bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Depression and Anxiety in Late Life: Diagnostic Insights and Therapeutic Options
Authors: Kastenschmidt Erin K. , Kennedy Gary J.
Published: July 2011

Depression and anxiety represent a sizeable public‐health problem for older Americans. Effective treatment of depression and anxiety in late‐life patients can improve outcomes directly related to those diseases as well as to comorbid medical diseases. A variety of approaches has been shown to be effective in older adults and is easily accessible to the primary care, specialty, and inpatient practitioner. Because of the etiologic complexity associated with mood disturbance in late life, it is helpful to consider depression and anxiety in late life as a geriatric syndrome similar to frailty, falls, incontinence, and impaired cognition. These syndromes have multiple causes of associated disability, yielding a multitude of avenues for intervention. However, translating the science of care for depression and anxiety into improved mental‐health services for older adults and their families remains a challenge to providers and policy‐makers alike. In the Tables, the authors offer measures for screening and response evaluation as well as guidance for pharmacotherapy and psychotherapeutic interventions that may be incorporated into primary care. Mt Sinai J Med 78:527–545, 2011. © 2011 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
When Is It the Right Time to Ask for a Geriatrician?
Authors: Chun Audrey K.
Published: July 2011

Given an aging population coupled with a shortage of people to care for them, it is essential to understand the patient qualities for which geriatric expertise would be most beneficial. For the practicing physician attempting to understand the timing of geriatric‐care provision, this article reviews the relevant literature, which suggests geriatric expertise should be considered for the patients who benefit most: any patient aged ≥ 85 years, or adults aged < 85 years with complex multimorbidity, frailty, or other geriatric conditions; disability or dementia; or need for palliative or end‐of‐life care. Mt Sinai J Med 78:485–488, 2011. © 2011 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Osteoporosis Piece of Multi‐Morbidity Puzzle in Geriatric Care
Authors: Colón‐Emeric Cathleen , O'Connell Mary Beth , Haney Elizabeth
Published: July 2011

Osteoporosis frequently coexists with other chronic diseases and syndromes of aging, and therefore multimorbidity interactions can potentially complicate its evaluation and treatment. This article reviews osteoporosis comorbidity interactions with select common diseases of aging including cardiovascular, neurologic, and geriatric syndromes, and select commonly used medications by older adults. Using depression as a case example, we describe the complex relationship between osteoporosis, mood, and antidepressant medications, and the implications of these interactions for patients and clinicians. Mt Sinai J Med 78:515–526, 2011. © 2011 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Palliative Care: A Primer
Authors: Litrivis Evgenia , Smith Cardinale B.
Published: July 2011

Palliative care is a medical specialty that aims to improve the quality of life for patients with chronic and advanced serious illness and their families. It is appropriate throughout all stages of the trajectory of illness, which distinguishes it from hospice care. Hospice care is limited to patients with terminal prognoses. Palliative care practitioners provide expert symptom management, psychosocial support, and assistance with provider‐patient communication and complex decision‐making, as well as help with transitions of care. Palliative care has been associated with improved outcomes for patients and families and has experienced a rapid expansion in available services. Despite this, palliative care consultation continues to be underutilized. As the number of patients living with complex and serious illness burden continues to increase, palliative care specialists will play an important role in providing timely access to critical supportive services and the provision of high‐quality care. Mt Sinai J Med 78:627–631, 2011. © 2011 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Coronary Heart Disease in the Elderly: Identifying Established and Subclinical Disease With Stress Testing
Authors: Sahni Sheila , Vaishnava Prashant , Darrow Bruce
Published: July 2011

Although cardiovascular disease is a major cause of mortality, morbidity, and healthcare expense in the United States, diagnosis in elderly patients, especially those who are asymptomatic, can be challenging. Noninvasive testing offers an opportunity to identify these patients, but guidelines reflect uncertainty of the impact of diagnosis on long‐term outcomes. We review the role of different forms of noninvasive testing in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients, as well as patients under consideration for elective surgery. Mt Sinai J Med 78:583–589, 2011. © 2011 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Common Musculoskeletal Diagnoses of Upper and Lower Extremities in Older Patients
Authors: Yamada Erika , Thomas David C.
Published: July 2011

Older adults have a high prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints. Most musculoskeletal pain in the joints of the upper and lower extremities, especially hips, knees, and hands, is associated with the degenerative changes of osteoarthritis. Older adults may also develop tendonitis and bursitis, as well as inflammatory joint and muscle disease. We discuss common musculoskeletal diagnoses at major joints of the upper and lower extremities, their clinical presentation, physical exam findings, and special treatment considerations. Understanding and addressing pain in older adults can be challenging, as patients often have multiple comorbidities and are on many medications. Accurate diagnosis of the etiologies of musculoskeletal pain and a multidisciplinary approach to treatment is important to preserve quality of life for older adults. Mt Sinai J Med 78:546–557, 2011. © 2011 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Screening and Preventive Services for Older Adults
Authors: Nicholas Joseph A. , Hall William J.
Published: July 2011

Federal, professional, and academic efforts are converging to address the preventive care needs of older Americans. Medicare is placing an increased emphasis on preventive care services for older adults. With the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, access to preventive services has been enhanced by reducing out‐of‐pocket costs for older adults and increasing reimbursement to healthcare providers. In 2010–11, newly revised guidelines for screening and preventive services have been issued by the US Preventive Services Task Force and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In addition to these guidelines and the landmark changes in Medicare coverage, there are significant new attempts to modify national screening recommendations based on age and expected risk/benefit for older adults. These population‐specific guidelines with new emphasis on functional status and multiple risk factor reduction are of increasing importance to an aging population, where more conventional disease‐focused guidelines are less suitable for maintaining physical function and quality of life. Evidence‐based measures of physical performance appropriate for primary‐care office use are being developed and piloted. As a result of these policies, guidelines, and tools, we have the ability to offer older adults more comprehensive, cost‐effective screening and preventive measures than in any other previous time. Mt Sinai J Med 78:498–508, 2011. © 2011 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Geriatric Assessment Tools
Authors: Rosen Sonja L. , Reuben David B.
Published: July 2011

In addition to medical diseases, psychological, social, cognitive, and functional issues influence the health of older persons. Therefore, the traditional medical assessment alone is often not enough to evaluate the older population with multiple comorbidities. Out of this recognized need, the geriatric assessment has been developed, which emphasizes a broader approach to evaluating contributors to health in older persons. Geriatric assessment uses specific tools to help determine patient's status across several different dimensions, including assessment of medical, cognitive, affective, social, economic, environmental, spiritual, and functional status. This article reviews specific tools that practitioners can use in their screening for the following geriatric syndromes: hearing impairment, vision impairment, functional decline, falls, urinary incontinence, cognitive impairment, depression, and malnutrition. This article also reviews spiritual, economic, and social assessment. By identifying conditions that are common in the elderly, geriatric assessment can provide substantial insight into the comprehensive care of older persons, from those who are healthy and high‐functioning to those with significant impairments and multiple comorbidities. Mt Sinai J Med 78:489–497, 2011. © 2011 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Amyloid neuropathy mimicking chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
Authors: Mathis Stephane , Magy Laurent , Diallo Laho , Boukhris Sami , Vallat Jean‐Michel
Published: July 2011

Introduction: Amyloid neuropathy is a rare peripheral neuropathy that classically presents as a progressive sensory neuropathy with prominent autonomic involvement. Methods: We describe 5 patients with amyloid neuropathy (familial amyloid polyneuropathy or acquired amyloidosis) who were initially mistaken to have chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) based on history, clinical examination, electrodiagnostic studies, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. Results: The diagnosis of CIDP had been retained on clinical and electrophysiological grounds for all patients, but we observed no improvement after immunomodulatory treatment. Nerve biopsy confirmed amyloid deposits in nerves, and molecular genetic analysis showed a mutation of the transthyretin (V30M) gene for 3 patients; the 2 other patients had acquired amyloidosis. Conclusions: This report emphasizes the need to look for an alternative diagnosis in CIDP patients who do not respond to treatment and to look carefully for symptoms or signs of autonomic involvement in such patients. Muscle Nerve 45: 26–31, 2012
MicroRNA‐9 up‐regulates E‐cadherin through inhibition of NF‐κB1–Snail1 pathway in melanoma
Authors: Liu Shujing , Kumar Suresh M , Lu Hezhe , Liu Aihua , Yang Ruifeng , Pushparajan Anitha , Guo Wei , Xu Xiaowei
Published: July 2011

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non‐coding RNAs that post‐transcriptionally regulate gene expression. Hsa‐miR‐9 has been shown to have opposite functions in different tumour types; however, the underlying mechanism is unclear. Here we show that hsa‐miR‐9 is down‐regulated in metastatic melanomas compared to primary melanomas. Overexpression of miR‐9 in melanoma cells resulted in significantly decreased cell proliferation and migratory capacity with decreased F‐actin polymerization and down‐regulation of multiple GTPases involved in cytoskeleton remodelling. miR‐9 overexpression induced significant down‐regulation of Snail1 with a concomitant increase in E‐cadherin expression. In contrast, knockdown of miR‐9 increased Snail1 expression as well as melanoma cell proliferation and migration capacity. Mechanistically, miR‐9 expression down‐regulated NF‐κB1 in melanoma and the effect was abolished by mutations in the putative miR‐9 binding sites within the 3′‐untranslated region (UTR) of NF‐κB1. Anti‐miR‐9 miRNA inhibitor also increased the expression of NF‐κB1. The effects of miR‐9 on Snail1 expression and melanoma cell proliferation and migration were rescued by overexpression of NF‐κB1 in these cells. Furthermore, miR‐9 overexpression resulted in significantly decreased melanoma growth and metastasis in vivo. In summary, miR‐9 inhibits melanoma proliferation and metastasis through down‐regulation of the NF‐κB1‐Snail1 pathway. This study finds a new mechanism that miR‐9 utilizes to decrease E‐cadherin expression and inhibit melanoma progression. The results suggest that function of microRNAs is context and tumour type‐specific. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanical properties of sisal natural fiber composites according to strain rate and absorption ratio
Authors: Song Jun‐Hee , Mun Sang‐Don , Kim Cheol‐Sang
Published: July 2011

The effects of strain rate and water absorption properties can be used to evaluate the environmental degradation of sisal fiber reinforced polymer–matrix composites. Composites of vinylester and epoxy resin, reinforced by sisal fiber, were manufactured using the RTM method. To examine how the mechanical properties change with different surface treatments of a fiber, three fibrous composites with nontreated, permanganate, and silane treatments were compared in this experiment. Material fracture occurred as the brittleness hardened due to an increase in strain rate. The tensile strength was the largest in the permanganate‐treated epoxy composites, while the untreated vinylester had high elongation and fracture energy. The highest tensile strength value occurred at a 30% absorption ratio. POLYM. COMPOS., © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Poly[ethylene‐co‐(acrylic acid)]‐based nanocomposites: Thermal and mechanical properties and their structural characteristics studied by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Rúan‐Esparza L. , Soto V. , Gómez‐Salazar S. , Rabelero M. , Ávalos‐Borja M. , Luna‐Bárcenas G. , Prokhorov E. , Nuño‐Donlucas S.M.
Published: July 2011

Nanocomposites containing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as nanofillers and poly[ethylene‐co‐(acrylic acid)] (PEAA) or a polymer miscible mixture of PEAA and poly(2‐ethyl‐2‐oxazoline) (PEOx) as a matrix were prepared by the solution‐evaporation method with minimal damage to nanotubes. CNTs were prepared by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) with ethanol as the source of carbon. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the presence of single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) showed the formation of multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs). Thermal and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were studied by analyzing samples containing different amounts of CNTs. The degree of crystallinity (Xc) of the PEAA‐based nanocomposite containing a smaller amount of CNTs was larger (Xc = 17.0%) than both the one of pure PEAA (Xc = 14.6 %) and PEAA‐based nanocomposite containing higher amounts of CNTs (Xc = 15.0%). The Young's modulus, ultimate stress, deformation at break, and toughness obtained from unidirectional tensile tests of the CNTs (1 wt%)‐PEAA nanocomposite were higher than both the one of pure PEAA and CNTs (5 wt%)‐PEAA nanocomposite. When a polymer mixture of PEAA/PEOx (containing 80 wt% of PEAA) was used as a matrix, a better mechanical response was also detected for nanocomposite containing 1 wt% CNTs. The nanocomposites containing small amounts of CNTs prepared here have potential to be used as coatings of metal or glass surfaces expecting a better mechanical performance than the one of pure matrix. POLYM. COMPOS., © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Effect of initial fiber length on the rheological properties of sisal fiber/polylactic acid composites
Authors: Zhang Da‐Wei , Li Yi‐Jie , Feng Yan‐Hong , Qu Jin‐Ping , He He‐Zhi , Xu Bai‐Ping
Published: July 2011

The rheological properties of sisal fiber (SF)/polylactic acid (PLA) composites of different SF content and initial fiber length were evaluated using a torque rheometer. Since the SF configuration directly affected the rheological properties of the composites, the length and width of SFs in the final composites were measured. The effect of fiber content, angular velocity, and initial fiber length on the fiber aspect ratio (length to width ratio) and composite rheological properties were analyzed. Initial fiber length significantly affects the rheological properties of SF/PLA composites at low SF content, while fiber content predominantly affects rheological properties at high SF content, and rheological parameters are similar for the composites of different initial fiber length. The average shear stress and mixing temperature are affected by feeding speed for composites of very high SF content. POLYM. COMPOS., © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Preparation, microstructure, and property of silicon rubber/organically modified montmorillonite nanocomposites and silicon rubber/OMMT/fumed silica ternary nanocomposites
Authors: Jia Chao , Zhang Li‐Qun , Zhang Hao , Lu Yong‐Lai
Published: July 2011

Five different types of organically modified montmorillonites (OMMT), including Nanomor® I.30P, I.44P, I.24TL, I.34TCN, and I.31PS, were incorporated into silicone rubber (SiR), respectively, by using a melt‐blending method. The intercalation structure and spatial dispersion of OMMT in the obtained composites were characterized with wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The results revealed that the high‐polar organic intercalants or silane‐coupling agent might play the negative roles in the melt intercalation of SiR into OMMT, and the higher the initial interlayer spacing of the OMMT, the easier the intercalation. The intercalated structure in the SiR/I.44P OMMT nanocomposite has the largest interlayer spacing, and the spatial dispersion of OMMT is also the best. When OMMT loading is low (i.e., less than 10 phr), the dispersion of OMMT is poor. The dispersion of OMMT improves with increasing OMMT dosage, when the loading does not exceed 30 phr. The gas barrier property and the mechanical properties of the SiR are obviously improved by the incorporation of OMMT. The nitrogen gas permeability coefficient of the SiR nanocomposite containing 30 phr OMMT (I.44P) is lower than that of net SiR by 31%. To further improve the dispersion of OMMT in SiR, 20 phr fumed silica (FS) was added to the compound before mixing OMMT for increasing viscosity of the compound and mechanical shearing force during compounding OMMT. The resultant SiR/OMMT/FS ternary nanocomposites exhibit improved dispersion of OMMT and better gas barrier property than the binary counterparts. POLYM. COMPOS., © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Strength prediction of adhesively bonded repairs on carbon‐epoxy laminates by the single and double‐strap techniques
Authors: Campilho Raul D.S.G. , Rocha Joaquim M.M.
Published: July 2011

This work proposes a numerical technique for the strength prediction of composite structures repaired with adhesively bonded patches, using the finite element method (FEM). This technique is based on the use of cohesive elements including mixed‐mode criteria to simulate a cohesive fracture of the adhesive layer. Trapezoidal traction‐separation laws were used. Experimental validation of this procedure is accomplished by a parametric study on adhesively bonded single‐strap (SS) and double‐strap (DS) repairs on carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates under different loadings (tension, compression, and bending). From the test results and simulations the numerical technique was validated and some design tendencies emerged for efficient repairs. POLYM. COMPOS., © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers.
One‐step synthesis of highly conductive PPy/graphite nanosheets/Gd3+ composites
Authors: Mo Zunli , Sun Wanhong , Guo Ruibin , Xie Tingting , He Jingxian , Feng Chao
Published: July 2011

Highly conductive polypyrrole/graphite nanosheets/Gd3+ (PPy/nanoG/Gd3+) composites are fabricated via in situ polymerization using p‐toluenesulfonic acid as a dopant and FeCl3 as an oxidant. The effects of the graphite nanosheets and Gd3+ loading on the electrical conductivity are investigated. The maximum conductivity of PPy/nanoG/Gd3+ composites about 17.86 S/cm found with 3 wt% graphite nanosheets and 6 wt% Gd3+ at room temperature. The results showed that the high‐aspect‐ratio structure of graphite nanosheets played an important role in forming a conducting network in PPy matrix. Thermal gravimetric analysis demonstrates an improved thermal stability of PPy in the PPy/nanoG/Gd3+ composites. The microstructures of PPy/nanoG/Gd3+ are evidenced by the SEM and TEM examinations. POLYM. COMPOS., © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Morphology and properties of NR/EPDM rubber blends filled with small amounts of titania nanoparticles
Authors: Motaung Tshwafo E. , Luyt Adriaan S. , Thomas Sabu
Published: July 2011

This article describes the results of an investigation on the influence of titania nanoparticles on the morphology and properties of vulcanized natural rubber (NR)/ethylene‐propylene‐diene monomer (EPDM) blends. The samples were prepared through roll‐milling and melt‐pressing and diphenyl guianidine was used as vulcanization accelerator. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) results show that the titania particles are concentrated in the NR phase, and that the presence of titania in EPDM seems to initiate the formation of crystals in the rubber phase. From the dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and tensile testing results it is clear that the presence of titania particles inhibited the vulcanization process in both the investigated rubbers, and that the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were influenced by the interaction between the nanoparticles and the rubber, the reduced vulcanization of the two rubber phases, and the development of crystallinity in EPDM. The thermogravimetric (TGA) results show improved thermal stability of EPDM, and of the EPDM phase in the blend, for the samples containing titania nanoparticles. POLYM. COMPOS., © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Effect of the ceramic filler features on the properties of photopolymerized BaTiO3‐acrylic composites
Authors: Lombardi Mariangela , Guerriero Andrea , Kortaberria Galder , Mondragon Inaki , Sangermano Marco , Montanaro Laura
Published: July 2011

Barium titanate—acrylic hybrids with ceramic contents ranging between 10 and 70 wt% were successfully prepared by means of photopolymerization. These composites presented a homogeneous distribution of the ceramic particles within the organic matrix. In addition, an almost complete acrylic double‐bond conversion took place. Basic electrical properties of the composites were investigated by dielectric spectroscopy. The increase of the ceramic phase content implied a higher dielectric constant; however, a limited influence of the crystalline phase (cubic or tetragonal) and of the mean size of the filler was demonstrated. In fact, even if cubic particles are not ferroelectric, they are able to behave similarly to the tetragonal ones due to the formation of particle clusters. POLYM. COMPOS., © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Twin–twin transfusion syndrome treated with laser surgery: postnatal prevalence of congenital heart disease in surviving recipients and donors
Authors: Pruetz Jay D. , Sklansky Mark , Detterich Jon , Korst Lisa M. , Llanes Arlyn , Chmait Ramen H.
Published: July 2011

Objective

To assess postnatal prevalence of congenital heart disease (CHD) in surviving twins treated for twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) with laser surgery.

Methods

Patients who underwent laser surgery for TTTS at a single institution were prospectively enrolled between January 2009 and May 2010. Preoperative fetal echocardiography was performed. Perinatal outcomes were obtained via postnatal echocardiograms and review of medical records. CHD was defined as unequivocal structural cardiac pathology; patent foramen ovale and patent ductus arteriosus were excluded.

Results

Fifty pregnancies with TTTS were enrolled, with the following Quintero stage distribution: stage I, 10%; stage II, 22%; stage III, 50%; and stage IV, 18%. Of the 88 fetuses born alive, 84 patients (95.5%) completed postnatal cardiac evaluation. Overall postnatal prevalence of CHD was 15.5% (13 of 84): 15.6% of recipient twins and 15.4% of donor twins. Three patients required cardiac intervention during infancy. Among liveborn twins with CHD, the overall prenatal detection rate was 30.8% (4/13), comprising 16.7% (1/6) of donors compared with 42.9% (3/7) of recipients.

Conclusion

Following successful laser surgery for TTTS, an increased and comparable postnatal prevalence of CHD occurs among both former recipients and donors. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Monochorionic twins discordant for congenital heart disease: a referral center's experience and possible pathophysiologic mechanisms
Authors: AlRais F. , Feldstein V. A. , Srivastava D. , Gosnell K. , Moon‐Grady A. J.
Published: July 2011

Objective

To describe the spectrum of cardiac defects in monochorionic (MC) twins discordant for congenital heart disease (CHD) in a referral center population.

Method

Retrospective study of all twin gestations undergoing echocardiography between 2000 and 2009 at our institution.

Results

A total of 356 twin pairs were evaluated during the study period, 202 for suspected twin‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) and the remainder for other indications. Twenty‐nine MC pairs were discordant for CHD: laterality defects, 24% [right (2) or left (3) isomerism (3), primitive heart (2)]; ventricular hypoplasia secondary to semilunar valve obstruction, 14% [hypoplastic left heart syndrome (2), severe pulmonary stenosis (PS) or atresia (2)]; valvar dysplasias in TTTS recipients, 27% [PS (4), mitral/tricuspid dysplasia (4)]; conjoining, 14% (4); and other developmental errors, 21% [conotruncal (1), tricuspid atresia (2), ventricular septal defect (2)].

Conclusions

The spectrum of lesions in individuals assumed to be genetically identical and the disproportionate incidence of laterality and ventricular hypoplasia in this population leads us to propose potential mechanisms for the development of CHD in this population including local environmental or epigenetic factors influencing gene expression differentially, abnormal reciprocal laterality signaling between twinned embryos, or placental vascular factors affecting hemodynamics, either early in gestation or later in the setting of TTTS, leading to valvar lesions and ventricular hypoplasia. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diagnosis of fetal urinary tract malformations: prenatal management and postnatal outcome
Authors: Ryckewaert‐D'Halluin A. , Le Bouar G. , Odent S. , Milon J. , D'Hervé D. , Lucas J. , Rouget F. , Loget P. , Poulain P. , Le Gall E. , Taque S.
Published: July 2011

Objective

To evaluate prenatal management and to define the criteria of gravity for accurate assessment of the renal and overall prognosis of fetuses presenting malformations of the urinary tract.

Methods

We carried out a retrospective study of 127 cases of urinary tract malformation. We carried out descriptive statistical and univariate analyses as a function of severity criteria and the outcome of pregnancy.

Results

One‐third of fetuses presented associated extrarenal malformations and 10% of the karyotypes were abnormal. There were more abortions in case of decrease in amniotic fluid volume (p < 0.001), extent of renal damage (p < 0.05), presence of associated extrarenal malformations (p < 0.05), early diagnosis of the malformation (p < 0.001) and presence of chromosomal syndrome (p = 0.01). In our study, there was an excellent correlation between prenatal data and pathological findings for the fetus following abortions for medical reasons or obtained during the surveillance of live‐born children. Fetal biochemistry made very little contribution.

Conclusion

In cases of urinary tract malformation, this work confirms the need for regular and frequent ultrasound scans, checking for the echographic factors indicative of gravity and for adapted karyotyping. It also demonstrates that pluridisciplinary management is necessary for the prenatal evaluation of renal and overall fetal prognosis. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Women's experience of termination of pregnancy for fetal anomaly: effects of socio‐political evolutions in France
Authors: Mirlesse Veronique , Perrotte Frederique , Kieffer François , Ville Isabelle
Published: July 2011

Objective

To analyse the experiences of women facing a termination of pregnancy for fetal anomaly (TOPFA) in relation to decisional aspects, attitudes towards the fetus' body and the effects of postpartum depression. The method is based on a two‐stage questionnaire given to 120 women who underwent a TOPFA between 2005 and 2006 in a Parisian Prenatal Diagnosis Department and compared to a similar study carried out in 1999 in the same department.

Results

In 2005, 68/120 women (57%) compared to 32/103 (32%) in 99 (p < 0.001) believed that the decision of pregnancy termination belongs to couples and doctors together. However, in advanced pregnancy or fetal pathology related to mental deficiency, a higher proportion of women believe that the decision should belong to the parents alone. In 2005, 66% of the women (78/118) compared to (42/103) 41% in 1999 (p < 0.001), chose to see their fetus after the termination. Postpartum depression score was positive in one third of the 2005 series and higher in younger women.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that women differentiate between various decision‐making actors depending on the type of pregnancy termination. The differences observed between 1999 and 2005 suggest a strong interaction between women's experiences, legislation and practices. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk of falls associated with antihypertensive medication: self‐controlled case series
Authors: Gribbin Jonathan , Hubbard Richard , Gladman John , Smith Chris , Lewis Sarah
Published: July 2011

Purpose

To quantify the possible role of confounding in our earlier estimates of the risk of falls amongst older people who have been prescribed antihypertensives.

Methods

Self‐controlled case series analysis of 9862 individuals older than 60 years of age with a first fall recorded between years 2003 and 2006 and at least 12 months of recorded history before the first fall, taken from 386 UK general practices contributing data to The Health Improvement Network primary care database. Conditional Poisson regression to estimate incidence rate ratios for periods of exposure and non‐exposure, adjusting for the effect of age.

Results

Incidence rate ratio of first fall in days 1–21 of the first episode of thiazide prescription is 2.80 (95%CI 1.7–4.57). For beta‐blockers, the rate ratio in day 22 onwards is 1.23 (95%CI 1.02–1.48) in the very first episode of medication and 1.21 (95%CI 1.02–1.42) in subsequent episodes but is not significant in other periods of exposure. The incidence rate of first falls in day 22 of any episode of calcium channel blocker prescription is 0.75 (95%CI 0.60–0.92).

Conclusions

The study provides evidence that at least some of our earlier estimates were subject to confounding. Nevertheless, thiazide prescription remains associated with an increased risk of first fall, and this effect is strongest in the first 3 weeks of prescription. Our study demonstrates that the case series method provides an effective way to assess the extent of residual confounding in case–control studies. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stressful Events and Temperament Change during Early and Middle Adolescence: The TRAILS Study
Authors: Laceulle O. M. , Nederhof E. , Karreman A. , Ormel J. , van Aken M. A. G.
Published: July 2011

This project investigates how stressful events are related to deviations from normative temperament development during adolescence. Temperament traits were assessed at ages 11 and 16 years. Life–event data was captured using an interview (total n = 1197). Normative changes were found in all traits. A linear trend was found between the experience of stressful events and temperament development. Adolescents exposed to stressful events showed smaller decreases in fear and shyness, stronger decreases in effortful control and affiliation and smaller increases in high intensity pleasure. Exposure to stressful events was related to increases in frustration instead of decreases. Our results show that whereas normative development is mostly in the direction of maturation, adolescents who experienced stressful events showed less maturation of their temperament. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Individual Differences in Women's Perceptions of other Women's Dominance
Authors: Watkins Christopher D. , Quist Michelle C. , Smith Finlay G. , DeBruine Lisa M. , Jones Benedict C.
Published: July 2011

Recent research on men's dominance perception suggests that the extent to which men perceive masculine men to be more dominant than relatively feminine men is negatively correlated with measures of their own dominance. In the current studies, we investigated the relationship between indices of women's own dominance and their perceptions of other women's facial dominance. Women's own height and scores on a dominance questionnaire were negatively correlated with the extent to which they perceived masculine women to be more dominant than relatively feminine women. In follow–up studies, we observed similar individual differences when (i) women separately judged other women's social and physical dominance, suggesting that individual differences in women's dominance perceptions generalize across two different types of dominance judgment and (ii) we assessed the perceivers’ dominance indirectly by using a questionnaire that measures the extent to which women view interactions with other women in competitive terms. These findings present new evidence that the extent to which people perceive masculine individuals to be more dominant than relatively feminine individuals is negatively correlated with measures of their own dominance and suggest that competition and conflict among women may have shaped individual differences in women's dominance perception. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and characterization of epoxy resin modified with alkoxysilane‐ functionalized poly(urethane‐imide) by the sol–gel process
Authors: Song Jiangxuan , Chen Guangxin , Ding Yun , Shi Jianjun , Liu Ying , Li Qifang
Published: July 2011

The sol–gel process has been frequently employed for preparation of high performance silica/polymer composites. In this paper, novel sol–gel precursor triethoxysilane‐terminated poly(urethane‐imide) (PUI‐Si), combining the advantages of polyurethane (PU) and polyimide, was synthesized and characterized. Then PUI‐Si was incorporated into the epoxy resin matrix to prepare a series of EP/PUI‐Si organic‐inorganic hybrids through an in situ sol–gel process and crosslinking reactions. The thermal stability of EP/PUI‐Si hybrids was evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis and the results show that the PUI‐Si could significantly improve the thermal properties of epoxy resin. The initial decomposition temperature of composites with 50 wt% PUI‐Si reached 347.1 °C, 157.3 °C higher than that of neat epoxy resin. Furthermore, the tensile strength and breaking elongation can also be clearly improved by adding a suitable amount of PUI‐Si. Similarly, the water contact angle increased to 97.4° with 70 wt% PUI‐Si, showing a hydrophobic surface. The morphology was investigated by transmission electron microscopy and the results reveal that the silica particles are smaller than 20 nm and have a strong interaction with the epoxy resin matrix, resulting in the above‐mentioned high performance properties. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Sequencing cyclic peptides by multistage mass spectrometry
Authors: Mohimani Hosein , Yang Yu‐Liang , Liu Wei‐Ting , Hsieh Pei‐Wen , Dorrestein Pieter C. , Pevzner Pavel A.
Published: July 2011

Some of the most effective antibiotics (e.g. Vancomycin and Daptomycin) are cyclic peptides produced by non‐ribosomal biosynthetic pathways. While hundreds of biomedically important cyclic peptides have been sequenced, the computational techniques for sequencing cyclic peptides are still in their infancy. Previous methods for sequencing peptide antibiotics and other cyclic peptides are based on Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy, and require large amount (miligrams) of purified materials that, for most compounds, are not possible to obtain. Recently, development of MS‐based methods has provided some hope for accurate sequencing of cyclic peptides using picograms of materials. In this paper we develop a method for sequencing of cyclic peptides by multistage MS, and show its advantages over single‐stage MS. The method is tested on known and new cyclic peptides from Bacillus brevis, Dianthus superbus and Streptomyces griseus, as well as a new family of cyclic peptides produced by marine bacteria.
The proteome of Mycoplasma pneumoniae, a supposedly “simple” cell
Authors: Catrein Ina , Herrmann Richard
Published: July 2011

This review covers progress in proteome research on Mycoplasma pneumoniae made over the last 5 years. This bacterium is one of the smallest known self‐replicating bacteria. With fewer than 700 proposed proteins, it is well suited to a comprehensive proteome analysis. While all of the proposed genes are transcribed, thus far 620 proteins, about 90% of the predicted proteome, have been identified experimentally. To study the proteome organization of M. pneumoniae, 178 soluble protein complexes were isolated under non‐denaturing conditions by tandem affinity chromatography and their composition determined by SDS‐PAGE and mass spectrometry. The 62 homomultimeric and 116 heteromultimeric protein complexes could be classified according to 12 different COG functional categories. The complexes interacted with each other to some extent, forming larger assemblies. Protein complexes that were large enough and had specific structures (e.g. ribosomes or DNA‐dependent RNA polymerase) were visible and countable in their natural environment by cryo‐electron tomography. In addition to characterization of the soluble complexes, the analysis of the Triton X‐100 insoluble fraction has a major role in the elucidation of the cytoskeleton‐like structure, because by analogy with eukaryotic cells, almost all of the structural proteins involved in its formation, and enriched sub‐cellular structures, can be found in this fraction.
Concentration quenching effect of organic light‐emitting devices using DCM1‐doped tetraphenylgermole
Authors: Park Young H. , Kim Yongmin , Sohn Honglae , An Ki‐Seok
Published: July 2011

We examine the concentration quenching of a 4‐(dicyanomethylene)2‐methyl‐6‐(p‐dimethylaminostyryl)‐4H‐pyran (DCM1)‐doped 1,1‐bis(2‐phenylethynyl)‐2,3,4,5‐tetraphenylgermole (HPAG)‐based light‐emitting diode. Originally, HPAG emits in the ~500‐nm (green) region, which can be converted to a red‐emission material by using DCM1 doping. As the DCM1 concentration increased from 1 to 10 wt%, the electroluminescence peak positions are red‐shifted from 604 to 644 nm, respectively. Increasing doping density not only shows the red‐shift but also shows decreasing luminance efficiency. Förster energy transfer between the HPAG host material and the DCM1 guest material is responsible for the strong red‐emission behavior. The calculated Förster radius (4.0 nm) for excellent Förster energy transfer characteristics with increasing doping concentration of DCM1 is consistent with experimental results. The maximum luminance efficiency was 6.64 cd/A at 11.0 mA/cm2. The HPAG germole compound shows excellent red‐emission host–guest system properties for red organic light‐emitting device applications. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Discrete macromolecular constructs via the Diels–Alder “Click” reaction
Authors: Hizal Gurkan , Tunca Umit , Sanyal Amitav
Published: July 2011

Functional polymeric materials with desired properties can be designed by precise control of macromolecular architectures. Over the recent years, click reactions have enabled efficient synthesis of a variety of polymers with different topologies via efficient polymer–polymer conjugations. While the copper catalyzed Huisgen type (3+2) dipolar cycloaddition between azide and alkyne has been widely used toward this goal, the Diels–Alder (DA) reaction offers an alternative click reaction that allow efficient macromolecular conjugations, oftentimes without the need of any additional reagent or catalyst. This article highlights, with illustrative examples, the power of the DA “click” reaction to efficiently synthesize a variety of different well‐defined macromolecular constructs in a modular fashion. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Alumina additives for fast iron‐mediated AGET ATRP of MMA using onium salt as ligand
Authors: Bai Liangjiu , Zhang Lifen , Zhang Zhengbiao , Zhu Jian , Zhou Nianchen , Cheng Zhenping , Zhu Xiulin
Published: July 2011

Three kinds of alumina (acidic, neutral, and basic Al2O3) were effective as additives for the control and rate enhancement of iron‐mediated AGET (activators generated by electron transfer) ATRP (atom transfer radical polymerization) of methyl methacrylate (MMA) in the presence of limited amount of air, using FeCl3·6H2O as the catalyst, tetrabutylammonium bromide or tetra‐n‐butylphosphonium bromide as the ligand, ethyl 2‐bromoisobutyrate as the initiator, and ascorbic acid as the reducing agent. The conversion could be up to 83.9% in the case of basic Al2O3 and 75.3% with neutral Al2O3 only in 13 h, respectively, whereas no polymer could be obtained even in 50 h without additives. The polymers obtained with neutral and basic Al2O3 had controlled molecular weights and low Mw/Mn values (∼1.2). Tacticities of the as‐prepared PMMA in the presence of these three kinds of Al2O3 were consistent with that obtained from conventional free‐radical polymerization of MMA. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Polyisobutylene‐based polyurethanes with unprecedented properties and how they came about
Authors: Kang Jungmee , Erdodi Gabor , Kennedy Joseph P.
Published: July 2011

This highlight concerns the birth, development, and present status of unique polyurethanes consisting of polyisobutylene soft segments and conventional hard segments (PIB‐based PUs) exhibiting unprecedented combinations of mechanical properties and oxidative/hydrolytic/biological stability. Impetus for developments was to improve the rather poor chemical resistance of conventional polyurethanes by replacing their soft segments with polyisobutylene segments. Research started in the 1980s with the synthesis of α,ω‐polyisobutylene diols (HO‐PIB‐OH) by the inifer technique and preparation of PIB‐based PUs, which indeed exhibited outstanding stabilities, however, had poor mechanical properties. Because of cumbersome early techniques and expensive reagents, worldwide research and industrial interest waned and developments went into hibernation. Recent discoveries, including living isobutylene polymerization, improved end‐functionalizations, inexpensive ingredients, and new insight into PU morphology, lead to simple and less expensive synthesis strategies and, consequently, to resumption of fundamental and applied research. Presently, we can produce kilogram quantities of polyurethanes and polyureas with unprecedented combinations of excellent physical–mechanical–environmental–biological and processing properties. This highlight focuses on facts and insights, which occurred since the discovery and shaped developments. These events are worth reviewing and analyzing because they illustrate how contemporary academic research is driven by curiosity (fun) and economic considerations (money). © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Nanocomposites of polyamide‐11 and carbon nanostructures: Development of microstructure and ultimate properties following solution processing
Authors: Mago Gaurav , Kalyon Dilhan M. , Fisher Frank T.
Published: July 2011

There is growing interest in the incorporation of nanoparticles into engineering polymers to improve various functional properties. However, ultimate properties of nanocomposites are affected by a large number of factors including the microstructural distributions that are generated during processing. In this work, polyamide‐11 (PA‐11) (also known as nylon‐11) nanocomposites are generated with carbon nanostructures employing a solution crystallization technique at multiple polymer and nanoparticle concentrations, followed by drying, molding, uniaxial stretching and the analysis of the microstructural distributions and tensile properties of the nanocomposites. The morphology of crystals of PA‐11 encapsulating the nanoparticles changed from nano‐hybrid shish‐kebabs at low polymer concentration (0.02 wt % PA‐11 in solvent) to spherulites at high polymer concentration (10 wt % PA‐11 in solvent). The drawing down of nanocomposite films at draw ratios ranging from 2 to 5 at 100 °C resulted in a shift of the PA‐11 polymorph from the generally‐encountered α phase to the technologically interesting γ phase (which is the crystal phase attributed to the piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties of PA‐11). The drawing down also increased of the tensile modulus and yield stress of the nanocomposite films. In contrast, the α phase was conserved at a drawdown temperature of 150 °C, which was attributed to the resulting smaller normal force, i.e., the normal stress difference and the higher temperature allowing the partial relaxation of some of the macromolecules. These findings illustrate how PA‐11 can be structured in the presence of carbon nanotubes and nanofibers to achieve enhanced functionality, which could broaden the application areas and utility of this polymer. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 49: 1311–1321, 2011
Fluid Modeling of the Conversion of Methane into Higher Hydrocarbons in an Atmospheric Pressure Dielectric Barrier Discharge
Authors: De Bie Christophe , Verheyde Bert , Martens Tom , van Dijk Jan , Paulussen Sabine , Bogaerts Annemie
Published: July 2011

A one‐dimensional fluid model for a dielectric barrier discharge in methane, used as a chemical reactor for gas conversion, is developed. The model describes the gas phase chemistry governing the conversion process of methane to higher hydrocarbons. The spatially averaged densities of the various plasma species as a function of time are discussed. Besides, the conversion of methane and the yields of the reaction products as a function of the residence time in the reactor are shown and compared with experimental data. Higher hydrocarbons (C2Hy and C3Hy) and hydrogen gas are typically found to be important reaction products. Furthermore, the main underlying reaction pathways are determined.

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Atmospheric Plasma Enhances Wettability and Osteoblast Spreading on Dentin In Vitro: Proof‐of‐Principle
Authors: Koban Ina , Duske Kathrin , Jablonowski Lukasz , Schröder Karsten , Nebe Barbara , Sietmann Rabea , Weltmann Klaus‐Dieter , Hübner Nils‐Olaf , Kramer Axel , Kocher Thomas
Published: July 2011

The medical background of these investigations is periodontal disease which involves progressive loss of the connective tissue and alveolar bone around the teeth. Increased wettability of dentin or bone replacement materials (hydroxyapatite) may be supportive for successful periodontal regeneration. In this in vitro study, we investigated if an atmospheric pressure, non‐thermal plasma process is able to enhance wettability of dentin and hydroxyapatite as well as if increased wettability translates into a higher spreading capacity of osteoblasts. Surface modification was performed with an atmospheric pressure plasma jet on hydroxyapatite, mammoth ivory and human dentin discs. We used three different plasma gas compositions (argon/+0.2%oxygen/+1% oxygen) with 30, 60 or 120 s application time. Water contact angles and cell spreading of MG‐63 osteoblasts were measured before and after plasma treatment. Contact angles of the three investigated materials (dentin, hydroxyapatite and mammoth ivory: 52.00°, 36.00° and 71.00°, respectively) were significantly reduced after 120 s plasma application (13.90° ± 1.70, 0.00° ± 0.00 and 0.00° ± 0.00, respectively). The most effective contact angle reduction was observed after 60 or 120 s application of Ar + 1%O2 plasma. The cell area of osteoblasts grown on dentin treated with Ar + 1%O2 plasma was larger than on untreated dentin surfaces (p < 0.05). The application of atmospheric plasma reduces the contact angle; the altered surface chemistry translates into a superior spreading of osteoblasts on dentin. These results may offer an additional approach to optimise periodontal regeneration.

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