bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of nonuniformity in a liquid–solid fluidized bed with identical parallel channels
Authors: Fan Long , Grace John R. , Epstein Norman
Published: September 2009

Previous work has demonstrated that multiphase flow through identical parallel channels and multiple cyclones can give rise to significant nonuniformity among the flow paths. This article presents results from a study where the distribution of voidage and flux through parallel channels in liquid–solid fluidized beds is investigated. Experiments and computational fluid dynamics simulations were performed with 1.2 mm glass beads fluidized by water where a cross baffle divided a 191 mm diameter column into four identical parallel channels. Voidages were measured by optical fiber probes. Simulations from a three‐dimensional unsteady‐state Eulerian–Eulerian model based on FLUENT software showed good agreement with the experimental results. Despite the symmetrical geometry of the system, the average voidage and particle velocities in one channel differed somewhat from those in the others. Increasing the superficial liquid velocity could increase voidage greatly and affect the degree of nonuniformity in the four channels. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009
Depressive symptoms and atypical jobs in France, from the 2003 Decennial health survey
Authors: Santin Gaëlle , Cohidon Christine , Goldberg Marcel , Imbernon Ellen
Published: September 2009

Background

The objective is to study the relations between depressive symptoms and atypical jobs in the working population in France and to determine if these associations might be linked with psychosocial and organizational constraints.

Methods

The data come from the 2003 Decennial health survey and concern 11,895 workers. Depressive symptoms were measured by the CES‐D scale. Atypical jobs were defined by employment status (fixed‐term or temporary job contract, permanent job contract, self‐employed) and by part‐time work during working life (involuntary or chosen). Working conditions related to atypical hours and psychosocial factors were also studied.

Results

For both sexes, involuntary part‐time work was associated with a higher frequency of depressive symptoms, but part‐time work by choice was not. Fixed‐term contracts were associated with depressive symptoms only in women. All of these associations persisted after adjustment for psychosocial and organizational factors.

Conclusion

The associations between atypical jobs and depressive symptoms differ for job status according to sex and do not seem to be associated with the worst psychosocial working conditions. The interpretation of these results is nonetheless limited in part by the cross‐sectional nature of the survey. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:799–810, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Risk factors for work‐related musculoskeletal disorders: a systematic review of recent longitudinal studies
Authors: da Costa Bruno R. , Vieira Edgar Ramos
Published: September 2009

Objective

This systematic review was designed and conducted in an effort to evaluate the evidence currently available for the many suggested risk factors for work‐related musculoskeletal disorders.

Methods

To identify pertinent literature we searched four electronic databases (Cinahl, Embase, Medline, and The Cochrane Library). The search strategies combined terms for musculoskeletal disorders, work, and risk factors. Only case–control or cohort studies were included.

Results

A total of 1,761 non‐duplicated articles were identified and screened, and 63 studies were reviewed and integrated in this article. The risk factors identified for the development of work‐related musculoskeletal disorders were divided and organized according to the affected body part, type of risk factor (biomechanical, psychosocial, or individual) and level of evidence (strong, reasonable, or insufficient evidence).

Conclusions

Risk factors with at least reasonable evidence of a causal relationship for the development of work‐related musculoskeletal disorders include: heavy physical work, smoking, high body mass index, high psychosocial work demands, and the presence of co‐morbidities. The most commonly reported biomechanical risk factors with at least reasonable evidence for causing WMSD include excessive repetition, awkward postures, and heavy lifting. Additional high methodological quality studies are needed to further understand and provide stronger evidence of the causal relationship between risk factors and work‐related musculoskeletal disorders. The information provided in this article may be useful to healthcare providers, researchers, and ergonomists interested on risk identification and design of interventions to reduce the rates of work‐related musculoskeletal disorders. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:285–323, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Microemboli may link spreading depression, migraine aura, and patent foramen ovale
Authors: Nozari Ala , Dilekoz Ergin , Sukhotinsky Inna , Stein Thor , Eikermann‐Haerter Katharina , Liu Christina , Wang Yumei , Frosch Matthew P. , Waeber Christian , Ayata Cenk , Moskowitz Michael A.
Published: September 2009

Objective

Patent foramen ovale and pulmonary arteriovenous shunts are associated with serious complications such as cerebral emboli, stroke, and migraine with aura. The pathophysiological mechanisms that link these conditions are unknown. We aimed to establish a mechanism linking microembolization to migraine aura in an experimental animal model.

Methods

We introduced particulate or air microemboli into the carotid circulation in mice to determine whether transient microvascular occlusion, insufficient to cause infarcts, triggered cortical spreading depression (CSD), a propagating slow depolarization that underlies migraine aura.

Results

Air microemboli reliably triggered CSD without causing infarction. Polystyrene microspheres (10μm) or cholesterol crystals (<70μm) triggered CSD in 16 of 28 mice, with 60% of the mice (40% of those with CSD) showing no infarcts or inflammation on detailed histological analysis of serial brain sections. No evidence of injury was detected on magnetic resonance imaging examination (9.4T; T2 weighted) in 14 of 15 selected animals. The occurrence of CSD appeared to be related to the magnitude and duration of flow reduction, with a triggering mechanism that depended on decreased brain perfusion but not sustained tissue damage.

