bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determination of trace amount of enantiomeric impurity in therapeutic nicotine derivative using capillary electrophoresis with new imaging technology detection
Authors: Dahab Ali A. , Smith Norman W. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractOne of the many attempts to stop the danger of tobacco smoking is the development of an anti‐smoking vaccine using nicotine butyric acid (NBA) linked to a carrier protein to produce anti‐nicotine antibodies. NBA is a chiral molecule and there is a need to obtain a high degree of enantiomeric purity. The aim of this work is to develop a novel method for the enantioseparation of NBA and the determination of trace amounts of enantiomeric impurity required by regulatory authorities. This was achieved successfully using high‐performance capillary electrophoresis combined with label‐free intrinsic imaging as new imaging technology. A 50 μm id fused‐silica capillary was used with UV detection at λ214 nm and label‐free intrinsic imaging. The background electrolyte consisted of highly sulphated β‐cyclodextrin 10% m/V as a chiral selector in 75 mM phosphoric acid–triethylamine at pH 7.0. Baseline separation and detection of 0.1% and possibly less of the unwanted impurity (R‐enantiomer) were achieved. Also, the detection limits were calculated for both enantiomers. The use of label‐free intrinsic imaging has improved the sensitivity, enabling us to detect trace amounts of enantiomeric impurities.
Nevus of Ota in Dark Skin—An Uncommon but Treatable Entity
Authors: Fusade Thierry , Lafaye Severine , Laubach Hans‐Joachim 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackgroundNevus of Ota can be effectively and safely treated since the arrival of q‐switched lasers in dermatology. However, available literature is scarce regarding the treatment of Nevus of Ota in skin types darker than IV.ObjectivesWe report about four Fitzpatrick phototype V patients treated for Nevus of Ota with a q‐switched Nd:YAG laser at 1,064 nm.MethodsFour patients with Fitzpatrick phototype V were treated for Nevus of Ota with a q‐switched Nd:YAG laser at 1,064 nm in a private practice setting. Pulse diameter for the treatments was 2 mm and pulses were applied typically in a non‐overlapping fashion. Treatment energies ranged from 4.1 to 9.5 J/cm2.ResultsAll four patients of this case series showed significant cosmetic improvement. Improvement ratings, based upon pre‐ and post‐treatment photographs rated by blinded investigators, were in between 6 and 10 with a mean of 8.5 on a 10‐point scale. Side effects were mostly short termed and typical for this laser technique. No post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation was observed however one case of permanent drop‐like hypopigmentation was encountered.ConclusionsA 1,064 nm q‐switched Nd:YAG laser treatment could be an effective and reasonably safe treatment for patients with Nevus of Ota and Fitzpatrick skin type V. Patients should be counselled before treatment regarding the risk of permanent hypopigmentation. Lasers Surg. Med. 43:960–964, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Management of heat in laser tissue welding using NIR cover window material
Authors: Sriramoju Vidyasagar , Alfano Robert R. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackgroundLaser tissue welding (LTW) is a novel method of surgical wound closure by the use of laser radiation to induce fusion of the biological tissues. Molecular dynamics associated with LTW is a result of thermal and non‐thermal mechanisms.ObjectivesThis research focuses exclusively on better heat management to reduce thermal damage of tissues in LTW using a near infrared laser radiation.MethodsAn infrared continuous‐wave (CW) laser radiation at 1,450 nm wavelength corresponding to the absorption band from combination vibrational modes of water is used to weld together ex vivo porcine aorta.ResultsIn these studies we measured the optimal laser power and scan speed, for better tensile strength of the weld and lesser tissue dehydration. Significant amount of water loss from the welded tissue results in cellular death and tissue buckling. Various thermally conductive optical cover windows were used as heat sinks to reduce thermal effects during LTW for the dissipation of the heat. The optimal use of the method prevents tissue buckling and minimizes the water loss. Diamond, sapphire, BK7, fused silica, and IR quartz transparent optical cover windows were tested.ConclusionsThe data from this study suggests that IR‐quartz as the material with optimal thermal conductivity is ideal for laser welding of the porcine aorta. Lasers Surg. Med. 43:991–997, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Micro‐patterned drug delivery device for light‐activated drug release
