bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Syntheses of dialkyl trichloromethylphosphonates and their properties for additives
Authors: Nakasato Satoshi , Higuchi Katsuhiko 
Published: April 2007

AbstractNine dialkyl trichloromethylphosphonates (TCMPs) were synthesized by the Arbusov reaction from the corresponding trialkyl phosphite and carbon tetrachloride. Some characteristics of these compounds were studied. The alkyl groups contained from 2 to 18 even carbon atoms. The reaction of triethyl phosphite and carbon tetrachloride was completed in about 4 hr under an indoor natural light. However, in the preparation of the lower dialkyl TCMPs the mixture of trialkyl phosphite and carbon tetrachloride was refluxed for 8 hr. With alkyl groups higher than decyl, a reaction time of 8 hr was insufficient. Utilization of these dialkyl TCMPs was discussed. These compounds were shown to be effective chelating, antistatic and flame resistant additives in a formulation of polyvinyl chloride. Moreover, they were found to be very excellent extreme pressure additives for lubricating oil; especially the dibutyl TCMP which was extremely effective at concentrations as low as 0.25%.
Monohydroxylation of unsaturated oils: I. Sulfation‐hydrolysis and sultone‐formation
Authors: Venkateswara Rao G. , Achaya K. T. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractHydroxy unsaturated glycerides were sought from safflower and linseed oils by partial sulfation with sulfuric acid, followed by hydrolysis of sulfate to hydroxy groups. Sulfation of oleicrich oils or their fatty acids and subsequent hydrolysis (effected conveniently with acidified barium chloride) yielded hydroxy products corresponding to 50–70% of the monoene content. Sulfation of a mixture of methyl oleate and linoleate with 78% w/w of sulfuric acid was directed mainly at the oleate component. Safflower oil was partially sulfated without side reactions using 78% or 79% w/w of sulfuric acid, the hydrolyzed products showing hydroxyl value (HV) of about 35 for a loss of 13 units of iodine value (IV). Use of more concentrated sulfuric acid, and subsequent hydrolysis, led to sulfur‐containing products which include sultones. Treatment of atrans,trans, but not of acis,trans conjugated diene with sulfuric acid led to sultone formation. It is postulated that when linoleate is sulfated with strong acids, acidisomerization to atrans,trans conjugated diene occurs, probably followed by 1,4‐addition of ‐OH and ‐SO3H and quick dehydration of these moieties to give a 1,4‐sultone. Linseed oil was apparently sulfated without side reactions using 80% w/w sulfuric acid at 0–5 C and then hydrolyzed to a product of HV 77 and IV 159.
Surgical Resection of Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma: Analysis of Survival and Postoperative Complications
Authors: Hasegawa Suguru , Ikai Iwao , Fujii Hideaki , Hatano Etsuro , Shimahara Yasuyuki 
Published: April 2007

AbstractBackgroundSurgery is the only potentially curative treatment for hilar bile duct cancer. This study sought to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of surgical management of hilar bile duct carcinoma, including radical hepatectomy, at a single institution.MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of 49 consecutive patients who underwent surgery at our hospital between 1990 and 2003.ResultsAltogether, 44 of 49 patients underwent radical hepatectomy combined with caudate lobectomy and lymphadenectomy. One and four patients underwent partial hepatectomy or bile duct resection, respectively. No patients underwent preoperative portal vein embolization. The 5‐year survival rate was 39.7%, with a median survival time of 3.75 years. The postoperative morbidity and mortality rates were 46.8% and 2.0%, respectively. Cox’s proportional hazard model revealed that lymph node status and the residual tumor factor were independent prognostic factors. Multivariate analysis revealed that preoperative hyperbilirubinemia, postoperative complications, and extended surgical procedures were independently associated with postoperative hyperbilirubinemia. After potentially curative resection, 39.4% of patients suffered from disease recurrence. In 60% of the total cases, the sites of recurrence were distant metastases.ConclusionSurgery, including radical hepatectomy combined with caudate lobectomy and lymph node dissection, is a feasible, effective treatment for hilar bile duct cancer.
Association Between Implementation of Clinical Practice Guidelines and Outcome for Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Keris Valdis , Lavendelis Egils , Macane Inta 
Published: April 2007

AbstractBackgroundTraumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of death in the population under 40 years of age in Western countries, and the same was true for Latvia in 1999. This indicated a strong need to improve the management of TBI. The Latvian Society of Neurosurgeons in collaboration with related societies created a dedicated working group, and the Guidelines for Medical Management of TBI in Latvia (Guidelines) were developed in 2001. This study aimed to assess the association between implementation of the Guidelines and the outcome of TBI patients.MethodsThe Guidelines were printed and distributed to relevant clinical units and teaching institutions. To assess the impact of the Guidelines on the outcome of TBI, Latvian medical statistics were researched. All patients admitted to emergency departments and registered as either discharged or dead with a diagnosis of head trauma from 1998 to 2004 were included in a retrospective survey. The primary endpoint accepted for analysis was the hospital case fatality rate (HCFR).ResultsThe survey included 73,062 consecutive cases. The annual incidence rate of TBI admissions was stable during the period 1998 to 2004 (range 41.5‐46.0/10,000), and the incidence of moderate and severe TBI (range 7.2‐8.7/10,000) showed no significant trends. There was a reduction of HCFR from 3.7% during 1998‐2000 to 2.6% during 2002‐2004 (relative risk 0.72; 95% confidence interval 0.67–0.76; p = 0.03).ConclusionImplementation of the Guidelines was associated with a statistically significant decrease of HCFR in TBI patients.
An Anterior or Posterior Approach to Partial Fundoplication? Long‐term Results of a Randomized Trial
Authors: Engström C. , Lönroth H. , Mardani J. , Lundell L. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractBackgroundPartial fundoplications have been popularized by their lower risk of mechanical side effects. The question then emerges whether a similar partial wrap should be done posterior or anterior to the distal esophagus? We therefore conducted a study to compare the long‐term outcome of laparoscopic partial fundoplications constructed either as anterior (AF) or posterior (PF) repairs.Patients and MethodsNinety‐five patients were enrolled in a randomized clinical trial. After a mean follow up of 65 months, 43 AF and 45 PF patients remained in the study. The levels of reflux control and postfundoplication complaints were assessed by use of validated instruments.ResultsA posterior fundoplication was found to provide significantly better control of reflux related symptoms (heartburn p < 0.0001, acid regurgitation p < 0.0001). This was also reflected in a significantly lower number of reoperations and need for antisecretory drug therapy. The earlier postoperative difference in postfundoplication symptoms had disappeared.ConclusionsA laparoscopic posterior partial fundoplication offers a high and durable level of disease control with few side effects. The current anterior type of repair cannot be recommended due to insufficient reflux control.
Cost/Accuracy Ratio Analysis in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Ultrasound‐Guided Fine‐Needle Aspiration Cytology, Sentinel Node Biopsy, and Frozen Section of Node
Authors: Genta Franco , Zanon Eugenio , Camanni Marco , Deltetto Francesco , Drogo Mauro , Gallo Rosanna , Gilardi Carla 
Published: April 2007

