bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PET‐CT in recurrent head neck cancers: A study to evaluate impact on patient management
Authors: Pantvaidya G.H. , Agarwal J.P. , Deshpande M.S. , Rangarajan V. , Singh V. , Kakade A. , D'Cruz A.K.
Published: February 2009

Background and Objectives

PET‐CT has shown promise in the management of head neck cancers. However, there have been only few studies evaluating its impact on management of patients with recurrent cancers in the presence of available clinicoradiologic methods of assessment. We conducted this study to assess the same in patients with suspected recurrent head and neck cancer.

Methods

Case histories were presented to two oncologists, who were blinded to PET‐CT reports. Treatment plans were made by these oncologists based on clinical findings and other conventional imaging. These plans were then compared to the actual treatment received by patients after PET‐CT. Any change was recorded as “change in management.”

Results

Forty‐nine patients with suspected recurrent head and neck cancer were evaluated in the study. Overall, there was a 38.7% change in management because of the addition of PET‐CT to conventional methods of assessment. Eight patients (16.3%) had a major change in therapy while in 11 patients (22.4%), diagnostic procedures like endoscopies, biopsies and examination under anesthesia were avoided.

Conclusion

In our study, PET‐CT had a significant impact on the management of patients with suspected recurrent head neck cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;100:401–403. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transoral excision of the submandibular gland: Techniques and results of nine cases
Authors: Kauffman Ryan M. , Netterville James L. , Burkey Brian B.
Published: February 2009

Objectives/Hypothesis:

We will discuss the transoral surgical approach to excising the submandibular gland, the relevant anatomy, the indications, and the risks and benefits of the procedure. We will present our case series of nine patients.

Study Design:

A retrospective review of a series of nine patients in which transoral submandibular gland excision was attempted over the past 10 years was performed.

Methods:

The series of nine patients who underwent transoral submandibular gland excision was examined for age, indication for operation, complications, length of stay, and postoperative pathology. Relevant indications, risks, and benefits are also discussed in conjunction with relevant surgical anatomy and approach utilized.

Results:

Of nine patients who underwent attempted transoral submandibular gland excision, eight operations were completed transorally. Only one operation was converted to a standard external approach due to severe scarring. Six of nine patients presented with chronic sialadenitis, three of nine having obstructing sialoliths. Three patients presented with other benign cystic lesions consistent with a ranula, an infected mucocele, and a cystic teratoma. There was only one patient with a complication of incision breakdown and delayed healing in an irradiated field. There were no long‐term complications involving the lingual or hypoglossal nerves, and there were no hemostatic complications.

Conclusions:

Transoral excision of the submandibular gland is a viable and safe approach to be utilized. There are no external scars caused, there is minimal risk to the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve, and skin incisions through irradiated fields are avoided. Although the surgical anatomy is somewhat novel, the transoral approach has been used effectively and without complication in removing benign submandibular gland pathology in our series. Laryngoscope, 119:502–507, 2009
How reliable is contact endoscopy of the nasopharynx in patients with nasopharyngeal cancer?
Authors: Pak Martin Wai , Vlantis Alexander C. , Chow Samuel , van Hasselt Charles Andrew
Published: February 2009

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To evaluate diagnostic reliability of contact rhinoscopy in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Study Design:

A cross‐sectional randomized single‐blinded study was carried out to evaluate the reliability of the findings of contact rhinoscopy in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma assessed by different observers.

Methods:

Random images of contact endoscopy of 157 subjects including normal patients and patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, both prior to external beam radiation therapy (RT), the non‐RT group, and after external beam radiation therapy, the post‐RT group, were available for analysis. Three independent observers of varying clinical experience and histopathologic knowledge viewed the images and made a diagnosis for each image. The diagnosis of each image was correlated with the histology of the biopsy from the corresponding patient.

Results:

In the non‐RT group, Kappa values for inter‐ and intraobserver reliability to differentiate normal epithelium from primary nasopharyngeal carcinoma were 0.894, 1.000, 0.794 and 0.694, 1.000, 0.776 for the house officer, radiologist, and pathologist, respectively. There were no significant differences in interobserver and intraobserver reliabilities between the assessors. In the post‐RT group, Kappa values for the inter‐ and intraobserver reliability to diagnose recurrent carcinoma or atypia, squamous metaplasia, and radiation change for the three observers were 0.820, 0.718, 0.775 and 0.731, 0.622, 0.734, respectively. There were no significant differences in interobserver and intraobserver reliabilities between the assessors.

Conclusions:

The clinical diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma by contact endoscopy is highly reliable and is not dependent on the clinical experience or knowledge of histopathology of the observers. Laryngoscope, 119:523–527, 2009
Reciprocal immunohistochemical expression of sodium/iodide symporter and hexokinase I in primary thyroid tumors with synchronous cervical metastasis
Authors: Jung Young Ho , Hah J. Hun , Sung Myung‐Whun , Kim Kwang Hyun , Cho Soo Youn , Jeon Yoon Kyung
Published: February 2009

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) is a glycoprotein which is related to the concentration of radioiodine in thyroid cancer. Glucose transporter‐1 (Glut‐1) and hexokinases (HK) are glycoproteins related to glucose metabolism (i.e., uptake and phosphorylation) in various cancers. The aim of this study was to determine the immunohistochemical patterns of expression and mutual relationships between NIS, Glut‐1, HK I, and HK II in primary thyroid tumors and synchronous cervical metastatic tumors.

Study Design:

Retrospective experimental study.

Methods:

Nine cases of follicular carcinomas, sixteen cases of papillary carcinomas, and four cases of anaplastic carcinomas were included. The immunohistochemical staining intensities were categorized (scored) as negative (0), weak (1), positive (2), or strongly positive (3) and dichotomized as a negative/weak (scores 0 or 1) or positive expression (scores 2 or 3).

Results:

NIS had a positive expression in good prognostic types of thyroid carcinomas, such as follicular carcinomas, more often, while having a positive expression in poor prognostic types of thyroid carcinomas, such as anaplastic carcinomas (P = .033) less often; HK I had the opposite pattern of expression (P = .033). Primary thyroid tumors and corresponding synchronous cervical metastatic tumors had a similar pattern of expression for NIS, HK I, and HK II. NIS had a reciprocal relationship with HK I as compared to Glut‐1 with respect to staining intensity on each primary tumor (P = .040).

Conclusion:

Reciprocal staining pattern of NIS and HK I on primary tumors is related to the staining pattern of NIS and HK I on synchronous as well as occult cervical metastatic tumors. Laryngoscope, 119:541–548, 2009
Computer‐assisted teaching of epistaxis management
Authors: Glicksman Jordan T. , Brandt Michael G. , Moukarbel Roger V. , Rotenberg Brian , Fung Kevin
Published: February 2009

Objectives:

To determine whether computer‐assisted learning (CAL) is an effective tool for the instruction of technical skills.

Study Design:

Prospective blinded randomized‐control trial conducted on a cohort of 47 first‐year medical students.

Methods:

Students were instructed on two techniques of nasal packing (formal nasal pack and nasal tampon) for the management of epistaxis, using either a standard text‐based article or a novel computer‐based learning module. Students were evaluated on proper nasal packing technique using standardized subjective and objective outcome measures by three board‐certified otolaryngologists. Blind assessments took place prior to and following instruction, using the assigned learning modality.

Results:

There were 47 participants enrolled in the study. Both groups demonstrated improvement in performance of both packing procedures following training. A significant post‐training difference favoring CAL learners over text‐based learners was observed, using the global assessment of skill for both packing techniques (P < .001). Additionally, a significant post‐training difference favoring CAL learners over text‐based learners was observed for all checklist items for the tampon pack and five of eight items on the formal pack checklist. The vast majority of students (94.6%) indicated that if given the choice, they would prefer to learn using CAL rather than by using text‐based learning materials.

Conclusions:

CAL learners demonstrated significantly greater improvement across both subjective and objective outcome measures when compared to the text‐based group. Additionally, students favored learning via the CAL modality, which further suggests that CAL is a valuable means of imparting procedural knowledge to novice medical trainees. Laryngoscope, 119:466–472, 2009
Comparison of the use of tympanic and extratympanic electrodes for electrocochleography
Authors: Bonucci Ariane Solci , Hyppolito Miguel Angelo
Published: February 2009

Objectives:

To determine the differences between tympanic and extratympanic electrodes regarding recording technique, comfort and ease of execution of the exam, and quality of auditory potential tracings.

Study Design:

Prospective cross‐section investigation.

Methods:

Determination of the summation potential/action potential (SP/AP) ratio by electrocochleography (EchoG) using tympanic and extratympanic electrodes and separate analysis of SP and AP regarding the amplitude recorded.

Results:

Twenty‐three subjects (15 men and 8 women; mean age: 33.17 years) with normal tonal threshold audiometry were evaluated. EchoG analysis revealed no significant difference between the two tympanic electrodes. Eleven of the 23 subjects reported discomfort with the insertion of the tympanic electrode even with the use of topical xylocaine, whereas no complaints of discomfort were reported with the use of the extratympanic electrode.

Conclusions:

Both electrodes were effective for EchoG evaluation, but the extratympanic one was easier to insert and did not cause discomfort. However, the tympanic electrode produced tracings of greater amplitude and of better reproducibility. Laryngoscope, 119:563–566, 2009
A‐P positioning of medialization thyroplasty in an excised larynx model
Authors: Czerwonka Lukasz , Ford Charles N. , Machi Anthony T. , Leverson Glen E. , Jiang Jack J.
Published: February 2009

Hypothesis:

Posterior positioning of medialization thyroplasty provides the best acoustic and aerodynamic outcomes.

Study Design:

Ex vivo excised canine larynx.

Methods:

Unilateral thyroplasty windows were cut in the thyroid cartilages of 10 excised canine larynges. Each larynx was mounted on an artificial lung and the vocal fold opposite the thyroid window was adducted by medializing its arytenoid cartilage. Then, medialization thyroplasty was simulated with a probe placed anterior, central, and posterior in the thyroid window. The glottal area, airway reduction, medialization force, phonation threshold pressure and flow, aerodynamic power, intensity, efficiency, jitter, shimmer, and signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) were measured at each medialization position.

Results:

Posterior medialization probe placement minimized the glottal area, provided the best voice as determined by perturbation measures and SNR, reduced the work of phonation, and increased efficiency. Anterior and middle probe placement minimized the work of phonation but provided only modest gains in sound quality and decreased sound intensity. Medializing the vocal fold with posterior probe placement required twice as much force as central and anterior probe placement.

Conclusions:

The results suggest that posterior medialization provides the greatest improvement in acoustic parameters and efficiency in patients who can tolerate the airway reduction. Middle and anterior medialization can decrease work of phonation, but in this experiment objective improvement in sound quality was limited. Subtle changes in displacement shim contour, especially in middle and anterior locations, have a substantial impact on voice outcome, affirming the value of intraoperative voice assessment. Laryngoscope, 119:591–596, 2009
Transoral resection of tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Moore Eric J. , Henstrom Doug K. , Olsen Kerry D. , Kasperbauer Jan L. , McGree Michaela E.
Published: February 2009

Objectives:

The tonsillar fossa is the most common subsite of the oropharynx to be afflicted with squamous cell carcinoma (SCCA). Accepted treatments include any combination of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. We review the oncologic and functional outcomes of patients with tonsillar carcinoma who underwent transoral tumor resection and neck dissection with or without postoperative radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy.

Study Design:

Retrospective chart review.

Methods:

From 1996 through January 2005, 102 patients with tonsillar SCCA underwent transoral resection. Overall survival, disease‐specific survival, local control, and locoregional control rates were analyzed using the Kaplan‐Meier method. Immediate and long‐term speech and swallowing function and treatment‐related morbidity were analyzed.

Results:

Twenty‐six patients had surgery only, 71 had surgery and radiotherapy, and five had surgery and chemoradiotherapy. Twenty patients had stage III disease, 63 had stage IVA disease, and two had stage IVB disease. The Kaplan‐Meier overall survival estimate was 92.2% at 2 years and 85.0% at 5 years. The 5‐year local control estimate was 91.8%, and the 5‐year Kaplan‐Meier disease‐specific survival estimate was 93.9%. The median hospital stay was 3 days. Tracheostomy was required for 14 patients, and 13 of these patients had decannulation. Temporary feeding tubes were placed in 35 patients. Sixteen patients received a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube; of these, 12 had the tubes removed.

Conclusions:

Transoral resection of tonsillar SCCA with or without postoperative adjuvant therapy provided excellent locoregional control and minimized treatment‐related morbidity. We believe that transoral resection is the optimal treatment for patients with oropharyngeal SCCA. Laryngoscope, 119:508–515, 2009
Endoscopic nasopharyngectomy for locally recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Chen Ming‐Yuan , Wen Wei‐Ping , Guo Xiang , Yang An‐Kui , Qian Chao‐Nan , Hua Yi‐Jun , Wan Xiang‐Bo , Guo Zhu‐Ming , Li Tian‐Ying , Hong Ming‐Huang
Published: February 2009

Objectives:

Nasopharyngectomy is the primary treatment for locally recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (rNPC). However, oncological nasopharyngectomy is difficult to achieve, even using extranasal surgical approaches, with potential risks of severe functional disabilities and serious complications. This report introduces an innovative, minimally invasive, oncological, endoscopic nasopharyngectomy.

Methods:

Between October 2004 and January 2008, 37 rNPC patients received endoscopic nasopharyngectomy, with 17, 4, 14, and 2 cases of rT1N0M0, rT2aN0M0, rT2bN0M0, and rT3N0M0, respectively. Tumors in all patients were confined to the nasopharyngeal cavity, postnaris, nasal septum, superficial parapharyngeal space, or the base of the sphenoid sinus. Nasopharyngeal malignancies and adequate surgical margin (>0.5–1.0 cm) were required for continuous en bloc resection.

Results:

Among the 37 endoscopic nasopharyngectomies, 35 achieved en bloc tumor resection with negative surgical margins. In the remaining two cases, the tumors were dissected into small blocks, and one had positive surgical margins. No patient received postoperative radiotherapy and no severe complication was observed. During the 6–45 months of follow‐up (median, 24 months), five patients experienced in situ residual or recurrence with 1 submaxillary lymphatic metastasis. One patient developed distant metastases and died, one died of intracranial infection, and one died of another cancer. The 2‐year overall survival rate, local relapse‐free survival rate, and progression‐free survival rate were 84.2%, 86.3%, and 82.6%, respectively.

Conclusions:

Appropriate endoscopic nasopharyngectomy is a minimally invasive, safe, and promising surgical modality for the en bloc excision of rNPCs with encouraging short‐term outcome. Long‐term patient follow‐up is ongoing. Laryngoscope, 119:516–522, 2009
Double half RF pulses for reduced sensitivity to eddy currents in UTE imaging
Authors: Josan Sonal , Pauly John M. , Daniel Bruce L. , Pauly Kim Butts
Published: February 2009

Ultrashort echo time imaging with half RF pulse excitation is challenging as eddy currents induced by the slice‐select gradient distort the half pulse slice profile. This work presents two pulses with T2‐dependent slice profiles that are less sensitive to eddy currents. The double half pulse improves the slice selectivity for long T2 components, while the inverted double half pulse suppresses the unwanted long T2 signal. Thus, both approaches prevent imperfect cancellation of out‐of‐slice signal from contaminating the desired slice. Experimental results demonstrate substantially improved slice selectivity and R2* quantitation accuracy with these pulses. These pulses are effective in making short T2 imaging and quantitation less sensitive to eddy currents and provide an alternative to time‐consuming gradient characterization. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cellular compartmentalization of internalized paramagnetic liposomes strongly influences both T1 and T2 relaxivity
Authors: Kok Maarten B. , Hak Sjoerd , Mulder Willem J.M. , van der Schaft Daisy W.J. , Strijkers Gustav J. , Nicolay Klaas
Published: February 2009

