bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Histological types and age distribution of lung cancer operated patients over a 20-year period: A pathohistological based study
Authors: Stojsic Jelena , Adzic Tatjana , Maric Dragana , Subotic Dragan , Milovanovic Ivan , Milenkovic Branislava , Radojicic Jelena , Markovic Jelena , Dimitrijevic Dragana
Published: November 2011

Introduction. Lung cancer is the leading cause of death from malignancy in
Serbia. Objective. This is a retrospective analysis of lung cancer
epidemiological changes regarding to its histological type and patients? age
of both genders. Data were based on surgically treated lung cancer patients
from 1985 to 2005. Methods. Data were collected from 972 pathohistological
reports of operated patients of both genders divided into age groups.
Histological types of lung cancer were distributed in four major groups:
squamous cell cancer (SCC), adenocarcinoma (AC), small cell cancer (SCLC) and
other rare histological types. Both genders together and separately were
analysed. Chi-square with the level of significance p<0.05 and chi-square
test for trends were used as statistical methods. Results. SCC predominated
in both genders; in 44.7% females and 68.0% males. AC was less frequently
diagnosed (21.8%) than SCC (64.0%) in both genders and all age groups. The
most frequently operated patients were aged between 51 and 60 years (36.6%)
with SCC and AC predominance. Three patients with SCLC were operated in 61-70
age-group. In age-group up to 30 years, three (0.5%) patients were operated
on for SCC and other rare lung tumours, respectively. Predominance of other
rare lung tumours was established in 51-60 age-group, 25% of patients of both
genders. Conclusion. SCC is the most frequent histological type of lung
cancer found in all age groups and in both genders of surgically treated
patients.
Syringomyelia in demyelinating disease of the central nervous system: Report of two cases
Authors: Savic Dejan , Vojinovic Slobodan , Spasic Mirjana , Peric Zoran , Lukic Stevo
Published: November 2011

Introduction. Syringomyelia is a cavitary extension inside the spinal cord
which can be either symptomatic or congenitally-idiopathic. Syringomyelia
during the course of the disease in patients presenting with clinically
definite multiple sclerosis was described earlier. Syringomyelia in patients
presenting with a clinically isolated syndrome suggestive of multiple
sclerosis is unusual. Case Outline. We present two patients presenting with
demy-elinating disease of the central nervous system with syringomyelia in
the cervical and thoracic spinal cord. We did not find classical clinical
signs of syringomyelia in our patients, but we disclosed syringomyelia
incidentally during magnetic resonance exploration. Magnetic resonance
exploration using the gadolinium contrast revealed the signs of active
demyelinating lesions in the spinal cord in one patient but not in the other.
Conclusion. Syringomyelia in demyelinating disease of the central nervous
system opens the question whether it is a coincidental finding or a part of
clinical features of the disease. Differentiation of the significance of
syringomyelia finding in these patients plays a role in the choice of
treatment concept in such patients.
Pseudo-Bartter syndrome in an infant with congenital chloride diarrhoea
Authors: Igrutinovic Zoran , Peco-Antic Amira , Radlovic Nedeljko , Vuletic Biljana , Markovic Slavica , Vujic Ana , Raskovic Zorica
Published: November 2011

Introduction. Pseudo-Bartter syndrome encompasses a heterogenous group of
disorders similar to Bartter syndrome. We are presenting an infant with
pseudo-Bartter syndrome caused by congenital chloride diarrhoea. Case
Outline. A male newborn born in the 37th gestational week (GW) to young
healthy and non-consanguineous parents. In the 35th GW a polyhydramnios with
bowel dilatation was verified by ultrasonography. After birth he manifested
several episodes of hyponatremic dehydration with hypochloraemia,
hypokalaemia and metabolic alkalosis, so as Bartter syndrome was suspected
treatment with indomethacin, spironolactone and additional intake of NaCl was
initiated. However, this therapy gave no results, so that at age six months
he was rehospitalized under the features of persistent watery diarrhoea,
vomiting, dehydration and acute renal failure (serum creatinine 123 ?mol/L).
The laboratory results showed hyponatraemia (123 mmol/L), hypokalaemia (3.1
mmol/L), severe hypochloraemia (43 mmol/L), alcalosis (blood pH 7.64,
bicarbonate 50.6 mmol/L), high plasma renin (20.6 ng/ml) and aldosterone
(232.9 ng/ml), but a low urinary chloride concentration (2.1 mmol/L). Based
on these findings, as well as the stool chloride concentration of 110 mmol/L,
the patient was diagnosed congenital chloride diarrhoea. In further course,
the patient was treated by intensive fluid, sodium and potassium
supplementation which resulted in the normalization of serum electrolytes,
renal function, as well as his mental and physical development during 10
months of follow-up. Conclusion. Persistent watery diarrhoea with a high
concentration of chloride in stool is the key finding in the differentiation
of congenital chloride diarrhoea from Bartter syndrome. The treatment of
congenital chloride diarrhoea consists primarily of adequate water and
electrolytes replacement.
Role of veterinarians in recognition and prevention of animal abuse
Authors: Aleksic Jelena , Jovic Slavoljub , Mercep Drinka
Published: November 2011

Since the Criminal law of the Republic of Serbia in 2005 as well as the Law
on veterinary medicine, there has been an increasing number of cases that
deal with raising criminal charges due to animal killing or torturing. There
is also a significant number of forensic cases that are aimed at discovering
criminal acts. Animal abuse is a social issue, which includes a range of
behaviors of humans that are harmful to animals, starting from unintentional
neglect to intentional cruelty. Types of animal abuse are different and they
can include physical, sexual, emotional abuse, or neglect. Abuse and neglect
of animals have a variety of forms and manifestations, but the end result is
always the same - animal suffering. The connection between animal abuse,
domestic violence, and child abuse indicates that there is a significant role
of veterinarians in social contexts and in terms of stopping this vicious
cycle by preventing, discovering and turning in suspects involved in these
crimes. The help that veterinarians provide to public prosecutors is of great
importance. This study shows the role of veterinarians in cases of possible
animal abuse, as well as their role in processing that type of cases.
The Surrealism of the Habitual: From Poetic Language to the Prose of Life
Authors: James Alison
Published: November 2011

This article argues that the later philosophy of Wittgenstein has significant affinities with surrealist approaches to the ordinary. It links the question of ordinary language first to the dilemmas of poetic speech after Mallarmé, then to a current of thought on everyday life that emerges in France in the wake of surrealism (Lefebvre, Blanchot, Certeau). Finally, a reading of prose texts by Breton and Aragon brings together these two lines of argument, demonstrating that surrealism appeals to ordinary language and everyday life as a remedy against the threat of scepticism. Surrealist manipulations of language are less a departure from the real than an attempt both to restore and to renew the human relation with the world. Obscured by its very familiarity, the everyday comes into view as what Cavell calls the ‘surrealism of the habitual’.
Annotation of Protein Domains Reveals Remarkable Conservation in the Functional Make up of Proteomes Across Superkingdoms
Authors: Nasir Arshan , Naeem Aisha , Khan Muhammad Jawad , Nicora Horacio D. Lopez , Caetano-Anollés Gustavo
Published: November 2011

The functional repertoire of a cell is largely embodied in its proteome, the collection of proteins encoded in the genome of an organism. The molecular functions of proteins are the direct consequence of their structure and structure can be inferred from sequence using hidden Markov models of structural recognition. Here we analyze the functional annotation of protein domain structures in almost a thousand sequenced genomes, exploring the functional and structural diversity of proteomes. We find there is a remarkable conservation in the distribution of domains with respect to the molecular functions they perform in the three superkingdoms of life. In general, most of the protein repertoire is spent in functions related to metabolic processes but there are significant differences in the usage of domains for regulatory and extra-cellular processes both within and between superkingdoms. Our results support the hypotheses that the proteomes of superkingdom Eukarya evolved via genome expansion mechanisms that were directed towards innovating new domain architectures for regulatory and extra/intracellular process functions needed for example to maintain the integrity of multicellular structure or to interact with environmental biotic and abiotic factors (e.g., cell signaling and adhesion, immune responses, and toxin production). Proteomes of microbial superkingdoms Archaea and Bacteria retained fewer numbers of domains and maintained simple and smaller protein repertoires. Viruses appear to play an important role in the evolution of superkingdoms. We finally identify few genomic outliers that deviate significantly from the conserved functional design. These include Nanoarchaeum equitans, proteobacterial symbionts of insects with extremely reduced genomes, Tenericutes and Guillardia theta. These organisms spend most of their domains on information functions, including translation and transcription, rather than on metabolism and harbor a domain repertoire characteristic of parasitic organisms. In contrast, the functional repertoire of the proteomes of the Planctomycetes-Verrucomicrobia-Chlamydiae superphylum was no different than the rest of bacteria, failing to support claims of them representing a separate superkingdom. In turn, Protista and Bacteria shared similar functional distribution patterns suggesting an ancestral evolutionary link between these groups.
Herpesviruses that Infect Fish
Authors: Hanson Larry , Dishon Arnon , Kotler Moshe
Published: November 2011

Herpesviruses are host specific pathogens that are widespread among vertebrates. Genome sequence data demonstrate that most herpesviruses of fish and amphibians are grouped together (family Alloherpesviridae) and are distantly related to herpesviruses of reptiles, birds and mammals (family Herpesviridae). Yet, many of the biological processes of members of the order Herpesvirales are similar. Among the conserved characteristics are the virion structure, replication process, the ability to establish long term latency and the manipulation of the host immune response. Many of the similar processes may be due to convergent evolution. This overview of identified herpesviruses of fish discusses the diseases that alloherpesviruses cause, the biology of these viruses and the host-pathogen interactions. Much of our knowledge on the biology of Alloherpesvirdae is derived from research with two species: Ictalurid herpesvirus 1 (channel catfish virus) and Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (koi herpesvirus).
Moving forward with New Data and Approaches: A Fresh Look at Anthracyclines in Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Authors: Amadori Dino
Published: November 2011

