bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High‐Performance Phototransistors Based on Single‐Crystalline n‐Channel Organic Nanowires and Photogenerated Charge‐Carrier Behaviors
Authors: Yu Hojeong , Bao Zhenan , Oh Joon Hak 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe photoelectronic characteristics of single‐crystalline nanowire organic phototransistors (NW‐OPTs) are studied using a high‐performance n‐channel organic semiconductor, N,N′‐bis(2‐phenylethyl)‐perylene‐3,4:9,10‐tetracarboxylic diimide (BPE‐PTCDI), as the photoactive layer. The optoelectronic performances of the NW‐OPTs are analyzed by way of their current–voltage (I–V) characteristics on irradiation at different wavelengths, and comparison with corresponding thin‐film organic phototransistors (OPTs). Significant enhancement in the charge‐carrier mobility of NW‐OPTs is observed upon light irradiation as compared with when performed in the dark. A mobility enhancement is observed when the incident optical power density increases and the wavelength of the light source matches the light‐absorption range of the photoactive material. The photoswitching ratio is strongly dependent upon the incident optical power density, whereas the photoresponsivity is more dependent on matching the light‐source wavelength with the maximum absorption range of the photoactive material. BPE‐PTCDI NW‐OPTs exhibit much higher external quantum efficiency (EQE) values (≈7900 times larger) than thin‐film OPTs, with a maximum EQE of 263 000%. This is attributed to the intrinsically defect‐free single‐crystalline nature of the BPE‐PTCDI NWs. In addition, an approach is devised to analyze the charge‐transport behaviors using charge accumulation/release rates from deep traps under on/off switching of external light sources.
Si‐Encapsulating Hollow Carbon Electrodes via Electroless Etching for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Park Yuwon , Choi Nam‐Soon , Park Sangjin , Woo Seung Hee , Sim Soojin , Jang Bo Yun , Oh Seung M. , Park Soojin , Cho Jaephil , Lee Kyu Tae 
Published: September 2012

AbstractRemarkable improvements in the electrochemical performance of Si materials for Li‐ion batteries have been recently achieved, but the inherent volume change of Si still induces electrode expansion and external cell deformation. Here, the void structure in Si‐encapsulating hollow carbons is optimized in order to minimize the volume expansion of Si‐based anodes and improve electrochemical performance. When compared to chemical etching, the hollow structure is achieved via electroless etching is more advanced due to the improved electrical contact between carbon and Si. Despite the very thick electrodes (30 ∼ 40 μm), this results in better cycle and rate performances including little capacity fading over 50 cycles and 1100 mA h g−1 at 2C rate. Also, an in situ dilatometer technique is used to perform a comprehensive study of electrode thickness change, and Si‐encapsulating hollow carbon mitigates the volume change of electrodes by adoption of void space, resulting in a small volume increase of 18% after full lithiation corresponding with a reversible capacity of about 2000 mA h g−1.
Lentivirus‐Mediated RNAi Knockdown of NUPR1 Inhibits Human Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer Growth In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Guo Xiaotong , Wang Wei , Hu Jing , Feng Kejian , Pan Yanming , Zhang Linyou , Feng Yukuan 
Published: September 2012

AbstractNUPR1 (nuclear protein 1) was found to play a key role in the development of several malignancies including pancreas, breast, and prostate cancers. However, the functional role of NUPR1 in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) progression and development is little known. Here, lentivirus‐mediated small interfering RNA (siRNA) was employed to downregulate endogenous NUPR1 expression to study the function of NUPR1 in growth of nonsmall cell lung cancer. A lentivirus‐mediated RNAi technology was used to specifically knock down the expression of NUPR1 in H1299 cells. Quantitative real‐time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, flow cytometry, western blot and cell count assays were studied to characterize NUPR1 expression in vitro. Furthermore, nonsmall cell lung cancer xenograft models in nude mice were established to investigate whether knockdown of NUPR1 reduces the tumor growth in vivo. We found that downregulation of NUPR1 expression significantly inhibited nonsmall cell lung cancer H1299 cells proliferation and colony formation in vitro. Moreover, the specific downregulation of NUPR1 arrested cells in G0 phase of cell cycle and increased apoptosis rate. Silencing of NUPR1 also suppressed tumor growth by tail vein injection of lentivirus encoded shRNA against NUPR1 in vivo. Our findings revealed that the NUPR1 gene represents a promising target for gene silencing therapy in nonsmall cell lung cancer. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prednisolone‐Glucose Derivative Conjugate: Synthesis, Biodistribution and Pharmacodynamics Evaluation
Authors: Liu Xing , Li Wenhao , Liang Zhen , Zhang Xuan , Guo Yangming , Gong Tao , Zhang Zhirong 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThis study was aimed at synthesizing and evaluating a prednisolone‐glucose derivative conjugate (PDG) that was expected to increase renal biodistribution without affecting pharmacological action and to decrease the systemic side effects of prednisolone. The PDG was designed and synthesized by tethering 6‐amino‐6‐deoxy‐D‐glucose (a D‐glucose derivative) to prednisolone and its chemical structure was confirmed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and LC‐MS. This conjugate was then subjected to in vitro and in vivo evaluation like stability studies, biological distribution, pharmacodynamics, and systemic side effects studies. In these studies, PDG not only showed significant enhancement of renal target efficiency with high values of relative uptake efficiency (RE, 24.1), concentration efficiency (CE, 8.6), and kidney targeting index (KTI, 16.3), but retained the curative potency against minimal change nephrosis (MCN). In the systemic side effects study, no osteoporosis was observed in rats after the administration of PDG for 20 days, which exhibited limited side effects. Conclusively, our findings showed a pharmacologically active conjugate with the characteristics of renal targeting and limited systemic side effects. The results implied the potential of PDG as a promising therapeutic in the treatment of renal diseases.
Systematic review of serious games for medical education and surgical skills training
Authors: Graafland M , Schraagen J M , Schijven M P 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
The application of digital games for training medical professionals is on the rise. So-called ‘serious’ games form training tools that provide a challenging simulated environment, ideal for future surgical training. Ultimately, serious games are directed at reducing medical error and subsequent healthcare costs. The aim was to review current serious games for training medical professionals and to evaluate the validity testing of such games.

Methods
PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, PsychInfo and CINAHL were searched using predefined inclusion criteria for available studies up to April 2012. The primary endpoint was validation according to current criteria.

Results
A total of 25 articles were identified, describing a total of 30 serious games. The games were divided into two categories: those developed for specific educational purposes (17) and commercial games also useful for developing skills relevant to medical personnel (13). Pooling of data was not performed owing to the heterogeneity of study designs and serious games. Six serious games were identified that had a process of validation. Of these six, three games were developed for team training in critical care and triage, and three were commercially available games applied to train laparoscopic psychomotor skills. None of the serious games had completed a full validation process for the purpose of use.

Conclusion
Blended and interactive learning by means of serious games may be applied to train both technical and non-technical skills relevant to the surgical field. Games developed or used for this purpose need validation before integration into surgical teaching curricula.
Acute aortic dissection type A
Authors: Krüger T , Conzelmann L O , Bonser R S , Borger M A , Czerny M , Wildhirt S , Carrel T , Mohr F W , Schlensak C , Weigang E 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
Acute aortic dissection type A (AADA) is a life-threatening vascular emergency. Clinical presentation ranges from pain related to the acute event, collapse due to aortic rupture or pericardial tamponade, or manifestations of organ or limb ischaemia. The purpose of this review was to clarify important clinical issues of AADA management, with a focus on diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

Methods
Based on a MEDLINE search the latest literature on this topic was reviewed. Results from the German Registry for Acute Aortic Dissection Type A (GERAADA) are also described.

Results
Currently, the perioperative mortality rate of AADA is below 20 per cent, the rate of definitive postoperative neurological impairment approaches 12 per cent and the long-term prognosis after surviving the acute phase of the disease is good. Many pathology- and therapy-associated factors influence the outcome of AADA, including prompt diagnosis with computed tomography and better cerebral protection strategies during aortic arch reconstruction. Endovascular technologies are emerging that may lead to less invasive treatment options.

Conclusion
AADA is an emergency that can present with a wide variety of clinical scenarios. Advances in the surgical management of this complex disease are improving outcomes.
Randomized clinical trial of chronic pain after the transinguinal preperitoneal technique compared with Lichtenstein's method for inguinal hernia repair
Authors: Koning G G , Keus F , Koeslag L , Cheung C L , Avçi M , van Laarhoven C J H M , Vriens P W H E 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
Preliminary experience has suggested that preperitoneal mesh positioning causes less chronic pain than Lichtenstein's technique for inguinal hernia repair. Therefore, a randomized clinical trial was conducted with the aim of evaluating the incidence of postoperative chronic pain after transinguinal preperitoneal (TIPP) mesh repair versus Lichtenstein's technique.

Methods
Patients with a primary unilateral inguinal hernia were randomized to either TIPP or Lichtenstein's repair in two training hospitals. The primary outcome was the number of patients with chronic pain after surgery. Secondary outcomes were adverse events. Follow-up was scheduled after 14 days, 3 months and 1 year. Patients and outcome assessors were blinded.

Results
A total of 302 patients were randomized to TIPP (143) or Lichtenstein (159) repair. Baseline characteristics were comparable in the two groups. Some 98·0 per cent of the patients were included in the analysis (141 in the TIPP group and 155 in the Lichtenstein group). Significantly fewer patients in the TIPP group had continuous chronic pain 1 year after surgery: five patients (3·5 per cent) versus 20 patients (12·9 per cent) in the Lichtenstein group (P = 0·004). An additional 12 patients (8·5 per cent) in the TIPP group and 60 (38·7 per cent) in the Lichtenstein group experienced pain during activity (P = 0·001). There were two patients with recurrence in the TIPP group and four in the Lichtenstein group, but no significant differences were found in other severe adverse events between the groups.

Conclusion
Fewer patients had continuous chronic pain at 1 year after the TIPP mesh inguinal hernia repair compared with Lichtenstein's repair. Registration number: ISRCTN93798494 (http://www.controlled-trials.com).
Volume and accreditation, but not specialty, affect quality standards in colonoscopy
Authors: Bhangu A , Bowley D M , Horner R , Baranowski E , Raman S , Karandikar S 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
The Global Rating Scale, defined by the Joint Advisory Group for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, requires monitoring of endoscopic performance indicators. There are known variations in colonoscopic performance, and investigation of factors causing this is needed. This study aimed to analyse the impact of endoscopist specialty and procedural volume on the quality of colonoscopy.

Methods
Data collected prospectively from a UK hospital endoscopy service between June 2007 and January 2010 were analysed. The main endpoint was the adenoma detection rate (ADR). Secondary endpoints were polyp detection rate (PDR), reported caecal intubation rate (CIR) and reported complications. Multivariable binary regression models were built to adjust for confounding patient-level and endoscopist-level variation.

Results
A total of 10 026 colonoscopies were included, with an overall ADR of 19·2 per cent, a CIR of 90·2 per cent and a perforation rate of 0·06 per cent. In univariable analyses, surgeons had a higher ADR and higher PDR, but lower CIR, compared with physicians. Surgeons had a significantly different case mix in terms of age, sex and indication for colonoscopy. After adjusting for this case mix in multivariable analysis, specialty was no longer a significant predictor of ADR; however, surgeons retained their higher PDR and physicians their higher CIR. Endoscopists accredited for screening and those performing more than 100 colonoscopies per year had a higher ADR.

Conclusion
Adjusting for case mix, physicians and surgeons performed equally well in terms of ADR. Accreditation and a higher annual number of colonoscopies were more important factors in achieving quality standards.
Randomized double-blind crossover study of alternative stimulator settings in sacral nerve stimulation for faecal incontinence
Authors: Duelund-Jakobsen J , Dudding T , Bradshaw E , Buntzen S , Lundby L , Laurberg S , Vaizey C 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
Sacral nerve stimulation is an established treatment for faecal incontinence. Nearly half of all patients experience loss of efficacy at some point. Standard reprogramming restores efficacy for some, but not all, patients. This study aimed to determine whether alternative stimulator settings would increase treatment efficacy.

Methods
Patients with sustained loss of efficacy were recruited from two international specialist centres. A number of alternative stimulation parameters were tested using a double-blind randomized crossover study design. Stimulation settings tested were pulse frequencies of 6·9 and 31 Hz, and pulse widths of 90 and 330 µs, compared with one standard setting of 14 Hz/210 µs. Treatment efficacy was evaluated using a disease-specific quality-of-life score (Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale, FIQLS) and a bowel habit diary completed before randomization, during the study period and after 3 months of follow-up with one preferred setting.

Results
Fifteen patients were analysed. With one preferred setting, three of four subdomains in the FIQLS improved significantly. The mean(s.d.) total number of incontinence episodes dropped from 11·7(10·8) to 4·8(4·5) per 3 weeks (P = 0·011) and improvements were maintained after 3 months of follow-up. Optimal pacemaker settings were individual, but a trend towards highest patient satisfaction and improved treatment outcome was evident for high-frequency stimulation (31 Hz/210 µs), which was preferred by eight of the 15 patients.

Conclusion
Patients experiencing loss of efficacy can experience improvement if alternative pacemaker settings are tested. High-frequency stimulation (31 Hz/210 µs) was preferred by more than half of the patients, and improved treatment outcome was sustained at 3 months. Registration number: NCT01254695 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
Randomized clinical trial on the effect of fibrin sealant on latissimus dorsi donor-site seroma formation after breast reconstruction
Authors: Llewellyn-Bennett R , Greenwood R , Benson J R , English R , Turner J , Rayter Z , Winters Z E 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
Latissimus dorsi (LD) flap procedures comprise 50 per cent of breast reconstructions in the UK. They are frequently complicated by seroma formation. Fibrin sealants may reduce seroma volumes at the donor site. The aim was to investigate the effect of fibrin sealant (Tisseel®) on total seroma volumes from the breast, axilla and back (donor site) after LD breast reconstruction. Secondary outcomes were specific back seroma volumes together with incidence and severity of wound complications.

Methods
Consecutive women undergoing implant-assisted or extended autologous LD flap reconstruction were randomized to either standard care or application of fibrin sealant to the donor-site chest wall. All participants were blinded for the study duration but assessors were only partially blinded. Non-parametric methods were used for analysis.

Results
A total of 107 women were included (sealant 54, control 53). Overall back seroma volumes were high, with no significant differences between control and sealant groups over 3 months. Fibrin sealant failed to reduce in situ back drainage volumes in the 10 days after surgery, and did not affect the rate or volume of seromas following drain removal.

Conclusion
This randomized study, which was powered for size effect, failed to show any benefit from fibrin sealant in minimizing back seromas after LD procedures.
Prognosis in patients with sentinel node-positive melanoma without immediate completion lymph node dissection
Authors:   for the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Melanoma Group, van der Ploeg A P T , van Akkooi A C J , Rutkowski P , Cook M , Nieweg O E , Rossi C R , Testori A , Suciu S , Verhoef C , Eggermont A M M 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
The therapeutic value of immediate completion lymph node dissection (CLND) for sentinel node (SN)-positive melanoma is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of immediate CLND on the outcome of patients with SN-positive melanoma.

Methods
Patients with SN metastases treated between 1993 and 2008 at ten cancer centres from the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Melanoma Group were included in this retrospective study. Maximum tumour size, intranodal location and penetrative depth of SN metastases were measured. Outcome in those who had CLND was compared with that in patients who did not undergo completion lymphadenectomy.

