bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation of nutritional parameters of gallbladder cancer patients
Authors: Rai Arundhati , Tewari Mallika , Mohapatra S.C. , Shukla H.S.
Published: May 2006

Background and Objective

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is a highly fatal disease with poor prognosis and 5‐year survival <5%. Weight loss and nutritional deterioration are associated with adverse outcomes in terms of cancer prognosis. Protein‐calorie malnutrition is the single most common secondary diagnosis in a patient with cancer, and is a direct consequence of the anorexia of malignancy and altered host metabolism induced by the tumor. The present study of nutritional assessment is of particular interest for it helps in better understanding the extent of malnutrition in patients of GBC.

Patients and Methods

A case–control study was designed comprising of 153 cases of GBC and 153 controls of gallstone disease (GSD). To assess the nutritional status of the GBC patients, anthropometric measurements such as height, weight, mid arm circumference, and skinfold thickness were recorded together with the biochemical parameters and their nutrient intake.

Results and Conclusions

The present study showed that GBC influences the nutritional status of the patients. Forty‐three percent of GBC patients were malnourished with low body mass index (BMI). A significant reduction in all the anthropometric measures was observed for GBC patients compared to those with GSD. GBC patients had significantly low hemoglobin and serum albumin levels compared to the control group. The hemoglobin levels in case and control groups were 10.87 g/dl (±1.81 SD) and 11.62 g/dl (±1.89 SD), respectively (P < 0.001). Intake of almost all the nutrients was far below the recommendations of Indian Council of Medical Research. GBC patients had anorexia and weight loss. J. Surg. Oncol. 2006;93:705–708. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hemodynamic Profile and Tissular Oxygenation in Orthotopic Liver Transplantation: Influence of Hepatic Artery Or Portal Vein Revascularization of the Graft
Authors: Moreno Carlos , Sabaté Antoni , Figueras Joan , Camprubí Imma , Dalmau Antonia , Fabregat Joan , Koo Maylin , Ramos Emilio , Lladó Laura , Rafecas Antoni
Published: May 2006

We performed a prospective, randomized study of adult patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation, comparing hemodynamic and tissular oxygenation during reperfusion of the graft. In 30 patients, revascularization was started through the hepatic artery (i.e., initial arterial revascularization) and 10 minutes later the portal vein was unclamped; in 30 others, revascularization was started through the portal vein (i.e., initial portal revascularization) and 10 minutes later the hepatic artery was unclamped. The primary endpoints of the study were mean systemic arterial pressure and the gastric-end-tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure (PCO2) difference. The secondary endpoints were other hemodynamic and metabolic data. The pattern of the hemodynamic parameters and tissue oxygenation values during the dissection and anhepatic stages were similar in both groups At the first unclamping, initial portal revascularization produced higher values of mean pulmonary pressure (25 ± 7 mm of Hg vs. 17 ± 4 mm of Hg; P < 0.05) and wedge and central venous pressures. At the second unclamping, initial portal revascularization produced higher values of cardiac output and mean arterial pressure (87 ± 15 mm of Hg vs. 79 ± 15 mm of Hg; P < 0.05) and pulmonary blood pressure. Postreperfusion syndrome was present in 13 patients (42.5%) in the arterial group and in 11 patients (36%) in the portal group. During revascularization, the values of gastric and arterial pH decreased in both groups and recovered at the end of the procedure, but were more accentuated in the initial arterial revascularization group. In conclusion, we found that initial arterial revascularization of the graft increases pulmonary pressure less markedly, so it may be indicated for those patients with poor pulmonary and cardiac reserve. Nevertheless, for the remaining patients, initial portal revascularization offers more favorable hemodynamic and metabolic behavior, less inotropic drug use, and earlier normalization of lactate and pH values.
Liver Transpl, 2006.

© 2006 AASLD.
Fractionation of Methyl Cellulose According to Polarity – a Tool to Differentiate First and Second Order Heterogeneity of the Substituent Distribution
Authors: Adden Roland , Müller Romy , Mischnick Petra
Published: May 2006

Summary: A set of four MCs (DS 1.80–1.95) has been analyzed with regard to their substituent pattern in the glucosyl units and along the polymer chain. The average heterogeneity of methylation observed for the entire material was analyzed in more detail after fractionation according to polarity. All fractions obtained were analyzed with respect to their DS, monomer composition and deviation from a random distribution of these monomers in the polymer chains. By this approach, heterogeneity of first and second order could be differentiated. While for three of the MCs only a minor DS‐gradient over the material was observed, a more pronounced heterogeneity of first order was obtained for MC 4.

ESI mass spectrum of the undissolved residue of MC 2 after deuteromethylation and partial hydrolysis; DP 2 and 3 are shown in detail. Signals are assigned according to the number of CH3‐groups.