Anthracyclines have a central role in the management of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). The cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) treatment regimen has been the standard of care for more than 20 years. Further improvements have been made to the efficacy of this chemotherapy by reducing the dosing interval and adding rituximab to the regimen. A major limitation to the use of anthracyclines is the development of cardiotoxicity as a late adverse event. Strategies to reduce cardiac events include changes to the dosing schedule for doxorubicin, use of the chelating agent dexrazoxane and the use of liposome-encapsulated doxorubicin. This latter strategy has demonstrated good efficacy and reduced cardiotoxicity in patients with NHL, including those at risk of developing cardiac effects.
Double Decompression of Presacral Collection by Heald Anal Stent and Foley Catheter Combination
Authors: Godfrey Dean A. , Nash Guy F.
Published: November 2011

The authors demonstrate the effective drainage of presacral sepsis following low anterior resection surgery using the novel approach of both the Heald anal stent and a Foley catheter combined. The Heald stent was placed trans-anally without the need for anaesthetic and an 18Fr Foley was placed through this. A presacral collection was drained through the stent, allowing the patient to be discharged after a week without the need to return to the operating theatre. The Heald stent may be used to successfully drain a presacral collection by double decompression of the rectum and the presacral space.
Analysis of Copper and Zinc Plasma Concentration and the Efficacy of Zinc Therapy in Individuals with Asperger's Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) and Autism
Authors: Russo A.J. , deVito Robert
Published: November 2011

Aim

To assess plasma zinc and copper concentration in individuals with Asperger's Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) and autistic disorder, and to analyze the efficacy of zinc therapy on the normalization of zinc and copper levels and symptom severity in these disorders.

Subjects and methods

Plasma from 79 autistic individuals, 52 individuals with PDD-NOS, 21 individuals with Asperger's Syndrome (all meeting DSM-IV diagnostic criteria), and 18 age and gender similar neurotypical controls, were tested for plasma zinc and copper using inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometry.

Results

Autistic and PDD-NOS individuals had significantly elevated plasma levels of copper. None of the groups (autism, Asperger's or PDD-NOS) had significantly lower plasma zinc concentrations. Post zinc and B-6 therapy, individuals with autism and PDD-NOS had significantly lower levels of copper, but individuals with Asperger's did not have significantly lower copper. Individuals with autism, PDD-NOS and Asperger's all had significantly higher zinc levels. Severity of symptoms decreased in autistic individuals following zinc and B-6 therapy with respect to awareness, receptive language, focus and attention, hyperactivity, tip toeing, eye contact, sound sensitivity, tactile sensitivity and seizures. None of the measured symptoms worsened after therapy. None of the symptoms in the Asperger's patients improved after therapy.

Discussion

These results suggest an association between copper and zinc plasma levels and individuals with autism, PDD-NOS and Asperger's Syndrome. The data also indicates that copper levels normalize (decrease to levels of controls) in individuals with autism and PDD-NOS, but not in individuals with Asperger's. These same Asperger's patients do not improve with respect to symptoms after therapy, whereas many symptoms improved in the autism group. This may indicate an association between copper levels and symptom severity.
Stochastic Resonance Activity Influences Serum Tryptophan Metabolism in Healthy Human Subjects
Authors: Kepplinger Berthold , Baran Halina , Sedlnitzky-Semler Brenda , Badawi Nagy-Roland , Erhart Helene
Published: November 2011

Background

Stochastic resonance therapy (SRT) is used for rehabilitation of patients with various neuropsychiatric diseases. An alteration in tryptophan metabolism along the kynurenine pathway has been identified in the central and peripheral nervous systems in patients with neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases and during the aging process. This study investigated the effect of SRT as an exercise activity on serum tryptophan metabolites in healthy subjects.

Methods

Serum L-tryptophan, L-kynurenine, kynurenic acid, and anthranilic acid levels were measured one minute before SRT and at one, 5, 15, 30, and 60 minutes after SRT. We found that SRT affected tryptophan metabolism. Serum levels of L-tryptophan, L-kynurenine, and kynurenic acid were significantly reduced for up to 60 minutes after SRT. Anthranilic acid levels were characterized by a moderate, non significant transient decrease for up to 15 minutes, followed by normalization at 60 minutes. Tryptophan metabolite ratios were moderately altered, suggesting activation of metabolism after SRT. Lowering of tryptophan would generally involve activation of tryptophan catabolism and neurotransmitter, protein, and bone biosynthesis. Lowering of kynurenic acid by SRT might be relevant for improving symptoms in patients with neuropsychiatric disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, and depression, as well as certain pain conditions.
Validity of Using the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills to Determine the Need for Assistance
Authors: Merritt Brenda K.
Published: November 2011

OBJECTIVE. This study evaluated the validity of using Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS) measures as evidence of the need for assistance in the community.

METHOD. In a retrospective analysis of existing data (N = 64,466), receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated, and a split-sample method was used to validate the predictions.

RESULTS. When identifying people who need assistance versus those who do not need assistance in the community, activity of daily living (ADL) motor and ADL process measures have fair and good discriminating value, respectively (areas under the ROC curves were .78 and .84). Evidence supports placing ADL motor and ADL process independence cutoff measures at 1.50 logits (sensitivity = .67, specificity = .72) and 1.00 logit (sensitivity = .81, specificity = .70), respectively. Accuracy was highest when matched motor and process decisions occurred (sensitivity = .85, specificity = .83).

