bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Update on atrial fibrillation: Part II
Authors: Savelieva Irina , Camm John 
Published: March 2008

AbstractAntiarrhythmic drugs are an essential tool in the management of atrial fibrillation (AF). Although we are already on the threshold of a large expansion in the use of ablation therapies, these will not, however, be appropriate for all patients, and pharmacological therapies will continue to have an important place in the management of atrial fibrillation. The plethora of antiarrhythmic drugs currently available for the treatment of atrial fibrillation is a reflection that none is wholly satisfactory, each having limited efficacy combined with poor safety and tolerability. Improved class III antiarrhythmic drugs, such as dronedarone, new classes of antiarrhythmic agents, such as atrial repolarization delaying agents, and upstream therapies dealing with substrate, represent potential sources of new pharmacological therapies. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Wellens' Syndrome or Inverted U‐waves?
Authors: Movahed Mohammad Reza 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThis report describes an example of a patient with chest pain and classic electrocardiographic changes consistent with ischemia in the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) territory. This electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormality is known as Wellens' syndrome. However, the same abnormality is also described as inverted U‐waves. The significance of this abnormality and the controversy of describing this syndrome is reviewed and discussed. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Osmotic Pressure and Phase Boundary Determination of Multiphase Systems by Analytical Ultracentrifugation
Authors: Page Miles G. , Zemb Thomas , Dubois Monique , Cölfen Helmut 
Published: March 2008

AbstractWe show that analytical ultracentrifugation can be applied to derive full equations of state of colloids in a single sedimentation equilibrium experiment, by determination of single‐phase boundaries as well as of osmotic pressure versus concentration at fixed temperatures. A continuous dependence of the osmotic pressure, over orders of magnitude between at least ∼101 and 104 Pa, and a wide concentration range, are determined in agreement with standard theoretical considerations. Two model experimental colloidal systems are investigated: For a well‐known synthetic clay system (laponite), it is shown that two regimes—counter‐ion ideal gas and interacting double layers—can easily be identified in the equation of state, whereas metastable glass‐ or microphase‐separated gel states previously encountered in osmotic stress measurements of laponite are circumvented. For the case of rigid, crystallized catanionic bilayers, single phase domains can be identified. Osmotic pressure results in this case disagree with results obtained using the classical osmotic stress technique, as a result of sample adhesion to the ultracentrifuge cell windows and uncertainty due to possible micromolar ion contamination.
Density Functional Investigations of Electronic Structure and Dehydrogenation Reactions of Al‐ and Si‐Substituted Magnesium Hydride
Authors: Kelkar Tuhina , Pal Sourav , Kanhere Dilip G. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe effect on the hydrogen storage attributes of magnesium hydride (MgH2) of the substitution of Mg by varying fractions of Al and Si is investigated by an ab initio plane‐wave pseuodopotential method based on density functional theory. Three supercells, namely, 2×2×2, 3×1×1 and 5×1×1 are used for generating configurations with varying amounts (fractions x=0.0625, 0.1, and 0.167) of impurities. The analyses of band structure and density of states (DOS) show that, when a Mg atom is replaced by Al, the band gap vanishes as the extra electron occupies the conduction band minimum. In the case of Si‐substitution, additional states are generated within the band gap of pure MgH2—significantly reducing the gap in the process. The reduced band gaps cause the MgH bond to become more susceptible to dissociation. For all the fractions, the calculated reaction energies for the stepwise removal of H2 molecules from Al‐ and Si‐substituted MgH2 are much lower than for H2 removal from pure MgH2. The reduced stability is also reflected in the comparatively smaller heats of formation (ΔHf) of the substituted MgH2 systems. Si causes greater destabilization of MgH2 than Al for each x. For fractions x=0.167 of Al, x=0.1, 0.167 of Si (FCC) and x=0.0625, 0.1 of Si (diamond), ΔHf is much less than that of MgH2 substituted by a fraction x=0.2 of Ti (Y. Song, Z. X. Guo, R. Yang, Mat. Sc. & Eng. A 2004, 365, 73). Hence, we suggest the use of Al or Si instead of Ti as an agent for decreasing the dehydrogenation reaction and energy, consequently, the dehydrogenation temperature of MgH2, thereby improving its potential as a hydrogen storage material.
