bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of blend miscibility on the proton conductivity and methanol permeability of polymer electrolyte blends
Authors: Gasa Jeffrey V. , Weiss R. A. , Shaw Montgomery T. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe influence of miscibility on the transport properties of polymer electrolyte blends composed of a proton conductor and an insulator was investigated. The proton‐conductive component in the blends was sulfonated poly(ether ketone ketone) (SPEKK), while the nonconductive component was either poly(ether imide) (PEI) or poly(ether sulfone) (PES). The phase behavior of PEI‐SPEKK blends was strongly influenced by the sulfonation level of the SPEKK. At low sulfonation levels (ion‐exchange capacity (IEC) = 0.8 meq/g), the blends were miscible, while at a slightly higher level (IEC = 1.1 meq/g), they were only partially miscible and for IEC ≥ 1.4 meq/g they were effectively immiscible over the entire composition range. The PES‐SPEKK blends were miscible over the entire range of SPEKK IEC considered in this study (0.8–2.2 meq/g). At high IEC (2.2 meq/g) and at low mass fractions of SPEKK (<0.5), the miscible blends (PES‐SPEKK) had higher proton conductivities and methanol permeabilities than the immiscible ones (PEI‐SPEKK). The opposite relationship was observed for high mass fractions of SPEKK (>0.5). This behavior was explained by the differences in morphology between these two blend systems. At low IEC of SPEKK (0.8 meq/g), where both PEI‐SPEKK and PES‐SPEKK blend systems exhibited miscibility, the transport properties were not significantly different. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 2253–2266, 2006
Mechanical and transport property modifications of perfluorosulfonate ionomer membranes prepared with mixed organic and inorganic counterions
Authors: Phillips Alan K. , Moore Robert B. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractPreparation of solution‐processed perfluorosulfonate ionomer membranes containing both small alkali metal and large alkylammonium counterions has been shown to have a profound impact on the mechanical and transport properties of the resulting acidified ionomer. The use of mixed counterions is shown to be an effective means of tailoring the thermomechanical properties of the membrane as evidenced by compositionally dependent relaxations in dynamic mechanical analysis. In agreement with our recent assignments, the α‐relaxation is found to be systematically dependent on the strength of electrostatic interactions, whereas theTgof Nafion® (i.e., the β‐relaxation) is susceptible to plasticization. Investigations of ionic aggregation using solid‐state23Na NMR and small‐angle X‐ray scattering provided information suggesting the presence of mixed aggregates containing populations of both sodium and tetrabutylammonium ions. In contrast to the general perception that proton conductivity tracks with water content, membranes prepared at a 50:50 sodium/tetrabutylammonium counterion composition, followed by conversion to the H+‐form, showed a minimum in water content yet relatively high proton conductivity. This behavior suggests that specific interactions during processing affect the organization of the ionic domains and yield persistent structures that can significantly influence membrane transport properties. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 2267–2277, 2006
A Study of the Subvesical Bile Duct (Duct of Luschka) in Resected Liver Specimens
Authors: Ko Kenju , Kamiya Junichi , Nagino Masato , Oda Koji , Yuasa Norihiro , Arai Toshiyuki , Nishio Hideki , Nimura Yuji 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackgroundInjury to the duct of Luschka is associated with biliary fistula from the gallbladder bed after cholecystectomy. However, few studies have reported on the detailed anatomy. We elucidated the anatomy and frequency of the duct of LuschkaMethodsA total of 128 specimens from patients who underwent right hepatectomy or more extensive right‐sided liver resection between February 1992 and December 2003 were examined. Specimens were fixed in formalin, and serial sections were prepared to trace the course of the bile ducts from the subsegmental branch level.ResultsThe duct of Luschka was observed in 6 (4.6%) specimens. The sites of confluence were as follows: right anterior inferior dorsal branch (2 patients), right anterior branch (2 patients), right hepatic duct (1 patient), and common hepatic duct (1 patient). The upstream end was located in the liver parenchyma of the right anterior inferior dorsal subsegment (5b) and connective tissue of the gallbladder bed in 4 and 2 specimens, respectively.ConclusionsThe duct of Luschka never crosses the segmental (5b) border. Therefore, its upstream region may not be injured by segmentectomy or more extensive liver resection. However, it is possible to injure the duct of Luschka at the common hepatic duct, even if right‐sided hepatectomy is performed, as the sites of confluence included the common hepatic duct.
