bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic review and meta-analysis of the diagnostic and therapeutic role of water-soluble contrast agent in adhesive small bowel obstruction
Authors: Branco B C , Barmparas G , Schnüriger B , Inaba K , Chan L S , Demetriades D
Published: March 2010

Background

This meta-analysis assessed the diagnostic and therapeutic role of water-soluble contrast agent (WSCA) in adhesive small bowel obstruction (SBO).

Methods

PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched systematically. The primary outcome in the diagnostic role of WSCA was its ability to predict the need for surgery. In the therapeutic role, the following were evaluated: resolution of SBO without surgery, time from admission to resolution, duration of hospital stay, complications and mortality. To assess the diagnostic role of WSCA, pooled estimates of sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and likelihood ratios were derived. For the therapeutic role of WSCA, weighted odds ratio (OR) and weighted mean difference (WMD) were obtained.

Results

Fourteen prospective studies were included. The appearance of contrast in the colon within 4–24 h after administration had a sensitivity of 96 per cent and specificity of 98 per cent in predicting resolution of SBO. WSCA administration was effective in reducing the need for surgery (OR 0·62; P = 0·007) and shortening hospital stay (WMD −1·87 days; P < 0·001) compared with conventional treatment.

Conclusion

Water-soluble contrast was effective in predicting the need for surgery in patients with adhesive SBO. In addition, it reduced the need for operation and shortened hospital stay.
Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on the safety and effectiveness of early versus delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis
Authors: Gurusamy K , Samraj K , Gluud C , Wilson E , Davidson B R
Published: March 2010

The original article to which this Erratum refers was published in British Journal of Surgery 2010; 97: 141–150.
Effects of n‐Hexadecane Concentration and a Two‐Stage Oxygen Supply Control Strategy on Arachidonic Acid Production by Mortierella Alpina ME‐1
Authors: Peng C. , Huang H. , Ji X. , Liu X. , Ren L. , Yu W. , You J. , Lu J.
Published: March 2010

Dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration is one of the most important factors affecting microbial cell growth and metabolite formation. In this study, a novel two‐stage oxygen supply control strategy was applied to enhance oxygen transfer and promote the ability of arachidonic acid production by Mortierella alpina ME‐1. Based on process analysis, a two‐stage oxygen supply control strategy was proposed in arachidonic acid production in which n‐hexadecane was added as an oxygen vector with a final concentration of 4 % at the first of cultivation, the agitation speed was controlled at 180 rpm in the first 96 h, and then switched to 100 rpm. This strategy was experimentally proven to be successful in arachidonic acid fermentation, relatively high arachidonic acid production (15.9 g/L) and dry cell weight (42.5 g/L) was achieved by applying this strategy. The arachidonic acid productivity (2.27 g/L/d) was also successfully improved by 50.3 % and 28.9 %, respectively, compared with fermentations in which agitation speed was kept constant at 180 rpm and under a two‐stage agitation speed control strategy.
Activated Carbon Adsorbent for the Aqueous Phase Adsorption of Amoxicillin in a Fixed Bed
Authors: Ornelas N. J. R. , Aguiar C. R. , Moraes S. M. O. , Adriano W. S. , Gonçalves L. R. B.
Published: March 2010

Equilibrium constant and mass transfer parameters are needed for the study of amoxicillin separation in any process involving adsorption in fixed beds. In this work, the adsorption of amoxicillin and 6‐aminopenillanic acid in aqueous solution on activated carbon were studied using static adsorption tests. The adsorption capacity was found to be strongly dependent on the pH of the aqueous phase. The adsorption constants, overall mass transfer coefficients, and axial dispersion coefficients for amoxicillin and 6‐aminopenillanic acid were determined, by moment analysis, from a series of step tests in a fixed bed packed with activated carbon. The total bed voidage and axial dispersion coefficient were estimated from blue dextran pulse test data at different flow rates. The results show that adsorption intensity increased with increasing temperature. Furthermore, the increasing trend of HETP with velocity suggests that axial dispersion and mass transfer resistance control the column efficiency.
Bio‐integration Ceramics on 3D Specimens by Pulsed‐Pressure Metal‐Organic CVD
Authors: Krumdieck Susan , Siriwongrungson Vilailuck , Reyngoud Ben , Barnett Anne
Published: March 2010

A number of biocompatible rods were coated with calcium phosphate and TiO2 using PP‐MOCVD with one end heated to 600 °C. Films of both materials coated the length of the 3‐D rod shape. The Ca:P material had an interesting spherical morphology as observed by SEM, had a Ca:P ratio in the range for hydroxyapitite as measured by EDS, and exhibited no crystalline peaks in XRD analysis.
CVD Elaboration of Nanostructured TiO2‐Ag Thin Films with Efficient Antibacterial Properties
Authors: Mungkalasiri Jitti , Bedel Laurent , Emieux Fabrice , Doré Jeanne , Renaud François N. R. , Sarantopoulos Christos , Maury Francis
Published: March 2010

