than in the primary PCI group (47.4% vs 15.0%, P = 0.03), the achievement of myocardial blush grade 2 to 3 or ST‐segment resolution at 30 minutes after procedure was not significantly different between the facilitated PCI and the primary PCI group (36.8% vs 40%, P = 0.84 and 31.6% vs 20%, P = 0.41, respectively). Infarct size on CE‐MRI was similar in the facilitated PCI group and the conventional primary PCI group (22.1% ± 11.7% vs 25.2% ± 13.2%, P = 0.44). At 6 months, the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) on echocardiography was 52.6% ± 10.4% in the facilitated PCI group and 50.9% ± 9.8% in the primary PCI group (P = 0.68).ConclusionDespite the improvement of initial TIMI flow grade, the upstream use of high‐dose tirofiban did not reduce myocardial infarct size measured by CE‐MRI. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of Intracoronary Nicardipine on Cardiac Enzymes After Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Arora Sandeep , Alfayoumi Fadi , Khawaja Azimuddin Tareq , Dua Aashish , Srinivasan Venkatraman , Gradman Alan H. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackgroundElevation in cardiac enzymes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is common and is associated with adverse clinical outcomes.HypothesisAdministration of intracoronary nicardipine—a calcium channel blocker will reduce cardiac enzyme levels in patients undergoing elective PCI.MethodsIn a single center, prospective, double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial, 193 patients undergoing elective PCI (with or without stenting) for chronic stable angina and/or an abnormal stress test were randomized to receive 200 mcg of intracoronary nicardipine (n = 93) or saline solution (n = 100) prior to intervention. Cardiac enzyme levels were measured immediately and at 8 and 16 hours after the procedure. Major adverse clinical events (MACE) were assessed at 30 days and at 6 months.ResultsIncidence of periprocedural myonecrosis defined as elevation of troponin I levels > 1× the upper limit of normal was similar in both groups (placebo 15.4% vs drug 10.6%; P = 0.47). There was no significant difference in peak troponin I levels after PCI between the 2 groups (placebo 0.58 ng/mL ± 1.08 ng/mL vs drug 0.97 ng/mL ± 3.6 ng/mL; P = 0.35). Major adverse clinical events at 6 months were infrequent and not statistically different in the 2 groups (placebo 3.4% vs drug 1.2%; P = 0.52). Multivariate analysis revealed that pretreatment with nicardipine was not associated with reduction in the incidence of troponin I elevation (odds ratio [OR]: 0.54; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.18–1.6; P = 0.28).ConclusionsIn low‐risk patients undergoing elective PCI, intracoronary nicardipine administration did not produce a significant cardioprotective effect in reducing postprocedural cardiac enzymes leakage. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Use of Bicycle Exercise Echocardiography for Unexplained Exertional Dyspnea
Authors: Singhal Shalabh , Yousuf Mian A. , Weintraub Neal L. , Shizukuda Yukitaka 
Published: June 2009

AbstractUnexplained exertional dyspnea is a common and perplexing clinical problem. Myocardial ischemia and left ventricular systolic dysfunction are important cardiac causes, but are often not detected in these patients. Recently, exercise‐induced left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and exercised‐induced pulmonary hypertension have emerged as common alternative mechanisms. While conventional exercise treadmill echocardiography effectively diagnoses left ventricular systolic dysfunction and myocardial ischemia, it has limited ability to detect exercise‐induced diastolic dysfunction or pulmonary hypertension. The latest advances in exercise echocardiography, including utilization of tissue Doppler imaging and harmonic imaging, make noninvasive evaluation of both conventional and alternative cardiac causes of exertional dyspnea possible. These advancements, when coupled with newly designed supine exercise platforms for bicycle exercise echocardiography (BE), facilitate the detection of exercise‐induced diastolic dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension. Moreover, BE using supine ergometry additionally permits the dynamic evaluation of valvular function and interatrial shunting and detection of pulmonary arteriovenous fistula, uncommon but important causes of unexplained exertional dyspnea. Therefore, we propose that because of its superior diagnostic capabilities, BE should be included as part of a comprehensive cardiac evaluation of patients with unexplained exertional dyspnea. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bacteria and Fungi Levels in Various Indoor and Outdoor Environments in Ankara, Turkey
Authors: Mentese Sibel , Arisoy Münevver , Rad Abbas Yousefi , Güllü Gülen 
Published: June 2009

AbstractIn this study, different types of indoor environments (primary school, kindergarten, cafeteria, restaurant, dormitory, dwelling, office, sport salon, library, classroom, and laboratory) and their outdoor environments were investigated in terms of bioaerosol contamination. A total of 120 environments were investigated in Ankara, Turkey. The single‐stage Andersen sampler was used for viable bioaerosol sampling. During the sampling, indoor and outdoor temperature, relative humidity, and CO2 concentration were measured. Total bacteria counts (TBC) and fungi concentrations varied on a large scale within and between the sampling site groups (10–103 CFU/m3). The highest TBC levels were measured in kindergartens, primary schools, restaurants, high schools, and homes, while the highest mold levels were measured in kitchens, bathrooms, and offices. Micrococcus spp., Staphylococcus auricularis, and Bacillus spp. were predominant bacteria species and Penicillium spp., Aspergillus spp., and Cladosporium spp. were the most observed mold genera detected in the samples. Indoor‐to‐outdoor (I/O) ratios of the observed fungi counts were calculated as approximately around 1, and for bacteria counts these ratios were higher than 1. There was no statistical difference between indoor and outdoor mold levels, while a significant difference was found between indoor and outdoor bacteria levels (p < 0.001). A significant correlation between indoor CO2 and bioaerosols indicates insufficient ventilation.
