bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anesthetic and surgical predictors of treatment outcome in re-do craniotomy
Authors: Adigun TA , Adeolu AA , Adeleye AO , Shokunbi MT , Malomo AO , Boadu SD Amanor 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACT
Introduction: Craniotomy is a neurosurgical operation done to remove brain tumor, repair vascular lesion, and relieve intracranial pressure. Complications can arise which may necessitate re-do craniotomy. The study is planned to find out the relationship between variables such as age, American Society of Anaesthesiologist (ASA), Glasgow coma score (GCS), frequency of re-do craniotomy, and surgical outcome of re-do craniotomy. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study of all the patients who had re-do craniotomy over a 4-year period. The data that were collected included age, sex, ASA classification, indication for re-do craniotomy, GCS, frequency of re-do craniotomy, postoperative complications, and outcome. Results: Twenty-five patients had indication for re-do craniotomy within the study period. Forty percent were male and 60% were female, and their mean age was 38.56 ± 17.38 years. The indications for re-do craniotomy were removal of residual tumor, evacuation of clot, and cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Seventy-six percent had good outcome, while 24% had poor outcome. Outcome was good for patients who had redo craniotomy done once, while poor outcome was for patients with second and third craniotomies. Ninety percent of patients with ASA 2 had good outcome, while 9.1% had poor outcome; but 64.3% had good outcome with ASA 3, while 37.7% had poor outcome with a P-value of 0.18. Seventy-five percent had poor outcome in patients with GCS of less than 9, while 25% had good outcome; but 14.3% had poor outcome in patients with GCS above 9, while 85.7% had good outcome with a P-value of 0.031. Conclusions: Increasing frequency of re-do craniotomy and lower GCS were major factors affecting outcome in re-do craniotomy in our center. The outcome of these patients is valuable in the management of other patients with re-do craniotomy in future.
Inpatient occupational therapists hand-splinting practice for clients with stroke: A cross-sectional survey from Ireland
Authors: Adrienne Cormican , Manigandan Chockalingam 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACT
Introduction: Hand splinting after stroke is a common practice despite inadequate evidence. This warrants a better understanding of the therapists’ splinting practice, to develop clinically meaningful treatment options. Aims: The study examined the nature and prevalence of the factors associated with therapists’ hand splinting practice and their perceived splinting efficacy. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional national survey of hand-splinting practice among inpatient occupational therapists (OTs) in Ireland. Materials and Methods: Sixty-two therapists participated in this national survey. Statistical analysis used: A number of factors were analyzed to explore their relationship with therapists’ perception of splint efficacy using Spearman’s rank order correlation. Results: 53(85.5%) out of 62 survey respondents prescribed splints to their clients at the time of taking the survey. To reduce spasticity, to correct contractures and thus increase range of motion (ROM) were the commonly used splinting goals. These were the goals that were significantly associated with the therapists’ splinting efficacy too. Conclusions: Hand-splint prescription following stroke was found to be a common practice among OTs who perceive splints to be quite effective. A custom-made, volar forearmbased wrist-hand splint is the preferred splint among therapists to achieve a number of clinical aims such as improving ROM, stretching soft tissue contractures and reducing spasticity in the upper extremity. A wide variety of splinting regimens is currently practiced, reflecting the lack of a universally accepted and comprehensive practice guideline to regulate therapy. Methodologically valid clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of therapist-preferred splints in achieving their favored outcomes are needed. Development of common, universally accepted therapeutic guidelines based on comprehensive scientific review of such studies is thus needed.
