bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultrastructure of the eggshell and its formation in Planipapillus mundus (Onychophora: Peripatopsidae)
Authors: Norman Jennifer M. , Tait Noel N. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractAlthough the majority of onychophorans are viviparous or ovoviviparous, oviparity has been described in a number of species found exclusively in Australia and New Zealand. Light microscopy and scanning and transmission electron microscopy were used to examine developing eggs and the reproductive tract of the oviparous Planipapillus mundus. Deposited eggs and fully developed eggs dissected from the terminal end of the uteri have an outer thick, slightly opaque chorion, and an inner thin, transparent vitelline membrane. The chorion comprises an outermost extrachorion, sculptured with domes equally spaced over the surface; a middle exochorion, with pores occurring in a pattern of distribution equivalent to that of the domes of the extrachorion above; and an innermost, thick endochorion consisting of a spongelike reticulum of cavities comparable to the respiratory network found in insect eggs. The vitelline membrane lies beneath the chorion, from which it is separated by a fluid‐filled space. The vitelline membrane tightly invests the developing egg. Examination of oocytes in the ovary and developing eggs at various stages of passage through the uterus indicate that the majority of chorion deposition occurs in the midregion of the uterus, where vast networks of endoplasmic reticulum are present in the columnar epithelium. The vitelline membrane, however, is believed to begin its development as a primary egg membrane, surrounding the developing oocytes in the ovary. The vitelline membrane is transformed after fertilization, presumably by secretions from the anterior region of the uterus; hence, it should be more accurately referred to as a fertilization membrane. Aspects of the reproductive biology of P. mundus are also included. J. Morphol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Breaking bad news to cancer patients: survey and analysis
Authors: Spiegel Wolfgang , Zidek Thomas , Maier Manfred , Vutuc Christian , Isak Karin , Karlic Heidrun , Micksche Michael 
Published: August 2008

AbstractPurpose: To find out how patients perceived the disclosure of news about their cancer as regards the physician counselling and how they perceived the flow of information between hospital‐based and family physicians.Methods: 272 cancer patients were polled with a 16‐item questionnaire.Results: 252 cancer patients, 92.6% of those asked, completed the questionnaire. 37.7% (f:35.4%, m:41.8%) stated that the fact that they had cancer was presented to them ‘very empathically’ or ‘empathically’. 62.3% (f:64.7%, m:58.3%) stated that it was presented to them ‘not so empathically’ or ‘ not at all empathically’. When patients had been counselled by family physicians they were more likely to state that it had been done ‘very empathically’ or ‘empathically’, in contrast to when they had been counselled by hospital‐oncologists or self‐employed specialists (81.8% vs. 41.2% vs. 41.2%; p=0.001). Significantly more patients thought that they had been given adequate opportunity to ask the questions they considered important when counselled by a family physician (81.8%) as compared to counselling by a hospital‐oncologist (43.5%; p=0.002) or a self‐employed specialist (44.3%; p=0.001). 56.8% preferred to discuss the suggested cancer therapies with an oncologist. 87.5% of patients considered the exchange of information between the hospital‐based specialists and their family physician ‘very important’ or ‘important’; more than half of all patients stated that this exchange of information was ‘rather poor’ or ‘poor’.Conclusions: Oncologists should involve family physicians in disclosing bad news to patients. There are considerable deficiencies regarding information–exchange in cancer care in Austria. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Patient–physician communication during oncology consultations
Authors: Fagerlind Hanna , Lindblad Åsa Kettis , Bergström Ida , Nilsson Magdalena , Nauclér Gisela , Glimelius Bengt , Ring Lena 
Published: August 2008

