bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Poor hematopoietic stem cell mobilizers: A single institution study of incidence and risk factors in patients with recurrent or relapsed lymphoma
Authors: Hosing Chitra , Saliba Rima M. , Ahlawat Sheena , Körbling Martin , Kebriaei Partow , Alousi Amin , De Lima Marcos , Okoroji Julia‐Grace , McMannis John , Qazilbash Muzaffar , Anderlini Paolo , Giralt Sergio , Champlin Richard E. , Khouri Issa , Popat Uday
Published: March 2009

The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the incidence and predictive factors if any, of mobilization failure in lymphoma patients referred for autologous stem cell transplantation. A total of 588 lymphoma patients were referred for transplant consultation from January 2003 to December 2004. Predictors of mobilization failure were evaluated using logistic regression analysis including diagnosis, mobilization regimen, age, sex, type and number of prior chemotherapies, bone marrow cellularity, platelet count, white count, prior bone marrow involvement with malignancy, and prior radiation therapy. Two hundred and six patients were eligible for transplantation and underwent stem cell mobilization. Twenty‐nine (14%) patients failed to mobilize adequate stem cells after the first attempt. For the entire group age (≥60 versus <60 years), diagnosis (Hodgkin's versus non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma), use of cytokines alone, platelet count <150 × 109/L, and bone marrow cellularity <30% were significant predictors for mobilization failure on univariate analysis. In view of small number of patients multivariate analysis was not possible. However, a low platelet count (150 × 109/L) was the only significant predictor when the analysis was restricted to non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma patients who were mobilized with chemotherapy. Mobilization failure rates are higher in patients with non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma compared with those with Hodgkin's lymphoma. In the subset of patients who undergo chemomobilization for non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma platelet count at the time of mobilization is a predictor of mobilization failure. Am. J. Hematol. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gardner‐Silengo‐Wachtel or genito‐palato‐cadiac syndrome with associated autosomal aneuploidy
Authors: Golabi Mahin , James Aaron W. , Desai Nina , Culver Katherine , Cotter Philip D.
Published: March 2009

Gardner‐Silengo‐Wachtel or genito‐palato‐cardiac syndrome is a disorder of male (46,XY) gonadal dysgenesis, thought to be either an X‐linked recessive or an autosomal recessive disorder. The propositus in our report presented with multiple congenital anomalies including micrognathia, cleft palate, congenital heart defect with D‐transposition, double outlet right ventricle, PFO, VSD, PDA and pulmonary valve stenosis and gonadal dysgenesis. Chromosome analysis showed a 46, XY, t(1;7)(q32,q22.1) der(10) t(3;10) (q21;q26)pat karyotype. This represents a rare case of autosomal aneuploidy associated with Gardner‐Silengo‐Wachtel or genito‐palato‐cardiac syndrome and suggests genetic heterogeneity for this syndrome. Partial monosomy of 10q also shares many of the prominent features of genito‐palato‐cardiac syndrome, including gonadal dysgenesis, cardiac defects and facial features. Monosomy for distal 10q may present as a phenocopy of Gardner‐Silengo‐Wachtel or genito‐palato‐cardiac syndrome. Alternatively, unmasking of a recessive allele on distal 10q may result in genito‐palato‐cardiac syndrome, thus potentially localizing a candidate region for the gene to 10q26 → qter. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Connexin mutations in Brazilian patients with skin disorders with or without hearing loss
Authors: Alexandrino Fabiana , de Oliveira Camila Andréa , Magalhães Renata F. , Florence Michelle E.B. , de Souza Elemir M. , Sartorato Edi Lúcia
Published: March 2009

The connexins are a family of proteins whose major function is as part of the gap junctions of cell‐to‐cell channels. They are expressed in several tissues including brain, skin, and cochlea. Mutations in connexin genes play a major role in non‐syndromic sensorineural deafness, but have been also described in individuals with variable dermatological features. In recent years, many genes responsible for hereditary skin diseases have been discovered. These genes may encode different proteins that participate in the terminal differentiation of the epidermis. Therefore alteration or absence of these proteins causes a keratinization disorder. It has been demonstrated that distinct germline mutations within six connexin (Cx) genes GJB2 (Cx26), GJB6 (Cx30), GJB3 (Cx31), GJA1 (Cx43), GJB4 (Cx30.3), and GJB5 (Cx31.1), may cause sensorineural hearing loss and various skin disease phenotypes. The crucial functional importance of each of these connexins in the mentioned ectodermic tissues is reflected by the finding that genetic defects in their genes produce a wide spectrum of genetic disorders comprising sensorineural hearing loss, disorders of cornification of the skin, hair, and nails, and keratitis. Here, we report on different mutations in the connexin genes in individuals with or without hearing loss and different skin disorders illustrating the clinical and genetic heterogeneity of the condition. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Brief communication: High‐resolution assessment of the dental developmental pattern and characterization of tooth tissue proportions in the late Upper Paleolithic child from La Madeleine, France
Authors: Bayle Priscilla , Braga José , Mazurier Arnaud , Macchiarelli Roberto
Published: March 2009

