bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of the pesticides considered as endocrine‐disrupting compounds (EDCs) by solid‐phase extraction followed by gas chromatography with electron capture and mass spectrometric detection
Authors: Valsamaki Vasiliki I. , Sakkas Vasilios A. , Albanis Triantafyllos A.
Published: June 2007

An SPE method followed by GC‐electron capture detection (ECD) with confirmation by MS for the trace determination of four pesticides considered as endocrine‐disrupting compounds (EDCs) in natural waters and sediments has been developed. Target analytes, fenarimol, fenvalerate, pendimethalin, and vinclozolin, belong to different chemical groups and are used mainly in agriculture. In the present study, analysis employs an offline SPE step for the extraction of the target analytes from natural waters. Sonication and subsequent SPE clean‐up was used for extraction and purification of the sediment samples which were finally treated with activated copper powder. The type of SPE disk, eluents as well as solution parameters including pH value, and concentrations of salts and humic substances were examined for the efficiency of the method. The recoveries of all pesticides were in relatively high levels, ranging from 75 to 97% for waters and 71 to 84% for sediment samples. Both methods were applied to real water and sediment samples and the presence of the tested compounds was investigated.
High‐performance liquid chromatographic separation of stereoisomers of N‐phthaloyl‐protected amino acids and dipeptidomimetics
Authors: Ilisz István , Ballet Steven , Van Rompaey Karolien , De Wachter Rien , Tourwé Dirk , Armstrong Daniel W. , Péter Antal
Published: June 2007

The stereoisomers of N‐phthaloyl‐protected amino acids and dipeptidomimetics were separated on macrocyclic glycopeptide and cellulose‐based chiral stationary phases (CSPs) in the RP and polar‐ionic modes. The effects of the organic modifier, the mobile phase composition, and the pH on the separations were investigated. Optimization of these separations was achieved through variation of the mobile‐phase additive combinations. The elution sequence was determined for some of the samples. A practical application for the monitoring of the reaction conditions for N‐phthaloylation of (S)‐Phe was demonstrated.
Application of a new zwitterionic hydrophilic interaction chromatography column for determination of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins
Authors: Diener Marc , Erler Katrin , Christian Bernd , Luckas Bernd
Published: June 2007

A novel method for paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxins which is based on the chromatographic separation of the toxins using a zwitterionic (ZIC) hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) column is presented. Efficient retention of the polar PSP toxins on the ZIC‐HILIC column allowed their selective and sensitive determination by the application of mass spectrometric (MS/MS) detection or as derivatives after oxidation prior to fluorescence detection (FD). Low buffer concentrations and the omission of ion‐pair reagents decreased the limits of detection (LODs) by MS/MS analysis and showed a good linearity for both methods of detection. This method can be applied for the qualitative and quantitative determination of PSP toxins in various types of phytoplankton, and for the routine analysis of seafood.
Proteomic approach for purification of seminal plasma proteins involved in tumor proliferation
Authors: Hassan Md Imtaiyaz , Kumar Vijay , Kashav Tara , Alam Neelima , Singh Tej P. , Yadav Savita
Published: June 2007

Human seminal plasma contains a large array of proteins required for the normal physiology and metabolism of spermatozoa. These are mainly secreted from prostate epithelium, testes, and seminal vesicles. Fortunately, many of these are found to be present at elevated concentration in seminal plasma and act as a biomarker of different carcinomas as their levels are also enhanced in serum and are found to be involved in tumor progression and metastasis apart from fertility. The proteins which were overexpressed in the seminal plasma of prostate carcinoma patients were identified by 2‐DE and MALDI‐TOF/MS. We have designed a strategy to purify these four proteins prostate specific antigen (PSA), prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP), Zinc α2‐glycoprotein (ZAG), and progastricsin (PG), together in homogeneity by using simple chromatographic techniques. Acidic and basic fractions of human seminal plasma were separated by ion exchange chromatography and further purified by gel permeation chromatography. Our results form a new and valuable resource for those attempting structure‐based drug designing for prostate and other cancers where the amount of proteins is required in plenty and in native form.
Recent developments in the high‐performance chelation ion chromatography of trace metals
Authors: Nesterenko Pavel N. , Jones Phil
Published: June 2007

There have been a number of significant developments in the high‐performance chelation ion chromatography (HPCIC) of trace metals in recent years. This review focuses on these developments, while giving important information on the fundamental parameters controlling the chelation sorption mechanism, including type of chelating group, stability constants, kinetics, and column temperature. The discussion pays particular attention to the types and properties of efficient chelating stationary phases which have been fabricated for certain groups of metals. The review also describes a number of major improvements in postcolumn reaction detection including the use of the latest reagents and noise reduction strategies to improve sensitivity and reduce LOD. In the final section, an indication of the applicability of HPCIC to a range of complex sample types is given with some key examples and chromatograms using the latest high‐efficiency chelating phases.
Microtomographic analysis of healing of femtosecond laser bone calvarial wounds compared to mechanical instruments in mice with and without application of BMP‐7
Authors: Girard B. , Cloutier M. , Wilson D.J. , Clokie C.M.L. , Miller R.J.D. , Wilson B.C.
Published: June 2007

Background and Objective

This study investigated the healing of femtosecond laser created wounds in an animal model.

