bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anatomical variations in the harvest of anterolateral thigh flap perforators: A cadaveric and clinical study
Authors: Rozen Warren M. , Ashton Mark W. , Pan Wei‐Ren , Kiil Birgitte J. , McClure Vicki K. , Grinsell Damien , Stella Damien L. , Corlett Russell J. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractBackground: The anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap has become increasingly popular due to its versatility and minimal donor site morbidity. Its major limitation has been uncertainty in predicting perforator anatomy, with the occasional absence of suitable perforators and high variability in their size and course. The variability of this anatomy has not been adequately explored previously. Methods: A cadaveric study was undertaken, in which 19 thighs (from 10 fresh cadavers) underwent contrast injection and angiographic imaging. Anatomical variations of the vasculature were recorded. A clinical study of 44 patients undergoing ALT flap reconstruction was also undertaken. Perforator anatomy was described in the first 32 patients, and the subsequent 12 patients underwent computed tomography angiography with a view to predicting individual anatomy and improving operative outcome. Results: Cadaver angiography was able to highlight and classify the variations in arterial anatomy, with four patterns observed and marked variability between cases. In 32 patients undergoing ALT flaps without preoperative CT angiography (CTA), five patients (16%) did not have any suitable perforators from the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery. By selecting the limb of choice with preoperative CTA, the incidence of flap unsuitability was reduced to 0%. Comparing CTA with Doppler, CTA was more accurate (sensitivity 100%) and provided more information. Conclusion: The perforators supplying the ALT flap show significant variability in location and course, with the potential for unsuitable perforators limiting flap success. Preoperative CTA can demonstrate the vascular anatomy and can aid perforator selection and operative success. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2009. [This is a corrected version of the abstract first published online on 22 October 2008 — the corrected version appears in print.]
The use of forearm free fillet flap in traumatic upper extremity amputations
Authors: Oliveira Isabel C. , Barbosa Rui F. , Ferreira Pedro C. , Silva Pedro N. , Choupina Miguel P. , Silva Álvaro M. , Reis Jorge C. , Amarante José M. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractBackground: Complete traumatic upper extremity avulsions are an infrequent but devastating injury. These injuries are usually the result of massive blunt trauma to the upper limb. Intact issue from amputated or nonsalvageable limbs may be transferred for reconstruction of complex defects resulting from trauma when the indications for replantation are not met. This strategy allows preservation of stump length or coverage of exposed joints, and provides free flap harvest for reconstruction without additional donor‐site morbidity. Methods: A retrospective review at São João Hospital was performed on seven patients who had undergone immediate reconstruction with forearm free fillet flaps between 1992 and 2007. Results: There were six men and one woman, with patient age ranging from 17 to 74 years (mean, 41 years). Amputation sites were at the humeral neck (n = 1), at the humeral shaft (n = 5), and below the elbow (n = 1). The area of the forearm free fillet flap skin paddle was 352.14 ± 145.48 cm (mean ± SD). The two major complications were the flap loss and the patient death on postoperative day 3 in other case. The postoperative course in the remaining five cases was uneventful with good healing of the wounds. Minor complications included two small residual defects treated by split‐thickness skin grafting and one wound infection requiring drainage and revision. Conclusions: The forearm free fillet flap harvested from the amputated limb provides reliable and robust tissue for reconstruction of large defects of the residual limb without additional donor‐site morbidity. Microsurgical free fillet flap transfer to amputation sites is valuable for achieving wound closure, improving stump durability, and maximizing function via preservation of length. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2009.
