bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The moderating effects of purchase importance in customer satisfaction process: An empirical investigation
Authors: Tam Jackie Lai Ming
Published: June 2011

Customer satisfaction continues to draw the interest of researchers and practitioners because it can lead to long term benefits including customer loyalty. Purchase importance plays a role in pre‐purchase process, yet little is known about how it may influence customer satisfaction formation process and loyalty intentions. This study examines the moderating effect of purchase importance in the customer satisfaction formation process and in loyalty intentions. A survey was conducted with customers in a restaurant setting, and structural equation analysis via LISREL was performed. The results show that perceived performance has a stronger influence on satisfaction when purchase importance is low, whereas satisfaction seems to be influenced both by disconfirmation and perceived performance when purchase importance is high. Post‐consumption expectations were found to influence on loyalty intentions under both high and low importance purchase conditions. The implications of these findings are discussed and suggestions for future research are made. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of the State of Dispersion of Carbon Nanotubes in Polymer Nanocomposites
Authors: Buschhorn Samuel T. , Wichmann Malte H. G. , Sumfleth Jan , Schulte Karl , Pegel Sven , Kasaliwal Gaurav R. , Villmow Tobias , Krause Beate , Göldel Andreas , Pötschke Petra
Published: June 2011

Es wird ein praxisnaher Überblick über die Möglichkeiten und Grenzen der Charakterisierung der Dispersionsgüte von Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs, deutsch: Kohlenstoffnanoröhren) in polymerbasierten Nanokompositen gegeben. Die wichtigsten und am besten verfügbaren Methoden werden anwendungsorientiert vorgestellt. Einen Schwerpunkt bildet die quantitative Charakterisierung des Dispersionsgrads in festen Proben mittels mikroskopischer Methoden, wie Licht‐ oder Transmissions‐Elektronenmikroskopie. Für Dispersionen von CNTs in wässrigen Medien, Lösungsmitteln oder Monomeren wird die Sedimentationsanalyse vorgestellt, die Aussagen zum Dispergierzustand und zur Dispergierbarkeit von CNTs zulässt. Als indirekte Methoden werden elektrische Leitfähigkeitsmessungen, rheologische Untersuchungen, dynamische Differenzkalorimetrie und mechanische Tests diskutiert.
New Structural Insights into Saraines A, B, and C, Macrocyclic Alkaloids from the Mediterranean Sponge Reniera (Haliclona) sarai
Authors: Defant Andrea , Mancini Ines , Raspor Lucija , Guella Graziano , Turk Tom , Sepčić Kristina
Published: June 2011

The structural peculiarity of saraines A, B and C, wherein a zwitterionic‐like form is present due to the coordination of a nitrogen atom to the C‐2 aldehyde by a strong proximity effect, has been further extended by experimental and theoretical evidences. They include the detection of [2M + H]+ clusters in electrospray ionization mass spectrometry in the positive ion mode of a water/acetonitrile solution, whereas only signals corresponding to [M + H]+ ions are detectable after addition of trifluoroacetic acid to the same solution. The zwitterionic form can be trapped to give O‐methyl derivatives only by reaction with a strong alkylating agent such as Meerwein's reagent. DFT calculations carried out on the core structural model suggest that the nucleophilic N‐1 atom in the minimized conformation is at a suitable distance from the carbonyl group and also defines an approach angle in good agreement with the Bürgi–Dunitz model. Antibacterial and hemolytic activities and inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) assays have been evaluated for saraines A–C in comparison to those of saraines 1–3 and isosaraine 1, all the metabolites isolated from the sponge Reniera (Haliclona) sarai collected in the Northern Adriatic sea.
Theoretical constraints to gully erosion research: time for a re‐evaluation of concepts and assumptions?
Authors: Bergonse Rafaello V. , Reis Eusébio J.
Published: June 2011

Gullies are conceptualized in the literature as essentially fluvial forms with dimensional boundaries arbitrarily defined between rills and river channels. This notion is incompatible with the existing variability of form and process, as mass movements frequently exert a fundamental control on gully initiation and expansion, to the point of features outgrowing their original contributing area. The inability of a conceptual framework to incorporate existing observations inevitably constrains methodologies and research results. In this commentary, several examples of published results are contrasted with the prevailing assumption of an essentially fluvial nature, with the purpose of encouraging discussion on the need for a revised conceptual framework in gully erosion research. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lernen vom Lurch
Authors: Brand Michael
Published: June 2011

Bei Tieren wie dem mexikanischen Axolotl oder dem Zebrafisch wachsen geschädigte Körperteile oft vollständig nach. Dagegen ist das Regenerationsvermögen des Organismus beim Menschen beschränkt. Neuartige Stammzelltherapien könnten helfen, künftig auch bei ihm defekte Gewebe und Organe naturgetreu wiederherzustellen.
Neue Blicke in den Körper
Authors: Beer Ambros , Drzezga Alexander , Fürst Sebastian , Ziegler Sibylle , Nekolla Stephan , Schwaiger Markus
Published: June 2011

