bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, in vitro macrophage response and detoxification of bamboo charcoal beads for purifying blood
Authors: Hsieh Ming‐Fa , Wen Hsiao‐Wei , Shyu Chih‐Liang , Chen Szu‐Hau , Li Wen‐Tyng , Wang Wei‐Chieh , Chen Wen‐Chi
Published: April 2010

Bamboo charcoal beads (BCBs) were formed by coprecipitating bamboo charcoal particles with chitosan in alkaline solution. The amount of chitosan in the BCBs and their surface properties were measured. When 13–52 mg BCBs were exposed to RAW 264.7 macrophages, the amount of nitric oxide released and the cell viability were close to those of the blank. The amount of cytokine IL‐6 secreted by macrophages did not depend on the dose of BCBs but macrophages secreted more TNF‐α in response to higher doses of BCBs. However, the cytokine levels were relatively low, suggesting the favorable biocompatibility of BCBs. In adsorption experiments, BCBs adsorbed and released bovine serum albumin at particular concentrations, whereas BCBs adsorbed L‐phenylalanine without a sign of release. This difference is attributed to the hydrophilicity and the pore size of the BCBs. Finally, the potential of BCBs as biocompatible adsorbents in blood detoxification is considered. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2010
Statistical approach of chemistry and topography effect on human osteoblast adhesion
Authors: Giljean S. , Ponche A. , Bigerelle M. , Anselme K.
Published: April 2010

Our objective in this work was to determine statistically the relative influence of surface topography and surface chemistry of metallic substrates on long‐term adhesion of human bone cell quantified by the adhesion power (AP). Pure titanium, titanium alloy, and stainless steel substrates were processed with electro‐erosion, sandblasting, or polishing giving various morphologies and amplitudes. The surface chemistry was characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) associated with an extensive analysis of surface topography. The statistical analysis demonstrated that the effect on AP of the material composition was not significant. More, no correlation was found between AP and the surface element concentrations determined by XPS demonstrating that the surface chemistry was not an influencing parameter for long‐term adhesion. In the same way, the roughness amplitude, independently of the process, had no influence on AP, meaning that roughness amplitude is not an intrinsic parameter of long‐term adhesion. On the contrary, the elaboration process alone had a significant effect on AP. For a same surface elaboration process, the number of inflexion points, or G parameter, was the most pertinent roughness parameter for describing the topography influence on long‐term adhesion. Thus, more the inflexion points, more the discontinuities, higher the long‐term adhesion. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2010
Fabrication and in vitro and in vivo cell infiltration study of a bilayered cryogenic electrospun poly(D,L‐lactide) scaffold
Authors: Leong Meng Fatt , Chan Wing Yue , Chian Kerm Sin , Rasheed Mohamed Zulfikar , Anderson James M.
Published: April 2010

Cryogenic electrospinning has previously been demonstrated for controlling the pore sizes of electrospun scaffolds, which has been impossible with traditional electrospinning processes. This article describes the application of the cryogenic technique to fabricate a bilayered electrospun poly(D,L‐lactide) scaffold (BLES) in a single uninterrupted process. The resulting BLES consisted of a traditional electrospun (ES) fibrous layer with a dense pore area of 17 ± 3 μm2 adjacent to a cryogenic electrospun layer (CES) with a pore area of 3300 ± 500 μm2. The significance of this bilayered scaffold was to mimic the anatomical structure of tissues with dense basement membrane followed by loose and highly porous connective tissue such as skin and blood vessels. Cell infiltration in the BLES was compared in vitro and in vivo. Both studies suggested the CES supported high cell infiltration, whereas the ES could serve as a physical barrier to prevent cell infiltration across the CES‐ES boundary because of its size exclusion. The bilayered structure produced by this technique suggests a great potential for engineering tissues with similar architectures. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2010
Size effect of calcium phosphate coated with poly‐DL‐lactide‐ co‐glycolide on healing processes in bone reconstruction
Authors: Ignjatovic Nenad L. , Ajdukovic Zorica R. , Savic Vojin P. , Uskokovic Dragan P.
Published: April 2010

In this article, synthesis and application of calcium phosphate/poly‐DL‐lactide‐co‐glycolide (CP/PLGA) composite biomaterial in particulate form, in which each CP granule/particle is coated with PLGA, are described. Two types of the particulate material having different particle sizes were synthesized: one with an average particle diameter between 150 and 250 μm (micron‐sized particles, MPs) and the other with an average particle diameter smaller than 50 nm (nanoparticles, NPs). A comparative in vivo analysis was done by reconstructing defects in osteoporotic alveolar bones using both composites. The material, CP granules/particles covered with polymer, was characterized using X‐ray structural analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. Changes in reparatory functions of tissues affected by osteoporosis were examined in mice in vivo, using these two kinds of composite materials, with and without autologous plasma. Having defined the target segment, histomorphometric parameters—bone area fraction, area, and mean density—were determined. The best results in the regeneration and recuperation of alveolar bone damaged by osteoporosis were achieved with the implantation of a mixture of nanoparticulate CP/PLGA composite and autologous plasma. After the implantation of microparticulate CP/PLGA, in the form of granules, mixed with autologous plasma, into an artificial defect in alveolar bone, new bone formation was also observed, although its formation rate was slower. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010
Impact of combination medical therapy on mortality in vascular surgery patients
Authors: Barrett Thomas W. , Newton Kathleen , Koudelka Caroline , Mori Motomi , Radcliffe LeAnn
Published: April 2010

BACKGROUND:

Th use of beta‐blockers or statins has been associated with decreased mortality after noncardiac surgery. There are no prior perioperative studies of concurrent use of other cardioprotective drugs.

OBJECTIVE:

To ascertain whether combinations of aspirin, beta‐blockers, statins, and/or angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors were associated with decreased mortality 6 months after vascular surgery.

PATIENTS AND DESIGN:

We performed a retrospective cohort study on the 3020 patients who underwent vascular surgery between January 1998 and March 2005 at 5 regional Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers. The Cochran‐Mantel‐Haenszel test was used to assess associations with 6‐month all‐cause mortality for the combination drug exposures compared to no exposure while adjusting for propensity score.

RESULTS:

Exposure to all 4 of the study drugs compared to none had a propensity‐adjusted relative risk (aRR) of 0.52 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.26‐1.01; P = 0.052), number needed to treat (NNT) 19; 3 drugs vs. none, aRR 0.60 (95% CI, 0.38‐0.95; P = 0.030), NNT 38; 2 drugs vs. none, aRR 0.68 (95% CI, 0.46‐0.99; P = 0.043), NNT 170; and 1 drug vs. none, aRR 0.88 (95% CI, 0.63‐1.22; P = 0.445). ACE inhibitor exposure was common in all combinations.

CONCLUSIONS:

Combination use of 2 to 3 study drugs, some of which included ACE inhibitors, was associated with decreased mortality after vascular surgery. Combination use of all 4 study drugs was not statistically significant due to the small number of events in this group. Further prospective studies of combination perioperative aspirin, beta‐blockers, statins, and ACE inhibitors are warranted. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2010;5:218–225. © 2010 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Left bundle branch block (LBBB) masks changes due to hyperkalemia: A myth
Authors: Kumar Anil , Shah Neel , Jesmajian Stephen
Published: April 2010

Left bundle branch block masks ischemic changes but not those due to electrolyte imbalance. Peaking of T waves, prolongation of PR interval, diminution/absence of P wave, and widening of QRS complex can still be appreciated if one carefully compares the baseline ECG to the presenting ECG. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2010;5:226–227. © 2010 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Patient whiteboards as a communication tool in the hospital setting: A survey of practices and recommendations
Authors: Sehgal Niraj L. , Green Adrienne , Vidyarthi Arpana R. , Blegen Mary A. , Wachter Robert M.
Published: April 2010

BACKGROUND:

Patient whiteboards can serve as a communication tool between hospital providers and as a mechanism to engage patients in their care, but little is known about their current use or best practices.

METHODS:

We surveyed bedside nurses, internal medicine housestaff, and hospitalists from the medical service at the University of California, San Francisco. A brief survey about self‐reported whiteboard practices and their impact on patient care was administered via paper and a commercial online survey tool.

RESULTS:

Surveys were collected from 104 nurse respondents (81% response rate), 118 internal medicine housestaff (74% response rate), and 31 hospitalists (86% response rate). Nurses were far more likely to use and read whiteboards than physicians. While all respondents highly valued the utility of family contact information on whiteboards, nurses valued the importance of a “goal for the day” and an “anticipated discharge date” more than physicians. Most respondents believed that nurses should be responsible for accurate and updated information on whiteboards, that goals for the day should be created by a nurse and physician together, and that unavailability of pens was the greatest barrier to use.

DISCUSSION:

Despite differences in practice patterns of nurses and physicians in using whiteboards, our findings suggest that all providers value their potential as a tool to improve teamwork, communication, and patient care. Successful adoption of whiteboard use may be enhanced through strategies that emphasize a patient‐centered focus while also addressing important barriers to use. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2010;5:234–239. © 2010 Society of Hospital Medicine.
The FDA extended warning for intravenous haloperidol and torsades de pointes: How should institutions respond?
Authors: Meyer‐Massetti Carla , Cheng Christine M , Sharpe Bradley A , Meier Christoph R , Guglielmo B. Joseph
Published: April 2010

BACKGROUND:

In September 2007, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) strengthened label warnings for intravenous (IV) haloperidol regarding QT prolongation (QTP) and torsades de pointes (TdP) in response to adverse event reports. Considering the widespread use of IV haloperidol in the management of acute delirium, the specific FDA recommendation of continuous electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring in this setting has been associated with some controversy. We reviewed the evidence for the FDA warning and provide a potential medical center response to this warning.

METHODS:

Cases of intravenous haloperidol‐related QTP/TdP were identified by searching PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus databases (January 1823 to April 2009) and all FDA MedWatch reports of haloperidol‐associated adverse events (November 1997 to April 2008).

RESULTS:

A total of 70 of IV haloperidol‐associated QTP and/or TdP were identified. There were 54 reports of TdP; 42 of these events were reportedly preceded by QTP. When post‐event QTc data were reported, QTc was prolonged >450 msec in 96% of cases. Three patients experienced sudden cardiac arrest. Sixty‐eight patients (97%) had additional risk factors for TdP/prolonged QT, most commonly receipt of concomitant proarrhythmic agents. Patients experiencing TdP received a cumulative dose of 5 mg to 645 mg, patients with QTP alone received a cumulative dose of 2 mg to 1540 mg.

CONCLUSIONS:

While administration of IV haloperidol can be associated with QTP/TdP, this complication most often took place in the setting of concomitant risk factors. Importantly, the available data suggest that a total cumulative dose of IV haloperidol of <2 mg can safely be administered without ongoing electrocardiographic monitoring in patients without concomitant risk factors. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2010;5:E8–E16. © 2010 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Considerations for hospital approval of human participant research
Authors: Chanaud Cheryl M.
Published: April 2010

BACKGROUND

Hospitals often accept as sufficient the federal requirement that human participant research studies have Institutional Review Board (IRB) review and approval, but IRBs usually do not consider many practical matters that arise in the implementation and operation of an interventional clinical trial in the complex environment of the modern acute care hospital.

METHODS

A large hospital system in Texas implemented a policy requiring that any activity associated with human participant research receive prior hospital system review and approval. This hospital system review and approval process, which occurs in parallel with IRB review, focuses separately on patient safety and operational, financial, and special risk issues.

RESULTS

A centralized research institute proactively gathers information needed to evaluate a proposed research study and forwards this information to unit directors and other key personnel in the affected hospitals for their review. When all reviewers have signed off on the study and the institute is satisfied that all pertinent issues have been resolved, it authorizes the principal investigator to begin the study in the designated hospitals.

CONCLUSIONS

This review and approval process reduces risk, benefiting patients, hospital personnel who support research studies, research teams, and hospitals as institutions. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2010;5:E17–E24. © 2010 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Pediatric hospital medicine core competencies: Development and methodology
Authors: Stucky Erin R. , Ottolini Mary C. , Maniscalco Jennifer
Published: April 2010

Background:

Pediatric hospital medicine is the most rapidly growing site‐based pediatric specialty. There are over 2500 unique members in the three core societies in which pediatric hospitalists are members: the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the Academic Pediatric Association (APA) and the Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM). Pediatric hospitalists are fulfilling both clinical and system improvement roles within varied hospital systems. Defined expectations and competencies for pediatric hospitalists are needed.

Methods:

In 2005, SHM's Pediatric Core Curriculum Task Force initiated the project and formed the editorial board. Over the subsequent four years, multiple pediatric hospitalists belonging to the AAP, APA, or SHM contributed to the content of and guided the development of the project. Editors and collaborators created a framework for identifying appropriate competency content areas. Content experts from both within and outside of pediatric hospital medicine participated as contributors. A number of selected national organizations and societies provided valuable feedback on chapters. The final product was validated by formal review from the AAP, APA, and SHM.

Results:

The Pediatric Hospital Medicine Core Competencies were created. They include 54 chapters divided into four sections: Common Clinical Diagnoses and Conditions, Core Skills, Specialized Clinical Services, and Healthcare Systems: Supporting and Advancing Child Health. Each chapter can be used independently of the others. Chapters follow the knowledge, skills, and attitudes educational curriculum format, and have an additional section on systems organization and improvement to reflect the pediatric hospitalist's responsibility to advance systems of care.

Conclusion:

These competencies provide a foundation for the creation of pediatric hospital medicine curricula and serve to standardize and improve inpatient training practices. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2010;5(4)(Suppl 2):82–86. © 2010 Society of Hospital Medicine.
PML absorbing boundary condition for the integral‐based high‐order FV24 FDTD algorithm
Authors: Hadi M. F.
Published: April 2010

An integral equations‐based perfectly matched layers (PML) implementation is presented for the highly phase‐coherent FV24 finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) algorithm. The implementation allows including field values off the grid axes in the split‐field PML formulation conserving in the process the continuity and phase coherency of the FV24 algorithm when modeling absorbing boundary conditions (ABCs). It also eliminates the need for cumbersome subgridded low‐order FDTD subregions that until now were required to model PML ABCs within integral‐based high‐order FDTD simulations. The developed approach was numerically tested and found to match the PML behavior of the standard FDTD method at normal wave incidence on ABC boundaries and exceeds it at highly oblique wave incidence. This development serves to improve the capability and practicality of the computationally efficient FV24 algorithm when modeling electrically large structures in 3‐D space. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parallelization of the Scale‐Changing Technique in Grid Computing environment for the electronmagnetic simulation of multi‐scale structures
Authors: Khalil F. , Barrios‐Hernandez C. J. , Rashid A. , Aubert H. , Denneulin Y. , Coccetti F. , Plana R.
Published: April 2010

A parallel computing approach to run fast and full‐wave electromagnetic simulation of complex structures in Grid Computing environment is presented. In this study, we show how Grid Computing improves speed and/or reliability over that provided by a single computer, while typically being much more cost‐effective than single computers of comparable speed or reliability. An efficient monolithic (unique) formulation for the electromagnetic modelling of complex (multi‐scale) structures, i.e. structures that exhibit multiple metallic patterns whose sizes cover a large range of scales, is used here. This approach, named the Scale‐Changing Technique, is based on the cascade of multi‐modal Scale‐Changing Networks, each network modelling the electromagnetic coupling between two successive scale levels. These networks can be first computed separately, in an adaptive use of Grid Computing architecture nature, and then cascaded for the global electromagnetic simulation. Based on this technique, a fast computer algorithm was developed and tested in the Grid‐Computing environment. For illustration purposes, the electromagnetic analysis of multi‐scale structures, applied to phase‐shifter elements and an example of infinite passive reflectarray, was carried out. The obtained results have confirmed the effectiveness of such an approach compared with sequential computing. This approach shows very good computation performance while keeping the same accuracy. Besides, this method is very promising for optimizing circuit with multiple design parameters to handle and for the global electromagnetic simulation of multi‐scale and/or oer‐sized structures. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modeling resonant frequency of microstrip antenna based on neural network ensemble
Authors: Yu‐Bo Tian , Su‐Ling Zhang , Jing‐Yi Li
Published: April 2010

Resonant frequency is an important parameter in designing microstrip antenna (MSA). Selective neural network ensemble (NNE) methods based on decimal particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm and binary PSO algorithm are proposed in this study. The basic idea of the methods is to optimally select neural networks (NNs) to construct NNE with the aid of PSO algorithm. This may maintain the diversity of NNs and decrease the effects of collinearity and noise of sample. Simultaneously, chaos mutation is adopted to increase the diversity of particles of PSO. Experimental results show that the chaos PSO algorithm can improve the generalization ability of NNE. Moreover, by using this algorithm, model of resonant frequency of MSA is established. Computing results indicate that the model is better than the available ones. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Monte Carlo simulation of radio‐frequency plasmas in N2
Authors: Settaouti L. , Settaouti A.
Published: April 2010

The structure of radio‐frequency (rf) discharges in N2 is examined for the electrons and positive ions, in which electron–neutral collisions and ion–neutral collisions are taken into consideration. Some detailed properties of rf plasmas sustained by an rf source voltage of 13.56 MHz and an amplitude of 200 V are presented using Monte Carlo simulation in electropositive gas (N2). It is shown that most of the rf external electric field is absorbed in the sheath regions, whereas electrons respond easily to the oscillating rf electric field, ions cannot oscillate with the rf electric field. The oscillations of the electron cloud determine the instantaneous sheath thickness near each electrode. The mean energy and the density of charged particles are also discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DFT‐aided interpretation of the Raman spectra of the polymorphic forms of Y2Si2O7
Authors: Kaindl Reinhard , Többens Daniel M. , Kahlenberg Volker
Published: April 2010

Y2Si2O7 is an intriguing material combining a complex structural polymorphism with several important technological applications. Raman spectra were experimentally determined for most of the seven known modifications of Y2Si2O7 except the form ε, and in the case of β, γ, δ and ζ for the first time. The error‐prone procedure of mode assignment to the measured Raman bands, usually done by comparison with similar or related structures, has been replaced by quantum chemical calculations of the spectra of the polymorphs. Various functionals were evaluated considering the agreement of the calculated modes with the experimental data. The average and maximum deviations between calculated and experimental spectra are ± 8 cm−1 and 20 cm−1, respectively. Assignments of most of the observed bands to vibrational modes are given. The relationship between selected Raman bands, SiO and YO polyhedra stretching and bending modes, and the crystal structures are discussed. Y2Si2O7 offers the possibility to study the relationship between structural and spectral changes in a chemically fixed system. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐risk behaviors and drinking‐to‐cope as mediators of lifetime abuse and PTSD symptoms in clients with severe mental illness
Authors: O'Hare Thomas , Shen Ce , Sherrer Margaret
Published: April 2010

Face‐to‐face interviews with 276 community mental health clients (56.2% women; 42.8% men) diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (44.6%) and major mood disorders (55.4%) were used to examine mediating relationships among physical and sexual abuse, high‐risk behaviors, drink‐to‐cope motives, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity. Structural equation modeling revealed that both high‐risk behaviors and drinking‐to‐cope significantly mediated the relationship between lifetime abuse and PTSD symptom severity with an excellent fit of model to data. Alternative models using PTSD symptom level as mediator were also tested, but did not meet optimal goodness‐of‐fit standards. Implications of findings call for vigilant screening for trauma, substance abuse, and high risk behaviors in clients with severe mental illnesses to inform treatment, and the need for longitudinal studies to test causal pathways.
A study on the kinetics of condensation reaction of phenol‐modified cardanol–formaldehyde resin
Authors: Shukla Priti , Yadaw S. B. , Srivastava Deepak
Published: April 2010

Phenol‐modified cardanol–formaldehyde novolac resins have been synthesized using equal proportions of phenol and cardanol. To this mixture of phenol and cardanol, 0.6 and 0.8 mol of formaldehyde were added separately, under acidic conditions, at five different temperatures ranging between 80 and 120°C with an interval of 10°C. This was carried out for a maximum period of 6 h. The free formaldehyde and free phenol contents were determined at regular time intervals to check the completion of the reaction. The synthesized novolacs have been studied by infrared spectroscopic analysis (FT‐IR). The reaction between cardanol, phenol, and formaldehyde was found to follow a second‐order rate kinetics. The overall rate constant (k) increased with the increase of temperature. Based on the value of rate constants, various other parameters such as activation energy (Ea), change in enthalpy (Δ H) and entropy (Δ S), and free energy change (Δ G) of the reaction were also evaluated. It was found that the condensation reaction of phenol and cardanol with formaldehyde was nonspontaneous and irreversible. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 42: 380–389, 2010
Outcome measure for stress urinary incontinence treatment (OMIT): Results of two society of urodynamics and female urology (SUFU) surveys
Authors: Zimmern Philippe , Kobashi Kathleen , Lemack Gary
Published: April 2010

Introduction

To reach some agreement on a minimum set of outcomes measures (OMs) for the post‐operative evaluation of stress incontinent women, we applied the concept of “lower common denominator” to study which OM instruments are used amongst SUFU members.

