bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cirrhosis of Mixed Etiology (Hepatitis C Virus and Alcohol): Posttransplantation Outcome—Comparison with Hepatitis C Virus–Related Cirrhosis and Alcoholic-Related Cirrhosis
Authors: Aguilera Victoria , Berenguer Marina , Rubín Angel , San-Juan Fernando , Rayón Jose-Miguel , Prieto Martín , Mir José
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related liver disease is enhanced by alcohol consumption. Of HCV-related liver transplantation (LT) recipients, 25% have a history of alcohol intake. The purpose of this research was to determine whether LT outcome differs between patients with cirrhosis of mixed etiology compared to HCV or alcohol alone. Of 494 LT (1997-2001), recipient/donor features, post-LT histological, metabolic complications [hypertension, diabetes–diabetes mellitus (DM)], and de novo tumors were compared in 3 groups [HCV-related cirrhosis = 170 (HCV group), alcohol-related cirrhosis (alcohol group) = 107, and cirrhosis of mixed etiology (mixed group) = 60]. Protocol biopsies were done in HCV patients. Severe recurrent HCV disease was defined as: 1-year fibrosis >1, cholestatic hepatitis, recurrent cirrhosis, or HCV-related liver retransplantation (reLT) within 5 years. Patients in the mixed group were younger (mean age: HCV group = 59 years; mixed group = 49 years; alcohol group = 53 years; P < 0.05) and mainly men (% men: HCV group = 51%; mixed group = 97%; alcohol group = 87%). Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was more frequent in HCV patients (HCV group = 44%; mixed group = 35%; alcohol group = 18%; P = 0.05). Five-year survival was lowest in the HCV group (HCV group = 49% versus mixed group = 73% versus alcohol group = 76%; and P < 0.01 for the HCV group versus the alcohol group or the HCV group versus the mixed group; P = 0.74 for the alcohol group versus the mixed group). Metabolic complications and de novo tumors were more frequent in the alcohol groups. Severe HCV disease was similar in the HCV+ groups (HCV group = 45%; mixed group = 45%; P = 0.66). Patients with in the mixed group were more frequently treated with antivirals (32% versus HCV group = 18%; P = 0.03). In HCV patients, factors independently associated with lower survival were older donor age, LT indication (HCV alone), and increased body mass index (BMI). Antiviral therapy was a protective factor. Post-LT survival was lower in the isolated HCV group compared to the alcohol or mixed groups despite a similar recurrence of HCV disease. A greater use of antiviral therapy in the mixed group may explain these differences. The incidence of metabolic complications and de novo tumors was greater in the alcohol groups. Liver Transpl 15:79–87, 2009. © 2008 AASLD.
Intraoperative Renal Support During Liver Transplantation
Authors: Townsend Derek R. , Bagshaw Sean M. , Jacka Michael J. , Bigam David , Cave Dominic , Gibney Noel R.T.
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in liver failure prior to orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) and may complicate the intraoperative course. We describe the logistics of intraoperative continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) during OLT and the associated clinical outcomes. We performed a retrospective review of adult patients (age > 18 years) receiving intraoperative CRRT during OLT at the University of Alberta Hospital between January 1, 1996 and December 31, 2005. Demographic, detailed clinical, and perioperative data, physiologic and laboratory measures, details of renal replacement therapy (RRT) provided, and data on renal recovery and survival were ascertained. Of 636 OLTs, 41 (6.4%) received intraoperative CRRT. The most common indications for OLT in these patients were hepatitis C (34.2%) and alcoholic (29.3%) cirrhosis. The median [interquartile range (IQR)] Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score was 38 (31-43), and 90.2% were classified as Child-Pugh class C. Preoperatively, 70% were in the intensive care unit, 58.5% were mechanically ventilated, and 48.7% required vasopressor support. The median (IQR) duration of intraoperative CRRT was 258 (189-390) minutes, representing 57% of the total operative time. Filter circuit clotting occurred in 40% but was not associated with a shorter CRRT duration (P = 0.41). No other complications were described. CRRT allowed an even or negative intraoperative fluid balance in 92.7%. CRRT was continued in 78% after OLT for a median (IQR) of 5 (3-11) days. Of these, 24 (75%) were transitioned to intermittent hemodialysis for a median (IQR) of 15 (4-39) days. Survival was 97.6% at 1 month and 75.6% at 1 year. Renal recovery to RRT independence occurred in 100% of survivors by 1 year; however, the mean (standard deviation) estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 54.7 (19.1) mL/minute/m2, with 62.1% having an eGFR < 60 mL/minute/m2. In conclusion, our data suggest that intraoperative CRRT during OLT is achievable and safe. Intraoperative CRRT may be a valuable adjuvant therapy for those with preoperative AKI. Additional investigations are warranted. Liver Transpl 15:73–78, 2009. © 2008 AASLD.
Health-Related Quality of Life and Employment Status of Liver Transplant Patients
Authors: Åberg Fredrik , Rissanen Anne M. , Sintonen Harri , Roine Risto P. , Höckerstedt Krister , Isoniemi Helena
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is one preferable outcome measure of medical interventions such as liver transplantation (LT). The aim of this study was to compare HRQoL of LT patients with that of the general population and to assess the employment status of LT patients. HRQoL was measured with the 15D instrument, a validated, non–disease-specific, 15-dimensional, self-administered HRQoL instrument. The questionnaire was sent to all adult LT patients in Finland (401 patients) alive in June 2007. The response rate was 89% (353 patients). The results were compared to those of 6050 age-standardized and gender-standardized controls from the general population. LT patients (mean age, 55 years; range, 20-82) had slightly worse HRQoL scores than the general population (mean 15D score, 0.889 versus 0.907; P < 0.002). Survival time and retransplantation did not affect HRQoL significantly in age-adjusted and gender-adjusted analyses. HRQoL decreased with increasing age (P < 0.0001). Patients transplanted for acute liver failure (ALF) or chronic liver disease (CLD) had significantly worse HRQoL than the general population (P = 0.014 and P = 0.040). Forty-four percent of working-age patients were employed at the time of the study. Persons that were employed had significantly better HRQoL than those unemployed (15D scores, 0.934 versus 0.859; P < 0.0001). Eighty-seven percent of patients experienced improved working capacity after LT. Early retirement was the most common cause of unemployment (56% of unemployed patients), and those patients presented with worse HRQoL than patients unemployed for other reasons. In conclusion, HRQoL of LT patients is very close to that of the general population. Older age, CLD, and ALF impair HRQoL. Employment is an indicator of HRQoL. Liver Transpl 15:64–72, 2009. © 2008 AASLD.
Two Different Methods for Donor Hepatic Transection: Cavitron Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator With Bipolar Cautery Versus Cavitron Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator With Radiofrequency Coagulator—A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: El Moghazy Walid M. , Hedaya Mohammed S. , Kaido Toshimi , Egawa Hiroto , Uemoto Shinji , Takada Yasutsugu
Published: December 2008