AbstractWe evaluated the effectiveness and the cost of axillary staging in breast cancer patients by ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration cytology (US‐FNAC), sentinel node biopsy (SNB), and frozen sections of the sentinel node to achieve the target of the highest number of immediate axillary dissections. From January 2003 through October 2005, a total of 404 consecutive eligible breast cancer patients underwent US‐FNAC of suspicious axillary lymph nodes. If tumor cells were found, immediate axillary dissection was proposed (33% of node‐positive cases). If US or cytology was negative, SNB was performed. Frozen sections of the sentinel node allowed immediate axillary dissection in 31% of node‐positive cases. The remaining 36% underwent delayed axillary dissection. We compared our policy with clinical evaluation of the axilla, showing better specificity of US‐FNAC, the cost balanced by a 12% reduction of SNBs, and a marked reduction of unnecessary axillary dissections resulting from false‐positive clinical staging. Moreover, the comparison between our policy and permanent histology of the sentinel node showed an 8% cost saving, mainly associated with the immediate axillary dissections. US‐FNAC of axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer patients reliably predicts the presence of metastases and therefore refers a significant number of patients to the appropriate surgical treatment, avoiding an SNB. As cost saving to the health care system in our study is mainly related to one‐step axillary surgery, US‐FNAC of axillary lymph nodes and frozen section of the sentinel node generate significant cost saving for patients who have metastatic nodes.
Peritoneal Perforation of Liver Hydatid Cysts: Clinical Presentation, Predisposing Factors, and Surgical Outcome
Authors: Akcan Alper , Akyildiz Hizir , Artis Tarik , Ozturk Ahmet , Deneme Mehmet Ali , Ok Engin , Sozuer Erdogan 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical presentation of, predisposing factors in, and early and long‐term outcome of patients treated surgically for intraperitoneal ruptured liver hydatid cysts. Medical records of 27 patients with traumatic rupture of hydatid cysts were evaluated retrospectively, as were records of 347 patients with nonperforated hydatid cysts. The ratio of perforation cases to nonperforation cases was 7.8%. Traffic accidents were the most common cause of perforation (n = 16). All patients had abdominal findings, and two patients (7%) had anaphylactic findings. The sensitivities of computed tomography and ultrasonography were 100% and 93%, respectively. Conservative surgical procedures were used for 80.5% of cysts and radical procedures for 19.5%. Associated organ injuries were determined in 10 patients. No significant difference was found between patients with peritoneal perforation and those without perforation in terms of sex (p = 0.403), previous hydatid disease surgery (p = 0.565), localization (p = 0.241), number of cysts (p = 0.537), presence of cystic content infection (p = 0.65), or presence of bile duct communication (p = 0.37). However, there were significant differences in age (p = 0.004), cyst diameter ( > 10 cm) (p = 0.03), and presence of superficially localized cysts (p = 0.011). Three patients developed recurrence. In the group of patients with perforation, the complication and recurrence rates were not statistically different in a comparison of surgical techniques (p = 0.37). No postoperative deaths occurred. The main predisposing factors for cyst perforation are young age and superficial localization. Peritoneal rupture increases the rates of postoperative morbidity and recurrence; in contrast, there was no significant relation between the operative procedure and the morbidity and recurrence rates.
Authenticating Production Origin of Gilthead Sea Bream (Sparus aurata) by Chemical and Isotopic Fingerprinting
Authors: Morrison Douglas J. , Preston Tom , Bron James E. , Hemderson R. James , Cooper Karen , Strachan Fiona , Bell J. Gordon 
Published: April 2007

AbstractRecent EU legislation (EC/2065/2001) requires that fish products, of wild and farmed origin, must provide consumer information that describes geographical origin and production method. The aim of the present study was to establish methods that could reliably differentiate between wild and farmed European gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata). The methods that were chosen were based on chemical and stable isotopic analysis of the readily accessible lipid fraction. This study examined fatty acid profiles by capillary gas chromatography and the isotopic composition of fish oil (δ13C, δ18O), phospholipid choline nitrogen (δ15N) and compound specific analysis of fatty acids (δ13C) by isotope ratio mass spectroscopy as parameters that could reliably discriminate samples of wild and farmed sea bream. The sample set comprised of 15 farmed and 15 wild gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata), obtained from Greece and Spain, respectively. Discrimination was achieved using fatty acid compositions, with linoleic acid (18:2n‐6), arachidonic acid (20:4n‐6), stearic acid (18:0), vaccenic acid (18:1n‐7) and docosapentaenoic acid (22:5n‐3) providing the highest contributions for discrimination. Principle components analysis of the data set highlighted good discrimination between wild and farmed fish. Factor 1 and 2 accounted for >70% of the variation in the data. The variables contributing to this discrimination were: the fatty acids 14:0, 16:0, 18:0, 18:1n‐9, 18:1n‐7, 22:1n‐11, 18:2n‐6 and 22:5n‐3; δ13C of the fatty acids 16:0, 18:0, 16:1n‐7, 18:1n‐9, 20:5n‐3 and 22:6n‐3; Bulk oil fraction δ13C; glycerol/choline fraction bulk δ13C; δ15N; % N; % lipid.
Rho activation is required for transforming growth factor‐β‐induced epithelial‐mesenchymal transition in lens epithelial cells
Authors: Cho Hee Jun , Yoo Jiyun 
Published: April 2007

AbstractLens epithelial cells undergo epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) after injury as in cataract extraction, leading to fibrosis of the lens capsule. We have recently shown that TGF‐β‐induced EMT in lens epithelial cells depends on PI3 kinase/Akt signal pathway. In this report, we suggest Smad3 is necessary for TGF‐β‐induced EMT by showing that the expression of dominant‐negative Smad3 blocks the expression of α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) and morphological changes. We also show that TGF‐β induces a biphasic change in Rho activity, and that Y27632, a selective inhibitor of Rho effector ROCK, inhibits TGF‐β‐induced EMT in vitro and in vivo. We finally show that Smad3 activation and Rho signal activation is independent each other. All of these findings suggest that Rho/ROCK activation together with Smad3 is necessary for TGF‐β‐induced EMT in lens epithelial cells.
Right ventricular dysfunction as an independent predictor of short‐ and long‐term mortality in patients with heart failure
Authors: Kjaergaard Jesper , Akkan Dilek , Iversen Kasper Karmark , Køber Lars , Torp‐Pedersen Christian , Hassager Christian 
Published: April 2007

AbstractBackground:The prognostic importance of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in heart failure (HF) has been suggested in patients with severe systolic heart failure. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) is a simple echocardiographic measure of RV ejection fraction, but may be affected by co‐existing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Aims:To examine the prognostic information from TAPSE adjusted for the potential confounding effects of co‐existing cardiovascular and COPD in a large series of patients admitted for new onset or worsening HF.Methods and results:Eight hundred and seventeen patients screened for participation in a large clinical trial by trans‐thoracic echocardiography, including measurement of TAPSE, were followed for a median of 4.1 years (maximum 5.5 years). Decreased TAPSE as well as presence of COPD were independently associated with adverse short‐ and long‐term survival, hazard ratio was 0.74 (p=0.004) for every doubling of TAPSE; and 2.4 (p=0.0001) for the presence of COPD.Conclusion:Decreased RV systolic function as estimated by TAPSE is associated with increased mortality in patients admitted for HF, and is independent of other risk factors in HF including left ventricular function. The co‐existence of COPD is also associated with an adverse prognosis independent of the RV systolic function.
Angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors and survival in women and men with heart failure
Authors: Keyhan Golyar , Chen Shun‐Fu , Pilote Louise 
Published: April 2007