Tuberculous brain abscesses: Case series and review of literature
Authors: Menon Sarala , Bharadwaj Renu , Chowdhary A.S. , Kaundinya D.V. , Palande D.A. 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACT
Introduction: Tuberculous brain abscess (TBA) is a rare but serious condition. It resembles a pyogenic brain abscess clinically and radiologically and poses a problem in diagnosis and treatment. A final diagnosis is established by smear or culture demonstration of acid fast bacilli (AFB) within the abscess. Here, we report four such cases in our fiveyear study on brain abscesses, along with the different diagnostic modalities used. Materials and Methods: A total of 75 brain abscess pus specimens were collected during neurosurgery, either by burr hole or by craniotomy. These specimens were further subjected to Gram stain, Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) stain, and conventional microbiological culture. Only those cases which showed presence of AFB on ZN stain along with the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis were considered as TBAs. Such TBA cases were further presented along with their In vitro Proton Magnetic Resonance (MR) Spectroscopic findings. Results: Of these four patients, three were males. Though this condition is more commonly seen in immunocompromised patients, three of the patients in this study were immunocompetent. All the four pus specimens showed presence of AFB in the ZN stain. Three of them grew M. tuberculosis as sole isolate. The fourth case was of concomitant tuberculous and pyogenic brain abscess. In vitro Proton MR spectroscopy of the pus specimens showed absence of multiple amino acids at 0.9 ppm, which was found to be hallmark of TBA. One patient died of four. Conclusions: TBA always poses a diagnostic dilemma. ZN stain and conventional microbiological culture for Mycobacteria always help to solve this dilemma. In vitro Proton MR Spectroscopy also seems to have the diagnostic utility.
Treatment-related fluctuation in Guillain-Barre syndrome
Authors: Thivakaran Thirunavukkarasu , Gamage Ranjanie , Gooneratne Inuka Kishara 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACTGuillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is usually a monophasic illness but relapses occur. A 55-year-old female with hypertension and vitiligo presented with acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy. She improved with immunoglobulin treatment started on day 6 of illness, but relapsed on day 14 warranting repeat immunoglobulin therapy. Thereafter recovery was complete. Her relapse was due to treatment-related fluctuation (TRF). TRF is improvement in the GBS disability scale of at least one grade after completion of immunotherapy followed by worsening of the disability scale of at least one grade within the first 2 months after disease onset. Recurrent GBS and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy were excluded. During the peak of the illness ANA titres were transiently high. The presence of other medical conditions, predominant proximal weakness and the absence of preceding diarrhea are predictors for TRF seen in this patient. Early treatment and evidence of ongoing immune activation have contributed toward TRF.
Optic neuropathy due to allergic fungal rhinosinusitis
Authors: Cyriac Jiji Tresa , Cherian Tambi , Hadi Wasna Ali , Jose Joyce 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACTAn uncommon case of allergic fungal rhinosinusitis presented to the ophthalmology outpatient department of our hospital with complaints of blurred vision in the right eye of a few days duration and vague complaints of pain around the eyes. The visual acuity on examination was grossly reduced in the right eye and normal in the left eye. Color vision was normal. Anterior segment examination including pupils was normal. Dilated fundus examination was normal except for temporal pallor in the right optic disc. Automated perimetry and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of brain and orbit were done. The imaging report showed a bilateral pansinusitis with pressure on the right optic nerve. Perimetry showed a superior field defect on the right side. ENT consultation and computed tomography (CT) with contrast helped to diagnose this as a case of allergic fungal rhinosinusitis. The patient was started on systemic steroids under the care of the ENT surgeon. After a few days, pre-operative assessment showed a gross improvement of visual acuity. Endoscopic sinus surgery was done to remove the polyps and thick mucus material. Histopathologic examination confirmed allergic fungal mucin. Days after surgery, the visual acuity improved further and repeat perimetry showed gross improvement in the visual field. Good history taking and a detailed ophthalmic examination, keeping in mind the probable causes of loss of vision of few days duration with no findings other than a decreased visual acuity and a suspicious disc, were key to the early diagnosis and investigation in this case. This helped in early referral and management of the case before permanent damage and irreversible visual loss occurred. The optic nerve is a cranial nerve which, once damaged permanently, will not regenerate. The amount of sinus involvement was extensive on both sides and invariably the left optic nerve would have been involved in a few days, if intervention was delayed.
