bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NONLINEAR THERMOELECTRIC TRANSPORT THROUGH A DOUBLE BARRIER STRUCTURE
Authors: WANG JIANMING , WAN LANGHUI , WEI YADONG , XING YANXIA , WANG JIAN
Published: February 2006

We present a theoretical analysis of thermoelectric transport in the nonlinear regime. The thermopower and thermoconductance at finite temperature gradient are calculated numerically for a double barrier structure using Landauer Büttiker like formula. The thermopower is found to oscillate with the chemical potential. Thermopower can either be negative or positive which is well correlated with the behavior of the electric conductance. The thermal conductance is positive definite showing that the heat energy is always transferred from hot end to cold end. As the chemical potential is varied, nonlinear thermal conductance exists plateau-like features.
KNOTS WITH GIVEN FINITE TYPE INVARIANTS AND CONWAY POLYNOMIAL
Authors: NAKANISHI YASUTAKA , OHYAMA YOSHIYUKI
Published: February 2006

It is well-known that the coefficient of zmof the Conway polynomial is a Vassiiev invariant of order m. In this paper, we show that for any given pair of a natural number n and a knot K, there exist infinitely many knots whose Vassiliev invariants of order less than or equal to n and Conway polynomials coincide with those of K.
ENUMERATING PRIME LINKS BY A CANONICAL ORDER
Authors: KAWAUCHI AKIO , TAYAMA IKUO
Published: February 2006

The first author defined a well-order in the set of links by embedding it into a canonical well-ordered set of (integral) lattice points. He also gave elementary transformations among lattice points to enumerate the prime links in terms of lattice points under this order. In this paper, we add some new elementary transformations and explain how to enumerate the prime links. We show a table of the first 443 prime links arising from the lattice points of lengths up to 10 under this order. Our argument enables us to find 7 omissions and 1 overlap in Conway's table of prime links of 10 crossings.
FISSION COLLECTIVE DYNAMICS IN A MICROSCOPIC FRAMEWORK
Authors: GOUTTE H. , BERGER J.-F. , GOGNY D.
Published: February 2006

A time-dependent microscopic approach of the fission process based on the constrained HFB approach with the Gogny force and the Hill and Wheeler configuration mixing method is described. Recent results concerning fragment distributions (mass, kinetic and deformation energies) and other fragment observables in 238 U obtained with such an approach are presented and discussed.
THE EXACTLY SOLVABLE RICHARDSON MODEL IN THE BCS-to-BEC CROSSOVER
Authors: DUKELSKY JORGE , ORTIZ GERARDO
Published: February 2006

The exact Richardson solution of the reduced BCS Hamiltonian is reviewed with special emphasis on the structure of the many-body wavefunction. A clear definition of the Cooper pairs in the superconducting or Fermi superfluid medium emerges. The structure of the Cooper pair wavefunction is general enough to describe large overlapping pair resonances in the weak coupling limit (BCS) as well as a Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) of quasi-bound molecules in the strong coupling limit.
SEARCH FOR SHAPE COEXISTENCE IN EVEN – EVEN STABLE MOLYBDENUM ISOTOPES USING COULOMB EXCITATION METHOD
Authors: WRZOSEK K. , ZIELIŃSKA M. , CHOIŃSKI J. , CZOSNYKA T. , HATSUKAWA Y. , IWANICKI J. , KATAKURA J. , KISIELIŃSKI M. , KOIZUMI M. , KOWALCZYK M. , KUSAKARI H. , MATSUDA M. , MORIKAWA T. , NAPIORKOWSKI P. , OSA A. , OSHIMA M. , REISSIG L. , SHIZUMA T. , SREBRNY J. , SUGAWARA M. , TOH Y. , UTSUNO Y. , ZAJAC K.
Published: February 2006

Coulomb excitation experiments were performed with 96 Mo , 98 Mo and 100 Mo isotopes using both beam and target excitation. As a result, quadrupole deformation parameters were deduced for two lowest-lying (ground and excited) 0+ states. Surprising shape changes of these states were observed.
ON THE ROLE OF THE WEAK INTERACTION IN THE PROCESS OF NUCLEAR FISSION
Authors: DIETRICH KLAUS
Published: February 2006

We investigate the effect of the parity-violating weak interaction in the process of n-induced low-energy fission within a time-dependent microscopic description. We display two different mechanisms of enhancement: a) the well-known enhancement due to the chaotic complexity of compound nuclear states and the concomitant high density of levels, b) an additional dynamical enhancement which arises whenever the substates of a parity doublet cross as a function of the intrinsic octupole moment Q30 on the way to fission. In the last section we discuss other examples of this additional enhancement mechanism which is due to a spontaneous symmetry breaking.
DYNAMICAL HINDRANCE OF FUSION OF SUPERHEAVY NUCLEI
Authors: BŁOCKI J. , SHVEDOV L. , WILCZYŃSKI J.
Published: February 2006

The dynamical hindrance of fusion after the system of two colliding nuclei overcomes the Coulomb barrier is calculated. Langevin equations, in which the stochastic white noise is added to the conservative and dissipative forces, are solved in the multidimensional space. It is shown that in case of very heavy systems the dynamical trajectories lead from the Coulomb barrier towards the fission valley at locations rather outside the saddle point and then turn downward to scission. Only due to fluctuations a small fraction of trajectories can overcome the saddle point and lead to fusion. Fusion probabilities determined by the ratio of fusion-to-scission fluxes are calculated. In cold fusion reactions induced by different projectiles on 208 Pb and 209 Bi targets, the fusion probability drops down by almost ten orders of magnitude for a range of projectiles from 48 Ca (Zcn = 102) to 86 Kr (Zcn = 118).
IMPORTANCE OF MASS ASYMMETRY AND NONAXIALITY FOR THE DESCRIPTION OF FISSION BARRIERS
Authors: DOBROWOLSKI ARTUR , POMORSKI KRZYSZTOF , BARTEL JOHANN
Published: February 2006

