bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Commentaries on ‘Hand washing for preventing diarrhoea’, with a response from the review authors
Authors: Pinto‐Masis Diana , Sguassero Yanina , Ejemot Regina I. , Ehiri John E. , Meremikwu Martin M. , Critchley Julia A.
Published: June 2009

These are commentaries on a Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Ejemot RI, Ehiri JE, Meremikwu MM, Critchley JA. Hand washing for preventing diarrhoea. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008, Issue 1. Art. No.: CD004265. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004265.pub2.

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying Summary article. Copyright © 2009 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Commentary on ‘Financial benefits for child health and well‐being in low income or socially disadvantaged families in developed world countries’ with a response from the review authors
Authors: Waldfogel Jane , Lucas Patricia J. , Petticrew Mark , Roberts Helen M.
Published: June 2009

This is a commentary on a Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Lucas P, McIntosh K, Petticrew M, Roberts HM, Shiell A. Financial benefits for child health and well‐being in low income or socially disadvantaged families in developed world countries. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008, Issue 2. Art. No.: CD006358. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006358.pub2.

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying Summary article. Copyright © 2009 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Summary of ‘Financial benefits for child health and well‐being in low income or socially disadvantaged families in developed world countries,’ including tables of key findings and quality of included trials
Authors: Lucas Patricia J. , McIntosh Karen , Petticrew Mark , Roberts Helen M. , Shiell Alan , Kremer L.C.M. , van Dalen E.C.
Published: June 2009

This is a summary, including tables of key findings and quality of included trials, of a Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Lucas P, McIntosh K, Petticrew M, Roberts HM, Shiell A. Financial benefits for child health and well‐being in low income or socially disadvantaged families in developed world countries. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008, Issue 2. Art. No.: CD006358. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006358.pub2.

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying Commentary. Copyright © 2009 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Summary of ‘Parenting interventions for the prevention of unintentional injuries in childhood’, including tables of key findings and quality of included trials
Authors: Kendrick D. , Barlow J. , Hampshire A. , Polnay L. , Stewart‐Brown S. , Kremer L.C.M. , van Dalen E.C.
Published: June 2009

This is a summary, including tables of key findings and quality of included trials, of a Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Kendrick D, Barlow J, Hampshire A, Polnay L, Stewart‐Brown S. Parenting interventions for the prevention of unintentional injuries in childhood. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD006020. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006020.pub2.

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying Commentary. Copyright © 2009 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
The Cochrane Library and acute otitis media in children: an overview of reviews
Authors: Shaikh Nader , Harvey Krystal , Paradise Jack L. , Hoberman Alejandro
Published: June 2009

Background

This overview critically evaluates the available evidence The Cochrane Library offers on the treatment of acute otitis media (AOM). AOM is one of the most common clinical problems in childhood with peak incidence occurring in the first two years of life.

Objectives

To summarize Cochrane reviews that assess the effects of treatments for AOM in children.

Methods

The Cochrane Library was searched using the terms ‘otitis media’ and ‘ear infection’. Those reviews focusing on the treatment of AOM in children were included. Data on patient relevant outcomes (pain, treatment failure, AOM recurrence, and adverse events) were extracted by two authors.

Main Results

Five reviews were included in this overview. In the first review, antibiotics were compared with placebo. Although it appeared from the reports reviewed that antibiotics have marginal efficacy (number needed to treat = 12; number needed to harm = 12), because the reviewed studies included mostly older children with mild AOM, the results can not be generalized to young children or to children with severe AOM. In the second review, short (<7 days) and long courses of antibiotics were compared. Although the data were limited, shorter courses resulted in an increased likelihood of treatment failure [odds ratio (OR): 1.34, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.16, 1.55]. In the third review, once‐daily administration of antibiotics was compared with two‐ or three‐times‐daily administration. Although no significant differences were noted, the quality of the original data on which the review was based was less than optimal. In the fourth review, decongestants and/or antihistamines were compared with placebo. Decongestants and antihistamines provided no appreciable benefit and were associated with significant adverse events (OR: 7.34, 95% CI: 1.67, 32.25). In the fifth review, topical analgesic drops and placebo were compared in two small studies. Use of analgesic drops was associated with significant reductions in pain level (OR: 3.07, 95% CI: 1.33, 7.05 for pain reduction of ≥ 50%).

Authors' Conclusions

Additional well‐designed trials in children of various age groups with AOM are needed to determine the efficacy of 1) standard‐course antibiotic treatment, 2) short‐course vs standard‐course antibiotic treatment, and 3) topical analgesia. Limited evidence suggests that the use of decongestants and/or antihistamines in children with AOM should be avoided. Copyright © 2009 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Ammonia Gas Sensor Using Polypyrrole‐Coated TiO2/ZnO Nanofibers
Authors: Wang Ying , Jia Wenzhao , Strout Timothy , Schempf Ashely , Zhang Heng , Li Baikun , Cui Junhong , Lei Yu
Published: June 2009

