bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering study of monolayers formed from mixtures of 4–mercaptobenzoic acid and various aromatic mercapto‐derivative bases
Authors: Kudelski Andrzej 
Published: July 2009

AbstractMonolayers formed from aromatic compounds have many potential applications, for example in construction of bioelectronic elements having high efficiency of electron transfer. In this paper, the composition of monolayers formed on silver surfaces from mixtures of 4‐mercaptobenzoic acid (MBA) and four model (stable and easily available) aromatic thiols with strong base properties: 4,6‐diamino‐2‐mercaptopyrimidine (APY), 1H‐1,2,4‐triazole‐3‐thiol (HTR), 4‐methyl‐4H‐1,2,4‐triazole‐3‐thiol (MTR) and 3‐amino‐1,2,4‐triazole‐5‐thiol (ATR), were determined from surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) measurements. Our investigations showed that among studied aromatic bases, APY is the most promising candidate for the formation of mixed monolayers with MBA. In the whole pH range studied (2–12.5), mixed MBA + APY monolayers with similar surface concentration of both components are formed during the adsorption from the 0.5 mM MBA + 0.5 mM APY aqueous solution. Desorption of MBA and APY from the mixed monolayer is, however, significantly different. During immersion in water, surface concentration of APY decreases significantly faster than MBA (a significant part of the adsorbed MBA molecules is present on the silver surface even after 2 h of soaking in water). Presence of chlorides, bovine serum albumin or laccase in the surrounding solution does not observably influence the structure of MBA + APY monolayers. The properties of monolayers formed from MBA and substituted triazoles were found to be significantly different than those of MBA + APY monolayers. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The treatment of pediatric Philadelphia positive (Ph+) leukemias in the imatinib era
Authors: Burke Michael J. , Willert Jennifer , Desai Sunil , Kadota Richard 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackgroundAs the treatment of Philadelphia positive (Ph+) leukemias in the era of imatinib continues to evolve, the role of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allogeneic‐HCT) in first remission is becoming more unclear.ProcedureThirty‐two pediatric centers across the United States and Canada were surveyed regarding current treatment practices for Ph+ acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). The survey addressed treatment approaches for Ph+ ALL and CML in terms of imatinib therapy and use of allogeneic‐HCT.ResultsTwenty‐three of the 32 centers returned the survey to provide a 72% response rate. Of the 27 physicians responding to the survey, 22 (81%) recommended a matched sibling donor (MSD) allogeneic‐HCT, when available, in first remission for Ph+ ALL compared to 17/27 (63%) for patients with first chronic phase CML. There was universal agreement among survey responders regarding the use of imatinib upfront in Ph+ ALL and CML patients while 13 of 27 (48%) physicians reported using imatinib as maintenance therapy post‐HCT for Ph+ ALL compared to 9 of 27 (33%) for CML.ConclusionsAlthough a treatment consensus did not exist based on the results of this small survey, current treatment practices for pediatric Ph+ ALL and CML appear to favor allogeneic‐HCT when a MSD is available. The use of post‐HCT imatinib as maintenance therapy to avoid relapse for either Ph+ ALL or CML remains uncertain and awaits future prospective studies. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:992–995. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prognostic value of proangiogenic cytokines in children with lymphomas
Authors: Mizia‐Malarz Agnieszka , Sobol Grazyna , Janowska Joanna , Wos Halina , Zahorska‐Markiewicz Barbara 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackgroundAngiogenesis and proangiogenic cytokines are involved in neoplastic development. The role of these processes in lymphoma formation has not been established. The aim of the study was to assess angiogenesis on the basis of serum levels of vascular‐endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in childhood lymphomas. The prognostic value of these parameters was determined in the examined children.ProcedureForty‐two children with lymphomas (Hodgkin and non‐Hodgkin Lymphomas) were studied (group A). Group A was divided into two subgroups: ACR—30 children with complete remission (CR) and APR+P+ER—12 children with partial remission (PR), progressive disease (P), and early relapse (ER). The control group (group C) consisted of healthy 20 children. Using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays we quantified VEGF and bFGF in serum of the healthy children and of the children with lymphomas.ResultsThe serum VEGF concentration in group A was 633.4 pg/ml (24.0–1,210.5) and was significantly higher (P = 0.0001) in comparison with group C (144.6 pg/ml; 32.3–734.8). In subgroup APR+P+ER, the baseline serum VEGF concentration was 865.0 pg/ml (205.8–1,209.2) and was significantly higher (P = 0.02) than in subgroup ACR (564.0 pg/ml; 24.0–1,210.5). The high serum VEGF concentration in children with lymphomas was the only independent risk factor for treatment failure (OR = 8.64; 95 CI: 1.51–49.34; P = 0.01). The cutoff point for the serum VEGF level ≥633.4 pg/ml as a parameter predicting treatment failure was established (P = 0.01).ConclusionBaseline serum VEGF concentration constitutes a prognostic marker for the progression of Hodgkin and non‐Hodgkin Lymphomas in children. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009; 53:1195–1199. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Treatment with sirolimus ameliorates tacrolimus‐induced autoimmune cytopenias after solid organ transplant
Authors: Teachey David T. , Jubelirer Tracey , Baluarte H. Jorge , Wade Amanda , Manno Catherine S. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe development of autoimmune blood cell cytopenias is a potentially life‐threatening complication of solid organ transplantation, resulting from T‐cell dysregulation from immunosuppressive medications. Conventional treatment with corticosteroids and IVIgG is often unsuccessful as these therapies are unlikely to overcome the T‐cell dysregulation. We describe two patients who developed severe autoimmune cytopenias after solid organ transplantation. They had limited response to conventional medications, but had complete resolution of autoimmunity upon transition of immunosuppression from tacrolimus to sirolimus. Altering the immunosuppressive regimen to modify T‐cell dysregulation may be beneficial for patients who develop post‐transplant autoimmune disease and allow continued preservation of allograft. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:1114–1116. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Langerhans cell histiocytosis in a patient with stage 4 neuroblastoma receiving oral fenretinide
Authors: Rayburg Melissa , Towbin Alexander , Yin Hong , Maugans Todd , Maurer Barry , Nagarajan Rajaram , Weiss Brian 
Published: July 2009

AbstractLangerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) has previously been reported in association with other malignancies. The pathogenesis of LCH and its relationship to other malignancies is poorly understood. We present a novel case of a child who developed an LCH bone lesion while receiving a Phase I protocol therapy with oral fenretinide/Lym‐X‐Sorb (4‐HPR/LXS) powder for neuroblastoma. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:1111–1113. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Production and Properties of Spin‐Coated Cassava‐Starch‐Glycerol‐Beeswax Films
Authors: Auras Rafael , Arroyo Benjamin , Selke Susan 
Published: July 2009

AbstractCassava‐starch based polymer films containing glycerol as a plasticizer (1.0‐2.5‐5.0%, w/w) and different lipids as additives (paraffin, stearyl alcohol, and beeswax – 0.25‐0.5‐1.0%, w/w) were produced. Control films were produced by heating a mixture of glycerol, starch, and water, while treated films were produced by the addition of lipids/ ethanol solutions. The solutions were kept at around 70ºC during amalgamation, and once congealed, were placed in a vacuum oven for 1 h at 90ºC. The solutions were then spun on 7‐inch diameter non‐stick disks, allowed to dry, and conditioned at 23ºC and 50% RH before testing. Cassava starch‐glycerol‐beeswax films were successfully produced with a stable film structure at glycerol concentration equal or below 5% (w/w). Addition of glycerol and beeswax did not visually change the color of the films. Increasing glycerol content improved elongation while decreasing tensile strength. Increasing the glycerol concentration from 1.0 to 5.0% increased the water vapor permeability by 150% and addition of beeswax further increased these values by 250%.
Use of a Trauma Service Clinical Pathway to Improve Patient Outcomes for Retained Traumatic Hemothorax
Authors: Morrison C. Anne , Lee Timothy C. , Wall Matthew J. , Carrick Matthew M. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractIntroductionEarly evacuation of retained hemothorax (RHTX) has been shown to improve clinical outcomes. In 2006, our trauma surgery service instituted a clinical pathway for management of RHTX that was designed to decrease time to operation and improve patient outcomes. We report our experience with early evacuation of posttraumatic RHTX after instituting a service‐wide clinical pathway.MethodsFrom 2006 to 2007, 29 operations were performed by the trauma surgery service for RHTX. Using the clinical pathway, if patients had a persistent effusion on hospital day 2, the patient underwent thoracoscopic (VATS) evacuation of the hemothorax. A case control cohort (24 patients) was generated from 2003 to 2005 of operations for retained hemothorax before implementation of this pathway.ResultsThe mean age was 33.2 years. There was no difference in ISS between groups (p = 0.14). The study group had significantly decreased time to operating room (3.0 ± 0.33 days vs. 9.9 ± 2.0 days, P = 0.002) and shorter hospital stays (10.8 ± 0.8 days vs. 30.5 ± 5.8 days, P = 0.003). All 29 study patients had their hemothorax evacuated by VATS, whereas 14 of 29 control patients had evacuation attempted by VATS (P = 0.0003). There were no differences in complications or reoperation between groups. Total hospital charges for the study group were $46,471 in the study group compared with $126,221 in the control group (P = 0.03).ConclusionsImplementation of a clinical pathway for early evacuation of retained hemothorax can significantly improve patient outcomes and decrease hospital costs. Furthermore, trauma surgeons are capable of safely performing thoracic surgery for evacuation of retained hemothorax.
A Large Proportion of Patients with Prostate Cancer Undergoing Androgen Deprivation Therapy Continue to Die from Non-Cancer Causes in the PSA Era
Authors: Wadhwa Vivek K. , Weston Robin , Parr Nigel J. 
Published: July 2009