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the Cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator (CUSA) with bipolar cautery (BP) to CUSA with a radiofrequency coagulator [TissueLink (TL)] in terms of efficacy and safety for hepatic transection in living donor liver transplantation. Twenty-four living liver donors (n = 12 for each group) were randomized to undergo hepatic transection using CUSA with BP or CUSA with TL. Blood loss during parenchymal transection and speed of transection were the primary endpoints, whereas the degree of postoperative liver injury and morbidity were secondary endpoints. Median blood loss during liver transection was significantly lower in the TL group than in the BP group (195.2 ± 84.5 versus 343.3 ± 198.4 mL; P = 0.023), and liver transection was significantly faster in the TL group than in the BP group (0.7 ± 0.2 versus 0.5 ± 0.2 cm2/minute; P = 0.048). Significantly fewer ties were required during liver transection in the TL group than in the BP group (15.8 ± 4.8 versus 22.8 ± 7.9 ties; P = 0.023). The morbidity rates were similar for the 2 groups. In conclusion, CUSA with TL is superior to CUSA with BP for donor hepatectomy in terms of blood loss and speed of transection with no increase in morbidity. Liver Transpl 15:102–105, 2009. © 2008 AASLD.
Side-to-Side Cavocavostomy with an Endovascular Stapler: Rescue Technique for Severe Hepatic Vein and/or Inferior Vena Cava Outflow Obstruction After Liver Transplantation Using the Piggyback Technique
Authors: Quintini Cristiano , Miller Charles M. , Hashimoto Koji , Philip Ding , Uso Teresa Diago , Aucejo Federico , Kelly Dympna , Winans Charles , Eghtesad Bijan , Vogt David , Fung John
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Venous outflow obstruction is a rare but potentially lethal complication after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) with the “piggyback” technique. Therapeutic options include angioplasty with or without stent placement, surgical reconstruction of the venous anastomosis, and retransplantation. Surgical options are technically very challenging and the outcomes discouraging. We describe here two cases of venous outflow obstruction in recipients of piggyback liver grafts, one involving both the vena cava and hepatic veins and the other affecting only hepatic vein outflow. Both patients were treated successfully with side-to-side cavo-cavostomy using an endovascular (endo-GIA) stapler. This novel technique is fast and effective in resolving the outflow obstruction. Liver Transpl 15:49–53, 2009. © 2008 AASLD.
Balloon Dilation Only Versus Balloon Dilation Plus Stenting for Posttransplantation Biliary Strictures
Authors: Perkins James D.
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Background and study aims

Biliary strictures are a major cause of morbidity following liver transplantation. In the present prospective comparative trial, we evaluated balloon dilation vs. balloon dilation plus stenting with regard to technical and clinical efficacy as well as complications.

Patients and methods

A total of 32 patients with symptomatic biliary strictures after liver transplantation were assigned to balloon dilation (n = 17) or balloon dilation plus plastic stent placement (n = 15). The main outcome parameter was sustained clinical success defined as an interval of at least 3 months without further endoscopic intervention. Additional outcome parameters were assisted clinical success and treatment failure, as well as procedure-related complications.

Results

The initial technical success and primary clinical success rates in the dilation group were both 100 %; in the stent group, the corresponding rates were 100 % and 93 % (n.s.). The sustained clinical success was 71 % vs. 73 %, respectively (n. s.). The time interval to reach sustained clinical success was 6.1 and 5.1 months, respectively (n. s.). No significant differences were found in assisted clinical success or in treatment failure. Complications were observed in 4.3 % in the dilation group and 13.6 % in the stent group (P < 0.05). Independent of the treatment group, a sustained clinical success in anastomotic strictures was achieved in 100 %, whereas the success rate of strictures of the donor hepatic duct was 50 % and of strictures involving the hilum, only 14 % (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

In patients with biliary strictures after liver transplantation, endoscopic balloon dilation alone was as effective as dilation plus stent placement. Stent placement was associated with a significantly higher complication rate. Endoscopic treatment of strictures of the biliary anastomosis is highly effective, whereas attempts to treat more complex strictures are less promising.
Interaction of Ionic Liquids with Polysaccharides, 8 – Synthesis of Cellulose Sulfates Suitable for Polyelectrolyte Complex Formation
Authors: Gericke Martin , Liebert Tim , Heinze Thomas
Published: December 2008

Water‐soluble CS with different DS were synthesized by homogeneous conversion of cellulose (microcrystalline cellulose and spruce sulfite pulp) with different sulfating agents in the ionic liquids BMIMCl, AMIMCl and EMIMAc. N,N‐Dimethylformamide was used as a dipolar aprotic co‐solvent in order to improve the miscibility of the reaction mixture. The CS prepared by the new homogeneous reaction pathway were studied towards the formation of PEC capsules. CS obtained from SSP formed mechanically stable PEC capsules with PolyDADMAC. Exploiting this method, the microencapsulation of glucose oxidase was studied and enzyme activity tests were performed with encapsulated GOD.

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Effect of the Ligand in Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization Reactions Initiated by Photodimers of 9‐Bromoanthracene
Authors: Cohen Nicole A. , Tillman Eric S. , Thakur Sona , Smith Jenell R. , Eckenhoff William T. , Pintauer Tomislav
Published: December 2008

Slow initiation from the bridgehead radical in atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) reactions initiated by 9‐bromoanthracene photodimers leads to polymers' products possessing high PDI values and higher than expected $\overline M _{\rm n}$ values. We report here the effects of changing the ligand from N,N,N′,N″,N″‐pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (PMDETA) to the highly active tris[2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl]amine (Me6TREN) or tris[(2‐pyridyl)methyl]amine (TPMA) in an attempt to push the initial equilibrium further toward the initiating bridgehead radical. Overall, the ligand choice was found to add negligible control to the ATRP of styrene with any increase in the rate of initiation offset by an increase in the rate of propagation, leading to anthracene‐labeled polystyrene with similar PDI (≈1.6) and $\overline M _{\rm n}$ values regardless of the ligand choice.

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The Role of Filler Networking in Fatigue Crack Propagation of Elastomers under High‐Severity Conditions
Authors: Klüppel Manfred
Published: December 2008

Structural parameters of the filler network have been evaluated by fitting quasi‐static stress/strain cycles to the dynamic flocculation model. It is found that the size of filler clusters as well as the strength of filler–filler bonds increase with filler loading and carbon black activity (specific surface). This correlates with the behavior of the tear resistance obtained for pulsed loading under high‐severity conditions, implying that the characteristics of the filler network govern the fracture properties of filled elastomers. The behavior of the power law exponent of fatigue crack propagation versus tearing energy can be explained by flash temperature effects in the crack tip area.

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Semi‐Interpenetrating Hydrogels of Polyelectrolytes, Polymer‐Metal Complexes and Polymer‐Protected Palladium Nanoparticles
Authors: Kudaibergenov Sarkyt E. , Ibraeva Zhanar E. , Dolya Natalya A. , Musabaeva Binur Kh. , Zharmagambetova Alima K. , Koetz Joachim
Published: December 2008

Summary: Semi‐interpenetrating hydrogels (SIHs) of polyelectrolytes consisting of poly(acrylamide) hydrogel (PAAH) as matrix and sodium poly(styrenesulfonate) (NaPSS), poly(N,N′‐dimethyl‐N,N′‐diallylammonium chloride) (PDMDAAC), stoichiometric interpolyelectrolyte complex of NaPSS‐PDMDAAC, and linear polyethyleneimine‐metal complexes (PMC) as well as polymer‐protected palladium nanoparticles were prepared by in situ polymerization, e.g. crosslinked acrylamide chains were formed in aqueous solutions of NaPSS, PDMDAAC, NaPSS‐PDMDAAC (1:1 mol/mol), PMC and palladium nanoparticles protected by poly(N‐vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP), poly‐(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), and linear poly(ethyleneimine) (LPEI) respectively in the presence of N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide. For each system the equilibrium swelling degree α and the parameters n and k describing the mechanism of water transport into SIHs volume was determined. Catalytic properties of SIHs were studied in allyl alcohol hydrogenation and cyclohexane oxidation reactions.
Oxygen Barrier LDPE/LLDPE/Organoclay Nano‐Composite Films for Food Packaging
Authors: Dadbin Susan , Noferesti Mohsen , Frounchi Masoud
Published: December 2008

