bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A biomechanical study of the instrumented and adjacent lumbar levels after In-Space interspinous spacer insertion
Authors: Park Seoung Woo , Lim T. Jesse , Park Jon 
Published: June 2010

ObjectInterspinous process implants are becoming more common for the treatment of lumber disc degeneration. The authors undertook this study to evaluate the effect of the In-Space interspinous spacer on the biomechanics of the lumbosacral spine.MethodsSeven L2–S1 cadaver spines were physiologically loaded in extension, flexion, lateral bending, and axial rotation modes. The range of motion (ROM) and intervertebral disc pressure (DP) at the level implanted with an In-Space device and at adjacent levels were measured under 4 experimental conditions. Biomechanical testing was carried out on 7 sequentially prepared specimens in the following states: 1) the intact L2–S1 cadaver spine and 2) the L2–S1 cadaver specimen implanted with an In-Space interspinous spacer at L3–4 (Group 1), 3) after an additional L3–4 discectomy (with the In-Space interspinous spacer still in place) (Group 2), and finally, 4) after removal of the In-Space interspinous spacer, leaving only the discectomized (that is, destabilized) spine model (Group 3).ResultsThe extension ROM at the implanted level after experimental conditions 2 and 3 above was statistically significantly reduced. An increase of ROM at the adjacent levels compensated for the reduction at the implanted level. However, there was no statistically significant change in ROM in any of the other modes of motion at any of the levels studied. Likewise, the DP reduction at L3–4 during extension was statistically significant, but in all other modes of motion, there was no statistically significant change in DP at any measured level. The In-Space interspinous spacer statistically significantly reduced the ROM of the L3–4 motion segment in Groups 1 and 2 (extension: 67%, p = 0.018 and 70%, p = 0.018; flexion: 72%, p = 0.028 and 80%, p = 0.027). After placement of the In-Space interspinous spacer, the DP was decreased at L3–4 in extension for Groups 1 and 2 in the posterior anular region (63%, p = 0.028; 59%, p = 0.043), Group 2 in the center region (73%, p = 0.028), and Groups 1 and 2 in the anterior anular region (57%, p = 0.018; 60%, p = 0.018).ConclusionsThe In-Space interspinous spacer both stabilizes the spine and reduces the intervertebral DP at the instrumented level during extension. The biomechanics for other modes of motion and at the adjacent levels are not affected statistically significantly, however. The device thus performed as intended. It significantly stabilized the motion segments at the instrumented level, but not at the segment adjacent to the instrumented level.
Anterior bone cement augmentation in anterior lumbar interbody fusion and percutaneous pedicle screw fixation in patients with osteoporosis
Authors: Kim Kyeong Hwan , Lee Sang-Ho , Lee Dong Yeob , Shim Chan Shik , Maeng Dae Hyeon 
Published: June 2010

Object
The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of anterior polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement augmentation in instrumented anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) for patients with osteoporosis.

Methods
Sixty-two patients with osteoporosis who had undergone single-level instrumented ALIF for spondylolisthesis and were followed for more than 2 years were included in the study. The patients were divided into 2 groups: instrumented ALIF alone (Group I) and instrumented ALIF with anterior PMMA augmentation (Group II). Sixty-one patients were interviewed to evaluate the clinical results, and plain radiographs and 3D CT scans were obtained at the last follow-up in 46 patients.

Results
The mean degree of cage subsidence was significantly higher in Group I (19.6%) than in Group II (5.2%) (p = 0.001). The mean decrease of vertebral body height at the index level was also significantly higher in Group I (10.7%) than in Group II (3.9%) (p = 0.001). No significant intergroup differences were observed in the incidence of radiographic adjacent-segment degeneration (ASD) or in terms of pain and functional improvement. The incidences of clinical ASD (23% in Group I and 10% in Group II) were not significantly different. There was 1 case of nonunion and 3 cases of screw migration in Group I, but none resulted in implant failure.

