bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Studies on the effect of maleic anhydride–grafted polypropylene with different MFI on mechanical, thermal and morphological properties of fly ash-filled PP composites
Authors: Kulkarni MB , Mahanwar PA 
Published: February 2013

Present study deals with the effect of variation in melt flow index (MFI) of maleic anhydride–grafted polypropylene (PP- g-MAH) as a polymeric compatibilizing agent on various properties of fly ash (FA)-filled polypropylene (PP) composites. The FA content was varied from 0 to 40 wt%. The effect of polymeric compatibilizing agents with different MFI and very high maleic anhydride (MAH) content on interfacial adhesion between filler and matrix and filler dispersion were studied. The mechanical and thermal properties of the composite material were evaluated, and the microstructure was investigated through scanning electron microscopy. The values of yield stress and breaking strength of compatibilized PP/PP- g-MAH/FA-based composites showed higher values compared to that of untreated FA-filled PP composites at corresponding filler content. Incorporation of FA into PP led to stiffer materials, as tensile modulus increased significantly. Tensile and impact properties varied with varying molecular weight of PP in PP- g-MAH and are essentially decided by wettability of the filler. It is also found that heat-deflection temperature and vicat softening point improved with the addition of FA filler. The use of PP- g-MAH as polymeric coupling agent provides improvement in mechanical and thermal properties of filled polymers. The higher effect of compatibilization is obtained using high-molecular-weight PP in PP- g-MAH as a polymeric compatibilizing agent and low-molecular-weight PP in PP- g-MAH resulted in better dispersion of FA in PP matrix. The overall results showed that FA dispersion and interfacial adhesion are greatly affected by the kind of PP- g-MAH.
Effect of nano-calcium carbonate content on the properties of poly(urethane methacrylate) nanocomposites
Authors: Maurya Shyam Dev , Purushothaman M , Krishnan P Santhana Gopala , Nayak Sanjay K 
Published: February 2013

Nanocomposites containing nano-calcium carbonate (nano-CaCO3) in the range of 0.25–1.5% (w/w) were prepared via in situ polymerization of urethane methacrylate pre-polymer derived from poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG 400), polymeric diphenylmethane diisocyanate and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate. Incorporation of nano-CaCO3 into poly (urethane methacrylate) matrix was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and wide-angle x-ray diffraction studies. Density studies indicated that nanocomposites containing 0.75 wt% nano-CaCO3 had more condensed microstructure. Tensile strength, abrasion resistance, heat deflection temperature and shore hardness of nanocomposites were found to be higher than that of pristine polymer. Impact strength decreased with an increase in the nano-CaCO3 content. Thermal studies indicated single-step degradation under a nitrogen atmosphere. Scanning electron microscopy studies confirmed the uniform distribution of nano-CaCO3 at lower loading of nano-CaCO3 and microcracking occurred during wearing.
Development of novel chiral poly(amide–imide)/bionanocomposites containing N,N′-(pyromellitoyl)-bis-phenylalanine units reinforced by organoclay and modified TiO2
Authors: Mallakpour Shadpour , Ayatollahi Hesan 
Published: February 2013

In the present investigation, novel optically active poly(amid–imide) (PAI)/organoclay (OC)/titanium dioxide (TiO2) bionanocomposite (BNC) films were prepared by solution intercalation method. These BNCs were synthesized by blending the chiral OC and modified TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) with the PAI solution. An optically active PAI containing l-phenylalanine amino acid was synthesized via direct polycondensation reaction of N, N′-(pyromellitoyl)-bis-phenylalanine diacid 4 with 4,4′-diaminodiphenylsulfone 5 in the presence of molten tetrabutylammonium bromide as a green solvent. This polymer was end capped with amine end groups of diamine in the final polymerization process. Cloisite Na+ and protonated form of l-phenylalanine amino acid were used for the preparation of the chiral OC via ion-exchange reaction. The surface of TiO2 NPs was fictionalized by KH550 (γ-aminopropyltriethoxyl) coupling agent under ultrasonic irradiation. Finally, PAI/OC/TiO2 BNC films containing 5 wt% of the OC and 5, 10 and 15 wt% of modified TiO2 were prepared via solution intercalation technique. The resulting hybrid materials were subjected to Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis techniques and x-ray diffraction. The morphology of the obtained materials was examined by transmission electron microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy techniques.
Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes of the Mobility Total Ankle Arthroplasty System
Authors: Sproule J. A. , Chin T. , Amin A. , Daniels T. , Younger A. S. , Boyd G. , Glazebrook M. A. 
Published: February 2013

Background: The Mobility Total Ankle System is a third-generation design consisting of a 3-component, cementless, unconstrained, mobile-bearing prosthesis. This study reports the early results of a prospective multicenter study of the Mobility prosthesis. Methods: Eighty-eight Mobility total ankle arthroplasties (TAAs) were implanted in 85 patients. The most common underlying diagnosis was posttraumatic arthritis (53%). Ankles were classified according to the Canadian Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (COFAS) end-stage ankle arthritis classification system. Coronal plane deformity was quantified preoperatively. Patients were reviewed at regular intervals postoperatively, with clinical and radiographic assessment. The mean follow-up time was 40 months (range, 30-60 months). Results: Type 1 ankle arthritis was demonstrated in 44 ankles (50%). No patient had preoperative coronal plane angulation greater than 20 degrees. In 32 ankles (36%) the preoperative coronal alignment was neutral, and in 34 ankles (39%) the deformity was less than 10 degrees. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot score improved from 38.2 (range, 12-59) preoperatively to 74.8 (range, 46-100) postoperatively. Bone-implant interface abnormalities were identified in 33 ankles with a retained prostheses (43%). Thirty (91%) of these involved zones around the tibial plate. In total, 8 TAAs required revision, 6 for aseptic loosening, 1 for talar migration, and 1 for deep infection. There was 1 conversion to arthrodesis for component malpositioning and 1 transtibial amputation for chronic regional pain syndrome. Six patients were being investigated for ongoing pain. The cumulative survival was 89.6% (95% confidence interval, 80.8-94.8) at 3 years and 88.4% (95% confidence interval, 79.3-93.9) at 4 years. Conclusion: Early results of the Mobility TAA for independent researchers do not match those reported by other surgeons. Good pain relief and improved function were achieved postoperatively in 72 ankles (82%). High rates of bone-implant interface abnormalities around the tibial plate are concerning but require longer follow-up to determine their clinical significance. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.
Radiographic Factors and Effect of Fifth Metatarsal Jones and Diaphyseal Stress Fractures on Participation in the NFL
Authors: Carreira Dominic S. , Sandilands Scott M. 
Published: February 2013

Introduction: Jones fracture and proximal diaphyseal stress fracture of the fifth metatarsal have been associated with prolonged healing times and nonunions. We hypothesized that the Jones fracture and proximal diaphyseal stress fracture have a high incidence in elite collegiate football players and that they lead to a decrease in participation in the NFL. Also, we hypothesized that these fractures are associated with a cavovarus foot alignment. Materials and Methods: The database collected by a single NFL team during the 2004 to 2009 NFL Combines was reviewed to identify players with Jones and proximal diaphyseal fifth metatarsal fractures. A total of 74 fifth metatarsal fractures were identified in 68 players. Subsequent participation data also were collected through the NFL.com website and included games played and years played. Digital plain radiographs and additional imaging studies also were reviewed to determine the extent of healing, types of fixation utilized, and foot alignment. Results: The locations of fractures in the proximal fifth metatarsal were 45 (61%) in the Jones area, 15 (20%) in the proximal diaphyseal area, and 14 (19%) of indeterminate location. The number of patients treated with intramedullary fixation was 55/74 (74%). Of 74 proximal fifth metatarsal fractures, 9 (12.2%) were nonunions at the time of the NFL Combine medical examinations. With the numbers available, the average number of games played in the NFL was not significantly different in the fifth metatarsal fracture group, 16.9, compared to the control group, 24.9 ( P > .05). The average number of games started was 7.4 in the fracture group versus 12.1 in the control group ( P > .05). No significant differences were noted in the number of years played in the NFL. Except for talonavicular angle measurements, all measurements of coronal plane alignment demonstrated significant differences across groups, but no differences were noted in sagittal plane alignment. Conclusion: No statistically significant difference was noted in participation in the NFL following Jones fractures and proximal diaphyseal stress fractures of the fifth metatarsal, although a trend toward decreased participation was noted. Radiographic abnormalities were noted in the coronal plane with varus alignment, but not in the sagittal plane. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective cohort study.
Opinions about evidence: A study of social workers’ attitudes towards evidence-based practice
Authors: Gray Mel , Joy Elyssa , Plath Debbie , Webb Stephen A 
Published: February 2013

Summary This article reports on a large survey of Australian social workers regarding their attitudes to evidence-based practice and thoughts on the factors affecting its implementation in human service organisations. Findings Findings from a national survey of Australian social workers found a degree of support for evidence-based practice with the majority of respondents reporting changes in practice due to the influence of research. A sample size of 364 social workers formed the basis of the final analysis. Both the support for evidence-based practice and the reported changes in practice due to new evidence was highest among social workers in management positions and those with between 10 and 30 years is needed post-qualifying practice experience. The survey also found, however, an unsophisticated understanding of evidence and evidence-based practice and ‘inadequate’ skills in the critical appraisal of research. Applications Despite the level of support for evidence-based practice, responses to open-ended questions reflected reservations about the formalisation, relevance, useability, and applicability of the EBP agenda among social workers. Given that the issues relating to the transfer of research to practice appear far more complex than EBP suggests, this study sought to understand the complex dynamics of the research transfer process in social work and the human services.
Outcomes of Thrombolysis With and Without Predilation of the Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) in Patients With Budd–Chiari Syndrome With Old IVC Thrombosis
Authors: Ren Jian-Zhuang , Huang Guo-Hao , Ding Peng-Xu , Wu Gang , Han Xin-Wei , Wang Yan-Li 
Published: February 2013

Purpose: To compare the efficacy of thrombolysis with and without predilation of the inferior vena cava (IVC) for Budd–Chiari syndrome (BCS) with old IVC thrombosis. Methods: We divided 40 patients with BCS with old IVC thrombosis into 2 groups, group A (n = 21), thrombolysis after dilation of the obstructed IVC and group B (n = 19), thrombolysis without predilation of the obstructed IVC. Thrombolysis was performed via urokinase administration through the dorsal vein of the foot. Results: Color Doppler ultrasonography at 30 days showed complete resolution of the thrombus in 21 (100%) group A patients and 6 group B patients (31.6%; P < .001). Thrombolysis was achieved using a lower dose of urokinase and within a shorter time frame in group A than in group B ( P < .001). Conclusions: Thrombolysis after dilation was superior to thrombolysis alone and was safe and efficacious in patients with BCS with old IVC thrombosis.
Synopsis of recent guidelines on pancreatic exocrine insufficiency
Authors: Löhr J‐Matthias , Oliver Mark R , Frulloni Luca 
Published: February 2013

BackgroundIn recent years, three national gastroenterology societies established guidelines for the diagnosis and therapy of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI). In addition, the Cochrane Collaboration issued a review.ObjectiveThe purpose of this paper is to present an overview of the recommendations and concordance between the four recent published guidelines and stimulate further discussion.MethodsA review of the Australian, German and Italian guidelines and the Cochrane review was conducted, and a synthesis was made of common statements.ResultsThere is a high degree of agreement on almost all items within these guidelines, both in the diagnosis of PEI and in terms of therapy and approach to management of PEI. In addition, novel emerging developments are highlighted, such as the fecal elastase‐1 test, which is widely used but is not suitable for measuring mild‐to‐moderate PEI despite its ability to positively establish the diagnosis of severe PEI. One of the few novel tests proving to be useful is the 13 C mixed‐chain triglycerides (MCT) breath test. This test, albeit an excellent quantitative test, is not widely used and is rarely available. The use of this test is making it apparent that there is a difference between treating the symptoms of PEI and treating malnutrition, the broader underlying defect. This may have direct consequences for the dosing of pancreatic enzymes (pancreatin), in that the consensus starting dose of all guidelines may be too low for some patients. Although chronic pancreatitis in adults and cystic fibrosis in children account for the main evidence base used for PEI, other indications are also discussed.ConclusionsThere is good concordance between recommendations provided by international groups. More prospective studies are required in many areas, including the use of pancreatic enzymes in other gastrointestinal disorders, such as celiac disease and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). We also need to assess the feasibility of the 13 C MCT breath test. At the same time, it needs to be confirmed that higher doses of pancreatic enzymes are really necessary to not only relieve the symptoms of PEI but also treat malnutrition appropriately.
Comparison of a standard fully covered stent with a super‐thick silicone‐covered stent for the treatment of refractory esophageal benign strictures: A prospective multicenter study
Authors: Chaput Ulriikka , Heresbach Denis , Audureau Etienne , Vanbiervliet Geoffroy , Gaudric Marianne , Bichard Philippe , Bauret Paul , Coumaros Dimitri , Ponchon Thierry , Fumex Fabien , Bensoussan Emmanuel , Lamouliatte Hervé , Chryssostalis Ariane , Robin Françoise , Prat Frédéric 
Published: February 2013

BackgroundSome esophageal strictures resist endoscopic treatments. There is a need for new treatments, such as specifically designed stents.ObjectiveOur study sought to compare the results achieved with a standard, fully covered metallic stent (FCMS) and those achieved using a stent designed specifically for benign strictures (BS‐FCMS).Patients and methodsThe study used a prospective, multicenter, controlled design, with patients recruited from tertiary referral centers. Patients with refractory esophageal strictures were included. Standard FCMS were used in group 1 (N  = 24), and BS‐FCMS were used in group 2 (N  = 17). Patients were followed for 24 months after stent removal. The main outcomes measured were stricture resolution rate, 24 months’ recurrence rate and stent‐related morbidity.ResultsEarly stent migrations occurred in one (4.1%) patient from group 1 and five (29.4%) from group 2 (p  < 0.05). During esophageal stenting, complications occurred in six patients (25%) in group 1 and six patients (35.3%) in group 2 (p  = 0.47), respectively. Fifty percent of complications were attributed to migration. There was no procedure‐related morbidity associated with the extraction of the stent. The stricture resolution rate was, respectively, 95.2% in group 1 and 87.5% in group 2 (the difference between the two groups is not significant). During follow‐up, stricture recurrence occurred in 15/19 patients (group 1, 79%) and 7/8 patients (group 2, 87.5%; p  = 1.0). The median time to recurrence of esophageal stricture was 1.7 months (group 1, 0.6–12 months) and 1 month (group 2, 0.1–6 months). Study limitations include its nonrandomized design.ConclusionThe stricture resolution rate was high at the end of the stenting period for both types of stents without any statistical difference between the two groups, but the long‐term results were disappointing, with stricture recurring frequently and rapidly in both groups.
Smoking, breastfeeding, physical inactivity, contact with animals, and size of the family influence the risk of inflammatory bowel disease: A Slovak case–control study
Authors: Hlavaty Tibor , Toth Jozef , Koller Tomas , Krajcovicova Anna , Oravcova Stanislava , Zelinkova Zuzana , Huorka Martin 
Published: February 2013

BackgroundThe aetiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is not known but is likely to involve a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental risk factors. Smoking has been associated consistently with a higher risk of Crohn’s disease (CD), while appendectomy and smoking appear to diminish the risk of ulcerative colitis (UC). The roles of other environmental factors are unclear. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association of CD and UC with several environmental risk factors.MethodsThis case–control study included 338 patients (190 CD, 148 UC) and 355 controls. All subjects completed a detailed questionnaire regarding breastfeeding duration, history of helminthic infections, allergic diseases, appendectomy, household size, housing type, contact with specific domestic animals, physical activity, and smoking. Associations between risk factors and CD and UC were investigated by univariate and multivariate analysis.ResultsOn multivariate analysis, CD associated with smoking at diagnosis (odds ratio, OR, 3.7, 95% CI 2.2–6.2; p  < 0.001), being breastfed for <6 months (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.7–4.4; p  < 0.001), and less than two childhood sporting activities weekly (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.5–5.0; p  < 0.001) and inversely associated with frequent contact with cats in childhood (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.4–0.9; p  < 0.03). UC associated with less than two sporting weekly activities in childhood (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.1–3.5, p  = 0.02), fewer household members in childhood (OR 0.8, 95% CI 0.7–0.98, p  = 0.03), and being breastfed for <6 months (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.02–2.8, p  = 0.04). A composite environmental risk index for CD revealed that 47 and 14% of the controls and patients with CD had no risk factors, respectively, and that 14 and 38% of the controls and patients with CD had at least two risk factors, respectively.ConclusionCD and UC associated with infrequent childhood sports activities and short breastfeeding. Furthermore, CD associated with smoking and infrequent contact with animals in childhood. UC associated with a smaller family size in childhood.
Novel core promoter elements in the oomycete pathogen Phytophthora infestansand their influence on expression detected by genome-wide analysis
Authors: Roy Sourav , Poidevin Laetitia , Jiang Tao , Judelson Howard S 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
The core promoter is the region flanking the transcription start site (TSS) that directs formation of the pre-initiation complex. Core promoters have been studied intensively in mammals and yeast, but not in more diverse eukaryotes. Here we investigate core promoters in oomycetes, a group within the Stramenopile kingdom that includes important plant and animal pathogens. Prior studies of a small collection of genes proposed that oomycete core promoters contain a 16 to 19 nt motif bearing an Initiator-like sequence (INR) flanked by a novel sequence named FPR, but this has not been extended to whole-genome analysis.

Results
We used expectation maximization to find over-represented motifs near TSSs of Phytophthora infestans, the potato blight pathogen. The motifs corresponded to INR, FPR, and a new element found about 25 nt downstream of the TSS called DPEP. TATA boxes were not detected. Assays of DPEP function by mutagenesis were consistent with its role as a core motif. Genome-wide searches found a well-conserved combined INR+FPR in only about 13% of genes after correcting for false discovery, which contradicted prior reports that INR and FPR are found together in most genes. INR or FPR were found alone near TSSs in 18% and 7% of genes, respectively. Promoters lacking the motifs had pyrimidine-rich regions near the TSS. The combined INR+FPR motif was linked to higher than average mRNA levels, developmentally-regulated transcription, and functions related to plant infection, while DPEP and FPR were over-represented in constitutively-expressed genes. The INR, FPR, and combined INR+FPR motifs were detected in other oomycetes including Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis, Phytophthora sojae, Pythium ultimum, and Saprolegnia parasitica, while DPEP was found in all but S. parasitica. Only INR seemed present in a non-oomycete stramenopile.

Conclusions
The absence of a TATA box and presence of novel motifs show that the oomycete core promoter is diverged from that of model systems, and likely explains the lack of activity of non-oomycete promoters in Phytophthora transformants. The association of the INR+FPR motif with developmentally-regulated genes shows that oomycete core elements influence stage-specific transcription in addition to regulating formation of the pre-initiation complex.