Summary: This study intends to replace polyethylene multi‐layer films used in food packaging industry with single‐layer polyethylene nanocomposites films. Nanocomposites of LDPE/LLDPE/ montmorillonite organoclay were prepared by melt compounding in a twin extruder and then film blown to prepare thin films. LLDPE‐g‐MA was used as compatibilizer to achieve better interaction between the blend and organoclay. Various compositions of organoclay and compatibilizer were prepared. The structure of nanocomposites was characterized by XRD and TEM. Permeability properties were measured using a permeability measuring set‐up and aspect ratio of the particles was evaluated using permeability data. The results showed that addition of organoclay even at low level (below 5 phr) had significant effect on barrier properties of the nanocomposites. Oxygen permeability decreased by 50% by adding only 3 phr of nanoclay into the blend. Crystalline structure of the nanocomposites was studied by DSC. Addition of clay also led to increase in melting point and somewhat decrease in the crystalline level. Given the fact that crystals are effectively non‐permeable, the concomitant reduction in crystallinity of the blend with decrease in permeability suggests that barrier properties arise from tortuousity of nanoparticles in the blend.
Secondary Flows of Simplified Phan‐Thien Tanner (SPTT) Non‐Linear Viscoelastic Fluid Between Parallel Rotating Disks
Authors: Hashemabadi Seyed Hassan , Mirnajafizadeh Seyed Mohammad
Published: December 2008

Summary: The steady state laminar flow of non‐linear viscoelastic fluid with Simplified Phan‐Thien Tanner (SPTT) model between coaxial rotating disks is studied analytically. With linearized stress coefficient in the constitutive equation (SPTT), primary flow and weak secondary flow have been investigated by perturbation techniques while the aspect ratio is very small. Axial and radial velocity profiles arising from secondary flow are completely analyzed for various boundary conditions and properties of the viscoelastic fluid. The results indicate the strong effects of the elasticity and boundary conditions on velocity profiles. The inertial secondary flow consists of a single vortex for co‐rotating disks and two vortices for counter‐rotating disks which is well represented by the approximate analytical solution.
Simulation and Development of Tin‐Free Antifouling Self‐Polishing Coatings
Authors: Monfared H. , Sharif F. , Kasiriha S. M.
Published: December 2008

TriButylTin based self‐polishing coatings (TBT‐SPC) were smart solutions to the marine fouling problem. Mechanism of self‐polishing were extensively studied and modelled. The aim of this study is to describe the modeling in details and use simulation results to provide insight into the interaction of temprature and some design parameters and a possible basis for accelerated evaluation of new self‐polishing coatings.
Experimental Observations and Quantitative Predictions of Rheological Properties of Organoclay/Poly(propylene) Nanocomposites at the Startup of Shear Flows
Authors: Rajabian Mahmoud , Naderi Ghasem
Published: December 2008

We study the rheological characteristics of nanocomposites containing nano‐sized plate like particles in a viscoelastic fluid at the startup of steady state in the simple shear flow mode. The nanocomposites of organoclay‐polypropylene with different nanoclay contents were prepared by melt mixing. A rheological equation of state, originally formulated to predict the orientation state and viscoelastic behavior of suspensions of ellipsoidal particles in polymer melts, has been modified to describe the observed phenomena for the nanoclay/poly(propylene) composites. The rotational particle motion and alignment for a group of symmetric ellipsoids with the applied flow field are investigated. Additionally, model calculations of the macroscopic rheological properties for a simple flow case suggest the presence of nano‐particles significantly modify the suspended fluid at volume concentrations as low as 0.5%. The model calculations for the startup viscosity are reasonably in agreement with the experimental results at the experimental range covered in this study. At the shear rate of $\dot \gamma = 1\;s^{ - 1} $, we observe pronounced stress overshoots at the three nanoclay loadings level tested which are found to be related to the fast alignment of the silicate layers with the shear direction in the polymer melt.
Particle Formation by Emulsion Inversion Method: Effect of the Stirring Speed on Inversion and Formation of Spherical Particles
Authors: Aravand Mohammad Ali , Semsarzadeh Mohammad Ali
Published: December 2008

Summery: Phase inversion emulsification technique was employed in this work as a practical method to form epoxy particles. The effect of stirring speed on the inversion behaviour and the morphological aspects of the resulting solid epoxy particles are investigated. Emulsion inversion was induced by increasing the amount of initially dispersed deionized water in the presence of a non‐ionic block copolymer surfactant at a fixed concentration. The process of inversion was followed by monitoring the variations in the rotational speed of the stirrer caused by the viscosity variations of the emulsifying system throughout the process. It was shown that the mixing speed plays an important role in controlling the size and size distribution of the resulting emulsion particles. Below a critical stirring speed, spherical particles could not be formed and the inversion process resulted in macroscopically non‐homogeneous multi shape structures. Fully spherical particles were formed above this critical speed. Further increase in the rotational speed of the mixer, significantly reduced the size of these spherical particles with a wide and random size distributions controlled and considerably narrowed by the stirring speed. Dynamic light scattering analysis and scanning electron microscopy were used to study the particle size and size distributions. In addition, study of the rotational speed variations of the stirrer, which is directly related to the viscosity changes of the emulsifying system, revealed that a correlation between the physical aspects of the inversion behaviour and the viscosity changes during the emulsion inversion process could be established.
Synthesizing UHMWPE Using Ziegler‐Natta Catalyst System of MgCl2(ethoxide type)/ TiCl4/tri‐isobutylaluminum
Authors: Jamjah Roghieh , Zohuri Gholam Hossein , Javaheri Mohsen , Nekoomanesh Mehdi , Ahmadjo Saeid , Farhadi Ali
Published: December 2008

Summery: A Ziegler‐Natta catalyst of MgCl2 (ethoxide type)/TiCl4 has been synthesized. In order to obtain ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) tri‐isobutylaluminum which is less active to chain transfer was used as cocatalyst. Slurry polymerization was carried out for the polymerization of ethylene while, dilute solution viscometry was performed for the viscosity average molecular weight (Mv) measurement. The effect of [Al]/[Ti] molar ratio, temperature, monomer pressure and polymerization time on the Mv and productivity of the catalyst have been investigated. The results showed increasing [Al]/[Ti] ratio in the range of 78–117, decreased the Mv of the obtained polymer from 7.8 × 106 to 3.7 × 106 however, further increase of the ratio, resulted in decreased of by much slower rate up to [Al]/[Ti] = 588. The higher pressure in the range of 1–7 bars showed the higher the Mv of the polymer obtained, while increasing temperature in the range of 50 to 90 °C decreased the Mv from 9.3 × 106 to 3.7 × 106. The Mv rapidly increase with polymerization time in the first 15 minutes of the reaction, this increase was slowly up to the end of the reaction (120 min). Increasing [Al]/[Ti] ratio raised productivity of the catalyst in the range studied. Rising reaction temperature from 50 to 75 °C increased the productivity of the catalyst however, further increase in the temperature up to the 90 °C decreased activity of the catalyst. Monomer pressure in the range 1 to 7 bars yields higher productivity of the catalyst. Also by varying polymerization conditions synthesizing of UHMWPE with Mv in the range of 3 × 106 to 9 × 106 was feasible.
Temperature Sensitive Superabsorbent Hydrogels from Poly(N‐t‐butyl acrylamide‐co‐acrylamide) Grafted on Sodium Alginate
Authors: Pourjavadi Ali , Samadi Morasae , Ghasemzadeh Hossein
Published: December 2008

Temperature‐sensitive hydrogels based on N‐t‐butylacrylamide (TBA), acrylamide (AAm), and sodium alginate were prepared by free radical polymerization method. Methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) and amonium persulfate (APS) were applied as water soluble crosslinker and initiator, respectively. The chemical structure of the hydrogels was confirmed by FT‐IR spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) methods. Morphology of the samples was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). By changing the initial TBA/AAm mole ratios, hydrogels with different swelling properties were obtained. The rate parameters were found to be 2.0, 2.4, and 3.5 min for the superabsorbents with AAm/TBA weight ratio of 1.0, 1.3 and 2.0 respectively. The swelling behavior in distilled water and different pH solutions was investigated. A preliminary swelling kinetics and the absorbency under load (AUL) were also studied. At the applied pressure (2.07 kPa), maximum swelling was found to be 17, 19, and 21 (g/g) for the superabsorbent hydrogels with AAm/TBA weight ratios of 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0, respectively.
Role of TLS DNA polymerases eta and kappa in processing naturally occurring structured DNA in human cells
Authors: Bétous Rémy , Rey Laurie , Wang Guliang , Pillaire Marie‐Jeanne , Puget Nadine , Selves Janick , Biard Denis S.F. , Shin‐ya Kazuo , Vasquez Karen M. , Cazaux Christophe , Hoffmann Jean‐Sébastien
Published: December 2008

Accurate DNA replication during S‐phase is fundamental to maintain genome integrity. During this critical process, replication forks frequently encounter obstacles that impede their progression. While the regulatory pathways which act in response to exogenous replication stress are beginning to emerge, the mechanisms by which fork integrity is maintained at naturally occurring endogenous replication‐impeding sequences remains obscure. Notably, little is known about how cells replicate through special chromosomal regions containing structured non‐B DNA, for example, G4 quartets, known to hamper fork progression or trigger chromosomal rearrangements. Here, we have investigated the role in this process of the human translesion synthesis (TLS) DNA polymerases of the Y‐family (pol η, pol ι, and pol κ), specialized enzymes known to synthesize DNA through DNA damage. We show that depletion by RNA interference of expression of the genes for Pol η or Pol κ, but not Pol ι, sensitizes U2OS cells treated with the G4‐tetraplex interactive compound telomestatin and triggers double‐strand breaks in HeLa cells harboring multiple copies of a G‐rich sequence from the promoter region of the human c‐MYC gene, chromosomally integrated as a transgene. Moreover, we found that downregulation of Pol κ only raises the level of DSB in HeLa cells containing either one of two breakage hotspot structured DNA sequences in the chromosome, the major break region (Mbr) of BCL‐2 gene and the GA rich region from the far right‐hand end of the genome of the Kaposi Sarcoma associated Herpesvirus. These data suggest that naturally occurring DNA structures are physiological substrates of both pol η and pol κ. We discuss these data in the light of their downregulation in human cancers. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nip2/centrobin may be a substrate of Nek2 that is required for proper spindle assembly during mitosis in early mouse embryos
Authors: Sonn Seongkeun , Jeong Yeontae , Rhee Kunsoo
Published: December 2008

