bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A systematic literature review: prescribing indicators related to type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular risk management
Authors: Martirosyan Liana , Voorham Jaco , Haaijer‐Ruskamp Flora M. , Braspenning Jozé , Wolffenbuttel Bruce H. R. , Denig Petra 
Published: December 2009

AbstractPurposeValid prescribing indicators (PI) are needed for reliable assessment of prescribing quality. The purpose of this study is to describe the validity of existing PI for type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular risk management.MethodsWe conducted a systematic literature search for studies describing the development and assessment of relevant PIs between January 1990 and January 2009. We grouped identified PI as drug‐ or disease‐oriented, and according to the aspects of prescribing addressed and the additional clinical information included. We reviewed the clinimetric characteristics of the different types of PI.ResultsWe identified 59 documents describing the clinimetrics of 16 types of PI covering relevant prescribing aspects, including first‐choice treatment, safety issues, dosing, costs, sufficient and timely treatment. We identified three types of drug‐oriented, and five types of disease‐oriented PI with proven face and content validity as well as operational feasibility in different settings. PI focusing on treatment modifications were the only indicators that showed concurrent validity. Several solutions were proposed for dealing with case‐mix and sample size problems, but their actual effect on PI scores was insufficiently assessed. Predictive validity of individual PI is not yet known.ConclusionWe identified a range of existing PI that are valid for internal quality assessment as they are evidence‐based, accepted by professionals, and reliable. For external use, problems of patient case‐mix and sample size per PI should be better addressed. Further research is needed for selecting indicators that predict clinical outcomes. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of three‐arm poly(ethylene glycol) by combination of controlled anionic polymerization and ‘click’ chemistry
Authors: Cheng Guangwen , Fan Xiaodong , Tian Wei , Liu Yuyang , Kong Jie 
Published: December 2009

AbstractPoly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is an important water‐soluble polymer, which is widely used in the biomedical field because of its good biodegradability, biocompatibility and permeability. It is usually synthesized by anionic polymerization of ethylene oxide but side reactions lead to the formation of some oligomers. High molecular weight PEG can be obtained, however, through coordinated anionic polymerization. Recently a novel controlled anionic polymerization based on the initiating system ammonium bromide/trialkylaluminium was reported. Related studies have shown that the controlled anionic polymerization allows the synthesis of linear polyethers with low dispersity in a wide range of molecular weights at ambient temperature. Unfortunately, so far this controlled anionic polymerization has not been used to synthesize polymers with complex architectures. In the work reported here, controlled anionic polymerization was combined with ‘click’ chemistry for the first time to synthesize polyethers with multiple arms. Firstly, controlled anionic polymerization was employed to synthesize a linear bromine‐terminated PEG (PEG‐Br) using ethylene oxide as the monomer and tetraoctylammonium bromide/triisobutylaluminium as the initiating system at room temperature. The terminal bromine in the PEG thus synthesized was then converted into an azide group by the reaction of PEG‐Br and sodium azide. A trifunctional linking agent was also prepared by the reaction of trimethylolpropane and propiolic acid. By using ‘click’ chemistry, a three‐arm PEG was finally obtained through the reaction of the azide‐terminated PEG and the trifunctional linking agent. The chemical structure of the polymer thus synthesized was characterized using infrared spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy, matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry and size‐exclusion chromatography with multi‐angle laser light scattering. It was found that the synthesized polyether possesses the designed structure. Considering the wide applicability of controlled anionic polymerization and ‘click’ chemistry, their combination is a valuable way to synthesize various polyethers with multiple arms. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Co‐electrospun composite nanofibers of blends of poly[(amino acid ester)phosphazene] and gelatin
Authors: Lin Yi‐Jun , Cai Qing , Li Lei , Li Qi‐Fang , Yang Xiao‐Ping , Jin Ri‐Guang 
Published: December 2009

