bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Environmental pollutants in gallbladder carcinogenesis
Authors: Pandey Manoj 
Published: May 2006

AbstractGallbladder cancer is a common malignancy of the gastrointestinal tract that shows wide geographical variation in its distribution. Cause of gallbladder cancer is still obscure; however, various etiological factors have been proposed. Of these gallstones and inflammation of the gallbladder is commonest. Despite three decades of active research no conclusive evidence is available as to what causes gallbladder cancer? In this article we reviewed the evidence on the role of environmental pollutants on gallbladder carcinogenesis. A detailed search of Medline was carried out which revealed only 12 articles. A number of heavy metals like nickel, cadmium, etc. have been implicated; however, the evidence is not robust enough to conclude its association. Role of radiation and pesticides in river water have also been evaluated without any conclusive evidence of its association with gallbladder cancer. Better designed case‐control studies or cohort studies looking at exposure are required before it could be accepted as one of the causes of GBC. J. Surg. Oncol. 2006;93:640–643. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy and gallbladder cancer
Authors: Steinert Ralf , Nestler Gerd , Sagynaliev Emil , Müller Jörg , Lippert Hans , Reymond Marc‐André 
Published: May 2006

AbstractHeightened awareness of the possible presence of gallbladder cancer (GBC) and the knowledge of appropriate management are important for surgeons practising laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Long‐term effects of initial LC versus open cholecystectomy (OC) on the prognosis of patients with GBC remain undefined. Patients who are suspected to have GBC should not undergo LC, since it is advantageous to perform the en‐bloc radical surgery at the initial operation. Since preoperative diagnosis of early GBC is difficult, preventive measures, such as preventing bile spillage and bagging the gallbladder should be applied for every LC. Many port‐site recurrences (PSR) have been reported after LC, but the incidence of wound recurrence is not higher than after OC. No radical procedure is required after postoperative diagnosis of incidental pT1a GBC. It is unclear if patients with pT1b GBC require extended cholecystectomy. In pT2 GBC, patients should have radical surgery (atypical or segmental liver resection and lymphadenectomy). In advanced GBC (pT3 and pT4), radical surgery can cure only a small subset of patients, if any. Additional port‐site excision is recommended, but the effectiveness of such measure is debated. J. Surg. Oncol. 2006;93:682–689. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Isothermal Crystallization Kinetics of Poly(ε‐caprolactone) with Tetramethyl Polycarbonate and Poly(styrene‐co‐acrylonitrile) Blends Using Broadband Dielectric Spectroscopy
Authors: Madbouly Samy A. , Abdou Nahed Y. , Mansour Ashraf A. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractSummary: Phase behavior and isothermal crystallization kinetics of poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) blends with tetramethyl polycarbonate (TMPC) and poly(styrene‐co‐acrylonitrile) with 27.5 wt.‐% acrylonitrile content have been investigated using broadband dielectric spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimeter. An LCST‐type phase diagram has been observed for PCL/SAN blend while all the different blend compositions of PCL/TMPC were optically clear without any phase separation structure even at high temperatures up to 300 °C. The composition dependence of Tgs for both blends has been well described by the Gordon‐Taylor equation. The phase diagram of PCL/SAN was theoretically calculated using the Flory‐Huggins equation considering that the interaction parameter is temperature and composition dependent. The equilibrium melting point of PCL depressed in the blend and the magnitude of the depression was found to be composition dependent. The interaction parameters of PCL with TMPC and SAN could not be calculated from the melting point depression based on Nishi‐Wang approach. The isothermal crystallization kinetics of PCL and in different blends was also investigated as a function of crystallization temperature using broadband dielectric spectroscopy. For pure PCL the rate of crystallization was found to be crystallization temperature (Tc) dependent, i.e., the higher the Tc, the lower the crystallization rate. The crystallization kinetics of PCL/TMPC blend was much slower than that of PCL/SAN at a constant crystallization temperature. This behavior was attributed to the fact that PCL is highly interacted with TMPC than SAN and consequently the stronger the interaction the higher the depression in the crystallization kinetics. It was also attributed to the different values of Tg of TMPC (191 °C) and SAN (100 °C); therefore, the tendency for crystallization decreases upon increasing the Tg of the amorphous component in the blend. The analysis of the isothermal crystallization kinetics was carried out using the theoretical approach of Avrami. The value of Avrami exponent was almost constant in the pure state and in the blends indicating that blending simply retarded the crystallization rate without affecting the crystallization mechanism.Dielectric constant, ε′, of pure PCL, blends of PCL/TMPC = 80/20 and PCL/SAN = 80/20 as a function of crystallization time at 47 °C and 1 kHz.magnified imageDielectric constant, ε′, of pure PCL, blends of PCL/TMPC = 80/20 and PCL/SAN = 80/20 as a function of crystallization time at 47 °C and 1 kHz.
