bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ileovesicostomy for adults with neurogenic bladders: Complications and potential risk factors for adverse outcomes
Authors: Tan Hung‐Jui , Stoffel John , Daignault Stephanie , McGuire Edward J. , Latini Jerilyn M.
Published: June 2007

Aims

Risk factors for complications following ileovesicostomy have not been well defined. This study's purpose was to examine outcomes following ileovesicostomy in adults and identify possible risk factors that may contribute to post‐operative complications.

Methods

Retrospective database review identified ileovesicostomy procedures from August 1999 to September 2003. Demographic, pre‐operative, and post‐operative data were extracted. Statistical analysis determined whether risk factors influenced outcomes of urethral continence, re‐operation, and post‐operative complications. Factors included age, tobacco use, diabetes, neurogenic bladder etiology, body mass index, pre‐operative indwelling catheterization, or simultaneous procedures including pubovaginal sling/urethral closure.

Results

50 adults status‐post ileovesicostomy were identified. At last follow‐up, 36 patients (72%) were continent per urethra. The incidence of complications decreased significantly from 3.38 per patient to 1.16 post‐operatively (P < 0.0001). Twenty‐seven averaged 1.52 inflammatory or infectious post‐operative complications per patient, 19 averaged 1.47 stomal complications, and 11 averaged 2.09 ileovesicostomy mechanical obstructions. Overall, 27 required 2.85 re‐operations or additional procedures following ileovesicostomy. Sub‐group analysis identified BMI (P = 0.0569) as a possible risk factor. Differences in outcomes based on age, tobacco use, diabetes, neurogenic bladder etiology, pre‐operative indwelling catheterization, or urethral closure were not significant.

Conclusions

Ileovesicostomy is a valuable management option for adults with neurogenic bladder unable to perform intermittent catheterization. The incidence of urinary tract comorbid events significantly decreased following ileovesicostomy though the onset of other complications should be considered. The morbidity associated with ileovesicostomy requires careful patient selection, close long‐term follow‐up, and potential subsequent interventions to address post‐operative complications. Neurourol. Urodynam. 27:238–243, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Thermal and rheological characterization of cellulose spinning dopes modified with nanosilica and antibacterial agents
Authors: Czarnecki Piotr
Published: June 2007

The present study concerns cellulose spinning solutions prepared with the use of the organic solvent N‐methylmorpholine‐N‐oxide (NMMO). These solutions were modified with two types of antibacterial agents: an inorganic agent zirconium‐silver phosphate (Alphasan®) and an organic one Triclosan (Irgasan® DP300). Such spinning solutions allow to obtain antibacterial fibers of the Lyocell type. A nanomodifier, colloidal silica (Ludox SM 30®), was also incorporated into the spinning solutions as an additional component to increase the antibacterial activity of fibers. The effect of the compounds incorporated into the spinning solutions on their rheological and thermal properties was assessed by means of the oscillatory method and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), respectively. The incorporation of nanosilica exerts a clear influence on the rheological properties of spinning solutions, whereas this effect is negligible in the simultaneous presence of nanosilica and antibacterial agents. The results of thermal measurements show that nanosilica affects the crystallization of the solutions examined. Depending on the type of antibacterial agent, nanosilica brings about either a delay or acceleration of the crystallization of the modified solutions. The effect of nanosilica can be explained in terms of interactions between hydroxyl groups occurring on the surface of silica nanoparticles and NMMO molecules. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Infections with viridans group streptococci in children with cancer
Authors: Reilly Anne F. , Lange Beverly J.
Published: June 2007

Infection with viridans group streptococci (VGS) causes morbidity and mortality in children with cancer. Incidence of these infections has increased over time. Neutropenic patients with acute myeloid leukemia and those receiving high‐dose cytarabine or undergoing stem cell transplantation are at highest risk. One‐third of infected patients develop a shock syndrome despite prompt antibiotic therapy. Host defense mechanisms contribute substantially to colonization and tissue damage, but the origin of the shock syndrome is not well understood. VGS infection may be accompanied by neurological complications, myocarditis, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Routine systemic antimicrobial prophylaxis against VGS infection has not been proven effective. Current recommendations include appropriate antibiotic therapy and intensive supportive care. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;49:774–780. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Temozolomide in pediatric low‐grade glioma
Authors: Khaw Seong L. , Coleman Lee T. , Downie Peter A. , Heath John A. , Ashley David M.
Published: June 2007

Background

We describe a retrospective series of children with low‐grade glioma who received temozolomide.

Procedure

Eligible patients had had a diagnosis of low‐grade glioma with or without histological confirmation. Temozolomide was administered at a dose of 200 mg/m2 daily for 5 days, in a 4‐week cycle. Therapy was stopped on completion of the targeted 12 cycles of chemotherapy or on evidence of tumor progression.

Results

Thirteen eligible patients were identified, eight male and five female. Median age at diagnosis was 5.5 years (range 2.6–15.0 years) and at commencement of temozolomide treatment was 9.0 years (range 3.8–15.2 years). Nine patients had a histological diagnosis of pilocytic astrocytoma. Twelve patients had received carboplatin prior to temozolomide, including three in combination with vincristine. A total of 111 cycles of therapy have been administered. Hematological toxicity and nausea were the most common adverse effects. Median time to progression was 6.7 months (range 1.5–41.8 months). Event‐free survival rate at 3 years was 57%. Twelve of 13 patients remain alive at the time of report. Eleven have stable disease (SD).

