bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of immersion time and frequency of water exchange on durability of etch‐and‐rinse adhesive
Authors: Skovron Leandro , Kogeo Diogo , Gordillo Luiz Alfonso Arana , Meier Marcia M. , Gomes Osnara M. M. , Reis Alessandra , Loguercio Alessandro D.
Published: September 2010

This study evaluated the immediate and long‐term bond strength to dentin (microtensile bond strength, μTBS) and silver nitrate uptake (SNU) of a three‐ and two‐step etch‐and‐rinse adhesive under different water immersion times and frequency of water exchange. The adhesives and composite resin were applied according to the manufacturer's instructions in a flat occlusal demineralized dentin of 48 molars. Teeth were assigned to four groups of immersion time (immediate and 1, 3, and 6 months), sectioned to obtain resin–dentin beams, and then subdivided into three groups of water exchange (daily, weekly, and monthly) before being tested in tension. Two resin–dentin beams from each tooth were immersed in silver nitrate and analyzed by SEM. Significant difference in μTBS and SNU was detected for both adhesives (p ≤ 0.0001 for the cross‐product interaction). For Adper Single Bond 2, the most pronounced reductions of μTBS were observed for the daily exchange groups in all times. For Adper Scotchbond Multi Purpose, 1‐month immersion period was not capable to induce degradation of the dentin bonds, except when the water was exchanged daily. For both adhesives, all storage regimens showed increased SNU results only after 6‐month water storage; this being more pronounced for daily water exchange groups. For both adhesives, the highest SNU was observed in the daily water exchange group. The daily water exchange is a fast and reliable in vitro aging method for testing the durability of the adhesive interface produced by adhesive systems. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010.
Bioactive bone cement with a low content of titania particles without postsilanization: Effect of filler content on osteoconductivity, mechanical properties, and handling characteristics
Authors: Fukuda C. , Goto K. , Imamura M. , Nakamura T.
Published: September 2010

In this study, we developed three types of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)‐based composite cement with low contents of nonsilanized titania particles (5, 10, and 20 wt % TiO2, respectively: designated T5, T10, and T20). The osteoconductivity, mechanical properties, and handling characteristics of these cements were compared with those of commercially available PMMA cement (PMMAc). The cement was inserted into rat tibiae and solidified in situ. After 6 and 12 weeks, tibiae were removed for evaluation of osteoconductivity using Stevenel's Blue and Van Gieson's picrofuchsin staining. The affinity indices reflecting the osteoconductivity of T10 and T20 were 33.4 ± 12.8 and 56.5 ± 14.1 at 6 weeks, and 67.0 ± 18.0 and 65.0 ± 51.7 at 12 weeks, respectively, and were significantly higher than for PMMAc (p < 0.01). The compressive and flexural strengths of T5, T10, and T20 exceeded those of PMMAc, whereas the elasticity did not differ significantly. Scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray microanalysis showed that the micron‐sized and spherical titania particles were well dispersed in T20 and were exposed on the surface of the cement that made direct contact with bone. These results show that T20 is a promising bioactive bone cement for use in prosthesis fixation. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010.
Simultaneous determination of proline and pipemidic acid in human urine by capillary electrophoresis with electrochemiluminescence detection
Authors: Sun Hanwen , Li Liqing , Su Ming
Published: September 2010

Pipemidic acid is extensively used in the treatment of Gram‐negative urinary tract infections, and the contents of proline in human urine vary in association with chronic uremia. The simultaneous determination of pipemidic acid and proline in human urine is of significance for quality control of the dosage and clinical study. The coupling of Ru(bpy)‐based electrochemiluminescence detection with capillary electrophoresis was developed for the simultaneous determination of proline and pipemidic acid in human urine. Parameters related to the separation and detection were investigated and optimized. The standard curves were linear between 0.1 and 90 µg mL−1 for proline and between 0.4 and 100 µg mL−1 for pipemidic acid. Underop‐timized conditions, the detection limits (3σ) were 0.02 µg mL−1 for proline and 0.06 µg mL−1 for pipemidic acid. Relative standard derivations for the electrochemiluminescence intensity and the migration time were 3.2 and 0.9% for proline and 3.7 and 1.2% for pipemidic acid, respectively. The developed method was successfully applied to determine proline and pipemidic acid in human urine. The result showed that the content and decreasing rates of proline in urine for male were higher than that for female, and the content and decreasing rate of pipemidic acid in urine for male and female were consistent, respectively. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 24:327–333, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Re‐evaluation of cord blood arterial and venous reference ranges for pH, pO2, pCO2, according to spontaneous or cesarean delivery
Authors: Kotaska K. , Urinovska R. , Klapkova E. , Prusa R. , Rob L. , Binder T.
Published: September 2010