Authors: Zaman Raiyan T. , Gopal Ashwini , Starr Kathryn , Zhang Xiaojing , Thomsen Sharon , Tunnell James W. , Welch Ashley J. , Rylander Henry G. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackgroundThe primary goal of this study was the fabrication, long‐term stability, and measured release of a marker dye from a micro‐patterned drug delivery device using (i) mechanical puncture and (ii) photodisruption with an ophthalmic Nd:YAG laser.Materials and MethodsA drug delivery device was made from a transparent bio‐compatible polymer. The device consisted of two 2.6 mm diameter reservoirs containing 10% Na fluorescein dye. The device was implanted in the rabbit's eye (n = 2) with the cap of the device facing toward the exterior of the eye. Once the animals recovered from the implant surgery, 100% anhydrous glycerol was topically applied to the eye at the implantation site to decrease light scattering in the conjunctiva and sclera. The dye was released from one of the reservoir either using a 28 G ½ needle or an ophthalmic Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser. A fluorescence spectrophotometer (FS) with fiber optic probe was used to measure the half‐life of the dye in the eye. Measurements of fluorescence intensity were collected until the measurements return to baseline and histology was done on the tissue surrounded the device.ResultsNone of the devices leaked of 10% Na fluorescein dye after implant. The ablation threshold of the drug delivery device was between 6 and 10 mJ to create 100–500 µm holes. The half‐life measurement of the dye was found to be 13 days at the vitreous chamber after measuring the fluorescence intensity through the dilated cornea. Histology study showed minimal immune and foreign body response such as mild inflammation.ConclusionThis study established that the drug delivery device seemed to elicit minimal inflammatory response and retained its fluidic content until it was released with relatively longer retention time (half‐life). Thus, similar device could be used for controlled release of drugs for certain ocular diseases. Lasers Surg. Med. 44:30–48, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fast design of local N‐gram‐specific absorption rate–optimized radiofrequency pulses for parallel transmit systems
Authors: Sbrizzi Alessandro , Hoogduin Hans , Lagendijk Jan J. , Luijten Peter , Sleijpen Gerard L. G. , van den Berg Cornelis A. T. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractDesigning multidimensional radiofrequency pulses for clinical application must take into account the local specific absorption rate (SAR) as controlling the global SAR does not guarantee suppression of hot spots. The maximum peak SAR, averaged over an N grams cube (local NgSAR), must be kept under certain safety limits. Computing the SAR over a three‐dimensional domain can require several minutes and implementing this computation in a radiofrequency pulse design algorithm could slow down prohibitively the numerical process. In this article, a fast optimization algorithm is designed acting on a limited number of control points, which are strategically selected locations from the entire domain. The selection is performed by comparing the largest eigenvalues and the corresponding eigenvectors of the matrices which locally describe the tissue's amount of heating. The computation complexity is dramatically reduced. An additional critical step to accelerate the computations is to apply a multi shift conjugate gradient algorithm. Two transmit array setups are studied: a two channel 3 T birdcage body coil and a 12‐channel 7 T transverse electromagnetic (TEM) head coil. In comparison with minimum power radiofrequency pulses, it is shown that a reduction of 36.5% and 35%, respectively, in the local NgSAR can be achieved within short, clinically feasible, computation times. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Feasibility, reproducibility, and reliability for the T*2 iron evaluation at 3 T in comparison with 1.5 T
Authors: Meloni Antonella , Positano Vincenzo , Keilberg Petra , De Marchi Daniele , Pepe Pasquale , Zuccarelli Angelo , Campisi Saveria , Romeo Maria Antonietta , Casini Tommaso , Bitti Pier Paolo , Gerardi Calogera , Lai Maria Eliana , Piraino Basilia , Giuffrida Gaetano , Secchi Giuseppina , Midiri Massimo , Lombardi Massimo , Pepe Alessia 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThis study aimed to determine the feasibility, reproducibility, and reliability of the multiecho T*2 Magnetic resonance imaging technique at 3 T for myocardial and liver iron burden quantification and the relationship between T*2 values at 3 and 1.5 T. Thirty‐eight transfusion‐dependent patients and 20 healthy subjects were studied. Cardiac segmental and global T*2 values were calculated after developing a correction map to compensate the artifactual T*2 variations. The hepatic T*2 value was determined over a region of interest. The intraoperator and interoperator reproducibility for T*2 measurements at 3 T was good. A linear relationship was found between patients' R (1000/T*2) values at 3 and 1.5 T. Segmental correction factors were significantly higher at 3 T. A conversion formula returning T*2 values at 1.5 T from values at 3 T was proposed. A good diagnostic reliability for T*2 assessment at 3 T was demonstrated. Lower limits of normal for 3 T T*2 values were 23.3 ms, 21.1 ms, and 11.7 ms, for the global heart, mid‐ventricular septum, and liver, respectively. In conclusion, T*2 quantification of iron burden in the mid‐ventricular septum, global heart, and no heavy–moderate livers resulted to be feasible, reproducible, and reliable at 3 T. Segmental heart T*2 analysis at 3 T may be challenging due to significantly higher susceptibility artifacts. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
DC electrical conduction and morphological behavior of counter anion‐governed genesis of electrochemically synthesized polypyrrole films
Authors: Singh Rajiv K. , Kumar Amit , Agarwal Khushboo , Kumar Mahesh , Singh H. K. , Srivastava Pankaj , Singh Ramadhar 
Published: December 2011

AbstractHighly conducting polypyrrole (PPY) films, doped with various anions [pTS−, ClO4−, and NO3− and mixed electrolyte system (pTS− + ClO4−)], have been electrochemically synthesized in aqueous solution at ∼275 K in an inert atmosphere. PPY exhibits metallic order dc conductivity at room temperature and shows variation of conductivity with respect to time of polymerization. Effect of dopant anion on growth mechanism of PPY is evident from its surface morphology. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), used to examine the surface composition and doping level of various PPY films, confirms the anionic doping into the polymer backbone. Both XPS and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy give evidence of formation of polarons and bipolarons. The temperature (4.2–320 K)‐dependent dc conductivity data of these PPY films have been explained by Mott's 3D variable‐range hopping conduction model. Mott's parameters have been estimated, and structural disorder with doping is correlated for all the samples. Mott's criterion for distant hopping sites prevails in case of moderately doped samples (PPY3, PPY4, and PPY5), whereas the hopping to nearest neighbor sites is found more suitable in case of highly doped samples (PPY1 and PPY2). The origin of these changes is due to the modification in the molecular structure of PPY, which is governed by different growth mechanisms for organic (pTS−) and inorganic (ClO4− and NO3−) counter anions. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2012
Derivatization of Plasma Polymerized Thin Films and Attachment of Biomolecules to Influence HUVEC‐Cell Adhesion
Authors: Lotz Alexander , Heller Martin , Brieger Jürgen , Gabriel Matthias , Förch Renate 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPlasma polymerized films of allylamine were surface derivatized in subsequent wet chemical processes using a diepoxy‐PEG linker to covalently bind different biomolecules that are known to influence cell adhesion. The initial attachment of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was studied on (i) unmodified PTFE, (ii) PTFE modified with a layer of plasma polymerized allylamine (pp‐AA), and (iii) PTFE modified with a layer pp‐AA which was further modified using known adhesion molecules coupled to the functional surface via a linker molecule. Statistical analysis of the data initially show significant adhesion improvement of HUVECs on pp‐AA and on pp‐AA modified with either L‐RGD or C‐RGD in comparison to the bare PTFE. The statistical significances between the pp‐AA surface and the modified pp‐AA/RGD surface were however found to be negligible. A significant further improvement was observed for the modified surfaces derivatized with the very much larger fibronectin.magnified image
Secretory phospholipase A2‐IIa is a target gene of the HER/HER2‐elicited pathway and a potential plasma biomarker for poor prognosis of prostate cancer
