bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new urinary catheter‐related quality of life instrument for adults
Authors: Wilde Mary H. , Getliffe Kathryn , Brasch Judith , McMahon James , Anson Elizabeth , Tu Xin 
Published: February 2010

AbstractAimsTo develop and assess the measurement properties of a catheter‐related quality of life (C‐IQoL) instrument designed to support research with persons using long‐term urinary catheter users who use indwelling urethral or suprapubic catheters permanently.MethodsTesting was conducted in two small studies for psychometric qualities of reliability (internal consistency and test‐retest) and factor analysis. The initial instrument, which was modified after each study, was based on an International Continence Society (ICS) validated generic incontinence quality of life tool. ICS guidelines were used to develop content, including using descriptive and qualitative literature as well as and subjective/objective measures. Literature included content areas related to sexuality, embarrassment, and everyday catheter management.ResultsA three‐factor solution of subscales (management, interpersonal, and psychosocial) was created. The final instrument contains 22 items. Reliabilities were all satisfactory.ConclusionsQuality of life continence instruments need to be device‐specific to address appropriate and critical issues in randomized trials. For further development of a valid and reliable measure, continued collaboration is needed among researchers working with this population. Neurourol. Urodynam. 29:1282–1285, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ultrasound measurement of bladder wall thickness is associated with the overactive bladder syndrome
Authors: Panayi D.C. , Tekkis P. , Fernando R. , Hendricken C. , Khullar V. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractAimsTo assess the relationship between mean bladder wall thickness and components of the overactive bladder (OAB syndrome).MethodsWomen attending urogynaecology clinic was categorized into overactive bladder syndrome, stress urinary incontinence (SUI), and mixed urinary continence (MUI) according to International Continence Society (ICS) definitions based on symptom history. Women completed a bladder diary, visual analog score (VAS) for urgency, and the mean bladder wall thickness (BWT) was determined. Comparison was made between the mean BWT and symptom history, daytime frequency, nocturia, VAS scores.ResultsThree hundred seventy‐nine women were recruited to the study with a mean age of 56 years (range: 24–92 years). The mean bladder wall thickness did not show any age‐related difference. Of these women 138/379 (36%) reported overactive bladder symptoms (mean BWT = 5.6 mm) 75/379 (20%) gave a history of stress urinary incontinence (mean BWT = 4.7 mm), and 166/379 (44%) had mixed urinary incontinence (mean BWT = 5.4). Women with nocturia >1 had mean BWT 5.6 mm, with nocturia <1 a mean BWT 4.9 mm. Women with daytime frequency >7 had mean BWT 5.7 mm and those <7 had mean BWT 5.1 (P < 0.001). Women with a mean BWT of ≤5 mm had a mean VAS score lower than women with a BWT >5 mm (P < 0.001).ConclusionsMean BWT is associated with a symptom history of OAB and MUI, higher daytime and nightime frequency, and higher VAS scores. Neurourol. Urodynam. 29:1295–1298, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A re‐adjustable sling for female recurrent stress incontinence and sphincteric deficiency: Outcomes and complications in 125 patients using the Remeex sling system
Authors: Carlos Errando , Fernando Rodriguez‐Escovar , Cristina Gutierrez , Carlos Baez , Pedro Araño , Humberto Villavicencio 
Published: February 2010

AbstractAimsTo evaluate the outcomes, complications, and quality of life of patients after a Remeex re‐adjustable sling for recurrent stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and intrinsic sphincteric deficiency (ISD) indications.MethodsOne hundred twenty‐five patients with SUI were prospectively evaluated following a re‐adjustable sling in a single tertiary academic Center. Patients were classified by Q‐tip, urodynamic and clinical criteria into ISD (70) and recurrent SUI (55). All patients underwent a re‐adjustable sling placement. Outcome measures included pad‐test, urodynamics, and the King's Health Questionnaire.ResultsAfter a mean follow‐up of 38 months (26–72), 109 patients (87%) are cured of SUI based on pad‐test, clinical, and urodynamic criteria. Sixteen patients (13%) remain incontinent. Nine of those (7%) are satisfied to the point that they decline re‐adjustment of the sling, and seven (6%) are on the waiting list for re‐adjustment. Nineteen patients show urge incontinence (9 with previous urodynamic mixed incontinence, 10 (8%) with de novo detrusor overactivity). Twenty‐one patients benefited from a re‐adjustment of the sling during the follow‐up. The tension was increased in 17 cases (continent at discharge) due to recurrence of SUI, and reduced in 4 due to obstruction. The Varitensor was removed in 1 case due to infection. No other complications were seen.ConclusionsThe Remeex re‐adjustable sling system provides a good cure rate for recurrent SUI and ISD with a low complication rate. The ability to increase or decrease sling tension allowed us to achieve cure in patients who were not initially dry, and to relieve obstruction in every case attempted. Neurourol. Urodynam. 29:1429–1432, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Labial canine talon cusp from the Early Holocene site of Gobero, central Sahara Desert, Niger