AbstractElectrospinning is known as a simple and effective fabrication method to produce polymeric nanofibers suitable for biomedical applications. Many synthesized and natural polymers have been electrospun and reported in the literature; however, there is little information on the electrospinning of poly[(amino acid ester)phosphazene] and its blends with gelatin. Composite nanofibers were made by co‐dissolving poly[(alaninoethyl ester)0.67(glycinoethyl ester)0.33phosphazene] (PAGP) and gelatin in trifluoroethanol and co‐electrospinning. The co‐electrospun composite nanofibers from different mixing ratios (0, 10, 30, 50, 70 and 90 wt%) of gelatin to PAGP consisted of nanoscale fibers with a mean diameter ranging from approximately 300 nm to 1 µm. An increase in gelatin in the solution resulted in an increase of average fiber diameter. Transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray spectrometry measurements showed that gelatin core/PAGP shell nanofibers were formed when the content of gelatin in the hybrid was below 50 wt%, but homogeneous PAGP/gelatin composite nanofibers were obtained as the mixing ratios of gelatin to PAGP were increased up to 70 and 90 wt%. The study suggests that the interaction between gelatin and PAGP could help to stabilize PAGP/gelatin composite fibrous membranes in aqueous medium and improve the hydrophilicity of pure PAGP nanofibers. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Antibacterial Activity of an Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet Against Relevant Wound Pathogens in vitro on a Simulated Wound Environment
Authors: Daeschlein Georg , von Woedtke Thomas , Kindel Eckhard , Brandenburg Ronny , Weltmann Klaus‐Dieter , Jünger Michael 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe aim of the study was to test the efficacy of a hand‐held atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) toward typical wound pathogens in vitro simulating antisepsis on wound surfaces. The plasma jet has been proved to be highly effective in vitro against the most commonly encountered pathogenic species of acute and chronic wounds reaching nearly the power of antiseptics. The following bacteria and fungi were treated on half rigid media (agar) imitating wound colonization: methicillin‐sensitive Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 1924 (MSSA), Enterococcus faecium ATCC 6057 (EF), Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 15442 (PA), Candida albicans ATCC 10231 (CA), and β‐hemolyzing Streptococci of the Lancefield serogroup A (HSA). Highest reduction factor (RF) was obtained treating PA (RF 4.0) followed by HSA (3.2), MSSA (2.7), CA (2.0), and EF (1.9). Consequently, simulating wound surfaces with moist environment using semisolid agar media, the APPJ allowed bactericidal treatment of highly contaminated surfaces of 55 cm2 imitating skin and wound colonization within 6 min. This antibacterial reduction power together with its handsome flexibility of the APPJ could be a suited therapeutic option in the therapy of infected or colonized wounds.magnified image
Abrupt increases in soil temperatures following increased precipitation in a permafrost region, central Lena River basin, Russia
Authors: Iijima Yoshihiro , Fedorov Alexander N. , Park Hotaek , Suzuki Kazuyoshi , Yabuki Hironori , Maximov Trofim C. , Ohata Tetsuo 
Published: December 2009

AbstractMarked increases in active‐layer and upper permafrost temperatures occurred in the central Lena River basin in association with abrupt increases in active‐layer soil moisture following the summer of 2005. The positive trend in soil temperature‐moisture relations was observed at monitoring sites in the Yakutsk area, regardless of vegetation and soil type. The increase in soil temperature appears to have started in response to the large amounts of snow that accumulated in the winter of 2004. Abnormally high pre‐winter rainfall and snowfall in the following three years accelerated soil warming through the effects of greater latent heat of freezing and insulation from atmospheric cooling in winter. The consecutive positive anomalies of snow depth and rainfall, which occurred widely in the central and southern Lena River basin during this three‐year period, increased soil moisture and appear to have altered the active‐layer thermal properties, which likely induced widespread warming of the surface layer of permafrost in this region. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome: Neurocognitive functioning in school age children