Highly porous polypyrrole (PPy)‐coated TiO2/ZnO nanofibrous mat has been successfully synthesized. The core TiO2/ZnO nanofibers have an average diameter of ca. 100 nm and the shell of ultrathin PPy layer has a thickness of ca. 7 nm. The NH3 gas sensor using the as‐prepared material exhibited a fast response over a wide dynamic range and high sensitivity with a detection limit of 60 ppb (S/N=3). Compared to conventional pristine PPy film, the improved performance in NH3 detection can be attributed to the free access of NH3 to PPy and a minimized gas diffusion resistance through the ultrathin PPy layer.
An Analyte Derivatization Approach for Improved Electrochemical Detection of Amoxicillin
Authors: Chiu Mei‐Hsin , Chang Jen‐Lin , Zen Jyh‐Myng
Published: June 2009

This paper introduces an interesting analyte derivatization approach for improved electrochemical detection of amoxicillin (one of the most frequently used β‐lactam antibiotics). It is based on the well‐known chemical conversion of catechols to o‐quinones by MnO2 that can be subsequently easily determined by electrochemical reduction at inexpensive screen‐printed carbon electrodes. The MnO2 reactor is essential to the proposed amperometric sensor not only to increase the electroactivity but also to achieve the detection selectivity. Under the optimized conditions of applied potential=0.0 V vs. Ag/AgCl and flow rate=500 μL/min, the measurement range was over 3 orders of magnitude with a detection limit (S/N=3) of 17 nM.
Co‐electroosmotic capillary electrophoresis of basic proteins with 1‐alkyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ionic liquids as non‐covalent coating agents of the fused‐silica capillary and additives of the electrolyte solution
Authors: Corradini Danilo , Nicoletti Isabella , Bonn Günther K.
Published: June 2009

The paper reports the results of a study carried out to evaluate the use of three 1‐alkyl‐3‐methylimidazolium‐based ionic liquids as non‐covalent coating agents for bare fused‐silica capillaries and additives of the electrolyte solutions (BGE) for CE of basic proteins in the co‐EOF separation mode. The three ionic liquids are differentiated from each other by the length of the alkyl group on the imidazolium cation, consisting of either an ethyl, butyl or octyl substituent, whereas tetrafluoroborate is the common anionic component of the ionic liquids. Coating the capillary with the ionic liquid resulted in improved peak shape and protein separation, while the EOF was maintained cathodic. This indicates that each ionic liquid is effective at masking the protein interaction sites on the inner surface of the capillary, also when its adsorption onto the capillary wall has not completely neutralized all the negative charges arising from the ionization of the silanol groups and the ionic liquid is not incorporated into the BGE employed for separation. Using the coated capillaries with BGE containing the ionic liquid employed for the coating, at concentration low enough to maintaining the EOF cathodic, both peak shape and protein separation varied to different extents, based on the particular ionic liquid used and its concentration. Fast and efficient separation of the model basic protein mixture in co‐electroosmotic CE is obtained with the 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate coated capillary and 100 mM acetate buffer (pH 4.0) containing 4.4 mM 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate as the BGE.
Simultaneous enantioseparation of cyproconazole, bromuconazole, and diniconazole enantiomers by CD‐modified MEKC
Authors: Wan Ibrahim Wan Aini , Warno Susanti A. , Aboul‐Enein Hassan Y. , Hermawan Dadan , Sanagi Mohd Marsin
Published: June 2009

An efficient method for the simultaneous enantioseparation of cyproconazole, bromuconazole, and diniconazole enantiomers was developed by CD‐modified MEKC using a dual mixture of neutral CDs as chiral selector. Three neutral CDs namely hydroxypropyl‐β‐CD, hydroxypropyl‐γ‐CD, and γ‐CD were tested as chiral selectors at different concentrations ranging from 10, 20, 30 and 40 mM, but enantiomers of the studied fungicides were not completely separated. The best dual chiral recognition mode for the simultaneous separation of cyproconazole, bromuconazole, and diniconazole enantiomers was achieved with a mixture of 27 mM hydroxypropyl‐β‐CD and 3 mM hydroxypropyl‐γ‐CD in 25 mM phosphate buffer (pH 3.0) containing 40 mM SDS to which methanol‐acetonitrile (10%:5% v/v) was added as organic modifiers. The best separation was based on the appearance of 10 peaks simultaneously, with good resolution (Rs 1.1–15.9), and peak efficiency (N>200 000). Good repeatabilities in the migration time, peak area, and peak height were obtained in terms of RSD ranging from (0.72 to 1.06)%, (0.39 to 3.49)%, and (1.90 to 4.84)%, respectively.
Studies of electroosmotic flow and the effects of protein adsorption in plasma‐polymerized microchannel surfaces
Authors: Salim Malinda , Wright Phillip C. , McArthur Sally L.
Published: June 2009