Conclusion

Temozolomide appears to be active in pediatric low‐grade glioma, with the advantage of oral administration and excellent tolerability. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;49:808–811. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Solar cell efficiency tables (version 30)
Authors: Green Martin A. , Emery Keith , Hisikawa Yoshihiro , Warta Wilhelm
Published: June 2007

Consolidated tables showing an extensive listing of the highest independently confirmed efficiencies for solar cells and modules are presented. Guidelines for inclusion of results into these tables are outlined and new entries since January 2007 are reviewed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anionic homo‐ and copolymerization of styrenic triple‐tailed polybutadiene macromonomers
Authors: Nikopoulou Anastasia , Iatrou Hermis , Lohse David J. , Hadjichristidis Nikos
Published: June 2007

A number of well‐defined complex macromolecular architectures have been synthesized using an efficient macromonomer technique. Styrenic triple‐tailed polybutadiene (PBd) macromonomers (sTMMB), synthesized by selective reaction (titration) of living PBd tails with the SiCl groups of 2‐(dichloromethylsilyl)ethylchloromethylsilyl‐4‐styrene (TCDSS), were polymerized in situ without isolation of sTMMB with s‐BuLi, using high vacuum techniques. Taking advantage of the living character of the anionic polymerization of sTMMB, the following complex macromolecular architectures were prepared: PBd‐g‐(PBd)3 (triple‐combs), PS‐g‐(PBd)3 (triple‐grafts), [PBd‐g‐(PBd)3]3 (3‐arm triple‐comb stars), and triple molecular brushes (tmbPBd) or triple polymacromonomers (tPMMB). Characterization carried out by size exclusion chromatography (SEC), equipped with refractive index and light scattering detectors, indicated that the synthesized novel architectures have a high degree of molecular and compositional homogeneity. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 3513–3523, 2007
Diblock copolymers based on allyl methacrylate: Synthesis, characterization, and chemical modification
Authors: París Rodrigo , de la Fuente José Luis
Published: June 2007

Different diblock copolymers constituted by one segment of a monomer supporting a reactive functional group, like allyl methacrylate (AMA), were synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Bromo‐terminated polymers, like polystyrene (PS), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), and poly(butyl acrylate) (PBA) were employed as macroinitiators to form the other blocks. Copolymerizations were carried out using copper chloride with N,N,N′,N″,N″‐pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (PMDETA) as the catalyst system in benzonitrile solution at 70 °C. At the early stage, the ATRP copolymerizations yielded well‐defined linear block copolymers. However, with the polymerization progress a change in the macromolecular architecture takes place due to the secondary reactions caused by the allylic groups, passing to a branched and/or star‐shaped structure until finally yielding gel at monomer conversion around 40% or higher. The block copolymers were characterized by means of size exclusion chromatography (SEC), 1H NMR spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). In addition, one of these copolymers, specifically P(BA‐b‐AMA), was satisfactorily modified through osmylation reaction to obtain the subsequent amphiphilic diblock copolymer of P(BA‐b‐DHPMA), where DHPMA is 2,3‐dihydroxypropyl methacrylate; demonstrating the feasibility of side‐chain modification of the functional obtained copolymers. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 3538–3549, 2007
Exhaled nitric oxide: Interactions between asthma, hayfever, and atopic dermatitis in school children
Authors: Welsh Liam , Lercher Peter , Horak Elisabeth
Published: June 2007

Background

Clinicians frequently rely on reported symptoms and basic pulmonary function testing to assess asthma prevalence in the community. However, given that spirometry results are often normal for asthmatic children and the fact that there is no equivalent word for ‘wheeze’ in languages other than English, the assessment of asthma prevalence can be troublesome.

Objective

To evaluate in a population based setting, whether FeNO as a non‐invasive marker, contributes to the detection of asthma.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was carried out on primary school children from Northern and Southern Tyrol. FeNO measurements were made using the online single breath technique prior to spirometry. Symptom status including asthma, hayfever and atopic dermatitis was determined by the ISAAC questionnaire.

Results

Six hundred and forty‐four Tyrolean children aged 8–10 years participated. In terms of FEV1 % predicted, the asthma and hayfever group had significantly lower values compared to the asymptomatic group, the hayfever only, and the atopic dermatitis only groups. For FeNO, participants with asthma and hayfever, asthma and atopic dermatitis, and hayfever only recorded significantly greater FeNO values when compared to the asymptomatic group. Moreover, the asthma and atopic dermatitis group recorded significantly greater FeNO when compared to the asthma only group. Multivariate regression revealed that asthma had a small significant inverse association with FEV1 % predicted for the individual model and when combined with hayfever. For FeNO, each of the individual and combined model analyses achieved significance.

Conclusion:

Although FeNO appears to be influenced by asthma, the presence of other atopic conditions confounds the relationship. Elevated levels of FeNO do not distinguish between asthma and other atopic conditions. Therefore, FeNO does not contribute to the detection of asthma in the community.

