bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evidence that polymorphic deletion of the glutathione S‐transferase gene, GSTM1, is associated with esophageal atresia
Authors: Filonzi Laura , Magnani Cinzia , de' Angelis Gian Luigi , Dallaglio Sara , Nonnis Marzano Francesco 
Published: August 2010

AbstractBACKGROUND:Esophageal atresia (EA) is a life‐threatening congenital condition whose etiology and pathogenesis are still poorly understood. An increasing trend of this pathology in some Italian regions suggests a possible interaction between xenobiotics and genes involved in detoxification processes during early embryonic development. For the first time polymorphisms of GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 genes were analyzed in association with EA.METHODS:The study population consisted of 25 EA children, 50 unrelated healthy children, 20 of the EA children's mothers, and 40 unrelated mothers. GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes were identified by PCR amplification, and GSTP1 polymorphism was detected by RFLP analysis.RESULTS:An association was found between homozygosity for the GSTM1 null genotype and EA in affected children (p = 0.0022) and their mothers (p = 0.022). No association was found between GSTT1 and GSTP1 polymorphisms and EA children or their mothers.CONCLUSIONS:Results suggest that the GSTM1−/− null genotype may play an important role in the development of EA during early embryogenesis as a consequence of altered detoxification processes both in children and in the mothers. We hypothesize that GSTM1 allelic loss could be responsible for reduced or null catalytic activity in tissues exposed to amniotic fluid, and inefficient detoxification could be a trigger altering proliferation/apoptotic pattern of gut‐trachea separation. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Somatic mutations and the hierarchy of hematopoiesis
Authors: Traulsen Arne , Pacheco Jorge M. , Luzzatto Lucio , Dingli David 
Published: August 2010

AbstractClonal disease is often regarded as almost synonymous with cancer. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that our bodies harbor numerous mutant clones that are not tumors, and mostly give rise to no disease at all. Here we discuss three somatic mutations arising within the hematopoietic system: BCR‐ABL, characteristic of chronic myeloid leukemia; mutations of the PIG‐A gene, characteristic of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria; the V617F mutation in the JAK2 gene, characteristic of myeloproliferative diseases. The population frequencies of these three blood disorders fit well with a hierarchical model of hematopoiesis. The fate of any mutant clone will depend on the target cell and on the fitness advantage, if any, that the mutation confers on the cell. In general, we can expect that only a mutation in a hematopoietic stem cell will give long‐term disease; the same mutation taking place in a cell located more downstream may produce just a ripple in the hematopoietic ocean.
The effects of fluent levels of Big 6 + 6 skill elements on functional motor skills with children with autism
Authors: Twarek Melissa , Cihon Traci , Eshleman John 
Published: August 2010

