bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Screening vasoconstriction inhibitors from traditional Chinese medicines using a vascular smooth muscle/cell membrane chromatography‐offline‐liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry
Authors: Yang Xingxin , Wang Yanwei , Zhang Xiaoxia , Chang Ruimiao , Li Xiaoni 
Published: September 2011

AbstractWe developed an analytical method for screening vasoconstriction inhibitors from traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) by combining vascular smooth muscle/cell membrane chromatography (VSM/CMC) with liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). Primary cultured VSM cells from rat thoracic aortas were used for preparation of the stationary phase of the VSM/CMC column. Retention fractions from the VSM/CMC column were collected and then analyzed by LC‐MS/MS under the optimized conditions offline. The suitability and reliability of the VSM/CMC‐offline‐LC‐MS/MS method was assessed using nitrendipine and nifedipine as positive controls, and this method was then applied to screen vasodilator components from the extracts of Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis (FSC) and Fructus Schisandrae Sphenantherae (FSS). The major components from both species retained by VSM/CMC were identified as deoxyschizandrin (DSD) and schisantherin A (STA) by LC‐MS/MS. Competition experiments indicated that DSD and nifedipine bound competitively to membrane receptors, while DSD and STA had partly overlapping binding sites on VSM‐cell membranes. In vitro pharmacological trials confirmed that STA and DSD could dose‐dependently relax the rat thoracic aortas pre‐contracted by KCl. Our VSM/CMC‐offline‐LC‐MS/MS method can be applied for screening vasoconstriction inhibitors from TCMs collected from FSC and FSS, and may be useful in the development of vasodilators from natural products.
Characterization of cyclofructan‐based chiral stationary phases by linear free energy relationship
Authors: Janečková Lucie , Kalíková Květa , Vozka Jiří , Armstrong Daniel W. , Bosáková Zuzana , Tesařová Eva 
Published: September 2011

AbstractCyclofructans (CFs), a new class of chiral selectors, have been recently introduced for application in liquid chromatography and capillary electrophoresis. So far, derivatized CFs have performed interesting separation possibilities for a variety of compounds. The current work is focused on characterization of three different CF‐based chiral stationary phases (CF‐based CSPs), i.e. isopropyl carbamate cyclofructan 6 (IP‐CF6), R‐naphthylethyl carbamate cyclofructan 6 (RN‐CF6) and dimethylphenyl carbamate cyclofructan 7 (DMP‐CF7). The linear free energy relationship (LFER) model was used to reveal the dominant interactions participating in the complex retention mechanism. A set of 44 different test solutes, with known solvation parameters, was used to determine the regression coefficients of the LFER equation under two mobile‐phase compositions in normal separation mode. The LFER results showed that hydrogen bond acidity, hydrophobicity and dipolarity/polarizibility mostly affect the retention and separation process on the CF‐based columns in the studied separation systems.
In vitro anti‐platelet effects of simple plant‐derived phenolic compounds are only found at high, non‐physiological concentrations
Authors: Ostertag Luisa M. , O'Kennedy Niamh , Horgan Graham W. , Kroon Paul A. , Duthie Garry G. , de Roos Baukje 
Published: September 2011

AbstractScope: Bioactive polyphenols from fruits, vegetables, and beverages have anti‐platelet effects and may thus affect the development of cardiovascular disease. We screened the effects of 26 low molecular weight phenolic compounds on two in vitro measures of human platelet function.Methods and results: After platelets had been incubated with one of 26 low molecular weight phenolic compounds in vitro, collagen‐induced human platelet aggregation and in vitro TRAP‐induced P‐selectin expression (as marker of platelet activation) were assessed. Incubation of platelet‐rich plasma from healthy volunteers with 100 μmol/L hippuric acid, pyrogallol, catechol, or resorcinol significantly inhibited collagen‐induced platelet aggregation (all p<0.05; n≥15). Incubation of whole blood with concentrations of 100 μmol/L salicylic acid, p‐coumaric acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, 4‐hydroxyphenylpropionyl glycine, 5‐methoxysalicylic acid, and catechol significantly inhibited TRAP‐induced surface P‐selectin expression (all p<0.05; n=10). Incubation with lower concentrations of phenolics affected neither platelet aggregation nor activation.Conclusion: As concentrations of 100 μmol/L are unlikely to be reached in the circulation, it is doubtful whether consumption of dietary phenolics in nutritionally attainable amounts plays a major role in inhibition of platelet activation and aggregation in humans.
