bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hemostatic and thrombotic markers in patients with hemoglobin E/β‐thalassemia disease
Authors: Angchaisuksiri Pantep , Atichartakarn Vichai , Aryurachai Katcharin , Archararit Napaporn , Chuncharunee Suporn , Tiraganjana Arjit , Rattanasiri Sasivimol 
Published: July 2007

AbstractIncreased frequency of thrombosis has been observed in patients with hemoglobin E/β‐thalassemia (Hb E/β‐thal) disease, particularly those who have previously been splenectomized. We compared various hemostatic and thrombotic markers in blood from 15 Hb E/β‐thal patients who were not splenectomized (NS), 15 who had been splenectomized (S), and 15 normal controls (NC). Levels of plasma thrombin‐antithrombin, β2 thromboglobulin, C‐reactive protein, tissue plasminogen activator antigen were significantly higher in the S group than in either the NS or the NC groups, and levels of prothrombin fragment 1.2 were significantly higher in the S than in the NC group. Levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 antigen were significantly higher in the S than in the NS group. Levels of protein C, protein S, antithrombin, and fibrinogen were significantly lower in the S and NS groups than in the NC group. Plasma lipoprotein(a) levels in the S and NS groups were not statistically different from NC. Our findings indicated that there is evidence of chronic low‐grade coagulation and platelet activation, chronic low‐grade inflammation, endothelial cell injury, impaired fibrinolysis, and decreased naturally occurring anticoagulants in splenectomized Hb E/β‐thal patients. These changes may account for the increased risk of thrombosis in these patients. Am. J. Hematol., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinical and molecular predictors of disease severity and survival in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Weinberg J. Brice , Volkheimer Alicia D. , Chen Youwei , Beasley Bethany E. , Jiang Ning , Lanasa Mark C. , Friedman Daphne , Vaccaro Gina , Rehder Catherine W. , DeCastro Carlos M. , Rizzieri David A. , Diehl Louis F. , Gockerman Jon P. , Moore Joseph O. , Goodman Barbara K. , Levesque Marc C. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractSeveral parameters may predict disease severity and overall survival in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The purpose of our study of 190 CLL patients was to compare immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region (IgVH) mutation status, cytogenetic abnormalities, and leukemia cell CD38 and Zap‐70 to older, traditional parameters. We also wanted to construct a simple, inexpensive prognosis score that would significantly predict TTT and survival in patients at the time of diagnosis and help practicing clinicians. In univariate analyses, patients with higher clinical stage, higher leukocyte count at diagnosis, shorter leukocyte doubling time, elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), unmutated immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region (IgVH) genes, and higher CD38 had a shorter overall survival and time‐to‐treatment (TTT). CLL cell Zap‐70 expression was higher in patients with unmutated IgVH, and those with higher Zap‐70 tended to have shorter survival. IgVH4‐34 or IgVH1‐69 was the most common IgVH genes used (16 and 12%, respectively). Of those with IgVH1‐69, 86% had unmutated IgVH and had a significantly shorter TTT. A cytogenetic abnormality was noted in 71% of the patients tested. Patients with 11q22 del and 17p13 del or complex abnormalities were significantly more likely to have unmutated IgVH. We found that a prognostic score constructed using modified Rai stage, cellular CD38, and serum LDH (parameters easily obtained clinically) significantly predicted TTT and survival in patients at the time of diagnosis and performed as well or better than models using the newer markers. Am. J. Hematol., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Levosimendan has an inhibitory effect on platelet function
Authors: Kaptan Kürşat , Erinç Kürşad , Ifran Ahmet , Yıldırım Vedat , Uzun Mehmet , Beyan Cengiz , Işık Ersoy 
Published: July 2007

AbstractLevosimendan enhances cardiac contractility by increasing myocyte sensitivity to calcium, and induces vasodilatation. Although studies have evaluated the efficacy of levosimendan in heart failure, it is not clear whether it might produce functional influence on platelet response. In this study, the effect of levosimendan on platelet aggregation was investigated. Platelet function tests were performed in 12 healthy male volunteers. Three concentrations of levosimendan solution were prepared that would result in 10, 25, and 45 ng/ml levosimendan concentrations in the blood similar to that observed after clinical therapeutic intravenous application of 0.05–0.1 μg/kg/min. Each concentration of levosimendan solution and a control diluent without levosimendan were incubated with whole blood at 37°C. After incubation for 15 min, aggregation responses were evaluated with adenosine diphosphate (ADP) (5 and 10 μM) and collagen (2 and 5 μg/ml) in platelet‐rich plasma. Preincubation with all dilutions of levosimendan inhibited aggregation of platelets induced by ADP and collagen significantly. Levosimendan also inhibited significantly the secondary wave of platelet aggregation induced by ADP. The results showed that there was a relationship between levosimendan concentration and inhibition of platelet aggregation. In conclusion, this study with an in vitro model showed that levosimendan had a significant inhibitory effect on platelets in clinically relevant doses. Am. J. Hematol., 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multiphoton Fabrication
Authors: LaFratta Christopher N. , Fourkas John T. , Baldacchini Tommaso , Farrer Richard A. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractChemical and physical processes driven by multiphoton absorption make possible the fabrication of complex, 3D structures with feature sizes as small as 100 nm. Since its inception less than a decade ago, the field of multiphoton fabrication has progressed rapidly, and multiphoton techniques are now being used to create functional microdevices. In this Review we discuss the techniques and materials used for multiphoton fabrication, the applications that have been demonstrated, as well as those being pursued. We also consider the outlook for this field, both in the laboratory and in industrial settings.
Removal of formaldehyde at low concentration using various activated carbon fibers
Authors: Song Yan , Qiao Wenming , Yoon Seong‐Ho , Mochida Isao , Guo Quangui , Liu Lang 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAdsorption of low concentration formaldehyde on pitch‐based, rayon‐based, and PAN‐based activated carbon fibers (ACFs) and an unactivated PAN‐based carbon fiber (PAN‐CF) was investigated by a dynamic method. The pore structure and surface chemistry of these samples were characterized by liquid nitrogen adsorption, elemental analysis, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Results revealed that the pore structure, especially surface chemical composition, greatly influence the formaldehyde adsorption. PAN‐based ACFs showed the highest formaldehyde adsorption capacity because there are more abundant nitrogen‐containing groups, especially pyrrolic, pyridonic, pyridinic, and quaternary on the surface. The breakthrough time and formaldehyde adsorption capacity of one kind of PAN‐ACF were 361 min and 0.478 mmol/g, respectively. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007
Thermal characterization of polyethylene blends with a biodegradable masterbatch subjected to thermo‐oxidative treatment and subsequent soil burial test
Authors: Santonja‐Blasco L. , Contat‐Rodrigo L. , Moriana‐Torró R. , Ribes‐Greus A. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe viability of producing environment‐friendly blends of HDPE and LDPE with a commercial biodegradable masterbatch containing starch and polyethylene was studied. The service life of these blends was simulated by means of a thermo‐oxidative treatment, and their further disposal in landfill was modeled using an accelerated soil burial test. Characterization was carried out in terms of their calorimetric and thermogravimetric properties. Thermo‐oxidative treatment causes an increase in the crystalline content of both components of the blends, and promotes a segregation of the crystallite sizes of polyethylene. The soil burial test leads to changes in the crystalline content of the biodegradable material, which is influenced by the polyolefinic matrix used. The kinetics of the thermal decomposition of these blends was studied using the Hirata and the Broido models. Thermogravimetric results reveal that the thermo‐oxidative treatment causes a decrease in the activation energy of the thermal decomposition process of both components in the blends, regardless of the type of polyethylene used. The thermo‐oxidative treatment mainly modifies the thermal properties of starch during the degradation process in soil, especially in the LDPE blends. Synergetic degradation of these blends is a complex process that is dependent on the polyolefinic matrix used and mainly causes morphological changes. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Functional variation of neck muscles and their relation to feeding style in Tyrannosauridae and other large theropod dinosaurs
