bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Obstetric vesico‐vaginal fistula repair: Should we trim the fistula edges? A randomized prospective study
Authors: Shaker Hassan , Saafan Ahmed , Yassin Mohammed , Idrissa Abdoulaye , Mourad Mohammed S. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo test the hypothesis that not trimming the edges of the vesico‐vaginal fistula (VVF) during its surgical repair has an advantage in the outcome as compared to the classical teaching of trimming the fistula.MethodologySixty‐four females with obstetric VVF were randomized into two groups. Both groups were treated with vaginal anatomical closure in three layers with Martius flap inter‐positioning. Fistulae of the first group were closed without trimming the edges of the bladder while the second group was subject to trimming of the bladder edges.ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences between both groups regarding pre‐operative patient demographics and fistula characteristics. Cure rates were 75% and 67.6% in the non‐trimming and the trimming groups, respectively. This was not statistically different. When patients were stratified according to the number of previous repairs, 100% patients in both groups were cured in cases of primary repair of the fistula. Lower cure rates were shown with increasing number of previous repairs. Recurrent fistulae after our repair were not statistically different in site and number in both groups. Nevertheless, fistulae after trimming tends to get larger than the original ones as compared to the non‐trimming group which tends to get smaller. This is statistically different.ConclusionAlthough there is no statistically significant difference between both groups regarding the cure rate in both fresh cases or recurrent ones, there is an advantage of not trimming the fistula since trimmed fistula tends to get larger, should recurrence occur after trimming. Neurourol. Urodynam. 30:302–305, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Urinary incontinence among group fitness instructors including yoga and pilates teachers
Authors: Bø Kari , Bratland‐Sanda Solfrid , Sundgot‐Borgen Jorunn 
Published: February 2011

AbstractAimsControversies exist on the role of physical activity on urinary incontinence (UI), and search on PubMed revealed no studies on UI in fitness instructors. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of UI among female group fitness instructors, including Pilates and yoga teachers.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional study of 1,473 instructors representing three of the largest fitness companies recruited from 59 fitness centers in Norway. They filled in an online survey (Questback) about general health, educational background, and number of hours teaching per week. Prevalence of UI was evaluated by the International Consensus on Incontinence Questionnaire, short form (ICIQ‐UI SF).ResultsThree out of 152 men (2%) reported UI. Six hundred eighty‐five women, mean age 32.7 years (range 18–68) answered the questionnaire. 26.3% of all the female instructors reported to have UI, with 21.4% reporting leakage ≥once a week, 3.2% 2–3 times/week and 1.7% ≥once per day. 24.4% reported the leakage to be small to moderate and the bother score was 4.6 (SD 2.4) out of 21. 15.3% reported leakage during physical activity and 10.9% when coughing/sneezing. 25.9% of yoga and Pilates instructors reported UI.ConclusionsThis is the first report on UI among fitness instructors and the results indicate that UI is prevalent among female fitness instructors, including yoga and Pilates teachers. More information about this topic seems to be important in the basic education of fitness instructors. Neurourol. Urodynam. 30:370–373, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Demographic, psychosocial, and contextual correlates of tobacco use in sexual minority women
Authors: Matthews Alicia K. , Hotton Anna , DuBois Steve , Fingerhut David , Kuhns Lisa M. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractDemographic, psychosocial, and contextual correlates of tobacco use among sexual minority women (SMW) were assessed using data from a larger lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) study. Of the 171 participants, 42% (n = 71) were smokers. However, 61% of smokers reported a recent quit attempt, and 39% were taking action toward or planning to quit. In multivariable logistic regression, lack of insurance, frequent attendance at LGBT bars, greater awareness of anti‐smoking messages, and fewer perceived deterrents to smoking were associated with greater odds of smoking. Our findings provide additional support for elevated smoking rates among SMW and help to identify factors associated with smoking in this population. Awareness of prevention campaigns, recent quit attempts, and intention to quit were high, suggesting opportunities for smoking cessation. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health
β‐Cyclodextrin hydrogel incorporating hydrophobically modified poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) for a temperature‐dependent release
Authors: Lee Mi Sun , Kim Jin‐Chul 
Published: February 2011

