bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of atherosclerotic risk factors with carotid adventitial thickness assessed by ultrasonography
Authors: Kazmierski Radoslaw , Watala Cezary , Podsiadly Edyta , Dorszewska Jolanta , Kozubski Wojciech 
Published: May 2009

AbstractPurpose.There is increasing evidence that adventitial inflammation may participate in atherosclerosis development. The aim of this study was to investigate which atherosclerotic risk factors correlated with carotid adventitial thickness (AT) and to compare them with those associated with carotid intima‐media thickness (IMT). We also set out to test the hypothesis that there is a significant correlation between IMT and AT in the carotid arteries.Methods.The far carotid artery wall IMT and AT were measured by high‐resolution B‐mode ultrasound in 128 persons (mean, 65 ± 8 years). A number of conventional and novel, clinically and laboratory‐derived risk factors were assessed.Results.Significant correlation (r = 0.35, p < 0.0001) was demonstrated between the IMT and AT. The stepwise forward multiple regression analysis revealed correlations between IMT and leukocyte count, C‐reactive protein level, and hypertension, whereas the Chlamydia (C.) pneumoniae IgA antibodies and fibrinogen levels, gender, and smoking correlated merely with AT. The homocysteine/methionine ratio correlated with both IMT and AT.Conclusion.The association between IMT and AT may reflect an interaction between intimal, medial, and adventitial pathology. Different risk factors are associated with the increased AT or IMT. It is possible that inflammation and some chronic infections, such as those induced by C. pneumoniae, could have a marked influence on adventitial cell proliferation. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2009
The effects of copper contraceptive intrauterine device on the uterine blood flow: A prospective transvaginal Doppler study
Authors: Yigit Nuray , Kacar Mahmut , Yigit Hasan , Kosar Pinar , Kosar Ugur 
Published: May 2009

AbstractPurpose.To evaluate the hemodynamic changes by transvaginal color Doppler sonography (CDS) in the uterine vascular bed after the insertion of a contraceptive intrauterine device (CIUD) and to investigate whether those CDS findings could predict potential side effects, such as dysmenorrhea and abnormal bleeding.Method.Pulsatility index (PI), resistance index, and systole/diastole ratio (S/D) were measured in the uterine artery and its myometrial branches on 28 patients before and after the insertion of copper IUD, and a correlation with dysmenorrhea and abnormal bleeding was investigated.Result.PI and S/D values in the uterine artery increased significantly after the insertion of the CIUD (p < 0.05). Patients with increased bleeding scores after insertion of CIUD had significantly lower uterine artery PI compared with those without increased bleeding scores (p < 0.05). No statistically significant difference was detected in the Doppler flow parameters regarding dysmenorrhea scores.Conclusion.Low uterine artery PI values recorded in the early phase of the menstrual cycle in patients with a CIUD were associated with an increased bleeding risk. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 2009
The use of ultrasound to facilitate spinal anesthesia in a patient with previous lumbar laminectomy and fusion: A case report
Authors: Chin Ki Jinn , Macfarlane Alan J.R. , Chan Vincent , Brull Richard 
Published: May 2009

AbstractWe describe a case of ultrasound (US)‐facilitated spinal anesthesia in a patient with a prior lumbar laminectomy and spinal fusion who presented for total knee arthroplasty. Traditional, landmark‐guided spinal anesthesia had previously failed. Although pre‐procedural US identified a soft‐tissue window at L3/4, a 25G pencilpoint needle encountered resistance. Reassured from US imaging that this was not bone, we used a 22G cutting tip needle successfully. We believe spinal anesthesia would not have been possible in this patient without US, adding to the evidence that US‐facilitated neuraxial anesthesia is useful, particularly in technically difficult, if not ‘impossible,’ cases. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2009
Three‐dimensional analysis of connexin43 gap junction in the ex vivo rat seminiferous tubules: Short‐term effects of hormonal effectors
Authors: Gilleron Jerome , Carette Diane , Carpentier Francoise , Segretain Dominique , Pointis Georges 
Published: May 2009

AbstractCx43 gap junctions are essential for proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of germ cells during spermatogenesis. However, only few and indirect observations have been reported on the distribution of Cx43, the predominant Cx within the seminiferous tubules. In thepresent study, we developed an innovative method that allows visualization of the three‐ dimensional localization of Cx43 associated with gap junctions and their functionality in isolated spermatogenic stage‐specific seminiferous tubules. Cx43 gap junctions were present between myoid cells, between Sertoli cells, and between Sertoli and germ cells. Cx43 levels and coupling were stage‐dependent with higher values at stages VI–VIII of spermatogenesis and markedly reduced at stages IX–X. Short‐term exposure of seminiferous tubule fragments at stages VI–VIII and of the 42GPA9 Sertoli cell line transfected with a Cx43‐GFP vector, to FSH, cAMP, DHT, and 17β‐E2 significantly altered Cx43 distribution as well as gap junction coupling. These observations highlight a nongenomic effect of these testicular effectors on Cx43 gap junction. Microsc. Res. Tech. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impact of caspase activation in human spermatozoa
Authors: Grunewald Sonja , Sharma Rakesh , Paasch Uwe , Glander Hans‐Juergen , Agarwal Ashok 
Published: May 2009

AbstractCaspases are central components in the apoptosis signaling cascade. The family of cysteine proteases transduces and enhances the apoptosis signal, and activation of effector caspases results in controlled cellular degradation. Although initially the presence of caspases in spermatozoa was controversially discussed in recent years, many studies demonstrated their activation in male germ cells. Activated apoptosis signaling results in decreased fertilizing capacity of the sperm. This review presents the current knowledge on the role of caspases in human sperm. Techniques of caspase monitoring are highlighted. With regard to the high impact of caspases on the sperm fertilizing potential, physiological and pathological settings of caspase activation and inactivation are discussed. Finally, the effects of depletion of caspase‐positive sperm are shown with various standard and molecular sperm preparation methods. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of two medium chain triglycerides‐supplemented diets on synaptic morphology in the cerebellar cortex of late‐adult rats
Authors: Balietti Marta , Fattoretti Patrizia , Giorgetti Belinda , Casoli Tiziana , Di Stefano Giuseppina , Platano Daniela , Aicardi Giorgio , Lattanzio Fabrizia , Bertoni‐Freddari Carlo 
Published: May 2009