Microvascular surgery in the previously operated and irradiated neck
Authors: Hanasono Matthew M. , Barnea Yoav , Skoracki Roman J. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractMicrovascular reconstruction of head and neck defects can be extremely challenging in patients with a history of prior neck dissection and/or irradiation. We reviewed of 261 head and neck free flaps performed between 2004 and 2007 at a tertiary cancer center. One hundred twenty‐four (52%) free flaps were performed in patients with a history of prior neck dissection and/or irradiation. The ipsilateral external carotid artery or one of its branches was not available in 43 (19%) cases: 13 with no history of prior neck dissection or irradiation, and 30 with a history of prior neck dissection and/or irradiation (P = 0.03). The ipsilateral internal/external jugular veins (IJ/EJ) were not available in 37 (16%) cases: 11 with no history of prior neck dissection or irradiation, and 26 with a history of prior neck dissection and/or irradiation (P = 0.002). Strategies for dealing with lack of a recipient vessels included anastomosis to contralateral neck vessels, transverse cervical vessels, internal mammary vessels, the cephalic vein, and the pedicle of another free flap. We propose an algorithm for locating recipient vessels adequate for microvascular anastomosis should the ipsilateral external carotid arterial and/or the internal/external jugular venous systems not be available, such as in the setting of prior neck dissection or irradiation. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2009.
Anesthesia for free vascularized tissue transfer
Authors: Hagau Natalia , Longrois Dan 
Published: October 2008

AbstractAnesthesia may be an important factor in maximizing the success of microsurgery by controlling the hemodynamics and the regional blood flow. The intraanesthetic basic goal is to maintain an optimal blood flow for the vascularized free flap by: increasing the circulatory blood flow, maintaining a normal body temperature to avoid peripheral vasoconstriction, reducing vasoconstriction resulted from pain, anxiety, hyperventilation, or some drugs, treating hypotension caused by extensive sympathetic block and low cardiac output. A hyperdynamic circulation can be obtained by hypervolemic or normovolemic hemodilution and by decrease of systemic vascular resistance. The importance of proper volume replacement has been widely accepted, but the optimal strategy is still open to debate. General anesthesia combined with various types of regional anesthesia is largely preferred for microvascular surgery. Maintenance of homeostasis through avoidance of hyperoxia, hypocapnia, and hypovolemia (all factors that can decrease cardiac output and induce local vasoconstriction) is a well‐established perioperative goal. As the ischemia–reperfusion injury could occur, inhalatory anesthetics as sevoflurane (that attenuate the consequences of this process) seem to be the anesthetics of choice. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2009.
Identification of egg‐jelly substances triggering sperm acrosome reaction in the newt, Cynops pyrrhogaster
Authors: Watanabe Akihiko , Fukutomi Keiko , Kubo Hideo , Ohta Manami , Takayama‐Watanabe Eriko , Onitake Kazuo 
Published: October 2008

AbstractOur previous studies have shown that the acrosome reaction (AR) occurs in egg‐jelly of the Japanese newt, Cynops pyrrhogaster. This is analogous to the substances of echinoderms but distinct from those of many other vertebrates derived from the egg envelope or its derivative, the zona pellucida. To identify the AR‐inducing substances in newt egg jelly, a monoclonal antibody (mAb) was generated against the jelly by screening the culture supernatants to find the one that best neutralized the AR‐inducing activity of the jelly substance. The mAb specifically reacted to protein bands in the jelly. These proteins, with apparent molecular weights of 122 and 90 kDa, exhibited AR‐inducing activity, indicating that they are definitely AR‐inducing substances. Western blotting using the mAb indicated that the 122 and 90 kDa proteins are present only in the egg jelly's outermost layer, where AR‐inducing activity is known to occur. Both proteins were recognized with wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), a lectin that inhibits AR‐induction in egg jelly extract. Taken together, these findings indicate that the 122 and 90 kDa proteins are the AR‐inducing substances in the egg jelly of C. pyrrhogaster. The WGA recognition of the proteins was lost by N‐glycosidase digestion, suggesting that N‐linked carbohydrate moieties in these proteins may be responsible for the AR‐inducing activity. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 76: 399–406, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Motor unit number estimation in facial paralysis