AbstractObjective: The aim of this study was to characterize the content of patient‐physician communication in standard oncology care.Methods: The sample consisted of 19 patients with gastrointestinal cancer. The consultations were audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed according to qualitative content analysis.Results: The analysis resulted in seven main categories: Disease and treatment, Healthcare planning, Everyday living, Psychological well‐being, Coping with disease, Expressions of concerns and feelings, and Other aspects of communication. The main focus during the consultations was on disease and treatment. Physicians tended to concentrate on response to treatment and types and severity of side effects and how to treat them. More patient‐centered subjects of psychosocial character like coping and psychological well‐being were discussed only briefly, if at all.Conclusions: This study adds to the information given by the existing communication analysis systems, and hence we suggest a development of the psychosocial content categories of those systems to make them more valid. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lectures on attractors and black holes
Authors: Ferrara S. , Hayakawa K. , Marrani A. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractA basic survey on some aspects of four‐dimensional black holes (BHs) is given in these lectures. It covers thermodynamical properties as well as the Attractor Mechanism for extremal BHs in an environment of scalar field background. Some relevant formulæ for the critical points of the BH “effective potential” are discussed, and the simplest example uncovering the attractor behavior, the Maxwell‐Einstein‐dilaton supergravity, is analyzed in detail. Observations on similarities between BH entropy (as given by the Bekenstein‐Hawking entropy‐area formula) and multipartite entanglement of qubits in quantum information theory are reported, as well. Finally, among the latest developments, the moduli space of attractor points for 𝒩 ≥ 2 supergravities is also considered. Based on lectures given by S. Ferrara at the International School of Subnuclear Physics, 45th Course: Search for the “Totally Unexpected” in the LHC era, Erice, Italy, 29 August – 7 September 2007 (Directors: G. 't Hooft – A. Zichichi), and at the III Avogadro Meeting on Theoretical Physics, Alessandria, Italy, 19 – 21 December 2007.
Evaluation of role of angiotensin III and aminopeptidases in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Teranishi Jun‐ichi , Ishiguro Hitoshi , Hoshino Koji , Noguchi Kazumi , Kubota Yoshinobu , Uemura Hiroji 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe aim of this study was to perform a comprehensive evaluation of angiotensin III (Ang‐III) and related converting enzymes, aminopeptidase A (APA) and N (APN), in prostate cancer.METHODSWe investigated the effects of Ang‐III on the in vitro growth of human prostate cancer cells and the expression of APA and APN in cells treated with Ang‐III or hormonal agents. Furthermore, we performed real‐time quantitative PCR to investigate the expression pattern of APA and APN in 86 prostate tissue samples including normal prostate, untreated and hormone refractory prostate cancer (HRPC).RESULTSAng‐III stimulated cell proliferation, and the proliferative effect was inhibited by olmesartan, an AT1 receptor blocker (ARB). Western blot analysis showed that phosphorylation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) was enhanced by Ang‐III and inhibited by olmesartan. APN mRNA level in HRPC was significantly lower than that in normal prostate and untreated prostate cancer tissue. In LNCaP cells, APN expression was augmented by Ang‐III, whereas APA expression was not modulated. Hormonal agents, such as estradiol (E2) and dexamethasone (Dex), enhanced APA expression, but did not modulate APN expression in LNCaP cells.CONCLUSIONSOur results suggest that Ang‐III and related converting enzymes contribute to cell proliferation of prostate cancer, and may be implicated in cancer progression. Prostate 68: 1666–1673, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reliability of transvaginal ultrasonography at 7–9 weeks' gestation in the determination of chorionicity and amnionicity in twin pregnancies
Authors: Bora S. A. , Papageorghiou A. T. , Bottomley C. , Kirk E. , Bourne T. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the agreement in the diagnosis of chorionicity and amnionicity between transvaginal ultrasound examination at 7–9 weeks' gestation and at the 11–14‐week transabdominal scan.MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of twin pregnancies over a 3‐year period. Chorionicity and amnionicity were assessed in women with viable twin pregnancies who underwent a transvaginal ultrasound scan at between 7 and 9 weeks' gestation. These findings were compared with the diagnoses of chorionicity and amnionicity at the subsequent 11–14‐week scan in these women.ResultsChorionicity and amnionicity were documented in 67 viable twin pregnancies at both 7–9 and 11–14 weeks' gestation. There was agreement in the chorionicity and amnionicity reported at each of the two scans in 65 out of 67 (97%) cases. Of the dichorionic–diamniotic (DCDA) pregnancies reported at 7–9 weeks, 53 out of 54 (98%) were confirmed at the 11–14‐week scan and one (2%) was found to be monochorionic–diamniotic (MCDA). However, at birth these twins were of different sex, confirming DCDA twins as initially diagnosed at 7–9 weeks. Of the 12 pregnancies diagnosed as MCDA at 7–9 weeks, all were found to be MCDA at the 11–14‐week scan. There was one monochorionic–monoamniotic (MCMA) pregnancy diagnosed at 7–9 weeks that was subsequently found to be MCDA at the 11–14‐week scan.ConclusionTransvaginal ultrasound examination at 7–9 weeks' gestation shows very high agreement with the 11–14‐week scan in the diagnosis of chorionicity and amnionicity in twin pregnancies, suggesting that it provides a similar level of accuracy. Accuracy may be higher for DC twins than MC twins, which may relate to the gestational age at which the sonographic appearance of the amniotic sac develops. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical and radiological midterm results from using the Fixion expandable intramedullary nail in transverse and short oblique fractures of femur and tibia
Authors: Zoccali Carmine , Di Francesco Alexander , Ranalletta Alessandro , Flamini Stefano 
Published: August 2008