Nanostructured TiO2‐Ag composite coatings are deposited by direct liquid injection metal‐organic (DLI‐MO) CVD at 683 K in a one‐step process. Silver pivalate (AgPiv) and titanium tetra‐iso‐propoxide (TTIP) are used as Ag and Ti molecular precursors, respectively. Metallic silver nanoparticles are co‐deposited with anatase TiO2 on stainless steel, glass, and silicon wafers. The silver particles are uniformly embedded in the oxide matrix through the entire film thickness. The influence of the growth conditions, including injection parameters, is investigated on the chemical, physical, and structural characteristics of the coatings as well as on their anti‐bacterial activities. The bacterium Staphylococcus aureus is employed for anti‐bacterial tests. The films are bactericidal, according to the JIS Z 2801 standard test performed in the dark, when they contain less than 1 at.‐% of silver. Under UV irradiation they exhibit a photocatalytic activity which decays by increasing the silver content. As a result of this dual functionality, the TiO2‐Ag nanocomposite coatings show promising potentialities as long‐term anti‐bacterial surfaces since self‐cleaning can be achieved periodically under UV light in order to maintain an efficient anti‐bacterial activity in the dark or in visible light.
Tunable Conformality of Polymer Coatings on High Aspect Ratio Features
Authors: Ozaydin‐Ince Gozde , Gleason Karen K.
Published: March 2010

In this work we demonstrate that the concentration of vinyl bonds present in monomers adsorbed onto the surface determines the degree of conformality achieved by polymeric films grown over substrate topology by initiated (i)CVD. For microtrenches of varying aspect ratio, a ballistic model correlates the observed step coverage to a range of sticking coefficients of the initiating radicals, γ, between 0.01 and 0.05. Increasing the surface concentration of the monomer results in higher values of γ. In the deposition regime studied, γ is independent of the concentration of radical initiators. Furthermore, γ is insensitive to substrate temperature if the surface concentration of monomer is fixed. Using this knowledge, conformal coverage on microtrenches is demonstrated from both ethylene glycol diacrylate (EGDA) and neopentyl methacrylate (npMA). Additionally, the conformality permits templating of nanotubes of the mechanically robust and solvent‐resistant iCVD‐produced p(EGDA) crosslinked polymer.
A New Method for the Growth of Zinc Oxide Nanowires by MOCVD using Oxygen‐Donor Adducts of Dimethylzinc
Authors: Black Kate , Chalker Paul R. , Jones Anthony C. , King Peter J. , Roberts John L. , Heys Peter N.
Published: March 2010

The oxygen donor adducts of dimethylzinc [Me2Zn(L)] (L = tetrahydrofuran, tetrahydropyran, or furan) are used without pre‐reaction with oxygen for the growth of ZnO by liquid injection metal‐organic (MO)CVD over the temperature range 350–550 °C. Vertically‐aligned ZnO nanowires are deposited in a narrow temperature range centered on ∼500 °C. At other deposition temperatures, the ZnO films show continuous polycrystalline morphologies. At room temperature, the ZnO nanowires exhibit intense near band‐edge photoluminescence (PL) at emission energies of 3.26 to 3.28 eV, and show minimal defect‐related visible emission. Analysis of the ZnO nanowires by Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) shows that they are of high purity, with carbon not detected at an estimated detection limit of 0.5 at.‐%.
Facile Synthesis of Novel Pyrimido[1,2‐a]pyrimidin‐4‐ones from Highly Reactive Malonates
Authors: Güllü Mustafa , Dinçsönmez Ali , Özyavaş Öznur
Published: March 2010

A very simple and efficient procedure for the synthesis of novel 2‐hydroxy‐4H‐pyrimido[1,2‐a]pyrimidin‐4‐ones is described. Title compounds were obtained from the room temperature reaction of 2‐aminopyrimidine and its substituted derivatives with bis(2,4,6‐trichlorophenyl) malonates. High product yields were observed under optimized conditions. Applicability and reactivity of a range of substituted and unsubstituted phenyl malonates were also investigated. Structural identification of all new compounds was accomplished by spectroscopic methods and elemental analysis.
Ion Transport Across Membranes Facilitated by a Dynamic Combinatorial Library
Authors: Saggiomo Vittorio , Goeschen Catrin , Herges Rainer , Quesada Roberto , Lüning Ulrich
Published: March 2010

A dynamic combinatorial library (DCL) consisting of dialdehydes and diamines has been used to facilitate the transport of calcium ions across a supported liquid membrane (SLM). In a dual selection process, the calcium ions first select matching macrocycles 3 or 5 from the DCL. Then only one of the macrocycle–calcium complexes (5·Ca2+) efficiently transports the calcium ions due to its better balance between lipo‐ and hydrophilicity. The special setup of a DCL combined with an SLM directly finds suitable carriers for ion transport starting from diamine and dialdehyde building blocks 1, 2 and 4. The synthesis of the new, more lipophilic 4‐pentoxypyridine‐2,6‐dicarbaldehyde (4) is also described, and the first transport experiments with liposomes are discussed.
Structure and Electrochemical Properties of Electrocatalysts for NADH Oxidation
Authors: Rincón Rosalba A. , Artyushkova Kateryna , Mojica Mike , Germain Marguerite N. , Minteer Shelley D. , Atanassov Plamen
Published: March 2010

NADH electrocatalysts have been an area of study for over 3 decades. Polyazines have been popular electrocatalysts of choice for NADH oxidation for both sensors and biofuel cell applications. However, little is known about the structure and function relationship between these polyazines and their ability for NADH oxidation. In this paper, we utilize XPS, SEM, and NMR to evaluate the structure of polyazines and relate that to their electrochemical properties.
Electrochemical Characterization of Gold 6‐Amino‐2‐mercaptobenzothiazole Self‐Assembled Monolayer for Dopamine Detection in Pharmaceutical Samples
Authors: Shervedani Reza Karimi , Siadat‐Barzoki Saied Mohsen , Bagherzadeh Mojtaba
Published: March 2010