Authors: Yayla Vildan , Öge A. Emre 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe value of motor unit number estimation (MUNE) in determining the prognosis of acute peripheral facial paralysis (PFP) was evaluated in 89 patients with PFP on days 6, 8, 11, 14, 20, and 30 of PFP and repeated once per month until complete recovery or the end of the first year. The symptomatic/asymptomatic side ratios of the compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitudes recorded from nasalis muscles and MUNEs studied using the incremental method by recording from the same muscle were assessed with regard to three outcome groups (Group I, complete recovery; Group II, mild dysfunction; Group III, moderate–moderately severe dysfunction). CMAP and MUNE ratios were parallel to each other in all patient groups throughout the observation period with lower values in the more severe groups. However, CMAP amplitude loss was significantly greater than the MUNE loss in the first 3 weeks of PFP. The MUNE method is not superior to CMAP size in determining prognosis in PFP. However, the significant disparity between the CMAP and MUNE ratios in the early period may have some physiological relevance with regard to the pathophysiology of the Wallerian degeneration process and deserves further research into its potential sources. Muscle Nerve 38: 1420–1428, 2008
Impact of ultraviolet radiation on HDPE and HDPE/STC blends
Authors: Qiao Min , Ran Qianping , Wu Shishan , Shen Jian 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe structure and properties of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) ultraviolet irradiated in ozone atmosphere were studied by FTIR, XPS, GPC, XRD, DSC, TG, gel, and contact angle test. The oxygen‐containing groups such as CO, CO, and C(O)O were quickly introduced onto HDPE chains through ultraviolet irradiation in ozone atmosphere; their content increased with increase in the time of ultraviolet irradiation. Compared with those of HDPE, the molecular weight of the irradiated HDPE decreased and its distribution became wider. There was no gel in the HDPE irradiated in ozone atmosphere. After ultraviolet irradiation for short times in ozone atmosphere, the water contact angle of the irradiated HDPE decreased and its hydrophilicity was improved. The crystal shape of the irradiated HDPE was still an orthorhombic structure; its cell parameter and the face space did not alter, but its melting temperature decreased slightly. Compared with that of HDPE, the temperature of initial weight loss for irradiated HDPE decreased. The irradiated HDPE/sericite‐tridymite‐cristobalite (STC) blends were prepared. The dispersion and compatibility of the irradiated HDPE/STC blends were improved compared with those of HDPE/STC blends; thus its mechanical properties increased. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Arterial spin‐labeled perfusion combined with segmentation techniques to evaluate cerebral blood flow in white and gray matter of children with sickle cell anemia
Authors: Helton Kathleen J. , Paydar Amir , Glass John , Weirich Eric M. , Hankins Jane , Li Chin‐Shang , Smeltzer Matthew P. , Wang Winfred C. , Ware Russell E. , Ogg Robert J. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractBackgroundChanges in cerebral perfusion are an important feature of the pathophysiology of sickle cell anemia (SCA); cerebrovascular ischemia occurs frequently and leads to neurocognitive deficits, silent infarcts, and overt stroke. Non‐invasive MRI methods to measure cerebral blood flow (CBF) by arterial spin labeling (ASL) afford new opportunities to characterize disease‐ and therapy‐induced changes in cerebral hemodynamics in patients with SCA. Recent studies have documented elevated gray matter (GM) CBF in untreated children with SCA, but no measurements of white matter (WM) CBF have been reported.ProceduresPulsed ASL with automated brain image segmentation‐classification techniques were used to determine the CBF in GM, WM, and abnormal white matter (ABWM) of 21 children with SCA, 18 of whom were receiving hydroxyurea therapy.ResultsGM and WM CBF were highly associated (R2 = 0.76, P < 0.0001) and the GM to WM CBF ratio was 1.6 (95% confidence interval: 1.43–1.83). Global GM CBF in our treated cohort was 87 ± 24 mL/min/100 g, a value lower than previously reported in untreated patients with SCA. CBF was elevated in normal appearing WM (43 ± 14 mL/min/100 g) but decreased in ABWM (6 ± 12 mL/min/100 g), compared to published normal pediatric controls. Hemispheric asymmetry in CBF was noted in most patients.ConclusionsThese perfusion measurements suggest that hydroxyurea may normalize GM CBF in children with SCA, but altered perfusion in WM may persist. This novel combined approach for CBF quantification will facilitate prospective studies of cerebral vasculopathy in SCA, particularly regarding the effects of treatments such as hydroxyurea. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;52:85–91. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Humoral immune response after post‐chemotherapy booster diphtheria–tetanus–pertussis vaccine in pediatric oncology patients
