bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of Cellulose Interaction with Concentrated Solutions of Sulfuric Acid
Authors: Ioelovich Michael
Published: November 2012

The effect of the concentration of sulfuric acid (SA) and temperature on structure and properties of cellulose (MCC) had been studied. Investigations showed that solubility of the initial sample at the room temperature increased gradually in the range of the acid concentration from 50 to 60 wt.% SA. When SA concentration reached 65 wt.%, then MCC sample dissolved completely. Cellulose regenerated from 65 wt.% SA had an amorphized structure and was characterized by high enzymatic digestibility. At increased temperature, 45°C, solubility of MCC in SA was raised, while yield and DP decreased. After treatment of MCC with hot 50–60 wt.% SA, the crystallinity degree of the obtained cellulose samples changed slightly, and these samples retained mainly the CI crystalline polymorph. However, when SA concentration reached 65 wt.%, then regenerated cellulose had CII crystalline polymorph, reduced crystallinity degree, and low DP. Using optimal conditions of the acidic treatment (57–60 wt.% SA,T= 45°C;t=1 h) in combination with the high-power disintegration permitted obtaining the CI nanocrystalline cellulose particles (NCP) having sizes 150–200 × 10–20 nm with the heightened yield (65–70%). These NCP can be used, for example, as reinforcing nanofillers for various composites.
Theoretical Study of Hydrogen Bond Formation in Trimethylene Glycol-Water Complex
Authors: Pal Snehanshu , Kundu T. K.
Published: November 2012

A detailed quantum chemical calculation based study of hydrogen bond formation in trimethylene glycol- (TMG-) water complex has been performed by Hatree-Fock (HF) method, second-order Møller-Plesset perturbation theory (MP2), density functional theory (DFT), and density functional theory with dispersion function (DFT-D) using 6-31++G(d,p) basis set. B3LYP DFT-D, WB97XD, M06, and M06-2X functionals are used to capture highly dispersive hydrogen bond formation. Geometrical parameters, interaction energy, deviation of potential energy curve of hydrogen-bonded O–H from that of free O–H, natural bond orbital (NBO), atom in molecule (AIM), charge transfer, and red shift are investigated. It is observed that hydrogen bond between TMG and water molecule is stronger in case of TMG acting as proton donor compared to that of water acting as proton donor, and dilute TMG solution would inhibit water cluster formation.
Effects of Thermal Diffusion and Radiation on Unsteady MHD Free Convection Flow Past an Infinite Heated Vertical Plate in a Porous Medium
Authors: Sivaiah S. , Anitha K. , Venkataramana S.
Published: November 2012

We have explored the influence of thermal diffusion and radiation on unsteady magnetohydrodynamic free convection flow past an infinite heated vertical plate in a porous medium. The governing boundary layer equations are written into a dimensionless form by similarity transformations. The transformed nonlinear differential equations are solved numerically with finite element methods. Numerical calculations are carried out for different values of dimensionless parameters. The results are presented graphically for velocity, temperature, and concentration profiles and show that the flow field and other quantities of physical interest are significantly influenced by these parameters.
Attitudes and Beliefs towards Patients with Hazardous Alcohol Use: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mabood Neelam , Zhou Hansen , Dong Kathryn A. , Ali Samina , Wild T. Cameron , Newton Amanda S.
Published: November 2012

Objective. To describe emergency department (ED) staff attitudes and beliefs towards patients presenting with hazardous alcohol use and their clinical management.
Methods. A search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, SCOPUS from 1990 to 2010, and reference lists from included studies was conducted. Two reviewers independently screened for inclusion and assessed study quality. One reviewer extracted the data and a second checked for completeness and accuracy. Results. Among nine studies four reported varied beliefs on whether screening was worthwhile for identifying hazardous alcohol use (physicians: 42%–88%; nurses: 50%–100%). Physicians in three studies were divided on intervention provision (32%–54% in support of intervention provision) as were nurses in two studies (39% and 64% nurses in support of intervention provision). Referral for treatment was identified in two studies as an important part of ED management (physicians: 62% and 97%; nurses: 95%). Other attitudes and beliefs identified across the studies included concern that asking about alcohol consumption would be seen as obtrusive or offensive, and a perceived lack of time and resources available for providing care and referrals. Conclusions. ED staff had varying attitudes towards ED management of patients with hazardous alcohol use. Investigations into improving clinical care for hazardous alcohol use are needed to optimize ED management for these patients.
Directive Production of Pullulan by Altering Cheap Source of Carbons and Nitrogen at 5 L Bioreactor Level
Authors: Sheoran Sunil K. , Dubey Kashyap Kumar , Tiwari D. P. , Singh Bhanu P.
Published: November 2012

In the present paper, attempts have been made to control the production of pullulan by supplementing commercial source of carbons and protein, timely. Pullulan production was regulated by supplying full fat soya flour and hydrolyzed soya extract, individually and in combination. Pullulan quantification was assayed for sensitivity to pullulanase. Aureobasidium pullulans was found to produce 125.7 gL−1 of pullulan. The rotation speed of shake flask, the pH of broth, and the supply of air were maintained at 180 rpm, 5.9, and 1.5 vvm air, respectively. The effect of carbons and lipids on pullulan production was noticed to be substrate specific. However, after the lapse of 36 h, addition of full fat soya floor and hydrolyzed soya extract in combination enhanced the pullulan production 125.7 gL−1. Besides this, pH of broth was also noticed as a critical factor in monitoring pullulan biosynthesis. The newly isolated mutant Aureobasidium pullulans, having high potential for pullulan production as compared to existing data, can be well used for commercialization of pullulan.
Inhibitory Effects of Trehalose on Malignant Melanoma Cell Growth: Implications for a Novel Topical Anticancer Agent on the Ocular Surface
Authors: Kudo Takashi , Takeuchi Kimio , Ebina Yu-ichi , Nakazawa Mitsuru
Published: November 2012