Der weltweit erste integrierte MR‐PET‐Ganzkörperscanner für den klinischen Einsatz vereint zwei bildgebende Verfahren in einem Gerät. Damit werden bisher unerreichte Analysen der Struktur und Funktion menschlicher Gewebe möglich. Der Kombi‐Scanner könnte etwa die Krebstherapie erleichtern und die Erforschung des Gehirns vorantreiben.
Vom Labor in den Alltag
Authors: Schölmerich Jürgen
Published: June 2011

Verstehen, wie der menschliche Organismus funktioniert – und helfen, wenn er erkrankt: Die Gesundheitsforschung will beides. Je besser dabei grundlegende Erkenntnisse in die Diagnose, Therapie und medizinische Versorgung übersetzt werden, desto größer ist der Nutzen für Patienten und Gesellschaft. DFG‐geförderte Projekte zeigen dies anschaulich.
Hochdruck in der Lunge
Authors: Ghofrani Hossein‐Ardeschir , Grimminger Friedrich
Published: June 2011

Die pulmonale Hypertonie hat viele Ursachen und Formen – weltweit leiden Millionen Menschen unter dieser schweren Erkrankung der Lungengefäße. Verblüffende neue Forschungsergebnisse bieten jedoch vielversprechende Möglichkeiten der Therapie.
Letzter Ausweg Lungenspende
Authors: Haverich Axel
Published: June 2011

Manche Schädigungen der Atmungsorgane sind so schwer, dass nur eine Transplantation helfen kann. Allerdings müssen Patienten häufig sehr lange auf die Organverpflanzung warten – und nach dem Eingriff drohen chronische Abstoßungsreaktionen. Inzwischen werden ganz neue Strategien entwickelt, um diese Probleme zu überwinden.
Gezielt gegen den Zucker
Authors: Fritsche Andreas , Stefan Norbert , Häring Hans‐Ulrich
Published: June 2011

Die Umstellung eines ungesunden Lebensstils ist das beste Mittel, einem Diabetes vorzubeugen. Allerdings wirkt dies nicht bei allen Gefährdeten gleich gut. Biomarker könnten zeigen, wer von der �„nderung seiner Gewohnheiten profitiert und wer nicht.
Wer was bekommen soll – und wer was nicht
Authors: Diederich Adele , Schreier Margrit
Published: June 2011

Längst können die gesetzlichen Krankenkassen nicht mehr alles medizinisch Machbare bezahlen. Wie aber sollen die Mittel fair verteilt werden? Junge vor Alten, Prävention vor Versorgung? Prioritäten lassen sich nur in einem offenen gesellschaftlichen Dialog setzen.
Frauenherzen, Männerherzen
Authors: Lindner Martin
Published: June 2011

Die Kardiologin Vera Regitz‐Zagrosek erforscht die geschlechtsspezifischen Mechanismen bei Herzleiden. Ihr Fazit: Der Medizin fehlt das Bewusstsein für die Unterschiede zwischen Männern und Frauen – obwohl es für eine optimale Therapie nötig wäre.
Health, safety, and environmental risks from energy production: a year‐long reality check
Authors: Oldenburg Curtis M.
Published: June 2011

Large‐scale carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) offers the benefit of reducing CO2 emissions and thereby mitigating climate change risk, but it will also bring its own health, safety, and environmental risks. Curtis M. Oldenburg, Editor‐in‐Chief, considers these risks in the context of the broader picture of energy production.
Synthesis and radiobiological evaluation of a new 99mTc‐labeled small peptide: 99mTc‐YGGSLAK as imaging agent
Authors: De Kakali , Chandra Susmita , Ganguly Santanu , Sarkar Bhart , Misra Mridula
Published: June 2011

Peptides are known as receptor‐specific molecules that play an important role not only in diagnosis and therapy of neoplastic diseases, but also in the pathogenesis of other diseases. In an effort to develop a peptide‐based radiopharmaceutical for scintigraphic studies, a small peptide Tyr‐Gly‐Gly‐Ser‐Leu‐Ala‐Lys (YGGSLAK) was synthesized by Fmoc solid‐phase peptide synthesis using an automated synthesizer. This peptide was analyzed by TLC, HPLC and mass spectroscopy. Then, we investigated its analytical and pharmacokinetic study after radiolabeling with technetium‐99 m (99mTc) using SnCl2. The radiochemical purity of the complex was over 95% and log p value was 1.46. In vivo biodistribution studies in rat showed that most activity of this injected radiolabeled peptide (99mTc‐YGGSLAK) was accumulated in the liver and followed by gallbladder, intestines and kidney. Scintigraphy studies on rabbits also showed very high uptake and retention in the liver and gallbladder, and after 1 h slowly excreted through the hepatobiliary system and a little amount was also excreted through the renal system. The radiochemical and in vitro and in vivo characterization indicates that 99mTc‐YGGSLAK has certain favorable properties and it might be used as a new radiopharmaceutical for hepatobiliary scintigraphy. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The PINIT domain of PIAS3: structure‐function analysis of its interaction with STAT3
Authors: Mautsa Nicodemus , Prinsloo Earl , Bishop Özlem Tastan , Blatch Gregory L.
Published: June 2011

