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Terms modified by Mmol Selected AbstractsSeverity of perinatal illness and cerebral cortical growth in preterm infantsACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 6 2009Tuula Kaukola Abstract Aim: We have shown previously that the degree of prematurity affects cortical surface area growth. We now addressed the question whether cortical surface area growth after preterm birth is predicted by the severity of peri- and postnatal illness. Methods: Cortical surface area was measured in 269 images from 111 infants born between 23 and 29 weeks and imaged at 23 to 48 weeks gestational age (GA). The severity of perinatal illness was assessed using the clinical risk index for babies score (CRIB I) and the severity of ongoing illness by the presence of chronic lung disease (CLD). The effects on cortical growth were modelled using generalized least-square regression for random effects with Bonferroni correction. To explore the results further we examined CRIB II, C-reactive protein (CRP) on the second day after birth, and time taken to achieve full enteral feeding. Results: Cortical surface area grew by 12.4% per week. Reduced cortical growth was predicted by adverse CRIB I (,0.15% per week per unit) and development of CLD (,1.18% per week). Secondary analysis showed that growth was related to adverse CRIB II (,0.36% per week per unit) and increasing CRP (,0.03% per week per mMol), but not by the time taken to achieve full enteral feeding. Conclusion: After very premature birth illness severity predicts reduced cortical growth. [source] MRI tumor characterization using Gd-GlyMe-DOTA-perfluorooctyl-mannose-conjugate (Gadofluorine MÔ), a protein-avid contrast agentCONTRAST MEDIA & MOLECULAR IMAGING, Issue 3 2006Hans-Jürgen Raatschen Abstract The rationale and objectives were to define the MRI tumor-characterizing potential of a new protein-avid contrast agent, Gd-GlyMe-DOTA-perfluorooctyl-mannose-conjugate (Gadofluorine MÔ; Schering AG, Berlin, Germany) in a chemically induced tumor model of varying malignancy. Because of the tendency for this agent to form large micelles in water and to bind strongly to hydrophobic sites on proteins, it was hypothesized that patterns of dynamic tumor enhancement could be used to differentiate benign from malignant lesions, to grade the severity of malignancies and to define areas of tumor necrosis. Gadofluorine M, 0.05,mmol,Gd,kg,1, was administered intravenously to 28 anesthetized rats that had developed over 10 months mammary tumors of varying degrees of malignancy as a consequence of intraperitoneal administration of N -ethyl- N -nitrosourea (ENU), 45,250,mg,kg,1. These tumors ranged histologically from benign fibroadenomas to highly undifferentiated adenocarcinomas. Dynamic enhancement data were analyzed kinetically using a two-compartment tumor model to generate estimates of fractional plasma volume (fPV), apparent fractional extracellular volume (fEV*) and an endothelial transfer coefficient (KPS) for this contrast agent. Tumors were examined microscopically for tumor type, degree of malignancy (Scarff,Bloom,Richardson score) and location of necrosis. Eighteen tumor-bearing rats were successfully imaged. MRI data showed an immediate strong and gradually increasing tumor enhancement. KPS and fEV*, but not fPV obtained from tumors correlated significantly (p,<,0.05) with the SBR tumor grade, r,=,0.65 and 0.56, respectively. Estimates for KPS and fEV* but not fPV were significantly lower in a group consisting of benign and low-grade malignant tumors compared with the group of less-differentiated high-grade tumors (1.61,±,0.64 vs 3.37,±,1.49, p,<,0.01; 0.45,±,0.17 vs 0.78,±,0.24, p,<,0.01; and 0.076,±,0.048 vs 0.121,±,0.088, p,=,0.24, respectively). It is concluded that the protein-avid MRI contrast agent Gadofluorine M enhances tumors of varying malignancy depending on the tumor grade, higher contrast agent accumulation for more malignant lesions. The results show potential utility for differentiating benign and low-grade malignant lesions from high-grade cancers. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Prolonged exposure to inhaled nitric oxide transiently modifies tubular function in healthy piglets and promotes tubular apoptosisACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 4 2009W. Go, dzik Abstract Aim:, Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) is a selective pulmonary vasodilator. We hypothesized that those piglets exposed to prolonged iNO react with a modified renal function. Methods:, Randomized, placebo-controlled exposure to 40 p.p.m. iNO (30 h) in piglets (n = 20). Plasma and urine were sampled during three periods (first and second 12 h periods, and finally a 6 h period). We measured urine volumes, plasma and urine electrolytes (UNa, UK, UCl), plasma creatinine and urea. We calculated creatinine clearance (Ccr), and fractional excretions of sodium and potassium (FENa, FEK) and urinary excretions of electrolytes (UENa, UEK, UECl). Haemodynamic data were recorded and renal tubular apoptosis detected. Results:, For the first 12 h, certain parameters significantly increased in the iNO group (mean ± SD): UNa (mmol L,1), 87.7 (±35.0) vs. 39.3 (±22.9), UCl (mmol L,1) 80.4 (±32.8) vs. 48.0 (±26.7), FENa (%) 2.1 (±0.8) vs. 0.7 (±0.5), FEK (%) 31.7 (±7.0) vs. 20.7 (±12.3), as well as UENa (mmol) 61.0 (±21.1) vs. 27.6 (±17.9) and UECl (mmol) 57.3 (24.5) vs. 37.6 (29.0). These changes were absent in the second and third periods of the study. Significant differences in percentage of apoptotic cell nuclei in the renal cortex and medulla were found after iNO exposure: 39% vs. 15%. Conclusion:, Exposure to 40 p.p.m. iNO in healthy anaesthetized piglets has a transient natriuretic effect that disappears after 12 h. We also found evidence of renal tubular apoptosis promotion after 30 h of iNO. [source] Synthesis and characterization of tetraprolinium silicotungstic acid tetra-hydrate, a new organic-inorganic hybrid based on polyoxometallatesCRYSTAL RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY, Issue 2 2008M. H. Alizadeh Abstract A new solvated polyoxometallate bearing an amino acid, (I), has been prepared for the first time by the reaction of 0.16 mmol ,-H4SiW12O40.15H2O with 0.78 mmol of L-proline in hydrochloric acid at pH 3. The structure of (I) was substantially characterized by some physical approaches, such as elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and 1H-NMR. Our findings proved that (I) could be formulated as [L-C5H10NO2]4[SiW12O40].4H2O. It is believed that the electrostatic attractions and hydrogen bonding between tungstosilisic acid and the prolinium cation affected the structure of (I). It is evident that the polyoxometallates moieties were arranged in good order to form large holes in the structural backbone. These cavities were occupied by the prolinium cations and water molecules. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Decreased cortisol production in male type 1 diabetic patientsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, Issue 7 2003M. N. Kerstens Abstract Background It is unclear whether cortisol production and the 11,HSD-mediated cortisol to cortisone interconversion are different between type 1 diabetic patients and healthy subjects. Materials and methods Fourteen male, nonobese, normotensive type 1 diabetic patients without severe complications (HbA1c < 8·5%) were studied twice during a daily sodium intake of 50 and 200 mmol, and were then compared with 14 individually matched healthy subjects. Cortisol production was assessed by the sum of urinary cortisol metabolite excretion. Urinary ratios of (tetrahydrocortisol + allo-tetrahydrocortisol)/tetrahydro-cortisone [(THF + allo-THF)/THE] and of free cortisol/free cortisone [UFF/UFE] were determined as parameters of 11,HSD activity. Results Sum of urinary cortisol metabolite excretion during low- and high-salt diet was 7·4 ± 2·5 vs. 7·7 ± 2·3 nmol min,1 m,2 (NS) in diabetic patients and 9·7 ± 2·1 vs. 11·2 ± 4·1 nmol min,1 m,2 (NS) in healthy subjects, respectively (P < 0·05 vs. healthy subjects at both diets). The allo-THF excretion and allo-THF/THF ratios were lower in the diabetic than in the healthy males during both diets (P < 0·05). Urinary (THF + alloTHF)/THE and UFF/UFE were similar in both groups and remained unchanged after salt loading. Conclusions The sum of urinary cortisol metabolite excretion as a measure of cortisol production is lower in nonobese, normotensive type 1 diabetic males with adequate glycaemic control and without severe complications, irrespective of sodium intake. We suggest that this is at least in part as result of diminished 5, reductase activity, resulting in a decreased cortisol metabolic clearance. In type 1 diabetic and in healthy males, the 11,HSD setpoint is not affected by physiological variations in sodium intake. [source] Bone turnover markers and sex hormones in men with idiopathic osteoporosisEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, Issue 5 2001P. Pietschmann Background In contrast to osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, osteoporosis in men has received much less attention. Patients and We determined various biochemical parameters of bone metabolism and sex hormones in 31 men with idiopathic osteoporosis and 35 age matched control subjects. Results In the men with osteoporosis, a significantly increased urinary excretion of deoxypyridinoline (5·3 ± 0·2 vs. 4·6 ± 0·2 nmol mmol,1 creatinine; P = 0·033) in addition to increased serum levels of the c-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (2677 ± 230 vs. 2058 ± 153 pmol; P = 0·037) were found. While parameters of bone formation were not significantly different in the patients and controls, serum bone sialoprotein levels were significantly decreased in the patients (3·7 ± 0·8 vs. 12·4 ± 4·0 ng mL,1; P = 0·021). Moreover, in men with idiopathic osteoporosis, lower levels of estradiol (91·3 ± 5·8 vs. 114·6 ± 7·8 pmol L,1; P = 0·044), higher levels of sex hormone binding globulin (31·5 ± 3·1 vs. 24·2 ± 1·4 nmol L,1; P = 0·034) and a decreased free androgen index (42·6 ± 5·2 vs. 56·4 ± 5·9; P = 0·016) were seen. Serum estradiol levels correlated negatively with several parameters of bone resorption. Conclusions In men with idiopathic osteoporosis, bone resorption is increased and exceeds bone formation. The excessive bone resorption seen in idiopathic male osteoporosis may be due to decreased estradiol levels and low levels of bioavailable testosterone. [source] Efficient Removal of Anionic Surfactants Using Mesoporous Functionalised Hybrid MaterialsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 25 2009Carmen Coll Abstract A new hybrid system for surfactant removal from water has been developed using mesoporous material (MCM-41) functionalised with suitable binding groups. Solid S1, S2 and S3 were prepared by reaction of the mesoporous material with N -methyl- N, -(propyltrimethoxysilyl)imidazolium chloride, (3-aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane or 4-[(triethoxysilylpropylthio)methyl]pyridine, respectively. The functionalised materials were characterised following standard solid-state techniques. The final prepared solids consist of a siliceous MCM-41-type mesoporous support with the surface decorated by imidazolium, amine and pyridine binding groups suitable for anion coordination. Equilibrium adsorption studies of linear alkylbenzenesulfonate (LAS) using S1, S2 and S3 in water have been carried out. The obtained adsorption data were correlated with a Langmuir isotherm model that gives an acceptable description of the experimental data. The maximum surfactant uptake/binding site (mol,mol,1) and the surfactant adsorption capacity (mmol,g,1) for materials S1, S2 and S3 were calculated. S1 shows a positive-charged functionalised surface that is independent of the pH of the solution, whereas S2 and S3 are functionalised with neutral groups that need to be protonated in order to display electrostatic binding interactions with the anionic surfactants. Therefore, whereas the adsorption capacity of S1 is pH-independent, S2 and S3 display larger LAS adsorption at acidic pH. The adsorption ability at a certain pH follows the order S1 >> S3 > S2. A remarkable maximum surfactant adsorption of 1.5 mmol per gram of material was observed for S1 at neutral pH. S2 and S3 behave as poorer adsorbents and show maximum surfactant adsorption of 0.197 and 0.335 mmol per gram of material, respectively, at pH 2.(© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009) [source] Structure,Catalytic Activity Relationship in Bridging Silacycloalkyl Ring Conformations of Constrained Geometry Titanium ComplexesEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 13 2008Eugene Kang Abstract A series of cyclic silylene-bridged (amidocyclopentadienyl)dichlorotitanium(IV) complexes [TiCl2{,5 -1-(CySitBuN- ,N)-2,3,4,5-R4 -C5}] was prepared, where CySi = silacyclobutyl (a), silacyclopentenyl (b), silacyclopentyl (c), and silacyclohexyl (d); R = H (4), Me (5). The starting silane, dichlorosilacycloalkane CySiCl2 (1), was treated with NaCp (LiCp*), followed by LiNHtBu to yield the cyclic silylene-bridged ligands (R4C5)CySi(NHtBu) [R = H (2); Me (3)]. Subsequent deprotonation with n -butyllithium, followed by transmetalation with TiCl4 yielded the desired constrained geometry complexes (CGCs) (CpCySiNtBu)TiCl2 (4) and (Cp*CySiNtBu)TiCl2 (5). The structures of the resulting cyclopentadienyl- (4b and 4c) and tetramethylcyclopentadienyl(silacycloalkyl)amidotitanium(IV) dichloride (5a, 5c, and 5d) species were studied by using X-ray crystallography to obtain geometrical information on cyclic silylene-modified CGCs. The ethylene polymerization by the cyclic silylene-bridged CGCs 4 and 5 was examined to verify the structure,catalytic activity relationship derived from variation of the size of a cyclic silylene ring. Indeed, the size of the cyclic silylene ring at the 1,1,-position of 4 and 5 affected the catalytic activities through the ethylene polymerization. Systematic increase in the catalytic activities was observed as the cyclic silylene-bridging unit was expanded from a four- to six-membered ring. In the present study, we found that CGCs of TiIV with a six-membered silylene-bridged ligand (5d) produced active catalytic species for the formation of polyethylene with Mw = 42.7,×,10,4 g,mol,1 and Mw/Mn = 2.1 with excellent catalytic activities (20.9 kg,polymer per mmol of Ti). When titanium(IV) dimethyl complex (6d) was applied in continuous polymerization process, impressive high catalytic activity on copolymerization with 1-octene was observed. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008) [source] No change in apoptosis in skeletal muscle exposed acutely or chronically to alcoholADDICTION BIOLOGY, Issue 1 2003AG PAICE The pathogenic mechanisms responsible for the deleterious changes in ethanol-exposed skeletal muscle are unknown, although apoptosis may be a causal process. We therefore investigated the responses of skeletal muscle to acute or chronic ethanol exposure in male Wistar rats. In acute studies, rats were dosed with ethanol (75 mmol (3.46 g)/kg BW) and killed after either 2.5 or 6 hours. In chronic studies, rats were fed ethanol as 35% of total dietary energy for 6 weeks. Apoptosis was determined by either DNA fragmentation or TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick end labelling) assays. The results showed that apoptosis was not increased in the ethanol-exposed muscle in both acute and chronic studies compared to appropriate controls. [source] Molecular weight and humification index as predictors of adsorption for plant- and manure-derived dissolved organic matter to goethiteEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE, Issue 1 2007T. Ohno Summary Sorptive retention of organic matter is important in maintaining the fertility and quality of soils in agricultural ecosystems. However, few sorption studies have been conducted that use dissolved organic matter (DOM) characteristic of agricultural amendments. We investigated the sorption to goethite (,-FeOOH) of DOM extracted from: (i) above-ground biomass of wheat straw (Triticum aestivum L.), maize residue (Zea mays L.), soybean residue (Glycine max (L.) Merr.), and hairy vetch residue (Vivia billosa L.); (ii) below-ground biomass from maize, soybean, canola (Brassica napus L.), and green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.); and (iii) beef, dairy, poultry, and pig animal manures. The apparent molecular weight (MWAP) of the DOM was measured by high performance-size exclusion chromatography and ranged from 312 to 1074 g mol,1. The carboxyl-group content of the DOM measured by potentiometric titration ranged from 4.84 to 21.38 mmol(,) g,1 carbon. The humification index (HIX) determined by fluorescence spectrometry varied from 1.15 to 4.33. Sorption was directly related to both MWAP and HIX values of the DOM. Molecular weight analysis of the solution prior to and after sorption indicated that the DOM molecules > 1800 g mol,1 were preferentially sorbed, resulting in fractionation of the DOM upon reaction with goethite. The multiple regression equation, based only on MWAP and HIX parameters, explained 76% of the variance in amount of DOM sorbed. The results indicate that MWAP and HIX are important factors in controlling the sorption of DOM to mineral surfaces. Amendment with materials that release DOM of higher molecular weight and greater humification will result in enhanced initial sorption of DOM to soil solids, thereby contributing to accumulation of a larger soil organic C pool. [source] Caffeine administration results in greater tension development in previously fatigued canine muscle in situEXPERIMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 6 2005Richard A. Howlett In isolated single skeletal myocytes undergoing long-term fatiguing contractions, caffeine (CAF) can result in nearly immediate restoration of generated tension to near-prefatigue levels by increasing Ca2+ release via activation of sarcoplasmic reticulum release channels. This study