Interpretation

In a mouse model, microemboli triggered CSD, often without causing microinfarction. Paradoxical embolization then may link cardiac and extracardiac right‐to‐left shunts to migraine aura. If translatable to humans, a subset of migraine auras may belong to a spectrum of hypoperfusion disorders along with transient ischemic attacks and silent infarcts. ANN NEUROL 2010;67:221–229
New PTCR thermistors, switching current, and electromagnetic shielding effectiveness from nanosized vanadium sesquioxides ceramic reinforced epoxy resin nanocomposites
Authors: El‐Tantawy Farid , Al‐Ghamdi Ahmed A. , Aal Nadia Abdel
Published: September 2009

A new polymer nanocomposites of an epoxy resin matrix with randomly dispersed nano‐vanadium sesquioxides (V2O3) in various amounts were prepared. The structure of the nanocomposites were characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), X‐ray diffraction, hardness, packing factor, extent of filler reinforcement, glass transition temperature, and sound velocity. The percolation threshold in the conductivity of the composites is lesser than 8 wt % and the dielectric constant can reach as high as 103. The resistivity—temperature curve of the composites shows a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) effect. The thermal stability of the composites was examined in terms of thermal gravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry (TG and DTA) and isothermal resistivity–time check. Because of the interfacial interaction among filler particles and the epoxy matrix, the nanocomposites exhibit higher thermal stability. The current–voltage–temperature curves behave as switching current. The temperature increases linearly with the applied voltage which makes this PTC nanocomposites very useful for temperature probe. Finally, electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (SE) values have been calculated and measured for the nanocomposites in the frequency range 1–12 GHz. It is found that the SE properties of the nanocomposite improve with increase in wt % of V2O3. A maximum SE of 42 dB for V20 sample at 12 GHz has been achieved. These nanocomposites are potentially useful in suppression of electromagnetic interference and reduction of radar signature. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Jute‐fiber‐reinforced polyurethane green composites based on Mesua ferrea L. seed oil
Authors: Dutta Suvangshu , Karak Niranjan , Baruah Sasidhar
Published: September 2009

Two types of environmentally friendly jute‐fiber‐reinforced green composites based on Mesua ferrea L. were prepared with poly(urethane ester) and poly(urethane amide) resin blends with commercially available partially butylated melamine–formaldehyde and epoxy resins through solution impregnation and hot‐curing methods. The composites were cured at a temperature of about 130–140°C under a pressure of 35 ± 5 kg/cm2 for about 2 h. The mechanical properties, such as tensile strength, flexural strength, elongation at break, hardness, and density, of all of the composites were measured and compared. The mode of interaction between the filler and the matrix were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy of the fractured composite samples. The water uptake in different chemical media was observed, and we found that all of the composites possessed excellent hydrolytic stability against almost all of the media except the alkali. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to analyze the thermal behavior of the composites. TGA of the composites showed degradation much above that of the virgin blends, which indicated their high thermostability. The glass‐transition temperatures, as shown by DSC analysis, were found to be much higher. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Ionic properties of an organic–inorganic sol–gel hybrid based on polydimethylsiloxane and tetraethoxysilane doped with sodium dodecyl sulfate
Authors: Pinto Raffael Costa de Figueiredo , de Araujo Paschoal Carlos William , Paraguassu Waldeci , Castro Manoel Carvalho , Tanaka Auro Atsuchi , Filho Jaime Soares Boaventura , José Nadia Mamede
Published: September 2009

In this work, we performed impedance spectroscopy measurements of organically modified silicate membranes based on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) with the inclusion of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) at five different concentrations. The results indicated that the conduction in a pure PDMS/TEOS hybrid membrane mainly resulted from a hopping mechanism. The conduction of membranes modified with the addition of SDS increased for SDS concentrations up to 20% and decreased for higher concentrations. This effect was explained on the basis of the porosity of the membranes due to SDS. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Near‐peer teaching in anatomy: An approach for deeper learning
Authors: Evans Darrell J. R. , Cuffe Tracy
Published: September 2009

Peer teaching has been recognized as a valuable and effective approach for learning and has been incorporated into medical, dental, and healthcare courses using a variety of approaches. The success of peer teaching is thought to be related to the ability of peer tutors and tutees to communicate more effectively, thereby improving the learning environment. Near‐peer teaching involves more experienced students acting as tutors who are ideally placed to pass on their knowledge and experience. The advantage of using near‐peer teachers is the opportunity for the teacher to reinforce and expand their own learning and develop essential teaching skills. This study describes the design and implementation of a program for fourth year medical students to teach anatomy to first‐ and second‐year medical students and evaluates the perceptions of the near‐peer teachers on the usefulness of the program, particularly in relation to their own learning. Feedback from participants suggests that the program fulfills its aims of providing an effective environment for developing deeper learning in anatomy through teaching. Participants recognize that the program also equips them with more advanced teaching skills that will be required as they move nearer toward taking on supervisory and teaching duties. The program has also provided the school with an additional valuable and appropriate resource for teaching anatomy to first‐ and second‐year students, who themselves view the inclusion of near‐peer teachers as a positive element in their learning. Anat Sci Educ 2:227–233, 2009. © 2009 American Association of Anatomists.
1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3triggered vitamin D receptor and farnesoid X receptor‐like effects in rat intestine and liverin vivo
Authors: Chow Edwin C. Y. , Maeng Han‐Joo , Liu Shanjun , Khan Ansar A. , Groothuis Geny M. M. , Pang K. Sandy
Published: September 2009

