bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Facile Hydrothermal Preparation and Photocatalytic Activity of Bismuth Tungstate Polycrystalline Flake-ball Particles
Authors: Amano Fumiaki , Nogami Kohei , Abe Ryu , Ohtani Bunsho 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
Micrometer-sized spherical particles of bismuth tungstate (Bi2WO6) with hierarchical architecture were prepared by facile hydrothermal reaction without using any surfactants and polymers as structure-directing agents. The particles were assemblies of polycrystalline flakes composed of rectangular platelets. The hierarchical polycrystalline particles of “flake-ball” shape exhibited relatively high photocatalytic activity for oxidative decomposition of acetic acid in aqueous suspensions.
Synthesis and Characterization of S-Doped TiO2 Made by Anodic Oxidation of Titanium in Sulfuric Acid
Authors: Nakahira Atsushi , Yokota Koji , Kubo Takashi , Takahashi Masahide 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
TiO2 coating doped with S ions was made by the anodic oxidation process of the titanium sheet in sulfuric acid. TiO2 coating on titanium plate prepared by the anodic oxidation possessed many nanohole-like pores. XPS results showed that S6+ and S2− were incorporated in TiO2 coating after anodic oxidation. These S-doped TiO2 coatings showed the high photocatalytic activity.
Rumphellolide G, a New Caryophyllane-type Tetrahydropyran Norsesquiterpenoid from the Gorgonian Coral Rumphella antipathies (Gorgoniidae)
Authors: Sung Ping-Jyun , Chuang Li-Fan , Fan Tung-Yung , Chou Hong-Nong , Kuo Jimmy , Fang Lee-Shing , Wang Wei-Hsien 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
A new caryophyllane-type tetrahydropyran norsesquiterpenoid, rumphellolide G (1), has been isolated from the gorgonian coral Rumphella antipathies, collected off southern Taiwan coast. The structure of caryophyllane 1 was elucidated by the interpretation of spectral data.
Synthesis, Properties, and Structures of Difluoromethylene-bridged Coplanar p-Terphenyl and Its Aryl-capped Derivatives for Electron-transporting Materials
Authors: Ie Yutaka , Nitani Masashi , Aso Yoshio 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
A series of oligophenylene derivatives consisting of 6,6,12,12-tetrafluoroindenofluorene moieties were synthesized. Photophysical properties and X-ray analyses clearly showed that these conjugated molecules have potentials for electron-transporting materials.
A Facile Synthesis of New Chiral [1+1] Macrocyclic Schiff Bases
Authors: Suresh Paulsamy , Srimurugan Sankareswaran , Pati Hari N 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
A series of new chiral [1+1] macrocyclic Schiff bases have been synthesized in high yields and short reaction times from cyclocondensation of dialdehydes with long tethers and chiral diamines. The yields of the macrocycles were higher when the dialdehyde component is also chiral. The macrocyclisation was performed under microwave irradiation and aqueous reaction conditions employing salts of chiral diamines in contrast to free diamines normally employed.
Measurement of cotinine in urine by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Chadwick Carrie Ann , Keevil Brian 
Published: October 2007

Background: Cotinine is the major metabolite of nicotine. It is also a specific biomarker for nicotine exposure in cigarette smokers. The measurement of urine cotinine concentration will enable: (1) the assessment of the smoking status of lung transplant patients and (2) tobacco abstinence to be studied in patients during treatment under smoking cessation programmes. Methods: We have developed and validated a method for the measurement of urinary cotinine using reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). This technique utilizes online ion exchange coupled with an analytical column to eliminate ion suppression effects. The chromatography was performed using a WatersTM 2795 Alliance HT LC system. Results: Cotinine and d3-cotinine had a retention time of 2.5 min and the cycle time from injection to injection was 4 min. The transition identified for cotinine was m/z 177.1>79.6 and for d3-cotinine m/z 180.2>79.6. This method was linear up to 1000 μg/L. Mean recovery of the assay was 112% with a range of 107-117% ( n=9). The limit of quantitation for this assay was 2.5 µg/L and the limit of detection was 0.156 µg/L. The intra- and inter-assay imprecision was <12% and <10% respectively over a concentration range of 22-660 μg/L. Conclusions: We have developed a robust and rapid assay for measuring and analysing urine cotinine by LC-MS/MS, by utilizing a technique, which has reduced ion suppression effects. Ultimately, the method will facilitate the assessment of lung transplant patients' smoking status.
A rapid ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometric method for measuring amino acids associated with maple syrup urine disease, tyrosinaemia and phenylketonuria
Authors: Freeto Scott , Mason Donald , Chen Jie , Scott Robert H , Narayan Srinivas B , Bennett Michael J 
Published: October 2007

