bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A parallel and distributed‐processing model of joint attention, social cognition and autism
Authors: Mundy Peter , Sullivan Lisa , Mastergeorge Ann M. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe impaired development of joint attention is a cardinal feature of autism. Therefore, understanding the nature of joint attention is central to research on this disorder. Joint attention may be best defined in terms of an information‐processing system that begins to develop by 4–6 months of age. This system integrates the parallel processing of internal information about one's own visual attention with external information about the visual attention of other people. This type of joint encoding of information aboutself and other attentionrequires the activation of a distributed anterior and posterior cortical attention network. Genetic regulation, in conjunction with self‐organizing behavioral activity, guides the development of functional connectivity in this network. With practice in infancy the joint processing of self–other attention becomes automatically engaged as an executive function. It can be argued that this executive joint attention is fundamental to human learning as well as the development of symbolic thought, social cognition and social competence throughout the life span. One advantage of this parallel and distributed‐processing model of joint attention is that it directly connects theory on social pathology to a range of phenomena in autism associated with neural connectivity, constructivist and connectionist models of cognitive development, early intervention, activity‐dependent gene expression and atypical ocular motor control.
Effects of natalizumab, an α4 integrin inhibitor, on fertility in male and female guinea pigs
Authors: Wehner Nancy G. , Skov Michael , Shopp George , Rocca Meredith S. , Clarke Janet 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: Natalizumab is a humanized monoclonal immunoglobulin G4 antibody directed against the human α4 integrin subunit disrupting interaction with its ligands. As α4 integrins and/or their ligands appear to be involved in reproductive function, the effects of natalizumab on fertility in male and female guinea pigs were investigated. METHODS: Natalizumab was administered by bolus intravenous injection every other day at doses of 0, 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg. Males began treatment at least 28 days prior to mating until necropsy (approximately 3 to 5 days after mating). Dosing in females was done from gestational day (GD) of an existing pregnancy to GD 30 of a second pregnancy. RESULTS: In male guinea pigs, natalizumab treatment had no effect on sperm parameters, reproductive organ weights, organ‐weight ratios, or histology of the testis or epididymis. Natalizumab did not affect the ability of treated males to produce pregnancies in untreated females. In female guinea pigs, no treatment‐related changes were seen in uterine weights or ovary weights. Pregnancy rates were reduced in females treated with 30 mg/kg natalizumab, but not those treated with 3 or 10 mg/kg. Pregnancy rates were 63.3, 66.7, 66.7, and 29.6% for groups treated with 0, 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg, respectively. Effects observed at 30 mg/kg were at exposures 36‐fold those observed in humans. CONCLUSIONS: Natalizumab had no effects on male fertility, but did result in a reduction in pregnancy rates in females treated with the high dose of 30 mg/kg. Birth Defects Res (Part B)86: 108‐116, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The bioenergetics of cancer: Is glycolysis the main ATP supplier in all tumor cells?
Authors: Moreno‐Sánchez Rafael , Rodríguez‐Enríquez Sara , Saavedra Emma , Marín‐Hernández Alvaro , Gallardo‐Pérez Juan Carlos 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe molecular mechanisms by which tumor cells achieve an enhanced glycolytic flux and, presumably, a decreased oxidative phosphorylation are analyzed. As the O2 concentration in hypoxic regions of tumors seems not limiting for oxidative phosphorylation, the role of this mitochondrial pathway in the ATP supply is re‐evaluated. Drugs that inhibit glycoysis and oxidative phosphorylation are analyzed for their specificity toward tumor cells and effect on proliferation. The energy metabolism mechanisms involved in the use of positron emission tomography are revised and updated. It is proposed that energy metabolism may be an alternative therapeutic target for both hypoxic (glycolytic) and oxidative tumors. © 2009 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.
Randomized clinical trial of Entonox®
versus midazolam–fentanyl sedation for colonoscopy
Authors: Maslekar S , Gardiner A , Hughes M , Culbert B , Duthie G S 
Published: March 2009

Abstract

Background
Intravenous sedation for colonoscopy is associated with cardiorespiratory complications and delayed recovery. The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to compare the efficacy of Entonox® (50 per cent nitrous oxide and 50 per cent oxygen) and intravenous sedation using midazolam–fentanyl for colonoscopy.

