bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mental Health Needs in a Post-Disaster Environment
Authors: Milligan Gary , McGuinness Teena M.
Published: September 2009

Maintenance of a daily routine, which includes scheduled medications, access to a health care provider, and a stable environment, forms an anchor point in the lives of people diagnosed with mental illness. When a disaster, either man made or natural, interferes with these, patients often experience an acute exacerbation of their illness. Efforts to mitigate the ensuing disruption require a contingency plan in the event of a disaster; a plan ensuring access to medications, health information, and caregiver stability, allows those with mental illness to continue to function at an acceptable level. Recent world events, such as the Asian Tsunami in 2004 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005, indicate that minimal research exists regarding the magnitude of the effects of disasters on those with mental illness. A review of the literature indicates that the impact on survivors' mental well-being is directly related to the level of exposure to a disaster. Mental health professionals must include crisis management, planning, and communication in pre- and post-disaster interventions with people who have mental illness.
Medication Holidays
Authors: Howland Robert H.
Published: September 2009

Medication holiday
refers to the deliberate interruption of pharmacotherapy for a defined period and for a specific clinical purpose. This should be distinguished from medication nonadherence. Medication holidays can be used for the assessment of efficacy and tolerability of a drug therapy. They also can be used for a therapeutic benefit, such as alleviating adverse effects. To partially reverse the physiological adaptive effects that result from chronic pharmacological stimulation, medication holidays have been hypothesized to “resensitize” neurons to the acute pharmacological effects of a drug. Potential problems associated with medication holidays include the risk of destabilizing patients, difficulty in distinguishing rebound and discontinuation effects, and increasing the risk of poor medication adherence.
Effect of Epithelial Retention and Removal on Riboflavin Absorption in Porcine Corneas
Authors: Samaras Konstantinos , O'Brart David P. , Doutch James , Hayes Sally , Marshall John , Meek Keith M.
Published: September 2009

Purpose:

To compare stromal riboflavin absorption after 20% alcohol application and partial or complete epithelial removal by analyzing light transmission properties of porcine corneas after riboflavin/ultraviolet A (UVA) corneal collagen cross-linking.

Methods:

Riboflavin 0.13% eye drops were applied to 18 porcine eyes (6 in which 20% alcohol solution had been applied for 40 seconds, 6 eyes with a grid pattern of full-thickness epithelial trauma, and 6 with the central epithelium fully removed) at 5-minute intervals for 35 minutes. In all eyes, the corneal surface was exposed to UVA light for 30 minutes during riboflavin administration. The light transmission spectra of the corneas were analyzed with a spectrophotometer and compared to those of 9 untreated controls (4 corneas with epithelium and 5 without) and to the spectra of riboflavin 0.13% solution.

Results:

The spectra of riboflavin-treated corneas in the alcohol group were similar to controls. Those with grid-pattern epithelial trauma showed a dip in light transmission between 400 and 490 nm, but this was significantly less than that in eyes for which epithelial removal was complete, where the spectrum was similar to that of riboflavin 0.13% solution.

Conclusions:

Complete removal of the corneal epithelium appears to be necessary to allow sufficient riboflavin absorption into the stroma to alter the normal light transmission properties of the porcine cornea. Although partial grid-pattern epithelial removal allows some riboflavin penetration, uptake is limited and non-homogeneous, which may affect the efficacy of the cross-linking process. [
J Refract Surg.
2009;25:771–775.]
Transplantation of Endothelium and Descemet Membrane for Aphakic Corneal Edema in 1980
Authors: Hoffer Kenneth J. , Hofbauer John D.
Published: September 2009

Purpose:

To describe a corneal endothelial layer and Descemet membrane transplantation into the anterior chamber for the treatment of bullous keratopathy in 1980.

Methods:

A retrospective report of an interventional case study is presented. A patient with aphakic bullous keratopathy in one eye was interested in undergoing a previously untested corneal transplantation procedure. Snellen visual acuity testing and slit-lamp examination were performed. The main outcome measures were visual acuity and degree of corneal clarity.

Results:

Visual acuity and corneal clarity improved in the months following the endothelial/Descemet membrane transplant but gradually returned to preoperative levels 1 year later. A subsequent successful penetrating keratoplasty resulted in excellent visual acuity (∼20/25).

Conclusions:

An attempt to perform endothelial and Descemet membrane transplantation for aphakic corneal edema in 1980 resulted in early improvement in corneal clarity and visual acuity but required full penetrating keratoplasty at 2 years postoperatively.
Early Laser Photocoagulation Treatment as an Option in Central Serous Chorioretinopathy
Authors: Sturm Veit
Published: September 2009

Background and Objective:

To investigate the effect of early photocoagulation in central serous chorioretinopathy.

Patients and Methods:

In a prospective study, 15 consecutive patients with central serous chorioretinopathy and single leakage points were treated with photocoagulation between 2 days and 8 weeks after onset of symptoms. The main outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity and metamorphopsias (Amsler grid) at months 1 and 4 compared with baseline.

Results:

Mean visual acuity improved by 1.53 lines 1 month after treatment. The mean squares involved in the Amsler grid were reduced by 2.07 squares. No relapse occurred during the follow-up period.

