bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of the chemical characteristics of mesoporous silica MCM‐41 on morphological, thermal, and rheological properties of composites based on polystyrene
Authors: Pérez León D. , López Juan F. , Orozco Víctor H. , Kyu Thein , López Betty L. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractMesoporous silica nanoparticles (MCM‐41) with an average diameter of ∼ 20 nm were synthesized by a sol‐gel method using binary surfactant system. Polystyrene (PS) composites containing mesoporous silica nanoparticles were prepared by in situ polymerization of styrene monomers. Similar in situ polymerized PS composites were prepared based on the modified silica functionalized with methyl and vinyl groups. The effects of silylation on thermal and rheological properties of the PS/silica composites are investigated. Of particular importance is that the in situ polymerization of monomers within the mesoporous silica may trap some polymer chains, if not all, thereby affording a greater physical interaction between polymer and the porous fillers, whereas the chemical modification of silica surface promotes the polymer–filler interaction, which in turn enhances the thermal stability of composites. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Fatty Acid Binding Receptors and Their Physiological Role in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Swaminath Gayathri 
Published: November 2008

AbstractG‐protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) respond to various physiological ligands such as photons, ions, and small molecules that include amines, fatty acids, and amino acids to peptides, proteins and steroids. Therefore, this family of proteins represents an attractive target for biopharmaceutical research [1]. The physiological role of fatty acids and other lipid molecules as important signal mediators is well studied in various metabolic pathways [2]. Acute administration of free fatty acids (FFAs) stimulates insulin release. Conversely, chronic exposure to high levels of free fatty acids leads to impairment of β cell function and lipotoxicity. However, the receptors through which these fatty acids and lipids act were unknown, until the identification of fatty acid binding receptors: GPR40, GPR41, GPR43, and GPR119. Based on their tissue‐expression profile, and pharmacologic analysis, the fatty acid binding receptors along with lipid binding receptor GPR119 are linked to diabetes and obesity. They play a critical role in the metabolic regulation of insulin release and glucose homeostasis. In this review, the mechanism of receptor activation, pharmacology, and the physiological functions of the fatty acid binding receptors will be discussed.
How do we evaluate future gambles? Experimental evidence on path dependency in risky intertemporal choice
Authors: Öncüler Ayse , Onay Selcuk 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThis study reports three experiments which demonstrate path dependency in risky intertemporal choice. Consider a lottery to be resolved and paid in a future time period. One can obtain the present value of this lottery in three different ways: (1) eliciting directly the present certainty equivalent (CE) of the future lottery (direct path); (2) eliciting the future CE and then discounting this amount to the present (risk‐time path); and (3) eliciting the present value of the risky prospect and then determining the CE of this current lottery (time‐risk path). Standard rational choice models such as the discounted expected utility model, assume a multiplicative model, where all three methods mentioned above would yield the same value. We conducted three studies to examine if this is the case: Experiments 1 and 2 were based on a set of matching‐task questions and Experiment 3 used a process‐tracing design to analyze the natural sequence of decision making by the subjects. These three studies show that the evaluation of future gambles is path‐dependent. The present values elicited under the time‐risk and direct paths are, on average, higher than those reported under the risk‐time path. In addition, we found evidence for a two‐stage evaluation of risky future prospects: When evaluating a future gamble, individuals first assess the present value of the gamble (time discounting) and then they determine a certainty equivalent (probability discounting). Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recalcitrant in‐stent restenosis of the celiac trunk treated by drug‐eluting stent
Authors: Visconti Gabriella , Taranto Domenico , Briguori Carlo 
Published: November 2008

AbstractStent implantation is an alternative, safe, and reliable strategy for the treatment of chronic mesenteric ischemia, especially for patients at high surgical risk. However, in‐stent restenosis (the Achille's hill of bare metal stent) may occur in up to 20% of cases at 6 months and 53% at 1 year. We describe a case of celiac trunk stenosis treated by bare metal stent complicated by recalcitrant in‐stent restenosis and treated by paclitaxel‐eluting stent implantation. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Incidence, predictors, and outcome of reinfarction and stent thrombosis within one year after primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST‐elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Fokkema M.L. , van der Vleuten P.A. , Vlaar P.J. , Svilaas T. , Zijlstra F. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBackground:Reinfarction and stent thrombosis are major complications after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).Objective:We sought to investigate the incidence, predictors, and outcome of reinfarction and stent thrombosis in a contemporary cohort of STEMI patients.Methods:Reinfarction and stent thrombosis within 1 year after primary PCI for STEMI were analyzed in the Thrombus Aspiration during Percutaneous coronary intervention in Acute myocardial infarction Study (TAPAS).Results:Reinfarction was observed in 3.4% (34/995) of patients within 1 year after primary PCI. Angiographic evidence of stent thrombosis was observed in 15/34 (44.1%). During the index primary PCI, intra‐aortic balloon counterpulsation was used in 10/32 (31.3%) patients with and 47/900 (5.2%) without reinfarction (P < 0.001). After the index primary PCI, thrombus was visible in 6/34 (17.7%) with reinfarction when compared with that in 25/952 (2.6%) without reinfarction (P < 0.001), and complete ST‐segment resolution in 8/33 (24.2%) compared with that in 462/892 (51.8%, P = 0.002). Mortality at 1 year after the index PCI was higher after reinfarction: 6/34 (17.7%) compared with 53/961 (5.5%, P = 0.003). Patients with stent thrombosis showed myocardial blush grade 0–1 in 11/15 (73.3%) cases, distal embolization in 8/15 (53.3%), and a mortality at 1 year of 4/15 (26.7%).Conclusions:In contemporary practice with primary PCI and triple antiplatelet therapy for STEMI, the incidence of reinfarction is low. Outcome characteristics after the index PCI were important determinants of reinfarction. However, reinfarction was associated with poor prognosis, and in particular patients with stent thrombosis had poor outcome. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Radial compression guided by mean artery pressure versus standard compression with a pneumatic device (RACOMAP)
Authors: Cubero Jose M. , Lombardo Juan , Pedrosa Carmela , Diaz‐Bejarano Dolores , Sanchez Blanca , Fernandez Vicente , Gomez Coral , Vazquez Rafael , Molano Francisco J. , Pastor Luis F. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBackground: Transradial access is the approach of choice in many laboratories for diagnostic coronariography or percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) because of its lower vascular complication rate than the femoral approach. However, this approach has a higher rate (5–10%) of asymptomatic radial artery (RA) occlusion. Methods: We conducted a prospective, controlled, single‐centre trial study. We investigated whether the pneumatic compression (using “TR Band of Terumo®”) of the radial artery guided by the mean artery pressure (MAP) after the procedure (group A) is efficient in reducing radial occlusion in patients under a coronary angiography by transradial access for diagnostic coronariography or PCI compared to use of standard procedure (group B, 15 cm3 of air in the device). Results: The study was suspended after analyzing the results of 50% of the scheduled patients. An analysis of the results of 351 consecutive random patients in Group A showed significantly (P = 0.0001) lower rate (1.1%) of occlusion than Group B (12.0%) without significant differences in the rate of other complications. Other variables associated with RA occlusion in univariate analysis were previous or active smoker (P < 0.04), absence of anti‐aggregant treatment (P < 0.04), and the presence of RA flow postprocedure (PFP, P < 0.001). Independent predictors with logistic regression analysis were PFP (HR = 0.06, 95% CI 0.01–0.2), presence of hematoma (HR = 3.7, 95% CI 1.2–11.0), and standard pneumatic compression in group B patients (HR = 18.8, 95% CI 3.8–92.2). Conclusions: Use of pneumatic compression guided by MAP is safe and efficient, and it can significantly lower the incidence of radial artery occlusion. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Control of H‐ and J‐Type π Stacking by Peripheral Alkyl Chains and Self‐Sorting Phenomena in Perylene Bisimide Homo‐ and Heteroaggregates