Nek2 is a mitotic kinase with multiple cellular functions involving phosphorylation of diverse substrates. Suppression of Nek2 in early mouse embryos has been shown to arrest development at the 4‐cell stage with defects in mitotic spindle assembly as well as in interphase nuclear morphology. In the present study, we suppressed expression of two Nek2 centrosomal substrates, Nip2 and C‐Nap1, in early mouse embryos. The development of the Nip2‐suppressed embryo was arrested at the 4‐cell stage with mitotic defects in the blastomeres. In contrast, C‐Nap1 suppression did not produce a visible phenotype. The phenotypic similarities of the Nip2‐ and Nek2‐suppressed embryos suggest that Nip2 may be a substrate of Nek2 that is required for mitotic spindle assembly in early mouse embryos. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 76: 587–592, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intracellular signal transduction pathways in the regulation of fowl sperm motility: Evidence for the involvement of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3‐K) cascade
Authors: Ashizawa Koji , Omura Yusuke , Katayama Seiichi , Tatemoto Hideki , Narumi Kazunori , Tsuzuki Yasuhiro
Published: December 2008

The possible role of PI3‐K in the reversible temperature‐dependent immobilization of fowl sperm motility was investigated by using PI3‐K inhibitor (LY294002) and its inactive analogue (LY303511). The existence of the PI3‐K in fowl spermatozoa was also confirmed by Western blotting analysis. Fowl sperm motility in TES/NaCl buffer remained negligible at the avian body temperature of 40°C but was maintained vigorously when the temperature was decreased to 30°C. At 30°C, no stimulation or inhibition of motility was observed after the addition of 2 mM CaCl2 and 10 µM LY294002 or LY303511: around 70–80% of spermatozoa remained motile. In contrast, at 40°C, the motility of spermatozoa was activated immediately after the addition of Ca2+, but the subsequent addition of LY294002 inhibited the motility again. The addition of LY303511 did not appreciably affect the Ca2+‐supplemented sperm motility, which was maintained for at least 15 min. The ATP concentrations of spermatozoa after the addition of LY294002 + Ca2+ or LY303511 + Ca2+ were almost the same values compared with those of Ca2+ alone at 40°C, suggesting that the addition of LY294002 was not simply affecting membrane damage or inhibiting energy production in the spermatozoa, but may be acting on some part of the motility‐regulating cascade. Immunoblotting of sperm extract using an antibody to PI3‐K revealed a major cross‐reacting protein of 85 kDa, which corresponds to the molecular weight of the subunit of PI3‐K. These results suggest that PI3‐K may be positively involved in the calcium‐regulated maintenance of flagellar movement of fowl spermatozoa at 40°C. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 76: 603–610, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mapping of brain metabolite distributions by volumetric proton MR spectroscopic imaging (MRSI)
Authors: Maudsley A.A. , Domenig C. , Govind V. , Darkazanli A. , Studholme C. , Arheart K. , Bloomer C.
Published: December 2008

Distributions of proton MR‐detected metabolites have been mapped throughout the brain in a group of normal subjects using a volumetric MR spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) acquisition with an interleaved water reference. Data were processed with intensity and spatial normalization to enable voxel‐based analysis methods to be applied across a group of subjects. Results demonstrate significant regional, tissue, and gender‐dependent variations of brain metabolite concentrations, and variations of these distributions with normal aging. The greatest alteration of metabolites with age was observed for white‐matter choline and creatine. An example of the utility of the normative metabolic reference information is then demonstrated for analysis of data acquired from a subject who suffered a traumatic brain injury. This study demonstrates the ability to obtain proton spectra from a wide region of the brain and to apply fully automated processing methods. The resultant data provide a normative reference for subsequent utilization for studies of brain injury and disease. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human osteoarchaeology in the UK 2001–2007: a bibliometric perspective
Authors: Mays S.
Published: December 2008

Bibliometric analysis of osteoarchaeology publications covering the period 2001–2007 in leading journals was carried out. The aims were two‐fold: firstly, to characterise research in this field in the UK and make comparisons with selected other countries, and secondly, to shed light on the use of skeletal collections. It was found that, since a previous survey of this type,covering the period 1991–1995, isotopic and DNA studies have increased. In the UK, work on biodistance studies is minor compared with other countries, and the proportion of palaeopathology work is high. In palaeopathology, substantial effort continues to be devoted to case studies, particularly in the UK where the frequency of problem‐orientated work directed at understanding earlier populations has not increased since the early 1990s. Although it is argued that the case study still has a place in osteoarchaeology, the balance of work needs to shift further in favour of population studies, particularly in the UK. Skeletal collections are vital for primary osteoarchaeological work, and there was little evidence for any great use of skeletal databases such as the Standard Osteological Database. Skeletal collections from the UK were the most used for the research papers analysed, demonstrating the importance of UK‐held collections for research that leads to high profile publication in the international scientific literature. These observations are pertinent since legal, ethical and practical issues in the treatment of human remains, particularly those connected with retention of skeletal collections, are now coming under closer scrutiny in the UK. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synergistic effect of copolymers composition on the electrochemical, thermal, and electrical behavior of 5‐lithiosulphoisophthalic acid doped poly(aniline‐co‐2‐isopropylaniline): synthesis, characterization, and applications
Authors: Bhandari Hema , Choudhary Veena , Dhawan S. K.
Published: December 2008