AbstractKetogenic diets (KDs) have shown beneficial effects in experimental models of neurodegeneration, designating aged individuals as possible recipients. However, few studies have investigated their consequences on aging brain. Here, late‐adult rats (19 months of age) were fed for 8 weeks with two medium chain triglycerides‐supplemented diets (MCT‐SDs) and the average area (S), numeric density (Nvs), and surface density (Sv) of synapses, as well as the average volume (V), numeric density (Nvm), and volume density (Vv) of synaptic mitochondria were evaluated in granule cell layer of the cerebellar cortex (GCL‐CCx) by computer‐assisted morphometric methods. MCT content was 10 or 20%. About 10%MCT‐SD induced the early appearance of senescent patterns (decreased Nvs and Nvm; increased V), whereas 20%MCT‐SD caused no changes. Recently, we have shown that both MCT‐SDs accelerate aging in the stratum moleculare of CA1 (SM CA1), but are “antiaging” in the outer molecular layer of dentate gyrus (OML DG). Since GCL‐CCx is more vulnerable to age than OML DG but less than SM CA1, present and previous results suggest that the effects of MCT‐SDs in the aging brain critically depend on neuronal vulnerability to age, besides MCT percentage. Microsc. Res. Tech. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Distribution and three‐dimensional appearance of the interstitial cells of Cajal in the rat stomach and duodenum
Authors: Lee Song Eun , Wi Joon Sun , Min Yong Il , Jung Chaeyong , Ahn Kyu Youn , Bae Choon Sang , Kim Baik Yoon , Park Sung Sik , Oh Chang Seok , Weninger Wolfgang J. , Nam Kwang Il 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe relationship between the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) and enteric nerves or smooth muscles cells is not fully defined. Presently, distribution and appearance of ICC in the rat stomach and duodenum was studied by immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, and three‐dimensional reconstruction. c‐kit expressing ICC were regularly observed in the Auerbach's myenteric plexus (AP) of the stomach and duodenum. ICC in stomach and duodenum muscle layers was dissimilarly distributed. c‐kit immunoreactive cells were sparsely distributed in the stomach circular muscle layer but were abundant in the duodenum deep muscular plexus (DMP). Electron microscopy revealed that stomach ICC‐AP were irregular ovals with few cytoplasmic processes, and possessed an electron‐dense cytoplasm, numerous mitochondria, intermediate filaments, and caveolae. Duodenum and stomach ICC‐AP were similar in appearance. Ultrastructure observations and three‐dimensional reconstructions revealed ICC‐AP processes wrapping the nerve fibers and projecting into the space between smooth muscle cells. While ICC‐AP was occasionally close to enteric nerves or smooth muscle cells, no connections were observed. ICC‐DMP in duodenum was elongated and adopted the same cell axis orientation as the circular muscle cells. Unlike ICC‐AP, ICC‐DMP formed gap junctions with smooth muscle cells and had close contact with nerves. These results indicate that ICC‐AP is regularly distributed in stomach and duodenum, while ICC‐DMP is exclusively located in the duodenum. ICC‐DMP, which possess gap junctions and closely contacts nerves, may participate in neuromuscular transmission. Microsc. Res. Tech. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Time dependency of ultrasound‐facilitated gene transfection
Authors: Tsai Kun‐Che , Fang Shin‐Yu , Yang Shu‐Jyuan , Shieh Ming‐Jium , Lin Win‐Li , Chen Wen‐Shiang 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBackgroundThe use of ultrasound (US)‐facilitated gene therapy is increasing rapidly as a result of its high specificity and non‐invasiveness. However, the acoustic parameters that produce the most efficient transfection have not been established. The present study investigated the effects of time parameters [including pulsing strategy (on‐ and off‐times), exposure duration, pore opening time and expression duration] of US‐facilitated gene transfection.MethodsCervical cancer cells (HeLa cells) cultured with pCMViLUC plasmids were exposed to 1‐MHz pulsed US, and gene transfection efficiency and cell viability were assessed. The ability of in vivo transfection by ultrasound using different pulsing strategy was also evaluated.ResultsFor a constant total exposure time, the transfection was always better for a longer on‐time (on–off ratio = 1, or 50% duty cycle) than a shorter one (ratio = 0.1, 9% duty cycle), whether performed in vitro or in vivo. However, for a fixed on‐time, there was a strong inverse correlation between transfection efficiency and off‐time (r2 = 0.89). Multiple regression analysis showed that the on‐time, off‐time and on–off ratio are all independent variables for US‐facilitated gene transfection. Furthermore, transfection increased with the total exposure time, but plateaued for long exposure times. More than half of the opened pores closed within 15 s after the cessation of US exposure. The half‐life of the transfected DNA was 7.43 days.ConclusionsTime is an important determinant of US‐facilitated gene transfection. Methods for increasing the transfected number of plasmids, such as increasing the concentration of plasmids or the duration of pore opening, will be critical for future research and clinical applications. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enzymatic characterization of 30 kDa lipase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853
Authors: Izrael‐Zivkovic Lidija T. , Gojgic‐Cvijovic Gordana Đ. , Gopcevic Kristina R. , Vrvic Miroslav M. , Karadzic Ivanka M. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractAn extracellular lipase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 has been purified and its enzymatic characteristics were determined. According to SDS‐PAGE and gel filtration molecular mass estimated to be 30 kDa, what classified the lipase in group I.1. Although 14 lipases from P. aeruginosa with similar molecular mass are referred to date, their basic enzymatic properties have not been reported yet. To address the gap we found: the optimal temperature and pH in water solution being 50 °C and 9.3, respectively; the lipase was inhibited with Hg2+ ions and sodium dodecylsulphate (SDS), while non‐ionic detergent Triton X‐100 activated the enzyme; the lipase hydrolyzed more rapidly middle chain triglycerides and it was not regiospecific; the lipase demonstrated naturally occurring stability in different organic solvents with concentrations ranging from 30 to 70%, including good thermal stability in 30% organic solvent solution. Even though strain P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853 was not isolated from extreme environment it showed activity in organic solvent suggesting that this lipase is suitable for variety of applications, including reactions in water restricted medium and bioremediation of contaminations by organic solvents. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Links between the rainfall regime in Israel and location and intensity of Cyprus lows
Authors: Saaroni H. , Halfon N. , Ziv B. , Alpert P. , Kutiel H. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe interannual variations and the spatial distribution of rainfall in the Mediterranean and semi‐arid regions of Israel are analysed with respect to variations in the occurrence of the typical synoptic systems of the Eastern Mediterranean. The synoptic analysis is based on a daily, semi‐objective synoptic classification (Alpert et al., 2004a). The study covers the months November–March, in which 90% of the annual rainfall is obtained, mostly resulting from Cyprus lows. The interannual variations of the rainfall are well explained by the synoptic types, and the occurrences of Cyprus lows are highly correlated with the rainfall. It was found that the daily and seasonal rainfall are highly dependent on the depth of the cyclone. Moreover, deep lows are more effective for the mountainous regions, due both to the enhanced orographic effect and to the fact that stronger winds, associated with deep lows, are more efficient in transporting rain‐producing clouds from the Mediterranean Sea inland. The location of the cyclone determines the spatial distribution of the rain it produces over Israel. The cyclones located east of Cyprus were found productive mainly for the southern parts of the study region, while those located to the west and north of Israel were found productive for the north of the country. The high sensitivity of the rainfall to the location of the surface cyclones emphasizes the major role that lower level moisture transport plays in rain formation. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
A multi‐time scale Australian monsoon index
Authors: Kajikawa Yoshiyuki , Wang Bin , Yang Jing 
Published: May 2009