Preoperative Enteral Immunonutrition Improves Postoperative Outcome in Patients with Gastrointestinal Cancer
Authors: Xu Jianmin , Zhong Yunshi , Jing Dayong , Wu Zhaohan 
Published: July 2006

AbstractObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of preoperative immunonutrition pharmaceutics (IMPACT) diet versus standard enteral nutrition (EN) on the nutritional status and immunity of patients with colorectal or gastrointestinal (GI) cancer and to evaluate whether it influences the incidence of postoperative complication.MethodsSixty patients with GI cancer were randomly divided into 2 groups, immunonutrition (IM) and control diet (CT), each of which was fed with IMPACT and conventional diet, respectively, for 7 days before surgical procedures. Variables of nutritional status and immunity, postoperative complications, infections, and the days of postoperative hospitalization were measured.ResultsThere were no significant differences in the immunological and nutritional variables between the 2 groups preoperatively. The incidence of postoperative complications was significantly lower and the days of postoperative hospitalization were significantly decreased in the IM group. Serum concentrations of both prealbumin (PALB) and transferrin (TRF) were lower in the IM than in the CT group on postoperative day 3 (P < 0.01). TRF continued to be significantly lower in the CT group than in the IM group between day 4 and day 7. However, PALB was significantly lower than before operation in the IM group on postoperative day 3 and TRF was significantly higher in the IM than the CT group on postoperative day 3 (P < 0.05). Both PALB and TRF were significantly higher in the IM than the CT group on postoperative day 7 (P < 0.05). Postoperative immunoglobulin G (IgG) level in the IM group was higher than that in the CT group (13.35 ± 2.06 g/l vs. 9.59 ± 2.23 g/l, P < 0.05). CD4/CD8 ratio was significantly higher in the IM group (2.10 ± 0.51 vs. 1.62 ± 0.52, P < 0.05).ConclusionsPreoperative enteral IM in patients with GI cancer improves nutritional status and immunity and decreases the incidence of postoperative complications and infections.
Homozygosity for the double D409H+H255Q allele in type II Gaucher disease
Authors: Michelakakis Helen , Moraitou Marina , Dimitriou Evagelia , Santamaria Raul , Sanchez Gessami , Gort Laura , Chabas Amparo , Grinberg Daniel , Dassopoulou Maria , Fotopoulos Spyros , Vilageliu Lluisa 
Published: July 2006

SummaryHomozygosity for D409H has been associated with a unique type III subtype of the disease with a phenotype dominated by severe cardiovascular involvement, whereas neurological findings, if present, are restricted to oculomotor apraxia and features such as visceromegaly are either minimal or absent. Using PCR amplification followed by restriction enzyme analysis, 3 patients (1 Greek, 2 Albanians) were IDentified with the D409H/D409H genotype. All shared a very severe early‐onset neurological phenotype that classified them as type II. Amplification and sequencing of the full coding region of the GBA gene revealed that all three patients were homozygous not only for D409H but also for H255Q. Both mutations were present on the same allele, as shown by analysis of the parental DNA. The double D409H+H255Q allele was found in heterozygosity in Greek, Bulgarian and Argentinian patients but was not IDentified in any Spanish patients carrying the D409H mutation.
