bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Median nerve ultrasonography in carpal tunnel syndrome: Findings from two laboratories
Authors: Hobson‐Webb Lisa D. , Padua Luca
Published: July 2009

Ultrasonographic (US) enlargement of the median nerve at the wrist is known to be consistent with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), although the effects of different measurement techniques, equipment, and patient populations remain unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the similarities and differences of US findings in CTS between two electromyography (EMG) laboratories. In 2006 and 2007, US measurements of the median nerve were recorded independently and statistically analyzed in patients with CTS at two EMG laboratories (Duke University, Durham, NC, USA, and Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy). Patient age, median nerve area in the forearm, and neurophysiologic score did not differ significantly between the two laboratories. The North Carolina group had a larger median nerve area at the wrist and wrist‐to‐forearm ratio than the Italian group, although both were elevated in reference to established values for the diagnosis of CTS. Median nerve US is less susceptible to differences between laboratories than previously thought, permitting greater generalization of findings. Muscle Nerve 40: 94–97, 2009
Determination of the best electrode position for recording of the diaphragm compound muscle action potential
Authors: Dionne Annie , Parkes Anthony , Engler Beata , Watson Bradley V. , Nicolle Michael W.
Published: July 2009

To determine the optimal recording site for phrenic nerve conduction studies, six different recording techniques were compared in 11 healthy volunteers (22 phrenic nerves). The mean diaphragm compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude, side‐to‐side difference, and the number of studies with a false‐positive result (CMAP amplitude <0.30 mV) were compared for each technique. The largest amplitude (0.65 ± 0.23 mV, range 0.30–1.2 mV) with good right–left agreement (mean difference 0.15 mV) and no false positives was obtained using technique 1, where the G1 electrode was positioned 5 cm above the xiphoid process and G2 16 cm from G1 along the costal margin. This was also the easiest technique to perform. It does not require rib counting, which may be difficult and inaccurate, especially in overweight patients. At least one false positive occurred with each of the remaining five techniques. Muscle Nerve 40: 37–41, 2009
Diagnostic nerve ultrasound in Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease type 1B
Authors: Cartwright Michael S. , Brown Martin E. , Eulitt Patrick , Walker Francis O. , Lawson Victoria H. , Caress James B.
Published: July 2009

Ultrasound is emerging as a useful tool for evaluation of neuromuscular conditions, because it can provide high‐resolution anatomic information to complement electrodiagnostic data. There have been few studies in which ultrasound was used to assess the peripheral nerves of individuals with Charcot–Marie–Tooth (CMT) disease and none involving CMT type 1B. In this study we compared nerve cross‐sectional area in individuals from a single large family with CMT 1B with normal, healthy controls. We also assessed for cranial nerve enlargement in those with CMT 1B with cranial neuropathies compared to those with CMT 1B without cranial neuropathies. Individuals with CMT 1B have significantly larger median and vagus nerves than healthy controls, but no difference was seen in cranial nerve size between those with versus those without cranial neuropathies. This is the first study to characterize the ultrasonographic findings in the peripheral nerves of individuals with CMT 1B. Muscle Nerve 40: 98–102, 2009
Atrogin‐1, MuRF1, and FoXO, as well as phosphorylated GSK‐3β and 4E‐BP1 are reduced in skeletal muscle of chronic spinal cord–injured patients
Authors: Léger Bertrand , Senese Rosalba , Al‐Khodairy Abdul W. , Dériaz Olivier , Gobelet Charles , Giacobino Jean‐Paul , Russell Aaron P.
Published: July 2009

Chronic complete spinal cord injury (SCI) is associated with severe skeletal muscle atrophy as well several atrophy and physical‐inactivity–related comorbidity factors such as diabetes, obesity, lipid disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. Intracellular mechanisms associated with chronic complete SCI‐related muscle atrophy are not well understood, and thus their characterization may assist with developing strategies to reduce the risk of comorbidity factors. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether there was an increase in catabolic signaling targets, such as atrogin‐1, muscle ring finger‐1 (MuRF1), forkhead transcription factor (FoXO), and myostatin, and decreases in anabolic signaling targets, such as insulin‐like growth factor (IGF), v‐akt murine thymoma viral oncogene (Akt), glycogen synthase kinase‐β (GSK‐3β), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), eukaryotic initiation factor 4E binding protein 1 (4E‐BP1), and p70s6kinase in chronic complete SCI patients. In SCI patients, when compared with controls, there was a significant reduction in mRNA levels of atrogin‐1 (59%; P < 0.05), MuRF1 (55%; P < 0.05), and myostatin (46%; P < 0.01), and in protein levels of FoXO1 (72%; P < 0.05), FoXO3a (60%; P < 0.05), and atrogin‐1 (36%; P < 0.05). Decreases in the protein levels of IGF‐1 (48%; P < 0.001) and phosphorylated GSK‐3β (54%; P < 0.05), 4E‐BP1 (48%; P < 0.05), and p70s6kinase (60%; P = 0.1) were also observed, the latter three in an Akt‐ and mTOR‐independent manner. Reductions in atrogin‐1, MuRF1, FoXO, and myostatin suggest the existence of an internal mechanism aimed at reducing further loss of muscle proteins during chronic SCI. The downregulation of signaling proteins that regulate anabolism, such as IGF, GSK‐3β, and 4E‐BP1, would reduce the ability to increase protein synthesis rates. Muscle Nerve 40: 69–78, 2009
Correlation between isometric force and intramuscular pressure in rabbit tibialis anterior muscle with an intact anterior compartment
Authors: Winters Taylor M. , Sepulveda Genaro S. , Cottler Patrick S. , Kaufman Kenton R. , Lieber Richard L. , Ward Samuel R.
Published: July 2009