Study Design

We have assessed the healing of critical size wounds in mice calvaria using three different wounding techniques: carbide bur, diamond end‐cutting bur, and ultrafast femtosecond laser, and in the presence or absence of bone morphogenetic protein‐7 (BMP). Wound closure was examined using microcomputerized tomography at 3, 6, 9, and 12 weeks.

Results

Results have shown partial closure at up to 12 weeks with all techniques that did not involve the use of BMP, with the least closure noted in the laser groups as suggested by two‐dimensional radiographic analysis. Bone volume measurements appeared slightly lower for the laser than for the mechanical groups, however statistically significant differences were seen only at week 6. No significant differences in closure were noted for the different methods in the BMP treated groups.

Conclusions

Femtosecond laser cutting demonstrated an unsurpassed precision when compared to mechanical instruments. The addition of BMP led to very rapid healing with complete closure seen as early as 3 weeks and overcomes any potential healing delays that may arise from laser tissue cutting. Lasers Surg. Med. 39:458–467, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nondestructive measurement of the inhibition of demineralization on smooth surfaces using polarization‐sensitive optical coherence tomography
Authors: Chong Sherri L. , Darling Cynthia L. , Fried Daniel
Published: June 2007

Background and Objective

The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that the inhibition of demineralization in an in vitro simulated caries model by different fluoride agents could be monitored nondestructively using polarization‐sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS‐OCT) on smooth enamel surfaces peripheral to orthodontic brackets.

Materials and Methods

Sixty human molar samples used for this in vitro study were divided into four groups of fifteen. The groups consisted of a control, a fluoride releasing glass ionomer cement, an adhesive fluoride sealant, and fluoride in solution (2‐ppm fluoride). The reflectivity from tooth surfaces was monitored using a PS‐OCT system at different time points after exposure to a pH cycling demin/remin model at 3‐day intervals for 15 days. Polarized light microscopy (PLM) was used to examine lesion depth after day 15.

Results

PS‐OCT was effective at measuring significant differences in the integrated reflectivity in depth between the control and fluoride groups (P<0.001). The fluoride sealant demonstrated a greater protective effect than the fluoride in solution and the glass ionomer cement.

Conclusions

These results suggest that PS‐OCT is well suited for the nondestructive assessment of caries inhibition by anti‐caries agents. Lasers Surg. Med. 39:422–427, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Crystallization Kinetics of Biodegradable Poly(butylene succinate) under Isothermal and Non‐Isothermal Conditions
Authors: Papageorgiou George Z. , Achilias Dimitris S. , Bikiaris Dimitris N.
Published: June 2007

Crystallization kinetics of the biodegradable and fast crystallizing poly(butylene succinate) is studied, under both isothermal and non‐isothermal conditions. For the isothermal process at temperatures from 75 to 95 °C it is found that the Avrami model successfully describes the transformation kinetics. The non‐isothermal crystallization data obtained at a wide range of cooling rates from 0.1 to 20 °C · min−1 are treated with several models, which include the modified Avrami, the Ozawa, the combined Avrami‐Ozawa, and the Tobin model. The Lauritzen‐Hoffman parameters are estimated from isothermal and non‐isothermal differential scanning calorimetry data, using different approximations for the growth rate and from the effective activation energy equation proposed by Vyazovkin and Sbirrazzuoli. The multiple‐melting behavior has been interpreted in the context of the melting–recrystallization–remelting phenomena.

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Functionalization of Gold and Silicon Surfaces by Copolymer Brushes Using Surface‐Initiated ATRP
Authors: Rakhmatullina Ekaterina , Braun Thomas , Kaufmann Thomas , Spillmann Hannes , Malinova Violeta , Meier Wolfgang
Published: June 2007

Surface‐initiated ATRP was used for step‐by‐step growth of poly(butyl methacrylate)‐co‐poly(2,2‐dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PBMA‐co‐PDMAEMA) brushes from gold and silicon substrates. A one‐step procedure was found to have high efficiency for initiator anchoring. The polymer brushes were characterized in situ by contact angle measurements, ellipsometry, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Detachment of the polymer brushes from both substrates allowed an exact determination of molecular weight and polydispersity indexes given by GPC. 1H NMR confirmed the chemical structure of the detached brushes. Comparison of theoretical predictions and experimental data showed that the first PBMA block had a folded conformation while copolymerization of the second DMAEMA induced stretching of the brushes.