AbstractHydrogels exhibiting a temperature‐dependent release were prepared by incorporating hydrophobically modified poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (HmPNIPAM) into β‐cyclodextrin hydrogels (β‐CD hydrogels). The specific loading of HmPNIPAM was about 0.0069 g HmPNIPAM/g β‐CD hydrogels. The incorporation of the polymer was qualitatively conformed by FT‐IR spectroscopy and SEM. The percent release of blue dextran in 24 hr at 20°C (about 77%) was markedly higher than those obtained at 35°C and 45°C (about 53 and 55%, respectively). At the higher temperatures, the volume of the hydrogel could decrease upon the thermal contraction of HmPNIPAM, leading to a smaller mesh and a suppressed release. In fact, the swelling ratio in 24 hr at 35°C and 45°C (about 396% and 405%, respectively) was obviously lower than that obtained at 20°C (about 465%). Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TSH suppression as a possible means of protection against hypothyroidism after irradiation for childhood Hodgkins lymphoma
Authors: Massimino Maura , Gandola Lorenza , Pignoli Emanuele , Seregni Ettore , Marchianò Alfonso , Pecori Emilia , Catania Serena , Cefalo Graziella 
Published: February 2011

AbstractHypothyroidism remains a common late effect after irradiation of the neck/mediastinum for Hodgkins lymphoma (HL). We evaluated the protective effect of TSH suppression during neck/mediastinum irradiation. From 1998 to 2001, 14 consecutive euthyroid children were given, before and until the end of their radiotherapy on neck/mediastinum, L‐thyroxine at TSH‐suppressive doses. The 14 patients had adequate TSH suppression during irradiation in 8, inadequate in 6. The 8‐year hypothyroidism‐free‐survival after irradiation was 75 ± 15% for the former group, 0% for the latter (P = 0.009). TSH suppression could have a protective effect on thyroid function as shown in a small group of patients with HL. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;57:166–168. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Toughening of polypropylene with crystallizable poly(ethylene oxide)
Authors: Li Xiuyun , Su Run , Gao Jian , Zhang Nan , Jiang Kun , Luo Feng , Wang Ke , Fu Qiang 
Published: February 2011

AbstractA crystallizable polymer, poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), was used as new modifier to tailor the toughness of isotactic polypropylene (iPP). An optimum performance was achieved at a medium PEO content of 15 wt% where the toughness was enhanced by 300%, while the strength only decreased slightly. To elucidate the origin of toughening in the iPP/PEO blends, various crystallographic and morphological experiments including X‐ray diffraction, electron microscopy and calorimetry were adopted to explore the dependences of polymorphic composition and crystallized morphology on PEO content. When the PEO content is less than 15 wt%, the dispersed PEO cannot crystallize, and these non‐crystalline PEO microspheres are embedded in both α‐ and β‐form iPP spherulites, which is mainly responsible for the toughening. In contrast, when the PEO content is higher than 15 wt%, the PEO phase becomes crystallizable, and significant phase segregation takes place, resulting in a marked deterioration in mechanical properties. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Polyester and multiwalled carbon nanotube composites: characterization, electrical conductivity and antibacterial activity
Authors: Wu Chin‐San 
Published: February 2011

AbstractPoly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) composites containing multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were prepared using a melt‐blending process and used to examine the effects on the composite structure and properties of replacing PBT with acrylic acid‐grafted PBT (PBT‐g‐AA). PBT‐g‐AA and multihydroxyl‐functionalized MWCNTs (MWCNTs‐OH) were used to improve the compatibility and dispersibility of the MWCNTs within the PBT matrix. The composites were characterized morphologically using transmission electron microscopy, and chemically using Fourier transform infrared, solid‐state 13C NMR and UV‐visible absorption spectroscopy. The antibacterial and electrical conductivity properties of the composites were also evaluated. MWCNTs or MWCNTs‐OH enhanced the antibacterial activity and electrical conductivity of the PBT/MWCNT or PBT‐g‐AA/MWCNTs‐OH composites. The functionalized PBT‐g‐AA/MWCNTs‐OH composites showed markedly enhanced antibacterial properties and electrical conductivity due to the formation of ester bonds from the condensation of the carboxylic acid groups of PBT‐g‐AA with the hydroxyl groups of MWCNTs‐OH. The optimal proportion of MWCNTs‐OH in the composites was 1 wt%; in excess of this amount, the compatibility between the organic and inorganic phases was compromised. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
A study of the effect of styrene concentration on the molecular weight of polypropylene produced using metallocene catalysts
Authors: Peoples Brian C , Rodríguez Francisco J , Galland Griselda B , Rabagliati Franco M , Quijada Raul 
Published: February 2011