To determine the degree to which intramuscular pressure (IMP) and muscle force are correlated in an intact compartment, a custom pressure transducer was inserted into the rabbit tibialis anterior (TA) while activating the muscle via the peroneal nerve and measuring TA muscle force distal to the ankle retinaculum. In general, IMP was more variable compared with muscle force throughout the entire isometric length–tension relationship. In contrast to results obtained on isolated TA muscles, IMP–force relations with the compartment intact were not significantly different between the ascending and descending limbs of the length–tension curve. Specifically, average relative pressure–force coefficients of determination (r2) were 0.76 ± 0.11 for the active ascending limb and 0.98 ± 0.01 for the active descending limb. These data demonstrate that muscle force and IMP are fairly well correlated under isometric conditions and that this relationship is not improved by measuring IMP in an intact environment. Muscle Nerve 40: 79–85, 2009
“Dropped head syndrome” caused by Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome
Authors: Ueda T. , Kanda F. , Kobessho H. , Hamaguchi H. , Motomura M.
Published: July 2009

A 67‐year‐old man was admitted with a 2‐year history of dropped head. Neurological examination revealed ptosis, dysarthria, neck weakness, hyporeflexia of all limbs, and autonomic failure. Electrophysiologic study showed a 400% increment response to high‐rate repetitive nerve stimulation. Serum anti‐P/Q‐voltage‐gated calcium channel antibody was positive, confirming the diagnosis of Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS). His symptoms and electrophysiological abnormalities improved with oral prednisolone following plasmapheresis. This is the first report of LEMS as a cause of dropped head syndrome. Muscle Nerve 40: 134–136, 2009
Enzyme replacement therapy in adult‐onset glycogenosis II: Is quantitative muscle MRI helpful?
Authors: Pichiecchio A. , Poloni G.U. , Ravaglia S. , Ponzio M. , Germani G. , Maranzana D. , Costa A. , Repetto A. , Tavazzi E. , Danesino C. , Moglia A. , Bastianello S.
Published: July 2009

Although it has been shown that muscle magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) improves the phenotypic characterization of patients with neuromuscular disorders and allows accurate quantification of muscle and adipose tissue distribution, to date quantitative MRI has not been used to assess the therapeutic response in clinical trials of neuromuscular diseases. We discuss quantitative MRI findings after a 6‐month course of enzyme replacement therapy administered to nine patients with adult‐onset glycogenosis II. Muscle Nerve 40: 122–125, 2009
Serum creatine kinase levels in spinobulbar muscular atrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Chahin Nizar , Sorenson Eric J.
Published: July 2009

We compared serum creatine kinase (CK) levels between spinobulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and reviewed available histochemical studies of frozen sections of muscle biopsies. CK levels and the frequency of patients with elevated CK levels were significantly higher in the SBMA group when compared with the ALS group. CK levels occasionally approached values up to 8 times the upper limit of normal in the SBMA group. In addition to the chronic neurogenic changes in the muscle biopsy, all SBMA patients showed one or more myopathic changes. Increased numbers of markedly hypertrophic fibers were consistently seen in all patients. It is not clear whether the elevated CK level is directly related to the increased number of hypertrophic fibers or to other myopathic features. Based on these findings, we recommend genetic testing for SBMA in cases of male patients with motor neuron disease who present with a significantly elevated serum creatine kinase level, even when other characteristic clinical features of SBMA are absent. Muscle Nerve 40: 126–129, 2009
Increased sensitivity to a nondepolarizing muscle relaxant in a patient with acquired neuromyotonia
Authors: Ginsburg Greg , Forde Ryan , Martyn Jeevendra A.J. , Eikermann Matthias
Published: July 2009

Neuromyotonia is a disorder of hyperexcitability of the peripheral nerve. It has electromyographic features of spontaneous, continuous, irregularly occurring doublets, or multiplets of motor unit potential discharges. Neuromyotonia is characterized by both myokymic and neuromyotonic discharges. To our knowledge, this is the first report in the literature to assess the sensitivity of skeletal muscle to a nondepolarizing muscle relaxant drug, rocuronium, in a woman with acquired neuromyotonia. She had a past medical history notable for prolonged postoperative paralysis following anesthesia. The patient showed increased sensitivity to the neuromuscular effects of rocuronium. This increase in sensitivity may be explained by downregulation of acetylcholine receptors in response to chronic high agonist (acetylcholine) concentrations. If patients with neuromyotonia receive anesthesia, we recommend that smaller doses of a nondepolarizing muscle relaxant be administered, accompanied by monitoring of neuromuscular function, so as to provide optimal muscle relaxation while avoiding overdose and prolonged postoperative recovery. Muscle Nerve 40: 139–142, 2009
Glial fibrillary acidic protein as a marker of axonal damage in chronic neuropathies
Authors: Notturno Francesca , Capasso Margherita , Delauretis Angelo , Carpo Marinella , Uncini Antonino
Published: July 2009

We evaluated serum glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) levels by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in controls (n = 30) and in patients with chronic sensory‐motor axonal neuropathy (CSMAN) (n = 30), chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) (n = 30), multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) (n = 30), and primary muscular spinal atrophy (PMSA) (n = 15). GFAP levels, expressed as optical density, were increased in CSMAN (median = 1.05) compared to controls (median = 0.41; P < 0.05) and CIDP (median = 0.53, P < 0.05). They were also increased in PMSA (median = 0.99) compared to controls (P < 0.05) and MMN (median = 0.66; P < 0.05). To differentiate CSMAN from CIDP and PMSA from MMN, we applied a cutoff of GFAP levels at 0.66, and we obtained good sensitivity and specificity. In neuropathies, serum GFAP correlated with summated sensory nerve action potential amplitudes (r = −0.57; P = 0.0006) and disease severity (r = 0.37; P = 0.0011). Thus, we propose serum GFAP as a marker of axonal damage and severity in chronic neuropathies. Muscle Nerve 40: 50–54, 2009
Screening for pompe disease using a rapid dried blood spot method: Experience of a clinical diagnostic laboratory
Authors: Goldstein Jennifer L. , Young Sarah P. , Changela Mohita , Dickerson Gwen H. , Zhang Haoyue , Dai Jian , Peterson Denise , Millington David S. , Kishnani Priya S. , Bali Deeksha S.
Published: July 2009

Pompe disease (acid maltase deficiency; glycogen storage disease type II) is caused by deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme acid alpha‐glucosidase (GAA). Our clinical laboratory began to offer a fluorometric dried blood spot (DBS)‐based GAA activity assay for Pompe disease in 2006 after the FDA approved GAA enzyme replacement therapy in April of that year. The purpose of this study was to examine the experience of our clinical laboratory in using this assay. Over a 2‐year period, we received samples for the DBS GAA assay from 891 patients referred for possible Pompe disease, of whom 111 (12.5%) patients across the disease spectrum who had results in the affected range. The majority of the patients were referred by neurologists and geneticists. When available, we correlated the results obtained through DBS GAA activity assay with the results from a second DBS, or a second tissue (cultured skin fibroblasts or muscle biopsy). In our experience, the DBS GAA activity assay provides a robust, rapid, and reliable first tier test for screening patients suspected of having Pompe disease. Muscle Nerve 40: 32–36, 2009
Sarcoplasmic redistribution of nuclear TDP‐43 in inclusion body myositis
Authors: Salajegheh Mohammad , Pinkus Jack L. , Taylor J.Paul , Amato Anthony A. , Nazareno Remedios , Baloh Robert H. , Greenberg Steven A.
Published: July 2009

The nucleic acid binding protein TDP‐43 was recently identified in normal myonuclei and in the sarcoplasm of inclusion body myositis (IBM) muscle. Here we found TDP‐43 sarcoplasmic immunoreactivity in 23% of IBM myofibers, while other reported IBM biomarkers were less frequent, with rimmed vacuoles in 2.8%, fluorescent Congo red material in 0.57%, SMI‐31 immunoreactivity in 0.83%, and focal R1282 beta‐amyloid immunoreactivity in 0.00% of myofibers. The presence of as little as >1% of myofibers with nonnuclear sarcoplasmic TDP‐43 was highly sensitive (91%) and specific (100%) to IBM among 50 inflammatory myopathy patient samples, although some patients with hereditary inclusion body myopathies and myofibrillar myopathy also had sarcoplasmic TDP‐43. TDP‐43 mutations were sought, and none were identified. TDP‐43 could be one of many nucleic acid binding proteins that are abnormally present in IBM sarcoplasm. They could potentially interfere with the normal function of extranuclear RNAs that maintain myofiber protein production. Muscle Nerve 40: 19–31, 2009
Diagnostic criteria for late‐onset (childhood and adult) pompe disease
Authors:   AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF NEUROMUSCULAR & ELECTRODIAGNOSTIC MEDICINE
Published: July 2009

The diagnosis of late‐onset (childhood and adult) Pompe disease can often be challenging, as it is a rare disease and the heterogeneous clinical presentation can mimic the presentation of other neuromuscular disorders. The objective was to develop a consensus‐based algorithm for the diagnosis of late‐onset Pompe disease. A systematic literature search was conducted, and an expert panel composed of neuromuscular specialists and individuals with expertise in Pompe disease reviewed the literature and convened for consensus development. An algorithm for the diagnosis of late‐onset Pompe disease was created. Patients presenting with either a limb‐girdle syndrome or dyspnea secondary to diaphragm weakness should undergo further testing, including evaluations of muscle strength, motor function, and pulmonary function. A blood‐based acid α‐glucosidase (GAA) enzyme activity assay is the recommended tool to screen for GAA enzyme deficiency. The diagnosis should be confirmed by a second test: either a second GAA enzyme activity assay in another tissue or GAA gene sequencing. Muscle Nerve 40:149–160, 2009
The role of incretin‐based therapies in the management of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Russell‐Jones D
Published: July 2009

