bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality of life, self‐esteem, fatigue, and sexual function in young men after cancer
Authors: Greenfield Diana M. , Walters Stephen J. , Coleman Robert E. , Hancock Barry W. , Snowden John A. , Shalet Stephen M. , DeRogatis Leonard R. , Ross Richard J. M.
Published: February 2010

BACKGROUND:

Androgen deficiency is increasingly recognized in young male cancer survivors; however, its impact on quality of life (QOL) is not established. The authors investigated the relationship between androgen levels, QOL, self‐esteem, fatigue, and sexual function in young male cancer survivors compared with control subjects.

METHODS:

A cross‐sectional, observational study of 176 male cancer survivors and 213 male controls aged 25 to 45 years was performed. Subjects completed 3 QOL scales (Medical Outcomes Study 36‐Item Short‐Form Health Survey version 2, the 12‐item General Health Questionnaire [GHQ‐12], and Aging Male Scale), and measures of self‐esteem (Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale), fatigue (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy‐Fatigue), and sexual function (Derogatis Interview for Sexual Functioning‐II Self‐Report‐Male).

RESULTS:

Cancer survivors had lower scores for all components of the Short‐Form Health Survey, Aging Male Scale, and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy‐Fatigue, and for 4 of 5 subsections of the Derogatis Interview for Sexual Functioning than controls. The majority of these differences remained after adjusting by linear regression analysis. Levels of psychiatric disorder or self‐esteem did not differ between the 2 groups. In cancer survivors, those with androgen deficiency (serum testosterone ≤10 nmol/L) had lower scores than those without for all components of the Short‐Form Health Survey, the General Health Questionnaire, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy‐Fatigue, and the Derogatis Interview for Sexual Functioning. Serum testosterone only weakly correlated with health measures.

CONCLUSIONS:

Young male cancer survivors self‐report a marked impairment in QOL, energy levels, and quality of sexual functioning, and this was exacerbated in those with androgen deficiency. However, psychological distress was not elevated, self‐esteem was normal, and sexual relationships were not impaired. The relationship with testosterone is complex, and appears dependent on a threshold level rather than direct correlation. Interventional trials are needed to determine whether testosterone replacement would improve QOL in young male cancer survivors. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Effects by daily long term provision of ghrelin to unselected weight‐losing cancer patients
Authors: Lundholm Kent , Gunnebo Lena , Körner Ulla , Iresjö Britt‐Marie , Engström Cecilia , Hyltander Anders , Smedh Ulrika , Bosaeus Ingvar
Published: February 2010

BACKGROUND:

The short‐term provision of ghrelin to patients with cancer indicates that there may be benefits from long‐term provision of ghrelin for the palliative treatment of weight‐losing cancer patients. This hypothesis was evaluated in a randomized, double‐blind, phase 2 study.

METHODS:

Weight‐losing cancer patients with solid gastrointestinal tumors were randomized to receive either high‐dose ghrelin treatment (13 μg/kg daily; n = 17 patients) or low‐dose ghrelin treatment (0.7 μg/kg daily; n = 14 patients) for 8 weeks as a once‐daily, subcutaneous injections. Appetite was scored on a visual analog scale; and food intake, resting energy expenditure, and body composition (dual x‐ray absorpitometry) were measured before the start of treatment and during follow‐up. Serum levels of ghrelin, insulin, insulin‐like growth factor 1, growth hormone (GH), triglycerides, free fatty acids, and glucose were measured. Health‐related quality of life, anxiety, and depression were assessed by using standardized methods (the 36‐item Short Form Health Survey and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). Physical activity, rest, and sleep were measured by using a multisensor body monitor.

RESULTS:

Treatment groups were comparable at inclusion. Appetite scores were increased significantly by high‐dose ghrelin analyzed both on an intent‐to‐treat basis and according to the protocol. High‐dose ghrelin reduced the loss of whole body fat (P < .04) and serum GH (P < .05). There was a trend for high‐dose ghrelin to improve energy balance (P < .07; per protocol). Otherwise, no statistically significant differences in outcome variables were observed between the high‐dose and low‐dose groups. Adverse effects were not observed by high‐dose ghrelin, such as serum levels of tumor markers (cancer antigen 125 [CA 125], carcinoembryonic antigen, and CA 19‐9).

CONCLUSIONS:

The current results suggested that daily, long‐term provision of ghrelin to weight‐losing cancer patients with solid tumors supports host metabolism, improves appetite, and attenuates catabolism. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and fluorouracil; oral cyclophosphamide; levamisole; or no adjuvant therapy for patients with high‐risk, premenopausal breast cancer
Authors: Ejlertsen Bent , Mouridsen Henning T. , Jensen Maj‐Britt , Andersen Jørn , Andersson Michael , Kamby Claus , Knoop Ann S. ,   for the Danish Breast Cancer Cooperative Group
Published: February 2010

BACKGROUND:

The Danish Breast Cancer Cooperative Group (DBCG) 77B trial examined the relative efficacy of levamisole, single‐agent oral cyclophosphamide, and the classic combination of cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and 5‐fluorouracil (CMF) against no adjuvant systemic therapy in high‐risk breast cancer patients. The authors report the results from that trial after a potential follow‐up of 25 years.