AbstractIt has been observed in the production of polypropylene nanocomposites containing silicate materials that the molecular weight of the polymer used can have a significant effect on the final quality of the composites. The availability of polypropylene over a range of molecular weights with similar material properties (e.g. melting temperature and tacticity) is limited. Therefore, the ability to use a single catalyst system to generate polypropylene with a range of molecular weights is an attractive goal. In this contribution the use of styrene as a chain‐terminating agent is explored, in order to produce materials with a range of molecular weights from a single catalyst system. It is found that the molecular weight of the polypropylene produced can be varied in the range from 120 000 to 9000 g mol−1 using the Me2Si(Ind)2ZrCl2/methylaluminoxane catalyst system. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Neuropeptide profiling of the bovine hypothalamus: Thermal stabilization is an effective tool in inhibiting post‐mortem degradation
Authors: Colgrave Michelle L. , Xi Li , Lehnert Sigrid A. , Flatscher‐Bader Traute , Wadensten Henrik , Nilsson Anna , Andren Per E. , Wijffels Gene 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe hypothalamus is the central regulatory region of the brain that links the nervous system to the endocrine system via the pituitary gland. It synthesizes and secretes neuropeptide hormones, which in turn act to stimulate or inhibit the secretion of pituitary hormones. We have undertaken a detailed MS investigation of the peptides present in the bovine hypothalamus by adapting a novel heat stabilization methodology, which improved peptide discovery to direct our studies into the molecular mechanisms involved in bovine reproduction. The untreated samples contained large numbers of protein degradation products that interfered with the analysis of the neuropeptides. In the thermally stabilized samples, we were able to identify many more neuropeptides that are known to be expressed in the bovine hypothalamus. Furthermore, we have characterized a range of post‐translational modifications that indicate the presence of processed intact mature neuropeptides in the stabilized tissue samples, whereas we detected many trimmed or truncated peptides resulting from post‐mortem degradation in the untreated tissue samples. Altogether, using an optimized workflow, we were able to identify 140 candidate neuropeptides. We also nominate six new candidate neuropeptides derived from proSAAS, secretogranin‐2 and proTRH.
Proteome profiling suggests a pro‐inflammatory role for plasma cells through release of high‐mobility group box 1 protein
Authors: Vettermann Christian , Castor Dennis , Mekker Andrea , Gerrits Bertran , Karas Michael , Jäck Hans‐Martin 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe final step of B‐cell maturation is to differentiate into plasma cells, a process that is accompanied by gross changes in subcellular organization to enable antibody secretion. To better understand this critical step in mounting a humoral immune response, we analyzed proteome dynamics during plasma cell differentiation with combined 2‐DE/MS. Thirty‐two identified protein spots changed in relative abundance when lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated primary B cells differentiated into antibody‐secreting plasma cells. A correlative analysis of protein and transcript abundance suggested that one third of these proteins are post‐transcriptionally regulated. Apart from ER‐resident chaperones, lipid metabolic enzymes, and translation initiation factors, we identified several proteins that had not been previously studied in plasma cells. Among them is the transiently upregulated proteasome activator (PA) 28γ, a component of the putative nuclear proteasome. Additionally, we discovered that the non‐canonical inflammatory cytokine high‐mobility group box 1 (HMG1) was released from plasma cells into the extracellular milieu. This suggests a novel role for plasma cells as pro‐inflammatory mediators, which has important implications for various autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammation.
The Migraine Trust: Working to support people with migraine
Authors: Scurr Kate 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe impact of migraine on quality of life is often vastly underestimated. Kate Scurr, Press and PR Manager at The Migraine Trust, outlines the work the Trust is doing to improve the quality of life of the millions of migraine sufferers in the UK. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Interface Ltd
Working together: a one‐stop shop for Huntington's disease
Authors: El‐Nimr George , Tams Sue 
Published: February 2011