In the framework of the macroscopic-microscopic model fission barriers in the region of actinide nuclei are investigated. Taking left-right mass asymmetric and non-axial shapes into account is demonstrated to have a substantial effect on fission barrier heights.
PAIRING ENERGY OBTAINED BY FOLDING IN THE NUCLEON NUMBER SPACE
Authors: NERLO-POMORSKA BOŻENA , POMORSKI KRZYSZTOF
Published: February 2006

A new method for determining the average nuclear pairing energy is proposed. By applying a recently proposed Strutinky-type folding procedure in particle-number space, a simple and stable method to calculate the total microscopic corrections consisting of shell and pairing energies is obtained.
MASS NUMBER DEPENDENCE OF THE SKYRME-FORCE-INDUCED NUCLEAR SYMMETRY ENERGY
Authors: RAFALSKI M. , SATUŁA W. , WYSS R. A.
Published: February 2006

The global mass dependence of the nuclear symmetry energy asym(A) and its two basic ingredients due to the mean-level spacing ε(A) and effective strength of the isovector mean-potential κ(A) is studied within the Skyrme-Hartree-Fock model. In particular, our study determines the ratio of the surface-to-volume contributions to asym(A) to be rS/V~1.6 and reveals that after removing momentum-dependent effects by rescaling ε and κ with isoscalar and isovector effective masses, respectively, one obtains ε⋆ ≈ κ⋆.
DYNAMICAL EVOLUTION OF THE 197Au + 197Au SYSTEM AT 15 MeV/NUCLEON
Authors: SKWIRA-CHALOT I. , SIWEK-WILCZYŃSKA K. , WILCZYŃSKI J. , AMORINI F. , ANZALONE A. , AUDITORE L. , BARAN V. , BRZYCHCZYK J. , CARDELLA G. , CAVALLARO S. , CHATTERJEE M. B. , COLONNA M. , DE FILIPPO E. , DI TORO M. , GRZESZCZUK A. , GUAZZONI P. , KOWALSKI S. , LA GUIDARA E. , LANZANO G. , LANZALONE G. , MAIOLINO C. , MAJKA Z. , NICOLIS N. G. , PAGANO A. , PAPA M. , PIASECKI E. , PIRRONE S. , PŁANETA R. , POLITI G. , PORTO F. , RIZZO F. , RUSSOTTO P. , SCHMIDT K. , SOCHOCKA A. , ŚWIDERSKI Ł. , TRIFIRÒ A. , TRIMARCHI M. , ZETTA L. , ZIPPER W.
Published: February 2006

Collisions of a very heavy 197 Au + 197 Au system have been studied at an energy of 15 MeV/nucleon with the aim to investigate a possible change of the energy dissipation mechanism from one-body dissipation (presumably dominating at low excitation energies) to two-body dissipation. The experiment was carried out in 4π geometry using the CHIMERA multidetector array. A class of ternary events satisfying nearly complete balance of mass numbers was selected. Preliminary results suggest that the selected ternary events represent mostly prompt ternary partitions of the colliding system, in which the lightest fragment is quite massive. In the light of theoretical predictions of Cârjan, Sierk and Nix this result may imply that the observed ternary reactions are driven by the two-body dissipation mechanism already at 15 MeV/nucleon.
GENDER DIFFERENCE IN CARPAL TUNNEL COMPLIANCE
Authors: Li Zong-Ming
Published: February 2006

The purposes of this study were to investigate the mechanical properties of the carpal tunnel and to examine carpal tunnel compliance as it related to gender difference. Twelve male and twelve female subjects without any neuromusculoskeletal disorders in the upper extremities participated in the study. Indentation testing was manually performed on the wrist volar to the transverse carpal ligament. Effective compliance was defined as the slope of the regression analyses of indentation force and displacement data. In the tested indentation force range (2.45–19.60 N), the displacement of females was 1.38 ± 0.25 mm, significantly smaller than that of the males, 1.82 ± 0.30 mm (p < 0.001). Regression analyses in the force range showed that the effective compliance for females, 0.075 ± 0.012 mm/N, was 26.3% lower than that for males, 0.101 ± 0.018 mm/N (p < 0.005). It was concluded that females have less compliant carpal tunnel than males. The gender difference in carpal tunnel mechanics may predispose females to detrimental compression of the median nerve and carpal tunnel syndrome.
EFFICACY OF CYTOTOXIC AGENTS FOR PREVENTION OF TUMOR GROWTH AFTER TUMOR CONTAMINATION AND BLOCKS INOCULATION: AN IN VIVO COMPARATIVE STUDY OF CISPLATIN AND DISTILLED WATER, POVIDONE IODINE, HYDROGEN PEROXIDE AND SALINE IN ATHYMIC MICE
Authors: Abdel-Wanis Mohamed El-Sayed , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki , Kawahara Norio , Tomita Katsuro
Published: February 2006