This paper presents a study of EOF properties of plasma‐polymerized microchannel surfaces and the effects of protein (fibrinogen and lysozyme) adsorption on the EOF behavior of the surface‐modified microchannels. Three plasma polymer surfaces, i.e. tetraglyme, acrylic acid and allylamine, are tested. Results indicate EOF suppression in all plasma‐coated channels compared with the uncoated glass microchannel surfaces. The EOF behaviors of the modified microchannels after exposure to protein solutions are also investigated and show that even low levels of protein adsorption can significantly influence EOF behavior, and in some cases, result in the reversal of flow. The results also highlight that EOF measurement can be used as a method for detecting the presence of proteins within microchannels at low surface coverage (<1 ng/cm2 on glass). Critically, the results illustrate that the non‐fouling tetraglyme plasma polymer is able to sustain EOF. Comparison of the plasma‐polymerized surfaces with conventionally grafted polyelectrolyte surfaces demonstrates the stabilities of the plasma polymer films, enabling multiple EOF runs over 3 days without deterioration in performance. The results of this study clearly demonstrate that plasma polymers enable the surface chemistry of microfluidic devices to be tailored for specific applications. Critically, the deposition of the non‐fouling tetraglyme coating enables stable EOF to be induced in the presence of protein.
MCE‐electrochemical detection for following interactions of ssDNA and dsDNA with methylene blue
Authors: Castaño‐Álvarez Mario , Fernández‐la‐Villa Ana , Fernández‐Abedul María Teresa , Costa‐García Agustín
Published: June 2009

The interaction between the organic dye, methylene blue and DNA has been studied by MCE with electrochemical detection. Interaction produces two different signals, one corresponding to free methylene blue and other, for the complex methylene blue–DNA. The hybridization between a ssDNA and a complementary sequence, specific to the severe acute respiratory syndrome virus, has been performed and studied in a thermoplastic olefin polymer of amorphous structure CE‐microchip with an end‐channel gold wire detector. Moreover, studies with a longer dsDNA, an expression vector involved in the transitory or stable expression in mammals cells, pFLAG‐CMV4, has also been performed.
A multiplex molecular assay for the detection of uniparental disomy for human chromosome 7
Authors: Giardina Emiliano , Peconi Cristina , Cascella Raffaella , Sinibaldi Cecilia , Foti Cuzzola Valeria , Nardone Anna Maria , Bramanti Placido , Novelli Giuseppe
Published: June 2009

Uniparental disomy (UPD) describes the inheritance of both homologues of a pair of chromosomes from only one parent. This condition is often caused by nondisjunction events during meiosis. UPD has been reported as a rare cause of the autosomal recessive disorder and aberrant expression of imprinted genes that are expressed from only one parental allele, either maternal or paternal. Maternal and/or paternal UPD for chromosome 7 is the most frequently observed UPD after UPD15. Here we developed and validated, for the first time, an effective, CE‐based method for a rapid and economic detection based on two‐fluorescent STR multiplexes.
Double sample preconcentration by in‐line coupled large volume single drop microextraction and sweeping in capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Liang Guodong , Choi Kihwan , Chung Doo Soo
Published: June 2009

Single drop microextraction (SDME) is a convenient and powerful preconcentration method for CE before injection. By simple combination of sample‐handling sequences without modification of the CE apparatus, a drop of an aqueous acceptor phase covered with a thin organic layer was formed at the tip of a capillary; 10 min SDME of fluorescein and 6‐carboxyfluorescein from a donor phase of pH 1 to an acceptor phase of pH 9 provided 110‐fold enrichments without stirring the donor phase. To improve the concentration effect further, SDME was coupled with an on‐line (after injection) sample preconcentration method, sweeping, in which analytes in a long sample zone are accumulated at the boundary of a pseudostationary phase penetrating into the sample zone. It is thus necessary to inject a sample of much larger volume than that of a drop in typical SDME. A Teflon sleeve over the capillary inlet allowed a large volume drop to be held stably during extraction. By in‐line coupling 10 min SDME and sweeping of a 30 nL sample using a cationic surfactant dodecyltrimethylammonium, enrichment factors of the double preconcentration were increased up to 32 000.
Suppressing white‐noise in partial discharge measurements—part 1: construction of complex Daubechies wavelet and complex threshold
Authors: Xie Yanbin , Tang Ju , Zhou Qian
Published: June 2009

Online partial discharge (PD) detection still remains a very challenging task because of the strong electromagnetic interferences. In this paper, a new method of de‐noising, using complex Daubechies wavelet (CDW) transform, has been proposed. It is a relatively recent enhancement to the real‐valued wavelet transform because of two important properties, which are nearly shift invariant and availability of phase information. Those properties give CDW transform superiority over other real‐valued wavelet transform. On the basis of CDW transform, complex threshold algorithm and combined information are devised. In order to take into account the difference of the real part and imaginary part of complex wavelet coefficients, complex threshold is devised to modify the real part and imaginary part respectively. Because the restored signal by inverse CDW transform is complex one, combined information is devised to combine the real part and imaginary part of complex signal to construct a real one, furthermore making full use of the simple information from complex signal. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Environmental correlates of neuropsychiatric symptoms in nursing home patients with dementia
Authors: Zuidema Sytse U. , de Jonghe Jos F. M. , Verhey Frans R. J. , Koopmans Raymond T. C. M.
Published: June 2009

Objective

The aim of the study was to estimate the influence of environmental correlates of neuropsychiatric symptoms in nursing home patients with dementia.