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ESI mass spectrum of the undissolved residue of MC 2 after deuteromethylation and partial hydrolysis; DP 2 and 3 are shown in detail. Signals are assigned according to the number of CH3‐groups.
Copolymerization of Fluorinated Monomers with Hydrophilic Monomers in Aqueous Solution in Presence of Cyclodextrin
Authors: Kretschmann Oliver , Ritter Helmut
Published: May 2006

Summary: New fluorinated copolymers were synthesized by copolymerization of 1H,1H,2H,2H‐perfluorodecyl methacrylate (1) with hydrophilic comonomers methacrylic acid (3), 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropane sulfonic acid (6), 3‐trimethylammonium propyl methacrylamide chloride (7) and N,N‐dimethylmethacrylamidopropyl‐N‐3‐sulfopropylammoniumbetaine (8). The reaction was carried out in water using randomly methylated β‐cyclodextrin (RAMEB) for solubilization of the fluorinated monomer by forming a host‐guest complex (1a). Polymerization kinetics were investigated and copolymerization parameters were determined. Additionally, a RAMEB complex of tert‐butyl methacrylate (2a) was copolymerized with 1a in water. For comparison, copolymerization of the uncomplexed monomers 1 and 2 were carried out in organic solvents. Evaluation of copolymerization kinetics and parameters showed significant differences in the relative reactivities of the free monomers and the monomer‐RAMEB complexes.

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Temperature and Pressure Effects on Local Structure and Chain Packing in cis‐1,4‐Polybutadiene from Detailed Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Tsolou Georgia , Harmandaris Vagelis A. , Mavrantzas Vlasis G.
Published: May 2006

Summary: We present results for the temperature and pressure dependence of local structure and chain packing in cis‐1,4‐polybutadiene (cis‐1,4‐PB) from detailed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with a united‐atom model. The simulations have been executed in the NPT statistical ensemble with a parallel, multiple time step MD algorithm, which allowed us to access simulation times up to 1 µs. Because of this, a 32 chain C128 cis‐1,4‐PB system was successfully simulated over a wide range of temperature (from 430 to 195 K) and pressure (from 1 atm to 3 kbar) conditions. Simulation predictions are reported for the temperature and pressure dependence of the: (a) density; (b) chain characteristic ratio, Cn; (c) intermolecular pair distribution function, g(r), static structure factor, S(q), and first peak position, Qmax, in the S(q) pattern; (d) free volume around each monomer unit along a chain for the simulated polymer system. These were thoroughly compared against available experimental data. One of the most important findings of this work is that the component of the S(q) vs. q plot representing intramolecular contributions in a fully deuterated cis‐1,4‐PB sample exhibits a monotonic decrease with q which remains completely unaffected by the pressure. In contrast, the intermolecular contribution exhibits a distinct peak (at around 1.4 Å−1) whose position shifts towards higher q values as the pressure is raised, accompanied by a decrease in its intensity.

3D view of the simulation box containing 32 chains of C128 cis‐1,4‐polybutadiene at density ρ = 0.849 g · cm−3 and the conformation of a single C128 cis‐1,4‐PB chain fully unwrapped in space.

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3D view of the simulation box containing 32 chains of C128 cis‐1,4‐polybutadiene at density ρ = 0.849 g · cm−3 and the conformation of a single C128 cis‐1,4‐PB chain fully unwrapped in space.
Effect of Chain‐Length Dependence of Interaction Parameter on Spinodals for Polydisperse Polymer Blends
Authors: Du Xiyan , Sun Zhaoyan , An Lijia
Published: May 2006

Summary: The chain‐length dependence of the Flory‐Huggins (FH) interaction parameter is introduced into the FH lattice theory for polydisperse polymer‐blend systems. The spinodals are calculated for the model polymer blends with different chain lengths and distributions. It is found that all the related variables, rn, rw, rz, and chain‐length distribution, have effects on the spinodals for polydisperse polymer blends.

The spinodals at different chain lengths.

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The spinodals at different chain lengths.
Is the Addition‐Fragmentation Step of the RAFT Polymerisation Process Chain Length Dependent?
Authors: Izgorodina Ekaterina I. , Coote Michelle L.
Published: May 2006

Summary: The chain length dependence of the addition‐fragmentation equilibrium constant (K) for cumyl dithiobenzoate (CDB) mediated polymerisation of styrene has been studied via high level ab initio molecular orbital calculations. The results indicate that chain length and penultimate unit effects are extremely important during the early stages of the polymerisation process. In the case of the attacking radical (i.e., R• in: R• + SC(Z)SR′ → RSC•(Z)SR′), the equilibrium constant varies by over three orders of magnitude on extending R• from the styryl unimer to the trimer species and actually increases with chain length, further confirming that K is high in this system. When the reactions of the cumyl leaving group and cyanoisopropyl initiating species, which are also present in CDB‐mediated polymerisation of styrene in the presence of the initiator 2,2′‐azoisobutyronitrile, are also included, the variation in K extends over five orders of magnitude. Although less significant, the influence of the R′ group should also be taken into account in a complete kinetic model of the RAFT process. However, for most practical purposes, its chain length effects beyond the unimer stage may be ignored. These results indicate that current simplified models of the RAFT process, which typically ignore all chain length effects in the R and R′ positions, and all substituent effects in the R′ position, may be inadequate, particularly in modelling the initial stages of the process.