Umbilical cord blood gas analysis (pO2 and pCO2) is now recommended in all high‐risk baby deliveries and in some centers it is performed routinely following all deliveries. The aim of this study was to re‐evaluate cord blood arterial and venous reference ranges for pH, pO2, pCO2 in newborns, delivered by spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD) and by cesarean section (CS) performed in Faculty Hospital Motol. Two groups of subjects were selected for the study. Group I consisted of 303 newborns with SVD. Group II consisted of 189 newborns delivered by cesarean section. Cord blood samples were analyzed for standard blood gas and pH, using the analytical device Rapid Lab 845 and Rapid Lab 865. We obtained reference values expressed as range (lower and upper reference value expressed as 2.5 and 97.5 percentiles) for cord blood in newborns with SVD: arterial cord blood: pH=7.01–7.39; pCO2=4.12–11.45 kPa; pO2=1.49–5.06 kPa; venous cord blood: pH=7.06–7.44; pCO2=3.33–9.85 kPa; pO2=1.80–6.29 kPa. We also obtained reference values for cord blood in newborns delivered by CS: arterial cord blood: pH=7.05–7.39; pCO2=5.01–10.60 kPa; pO2=1.17–5.94 kPa; venous cord blood: pH=7.10–7.42; pCO2=3.88–9.36 kPa; pO2=1.98–7.23 kPa. Re‐evaluated reference ranges play essential role in monitoring conditions of newborns with spontaneous and caesarean delivery. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 24:300–304, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Benefits of blood group genotyping in multi‐transfused patients from the south of Brazil
Authors: Guelsin Gláucia Andréia Soares , Sell Ana Maria , Castilho Lilian , Masaki Viviane Lika , Melo Fabiano Cavalcante , Hashimoto Margareth Naomi , Higa Tatiana Takahashi , Hirle Loide Souza , Visentainer Jeane Eliete Laguila
Published: September 2010

We evaluated the usefulness of blood group genotyping as a supplement to hemagglutination to determine the red blood cell (RBC) antigen profile of polytransfused patients with hematological diseases and renal failure. Seventy‐nine patients were selected. They all received more than three units of blood and eight (10%) had already clinical significant alloantibodies occurring alone or in combination against Rh, K, Fya, and Di antigens. DNA was prepared from blood samples and RHCE*E/e, KEL*01/KEL*02, FY*01/FY*02 and JK*01/JK*02 alleles were determined by using PCR‐RFLP. RHD*/RHD*Ψ and RHCE*C/c were tested using multiplex PCR. Discrepancies for Rh, Kell, Duffy, and Kidd systems were found between the phenotype and genotype‐derived phenotype in 16 of the 38 chronically transfused patients. The genotypes of these patients were confirmed by DNA array analysis (HEA Beadchip™; Bioarray Solutions, Warren, NJ). Genotyping was very important for the determination of the true blood groups of the polytransfused patients, helped in the identification of suspected alloantibodies and in the selection of antigen‐negative RBCs for transfusion. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 24:311–316, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The activity of class I, II, III, and IV alcohol dehyrogenase isoenzymes and aldehyde dehydrogenase in endometrial cancer
Authors: Orywal Karolina , Jelski Wojciech , Zdrodowski Michał , Szmitkowski Maciej
Published: September 2010

Objective: The metabolism of cancerous cells is in many ways different than in healthy cells. In endometrial cancer, cells exhibit activity of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), which participate in the metabolism of many biological substances. The aim of this study was to compare the metabolism of endometrial cancer cells and normal endometrial cells by measurement of ADH isoenzymes and ALDH activities in these tissues. Methods: The study material consists of cancerous endometrial tissues obtained from 34 patients. Total ADH activity was measured using the photometric method and ALDH activity using the fluorometric method. For the measurement of class I and II ADH isoenzyme activity, we employed the fluorometric method, with class‐specific fluorogenic substrates. The activity of class III and IV ADH was measured using the photometric method. Results: The activity of the class I ADH isoenzyme was significantly higher in the endometrial cancer tissues when compared with normal endometrial tissues. The other classes of ADH tested did not show significant differences between activity of cancerous cells and healthy endometrium. The activity of total ADH was also significantly higher in endometrial cancer. Conclusion: The increased activity of total ADH in endometrial cancer, especially the class I isoenzyme and normal activity of ALDH, may be the cause of disorders in metabolic pathways that use these isoenzymes and could increase the concentration of acetaldehyde, which is cancerogenic substance. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 24:334–339, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Immunobiochemical analysis of paraoxonase1 (anti‐oxidant), xanthine oxidase (oxidant) enzymes and lipid profile of cardiac disease patients in Lahore Metropolitan, Pakistan
Authors: Samra Zahoor Qadir , Sana Adeela , Bano Sadia , Farooq Mariam , Dar Nadia , Athar Muhammad Amin
Published: September 2010

Cardiac diseases are the major cause of death. Paraoxonase1 (PON1) is known as free radicals scavenger/anti‐atherosclerosis, whereas xanthine oxidase (XO) is a free radicals generator. This study was undertaken to determine and compare the Paraoxonase and arylesterase activities of PON1 enzyme and activity of XO enzyme. The concentration of XO and PON1 enzymes along with lipid profile, lipid peroxides, and thiol level in plasma of cardiac patients (n=200) and healthy persons (n=200) of Lahore metropolitan, Pakistan was also determined. Anti‐PON1 and anti‐XO antibodies were developed, purified, and used to measure the concentration of PON1 and XO by competitive ELISA. It is observed that low paraoxonase (P=0.0073)/arylesterase activity (P=0.0038) of PON1 enzyme and its low concentration (P=0.0049) were observed in cardiac patients, whereas elevated level of XO activity (P=0.0129) and its concentration (P=0.0097) was observed in cardiac patients as compared with healthy persons. Low levels of HDL (P=0.0013), thiol (P=0.0014) and high level of cholesterol (P=0.0025), triglycerides (P=0.0018), LPO (P=0.0014), and LDL level (P=0.05) were observed in cardiac patients admitted in intensive care unit as compared with hypertensive patients and control subjects. It is concluded that overall low PON1 and high XO activities do cause imbalance of free radical system which ultimately leads to or enhance the cardiac pathological conditions. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 24:348–356, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Compositional studies of human RPE lipofuscin
Authors: Murdaugh L. S. , Avalle L. B. , Mandal S. , Dill A. E. , Dillon J. , Simon J. D. , Gaillard E. R.
Published: September 2010