A High‐Throughput Method for Determining the Stability of Pigment Dispersions
Authors: Merrington James , Hodge Philip , Yeates Stephen 
Published: May 2006

AbstractSummary: An approach for the high‐throughput preparation and characterisation of aqueous pigment dispersions is described and evaluated. The use of ultrasonication as a rapid technique for dispersing pigments using polymeric dispersants was developed. The results are comparable to those obtained using time‐intensive conventional high‐energy ball mill processing. The quality of the pigment dispersion was evaluated in a high‐throughput fashion using digital image analysis and the results correlated with particle sizes, determined by photo‐correlation spectroscopy.Cuvettes containing dispersions of varying particle size.imageCuvettes containing dispersions of varying particle size.
Stereoelectronic and inductive effects on 1H and 13C NMR chemical shifts of some cis‐1,3‐disubstituted cyclohexanes
Authors: de Oliveira Paulo R. , Tasic Ljubica , Rocco Silvana A. , Rittner Roberto 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThis work presents the substituent effects on the 1H and 13C NMR chemical shifts in the cis‐isomer of 3‐Y‐cyclohexanols (Y = Cl, Br, I, CH3, N(CH3)2 and OCH3) and 3‐Y‐1‐methoxycyclohexanes (Y = F, Cl, Br, I, CH3, N(CH3)2 and OCH3). It was observed that the H‐3 chemical shift, due to the substituent α‐effect, increases with the increase of substituent electronegativity when Y is from the second row of the periodic table of elements, (CH3 <N(CH3)2 <OCH3 <F) and decreases with the increase of electronegativity when Y is a halogen (Cl < Br < I). The natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis showed that the α‐effect on the H‐3 chemical shift increases with the decrease of nY → *σC3H3a interaction energy. This interaction energy, for the halogenated compounds, decreases with an increase in size of the halogen, and this is a possible reason for the largest measured chemical shift for H‐3 of the iodo‐derivatives. The β‐effect of the analyzed compounds showed that the chemical shift of hydrogens at C‐2 and C‐4 increases with the decrease of nY → *σC2C3 and nY → *σC3C4 interaction energies, respectively, showing a behavior similar to H‐3. The α‐effect on 13C chemical shifts correlates well with substituent electronegativity, while the β‐effect is inversely related to electronegativity in halogenated compounds. NBO analysis indicated that the substituent inductive effect is the predominant effect on 13C NMR chemical shift changes for the α‐carbon. It was also observed that C‐2 and C‐4 chemical shifts for compounds with N(CH3)2, OCH3 and F are more shielded in comparison to the compounds having a halogen, most probably because of the larger interaction of the lone pair of more electronegative atoms (nN > nO > nF) with *σC2C3, *σC3C4 and *σC3H3a in comparison with the same type of interaction with the lone pair of the other halogens. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cellular MRI contrast via coexpression of transferrin receptor and ferritin
Authors: Deans Abby E. , Wadghiri Youssef Zaim , Bernas Lisa M. , Yu Xin , Rutt Brian K. , Turnbull Daniel H. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractRecently there has been growing interest in the development and use of iron‐based contrast agents for cellular imaging with MRI. In this study we investigated coexpression of the transferrin receptor and ferritin genes to induce cellular contrast in a biological system. Expression of transgenic human transferrin receptor and human ferritin H‐subunit was induced in a stably transfected mouse neural stem cell line. When grown in iron‐rich medium, the transgenic cells accumulated significantly more iron than control cells, with a trend toward an increase in reactive oxygen species, but no detrimental effects on cell viability. This cellular iron significantly increased the transverse relaxivities, R2 and R, at 1.5 T and 7 T. By comparing measurements in the same cell samples at 1.5 T and 7 T, we confirmed the expected increase in relaxivity with increasing field strength. Finally, supplemented transgenic cells transplanted into mouse brain demonstrated increased contrast with surrounding neural tissue on T‐weighted MR brain images compared to controls. These results indicate that dual expression of proteins at different critical points in the iron metabolism pathway may improve cellular contrast without compromising cell viability. Magn Reson Med, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reducing gradient imperfections for spiral magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging
Authors: Kim Dong‐Hyun , Spielman Daniel M. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractSpiral k‐space magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) requires high performance from gradient hardware systems. During the readout phase, oscillating gradients are continuously played out, which can cause undesired effects. These effects on the quality of SI data are non‐intuitive because of their time‐varying nature. In this work we describe the effects of undesirable gradient performance on SI. Measurements of the true readout trajectories were performed and the results were then used in the reconstruction process. The effects of these imperfections resulted in a spatially and spectrally varying amplitude and frequency modulation. The use of the measured trajectories in the reconstruction process yielded an up to 20% increase in signal amplitude recovery. Magn Reson Med, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of the Bristol Royal Infirmary physiotherapy programme for the management of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee
Authors: Domaille Melissa , Mascarenhas Ravik , Dayal Nimesh , Kirwan John 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe aim of this paper is to investigate whether comparable outcomes can be achieved when research evidence is translated into clinical practice in the management of osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee.An evidence‐based physiotherapy programme for the management of OA of the knee was established at the Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI). It incorporated both group education and exercise into a six week course. Outcomes from the programme were measured using the WOMAC self‐evaluated questionnaire which is sub‐divided into pain, stiffness and function sections with an additional visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain in each knee. Outcomes from the BRI programme were compared with those reported in four papers which used similar interventions and evaluation tools. A reduction in pain (VAS) of 43% was demonstrated following this programme compared with a mean reduction of 16% reported in the other programmes investigated.It is concluded that favourable outcomes for patients can be achieved by implementing evidence into practice, e.g. in the BRI knee programme. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rheumatology nurse practitioners' perceptions of their role
Authors: Goh Leslie , Samanta Jo , Samanta Ash 
Published: May 2006

AbstractObjectives: To identify the current practices of rheumatology nurse practitioners and ascertain their perceptions of how their role could be enhanced.Method: A cross‐sectional questionnaire study of currently employed nurse practitioners in rheumatology in the United Kingdom (UK) was undertaken.Results: 200 questionnaires were distributed and 118 nurses responded. Ninety‐five respondents met the inclusion criteria for undertaking an advanced nursing role. Typical conditions dealt with included: rheumatoid arthritis (96.8%); psoriatic arthritis (95.8%); osteoarthritis (63.2%); ankylosing spondylitis (62.8%); systemic lupus erythematosus (51.6%); and scleroderma (34.7%). Drug monitoring, education, counselling of patients and arranging basic investigations were routinely performed by more than 80% of respondents. A smaller proportion performed an extended role that included dealing with referrals, research and audit, the administration of intra‐articular injections, and admission of patients.Specific attributes identified as being necessary for competence were: knowledge and understanding of rheumatic diseases (48.4%); drug therapy (33.7%); good communication skills (35.8%); understanding of the roles of the team (27.4%); working effectively (23.2%) as part of a multidisciplinary team; assessment of patients by physical examination (28.4%); teaching (26.3%), research (17.9%); organizational skills (14.7%); and the interpretation of investigations (9.5%). Factors that could enhance their role included: attendance at postgraduate courses (30.5%); obtaining further qualifications (13.7%); active participation in the delivery of medical education (41.1%); training in practical procedures (31.6%); protected time and resources for audit and research (11.6%); formal training in counselling (11.6%); and implementation of nurse prescribing (10.5%).Conclusion: Nurse practitioners already have a wide remit and play an invaluable part in the delivery of modern rheumatology services. An extended role could improve patient care and enhance nursing career pathways in rheumatology. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Why do patients with rheumatoid arthritis use complementary therapies?