METHODS:

Between 1977 and 1983, 1146 premenopausal patients who had tumors >5 cm or positive axillary lymph nodes were assigned randomly to 1 of 4 options: no systemic therapy, levamisole 5 mg weekly for 48 weeks (the levamisole arm), oral cyclophosphamide 130 mg/m2 on Days 1 through 14 every 4 weeks for 12 cycles (the C arm), or oral cyclophosphamide 80 mg/m2 on Days 1 through 14 plus methotrexate 30 mg/m2 and fluorouracil 500 mg/m2 intravenously on Days 1 and 8 every 4 weeks for 12 cycles (the CMF arm).

RESULTS:

The 10‐year invasive disease‐free survival (IDFS) rate was 38.6% in the control arm compared with 55.5% in the C arm, 48.8% in the CMF arm, and 35.2% in the levamisole arm. Compared with the control arm, the hazard ratio for an IDFS event was 0.62 in the C arm (P = .001) and 0.70 in the CMF arm (P = .01). The hazard ratio for death was 0.70 in both the C arm (P = .02) and the CMF arm (P = .02) at 10 years, and the overall survival (OS) benefit was maintained during 25 years of follow‐up. No significant differences were observed in IDFS or OS between the C arm and the CMF arm or between the levamisole arm and the control arm.

CONCLUSIONS:

Compared with controls, both cyclophosphamide and CMF significantly improved disease‐free survival and OS, and the benefits persisted for at least 25 years in premenopausal patients who had high‐risk breast cancer. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Role of the Surfactant Structure in the Behavior of Hydrophobic Ionic Liquids within Aqueous Micellar Solutions
Authors: Behera Kamalakanta , Kumar Vinod , Pandey Siddharth
Published: February 2010

The behavior of an ionic liquid (IL) within aqueous micellar solutions is governed by its unique property to act as both an electrolyte and a cosolvent. The influence of the surfactant structure on the properties of aqueous micellar solutions of zwitterionic SB‐12, nonionic Brij‐35 and TX‐100, and anionic sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in the presence of the “hydrophobic” IL 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([bmim][PF6]) is assessed along with the possibility of forming oil‐in‐water microemulsions in which the IL acts as the “oil” phase. The solubility of [bmim][PF6] within aqueous micellar solutions increases with increasing surfactant concentration. In contrast to anionic SDS, the zwitterionic and nonionic surfactant solutions solubilize more [bmim][PF6] at higher concentrations and the average aggregate size remains almost unchanged. The formation of IL‐in‐water microemulsions when the concentration of [bmim][PF6] is above its aqueous solubility is suggested for nonionic Brij‐35 and TX‐100 aqueous surfactant solutions.
Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor and the development of structural neuronal connectivity
Authors: Cohen‐Cory Susana , Kidane Adhanet H. , Shirkey Nicole J. , Marshak Sonya
Published: February 2010

During development, neural networks are established in a highly organized manner, which persists throughout life. Neurotrophins play crucial roles in the developing nervous system. Among the neurotrophins, brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is highly conserved in gene structure and function during vertebrate evolution, and serves an important role during brain development and in synaptic plasticity. BDNF participates in the formation of appropriate synaptic connections in the brain, and disruptions in this process contribute to disorders of cognitive function. In this review, we first briefly highlight current knowledge on the expression, regulation, and secretion of BDNF. Further, we provide an overview of the possible actions of BDNF in the development of neural circuits, with an emphasis on presynaptic actions of BDNF during the structural development of central neurons. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 2010
Aripiprazole in anorexia nervosa and low‐weight bulimia nervosa: Case reports
Authors: Trunko Mary Ellen , Schwartz Terry A. , Duvvuri Vikas , Kaye Walter H.
Published: February 2010

Objective:

There has been much interest in the use of atypical antipsychotics in anorexia nervosa (AN). However, newer, more weight‐neutral medications have not been studied in AN, and there are no reports of the use of antipsychotics in bulimia nervosa (BN).

Method:

We report on the treatment of eight patients (five with AN and three with BN) with aripiprazole for time periods of four months to more than three years.

Results:

All individuals had reduced distress around eating, fewer obsessional thoughts about food, weight and body image, significant lessening of eating‐disordered behaviors, and gradual weight restoration where appropriate. Depression, generalized anxiety, and cognitive flexibility improved as well.

Discussion:

In summary, these findings support the need to perform controlled trials of aripiprazole in AN and BN. © 2010 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2011; 44:269–275)
An optimum model to estimate path losses for 400‐MHz‐band land mobile radio
Authors: Miyashita Michifumi , Terada Takashi , Serizawa Yoshizumi
Published: February 2010

It is difficult to estimate path loss for land mobile radio using a single path loss model such as the diffraction model or the Okumura model when mobile radio is utilized in a widespread area. Furthermore, high accuracy of the path loss estimation is needed when the radio system is digitized, because degradation of CNR due to interference worsens communications. In this paper, conventional path loss models, that is, the diffraction model, Okumura model, and two‐ray model, were evaluated using 400‐MHz land mobile radio field measurements, and a method for improving path loss estimation by using each of these conventional models selectively was proposed. The ratio of error between −10 dB and +10 dB for the method applying the correction factor derived from our field measurements was 71.41%, while the ratios for the conventional diffraction and Okumura models without any correction factors were 26.71% and 49.42%, respectively. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 93(3): 50–60, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10138
Development and performance of the millimeter‐wave cloud profiling radar at 95 GHz: Sensitivity and spatial resolution
Authors: Takano Toshiaki , Yamaguchi Jun , Abe Hideji , Futaba Ken‐Ichi , Yokote Shin‐Ichi , Kawamura Youhei , Takamura Tamio , Kumagai Hiroshi , Ohno Yuichi , Nakanishi Yuji , Nakajima Teruyuki
Published: February 2010