Age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) is an ocular disease that causes visual loss and legal blindness in the elderly population. The etiology of AMD is complex and may include genetic predispositions, accumulation of lipofuscin and drusen, local inflammation and neovascularization. The accumulation of lipofuscin has been shown to precede the death of photoreceptor cells and the deterioration of the RPE. As a result, the determination of the photosensitive components of lipofuscin has been of major interest. One of these components, previously identified as a bis‐retinoid pyridinium compound, is referred to as A2E. A2E has been characterized by mass spectrometry and is known to have a mass of 592 Da. Most remaining chromophores in RPE lipofuscin are structurally related to A2E as determined by their fragmentation pattern with losses of M ± 190, 174 and/or 150 Da. Analysis of lipofuscin from various donors indicated that the extracts consist of as many as 15 of these hydrophobic components, which are also observed to form spontaneously in vitro over extended periods of time. These consist of ca 90% of the A2E‐like components in RPE lipofuscin and correspond to derivatized A2E with discrete molecular weights of 800–900 m/z, 970–1080 m/z and above 1200 m/z regions. It was determined that these species are formed from self‐reaction of A2E oxidation products or their reaction with A2E itself to form higher molecular weight products. The majority of modifications are much more hydrophobic than A2E and exhibit increasingly higher values of log P. This acts as a driving force for the sequestering of A2E into granules resulting in a concomitant diminution of its reactivity in vivo. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vibrational spectra of rhombohedral TeO3 compared to those of ReO3‐like proto‐phase and α‐TeO2 (paratellurite): lattice dynamic and crystal chemistry aspects
Authors: Cornette Julie , Merle‐Méjean Thérèse , Mirgorodsky Andreï , Colas Maggy , Smirnov Mikhaël , Masson Olivier , Thomas Philippe
Published: September 2010

Vibrational spectra of rhombohedral TeO3 (r‐TeO3) are analyzed along with those of ReO3‐like proto‐phase (c‐TeO3) and α‐TeO2 (paratellurite), emphasizing their lattice dynamic and crystal chemistry aspects. It is shown that (1) r‐TeO3 can be regarded as resulting from the condensation of a particular R‐point soft phonon of c‐TeO3; (2) the Raman spectra of r‐TeO3 and α‐TeO2 are indicative of the two fundamentally different (from the crystal chemistry point of view) types of crystalline oxides, namely, framework‐type and island‐type, respectively. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Do job characteristics lead to employee creativity in travel agencies?
Authors: Tsaur Sheng‐Hshiung , Yen Chang‐Hua , Yang Wan‐Yu
Published: September 2010

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between job characteristics and employee creativity among different job types in travel agencies. This study collected data from 289 employees of 63 consolidated travel agencies headquartered in Taipei. The sample included tour managers, route controllers, operators and salespersons. Results indicate that both job characteristics and employee creativity differ with the four job types. Also, different job types moderate the effect of job characteristics' five dimensions on employee creativity. Implications of these findings for stimulating employee creativity as well as future research directions are also provided. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrochemical characterization for polybithiophene film on porous oxide layer of 304 stainless steel formed by square wave passivation
Authors: Liang C. , Chen W. , Huang N.
Published: September 2010

A bilayer coating was prepared by electrodepositing a polybithiophene (PBT) film on the top of square wave passivated 304 stainless steel (304SS). The structure of the PBT layer was characterized by FTIR spectroscopy and suggested to be composed of α–α coupling thiophene units. The electrochemical properties of the coating were investigated in 1 mol/L sulfuric acid solution by anodic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements. The results indicated that the bilayer could provide an effective barrier and maintain the metal substrate in a passive state during the immersion time. The interfacial shear strength of the polythiophene film on untreated and passivated 304SS were 0.81 and 5.1 MPa, respectively. The better result given by treated one may be due to PBT growing within the pores formed on the square wave passivated 304SS.
Intergranular attack and intergranular stress corrosion cracking of Alloy 690 TT in high temperature lead‐containing caustic solution
Authors: Hu Y. , Wang J. , Ke W. , Han E.‐H.
Published: September 2010

Immersion tests were carried out in high temperature lead‐containing caustic solution in a static autoclave. The results showed samples with three surface statuses of Alloy 690 TT suffered from intergranular attack (IGA) after immersion in 10% sodium hydroxide (wt%) with 10 g/L of litharge at 330 °C for different times. With the increasing immersion time, IGA became more severe. Wire cutting samples had the most serious IGA, ground samples followed and electro‐polished samples had the slightest IGA. IGA had developed into IGSCC only in wire cutting samples due to the existence of residual stress. All the specimens at different immersion time tests lost weight. To the same cold‐work samples, with the increasing immersion time, the weight loss increased. No IGA was found in 10% sodium hydroxide solution at 330 °C after 720 h immersion. When adding 100 ppm litharge into 10% sodium hydroxide solution, slight IGA was produced. IGA became more serious and the weight loss of the specimens with three surface statuses increased with the increase of lead concentration. As the results of 1% sodium hydroxide solution containing 10 g/L litharge and 4% sodium hydroxide solution containing 10 g/L litharge at 330 °C for 720 h immersion tests, only slight IGA occurred and the weight of samples with three surface statuses increased. The pH value played an important role in lead‐induced corrosion in caustic solution.
Evaluation of deterioration in reinforced concrete structures by AE technique
Authors: Proverbio E.
Published: September 2010