Authors: Rose Ginny 
Published: May 2006

AbstractObjectives: (1) to develop an understanding as to how the use of complementary therapy (CT) affects a patient's perspective of health and well‐being, (2) to offer the rheumatology professional insight and understanding as to why a patient chooses to use a CT, and (3) to raise awareness as to the forms of CT most commonly used by patients with rheumatoid arthritis.Methods: This qualitative study was based on phenomenological principles applied through focused inquiry to develop an understanding of the lived experience of the study participants. The inclusion criteria of an established diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and known use of CT were applied to a convenience sample of patients attending a rheumatology outpatient department clinic on two consecutive days. Of the 15 eligible patients identified, five were randomly selected for inclusion in the study. Narrative data were collected through analysis of transcripts taken from audiotape recordings of unstructured interviews with study participants. A manual indexing system was used to develop four significant categorisation themes to reflect the findings: (1) incentives to use CT, (2) perceived benefits of CT use, (3) the choice of CT used, and (4) perceived disadvantages and risks of CT use.Results: Incentives to use CT included dissatisfaction with conventional treatment, often in the form of side effects, and drug ineffectiveness. Social factors, such as loss of employment and social activities, were also indicated, as were psychological changes in the form of depression, hopelessness and fear. Perceived benefits were categorised as either physical or psychological with associated aspects of choice and control viewed as important elements of personal empowerment. The choice of CT used fell into three categories; physical, spiritual and herbal. The most commonly used of these were herbal remedies and supplements, closely followed by aromatherapy massage. Disadvantages and risks were identified as physical (pain and discomfort), psychological (fear and uncertainty), and/or material (cost).Conclusions: This study suggests that regular use of CT by patients with rheumatoid arthritis offers holistic benefits. Compared to conventional treatments, CT is seen to have advantages in terms of a lower incidence of adverse reactions, greater patient choice, psychological comfort and an increased quality of the patient/therapist relationship. The use of CT by patients with rheumatoid arthritis indicates a need for evidence‐based information about its use and safety in order to direct practice within a rheumatology department. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Endothelin‐A‐receptor antagonist LU 302146 inhibits electrostimulation‐induced bladder contractions in vivo
Authors: Scheepe J.R. , van den Hoek J. , Jünemann K.P. , Alken P. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractObjectivesEndothelin (ET) is a strong constrictor of smooth muscle structures. The relevance of Endothelin‐A receptors in the bladder was demonstrated in several in vitro studies. The aim of this functional study was to evaluate the acute effect of the selective ET‐A‐antagonist LU 302146 (LU) on neurostimulation‐induced bladder contractions in vivo.MethodsEight male mini pigs were anesthesized. The bladder was exposed and a double lumen catheter was inserted to perform intravesical pressure (pves) measurements. Laminectomy was performed for sacral anterior root stimulation (SARS) of S2. Four animals received the selective ET‐A‐antagonist LU, three atropine and one animal was treated with vehicle. Pves was recorded before and after drug administration as well as before and during neurostimulation. At the end of each LU trial, a supplementary application of 4 mg atropine was administered followed by a final SARS.ResultsIn all experiments reproducible pves values were elicited during electrostimulation before administration of the test substance. The selective ET‐A‐antagonist reduced stimulation‐induced bladder contraction by a mean of 57%. Additional administration of atropine inhibited the detrusor contraction almost completely during SARS. The vehicle had no effect on bladder contraction.ConclusionsIn the presented animal model, ET‐1 inhibition with the selective ET receptor‐A‐antagonist LU 302146 decreases stimulation‐induced bladder contraction in vivo. The results suggest that the selective ET‐A antagonist LU acts on the atropine‐resistant component of efferent detrusor activation since additional administration of atropine almost completely abolish detrusor contraction. This observation in addition to the involvement of ET‐1 in bladder smooth muscle proliferation, raises the possibility that ET‐receptor antagonists might be beneficial in patients with neurogenic bladder dysfunction or in patients with functional or anatomical BOO. Neurourol. Urodynam. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Estimating age by tooth wear of prehistoric human remains in Brazilian archaeological sites