AbstractFunctional motor skills are often taught using chaining procedures. Research suggests that chaining procedures are not likely to be effective if they do not focus on the accuracy and speed of composite skill completion. Precision teaching (PT) research suggests that improved performance of a composite skill can be achieved if the performance speed of the component behaviors is increased. This study assessed the effects of repeated timed practice of component motor skills on speed and accuracy of composite skills and the effects of fluent component motor skills on the completion of daily living composite skills. Three children with autism participated. The results suggest that all participants were able to perform the component skills at their individual aims and performed most of the component skills at fluent levels as assessed by retention and endurance checks. Each participant increased the number of composite skill steps performed independently and one decreased the overall time to complete the composite skill. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Failure to demonstrate the differential outcomes effect in children with autism
Authors: Chong Ivy M. , Carr James E. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThe differential outcomes procedure was evaluated during conditional discrimination training with three children with autism. Linking specific reinforcers to specific target responses did not produce large or consistent improvements in training efficiency compared to a nondifferential outcomes procedure. The results are discussed in the context of existing applied research on the differential outcomes effect and its relevance to skill acquisition technology. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spectroscopy characterization of the interaction between brevifolin carboxylic acid and bovine serum albumin
Authors: Tian Jianniao , Xie Yuhuan , Zhao Yanchun , Li Caifeng , Zhao Shulin 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThe mechanism of binding of the antivirus drug, brevifolin carboxylic acid (BCA) with bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated by steady‐state and time‐resolved fluorescence, circular dichroism (CD), Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) and Raman spectroscopy under pseudo‐physiological conditions for the first time. A strong fluorescence quenching was observed and the quenching mechanism was considered as static quenching. Various binding parameters were evaluated. The quantitative analysis of CD spectral data revealed that the α‐helical content of BSA increased from 48.91% (in free BSA) to 52.46% (in bound form) in the presence of BCA. Based on the Förster's theory of non‐radiation energy transfer, the relation of the binding average distance r between the donor (BSA) and acceptor (BCA) and acceptor concentration was determined. The changes in association constants of BCA–BSA in the presence of the common ions are also discussed. From the CD, FT‐IR, time‐resolved fluorescence and Raman spectroscopic results, it is apparent that the interaction of BCA with BSA causes a conformational change in the protein, and the Trp and Tyr residues are buried in more hydrophobic surroundings. BCA mainly binds to residue Trp 212 located in domain II of BSA by hydrophobic interaction and hydrogen bond. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of ketotifen fumarate by capillary electrophoresis with tris(2,2′‐bipyridyl) ruthenium(II) electrochemiluminescence detection
Authors: Zhou Min , Li Yu‐Jie , Ma Yong‐Jun , Wang Wei‐Feng , Mi Juan , Chen Hui 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACTOn the basis of an europium (III)‐doped Prussian blue analog film modifying platinum electrode as the working electrode, a Ru(bpy)32+‐based electrochemiluminescence (ECL) assay coupled with capillary electrophoresis has been first established for the determination of ketotifen fumarate (KTF). Analytes were injected onto a separation capillary of 50 cm length (50 μm i.d., 360 μm o.d.) by electrokinetic injection for 10 s at 10 kV. Parameters related to the separation and detection were discussed and optimized. It was proved that 15 mm phosphate buffer at pH 8.0 could achieve the most favorable resolution, and the highest sensitivity of detection was obtained using the detection potential at 1.25 V and 5 mm Ru(bpy)32+ in 100 mm phosphate buffer at pH 8.0 in the detection reservoir. Under the optimized conditions, the ECL intensity was in proportion to KTF concentration over the range from 3.0 × 10−8 to 5.0 × 10−6 g mL−1 with a detection limit of 2.1 × 10−8 g mL−1 (3σ). The relative standard deviations of the ECL intensity and the migration time were 0.95 and 0.26%, respectively. The developed method was successfully applied to determine KTF contents in pharmaceuticals and human urine with recoveries between 99.5 and 107.0%. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simple and sensitive spectrofluorimetric method for the determination of pregabalin in capsules through derivatization with fluorescamine
Authors: Walash M. I. , Belal F. , El‐Enany N. , El‐Maghrabey M. H. 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACTA new, simple and sensitive spectrofluorimetric method has been developed for the determination of pregabalin (PG) in capsules. The method is based on the reaction between pregabalin and fluorescamine in borate buffer solution of pH 10 to give a highly fluorescent derivative that is measured at 487 nm after excitation at 390 nm. The different experimental parameters affecting the development and stability of the reaction product were carefully studied and optimized. The fluorescence intensity concentration plot was rectilinear over the range of 0.01–0.3 µg mL−1 with a lower detection limit of 0.0017 µg mL−1 and limit of quantitation of 0.005 µg mL−1. The developed method was successfully applied to the analysis of the drug in its commercial capsules. The mean percentage recovery of PG in its capsule was 99.93±1.24 (n = 3). Statistical comparison of the results with those of the comparison method revealed good agreement and proved that there was no significant difference in the accuracy and precision of the two methods. A proposed reaction pathway was postulated. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new Pr3+‐activated molybdate‐based phosphor for application to white LEDs with blue excitation
Authors: Li Qiuxia , Huang Jiaping , Chen Donghua 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACTThe novel red‐emitting phosphors KxSr1−2xMoO4:Pr3+x (0.00 ≤ x ≤ 0.04) were prepared by solid‐state reaction. The crystallization and particle sizes of samples were investigated by powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). TEM images were in good agreement with the theoretical calculation data from the XRD patterns. Photoluminescence analysis indicated that there were three excitation peaks under 430–500 nm, and all samples showed the intensely red emission at 648 nm corresponding to the 3P0 → 3F2 transition of Pr3+. The concentrations of doping ions, temperature and polyethylene glycol in the phosphor system can significantly influence the intensity of the red emission. The photoluminescence spectral intensity reached its maximum at x = 0.02. The results showed that the investigated phosphor is a potential red phosphor for white light‐emitting diodes. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characteristics of rare earth (RE = Eu, Tb, Tm)‐doped Y2O3 phosphors for thermometry
Authors: Ishiwada Naohiro , Ueda Toshihisa , Yokomori Takeshi 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACTThe temperature‐dependent photoluminescences of Y2O3:Eu (6% Eu), Y2O3:Tb (4% Tb) and Y2O3:Tm (1% Tm) were investigated for high‐temperature phosphor thermometry. Two different phases, the monoclinic phase and cubic phase, were considered because the fluorescence spectra vary with the phase. To employ the intensity ratio method, we investigated their photoluminescence spectra under the excitation light of an Hg–Xe lamp as the temperature was elevated from room temperature to more than 1200 K. As a result, it was confirmed that the luminescence intensity of all of the phosphors varied with elevating temperature, i.e. thermal quenching, with the variations depending on the type of rare earth impurity and their phases. The results indicate that Y2O3:Eu phosphors are applicable to the intensity ratio method because they show appropriate variations in the intensity ratio of two emission lines, and they also have strong and sharp peak intensities without excessive optical noise or black body radiation over a wide range of temperatures. The intensity ratios for Y2O3:Tb provide such small variations with temperature that the temperature resolution is low, despite the strong emission intensities. As for Y2O3:Tm, the intensity ratios also have a low temperature resolution and their emission intensities are weak. Therefore, Y2O3:Tb and Y2O3:Tm are not appropriate for the intensity ratio method for phosphor thermometry. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Template‐tethered collagen mimetic peptides for studying heterotrimeric triple‐helical interactions
Authors: Li Yang , Mo Xiao , Kim Daniel , Yu S. Michael 
Published: August 2010