Abstract

Background
A locked nail is the principal method used to eliminate rotatory components in femoral and tibial fractures. Nevertheless, weight bearing is not directed onto the fracture site, slowing down the healing process; another possibility is to use a large-diameter nail and ream the canal to obtain as much adherence as possible and increase the grip, but this can cause a number of complications. The expandable nail is a new option that in theory should remove some problems with previous techniques.

Materials and methods
This was a retrospective nonrandomized study encompassing 21 femoral fractures and 27 tibial fractures in 45 patients. They were classified according to the AO classification. Clinical and radiological checks were done at one, three, and six months and at one year from the surgery in order to check for signs of clinical and radiological healing. A good alignment was considered to be the presence of a deformity of less than 5° in the sagittal and lateral planes and the absence of rotatory clinically evident problems. This protocol was adhered to up to six months after surgery by all of the patients, while only 62.2% performed the last control. The mean follow-up was 15 months. A second group of 48 consecutive fractures (24 femural and 24 tibial) treated with locked nail was created to compare surgical times.

Results
Appropriate alignment was observed in all cases; the healing process appeared slower: radiological healing occurred in most cases at six months. The following complications were reported: a case of intraoperative fracture widening with no effect on the treatment; a case of a lesion of the tip of the nail with pneumatic system rupture that necessitated nail substitution; two cases of retarded consolidation at six months, with both tibial fractures treated successfully by intralesion platelet gel; a case of incarcerated nail on 17 removals, resolved by shearing. We had no cases of clinically evident compartment syndrome or pulmonary embolism.

Conclusions
The expandable Fixion nail presents significant advantages in the treatment of transverse and short oblique fractures of femur and tibia because it is easy to use, involves minimal X-ray exposure and can control rotations. Nevertheless, it high cost limits its use. We consider it as an alternative to locked nail.
Epoxidation of Canola Oil with Hydrogen Peroxide Catalyzed by Acidic Ion Exchange Resin
Authors: Mungroo Rubeena , Pradhan Narayan C. , Goud Vaibhav V. , Dalai Ajay K. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractCanola oil with an iodine value of 112/100 g, and containing 60% oleic acid and 20% linoleic acid, was epoxidised using a peroxyacid generated in situ from hydrogen peroxide and a carboxylic acid (acetic or formic acid) in the presence of an acidic ion exchange resin (AIER), Amberlite IR 120H. Acetic acid was found to be a better oxygen carrier than formic acid, as it produced about 10% more conversion of ethylenic unsaturation to oxirane than that produced by formic acid under otherwise identical conditions. A detailed process developmental study was then performed with the acetic acid/AIER combination. The parameters optimised were temperature (65 °C), acetic acid to ethylenic unsaturation molar ratio (0.5), hydrogen peroxide to ethylenic unsaturation molar ratio (1.5), and AIER loading (22%). An iodine conversion of 88.4% and a relative conversion to oxirane of 90% were obtained at the optimum reaction conditions. The heterogeneous catalyst, AIER, was found to be reusable and exhibited a negligible loss in activity.
Frontal Sinus Posterior Table Fractures in a Goat
Authors: Maturo Stephen C. , Weitzel Erik K , Brennan Joseph 
Published: August 2008