Improved angiogenic response in pig heart following ischaemic injury using human skeletal myoblast simultaneously expressing VEGF165 and angiopoietin‐1
Authors: Ye Lei , Haider Husnain Kh. , Jiang Shujia , Tan Ru San , Ge Ruowen , Law Peter K. , Sim Eugene K.W. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractObjectiveTo achieve angiogenic interaction between VEGF165 and angiopoietin‐1 (Ang‐1) using a novel adenoviral bicistronic vector (Ad‐Bic) encoding the two factors and delivered ex vivo using sex‐mismatched human skeletal myoblasts.Methods and results:A myocardial infarction model was developed in 29 female pigs; randomised into four groups: DMEM (group‐1, n=6); Adenovirus null (Ad‐null) vector‐myoblast (group‐2, n=5); Ad‐Ang‐1 myoblast (group 3, n=7) and Ad‐Bic‐myoblast (group‐4, n=11). Three weeks later, 5 ml DMEM without myoblasts or containing 3 × 108 myoblasts carrying lac‐z gene and transduced with Ad‐null, Ad‐Ang‐1 or Ad‐Bic were injected intra‐myocardially in and around the infarct. 2D‐echocardiography and fluorescent microsphere studies 6‐ and 12‐weeks post‐treatment revealed significantly improved cardiac performance and regional blood flow in groups 3 and 4. Histological studies and Y‐chromosome analysis revealed extensive survival of lac‐z positive myoblasts staining positive for human proteins in the pig heart. ELISA, immunostaining and RT‐PCR revealed that Ad‐Bic transduced myoblasts concomitantly but transiently expressed hVEGF165 and Ang‐1 both in vitro and in vivo. Double fluorescent immunostaining of the tissue sections for vWFactor‐III and smooth muscle actin showed significantly higher vascular density of mature blood vessels per low power microscopic field in groups 3 and 4 at 6‐ and 12‐weeks.Conclusion:Our combined approach led to enhanced angiogenesis with a greater percentage of functionally mature blood vessels in a porcine heart.
Duration of the haemodynamic action of a 24‐h infusion of levosimendan in patients with congestive heart failure
Authors: Lilleberg J. , Laine M. , Palkama T. , Kivikko M. , Pohjanjousi P. , Kupari M. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractAims:To determine the duration of haemodynamic and neurohormonal action of a 24‐h infusion of levosimendan in heart failure.Methods and results:This was a double‐blind, parallel group study in patients with New York Heart Association class II to IV heart failure. Twenty‐two patients, with left ventricular ejection fraction <35% and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) above 12 mmHg, were randomised to receive either levosimendan (12 μg/kg followed by a continuous infusion of 0.1–0.2 μg/min) or placebo. Invasively measured cardiac output (CO) increased from 4.3 l/min to 5.4 l/min in the levosimendan group at 6 h. PCWP decreased from 20 mmHg to 15 mmHg in response to levosimendan. Echocardiographically measured maximal effect on PCWP occurred after 6 h, whereas CO reached its highest value at 24 h. The estimated duration of the decrease in PCWP was 7–9 days, and in CO was 12–13 days. Plasma NT‐proANP and NT‐proBNP levels reached their lowest values at days 3 and 2, and the treatment effect was estimated to last 16 and 12 days, respectively. The long‐acting haemodynamic responses reflect levels of the active metabolites OR‐1896 and OR‐1855, maximal metabolite levels occurred at day 3.Conclusions:Levosimendan infusion achieved a rapid improvement in haemodynamic parameters in patients with congestive heart failure with maximal effects occurring 1–3 days after starting the infusion, effects were sustained for up to at least a week.
Post‐infarction treatment with simvastatin reduces myocardial no‐reflow by opening of the KATP channel
Authors: Yang Yue‐Jin , Zhao Jing‐Lin , You Shi‐Jie , Wu Yong‐Jian , Jing Zhi‐Cheng , Gao Run‐Lin , Chen Zai‐Jia 
Published: July 2006

AbstractSimvastatin can prevent cardiac remodelling after myocardial infarction, though the exact mechanisms are uncertain. Myocardial no‐reflow is associated with progressive cardiac remodelling. However, it remains unknown whether post‐infarction treatment with simvastatin can also reduce myocardial no‐reflow for which suppression of adenosine triphosphate‐sensitive K+ (KATP) channel opening is an important mechanism.Methods:Area at risk and the area of no‐reflow were determined by myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) and by pathology in 45 mini‐swine randomised into 5 groups: 10 control, 9 simvastatin, 9 glibenclamide, 9 simvastatin plus glibenclamide and 8 sham‐operated. A myocardial infarction and reperfusion model was created by 3‐h occlusion of the coronary artery followed by 4 weeks of reperfusion.Results:Compared with the control group, simvastatin significantly increased coronary blood volume (P<0.01) and decreased the area of no‐reflow measured by MCE (78.5±4.5% to 43.7±4.3%) and pathological evaluation (82.3±1.9% to 45.2±3.8%) of area at risk (P<0.01). Simvastatin also increased the levels of KATP channel proteins (SUR2 and Kir6.2) (P<0.05), but had no effect on necrosis area. The combination of simvastatin and glibenclamide had no significant effect on the above parameters.Conclusions:Post‐infarction treatment with simvastatin can reduce myocardial no‐reflow. This beneficial effect is due to activation of the KATP channel.
