bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduced atherogenic indices in prepubertal girls with precocious adrenarche born appropriate for gestational age in relation to the conundrum of DHEAS
Authors: Uçar Ahmet , Saka Nurçin , Baş Firdevs , Hatipoğlu Nihal , Bundak Rüveyde , Darendeliler Feyza
Published: October 2012

Context

An association between low birth weight, insulin resistance (IR), dyslipidemia, and atherogenesis has been shown in girls with precocious adrenarche (PA).

Objective

To evaluate whether girls with PA born appropriate for gestational age (AGA) have increased risk for metabolic complications at initial evaluation.

Design/methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study on 69 AGA born girls with PA (mean (±s.d.) age 7.1±1 years) and 45 body mass index (BMI)- and waist circumference (WC)-matched prepubertal peers born AGA (mean (±s.d.) 7.5±1.9 years). A standard 2-h oral glucose tolerance test with insulin sampling was performed. Fasting plasma lipids and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were analyzed, and blood pressure was recorded. Insulin sensitivity (IS) index (ISIcomp), homeostasis model assessment of IR, and atherogenic index (AI) (triglycerides/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) were calculated.

Setting

The study was performed at University Hospital.

Results

AI was significantly lower in girls with PA than in controls (P<0.001), and it was correlated with BMI SDS (r=0.44, P=0.001) and WC (r=0.39, P=0.001). The significant correlation of AI with ISIcomp (r=−0.38, P=0.001) disappeared after correcting for BMI (r=−0.185, P=0.16). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that DHEAS was the only significant parameter influencing AI in girls with born AGA (R
2=0.475 β=−0.018, P=0.0001).

Conclusions

Metabolic screening in prepubertal AGA born girls with PA may yield favorable lipid profiles. AI in girls with PA is increased in relation to decreasing IS and increasing BMI and WC. DHEAS seems to have the most significant effect on AI.
Prednisolone reduces the ability of serum to activate the IGF1 receptor in vitro without affecting circulating total or free IGF1
Authors: Frystyk Jan , Schou Anders J , Heuck Carsten , Vorum Henrik , Lyngholm Mikkel , Flyvbjerg Allan , Wolthers Ole D
Published: October 2012

Objective

End-point bioassays based on thymidine or sulfate incorporation have demonstrated that glucocorticoid (GC) treatment inhibits serum IGF1 action, but the mechanism is unknown as serum IGF1 concentrations have been reported to either increase or remain unchanged.

Aim

To investigate whether GC treatment affects the ability of serum to activate the IGF1 receptor (IGF1R) in vitro (i.e. bioactive IGF1), using a specific cell-based IGF1 kinase receptor activation assay.

Subjects and methods

Twenty children with stable asthma (age 7.7–13.8 years) treated for 1 week with 5 mg prednisolone in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. Non-fasting serum samples were collected in the afternoon after each 7-day period and assayed for bioactive IGF1, free IGF1, total IGFs, IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs), and insulin.

Results

Prednisolone treatment reduced IGF1 bioactivity by 12.6% from 2.22±0.18 to 1.94±0.15 μg/l (P=0.01) compared with placebo. In contrast, no changes were observed for (μg/l; placebo vs prednisolone) total IGF1 (215±27 vs 212±24), free IGF1 (1.50±0.16 vs 1.43±0.17), total IGF2 (815±26 vs 800±31), IGFBP3 (3140±101 vs 3107±95), IGFBP2 (238±21 vs 220±19), IGFBP1 (32±6 vs 42±10), or IGFBP1-bound IGF1 (24±5 vs 26±7). Insulin remained unchanged as did IGFBP levels as estimated by western ligand blotting. Prednisolone had no direct effects on IGF1R phosphorylation.

Conclusions

Our study gives evidence that GC treatment induces a circulating substance that is able to inhibit IGF1R activation in vitro without affecting circulating free or total IGF1. This may be one of the mechanisms by which GC inhibits IGF1 action in vivo. However, the nature of this circulating substance remains to be identified.
Effects of Si and Ni nanoparticles in Brazing process on fracture surfaces of 304 stainless steels
Authors: Hdz-García H. M. , Acevedo-Dávila J. L. , García-Cerda L. A. , Pech-Canul M. I. , Muñoz-Arroyo R. , Reyes-Valdes F. A. , Hernández-García F. A. , Aguilar-Martínez J. A.
Published: October 2012

In order to increase the wettability and capillary forces of the filler metal between micro-cracking and micro-porous on the fracture surfaces of 304 stainless steels, methods of impregnation of Si and growth of Ni nanoparticles were used. These nanoparticles have a role inside the Transient Liquid Phase (TLP) and the substrate when using Brazing process. TLP can react with the nanoparticles previously deposited between micro-cracking and micro-porous and therefore promotes the nucleation and growth sites of phases and decreases the formation of eutectic structures. This method increases the effectiveness of metallic components reparation using Brazing process. Such effectiveness is indicated by an inspection of microstructural failure analysis, as a first stage, in the covered zone by the filler metal.
Intencionalidades de mulheres que decidem denunciar situações de violência
Authors: Vieira Letícia Becker , Padoin Stela Maris de Mello , Oliveira Ivis Emília de Souza , Paula Cristiane Cardoso de
Published: October 2012