We tested the efficacy of 4 local agents for protection against tumor growth after tumor contamination and tumor bloc inoculation. Tumors were prepared by injecting human HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cells into the subcutaneous tissue of 6–9 week old male athymic nude mice (BALB/c nu/nu). When the tumors reached the desired size, the nude mice were sacrificed, and the tumors were harvested en bloc. Then the tumors were used in either contamination group or tumor inoculation group. In the contamination group, 34 tumors were cut by Gigli saw (Group G) and 35 tumors were cut by No. 11 scalpel (Group S). The cut surface of the tumor was rubbed into the subcutaneous tissues of non-tumor bearing nude mice for 10 seconds. Then, the nude mice from the S and G groups were randomized into either one of five subgroups: groups S–N and G–N: no local agent was used, groups S–S and G–S: lavage by saline, groups S–P and G–P: lavage by povidone iodine 10%, groups S–H and G–H: lavage by hydrogen peroxide 3%, groups S–C and G–C: lavage by cisplatin and distilled water. In the tumor inoculation group, a tumor weight of 100 mg was inoculated into 32 non-tumor bearing nude mice. Then, the nude mice were randomized into either of 5 subgroups: group B–N: no local agent was used, group B–S: lavage by saline, group B–P: lavage by povidone iodine 10%, group B–H: lavage by hydrogen peroxide, group B–C: lavage by cisplatin and distilled water. For lavage, the fluid was kept in the wound for 5 minutes apart from the cisplatin which was kept in the wound for 2.5 minutes and then the wound was filled with distilled water for the next 2.5 minutes. Tumor growth occurred in S–N, S–S, S–H, S–P and S–C groups in 33.3%, 67.7%, 16.7%, 16.7%, and 0% respectively. Tumor growth occurred in G–N, G–S, G–H, G–P, and G–C groups in 50%, 67.7%, 33.3%, 33.3%, and 0%, respectively. The total growth incidence after tumor contamination in the no-agent, saline, hydrogen peroxide, povidone iodine and cisplatin groups were 41.7%, 58.3%, 25%, 25% and 0%, respectively. Growth occurred in 100% of B–N and B–S groups, 83% of B–H and B–P groups and 33.3% of the B–C group. Cisplatin used for 2.5 minutes followed by distilled water for 2.5 minutes is effective for protection against local tumor recurrence due to tumor contamination. It also has a reasonable effect against tumor blocks.
VALIDATION OF FINITE ELEMENT MODELS OF THORACOLUMBAR T11-T12 AND T12-L1 AND COMPARISON OF THEIR BIOMECHANICAL RESPONSES
Authors: Qiu Tian-Xia , Teo Ee-Chon , Zhang Qing-Hang
Published: February 2006

The objective of this study was to build and validate the FE models of thoracolumbar junctional T11-T12 and T12-L1 functional spinal units (FSUs) and compare the biomechanical responses of the two FSUs under physiological loading modes: flexion, extension, lateral bending and axial rotation.

Anatomically accurate FE models of thoracolumbar T11-T12 and T12-L1 FSUs were developed and validated against published experimental results in terms of load displacement responses and range of motion (ROM) under flexion and extension pure moments of 7.5 Nm, left and right lateral bending pure moments of 7.5 Nm and left and right axial torque of 7.5 Nm. The overall responses predicted by the T11-T12 and T12-L1 FE models showed differences in stiffness under different load configurations. Amongst all loading configurations, the motions at T11-T12 and T12-L1 were the stiffest under axial torque. The lateral bending motions of T11-T12 and T12-L1 were relatively flexible. Under sagittal moments, the motion in extension was greater than in flexion at level T11-T12, while the rotation in flexion was greater than in extension at level T12-L1.
Nosocomial Infections at Kenyatta National Hospital Intensive-Care Unit in Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Ngumi Z.W.W.
Published: February 2006

The objective of this study was to identify the common bacteria isolated from patients, antibiotics used, sensitivity patterns, therapeutic procedures and cleaning protocols practised in Kenyatta National Hospital Intensive-Care Unit (ICU). Kenyatta National Hospital is a 1,800-bed referral and tertiary-care hospital which is also the Teaching University Hospital. The ICU has 20 beds. Two members of staff, a consultant and a senior nurse, did the study. Out of 195 patients admitted to the unit during the study period, 137 (70.3%) received antibiotics. The most frequently prescribed antibiotics included meropenem, ceftazidime, cefuroxime, piperacillin tazobactam, vancomycin, Augmentin and Flagyl. The most common bacteria isolated were Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Klebsiella, Citrobacter, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus pneumoniae,Acinetobactor and Escherichia coli isolated from tracheal aspirate, urine, blood and pus swabs.
Microbial Pattern and Antimicrobial Resistance, a Surgeon’s Perspective: Retrospective Study in Surgical Wards and Seven Intensive-Care Units in Two University Hospitals in Cairo, Egypt
Authors: Saied Gamal Moustafa
Published: February 2006

Objectives: Significant morbidity and mortality in surgical practice is due to infection with resistant pathogens. Data from Egyptian hospitals may reflect a peculiar pattern. Methods: Retrospective study of antimicrobial susceptibility of 1,064 isolates from patients in surgical zones and intensive-care units (ICUs) in the largest 2 hospitals in Cairo in 2003. Results: The infection rate in surgical wards was 0.41%, mostly surgical site infections. Cardiothoracic wards showed higher rates (0.52%). In ICUs, the infection rate was 6.51%, the majority were respiratory. The highest resistance rate was shown by Staphylococcus aureus (23.8%), Pseudomonas (14.9%) and Escherichia coli (10.48%). Enterococci and Citrobacter had rates below 1%. Pseudomonas aeruginosa had the highest resistance rate with third-generation cephalosporins (Cef3) and the lowest with imipenem, while for Enterobacter and Klebsiella it was highest with Cef3 and lowest with imipenem. E. coli showed the highest rate with quinolone 2 and Cef3, but there was no resistance to imipenem. Acinetobacter demonstrated the highest resistance rate with quinolone 2 and the lowest with fourth-generation cephalosporins (Cef4), while for methicillin-resistant S. aureus it was 60%. All enterococci were sensitive to vancomycin. Conclusion: The study provides meaningful data on a high antimicrobial resistance in Egypt. Failure of hospital hygiene and overuse of antibiotics are considered responsible.
A Survey of the Appropriate Use of Antiseptic Agents in the Operating Room of Several Key Health Care Facilities
Authors: Shiraishi T. , Nakagawa Y. , Matsubara H. , Takada Y. , Arai Y. , Okada S. , Harada Y.
Published: February 2006