Authors: Stojanowski C. M. , Johnson K. M. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThe specimen reported here presents a rare form of dental variant—a permanent, mandibular labial canine talon cusp. This anomaly has not previously been reported in the clinical or archaeological literatures and is currently unique. The affected individual is an adult male from the Early Holocene cemetery of Gobero located in the Sahara Desert in the Republic of Niger. The age of this site (ca. 9500 bp) makes this the first archaeological case of labial talon cusp from Africa and the oldest reported talon cusp of any kind (lingual or labial, maxillary or mandibular, incisor or canine) in the world. Previous case studies, population frequency data, sexual dimorphism patterns and distribution within the dentition are discussed for labial talon cusp. The morphological aetiology of talon cusps is reviewed with respect to this specimen. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anthropological analysis of the osteological material from an ancient tomb (Early Bronze Age) from the middle Euphrates valley, Terqa (Syria)
Authors: Tomczyk J. , Jędrychowska‐Dańska K. , Płoszaj T. , Witas H. W. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractTerqa, situated on the right bank of the Middle Euphrates, is known to have been a site already in the third and second millennium BC. Excavations which take place in this region aim to provide answers for numerous significant issues connected with the origins of human civilisation. In 2008 season we found a tomb dated 2650–2450 BC, consisting of two chambers with stone domes. The smaller chamber contained many luxury grave goods. The other one was bigger and contained human skeletons.The first skeleton belonged to a man, 45/50 years old. It is extremely heavy and large. On the right humerus, near the proximal edge, we found two cuts. The healed edges of the wound suggest that the man from Terqa survived after the wound was inflicted. Many muscular attachments were clearly marked on the bones and bone robustness was far above the average, which may suggest that the skeleton belonged to a warrior. These observations correspond to the fact that the bronze part of a belt together with bronze weapon‐blades was found on the right side of the hip.The second skeleton, which belonged to a female who was about 40/44 years old, was found in an anatomical position. The chamber also contained an almost complete skeleton of a sheep. The morphology of the forearm of the female suggested strenuous activity. From this skeleton was successfully isolated HVR1 fragment. The main mutation indicated that the analysed mtDNA belonged to haplogroup K. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Toxicity assessment of molecularly targeted drugs incorporated into multiagent chemotherapy regimens for pediatric acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL): Review from an international consensus conference
Authors: Horton Terzah M. , Sposto Richard , Brown Patrick , Reynolds C. Patrick , Hunger Stephen P. , Winick Naomi J. , Raetz Elizabeth A. , Carroll William L. , Arceci Robert J. , Borowitz Michael J. , Gaynon Paul S. , Gore Lia , Jeha Sima , Maurer Barry J. , Siegel Stuart E. , Biondi Andrea , Kearns Pamela R. , Narendran Aru , Silverman Lewis B. , Smith Malcolm A. , Zwaan C. Michel , Whitlock James A. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractOne of the challenges of incorporating molecularly targeted drugs into multi‐agent chemotherapy (backbone) regimens is defining dose‐limiting toxicities (DLTs) of the targeted agent against the background of toxicities of the backbone regimen. An international panel of 22 pediatric acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) experts addressed this issue (www.ALLNA.org). Two major questions surrounding DLT assessment were explored: (1) how toxicities can be best defined, assessed, and attributed; and (2) how effective dosing of new agents incorporated into multi‐agent ALL clinical trials can be safely established in the face of disease‐ and therapy‐related systemic toxicities. The consensus DLT definition incorporates tolerance of resolving Grade 3 and some resolving Grade 4 toxicities with stringent safety monitoring. This functional DLT definition is being tested in two Children's Oncology Group (COG) ALL clinical trials. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:872–878 © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Use of bisphosphonates for the treatment of osteonecrosis as a complication of therapy for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL)
Authors: Kotecha Rishi S. , Powers Neil , Lee Senq‐J. , Murray Kevin J. , Carter Tina , Cole Catherine 
Published: February 2010

AbstractBackgroundOsteonecrosis is a well‐recognised complication of current childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) therapy. There are few studies on the medical management of osteonecrosis in this setting. We studied the therapeutic and radiological effects of oral and intravenous bisphosphonate use compared with standard care as treatment for osteonecrosis in this population.MethodPatients who developed osteonecrosis as a complication of ALL therapy between 1994 and 2007 were treated at a single paediatric institution. Of 17 patients, 9 were commenced on bisphosphonates and 8 treated conservatively. Both groups were observed with time. Pain, analgesic requirement and musculoskeletal function were assessed monthly. Affected joints were radiologically imaged at set intervals. Each scan was graded using an ellipsoid method to give the total volume of osteonecrosis, by blinded radiologic examination.ResultsThree of six patients treated with oral alendronate showed clinical improvement. The three patients that had no improvement were subsequently treated with intravenous pamidronate. All six patients treated with intravenous pamidronate showed clinical improvement. Seven of eight conservatively treated patients deteriorated clinically. All patients demonstrated reduction in the radiological burden of osteonecrosis with time. There was no difference in the rate of reduction between conservative and bisphosphonate arms.ConclusionBisphosphonate use, in particular pamidronate, improved pain scores, analgesic requirement and musculoskeletal function in patients with osteonecrosis occurring as a complication of childhood ALL therapy. Objective radiologic benefit of bisphosphonate treatment could not be demonstrated. Risks, benefits and long‐term outcome of bisphosphonate use in this population should be addressed in a larger prospective, randomised trial. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:934–940 © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Undifferentiated sarcoma of the thyroid in a child
Authors: Postovsky Sergey , Vlodavsky Eugene , Kuten Abraham , Shendler Yaakov , Doweck Ilana , Arush Myriam Weyl Ben 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThe most common malignant tumor of the thyroid is papillary carcinoma. Sarcoma of the thyroid is encountered very rarely; its therapy is complex and poses significant problems due to the problematic location of the tumor. A 14‐year‐old female was diagnosed with undifferentiated sarcoma of the thyroid and received combined therapy comprising surgery, chemo‐ and radiotherapy without significant side effects. This case underlines the fact that undifferentiated thyroid sarcoma may be a diagnostic possibility in children with malignant masses of the neck and may be successfully treated with modern therapeutic strategies. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:1038–1040 © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quality of life in young patients after bone tumor surgery around the knee joint and comparison with healthy controls
Authors: Bekkering W. Peter , Vliet Vlieland Theodora P.M. , Koopman Hendrik M. , Schaap Gerard R. , Schreuder H.W. Bart , Beishuizen Auke , Tissing Wim J.E. , Hoogerbrugge Peter M. , Anninga Jacob K. , Taminiau Antonie H.M. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to compare the health related quality of life (HRQoL) of children and adolescents after malignant bone tumor surgery of the leg with healthy controls.ProcedurePatients between 8 and 25 years old were cross‐sectional recruited. Patients under 16 years of age received the TNO (Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research) and AZL (Leiden University Medical Center) Children's Quality of Life Questionnaire (TACQOL), patients aged 16 years and older received the TNO‐AZL Questionnaire for Adult's Quality of Life (TAAQOL) and the Short Form‐36 (SF‐36). Three age‐ and sex‐matched normative random samples, drawn from large, nationwide studies, were used for the comparison with healthy controls. Patients were interviewed regarding their most important problems related to the disease and its treatment.ResultsEighty‐one patients with a mean age of 16.9 years (SD 4.2) were included (41 female). Limb sparing surgery was executed in 38 patients, ablative surgery in 43 patients. In comparison with healthy controls, patients had significantly poorer HRQoL within the domains autonomy and motor function of the TACQOL, gross motor function, cognitive functioning, daily functioning and sexuality of the TAAQOL, and physical functioning, role physical, general health, and the physical and mental component summary scales of the SF‐36. Patients reported limitations in physical activities, participation in sports, and cosmetic aspects as the most detrimental consequences of their disease and its treatment.ConclusionIn children and adolescents who underwent surgery for a malignant tumor of the leg physical, functioning was significantly impaired as compared to healthy controls. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:738–745. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Direct and rapid determination of ultratrace heavy metals in solid plant materials by ET‐AAS ultrasonic‐assisted slurry sampling
Authors: Sánchez‐Moreno Raúl A. , Gismera M. Jesús , Sevilla M. Teresa , Procopio Jesús R. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractIntroduction – Plants can be used as bioindicators in the study of contamination processes by heavy metals. Most of the analytical methodologies used for determination of metals in plants are based on atomic techniques with previous wet digestion of the solid samples. Methodologies that allow direct metal measurements in solid samples are very attractive alternatives.Objective – To develop a new procedure for direct analysis of copper, nickel, cadmium and lead at very low concentration levels in leaves based on electrothermal atomic absorption spectroscopy (ET‐AAS) with introduction of samples as a slurry.Methodology – In order to obtain accurate and precise results even at very low concentrations, the different parameters that influence the sample slurry preparation such as acid percentage, presence of stabilising agents and ultrasonic probe operation were studied. Instrumental parameters such as chemical modifier and temperature and times for drying, pyrolysis and atomisation steps that influence ET‐AAS measurement were optimised.Results – Optimal slurry conditions for copper and nickel determination were 0.5% Tween 85 with 5% nitric acid. For lead and cadmium analysis the best results were obtained in 5% nitric acid without stabilising agents. The achieved detection limits were 0.023 mg/kg for copper, 0.018 mg/kg for nickel, 0.0002 mg/kg for cadmium and 0.009 mg/kg for lead. For validation purposes, the method was applied to metal analysis in a pine needles reference material.Conclusion – According to our knowledge, the detection limits obtained are the best reported in the literature. The methodology was successfully used in metal determinations in actual leaf samples. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fabrication of fluorinated polymer nanosheets using the Langmuir–Blodgett technique: characterization of their surface properties and applications
Authors: Aminuzzaman Mohammod , Mitsuishi Masaya , Miyashita Tokuji 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThis review describes the bottom‐up design of ultra‐thin fluorinated polymer films. Fluorinated polymer assemblies offer unique and application‐oriented properties strongly correlated with surface chemistry. We focus on our recent topic of research, fluorinated polymer nanosheets, which are ultra‐thin polymer films fabricated from amphiphilic fluorinated polyalkylacrylamides using the elegant Langmuir–Blodgett technique. These fluorinated polymer nanosheets have excellent hydrophobicity, extremely low surface energy and a low friction coefficient. Therefore, fluorinated polymer nanosheets are attractive nanomaterials for surface modification in terms of tailoring of wettability, frictional properties, adhesion and surface chemistry. The nanocoating technique using reactive fluorinated polymer nanosheets and surface modification of hard disks and microchannels are also reviewed. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
A micropump driven by a polypyrrole‐based conducting polymer soft actuator
Authors: Naka Yoshitaka , Fuchiwaki Masaki , Tanaka Kazuhiro 
Published: February 2010

AbstractMicropumps are essential components of microfluidic systems and biosensing systems. In particular, micropumps used for micro total analysis systems transport fluids at a microflow rate with high precision. Moreover, they are also needed to transport high‐viscosity fluids in cases where there are various types of drugs to be transported. Therefore, in order to realize a micropump that can transport solutions at a microflow rate, it is necessary to develop a high‐precision microdeformable actuator with a simple mechanism. The conducting polymer soft actuator reported here opens widely and closes completely as a result of electrochemical oxidation and reduction, respectively. The opening and closing movement of the soft actuator, inside which the cation‐driven layer is arranged, becomes large because the anion‐driven layer that is arranged outside is the predominant driver. We developed a micropump driven by a conducting polymer soft actuator that opens and closes. Although the developed micropump contains no valve, the micropump can transport fluids in one direction without backflow. The newly developed micropump driven by the conducting polymer soft actuator can transport fluids in one direction without backflow by the opening and closing of two soft actuators. Furthermore, a wider range of flow rates and greater maximum delivery heads are obtained using the newly developed micropump. The energy consumption rate of the micropump is markedly lower than those of conventional micropumps. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Perspectives for new dielectric elastomers with improved electromechanical actuation performance: composites versus blends
Authors: Gallone Giuseppe , Galantini Fabia , Carpi Federico 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThis work presents a comparison between composites and blends as two alternative approaches for the development of new dielectric elastomers offering superior electromechanical properties at lower driving electric fields. Silicone‐ and polyurethane‐based dielectric elastomers were modified by either making particulate composites with high‐permittivity ceramic fillers or by blending with different polymeric phases. Both previous and new data are considered. Experimental observations are compared and discussed to assess which one of the aforementioned approaches might be more generally preferable. Due to a consequent worsening of the mechanical properties, pure composite architectures yielded only limited results. While with the blend approach both an increase of the dielectric permittivity and an unexpected reduction of the tensile elastic modulus were observed, leading to an overall increase of the electromechanical response. The blending approach permits one to obtain a new dielectric elastomer with improved electromechanical properties by simply combining two low‐dielectric‐constant polymers. This is the first time such a type of result has been reported. This study indicates that formulating all‐polymeric compounds may represent a very promising route for obtaining new dielectric elastomers with improved actuation performance. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Nonlinear oscillation of a dielectric elastomer balloon
Authors: Zhu Jian , Cai Shengqiang , Suo Zhigang 
Published: February 2010

AbstractMuch of the existing literature on dielectric elastomers has focused on quasi‐static deformation. However, in some potential applications, the elastomer deforms at high frequencies and undergoes nonlinear oscillation. While nonlinear oscillation has been studied in many areas of science and engineering, we are unaware of any theoretical analysis of nonlinear oscillation of dielectric elastomers. This paper reports a theoretical study of the dynamic behavior of a dielectric elastomer balloon subject to a combination of pressure and voltage. When the pressure and voltage are static, the balloon may reach a state of equilibrium. We determine the stability of the state of equilibrium, and calculate the natural frequency of the small‐amplitude oscillation around the state of equilibrium. We focus on the parametric responses of the dielectric elastomer balloon. When the voltage is sinusoidal, the balloon resonates at multiple frequencies of excitation, giving rise to superharmonic, harmonic and subharmonic responses. When the frequency of excitation varies continuously, the oscillating amplitude of the balloon may jump, exhibiting hysteresis. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Conformational energy from the oxidation kinetics of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) films
Authors: Otero Toribio F , Caballero Romero María 
Published: February 2010

AbstractElectroactive poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) perchlorate films shrink and pack by electrochemical reduction at high cathodic potentials. Any subsequent oxidation by potential step gives chronoamperograms showing a maximum. At the maxima the electroactive oxidation reaction occurs under chemical kinetic control. Rate coefficients and activation energies for the reaction can be obtained by applying chemical kinetics methodology. Both parameters present two ranges as a function of the cathodic potential of pre‐polarization that defines the initial oxidation state of conformational packing. The activation energy includes two components: the constant chemical activation energy and the conformational packing energy that increases linearly after reduction–shrinking–packing at rising cathodic overpotentials. This methodology opens a way to quantify the conformational energy of polymer chains: the energy used by molecular motors constituting the actuator films of conducting polymers. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry