bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Respiratory epithelium exposed to sulfur dioxide—functional and ultrastructural alterations
Authors: Riechelmann H. , Maurer J. , Hafner B. , Mann W. J. , Kienast K. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe value of morphological investigations of airway mucosa should be compared to a functional method when estimating the toxicity of airborne pollutants. In 34 guinea pig tracheas, mucociliary activity was measured using a modified light beam reflex method before and following exposure to sulfur dioxide for 30 minutes in concentrations ranging between 7.5 and 37.5 mg/m3. Exposure to air served as a control. Simultaneously, specimens were taken for light and electron microscopy. Mucociliary activity decreased from 8.4 ± 2.9 Hz (control exposure) to 4.0 ± 2.9 Hz following exposure to 7.5 mg/m3, to 3.4 ± 2.7 Hz at 15 mg/m3 sulfur dioxide, to 1.8 ± 2.2 Hz at 22.5 mg/m3 sulfur dioxide, to 1.5 ± 1.8 Hz at 30 mg/m3 sulfur dioxide, and to 2.0 ± 1.2 Hz at 37.5 mg/m3 sulfur dioxide, respectively (P<.01).Despite a 56% decrease in mucociliary activity, only minor morphological alterations were observed following exposure to 7.5 mg/m3 sulfur dioxide. However, following exposure to 15 mg/m3 sulfur dioxide or higher, structural alterations of respiratory mucosa such as epithelial sloughing, intracellular edema and mitochondrial swelling, widened intercellular space, and ciliary cytoplasmic extrusions were found. Thus measurement of mucociliary activity proved to be a more sensitive indicator of airway toxicity than structural investigations alone.
Streptococcus pneumoniae resistant to penicillin: Incidence and potential therapeutic options
Authors: Rodriguez William J. , Schwartz Richard H. , Akram Shama , Khan Waheed N. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractStreptococcus pneumoniae was recovered from 12 (50%) samples of middle ear fluid of 24 consecutive patients with AOME and in mixed culture of middle ear pathogens from one (4%) additional specimen. Two (15.3%) isolates had intermediate resistance to penicillin (minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) 0.125 and 1.0 μg/mL). The antimicrobial susceptibility to various antimicrobials of 30 S pneumoniae strains recovered from patients seen in the last 12 months was also determined. One of the patients with AOME developed bacteremia that resolved uneventfully, whereas the other developed meningitis. MIC90 was determined from penicillin (2 μg/mL), erythromycin (>32 μg/mL), cefaclor (32 μg/mL), loracarbef (≥64 μg/mL), cefixime (16 μg/mL), ceftibuten (>64 μg/mL), chloramphenicol (16 μg/mL), cefpodoxime (4 μg/mL), ciprofloxacin (2 μg/mL), cephalexin (≥64 μg/mL), augmentin (2 μg/mL), cefprozil (8 μg/mL), clindamycin (64 μg/mL), TMP‐SXT (>64 μg/mL), clarithromycin (32 μg/mL), rifampin (0.06 μg/mL), cefuroxime (2 μg/mL), cefotaxime (0.25 μg/mL), vancomycin (0.25 μg/mL), and imipenem (0.5 μg/mL). Cefprozil, vancomycin, and rifampin inhibited all strains, whereas cefpodoxime, cefuroxime, clindamycin, and clarithromycin exhibited very good activity.
Predictors of outcome for uvulopalatopharyngoplasty
Authors: Doghramji Karl , Jabourian Zaven H. , Pilla Michael , Farole Anthony , Lindholm Robert N. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe objective of this study was to assess the value of preoperative fiberoptic nasopharyngoscopy with the Müller maneuver (FNMM) and cephalometric radiography in predicting response to uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Fifty‐three such patients having significant obstruction at the soft palatal level and variable degrees of obstruction at the base‐of‐tongue level underwent both diagnostic procedures before UPPP. Outcome was assessed by the apneaplus‐hypopnea index (AHI) as determined by polysomnography, which was performed before and after surgery. As a group, patients exhibited a significant 10‐point reduction in AHI (46.5 to 36.7). However, 17 (32.1%) were judged to be responders as defined by a reduction of the AHI by an increment of 50% or greater with respect to baseline. Of all the cephalometric variables assessed, soft palate length was the only one that differed between responders and non‐responders (45.5 mm versus 42.6 mm, respectively). However, this difference only approached significance (P=.067). Similarly, FNMM results did not discriminate between responders and nonresponders. These results indicate that preoperative cephalometric radiography and FNMM cannot be reliably used to enhance surgical success.