Changes in connexin 43, metalloproteinase and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase during tachycardia‐induced cardiomyopathy in dogs
Authors: Zhong Jing‐quan , Zhang Wei , Gao Haiqing , Li Yan , Zhong Ming , Li Duoling , Zhang Cheng , Zhang Yun 
Published: July 2006

AbstractObjective:To study changes in connexin, metalloproteinase and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase levels during tachycardia‐induced cardiomyopathy (TIC).Methods:Canine models of TIC were established by rapid right atrial pacing at 350–400 beats per min for 8 weeks in 11 dogs, six dogs acted as a sham operation group. Echocardiography, left ventricular pressure and its first derivation with time (positive and negative maximum, dp/dtmax, –dp/dtmax), and intracardiac electrograms were recorded before and after rapid pacing at 1, 4 and 8 weeks. Data were acquired in sinus rhythm. Ultrastructural changes in left ventricular tissue were observed by transmission electron microscope. Connexin 43 (Cx43) levels in the left ventricular myocardium were measured by confocal laser microscopy. The relative abundance of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP‐2) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP‐2) were studied by immunoblotting.Result and conclusions:(1) Ventricular dilatation and systolic dysfunction occurred after 1 week of rapid right atrial pacing. (2) There was structural damage to the myofibrils, mitochondria, and the sarcoplasmic reticulum with intercalated disk discontinuity. (3) Levels of Cx43 decreased significantly and gap junction remodelling occurred during TIC. (4) TIC may result from several mechanisms, such as ultrastructural changes or gap junction and matrix remodelling.
Disease management programs for heart failure: Not just for the ‘sick’ heart failure population
Authors: McDonald Ken , Conlon Carmel , Ledwidge Mark 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe development of disease management programs has been a major advance in heart failure care, bringing about significant improvements for the heart failure population, with reduction in readmission, better use of guideline therapy and improved survival. However, at present, the majority of such programs focus their attention only on the sicker segment of this population, with little application of this important service to the broader heart failure population, where potentially benefits may be even more impressive. This has led to an imbalance in the care of patients with heart failure, where aspects of management such as regular structured review and education are preferentially given to the group at the later stages of the natural history of the syndrome. This paper argues for a far wider application of the disease management program concept in heart failure care so as to bring the benefits of specialist care, patient education and follow‐up to patients at an earlier stage in the natural history of heart failure.
Hypothesis: Correction of low vitamin D status among Arab women will prevent heart failure and improve cardiac function in established heart failure
Authors: Saadi Hussein F. , Kazzam Elsadig , Ghurbana Bahlul A. , Nicholls M. Gary 
Published: July 2006

AbstractVitamin D deficiency is common in Arab countries particularly among women. This is the result of a low dietary intake of the vitamin, limited exposure to sunlight (a paradox in view of the high sunshine figures), skin colour, obesity and high parity. Apart from its adverse effects on bone in women and their offspring, vitamin D deficiency has the potential to cause or exacerbate heart failure through a number of mechanisms including activation of the renin–angiotensin system and increased arterial pressure. Accordingly, we propose that ensuring adequate vitamin D levels in Arab women will have a much greater impact on health than just the prevention of bone disease. In particular, we suggest that prevention and correction of vitamin D deficiency will reduce the incidence of heart failure and, for Arab women with established heart failure and vitamin D deficiency, improve cardiac function.