AbstractCollagen mimetic peptides (CMPs) have been used to elucidate the structure and stability of the triple helical conformation of collagen molecules. Although CMP homotrimers have been widely studied, very little work has been reported regarding CMP heterotrimers because of synthetic difficulties. Here, we present the synthesis and characterization of homotrimers and ABB type heterotrimers comprising natural and synthetic CMP sequences that are covalently tethered to a template, a tris(2‐aminoethyl) amine (TREN) succinic acid derivative. Various tethered heterotrimers comprising synthetic CMPs [(ProHypGly)6, (ProProGly)6] and CMPs representing specific domains of type I collagen were synthesized and characterized in terms of triple helical structure, thermal melting behavior, and refolding kinetics. The results indicated that CMPs derived from natural type I collagen sequence can form stable heterotrimeric helical complexes with artificial CMPs and that the thermal stability and the folding rate increase with the increasing number of helical stabilizing amino acids (e.g. Hyp) in the peptide chains. Covalent tethering enhanced the thermal stability and refolding kinetics of all CMPs; however, their relative values were not affected suggesting that the tethered system can be used for comparative study of heterotrimeric CMP's folding behavior in regards to chain composition and for characterization of thermally unstable CMPs. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 95: 94–104, 2011.
Collagen oligomers modulate physical and biological properties of three‐dimensional self‐assembled matrices
Authors: Bailey J. L. , Critser P. J. , Whittington C. , Kuske J. L. , Yoder M. C. , Voytik‐Harbin S. L. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractElucidation of mechanisms underlying collagen fibril assembly and matrix‐induced guidance of cell fate will contribute to the design and expanded use of this biopolymer for research and clinical applications. Here, we define how Type I collagen oligomers affect in‐vitro polymerization kinetics as well as fibril microstructure and mechanical properties of formed matrices. Monomers and oligomers were fractionated from acid‐solubilized pig skin collagen and used to generate formulations varying in monomer/oligomer content or average polymer molecular weight (AMW). Polymerization half‐times decreased with increasing collagen AMW and closely paralleled lag times, indicating that oligomers effectively served as nucleation sites. Furthermore, increasing AMW yielded matrices with increased interfibril branching and had no correlative effect on fibril density or diameter. These microstructure changes increased the stiffness of matrices as evidenced by increases in both shear storage and compressive moduli. Finally, the biological relevance of modulating collagen AMW was evidenced by the ability of cultured endothelial colony forming cells to sense associated changes in matrix physical properties and alter vacuole and capillary‐like network formation. This work documents the importance of oligomers as another physiologically‐relevant design parameter for development and standardization of polymerizable collagen formulations to be used for cell culture, regenerative medicine, and engineered tissue applications. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 95: 77–93, 2011.
Predictors of physical and emotional recovery 6 and 12 months after surgery
Authors: Peters M L , Sommer M , van Kleef M , Marcus M A E 
Published: August 2010