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Immiscible Blends of PC and PET, Current Knowledge and New Results: Rheological Properties
Authors: Carrot Christian , Mbarek Souad , Jaziri Mohamed , Chalamet Yvan , Raveyre Claude , Prochazka Frédéric
Published: June 2007

This paper deals with immiscible blends of poly(ethylene terephthalate) obtained by melt blending with polycarbonate. A large survey of the current knowledge in the field of these blends is presented. Resolved and unresolved issues concerning the effect of exchange reactions on the miscibility of the components are addressed. The experimental part of the paper focuses on the rheological behavior of PET/PC blends. Blends containing various polymer ratios were obtained by melt blending with and without transesterification catalysts. Oscillatory shear flow in the melt was used to characterize the rheology of the various samples. A plot of the oscillatory data, similar to the Van Gurp Palmen plot, is used to point out the broadening of the co‐continuity window when in situ compatibilization takes place.

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Comparative Characterization of PP Nano‐ and Microcomposites by In‐Mold Shrinkage Measurements and Structural Characteristics
Authors: Revilla‐Díaz Rodolfo , Sánchez‐Valdés Saúl , López‐Campos Fernando , Medellín‐Rodríguez Francisco Javier , López‐Quintanilla Maria Luisa
Published: June 2007

Poly(propylene)‐clay nanocomposites and poly(propylene) containing conventional inorganic fillers such as calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and glass fiber were used in a comparative study focusing on dimensional stability, structure, mechanical and thermal properties. Micro‐ and nanocomposites were prepared by melt blending in a twin‐screw extruder. The relative influence of each filler was observed from dimensional stability measurements and structural analysis by WAXD, TEM, and thermal and mechanical properties. At equal filler loadings, PP/clay nanocomposites exhibit an improvement in dimensional stability and were the only composites capable of reduced shrinkage in both in‐flow and cross‐flow directions. The flexural modulus of PP increased nearly 20% by compounding with 4% organoclay, as compared to a similar performance obtained by compounding with 10 wt.‐% of CaCO3 or approximately 6 wt.‐% of glass fiber. The HDT and thermal stability of PP were enhanced by using nanoclay as filler.

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Electroactive Paper Actuator Made with Chitosan‐Cellulose Films: Effect of Acetic Acid
Authors: Wang Niangui , Chen Yi , Kim Jaehwan
Published: June 2007

This paper introduces an electroactive paper (EAPap) prepared with cellulose and chitosan films. The fabrication process, performance test, and the effect of acetic acid dosage of the EAPap were investigated. For the fabrication of cellulose EAPap, cellulose fibers were dissolved into a solution using N,N‐dimethylacetamide and lithium chloride. The solution was cast and immersed in water to form a cellulose film, followed by casting chitosan/acetic acid and glycerol aqueous solutions on the cellulose film. A bending EAPap actuator was made by depositing thin gold electrodes on both sides of the cellulose film. The bending displacement of the EAPap actuators was evaluated with respect to voltage, frequency, humidity, and acetic acid dosage. An optimum mole ratio of the acetic acid and chitosan structure unit was found. Also, the effects of chitosan and acetic acid on the actuation behavior of the cellulose‐chitosan laminated films were investigated.

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Synthesis and Surface Properties of Poly(methyl methacrylate)/Poly(ethylene glycol) Binary Brushes
Authors: Feng Libang , Gu Guangxin , Chen Min , Wu Limin
Published: June 2007

A new kind of binary polymer brushes was synthesized from two immiscible polymers, PMMA and PEG, on GPS‐modified silicon wafers. Surface composition, layer thickness, coverage, chain density, wetting ability, morphology and protein adsorption of the binary brushes were investigated by XPS, ellipsometry, AFM and contact angle measurements. The results show that both PMMA and PEG were successfully grafted onto the surface. The surface coverage and the chain density of PMMA and PEG brushes can be controlled by modulating the reaction temperature and time. This kind of binary polymer brushes exhibits a distinct microphase‐separated structure and excellent protein‐preventing property.

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Novel Structured Composites Formed from Gold Nanoparticles and Diblock Copolymers
Authors: Chen Xi , Liu Yang , An Yingli , Lü Juan , Li Junbo , Xiong Dean , Shi Linqi
Published: June 2007

We report a simple procedure to prepare a novel Au‐micelle composite with a core‐shell‐corona structure. This composite is prepared by reduction of tetrachloroauric acid (HAuCl4 · 3H2O) in dilute aqueous solution containing polystyrene‐block‐poly(4‐vinylpyridine) micelles and poly(ethylene oxide)‐block‐poly(4‐vinylpyridine) copolymers. The micelles with a polystyrene core and a poly(4‐vinylpyridine) shell are transformed into Au‐micelle composites with a polystyrene core, a swollen hybrid Au/poly(4‐vinylpyridine) inner shell, and a poly(ethylene oxide) corona by direct physisorption of gold particles with poly(4‐vinylpyridine) chains.