1α,25‐Dihydroxyvitamin D3(1,25(OH)2D3), a natural ligand of the vitamin D receptor (VDR), was found to increase the rat ileal Asbt and bile acid absorption. The effects of VDR, whose expression is low in liver, on hepatic transporters and enzymes are unknown. Protein and mRNA levels of target genes in the small intestine, colon and liver after intraperitoneal dosing of 1,25(OH)2D3(0–2.56 nmol/kg/day for 4 days) to the rat were determined by Western blotting and qPCR, respectively. The 1,25(OH)2D3treatment increased total Cyp3a protein and Cyp3a1 mRNA expressions in the proximal small intestine, and the short heterodimer partner (SHP), the fibroblast growth factor 15 (FGF15), organic solute transporter (Ostα and Ostβ) mRNA and Asbt protein expressions in the ileum. About 50% higher portal bile acid concentration (65.1±14.9 vs 41.9±7.8 µm,p<0.05) and elevated expressions of the hepatic farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and SHP mRNA resulted with 1,25(OH)2D3treatment. Increased Bsep and Ostα mRNA expressions in liver and a>50% reduction in the Cyp7a1 protein level (p<0.05) and cholesterol metabolism in rat liver microsomes (p=0.002), likely consequences of the bile acid‐FXR‐SHP cascade and activation of the signaling pathway for Cyp7a1 inhibition by FGF15, were found. Increased hepatic multidrug resistance‐associated protein (Mrp3) and multidrug resistance protein 1a (Mdr1a) mRNA and P‐gp protein were also observed. It was concluded that the changes in hepatic transporters and enzymes in the rat were indirect, secondary effects of the liver FXR‐SHP cascade due to increased intestinal absorption of bile acids and elevated levels of FGF15, events that led to the activation of FXR. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coenzyme Q10 protects against oxidative stress‐induced cell death and enhances the synthesis of basement membrane components in dermal and epidermal cells
Authors: Muta‐Takada Keiko , Terada Takatomo , Yamanishi Haruyo , Ashida Yutaka , Inomata Shinji , Nishiyama Toshio , Amano Satoshi
Published: September 2009

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), which has both energizing and anti‐oxidative effects, is also reported to have antiaging action, e.g., reducing the area of facial wrinkles. However, the mechanism of its anti‐aging activity is not fully established. Here, we examined the effect of CoQ10 on human dermal and epidermal cells. CoQ10 promoted proliferation of fibroblasts but not keratinocytes. It also accelerated production of basement membrane components, i.e., laminin 332 and type IV and VII collagens, in keratinocytes and fibroblasts, respectively; however, it had no effect on type I collagen production in fibroblasts. CoQ10 also showed protective effects against cell death induced by several reactive oxygen species in keratinocytes, but only when its cellular absorption was enhanced by pretreatment of the cells with highly CoQ10‐loaded serum. These results suggest that protection of epidermis against oxidative stress and enhancement of production of epidermal basement membrane components may be involved in the antiaging properties of CoQ10 in skin. © 2009 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.
Dehydroabietic acid, a diterpene, improves diabetes and hyperlipidemia in obese diabetic KK‐Ay mice
Authors: Kang Min‐Sook , Hirai Shizuka , Goto Tsuyoshi , Kuroyanagi Kayo , Kim Young‐II , Ohyama Kana , Uemura Taku , Lee Joo‐Young , Sakamoto Tomoya , Ezaki Yoichiro , Yu Rina , Takahashi Nobuyuki , Kawada Teruo
Published: September 2009

Terpenoids, which are contained in a large number of dietary and herbal plants, have many biological effects. In this study, the effects of dehydroabietic acid (DAA), a diterpene, on glucose and lipid metabolism were examined using obese diabetic KK‐Ay mice. We showed here that DAA treatment decreased not only plasma glucose and insulin levels but also plasma triglyceride (TG) and hepatic TG levels. To examine the mechanism underlying the effects of DAA, the production of inflammatory cytokines was measured. It was shown that the DAA treatment suppressed the production of monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNFα) (proinflammatory cytokines) and increased that of adiponectin (an anti‐inflammatory cytokine). As a result of the changes in the production of inflammatory cytokines caused by the DAA treatment, the accumulation of macrophages in adipose tissues was reduced. These results indicate that treatment with DAA improves the levels of plasma glucose, plasma insulin, plasma TG, and hepatic TG through the decrease in the macrophage infiltration into adipose tissues, suggesting that DAA is a useful food‐derived compound for treating obesity‐related diseases. © 2009 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.
Developmental craniofacial anthropometry: Assessment of race effects
Authors: Durtschi Reid B. , Chung Dongjun , Gentry Lindell R. , Chung Moo K. , Vorperian Houri K.
Published: September 2009