CONCLUSION. Evidence supports using ADL ability measures from the AMPS to provide evidence of a client’s need for assistance in the community.
Correlations Between Quality of Life and Adaptation Factors Among People With Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Hwang Jengliang Eric , Cvitanovich Danielle C. , Doroski Erin K. , Vajarakitipongse Jessica G.
Published: November 2011

OBJECTIVE. We examined the correlations between quality of life and three adaptation factors—adjusted self-concept, social support, and accessibility—in people with multiple sclerosis (MS).

METHOD. A convenience sample of 68 participants completed the Leeds Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life scale (LMSQoL) and a questionnaire assessing the three adaptation factors.

RESULTS. We found significant moderate correlations between LMSQoL scores and adjusted self-concept (r = .56, p < .0001) and LMSQoL scores and social support (r = .52, p < .0001); a significant low correlation was found between LMSQoL and accessibility (r = .36, p = .003).

DISCUSSION. Adjusted self-concept, social support, and accessibility were found to be critical in participants’ psychosocial adaptation to the course of MS. Occupational therapy intervention should address these adaptation factors to help clients cope with MS and promote quality of life.
Driving to Learn in a Powered Wheelchair: The Process of Learning Joystick Use in People With Profound Cognitive Disabilities
Authors: Nilsson Lisbeth , Eklund Mona , Nyberg Per , Thulesius Hans
Published: November 2011

The Driving to Learn project explored ways to help people with profound cognitive disabilities practice operating a joystick-operated powered wheelchair. The project used a grounded theory approach with constant comparative analysis and was carried out over 12 yr. The participants were 45 children and adults with profound cognitive disabilities. Reference groups included 17 typically developing infants and 64 participants with lesser degrees of cognitive disability. The data sources included video recordings, field notes, open interviews, and a rich mixture of literature. The findings that emerged yielded strategies for facilitating achievements, an 8-phase learning process, an assessment tool, and a grounded theory of deplateauing explaining the properties necessary for participants to exceed expected limitations and plateaus. Eight participants with profound cognitive disabilities reached goal-directed driving or higher. Participants were empowered by attaining increased control over tool use, improving their autonomy and quality of life.
Improving Measurement Properties of the Recovery Assessment Scale With Rasch Analysis
Authors: Hancock Nicola , Bundy Anita , Honey Anne , James Geoffrey , Tamsett Sally
Published: November 2011