ObjectiveThe goal of this study was to investigate how patency of the nasofrontal outflow tract would affect the healing of the frontal sinus in the setting of displaced, posterior table fractures in the adult goat (Capra Hircus).MethodsPosterior table fractures were created in 20 adult goats (Capra Hircus). The nasofrontal outflow tract was obstructed in 10 goats and left patent in 10. Gross, radiologic, and histological evaluation was carried out at 6 months post‐operatively.ResultsAll posterior table fractures healed without gross or radiological evidence of mucosal ingrowth. Obstruction of the nasofrontal outflow tract resulted in an increased rate of mucocele formation. Histological analysis did not reveal significant mucosal ingrowth in either group.ConclusionsAn occluded nasal frontal outflow tract leads to an increase rate in mucocele formation at 6 months. There is no gross or radiographic evidence that mucosal ingrowth into the posterior table occurs at 6 months. These findings would suggest that not all significantly displaced posterior table fractures need to be surgically addressed if the nasofrontal outflow tract is patent.
3D CT for Diagnosis of Facial/Mandibular Fractures
Authors: Schalch Paul , Kim Jason H 
Published: August 2008

ObjectiveTo describe how the use of 3‐D reformatted computer tomographic (CT) images increases the accuracy of diagnosis of facial and mandibular fractures and influences surgical planning.MethodsRetrospective review of 20 patients with facial and/or mandibular fractures between 2005 and 2006, diagnosed with CT facial bones (axial and coronal images and 3‐D renderings). The study was conducted at a university‐ affiliated institution. Standard CT facial bones protocol consisting of 1.5mm contiguous axial and coronal sections were performed on a 40‐slice scanner (Philips Medical Systems, Cleveland, OH). 3‐D reconstructions were then obtained. Scans were reviewed by the consulting surgeon. Pre‐operative diagnoses were confirmed intraoperatively.ResultsPatient mean age was 31 years (17–46). Pre‐operative diagnoses included: 18 mandible fractures, 8 zygomatico‐maxillary/orbital floor, and 4 midface fractures. Mechanisms of injury included assault, motor‐vehicle accidents, sports‐ and work‐related injuries, and falls. Diagnosis and surgical planning was influenced in 1/3 of fractures after reviewing 3‐D reformatted images. 3‐D reformatting did not add any cost to the CT scans performed, did not expose patients to additional radiation, nor did it significantly increase the time to obtain the study.Conclusions3‐D CT reformatting is an inexpensive, easy‐to‐obtain diagnostic imaging modality that increases the accuracy of diagnosis and helps improve planning of surgical repair of facial and mandibular fractures.
Nasal Tip Surgery in Asians
Authors: Won Tae‐Bin , Jin Hong‐Ryul , Lee Hyeon‐Jong 
Published: August 2008

ObjectiveThe authors intended to review our surgical techniques used in Asian tip surgery and to suggest effective techniques, according to the types of the nasal tip that are addressed.Methods107 patients who had nasal tip surgery from Jan. 2005 to Dec. 2006 in a tertiary hospital were enrolled in the study. Medical records, graphic operation records, and standardized patient photographs were retrospectively reviewed. Initial diagnosis, types of nasal tip surgery, associated operative techniques, surgical results and complications were analyzed.ResultsInitial diagnosis included deviated nose, hump nose, combine deviated and saddle nose, low profile nose, short nose, and cleft nose deformity, in order of frequency. Nasal tip surgery included augmentation of projection, control of rotation, restoration of symmetry and volume reduction, among which augmentation was used in all cases. External approach was used in 74% and intranasal approach in 26%. For augmentation of the tip projection, onlay grafts (39%), septal extension grafts (25%), and tip modifying suture with onlay grafts (20%) were the most commonly used methods. Infection or extrusion of the grafts was not found. Complications included tip deviation due to the deviation of the septal extension graft in 1 case, visible tip graft in 1 case, and slight upward rotation of the tip in 1 case.ConclusionsIn Asians, augmentation of the tip projection is the main issue in tip surgery and is best performed with cartilage onlay grafts or septal extension graft rather than suture modification.
PDT for Tis‐T2N0 Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Malignancies
Authors: Schweitzer Vanessa G , Somers Melissa L 
Published: August 2008

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of PHOTOFRIN‐mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) for treatment of diffuse ‘field cancerization’ and Tis‐T2N0M0 squamous cell carcinoma (SqCCa) of the oral cavity and oral pharynx in patients not amenable to or that failed conventional head and neck treatment.MethodsThis is nonrandomized prospective study of 28 patients with field cancerization and early stage Tis‐T2N0M0 squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity/oropharynx treated with PHOTOFRIN‐mediated PDT. Intravenous PHOTOFRIN (porfimer sodium)(dose 2.0 mg/kg) was administered outpatient, followed 48–60 hours later by intraoperative photoactivation at 630nm via fiberoptic microlens surface delivery (surgical light dose 50–100 J/cm2).Results21 of 27 patients (77%) have demonstrated complete remission (follow‐up 1 month to 12 years). There were 5 patients that had partial remission with recurrence observed at 3, 3, 8, 22, and 23 months subsequently retreated with conventional therapy. All locally disease‐free individuals were followed up between 1 to 144 months. 14 of the 21 patients in complete remission were disease‐free for a period greater than 1 year following photodynamic therapy.ConclusionsPHOTOFRIN‐mediated photodynamic therapy can be used as a primary modality to treat Tis‐T2N0 tumors of the oral cavity and oropharynx or for treatment for those that have failed prior surgery and/or radiation therapy. PDT allows for preservation of function and structure with absence of systemic toxicity, and patients may have multiple drug administrations and laser light retreatments for local disease control.
PTH Testing Reduces Post‐thyroidectomy Hypocalcemia
Authors: Sabour Sarmad , Manders Ernest C , Steward David L 
Published: August 2008

ObjectiveTo determine if routine rapid intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) testing in the post‐anesthesia care unit (PACU) would reduce post‐thyroidectomy hypocalcemia.MethodsControlled cohort study comparing mean serum calcium and rate of hypocalcemia on postoperative day 1 (POD1) following total or completion thyroidectomy by a single surgeon. The control group consists of 133 subjects undergoing surgery between 2003–2005 prior to availability of rapid PTH testing for whom calcium and vitamin D supplementation was instituted only if patients developed hypocalcemia (calcium<8.0mg/dl) postoperatively. The routine PACU PTH group consists of 169 subjects undergoing surgery between 2006–2007 with routine PACU PTH testing for whom calcium and vitamin D supplementation was instituted for PACU PTH < 15 or subsequent development of hypocalcemia.ResultsMean serum calcium corrected for albumin was significantly lower in the control group than the routine PACU PTH group on POD1 (8.2 vs 8.6, p<0.0001). The rate of hypocalcemia on POD1 was higher in the control group than the routine PACU PTH group (35% vs. 14%, p<0.0001).ConclusionsRoutine PACU PTH testing and early calcium and vitamin D supplementation for patients with hypoparathyroidism significantly reduced the proportion of patients experiencing hypocalcemia following total or completion thyroidectomy.
Controlling MRSA in Surgical Head&Neck Patients: What Works?
Authors: Supriya Mrinal , Santangeli Louise , Shakeel Muhammad , Ah‐See Kim 
Published: August 2008

ObjectiveCan we control MRSA incidence in head and neck cancer patients by 1) Active surveillance cultures of patients fulfilling Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) & Scottish Infection Standards and Strategy (SISS) guideline? 2) Cohorting these patients? 3) Restricted Health Care Workers (HCW) access?MethodsProspective case series: July 2007–January 2008. 26 preoperative head and neck cancer patients had a questionnaire filled in to identify known predictors for MRSA as suggested by SISS Group. Intervention: Preoperative nasal swabs, cohorting away from other cases, restricted access. MRSA incidence compared to that over the preceding year(Jan 2006‐Jan 2007).Results26 eligible patients. None of them had known risk factors for MRSA. 17 patients had swabs taken pre‐admission. All screened patients were non‐carriers of MRSA in their nose and none of them developed MRSA infection during hospital stay. Of remaining 9 patients swabbed after admission, 3 developed MRSA during hospital stay. The incidence of MRSA was 11.5% (3/26) during study period, compared to 28.5% (24/84) the year before implementing these interventions.ConclusionsHead and neck cancer patients do not have increased risk factors for MRSA colonization and their active surveillance cultures are unlikely to influence MRSA incidence. Cohorting these patients with restricted HCW access decreased the MRSA rate at our centre.