Indoor Air Quality Benchmarking for Air Conditioned Offices
Authors: Hui Pui‐shan , Wong Ling‐tim , Mui Kwok‐wai 
Published: June 2009

AbstractMaintaining acceptable indoor air quality (IAQ) for a healthy workplace is of major concern. Based on proper assessment methodologies and monitoring plans, policymakers have proposed indicators to address office IAQ. To streamline the assessment of office IAQ performance and offer incentives for maintaining better IAQ, this study proposes and investigates the feasibility of simple IAQ benchmarking using an IAQ indicator. The IAQ indicator is a benchmarking parameter derived from exposure concentrations of three selected common indoor air pollutants. This benchmark used a 5‐star rating system which assigned 1 star to the top 10% of samples with the highest levels of the three pollutants, 2 stars to the next 22.5%, 3 stars to the next 35%, 4 stars to the next 22.5% and 5 stars to the bottom 10%. The application of this benchmarking system was tested in 525 air conditioned offices in Hong Kong. Taking an existing IAQ certification scheme as a reference, the proposed benchmarking system proved to be useful in distinguishing offices with different IAQ labels, and illustrate the performance of office IAQ with different star ratings. Therefore, the proposed simple method can help promote better IAQ and serve as a screening assessment for IAQ in air conditioned offices of Hong Kong.
A New Experimental Method for the Determination of Emittable Initial VOC Concentrations in Building Materials and Sorption Isotherms for IVOCs
Authors: Smith James F. , Gao Zhi , Zhang Jensen S. , Guo Beverly 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThis paper describes a new experimental method for determining the initial concentrations of emittable volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from building materials and sorption isotherms for individual VOCs (IVOCs), which are required for modeling the VOC emission rates of building materials and assemblies. The method is also useful for the rapid screening of materials, enabling manufacturers to compare different production processes in order to reduce VOC emissions from their products. In this experimental method, material specimens were first ground into powder form in a sealed container and then allowed to emit in a recirculation loop to measure equilibrium concentrations at different levels, as well as the accumulated emission mass. Test results for particle board are presented, and compared to those obtained from a 30 day small chamber emission test for the same material. Results showed that the extraction method significantly increased the release of VOCs from the material and can be used to determine the total emittable initial VOC concentrations and the sorption isotherms for acetaldehyde and hexanal. For formaldehyde, the residual amount after the extraction test was found to be significant, and requires further investigation. Further studies are needed to shorten the test time and determine the accuracy and repeatability of the extraction method.
An Experimental Study for Examining the Effects of Environmental Conditions on Diffusion Coefficient of VOCs in Building Materials
Authors: Farajollahi Yashar , Chen Zhi , Haghighat Fariborz 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe diffusion coefficients (diffusivity) of five different volatile organic carbon compounds (VOCs), i. e., octane, isopropanol, cyclohexane, ethyl acetate, and hexane, were experimentally determined for a building ceiling tile. The effects of typical indoor environmental conditions on the diffusivity of the VOCs in the tile were evaluated over a range of temperatures (15, 23, 31 and 39°C) and at three relative humidity percentages (0, 20, and 40%). Three novel methods were developed during the course of this study: (i) a two‐chamber experimental apparatus for diffusivity testing of building materials, (ii) a GC/MS method for determining the above VOCs, and (iii) a two‐factor method for analyzing the statistical significance effects of temperature and humidity on VOC diffusivity. The results showed that the diffusion coefficients of the VOCs were positively related to their vapor pressure, but not to their boiling point, molecular weight or polarity index. No difference was observed between the diffusion coefficient of a VOC present alone or as part of a mixture of VOCs. Temperature and humidity (in the range of a typical indoor environment) had minor significant effects on the diffusion coefficient, with temperature being more important than humidity. It is hypothesized that water vapor molecules may occupy the pores of the ceiling tile material under conditions of high relative humidity and prevent the VOC molecules from diffusing through the pores.