Authors: Ghosh Suhrit , Li Xue‐Qing , Stepanenko Vladimir , Würthner Frank 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe synthesis, self‐assembly, and gelation ability of a series of organogelators based on perylene bisimide (PBI) dyes containing amide groups at imide positions are reported. The synergetic effect of intermolecular hydrogen bonding among the amide functionalities and π–π stacking between the PBI units directs the formation of the self‐assembled structure in solution, which beyond a certain concentration results in gelation. Effects of different peripheral alkyl substituents on the self‐assembly were studied by solvent‐ and temperature‐dependent UV‐visible and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. PBI derivatives containing linear alkyl side chains in the periphery formed H‐type π stacks and red gels, whereas by introducing branched alkyl chains the formation of J‐type π stacks and green gels could be achieved. Sterically demanding substituents, in particular, the 2‐ethylhexyl group completely suppressed the π stacking. Coaggregation studies with H‐ and J‐aggregating chromophores revealed the formation of solely H‐type π stacks containing both precursor molecules at a lower mole fraction of J‐aggregating chromophore. Beyond a critical composition of the two chromophores, mixed H‐aggregate and J‐aggregate were formed simultaneously, which points to a self‐sorting process. The versatility of the gelators is strongly dependent on the length and nature of the peripheral alkyl substituents. CD spectroscopic studies revealed a preferential helicity of the aggregates of PBI building blocks bearing chiral side chains. Even for achiral PBI derivatives, the utilization of chiral solvents such as (R)‐ or (S)‐limonene was effective in preferential population of one‐handed helical fibers. AFM studies revealed the formation of helical fibers from all the present PBI gelators, irrespective of the presence of chiral or achiral side chains. Furthermore, vortex flow was found to be effective in macroscopic orientation of the aggregates as evidenced from the origin of CD signals from aggregates of achiral PBI molecules.
Safety of Spironolactone Use in Ambulatory Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Lopes Ricardo J. , Lourenço Ana Patricia , Mascarenhas Joana , Azevedo Ana , Bettencourt Paulo 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBackgroundSince the Randomized Aldactone Evaluation Study (RALES), the use of spironolactone is recommended in systolic heart failure (HF) patients that have been in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III or IV. There is limited information on the use, side effects, and withdrawal rate of spironolactone in routine clinical practice.HypothesisSide effects related to spironolactone use are more common than reported in clinical trials.MethodsPatients who had moderate to severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) under optimized medical therapy were included. We introduced spironolactone in those with serum potassium (K+) ≤ 5 meq/L, and serum creatinine (Cr) ≤ 2.5 mg/dL. Spironolactone was withdrawn if serum K + ≥ 5.5 meq/L, serum Cr increased more than 30%− 50% of the baseline value, and/or if the patient had gynecomastia.ResultsWe selected 134 patients followed in an HF clinic. In our sample, 56.7% of the patients (76 out of 134) were currently or had formerly been on spironolactone therapy. The rate of spironolactone withdrawal was 25% (19 out of 76). Reasons for suspension were hyperkalemia (17.1%), renal function deterioration (14.5%), gynecomastia (5.3% of males), and other reasons (1.3%).ConclusionSpironolactone side effects are common and are mostly related to effects on the angiotensin‐aldosterone axis. Our results reinforce the need to closely monitor serum K+ and Cr levels in patients treated with spironolactone, as its side effects are more common than reported in clinical trials. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tetralogy of Fallot: The Oldest Reported Survivor of Brock's Procedure
Authors: Manchikalapudi Rama Bindu , Klugherz Bruce D. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractWe report the case of a 79‐y‐old male with Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) who underwent Brock's procedure in his twenties and has survived event‐free. Brock's procedure, which entailed infundibular resection and pulmonary valvotomy, has been associated with complications including the need for re‐operation, pulmonary regurgitation, and biventricular failure. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gender Differences on Brachial Flow‐mediated Dilation and Carotid Intima‐media Thickness for Prediction of Spontaneous Cardiovascular Events