Methods

1289 patients in 56 Dementia Special Care Units (SCUs) in the Netherlands were assessed using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory–Nursing Home version (NPI–NH) and the Cohen‐Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI). Potential correlates of the neuropsychiatric symptoms studied were gender and age of the patient, dementia severity, psychoactive medication use and environmental correlates such as the number of patients per unit or per living room, staff size/patient ratio, time spent on care activities and presence of a walking circuit. Multilevel logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the relative contribution of the different factors in explaining neuropsychiatric symptoms variability.

Results

The prevalence of neuropsychiatric symptoms differed between SCUs, also after correcting for patient factors. Patient‐related factors explained 7–21% of the total variance of neuropsychiatric symptoms. Intra Class Correlation (the correlation of symptoms of patients within SCUs) ranged from 0.039 (psychosis) to 0.163 (apathy). The variance in SCU symptom prevalence (variance between SCUs) accounted for 3.5–14.8% of the total variance in neuropsychiatric symptoms. In SCUs of which the staff spent more time on care activities did the patients show lower levels of apathy. Other environmental correlates did not predict neuropsychiatric symptoms.

Conclusion

The substantial variation of prevalence rates between SCUs in combination with the clustering of symptoms within SCUs is strong evidence for the environmental contribution to neuropsychiatric symptoms and the multifactorial nature of behaviour in dementia. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Primary care physicians' attitudes towards cognitive screening: findings from a national postal survey
Authors: Iracleous Panayiotis , Nie Jason Xin , Tracy C. Shawn , Moineddin Rahim , Ismail Zahinoor , Shulman Kenneth I. , Upshur Ross E. G.
Published: June 2009

Objective

The objectives of this paper are: (a) to determine Canadian family physicians' attitudes towards cognitive screening, (b) to identify what cognitive screening tools are being used, (c) to investigate how they rate these tools' effectiveness and (d) to identify the attributes of an ideal cognitive screening tool for the primary care setting.

Method

Postal survey questionnaire of a random sample of 249 practicing members of the College of Family Physicians of Canada.

Results

Response rate was 52%. The majority of physicians ‘Agreed’ or ‘Strongly Agreed’ that cognitive impairment assessment is important in primary care (89%), and ‘Disagreed’ or ‘Strongly Disagreed’ that it should be left to specialists (92%). However, 35% were undecided when asked if assessment in primary care would lead to better outcomes. The most frequently used assessment tools were Mini–Mental Status Exam (MMSE), Clock Drawing, Delayed Word Recall, Standardized MMSE and Alternating Sequences, but were mainly rated as only ‘Good’ in terms of perceived effectiveness. Validity/accuracy was identified as the top attribute of an ideal screening tool. Female physicians were more likely to have a positive attitude towards cognitive assessment. Younger physicians, those in group practices, or those with either ≤ 20% or 61–80% of elderly patients in their practice indicated a shorter ideal time to administer a cognitive screening tool.

Conclusion

Despite general agreement that primary care physicians have an important role in cognitive screening, there is less agreement that it leads to better outcomes. The development of a superior screening tool to be used in the primary care setting is needed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficacy of integrated interventions combining psychiatric care and nursing home care for nursing home residents: a review of the literature
Authors: Collet Janine , de Vugt Marjolein E. , Verhey Frans R. J. , Schols Jos M. G. A.
Published: June 2009

Background

Nursing home residents needing both psychiatric care and nursing home care for either somatic illness or dementia combined with psychiatric disorders or severe behavioural problems are referred to as Double Care Demanding patients, or DCD patients. Integrated models of care seem to be necessary in order to improve the well‐being of these residents.

Objectives

Two research questions were addressed. First, which integrated interventions combining both psychiatric care and nursing home care in DCD nursing home residents are described in the research literature? And second, which outcomes of integrated interventions combining both psychiatric care and nursing home care in DCD nursing home residents are reported in the literature?

Method

A critical review of studies was done that involved integrated interventions combining both psychiatric care and nursing home care on psychiatric disorders and severe behavioural problems in nursing home patients. A systematic literature search was performed in a number of international databases.

Results

Eight intervention trials, including four RCTs (2b level of evidence), were identified as relevant studies for the purpose of this review. Seven studies, three of which were RCTs, showed beneficial effects of a comprehensive, integrated multidisciplinary approach combining medical, psychiatric and nursing interventions on severe behavioural problems in DCD nursing home patients.

Conclusions

Important elements of a successful treatment strategy for DCD nursing home patients include a thorough assessment of psychiatric, medical and environmental causes as well as programmes for teaching behavioural management skills to nurses. DCD nursing home patients were found to benefit from short‐term mental hospital admission.

