bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of human papillomavirus, Epstein–Barr virus, p21, and p53 expression in sinonasal inverted papilloma, nasal polyp, and hypertrophied turbinate in Hong Kong patients
Authors: Sham C. L. , To K. F. , Chan Paul K. S. , Lee Dennis L. Y. , Tong Michael C. F. , van Hasselt C. Andrew
Published: May 2011

Background

The purpose of this study of human papillomavirus (HPV), Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), p21, and p53 in sinonasal inverted papilloma (IP) was to help elucidate its pathogenesis.

Methods

Seventy‐three IPs, 48 nasal polyps, and 85 hypertrophied turbinates were subjected to HPV polymerase chain reaction (PCR) study. Seventy‐three IPs, 30 nasal polyps, and 32 hypertrophied turbinates were subjected to EBV in situ hybridization (ISH), p21, and p53 immunohistochemical (IHC) studies.

Results

HPV was positive in 3 of 73 IPs (4.1%). All specimens were EBV negative. In all, 99% of IPs showed strong and diffuse p21 nuclear reactivity. Most nasal polyps and hypertrophied turbinates showed weak to moderate immunoreactivity of the basal and parabasal cells. Only focal p53 immunoreactivity of the basal and parabasal cells was found in 19% of IPs and 40% of nasal polyps.

Conclusions

HPV prevalence of our IP is low. EBV is not present in IP. High p21 and low p53 expression in IP suggests a non–p53‐dependent regulation pathway. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2012
Autologous bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in liver failure patients caused by hepatitis B: Short-term and long-term outcomes
Authors: Peng Liang , Xie Dong-ying , Lin Bing-Liang , Liu Jing , Zhu Hai-peng , Xie Chan , Zheng Yu-bao , Gao Zhi-liang
Published: May 2011

Our study aimed to investigate the short-term efficacy and long-term prognosis of liver failure patients caused by hepatitis B after a single transplantation with autologous marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MMSCs). A total of 527 inpatients with liver failure caused by hepatitis B were recruited and received the same medical treatments, among whom 53 patients underwent a single transplantation with autologous MMSCs. A total of 105 patients matched for age, sex, and biochemical indexes, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), albumin, total bilirubin (TBIL), prothrombin time (PT), and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD), comprised the control group. A total of 120 mL of bone marrow was obtained from each patient and then diluted and separated. Then, the MMSC suspension was slowly transfused into the liver through the proper hepatic artery. The success rate of transplantation was 100%, without serious side effects or complications. Levels of ALB, TBIL, and PT and MELD score of patients in the transplantation group were markedly improved from 2-3 weeks after transplantation, compared with those in the control group. At 192 weeks of follow-up, there were no dramatic differences in incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or mortality between the two groups. Additionally, there were no significant differences in the incidence of HCC or mortality between patients with and without cirrhosis in the transplantation group.

Conclusion:

Autologous MMSC transplantation is safe for liver failure patients caused by chronic hepatitis B. Short-term efficacy was favorable, but long-term outcomes were not markedly improved. In respect to several parameters, this method is preferable for patients with liver cirrhosis and may have potential for reducing their incidence of HCC and mortality. (HEPATOLOGY 2011;)
Nitrate transport in the unsaturated zone: a case study of the riverbank filtration system Karany, Czech Republic
Authors: Buzek Frantisek , Kadlecova Renata , Jackova Ivana , Lnenickova Zdena
Published: May 2011

Nitrate transport in the unsaturated zone of a riverbank filtration (RBF) system in Karany, Czech Republic, was studied. Previous study of the system estimated RBF recharge as 60% riverbank filtrate and 40% local groundwater contaminated by nitrates. Nitrate concentrations observed in RBF recently cannot be explained by simple groundwater contamination and a new conception of groundwater recharge is suggested. A two‐component model based on water 18O data modelled recharge of local groundwater. One component of groundwater recharge is rainfall and irrigation water moving through the unsaturated zone of the Quaternary sediments in piston flow. The second component is groundwater from the Cretaceous deposits with a free water table. Both the components of groundwater recharge have different nitrate concentrations, and resulting contamination of groundwater depends on the participation of water from Quaternary and Cretaceous deposits. Nitrates' origins and their mixing in the subsurface were traced by 15N data. Nitrate transport from the unsaturated zone is important and time variable source of groundwater contamination. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Social and ethical issues in environmental risk management
Authors: Oughton Deborah H.
Published: May 2011

The recognition of the social and ethical aspects of radiation risk management has been an important part of international projects following the Chernobyl accident of 1986. This study comments on the science and policy issues in environmental risk assessment, including the social and ethical dimensions of emergency preparedness and remediation experiences gained from the Chernobyl accident. While the unique situation of Fukushima, combined with an earthquake and tsunami, raises its own social and political challenges, it is hoped that some of the lessons learnt from Chernobyl will be relevant to long-term management of the Fukushima site. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2011;7:404–405. © 2011 SETAC
Agricultural land management options following large-scale environmental contamination
Authors: Vandenhove Hildegarde , Turcanu Catrinel
Published: May 2011