Since 2000, new hand and environmental hygiene guidelines have been published by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) based on scientific evidence. Accordingly, we expected that the use of disinfectants in clinical settings had been changed. To compare the use and amount of disinfectants before and after the publication of these guidelines, we conducted a questionnaire-based survey on the use of antiseptic agents in operating rooms (ORs) in 6 key hospitals over a period of a month in 2000 and 2004. As a result, the amount of disinfectants used in ORs was reduced in all hospitals in 2004. Especially, amphoteric detergents and glutaral products showed significant reductions in the total amount used in the 6 hospitals, by 94.8 and 96.8%, respectively. The use of povidone-iodine (PVP-I) was decreased by 23.4% overall, although it was increased in 3 hospitals by 11.0–58.6%. The number of applications of PVP-I on the surgical site did not change; however, the site was left to dry without wiping after PVP-I application more frequently in 2004 than in 2000. The time for surgical scrubbing was shortened in 2004, but brush scrubbing was still used as often as in 2000. Many of the hospitals used brush scrubbing in conjunction with alcohol-based rubs. These results indicated changes in infection control measures in hospital settings after publication of the new CDC guidelines; environmental disinfection had been limited and excessive use of disinfectants reevaluated.
Comparison of the Antimicrobial Efficacy of Povidone-Iodine, Povidone-Iodine-Ethanol and Chlorhexidine Gluconate-Ethanol Surgical Scrubs
Authors: Nishimura Chieko
Published: February 2006

Background: Scrubbing of the hands and forearms with a brush and antiseptic agents has been the standard for surgical practice. However, it has been increasingly recognized that brush scrubbing may provoke side effects and that an alcohol-based hand antiseptic used in conjunction with a scrub agent enhances the effectiveness. In this study, two types of alcohol-based agents were used after a povidone-iodine (PVP-I) scrub and compared for their effectiveness. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted as a crossover trial with 20 volunteers. After hand rubbing with PVP-I, either PVP-I-ethanol rubbing or chlorhexidine gluconate-ethanol (CHG-ethanol) rubbing was used for surgical hand cleansing. Samples were collected by the modified glove juice method to count bacteria on hands. Results: In both groups, the bacterial count was significantly reduced after handwashing (p < 0.001), and the reduction was still significant after 2 h (p < 0.001 for PVP-I-ethanol and p < 0.002 for CHG-ethanol). The log10 reduction factor (RF) in the PVP-I-ethanol group was significantly higher than that in the CHG-ethanol group immediately after handwashing (p < 0.001) but significantly lowered after 2 h (p < 0.01) to the level similar to that of CHG-ethanol. Although RF was lower in the CHG-ethanol group immediately after and 2 h after handwashing compared to the PVP-I-ethanol group, it did not decrease with time. Conclusion: Brushless surgical scrubbing with PVP-I-ethanol or CHG-ethanol in conjunction with PVP-I showed antiseptic effects immediately after and 2 h after handwashing. RF immediately after handwashing was significantly higher with PVP-I-ethanol compared to CHG-ethanol, but it was similar in both groups after 2 h. These results suggest that when used in combination with a PVP-I scrub, an alcohol-based hand antiseptic containing the same active agent (PVP-I in this study) has a powerful antiseptic effect; however, when it contains different antiseptic agents (i.e. CHG in this study), it should be selected carefully based on its antiseptic property.
Reduction of Endophthalmitis Rate after Cataract Surgery with Preoperative 5% Povidone-Iodine
Authors: Trinavarat Adisak , Atchaneeyasakul La-ongsri , Nopmaneejumruslers Cherdchai , Inson Kantima
Published: February 2006

Objective: Postoperative endophthalmitis reflects in part quality and safety aspects of cataract surgery. Preoperative 5% povidone-iodine was introduced as a quality improvement effort. This study evaluated the effect of this additional measure on the occurrence of endophthalmitis after cataract surgery. Method: Topical 5% povidone-iodine solution was applied onto the ocular surface just prior to transferring the patient into the operative theater for cataract surgery. Other prophylactic measures were allowed to continue as before. Patients developing postoperative intraocular inflammation and undergoing intravitreal antibiotic injection were included as occurrences of endophthalmitis. Alteration in endophthalmitis rate was analyzed using a ‘p control chart’ of a statistical process control method. The incidence in the povidone-iodine-receiving group was compared to those before implementation and concurrent nonreceiving groups. Result: The postoperative endophthalmitis rate showed a significant reduction after introduction of povidone-iodine. A year before, 9 of 3,052 eyes developed endophthalmitis (0.294%). After introduction, this occurred in 4 of 4,089 eyes receiving povidone-iodine (0.097%) and 1 of 502 nonreceiving eyes (0.199%) in the following 16 months. Despite the apparent lower rate, comparison between groups was not statistically significant. Moderate to severe but tolerable eye irritation after application was reported in 6.6%. No other adverse events were detected. Conclusion: Topical preoperative 5% povidone-iodine contributed an additional effect to the reduction of the postoperative endophthalmitis rate after cataract surgery. This measure was rather safe to apply as a prophylaxis against endophthalmitis in cataract surgery.
Our Method of Povidone-Iodine Ointment and Gauze Dressings Reduced Catheter-Related Infection in Serious Cases
Authors: Fukunaga Atsushi , Naritaka Heiji , Fukaya Raita , Tabuse Masanao , Nakamura Tsuneo
Published: February 2006

In experiment 1, we evaluated our method of catheter care at subclavian vein insertion sites for the control of catheter-related infections in seriously ill neurosurgical patients who needed prolonged catheter placement, compared with an older method. In our method, the insertion site was prepared with 10% povidone-iodine solution, followed by application of 10% povidone-iodine ointment, and covered with sterile gauze and a transparent polyurethane dressing. The older method was based on 1996 guidelines for the prevention of intravascular device-related infections. Catheter colonization and mortality were both found to be significantly reduced with our method (p = 0.0214, p = 0.0379, respectively). In experiment 2, we evaluated whether a regimen of catheter care with 10% povidone-iodine ointment was more effective than that without povidone-iodine ointment for the prevention of infections. This suggested effectiveness of 10% povidone-iodine ointment for reduction of infection. Our method of catheter care was useful even in seriously ill neurosurgical patients.
Assessment of Povidone-Iodine Disinfectant Compatibility with Antimicrobial Incise Drape and Adhesion Inhibition on the Skin Using a Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry Approach
Authors: Jenzer Herbert
Published: February 2006

According to orthopedists’ reports, substitution of the original for a generic povidone-iodine (PVP-I) disinfectant could have led to some adhesion problems of antimicrobial incise drapes on the field of operation with the consequence of increasing the infection risk. Three methods have been used to assess the case: (a) a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) approach quantifying methimazole formation from carbimazole, (b) in vitro adhesion experiments on a smooth glass plate surface and (c) the analysis of intrasurgical procedures. GC-MS results confirmed the higher potency of the original compared to the generic PVP-I. In vitro comparison of the adhesion on a PVP-I-pretreated glass surface showed no difference between the disinfectants and no significant destruction of the adhesive layer. However, due to different surgery preparation procedures, the remaining free skin surface granting sufficient adhesion differed if the intervening surgeon himself or his assistant prepared the field of operation. As a conclusion, the original PVP-I disinfectant is confirmed as the first-choice disinfectant for the field of operation. Adhesion problems were arising with new surgical staff and thus different preparation procedures. Exchanging PVP-I disinfectants cannot explain the adhesion problems of drapes and antimicrobial incise foils on the skin.
What Is the Evidence for Tissue Regeneration Impairment when Using a Formulation of PVP-I Antiseptic on Open Wounds?
Authors: Banwell Helen
Published: February 2006

Wound care and the use of antiseptics has long been the subject of much debate within the health professional’s literature. This study was undertaken to determine the range of literature available on povidone-iodine (PVP-I) antiseptic use and the evidence supporting the outcomes reported. A range of articles was collected and divided into subgroups based on hierarchy of evidence and the five evidence dimensions [1]. Using the READER® scoring tool, articles were evaluated and given a numerical award between 4 and 25 as a determinant of their quality in method, statistical analysis and outcome measures, with those scoring 12.5 or higher (from a possible 25) deemed as offering a satisfactory level of evidence. Statistical analysis on the results prior to applying the READER scoring tool found that overall 49% of articles did not support PVP-I use. However, this situation changed when the quality of evidence was limited to articles scoring >12.5. The higher-scored articles showed a 71% support for the continued use of PVP-I. The outcome of this study shows that there is reason for further debate over the use of PVP-I.
Quality Control in Chronic Wound Management: The Role of Local Povidone-Iodine (Betadine®) Therapy
Authors: Daróczy Judit
Published: February 2006

Background: The treatment of venous leg ulcers is often inadequate, because of incorrect diagnosis, overuse of systemic antibiotics and inadequate use of compression therapy. Stasis dermatitis related to chronic venous insufficiency accompanied by infected superficial ulcers must be differentiated from erysipelas, cellulitis and contact eczema. Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of (1) topical povidone-iodine with and (2) without compression bandages, (3) to compare the efficacy of systemic antibiotics and topical antimicrobial agents to prevent the progression of superficial skin ulcers. Patients and Methods: 63 patients presenting ulcerated stasis dermatitis due to deep venous refluxes were included in the study. The clinical stage of all patients was homogeneous determined by clinical, aetiological, anatomical and pathological classification. They were examined by taking a bacteriological swab from their ulcer area. Compression bandages were used in a total of 42 patients. Twenty-one patients with superficial infected (Staphylococcus aureus) ulcers were treated locally with povidone-iodine (Betadine®), and 21 patients were treated with systemic antibiotics (amoxicillin). Twenty-one patients were treated locally with Betadine but did not use compression. The end point was the time of ulcus healing. The healing process of the ulcers was related to the impact of bacterial colonization and clinical signs of infection. Results: Compression increases the ulcer healing rate compared with no compression. Using the same local povidone-iodine (Betadine) treatment with compression bandages is more effective (82%) for ulcus healing than without compression therapy (62%). The healing rate of ulcers treated with systemic antibiotics was not significantly better (85%) than that of the Betadine group. Using systemic antibiotics, the relapse rate of superficial bacterial infections (impetigo, folliculitis) was significantly higher (32%) than in patients with local disinfection (11%). Conclusion: Compression is essential in the mobilization of the interstitial lymphatic fluid from the region of stasis dermatitis. Topical disinfection and appropriate wound dressings are important to prevent wound infection. Systemic antibiotics are necessary only in systemic infections (fever, lymphangitis, lymphadenopathy, erysipelas).
In vitro Short-Time Killing Activity of Povidone-Iodine (Isodine® Gargle) in the Presence of Oral Organic Matter
Authors: Yoneyama Akiko , Shimizu Masaki , Tabata Makiko , Yashiro Junko , Takata Toshihiko , Hikida Muneo
Published: February 2006