This review underlines the need for more rigorously designed studies to assess the effects of a comprehensive, integrated multidisciplinary approach towards DCD nursing home residents. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Importance of Changes in Adipose Tissue Insulin Resistance to Histological Response During Thiazolidinedione Treatment of Patients with Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis†
Authors: Gastaldelli Amalia , Harrison Stephen A. , Belfort-Aguilar Renata , Hardies Lou Jean , Balas Bogdan , Schenker Steven , Cusi Kenneth
Published: June 2009

Pioglitazone treatment improves insulin resistance (IR), glucose metabolism, hepatic steatosis, and necroinflammation in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Because abnormal lipid metabolism/elevated plasma free fatty acids (FFAs) are important to the pathophysiology of NASH, we examined the impact of pioglitazone therapy on adipose tissue insulin resistance (Adipo-IR) during the treatment of patients with NASH. To this end, we assessed glucose/lipid metabolism in 47 patients with impaired glucose tolerance/type 2 diabetes mellitus and NASH and 20 nondiabetic controls. All individuals underwent a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in which we measured glucose tolerance, IR, and suppression of plasma FFAs. We also measured Adipo-IR index (fasting, FFAs × insulin), hepatic fat by magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and liver histology (liver biopsy). Patients were randomized (double-blind) to diet plus pioglitazone (45 mg/day) or placebo for 6 months, and all measurements were repeated. We found that patients with NASH had severe Adipo-IR and low adiponectin levels. Fasting FFAs were increased and their suppression during the OGTT was impaired. Adipo-IR was strongly associated with hepatic fat (r= 0.54) and reduced glucose clearance both fasting (r=0.34) and during the OGTT (r=0.40, all

P

<0.002). Pioglitazone significantly improved glucose tolerance and glucose clearance, steatosis and necroinflammation (all

P

<0.01-0.001 versus placebo). Fasting/postprandial plasma FFAs decreased to levels of controls with pioglitazone (

P

<0.02 versus placebo). Adipo-IR decreased by 47% and correlated with the reduction of hepatic fat (r=0.46,

P

=0.009) and with the reduction in hepatic necroinflammation (r=0.47,

P

=0.0007).

Conclusion:

Patients with NASH have severe Adipo-IR independent of the degree of obesity. Amelioration of Adipo-IR by pioglitazone is closely related to histological improvement and plays an important role during treatment of patients with NASH. (Hepatology 2009)
Anchor ice formation in streams: a field study
Authors: Stickler Morten , Alfredsen Knut T.
Published: June 2009

In northern steep streams anchor ice is commonly observed during winter, and plays a key role when considering in‐stream conditions. The understanding, however, of the nature of anchor ice formation is less understood, in particular, under natural conditions. In the following, observations of anchor ice formation in three stream environments with different physical characteristics are presented. Results demonstrate that anchor ice not only form in riffle areas, but also in shallow and slow running stream sections. No linkage between spatial distribution of anchor ice and calculated dimensionless numbers (Froude and Reynolds number) was found. Furthermore, analyses on growth and density showed that anchor ice may be distinguished by two main types. (1) Type I: Lower density forming on top of substrata. (2) Type II: Higher density forming between the substrata filling interstitial spaces. Distribution of anchor ice Types I and II suggests a relation between intensity of turbulence expressed by the Reynolds number, growth pattern and density. As anchor ice has both physical and biological implications on in‐stream environments, findings from the present study may be of particular interest to cold region freshwater stream management. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Over‐expression of pemt2 into rat hepatoma cells contributes to the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway
Authors: Li Yali , Zou Wei , Yan Qiu , Xu Yuefei , Xia Quan , Tsui Zhaochun , Ma Keli
Published: June 2009

We previously established a line of phosphatidylethanolamine N‐methyltransferase 2 (pemt2) ‐stably transfected CBRH‐7919 hepatoma cells, and showed that pemt2 over‐expression inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. This study was aimed to further elucidate the cellular mechanisms leading to this apoptosis in these cells. Fatty acid compositions of phosphatidylcholine (PC) in pemt2 over‐expressed cells and control cells, and the location of PC synthesized by PEMT2 pathway were analyzed with lipid extraction, high‐performance thin layer chromatography, high‐performance gas chromatography (HPGC), and [3H]‐ethanolamine tracing. The effects of pemt2 over‐expression on the mitochondrial membrane fluidity, the release of cytochrome C from mitochondria, and the activity of caspases were determined by Western blot. Newly synthesized PC by PEMT2 contained more acyl groups of oleic acid (P < 0.01) and was mainly located in mitochondria; pemt2 over‐expression increased the mitochondrial membrane fluidity and the release of cytochrome C from the mitochondria into the cytoplasma, which in turn activated caspase‐9 and caspase‐3, the key molecules in the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. We demonstrated that, in rat hepatoma cells, PEMT2‐induced apoptosis proceeds through mitochondria. © 2009 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 61(8): 846–852, 2009
A hospitalist‐run short‐stay unit: Features that predict length‐of‐stay and eventual admission to traditional inpatient services
Authors: Lucas Brian P. , Kumapley Rudolf , Mba Benjamin , Nisar Imran , Lee Kuenok , Ofori‐Ntow Samuel , Borkowsky Shane , Asmar Abdo , Lewis Trevor , Bienias Julia L.
Published: June 2009

BACKGROUND:

Short‐stay units (SSUs) provide an alternative to traditional inpatient services for patients with short anticipated hospital stays. Yet little is known about which patient types predict SSU success.