Clinical Implication

FeNO is not a valuable tool for the detection of asthma in the community as it is confounded by other atopic conditions. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:693–698. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
N‐terminal pro B‐type natriuretic peptide (N‐BNP) levels in cystic fibrosis patients
Authors: Ben Tov Amir , Paret Gideon , Sela Ben‐Ami , Blau Hannah , Hegesh Julius , Efrati Ori , Yahav Yaacov , Augarten Arie
Published: June 2007

Background

The diagnosis of right heart failure and pulmonary hypertension in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients with advanced pulmonary disease is sometimes difficult on clinical grounds alone. B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) & N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (N‐BNP) levels were found to be useful in differentiating heart failure from various pulmonary diseases. However, its level was never measured in CF patients. The aim of this study was to measure N‐BNP level in CF patients without heart failure.

Methods

The study included 49 patients. Of these, 32 had CF and 17 were control subjects who were matched by age and sex variables to the study group. We looked for a correlation between N‐BNP and lung function test, genetic profile, height percentiles, and weight percentiles. N‐BNP level was measured using an immunoassay that contains polyclonal antibodies that recognize epitopes located in the N‐terminal part of proBNP.

Results

N‐BNP level among CF patients without heart failure, after age and sex adjustments, was similar to the control group (Median: 47 pg/ml vs. 38 pg/ml, P = 0.248, interquartile range: 33–99 pg/ml vs. 31–76 pg/ml). A correlation between N‐BNP level to age was found in both groups (CF: R = −0.398; P = 0.024, Control: R = −0.054; P = 0.024). There was no correlation between N‐BNP level to FEV1, O2 saturation and nutritional status. Among CF patients, eight (25%) had a mildly elevated N‐BNP level whereas none was found in the control group (P = 0.038).

Conclusion

We conclude that N‐BNP level among CF patients is similar to the normal population and that it has no correlation to lung function impairment. Therefore, measurement of elevated N‐BNP level in CF patients might be a predictor to the development of pulmonary hypertension and heart failure. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:699–703. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Novel spacer device does not improve adherence in childhood asthma
Authors: Burgess S.W. , Sly P.D. , Cooper D.M. , Devadason S.G.
Published: June 2007

The Funhaler (FH) is a novel spacer device (holding chamber) that has been designed to improve adherence and aerosol delivery in young asthmatic children using a metered dose inhaler. A pilot study reported a 38% increase in parent‐reported adherence over 2 weeks compared with the child's normal spacer. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the FH would be associated with superior adherence in the medium term (3 months) using an objective assessment. Forty‐seven children aged 18 months to 7 years were randomised to a FH or control small volume spacer. Participants were reviewed monthly for 3 months. Adherence was measured using an electronic monitoring device (Smartinhaler). Disease control was based on symptom scores and exacerbation rates. Twenty‐six children were randomised to the FH and 21 to the control spacer. Three children withdrew (FH = 2). Median adherence each month for the 3 months was 74%, 54%, and 46% for the FH and 70%, 73%, and 54% for the control spacer. The difference in adherence was not statistically significant (P = 0.47, 0.37, and 0.23, respectively). There was also no significant difference in exacerbation rates or symptom scores. Seven of the FHs broke during the study. The FH was preferred by 21/24 parents randomised to the FH compared with their child's normal spacer. Despite the FH being popular with children and parents its use was not associated with improved adherence or disease control. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:736–739. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impact of human metapneumovirus and respiratory syncytial virus co‐infection in severe bronchiolitis
Authors: McNamara Paul S. , Flanagan Brian F. , Smyth Rosalind L. , Hart C. Anthony
Published: June 2007

We have previously shown high rates of co‐infection with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) in infants with severe bronchiolitis at our institution in 2000–2002, and that co‐infection was associated with increased disease severity. In this study, we have attempted to identify differences in intubated infants with severe RSV infection with and without hMPV co‐infection. Here we show that RSV+/hMPV+ were clinically symptomatic for longer than RSV+/hMPV− infants, but that no differences in airway total cell concentration, differential cell count or cytokine/chemokine concentrations were detectable. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:740–743. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prediction of protein loop geometries in solution
Authors: Rapp Chaya S. , Strauss Temima , Nederveen Aart , Fuentes Gloria
Published: June 2007

The ability to determine the structure of a protein in solution is a critical tool for structural biology, as proteins in their native state are found in aqueous environments. Using a physical chemistry based prediction protocol, we demonstrate the ability to reproduce protein loop geometries in experimentally derived solution structures. Predictions were run on loops drawn from (1)NMR entries in the Protein Databank (PDB), and from (2) the RECOORD database in which NMR entries from the PDB have been standardized and re‐refined in explicit solvent. The predicted structures are validated by comparison with experimental distance restraints, a test of structural quality as defined by the WHAT IF structure validation program, root mean square deviation (RMSD) of the predicted loops to the original structural models, and comparison of precision of the original and predicted ensembles. Results show that for the RECOORD ensembles, the predicted loops are consistent with an average of 95%, 91%, and 87% of experimental restraints for the short, medium and long loops respectively. Prediction accuracy is strongly affected by the quality of the original models, with increases in the percentage of experimental restraints violated of 2% for the short loops, and 9% for both the medium and long loops in the PDB derived ensembles. We anticipate the application of our protocol to theoretical modeling of protein structures, such as fold recognition methods; as well as to experimental determination of protein structures, or segments, for which only sparse NMR restraint data is available. Proteins 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
(Al,In,Ga)N‐based photodetectors. Some materials issues
Authors: Muñoz Elías
Published: June 2007