Parkisonism followed by burr hole drainage for chronic subdural hemorrhage
Authors: Lee Cheng-Chia , Lin Chun-Fu , Shih Yang-Hsin 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACTThere have been few reports on secondary parkisonism caused by chronic subdual hemorrhage (CSDH). In most reports, rigidity-bradykinesia syndrome resolved gradually after decompressive operation for CSDH. We report a 74-year-old male patient who suffered from CSDH status post burr hole drainage twice, and followed secondary parkinsonism thereafter. Decompression by burr hole drainage was successful. However, the conscious level was still altered and the patient began to present with rigidity and bradykinesia. Fortunately, the symptoms dramatically improved after taking L-dopa. CSDH-related parkinsonism may have pre-operative nigrostriatal dysfunction, which can not compensate further insults to the basal ganglia. Prescription of L-dopa may be helpful in these patients
Clinical Use of a One Hertz Bin Electroencephalography Assessment to Distinguish Elite from Less Elite and Typical from Atypical Athlete Profiles
Authors: Wilson Vietta E , Shaw Lindsay 
Published: August 2011

The purpose of this paper was to highlight preliminary research into the use of one electroencephalography (EEG) site (Cz) and 1 Hz bins to identify elite athletes during the assessment process. Eyes-open baseline data from several small groups of athletes (tennis, gymnastics) suggest that elite athletes have a dip in amplitude in very low frequencies and then an increased amplitude at 10 Hz in a single-site EEG spectral display, when compared with less successful teammates. Other clinical sites and research labs will need to replicate the reliability and value of this pattern. Three case studies demonstrate the potential for clinicians to use EEG information analyzed in 1 Hz bins to identify areas for clinical exploration. The authors suggest that the presentation of EEG data related to possible emotional issues makes it possible to discuss more quickly and directly any potential problem areas for athletes.
Encapsulation of RNA Molecules in BSA Microspheres and Internalization into Trypanosoma Brucei Parasites and Human U2OS Cancer Cells
Authors: Shimanovich Ulyana , Tkacz Itai Dov , Eliaz Dror , Cavaco‐Paulo Artur , Michaeli Shulamit , Gedanken Aharon 
Published: August 2011

AbstractRNA was encapsulated in bovine serum albumin (BSA) microspheres using a one‐step sonochemical process from an water–oil solvent biphasic system. Confocal microcoscopy and fluorescence‐activated cell sorting indicate that a CY3‐RNA (RNA labeled with red fluorescent indocarbocyanine Cy3 dye) sphere is encapsulated in the BSA outer sphere. The diameter of the sphere depends on the number of nucleotides of the RNA, ranging from 0.63 to 2.74 μm. Total RNA (t‐RNA) was used as a prototype for the future small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery. A very broad size distribution characterizes the RNA spheres and therefore, among the loaded BSA spheres, there were sufficiently small spheres to be successfully introduced into trypanosoma brucei parasites and human osteosarcoma U2OS cancer cells.
Biomimetic Solid‐Solution Precursors of Metal Carbonate for Nanostructured Metal Oxides: MnO/Co and MnO‐CoO Nanostructures and Their Electrochemical Properties
Authors: Kokubu Takao , Oaki Yuya , Hosono Eiji , Zhou Haoshen , Imai Hiroaki 
Published: August 2011

AbstractBiomimetic solid solutions of manganese and cobalt carbonates (MnCO3–CoCO3) are used as the precursors for the synthesis of the corresponding metal oxides. The different structures of the metal oxides with porous morphologies, such as pure manganese monoxide (MnO), the solid solution of manganese and cobalt monoxide (MnO–CoO), and the nanocomposite of MnO and metallic cobalt (MnO/Co), are obtained by the appropriate thermal treatments under a reduction atmosphere. The contents of cobalt species can be controlled by the initial cobalt concentration in the MnCO3–CoCO3 precursors. The resultant MnO/Co nanocomposites show the enhanced charge–discharge cycle stability and rate performance as an anode material of lithium‐ion battery.
A new approach for global optimization of a class of MINLP problems with applications to water management and pooling problems
Authors: Faria Débora C. , Bagajewicz Miguel J. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractOne of the biggest challenges in solving optimization engineering problems is rooted in the nonlinearities and nonconvexities, which arise from bilinear terms corresponding to component material balances and/or concave functions used to estimate capital cost of equipments. The procedure proposed uses an MILP lower bound constructed using partitioning of certain variables, similar to the one used by other approaches. The core of the method is to bound contract a set of variables that are not necessarily the ones being partitioned. The procedure for bound contraction consists of a novel interval elimination procedure that has several variants. Once bound contraction is exhausted the method increases the number of intervals or resorts to a branch and bound strategy where bound contraction takes place at each node. The procedure is illustrated with examples of water management and pooling problems. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 58: 2320–2335, 2012
Preparation and adsorption selectivity of rutin molecularly imprinted polymers
Authors: Fu Yu , Chen Zhenbin , Yu Hui , Yue Yumin , Di Duolong 
Published: August 2011

AbstractMolecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) for Rutin had been prepared through solution polymerization by redox initiation. The effects of monomers, crosslinker, initiators, polymerization time, and temperature on adsorption selectivity for Rutin were investigated and optimized. The structure and surface morphology of MIP were evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The synthesized MIP under the optimal conditions showed a specific recognition of Rutin from the mixture of Rutin and Isorhamnetin. And the maximal separation degree of Rutin was 5.0. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Synthesis, characterization of new carboxylic acid‐containing benzoxazine and its cocuring behaviors with bisoxazoline
Authors: Li Shengfang , Zou Tao 
Published: August 2011

AbstractA new benzoxazine‐benzoic acid (BBA) was synthesized and the structure was conformed by 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, FTIR, etc. The cure behavior of BBA and cocure behavior of BBA with phenylene bisoxazoline (1,3‐PBO) were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). It was found that BBA showed a single curing exothermic peak at about 217°C. However, all BBA/1,3‐PBO systems exhibited two exothermic peak. One may be attributed to the reaction between carboxyl groups of BBA and 1,3‐PBO. And the other was attributed to the ring‐opening polymerization of oxazine rings and the reaction between phenolic hydroxyl groups generated by the ring opening of benzoxazine ring and 1,3‐PBO. The curing temperature of benzoxazine containing carboxyl groups could be lowered by the copolymerization of 1,3‐PBO. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the incorporation of ester–amide groups had a significant effect on decreasing thermal stability and char yield of the cured resin. SEM results indicated that 1,3‐PBO could toughen BBA benzoxazine resin. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Synthesis, characterization, and ion exchange voltammetry study on 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropane sulphonic acid and N‐(hydroxymethyl) acrylamide‐based copolymer
Authors: Rastogi Pankaj Kumar , Krishnamoorthi S. , Ganesan Vellaichamy 
Published: August 2011

AbstractA random copolymer of 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS) and N‐hydroxymethyl acrylamide (NHMA) was prepared by solution polymerization using ceric ammonium nitrate as an initiator. A grade of poly(AMPS)‐co‐poly(NHMA) (PAMPS‐co‐PNHMA) random copolymer was synthesized with AMPS and NHMA. The homopolymerization of AMPS and NHMA was also carried out by the same way as that of random copolymer. PAMPS‐co‐PNHMA and homopolymers of AMPS and NHMA were characterized by FTIR, rheology, FT‐NMR, scanning electron microscope, thermal analysis, and X‐ray diffaractometry. Cyclic voltammetry is used to explain the ion exchange properties of PAMPS‐co‐PNHMA and its possible application in the trace analysis. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Double metal cyanide complexes synthesized by solvent‐free grinding method for copolymerization of CO2 and propylene oxide
Authors: Zhang Wuyuan , Lin Qiang , Cheng Yi , Lu Lingbin , Lin Bo , Pan Lisha , Xu Nai 
Published: August 2011

AbstractTwo active double metal cyanide (DMC) complexes were successfully synthesized by solvent‐free grinding method. Their structures were characterized by FTIR spectrometer and X‐ray diffractometer. The results showed that Complex 1 (double metal cyanide complex with K3Fe(CN)6 and ZnCl2) and Complex 2 (double metal cyanide complex with K3Fe(CN)6 and Zn(CH3COO)2) had the same structures, crystal forms, and lower crystallinity as both of them synthesized by conventional solvent‐based methods, respectively. Investigations on grinding conditions indicated that Complex 1 ground 14 min at a high grinding strength could achieve low crystallinity and showed substantially amorphous structures. Two speculated structures of DMC were given. The alternating copolymerization of CO2 and propylene oxide with Complex 1 as catalyst obtained anticipated poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) with very high catalytic activity. The PPC produced by optimized Complex 1 has molecular weight (Mn) up to 98,000 and narrow polydispersity of 1.93 with more than 90% carbonate linkages. Compared with Complex 1, Complex 2 displayed low catalytic activity but high selectivity mainly due to the electron atmosphere and strong steric hindrance. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Carbohydrate‐based polyurethanes: A comparative study of polymers made from isosorbide and 1,4‐butanediol
Authors: Marín Romina , Alla Abdelilah , Martínez de Ilarduya Antxon , Muñoz‐Guerra Sebastián 
Published: August 2011

AbstractA set of linear polyurethanes containing isosorbide units were synthesized by polymerization in solution from HDI and MDI diisocyanates and 1,4‐butanediol (BD), isosorbide (Is) or diisosorbide diurethanes (Is2HDI and Is2MDI) as diols. The thermal transitions, thermal stability, and crystal structure of the polyurethane homopolymers and copolymers containing isosorbide were evaluated and compared with those displayed by their polyurethane analogues entirely made of BD. It was found that incorporation of Is units in the polyurethane chain produced significant changes in Tg, Tm, and Td but no significant differences were noticed between copolymers made from Is or Is2 monomers. Degradation assays revealed that the presence of Is units increased slightly the hydrolysis rate of polyurethanes. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Functionalized poly(ether ether ketone): Improved mechanical property and acellular bioactivity
Authors: Pramanik Sumit , Kar Kamal K. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractPoly(ether ether ketone), PEEK, was functionalized by addition of pendant functional groups, that is, acetyl, carboxylic, acyl chloride, amide, and amine groups in the benzene ring of polymer backbone without substituting the parent (ether or ketonic) functional groups of polymer to improve the mechanical and surface adhesivity with acellular inorganic biomaterials. The functional groups of virgin PEEK and functionalized PEEK were identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance. The crystallinity was studied by X‐ray diffraction and further supported by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis. Similarly, the change in glass transition temperature was confirmed by the DSC and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The improved mechanical property was also evaluated by DMA. The excellent surface adhesivity and bioactivity were revealed by acellular in vitro test using simulated body fluid. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Structural characterization of LDPE/EVA blends containing nanoclay‐flame retardant combinations
Authors: Ramírez‐Vargas Eduardo , Sánchez‐Valdes Saúl , Parra‐Tabla Octavio , Castañeda‐Gutiérrez Sergio , Méndez‐Nonell Juan , Francisco Ramos‐deValle Luis , López‐León Adriana , Lujan‐Acosta Roberto 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThe combination of different types of organo‐modified montmorillonite (MMT) with aluminum hydroxide (aluminum trihydrate—ATH), as a flame retardant system for polyethylene‐ethylene vinyl acetate (LDPE/EVA), blends were studied. Five different types of organically modified montmorillonite clays, each with different modifier, were used. The structural characterization was carried out by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy in transmission mode (STEM). The mechanical and rheological properties were also evaluated. The XRD analysis showed a clear displacement of the d001 signal, which indicates a good degree of intercalation, especially for the MMT‐I28 and MMT‐20, from Nanocor and Southern Clay Products, respectively. The presence of ATH and the compatibilizer did not have any effect on the exfoliation of the studied samples. The thermal stability and flame retardant properties were evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), limiting oxygen index (LOI—ASTM D2863), and flammability tests (Underwriters Laboratory—UL‐94). The effect of different compatibilizers on the clay dispersion and exfoliation was studied. The results indicated that the addition of montmorillonite makes it possible to substitute part of the ATH filler content while maintaining the flame retardant requirements. The thermal stability of MMT/ATH‐filled LDPE/EVA blends presented a slight increase over the reference ATH‐filled LDPE/EVA blend. Compositions with higher clay content (10 wt %) showed better physicochemical properties. The increased stability of the higher clay content compositions results from the greater inorganic residual formation; this material has been reported to impart better performance in flammability tests. The mechanical properties and flame retardancy remained similar to those of the reference compound. The reduced ATH content resulted in lower viscosities and densities, facilitating the processing of the polymer/ATH/clay compounds. Extrusion of these compounds produced a lower pressure in the extrusion head and required reduced electrical power consumption. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011