Background: Patients with inherited disorders of amino acid metabolism including maple syrup urine disease, tyrosinaemia and phenylketonuria on dietary management require frequent monitoring of disease-relevant plasma amino acids in order to optimize therapeutic benefit. Poorly controlled maple syrup urine disease in particular may result in catastrophic metabolic decompensation. Most methods for monitoring amino acid concentrations are time-consuming and have clinically impractical turnaround times, particularly when the required time to run standards and control samples is taken into account. Methods: We have analysed plasma amino acids using standard ion-exchange chromatography with ninhydrin detection in an amino acid analyser and compared the data with that obtained for the same samples using ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLCTM) separation with detection by tandem mass spectrometry. Results: The two methodologies compared very well for the measurement of six important amino acids with correlation coefficients greater than 0.96 for all. The time for sample preparation was longer for the UPLC methodology as batched derivatization and evaporation is required but UPLC-tandem mass spectrometry generated sample results every 8 min while conventional ion-exchange chromatography took almost 1 h per sample. Conclusion: UPLC-tandem mass spectrometry generates data that compares well with existing 'gold standard' methodologies but significantly reduces sample turnaround time. Decreasing the turnaround time for amino acid analyses is very likely to improve clinical care for patients with amino acid disorders as dietary adjustments can be made sooner.
Fibrin monomer complex in normal pregnant women: a potential thrombotic marker in pregnancy
Authors: Onishi Hiroaki , Kaniyu Kimiko , Iwashita Mitsutoshi , Tanaka Asashi , Watanabe Takashi 
Published: October 2007

Background: Pregnancy represents a major risk factor for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Most coagulation/fibrinolysis markers currently utilized change during pregnancy, and therefore they cannot accurately evaluate thrombotic events in pregnancy because the rate of false positive results is high. Fibrin monomer complex (FMC) has recently become widely available for diagnosing DVT. The present study examined whether FMC is suitable for evaluating thrombotic status in pregnancy. Methods: Concentrations of FMC and other haemostatic markers were investigated in 87 pregnant women without major complications at early, mid- or late pregnancy. FMC concentrations were also measured in 127 normal non-pregnant women, and in one woman who developed DVT after delivery. Results: In normal pregnant women, FMC concentrations were unchanged during early or mid-pregnancy and slightly elevated during late pregnancy. Concentrations were within reference range in most cases, and none exceeded the cut-off value for DVT. In contrast, thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT) and D-dimer (DD) concentrations were significantly elevated in late pregnancy, and median values exceeded reference ranges. The DVT case displayed significantly elevated FMC concentrations. Conclusions: Changes in FMC concentrations during normal pregnancy are minimal compared with other haemostatic markers. Because the rate of false positivity is lower, FMC could be a potential marker of thrombotic status in pregnancy rather than TAT and DD.
National audit of cerebrospinal fluid testing
Authors: Holbrook Ian , Beetham Robert , Cruickshank Anne , Egner William , Fahie-Wilson Mike , Keir Geoff , Patel Dina , Watson Ian , White Peter 
Published: October 2007