The protein inhibitor of activated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (PIAS3) regulates the transcriptional activity of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) which regulates transcription of genes involved in cell growth, proliferation and apoptosis. The conserved proline, isoleucine, asparagine, isoleucine, threonine (PINIT) domain of PIAS3 is thought to promote STAT3–PIAS3 interaction. The (His)7‐PINIT domain (PIAS385–272) was heterologously expressed and purified to homogeneity by nickel affinity and size exclusion chromatography, and shown to be a folded monomer in solution. Using surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy (SPR) the PINIT domain (PIAS385–272) alone was shown to specifically bind to STAT3 in a concentration dependent manner. L97A, R99N and R99Q mutations of the PINIT domain were found to abrogate binding to STAT3, suggesting that these residues were part of a potential binding surface. An homology model for the PINIT domain was calculated to analyse the potential locations of L97 and R99 in the structure, and to evaluate the potential role of these residues in interactions with STAT3. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hapten–antibody recognition studies in competitive immunoassay of α‐zearalanol analogs by computational chemistry and Pearson Correlation analysis
Authors: Wang Zhanhui , Luo Pengjie , Cheng Linli , Zhang Suxia , Shen Jianzhong
Published: June 2011

The molecular recognition of hapten–antibody is a fundamental event in competitive immunoassay, which guarantees the sensitivity and specificity of immunoassay for the detection of haptens. The aim of this study is to investigate the correlation between binding ability of one monoclonal antibody, 1H9B4, recognizing and the molecular aspects of α‐zearalanol analogs. The mouse‐derived monoclonal antibody was produced by using α‐zearalanol conjugated to bovine serum albumin as an immunogen. The antibody recognition abilities, expressed as IC50 values, were determined by a competitive ELISA. All of the hapten molecules were optimized by Density Function Theory (DFT) at B3LYP/ 6‐31G* level and the conformation and electrostatic molecular isosurface were employed to explain the molecular recognition between α‐zearalanol analogs and antibody 1H9B4. Pearson Correlation analysis between molecular descriptors and IC50 values was qualitatively undertaken and the results showed that one molecular descriptor, surface of the hapten molecule, clearly demonstrated linear relationship with antibody recognition ability, where the relationship coefficient was 0.88 and the correlation was significant at p < 0.05 level. The study shows that computational chemistry and Pearson Correlation analysis can be used as tool to help the immunochemistries better understand the processing of antibody recognition of hapten molecules in competitive immunoassay. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of selective ligands for human fibrin recognition using high‐throughput docking
Authors: Massarelli Ilaria , Imbriani Marcello , Chiellini Federica , Chiellini Emo , Bianucci Anna Maria
Published: June 2011

The ultimate aim of this study is to identify new molecules that are able to recognize polymerized fibrin, which is the main component of a thrombus. These selective ligands can be exposed on the surface of particular nanoparticles used for the targeted delivery of fibrinolytic drugs. The targeted delivery of these drugs is expected to help to keep under control the severe side effects which can occur if the drugs are administered systemically. The study focuses on the application of high‐throughput docking methods used to screen a library of thousands of commercial compounds. The aim was to identify molecules that are potentially capable of interacting with the human fibrin γ(312–324) epitope. The best scoring compounds were purchased and tested through fluorimetric assays in order to estimate their affinity toward fibrin. The results show that the protocol proposed here for identifying new compounds of interest may provide a valuable contribution to the discovery of lead molecules for human fibrin recognition. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The secrets of successful communities of practice: Real benefits from collaboration within social networks at Schneider Electric
Authors: Gelin Philippe , Milusheva Maia
Published: June 2011

Communities of Practice are frequently seen as key enablers of efficient corporate operations in knowledge‐intensive industries. They can improve internal communications and knowledge sharing both within an organization and between the organization and its external partners. Despite the positive effects a Community of Practice may have at any one point in time, however, its successful management over the long term requires adaptations to take into account the different stages in the life cycle of the Community. The objective of this article is to reveal the secrets of successful long‐term management of Communities of Practice; we do this using a case study of Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy‐efficiency management. The article will examine the Human Machine Interface Community, which has 400 active members in more than 60 countries. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A public‐private partnership: American Water's revolutionary water reuse system for the Patriots' home
Authors: Shields Donald C.
Published: June 2011

By the time the New England Patriots don their football jerseys and upward of 68,000 fans stream into Gillette Stadium, game day has long begun behind the scenes, where a water reuse system saves the region 250,000 gallons of water per event. Funded by the stadium's developer, The Kraft Group, and public finance bonds floated by the town of Foxborough, Gillette Stadium's water reuse system was conceived and installed and is managed by Applied Water Management, a subsidiary of American Water, the nation's largest investor‐owned water and wastewater utility. Also serving Patriot Place, the surrounding shopping, dining, and entertainment complex, this system is a model for public‐private partnerships. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mastering tacit corridors for competitive advantage: Cross‐cultural knowledge creation and sharing at four international firms
Authors: Glisby Martin , Holden Nigel J.
Published: June 2011