In order to estimate the clinical efficacy of a povidone-iodine oral antiseptic (PVP-I) on oral bacterial infectious diseases, we studied the effect of oral organic matter on the in vitro killing activity of PVP-I. In addition, we compared the in vitro short-time killing activity of PVP-I with those of other oral antiseptics using mouth-washing and gargling samples collected from healthy volunteers. When any of the mouth-washing and gargling samples was used, the standard (0.23–0.47%) or lower concentrations of PVP-I killed methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, including multidrug-resistant strains, within 15–60 s in the presence of oral organic matter. 0.02% benzethonium chloride (BEC) and 0.002% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) did not show effects against MRSA and P. aeruginosa (including multidrug-resistant strains) in mouth-washing and gargling samples even after 60 s. The above-mentioned results show that the in vitro killing activity of the standard concentration of PVP-I was hardly affected by the oral organic matter and that a mouth-washing or gargling solution containing PVP-I has a stronger bactericidal activity than BEC and CHG. Although mouth-washing and gargling samples were obtained from healthy individuals in this study, PVP-I may be used for protection against infections in patients with various diseases, if proper concentrations and usage are encouraged.
Clinical Application of Povidone-Iodine Oral Antiseptic 1% (Betadine® Mouthwash) and Povidone-Iodine Skin Antiseptic 10% (Betadine® Solution) for the Management of Odontogenic and Deep Fascial Space Infection
Authors: Valderrama Lucia Sarmiento
Published: February 2006

Treatment of infections largely encompasses the field of dental medicine. Prevention and management of infection in the oral and maxillofacial region involve every facet of dental care that may be necessary due to caries, periodontal disease, pulpal pathology, trauma, reconstructive and surgical implants. One of the first surgical procedures in the treatment of localized infection commenced with the opening of bulbous abscesses with sharp stones and pointed sticks. The principles for the management of infection basically remain the same although the surgical technique has remarkably improved. It takes a qualitative and quantitative amount of bacterial insult to produce a certain degree of infection that may eventually lead to facial swelling, asymmetry, discomfort and loss of function. In the oral cavity and its surrounding structures, the predominant organisms such as the staphylococci and streptococci release enzymes responsible for the breakdown of fibrin (connective tissue ground substances) and lyse cellular debris, which facilitates a rapid spread of infection. At the University of the Philippines, Philippine General Hospital Medical Center, where I have served for 18 years, 90% of dental consultations from the outpatient department and emergency room complex concern infection, and 85% of facial swelling is dental in origin. A typical odontogenic infection is a dentoalveolar abscess that spreads deeply into the soft tissue rather than exiting superficially through the oral and cutaneous route, consequently involving the fascial spaces. Following the path of least resistance through connective tissue and along fascial planes, infection may diffuse quite distantly from its dental source, causing damage to the surrounding structures. Appreciation not only of the anatomy of the face and neck is necessary to predict sufficiently the pathway of spread of these infections, but also knowledge of how to drain these spaces adequately.
Membrane-Activated Form of Glycoproteins IIb/IIIa Complex on Newborn Platelets
Authors: Wasiluk Alicja
Published: February 2006

Background: GPIIb/IIIa complex is one of the laboratory markers of platelet activation. Closely associated with this process is exposure of the fibrinogen-binding site which is essential for platelets aggregation. This study was performed to evaluate the expression of GPIIb/IIIa on the platelets at time of birth. Materials and Methods: 51 term newborns, 21 females and 30 males, were introduced to the study. They fitted all criteria for healthy term newborns. Blood was collected from umbilical artery and vein immediately after cutting the umbilical cord using Diatube TM CTAD Vacutainer System. GPIIb/IIIa was tested with PAC-1-FITC antibody using flow cytometer EPICS XL. Results: 90.91% of newborn platelets express GPIIb/IIIa complex in comparison to adults, where only 12.79% platelets express this complex. Practically no differences were noted in relation to gender of newborns and umbilical artery or vein. Conclusions: Careful analysis of the presented data reveals that at time of birth platelets are hyperreactive, which may be related to the increased thrombogenesis in newborns and mothers.
Histological Evaluation of Acute Covering of an Experimental Neural Tube Defect with Biomatrices in Fetal Sheep
Authors: Eggink A.J. , Roelofs L.A.J. , Lammens M.M.Y. , Feitz W.F.J. , Wijnen R.M.H. , Mullaart R.A. , van Moerkerk H.T.B. , van Kuppevelt T.H. , Crevels A.J. , Hanssen A. , Lotgering F.K. , van den Berg P.P.
Published: February 2006