We developed a cloud profiling radar called FALCON‐1, transmitting a frequency‐modulated continuous wave (FM‐CW) at 95 GHz for high sensitivity and high‐spatial‐resolution ground‐based observations. A millimeter wave at 95 GHz is used to realize high sensitivity to small cloud particles. An FM‐CW‐type radar realizes similar sensitivity with much smaller output power to a pulse‐type radar. Two 1‐m‐diameter parabolic antennas separated 1.4 m from each other are used for transmitting and receiving the wave. At present the direction of the antennas is fixed at the zenith. The radar can observe clouds up to 20 km in height with a resolution of 9 m. The beam size of the antenna is only 0.2° of arc, which corresponds to 15 m at a range of 5 km. Observation results showed that a sensitivity of −34 dBZ was achieved at a range of 5 km, with good spatial resolution. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 93(3): 42–49, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10170
Low‐resolution vehicle image recognition technology by frame composition of moving images
Authors: Kanzawa Yusuke , Kobayashi Hiroki , Ohkawa Takenao , Ito Toshio
Published: February 2010

Developing on‐board automotive driver assistance systems intended to alert drivers about driving environments, and about possible collisions with other vehicles, has been attracting considerable attention. In particular, many researchers have suggested forward vehicle recognition technology using a camera installed in the vehicle. In forward vehicle recognition, however, it is difficult to detect the features of a vehicle from a distant vehicle image by conventional methods, because the image is too low‐resolution (LR). This paper presents a vehicle image recognition technology for detecting the features of a distant vehicle by frame composition of moving images. To detect the vehicle features from a distant LR vehicle image, we use moving images obtained from a camera installed on the vehicle, and utilize super‐resolution (SR) image reconstruction. SR image reconstruction consists of using signal processing techniques to obtain a high‐resolution (or sequence) image from observed multiple LR images. The use of this technique on real road images shows the effectiveness of the proposed techniques. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 93(3): 1–7, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10246
Solid‐State Reversible Anion Exchange and Irreversible Anion Replacement in 1D Zinc(II) Coordination Polymers: Precursors for the Preparation of Zinc(II) Nanostructures
Authors: Khanpour Mojtaba , Morsali Ali
Published: February 2010

Interesting solid‐state reversible anion exchange and irreversible anion replacement in zinc coordination polymers from the ligand 2,5‐bis(3‐pyridyl)‐3,4‐diaza‐2,4‐hexadiene (bpdh) with different anions, [Zn(μ‐bpdh)(H2O)4](NO3)2·2bpdh (1), [Zn(μ‐bpdh)(H2O)4](ClO4)2·2bpdh (2), [Zn(μ‐bpdh)2(NCS)2]n (3), [Zn(μ‐bpdh)2(N3)2]n (4), and [Zn(μ‐bpdh)(NO2)2]n (5), were studied. Compounds 3–5 were prepared by irreversible solid‐state anion replacement of either compound 1 or 2 with KSCN, NaN3, or NaNO2 under mixing or grinding. Compounds 1 and 2 undergo reversible solid‐state anion exchange between ClO4– and NO3–. ZnO and ZnS nanoparticles were obtained by thermolyses of compounds 1–5 in oleic acid at 280 °C in air.
Ploidy levels in Beta vulgaris (red beet) plant organs and in vitro systems
Authors: Weber Jost , Georgiev Vasil , Haas Christiane , Bley Thomas , Pavlov Atanas
Published: February 2010

The ploidy levels of the cells in different organs (leaves, petioles and roots) of red beet (Beta vulgaris L.) plants of different ages, as well as of different in vitro systems (transformed hairy roots, calli derived from leaves and rhizogenic calli), were investigated using flow cytometry. Two callus lines with red and yellow phenotypes, derived by mechanical separation of the morphologically heterogeneous rhizogenic callus, were also examined. All investigated samples experienced several cycles of endoreduplication. The older organs exhibited higher levels of polysomaty than the young ones. The highest degree of endoreduplication was found in old petiole tissue and the lowest in the red callus line (cycle values of 1.81 and 0.55, respectively). Interestingly, the callus derived from leaves did not exhibit a 2Cx peak, but was tetraploid, probably due to genetic instability, which may have been caused by prolonged cultivation under in vitro conditions. Red and yellow calli showed significantly lower polysomaty (cycle values of 0.55 and 0.59, respectively) than the primary rhizogenic callus (cycle value of 1.09). The DNA profiles of the two phenotypes differed, possibly reflecting differences in their metabolism.
Volatile metabolic profiles of cell suspension cultures of Lavandula vera, Nicotiana tabacum and Helianthus annuus, cultivated under different regimes
Authors: Georgiev Milen , Georgiev Vasil , Penchev Plamen , Antonova Daniela , Pavlov Atanas , Ilieva Mladenka , Popov Simeon
Published: February 2010