tested whether arterial CAF infusion (>5 mm) would cause a similar rapid restoration of tetanic isometric tension during contractions to fatigue in perfused canine hindlimb muscle in situ. Tetanic contractions were elicited by electrical stimulation (200 ms trains, 50 Hz, 1 contraction s,1), and biopsies were taken from the muscle at rest and during contractions: (1) following the onset of fatigue (tension ,60% of initial value); and (2) following CAF administration. Resting muscle ATP, PCr and lactate contents were 25.2 ± 0.4, 76.9 ± 3.3 and 14.4 ± 3.3 mmol (kg dry weight),1, respectively. At fatigue, generated tetanic tension was 61.1 ± 6.9% of initial contractions. There was a small but statistically significant recovery of tetanic tension (64.9 ± 6.6% of initial value) with CAF infusion, after which the muscle showed incomplete relaxation. At fatigue, muscle ATP and PCr contents had fallen significantly (P < 0.05) to 18.1 ± 1.1 and 18.9 ± 2.1 mmol (kg dry weight),1, respectively, and lactate content had increased significantly to 27.7 ± 5.4 mmol (kg dry weight),1. Following CAF, skeletal muscle ATP and PCr contents were significantly lower than corresponding fatigue values (15.0 ± 1.3 and 10.9 ± 2.2 mmol (kg dry weight),1, respectively), while lactate was unchanged (22.2 ± 3.9 mmol (kg dry weight),1). These results demonstrate that caffeine can result in a small, but statistically significant, recovery of isometric tension in fatigued canine hindlimb muscle in situ, although not nearly to the same degree as seen in isolated single muscle fibres. This suggests that, in this in situ isolated whole muscle model, alteration of Ca2+ metabolism is probably only one cause of fatigue. [source] Tissue Oxygenation Does Not Predict Central Venous Oxygenation in Emergency Department Patients With Severe Sepsis and Septic ShockACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 4 2010Anthony M. Napoli MD Abstract Objectives:, This study sought to determine whether tissue oxygenation (StO2) could be used as a surrogate for central venous oxygenation (ScVO2) in early goal-directed therapy (EGDT). Methods:, The study enrolled a prospective convenience sample of patients aged ,18 years with sepsis and systolic blood pressure <90 mm Hg after 2 L of normal saline or lactate >4 mmol, who received a continuous central venous oximetry catheter. StO2 and ScVO2 were measured at 15-minute intervals. Data were analyzed using a random coefficients model, correlations, and Bland-Altman plots. Results:, There were 284 measurements in 40 patients. While a statistically significant relationship existed between StO2 and ScVO2 (F(1,37) = 10.23, p = 0.002), StO2 appears to systematically overestimate at lower ScVO2 and underestimate at higher ScVO2. This was reflected in the fixed effect slope of 0.49 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.266 to 0.720) and intercept of 34 (95% CI = 14.681 to 50.830), which were significantly different from 1 and 0, respectively. The initial point correlation (r = 0.5) was fair, but there was poor overall agreement (bias = 4.3, limits of agreement = ,20.8 to 29.4). Conclusions:, Correlation between StO2 and ScVO2 was fair. The two measures trend in the same direction, but clinical use of StO2 in lieu of ScVO2 is unsubstantiated due to large and systematic biases. However, these biases may reflect real physiologic states. Further research may investigate if these measures could be used in concert as prognostic indicators. ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:349,352 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine [source] Novel biotransformation and physiological properties of norursodeoxycholic acid in humans,,HEPATOLOGY, Issue 6 2005Alan F. Hofmann Experiments were performed in 2 volunteers to define the biotransformation and physiological properties of norursodeoxycholic acid (norUDCA), the C23 (C24 -nor) homolog of UDCA. To complement the in vivo studies, the biotransformation of norUDCA ex vivo using precision-cut human liver slices was also characterized. In the human studies, both a tracer dose given intravenously and a physiological dose (7.9 mmol, 3.0 g) given orally were excreted equally in bile and urine. By chromatography and mass spectrometry, the dominant biotransformation product of norUDCA in bile and urine was the C-23 ester glucuronide. Little N -acyl amidation (with glycine or taurine) occurred. The oral dose induced a sustained bicarbonate-rich hypercholeresis, with total bile flow averaging 20 ,L/kg/min, a rate extrapolating to 2 L/d. The increased bile flow was attributed to cholehepatic shunting of norUDCA as well to the lack of micelles in bile. Phospholipid and cholesterol secretion relative to bile acid secretion decreased during secretion of norUDCA and its metabolites, presumably also because of the absence of micelles in canalicular bile. When incubated with human liver slices, norUDCA was glucuronidated, whereas UDCA was conjugated with glycine or taurine. In conclusion, in humans, norUDCA is glucuronidated rather than amidated. In humans, but not animals, there is considerable renal elimination of the C-23 ester glucuronide, the dominant metabolite. NorUDCA ingestion induces a bicarbonate-rich hypercholeresis and evokes less phospholipid and cholesterol secretion into bile than UDCA. Molecules that undergo cholehepatic shunting should be powerful choleretics in humans. (HEPATOLOGY 2005;42:1391,1398.) [source] Copper-Catalyzed Asymmetric Allylic Alkylation of Halocrotonates: Efficient Synthesis of Versatile Chiral Multifunctional Building BlocksADVANCED SYNTHESIS & CATALYSIS (PREVIOUSLY: JOURNAL FUER PRAKTISCHE CHEMIE), Issue 6 2010Hartog, Tim den Abstract The highly enantioselective synthesis of ,-methyl-substituted esters is reported in up to 90% yield and up to 99% ee using copper-TaniaPhos as chiral catalyst. The transformation proved scalable to at least 6.6,mmol (1.7,g scale). The products of this transformation have been further elaborated to multifunctional building blocks with a single (branched