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the cause of death in patients receiving ADT for PCa in the PSA era. Patients and methods: We followed 618 patients (mean age 73 years) with PCa initiating ADT from October 1999 to October 2007. Patients were recruited from urology clinics. Patients were regularly reviewed in a dedicated PCa clinic. Cause of death was recorded prospectively, after review of medical case notes and biochemical parameters. Results: At median follow-up of 6.7 years, there were 377 deaths (61% mortality). Of these, 176 (47%) were attributable to PCa. Non-cancer deaths ( n = 201) were predominantly cardiovascular ( n = 125) and respiratory ( n = 43). Overall median presenting PSA was 37 ng/ml (range 0.4–5599), significantly higher ( P < 0.001) in those dying from PCa (115 ng/ml) than from other causes (18 ng/ml). PCa specific mortality increased with PSA at presentation (14% for PSA < 50 ng/ml, 45% for 50–100 ng/ml and 69% for > 100 ng/ml). When stratified for presenting age, PCa deaths were 70% (46/66) for men 60–69 years, 47% (85/180) for 70–79 years and 34% (45/131) for >80 years. Conclusions: Many patients with PCa initiating ADT continue to die from non-cancer causes in an era of widespread PSA testing, the proportion increasing with older age at presentation. This may justify deferring hormonal treatment in suitable older asymptomatic men, sparing the burden of long-term ADT. Patients with PCa who require hormonal therapy should be assessed for cardiovascular and respiratory risk factors at the time of presentation.
Microliths in the parotid of ferret investigated by electron microscopy and microanalysis
Authors: Triantafyllou Asterios , Harrison John D. , Garrett John R. 
Published: July 2009

SummaryThe present investigation is an attempt to determine the occurrence, elemental composition and formation of microliths in the parotid of ferret. Parotids from four normal ferrets were examined by electron microscopy and X‐ray microanalysis. Crystalline microliths were found in phagosomes of acinar cells, which occasionally contained secretory material, and in phagosomes situated between mitochondria of striated ductal cells. Crystalline microliths and microliths that consisted of granular material either without crystals or mixed with a component of crystals were found in lumina, where they were often associated with cellular debris. The crystals contained calcium and phosphorus. Phagy and stagnation related to pockets of inefficient secretory activity have been previously found to be features of the parotid of ferret. Thus, possibly persistent degradation of redundant cellular material, particularly secretory granules, in phagosomes results in accumulation of calcium and leads to calcified microliths, whereas consolidation of stagnant debris extracellularly does not involve such accumulation and leads to non‐calcified or mixed microliths.
Tumourigenic effect of Schistosoma haematobium total antigen in mammalian cells
Authors: Botelho Monica , Oliveira Paula , Gomes Joana , Gartner Fatima , Lopes Carlos , Correia da Costa Jose Manuel , Machado Jose Carlos 
Published: July 2009