Differences in craniofacial anatomy among racial groups have been documented in a variety of structures, but the oral and maxillofacial regions have been shown to be a particularly defining region of variability between different racial/ethnic groups. Such comparisons are informative, but they neither address developmental changes of the craniofacial anatomy nor do they assess or take into account the natural variability within individual races that may account for similar reported, across‐group variations. The purpose of this report was to compare—using medical imaging studies—the growth trend of select race‐sensitive craniofacial variables in the oral and pharyngeal regions when all races [White, Asian, Black, and Hispanic (AR)] are included versus only a single race category [White (WR)]. Race effect was tested by comparing sex‐specific growth fits (fourth degree polynomial model) for AR versus WR data. Findings indicate that the inclusion of all races versus a single race did not significantly alter the growth model fits. Thus, the inclusion of all races permits the advancement of general growth models; however, methodologically, it is best to treat the race variable as a covariate in all future analysis to test for both potential all race effects or individual race effects, on general growth models. Clin. Anat. 22:800–808, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hyperpolarization of the plasma membrane potential provokes reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton and increases the stability of adherens junctions in bovine corneal endothelial cells in culture
Authors: Nin Verónica , Hernández Julio A. , Chifflet Silvia
Published: September 2009

In previous works we showed that the depolarization of the plasma membrane potential (PMP) determines a reorganization of the cytoskeleton of diverse epithelia in culture, consisting mainly of a reallocation of peripheral actin toward the cell center, ultimately provoking intercellular disruption. In view of this evidence, we explored in this study the possible effects of membrane potential hyperpolarization on the cytoskeletal organization and adherens junction (AJ) morphology and the stability of confluent bovine corneal endothelial cells in culture. For this purpose, hyperpolarization was achieved by substitution of extracellular sodium by nondiffusible cations or via the incorporation of valinomycin to the control solution. Actin compactness at the cell periphery was assessed by quantitative analysis of fluorescence microscopy images. The stability of the AJ was challenged by calcium deprivation or temperature decrease. Our results showed that plasma membrane hyperpolarization provokes a compaction of AJ‐associated actin filaments toward the plasma membrane and an increase in the stability of the AJs. We also observed that the hyperpolarizing procedures determined similar modifications in the actin cytoskeleton of endothelial cells in whole bovine corneas. Together with our previous work, the results of this study contribute to the idea that modifications in the PMP of nonexcitable cells participate in cellular adaptive responses involving reorganization of cytoskeletal components. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinical practice patterns and cost effectiveness of human epidermal growth receptor 2 testing strategies in breast cancer patients
Authors: Phillips Kathryn A. , Marshall Deborah A. , Haas Jennifer S. , Elkin Elena B. , Liang Su‐Ying , Hassett Michael J. , Ferrusi Ilia , Brock Jane E. , Van Bebber Stephanie L.
Published: September 2009

BACKGROUND:

Testing technologies are increasingly used to target cancer therapies. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) testing to target trastuzumab for patients with breast cancer provides insights into the evidence needed for emerging testing technologies.

METHODS:

The authors reviewed literature on HER2 test utilization and cost effectiveness of HER2 testing for patients with breast cancer. They examined available evidence on: percentage of eligible patients tested for HER2; test methods used; concordance of test results between community and central/reference laboratories; use of trastuzumab by HER2 test result; and cost effectiveness of testing strategies.

RESULTS:

Little evidence was available to determine whether all eligible patients are tested, how many are retested to confirm results, and how many with negative HER2 test results still receive trastuzumab. Studies suggested that up to 66% of eligible patients had no documentation of testing in claims records, up to 20% of patients receiving trastuzumab were not tested or had no documentation of a positive test, and 20% of HER2 results may be incorrect. Few cost‐effectiveness analyses of trastuzumab explicitly considered the economic implications of various testing strategies.

CONCLUSIONS:

There was little information about the actual use of HER2 testing in clinical practice, but evidence suggested important variations in testing practices and key gaps in knowledge exist. Given the increasing use of targeted therapies, it is critical to build an evidence base that supports informed decision making on emerging testing technologies in cancer care. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Human cell toxicogenomic analysis of bromoacetic acid: A regulated drinking water disinfection by‐product
Authors: Muellner Mark G. , Attene‐Ramos Matias S. , Hudson Matthew E. , Wagner Elizabeth D. , Plewa Michael J.
Published: September 2009

The disinfection of drinking water is a major achievement in protecting the public health. However, current disinfection methods also generate disinfection by‐products (DBPs). Many DBPs are cytotoxic, genotoxic, teratogenic, and carcinogenic and represent an important class of environmentally hazardous chemicals that may carry long‐term human health implications. The objective of this research was to integrate in vitro toxicology with focused toxicogenomic analysis of the regulated DBP, bromoacetic acid (BAA) and to evaluate modulation of gene expression involved in DNA damage/repair and toxic responses, with nontransformed human cells. We generated transcriptome profiles for 168 genes with 30 min and 4 hr exposure times that did not induce acute cytotoxicity. Using qRT‐PCR gene arrays, the levels of 25 transcripts were modulated to a statistically significant degree in response to a 30 min treatment with BAA (16 transcripts upregulated and nine downregulated). The largest changes were observed for RAD9A and BRCA1. The majority of the altered transcript profiles are genes involved in DNA repair, especially the repair of double strand DNA breaks, and in cell cycle regulation. With 4 hr of treatment the expression of 28 genes was modulated (12 upregulated and 16 downregulated); the largest fold changes were in HMOX1 and FMO1. This work represents the first nontransformed human cell toxicogenomic study with a regulated drinking water disinfection by‐product. These data implicate double strand DNA breaks as a feature of BAA exposure. Future toxicogenomic studies of DBPs will further strengthen our limited knowledge in this growing area of drinking water research. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Carotid‐ intima media thickness is independently associated with cognitive decline. The INVADE study
Authors: Sander K. , Bickel H. , Förstl H. , Etgen T. , Briesenick C. , Poppert H. , Sander D.
Published: September 2009

Objectives

Increased carotid intima‐media thickness (C‐IMT) is a non‐invasive marker of atherosclerosis and predicts vascular events. Moreover, increasing evidence suggests an association between carotid atherosclerosis and cognitive decline. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between C‐IMT and the development of cognitive impairment in a large population‐based sample.

Methods

This study was based on the data of the participants of the INVADE (Intervention project on cerebrovascular diseases and dementia in the district of Ebersberg, Bavaria) project. Vascular risk factors, Geriatric depression scale (GDS) and “6 Item Cognitive Impairment Test” (6CIT) were evaluated at baseline and after 2 years. The relationship between C‐IMT and cognitive impairment was analysed using multivariate logistic regression.

Results

Complete baseline data were available in 3386 subjects (mean age 67.7 [95% confidence interval (CI): 67.5, 68.0] years, 41% male). During follow‐up, 174 subjects developed a new cognitive impairment. In the subgroup without cognitive impairment at baseline a significant association between cognitive decline after 2 years and elevated C‐IMT at baseline could be detected with a significantly higher baseline C‐IMT in those with cognitive decline (0.87 mm vs. 0.78 mm; p < 0.0001). After adjustment for various risk factors only age, GDS baseline 6CIT and C‐IMT were independently associated with the development of a new cognitive impairment.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that an increased carotid intima‐media thickness predicts a cognitive decline in an elderly population without prevalent cognitive impairment. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of alcohol and tobacco consumption, and apolipoprotein E genotype, on the age of onset in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Harwood Dylan G. , Kalechstein Ari , Barker Warren W. , Strauman Silvia , St. George‐Hyslop Peter , Iglesias Casandra , Loewenstein David , Duara Ranjan
Published: September 2009

Objective

This study examined the association between a history of heavy alcohol use and smoking, presence of the apolipoprotein‐E epsilon 4 allele (APOE ε4), and age of disease onset in a community dwelling sample of 685 Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients spanning three ethnic groups.

Design

Cross‐sectional study of AD patients evaluated at a University‐affiliated outpatient memory disorders clinic.

Subjects

A clinic‐based cohort of white non‐Hispanic (WNH; n = 397), white Hispanic (WH; n = 264), and African‐American (AA; n = 24) patients diagnosed with possible or probable AD according to NINCDS‐ADRDA diagnostic criteria.

Measurements

The age of onset of AD was obtained from a knowledgeable family member. All patients were assessed for APOE genotype. History of alcohol and tobacco consumption prior to the onset of dementia was obtained via an interview with the patient and the primary caregiver. A history of heavy drinking was defined as >2 drinks per day and a history of heavy smoking was defined as ≥1 pack per day.

Results

Presence of an APOE ε4 allele, a history of heavy drinking, or a history of heavy smoking were each associated with an earlier onset of AD by 2–3 years. Patients with all three risk factors were likely to be diagnosed with AD nearly 10 years earlier than those with none of the risk factors.

Conclusion

The results suggest that APOE ε4 and heavy drinking and heavy smoking lower the age of onset for AD in an additive fashion. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Willingness‐to‐pay for reductions in care need: estimating the value of informal care in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Gustavsson Anders , Jönsson Linus , McShane Rupert , Boada Mercè , Wimo Anders , Zbrozek Arthur S.
Published: September 2009

Objective

To estimate the value of informal care in Alzheimer's disease using contingent valuation.

Methods

A questionnaire was administered to 517 primary carers in four countries (UK, Spain, Sweden, and US). Dichotomous choice and bidding game methods were used to elicit their willingness to pay for a reduction in care burden by 1 h per day, or a total elimination of care needs. Further, the relationship between carer willingness to pay and carer and patient characteristics including disease severity and income was examined.