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Macrogol for the treatment of constipation in Parkinson's disease. A randomized placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Zangaglia Roberta , Martignoni Emilia , Glorioso Margaret , Ossola Maria , Riboldazzi Giulio , Calandrella Daniela , Brunetti Gabriele , Pacchetti Claudio
Published: June 2007

Chronic constipation is the most frequent symptom of autonomic system involvement in Parkinson's disease (PD). Quite often the symptom is severe and impairs patients' quality of life. The objective of this study is to determine the efficacy and safety of an isosmotic macrogol solution for the treatment of constipation in PD patients, in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study. A total of 57 PD patients with constipation were randomly assigned to receive an isosmotic macrogol electrolyte solution (MC‐ES; 29 patients) or placebo (28 patients) for 8 weeks. Treatment efficacy was defined as complete relief of the symptom or a marked improvement of two of the following indicators: stool frequency, straining, stool consistency, use of rectal laxatives as a rescue therapy. The responder rates were significantly higher in the MC‐ES group both at the first (4 weeks; P < 0.0003) and at the final evaluation (8 weeks; P < 0.0012). The frequency of bowel movements (P < 0.002) and stool consistency (P < 0.006) were significantly changed in the MC‐ES group compared to the placebo group. At the final evaluation, a rectal laxative was used by 2 (12.5%) patients on placebo, whereas no use was recorded in the MC‐ES group. Responder rate for straining showed a favorable trend in patients treated with macrogol versus placebo. Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part III and Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ‐39) did not show any significant modification in either group during the 8‐week treatment period. The results of this placebo‐controlled study show the efficacy of MC‐ES in the treatment of constipation in PD. MC‐ES was well‐tolerated and did not affect the course of PD. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Manganic encephalopathy due to “ephedrone” abuse
Authors: Sanotsky Yanush , Lesyk Roman , Fedoryshyn Lyudmyla , Komnatska Iryna , Matviyenko Yuriy , Fahn Stanley
Published: June 2007

We describe the clinical and neuroimaging features of 6 drug‐abuse patients with self‐inflicted manganese poisoning. The patients injected a home‐brewed mixture called “ephedrone” (slang term) that contained manganese to produce an amphetamine‐like euphoria. The desired chemical product, phenylpropanoneamine (also called methcathinone), was synthesized from a common‐cold–remedy compound using permanganate as the catalyst. Manganese was a by‐product in the ephedrone mixture. After months of self‐injections, a clinical picture emerged, consisting of apathy, bradykinesia, gait disorder with postural instability, and spastic‐hypokinetic dysarthria. There was no response to levodopa. The MRI revealed symmetric hyperintense T1‐weighted signals in the basal ganglia, typical of manganese accumulation. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Cortical grey matter alterations in idiopathic restless legs syndrome: An optimized voxel‐based morphometry study
Authors: Unrath Alexander , Juengling Freimut D. , Schork Marion , Kassubek Jan
Published: June 2007

An impairment of central somatosensory processing is assumed in restless legs syndrome (RLS). Although functional neuroimaging in RLS gave evidence to the presence of widespread functional changes in various brain areas, structural changes at the cortical level were not reported to be RLS‐associated to date. Here, an analysis of high‐resolution three‐dimensional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed in 63 patients with idiopathic RLS by use of optimized voxel‐based morphometry, in order to investigate if cortical areas might be altered in volume at group level according to the phenomenology of RLS. The comparison of the RLS patients versus controls yielded significant regional decreases of gray matter volume at corrected P < 0.05 in the bihemispheric primary somatosensory cortex, which additionally extended into left‐sided primary motor areas. All clusters correlated both with the severity of RLS symptoms and with disease duration. These results, for the first time, give in vivo evidence to structural neocortical gray matter alterations in RLS patients. The alterations in the sensorimotor cortices might add to the pathophysiological concepts of idiopathic RLS. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
A double blind randomized placebo control trial of levetiracetam in tourette syndrome
Authors: Smith‐Hicks Constance L. , Bridges Dana D. , Paynter Nina P. , Singer Harvey S.
Published: June 2007

The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of levetiracetam for the treatment of tics in children with Tourette syndrome (TS). Levetiracetam, an atypical anticonvulsant, has been suggested in open‐label protocols to be an effective tic‐suppressing agent in individuals with TS. A double blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over trial was performed to investigate this medication in children with moderate to moderately‐severe tics. Subjects received, in a randomized sequence, 4‐weeks of levetiracetam (maximum dose 30 mg/kg/day) or placebo, with a 2‐week intervening washout period between cycles. Primary outcome measures included two separate scales from the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale; the Total Tic score and the Total overall score. Measures were assessed at baseline, prior to randomization, on Day 28 (end of Phase 1), on Day 42 (baseline for second phase) and on Day 70 (end of Phase 2). Twenty‐two subjects (21 boys and 1 girl) with TS, mean age 12.2 ± 2.3 years, range 8 to 16 years, participated. A mild reduction in tics occurred during both the levetiracetam and placebo treatment phases. There was no significant difference between treatments and no evidence of sequence or cross‐over effects. In conclusion, Levetiracetam is not more beneficial than placebo in suppressing tics in children with TS. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Complete 1H and 13C NMR assignment of trans,trans‐2,3‐divinylfuran derivatives
Authors: Škorić Irena , Marinić Željko , Molčanov Krešimir , Kojić‐Prodić Biserka , Šindler‐Kulyk Marija
Published: June 2007

