bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Policy and practice: non‐governmental organisations and the health delivery system for displaced children in khartoum, Sudan
Authors: Abdelmoneium Azza O. A.
Published: December 2009

The civil war in Sudan and natural disasters have led to the displacement of many people of whom 2.2 million live in and around Khartoum, half of whom are under the age of 18. These children, living in barren, remote areas, must find ways to survive and meet their basic needs of food, shelter, health and education.

This article focuses on the work of an international organisation working in health services for displaced people in one of the camps in Khartoum in order to argue the case for a rights‐based approach to health care, for separate provision of services to adolescent mothers, for education on sexual and reproductive health for children before they become sexually active, and for sexual and reproductive health services and education for adolescent boys and men.

This article concentrates on health education, in particular sexual and reproductive rights and how gender‐based differences impact on the health and well‐being of children. By concentrating almost exclusively on pregnant and lactating women and children under five, the organisation may reduce the possibility of successful outcomes for women and may not contribute to the reduction of sexually transmitted diseases, early pregnancy and related morbidity and mortality. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stent expansion of stretch Gore‐Tex grafts in children with congenital heart lesions
Authors: Brown Stephen C. , Boshoff Derize E. , Heying Ruth , Gorenflo Matthias , Rega Filip , Eyskens Benedicte , Meyns Bart , Gewillig Marc
Published: December 2009

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of expanding vascular shunt grafts beyond original nominal diameter using stents. Methods: Bench testing confirmed the expandability of 3.5 mm and 4.0 mm vascular Gore‐Tex® stretch grafts. A retrospective analysis included eleven systemic to pulmonary artery shunts with diminished flow which were stented with the aim of increasing the original nominal diameter of the shunts. Results: During bench testing, the grafts could be expanded to 4.5 mm and 5.8 mm, respectively. Fourteen stents were implanted in 11 stretch grafts a median of 18.9 months (3.2; 21.6 months) after shunt surgery. There was a median increase in diameter of 1.4 mm (0.9; 1.7 mm) [P = 0.001, 95% CI: 0.47; 1.7) from original nominal to final stented diameter of the shunts with a median gain of 28%. A simultaneous improvement in saturations from a median of 73% (66; 77%) to 87% (84; 89%) [P = 0.015; 95% CI: 3; 22] was observed. No complications were experienced during the procedures. Conclusion: In our limited experience, stretch Gore‐Tex vascular grafts can be safely expanded beyond nominal diameters using high pressure vascular stents. This leads to improvement in saturation and pulmonary blood flow. It allows the clinician to tailor pulmonary flow in relation to pulmonary artery size and growth, ensuring best possible timing for the next surgical procedure. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of conventional and cutting balloon angioplasty for congenital and postoperative pulmonary vein stenosis in infants and young children
Authors: Peng Lynn F. , Lock James E. , Nugent Alan W. , Jenkins Kathy J. , McElhinney Doff B.
Published: December 2009

Background: Pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) is a rare and often lethal condition in children. The optimal treatment for congenital and postoperative PVS is unknown. Methods and Results: We compared outcomes of conventional balloon angioplasty performed for PVS from 1999 to 2003 against cutting balloon angioplasty performed from 2004 to 2007. A total of 100 previously undilated pulmonary veins in 54 patients were studied: 48 veins dilated with conventional balloons and 52 with cutting balloons. Acute results included significantly reduced gradients and increased lumen diameters with both treatments. Acutely, cutting balloon angioplasty and conventional angioplasty yielded similar relative reduction of the PVS gradient (median 78% vs. 63%, P = 0.08) and increase in lumen diameter (median 77% vs. 59%, P = 0.07). There was one procedural death of a critically ill infant, and four cardiac arrests, but no adverse events necessitating surgical intervention. Survival free from reintervention was poor in both groups, and shorter in the cutting balloon group (73% at 1 month, 11% at 6 months, and 4% at 1 year) than in the conventional angioplasty group (77% at 1 month, 35% at 6 months, and 23% at 1 year; P = 0.01). Conclusions: Both conventional and cutting balloon angioplasty were effective at decreasing gradient and increasing lumen size acutely in patients with congenital and postoperative PVS, but reintervention was common with both treatments. Both methods of angioplasty provided limited benefit, and neither was curative for this complex disease. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
3‐Heterocycle‐PhenylN‐Alkylcarbamates as FAAH Inhibitors: Design, Synthesis and 3D‐QSAR Studies
Authors: Käsnänen Heikki , Myllymäki Mikko J. , Minkkilä Anna , Kataja Antti O. , Saario Susanna M. , Nevalainen Tapio , Koskinen Ari M. P. , Poso Antti
Published: December 2009

Carbamates are a well‐established class of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitors. Here we describe the synthesis ofmeta‐substituted phenolicN‐alkyl/aryl carbamates and their in vitro FAAH inhibitory activities. The most potent compound, 3‐(oxazol‐2yl)phenyl cyclohexylcarbamate (2 a), inhibited FAAH with a sub‐nanomolar IC50value (IC50=0.74 nM). Additionally, we developed and validated three‐dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationships (QSAR) models of FAAH inhibition combining the newly disclosed carbamates with our previously published inhibitors to give a total set of 99 compounds. Prior to 3D‐QSAR modeling, the degree of correlation between FAAH inhibition and in silico reactivity was also established. Both 3D‐QSAR methods used, CoMSIA and GRID/GOLPE, produced statistically significant models with coefficient of correlation for external prediction (R2PRED) values of 0.732 and 0.760, respectively. These models could be of high value in further FAAH inhibitor design.
Concentration‐Dependent Hydrogen‐Bonding Effects on the Dimethyl Sulfoxide Vibrational Structure in the Presence of Water, Methanol, and Ethanol
Authors: Noack Kristina , Kiefer Johannes , Leipertz Alfred
Published: December 2009