Authors: Oleksowicz Leslie , Liu Yin , Bracken R. Bruce , Gaitonde Krishnanath , Burke Barbara , Succop Paul , Levin Linda , Dong Zhongyun , Lu Shan 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBACKGROUNDOur previous study showed that prostate cancer cells overexpress and secrete secretory phospholipases A2 group IIa (sPLA2‐IIa) and plasma sPLA2‐IIa was elevated in prostate cancer patients. The current study further explored the underlying mechanism of sPLA2‐IIa overexpression and the potential role of sPLA2‐IIa as a prostate cancer biomarker.METHODSPlasma and tissue specimens from prostate cancer patients were analyzed for sPLA2‐IIa levels. Regulation of sPLA2‐IIa expression by Heregulin‐α was determined by Western blot and reporter assay.RESULTSWe found that Heregulin‐α enhanced expression of the sPLA2‐IIa gene via the HER2/HER3‐elicited pathway. The EGFR/HER2 dual inhibitor Lapatinib and the NF‐kB inhibitor Bortezomib inhibited sPLA2‐IIa expression induced by Heregulin‐α. Heregulin‐α upregulated expression of the sPLA2‐IIa gene at the transcriptional level. We further confirmed that plasma sPLA2‐IIa secreted by mouse bearing human prostate cancer xenografts reached detectable plasma concentrations. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis of patient plasma specimens revealed that high levels of plasma sPLA2‐IIa, with the optimum cutoff value of 2.0 ng/ml, were significantly associated with high Gleason score (8–10) relative to intermediate Gleason score (6–7) prostate cancers and advanced relative to indolent cancers. The area under the ROC curve (area under curve, AUC) was 0.73 and 0.74, respectively.CONCLUSIONWe found that Heregulin‐α, in addition to EGF, contributes to sPLA2‐IIa overexpression in prostate cancer cells. Our findings support the notion that high levels of plasma sPLA2‐IIa may serve as a poor prognostic biomarker capable of distinguishing aggressive from indolent prostate cancers, which may improve decision‐making and optimize patient management. Prostate 72:1140–1149, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Why Do Nurses Choose to Work in the Perioperative Field?
Authors: Støren Ingeborg , Hanssen Ingrid 
Published: December 2011

AbstractIt is important for educators to know why nursing students choose perioperative nursing so that they can help these students become knowledgeable and perceptive professionals. The purpose of this study was to learn why perioperative nurses chose their specialty and why they chose to leave former positions. We used a Likert‐type questionnaire with 26 statements and one open‐ended question. Ninety of approximately 180 perioperative nursing students in Norway returned the questionnaire. The three most important reasons for choosing perioperative nursing were interest, being able to help patients, and being useful to others, and the three most important reasons for leaving former jobs were wanting more than working on typical patient care units, insufficient staff to provide high‐quality care, and being responsible for too many patients.
Developmental responses of the diamondback moth parasitoidDiadegma semiclausum(Hellén) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) to temperature and host plant species
Authors: Dosdall L.M. , Zalucki M.P. , Tansey J.A. , Furlong M.J. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractEffects of constant rearing temperature and the plant species fed upon by its hosts were investigated for several developmental parameters ofDiadegma semiclausum(Hellén), an important parasitoid of the diamondback moth,Plutella xylostella(L.). Temperature had highly significant effects on all developmental parameters measured, and effects were usually both linear and quadratic with increasing temperature. Host plant species, comprisingBrassica napusL.,Brassica rapaL. ssp.pekinensisandBrassica oleraceaL. var.capitata, also affected development of the parasitoid, and significant interactions were observed between plant species and rearing temperature for all developmental parameters measured. Development ofD. semiclausumoccurred successfully on all host plant species tested for the temperature range of 10 to 25°C. However, when itsP. xylostellahosts consumed leaf tissue ofB. napus, no specimens survived to pupate at 30°C, whilst pupation and adult eclosion occurred at 30°C onB. rapassp.pekinensisandB. oleraceavar. capitata. At high ambient temperatures, such as those characteristic of tropical or subtropical regions (especially at low elevations) or regions that undergo temperature increases due to climate change,P. xylostellais predicted to occur at a higher range of temperatures than its biocontrol agent,D. semiclausum. Effects of high temperatures are expected to be more profound on the parasitoid for some host plants than others, with greater developmental limitations for the parasitoid onB. napusthan onB. rapaorB. oleracea.
Patterns of co-morbidity with anxiety disorders in Chinese women with recurrent major depression
Authors: Li Y. , Shi S. , Yang F. , Gao J. , Li Youhui , Tao M. , Wang G. , Zhang K. , Gao C. , Liu L. , Li Kan , Li Keqing , Liu Y. , Wang Xumei , Zhang J. , Lv L. , Wang Xueyi , Chen Q. , Hu J. , Sun L. , Shi J. , Chen Y. , Xie D. , Flint J. , Kendler K. S. , Zhang Z. 
Published: December 2011

BackgroundStudies conducted in Europe and the USA have shown that co-morbidity between major depressive disorder (MDD) and anxiety disorders is associated with various MDD-related features, including clinical symptoms, degree of familial aggregation and socio-economic status. However, few studies have investigated whether these patterns of association vary across different co-morbid anxiety disorders. Here, using a large cohort of Chinese women with recurrent MDD, we examine the prevalence and associated clinical features of co-morbid anxiety disorders.MethodA total of 1970 female Chinese MDD patients with or without seven co-morbid anxiety disorders [including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and five phobia subtypes] were ascertained in the CONVERGE study. Generalized linear models were used to model association between co-morbid anxiety disorders and various MDD features.ResultsThe lifetime prevalence rate for any type of co-morbid anxiety disorder is 60.2%. Panic and social phobia significantly predict an increased family history of MDD. GAD and animal phobia predict an earlier onset of MDD and a higher number of MDD episodes, respectively. Panic and GAD predict a higher number of DSM-IV diagnostic criteria. GAD and blood-injury phobia are both significantly associated with suicidal attempt with opposite effects. All seven co-morbid anxiety disorders predict higher neuroticism.ConclusionsPatterns of co-morbidity between MDD and anxiety are consistent with findings from the US and European studies; the seven co-morbid anxiety disorders are heterogeneous when tested for association with various MDD features.
Stress sensitization following a disaster: a prospective study
Authors: Smid G. E. , van der Velden P. G. , Lensvelt-Mulders G. J. L. M. , Knipscheer J. W. , Gersons B. P. R. , Kleber R. J. 
Published: December 2011

BackgroundAccording to the stress sensitization hypothesis, prior exposure to extreme stressors may lead to increased responsiveness to subsequent stressors. It is unclear whether disaster exposure is associated with stress sensitization and, if so, whether this effect is lasting or temporary. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence and duration of stress sensitization prospectively following a major disaster.MethodResidents affected by a fireworks disaster (n=1083) participated in surveys 2–3 weeks (T1), 18–20 months (T2) and almost 4 years (T3) after the disaster. Participants reported disaster exposure, including direct exposure, injury and damage to their home at T1, and also stressful life events (SLEs) at T2 and T3. Feelings of anxiety and depression, concentration difficulty, hostility, sleep disturbance, and intrusion and avoidance of disaster-related memories were used as indicators of distress.ResultsResidents whose home was completely destroyed responded with greater distress to SLEs reported 18–20 months following the disaster than residents whose home was less damaged. There were no differences in stress responsiveness almost 4 years after the disaster.ConclusionsDuring the first years after a disaster, stress sensitization may occur in disaster survivors who experienced extreme disaster exposure. Stress sensitization may explain the persistence or progression of distress over time following extreme stressor exposure.
Morphological differences in human zygotes and embryos cultured in different media
Authors: Di Falco Cossiello Raquel , Aggelis Alexandros , Faúndes Daniel , Petta Carlos A. 
Published: December 2011

SummaryPurpose: To compare the effects of four culture media on the quality of human zygotes and embryos. Methods: Prospective study analyzing 2289 human embryos cultivated simultaneously in two different culture media: HTF, the default medium, with either Universal IVF, Global or IVF-30 as the secondary media. The sibling oocytes by each patient were randomly divided between the two culture media following intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). On day 1 the pronuclear stage of zygotes were evaluated and on day 2 embryos were evaluated according to the number of cells, percentage of fragmentation and number of nuclei. Z-test and odds ratios were used in the statistical analysis. Results: There was a higher percentage (55.2%) of class A1 + A2 zygotes with IVF-30 compared with HTF, Global or Universal IVF media (49.1%, 44.7% and 44.2%, respectively). The percentage of Top embryos was significantly higher with Global (40.2%) compared with HTF (21.3%), IVF-30 (25.0%) or Universal IVF media (11.2%). Conclusions: Global medium produced more Top embryos evaluated on day 2 of development.