1H and 13C NMR spectra of trans, trans‐2,3‐divinylfuran derivatives (1–4) in CDCl3 were fully assigned using one‐ and two‐dimensional NMR techniques. The 1H NMR resonances of ethylenic protons in position 2 with regard to the corresponding protons in position 3 of the furan ring are discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aging family caregivers: Policies and practices
Authors: Heller Tamar , Caldwell Joe , Factor Alan
Published: June 2007

This review examines later life family support for adults with developmental disabilities from a life course perspective that takes into account social trends and changes in service patterns and in attitudes of families. Key issues addressed include: (1) trends affecting family caregiving, (2) health and social outcomes of life‐long caregiving, (3) support needs of families, (4) family support policies and practices, and (5) recommendations for a research and policy agenda. Research examining outcomes of life‐long caregiving has shown that most families adapt well to having a family member with disabilities. However, some families are at risk for poorer physical and mental health outcomes. These include cultural minorities and families of adults with behavioral challenges. Caregiving does seem to have a negative impact on maternal employment and family income as mothers often give up or cut back on employment to care for a child with developmental disabilities, who is more likely to continue living in the family home throughout adulthood than other adult children. Federal and state initiatives are addressing issues of family support through both the developmental disabilities and aging service systems. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MRDD Research Reviews 2007;13:136–142.
Issues related to the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Shattuck Paul T. , Grosse Scott D.
Published: June 2007

This paper explores issues and implications for diagnosis and treatment, stemming from the growing number of children identified with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Recent developments and innovations in special education and Medicaid programs are emphasized. Eligibility determination policies, innovations in diagnostic practices, the cost and financing of assessment, variability among programs in diagnostic criteria, and racial/ethnic disparities in the timing of diagnosis all influence the capacity of service systems to provide diagnoses in a timely, coordinated, accurate, economical, and equitable manner. There are several barriers to the more widespread provision of intensive intervention for children with ASDs, including lack of strong evidence of effectiveness in scaled‐up public programs, uncertainty about the extent of obligations to provide services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, high cost of intervention, and variability among states in their willingness to fund intensive intervention via Medicaid. Innovative policy experiments with respect to financing intensive intervention through schools and Medicaid are being conducted in a number of states. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MRDD Research Reviews 2007;13:129–135.
The next exclusion debate: Assessing technology, ethics, and intellectual disability after the human genome project
Authors: Munger Kelly M. , Gill Carol J. , Ormond Kelly E. , Kirschner Kristi L.
Published: June 2007

Recent scientific discoveries have made it much easier to test prenatally for various genetic disabilities, such as Down syndrome. However, while many observers have heralded such “advances” for their effectiveness in detecting certain conditions, others have argued that they perpetuate discrimination by preventing the birth of children with disabilities. This article examines the ethical and social implications of the Human Genome Project for individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families. It details the critique of prenatal testing articulated by many disability rights activists as well as scholarly and professional responses to that critique. A review of the pertinent research literature includes perspectives of genetic professionals, ethicists, disability studies scholars, parents of children with disabilities, and disabled individuals themselves. Finally, the article explores how future research endeavors, policies, and practices may more effectively integrate and respect the positions of these various stakeholders. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MRDD Research Reviews 2007;13:121–128.
Translating policy principles into practice to improve health care access for adults with intellectual disabilities: A research review of the past decade
Authors: Krahn Gloria L. , Drum Charles E.
Published: June 2007

This article extracts principles from two Surgeon General reports,Closing the Gap: A National Blueprint to Improve the Health of Persons with Mental Retardation(2002) andCall to Action to Improve the Health and Wellness of Persons with Disabilities(2005), and combines them with the Objectives fromChapter 6 of Healthy People 2010to create a policy framework. This framework is used to review literature from the past decade on access to health care and health promotion for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Review of the literature indicates an emerging evidence base for health promotion programs for persons with IDD. Research in health care and health promotion access requires improvements in surveillance and measurement of quality of life, as well as increased participation of persons with IDD and their families in its implementation. While international guidelines for primary health care have been developed for people with IDD, US guidelines are specialty focused and address specific conditions. Despite its recognized importance, there is surprisingly little information on training programs for health care providers to improve care of persons with IDD. Financing of health care continues to threaten access to comprehensive care for persons with IDD, particularly regarding coordination of care and availability of providers who accept Medicaid patients. Community‐based sources of health care have been slow to emerge, and there is clear need for assumption of responsibility for providing care to persons with IDD. Future US policy should include consideration of environmental factors in health care access. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MRDD Research Reviews 2007;13:160–168.
Washington rises: Public financial support for intellectual disability in the United States, 1955–2004
Authors: Braddock David
Published: June 2007