The primary cilium as a gravitational force transducer and a regulator of transcriptional noise
Authors: Moorman Stephen J. , Shorr Ardon Z. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractCircumstantial evidence has suggested that the primary cilium might function as a gravity sensor. Direct evidence of its gravity‐sensing function has recently been provided by studies of rohon beard neurons. These neurons showed changes in the variability of gene expression levels that are linked to the cyclic changes in the Earth's gravitational field due to the Sun and Moon. These cyclic changes also cause the tides. Rohon beard neurons, after the primary cilia have been selectively destroyed, no longer show changes in gene expression variability linked to the cyclic changes in Earth's gravitational field. After the neurons regrow their primary cilia, the link between variability in gene expression levels and the Earth's changing gravitational field returns. This suggests two new functions for the primary cilia, detecting the cyclical changes in the Earth's gravitational field and transducing those changes into changes in the variability (stochastic nature) of gene expression. Developmental Dynamics 237:1955–1959, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
E2f6 and Bmi1 cooperate in axial skeletal development
Authors: Courel Maria , Friesenhahn Laurie , Lees Jacqueline A. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBmi1 is a Polycomb Group protein that functions as a component of Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 (PRC1) to control axial skeleton development through Hox gene repression. Bmi1 also represses transcription of the Ink4a‐Arf locus and is consequently required to maintain the proliferative and self‐renewal properties of hematopoietic and neural stem cells. Previously, one E2F family member, E2F6, has been shown to interact with Bmi1 and other known PRC1 components. However, the biological relevance of this interaction is unknown. In this study, we use mouse models to investigate the interplay between E2F6 and Bmi1. This analysis shows that E2f6 and Bmi1 cooperate in the regulation of Hox genes, and consequently axial skeleton development, but not in the repression of the Ink4a‐Arf locus. These findings underscore the significance of the E2F6–Bmi1 interaction in vivo and suggest that the Hox and Ink4a‐Arf loci are regulated by somewhat different mechanisms. Developmental Dynamics 237:1232‐1242, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Summary of ‘Early developmental intervention programs post hospital discharge to prevent motor and cognitive impairments in preterm infants’
Authors: Milne Andrea 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThis is a summary of a Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Spittle AJ, Orton J, Doyle LW, Boyd R. Early developmental intervention programs post hospital discharge to prevent motor and cognitive impairments in preterm infants. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 2. Art. No.: CD005495. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005495.pub2.Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying EBCH Commentary and Characteristics and Key Findings Tables articles. Copyright © 2008 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Commentaries on ‘Bicycle helmet legislation for the uptake of helmet use and the prevention of head injuries’
Authors: Stevenson Mark , Ivers Rebecca , Warda Lynne 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThese are commentaries on a Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Macpherson A, Spinks A. Bicycle helmet legislation for the uptake of helmet use and prevention of head injuries. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 2. Art. No.: CD005401. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005401.pub2.Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying EBCH Summary article. Copyright © 2008 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Characteristics and key findings for ‘Interventions for primary vesicoureteric reflux’
Authors: van Dalen E. C. , Offringa M. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThese are the characteristics and key findings for a Cochrane review published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Hodson EM, Wheeler DM, Vimalchandra D, Smith GH, Craig JC. Interventions for primary vesicoureteric reflux. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD001532. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001532.pub3.Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying EBCH Summary and Commentary articles. Copyright © 2008 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
A novel form of NF‐κB is induced by Leishmania infection: Involvement in macrophage gene expression
Authors: Gregory David J. , Godbout Marianne , Contreras Irazú , Forget Geneviève , Olivier Martin 
Published: March 2008

AbstractLeishmania spp. are obligate intracellular parasites that inhabit the phagolysosomes of macrophages. Manipulation of host cell signaling pathways and gene expression by Leishmania is critical for Leishmania’s survival and resultant pathology. Here, we show that infection of macrophages with Leishmania promastigotes in vitro causes specific cleavage of the NF‐κB p65RelA subunit. Cleavage occurs in the cytoplasm and is dependent on the Leishmania protease gp63. The resulting fragment, p35RelA, migrates to the nucleus, where it binds DNA as a heterodimer with NF‐κB p50. Importantly, induction of chemokine gene expression (MIP‐2/CXCL2, MCP‐1/CCL2, MIP‐1α/CCL3, MIP‐1β/CCL4) by Leishmania is NF‐κB dependent, which implies that p35RelA/p50 dimers are able to activate transcription, despite the absence of a recognized transcriptional transactivation domain. NF‐κB cleavage was observed following infection with a range of pathogenic species, including L. donovani, L. major, L. mexicana, and L. (Viannia) braziliensis, but not the non‐pathogenic L. tarentolae or treatment with IFN‐γ. These results indicate a novel mechanism by which a pathogen can subvert a macrophage's regulatory pathways to alter NF‐κB activity.
Chimpanzee CD4+ T cells are relatively insensitive to HIV‐1 envelope‐mediated inhibition of CD154 up‐regulation
Authors: Rutjens Erik , Vermeulen Joost , Verstrepen Babs , Hofman Sam , Prins Jan M. , Srivastava Indresh , Heeney Jonathan L. , Koopman Gerrit 
Published: March 2008

AbstractCD40‐CD154 interaction forms a key event in regulation of crosstalk between dendritic cells and CD4 T cells. In human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐1 infected patients CD154 expression is impaired, and the resulting loss of immune responsiveness by CD4+ T cells contributes to a progressive state of immunodeficiency in humans. Although chimpanzees are susceptible to chronic HIV‐1/SIVcpz infection, they are relatively resistant to the onset of AIDS. This relative resistance is characterized by maintenance of CD4+ T cell populations and function, which is highly compromised in human patients. In our cohort of chronically HIV‐1‐ and SIVcpz‐infected chimpanzees, we demonstrated the capacity to produce IL‐2, following CD3/CD28 stimulation, as well as preserved CD154 up‐regulation. Cross‐linking of CD4 with mAb was found to inhibit CD3/CD28‐induced up‐regulation of CD154 equally in chimpanzees and humans. However, specific cross‐linking with trimeric recombinant HIV‐1 gp140 revealed reduced sensitivity for inhibition of CD154 up‐regulation in chimpanzees, requiring fourfold higher concentrations of viral protein. Chimpanzee CD4+ T cells are thus less sensitive to the immune‐suppressive effect of low‐dose HIV‐1 envelope protein than human CD4+ T cells.
Automation of nanoflow liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry for proteome and peptide profiling analysis by using a monolithic analytical capillary column
Authors: Jiang Xiaogang , Dong Jing , Wang Fangjun , Feng Shun , Ye Mingliang , Zou Hanfa 
Published: March 2008

AbstractAn automated nano‐LC‐MS/MS platform without trap column was established, which only used a 20 cm lauryl methacrylate–ethylene dimethacrylate (LMA–EDMA) monolithic capillary column to allow preconcentration and separation of peptides. The monolithic column had the advantages of good permeability and low backpressure resulting in higher flow rates for capillary columns. Tryptic digests of bovine albumin and yeast protein extract were tested using the monolithic column system. High proteomic coverage using this approach were demonstrated in this study. Furthermore, peptide samples extracted from mouse liver were separated by using the monolithic column system combined with size‐exclusion chromatography prefractionation. This monolithic column system might be a promising alternative for the automated system previously using a trap column for routine proteome and peptide profiling analysis.
Enzymatic in‐capillary derivatization for glucose determination by electrophoresis with spectrophotometric detection
Authors: Rzygalinski Ignacy , Pobozy Ewa , Drewnowska Renata , Trojanowicz Marek 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe following paper compares several procedures of in‐capillary bienzymatic derivatization with regard to glucose determination with the use of glucose oxidase and horseradish peroxidase. The procedures discussed below include continous contact in the capillary, plug–plug injection, and sequential injection with incubation in the capillary inlet. The reaction of hydrogen peroxide catalyzed by peroxidase was performed using two different substrates. The best results were achieved for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, reduced disodium salt (NADH) acting both as a chromogenic reagent and a substrate for peroxidase, while the method employed was sequential injection and incubation at the capillary inlet. The LOD was estimated to be 25 nM with a linear response up to 0.1 μM.
Coupling of solid‐phase microextraction continuous bed (monolithic) capillaries with capillary zone electrophoresis for direct analysis of drugs in biological fluids
Authors: Jarmalavičienė Reda , Szumski Michał , Kornyšova Olga , Kłodzińska Ewa , Westerlund Douglas , Krawczyk Stanislas , Mickevičius Donatas , Buszewski Bogusław , Maruška Audrius 
Published: March 2008

AbstractHyperlink robust biocompatible solid‐phase microextraction (SPME) devices were prepared using continuous bed (monolithic) restricted‐access media (RAM) as the SPME capillary insert. The RAM‐based SPME approach was able to simultaneously separate proteins from a biological sample, while directly extracting the active components of caffeine, paracetamol and acetylsalicylic acid from the drug NeoCitramonum. The devices were interfaced with a CZE system and fully automated analysis for sample preconcentration, desorption, separation and quantification of analytes was evaluated. Comparative study of in‐line coupled SPME–CZE using RAM and RP capillary inserts was carried out. Using an SPME (RAM) insert, the calculated caffeine, paracetamol and acetylsalicylic acid LODs in a bovine plasma sample were 0.3, 0.8 and 1.9 ng/mL, respectively.
Pro‐tolerogenic effects of photodynamic therapy with TH9402 on dendritic cells
Authors: Broady Raewyn , Yu Jie , Levings Megan K. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractA major goal in transplantation immunology is to develop strategies that can specifically promote tolerance to foreign cells and tissues without compromising other immune functions. Experimental induction of transplantation tolerance by dendritic cells (DCs) and/or T regulatory (Treg) cells can efficiently prevent graft‐versus‐host disease and organ graft rejection in animal models, and there is much hope that similar strategies in transplanted patients will provide an alternative to immunosuppression. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a therapeutic treatment for graft versus host disease and organ rejection that may operate via induction of tolerance. We investigated whether a new PDT therapy, based on exposure of cells to 4,5‐dibromorhodamine methyl ester (TH9402), may operate via induction of tolerogenic DC. We developed an in vitro model to mimic the in vivo effect of re‐infusing peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) treated with PDT based on TH9402 (TH‐PDT). TH‐PDT‐treated PBMCs were co‐cultured with allogeneic immature monocyte‐derived DCs. After 24 h, the phenotype and T‐cell stimulatory capacity of the DCs was assessed. Following phagocytosis of TH‐PDT PBMCs, DCs maintained an immature phenotype, produced significantly increased amounts of interleukin‐10, and had a reduced allostimulatory capacity in comparison to mature DCs. In the context of transplantation, these data suggest that repeated exposure of circulating DCs to TH‐PDT PBMCs may result in presentation of alloantigens under anti‐inflammatory conditions and induction of antigen‐specific tolerance. J. Clin. Apheresis, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Immobilization of malto‐oligosaccharide forming α‐amylase from Bacillus subtilis KCC103: properties and application in starch hydrolysis
Authors: Rajagopalan Gobinath , Krishnan Chandraraj 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND:A malto‐oligosaccharide forming α‐amylase from Bacillus subtilis KCC103 immobilized in calcium alginate beads was repeatedly used in batch processes of starch hydrolysis. The degree of starch degradation and operational stability of the immobilized system were optimized by varying the physical characteristics and composition of the beads. The products formed from hydrolysis of various starches by α‐amylase immobilized in different supports were analyzed.RESULTS:Immobilized beads prepared from 3% (w/v) alginate and 4% (w/v) CaCl2 were suitable for up to 10 repeated uses, losing only 25% of their efficiency. On addition of 1% silica gel to alginate prior to gelation, the operational stability of the immobilized enzyme was enhanced to 20 cycles of operation, retaining > 90% of the initial efficiency. Distribution of malto‐oligosaccharides in the starch hydrolyzate depended on the type of starch, reaction time and mode of immobilization. Soluble starch and potato starch formed a wide range of malto‐oligosaccharides (G1–G5). Starches from wheat, rice and corn formed a narrow range of smaller oligosaccharides (G1–G3) as the major products.CONCLUSION:The immobilized beads of α‐amylase from KCC103 prepared from alginate plus silica gel showed high efficiency and operational stability for hydrolysis of starch. This immobilized system is useful for production of malto‐oligosaccharides applied in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Since this KCC103 amylase can be produced at low cost utilizing agro‐residues in a short time and immobilized enzyme can be recycled, the overall cost of malto‐oligosaccharide production would be economical for industrial application. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
ASARM‐truncated MEPE and AC‐100 enhance osteogenesis by promoting osteoprogenitor adhesion
Authors: Sprowson Andrew P. , McCaskie Andrew W. , Birch Mark A. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractMatrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein (MEPE) is a member of the SIBLING (Small Integrin‐Binding Ligand, N‐linked Glycoprotein) family of secreted glycophosphoproteins. Several previous studies have demonstrated that MEPE and its peptide motif, AC‐100, may regulate bone mass and influence osteoblast activity, suggesting its potential for inclusion in novel therapeutic strategies aimed at increasing osteogenesis. Our study uses in vitro approaches to assess how adhesion of nonadherent cells is influenced by MEPE and whether response to MEPE is dependent on the maturity of osteoblastic cells. Truncated MEPE (ASARM removed) or AC‐100 enhanced the adhesion, spreading, and focal complex formation of unadhered osteoblastic cells leading to increased differentiation and bone formation after 28 days of culture. Furthermore, addition of truncated MEPE or AC‐100 to mature osteoblasts had no significant effect on bone formation. Our data supports an action for truncated MEPE and AC‐100 in altering the physiology of immature poorly adherent cells which subsequently influences the way in which these cells interact with a substrate to facilitate their survival and/or commitment to the osteoblast lineage. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:1256–1262, 2008
Bone–muscle interaction of the fractured femur
Authors: Graham Andrew E. , Xie Sheng Q. , Aw Kean C. , Mukherjee Supratim , Xu Wei L. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe interaction forces of a fractured femur among the bone, muscle, and other soft tissues are not well understood. Only a small number of in vivo measurements have been made and with many limitations. Mathematical modeling is a useful alternative, overcoming limitations and allowing investigation of hypothetical simulated reductions. We aimed to develop a model to help understand best practices in fracture reduction and to form a base to develop new technologies and procedures. The simulation environment allows muscle forces and moments to deform a fractured femur, and the behavior of forces during reduction can be found. Visual and numerical output of forces and moments during simulated reduction procedures are provided. The output can be probed throughout the reduction procedure down to the individual muscle's contribution. This is achieved by construction of an anatomically correct three‐dimensional mathematical model of the lower extremity and muscles. Parameters are fully customizable and can be used to investigate simple, oblique, and some comminuted fractures. Results were compared with published in vivo measurements and were of the same magnitude. A simple midshaft fracture had a maximum resulting force of 428 N, whereas traction from the hip reached a maximum value of 893 N at 60 mm of displacement. Monte Carlo analysis revealed that the deforming force was most sensitive to the muscles' rest lengths. The developed model provides greater understanding and detail than in vivo measurements have to date. It allows new treatment procedures to be developed and importantly to assess the outcome. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:1159–1165, 2008
Study of the 19th century porcelain cards with direct Raman analysis
Authors: Vandenabeele P. , De Paepe P. , Moens L. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractPorcelain cards are a special type of cards, which are typical of the 19th century. They are produced by a lithographic procedure, and painted by hand. In this work, direct non‐destructive Raman spectroscopy is used to analyse the pigments that were used during the production of 43 porcelain cards, originating from different locations. Apart from the metals, which do not yield a Raman spectrum, the pigments could be identified, including vermilion, red lead, lead white, Prussian blue, ultramarine, carbon black and chrome yellow. In some cases pigment mixtures were applied, to produce purple, brown and green colours. Although a wide range of porcelain cards were analysed, the pigment use on these cards is remarkably constant, including synthetic pigments that were only recently (at the time) produced. Therefore, no obvious differences, which could be related to the provenance, could be identified. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.