AbstractA broad‐scale Australian monsoon index (AUSMI) describing multi‐time scale variations is defined by using 850 hPa zonal wind averaged over the area (5°S–15°S, 110°E–130°E). This circulation index reflects monsoonal rainfall variability over Northern Australia and maritime continent. The index can be used to depict the seasonal cycle (for instance the onset) and measure the intraseasonal, interannual, and interdecadal variations of the Australian monsoon. The interannual variation of the Australian monsoon onset determined by the AUSMI agrees well with that derived from the rainfall and winds at Darwin in the previous studies. We found a significant anti‐correlation between the monsoon onset date and the seasonal (DJF) mean AUSMI anomalies; namely an early onset is accompanied by a strong Australian summer monsoon and vice versa. These interannual variations are also strongly associated with El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO). In contrast, the retreat dates are not significantly different between the strong and weak Australian summer monsoon years. The AUSMI is useful in monitoring the weather and climate variations of the Australian monsoon and validating the performance of climate models. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Effect of contact configuration on the durability and friction coefficient of pressure‐sprayed MoS2 coatings under fretting conditions
Authors: Luo D. B. , Fridrici V. , Kapsa Ph. , Murakami T. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractFretting wear is often found at the contact surfaces of a tight assembly where small‐amplitude oscillatory movement occurs, which can be the concealed origin of some enormous accidents. Employment of solid lubrication coatings, as one of effective measurements to palliate the fretting damage, has been widely acknowledged. The present work studied the fretting behaviour of a molybdenum disulphide coating on SUS 316 stainless steel substrate by a relatively cheap and easy‐to‐use process: pressure spraying. Two contact configurations (cylinder‐on‐flat and ball‐on‐flat) were used in the tests with different displacement amplitudes (from 5 to 75 µm) and normal loads (from 100 to 400 N for ball‐on‐flat and from 400 to 1000 N for cylinder‐on‐flat). The results showed that large displacement amplitude is adverse to friction coefficient and coating lifetime and that under a critical contact pressure, coating endurance is improved contact pressure increases. Contact configuration influences friction coefficient by changing contact area and distribution of contact pressure. One master curve of average dissipated energy per cycle in initial stable stage was obtained for two contact configurations, which can be employed to approximately predict coating lifetime. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal diagnosis of orofacial clefts, National Birth Defects Prevention Study, 1998–2004
Authors: Johnson Candice Y. , Honein Margaret A. , Hobbs Charlotte A. , Rasmussen Sonja A. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractObjectiveThe aims of this study were to determine how frequently orofacial clefts were diagnosed prenatally and to investigate factors associated with prenatal diagnosis.MethodsWe included 2298 mothers from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, each of whom gave birth to a child with an orofacial cleft, and assessed associated factors using logistic regression.ResultsThe frequencies of prenatal diagnosis for cleft lip and palate, cleft lip only, and cleft palate only were 33.3%, 20.3%, and 0.3%, respectively. Among cases with cleft lip with or without cleft palate, cleft type, geographic location, maternal body mass index, household income, year of infant's birth, and presence of multiple birth defects were significantly associated with receiving a prenatal diagnosis.ConclusionIn the majority of infants with orofacial clefts, a prenatal diagnosis was not made. Receiving a prenatal diagnosis was significantly associated with several infant and maternal characteristics. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Creating medical and drug code lists to identify cases in primary care databases
Authors: Davé Shreya , Petersen Irene 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThis paper demonstrates how compilation of medical and drug code lists for outcomes or exposures of interest for studies using primary care databases can be carried out efficiently using Stata. Use of Stata do‐files to record and execute the commands provides good documentation and ease of replication of the procedure. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermal behaviors of polystyrene plasticized with compressed carbon dioxide in a sealed system
Authors: Yu Long , Liu Hongsheng , Chen Ling 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe thermal behavior of polystyrene (PS) plasticized with compressed carbon dioxide (CO2) was studied using differential scanning calorimetry with a high‐pressure stainless steel pan in a sealed system. The technique proved to be a simple and convenient way to study the thermal behavior of a polymer plasticized with compressed CO2 at pressures up to 100 atm, which covers both the gas and supercritical states. A sharp fall in the decrease rate of the glass transition temperature (Tg) under conditions near the critical point of compressed CO2 was firstly observed, which corresponded with the solubility of CO2 in PS. Since the system is scaled, which results in a stable pressure at a certain temperature, it is more suitable to study the effect of annealing. An endotherm was detected after the PS was annealed at a temperature below its Tg under compressed CO2. The enthalpy of this endotherm increased linearly with increasing logarithm of annealing time under a certain pressure. The endotherm was affected by two thermodynamic equilibrations at a temperature below its Tg: (i) enthalpy relaxation of the PS; and (ii) the absorption/desorption of CO2. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
A constitutive model for large multiaxial deformations of solid polypropylene at high temperature
Authors: Sweeney John , Spares Robert , Woodhead Mike 
Published: May 2009

