bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is splenectomy a dyslipidemic intervention? Experimental response of serum lipids to different diets and operations
Authors: Paulo Danilo N. S. , Paulo Isabel Cal , Morais Alvaro A. C. , Kalil Mitre , Guerra Alvino J. , Colnago Geraldo L. , Faintuch Joel 
Published: October 2008

AbstractSpleen removal may be recommended during organ transplantation in ABO‐incompatible recipients as well as for hypoperfusion of the grafted liver, besides conventional surgical indications, but elevation of serum lipids has been observed in certain contexts. Aiming to analyze the influence of two dietary regimens on lipid profile, an experimental study was conducted. Methods: Male Wistar rats (n = 86, 333.0 ± 32.2 g) were divided in four groups: group 1: controls; group 2: sham operation; group 3: total splenectomy; group 4: subtotal splenectomy with upper pole preservation; subgroups A (cholesterol reducing chow) and B (cholesterol‐rich mixture) were established, and diet was given during 90 days. Total cholesterol (Tchol), high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), very‐low‐density lipoprotein (VLDL), and triglycerides were documented. Results: After total splenectomy, hyperlipidemia ensued with cholesterol‐reducing chow. Tchol, LDL, VLDL, triglycerides, and HDL changed from 56.4 ± 9.2, 24.6 ± 4.7, 9.7 ± 2.2, 48.6 ± 11.1, and 22.4 ± 4.3 mg/dL to 66.9 ± 11.4, 29.9 ± 5.9, 10.9 ± 2.3, 54.3 ± 11.4, and 26.1 ± 5.1 mg/dL, respectively. Upper pole preservation inhibited abnormalities of Tchol, HDL, VLDL, and triglycerides, and LDL decreased (23.6 ± 4.9 vs. 22.1 ± 5.1, P = 0.002). Higher concentrations were triggered by splenectomy and cholesterol‐enriched diet (Tchol 59.4 ± 10.1 vs. 83.9 ± 14.3 mg/dL, P = 0.000), and upper‐pole preservation diminished without abolishing hyperlipidemia (Tchol 55.9 ± 10.0 vs. 62.3 ± 7.8, P = 0.002). Conclusions: After splenectomy, hyperlipidemia occurred with both diets. Preservation of the upper pole tended to correct dyslipidemia in modality A and to attenuate it in subgroup B. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2009.
Lipomatosis of the sciatic nerve: Report of a case and review of the literature
Authors: Fandridis Emmanouil M. , Kiriako Alexandros S. , Spyridonos Sarantis G. , Delibasis Georgios E. , Bourlos Dimitrios N. , Gerostathopoulos Nikolaos E. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractWe report a case of lipomatosis of the sciatic nerve, also known as lipofibromatous hamartoma. A male, 26‐year‐old, presented with gait impairment, leg pain, and foot drop compatible with sciatic nerve's compression. The preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed diffuse thickening of the proximal third of the sciatic nerve with adipose tissue interspersed among the nerve fascicles. Internal neurolysis was performed with microsurgical techniques under high magnification. The patient was followed up for a period of 34 months. He significantly recovered, and there was no clinical recurrence of the tumor. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2009.
Motor nerve regeneration across a conduit
Authors: Rosson Gedge D. , Williams Eric H. , Dellon A. Lee 
Published: October 2008

AbstractA 3‐cm gap in the ulnar nerve at the elbow in a subhuman primate was the first model of nerve regeneration across a polyglycolic, bioabsorbable conduit. When a prospective trial was begun in humans, the first clinically available bioabsorbable conduit, the Neurotube™, was utilized to reconstruct sensory nerves, but motor nerve injuries were not included. Thus, we sought to evaluate our patients with short‐gap motor nerve injuries repaired with bioabsorbable conduits. We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients with bioabsorbable nerve conduit repair of short‐gap motor nerve injuries over a 7‐year period—six patients were identified. All patients had some return of motor function. Our case series, along with the nonhuman primate studies and other human reports, demonstrates that motor nerves will regenerate through bioabsorbable conduits and will reinnervate appropriate motor‐target end‐organs if they can reach them within an appropriate time frame for persistence of the motor‐endplates. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2009.
Brachial plexus lesions: 10 Years of experience in a center for microsurgery in Germany
Authors: Lanaras Tatjana Ismini , Schaller Hans‐Eberhard , Sinis Nektarios 
Published: October 2008

AbstractAim: Brachial plexus lesions are commonly associated with complete or partial plegia of affected muscles even after microsurgical treatment. This study provides an overview of strategies and outcomes of 42 patients operated in a center for peripheral nerve surgery in Germany. Methods: Postsurgically, the patients were followed up and examined for strength in various muscle groups by applying a standard clinical classification (M0–M5). Sensitivity was estimated by differentiation between blunt and sharp touch. The patients were asked via questionnaire about their postsurgical daily life. Most of the patients received a grafting procedure using the sural nerve. Different microsurgical techniques were applied according to the underlying pathology: Intercostal nerve transfer, end‐to‐side coaptation, and direct grafting to different recipient nerves. Results: Only the 27 patients, who had a follow‐up time of at least 36 months, presented a measurable function in the affected extremity. Elbow‐flexion was restored in 15 cases. Triceps function was reconstructed in 7 patients of 27. One patient was able to move digits toward the palm without completing a full fist. Ten patients were able to flex the wrist and 4 could extend it. Conclusion: The results were estimated as acceptable for biceps reconstruction but poor for the other muscle groups. Some treatment strategies, which are presently under frequent discussion (contralateral C7‐transfer, banked autografts, Oberlin procedure), were not applied. However, some of these techniques may provide a key to improve the results. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2009.
Comparison of regeneration results of prefabricated nerve graft, autogenous nerve graft, and vein graft in repair of nerve defects
Authors: Karagoz Huseyin , Ulkur Ersin , Uygur Fatih , Senol Mehmet Guney , Yapar Mehmet , Turan Pinar , Celikoz Bahattin 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectivity of prefabricated nerve grafts in the repairing nerve defect and to compare them with the autogenous nerve graft and vein graft. Four groups were created, each containing 10 rats. First, nerve prefabrication was carried out in groups I and II during 8 weeks. For this purpose, jugular vein graft was sutured to the epineural windows on the peroneal and tibial nerve at the right side in an end‐to‐side fashion. To create neurotrophic stimulus, partial incision was performed on the nerves in group I, and gene therapy was performed by plasmid injecting to the adjacent muscles in group II. At the end of the eighth week, prefabricated nerve grafts, jugular vein, and the axons passing through it were taken. Then, gap was created on the left peroneal nerve in all groups. Defect on the peroneal nerve was repaired by using the prefabricated nerve grafts in groups I and II, the autogenous nerve graft in group III, and the vein in group IV. Assessment of nerve regeneration was performed by using electromyography. Morphological assessment was performed after follow‐up period. According to electrophysiological and morphological results, the results of first three groups were similar. There was no statistically significant difference between three groups. Prefabricated nerve graft is as effective as autogenous nerve graft, and it can be used in the repair of nerve defects as autogenous nerve graft as an alternative. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2009.
Investigation of reperfusion injury and ischemic preconditioning in microsurgery
Authors: Wang Wei Zhong 
Published: October 2008

AbstractIschemia/reperfusion (I/R) is inevitable in many vascular and musculoskeletal traumas, diseases, free tissue transfers, and during time‐consuming reconstructive surgeries in the extremities. Salvage of a prolonged ischemic extremity or flap still remains a challenge for the microvascular surgeon. One of the common complications after microsurgery is I/R‐induced tissue death or I/R injury. Twenty years after the discovery, ischemic preconditioning has emerged as a powerful method for attenuating I/R injury in a variety of organs or tissues. However, its therapeutic expectations still need to be fulfilled. In this article, the author reviews some important experimental evidences of I/R injury and preconditioning‐induced protection in the fields relevant to microsurgery. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2009.