Authors: Cheng Frankie Wai Tsoi , Leung Ting Fan , Chan Paul Kay Sheung , Lee Vincent , Shing Ming Kong , Chik Ki Wai , Yuen Patrick Man Pan , Li Chi Kong 
Published: October 2008

AbstractBackgroundThe role of post‐chemotherapy booster vaccination in pediatric oncology children remains to be established. In this randomized controlled study, we studied the effect of immune responses to diphtheria–tetanus–pertussis (DTP) booster vaccination in children 6 months after completing chemotherapy.MethodsChildren 1–18 years old with chemotherapy completed for 6 months (baseline) were eligible. Subjects were randomized into vaccine and control group. In the former, three doses of DTP vaccine (Aventis Pasteur Inc., Lyon, France) were administered. IgG antibody titers against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, measles, mumps, and rubella antibodies were measured serially in vaccine and control groups. Subsets of circulating lymphocytes (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD19+, and CD16/56+) were quantified by flow cytometry using fluorescence‐labeled monoclonal antibodies.ResultsFifty‐six children (28 vaccinees; 28 controls) were enrolled. Protective antibody levels against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis were found at baseline in 83.6%, 96.5%, 96.1% of them respectively. After three doses of DTP, all vaccinees demonstrated a sustain rise in antibody levels and the antibody titers were significantly higher than control group. 35.8% of subjects were susceptible to measles mumps and rubella infection and 69% showed anti‐HBs antibody titer less than protective level up to 18 months after stopping chemotherapy.ConclusionsPost‐chemotherapy booster vaccinations produced a strong and sustained effect in humoral immunity against vaccine‐preventable infectious diseases. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;52:248–253. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Flammable, thermal, and mechanical properties of intumescent flame retardant PP/LDH nanocomposites with different divalent cations
Authors: Zhang Ming , Ding Peng , Qu Baojun 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe flammable, thermal, and mechanical properties of intumescent flame retardant (IFR) polypropylene/layered double hydroxide (PP/IFR/LDH) nanocomposites with the LDHs of different divalent cations and IFR system of ammonium polyphosphate/pentaerythritol (APP/PER) have been studied by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), cone calorimeter test (CCT), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL‐94 test, and mechanical measurements. The XRD results show that the exfoliated PP/IFR/LDH nanocomposites possess the nanoscaled dispersion characteristic. The data from the CCT tests show the synergistic effect of LDHs with IFR can decrease considerably the HRR, MLR, and EHC values of the PP/IFR/LDH nanocomposites, in which the pk‐HRR, pk‐MLR, and pk‐EHC values of the PP/IFR/ZnAl‐LDH sample decrease to 318 kW/m2, 0.081 g/m2 s, 61.8 MJ/kg from the corresponding values 506 kW/m2, 0.115 g/m2 s, 71.8 MJ/kg of the PP/IFR sample. The LOI and UL‐94 data further support the evidence that the flame retardant synergistic effects of LDHs with IFR increase the LOI values and UL‐94 rating, especially for the LDHs with the transition ions (Zn, Cu) the LOI values can reach 33% and the UL‐94 pass the V‐0 rating. The TGA results demonstrate the LDHs can greatly improve the thermal stabilities of PP/IFR/LDH nanocomposites by increasing the thermo‐oxidation decomposition temperature and charred residues. The morphological structures observed by SEM have demonstrated the LDHs can promote formation of compact charred layers. The data from the mechanical tests show the tensile strength and elongation at break of the PP/IFR/LDH samples are basically unchanged compared with the PP/IFR sample. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of polymethylmethacrylate–montmorillonite nanocomposite on the release of some biologically active 1,2,4‐triazine derivatives