In today's business world, knowledge is shaped in corporate relationships and diffused in networks. A major mode of knowledge is the tacit dimension, which refers to the elusive, uncodified knowledge that comes from experience, is hard to quantify, but gives an all‐important mood and tone to explicit knowledge. Tacit knowledge is traditionally viewed as an important though hazily conceived organizational asset; however, here it is treated as something that is co‐created in cross‐cultural business relationships and as a knowledge resource of immense significance. Tacit knowledge is prone to serious misappreciation by managers, but understanding it for what it is can give firms a key edge that the authors term knowledge advantage. Here, they use case‐study data from four international firms to introduce a model that makes use of the concepts of tacit corridors and coupling. Tacit corridors are the metaphorical spaces in cross‐cultural interactions where managers' thoughts and actions are constrained—often inexplicably—by uncertainty and imperfect sense‐making. Coupling is the process of reflexivity‐based action for facilitating knowledge flows connecting individuals, organizations, and networks. Knowledge advantage is the art of mastering tacit corridors through the context‐sensitive application of coupling. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An Integrated Approach to Consumer Decision Making for Budget City Breaks: the Role of Emotion
Authors: Ene Diana , Schofield Peter
Published: June 2011

The short break market has been neglected from the perspective of consumer decision making (CDM) research despite its economic importance for many destinations. This study examines CDM in the budget city break market; it examines the interrelationship between the key constructs of price, quality, involvement, emotions and attitude in relation to consumer purchasing, repurchasing and recommendation. Emotions were found to have a significant influence on CDM for budget city breaks, their impact varied on the basis of decision type and market segment, and the number of relevant dimensions increased with the complexity of decisions. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CARBON FIXATION OF CYANOBACTERIAL–ALGAL CRUSTS AFTER DESERT FIXATION AND ITS IMPLICATION TO SOIL ORGANIC CARBON ACCUMULATION IN DESERT
Authors: Yan‐Gui S. , Xin‐Rong L. , Ying‐Wu C. , Zhi‐Shan Z. , Yan L.
Published: June 2011

Enhanced carbon fixation in soil crusts may facilitate the restoration of damaged ecosystems, but this requires greater knowledge of carbon fixation patterns and mechanisms. We measured the net photosynthetic rate (Pn) and estimated annual carbon fixation (ACF) in cyanobacterial–algal crusts after desert fixation in the Tengger Desert, northwestern China. The accumulated carbon fixation since the establishment of a restoration site was also calculated. In addition, stepwise regression analysis was used to study the relation between Pn and ACF and the physicochemical properties of crusts. Results showed that Pn was significantly higher at a more established 51‐year‐old restoration site (1·57 µmol m−2 s−1) than at a younger 15‐year‐old site (0·92 µmol m−2 s−1). The ACF also increased significantly with restoration time, but in two temporal phases, a slower ACF phase between 15 and 26 years of restoration (0·28–0·7 gC m−2 y−1) and a high ACF phase after 43–51 years of restoration (3·3 gC m−2 y−1). Stepwise regression analysis revealed that Pn was significantly correlated with chlorophyll a and crust cover, whereas ACF was only correlated with crust cover. Accumulated carbon fixation increased from 2·9 gC m−2 after 15 years to 35·4 gC m−2 at 51 years following establishment of the restoration site. The accumulated carbon fixation was positively correlated with soil organic carbon content. This study demonstrated that carbon fixation by cyanobacterial–algal crusts increased progressively after desert fixation. Artificial measures, like the establishment of these restoration zones, can facilitate the colonization and development of biological soil crusts and are an effective biological tool for desert soil restoration. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sterols and carboxylic acid‐5‐hydroxytrypt‐amides in selected tree nuts
Authors: Speer Karl , Zahm Alexander
Published: June 2011

Due to their high lipid content, tree nuts are energy‐dense foods. However, they are also sources of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which can affect the cardiovascular health in a positive way. Furthermore, tree nuts contain useful levels of plant sterols and their esters. The share of the esterified form ranges from 30% to 70%. Plant sterols are known to reduce serum cholesterol levels. The least known part of the lipid fraction in tree nuts is the group the carboxylic acid‐5‐hydroxytryptamides. They are suspected of causing stomach irritation, but also interfere with pain sensation. The C‐5‐HT level in tree nuts varies. Walnuts, hazelnuts, and almonds contain less than 10 mg/kg, but Brazil nuts show C‐5‐HT amounts of up to 1000 mg/kg. Therefore, tree nuts can contribute significantly to the daily intake of C‐5‐HTs. In all of the nuts analyzed, the fatty acid profiles of the TAGs and the sterol esters were similar, containing mainly oleic, linoleic and linolenic acid. In contrast, the C‐5‐HTs generally consisted of saturated long‐chain fatty acids.
Milestones in clinical neurophysiology
Authors: Hallett Mark , Rothwell John
Published: June 2011

Over the last 25 years, clinical neurophysiology has made many advances in the understanding, diagnosis, and even treatment of different movement disorders. Transcranial magnetic stimulation has been the biggest technical advance. Progress in pathophysiology includes improved knowledge about bradykinesia in Parkinson's disease, loss of inhibition and increased plasticity in dystonia, abnormal startle in hyperekplexia, and various features of psychogenic movement disorders that can aid diagnosis. Studies have been done looking at the use of noninvasive brain stimulation for therapy, but effects are generally small. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Milestones in tremor research
Authors: Elble Rodger , Deuschl Günther
Published: June 2011