Conclusion:

Considering the characteristics of individuals affected by central serous chorioretinopathy, a fast recovery would be advantageous. This study identified early laser photocoagulation in central serous chorioretinopathy as an effective treatment regarding resorption of subretinal fluid, recovery of visual acuity, and improvement of metamorphopsia.

[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging 2009;40:453–460.]
Intravitreal Triamcinolone Acetonide Preceding Photodynamic Therapy for Exudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Roth Daniel B. , Kulkarni Kaushal M. , Walsman Scott , Modi Amy
Published: September 2009

Background and Objective:

To evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide 1 week before photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin in the treatment of exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Patients and Methods:

Retrospective chart review of 70 eyes of 66 consecutive patients who were treated with intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide followed by standard PDT 1 week later. Group 1 consisted of 42 eyes that received one or more previous treatments with PDT alone and responded poorly. Group 2 consisted of 28 eyes that had never received PDT.

Results:

No statistically significant change in mean visual acuity was seen during the follow-up period for either group. At 12 months, 90% of group 1 eyes and 80% of group 2 eyes lost less than 2 lines of Snellen visual acuity. A mean of 1.24 additional PDT sessions were required in group 1 eyes and 1.04 additional sessions in group 2 eyes during the follow-up period.

Conclusion:

In eyes with exudative AMD, intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide preceding PDT with verteporfin results in stabilization of visual acuity and a decreased need for re-treatments with PDT. This regimen may be superior to PDT monotherapy.

[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging 2009;40:467–471.]
Retinal Vasculopathy in Fanconi Anemia
Authors: Chai Shu-Ming , Mathur Ranjana , Ong Sze-Guan
Published: September 2009

The authors present a case of Fanconi anemia with bilateral rapid onset retinal neovascularization and vitreous hemorrhage. The patient developed branch retinal vein occlusion in the left eye complicated by vitreous hemorrhage and was treated conservatively with intravitreal hyaluronidase injection. He declined vitrectomy and his visual acuity deteriorated to no perception of light. On follow-up, the right eye was noted to have clinical and angiographic evidence of sheathed vessels, an isolated large frond of neovascularization associated with areas of capillary nonperfusion. Panretinal photocoagulation and vitrectomy were performed with stabilization of vasculopathy and visual acuity. This case illustrates rapid onset peripheral occlusive vasculopathy with an atypical large isolated frond of neovascularization in a patient with Fanconi anemia resulting in blindness in one eye. Patients with Fanconi anemia would benefit from close and regular ophthalmological review.
[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging 2009;40:498–500.]
Sedation Management in Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Units: Doctors’ and Nurses’ Practices and Opinions
Authors: O’Connor Mark , Bucknall Tracey , Manias Elizabeth
Published: September 2009

Objective To explore the use of sedatives and analgesics, tools for scoring level of sedation, sedation and pain protocols, and daily interruptions in sedation in Australian and New Zealand intensive care units and to examine doctors’ and nurses’ opinions about the sedation management of critically ill patients.

Methods A cross-sectional Internet-based survey design was used. In total, 2146 members of professional critical care organizations in Australia and New Zealand were e-mailed the survey during a 4-month period in 2006 through 2007.

Results Of 348 members (16% response rate) who accessed the survey, 246 (71%) completed all sections. Morphine, fentanyl, midazolam, and propofol were the most commonly used medicines. Newer medicines, such as dexmedetomidine and remifentanil, and inhalant medications, such as nitrous oxide and isoflurane, were rarely used by most respondents. Respondents used protocols to manage sedatives (54%) and analgesics (51%), and sedation assessment tools were regularly used by 72%. A total of 62% reported daily interruption of sedation; 23% used daily interruption for more than 75% of patients. A disparity was evident between respondents’ opinions on how deeply patients were usually sedated in practice and how deeply patients should ideally be sedated.

Conclusions Newer medications are used much less than are traditional sedatives and analgesics. Sedation protocols are increasingly used in Australasia, despite equivocal evidence supporting their use. Similarly, daily interruption of sedation is common in management of patients receiving mechanical ventilation. Research is needed to explore contextual and personal factors that may affect sedation management.
Online control of the injection molding process based on process variables
Authors: Michaeli Walter , Schreiber Andreas
Published: September 2009

The conventional control of the injection molding process is based on machine variables, which cannot sufficiently characterize the course of the process. Hence, a system that controls the injection molding process based on process variables has been developed at the Institute of Plastics Processing at RWTH Aachen University during the last years. It controls the quality determining process variable cavity pressure directly and realizes a desired course of cavity pressure in the injection and holding pressure phases. The cavity pressure course in the holding pressure phase is controlled online on the basis of pvT behavior of the processed plastic material. Thus, an optimal course of the process in the pvT diagram can be guaranteed and the quality constancy of the molded parts can be clearly increased. Using the pvT‐based process control, the effect of varying mold and melt temperatures on the molded part weight can be decreased by about 90% compared with the conventional process control. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 28:65–76, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.20153
Stressors, resources, and well‐being among Latino and White warehouse workers in the United States
Authors: Hoppe Annekatrin , Heaney Catherine A. , Fujishiro Kaori
Published: September 2009

Background

Social forces and cultural factors may contribute to Latino and White workers experiencing similar jobs differently. This study examines the psychosocial stressors and resources experienced by Latino and White workers in manual material handling jobs in the US and the effects of these stressors and resources on worker well‐being.

Methods

Fifty‐nine Latino warehouse workers were matched with White workers by job title, job tenure, and warehouse facility. Matched sample t tests and linear regression analyses models were conducted.

Results

Results reveal similar psychosocial stressors and resources for both groups. However, Latino workers reported better well‐being. For Latino workers, social resources at work such as management fairness and supervisor support have a stronger relationship with well‐being. For White workers wage fairness is the most significant predictor for well‐being.

Conclusions

These differential results challenge us to consider how cultural factors, expectations and the prior work history of Latino workers may influence their experience of work and the effect of work on health. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:252–263, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Seasonal and Geographical Influences on the Chemical Composition of Juniperus phoenicea L. Essential Oil Leaves from the Northern Tunisia
Authors: Medini Hanene , Elaissi Ameur , Farhat Farhat , Khouja Mohamed Larbi , Chemli Rachid , Harzallah‐Skhiri Fathia
Published: September 2009

The essential‐oil composition of 60 individual trees of Juniperus phoenicea L. from four Tunisian populations in three different periods were investigated by GC and GC/MS analyses. 59 Compounds were identified in the oils, and a relatively high variation in their contents was found. All the oils were dominated by the terpenic hydrocarbon fraction, and the main component was α‐pinene (20.28–40.86%). The results of the oil compositions were processed by hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis (PCA) allowing establishing four groups of essential‐oils differentiated by one compound or more. Pattern of geographic variation in essential‐oil composition indicated that individuals from the continental site (Makthar) were clearly distinguished from those from littoral localities (Tabarka, Hawaria, and Rimel).
Immunosuppressive Withanolides from Withania coagulans
Authors: Huang Chao‐Feng , Ma Lei , Sun Li‐Juan , Ali Mumtaz , Arfan Mohammad , Liu Jian‐Wen , Hu Li‐Hong
Published: September 2009

Six new withanolides, withacoagulins A–F (1–6, resp.), together with ten known withanolides, 7–16, were isolated from the aerial parts of Withania coagulans. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic techniques including 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR (1H, 13C, HMQC, and HMBC) and MS experiments. These compounds, including the crude extracts of this herb, exhibited strong inhibitory activities on the T‐ and B‐cell proliferation.
Structural Variations and Molecular Dynamics of Rare‐Earth Metal Complexes with the N,N‐Bis(2‐{pyrid‐2‐yl}ethyl)hydroxylaminato Ligand
Authors: Hellmann Benjamin J. , Venugopal Ajay , Mix Andreas , Neumann Beate , Stammler Hans‐Georg , Willner Alexander , Pape Tanja , Hepp Alexander , Mitzel Norbert W.
Published: September 2009

The reaction of the donor‐functionalised N,N‐bis(2‐{pyrid‐2‐yl}ethyl)hydroxylamine and [LnCp3] (Cp=cyclopentadiene) resulted in the formation of bis(cyclopentadienyl) hydroxylaminato rare‐earth metal complexes of the general constitution [Ln(C5H5)2{ON(C2H4‐o‐Py)2}] (Py= pyridyl) with Ln=Lu (1), Y (2), Ho (3), Sm (4), Nd (5), Pr (6), La (7). These compounds were characterised by elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, NMR spectroscopy (for compounds 1, 2, 4 and 7) and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction experiments. The complexes exhibit three different aggregation modes and binding motifs in the solid state. The late rare‐earth metal atoms (Lu, Y, Ho and Sm) form monomeric complexes of the formula [Ln(C5H5)2{η2‐ON(C2H4‐η1‐o‐Py)(C2H4‐o‐Py)}] (1–4, respectively), in which one of the pyridyl nitrogen donor atoms is bonded to the metal atom in addition to the side‐on coordinating hydroxylaminato unit. The larger Nd3+ and Pr3+ ions in 5 and 6 make the hydroxylaminato unit capable of dimerising through the oxygen atoms. This leads to the dimeric complexes [(Ln(C5H5)2{μ‐η1:η2‐ON(C2H4‐o‐Py)2})2] without metal–pyridine bonds. Compound 7 exhibits a dimeric coordination mode similar to the complexes 5 and 6, but, in addition, two pyridyl functions coordinate to the lanthanum atoms leading to the [(La(C5H5)2{ON(C2H4‐o‐Py)}{μ‐η1:η2‐ON(C2H4‐η1‐o‐Py)})2] complex. The aggregation trend is directly related to the size of the metal ions. The complexes with coordinative pyridine–metal bonds show highly dynamic behaviour in solution. The two pyridine nitrogen atoms rapidly change their coordination to the metal atom at ambient temperature. Variable‐temperature (VT) NMR experiments showed that this dynamic exchange can be frozen on the NMR timescale.
Metal–Organic Perovskites: Synthesis, Structures, and Magnetic Properties of [C(NH2)3][MII(HCOO)3] (M=Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn; C(NH2)3= Guanidinium)
Authors: Hu Ke‐Li , Kurmoo Mohamedally , Wang Zheming , Gao Song
Published: September 2009

We report the synthesis, crystal structures, and spectral, thermal, and magnetic properties of a family of metal–organic perovskite ABX3, [C(NH2)3][MII(HCOO)3], in which A=C(NH2)3 is guanidinium, B=M is a divalent metal ion (Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, or Zn), and X is the formate HCOO−. The compounds could be synthesized by either diffusion or hydrothermal methods from water or water‐rich solutions depending on the metal. The five members (Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, and Zn) are isostructural and crystallize in the orthorhombic space group Pnna, while the Cu member in Pna21. In the perovskite structures, the octahedrally coordinated metal ions are connected by the anti–anti formate bridges, thus forming the anionic NaCl‐type [M(HCOO)3]− frameworks, with the guanidinium in the nearly cubic cavities of the frameworks. The Jahn–Teller effect of Cu2+ results in a distorted anionic Cu–formate framework that can be regarded as Cu–formate chains through short basal CuO bonds linked by the long axial CuO bonds. These materials show higher thermal stability than other metal–organic perovskite series of [AmineH][M(HCOO)3] templated by the organic monoammonium cations (AmineH+) as a result of the stronger hydrogen bonding between guanidinium and the formate of the framework. A magnetic study revealed that the five magnetic members (except Zn) display spin‐canted antiferromagnetism, with a Néel temperature of 8.8 (Mn), 10.0 (Fe), 14.2 (Co), 34.2 (Ni), and 4.6 K (Cu). In addition to the general spin‐canted antiferromagnetism, the Fe compound shows two isothermal transformations (a spin‐flop and a spin‐flip to the paramagnetic phase) within 50 kOe. The Co member possesses quite a large canting angle. The Cu member is a magnetic system with low dimensional character and shows slow magnetic relaxation that probably results from the domain dynamics.
A DFT‐Based Analysis of the Grossly Varying Reactivity Pattern in Room‐Temperature Activation and Dehydrogenation of CH4 by Main‐Group Atomic M+ (M=Ga, Ge, As, and Se)
Authors: Zhang Xinhao , Schwarz Helmut
Published: September 2009

Insight into the mechanism(s) of the recently reported thermal reactions of methane with the main‐group atomic cations Ga+, Ge+, As+ and Se+ (A. Shayesteh et al. J. Phys. Chem. A 2009, 113, 5602) has been obtained from DFT‐based calculations including relativistic effects. Excellent agreement with the experimental findings has been achieved, and a coherent description of the reactivity is provided. For example, the chemical inertness of the Ga+/CH4 couple is due to an endergonic formation of an encounter complex as well as a high endothermicity for the dehydrogenation of methane (ΔG298=84.7 kcal mol−1). For Ge+/CH4, formation of an encounter complex is slightly exergonic (ΔG298=−8.9 kcal mol−1) and thus is observed with low efficiency; the dehydrogenation path, however, is not accessible (ΔG298=13.6 kcal mol−1). For the Se+/CH4 couple, the significantly enhanced rate of adduct formation is suggested to result from a spin–orbit‐mediated quartet–doublet spin flip that generates the insertion product [(H)Se(CH3)]+, 2Se‐3, in its doublet state rather than forming a simple encounter complex. For the dehydrogenation of 2Se‐3 to generate 2[Se(CH2)]+, various mechanistic variants have been explored, all of which, however, involve transition structures that are located energetically above the entrance channel, thus preventing the reaction from occurring. In contrast, facile and efficient dehydrogenation of CH4 by ground‐state As+ (3P0) takes place, and this reaction constitutes a textbook example of the operation of a two‐state reactivity scenario. Here, a triplet–singlet conversion occurs along the oxidative insertion of As+ into the CH bond of CH4 to generate [(H)As(CH3)]+ in its singlet state. From this intermediate, which constitutes the global minimum on the As+/CH4 potential energy surface, dehydrogenation is brought about by a sequence of α‐hydrogen migration and reductive elimination of molecular hydrogen from the hydride carbene complex 1As‐5. The potential energy surfaces for the As+/CH4 couple are remarkably similar irrespective of including or ignoring relativistic effects in the calculations.
Microwave‐Assisted Cross‐Coupling and Hydrogenation Chemistry by Using Heterogeneous Transition‐Metal Catalysts: An Evaluation of the Role of Selective Catalyst Heating
Authors: Irfan Muhammed , Fuchs Michael , Glasnov Toma N. , Kappe C. Oliver
Published: September 2009

The concept of specific microwave effects in solid/liquid catalytic processes resulting from the selective heating of a microwave‐absorbing heterogeneous transition‐metal catalyst by using 2.45 GHz microwave irradiation was evaluated. As model transformations Ni/C‐, Cu/C‐, Pd/C‐, and Pd/Al2O3‐catalyzed carbon–carbon/carbon–heteroatom cross‐couplings and hydrogenation reactions were investigated. To probe the existence of specific microwave effects by means of selective catalyst heating in these transformations, control experiments comparing microwave dielectric heating and conventional thermal heating at the same reaction temperature were performed. Although the supported metal catalysts were experimentally found to be strongly microwave absorbing, for all chemistry examples investigated herein no differences in reaction rate or selectivity between microwave and conventional heating experiments under carefully controlled conditions were observed. This was true also for reactions that use low‐absorbing or microwave transparent solvents, and was independent of the microwave absorbtivity of the catalyst support material. In the case of hydrogenation reactions, the stirring speed was found to be a critical factor on the mass transfer between gas and liquid phase, influencing the rate of the hydrogenation in both microwave and conventionally heated experiments.
Synthesis of Modified 4H‐1,2,4‐Benzothiadiazine‐1,1‐dioxides and Determination of their Affinity and Selectivity for Different Types of KATPChannels
Authors: Lachenicht Stefan , Fischer Andreas , Schmidt Claas , Winkler Marcus , Rood Achim , Lemoine Horst , Braun Manfred
Published: September 2009