Public financial support for intellectual disability in the United States grew from 2.3 billion in 1955 to 82.6 billion in 2004, and the federal government emerged during this period as the principal provider of such support. Notwithstanding this unprecedented growth in financial support, many inequities persist today in the distribution of financial resources and services across states, communities, families and to individual disabled consumers. Moreover, tens of thousands of persons with intellectual disabilities continue to live in institutions and nursing homes, waiting lists and aging caregivers are growing rapidly, and family support and supported employment programs receive limited funding. Research and training support has declined significantly in comparison to the growing financial commitments for services and income maintenance. To address these and other issues, the author suggests commissioning a new “President's Panel on Intellectual Disability” modeled on President Kennedy's landmark 1961 Panel on Mental Retardation. The new panel would be appointed during the first months of the new presidential administration in 2009 and deliver its report to the President in 2011, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the original President's Panel. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MRDD Research Reviews 2007;13:169–177.
The direct support workforce in community supports to individuals with developmental disabilities: Issues, implications, and promising pactices
Authors: Hewitt Amy , Larson Sheryl
Published: June 2007

Difficulties in finding, keeping, and ensuring the competence of the direct support workforce in community developmental disability services has long been a challenge for individuals, families, providers, and policy makers. Direct support staff recruitment, retention, and competence are widely reported as one of the most significant barriers to the sustainability, growth, and quality of community services for people with developmental disabilities (ANCOR [2001] State of the states report. Alexandria, VA: ANCOR; Colorado Department of Human Services, [2000] Response to Footnote 106 of the FY 2001 appropriations long bill: Capacity of the community services systems for persons with developmental disabilities in Colorado; Hewitt [2000] Dynamics of the workforce crisis. Presentation at the NASDDDS Fall meeting. Alexandria, VA). While long in existence, these challenges are ones of growing concern because the number of people demanding community services is increasing and the population of people from which to recruit workers is declining (Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation [2006] The supply of direct support professionals serving individuals with intellectual disabilities and other developmental disabilities: Report to Congress. Washington, DC: Office of Disability, Aging and Long‐Term Care Policy, ASPE, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services). As the service system moves towards consumer direction, managed care, and more noncategorical service delivery systems, the difficulties of providing for an adequate and well‐prepared workforce to support people with developmental disabilities becomes more complex and multifaceted. The solutions to those challenges are also more complex. This article reviews the literature regarding the complexity of the direct support workforce crisis, the effects of this crisis on various stakeholder groups, promising practices designed to address the challenges, and the related practice and policy implications. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MRDD Research Reviews 2007;13:178–187.
A note on the generation of periodic granular microstructures based on grain size distributions
Authors: Meier H. A. , Kuhl E. , Steinmann P.
Published: June 2007

This short communication discusses an algorithm suited for the generation of periodic microstructures of granular media. Its particular features are a user‐defined grain size distribution, a representative volume element which is intrinsically periodic ab initio and a user‐defined termination criterion, controlled by an increase of volume fraction. For low densities our particle packings resemble fluids or gases, while we aim to reach for rather dense particle packings, similar to granular solids. The generated microstructures can thus be readily incorporated into large multiscale simulations, e.g. on the integration point level of a finite element analysis of a particular sand or concrete. The individual grain size
distribution of the granular medium is incorporated through the introduction of different growth rates governing the final particle size distribution. We briefly sketch the generation of the representative volume element within a serial event‐driven scheme and demonstrate how periodic boundary conditions are ensured throughout the representative volume element generation process. The potential of the suggested algorithm will be illustrated through the generation of two different periodic multi‐disperse microstructures. They are based on different given grain size distributions, one for a quartz sand with a low non‐uniformity index and one for concrete aggregates classified as A32 by the German standard norm DIN 1045 to have a rather large variation in grain size. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role of UPP in evaluating bladder outlet obstruction due to benign prostatic enlargement
Authors: Fang Qiang , Song Bo , Li Weibing , Lu Gensheng , Jin Xiyu , Zhang Xuwei , Fan Ruhui
Published: June 2007

Aims

To study the role of UPP in assessing bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) due to benign prostatic enlargement (BPE).

Materials and Methods

Urodynamic results from 1281 elderly men with Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) obtained from September 1999 through July 2005 were retrospectively analyzed. Independent samplet‐test or Wilcoxon signed‐rank test was used to compare the parameters of different groups according to PFS. Chi‐square test was used to compare the percentage of urethral pressure profile (UPP) types between different groups. ROC curve was used to study the practical value of UPP parameters in diagnosing BOO.

Results

According to PFS, patients were divided into three groups: Obstructed, equivocal obstructed and unobstructed. There was significant difference between the unobstructed and obstructed group in the age of patients, bladder capacity, residual volume, voided volume, voided time, prostatic plateau area (PPA), prostatic length, functional profile length, pressure of bladder neck, and pressure of seminal colliculus, but not in maximum urethral closure pressure. All UPP parameters correlated significantly to the diagnosis of bladder outlet obstruction due to BPE. The largest area under the ROC curve was that of PPA.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that PPA on UPP is useful in assessing the grade of obstruction due to BPE when PFS fails, a finding still to be evaluated by prospective studies. Neurourol. Urodynam. 26:842–846, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Voiding reflex in chronic spinal cord injured cats induced by stimulating and blocking pudendal nerves
Authors: Tai Changfeng , Wang Jicheng , Wang Xianchun , Roppolo James R. , de Groat William C.
Published: June 2007

Aims

To induce efficient voiding in chronic spinal cord injured (SCI) cats.