Authors: Salahuddin N.A. , El‐Barbary A.A. , Abdo N.I. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractMethylmethacrylate chloromethylstyrene copolymer–montmorillonite (PMMA–MMT) intercalated nanocomposite was prepared by bulk copolymerization of methylmethacrylate (MMA) and chloromethylstyrene (2 wt%) followed by phosphonium salt formation. The intercalation of polymeric phosphonium salt into montmorillonite was achieved through an ion exchange process between sodium cations in MMT and phosphonium groups attached to the copolymer. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed improved thermal stability for the intercalated nanocomposite in comparison with the pure PMMA. Biologically active compounds including 4‐amino‐6‐methyl‐3‐thioxo‐3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐[1,2,4]triazin‐ 5‐one (I), 4‐amino‐6‐methyl‐3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐[1,2,4]triazin‐3,5‐dithione (II), 4‐amino‐6‐(4‐methoxystyryl)‐3‐thioxo‐3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐[1,2,4]triazin‐5‐one (III), and 4‐amino‐6‐styryl‐3‐thioxo‐3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐[1,2,4]triazin‐5‐one (IV) have been prepared and reacted with PMMA–MMT intercalates and ion exchanged with sodium montmorillonite (MMT) in the presence of HCl. Infrared spectra (IR) show bands characteristic to amide linkage between triazine derivatives and PMMA. These nanocomposites have been characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The release of biologically active compounds intercalated layered silicates is controllable and these materials have a great potential as a delivery host in the pharmaceutical field. The effect of temperature and presence of saline solution on the release was studied. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Polyaniline‐supported platinum‐hydrous ruthenium oxide nanocomposite as electrocatalyst for methanol oxidation
Authors: Liu Feng‐Jiin 
Published: October 2008

AbstractA novel composite electrode is fabricated through the electrodeposition of hydrous ruthenium oxide (RuO2·xH2O) and platinum (Pt) particles into the matrix of polyaniline (PANI). Scanning electron microscopy reveals that RuO2·xH2O and Pt particles are homogeneously distributed into the matrix of PANI. A comparison of the sizes of Pt and RuO2·xH2O particles incorporated into the PANI film reveals that Pt particles are smaller in sizes as compared with the sizes of RuO2·xH2O particles. The catalytic activity of composite electrodes was evaluated for the oxidation of methanol by using cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. A relatively high catalytic current was noticed for the oxidation of methanol (2.37 mA/cm2) at PANI‐Pt‐RuO2·xH2O electrode (+0.6 V (V vs. Ag/AgCl) in comparison to oxidation current at PAN‐Pt (1.27 mA/cm2) electrode. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Stretching‐induced β‐crystal of iPP: Influence of stretching ratio
Authors: Shen Chang‐Yu , Zhou Ying‐Guo , Zheng Guo‐Qiang , Liu Chun‐Tai , Chen Jing‐Bo , Li Qian 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe iPP sheet is extruded through a slit die, in which the extruding rate is set small enough to eliminate the shear stress as much as possible. Simultaneously, the extruded sheets were stretched with different stretching ratios (SR). With SR increasing from 1 to 6.67, fraction of β‐crystal increases dramatically from 1.5 to 13%, which indicates that SR is favorable to the occurrence of β‐crystal. However, as SR further increases, it gradually decreases to 0, which reveals that SR can steadily restrain the formation of β‐crystal. As the thickness of the sheets decreases with the increase of SR, higher cooling rate occurs for the sheets extruded at larger SR. When SR is in the range of 1–6.67, the cooling rate might probably fix the oriented chains and provide a proper thermal environment for subsequent growth of β‐crystal, thereby, fraction of β‐crystal increases. Growth of β‐crystal could be restricted by higher cooling rate, which leads to the gradual decrease of β‐crystal fraction with the further increase of SR. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Thermal conductivity of polymer nanocomposites made with carbon nanofibers
Authors: Agarwal Sushant , Khan M. Masud K. , Gupta Rakesh K. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractAn internal mixer was used to prepare polycarbonate (PC)‐based nanocomposites containing carbon fibers, carbon nanofibers (CNF), and mixtures of the two fillers. The influence of the filler volume fraction, the relative amounts of the two fillers, and the filler orientation relative to the direction of heat flow on the thermal conductivity was examined. Filler orientation was obtained by the extrusion of strands of the nanocomposite. The thermal conductivity was measured using a steady‐state heat conduction technique. The CNF were fragile, and their aspect ratio could be decreased during processing. In general, the composite thermal conductivity increased with increasing filler content. Fiber alignment in the heat flux direction resulted in a significant increase in thermal conductivity. Mixing of nanofibers with microfibers resulted contacts between the microfibers. This, together with fiber alignment provided large increases in the thermal conductivity. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers