bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular and Crystal Structures of Mononuclear trans‐[Fe(CN)2(tOcNC)4] and trans‐[Mn(CN)(CO)(tOcNC)4] as well as of Cyanide Bridged Coordination Polymers Derived from trans‐[M(CN)2(tOcNC)4] (M = Fe, Ru)
Authors: Halbauer Kathi , Görls Helmar , Fidler Tamara , Imhof Wolfgang 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe octahedral complexes trans‐[Fe(CN)2(tOcNC)4] and trans‐[Mn(CN)(CO)(tOcNC)4] are produced by the reaction of 2‐isocyano‐2,4,4‐trimethyl‐pentane (tert. octyl‐isocyanide) with the corresponding transition metal carbonyls Fe2(CO)9 and Mn2(CO)10. In contrast to isostructural compounds with less bulky tert.‐butylisocyanide ligands the cyanide groups in trans‐[Fe(CN)2(tOcNC)4] and trans‐[Mn(CN)(CO)(tOcNC)4] do not act as hydrogen bond acceptors towards solvent molecules in the crystal structures. In addition, the corresponding cis‐isomers are configurationally unstable. The reaction of trans‐[Fe(CN)2(tOcNC)4] and trans‐[Ru(CN)2(tOcNC)4] with MnCl2, NiCl2 and Co(NO3)2 ends up in the formation of cyanide bridged coordination polymers. X‐ray structure determinations of the cobalt compounds reveal different molecular structures. Whereas the former produces highly distorted infinite polymeric chains with the nitrate anions still coordinated to the cobalt centers, the latter forms polymers with the cobalt atoms being coordinated by four ethanol molecules to which the anions are bound via hydrogen bond interactions. The coordination geometries around ruthenium and cobalt in this coordination polymer are therefore nearly perfectly octahedral and tetrahedral, respectively. Measurements of the magnetic susceptibility of the coordination polymers at different temperatures are indicative of weak antiferromagnetic coupling of the paramagnetic centers along the polymeric chains.
Schistosoma haematobiumin Lake Malaŵi: susceptibility and molecular diversity of the snail hostsBulinus globosusandB. nyassanus
Authors: Stauffer J.R. , Madsen H. , Webster B. , Black K. , Rollinson D. , Konings A. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractIntermediate hosts ofSchistosoma haematobium, the causative agent of urinary schistosomiasis, in Lake Malaŵi include:Bulinus globosus, a member of theB. africanusgroup andB. nyassanus, a diploid member of theB. truncatus/tropicusspecies complex. We compared genetic variability between isolates ofS. haematobiumfrom the southern part of the lake (Cape Maclear), where bothB. globosusandB. nyassanusplay a role as intermediate hosts, and isolates from the northern part, where onlyB. globosusis host. Data show that theS. haematobiumisolates from these two areas of Lake Malaŵi cannot be distinguished using nuclear or mitochondrial sequences and are capable of cross-infections.
Plant host habitat and root exudates shape soil bacterial community structure
Authors: Haichar Feth el Zahar , Marol Christine , Berge Odile , Rangel-Castro J Ignacio , Prosser James I , Balesdent Jérôme , Heulin Thierry , Achouak Wafa 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
The rhizosphere is active and dynamic in which newly generated carbon, derived from root exudates, and ancient carbon, in soil organic matter (SOM), are available for microbial growth. Stable isotope probing (SIP) was used to determine bacterial communities assimilating each carbon source in the rhizosphere of four plant species. Wheat, maize, rape and barrel clover (Medicago truncatula) were grown separately in the same soil under 13CO2 (99% of atom 13C) and DNA extracted from rhizosphere soil was fractionated by isopycnic centrifugation. Bacteria-assimilating root exudates were characterized by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis of 13C-DNA and root DNA, whereas those assimilating SOM were identified from 12C-DNA. Plant species root exudates significantly shaped rhizosphere bacterial community structure. Bacteria related to Sphingobacteriales and Myxococcus assimilated root exudates in colonizing roots of all four plants, whwereas bacteria related to Sphingomonadales utilized both carbon sources, and were identified in light, heavy and root compartment DNA. Sphingomonadales were specific to monocotyledons, whereas bacteria related to Enterobacter and Rhizobiales colonized all compartments of all four plants, used both fresh and ancient carbon and were considered as generalists. There was also evidence for an indirect important impact of root exudates, through stimulation of SOM assimilation by a diverse bacterial community.
Expression of thymosin α1 concatemer in transgenic tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruits
Authors: Chen Yuhui , Wang Aoxue , Zhao Lingxia , Shen Guoan , Cui Lijie , Tang Kexuan 
Published: August 2008

Tα1 (thymosin α1), an immune booster, plays an important role in the maturation, differentiation and function of T‐cells. It can also activate the production of cytokines in dendritic cells. Tα1 is one of two thymosin proteins that have potential future clinical applications. In order to express Tα1 protein in plants, we designed and synthesized the Tα1 gene according to the plant codon usage bias and created a novel 4×Tα1 concatemer (four copies of the Tα1 gene arranged end‐to‐end in tandem, designated 4×Tα1). Subsequently, a plant binary expression vector, PG‐pRD12‐4×Tα1, was constructed and introduced into tomato via Agrobacterium tumefaciens‐mediated transformation. Through selection, 54 regenerated tomato plants resistant to kanamycin were obtained, and four transgenic tomato plants were further confirmed by PCR and Southern blotting. RT–PCR (reverse transcription–PCR) analysis showed that the 4×Tα1 gene was transcribed specifically in tomato [Solanum lycopersicum (formerly Lycopersicon esculentum)] fruits. ELISA analysis showed that the content of the 4×Tα1 protein reached a maximum of 6.098 μg/g fresh weight in mature tomato fruit. Western‐blot analysis further confirmed the expression of 4×Tα1 protein in transgenic tomato fruits. The MTT [3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2H‐tetrazolium bromide] assay showed the 4×Tα1 protein derived from transgenic tomatoes exhibited bioactivity that can stimulate the proliferation of mice splenic lymphocytes in vitro, and the specific activity of Tα1 protein from the artificial system was higher than that from the synthetic Escherichia coli system. This study is the first to report successful expression of bioactive Tα1 in plants, and also it will provide the basis for further development of the plant system to produce Tα1.
Basal adipose tissue and hepatic lipid kinetics are not affected by a single exercise bout of moderate duration and intensity in sedentary women
Authors: Magkos Faidon , Patterson Bruce W. , Mohammed B. Selma , Mittendorfer Bettina 
Published: August 2008

Hypertriacylglycerolaemia is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. In men, we have shown that the effects of evening exercise on basal VLDL (very-low-density lipoprotein) metabolism are dose-dependent: a single prolonged bout of aerobic exercise [2 h at 60% of V̇O2 peak (peak oxygen consumption)] reduces fasting plasma TAG [triacylglycerol (triglyceride)] concentrations, via enhanced clearance of VLDL-TAG from the circulation, whereas the same exercise performed for 1 h has no effect on VLDL-TAG metabolism and concentration. We hypothesized that women are more sensitive to the TAG-lowering effect of exercise because they reportedly use more intramuscular TAG as an energy source during exercise, and depletion of muscle TAG stores has been linked to reciprocal changes in skeletal muscle LPL (lipoprotein lipase) activity. To test our hypothesis, we measured basal VLDL-TAG and VLDL-apoB-100 (apolipoprotein B-100), and plasma NEFA [non-esterified fatty acid (‘free fatty acid’)] kinetics, by using stable isotope-labelled tracer techniques, on the morning after a single session of evening exercise of moderate duration and intensity (1 h at 60% of V̇O2 peak) in eight sedentary pre-menopausal women (age, 28±3 years; body mass index, 27±2 kg/m2; body fat, 34±3%; values are means±S.E.M.). Compared with an equivalent period of evening rest, exercise had no effect on post-absorptive NEFA concentrations and the rate of appearance in plasma, VLDL-TAG and VLDL-apoB-100 concentrations, hepatic VLDL-TAG and VLDL-apoB-100 secretion and plasma clearance rates (all P&gt;0.05). We conclude that, in women, as in men, a single session of exercise of moderate intensity and duration is not sufficient to bring about the alterations in VLDL metabolism that have been linked to post-exercise hypotriacylglycerolaemia.
CLINICAL TRIALS AND SCID ROW: THE ETHICS OF PHASE 1 TRIALS IN THE DEVELOPING WORLD
Authors: KIMMELMAN JONATHAN 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTRelatively little has been written about the ethics of conducting early phase clinical trials involving subjects from the developing world. Below, I analyze ethical issues surrounding one of gene transfer’s most widely praised studies conducted to date: in this study, Italian investigators recruited two subjects from the developing world who were ineligible for standard of care because of economic considerations. Though the study seems to have rendered a cure in these two subjects, it does not appear to have complied with various international guidelines that require that clinical trials conducted in the developing world be responsive to their populations’ health needs. Nevertheless, policies devised to address large scale, late stage trials, such as the AZT short‐course placebo trials, map somewhat awkwardly to early phase studies. I argue that interest in conducting translational research in the developing world, particularly in the context of hemophilia trials, should motivate more rigorous ethical thinking around clinical trials involving economically disadvantaged populations.
Protein S down‐regulates factor Xase activity independent of activated protein C: specific binding of factor VIII(a) to protein S inhibits interactions with factor IXa
Authors: Takeyama Masahiro , Nogami Keiji , Saenko Evgueni L. , Soeda Tetsuhiro , Nishiya Katsumi , Ogiwara Kenichi , Yoshioka Akira , Shima Midori 
Published: August 2008