Background: UK National External Quality Assessment Service (NEQAS) Specialist Advisory Group for EQA of CSF Proteins and Biochemistry was interested in current practice for the biochemical investigation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the UK. Methods: A questionnaire was sent to laboratories via regional audit committees and the results collated. Results: Most laboratories were analysing CSF in a satisfactory manner. There was some variation in the reference ranges used for glucose, protein and lactate. There was concern about the rejection policies of some laboratories on these unrepeatable samples and the wavelengths used to measure bilirubin. The survey revealed the lack of spectrophotometric scanning for haem pigments and bilirubin in some hospitals. Conclusions: The current practice for the measurement of CSF samples in the UK is satisfactory in most laboratories responding to the questionnaire. National agreement on reference ranges for glucose, protein and lactate should be achievable. Those performing spectrophotometric scanning of the CSF were doing so in concordance with the national guidelines. Some hospitals in the UK may not have responded to the questionnaire because they did not offer spectrophotometric scanning.
The association of circulating ferritin with serum concentrations of fibroblast growth factor-23 measured by three commercial assays
Authors: Durham Brian H , Joseph Frank , Bailey Lisa M , Fraser William D 
Published: October 2007

Background: The measurement of the serum concentration of fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) is beginning to be used as a diagnostic tool in renal phosphate wasting disorders. Having observed an increased serum FGF-23 in three subjects with low circulating ferritin concentrations we investigated the association between low ferritin and raised serum FGF-23. Methods: We measured FGF-23 in 150 random anonymized serum samples with ferritin concentrations between <5 and 50 µg/L using three commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. One kit, Human FGF-23[C-term] (Immutopics Inc, USA) measures total FGF-23 whereas the other two kits, Immutopics intact and FGF-23 ELISA (Kainos, Japan) are reported to measure only the biologically active intact molecule. Results: We have detected a significant inverse correlation of -0.565 ( P<0.0001) between serum ferritin when <50 µg/L and FGF-23 using the C-terminal assay. This relationship is also shown with the Immutopics intact assay but is not demonstrated with the Kainos intact assay. Conclusion: The measurement of FGF-23 by both Immutopics assays is altered in the presence of low circulating concentrations of serum ferritin whereas with the Kainos intact assay this effect was not demonstrated. Serum ferritin should be measured when an elevated FGF-23 is obtained using the Immutopics C-terminal or intact FGF-23 assay to prevent misdiagnosis of the cause of this abnormality.
Catheter-directed foam sclerotherapy of axial saphenous reflux: early results
Authors: Kölbel T , Hinchliffe R J , Lindblad B 
Published: October 2007

Objectives: Foam sclerotherapy of the great saphenous vein is a relatively new and promising treatment option for patients with axial reflux. Its usefulness may be limited by low primary occlusion rates. We present a standard technique for catheter-directed foam sclerotherapy, which facilitates foam delivery precisely to its intended site of action and potentially improves occlusion rates. Methods: A consecutive series of 53 patients were treated with foam sclerotherapy using a standard technique for foam delivery at Malmö University Hospital between September 2006 and April 2007. Patients were treated with 3% polidocanol foam through an introducer sheath, which was inserted percutaneously over a guidewire in the great saphenous vein (GSV). All successfully treated patients were examined by colour duplex one week after the procedure. Results: Primary technical success with delivery of foam along the length of the GSV was achieved in 50 of 53 limbs (94%). All treated GSVs were occluded at one week duplex. Conclusion: The use of an endovascular sheath inserted percutaneously over a guidewire under duplex ultrasound control is feasible in most patients and has resulted in high primary occlusion rates.
The effect of correlations between screening markers on screening performance
Authors: Morris J K , Wald N J 
Published: October 2007

Objectives: It is widely thought that correlations between screening markers will tend to degrade screening performance. We performed a computer simulation study to investigate the quantitative effect of correlations between two markers on screening performance, using prenatal screening for Down's syndrome as an example, although the results apply generally. Methods: Monte Carlo simulation was used to generate values of two hypothetical markers, A and B, in 1000 affected and 1000 unaffected pregnancies. The means, standard deviations and correlations of A and B were varied in five different examples. Results: If markers A and B are, on average, higher in affected than unaffected pregnancies and each marker, individually, has the same detection rate for a given false-positive rate (i.e. the same screening performance), then the screening performance of A and B together tends to decrease as A and B become more positively correlated with each other (within affected or unaffected categories) and tends to increase as A and B become more negatively correlated. If A is, on average, higher in affected pregnancies and B is, on average, lower in affected pregnancies (but again each marker has the same screening performance), the opposite pattern is observed; screening performance increases as A and B become more positively correlated and screening performance decreases as they become more negatively correlated. If A and B have unequal screening performances, modest correlations between A and B have little effect on the screening performance of A and B together, but when the correlations are strong whether positive or negative (with r values greater than about 0.45 or less than −0.45) screening performance progressively increases. Conclusion: Correlations between screening markers considered separately in affected and unaffected pregnancies can either decrease or increase screening performance. In practice, these effects are usually modest, because most screening markers are not highly correlated with each other and the effects become important only with strong correlations, whether positive or negative.
Cystic hygroma and mid-trimester maternal serum screening
Authors: Celentano Claudio , Prefumo Federico , Iezzi Irene , Guanciali-Franchi Paolo Emilio , Palka Chiara , Liberati Marco , Rotmensch Sigfried 
Published: October 2007

Objective: To investigate the relationship between maternal serum screening markers and pregnancy outcome in fetuses with cystic hygroma at 15–18 weeks of gestation. Study design: We retrospectively reviewed case-notes of 34 consecutive singleton fetuses with cystic hygroma referred at 15–18 weeks of gestation. All cases had maternal blood sampled for triple screening at the time of the ultrasound scan. Results In total, 62% of fetuses with cystic hygroma had abnormal chromosome complements and 80% had a poor outcome. Six fetuses presenting normal values of human chorionic gonadotropin (0.5–2.5 MoM [multiples of the median]), serum alpha-fetoprotein (0.5–2.5 MoM) and unconjugated estriol (>0.5 MoM), normal karyotype and absence of associated structural anomalies had an uneventful outcome. Conclusions Our data demonstrated that cystic hygroma at 15–18 weeks has a strong association with chromosomal abnormalities. In euploid fetuses, maternal serum screening results may have a role in the diagnostic work-up of the pregnancy.
Neonatal screening for sickle cell disease in Central Africa: a study of 1825 newborns with a new enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test
Authors: Mutesa Léon , Boemer François , Ngendahayo Louis , Rulisa Stephen , Rusingiza Emmanuel K , Cwinya-Ay Neniling , Mazina Déogratias , Kariyo Pierre C , Bours Vincent , Schoos Roland 
Published: October 2007

Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility of systematic neonatal screening for sickle cell disease in the region of Great Lakes in Central Africa using a new approach with limited costs. Methods: Between July 2004 and July 2006, 1825 newborn dried blood samples were collected onto filter papers in four maternity units from Burundi, Rwanda and the East of the Democratic Republic of Congo. We tested for the presence of haemoglobin C and S in the eluted blood by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test using a monoclonal antibody. All ELISA-positive samples (multiple of the median (MoM)≥ 1.5) were confirmed by a simple molecular test. The statistica software version 7.1 was used to create graphics and to fix the MoM cut-off, and the χ2 of Pearson was used to compare the genotype incidences between countries. Results: Of the 1825 samples screened, 97 (5.32%) were positive. Of these, 60 (3.28%) samples were heterozygous for Hb S, and four (0.22%) for Hb C; two (0.11%) newborns were Hb SS homozygotes. Conclusions: The lower cost and the high specificity of ELISA test are appropriate for developing countries, and such systematic screening for sickle cell anaemia is therefore feasible.
Diagnostic accuracy of faecal occult blood tests used in screening for colorectal cancer: a systematic review
Authors: Burch J A , Soares-Weiser K , St John D J B , Duffy S , Smith S , Kleijnen J , Westwood M 
Published: October 2007

Objective: To determine the accuracy of guaiac and immunochemical faecal occult blood tests (FOBTs) for the detection of colorectal cancer in an average-risk screening population. Methods: Fifteen electronic databases, the internet, key journals and reference lists of included studies were searched. We included diagnostic accuracy studies that compared guaiac or immunochemical FOBTs with any reference standard, for the detection of colorectal cancer in an average-risk adult population, with sufficient data to construct a 2 × 2 table. Results: Fifty-nine studies were included. Thirty-three evaluated guaiac FOBTs, 35 immunochemical FOBTs and one evaluated sequential FOBTs. Sensitivities for the detection of all neoplasms ranged from 6.2% (specificity 98.0%) to 83.3% (specificity 98.4%) for guaiac FOBTs, and 5.4% (specificity 98.5%) to 62.6% (specificity 94.3%) for immunochemical FOBTs. Specificity ranged from 65.0% (sensitivity 44.1%) to 99.0% (sensitivity 19.3%) for guaiac FOBTs, and 89.4% (sensitivity 30.3%) to 98.5% (sensitivity 5.4%) for immunochemical FOBTs. Diagnostic case–control studies generally reported higher sensitivities. Sensitivities were higher for the detection of CRC, and lower for adenomas, in both the diagnostic cohort and diagnostic case–control studies for both guaiac and immunochemical FOBTs. Conclusions Immudia HemSp appeared to be the most accurate immunochemical FOBT, however, there was no clear evidence to suggest whether guaiac or immunochemical FOBTs performed better, either from direct or indirect comparisons. Poor reporting of data limited the scope of this review, and the use the Standards for Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy guidelines is recommended for reporting future diagnostic accuracy studies.
Effects of computerized decision support systems on nursing performance and patient outcomes: a systematic review
Authors: Randell Rebecca , Mitchell Natasha , Dowding Dawn , Cullum Nicky , Thompson Carl 
Published: October 2007

Objective: To examine the effect of computerized decision support systems (CDSSs) on nursing performance and patient outcomes. Method: Fifteen databases, including Medline and CINAHL, were searched up to May 2006 together with reference lists of included studies and relevant reviews. Randomized controlled trials, controlled clinical trials, controlled before and after studies and interrupted time series studies that assessed the effects of CDSS use by nurses in a clinical setting on measurable professional and/or patient outcomes were included. Results: Eight studies, three comparing nurses using CDSS with nurses not using CDSS and five comparing nurses using CDSS with other health professionals not using CDSS, were included. Risk of contamination was a concern in four studies. The effect of CDSS on nursing performance and patient outcomes was inconsistent. Conclusion: The introduction of CDSS may not necessarily lead to a positive outcome; further studies are needed in order to identify contexts in which CDSS use by nurses is most effective. CDSS are complex interventions and should be evaluated as such; future studies should explore the impact of the users and the protocol on which the CDSS is based, reporting details of both. Contamination is a significant issue when evaluating CDSS, so it is important that randomization is at the practitioner or the unit level. Future systematic reviews should focus on particular uses of CDSS.
What is the role of masculinity in white and South Asian men's decisions to seek medical help for cardiac chest pain?
Authors: Galdas Paul , Cheater Francine , Marshall Paul 
Published: October 2007

Objectives: To explore how masculinity influences white, Indian and Pakistani men's interpretation of cardiac chest pain and the decision to seek or delay seeking medical help. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 36 men of white ethnicity (UK ancestry) and 20 men of South Asian ethnicity (Indian or Pakistani ancestry) who had a confirmed diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction or angina pectoris. The study setting was two coronary care units and eight cardiology wards situated in two teaching hospitals in the North of England. All interviews were tape-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using a constant comparative method. Results: Displaying a high threshold for pain and discomfort was a masculine attribute valued by white men in the study but not by the Indian and Pakistani men. White men's fears of being seen to be weak contributed to delays in seeking medical treatment and led to reluctance to disclose symptoms to others. Indian and Pakistani men emphasized wisdom, education and responsibility for the family and their own health as more valued masculine attributes, and this contributed to a greater willingness to seek medical help. Conclusion: Masculinity had a differing role in white and South Asian men's decisions to seek or delay seeking medical help for chest pain. The study supports the development of coronary heart disease policy and practice that acknowledges men's gender as an important determinant of their health behaviour, but illustrates that there is no probable single appropriate approach to tackling the delay in how men seek treatment for chest pain.