A new sensor, gold‐6‐amino‐2‐mercaptobenzothiazole (6A2MBT), was fabricated via a self‐assembly procedure. Electrochemical properties of the monolayer were investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The modified electrode showed excellent antifouling property against the oxidation products of DA, allowed us to construct a dynamic calibration curve with two linear parts, 1.00×10−6 to 3.72×10−4 and 3.72×10−4 to 6.42×10−4 M DA, with correlation coefficients of 0.997 and 0.992 and a detection limit of 1.57×10−7 M DA by using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), respectively. Finally, the performance of the Au‐6A2MBT modified electrode was successfully tested for electrochemical detection of DA in a pharmaceutical sample.
Direct Electrochemistry of Hemoglobin in Layer‐by‐Layer Films Assembled with DNA and Room Temperature Ionic Liquid
Authors: Gao Ruifang , Zheng Jianbin , Qiao Lifang
Published: March 2010

Based on electrostatic interaction and electrodeposition, poly‐anionic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), room temperature ionic liquid 1‐butyl‐3‐methyl‐imidazolium tetrafluoroborate (BMIMBF4), hemoglobin (Hb) and Poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) were successfully assembled into Hb/IL/DNA/PDDA layer‐by‐layer complex films on the surface of ITO electrode. FTIR spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) were used to characterize the composite film. The obtained results demonstrated that the Hb molecule in the film kept its native structure and showed its good electrochemical behavior. A pair of well‐defined redox peaks of Hb with the formal potentials (E°′) of −0.180 V (vs. SCE) was appeared in phosphate buffer solution (PBS, pH 7.0). The Hb/IL/DNA/PDDA/ITO modified electrode also showed an excellent electrocatalytic behavior to the reduction of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Therefore, the IL/DNA/PDDA complex film as a novel matrix open up a possibility for further study on the direct electrochemistry of other proteins and the fabrication of the third‐generation electrochemical biosensors.
Heterogeneous Electron Transfer and Oxygen Reduction Reaction at Nanostructured Iron(II) Phthalocyanine and Its MWCNTs Nanocomposites
Authors: Mamuru Solomon A. , Ozoemena Kenneth I.
Published: March 2010

Electron transfer and oxygen reduction dynamics at nanostructured iron(II) phthalocyanine/multi‐walled carbon nanotubes composite supported on an edge plane pyrolytic graphite electrode (EPPGE‐MWCNT‐nanoFePc) platform have been reported. All the electrodes showed the category 3 diffusional behaviour according to the Davies–Compton theoretical framework. Both MWCNTs and MWCNT‐nanoFePc showed huge current responses compared to the other electrodes, suggesting the redox processes of trapped redox species within the porous layers of MWCNTs. Electron transfer process is much easier at the EPPGE‐MWCNT and EPPGE‐MWCNT‐nanoFePc compared to the other electrodes. The best response for oxygen reduction reaction was at the EPPGE‐MWCNT‐nanoFePc, yielding a 4‐electron process.
Electrochemically Induced Formation of Surface‐Attached Temperature‐Responsive Hydrogels. Amperometric Glucose Sensors with Tunable Sensor Characteristics
Authors: Bünsow Johanna , Enzenberg Anne , Pohl Katja , Schuhmann Wolfgang , Johannsmann Diethelm
Published: March 2010

Employing thermally responsive hydrogels, the design of an amperometric glucose sensor is proposed. The properties of the biosensor can be modulated upon changing the temperature. Homo‐ and copolymers of N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAm) and oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (OEGMA) were prepared by electrochemically induced polymerization thus yielding surface‐attached hydrogels. The growth of the films as well as the change in the film thickness in dependence from the temperature were investigated by means of an electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM). The layer thickness in the dry state ranged from 20 to 120 nm. The lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of the hydrogel increases with increasing content of the more hydrophilic OEGMA. Hence, the swelling in aqueous electrolyte is composition dependent and can be adjusted by selecting a specific NIPAm to OEGMA ratio. All homo‐ and copolymer films showed good biocompatibility and no fouling could be observed during exposing the surfaces to human serum albumin. For amperometric glucose detection, glucose oxidase was entrapped in the films during electrochemically‐induced polymerization. Both the apparent Michaelis constant (K$\rm{{_{M}^{app}})}$ and the apparent maximum current (i$\rm{{_{max}^{app}})}$ as determined by amperometry could be adjusted both by the film composition as well as the operation temperature.
Regenerable Leptin Immunosensor Based on Protein G Immobilized Au‐Pyrrole Propylic Acid‐Polypyrrole Nanocomposite
Authors: Chen Wei , Lei Yu , Li Chang Ming
Published: March 2010

A regenerable, labelless electrochemical immunosensor is investigated. In this work, pyrrole (Py) and pyrrole propylic acid (Pa) were co‐electropolymerized in the presence of gold nanoparticles to form a porous, conductive, stable and hydrophilic nanocomposite, followed by the covalent attachment of protein G to capture an antibody as the probe for the immunoassay. The regeneration of the sensor was achieved by rinsing the electrodes with 0.1 M glycine buffer (pH 2.7). The binding and dissociation of the antibody with protein G and optimization of the efficient immobilization were studied by impedance and optical measurements, respectively. The charge transfer resistance obtained from the impedance measurements is used to study the interaction between antibody‐protein G and antibody‐antigen. The immunosensor performance and its regenerability were evaluated by using anti‐leptin IgG as the probe protein to detect leptin in 0.01 M PBS, and its specificity was tested in 1% human serum. The leptin impedimetric immunosensor exhibits a detection dynamic range of 10–100 000 ng/mL with 10 ng/mL detection limit in 0.01 M PBS+1% serum solutions. This work proves the feasibility to make a sensitive, regenerative electrochemical immunosensor, which could be very useful for environmental control and food analysis.
Electrophysiology meets fMRI: Neural correlates of the startle reflex assessed by simultaneous EMG–fMRI data acquisition
Authors: Neuner Irene , Stöcker Tony , Kellermann Thilo , Ermer Veronika , Wegener Hans Peter , Eickhoff Simon B. , Schneider Frank , Shah N. Jon
Published: March 2010