Summary Schistosoma haematobium is endemic in several regions of Africa and has been shown to be associated with predominantly squamous cell bladder carcinoma. The mechanisms underlying the association between S. haematobium and bladder squamous cell carcinoma is largely unknown. All the reports so far, demonstrate exclusively an epidemiological evidence linking S. haematobium infection with squamous cell bladder carcinoma. We hypothesized that these parasite antigens might induce tumourigenesis. For this, we used normal mammalian cells of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) and treated the cells in culture with S. haematobium total antigen (Sh). Our results showed increased proliferation in Sh‐treated cells in comparison with the controls. The CHO cells exposed to Sh were inoculated subcutaneously into male nude mice and formed sarcomas (n = 5/5). The cells from the sarcomas expressed vimentin filaments and were negative to cytokeratin. Our results demonstrate for the first time that S. haematobium antigens induce tumour development in nude mice.
Diabetes induces stromal remodelling and increase in chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans of the rat ventral prostate
Authors: Ribeiro Daniele Lisboa , Taboga Sebastião Roberto , Góes Rejane Maira 
Published: July 2009

SummaryExtracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling is an important process involved in prostate cancer progression. Alterations in ECM caused by diabetes in different tissues such as kidney is well described; however, it is poorly investigated in prostate. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in ECM of rat prostate showing gland atrophy caused by diabetes and their implications in development of malignant lesions. Diabetes was induced in Wistar rats using alloxan (45 mg/kg bw). After 90 days of diabetes onset, animals were killed and ventral prostate was removed and prepared for light microscopy following immunoreaction for fibronectin, chondroitin sulphate and Picrossirius staining for collagen fibres. Proteoglycans (PG) were identified at transmission electron microscopy after fixation with Cuprolinic Blue. Diabetes led to a thickening of 25% in the acinar basement membrane accompanied by increase and disorganization of its proteoglycans (P1). Three additional populations of prostatic stromal PGs were identified: collagen fibril linked (P2) and interstitial (P3) and (P4) PGs. Diabetes increased P3 and mainly P4 which had higher dimension and accumulated around the smooth muscle cells. In addition, an increase in chondrotin sulphate (33%, mainly in sites where P4 were noted) and collagen (44%) was noted in diabetic rats, whereas fibronectin did not change. Atrophic changes observed in rat ventral prostate after diabetes are accompanied by stromal remodelation related to increase in collagen and chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans. Thus, diabetes can promote a stromal microenvironment rich in elements that could favour cell migration, proliferation and pathological process.
Chronic treatment with sildenafil stimulates Leydig cell and testosterone secretion
Authors: Saraiva Karina Lidianne Alcântara , Silva Amanda Karolina Soares E. , Wanderley Maria Inês , De Araújo Araken Almeida , De Souza José Roberto Botelho , Peixoto Christina Alves 
Published: July 2009

SummaryThe phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, Sildenafil, is a novel, oral treatment approach for pulmonary hypertension. As Leydig cells present PDE5, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of the chronic treatment with Sildenafil (25 mg/kg) on male Swiss Webster mice steroidogenesis. After a 4‐week long experimental design, Leydig cells were analysed by morphological and immunocytochemical procedures. Serum testosterone was assayed by radioimmunoassay. Leydig cells presented noteworthy ultrastructural alterations, such as a vesicular smooth endoplasmic reticulum, large vacuoles scattered through the cytoplasm, enlarged mitochondria with discontinue cristaes and whorle membranes with vesicles at the periphery, which are typical characteristics of an activated steroid‐secreting cell. Important immunocytochemical labelling for steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, cytochrome P450 side‐chain cleavage enzyme and testosterone were detected in isolated Leydig cells. In addition, Sildenafil‐treated mice showed significant increased levels of total testosterone. The results obtained in the present study are consistent with the hypothesis that the accumulation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate by PDE5 inhibition could be involved in the androgen biosynthesis stimulation. Important clinical implications of hormonal disorders should be taken into account for patients with pulmonary hypertension.
Optimising the free radical scavenging activity of shrimp protein hydrolysate produced with alcalase using response surface methodology
Authors: Cao Wenhong , Zhang Chaohua , Hong Pengzhi , Ji Hongwu 
Published: July 2009

SummaryResponse surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimise the hydrolysis parameters of Acetes chinensis by Alcalase 2.4L in order to obtain a hydrolysate with potent radical scavenging activity. The parameters were temperature, pH and enzyme concentration/substrate concentration (E/S) ratio with degree of hydrolysis (DH) being the response. The results showed that the optimum condition was: temperature at 57 °C, pH at 8.0, E/S ratio at 2.6AU 100 g−1 shrimp, hydrolysis time 3 h. The DH was 26.32%, the hydroxyl radical scavenging activity was up to 88.12% and the 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity was 35.61%. The gel column filtration chromatography by a Sephadex G‐25 column yielded five fractions. The molecular weight of the most potent free radical scavenging activity fraction ranged from 915 to 207 Da, its IC50 for hydroxyl radical was 0.03 mg mL−1, and IC50 for DPPH radical was 8.86 mg mL−1.
Freezing of tilapia fillets in an air blast freezer
Authors: Tan Fock‐Lai , Fok Sai‐Cheong 
Published: July 2009

SummaryThis paper explores the numerical simulation of freezing tilapia fillets of five different geometries, which are the slab, elliptical, disc, spherical and cylindrical shapes, in an air blast freezer. The air velocities and temperatures inside the freezer are varied in the simulation to determine the freezing times and energy consumptions for freezing the tilapia fillets of different shapes. The results show that the cylindrical‐shaped fillet has the longest freezing time and also required the most energy for freezing. The slab‐shaped fillet has the shortest freezing time, but the spherical‐shaped fillet requires the least energy to freeze. The simulation is also applied to a case study to compare the processing rate, energy consumption and the cost of freezing the fillets of different shapes. The freezing cost for a tray of spherical‐shaped fillet is the lowest among all.
Quality preservation in chilled and frozen fish products by employment of slurry ice and natural antioxidants
Authors: Medina Isabel , Gallardo José M. , Aubourg Santiago P. 
Published: July 2009

SummaryFish products are known to provide high levels of constituents important for the human diet. At the same time, wild and farmed fish species are highly perishable products, the quality and freshness of which rapidly declines post‐mortem. Accordingly, efficient storage and processing technologies need to be employed to reduce postmortem quality losses until the product reaches the consumer. The present review covers recent efforts carried out on some new and advanced strategies related to chilled and frozen storage. In the first part, research concerning the use of binary systems (slurry ice) is reviewed, this focussed on the commercialisation of fresh fish products as such or to its employment as raw material for processing. Then, the application of exogenous antioxidants to ensure retention of high quality is addressed; in this part, special attention is accorded to the endogenous antioxidant content retention and to the antioxidant/pro‐oxidant balance in fish foods.
Creating supportive clinical learning environments: an intervention study
Authors: Henderson Amanda , Twentyman Michelle , Eaton Emma , Creedy Debra , Stapleton Peta , Lloyd Belinda 
Published: July 2009

Aim.  To assess the impact of an intervention aimed to build capacity of registered nurses to enhance the clinical learning environment for undergraduate nursing students. Workplace learning is vital for the development of skills, attributes and knowledge of student nurses. Registered nurses need to be appropriately prepared to maximise student learning during clinical placement.Background.  The quality of student learning during clinical practicum is largely dependent on interactions with ward staff.Design.  A quasi‐experimental design.Method.  Measurement of students’ perceptions of the psycho social learning environment during and outside of the intervention period was used to evaluate the capacity building intervention. The capacity building intervention consisted of interactive education in clinical areas over a six‐week period for registered nurses in two acute surgical wards.Results.  First, second and third year students (n = 62) who undertook their clinical practicum in the two surgical wards, before, during and six months after the capacity building intervention assessed the psycho‐social learning environment at the time of their clinical practicum. Findings showed that students who undertook their clinical practicum during the intervention period rated the psycho‐social clinical learning environment significantly higher than students who undertook their practicum at times outside of the intervention period.Conclusions.  An experienced researcher/educator conducting capacity building sessions can effectively assist and support registered nurses to engage with students.Relevance to clinical practice.  Capacity building sessions can improve practice, however, structures and processes that ensure continuation of practice change need to be embedded for improvements to be sustained.