SummaryProtein S functions as an activated protein C (APC)‐independent anticoagulant in the inhibition of intrinsic factor X activation, although the precise mechanisms remain to be fully investigated. In the present study, protein S diminished factor VIIIa/factor IXa‐dependent factor X activation, independent of APC, in a functional Xa generation assay. The presence of protein S resulted in an c. 17‐fold increase in Km for factor IXa with factor VIIIa in the factor Xase complex, but an c. twofold decrease in Km for factor X. Surface plasmon resonance‐based assays showed that factor VIII, particularly the A2 and A3 domains, bound to immobilized protein S (Kd; c. 10 nmol/l). Competition binding assays using Glu‐Gly‐Arg‐active‐site modified factor IXa showed that factor IXa inhibited the reaction between protein S and both the A2 and A3 domains. Furthermore, Sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed that the cleavage rate of factor VIIIa at Arg336 by factor IXa was c. 1·8‐fold lower in the presence of protein S than in its absence. These data indicate that protein S not only down‐regulates factor VIIIa activity as a cofactor of APC, but also directly impairs the assembly of the factor Xase complex, independent of APC, in a competitive interaction between factor IXa and factor VIIIa.
Jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas) mantle muscle gelled‐emulsified type product: formulation, processing and physicochemical characteristics
Authors: Félix‐Armenta Aníbal , Ramirez‐Suarez Juan C. , Pacheco‐Aguilar Ramón , Díaz‐Cinco Martha E. , Cumplido‐Barbeitia Germán , Carvallo‐Ruiz Gisela 
Published: August 2008

SummaryJumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas), an abundant species in the Gulf of California, can have a great potential for production of gelled‐emulsified type products. Thus, formulation, processing and physicochemical characteristics of frankfurter‐type product from jumbo squid mantle muscle (JSF) was achieved. JSF were vacuum‐packed and stored at 2–4 °C. Samples were analysed for physicochemical (colour, texture, TBARS, peroxide value, folding test, pH, and water content and holding capacity) and microbial changes at regular intervals during storage for up to 27 days. The sensory quality of the product was also evaluated. Shear force, cohesiveness and colour (hue angle and total colour difference) were the most affected (P < 0.05) parameters at day 27, changes most probably because of microbial growth as total aerobic counts increased to >2.7 × 105 CFU g−1 (day 21). Product showed acceptability. Results suggest a stable gelled‐emulsified type product can be developed from jumbo squid mantle muscle opening a range of possibilities for product development.
Epidemiological trends in skin mycoses worldwide
Authors: Havlickova Blanka , Czaika Viktor A. , Friedrich Markus 
Published: August 2008

SummaryFungal infections of the skin and nails are a common global problem. The high prevalence of superficial mycotic infections shows that 20–25% of the world’s population has skin mycoses, making these one of the most frequent forms of infection. Pathogens responsible for skin mycoses are primarily anthropophilic and zoophilic dermatophytes from the genera Trichophyton (T.), Microsporum (M.) and Epidermophyton (E.). There appears to be considerable inter‐ and intra‐continental variability in the global incidence of these fungal infections. Trichophyton rubrum, T. interdigitale (mentagrophytes var. interdigitale), M. canis, M. audouinii, T. tonsurans and T. verrucosum are the most common, but the attack rates and incidence of specific mycoses can vary widely. Local socio‐economic conditions and cultural practices can also influence the prevalence of a particular infection in a given area. For example, tinea pedis (athlete’s foot) is more prevalent in developed countries than in emerging economies and is likely to be caused by the anthropophilic germ T. rubrum. In poorer countries, scalp infections (tinea capitis) caused by T. soudanense or M. audouinii are more prevalent. This review summarises current epidemiological trends for fungal infections and focuses on dermatomycosis of glabrous skin on different continents.
IMIQUIMOD, A TOLL‐LIKE RECEPTOR 7 LIGAND, INHIBITS AIRWAY REMODELLING IN A MURINE MODEL OF CHRONIC ASTHMA
Authors: Du Qiang , Zhou Lin‐Fu , Chen Zhen , Gu Xiao‐Yan , Huang Mao , Yin Kai‐Sheng 
Published: August 2008

SUMMARY

Imiquimod, a synthetic Toll‐like receptor (TLR) 7 ligand, has been shown to attenuate airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in acute murine models of allergic asthma. In the present study, we investigated the effect of imiquimod on allergen‐induced airway remodelling in chronic experimental asthma.
Ovalbumin (OVA)‐sensitized mice were chronically challenged with aerosolized OVA for 8 weeks. Some mice were exposed to an aerosol of 0.15% imiquimod daily during the period of OVA challenge. Twenty‐four hours after the last OVA challenge, mice were evaluated for the development of airway inflammation, AHR and airway remodelling. The levels of total serum IgE and Th2 cytokines (interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐5 and IL‐13) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and the expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 protein in lungs were measured by ELISA and immunohistochemistry, respectively.
The results demonstrated that imiquimod significantly inhibited chronic inflammation, persistent AHR and airway remodelling in chronic experimental asthma. In addition, imiquimod reduced levels of total serum IgE and BALF Th2 cytokines and diminished expression of TGF‐β1 in remodelled airways.
In summary, the results of the present study indicate that imiquimod may attenuate the progression of airway inflammation and remodelling, providing potential in the treatment of asthma.
ANALYSIS OF SHORT‐TERM REPRODUCIBILITY OF ARTERIAL VASOREACTIVITY BY PULSE‐WAVE ANALYSIS AFTER PHARMACOLOGICAL CHALLENGE
Authors: Paul Biju , Hewitson Christopher L , Woodman Richard J , Mangoni Arduino A 
Published: August 2008

SUMMARY

Pulse‐wave analysis (PWA) is an established method to assess arterial wave reflections and arterial vasoreactivity in humans. A high short‐term reproducibility of baseline augmentation index (AIx) has been reported. However, the short‐term reproducibility of AIx changes following pharmacological challenge with either inhaled salbutamol (endothelium‐dependent vasodilatation) or sublingual glyceryl trinitrate (GTN; endothelium‐independent vasodilatation), using appropriate statistical methods, is largely unknown.
Baseline AIx and GTN‐ and salbutamol‐mediated changes in AIx (all corrected for a heart rate of 75 b.p.m.) were measured on two separate occasions, 1 h apart, in 22 healthy controls (mean (±SD) age 52.0 ± 13.4 years) and 11 elderly patients with chronic heart failure (CHF; 73.1 ± 8.7 years). Reproducibility was assessed by measuring intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), coefficients of variation (CV) and Bland–Altman plots.
Baseline AIx showed good short‐term reproducibility with high ICC in both the control and CHF groups (0.90 and 0.87, respectively). In contrast, in the control and CHF groups, the ICC of GTN‐ (0.58 and 0.17, respectively) and salbutamol‐mediated (0.18 and 0.04, respectively) changes in AIx were substantially low. The CV was relatively low for baseline AIx in control and CHF groups (25.0 and 22.5%, respectively), but not for GTN‐ (22.3 and 59.8%, respectively) or salbutamol‐mediated (45.1 and 184.0%, respectively) changes in AIx. Bland–Altman analysis revealed poor reproducibility, with limits of agreement beyond either +15% or –15% for changes in AIx after GTN and salbutamol for both control and CHF groups. The changes in blood pressure and heart rate following pharmacological challenge were similar between the two measurements.
The poor reproducibility of changes in AIx following pharmacological challenge questions the use of this method in acute studies.
A Simple Test for Cointegration in Dependent Panels with Structural Breaks*
Authors: Westerlund Joakim , Edgerton David L. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThis paper develops a very simple test for the null hypothesis of no cointegration in panel data. The test is general enough to allow for heteroskedastic and serially correlated errors, unit‐specific time trends, cross‐sectional dependence and unknown structural breaks in both the intercept and slope of the cointegrated regression, which may be located at different dates for different units. The limiting distribution of the test is derived, and is found to be normal and free of nuisance parameters under the null. A small simulation study is also conducted to investigate the small‐sample properties of the test. In our empirical application, we provide new evidence concerning the purchasing power parity hypothesis.
Fellows’ Forum Fellows’ Forum in Dialysis Edited by Mark A. Perazella: Dialysis Disequilibrium Syndrome: A Narrative Review
Authors: Patel Nilang , Dalal Pranav , Panesar Mandip 
Published: August 2008

AbstractDialysis Disequilibrium Syndrome (DDS) is characterized by neurological symptoms caused by rapid removal of urea during hemodialysis. It develops primarily from an osmotic gradient that develops between the brain and the plasma as a result of rapid hemodialysis. This results in brain edema that manifests as neurological symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, tremors, disturbed consciousness, and convulsions. In severe cases, patients can die from advanced cerebral edema. Recent advancements in cell biology implicate the role of urea disequilibrium (with a smaller contribution from organic osmolytes) as the pathophysiological mechanism responsible for this syndrome. In this review, we discuss the pathogenesis, clinical features and prevention of DDS.
Does Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Insertion by Interventional Nephrologists Enhance Peritoneal Dialysis Penetration?
Authors: Leong Goh Bak , Ganeshadeva Yudisthra M. , Eng Chew Siew , Dalimi Mohd Sulaiman 
Published: August 2008

AbstractTraditionally peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter was implanted by surgeons using mini‐laparotomy or open technique in Malaysia. We introduced peritoneoscopic Tenckhoff catheter insertion technique since the beginning of our PD program. Data were collected from the start of our PD program in February 2006 until April 2008. All Tenckhoff catheters were inserted by nephrologists using the peritoneoscope technique. We also compare the penetration rate of PD versus hemodialysis (HD) in our center, as well as comparing to national PD penetration rate. There were 83 patients who underwent 91 peritoneoscope Tenckhoff catheter insertion procedures from March 2006 until April 2008. The patients were mostly female (66%) with the mean age of 51.99 ± 1.78 years and the majority (67%) of them were diabetics. All together there were 749.7 patient‐months at risk and the overall peritonitis rate was 1 in 93.7 patient‐months. The 1‐year catheter survival was 86.5%. Primary catheter failure (defined as failure of the catheter within 1 month of insertion) occurred in 16 procedures (17.6%). The main cause of catheter malfunction was catheter tip migration and omentum wrap. The penetration ratio of PD when compared with HD in our center is 44.8%, which is about 4.5 times the national average. With our integrated care approach where nephrologist was heavily involved from the outset of renal replacement therapy discussion, PD access implantation to the assistance of spoke person to whom new patient can identify with, we were able to achieve PD penetration rate which far exceeds that of the national average.
A Screwless and Cementless Technique for the Restoration of Single‐tooth Implants: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Urdaneta Rainier A. , Marincola Mauro , Weed Meghan , Chuang Sung‐Kiang 
Published: August 2008

Abstract Purpose: The Integrated Abutment Crown™ (IAC) is a technique for the fabrication of single‐tooth implant‐supported crowns where the abutment and the crown are one unit. The abutment–crown complex is connected to the implant with a locking taper. This technique does not use cement to retain the crown or screws to retain the abutment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of screwless, cementless single implant‐supported crowns (IACs) placed in a general dental practice. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted between July 2001 and August 2003. Patients were recalled between January and March 2004. The restorations were evaluated following the modified United States Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria. Several other variables, such as anatomic form, occlusion, soft tissue health, and reconstructive procedures, were also recorded. Descriptive statistics, univariate and multivariate marginal Cox Proportional Hazards Regression models, adjusted for multiple implants in the same patient, were used. Results: During the chart review, 108 patients were identified. A cohort of 59 patients with a total of 151 IACs met the inclusion criteria. The Kaplan–Meier survival rate for IACs was 98.7%. Two IACs were removed, one due to implant failure; the other became loose several times and was replaced with a splinted restoration. Excellent marginal adaptation was observed with no clinically discernible interface between the veneer material and the abutment. Nine maxillary anterior IACs loosened on five patients; eight of them were reinserted and continued in function without further problems for the remainder of the study. An IAC located between a tooth and an implant was 2.65 times more likely to have postinsertion complications (p= 0.05). An IAC with incorrect anatomic form (overcontoured) was 3.26 times more likely to have postinsertion complications (p= 0.01). Maxillary anterior IACs adjacent to one tooth and one implant were 3.9 times more likely to come loose (p= 0.05). Conclusions: The clinical outcome of this screwless and cementless system for single implant restorations compares favorably with the experience of screw‐ and cement‐retained single implant restorations within the observation period.