Tremor is one of the most frequent movement disorders and covers a wide spectrum of entities summarized in the 1998 consensus statement of the Movement Disorder Society. Essential tremor and Parkinson tremor are most common and are also the most thoroughly studied. Major progress has occurred in the clinical semiology, neuroimaging, epidemiology, and pathophysiology of tremors. Pathology and genetic research are rapidly growing fields of study. Recently described tremor entities include orthostatic tremor, dystonic tremor, cortical tremor, and thalamic tremor. Treatment research methodology has improved substantially, but few double‐blind controlled trials have been published. Deep brain stimulation is the most effective treatment for most tremors but is reserved for advanced cases. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Milestones in Parkinson's disease—Clinical and pathologic features
Authors: Halliday Glenda , Lees Andrew , Stern Matthew
Published: June 2011

The identification of the widespread deposition of fibrillized α‐synuclein in Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites in the brains of patients with Parkinson's disease in 1997 has had a profound impact on how the disease is now conceptualized. The previous focus on the loss of the dopaminergic nigrostriatal system, the concept of subcortical dementia, and the idea that Parkinson's disease was dominated by motor impairment have all given way to research assessing more diverse brain regions, clinical symptoms, and phenotypes. It is now recognized that Parkinson's disease is more than just a loss of midbrain dopaminergic neurons in association with Lewy bodies. There are now several theories on how the disease develops and progresses currently being validated in a variety of studies, although many of these theories have yet to incorporate the phenotypic clinical and pathological changes associated with age. A particularly exciting new area of research involves the cell‐to‐cell transmission of pathogenic proteins. The recent consensus definition of Parkinson's disease dementia will allow its pathologic substrates to be determined. These advances have progressed to a stage where the preclinical stages of Parkinson's disease and its specific signs and symptoms are being predicted and tested clinically. Such strategies herald a future wave of preventive strategies for Parkinson's disease and its clinical symptoms. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Milestones in Huntington disease
Authors: Shoulson Ira , Young Anne B.
Published: June 2011

There have been extraordinary advances in our knowledge of the underlying gene, the protein it encodes, various models of disease, and potential targets for effective therapies for Huntington disease. Huntington disease research has increased exponentially in the past 25 years, and we now understand many of the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease. Still, more work needs to be done before we have a full understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease. Clinical research on biomarkers and clinical trials on potential neuroprotective agents are underway. Here we review our progress in these areas over the last 25 years and speculate on what the next 25 years may hold. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
A tale on animal models of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Bezard Erwan , Przedborski Serge
Published: June 2011

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder whose cardinal manifestations are due primarily to a profound deficit in brain dopamine. Since the 1980s, several therapeutic strategies have been discovered to treat the symptoms of this neurological disorder, but as of yet, none halts or retards the neurodegenerative process. In an attempt to shed light on the neurobiology of Parkinson's disease, a number of experimental models have been developed, especially during the last 25 years. They come essentially in 3 flavors: pharmacological (eg, reserpine), toxic (eg, 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine), and genetic (eg, transgenic synuclein mice). These models can also be recast as etiologic, pathogenic, and symptomatic/pathophysiologic, as each may contribute to our understanding of the cause, the mechanisms, and the treatment of Parkinson's disease. In this review, we will discuss the question of Parkinson's disease models, starting from the period when this journal was born to today. During this journey of 25 years, we will discuss both the significant contributions of the Parkinson's disease models and hurdles that remain to be overcome to one day cure this neurological disease. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Milestones in Parkinson's disease therapeutics
Authors: Rascol Olivier , Lozano Andres , Stern Matthew , Poewe Werner
Published: June 2011

In the mid‐1980s, the treatment of Parkinson's disease was quite exclusively centered on dopatherapy and was focusing on dopamine systems and motor symptoms. A few dopamine agonists and a monoamine oxidase B inhibitor (selegiline) were used as adjuncts in advanced Parkinson's disease. In the early 2010s, levodopa remains the gold standard. New insights into the organization of the basal ganglia paved the way for deep brain stimulation, especially of the subthalamic nucleus, providing spectacular improvement of drug‐refractory levodopa‐induced motor complications. Novel dopamine agonists (pramipexole, ropinirole, rotigotine), catecholmethyltransferase inhibitors (entacapone), and monoamine oxidase B inhibitors (rasagiline) have also been developed to provide more continuous oral delivery of dopaminergic stimulation in order to improve motor outcomes. Using dopamine agonists early, before levodopa, proved to delay the onset of dyskinesia, although this is achieved at the price of potentially disabling daytime somnolence or impulse control disorders. The demonstration of an antidyskinetic effect of the glutamate antagonist amantadine opened the door for novel nondopaminergic approaches of Parkinson's disease therapy. More recently, nonmotor symptoms (depression, dementia, and psychosis) have been the focus of the first randomized controlled trials in this field. Despite therapeutic advances, Parkinson's disease continues to be a relentlessly progressive disorder leading to severe disability. Neuroprotective interventions able to modify the progression of Parkinson's disease have stood out as a failed therapeutic goal over the last 2 decades, despite potentially encouraging results with compounds like rasagiline. Newer molecular targets, new animal models, novel clinical trial designs, and biomarkers to assess disease modification have created hope for future therapeutic interventions. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
The Movement Disorders journal—Then and now
Authors: Olanow C. Warren , Obeso Jose
Published: June 2011

No asbtract.
Why do covariates defined by International Classification of Diseases codes fail to remove confounding in pharmacoepidemiologic studies among seniors?
Authors: Jackson Michael L. , Nelson Jennifer C. , Jackson Lisa A.
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The common practice of using administrative diagnosis codes as the sole source of data on potential confounders in pharmacoepidemiologic studies has been shown to leave substantial residual confounding. We explored reasons why adjustment for comorbid illness defined from International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes fails to remove confounding.