Tako‐Tsubo‐like syndrome during anaphylactic reaction
Authors: Vultaggio Alessandra , Matucci Andrea , Del Pace Stefano , Simonetti Ignazio , Parronchi Paola , Rossi Oliviero , Maggi Enrico , Gensini Gianfranco , Romagnani Sergio 
Published: July 2006

AbstractTako‐Tsubo's syndrome (apical ballooning or broken heart syndrome) is a reversible left ventricular dysfunction due to apical asynergy that occurs typically after sudden emotional stress in a subject without coronary disease. It is characterized by acute onset of chest pain or dyspnoea or both and is associated with electrocardiographic changes such as ST segment elevation and/or T wave inversion. Myocardial biomarkers may be normal or slightly elevated.Anaphylaxis is a severe, life‐threatening, generalized hypersensitivity reaction, most often starting with urticaria and/or angioedema, that may involve cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Cardiovascular symptoms, including hypotension, cardiac arrhythmia and chest pain, are presumably linked to cardiac mast cell mediator release. We describe the case of a young woman who experienced a profound reversible cardiomyopathy with typical features of Tako‐Tsubo's syndrome during an anaphylactic reaction.
Do care patterns change over time in a newly established mental health service? A report from the UK700 trial
Authors: Fiander M. , Burns T. , Ukoumunne O.C. , Fahy T. , Creed F. , Tyrer P. , Byford S. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractPurpose.Data on the process of mental health care is scant. Most studies focus on services at their inception when activity may be atypical and then usually present data only mean values for the reported variables over the whole study period. We aimed to test whether care delivery changes over time, and to describe any changes at the individual patient and team levels.Methods.Process data on 272 patients in three new intensive case management (ICM) teams were collected over 2 years. Interventions were prospectively recorded using clinician-derived categories. Changes over time are described at both patient and team level.Results.The number of contacts and the proportion of face-to-face activity were remarkably constant after the first month at the patient level. The proportion of ‘psychiatric’ interventions (main focus on medication or a specific ‘mental health’ intervention performed) increased greatly after the first 6 months. The care activity received by individual patients varied considerably. Overall, teams varied significantly in the extent to which their activity rates were sustained over time.Conclusions.New ICM teams deliver highly individualised care with more marked differences in treatment patterns between patients in the same team than mean differences between teams. The early ‘engagement’ period is marked by a greater focus on social care. There is evidence of differences in sustainability of the services by site.
The escape of juvenile farmed Atlantic salmon from hatcheries into freshwater streams in New Brunswick, Canada
Authors: Carr Jonathan W. , Whoriskey Frederick G. 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
The escape of juvenile Atlantic salmon from freshwater hatcheries supplying the salmon farming industry may lead to interactions between wild and farmed fish. The scale of this problem, however, has not been examined in detail. We monitored temporal trends in the abundance of escaped juvenile farmed salmon in the Magaguadavic River and Chamcook Stream for several years. In addition, in 2004 we assessed more than 90% of the commercial hatcheries producing salmon smolts located next to freshwater streams in New Brunswick. Escaped juvenile fish were recorded in 75% of the streams electrofished close to hatcheries. Numbers varied by site and year. However, escaped juvenile salmon were found every year at sites near hatcheries in the Magaguadavic River and Chamcook Stream. In the Magaguadavic River, juvenile escapees outnumbered wild salmon parr in most years. These results highlight the need for implementation of a containment strategy for freshwater hatcheries to reduce escapes.
Microanatomy in 21 day rat brains exposed prenatally to cocaine
Authors: Buxhoeveden Daniel P. , Hasselrot Ulla , Buxhoeveden Nicole E. , Booze Rosemarie M. , Mactutus Charles F. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractWe examined cell minicolumns, apical dendrite bundles, and inhibitory interneurons, in prefrontal and somatosensory cortex of 21‐day‐old rat brains exposed to cocaine during fetal development. Cell columns and apical dendrite bundles were found to be narrower, or closer together, in all three areas following in utero cocaine exposure. The inter‐rater reliability among different observers was R2 = 0.89. The number of cells stained for glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) was not significantly different in the prenatal cocaine exposed group compared to saline controls. The present data suggests that recreational doses of cocaine administered intravenously in early pregnancy, have the capacity to modify the maturation of the ontogenetic cell column.