A Study on the Similarities between Water Vapor and VOC Diffusion in Porous Media by a Dual Chamber Method
Authors: Xu Jing , Zhang Jianshun , Grunewald John , Zhao Jianhua , Plagge Rudolf , Ouali Amiri , Allard Francis 
Published: June 2009

AbstractTo better understand the similarities and differences between moisture and volatile organic compound (VOC) diffusion through porous media, a dual chamber experimental system was developed. The diffusion and partition coefficients of moisture and selected VOCs in materials were compared. A pilot test with gypsum wallboard and oriented strand board (OSB) showed similar diffusion kinetics between moisture and VOC. To further establish the similarity relationship between VOC and water vapor transport, calcium silicate was used as a reference material to develop the concept of a similarity coefficient and its application in combined heat, air, moisture and pollutant simulation (CHAMPS) in buildings. The diffusion resistance factor calculated for moisture from the dual chamber tests agreed well with that from the conventional dry cup test method. The diffusion behavior of each particular VOC in porous media is predictable as long as the similarity coefficient of the VOC is known. Future experiments will extend this to materials with significant VOC emissions in buildings.
Chemistry and Pharmacology of Nicotinic Ligands Based on 6‐[5‐(Azetidin‐2‐ylmethoxy)pyridin‐3‐yl]hex‐5‐yn‐1‐ol (AMOP‐H‐OH) for Possible Use in Depression
Authors: Kozikowski Alan P. , Eaton J. Brek , Bajjuri Krishna Mohan , Chellappan Sheela K. , Chen Yihua , Karadi Sudhakar , He Rong , Caldarone Barbara , Manzano Michael , Yuen Po‐Wai , Lukas Ronald J. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractAMOP‐H‐OH (sazetidine‐A; 6‐[5‐(azetidin‐2‐ylmethoxy)pyridin‐3‐yl]hex‐5‐yn‐1‐ol) and some sulfur‐bearing analogues were tested for their activities in vitro against human α4β2‐, α4β4‐, α3β4*‐ and α1*‐nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). AMOP‐H‐OH was also assessed in an antidepressant efficacy model. AMOP‐H‐OH and some of its analogues have high potency and selectivity for α4β2‐nAChRs over other nAChR subtypes. Effects are manifested as partial agonism, perhaps reflecting selectivity for high sensitivity (α4)3(β2)2‐nAChRs. More prolonged exposure to AMOP‐H‐OH and its analogues produces inhibition of subsequent responses to acute challenges with full nicotinic agonists, again selectively for α4β2‐nAChRs over other nAChR subtypes. The inhibition is mediated either via antagonism or desensitization of nAChR function, but the degree of inhibition of α4β2‐nAChRs is limited by the partial agonist activity of the drugs. Certain aspects of the in vitro pharmacology suggest that AMOP‐H‐OH and some of its analogues have a set of binding sites on α4β2‐nAChRs that are distinct from those for full agonists. The in vitro pharmacological profile suggests that peripheral side effects of AMOP‐H‐OH or its analogues would be minimal and that their behavioral effects would be dominated by central nAChR actions. AMOP‐H‐OH also has profound and high potency antidepressant‐like effects in the forced swim test. The net action of prolonged exposure to AMOP‐H‐OH or its analogues, as for nicotine, seems to be a selective decrease in α4β2‐nAChR function. Inactivation of nAChRs may be a common neurochemical endpoint for nicotine dependence, its treatment, and some of its manifestations, including relief from depression.
Survival disparities among African American women with invasive bladder cancer in Florida
Authors: Brookfield Kathleen F. , Cheung Michael C. , Gomez Christopher , Yang Relin , Nieder Alan M. , Lee David J. , Koniaris Leonidas G. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND:The authors sought to understand the effect of patient sex, race, and socioeconomic status (SES) on outcomes for bladder cancer.METHOD:The Florida Cancer Data System and the Agency for Health Care Administration data sets (1998‐2003) were merged and queried. Survival outcomes for patients with bladder cancer were compared between different races, ethnicities, and community poverty levels.RESULTS:A total of 31,100 people with bladder cancer were identified. Overall median survival time was 62.7 months. Statistically significantly longer survival times were observed in men (62.8 months vs 62.3 months for women), whites (63.0 months vs 39.6 months for African Americans [AAs], P < .001), non‐Hispanics (62.9 months vs 56.4 months for Hispanics, P < .001), and patients from more affluent communities (74.0 months where <5% live in poverty vs 53.0 months where >15% live in poverty, P < .001). Surgery was associated with dramatically improved survival. AA women diagnosed with bladder cancer were significantly less likely to have endoscopic surgical resection compared with white women (P < .001). On multivariate analysis, independent predictors of poorer outcomes were older age, AA race, female sex, degree of community poverty, histologic tumor grade, advanced tumor stage, and lack of surgical treatment.CONCLUSIONS:Racial and SES disparities in bladder cancer survival were not fully explained by late‐stage presentation and undertreatment. Although earlier diagnosis and greater access to surgery would likely yield some improvement in outcomes for AA women, more research is needed to understand the remaining survival gap for this population. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.