bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Umbilical cord plasma levels of growth‐arrest specific protein 6 in intrauterine growth restriction
Authors: LINDQVIST PELLE G. , BALOGH ISTWAN , DAHLBÄCK BJÖRN 
Published: December 2009

AbstractObjective. Growth arrest specific protein 6 (GAS6) is a newly discovered antiapoptotic protein related to cell survival. We hypothesized that GAS6 might be involved in the fetal adaptation to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Design. A nested case‐control study. Setting. A retrospective study of 25 small‐for‐gestational age and 36 appropriate‐for‐gestational age pregnancies. Sample. Frozen samples from cases and controls in a prospective cohort study. Methods. GAS6 was measured with an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay method in umbilical cord plasma taken immediately after delivery. Main outcome measure. Differences in GAS6 levels between pregnancies with placental insufficiency and those without. Results. GAS6 levels were significantly higher among newborns with abnormal umbilical cord Doppler tracings (19.5 ± 5.3 vs. 15.0 ± 3.2, p = 0.02). Among those with abnormal umbilical cord tracings (n = 9), the two with umbilical venous pulsations had significantly lower GAS6 levels (mean 14.4 vs. 21.1, p = 0.04) and one of them died after delivery. Conclusions. GAS6 levels are raised in IUGR fetuses and we speculate that GAS6 might be involved in the fetal adaptation to placental insufficiency.
Analysis of 136 ureteral injuries in gynecological and obstetrical surgery from completed insurance claims
Authors: HOVE LARS DAHLGAARD , BOCK JOHANNES , CHRISTOFFERSEN JENS KROGH , ANDREASSON BENNY 
Published: December 2009

AbstractObjective. Iatrogenic ureteral injury during pelvic surgical procedures is a well‐known complication and important cause of morbidity. The authors investigated the circumstances surrounding registered ureteral injuries in order to identify potential opportunities to prevent such injuries. Design. Evaluation of claims concerning ureteral injuries reported to the Danish Patient Insurance Association. Setting. Danish Patient Insurance Association. Sample. All registered claims for ureteral injuries from 1996 to 2006. Methods. Retrospective study of medical records and data from Danish Patient Insurance Association. Main outcome measures. Preventable ureteral injuries. Results. From 1996 to 2006, 136 submitted claims concerning ureteral injuries were registered. Among these, 73 claims were approved (54%), and compensation paid. In 44 of these, the injury was caused by negligence. Failure to dissect the ureter despite indications for this procedure was the most common type of negligence. Laparotomy procedures were associated with 107 injuries (79%) and 29 injuries (21%) were caused during laparoscopic procedures. Thirty‐four patients suffered from chronic renal dysfunction on the affected side. Only 17 of the ureteral injuries were discovered during the procedure. Conclusions. Forty‐four ureteral injuries could potentially have been avoided using established surgical practices, most importantly by exposing the ureter via dissection when indicated. Most of the ureteral injuries were discovered postoperatively.
Comparison of polyamide 66–organoclay binary and ternary nanocomposites
Authors: Mert Miray , Yilmazer Ulku 
Published: December 2009

AbstractPolyamide 66–Lotader® 2210 blends (95/5 w/w), polyamide 66–Cloisite® 15A binary nanocomposites (98/2 w/w), and polyamide 66–Lotader® 2210–Cloisite® 15A ternary nanocomposites (93/5/2 w/w) were prepared by twin‐screw extrusion, and the changes in mechanical properties, morphology, and flow properties of the materials prepared by different mixing sequences were investigated in this study. Lotader® 2210, which is a random terpolymer of ethylene, butyl acrylate, and maleic anhydride, was used as the impact modifier for polyamide 66 blends as well as polyamide 66 based nanocomposites. The best dispersion level, highest mechanical properties, highest viscosity values, and smallest elastomeric domain sizes were obtained for the mixing sequence in which all the components forming the ternary nanocomposites were compounded simultaneously. Incorporation sequence of either the organoclay or the impact modifier into the polymeric matrix was varied in the other mixing sequences, and this resulted in poorer distribution of the organoclay platelets and elastomeric domains in the matrix owing to insufficient shear intensity applied on the components in a single extrusion step. Toughness values of the ternary nanocomposites were improved compared with the binary nanocomposites upon addition of the impact modifier into polymer–organoclay combination. It was concluded that the compounding sequence of the components plays a significant role in the dispersion of organoclay and the properties of the nanocomposites, because it directly affects the interaction between the different phases. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 28:155–164, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.20158
A stochastic formulation for the description of the crystal size distribution in antisolvent crystallization processes
Authors: Grosso M. , Galan O. , Baratti R. , Romagnoli J. A. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractA stochastic approach to describe the crystal size distribution dynamics in antisolvent based crystal growth processes is here introduced. Fluctuations in the process dynamics are taken into account by embedding a deterministic model into a Fokker‐Planck equation, which describes the evolution in time of the particle size distribution. The deterministic model used in this application is based on the logistic model, which shows to be adequate to suit the dynamics characteristic of the growth process. Validations against experimental data are presented for the NaCl–water–ethanol antisolvent crystallization system in a bench‐scale fed‐batch crystallization unit. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2010
Airways obstruction among older construction and trade workers at Department of Energy nuclear sites
Authors: Dement John M. , Welch Laura , Ringen Knut , Bingham Eula , Quinn Patricia 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackgroundA study of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among 7,579 current and former workers participating in medical screening programs at Department of Energy (DOE) nuclear weapons facilities through September 2008 was undertaken.MethodsParticipants provided a detailed work and exposure history and underwent a respiratory examination that included a respiratory history, respiratory symptoms, a posterior–anterior (P–A) chest radiograph classified by International Labour Office (ILO) criteria, and spirometry. Statistical models were developed to generate group‐level exposure estimates that were used in multivariate logistic regression analyses to explore the risk of COPD in relation to exposures to asbestos, silica, cement dust, welding, paints, solvents, and dusts/fumes from paint removal. Risk for COPD in the study population was compared to risk for COPD in the general US population as determined in National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III).ResultsThe age‐standardized prevalence ratio of COPD among DOE workers compared to all NHANES III data was 1.3. Internal analyses found the odds ratio of COPD to range from 1.6 to 3.1 by trade after adjustment for age, race, sex, smoking, and duration of DOE employment. Statistically significant associations were observed for COPD and exposures to asbestos, silica, welding, cement dusts, and some tasks associated with exposures to paints, solvents, and removal of paints.ConclusionsOur study of construction workers employed at DOE sites demonstrated increased COPD risk due to occupational exposures and was able to identify specific exposures increasing risk. This study provides additional support for prevention of both smoking and occupational exposures to reduce the burden of COPD among construction workers. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:224–240, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Policy and practice: non‐governmental organisations and the health delivery system for displaced children in khartoum, Sudan
Authors: Abdelmoneium Azza O. A. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe civil war in Sudan and natural disasters have led to the displacement of many people of whom 2.2 million live in and around Khartoum, half of whom are under the age of 18. These children, living in barren, remote areas, must find ways to survive and meet their basic needs of food, shelter, health and education.This article focuses on the work of an international organisation working in health services for displaced people in one of the camps in Khartoum in order to argue the case for a rights‐based approach to health care, for separate provision of services to adolescent mothers, for education on sexual and reproductive health for children before they become sexually active, and for sexual and reproductive health services and education for adolescent boys and men.This article concentrates on health education, in particular sexual and reproductive rights and how gender‐based differences impact on the health and well‐being of children. By concentrating almost exclusively on pregnant and lactating women and children under five, the organisation may reduce the possibility of successful outcomes for women and may not contribute to the reduction of sexually transmitted diseases, early pregnancy and related morbidity and mortality. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stent expansion of stretch Gore‐Tex grafts in children with congenital heart lesions
Authors: Brown Stephen C. , Boshoff Derize E. , Heying Ruth , Gorenflo Matthias , Rega Filip , Eyskens Benedicte , Meyns Bart , Gewillig Marc 
Published: December 2009

AbstractObjective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of expanding vascular shunt grafts beyond original nominal diameter using stents. Methods: Bench testing confirmed the expandability of 3.5 mm and 4.0 mm vascular Gore‐Tex® stretch grafts. A retrospective analysis included eleven systemic to pulmonary artery shunts with diminished flow which were stented with the aim of increasing the original nominal diameter of the shunts. Results: During bench testing, the grafts could be expanded to 4.5 mm and 5.8 mm, respectively. Fourteen stents were implanted in 11 stretch grafts a median of 18.9 months (3.2; 21.6 months) after shunt surgery. There was a median increase in diameter of 1.4 mm (0.9; 1.7 mm) [P = 0.001, 95% CI: 0.47; 1.7) from original nominal to final stented diameter of the shunts with a median gain of 28%. A simultaneous improvement in saturations from a median of 73% (66; 77%) to 87% (84; 89%) [P = 0.015; 95% CI: 3; 22] was observed. No complications were experienced during the procedures. Conclusion: In our limited experience, stretch Gore‐Tex vascular grafts can be safely expanded beyond nominal diameters using high pressure vascular stents. This leads to improvement in saturation and pulmonary blood flow. It allows the clinician to tailor pulmonary flow in relation to pulmonary artery size and growth, ensuring best possible timing for the next surgical procedure. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of conventional and cutting balloon angioplasty for congenital and postoperative pulmonary vein stenosis in infants and young children
Authors: Peng Lynn F. , Lock James E. , Nugent Alan W. , Jenkins Kathy J. , McElhinney Doff B. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground: Pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) is a rare and often lethal condition in children. The optimal treatment for congenital and postoperative PVS is unknown. Methods and Results: We compared outcomes of conventional balloon angioplasty performed for PVS from 1999 to 2003 against cutting balloon angioplasty performed from 2004 to 2007. A total of 100 previously undilated pulmonary veins in 54 patients were studied: 48 veins dilated with conventional balloons and 52 with cutting balloons. Acute results included significantly reduced gradients and increased lumen diameters with both treatments. Acutely, cutting balloon angioplasty and conventional angioplasty yielded similar relative reduction of the PVS gradient (median 78% vs. 63%, P = 0.08) and increase in lumen diameter (median 77% vs. 59%, P = 0.07). There was one procedural death of a critically ill infant, and four cardiac arrests, but no adverse events necessitating surgical intervention. Survival free from reintervention was poor in both groups, and shorter in the cutting balloon group (73% at 1 month, 11% at 6 months, and 4% at 1 year) than in the conventional angioplasty group (77% at 1 month, 35% at 6 months, and 23% at 1 year; P = 0.01). Conclusions: Both conventional and cutting balloon angioplasty were effective at decreasing gradient and increasing lumen size acutely in patients with congenital and postoperative PVS, but reintervention was common with both treatments. Both methods of angioplasty provided limited benefit, and neither was curative for this complex disease. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
3‐Heterocycle‐PhenylN‐Alkylcarbamates as FAAH Inhibitors: Design, Synthesis and 3D‐QSAR Studies
Authors: Käsnänen Heikki , Myllymäki Mikko J. , Minkkilä Anna , Kataja Antti O. , Saario Susanna M. , Nevalainen Tapio , Koskinen Ari M. P. , Poso Antti 
Published: December 2009

AbstractCarbamates are a well‐established class of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitors. Here we describe the synthesis ofmeta‐substituted phenolicN‐alkyl/aryl carbamates and their in vitro FAAH inhibitory activities. The most potent compound, 3‐(oxazol‐2yl)phenyl cyclohexylcarbamate (2 a), inhibited FAAH with a sub‐nanomolar IC50value (IC50=0.74 nM). Additionally, we developed and validated three‐dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationships (QSAR) models of FAAH inhibition combining the newly disclosed carbamates with our previously published inhibitors to give a total set of 99 compounds. Prior to 3D‐QSAR modeling, the degree of correlation between FAAH inhibition and in silico reactivity was also established. Both 3D‐QSAR methods used, CoMSIA and GRID/GOLPE, produced statistically significant models with coefficient of correlation for external prediction (R2PRED) values of 0.732 and 0.760, respectively. These models could be of high value in further FAAH inhibitor design.
Concentration‐Dependent Hydrogen‐Bonding Effects on the Dimethyl Sulfoxide Vibrational Structure in the Presence of Water, Methanol, and Ethanol
Authors: Noack Kristina , Kiefer Johannes , Leipertz Alfred 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe effects of hydrogen bonding between dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and the co‐solvents water, methanol, and ethanol on the symmetric and antisymmetric CSC stretching vibrations of DMSO are investigated by means of Raman spectroscopy. The Raman spectra are recorded as a function of co‐solvent concentration and reflect changes in structure and polarizability as well as hydrogen‐bond donor and acceptor ability. In all cases studied a nonideal mixing behavior is observed. The spectra of the DMSO/water system show blue‐shifted CSC stretching modes. The antisymmetric frequencies are always further blue‐shifted than the symmetric stretching ones. The DMSO/methanol system also features blue‐shifted CSC stretching frequencies but at high mole fractions a pronounced red shifting is observed. In the binary DMSO/ethanol system, the co‐solvent also gives rise to blue shifts of the CSC stretching frequencies but restricted to mole fractions between x=0.38 and 0.45. The different magnitudes and occurrences of both blue‐ and red‐shifted spectral lines are comprehensively and critically discussed with respect to the existing literature concerning wavenumbers and Raman intensities in both absolute and normalized values. In particular, the normalized Raman intensities show a higher sensitivity for the nonideal mixing behavior because they are independent of the mole fraction.
Dihydroxy‐ and Tetrahydroxydicarbahemiporphyrazine: Phthalocyanine Analogues with Phenol and Resorcinol Units
Authors: Barone Natalie , Costa Roshinee , Sripothangnok Saovalak , Ziegler Christopher J. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe synthesis of the phthalocyanine variant dicarbahemiporphyrazine (1) follows a simple Schiff base condensation protocol, and can be readily modified to incorporate a variety of modified benzene rings into the macrocycle. In this report, we present the synthesis of dihydroxydicarbahemiporphyrazine (2) and tetrahydroxydicarbahemiporphyrazine (3), hemiporphyrazines in which two phenol and two resorcinol groups, respectively, have been incorporated into the backbone of the macrocycle. The structures of the two macrocycles have been elucidated by X‐ray diffraction, and both adopt planar conformations due to the tautomerization of the internal hydrogen atoms to meso nitrogen positions. The AgI complexes of both rings are also presented, and the structures of both complexes Ag2 and Ag3 have also been elucidated by single‐crystal X‐ray methods. In both Ag2 and Ag3, the structures of the macrocycles closely resemble that observed in the AgI complex of 1, where the metal atom adopts a three‐coordinate geometry with two agostic‐type interactions with the internal C–H units from the phenol or resorcinol rings.
A Concise Synthesis of (–)‐ and (+)‐trans‐Whisky Lactones
Authors: Jiang Xinpeng , Fu Chunling , Ma Shengming 
Published: December 2009

AbstractConcise enantioselective eleven‐step syntheses leading to(–)‐ and (+)‐trans‐whisky lactones were developed. Propargyl alcohol was employed as starting material. The reaction sequences include highly diastereoselective electrophilic cyclization of γ‐allenoic acids, dehydroiodination, and hydrogenation.
Audit‐firm group appointment: an artificial intelligence approach
Authors: Kirkos Efstathios , Spathis Charalambos , Manolopoulos Yannis 
Published: December 2009

AbstractAuditor appointment can be regarded as a matter of pursued audit quality and is driven by several factors. The adoption of an effective auditor procurement process increases the likelihood that a company will engage the right auditor at a fair price. In this study, three techniques derived from artificial intelligence (AI) are used to propose models capable of discriminating between cases where companies appoint a Big 4 or a Non‐Big 4 auditor. These three AI methods are then compared with the broadly used method of logistic regression. The results indicate that two of the AI techniques outperform logistic regression. In addition, one method further improves its performance by applying bagging. Finally, significant factors associated with auditor appointment are revealed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparing the efficacy of three bioceramic matrices for the release of vancomycin hydrochloride
Authors: Jiang Peih‐Jeng , Patel Sarika , Gbureck Uwe , Caley Ryan , Grover Liam M. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractA number of calcium phosphate materials have been investigated as drug release matrices for the prophylactic treatment of implant‐related osteomyelitis. However, some studies have shown the influence of processing on the efficacy of the delivered drug. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of pH during processing on the efficacy of vancomycin hydrochloride (VH) against Staphylococcus aureus. VH was loaded into a brushite cement (CaHPO4·2H2O; pH 2.4); a hydroxyapatite cement (Ca10(PO4)6OH2; pH 9.4); and an apatite xerogel (pH 7.4). The pH of the material during processing had a significant influence on the mechanism of release from the cement. VH released from the apatite cement (pH 9.4) was not released in accordance with the Higuchi model. In addition to affecting release, the basic pH was shown to diminish the antibacterial potency of the released VH. Despite exceeding the minimum inhibitory concentration, the eluent from the apatite cement was ineffective against a culture of S. aureus. The findings of this study reinforce the importance of evaluating not only the release of the drug from the material matrix but also the antibacterial potency of the released drug. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010
High‐frequency stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus restores neural and behavioral functions during reaction time task in a rat model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Li Xiang‐Hong , Wang Jin‐Yan , Gao Ge , Chang Jing‐Yu , Woodward Donald J. , Luo Fei 
Published: December 2009

AbstractDeep brain stimulation (DBS) has been used in the clinic to treat Parkinson's disease (PD) and other neuropsychiatric disorders. Our previous work has shown that DBS in the subthalamic nucleus (STN) can improve major motor deficits, and induce a variety of neural responses in rats with unilateral dopamine (DA) lesions. In the present study, we examined the effect of STN DBS on reaction time (RT) performance and parallel changes in neural activity in the cortico‐basal ganglia regions of partially bilateral DA‐ lesioned rats. We recorded neural activity with a multiple‐channel single‐unit electrode system in the primary motor cortex (MI), the STN, and the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) during RT test. RT performance was severely impaired following bilateral injection of 6‐OHDA into the dorsolateral part of the striatum. In parallel with such behavioral impairments, the number of responsive neurons to different behavioral events was remarkably decreased after DA lesion. Bilateral STN DBS improved RT performance in 6‐OHDA lesioned rats, and restored operational behavior‐related neural responses in cortico‐basal ganglia regions. These behavioral and electrophysiological effects of DBS lasted nearly an hour after DBS termination. These results demonstrate that a partial DA lesion‐induced impairment of RT performance is associated with changes in neural activity in the cortico‐basal ganglia circuit. Furthermore, STN DBS can reverse changes in behavior and neural activity caused by partial DA depletion. The observed long‐lasting beneficial effect of STN DBS suggests the involvement of the mechanism of neural plasticity in modulating cortico‐basal ganglia circuits. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Guideline for optimization of colorectal cancer surgery and pathology
Authors: Smith Andrew J. , Driman David K. , Spithoff Karen , Hunter Amber , McLeod Robin S. , Simunovic Marko , Langer Bernard ,   for the Expert Panel on Colon and Rectal Cancer Surgery and Pathology
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesThere is evidence of gaps in care for colorectal cancer surgery related to obtaining negative resection margins and lymph node assessment. Recommendations on the surgical and pathological management of curable colon and rectal cancer were developed.MethodsA systematic review on colorectal resection margins and lymph nodes was conducted. This evidence, combined with evidence from existing guidelines and expert consensus, was used to develop recommendations. The draft guideline was reviewed by an expert panel and was externally reviewed by practitioners in Ontario, Canada.ResultsThe search of the recent literature identified 107 articles pertinent to resection margins and lymph node assessment. The majority of the evidence was of poor quality. Of the 63 practitioners who reviewed the guideline, 97% agreed with the draft recommendations and 92% thought that the report should be approved as a practice guideline.ConclusionsAchieving optimized performance concerning margin status and lymph node assessment requires the coordinated efforts of surgeons and pathologists, as well as other medical professionals. Focus should be on ensuring that colorectal cancers are resected with negative (R0) margins and that an adequate number of lymph nodes are assessed to allow for accurate decision making relating to prognosis and adjuvant therapy. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010;101:5–12. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.