III‐nitrides have become the most exciting optoelectronic materials along the last fifteen years. In the area of photodetection, their intrinsic properties and progresses in available substrates, layer growth and device processing, have made possible the development of AlGaN‐based detectors for the UV region, and by the use of InGaN alloys, for the full UVA and near visible ranges. In this article, a certain overview of III‐nitrides photodetector developments, present activities and foreseeing research paths are presented. The aim is to extract materials issues as the various detector structures and their performance are described. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The growth of high quality GaMnAs layers and heterostructures by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Campion R. P. , Grant V. A. , Edmonds K. W. , Gallagher B. L. , Foxon C. T.
Published: June 2007

The growth of high quality GaMnAs layers and heterostructures by low‐temperature molecular beam epitaxy is discussed in detail in this article, together with the annealing procedures used to remove Mn interstitials, which degrade the performance of the films and devices. Examples of the use of this technique for lateral and vertical transport devices are also mentioned briefly in the article. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Spin lifetime of (In,Ga)As/GaAs (110) quantum wells
Authors: Schreiber L. , Duda D. , Beschoten B. , Güntherodt G. , Schönherr H.‐P. , Herfort J.
Published: June 2007

Undoped and strained (In,Ga)As/GaAs quantum wells of different width and height were grown on GaAs(110) by molecular beam epitaxy and characterized by photoluminescence and atomic force microscopy. The effect of geometry and interface quality on the out‐of‐plane electron spin lifetime is investigated for a wide temperature range by both time‐resolved Faraday rotation and time‐resolved transmission. Due to the suppression of the D'yakonov Perel' spin relaxation mechanism, the electron spin lifetime of the (110) quantum well is peaked at a temperature, which depends on In concentration, whereas the quantum well width, interface roughness and compositional fluctuations in the quantum well determine the maximum value of the spin lifetime. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Spin‐dependent electron tunnelling and spin relaxation in quantum dots in regime with filling factor of around two
Authors: Tarucha S. , Hitachi K. , Sugawa J. , Yamamoto M.
Published: June 2007

Spin‐dependent electron tunnelling and spin relaxation were studied for a quantum dot in the regime with a filling factor between two and four. In this regime, the electronic configuration of a quantum dot undergoes transitions between a spin singlet and triplet states for an even number of electrons, and between two doublet states for an odd number of electrons. These transitions were clearly distinguished by using quantum wires as spin filtering contact leads to the dot. In addition, the temporal behaviour of electron tunnelling was studied for a quantum dot in a similar filling factor regime, using a quantum point contact as a charge sensor. Electron tunnelling through the dot in a spin singlet state could be well distinguished from that in a triplet state using the fact that the tunnelling rate was much larger for the triplet state. The difference in the tunnelling rate was also used to derive a triplet‐to‐singlet‐state relaxation time. The obtained relaxation time agreed fairly well with that predicted by the theory of spin‐orbit interaction. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Music signal spotting retrieval by a humming query using model driven path continuous dynamic program
Authors: Hashiguchi Hiroki , Nishimura Takuichi , Xin Zhang J. , Takita Junko , Oka Ryuichi
Published: June 2007

In this paper the authors propose a search method for finding within various time series for acoustic analysis patterns for music the similar periods in a search query consisting of a time series of pitch differences (intervals) extracted from humming. The proposed method (model driven path Continuous Dynamic Programming) is an extension of continuous DP which allows for spotting searches and has the benefit of having the time series for the reference model directly identify the form of the slope limitations used in continuous DP. In this paper the authors perform humming query experiments for 20 songs of popular music and demonstrate the effectiveness of their proposed method. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 38(10): 95–104, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.10232
Bidirectional clustering of weights for neural networks with common weights
Authors: Saito Kazumi , Nakano Ryohei
Published: June 2007

This paper proposes a method which succinctly structures neural networks having a few thousand weights. Here structuring means weight sharing where weights in a network are divided into clusters and weights within a cluster have the same value. We newly introduce a weight sharing technique called bidirectional clustering of weights (BCW), together with second‐order optimal criteria for both cluster merging and splitting. Our experiments using two artificial data sets showed that the BCW method works well to find a succinct network structure from a neural network having about 2000 weights in both regression and classification problems. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 38(10): 46–57, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.20535
Spatial prefiltering scheme based on anisotropic diffusion in low‐bitrate video coding
Authors: Tsuji Hiroyuki , Tokumasu Shinji , Takahashi Hiroki , Nakajima Masayuki
Published: June 2007

It is desirable for a prefilter used for low‐bitrate video coding to have a nonlinear characteristic achieving reduction in the amount of data by smoothing, as well as preserving as much as possible of edges that are visually important. Thus, we conducted a basic study for formulating an edge‐preserving smoothing filter using anisotropic diffusion. It is known that if the conventional anisotropic diffusion Perona–Malik (PMD) diffusion is used as a smoothing filter, there will be problems such as noise with large gradients remaining and excessive edge enhancement. In this paper, we determine the conditions that the edge‐stopping function must satisfy to solve these problems and derive a concrete function according to those conditions. Also, we verify by numerical experiments that the above problems are solved by anisotropic diffusion with our proposed edge‐stopping functions. Further, targeting application to a prefilter for low‐bitrate video coding, bit count reduction effect of our proposed filter was tested to verify its effectiveness. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 38(10): 34–45, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.20566
Posterior pelvic floor disorders: a prospective comparison using introital ultrasound and colpocystodefecography
Authors: Grasso R. F. , Piciucchi S. , Quattrocchi C. C. , Sammarra M. , Ripetti V. , Zobel B. Beomonte
Published: June 2007

Objective

To compare introital ultrasound with colpocystodefecography (CCD) in quantifying the anorectal angle and in the diagnosis of posterior pelvic floor disorders.

