bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Composite Outcomes of Chronically Critically Ill Patients 4 Months After Hospital Discharge
Authors: Daly Barbara J. , Douglas Sara L. , Gordon Nahida H. , Kelley Carol G. , O’Toole E. , Montenegro Hugo , Higgins Patricia 
Published: September 2009

Background Data on likely postdischarge outcomes are important for decision making about chronically critically ill patients. It seems reasonable to categorize outcomes into “better” or overall desirable states and “worse” or generally undesirable states. Survival, being at home, and being cognitively intact are commonly identified as important to quality of life and thus may be combined to describe composite outcome states.Objective To categorize postdischarge outcome states of chronically critically ill patients and identify predictors of better and worse states.Methods Reanalysis of data from a trial of a disease management program for chronically critically ill patients. Two composite outcomes were created: (1) the “better” outcome: no cognitive impairment at 2 months after discharge and alive and at home at 4 months (ie, met all 3 criteria), and (2) the “worse” outcome: cognitive impairment 2 months after discharge, or death after discharge, or not living at home 4 months after discharge (ie, met at least 1 of these criteria).Results Of 218 patients not requiring ventilatory support at discharge, 111 (50.9%) had a better outcome. Of 159 patients who were cognitively intact at discharge, 111 (69.8%) had a better outcome. Of the 39 patients who required ventilatory support at discharge, only 1 (3%) achieved the better outcome. Of 98 patients who were cognitively impaired at discharge, only 29 (30%) had the better outcome.Conclusion Need for mechanical ventilatory support and persistent cognitive impairment at discharge were associated with worse outcomes 4 months after discharge.
Perioperative Outcomes of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: Effects of Metabolic Syndrome and Patient’s Sex
Authors: Brackbill Marcia L. , Sytsma Christine S. , Sykes Kristina 
Published: September 2009

Background Perioperative outcome data related to metabolic syndrome in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients are lacking.
Objective To determine the incidence of metabolic syndrome in CABG patients and whether its presence or the patient’s sex affects postoperative lengths of stay in the intensive care unit and hospital.
Methods A retrospective observational study in CABG patients. Risk factors from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons’ Adult Cardiac Surgery Database were used to categorize patients as having metabolic syndrome. Perioperative outcomes were compared between patients with and without metabolic syndrome and between sexes. Outcomes were based on the operational definitions of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Results Among 657 patients, 333 had metabolic syndrome; 63.8% (n = 215) of women and 36.9% (n = 118) of men (P ≤ .001). Mean postoperative stays were significantly longer in patients who had metabolic syndrome. Women had longer postoperative stays than did men. Mean postoperative stay for women was 2.7 (SD, 3.4) days in the intensive care unit and 8.2 (SD, 7.1) days in the hospital, compared with 2.0 (SD, 3.8) days in the intensive care unit (P = .01) and 6.6 (SD, 6.8) days in the hospital for men (P = .003). Women with metabolic syndrome also had higher rates of in-hospital death (P = .03).
Conclusion Both female patients and patients with metabolic syndrome undergoing CABG surgery are at higher risk for longer postoperative stays. Women with metabolic syndrome are the CABG patients at highest risk for in-hospital death.
Chlorhexidine, Toothbrushing, and Preventing Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Critically Ill Adults
Authors: Munro Cindy L. , Grap Mary Jo , Jones Deborah J. , McClish Donna K. , Sessler Curtis N. 
Published: September 2009