The effects of hydrogen bonding between dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and the co‐solvents water, methanol, and ethanol on the symmetric and antisymmetric CSC stretching vibrations of DMSO are investigated by means of Raman spectroscopy. The Raman spectra are recorded as a function of co‐solvent concentration and reflect changes in structure and polarizability as well as hydrogen‐bond donor and acceptor ability. In all cases studied a nonideal mixing behavior is observed. The spectra of the DMSO/water system show blue‐shifted CSC stretching modes. The antisymmetric frequencies are always further blue‐shifted than the symmetric stretching ones. The DMSO/methanol system also features blue‐shifted CSC stretching frequencies but at high mole fractions a pronounced red shifting is observed. In the binary DMSO/ethanol system, the co‐solvent also gives rise to blue shifts of the CSC stretching frequencies but restricted to mole fractions between x=0.38 and 0.45. The different magnitudes and occurrences of both blue‐ and red‐shifted spectral lines are comprehensively and critically discussed with respect to the existing literature concerning wavenumbers and Raman intensities in both absolute and normalized values. In particular, the normalized Raman intensities show a higher sensitivity for the nonideal mixing behavior because they are independent of the mole fraction.
Dihydroxy‐ and Tetrahydroxydicarbahemiporphyrazine: Phthalocyanine Analogues with Phenol and Resorcinol Units
Authors: Barone Natalie , Costa Roshinee , Sripothangnok Saovalak , Ziegler Christopher J.
Published: December 2009

The synthesis of the phthalocyanine variant dicarbahemiporphyrazine (1) follows a simple Schiff base condensation protocol, and can be readily modified to incorporate a variety of modified benzene rings into the macrocycle. In this report, we present the synthesis of dihydroxydicarbahemiporphyrazine (2) and tetrahydroxydicarbahemiporphyrazine (3), hemiporphyrazines in which two phenol and two resorcinol groups, respectively, have been incorporated into the backbone of the macrocycle. The structures of the two macrocycles have been elucidated by X‐ray diffraction, and both adopt planar conformations due to the tautomerization of the internal hydrogen atoms to meso nitrogen positions. The AgI complexes of both rings are also presented, and the structures of both complexes Ag2 and Ag3 have also been elucidated by single‐crystal X‐ray methods. In both Ag2 and Ag3, the structures of the macrocycles closely resemble that observed in the AgI complex of 1, where the metal atom adopts a three‐coordinate geometry with two agostic‐type interactions with the internal C–H units from the phenol or resorcinol rings.
A Concise Synthesis of (–)‐ and (+)‐trans‐Whisky Lactones
Authors: Jiang Xinpeng , Fu Chunling , Ma Shengming
Published: December 2009

Concise enantioselective eleven‐step syntheses leading to(–)‐ and (+)‐trans‐whisky lactones were developed. Propargyl alcohol was employed as starting material. The reaction sequences include highly diastereoselective electrophilic cyclization of γ‐allenoic acids, dehydroiodination, and hydrogenation.
Audit‐firm group appointment: an artificial intelligence approach
Authors: Kirkos Efstathios , Spathis Charalambos , Manolopoulos Yannis
Published: December 2009

Auditor appointment can be regarded as a matter of pursued audit quality and is driven by several factors. The adoption of an effective auditor procurement process increases the likelihood that a company will engage the right auditor at a fair price. In this study, three techniques derived from artificial intelligence (AI) are used to propose models capable of discriminating between cases where companies appoint a Big 4 or a Non‐Big 4 auditor. These three AI methods are then compared with the broadly used method of logistic regression. The results indicate that two of the AI techniques outperform logistic regression. In addition, one method further improves its performance by applying bagging. Finally, significant factors associated with auditor appointment are revealed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparing the efficacy of three bioceramic matrices for the release of vancomycin hydrochloride
Authors: Jiang Peih‐Jeng , Patel Sarika , Gbureck Uwe , Caley Ryan , Grover Liam M.
Published: December 2009

A number of calcium phosphate materials have been investigated as drug release matrices for the prophylactic treatment of implant‐related osteomyelitis. However, some studies have shown the influence of processing on the efficacy of the delivered drug. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of pH during processing on the efficacy of vancomycin hydrochloride (VH) against Staphylococcus aureus. VH was loaded into a brushite cement (CaHPO4·2H2O; pH 2.4); a hydroxyapatite cement (Ca10(PO4)6OH2; pH 9.4); and an apatite xerogel (pH 7.4). The pH of the material during processing had a significant influence on the mechanism of release from the cement. VH released from the apatite cement (pH 9.4) was not released in accordance with the Higuchi model. In addition to affecting release, the basic pH was shown to diminish the antibacterial potency of the released VH. Despite exceeding the minimum inhibitory concentration, the eluent from the apatite cement was ineffective against a culture of S. aureus. The findings of this study reinforce the importance of evaluating not only the release of the drug from the material matrix but also the antibacterial potency of the released drug. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010
High‐frequency stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus restores neural and behavioral functions during reaction time task in a rat model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Li Xiang‐Hong , Wang Jin‐Yan , Gao Ge , Chang Jing‐Yu , Woodward Donald J. , Luo Fei
Published: December 2009