OBJETIVO: Apreender os "motivos para" da mulher que realiza a ação de denunciar seu vivido em situação de violência. MÉTODOS: Estudo de abordagem qualitativa, fundamentada na fenomenologia social de Alfred Schütz por meio de entrevista com 13 mulheres que denunciaram violência do companheiro em Delegacias de um município do Sul brasileiro. RESULTADOS: A ação de denunciar significou para as mulheres entrevistadas acabar com a situação que não aceitam nem aguentam mais. Desejam separar-se do companheiro, ter paz, retomar seus planos e suas vidas. Exprimem o desejo de romper com o ciclo de violência. CONSIDERAÇÕES FINAIS: Essas mulheres que denunciaram a situação de violência, sentiram-se livres para expor suas motivações, perspectivas e necessidades assistenciais. Captar suas intencionalidades permite a construção de uma ação profissional para além do aspecto biológico que se propõe a apreender a realidade social e os condicionantes envolvidos nesse fenômeno.
Fatores de risco para trauma vascular durante a quimioterapia antineoplásica: contribuições do emprego do risco relativo
Authors: Rodrigues Cíntia Capucho , Guilherme Caroline , Costa Júnior Moacyr Lobo da , Carvalho Emilia Campos de
Published: October 2012

OBJETIVO: identificar a relação entre os fatores de risco para trauma vascular e o surgimento de eventos adversos de infiltração ou flebite por quimioterapia antineoplásica. MÉTODOS: Estudo de abordagem quantitativa observacional com 30 mulheres com câncer de mama. RESULTADOS: O tipo de material do cateter apresentou associação que sugere risco (RR=2,76; IC=1,199; 6,369); o fator velocidade de infusão apresentou RR=2,22; entretanto, IC= 0,7672; 6,436; os fatores trajetória, número de punção e mobilidade da veia apresentaram RR<1 mas não podem ser considerados como fatores de proteção. Local de inserção e a visibilidade da veia apresentaram risco próximo a 1. CONCLUSÃO: O uso de cateter com metal para punção venosa foi considerado neste estudo como fator para Risco de Trauma Vascular. A análise da associação pelo RR mostrou-se concordante com os dados da literatura pesquisada.
Multi‐scale Modeling of Soil Series Using Remote Sensing in a Wetland Ecosystem
Authors: Kim Jongsung , Grunwald Sabine , Rivero Rosanna G. , Robbins Rick
Published: October 2012

Remote sensing informed soil models have shown success to improve the predictive power and spatial resolution of predictions in upland systems. Yet not much is known if these models also perform well in wetland ecosystems. The objectives of this study were to (i) develop spectral informed soil taxonomic prediction models and assess their accuracy; (ii) quantify the relationships between soil classes and environmental co‐variates derived from remote sensing and geospatial sources; and (iii) compare the effects of spatial resolution (10, 30, and 250 m) of three remote sensing images to delineate soil classes. The study was conducted in a subtropical wetland: Water Conservation Area‐2A, the Florida Everglades, U.S. Soil series were collected at 108 sites and three satellite images acquired (i) satellite pour l'observation de la terre (SPOT, 10 m), (ii) Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+, 30 m), and (iii) Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS, 250 m). Classification trees were used to predict soil series using spectral data and ancillary environmental datasets. Prediction models derived from spectral data performed better when compared to a control model without spectral inputs. The soil series prediction model derived using SPOT spectral data “without bedrock depth” and the model derived using MODIS spectral data “with bedrock depth” showed the best results based on accuracy measures and Kappa coefficient. Results suggest that the variability of soil series can be explained by bedrock/parent material > topographic variables > vegetation properties derived from remote sensing.
The improvement of environmental performances by applying ISO 14001 standard: A case study
Authors: Zivkovic Snezana , Takic Ljiljana , Zivkovic Nenad
Published: October 2012

This paper presents the analysis of the advantages of applying ISO 14001
system in an environmental protection management system. The environmental
protection management system which is not licensed, i.e., compatible with the
principles and standard pre-conditions considerably increases the
plausibility for ecological risk. There are some issues that remain to be
solved in the areas which are not expressed by financial values only but also
have a non-financial character with the aim of expanding markets, company
image improvement and improvement of the environmental performance
indicators. By improving a company?s environmental management system
efficiency we expect to achieve the minimization and elimination of damaging
influences on the environment which are the consequence of company?s
activities. A case study in the Oil Refinery Belgrade (RNB) analyses the
implementation of the standard ISO 14001:2004 into its environment protection
management system, particularly emphasizing the company?s own way of
evaluating the environment aspects with the aim of establishing results of
ecological performances indicators improvement. The average values of the
first ecological indicator of the plant, the total amount of the waste waters
in m3 per a ton of product, clearly show the downturn trend, which is
confirmed by the proportional reduction of the second ecological plant
indicator, that is by the flocculants consumption (Al2(SO4)3, Na2CO3) in kg
per m3 of the waste water of the Oil Refinery of Belgrade for the given
period 2008-2010. Case study RNB confirms the improvement of environmental
performances using the ISO 14001 standard.
Accuracy of radiographic vertebral heart score and sphericity index in the detection of pericardial effusion in dogs
Authors: Guglielmini Carlo , Diana Alessia , Santarelli Giorgia , Torbidone Alessandra , Di Tommaso Morena , Baron Toaldo Marco , Cipone Mario
Published: October 2012

Objective—To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of radiographically derived measurements of vertebral heart score (VHS) and sphericity index (SI) in the detection of pericardial effusion (PE) in dogs.

Design—Retrospective case-control study.

Animals—51 dogs with PE associated with various cardiac disorders, 50 dogs with left- or right-sided cardiac disorders without PE, 50 dogs with bilateral cardiac disorders without PE, and 50 healthy dogs.

Procedures—Measurements of VHS on lateral (lateral VHS) and ventrodorsal (ventrodorsal VHS) radiographs, SI on lateral (lateral SI) and ventrodorsal (ventrodorsal SI) radiographs, and global SI (mean of lateral SI and ventrodorsal SI) were obtained. Receiver operating characteristic curves were calculated to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the radiographic indexes at differentiating dogs with PE from those with other cardiac disorders without PE.

Results—Measurements of lateral and ventrodorsal VHS were significantly higher in dogs with PE, compared with values for all dogs without PE. Measurements of lateral, ventrodorsal, and global SI were significantly lower in dogs with PE, compared with values for all dogs without PE. Cutoff values of > 11.9, > 12.3, and ≤ 1.17 for lateral VHS, ventrodorsal VHS, and global SI, respectively, were the most accurate radiographic indexes for identifying dogs with PE.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Cardiac silhouettes of dogs with PE were larger and more rounded, compared with those of dogs with other cardiac disorders without PE. Objective radiographic indexes of cardiac size and roundness were only moderately accurate at distinguishing dogs with PE from dogs with other cardiac disorders without PE.
Tumor thrombus formation in two dogs with insulinomas
Authors: Hambrook Lydia E. , Kudnig Simon T.
Published: October 2012

Case Description—A 9-year-old sexually intact male Staffordshire Bull Terrier and a 9-year-old neutered male Boxer were evaluated for intermittent neurologic signs including muscle tremors, ataxia, episodic collapse, disorientation, and seizures.

Clinical Findings—Both dogs had low blood glucose and high serum insulin concentrations. Results of abdominal ultrasonography were unremarkable for both dogs. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a mass that extended from the body of the pancreas into the pancreaticoduodenal vein in each dog.

Treatment and Outcome—Marginal resection of pancreatic masses was performed, and tumor thrombi were removed via venotomy in both dogs. Histologic evaluation indicated the masses were pancreatic islet cell tumors with tumor thrombi. Clinical signs resolved following surgical resection of tumors and tumor thrombi, and the dogs were euglycemic during the follow-up period (17 and 45 months after surgery).

Clinical Relevance—Although gross tumor thrombus formation has been identified in humans with insulinomas, tumor thrombi have not been previously reported for dogs with insulinomas. Surgical removal of tumor thrombi via venotomy seemed to be well tolerated by the dogs. Tumor thrombus formation did not seem to adversely affect prognosis for the 2 dogs of this report.
Effect of orally administered electrolyte solution formulation on abomasal luminal pH and emptying rate in dairy calves
Authors: Smith Geof W. , Ahmed Ahmed F. , Constable Peter D.
Published: October 2012

Objective—To determine the effects of 3 commercially available, orally administered electrolyte solutions (OAEs) on abomasal luminal pH and emptying rate in dairy calves, compared with the effect of orally administered milk replacer.

Design—Randomized crossover study.

Animals—6 male dairy calves (age, 12 to 31 days).

Procedures—Calves were surgically instrumented with an abomasal cannula and were administered 4 treatments in randomized order: all-milk protein milk replacer, high-glucose high-bicarbonate OAE, high-glucose high-bicarbonate OAE containing glycine, and low-glucose OAE containing acetate and propionate. Abomasal luminal pH was measured with a miniature glass pH electrode prior to treatment administration and every second afterward for 24 hours.

Results—Feeding of orally administered milk replacer resulted in a rapid increase in mean abomasal luminal pH from 1.3 to 5.8, followed by a gradual decrease to preprandial values by 8 hours afterward (mean 24-hour pH, 3.2). High-glucose high-bicarbonate OAEs caused a large and sustained increase from 1.3 to 7.5 (mean 24-hour pH, 4.1 for the solution without glycine and 3.5 for the solution with glycine). In contrast, feeding of the acetate-containing OAE was followed by only a mild and transient increase (mean 24-hour pH, 2.1); luminal pH returned to preprandial values by 3 hours after ingestion.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Ingestion of a bicarbonate-containing OAE resulted in sustained abomasal alkalinization in dairy calves. Because persistently high abomasal luminal pH may facilitate growth of enteropathogenic bacteria, administration of OAEs containing a high bicarbonate concentration (> 70mM) is not recommended for calves with diarrhea.
Engaging Men and Boys in Conversations about Gender Violence: Voice Male Magazine Using Vernacular Rhetoric as Social Resistance
Authors: Phillips Joshua Daniel
Published: October 2012

The prevailing system of patriarchy pushes certain voices out of the public sphere and toward the periphery. This constant attack on marginalized voices maintains the status quo and upholds ideologies that perpetuate sexism and gender violence. This essay offers insight into how Voice Male magazine uses vernacular rhetoric as social resistance by challenging dominant discourses and offering more inclusive spaces where multiple voices may be heard in an attempt to end sexism and gender violence.
Men, Masculinities and Constructions of Self in Panic Discourse
Authors: Olstead Riley , Bischoping Katherine
Published: October 2012

Even while they advocate for qualitative, interpretive approaches to understanding panic disorder, sociologists and feminist geographers have taken the statistics on it at face value, conducting research with women because panic has been reported to be a gender-specific problem. We still lack a sociology that effectively considers men's experience of panic. Accordingly, we use data from in-depth interviews, conducted with 22 Canadian women and men who self-identify as suffering from “Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia,” to explore how women and men employ panic to communicate, construct, manage and resist a particular kinds of gendered identity. We find that women and men's understandings of their experiences with panic involve gendered feeling rules (Hochschild, 1979) that are reinforced through the medically-institutionalised claim that panic is a “woman's problem.”
Awake mapping for resection of cavernous angioma and surrounding gliosis in the left dominant hemisphere: surgical technique and functional results
Authors: Matsuda Ryosuke , Coello Alejandro Fernández , De Benedictis Alessandro , Martinoni Matteo , Duffau Hugues
Published: October 2012

Object

Maximal resection of symptomatic cavernous angioma (CA), including its surrounding gliosis if possible, has been recommended to minimize the risk of seizures or (re)bleeding. However, despite recent neurosurgical advances, such extensive CA removal is still a challenge in eloquent areas. The authors report a consecutive series of patients who underwent awake surgery for CA within the left dominant hemisphere in which intraoperative cortical–subcortical electrical stimulation was used.

Methods

Nine patients harboring a CA that was revealed by seizures in 6 cases and bleeding in 3 cases underwent resection. All CAs were located in the left dominant hemisphere: 3 temporal, 2 insular, 2 parietal, and 2 in the parietotemporal region. Awake mapping was performed in all cases by using intraoperative cortical–subcortical electrical stimulation and ultrasonography (except in 1 insular CA in which a neuronavigation system was used).

Results

Total removal of the CA was achieved in all patients, with identification and preservation of language and sensory-motor structures. In addition, the pericavernomatous gliosis was removed in 7 cases, according to the functional boundaries provided by intraoperative subcortical stimulation. In 2 cases, subcortical mapping revealed eloquent areas within the surrounding gliosis, which was voluntarily avoided. There was no postsurgical permanent deficit, no rebleeding, and no epilepsy in 7 cases (2 patients had rare seizures in the 1st year or two after surgery, and then complete arrest), with a mean follow-up of 28.5 months (range 3–64 months).

Conclusions

These results suggest that intraoperative cortical–subcortical stimulation in awake patients represents a valuable adjunct to image-guided surgery with the aim of selecting the safer surgical approach for CAs involving eloquent areas. Moreover, such online mapping can be helpful when removing the pericavernomatous gliosis while preserving functional structures, which can persist within the hemosiderin rim. Thus, the authors propose that awake surgery be routinely considered, both to optimize the resection and to improve the quality of life through seizure control and avoidance of (re)bleeding for CAs located in the left dominant hemisphere.
Urinary Excretion of Zinc After Taking Long Term Use of Hormonal Contraceptives
Authors: Rahman Mansura , Hai MA , Begum Noorzahan , Tarafdar SA , Akther Sohela , Banu Shahanara
Published: October 2012

J Shaheed Suhrawardy Med Coll ?Volume 2 Number 2 December 2010 ? Page 6-7DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jssmc.v2i2.12045
Effect of Remifentanil Infusion on Recovery in Craniotomy
Authors: Hasan Md. Zulfiqar , Islam Md. Rafiqul , Alam ABM Muksudul , Matin Abdul , Begum Monwara , Sarkar Nitai Chandra , Iqbal KM , Aziz Lutful
Published: October 2012

J Shaheed Suhrawardy Med Coll ?Volume 2 Number 2 December 2010 ? Page 8-11 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jssmc.v2i2.12046
Hypomelanosis of Ito. Report of A Case and Review of The Literature
Authors: Haque MR , Salam MU , Hassan A
Published: October 2012

J Shaheed Suhrawardy Med Coll ?Volume 2 Number 2 December 2010 ? Page 26-28 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jssmc.v2i2.12050
Preparation of a Cu(II)-PVA/PA6 Composite Nanofibrous Membrane for Enzyme Immobilization
Authors: Feng Quan , Tang Bin , Wei Qufu , Hou Dayin , Bi Songmei , Wei Anfang
Published: October 2012

PVA/PA6 composite nanofibers were formed by electrospinning. Cu(II)-PVA/PA6 metal chelated nanofibers, prepared by the reaction between PVA/PA6 composite nanofibers and Cu2+ solution, were used as the support for catalase immobilization. The result of the experiments showed that PVA/PA6 composite nanofibers had an excellent chelation capacity for Cu2+ ions, and the structures of nanofibers were stable during the reaction with Cu2+ solution. The adsorption of Cu(II) onto PVA/PA6 composite nanofibers was studied by the Langmuir isothermal adsorption model. The maximum amount of coordinated Cu(II) (qm) was 3.731 mmol/g (dry fiber), and the binding constant (Kl) was 0.0593 L/mmol. Kinetic parameters were analyzed for both immobilized and free catalases. The value of Vmax (3774 μmol/mg·min) for the immobilized catalases was smaller than that of the free catalases (4878 μmol/mg·min), while the Km for the immobilized catalases was larger. The immobilized catalases showed better resistance to pH and temperature than that of free form, and the storage stabilities, reusability of immobilized catalases were significantly improved. The half-lives of free and immobilized catalases were 8 days and 24 days, respectively.
Synthesis of 5-oxyquinoline derivatives for reversal of multidrug resistance
Authors: Dittrich Torsten , Hanekop Nils , Infed Nacera , Schmitt Lutz , Braun Manfred
Published: October 2012

