bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Grafting of glycidyl methylacrylate onto chlorinated polypropylene and its bonding to aluminum flake
Authors: Xiao Hanwen , Yu Fengyuan , Yu Ying , Huang Shiqiang
Published: February 2007

Glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) was grafted onto chlorinated polypropylene (CPP) in the molten state using benzoyl peroxide (BPO) in the presence of styrene (St) as a comonomer. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results indicated that the thermodynamic curve of unpurified grafted CPP was different from the purified, and showed a new broad endothermic peak at 100°C, which may be attributed to the glass transition temperature (Tg) of remained copolymer of GMA and St. Furthermore, transmission electron microscope (TEM) showed that there were two‐phase structures in the grafted CPP. Because the grafted CPP was to be used as a hot melt adhesive, so the influence of initiator concentration, monomer concentration, and reaction temperature on peel strength was investigated. The experiment results showed that a higher degree of grafting was obtained by using two kinds of monomers, such as GMA and St. Increasing the monomer concentration led to an initial rapid increase in the peel strength. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 2515–2521, 2007
Improvement of polymer blend properties by changing sequence of mixing
Authors: Maji R. , Bhattacharyya S. , Dasgupta S. , Bandyopadhyay S. , Mukhopadhyay R. , Deuri A. S.
Published: February 2007

The basic objective of this article is to improve the polymer blend properties by changing mixing sequence. Blending of two elastomers does not lead to a molecularly homogeneous blend (true solution), but to a heterogeneous system in which both polymer phases are present. In this article, the detailed study of heterogeneous distribution of carbon black as well as blend inhomogenity and the physicomechanical including dynamic mechanical properties of the blend has been carried out. The choice of the blend was natural rubber/polybutadiene rubber as 85:15. Heterogeneous carbon black distribution study was also performed in differential scanning calorimeter. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 2735–2742, 2007
Flow properties of unvulcanised natural rubber/carboxylated styrene butadiene rubber latices and their blends
Authors: Stephen Ranimol , Raju K. V. S. N. , Rao Mohan , Francis Bejoy , Joseph Kuruvilla , Thomas Sabu
Published: February 2007

The rheological behavior of natural rubber (NR) and carboxylated styrene butadiene rubber (XSBR) latices and their blends was investigated, with special reference to the effect of shear rate, temperature, and blend ratio. Arrhenius plots of the blends were drawn and the temperature sensitivity of different blends was determined. All the blends exhibit pseudoplastic behavior, i.e., the viscosity decreases with the increase in shear rate because of the break down of total networks within the system. The viscosity–composition curve showed negative deviation on account of the interfacial slip between the phases. The interfacial slip is occurred with the lack of interaction between the polar XSBR and nonpolar NR phases. For predicting the flow behavior of the blends at a particular temperature and the shear rate, master curves were drawn for the blend systems. The pseudoplasticity index values were determined by Power law analysis. Attempts have been made to correlate the experimental values with theoretical predictions, using Haschin, Heitmiller, and Mashelker–Sood models. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 2528–2535, 2007
Preparation and properties of ion‐exchange membranes prepared by the radiation‐induced grafting of a styrene/acrylic acid comonomer onto low‐density polyethylene
Authors: Mahmoud Ghada A.
Published: February 2007

The preparation of ion‐exchange membranes by the direct radiation grafting of acrylic acid and styrene onto low‐density polyethylene was studied. The effects of the grafting conditions, such as the comonomer composition and concentration and the irradiation dose, on the grafting yield were also investigated. The swelling behavior, ion‐exchange capacity, structural changes, and thermal properties of unsulfonated and sulfonated membranes were studied. The crystallinity decreased with grafting and sulfonation, but the chemical and thermal stability was improved by sulfonation. The removal of some toxic heavy‐metal ions—Cd2+, Pb2+, and Zn2+—was studied. Some factors that influenced the metal‐ion uptake were studied. The metal‐ion‐uptake results showed that the membranes could be used for the adsorption of the investigated metal ions and had an affinity toward Pd2+ ions in a mixture. The regeneration of the membranes was carried out by a treatment with 1M HNO3, and the membranes were used several times with high efficiency. Thus, the membranes may be suitable for pervaporation or vapor permeation to separate wastewater because of their hydrophilicity. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Synthesis, characterization, and in vitro drug‐release properties of 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate copolymers
Authors: Babazadeh Mirzaagha
Published: February 2007

2‐Hydroxyethyl methacrylate was copolymerized with acrylamide, N‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone, and n‐butyl methacrylate by free‐radical solution polymerization with α,α′‐azobisisobutyronitrile as an initiator at 70 ± 1°C. The average molecular weights and molar compositions of the resultant copolymers were determined with gel permeation chromatography and 1H‐NMR spectroscopy data, respectively. Diclofenac or 2‐[(2,6‐dichlorophenyl)amino]benzene acetic acid, a nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug, was chemically attached to the copolymers by transesterification reaction in the presence of N,N′‐dicyclohexylcarbodiimide to give macromolecular prodrugs. All the synthesized polymers were characterized with Fourier transform infrared, 1H‐, and 13C‐NMR spectroscopy techniques. The polymer–drug conjugates were hydrolyzed in cellophane member dialysis bags containing aqueous buffered solutions (pH 8) at 37°C, and the hydrolysis solutions were detected by UV spectrophotometer at selected intervals. The results showed that the drug could be released by selective hydrolysis of the ester bond from the side chain of the drug moiety. The release profiles of the drug indicated that the hydrolytic behavior of polymeric prodrugs strongly depends on the hydrophilicity of the polymer. The results suggest that the synthesized copolymers could be useful carriers for the release of diclofenac in controlled‐release systems. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 2403–2409, 2007
Investigation on stilbene‐ and azobenzene‐based liquid crystalline organophosphorus polymers
Authors: Rameshbabu K. , Kannan P.
Published: February 2007