The startle reflex provides a unique tool for the investigation of sensorimotor gating and information processing. Simultaneous EMG–fMRI acquisition (i.e., online stimulation and recording in the MR environment) allows for the quantitative assessment of the neuronal correlates of the startle reflex and its modulations on a single trial level. This serves as the backbone for a startle response informed fMRI analysis, which is fed by data acquired in the same brain at the same time. We here present the first MR study using a single trial approach with simultaneous acquired EMG and fMRI data on the human startle response in 15 healthy young men. It investigates the neural correlates for isolated air puff startle pulses (PA), prepulse–pulse inhibition (PPI), and prepulse facilitation (PPF). We identified a common core network engaged by all three conditions (PA, PPI, and PPF), consisting of bilateral primary and secondary somatosensory cortices, right insula, right thalamus, right temporal pole, middle cingulate cortex, and cerebellum. The cerebellar vermis exhibits distinct activation patterns between the startle modifications. It is differentially activated with the highest amplitude for PPF, a lower activation for PA, and lowest for PPI. The orbital frontal cortex exhibits a differential activation pattern, not for the type of startle response but for the amplitude modification. For pulse alone it is close to zero; for PPI it is activated. This is in contrast to PPF where it shows deactivation. In addition, the thalamus, the cerebellum, and the anterior cingulate cortex add to the modulation of the startle reflex. Hum Brain Mapp, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The envious brain: The neural basis of social comparison
Authors: Dvash Jonathan , Gilam Gadi , Ben‐Ze'ev Aharon , Hendler Talma , Shamay‐Tsoory Simone G.
Published: March 2010

Humans have a drive to evaluate themselves by examining their abilities and outcomes in comparison to others. The present study examined the emotional and neural correlates of upward social comparison (comparison with those who have more) and downward social comparison (comparison with those who have less). Two experiments were conducted with volunteers in an interactive game of chance, in which a putative player won or lost more money than the participant. The results showed that even when participants lost money, they expressed joy and schadenfreude (gloating) if the other player had lost more money. On the other hand when they actually won money, but the other player had won more they expressed envy. This pattern was also demonstrated in a differential BOLD response in the ventral striatum. Comparing the activations between an actual gain and a relative gain indicated that even when a person loses money, merely adding information about another person's greater loss may increase ventral striatum activations to a point where these activations are similar to those of an actual gain. We suggest that the ventral striatum plays a role in mediating the emotional consequences of social comparison. Hum Brain Mapp, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Somatosensory‐evoked cortical activity in spastic diplegic cerebral palsy
Authors: Wingert Jason R. , Sinclair Robert J. , Dixit Sachin , Damiano Diane L. , Burton Harold
Published: March 2010

Somatosensory deficits have been identified in cerebral palsy (CP), but associated cortical brain activity in CP remains poorly understood. Functional MRI was used to measure blood oxygenation level‐dependent (BOLD) responses during three tactile tasks in 10 participants with spastic diplegia (mean age: 18.70 years, SD: 7.99 years; 5 females) and 10 age‐matched controls (mean age: 18.60 years, SD: 3.86 years; 5 females). Tactile stimulation involved servo‐controlled translation of smooth or embossed surfaces across the right index finger pad; the discrimination tasks with embossed surfaces involved judging whether (1) paired shapes were similar or different, and (2) a rougher set of horizontal gratings preceded or followed a smoother one. Velocity and duration of surface translation was identical across all trials. In addition, an event‐related design revealed response dynamics per trial in both groups. Compared to controls, individuals with spastic diplegia had significantly reduced spatial extents in activated cortical areas and smaller BOLD response magnitudes in cortical areas for somatosensation, motor, and goal‐directed/attention behaviors. These results provide mechanisms for the widespread somatosensory deficits in CP. The reduced activation noted across multiple cortical areas might contribute to motor deficits in CP. Hum Brain Mapp, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cortical activation by tactile stimulation to face and anterior neck areas: An fMRI study with three analytic methods
Authors: Lin Chou‐Ching K. , Sun Yung‐Nien , Huang Chung‐I , Yu Chin‐Yin , Ju Ming‐Shaung
Published: March 2010

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the sensory cortical activation of the anterior neck region and the relationship between the neck and face representation areas. Functional MRI by blood oxygenation level dependent measurements was performed while tactile stimulation was applied to the face or neck area. Nonpainful tactile stimuli were manually delivered by an experimenter at a frequency of ∼1 Hz. Block (epoch) design was adopted with a block duration of 30 s and a whole run duration of 6 min. For each location, two runs were performed. After the image data were preprocessed, both parameteric and nonparametric methods were performed to test the group results. The results showed that (1) unilateral face or neck stimulation could elicit bilateral cortical activation, (2) mainly the face representation and face‐hand junction areas, but not the conventional neck representation area, were activated by face or neck stimulation, and (3) the activation areas were larger when right face or neck was stimulated. In conclusion, the sensory cortical representation area of the anterior neck region was mainly at the junction of hand and face representation area and the activated area was larger when the right face or neck was stimulated. Hum Brain Mapp, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Diffusion tensor imaging reliably differentiates patients with schizophrenia from healthy volunteers
Authors: Ardekani Babak A. , Tabesh Ali , Sevy Serge , Robinson Delbert G. , Bilder Robert M. , Szeszko Philip R.
Published: March 2010