Conclusions
Anterior PMMA augmentation during instrumented ALIF in patients with osteoporosis was useful to prevent cage subsidence and vertebral body collapse. In addition, PMMA augmentation did not increase the nonunion rate and incidence of ASD.
Segmented Poincaré Plot Analysis for Risk Stratification in Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Fischer C. , Schroeder R. , Figulla H. R. , Goernig M. , Voss A. 
Published: June 2010

Summary
Background: The prognostic value of heart rate variability in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is limited and does not contribute to risk stratification although the dynamics of ventricular repolarization differs considerably between DCM patients and healthy subjects. Neither linear nor nonlinear methods of heart rate variability analysis could discriminate between patients at high and low risk for sudden cardiac death.
Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the suitability of the new developed segmented Poincaré plot analysis (SPPA) to enhance risk stratification in DCM.
Methods: In contrast to the usual applied Poincaré plot analysis the SPPA retains nonlinear features from investigated beat-to-beat interval time series. Main features of SPPA are the rotation of cloud of points and their succeeded variability depended segmentation.
Results: Significant row and column probabilities were calculated from the segments and led to discrimination (up to p < 0.005) between low and high risk in DCM patients.
Conclusion: For the first time an index from Poincaré plot analysis of heart rate variability was able to contribute to risk stratification in patients suffering from DCM.
Using poly-N-acetyl glucosamine gel matrix to deliver IL-12 with anti-schistosomasis vaccination
Authors: Salem Mohamed Labib , Attia Wael Y , Al-Bolkiny Yousry E , Al-Sharkawi Ismail M , Demcheva Marina , Vournakis John 
Published: June 2010

Background: Interleukin (IL)-12 is a potential adjuvant in a variety of diseases including schistosomiasis. The clinical use of IL-12, however, is limited by the toxicity associated with its systemic administration. We have developed a novel delivery system (designated F2 gel matrix) composed of poly-N-acetyl glucosamine that has the dual properties of sustaining the release of proteins (e.g. interleukins) and adjuvant effects. The main aim of this study was to use a mouse model to test whether IL-12 released from F2 gel can induce adjuvant effects in the schistosomiasis setting as compared to those obtained after systemic delivery of IL-12. Methodology: First, we compared the toxicity induced by paracrine (delivered by F2 gel) and systemic IL-12. Second, we compared the induction of cytokines induced by paracrine and systemic IL-12. Third, we compared the adjuvant effects of paracrine and systemic IL-12-based prophylactic vaccination against schistosomiasis using soluble worm antigen preparation (SWAP). Results: IL-12 released from F2 gel did not induce significant toxicity measured by alanine aminotransferase (ALT). We found similar serum levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-2 after paracrine and systemic IL-12 treatments. We also found that vaccination with F2 gel/SWAP/IL-12 induced higher anti-schistosomal effects than IL-12/SWAP as evidenced by 1) the decrease in the total liver egg counts; 2) the reduction in the granuloma size and fibrotic reaction in the liver; and 3) the amelioration of the liver functions. Conclusion: Collectively, these results indicate that IL-12-F2 gel delivery approach could be considered as a potential strategy for the treatment of schistosomiasis.
« Dis-lui qu'elle enlève la peur »
Authors: Neau Françoise 
Published: June 2010

Résumé L’auteur témoigne d’un travail effectué auprès d’enfants arméniens dans l’hiver 1990-1991, dans le cadre d’une mission d’aide psychologique, deux ans après le violent tremblement de terre qui ravagea le nord de l’Arménie en décembre 1988. Menés dans un cadre et un contexte bien spécifiques, ces entretiens thérapeutiques l’amènent à s’interroger après-coup sur les possibilités de mobilisation psychique de ces enfants deux ans après la catastrophe, qui les a tous endeuillés lourdement et parfois mutilés. Pour certains, les éprouvés de peur, l’activité onirique ou fantasmatique témoignent qu’ils s’engagent dans le traitement de la douleur de la perte, facilité par l’adresse transférentielle ; pour d’autres, l’accès à cette douleur psychique paraît encore entravé par la commotion psychique qui inhibe ou excède les capacités de traitement. L’article examine pour conclure le rôle de l’empathie, peu apte à transformer la douleur, à la différence du transfert.
Des imaginaires en controverse dans la pratique de la capoeira : loisir, « métier » et patrimoine culturel immatériel
Authors: Aceti Monica 
Published: June 2010