The recent events at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, in Japan, have raised questions about the accumulation of radionuclides in soils, the transfer in the food chain, and the possibility for restricted land use in the foreseeable future. This article summarizes what is generally understood about the application of agricultural countermeasures as a land management option to reduce the transfer of radionuclides in the food chain and to facilitate the return of potentially affected soils to agricultural practices in the vicinity of the Fukushima plant. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2011;7:385–387. © 2011 SETAC
An overview of the transfer of radionuclides to farm animals and potential countermeasures of relevance to Fukushima releases
Authors: Beresford Nicholas A , Howard Brenda J
Published: May 2011

Initial information since the releases of radioactive materials from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, in Japan, shows that some animal food products are contaminated with 131I (mostly milk) and, to a lesser extent with 134Cs and 137Cs. Current knowledge on the transfer of these radioisotopes to animal products and available relevant countermeasures and management options to reduce radiation doses to humans are summarized. Much of this knowledge was obtained during the years of global fallout from atmospheric nuclear weapons tests and the response to the Chernobyl accident, in Ukraine in 1986. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2011;7:382–384. © 2011 SETAC
The transfer of radiocesium from soil to plants: Mechanisms, data, and perspectives for potential countermeasures in Japan
Authors: Smolders Erik , Tsukada Hirofumi
Published: May 2011

The recent events at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, Japan, have raised questions about radiocesium (137Cs) transfer from soil to agricultural plants. This transfer has been studied extensively in Europe following the Chernobyl accident, in Soviet Ukraine in 1986. This article briefly discusses whether that transfer may be different in Japan in the aftermath of the Fukushima accident. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2011;7:379–381. © 2011 SETAC
The challenges posed by radiation and radionuclide releases to the environment
Authors: Wenning Richard J. , Apitz Sabine E. , Backhaus Thomas , Barnthouse Lawrence , Batley Graeme , Brooks Bryan , Chapman Peter M. , Griffin Michael , Kapustka Lawrence , Landis Wayne , Leung Kenneth M. Y. , Linkov Igor , Seager Thomas P. , Suter Glenn , Tannenbaum Lawrence
Published: May 2011

The recent accident at the Fukushima I nuclear power plant in Japan (also known as Fukushima Daiichi) captured the world's attention and re-invigorated concerns about the safety of nuclear power technology. The Editors of Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management invited experts in the field to describe the primary issues associated with the control and release of radioactive materials to the environment, particularly those that are of importance to the health of the human populations and the ecological systems that populate our planet. This collection of invited short commentaries aims to inform on the safety of nuclear power plants damaged by natural disasters and provide a primer on the potential environmental impacts. The intent of these invited commentaries is not to fuel the excitement and fears about the Fukushima Daiichi incident; rather, it is to collect views and comments from some of the world's experts on the broad science and policy challenges raised by this event, and to provide high-level views on the science issues that surround this situation in order to improve our collective ability to avoid or at least minimize the consequences of future events. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2011;7:360–361. © 2011 SETAC
Recommendations from the international union of radioecology to improve guidance on radiation protection
Authors: Bréchignac François , Bradshaw Clare , Carroll Simon , Jaworska Alicja , Kapustka Larry , Monte Luigi , Oughton Deborah
Published: May 2011

This brief commentary summarizes the views of a working group assembled by the International Union of Radioecology to advance the approaches used to evaluate effects of radioactive materials in the environment. The key message in both the research needs and the recommendations for management of radioactive materials centers around the need to adopt an ecocentric approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of biota, including humans, and ecological processes. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2011;7:411–413. © 2011 SETAC
Progress in colorectal cancer survival in Europe from the late 1980s to the early 21st century: The EUROCARE study
Authors: Brenner Hermann , Bouvier Anne Marie , Foschi Roberto , Hackl Monika , Larsen Inger Kristin , Lemmens Valery , Mangone Lucia , Francisci Silvia ,   The EUROCARE Working Group
Published: May 2011

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of death due to cancer causing death in Europe, accounting for more than 200,000 deaths per year. Prognosis strongly depends on stage at diagnosis, and the disease can be cured in most cases if diagnosed at an early stage. We aimed to assess trends and recent developments in 5‐year relative survival in European countries, with a special focus on age, stage at diagnosis and anatomical cancer subsite. Data from 25 population‐based cancer registries from 16 European countries collected in the context of the EUROCARE‐4 project were analyzed. Using period analysis, age‐adjusted and age‐specific 5‐year relative survival was calculated by country, European region, stage and cancer subsite for time periods from 1988–1990 to 2000–2002. Survival substantially increased over time in all European regions. In general, increases were more pronounced in younger than in older patients, for earlier than for more advanced cancer stages and for rectum than for colon cancer. Substantial variation of CRC survival between European countries and between age groups persisted and even tentatively increased over time. There is a huge potential for reducing the burden of CRC in Europe by more widespread and equal delivery of existing options of effective early detection and curative treatment to the European population.
Human papillomavirus status in young patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: van Monsjou H.S. , van Velthuysen M.L.F. , van den Brekel M.W.M. , Jordanova E.S. , Melief C.J.M. , Balm A.J.M.
Published: May 2011