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OFF–off rebound dyskinesia in subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Brodsky Matthew A. , Hogarth Penelope , Nutt John G.
Published: May 2006

A 61‐year‐old man with Parkinson's disease (PD), motor fluctuations, and dyskinesias underwent bilateral implantation of deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrodes in the subthalamic nucleus (STN). One month after surgery, DBS was optimized to bilateral monopolar settings at the most proximal electrode just superior to the STN, which improved motor fluctuations and dyskinesias. At several postoperative evaluations off medications overnight, both stimulators were turned off and within 60 seconds he developed severe dyskinesias. When the stimulators were turned back on, the dyskinesias soon resolved. This article is a first report of a unique pattern of rebound‐type dyskinesia that occurred in the off medication state produced by stopping STN DBS. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Electrophysiological deterioration over time in patients with Huntington's disease
Authors: Lefaucheur Jean‐Pascal , Ménard‐Lefaucheur Isabelle , Maison Patrick , Baudic Sophie , Cesaro Pierre , Peschanski Marc , Bachoud‐Lévi Anne‐Catherine
Published: May 2006

In recent studies aimed at assessing the effects of original therapeutic strategies applied to patients with Huntington's disease (HD), we observed informative changes in electrophysiological results that recovered normal values in coherence with clinical improvement. However, longitudinal studies were lacking for determining whether electrophysiological test results evolve in parallel with clinical markers of the natural course of the disease and could consequently provide objective quantifiable markers of disease progression. For this purpose, electrophysiological testing was performed annually in a cohort of 20 patients with HD over a 2‐year period (three examinations). The study included the recording of sympathetic skin responses and blink reflexes (BRs) to supraorbital nerve stimulation, long latency reflexes (LLRs) and somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) to median nerve stimulation, and cortical silent periods (CSPs) to transcranial magnetic stimulation. Clinical evaluation was based on the Total Functional Capacity scale (TFC) and the Motor part of the Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale (UHDRS). A significant deterioration with time was found for BR latency, LLR presence, various SEP parameters (parietal N20 peak amplitude and frontal N30 presence) and CSP duration. Attenuation of the N20 peak and CSP shortening correlated with functional decline, as assessed by the TFC score, whereas delayed BR and LLR abolition correlated with UHDRS Motor score deterioration. This study shows that several electrophysiological parameters are closely associated with dysfunction of various neural circuits in HD and could be useful markers of disease progression. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Subtypes of mild cognitive impairment in parkinson's disease: Progression to dementia
Authors: Janvin Carmen Cristea , Larsen Jan Petter , Aarsland Dag , Hugdahl Kenneth
Published: May 2006

The aim of this study was to establish the rate of progression from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to dementia in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). PD patients without dementia were recruited in 1997 from an ongoing prospective epidemiological study. The assessment included neurological and psychiatric examinations, a clinical interview based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Revised Third Edition (DSM‐III‐R) criteria for dementia, and a battery of neuropsychological tests. PD was diagnosed according to established criteria, dementia was diagnosed according to the DSM‐III‐R criteria, and subtypes of MCI were classified according to modified Petersen's criteria. Seventy‐two nondemented PD patients were included. A total of 34 were cognitively intact, whereas 38 were diagnosed with MCI (amnestic, n = 6; single nonmemory domain, n = 17; multiple domains slightly impaired, n = 15). Fifty‐nine patients (82%) completed follow‐up examination 4 years later, and 18 (62%) of the patients with MCI and 6 (20%) of the cognitively intact PD patients were demented (P = 0.001). Single domain nonmemory MCI and multiple domains slightly impaired MCI were associated with later development of dementia (P = 0.003; P = 0.04), whereas amnestic MCI subtype was not (P = 0.76). We conclude that patients with PD and MCI had a higher risk of developing dementia than cognitively intact PD patients, suggesting that MCI in PD is an early manifestation of dementia. However, these findings should be interpreted with caution due to the relatively small number of subjects included in this study. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Optimizing the intrinsic signal‐to‐noise ratio of MRI strip detectors
Authors: Kumar Ananda , Bottomley Paul A.
Published: May 2006

An MRI detector is formed from a conducting strip separated by a dielectric substrate from a ground plane, and tuned to a quarter‐wavelength. By distributing discrete tuning elements along the strip, the geometric design may be adjusted to optimize the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) for a given application. Here a numerical electromagnetic (EM) method of moments (MoM) is applied to determine the length, width, substrate thickness, dielectric constant, and number of tuning elements that yield the best intrinsic SNR (ISNR) of the strip detector at 1.5 Tesla. The central question of how strip performance compares with that of a conventional optimized loop coil is also addressed. The numerical method is validated against the known ISNR performance of loop coils, and its ability to predict the tuning capacitances and performance of seven experimental strip detectors of varying length, width, substrate thickness, and dielectric constant. We find that strip detectors with low‐dielectric constant, moderately thin‐substrate, and length about 1.3 (±0.2) times the depth of interest perform best. The ISNR of strips is comparable to that of loops (i.e., higher close to the detector but lower at depth). The SNR improves with two inherently‐decoupled strips, whose sensitivity profile is well‐suited to parallel MRI. The findings are summarized as design “rules of thumb.” Magn Reson Med 56:, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Theoretical model of intravascular paramagnetic tracers effect on tissue relaxation
Authors: Kjølby B.F. , Østergaard L. , Kiselev V.G.
Published: May 2006