Recovery from serious mental illness refers to the attainment of a meaningful, productive, and satisfying life, regardless of the presence or absence of reoccurring symptoms. A lack of psychometrically sound instruments has thwarted attempts to measure recovery. With the goal of addressing this need, we administered the Recovery Assessment Scale (RAS) to 92 people with serious mental illness attending a Clubhouse program. Clubhouses are community-based psychosocial rehabilitation programs for people living with mental illness. Rasch analysis enabled close examination of the RAS’s internal validity and reliability. Through iterative analyses, we made enhancements to the instrument where possible. The preponderance of evidence suggests that the modified RAS forms a unidimensional construct; however, the instrument remains far from a gold standard. Occupational therapy is well suited to take leadership in further development of this instrument.
Evidence for ships emissions in the Central Mediterranean Sea from aerosol chemical analyses at the island of Lampedusa
Authors: Becagli S. , Sferlazzo D. M. , Pace G. , di Sarra A. , Bommarito C. , Calzolai G. , Ghedini C. , Lucarelli F. , Meloni D. , Monteleone F. , Severi M. , Traversi R. , Udisti R.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. Measurements of aerosol chemical composition made on the island of Lampedusa, south of the Sicily channel, during years 2004–2008, are used to identify the influence of ship emissions on aerosol particles in the Central Mediterranean. Evidence of ship emissions influence is found in 17% of the daily samples. Aerosol samples influenced by ships are characterized by elevated Ni and V soluble fraction (about 80% for aerosol from ships, versus about 40 % for crustal particles), high V and Ni to Si ratios, and values of Vsol>6 ng m−3. Back trajectories analysis on the selected events show that air masses prevalently come from the Sicily channel, where an intense ship traffic occurs. Vsol, Nisol, and non-sea salt SO42− (nssSO42−) show a marked seasonal behaviour, with an evident summer maximum. Such a pattern can be explained by several processes: (i) increased photochemical activity in summer, leading to a faster production of secondary aerosols, mainly nssSO42−, from the oxidation of SO2 in the ship plume; (ii) stronger marine boundary layer (MBL) stability in summer, leading to higher concentration of emitted compounds in the lowest atmospheric layers; (iii) more frequent meteorological conditions leading to consecutive days with trajectories from the Sicily channel in summer. A very intense event in spring 2008 was studied in detail, also using size segregated chemical measurements. These data show that elements arising from heavy oil combustion (V, Ni, Al, Fe) are distributed in the sub-micrometric fraction of the aerosol, and the metals are present as free metals, carbonates, oxides hydrates or labile complex with organic ligands, so that they are dissolved in mild condition (HNO3, pH1.5). Data suggest a characteristic nssSO42−/V ratio in the range 200–400 for ship emission aerosols in summer at Lampedusa. By using the value of 200 a lower limit for the ship contribution to total sulphates is estimated. Ship emissions account, as a summer average, at least for 1.2 μg m−3, representing about 30% of the total nssSO42−, 3.9% of PM10, 8% of PM2.5, and 11% of PM1. Within the used dataset, sulphate from ship emissions reached the peak value of 6.1 μg m−3 on 26 June 2008, when it contributed by 47% to nssSO42−, and by 15% to PM10.
Uptake coefficient of H2O2 on ice
Authors: Yan H. , Chu L. T.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. H2O2 uptake coefficients on ice surfaces, over a temperature range from 190 to 220 K, have been studied in a flow reactor coupled with a differentially pumped quadrupole mass spectrometer. The initial uptake coefficient increases with an increase in H2O2 pressure and a decrease in temperature. The results were analyzed using surface kinetics, and the analysis shows that the uptake involves both H2O2 adsorption and surface aggregation. H2O2 desorption kinetics supports lateral attractive interactions among adsorbed H2O2 on ice. The result can be used to model the heterogeneous H2O2 loss on snow/ice surfaces and cirrus clouds as a function of the H2O2 concentration and temperature.
Retrieval of aerosol optical depth and vertical distribution using O2 A- and B-band SCIAMACHY observations over Kanpur: a case study
Authors: Sanghavi S. , Martonchik J. V. , Landgraf J. , Platt U.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. The vertical profiles of aerosol often provide a clear picture of transport processes, and are an indicator of elevated secondary aerosol formation or primary aerosol sources close to the surface. The vertical extent of clouds and aerosols also governs the sign and magnitude of their net radiative forcing. Ground- and satellite-based lidar measurements presently provide much of this information, however their sampling of 3-D data is limited due to infrequent, sparce or uneven coverage. From a remote-sensing perspective, retrievals of many trace-gases suffer from uncertainties due to aerosol and would benefit from co-located information on the amount and vertical distribution of aerosol loading. This motivates the development of complementary methods to retrieve vertical information on aerosols using satellite data, which have the advantage of more frequent global coverage. SCIAMACHY onboard ENVISAT provides spectral data at moderate resolution in the UV/VIS including the O2 A- and B-bands, which contain vertical information due to the known vertical profile of O2. We make combined use of these bands in an optimal estimation based algorithm applicable both over bright and dark surfaces to retrieve the parametrized vertical profile of aerosol, in addition to the optical thickness from SCIAMACHY data. We present a case study over Kanpur, India, showing good agreement with coincident AERONET data, capturing seasonal cycles and a periodic wind-blown dust event over Kanpur.
Evaluation of two precipitation data sets for the Rhine River using streamflow simulations
Authors: Photiadou C. S. , Weerts A. H. , van den Hurk B. J. J. M.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. This paper presents an extended version of a widely used precipitation data set and evaluates it along with a recently released precipitation data set, using streamflow simulations. First, the existing precipitation data set issued by the Commission for the Hydrology of the Rhine basin (CHR), originally covering the period 1961–1995, was extended until 2008 using a number of additional precipitation data sets. Next, the extended version of the CHR, together with E-OBS Version 4 (ECA & D gridded data set) were evaluated for their performance in the Rhine basin for extreme events. Finally, the two aforementioned precipitation data sets and a meteorological reanalysis data set were used to force a hydrological model, evaluating the influence of different precipitation forcings on the annual mean and extreme discharges compared to observational discharges for the period from 1990 until 2008. The extended version of CHR showed good agreement in terms of mean annual cycle, extreme discharge (both high and low flows), and spatial distribution of correlations with observed discharge. E-OBS performed well with respect to extreme discharge. However, its performance of the mean annual cycle in winter was rather poor and remarkably well in the summer. Also, CHR08 outperformed E-OBS in terms of temporal correlations in most of the analyzed sub-catchment means. The length extension for the CHR and the even longer length of E-OBS permit the assessment of extreme discharge and precipitation values with lower uncertainty for longer return periods. This assessment classifies both of the presented precipitation data sets as possible reference data sets for future studies in hydrological applications.
Venöse Thrombembolien bei Tumorpatienten
Authors: Alt-Epping B. , Demarmels Biasutti F. , Langer F. , Wörmann B. , Riess H. , Pabinger I.
Published: November 2011

Venous thrombembolism (VTE) is one of the most frequent complication in cancer patients. The current options in prophylaxis and therapy have to be balanced against the risks of major bleeding and the burden for the patients. The Gesellschaft für Thrombose- und Hämostaseforschung, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Palliativmedizin and the German speaking Societies of Hematology and Oncology have recently published guidelines on VTE in cancer patients. Recommendations include diagnostics, individual prophylaxis and treatment.
Pituitary iron and volume predict hypogonadism in transfusional iron overload
Authors: Noetzli Leila J. , Panigrahy Ashok , Mittelman Steven D. , Hyderi Aleya , Dongelyan Ani , Coates Thomas D. , Wood John C.
Published: November 2011