Résumé L’expansion de la capoeira en Europe est un phénomène récent dont l’ampleur révèle les enjeux d’un cosmopolitisme à l’œuvre (Beck, 2006 ; Tarrius, 2000). Si la plupart des pratiquants européens adoptent ce loisir comme un objet de consommation de masse parmi d’autres, certains s’investissent dans l’activité. D’une pratique ludique et festive, l’adepte se tourne vers le « cursus professionnel ». Les savoirs traditionnels se conjuguent aux compétences de management d’une « académie de capoeira » dans un marché en expansion. La transition entre les mondes antagoniques du loisir et du professionnalisme suscite des modifications parmi les représentations corporelles de ses adeptes. Quels sont les imaginaires auxquels se réfèrent les pratiquants de capoeira-loisir ? Dans quelle mesure la réalité professionnelle interfère-t-elle sur leurs conceptions ? Cette étude s’appliquera finalement à démontrer que le maintien, voire la fructification des imaginaires qui entourent la capoeira (authenticité, tradition, Brésil de la fête et de la convivialité, symboles de libération, de revendication identitaire, etc.) est un facteur de légitimation et de viabilité des professionnels en Europe.
Cervical intramedullary schwannoma: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Nicácio Jardel Mendonça , Rodrigues José Carlos , Galles Marcos Henrique Lima , Faquini Igor Vilela , de Brito Pereira Clemente Augusto , Ganau Mario 
Published: June 2010

Intramedullary schwannomas unrelated with neurofibromatosis are uncommon tumors, but if correctly diagnosed and properly treated they may have a good prognosis. They have a wide range of clinical presentations, commonly presenting as a slowly progressive motor or sensory syndrome. We present a case report of a patient without neurofibromatosis with a surgically treated cervical intramedullary schwannoma.
Holoprosencephaly and genitourinary anomalies in fetal methotrexate syndrome
Authors: Corona‐Rivera J. Román , Rea‐Rosas Alejandro , Santana‐Ramírez Adrián , Acosta‐León Jorge , Hernández‐Rocha Juan , Miguel‐Jiménez Karla 
Published: June 2010

AbstractPrenatal exposure to methotrexate (MTX) in the first trimester may lead to fetal death, and surviving children have increased risks for cranial dysostosis, dysmorphic facies, skeletal malformations, limb defects, growth retardation, and, in some cases, developmental delay, a pattern of defects recognized as fetal MTX syndrome (FMS). We report on a male infant who, in addition to severe FMS, showed previously undescribed central nervous system (CNS) and genitourinary anomalies that contributed to the further delineation. The propositus was born to a G2, 20‐year‐old mother with an irregular menstrual history. The unplanned pregnancy was complicated by oral MTX treatment (5 mg/day) for suspected systemic lupus erythematosus for 14 days at the 5th week post‐conception, as dated by the first trimester sonogram. In addition to the typical features of the FMS, our propositus exhibited congenital penile curvature, vesicoureteral reflux, hydronephrosis, and severe CNS anomalies including semilobar holoprosencephaly (HPE). A single previous report of lobar‐type HPE in an infant with FMS led us to confirm that the HPE observed in the propositus is a feature attributable to MTX teratogenicity, although the exact mechanisms of the HPE production need to be further elucidated. Also, this case serves to highlight the presence of genitourinary anomalies in patients with FMS, a fact that requires intentional searches in future patients in order to confirm this as being characteristic of the entity. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pattern of maternal circulating CRH in laboratory‐housed squirrel and owl monkeys
Authors: Power M.L. , Williams L.E. , Gibson S.V. , Schulkin J. , Helfers J. , Zorrilla E.P. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThe anthropoid primate placenta appears to be unique in producing corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH). Placental CRH is involved in an endocrine circuit key to the production of estrogens during pregnancy. CRH induces cortisol production by the maternal and fetal adrenal glands, leading to further placental CRH production. CRH also stimulates the fetal adrenal glands to produce dehydroepiandrostendione sulfate (DHEAS), which the placenta converts into estrogens. There are at least two patterns of maternal circulating CRH across gestation among anthropoids. Monkeys examined to date (Papio and Callithrix) have an early‐to‐mid gestational peak of circulating CRH, followed by a steady decline to a plateau level, with a possible rise near parturition. In contrast, humans and great apes have an exponential rise in circulating CRH peaking at parturition. To further document and compare patterns of maternal circulating CRH in anthropoid primates, we collected monthly blood samples from 14 squirrel monkeys (Saimiri boliviensis) and ten owl monkeys (Aotus nancymaae) during pregnancy. CRH immunoreactivity was measured from extracted plasma by using solid‐phase radioimmunoassay. Both squirrel and owl monkeys displayed a mid‐gestational peak in circulating CRH: days 45–65 of the 152‐day gestation for squirrel monkeys (mean±SEM CRH=2,694±276 pg/ml) and days 60–80 of the 133‐day gestation for owl monkeys (9,871±974 pg/ml). In squirrel monkeys, circulating CRH declined to 36% of mean peak value by 2 weeks before parturition and then appeared to increase; the best model for circulating CRH over gestation in squirrel monkeys was a cubic function, similar to previous results for baboons and marmosets. In owl monkeys, circulating CRH appeared to reach plateau with no subsequent significant decline approaching parturition, although a cubic function was the best fit. This study provides additional evidence for a mid‐gestational peak of maternal circulating CRH in ancestral anthropoids that has been lost in the hominoid lineage. Am. J. Primatol. 72:1004–1012, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Microporous carbon–nitrogen fibers from keratin fibers by pyrolysis
Authors: Senoz Erman , Wool Richard P. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractA two‐step pyrolysis method was developed for poultry keratin fibers to convert them into high temperature resistant and adsorbent fibers while retaining their original physical appearance and affine dimensions. Nearly all accessible pores in the microporous pyrolyzed chicken feather fibers (PCFF) have a diameter less than 1 nm and could be used in applications, such as adsorption, hydrogen storage, and separation of small gas molecules. An intermolecular crosslinking mechanism in the first step of pyrolysis at 215°C for 24 h provided an intact fibrous structure with no subsequent melting. The second step of the pyrolysis at 400–450°C for 1 h resulted in a microporous material with a narrower pore size distribution than commercial activated carbons. Surface and bulk characterization techniques including XPS, total carbon–nitrogen, and FTIR were utilized to examine property changes occurring during the two pyrolysis steps. A partially cyclic carbon–nitrogen framework (carbon/nitrogen ratio = 2.38) supported by double and triple bonds, and oxygen functionalities is the suggested structural model for the PCFF. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Adhesion property and morphology of styrene triblock/diblock copolymer blends
Authors: Sasaki Mariko , Adachi Manabu , Kato Yosuke , Fujii Syuji , Nakamura Yoshinobu , Urahama Yoshiaki , Sakurai Shinichi 
Published: June 2010

AbstractRelationship between adhesion properties and phase structures of styrene triblock and diblock copolymer blends was investigated in detail. For this purpose, polystyrene‐block‐polyisoprene‐block‐polystyrene triblock and polystyrene‐block‐polyisoprene diblock copolymers were used and the diblock content was varied from 0 to 100 wt %. All blends formed the sea‐island structure in which spherical polystyrene domains were dispersed in polyisoprene matrix and mean domain size was ∼ 20 nm. The domain size was slightly affected by the diblock content. The fracture stress and strain measured by a tensile test decreased and the molecular mobility measured by a 1H pulse nuclear magnetic resonance analysis increased with an increase of diblock content. The tack as adhesion property increased with an increase of diblock content below 70 wt %, then decreased over 70 wt %. The cohesive strength decreased and the interfacial adhesion increased with an increase of diblock content. The tack increases by the development of cohesive strength and interfacial adhesion. Therefore, the tack showed the maximum at the optimum contribution balance between cohesive strength and interfacial adhesion. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Evaluation of the potential of polymeric carriers based on chitosan‐grafted‐polyacrylonitrile in the formulation of drug delivery systems
Authors: Sarhan A. A. , Monier M. , Ayad D. M. , Badawy D. S. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractGraft copolymerization of chitosan with acrylonitrile (AN) was carried out by free radical polymerization using KMnO4 and oxalic acid as a combined redox initiator system. Graft copolymerization was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectra (1H‐NMR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) measurements, and wide angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD). In addition, further modification of the cyano groups of the grafted copolymers was performed by partial hydrolysis into carboxylic function groups with various extents. The extent of hydrolysis was monitored using FTIR spectroscopy. The potential of the hydrolyzed and unhydrolyzed grafted copolymers as polymeric carriers for drug delivery systems was extensively studied by preparation of tablets incorporated with methyl orange (MO) as a drug model. In vitro drug release was carried out in simulated gastric and intestinal conditions. The effects of grafting percentage (GP) and the extent of hydrolysis on the release kinetics were evaluated. Release continued up to 24 h for both hydrolyzed and unhydrolysed chitosan‐g‐PAN copolymers. The nature of drug transport through the polymer matrices was studied by comparing with power law or Kormeyer‐Peppas equation. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Hydroxytelechelic hydrocarbon copolymers with high aging resistance for elastomeric materials
Authors: Gascon Claire , Lucas Frederic , Carlotti Stephane , Deffieux Alain 
Published: June 2010

AbstractDihydroxytelechelic copolyalkenamers were prepared via metathetical polymerization of cyclic olefins (cyclooctadiene, cyclooctene and cyclododecene) in presence of first generation Grubbs catalyst and butene diacetate as functionalizing chain transfer agent in order to study their aging resistance. The influence of compositions and molar masses of the copolyalkenamers were investigated in terms of thermo‐mechanical properties. Increasing chains length or the proportion of polycyclooctadiene allow to get non‐cristalline polymers. Low Tg materials (between −78°C and −108°C) were prepared. The resistance towards oxidation of the different copolyalkenamers was carried out using a viscosity measurement method. A critical time, corresponding to a brutal increase of the apparent viscosity, was related to degradation of the polymers and was shown to be dependent on the Csp2 proportion in the structure. The absence of vinylic units and the decrease of the double bonds content within the copolymers were proved to enhance the stability of the copolyalkenamers towards aging resistance. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Magnesium chloride supported Ziegler‐Natta catalysts containing succinate internal electron donors for the polymerization of propylene
Authors: Wen Xiaojing , Ji Mian , Yi Qingfeng , Niu Hui , Dong Jin‐Yong 
Published: June 2010

AbstractFour of 9,10‐dihydroanthracene‐9,10‐α,β‐alkyl succinates have been synthesized and used as internal electron donors in MgCl2‐supported Ziegler‐Natta catalysts. The performances of the catalysts on the propylene polymerization have been investigated. The obtained polymers possess high‐isotacticity and the polymerization activity is comparable with the catalysts using 9,9‐bis(methoxymethyl)fluorene and diisobutyl phthalate as internal donor. With dimethoxydiphenylsilane as external donor, the catalysts for the polymerization of propylene exhibit satisfactory activities and are sensitive toward hydrogen. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Synthesis of glutarimides from PMMA copolymers, part 3: Use of functional amines
Authors: Manseri A. , David G. , Joly‐Duhamel C. , Boutevin B. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractImidization reactions onto PMMA copolymers were performed in the presence of primary amines. This study allowed establishing a correlation between the functional group of the primary amine and the reactivity of the primary amine toward ester groups of PMMA. This correlation was allowed by using model PMMA/PMAA copolymers, i.e., obtained using a chain transfer agent by radical polymerization. According to the suggested mechanism of PMMA imidization, methylamine afforded higher content of glutarimide groups, hence leading to high Tg values of about 160°C. The use of bulky groups for the primary amine instead, i.e., cyclohexyl, decreased the content of glutarimide function. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed a high thermostability of imidized PMMA with a starting degradation temperature of about 400°C, also dependant of the amine functional group. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Dissolution of styrene–butadiene block copolymers in biodiesel
Authors: Zhang Ying , Mallapragada Surya K. , Narasimhan Balaji 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThe goal of this study was to investigate the dissolution behavior of styrene–butadiene block copolymers in biodiesel with an eye toward developing a promising method of plastic waste disposal by burning them with engine fuel. The dissolution kinetics was investigated by high‐throughput Fourier transform infrared microscopy, and the effect of the dissolution temperature on the kinetics was quantified. The activation energy of dissolution was estimated from the dissolution kinetics, and it was shown that the styrene–butadiene copolymers had higher activation energies than the neat polystyrene. The experimental studies were complemented by molecular dynamics simulations to calculate the Flory–Huggins parameters between styrene and butadiene polymers and methyl esters. The shear viscosity of the block copolymer solutions in biodiesel was measured to ascertain their suitability as fuel mixtures. Finally, the mechanical properties of the styrene–butadiene block copolymers were compared to that of poly(ethylene terephthalate). Together, these studies suggest that styrene–butadiene block copolymers may offer a more environmentally friendly alternative to poly(ethylene terephthalate). © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010