Methods
Some 131 patients undergoing elective colonoscopy were included. Patients completed a Hospital Anxiety and Depression questionnaire, letter cancellation tests and pain scores on a 100-mm visual analogue scale before, immediately after the procedure and at discharge. They also completed a satisfaction survey at discharge and 24 h after the procedure.

Results
Sixty-five patients were randomized to receive Entonox® and 66 to midazolam–fentanyl. Completion rates were similar (94 versus 92 per cent respectively; P = 0·513). Patients receiving Entonox® had a shorter time to discharge. They reported significantly less pain (mean score 16·7 versus 40·1; P &lt; 0·001), and showed better recovery of psychomotor function immediately after the procedure and at discharge. Patient satisfaction was higher among patients who received Entonox® (median score 96 versus 89; P = 0·001).

Conclusion
Entonox® provides better pain relief and faster recovery than midazolam–fentanyl and so is more effective for colonoscopy. Registration number: ISRCTN81142957 (http://www.controlled-trials.com).
Mild hepatic macrovesicular steatosis may be a risk factor for hyperbilirubinaemia in living liver donors following right hepatectomy
Authors: Nagai S , Fujimoto Y , Kamei H , Nakamura T , Kiuchi T 
Published: March 2009

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of mild macrovesicular steatosis on the outcome of living liver donors following right hepatectomy.

Methods
The medical records of 46 living liver donors who underwent right hepatectomy were studied. Ten donors had mild macrovesicular steatosis (5–10 per cent in seven and 11–20 per cent in three patients). Five donors with other liver pathology were excluded. Outcome in these ten donors (group 1) was compared with that in the remaining 31 donors with normal liver histology (group 2).

Results
The median duration until normalization of total bilirubin levels was 14 and 5 days in groups 1 and 2 respectively (P = 0·028). The peak total bilirubin level was significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2 (80·4 versus 49·6 µmol/l; P = 0·033). Multivariable analysis showed mild macrovesicular steatosis to be an independent risk factor for hyperbilirubinaemia (odds ratio 7·94 (95 per cent confidence interval 1·17 to 54·03); P = 0·034).

Conclusion
Mild macrovesicular steatosis may be related to adverse outcome in living liver donors who undergo right hepatectomy and, in terms of donor safety, is of potential concern in donor selection.
Long-term outcomes of revisional surgery following laparoscopic fundoplication
Authors: Lamb P J , Myers J C , Jamieson G G , Thompson S K , Devitt P G , Watson D I 
Published: March 2009

Abstract

Background
A small proportion of patients who have laparoscopic antireflux procedures require revisional surgery. This study investigated long-term clinical outcomes.

Methods
Patients requiring late revisional surgery following laparoscopic fundoplication for gastro-oesophageal reflux were identified from a prospective database. Long-term outcomes were determined using a questionnaire evaluating symptom scores for heartburn, dysphagia and satisfaction.

Results
The database search found 109 patients, including 98 (5·6 per cent) of 1751 patients who had primary surgery in the authors' unit. Indications for surgical revision were dysphagia (52 patients), recurrent reflux (36), mechanical symptoms related to paraoesophageal herniation (16) and atypical symptoms (five). The median time to revision was 26 months. Outcome data were available for 104 patients (median follow-up 66 months) and satisfaction data for 102, 88 of whom were highly satisfied (62·7 per cent) or satisfied (23·5 per cent) with the outcome. Patients who had revision for dysphagia had a higher incidence of poorly controlled heartburn (20 versus 2 per cent; P = 0·004), troublesome dysphagia (16 versus 6 per cent; P = 0·118) and a lower satisfaction score (P = 0·023) than those with recurrent reflux or paraoesophageal herniation.

Conclusion
Revisional surgery following laparoscopic fundoplication can produce good long-term results, but revision for dysphagia has less satisfactory outcomes.
Meta-analysis of standard, restrictive and supplemental fluid administration in colorectal surgery
Authors: Rahbari N N , Zimmermann J B , Schmidt T , Koch M , Weigand M A , Weitz J 
Published: March 2009

Abstract

Background
Optimal fluid therapy for colorectal surgery remains uncertain.

Methods
A simple model was applied to define standard, restrictive and supplemental fluid administration. These definitions enabled pooling of data from different trials. Randomized controlled trials on fluid amount (standard versus restrictive or supplemental amount) and on guidance for fluid administration (goal-directed fluid therapy by oesophageal Doppler-derived variables versus conventional haemodynamic variables) in patients with colorectal resection were eligible for inclusion. The primary outcome measure was postoperative morbidity. Secondary endpoints were mortality, cardiopulmonary morbidity, wound infection, anastomotic failure, recovery of bowel function and hospital stay. A random-effects model was applied.

Results
Nine randomized controlled trials were included. Restrictive fluid amount (odds ratio (OR) 0·41 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 0·22 to 0·77); P = 0·005) and goal-directed fluid therapy by means of oesophageal Doppler-derived variables (OR 0·43 (95 per cent c.i. 0·26 to 0·71); P = 0·001) significantly reduced overall morbidity. There were no significant differences in the secondary endpoints analysed.

Conclusion
Using standardized definitions, this meta-analysis suggests that restrictive rather than standard fluid amount according to current textbook opinion, and goal-directed fluid therapy rather than fluid therapy guided by conventional haemodynamic variables, reduce morbidity after colorectal resection.
Cyclical ischaemic preconditioning modulates the adaptive immune response in human limb ischaemia–reperfusion injury
Authors: Sullivan P J , Sweeney K J , Hirpara K M , Malone C B , Curtin W , Kerin M J 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackgroundReperfusion injury (RI) has significant local and systemic consequences. Ischaemic preconditioning (IPC) modulates RI and the innate immune response. This study examined whether IPC attenuates RI-mediated changes in lymphocyte populations and function following elective surgery.MethodsTwenty-five patients sustaining 1 h of tourniquet ischaemia during cruciate ligament reconstruction were randomized before surgery to three 5-min ischaemia cycles separated by 5 min of reperfusion, or to a control group. Systemic levels of interleukin (IL) 4 and interferon (IFN) γ, and surface expression of CD45ro/ra, CD62L and CD95 were measured. T cells were examined systemically and in stimulated serum co-culture to determine CD4/CD8 and Th1/Th2 shifts through intracellular cytokine production.ResultsCD4 CD45ro cell numbers increased after RI without IPC, whereas CD8 cells expressing CD45ro and CD95 increased with IPC. Preconditioned serum in co-culture attenuated increases in CD4 and decreases in CD8 numbers, a process prevented by inhibition of antigen activation. Following RI, systemic IL-2 levels were significantly lower after IPC, whereas co-culture with post-RI serum increased proinflammatory intracellular cytokine production.ConclusionIPC modulated T cell responses in limb RI through reduced activation and proinflammatory cytokine production by CD4 cells, while preventing CD4/CD8 derangement. IPC prevented lymphocyte-directed immune dysfunction.
Assessment of risk of bias in randomized clinical trials in surgery
Authors: Gurusamy K S , Gluud C , Nikolova D , Davidson B R 
Published: March 2009

Abstract

Background
Meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) with low risk of bias is considered the highest level of evidence available for evaluating an intervention. Bias in RCTs may overestimate or underestimate the true effectiveness of an intervention.

Methods
The causes of bias in surgical trials as described by The Cochrane Collaboration, and the methods that can be used to avoid them, are reviewed.

Results
Blinding is difficult in many surgical trials but careful trial design can reduce the bias risk due to lack of blinding. It is possible to conduct surgical trials with low risk of bias by using appropriate trial design.

Conclusion
The risk of providing a treatment based on a biased effect estimate must be balanced against the difficulty of conducting trials with very low risk of bias. Better understanding of the risk of bias may result in improved trials with a closer estimate of the true effectiveness of an intervention.
Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration using a rigid nephroscope
Authors: Sarkar S , Sadhu S , Jahangir T , Pandit K , Dubey S , Roy M K 
Published: March 2009

Abstract

Background
Patients with cholelithiasis and choledocholithiasis are increasingly managed with laparoscopic bile duct exploration and cholecystectomy. Large impacted bile duct stones continue to defy laparoscopic extraction. This study explored the feasibility of laparoscopic bile duct clearance using a rigid nephroscope, which is suited to extracting large stones.

Method
This prospective study recruited patients with large bile duct stones and a bile duct wider than 8 mm on ultrasonography. In addition to standard ports for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a custom-made 9-mm port was introduced in the epigastrium for the rigid nephroscope, which was negotiated into the bile duct through a choledochotomy. Rigid graspers and lithotripters were introduced through the nephroscope to fragment and remove the calculi.

Results
Between December 2005 and September 2008, 18 patients had nephroscope-guided bile duct exploration (mean(s.d.) age 49(13·9) years, bile duct diameter 11·3(2·3) mm). Three patients had solitary stones and 15 had multiple calculi. Most of the stones were removed with graspers, but the lithotripter was required in five patients. The mean(s.d.) hospital stay was 6(2·3) days. Two patients required postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography for residual stones.

Conclusion
The rigid nephroscope was useful for laparoscopic bile duct exploration, particularly for large impacted stones.
Topical haemostatic agents (Br J Surg 2008; 95: 1197–1225)
Authors: Boermeester M A 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
The Editors welcome topical correspondence from readers relating to articles published in the Journal. Responses should be sent electronically via the BJS website (www.bjs.co.uk). All letters will be reviewed and, if approved, appear on the website. A selection of these will be edited and published in the Journal. Letters must be no more than 250 words in length.
Separation with zwitterionic hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography improves protein identification by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization‐based proteomic analysis
Authors: Intoh Atsushi , Kurisaki Akira , Fukuda Hiroyuki , Asashima Makoto 
Published: March 2009

AbstractComprehensive proteomic analyses necessitate efficient separation of peptide mixtures for the subsequent identification of proteins by mass spectrometry (MS). However, digestion of proteins extracted from cells and tissues often yields complex peptide mixtures that confound direct comprehensive MS analysis. This study investigated a zwitterionic hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (ZIC‐HILIC) technique for the peptide separation step, which was verified by subsequent MS analysis. Human serum albumin (HSA) was the model protein used for this analysis. HSA was digested with trypsin and resolved by ZIC‐HILIC or conventional strong cation exchange (SCX) prior to MS analysis for peptide identification. Separation with ZIC‐HILIC significantly improved the identification of HSA peptides over SCX chromatography. Detailed analyses of the identified peptides revealed that the ZIC‐HILIC has better peptide fractionation ability. We further demonstrated that ZIC‐HILIC is useful for quantitatively surveying cell surface markers specifically expressed in undifferentiated embryonic stem cells. These results suggested the value of ZIC‐HILIC as a novel and efficient separation method for comprehensive and quantitative proteomic analyses. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determinants of price mark‐up tolerance for green electricity – lessons for environmental marketing strategies from a study of residential electricity customers in Germany
Authors: Gerpott Torsten J. , Mahmudova Ilaha 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThis paper develops hypotheses on the effects of various attitudinal and perceptual variables as well as socio‐demographic characteristics of residential electricity customers on an individual's willingness to pay a mark‐up for electricity generated from renewable energy sources compared with the price due for electricity from conventional sources. The hypotheses are tested with data from a standardized telephone survey of 238 household electricity consumers in Germany. 53.4% of the participants are willing to pay a mark‐up for green electricity. 26.1% report a price tolerance equal to a 5–10% increase in their current electricity bill. Binary logistic and ordinal regression analyses indicate that price tolerance for green electricity is particularly influenced by attitudes (1) towards environmental issues and (2) towards one's current power supplier, (3) perceptions of the evaluation of green energy by an individual's social reference groups, (4) household size and (5) current electricity bill level. The findings are used to derive suggestions for energy related informational activities of public institutions, green marketing strategies of energy companies and future consumer research regarding demand for pro‐environmental goods. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Surface‐Treated Activated Carbon for Removal of Aromatic Compounds from Water
Authors: Li B. , Lei Z. , Huang Z. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractModifications of commercial activated carbons by chemical treatment with HNO3 or HCl and HF and the adsorption behavior of simple aromatic compounds (aniline, pyridine, phenol, and benzene) on activated carbon and modified activated carbon were investigated. The results show that the textural properties change a little after these modifications, but the surface acidity (mainly oxygen‐containing groups) of activated carbon modified with HNO3 increases greatly. The effect of ash of activated carbon on adsorption of the organic compounds mentioned above is insignificant. However, addition of surface acidity (mainly surface oxygen‐containing groups) decreases the adsorption capacity of compounds significantly. The adsorption uptake of compounds on activated carbon with oxidation of HNO3 is low possibly due to dispersive interaction, water cluster blocking, or competition between water and compounds adsorbed on activated carbon's surface because of hydrophilic increase of the activated carbon surface. The solubility of aromatic compounds in water has an important effect on the adsorption capacity of activated carbon. qm and KL (Langmuir adsorption parameters) for the aromatic compounds vary similarly.
Palladium(0)‐Mediated Rapid Methylation and Fluoromethylation on Carbon Frameworks by Reacting Methyl and Fluoromethyl Iodide with Aryl and Alkenyl Boronic Acid Esters: Useful for the Synthesis of [11C]CH3C‐ and [18F]FCH2C‐Containing PET Tracers (PET=Positron Emission Tomography)
Authors: Doi Hisashi , Ban Ikuya , Nonoyama Akihito , Sumi Kengo , Kuang Chunxiang , Hosoya Takamitsu , Tsukada Hideo , Suzuki Masaaki 
Published: March 2009