The paper reports the synergistic effect of substituent, i.e. isopropyl group on electrical, thermal, and processability of polyaniline in the presence of 5‐lithiosulphoisophthalic acid (LiSIPA). The presence of substituent not only affects the electrochemical redox behavior of polyaniline but also brings changes in the optical and electronic properties of polyaniline. Evaluation of the copolymers as corrosion inhibitor for iron in 1.0 N HCl using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and Tafel extrapolation method shows that the copolymers and homopolymer show corrosion inhibition efficiency ranging from 69 to 80% depending upon the composition of the copolymers. The copolymers doped with LiSIPA were soluble in organic solvents like methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, N‐methyl pyrrolidinone, and chloroform. The compositions of the copolymers were determined by 1H NMR spectroscopy. The conductivity of the polymers was found to be in the order of 4.9 to 10−3 S cm−1 depending upon the comonomer ratios and concentration of dopant. Cyclic voltammetry of the copolymers shows a shift in peak potential value from 0.157 to 0.398 V when the monomer ratio of aniline to 2‐isopropylaniline in the polymerization reaction was changed from 0.9:0.1 to 0.5:0.5. The polymers were characterized by FTIR and UV‐visible spectroscopy, NMR, X‐ray diffraction, TGA, DSC, and cyclic voltammetry. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alcohol consumption among Canadians taking benzodiazepines and related drugs
Authors: Veldhuizen Scott , Wade Terrance J. , Cairney John
Published: December 2008

Purpose

Benzodiazepines and related drugs (BZDs) are widely used for the treatment of anxiety, insomnia and other conditions. The combination of BZDs with alcohol increases risk for oversedation, abuse, dependence and accidents. This study examines drinking behaviour among Canadians taking BZDs.

Methods

We use data from cycle 1.2 of the Canadian Community Health Survey, a large (n = 36 984) population survey conducted in 2002 by Statistics Canada. We use bivariate methods and logistic regression to test the independent association between BZD use and 2 levels of recent drinking in the general population, and then examine associations between drinking and sociodemographic factors within the group of BZD users.

Results

Any drinking and heavy drinking are less common among users of BZDs than among other respondents, but these differences are small (any drinking, OR = 0.77, p = 0.02; heavy drinking, OR = 0.81, p = 0.13) when differences in respondent characteristics are controlled statistically. Among BZD users, any drinking is associated with male sex, younger age and not meeting criteria for a past‐year anxiety disorder. Heavy drinking is associated only with younger age.

Conclusions

Heavy alcohol use is uncommon among users of BZDs, and the combination of alcohol and BZD use is rare in the general population. Differences between BZD users and others are not large when other factors are taken into account, however, which may call into question the effectiveness of physician and pharmacist warnings against this combination. People treated for an anxiety disorder with BZDs may be less likely to use alcohol than those taking them for other indications. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Questionnaire design and the recall of pharmacological treatments: a systematic review
Authors: Gama Helena , Correia Sofia , Lunet Nuno
Published: December 2008

Purpose

We aimed to review systematically the published evidence regarding the effect of questionnaire design on the recall of pharmacological treatments.

Methods

The electronic databases Pubmed®, EMBASE™, and Cochrane® Library were searched from inception to October 2007, using the following search terms: drug utilization, pharmaceutical preparations, pharmacoepidemiology, validation studies, methods, epidemiologic methods, interviews, data collection, and questionnaires. Drug utilization studies comparing different types of questionnaire or methods of questionnaire administration were included. Backward and forward citation tracking were also conducted.

Results

Eight studies were included in the systematic review, comparing questions asking for specific drugs or indications with open‐ended questions (n = 5), evaluating the use of memory aids (n = 1), or studying the influence of response order on recall (n = 2). The studies were heterogeneous, namely regarding the populations evaluated (e.g., pregnant women, hypertensive patients, general population), mode of questionnaire administration (e.g., personal or telephone interview, self‐administered), recall period (e.g., current use, 1 week, previous episode of a disease), or drugs evaluated (e.g., analgesics, antimalarials, all medicines). Despite the lack of standardization in presentation of results, the prevalence of drug use may vary between 5 and 40% when drug names and indications or pictures are used as memory aids, or as a result of primacy effects in self‐administered questionnaires. The yielding of the questionnaires depended on the pharmacological groups evaluated.

Conclusions

Scientific work regarding methods for drug utilization data collection is scarce. The available evidence highlights the importance of knowing the questionnaire characteristics for a proper interpretation of results from drug utilization studies. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrogen bond‐mediated self‐assembly and supramolecular structures of diblock copolymer mixtures
Authors: Kuo Shiao‐Wei
Published: December 2008

This review summarizes recent advances in the preparation of hydrogen bonding block copolymer mixtures and the supramolecular structures they form through multiple hydrogen bonding interactions. Hydrogen bonding in block copolymer mixtures that form nanostructures and have unusual electronic, photonic and magnetic properties is a topic of great interest in polymer science. Combining the self‐assembly of block copolymers with supramolecular structures offers unique possibilities to create new materials with tunable and responsive properties. The self‐assembly of structures from diblock copolymer mixtures in the bulk state is readily controlled by varying the weight fraction of the block copolymer mixture and the copolymer composition; in solution, the morphologies are dependent on the copolymer composition, the copolymer concentration, the nature of the common solvent, the amount of the selective solvent and, most importantly, the hydrogen bonding strength. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Crosslinking of carboxylated nitrile rubber (XNBR) induced by coordination with anhydrous copper sulfate
Authors: Ibarra Luís , Rodríguez Andrés , Mora‐Barrantes Irene
Published: December 2008

BACKGROUND: Crosslinking induced by non‐covalent interactions in rubber materials is currently attracting a great deal of interest because of its perceived reversibility. Some thermoplastic elastomers and ionic elastomers, which are crosslinked by physical entanglements and ionic bonds, respectively, have already been investigated. The present work is centred on the study of the influence of coordination bonds on the physical properties of crosslinked materials. These bonds are formed on addition of copper sulfate.