Methods

Voiding reflexes induced by bladder distension or by electrical stimulation and block of pudendal nerves were investigated in chronic SCI cats under α‐chloralose anesthesia.

Results

The voiding efficiency in chronic SCI cats induced by bladder distension was very poor compared to that in spinal intact cats (7.3 ± 0.9% vs. 93.6 ± 2.0%, P < 0.05). In chronic SCI cats continuous stimulation of the pudendal nerve on one side at 20 Hz induced large amplitude bladder contractions, but failed to induce voiding. However, continuous pudendal nerve stimulation (20 Hz) combined with high‐frequency (10 kHz) distal blockade of the ipsilateral pudendal nerve elicited efficient (73.2 ± 10.7%) voiding. Blocking the pudendal nerves bilaterally produced voiding efficiency (82.5 ± 4.8%) comparable to the efficiency during voidings induced by bladder distension in spinal intact cats, indicating that the external urethral sphincter (EUS) contraction was caused not only by direct activation of the pudendal efferent fibers, but also by spinal reflex activation of the EUS through the contralateral pudendal nerve. The maximal bladder pressure and average flow rate induced by stimulation and bilateral pudendal nerve block in chronic SCI cats were also comparable to those in spinal intact cats.

Conclusions

This study shows that after the spinal cord is chronically isolated from the pontine micturition center, bladder distension evokes a transient, inefficient voiding reflex, whereas stimulation of somatic afferent fibers evokes a strong, long duration, spinal bladder reflex that elicits efficient voiding when combined with blockade of somatic efferent fibers in the pudendal nerves. Neurourol. Urodynam. 26:879–886, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development and validation of the overactive bladder satisfaction (OAB‐S) questionnaire
Authors: Piault Elisabeth , Evans Christopher J. , Espindle Derek , Kopp Zoe , Brubaker Linda , Abrams Paul
Published: June 2007

Aims

To develop and validate a measure of patient satisfaction with treatment in overactive bladder: the Overactive Bladder Satisfaction Questionnaire (OAB‐S).

Methods

Development of the questionnaire included a comprehensive literature review, development of a conceptual model, item elicitation and cognitive debriefing interviews with US‐English and US‐Spanish patients, and assessment of the questionnaire's translatability in other languages. Psychometric validation of the questionnaire was run on a longitudinal, non‐randomized study involving 201 OAB patients. Analyses included construct validity, concurrent validity, tests of reliability, known‐group validity, and responsiveness (exploratory).

Results

The OAB‐S is a patient‐completed questionnaire including five scales: OAB Control Expectations (ten items); Impact on Daily Living with OAB (ten items); OAB Control (ten items); OAB Medication Tolerability (six items); and Satisfaction with Control (ten items) and five single‐item overall assessments of patient's fulfillment of OAB medication expectations, interruption of day‐to‐day life due to OAB, overall satisfaction with OAB medication; willingness to continue OAB medication and improvement in day‐to‐day life due to OAB medication. The hypothesized structure of the questionnaire was supported by statistical analyses. Internal consistency reliability coefficients (ranging from 0.76 to 0.94) and test‐retest reliability coefficients (ranging from 0.72 to 0.87) were good for all dimensions. All dimensions except tolerability discriminated well according to self‐reported OAB severity level and incontinence status.

Conclusion

The OAB‐S is a valid, comprehensive instrument to assess satisfaction with treatment of OAB based on independent scales that have demonstrated satisfactory psychometric performance. Neurourol. Urodynam. 27:179–190, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sacral nerve stimulation for neuromodulation of the lower urinary tract
Authors: Oerlemans Dennis J.A.J. , van Kerrebroeck Philip E.V.
Published: June 2007

Patients with symptoms of overactive bladder syndrome or non‐obstructive urinary retention, refractory to conservative therapy, can nowadays be treated minimally invasively with sacral nerve stimulation (SNS). The use of electric currents to treat urological pathology has a long history but SNS therapy only received FDA approval in 1997. The mechanisms of action are still not known so there are different theories explaining the modulation effect. Recent studies have shown a central modulation effect. Predictive factors which can help to identify the perfect candidates are not known. Over the years the technique of SNS has become less invasive and because of two stage implantation test results have proven to be more reliable. The clinical results for this therapy have proven to be safe and effective and with the technical improvements over the years the re‐operation and complication rates have decreased significantly. The clinical results have led to expanding indications because of positive effects in other symptoms. In the field of urology this has resulted in the use of SNS therapy for interstitial cystitis, neurogenic lower urinary dysfunction, and pediatric voiding dysfunction. In the field of gastro‐intestinal pathology, SNS therapy is used to treat faecal incontinence and constipation. Neurourol. Urodynam. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Simultaneous registration of intraabdominal and intravesical pressures during cystometry in conscious rats—Effects of bladder outlet obstruction and intravesical PGE2
Authors: Lee Tack , Andersson Karl‐Erik , Streng Tomi , Hedlund Petter
Published: June 2007

Aims

A method was developed and evaluated to simultaneously register intraabdominal pressure (IAP) and intravesical pressure (IVP) during cystometry in conscious rats. In addition, IAP and IVP were recorded in rats with experimental detrusor overactivity (DO).