Methods

With SUFU approval, a short online, 11 items, email‐based survey was prepared to assess what OMs current SUFU members are using in daily practice. The first survey administered after the annual SUFU meeting targeted recent SUFU meeting attendees. The same survey was redistributed later on to include all SUFU members.

Results

Each survey ran for a 10‐day period. Response rate for the first survey was 50 (∼30%) and 106 (∼25%) for the second. Responders were geographically well distributed, had been in practice for 1–15 years (∼75%), performed 5–15 cases/month, and practiced in a university (56%) or group (30%) setting. Great consistency was noted between surveys for preferred questionnaires [UDI‐6 (40–52%), UDI‐6, and IIQ‐7 (30–34%)], office tests [urinalysis and post‐void residual (30–35%)], exam [Baden–Walker and/or POP‐Q (38–55%), cough stress test (54–51%)], imaging (none), and urodynamics (none, unless complications). The most common “dislikes” in descending order were: 24 hr pad test, Q‐tip test, bladder diary, long questionnaires, POP‐Q.

Conclusion

These two SUFU surveys did not explore what each physician thinks is the best OM but what members use regularly in their practices. Similar findings were noted in both surveys, supporting the concept that a minimum set of OM could be developed for reporting surgical outcomes of incontinence procedures in the future. Neurourol. Urodynam. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A comparison of the contractile properties of smooth muscle from pig urethra and internal anal sphincter
Authors: Ramalingam Thanesan , Durlu‐Kandilci N. Tugba , Brading Alison F.
Published: April 2010

Aims

Smooth muscles from the urethra and internal anal sphincter (IAS) play an essential role in the maintenance of urinary and fecal continence. Any damage in these muscles may cause serious problems. The aim of this study was to directly compare the contractile properties of pig urethra and IAS taken from the same animal.

Methods

Smooth muscle strips of urethra and IAS dissected from the same pig were transferred to organ baths superfused with Krebs' solution, loaded with 1 g tension and equilibrated for 1 hr. Carbachol and phenylephrine response curves and EFS responses were elicited in the absence and presence of inhibitors.

Results

Both tissues developed tone during the 1 hr equilibration period. Carbachol (3 × 10−6–10−3 M) contracted urethra whilst relaxing IAS. Guanethidine (10−6 M) inhibited the carbachol responses in both tissues.L‐NOARG (10−4 M) decreased carbachol responses in IAS, but not in urethra. Phenylephrine (3 × 10−6–10−2 M) contracted both tissues. EFS (1–40 Hz) induced a contractile response in urethra which was decreased with guanethidine (10−6 M) and further blocked by atropine (10−6 M). In the presence of both, a relaxation response was observed that is sensitive to NOS inhibitors especially at low frequencies. EFS induced a relaxation followed by a contraction in IAS strips. This contraction was blocked by guanethidine but not by atropine, and the remaining relaxation at 20 Hz was decreased withL‐NOARG and increased withL‐arginine.

Conclusions

There are differences between urethra and IAS in terms of muscarinic activation and neural innervation, relevant for pharmacotherapy. Neurourol. Urodynam. 29:1326–1331, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
QF‐PCR as a stand‐alone test for prenatal samples: the first 2 years' experience in the London region
Authors: Hills Alison , Donaghue Celia , Waters Jonathan , Waters Katie , Sullivan Caroline , Kulkarni Abhijit , Docherty Zoe , Mann Kathy , Ogilvie Caroline Mackie
Published: April 2010

Objective

To analyse the results of the first 2 years of a QF‐PCR stand‐alone testing strategy for the prenatal diagnosis of aneuploidy in the London region and to determine the advantages and disadvantages of this policy.

Methods

A review of the results of 9737 prenatal samples received for exclusion of chromosome abnormalities. All samples were subjected to QF‐PCR testing for common aneuploidies but only samples fulfilling specific criteria subsequently had a full karyotype analysis.

Results

Of the 9737 samples received, 10.3% had a chromosome abnormality detected by QF‐PCR testing. Of the 7284 samples received with no indication for karyotype analysis, 25 (0.3%) received a normal QF‐PCR result but subsequently had an abnormal karyotype detected either prenatally as a privately funded test or postnatally. Of these samples, without subsequent abnormal ultrasound findings, five had a chromosome abnormality associated with a poor prognosis, representing 0.069% of samples referred for Down syndrome testing.

Conclusion

While back‐up karyotyping is required for some samples, using QF‐PCR as a stand‐alone prenatal test for pregnancies without ultrasound abnormalities reduces costs, provides rapid delivery of results, and avoids ambiguous and uncertain karyotype results, reducing parental anxiety. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Is screening for hypothyroidism in the diabetes clinic effective?
Authors: Whitehead C , Lunt H , Pearson JF , Cawood TJ
Published: April 2010

The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of annual screening for hypothyroidism requiring thyroxine treatment (HRTT) in a hospital‐based diabetes clinic.

A retrospective study of case records of patients attending a hospital‐based diabetes clinic was undertaken. Random samples of 400 patients with type 1 diabetes and 400 patients with type 2 diabetes were included. Patient data including thyroid function tests and thyroxine use were recorded. The outcomes were the prevalence of HRTT, and the cost‐per‐diagnosis of screening for HRTT in the diabetes clinic.

Type 1 diabetes patients were younger (41 vs 60 years, p<0.001) and their diabetes was of longer duration (median 9.5 vs 5 years, p<0.05) than those with type 2 diabetes. Hypothyroidism was common in patients with type 1 (10.8%) or type 2 diabetes (10.8%). The prevalence of HRTT was 6.8% in type 1 diabetes and 6.0% in type 2 diabetes, with the majority being female (81% and 83%). The prevalence of HRTT increased after 50 years of age in type 1 diabetes, and somewhat later in type 2 diabetes, in the over 60s reaching 18.8% in type 1 diabetes and 8.4% in type 2 diabetes. Annual screening detected one case of HRTT for every 470 blood tests, equating to £4600 per diagnosis.

In conclusion, hypothyroidism was common in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who attended a hospital‐based diabetes clinic. However, annual screening at the hospital clinic only rarely found new cases of HRTT, and so is questionable from a cost:benefit viewpoint. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons.
Ketosis‐prone type 2 diabetes: an increasingly recognised entity
Authors: Chellamuthu P , Kong M‐F , Gregory R
Published: April 2010

A 42‐year‐old South East Asian man presented with reduced conscious level. The family reported that he had had diarrhoea and vomiting for a week. He was not known to have diabetes and there was no family history of diabetes. He was known to have schizophrenia and was on depot risperidone. He was overweight.

He was diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis with hyperosmolality. He was in the intensive care unit for five days. He made good progress and was discharged home 11 days after admission on 84 units of insulin. He managed to come off insulin but two years later he needed to be restarted on insulin. He is now on haloperidol for his schizophrenia. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons.
Recurrent atrial fibrillation and prolonged QTc interval precipitated by severe hypoglycaemia
Authors: Hasan MI , Elrishi MA , Kilvert A , Fox C
Published: April 2010

Hypoglycaemia is associated with various changes in electrocardiography (ECG). We report recurrent atrial fibrillation (AF) and prolonged QTc interval (QT interval corrected for heart rate) precipitated by insulin‐induced hypoglycaemia in a 59‐year‐old patient with type 1 diabetes. The patient was admitted twice (eight years apart) with severe hypoglycaemia. ECG showed AF and prolonged QTc interval on both occasions. Each time, normal QTc interval and sinus rhythm were established when normoglycaemia was achieved. Simultaneous AF and prolonged QTc interval during a clinical episode of hypoglycaemia could explain the true clinical significance of the effects of hypoglycaemia upon cardiac repolarisation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons.
Modification of multiwall carbon nanotubes via soap‐free emulsion polymerization of acrylonitrile
Authors: Cheng Zhenping , Pan Qinmin , Rempel Garry L.
Published: April 2010

A novel method for the synthesis of polyacrylonitrile (PAN)‐coated multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) via a simple soap‐free emulsion polymerization is presented for the first time. The polymerization was initiated with conventional anionic ammonium persulfate (APS) at 65 °C. The modification of PAN on MWCNT surfaces was confirmed by Fourier‐transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and Raman spectroscopy. It is found that all the surfaces of the MWCNTs were coated by PAN chains, and the PAN coating thickness could be controlled by simply adjusting the polymerization time. The obtained PAN‐coated MWCNTs could be well dispersed in water. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 2057–2062, 2010
Star‐like PAA‐g‐PPO well‐defined amphiphilic graft copolymer synthesized by ATNRC and SET‐NRC reaction
Authors: Li Yaogong , Zhang Yaqin , Yang Dong , Hu Jianhua , Lu Guolin , Huang Xiaoyu
Published: April 2010

A series of well‐defined amphiphilic star graft copolymers consisting of hydrophilic poly(acrylic acid) backbone and hydrophobic poly(propylene oxide) side chains were synthesized by the sequential reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization and atom transfer nitroxide radical coupling (ATNRC) or single electron transfer‐nitroxide radical coupling (SET‐NRC) reaction followed by the selective hydrolysis of poly(tert‐butyl acrylate) backbone. A Br‐containing acrylate monomer, tert‐butyl 2‐((2‐bromopropanoyloxy)methyl)acrylate, was first homopolymerized via RAFT polymerization using a new star‐like chain‐transfer agent with four arms in a controlled way to give a well‐defined star‐like backbone with a narrow molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn = 1.23). The grafting‐onto strategy was used to synthesize the well‐defined PtBA‐g‐PPO star graft copolymers with narrow molecular weight distributions (Mw/Mn = 1.14–1.25) via ATNRC or SET‐NRC reaction between the Br‐containing PtBA‐based star‐like backbone and poly(propylene oxide) with 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine‐1‐oxyl end group using CuBr/PMDETA or Cu/PMDETA as catalytic system. PAA‐g‐PPO amphiphilic star graft copolymers were obtained by the selective acidic hydrolysis of star‐like PtBA‐based backbone in acidic environment without affecting the side chains. The critical micelle concentrations in aqueous media and brine were determined by the fluorescence probe technique. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 2084–2097, 2010
The thermo responsive behavior of glycol functionalized ring opening metathesis polymers
Authors: Bauer Thomas , Slugovc Christian
Published: April 2010

Herein a further step towards self‐assembly of polymers exhibiting a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) effect is presented. Ring opening metathesis polymerization has been chosen as polymerization method because of its high functional group tolerance, the reliability and the capability to synthesize different polymer architectures such as self‐assembling block copolymers, which currently gain much attention in nanotechnology, electronics, and biomedical applications. In a first step, the polymerization behavior of oligo(ethylene glycol) monoalkyl ether [HO(CH2CH2O)nR, n = 2, 3 and 5–9, R = Et or Me] substituted norbornene derivatives with [(H2IMes) (py)Cl2Ru(3‐phenyl‐indenylid‐1‐ene)] (H2IMes = N,N‐bis(mesityl) 4,5‐dihydroimidazol‐2‐yl, py = pyridine) was assessed. While monomers bearing short oligo(ethylene glycol)monoalkyl ether groups (n = 2 or 3) allowed for controlled polymerization, the monomers featuring long oligo(ethylene glycol)monoalkyl ether groups could not be polymerized in a controlled manner. Only polymers prepared from endo,exo‐bicyclo[2.2.1]hept‐5‐ene‐2,3‐dicarboxylic acid, bis[2‐[2‐(2‐ethoxyethoxy)ethoxy]ethyl] ester (2) showed satisfactory water solubility and a LCST of about 25 °C. This temperature is largely independent from the molecular weight and the macromolecular architecture of the polymers as it was revealed from determination of the LCST of a series of statistic and block copolymers incorporating less‐polar comonomers. The molecular weight affects the complete transition value (ΔT), which is rising with increasing degree of polymerization. ΔT values smaller than 1 °C can be obtained with statistic copolymers of 2 with less polar monomers like endo,exo‐bicyclo[2.2.1]hept‐5‐ene‐2,3‐dicarboxylic acid dimethyl ester. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 2098–2108, 2010
UV‐curable bismaleimides containing poly(dimethylsiloxane): Use as hydrophobic agent
Authors: Pozos vázquez Cuauhtémoc , Tayouo Russell , Joly‐Duhamel Christine , Boutevin Bernard
Published: April 2010

The synthesis and characterization of poly(dimethylsiloxanes) bearing maleimides end‐groups (PDMSM) were carried out through imidization of maleic anhydride with three poly(dimethylsiloxanes) diamines of different molecular weights. Self‐photopolymerization of PDMSM was studied by Real‐Time Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (RT‐FTIR) and was possible even without photoinitiator (Darocur 1173). The reaction was found to proceed within seconds upon exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation to generate highly crosslinked polymer networks. The results indicated that these polymerizations were less sensitive to oxygen inhibition than the radical processes carried out on conventional UV‐curable acrylate resins. The thermal and mechanical properties of these resulting materials were studied starting from PDMS precursors with different molecular weights. These materials exhibit a low glass transition temperature (<−100 °C) and a high degradation temperature (400 °C) depending on the density of crosslinking points. These PDMSM are suitable as hydrophobic additives in a coating formulation based on a UV cured polypropylene glycol bismaleimide. Only a very small amount of silicone additives (0.3 wt %) is needed to change the wettability on the surface of the films. The migration of the additive was clearly shown before irradiation by scanning electron microscopy EDX and surface energy measurements. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 2123–2134, 2010
Free‐radical copolymerization of 2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl methacrylate and 2,2,2‐trichloroethyl α‐fluoroacrylate: Synthesis, kinetics of copolymerization, and characterization
Authors: Cracowski Jean‐Marc , Montembault Véronique , Améduri Bruno
Published: April 2010

Copolymers based on 2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl methacrylate (MATRIFE) and 2,2,2‐trichlororoethyl α‐fluoroacrylate (FATRICE) were synthesized in good yields by radical process initiated by tert‐butyl 2,2‐dimethylperoxypropanoate. Molar composition of the obtained poly(MATRIFE‐co‐FATRICE) copolymers were assessed by means of 1H and 19F nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and by elemental analysis. The reactivity ratios, ri, of both comonomers were determined from the Kelen‐Tüdos and Finneman‐Ross methods (rMATRIFE = 1.52 ± 0.03 and rFATRICE = 0.61 ± 0.03 at 74 °C) showing unexpectedly that MATRIFE is the more reactive monomer in copolymerization. Molecular weights and polydispersity indexes of poly(MATRIFE‐co‐FATRICE) copolymers were ranging between 1.47 and 2.68 × 104 g·mol−1 and from 1.44 to 2.21, respectively. Thermal properties of the resulting polymers were examined and thermogravimetric analyses showed a satisfactory thermal stability, a thermal decomposition occurring from 220 to 295 °C as the molar ratio of FATRICE increased in the copolymer. Moreover, the glass transition temperatures of copolymers varied from 66 to 108 °C and also increased with FATRICE molar ratio in the copolymers. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 2154–2161, 2010
Facile synthesis of fluorescent quantum dot‐polymer nanocomposites via frontal polymerization
Authors: Fang Yuan , Chen Li , Wang Cai‐feng , Chen Su
Published: April 2010

