bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Convergence theorems for fixed point problems and variational inequality problems in Hilbert spaces
Authors: Yao Yonghong , Liou Yeong‐Cheng , Chen Rudong 
Published: November 2009

AbstractIn this paper, we introduce an iterative scheme for finding a common element of the set of fixed points of a nonexpansive mapping and the set of solutions of the variational inequality for an α ‐inverse strongly monotone mapping in a Hilbert space. We show that the sequence converges strongly to a common element of two sets under some mild conditions on parameters (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Micro‐/Nanoscale Structuring of Cell‐Culture Substrates with Fluorocarbon Plasmas
Authors: Di Mundo Rosa , Gristina Roberto , Sardella Elaisa , Intranuovo Francesca , Nardulli Marina , Milella Antonella , Palumbo Fabio , d'Agostino Riccardo , Favia Pietro 
Published: November 2009

AbstractWe describe the tailoring of polymer surfaces with CFx composition and roughness/density of different micro‐/nanometric relieves (ribbons, petals, domes, dots) tuned independently in low pressure plasma deposition and etching processes. Similarity of outer chemical composition grants the comparison of cell culture results to analyze the impact of topographical features on cellular behavior. Such surfaces are of interest for biomedical substrates since tuning their surface composition and morphology can drive the behavior of cells in contact with them.magnified image
Density Distributions in TATB Prepared by Various Methods
Authors: Hoffman D. Mark , Fontes Aaron T. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe density distribution of two legacy types of 1,3,5‐triamino‐2,4,6‐trinitrobenzene (TATB) particles were compared with TATB synthesized by new routes and recrystallized in several different solvents using a density gradient technique. Legacy wet (WA) and dry aminated (DA) TATB crystalline aggregates gave average densities of 1.9157 and 1.9163 g cm−3, respectively. Since the theoretical maximum density (TMD) for a perfect crystal is 1.937 g cm−3, legacy TATB crystals averaged 99% of TMD or about 1% voids. TATB synthesized from phloroglucinol (P) had comparable particle size to legacy TATBs, but significantly lower density, 1.8340 g cm−3. TATB synthesized from 3,5 dibromoanisole (BA) was very difficult to measure because it contained extremely fine particles, but had an average density of 1.8043 g cm−3 over a very broad range. Density distributions of TATB recrystallized from dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), sulfolane, and an 80/20 mixture of DMSO with the ionic liquid 1‐ethyl‐3‐methyl‐imidazolium acetate (EMImOAc), with some exceptions, gave average densities comparable or better than the legacy TATBs.
Fusion Technique for Liver Transection with Kelly‐Clysis and Harmonic Technology
Authors: Jagannath P. , Chhabra D. G. , Sutariya K. R. , Shah R. C. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBackgroundVarious devices are available for liver transection and comparative data on transection techniques are limited by the diversity of operative procedures. Clamp crushing (Kelly‐clysis) with a Cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator (CUSA—Integra Radionics) is widely used for splitting the liver parenchyma. Hemostasis is achieved by bipolar coagulation, ligatures, or hemoclips. We introduce a fusion technique (Focus‐clysis) for liver transection using a combination of Kelly‐clysis and harmonic technology.Materials and methodA fusion technique (FT) was performed using FOCUS, a Kelly clamp like instrument attached to a Harmonic generator. Hepatic resections (nine major, nine minor) were performed with the fusion technique in 18 non‐cirrhotic patients. Variables evaluated were blood loss, transection time, biliary leak, postoperative liver function, morbidity, and cost‐effectiveness. The results were compared with 18 hepatic resections (nine major, nine minor) that were performed with our earlier technique, i.e., CUSA with bipolar cautery, ligatures, and hemoclips.ResultsThe mean blood loss was 416 ml in the FT group, compared to 833 ml in the CUSA group. Two patients in the FT group needed blood transfusion in the first 48 h, whereas eight patients in the CUSA group had transfusions. No major postoperative liver dysfunction was noted with the new technique, and postoperative morbidity was lower in the FT group. Liver transection with the fusion technique was faster.ConclusionThe fusion technique (Focus‐clysis) using Kelly‐clysis and harmonic technology is promising, easy, and effective for liver transection. Our initial results show advantages over the routinely used CUSA/bipolar combination. The fusion technique could be a new option for liver transection, especially in non‐cirrhotic patients.
Association of Increasing Surgeon Age with Decreasing In‐Hospital Mortality After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
Authors: Chai Chiah‐Yang , Chen Chao‐Hung , Lin Hui‐Wen , Lin Herng‐Ching 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the relation between surgeon age and in‐hospital mortality for patients who underwent a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) using a nationwide population‐based data set.MethodsThis study used data from the 2004 Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. The study sample comprised 3766 patients hospitalized for CABG surgery and was divided into three equal‐sized surgeon age groups: <40, 40 to 45, and >45 years. A conditional (fixed‐effect) logistic regression was performed to examine the relation between surgeon age and in‐hospital mortality after adjusting for surgeon CABG caseload and characteristics of patients and surgeons as well as the clustering effect among surgeons.ResultsPatients who underwent CABG performed by surgeons in the <40 years age group had significantly higher in‐hospital mortality rates (5.4%) than those operated on by surgeons in the 40‐ to 45‐year age group (3.5%) and surgeons in the >45‐year age group (2.6%). Regression shows that the adjusted odds ratio of in‐hospital mortality for patients operated on by surgeons in the <40‐year age group was 1.47 (p < 0.05) times that for surgeons in the 40‐ to 45‐year age group and 1.82 (p < 0.05) times that for surgeons in the >45‐year age group.ConclusionWe conclude that older surgeons are more likely to achieve better clinical performance with CABG surgery because of their greater clinical experience.
Quantitative Comparison of the Difficulty of Performing Laparoscopic Colectomy at Different Tumor Locations
Authors: Kuwabara Kazuaki , Matsuda Shinya , Fushimi Kiyohide , Ishikawa Koichi B. , Horiguchi Hiromasa , Fujimori Kenji 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBackgroundLaparoscopic approaches of colectomy for colonic cancer are increasingly surpassing the mainstream open colectomy approach. Impact of disease variables, such as tumor location, has not been adequately measured in quality improvement initiatives. Quantitative analysis concerning the difficulty performing these procedures and differences in postoperative care depending on tumor site will contribute to the development of training programs and to the assessment of quality of care strategies.MethodsA total of 3,765 cases received laparoscopic colectomy (LC). Patient demographics, weighted comorbidities, procedure‐related complications, stapling devices, operating room (OR) time, postoperative length of hospital stay (LOS), or total charges (TC) were categorized and compared based on tumor location: cecum to ascending, transverse, descending, and sigmoid colon. Multivariate analyses determined the impact of tumor location on postoperative LOS, TC, OR time, and complications.ResultsSigmoid colon was the most frequent tumor placement (40.5%). Significant differences in age, gender, frequency of blood transfusion, use of stapling devices, OR time, and postoperative LOS were observed among tumor locations. Transverse colon was the most significant determinant of postoperative LOS and TC, whereas descending colon tumors correlated with increased OR time. Greater OR time was associated with more postoperative resource use and complications.ConclusionsTumor location, complications, and OR time affected postoperative resource use, whereas greater OR time signified an increased occurrence of complications. Developers of LC training programs or healthcare policy makers should consider the quantitative impact of tumor locations when attempting to improve effective skill training or to survey the quality of LC performance.
Tetralogy of Fallot: Yesterday and Today
Authors: Starr Joanne P. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractTetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a cyanotic congenital cardiac defect that was first described by Stenson in 1672 and later named for Fallot, who in 1888 described it as a single pathological process responsible for (1) pulmonary outflow tract obstruction, (2) ventricular septal defect (VSD), (3) overriding aortic root, and (4) right ventricular hypertrophy. The surgical history of TOF began with the development of the systemic to pulmonary artery shunt (BT shunt) by Blalock, Taussig, and Thomas in 1944. Ten years later complete repair of TOF was performed by Lillehei using cross‐circulation and by Kirklin with a primitive cardiopulmonary bypass circuit. Notable contributions by several other surgeons including Bahnson, Ebert, Malm, Trusler, Barratt‐Boyes, and Castaneda would lead us into the modern era of surgery. Today, complete repair of TOF is performed before six months of age with low mortality (<2%). In select cases a modified version of the BT shunt is still performed as the initial procedure. Long‐term survival rates are excellent (85%–90%). Adult survivors with TOF are an ever‐increasing population and may require reintervention, surgically or catheter based. Promising future innovations include percutaneous pulmonary valve replacement, tissue‐engineered autologous valves and conduits, and genetic manipulation. This article presents a review of TOF, including the history of surgical treatment, present‐day approaches, and long‐term outcomes.
Papillary Carcinoma Located in the Thyroid Isthmus
Authors: Lee Yong Sang , Jeong Jong Ju , Nam Kee‐Hyun , Chung Woong Youn , Chang Hang‐Seok , Park Cheong Soo 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of the present study was to evaluate the clinicopathologic characteristics and short‐term outcomes of papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTC) located in the isthmus compared to tumors located in other thyroid regions, and to use those findings to establish a surgical strategy for treating these tumors.Patients and methodsThyroidectomy was performed in 1,973 thyroid cancer patients in our hospital between January 2006 and December 2007. The patients were analyzed in two groups; group I, patients with tumors located in the isthmus (n = 181) and group II, patients with tumors located in other thyroid regions (n = 1,792). The clinicopathologic characteristics and short‐term outcomes were compared between the two groups.ResultsThe study groups were similar in terms of age and gender ratio. For groups I and II, respectively, the mean primary tumor size was 1.02 cm and 1.13 cm (p = 0.017), capsular invasion frequency was 70.2 and 60.8% (p = 0.008), and multifocality frequency was 48.6 and 39.8% (p = 0.006). In addition, central node involvement was 40.3 and 42.1% (p = 0.350), and lateral node involvement was 9.4 and 18.2% (p = 0.001). At the time of postoperative iodine‐131 remnant ablation, 34.3% of group I patients and 38.0% of group II patients showed undetectable serum thyroglobulin concentrations. There were no significant differences in surgical complications between the two groups.ConclusionsPapillary thyroid carcinomas located in the isthmus was more likely to be associated with multiple foci in bilateral lobes and higher rates of capsular invasions than tumors in other thyroid regions. These findings indicate that total thyroidectomy is an appropriate initial surgical procedure for the isthmic PTC.
Risk Factors for Clinical Pancreatic Fistula After Distal Pancreatectomy: Analysis of Consecutive 100 Patients
Authors: Yoshioka Ryuji , Saiura Akio , Koga Rintaro , Seki Makoto , Kishi Yoji , Morimura Ryo , Yamamoto Junji , Yamaguchi Toshiharu 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBackgroundThe mortality associated with distal pancreatectomy (DP) has declined to <5% in recent years in high‐volume centers. However, morbidity remains high, ranging from 32% to 57%. Pancreatic fistula (PF) is the most common complication after DP. The aim of this study was to analyze factors associated with the occurrence of clinical PF.MethodsA retrospective review was performed of the medical records of 100 patients who underwent DP in our institution between May 2001 and January 2009.ResultsThere was no mortality, but morbidity was occurred in 65 patients (65%), with major complications occurring in 9 patients (9%). PF occurred in 50 patients (50%) and clinical PF occurred in 23 patients (23%). Multivariate analysis indicated that independent risk factors for clinical PF were: age younger than 65 years (P = 0.049; odds ratio (OR) 2.958; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.007–8.688), not ligating the main pancreatic duct (MPD) (P = 0.02; OR 4.933; 95% CI 1.283–18.967), and extended lymphadenectomy (P = 0.008; OR 4.773; 95% CI 1.504–15.145).ConclusionsAge < 65 years, not ligating the MPD, and extended lymphadenectomy are independent risk factors for clinical PF.
Mitochondrial Cholesterol Transporter, StAR, Inhibits Human THP‐1 Monocyte‐Derived Macrophage Apoptosis
Authors: Bai Qianming , Li Xiaobo , Ning Yanxia , Zhao Fengdi , Yin Lianhua 
Published: November 2009

AbstractSteroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) plays an important role in the maintenance of intracellular lipid homeostasis. Macrophages are the key cellular player in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. Imbalance of macrophage lipid homeostasis causes cellular apoptosis, which is the key process in the initiation of atherosclerosis. The present study has investigated the effects of StAR in the apoptotic process of human THP‐1 derived macrophages induced by serum withdrawal or Ox‐LDL. Overexpression of StAR significantly decreased the number of apoptotic macrophages by decreasing the expression of pro‐apoptotic genes Caspase‐3 and Bax mRNA and protein levels, as well as through increasing expression of anti‐apoptotic gene Bcl‐2 mRNA and protein levels in the absence and presence of Ox‐LDL. The results indicate that StAR plays an important role in macrophage and foam cell apoptotic processing, which may provide a potential method for preventing atherosclerosis.
Ring‐Opening Polymerization of Epoxidized Soybean Oil
Authors: Liu Zengshe , Erhan Sevim Z. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractRing‐opening polymerization of epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) catalyzed by boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BF3·OEt2) in methylene chloride was conducted in an effort to develop useful biodegradable polymers. The resulting polymerized ESO (PESO) were characterized using infrared (IR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), 1H NMR, 13C NMR, solid state 13C NMR and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The results indicated that PESO materials were highly crosslinked polymers. They had glass transition temperatures ranging from −16 to −48 °C. TGA results showed the PESO polymers were thermally stable at temperatures up to 220 °C. Decomposition of the polymers was found to occur at temperature greater than 340 °C. GPC results indicated the extracted soluble substances from PESO polymers were ESO dimers, trimers and polymers with low molecular weights. The resulting crosslinked polymers can be converted into hydrogels by chemical modification, such as hydrolysis. These soy based hydrogels will find applications in personal care and health care areas.
Krankheitsspezifische Hautmodelle
Authors: Eckl K.-M. , Hennies H.C. 
Published: November 2009

Zusammenfassung
In den letzten Jahren wurden Hautmodelle besonders für die Behandlung von Verbrennungsopfern, aber auch zur molekularen und zellbiologischen Aufklärung von dermatologischen und immunologischen Erkrankungen und Untersuchung von Kosmetika und Pharmaka entwickelt. Kommerzielle Modelle, als alternative Methode für Tierversuche in der kosmetischen und chemischen Industrie entwickelt, sind vielfältig erhältlich und entsprechend den Richtlinien von OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) und ECVAM (European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods) validiert. Hautmodelle beinhalten 2 Kompartimente, ein Dermisäquivalent, welches meist aus Typ-I-Kollagen und darin enthaltenen Fibroblasten besteht, und ein voll differenzierbares Epidermisäquivalent. Bis heute existieren nur wenige Hautmodelle, die spezifische monogene Hautkrankheiten simulieren oder in der Haut sichtbare Krankheitszeichen einer systemischen Autoimmunerkrankung darstellen. Wir haben kürzlich ein solches Modell für kongenitale Ichthyosen entwickelt, das hinsichtlich seiner physikalischen, physiologischen und zellbiologischen Eigenschaften validiert wird und zur Erprobung neuer Therapien geeignet ist.
Use of the Universal Clamp for deformity correction and as an adjunct to fusion: Preliminary results in scoliosis
Authors: Jouve Jean-Luc , de Gauzy Jérôme Sales , Blondel Benjamin , Launay Franck , Accadbled Franck , Bollini Gérard 
Published: November 2009

Purpose Evaluation of a novel instrumentation device for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Methods A new osteosynthesis implant (Universal Clamp) primarily consisting of a sublaminar band and titanium clamp was prospectively studied in 32 patients (average age, 15 years) with a major thoracic curve. Results The Universal Clamp was used without anterior release to reduce and maintain correction of the thoracic curve, which improved from 55.1° preoperatively to 14.5° at 3 months without neurological complication or loss of kyphosis. Conclusions This implant distributes stress over a larger area of the laminar cortex than sublaminar wires, patently reducing the risk of laminar fracture for equivalent reduction forces, and permits progressive reduction at several apical levels simultaneously.
Dysmenorrhea in a multiethnic population of adolescent Asian girls
Authors: Wong Li Ping , Khoo Ee Ming 
Published: November 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of dysmenorrhea, its impact, and the treatment‐seeking behavior of adolescent Asian girls.MethodA cross‐sectional study with 1092 girls from 15 public secondary schools and 3 ethnic groups in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.ResultsOverall, 74.5% of the girls who had reached menarche had dysmenorrhea; 51.7% of these girls reported that it affected their concentration in class; 50.2% that it restricted their social activities; 21.5% that it caused them to miss school; and 12.0% that it caused poor school performance. Ethnicity and form at school were significantly associated with the poor concentration, absenteeism, and restriction of social and recreational activities attributed to dysmenorrhea. Only 12.0% had consulted a physician, and 53.3% did nothing about their conditions. There were ethnic differences in the prevalence, impact, and management of dysmenorrhea.ConclusionThere is a need for culture‐specific education regarding menstruation‐related conditions in the school curriculum.
Clomiphene citrate plus tamoxifen versus laparoscopic ovarian drilling in women with clomiphene‐resistant polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Zakherah Mahmoud S. , Nasr Ahmed , El Saman Aly M. , Shaaban Omar M. , Shahin Ahmed Y. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the efficacy of clomiphene citrate (CC) plus tamoxifen with that of laparoscopic ovarian drilling in clomiphene‐resistant women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).MethodWe randomly allocated 150 women with CC‐resistant PCOS to a combined medication group (group 1) or a laparoscopic surgery group (group 2). The primary outcome was the live birth rate in each group; secondary outcomes were the rates of ovulation, clinical pregnancy and miscarriage.ResultsThere were no significant differences between the groups regarding rates of ovulation (81.3% vs 85.3%), pregnancy (53.3% vs 50.7%), or live births (49.3% vs 44.0%), but the mean endometrium thickness was significantly greater on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin administration in group 1 (P < 0.001).ConclusionClomiphene citrate plus tamoxifen was as effective as laparoscopic ovarian drilling in promoting ovulation and pregnancy.
Cytology versus HPV testing for the detection of high‐grade cervical lesions in women found positive on visual inspection in Mumbai, India
Authors: Pimple Sharmila , Muwonge Richard , Amin Geetanjali , Goswami Smriti , Sankaranarayanan Rengaswamy , Shastri Surendra S. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the utility of cytology and HPV testing in women from Mumbai, India, suspected of having cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) on visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA), Lugol's iodine (VILI), or both.MethodThe sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of these tests for the detection of CIN 2 and/or 3 were evaluated in this cross‐sectional study with 756 women suspected of having CIN on visual inspection.ResultsThere were 25 women with CIN 2, 20 with CIN 3, and 21 with invasive cancer. The sensitivity to detect CIN 3 lesions was 85.0% (95% CI, 62.1–96.8) and 70.0% (95% CI, 45.7–88.1) for cytology testing at the ASCUS and LSIL thresholds, respectively, and it was 89.5% (95% CI, 66.9–98.7) for HPV testing. The specificity to detect CIN 3 lesions was 94.5% (95% CI, 92.5–96.1) and 96.1% (95% CI, 94.4–97.5) for cytology testing at the ASCUS and LSIL thresholds, and it was 91.1% (95% CI, 88.5–93.2) for HPV testing.ConclusionCytology and HPV testing were both found to be accurate triaging methods for women suspected of having CIN on visual inspection, especially for those with CIN 3 lesions.
Laryngeal cryptococcosis: Clinical presentation and treatment of a rare cause of hoarseness
Authors: Gordon Dan H. , Stow Nicholas W. , Yapa H. Manisha , Bova Ron , Marriott Deborah 
Published: November 2009

Objective: Laryngeal cryptococcosis is rare, with few reported cases in the literature. We present current investigation and treatment recommendations for this disease.Study Design: A structured literature review; additional cases and expert opinion are presented.Results: Localized laryngeal cryptococcal infection most commonly presents with persisting hoarseness. Clinical suspicion of the disease is required for accurate diagnosis, with treatment based on the patient's immune status. Early microbiological advice and adequate follow‐up is recommended to ensure disease resolution.Conclusion: Isolated laryngeal cryptococcosis is a rare presentation of fungal infection. It is easily treated and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with persisting hoarseness.