The concentration of MRI tracers cannot be measured directly by MRI and is commonly evaluated indirectly using their relaxation effect. This study develops a comprehensive theoretical model to describe the transverse relaxation in perfused tissue caused by intravascular tracers. The model takes into account a number of individual compartments. The signal dephasing is simulated in a semianalytical way by embedding Monte Carlo simulations in the framework of analytical theory. This approach yields a tool for fast, realistic simulation of the change in the transverse relaxation. The results indicate that the relaxivity of intravascular contrast agents depends significantly on the host tissue. This agrees with experimental data by Johnson et al. (Magn Reson Med 2000;44:909). In particular, the present results suggest a several‐fold increase in the relaxivity of Gd‐based contrast agents in brain tissue compared with bulk blood. The enhancement of relaxation in tissue is due to the contrast in magnetic susceptibility between blood vessels and parenchyma induced by the presence of paramagnetic tracer. Beyond the perfusion measurements, the results can be applied to quantitation of functional MRI and to vessel size imaging. Magn Reson Med, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Designing long‐T2 suppression pulses for ultrashort echo time imaging
Authors: Larson Peder E. Z. , Gurney Paul T. , Nayak Krishna , Gold Garry E. , Pauly John M. , Nishimura Dwight G.
Published: May 2006

Ultrashort echo time (UTE) imaging has shown promise as a technique for imaging tissues with T2 values of a few milliseconds or less. These tissues, such as tendons, menisci, and cortical bone, are normally invisible in conventional magnetic resonance imaging techniques but have signal in UTE imaging. They are difficult to visualize because they are often obscured by tissues with longer T2 values. In this article, new long‐T2 suppression RF pulses that improve the contrast of short‐T2 species are introduced. These pulses are improvements over previous long‐T2 suppression pulses that suffered from poor off‐resonance characteristics or T1 sensitivity. Short‐T2 tissue contrast can also be improved by suppressing fat in some applications. Dual‐band long‐T2 suppression pulses that additionally suppress fat are also introduced. Simulations, along with phantom and in vivo experiments using 2D and 3D UTE imaging, demonstrate the feasibility, improved contrast, and improved sensitivity of these new long‐T2 suppression pulses. The resulting images show predominantly short‐T2 species, while most long‐T2 species are suppressed. Magn Reson Med, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prepolarized magnetic resonance imaging around metal orthopedic implants
Authors: Venook Ross D. , Matter Nathaniel I. , Ramachandran Meena , Ungersma Sharon E. , Gold Garry E. , Giori Nicholas J. , Macovski Albert , Scott Greig C. , Conolly Steven M.
Published: May 2006

A prepolarized MRI (PMRI) scanner was used to image near metal implants in agar gel phantoms and in in vivo human wrists. Comparison images were made on 1.5‐ and 0.5‐T conventional whole‐body systems. The PMRI experiments were performed in a smaller bore system tailored to extremity imaging with a prepolarization magnetic field of 0.4 T and a readout magnetic field of 27–54 mT (1.1–2.2 MHz). Scan parameters were chosen with equal readout gradient strength over a given field of view and matrix size to allow unbiased evaluation of the benefits of lower readout frequency. Results exhibit substantial reduction in metal susceptibility artifacts under PMRI versus conventional scanners. A new artifact quantification technique is also presented, and phantom results confirm that susceptibility artifacts improve as expected with decreasing readout magnetic field using PMRI. This proof‐of‐concept study demonstrates that prepolarized techniques have the potential to provide diagnostic cross‐sectional images for postoperative evaluation of patients with metal implants. Magn Reson Med. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Is the drive to manage long‐term conditions in the community compatible with improving standards of care for those with inflammatory arthritis?
Authors: Mann Cindy
Published: May 2006

At the same time as the Government is pushing ahead with its agenda to manage long‐term conditions in the community, standards of care have been published by the Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance (ARMA) in an attempt to improve and standardize the care of people with inflammatory arthritis. This raises the question of whether the needs and preferences of people with arthritis can be adequately met in a primary care setting. This paper looks at the evidence so far and discusses the possibilities for achieving ARMA's standards if arthritis care is managed in the community. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A numerical model for flexible pavements rut depth evolution with time
Authors: Allou Fatima , Chazallon Cyrille , Hornych Pierre
Published: May 2006

A simplified method has been developed for the finite elements modelling of flexible pavements rut depth evolution with time. This method is based on the shakedown theory established by Zarka for metallic structures. The yield surface of Drucker‐Prager and the plastic potential of Von Mises have been used. The simplified method determines straightforwardly the purely elastic state or the elastic shakedown state or the plastic shakedown state. The calibration of the simplified method with two unbound granular materials for roads under repeated loads triaxial tests, is explained. Then, a finite elements modelling of a flexible pavement has been carried out. Calculations of 2D and 3D have been performed and rut depth evolutions with time are shown, which underline the capabilities of the model to take into account the accumulation of plastic strains along the loading cycles. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The assessment of levator trauma: A comparison between palpation and 4D pelvic floor ultrasound
Authors: Dietz H.P. , Hyland G. , Hay‐Smith J.
Published: May 2006

Aims

Major morphological abnormalities of the pubovisceral muscle are observed in 10–20% of women symptomatic of pelvic floor disorders. Such defects arise in childbirth and are associated with prolapse. While they are clearly evident on 3D ultrasound and MR imaging, such defects can be difficult to detect clinically. We intended to compare findings on palpation with the results of ultrasound imaging.