Authors: Zelko Frank A. , Nelson Michael N. , Leurgans Sue E. , Berry‐Kravis Elizabeth M. , Weese‐Mayer Debra E. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractObjectiveExamine indices of neurocognitive functioning in children with PHOX2B mutation‐confirmed neonatal onset congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) and relate them to indices of PHOX2B genotype, demographics, and disease severity.MethodsSubjects were 20 patients with PHOX2B mutation‐confirmed CCHS diagnosed as neonates who had undergone neurocognitive assessment in the course of clinical care at the Rush Children's Hospital CCHS Center between 1990 and 2006. Neurocognitive variables of interest included Full Scale IQ (FSIQ) and Wechsler‐derived marker indices (subtests) of verbal comprehension (Vocabulary), visuoperceptual reasoning (Block Design), working memory (Digit Span), and clerical/processing speed (Coding).ResultsSingle sample t‐tests revealed participants' general intelligence index (FSIQ; mean 84.9, SD 23.6) to be lower than the general population, though the range of FSIQ observed was broad. Visuoperceptual reasoning and clerical/visuographic speed marker indices were similarly depressed. These deficits were related to special education participation but not to PHOX2B genotype status or other demographic and clinical risk factors.ConclusionsPHOX2B mutation‐confirmed CCHS confers risk for adverse neurocognitive outcome, though the range of functioning observed raises questions about factors that may contribute to neurocognitive variability. Visuoperceptual reasoning and clerical/visuographic speed appear particularly vulnerable. PHOX2B genotype and disease severity indicators were unrelated to neurocognitive indices, possibly due to our modest sample. Future research should employ comprehensive neurocognitive assessment emphasizing visuoperceptual ability, mental speed, attention, and information processing efficiency. Increased recognition and expedited diagnosis with PHOX2B testing should allow larger studies of the relationship between neurocognitive functioning, PHOX2B genotype/mutation, and disease severity and management. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2010; 45:92–98. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Two tachykinin‐like peptides from skin secretions of Danio rerio
Authors: Mi Xuhua , Yu Haining , Jia Peng , Zhang Zhenzhou , Zhang Luyong , Liu Jingze 
Published: December 2009

AbstractTachykinin perform multiple physiological functions such as smoothing muscle contraction, vasodilation, inflammation, the processing of nerve signal, neuroprotection and neurodegeneration. Two novel tachykinin‐like peptides named tachykinin‐DR1 and ‐DR2 were identified from skin secretions of Danio rerio in current work. Their amino acid sequences were determined as SKSQHFHGLM‐NH2 and NKGEIFVGLM‐NH2, respectively. They share a conserved FXGLM‐NH2C‐terminal consensus motif. By cDNA cloning, the precursor encoding both tachykinin‐DR1 and ‐DR2 was screened from the skin cDNA library of D. rerio. Tachykinin‐DR1 and ‐DR2 share the same precursor, which is composed of 108 amino acid (aa) residues. Regarding the biological activity, tachykinin‐DRs could induce the contraction of isolated strips of guinea pig ileum just like other tackykinins. To our best knowledge, this is the first report of tachykinin from fish skin. Copyright © 2009 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Temperature‐dependent hemolytic activity of membrane pore‐forming peptide toxin, tolaasin
Authors: Cho Kwang‐Hyun , Wang Hee‐Sung , Kim Young‐Kee 
Published: December 2009

AbstractTolaasin, a pore‐forming peptide toxin produced by Pseudomonas tolaasii, causes brown blotch disease on cultivated mushrooms. Hemolysis using red blood cells was measured to evaluate the cytotoxicity of tolaasin. To investigate the mechanism of tolaasin‐induced cell disruption, we studied the effect of temperature on the hemolytic process. At 4 °C, poor binding of the tolaasin molecules to the erythrocyte membrane was observed and most of the tolaasin molecules stayed in the solution. However, once tolaasin bound to erythrocytes at 37 °C and the temperature was decreased, complete hemolysis was observed even at 4 °C. These results indicate that tolaasin binding to cell membrane is temperature‐sensitive while tolaasin‐induced membrane disruption is less sensitive to temperature change. The effect of erythrocyte concentration was measured to understand the membrane binding and pore‐forming properties of tolaasin. The percentage of hemolysis measured by both hemoglobin release and cell lysis decreased as erythrocyte concentration increased in the presence of a fixed amount of tolaasin. The result shows that hemolysis is dependent on the amount of tolaasin and multiple binding of tolaasin is required for the hemolysis of a single cell. In analysis of dose‐dependence, the hemolysis was proportional to the tenth power of the amount of tolaasin, implying that tolaasin‐induced hemolysis can be explained by a multi‐hit model. Copyright © 2009 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antiplasmodial and cytotoxic activity of khellactone derivatives from Angelica purpuraefolia chung