Methods

We used data from a case‐control study among immunocompetent seniors enrolled in Group Health to estimate bias in the estimated association between receipt of influenza vaccine and the risk of community‐acquired pneumonia during non‐influenza control periods and to estimate the effects of adjusting for comorbid illnesses defined from either ICD codes or the medical record. We also estimated the accuracy of ICD codes for identifying comorbid illnesses compared with the gold standard of medical record review.

Results

Sensitivity of ICD codes for illnesses recorded in the medical record ranged from 59 to 97% (median, 76%). Strong confounding was present in the vaccine/pneumonia association, as evidenced by the non‐null odds ratio of 0.60 (95% confidence interval, 0.38–0.95) during this control period. Adjusting for the presence/absence of comorbid illnesses defined from either medical record review (odds ratio, 0.73) or from ICD codes (odds ratio, 0.68) left considerable residual confounding.

Conclusions

ICD codes may fail to control for confounding because they often lack sensitivity for detecting comorbid illnesses and because measures of the presence/absence of comorbid illnesses may be insufficient to remove confounding. These findings call for caution in the use of ICD codes to control for confounding. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stereochemical deuterium‐labeling study on the denitrogenation of 7,7‐diethoxy‐2,3‐diazabicyclo[2.2.1]hept‐2‐ene
Authors: Yagi Shingo , Hiraga Yoshikazu , Takagi Ryukichi , Abe Manabu
Published: June 2011

A stereochemical deuterium‐labeling study of the thermal and photochemical denitrogenation of the exo‐selectively dideuterated azoalkane 7,7‐diethoxy‐2,3‐diazabicyclo[2.2.1]hept‐2‐ene (AZb‐d2) was performed in order to obtain information about the denitrogenation mechanism of 2,3‐diazabicyclo[2.2.1]hept‐2‐ene derivatives. A double‐inversion product 5,5‐diethoxybicyclo[2.1.0]pentane (CPb), that is, inv‐CPb, was selectively formed over the retention product ret‐CPb in a ratio of inv‐CPb/ret‐CPb = 73/27 under flash vacuum pyrolysis (FVP) conditions (365 °C/~1.0 × 10−2 mmHg). The formation of inv‐CPb was slightly higher than that of ret‐CPb in the direct photolysis of AZb‐d2 at 70 °C. An approximately 1:1 mixture of the two products was observed after the direct photolysis at 7 °C. A stereoselective formation of 1,5‐diethoxycyclopent‐1‐ene (MG‐d2) was found in the denitrogenation of AZb‐d2 under the FVP conditions. Computational studies at the broken‐symmetry (BS)‐(U)CCSD/6‐31G(d) level of theory revealed that the stepwise C–N bond cleavage is the energetically favored process of the denitrogenation mechanism. The SH2 trajectory of the nitrogen‐extrusion process through an equatorial conformation of the intermediary diazenyl diradical DZb‐eq was found for the formation of inv‐CPb. An alternative route for inv‐CPb was found through an axial conformation of DZb‐ax, which was suggested by the trajectory calculations using a Born–Oppenheimer molecular dynamics at the UB3LYP/6‐31G(d). Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemotherapy and information‐seeking behaviour: characteristics of patients using mass‐media information sources
Authors: Muusses Linda D. , van Weert Julia C.M. , van Dulmen Sandra , Jansen Jesse
Published: June 2011

Objective

Fulfilling patients' information needs can help them cope with illness and improve their well‐being. Little research has been conducted on the characteristics of patients using different information sources. This study aims to get insight into which information sources patients receiving chemotherapy for the first time use and which factors (background characteristics, psychological factors, information needs and source reliability) explain the use of different mass‐media information sources.

Methods

Three hundred forty‐five patients receiving chemotherapy in ten hospitals in the Netherlands completed a questionnaire. Use of 16 sources (mass‐media and interpersonal) was measured with a five‐point Likert scale. Regression analyses were conducted to test whether use of the three most frequently used mass‐media sources could be explained by socio‐demographic, medical and psychological factors, unfulfilled information needs and perceived reliability of the source.

Results

Treatment guide, brochures and Internet were the most frequently used mass‐media sources. Medical specialists, nurses, and family and/or friends were the most common interpersonal sources. Using the treatment guide was found to be associated with treatment goal, unfulfilled information needs and source reliability. Using brochures was associated with cancer‐related stress responses, coping style and source reliability. Using Internet was associated with age, education, coping style and source reliability.