Cell suspension cultures of Lavandula vera (Lamiaceae), Nicotiana tabacum (Solanaceae), and Helianthus annuus (Asteraceae) were cultivated in three different ways: in shake flasks both as free suspensions and in two‐phase systems (in the presence of Amberlite XAD‐4 resin as a second phase), as well as in 3‐L stirred tank reactor, and their volatile metabolic profiles were studied using GC‐MS. A number of compounds, some of them having allelochemical and biological activities, were identified in all the three cell suspension cultures under study. Also the presence of some compounds, unusual for the intact plants, was observed. It was found that the cultivation mode strongly influences the production and the transport (secretion into the culture medium) of the low‐molecular‐mass volatile metabolites. Principal component analyses of 12 common hydrocarbons showed discrimination between the different cultivation modes (shake flasks and two‐phase systems cultivation) by first principal component (PC1) and second principal component (PC2).
High‐order finite difference schemes for incompressible flows
Authors: Fadel H. , Agouzoul M. , Jimack P. K.
Published: February 2010

This paper presents a new high‐order approach to the numerical solution of the incompressible Stokes and Navier–Stokes equations. The class of schemes developed is based upon a velocity–pressure–pressure gradient formulation, which allows: (i) high‐order finite difference stencils to be applied on non‐staggered grids; (ii) high‐order pressure gradient approximations to be made using standard Padé schemes, and (iii) a variety of boundary conditions to be incorporated in a natural manner. Results are presented in detail for a selection of two‐dimensional steady‐state test problems, using the fourth‐order scheme to demonstrate the accuracy and the robustness of the proposed methods. Furthermore, extensions to higher orders and time‐dependent problems are illustrated, whereas the extension to three‐dimensional problems is also discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
“Hard” and “soft” lesions underlying the HLA class I alterations in cancer cells: Implications for immunotherapy
Authors: Garrido Federico , Cabrera Teresa , Aptsiauri Natalia
Published: February 2010

The ability of cancer cells to escape from the natural or immunotherapy‐induced antitumor immune response is often associated with alterations in the tumor cell surface expression of Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) Class I antigens. Considerable knowledge has been gained on the prevalence of various patterns of MHC Class I defects and the underlying molecular mechanisms in different types of cancer. In contrast, few data are available on the changes in MHC Class I expression happening during the course of cancer immunotherapy. We have recently proposed that the progression or regression of a tumor lesion in cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy could be predetermined by the molecular mechanism responsible for the MHC Class I alteration and not by the type of immunotherapy used, i.e., interleukin‐2 (IL‐2), Bacillus Calmette‐Guèrin (BCG), interferon‐alpha (IFN‐α), peptides alone, dendritic cells loaded with peptides, protein‐bound polysaccharide etc. If the molecular alteration responsible for the changes in MHC Class I expression is reversible by cytokines (“soft” lesion), the MHC Class I expression will be upregulated, the specific T cell–mediated response will increase and the lesion will regress. However, if the molecular defect is structural (“hard” lesion), the MHC Class I expression will remain low, the escape mechanism will prevail and the primary tumor or the metastatic lesion will progress. According to this idea, the nature of the preexisting MHC Class I lesion in the cancer cell has a crucial impact determining the final outcome of cancer immunotherapy. In this article, we discuss the importance of these two types of molecular mechanisms of MHC Class I–altered expression.
A toxicokinetic study to elucidate 3‐hydroxybenzo(a)pyrene atypical urinary excretion profile following intravenous injection of benzo(a)pyrene in rats
Authors: Marie Caroline , Bouchard Michèle , Heredia‐Ortiz Roberto , Viau Claude , Maître Anne
Published: February 2010

The toxicokinetics of benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) and 3‐hydroxybenzo(a)pyrene (3‐OHBaP) were assessed in 36 male Sprague–Dawley rats injected intravenously with 40 µmol kg1 of BaP to explain the reported atypical urinary excretion profile of 3‐OHBaP. Blood, liver, kidney, lung, adipose tissue, skin, urine and feces were collected at t = 2, 4, 8, 16, 24, 33, 48, 72 h post‐dosing. BaP and 3‐OHBaP were measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography/fluorescence. A biexponential elimination of BaP was observed in blood, liver, skin and kidney (t½ of 4.2–6.1 h and 12.3–14.9 h for initial and terminal phases, respectively), while a monoexponential elimination was found in adipose tissue and lung (t½ of 31.2 and 31.5 h, respectively). A biexponential elimination of 3‐OHBaP was apparent in blood, liver and skin (t½ of 7.3–11.7 h and 15.6–17.8 h for initial and terminal phases, respectively), contrary to adipose tissue, lung and kidney. In adipose tissue and lung, a monophasic elimination of 3‐OHBaP was observed (t½ of 27.0 h and 24.1 h, respectively). In kidney, 3‐OHBaP kinetics showed a distinct pattern with an initial buildup during the first 8 h post‐dosing followed by a gradual elimination (t½ of 15.6 h). In the 72‐h post‐treatment, 0.21 ± 0.09% (mean ± SD) of dose was excreted as 3‐OHBaP in urine and 12.9 ± 1.0% in feces while total BaP in feces represented 0.40 ± 0.16% of dose. This study allowed the identification of the kidney as a retention compartment governing 3‐OHBaP atypical urinary excretion. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Consil® bioactive glass particles enhance osteoblast proliferation and selectively modulate cell signaling pathways in vitro
Authors: Au Angela Y. , Au Rebecca Y. , Demko Jennifer L. , McLaughlin Ron M. , Eves Barbara E. , Frondoza Carmelita G.
Published: February 2010