The role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) development has been recognized only in the last decade. Although younger patients develop HNSCC associated with HPV, the incidence in young patients has not been studied. Forty‐five young HNSCC patients (<40 years) were tested for HPV and the expression of p16ink4a and p53 in tumor biopsies. The presence of HPV was correlated with the absence and presence of alcohol and tobacco exposure. Paraffin‐embedded, archival biopsy materials from HNSCC of 45 patients younger than 40 years were analyzed. HPV subtypes were identified by PCR followed by genotyping. Expression of p16ink4a and p53 were determined by immunohistochemistry. Fourteen (31%) of the HNSCC specimens from 45 patients unequivocally exhibited HPV16 positivity. Sixty percentage of the oropharyngeal tumors and 5% of the oral cavity tumors were HPV16 positive. P16ink4a overexpression was detected in 93% of the HPV16‐positive tumors. None of the HPV16 tumors showed p53 overexpression. There was no association of HPV positivity with (lack of) exposure to alcohol and smoking. HPV association was not exclusively detected in nonsmoking, nondrinking young HNSCC patients. The presence of p16ink4a accumulation and the absence of p53 overexpression are good surrogate markers for HPV‐associated HNSCC.
Efficacy of serotonin inhibition in mouse models of bone loss
Authors: Inose Hiroyuki , Zhou Bin , Yadav Vijay K , Guo X Edward , Karsenty Gerard , Ducy Patricia
Published: May 2011

In a proof-of-concept study it was shown that decreasing synthesis of gut serotonin through a small molecule inhibitor of Tph1 could prevent and treat ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in young mice and rats. In this study, we define the minimal efficacy of this Tph1 inhibitor, demonstrate that its activity is improved with the duration of treatment, and show that its anabolic effect persists on interruption. Importantly, given the prevalence of osteoporosis in the aging population, we then show that Tph1 inhibition rescues ovariectomy-induced bone loss in aged mice. It also cures the low bone mass of Lrp5-deficient mice through a sole anabolic effect. Lastly, we provide evidence that inhibition of gut serotonin synthesis can work in concert with an antiresorptive agent to increase bone mass in ovariectomized mice. This study provides a more comprehensive view of the anabolic efficacy of Tph1 inhibitors and further establishes the spectrum of their therapeutic potential in the treatment of bone-loss disorders. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Avoiding the van der Waals endpoint problem using serial atomic insertion
Authors: Boresch Stefan , Bruckner Stefan
Published: May 2011

In the past analyses of the so‐called van der Waals end point problem focused on thermodynamic integration. Here we investigate which of the recommendations, such as the need for soft‐core potentials, are still valid when Bennett's acceptance ratio method is used. We show that in combination with Bennett's acceptance ratio method intermediate states characterized by the coupling parameter λ can be replaced by intermediate states in which Lennard‐Jones interactions are turned on or off on an “atom by atom” basis. By doing so, there is no necessity to use soft‐core potentials. In fact, one can compute free energy differences without dedicated code, making it possible to use any molecular dynamics program to compute alchemical free energy differences. Such an approach, which we illustrate by several examples, makes it possible to exploit the tremendous computational power of the graphics processing unit. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2011
Impact of magnetic resonance imaging on cardiac mortality in thalassemia major
Authors: Chouliaras Giorgos , Berdoukas Vasilios , Ladis Vassilis , Kattamis Antonis , Chatziliami Antonia , Fragodimitri Christina , Karabatsos Fotis , Youssef Jacqueline , Karagiorga‐Lagana Markissia
Published: May 2011

Purpose:

To evaluate whether the introduction of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the management of thalassemia major (TM) patients has affected the risk of cardiac death.

Materials and Methods:

In all, 804 TM patients from two large reference units were included and the risk of dying of cardiac causes, before and after their first MRI, was assessed by a Cox proportional hazards model with time‐dependent covariates.

Results:

Adding information from MRI reduced the risk of cardiac death from 6.0 deaths/1000 patient‐years to 3.9 deaths/1000 patient‐years (P = 0.22). The risk of cardiac death before having an MRI study was 82% higher compared to the risk observed after the first MRI.

Conclusion:

MRI has become a vital component of ongoing management and seems to have a beneficial effect on cardiac mortality in TM. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Area and shape changes of the carpal tunnel in response to tunnel pressure
Authors: Li Zong‐Ming , Masters Tamara L. , Mondello Tracy A.
Published: May 2011

Carpal tunnel mechanics is relevant to our understanding of median nerve compression in the tunnel. The compliant characteristics of the tunnel strongly influence its mechanical environment. We investigated the distensibility of the carpal tunnel in response to tunnel pressure. A custom balloon device was designed to apply controlled pressure. Tunnel cross sections were obtained using magnetic resonance imaging to derive the relationship between carpal tunnel pressure and morphological parameters at the hook of hamate. The results showed that the cross‐sectional area (CSA) at the level of the hook of hamate increased, on average, by 9.2% and 14.8% at 100 and 200 mmHg, respectively. The increased CSA was attained by a shape change of the cross section, displaying increased circularity. The increase in CSA was mainly attributable to the increase of area in the carpal arch region formed by the transverse carpal ligament. The narrowing of the carpal arch width was associated with an increase in the carpal arch. We concluded that the carpal tunnel is compliant to accommodate physiological variations of the carpal tunnel pressure, and that the increase in tunnel CSA is achieved by increasing the circularity of the cross section. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:1951–1956, 2011
Surprising evidence of pelvic growth (widening) after skeletal maturity
Authors: Berger Alexander A. , May Ryan , Renner Jordan B. , Viradia Neal , Dahners Laurence E.
Published: May 2011

Following an increase in length and width during childhood and adolescence, skeletal growth is generally assumed to stop. This study investigates the influence of aging on the dimensions of the pelvis and the L4 lumbar vertebra during adulthood. The dimensions of the pelvis, L4 vertebra, and femoral heads were calculated for 246 patients who had received pelvic and abdominal Computed Tomography scans from the UNC Health Care System. Linear regression analysis determined the significance of relationships between age and width of the pelvis. There was a strong correlation between increasing patient age and increasing width of the pelvis at the trochanters, (0.333 mm/year of age p<0.0001), at the iliac wings, (0.371 mm/year of age p < 0.0002), and between the femoral heads, indicating that the bony pelvis widens over 20 mm between the ages of 20 and 80. The pelvic inlet did not enlarge over time while the distance between the hips and the femoral head diameter did significantly increase. The height of L4 did not increase over time, but the L4 width did increase. These correlations were seen in both genders. Surprisingly, our results suggest that the pelvis and L4 vertebra increase in width after skeletal maturity and cessation of longitudinal growth. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:1719–1723, 2011
The challenge of dating early pleistocene fossil teeth by the combined uranium series–electron spin resonance method: the Venta Micena palaeontological site (Orce, Spain)
Authors: Duval Mathieu , Falguères Christophe , Bahain Jean‐Jacques , Grün Rainer , Shao Qingfeng , Aubert Maxime , Hellstrom John , Dolo Jean‐Michel , Agusti Jordi , Martínez‐Navarro Bienvenido , Palmqvist Paul , Toro‐Moyano Isidro
Published: May 2011

The palaeontological site of Venta Micena (Orce, Andalusia, Spain) lies in the eastern sector of the Guadix–Baza basin, one of the best documented areas in Europe for Plio‐Pleistocene biostratigraphy. The combination of biochronological and palaeomagnetic results, combined with the radiometric data obtained for Atapuerca Sima del Elefante, indicated that the Venta Micena stratum was formed between the Jaramillo and Olduvai palaeomagnetic events, most likely between 1.22 and 1.77 Ma. Five fossil teeth from two outcrops (sites A and B) were selected to assess the potential of combined uranium series–electron spin resonance (US‐ESR) dating of Early Pleistocene sites. Although the US‐ESR results of the first outcrop showed a large scatter between the three teeth, the mean age of 1.37 ± 0.24 Ma can be considered a reasonable age estimate for Venta Micena. The mean ESR age of 0.62 ± 0.03 Ma obtained for site B seems to be a severe underestimation when compared with the independent age control. This underestimation is attributed to a relative recent U‐mobilization event that led to some U‐leaching. The results show that any ESR age calculations of old samples are extremely sensitive to variations in the measured 230Th/234U ratios in dental tissues. Although the results demonstrate that ESR can in principle be applied to Early Pleistocene sites, they also reveal the complexity of dating such old teeth. It is necessary to continue research in several directions, such as study of the behaviour of ESR signals in old teeth and understanding recent U‐mobilization processes, to improve the reliability of the combined US‐ESR dating method applied to Early Pleistocene times, a period for which the number of available numerical dating techniques is very limited. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of an ionic liquid‐based dispersive liquid–liquid micro‐extraction method for the determination of phthalate esters in water samples
Authors: Sha Chen , Yi‐Sheng Zhong , Shui‐Yuan Cheng , Tian Qian , Hao Sun
Published: May 2011

Ionic liquid‐based dispersive liquid–liquid micro‐extraction (IL‐DLLME) was coupled with high‐performance liquid chromatography‐ultraviolet (HPLC‐UV) for the determination of four phthalate esters, including butyl benzyl phthalate, di‐n‐butyl phthalate, dicyclohexyl phthalate and bis(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate in water samples. The mixture of ionic liquid (IL) and dispersive solvent was rapidly injected into 10 mL aqueous sample. Then, IL phase was separated by centrifugation and was determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography‐ultraviolet. The factors influencing the extraction efficiency, such as type and volume of IL, disperse solvent, extraction time, centrifuging time and ionic strength, were investigated and optimized. Under the optimized conditions, the extraction recoveries by the proposed ionic liquid‐based dispersive liquid–liquid micro‐extraction for the four phthalates ranged from 83.0 to 91.7%. The relative standard deviations were between 7.8 and 15%. The limits of quantification for four phthalates were between 10.6 and 28.5 μg/L. The proposed method was successfully applied for the analysis of PAEs in tap, lake and treated wastewater samples.
Testing Heterogeneous Image in Cultural/Non‐cultural Tourism Markets: a Latent Model Approach
Authors: Sánchez‐Rivero Marcelino , Pulido‐Fernández Juan Ignacio
Published: May 2011

We identify the latent variable ‘destination image’ to segment tourism demand based on the different types of behaviour generated by those images. We used simultaneous latent structure analysis, which also permits a comparison of the degree of homogeneity or heterogeneity of two or more tourist markets. After presenting the most significant methodological aspects of this technique, we describe its application to the data of a study of the behaviour of tourism demand of Andalusia to determine whether those tourists with a marked inclination for cultural tourism have a similar (homogeneous) image of this destination as do other tourists. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms among adult survivors of the 2008 Sichuan earthquake in China
Authors: Chan Cecilia Lai Wan , Wang Chong‐Wen , Qu Zhiyong , Lu Ben Qibin , Ran Mao‐Sheng , Ho Andy Hau Yan , Yuan Yin , Zhang Braven Qiang , Wang Xiying , Zhang Xiulan
Published: May 2011

This study examined the estimated prevalence rate of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and associated risk factors among Chinese adult survivors 7 to 8 months after the 2008 Sichuan earthquake. The sample was recruited from 2 areas close to the epicenter but of different distances. The estimated rate of PTSD symptoms was 55.6% and 26.4% respectively in the two areas. Loss of a child was a strong predictive factor for PTSD symptoms for the parents. Other predictive factors included female gender, loss of a parent, loss of friends or neighbors, residential house damage or collapse, and proximity to the epicenter. Effective and sustainable mental health services are needed and should be directed particularly to bereaved survivors.
A Comparative Study of Nonlinear Machine Learning for the “In Silico” Depiction of Tyrosinase Inhibitory Activity from Molecular Structure
Authors: Le‐Thi‐Thu Huong , Marrero‐Ponce Yovani , Casañola‐Martin Gerardo M. , Cardoso Gladys Casas , Chávez Maria del Carmen , Garcia María M. , Morell Carlos , Torrens Francisco , Abad Concepción
Published: May 2011

In the preset report, for the first time, support vector machine (SVM), artificial neural network (ANN), Bayesian networks (BNs), k‐nearest neighbor (k‐NN) are applied and compared on two “in‐house” datasets to describe the tyrosinase inhibitory activity from the molecular structure. The data set Data I is used for the identification of tyrosinase inhibitors (TIs) including 701 active and 728 inactive compounds. Data II consists of active chemicals for potency estimation of TIs. The 2D TOMOCOMD‐CARDD atom‐based quadratic indices are used as molecular descriptors. The derived models show rather encouraging results with the areas under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (AURC) curve in the test set above 0.943 and 0.846 for the Data I and Data II, respectively. Multiple comparison tests are carried out to compare the performance of the models and reveal the improvement of machine learning (ML) techniques with respect to statistical ones (see Chemometr. Intell. Lab. Syst. 2010, 104, 249). In some cases, these ameliorations are statistically significant. The tests also demostrate that k‐NN, despite being a rather simple approach, presents the best behavior in both data. The obtained results suggest that the ML‐based models could help to improve the virtual screening procedures and the confluence of these different techniques can increase the practicality of data mining procedures of chemical databases for the discovery of novel TIs as possible depigmenting agents.
T2 exchange agents: A new class of paramagnetic MRI contrast agent that shortens water T2 by chemical exchange rather than relaxation
Authors: Soesbe Todd C. , Merritt Matthew E. , Green Kayla N. , Rojas‐Quijano Federico A. , Sherry A. Dean
Published: May 2011

Exchange of water molecules between the frequency‐shifted inner‐sphere of a paramagnetic lanthanide ion and aqueous solvent can shorten the T2 of bulk water protons. The magnitude of the line‐broadening T2 exchange (T2exch) is determined by the lanthanide concentration, the chemical shift of the exchanging water molecule, and the rate of water exchange between the two pools. A large T2exch contribution to the water linewidth was initially observed in experiments involving Eu3+‐based paramagnetic chemical exchange saturation transfer agents in vivo at 9.4 T. Further in vitro and in vivo experiments using six different Eu3+ complexes having water exchange rates ranging from zero (no exchange) to 5 × 106 s−1 (fast exchange) were performed. The results showed that the exchange relaxivity (r2exch) is small for complexes having either very fast or very slow exchange, but reaches a well‐defined maximum for complexes with intermediate water exchange rates. These experimental results were verified by Bloch simulations for two site exchange. This new class of T2exch agent could prove useful in the design of responsive MRI contrast agents for molecular imaging of biological processes. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Normal bladder sensations in healthy volunteers: A focus group investigation
Authors: Heeringa Rhea , de Wachter Stefan G.G. , van Kerrebroeck Philip E.V. , van Koeveringe Gommert A.
Published: May 2011

Aims

To describe the bladder sensations experienced during non‐invasive rapid bladder filling in a controlled setting in healthy volunteers.

Methods

Three groups of healthy volunteers, total 11 subjects (4 men, 7 women), participated in three consecutive focus group sessions. Before each session a strict water loading protocol was given. The first two sessions focused on how participants described and experienced bladder sensations in daily life and during a physiological bladder filling with constant focus on their bladder. The third session focused on verifying the interpretation of the data gathered so far and describing the pattern of sensations.

Results

During the focus group sessions with constant focus on their bladder, all participants experienced their bladder sensation as a continuous progression. Healthy subjects describe their bladder sensation(s) as a “pressure” and a “tingling” sensation, but a terminology ranging from no sensations to an absolute need to void is used by all participants and better describes the pattern in which the need to void develops in healthy volunteers.

Conclusions

By means of focus group research it is possible to describe the development of normal bladder sensation and to refine terminology used by healthy participants. The findings show that two types of bladder sensations are reported spontaneously by healthy uninitiated volunteers, pressure and a tingling sensation, of which the first develops in a continuous manner. The pattern in which the absolute need develops is described by the terms: no sensation, weak awareness, stronger awareness, weak need, stronger need and absolute need to void. Neurourol. Urodynam. 30:1350–1355, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of demographic, clinical characteristics, and genetic polymorphism as risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse in brazilian women
Authors: Martins Karina de Falco , Bella Zsuzsanna Ilona Katalin de Jármy‐Di , da Fonseca Andrea Moura Rodrigues Maciel , Castro Rodrigo Aquino , Guerreiro da Silva Ismael Dale Cotrim , Castello Girão Manoel João Batista , Ferreira Sartori Marair Gracio
Published: May 2011

Objective

Verify the association between genital prolapse, other risk factors and a polymorphism in exon 31 of the collagen III‐a1 gene (COL3A1).

Setting

The etiology of genital prolapse is multifactorial, and genetic defects have been proposed. Also, there is evidence that changes in collagen may be responsible for defects in pelvic floor support. The exon 31 polymorphism results in structural changes in the triple helical of the collagen and appears to lead to abnormal synthesis of type III collagen.

Design

Basic science study.

Population

The studied group consisted of 107 patients with stage III and IV genital prolapse (POP‐Q). The control group included 209 women with stage 0 and I prolapse.

Methods

After extracting genomic DNA from the peripheral blood, the exon 31 COL3A1 polymorphism was typed by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis.

Main outcome measures

Association between genital prolapse and exon 31 COL3A1 polymorphism.

Results

No statistically significant differences in genotype and allele frequencies were found between cases and controls (P = 0.75 and 0.66, respectively). Multiple logistic regression analyses identified age (OR = 1.05; 95%CI = 1.01–1.10), BMI (OR = 1.09; 95%CI = 1.01–1.17), presence of at least one vaginal delivery (OR = 7.22; 95%CI = 1.84–28.27), positive family history of POP (OR = 2.27; 95%CI = 1.05–4.93) and a macrosomic foetus (OR = 2.91; 95%CI = 1.24–6.79) as independent risk factors for genital prolapse. In contrast, the number of caesarean deliveries was found to be an independent protective factor (OR = 0.43; 95%CI = 0.24–0.78).

Conclusions

The type III collagen exon 31 polymorphism is not a risk factor for pelvic genital prolapse in this sample. Neurourol. Urodynam. 30:1325–1328, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development and validation of a diabetes knowledge questionnaire
Authors: Eigenmann CA , Skinner T , Colagiuri R
Published: May 2011

An Australian National Consensus Position on Outcomes and Indicators for Diabetes Education identified knowledge and understanding as the outcomes most directly affected by diabetes education. A subsequent literature review failed to identify a validated, suitable questionnaire for measuring knowledge. Consequently, we aimed to develop a minimum diabetes knowledge questionnaire (DKQ) suitable for people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Content validity was established through literature review, Delphi survey of 52 opinion leaders and a workshop of Australian Diabetes Educators (n ≥300). The resulting instrument was tested for internal consistency on 129 and for reliability on 57 people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, respectively.

The final questionnaire contains: 12 multiple choice questions common to type 1 and type 2 diabetes, e.g. normal blood glucose levels, complications, diet, exercise, self‐monitoring of blood glucose, annual check‐ups, support services, and sick‐days; two questions for people on oral medication/insulin only; and one question (sick‐days) for people with type 1 diabetes only.

For the first 12 questions, the internal consistency was good (Cronbach's α=0.73); with the additional item for type 1 diabetes, the internal consistency was slightly better (α=0.79) as it was with the additional items for people on medication/insulin (α=0.76). No particular item seemed to adversely affect the overall consistency of the questionnaire.

Comparing test‐retest pilots, total scores showed good reliability with no evidence of change over time (t=1.73; df=56; p<0.85), and a correlation of 0.62.

The DKQ is now ready to use for evaluating knowledge outcomes of diabetes education. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons.
Could glucose self‐monitoring become the preferred tool for screening and monitoring glucose control in cystic fibrosis?
Authors: McLachlan CYL , Beach R , Laing R , Frazer G , Lunt H , Cawood TJ
Published: May 2011

We aimed to assess the utility and acceptability of outpatient glucose self‐monitoring in an adult cystic fibrosis (CF) population.

Adults with CF were asked to self‐monitor their capillary glucose, three times per day for two weeks preceding their hospital outpatient appointment. The American Diabetes Association definition of dysglycaemia was used, defined by at least two elevated glucose recordings of fasting glucose ≥5.6mmol/L or post‐prandial glucose ≥7.8mmol/L.

From a CF population of 43 patients, 10 were excluded (mainly due to clinic in‐attendance). Of the remaining 33 patients, 29 (88%) consented to perform glucose self‐monitoring, and 22 patients (67% of eligible patients and 76% of those consenting to take part) provided glucose data. Dysglycaemia was found in 19 of 22 patients (86%).