Hypogonadism is the most common morbidity in patients with transfusion‐dependent anemias such as thalassemia major. We used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to measure pituitary R2 (iron) and volume to determine at what age these patients develop pituitary iron overload and volume loss. We recruited 56 patients (47 with thalassemia major, five with chronically transfused thalassemia intermedia and four with Blackfan‐Diamond syndrome) to have pituitary MRIs to measure pituitary R2 and volume. Hypogonadism was defined clinically based on the timing of secondary sexual characteristics or the need for sex hormone replacement therapy. Patients with transfusional iron overload begin to develop pituitary iron overload in the first decade of life; however, clinically significant volume loss was not observed until the second decade of life. Severe pituitary iron deposition (Z > 5) and volume loss (Z < −2.5) were independently predictive of hypogonadism. Pituitary R2 correlated significantly with serum ferritin as well as liver, pancreatic, and cardiac iron deposition by MRI. Log pancreas R2* was the best single predictor for pituitary iron, with an area under the receiving operator characteristic curve of 0.88, but log cardiac R2* and ferritin were retained on multivariate regression with a combined r2 of 0.71. Pituitary iron overload and volume loss were independently predictive of hypogonadism. Many patients with moderate‐to‐severe pituitary iron overload retained normal gland volume and function, representing a potential therapeutic window. The subset of hypogonadal patients having preserved gland volumes may also explain improvements in pituitary function observed following intensive chelation therapy. Am. J. Hematol. 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nationwide incidence of major complications in endoscopic sinus surgery
Authors: Ramakrishnan Vijay R. , Kingdom Todd T. , Nayak Jayakar V. , Hwang Peter H. , Orlandi Richard R.
Published: November 2011

Background:

Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is one of the most commonly performed procedures in otolaryngology. Major complications are estimated to occur in 1–3% of cases, based on early studies with relatively small patient cohorts in academic institutions. The aim of this study was to update data regarding major complication rates associated with ESS by analyzing a large patient database.

Methods:

Retrospective review of a nationwide database of patients who underwent ESS between 2003 and 2007. Major postoperative complications—cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, orbital injury, and hemorrhage requiring blood transfusion—were identified by searching the database for related International Classification of Diseases, 9th edition (ICD‐9) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes. Complication rates were examined and time to occurrence analyzed. Two‐tailed test of proportions, global chi‐square test, and logistical regression analysis were used for statistical comparison.

Results:

A total of 62,823 patients who met rigorous inclusion criteria were included. The overall major complication rate was 1.00% (CSF leak 0.17%; orbital injury 0.07%; hemorrhage requiring transfusion 0.76%). CSF leak was less likely to occur in the pediatric population (p = 0.05), whereas orbital injury was more likely to occur in children (p < 0.001). Examination of the impact of image guidance (IGS) was limited by study design.

Conclusion:

The incidence of major complications associated with ESS appears to have decreased since early reports over 10 years ago. There may be different complication rates in the pediatric population. Study design limitations did not allow for comprehensive assessment of IGS in the development of these complications. These data help to educate otolaryngologists and patients about complication rates in ESS in a modern context. © 2011 ARS‐AAOA, LLC.
Addendum to the Elementary Process Theory
Authors: Cabbolet M.J.T.F.
Published: November 2011

Recently, the Elementary Process Theory has been introduced as an axiomatic system with a potential application as a foundational framework for physics. This addendum clarifies the primitive concepts ‘phase quantum’ and ‘monad’ that play a central role in the physical picture that arises from the axiomatic system.
On the general structure of mathematical models for physical systems
Authors: Delphenich D.H.
Published: November 2011

It is proposed that the mathematical models for any physical systems that are based in first principles, such as conservation laws or balance principles, have some common elements, namely, a space of kinematical states, a space of dynamical states, a constitutive law that associates dynamical states with kinematical states, as well as a duality principle. The equations of motion or statics then come about from, on the one hand, specifying the integrability of the kinematical state, and on the other hand, specifying a statement that is dual to it for the dynamical states. Examples are given from various fundamental physical systems.
Retracted: Palladium (II)—rare earth metal catalyzed copolymerization of CO and styrene in [bmim]+PF6− ionic liquid
Authors: Guo Jintang , Hu Guang , Gao Shan , Li Peng
Published: November 2011

The following article from the Journal of Applied Polymer Science, “Palladium (II)—Rare Earth Metal Catalyzed Copolymerization of CO and Styrene in [bmim]+PF6− Ionic Liquid” by Jintang Guo, Guang Hu, Shan Gao, and Peng Li, published online on 14 November 2011 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the authors; the journal's Managing Editor, Stefano Tonzani; and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. The retraction has been agreed due to the inappropriate use of previously published work, in particular Figures 6 and 7.
Regioregular improvement on the oxidative polymerization of poly‐3‐octylthiophenes by slow addition of oxidant at low temperature
Authors: Torres B. B. M. , Balogh D. T.
Published: November 2011

Many pathways can be used to synthesize polythiophenes derivatives. The polycondensation reactions performed with organometallics are preferred since they lead to regioregular polymers (with high content of heat‐to‐tail coupling) which have enhanced conductivity and luminescence. However, these pathways have several steps; the reactants are highly moisture sensitive and expensive. On the other hand, the oxidative polymerization using FeCl3 is a one‐pot reaction that requires less moisture sensitive reactants with lower cost, although the most common reaction conditions lead to polymers with low regioregularity. Here, we report that by changing the reaction conditions, such as FeCl3 addition rate and reaction temperature, poly‐3‐octylthiophenes with different the regioregularities can be obtained, reaching about 80% of heat‐to‐tail coupling. Different molar mass distributions and polydispersivities were obtained. The preliminary results suggest that the oxidative polymerization process could be improved to yield polythiophenes with higher regioregularity degree and narrower molar mass distributions by just setting some reaction conditions. We also verified that it is possible to solvent extract part of the lower regioregular fraction of the polymer further improving the regioregularity degree. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Chain extension reactions of unsaturated polyesters with bis(2‐oxazoline)s
Authors: Taylan Ediz , Küsefoğlu Selim H.
Published: November 2011

