bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bile duct anastomotic stricture after adult-to-adult right lobe living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Chok Kenneth Siu Ho , Chan See Ching , Cheung Tan To , Sharr William Wei , Chan Albert Chi Yan , Lo Chung Mau , Fan Sheung Tat 
Published: September 2010

Abstract

Duct-to-duct anastomosis (DDA) and hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) are options for biliary reconstruction in patients undergoing adult-to-adult right lobe living donor liver transplantation (ARLDLT), after which biliary anastomotic stricture (BAS) is common as a complication. The risk factors for BAS are not clearly defined. We aimed to determine the rate of post-ARLDLT BAS in our center and its associated factors. In 265 ARLDLT recipients, 55 (20.8%) developed postoperative BAS. The diagnosis was based on clinical, biochemical, histological, and radiological results. The BAS rates were 21.4% (43/201) for recipients undergoing DDA during transplantation, 18.9% (10/53) for recipients undergoing HJ, and 18.2% (2/11) for recipients undergoing both procedures. BAS and non-BAS patients had comparable demographics. The number of graft bile duct openings (P = 0.516) and the size of the graft's smallest bile duct (5 versus 5 mm, P = 0.4) were not significantly different between BAS and non-BAS patients. Univariate analysis showed that the factors associated with postoperative BAS were the recipient warm ischemia time (55 versus 51 minutes, P = 0.026), graft cold ischemia time (120 versus 108 minutes, P = 0.046), stent use (21.8% versus 7.1%, P = 0.001), postoperative acute cellular rejection (29.1% versus 11.0%, P = 0.001), and University of Wisconsin solution use (21.8% versus 7.1%, P = 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that the cold ischemia time (odds ratio = 1.012, 95% confidence interval = 1.002-1.023, P = 0.014) and acute rejection (odds ratio = 3.180, 95% confidence interval = 1.606-6.853, P = 0.002) were significant factors. The graft survival rates of BAS and non-BAS patients were comparable. One patient required retransplantation for secondary biliary cirrhosis. In conclusion, BAS remains common after ARLDLT regardless of DDA or HJ. The graft cold ischemia time and postoperative acute cellular rejection are significantly associated with postoperative BAS. Liver Transpl 17:47-52, 2011. © 2011 AASLD.
Olprinone attenuates excessive shear stress through up-regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in a rat excessive hepatectomy model
Authors: Yamanaka Kenya , Hatano Etsuro , Narita Masato , Kitamura Koji , Yanagida Atsuko , Asechi Hiroyuki , Nagata Hiromitsu , Taura Kojiro , Nitta Takashi , Uemoto Shinji 
Published: September 2010

Abstract

After extended hepatectomy, excessive shear stress in the remnant liver causes postoperative liver failure. Olprinone (OLP), a selective phosphodiesterase Symbol inhibitor, has been reported to improve microcirculation and attenuate inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of OLP on shear stress in rats with an excessive hepatectomy (EHx) model. In this study, EHx comprised 90% hepatectomy with ligation of the left and right Glisson's sheaths in Lewis rats. OLP or saline was intraperitoneally administered with an osmotic pump 48 hours before EHx. To evaluate the shear stress, we measured the portal vein (PV) pressure. We also assessed sinusoidal endothelial cell injury by immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. Furthermore, we assessed apoptosis in the liver with the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling method. Treatment with OLP up-regulated hepatic endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression. The increase in the PV pressure due to Glisson's sheath ligation was attenuated in OLP-treated rats during a 30-minute period after ligation. Treatment with OLP preserved sinusoidal endothelial cells and reduced apoptosis in the remnant liver. The probability of survival in the OLP-treated rats was significantly better than that in the controls (33.3% versus 13.3%). Furthermore, the postoperative eNOS activity in the OLP-treated rats was higher than that in the controls. The administration of Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester to OLP-treated rats eliminated the effects of OLP on PV pressure and survival after EHx. Therefore, we concluded that OLP attenuates excessive shear stress through the up-regulation of eNOS and improves the survival rate after EHx. Liver Transpl 17:60-69, 2011. © 2011 AASLD.
Transforming growth factor β1 polymorphisms and progression of graft fibrosis after liver transplantation for hepatitis C virus--induced liver disease
Authors: Eurich Dennis , Bahra Marcus , Boas-Knoop Sabine , Lock Johan F. , Golembus Jennifer , Neuhaus Ruth , Neuhaus Peter , Neumann Ulf P. 
Published: September 2010

Abstract

Re-infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an important development after liver transplantation (LT); it can lead to graft fibrosis. The aim of this study was to assess the role of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) polymorphisms in the development of HCV-related graft disease by evaluating protocol liver biopsies. A total of 192 patients with a recurrence of HCV infection after LT were genotyped for TGF-β1 codon 10 (C→T) and codon 25 (G→C) using the polymerase chain reaction. Histological evaluation of 614 protocol liver biopsies obtained from these patients was undertaken using the classification of Desmet and Scheuer to stage the degree of fibrosis. Mild stages of fibrosis (0-2) were compared to advanced stages of fibrosis (3-4) that developed during the period of infection with the virus. Correlations between the prevalence of TGF-β1 genotypes and the different degrees of fibrosis that developed were determined. No statistically significant differences were found for genotype distributions (codons 10 and 25) with respect to recipient age, donor sex, occurrence of acute cellular rejection, and response to antiviral therapy. However, the C allele at codon 25 was significantly less frequent in the group with advanced fibrosis (P = 0.001). Furthermore, a positive association was found between progression of fibrosis and male recipient sex (P = 0.024), donor age (P = 0.041), and viral genotype 1b (P = 0.002). In conclusion, this study, in which the evolution of hepatic fibrosis was assessed histologically in a large cohort of patients with HCV re-infection after LT, has demonstrated that the C allele at codon 25 of the TGF-β1 gene is a marker for the development of graft fibrosis. Liver Transpl, 2011. © 2011 AASLD.
Metallurgical and environmental factors affecting the pitting behavior of UNS S 32205 duplex stainless steel in chloride solutions
Authors: Ezuber H. M. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe effect of temperatures up to 80 °C, dissolved CO2(sat.), and flow (agitation) up to 1000 rpm on the breakdown potential of mill‐annealed UNS S 32205 duplex stainless steel (DSS) has been evaluated in 1 M NaCl solution using potentiodynamic polarization technique. The results were compared with heat‐treated samples (furnace heated at 850 °C for 10 or 60 min followed by water quench). The aim of the heat treatment is to simulate sigma phase precipitation. The results show dependence of pitting potential on the various factors (sigma phase, test temperature, dissolved CO2(sat.), or solution flow) being studied. In general, the mill annealed or heat‐treated UNS S 32205 DSS alloys are immune to pitting at room temperature (23 °C). At 50 °C however, pitting corrosion is evident and the intensity of such attack is increased with the presence of dissolved CO2, increasing isotherm held duration and/or seawater temperature. In contrast, agitation speed of 350 rpm (Re of 12 880) or above (sufficiently to yield turbulent flow) has shifted the pitting potential to more positive values. Lower speed of 100 rpm, however, is negligibly different from the stagnant conditions.
Effect of preparation method on the anti‐corrosive properties of nanocrystalline Zn–CoO ceramic pigments
Authors: Rasouli S. , Danaee I. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractZn–CoO green ceramic pigments were synthesized by two different methods; high energy ball milling and solution combustion, with two different fuels; citric acid and glycine. Products were characterized by X‐ray diffraction and scanning–transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The anti‐corrosive properties of the obtained pigments were investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. Results have shown that either by solid state reaction or combustion by citric acid, a calcination step was needed to obtain the desired phase whereas by glycine fuel, pure ZnO phase was obtained directly. TEM showed particles with mean particle size of about 70, 150, and 180 nm for glycine, citric acid, and solid state reaction samples, respectively. The corrosion performance of the coating in 3% w/v NaCl solution was evaluated by EIS and polarization measurements. According to the measurements of EIS and electrochemical polarization, the coatings with glycine‐based pigment showed the highest corrosion resistance among the prepared coatings.
Evaluation of the corrosion inhibition of salts of organic acids in alkaline solutions and chloride contaminated concrete
Authors: Pastore T. , Cabrini M. , Coppola L. , Lorenzi S. , Marcassoli P. , Buoso A. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThis paper summarizes the results of testing on salts of organic acids for evaluating their use as inhibitors of rebar corrosion in chloride‐contaminated concrete. Initially a screening based on electrochemical tests in alkalinized calcium hydroxide solutions was performed on a number of carboxylic acid salts with different number of carbon atoms in the chain and carboxylic groups, also covering substances with hydroxyl and amine group substituents. The screening was completed by testing on carbon steel rebars in concretes with chlorides and substances added at 1:1 molar ratio, focused on sodium lactate, sodium oxalate and sodium borate for comparison. The monitoring of free corrosion potential and linear polarization resistance of steel bars have confirmed significant inhibition only for lactate. Corrosion was only restricted to occluded zones where the access of substance was limited by disadvantageous geometry, producing shallow attacks.Results of further tests in saturated calcium hydroxide solution are reported in order to assess the inhibition ability of lactate as a function of its content, chloride content and pH.
Early stage beneficial effects of cathodic protection in concrete structures
Authors: Polder R. B. , Peelen W. H. A. , Stoop B. Th. J. , Neeft E. A. C. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractOver the last 25 years, cathodic protection (CP) of reinforced concrete structures suffering from chloride induced reinforcement corrosion has shown to be successful and durable. CP current causes steel polarisation, electrochemical reactions and ion transport in the concrete. CP systems are designed based on experience, which results in conservative designs and their performance is a matter of wait‐and‐see. CP systems can be designed for critical aspects and made more economical using numerical models for current and polarisation distribution. Previously, principles of numerical calculations for design of CP systems were reported. The results were satisfactory, except in terms of current density for active corroding systems. This was suggested to be due to neglecting beneficial effects of CP current flow. One of the beneficial effects is pH increase at the steel surface due to oxygen reduction. As the pH increases, the corrosion rate decreases and the current demand decreases. A simple model was set up for this transient process, suggesting that such effects should occur on the time scale of hours to days. This model was validated from start up data of a CP field trial system on part of a bridge. Field results confirmed the modelling proposed here.
Electrochemical corrosion response of a precipitation hardening moulds steel in a NaCl solution
Authors: Rosalbino F. , Scavino G. , Mortarino G. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractInvestigations concerning the electrochemical corrosion behavior of mould steels are scarce and limited. In the present study, the corrosion resistance of a precipitation hardening moulds steel submitted to aging treatments has been assessed in a 0.1 M NaCl aqueous solution by means of potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements. The electrochemical characterization of the steel not submitted to hardening treatments was also examined and a comparative study was made between the different specimens. Scanning electron microscopy and electron probe microanalysis were used to obtain information about the morphology and chemical composition of the steels surface after the electrochemical tests. Increasing the aging temperature an increase of secondary hardness is observed, attributable to an increase of secondary phases (re‐precipitated carbides and metastable GP zones) amount, positively reflecting on the mechanical properties. However, the electrochemical results show a progressive worsening of the corrosion behavior, the as‐received steel sample exhibiting the best corrosion resistance. The observed decrease of corrosion resistance with increasing the aging temperature is ascribed to enhanced galvanic coupling phenomena between the secondary phases, acting as cathodes, and the surrounding matrix which, consequently, experiences preferential dissolution.
3D‐QSAR Studies on C24‐Monoalkylated Vitamin D3 26,23‐Lactones and their C2α‐Modified Derivatives with Inhibitory Activity to Vitamin D Receptor
Authors: Wang Jinhu , Tang Ke , Hou Qianqian , Cheng Xueli , Dong Lihua , Liu Yongjun , Liu Chengbu 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe ligand‐based three‐dimensional quantitative structure‐activity relationship (3D‐QSAR) for 82 inhibitors of 25‐dehydro‐1α‐hydroxyvitamin D3‐26,23‐lactone analogs has been studied by using comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) and comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA) models. The established CoMFA model in training set gives a cross‐validated q2 value of 0.516 and a non‐cross‐validated rncv2 value of 0.667, while the CoMSIA model results in q2=0.517 and rncv2=0.632. In general, the predictive ability of the CoMFA model is superior to that of the CoMSIA model, with rpred2=0.639 for the CoMFA and rpred2=0.619 for the CoMSIA model. Based on the CoMFA contour maps, some key structural characters of vitamin D3 analogs responsible for inhibitory activity are identified, and some new C2α‐modified 24‐alkylvitamin D3 lactone analogs with high predicted pIC50 values are designed. The ligand functional group mutations by FEP simulation and docking studies reveal the rationality of the molecular design.
QSPR Analysis of Copolymers by Recursive Neural Networks: Prediction of the Glass Transition Temperature of (Meth)acrylic Random Copolymers
Authors: Bertinetto Carlo Giuseppe , Duce Celia , Micheli Alessio , Solaro Roberto , Tiné Maria Rosaria 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe glass transition temperature (Tg) of acrylic and methacrylic random copolymers was investigated by means of Quantitative Structure‐Property Relationship (QSPR) methodology based on Recursive Neural Networks (RNN). This method can directly take molecular structures as input, in the form of labelled trees, without needing predefined descriptors. It was applied to three data sets containing up to 615 polymers (340 homopolymers and 275 copolymers). The adopted representation was able to account for the structure of the repeating unit as well as average macromolecular characteristics, such as stereoregularity and molar composition. The best result, obtained on a data set focused on copolymers, showed a Mean Average Residual (MAR) of 4.9 K, a standard error of prediction (S) of 6.1 K and a squared correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.98 for the test set, with an optimal rate with respect to the training error. Through the treatment of homopolymers and copolymers both as separated and merged data sets, we also showed that the proposed approach is particularly suited for generalizing prediction of polymer properties to various types of chemical structures in a uniform setting.
Patient satisfaction with the benefits of overactive bladder treatment: Exploration of influencing factors and development of a satisfaction assessment instrument
Authors: Zinner Norman , Kobashi Kathleen , Koochaki Patricia , Fix Deborah , Egermark Mathias 
Published: September 2010

AbstractIntroductionPatient‐reported outcome (PRO) instruments are useful for assessing treatment success in patients with overactive bladder (OAB). PROs such as the OAB Questionnaire (OAB‐q) and Patient Perception of Bladder Condition (PPBC) focus more on OAB symptoms than satisfaction. We describe the development of the Patient Satisfaction with Treatment Benefit (PSTB) questionnaire, and examine the face, content and criterion validity of this tool in a study of darifenacin treatment in OAB patients who expressed dissatisfaction with prior antimuscarinic therapy.MethodsThe PSTB questionnaire was created based on treatment‐related items identified as relevant to OAB patients in exploratory interviews, then refined to comprise an Overall Satisfaction question and 23 items addressing specific treatment benefits using a 5‐point Likert scale. The PSTB questionnaire was completed at last visit by 473 patients participating in an open‐label, 12‐week study of darifenacin treatment. Factors driving Overall Satisfaction were explored by investigating its relationship to PPBC, bladder symptom diaries and specific benefits assessed by the PSTB.ResultsAt study end, mean Overall Satisfaction score was 3.1, corresponding to “satisfied.” Overall Satisfaction correlated strongly with each specific benefit in the PSTB, and with PPBC and OAB symptoms at last visit, but more weakly with change from baseline PPBC/symptoms. Satisfaction at last visit was higher for patients with mild/moderate versus severe problems on baseline PPBC.ConclusionsPatients' reported satisfaction appears to reflect their current status rather than improvement over time. The PSTB tool may have a place alongside other symptom‐based instruments. Further testing is required to validate these findings. Neurourol. Urodynam. 30:62–68, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Type and severity of new‐onset urinary incontinence in middle‐aged women: The Hordaland women's cohort
Authors: Jahanlu David , Hunskaar Steinar 
Published: September 2010

AbstractAimsTo determine the natural history of new‐onset urinary incontinence by type and severity in middle‐aged women.MethodsIn 1997‐1999 2229 randomly selected women aged 41‐45 agreed to participate in the Hordaland Women's' Cohort, and six identical postal questionnaires were sent them during the following ten years. Response rate was 95.7% at inclusion and has remained 87% to 93% in subsequent waves. A total of 1274 women were continent at baseline and used as source population for this paper. Distribution of type and severity of new‐onset urinary incontinence and changes in these variables during four years follow‐up (two checkpoints) were measured.ResultsAmong 1274 continent women, 514 (40.3%) reported new‐onset urinary incontinence during 10 years. Type distribution was 49.8%, 18.3% and 20.3% for stress, urgency and mixed incontinence, respectively. A majority of women (89.3%) started with slight urinary incontinence and none reported severe new‐onset urinary incontinence. During four years follow‐up of 337 women, 212 (62.9%) reported transient and 125 (37.1%) women reported persistent urinary incontinence. In the latter group 74.6% had the same type of urinary incontinence and 62.4% reported slight grade of incontinence in all reports.ConclusionsOur study demonstrates that in middle‐aged women new‐onset urinary incontinence is mainly of stress type and of slight severity. One third of the women developed persistent incontinence, with low tendency of shifting type and severity over several years. Mixed urinary incontinence is not a final stage of incontinence in this age group. Neurourol. Urodynam. 30:87–92, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Minor anomalies in children with hematological malignancies
Authors: Citak Funda Erkasar , Citak Elvan Caglar , Akkaya Emel , Kosan Bekir , Ezer Ustun , Kurekci Ahmet Emin 
Published: September 2010

AbstractBackgroundDespite the presence of reports on correlation between major congenital defects and cancer, very few studies have investigated the frequency of minor anomalies in childhood malignancy. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of minor anomalies in children with hematological malignancy.ProcedureA total of 62 well‐defined minor anomalies were determined in 109 patients. The patients were compared with age‐ and sex‐matched healthy control subjects.ResultsThe results of this study showed that, 64.22% of the patients and 26.6% of the controls had at least one minor anomaly. Among the minor anomalies detected, pigmented nevi and café‐au‐lait spots were significantly more frequent in the patients. The prevalence of minor anomalies in the patients was significantly higher than that of the controls in the present study.ConclusionOur results contribute to the understanding of the role of genetic factors in childhood hematological malignancies. Future studies may be directed toward identifying the developmental pathways and the relevant genes that are involved in the overlap between childhood hematological malignancies and minor anomalies. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:258–261. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Phase 1 trial and pharmacokinetic study of the farnesyl transferase inhibitor tipifarnib in children and adolescents with refractory leukemias: A report from the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Widemann Brigitte C. , Arceci Robert J. , Jayaprakash Nalini , Fox Elizabeth , Zannikos Peter , Goodspeed Wendy , Goodwin Anne , Wright John J. , Blaney Susan M. , Adamson Peter C. , Balis Frank M. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractBackgroundThe objectives of this trial were to define the toxicity profile, dose, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of the farnesyl transferase (FTase) inhibitor, tipifarnib, in children and adolescents with hematological malignancies.ProcedureTipifarnib was administered twice daily for 21 days, repeated every 28 days starting at a dose of 300 mg/m2/dose. Pharmacokinetic sampling was performed for 36 hr after the first dose and leukemic blasts were collected pre‐treatment and at steady state for determination of FTase activity.ResultsOf 29 patients enrolled, 18 were fully evaluable for toxicity, and 23 for response; 26 had pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic sampling. The recommended dose is 300 mg/m2/dose and toxicities included skin rash, mucositis, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Neurotoxicity, which was dose‐limiting in adults at doses exceeding 600 mg/dose, was infrequent and mild. The plasma pharmacokinetics of tipifarnib were highly variable but comparable to adults with acute leukemia and children with solid tumors. The median apparent clearance of tipifarnib was 630 ml/min/m2 and the median half‐life was 4.7 hr. At steady state on 300 mg/m2/dose, FTase activity was inhibited by 82% in leukemic blasts. No objective responses were observed.ConclusionsOral tipifarnib is well tolerated in children with leukemia on a twice daily for 21days schedule at 300 mg/m2/dose. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:226–233. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.