Purpose. To investigate the inhibitory effects of trehalose on malignant melanoma cell growth.Methods. We cultured human malignant melanoma cells in a medium containing trehalose (control/2.5%/5.0%/7.5%/10.0%) and used the MTT assay to evaluate the growth activities. Subsequently, trehalose was topically instilled on subconjunctivally inoculated melanoma cells in F334/NJcl-rmu/rmu rats, followed by a histopathological evaluation of tumor growth. Using flow cytometry, we compared the distribution of the cell cycle, rate of apoptotic cells, and intracellular factors related to the cell cycle in cultured melanoma cells after trehalose treatment.Results. The MTT study showed that proliferation of melanoma cells was significantly inhibited by ≧ 5% of trehalose concentrations in the culture media. Subconjunctivally inoculated melanoma cell masses were significantly smaller in eyes administered trehalose as compared to controls. Flow cytometry analyses demonstrated that the trehalose groups had increased rates of G2/M phase cells and apoptotic cells in the cell culture. These cells also exhibited increased expressions of cell-cycle inhibitory factors.Conclusions. The current results show trehalose inhibits malignant melanoma cell growth by inducing G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, suggesting trehalose as a potential candidate for a topical agent to inhibit proliferation of malignant tumor cells of the ocular surface.
Evaluation of Facial Esthetics in Rehabilitated Adults with Complete Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate: A Comparison between Professionals with and without Experience in Oral Cleft Rehabilitation
Authors: Almeida Araci Malagodi , Capelozza Filho Leopoldino , Ferrari Junior Flavio Mauro , Lauris Rita de Cassia Moura Carvalho , Garib Daniela Gamba
Published: November 2012

Objectives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the facial esthetics of White-Brazilian adults with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) rehabilitated at a single center. Design. 30 patients (13 females; 17 males; mean age of 24.0 years), rehabilitated at a single center, were photographed and evaluated by 25 examiners, 5 orthodontists, and 5 plastic surgeons dealing with oral clefts, 5 orthodontists and 5 plastic surgeons with no experience in the cleft treatment, and 5 laymen. Their facial profiles were classified into esthetically unpleasant, esthetically acceptable, and esthetically pleasant. Results. Orthodontists dealing with oral clefts classified the majority of the sample as esthetically pleasant. Plastic surgeons dealing with oral cleft, orthodontists, and plastic surgeons without experience with oral clefts classified most of the sample as esthetically acceptable. Laymen evaluation also considered the majority of the sample as esthetically acceptable. Conclusions. The facial profiles of rehabilitated adults with UCLP were classified mostly as esthetically acceptable, with variations among the categories of examiners. The examiners dealing with oral clefts gave higher scores to the facial esthetics when compared to professionals without experience in oral clefts and laypersons, probably due to their knowledge of the limitations involved in the rehabilitation process.
A Review of Long-Term Mechanical Circulatory Support as Destination Therapy: Evolving Paradigms for Treatment of Advanced Heart Failure
Authors: Valika Ali A. , Cotts William
Published: November 2012

Left ventricular assist devices as long-term mechanical circulatory support are increasingly utilized as an option for medically refractory advanced heart failure. Rapid advances in this field, from pulsatile paracorporeal flow pumps to now more advanced intracorporeal continuous flow devices, have led to more wide spread use of device therapy. Several trials have now confirmed the survival benefits of ventricular assist devices, not only as a method for bridging patients waiting on the transplant list, but also as an evolving paradigm of destination therapy. Significant improvements in quality of life and functional status have been reported in patients receiving these devices. Survival outcomes with this therapy continue to improve, and long term durability of newer generation devices remains yet to be discerned. Comparative data to heart transplantation remains scarce. This paper will focus on the historical development of ventricular assist device therapy for advanced heart failure, review major trials of destination therapy, and look at comparative literature in the modern era to cardiac transplantation.
Feasibility of Detecting Pulmonary Embolism Using Noncontrast MRI
Authors: Mudge C. S. , Healey T. T. , Atalay M. K. , Pezzullo J. A.
Published: November 2012

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of detecting pulmonary emboli utilizing noncontrast magnetic resonance imaging techniques in patients with known pulmonary embolism. Materials and Methods. Eleven patients were enrolled in a study to evaluate right ventricular function by cardiac MRI in patients diagnosed with acute pulmonary embolism on CT pulmonary angiogram. Cardiac MRI was performed as soon as possible following pulmonary embolism detection. Two independent observers reviewed the precontrast portion of each MRI, scoring right, left, and lobar arteries as positive or negative for PE. The CTs were reviewed and interpreted in the same manner. Results. MRI was obtained on average of 40 hours after the CT. Forty-eight vessels were affected by PE on CT, 69% of which were identified on MRI. All eight pulmonary emboli located in the right or left pulmonary arteries were detected on MRI. Of the 15 pulmonary emboli that were not detected on MRI, 7 were subsegmental, 6 were segmental, and 2 were located in a branch not included in the MRI field of view. Conclusions. Most pulmonary emboli detected on CT were identified on noncontrast MRI, even though our MRI protocol was not optimized for pulmonary artery visualization.
Effect of Potassium Ions on Protoplast Generation during Yeast Induction from Mucor circinelloides Tieghem
Authors: Omoifo C. O.
Published: November 2012