Two different bisoxazolines, 2,2′‐(1,3‐phenylene) bis(2‐oxazoline) (1,3‐PBO) and 2,2′‐bis(2‐oxazoline) (BO) were investigated as chain extenders for short chain unsaturated polyesters (UPEs). These extenders reacted readily with carboxyl ends of unsaturated polyesters, leading to rapid molecular weight increase through coupling of oligomeric chains. Commercially available unsaturated polyesters commonly have molecular weights around 1500, usually reached after a 20‐h polyesterification reaction. When bisoxazolines were reacted with short UPE chains obtained at the 6th hour of a commercial polyesterification reaction, the molecular weight of UPE reached 1500 within 5–30 min, which provides economies and prevents the glycol loss and yellowing which are associated with extended reaction times. Styrene solubility, gel time, and thermal and mechanical properties of the chain extended polyesters remained comparable to the commercial UPE, with 8–10 min of gel time and a storage modulus about 3000 MPa. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Adaptive Fuzzy Control for Nonlinear Time‐Delay Systems with Dynamical Uncertainties
Authors: Tong Shaocheng , Sheng Ning , Li Yongming
Published: November 2011

In this paper, an adaptive fuzzy backstepping robust control approach is proposed for a class of SISO nonlinear strict‐feedback systems. The nonlinear systems addressed in this paper are assumed to possess three uncertainties: (i) the unstructured uncertainties; (ii) the time delays; and (iii) the dynamics uncertainties. In adaptive backstepping recursive design, fuzzy logic systems are used to approximate the unstructured uncertainties. A nonlinear damping technique and Lyapunov–Krasovskii functions are introduced to cancel the effects of the dynamics uncertainties and deal with the time delays, respectively. Combining the backstepping technique and a small gain approach, a stable adaptive fuzzy robust control approach is developed. It is proved that all the signals of the closed‐loop system are semi‐golablly uniformaly ultimately bounded (SUUB). The effectiveness of the proposed approach is illustrated by a simulation example.
Modeling and design of optimal flow perfusion bioreactors for tissue engineering applications
Authors: Hidalgo‐Bastida L. Araida , Thirunavukkarasu Sundaramoorthy , Griffiths Sarah , Cartmell Sarah H. , Naire Shailesh
Published: November 2011

Perfusion bioreactors have been used in different tissue engineering applications because of their consistent distribution of nutrients and flow‐induced shear stress within the tissue‐engineering scaffold. A widely used configuration uses a scaffold with a circular cross‐section enclosed within a cylindrical chamber and inlet and outlet pipes which are connected to the chamber on either side through which media is continuously circulated. However, fluid‐flow experiments and simulations have shown that the majority of the flow perfuses through the center. This pattern creates stagnant zones in the peripheral regions as well as in those of high flow rate near the inlet and outlet. This non‐uniformity of flow and shear stress, owing to a circular design, results in limited cell proliferation and differentiation in these areas. The focus of this communication is to design an optimized perfusion system using computational fluid dynamics as a mathematical tool to overcome the time‐consuming trial and error experimental method. We compared the flow within a circular and a rectangular bioreactor system. Flow simulations within the rectangular bioreactor are shown to overcome the limitations in the circular design. This communication challenges the circular cross‐section bioreactor configuration paradigm and provides proof of the advantages of the new design over the existing one. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012; 109:1095–1099. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Differential contribution of Neurog1 and Neurog2 on the formation of cranial ganglia along the anterior‐posterior axis
Authors: Takano‐Maruyama Masumi , Chen Yiju , Gaufo Gary O.
Published: November 2011

Background: The neural crest (NC) and placode are transient neurogenic cell populations that give rise to cranial ganglia of the vertebrate head. The formation of the anterior NC‐ and placode‐derived ganglia has been shown to depend on the single activity of either Neurog1 or Neurog2. The requirement of the more posterior cranial ganglia on Neurog1 and Neurog2 is unknown. Results: Here we show that the formation of the NC‐derived parasympathetic otic ganglia and placode‐derived visceral sensory petrosal and nodose ganglia are dependent on the redundant activities of Neurog1 and Neurog2. Tamoxifen‐inducible Cre lineage labeling of Neurog1 and Neurog2 show a dynamic spatiotemporal expression profile in both NC and epibranchial placode that correlates with the phenotypes of the Neurog‐mutant embryos. Conclusion: Our data, together with previous studies, suggest that the formation of cranial ganglia along the anterior‐posterior axis is dependent on the dynamic spatiotemporal activities of Neurog1 and/or Neurog2 in both NC and epibranchial placode. Developmental Dynamics 241:229–241, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
New Organocadmium Hydrazine Adducts and Hydrazide Complexes
Authors: Johnson Andrew L , Hollingsworth Nathan , Kingsley Andrew , Kociok‐Köhn Gabriele , Molloy Kieran C.
Published: November 2011

The synthesis of (Me2CdL)n [L = H2NN(H)tBu, n = 2 (1); L = H2NN(CH2CH2)2NMe, n = ∞ (2)] and the conversion of 2 to MeCdN(H)N(CH2CH2)2NMe (4) are reported. In the solid state, 1 is a dimer in which each H2NN(H)tBu bridges two metal centres to generate discrete, isolated Cd2N4 rings, whereas 2 is a 1D polymer in which Me2Cd units are bridged by H2N and MeN moieties; the chains in 2 are further reinforced by NH···N hydrogen bonds. Hydrazide 4 is tetrameric and isostructural with the known aminomorpholine analogue; it forms a Cd4N8 cage structure that embodies both five‐membered Cd2N3 and six‐membered Cd2N4 rings. In addition to X‐ray crystallography, 1, 2 and 4 have been characterised by 1H, 13C, and 113Cd NMR spectroscopy.
Composition of neutral lipid classes and content of fatty acids throughout sourdough breadmaking
Authors: Rocha João M. , Kalo Paavo J. , Malcata F. Xavier
Published: November 2011

Broa is an example of bread that is a good candidate for inclusion in functional diets, so it deserves further in‐depth study of its chemical composition—namely with regard to evolution of the lipid profile throughout breadmaking, in order to assess whether mixing, fermentation, or baking affect its nutritional value (in terms of unsaturated fatty acids, UFA) based on the assumption that neutral lipids (NL) can be protein‐ or carbohydrate‐bound. Hence, constituent fatty acids in NL of maize (Zea mays) and rye flour (Secale cereale), and in sourdough and final broa manufactured from a mixture therefrom were quantitated. Methodologies of esterification of fatty acids, as well as of transesterification of acyl lipids and sterol esters (SE) were improved. The n‐hydrocarbons containing between 4 and 24 carbon atoms were then resolved and identified by gas–liquid chromatography. Regarding total neutral lipids (TNL) in all samples, 79–89% were TAGs, and 87–93% were TAGs and DAGs in the case of free lipids (FL). Furthermore, 73–85% of TNL in bound lipids (BL) and 65–80% of TNL in starch lipids (SL) were TAG and free fatty acids (FFA). Conversely, only 4–5%, 6–16%, and 7–10% of TNL in FL, BL, and SL, respectively, were SE and MAGs. TAGs and DAGs underwent partial hydrolysis during fermentation and baking; palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acids were dominant as products released. The nutritional value of broa lipids was apparent owing to their proportions of SE (4%) and DAG (9%), coupled with 52% of linoleic acid in all samples—as well as to the high contents of polyunsaturated versus monounsaturated or saturated fatty acids, and to the general dominance of UFA.
Synthesis of N‐Vinyloxazolidinones and Morpholines from Amino Alcohols and Vinylsulfonium Salts: Analysis of the Outcome's Dependence on the N‐Protecting Group by Nanospray Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Yar Muhammad , Fritz Sven P. , Gates Paul J. , McGarrigle Eoghan M. , Aggarwal Varinder K.
Published: November 2011

The effect of the nature of the N‐protecting group on 1,2‐amino alcohols in annulation reactions with diphenylvinylsulfonium triflate has been investigated. Although tosyl and sulfinamide groups give morpholines in high yields, the use of N‐Cbz leads to a high‐yielding synthesis of N‐vinyloxazolidinones. The reactions were monitored by nanospray MS/MS, which revealed why reactions are successful and the fate of reactive intermediates in the unsuccessful reactions.
Spatial analysis of the risk of multiple cancers in relation to a petrochemical plant
Authors: Calculli Crescenza , Pollice Alessio , Serinelli Maria
Published: November 2011

In Environmental Epidemiology studies, the effects of the presence of a source of pollution on the population health can be evaluated by models that consider the distance from the source as a possible risk factor. We introduce a hierarchical Bayesian model in order to investigate the association between the risk of multiple pathologies and the presence of a single pollution source. Our approach provides the possibility to incorporate spatial effects and other confounding factors within a logistic regression model. Spatial effects are decomposed into the sum of a disease‐specific parametric component accounting for the distance from the point source and a common semi‐parametric component that can be interpreted as a residual spatial variation. The model is applied to data from a spatial case–control study to evaluate the association of the incidence of different cancers with the residential location in the neighborhood of a petrochemical plant in the Brindisi area (Italy). Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new enrichment space for the treatment of discontinuous pressures in multi‐fluid flows
Authors: Ausas Roberto F. , Buscaglia Gustavo C. , Idelsohn Sergio R.
Published: November 2011

In this work, a new enrichment space to accommodate jumps in the pressure field at immersed interfaces in finite element formulations, is proposed. The new enrichment adds two degrees of freedom per element that can be eliminated by means of static condensation. The new space is tested and compared with the classical P1 space and to the space proposed by Ausas et al (Comp. Meth. Appl. Mech. Eng., Vol. 199, 1019–1031, 2010) in several problems involving jumps in the viscosity and/or the presence of singular forces at interfaces not conforming with the element edges. The combination of this enrichment space with another enrichment that accommodates discontinuities in the pressure gradient has also been explored, exhibiting excellent results in problems involving jumps in the density or the volume forces. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.