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been used in the clinic to treat Parkinson's disease (PD) and other neuropsychiatric disorders. Our previous work has shown that DBS in the subthalamic nucleus (STN) can improve major motor deficits, and induce a variety of neural responses in rats with unilateral dopamine (DA) lesions. In the present study, we examined the effect of STN DBS on reaction time (RT) performance and parallel changes in neural activity in the cortico‐basal ganglia regions of partially bilateral DA‐ lesioned rats. We recorded neural activity with a multiple‐channel single‐unit electrode system in the primary motor cortex (MI), the STN, and the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) during RT test. RT performance was severely impaired following bilateral injection of 6‐OHDA into the dorsolateral part of the striatum. In parallel with such behavioral impairments, the number of responsive neurons to different behavioral events was remarkably decreased after DA lesion. Bilateral STN DBS improved RT performance in 6‐OHDA lesioned rats, and restored operational behavior‐related neural responses in cortico‐basal ganglia regions. These behavioral and electrophysiological effects of DBS lasted nearly an hour after DBS termination. These results demonstrate that a partial DA lesion‐induced impairment of RT performance is associated with changes in neural activity in the cortico‐basal ganglia circuit. Furthermore, STN DBS can reverse changes in behavior and neural activity caused by partial DA depletion. The observed long‐lasting beneficial effect of STN DBS suggests the involvement of the mechanism of neural plasticity in modulating cortico‐basal ganglia circuits. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Guideline for optimization of colorectal cancer surgery and pathology
Authors: Smith Andrew J. , Driman David K. , Spithoff Karen , Hunter Amber , McLeod Robin S. , Simunovic Marko , Langer Bernard ,   for the Expert Panel on Colon and Rectal Cancer Surgery and Pathology
Published: December 2009

Background and Objectives

There is evidence of gaps in care for colorectal cancer surgery related to obtaining negative resection margins and lymph node assessment. Recommendations on the surgical and pathological management of curable colon and rectal cancer were developed.

Methods

A systematic review on colorectal resection margins and lymph nodes was conducted. This evidence, combined with evidence from existing guidelines and expert consensus, was used to develop recommendations. The draft guideline was reviewed by an expert panel and was externally reviewed by practitioners in Ontario, Canada.

Results

The search of the recent literature identified 107 articles pertinent to resection margins and lymph node assessment. The majority of the evidence was of poor quality. Of the 63 practitioners who reviewed the guideline, 97% agreed with the draft recommendations and 92% thought that the report should be approved as a practice guideline.

Conclusions

Achieving optimized performance concerning margin status and lymph node assessment requires the coordinated efforts of surgeons and pathologists, as well as other medical professionals. Focus should be on ensuring that colorectal cancers are resected with negative (R0) margins and that an adequate number of lymph nodes are assessed to allow for accurate decision making relating to prognosis and adjuvant therapy. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010;101:5–12. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preoperative serum CA‐125 levels and risk of suboptimal cytoreduction in ovarian cancer: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Kang Sokbom , Kim Tae‐Joong , Nam Byung‐Ho , Seo Sang‐Soo , Kim Byoung‐Gie , Bae Duk‐Soo , Park Sang‐Yoon
Published: December 2009

Background

This meta‐analysis was designed to determine the ability of pretreatment CA‐125 level to predict optimal cytoreduction in advanced ovarian cancer (OC).

Methods

Through literature search, 14 studies were identified. In addition, we retrospectively reviewed the data of 154 patients with OC. Using the bi‐variate model, diagnostic performance of CA‐125 was assessed at the various cut‐off levels. An overall odds ratio was obtained using random effects model.

Results

A total of 2,192 patients were included in the analysis. The pooled optimal cytoreduction rate and the mean of median CA‐125 levels were 53.7% and 580 U/ml, respectively. At the cut‐off of 500 U/ml, overall sensitivity and specificity were 68.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 62.0–75.1%) and 63.2% (95% CI 53.7–71.7%), respectively. Positive and negative likelihood ratios were 1.87 (95% CI 1.40–2.50) and 0.49 (95% CI 0.37–0.66). The CA‐125 >500 U/ml showed strong association with a risk of suboptimal cytoreduction with an odds ratio of 3.69 (95% CI 2.02–6.73).

Conclusions

The current analysis indicates that CA‐125 is a strong risk factor of suboptimal cytoreduction and it may be applied in preoperative counseling and treatment planning. However, it also shows that CA‐125 lacks the ability to predict optimal cytoreduction accurately. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010;101:13–17. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Curcumin inhibits the Sonic Hedgehog signaling pathway and triggers apoptosis in medulloblastoma cells
Authors: Elamin Maha H. , Shinwari Zakia , Hendrayani Siti‐Faujiah , Al‐Hindi Hindi , Al‐Shail Essam , khafaga Yasser , Al‐kofide Amani , Aboussekhra Abdelilah
Published: December 2009

Medulloblastoma is an aggressive primary brain tumor that arises in the cerebellum of children and young adults. The Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway that plays important roles in the pathology of this aggressive disease is a promising therapeutic target. In the present report we have shown that curcumin has cytotoxic effects on medulloblastoma cells. Curcumin suppressed also cell proliferation and triggered cell‐cycle arrest at G2/M phase. Moreover, curcumin inhibited the Shh–Gli1 signaling pathway by downregulating the Shh protein and its most important downstream targets GLI1 and PTCH1. Furthermore, curcumin reduced the levels of β‐catenin, the activate/phosphorylated form of Akt and NF‐κB, which led to downregulating the three common key effectors, namely C‐myc, N‐myc, and Cyclin D1. Consequently, apoptosis was triggered by curcumin through the mitochondrial pathway via downregulation of Bcl‐2, a downstream anti‐apoptotic effector of the Shh signaling. Importantly, the resistant cells that exhibited no decrease in the levels of Shh and Bcl‐2, were sensitized to curcumin by the addition of the Shh antogonist, cyclopamine. Furthermore, we have shown that curcumin enhances the killing efficiency of nontoxic doses of cisplatin and γ‐rays. In addition, we present clear evidence that piperine, an enhancer of curcumin bioavailability in humans, potentiates the apoptotic effect of curcumin against medulloblastoma cells. This effect was mediated through strong downregulation of Bcl‐2. These results indicate that curcumin, a natural nontoxic compound, represents great promise as Shh‐targeted therapy for medulloblastomas. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Toxicology and risk assessment of coumarin: Focus on human data
Authors: Abraham Klaus , Wöhrlin Friederike , Lindtner Oliver , Heinemeyer Gerhard , Lampen Alfonso
Published: December 2009

Coumarin is a secondary phytochemical with hepatotoxic and carcinogenic properties. For the carcinogenic effect, a genotoxic mechanism was considered possible, but was discounted by the European Food Safety Authority in 2004 based on new evidence. This allowed the derivation of a tolerable daily intake (TDI) for the first time, and a value of 0.1 mg/kg body weight was arrived at based on animal hepatotoxicity data. However, clinical data on hepatotoxicity from patients treated with coumarin as medicinal drug is also available. This data revealed a subgroup of the human population being more susceptible for the hepatotoxic effect than the animal species investigated. The cause of the high susceptibility is currently unknown; possible mechanisms are discussed. Using the human data, a TDI of 0.1 mg/kg body weight was derived, confirming that of the European Food Safety Authority. Nutritional exposure may be considerably, and is mainly due to use of cassia cinnamon, which is a popular spice especially, used for cookies and sweet dishes. To estimate exposure to coumarin during the Christmas season in Germany, a telephone survey was performed with more than 1000 randomly selected persons. Heavy consumers of cassia cinnamon may reach a daily coumarin intake corresponding to the TDI.
Bladder pain syndrome international consultation on incontinence
Authors: Hanno Philip , Lin Alex , Nordling Jörgen , Nyberg Leroy , van Ophoven Arndt , Ueda Tomohiro , Wein Alan
Published: December 2009

Aims of Study

The Bladder Pain Syndrome Committee of the International Consultation on Incontinence was assigned the task by the consultation of reviewing the syndrome, formerly known as interstitial cystitis, in a comprehensive fashion. This included the topics of definition, nomenclature, taxonomy, epidemiology, etiology, pathology, diagnosis, symptom scales, outcome assessment, principles of management, specific therapies, and future directions in research.

Study Design, Materials, Methods

The emphasis was on new information developed since the last consultation 4 years previously. Where possible, existing evidence was assessed and a level of recommendation was developed according to the Oxford system of classification.

Results

The consultation decided to refer to the condition as “bladder pain syndrome” (BPS) because the designation is more descriptive of the clinical condition and better fits standard classification taxonomy. Reasonable definitions of BPS include the definition of the ESSIC European group and a slight modification made at a SUFU sponsored Miami meeting in early 2008. Males or females with pain, pressure, or discomfort that they perceive to be related to the bladder with at least one urinary symptom, such as frequency not obviously related to high fluid intake, or a persistent urge to void should be evaluated for possible BPS. The initial assessment consists of a frequency/volume chart, focused physical examination, urinalysis, and urine culture. Urine cytology and cystoscopy are recommended if clinically indicated. Treatment progresses from conservative management through various oral and intravesical therapies, with most surgical therapies reserved for unresponsive cases. Pain management is critical throughout the treatment process. The consultation believes that the disorder is best viewed as one of a group of chronic pain syndromes, rather than as primarily an inflammatory bladder disorder. Recommendations for future research pathways are suggested. Neurourol. Urodynam. 29: 191–198, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Brain injury: recovery and rehabilitation
Authors: Wilson Barbara A.
Published: December 2009

This paper discusses contributing factors relating to recovery and rehabilitation among patients who have sustained nonprogressive brain injury. Following a brief description of conditions observed in people with brain damage and their incidence and prevalence, the paper then focuses on survivors of traumatic brain injury (TBI), concentrating particularly on recovery and rehabilitation within this group. As recovery means different things to different people, the term is used here to mean partial recovery of function together with substitution of function.1Consideration is given to factors influencing recovery from TBI, particularly age, gender, and cognitive reserve. Mechanisms of recovery are also examined, particularly regeneration, diaschisis, and plasticity. Attention is then focused on rehabilitation, a process whereby survivors of brain injury are helped to attain their optimum level of functioning and return to their own most appropriate environments. Cognitive rehabilitation is typically aimed at helping people compensate for their difficulties. The need to treat cognitive, emotional, and psychosocial consequences of brain injury is recognized, and different approaches to rehabilitation are described together with the main changes seen in the past few years. Finally, evidence for the success of neuropsychological rehabilitation is presented. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

This article is categorized under:

Psychology > Brain Function and Dysfunction

Neuroscience > Cognition
Spleen‐preserving distal pancreatectomy with conservation of the splenic artery and vein: techniques and its significance
Authors: Kimura Wataru , Yano Mitsuhiro , Sugawara Shuichiro , Okazaki Shinji , Sato Tamie , Moriya Toshiyuki , Watanabe Toshihiro , Fujimoto Hiroto , Tezuka Koji , Takeshita Akiko , Hirai Ichiro
Published: December 2009

Background

Preservation of the spleen in distal pancreatectomy has recently attracted considerable attention. Since our first trial and success with spleen‐preserving distal pancreatectomy with conservation of the splenic artery and vein for tumors of the pancreas and chronic pancreatitis, this procedure (Kimura's procedure) has been performed very frequently.

Methods

The techniques for spleen‐preserving distal pancreatectomy (SpDP) with conservation of the splenic artery and vein are clarified. The splenic vein is identified behind the pancreas and within the thin connective tissue membrane (fusion fascia of Toldt). The connective tissue membrane is cut longitudinally above the splenic vein. It is important to remove the splenic vein from the pancreas by working from the body of the pancreas toward the spleen (median approach), because it is very difficult to remove it in the other direction. The pancreas is removed from the splenic artery by proceeding from the spleen toward the head of the pancreas.

Results

Preservation of the spleen offers various advantages. The maximum platelet levels in blood serum are significantly lower in postoperative patients with splenic preservation than in those with splenectomy. The platelet count was maximal on postoperative day 10 in the 16 patients with SpDP and the count was maximal on postoperative day 13 in the 16 patients with distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy (DPS), and there was a smaller increase in the patients with SpDP than in the patients with DPS. Postoperative bleeding from an ablated splenic artery and vein in SpDP has not been encountered. Either DPS or spleen preservation without preservation of the splenic artery and vein may reduce the blood supply to the residual proximal stomach after distal gastrectomy, which is different from the findings in the Kimura procedure.

Conclusion

In SpDP, a very slight elevation of the platelet count in serum may help to prevent infarction of the lungs and brain compared to DPS. Another advantage of SpDP performed according to our procedure is that the blood supply to the proximal stomach is conserved in patients with SpDP who undergo distal gastrectomy with resection of the left gastric artery. Benign lesions, as well as low‐grade malignancy of the body and tail of the pancreas, may be indications for this procedure. Surgeons should know the techniques and significance of SpDP with conservation of the splenic artery and vein, which is a very safe and reliable method.
Oblique tibial osteotomy revisited
Authors: Rab George T.
Published: December 2009

Purpose

Oblique proximal tibial osteotomy is a useful option for correcting deformity associated with Blount's disease (tibia vara). Safe, adequate correction depends on technical issues that have evolved since the original description of the procedure.

Methods

Retrospective review of surgical experience.

Results

The refinement of osteotomy plane orientation, based on the distal rather than the proximal tibia, reduces the likelihood of procurvatum after surgery. The stability of the osteotomy is enhanced by an improved screw fixation technique. The risk of compartment syndrome is low if prophylactic partial fasciotomy is performed concurrently. Avoidance of spinal or regional block anesthesia minimizes the possibility of failure to detect post-operative compartment syndrome.

Conclusions

Improvements in the technical execution of oblique proximal tibial osteotomy enhances the correction and predictability of the procedure.
Sharing stories: a meta-ethnographic analysis of 12 autobiographies written by people with dementia between 1989 and 2007
Authors: PAGE SEAN , KEADY JOHN
Published: December 2009

People with dementia are finding increasingly creative and diverse ways of making their voice heard in society and one such method is through the publication of autobiographical accounts. Following set inclusion criteria, this meta-ethnographic analysis compares and contrasts the contents of 12 books written by people with dementia and published between 1989 (the year of publication of the first text) and the end of 2007 (the selected cut-off point for inclusion). Of the 12 books, three authors were published twice, five were male, eight were from the United States of America, one was Australian and all nine had a professional background. Eight of the authors had Alzheimer's disease and one had fronto-temporal dementia. The average age of the narrator was 51.5 years (age range 38–61 years). Meta-ethnographic analysis of the 12 books inductively generated five themes that linked each story and these were: (a) awareness of change; (b) experiencing loss; (c) standing up and bearing witness; (d) sustaining continuity; and (e) liberation and death. The importance of reconstructing identity appeared a pivotal process in living with the onset and progression of dementia together with maintaining key social relationships and networks.
CALL teacher education as an impetus for L2 teachers in integrating technology
Authors: Hong Kwang Hee
Published: December 2009

The ultimate goal of CALL teacher education is to enable L2 teachers to integrate CALL technology into their classroom with confidence and knowledge. As a way to achieve this goal, an increasing number of studies have paid attention to the integration of CALL technology into the teacher education program and into the classroom. Nonetheless, there is little specific research into L2 teachers’ integration of technology into the classroom in relation to their prior technology education. As a means of better understanding the complexity of L2 teachers’ integration of technology into the classroom, this paper proposes a spherical model of such integration by reviewing and synthesizing the relevant literature. Drawing on this model, the paper emphasizes the importance of CALL teacher education with regard to L2 teachers’ integration of technology into the classroom. Next, it discusses how the model can contribute to future research on such integration.
Current Techniques in Preoperative Imaging for Abdomen-based Perforator Flap Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Neligan Peter C , Mathes David W
Published: December 2009

Perforator-based microsurgical reconstruction of the breast has steadily increased since the introduction of the technique in the 1990s. The procedure appears to offer less postoperative pain, lower abdominal morbidity, and better preservation of the rectus muscles than the more conventional flaps. However, the major disadvantage of these flaps that they can be difficult to harvest, resulting in a longer operative times. The challenges in flap dissection are a result of the variability in the vascular anatomy of the deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEA) and its perforating branches through the rectus muscle. The location, number, and caliber of the perforators and the intramuscular trajectory of the DIEA branches vary greatly not only from individual to individual, but from one hemiabdomen to the other. The establishment of a presurgical map of the vessels on the abdomen facilitates surgical planning and may decrease operating room time, reduce intraoperative complications, and possibly improve outcomes. This article reviews the available techniques for preoperative planning with the currently available imaging modalities of handheld Doppler, color Doppler (duplex) ultrasound, computed tomography angiography, and magnetic resonance angiography.
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Aurivillius intergrowth: Structural and ferroelectric properties
Authors: Preethi Meher K. R. S. , Varma K. B. R.
Published: December 2009

Aurivillus intergrowth Bi4Ti3O12–5BiFeO3 was demonstrated to be ferroelectric that evoked the possibility of achieving high temperature magnetoelectric property in this family of compounds. X-ray diffraction studies confirmed its structure to be orthorhombic [Fmm2; a=5.5061(11) Å, b=5.4857(7) Å, c=65.742(12) Å]. However, transmission electron microscopy established the random incidence of intergrowth at nanoscale corresponding to n=6 and n=7 members of the Aurivillius family. Diffuse ferroelectric orthorhombic to paraelectric tetragonal phase transition around 857 K was confirmed by dielectric and high temperature x-ray diffraction studies. Polarization versus electric field hysteresis loops associated with 2Pr of 5.2 μC/cm2 and coercive field of 42 kV/cm were obtained at 300 K.
Thermal energy harvesting from Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)0.955Ti0.045O3 single crystals phase transitions
Authors: Zhu Hongying , Pruvost Sébastien , Guyomar Daniel , Khodayari Akram
Published: December 2009

This paper describes the effect of the frequency on energy harvesting in Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)0.955Ti0.045O3 single crystals with an Ericsson cycle. At the lowest frequency of 0.01 Hz (which corresponds to the slope for the application of the electric field), the maximum harvested energy was equal to 86 mJ cm−3. With an increase in frequency, the harvested energy demonstrated a nonlinear decrease, and the diminution was particularly rapid at frequencies above the critical frequency of 1 Hz. The inherent mechanism of the frequency effect is discussed in detail. In the present case, the phase transitions due to domain engineering, e.g., R-O during the charge process at low temperature and O-T during the discharging process at high temperature, greatly improved the harvested energy. The study also revealed that various parameters, such as the electric field associated with the phase transition, the polarization relaxation, and polarization variations, influenced the capability of energy harvesting to a certain extent. This capability depended significantly on the electric field frequency. Especially at high frequency, the reduction in the polarization time resulted in an inadequate phase transition, and subsequently gave rise to the coexistence of orthorhombic and rhombohedral phases. This had an adverse effect on the energy harvesting, and consequently, the harvested energy exhibited a decreasing tendency with an increasing electric field. Based on the result of the frequency effect, two asymmetric Ericsson cycles were attempted: an L-H cycle and an H-L cycle. These cycles employed different imposed frequencies at the charge and the discharge of the sample. Both asymmetric cycles agreed well with the performed analysis on the influence of the frequency. The H-L cycle greatly promoted energy harvesting, and its harvested energy reached 106 mJ cm−3, thus corresponding to the most effective energy harvesting cycle for this material.
X-ray study of the structure of liquid water
Authors: Fu Ling , Bienenstock Arthur , Brennan Sean
Published: December 2009

The radial distribution function (RDF) of liquid water has been determined by x-ray scattering. Using a free-standing water jet and a diffracted beam analyzer to separate the Compton from the elastic scattering experimentally, several significant sources of error have been eliminated in the experiment. These have enabled the collection of quality data out to 19.7 Å−1. Data were collected both at 278 K and at 296 K. Our RDF presents fine structure, particularly, a distinct peak at 3.4 Å and a peak split at 4.5 Å. These features cannot be interpreted by a simple tetrahedral configuration suggested by continuum models. The uncertainties due to the truncation effects and the choice of scattering factors are found to have little influence on the RDF at intermolecular distances.
Spatial and temporal variations and factors controlling the concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and organic peroxides in rivers
Authors: Mostofa Khan M. G. , Sakugawa Hiroshi
Published: December 2009

Environmental context. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and organic peroxides (ROOH) are ubiquitously present in natural waters and primarily essential for several redox reactions. This study examines the effects of various dissolved organic substances on the formation of H2O2 and ROOH and their relationship with different water quality parameters in two Japanese rivers. This study suggests that fulvic acid is primarily responsible for production of H2O2 and ROOH in river waters.
Abstract. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and organic peroxides (ROOH) were examined in water samples collected from the upstream and downstream sites of two Japanese rivers (the Kurose and the Ohta). H2O2 concentrations during monthly measurements varied between 6 and 213 nM in the Kurose River and 33 and 188 nM in the Ohta River. ROOH varied between 0 and 73 nM in the Kurose River and 1 and 80 nM in the Ohta. Concentrations of peroxides were higher during the summer months than in winter. H2O2 concentrations correlated well with the measured content of dissolved organic carbon and/or the fluorescence intensity of the fluorescent dissolved organic matter (FDOM) in the water from these rivers, which suggested that the dissolved organic matter and FDOM are the major sources of H2O2. Further characterisation of FDOM components by excitation emission matrix spectroscopy and parallel factor (PARAFAC) analysis indicated that fulvic acid is a dominant source of H2O2 in river waters, which accounted for 23–70% of H2O2 production in the Ohta River, 25–61% in the upstream and 28–63% in the downstream waters of the Kurose River, respectively. A fluorescent whitening agent and its photoproduct (4-biphenyl carboxaldehyde) together contributed 3–7% of H2O2 production in the downstream waters of the Kurose River. Tryptophan-like substances were a minor source of H2O2 (<1%) in both rivers. An increase in the H2O2 concentration was observed in the diurnal samples collected at noon compared with the samples collected during the period before sunrise and after sunset, thus indicating that H2O2 was produced photochemically. This study demonstrates that H2O2 and ROOH are produced mainly from the photodegradation of FDOMs, such as fulvic acid.
Reproductive seasonality and embryo development in the draughtboard shark Cephaloscyllium laticeps
Authors: Awruch C. A. , Pankhurst N. W. , Frusher S. D. , Stevens J. D.
Published: December 2009

The draughtboard shark Cephaloscyllium laticeps is a common oviparous catshark found in Australia. Studies on the reproductive seasonality of catsharks and the reproductive endocrinology of oviparous elasmobranchs are limited to a few species. The aim of the present study was to investigate the reproductive seasonality and embryo development of C. laticeps using morphological and endocrine parameters. Macroscopic examinations of the reproductive system and embryo stages were recorded. The steroid hormones 17β- oestradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) were measured in females, and testosterone (T) in both sexes. Females laid eggs throughout the year, but with a peak in egg deposition between January and June. Female T levels were higher in the middle of the year. Elevated P4 values coincided with the period of egg deposition, whereas E2 was depressed in the middle of the egg deposition stage. Females laid eggs in the absence of males for 15 months, and eggs were laid in pairs at monthly intervals. Hatching occurred after 12 months. Variability in gonadosomatic index, percentage of sperm in seminal vesicles, and plasma T levels for males indicated that males were reproductively active throughout the year.
Controlled surface-induced flows from the motion of self-assembled colloidal walkers
Authors: Sing Charles E. , Schmid Lothar , Schneider Matthias F. , Franke Thomas , Alexander-Katz Alfredo
Published: December 2009

Biological flows at the microscopic scale are important for the transport of nutrients, locomotion, and differentiation. Here, we present a unique approach for creating controlled, surface-induced flows inspired by a ubiquitous biological system, cilia. Our design is based on a collection of self-assembled colloidal rotors that “walk” along surfaces in the presence of a rotating magnetic field. These rotors are held together solely by magnetic forces that allow for reversible assembly and disassembly of the chains. Furthermore, rotation of the magnetic field allows for straightforward manipulation of the shape and motion of these chains. This system offers a simple and versatile approach for designing microfluidic devices as well as for studying fundamental questions in cooperative-driven motion and transport at the microscopic level.
Penetrating cation/fatty acid anion pair as a mitochondria-targeted protonophore
Authors: Severin Fedor F. , Severina Inna I. , Antonenko Yury N. , Rokitskaya Tatiana I. , Cherepanov Dmitry A. , Mokhova Elena N. , Vyssokikh Mikhail Yu. , Pustovidko Antonina V. , Markova Olga V. , Yaguzhinsky Lev S. , Korshunova Galina A. , Sumbatyan Nataliya V. , Skulachev Maxim V. , Skulachev Vladimir P.
Published: December 2009