Background Ventilator-associated pneumonia is associated with increased morbidity and mortality.Objective To examine the effects of mechanical (toothbrushing), pharmacological (topical oral chlorhexidine), and combination (toothbrushing plus chlorhexidine) oral care on the development of ventilator-associated pneumonia in critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilation.Methods Critically ill adults in 3 intensive care units were enrolled within 24 hours of intubation in a randomized controlled clinical trial with a 2 x 2 factorial design. Patients with a clinical diagnosis of pneumonia at the time of intubation and edentulous patients were excluded. Patients (n = 547) were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments: 0.12% solution chlorhexidine oral swab twice daily, toothbrushing thrice daily, both toothbrushing and chlorhexidine, or control (usual care). Ventilator-associated pneumonia was determined by using the Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score (CPIS).Results The 4 groups did not differ significantly in clinical characteristics. At day 3 analysis, 249 patients remained in the study. Among patients without pneumonia at baseline, pneumonia developed in 24% (CPIS ≥6) by day 3 in those treated with chlorhexidine. When data on all patients were analyzed together, mixed models analysis indicated no effect of either chlorhexidine (P = .29) or toothbrushing (P = .95). However, chlorhexidine significantly reduced the incidence of pneumonia on day 3 (CPIS ≥6) among patients who had CPIS &lt;6 at baseline (P = .006). Toothbrushing had no effect on CPIS and did not enhance the effect of chlorhexidine.Conclusions Chlorhexidine, but not toothbrushing, reduced early ventilator-associated pneumonia in patients without pneumonia at baseline.
5‐Hydroxytryptamine Receptor Assays
Authors: Figueroa Katherine W. , Martin Graeme R. , Pulido‐Rios M. Teresa 
Published: September 2009

Abstract5‐Hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) receptors, by virtue of their broad expression pattern in peripheral and central tissues, regulate diverse physiological and behavioral responses through the activation of fourteen molecularly distinct receptor subtypes. The tissue‐specific distribution of these receptors confers specificity for the actions of serotonin and highlights the therapeutic potential of serotonin receptor modulators. To better assess this therapeutic potential, it is useful to characterize serotonergic agonists and antagonists in physiologically relevant organ systems. Provided in this unit are twelve tissue bath assays using vascular and smooth muscle tissues isolated from guinea‐pig, rat, and rabbit. These tests make possible the analyses of compounds at nine serotonin receptor subtypes.Curr. Protoc. Pharmacol. 46:4.19.1‐4.19.45. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Natural Products as a Foundation for Drug Discovery
Authors: Beutler John A. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractNatural products have provided chemical leads for the development of many drugs for diverse indications. While most U.S. pharmaceutical firms have reduced or eliminated their in‐house natural product groups, there is a renewed interest in this source of new chemical entities. Many of the reasons for the past decline in popularity of natural products are being addressed by the development of new techniques for screening and production. The aim of this unit is to review current strategies and techniques that increase the value of natural products as a source for novel drug candidates.Curr. Protoc. Pharmacol. 46:9.11.1‐9.11.21. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Culture System for Rodent and Human Oligodendrocyte Specification, Lineage Progression, and Maturation
Authors: Espinosa‐Jeffrey Araceli , Wakeman Dustin R. , Kim Seung U. , Snyder Evan Y. , de Vellis Jean 
Published: September 2009

AbstractHere we document protocols for the production, isolation, and maintenance of the oligodendrocyte phenotype from rodent and human neural stem cells. Our unique method relies on a series of chemically defined media, specifically designed and carefully characterized for each developmental stage of oligodendrocytes as they advance from oligodendrocyte progenitors to mature, myelinating oligodendrocytes. Curr. Protoc. Stem Cell Biol. 10:2D.4.1‐2D.4.26. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Culturing Ovarian Somatic and Germline Stem Cells of Drosophila
Authors: Niki Yuzo 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThis unit describes how to collect, culture, and establish stable cell lines of ovarian somatic and germline stem cells of Drosophila. We also describe a protocol for culturing embryonic cells that overexpress growth factors, which serve as a source for conditioned medium. Curr. Protoc. Stem Cell Biol. 10:2E.1.1‐2E.1.9. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Reality‐monitoring characteristics in confirmed and doubtful allegations of child sexual abuse
Authors: Roberts Kim P. , Lamb Michael E. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractAccording to reality‐monitoring theory, memories of experienced and imagined events are qualitatively different, and can be distinguished by children from the age of 3. Across three studies, a total of 119 allegations of sexual abuse by younger (aged 3–8) and older (aged 9–16) children were analysed for developmental differences in the presence of reality‐monitoring criteria, which should characterise descriptions of experienced events. Statements were deemed likely or unlikely to be descriptions of actual incidents using independent case information (e.g. medical evidence). Accounts by older children consistently contained more reality‐monitoring criteria than those provided by younger children, and age differences were particularly strong when the cases were deemed doubtful (Studies 1 and 2). Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of TiO2 Nanoparticles Incorporated into Elastomeric Polyesters on their Biocompatibility In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: El‐Fray Miroslawa , Piegat Agnieszka , Prowans Piotr 
Published: September 2009

AbstractFibroblasts proliferation and apoptosis as well as tissue response after implantation of elastomers containing nanocrystalline TiO2 were investigated in the present in vitro and in vivo study. Materials investigated were soft poly(aliphatic/aromatic‐ester) multiblock thermoplastic elastomers with poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) hard segments and dimerized linoleic acid (DLA) soft segments, respectively, containing 0.2 wt% TiO2 nanoparticles. An investigation of the influence of TiO2 nanoparticles incorporated into polymeric material on in vitro biocompatibility revealed enhanced cell proliferation and diminished number of necrotic and apoptotic cells as compared to nanoparticles‐free polymer. Implantation tests indicated that the observed tissue changes were similar to those observed with medical‐grade silicone elastomer, no evidence of contact necrosis being observed. The unchanged morphology of rat liver hepatocytes and the lack of parenchymal necrosis also indicated that exposure to the material containing TiO2 nanoparticles, did not cause any cytotoxic reactions. The present study, thus, showed that elastomeric polyester containing TiO2 nanoparticles are interesting biomimetic constructs for improved tissue regeneration.
Phenotype–genotype correlation in a patient with co‐occurrence of Marfan and LEOPARD syndromes
Authors: Tang Sa , Hoshida Hiroshi , Kamisago Mitsuhiro , Yagi Hisato , Momma Kazuo , Matsuoka Rumiko 
Published: September 2009

AbstractHere we report on a patient with multiple lentigines, hypertelorism, short stature, arachnodactyly, scoliosis, dissecting aneurysm, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and developmental delay, and a family history of Marfan syndrome. The patient is affected with both Marfan and LEOPARD syndromes. Mutational screening of the FBN1 gene showed a c.1464T>A (p.C488X) mutation and screening of the PTPN11 gene showed a c.836A>G (p.Y279C) mutation. We conclude that each mutation contributed independently to individual features in the ocular and cardiovascular systems, although short stature was more significantly influenced by the p.Y279C change in PTPN11 rather than the mutation in FBN1. To our knowledge, this is the first report of mutations in both FBN1 and PTPN11 with combined phenotypes of Marfan and LEOPARD syndromes. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Petty–Laxova–Wiedemann progeroid syndrome: Further phenotypical delineation and confirmation of a rare syndrome of premature aging
Authors: Delgado‐Luengo Wilmer Noé , Petty Elizabeth M. , Solís‐Añez Ernesto , Römel Orlando , Delgado‐Luengo Juana , Hernández María Luisa , Morales‐Machín Alisandra , Borjas‐Fuentes Lisbeth , Zabala‐Fernández William , González‐Ferrer Sandra , Pineda‐Bernal Lennie , Pardo‐Govea Tatiana , Martínez‐Basalo María Caridad , González Richard , Urdaneta Karelis , Cañizales Jenny , Fleitas‐Cabello Herminia 
Published: September 2009

AbstractA 10‐year‐old boy with manifestations of Petty–Laxova–Wiedemann progeroid syndrome (PLWPS), a rare neonatal progeroid condition, is described and compared with those previously reported. Clinical manifestation include: severe pre‐ and postnatal growth retardation, “progeroid” face, large open fontanelle in infancy, umbilical hernia at birth, pseudomacrocephaly, wide calvaria, sparse scalp hair, markedly diminished subcutaneous fat, scoliosis, partial cutaneous syndactyly, aplastic and hypoplastic distal phalanges with aplasia and hypoplasia of nails, undescended testes, and normal cognitive and motor development. This appears to be one of only a handful of cases of PLWPS reported in an older child or adult. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of C677T and A1298C polymorphisms of the MTHFR gene as maternal risk factors for Down syndrome and congenital heart defects
Authors: Brandalize Ana Paula Carneiro , Bandinelli Eliane , dos Santos Pollyanna Almeida , Roisenberg Israel , Schüler‐Faccini Lavínia 
Published: September 2009