AbstractExperiments on a blow‐molding grade of polypropylene have been performed at 135°C using a biaxial testing machine. Both simultaneous and sequential equibiaxial tests were performed at strain rates relevant to solid phase processing regimes. A constitutive model has been developed that includes a single Eyring process and two Edwards‐Vilgis networks. The effectiveness of this model for predicting the observed stress‐strain behavior is explored. Predictions of simultaneous stretching and the first stretch in sequential experiments are excellent. The second stretch in sequential experiments is less well predicted, but the model's performance is useful overall. The model is incorporated into a commercial finite element code and its practicality is demonstrated. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Use of the patient care monitor to screen for depression in adult cancer patients interviewed with the structured clinical interview for DSM‐IV
Authors: Houts Arthur C. , Lipinski Damon , Olsen James P. , Baldwin Scott , Hasan Murad 
Published: May 2009

AbstractObjective: To evaluate the Patient Care Monitor (PCM1.0) Acute Distress and Despair normalized T scores as indicators of a diagnosis of Major Depression according to the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV Axis I Disorders (SCID).Methods: Subjects were 21 adult cancer patients identified by treating community oncologists as having significant emotional distress matched on age, cancer type, treatment history, and sex to 21 patients not having significant distress. All completed e/tablet PCM 1.0 and SCID administered by trained interviewers. Unweighted kappa and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analyses were used to assess scale properties.Results: Agreement between SCID Major Depression and Acute Distress and Despair (T⩾65) were kappa=0.751 and 0.755, respectively. ROC area under the curve values for these two scales were 0.967 (SE±0.03) and 0.942 (SE±0.03), respectively, with optimal cut points of T=61 and 63, respectively.Conclusions: Under conditions of preselected extreme groups, PCM 1.0 Acute Distress and Despair T scores are reasonable screening indicators of clinical depression in cancer patients. PCM 1.0 provides an efficient method for point‐of‐care screening of depression in community oncology clinics. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.