AbstractPatients with chronic neurological conditions such as Huntington's disease require the input of a multidisciplinary team to meet their complex needs. Here, the authors describe their specialist clinic in North Staffordshire for patients with Huntington's disease, which offers a one‐stop shop for access to health professionals from many different disciplines. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Interface Ltd
Synthesis of poly(2‐ethylhexyl acrylate)/clay nanocomposite by in situ living radical polymerization
Authors: Haloi Dhruba J. , Singha Nikhil K. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThis investigation reports the preparation of tailor‐made poly(2‐ethylhexyl acrylate) (PEHA) prepared via in situ living radical polymerization in the presence of layered silicates and characterization of this polymer/clay nanocomposite. Being a low Tg (−65 °C) material, PEHA has very good film formation property for which it is used in paints, adhesives, and coating applications. 2‐Ethylhexyl acrylate was polymerized at 90 °C using CuBr and Cu(0) as catalyst in combination with N,N,N′,N″,N″‐pentamethyl diethylenetriamine (PMDETA) as ligand. A tremendous enhancement in reaction rate and polymerization data was achieved when acetone was added as additive to increase the efficiency of the catalyst system. PEHA/clay nanocomposite was prepared at 90 °C using CuBr as catalyst in combination with PMDETA as ligand. Different types of clay with same loading were also used to study the effect on reaction rate. The molecular weight (Mn) and polydispersity index of the prepared nanocomposites were characterized by size exclusion chromatography. The active end group of the polymer chain was analyzed by 1H NMR analysis and by chain extension experiment. Polymer/clay interaction was studied by Fourier Transform Infrared spectrometry and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction analyses. Distribution of clay in the polymer matrix was studied by the transmission electron microscopy. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that thermal stability of PEHA/clay nanocomposite increases on addition of nanoclay. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Design and synthesis of a fluorescently end‐labeled poly(β‐amino ester): Application to the characterization of degradable polyelectrolyte multilayers
Authors: Bechler Shane L. , Lynn David M. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractWe report the synthesis of a fluorescently end‐labeled analog of a synthetic and degradable cationic poly(β‐amino ester) (PBAE; polymer 1) used in past studies for the delivery of DNA and the layer‐by‐layer assembly of erodible polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs). The synthesis of an analog of polymer 1 having acrylate‐functionalized end groups provided a platform for the introduction of fluorescent labels by postpolymerization conjugate addition of amine‐functionalized fluorophores. This approach enabled the synthesis of fluorescently end‐labeled polymer (polymer 1FL) with molecular weights and polydispersities (Mn = 18,000; PDI ∼ 1.8) similar to those used in past studies for the fabrication of PEMs using polymer 1. Layer‐by‐layer assembly of PEMs using polymer 1FL and poly(styrene sulfonate) enabled characterization of film erosion and, for the first time, direct observation of the release of cationic polymer from these assemblies using fluorescence microscopy and fluorometry. Our results shed new light on the behaviors of the cationic components of these PEMs and could prove useful for the design of thin films for a range of different controlled release applications. Our results also provide new fluorescent cationic polymer probes that could be useful for characterization of the behaviors of PBAEs in other fundamental or applied biotechnological contexts. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Visible light induced free radical promoted cationic polymerization using thioxanthone derivatives
Authors: Yilmaz Gorkem , Beyazit Selim , Yagci Yusuf 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe free radical promoted cationic polymerization cyclohexene oxide (CHO), was achieved by visible light irradiation (λinc = 430–490 nm) of methylene chloride solutions containing thioxanthone‐fluorene carboxylic acid (TX‐FLCOOH) or thioxanthone‐carbazole (TX‐C) and cationic salts, such as diphenyliodonium hexafluorophosphate (Ph2I+PF) or silver hexafluorophosphate (Ag+PF) in the presence of hydrogen donors. A feasible initiation mechanism involves the photogeneration of ketyl radicals by hydrogen abstraction in the first step. Subsequent oxidation of ketyl radicals by the oxidizing salts yields Bronsted acids capable of initiating the polymerization of CHO. In agreement with the proposed mechanism, the polymerization was completely inhibited by 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidinyl‐1‐oxy and di‐2,6‐di‐tert‐butylpyridine as radical and acid scavengers, respectively. Additionally polymerization efficiency was directly related to the reduction potential of the cationic salts, that is, Ag+PF (E = +0.8 V) was found to be more efficient than Ph2I+PF (E = −0.2 V). In addition to CHO, vinyl monomers such as isobutyl vinyl ether and N‐vinyl carbazole, and a bisepoxide such as 3,4‐epoxycyclohexyl‐3′,4′‐epoxycyclohexene carboxylate, were polymerized in the presence of TX‐FLCOOH or TX‐C and iodonium salt with high efficiency. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Borohydrido rare earth based coordinative chain transfer copolymerization: A convenient tool for tuning the microstructure of isoprene/styrene copolymers
Authors: Valente Andreia , Zinck Philippe , Mortreux André , Visseaux Marc 
Published: February 2011