In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), goals for blood glucose and other cardiovascular risk factors, such as blood pressure and body weight, can be difficult to achieve. Recent clinical trials indicate that incretin‐based therapies—dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) agonists—help to achieve glycaemic goals and are generally well tolerated, with a low prevalence of hypoglycaemia. GLP‐1 agonists also improve weight, blood pressure and markers of β‐cell function. Addition of an incretin‐based agent may be appropriate for selected patients with T2DM and unsatisfactory glycaemic control on conventional therapies. Copyright ©2009 John Wiley & Sons.
Theoretical analysis of aggregation in block‐copolymer films: The optical signature
Authors: Giro Ronaldo , Davila Liliana Y. A. , Machado Angelita M. , Caldas Marilia J. , Akcelrud Leni
Published: July 2009

We focus this work on the theoretical investigation of the block‐copolymer poly[oxyoctyleneoxy‐(2,6‐dimethoxy‐1,4phenylene‐1,2‐ethinylene‐phenanthrene‐2,4diyl) named as LaPPS19, recently proposed for optoelectronic applications. We used for that a variety of methods, from molecular mechanics to quantum semiempirical techniques (AM1, ZINDO/S‐CIS). Our results show that as expected isolated LaPPS19 chains present relevant electron localization over the phenanthrene group. We found, however, that LaPPS19 could assemble in a π‐stacked form, leading to impressive interchain interaction; the stacking induces electronic delocalization between neighbor chains and introduces new states below the phenanthrene‐related absorption; these results allowed us to associate the red‐shift of the absorption edge, seen in the experimental results, to spontaneous π‐stack aggregation of the chains. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
Validated quantitation method for a peptide in rat serum using liquid chromatography/high‐field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry
Authors: Klaassen Tobias , Szwandt Simon , Kapron James T. , Roemer Axel
Published: July 2009

The analysis of peptides presents serious challenges for bioanalytical scientists including low total ion current and non‐selective fragmentation during tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). During method validation of a peptide in rat serum matrix some interferences could not be easily removed and thus prevented accurate and precise measurement. These problems associated with peptide quantitation were resolved by using FAIMS (high‐Field Asymmetric waveform Ion Mobility Spectrometry). This selectivity‐enhancing technique filters out matrix interferences, and the resulting pseudo‐selected reaction monitoring (pseudo‐SRM) chromatograms were nearly free from interferences. Control blank matrix samples contained an acceptable level of interference (only 7% signal as compared to the lower level of quantitation). Chromatographic peaks were easily, accurately and precisely integrated resulting in a validated liquid chromatography (LC)/FAIMS‐MS/MS method for the analysis of a peptide drug in rat serum according to United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) bioanalytical guidelines. These results confirm that new selectivity‐enhancing technologies aid the pharmaceutical industry in reliably producing acceptable pharmacokinetic data. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Resource subsidies across the land–freshwater interface and responses in recipient communities
Authors: Richardson John S. , Zhang Yixin , Marczak Laurie B.
Published: July 2009

Fluxes of resource subsidies, such as terrestrial leaf litter to streams and adult aquatic insects to riparian predators, are examples of important links between adjacent ecosystems. The importance of these cross‐ecosystem resource flows from donor systems to recipient consumers is increasingly recognized. Streams, especially small streams with their high edge ratio with the terrestrial system, provide excellent models for the study of subsidies and a large portion of this literature has been produced by aquatic scientists. Field experiments manipulating flows between small streams and their riparian areas (e.g. leaf litter, terrestrial invertebrates, and adult aquatic insects to riparian areas) have indicated that consumers in streams and riparian areas are highly dependent upon such subsidies and the value of the subsidies are further modified by patterns of retention and pathways of use. Experiments typically indicate rapid growth or demographic responses by consumers, indicating these populations are resource limited or at levels of incipient population limitation, and can capitalize on short‐term resource pulses. More press manipulations are still necessary to determine the dynamical consequences of subsidies for recipient communities. The nature of the subsidy (e.g. species of litter or invertebrates) and its timing are also important details that need further study. Finally, there are opportunities to consider the evolution of life cycle timing (modelling), interception strategies by recipient populations and short‐term and long‐term responses of communities. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Epistemological norms and companion meanings in science classroom communication
Authors: Lundqvist Eva , Almqvist Jonas , Östman Leif
Published: July 2009

In this paper, we describe two central epistemological norms related to the importance of making investigations and to scientific language and its logic. These norms have been identified in empirical material consisting of 200 video‐recorded lessons in three different science classes. With regard to the learning of science and socialization, we discuss and problematize these norms in the context of science learned at school and the nature of science. A methodological approach has been developed and used to analyze and identify the role that teachers' actions play in which epistemology students adopt in their meaning making and to highlight which view of science this usage represents. The approach consists of a combination of three methodologies: practical epistemology analyses, epistemological move analyses, and analyses of companion meanings. This combination produces communication analysis of companion meanings. The theory is based on pragmatism, sociocultural approaches to learning, and the later works of Wittgenstein. The companion meanings described in the empirical material indicate that if students learn the identified norms without any explicit problematization, they will only view science as rational and inductive in character and exclude alternative views from the practice. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed 93:859–874, 2009
Ontology‐based ubiquitous monitoring and treatment against depression
Authors: Hu Bin , Hu Bo , Wan Jizheng , Dennis Majoe , Chen Hsiao‐Hwa , Li Lian , Zhou Qingguo
Published: July 2009

Mental health care is a major cost to all EU nations, and in many case, it results in additional costs to a country's economy due to the lost of productivity and concerns at the societal level. Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is by far the treatment of choice for mental disorders such as depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, chronic insomnia, etc. Although effective, CBT suffers from a lack of accessibility and personalisation. In this paper, we proposed an ontology‐enhanced ubiquitous monitoring and treatment model for the purpose of assisting people to overcome the challenges of mental disorders. We first presented a context ontology for mental disorders as the basis upon which semantics‐enhanced methods are developed for gathering, formalising and manipulating patients' data. We implemented the proposed framework to facilitate online CBT, for treating depression at the current stage, which combines together talk/chat/messaging services, helps in retrieving neurofeedback, and supports collaborative diagnosis when necessary. An online statistic report was also integrated into our system. Finally, the paper discussed the proposed framework by comparing it against relevant research in the field and elaborated on possible further research directions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cross‐layer design for MIMO systems over spatially correlated and keyhole Nakagami‐mfading channels
Authors: Qi Jian , Aïssa Sonia , Maaref Amine
Published: July 2009

Cross‐layer design is a generic designation for a set of efficient adaptive transmission schemes, across multiple layers of the protocol stack, that are aimed at enhancing the spectral efficiency and increasing the transmission reliability of wireless communication systems. In this paper, one such cross‐layer design scheme that combines physical layer adaptive modulation and coding (AMC) with link layer truncated automatic repeat request (T‐ARQ) is proposed for multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) systems employing orthogonal space‐‐time block coding (OSTBC). The performance of the proposed cross‐layer design is evaluated in terms of achievable average spectral efficiency (ASE), average packet loss rate (PLR) and outage probability, for which analytical expressions are derived, considering transmission over two types of MIMO fading channels, namely, spatially correlated Nakagami‐mfading channels and keyhole Nakagami‐mfading channels. Furthermore, the effects of the maximum number of ARQ retransmissions, numbers of transmit and receive antennas, Nakagami fading parameter and spatial correlation parameters, are studied and discussed based on numerical results and comparisons. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Syntheses and Crystal Structures of Two Chloro‐Bridged Coordination Polymers [Cd(BIM)Cl2]n and [Pb(BIM)Cl2]n
Authors: Hu Jing‐Jing , Jin Chuan‐Ming , Sun Ting‐Quan , Mei Hong‐Fei
Published: July 2009

Two novel coordination polymers, [Cd(BIM)Cl2]n (1) and [Pb(BIM)Cl2]n (2) [wherein BIM = bis(imidazol‐1‐yl)methane], were synthesized by the reactions of the BIM ligand with CdCl2 and PbCl2, respectively. They were characterized by elemental analyses, IR, TGA and X‐ray single‐crystal diffraction techniques. Single‐crystal X‐ray structure analyses showed there is a pseudooctahedral arrangement around the cadmium atom in the complex 1. It has a three‐dimensional network which contains one‐dimensional inorganic‐organic hybrid chains and μ2‐bridging chloride ligands. A rare pentacoordinate square‐pyramidal arrangement was adopted for the lead(II) atom in the complex 2, which has an unusual two‐dimensional layer structure of macrometallacycles crosslinked with the bridging Pb2Cl2 units. The metal atoms in both complexes were coordinated with two BIM ligands in cis arrangement and bridged by μ2‐bridging chloride ligands.
Cobalt(II) Tri‐tert‐butoxysilanethiolates with Bidentate Spacer Ligands
Authors: Pladzyk Agnieszka , Baranowska Katarzyna
Published: July 2009

A new series of CoII tri‐tert‐butoxysilanethiolate complexes with bidentate N,N′‐ligands (L) such as pyrazine, quinoxaline and 4,4′‐bipy was obtained: for pyrazine and quinoxaline the complexes are binuclear {[Co{SSi(tBuO)3}2]2(μ‐L)} with metal atoms linked by an adequate heterocyclic base L. The use of 4,4′‐bipy resulted in a coordination polymer [Co{μ‐SSi(tBuO)3}{SSi(tBuO)3}(μ‐4,4′‐bipy)]n and two polymorphic forms of {[Co{SSi(tBuO)3}2]2(μ‐4,4′‐bipy)}. Pyridyl rings in one polymorph form a torsion angle of 0.57°, whereas a rotation about the linking C–C bond of 4,4′‐bipy in second polymorph is significant and results in a torsion angle of 72.4°. Complexes were analysed and characterised using elemental analysis, solid state IR and UV/Vis spectroscopy, and single‐crystal X‐ray analysis.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Magnetic Properties of a Vanadium Oxide Nitride with Pseudobrookite‐type Structure
Authors: Nakhal S. , Hermes W. , Ressler T. , Pöttgen R. , Lerch M.
Published: July 2009

A pseudobrookite‐type vanadium oxide nitride V3O4.61N0.27 has been prepared by reaction of vanadium sulfide with gaseous ammonia. Small amounts of nitrogen incorporated in the structure result in the stabilization of the pseudobrookite type not known from vanadium oxides. The crystal structure was investigated using X‐ray diffraction and X‐ray absorption spectroscopy. At temperatures above 630 °C, the oxide nitride decomposes to corundum‐type V2O3 and small amounts of monoclinic V3O5 and VO2(R) without a detectable amount of nitrogen. V3O4.61N0.27 shows Curie–Weiss behavior down to 3.1 K. The H = 10 kOe susceptibility data give no hint for magnetic ordering.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Investigation of Frying Oil Quality Using VIS/NIR Hyperspectral Analysis
Authors: Yavari Alireza Ashkmehr , Hamedi M. , Haghbin S.
Published: July 2009

Traditional chemical methods of analyzing frying oil quality are time‐consuming and not amenable to on‐line measurement. The main objective of this study was to evaluate quality changes of heated oils based on visible/near infrared spectral analysis using a hyperspectroradiometer. The reflectance spectra of the heated oils were analyzed within the range 400–1,750 nm. Acid value, total polar component, and viscosity of oil samples were used as indicators of different quality levels of oil. Partial least squares calibration models were developed for quantitative evaluations of these parameters. The R2 and root mean square error for each prediction were calculated to assess the prediction capability of calibration models. The study demonstrated that using the established calibration models, quality parameters could be predicted with R2 values over 0.92.
Adopting Preoperative Fasting Guidelines
Authors: Anderson Megan , Comrie Rhonda
Published: July 2009

In 1999, the American Society of Anesthesiologists adopted preoperative fasting guidelines to enhance the quality and efficiency of patient care. Guidelines suggest that healthy, non‐pregnant patients should fast six hours from solids and two hours from liquids. Although these guidelines are in place, studies suggest that providers are still using the blanket statement “NPO after midnight” without regard to patient characteristics, the procedure, or the time of the procedure.

Using theory to help change provider's beliefs may help make change more successful. Rogers' Theory of Diffusion of Innovations can assist in changing long‐time practice by laying the groundwork for an analysis of the benefits and disadvantages of proposed changes, such as changes to fasting orders, while helping initiate local protocols instead of additional national guidelines. AORN J 90 (July 2009) 73–80. © AORN, Inc, 2009.
The Perioperative Nurse's Role in Table‐Enhanced Anterior Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Munro Cassendra A.
Published: July 2009

The anterior approach to total hip arthroplasty (THA), when performed with the patient in the supine position, is enhanced by the use of a radiolucent, orthopedic table.

This technique has numerous advantages: enhanced intraoperative fluoroscopy because of the patient's supine position on a radiolucent table, improved femoral exposure, and reduced soft tissue trauma. Criteria for patient selection is not limited as it may be for other arthroplasty techniques.

The role of the perioperative nurse during an anterior THA is to ensure optimal function of the orthopedic table and provide safe patient care. A clear understanding of the surgical techniques used and the functions of the table are imperative. AORN J 90 (July 2009) 53–68. © AORN, Inc, 2009.
Starting a Health Care System Green Team
Authors: Mejia Elisa A. , Sattler Barbara
Published: July 2009

The health care industry is often overlooked as a major source of industrial pollution, but as this becomes more recognized, many health care facilities are beginning to pursue green efforts. The OR is a prime example of an area of health care that is working to lessen its environmental impact.

Nurses can play key roles in identifying areas of waste and presenting ideas about recovering secondary materials. For instance, although infection prevention measures encourage one‐time use of some products, nurses can investigate how to reprocess these items so they can be reused.

This article examines how the efforts of a Green Team can affect a hospital's waste stream. A health care Green Team can facilitate a medical facility's quest for knowledge and awareness of its effect on the waste stream and environment. AORN J 90 (July 2009) 33–40. © AORN, Inc, 2009.
Telesurgery: Providing Remote Surgical Observations for Students
Authors: DeKastle Reuben
Published: July 2009

Meeting students' needs for a valuable experience in the OR presents many challenges especially in a non‐teaching hospital setting.

Creating a means for students to observe surgery from a remote site can meet students' needs without causing scheduling, supervision, or patient care problems for the OR staff members who are hosting the students.

Incorporating existing technology and recruiting staff members and physicians who are willing to participate and share their knowledge with students helps to create a valuable experience for all participants. AORN J 90 (July 2009) 93–101. © AORN, Inc, 2009.
Streamlining the OR
Authors: Bozzelli Mary Beth , Price Jayme
Published: July 2009

Streamlining the OR can increase physician and staff member satisfaction and improve efficiencies. Leaders at the West Florida Division for Healthcare Corporation of America took on the task of streamlining technology and processes for 16 facilities with the goal of surgical volume growth.

After assessing the current processes, the team developed a plan to streamline the OR in four major areas. For each area, they paired technology with a process to accomplish the goal.

The plan included improving the virtual supply inventory set up and case picking process, coupling the procedure groups and procedure set up with the scheduling process, improving the preference card set up and maintenance system, and pairing documentation with the pre‐admission and chart completion process. AORN J 89 (June 2009) 103–107. © AORN, Inc, 2009.
Postoperative Telephone Calls: Timing Is Everything
Authors: Flanagan Jane
Published: July 2009

Having nurses contact same‐day surgical patients by telephone early in the patients' recovery process may help guide recovery, but there are no guidelines as to the best time to make these calls.

A convenience sample of 77 patients undergoing same‐day knee arthroscopy surgery at a large health care center in the northeastern United States was recruited to examine the best time for telephone follow‐up by a nurse. Overall patient experiences and teaching‐learning needs also were investigated through open‐ended questions.

Findings suggest that continuous contact by nurses in the recovery period helped patients discuss and process the surgical experience. Telephone calls may be the most helpful to patients between 12 and 24 hours after surgery. AORN J 90 (July 2009) 41–51. © AORN, Inc, 2009.
Today's Sterilizer Is Not Your Father's Water Heater
Authors: Moore Thomas K. “Chip”
Published: July 2009

Today's sterilizers are sophisticated, automatic, and computerized devices that accurately execute programmed jobs, creating uniform conditions inside pressure vessels to achieve sterilization. Specialized knowledge is necessary to ensure that the right cycle is selected; this requires an educated and competent operator.

Perioperative nurses need to understand regulatory requirements for sterilizers, sterilizer design and performance validation, sterilizer cycle functions for everyday use, and everyday sterilization procedures. AORN J 90 (July 2009) 81–88. © AORN, Inc, 2009.
A People to People Nursing Experience in Russia
Authors: Knapp Karen , Norton Elizabeth , Rihn Cheryl
Published: July 2009

Introductory note by Cynthia Spry, RN, MA, MSN, CNOR, column coordinator: Since 1956, the People to People Citizen Ambassador Programs have offered unique travel opportunities that foster local and global networking and provide opportunities for professionals from around the world to interact and engage in cultural activities, seminars, and humanitarian efforts. Since the 1980s, several AORN leaders have led perioperative nurses on People to People trips to China, Russia, and other countries where they have shared and learned much about perioperative practice and once again confirmed that, despite differences in available resources, perioperative nurses around the world have much in common. Just as perioperative nurses in the United States are proud of their contributions to patient safety and the ongoing movement to evidence‐based practice and their commitment to advancing the profession, nurses in less developed countries are, too.

The authors of this article had an opportunity to represent perioperative nursing colleagues in the United States while participating in a People to People trip to Russia and Poland. In this article, the authors provide a snapshot of perioperative nursing, as well as nursing in general, in Russia. September's column will cover the experience in Poland.

Nursing is a rewarding and demanding profession, particularly in Russia where salaries are low and working conditions are sometimes harsh, but the nurses are dedicated, committed to advancing nursing education, and are making a difference. They recognize they have a difficult road to travel but are proud of the steps they have taken on this journey.
Benchmarking Road Safety Success: Issues to Consider
Authors: Dann Stephen , Fry Marie-Louise
Published: July 2009

Success in social marketing is rarely clear cut and even more rarely believed to have been achieved. Social marketing practitioners are under increasing scrutiny to benchmark efficiencies of social change programs to achieve ‘success’ outcomes. Using road safety as a case study, this paper addresses the complex nature of success within a social marketing context. First, we discuss the conundrum facing road safety in articulating ‘success’ when at policy level success is quantified objectively, yet at a community level perceptions of system failure are equated with individual death. Methodologically we apply comparative empirical approaches to examine perceptual versus objective road safety outcomes. The paper concludes with a discussion and proposal of alternate strategies for measuring programmatic success, and raise issues concerning the longevity of developing competitive and sustainable benchmarks.
Social Gain: Is Corporate Social Responsibility Enough?
Authors: Rundle-Thiele Sharyn R.
Published: July 2009

This paper considers whether the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) is sufficient for social behavioural change. Two data sources are used to consider whether alcohol is enjoyed responsibly in Australia by informed adults. First, 582 surveys were analysed to consider whether respondents were adequately informed about alcohol. Second, covert observations were used to record what people actually drink to understand whether alcohol is always enjoyed responsibly. Taken together, the results suggest many adults are not adequately informed and many Australian adults do not enjoy alcohol responsibly. A more rigorous social responsibility approach may be warranted. To achieve sustained behavioural change companies need to move towards corporate social performance (CSP). CSP requires CSR interventions to be evaluated to determine their contribution towards real social gains. CSR is not enough to reach the social goals required by society. The concept of CSP takes away the lip service around CSR by requiring companies to document sustained behavioural change.
Abdominal Manifestations of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Spectrum of Imaging Findings
Authors: Kirby John M. , Jhaveri Kartik S. , Maizlin Zeev V. , Midia Mehran , Haider Ehsan , Khalili Korosh
Published: July 2009

Systemic lupus erythematosus is an immune-mediated syndrome in which the immune response is to non–organ-specific antigens, and virtually every organ in the abdominal cavity may become involved. Only renal involvement forms part of the diagnostic criteria, however, a combination of typically nonspecific findings, including peritoneal surface, enteric, renal, renal tract, pancreatic, adrenal, hepatobiliary, and splenic manifestations, should be looked for in patients with known lupus or other connective tissue disease who are undergoing abdominal imaging and may suggest the diagnosis in patients presenting with an acute abdomen. Our work presents the spectrum of imaging findings of abdominal manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus.
Autocrine regulation of early embryonic development by the artemin‐GFRA3 (GDNF family receptor‐alpha 3) signaling system in mice
Authors: Li Jing , Klein Cynthia , Liang Chenguang , Rauch Rami , Kawamura Kazuhiro , Hsueh Aaron J.W.
Published: July 2009