Acoustic emission (AE) technique is gaining increasing interest for applications in civil engineering. AE indeed is a passive nonintrusive technique that can be applicable either in structural health monitoring (global evaluation) and in defect localization (local evaluation). The most promising application of such a technique seems to be however in the evaluation of growing defects. Defects such as cracks and delamination can be caused by reinforcement corrosion as well as by other concrete deterioration mechanisms (alkali silica reaction, sulphate attack, etc.) as well as originating from improper concrete casting, curing or structure setting. Damage severity can be evaluated by means of the intensity analysis (IA) through the use of different indexes such as ‘Load Ratio’, ‘Calm Ratio’, ‘Felicity Ratio’ or ‘Historical Index’. Damage evolution analysis along time could be however significantly improved by adopting some procedure already used in the field of geophysics and earth science. Among various parameters, the most significant one is the b‐value which is derived from the amplitude distribution data of AE following the methods used in seismology. Several application examples applied to prestressed concrete structures are reported in the paper.
Organic substances as inhibitors for chloride‐induced corrosion in reinforced concrete
Authors: Ormellese M. , Bolzoni F. , Lazzari L. , Brenna A. , Pedeferri M.
Published: September 2010

Corrosion inhibitors are used to prevent chloride‐induced corrosion in reinforced concrete structures. Since performance of commercial organic inhibitors is only partially satisfactory, a 7‐year long research has been carried out in order to set‐up a new organic inhibitive mixture, able to prevent chlorides‐induced corrosion. A first screening, by means of potentiodynamic polarisation test in alkaline synthetic pore solution, was performed on 80 organic compounds, mainly primary and tertiary amines, aminoalcohols, carboxylates compounds and aminoacids, in order to select the best inhibiting substances. The nine best inhibitive organic substances were selected for long‐term tests: 2 amines (dimethylethanolamine and triethylentetramine), 4 aminoacids (aspartate, asparagine, glutamate and glutamine) and 3 carboxylates compounds (tartrate, benzoate and EDTA). Potentiostatic polarisation and free corrosion tests in synthetic pore solution were performed, as well as tests in concrete exposed to accelerated chlorides penetration. Five years of tests allow estimating the efficiency of the substances in preventing chlorides‐induced corrosion, in term of influence on chlorides penetration and on critical chlorides threshold.
Influence of two specific inhibitors on steel corrosion in a synthetic solution simulating a carbonated concrete with chlorides
Authors: Monticelli C. , Frignani A. , Balbo A. , Zucchi F.
Published: September 2010

The present research aims at studying two corrosion inhibitors, that is sodium 2‐amino‐benzoate (2AMB) and sodium glycero‐phosphate (GPH), in a synthetic solution simulating the composition of the pore solution in a carbonated concrete, containing chlorides. Tests have been performed to verify if the simultaneous use of the two substances is compatible and if their addition can efficiently hinder the corrosion attack in the presence of both chlorides and carbonation. The synthetic solution has been prepared by bubbling carbon dioxide through a saturated (and filtered) solution of Ca(OH)2, containing 0.1 M NaCl, in order to reach pH 7. Polarization curve recording and EIS technique have shown that, after an induction period of about 24 h, the highest inhibiting efficiencies are obtained by mixtures of the two additives at the concentration of 0.05 M, which still produce high inhibiting efficiencies (87%) at the end of 120 h immersion. At the end of this exposure period, also more diluted symmetric mixtures (0.025 and 0.01 M) exhibit comparable efficiencies. The analysis of EIS spectra gives interesting information concerning the inhibiting mechanism of the studied mixture.
Effect of concrete carbonation process on the passivating products of galvanized steel reinforcements
Authors: Bellezze T. , Roventi G. , Barbaresi E. , Ruffini N. , Fratesi R.
Published: September 2010

The composition of passivating products on galvanized steel reinforcement in concrete during carbonation was studied. Cube‐shaped concrete specimens were manufactured with Portland 52.5 R cement and reinforced with hot‐dip galvanized steel sheets obtained from pure Zn and ZnSnBiNi alloy bath. The concrete specimens were exposed to air curing for 28 days and then to the carbonation chamber. Corrosion rate and potential measurements were performed both during the curing in air and exposure in a carbonation chamber. At defined periods of time, some concrete specimens were broken and the galvanized steel sheets were submitted to XRD, SEM observations and EDX analysis. The growth of the passivation products was evaluated by integrating the diffraction peaks. XRD analysis and SEM observations show that the layer of calcium hydroxyzincate (CaHZn), formed on the galvanized sheets during the air curing, is destroyed by the concrete carbonation process. However, potential measurements indicate that the galvanized steel always remains in the passive state. X‐ray diffractometry was not able to identify the new passivating product; EDX maps suggest the presence of zinc carbonates.
Multi‐class Mode of Action Classification of Toxic Compounds Using Logic Based Kernel Methods
Authors: Lodhi Huma , Muggleton Stephen , Sternberg Mike J. E.
Published: September 2010

Toxicity prediction is essential for drug design and development of effective therapeutics. In this paper we present an in silico strategy, to identify the mode of action of toxic compounds, that is based on the use of a novel logic based kernel method. The technique uses support vector machines in conjunction with the kernels constructed from first order rules induced by an Inductive Logic Programming system. It constructs multi‐class models by using a divide and conquer reduction strategy that splits multi‐classes into binary groups and solves each individual problem recursively hence generating an underlying decision list structure. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the approach for chemoinformatics problems like predictive toxicology, we apply it to toxicity classification in aquatic systems. The method is used to identify and classify 442 compounds with respect to the mode of action. The experimental results show that the technique successfully classifies toxic compounds and can be useful in assessing environmental risks. Experimental comparison of the performance of the proposed multi‐class scheme with the standard multi‐class Inductive Logic Programming algorithm and multi‐class Support Vector Machine yields statistically significant results and demonstrates the potential power and benefits of the approach in identifying compounds of various toxic mechanisms.
Protracted postpartum urinary retention: The importance of early diagnosis and timely intervention
Authors: Groutz Asnat , Levin Ishai , Gold Ronen , Pauzner David , Lessing Joseph B. , Gordon David
Published: September 2010

Aims

To evaluate the prevalence and obstetric risk factors of protracted postpartum urinary retention, beyond the third postpartum day.

Methods

Thirty thousand seven hundred fifty‐seven consecutive women delivered in Lis maternity hospital during June 2006 to June 2009. The term “protracted postpartum urinary retention” was defined as the absence of adequate voiding beyond the third postpartum day. Study group comprised 55 women who developed protracted postpartum urinary retention. Control group comprised 110 women, matched by age and parity, who delivered at the same day but did not develop urinary retention.

Results

Fifty‐five (0.18%) women (41 primipara, 14 multipara) developed protracted postpartum urinary retention. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, only duration of the second stage of labor and vacuum deliveries was found to be significant independent risk factors. Thirty‐six (65%) women achieved normal voiding within 4–14 days postpartum, and 19 (35%) others within 15–28 days. Higher postvoid residual urinary volume at 72 hr after delivery was associated with increased risk for late recovery. Forty‐eight (87%) patients were available for 3–39 months follow‐up. Of these, five (10.4%) had stress urinary incontinence, and four (8.3%) had overactive bladder symptoms. Three (6.3%) others had subjective voiding difficulties; however, urodynamic evaluation failed to reveal any voiding phase abnormalities.

Conclusions

Protracted postpartum urinary retention is uncommon in modern obstetric practice. The duration of the second stage of labor and vacuum deliveries were found to be significant independent risk factors. With early diagnosis and timely intervention, complete resolution is expected within 28 days postpartum with no extraordinary long‐term consequences. Neurourol. Urodynam. 30:83–86, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Exploring the mechanisms of intravesical electrical stimulation in the in vitro rat whole bladder after treatment with atropine, α,β‐methylATP and tetrodotoxin
Authors: De Bock Filip , De Wachter Stefan , Wyndaele Jean‐Jacques
Published: September 2010

Aims

In a previous study, we showed that the working mechanism of intravesical electrical stimulation (IVES) is probably mainly nerve mediated. But even after bladder decentralization, IVES can induce detrusor contraction. This study explores the effect of IVES in decentralized bladders and the importance of receptors in the bladder wall for a response on IVES.

Methods

IVES (10 Hz square wave pulses, 20 msec pulse duration, 6 mA) was used in the bladder of 16 female Sprague–Dawley rats. After repeating IVES after consecutive bilateral bladder nerves section (L6‐roots, pelvic nerves, and major pelvic ganglion (MPG)), the bladders were mounted in a tissue bath. IVES was performed in the control (n = 16), after administration of tetrodotoxin (TTX) (n = 6), after atropine and atropine with α,β‐methylATP (n = 6), and after α,β‐methylATP and α,β‐methylATP with atropine (n = 4). The IVES‐induced pressure rise (ΔP) was recorded.

Results

Maximum ΔP (maxΔP) after transection of the MPG was significantly lower than after pelvic nerves transection. Treatment with TTX and with α,β‐methylATP plus atropine abolished ΔP. Atropine alone gave an insignificant decrease of maxΔP. Treatment with α,β‐methylATP alone reduced maxΔP significantly.

Conclusions

IVES can evoke contractions in a decentralized bladder. IVES‐induced contractions are not a result of direct muscle stimulation, but are nerve mediated, involving intramural innervation and several parts of the bladder innervation. IVES‐evoked contraction can be divided in a, contraction duration determining, cholinergic part and a, contraction strength determining, purinergic part. The peripheral innervation could play a role in IVES treatment in patients with interrupted central reflex pathway. Neurourol. Urodynam. 30:158–162, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Exercise improves bladder function in diabetic mice
Authors: Vadhavkar Manasi , Golbidi Saeid , Sea Jason , Longpre Michelle , Stothers Lynn , Laher Ismail
Published: September 2010

Aims

We determined the effect of exercise on bladder dysfunction and voiding frequency indb/dbmice.