Material and Methods

Fifty‐five women were recruited in a prospective observational study and assessed by interview, vaginal examination by a trained pelvic floor physiotherapist, and 3D/4D pelvic floor ultrasound. The vaginal examination involved digital assessment of muscle strength (modified Oxford grading) and morphological abnormalities. The ultrasound examination involved acquisition of volume datasets taken at rest, on Valsalva and pelvic floor muscle contraction. Assessments were undertaken supine and after voiding. Ultrasound operator and physiotherapist were blind to each other's findings.

Results

A comparison of 3D ultrasound and palpation was possible in 54 cases. Average Oxford grading was weakly associated with reduction in hiatal dimensions on contraction (r = −0.32, P = 0.024). A marked increase in hiatal dimensions detected on palpation was associated with increased hiatal area on Valsalva (P = 0.027). Defects were observed in 7/54 (13%) on ultrasound and in 10/55 (18%) on palpation. There was poor agreement between the methods, with only two defects picked up equally by both methods.

Conclusions

Palpation of the pubovisceral muscle correlates poorly with 3D/4D pelvic floor ultrasound imaging for the assessment of muscular defects. Neurourol. Urodynam. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Management of febrile neutropenia in pediatric oncology patients: A Canadian survey
Authors: Boragina Mariana , Patel Hema , Reiter Stephanie , Dougherty Geoffrey
Published: May 2006

Background

Traditionally, febrile neutropenia in pediatric oncology patients has been managed aggressively with hospital admission and intravenous antibiotics. Recent studies suggest that less intensive interventions are effective for selected children. Study of Canadian practice patterns may help better understand the current context of care for these patients.

Procedure

We carried out a cross‐sectional mailed survey of the 17 tertiary pediatric centers in Canada. A 36‐item questionnaire gathered information on oncology department characteristics, the existence of protocols for management of febrile neutropenia, use of outpatient therapy or early discharge, criteria used to identify patients at low risk, and opinions of oncologists.

Results

A total of 16 (94%) completed questionnaires were returned, reflecting a treatment population of approximately 2,100 children with febrile neutropenia/year. Three out of seventeen centers carry out exclusively traditional management. The remaining 14 offer modified treatment for low risk children. The majority (n = 10) carry out an early discharge approach. Two thirds of the episodes of febrile neutropenia are treated this way with good results. The rest (n = 4) implement complete outpatient management. Approximately 120 patients benefit from this annually, with a reportedly high success rate. Most specialists agreed on the benefits of decreased hospitalization for children with cancer. However, about half considered the level of evidence is not sufficient to fully implement complete outpatient management.

Conclusions

Variations in the treatment of pediatric febrile neutropenia have been extensively implemented across Canada. However more evidence, ideally in the form of multicenter clinical trials, appears to be needed to further safely modify practice. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;48:521–526. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Blood safety and the choice of anti‐hemophilic factor concentrate
Authors: Valentino Leonard A. , Oza Veeral M.
Published: May 2006

Hemophilia is a congenital disorder due to the deficiency of the activity of factor VIII (classical hemophilia A) or IX (Christmas disease or hemophilia B). Bleeding is common and may result in long‐term complications or even death. Bleeding may be treated or prevented by infusion of factor concentrates however these drugs are not without risk. Clinicians often feel ill prepared to provide accurate and impartial information regarding these drugs. This review will provide the reader with an historical yet up to date perspective on blood safety as it relates to the choice of concentrates to treat hemophilia. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2006;47:245–254. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stem cell transplantation for polycythemia vera
Authors: Reinhard Harald , Klingebiel Thomas , Lang Peter , Bader Peter , Niethammer Dietrich , Graf Norbert
Published: May 2006

Polycythemia vera (PV) is a rare disease in children. A 9‐year‐old male was diagnosed following laboratory results acquired because of an acute appendicitis. Regular phlebotomy was performed for over 2 years followed by α‐interferon treatment. At the age of 12 years, HLA‐matched unrelated stem cell transplantation including T‐cell depletion was done. The conditioning regimen consisted of busulfan, cyclophosphamide, and ATG. Chimerism was monitored during the whole post‐transplant period. A single dose of donor T‐lymphocytes was given at month 3. One year after transplantation, chimerism was complete. The patient is in complete remission and shows no signs of transplant‐related morbidity at month 78. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:124–126. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Do medulloblastoma tumors meet the food and drug administration criteria for anti‐erbB2 therapy with trastuzumab?
Authors: Entz‐Werle Natacha , Velasco Valérie , Neuville Agnès , Geoerger Birgit , Mathieu Marie‐Christine , Guerin Eric , Kehrli Pierre , Gaub Marie‐Pierre , Vassal Gilles , Grill Jacques
Published: May 2006