Affinities and differences in dental maturational patterns between modern humans and Neanderthals remain a matter of discussion. In particular, deciduous teeth are rare for Late Pleistocene humans, and few entire sequences have been detailed for their developmental status. Here, we report the results from the 3D virtual reconstruction and structural analysis of the deciduous lower dentition (nine teeth in situ) of the child from La Madeleine (LM4), France, the first Upper Paleolithic specimen detailed so far by means of high‐resolution microtomography (μCT). With respect to the modern dental developmental standards, age at death of this individual is now more likely estimated within the interval 3–4 years. LM4 lacks the slight discrepancy between a proportionally advanced stage of mineralization of the deciduous first molar and a relatively delayed maturational level of the incisors, which is found in Neanderthals (Bayle et al.: J Hum Evol 56 [2009] 66–75). By using a Bayesian approach, we calculated the probability that its maturational sequence is found within the extant human variation as represented by a tomographic (CT) reference sample of 45 children scored according to the same protocol (Liversidge and Molleson: Am J Phys Anthropol 123 [2004] 172–180). Results show that the specific sequence of this Magdalenian individual is found three times in the comparative sample included in this study. LM4 absolute tooth size and relative dental tissue proportions are close to the modern human figures (characterized by proportionally reduced dentine volumes) and lie systematically below the values shown by the Neanderthal child from Roc de Marsal, France (OIS 5a). Am J Phys Anthropol 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Matrix‐Free Formation of Gas‐Phase Biomolecular Ions by Soft Cluster‐Induced Desorption
Authors: Gebhardt Christoph. R. , Tomsic Anna , Schröder Hartmut , Dürr Michael , Kompa Karl L.
Published: March 2009

Wie Miniatur‐Schneebälle wirken neutrale Cluster aus einigen tausend Molekülen: Treffen sie mit ausreichender Geschwindigkeit auf eine Oberfläche, so können sie von dieser Biomoleküle wie Insulin ablösen. Weil die Cluster während und nach dem Aufprall auseinanderbrechen und verdampfen, stehen nach diesem mikroskopischen Schneeballwurf „nackte“ Biomolekülionen für massenspektrometrische Studien zur Verfügung.

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Molekulare Erkennung in selbstorganisierten integrierten Schaltkreisen: kontrollierte Verkleinerung
Authors: Lim Yong‐beom , Lee Myongsoo
Published: March 2009

In Kleindruck erhältlich: Die Blockcopolymer‐Lithographie ermöglicht die Verkleinerung von integrierten Schaltkreisen – und das bei verkürzter Herstellungszeit. Eine auf Wasserstoffbrücken basierende Selbstorganisation durch molekulare Erkennung wurde genutzt, um auf der Oberfläche eines Siliciumsubstrats hochgeordnete quadratische Anordnungen von Blockcopolymeren zu erzeugen (siehe Bild).

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Matrix‐Free Formation of Gas‐Phase Biomolecular Ions by Soft Cluster‐Induced Desorption
Authors: Gebhardt Christoph. R. , Tomsic Anna , Schröder Hartmut , Dürr Michael , Kompa Karl L.
Published: March 2009

All in a ball: Neutral molecular clusters consisting of a few thousand molecules can be seen as tiny snow balls; if they are thrown fast enough onto a surface, they are able to pick up biomolecules such as insulin from that surface. Since they break down and evaporate during and after the collision, bare biomolecular ions are available for mass spectrometry after such an energetic throw.

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A Mechanism of Efficient G6PD Inhibition by a Molecular Clip
Authors: Kirsch Michael , Talbiersky Peter , Polkowska Jolanta , Bastkowski Frank , Schaller Torsten , de Groot Herbert , Klärner Frank‐Gerrit , Schrader Thomas
Published: March 2009

Triple duty: A synthetic molecular clip traps nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP+; see picture) as well as occupying both the cofactor‐ and the substrate‐binding site in glucose‐6‐phosphate (G6P) dehydrogenase. This combination of two inhibition mechanisms makes the clip highly effective and selective for this enzyme over other dehydrogenases.

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Phosphinoborane and Sulfidoborohydride as Chelating Ligands in Polyhydride Ruthenium Complexes: Agostic σ‐Borane versus Dihydroborate Coordination
Authors: Gloaguen Yann , Alcaraz Gilles , Pécharman Anne‐Frédérique , Clot Eric , Vendier Laure , Sabo‐Etienne Sylviane
Published: March 2009

A question of coordination mode: Two new borane compounds are prepared. They act as bifunctional ligands as illustrated by their reaction with ruthenium polyhydrides which leads to the formation of two complexes (see scheme) displaying either a δ‐agostic interaction of a η2‐BH bond involving a trivalent boron atom or a dihydroborate ligation.

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Asymmetric Suzuki–Miyaura Coupling in Water with a Chiral Palladium Catalyst Supported on an Amphiphilic Resin
Authors: Uozumi Yasuhiro , Matsuura Yutaka , Arakawa Takayasu , Yamada Yoichi M. A.
Published: March 2009

You oughta use water: Broad functional‐group (FG) tolerance was observed for the title coupling of aryl halides (X=Cl, Br, I) and aryl boronic acids to give biaryl compounds with up to 94 % ee. The chiral imidazoindole phosphine–palladium catalyst supported on an amphiphilic polystyrene–poly(ethylene glycol) (PS–PEG) resin could be recycled readily.

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UV‐protecting and antibacterial finishing of cotton knits
Authors: Ibrahim N. A. , Gouda M. , Husseiny Sh. M. , El‐Gamal A. R. , Mahrous F.
Published: March 2009

This article deals with enhancing the UV‐protecting properties as well as the antibacterial activity of knitted cotton fabrics against two kinds of bacteria: gram‐positive bacteria (G +ve), i.e.,Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and gram‐negative bacteria (G −ve), i.e.,Escherichia coli (E. coli). Results showed that the extent of improvement in the UPF values are determined by: the fabric structure, i.e., Interlock > Pique > Parasol, pretreatment history, i.e., gray > scoured > bleached, type of softening agent, incorporation of the UV‐absorber in the softening bath as well as sequence of addition, in addition to the nature of the deposited metal‐oxide, i.e., Cu > Zr > Zn ≫ Al ≈ none. On the other hand, the antibacterial activities of the treated substrates against G +ve and G −ve bacteria are outstandingly improved by using the proper: fabric structure, i.e., Parasol > Interlock > Pique, state of the untreated substrate, i.e., bleached > gray, finishing additives and regime, i.e., soft finishing (using polysiloxame softener—Adasil® SM) and UV‐protecting (using UV‐absorber, Tinofast® CEL) in one step > Tinofast® CEL‐finish > Adasil® SM‐finish > full‐bleaching, as well as deposited metal oxide, i.e., Zn > Cu > Zr > Al > none. Combined soft‐finishing and UV‐cutting as well asinsitu deposition of proper metal oxides, onto and/or within the knitted substrates, options exhibited both an excellent UV‐protection and prominent antibacterial activities. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Effect of clay surfactant type and clay content on the rheology and morphology of uncured fluoroelastomer/clay nanocomposites prepared by melt‐mixing
Authors: Lakshminarayanan Sriram , Lin Bin , Gelves Genaro A. , Sundararaj Uttandaraman
Published: March 2009

Fluoroelastomer/clay composites were prepared by melt mixing in an internal mixer using Cloisite® Nanoclays: NA, 15A, 20A, 30B, and 93A at three different concentrations viz. 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 phr. Rheology, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to characterize the composites prepared. Dynamic rheological measurements showed significant increase in storage moduli (G′) in the terminal frequency region for the uncured composites prepared from Cloisite® 15A and 20A. At higher frequencies, organically modified nanoclays plasticize the polymer matrix leading to lower modulus values. Using all three characterization techniques, Cloisite® 15A and 20A were shown to have intercalated structure in the fluoroelastomer matrix, whereas other nanoclays were shown to have inferior dispersion. The storage modulus increases proportionally with increase in the clay loading and no clay aggregation was observed at higher loadings. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Recycled polypropylene reinforced with curaua fibers by extrusion
Authors: Spinacé Marcia A. Silva , Fermoseli Karen K. G. , De Paoli Marco‐A
Published: March 2009

Curaua fibers were studied as reinforcing agents for postconsumer polypropylene. The composites were processed by extrusion. The composite properties were investigated by mechanical tests, thermal methods, melt flow index, surface morphology, and water uptake. The variables studied were as follows: fiber contents (10 to 40 wt %), fiber surface treatment, initial fiber length, and modification of the polypropylene matrix. The treatment of the fiber with 5 wt % NaOH aqueous solution did not improve fiber‐matrix adhesion and the composites using 20 wt % of untreated curaua fibers presented the better mechanical properties. Feeding the extruder with fibers having shorter lengths (0.01–0.4 mm) produced better fiber dispersion, improving the mechanical properties of the composites. Composites prepared using fibers without surface treatment with postconsumer polypropylene and with polypropylene modified with maleic anhydride showed mechanical properties and water uptake similar to composites using the same polymer reinforced with other lignocellulosic fibers. The extrusion process caused also partial fibrillation of the fibers, improving their aspect ratio. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
A simple approach to prepare PMA/TiO2 composite: The homogeneous dispersion of nano TiO2 in maleic anhydride polymer matrix
Authors: Hua Xiao , Bei Feng‐Li , Wang Xin
Published: March 2009

This contribution reports a simple approach for preparing PMA/TiO2 composite. In this method, nano TiO2 powders are previously treated by a combined modification process, namely, the alkali‐treatment followed by oleic acid surface‐grafting. Before polymerization, the modified TiO2 nanoparticles are dispersed into the maleic anhydride (MA) solution to form stable homogeneous gel. When the reaction temperature is raised to 150°C, the modified nano TiO2 can initiate the in situ anionic polymerization of MA. Finally, the PMA/TiO2 composites are obtained, in which all the TiO2 are fully coated by MA polymer (PMA). Therefore, it is not needed to reclaim the nano initiators because they are blended into the prepared polymers as the nano fillers. TEM and SEM experiment results can strongly demonstrate that the TiO2 nanoparticles are homogeneously dispersed in PMA matrix. This approach is easy‐to‐operate and applicable to the preparation of other nano composites. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Reactive phenylbenzimidazole UV absorbers and their application to cellulose textiles
Authors: Kubáč Lubomír , Akrman Jiří , Burgert Ladislav , Dvorský Drahomír , Grüner Pavel
Published: March 2009

New types of reactive UV absorbers for applications to cellulose textiles have been prepared. These substances are condensation products of sulfobenzimidazolaniline, cyanuric chloride, and aminophenyl‐(2‐sulfethoxy)‐sulfone. They were applied to bleached, unbleached, as well as dyed cellulose textiles with the aim to increase the protection effect of these textiles against UV radiation. All the tested textiles showed a marked increase in the UV protection factor (UPF). The effects of the UV absorbers tested neither interfere with the function of fluorescent brighteners (FBs) nor affect the hue of the used dyestuffs. They exhibit synergistic effect in the protection effectiveness against UV radiation: the UV absorbers used together with dyestuffs and FBs have a higher UPF factor than is the sum of UPF contributions of the individual components. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
The physical and mechanical properties of polyurethanes from oleic acid polyols
Authors: Velayutham T. S. , Abd Majid W. H. , Ahmad A. B. , Gan Yik Kang , Gan Seng Neon
Published: March 2009

Three different polyester polyols, with various oleic acid content, were used in the preparation of polyurethane (PUR) coatings. The polyols were designated as Alk28, Alk40, and Alk65, in which 28, 40, and 65 represent the percentage of oleic acid of the polyol formulations. These polyester polyols were reacted with aromatic diisocyanate [toluene diisocyanate (TDI)] to form PUR coatings. The acid value, hydroxyl value, molecular weight, and viscosity of the polyols have been determined. The reaction between the polyols and TDI was studied by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The effects of varying NCO/OH ratio and oleic acid content of polyols on physical and mechanical properties of PUR films were studied. XRD results indicate that the samples are amorphous. PURs, made with Alk28, have the best mechanical properties followed by Alk40 and Alk65. The mechanical properties of the samples have increased as the NCO/OH ratio was increased from 1.2 to 1.6. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Improved biocompatibility of parylene‐C films prepared by chemical vapor deposition and the subsequent plasma treatment
Authors: Song Jeom Sik , Lee Sukmin , Jung Seong Hee , Cha Gook Chan , Mun Mu Seong
Published: March 2009

The purpose of this study is to prepare the thin film of C‐type parylene (C‐type polyxylylene, parylene‐C) with improved biocompatibility for the biomedical applications, since in spite of the popularity, the parylene‐C has been known to have the less biocompatibility than the N‐type or D‐type parylene. To prepare the well‐designed parylene films through the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process and the subsequent plasma surface treatment, the parameters of deposition and surface modification were controlled to obtain optimized physical and surface properties. Using CVD, the thin films of parylene‐C as thick as 5 μm were prepared under different deposition pressures. When increasing the deposition rate of parylene film or the deposition pressure, the tensile strength of film increased, whereas the properties such as the surface contact angle and permeability, and the elongation decreased. The deposition rate could be controlled to optimize the physical and physiochemical properties of films. The hydrophilicity of the parylene‐C film increased after plasma surface treatment by showing the larger water contact angle than untreated one. When the radio frequency power was above 100 W in the plasma process, the thin film obtained reveals an excellent cytotropism. It shows the improved biocompatibility with living cells. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Synthesis of highly improved Ziegler‐Natta catalyst
Authors: Monji Majid , Pourmahdian Saeed , Vatankhah Mohammad , Taromi Faramarz Afshar
Published: March 2009

The effects of media viscosity, mixing speed, and injection time on catalyst average particle size (APS), particle size distribution (PSD), and morphology in both conditions, with and without emulsifier, were investigated. Supports were prepared using a so‐called recrystallization method; then they were catalyzed under the same condition. To show the effects of emulsifier on the final product's properties such as catalyst activity, polymer isotacticity, and so on, two types of catalysts were polymerized and finally their results were compared. Scanning electron microscopy micrographs were used for morphological study. Results show that by increasing the media viscosity and injection time, APS of the catalyst support was decreased. But by increasing the mixing speed, APS was decreased and PSD was broadened. It was found that emulsifier reduces the sensitivity of APS and PSD of catalyst when the support preparation conditions are changed. Consequently, by employing emulsifier, highly improved catalyst was produced. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Crystallization behavior of fully biodegradable poly(lactic acid)/poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) blends
Authors: Xiao Hanwen , Lu Wei , Yeh Jen‐Taut
Published: March 2009

Both poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) are fully biodegradable polyesters. The disadvantages of poor mechanical properties of PLA limit its wide application. Fully biodegradable polymer blends were prepared by blending PLA with PBAT. Crystallization behavior of neat and blended PLA was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polarizing optical microscopy (POM), and wide angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD). Experiment results indicated that in comparison with neat PLA, the degree of crystallinity of PLA in various blends all markedly was increased, and the crystallization mechanism almost did not change. The equilibrium melting point of PLA initially decreased with the increase of PBAT content and then increased when PBAT content in the blends was 60 wt % compared to neat PLA. In the case of the isothermal crystallization of neat PLA and its blends at the temperature range of 123–142°C, neat PLA and its blends exhibited bell shape curves for the growth rates, and the maximum crystallization rate of neat PLA and its blends all depended on crystallization temperature and their component. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Electropolymerization of o‐phenylenediamine on Pt‐electrode from aqueous acidic solution: Kinetic, mechanism, electrochemical studies and characterization of the polymer obtained
Authors: Sayyah S. M. , El‐Deeb M. M. , Kamal S. M. , Azooz R. E.
Published: March 2009

Electropolymerization of O‐phenylenediamine (o‐PD) on Pt‐electrode from a deoxygenated aqueous acid medium was carried out using cyclic voltammetry technique. The kinetic parameters were calculated by means of electrochemical data. The experimentally obtained kinetic equation was RP,E = kE [monomer]1.19 [acid]1.23 [electrolyte]0.87 from the value of the anodic current density using cyclic voltammetry technique. The apparent activation energy (Ea) is found to be 28.34 kJ mol−1. The polymer films obtained have been characterized by X‐ray diffraction, elemental analysis, scanning electron microscopy, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, UV‐visible, and IR spectroscopy. The mechanism of the electrochemical polymerization reaction has been discussed. TGA is used to confirm the proposed structure and determination of the number of water molecules in the polymeric chain unit. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Preparation and characterization of collagen‐based composite conduit for peripheral nerve regeneration
Authors: Xiangmei Wang , Jing Zhang , Hao Chen , Qingrui Wang
Published: March 2009

Collagen‐based composite nerve conduit scaffold was prepared by freeze‐drying steam‐extrusion method and modified chemically with glutaraldehyde (GTA) by adding chitosan into collagen. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that the collagen and chitosan are certainly crosslinked through GTA. It was observed under scanning electron microscope that the modified nerve conduit material is a porous three‐dimensional crosslinked structure and the quantity ratio of the collagen to chitosan has influence on the morphology. The cell proliferation experiment results showed that the collagen‐based composite scaffold prompts the adhesion and proliferation of cells, but as the chitosan increasing, the cell proliferation decreased slightly. The swelling property, the collagenase degradation, and the mechanical property of the scaffold are tested at the quantity ratios of collagen to chitosan 4 : 3, 3 : 1, and 4 : 1 and crosslinking time 0.5 and 1.0 h. The experiments show that the stability of the scaffold is enhanced with decreasing the quantity ratio of collagen to chitosan and increasing crosslinking time. Through the experimental investigations, the modifying technique parameters are discussed and the scaffold exhibits better physical and chemical properties at the quantity ratio of collagen to chitosan 3 : 1 and crosslinking time 0.5 h. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Poly(vinyl alcohol) nanocomposites with sepiolite and heat‐treated sepiolites
Authors: Alkan M. , Benlikaya R.
Published: March 2009

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanocomposites with pristine sepiolite and heat‐treated (HT) sepiolites were prepared by the method of solution dispersion. The measurements of XRD, FTIR, TEM, and AFM were used for the characterization of the nanocomposites. Furthermore, thermal and optical properties were investigated by TG/DTG/DTA and UV‐visible transmission spectra, respectively. Both the effects of sepiolite/polymer ratio and the structural changes in sepiolite on heating were examined in terms of changes in the properties of the nanocomposites. The addition of sepiolite/HT sepiolites into the PVA matrix resulted in a decrease in the thermal decomposition temperatures of the nanocomposites because of the fact that sepiolite and HT sepiolites facilitated the elimination of the water and acetate groups from the PVA in the second step based on the TG/DTG studies. The HT sepiolites‐PVA nanocomposites had lower thermal stability and more influenced optical clarity than those of the sepiolite PVA, at the same filler levels. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Studying the degradation of polyhydroxybutyrate‐co‐valerate during processing with clay‐based nanofillers
Authors: Cabedo Luis , Plackett David , Giménez Enrique , Lagarón José María
Published: March 2009

Polyhydroxybutyrate‐co‐valerate (PHBV) is attracting interest as a new material for packaging applications and nanoparticulate layered silicates are being increasingly explored as a way to improve PHBV film properties. In this context, it is essential to understand how different types of nanofillers could influence polymer properties. PHBV was processed with three‐layered clay types using different mixing methods, and we examined the effect of processing time, clay type, and clay content on polymer molecular weight and composite morphology. PHBV molecular weight (Mw) decreased by 38% after extrusion processing and was further reduced in the presence of montmorillonite (MMT). However, when PHBV was processed with kaolinite as the additive, no further reduction in polymer molecular weight was observed. Molecular weight also decreased as the MMT clay content increased from 1 to 5 wt %. The results suggest that release of tightly bound water from clay surfaces at elevated temperature may be responsible for PHBV degradation during processing. Evidence also points to the possibility that the surface modifier present in organically modified MMT may catalyze PHBV degradation in some way. X‐ray diffraction studies indicated an intercalated morphology in the presence of modified montmorillonite but good dispersion was also achieved when unmodified kaolinite was blended with PHBV. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
The multilayered nature of reference selection
Authors: Camacho‐Miñano María‐del‐Mar , Núñez‐Nickel Manuel
Published: March 2009

Why authors choose some references in preference to others is a question that is still not wholly answered despite its being of interest to scientists. The relevance of references is twofold: They are a mechanism for tracing the evolution of science, and because they enhance the image of the cited authors, citations are a widely known and used indicator of scientific endeavor. Following an extensive review of the literature, we selected all papers that seek to answer the central question and demonstrate that the existing theories are not sufficient: Neither citation nor indicator theory provides a complete and convincing answer. Some perspectives in this arena remain, which are isolated from the core literature. The purpose of this article is to offer a fresh perspective on a 30‐year‐old problem by extending the context of the discussion. We suggest reviving the discussion about citation theories with a new perspective, that of the readers, by layers or phases, in the final choice of references, allowing for a new classification in which any paper, to date, could be included.
A bibliometric evaluation of research performance in different subject categories
Authors: Nah In Wook , Kang Dai‐Shin , Lee Dae‐Hee , Chung Yun‐Chul
Published: March 2009

In this article, bibliometric indicators with publications and citations are used for a direct research‐performance comparison among different or interdisciplinary categories, the work of individual scientists, and their research teams and institutions. For example, basic research performances of some projects at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) were assessed using bibliographic factors with IPQ‐Normalized impact factor to compare with an international level and other research groups in different or interdisciplinary fields. Some research teams at KIST showed higher quality publications in terms of the international measures.
Score‐based bibliometric rankings of authors
Authors: Marchant Thierry
Published: March 2009

Scoring rules (or score‐based rankings or summation‐based rankings) form a family of bibliometric rankings of authors such that authors are ranked according to the sum over all their publications of some partial scores. Many of these rankings are widely used (e.g., number of publications, weighted or not by the impact factor, by the number of authors, or by the number of citations). We present an axiomatic analysis of the family of all scoring rules and of some particular cases within this family.
A parallel and distributed‐processing model of joint attention, social cognition and autism
Authors: Mundy Peter , Sullivan Lisa , Mastergeorge Ann M.
Published: March 2009

The impaired development of joint attention is a cardinal feature of autism. Therefore, understanding the nature of joint attention is central to research on this disorder. Joint attention may be best defined in terms of an information‐processing system that begins to develop by 4–6 months of age. This system integrates the parallel processing of internal information about one's own visual attention with external information about the visual attention of other people. This type of joint encoding of information aboutself and other attentionrequires the activation of a distributed anterior and posterior cortical attention network. Genetic regulation, in conjunction with self‐organizing behavioral activity, guides the development of functional connectivity in this network. With practice in infancy the joint processing of self–other attention becomes automatically engaged as an executive function. It can be argued that this executive joint attention is fundamental to human learning as well as the development of symbolic thought, social cognition and social competence throughout the life span. One advantage of this parallel and distributed‐processing model of joint attention is that it directly connects theory on social pathology to a range of phenomena in autism associated with neural connectivity, constructivist and connectionist models of cognitive development, early intervention, activity‐dependent gene expression and atypical ocular motor control.
Effects of natalizumab, an α4 integrin inhibitor, on fertility in male and female guinea pigs
Authors: Wehner Nancy G. , Skov Michael , Shopp George , Rocca Meredith S. , Clarke Janet
Published: March 2009

BACKGROUND: Natalizumab is a humanized monoclonal immunoglobulin G4 antibody directed against the human α4 integrin subunit disrupting interaction with its ligands. As α4 integrins and/or their ligands appear to be involved in reproductive function, the effects of natalizumab on fertility in male and female guinea pigs were investigated. METHODS: Natalizumab was administered by bolus intravenous injection every other day at doses of 0, 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg. Males began treatment at least 28 days prior to mating until necropsy (approximately 3 to 5 days after mating). Dosing in females was done from gestational day (GD) of an existing pregnancy to GD 30 of a second pregnancy. RESULTS: In male guinea pigs, natalizumab treatment had no effect on sperm parameters, reproductive organ weights, organ‐weight ratios, or histology of the testis or epididymis. Natalizumab did not affect the ability of treated males to produce pregnancies in untreated females. In female guinea pigs, no treatment‐related changes were seen in uterine weights or ovary weights. Pregnancy rates were reduced in females treated with 30 mg/kg natalizumab, but not those treated with 3 or 10 mg/kg. Pregnancy rates were 63.3, 66.7, 66.7, and 29.6% for groups treated with 0, 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg, respectively. Effects observed at 30 mg/kg were at exposures 36‐fold those observed in humans. CONCLUSIONS: Natalizumab had no effects on male fertility, but did result in a reduction in pregnancy rates in females treated with the high dose of 30 mg/kg. Birth Defects Res (Part B)86: 108‐116, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The bioenergetics of cancer: Is glycolysis the main ATP supplier in all tumor cells?
Authors: Moreno‐Sánchez Rafael , Rodríguez‐Enríquez Sara , Saavedra Emma , Marín‐Hernández Alvaro , Gallardo‐Pérez Juan Carlos
Published: March 2009

The molecular mechanisms by which tumor cells achieve an enhanced glycolytic flux and, presumably, a decreased oxidative phosphorylation are analyzed. As the O2 concentration in hypoxic regions of tumors seems not limiting for oxidative phosphorylation, the role of this mitochondrial pathway in the ATP supply is re‐evaluated. Drugs that inhibit glycoysis and oxidative phosphorylation are analyzed for their specificity toward tumor cells and effect on proliferation. The energy metabolism mechanisms involved in the use of positron emission tomography are revised and updated. It is proposed that energy metabolism may be an alternative therapeutic target for both hypoxic (glycolytic) and oxidative tumors. © 2009 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.
Randomized clinical trial of Entonox®
versus midazolam–fentanyl sedation for colonoscopy
Authors: Maslekar S , Gardiner A , Hughes M , Culbert B , Duthie G S
Published: March 2009

Background

Intravenous sedation for colonoscopy is associated with cardiorespiratory complications and delayed recovery. The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to compare the efficacy of Entonox® (50 per cent nitrous oxide and 50 per cent oxygen) and intravenous sedation using midazolam–fentanyl for colonoscopy.

Methods

Some 131 patients undergoing elective colonoscopy were included. Patients completed a Hospital Anxiety and Depression questionnaire, letter cancellation tests and pain scores on a 100-mm visual analogue scale before, immediately after the procedure and at discharge. They also completed a satisfaction survey at discharge and 24 h after the procedure.