Development of early embryos is regulated by autocrine/paracrine factors. Analyzing the expression of polypeptide ligand–receptor pairs using DNA microarray datasets, we identified transcripts for artemin, a member of the GDNF (glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor) family, its receptor GFRA3 (GDNF family receptor‐alpha 3) and coreceptor RET. Here we report an autocrine/paracrine role of the artemin‐GFRA3 signaling system in regulating early embryonic development and apoptosis. Possible involvement of the MAP kinase signaling pathway was also demonstrated. The genome‐wide survey of ligand–receptor pairs and early embryo cultures provided a better understanding of autocrine/paracrine embryonic factors important for optimal blastocyst development.
Prolonged exposure to ketamine increases neurodegeneration in the developing monkey brain
Authors: Zou Xiaoju , Patterson Tucker A. , Divine Rebecca L. , Sadovova Natalya , Zhang Xuan , Hanig Joseph P. , Paule Merle G. , Slikker William , Wang Cheng
Published: July 2009

Ketamine, a widely used pediatric anesthetic, has been associated with enhanced neuronal toxicity in the developing brain, but mechanisms and neuronal susceptibility to neurotoxic insult leading to neuronal cell death remain poorly defined. One of the main goals of this study was to determine whether there is a duration of ketamine‐induced anesthesia below which no significant ketamine‐induced neurodegeneration can be detected. Newborn rhesus monkeys (postnatal day 5 or 6) were administered ketamine intravenously for 3, 9 or 24 h to maintain a steady anesthetic plane, followed by a 6‐h withdrawal period. The 9‐ and 24‐h durations were selected as relatively long and extremely long exposures, respectively, while the 3‐h treatment more closely approximates a typical duration of pediatric general anesthesia. Animals were subsequently perfused under anesthesia and brain tissue was processed for analyses using silver and Fluoro‐Jade C stains and caspase‐3 immunostain. The results indicated that no significant neurotoxic effects occurred if the anesthesia duration was 3 h. However, ketamine infusions for either 9 or 24 h significantly increased neuronal cell death in layers II and III of the frontal cortex. Although a few caspase‐3‐ and Fluoro‐Jade C‐positive neuronal profiles were observed in some additional brain areas including the hippocampus, thalamus, striatum and amygdala, no significant differences were detected between ketamine‐treated and control monkeys in these areas after 3, 9 or 24 h of exposure. These data show that treatment with ketamine up to 3 h is without adverse effects as determined by nerve cell death. However, anesthetic durations of 9 h or greater are associated with significant brain cell death in the frontal cortex. Thus, the threshold duration below which no neurotoxicity would be expected is somewhere between 3 and 9 h.
Dissatisfaction with traditional birth attendants in rural Tanzania
Authors: Mbaruku Godfrey , Msambichaka Beverly , Galea Sandro , Rockers Peter C. , Kruk Margaret E.
Published: July 2009

Objective

To assess women's satisfaction with traditional birth attendants (TBAs) in rural Tanzania.

Method

A population‐representative sample of households in Kasulu district was used to collect data on demographics, childbirth history, and perception of TBAs and doctors/nurses from women who had recently had a child and from their partners.

Results

Two‐thirds of women who gave birth in a health facility reported being very satisfied with the experience, compared with 21.2% of women who delivered at home with TBAs. A sizeable proportion of women felt that TBAs had poor medical skills (23.1%), while only 0.3% of women felt the same about doctors' and nurses' skills. Of women who delivered with a TBA, 16.0% reported that TBAs had poor medical skills whereas 0.5% stated the same for doctors and nurses.

Conclusion

Although many women delivered at home in this rural study district, women and their partners reported higher confidence in doctors and nurses than in TBAs. Policymakers and program managers should not assume that women prefer TBAs to trained professionals for delivery but should consider system barriers to facility delivery in interventions aimed at reducing maternal mortality.
Automated Yeast Mating Protocol Using Open Reading Frames from Saccharomyces cerevisiae Genome to Improve Yeast Strains for Cellulosic Ethanol Production
Authors: Hughes Stephen R. , Hector Ronald E. , Rich Joseph O. , Qureshi Nasib , Bischoff Kenneth M. , Dien Bruce S. , Saha Badal C. , Liu Siqing , Cox Elby J. , Jackson John S. , Sterner David E. , Butt Tauseef R. , LaBaer Joshua , Cotta Michael A.
Published: July 2009

Engineering the industrial ethanologen Saccharomyces cerevisiae to use pentose sugars from lignocellulosic biomass is critical for commercializing cellulosic fuel ethanol production. Approaches to engineer pentose-fermenting yeasts have required expression of additional genes. We implemented a high-throughput strategy to improve anaerobic growth on xylose and rate of ethanol production by evaluating overexpression of each native S. cerevisiae gene from a collection of haploid PJ69–4 MATa strains expressing the gene open reading frames (ORFs) mated to a haploid PJ69–4 MATalpha strain expressing the Piromyces sp.E2 xylose isomerase (XI) gene. The resulting 6113 diploid strains containing the XI gene and a different yeast gene ORF were screened for growth on xylose in anaerobic plate cultures using an integrated robotic workcell. Nine unique strains were isolated; two were found to no longer grow on glucose; seven were further evaluated for fermentation of alkaline peroxide pretreated enzymatically saccharified wheat straw hydrolysate. All successfully used glucose and xylose, consuming most of the glucose and a small amount of the xylose. Transforming the strains with an additional vector expressing xylulokinase gene did not improve anaerobic growth on xylose but improved glucose use and ethanol production on the hydrolysate, with three strains giving maximum ethanol production ≥ 14.0 g L −1 .