Several publications have recently focused on the erbB2 receptor in pediatric medulloblastomas (MBs) and its prognostic consequence. We determined erbB2 expression in 23 MBs at diagnosis. After DNA extraction, quantitative PCR targeting the erbB2 gene was performed and correlated with FISH analysis and immunohistochemistry. The samples were representative of the spectrum of the disease apart from the absence of large cell MBs. Using the tools validated for breast cancers by the FDA, we did not observe any expression or amplification of erbB2 and hence we speculate that MBs are not a good target for treatment with anti‐erbB2 antibodies. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:163–166. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Audit of young people with type 1 diabetes transferring from paediatric to adult diabetic services
Authors: Johnston P , Bell PM , Tennet H , Carson D
Published: May 2006

Five years ago a new Young Persons' clinic was set up at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, to facilitate transfer from paediatric to adult services. Following establishment of the new clinic, this audit was carried out to ascertain attendance of those transferring to adult diabetic clinics, to identify reasons for non‐attendance, and to provide a basis for improving transfer. Outcome measures following transfer were HbA1c and number of failed appointments. Over a two‐year period 33 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus transferred to the adult diabetic clinics at the Royal Victoria Hospital, and four transferred to other hospitals. Six of those patients supposed to transfer to the adult diabetic clinic at the Royal Victoria Hospital were not seen over the two‐year follow up. Only six patients attended all scheduled appointments. Following transfer, attendance was rated good in 36%, moderate in 33% and poor in 30%. Attendance did not appear to be related to control following transfer. There was an impression of better attendance at the Young Persons' clinic compared to those who transferred to the routine adult clinic. Whilst the new clinic can be considered successful, significant concerns remain about attendance around the time of transfer from paediatric to adult services. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Marked insulin resistance in pregnancy
Authors: Evans KM , Millward BA
Published: May 2006

Normal pregnancy is a state of relative insulin resistance, with gestational diabetes (GDM) developing in up to 10% of women in the UK. Both obesity and polycystic ovarian syndrome predispose to GDM; the underlying insulin resistance may necessitate large insulin doses and present challenges for antenatal diabetes management. We report on a lady with polycystic ovarian syndrome and subfertility, initially treated with metformin, who developed GDM and marked insulin resistance. Throughout her pregnancy, insulin requirements escalated considerably, to over 5000 units. Despite concerted efforts, antenatal glycaemic targets were not reached, and a macrosomic infant was born at 36 weeks. Maternal post‐partum testing has confirmed type 2 diabetes mellitus. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Practical aspects in the usage of U‐500 insulin
Authors: Garg R , Johnston V , Mcnally PG , Davies MJ , Lawrence IG
Published: May 2006

U‐500 insulin is five times the concentration of conventional U‐100 insulin, which is routinely used in the United Kingdom. Its use has been reported in severely resistant patients with type 2 diabetes requiring large insulin doses, with its use improving glycaemic control. There are no clear guidelines or indications on its use. This article discusses the practical aspects on the use of U‐500 insulin. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Weight management for the obese patient in primary care: is a commercially available weight loss programme the answer?
Authors: Clark M
Published: May 2006

Obesity affects both physical health and psychological well‐being and is one of the biggest obstacles to the management of type 2 diabetes. Commercial weight loss programmes have been shown to be better than standard management, and in some areas in the UK general practitioners are now enlisting commercial slimming organisations to help patients lose weight. One such approach is called ‘Slimming on Referral’, which has reported some short‐term success to date without the robust methodology of a longitudinal randomised controlled trial to support these findings. Results from this study are in line with a substantial body of previous research which indicates that interventions for obesity demonstrate moderate success in promoting short‐term weight loss. There is, however, almost no evidence that the vast majority of people can maintain clinically significant weight loss over the long term and virtually everyone returns to their baseline weight. Furthermore, research suggests that weight fluctuation may have profound effects on psychological and physical health. The present paper highlights the need to reappraise the management of obesity in type 2 diabetes in the light of these research findings, and suggests an approach to treatment which would help patients to limit the associated physical and psychological costs and importantly ensure that the treatment itself does not compound their difficulties. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structured diabetes education in Sweden
Authors: Annersten M , Frid A , Dahlberg G , Högberg M , Apelqvist J
Published: May 2006

The overall goals for the treatment of diabetes are to prevent acute and long‐term complications and maintain a good quality of life. The St Vincent Declaration and the Swedish National Guidelines for the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus describe patient education in self‐treatment as a prerequisite for the achievement of these goals. This survey aimed to evaluate the presence of structured patient education (in advance planned education), its organisation, staffing and goals, and the results in out‐patient diabetes care in Sweden.

A questionnaire consisting of 35 open and closed questions was mailed to 1250 diabetes educated nurses working in hospitals and primary health care in the entire country.