Results

Sixty-five patients were randomized to receive Entonox® and 66 to midazolam–fentanyl. Completion rates were similar (94 versus 92 per cent respectively; P = 0·513). Patients receiving Entonox® had a shorter time to discharge. They reported significantly less pain (mean score 16·7 versus 40·1; P < 0·001), and showed better recovery of psychomotor function immediately after the procedure and at discharge. Patient satisfaction was higher among patients who received Entonox® (median score 96 versus 89; P = 0·001).

Conclusion

Entonox® provides better pain relief and faster recovery than midazolam–fentanyl and so is more effective for colonoscopy. Registration number: ISRCTN81142957 (http://www.controlled-trials.com).
Mild hepatic macrovesicular steatosis may be a risk factor for hyperbilirubinaemia in living liver donors following right hepatectomy
Authors: Nagai S , Fujimoto Y , Kamei H , Nakamura T , Kiuchi T
Published: March 2009

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of mild macrovesicular steatosis on the outcome of living liver donors following right hepatectomy.

Methods

The medical records of 46 living liver donors who underwent right hepatectomy were studied. Ten donors had mild macrovesicular steatosis (5–10 per cent in seven and 11–20 per cent in three patients). Five donors with other liver pathology were excluded. Outcome in these ten donors (group 1) was compared with that in the remaining 31 donors with normal liver histology (group 2).

Results

The median duration until normalization of total bilirubin levels was 14 and 5 days in groups 1 and 2 respectively (P = 0·028). The peak total bilirubin level was significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2 (80·4 versus 49·6 µmol/l; P = 0·033). Multivariable analysis showed mild macrovesicular steatosis to be an independent risk factor for hyperbilirubinaemia (odds ratio 7·94 (95 per cent confidence interval 1·17 to 54·03); P = 0·034).

Conclusion

Mild macrovesicular steatosis may be related to adverse outcome in living liver donors who undergo right hepatectomy and, in terms of donor safety, is of potential concern in donor selection.
Long-term outcomes of revisional surgery following laparoscopic fundoplication
Authors: Lamb P J , Myers J C , Jamieson G G , Thompson S K , Devitt P G , Watson D I
Published: March 2009

Background

A small proportion of patients who have laparoscopic antireflux procedures require revisional surgery. This study investigated long-term clinical outcomes.

Methods

Patients requiring late revisional surgery following laparoscopic fundoplication for gastro-oesophageal reflux were identified from a prospective database. Long-term outcomes were determined using a questionnaire evaluating symptom scores for heartburn, dysphagia and satisfaction.

Results

The database search found 109 patients, including 98 (5·6 per cent) of 1751 patients who had primary surgery in the authors' unit. Indications for surgical revision were dysphagia (52 patients), recurrent reflux (36), mechanical symptoms related to paraoesophageal herniation (16) and atypical symptoms (five). The median time to revision was 26 months. Outcome data were available for 104 patients (median follow-up 66 months) and satisfaction data for 102, 88 of whom were highly satisfied (62·7 per cent) or satisfied (23·5 per cent) with the outcome. Patients who had revision for dysphagia had a higher incidence of poorly controlled heartburn (20 versus 2 per cent; P = 0·004), troublesome dysphagia (16 versus 6 per cent; P = 0·118) and a lower satisfaction score (P = 0·023) than those with recurrent reflux or paraoesophageal herniation.

Conclusion

Revisional surgery following laparoscopic fundoplication can produce good long-term results, but revision for dysphagia has less satisfactory outcomes.
Meta-analysis of standard, restrictive and supplemental fluid administration in colorectal surgery
Authors: Rahbari N N , Zimmermann J B , Schmidt T , Koch M , Weigand M A , Weitz J
Published: March 2009

Background

Optimal fluid therapy for colorectal surgery remains uncertain.

Methods

A simple model was applied to define standard, restrictive and supplemental fluid administration. These definitions enabled pooling of data from different trials. Randomized controlled trials on fluid amount (standard versus restrictive or supplemental amount) and on guidance for fluid administration (goal-directed fluid therapy by oesophageal Doppler-derived variables versus conventional haemodynamic variables) in patients with colorectal resection were eligible for inclusion. The primary outcome measure was postoperative morbidity. Secondary endpoints were mortality, cardiopulmonary morbidity, wound infection, anastomotic failure, recovery of bowel function and hospital stay. A random-effects model was applied.

Results

Nine randomized controlled trials were included. Restrictive fluid amount (odds ratio (OR) 0·41 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 0·22 to 0·77); P = 0·005) and goal-directed fluid therapy by means of oesophageal Doppler-derived variables (OR 0·43 (95 per cent c.i. 0·26 to 0·71); P = 0·001) significantly reduced overall morbidity. There were no significant differences in the secondary endpoints analysed.

Conclusion

Using standardized definitions, this meta-analysis suggests that restrictive rather than standard fluid amount according to current textbook opinion, and goal-directed fluid therapy rather than fluid therapy guided by conventional haemodynamic variables, reduce morbidity after colorectal resection.
Cyclical ischaemic preconditioning modulates the adaptive immune response in human limb ischaemia–reperfusion injury
Authors: Sullivan P J , Sweeney K J , Hirpara K M , Malone C B , Curtin W , Kerin M J
Published: March 2009

Background

Reperfusion injury (RI) has significant local and systemic consequences. Ischaemic preconditioning (IPC) modulates RI and the innate immune response. This study examined whether IPC attenuates RI-mediated changes in lymphocyte populations and function following elective surgery.

Methods

Twenty-five patients sustaining 1 h of tourniquet ischaemia during cruciate ligament reconstruction were randomized before surgery to three 5-min ischaemia cycles separated by 5 min of reperfusion, or to a control group. Systemic levels of interleukin (IL) 4 and interferon (IFN) γ, and surface expression of CD45ro/ra, CD62L and CD95 were measured. T cells were examined systemically and in stimulated serum co-culture to determine CD4/CD8 and Th1/Th2 shifts through intracellular cytokine production.

Results

CD4 CD45ro cell numbers increased after RI without IPC, whereas CD8 cells expressing CD45ro and CD95 increased with IPC. Preconditioned serum in co-culture attenuated increases in CD4 and decreases in CD8 numbers, a process prevented by inhibition of antigen activation. Following RI, systemic IL-2 levels were significantly lower after IPC, whereas co-culture with post-RI serum increased proinflammatory intracellular cytokine production.

Conclusion

IPC modulated T cell responses in limb RI through reduced activation and proinflammatory cytokine production by CD4 cells, while preventing CD4/CD8 derangement. IPC prevented lymphocyte-directed immune dysfunction.
Assessment of risk of bias in randomized clinical trials in surgery
Authors: Gurusamy K S , Gluud C , Nikolova D , Davidson B R
Published: March 2009

Background

Meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) with low risk of bias is considered the highest level of evidence available for evaluating an intervention. Bias in RCTs may overestimate or underestimate the true effectiveness of an intervention.

Methods

The causes of bias in surgical trials as described by The Cochrane Collaboration, and the methods that can be used to avoid them, are reviewed.

Results

Blinding is difficult in many surgical trials but careful trial design can reduce the bias risk due to lack of blinding. It is possible to conduct surgical trials with low risk of bias by using appropriate trial design.

Conclusion

The risk of providing a treatment based on a biased effect estimate must be balanced against the difficulty of conducting trials with very low risk of bias. Better understanding of the risk of bias may result in improved trials with a closer estimate of the true effectiveness of an intervention.
The cost of laparoscopic surgery is the price of progress
Authors: Winter D C
Published: March 2009

Pragmatism
Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration using a rigid nephroscope
Authors: Sarkar S , Sadhu S , Jahangir T , Pandit K , Dubey S , Roy M K
Published: March 2009

Background

Patients with cholelithiasis and choledocholithiasis are increasingly managed with laparoscopic bile duct exploration and cholecystectomy. Large impacted bile duct stones continue to defy laparoscopic extraction. This study explored the feasibility of laparoscopic bile duct clearance using a rigid nephroscope, which is suited to extracting large stones.

Method

This prospective study recruited patients with large bile duct stones and a bile duct wider than 8 mm on ultrasonography. In addition to standard ports for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a custom-made 9-mm port was introduced in the epigastrium for the rigid nephroscope, which was negotiated into the bile duct through a choledochotomy. Rigid graspers and lithotripters were introduced through the nephroscope to fragment and remove the calculi.

Results

Between December 2005 and September 2008, 18 patients had nephroscope-guided bile duct exploration (mean(s.d.) age 49(13·9) years, bile duct diameter 11·3(2·3) mm). Three patients had solitary stones and 15 had multiple calculi. Most of the stones were removed with graspers, but the lithotripter was required in five patients. The mean(s.d.) hospital stay was 6(2·3) days. Two patients required postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography for residual stones.

Conclusion

The rigid nephroscope was useful for laparoscopic bile duct exploration, particularly for large impacted stones.
Topical haemostatic agents (Br J Surg 2008; 95: 1197–1225)
Authors: Boermeester M A
Published: March 2009

The Editors welcome topical correspondence from readers relating to articles published in the Journal. Responses should be sent electronically via the BJS website (www.bjs.co.uk). All letters will be reviewed and, if approved, appear on the website. A selection of these will be edited and published in the Journal. Letters must be no more than 250 words in length.
Separation with zwitterionic hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography improves protein identification by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization‐based proteomic analysis
Authors: Intoh Atsushi , Kurisaki Akira , Fukuda Hiroyuki , Asashima Makoto
Published: March 2009

Comprehensive proteomic analyses necessitate efficient separation of peptide mixtures for the subsequent identification of proteins by mass spectrometry (MS). However, digestion of proteins extracted from cells and tissues often yields complex peptide mixtures that confound direct comprehensive MS analysis. This study investigated a zwitterionic hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (ZIC‐HILIC) technique for the peptide separation step, which was verified by subsequent MS analysis. Human serum albumin (HSA) was the model protein used for this analysis. HSA was digested with trypsin and resolved by ZIC‐HILIC or conventional strong cation exchange (SCX) prior to MS analysis for peptide identification. Separation with ZIC‐HILIC significantly improved the identification of HSA peptides over SCX chromatography. Detailed analyses of the identified peptides revealed that the ZIC‐HILIC has better peptide fractionation ability. We further demonstrated that ZIC‐HILIC is useful for quantitatively surveying cell surface markers specifically expressed in undifferentiated embryonic stem cells. These results suggested the value of ZIC‐HILIC as a novel and efficient separation method for comprehensive and quantitative proteomic analyses. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.