Methods

Forty‐three consecutive women with functional impairment of the posterior pelvic floor were enrolled after a clinical evaluation. Using both CCD and introital ultrasound examination, the anorectal angle was measured during squeezing to evaluate the strength of voluntary muscle contraction and during straining to assess pelvic floor relaxation. Rectocele depth and the presence of intussusception were assessed. The performance of CCD and that of introital ultrasound were compared.

Results

Good concordance was obtained between introital ultrasound and CCD. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.82 (95% CI, 0.69–0.89) for measurement of the anorectal angle during squeezing and 0.67 (95% CI, 0.47–0.81) during straining. Rectoceles > 4 cm on CCD were detected by introital ultrasound in 100% of cases, and there was 91% agreement for rectal intussusception. Cohen's kappa index was moderate for rectocele assessment (0.41, P < 0.01) and excellent for intussusception (0.91, P < 0.001). It was also noted that introital ultrasound could be used to detect pelvic floor dyssynergia.

Conclusions

Introital ultrasound is a simple, accurate, non‐invasive method with which to assess anorectal dynamics. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Density and viscosity of vegetable oils
Authors: Rodenbush C. M. , Hsieh F. H. , Viswanath D. S.
Published: June 2007

A generalized method was developed to estimate the liquid density of vegetable oils and fatty acids. The correlation for vegetable oils was based on fatty acid critical properties and composition of the oil. The correlations predicted the density of vegetable oils and fatty acids with an average absolute deviation of 0.21 and 0.77%, respectively. The present method is slightly more accurate in predicting vegetable oil density and simpler than the method of Halvorsen et al. Also, a method is introduced that predicts viscosity from density data, thus relating two key properties of vegetable oils.
Participation of pepper seed in the stability of paprika carotenoids
Authors: Pérez‐Gálvez Antonio , Garrido‐Fernández Juan , Mínguez‐Mosquera Ma. Isabel
Published: June 2007

The degradation of carotenoid pigments present in dried, milled pepper fruit in the absence and presence of different proportions of seed at 70°C in an oven was studied. The thermodegradation reaction rate was inversely proportional to the percentage of seed in the mixture in a first stage. Beyond that stage, the mixtures with lower proportions of seed lost pigmentation more slowly with increasing reaction time. In taking the experiment as a whole, the value of the reaction rate was inverted, and was higher the greater the amount of seed. The presence of higher seed levels involve the addition of unsaturated fatty acids (mainly linoleic) that are prone to oxidation. Finally, in a mixture representing a commercial paprika, the effect of the presence of some 40% of seed on the degradation of the red and yellow pigment fractions was determined.
A solvent extractor system for the rapid extraction of lipids and trace bioactive micronutrients in oilseeds
Authors: Singleton J. A. , Stikeleather L. F.
Published: June 2007

A low‐cost laboratory extractor has been designed and constructed that selectively extracts polar and nonpolar components from oilseeds and other matrices. The extractor uses available high‐performance liquid chromatography laboratory equipment for pumping the solvent into the extractor. Pressure, temperature, and valving arrangements are automatically controlled by commercially available components. Advantages of this system include low initial investment, reduced solvent consumption, shorter extraction times, quantitative lipid recovery, use of multiple extraction solvents, and reduction in cost per sample. The method has broader applications that include extraction of trace components from a variety of matrices, for example, the extraction of pesticides from foods and polychlorobiphenyls from soil. Class separation of components from different matrices can be achieved easily by selection of solvents with the appropriate polarity characteristics. Very small samples can be extracted simply by changing cell size or by adding an inert material to the cell to fill the void volume. Analyte collection can be accomplished by collecting in a test tube with an appropriate solvent, or on a solid‐phase material. Optimization of extraction times, number of extractions, matrices, and solvent used is described. Neutral lipids were extracted from peanut meal in 70 min by the rapid extraction method compared to 1440 min required to extract the comparable amount of neutral lipids from a similar sample by the Soxhlet extraction method.
A comparative study of two heating procedures in the physical refining of edible oils
Authors: Prieto González M. M. , Bada J. C. , Graciani E. , Lombardía I.
Published: June 2007

Two mixtures of refined sunflower seed oil, one with oleic acid and the other with olive oil distillates from a laboratory plant, were physically refined using nitrogen as stripping gas in a discontinuous deodorization pilot‐plant scale installation (30‐L capacity). Two heating procedures were tested: one using independent electrical heating for the oil and the gas distillates so as to maintain the same temperature in both, and another in which only the oil was heated and controlled, resulting in a difference in temperatures in the oil and the gas distillates. Two different oil temperature values and three nitrogen flow rates were also assayed. The statistical technique of blocking with paired comparisons was used to analyze the results. These results showed that maintaining the same temperature in the oil and gas distillates had a positive effect on free fatty acid distillation rate and vaporization efficiency. Oil temperature and nitrogen flow rate also influenced some of the aforementioned responses.
Lipase‐catalyzed synthesis of isoamyl butyrate: Optimization by response surface methodology
Authors: Krishna S. Hari , Manohar B. , Divakar S. , Karanth N. G.
Published: June 2007