The objective of this research was to determine whether fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) maps derived from diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of the brain are able to reliably differentiate patients with schizophrenia from healthy volunteers. DTI and high resolution structural magnetic resonance scans were acquired in 50 patients with schizophrenia and 50 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy volunteers. FA and MD maps were estimated from the DTI data and spatially normalized to the Montreal Neurologic Institute standard stereotactic space. Individuals were divided randomly into two groups of 50, a training set, and a test set, each comprising 25 patients and 25 healthy volunteers. A pattern classifier was designed using Fisher's linear discriminant analysis (LDA) based on the training set of images to categorize individuals in the test set as either patients or healthy volunteers. Using the FA maps, the classifier correctly identified 94% of the cases in the test set (96% sensitivity and 92% specificity). The classifier achieved 98% accuracy (96% sensitivity and 100% specificity) when using the MD maps as inputs to distinguish schizophrenia patients from healthy volunteers in the test dataset. Utilizing FA and MD data in combination did not significantly alter the accuracy (96% sensitivity and specificity). Patterns of water self‐diffusion in the brain as estimated by DTI can be used in conjunction with automated pattern recognition algorithms to reliably distinguish between patients with schizophrenia and normal control subjects. Hum Brain Mapp, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Potential application of ecological models in the European environmental risk assessment of chemicals I: Review of protection goals in EU directives and regulations
Authors: Hommen Udo , Baveco JM (Hans) , Galic Nika , van den Brink Paul J
Published: March 2010

Several European directives and regulations address the environmental risk assessment of chemicals. We used the protection of freshwater ecosystems against plant protection products, biocidal products, human and veterinary pharmaceuticals, and other chemicals and priority substances under the Water Framework Directive as examples to explore the potential of ecological effect models for a refined risk assessment. Our analysis of the directives, regulations, and related guidance documents lead us to distinguish the following 5 areas for the application of ecological models in chemical risk assessment: 1) Extrapolation of organism-level effects to the population level: The protection goals are formulated in general terms, e.g., avoiding “unacceptable effects” or “adverse impact” on the environment or the “viability of exposed species.” In contrast, most of the standard ecotoxicological tests provide data only on organism-level endpoints and are thus not directly linked to the protection goals which focus on populations and communities. 2) Extrapolation of effects between different exposure profiles: Especially for plant protection products, exposure profiles can be very variable and impossible to cover in toxicological tests. 3) Extrapolation of recovery processes: As a consequence of the often short-term exposures to plant protection products, the risk assessment is based on the community recovery principle. On the other hand, assessments under the other directives assume a more or less constant exposure and are based on the ecosystem threshold principle. 4) Analysis and prediction of indirect effects: Because effects on 1 or a few taxa might have consequences on other taxa that are not directly affected by the chemical, such indirect effects on communities have to be considered. 5) Prediction of bioaccumulation within food chains: All directives take the possibility of bioaccumulation, and thus secondary poisoning within the food chain, into account. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2010;6:325–337. © 2010 SETAC
Genetic variation in the RANKL/RANK/OPG signaling pathway is associated with bone turnover and bone mineral density in men
Authors: Roshandel Delnaz , Holliday Kate L , Pye Stephen R , Boonen Steven , Borghs Herman , Vanderschueren Dirk , Huhtaniemi Ilpo T , Adams Judith E , Ward Kate A , Bartfai Gyorgy , Casanueva Felipe , Finn Joseph D , Forti Gianni , Giwercman Aleksander , Han Thang S , Kula Krzysztof , Lean Michael E , Pendleton Neil , Punab Margus , Silman Alan J , Wu Frederick C , Thomson Wendy , O'Neill Terence W ,   and the EMAS Study Group
Published: March 2010

The aim of this study was to determine if single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in RANKL, RANK, and OPG influence bone turnover and bone mineral density (BMD) in men. Pairwise tag SNPs (r2 ≥ 0.8) were selected for RANKL, RANK, and OPG and their 10-kb flanking regions. Selected tag SNPs plus five SNPs near RANKL and OPG, associated with BMD in published genome-wide association studies (GWAS), were genotyped in 2653 men aged 40 to 79 years of age recruited for participation in a population-based study of male aging, the European Male Ageing Study (EMAS). N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PINP) and C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-I) serum levels were measured in all men. BMD at the calcaneus was estimated by quantitative ultrasound (QUS) in all men. Lumbar spine and total-hip areal BMD (BMDa) was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in a subsample of 620 men. Multiple OPG, RANK, and RANKL SNPs were associated with bone turnover markers. We also identified a number of SNPs associated with BMD, including rs2073618 in OPG and rs9594759 near RANKL. The minor allele of rs2073618 (C) was associated with higher levels of both PINP (β = 1.83, p = .004) and CTX-I (β = 17.59, p = 4.74 × 10−4), and lower lumbar spine BMDa (β = −0.02, p = .026). The minor allele of rs9594759 (C) was associated with lower PINP (β = −1.84, p = .003) and CTX-I (β = −27.02, p = 6.06 × 10−8) and higher ultrasound BMD at the calcaneus (β = 0.01, p = .037). Our findings suggest that genetic variation in the RANKL/RANK/OPG signaling pathway influences bone turnover and BMD in European men. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Cross-sectional association between serum vitamin D concentration and walking speed measured at usual and fast pace among older women: The EPIDOS study
Authors: Annweiler Cédric , Schott Anne-Marie , Montero-Odasso Manuel , Berrut Gilles , Fantino Bruno , Herrmann François R , Beauchet Olivier
Published: March 2010

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there was an association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration and walking speed measured at usual and fast pace among older women. Usual- and fast-pace walking speeds and 25(OH)D concentrations were assessed in 739 randomized older women (mean age 80.2 ± 3.5 years) from the EPIDOS study. The following 25(OH)D thresholds were used: 10, 20, and 30 ng/mL. Walking speed was dichotomized on being in the worst quintile or not. Age, body mass index, number of chronic diseases, physical activity, quadriceps strength, cognition, use of psychoactive drugs, and serum parathyroid hormone were used as potential confounders. The results show that 90% of subjects had 25(OH)D insufficiency. Only fast-pace walking speed was significantly different between groups (p = .021) and decreased from normal serum 25(OH)D concentrations to severe insufficiency (trend p = .007). Serum 25(OH)D concentration was associated with walking speed at both usual and fast pace in the unadjusted linear regression (β = 0.16, p = .027 and β = 0.23, p = .009, respectively). This association remained significant only for fast-pace walking after adjustment (adjusted β = 0.18, p = .033) and was strengthened from a lower 25(OH)D value compared with usual pace [25(OH)D = 27.15 ng/mL for fast pace and 38.65 ng/mL for usual pace). Lastly, logistic regression showed a stronger association of serum 25(OH)D insufficiency with fast-pace walking speed whatever the 25(OH)D thresholds used [30 to 20 ng/mL: adjusted odds ratio (adjOR) = 6.01, p = .003; 20 to 10 ng/mL: adjOR = 4.10, p = .014; <10 ng/mL: adjOR = 6.95, p = .001) compared with usual pace (30 to 20 ng/mL: adjOR = 3.79, p = .022; 20 to 10 ng/mL: adjOR = 3.76, p = .016; <10 ng/mL: adjOR = 5.44, p = .003). The findings show a stronger positive association between 25(OH)D concentrations and fast-pace walking speed that is a more sensitive marker of neuromuscular functioning compared with usual-pace walking. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Ternary condensation of Biginelli thiones, chloroacetic acid, and aldehydes as an effective approach towards thiazolo[3,2‐a]pyrimidines and 5‐arylidenethiazolidine‐2,4‐diones
Authors: Lebedyeva Iryna O. , Povstyanoy Mykhaylo V. , Ryabitskii Aleksey B. , Povstyanoy Vyacheslav M.
Published: March 2010

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At the process of ethyl 6‐methyl‐4‐aryl‐2‐thioxo‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydropyrimidine‐5‐carboxylates condensation with aryl aldehydes and chloroacetic acid the unexpected formation of 5‐arylidenethiazolidine‐2,4‐diones was determined in high yields as the reaction time was increased to 20 h. The latter represent the products of destructive hydrolyzes of ethyl 2‐benzylidene‐7‐methyl‐3‐oxo‐5‐aryl‐2,3‐dihydro‐5H‐[1,3]thiazolo[3,2‐a]pyrimidine‐6‐carboxylates which have been proved by independent synthesis. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
Synthesis of some novel polyaza fused heterocyclic compounds
Authors: Abdelrazek Fathy M. , Metwally Nadia H. , Kassab Nazmi A. , Sobhy Nehal A. , Metz Peter , Jaeger Anna
Published: March 2010

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2‐(1‐Aryl‐ethylidene)‐malononitriles 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d undergo self dimerization in ethanol catalyzed by sodium ethoxide to afford 2‐[4,6‐diaryl‐3‐cyano‐6‐methyl‐5,6‐dihydropyridin‐2(1H)‐ylidene]‐malononitrile derivatives 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d respectively. The structure of the dimer was elucidated by X‐ray crystallography and a plausible mechanism for its formation is depicted. Compound 3a couples with arene diazonium salts 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d to afford the hydrazo derivatives 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d and reacts with hydrazine hydrate and phenylhydrazine 6a, 6b to afford the pyrazolo[3,4‐h][1,6]naphthyridine derivatives7a, 7b and with urea and thiourea 8a, 8b to afford the pyrimido[4,5‐h][1,6]naphthyridine derivatives 9a, 9b, respectively. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
Imidazoline‐4‐thiones from cyanothioformamides and aldehyde imines: Formation, aromatization, and acetylation
Authors: El‐Sharief Ahmed M. Sh. , Ketcham Roger , Ries Monika , Schaumann Ernst , Adiwidjaja Gunadi
Published: March 2010

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The reaction of N‐methyl‐ (3a) or N‐phenylcyanothioformamide (3b) with acetaldimine (5a, as 1‐amino‐1‐ethanol) gives 5‐(amino)imidazolidine‐4‐thiones 6B. Product 6a reacts with a second equivalent of 3a to give 8 which in turn is oxidized to disulfide 9. Using araldimines 5b,5c, only 1:2 intermediates 10 derived from 3a, 3b and two moles of the imine 5 are formed, but proved to be easily oxidized to disulfides 11. Acetylation of 6 occurs chemoselectively on the exocyclic nitrogen and finally also on the thione sulfur to give 14 via 13. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
Microwave assisted one‐pot synthesis of pyrrolo[2,1‐b]thiazol‐6‐ones from α‐aroyl ketene‐N,S‐acetals
Authors: Mathew Paulson , Prasidha M. , Asokan C. V.
Published: March 2010

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α‐Aroyl ketene‐N,S‐acetals 3 prepared by the reaction of β‐oxothioamides 1 with phenacyl bromides 2, underwent sequential cyclizations under microwave irradiation to afford pyrrolo[2,1‐b]thiazol‐6‐ones 6 in good yields. A double cyclization takes place regioselectively in one pot and variety of functionalized pyrrolo[2,1‐b]thiazol‐6‐ones were prepared by this protocol. The mode of cyclization under microwave condition is different from conventional heating. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
Synthesis of new 2‐aryl‐4‐chloro‐3‐hydroxy‐1H‐indole‐5,7‐dicarbaldehydes via Vilsmeier‐Haack reaction
Authors: Eftekhari‐Sis Bagher , Zirak Maryam , Akbari Ali , Hashemi Mohammed M.
Published: March 2010

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New 2‐aryl‐4‐chloro‐3‐hydroxy‐1H‐indole‐5,7‐dicarbaldehydes were synthesized in three steps from acetophenone derivatives. By oxidation of acetophenones to aryl glyoxals using selenium dioxide and condensation with acetylacetone in the presence of ammonium acetate in water 3‐acetyl‐5‐aryl‐4‐hydroxy‐2‐methyl‐1H‐pyrrols were obtained. 2‐Aryl‐4‐chloro‐3‐hydroxy‐1H‐indole‐5,7‐dicarbaldehydes were synthesized via Vilsmeier‐Haack reaction of pyrrole derivatives in moderate yields. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
Suprathreshold gustatory stimuli cause biphasic respiratory responses during resting respiration in humans
Authors: Bitter Thomas , Laetzel Maria , Lehnich Holger , Guntinas‐Lichius Orlando , Gudziol Hilmar
Published: March 2010

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Until now there has been no standardized and internationally accepted method available to objectify taste perception. Such a method would be useful for expert opinions in the assessment of gustatory disorders. The aim of our study was to develop and evaluate an analogous method for the gustatory sense.

Study Design:

Nonrandomized, controlled clinical trial.

Methods:

A continuous flow of water was presented to the tongues of 34 healthy adult subjects (15 men, 19 women). In this stream, suprathreshold gustatory stimuli were applied during regular resting respiration. Nasal respiration was measured unilaterally with a differential pressure transducer.

Results:

No significant differences were measured between the different tastants but were between tastants and blanks. Gustatory‐evoked changes in the breathing pattern resulted frequently in a prolongation of the first poststimulatory breath. The second and third breath became frequently shorter.

Conclusions:

The observed gustatory‐evoked respiratory responses are probably orienting reflex (OR) reactions. The deceleration of the first breath could be related to attention toward any chemosensory input. The acceleration of the second and third breath could reflect the subject's intention to recognize the four taste qualities. The measurement of respiratory OR evoked by gustatory stimuli can be used as a simple, inexpensive, and reliable objectifying clinical tool to prove intact central gustatory processing. Laryngoscope, 2010
Pulp necrosis during septorhinoplasty
Authors: Moradi Saeed , Poursadegh Mehdi , Bakhshaee Mehdi , Bonyadimanesh Reyhaneh , Poursadegh Vahid
Published: March 2010

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Bony manipulation near the nasal spine or maxillary crest trimming can predispose teeth to injury during septorhinoplasty, especially when there is an aberrant vascular supply or a highly situated root apex in the premaxilla.

Study Design:

Prospective cross‐sectional study.

Methods:

A prospective cross‐sectional study was carried out on 438 teeth (maxillary incisors and canines) that were supposedly affected and 73 control teeth (mandibular lateral incisors) in 73 candidates of septorhinoplasty before and after surgery to determine the frequency of pulp necrosis using electrical, heat, and cold pulpal tests. Those with difficult intubation, history of root canals or orthodontic procedures, history of dental trauma, or a positive preoperative test were excluded from the study. Patients were followed up 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively, and test results were compared before and at three intervals after the surgery.

Results:

Seventy‐three consecutive patients, including 11 males and 62 females, met the study criteria. Septoplasty with anterior maxillary crest trimming and anterior nasal spine manipulation was performed in 63 and 52 cases, respectively. Only 10 cases underwent septoplasty without manipulation of the maxillary crest or the anterior nasal spine. Based on pulp testing, no case of pulp necrosis was seen during the 6‐month follow‐up.

Conclusions:

Considering there are very few reports of dental problems during septorhinoplasty, it is an unlikely cause of serious dental complications such as pulp necrosis. An abnormal anatomy might be a good explanation for rare cases. Laryngoscope, 2010
Long‐term results of morbidity after parotid gland surgery in benign disease
Authors: Koch Michael , Zenk Johannes , Iro Heinrich
Published: March 2010

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To determine the incidence of major and minor complications and their impact on patients' comfort after parotid surgery in benign disease.

Study Design:

Retrospective.

Methods:

Four hundred ninety‐two patients were included. Total parotidectomy (TP) was performed in 65.8%, superficial parotidectomy (SP) in 27.2%, and partial superficial parotidectomy (PSP) in 7.0%. Patients were interviewed using a self‐designed questionnaire. Incidence of complications was evaluated depending on the extent of surgery and intensity of complaints. To ascertain the impact of morbidity on their daily lives, patients were asked to estimate it according to a visual analog scale.

Results:

Frey's syndrome occurred in 63.4%, and temporary facial nerve palsy in 32.7% of all cases. Both rates were significantly reduced after PSP. Permanent facial nerve paresis was observed in 2.3% of the cases, but in no case after PSP. Perception of patients and their scores reflected these results. Scores regarding Frey's syndrome and facial nerve paresis showed a significant positive correlation with extent of surgery. The recurrence rate was 2.2%; no recurrences were noted after PSP. Scores of perceived general condition indicated an excellent state.

Conclusions:

The incidence of complications was reduced after PSP compared to SP or TP. Patient scores, which represent their perception of these complications, reflected these data and may be an additional instrument to measure outcome. These data suggest that less invasive operative techniques should be considered in case of a benign disease. Laryngoscope, 2010
The history of pediatric airway reconstruction
Authors: Santos Daniel , Mitchell Ron
Published: March 2010

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To review the history of pediatric laryngotracheal reconstruction and to highlight those who made major contributions in the field.

Study Design

Retrospective literature review.

Methods:

A literature search using the PubMed database from 1950 to the present. Earlier references were obtained from the Adams Center, the National Library of Medicine, and Virginia Commonwealth University Library.

Results:

A total of 20 articles were identified. The articles reported 274 airway reconstructions of which 79% were in children. Pre‐1935 infection was the leading cause of laryngotracheal stenosis. Laryngostomy, pioneered by Chevalier Jackson, was the most common method of reconstruction. Between 1935 and 1970, trauma was the predominant cause of laryngotracheal stenosis. The most common procedure was the anterior/posterior cricoid split or Rethi procedure. It marked the introduction of bony grafts in laryngotracheal surgery as pioneered by Looper. Post‐1970, prolonged intubation in neonates was the most common cause of subglottic stenosis. The field was revolutionized by the work of Evans and Cotton, with widespread use of costal cartilage grafts and laryngotracheoplasty leading to a decannulation rate of over 90%. Advances included decreased morbidity, tolerability, shorter recovery time, and fewer stages of reconstruction.

Conclusions:

The pioneering work of many leaders in the field of airway reconstruction over the last 100 years has resulted in a number of effective airway reconstructive procedures that have led to the majority of children being successfully decannulated. In the future, more extensive surgeries, such as tracheal transplantation, may address the small number of children who presently cannot be decannulated. Laryngoscope, 2010
The action of micro bio species and some inhibitors on the corrosion of stainless steel
Authors: Lahodny‐Šarc O. , Krstulović Lj. , Kulušić B. , Sambrailo D. , Ivić J.
Published: March 2010

The influence of local factors on the susceptibility to crevice corrosion of stainless steel in seawater has been investigated with specimens of UNS S31600, 316 L in Adriatic Sea, at the location in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Besides the other factors, as salinity, redox potential, oxygen content, temperature, and pH, bio species present in the seawater can particularly influence the oxygen cathodic reduction reaction and stimulate crevice corrosion process. Specimens with crevice formers were exposed in natural and biological inert seawater. Crevice phenomena were detected by potential versus time measurement and by visual and microscopic observation. In another series of experiments the action of ecological corrosion inhibitors, non‐toxic carboxylic salts, zinc gluconate, and sodium benzoate, has shown the suppression of crevice formation in the seawater.
Investigations on the chloride migration in consequence of cathodic polarisation
Authors: Eichler T. , Isecke B. , Wilsch G. , Goldschmidt S. , Bruns M.
Published: March 2010

At the Institute for Building Materials Research (ibac) in Aachen and the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) in Berlin a joint research project is currently running with the aim to develop a numerical model which describes cathodic protection (CP) of reinforced concrete. Special project focus is the CP of the rear reinforcement layer. The resulting model shall include the impact of chemical alterations at the steel surface and within the adjacent concrete on the polarisation behaviour of reinforcement, which are induced by long‐term application of CP. The investigations presented in this paper aim to clarify open aspects on the migration of chloride ions due to small electric fields as applied in CP of steel in reinforced concrete structures. A comparatively new method, laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), was applied in order to determine chloride concentration profiles on laboratory specimens as one of several model parameters for a mathematical description of CP of the rear reinforcement of reinforced concrete structures. The paper concerns migration tests using non‐saturated specimens under laboratory conditions at constant voltage and the application of the experimental parameters on FEM‐calculations. The presented results suggest the conclusion that even comparably small electric fields, as applied in CP of steel in concrete, may lead to significant and sustainable reduction in chloride concentration at the surface of the reinforcement.
Synthesis of a pH‐Sensitive PEO‐Based Block Copolymer and its Application for the Stabilization of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Kim Keunsuk , Kim Tae Hwan , Choi Jin Hee , Lee Jae Yeol , Hah Sang Soo , Yoo Hyun‐Oh , Hwang Seung Sang , Ryu Kyeong Nam , Kim Hyeong Joong , Kim Jungahn
Published: March 2010

PEO‐based amphiphilic block copolymers that exhibit a pH responsive phase transition behavior are synthesized. The amphiphilic block copolymers show sharp phase transitions in the physiological pH (7.2) range of aqueous media. The block copolymers were efficient stabilizers for the preparation of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles in aqueous media. The resulting iron oxide nanoparticles in the size range of 5–30 nm showed a relatively good $T_2^* $ image on the basis of the results on their phantom test. All the materials were characterized by the combination of 1H NMR spectroscopy, size exclusion chromatography, UV/visible spectroscopic analysis, magnetization, transmission electron microscopy, electron diffraction, and X‐ray diffraction pattern analysis.

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