Mucor circinelloides aerobically exhibits coenocytic thallic growth habit with straight and circinate sporangiophores which culminate in globose or pyriform columellae enclosed within sporangial walls. It undergoes dimorphic switch with its conversion to multipolar budding yeast-like cells or thallic conidia. This paper confirms the induction of plurality of reproductive structures of the pleomorphic microorganism in minimal medium. Furthermore, construction of pH differentials at inflection points in the biphasic profiles during sporangiospore-yeast transformation indicated the intensity of H+ release from intracellular medium of the growing microorganism in a study conducted with K+ levels (0.0, 0.5, 0.7, 0.9, 1.0,1.10 g/L)-mediated broths. Optimum proton release was at 0.00 and 1.0 g/L K+-supplemented broths, but specific growth rate was least in the latter. It also coincided with a preponderance of neoplastic units, protoplasts, and terminal budding yeast cells. On either side of this K+ level, variation in morphologies, including neoplasts, protoplasts, septate hyphae, thallic, holothallic, and holoblastic conidia, was greater, although olive-green septate hyphae with vesicular conidiogenous apparatus occurred at all K+ levels tested. This study suggested that following the establishment of transmembrane pH gradient across protoplast membrane, operation of Mitchellian proton pump was further promoted, thus leading to active transport mechanism, a prelude to yeast morphology induction.
The “Power” Brow Lift: Efficient Correction of the Paralyzed Brow
Authors: Hohman Marc H. , Silver Amanda L. , Henstrom Douglas K. , Cheney Mack L. , Hadlock Tessa A.
Published: November 2012

Purpose. To describe a novel approach to brow ptosis correction and evaluate its long-term efficacy in patients with facial-paralysis-associated brow ptosis.Methods. Twenty-two patients aged from 50 to 90 years underwent “power” brow lifting, involving 3 intrabrow stab incisions and suture suspension of the brow to the frontal calvarium via titanium miniplate. Long-term results of the operation were assessed retrospectively. Pre- and postoperative photographs were measured with FACE-gram software to evaluate efficacy of the procedure.Results. Seventeen patients who underwent “power” brow lift were available for postoperative evaluation. Among them, follow-up length ranged from 12 to 448 days. The average post-operative change in brow height was 5.7 mm, which was statistically significant (). There were no complications.Conclusions. The “power” brow procedure can help to restore upper facial symmetry and visual fields and improve periocular hygiene. The operation is easily performed in an office setting, under local anesthesia, and appears to provide reliable long-term results. The time required to perform the procedure is far less than that required for a standard direct brow lift; there is no risk of postoperative forehead hypesthesia, and there is no superciliary scar.
Orofacial Clefts: A Clinical Community Study in a Developing Country
Authors: Agbenorku Pius , Diby Thomas , Agbenorku Margaret , Abude Fritz , Sefenu Randy , Osei Daniel , Kofitse Mary , Maniwa Edem
Published: November 2012

Aim.The study aimed at finding the types of orofacial clefts, reasons for delay in the repair of the deformity and medium through which patients and/or their relatives heard about the outreach program.Methods.This study was from 2009 to 2011 at two different study sites. The team visited various media houses and health facilities at each study site to disseminate information concerning the cleft outreach program. Patients and/or their parents who visited the hospitals were interviewed using a questionnaire designed for the study to retrieve needed information for the study. Patients were then examined and booked for cleft repair by specialists in the team.Results.A total of 61 patients were recorded from both study sites, with ages ranging from 3/12 to 54 years old, with a mean age of6.7±2.7(SD) years; while, male : female ratio was 1.05 : 0.5. Cleft lip only (52.5%,n=32) was the highest type of orofacial cleft recorded in the study. In terms of occurrence, complete cleft (63.9%,n=39) was majority; while, position-wise, unilateral cleft right (32.8%,n=20) was the highest. A significant (P=0.017) association between males and unilateral right cleft lips was identified. Lack of finance (47.5%,n=29) was the main reason for delaying in deformity repair. Also, information from physician (41.0%,n=25) was the major medium for information dissemination.Conclusion.Unilateral cleft lip constitutes most of the orofacial clefts in this study, with lack of finance being the commonest reason why patients delay in the repair of their deformity.
Intranasal Delivery of Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells: A Noninvasive Passage to Target Intracerebral Glioma
Authors: Reitz Matthias , Demestre Maria , Sedlacik Jan , Meissner Hildegard , Fiehler Jens , Kim Seung U. , Westphal Manfred , Schmidt Nils Ole
Published: November 2012