Immobilized lipase from Mucor miehei (Lipozyme IM‐20) was employed in the esterification of butyric acid and isoamyl alcohol to synthesize isoamyl butyrate in n‐hexane. Response surface methodology based on five‐level, five‐variable central composite rotatable design was used to evaluate the effects of important variables—enzyme/substrate (E/S) ratio (5–25 g/mol), acid concentration (0.2–1.0 M), alcohol concentration (0.25–1.25 M), incubation period (12–60 h), and temperature (30–50°C)—on esterification yield of isoamyl butyrate. In the range of parameters studied, the extent of esterification decreased with temperature, lower E/S ratios, and incubation periods. Excess acid and alcohol concentrations (i.e., acid/alcohol >1.4 or alcohol/acid >1.4) were found to decrease yield probably owing to inhibition of the enzyme by acid or alcohol, the former being more severe. The optimal conditions achieved are as follows: E/S ratio, 17 g/mol; acid concentration, 1.0 M; incubation period, 60 h; alcohol concentration, 1.25 M; and temperature, 30°C. With these conditions, the predicted value was 1.0 M ester, and the actual experimental value was 0.98 M.
Continuous lipase‐catalyzed production of wax ester using silicone tubing
Authors: Wehtje E. , Costes D. , Adlercreutz P.
Published: June 2007

Enzymatic synthesis of cetyl palmitate was performed in a solvent‐free system at 65°C using immobilized Candida antarctica lipase. Batch reactions at controlled water activity showed that the yield could be increased from 88.8 to 99.1% by decreasing the water activity from 1 to 0.05. A continuous reactor configuration was constructed, where two tubular reactors were run in sequence with a separation container in between, in which the water phase was separated from the wax ester phase. The reactor was run for 1 wk at low flow rate (0.005 g/min) with very good operational stability and a productivity of 7.2 g d−1 using 0.4 g of biocatalyst. The activity of the individual preparations decreased during operation. The first reactor had only 30% activity left after 1 wk of operation whereas the second reactor showed only a 10% decrease. This difference in enzyme stability is a direct result of the different water activity in the two reactors.
Increased rate of lipase‐catalyzed saccharide‐fatty acid esterification by control of reaction medium
Authors: Zhang Xun , Hayes Douglas G.
Published: June 2007

Through proper selection of initial conditions and control of the reaction medium composition, a productivity rate over 10‐fold higher than that previously reported was achieved for lipase‐catalyzed fructose‐oleic acid esterification. From a screening process, tert‐butanol (t‐BuOH) was selected as the most effective solvent for cosolubilizing fructose and oleic acid during the initial stage of the reaction. A t‐BuOH concentration of 0.35–0.55 w/w produced the highest rate and extent of reaction at 60°C. Neither water addition nor removal applied to initial reaction materials improved the rate. Since both fructose‐oleic acid mono‐ and diester promoted higher fructose solubility than either oleic acid or oleic acid/t‐BuOH mixtures, t‐BuOH was not needed during the latter stage of the reaction. Also, the presence of t‐BuOH hindered the removal of water by free evaporation. Thus, complete removal of t‐BuOH during the middle‐to‐latter stage of reaction was found to enhance the reaction rate. In addition, the introduction of fructose to the reactor in small batchwise increments accelerated the reaction. The monoester to diester ratio decreased during the initial and middle stages of the reaction owing to the disappearance of t‐BuOH, but increased slightly during the later stages presumably because of the ester formation.
Relapse rates following staged surgery in the treatment of recalcitrant talipes equinovarus: 9- to 16-year outcome study
Authors: Uglow Michael G. , Senbaga Needhirajan , Pickard Richard , Clarke Nicholas M. P.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

We aimed to identify the long-term rate of relapse of deformity in a cohort of children with talipes equinovarus and to correlate it with pre-operative grading.

Methods

Between 1988 and 1995, 120 club feet in 86 patients were surgically treated. A review at an average follow-up of 11.5 years (range 9–16 years) was performed. Of 59 of the children, 69 feet were assessed clinically and data for the remaining 20 children (30 feet) were obtained from the records. The patients were assessed using the method of Bensahel and Dimeglio but radiological analysis was omitted. Functional and morphological evaluation was recorded.

Results

Initial grades were grade 2 in 26 feet (26%), grade 3 in 48 feet (49%) and grade 4 in 25 feet (25%). Relapse occurred in one case in grade 2 (3.8%), 13 feet in grade 3 (27%) and in 19 in grade 4 (76%). Since an initial review in 1997, a further 12.5% of grade 3 and 25% of grade 4 feet have relapsed. Overall function did not correlate with severity of deformity.