In recent years, numerous Gd3+‐based contrast agents have been developed to enable target‐specific MR imaging of in vivo processes at the molecular level. The combination of powerful contrast agents and amplification strategies, aimed at increasing the contrast agent dose at the target site, is an often‐used strategy to improve the sensitivity of biomarker detection. One such amplification mechanism is to target a disease‐specific cell membrane receptor that can undergo multiple rounds of internalization following ligand binding and thus shuttle a sizeable amount of contrast agent into the target cell. An example of such a membrane receptor is the ανβ3 integrin. The goal of this study was to investigate the consequences of this amplification approach for the T1‐ and T2‐shortening efficacy of a paramagnetic contrast agent. Cultured endothelial cells were incubated with paramagnetic liposomes that were conjugated with a cyclic RGD‐peptide to enable internalization by means of the ανβ3 integrin receptor. Non‐targeted liposomes served as a control. This study showed that ανβ3 targeting dramatically increased the uptake of paramagnetic liposomes. This targeting strategy, however, strongly influenced both the longitudinal and transverse relaxivity of the internalized paramagnetic liposomes. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Feasibility of single‐voxel MRS measurement of apparent diffusion coefficient of water in breast tumors
Authors: Corum C.A. , McIntosh A.D. , Bolan P.J. , Nelson M. , Snyder A.L. , Powell N.J. , Boyum J. , Emory T.H. , Yee D. , Tuttle T.M. , Everson L.I. , Garwood M.
Published: February 2009

We report initial results with single voxel spectroscopy (SVS) using diffusion weighting and localization by adiabatic selective refocusing (LASER) in breast tumors to measure the apparent diffusion coefficient of water (ADCw). This is a quick (30 s) and relatively easy method to implement compared with image‐based diffusion measurements, and is insensitive to lipid signal contamination. The ADCw and concentration of total choline containing compounds [tCho] were evaluated for associations with each other and final pathologic diagnosis in 25 subjects. The average (± SD) ADCw in benign and malignant lesions was 1.96 ± 0.47 mm2/s and 1.26 ± 0.29 × 10−3 mm2/s, respectively, P< 0.001. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed an area under the curve of 0.92. Analysis of the single voxel (SV) ADCw and [tCho] showed significant correlation with a R2 of 0.56, P< 0.001. Compared with more commonly used image‐based methods of measuring water ADC, SV‐ADCw is faster, more robust, insensitive to fat, and potentially easier to implement on standard clinical systems. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A finite shell element with well balanced approximation functions for piezoelectric coupling
Authors: Legner Dieter , Klinkel Sven , Wagner Werner
Published: February 2009

This contribution is concerned with a piezoelectric shell formulation. The present shell element has four nodes and bilinear interpolation functions. The nodal degrees of freedom are displacements, rotations and the electric potential on top and bottom of the shell. A 3D–material law is incorporated. In case of bending dominated problems incompatible approximation functions of the electrical and mechanical fields cause incorrect results. This effect occurs in standard element formulations, where the mechanical and electrical degrees of freedom are approximated with lowest order interpolation functions. In order to overcome this problem a mixed multi–field variational approach is introduced. It allows for approximations of the electric field and the strains independent of the bilinear interpolation functions. A quadratic approach for the shear strains and the electric field is proposed through the shell thickness. This leads to well balanced approximation functions regarding coupling of electrical and mechanical fields. A numerical example illustrates the more precise results in contrast to standard elements. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Synthesis and properties of poly(ethylene oxide)‐grafted polyethylene copolymer and terpolymer
Authors: Mohajery Shabnam , Moghadam Peyman Najafi , Rahmani Sohrab , Entezami Ali Akbar
Published: February 2009

A series of graft copolymers were synthesized based on ethylene‐co‐m,p‐methylstyrene (EMS) (backbone copolymer), ethylene‐1‐hexene‐m,p‐methylstyrene (EHMS) (backbone terpolymer), and polyethylene glycol monomethyl ethers (PEGM) (grafts) in this study. The PEGMs with molecular weights of 750 and 2000 were used. The chemical composition of the graft copolymers was analyzed by NMR and DSC measurements. The graft copolymers exhibited a phase‐separated morphology with the backbone and the methoxy polyethylene glycol (MPEG) grafts forming separate crystalline phases. The MPEG phase had a melting temperature lower than the corresponding MPEG homopolymer, as determined by DSC. The melting point of the crystalline phase formed by the EMS and EHMS main chains was lower than that of pure polymer backbone. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photochromic composites based on porous stretched polyethylene filled by nematic liquid crystal mixtures
Authors: Bobrovsky Alexey , Shibaev Valery , Elyashevich Galina , Rosova Elena , Shimkin Alexey , Shirinyan Valery , Cheng Kung‐Lung
Published: February 2009