Results

Carers spend on average about 7–9 h per day on giving care to their patient, of which 4–5 h constituted basic and instrumental ADL tasks. For a 1 h reduction in need for care per day, carers in the UK, Spain, Sweden, and US said that they were willing to pay £105, £121, £59, and £144 per month respectively. The willingness to pay was higher for carers with higher disposable income while the influence of other determinants varied across countries. About one‐third of carers were not willing to pay anything for a reduction in care.

Conclusions

Carers' stated willingness to pay for reductions in care giving time is substantial and comparable to the prices currently paid for treatments that achieve this benefit. Its determinants seem more directly related to carer status than directly to patient status and may vary by region and by cultural and sociologic factors. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Duloxetine and care management treatment of older adults with comorbid major depressive disorder and chronic low back pain: results of an open‐label pilot study
Authors: Karp Jordan F. , Weiner Debra K. , Dew Mary A. , Begley Amy , Miller Mark D. , Reynolds Charles F.
Published: September 2009

Objective

In older adults, major depressive disorder (MDD) and chronic low back pain (CLBP) are common and mutually exacerbating. We predicted that duloxetine pharmacotherapy and Depression and Pain Care Management (DPCM) would result in (1) significant improvement in MDD and CLBP and (2) significant improvements in health‐related quality of life, anxiety, disability, self‐efficacy, and sleep quality.

Design and Intervention

Twelve week open‐label study using duloxetine up to 120 mg/day + DPCM.

Setting

Outpatient late‐life depression research clinic.

Patients

Thirty community‐dwelling adults >60 years old.

Outcome Measures

Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and McGill Pain Questionnaire‐Short Form (MPQ‐SF).

Results

46.7% (n = 14) of the sample had a depression remission. All subjects who met criteria for the depression remission also had a pain response. 93.3% (n = 28) had a significant pain response. Of the subjects who met criteria for a low back pain response, 50% (n = 14) also met criteria for the depression remission. The mean time to depression remission was 7.6 (SE = 0.6) weeks. The mean time to pain response was 2.8 (SE = 0.5) weeks. There were significant improvements in mental health‐related quality of life, anxiety, sleep quality, somatic complaints, and both self‐efficacy for pain management and for coping with symptoms. Physical health‐related quality of life, back pain‐related disability, and self‐efficacy for physical functioning did not improve.

Conclusions

Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors like duloxetine delivered with DPCM may be a good choice to treat these linked conditions in older adults. Treatments that target low self‐efficacy for physical function and improving disability may further increase response rates. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intramolecular C‐thiocarbamoylation of aroxy(isothiocyanato)phosphonium salts
Authors: Smalii R. V. , Marchenko A. P. , Koidan Y. N. , Chaikovskaya A. A. , Pinchuk A. M. , Tolmachev A. A.
Published: September 2009

Isothiocyanatophosphonium salts bearing an aroxy group at the phosphorus atom have been obtained for the first time. As found, these compounds undergo an intramolecular heterocyclization to give hitherto unknown benzoxazaphosphininethiones or cyanoiminophosphoranes, according to the nature of the substituents on the aryl ring. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 19:667–670, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20491
Efficient method of cyclic imides synthesis under ozone influence by the example of ε‐caprolactam oxidation reaction
Authors: Alekseeva Olga , Konstantinova Marina , Rasumovskii Stanislav
Published: September 2009

The process of ε‐caprolactam oxidation by ozone in a CCl4 solution was investigated. Stoichiometric coefficient (1:1) and the mechanism of oxidation were identified. The composition and structure of the ozonolysis reaction products and the ozone attack on the caprolactam molecule were determined by IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy methods, as well as using thin‐layer chromatography. It was found that the ozonolysis reaction is rather selective. The main reaction product—azepane‐2,7‐dione (Scharf et al., Angew Makromol Chem 1979, 79, 193)—was formed with a yield of more than 90% and can be used as an intermediate during the production of commercially important antibiotics. Kinetics of the reaction obeyed the bimolecular law, the effective rate constant of the reaction in the CCl4 solution is equal to kr = 22.7 l/(mol s). The method of fast conversion of lactame to cycloimide under the ozone influence is reported. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 19:661–666, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20492
Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) complexes of tetradentate schiff base containing two thiadiazoles units: Structural, spectroscopic, magnetic properties, and molecular modeling studies
Authors: Serbest Kerim , Kayi Hakan , Er Mustafa , Sancak Kemal , Değirmencioğlu İsmail
Published: September 2009

Four new mononuclear metal complexes with a mononucleating Schiff base ligand containing two thiadiazoles units have been synthesized. The ligand and metal complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, IR, 1H, and 13C NMR, UV–vis, ESR, electrospray ionization mass spectra, and magnetic susceptibility measurements. Electronic spectra, magnetic susceptibility measurement, and molecular modeling studies support octahedral geometry around the Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) ions. The magnetic properties were investigated, and ferromagnetic coupling is observed in Cu(II) and Ni(II) complexes. In addition, total energy and heat of formation calculated for conformers of the Schiff base ligand by the semiempirical AM1 calculations have shown that E,Z‐isomer of the ligand is more stable (about 5.3 kcal/mol) than E,E‐ and Z,Z‐isomers. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 19:700–712, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20496
A simple and efficient preparation of pyrazolo[3,4‐b]‐pyridine derivatives through an unexpected reaction of cyanothioacetamide under microwave irradiation
Authors: Fan Xuesen , Wang Xia , Zhang Xinying , Li Xiaoyan , Qu Guirong
Published: September 2009

An unexpected multicomponent reaction of cyanothioacetamide with aromatic aldehydes and aminopyrazole under MWI was found and reported. It turned out to be an efficient and simple procedure for the preparation of pyrazolo[3,4‐b]pyridine derivatives. The structure of the product was characterized by IR, MS, 1H and 13C NMR, COSY and NOESY spectroscopy, X‐ray crystallographic analysis, and by comparison with the authentic sample prepared with the known procedure. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 19:694–699, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20497
Synthesis and characterization of novel (9H‐fluoren‐9‐ylamino) carbonylaminomethylphosphonic acid
Authors: Todorov Petar , Naydenova Emilia , Popova Julita , Troev Kolio
Published: September 2009

The new α‐aminophosphonic acids are synthesized, reacting (9H‐fluoren‐9‐yl)urea with formaldehyde and phosphorus trichloride. (9H‐Fluoren‐9‐yl)urea was prepared from spiro(fluoren‐9,4′‐imidazolidine)‐2′,5′‐dione by alkaline hydrolysis with Ba(OH)2. The structure of the title compounds was proved by means of IR, 1H, 13C, and 31P NMR spectroscopy. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 19:719–722, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20500
A facile synthesis of stable phosphorus ylides derived from 3,6‐dibromocarbazole and kinetic investigation of the reactions by UV spectrophotometry technique
Authors: Habibi‐Khorassani Sayyed Mostafa , Maghsoodlou Malek Taher , zakarianezhad Mohammad , Nassiri Mahmoud , Kazemian Mohammad Amin , Karimi Puya
Published: September 2009

Stable crystalline phosphorus ylides were obtained in excellent yields from the 1:1:1 addition reaction between triphenylphosphine and dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylates, in the presence of NH‐acid, such as 3,6‐dibromocarbazole. These stable ylides exist in solution as a mixture of two geometrical isomers as a result of restricted rotation around the carbon–carbon partial double bond, resulting from the conjugation of the ylide moiety with the adjacent carbonyl group. To determine the kinetic parameters of the reactions, they were monitored by UV spectrophotometry. The second‐order fits were drawn, and the values of the second‐order rate constant (k2) were calculated using standard equations within the program. At the temperature range studied, the dependence of the second‐order rate constant (ln k2) on reciprocal temperature was in a good agreement with the Arrhenius equation. This provided the relevant plots to calculate the activation energy of all reactions. Furthermore, useful information was obtained from studies of the effect of solvent, structure of reactants (different alkyl groups within the dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylates), and also the concentration of reactants on the rate of reactions. The proposed mechanism was confirmed according to the obtained results and a steady‐state approximation and the first step (k2) of reaction was recognized as a rate‐determining step on the basis of the experimental data. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 19:723–732, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20501
Scale‐dependent fiber kinematics of elastomeric electrospun scaffolds for soft tissue engineering
Authors: Stella John A. , Wagner William R. , Sacks Michael S.
Published: September 2009

Electrospun poly(ester urethane)urea (PEUU) scaffolds contain complex multiscale hierarchical structures that work simultaneously to produce unique macrolevel mechanical behaviors. In this study, we focused on quantifying key multiscale scaffold structural features to elucidate the mechanisms by which these scaffolds function to emulate native tissue tensile behavior. Fiber alignment was modulated via increasing rotational velocity of the collecting mandrel, and the resultant specimens were imaged using SEM under controlled biaxial strain. From the SEM images, fiber splay, tortuosity, and diameter were quantified in the unstrained and deformed configurations. Results indicated that not only fiber alignment increased with mandrel velocity but also, paradoxically, tortuosity increased concurrently with mandrel velocity and was highly correlated with fiber orientation. At microlevel scales (1–10 μm), local scaffold deformation behavior was observed to be highly heterogeneous, while increasing the scale resulted in an increasingly homogenous strain field. From our comprehensive measurements, we determined that the transition scale from heterogenous to homogeneous‐like behavior to be ∼1 mm. Moreover, while electrospun PEUU scaffolds exhibit complex deformations at the microscale, the larger scale structural features of the fibrous network allow them to behave as long‐fiber composites that deform in an affine‐like manner. This study underscores the importance of understanding the structure–function relationships in elastomeric fibrous scaffolds, and in particular allowed us to link microscale deformations with mechanisms that allow them to successfully simulate soft tissue mechanical behavior. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Electroactivity and biocompatibility of polypyrrole‐hyaluronic acid multi‐walled carbon nanotube composite
Authors: Pelto Jani , Haimi Suvi , Puukilainen Esa , Whitten Philip G. , Spinks Geoffrey M. , Bahrami‐Samani Mehrdad , Ritala Mikko , Vuorinen Tommi
Published: September 2009