Indications and outcomes of double free flaps in head and neck reconstruction
Authors: Andrades Patricio , Bohannon Isaac A. , Baranano Chris F. , Wax Mark K. , Rosenthal Eben 
Published: October 2008

AbstractObjective. This study describes the clinical setting and operative outcomes for simultaneous double free flap treatment of extensive composite head and neck cancers. Methods. A retrospective review at two tertiary referral centers was performed. Patient demographics, cancer characteristics, reconstruction methods, and postoperative course were recorded. All patients were assessed for diet, speech, esthetics, socialization, and satisfaction using specific evaluation scales. Results. A total of 30 patients underwent double free flap reconstruction between 2001 and 2007. There were 19 men and 11 women, mean age of 62 years (range, 42–79). Comorbidities were present in 67% of the cases and 70% smoked. Most frequently the cancer was a squamous cell carcinoma (90%), in advanced stage (87%), and recurrent (67%), affecting the oral cavity (43%), larynx (23%) or pharynx (20%). The fibula osteoseptocutaneous/radial forearm fasciocutaneous flap combination was most commonly used (n = 13), followed by the jejunum‐radial forearm flap (n = 10). Three flaps required early anastomosis revision and only two partial flap losses were observed. In 11 cases, there was a severe recipient site complication: wound dehiscence (n = 3), oral incompetence (n = 4), fistula (n = 2), and stenosis (n = 2). Two patients died in the postoperative period due to medical problems (7%). The mean follow up was 15.3 months. Patient satisfaction was poor to moderate and the overall functional evaluation score was low. Conclusions. Double free flaps for one‐stage reconstruction of extensive head and neck defects should be used in selected cases. Although a reliable procedure, immediate postoperative morbidity and mortality is high, and the long‐term functional and esthetic results are modest. Realistic outcomes should be discussed with patients during planning and consent. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2009.
The preparation of biodegradable polyurethane/carbon nanotube composite based on in situ cross‐linking
Authors: Song Wen‐Hui , Ni Qiu‐Ping , Zheng Zhen , Tian Li‐Ying , Wang Xin‐Ling 
Published: October 2008

AbstractA biodegradable polyurethane (PU)/carbon nanotube (CNT) composite was prepared by bulk polymerization based on in situ cross‐linking of hydroxyl‐terminated polylactic acid functionalized CNTs. As parallel experiments, PU/CNT blend and pure PU were prepared. The obtained products were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The properties and morphology of composites were discussed including both blending and cross‐linking composites. The results showed that the functionalized CNTs were dispersed well in the PU matrix, and its initial thermal decomposition temperature was higher than that of the blend. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Toughening modification of PLLA/PBS blends via in situ compatibilization
Authors: Wang Ruyin , Wang Shifeng , Zhang Yong , Wan Chaoying , Ma Piming 
Published: October 2008

AbstractBiodegradable polymer blends consisting of poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA) and poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) were prepared in the presence of dicumyl peroxide (DCP). The effects of DCP content on the mechanical properties, thermal and rheological behavior, phase morphology as well as the toughening mechanism of the blends were investigated. The notched Izod impact strength of PLLA/PBS (80/20) blend significantly increased after the addition of 0.05–0.2 phr DCP, but the strength and modulus monotonically decreased with increasing DCP content. PBS acted as a nucleating agent at the environmental temperature below its melting temperature and accelerated the crystallization rate of PLLA but had little effect on its final degree of crystallinity. The degree of crystallinity of PBS and the cold crystallization ability of PLLA gradually reduced with increasing DCP content. The addition of DCP induced an increase in viscosity of the blends at low frequencies as well as finer dispersion of PBS particles and better interfacial adhesion between PLLA and PBS, indicating the in situ compatibilization occurred between the two components. The optical clarity of PLLA/PBS blends was significantly improved after the addition of DCP, which was in accordance with the crystallization behavior and phase structure of the blends. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Generation of low‐density high‐performance poly(arylene ether sulfone) foams using a benign processing technique
Authors: VanHouten Desmond J. , Baird Donald G. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractIn this study, a benign process was used to successfully produce low density foam from poly(arylene ether sulfone) (PAES). Both carbon dioxide (CO2) and water as well as nitrogen and water were used as physical blowing agents in a one‐step batch process. A large amount of blowing agents (up to 7.5%) was able to diffuse into the PAES resin in a 2‐h saturation time. Utilizing water and CO2 as the blowing agents yielded foam with better properties than nitrogen and water because both the water and CO2 are plasticizers for the PAES resin. PAES foam produced from CO2 and water had a large reduction in foam density (∼80%) and a cell size of ∼50 μm, while maintaining a primarily closed cell structure. The small cell size and closed cell structure enhanced the mechanical properties of the foam when compared with the PAES foam produced from nitrogen and water. The tensile, compressive, and notched izod impact properties of the PAES foams were examined, and the compressive properties were compared to commercially available structural foams. With reduced compression strength of 39 MPa and reduced compression modulus of 913 MPa, the PAES foam is comparable to polyetherimide and poly(vinylchloride) structural foams. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Nonlinear optical studies of newly synthesized polythiophenes containing pyridine and 1,3,4‐oxadiazole units
Authors: Poornesh P. , Hegde P.K. , Manjunatha M.G. , Umesh G. , Adhikari A.V. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractWe report measurements of the third‐order nonlinear optical properties of a newly synthesized thiophene‐based copolymer. The nonlinear transmission measurements were performed on the copolymer dissolved in tetrahydrofuran by employing the single beam Z‐scan technique. Q‐switched laser output at 532‐nm wavelength was used for this purpose. The nonlinear absorption coefficient, β, nonlinear refractive index, n2, and the real and imaginary parts of third‐order susceptibility, χ(3), were, 18.93 cm/GW, 3.037 × 10−17 m2/W (−1.022 × 10−10 esu), 1.512 × 10−20 m2/V2(−1.080 × 10−12 esu) and 0.399 × 10−20 m2/V2 (0.285 × 10−12 esu), respectively. The excited state absorption crosssection σexc, was found to be larger than the ground state absorption crosssection σg, indicating reverse saturable absorption (RSA) in the copolymer sample. The copolymer exhibits an optical power limiting threshold of about 120 μJ and saturated output of less than 80 μJ. Hence, the copolymer seems to be a promising material for photonic device applications. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Tailoring properties of styrene butadiene rubber nanocomposite by various nanofillers and their dispersion
Authors: Bhattacharya Mithun , Maiti Madhuchhanda , Bhowmick Anil K. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractOrganic–inorganic nanocomposite hybrids of styrene butadiene rubber were prepared with various nanofillers like modified and unmodified montmorillonite, sepiolite (SP), hectorite, carbon nanofiber (F), and expanded graphite. Comparison of the nanocomposites against the gum on the basis of mechanical properties illustrates that Cloisite15A (15A) produced an increment of 230% in the tensile strength (TS), at 8 phr loading. At 6 phr loading, F increased the modulus by 101%, while tear strength increased by 79%. Once optimized for loading, these nanocomposites were subjected to various compatibilization and dispersion techniques to achieve enhanced dispersion of the nanofillers. On modification, 15A registered 146% increase in modulus and 303% in TS, while F illustrated 150% increment in modulus and 113% in TS of the nanocomposite, over the gum control. Thorough dynamic mechanical and swelling studies were also performed. X‐ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used to study the morphology. The London dispersive forces explained the enhanced properties on using carbon nanofiber, while the wider gallery gap and increased compatibility because of high organo‐modifier content explicated the efficacy of 15A. Adsorption followed by shearing as well as intercalation of the rubber into clay layers were suggested as the probable mechanisms. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Relationship between hot flashes and distress in men receiving androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Ulloa Erin Winters , Salup Raoul , Patterson Stephen G. , Jacobsen Paul B. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractObjective: Side effects of cancer treatment have been found to have a significant impact on patients' psychological well‐being. Each of the primary treatment options for prostate cancer is associated with significant side effects that can have a dramatic impact on quality of life. Hot flashes are a notable side effect of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and a potential source of distress due to their episodic nature and low frequency in a normal aging male population. The current study sought to examine the relationship between hot flashes and cancer‐related distress during the first three months of ADT.Methods: Participants were 68 men with various stages of prostate cancer scheduled to begin ADT for the first time. Study measures were completed at the beginning of treatment and 3 months later.Results: Repeated measures ANOVA indicated that men who did not experience hot flashes had a significant decrease in total cancer‐related distress and avoidance over the 3‐month period, while men with hot flashes exhibited no change in distress. Among men with hot flashes, results of hierarchical regression analyses indicated that a worse experience with hot flashes was a significant predictor of greater increases in intrusion and total cancer‐related distress over the 3‐month period.Conclusions: These results suggest that hot flashes serve to maintain levels of distress during the treatment period. Further research should extend these findings by lengthening the follow‐up period and using ecological momentary assessment to refine measurement of these constructs and provide evidence for the direction of causality between hot flashes and distress. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermal conductivity of segregated ground ice
Authors: Gavriliev Rev I. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe thermal conductivity of segregated ice is theoretically estimated based on a model of porous ice with capillary (continuous) and closed cylindrical pores along the heat flow and with spherical air bubbles, taking into account the additional convective heat transfer by vapour diffusion in the bubbles. Calculations can be made on the basis of the Maxwell‐Rayleigh theory. It is shown that the calculated values of thermal conductivity for segregated ice are much higher than some previously published experimental values, probably due to some methodological shortcomings in the calculation and/or in the earlier experiments. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Effect of Illumination Wavelength on the Measurement of Size Distribution of Very Small Particles Using a Novel Imaging Based System
Authors: Carter Robert M. , Yan Yong 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThis paper presents the results of an experimental investigation into the importance of illumination wavelength on measurement accuracy for an existing digital imaging based particle size analyzer. When the system was originally developed fairly large particles were interrogated rendering the effects of illumination wavelength insignificant, but recent work has suggested that there is an interest in the scientific community in analysing particles down to a few microns in size. At these scales illumination wavelengths and particle size are of similar magnitudes, possibly leading to problems. The work presented in this paper is intended to be a practical investigation into wavelength effects using the existing system. This aim has been met firstly by introducing the basic system, along with some key past results and accuracy, then moving on to explain the wavelength tests and present new results. Two sources of illumination were used – red and blue (625 and 470 nm). Polymer micro‐spheres in the 2.5–100 μm range, calibrated to NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) standards, were interrogated under static conditions. It is shown that whilst blue illumination does give an increase in accuracy the effect is not marked enough to preclude the use of cost‐effective red illumination at these scales.
Analysis of the human testis proteome by mass spectrometry and bioinformatics
Authors: Guo Xuejiang , Zhang Ping , Huo Ran , Zhou Zuomin , Sha Jiahao 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe testis is a unique organ responsible for sperm production and androgen secretion in men. To analyze the human testis proteome on a large scale, 1‐D SDS‐PAGE and RP‐LC‐MS/MS were applied and 1430 proteins in the human testis were identified. Both the false‐positive rate of peptides and protein identification confidence scores were calculated in the present study. Subsequent bioinformatics analysis of the human testis proteome revealed 39 testis‐specific proteins which may be important for testis functions. And a large family of proteins were identified possibly involved in alternative splicing, which may also be involved in testis‐specific splicing events and explain why splicing is so prevalent in the testis. Compared with the studies on brain proteome, researches on the testis proteome is still very limited. Studies of these proteins will give a better understanding on the function of the testis. Moreover, this large‐scale identification of testis proteins in humans could serve as a reference for future studies on the mechanisms underlying male infertility, searching for potential contraceptive targets, and developing new treatments for testis cancer.