Materials and Methods

Diabeticdb/dbfemale mice (BKS.Cg‐Dock7m +/+ Leprdb/J strain) and their age‐matched wild‐type controls (WT) were equally divided into sedentary and exercise groups. Mice were exercised for 1 hr everyday for 8 weeks (speed of 5.2 m/min). We performed a voiding pattern test, cystometric analysis and reactivity of isolated bladder strips in WT anddb/dbmice, both sedentary and exercised.

Results

Diabetes increased the frequency of voiding, bladder capacity, and residual volume. Exercise decreased voiding frequency indb/dbmice; voiding frequency was 5.8 ± 0.5 (db/dbexercise) versus 10.8 ± 1.1 (db/dbcontrol,P < 0.001). In cystometric analysis, the bladder capacity ofdb/dbsedentary mice was 0.27 ± 0.05 ml and was 0.14 ± 0.02 ml in thedb/dbexercise group (P < 0.05), whereas the residual volume was 0.2 ± 0.03 ml indb/dbsedentary mice and 0.06 ± 0.02 ml indb/dbEx mice. Isolated strips of bladder muscle from sedentarydb/dbmice were more responsive to carbachol than strips fromdb/dbexercise mice. Exercise did not improve the urodynamic properties of WT mice, both sedentary and exercised.

Conclusions

Exercise improves bladder function in diabetic mice by reducing voiding frequency and improving urodynamic parameters. Neurourol. Urodynam. 30:174–182, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinical relevance of urethral stents (urospiral 2™) placement in patients with prostatic obstacle and concomitant high‐risk surgical status or neurological diseases: A feasibility and safety study
Authors: Rouprêt Morgan , Misraï Vincent , de Fourmestraux Aude , Cour Florence , Richard François , Chartier‐Kastler Emmanuel
Published: September 2010

Aims

To review the indications and to assess the functional outcomes after placement of a new temporary urethral stent (TUS) in men with lower urinary tract dysfunction.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the data of men with prostate obstruction and concomitant high‐risk surgical status or neurological diseases between 2006 and 2008. TUS placement was performed with Urospiral 2™ which is a temporary, non‐expanding, transprostatic stent. Success was defined as follows: when TUS placement allowed patients to void spontaneously and/or when surgery was made feasible after the period of relative contraindication (therapeutic group) or when TUS placement allowed physicians to define the role of prostate obstruction in the patients' voiding disorders and therefore to make an appropriate therapeutic decision (diagnosis group).

Results

We included 94 men with a mean age of 73.3 ± 9 years (48–99) and 5 of them were lost to follow‐up. The mean follow‐up was 148 ± 100 days (2–1,046) and the mean duration of TUS placement was 155 ± 90 days (2–1,045). After a mean hospital stay of 4.8 ± 3 days (1–31), 84 patients (89%) had recovered spontaneous micturition. In the therapeutic group and the diagnosis group, 23 patients (92%) and 45 patients (70%) voided spontaneously, respectively.

Conclusions

TUS placement may be proposed temporarily in selected patients with static bladder outlet obstruction due to an enlarged prostate as it allows patients to avoid the use of an indwelling catheter. Neurourol. Urodynam. 30:374–379, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intravesical immune suppression by liposomal tacrolimus in cyclophosphamide‐induced inflammatory cystitis
Authors: Chuang Yao‐Chi , Tyagi Pradeep , Huang Hsuan‐Ying , Yoshimura Naoki , Wu Moya , Kaufman Jonathan , Chancellor Michael B.
Published: September 2010

Aims

Potent immunosuppressive effect of tacrolimus has encouraged its topical application for achieving local anti‐inflammatory effect. However, its poor aqueous solubility presents challenges in formulating biocompatible instillations to justify the investigation of liposomes as vehicle for tacrolimus.

Methods

Adult female Sprague‐Dawley rats (N = 52) divided into 4 groups were injected with cyclophosphamide (CYP) (200 mg/kg, ip) except for sham (saline injection, ip). Other three groups were instilled with either saline (1 cc, retained for 1 hr), liposome (LP‐ 1 cc) or liposomal encapsulated tacrolimus (LFK‐ 0.2 mg tacrolimus/1 ml LP). Baseline cystometrogram was performed on day 1 and day 3 prior to bladder harvest for histological staining (N = 24) in all groups except sham. In addition, 4‐hr baseline urine on day 1 and day 3 was collected from all groups for urine PGE2 assay and bladder harvested for PGE2 and IL2 assay on day 3 (N = 28).

Results

Rats treated with LFK demonstrated suppression of CYP induced inflammatory reaction with reduced EP4 staining and bladder overactivity (intercontraction interval 61.0% decrease in untreated animals) as well as normalized the several fold elevation of IL 2 and PGE2 levels in tissue and urine. CYP induced effects were not suppressed in rats left untreated with tacrolimus.