Changing current practice – the prescribing of NSAIDs
Authors: Hollingsbee Derek , Maskrey Neal , Hutchinson Andrew , Underhill Jonathan , Bowes Alison 
Published: September 2011

AbstractIn the second half of 2007 the National Prescribing Centre provided an number of initiatives aimed at encouraging reviews of NSAID prescribing with regard to cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risk. The authors used this as an opportunity to evaluate the subsequent changes in prescribing. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Interface Ltd
Soil properties, strontium isotopic signatures and multi‐element profiles to authenticate the origin of vegetables from small‐scale regions: illustration with early potatoes from southern Italy
Authors: Zampella Mariavittoria , Quétel Christophe R. , Paredes Eduardo , Goitom Asfaha Daniel , Vingiani Simona , Adamo Paola 
Published: September 2011

We propose a method for the authentication of the origin of vegetables grown under similar weather conditions, in sites less than 10 km distance from the sea and distributed over a rather small scale area (58651 km2). We studied how the strontium (Sr) isotopic signature and selected elemental concentrations ([Mn], [Cu], [Zn], [Rb], [Sr] and [Cd]) in early potatoes from three neighbouring administrative regions in the south of Italy were related to the geological substrate (alluvial sediments, volcanic substrates and carbonate rocks) and to selected soil chemical properties influencing the bioavailability of elements in soils (pH, cation exchange capacity and total carbonate content). Through multiple‐step multivariate statistics (PLS‐DA) we could assign 26 potatoes (including two already commercialised samples) to their respective eight sites of production, corresponding to the first two types of geological substrates. The other 12 potatoes from four sites of production had similar characteristics in terms of the geological substrate (third type) and these soil properties could be grouped together. In this case, more discriminative parameters would be required to allow the differentiation between sites.The validation of our models included external prediction tests with data of potatoes harvested the year before and a study on the robustness of the uncertainties of the measurement results. Annual variations between multi‐elemental and Sr isotopic fingerprints were observed in potatoes harvested from soils overlying carbonate rocks, stressing the importance of testing long term variations in authentication studies. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. and European Union [2011].
Comparison of high‐temperature conversion and equilibration methods for the determination of d31‐palmitic acid oxidation in man using continuous‐flow isotope ratio mass spectrometry
Authors: Sauvinet Valérie , Gabert Laure , Alligier Maud , Normand Sylvie , Roth Hubert , Laville Martine , Désage Michel 
Published: September 2011

During nutritional interventions, the ingestion of d31‐palmitic acid and H218O allows the assessment of dietary fatty acid oxidation from cumulative 2H recovery in urine and the estimation of the total body water pool (TBW) from 18O dilution. Continuous‐flow isotope ratio mass spectrometry (CF‐IRMS) coupled to either equilibration or high‐temperature conversion (HTC) techniques permits 2H‐ and 18O‐enrichment measurements in biological fluids. Thus it was of great interest to compare these methods applied to the determination of dietary fatty acid oxidation.The linearity, accuracy and correlation between CF‐equilibration and CF‐HTC were first checked using 2H‐ and 18O‐enriched water and urine samples. Urine samples from 14 subjects were then measured with both methods. The 2H and 18O raw data were normalised against calibration lines. The final aim was to study the impact of the normalised raw results on physiological data (i.e. TBW and d31‐palmitate recovery).No significant difference was observed between the 18O‐ and 2H‐enrichment measurements depending on the analytical method used. The TBW volumes calculated from the 18O enrichments measured either with CF‐equilibration or CF‐HTC were not significantly different: respectively, 45.1 ± 1.0 L or 45.7 ± 1.0 L (mean ± sem, p = 0.09). The palmitic acid oxidation results obtained from the 2H‐enrichment measurements and the TBW from CF‐equilibration vs. CF‐HTC were not significantly different (p ≥ 0.26): with δ2H values of, respectively, 16.2 ± 1.6% vs. 16.2 ± 1.1% at 8 h, 18.7 ± 2.0% vs. 17.6 ± 1.3% at 12 h and 21.7 ± 1.9% vs. 21.5 ± 1.3% at 3 days post‐dose (mean ± sem). Thus, even if CF‐HTC was preferred because it was more practical to carry out, both methods allow the study of dietary lipid oxidation in man and generate similar results. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Check‐up Time: A Closer Look at Physical Symptoms in Occupational Health Research