AbstractAbnormal folate/homocysteine metabolism due to polymorphisms in genes involved in this pathway has been implicated as an etiologic factor in Down syndrome (DS). This case–control study aimed to evaluate the effect of maternal C677T and A1298C polymorphisms of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) as risk factors for the development of DS and congenital heart defects (CHD). The distribution of these genotypic variants was similar between mothers of children with DS (n = 239) and control mothers of normal children (n = 197), but the combined genotypes 677CT or TT and 1298AA increased the risk of having offspring with DS (OR = 1.99; 95% CI 1.11–3.55). The presence of the 677T allele in case mothers resulted in a 2.07‐fold higher odds of CHD in the offspring (P < 0.01). Among the 57 mothers of CHD‐affected children with DS who carried the MTHFR 677CT or TT genotypes and did not have periconceptional folic acid intake, we observed a 2.26‐fold increased odds (95% CI 1.25–4.09) of having any CHD‐affected child with DS. Our results show that MTHFR genetic polymorphisms may be involved in the etiology of DS in our population when controlling for age. We noted a borderline significant association for the C677T polymorphism (P = 0.05). Maternal 677T allele may be associated with an increased occurrence of CHD in children with DS and we anticipate that women who carry this polymorphism would benefit from periconceptional folic acid supplementation. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Solubility and adhesion characteristics of plasma polymerized thin films derived from Lavandula angustifolia essential oil
Authors: Easton Christopher D. , Jacob Mohan V. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractIntegration and implementation of organic polymer thin films often require knowledge of the stability when in contact with solvents and the adhesion quality when applied to different substrates. This article describes the solubility and adhesion characteristics of organic polymer thin films produced from Lavandula angustifolia essential oil, using radio frequency plasma polymerization at four RF power levels. Contact angle data was obtained for various solvents and used to determine the surface tension values for the polymer by using three established methods. A relatively strong electron–donor component and a negligible electronic acceptor component for the polymers indicate that they are monopolar in nature. Solubility data derived from interfacial tension values suggest that the polymers would resist solubilization from the solvents explored. The strongest solvophobic response was assigned to water, whereas diiodomethane demonstrated the weakest solvophobic response, with ΔG121 > 0 in some instances depending on the surface tension values used. The adhesion tests of the polymers deposited on glass, PET, and PS indicated that the adhesion quality of the thin film improved with RF power, and it was associated with an improvement in interfacial bonding. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Prolonged zero‐order BSA release from pH‐sensitive hydrogels of poly(AAc‐co‐DMAPMA) having rich nano through micro scale morphology
Authors: Das Anup , Mehndiratta Mohit , Chattopadhyay Parthaprasad , Ray Alok R. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractNew variety of pH‐sensitive hydrogels, having macroporous interior with honey‐comb type architecture and continuous skin at the surface, have been developed by single step aqueous copolymerization of acrylic acid (AAc) and N‐[3‐(dimethylamino)propyl]‐methacrylamide (DMAPMA) in different feed ratios at 41 ± 1°C. Interlocked nanogels of ∼ 300 nm were identified as the building blocks in all of these cylindrical poly(AAc‐co‐DMAPMA) matrices (PDMAAc). The gels showed good compressive strength even at a swelling as high as 4330% (mass) at pH 7.0. Morphology of McCoy fibroblast cell line remained unchanged in direct contact with different PDMAAc gels, and cell viability (±SD) was recorded to be in the range of 105 (±3)% to 87 (±8)% after 72 h. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) loaded gels were prepared by means of equilibrium partitioning. Loading efficiency of PDMAAc gels has been found to be in the range of 210–277 mg/g dry gel. BSA release from PDMAAc gels at 37°C has been found to follow non‐Fickian diffusion mechanism in simulated gastric juice (pH 1.2), and Case II transport in simulated intestinal juice (pH 7.4). In vitro study showed that the gels are capable of retaining >95% of the loaded BSA in gastric medium through average gastric emptying period. Again, ∼ 56% BSA release was recorded in 24 h at pH 7.4, indicating prolonged BSA diffusion in intestinal condition. Constant rate of BSA diffusion was reflected from the release profiles at both the pH. Diffusion exponents also supported the same and indicated for absolute zero‐order kinetics at pH 7.4. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Thermal property improvement of ethylene‐octene copolymer through the combined introduction of filler and silane crosslink
Authors: Kamphunthong Walailuck , Sirisinha Kalyanee 
Published: September 2009

AbstractIn many applications, e.g., wire and cable insulation, hot water pipe, high‐temperature properties of polymer are essential. This article presents the use of silane crosslinking together with the addition of particular filler in improving the thermal and mechanical properties of ethylene‐octene copolymer (EOC). The effects of filler surface characteristics on siloxane network structure developed and final properties of the crosslinked products are discussed. The results show an increase in the decomposition temperature of EOC more than 50°C after modification. Only crosslinked composites are able to withstand the high‐temperature environment of aging test which is beyond the melting temperature of the matrix polymer. The crosslinked composites filled with calcium carbonate show superior properties to those with silica, due to a higher crosslink density and tighter network structure formed. The silane coupling mechanism and the presence of bound polymer on silica surfaces cause difficulties for the crosslink formation in the silica filled systems. However, an advantageous influence of both silane coupling and crosslink reaction in the silica filled composites is seen on the enhanced tensile strength and modulus of the materials. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Synthesis and characterization of poly(acrylonitrile)/montmorillonite nanocomposites from surface‐initiated redox polymerization
Authors: Chen Chao‐Yen , Chen Chi‐Chang , Hou Sheng‐Shu 
Published: September 2009

AbstractWe have developed a facile method to prepare polyacrylonitrile/montmorillonite (PAN/MMT) nanocomposites using the surface‐initiated redox polymerization of acrylonitrile (AN) in the aqueous phase. The MMT silicate surfaces were first treated with diethanolamine, and the modified MMT (DEA‐MMT) was subsequently used together with the Ce(IV) salt to serve as a redox system. The PAN chains growing on a surface‐tethered DEA expand the interlayer space, and thus lead to intercalated/exfoliated nanocomposites. The nano‐morphology of the prepared nanocomposites depends on the AN/OH molar ratio in feed. An exfoliated PAN/MMT nanocomposite was obtained when the feeding AN/OH molar ratio = 300 was used. The molecular weight of PAN in the nanocomposites prepared by the present method is also dependent on the AN/OH molar ratio in feed and can be up to ca. 160,000 g/mol. The differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) analyses show that the increasing fraction of exfoliated silicate structures should enhance the contact interface between the silicate and polymer, resulting in the higher glass transition temperature and thermal stability. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Bond strength/disbonding behavior and dimensional stability of wood materials with different adhesives
Authors: Kurt Şeref , Uysal Burhanettin 
Published: September 2009

AbstractIn this study, we aimed to describe the effects of adhesives [poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc), Desmodur vinyl trie ketonol acetate, and urea formaldehyde (UF)] on wooden materials (Scotch pine and oriental beech) cut tangentially and radially impregnated with Protim Solignum, chromate copper arsenate (CCA), and Celcure AC 500 and exposed to humidity and water and heat‐resistance, heating, and cooling tests. For the adhesives, the highest swelling (4.3%) was obtained for oriental beech bonded with UF and cut radially, and the lowest swelling (1%) was obtained for Scotch pine bonded with PVAc and cut radially. For the control samples, the humidity‐resistance, water‐resistance, heat‐resistance, and heating and cooling tests decreased the bonding strength. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
A standby system with two types of repair persons
Authors: Bieth Bruno , Hong Liang , Sarkar Jyotirmoy 
Published: September 2009

AbstractA continuously monitored one‐unit system, backed by an identical standby unit, is perfectly repaired by an in‐house repair person, if achievable within a random or deterministic patience time (DPT), or else by a visiting expert, who repairs one or all failed units before leaving. We study four models in terms of the limiting availability and limiting profit per unit time, using semi‐Markov processes, when all distributions are exponential. We show that a DPT is preferable to a random patience time, and we characterize conditions under which the expert should repair multiple failed units (rather than only one failed unit) during each visit. We also extend the method when life‐ and repair times are non‐exponential. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.