We report an available approach for quickly fabricating CdS QD‐polymer nanocomposites via frontal polymerization (FP). First, we synthesized (3‐mercaptopropyl)‐1‐trimethoxysilane (MPS)‐capped CdS quantum dots (QDs). With these MPS‐capped CdS QDs containing mercapto groups, MPS‐capped CdS QDs can be easily incorporated into a poly(N‐methylolacrylamide) (PNMA) matrix via FP. A variety of features for preparing QD‐polymer nanocomposites, such as initiator concentration and CdS concentration, were thoroughly investigated. The fluorescence properties of QD‐polymer nanocomposites prepared via FP are comparatively investigated on the basis of ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectra and photoluminescence (PL) spectra. Results show that the PL intensity of QD‐polymer nanocomposites prepared via the FP method is superior to that obtained by the traditional batch polymerization (BP) method. In addition, by measuring the changes of PL intensity of the samples immersed in different concentrations of copper acetate solution, we found the QD‐polymer nanocomposites can be ultrasensitive to copper ions. This FP process can be exploited as a facile and rapid way for synthesis QD‐polymer nanocomposites on a large scale, avoiding the fluorescence quenching of nanocrystals during incorporation nanocrystals into polymer matrices. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 2170–2177, 2010
Polyisobutylene‐based polyurethanes. V. Oxidative‐hydrolytic stability and biocompatibility
Authors: Kang Jungmee , Erdodi Gabor , Brendel Christopher M. , Ely Daniel , Kennedy Joseph P.
Published: April 2010

The oxidative/hydrolytic stability of polyurethanes (PUs) containing exclusively polyisobutylene (PIB), or mixed PIB/polytetramethylene oxide (PTMO), or mixed PIB/polyhexamethylene carbonate (PC) soft segments was investigated. The tensile strengths and elongations of various PUs were determined before and after agitating in 35% HNO3 or 20% H2O2/0.1 M CoCl2 solutions and retentions were quantified. The presence of PIB imparts significant oxidative/hydrolytic resistance. The tensile strength and elongation of PUs containing 70% PIB, or those of mixed PIB/PC soft segments with 50% PIB, remained essentially unchanged upon exposure to HNO3; in contrast, PUs containing mixed PIB/PTMO soft segments with 50% PIB underwent significant degradation. The tensile strength of PUs with mixed PIB/PC (60/10%) soft segment increased after exposure to HNO3, most likely because of oxidative crosslinking of PC segments. PIB/PTMO‐ and PIB/PC‐based PUs and commercially available PUs (Elast‐Eon® and Carbothane®) were exposed to H2O2/CoCl2 solutions for up to 14 weeks. Although the experimental PIB/PC‐based PUs exhibited negligible change in mechanical properties and no surface damage, Elast‐Eon® and Carbothane® showed significant surface damage. PIB‐based polyureas and Bionate® were implanted in rats for 4 weeks in vivo, and their biocompatibility was investigated. The biocompatibility of PIB‐based materials was superior to Bionate®. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 2194–2203, 2010
SET‐LRP of methyl methacrylate initiated with sulfonyl halides
Authors: Fleischmann Sven , Percec Virgil
Published: April 2010

Single electron transfer‐living radical polymerization (SET‐LRP) represents a robust and versatile method for the rapid synthesis of macromolecules with defined architecture. The present article describes the polymerization of methyl methacrylate by SET‐LRP in protic solvent mixtures. Herein, the polymerization process was catalyzed by a straightforward Cu(0)wire/Me6‐TREN catalyst while initiation was obtained by toluenesulfonyl chloride. All experiments were conducted at 50 °C and the living polymerization was demonstrated by kinetic evaluation of the SET‐LRP. The process follows first order kinetic until all monomer is consumed which was typically achieved within 4 h. The molecular weight increased linearly with conversion and the molecular weight distributions were very narrow with Mw/Mn ∼ 1.1. Detailed investigations of the polymer samples by MALDI‐TOF confirmed that no termination took place and that the chain end functionality is retained throughout the polymerization process. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 2236–2242, 2010
Design and evaluation of a dopant‐delivery system for an orthogonal atmospheric‐pressure photoionization source and its performance in the analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Authors: Ehrenhauser Franz S. , Wornat Mary J. , Valsaraj Kalliat T. , Rodriguez Paul
Published: April 2010

Atmospheric‐pressure photoionization (APPI) mass spectrometry benefits from the addition of an ionization‐enhancing dopant such as benzene. A passive dopant‐delivery system has therefore been designed for use with the orthogonal APPI source within a commercial liquid chromatographic instrument with mass spectrometric detector. By providing the dopant in the gas phase, the newly designed equipment avoids mixing problems and other difficulties associated with liquid dopant addition. The system is a simple and durable design that can reliably deliver virtually any dopant with sufficient vapor pressure in the temperature range of 20 to 120°C. At the optimum dopant flow rate (10% of the mobile phase flow rate) for high‐performance liquid chromatography with narrow‐bore (2.1 mm) columns, the system allows for uninterrupted routine analysis for up to two weeks. The performance of the device has been evaluated with benzene as dopant and with a test mixture consisting of four polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH): naphthalene, 9H‐fluorene, anthracene, and phenanthrene. All four PAH can be detected with an excellent signal‐to‐noise ratio in the scanning mode and a limit of detection down to 0.42 ng on column (51 pg in single‐ion monitoring mode). The concentration calibration curves are linear over a range of three orders of magnitude, with correlation coefficients greater than 0.99. The utilization of benzene as dopant not only increases the sensitivity significantly – 20‐fold, compared with dopant‐free operation – but the low m/z values of the background ions observed also allow for the effective quantitative and qualitative analysis of PAH. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.