Authors: Shoss Mindy Krischer , Shoss Bradley Leone 
Published: September 2011

AbstractIn order to advance research on stress‐related symptoms in occupational health psychology, our study examined three ways to measure physical symptoms—by asking about symptom frequency, interference with daily activities and whether a doctor was seen for each symptom. We used exploratory factor analysis and item response theory to gain greater insight into these measures and compared how symptoms measured along these dimensions predicted other stress‐related outcomes in the workplace. Among the main findings of our study are the following: (1) symptoms may be categorized as those that occur as a response to acute events and those that reflect more chronic stress; (2) individuals appear to have a relatively low threshold for reporting that acute symptoms (e.g. heart pounding) interfere with daily activities; and (3) specific symptom (acute, chronic)–response format (frequency, interference) combinations uniquely predicted other strain variables in conceptually meaningful ways. Recommendations for the assessment of physical symptoms are provided. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Research on Top and Bottom Mixed Blowing CO2 in Converter Steelmaking Process
Authors: Lv Ming , Zhu Rong , Wei Xinyan , Wang Hui , Bi Xiurong 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBased on the analysis of reaction mechanism between CO2 and molten pool elements at the steelmaking temperature, and on the calculation of materials and heat balance during converter steelmaking process with blowing CO2, a new technology which uses CO2‐O2 as top gas and CO2 as bottom gas in a converter was proposed and experimented in a 30 t converter. It is found that the new technology is feasible absolutely, the amounts of smoke dust and T‐Fe are reduced by 11.15% and 12.98% on average, the contents of nitrogen and phosphorus are decreased by 50% and 23.33% respectively, iron loss of slag is lowered by 3.10% and oxygen consumption is reduced remarkably. This research will provide a new blowing method for BOF steelmaking process, which can save steelmaking energy consumption and reduce smelting cost.
Relationship between sonographically estimated fetal subcutaneous adipose tissue measurements and neonatal skinfold measurements
Authors: Buhling K. J. , Doll I. , Siebert G. , Catalano P. M. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractObjectiveIncreased subcutaneous adipose tissue is a well known characteristic of diabetic fetopathy. Prenatal estimation of adipose tissue can be performed by ultrasound, while postnatally skinfold measurements are performed using a Holtain caliper. The aim of this study was to compare these methods in the same patients.MethodsThis was a prospective study of 172 pregnant patients (142 controls and 30 with gestational diabetes) at ≥ 37 gestational weeks. In addition to fetal weight estimation, fetal subcutaneous tissue was measured at the anterior abdomen lateral to the umbilicus (SonoSfAbd) and at the middle of the femur (SonoSfFem). Within 72 h after delivery, a Holtain caliper was used to measure neonatal skinfold thickness at the left anterior iliac spine (SfAbd), at the lower angle of the left scapula (SfSca), at the middle of the femur, above the left quadriceps femoris (SfFem) and at the middle of the left triceps (SfHum). Ultrasound and mechanical measurements were correlated.ResultsThe sonographic and mechanical methods showed good correlation with each other. Linear regression analysis gave the following equations: SfAbd (mm) = SonoSfAbd (mm) × 0.489 + 1.988 (r2 = 0.34, P < 0.001); SfSca (mm) = SonoSfAbd (mm) 0.457 + 2.043 (r2 = 0.40, P < 0.001); SfFem (mm) = SonoSfFem (mm) × 0.714 + 1.763 (r2 = 0.41, P < 0.001); SfHum (mm) = SonoSfFem (mm) 0.564 + 2.09 (r2 = 0.39, P < 0.001).ConclusionsUltrasound examination is a reliable method for non‐invasive intrauterine measurement of fetal subcutaneous tissue and can be used to predict mechanical neonatal skinfold thickness measurements. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maximal amniotic fluid index as a prognostic factor in pregnancies complicated by polyhydramnios