Two series of combined liquid crystalline polyphosphates bearing dual photoreactive mesogenic units (stilbene and azobenzene/α‐methylstilbene and azobenzene) were synthesized by solution polycondensation method. The structures of the synthesized polymers were confirmed by various spectroscopic techniques. Thermogravimetric analysis reveals that they are stable between 230 and 320°C. Differential scanning calorimetry studies were done to study the liquid crystalline property, and glass‐transition, melting, and isotropization temperatures for all the polymers. Polarizing optical microscope shows the birefringent melt for all the polymers exhibiting liquid crystalline property. The photochemical response was studied by UV–visible and fluorescence spectroscopy for all the polymers. The photocrosslinking reaction of the stilbene containing polymers was ascertained by spectroscopic and photolysis studies. The rate of the switching time for the conversion of trans to cis form of azobenzene unit was investigated by UV spectroscopy. The terminal substituents in the side chain affects the texture of liquid crystalline phase for all the polymers. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Swelling behavior and biocompatibility of Carbopol‐containing superporous hydrogel composites
Authors: Tang Cui , Yin Lichen , Yu Jing , Yin Chunhua , Pei Yuanying
Published: February 2007

Carbopol‐containing superporous hydrogel composites (SPHCc) with fast swelling and high swelling ratio were prepared using free radical copolymerization. Swelling behavior of the SPHCc was studied in various salt and pH solutions and their biocompatibility was evaluated using tissue damage and cytotoxicity studies. The swelling ratio of the SPHCc decreased with the increase of Carbopol/monomer ratio and was sensitive to pH and ionic strength of the swelling medium. The release of insulin from the SPHCc was rapid in 0.01M phosphate buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.4). In the jejunum mucosal membrane toxicity studies in rat, no significant morphological damage was observed after application of SPHCc. Besides, no damage of the Caco‐2 monolayers was detected after incubation with SPHCc in the trypan blue and propidium iodide tests. On the basis of these results, it was concluded that the SPHCc might be a safe and effective carrier for peroral delivery of peptide and protein drugs. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Synthesis and characterization of core‐shell SiO2 nanoparticles/poly(3‐aminophenylboronic acid) composites
Authors: Zhang Yu‐Ping , Lee Se‐Hee , Reddy Kakarla Raghava , Gopalan Anantha Iyengar , Lee Kwang‐Pill
Published: February 2007

SiO2/Poly(3‐aminophenylboronic acid) (PAPBA) composites were synthesized under different experimental conditions, using ultrasonic irradiation method. Polymerization was carried out in the presence of sodium fluoride and D‐fructose to anchor 3‐aminophenylboronic acid groups on to SiO2 surface. The SiO2/PAPBA nanocomposite prepared by NaF and D‐fructose in the polymerization medium was found to show different morphology, electrical properties, thermal behavior and structural characterization in comparison to the nanocomposites prepared under other conditions. Ultrasonic irradiation minimizes the aggregation of nanosilica and promotes anchoring of PAPBA units over SiO2 surface. The morphology of PAPBA/ SiO2 nanocomposite was investigated by using transmission electron microscopy, UV‐visible spectroscopy; thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction analysis were used for characterization. Transmission electron microscope of the nanocomposites observation shows that SiO2/PAPBA composite, prepared with D‐fructose and NaF under ultrasonication has a core–shell morphology. The thermal and crystalline properties of core‐shell SiO2/PAPBA nanocomposite was prepared via ultrasonication method is different from the SiO2/PAPBA nanocomposite prepared via conventional stirring method, in which SiO2 nanoparticles are submerged in PAPBA. Conductivity of the composite prepared via ultrasonication shows around 0.2 S/cm. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 2743–2750, 2007
Effects of the solvent polarity on the atom transfer radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate initiated by 4‐(chloromethyl)phenyltrimethoxysilane
Authors: Zhang Juan , Pan Kai , Jiang Long , Yi Zheng , Dan Yi
Published: February 2007

The controllability of the atom transfer radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate in the polar solvent N,N‐dimethylformamide and the nonpolar solvent xylene with 4‐(chloromethyl)phenyltrimethoxysilane as an initiator and with CuCl/2,2′‐bipyridine and CuCl/4,4′‐di(5‐nonyl)‐2,2′‐bipyridine as catalyst systems was studied. Gel permeation chromatography analysis established that in the nonpolar solvent xylene, much better control of the molecular weight and polydispersity of poly(methyl methacrylate) was achieved with the CuCl/4,4′‐di(5‐nonyl)‐2,2′‐bipyridine catalyst system than with the CuCl/2,2′‐bipyridine as catalyst system. In the polar solvent N,N‐dimethylformamide, unlike in xylene, the polymerization was more controllable with the CuCl/2,2′‐bipyridine catalyst system than with the CuCl/4,4′‐di(5‐nonyl)‐2,2′‐bipyridine catalyst system. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 2751–2754, 2007
Fe(II/III) adsorption onto styrene/divinyl benzene based polymers
Authors: Ahmetli G. , Tarlan E.
Published: February 2007

The effectiveness of two styrene/divinyl benzene (SDB) compounds was studied for the removal of Fe(II) and Fe(III) from aqueous solutions. The first one was styrene/divinyl benzene sulfonate (SDB‐S), which was commercially supplied and used as an ion‐exchange resin. The second one was a terpolymer, styrene/divinyl benzene/allyl methacrylate (SDBAM), which was synthesized from the monomers and used as an adsorbent. Fe(II/III) removal experiments were conducted in columns and in batch reactors. The results indicated that both SDB compounds were effective for both Fe(II) and Fe(III) removal. The ion‐exchange capacity of SDB‐S was calculated to be 907 mequiv/100 g for Fe(II) and 1100 mequiv/100 g for Fe(III) (which are good quantities). The adsorptive capacity of SDBAM, determined from isotherm calculations, was 79 mequiv/100 g for Fe(II) and 70 mequiv/100 g for Fe(III). This was less than the adsorptive capacity of SDB‐S but acceptable in comparison with common adsorbents. The SDB compounds were more selective for Fe(II). © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 2696–2703, 2007
Serum macrophage inhibitory cytokine 1 in rheumatoid arthritis: A potential marker of erosive joint destruction
Authors: Brown David A. , Moore John , Johnen Heiko , Smeets Tom J. , Bauskin Asne R. , Kuffner Tamara , Weedon Helen , Milliken Samuel T. , Tak Paul P. , Smith Malcolm D. , Breit Samuel N.
Published: February 2007

Objective

The transforming growth factor β superfamily member macrophage inhibitory cytokine 1 (MIC‐1) is expressed upon macrophage activation, regulated by the p53 pathway, and linked to clinical events in atherosclerosis and cancer. Since rheumatoid arthritis (RA) shares similar etiopathologic mechanisms with the above diseases, we sought to determine the clinical utility of determining MIC‐1 serum levels and MIC‐1 genotype in the management of RA.

Methods

Ninety‐one RA patients were recruited. Serum was collected from 83 of these patients and synovial biopsy samples were collected from the remaining 8 patients. Of the 83 patients from whom serum was collected, 61 were treated on an outpatient basis (defined as having nonsevere disease), and 22 patients went on to undergo hemopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) (defined as having severe disease).

Results

Serum levels of MIC‐1 were higher in RA patients and reflected disease severity independently of classic disease markers. MIC‐1 was detected in rheumatoid synovial specimens, and allelic variation of MIC‐1 was associated with earlier erosive disease and severe treatment‐resistant chronic RA. Additionally, algorithms including serum and/or allelic variation in MIC‐1 predicted response to HSCT, the presence of severe disease, and joint erosions.

Conclusion

Determination of serum levels of MIC‐1 and MIC‐1 genotype may be clinically useful in the management of RA as well as in selection of patients for HSCT, since they predict disease course and response to therapy. The data indicate a potential role for MIC‐1 in RA pathogenesis. These results warrant larger prospective studies to fully delineate and confirm a role for MIC‐1 genotyping and serum estimation in patient selection for HSCT and in the management of RA.
Induction of autoimmune depression in mice by anti–ribosomal P antibodies via the limbic system
Authors: Katzav Aviva , Solodeev Inna , Brodsky Ori , Chapman Joab , Pick Chaim G. , Blank Miri , Zhang Wei , Reichlin Morris , Shoenfeld Yehuda
Published: February 2007

Objective

Autoantibodies against ribosomal P proteins are linked to the neuropsychiatric manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The present study was undertaken to assess how the specific brain‐binding autoantibody anti–ribosomal P can induce a depression‐type psychiatric disorder in mice.

Methods

Mice were injected intracerebroventricularly with affinity‐purified human anti–ribosomal P antibodies or IgG as control. Pharmacologic and immunologic treatments included the antidepressant drug fluoxetine, the antipsychotic drug haloperidol, and antiidiotypic antibodies. Behavior was assessed by the forced swimming test, motor deficits by rotarod, grip strength, and staircase tests, and cognitive deficits by T‐maze alternation and passive avoidance tests.

Results

Anti–ribosomal P antibodies induced depression‐like behavior in the mice (mean ± SEM 147.3 ± 19.2 seconds of immobility versus 75.2 ± 12.1 seconds of immobility in IgG‐injected control mice; P < 0.005). The anti–ribosomal P antibody–induced depression‐like behavior was partially blocked by a specific antiidiotypic antibody and significantly blocked by long‐term treatment with fluoxetine, but not by short‐ or long‐term treatment with haloperidol. The depressive behavior was not associated with any motor or cognitive deficits. Anti–ribosomal P antibodies specifically stained neurons in the hippocampus, cingulate cortex, and the primary olfactory piriform cortex, compatible with the previously described binding to the membrane‐bound P0 ribosomal protein.

Conclusion

This is the first report of an experimental depression induced by a specific autoantibody. The results implicate olfactory and limbic areas in the pathogenesis of depression in general, and in central nervous system dysfunction in SLE in particular.
Antiviral gene expression in rheumatoid arthritis: Role of IKKϵ and interferon regulatory factor 3
Authors: Sweeney Susan E. , Mo Ling , Firestein Gary S.
Published: February 2007

Objective

The rheumatoid synovium displays characteristics of Toll‐like receptor (TLR) activation and antiviral gene expression, including production of RANTES and interferon‐β (IFNβ). The mechanism of this activation in rheumatoid synovial tissue is unknown. This study was designed to investigate the role of the IKK‐related kinase IKKϵ and IFN regulatory factor 3 (IRF‐3) in the activation of antiviral genes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Kinase assay and immunostaining were performed on synovial tissue. Dominant‐negative (DN) IKKϵ adenoviral infection of human fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS) was followed by poly(I‐C) stimulation and Western blotting. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed on DN IKKϵ–infected FLS and IKKϵ−/− and IKKϵ+/+ mouse FLS.

Results

Western blotting showed that IKKϵ phosphorylation was significantly greater in RA synovium compared with osteoarthritis synovium. Kinase assay confirmed that IKKϵ was activated in RA synovium, and immunostaining showed localization of pIKKϵ to the intimal lining. Western blot analysis demonstrated that activation of IRF‐3 was also increased in RA synovium. Poly(I‐C), lipopolysaccharide, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) activated phosphorylation of IKKϵ and IRF‐3 in FLS. DN IKKϵ inhibited IRF‐3 phosphorylation as well as RANTES and IFNβ protein production in synoviocytes. Antiviral gene expression was also reduced in FLS from IKKϵ−/− mice compared with IKKϵ+/+ mice.

Conclusion

Antiviral gene expression in RA, especially due to TLR ligands and TNFα, is dependent on IKKϵ and IRF‐3, and this pathway plays a key role in the production of type I IFNs and chemokines such as RANTES. These findings indicate that the IKKϵ pathway may have potential as a therapeutic target in RA.
Influence of inflammatory polyarthritis on cancer incidence and survival: Results from a community‐based prospective study
Authors: Franklin Jarrod , Lunt Mark , Bunn Diane , Symmons Deborah , Silman Alan
Published: February 2007

Objective

To investigate whether the incidence of cancer is increased and whether the rate of cancer survival is reduced in patients following the onset of inflammatory polyarthritis.

Methods

Between 1990 and 1999, we recruited 2,105 patients to a large primary care–based register of new‐onset inflammatory polyarthritis. Subsequent cancers were ascertained by linkage to hospital and death records and were confirmed by the regional cancer register. Cancer incidence, both all‐site and site‐specific, was compared with regional rates, adjusting for age, sex, and calendar year. Overall cancer survival, adjusted for site, was compared with regional data using Kaplan‐Meier curves and Cox regression.

Results

There were 123 incident cases of cancer in the cohort of patients with inflammatory polyarthritis. The overall incidence of cancer among this cohort of patients with inflammatory polyarthritis was not increased compared with that in the regional population. Among cancers of all major organ systems, only the incidence of hematopoietic cancers (including lymphoma) was increased. Five‐year cancer survival was reduced in patients with inflammatory polyarthritis compared with patients without inflammatory polyarthritis. After adjusting for diagnosis, age, sex, and tumor type, mortality in patients with inflammatory polyarthritis and cancer was significantly increased (hazard ratio 1.4, 95% confidence interval 1.1–1.7).

Conclusion

This is the first investigation of overall cancer survival in patients with inflammatory polyarthritis. Compared with an increased incidence of cancer, reduced cancer survival might be a greater contributor to the increased cancer mortality observed in some rheumatoid arthritis populations.
Perceived adherence to prescribed treatment in juvenile idiopathic arthritis over a one‐year period
Authors: Feldman Debbie Ehrmann , Civita Mirella de , Dobkin Patricia L. , Malleson Pete , Meshefedjian Garbis , Duffy CiarÁn M.
Published: March 2007

Objective

To document perceived adherence to treatment (taking medications and performing exercises) in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) over a 1‐year period and to identify related factors.

Methods

We surveyed parents of patients with JIA at the Montreal Children's Hospital and British Columbia's Children's Hospital in Vancouver. Parents were asked to respond to a series of questionnaires every 3 months over a 12‐month period. Perceived adherence was evaluated on a 100‐mm visual analog scale (VAS) in the Parent Adherence Report Questionnaire (PARQ). Parental coping, distress, child function, disease severity and duration, perceived helpfulness of treatment, problems encountered, and sociodemographic data were also assessed.

Results

The mean age of our sample of 175 children was 10.2 years; mean age at diagnosis was 6.1 years and mean disease duration was 4.1 years. Perceived adherence to medications was consistently high, with average adherence at baseline, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months being 86.1, 91.7, 90.4, 92.0, and 88.8, respectively, on the PARQ VAS. Perceived adherence to exercise was lower but remained steady, with corresponding means of 54.5, 64.1, 61.2, 63.0, and 54.3, respectively. Using generalized estimating equation analysis, factors associated with higher perceived adherence to medications included perceived helpfulness of medications and lower disease severity; those associated with higher perceived adherence to exercise were younger age of the child, child involvement in responsibility for treatment, and higher perceived helpfulness of the treatment.

Conclusion

Belief in helpfulness of treatment is associated with higher parental perceived adherence to treatment.
High‐yields and extended serum half‐life of human interferon α2b expressed in tobacco cells as arabinogalactan‐protein fusions
Authors: Xu Jianfeng , Tan Li , Goodrum Kenneth J. , Kieliszewski Marcia J.
Published: February 2007

Therapeutic proteins like human interferon α2 generally possess short serum half‐lives due to their small size, hence rapid renal clearance, and susceptibility to serum proteases. Chemical derivatization, such as addition of polyethylene glycol (PEG) groups overcomes both problems, but at the expense of greatly decreased bioactivity. We describe a new method that yields biologically potent interferon α2b (IFNα2) in high yields and with increased serum half‐life when expressed as arabinogalactan‐protein (AGP) chimeras in cultured tobacco cells. Thus IFNα2‐AGPs targeted for secretion typically gave 350–1400‐fold greater secreted yields than the non‐glycosylated IFNα2 control. The purified AGP domain itself was not immunogenic when injected into mice and only mildly so when injected as a fusion glycoprotein. Importantly, the AGP‐IFNα2 chimeras showed up to a 13‐fold increased in vivo serum half‐life while the biological activity remained similar to native IFNα2. The use of arabinogalactan glycomodules may provide a general approach to the enhanced production of therapeutic proteins by plants. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007; 97: 997–1008. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Phlegmasia caerulea dolens and venous gangrene
Authors: Perkins J M T , Magee T R , Galland R B
Published: March 2007

Phlegmasia caerulea dolens and venous gangrene are rare conditions that tend to occur in association with malignancy. They are characterized by total or near-total occlusion of the venous drainage of the limb, including the microvascular collaterals. Associated mortality and morbidity rates are high, especially when progression to venous gangrene has occurred. Treatment options are limited; elevation and anticoagulation are recommended as first-line management. Experience with thrombolysis has been disappointing although intra-arterial administration of thrombolytic agents may improve results. Thrombectomy cannot be advocated routinely. Little advance in management, or in life and limb salvage, has been made in the past 30 years.
Multicentre study of surgical complications of colonoscopy
Authors: Garbay J R , Suc B , Rotman N , Fourtanier G , Escat J
Published: March 2007

A total of 196 records of colonoscopic surgical complications were reviewed during a 12-year period. Perforation (183 patients) and haemorrhage (11) were the two main complications. Diagnosis of perforation was delayed in 58 per cent of patients. The sigmoid colon was the site of perforation in 72 per cent with evidence of peritoneal contamination in 59 per cent. Postoperative mortality rate of perforation was 12 per cent and was significantly related to a past history of medical disease and size of perforation. Postoperative morbidity rate was 43 per cent. There were two deaths after colostomy closure. The overall mortality rate of colonoscopic perforation requiring an emergency surgical procedure reached 14 per cent. Haemorrhage always occurred after endoscopic polypectomy; the postoperative course was uneventful in these patients.
Sphincter function after transanal endoscopic microsurgical excision of rectal tumours
Authors: Hemingway D , Flett M , McKee R F , Finlay I G
Published: March 2007

Benign tumours of the rectum may be destroyed by diathermy or cryotherapy, or may be locally excised using a urological resectoscope or by more invasive techniques such as the York-Mason trans-sphincteric resection1,2. Transanal endoscopic microsurgical excision of such tumours has the advantage of allowing a magnified view during excision, which enables resection of an unfragmented specimen with clear margins3. More proximal lesions can also be resected. However, the technique requires a prolonged period of anal dilatation using a 4-cm diameter sigmoidoscope, which may compromise sphincter function4,5. The aim of this prospective study was to examine sphincter function before and after transanal endoscopic microsurgical excision of rectal tumours.
Management options in vertebral artery injuries
Authors: Demetriades D , Theodorou D , Asensio J , Golshani S , Belzberg H , Yellin A , Weaver F , Berne T V
Published: March 2007

The treatment of 22 patients with vertebral artery injuries was reviewed. Only four patients required an emergency operation. Most of the injuries (13 of 22) were successfully managed by observation. Five patients were managed by angiographic embolization which was successful in three. In three patients with an aneurysm and arteriovenous fistula, proximal embolization of the vascular lesion was not adequate and a suboccipital craniectomy was required for distal ligation. Most vertebral artery injuries can safely be managed without an operation, or by angiographic embolization. Surgical intervention should be reserved for patients with severe bleeding or where embolization has failed.
Open diagnostic peritoneal lavage
Authors: Potter M A , Paterson-Brown S
Published: March 2007

Diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL) plays an important part in the assessment of patients with blunt abdominal trauma. For reasons of safety the open technique is recommended by the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) Course for Physicians1. In the absence of good lighting and with limited assistance in the trauma suite this method can be time-consuming and often contaminated with blood especially in the obese patient. For similar reasons of safety open techniques for insertion of laparoscopic ports have been developed. The open technique for port insertion2 provides a quick, virtually blood-free access to the peritoneum whatever the ambient conditions and equipment available. This technique is described below.
Prolonged peripheral parenteral nutrition with an ultrafine cannula and low-osmolality feed
Authors: Williams N , Wales S , Irving M H
Published: March 2007

Peripheral parenteral nutrition is an attractive alternative to centrally delivered parenteral nutrition because it obviates the need for central venous cannulation and its attendant complications. Some 45 consecutive patients were fed peripherally using a 22-G polyurethane catheter and a fat-based, low-osmolality feed. Of these patients, 36 were fed for a median of 8.5 (range 3–31) days without peripheral vein thrombophlebitis (PVT). Seven patients developed PVT after a median of 6 (range 5–7) days. The cumulative daily risk of PVT was 0.016 episodes per day. These results suggest that prolonged (more than 7 days) problem-free peripheral parenteral nutrition is possible.
Hepatectomy with an ultrasonic dissector for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Fan S-T , Lai E C S , Lo C-M , Chu K-M , Liu C-L , Wong J
Published: March 2007

This study compared the results of hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using an ultrasonic dissector with those of a combination of the crushing clamp and finger fracture techniques. The crushing clamp and finger fracture method was used from 1989 to 1992 in 96 patients (group 1) and the ultrasonic dissector from 1993 to 1994 in 69 patients (group 2). Data from these two sets of patients were collected prospectively. The groups were comparable in terms of preoperative liver function, tumour size and stage, and the incidence of cirrhosis. Major hepatectomy was performed in 69 patients (72 per cent) of group 1 and in 52 (75 per cent) of those in group 2. Use of the ultrasonic dissector resulted in lower mean(s.e.m.) blood loss (group 1 3.4(0.4) litres versus group 2 2.4(0.2) litres, P = 0.02), lower mean(s.e.m.) blood transfusion requirement (2.2(0.2) versus 1.2(0.2) litres, P =0.001) and more patients not requiring blood transfusion (8 per cent of group 1 versus 32 per cent of group 2, P = 0.0001). Postoperative complications occurred in 45 patients (47 per cent) of group 1 and 19 (28 per cent) of those in group 2 (P = 0.012). There were no deaths in group 2 whereas the hospital mortality rate in group 1 was 16 of 96 (17 per cent) (P = 0.0004). A wider tumour-free resection margin (mean(s.e.m.) 1.2(0.1) versus 0.9(0.1) cm, P<0.05) and lower serum bilirubin level throughout the postoperative period were also observed in group 2 patients. The ultrasonic dissector is better than the crushing clamp and finger fracture technique in hepatectomy for HCC.
Invited comment
Authors: Chant A D B
Published: March 2007

The author's leg ulcer unit has been involved in compression methods for 45 years1. During this time views expressed by its clinicians on compression and its relevance to the aetiology of ulceration have developed in parallel. This differs from the situation in other centres, where the cause of such lesions has so far been examined in detail only in the ulcerated leg itself. The situation found in such limbs includes ‘venostasis’, leg oedema, arteriovenous shunts, free radicals, pericapillary fibrin cuffs, micro-oedema, and vessel plugging by leucocytes and microthrombi. By contrast the author's unit has approached the problem from the perspective of the normal limb. The physiological vulnerability of any limb has been used as a model for the vulnerability of the varicose limb. A compression treatment regimen counteracts two simple gross determinants of ulceration; first, the pressure amplitude changes during exercise and, second, the pressure gradient. This broad conceptual approach has allowed the identification of important relationships which have long since been buried beneath the wealth of what the author believes to be a secondary phenomenon recorded in the literature.
Thirty-five years of isolated limb perfusion for melanoma: Indications and results
Authors: Vrouenraets B C , Nieweg O E , Kroon B B R
Published: March 2007

Isolated limb perfusion (ILP) for limb melanoma remains controversial despite its frequent use for over 35 years. To determine whether it has proven benefits, reported results have been reviewed. The value of adjuvant ILP cannot be determined from the multitude of retrospective studies on this subject. Preliminary results of the large European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer–World Health Organization–North American Perfusion Group trial suggest that patients with melanomas of 1·5–3·0 mm in thickness who do not undergo elective lymph node dissection may have a locoregional control benefit from ILP. However, as long as a definite survival advantage for ILP has not been demonstrated, such treatment does not seem justified for these patients. The value of prophylactic ILP after resection of recurrent limb melanoma is also scientifically unproven. The potential prevention of further limb recurrence for only a limited period of time, as demonstrated in a rather small Swedish trial, probably does not justify routine use of ILP in these patients; a large international trial will be needed to assess whether ILP provides a survival advantage. For those with locally inoperable limb melanoma, ILP appears to be the treatment of choice since it results in complete disappearance of all macroscopic disease in a substantial proportion of patients, removing the need for amputation and providing palliation of symptoms. However, high limb recurrence rates and short duration of response need improvement. Results of alternative treatments should be compared prospectively with those of ILP in this clinical situation.
Vascular complications of injecting drug misuse
Authors: Woodburn K R , Murie J A
Published: March 2007

Drug misuse is now a significant problem in western society; many different Pharmaceuticals are administered by drug abusers as intravenous preparations. This has resulted in an increasing number of complications associated with prolonged intravascular and perivascular injection of abused substances. These complications of intravenous drug abuse may lead to limb-threatening arterial injuries that present a considerable management problem in patients who often have significant co-morbidity. This article provides a comprehensive review of the vascular complications that result from drug misuse by injection. It discusses the aetiology and clinical features of these complications and highlights the limited role of both the general surgeon and specialist vascular surgeon in the management of these patients.
Vein morphology and bypass graft stenosis
Authors: Varty K , Porter K , Bell P R F , London N J M
Published: March 2007

Vein wall morphology (intimal and medial thickness) was studied in a consecutive series of 100 veins before organ culture. The development of a proliferative neointima after 14 days in culture was quantified by measuring neointimal thickness, and the relationship between this and the original vein wall morphology was investigated. The correlation between the intimal or medial thickness before culture and neointimal thickness following culture was poor (rS intima/neointima = 0·21, rS media/neointima = 0·09). Long saphenous vein biopsies were obtained from 53 patients at the time of infrainguinal bypass surgery and their morphology was studied as above. Median intimal and medial thickness before grafting was 21 (range 2–208) and 245 (range 108–557) μm respectively. After 12 months in a colour duplex graft surveillance programme, 46 grafts were patent and 17 of these had developed a stenosis. There was no difference in intimal (28 versus 19 μm, P = 0·1) or medial (247 versus 245 μm, P = 0·47) thickness between stenosed and non-stenosed grafts respectively. Both the laboratory and clinical evidence from this study fail to support the hypothesis that pre-existing vein wall thickening is a key factor in the aetiology of vein graft stenosis.
Image-guided core biopsy in patients with breast disease
Authors: Chare M J B , Flowers C I , O'Brien C J , Dawson A
Published: March 2007

Ultrasonographically-guided core biopsy has been used as an adjunct to triple assessment when fine-needle aspiration cytology was inadequate or equivocal, if the overall assessment of the patient was uncertain, or if it was deemed the preferred diagnostic option. Some 143 of 2603 patients had a guided core biopsy, 125 to establish the diagnosis and 18 to obtain histology in cytologically proven malignancy. A diagnosis of malignancy was established in 43 of the 125 patients who had a diagnostic core biopsy. Some 45 patients with benign disease were either discharged or returned to follow-up on the basis of the core biopsy. The remaining 37 patients required surgical biopsy, of whom 13 had malignant and 24 benign disease. The overall positive predictive value for malignancy was 98 per cent. Experience with ultrasonographically-guided core biopsy shows that it can reduce the need for surgical biopsy in both benign and malignant conditions of the breast.
Angiogenesis inhibitor TNP-470 prevents implanted liver metastases after partial hepatectomy in an experimental model without impairing wound healing
Authors: Tanaka H , Taniguchi H , Mugitani T , Koishi Y , Masuyama M , Koyama H , Hoshima M , Takahashi T
Published: March 2007

The ability of the angiogenesis inhibitor TNP-470 to prevent liver metastasis after partial hepatectomy, and whether TNP-470 impairs liver regeneration or skin wound healing, was evaluated. Following the injection of VX2 carcinoma cells into the portal vein of rabbits, half of the animals underwent resection of the middle hepatic lobe (hepatectomized group) and half did not (non-hepatectomized group). TNP-470 (50 mg) was infused continuously into the portal vein in both groups for 7 days, while controls received only water. The hepatectomized TNP-470-treated group had significantly fewer tumours (mean(s.e.m.) 23·3(12·3)) than the hepatectomized control group (123·7(24·4)). There was no significant difference in the 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine labelling index of regenerated hepatocytes between the TNP-470-treated and control groups. Wound healing in TNP-470-treated animals was not impaired. Intraportal infusion of TNP-470 prevents the recurrence of liver metastasis after partial hepatectomy without impairing healing or liver regeneration.
Clinicopathological features and prognosis of gastric cancer in young European adults
Authors: Santoro R , Carboni F , Lepiane P , Ettorre G M , Santoro E
Published: March 2007

Background

The aims of this study were to define the clinicopathological features and prognosis of gastric cancer in young European adults.

Methods

Between 1990 and 2004, 603 patients with gastric cancer were enrolled in a prospective database. The findings for 51 (8·5 per cent) patients aged 45 years or less were compared with those of 457 aged between 46 and 75 years.

Results

In the younger group there were significantly more women (57 versus 36·3 per cent; P = 0·004), Laurén diffuse-type carcinomas (73 versus 42·7 per cent; P < 0·001), N2–3 lymph node metastases (59 versus 38·9 per cent; P = 0·005), stage IV disease (49 versus 35·7 per cent; P = 0·085) and resections that were non-curative (36 versus 18·5 per cent; P = 0·007) than in the older patients. Actuarial survival rates in younger patients at 5 and 10 years after resection were 40 and 32 per cent respectively, similar to those in older patients (P = 0·540). Unfavourable prognostic factors associated with poor 5-year survival were the degree of gastric wall invasion (T3–4 versus T1–2; P < 0·001), lymph node invasion (positive versus negative; P < 0·001), disease stage (III–IV versus I–II; P < 0·001) and curability of resection (non-curative versus curative; P < 0·001).

Conclusion

Gastric cancer in young adults tends to be more advanced; however, when matched for stage, the prognosis does not differ from that of older patients.
Compared to whom? The impact of status on third person effects in advertising persuasion in a South African context
Authors: Grier Sonya A. , Brumbaugh Anne M.
Published: February 2007

In an experiment conducted in South Africa, we show that perceptual differences between the self and other that underlie third person effects have not only magnitude (e.g., third person effects increase as perceived self‐other differences increase), but also valence. Specifically, individuals contrast themselves against lower status others, resulting in greater third person effects, but compare themselves favorably with higher status others, resulting in smaller third person effects. High status others serve as a norm against which people gauge their own and others' responsiveness to persuasion attempts like advertising. Implications for third person effects, status and the construal of the ‘other,’ and the socio‐cultural context of advertising are discussed. Additionally, we describe managerial considerations regarding branding and target marketing that diverge from Western assumptions about persuasion knowledge and receptivity toward advertising.

Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In Vivo Characterization of Tandem C‐Terminal Thioesterase Domains in Arthrofactin Synthetase
Authors: Roongsawang Niran , Washio Kenji , Morikawa Masaaki
Published: February 2007

Macrocyclization of a peptide or a lipopeptide occurs at the last step of synthesis and is usually catalyzed by a single C‐terminal thioesterase (Te) domain. Arthrofactin synthetase (Arf) from Pseudomonas sp. MIS38 represents a novel type of nonribosomal peptide synthetase that contains unique tandem C‐terminal Te domains, ArfC_Te1 and ArfC_Te2. In order to analyze their function in vivo, site‐directed mutagenesis was introduced at the putative active‐site residues in ArfC_Te1 and ArfC_Te2. It was found that both Te domains were functional. Peaks corresponding to arthrofactin and its derivatives were absent in ArfC_Te1:S89A, ArfC_Te1:S89T, and ArfC_Te1:E26G/F27A mutants, and the production of arthrofactin by ArfC_Te2:S92A, ArfC_Te2:S92A/D118A, and ArfCΔTe2 was reduced by 95 % without an alteration of the cyclic lipoundecapeptide structure. These results suggest that Ser89 in ArfC_Te1 is essential for the completion of macrocyclization and the release of product. Glu26 and Phe27 residues are also part of the active site of ArfC_Te1. ArfC_Te2 might have been added during the evolution of Arf in order to improve macrocyclization efficiency.
Snare retrieval of a catheter fragment with inaccessible ends from the pulmonary artery
Authors: Greenfield Douglas H. , McMullan George K. , Parisi Alfred F. , Askenazi Joseph
Published: March 2007

Frequent use of central venous lines has led to an increasing problem with embolized catheter fragments which have become lodged in the right heart and pulmonary vasculature. Removal of catheter fragments is justified because of a high complication rate when they are left in situ. Using a snare retrieval apparatus catheter fragments may be quickly and easily removed. In the past year we have seen 3 patients with embolized catheter fragments. One case was unusual in that its transverse position in the pulmonary vasculature required initial dislodgement with a pigtail catheter before it could be successfully snared. The literature and our experience suggest that most, if not all, catheter fragments in the right heart and pulmonary circulation can be successfully retrieved without resorting to thoracotomy.
Neovascularity related to a mural thrombus
Authors: Calick Arthur , Dorsey Thomas J.
Published: March 2007

This is a case report on an unusual angiographic finding related to a left ventricular mural thrombus. An abnormal vascular blush of contrast was noted on performing coronary arteriography. This was attributed to neovascularity in a left ventricular mural thrombus. This abnormality must be distinguished from vascular fistulas, intracardiac communications, and tumors in making appropriate therapeutic decisions.
Profiles of radionuclide left ventricular ejection fraction changes induced by supine bicycle exercise in normals and patients with coronary heart disease
Authors: Pfisterer Matthias E. , Slutsky Robert A. , Schuler Gerhard , Ricci Donald R. , Swanson Sue S. , Gordon Donald G. , Battler Alexander , Froelicher Victor F. , Peterson Kirk E. , Ashburn William L.
Published: March 2007

This paper presents the profiles of left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) during and following supine bicycle exercise in normal subjects and in patients with coronary heart disease, as well as the relationship of the described patterns to clinical parameters. Twenty normal men and 40 patients with coronary artery disease were studied using gated equilibrium radionuclide angiography (EQ‐EF). In the normals, during exercise, EF increased by a mean of 25% of the resting value, with an increase of no less than 11%. The exercise‐limiting symptom in patients with coronary artery disease was angina pectoris in 20 and fatigue in the other 20 patients. In the angina patients, there was a mean decrease in EF of 20%, and in the other coronary artery disease patients ejection fraction changed little. Only two patients with coronary artery disease increased ejection fraction from a normal resting value to peak exercise by more than 11%, and they had isolated right coronary lesions. An “overshoot” elevation of ejection fraction above resting levels was demonstrated following termination of exercise in most patients. The patients with a significant fall in exercise ejection fraction more frequently had abnormal exercise‐induced ECG changes as well as abnormal left ventriculograms and more severe coronary artery disease at cardiac catheterization than the patients with little change in ejection fraction. We conclude that 1) normals could be separated from most patients with significant coronary artery disease in this study population; 2) ejection fraction must be measured at maximal exercise for it to have diagnostic value, since there could be a normal rise before and after peak exercise and an abnormal response missed; and 3) the ejection fraction response to exercise reflects the severity of the underlying coronary artery disease. The described patterns of exerciseinduced changes in left ventricular ejection fraction are important to consider when using this new technique to diagnose and evaluate patients with coronary artery disease.