Conclusions

This is the first report of immunesuppression in bladder by intravesical delivery of tacrolimus using liposomes. LFK significantly inhibited CYP induced inflammatory cystitis through the modulation of IL2, PGE2, and EP4 function. These findings support investigation of local tacrolimus in cases of inflammatory cystitis refractory to conventional therapy. Neurourol. Urodynam. 30:421–427, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fast exponential time integration scheme for option pricing with jumps
Authors: Lee Spike T. , Liu Xin , Sun Hai‐Wei
Published: September 2010

A fast exponential time integration scheme is considered for pricing European and double barrier options in jump‐diffusion models. After spatial discretization, the option pricing problem is transformed into the product of a matrix exponential and a vector, while the matrix bears a Toeplitz structure. The shift‐and‐invert Arnoldi method is then employed for fast approximation to such operation. Owing to the Toeplitz structure, the computational cost can be reduced by the fast Fourier transform. Furthermore, the discretized form of option pricing problem satisfies a given condition such that the error bound of the shift‐and‐invert Arnoldi approximation is unrelated to the norm of the matrix. Numerical tests are carried out to compare the proposed method with other option pricing methods. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The quinoxaline anti‐tumor agent (R+)XK469 inhibits neuroblastoma tumor growth
Authors: Kakodkar Nisha C. , Peddinti Radhika , Kletzel Morris , Tian Yufeng , Guerrero Lisa J. , Undevia Samir D. , Geary David , Chlenski Alexandre , Yang Qiwei , Salwen Helen R. , Cohn Susan L.
Published: September 2010

The quinoxaline anti‐tumor agent (R+)XK469 mediates its effects by topoisomerase IIB inhibition. This report describes a 14‐year old with relapsed neuroblastoma who experienced disease stabilization for 14 months while receiving (R+)XK469 monotherapy. Due to this favorable response, laboratory studies were undertaken to determine efficacy in the preclinical setting. (R+)XK469 inhibited proliferation, caused G2 cell cycle arrest of neuroblastoma cells in vitro, and inhibited growth of neuroblastoma xenograft tumors. These preclinical results, coupled with the favorable clinical response, demonstrate that (R+)XK469 and similar anti‐tumor agents may be effective in the treatment of high‐risk neuroblastoma and warrant further testing. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2010;56:164–167. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sequential acquisition of IgH and TCR rearrangements during the preleukemic phase of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in an adolescent patient
Authors: Linden Tobias , Furlan Ingrid , Schwarz Stephan , Stoehr Robert , Niemeyer Charlotte M. , Rossig Claudia
Published: September 2010

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) can be preceded by a prodromal phase of bone marrow failure. In serial trephine biopsies in a girl with acquired bone marrow hypoplasia, we have identified a monoclonal B‐cell precursor population characterized by a clone‐specific IgH‐FR3 gene rearrangement. Progression to ALL more than 4 months later was accompanied by acquisition of an additional T‐cell receptor rearrangement. Thus, hypoplastic pre‐ and overt leukemia share a common clonal origin. Prospective biobanking and extended molecular analysis can help to better understand the nature and sequence of genetic events during progression of a covert (pre)leukemic clone. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:301–303. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Body mass index and blood pressure changes over the course of treatment of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Esbenshade Adam J. , Simmons Jill H. , Koyama Tatsuki , Koehler Elizabeth , Whitlock James A. , Friedman Debra L.
Published: September 2010

Background

Obesity and hypertension are reported among survivors of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). However, little is known about the trajectory of body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure over the course of ALL therapy.

Procedure

In a retrospective cohort of 183 pediatric ALL patients diagnosed from 2000 to 2008, prevalence, severity, and risk factors for obesity and hypertension were assessed during treatment.

Results

At diagnosis, 36% of patients were overweight and 19% were obese. Median BMI increased during induction therapy with a return to baseline soon after, but increased again over the first 22 months of maintenance therapy. At the end of therapy, 49% were overweight and 21% were obese. Increased BMI z‐score at diagnosis was associated with increased z‐score during maintenance (P < 0.001). Elevated parental BMI was associated with elevated BMI at diagnosis. Median BMI z‐score increased over the first 22 months of maintenance (P < 0.001). Patients with high risk disease had lower BMI z‐scores regardless of cranial radiotherapy exposure (P < 0.001). Pre‐hypertension was prevalent over the course of therapy (31.1% with systolic pre‐hypertension and 18.6% with diastolic pre‐hypertension). Hypertension was also highly prevalent with 41.5% meeting systolic criteria and 24.0% meeting diastolic criteria.

Conclusions

During ALL therapy, patients are at risk for early development of elevated BMI and blood pressure, which places them at potentially increased risk for future adverse health conditions. Future studies are needed to develop strategies to mitigate these risks, such as potential reduction of corticosteroid pulses or a family‐based diet and exercise intervention during maintenance therapy. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:372–378. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Novel sulfonated poly(arylene biphenylsulfone ether) copolymers containing bisphenylsulfonyl biphenyl moiety: structural, thermal, electrochemical and morphological characteristics
Authors: Yoo Dong Jin , Hyun Seung Hak , Kim Ae Rhan , Kumar G Gnana , Nahm Kee Suk
Published: September 2010