AbstractA new synthetic methodology for the rapid methylation and fluoromethylation on aryl and alkenyl frameworks by using methyl and fluoromethyl iodide with an organoboronic acid ester has been developed under the simple and mild conditions of [Pd2(dba)3]/P(o‐CH3C6H4)3/K2CO3 (dba= dibenzylideneacetone) in DMF at 60 °C for 5 min (see scheme). This boron protocol provides a firm chemical basis for the synthesis of 11C‐ and 18F‐incorporated PET tracers.magnified imageThe rapid methylation and fluoromethylation on aryl and alkenyl carbon frameworks by reacting methyl and fluoromethyl iodide with aryl and alkenyl boronates have been studied with the focus on the realization of the synthesis of [11C]CH3‐ and [18F]FCH2‐labeled positron emission tomography (PET) tracers. The coupling of methyl iodide and pinacol phenylboronate (40 equiv) is accomplished in >91 % yield within 5 min at 60 °C under the conditions of [Pd2(dba)3]/P(o‐CH3C6H4)3/K2CO3 (0.5:2:2; dba=dibenzylideneacetone) in DMF. The reaction shows a high generality and is applicable to various types of aryl and alkenyl boronates, giving the corresponding methylated derivatives in high yields (80–99 %). This reaction is also useful for the rapid incorporation of the fluoromethyl group. Thus, this boron protocol provides a firm chemical basis for the synthesis of 11C‐ and 18F‐incorporated PET tracers and can be used as a complementary method for [11C]methylation together with our previous and ongoing processes using organotributylstannanes.
Adducts between Dansylated Poly(propylene amine) Dendrimers and Anthracene Clips Mediated by ZnII Ions: Highly Efficient Photoinduced Energy Transfer
Authors: Branchi Barbara , Ceroni Paola , Balzani Vincenzo , Bergamini Giacomo , Klärner Frank‐Gerrit , Vögtle Fritz 
Published: March 2009

AbstractA family of poly(propylene amine) dendrimers, decorated at their periphery with 4, 16, and 32 dansyl units and a molecular clip, composed of two anthracene sidewalls and a disulfate benzene bridging unit, show intense UV absorption and strong fluorescence in the visible region when in a CH3CN/CH2Cl2 (1:1, v/v) solvent mixture. Both these classes of compounds are good ligands for ZnII ions, as demonstrated by the changes in the absorption and fluorescence spectra upon addition of metal ions. These coordinating properties have been exploited in the self‐assembly of complex structures in which the interaction between a dansylated dendrimer and anthracene‐functionalized clips is mediated by ZnII ions. The self‐assembly process is reversible and the number of metal ions and molecular clips associated with each dendrimer increases with the generation number. In these adducts, an energy transfer process from the anthracene to yield the fluorescent excited state of dansyl takes place with almost unitary efficiency.