Consil® Bioglass® is a commercially available bioactive glass formulation previously shown in clinical studies to support osteogenesis and the repair of bony defects in dogs and cats. Previous in vitro studies confirm that Consil® particles are able to bond directly with bone while promoting osteoblast proliferation and extracellular matrix production. However, the cellular mechanisms mediating their clinical effect remain unclear. This study evaluated whether enhancement of osteoblast proliferation by Consil® particles is associated with signal transduction. Consil® particles maintained the osteoblast phenotype and enhanced proliferation of canine osteoblasts for up to 21 days in culture. Stimulation of proliferation and maintenance of phenotype expression were accompanied by the modulation of selective cell signaling pathways including integrins, the mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and the immediate‐early gene c‐Jun. These genes have been documented to mediate osteoblast growth and differentiation. The signal transduction occurs in a time‐dependent manner in which Consil® particles induce a decrease in the pattern of MAPK and c‐Jun gene transcription from 4 to 24 h and a subsequent return to control levels by 7 days in culture. Our observations suggest that Consil® Bioglass® particles may provide cues that enhance cell division necessary for facilitating bone regeneration and the repair of bony defects. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Biomineralized composite substrates increase gene expression with nonviral delivery
Authors: Rao Rameshwar R. , He Jiawei , Leach J. Kent
Published: February 2010

Current strategies to enhance gene transfer have focused on the development of vectors to increase the efficiency of DNA delivery. However, the extracellular matrix and microenvironment have a profound impact on numerous cellular activities including spreading and proliferation; two processes that have been associated with gene transfer efficiency. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that the presence of a biomineralized coating on biodegradable substrates would affect transgene expression following nonviral gene delivery. Thin films were prepared from polymeric microspheres, while biomineralized films were fabricated from microspheres previously soaked in modified simulated body fluid. Mineralized films were significantly more rigid and had widespread mineral coverage compared with nonmineralized substrates. Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were cultured on biomineralized or nonmineralized films and transfected with plasmid DNA condensed with linear polyethyleneimine (PEI). Compared with cells transfected on nonmineralized films, increases in gene expression were detected in the presence of biomineral at all charge ratios examined. We observed increased uptake of both PEI and DNA by cells on mineralized films. The results of these studies offer an approach to modulate gene delivery and improve the potential benefit of nonviral gene delivery approaches. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 2010
Fabrication and characterization of a biomimetic composite scaffold for bone defect repair
Authors: Nitzsche H. , Lochmann A. , Metz H. , Hauser A. , Syrowatka F. , Hempel E. , Müller T. , Thurn‐Albrecht T. , Mäder K.
Published: February 2010

For successful bone tissue engineering, scaffolds with tailored properties are a basic requirement. The combination of different available materials not only appears to be desirable but also very challenging. In this study, a composite material consisting of hydroxyapatite and collagen was produced by a biomimetic precipitation method and characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetry (TGA). Subsequently, a suspension‐quick‐freezing and lyophilization method was used to incorporate the hydroxyapatite into a polymeric matrix consisting of collagen and chitosan. Before physicochemical characterization, the highly porous scaffolds were consolidated by a dehydrothermal treatment (DHT). The main attention was focused on the particle size of hydroxyapatite, which should be in the nanometer range. This is relevant to achieve a homogeneous resorption of the material by osteoclasts. Small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) were used to evaluate the outcome. The results suggest a successful polymeric embedding of nanoscaled hydroxyapatite particles into the matrix of the spongy construct. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Who can win with a cost and profitability system?
Authors: Lawson Raef A. , Hatch Toby , Desroches Denis , Stratton William O.
Published: February 2010

What kinds of companies have successful cost and profitability systems? The authors surveyed companies from all over the world to find out. The results show that significant investments in time and money are required, but companies that succeed see significant benefits from their cost systems and share some common traits. They have a culture that encourages employees not only to understand their costs and profits, but also to act on the information. These companies often use activity‐based costing and use their systems for operational, financial, and strategic decision support. They can also determine cost and profitability at all appropriate levels—for activities, products, customers, and departments. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Accuracy of transrectal ultrasonography in staging rectal tumors that are clinically eligible for transanal endoscopic microsurgery
Authors: Koebrugge Boukje , Bosscha Koop , Jager Gerrit , Ernst Miranda
Published: February 2010

Purpose

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is performed in patients with premalignant or selected stage T1 rectal lesions. Transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) is an important tool in the preoperative staging of rectal lesions to determine whether lesions are suitable for TEM or not. We analyze the accuracy of TRUS in distinguishing between rectal lesions requiring TEM or more radical excision.