esters and acids) or multiple stereogenic centers (vicinal dimethyl esters, as well as, hydroxy- or iodo-substituted lactones). [source] The erosive potential of flavoured sparkling water drinksINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRIC DENTISTRY, Issue 2 2007CATRIONA J. BROWN Objective., The potential role of acidic drinks in the aetiology of dental erosion is well recognized. Whilst the wide-scale consumption of bottled waters is unlikely to contribute significantly to erosion, the role of flavoured sparkling water drinks is unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the pH, titratable acidity and in vitro erosive potential of a selection of these drinks drawn from the UK market to identify what dietary advice would be appropriate in relation to their consumption. Methods., pH was measured using a pH electrode and titratable acidity recorded by titration with 0.1- m NaOH. Erosive potential was assessed using an in vitro dissolution assay with hydroxyapatite powder and electron microscopic examination of surface enamel of extracted human teeth, following exposure to the flavoured sparkling waters for 30 min. Results., All of the flavoured waters tested showed appreciable titratable acidity (0.344,0.663 mmol) and low pH (2.74,3.34). In the hydroxyapatite dissolution assay, all of the waters demonstrated erosive potential (89,143%) similar to or greater than that of pure orange juice, an established erosive drink. Exposure of the extracted teeth to the flavoured waters resulted in surface changes consistent with erosive dissolution. Conclusions., Flavoured sparkling waters should be considered as potentially erosive, and preventive advice on their consumption should recognize them as potentially acidic drinks rather than water with flavouring. [source] Control of Aspergillus growth and aflatoxin production using antioxidants at different conditions of water activity and pHJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2003A. Nesci Abstract Aims: The effect of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), trihydroxybutyrophenone (THB) and propyl paraben (PP) (at concentrations of 1, 10 and 20 mmol l,1) on germination, growth and aflatoxin B1 production by Aspergillus section Flavi was evaluated. Methods and Results: Studies on the percentage of spore germination, elongation rate, growth rate and aflatoxin B1 production were carried out in vitro in relation to water activity (aw) at 0·982, 0·937, 0·809 and 0·747 values. At 0·809 and 0·747aw values none of the isolates was able to germinate. Overall, PP and BHA were the antioxidants most effective at inhibiting germination of both species. In the presence of the lowest concentration of BHA and PP (1 mmol l,1) the conidial germination percentage ranged from 2 to 19% after 15 h of incubation at the highest water activity tested. BHA and PP at 10,20 mmol l,1 completely inhibited conidial germination. The antioxidants more efficient in controlling Aspergillus elongation rate were PP, BHT and BHA. All strains were much more sensitive to all antioxidants tested on the percentage of spore germination and growth rate at 0·937aw. The antioxidants PP and BHA completely inhibited aflatoxin B1 production by all strains when added at 1 mmol l,1. Decreased aflatoxin B1 levels in comparison with the control, were observed with BHT at 1, 10 and 20 mmol,1 with the strain T20 at 0·982aw. In contrast, stimulation was observed with the antioxidant THB at 10 and 20 mmol l,1 at 0·937aw with the strains T20 and T23. The effect of BHA and PP at 1 mmol l,1 on lag phase and growth rate was maintained in the pH range between 6 and 8. At all pH values the inhibitory effect of BHA was higher than PP. No aflatoxin B1 was detected at all pH values. Conclusions: The data show that BHA and PP could be considered as effective fungitoxicants for A. flavus and A. parasiticus. Significance and Impact of the Study: The information obtained show promise for controlling growth and aflatoxin B1 in stored maize. Futher studies should be carried out to examine the potential for antioxidants, such as BHA and PP to effectively control both growth and aflatoxin production. [source] A Detailed Assessment of Alterations in Bone Turnover, Calcium Homeostasis, and Bone Density in Normal PregnancyJOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 3 2000A. J. Black Abstract The effects of pregnancy on bone turnover and the potential risk of developing an osteoporotic fracture in pregnancy are controversial. Utilizing biochemical markers of bone formation and resorption and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), bone turnover before, during, and after pregnancy was studied in detail. Ten women (mean age 30 years; range 23,40) were recruited. Prepregnancy data were obtained and then a review was performed at 2-week intervals, once pregnancy was confirmed, until 14 weeks of gestation and thereafter monthly until term. Bone mineral density (BMD) was estimated by DEXA scanning of hip, spine, and forearm preconception and postpartum. In addition, BMD of the forearm at 14 weeks and 28 weeks gestation was obtained. All pregnancies had a successful outcome. Urinary free pyridinium cross-links, free pyridinoline (fPyr) and free deoxypyridinoline (fDPyr), were normal prepregnancy (mean [±SD]) 14.6 nmol/mmol (1.8) and 5.0 nmol/mmol (1.0) creat, respectively. By 14 weeks, they had increased to 20.8 nmol/mmol (4.3) and 6.1 nmol mmol (1.4) (both p < 0.02) and by 28 weeks to 26.3 nmol/mmol (5.6) and 7.4 nmol/mmol (1.6) (both p < 0.01). The ratio of fPyr to fDPyr remained constant. A similar significant increase was observed in N-telopeptide (NTx). Bone formation was assessed by measurement of carboxy-terminal propeptide of type 1 collagen (P1CP) and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP). Neither were altered significantly before 28 weeks, but subsequently mean P1CP increased from 110 ,g/liter (23) to 235 ,g/liter (84) at 38 weeks and mean BSAP increased from 11.1 U/liter (5.0) to 28.6 U/liter (11.1) (p < 0.01 for both variables). Lumbar spine (L1,L4) BMD decreased from a prepregnancy mean of 1.075 g/cm (0.115) to 1.054 g/cm2 (0.150) postpartum (p < 0.05). Total hip BMD decreased from a prepregnancy mean of 0.976 g/cm2 (0.089) to 0.941 g/cm2 (0.097) (p < 0.05). Forearm BMD at midradius, one-third distal and ultradistal decreased but did not reach statistical significance. As assessed by these bone markers, in the first 2 trimesters of pregnancy, bone remodeling is uncoupled with a marked increase in bone resorption. A corresponding increase in formation markers is not observed until the third trimester. Spinal BMD exhibits a significant decrease from prepregnancy to the immediate postpartum period with a mean reduction in BMD of 3.5% in 9 months. [source] Thiol-mediated degradation of DNA adsorbed on a colloidal gold surfaceJOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY, Issue 4 2003Shalu Mittal Abstract When [32P]-labeled DNA is adsorbed on colloidal gold from a 130,mmol,dm,3 solution of KH2PO4, it can subsequently be eluted with cold DNA without undergoing detectable degradation. Similarly, DNA can be incubated in solution in the presence or absence of colloidal gold with high concentrations of ,-mercaptoethanol or hexane-1-thiol without significant degradation. However, when adsorbed DNA is eluted from gold with solutions of one of the thiols, it is recovered as a mixture of mononucleotides and short oligomers. The extent of degradation increases with increasing concentration of the thiol and with increasing elution temperature. Our results emphasize that in designing protocols involving DNA adsorbed on gold surfaces, it is important to avoid allowing the DNA to come into contact with even moderate concentrations of thiols. © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry [source] The removal of iron and cobalt from aqueous solutions by ion exchange with Na-Y zeolite: batch, semi-batch and continuous operationJOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY, Issue 6 2002Jong Sung Kim Abstract The removal of single component and binary mixtures of divalent cobalt and iron from water by ion exchange with synthetic Y zeolite has been studied in batch, semi-batch and continuous modes of operation; the initial metal solution concentration did not exceed 2,mmol,dm,3. Binary Co/Na and Fe/Na ion exchange equilibrium isotherms (294,K) are presented wherein exchange site heterogeneity is evident in the case of the iron treatment. Under conditions of stoichiometric ion exchange, removal efficiencies for both cobalt and iron decrease with increasing metal concentration (0.2,2,mmol,dm,3) and the values were similar for both metals. Removal of cobalt under transient conditions was found to be temperature dependent. In the fixed bed operation, break-through behavior was sensitive to changes in both flow rate and inlet concentration. The break-through profiles for both metals under competitive and non-competitive conditions are presented; iron removal is lower in the presence of cobalt and vice versa. An in situ regeneration of the fully loaded zeolite by back exchange with sodium is considered and the exchange capacity of the regenerated zeolite is reported. The feasibility of employing cycles of heavy metal uptake/zeolite regeneration is addressed. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Production of L -methionine by immobilized pellets of Aspergillus oryzae in a packed bed reactorJOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY, Issue 5 2002Ying-Jin Yuan Abstract Production of L -methionine by immobilized pellets of Aspergillus oryzae in a packed bed reactor was investigated. Based on the determination of relative enzymatic activity in the immobilized pellets, the optimum pH and temperature for the resolution reaction were 8.0 and 60,°C, respectively. The effects of substrate concentration on the resolution reaction were also investigated and the kinetic constants (Km and Vm) of immobilized pellets were found to be 7.99,mmol,dm,3 and 1.38,mmol,dm,3 h,1, respectively. The maximum substrate concentration for the resolution reaction without inhibition was 0.2,mol,dm,3. The L -methionine conversion rate reached 94% and 78% when substrate concentrations were 0.2 and 0.4,mol,dm,3, respectively, at a flow rate of 7.5,cm3,h,1 using the small-scale packed bed reactor developed. The half-life of the L -aminoacylase in immobilized pellets was 70 days in continuous operation. All the results obtained in this paper exhibit a practical potential of using immobilized pellets of Aspergillus oryzae in the production of L -methionine. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Impact of dissolved wastewater constituents on peroxidase-catalyzed treatment of phenolJOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY, Issue 4 2002Monika Wagner Abstract The impact of dissolved wastewater constituents on the treatment of synthetic phenol solutions using horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and hydrogen peroxide was investigated under a variety of reaction conditions. The constituents studied included various inorganic salts, organic compounds and heavy metals. Higher H2O2 doses were required to treat phenol in the presence of sodium sulfite, thiosulfate and sulfide; however, enhanced levels of phenol conversion were achieved once sufficient H2O2 was supplied. Sulfide and cyanide inhibited phenol transformation. The inhibition of sulfide was overcome by supplying sufficient H2O2 to oxidize the sulfide to sulfur. However, increasing the H2O2 dose was ineffective in attempting to overcome the strong inhibiting effect of cyanide. Among the heavy metal ions tested, only Mn(II) substantially inhibited phenol removal when it was present at a concentration of 1,mmol,dm,3. The presence of inorganic salts including NaCl, CaCl2, MgCl2, NH4Cl and (NH4)2SO4 reduced phenol conversion as compared with the treatment in distilled-deionized water. This can be attributed to the increased ionic strength of the solution. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Oxidative polymerization and partial dechlorination of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol by a mixture of peroxidase isozymes from Vaccinium myrtillusJOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY, Issue 2 2001Silvia Rita Stazi Abstract Plant peroxidases (EC 1.11.1.7) catalyze the oxidation of phenolic pollutants in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. In the present study, extracellular peroxidases from Vaccinium myrtillus cell suspension cultures (VMP) were evaluated for their ability to polymerize 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (TCP), a ubiquitous environmental contaminant. The effect of pH, temperature, reaction time, enzyme amount and initial pollutant concentration on the treatment efficiency was investigated in order to optimize the reaction conditions for TCP removal. An appreciable removal efficiency and a partial dehalogenation of TCP was observed over a wide range of initial pollutant concentrations (0.1,20,mmol,dm,3) and reaction conditions suggesting that VMP could be useful for potential decontamination applications. The use of polyethylene glycol in the reaction mixture allowed a reduction of the catalyst requirements needed to obtain well defined extents of TCP removal. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry [source] The pathology and seawater performance of farmed Atlantic salmon infected with glochidia of Margaritifera margaritiferaJOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY, Issue 4 2000J. W. Treasure The pathology of glochidial infection of the freshwater mussel Margaritifera margaritifera was examined in farmed Atlantic salmon Salmo salar in fresh water and for 150 days after transfer of salmon to sea water. Prevalence of infection in fresh water was 95%, mean abundance 134 per fish and mean infection intensity 140. Prevalence in sea water was 80,94% in the first 7 weeks after transfer but glochidia were absent, apart from remains, after 50 days in sea water. Glochidia on salmon in fresh water were associated with localized hyperplasia and fusion of secondary gill lamellae. Focally extensive epithelial hyperplasia and fusion of secondary lamellae were present 4,10 days after transfer to sea water. Twenty-three days after transfer, small nodules with a more discrete appearance were present suggesting partial resolution of tissue response; hyperplastic responses associated with glochidia were much reduced after 50 days. Plasma chloride in infected fish 10 days after transfer was 153 mmol. 1,1, significantly higher than fish without infection, suggesting poorer adaptation to sea water. No mortalities due to glochidial infection in sea water were recorded and there was no significant difference in mean weight between infected and control fish. [source] An investigation of the 125I-radioiodination of colchicine for medical purposesJOURNAL OF LABELLED COMPOUNDS AND RADIOPHARMACEUTICALS, Issue 1 2009K. M. El-Azony Abstract A procedure for radioiodination of colchicine with iodine-125 is carried out via an electrophilic substitution reaction. The reaction parameters studied were colchicine concentration, pH of the reaction mixture, reaction time, temperature, different oxidizing agents and different organic media to optimize the conditions for the labeling of colchicine and to obtain a high radiochemical yield of the 125I-colchicine (125I-Col). Using 3.7,MBq of Na125I, 1.25,mM of colchicine as substrate, 1.1,mM of chloramine-T (CAT) as oxidizing agent in ethanol at 60°C for 5,min, a maximum radiochemical yield of 125I-Col (60%) was obtained. The specific activity of 125I-Col obtained was 44.4,MBq/0.5,mmol, and the labeled compound was not completely separated and purified from Col by means of high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), so the uncertainty in the purity may affect the distribution and clearance routes due to the expected competition between 125I-Col and Col. The biological distribution in normal mice indicates the suitability of radioiodinated colchicine for imaging of muscles. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Synthesis of morphine-[N -methyl- 14C]-6- , - D -glucuronideJOURNAL OF LABELLED COMPOUNDS AND RADIOPHARMACEUTICALS, Issue 2 2002John R. Ferguson Abstract Protected morphine-6-glucuronide was converted into morphine-[N -methyl- 14C]-6-glucuronide by a three-step procedure. Methyl (3-pivaloylmorphin-6-yl 2,3,4-tri- O -isobutyryl- , -D-glucopyranosid)uronate was N-demethylated by treatment with 1-chloroethyl chloroformate to afford protected normorphine-6-glucuronide as its hydrochloride salt. The normorphine-6-glucuronide derivative was alkylated with iodomethane-[14C] in the presence of potassium carbonate to produce C-14 labelled protected morphine-6-glucuronide. Finally, hydrolysis of the protecting groups using 5% sodium hydroxide solution gave morphine-[N -methyl- 14C]-6- , -D-glucuronide with a specific activity of 41.8 mCi mmol,1 and radiochemical purity of 99.2% (HPLC). Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Accuracy and reliability of continuous blood glucose monitor in post-surgical patientsACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 1 2009K. YAMASHITA Background: The STG-22Ô is the only continuous blood glucose monitoring system currently available. The aim of this study is to determine the accuracy and reliability of the STG-22Ô for continuously monitoring blood glucose level in post-surgical patients. Methods: Fifty patients scheduled for routine surgery were studied in surgical intensive care unit (ICU) of a university hospital. After admission to the ICU, the STG-22Ô was connected to the patients. An attending physician obtained blood samples from a radial arterial catheter. Blood glucose level was measured using the ABLÔ800FLEX immediately after blood collection at 0, 4, 8, and 16 h post-admission to the ICU (total of 200 blood glucose values). Results: The correlation coefficient (R2) was 0.96. In the Clarke error grid, 100% of the paired measurements were in the clinically acceptable zone A and B. The Bland and Altman analysis showed that bias±limits of agreement (percent error) were 0.04(0.7)±0.35(6.3) mmol (mg/dl) (7%), ,0.11(,2)±1.22(22) (15%) and ,0.33(,6)±1.28(23) (10%) in hypoglycemia (<70(3.89) mmol (mg/dl), normoglycemia (3.89(70),10(180) mmol (mg/dl), and hyperglycemia (>10(180) mmol (mg/dl), respectively. Conclusions: The STG-22Ô can be used for measuring blood glucose level continuously and measurement results are consistent with intermittent measurement (percentage error within 15%). Therefore, the STG-22Ô is a useful device for monitoring in blood glucose level in the ICU for 16 h. [source] Improvement of hyperglycaemia and metabolic syndromes in type 2 diabetic KKAy mice by oral treatment with [meso-tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl) porphyrinato]oxovanadium(IV)(4-) complexJOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY: AN INTERNATI ONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE, Issue 3 2007Tapan Kumar Saha Recently, we reported that [meso-tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrinato]oxovanadium(IV)(4-), VO(tpps), shows in-vitro insulin-mimetic and in-vivo anti-diabetic activity in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetic mice. This result prompted us to examine its ability in type 2 diabetic model KKAy mice with insulin resistance. We studied the in-vivo anti-diabetic activity of VO(tpps), compared with that of vanadium(IV) oxide sulfate, VS, as control. Both compounds were orally administered at doses of 5,10 mg (0.1-0.2 mmol) V/kg body weight to the KKAy mice for 28 days. VO(tpps) normalized the hyperglycaemia within 15 days, while VS lowered the blood glucose concentration only by a small degree. In addition, metabolic syndromes characterized by insulin and leptin resistance were significantly improved in VO(tpps)-treated KKAy mice compared with those treated with VS. The improvement in diabetes was validated by oral glucose tolerance test and decrease in HbA1c concentration. Based on these observations, VO(tpps) is proposed to be an orally active oxovanadium(IV)-porphyrin complex for treating not only type 2 diabetes but also metabolic syndromes in animals. [source] Polysulfone ionomers functionalized with benzoyl(difluoromethylenephosphonic acid) side chains for proton-conducting fuel-cell membranesJOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE (IN TWO SECTIONS), Issue 2 2007Benoît Lafitte Abstract Polysulfones carrying benzoyl(difluoromethylenephosphonic acid) side chains were prepared and investigated for use as proton-conducting fuel-cell membranes. In the first step, polysulfones were lithiated and reacted with methyl iodobenzoates to prepare p - and o -iodobenzoyl polysulfones. Next, the phosphonated polysulfones were prepared via CuBr-mediated cross-coupling reactions between the iodinated polymer and [(diethoxyphosphinyl)difluoromethyl]zinc bromide. Finally, dealkylation with bromotrimethylsilane afforded highly acidic CF2PO3H2 derivatives. The replacement of the iodine atoms by CF2PO3Et2 units was almost quantitative in the case of o -iodobenzoyl polysulfone. Membranes based on ionomers having 0.90 mmol of phosphonic acid units/g of dry polymer took up 6 wt % water when immersed at room temperature, and conductivities up to 5 mS cm,1 at 100 °C were recorded. This level of conductivity was comparable to that reached by a membrane based on a sulfonated polysulfone having 0.86 mmol of sulfonic acid/g of dry polymer. Thermogravimetry revealed that the arylCF2PO3H2 arrangement decomposed at approximately 230 °C via cleavage of the CP bond. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 269,283, 2007. [source] Kinetic behavior of ethylene/1-hexene copolymerization in slurry and solution reactorsJOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE (IN TWO SECTIONS), Issue 11 2005Long Wu Abstract The copolymerization of ethylene and 1-hexene over a spherical polymer/MgCl2 -supported TiCl4 catalyst was studied as a function of the polymerization temperature from 40 to 100 °C in a slurry reactor and from 120 to 200 °C in a solution reactor with triethylaluminum (TEA) as a cocatalyst (1.0,6.8 mmol). The activities increased from 40 to 80 °C and then declined monotonically with increases in the temperature during the slurry and solution polymerizations. The kinetic behavior in the slurry and solution operations was described by the same rate expression. The modeling results indicated that the catalyst had at least two different types of catalytic sites; one site was responsible for the acceleration,decay nature of the activity profiles, whereas the second site resulted in long-term activity. The apparent activation energy for site activation in the slurry operation was 69.9 kJ/mol; no activation energies for site activation could be estimated for the solution operation because the activation process was essentially instantaneous at the higher temperatures. The activation energies for deactivation were 100.3 kJ/mol for the slurry operation and 31.2 kJ/mol for the solution operation. The responses to TEA were similar for the slurry and solution operations; the rates increased with increasing amounts of TEA between 1.0 and 3.4 mmol and then decreased with larger amounts of TEA. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 2248,2257, 2005 [source] Piezo-QEXAFS with fluorescence detection: fast time-resolved investigations of dilute specimensJOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION, Issue 1 2001Dirk Lützenkirchen-Hecht First X-ray absorption spectroscopy experiments with a vibrating piezo-driven double-crystal monochromator (piezo-QEXAFS) and fluorescence detection are reported. It is shown that high-quality XANES spectra can be recorded on a time scale of about 50,ms per spectrum, even for very low concentrations of <10,mmol,l,1 using fluorescence detection. The quality of the spectra, possible applications, as well as present limits of the technique will be discussed. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||