Authors: Oliveira R. N. , Silva S. F. S. M. , Kawano A. , Antunes J. L. F. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe occlusal surfaces of 298 permanent maxillary and mandibular molar teeth of prehistoric shellfish‐gatherer subjects from the Piaçaguera and Tenorio sites (4930 to 1875 BP), near the central‐northern coastline of São Paulo, Brazil, were examined for classification of macro‐wear stages. Molar tooth wear is an indication of masticatory activity and can be used in the estimation of age at death. The examination of visual and schematic aspects of occlusal macro‐wear used a visual chart proposed by Brothwell, which includes the three superior and inferior, left and right, permanent molars. Three examiners performed the macroscopic observations twice under the same conditions. The resulting age estimates were compared with previous information of age estimated by skeletal examination. A reduced intra‐ and inter‐observer variation was observed; all re‐examinations indicated discrepancies of less than two years for the upper and lower limit of the age range estimates. The procedure was also considered consistent with the skeletal method used for age estimation of human remains excavated in Brazilian archaeological shell mounds, with a discrepancy of less than 8.22 years between the upper and lower limits of estimates by both methods. Age classification by the occlusal molar wear may be a useful tool for the classification of archaeological findings, mainly when only fragmentary skeletal remains are excavated. The current results indicate that the application of the Brothwell chart for Brazilian archaeological series presented satisfactory results of consistency, and its expanded use may represent a relevant adjunct for research. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nephrotoxicity of cisplatin and carboplatin in sarcoma patients: A report from the late effects surveillance system
Authors: Stöhr W. , Paulides M. , Bielack S. , Jürgens H. , Koscielniak E. , Rossi R. , Langer T. , Beck J.D. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractBackgroundCisplatin and carboplatin are both nephrotoxic and can induce, to a different degree, impairment in glomerular function and hypomagnesemia. Prospective longitudinal studies on these renal impairments are rare in children and adolescents.ProcedureSix hundred and fifty one sarcoma patients were investigated prospectively for nephrotoxicity in the Late Effects Surveillance System (LESS) network (median follow‐up 2 years). Median cumulative dose was 360 mg/m2 for cisplatin, and 1,500 mg/m2 for carboplatin. Patients not treated with any platinum derivative were used as controls. Most patients (including controls) also received ifosfamide. Renal function was tested by serum magnesium, serum creatinine, and the GFR as estimated by the Schwartz formula. We evaluated incidence, dependencies, and the course of impairments.ResultsThere was no observed platinum‐induced reduction of glomerular function over time. After cessation of antineoplastic therapy, hypomagnesemia (<0.7 mmol/L) occurred in 12.1% (95% CI: 6.8%–19.4%) of patients after cisplatin therapy, and in 15.6% (95% CI: 5.3%–32.8%) after carboplatin therapy, in comparison with 4.5% (95% CI: 2.0%–8.7%) in patients without any treatment with platinum derivatives (P = 0.008). In all groups, the frequency of hypomagnesemia decreased with ongoing follow‐up, but serum magnesium remained lower in platinum treated patients throughout the study period.ConclusionNephrotoxicity after treatment with cisplatin and carboplatin was mild in our study. Further studies have to show if serum magnesium is permanently decreased in platinum treated patients and if this will result in any clinically relevant impairment. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;48:140–147. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.