A number of the novel photochromic polyethylene (PE)‐based liquid crystal composites were prepared and studied. The oriented stretched porous polyethylene films were used as the polymer matrices. Commercial liquid crystals doped with new photochromic compounds were introduced into PE films and photo‐optical properties of the obtained composites were investigated. It was shown that a director of nematic liquid crystals is highly oriented along the stretching axis of PE films resulting in noticeable linear dichroism of the PE composite films. New approaches for reversible or irreversible image recording on PE LC composites by UV irradiation were demonstrated. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and flammability of EPDM/PP/Mg(OH)2 dynamic vulcanizates
Authors: Lu Hongdian , Yang Wei , Zhou Shun , Xing Weiyi , Song Lei , Hu Yuan
Published: February 2009

Magnesium hydroxide (MH) flame retardant dynamic vulcanized ethylene‐propylene‐diene terpolymer (EPDM)/polypropylene (PP) thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) were prepared by a twin‐screw extruder. Influences of MH on their morphology, mechanical properties, flammability, and crystallization behavior have been investigated. Static tensile measurements exhibited that TPVs have higher mechanical properties than un‐vulcanized EPDM/PP/MH blends (UVBs). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies showed that the formation of the larger‐size “micro‐encapsulated structure” where the MH aggregates were covered with a cross‐linked rubber phase improved the interaction between MH and polymer matrix. Results of limiting oxygen index (LOI) and microscale combustion calorimetry (MCC) confirmed that TPVs had superior fire‐resistant properties to UVBs. SEM images showed that more uniform and compact charred layers were generated in TPVs. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results indicated that the crystallization behavior of the flame retardant TPVs changed marginally with increase in MH content. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and characterization of polyurethane electrical insulating coatings derived from novel soybean oil‐based polyol
Authors: Jalilian Mehrdad , Yeganeh Hamid , Haghighi Mehdi Nekoomanesh
Published: February 2009

As a viable alternative to the petrochemical polyols in polyurethanes (PUs), a new soybean oil‐based polyol (PSBO) with high functionality of hydroxyl groups and built‐in (preformed) urethane bonds was introduced. At first, a facile and improved method was developed for the transformation of epoxidized soybean oil (ESBO) to carbonated soybean oil (CSBO). Then ring‐opening reaction of carbonated oil with ethanolamine (ETA) led to the polyol. After characterization by conventional spectroscopic and analytical methods, PSBO was used for the formulation of novel one‐pack PU electroinsulating wire enamels. Tunable mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties for the final PUs were achieved by replacing 10 wt% of PSBO with poly(propylene glycol) (PPG) at different number average molecular weights of 725, 1000, 2000, 4000. Investigation of the results showed that these soy‐based PUs offer excellent thermal and electrical insulating properties. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An emulsifier‐free core–shell polyacrylate/diacetone acrylamide emulsion with nano‐SiO2 for room temperature curable waterborne coatings
Authors: Wang Rong‐Min , Lv Wei‐Hua , He Yu‐Feng , Wang Yan , Guo Jun‐Feng
Published: February 2009

An emulsifier‐free core–shell polyacrylate emulsion, containing nano‐SiO2 nanoparticles in the core and diacetone acrylamide (DAAM) in the shell, has been successfully prepared by emulsifier‐free seeded emulsion polymerization. The effects of reaction temperature, dropping time, nano‐SiO2 and initiator contents, and variation of the composition of core monomers on the amount of coagulum, particle size, and monomer conversion have been investigated. The particle morphology and the distribution of emulsion particles have been measured by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering. The keto‐carbonyl groups on the surface of the polyacrylate emulsion nanoparticles reacted with adipic dihydrazide (ADH) to form a film with a cross‐linked network structure at room temperature. Therefore, the emulsifier‐free core–shell emulsion could be used as a two‐component room temperature curable waterborne coating. It was also found that the properties of the coating were clearly superior after using the cross‐linker. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Factors influencing the duration of pregnancy termination with vaginal misoprostol for fetal abnormality
Authors: Dickinson Jan E. , Doherty Dorota A.
Published: February 2009

Objective

Evaluation of factors influencing the duration of second‐trimester pregnancy interruption with vaginal misoprostol for fetal abnormality.

Methods

All medical terminations ≥13 weeks of gestation 1/1997 to 12/2007 were prospectively identified. Cases receiving vaginal misoprostol 400 µg 6‐hourly were extracted from the database and outcomes reviewed.

Results

This consecutive case series comprised 1066 women. Median maternal age was 31 years [interquartile range (IQR) 26, 36] and 15.4% had at least one prior cesarean delivery. Principal indications for termination were aneuploidy (37.6%), neural tube defects (15.9%) and cardiac anomalies (9.4%). Median gestation at termination was 19.5 weeks (IQR 17.9, 21). Median abortion interval was 16.1 h (IQR 12, 23.5). Lower maternal age (median duration 17.6 vs 15.2 vs 13.6 h, age < 30 vs 30–39 vs > 40 years, p < 0.001), nulliparity (median duration 19 vs 14.3 h, nulliparous vs parous, p < 0.001) and increasing gestation (median duration 13 vs 17.8 h, <16 vs >20 weeks, p < 0.001) were associated with abortion prolongation. Controlling for gestation, age and parity, apart from musculoskeletal abnormalities (associated with abortion prolongation, p = 0.03), the specific fetal anomaly did not influence duration.

Conclusions

Three factors: nulliparity, younger maternal age and increasing gestation, were associated with abortion prolongation. Apart from musculoskeletal abnormalities, the fetal anomaly had no impact on abortion duration. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Paediatric homoeopathy in Germany: results of the German health interview and examination survey for children and adolescents (KiGGS)
Authors: Du Yong , Knopf Hildtraud
Published: February 2009

Purpose

Despite growing pressure against homoeopathy, an unexpected resurgence in the use of homoeopathy has been reported. It is of interest to examine the use of homoeopathy and user profiles among children in Germany.

Methods

Last‐week homoeopathy use was recorded among 17 450 children aged 0–17 years who participated in the 2003–2006 German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS). The complex sample method was used to estimate the prevalence of, and factors associated with, homoeopathy use.

Results

Nine hundred and fifty‐one homoeopathic preparations were used by 718 children (weighted prevalence 4.6%). Nearly half of the homoeopathic preparations were obtained by prescriptions from medical doctors or Heilpraktiker (non‐medical practitioners) and used most often to treat certain self‐limiting conditions. About 60% of homoeopathy users concomitantly received conventional medicines. Homoeopathy use was closely related to socioeconomic factors, with a significantly higher prevalence rate found in the 0–6 year age group [prevalence 6.2%, odds ratio 2.2, 95% confidence intervals (CIs) 1.7–2.9], among children residing in the former West Germany [5.1%, 2.2(1.5–3.2)] or the south of Germany [6.6%, 1.7(1.3–2.4)], among children with a poor health status [6.8%, 3.0(2.2–4.2)], with no immigration background [5.3%, 3.7(2.2–6.1)], who received breast‐feeding >6 months [7.6%, 2.1(1.6–2.9)], were from upper social‐class families [7.4%, 1.8(1.1–2.8)] and whose children's mothers were college educated [7.2%, 1.6(1.2–2.2)].

Conclusions

Paediatric homoeopathy is quite popular in Germany, particularly among children from families with a higher socioeconomic status. The high level of paediatric homoeopathy use in Germany warrants a critical review to determine whether it is evidence based and cost‐effective. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Review on use of German health insurance medication claims data for epidemiological research
Authors: Hoffmann Falk
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The objective was to evaluate the use of German health insurance claims data on medications over the last 10 years by a review of published studies.

Methods

PubMed and Scopus were searched for relevant studies published in 1998 through 2007.

Results

A total of 70 studies were included. Use of these data increased from 32 reports (45.7%) between 1998 and 2005 to 38 (54.3%) over the last 2 years (2006–2007). Over half of the studies (57.1%; n = 40) were written in English and the most frequent research types were health service utilization (51.4%; n = 36) and cost analyses (18.6%; n = 13). In most of the studies (65.7%; n = 46), medication data were linked with other health care utilization claims (e.g. hospitalization data and physicians' outpatient services). Data validity was not taken into consideration in 40.6% (n = 13) of the 32 studies that also analysed hospitalization or physicians' outpatient diagnoses.

Conclusions

German health insurance medication claims data were increasingly used for research purposes over the last 10 years. Especially methodological and validation studies are clearly needed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relationship between thiazolidinedione use and cardiovascular outcomes and all‐cause mortality among patients with diabetes: a time‐updated propensity analysis
Authors: Habib Zeina A. , Tzogias Leonidas , Havstad Suzanne L. , Wells Karen , Divine George , Lanfear David E. , Tang Jeffrey , Krajenta Richard , Pladevall Manel , Williams L. Keoki
Published: February 2009

Purpose

To investigate the association of the thiazolidinediones (TZDs), rosiglitazone, and pioglitazone, together and individually on the risk of cardiovascular outcomes and all‐cause mortality, using time‐updated propensity score adjusted analysis.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study in a large vertically integrated health system in southeast Michigan. Cohort inclusion criteria included adult patients with diabetes treated with oral medications and followed longitudinally within the health system between 1 January 2000 and 1 December 2006. The primary outcome was fatal and non‐fatal acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Secondary outcomes included hospitalizations for congestive heart failure (CHF), fatal, and non‐fatal cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) and transient ischemic attacks (TIA), combined coronary heart disease (CHD) events, and all‐cause mortality.

Results

19 171 patients were included in this study. Use of TZDs (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) with propensity adjustment (PA), 0.92; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.73–1.17), rosiglitazone (aHR with PA, 1.06; 95%CI 0.66–1.70), and pioglitazone (aHR with PA, 0.91; 95%CI 0.69–1.21) was not associated with a higher risk of AMI. However, pioglitazone use was associated with a reduction in all‐cause mortality (aHR with PA, 0.60; 95%CI 0.42–0.96). Compared with rosiglitazone, pioglitazone use was associated with a lower risk of all outcomes assessed, particularly CHF (p = 0.013) and combined CHD events (p = 0.048).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that pioglitazone may have a more favorable risk profile when compared to rosiglitazone, arguing against a singular effect for TZDs on cardiovascular outcomes. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Swelling and hydrolytic degradation behaviour of pH‐responsive hydrogels of poly[(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐co‐(methacrylic acid)] crosslinked by biodegradable polycaprolactone chains
Authors: París Rodrigo , Quijada‐Garrido Isabel
Published: February 2009

BACKGROUND: Stimuli‐responsive hydrogels are typically obtained from non‐biodegradable monomers. The use of biodegradable crosslinkers can overcome this limitation. In this context, the main aim of this work was to use modified polycaprolactone as a crosslinker in the preparation of pH‐responsive hydrogels based on N‐isopropylacrylamide and methacrylic acid to give poly[(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐co‐(methacrylic acid)] (P(N‐iPAAm‐co‐MAA)).

RESULTS: Poly(caprolactone) dimethacrylate macromonomer was synthesized and successfully employed as crosslinker with various ratios in the synthesis of well‐known pH‐responsive hydrogels of P(N‐iPAAm‐co‐MAA). The swelling properties of these degradable hydrogels were investigated. They practically do not swell at pH = 2, but exhibit a very high swelling capacity in distilled water and in solutions of pH = 7. In addition, degradation studies at pH = 12 showed that the hydrolysis of the ester groups in the polycaprolactone chains produces, after a relatively short time, the total solubilization of the polymer chains.

CONCLUSION: The hydrogels under study have certain characteristics that could make them good candidates for use as matrices in controlled drug delivery. On the one hand, they do not swell in acid pH solution (stomach conditions) but they swell extensively at neutral pH. On the other hand, they became rapidly water soluble following degradation. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Review of choice and use of antidepressants
Authors: Bleakley Stephen
Published: February 2009

In the first of a new series of articles on the major psychiatric drug groups, produced in association with the College of Mental Health Pharmacists, the author discusses the use of antidepressants through a review of the most recent clinical literature. Pharmacology, interactions and side‐effects as well as drug choice and information to give to patients are described. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd
A comprehensive study of (CH3)2CHOC(S)SC(O)OCH3using matrix isolation technique, X‐ray analysis, spectroscopic studies and theoretical calculations
Authors: Tobón Yeny A. , Romano Rosana M. , Hey‐Hawkins Evamarie , Boese Roland , Védova Carlos O. Della
Published: February 2009

Potassium isopropyl xanthate, (CH3)2CHOC(S)SK, reacts with methyl chloroformiate ClC(O)OCH3to yield (methoxycarbonyl) (2‐propoxythiocarbonyl) sulfide, (CH3)2CHOC(S)SC(O)OCH3. This novel xanthogen formate was characterized by1H and13C{1H} NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and IR and Raman spectroscopy. The structure of a single crystal of (CH3)2CHOC(S)SC(O)OCH3was determined by X‐ray diffraction analysis at 173 K. The conformational properties have been studied by liquid IR and Raman spectroscopy, matrix isolation spectroscopy together with photochemical studies and quantum chemical calculations (HF and B3LYP methods with the 6‐31+G* basis set). The analysis of the IR spectrum of liquid (CH3)2CHOC(S)SC(O)OCH3suggests the presence of two conformers in equilibrium at room temperature. However, in the photochemical matrix study, an equilibrium of three conformers was detected. These forms were further characterized by theoretical calculations. Different photolysis products, such as CH3OC(O)SCH(CH3)2, OCS, CO, CO2and CS2, were identified by matrix spectroscopy. The IR absorptions of CH3OC(O)SCH(CH3)2, for which literature data are scarce, were analysed in the light of the results of appropriate theoretical calculations. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isothermal crystallization kinetics and melting behavior of poly(ethylene terephthalate)/barite nanocomposites
Authors: Ge Chunhua , Ding Peng , Shi Liyi , Fu Jifang
Published: February 2009

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)/Barite nanocomposites were prepared by direct melt compounding. The effects of PET‐Barite interfacial interaction on the dynamic mechanical properties and crystallization were investigated by DMA and DSC. The results showed that Barite can act as a nucleating agent and the nucleation activity can be increased when the Barite was surface‐modified (SABarite). SABarite nanoparticles induced preferential lamellae orientation because of the strong interfacial interaction between PET chains and SABarite nanoparticles, which was not the case in Barite filled PET as determined by WAXD. For PET/Barite nanocomposites, the Avrami exponent n increased with increasing crystallization temperature. Although at the same crystallization temperature, the n value will decrease with increasing SABarite content, indicating of the enhancement of the nucleation activity. Avrami analyses suggest that the nucleation mechanism is different. The activation energy determined from Arrhenius equation reduced dramatically for PET/SABarite nanocomposite, confirming the strong interfacial interaction between PET chains and SABarite nanoparticles can reduce the crystallization free energy barrier for nucleus formation. In the DSC scan after isothermal crystallization process, double melting behavior was found. And the double endotherms could be attributed to the melting of recrystallized less perfect crystallites or the secondary lamellae produced during different crystallization processes. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 655–668, 2009
Bio‐based nanocomposites composed of photo‐cured epoxidized soybean oil and supramolecular hydroxystearic acid nanofibers
Authors: Shibata Mitsuhiro , Teramoto Naozumi , Someya Yoshihiro , Suzuki Sakuya
Published: February 2009

A mixture of epoxidized soybean oil (ESO), (R)‐12‐hydroxystrearic acid (HSA) and a photoinitiator for cationic polymerization in the ESO/HSA weight ratio 10/1 was heated to 100 °C and gradually cooled to room temperature to give bio‐based gelatinous material. The photo‐curing of the gel afforded a nanocomposite composed of crosslinked ESO and supramolecular HSA nanofibers. The transmission electron microscopy observation of the photo‐cured ESO/HSA revealed that dendritic clusters of HSA nanofibers are formed in the crosslinked ESO matrix. In the differential scanning calorimetry chart of the ESO/HSA, a thermal transition from the mesophase composed of supramolecular nanofibers to isotropic state was observed at 67 °C (ΔH = 22.6 J/g‐HSA), while the Tm of crystalline HSA is 77.7 °C (ΔHm = 159 J/g‐HSA). Tensile strength at 20 °C of the ESO‐HSA was ∼80% higher than that of photo‐cured ESO without HSA. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 669–673, 2009
Nonisothermal crystallization kinetics and determination of surface‐folding free energy of PP/EVA/OMMT nanocomposites
Authors: Goodarzi Vahabodin , Jafari Seyed‐Hassan , Khonakdar Hossein Ali , Monemian Seyed‐Ali , Hässler Rüdiger , Jehnichen Dieter
Published: February 2009