RESULTS: In this context, the effect of crosslinking of carboxylated nitrile rubber (XNBR) by anhydrous copper sulfate (CuSO4) on crosslink reaction and mechanical and mechano‐dynamic properties is studied. The influence of different levels of CuSO4 and the addition of conventional filler, carbon black, on the network is studied. The presence of nitrile (CN) in the elastomeric chains leads to the formation of coordination bonds with the nitrile groups. The formation of ionic bonds between copper ions and carboxylic groups can be deduced from X‐ray photoelectron, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared and NMR analyses and vulcanization measurements. The dynamic response of the material does not show a secondary transition, the so‐called ionic transition typical of ionic elastomers, since ionic bonds do not lead to a separated ionic microphase, immersed in the elastomeric matrix.

CONCLUSION: As expected, the crosslink density of the polymer network increases with the amount of crosslinking agent. Because of the presence of polymer–filler interactions, an increase in crosslink density is observed. However, these interactions seem not to affect the formation of coordination or ionic bonds. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
School‐based prevention and intervention programs for children with emotional disturbance: A review of treatment components and methodology
Authors: Reddy Linda A. , De Thomas Courtney Anne , Newman Erik , Chun Victoria
Published: December 2008

School practitioners and educators are frequently challenged by the diverse and pervasive academic, social, and behavioral needs of children at risk for and with emotional disturbance. The present article examines the outcome literature on school‐based prevention and intervention programs by systematically reviewing the key treatment interventions and methodology used. A total of 29 investigations including 1,405 children and adolescents were reviewed and coded on 41 variables across three dimensions (i.e., sample characteristics, treatment components, and methodology). Single subject and group design studies were included. Behavioral and/or cognitive behavioral treatment approaches were primary used. Deficit‐based assessment and treatment approaches (i.e., problem behaviors) were predominately used in the outcome literature with few investigations incorporating strength‐based outcome approaches. Findings are discussed in relation to previous research. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Instructional practices and behavior during reading: A descriptive summary and comparison of practices in title one and non‐title elementary schools
Authors: Stichter Janine P. , Stormont Melissa , Lewis Timothy J.
Published: December 2008

Increasing achievement for all students is a focus of general and special education reform today. Especially in the area of reading, there are many children who are at risk for failure. The purpose of this study was to describe teachers' use of instructional time during literacy with students at schools with (Title One) and without (non‐Title) high percentages of students in poverty. Teachers and students from 35 classrooms were each observed for approximately 5 hours, for a total of 175 observation hours. Teachers identified the time when they consistently taught literacy and were observed in 1‐hour increments across 5 days. The Setting Factors Assessment Tool was used to measure the instructional context, teacher behavior, and student behavior. Main results from descriptive and statistical analyses indicate that teachers spent the majority of literacy time in whole group (40%) and independent work (32%). Only small percentages of instructional time were spent in peer work (8%), small‐group work (8%), and transition (8%). When comparing Title One and non‐Title classrooms, teachers in Title One classrooms used significantly more noninstructional related talk, had more instructional down time, and a higher number of student exits during instruction. A discussion of the limitations of this study and need for future research to extend these findings follows. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of cadmium exposure on the globin protein expression in 4th instar larvae of Chironomus riparius Mg. (Diptera: Chironomidae): An ecotoxicoproteomics approach
Authors: Choi Jinhee , Ha Mi‐Hee
Published: December 2008

In order to identify Chironomus hemoglobin (Hb) as a biomarker of ecotoxicity monitoring; herein, the effects of cadmium chloride (Cd) on Hb parameters were investigated in the 4th instar larvae of Chironomus riparius. The expressions of globin mRNA and hemolymph protein, using ecotoxicoproteomic approach, were investigated. Conventional ecotoxicity tests were also conducted to validate the ecotoxicological relevance of the response of Chironomus Hb as a biomarker. The proteomic analysis indicated that exposure to Cd lead alteration in the expression of hemolymph protein, with the total expressions of 12 hemolymph protein spots decreasing in response to treatment, with that of two increasing in response to Cd exposure. In addition, all of the spots differentially expressed in response to Cd treatment were identified as globin proteins. The decreased total Hb content observed in the hemolymph of larvae exposed to Cd suggested that the decreased expression of selected globin proteins in response to Cd exposure impacted on Hb synthesis. The overall results suggested that Hb could be a target molecule for exposure to Cd in C. riparius, with a proteomic approach appearing to be an ideal tool for the discovery of biomarkers in ecotoxicological research.