4H‐1,2,4‐Benzothiadiazine‐1,1‐dioxides with various substituents in positions 3, 5, and 7 were synthesized and tested as KATPchannel agonists in artificial cell systems (CHO cells transfected with SUR1/Kir6.2, and HEK 293 transfected with SUR2B/Kir6.1) as model systems for insulin‐secreting pancreatic β‐cells and for smooth muscle cells, respectively. The effects of agonists were tested in intact cells using DiBAC4(3) [bis‐(1,3‐dibarbituric acid)trimethine oxanol] as a membrane potential dye, and the results compared with their binding affinity for the SUR2B‐type KATPchannels using the radioligand [3H]P1075. Compounds with cycloalkyl and (cycloalkyl)methyl side chains in position 3 had higher affinities towards the SUR2B/Kir6.1 receptor compared with the parent compound diazoxide (1 a). Compounds with bulky, nonpolar residues in position 3 exhibited remarkable selectivity for SUR2B‐type KATPchannels. The compound substituted with a bulky (1‐adamantyl)methyl residue exhibited micromolar affinity and activity on SUR2B‐type KATPchannels without being able to activate the SUR1‐type KATPchannels.
Is anti‐doping analysis so far from clinical, legal or forensic targets?: The added value of close relationships between related disciplines
Authors: Segura Jordi
Published: September 2009

There are many areas of common interest between anti‐doping laboratories and those working in the clinical, legal and forensic fields. In addition to methodological similarities, there are aspects of the findings in sport drug testing that overlap with other fields in such a way that sport drug testing and clinical, legal or forensic work may benefit from mutual interaction. Three recent examples are presented from the author's experience. Case report 1 concerns the clinical relevance of hCG findings in sport drug testing as potential indicators of the presence of a (testicular) tumour in athletes. Case report 2 refers to difficulties that accredited laboratories can encounter due to differences between national legal systems and the administrative regulation systems of sport authorities. The example involves a network of blood collection for further autologous transfusion. Case report 3 relates to additional forensic‐type investigations needed to interpret a situation where intoxication of a whole delegation was responsible for apparent doping cases. Clinical, legal and forensic fields must recognize the added value that some results and developments coming from anti‐doping laboratories may have. At the same time anti‐doping analysts should be aware of new issues, methodologies and problems appearing in related fields. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Total Synthesis of Phenanthro‐Quinolizidine Alkaloids: (±)‐Cryptopleurine, (±)‐Boehmeriasin A, (±)‐Boehmeriasin B and (±)‐Hydroxycryptopleurine
Authors: Cui Mingbo , Wang Qingmin
Published: September 2009

The first synthesis of (±)‐boehmeriasin A and B and a concise synthesis of (±)‐cryptopleurine and (±)‐hydroxycryptopleurine are described. The piperidine ring of these alkaloids was constructed by the coupling of the phenanthrene ring with 2‐bromopyridine through a nucleophilic substitution reaction and subsequent reduction of the resulting pyridyl ketone. The first crystal structure of a phenanthro‐quinolizidine alkaloid is also reported. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Thermal Rearrangements of Monoterpenes and Monoterpenoids
Authors: Stolle Achim , Ondruschka Bernd , Hopf Henning
Published: September 2009

The thermal conversions of monoterpenes and monoterpenoids are an interesting field of research with respect to mechanistic, kinetic, and theoretical issues. Since the beginning of the 20th century, these reactions have attracted the interest of many research groups, and even today there are sufficient problems and questions to deal with. This review covers the thermal isomerization chemistry of pinanes, pinenes, carenes, and thujenes over the past 70 years. Categorization of these compounds into groups, each of them being represented by a small parent molecule (cyclobutane, vinylcyclobutane, vinylcyclopropane), allows systematization of multitude of publications.
Synthesis of Deuterium‐Labeled Perfume Ingredients as Internal Standards for Their GC/MS Quantification
Authors: Chapuis Christian , Cantatore Carole , Fankhauser Peter , Challand René , Riedhauser Jean‐Jacques
Published: September 2009

The synthesis of various D‐labeled perfume ingredients (orris‐like, sandalwood‐like, musky, and amber‐like) is presented. These substances, possessing practically identical H2O/solid and solid/gas partition coefficients as their unlabeled analogues, are used as internal standards for the validation of a new analytical GC/MS method for the determination of low residual concentrations in H2O after biodegradability tests.
The heat transfer heterogeneities of bends in flow boiling of hairpin tubes
Authors: Meng Meng , Peng Xiao‐Feng
Published: September 2009