Authors: Pri‐Paz S. , Khalek N. , Fuchs K. M. , Simpson L. L. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractObjectivesPolyhydramnios is present in approximately 2% of pregnancies and has been associated with a variety of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Our aim was to evaluate the association between the maximal amniotic fluid index (AFI) and the frequency of specific adverse outcomes.MethodsThis was a retrospective chart review of 524 singleton pregnancies diagnosed with polyhydramnios and delivered in a single tertiary referral center between 2003 and 2008. Polyhydramnios was defined as either AFI ≥ 25 cm or a maximum vertical pocket (MVP) ≥ 8 cm even in the presence of AFI < 25 cm. The cohort was stratified into four groups based on the maximal AFI noted during the pregnancy: < 25 cm but with MVP ≥ 8 cm; 25–29.9 cm; 30–34.9 cm; and ≥ 35 cm. Data were collected to determine the frequency of the following adverse pregnancy outcomes: prenatally diagnosed congenital anomalies, fetal aneuploidy, preterm delivery, Cesarean delivery, low birth weight, 5‐min Apgar score < 7 and perinatal mortality.ResultsHigher AFI was associated with a statistically significant increase in the frequency of adverse pregnancy outcomes. The most severe form of polyhydramnios, as based on the maximal AFI (≥ 35 cm; n = 67), was associated with the highest rates of prenatally diagnosed congenital anomalies (79%), preterm delivery (46%), small‐for‐gestational‐age neonate (16%), aneuploidy (13%) and perinatal mortality (27%). No significant association between degree of polyhydramnios and adverse outcome was demonstrated in cases of idiopathic polyhydramnios (n = 253).ConclusionsThere is an association between the frequencies of a variety of adverse pregnancy outcomes and the severity of polyhydramnios as reflected by the maximal AFI. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prediction and probability of neonatal outcome in isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernia using multiple ultrasound parameters
Authors: Ruano R. , Takashi E. , da Silva M. M. , Campos J. A. D. B. , Tannuri U. , Zugaib M. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the accuracy and probabilities of different fetal ultrasound parameters to predict neonatal outcome in isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).MethodsBetween January 2004 and December 2010, we evaluated prospectively 108 fetuses with isolated CDH (82 left‐sided and 26 right‐sided). The following parameters were evaluated: gestational age at diagnosis, side of the diaphragmatic defect, presence of polyhydramnios, presence of liver herniated into the fetal thorax (liver‐up), lung‐to‐head ratio (LHR) and observed/expected LHR (o/e‐LHR), observed/expected contralateral and total fetal lung volume (o/e‐ContFLV and o/e‐TotFLV) ratios, ultrasonographic fetal lung volume/fetal weight ratio (US‐FLW), observed/expected contralateral and main pulmonary artery diameter (o/e‐ContPA and o/e‐MPA) ratios and the contralateral vascularization index (Cont‐VI). The outcomes were neonatal death and severe postnatal pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).ResultsNeonatal mortality was 64.8% (70/108). Severe PAH was diagnosed in 68 (63.0%) cases, of which 63 died neonatally (92.6%) (P < 0.001). Gestational age at diagnosis, side of the defect and polyhydramnios were not associated with poor outcome (P > 0.05). LHR, o/e‐LHR, liver‐up, o/e‐ContFLV, o/e‐TotFLV, US‐FLW, o/e‐ContPA, o/e‐MPA and Cont‐VI were associated with both neonatal death and severe postnatal PAH (P < 0.001). Receiver–operating characteristics curves indicated that measuring total lung volumes (o/e‐TotFLV and US‐FLW) was more accurate than was considering only the contralateral lung sizes (LHR, o/e‐LHR and o/e‐ContFLV; P < 0.05), and Cont‐VI was the most accurate ultrasound parameter to predict neonatal death and severe PAH (P < 0.001).ConclusionsEvaluating total lung volumes is more accurate than is measuring only the contralateral lung size. Evaluating pulmonary vascularization (Cont‐VI) is the most accurate predictor of neonatal outcome. Estimating the probability of survival and severe PAH allows classification of cases according to prognosis. Copyright © 2011 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Power trips: Europeanization, market-governance, and energy policy in the Western Balkans
Authors: Lindstrom Nicole 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
This paper examines how the EU seeks to export its ‘market-governance’ approach to energy policy to the Western Balkans: developing open markets and regulatory institutions to promote efficient, secure and sustainable energy. The paper argues domestic change is limited to date due to normative inconsistencies within EU policy. In particular, EU pressure to open energy markets are resisted by state owners and the domestic energy-intensive industries they subsidize, while environmental groups argue the EU has privileged market liberalization over environmental goals. The result is simple ‘adoption’ of EU rules with little evidence of transformation of the status quo.