Electroactivity of polypyrrole hyaluronic acid, electropolymerized in the presence of oxidized carbon nanotubes (PPyHA‐CNT) was studied in situ by electrochemical atomic force microscopy (EC‐AFM) in physiological electrolyte solution. In situ Raman spectroscopic and quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) studies were conducted on layers of the polymer grown on AT‐cut 5 MHz quartz crystals. Human adipose stem cell (ASC) attachment and viability were studied by Live/Dead staining, and the proliferation was evaluated by WST‐1 Cell proliferation assay for polypyrrole samples electropolymerized on titanium. According to cyclic voltammetry, the measured specific capacitance of the material on gold is roughly 20% of the reference polypyrrole dodecylbenzene sulfonate (PPyDBS). Electrochemical‐QCM (EC‐QCM) analysis of a 210‐nm thick film reveals that the material is very soft G′∼100 kPa and swells upon reduction. EC‐AFM of samples polymerized on microelectrodes show that there are areas of varying electroactivity, especially for samples without a hydrophopic backing PPyDBS layer. AFM line scans show typically 20–25% thickness change during electrochemical reduction. Raman spectroscopic analysis suggests that the material supports noticeable polaron conduction. Biocompatibility study of the PPyHA‐CNT on titanium with adipose stem cells showed equal or better cell attachment, viability, and proliferation compared with the reference polylactide. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Laser secondary neutral mass spectrometry for copper detection in micro‐scale biopsies
Authors: Kriegeskotte C. , Cantz T. , Haberland J. , Zibert A. , Haier J. , Köhler G. , Schöler H. R. , Schmidt H. H.‐J. , Arlinghaus H. F.
Published: September 2009

Disease progression and clinical diagnostics of a number of hereditable metabolic diseases are determined by organ involvement in disturbed deposition of certain molecules. Current clinical imaging is unable to visualize this maldistribution with sufficient specificity and sensitivity, such as in Wilson's disease. The quest for understanding cellular Cu distribution in these patients requires element‐ and molecule‐specific images with nanometer‐scale spatial resolution. We have used a new cryo‐mass spectrometric instrument with an integrated cryosectioning chamber for preparation and analysis of frozen hydrated samples of Wilson's disease tissue. With laser post‐ionization secondary neutral mass spectrometry (laser‐SNMS), we were able to image Cu and other intrinsic elements and molecules in less than 1 mg of frozen hydrated liver tissue from a murine model of Wilson's disease. A 40–50 times higher Cu concentration was measured in the disease tissue as compared to the control mouse. Furthermore, major histomorphological changes were observed using this advanced nano‐science tool. The results showed that the combination of in‐vacuum cryosectioning and cryo‐laser‐SNMS technologies is particularly well suited for identifying specific cell structures and imaging trace element concentrations with subcellular resolution and upper‐parts‐per‐billion sensitivity in biological samples. This technology can provide a novel diagnostic tool for clinical applications in various diseases involving trace elements. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quality of life in postoperative vestibular schwannoma patients
Authors: Cheng Sheila , Naidoo Yuresh , da Cruz Melville , Dexter Mark
Published: September 2009

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To quantify the postoperative quality of life (QOL) in patients following vestibular schwannoma surgery in a new multidisciplinary skull base unit.

Study Design:

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods:

The Australian Short Form 36 (SF‐36) quality of life health questionnaire was administered to 121 consecutive patients surgically treated for vestibular schwannoma between 1999 and 2007 at Westmead Hospital, New South Wales, Australia. QOL scores were calculated using a standardized process across the eight SF‐36 health domains and compared to sex‐ and age‐ matched healthy Australian population.

Results:

An 81% response rate (98 patients) was obtained. The postoperative QOL in vestibular schwannoma patients was significantly less than the appropriate matched healthy Australian population in one health domain of role physical limitation (P< .05). Analysis of preoperative patient factors (age, gender) and surgical factors such as tumor size (cutoff points of 15 mm or 25 mm) together with, surgical approach (translabyrinthine and retrosigmoid) showed no significant difference in QOL outcomes for each of these variables (P< .05).

Conclusions:

Results indicate that patients following vestibular schwannoma surgery reported near equivalent QOL as the healthy population. Advances in surgical techniques and experiences have minimized morbidities associated with vestibular schwannoma surgery. Significant physical role limitation encountered postoperatively may relate to facial nerve dysfunction, vestibular dysfunction, tinnitus or hearing loss that may persist after surgery. Careful patient selection, as well as, appropriate preoperative counselling, multidisciplinary follow‐up and rehabilitation should be offered to all surgical candidates. A measured approach should still be considered for patients with small, slow growing tumors with minimal symptoms. Laryngoscope, 2009