Conclusions

This study developed a model to explain the use of mass‐media information sources by patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy. The use of different information sources is associated with different factors, indicating that each source offers specific opportunities to tailor information to the patient's needs. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Insomnia: guide to diagnosis and recommended management
Authors: Wilson Sue , Nutt David
Published: June 2011

Insomnia is a major cause of distress due to fatigue and poor daytime performance. In our Drug review the authors discuss how to distinguish insomnia from other sleep disorders and the available treatment options and their properties, followed by an analysis of prescription data. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Interface Ltd
GP guide to testosterone replacement therapy in men
Authors: Kirby Mike
Published: June 2011

Professor Mike Kirby describes how the diagnosis and treatment of testosterone deficiency in primary care can lead to improved body fat, muscle mass, libido and sexual function. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Interface Ltd
Assessment of a disease screener by hierarchical all‐subset selection using area under the receiver operating characteristic curves
Authors: Wang Yuanjia , Chen Huaihou , Schwartz Theresa , Duan Naihua , Parcesepe Angela , Lewis‐Fernández Roberto
Published: June 2011

In many clinical settings, a commonly encountered problem is to assess the accuracy of a screening test for early detection of a disease. In this article, we develop hierarchical all‐subset variable selection methods to assess and improve a psychosis screening test designed to detect psychotic patients in primary care clinics. We select items from an existing screener to achieve best prediction accuracy based on a gold standard psychosis status diagnosis. The existing screener has a hierarchical structure: the questions fall into five domains, and there is a root question followed by several stem questions in each domain. The statistical question lies in how to implement the hierarchical structure in the screening items when performing variable selection such that when a stem question is selected in the screener, its root question should also be selected. We develop an all‐subset variable selection procedure that takes into account the hierarchical structure in a questionnaire. By enforcing a hierarchical rule, we reduce the dimensionality of the search space, thereby allowing for fast all‐subset selection, which is usually computationally prohibitive. To focus on prediction performance of a selected model, we use area under the ROC curve as the criterion to rank all admissible models. We compare the procedure to a logistic regression‐based approach and a stepwise regression that ignores the hierarchical structure. We use the procedure to construct a psychosis screening test to be used at a primary care clinic that will optimally screen low‐income, Latino psychotic patients for further specialty referral. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Achieving effective risk‐factor modification in men
Authors: Kirby Michael , Kirby Roger
Published: June 2011

Urological complaints in men provide healthcare professionals with an opportunity to modify risk factors, thus not only averting the progression of prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia, but also reducing the hazards of cardiovascular events in men presenting with erectile dysfunction. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Interface Ltd
Complementary therapies in prostate cancer
Authors: Eylert Maike F. , Persad Raj
Published: June 2011

The authors look at some of the many complementary therapies and alternative medicines used by patients with prostate cancer, and conclude that more research is needed to assess their safety and efficacy. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Interface Ltd
Diagnosis and treatment of benign scrotal swellings
Authors: Vissamsetti Bharat , O'Flynn Kieran J. , Pearce Ian
Published: June 2011

The authors review the common benign scrotal swellings frequently seen in primary and secondary care. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Interface Ltd
Debating controversies in the management of locally advanced prostate cancer
Authors: Payne Heather A. , O'Sullivan Joe M. , Troup Janis
Published: June 2011

The 7th Annual Meeting of the British Uro‐oncology Group in Birmingham highlighted many controversial areas in the management of urological malignancies. The authors summarise a lively debate on the optimal management for men diagnosed with locally advanced prostate cancer. They highlight areas of controversy and discuss the progress that has been made in the past decade to improve both survival and quality of life for men with this disease. In the next issue, they will cover controversies in the management of advanced prostate cancer. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Interface Ltd
Endoscopic ultrasonographic study of autoimmune pancreatitis and the effect of steroid therapy
Authors: Okabe Yoshinobu , Ishida Yusuke , Kaji Ryohei , Sugiyama Gen , Yasumoto Makiko , Naito Yoshiki , Toyonaga Atsushi , Tsuruta Osamu , Sata Michio
Published: June 2011

Background

Recently, endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) has been used for the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis (CP); however, EUS diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) varies among different researchers. We investigated EUS findings in AIP and retrospectively analyzed them before and after steroid therapy.

Patients and methods

The subjects were 32 patients with AIP and the EUS images of the pancreatic parenchyma were evaluated with reference to the Sahai criteria. Patients' background factors detected by EUS were analyzed statistically. Peroral steroid was given to 23 of the 32 patients. EUS was also performed 2 weeks after the initiation of therapy in 14 of the 23 patients, and the changes in EUS were investigated. Microscope images were compared with EUS images in one patient who underwent surgical resection.

Results

EUS results included hyperechoic strands in 26 (81.3%) and lobularity in 17 (53.1%) patients. The patients' background factors included the presence of splenic and/or portal vein occlusion or narrowing around the pancreas in patients who had neither hyperechoic strands nor lobularity (p = 0.002,p = 0.004). The numbers of EUS findings before versus after steroid therapy were 11 versus 5 for hyperechoic strands and 7 versus 2 for lobularity. Microscope images showed the coexistence of relatively well‐maintained lobular structures of pancreatic acini and almost complete loss of such structures.