Responses were received from 583 (47%) nurses. Structured diabetes patient education was performed by 486 nurses. It was usually organised by nurses and performed in co‐operation with doctors (55%), dietitians (38%), chiropodists (36%), and social workers (9%). The sessions took place individually at pre‐scheduled visits (80%), or as group education (26%). Fifty‐one percent described explicit goals for the education, most commonly: general knowledge about diabetes, improved metabolic control and increased safety. The structured education was evaluated by 51% of which the HbA1c level at the next scheduled visit was the most frequently used evaluation method (44%), followed by home monitored blood glucose values (37%) and a structured evaluation form (17%). The goals had been achieved to a great or quite great extent by 67% of the responding nurses.

To the extent that structured patient education takes place, nurses are usually responsible for its performance. It takes place individually as well as in groups. Many nurses lack evident goals for the education and sufficient evaluation methods.

It was concluded that there is confusion about the content of structured education vs information activity. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How similar are the conceptual and empirical structures of personality traits?
Authors: Konstabel Kenn , Virkus Ann
Published: May 2006

The congruity of the conceptual and empirical structures of personality traits was examined by comparing the structure of trait covariation ratings to the five‐factor structure of self‐reported traits. The covariation ratings were found to be highly reliable, and no evidence of systematic sex or age differences was found. Besides a rough similarity, there were replicable differences between the conceptual and empirical structures. Most importantly, Neuroticism and Extraversion had a weak negative correlation in self‐reports, but were judged to be almost bipolar opposites in covariation ratings; impulsiveness was judged to be a negative indicator of Conscientiousness in covariation ratings, but was equally strongly related to Neuroticism component in self‐ratings. These systematic differences demonstrate that the structure of self‐rated traits is not reducible to semantic similarities of traits descriptors. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interfacial properties of amphiphilic natural polymer systems based on derivatives of chitin
Authors: Desbrières Jacques , Babak Valery G
Published: May 2006

This short review highlights characterizations of amphiphilic polysaccharide systems based on chitin derivatives. Two routes are detailed: grafting hydrophobic moieties onto the macromolecular backbone and the addition of an oppositely charged surfactant to form an electrostatic complex. Attention to the surface tension, kinetics of adsorption, and formation of a structural adsorption layer is used to inform a comparison of the various interfacial properties of these systems. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Monte Carlo simulation of AB diblock copolymer between surface and substrate and comparison of experimental results
Authors: Wu Ningjing , Zheng Anna , Huang Yongmin , Yao Wenbin , Liu Honglai
Published: May 2006

The morphologies of AB diblock copolymer film between the substrate and surface were investigated via Monte Carlo simulations on simple cubic lattices. The morphological dependence of the diblock copolymer thin film on the thickness, as well as the composition and interactive intensity has been mainly studied. With the increase of A‐segments fraction, various microdomain morphologies including regular parallel stripe‐like, mesh‐like, and normal lamella near the region of the surface were generated in this work. The morphology of thin films of asymmetric diblock copolymer was found to form cylinders in a bulk system when Lz was equal to 30. The morphologies of PS‐b‐PDMS diblock copolymer films have been studied via atomic force microscopy (AFM) and transition electron microscopy (TEM) measurements. The surface morphology of the PS‐b‐PDMS copolymer thin film shows a mesh‐like microphase separated structure, and PDMS continuous phase protruded on the PS dispersed phase. The surface composition of PS‐b‐PDMS copolymer thin films was measured by means of X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and ATR‐IR. The comparison results show that the experimental observations are in good agreement with the simulation results. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 1835–1845, 2006
Formation and transformation of smectic polypropylene nanodroplets
Authors: Jin Y. , Hiltner A. , Baer E. , Masirek R. , Piorkowska E. , Galeski A.
Published: May 2006

A dispersion of isotactic polypropylene (PP) nanoparticles was produced by interfacially‐driven breakup of PP nanolayers. Layer‐multiplying coextrusion was used to fabricate an assembly of 257 alternating PP nanolayers about 12 nm thick sandwiched between thicker polystyrene (PS) layers. Characterization by thermal analysis and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD) confirmed that PP crystallized primarily in the smectic form when confined as nanolayers. When the layered assembly was heated into the melt, the PP nanolayers broke up to form a dispersion of PP droplets in a PS matrix. After solidification, particle size analysis revealed that 90% of the PP was present as 30 nm nanoparticles. The particles were small enough and numerous enough that most did not contain a primary nucleus. When cooled from melt at 10 °C min−1, the droplets crystallized by homogeneous nucleation at 40 °C. The droplets were found to be in the smectic form by WAXD. Because crystallization occurred below the temperature of the smectic to α‐form transformation, the intermediate smectic form was stable and did not convert to the α‐form until heated above 70 °C. This result provided direct evidence for an intermediate smectic phase in the process whereby homogeneous nucleation leads to α‐form crystals in confined nanoparticles. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 1795–1803, 2006
The use of Flory–Huggins parameters as a measure of interactions in polymer‐filler systems
Authors: Milczewska Kasylda , Voelkel Adam
Published: May 2006

Any quantitative information on the strength of interactions between inorganic filler and polymer is substantial for the future application of the composite. The magnitude of adhesion of two phases may be deduced from results collected by various experimental techniques. Polyether‐urethane/modified carbonate‐silicate fillers systems containing different amount of filler (5, 10, and 20 wt %) were the materials investigated. We propose to express the magnitude of modified filler/polymer interactions by Flory–Huggins χ parameter. It may be deduced from the results collected by inverse gas chromatographic (IGC) experiment. We have also tried to explain the influence of the solvent on values of the evaluated parameters and to check the usefulness of some of presented methods to minimize Δχ effect. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 1853–1862, 2006
Variation of Musca domestica L. acetylcholinesterase in Danish housefly populations
Authors: Kristensen Michael , Huang Jing , Qiao Chuan‐Ling , Jespersen Jørgen B
Published: May 2006

Anti‐cholinesterase resistance is in many cases caused by modified acetylcholinesterase (MACE). A comparison was made of toxicological data and AChE activity gathered from 21 field populations and nine laboratory strains of houseflies, Musca domestica L., to elucidate the best way of generating data to provide advice for management strategies and gathering information for resistance risk assessment on the organophosphates azamethiphos and dimethoate and the carbamate methomyl, which have been the primary insecticides used against adult houseflies in Denmark. Cluster analysis was performed and > 2000 houseflies were assigned to one of three phenotypes based on total acetylcholinesterase activity as well as inhibition by azamethiphos, methomyl or omethoate. A cluster, i.e. a phenotype, with high total AChE activity and high sensitivity to azamethiphos and less sensitivity to inhibition by methomyl and omethoate was shown to be linked to methomyl resistance. It was not possible to define any clusters that could be linked to azamethiphos or dimethoate resistance. The five mutations V180L, G262A, G262V, F327Y and G365A causing anticholinesterase resistance in houseflies were all identified in the Danish housefly strains. The data are very heterogeneous, and a correlation of molecular genetic background and resistance of phenotypes is not obvious with the available data. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Below bandgap transitions in an AlGaN/GaN transistor heterostructure observed by photoreflectance spectroscopy
Authors: Kudrawiec R. , Syperek M. , Misiewicz J. , Rudziński M. , Grzegorczyk A. P. , Hageman P. R. , Larsen P. K.
Published: May 2006

Photoreflectance (PR) spectroscopy has been applied to study the optical transitions in an AlGaN/GaN transistor heterostructure at room temperature. A strong PR feature at ∼3.37 eV has been observed besides PR features related to the band‐to‐band absorption in GaN and AlGaN layers. This feature has been attributed to an electron transition between the valence band and a donor‐like state located ∼50 meV below the conduction band. Such a transition is possible to observe in absorption‐type experiment (such as PR spectroscopy) at room temperature because the donor‐like state is ionized by the strong electric field existing in GaN layer. The existence of the electric field with a magnitude of ∼233 kV/cm has been confirmed by the observation of GaN‐related Franz‐Keldysh oscillations in the PR spectra. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Growth of high‐quality AlN at high growth rate by high‐temperature MOVPE
Authors: Fujimoto N. , Kitano T. , Narita G. , Okada N. , Balakrishnan K. , Iwaya M. , Kamiyama S. , Amano H. , Akasaki I. , Shimono K. , Noro T. , Takagi T. , Bandoh A.
Published: May 2006

AlN layers were grown by high‐temperature MOVPE. A systematic analysis of high‐temperature growth of AlN was carried out and the resultant layers were analyzed by X‐ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy. The structural quality and the morphology of AlN layers improve with rising growth temperature. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Analysis of dependence of electroluminescence efficiency of AlInGaN LED heterostructures on pumping
Authors: Rozhansky I. V. , Zakheim D. A.
Published: May 2006

The work is devoted to explanation of the decrease of external quantum efficiency (QE) with increase of pumping density typically observed for AlInGaN heterostrucures. It is shown as a result of numerical modeling that while the increase of QE at low pumping density is due to the competition between radiative and non‐radiative recombination, the decrease of QE at large pumping density is caused by decrease of injection efficiency for the holes into the active area. A modified LED heterostructure is suggested, for which the effect of QE decreasing is not expected. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Growth of Fe doped semi‐insulating GaN on sapphire and 4H‐SiC by MOCVD
Authors: Rudziński M. , Desmaris V. , van Hal P. A. , Weyher J. L. , Hageman P. R. , Dynefors K. , Rödle T. C. , Jos H. F. F. , Zirath H. , Larsen P. K.
Published: May 2006

We report a study of iron doped GaN layers grown on sapphire and SiC by Metal Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD) using ferrocene as the Fe precursor. The influence of iron doping on the electrical, structural and morphological properties of the GaN layers was studied. A resistivity of 6x103 Ωcm and higher was achieved in contrast to 3 Ωcm for the undoped film. Defect selective etching showed that Fe doping increases the threading dislocation (TD) density which might be responsible for the increase in resistivity. A turn‐on, turn‐off effect is described and a memory effect which is responsible for a decrease of the surface quality of the samples. In situ annealing of the susceptor and the use of a clean liner after each growth run helps to reduce this effect and maintain the good quality of GaN layers. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)