Crystalline structures, nonisothermal crystallization behavior and surface folding free energy of polypropylene (PP)/poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate) (EVA) blend‐based organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT) nanocomposites were investigated by use of wide angle X‐ray scattering (WAXS) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) techniques. Nonisothermal crystallization kinetic analysis was performed using Avrami equation modified by Jeziorny as well as combined Avrami‐Ozawa method. Surface folding free energy and activation energy for PP and nanocomposite samples were also determined employing Hoffman‐Lauritzen's and Vyazovkins's approaches, respectively. The results obtained from transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that presence of EVA, which attracts most of the layered silicates, reduces number density of heterogeneous nuclei in the matrix and as a consequence, decreases the nucleation rate. Incorporation of EVA, PP‐g‐MA and OMMT results in a decrease of the chain surface folding free energy level. It was shown that although, OMMT acts as a barrier against the PP macromolecular motion but interestingly, it increases the overall crystallization rate. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 674–684, 2009
Versatile route for tuning optical properties of poly(2‐methoxy‐5‐(2′‐ethylhexyloxy)‐1,4‐phenylenevinylene)
Authors: Changsarn Sutheerat , Traiphol Rakchart , Pattanatornchai Thanutpon , Srikhirin Toemsak , Supaphol Pitt
Published: February 2009

In this contribution, we report a versatile method for tuning optical properties of poly(2‐methoxy‐5‐(2′‐ethylhexyloxy)‐1,4‐phenylenevinylene) (MEH‐PPV) in its solution with 1,2‐dichloroethane, accomplished by reacting with pyridinium formate (PF), a volatile organic salt. We can systematically control the positions of absorption and photoluminescent (PL) spectra of MEH‐PPV by adjusting the concentration of PF in the solution. The addition of 10 vol % PF caused a blue‐shift in the absorption spectra by about 65 nm. When the concentration of PF decreased to 0.1 vol %, the blue‐shift occurred to a lesser extent, about 25 nm. The measurements of PL spectra showed similar behaviors. The λmax shifted from 558 nm to 546 and 552 nm when 10 and 0.1 vol % of PF were added, respectively. The changes of PL colors from orange to yellow and green, respectively, were observed by naked eyes. Structural investigation by nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier‐transformed infrared spectroscopy indicated that the changes of the optical properties were due to chemical modifications along the main chain and the side groups of MEH‐PPV. These results implied a simple route for engineering the HOMO–LUMO energy gap of MEH‐PPV, which could be utilized in advanced applications such as organic light‐emitting devices and solar cells. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 696–705, 2009
Hydrogen bonding and crystallization in biodegradable multiblock poly(ester urethane) copolymer
Authors: Wang Wei , Wang Wenshou , Chen Xuesi , Jing Xiabin , Su Zhaohui
Published: February 2009

The hydrogen bonding and crystallization of a biodegradable poly(ester urethane) copolymer based on poly(L‐lactide) (PLLA) as the soft segment were investigated by FTIR. On slow cooling from melt, the onset and the progress of the crystallization of the urethane hard segments were correlated to the position, width, and relative intensity of the hydrogen‐bonded NH stretching band. The interconversion between the “free” and hydrogen‐bonded NH and CO groups in the urethane units in the process was also revealed by 2D correlation analysis of the FTIR data. The crystallization of the PLLA soft segments was monitored by the ester CO stretching and the skeletal vibrations. It was revealed that the PLLA crystallization was restricted by the phase separation and the urethane crystallization, and at cooling rates of 10 °C/min or higher, the crystallization of the PLLA soft segments was prohibited. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 685–695, 2009
On the interplay between viscoelasticity and structural relaxation in glassy amorphous polymers
Authors: Grassia Luigi , D'Amore Alberto
Published: February 2009

Polymer glasses are rheologically complex materials whose viscoelastic response is a function of the kinetics of structural relaxation. To circumvent the complexity, several experimental loading protocols have been established over the years, but the results have not led to a unifying concept. From a theoretical point of view, we tackled the problem by coupling the structural relaxation kinetics with the constitutive equation for linear viscoelasticity written in the reduced time domain. In this article, we substantiate the reliability of our approach. Geometrical descriptions and thermodynamic rules motivated a constitutive coupling of viscoelastic and structural relaxation phenomena, and that represents the novelty in our theory. The axial creep response is simulated following the thermal/mechanical loading sequence known as Struik's Protocol. Simulation is extended to a vanishing stress, and we showed that the time‐aging time superposition procedure holds true above a given stress threshold. Furthermore, we extend our study to a single‐step stress relaxation experiments to predict the glass densification that occurs in uniaxial tension (known as “volume implosion”) and compression. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 724–739, 2009