Conclusion

EUS findings in AIP were similar to those in early‐stage CP, and hyperechoic strands and lobularity seem to suggest a condition under which the histology of lobular structures of the pancreatic acini is relatively well‐maintained. EUS results had improved within about 2 weeks of steroid therapy.
Nonanemic Patients Do Not Benefit from Autologous Blood Donation before Total Knee Replacement
Authors: Kim Stephen , Altneu Eric , Monsef Jad Bou , King Elizabeth A. , Sculco Thomas P. , Boettner Friedrich
Published: June 2011

A retrospective analysis of 221 patients undergoing unilateral total knee arthroplasty between January 2007 and April 2008 was performed to look at rates of total transfusions, allogenic transfusions, and autogenic transfusions. Two senior surgeons performed all the surgeries. During that period, patients in group A (129 patients) all donated one unit of autologous blood and patients in group B (92 patients) did not donate. Within both groups, patients were further divided by preoperative hemoglobin level as either anemic or non-anemic. A hemoglobin of 12.5 g/dL was used as the cutoff. Ninety-eight patients in group A (76%) required autologous blood. Patients in group A received a higher total number of transfusions (0.93 per patient) than those in group B (0.33 per patient; p < 0.001). The rate of allogenic transfusion was lower for group A (14%) than for group B (25%; p < 0.033). The reduction of allogenic transfusions associated with preoperative autologous blood donation was confined to anemic patients (29% in group A vs 72% in group B; p = 0.0006). There was no difference in allogenic blood transfusions in non-anemic patients between group A (8%) and group B (9%; p = 0.91). Limiting autologous blood donation to anemic patients decreased cost compared to routine autologous blood donation (US $256.63/patient versus US $511.44/patient) without exposing patients to increased allogenic blood transfusions. Targeted blood management in total knee replacement surgery decreases transfusion rates and reduces cost.
Two Year Follow-up of the Preservation Unicompartmental Knee Implant
Authors: Jain Rajeev K. , Neville Lorraine T. , Ezzet Kace A. , Sterling Robert S. , Horwood Raymond L. , Colwell Clifford W.
Published: June 2011

Reported results of unicondylar knee arthroplasty (UKA) have mixed reviews in comparison with results of tri-compartmental knee arthroplasty (TKA). We prospectively evaluated the short-term results (2 years) of a newer design of a UKA implant (Preservation UKA) with a cobalt–chromium femoral component and an all polyethylene tibial component. Seventy-two patients with intact ligaments and loss of only medial articular cartilage received the Preservation prosthesis. Data were obtained using WOMAC, Knee Society score (KSS), and standard radiographs. WOMAC scores improved by 24 points and KSS improved by 33 points at 2-year follow-up. Mean flexion increased by 4° to126° at 2 years. On X-ray, only one patient had a radiolucency. No fractures occurred. Two knees were revised due to clinical symptoms of medial compartment pain. This 2-year follow-up study of the Preservation UKA shows promising early results. Long-term data would be necessary to compare results with TKA or other unicompartmental replacements.
Aggregation, Counter Ion Binding and Adsorption Behaviors of Cetylpyridinium Chloride in Water/Glycerol Media at 25 °C
Authors: Mukhim Teiborlang , Ismail Kochi
Published: June 2011

The critical micelle concentrations (CMC) of cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) in water/glycerol media and in the presence of sodium chloride were determined at 25 °C by surface tension and conductance methods. Variation in CMC follows the normal trend, i.e., it increases with increases in glycerol content and decreases on adding NaCl. Empirical analysis of the exponential increase in CMC of CPC with weight per cent of glycerol is indicative of CMC having two components; one component being dependent while the other independent of the glycerol amount. The counter ion binding constant was determined from both slope–ratio and Corrin‐Harkins methods and showed no dependence on glycerol amount, thus confirming the unusual trend in the behavior of β in water/glycerol media. In a water/glycerol medium, the ratio of solvent surface tension to limiting surface tension at CMC is also independent of the glycerol amount, whereas the Gordon Parameter decreases with increasing glycerol content as in other aqueous organic solvents. The air–solution interface becomes saturated by the adsorption of CPC when the concentration of added NaCl is about 0.02 mol kg−1 irrespective of the glycerol amount.
Synthesis and Characterization of Ricinoleamide‐Based Polyurethane
Authors: Kashif Mohammad , Sharmin Eram , Zafar Fahmina , Ahmad Sharif
Published: June 2011

Ricinus communis (RC) oil‐based materials are currently receiving increasing attention because of economic and environmental concerns. In the present work, RC oil—a natural triol has been utilized for the development of an advanced polymeric material—poly(urethane‐ricinoleamide) (PUR) through very simple synthesis and curing strategy, omitting derivatization steps or side reactions, chain extenders and crosslinkers. The synthesis of PUR was carried out in two steps. The first step is the introduction of an amide group in the RC oil (89.5% ricinoleic acid) via base catalyzed amidation, which results in N, N‐bis (2‐hydroxyethyl) ricinoleamide (HERA). The second step is urethanation of HERA by the reaction of toluene‐2,4‐diisocyanate (TDI) in minimal possible organic solvent by one‐shot technique, which results in the formation of polyurethane along with amide linkages. The physico‐chemical and spectral studies (FT‐IR, 1H‐NMR and 13C‐NMR techniques) confirm these two reactions and the structure of PUR. The resin was cured at ambient temperature without any cross linker. Solubility of the resin was investigated in different polar and non‐polar solvents. Thermo‐gravimetric analysis (TGA)/differential thermal analysis (DTA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) were used to determine the thermal stability and curing behavior of PUR. An ambient cured ricinoleamide modified polyurethane resin exhibited thermal resistance up to 200–220 °C.