Authors: Chung Ill‐Min , Ghimire Bimal Kumar , Kang Eun‐Young , Moon Hyung‐In 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe methanolic extract of the rhizomes parts of Agelica purpuraefolia was investigated for its activity against chloroquine‐sensitive strains of Plasmodium falciparum using the parasite lactate dehydrogenase assay method. Two natural khellactone, (+)‐4′‐Decanoyl‐cis‐khellactone (1) and (+)‐3′‐Decanoyl‐cis‐khellactone (2) were isolated from the rhizomes parts of A. purpuraefolia. Two compounds were evaluated for in vitro antiplasmodial activities as well as their cytotoxic potential on SK‐OV‐3 cancer cell line cells. Compounds 1, 2 showed notable growth inhibitory activity against chloroquine‐sensitive strains of Plasmodium falciparum with IC50 values from 1.5 and 2.4 μM. This compound showed no significant cytotoxicity (IC50 > 100 μM) evaluated using SK‐OV‐3 cancer cell line cells. This is the first report on the antiplasmodial activity of the compounds from A. purpuraefolia. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antispasmodic, bronchodilator and blood pressure lowering properties ofHypericum oblongifolium– possible mechanism of action
Authors: Khan Arif‐ullah , Khan Munasib , Subhan Fazal , Gilani Anwarul Hassan 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe crude extract ofHypericum oblongifolium(Ho.Cr), which tested positive for flavonoids, saponins and tannins caused concentration‐dependent (0.1–1.0 mg/mL) relaxation of spontaneous and high K+(80 mM)‐induced contractions in isolated rabbit jejunum preparations, suggesting a Ca++antagonistic effect, which was confirmed when pretreatment of the tissue with Ho.Cr produced a rightward shift in the Ca++concentration‐response curves, like that caused by verapamil. Ho.Cr relaxed carbachol (1 μM) and high K+‐induced contractions in guinea pig tracheal preparations. It caused a dose‐dependent (3–100 mg/kg) fall in arterial blood pressure of rats under anesthesia. In isolated guinea pig atria, Ho.Cr caused inhibition of both atrial force and rate of spontaneous contractions. When tested in rabbit aortic rings, Ho.Cr exhibited a vasodilator effect against phenylephrine (1 μM) and high K+‐induced contractions. These results indicate that Ho.Cr possesses gastrointestinal, respiratory and cardiovascular inhibitory effects, mediated via a Ca++antagonist mechanism. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reseda luteola L. extract displays antiproliferative and pro‐apoptotic activities that are related to its major flavonoids
Authors: Woelfle U. , Simon‐Haarhaus B. , Merfort I. , Schempp C.M. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractReseda luteola L. has been used as a dye due to its high luteolin content since ancient times. However, no pharmacological studies have been performed with Reseda extracts so far. Here, we have assessed antiproliferative and apoptosis‐inducing effects of the Reseda extract RF‐40. It contains 40% flavonoids, primarily luteolin, but also luteolin‐7‐O‐glucoside and apigenin. RF‐40 and the isolated flavonoids dose‐dependently inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptotic oligonucleosomes in PHA‐stimulated peripheral blood mononuclar cells. These effects were not due to cytotoxicity as shown with a luminometric ATP assay. Dose‐response curves of RF‐40 and the isolated flavonoids were similar, with luteolin being the most effective isolated flavonoid. Comparison of RF‐40 to its major flavonoids revealed that the pharmacological effects of the extract can mostly be attributed to luteolin. We conclude that Reseda extract is an interesting raw material not only for dyeing purposes but also for further pharmacological investigation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ethyl acetate fraction of the root of rubia cordifolia L. inhibits keratinocyte proliferation in vitro and promotes keratinocyte differentiation in vivo: potential application for psoriasis treatment
Authors: Lin Z. X. , Jiao B. W. , Che C. T. , Zuo Z. , Mok C. F. , Zhao M. , Ho W. K. K. , Tse W. P. , Lam K. Y. , Fan R. Q. , Yang Z. J. , Cheng C. H. K. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractPsoriasis is a skin disease associated with hyperproliferation and aberrant differentiation of keratinocytes. Our previous studies have identified the root of Rubia cordifolia L. as a potent antiproliferative and apoptogenic agent in cultured HaCaT cells (IC50 1.4 μg/ml). In the present study, ethanolic extract of Radix Rubiae was fractioned sequentially with hexane, ethyl acetate (EA), n‐butanol and water. EA fraction was found to possess most potent antiproliferative action on HaCaT cells (IC50 0.9 μg/ml). Mechanistic study revealed that EA fraction induced apoptosis on HaCaT cells, as it was capable of inducing apoptotic morphological changes. Annexin V‐PI staining assay also demonstrated that EA fraction significantly augmented HaCaT apoptosis. In addition, EA fraction decreased mitochondrial membrane potential in a concentration‐ and time‐dependent manner. The standardized EA fraction was formulated into topical gel and its keratinocyte‐modulating action was tested on mouse tail model. EA fraction dose‐dependently increased the number and thickness of granular layer and epidermal thickness on mouse tail skin, indicative of the keratinocyte differentiation‐inducing activity. Taking the in vitro and in vivo findings together, the present preclinical study confirms that EA fraction is a promising antipsoriatic agent warranting further development for psoriasis treatment. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detection and characterization of twenty‐eight isomers of fumonisin B1 (FB1) mycotoxin in a solid rice culture infected with Fusarium verticillioides by reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization time‐of‐flight and ion trap mass spectrometry