Stem cell-based therapies for neurological disorders, including brain tumors, advance continuously toward clinical trials. Optimized cell delivery to the central nervous system remains a challenge since direct intracerebral injection is an invasive method with low transplantation efficiency. We investigated the feasibility of intranasal administration of neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) as an alternative, noninvasive, and direct passage for the delivery of stem cells to target malignant gliomas. Tumor-targeting and migratory pathways of murine and human NSPCs were investigated by intravital magnetic resonance imaging and in histological time course analyses in the intracerebral U87, NCE-G55T2, and syngenic Gl261 glioblastoma models. Intranasally administered NSPCs displayed a rapid, targeted tumor tropism with significant numbers of NSPCs accumulating specifically at the intracerebral glioma site within 6 hours after intranasal delivery. Histological time series analysis revealed that NSPCs migrated within the first 24 hours mainly via olfactory pathways but also by systemic distribution via the microvasculature of the nasal mucosa. Intranasal application of NSPCs leads to a rapid, targeted migration of cells toward intracerebral gliomas. The directional distribution of cells accumulating intra- and peritumorally makes the intranasal delivery of NSPCs a promising noninvasive and convenient alternative delivery method for the treatment of malignant gliomas with the possibility of multiple dosing regimens.
Effect of Different Infestation Levels of Chilo Infuscatellus (Snellen) on Quantity and Quality Parameters of Sugarcane
Authors: Raza Muhammad  , Nazir Ahmad  , Qadeer Ahmad  , Maqsood Anwar Rustamani
Published: November 2012

Population dynamics of sugarcane stem borer on commercial varieties of sugarcane were evaluated. The adults of Chilo infuscatellus (Snellen) emerged from over wintering larvae during fourth week of February. The population of adults of C. infuscatellus remained low in early vegetative growth stage of sugarcane crop. The number of moth/ trap increased gradually as the growth of the crop advanced and the maximum population of 37.4± 2.20 was recorded during August. When mean number of 18.98 moth/ trap were collected. The population of C. infuscatellus was declined after August and 28.6±2.42, 14.6 ± 1.74 moths were captured/ trap in month of September and October, respectively. The infestation of sugarcane stem borers was inversely proportional to the quantity and quality of sugarcane. Maximum cane weight of 13.5 ± 0.21 and 12.1± 0.05 kg were recorded in CPF-237 and Thatta-10 varieties at 0% infestation level, while minimum at 20% infestation (9.3±0.12 and 8.5 ±0.12 kg), respectively. Highest sugar recovery (11.0 ±0.08 and 10.2±0.11%) was observed at 0% infestation while lowest (9.3±0.12 and 8.5 ±0.12%) at 20% infestation in both the varieties.
Purchasing Decision Making among Filipino Middle Income Household Heads: How Green is it?
Authors: Chaves Mary Gretchen F.
Published: November 2012

Abstract - This study examines the extent by which urban middle income household heads in Cebu City, Philippines, incorporate environment impact into their purchasing decisions. The objectives of the study are to find out: (1) the degree of importance the participants give to environmental impact as a purchase consideration; (2) the interest of participants’ to purchase an environment-friendly product when made available; and, (3) whether environmental impact as a purchase consideration is related to the participants’ interest in purchasing an environment friendly product. The results of the face-to-face structured survey participated by 500 household heads from the top ten most populated barangays in Cebu City show that environmental impact ranked third in order of importance among five purchase criteria, trailing behind price and product effectiveness. Sixty eight percent (68%) expressed their interest to purchase an environment friendly laundry product if made available in the market and if marketed as “environment friendly.” The correlation analyses show a moderately positive significant relationship between environment impact as a purchase criterion and the level of interest in purchasing an environment friendly laundry product. Implications to policy makers, marketers and environmental advocates in terms of promoting purchasing and consumption behaviors that care for the environment are presented. Keywords - green purchasing, green consumption, eco-friendly products, consumer environmentalism
Using QIIME to Analyze 16S rRNA Gene Sequences from Microbial Communities
Authors: Kuczynski Justin , Stombaugh Jesse , Walters William Anton , González Antonio , Caporaso J. Gregory , Knight Rob
Published: November 2012

QIIME (canonically pronounced “chime”) is a software application that performs microbial community analysis. It is an acronym for Quantitative Insights Into Microbial Ecology, and has been used to analyze and interpret nucleic acid sequence data from fungal, viral, bacterial, and archaeal communities. The following protocols describe how to install QIIME on a single computer and use it to analyze microbial 16S sequence data from nine distinct microbial communities. Curr. Protoc. Microbiol. 27:1E.5.1‐1E.5.20. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Dengue Virus: Isolation, Propagation, Quantification, and Storage
Authors: Medina Freddy , Medina Juan Francisco , Colón Candimar , Vergne Edgardo , Santiago Gilberto A. , Muñoz‐Jordán Jorge L.
Published: November 2012

Dengue is a disease caused by infection with one of the four dengue virus serotypes (DENV‐1, ‐2, ‐3, and ‐4). The virus is transmitted to humans by Aedes sp. mosquitoes. This enveloped virus contains a positive single‐stranded RNA genome. Clinical manifestations of dengue can have a wide range of outcomes varying from a mild febrile illness to a life‐threatening condition. New techniques have largely replaced the use of DENV isolation in disease diagnosis. However, virus isolation still serves as the gold standard for detection and serotyping of DENV and is common practice in research and reference laboratories where clinical isolates of the virus are characterized and sequenced, or used for a variety of research experiments. Isolation of DENV from clinical samples can be achieved in mammalian and mosquito cells or by inoculation of mosquitoes. The experimental methods presented here describe the most common procedures used for the isolation, serotyping, propagation, and quantification of DENV. Curr. Protoc. Microbiol. 27:15D.2.1‐15D.2.24. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Predicting infections in high‐risk patients with myelodysplastic syndrome/acute myeloid leukemia treated with azacitidine: Aretrospective multicenter study
Authors: Merkel Drorit , Filanovsky Kalman , Gafter‐Gvili Anat , Vidal Liat , Aviv Ariel , Gatt Moshe E. , Silbershatz Itay , Herishanu Yair , Arad Ariela , Tadmor Tamar , Dally Najib , Nemets Anatoly , Rouvio Ory , Ronson Aharon , Herzog‐Tzarfati Katrin , Akria Luiza , Braester Andrei , Hellmann Ilana , Yeganeh Shay , Nagler Arnon , Leiba Ronit , Mittelman Moshe , Ofran Yishai
Published: November 2012

Hypomethylating agents have become the standard therapy for patients with high‐risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). In Israel, azacitidine (AZA) is routinely used. Yet, infectious complications are common during AZA therapy. The current study was aimed to evaluate the incidence and predisposing risk factors for infections in AZA‐treated patients. This retrospective study included patients treated with AZA in 18 Israeli medical institutions between 2008 and 2011. Data on 184 patients [157 high‐risk MDS and 27 acute myeloid leukemia (AML)], with a median age of 71.6 (range 29–92) were recorded. Overall, 153 infectious events were reported during 928 treatment cycles (16.5%) administered to 100 patients. One hundred fourteen, 114/153 (75%) events required hospitalization and 30 (19.6%) were fatal. In a univariate analysis, unfavorable cytogenetics, low neutrophil, hemoglobin (Hb) and platelet (PLT) counts were found to be associated with infections (24.4% vs. 12.9%, P < 0.0001; 27% vs. 13.5%, P < 0.0001; 20.4% vs. 11%, P < 0.0001 and 29.2% vs. 14.2%, P < 0.0001, respectively). In multivariate analysis, only low Hb level, low PLT count, and unfavorable cytogenetics remained significant. Prior to therapy, poor cytogenetics, PLT count below 20 × 109/L and neutrophil count below 0.5 × 109/L were predictive of the risk of infection during the first two cycles of therapy. In conclusion, patients with unfavorable cytogenetics, presenting with low neutrophil and PLT counts, are susceptible to infections. Evaluation of infection risk should be repeated prior to each cycle. Patients with poor cytogenetics in whom AZA is prescribed despite low PLT count are particularly at high risk for infections and infection prophylaxis may be considered. Am. J. Hematol. 88:130–134, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Validation of the new comprehensive cytogenetic scoring system (NCCSS) on 630 consecutive de novo MDS patients from a single institution
Authors: Bernasconi Paolo , Klersy Catherine , Boni Marina , Cavigliano Paola Maria , Dambruoso Irene , Zappatore Rita
Published: November 2012

This study evaluated whether the NCCSS truly improves the prognostic stratification of 630 consecutive de novo MDS patients and established which cytogenetic grouping [NCCSS or International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS)], when combined with the WHO classification, best predicted the clinical outcome of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). The frequency of chromosomal defects was 53.8%. Clinical parameters, including number of cytopenias, WHO classification, IPSS cytogenetic categories and scores, NCCSS were all relevant for overall survival (OS) and leukemia‐free survival (LFS) and were included in six distinct multivariate models compared by the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). The most effective model to predict OS included the number of cytopenias, the WHO classification and the NCCSS, whereas the model including the number of cytopenias, blast cell percentage and the NCCSS and the model including the number of cytopenias the WHO classification and the NCCSS were almost equally effective to predict LFS. In conclusion, the NCCS (i) improves the prognostic stratification of the good and poor IPSS cytogenetic categories by introducing the very good and the very poor categories; (ii) is still incomplete in establishing the prognostic relevance of rare/double defects, (ii) applied to patients who receive supportive treatment only identifies five different prognostic subgroups, but applied to patients treated with specific therapies reveals only a trend toward a significantly different OS and LFS when patients of the poor and intermediate cytogenetic categories are compared, (iii) combined with the WHO classification is much more effective than the IPSS in predicting MDS clinical outcome. Am. J. Hematol. 88:120–129, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prognostic factors in low tumour mass asymptomatic multiple myeloma: A report on 91 patients
Authors: Facon T. , Menard J.F. , Michaux J.L. , Euller‐Ziegler L. , Bernard J.F. , Grosbois B. , Daragon A. , Azais I. , Courouble Y. , Kaplan G. , Laporte J.P. , De Gramont A. , Duclos B. , Leonard A. , Mineur P. , Delannoy A. , Jouet J.P. , Bauters F. , Monconduit M. ,   Groupe d'Etudes et de Recherche sur le Myélome (GERM)
Published: November 2012

Between January 1985 and July 1989 we diagnosed asymptomatic stage I multiple myeloma according to Durie and Salmon [Durie and Salmon: Cancer 36:842, 1975] in 91 patients. All patients were followed without chemotherapy. Disease progression occurred in 41 patients and the median time to progression for all patients was 48 months. In the Cox multivariate regression analysis, hemoglobin levels < 12 g/dl (P < .01), bone marrow plasmacytosis >25% (P< .01), and M‐component size ≥30 g/l for lg G or 3 = 25 g/l for lg A (P< .01) were the only significant prognostic factors for progression. The 38 patients without any harmful factor remained free of progression for a median of more than 50 months. The 18 patients with two or three of these characteristics (high‐risk group) had the shortest median time to progression of 6 months. Despite different times to progression, the response rate and survival after chemotherapy were similar for all groups of patients. Patients in the high‐risk group for progression have to be frequently monitored for disease progression and might benefit from early treatment.
Morphologic and ultrastructural evidence for interleukin‐6 induced platelet activation
Authors: Oleksowicz Leslie , Mrowiec Zbigniew , Isaacs Randi , Dutcher Janice P. , Puszkin Elena
Published: November 2012

The in vitro effect of IL‐6 on platelet activation was investigated. When human platelets were incubated with high (1,000 ng/ml) or low (1 ng/ml) dose IL‐6, expression of GMP‐140 was enhanced by 42% (N = 6; P < 0.009) and 46% (N = 6; P < 0.061) in 1 hr low and high dose IL‐6‐platelet incubations, respectively, as assessed by flow cytometry. In platelet specimens incubated with high dose IL‐6 for 3 hr, a 70% (N = 6; P < 0.009) increase in GMP‐140 expression over control was observed. Parallel high dose IL‐6 incubations subjected to scanning electron microscopic studies revealed a 3.4‐fold increase (N = 6; P < 0.001) in spheroid morphologic platelet forms in 1 hr incubations in comparison to control platelet preparations, whereas in 3 hr IL‐6‐platelet incubations, a 96% uncrease in dendritic platelet forms was observed (N = 6; P < 0.001). Significant increases in platelet ATP levels were observed in both 1 min and 1 hr high dose and low dose IL‐6 platelet incubations. In 3 hr high dose‐IL‐6 platelet incubations, a significant 18% (N = 8; P < 0.001) decrease in platelet ATP was parallelled by a significant 40% increase (N = 8; P < 0.014) in plasma ATP in the same specimens. This increased plasma ATP was highly correlated with a reduction in platelet ATP when analyzed by bivarlate regression analysis. Lastly, transmission electron microscopic analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in dense granule number and ratio of dense granule surface area/cell surface area in 3 hr high dose IL‐6 incubations. These findings suggests that IL‐6 activates platelets in Vitro.
Stress–thermooxidative aging behavior of polyamide 6
Authors: Zhao Xiaowen , Li Xiaohe , Ye Lin , Li Guangxian
Published: November 2012

The long‐term stress–thermooxidative aging behavior of polyamide 6 (PA6) was studied in terms of the creep behavior, mechanical properties, chemical structure, crystallization, and orientation behavior. During aging, a thermooxidation reaction occurred, which included molecular chain degradation and crosslinking, in PA6. Meanwhile, when the samples were subjected to stress, crystallization, orientation, and chain scission were induced. In the initial stages of aging, the stress‐induced crystallization and orientation dominated; this resulted in an increase in the creep deformation, mechanical strength, crystallinity, and orientation factor. Molecular degradation and chain scission dominated in the subsequent aging process and resulted in a decrease of the mechanical strength, reduced viscosity, crystallinity, and orientation factor and an increase in the formation of oxide and peroxide products. The stress may have promoted the chain scission of PA6 during thermal aging and resulted in a decrease in the reduced viscosity and an increase in the carboxylic acid concentration. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Preparation and performance evaluations of electrospun poly(ε‐caprolactone), poly(lactic acid), and their hybrid (50/50) nanofibrous mats containing thymol as an herbal drug for effective wound healing
Authors: Karami Zeinab , Rezaeian Iraj , Zahedi Payam , Abdollahi Mohammad
Published: November 2012

The use of herbal drugs as biocompatible and nontoxic drugs without special side effects in wound dressings are highly favored compared to that of chemical and synthetic drugs. In this study, the properties and performance of electrospun poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL), poly(lactic acid) (PLA), and their 50/50 hybrid nanofibrous mats containing the herbal drug thymol (1.2% v/v) as wound dressings were investigated. The optimized solution concentrations of PCL (12% w/v) and PLA (3% w/v) in chloroform/dimethylformamide (7:3) for electrospinning were determined with viscometry and scanning electron microscopy studies to obtain smooth and beadless nanofibers. The results of the drug‐release behavior along with swelling tests showed that the electrospun 50/50 PCL/PLA hybrid nanofibers had the highest level of drug release (∼ 72%) compared with the PCL and PLA nanofibrous samples. The release kinetics of thymol from PCL, PLA, and 50/50 PCL/PLA hybrid nanofibrous mats were studied by the Peppas equation and the zero‐order, first‐order, Higuchi, and Hixon–Crowell models. Antibacterial evaluations showed that the electrospun 50/50 PCL/PLA hybrid nanofibrous samples containing thymol had satisfactory effects on Staphylococcus aureus compared with Escherichia coli bacteria during the treatment periods. In vivo rat wound‐healing and histological performance observations of thymol‐loaded 50/50 PCL/PLA nanofibrous mats, the commercial wound dressing Comfeel Plus, and gauze bandages (control) after 14‐day post‐treatment periods were evaluated. The results reveal that the electrospun 50/50 PCL/PLA hybrid nanofibers containing thymol had a remarkable wound‐closure percentage of about 92.5% after a period of 14 days. Finally, the crystallinity and thermal behavior of the electrospun 50/50 PCL/PLA hybrid nanofibrous mats with and without thymol were studied by differential scanning calorimetry. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Electrochemical synthesis of nanostructured polyaniline: Heat treatment and synergistic effect of simultaneous dual doping
Authors: Bhandari Subhendu , Singha Nikhil Kumar , Khastgir Dipak
Published: November 2012