Abstract

Background
A proportion of patients do not recover fully from surgery or they develop chronic postsurgical pain. The aim of this study was to examine the incidence and predictors of unfavourable long-term outcome after surgery using a prospective cohort design.

Methods
Some 401 patients undergoing various elective surgical procedures filled in the RAND 36-item Health Survey 1·0 health-related quality-of-life questionnaire before operation and at 6 and 12 months of follow-up to assess changes in pain, physical functioning, mental health and vitality. Preoperative psychological assessment was obtained.

Results
Most patients showed improvement in the various aspects of health-related quality of life after surgery, but a considerable proportion (14–24 per cent) still showed deterioration at 6 and 12 months. Multivariable linear regression analysis identified acute postoperative pain, duration of the operation and preoperative physical condition as the most important predictors of long-term pain and physical functioning. Preoperative surgical fear also had a small but significant contribution. The main predictors of mental health and vitality were physical condition before surgery, surgical fear and optimism.

Conclusion
Up to a quarter of patients experienced suboptimal recovery after surgery. Both somatic and psychological factors were associated with the long-term outcome. Optimal recovery could be promoted by effective interventions on malleable factors.
Management of blunt injuries to the spleen
Authors: Renzulli P , Gross T , Schnüriger B , Schoepfer A M , Inderbitzin D , Exadaktylos A K , Hoppe H , Candinas D 
Published: August 2010

Abstract

Background
Non-operative management (NOM) of blunt splenic injuries is nowadays considered the standard treatment. The present study identified selection criteria for primary operative management (OM) and planned NOM.

Methods
All adult patients with blunt splenic injuries treated at Berne University Hospital, Switzerland, between 2000 and 2008 were reviewed.

Results
There were 206 patients (146 men) with a mean(s.d.) age of 38·2(19·1) years and an Injury Severity Score of 30·9(11·6). The American Association for the Surgery of Trauma classification of the splenic injury was grade 1 in 43 patients (20·9 per cent), grade 2 in 52 (25·2 per cent), grade 3 in 60 (29·1 per cent), grade 4 in 42 (20·4 per cent) and grade 5 in nine (4·4 per cent). Forty-seven patients (22·8 per cent) required immediate surgery. Transfusion of at least 5 units of red cells (odds ratio (OR) 13·72, 95 per cent confidence interval 5·08 to 37·01), Glasgow Coma Scale score below 11 (OR 9·88, 1·77 to 55·16) and age 55 years or more (OR 3·29, 1·07 to 10·08) were associated with primary OM. The rate of primary OM decreased from 33·3 to 11·9 per cent after the introduction of transcatheter arterial embolization in 2005. Overall, 159 patients (77·2 per cent) qualified for NOM, which was successful in 143 (89·9 per cent). The splenic salvage rate was 69·4 per cent. In multivariable analysis age at least 40 years was the only factor independently related to failure of NOM (OR 13·58, 2·76 to 66·71).

Conclusion
NOM of blunt splenic injuries has a low failure rate. Advanced age is independently associated with an increased failure rate.
Scoring system to identify patients at high risk of oesophageal cancer
Authors: Rhatigan E , Tyrmpas I , Murray G , Plevris J N 
Published: August 2010

Abstract

Background
Identification of a patient cohort at high risk of developing oesophageal cancer might enable a greater proportion of patients with curable disease stages to be identified and permit better use of investigative resources. The aim of this study was to develop a scoring system that identifies patients with dysphagia at greatest risk of having oesophageal cancer.