We conclude that glucose self‐monitoring in the weeks prior to outpatient CF clinic review could become the preferred tool for screening and monitoring of dysglycaemia in adult CF. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons.
Insulin therapy in patients with cystic fibrosis related diabetes mellitus: benefit, timing of initiation and hypoglycaemia
Authors: Drummond RS , Ross E , Bicknell S , Small M , Jones GC
Published: May 2011

Pancreatic endocrine dysfunction in patients with cystic fibrosis heralds declining pulmonary function and a six‐fold rise in mortality. Insulin therapy increases weight and reduces decline in lung function. Optimal timing of initiation remains contentious but early intervention may maximise benefit. We explored the optimal timing of initiation of therapy and characterised the frequency and usual symptoms of hypoglycaemia.

Fifty‐four patients with cystic fibrosis treated with insulin were compared up to five years pre and post insulin initiation with respect to weight gain and lung function. Frequency and usual symptoms of hypoglycaemia were assessed using the Hypoglycemia Symptoms Awareness Questionnaire.

Mean age was 27.6(16–52) years. In the five years preceding insulin therapy, FEV1 declined from 2.6±0.14L to 1.78±0.12L (p<0.001). In the group as a whole, rate of decline was arrested with insulin initiation; the mean five‐year post insulin FEV1 was 1.74±0.20L (p=0.15). When stratified according to oral glucose tolerance testing at initiation the rate of decline was significant in patients with impaired glucose tolerance (p=0.02) but not normal glucose tolerance nor overt cystic fibrosis diabetes mellitus. Insulin therapy increased weight from 53.08±1.53kg to 56.22±2.08kg (p=0.05). Hypoglycaemia was common and 75% of respondents scored results indicative of hypoglycaemia unawareness.

This study confirms that the favourable effect of insulin upon lung function in patients with cystic fibrosis correlates with the degree of glucose intolerance at baseline. Hypoglycaemia is an important clinical issue. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons.
Obstructive sleep apnoea and type 2 diabetes: whose disease is it anyway?
Authors: Choudhury S , Taheri S
Published: May 2011

The association between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is increasingly recognised. Both conditions are rising in prevalence due to the increased prevalence in obesity, which plays a key role in both disorders. Emerging evidence suggests that T2DM and OSA may also be related independently of obesity. This raises the possibility that identifying and treating OSA in patients with diabetes could have an important impact on diabetes control and cardiovascular health. This article is a summary of the implications of OSA for patients with T2DM. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons.
Ternary polymer blends of polyamide 6, polypropylene, and acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene: Influence of multiwalled carbon nanotubes on phase morphology, electrical conductivity, and crystallization
Authors: Panda Biswajit , Bhattacharyya Arup R. , Kulkarni Ajit R.
Published: May 2011

Ternary polymer blends of 80/10/10 (wt/wt/wt) polyamide6 (PA6)/polypropylene (PP)/acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene (ABS), PP/PA6/ABS, and ABS/PP/PA6 were prepared in the presence of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) by melt‐mixing technique to investigate the influence of MWCNTs on the phase morphology, electrical conductivity, and the crystallization behavior of the PP and PA6 phases in the respective blends. Morphological analysis showed the “core–shell”‐type morphology in 80/10/10 PA6/PP/ABS and 80/10/10 PP/PA6/ABS blends, which was found to be unaltered in the presence of MWCNTs. However, MWCNTs exhibited “compatibilization‐like” action, which was manifested in a reduction of average droplet size of the dispersed phase/s. In contrast, a separately dispersed morphology has been found in the case of 80/10/10 ABS/PP/PA6 blends in which both the phases (PP and PA6) were dispersed separately in the ABS matrix. The electrical percolation threshold for 80/10/10 PA6/PP/ABS and 80/10/10 PP/PA6/ABS ternary polymer blends was found between 3–4 and 2–3 wt% of MWCNTs, respectively, whereas 80/10/10 ABS/PP/PA6 blends showed electrically insulating behavior even at 5 wt% of MWCNTs. Nonisothermal crystallization studies could detect the presence of MWCNTs in the PA6 and the PP phases. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Polyurea microcapsules: Surface modification and capsule size control
Authors: Li Jian , Mazumder M. A. Jafar , Stöver Harald D. H. , Hitchcock Adam P. , Shirley Ian M.
Published: May 2011

A postmodification method for polyurea microcapsule (PUMC) surfaces using functional polyelectrolytes is reported in this article. Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) was used to probe the chemistry on PUMC surface and label nucleophilic groups on the surface, in particular amines. As well, a fluorescently labeled polyanion containing electrophilic acetoacetate groups was used to covalently react with these nucleophilic groups on the PUMC surfaces. This modification causes charge reversion of the originally cationic PUMC and enables subsequent layer‐by‐layer (LbL) coating using other polyelectrolytes, allowing for covalent or noncovalent modification of the capsule surface. All modification steps were monitored using either laser scanning confocal microscopy or fluorescence microscopy. Optical and fluorescence microscopy of PUMC wall cross‐sections embedded in resin confirmed that the modifications were restricted to the outer surface of PUMCs, offering minimum interference of this modification method with other capsule wall properties. In addition, a simple T‐junction type microfluidic device based on a commercially available MicroTEE was designed to produce narrowdisperse PUMCs. This device was easy to set up and operate and was proved to be an useful tool for making monodisperse emulsions and narrowdisperse MCs. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Thermoreversible gelation of helical polypeptide/single‐walled carbon nanotubes and their solid‐state structures
Authors: Tang Haoyu , Lee Chang‐Uk , Zhang Donghui
Published: May 2011