The inhibition of ABC (ATP binding cassette) transporters is considered a powerful tool to reverse multidrug resistance. Zosuquidar featuring a difluorocyclopropyl-annulated dibenzosuberyl moiety has been found to be an inhibitor of the P-glycoprotein, one of the best-studied multidrug efflux pumps. Twelve 5-oxyisoquinoline derivatives, which are analogues of zosuquidar wherein the dibenzosuberyl-piperazine moiety is replaced by either a diarylaminopiperidine or a piperidone-derived acetal or thioacetal group, have been synthesized as pure enantiomers. Their inhibitory power has been evaluated for the bacterial multidrug-resistance ABC transporter LmrCD and fungal Pdr5. Four of the newly synthesized compounds reduced the transport activity to a higher degree than zosuquidar, being up to fourfold more efficient than the lead compound in the case of LmrCD and about two times better for Pdr5.
Accessible Internet-of-Things and Internet-of-Content Services for All in the Home or on the Move
Authors: Tektonidis Dimitris , Koumpis Adamantios
Published: October 2012

Public authorities and national healthcare service providers across the European Union and beyond are increasingly under pressure to deliver better services with diminishing resources. Users, quite rightly, demand a high standard of service and increasingly also convenience focused on the needs of the users rather than how the services are organised to deliver them. Users, on the whole, also prefer to be supported in their homes, and be free to move as much as possible. While users without impairments and generally well provided for, there are increasingly also users who have special needs, including the aged and those with a range of physical and mental disabilities who are unable to make effective use of such services from their homes due to the lack of proactive and accessible services.

The idea we promote in the chapter is to provide better support to users with disabilities and impairments from the comfort of their home by means of providing them with a set of scalable services which can be either offered for free or purchased through some central form of a marketplace repository.
THE BENEFITS OF TERRESTRIAL LASER SCANNING AND HYPERSPECTRAL DATA FUSION PRODUCTS
Authors: Buckley S. J. , Kurz T. H. , Schneider D.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. Close range hyperspectral imaging is a developing method for the analysis and identification of material composition in many applications, such as in within the earth sciences. Using compact imaging devices in the field allows near-vertical topography to be imaged, thus bypassing the key limitations of viewing angle and resolution that preclude the use of airborne and spaceborne platforms. Terrestrial laser scanning allows 3D topography to be captured with high precision and spatial resolution. The combination of 3D geometry from laser scanning, and material properties from hyperspectral imaging allows new fusion products to be created, adding new information for solving application problems. This paper highlights the advantages of terrestrial lidar and hyperspectral integration, focussing on the qualitative and quantitative aspects, with examples from a geological field application. Accurate co-registration of the two data types is required. This allows 2D pixels to be linked to the 3D lidar geometry, giving increased quantitative analysis as classified material vectors are projected to 3D space for calculation of areas and examination of spatial relationships. User interpretation of hyperspectral results in a spatially-meaningful manner is facilitated using visual methods that combine the geometric and mineralogical products in a 3D environment. Point cloud classification and the use of photorealistic modelling enhance qualitative validation and interpretation, and allow image registration accuracy to be checked. A method for texture mapping of lidar meshes with multiple image textures, both conventional digital photos and hyperspectral results, is described. The integration of terrestrial laser scanning and hyperspectral imaging is a valuable means of providing new analysis methods, suitable for many applications requiring linked geometric and chemical information.
Application of Membrane Technology to Slaughterhouse Blood to Produce Edible Powdered Protein Mixture
Authors: Kokkora Maria I. , Petrotos Konstantinos B. , Gkoutsidis Paschalis E. , Mpoulmpos Christos
Published: October 2012

Animal blood generated from slaughtered animals is often released into the environment resulting in significant pollution and also in the loss of a valuable protein source. This study aimed at developing a procedure that will allow for utilizing animal blood for protein powders production on an industrial scale. To meet this goal, hygienically collected animal blood was first treated with membrane technology: microfiltration (MF) or ultrafiltration (UF). A ceramic MF membrane and a PCI UF membrane were used. Average MF flux was 6.62 kg h-1 m-2 at transmembrane pressure of 2.5 bar. Average UF flux was 3.55 kg h-1 m-2 at transmembrane pressure of 4 bar. MF succeeded in separating the blood plasma proteins (permeate) from the red cell fraction (retentate). UF concentrated both the red cell and blood plasma proteins in a single sample (retentate). The volume ratio of retentate to permeate was 10:14 and 14:10, for the MF and UF, respectively. A membrane cleaning regime was developed. The treated blood fractions were then freeze dried and red and white protein powders were produced successfully. The potential of a SME (small-medium enterprise) to apply this procedure into practice is presented.
A Computational Model to Estimate the Performance of 8 inches RO Membranes in Pressure Vessel
Authors: Altaee Ali
Published: October 2012

A computational model for estimating RO system performance was developed in this study. Wide range of seawater concentrations 32000 mg/L, 35000 mg/L, 38000 mg/L, and 43000 mg/L were used as feed solution. Two different types of Filmtec RO membranes were investigated; SW30HRLE-440i and SW30HR-380. A pressure vessel of four RO elements was simulated in this paper. The recovery rate, ions rejection rate, flow arte, and permeate concentration was simulated for each element in the pressure vessel. The results from this study were compared with Reverse Osmosis System Analysis (ROSA) software assuming that the simulation results from ROSA are reasonably accurate. It was found that the results from this study were in a good agreement with ROSA. The model was also validated against a commercial RO system for seawater desalination, feed concentration 43000 mg/L. An agreement more than 85% was achieved between the model and the experimental data.
Chiral Tridentate P,N,N Ligands for Highly Enantioselective Copper‐Catalyzed Propargylic Amination with both Primary and Secondary Amines as Nucleophiles
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Wang Ya‐Hui , Hu Xin‐Hu , Zheng Zhuo , Xu Jie , Hu Xiang‐Ping
Published: September 2012

Chiral tridentate P,N,N ligands have been demonstrated to be highly efficient for the copper‐catalyzed enantioselective propargylic amination of propargylic acetates with both primary and secondary amines as nucleophiles, affording the corresponding propargylic amines in high yields and with excellent enantioselectivities (up to 97% ee for secondary amines, and up to 96% ee for primary amines). Furthermore, the present catalytic system was also effective for the more challenging aliphatic propargylic acetate substrates.
Association between work–family conflict and musculoskeletal pain among hospital patient care workers
Authors: Kim Seung‐Sup , Okechukwu Cassandra A. , Buxton Orfeu M. , Dennerlein Jack T. , Boden Leslie I. , Hashimoto Dean M. , Sorensen Glorian
Published: September 2012

Background

A growing body of evidence suggests that work–family conflict is an important risk factor for workers' health and well‐being. The goal of this study is to examine association between work–family conflict and musculoskeletal pain among hospital patient care workers.

Methods

We analyzed a cross‐sectional survey of 1,119 hospital patient care workers in 105 units in two urban, academic hospitals. Work–family conflict was measured by 5‐item Work–Family Conflict Scale questionnaire. Multilevel logistic regression was applied to examine associations between work–family conflict and self‐reported musculoskeletal pain in the past 3 months, adjusting for covariates including work‐related psychosocial factors and physical work factors.

Results

In fully adjusted models, high work–family conflict was strongly associated with neck or shoulder pain (OR: 2.34, 95% CI: 1.64–3.34), arm pain (OR: 2.79, 95% CI: 1.64–4.75), lower extremity pain (OR: 2.20, 95% CI: 1.54–3.15) and any musculoskeletal pain (OR: 2.45, 95% CI: 1.56–3.85), and a number of body areas in pain (OR: 2.47, 95% CI: 1.82–3.36) in the past 3 months. The association with low back pain was attenuated and became non‐significant after adjusting for covariates.

Conclusions

Given the consistent associations between work–family conflict and self‐reported musculoskeletal pains, the results suggest that work–family conflict could be an important domain for health promotion and workplace policy development among hospital patient care workers. Am. J. Ind. Med. 56:488–495, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Incorporation of theophylline in a chitosan/chondroitin sulfate hydrogel matrix: In vitro release studies and mechanical properties according to pH changes
Authors: Lopes Laís C. , Fajardo André R. , Piai Juliana F. , Rubira Adley F. , Muniz Edvani C.
Published: September 2012

Hydrogels based on natural polymers have been widely applied as vehicles for controlled drug release because of their advantages and interesting properties. In this study, a physical hydrogel based on chitosan and chondroitin sulfate (CS) was formed under mild conditions to act as a potential device for the controlled release of theophylline (TH). In vitro CS and TH release studies at pH 2 and 8 were performed. Under acid conditions (pH 2), the fraction of TH released (ca. 0.87) was higher than that of CS (ca. 0.13). On the other hand, under basic conditions, the fractions released of both substances were similar (ca. 0.57). In addition, the system presented in this work was able to sustain the TH release in a controlled way for 30 h. The variation of the pH affected the mechanical properties and contributed to form ordered regions within the hydrogel network, as observed through compression tests and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering analysis. The experimental data and discussion presented in this article will contribute to the development of a new vehicle for controlled TH release; this ensures the efficacy of the drug and reduced the number of daily doses administered. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Rheological, thermal, and morphological properties of low‐density polyethylene/ultra‐high‐molecular‐weight polyethylene and linear low‐density polyethylene/ultra‐high‐molecular‐weight polyethylene blends
Authors: Chen Yang , Zou Huawei , Liang Mei , Liu Pengbo
Published: September 2012

The dynamic rheological behavior of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE)/ultra‐high‐molecular‐weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) blends and linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE)/UHMWPE blends was measured in a parallel‐plate rheometer at 180, 190, and 200°C. Analysis of the log–additivity rule, Cole–Cole plots, Han curves, and Van Gurp curves of the LDPE/UHMWPE blends indicated that the blends were miscible in the melt. In contrast, the rheological properties of LLDPE/UHMWPE showed that the miscibility of the blends was decided by the composition of LLDPE. The differential scanning calorimetry results and scanning electron microscopy photos of the LLDPE/UHMWPE blends were consistent with the rheological properties, whereas with regard to the thermal and morphological properties of LDPE/UHMWPE blends, the results reveal three endothermic peaks and phase separation, which indicated a liquid–solid phase separation in the LDPE/UHMWPE blends. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Elucidation of polymer wear resistance via nanoscale healing and fracture of sintered polystyrene particles
Authors: Mohammadi H. , Mohammadi N. , Kheirabadi M.
Published: September 2012

Polymer wear resistance evolution was studied based on nanoscale healing and fracture of a model polyinterface system: sintered film of uniform submicron polystyrene particles. The observed phenomenon was divided into three regimes namely interdiffusion, trough, and recovery, respectively. Film annealing up to 10 min in interdiffusion regime enhanced wear resistance with a 3.8 power dependence on interpenetration depth. Further annealing led to a severe wear resistance decrease, trough regime. Wear resistance then showed a sharp increase followed by a gradual rise to a plateau, recovery regime. Surfactants preservation during film formation shifted whole wear resistance‐annealing time curve to shorter times, decreased differentiations among observed regimes and reduced wear resistance power dependence on interpenetration depth to 2.3. Aforementioned regimes were also discernible in impact strength‐annealing time curves but without the steep rise of the recovery regime. Wear resistance scaled impact strength with a 0.67 power by omitting trough regimes data points. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Synthesis of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes for protein binding: Effect of casting thickness
Authors: Ahmad A. L. , Ideris N. , Ooi B. S. , Low S. C. , Ismail A.
Published: September 2012

Microporous polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes were synthesized from PVDF/N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidinone (NMP) solutions using an immersion–precipitation method with a 2‐propanol/water mixture as a soft coagulant. The effects of membrane thickness on pore size distribution and surface/cross‐section morphology were studied using capillary flow porometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. All the synthesized membranes had a small range of pore size distribution, with the pore size decreasing with increasing casting thickness. The semicrystalline PVDF membranes demonstrated significant variations in morphology under SEM observation, with the existence of polymer agglomeration at a casting thickness of 500 μm and above. The protein binding capacity was observed to be highest at a casting thickness of 400 μm, where optimum pore morphology provided a large surface area for protein binding. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
The effect of the diphenylamino side group on the reduction of the molecular interaction between polyurethane copolymer chains
Authors: Chung Yong‐Chan , Lee Seul Bee , Chul Chun Byoung
Published: September 2012

Polyurethane (PU) with a diphenylamino side group is tested for low temperature flexibility at −30°C and compared with a linear PU without the diphenylamino side group. The PU is composed of 4,4′‐methylenebis(phenylisocyanate) (MDI), poly(tetramethyleneglycol) (PTMG), 1,4‐butanediol (BD), and the diphenylamino group that is grafted to PU chains by a second MDI. The mechanical and shape memory properties of these two types of PU, which differ in the PTMG and the diphenylamino group content, are compared. In the best case, a 306% increase in the maximum stress compared with the linear polymer is attained with a little decrease in the strain. Shape recovery at 45°C increases to 94% and remains ∼90% after four cyclic tests. Low temperature flexibility can be improved by increasing the diphenylamino content. The PU with a diphenylamino side group demonstrates the low temperature flexibility at −30°C, whereas the linear PU must be warmed to room temperature to attain the same degree of flexibility. The exceptional low temperature flexibility is analyzed and is discussed together with the experimental data. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Polyurethane foams from melamine solutions in reactive solvents based on ethyl methyl ketone
Authors: Głowacz‐Czerwonka Dorota
Published: September 2012

This work presents conditions and method for obtaining foamed melamine–formaldehyde–butanone (Mel‐F‐MEK) materials of improved thermal stability. They were obtained from melamine solution in reactive solvents based on ethyl methyl ketone and 4,4′‐diphenylmethane diisocyanate. Some properties of obtained polyurethane foams were examined, e.g., apparent density, water absorption, dimensional stability, thermal conductivity, flammability, as well as static and dynamic thermal stability and compressive strength. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Photopolymerized hydrogel composites from poly(ethylene glycol) and hydroxyapatite for controlled protein delivery in vitro
Authors: Lin Genyao , Tarasevich Barbara
Published: September 2012

The incorporation of hard particles into soft hydrogels can improve the mechanical properties and provide necessary bioactivity to the hydrogels for desired biomedical applications. Hydrogel composites containing hydroxyapatite (HA) are promising materials for orthopedic applications. In this study, injectable poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogel precursor solutions containing HA particles and model protein bovine serum albumin (BSA) were synthesized in situ by photopolymerization. In vitro BSA release properties from the hydrogel composites containing various amounts of HA were investigated and discussed. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were employed to investigate the interaction between HA and the hydrogel network and the morphology of the hydrogel composites. It is found that PEG hydrogel composites containing HA sustained the release of BSA for at least 5 days and the presence of HA slowed down BSA release. Photopolymerized hydrogel composites containing HA may find potential use as a drug delivery matrix for orthopedic tissue engineering. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Long‐term safety profile of belimumab plus standard therapy in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Merrill Joan T. , Ginzler Ellen M. , Wallace Daniel J. , McKay James D. , Lisse Jeffrey R. , Aranow Cynthia , Wellborne Frank R. , Burnette Michael , Condemi John , Zhong Z. John , Pineda Lilia , Klein Jerry , Freimuth William W. ,   on behalf of the LBSL02/99 Study Group
Published: September 2012

Objective

To evaluate the safety profile of long‐term belimumab therapy combined with standard therapy for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in patients with active disease.

Methods

Patients who were randomized to receive intravenous placebo or belimumab 1, 4, or 10 mg/kg, plus standard therapy, and completed the initial 52‐week double‐blind treatment period were then allowed to enter a 24‐week open‐label extension phase. During the extension period, patients in the belimumab group either received the same dose or were switched to 10 mg/kg and patients in the placebo group were switched to belimumab 10 mg/kg. Patients who achieved a satisfactory response during the 24‐week extension period were allowed to participate in the long‐term continuation study of monthly belimumab 10 mg/kg. Adverse events (AEs) and abnormal laboratory results were analyzed per 100 patient‐years in 1‐year intervals.

Results

Of the 364 patients who completed the 52‐week double‐blind treatment period, 345 entered the 24‐week extension, and 296 continued treatment with belimumab in the long‐term continuation study. Safety data through 4 years of belimumab exposure (1,165 cumulative patient‐years) are reported. Incidence rates of AEs, severe/serious AEs, infusion reactions, infections, malignancies, grades 3/4 laboratory abnormalities, and discontinuations due to AEs were stable or declined during 4‐year belimumab exposure. The most common AEs included arthralgia, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, fatigue, and nausea. Serious infusion reactions were rare: only 1 occurred during the 4‐year followup period. Rates of serious infection decreased from 5.9/100 patient‐years to 3.4/100 patient‐years, and no specific type of infection predominated.

Conclusion

Belimumab added to standard therapy was generally well‐tolerated over the 4‐year treatment period in patients with SLE, which suggests that belimumab can be administered long term with an acceptable safety profile.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of retroperitoneoscopic versus laparoscopic adrenalectomy
Authors: Constantinides V A , Christakis I , Touska P , Palazzo F F
Published: September 2012

Background

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) has replaced open adrenalectomy as the standard operation for non-malignant adrenal tumours. Retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy (RA) is an increasingly popular alternative minimally invasive approach. Advocates of each technique claim its superiority, but the issue has yet to be resolved and conclusions are complicated by the existence of a lateral (LRA) and true posterior (PRA) RA.

Methods

A literature search was performed for all comparative studies of RA versus LA. Meta-analysis was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. Odds ratios and standardized mean differences (SMD) were used to compare dichotomous and continuous outcomes respectively.

Results

Twenty-two studies were included, reporting on 1257 LAs, 471 LRAs and 238 PRAs. Both PRA and LRA were associated with a reduced length of hospital stay: SMD − 1·45 (95 per cent confidence interval − 2·76 to − 0·14) and − 0·54 (−1·04 to − 0·03) days respectively compared with LA. Interstudy heterogeneity was present throughout the comparisons of hospital stay. When considering only the two randomized clinical trials (RCTs) there was no statistically significant difference in this outcome. One RCT, however, found a reduction in the median time to convalescence of 2·4 weeks in the LRA group. There were no differences in duration of operation, blood loss, time to ambulation and oral intake, or complication rates between techniques.

Conclusion

RA overall has equivalent outcomes to LA but may be associated with a shorter hospital stay.
Intramolecular Hydroamination Reactions Catalyzed by Neutral and Cationic Group IV Pyridylamido Complexes
Authors: Luconi Lapo , Rossin Andrea , Tuci Giulia , Germain Stéphane , Schulz Emmanuelle , Hannedouche Jérôme , Giambastiani Giuliano
Published: September 2012

ZrIV and HfIV benzyl (neutral or cationic) and amido catalysts stabilized by pyridylamido ligands are found to be good candidates for the intramolecular hydroamination/cyclization of primary and secondary aminoalkenes. In particular, cationic monobenzyl derivatives have shown remarkable catalytic activity for the production of five and six‐membered N‐containing heterocycles from secondary amino alkenes. In addition, ZrIV and HfIV amido derivatives that are produced by a temperature‐controlled prototropic rearrangement have provided evidence of the central role played by the metal coordination sphere in promoting such catalytic transformations efficiently.
CD4+CD25+CD127− assessment as a surrogate phenotype for FOXP3+ regulatory T cells in HIV‐1 infected viremic and aviremic subjects
Authors: Saison Julien , Demaret Julie , Venet Fabienne , Chidiac Christian , Malcus Christophe , Poitevin‐Later Francoise , Tardy Jean‐Claude , Ferry Tristan , Monneret Guillaume
Published: September 2012

Background:

Although likely pivotal, the role of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in HIV pathogenesis remains elusive. This can be partly explained by analytical issues regarding their phenotypic identification in clinical studies. Instead of intracellular FOXP3 staining, CD4+CD25+CD127− phenotype has been proposed as an alternative to identify Tregs in clinical samples. However, its use remains controversial in viremic patients. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to assess the correlation between frequencies of CD4+CD25+CD127− and CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ lymphocytes in viremic and matched aviremic HIV‐infected patients.

Methods:

Peripheral blood was collected from HIV‐1 infected patients. Eleven viremic patients (Viral Load > 40 copies/mL) were matched (age, sex, CD4+ cell number) with 8 aviremic patients under highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Fresh whole blood was immediately stained to analyze by flow cytometry the correlation between CD4+CD25+CD127− and the reference phenotype CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ lymphocytes in the same tube (four color staining CD4/CD25/CD127/FOXP3 for concomitant analysis of cell surface and intracellular markers).

Results:

In both groups, no significant differences were observed when comparing CD4+CD25+CD127− and CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ cell frequencies. In line, a strong correlation between CD4+CD25+CD127− and CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ lymphocyte percentages was observed in the whole patient population (r: 0.948, P < 0.001) or each group separately: aviremic (r: 0.968, P < 0.001), viremic (r: 0.9, P < 0.001). Finally, we found that most CD4+FOXP3+ cells were indeed CD25+CD127−, both in viremic and aviremic groups (88.5% and 90.9%, respectively).

Conclusions:

We observed that CD4+CD25+CD127− phenotype is a good and easy‐to‐perform surrogate identification strategy for FOXP3+ regulatory T cells in both viremic and aviremic HIV‐1‐infected subjects. Thus, it represents a useful tool for monitoring Tregs in clinical research studies based on large cohorts of patients prospectively monitored, including HIV‐infected subjects. © 2012 International Clinical Cytometry Society