An unusual presentation of aggressive epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma of the nasal cavity with high-grade histology
Authors: Park J-O , Jung C-K , Sun D-I , Kim M-S 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackground:Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma is an uncommon, low-grade carcinoma that generally occurs in the salivary glands. A few cases of epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma arising in the nasal cavity have been reported. We describe a unique case of aggressive epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma in the nasal cavity.Case report:A 36-year-old woman presented with a mass in her left nasal cavity. Histopathological evaluation revealed it to be an epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma with overt nuclear atypia, frequent mitoses and necrosis. The tumour recurred in the contralateral nasal cavity 15 months following primary excision. Medial maxillectomy and radiation therapy were performed. Seven-month follow up revealed extensive bone metastases.Conclusion:We report a rare case of aggressive epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma in the nasal cavity, with high-grade histology.
Complicated periorbital cellulitis: case report and literature review
Authors: Parvizi N , Choudhury N , Singh A 
Published: September 2011

AbstractObjective:Periorbital cellulitis secondary to rhinosinusitis is common. However, very rarely this can be complicated by a lacrimal gland abscess. We report such a case.Method:We present a case report and literature review concerning lacrimal gland abscess secondary to periorbital cellulitis.Results:Due to the location of this condition, prompt assessment and management is vital to avoid potential ophthalmological and neurological complications. Our patient failed to respond to initial conservative medical treatment, and was subsequently identified as having a lacrimal gland abscess, confirmed on contrast-enhanced computed tomography. Following definitive surgical treatment, the patient's clinical course improved. This case furthers our knowledge of this condition, and adds to the two previously reported paediatric cases.Conclusion:This case emphasises the importance of prompt management, and the fact that failure of clinical improvement following orbital decompression should alert the clinician to the rare possibility of an associated lacrimal gland abscess. The case also emphasises the key role of imaging and a multidisciplinary team approach when managing this condition.
Structural characteristics of septal cartilage and mucoperichondrium
Authors: Aksoy F , Yildirim Y S , Demirhan H , Özturan O , Solakoglu S 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAim:During nasal septum surgery, elevation of mucoperichondrium from the anterior nasal septum may be more difficult than from the medial and posterior septum. This study aimed to evaluate any histological structural differences between the anterior and posterior nasal septum cartilage, mucoperichondrium and intervening tissue.Material and method:Unilateral mucoperichondrial flap elevation without infiltration was performed, after nasal tip and dorsum decortication, in four patients undergoing open septorhinoplasty. Full-thickness samples, including cartilage and mucoperichondrium, were removed from the anterior and posterior nasal septum and examined under light and electron microscopy.Results:Light microscopy showed no difference between anterior and posterior septum specimens regarding perichondrial thickness and subperichondrial cell density. Demarcation between cartilage and perichondrium and between perichondrium and lamina propria was more regular in the posterior versus the anterior septum. Electron microscopy showed no difference in chondroblast activity at the two sites.Conclusion:The observed tissue demarcation irregularities may explain the greater reported difficulty in elevating anterior versus posterior nasal septum mucoperichondrium. Immunohistochemical examination would further elucidate these interstructural connections.
Hot water irrigation as treatment for intractable posterior epistaxis in an out-patient setting
Authors: Novoa E , Schlegel-Wagner C 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe management of intractable posterior epistaxis is challenging for any physician. Nasal packing, often combined with use of an endonasal balloon system, is painful for the patient, and torturous to maintain for two to three days. If conservative treatment fails, the most commonly used treatment options are currently invasive procedures such as endoscopic coagulation of bleeding arteries, external ligation and, rarely, embolisation. This paper describes a simple, non-invasive technique of treating posterior epistaxis with hot water irrigation. Technical information is presented, and the benefits of the method are discussed.