Methods

From 2006 to 2008 thirty‐five patients were included. All patients underwent TRUS. Following TRUS and/or additional imaging, patients underwent surgery. Preoperative TRUS staging was correlated to postoperative pathology findings.

Results

In 30 patients TRUS was diagnostic. Postoperative pathologic findings confirmed the preoperative TRUS findings in 29 patients; in 1 patient, a T3 staged tumor was an overstaged lesion biopsied as a tubulovillous adenoma. The accuracy level in the diagnostic TRUS group was 97% (29/30). In 5 patients TRUS was nondiagnostic; in 4 of these patients MRI was performed showing no tumor invasion in all 4 patients, confirmed by pathologic findings. Correct TRUS interpretation was possible in 86% (30/35). Overall accuracy of TRUS was 83% (29/35).

Conclusion

TRUS is accurate in distinguishing rectal lesions suitable for TEM from the lesions needing more radical surgery. If TRUS is nondiagnostic or the lesion is of high stage (≥T2), MRI should be performed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2010
Synthesis of pyrazolopyridine 3‐carboxylates by Friedlander condensation
Authors: Toche Raghunath B. , Bhavsar Dinesh C. , Kazi Muddassar A. , Bagul Sandeep M. , Jachak Madhukar N.
Published: February 2010

magnified image

A series of 1,3,6‐trisubstituted and 1,3,5,6‐tetrasubstituted pyrazolo [3,4‐b] pyridines5have been synthesized by series of reactions on 1‐phenyl‐3‐carboxylate pyrazolone to obtaino‐aminoaldehyde, which undergo facile condensation with various α‐methylene ketones, nitriles, and esters, furnish fused pyridine derivative in good yield. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
Age dependence of expression of growth factor receptors in porcine ACL fibroblasts
Authors: Vavken Patrick , Saad Fawzy A. , Murray Martha M.
Published: February 2010

Tissue engineering approaches that harness the stimulatory power of platelet‐rich plasma have produced encouraging results in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair. However, a number of recent studies have demonstrated age‐dependent differences in cellular responses to such an approach. Identifying the reasons for these differences would allow counteracting them and consequently improve outcomes. In this study we hypothesized that these age‐related effects are caused by differences in the expression of the receptors for growth factors released from platelet‐rich plasma (PRP). Porcine ACL fibroblasts from a predetermined number of animals of different ages were obtained, and mRNA levels of the receptors of platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were determined. Expression levels were compared across age groups (young and adolescent) and regressed on age in days. While no significant difference was seen across groups, the regression analysis showed decreases in receptor expression with increasing age. These differences were statistically significant for TGF‐β receptor 1, FGF receptor, and VEGF receptor 2; and borderline significant for TGF‐β receptor 3 and PDGF receptor. The only receptor that was not associated with age was VEGF receptor 1, a regulator of VEGF receptor 2. These findings suggest that the decrease in growth factor receptor expression as a likely reason for reduced PRP action with increasing age. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:1107–1112, 2010
Enrichment and low‐level determination of glyphosate, aminomethylphosphonic acid and glufosinate in drinking water after cleanup by cation exchange resin
Authors: Küsters Markus , Gerhartz Michael
Published: February 2010

For the determination of glyphosate, aminomethylphosphonic acid and glufosinate in drinking water, different procedures of enrichment and cleanup were examined using anion exchange or SPE. In many cases interactions of, e.g. alkaline earth metal ions especially calcium could be observed during enrichment and cleanup resulting in loss of analytes. For that reason, a novel cleanup and enrichment procedure for the determination of these phosphonic acid herbicides has been developed in drinking water using cation‐exchange resin. In summary, the cleanup procedure with cation‐exchange resin developed in this study avoids interactions as described above and is applicable to calcium‐rich drinking water samples. After derivatization with 9‐fluorenylmethylchloroformate followed by LC with fluorescence detection, LOD of 12, 14 and 12 ng/L and mean recoveries from real‐world drinking water samples of 98±9, 100±16 and 101±11% were obtained for glyphosate, aminomethylphosphonic acid and glufosinate, respectively. The low LODs and the high precision permit the analysis of these phosphonic acid herbicides according to the guidelines of the European Commission.
On‐line HPLC method for screening of antioxidants against superoxide anion radical from complex mixtures
Authors: Sun Cuirong , Fu Jindi , Chen Juanjuan , Jiang Liyan , Pan Yuanjiang
Published: February 2010

A practical approach for rapidly screening antioxidants against superoxide anion radicals from complex mixtures was developed based on the quantitative difference in active compounds before and after their reaction. To test the effectiveness of the approach, seven flavonoids with antioxidative properties were investigated both individually and in a mixture. Using the approach, antioxidants could be rapidly separated and screened with a ranked order of activities in the meantime. The radical scavenging activities were in the following order: quercetin > kaempferol > fisetin > puerarin > luteolin > rutin > baicalein. The order of activity was conducted by comparing the scavenging ratio of the antioxidant, which was completely consistent with the results obtained from the traditional electronic spin resonance. Then, the method was successfully applied to black tea extracts. This approach is fast and convenient for screening, isolating, and analyzing potential antioxidants from a mixture with good quantitative and reproducible ability.
Aqueous normal phase retention of nucleotides on silica hydride‐based columns: Method development strategies for analytes revelant in clinical analysis
Authors: Matyska Maria T. , Pesek Joseph J. , Duley John , Zamzami Mazin , Fischer Steven M.
Published: February 2010

An aqueous normal phase HPLC method coupled with UV or ESI/MS detection was used for the determination of a wide variety of nucleotides, essential in metabolomics studies. Fifteen nucleotides were tested in clinically relevant mixtures at levels of 100 μg/mL for UV detection and 1 μg/mL for ESI‐MS detection. Analysis times for all protocols developed were less than 20 min. The chromatographic conditions were changed to achieve optimized retention and separation of the nucleotides studied. The aqueous normal phase‐HPLC methods were developed utilizing two columns, one having a minimally modified hydride surface another having an undecanoic acid moiety on a hydride surface. Volatile, low ionic strength mobile phases were used. Negative ion mode ESI‐MS at near neutral pH mobile phase, combined with a TOF detector provided a highly sensitive and specific method, which is equally suitable for quadrupole and ion trap instruments.
Evaluating the effectiveness of destination marketing organisations' websites: evidence from China
Authors: Li Xu , Wang Youcheng
Published: February 2010

Despite the extensive use of the Internet as a marketing tool by Chinese destination marketing organisations (DMOs), few studies have been conducted to measure the effectiveness of Chinese DMOs' websites. This study attempted to fill the gap by constructing a conceptual website evaluation model consisting of five dimensions of information, communication, transaction, relationship and technical merit. The proposed framework was tested to evaluate the effectiveness of each of the dimensions of 31 Chinese Provincial Tourism Administrations' (PTAs) websites. The results indicated that overall, the PTAs in China were not using their websites effectively. Among the five dimensions, transaction and relationship dimensions were the weakest areas of Chinese PTAs' websites. Great variation exists in the website effectiveness among different provinces. Suggestions and implications were provided and discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Degradation and development of peatlands in Peninsular Malaysia and in the islands of Sumatra and Borneo since 1990
Authors: Miettinen J. , Liew S. C.
Published: February 2010

In this study, we investigated the extent of peatland degradation and development in Peninsular Malaysia and in the islands of Sumatra and Borneo, in the western part of insular Southeast Asia, since 1990. Furthermore, carbon emissions caused by these land cover changes were estimated in order to evaluate their contribution to global climate change. High resolution Landsat (30 m spatial resolution) and Satellite Pour l'Observation de la Terre (SPOT; 10–20 m) satellite images were used to derive information on land cover in 1990 and 2008. Analysis of land cover changes since 1990 revealed remarkable reduction and degradation of peatswamp forest ecosystems. In less than 20 years, 5·1 Mha of the total 15·5 Mha of peatland had been deforested (11·6 Mha → 6·5 Mha; 75 per cent → 42 per cent) and the great majority of the remaining forests had been selectively logged. Simultaneously, area covered by unmanaged secondary growth ecosystems had doubled to nearly a quarter of all peatlands and industrial plantations had expanded dramatically (0·3 Mha → 2·3 Mha; 2 per cent → 15 per cent). It was conservatively estimated that these changes have caused minimum of 1·5 Gt carbon emissions into the atmosphere since 1990. Currently, peatlands of the study area emit at least 81 Mt of carbon (equivalent to 300 Mt of carbon dioxide) on annual basis due to mere peat decomposition. Thereby, it was concluded that peatland degradation and development in insular Southeast Asia during the past two decades have not only put the existence of Southeast Asian peatswamp forest ecosystems in danger but it has also caused globally significant carbon emissions and created a constant source of carbon dioxide. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design and assessment of functional architecture for optimized spectrum and radio resource management in heterogeneous wireless networks
Authors: Galani Aristi , Tsagkaris Kostas , Koutsouris Nikos , Demestichas Panagiotis
Published: February 2010

The emerging and future radio landscape will consist of heterogeneous wireless networks, operating in the framework of diverse cooperative associations of network operators, for accommodation of the demands of users with multimode and/or multihoming enabled terminals. In this context, the optimized spectrum and radio resource utilization will be key factors for the accomplishment of the goals of both users and operators, namely the satisfaction of users' needs and the augmentation of operators' profits. The IEEE P1900.4 standardization group is working towards specifying architectures and functions that will enable network‐terminal distributed decision making for optimized radio resource usage in such heterogeneous wireless access networks. In alignment with the recently standardized P1900.4 management architecture, in this paper we (a) propose a functional architecture for the management and optimization of spectrum and radio resource utilization in heterogeneous wireless environments, (b) give a thorough description of the information that needs to be conveyed on the external interfaces of the proposed architecture, and (c) set up an experimentation platform and conduct indicative scenarios for both the demonstration and performance assessment of the proposed architecture. The assessment results show satisfactory behavior in terms of induced management signaling loads and time delays, that is equivalent to minimal intervention into the real network operation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐resolution imaging and proteomics of peptide fragments by TOF‐SIMS
Authors: Nygren Håkan , Malmberg Per
Published: February 2010

Thyroglobulin is an iodinated glycoprotein (m.w. 660 kD) required for the storage and formation of thyroid hormone. Thyroglobulin was digested by trypsin in distilled water and the resulting peptides were identified by TOF‐secondary ion mass spectrometry, using TFA as a matrix to catalyze the ionization of the peptides. Cryostate sections of pig thyroid glands were incubated with trypsin in distilled water, followed by deposition of TFA. The sections were analyzed with TOF‐secondary ion mass spectrometry, and the peptides formed were identified through comparison with the peptides of the thyroglobulin reference sample. The thyroglobulin fragments were localized in the thyroid follicle cells with a spatial resolution of 3 microns, a mass resolution m/Δm of >6000 and a mass accuracy of <60 ppm. The thyroglobulin was found localized heterogeneously in the follicle cells. The heterogeneity may be due to thyroglobulin synthesis, uptake and degradation or globules representing insoluble polymers of thyroglobulin considered to be a mechanism for storing hormone at high concentrations.
Metasynthesis of qualitative inquiry research studies in physiotherapy
Authors: Richardson Barbara , Lindquist Ingrid
Published: February 2010

Background. The current emphasis on evidence based physiotherapy focuses on building knowledge through systematic review of quantitative inquiry studies. Knowledge that provides a framework for practice can help practitioners to decide when and how to use this evidence in their practice contexts. Purpose. This paper argues for increased attention to metasynthesis of qualitative inquiry research studies to help identify an underpinning professional knowledge base of physiotherapy that is relevant to day to day practice and education, and to emphasize an epistemological dimension of physiotherapy practice as a socially embedded professional activity. Methods. An outline of knowledge development in physiotherapy is followed by an explanation and description of the process of metasynthesis and an evaluation of the value of metasynthesis to physiotherapy practice and education. Argument. Integration of substantive knowledge from metasynthesis of individual qualitative inquiry studies, can generate middle range theory to give a degree of abstraction which can provoke broader questions and insights to re‐conceptualize issues of practice. Conclusions. The methodological approach of metasynthesis can lead to broader and deeper conceptualization of the quality of professional activities which are fundamental to integrating research evidence in successful physiotherapy service delivery. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recommended management of female urinary incontinence
Authors: Pradhan Ashish , Slack Mark
Published: February 2010

Bladder retraining, pelvic floor exercises and pharmacotherapy are the mainstays of incontinence treatment in primary care. Our Drug review discusses the properties and efficacy of the available drug options, followed by sources of further information and a review of the prescription data. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Interface Ltd
The Kennedy report: appraising the value of innovative medicines
Authors: Chaplin Steve
Published: February 2010

Steve Chaplin outlines the recommendations made by Professor Sir Ian Kennedy in his recent report on the appraisal of innovative new medicines. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Interface Ltd
Proposals to allow generic substitution by pharmacists
Authors: Chaplin Steve
Published: February 2010

Steve Chaplin outlines the government's proposals to introduce automatic generic substitution for a selected list of drugs with an opt‐out for prescribers. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Interface Ltd
An alternative phase II/III design for continuous endpoints
Authors: Huang Wong‐Shian , Liu Jen‐pei , Hsiao Chin‐Fu
Published: February 2010

The success rate of drug development has been declined dramatically in recent years and the current paradigm of drug development is no longer functioning. It requires a major undertaking on breakthrough strategies and methodology for designs to minimize sample sizes and to shorten duration of the development. We propose an alternative phase II/III design based on continuous efficacy endpoints, which consists of two stages: a selection stage and a confirmation stage. For the selection stage, a randomized parallel design with several doses with a placebo group is employed for selection of doses. After the best dose is chosen, the patients of the selected dose group and placebo group continue to enter the confirmation stage. New patients will also be recruited and randomized to receive the selected dose or placebo group. The final analysis is performed with the cumulative data of patients from both stages. With the pre‐specified probabilities of rejecting the drug at each stage, sample sizes and critical values for both stages can be determined. As it is a single trial with controlling overall type I and II error rates, the proposed phase II/III adaptive design may not only reduce the sample size but also improve the success rate. An example illustrates the applications of the proposed phase II/III adaptive design. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Developing a sampling plan based on Cpk—unknown variance
Authors: Negrin Itay , Parmet Yisrael , Schechtman Edna
Published: February 2010

Common acceptance sampling plans for variables do not take into account the process performance while determining the sample size needed. An attempt to overcome this gap was suggested by Negrin et al. (Quality Eng. 2009; 21: 306–318), where a sampling plan based on the Cpk index was developed. The plan is a multistage acceptance sampling plan based on Cpk for variables taken as a random sample from a lot of size N having (approximately) normal distribution with a known variance. In the current research, we relax the assumption of a known variance and develop a Cpk sampling plan based on unknown variance. We develop a sample size model and update the acceptance/rejection criteria of the previous sampling plan to the new, more realistic model with unknown variance. In addition we develop the operational characteristic curve (OCC). The sampling plan is compared with the commonly used plan MIL‐STD‐414 (Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspection by Variables for Percent Defective. Department of Defense: Washington, DC, 1957) and it is found (via simulations) that the Cpk sampling plan has a smaller probability of accepting defective lots and the required sample size needed is found to be smaller for large lots. In addition, a comparison is made between the two OCCs and it is found that the OCC developed for the Cpk sampling plan shows a higher accuracy (in an order of magnitude) in classifying lots correctly. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.