Conclusion

Relapse continues to occur after surgery during the first decade. There is a high rate of relapse (76%) in grade 4 feet.
Depletion of noradrenaline inhibits electrically‐evoked pain in the skin of the human forearm
Authors: Drummond Peter D.
Published: June 2007

Guanethidine displaces noradrenaline from sympathetic varicosities, and blocks sympathetic noradrenergic neurotransmission by inhibiting the release of noradrenaline from depleted neural stores. The aim of this study was to determine whether depletion of noradrenaline with guanethidine would oppose thermal hyperalgesia and/or electrically‐evoked pain in mildly‐burnt skin. Guanethidine was transferred by iontophoresis into a small patch of skin on the forearm of 35 healthy human subjects. The heat‐pain threshold to a temperature gradient that increased at 0.5°C/s was then measured at the guanethidine site, a nearby saline‐control iontophoresis site, and in untreated skin. In addition, participants rated pain intensity to a 47°C stimulus that was applied to each site for 7s. Shortly after the iontophoreses, sensitivity to heat was greater at the guanethidine site than the two control sites, suggesting that ejection of noradrenaline from sympathetic varicosities increased sensitivity to heat. One day later, when neural stores of noradrenaline were depleted, sensitivity to heat did not differ between the guanethidine and control sites. The guanethidine pretreatment did not influence thermal hyperalgesia induced by a mild burn, but inhibited pain evoked by electrical stimulation of the skin (0.2mA direct current for 4min). These findings indicate that ongoing sympathetic neural discharge does not normally influence thermal hyperalgesia in inflamed skin, because depleting noradrenergic stores had no effect. However, electrically‐evoked release of noradrenaline may increase nociceptive sensations. Further clarification of this human pain model could provide insights into the mechanism of adrenergic hyperalgesia in certain neuropathic pain syndromes.
PREVALENCE AND SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC CORRELATES OF CONSANGUINEOUS MARRIAGES IN TURKEY
Authors: KOC ISMET
Published: June 2007

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of consanguineous marriages in Turkey using data derived from the 2003 Turkey Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS-2003). Demographic surveys conducted in the last 40 years consistently show that Turkey is a country with a high level of consanguinity. In the latest demographic survey (TDHS-2003), a nationally representative sample of 8075 ever-married women, consanguineous marriages accounted for 22% of the total, which is equivalent to a mean coefficient of inbreeding (α) of 0·011. There are changing secular profiles in the rates of consanguinity in general and of the specific sub-types of cousin marriages in particular in Turkey. The prevalence of first cousin marriages among all consanguineous marriages presents a steady decline from one marriage cohort to the next. The changes observed over time may be attributable to several factors such as the increase in educational level of women, the nuclearization of the family system, the mobility from rural to urban settings, a better socioeconomic status of families, an increase in women’s labour force participation in formal sectors, lower fertility rates resulting in a smaller number of cousins available for marriage, and an increased awareness of the effects of consanguineous unions on child health in cases where there is an inherited recessive disease in the family. Any attempts to discourage consanguinity at the population level appear to be inappropriate and undesirable, especially when the consanguineous union remains an integral part of the cultural and social life of Turkey. Nevertheless the WHO-recommended approach to minimizing the negative effects of consanguinity on child health should be followed, i.e. the identification of families with a high risk of a genetic disease and the provision of prospective genetic counselling.
Geriatric depression and cognitive impairment
Authors: Steffens D. C. , Potter G. G.
Published: June 2007

Cognitive impairment is common in geriatric depression, and depressed individuals with co-morbid cognitive impairment are at increased risk for a number of adverse medical, psychiatric and cognitive outcomes. This review focuses on clinical issues surrounding the co-occurrence of these two conditions within the context of current research. We (1) review the clinical criteria and prevalence of depression, as well as co-morbid cognitive impairment, (2) discuss factors associated with persistent cognitive impairment in depression, including dementia, and (3) review research relevant to the assessment and treatment of cognitive impairment and dementia in the context of depression. We conclude that current research on depression and cognition can inform clinical decisions that reduce the occurrence of adverse outcomes. Clinicians are encouraged to develop proactive approaches for treatment, which may include combinations of pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions.
Endometriose
Authors: Carstensen  , Mundhenke  , Schollmeyer
Published: June 2007

Die Endometriose ist eine der häufigsten jedoch am wenigsten erforschten gutartigen Erkrankungen der Frau. Das klassische Leitsymptom ist die Dysmenorrhoe (Menstruationsschmerz). Daneben treten oft Folgeerscheinungen wie chronische, dann zum Teil auch zyklusunabhängige Schmerzen aufgrund von Adhäsionen im Unterbauch auf, in selteneren Fällen auch ein Befall von Blase und/oder Darm. Sterilität als weitere Folge betrifft einen Großteil der Patientinnen. Histologisch handelt es sich um endometriumartiges Gewebe. Dieses sieht man vor allem in Form von Endometriosezysten am Ovar und Absiedelungen am Peritoneum sowie als verstreute Herde in der Gebärmuttermuskulatur selbst. Die Ätiologie ist unklar. Es gibt verschiedene Theorien zur Entstehung. Seltener kann es iatrogen im Rahmen einer Sectio caesarea ebenfalls zur Verschleppung von Endometrium und Entwicklung einer Endometriose im Narbenbereich oder zwischen Uterus und Blase kommen. Entsprechend unbefriedigend sind die Behandlungsoptionen, wozu in erster Linie das operative Vorgehen und die medikamentöse endokrine Therapie gehören. Alternative Heilmethoden können die Behandlung wirkungsvoll ergänzen.
Benigne und Borderline-Tumoren des Ovars
Authors: Schem  , Bauerschlag  , Meinhold-Heerlein  , Fischer  , Friedrich  , Maass
Published: June 2007