Methods

Sprague Dawley rats (n = 24) were used. Six female rats were subjected to partial bladder outlet obstruction for 2 weeks. A catheter was implanted into the bladder to record the IVP, and a balloon‐fitted catheter was positioned in the abdominal cavity to record the IAP. PGE2 was given intravesically to induce DO. Detrusor pressure (DP) was defined as the IVP corrected for IAP.

Results

Recorded as increases in IAP, all rats of both sexes exhibited abdominal straining during every void. In controls, a maximal IAP of 6.0 ± 1.4 cmH2O (range 3–15 cmH2O) was registered (n = 12) at the time of the flow pressure (FP). Intravesical administration of PGE2 or BOO did not affect the IAP at basal pressure, FP or micturition pressure. Changes in IAP due to movement or non‐voiding‐related straining were subtracted from IVP to generate DP and to visualize DO after BOO or intravesical PGE2.

Conclusions

The conscious rat uses abdominal straining during voiding, and maximal IAP is recorded at the onset of urinary flow. Simultaneous registration of IAP and IVP during the micturition cycle in conscious rats is a convenient method for accurate quantification of pressures inside the bladder and for studying “true” DO without interference from movement artifacts. Neurourol. Urodynam. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Urinary and erectile dysfunction in multiple system atrophy (MSA)
Authors: Papatsoris A.G. , Papapetropoulos S. , Singer C. , Deliveliotis C.
Published: June 2007

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a neurodegenerative disease of undetermined etiology that occurs sporadically and manifests itself as a combination of parkinsonian, autonomic, cerebellar, and pyramidal signs. Despite the lack of effective therapies, some of the symptoms may be, at least temporarily, improved with adequate symptomatic therapies. Urinary and erectile dysfunction (ED) symptoms are prominent early features in male MSA patients. Lower urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in this disorder. More than 50% of MSA patients suffer from recurrent lower UTIs and a significant number (∼25%) die of complications related to them. Urogenital symptoms in MSA are usually due to a complex mixture of central and peripheral nervous abnormalities, sometimes superimposed on previous local pathological conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia and perineal laxity. There have been instances were MSA‐related urological symptoms were confused with symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia, leading to unnecessary urological surgery. In this review, we present the phenotypic range and therapeutic approaches for common storage and voiding urological symptoms and ED, in patients with MSA. Neurourol. Urodynam. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Postvoid residual urine in women with stress incontinence
Authors: Tseng Ling‐Hong , Liang Ching‐Chung , Chang Yao‐Lung , Lee She‐Jane , Lloyd L. Keith , Chen Chun‐Kai
Published: June 2007

Aims

To confirm the idea that women with stress incontinence can have elevated postvoid residual urine (PVR) and to examine the correlation between PVR obtained with catheterization versus that with BladderScan (BS).

Materials and Methods

This is a prospective study involving 902 women referred to our urogynecology clinics because of symptoms of lower urinary tract dysfunction. Women were selected if they met all of the following conditions: (1) A main complaint of stress urinary incontinence; (2) A diagnosis of urodynamic stress incontinence; and (3) No previous pelvic surgery, advanced pelvic prolapse or neurological deficit. One hundred and seven women met all criteria and formed the basis for this study. All women in the study group underwent three‐part urodynamic testing including uroflowmetry, filling (provocative) and voiding cystometry. After uroflowmetry they were scanned by a BS, and then catheterized for PVR volume before the procedure of cystometry.

Results

The mean PVR volume was 62.8 ml by BS and 38.5 ml by catheterization. 35.5% women had PVR urine higher than 50 ml and 15.9% had PVR urine greater than 100 ml. The PVR volume obtained by BS correlated significantly with catheterized volume (r = 0.625, P = 0.001) and offered a sensitivity of 64.7% and a specificity of 94.3% in detecting PVR greater than 100. The mean maximum flow rate was 22.1 ml/sec and mean detrusor contraction pressure during voiding was 21 cm H2O.

Conclusions

Women in our study had low maximum flow rate (22.1 ml/sec), elevated PVR (38.5 ml) and high detrusor contraction pressure during voiding (21 cm H2O) indicating that women with stress incontinence have some degree of voiding dysfunction. The bladder behavior in women with stress incontinence may be more complex than we had previously considered and special care should be taken if a woman with elevated PVR is scheduled for anti‐incontinence surgery. BS appears to be reasonably sensitive and specific for the detection of elevated PVR and is reliable in clinical use. Neurourol. Urodynam. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.