Authors: Hu Rui , Wang Wei‐Qun , Lau Chu‐Pak , Tse Hung‐Fat 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBackgroundImpaired brachial flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) and increased carotid intima‐media thickness (IMT) are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events.MethodsWe measured brachial FMD and a mean of 12 sites maximum carotid IMT (mmIMT) in 279 patients (mean age 62 ± 12 y; 163 men) admitted for coronary angiography due to chest pain.HypothesisThere are gender differences in the predictive values of FMD and IMT for cardiovascular events.ResultsUnivariable analysis showed that impaired FMD (p < 0.001), but not increased mmIMT (p = 0.056), significantly predicted spontaneous cardiovascular events. After adjusting for the extent of coronary artery disease (CAD) and other clinical variables, age (heart rate [HR] 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01‐1.09, p = 0.017) and FMD (HR 0.85, 95% CI: 0.75‐0.97, p = 0.012) were independent predictors for cardiovascular events. A total of 148 (53%) patients had CAD (≥50% diameter stenosis). Over a median follow‐up of 16 mo, 36 (12.9%) patients experienced spontaneous cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, stroke, acute myocardial infarction [MI], unstable angina pectoris, and congestive heart failure [HF]). Women were more likely than men to develop cardiovascular events in patients without significant CAD (11.9% versus 1.6%, odds ratio [OR] = 8.54, p = 0.033), but not in those patients with CAD (20.4 % versus 17.2%, OR = 1.24, p = 0.66). Moreover, women accounted for 8 (88.9%) events in non‐CAD patients. Furthermore, impaired FMD predicted the occurrence of cardiovascular events in both men and women (p < 0.05).ConclusionBrachial FMD, rather than carotid IMT, was an independent predictor for cardiovascular events after adjusting for the extent of CAD. Moreover, impaired brachial endothelial function in women without significant CAD was associated with an increased risk of spontaneous cardiovascular events. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prevalence of Emerging Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Younger Individuals with a Family History of Premature Coronary Heart Disease and Low Framingham Risk Score
Authors: Sailam Vivek , Karalis Dean G. , Agarwal Ashish , Alani Firas , Galardi Susan , Covalesky Veronica , Athanassious Christian 
Published: November 2008

AbstractIntroductionThe purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of emerging cardiac risk factors in individuals with a family history of premature coronary heart disease (CHD) and who were predicted to be low‐risk for cardiovascular (CV) disease based on their Framingham risk score.MethodsWe prospectively evaluated 89 younger men and women with a family history of premature CHD and who had a low Framingham risk score. Patients with CHD or CHD equivalents were excluded. All patients were screened for emerging clinical and lipid risk factors.ResultsCoronary calcium was present in 38% of patients and C‐reactive protein > 3 mg/dl was present in 24% of patients. Low levels of high‐density lipoprotein (HDL2) cholesterol were the most prevalent emerging lipid risk factor and was present in 72% of the study group. More individuals had low levels of HDL2 than total HDL (34% versus 71%; p‐value =0.001). Triglyceride‐ (TG)‐rich remnant lipoproteins were present in 49% of patients.ConclusionsThe Framingham risk score poorly predicts CV risk in younger healthy persons with a family history of premature CHD. The prevalence of subclinical CHD and emerging clinical and lipid risk factors is high in these patients. The most prevalent lipid risk factor was low levels of HDL2. Individuals with a family history of premature CHD may benefit from screening for emerging risk factors to better assess their CV risk. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Stereocontrolled Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of Azetidine‐2,3‐Dicarboxylic Acids at NMDA Receptors
Authors: Sivaprakasam Mangaleswaran , Hansen Kasper B. , David Olivier , Nielsen Birgitte , Traynelis Stephen F. , Clausen Rasmus P. , Couty François , Bunch Lennart 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe four stereoisomers of azetidine‐2,3‐dicaroxylic acid (L‐trans‐ADC,L‐cis‐ADC,D‐trans‐ADC, andD‐cis‐ADC) were synthesized in a stereocontrolled fashion following two distinct strategies: one providing the twocis‐ADC enantiomers and one giving access to the twotrans‐ADC enantiomers. The four azetidinic amino acids were characterized in a radioligand binding assay ([3H]CGP39653) at native NMDA receptors:L‐trans‐ADC showed the highest affinity (Ki=10 μM) followed by theD‐cis‐ADC stereoisomer (21 μM). In contrast, the two analoguesL‐cis‐ADC andD‐trans‐ADC were low‐affinity ligands (>100 and 90 μM, respectively). Electrophysiological characterization of the ADC compounds at the four NMDA receptor subtypes NR1/NR2A, NR1/NR2B, NR1/NR2C, and NR1/NR2D expressed inXenopus oocytesshowed thatL‐trans‐ADC displayed the highest agonist potency at NR1/NR2D (EC50=50 μM), which was 9.4‐, 3.4‐, and 1.9‐fold higher than the respective potencies at NR1/NR2A–C.D‐cis‐ADC was shown to be a partial agonist at NR1/NR2C and NR1/NR2D with medium‐range micromolar potencies (EC50=720 and 230 μM, respectively). A subsequent in silico ligand–protein docking study suggested an unusual binding mode for these amino acids in the agonist binding site.