Methods
Data on 435 patients with dysphagia were recorded. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to identify parameters predictive of cancer. These were used to create the Edinburgh Dysphagia Score (EDS), which was then validated in a second cohort of patients.

Results
The EDS contained six parameters: age, sex, weight loss, duration of symptoms, localization of dysphagia and acid reflux. It stratified the development cohort into a group at higher risk, containing 39 of 40 patients with cancer, and a group at lower risk, comprising 36·0 per cent of referrals (sensitivity 97·5 per cent, negative predictive value 99·3 per cent). On validation, the EDS divided the referrals into a higher-risk group identifying all 26 cancers and a lower-risk group comprising 30·0 per cent of referrals.

Conclusion
From 574 referrals, the EDS correctly classified as higher risk all but one patient with cancer. Some 34·0 per cent of patients identified as lower risk could have been investigated less urgently. This simple scoring system permits sensitive prioritization of patients referred with dysphagia, and enables more efficient use of investigative resources.
Randomized clinical trial of the influence of mechanical bowel preparation on faecal microflora in patients undergoing colonic cancer resection
Authors: Watanabe M , Murakami M , Nakao K , Asahara T , Nomoto K , Tsunoda A 
Published: August 2010

Abstract

Background
This study investigated the influence of mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) on faecal microflora, using rRNA-targeted reverse transcription–quantitative polymerase chain reaction in patients undergoing colonic cancer resection.

Methods
Forty-two patients undergoing elective colonic surgery were randomized into MBP or no-MBP groups (21 in each group). The main outcome was the bacterial microflora and faecal organic acid content of faecal material obtained at operation.

Results
Clinical characteristics were similar in the two groups. Bowel content in the resected specimens did not differ significantly. The count of bacterial microflora, such as Bifidobacterium and total Lactobacillus, in both intraoperative faecal material and first material after surgery was significantly lower in the MBP group than the no-MBP group (P &lt; 0·050). Levels of faecal organic acids, such as acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid, in intraoperative faecal material were significantly lower, and levels of lactic acid were significantly higher, in the MBP group than in the no-MBP group (P &lt; 0·050). The succinic acid level was significantly higher after surgery than before operation in the MBP group (P = 0·008).

Conclusion
Preoperative MBP caused an imbalance in the bowel microflora, suggesting that it offers no advantages in terms of enterobacterial microflora for patients undergoing colonic cancer resection. Registration number: UMIN000003153 (http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index.htm).
The performance of 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ionic liquid as mobile phase additive in HPLC‐based lipophilicity assessment
Authors: Giaginis Costas , Tsantili‐Kakoulidou Anna 
Published: August 2010

AbstractIonic liquids have been widely used as green alternative mobile phase additives to shield the residuals silanols groups and modify the stationary/mobile phase HPLC systems. The present study aimed to evaluate the performance of the ionic liquid 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([EMIM][BF4]) in producing extrapolated logkw indices suitable to substitute for octanol–water logP or logD values. The effect of [EMIM][BF4] was investigated for a set of basic and neutral drugs using two different columns, BDS and ABZ+. [EMIM][BF4] was added simply alone or in combination with n‐octanol and was compared with the conventional masking agent n‐decylamine. [EMIM][BF4] reduced the retention by suppressing silanophilic interactions, althoug to a lower extent than n‐decylamine. Addition of n‐octanol further decreased the retention by shielding silanol sites on BDS and/or interacting with polar groups through hydrogen bonding on ABZ+. Logkw/logD7.4 relationships proved moderate compared with those derived upon addition of n‐decylamine. They were considerably improved upon the introduction of protonated fraction F+ in the correlation, reflecting ion pair formation between the chaotropic anion [BF4]‐ and the protonated basic compounds. In this aspect, the ionic liquid [EMIM][BF4], although efficient as a masking agent, cannot be recommended as mobile phase additive to reproduce octanol–water partitioning. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.