AbstractA series of lanthanum and neodymium borohydrido complexes comprising the trisborohydrides Nd(BH4)3(THF)3 (1a) and La(BH4)3(THF)3 (1b) and the half‐lanthanidocenes Cp*Nd(BH4)2(THF)2 (2a) (Cp* = C5Me5) and Cp*La(BH4)2(THF)2 (2b) has been assessed for the chain transfer copolymerization of isoprene and styrene. A transmetalation process is occurring efficiently with the borohydride complexes in the presence of magnesium dialkyl. The transmetalation is accompanied by (i) a gradual decrease of the 1,4‐trans stereoselectivity of the reaction at the benefit of 3,4‐selectivity and (ii) an increase in the quantity of styrene inserted in the copolymer. This can be at least partially attributed to a magnesium induced co‐oligomerization of isoprene and styrene. By combining dialkylmagnesium and trialkylaluminum, a 1,4‐trans stereospecific reversible coordinative chain transfer copolymerization of isoprene and styrene is observed when the half‐lanthanocene 2b is used as precatalyst. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Easily available niobium(V) mixed chloro‐alkoxide complexes as catalytic precursors for ethylene polymerization
Authors: Marchetti Fabio , Pampaloni Guido , Patil Yogesh , Galletti Anna Maria Raspolli , Zacchini Stefano 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe dinuclear [NbCln(OR)(5‐n)]2 (n = 4, R = Et, 1; n = 4, R = CH2Ph, 2; n = 3, R = Et, 3; n = 2, R = Et, 4; n = 2, R = , 5), and [Nb(OEt)5]2, 6, and the mononuclear niobium compounds NbCl4[κ2OCH2CH(R′)OR] (R = Me, R′ = H, 7; R = Et, R′ = H, 8; R = CH2Cl, R′ = H, 9; R = CH2CH2OMe, R′ = H, 10; R = R′ = Me, 11), NbBr4[κ2OCH2CH2OMe], 12, and NbCl3(κ2OCH2CH2OMe)(κ1OCH2CH2OMe), 13, were tested in ethylene polymerization. Optimized reaction conditions included the use of D‐MAO as co‐catalyst and chlorobenzene as solvent at 50 °C. Complex 7, whose X‐Ray structure is described here for the first time, exhibited the highest activity ever reported for a niobium catalyst in alkene polymerization [151 kgpolymer × molNb−1 × h−1 × bar−1]. Compounds 1, 3‐5, 8, 13 showed activities similar to that of 7. Linear polyethylenes (characterized by FT‐IR, NMR, GPC, and DSC analyses) with a broad polydispersivity were obtained. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Concerted reactions of aldehyde groups during polymerization of an aldehyde‐functional benzoxazine
Authors: Ran Qi‐Chao , Gu Yi 
Published: February 2011

AbstractPolymerization reactions of a new aldehyde‐functional benzoxazine (4HBA‐a) were investigated in detail. The curing behavior of 4HBA‐a was studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) methods. The results indicate that the disappearance of the aldehyde group from 4HBA‐a and the ring‐opening reaction of 4HBA‐a occur simultaneously. Gases evolved during the curing process of 4HBA‐a were analyzed by thermogravimetric analyzer interfaced with FTIR spectra. The elimination of CO2 is attributed to the oxidation and decarboxylation of the aldehyde groups. In addition, the crosslink sites of the aldehyde groups in the polymer structure are confirmed by model reactions. A possible reactive position should be sited in ortho position of phenol rather than ortho and/or para positions of N‐phenyl ring. Finally, the crosslinked structures of polymerized 4HBA‐a have been proposed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011