Different nanostructured polyaniline (PAni) has been synthesized via facile template‐free electrochemical synthesis approach in aqueous medium. Instead of conventionally used aniline, aniline sulphate was used in electrochemical polymerization. The synthesis process involves simultaneous doping with combination of inorganic and organic acid, i.e., sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and p‐toluenesulfonic acid (PTSA) at different ratios keeping total dopant concentration constant. Synergistic increase in conductivity is observed and the best conductivity is achieved at 3:1 ratio of [H2SO4]:[PTSA]. Different nanostructures of PAni are revealed through morphological analysis consisting of nanosphere, nanorod, and clustered particles among which finer nanorods show the best electrical conductivity. Upon controlled heat treatment followed by further cooling, resistivity increases, but after one day it decreases again and in the optimized dual doped PAni, it approaches approximately the same value of initial resistance. Lattice strain and benzenoid to quinonoid ratio increases with heat treatment. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
HistoViewer: An interactive e‐learning platform facilitating group and peer group learning
Authors: Sander Bjoern , Golas Mariola Monika
Published: November 2012

Understanding tissue architecture and the morphological characteristics of cells is a central prerequisite to comprehending the basis of physiological tissue function in healthy individuals and relating this to disease states. Traditionally, medical curricula include courses where students examine glass slides of cytological or tissue samples under a light microscope. However, it is challenging to implement group and peer group learning in these courses and to give students sufficient time to study specimens. An increasing number of medical schools have thus started to implement digital slide viewers, so‐called virtual microscopes, in histology and histopathology. These websites are mostly based on standard commercial software and offer limited adaptation to the special needs of first‐year students. An e‐learning platform has therefore been developed for use in cytology and histology courses. This virtual microscopy tool is coupled to a central database in which students can label and store the positions of individual structures for later repetition. As learning in pairs and peer groups has been shown to provide a high learning outcome, identified structures can be shared and discussed with students' peers or faculty via a built‐in communication module. This website has the possibility of opening an arbitrary number of frames which all can actively be moved and changed in magnification to enable the comparison of specimens and thus encourage a more global understanding of related tissues. HistoViewer is thus suggested as an e‐learning tool combining several modern teaching concepts. © 2013 American Association of Anatomists.
Proportion of neural tube defects attributable to known risk factors
Authors: Agopian A. J. , Tinker Sarah C. , Lupo Philip J. , Canfield Mark A. , Mitchell, Laura E. ,   and the National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Published: November 2012

BACKGROUND

Recognized risk factors for neural tube defects (NTDs) poorly predict population‐level NTD risk. However, the proportion of NTDs that can be attributed to these risk factors is uncertain.

METHODS

To determine the proportion of NTD cases that is attributable to known or suspected risk factors (i.e., female infant sex, family history of NTDs, and maternal Hispanic ethnicity, obesity, pregestational diabetes, gestational diabetes, low dietary folate intake, lack of folic acid supplementation, anticonvulsant use, and hot tub or sauna use), we estimated the adjusted population attributable fraction (aAF) for each factor, using the method of Eide and Geffler and data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study.

RESULTS

Our analyses of these data indicate that the proportion of cases of spina bifida and anencephaly that can be attributed to known risk factors is 28% and 44%, respectively. For spina bifida, the factor with the greatest attributable fraction was maternal obesity (aAF, 10%), whereas for anencephaly it was Hispanic ethnicity (aAF, 15%).

CONCLUSION

Our analyses indicate that known risk factors account for <50% of NTD cases. Hence, the majority of NTD cases are attributable to, as yet, unidentified factors. These findings highlight the need for continued research to identify genetic and additional nongenetic risk factors for NTDs. Further, these findings suggest that strategies that aim to reduce the risk of NTDs associated with maternal Hispanic ethnicity and obesity may have the greatest impact on the population prevalence of these conditions. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Newborn screening for critical congenital heart disease: Essential public health roles for birth defects monitoring programs
Authors: Olney Richard S. , Botto Lorenzo D.
Published: November 2012

Newborn screening for critical congenital heart defects, added in September 2011 to the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel in the United States, is a new public health priority and has particular relevance for state birth defects surveillance programs. In this commentary, we review the background to potential involvement by birth defects programs with screening, and detail key questions that these programs can evaluate: (1) health outcomes after newborn screening among affected children; (2) missed primary targets of screening (i.e., affected children who were not screened or had false‐negative screens); (3) burden and screening accuracy for secondary targets; (4) the role of altitude, sociodemographic characteristics, and other special circumstances; (5) the contribution of prenatal and clinical diagnoses before newborn screening; and (6) costs and service utilization. To address these issues, monitoring programs will need to pay particular attention to: (1) data sources and quality; (2) timeliness; (3) long‐term follow‐up for comprehensive outcomes; (4) reporting standards; and (5) state and national program coordination. Although some aspects of involvement with these screening programs will require new partnerships and paradigm shifts in birth defects program operations, the visibility of these screening programs among stakeholders will also provide birth defects programs with new opportunities to demonstrate their usefulness. Birth Defects Research (Part A), © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Rural and urban distribution of trauma incidents in Scotland
Authors: Morrison J J , McConnell N J , Orman J A , Egan G , Jansen J O
Published: November 2012