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the histological effect on the neural tissue of in utero covering of an experimental neural tube defect in fetal lambs, with the use of two different biomatrices. Materials and Methods: In 23 fetal sheep, surgery was performed at 79 days’ gestation. In 19 of these, a neural tube defect was created, while 4 fetuses served as sham-operated controls. In 7 of the 19 operated fetuses the defect was left uncovered. In the remaining 12 animals the defect was covered either with a collagen biomatrix (4 animals), skin (3 animals), or small intestinal submucosa biomatrix (5 animals). The lambs were sacrificed at 1 week of age and histological examination was performed. Results: All lambs with an uncovered neural tube defect showed histological damage of the spinal cord. In lambs in which the neural tube defect was covered, one half showed a normal architecture of the spinal cord while minor histological damage was present in the other half. Between the three groups in which the defect was covered, the histological outcome was comparable. Conclusions: Acute covering of an experimental neural tube defect in fetal lambs prevents severe histological damage to the spinal cord independent of the two biomatrices used in this study.
Prenatal Diagnosis of Occipital Dermal Sinus Associated with Hemangioma Using Ultrasound and MRI
Authors: Viskova Hana , Calda Pavel , Zizka Zdenek , Vaneckova Manuela , Hoza David , Zuntova Anna
Published: February 2006

Objective: We report a case of prenatal diagnosis and postpartum management of a subcutaneous tumor without intracranial communication. Methods: An occipital tumor without intracranial communication was found on ultrasound scan in the 21st week of pregnancy. Using MRI, the diagnosis was confirmed. Subcutaneous localization of the tumor was verified and communication with intracranial space excluded. Results: The newborn was delivered spontaneously at term and underwent a successful surgical procedure 5 months postpartum. Conclusion: The prenatal diagnosis allowed differentiation between a communicating neural tube defect with poor prognosis, and a manageable extracranial subcutaneous tumor. The precise diagnosis of uncomplicated dermal sinus was possible only after the histological evaluation of the tumor confirmed occipital dermal sinus associated with hemangioma.
Correlation of Abnormal Rapid FISH and Chromosome Results from Amniocytes for Prenatal Diagnosis
Authors: Wyandt Herman E. , Tonk Vijay S. , Huang Xin Li , Evans Arthur T. , Milunsky Jeff M. , Milunsky Aubrey
Published: February 2006

Rapid fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) performed on 1,788 amniocenteses, using Aneuvision (Vysis) probes for chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X, and Y, over several years, yielded 115 cases with percentages of aneuploidy between 4 and 100%. All cases above 60% were confirmed to be positive by chromosome analysis. Fifteen of forty-one cases that would be considered inconclusive by generally accepted criteria (i.e. with less than 60% of cells with an abnormal signal pattern) revealed lower cutoffs to be positive when confirmed by chromosome analysis. For trisomy 21, 6 cases with percentages from 36 to 57% were positive; 4 of 7 cases with percentages from 22.5 to 33% were positive; 11 cases with percentages of 13% or less were negative. Similar trends were found for aneuploidies of 13, 18, X, and Y. However, the number of abnormal cases is still too small to determine definitive cutoffs in the <60% gray zone. An average of 57 metaphases was analyzed for cases with FISH percentages below 60%. Despite the wide range of abnormal FISH percentages for chromosomally positive cases, we found no examples of autosomal mosaicism in this series. Although sex chromosome mosaicism was cytogenetically evident in several cases, there was little direct correlation between cytogenetic and rapid FISH results. FISH results involving sex chromosomes were more frequently confounded by maternal cell contamination and other technical factors.
Comparative Study of in vitro Cytotoxicity of Povidone-Iodine in Solution, in Ointment or in a Liposomal Formulation (Repithel®) and Selected Antiseptics
Authors: Müller G. , Kramer A.
Published: February 2006

The cytotoxicity of povidone-iodine in Repithel®, Betaisodona® ointment and Betaisodona® solution was investigated using CHO-K1 cells. To estimate the vitality of test cells after 30 min contact time using vital dye neutral red, the following IC50 were determined: 16–18% Repithel, 8–9% Betaisodona ointment and 1.8–2% Betaisodona solution; using MTT for detecting vitality, the IC50 were: 5–10% Repithel, 1.3–2.5% Betaisodona ointment and 0.6–1.3% Betaisodona solution. Therefore, the first attack of the antiseptic agent iodine to mammalian cells is carried out on enzymes, perhaps by oxidation, followed by membrane attack. Murine fibroblasts were used to compare the cytotoxic impact of povidone-iodine with those of chlorhexidine digluconate (CHex), octenidine dihydrochloride (Oct) and polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB). On the base of molecular concentration, povidone-iodine is more than 20 times better tolerated by L929 cells than CHex, Oct or PHMB. Moreover, after 30 min contact of L929 cells with povidone-iodine, there is a temporarily cytotoxic reaction, which leads after 24 h culture to an unexpected revitalisation of murine fibroblasts. This phenomenon was not detected using CHex, Oct or PHMB. Povidone-iodine seems to be the most tolerated antiseptic in comparison with CHex, Oct or PHMB.
Lack of in vitro Genotoxicity of Povidone-Iodine in Solution, in Ointment or in a Liposomal Formulation (Repithel®)
Authors: Müller G. , Hai D.N. , Kramer A.
Published: February 2006

The in vitro genotoxicity of povidone-iodine in Repithel®, Betaisodona® ointment and Betaisodona® solution was investigated using CHO-K1 cells. The comet assay and chromosome aberration test were used to characterise the genotoxic potency of povidone-iodine within 4 h of contact with test cells. Methyl methanesulphonate without S9 activation and benzo[a]pyrene with S9 activation were used as positive controls. No higher concentrations than 6% Repithel, 5% Betaisodona ointment and 2% Betaisodona solution in culture medium with 10% fetal bovine serum were tested within 4 h of contact with CHO-K1 cells for the comet assay, because higher concentrations will provide >60% cytotoxicity. All tested concentrations of povidone-iodine formulations (4–6% Repithel, 3–5% Betaisodona ointment and 1–2% Betaisodona solution) are not genotoxic in the comet assay. 10% Repithel, 5% Betaisodona ointment and 2.5% Betaisodona solution in culture medium with 10% fetal bovine serum were final concentrations in the chromosome aberration test, which provide <60% cytotoxicity within 4 h of contact with CHO-K1 cells. All tested concentrations of povidone- iodine formulations (5–10% Repithel, 2.5–5% Betaisodona ointment and 1.25–2.5% Betaisodona solution) are not genotoxic in the chromosome aberration test. Using the comet assay and chromosome aberration test to characterise the genotoxic potency of povidone-iodine within 4 h of contact with CHO-K1 cells, there was no chromosome damage detected.
Nutrient-Scavenging Stress Response in an Escherichia coli Strain Lacking the Phosphoenolpyruvate:Carbohydrate Phosphotransferase System, as Explored by Gene Expression Profile Analysis
Authors: Flores Salvador , Flores Noemí , de Anda Ramón , González Alicia , Escalante Adelfo , Sigala Juan Carlos , Gosset Guillermo , Bolívar Francisco
Published: February 2006

The physiological role of the phosphoenolpyruvate:carbohydrate phosphotransferase system (PTS) has been studied in Escherichia coli. It has been shown that it directly or indirectly regulates the activity of most catabolic genes involved in carbohydrate transport. Accordingly, strains lacking PTS have pleiotropic phenotypes and are impaired in their capacity to grow on glucose and other PTS sugars. We have previously reported the characterization of a mutant harboring a pts operon deletion (PB11) which, as expected, showed a severe reduction of its growth capacity when incubated on glucose as carbon source, as compared to that of the isogenic wild-type strain. These observations corroborate that PTS is the main determinant of the capacity to grow on glucose and confirm the existence of other systems that allow glucose utilization although at a reduced level. To explore the physiological state and the metabolic pathways involved in glucose utilization in a pts– background, we analyzed the global transcriptional response of the PB11 mutant when growing in minimal medium with glucose as carbon source. Genome-wide transcriptional analysis using microarrays revealed that, under this condition, expression of several genes related to carbon transport and metabolism was upregulated, as well as that of genes encoding transporters for certain nucleotides, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur sources. In addition, upregulation of rpoS and several genes transcribed by this sigma subunit was detected. These results indicate that the reduced capacity of glucose utilization present in the PB11 strain induces a general nutrient-scavenging response and this behavior is not dependent on a functional PTS. This condition is responsible of the utilization of secondary carbon sources in the presence of glucose.
Celastrol Blocks Neuronal Cell Death and Extends Life in Transgenic Mouse Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Kiaei Mahmoud , Kipiani Khatuna , Petri Susanne , Chen Junyu , Calingasan Noel Y. , Beal M. Flint
Published: February 2006

There is substantial evidence that both inflammation and oxidative damage contribute to the pathogenesis of motor neuron degeneration in the G93A SOD1 transgenic mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Celastrol is a natural product from Southern China, which exerts potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects. It also acts potently to increase expression of heat shock proteins including HSP70. We administered it in the diet to G93A SOD1 mice starting at 30 days of age. Celastrol treatment significantly improved weight loss, motor performance and delayed the onset of ALS. Survival of celastrol-treated G93A mice increased by 9.4% and 13% for 2 mg/kg/day and 8 mg/kg/day doses, respectively. Cell counts of lumbar spinal cord neurons confirmed a protective effect, i.e. 30% increase in neuronal number in the lumbar spinal cords of celastrol-treated animals. Celastrol treatment reduced TNF-α, iNOS, CD40, and GFAP immunoreactivity in the lumbar spinal cord sections of celastrol-treated G93A mice compared to untreated G93A mice. TNF-α immunoreactivity co-localized with SMI-32 (neuronal marker) and GFAP (astrocyte marker). HSP70 immunoreactivity was increased in lumbar spinal cord neurons of celastrol-treated G93A mice. Celastrol has been widely used in treating inflammatory diseases in man, and is well tolerated; therefore, it may be a promising therapeutic candidate for the treatment of human ALS.
Mechanisms of Aβ Plaque Clearance following Passive Aβ Immunization
Authors: Morgan Dave
Published: February 2006

Alzheimer’s disease is a major health problem with limited available medical treatment options. Immunotherapy is one approach with the potential to slow or reverse the disease process. In transgenic mouse models of amyloid deposition, anti-Aβ immunotherapy is remarkably effective at diminishing the amyloid burden and reversing the memory deficiency phenotype present in these mice. Three distinct mechanisms of antibody action have been proposed to mediate these benefits of anti-Aβ immunotherapy. The first is a catalytic dissolution of the Aβ fibrils, proposed by Beka Solomon and colleagues. A second mechanism is opsonization of the amyloid by the antibody and subsequent phagocytosis by macrophages proposed by Dale Schenk and the Elan group. A third mechanism proposed by DeMattos, Holtzman and colleagues is the peripheral sink hypothesis, arguing that circulating antibodies sequester Aβ and favor efflux of Aβ from the CNS over influx to the CNS. None of these mechanisms are mutually exclusive. Our research group has evaluated these mechanisms using intracranial injection and systemic administration of anti-Aβ antibodies. We found evidence supporting all three mechanisms, and suggest they may act synergistically to achieve the large effect size of the immunotherapeutic approach. However, in aged amyloid precursor protein transgenic mice administered anti-Aβ antibodies systemically, there is a redistribution of the amyloid from the parenchyma to vascular elements. This increase in congophilic angiopathy is associated with increased risk of microhemorrhage. Thus, although we favor continued testing of the immunotherapy to treat Alzheimer’s disease, we believe caution should be taken to minimize the risk of vascular leakage.