Veränderungen an den Ovarien führen häufig zu diagnostischer Unsicherheit hinsichtlich der Dignität der Befunde. Treten palpable oder nur sonographisch darstellbare Adnextumoren auf, ist an eine Vielzahl von Differentialdiagnosen zu denken. Die Abklärung von Ovarialtumoren gehört zu den häufigsten gynäkologischen Fragestellungen. Obwohl moderne Bildgebungsverfahren wie CT und MRT zur Verfügung stehen, wird die Diagnostik dieses Problembereiches immer noch durch die klassische gynäkologische bimanuelle Untersuchung und den vaginalen Ultraschall bestimmt. Nach ausführlicher Anamnese auch hinsichtlich familiärer Krebserkrankungen (im Sinne von: BRCA 1 und 2 Mutationen) leitet der Tastbefund und die sonographische Beurteilung die Verdachtsdiagnose hinsichtlich benigner oder malignomverdächtiger Grunderkrankung. Bisher ist es nicht gelungen weitere Parameter im Hinblick auf die Dignität zu etablieren. Die sonographische Beurteilung inklusive Doppleruntersuchung oder eine Tumormarkerbestimmung (CA12.5) im Serum zeigen eine zu geringe Sensitivität und Spezifität auf. Nur in der Hand des sehr erfahrenen Diagnostikers können sie wertvolle Hinweise liefern. Zystische Veränderungen treten gehäuft vor der Menopause auf und können rezidiveren, hierbei kann es sich um einfache Follikelzysten bis hin zum Tumor niedrigen malignen Potentials (LMP) oder gar um ein Ovarialkarzinom handeln. Etwa 20–30% aller Ovarialtumoren sind bösartig und häufig schon bei der Ersterkennung inkurabel: 60–70% sind bereits im Stadium der intraabdominellen Ausbreitung. Maligne wie benigne Ovarialtumoren können in jeder Altersgruppe auftreten, auch im Kindesalter, in dem etwa 15% aller Ovarialtumoren bösartig sind. Das Häufigkeitsmaximum der Karzinome liegt zwischen 50 und 70 Jahren, das der LMP-Tumoren wesentlich früher, bei etwa 40 Jahren. Grundsätzlich repräsentieren die Ovarialmalignome 15–30% der Genitalmalignome. Die langfristige Einnahme der Pille soll – ebenso wie Schwangerschaft und langes Stillen – protektive Wirkung haben. In vielen Fällen führt die Persistenz von Ovarialzysten oder Ovarialtumoren zur operativen Intervention, heutzutage zumeist im Rahmen einer operativen Laparoskopie. Die Diagnose des Tumors mit niedrig malignem Potential (low malignant potential – LMP) ist in diesem Zusammenhang häufig ein Zufallsbefund. Die Folge ist eine Ausweitung der Operation und des Follow Up. Die folgenden Ausführungen stellen die unterschiedlichen Ursprungsgewebe der Tumoren dar und beschränken sich auf die Darstellung der benignen und niedrig malignen (LMP-Tumoren) Veränderungen.
Das epitheliale Ovarialkarzinom
Authors: Hilpert  , Krause  , Venhoff  , Kühnle  , Schem  , Maass
Published: June 2007

Das epitheliale Ovarialkarzinom (OC) ist das gynäkologische Malignom mit der höchsten krebsbedingten Mortalität, da 2/3 der Patientinnen in einem fortgeschrittenen Stadium diagnostiziert werden. Ursächlich ist hierfür die unspezifische Symptomatik und das Fehlen suffizienter Früherkennungsmethoden. Bislang existieren vorwiegend klinische und histopathologische Prognosefaktoren, von denen das FIGO-Stadium und der postoperativ verbliebene Tumorrest überragende Bedeutung haben. Frühe Stadien des OC (FIGO Ia-IIa) haben eine gute Prognose mit Überlebensraten von etwa 90%, die komplette Tumorresektion und ein adäquates chirurgisches Staging vorausgesetzt. Zudem sollte auch bei Frühstadien eine zumindest platin-haltige adjuvante Chemotherapie erfolgen. In fortgeschrittenen Stadien (FIGO IIb-IV) ist das operative Ziel eine maximale Tumorresektion. Die zweite Säule der Therapie fortgeschrittener Stadien ist eine anschließende Chemotherapie mit Carboplatin/Paclitaxel über 6 Zyklen. Die Mehrzahl der Patientinnen mit primär fortgeschrittenem OC erleidet trotz optimaler Primärtherapie ein Rezidiv, dessen Behandlung palliativen Grundsätzen folgt und neben der Symptomkontrolle und der Tumorregression vor allem die Lebensqualität berücksichtigen sollte. Die Rezidive unterscheiden sich nach der Länge des rezidivfreien Intervalls und dem Ansprechen auf die Primärtherapie erheblich in ihrer Prognose und werden in platin-refraktäre und platin-sensible Rezidive unterteilt. Platin-refraktäre Rezidive haben eine umfassende Zytostatikaresistenz, die Ansprechraten verschiedener Monotherapien sind selten höher als 20%. Platin-sensible Rezidive hingegen erreichen je nach Länge des rezidivfreien Intervalls Ansprechraten von 30–50% unter einer platin-basierten Kombinationschemotherapie. Eine Operation erscheint bei platin-sensiblen Rezidiven dann sinnvoll, wenn makroskopisch tumorfrei operiert werden kann. Die Nachsorge sollte neben der Erkennung von Rezidiven auch die Erkennung und Behandlung von therapiebedingten Nebenwirkungen und psycho-onkologische Aspekte berücksichtigen.