Subcellular targeting of kappa‐opioid receptors in the rat nucleus locus coeruleus
Authors: Reyes B.A.S. , Chavkin Charles , van Bockstaele E.J. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe dynorphin (DYN)‐kappa opioid receptor (κOR) system has been implicated in stress modulation, depression, and relapse to drug‐seeking behaviors. Previous anatomical and physiological data have indicated that the noradrenergic nucleus locus coeruleus (LC) is one site at which DYN may contribute to these effects. Using light microscopy, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopy, the present study investigated the cellular substrates for pre‐ and postsynaptic interactions of κOR in the LC. Dual immunocytochemical labeling for κOR and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) or κOR and preprodynorphin (ppDYN) was examined in the same section of tissue. Light microscopic analysis revealed prominent κOR immunoreactivity in the nuclear core of the LC and in the peri‐coerulear region where noradrenergic dendrites extend. Fluorescence and electron microscopy revealed κOR immunoreactivity within TH‐immunoreactive somata and dendrites in the LC as well as localized to ppDYN‐immunoreactive processes. In sections processed for κOR and TH, ≈29% (200/688) of the κOR‐containing axon terminals identified targeted TH‐containing profiles. Approximately 49% (98/200) of the κOR‐labeled axon terminals formed asymmetric synapses with TH‐labeled dendrites. Sections processed for κOR and ppDYN showed that, of the axon terminals exhibiting κOR, 47% (223/477) also exhibited ppDYN. These findings indicate that κORs are poised to modulate LC activity by their localization to somata and dendrites. Furthermore, κORs are strategically localized to presynaptically modulate DYN afferent input to catecholamine‐containing neurons in the LC. These data add to the growing literature showing that κORs can modulate diverse afferent signaling to the LC. J. Comp. Neurol. 512:419–431, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification and characterization of pannexin expression in the mammalian cochlea
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Hui , Streeter Michele , Liu Ying‐Peng , Zhao Hong‐Bo 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe gap junction in vertebrates is encoded by the connexin gene family. Recently, a new gene family termed pannexin (Panx) has been identified in vertebrates and found to encode gap junctional proteins as well. To date, three pannexin isoforms (Panx1, 2, and 3) have been cloned from mouse and human genomes. In this study, expression of pannexins in the mouse and rat cochlea was investigated. Polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis showed that all three pannexin isoforms were expressed in the cochlea. Immunofluorescent staining showed that Panx1 expression was extensive. In the organ of Corti, Panx1 labeling was found in supporting cells, including pillar cells, Hensen cells, Claudius cells, and Boettcher cells. Both surface plaque‐like punctate labeling and diffuse‐cytoplasmic labeling were visible. However, the labeling was weak and rare in Deiters cells. No labeling was found in the hair cells. Intense labeling for Panx1 was also observed in the interdental cells in the spiral limbus, the inner and outer sulcus cells, and the type II fibrocytes in the spiral prominence and central region in the cochlear lateral wall. In addition, Panx1 labeling was detectable in Reissner's membrane and strial blood vessel cells. Panx2 labeling was restricted to the basal cells in the stria vascularis and was also detectable in the spiral ganglion neurons. However, no overlapping labeling for Panx1 and Panx2 was observed. Finally, Panx3 labeling was exclusively observed in the cochlear bone. Thus, Panx1, 2, and 3 are abundantly expressed in the mammalian cochlea and demonstrate distinct cellular distributions. Like connexins, they may play an important role in hearing. J. Comp. Neurol. 512:336–346, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.