A series of visual experiments were conducted for liquid– vapor two‐phase flow in hairpin tubes, and it was observed that most of the nucleation sites were located at the outer tube wall of the bend. From the simulation, it was concluded that the uneven velocity distribution in the bend induced the heat transfer heterogeneity. Furthermore, the nucleation of both the inner and outer tube wall of the bend and the wall temperature distribution were discussed to understand the physical phenomena. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20269
Oxidative status in iron‐deficiency anemia
Authors: Yoo Jong‐Ha , Maeng Ho‐Young , Sun Young‐Kyu , Kim Young‐Ah , Park Dong‐Wook , Park Tae Sung , Lee Seung Tae , Choi Jong‐Rak
Published: September 2009

Oxidative stress is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidant molecules that can play an important role in the pathogenesis of iron‐deficiency anemia (IDA). The aim of this study was to investigate oxidative status in patients with IDA and alteration of oxidative status after iron treatment. Thirty‐three female patients with IDA and 25 healthy controls were included in this study. Oxidant and total antioxidant capacity were determined using free oxygen radicals test and free oxygen radicals defence (Form CR 3000, Callegari, Parma, Italy). Catalase activity was measured by spectrophotometer using a commercially available kit (Bioxytech Catalase‐520, OxisResearch, Portland, OR). Oxidant activity in patients with IDA was significantly higher than controls (P<0.05), while total antioxidant and catalase activity were significantly lower (P<0.05). After treatment, oxidant, antioxidant, and catalase activity reached the levels of the control group, and no significant differences were observed among groups (P>0.05). In conclusion, our data indicate that blood reactive oxygen species was lower and total antioxidant and catalase activity were higher after rather than before treatment in patients with IDA. The results of our study support the higher oxidative stress hypothesis in IDA; however, due to the limited number of cases included, more studies may be required to confirm the results. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 23:319–323, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Correlation between Etest®, disk diffusion, and microdilution methods for antifungal susceptibility testing of Candida species from infection and colonization
Authors: Negri Melyssa , Henriques Mariana , Svidzinski Terezinha I.E. , Paula Claudete Rodrigues , Oliveira Rosário
Published: September 2009

The correlation between the microdilution (MD), Etest® (ET), and disk diffusion (DD) methods was determined for amphotericin B, itraconazole and fluconazole. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of those antifungal agents was established for a total of 70 Candida spp. isolates from colonization and infection. The species distribution was: Candida albicans (n=27), C. tropicalis (n=17), C. glabrata (n=16), C. parapsilosis (n=8), and C. lusitaniae (n=2). Non‐Candida albicans Candida species showed higher MICs for the three antifungal agents when compared with C. albicans isolates. The overall concordance (based on the MIC value obtainedwithin two dilutions) between the ET and the MD method was 83% for amphotericin B, 63% for itraconazole, and 64% for fluconazole. Considering the breakpoint, the agreement between the DD and MD methods was 71% for itraconazole and 67% for fluconazole. The DD zone diameters are highly reproducible and correlate well with the MD method, making agar‐based methods a viable alternative to MD for susceptibility testing. However, data on agar‐based tests for itraconazole and amphotericin B are yet scarce. Thus, further research must still be carried out to ensure the standardization to other antifungal agents. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 23:324–330, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of DPC immulite 2000®Toxoplasma quantitative IgG/IgM kits for automated toxoplasmosis serology with immulite 2000®
Authors: Robert‐Gangneux Florence , Bourhis Chantal , Chevrier Sylviane , Gangneux Jean‐Pierre
Published: September 2009

In this study, we evaluated a new immunoassay for the automated detection of anti‐toxoplasma IgG and IgM with Immulite 2000® (DPC‐Siemens, La Garenne‐Colombes, France). We tested 280 sera from 112 patients with past infection (PI), 40 PI with residual IgM, 75 seronegatives, 16 infants (31 sera) monitored for neonatal screening of congenital toxoplasmosis, and 13 patients with recent seroconversion (SC) (22 sequential sera). Detection sensitivity and specificity for IgG were 99 and 100%, respectively. IgG titers obtained with Immulite 2000® were higher than with Vidas® (BioMérieux, Marcy I'Etoile, France) and Access® (Beckman‐Coulter, Villepinte, France) (paired Wilcoxon test z=4.44 and z=3.67, respectively, P<0.001). IgM specificity was 100%. Detection sensitivity for IgM was 100% in the SC group, 86% in congenitally infected infants, and 75% in PI with persistent IgM. IgM detection seemed less prolonged in time than with the IgM Access® and ISAGA® IgM techniques. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 23:336–340, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Epstein–Barr virus BZLF1 gene promoter variants in pediatric patients with acute infectious mononucleosis: Its comparison with pediatric lymphomas
Authors: Lorenzetti Mario Alejandro , Gutiérrez Marina Inés , Altcheh Jaime , Moscatelli Guillermo , Moroni Samanta , Chabay Paola Andrea , Preciado María Victoria
Published: September 2009

Epstein–Barr virus genotypes can be distinguished by polymorphic variations in the genes encoding EBNA2, 3A, 3B, and 3C. The immediate early gene BZLF1 plays a key role in modulating the switch from latency to lytic replication and therefore enabling viral propagation. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare BZLF1 promoter sequence (Zp) variation in pediatric infectious mononucleosis (IM) and in pediatric EBV positive lymphoma biopsies. Zp was sequenced from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and throat swabs from 10 patients with IM at the time of diagnosis (D0) and during convalescence; and from 13 lymphoma biopsies. Zp − P and Zp − V3 variants were found in eight and one IM patients, as well as in five and six tumor biopsies, respectively. A correlation between viral genotype and Zp variant was found significant for Zp − V3 and EBV2 (P = 0.0002). One IM patient harbored two concomitant Zp variants. Regardless of anatomical compartment or stage of disease all IM patients displayed the same Zp variant along the course of the study. No new infections or adaptative selection of different variants was evidenced. A new Zp variant (Zp − V3 + 49) was described in two Hodgkin lymphomas, but not in IM. This is the first study to describe Zp variants compartmentalization in children with acute EBV infection and convalescence in a developing country; and comparing them with Zp variants in pediatric lymphomas from the same geographic area. J. Med. Virol. 81:1912–1917, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Alterations in calcium signaling and a decrease in Bcl‐2 expression: Possible correlation with apoptosis in aged striatum
Authors: Ureshino R.P. , Bertoncini C.R. , Fernandes M.J.S. , Abdalla F.M.F. , Porto C.S. , Hsu Y.‐T. , Lopes G.S. , Smaili S.S.
Published: September 2009

Aging is a multifaceted process associated with various functional and structural deficits that might be evolved in degenerative diseases. It has been shown that neurodegenerative disorders are associated with alterations in Ca2+ homeostasis. Thus, in the present work, we have investigated Ca2+ signaling and apoptosis in aged striatum. Our results show that glutamate and NMDA evoke a greater Ca2+ rise in striatum slices from aged animals. However, this difference is not present when glutamate is tested in the absence of external Ca2+. Immunostaining of glutamate receptors shows that only NMDA receptors (NR1) are increased in the striatum of aged rats. Increases in mitochondrial Ca2+ content and in the reactive oxygen species levels were also observed in aged animals, which could be associated with tissue vulnerability. In addition, a decrease in the Bcl‐2 protein expression and an enhancement in apoptosis were also present in aged striatum. Together the results indicate that, in aged animals, alterations in Ca2+ handling coupled to an increase in ROS accumulation and a decrease in the prosurvival protein Bcl‐2 may contribute to apoptosis induction and cell death in rat striatum. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Free flap options for reconstruction of complicated scalp and calvarial defects: Report of a series of cases and literature review
Authors: Chang Kao‐Ping , Lai Ching‐Hung , Chang Chih‐Hau , Lin Chih‐Lung , Lai Chung‐Sheng , Lin Sin‐Daw
Published: September 2009

Objective:

The advent of free tissue transfer has offered several options that allow the restoration of both the structural and functional defects of the scalp and calvaria caused by malignant tumors or sequelae after trauma. This study aims to investigate the free flap options for complicated scalp and calvarial reconstructions.

Methods:

There were 12 free tissue transfers used to reconstruct scalp and calvarial defects in this study, with nine acute or subacute wounds resulting from trauma or cranietomy, two congenital hydrocephalus post ventriculo‐peritoneal shunting and one primary cancer. They consisted of five fasciocutaneous flaps (four anterolateral thigh fasciocutaneous flaps and one deep inferior epigastric perforator flap) and seven myocutaenosu flaps (five anterolateral thigh myocutaneous flaps and two rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps).

Results:

The overall flap success rate was 100%. There were no major complications except for one where wound dehiscence was caused by hematoma accumulation and was healed by local debridement. All donor sites underwent primary closure except for three receiving split‐thickness skin grafting after bulky anterolateral thigh flap harvest. No major donor‐site morbidity was observed except for one patient with some graft loss.

Conclusions:

With its evident structural and functional advantages, fasciocutaneous flaps were suitable for larger scalp defect only and myocutaneous flaps can be considered as an excellent reconstructive option for complicated scalp and calvarial defects, especially where dead space coexists. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 2010.
Extended exhaled nitric oxide analysis in field surveys of schoolchildren: A pilot test
Authors: Linn William S. , Rappaport Edward B. , Berhane Kiros T. , Bastain Tracy M. , Salam Muhammad T. , Gilliland Frank D.
Published: September 2009

Extended exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) analysis can distinguish proximal and distal airway contributions to FeNO. Thus, it has the potential to detect effects of different environmental influences, allergic phenotypes, and genetic variants on proximal and distal airways. However, its feasibility in field surveys has not been demonstrated, and models for estimating compartmental NO contributions have not been standardized. In this study we verified that extended NO tests can be performed by children in schools, and assessed different analytical models to estimate bronchial flux and alveolar NO concentration. We tested students at a middle school, using EcoMedics NO analyzers with ambient NO scrubbers, at flows of 50 (conventional), 30, 100, and 300 ml/sec, with 2–3 trials at each flow. Data from 65 children were analyzed by two linear and four nonlinear published models, plus a new empirical nonlinear model. Bronchial NO flux estimates from different models differed in magnitude but were strongly correlated (r ≥ 0.95), and increased in subjects with allergic asthma. Alveolar concentration estimates differed among models and did not consistently show the same effects of allergy or asthma. A novel index of nonlinear behavior of NO output versus flow was significantly related to asthma status, and not strongly correlated with bronchial flux or alveolar concentration. Field‐based extended NO testing of children can yield useful information about NO in different regions of the respiratory tract that is not obtainable from conventional FeNO. Extended NO analysis holds promise for investigating environmental and genetic determinants of regional airway inflammatory states. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2009; 44:1033–1042. ©2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Innovation objectives, knowledge sources, and the benefits of breadth
Authors: Leiponen Aija , Helfat Constance E.
Published: September 2009

Given the inherent risk of innovative activity, firms can improve the odds of success by pursuing multiple parallel objectives. Because innovation draws on many sources of ideas, firms also may improve their odds of successful innovation by accessing a large number of knowledge sources. In this study, we conduct one of the first firm‐level statistical analyses of the impact on innovation of breadth in both innovation objectives and knowledge sources. The empirical results suggest that broader horizons with respect to innovation objectives and knowledge sources are associated with successful innovation. We do not find diminishing returns to breadth in innovation objectives, which suggests that firms may tend to search too narrowly. We interpret these results in light of well‐known cognitive biases toward searching in relatively familiar domains. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inequalities Between Kappa and Kappa-Like Statistics for k × k Tables
Authors: Warrens Matthijs J.
Published: September 2009

The paper presents inequalities between four descriptive statistics that can be expressed in the form [P − E(P)]/[1 − E(P)], where P is the observed proportion of agreement of a k × k table with identical categories, and E(P) is a function of the marginal probabilities. Scott’s π is an upper bound of Goodman and Kruskal’s λ and a lower bound of both Bennett et al. S and Cohen’s κ. We introduce a concept for the marginal probabilities of the k×k table called weak marginal symmetry. Using the rearrangement inequality, it is shown that Bennett et al. S is an upper bound of Cohen’s κ if the k×k table is weakly marginal symmetric.
Palmar Xanthoma—An Indicator of a More Sinister Problem
Authors: Sharma Devesh , Thirkannad Sunil
Published: September 2009

Multiple palmar xanthomas may often be seen first by the hand surgeon. One such case presented to us in the hand clinic. Further investigations revealed the presence of a more sinister metabolic problem of type III hyperlipoproteinemia. We discuss the details of this case and review relevant literature on the subject.
Scratch Collapse Test Localizes Osborne's Band as the Point of Maximal Nerve Compression in Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: Brown Justin M. , Mokhtee David , Evangelista Maristella S. , Mackinnon Susan E.
Published: September 2009

The objective of this study is to demonstrate the utility of the scratch collapse test (SCT) in localizing the point of maximal compression in cubital tunnel syndrome. From January 1, 2004 to December 1, 2005, 64 adult patients with cubital tunnel syndrome were evaluated by a single surgeon. Cubital tunnel syndrome was diagnosed based upon symptoms of numbness, tingling, and/or pain in the ulnar nerve distribution or by the presence of weakness or wasting of the ulnar-innervated intrinsic hand muscles. All diagnoses were confirmed with electrodiagnostic studies. As part of the physical examination, the SCT was performed along three subdivided segments in the region of the cubital tunnel. Results of the SCT were recorded and correlated with intraoperative findings. Of the 64 patients evaluated, 44 had a positive SCT that was either more profound or solely present a few centimeters distal to the medial epicondyle in the region of Osborne's band. All of these patients subsequently underwent anterior submuscular transposition and were found to have a tight compression point at Osborne's band corresponding to their preoperative SCT. This study suggests that the scratch collapse test may be a reliable physical examination technique for localizing the point of maximal nerve compression in patients with cubital tunnel syndrome. That point, in this series, corresponded with Osborne's band.
Details and acceptability of a nutrition intervention programme designed to improve the contents of children’s packed lunches
Authors: Cleghorn Christine L , Evans Charlotte EL , Kitchen Meaghan S , Cade Janet E
Published: September 2009

Objective

To describe the ‘Smart Lunch Box’ intervention and provide details on feedback from the participants on the acceptability and usability of the intervention materials.

Design

A cluster randomised controlled trial, randomised by school. English schools were stratified on percentage free-school-meals eligibility and attainment at Key Stage 2. A ‘Smart Lunch Box’ with supporting materials and activities on healthy eating was delivered to parents and children via schools in the intervention group. Feedback forms containing information on a total of fifteen intervention items were filled out by the parents and/or children participating in the intervention and were collected after each of the three phases of the intervention.

Setting

Eighty-nine primary schools in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, randomly selected; forty-four schools in the intervention arm.

Subjects

A total of 1294 children, aged 9–10 years, took part in the trial. Of the 604 children in the intervention arm, 343 provided feedback after at least one of the three phases.

Results

A median of twelve items out of a total of fifteen were used by responders. The two intervention items most likely to be used were the individual food boxes and the cooler bags. Whether a participant liked an item significantly affected whether they used it for all items except the cooler bag, fruity face and individual food boxes.

Conclusions

Practical intervention items aimed at parents are likely to be used in the longer term and therefore may be appropriate for use in an intervention strategy to improve packed lunches.