Authors: Bartók Tibor , Tölgyesi László , Szekeres András , Varga Mónika , Bartha Richárd , Szécsi Árpád , Bartók Mihály , Mesterházy Ákos 
Published: December 2009

AbstractFumonisin mycotoxins which are hazardous to humans and animals were produced in a Fusarium verticillioides‐infected solid rice culture. To decrease the possibility of the formation of artifacts, the fumonisins were analysed by reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization time‐of‐flight (RP‐HPLC/ESI‐TOFMS) and ion trap mass spectrometry (RP‐HPLC/ESI‐ITMS) immediately after the extraction of the culture material, without any further sample clean‐up. The fumonisin isomers were separated by using a flat gradient on a special, high‐coverage C18, narrow‐bore HPLC column (YMC‐Pack J'sphere ODS H80) suggested for the separation of structural isomers by the manufacturer. Exact mass measurements (TOFMS) of the protonated molecules and extraction of the ion chromatogram corresponding to the empirical formula (C34H59NO15) of FB1 toxins led to the identification of 29 peaks and shoulders, including those of FB1. The FB1 toxin and 28 of its isomers were also detected by ITMS after separation with RP‐HPLC. The characteristic m/z values of the product ions, including the backbones obtained by ITMS2, undoubtedly indicated the structures of the FB1 isomers for 28 peaks and shoulders. In the MS2 spectra of the protonated molecules of the FB1 isomers, with some exceptions, 15 characteristic product ions including the hydrocarbon backbone at m/z 299 were observed. The abundance ratio of the cation at m/z 299 ranged up to 5.8%. The relative quantities of the isomers found in the sample extract were expressed as percentages of the FB1 content (0.001–0.579%). The total amount of the 28 FB1 isomers was 2.803% of the quantity of FB1 that is important from the aspect of food and feed safety. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new naphthimidazole derivative for saccharide labeling with enhanced sensitivity in mass spectrometry detection
Authors: Lin Chunchi , Hung Wei‐Ting , Chen Chung‐Hsuan , Fang Jim‐Min , Yang Wen‐Bin 
Published: December 2009

AbstractA series of saccharides, including maltoheptose, blood type B antigen, pullulan and the glucan of Ganoderma lucidum, are easily converted into the naphthimidazole (NAIM) derivatives in high yields by the iodine‐promoted oxidative condensation. The NAIM‐labeled saccharides, without further purification, show enhanced signals in matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOFMS). The combined use of NAIM derivatization and MALDI‐TOFMS analysis thus provides a rapid method for identification of saccharides even in less than 1 pmol of saccharide in the sample. Characterization of the biologically active saccharides and complex polysaccharides is also achieved through the NAIM‐derivatization method. This study can be further applied to facilitate the isolation and analysis of novel saccharides. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the high‐resolution mass analysis of the product ions in tandem time‐of‐flight (TOF/TOF) mass spectrometers using a time‐dependent re‐acceleration technique
Authors: Kurnosenko Sergey , Moskovets Eugene 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe time‐dependent reacceleration of product ions produced as a result of dissociation of a single precursor ion in a tandem time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer is considered for the first time. Analytical expressions for the shapes of electric pulses bringing all the kinetic energies of the product ions to the same value are derived for two cases: forward acceleration mode and deceleration, followed by re‐acceleration in the reversed direction (reversed mode). Secondary time‐of‐flight focusing resulting from the re‐acceleration in the reversed mode is shown to be mass‐dependent and, when averaged over a wide mass range, the focusing is tight enough to provide mass resolution exceeding 10 000. After time‐dependent re‐acceleration, additional compression of the ion packet width leading to better mass resolution can be obtained by decelerating the ions in a constant field. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.