A unique phenomenon of mitochondria-targeted protonophores is described. It consists in a transmembrane H
+
-conducting fatty acid cycling mediated by penetrating cations such as 10-(6’-plastoquinonyl)decyltriphenylphosphonium (SkQ1) or dodecyltriphenylphosphonium (C
12
TPP). The phenomenon has been modeled by molecular dynamics and directly proved by experiments on bilayer planar phospholipid membrane, liposomes, isolated mitochondria, and yeast cells. In bilayer planar phospholipid membrane, the concerted action of penetrating cations and fatty acids is found to result in conversion of a pH gradient (ΔpH) to a membrane potential (Δ
ψ
) of the Nernstian value (about 60 mV Δ
ψ
at ΔpH = 1). A hydrophobic cation with localized charge (cetyltrimethylammonium) failed to substitute for hydrophobic cations with delocalized charge. In isolated mitochondria, SkQ1 and C
12
TPP, but not cetyltrimethylammonium, potentiated fatty acid-induced (
i
) uncoupling of respiration and phosphorylation, and (
ii
) inhibition of H
2
O
2
formation. In intact yeast cells, C
12
TPP stimulated respiration regardless of the extracellular pH value, whereas a nontargeted protonophorous uncoupler (trifluoromethoxycarbonylcyanide phenylhydrazone) stimulated respiration at pH 5 but not at pH 3. Hydrophobic penetrating cations might be promising to treat obesity, senescence, and some kinds of cancer that require mitochondrial hyperpolarization.
Conformational transitions in DNA polymerase I revealed by single-molecule FRET
Authors: Santoso Yusdi , Joyce Catherine M. , Potapova Olga , Le Reste Ludovic , Hohlbein Johannes , Torella Joseph P. , Grindley Nigel D. F. , Kapanidis Achillefs N.
Published: December 2009

The remarkable fidelity of most DNA polymerases depends on a series of early steps in the reaction pathway which allow the selection of the correct nucleotide substrate, while excluding all incorrect ones, before the enzyme is committed to the chemical step of nucleotide incorporation. The conformational transitions that are involved in these early steps are detectable with a variety of fluorescence assays and include the fingers-closing transition that has been characterized in structural studies. Using DNA polymerase I (Klenow fragment) labeled with both donor and acceptor fluorophores, we have employed single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer to study the polymerase conformational transitions that precede nucleotide addition. Our experiments clearly distinguish the open and closed conformations that predominate in Pol-DNA and Pol-DNA-dNTP complexes, respectively. By contrast, the unliganded polymerase shows a broad distribution of FRET values, indicating a high degree of conformational flexibility in the protein in the absence of its substrates; such flexibility was not anticipated on the basis of the available crystallographic structures. Real-time observation of conformational dynamics showed that most of the unliganded polymerase molecules sample the open and closed conformations in the millisecond timescale. Ternary complexes formed in the presence of mismatched dNTPs or complementary ribonucleotides show unique FRET species, which we suggest are relevant to kinetic checkpoints that discriminate against these incorrect substrates.
State-to-state quantum dynamics of O + O
2
isotope exchange reactions reveals nonstatistical behavior at atmospheric conditions
Authors: Sun Zhigang , Liu Lan , Lin Shi Ying , Schinke Reinhard , Guo Hua , Zhang Dong H.
Published: December 2009

The O + O
2
exchange reaction is a prerequisite for the formation of ozone in Earth’s atmosphere. We report here state-to-state differential and integral cross sections for several O + O
2
isotope-exchange reactions obtained by dynamically exact quantum scattering calculations at collision energies relevant to atmospheric conditions. These reactions are shown to be highly nonstatistical, evidenced by dominant forward scattering and deviation of the integral cross section from the statistical limit. Mechanistic analyses revealed that the nonstatistical channel is facilitated by short-lived osculating resonances. The theoretical results provided an in-depth interpretation of a recent molecular beam experiment of the exchange reaction and shed light on the initial step of ozone recombination.
Suppression of human prostate tumor growth by a unique prostate-specific monoclonal antibody F77 targeting a glycolipid marker
Authors: Zhang Geng , Zhang Hongtao , Wang Qiang , Lal Priti , Carroll Ann M. , de la Llera-Moya Margarita , Xu Xiaowei , Greene Mark I.
Published: December 2009

In our effort to find diagnostic markers and to develop therapeutic approaches for prostate cancer, we have identified an mAb that is capable of binding to a cell surface antigen specifically expressed on both androgen-dependent and androgen-independent prostate cancer cells. Immunohistological studies revealed that this mAb, called F77, stained 112 of 116 primary and 29 of 34 metastatic human prostate cancer specimens. Although the mAb F77 alone directly promotes prostate cancer cell death, it also mediates complement-dependent cytotoxicity and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. In addition, mAb F77 can significantly inhibit androgen-independent PC3 and Du145 tumor growth in nude mice. Antigen characterization revealed that mAb F77 recognizes a very small molecular species with glycolipid properties. F77 antigen is concentrated in the lipid-raft microdomains, which serve as platforms for the assembly of associating protein complexes. Thus, the present study indicates that mAb F77 defines a unique prostate cancer marker and shows promising potential for diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer, especially for androgen-independent metastatic prostate cancer.
The spatial isomorphism problem for close separable nuclear C*-algebras
Authors: Christensen Erik , Sinclair Allan M. , Smith Roger R. , White Stuart A. , Winter Wilhelm
Published: December 2009

The Kadison–Kastler problem asks whether close C*-algebras on a Hilbert space must be spatially isomorphic. We establish this when one of the algebras is separable and nuclear. We also apply our methods to the study of near inclusions of C*-algebras.