Authors: Snively Eric , Russell Anthony P. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractReconstructed neck muscles of large theropod dinosaurs suggest influences on feeding style that paralleled variation in skull mechanics. In all examined theropods, the head dorsiflexor m. transversospinalis capitis probably filled in the posterior dorsal concavity of the neck, for a more crocodilian‐ than avian‐like profile in this region. The tyrannosaurine tyrannosaurids Daspletosaurus and Tyrannosaurus had relatively larger moment arms for lateroflexion by m. longissimus capitis superficialis and m. complexus than albertosaurine tyrannosaurids, and longer dorsiflexive moment arms for m. complexus. Areas of dorsiflexor origination are significantly larger relative to neck length in adult Tyrannosaurus rex than in other tyrannosaurids, suggesting relatively large muscle cross‐sections and forces. Tyrannosaurids were not particularly specialized for neck ventroflexion. In contrast, the hypothesis that Allosaurus co‐opted m. longissimus capitis superficialis for ventroflexion is strongly corroborated. Ceratosaurus had robust insertions for the ventroflexors m. longissimus capitis profundus and m. rectus capitis ventralis. Neck muscle morphology is consistent with puncture‐and‐pull and powerful shake feeding in tyrannosaurids, relatively rapid strikes in Allosaurus and Ceratosaurus, and ventroflexive augmentation of weaker jaw muscle forces in the nontyrannosaurids. Anat Rec, 290:934–957, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of postmortem changes in tissue structure in the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)
Authors: Mckenna Megan F. , Goldbogen Jeremy A. , St. Leger Judy , Hildebrand John A. , Cranford Ted W. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractPostmortem changes in geometry, density, and sound speed within organs and tissues (melon, bone, blubber, and mandibular fat) of the dolphin head were evaluated using computed tomography (CT) scans of live and postmortem bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Specimens were classified into three different treatment groups: live, recently dead, and frozen followed by thawing. Organs and tissues in similar anatomical regions of the head were compared in CT scans of the specimens to identify postmortem changes in morphology. In addition, comparisons of Hounsfield units in the CT scans were used to evaluate postmortem changes in the density of melon, bone, blubber, and mandibular fat. Sound speed measurements from melon, blubber, connective tissue, and muscle were collected from fresh and frozen samples in the same specimen to evaluate effects due to freezing and thawing process on sound speed measurements. Similar results in tissue and organ geometry, density, and sound speed measurements suggested that postmortem material is a reliable approximation for live melon, bone, blubber, muscle, connective tissue, and mandibular fat. These results have implications for examining viscoelastic properties and the accuracy of simulating sound transmission in postmortem material. Anat Rec, 290:1023–1032, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pharmacokinetics and metabolism of neferine in rats after a single oral administration
Authors: Huang Ying , Bai Yun , Zhao Libo , Hu Ting , Hu Benrong , Wang Jialing , Xiang Jizhou 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe present study utilized HPLC and LC‐MS approaches to investigate the pharmacokinetics and metabolism of neferine (a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid). The plasma concentration‐time curves of neferine (10, 20 and 50 mg/kg, i.g.) showed double absorption peaks with the first peak at 10 min and the second peak at 1 h. The t was 15.6 h, 22.9 h and 35.5 h, for each of these doses, respectively. Neferine distributed rapidly into different organ systems, with the highest concentrations found in the liver, followed by the lung, kidney and heart at doses of 10 or 20 mg/kg. At 50 mg/kg dose, concentrations of the kidney and lung were higher than those of others. Moreover, this compound was mainly metabolized in the liver and converted partially by CYP2D6 to liensinine, isoliensinine, desmethyl‐liensinine and desmethyl‐isoliensinine. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New head exposure system for use in human provocation studies with EEG recording during GSM900‐ and UMTS‐like exposure
Authors: Schmid Gernot , Cecil Stefan , Goger Christoph , Trimmel Michael , Kuster Niels , Molla‐Djafari Hamid 
Published: July 2007

AbstractA new head exposure system for double blinded human provocation studies, which requires EEG recording during exposure with GSM900‐ and UMTS‐like signals has been developed and dosimetrically evaluated. The system uses planar patch antennas fixed at 65 mm distance from the subject's head by a special headset, which provides minimum impairment of the test subjects and ensures an almost constant position of the antennas with respect to the head, even in case of head movements. Compared to exposure concepts operating small antennas in close proximity to the head, the concept of planar antennas at a certain distance from the head produces a much more homogeneous SAR distribution in the temporal and parietal lobe of the brain. At the same time the resulting uncertainty of exposure due to variations in head size, variations of the dielectric properties of tissues and unavoidable small changes of the antenna's position with respect to the head, is reduced to the order of approximately 3 dB, which is a significant improvement to comparable head exposure systems reported in literature in the past. To avoid electromagnetic interference on the EEG recording caused by the incident RF‐field an appropriate double‐shielded filter circuit has been developed. Furthermore, the effect of the presence of the sintered Ag/AgCl EEG electrodes and electrode wires on the SAR distribution inside the head has been investigated and was found to be minimal if the electrode wires are arranged orthogonal to the incident electric field vector. EEG electrode arrangement parallel to the incident field vector, however, might cause drastic changes in the SAR distribution inside the head. Bioelectromagnetics 28:636–647, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Optimization of static magnetic field parameters improves analgesic effect in mice
Authors: László János , Reiczigel Jenő , Székely László , Gasparics Antal , Bogár István , Bors László , Rácz Bernadette , Gyires Klára 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe present study deals with the analgesic effect induced by static magnetic fields (SMF) in mice exposed to the field with their whole body. It discusses how the effect depends on the distribution of the magnetic field, that is, on the specification and arrangement of the applied individual permanent magnets. A critical analysis of different magnet arrangements is given. As a result the authors propose a magnet arrangement recipe that achieves an analgesic effect of over 80% in the writhing test. This is a widely accepted screening method for animal pain and predictor of human experimental results. As a non‐drug, non‐invasive, non‐contact, non‐pain, non‐addictive method for analgesia with immediate and long‐lasting effect based on the stimulus of the endogenous opioid network, the SMF treatment may attract the attention of medical doctors, nurses, magnet therapists, veterinarians, physiotherapists, masseurs, and fitness trainers among others. Bioelectromagnetics 28:615–627, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of a 902.4 MHz GSM signal on the human visual system: Investigation of the discrimination threshold
Authors: Irlenbusch Lars , Bartsch Bengt , Cooper Justin , Herget Ilse , Marx Bernd , Raczek Johannes , Thoss Franz 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe proximity of a mobile phone to the human eye raises the question as to whether radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMF) affect the visual system. A basic characteristic of the human eye is its light sensitivity, making the visual discrimination threshold (VDThr) a suitable parameter for the investigation of potential effects of RF exposure on the eye. The VDThr was measured for 33 subjects under standardized conditions. Each subject took part in two experiments (RF‐exposure and sham‐exposure experiment) on different days. In each experiment, the VDThr was measured continuously in time intervals of about 10 s for two periods of 30 min, having a break of 5 min in between. The sequence of the two experiments was randomized, and the study was single blinded. During the RF exposure, a GSM signal of 902.4 MHz (pulsed with 217 Hz) was applied to the subjects. The power flux density of the electromagnetic field at the subject location (in the absence of the subject) was 1 W/m2, and numerical dosimetry calculations determined corresponding maximum local averaged specific absorption rate (SAR) values in the retina of SAR1 g = 0.007 W/kg and SAR10 g = 0.003 W/kg. No statistically significant differences in the VDThr were found in comparing the data obtained for RF exposure with those for sham exposure. Bioelectromagnetics 28:648–654, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Potential exposure assessment errors associated with body‐worn RF dosimeters
Authors: Blas Juan , Lago Francisco Angel , Fernández Patricia , Lorenzo Rubén Mateo , Abril Evaristo José 
Published: July 2007

AbstractPersonal exposure meters for assessing exposure to RF electric or magnetic fields are subject to errors associated with perturbations of the fields by the presence of the human body. Although these alterations are complex they are not completely unpredictable. This article concludes that this error in a common worst‐case scenario could reach up to 30 dB and therefore is of concern for exposure assessment. We present several guidelines to address this issue and a useful insight into the overall problem based on finite‐difference time‐domain simulations and experimental verification. Bioelectromagnetics 28:573–576, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Open cholecystectomy in the laparoscopic era
Authors: Jenkins P J , Paterson H M , Parks R W , Garden O J 
Published: July 2007

Abstract

Introduction
As techniques in laparoscopic cholecystectomy have improved, surgeon experience of open cholecystectomy may be limited. This study examined the current indications for and techniques used in primary open cholecystectomy.

Methods
Some 3100 consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency cholecystectomy over a 5-year interval were identified from a prospective surgical audit database. Demographic, diagnostic and procedural data were examined.

Results
There were 123 (4·0 per cent) primary and 219 (7·4 per cent) converted open cholecystectomies. Some 48·0 and 45·6 per cent of patients in the primary open cholecystectomy and converted groups respectively were men, compared with 24·0 per cent of 2758 who had a successful laparoscopic procedure. Primary open cholecystectomy was employed principally for previous upper abdominal open surgery (22·7 per cent) and emergency operation for general peritonitis (19·5 per cent). The fundus-first approach was employed in 53·7 per cent of primary open procedures and 53·0 per cent of conversions, with subtotal excision in 4·9 and 13·2 per cent respectively.

Conclusion
Primary open cholecystectomy remains a common procedure in the treatment of gallbladder disease despite the success of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Successful outcome in difficult cases requires familiarity with specific techniques, exposure to which may be limited in current training programmes.
Prospective analysis of percutaneous endoscopic colostomy at a tertiary referral centre
Authors: Baraza W , Brown S , McAlindon M , Hurlstone P 
Published: July 2007

Abstract

Background
Percutaneous endoscopic colostomy (PEC) is an alternative to surgery in selected patients with recurrent sigmoid volvulus, recurrent pseudo-obstruction or severe slow-transit constipation. A percutaneous tube acts as an irrigation or decompressant channel, or as a mode of sigmoidopexy. This prospective study evaluated the safety and efficacy of this procedure at a single tertiary referral centre.

Methods
Nineteen patients with recurrent sigmoid volvulus, ten with idiopathic slow-transit constipation and four with pseudo-obstruction underwent PEC. The tube was left in place indefinitely in those with recurrent sigmoid volvulus or constipation, whereas in patients with pseudo-obstruction it was left in place for a variable period of time, depending on symptoms.

Results
Thirty-five procedures were performed in 33 patients. Three patients developed peritonitis, of whom one died, and ten patients had minor complications. Symptoms resolved in 26 patients.

Conclusion
This large prospective study has confirmed the value of PEC in the treatment of recurrent sigmoid volvulus and pseudo-obstruction in high-risk surgical patients.
Bleeding complications in skin cancer surgery are associated with warfarin but not aspirin therapy
Authors: Dixon A J , Dixon M P , Dixon J B 
Published: July 2007

Abstract

Background
The aim was to identify risk factors for postoperative bleeding following skin cancer surgery.

Methods
This was a prospective study of 5950 skin lesions excised in 2394 patients. No patient stopped taking aspirin or warfarin unless the international normalized ratio (INR) exceeded 3·0.

Results
The rate of postoperative bleeding was 0·7 per cent overall and 2·5 per cent in the 320 patients taking warfarin. The rate of bleeding was 1·0 per cent for skin flap repairs, 0·4 per cent for simple excision and closure, and 5·0 per cent for skin grafts. Diabetic patients and smokers were not at increased risk of bleeding. There were four independent factors for bleeding: age 67 years or older (odds ratio (OR) 4·7 (95 per cent confidence interval 1·8 to 12·2); P = 0·002), warfarin therapy (OR 2·9 (1·4 to 6·3); P = 0·006), surgery on or around the ear (OR 2·6 (1·2 to 5·7); P = 0·012) and closure with a skin flap or graft (OR 2·7 (1·4 to 5·3); P = 0·004). Aspirin therapy was not an independent risk factor for bleeding.

Conclusion
Most postoperative bleeds were inconvenient but not life threatening, unlike the potential risk of thromboembolism after stopping warfarin or aspirin. There was no case for discontinuing aspirin before skin surgery, but the INR should be monitored in patients taking warfarin.
Stiffness matrix structural analysis educational package by Mathcad
Authors: Cedeño‐Rosete R. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis article presents an educational program designed to understand in a simple form, the stiffness structural analysis theory of two‐dimensional framed structures. The program is written in spreadsheet form using the software Mathcad. Two examples are presented and they may be used as templates to solve different problems in which some interaction by the student is expected. This interaction contributes to the comprehension of the theory and helps the student to learn the theoretical basic concepts in less time. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ. 15: 107–112, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com); DOI 10.1002/cae.20063