Results
Of 1174 patients with SN-positive melanoma, 1113 (94·8 per cent) underwent CLND and 61 (5·2 per cent) did not. Median follow-up for the two groups was 34 and 48 months respectively. In univariable survival analysis, CLND did not significantly influence disease-specific survival (hazard ratio (HR) 0·89, 95 per cent confidence interval 0·58 to 1·37; P = 0·600). However, patients who did not undergo CLND had more favourable prognostic factors. Matched-pair analysis, with matching for age, Breslow thickness, tumour ulceration and SN tumour burden, showed that CLND had no influence on survival (HR 0·86, 0·46 to 1·61; P = 0·640). After adjusting for prognostic factors in multivariable survival analyses, no difference in survival was found.

Conclusion
In these two cohorts of patients with SN-positive melanoma and prognostic heterogeneity, outcome was not influenced by CLND.
Staging and outcome depending on surgical treatment in adenocarcinomas of the oesophagogastric junction
Authors: Reeh M , Mina S , Bockhorn M , Kutup A , Nentwich M F , Marx A , Sauter G , Rösch T , Izbicki J R , Bogoevski D 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
Owing to controversial staging and classification of adenocarcinoma of the oesophago-gastric junction (AOG) before surgery, the choice of appropriate surgical approach remains problematic. In a retrospective study, preoperative staging of AOG and the impact of preoperative misclassification on outcome were analysed.

Methods
Data from patients with AOG were analysed from a prospectively collected database with regard to surgical treatment, preoperative and postoperative staging, and outcome.

Results
One-hundred and thirty patients with Siewert types I and II AOG who did not have neoadjuvant treatment were included in the study: 41 patients with an AOG type I who underwent oesophagectomy, 51 patients with an AOG staged before surgery as type I who underwent oesophagectomy but in whom the final histology showed a type II tumour, and 38 patients whose tumours were staged as AOG type II before and after operation who underwent gastrectomy. Among patients who had an oesophagectomy, lymph node metastases (P = 0·022), tumour relapse (P = 0·009) and recurrent distant metastases (P = 0·028) were significantly more frequent in patients with AOG type II; those with AOG type II had shorter overall survival than those with type I tumours (P = 0·024). Among those with AOG type II, recurrence-free survival was significantly shorter after oesophagectomy compared with extended gastrectomy (P = 0·019). Thoracoabdominal oesophagectomy had a favourable influence on outcome compared with the transhiatal approach.

Conclusion
Accurate preoperative staging of AOG and appropriate surgical therapy are crucial for outcome. AOG type II is a more aggressive tumour with higher recurrence rates than AOG type I. These patients therefore benefit from more radical surgical treatment.
Effects of mechanical stimulation induced by compression and medium perfusion on cardiac tissue engineering
Authors: Shachar Michal , Benishti Nessi , Cohen Smadar 
Published: September 2012

AbstractCardiac tissue engineering presents a challenge due to the complexity of the muscle tissue and the need for multiple signals to induce tissue regeneration in vitro. We investigated the effects of compression (1 Hz, 15% strain) combined with fluid shear stress (10−2–10−1 dynes/cm2) provided by medium perfusion on the outcome of cardiac tissue engineering. Neonatal rat cardiac cells were seeded in Arginine‐Glycine‐Aspartate (RGD)‐attached alginate scaffolds, and the constructs were cultivated in a compression bioreactor. A daily, short‐term (30 min) compression (i.e., “intermittent compression”) for 4 days induced the formation of cardiac tissue with typical striation, while in the continuously compressed constructs (i.e., “continuous compression”), the cells remained spherical. By Western blot, on day 4 the expression of the gap junction protein connexin 43 was significantly greater in the “intermittent compression” constructs and the cardiomyocyte markers (α‐actinin and N‐cadherin) showed a trend of better preservation compared to the noncompressed constructs. This regime of compression had no effect on the proliferation of nonmyocyte cells, which maintained low expression level of proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Elevated secretion levels of basic fibroblast growth factor and transforming growth factor‐β in the daily, intermittently compressed constructs likely attributed to tissue formation. Our study thus establishes the formation of an improved cardiac tissue in vitro, when induced by combined mechanical signals of compression and fluid shear stress provided by perfusion. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2012