OBJECTIVE:

To describe patients admitted to our hospitalist‐run SSU and explore predictors of length‐of‐stay (LOS) and eventual admission to traditional inpatient services.

DESIGN:

Prospective observational cohort study.

SETTING:

Large public teaching hospital.

PATIENTS:

Consecutive admissions (n = 755) to the SSU over 4 months.

INTERVENTION:

Hospitalist attending physicians prospectively collected data from patients' histories, physical exams, and medical records upon admission and discharge.

MEASUREMENTS:

Risk assessments were made for patients with our most common provisional diagnoses: possible acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and heart failure. Patient stays were considered successful when LOS was less than 72 hours and eventual admission to traditional inpatient services was not required.

RESULTS:

Of 738 eligible patients, 79% (n = 582) had successful SSU stays. In a multivariable model, the provisional diagnosis of heart failure predicted stays longer than 72 hours (P = 0.007) but risk assessments were unimportant. Patients who received specialty consultations were most likely to need eventual admission (odds ratio [OR], 13.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6.9‐24.9), and the likelihood of long stays was inversely proportional to the accessibility of diagnostic tests.

CONCLUSIONS:

In our hospitalist‐run SSU, the inaccessibility of diagnostic tests and the need for specialty consultations were the most important predictors of unsuccessful stays. Designs for other SSUs that care for mostly low‐risk patients should focus on matching patients' diagnostic and consultative needs with readily accessible services. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2009;4:276–284. © 2009 Society of Hospital Medicine.
A case of simultaneous pulmonary embolism and acute myocardial infarction secondary to a previously undiagnosed patent foramen ovale
Authors: Budavari Adriane I. , Glenn Tyler J. , Will Kristen K. , Askew John W. , Fortuin F. David
Published: June 2009

We describe a 79‐year‐old male with recurrent high‐grade liposarcoma who developed postoperative chest pain, dyspnea, and hypoxia suspicious for acute pulmonary embolism (PE). However, electrocardiogram (ECG) was suggestive of an acute ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (MI). Heparin was initiated and emergent coronary angiography was performed, which demonstrated a “cutoff sign” in the distal left anterior descending artery (LAD) consistent with coronary embolism. A patent foramen ovale (PFO) and bilateral pulmonary emboli were subsequently identified. It was concluded that the patient had suffered an acute PE, with a portion of clot traversing the PFO and entering the LAD, resulting in a simultaneous acute ST‐elevation MI. While the case described is rare, the underlying anatomical variant is common and may have practical significance. We discuss the literature regarding PFO with acute PE and paradoxical emboli. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2009;4:E5–E9. © 2009 Society of Hospital Medicine.
A quantitative GC‐MS method for three major polyamines in postmortem brain cortex
Authors: Chen Gary G. , Turecki Gustavo , Mamer Orval A.
Published: June 2009

A quantitative method for putrescine (PUT), spermidine (SPD) and spermine (SPM) in homogenized postmortem human brain tissue is described that employs a novel, simple and rapid extractive derivatization with ethylchloroformate and trifluoroacetylation. These amines are metabolites of ornithine and are metabolically interconvertible in mammals. The method was developed to support an ongoing epidemiological study correlating these amines with the frequency of suicide. The isolation methodology is robust and requires less work and time than many previous methods. Analysis is by conventional electron ionization GC‐MS with selected ion monitoring using a stable isotope‐labeled analog for PUT and a chemical analog for SPD and SPM as internal standards. The time required for chromatographic analysis, about 20 min, is determined by the wide range of the relative volatilities of the derivatized polyamines. The method allows the quantitation of PUT down to 10 ng/g and SPD and SPM down to 100 and 1000 ng/g, respectively of wet tissue. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Putative heterotopic ossification progenitor cells derived from traumatized muscle
Authors: Jackson Wesley M. , Aragon Amber B. , Bulken‐Hoover Jamie D. , Nesti Leon J. , Tuan Rocky S.
Published: June 2009

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a frequent complication following combat‐related trauma, but the pathogenesis of traumatic HO is poorly understood. Building on our recent identification of mesenchymal progenitor cells (MPCs) in traumatically injured muscle, the goal of this study was to evaluate the osteogenic potential of the MPCs in order to assess the role of these cells in HO formation. Compared to bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), a well‐characterized population of osteoprogenitor cells, the MPCs exhibited several significant differences during osteogenic differentiation and in the expression of genes related to osteogenesis. Upon osteogenic induction, MPCs showed increased alkaline phosphatase activity, production of a mineralized matrix, and up‐regulated expression of the osteoblast‐associated genes CBFA1 and alkaline phosphatase. However, MPCs did not appear to reach terminal differentiation as the expression of osteocalcin was not substantially up‐regulated. With the exception of a few genes, the osteogenic gene expression profile of traumatized muscle‐derived MPCs was comparable to that of the MSCs after osteogenic induction. These findings indicate that traumatized muscle‐derived MPCs have the potential to function as osteoprogenitor cells when exposed to the appropriate biochemical environment and are the putative osteoprogenitor cells that initiate ectopic bone formation in HO. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27:1645–1651, 2009
Corroboration of mechanobiological simulations of tissue differentiation in an in vivo bone chamber using a lattice‐modeling approach
Authors: Khayyeri Hanifeh , Checa Sara , Tägil Magnus , Prendergast Patrick J.
Published: June 2009

It is well established that the mechanical environment modulates tissue differentiation, and a number of mechanoregulatory theories for describing the process have been proposed. In this study, simulations of an in vivo bone chamber experiment were performed that allowed direct comparison with experimental data. A mechanoregulation theory for mesenchymal stem cell differentiation based on a combination of fluid flow and shear strain (computed using finite element analysis) was implemented to predict tissue differentiation inside mechanically controlled bone chambers inserted into rat tibae. To simulate cell activity, a lattice approach with stochastic cell migration, proliferation, and selected differentiation was adopted; because of its stochastic nature, each run of the simulation gave a somewhat different result. Simulations predicted the load‐dependency of the tissue differentiation inside the chamber and a qualitative agreement with histological data; however, the full variability found between specimens in the experiment could not be predicted by the mechanoregulation algorithm. This result raises the question whether tissue differentiation predictions can be linked to genetic variability in animal populations. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27:1659–1666, 2009
Relative importance of gait vs. joint positioning on hip contact forces after total hip replacement
Authors: Foucher Kharma C. , Hurwitz Debra E. , Wimmer Markus A.
Published: June 2009

Implant loosening is a common indication for total hip replacement (THR) revision. High contact forces and implant twisting moments are thought to be associated with implant loosening. Relationships between joint positioning and hip forces, or outcomes, have been investigated through in vivo and in vitro modalities. Relationships between hip forces and gait are less understood, despite repeated findings that gait following a THR does not fully return to normal. We tested the hypothesis that gait parameters would be better predictors of implant force (peak contact forces and peak twisting moment during walking) than joint positioning parameters. Subjects underwent gait analysis, hip force modeling, and measurement of clinical radiographs 1 year after successful THR surgery. Gait parameters were consistently more influential in determining hip forces. Alone, gait explained as much as 67% of the variation in force, compared to a maximum of 33% by joint geometry. Combinations of gait and joint positioning parameters together explained up to 86% of the variation in hip force parameters. Results suggest that gait may provide a valuable postoperatively modifiable target to improve hip loads and potentially reduce the risk for implant loosening. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27:1576–1582, 2009
Construction of phase diagram up to 2 GPa and 200°C for thermo‐reversible gel lubricants by diamond anvil cell
Authors: Ohno Nobuyoshi , Mia Sobahan , Tateishi Kenji , Morita Shigeki , Shitara Yuji
Published: June 2009

The objective of this research was to make the phase diagram up to 2.0 GPa and 200°C of thermo‐reversible gel lubricants (TR Gel‐Lube) using diamond anvil cell (DAC). TR Gel‐Lube consisted of base fluid and gelling agent. The most important characteristic of TR Gel‐Lube is the reversible change of its physical state. The DAC is able to concerning visual observation of the sol/gel and liquid/viscoelastic–solid transition at high pressure and high temperature. DAC enables the visual observation of the photoelastic effect in order to generate local principal stress difference under the compression field for liquid/viscoelastic‐solid transition of base oil poly‐α‐olefin. The direct observation for sol/gel transition of TR Gel‐Lube at high pressure was also made possible. The phase diagram corresponding to transition from liquid to viscoelastic solid for base oil poly‐α‐olefin and sol to gel for TR Gel‐Lube was made by using DAC. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Consumer adoption of virtual stores in Korea: Focusing on the role of trust and playfulness
Authors: Oh Sang Hyun , Kim Yong Man , Lee Chong Whan , Shim Gyu Yeol , Park Min Sook , Jung Hong Seob
Published: June 2009

The business‐to‐consumer aspect of electronic commerce (EC) is the most visible business use of the World Wide Web (WWW). A virtual store allows companies to provide product information and offer direct sales to their customers through an electronic channel. Success in this business is dependent on understanding the concerns of customers and identifying the factors that promote the intention to use a virtual store. Thus, this paper aims to examine the human motivations underlying individual behavioral intention to use a virtual store in Korea. This study employs TAM (technology acceptance model) as the base model and develops a more comprehensive version of TAM to better reflect a virtual store. The model employs playfulness, trust, information richness, and system quality, in addition to perceived usefulness and ease of use. The study investigates the causal relationships among the constructs used in this revised TAM and identifies the causal role of the constructs in developing the intention to use a virtual store. It finds that attitude toward a virtual store is the most significant factor in predicting the behavioral intention to use a virtual store. It also identifies perceived playfulness, perceived trust, perceived usefulness, and perceived ease of use as four major factors that directly affect virtual store users' attitudes. The results also indicate that information richness and system quality have significant albeit indirect impacts on consumer adoption of a virtual store. Considering the explosive growth of the virtual store market, a well‐established business strategy in a virtual store will deliver great success to the virtual store operators. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Modeling consumer adoption of mobile shopping for fashion products in Korea
Authors: Ko Eunju , Kim Eun Young , Lee Eun Kyung
Published: June 2009

This study explores the potential of a consumer technology adoption model in examining structural relationships among mobile commerce characteristics, perceived value, and intention to adopt mobile shopping for fashion products. Through an online survey method, the 511 valid questionnaires obtained from Korean users of a mobile Internet service identified perceived m‐commerce characteristics consisting of four factors: usefulness, enjoyment, ease of use, and instant connectivity. The first three factors were positively related to perceived value, whereas instant connectivity was negatively related. Moreover, estimated structural equation modeling described the important function of perceived value as mediating the effect of m‐commerce characteristics on the consumers' intention to adopt mobile fashion shopping. Managerial implications for practitioners and researchers are discussed in the context of m‐commerce. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Distortion engineering: vision or ready to application?
Authors: Zoch H.‐W.
Published: June 2009

The management of distortion remains to be one of the crucial factors in economic production of today. Nowadays common understanding is that the causes of distortion are spread over the entire manufacturing chain, each production step contributing to the final dimensional changes.

The Collaborative Research Center “Distortion Engineering”, funded by the German Research Association (DFG) developed the methodology of Distortion Engineering. Starting from the distortion mechanisms, so‐called “carriers of distortion potential” allow describing the accumulation of dimensional changes along the process chain. Finally compensation potentials can be used to actively correct distortion characteristics and to minimize distortion.

The presented paper, by taking into account economical criteria, will discuss the maturity of this concept. Opportunities to already introduce Distortion Engineering in actual production chains will be pointed out and future research work necessary will be addressed.
Distortion of conical formed bearing rings made of SAE 52100
Authors: Frerichs F. , Lübben Th. , Hoffmann F. , Zoch H.‐W.
Published: June 2009

In general, causes for distortion phenomena during heat treatment e.g. are in general inhomogeneities or asymmetries of the distributions of mass, alloying elements, microstructure and residual stresses. Recently published papers with cylindrical shaped bearing rings clearly pointed out the influence of residual stresses and their spatial distribution within a work piece on distortion [1].

In this contribution the influence of mass distribution will be investigated by means of conical bearing rings. The investigations of conical shaped bearing rings show in comparison to cylindrical shaped bearing rings an additional distortion even though the cooling is homogeneous over the whole surface of the work pieces. The asymmetric mass distribution leads in comparison to cylindrical rings to higher thermal stresses during the quenching process and therefore to a change of the conical angle of the work piece.

The behavior of the conical bearings was investigated by means of cooling in gas nozzle fields and in a one chamber vacuum furnace with high pressure gas quenching. Additional to the investigations of different quenching processes, geometry variations were investigated. The experimental investigations of the considered processes were supplemented by computer simulation.
Quenching with fluid jets
Authors: Schuettenberg S. , Krause F. , Hunkel M. , Zoch H.‐W. , Fritsching U.
Published: June 2009

The quenching process within the heat treatment of workpieces can be optimized by applying locally adapted quenching conditions. Locally variable heat transfer conditions at the workpiece surface are realizable by impressing and regulation of adjustable flexible flow fields on the basis of arrays for jet flow impingings on surfaces inside the quenching media. With use of these adapted jet fields it is possible to generate spatially and or timewise varying quenching conditions with high cooling intensities for a systematic locally heat transfer during the quenching process.

For the analysis of workpiece distortion activated by heat treatment, the heat transfer and hardening process by quenching in adapted flexible flow fields is modelwise described. By controlled quenching with liquid media, the quenching intensities can be increased for specific local hardening results on massive workpieces. By that, the heat treatment process and the quenching result can be affected and optimized by controlling the boiling process and the establishing of the rewetting front on the workpiece surface.
In‐process measurements of wall thickness deviations during turning
Authors: Stöbener D. , Goch G.
Published: June 2009

During the turning process of a ring, the clamping force of the chuck causes circumferential deviations in the ring wall thickness and diameter. This paper focuses on an ultrasonic in‐process measuring system which is a prerequisite for in‐process compensation of the wall thickness deviation during turning using a fast tool servo. The presented system is coupled to the ring via a cooling lubricant jet and determines the phase difference between the echoes of an ultrasound burst, which are reflected from the outer and the inner ring surface. In order to ensure an accurate operation of the system in a turning centre, the influences of different operating conditions on the signal quality (amplitude height and variation, uncertainty of phase determination) were examined. The wall thickness measurement results of the ultrasonic system were compared with reference data from a coordinate measuring machine. As the observed differences between both methods are sufficiently small, the ultrasonic system is applicable to the in‐process compensation of wall thickness deviations in a turning process.
Distortion compensation strategies in the production process of bearing rings
Authors: Dijkman M. , Goch G.
Published: June 2009

In the SFB570, several sub‐processes of the standard process chain for manufacturing bearing rings have been modified in order to compensate distortion. This paper presents control strategies that enable a precise deployment of the compensation potential, on a local (sub‐process) level as well as along the process chain. Two different control strategies for local compensation are demonstrated at the example of the cutting and the gas quenching processes. Furthermore, a concept for a process‐wide compensation of distortion is presented.