Nd:YAG laser turbinate surgery animal experimental study: Preliminary report
Authors: Goldsher Moshe , Joachims Henry Z. , Golz Avishay , Har‐El Gady , Brauerman Izhak , Podoshin Ludwig , Elidan Josef , Krespi Yosef P. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe chronically hypertrophic nasal turbinate is a challenging problem for otolaryngologists. Although some success has been achieved with a number of medical and surgical methods, other forms of treatment are still needed. In this study, encouraging results were achieved using the neodymium:yttrium‐aluminum‐garnet (Nd:YAG) laser on canine turbinates. Clinical and histological results showed that with Nd:YAG laser surgery, coagulation occurs in the deep cavernous vessels and submucosal glands of the turbinate, while the overlying mucosa remains intact.
Bound Homocysteine, Cysteine, and Cysteinylglycine Distribution between Albumin and Globulins
Authors: Hortin Glen L , Seam Nitin , Hoehn Gerard T 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBackground: Major portions of homocysteine (Hcy), cysteine (Cys), cysteinylglycine (CysGly), and glutathione in serum are covalently bound to proteins via disulfides. Albumin has been considered the dominant binding protein.Methods: Pooled serum and plasma from healthy adults were fractionated into albumin and globulins by affinity columns. Content of Hcy, Cys, CysGly, and glutathione was determined for serum and plasma fractions and purified proteins by an HPLC method before and after incubation with excess CysGly, Hcy, or glutathioneResults: Of protein-bound amino acids in pooled serum, 12% of Hcy, 21% of Cys, and 33% of CysGly were bound to globulins, with the remainder bound to albumin. Slightly higher proportions were bound to globulins in pooled plasma. Globulins had ∼16% of total exchangeable disulfide and thiol groups in serum based on results of loading with CysGly. These results agree with expected abundance of unpaired Cys residues in globulins relative to albumin. Significant amounts of disulfide-linked amino acids were detected for HDL and α1-acid glycoprotein but not for transferrin. Exchange of disulfide-linked amino acids on exposure to excess Hcy or glutathione was much faster for albumin than for α1-acid glycoprotein.Conclusions: Approximately 10%–30%, of protein-bound Hcy, Cys, and CysGly are disulfide-linked to globulins. Amino acids disulfide-linked to albumin are rapidly exchangeable, while exchange of disulfide-linked amino acids from globulins, such as α1-acid glycoprotein, is much slower. Consequently, the pools of Hcy, Cys, and CysGly bound to albumin and globulin may represent kinetically and functionally distinct pools. Plasma concentrations of total Hcy and Cys, which are dominated by albumin-bound pools, may not reflect the abundance of functionally significant modifications of globulins.
Dose‐Escalation Study of ICA‐17043 in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Ataga Kenneth I. , Orringer Eugene P. , Styles Lori , Vichinsky Elliott P. , Swerdlow Paul , Davis George A. , DeSimone Philip A. , Stocker Jonathan W. 
Published: October 2006

Study Objective. To determine the dose tolerance, safety, and pharmacokinetics of a single oral dose of ICA‐17043 in patients with sickle cell disease.Design. Phase I, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, single‐dose, dose‐escalation study.Setting. Four university medical centers.Patients. Twenty‐eight patients with sickle cell disease, aged 18–60 years, who were otherwise healthy and in a noncrisis state.Intervention. Patients in three separate dose cohorts—50 mg, 100 mg, and 150 mg—received single doses of ICA‐17043 or placebo.Measurements and Main Results. The mean area under the concentration‐time curve from time zero extrapolated to infinity (AUC0–∞) for ICA‐17043 increased in a dose‐related manner (11,827, 19,697, and 30,676 ng•hr/ml for 50, 100, and 150 mg, respectively). Overall mean half‐life was 12.8 days. Mean peak plasma concentrations rose between the 50‐ and 100‐mg dose levels but plateaued at 150 mg (59.1, 108.7, and 109.1 ng/ml, respectively). Weekly pharmacokinetic and safety assessments were conducted in each patient during the follow‐up phase for 56 days. No dose‐limiting adverse events were noted in any of the patients.Conclusion. Total systemic exposure of ICA‐17043 after a single oral dose, as measured by AUC0–∞, increased nearly proportionally with the dose. The rate of absorption, however, appeared to be delayed at doses greater than 100 mg. With the long half‐life of ICA‐17043 demonstrated in this study, once‐daily dosing is probably adequate to maintain steady‐state plasma concentrations. In addition, single doses of ICA‐17043 were well tolerated.
Drug‐Related Hospitalizations in a Tertiary Care Internal Medicine Service of a Canadian Hospital: A Prospective Study
Authors: Samoy Leslie Jo , Zed Peter J. , Wilbur Kerry , Balen Robert M. , Abu‐Laban Riyad B. , Roberts Mark 
Published: October 2006

Study Objectives. To determine the frequency, severity, preventability and classification of adverse drug events resulting in hospitalization, and to identify any patient, prescriber, drug, and system factors associated with these events.Design. Prospective, observational study.Setting. Internal medicine service of a large tertiary care hospital in Canada.Patients. A total of 565 consecutive adult patients admitted to the hospital during a 12‐week period.Measurements and Main Results. A patient's hospitalization was defined as drug related if it was directly related to one of eight predefined classifications; severity and preventability of the hospitalization were also assessed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate patient, prescriber, drug, and system factors associated with drug‐related hospitalizations. The frequency of drug‐related hospitalization was 24.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 20.6–27.8%), of which 72.1% (95% CI 63.7–79.4%) were deemed preventable. Severity was classified as mild, moderate, severe, and fatal in 8.1% (95% CI 4.1–14.0%), 83.8% (95% CI 76.5–89.6%), 7.4% (95% CI 3.6–13.1%), and 0.7% (95% CI 0.0–4.0%), respectively, of the hospitalizations. The most common classifications of drug‐related hospitalization were adverse drug reactions (35.3% [95% CI 27.3–43.9%]), improper drug selection (17.6% [95% CI 11.6–25.1%]), and noncompliance (16.2% [95% CI 10.4–23.5%]). No independent risk factors for drug‐related hospitalization were identified with regression modeling.Conclusion. Approximately 25% of patients in our study were hospitalized for drug‐related causes; over 70% of these causes were deemed preventable. Drug‐related hospitalization is a significant problem that merits further research and intervention.
Enhanced In Vivo Homing of Uncultured and Selectively Amplified Cord Blood CD34+ Cells by Cotransplantation with Cord Blood-Derived Unrestricted Somatic Stem Cells
Authors: Chan Shing Leng , Choi Michael , Wnendt Stephan , Kraus Morey , Teng Eileen , Leong Hwei Fen , Merchav Shosh 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells have been implicated as playing an important role in stem cell engraftment. Recently, a new pluripotent population of umbilical cord blood (UCB) cells, unrestricted somatic stem cells (USSCs), with intrinsic and directable potential to develop into mesodermal, endodermal, and ectodermal fates, has been identified. In this study, we evaluated the capacity of ex vivo expanded USSCs to influence the homing of UCB-derived CD34+ cells into the marrow and spleen of nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient (NOD/SCID) mice. USSCs induced a significant enhancement of CD34+ cell homing to both bone marrow and spleen (2.2 ± 0.3- and 2.4 ± 0.6-fold, respectively; p &lt; .05), with a magnitude similar to that induced by USSCs that had been thawed prior to transplantation. The effect of USSCs was dose-dependent and detectable at USSC:CD34+ ratios of 1:1 and above. Enhanced marrow homing by USSCs was unaltered by extensive culture passaging of the cells, as similar enhancement was observed for both early-passage (passage 5 [p5]) and late-passage (p10) USSCs. The homing effect of USSCs was also reflected in an increased proportion of NOD/SCID mice exhibiting significant human cell engraftment 6 weeks after transplantation, with a similar distribution of myeloid and lymphoid components. USSCs enhanced the homing of cellular products of ex vivo expanded UCB lineage-negative (lin−) cells, generated in 14-day cultures by Selective Amplification. The relative proportion of homing CD34+ cells within the culture-expanded cell population was unaltered by USSC cotransplantation. Production of stromal-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) by USSCs was detected by both gene expression and protein released into culture media of these cells. Knockdown of SDF-1 production by USSCs using lentiviral-SiRNA led to a significant (p &lt; .05) reduction in USSC-mediated enhancement of CD34+ homing. Our findings thus suggest a clinical potential for using USSCs in facilitating homing and engraftment for cord blood transplant recipients.
Aging behavior of polymer optical fibers: Degradation characterization by FTIR
Authors: Appajaiah Anilkumar , Kretzschmar Hans‐Jürgen , Daum Werner 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe optical transmission loss behavior was investigated for commercially available poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) based polymer optical fibers (POFs). POFs were exposed to various climates of temperature and humidity. Optical transmission measurements using multiplexer (a prototype device) reveal that POFs exhibited an early drop‐off followed by a slow decline of transmission at 100°C with low humidity and nearly 100% loss of transmission at the early stages of exposure at 92°C with 95% relative humidity (RH) and at 120°C with low humidity. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) analysis data show no significant molecular changes in the PMMA core after climatic exposures. However, the attenuated total reflection (ATR)–FTIR data shows a few molecular changes in claddings due to degradation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) data illustrate the shrinkage and folding structure in claddings. The loss of the optical transmission at the early (initial) stages of exposure is attributed to the physical changes (like thermal expansion), and the same at the later stages mainly to chemical changes (e.g., oxidative degradation). The experiments conducted here show that the POFs optical transmission stability is strongly dependent on the chemical composition of claddings. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 860–870, 2007
Electrosynthesis of polyfuran in acetonitrile–boron trifluoride–ethyl ether mixture and its device application
Authors: Tirkeş Seha , Önal Ahmet M. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractElectrochemical polymerization of furan was achieved in acetonitrile/boron trifluoride/ethyl ether (CH3CN/BF3/EE) mixture in the presence of tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoroborate via constant potential electrolysis at 1.4 V versus Ag/AgCl. Electrochemical behavior of furan was investigated in the same solvent mixture of varying ratios, utilizing cyclic voltammetry. Free‐standing polyfuran (PFu) films were obtained in CH3CN/BF3/EE mixture (2/4/4; v/v/v) and characterized using FTIR spectroscopic technique. Spectroelectrochemical behavior of the PFu film was investigated by recording the electronic absorption spectra, in situ, in monomer‐free solution. It is observed that PFu film can be reversibly cycled between –0.1 V (gray) and + 0.6 V versus Ag‐wire (gray color); however, this behavior diminishes in the presence of water. Electrochromic device application of PFu film with poly(ethylene dioxythiophene) was also studied. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 871–876, 2007
Preparation and properties of microcapsule with EVA core‐PU shell structure
Authors: Kim Hea‐in , Park Soo‐min 
Published: October 2006

AbstractMicrocapsule with poly(ethylene‐co‐vinylacetate) (EVA) core‐polyurethane (PU) shell structure was synthesized by interfacial polymerization in aqueous polyol dispersion with ethylene diamine as the chain extender of toluene diisocyanate in poly(vinyl alcohol) aqueous solution as the stabilizing agent. The effects of polyol constituent on the average particle size and distributions, morphologies, color strength, and friction fastness of core‐shell particles were investigated to design microcapsule. The friction fastness of printed fabrics with EVA core‐PU shell microcapsules became the increase to 4–5 grades. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 893–902, 2007
Analyses of structures for a synthetic leather made of polyurethane and microfiber
Authors: Chen Min , Zhou Dong‐Liang , Chen Yong , Zhu Pu‐Xin 
Published: October 2006

AbstractA gradient extraction method was developed and used for a synthetic leather made of polyurethane (PU) and microfiber polycaprolactam (PA‐6), by which the two components were separated using DMF and formic acid as solvents, respectively. Their chemical structure was confirmed by FTIR spectra, and the result showed that the PU is a kind of polyester polyurethane with phenylene rings in the molecule. The condensed phase structure was analyzed using X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The crystallinity of the PA‐6 is about 65.6%, and for the PU, there was not distinct crystalline character shown in the XRD pattern but a phase separation structure of hard block‐soft block with the hard domains content about 58.7%. SEM images showed that the PA‐6 microfibers transfixing the PU matrix form a net bundle structure, and there are two kinds of porous structures in the synthetic leather, with one type of pore sized 5–80 μm between the components of PU and PA‐6, and the other in PU matrix with a size of 0.1–2 μm. The multipores run through the synthetic leather as three‐dimensional channels, benefit for transportation of air, water, dyes, and so on. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 903–908, 2007
Crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol) and starch composite films. II. Physicomechanical, thermal properties and swelling studies
Authors: Ramaraj B. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractPoly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) was blended with 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 wt % of starch with and without crosslinking by solution casting process. The solution‐casted films were dried and tested for physicomechanical properties like tensile strength, tensile elongation, tensile modulus, tear and burst strengths, density, and thermal analysis by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). These PVA/starch films were further characterized for moisture content; solubility resistance in water, 5% acetic acid, 50% ethanol, and sunflower oil; and swelling characteristics in 50% ethanol and sunflower oil. The crosslinked PVA/starch composite films show significant improvement in tensile strength, tensile modulus, tear and burst strengths, and solubility resistance over the uncrosslinked films. Between the crosslinked and uncrosslinked films, the uncrosslinked films have higher tensile elongation, moisture content, moisture absorption, and swelling over the crosslinked films. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 909–916, 2007
Phosphorylcholine end‐capped poly‐ε‐caprolactone: A novel biodegradable material with improved antiadsorption property
Authors: Meng Sheng , Zhong Wei , Chou Laisheng L. , Wang Qihong , Liu Zongjun , Du Qiangguo 
Published: October 2006

AbstractIn this study, the synthesis, characterization, and properties of a novel biodegradable polymer with improved hemocompatibility were introduced. It was synthesized by end‐capping poly‐ε‐caprolactone (PCL) with phosphorylcholine (PC) groups. The polyester backbone provided the mechanical stability and biodegradability, while the PC‐end groups improved its hemocompatibility. The obtained polymer was characterized using 1H NMR, 31P NMR, FTIR, and GPC, its crystallization behavior was studied by DSC. Compared with original PCL, the resulting polymer (PC‐PCL) showed a lower crystallization capability and a faster degradation rate in PBS. The degradation rate of the polymer blends of PCL/PC‐PCL increased with increasing PC‐PCL content. The results of water contact angle measurements revealed a more hydrophilic surface property of PC‐PCL than neat PCL. The hemocompatibility of PC‐PCL was estimated using rabbit platelet‐rich plasma, a better resistance to platelet adhesion and activation was observed. During the human blood plasma contacting process, PC‐PCL showed a prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time over neat PCL. Material–cell interaction was evaluated with human umbilical vein endothelial cell, the result indicated that PC‐PCL may to some extent have an antihyperplasia property, compared with neat PCL. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 989–997, 2007
Wilhelm von Waldeyer‐Hartz (1836–1921): An anatomist who left his mark
Authors: Winkelmann Andreas 
Published: October 2006

AbstractWilhelm Waldeyer was anatomist, physiologist, and pathologist during the German Empire (the so‐called Second Reich). His scientific career left many traces still noticeable today. Not only is he commemorated in “his” pharyngeal lymphoid ring and other eponyms, but he also coined an impressive range of successful medical terms, including “chromosome” and “neuron.” Moreover, Waldeyer left truly physical traces by donating parts of his body to his own Institute of Anatomy in Berlin. His scientific production does, however, also include “pseudoscientific” works, notably his questionable research on African brains. Clin. Anat. 20:231–234, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.