A series of sulfonated poly(arylene biphenylsulfone ether) polymers containing up to two pendant sulfonic acid groups per repeat unit were successfully synthesized from 4,4′‐bis[(4‐chlorophenyl)sulfonyl]‐1,1′‐biphenyl (BCPSBP), disodium 3,3′‐disulfonate‐4,4′‐dichlorodiphenylsulfone (SDCDPS) and bisphenol A via aromatic nucleophilic displacement polycondensation. The resulting polymers were characterized by means of Fourier transform infrared and 1H NMR spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The number‐average molecular weight (Mn) of the synthesized polymers was in the range 15 300–22 900 g mol−1, and the polydispersity indices (Mw/Mn) varied from 2.5 to 4.4. Tough membranes with SDCDPS/BCPSBP mole ratio up to 50:50 were successfully cast using N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NMP). An increase of sulfonic acid groups in the polymer backbone resulted in increased solubility in aprotic polar solvents and glass transition temperature. The TGA curves of all the copolymers in acid form exhibited two distinct weight‐loss profiles. The influential characteristics of the polymer electrolyte membranes, such as tensile strength, water uptake, ion‐exchange capacity and proton conductivity, were characterized with respect to the pendant sulfonic acid groups. Atomic force microscopy phase images of the acid‐form membranes clearly showed the hydrophilic domains, with sizes increasing as a function of the degree of sulfonation. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Novel poly(3,4‐dialkoxythiophene)s carrying 1,3,4‐oxadiazolyl‐biphenyl moieties: synthesis and nonlinear optical studies
Authors: Hegde Pramod Kumar , Vasudeva Adhikari A , Manjunatha Megur G , Suchand Sandeep CS , Philip Reji
Published: September 2010

Two new donor–acceptor types of polymer, poly{2‐(biphenyl‐4‐yl)‐5‐[3,4‐dialkoxy‐5‐(1,3,4‐oxadiazol‐2‐yl)thiophen‐2‐yl]‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole}s, were synthesized starting from 2,2′‐sulfanediyldiacetic acid and diethyl ethanedioate through multi‐step reactions. The polymerization was carried out via the polyhydrazide precursor route. The optical and charge‐transporting properties of the polymers were investigated using UV‐visible and fluorescence emission spectroscopic and cyclic voltammetric studies. The polymers showed bluish‐green fluorescence in solutions. The electrochemical band gaps of the polymers were determined to be 2.16 and 2.22 eV. The nonlinear optical properties of the polymers were investigated at 532 nm using the single‐beam Z‐scan technique with nanosecond laser pulses. The polymers showed strong optical limiting behaviour due to effective three‐photon absorption. The values of the three‐photon absorption coefficients for the polymers were found to be 9 × 10−24 and 17 × 10−24 m3 W−2, which are comparable to those of good optical limiting materials. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparative investigations of radiation‐grafted proton‐exchange membranes prepared using single‐step and conventional two‐step radiation‐induced grafting methods
Authors: Nasef Mohamed Mahmoud , Saidi Hamdani , Dahlan Khairulzaman Mohd
Published: September 2010

Proton‐exchange membranes containing poly(styrene sulfonic acid) grafts hosted in poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) films were prepared using two radiation‐induced grafting methods: a single‐step grafting method (SSGM) involving grafting of sodium styrene sulfonate onto electron beam (EB)‐irradiated PVDF films and a conventional two‐step grafting method (CTSGM) in which styrene monomer is grafted onto EB‐irradiated PVDF films and subsequently sulfonated. Differential scanning calorimetry, universal mechanical testing and scanning transmission electron microscopy were used to evaluate the thermal, mechanical and structural changes developed in the membranes during the preparation procedures. Physicochemical properties such as water uptake, hydration number and ionic conductivity were studied as functions of ion‐exchange capacity and the results obtained were correlated with the structural changes accompanying each preparation method. Membranes obtained using the SSGM were found to have superior properties compared to their counterparts prepared using the CTSGM suggesting the former method is more effective than the latter for imparting desired functionality and stability properties to the membranes. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Study of the thermal stabilization mechanism of biodegradable poly(L‐lactide)/silica nanocomposites
Authors: Wen Xin , Zhang Kunyu , Wang Yan , Han Lijing , Han Changyu , Zhang Huiliang , Chen Shan , Dong Lisong
Published: September 2010

Biodegradable poly(L‐lactide) (PLA)/silica (SiO2) nanocomposites were prepared by melt compounding to investigate the effect of spherical nanofillers on the thermal stability of PLA. The nanocomposites displayed improved thermal stability both under nitrogen and in air. The stabilization mechanism was attributed mainly to the barrier effect of the network formed, which was demonstrated by the improved barrier properties and rheological performance. The dispersion of nanofiller and matrix‐nanoparticle interactions were investigated to evaluate the dependence of the network on SiO2 loadings. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis indicated that hydroxyl groups on SiO2 surfaces and PLA chain‐ends reacted during melt processing. The resulting grafted SiO2 and entangled PLA chains formed a dense network, which hindered the diffusion of oxygen and volatile decomposition products. Furthermore, the improvement in thermal stability resulted from the restraining effect on the mobility of active hydroxyl end‐groups, so that some related thermal decomposition reactions were inhibited, which was confirmed from gel permeation chromatography measurements. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Prediction of subcellular locations of proteins: Where to proceed?
Authors: Imai Kenichiro , Nakai Kenta
Published: September 2010

Since the proposal of the signal hypothesis on protein subcellular sorting, a number of computational analyses have been performed in this field. A typical example is the development of prediction algorithms for the subcellular localization sites of input protein sequences. In this review, we mainly focus on the biological grounds of the prediction methods rather than the algorithmic issues because we believe the former will be more fruitful for future development. Recent advances on the study of protein sorting signals will hopefully be incorporated into future prediction methods. Unfortunately, many of the state‐of‐the‐art methods are published without sufficient objective tests. In fact, a simple test employed in this article shows that the performance of specifically developed predictors is not significantly better than that of a homology search. We suspect that this is a general problem associated with the interpretation of genome sequences, which have evolved through gene duplication and speciation.