Single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have been functionalized with poly(γ‐benzyl‐L‐glutamate)s (PBLGs) having well‐defined polymer molecular weight (Mn = 7.5–21.1 kg·mol−1) and molecular weight distribution (PDI = 1.05–1.20) by a graft‐to method. Toluene solutions containing 5 wt % free PBLG and variable amounts of PBLG‐functionalized SWCNTs (PBLG‐SWCNTs) form gels at room temperature. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis reveals that the gelation occurs thermoreversibly, in accord with previous studies on the pristine PBLG/toluene gels. The heat of gel melting (ΔHm) is slightly elevated for the composite gels compared with the pristine gel, which suggests enhanced interactions between PBLGs in the former. But the gelation temperatures of the composites are unaffected by the presence of PBLG‐SWCNTs. Small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) analysis of the composite and pristine gels at different temperatures by the Guinier method suggests that PBLG‐SWCNTs promote interactions between PBLG rods, as indicated by the larger PBLG bundle size with increasing PBLG‐SWCNT content in the gel and the melt state. W/SAXS analysis of the dry gels reveals that PBLG‐SWCNTs induce significant changes in the PBLG packing order, resulting in a nematic phase, in contrast to a weakly ordered smectic C phase containing tilted PBLG rods that is observed in the pristine gel. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Synthesis and characterization of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate copolymers containing azobenzene groups prepared by frontal polymerization
Authors: Illescas Javier , Ramirez‐Fuentes Yessica S. , Rivera Ernesto , Morales‐Saavedra Omar G. , Rodríguez‐Rosales Antonio A. , Alzari Valeria , Nuvoli Daniele , Scognamillo Sergio , Mariani Alberto
Published: May 2011

A novel polymer matrix containing amino–nitro substituted azobenzene groups was obtained by frontal polymerization. (E)‐2‐(Ethyl(4‐((4‐nitrophenyl)diazenyl)phenyl)amino)ethyl methacrylate (MDR‐1) was copolymerized with poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) using this easy and fast polymerization technique. The effect of the amount of the incorporated azo‐monomer into the polymer matrix was studied in detail and correlated to front velocity, maximum temperature, initiator concentration, and monomer conversion. The obtained materials were characterized by infrared spectroscopy (Fourier transform infrared), and their thermal properties were studied by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. Moreover, the optical properties of the polymers were studied by absorption spectroscopy in the UV–Vis region. Absorption spectra of the copolymers exhibit a significant blue shift of the absorption bands with respect to the azo‐monomer, due to the presence of H‐aggregates. Cubic nonlinear optical (NLO) characterizations of the PEGDA/MDR‐1 copolymers were performed according to the Z‐Scan technique. It has been proven that samples with higher MDR‐1 content (0.75 mol %) exhibited outstandingly high NLO‐activity with negative NLO‐refractive coefficients in the promising range of n2 = −8.057 × 10−4 esu. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Dibenzophenazine derivatives as visible photosensitizers for diaryliodonium salts
Authors: Bulut Umut , Kolay Merve , Tarkuc Simge , Toppare Levent
Published: May 2011

The use of two dibenzo[a,c]phenazine derivatives, 10,13‐bis(2,3‐dihydrothieno[3,4‐b][1,4]dioxin‐5‐yl)dibenzo[a,c]phenazine and 10,13‐bis(4‐hexylthiophen‐2‐yl)dibenzo[a,c]phenazine are reported as photosensitizers for diaryliodonium salt photoinitiators. Novel dyes based on the dibenzo[a,c]phenazine skeleton are shown to be efficient in carrying out the cationic photopolymerizations. Representative examples of different types of monomers including epoxide, and vinyl monomers are polymerized in the presence of the photosensitizers and diphenyliodonium hexafluorophosphate (Ph2I+PF). Polymerizations are initiated at room temperature using long wavelength UV and visible light, and monitored by optical pyrometry. The photopolymerization of an epoxide monomer via solar irradiation is also demonstrated. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Why is understanding glassy polymer mechanics so difficult?
Authors: Hoy Robert S.
Published: May 2011

In this Perspective, I describe recent work on systems in which the traditional distinctions between (i) unentangled versus well‐entangled systems and (ii) melts versus glasses seem least useful, and argue for the broader use in glassy polymer mechanics of two more dichotomies: systems which possess (iii) unary versus binary and (iv) cooperative versus noncooperative relaxation dynamics. I discuss the applicability of (iii–iv) to understanding the functional form of strain hardening. Results from molecular dynamics simulations show that the “dramatic” hardening observed in densely entangled systems is associated with a crossover from unary, noncooperative to binary, cooperative relaxation as strain increases; chains stretch between entanglement points, altering the character of local plasticity. Promising approaches for future research along these lines are discussed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2011