bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic importance of standardized uptake value on F‐18 fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography in biliary tract carcinoma
Authors: Furukawa Hiroyoshi , Ikuma Hiroki , Asakura Koiku , Uesaka Katsuhiko
Published: August 2009

Background and Objectives

F‐18 fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) has been used for diagnosis and staging of malignant diseases. However, the prognostic significance of FDG uptake on PET had not been sufficiently evaluated in patients with biliary carcinoma.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of patients with biliary carcinoma imaged by FDG‐PET to determine whether high uptake of FDG predicted overall survival independently of clinicopathological characteristics. Sixty‐nine patients with biliary carcinoma underwent FDG‐PET before cancer treatment. The maximum standard uptake value (maxSUV) was calculated as an index of FDG uptake.

Results

A receiver operating characteristic curve demonstrated a maxSUV of 6.3 to be the optimal cutoff point. The 3‐year survival rate of patients with a maxSUV of 6.3 or less was 74.3%, whereas it was 44.1% for those with values greater than 6.3. Univariate analysis showed that the maxSUV was one of the significant prognostic factors for overall survival (P = 0.0119), whereas multivariate analysis showed that the independent predictors of survival were pN, pM, and pTNM staging.

Conclusions

SUV analysis of FDG‐PET was useful to predict the prognosis of biliary carcinoma. This information may assist in the guiding of treatment strategies before postoperative pathological assessment. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;100:494–499. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lymphadenectomy in colorectal cancer liver metastases resection: Incidence of hilar limph nodes micrometastasis
Authors: Viana E.F. , Herman P. , Siqueira S.C. , Taka T. , Carvalho P. , Coelho F.F. , Pugliese V. , Saad W.A. , D'Albuquerque L.A.C.
Published: August 2009

Background

Liver resection is considered the best treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer. Several prognostic factors have been investigated, and many studies have shown that hepatic hilum lymph nodes involvement has a negative impact on prognosis. The present study evaluated the frequency of microscopic involvement of hilar lymph nodes, through systematic lymphadenectomy and analysis of micrometastases in patients undergoing hepatectomy due to colorectal metastasis.

Methods

A total of 28 patients underwent hepatic resection with hilar lymphadenectomy. Lymph nodes considered negative by conventional hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining were analyzed by serial sectioning with 100‐µm intervals and immunohistochemistry (IHC) with anti‐human pancytokeratin antibody AE1/AE3.

Results

In average, 6.18 lymph nodes were dissected per patient. No morbidity or mortality was associated to lymphadenectomy. In two patients, conventional H&E analysis showed presence of microscopic lymph node metastasis. IHC analysis allowed the identification of three other patients with lymph node micrometastases. The overall frequency of microscopic metastases, including micrometastasis, was 18%.

Conclusions

Systematic lymphadenectomy allowed the detection of microscopic lymph node metastases, resulting in more accurate staging of extrahepatic disease. The inclusion of IHC increased the detection of lymph node micrometastasis. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;100:534–537. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chemotherapy followed by surgery in patients with carcinoma of the distal esophagus and celiac lymph node involvement
Authors: Boonstra J. J. , Koppert L.B. , Wijnhoven B.P. , Tilanus H.W. , Van Dekken H. , Tran T.C.K. , Van der Gaast A.
Published: August 2009

Background

Patients with carcinoma of the distal esophagus and metastatic celiac lymph nodes (M1a) have a poor prognosis and are often denied surgery. In this study, we evaluated our treatment strategy of chemotherapy followed by surgery in patients with M1a disease.

Methods

Thirty‐eight patients who received chemotherapy for carcinoma of the distal esophagus with celiac lymph node involvement between 2000 and 2007 were identified from a prospective database. Clinical and histopathological responses to chemotherapy were analyzed and follow‐up comprised review of medical charts.

Results

Twelve non‐responding patients were not eligible for surgery. Twenty‐six patients with partial responses or stable disease were operated on. The resectability rate was 96% (25/26) and tumor‐free resection margins (R0) were achieved in 68% (17/25). The overall survival of patients with M1a disease was 16 months. Patients who received chemotherapy alone had a median survival of 10 months; patients who underwent additional surgery had a median survival of 26 months (log‐rank P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The overall survival of patients with carcinoma of the distal esophagus and clinical celiac lymph node involvement is poor. Tumor‐free resection margins (R0) in M1a patients with clinical response to chemotherapy are likely to be achieved and contributes to prolonged survival. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;100:407–413. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synergism between protocatechualdehyde and rare earth cerium(IV) ion on the corrosion of cold rolled steel in hydrochloric acid solution
Authors: Li X. H. , Deng S. D. , Mu G. N. , Fu H.
Published: August 2009

The synergism between protocatechualdehyde (PAL, 3,4‐dihydroxy‐benzaldehye) and rare earth cerium(IV) ion (Ce4+) on the corrosion of cold rolled steel (CRS) in 1.0 M hydrochloric acid (HCl) solution has been investigated by weight loss and potentiodynamic polarization methods. The results reveal that PAL has a moderate inhibitive effect, while Ce4+ has a poor effect. Incorporation of PAL with Ce4+ improves the inhibition performance significantly, and exhibits synergistic inhibition effect. The adsorption of individual PAL obeys the Temkin adsorption isotherm, and the adsorption of the complex of PAL and Ce4+ accords with the Temkin adsorption isotherm too. The thermodynamic parameters of adsorption heat (ΔH0), adsorption free energy (ΔG0), and adsorption entropy (ΔS0) are calculated and discussed. Polarization curves show that individual PAL acts as a mixed‐type inhibitor, while Ce4+ slightly inhibits the corrosion reaction. The complex of PAL and Ce4+ acts as a mixed‐type inhibitor, which drastically inhibits both anodic and cathodic reactions. Depending on the results, the synergism mechanism is proposed from the viewpoint of adsorption theory.
Role of second phase particles in pitting corrosion of 3003 Al alloy in NaCl solution
Authors: Liu Y. , Cheng Y. F.
Published: August 2009

The second phase particles in 3003 aluminum (Al) alloy were characterized by scanning electron microscope, energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis and X‐ray diffraction techniques. The role of second phase particles in Al alloy pitting corrosion was investigated by cyclic polarization measurement, and scanning vibrating electrode technique. Results demonstrated that the second phase particles in 3003 Al alloy are mainly Alx(Fe,Mn) intermetallics, with an average diameter of about 5 µm. The enrichment of Mn in second phase particles forms a galvanic cell effect relative to the adjacent Al alloy substrate. The initiation of pitting corrosion of 3003 Al alloy is the local dissolution of Al substrate around the second phase particles. When a sufficient amount of Al is dissolved away, the second phase particles drop off from the Al substrate, forming large pitting cavities that are usually linked each other.
Electrochemical corrosion behavior of plasma sprayed Al2O3‐13%TiO2 coatings in aqueous hydrochloric acid solution
Authors: Wang Y. , Tian W. , Zhang T. , Yang Y.
Published: August 2009

One kind of conventional and two kinds of nanostructured Al2O3‐13%TiO2 coatings were prepared by plasma spray process. The phase composition and microstructure of coatings were examined by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were used to investigate the corrosion behavior of coatings in aqueous hydrochloric acid solution. The results showed that nanostructured coatings had superior corrosion resistance compared to conventional Metco 130 coating. The corrosion resistance of coatings was mainly related to their microstructure and defects density. The EIS measurement for long time immersion in hydrochloric acid solution revealed that the corrosion resistance of coatings decreased with the increasing of immersion time. During the immersion period, electrochemical corrosion mainly occurred on the carbon steel substrate under NiCrAl coatings. In addition, the Al2O3‐13%TiO2 coatings were also failed during corrosion in aqueous hydrochloric acid solution.
Functional assessment after sciatic nerve injury in a rat model
Authors: Dinh Paul , Hazel Antony , Palispis Winnie , Suryadevara Sourabh , Gupta Ranjan
Published: August 2009

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of Sciatic Function Index (SFI) and Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) Locomotor Rating in assessing peripheral nerve injuries. SFI is a standard method for evaluating crush and transected peripheral nerve injuries, likewise BBB for spinal cord injury. Models of chronic nerve compression (CNC), crush, and transection injury were created on Sprague‐Dawley rats and functional outcomes were measured using BBB and SFI at 1‐week interval for 6 weeks. All injury models showed high correlation between SFI and BBB scores. With crush injury, the SFI showed near complete recovery while BBB showed residual deficits 6 weeks after injury. Both the BBB and SFI were unable to detect motor deficits in 6‐week CNC animals. The BBB score should be considered as an adjunct in evaluating peripheral nerve recovery and may be more sensitive in detecting residual deficits than SFI after crush‐type injuries. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2009.
Outcomes comparison of head and neck free tissue transfers in three different hospital populations
Authors: Myers Larry L.
Published: August 2009

Background: There are no previous studies investigating the outcomes (medical complications, surgical complications, and overall survival) of patients undergoing free tissue transfers of the head and neck in three different hospital populations: private, public (county), and veterans administration (VA). Subjects: Consecutive patients who underwent free tissue transfers of the head and neck by a single surgeon between July 2000 and July 2008. Methods: Data were reviewed for pre‐operative variables (prior irradiation and chemotherapy, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score); free tissue transfer characteristics (flap area, harvest and ischemia times); intra‐operative variables (estimated blood loss, fluid administration); postoperative variables (medical/surgical complications, intensive care unit (ICU) and total hospital days); and posttreatment mortality. Results: There were 57, 47, and 61 patients comprising the study populations at the private hospital, public hospital, and VA hospital, respectively. Statistically significant factors were: age (mean years: 64.1, 51.9, and 62.6; P < 0.0001), intraoperative fluid administration (mean mL: 4,945, 6,273, 6,113; P = 0.008), ICU days (2.4, 2.0, 7.7; P < 0.0001), and total hospital days (9.5, 11.5, 17.0; P = 0.0002). Four (7%), five (11%), and four patients (7%), respectively, experienced total flap loss requiring an additional flap (P = ns). Prior irradiation and/or chemotherapy, ASA score, and free tissue transfer characteristics did not differ significantly among the hospital populations. There were no significant differences in posttreatment Kaplan–Meier survival curves (P = 0.299). Conclusion: Free tissue transfer can and should be performed in different hospital populations with comparably high rates of success. Theauthor maintained a high level of participation in the surgeries and postoperative care across the different hospital settings. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2009.
On the solution of the static Maxwell system in axially symmetric inhomogeneous media
Authors: Khmelnytskaya Kira V. , Kravchenko Vladislav V. , Oviedo Héctor
Published: August 2009

We consider the static Maxwell system with an axially symmetric dielectric permittivity and construct complete systems of its solutions, which can be used for analytic and numerical solution of corresponding boundary value problems. Copyright
© 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Creatine supplementation prevents the inhibition of myogenic differentiation in oxidatively injured C2C12 murine myoblasts
Authors: Sestili Piero , Barbieri Elena , Martinelli Chiara , Battistelli Michela , Guescini Michele , Vallorani Luciana , Casadei Lucia , D'Emilio Alessandra , Falcieri Elisabetta , Piccoli Giovanni , Agostini Deborah , Annibalini Giosuè , Paolillo Marco , Gioacchini Anna Maria , Stocchi Vilberto
Published: August 2009

Creatine (Cr), one of the most popular nutritional supplements among athletes, has been recently shown to prevent the cytotoxicity caused by different oxidative stressors in various mammalian cell lines, including C2C12 myoblasts, via a direct antioxidant activity. Here, the effect of Cr on the differentiating capacity of C2C12 cells exposed to H2O2 has been investigated. Differentiation into myotubes was monitored using morphological, ultrastructural, and molecular techniques. Treatment with H2O2 (1 h) not only caused a significant (30%) loss of cell viability, but also abrogated the myogenic ability of surviving C2C12. Cr‐supplementation (24 h prior to H2O2 treatment) was found to prevent these effects. Interestingly, H2O2‐challenged cells preconditioned with the established antioxidants trolox or N‐acetyl‐cysteine, although cytoprotected, did not display the same differentiating ability characterizing oxidatively‐injured, Cr‐supplemented cells. Besides acting as an antioxidant, Cr increased the level of muscle regulatory factors and IGF1 (an effect partly refractory to oxidative stress), the cellular availability of phosphocreatine and seemed to exert some mitochondrially‐targeted protective activity. It is concluded that Cr preserves the myogenic ability of oxidatively injured C2C12 via a pleiotropic mechanism involving not only its antioxidant capacity, but also the contribution to cell energy charge and effects at the transcriptional level which common bona fide antioxidants lack.
Efficacy of isoflavones in relieving vasomotor menopausal symptoms – A systematic review
Authors: Jacobs Anja , Wegewitz Uta , Sommerfeld Christine , Grossklaus Rolf , Lampen Alfonso
Published: August 2009

This review assessed the efficacy of isoflavone supplements to reduce vasomotor symptoms in menopausal women by reviewing all published randomized controlled trials. Systematic literature searches were carried out in 70 databases. Randomized and placebo controlled studies were included if they investigated the treatment of isoflavone supplements derived from soy or red clover on vasomotor symptoms in peri‐ or postmenopausal women for at least 12 wks. Data were analyzed concerning outcome and methodological quality of the study. Twenty‐three trials met the inclusion criteria, thereof 17 investigated soy isoflavones and 6 red clover isoflavones. Without exception, selected trials examining the effect of red clover isoflavones were already assessed in several meta‐analyses and were therefore excluded from this evaluation. As the soy isoflavone studies were very heterogeneous concerning interventions and outcome measures, meta‐analysis could not be performed and trials were systematically assessed in a structured approach. Included soy isoflavone studies had numerous quality deficiencies and did not consistently show a reduction of flushes after treatment with soy isoflavones. Therefore, there is no conclusive evidence, but only some indication of a benefit of soy isoflavones on hot flush frequency or severity.
Indicators of need for occupational therapy in patients with chronic pain: occupational therapists' focus groups
Authors: Skjutar Åsa , Schult Marie‐Louise , Christensson Kyllike , Müllersdorf Maria
Published: August 2009

This study explores occupational therapists' (OT) perceptions of indicators for occupational therapy interventions among patients with chronic pain. An exploratory design was applied to six focus groups of OTs (n = 25) for data collection. Analysis was performed using content analysis through identification of meaning units, codes, categories and themes. Limitations of occupational performance was a major theme that included participant restrictions caused by physical, emotional and environmental barriers. Five subthemes of need were identified: 1) pain behaviour that prevented engagement in activities; 2) lack of knowledge about pain mechanisms and strategies to deal with pain; 3) occupational imbalance in work, leisure and home; 4) emotional stress and depression due to pain; and 5) physical or environmental strain resulting in limitations in occupational performance. Because of the variety and the diverse trends of approaches towards interventions for patients with chronic pain that exist in different cultures and settings, this study should be replicated in other contexts to increase the transferability of the findings. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical and pathological features of paediatric malignant rhabdoid tumours
Authors: Morgenstern Daniel A. , Gibson Sian , Brown Tanya , Sebire Neil J. , Anderson John
Published: August 2009

Background

Malignant rhabdoid tumours (MRT) and their central nervous system (CNS) counterparts atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumours (ATRT) are rare, highly aggressive malignant neoplasms of childhood. Although there are isolated reports of long‐term survival with intensive, multimodal therapy, outcomes are generally poor.

Procedure

We conducted a retrospective review of all patients diagnosed with MRT/ATRT at Great Ormond Street Hospital over the 20 years from 1989 to 2009. All cases were subjected to expert pathological review including INI‐1 immunostaining.

Results

In a final cohort of 34 cases, overall survival was 17.4%, with median survival 10.1 months. Outcome in patients aged <3 years was significantly worse (median survival 6.2 months vs. 19.2 months). Data demonstrated a statistically significant benefit of radiotherapy (median survival 14.9 months vs. 6.6 months), although this analysis is confounded by the impact of patient age. There were four long‐term survivors (>30 months), all of whom received chemotherapy with or without surgical resection or radiotherapy. In the present study, immunohistochemistry revealed no significant staining for either c‐Erb or c‐Met in any case, suggesting that targeting these molecules is unlikely to be of benefit in treating MRT/ATRT.

Conclusions

In view of poor outcomes, there is a clear need for new treatment strategies and the identification of novel molecular targets for MRT/ATRT. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010; 54:29–34. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of adverse events between oral and intravenous formulations of antimicrobial agents: a systematic review of the evidence from randomized trials
Authors: Kouranos Vasilios D. , Karageorgopoulos Drosos E. , Peppas George , Falagas Matthew E.
Published: August 2009

Background

Some clinicians may favor a strategy of early switch to oral antimicrobial therapy for patients responding to initial intravenous therapy. An important relevant consideration refers to the comparative safety and tolerability between oral and intravenous antimicrobial therapy.

Literature search/study selection

We sought to evaluate the above‐mentioned issue by performing a systematic review of randomized studies comparing the occurrence of adverse events between oral and intravenous antimicrobial therapy with the same agents.

Findings

Ten relevant studies (five randomized controlled trials, three randomized cross‐over studies, and two randomized, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐design studies) were included. Seven of the studies evaluated antibacterials (fluoroquinolones in four, and telithromycin, amoxicillin‐clavulanic acid, and linezolid in one study each, respectively), whereas two studies evaluated ganciclovir, and one evaluated isavuconazole. No difference was observed in the rate of total adverse events between oral and intravenous administration of the same antimicrobial agents in any of the included studies that reported specific relevant data. Injection site reactions were noted more frequently with intravenous treatment in one study. No serious drug‐related adverse events were reported, while study withdrawals due to adverse events did not considerably differ between the compared groups in any of the included studies.

Conclusion

There are only limited comparative data regarding the adverse events associated with the administration of the same antimicrobial agents by the oral and intravenous route. Our review indicates that the adverse event profile of oral and intravenous antimicrobial therapy does not differ considerably; however, this issue requires validation by further studies. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Highly active antiretroviral therapy adherence and its determinants in selected hospitals from south and central Ethiopia
Authors: Beyene Kebede Abera , Gedif Teferi , Gebre‐Mariam Tsige , Engidawork Ephrem
Published: August 2009

Objective

To determine the adherence rate and its determinants among people living with HIV/AIDS on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in selected governmental hospitals from central and south Ethiopia.

Methodology

A cross‐sectional study involving both qualitative and quantitative methods was conducted between August and October 2007 in Yirgalem, Hawassa, and Shashemene Hospitals. Quantitative data collection techniques include patient self‐report and unannounced pill count and the qualitative methods employed were focus group discussions (FGDs), semi‐structured interviews, and observations of health facilities.

Results

Whereas females accounted for 56.4% (238), male participants were 43.6% (184) of the total participants. Adherence rate was 93.1% using 15‐days self‐report, but the rate came down to 88.1% when calculated using the unannounced pill count method (n = 90). Multivariate analysis revealed that being unmarried (OR = 0.119, CI = 0.016–0.901, p = 0.039), unemployment (OR = 0.011, CI = 0.000–0.288, p = 0.007); failure to disclose HIV status (OR = 0.433, CI = 0.198–0.949, p = 0.037); lack of support from family (OR = 0.393, CI = 0.163–0.947, p = 0.037); or others (OR = 0.332, CI = 0.144–0.845, p = 0.043); alcohol drinking (OR = 0.210, CI = 0.071–0.617, p = 0.003); treatment regimen, stavudine(40)‐lamuvidine‐nevirapine (OR = 0.174, CI = 0.033–0.923, p = 0.040), azathymidine‐lamuvidine‐nevirapine (OR = 0.172, CI = 0.034–0.867, p = 0.033) and dosing three times daily (OR = 0.073, CI = 0.018–0.290, p = 0.000) regimens were found to be associated with non‐adherence. Moreover, time since diagnosis was associated with adherence, as those tested HIV‐positive ≥ 6 months prior to date of interview (OR = 4.064, CI = 1.23–19.316, p = 0.047) had better adherence rate.

Conclusion

The adherence rate obtained in this study was higher than the rates seen in developed countries despite the fact that many of the participants live in very poor conditions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spontaneously reported adverse reactions in association with complementary and alternative medicine substances in Sweden
Authors: Jacobsson Ingela , Jönsson Anna K , Gerdén Barbro , Hägg Staffan
Published: August 2009

Purpose

Although the safety information is limited, use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) products is not without risks. Spontaneous reporting systems may be used in the surveillance of these products. We describe the pattern of spontaneously reported CAM related adverse reactions submitted to the Swedish Medical Products Agency (MPA) and highlight areas of safety concern.

Methods

All adverse reactions spontaneously reported to MPA between 1987 and 2006, where at least one CAM substance was a suspected agent, were scrutinised. From each report information about the patient, adverse reaction/s, drug treatment/s, dosage, time relationship and outcome was retrieved.

Results

Among a total of 64 493 reports, 778 reports concerned 967 suspected adverse reactions related to 175 different CAM products. The main distribution of suspected adverse reactions was: urticaria (8.3%), exanthema (7.4%) and contact dermatitis (5.7%). The most reported CAM substances were purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) (8.1%), purple coneflower + siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) + malabar nut (Adhatoda vasica) (7.3%) and ginkgo leaf (Ginkgo biloba) (6.7%). In 221 reports, at least one reaction was categorised as serious, the most frequent being pulmonary embolism (1.7%), mixed liver reaction (2.8%), and anaphylactic reaction (2.0%). Eleven of the serious adverse reactions had a fatal outcome.

Conclusions

CAM substances were associated with a variety of adverse reactions. Some of these have previously been unrecognised or poorly documented and suggest further investigations. By stimulating the reporting of adverse reactions of CAM products, the signal detection power of the spontaneous reporting system may increase further. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Access to linked administrative healthcare utilization data for pharmacoepidemiology and pharmacoeconomics research in Canada: anti‐viral drugs as an example
Authors: Rawson Nigel S. B.
Published: August 2009

Purpose

Administrative healthcare utilization data from Canadian provinces have been used for pharmacoepidemiology and pharmacoeconomics research, but limited transparency exists about opportunities for data access, who can access them, and processes to obtain data. An attempt was made to obtain data from all 10 provinces to evaluate access and its complexity.

Methods

An initial enquiry about the process and requirements to obtain data on individual, anonymized patients dispensed any of four anti‐viral drugs in the ambulatory setting, linked with data from hospital and physician service claims, was sent to each province. Where a response was encouraging, a technical description of the data of interest was submitted.

Results

Data were unavailable from the provinces of New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island, and inaccessible from British Columbia, Manitoba and Ontario due to policies that prohibit collaborative work with pharmaceutical industry researchers. In Nova Scotia, patient‐level data were available but only on site. Data were accessible in Alberta, Quebec and Saskatchewan, although variation exists in the currency of the data, time to obtain data, approval requirements and insurance coverage eligibility.

Conclusions

As Canada moves towards a life‐cycle management approach to drug regulation, more post‐marketing studies will be required, potentially using administrative data. Linked patient‐level drug and healthcare data are presently accessible to pharmaceutical industry researchers in four provinces, although only logistically realistic in three and limited to seniors and low‐income individuals in two. Collaborative endeavours to improve access to provincial data and to create other data resources should be encouraged. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New fluorene‐based copolymers containing oxadiazole pendant groups: Synthesis, characterization, and polymer stability
Authors: Bondarev Dmitrij , Zedník Jiří , Vohlídal Jiří , Podhájecká Klára , Sedláček Jan
Published: August 2009

A series of fluorene‐based copolymers containing hole blocking/electron transporting diphenyloxadiazole units were synthesized by means of Suzuki‐Miyaura coupling of selected aromatic dibromo‐ and diboronato‐ derivatives catalyzed with a Pd(PPh3)4 catalyst. All of the copolymers with various composition of main‐chain units were characterized by SEC chromatography, NMR, UV–vis, fluorescence and IR spectroscopy, and DSC. The emission stability of fluorene copolymers was improved by the replacement of alkyl groups on the C‐9 carbon of fluorene with aryl groups or by the incorporation of anthracene units into the copolymer main chain. A comparison of luminescence properties of pristine and annealed thin layers of studied copolymers was performed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 4532–4546, 2009
Facile method to prepare monodispersed Ag/polystyrene composite microspheres and their properties
Authors: Cheng Xinjian , Tjong Sie Chin , Zhao Qiang , Li Robert K. Y.
Published: August 2009

This article presents a facile method to prepare silver/polystyrene composite microspheres. In this approach, monodispersed polystyrene (PS) particles were synthesized with carboxyl acid groups on the surfaces of the PS particles via dispersion polymerization at first. With the addition of [Ag(NH3)2]+ to the PS dispersion, [Ag(NH3)2]+ was absorbed to the surfaces of the PS particles, and then by heating the system, [Ag(NH3)2]+ complex ions were reduced to silver to form the Ag/PS composite microspheres. In the synthesis of PS dispersion, PVP was used as dispersant to stabilize the PS particles, it also acted as reducing agent in the reduction of [Ag(NH3)2]+ complex ions to silver, so no additional reducing agent was needed. The resulting composite microspheres were characterized by TEM, SEM, XPS, and XRD. The catalytic properties and surface‐enhance Raman scattering (SERS) was studied as well. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 4547–4554, 2009
Adhesion curves between two viscoelastic materials by a point‐contact method in a crossed‐cylinder geometry
Authors: Sakasegawa Daisuke , Suzuki Atsushi
Published: August 2009

We investigated an evaluation method of adhesion between two cylindrical viscoelastic materials by a point contact in a crossed‐cylinder geometry. The shape of the adhesion curve obtained in this technique is characterized not only by the maximum adhesion force, FA, but also by the adhesion force at complete separation, FS. To clarify the factors that determine the characteristic properties of the adhesion curve, the adhesion forces of a highly crosslinked polydimethylsiloxane were measured as a function of the separation velocity. As a result, FA and FS strongly depended on the separation velocity. To understand the experimental results, a simulation of the separation behavior was carried out using the Generalized Maxwell model, which could qualitatively reproduce the experimental observations. From these results, we discussed the factors that determine the adhesion curve and clarified the uniqueness and advantages of this evaluation method. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 1778–1788, 2009
Investigations into the antibacterial activities of phytotherapeutics against Helicobacter pylori and Campylobacter jejuni
Authors: Cwikla C. , Schmidt K. , Matthias A. , Bone K. M. , Lehmann R. , Tiralongo E.
Published: August 2009

The prevalence of gastric diseases is increasing with H. pylori, the causative agent of acute and chronic gastritis, being a major predisposing factor for peptic ulcer disease and gastric carcinoma. C. jejuni is the most common cause of enteric infections, particularly among children, resulting in severe diarrhoea. Increasing drug resistance of these bacteria against standard antibiotics, and the more widespread use of herbal medicines, favours investigations into additional anti‐Helicobacter and anti‐Campylobacter effects of phytotherapeutics that are already used for their beneficial effects on bowel and digestive functions.

Twenty‐one hydroethanol herbal extracts and four essential oils were screened for antibacterial activity using a modification of a previously described micro‐dilution assay and compared with the inhibitory effects of antibiotics. The herbal extracts showing the highest growth inhibition of C. jejuni were Calendula officinalis, Matricaria recutita, Zingiber officinale, Salvia officinalis, Foeniculum vulgare and Silybum marianum. Agrimonia eupatoria, Hydrastis canadensis, Filipendula ulmaria and Salvia officinalis were the most active herbal extracts in inhibiting the growth of H. pylori. This study provides evidence for additional beneficial effects of phytotherapeutics marketed for their gastrointestinal effects and identifies new beneficial antibacterial effects for some herbal medicines not currently recommended for gastrointestinal problems. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oleanolic acid is a selective farnesoid X receptor modulator
Authors: Liu Wenming , Wong Chiwai
Published: August 2009

Oleanolic acid (OA) is an ingredient found in some Traditional Chinese Medicine remedies for treating liver ailments. Bile acid biosynthesis and catabolism are in part controlled in the liver by transcription factor farnesoid X receptor (FXR). It was hypothesized that OA may act through FXR to mediate some of its beneficial health effects. In this study, it was found that OA bound to the ligand binding domain (LBD) of FXR and blocked its ability to interact with coactivator SRC‐3. OA also dose‐dependently suppressed the activity of FXR‐LBD induced by its endogenous ligand chenodoxycholic acid (CDCA). Consistently, OA partially blocked the ability of CDCA to induce a FXR target gene bile salt export protein (BSEP). On the other hand, OA did not affect the expression of another FXR target gene organic solute transporter (OST‐β). Intriguingly, OA modestly enhanced the expression of a third FXR target gene short heterodimer partner (SHP). This evidence collectively suggested that OA acts as a gene selective modulator of FXR. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Green tea extract weakens the antibacterial effect of amoxicillin in methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus infected mice
Authors: Peng Qing , Huang Yuanchun , Hou Bing , Hua Dexing , Yao Fen , Qian Yuanshu
Published: August 2009

Tea (Camellia sinensis) has been known for its modulation of resistance of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) to β‐lactam antibiotics in vitro. This study aimed to confirm the in vitro effect of green tea extracts with β‐lactams and to determine whether green tea extracts can reduce the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of amoxicillin in MRSA‐infected mice. The catechins in the test tea that account for the reduced resistance to β‐lactams were quantitatively determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography. The MICs of the ampicillin, cefazolin, amoxicillin, oxacillin, tea extract alone and tea extract in combination with β‐lactams were determined. Proportions of tea extracts and amoxicillin‐tea extract combinations were administered to groups of mice enterally. The in vitro experiment showed that the MICs of four β‐lactams were greatly decreased in the presence of 0.25% tea extract. However, in an in vivo experiment, amoxicillin in combination with 5% tea extract conferred a higher ED50 than that of antibiotic alone. Green tea extract, alone or in combination with amoxicillin, does not have protective benefits in MRSA‐infected mice. This study concluded that tea extract weakened the antibacterial effect of amoxicillin in MRSA infected mice. Tea drinking is not recommended in combination with amoxicillin treatment. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genome wide expression analysis of the effect of Pinelliae Rhizoma extract on psychological stress
Authors: Kim Bu‐Yeo , Cho Su Jin , Kim Hyung‐Woo , Kim Su‐Youn , Lim Se‐Hyun , Kim Kyeong‐Ok , Choi Chang‐Won , Lim Chi‐Yeon , Byun Boo‐Hyeong , Cho Su‐In , Lee Guem‐San
Published: August 2009

Pinelliae Rhizoma has been used traditionally as an antidepressant in Oriental medicine. In this study, the effect of Pinelliae Rhizoma extract (PRe) on psychological stress was investigated in mice. The results of an elevated plus‐maze experiment revealed that application of psychological stress to mice led to the development of an abnormal behavioral pattern. However, oral administration of PRe significantly reduced the abnormal behavior of mice with a recovery rate of 75.5%. To elucidate the molecular mechanism by PRe, a microarray analysis of the brains of mice was conducted. The results of this analysis revealed that 456 genes were up‐regulated and 392 genes were down‐regulated in response to psychological stress. The expression of most of the genes that were altered in response to psychological stress was restored to normal levels in PRe treated mice, with a recovery rate of 81.5% and 85.2% being observed for up‐ and down‐regulated genes, respectively. Finally, when the interaction network information was analysed, the recovery rate of the core node genes (46 up‐ and 29 down‐regulated genes) in PRe treated mice was found to be over 95%, which indicates that this final set of genes may be the effective target of PRe. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effects of aerosols on intense convective precipitation in the northeastern United States
Authors: Ntelekos Alexandros A. , Smith James A. , Donner Leo , Fast Jerome D. , Gustafson William I. , Chapman Elaine G. , Krajewski Witold F.
Published: August 2009

A fully coupled meteorology‐chemistry‐aerosol mesoscale model (WRF‐Chem) is used to assess the effects of aerosols on intense convective precipitation over the northeastern United States. Numerical experiments are performed for three intense convective storm days and for two scenarios representing ‘typical’ and ‘low’ aerosol conditions. The results of the simulations suggest that increasing concentrations of aerosols can lead to either enhancement or suppression of precipitation. Quantification of the aerosol effect is sensitive to the metric used due to a shift of rainfall accumulation distribution when realistic aerosol concentrations are included in the simulations. Maximum rainfall accumulation amounts and areas with rainfall accumulations exceeding specified thresholds provide robust metrics of the aerosol effect on convective precipitation. Storms developing over areas with medium to low aerosol concentrations showed a suppression effect on rainfall independent of the meteorological environment. Storms developing in areas of relatively high particulate concentrations showed enhancement of rainfall when there were simultaneous high values of convective available potential energy, relative humidity and wind shear. In these cases, elevated aerosol concentrations resulted in stronger updraughts and downdraughts and more coherent organization of convection. For the extreme case, maximum rainfall accumulation differences exceeded 40 mm. The modelling results suggest that areas of the northeastern US urban corridor that are close to or downwind of intense sources of aerosols, could be more favourable for rainfall enhancement due to aerosols for the aerosol concentrations typical of this area. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
HIV‐1 vaccine clinical trials: the Brazilian experience
Authors: Ersching Jonatan , Pinto Aguinaldo R.
Published: August 2009

Although the development of an effective HIV‐1 vaccine has proved very challenging for more than two decades, it remains the best hope to control the HIV pandemic. Since Brazil has particular epidemiological features, as well as adequate policies and infrastructure, the country has been an interesting site for HIV vaccine trials. Since 1995, eight trials were performed in Brazil enrolling over 2000 subjects. Peptide vaccine candidates were initially designed to elicit neutralising antibodies as an attempt to provide sterilising immunity against HIV‐1. This strategy, however, has proved extremely difficult, and candidates were poorly immunogenic. Therefore, the next vaccine candidates focused mainly on the induction of cell mediated immune responses that would limit AIDS progression and transmission by suppressing viremia. Such candidates were naked DNA or viral vectors in either prophylactic or therapeutic approaches. Even though several candidates were immunogenic, protective immune responses against HIV‐1 remain to be achieved. However, several studies with non‐human primates and human elite controllers demonstrate that effective immune responses against HIV‐1 may be elicited, supporting the belief that an HIV‐1 vaccine is possible. Much has been learned, and now the development of an effective HIV‐1 vaccine requires resetting priorities with focus on basic research, considering the merits of neutralising antibodies and CMI, as well as the role of innate immunity on HIV‐1 protection. In this new perspective, large‐scale trials should be replaced by smaller preliminary efficacy studies. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cervical length and risk of antepartum bleeding in women with complete placenta previa
Authors: Ghi T. , Contro E. , Martina T. , Piva M. , Morandi R. , Orsini L. F. , Meriggiola M. C. , Pilu G. , Morselli‐Labate A. M. , De Aloysio D. , Rizzo N. , Pelusi G.
Published: August 2009

Objective

To evaluate if cervical length predicts prepartum bleeding and emergency Cesarean section in cases of placenta previa.

Methods

Between September 2005 and September 2007, cervical length was measured by transvaginal ultrasound in women with complete placenta previa persisting into the third trimester of pregnancy. A complete follow‐up of pregnancy was obtained in all cases.

Results

Overall, 59 women were included in the study group. The mean ± SD gestational age at ultrasound was 30.7 ± 2.7 weeks and the cervical length was 36.9 ± 8.8 mm. Cesarean delivery was performed in all cases, at a mean gestational age of 34.7 ± 2.3 weeks. Twenty‐nine (49.1%) of the women presented prepartum bleeding and 12 (20.3%) required an emergency Cesarean section prior to 34 completed weeks due to massive hemorrhage. Cervical length did not differ significantly between cases with and those without prepartum bleeding (35.3 ± 9.3 mm vs. 38.4 ± 8.2 mm; P = 0.18), but was significantly shorter among patients who underwent emergency Cesarean section < 34 weeks due to massive hemorrhage compared with patients who underwent elective Cesarean section (29.4 ± 5.7 mm vs. 38.8 ± 8.5 mm; P = 0.0006).

Conclusions

Transvaginal sonographic cervical length predicts the risk of emergency Cesarean section < 34 weeks in women with complete placenta previa. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Automatisierte Plasmatechnologie für die Wirkstoffentwicklung
Authors: Thurow Kerstin , Hähnel Marcel , Weltmann Klaus‐Dieter
Published: August 2009

Die schnelle und kostengünstige Entwicklung neuer Wirkstoffe und Materialien erfordert einen hohen Grad an Automatisierung. Als Testverfahren zur Bestimmung der biologischen Aktivität werden neben biochemischen Assays vor allem auch zellbasierte Testverfahren wie Proliferations‐, Apoptose‐oder Zytotoxizitätsassays eingesetzt. Der Einsatz von Zellen erfordert in der Regel sterile Bedingungen, deren Einhaltung mit hohen investiven und Betriebskosten verbunden ist. Der Einsatz von Plasmen für die Sterilisation unterschiedlichster Oberflächen ist aus zahlreichen Untersuchungen bekannt. Für die Sterilisation von Mikrotiterplatten wurden geeignete Plasmaquellen entwickelt, die parallelisiert die automatisierte Sterilisation der Platten in hochkomplexen roboterbasierten Screeningsystemen ermöglichen. Die Testung des Systems erfolgt an unterschiedlichen Zelllinien und Assays.
Technisch‐wirtschaftlicher Review der Herstellung tetraedrisch‐amorpher Kohlenstoffschichten durch Lichtbogenverdampfen
Authors: Hetzner Harald , Tremmel Stephan , Meerkamm Harald
Published: August 2009

Wegen der hohen Energie der schichtbildenden Teilchen eignet sich Vakuumlichtbogenverdampfen zur Erzeugung tetraedrisch‐amorpher Kohlenstoffschichten (ta‐C). Da das Verfahren zudem hohe Abscheideraten erlaubt, erscheint es zunächst ideal, um ta‐C auch in der industriellen Großserie herzustellen. Jedoch entstehen beim Verdampfungsprozess unweigerlich sog. Makropartikel, die auf den zu beschichtenden Bauteilen ebenfalls abgeschieden werden und die Schichteigenschaften erheblich verschlechtern. Es sind daher Maßnahmen erforderlich, die der Entstehung und/oder Abscheidung der Partikel entgegenwirken. Der folgende Artikel soll einen Überblick über mögliche Maßnahmen geben und diese mit Blick auf den Einsatz in der industriellen Großserienfertigung einer technisch‐wirtschaftlichen Bewertung unterziehen.
Magnetron sputter‐deposition on atom layer scale
Authors: Scherer Michael
Published: August 2009

For many applications there is an increasing request to control the deposition process on an atom layer scale. This offers a lot of advantages like in accuracy, layer homogeneity and tailoring of layer properties. On the other hand the speed and throughput of the process should not suffer from the control on an atom layer scale as it is the case for classical atom layer deposition (ALD). For optical applications especially high‐end interference filter coatings we developed a plasma assisted reactive magnetron sputtering process in combination with a high speed drive for the substrates. This combination allows controlling the layer thicknesses and layer properties on an atom layer scale while maintaining a high deposition rate. The advantages of this process are demonstrated on single layer results of SiO2, HfO2, ZrO2, Ta2O5 and mixed oxides of SiO2‐Nb2O5. Morphology, surface roughness, film stress, refractive index and losses are controlled by the oxygen partial pressure, the substrate temperature, the energy input by the sputtering ‐and assist process and by cosputtering. The outstanding performance of high‐end interference filter coatings like a multi notch filter for fluorescence microscopy is achieved by the very stable and reproducible deposition process in combination with an advanced thickness control strategy based on in‐situ optical thickness control and time control.
Single element mapping in radiography
Authors: Austin James C. , Day Charles R. , Kearon Anthony T. , Haycock Peter W.
Published: August 2009

This article reports on the application of element‐specific mapping using the Bremsstrahlung of a commercial broad spectrum X‐ray source to map lighter elements (zirconium to tin) and heavier elements (tantalum to bismuth) individually within an image field. Grey level or image brightness has been obtained as a function of acceleration potential over a range of 15–75 kV for lighter elements and 55–150 kV for heavier elements at 1 kV intervals. Tikhonov regularisation was applied to the experimental grey level functions, using a model of the spectrum, to enhance spectral features associated with elemental K‐edges. These features were then used to test for a specific element at all points within an X‐ray image in order to map its presence over the whole image field. Hence it has been shown that it is possible to map specific target elements within an image, provided the grey level function over an appropriate energy range is known at all points. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.