Background

Trauma systems reduce mortality and improve functional outcomes from injury. Regional trauma networks have been established in several European regions to address longstanding deficiencies in trauma care. A perception of the geography and population distribution as challenging has delayed the introduction of a trauma system in Scotland. The characteristics of trauma incidents attended by the Scottish Ambulance Service were analysed, to gain a better understanding of the geospatial characteristics of trauma in Scotland.

Methods

Data on trauma incidents collected by the Scottish Ambulance Service between November 2008 and October 2010 were obtained. Incident location was analysed by health board region, rurality and social deprivation. The results are presented as number of patients, average annual incidence rates and relative risks.

Results

Of the 141 668 incidents identified, 72·1 per cent occurred in urban regions. The risk of being involved in an incident was similar across the most populous regions, and decreased slightly with increasing rurality. Social deprivation was associated with greater numbers and risk. A total of 53·1 per cent of patients were taken to a large general hospital, and 38·6 per cent to a teaching hospital; the distribution was similar for the subset of incidents involving patients with physiological derangements.

Conclusion

The majority of trauma incidents in Scotland occur in urban and deprived areas. A regionalized system of trauma care appears plausible, although the precise configuration of such a system requires further study.
Feasibility Study of a Solar Reactor for Phenol Treatment by the Photo‐Fenton process in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Nogueira K. R. B. , Nascimento C. A. O. , Guardani R. , Teixeira A. C. S. C.
Published: November 2012

Solar reactors can be attractive in photodegradation processes due to lower electrical energy demand. The performance of a solar reactor for two flow configurations, i.e., plug flow and mixed flow, is compared based on experimental results with a pilot‐scale solar reactor. Aqueous solutions of phenol were used as a model for industrial wastewater containing organic contaminants. Batch experiments were carried out under clear sky, resulting in removal rates in the range of 96–100 %. The dissolved organic carbon removal rate was simulated by an empirical model based on neural networks, which was adjusted to the experimental data, resulting in a correlation coefficient of 0.9856. This approach enabled to estimate effects of process variables which could not be evaluated from the experiments. Simulations with different reactor configurations indicated relevant aspects for the design of solar reactors.
Recovery of Nickel and Cobalt from Spent NiMH Batteries by Electrowinning
Authors: Bertuol D. A. , Amado F. D. R. , Veit H. , Ferreira J. Z. , Bernardes A. M.
Published: November 2012

For nickel and cobalt recovery from spent NiMH batteries by electrowinning, the effect of different electrowinning parameters as boric acid concentration, temperature, current density, and pH were studied using different synthetic solutions. The optimized operational parameters were applied in an electrowinning test with a solution achieved by leaching the electrodes of NiMH batteries. The electrowinning tests were performed galvanostatically in a two‐compartment cell separated by an anionic membrane. A platinum/iridium‐coated titanium anode and a stainless‐steel cathode were used. A sodium sulfate solution served as anolyte. The results demonstrate the technical viability of nickel and cobalt recovery. The chemical composition of the obtained deposit presented high nickel and cobalt concentrations.
Analytical Approach for Calculating the Separation Efficiency of Uniflow Cyclones
Authors: Muschelknautz U.
Published: November 2012

An approach for calculating the separation efficiency of uniflow cyclones for the separation of solid particles from gases is proposed. The analytical model is based on an equilibrium orbit concept, similar to that used in the Barth‐Muschelknautz model for conventional reverse‐flow cyclones, which has been proven to be successful for designing and calculating cyclones in a wide range of industrial applications. The proposed model takes into account the special flow pattern of uniflow cyclones, which differs substantially from that in reverse‐flow cyclones. The model provides correct dependencies of the separation efficiency on the main geometry and operation data of low‐loaded uniflow cyclones. Applying the calculation method to uniflow cyclones operated in test facilities indicates good agreement with experimental data.
The Effect of Stereochemistry on the Biological Activity of Natural Phytotoxins, Fungicides, Insecticides and Herbicides
Authors: Evidente Antonio , Cimmino Alessio , Andolfi Anna
Published: November 2012

Phytotoxins are secondary microbial metabolites that play an essential role in the development of disease symptoms induced by fungi on host plants. Although phytotoxins can cause extensive—and in some cases devastating—damage to agricultural crops, they can also represent an important tool to develop natural herbicides when produced by fungi and plants to inhibit the growth and spread of weeds. An alternative strategy to biologically control parasitic plants is based on the use of plant and fungal metabolites, which stimulate seed germination in the absence of the host plant. Nontoxigenic fungi also produce bioactive metabolites with potential fungicide and insecticide activity, and could be applied for crop protection. All these metabolites represent important tools to develop eco‐friendly pesticides. This review deals with the relationships between the biological activity of some phytotoxins, seed germination stimulants, fungicides and insecticides, and their stereochemistry. Chirality 25:59–78, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.