AbstractBackground:Several randomized controlled trials demonstrate that angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors improve survival in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). However, whether ACE inhibitors benefit both sexes is not adequately addressed.Purpose:Our objective was to determine the effectiveness of ACE inhibitors in women with CHF.Methods:The Quebec hospital discharge database was linked with the physician and drug claims database to identify a cohort with a discharge diagnosis of CHF between January 1998 and March 2003. In this retrospective cohort study, subjects who filled a prescription for ACE inhibitors (19,220 exposed) were compared to those who never filled such prescription (8617 non‐exposed). The primary outcome was survival by exposure to ACE inhibitors.Main findings:There were 14,693 women (67% exposed) and 13,144 men (72% exposed). The 1 year mortality was 19.5% and 30% in those exposed and non‐exposed, respectively. A significant survival benefit was demonstrated in both sexes exposed to ACE inhibitors [adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval): women 0.80 (0.76–0.85); men 0.71 (0.67–0.75)].Principal conclusions:ACE inhibitors improve survival in both sexes with CHF, but the protective effect appears to be greater in men. Our results support the current recommendations for the management of women with CHF.
Intrathoracic impedance monitoring to detect chronic heart failure deterioration: Relationship to changes in NT‐proBNP
Authors: Lüthje Lars , Vollmann Dirk , Drescher Till , Schott Peter , Zenker Dieter , Hasenfuβ Gerd , Unterberg Christina 
Published: April 2007

AbstractBackground:An alert algorithm, based on intrathoracic impedance monitoring, has been incorporated into a cardiac resynchronisation device (CRT) to detect pulmonary fluid accumulation, and to audibly alert patients to decompensating chronic heart failure (CHF).Aims:To evaluate this algorithm, alert events were correlated with changes in NT‐proBNP concentration and CHF status.Methods and results:In a prospective observational study of 62 patients (89% male, aged 67±1 year), NT‐proBNP plasma concentrations, clinical CHF status, and device data were collected at enrolment, during regular follow‐up and at device alerts. Over a mean follow‐up of 27±2 weeks, pooled data indicated a weak, but significant inverse relationship between relative changes in intrathoracic impedance and NT‐proBNP (r=0.3; p<0.001). In 52 device alerts from 35 patients, NT‐proBNP increased by 66±19% from 2039±331 pg/ml (p<0.001). The increase in NT‐proBNP was higher in alerts with clinical signs of CHF deterioration (n=30, 89±25%;p<0.001) than in alert events without clinical signs (n=22, 25–15%; p=n.s.).Conclusion:Intrathoracic impedance based alert events are associated with a significant increase in NT‐proBNP concentration. These data indicate that intrathoracic impedance monitoring might facilitate the outpatient management of CHF patients with implanted CRT devices.
Attitudes of doctors toward establishing safe abortion units in Ghana
Authors: Morhe E.S.K. , Morhe R.A.S. , Danso K.A. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractObjectives To assess physician knowledge of the current legal status of abortion in Ghana and determine the proportion physicians in favor of establishing units where safe abortion would be provided, and the proportion of those willing to offer such services. Methods A survey conducted at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Ghana, in August 2003. Using a self‐administered questionnaire, 74 randomly selected physicians expressed their views on whether abortion units should be established within national health facilities in Ghana, and what role they would play in them. Results Of the 59 physicians (80%) who favored the establishment of safe abortion units within national health facilities, 27 (36%) indicated a willingness to take part in counseling only, 33 (45%) were prepared to carry out abortions, and 14 (19%) said they would play no role in these units. Conclusion Most physicians participating in this study conducted in Ghana were willing to play some role in the provision of safe abortion services.
Milk as an effective post-exercise rehydration drink
Authors: Shirreffs Susan M. , Watson Phillip , Maughan Ronald J. 
Published: April 2007

The effectiveness of low-fat milk, alone and with an additional 20 mmol/l NaCl, at restoring fluid balance after exercise-induced hypohydration was compared to a sports drink and water. After losing 1·8 (sd 0·1) % of their body mass during intermittent exercise in a warm environment, eleven subjects consumed a drink volume equivalent to 150 % of their sweat loss. Urine samples were collected before and for 5 h after exercise to assess fluid balance. Urine excretion over the recovery period did not change during the milk trials whereas there was a marked increase in output between 1 and 2 h after drinking water and the sports drink. Cumulative urine output was less after the milk drinks were consumed (611 (sd 207) and 550 (sd 141) ml for milk and milk with added sodium, respectively, compared to 1184 (sd 321) and 1205 (sd 142) ml for the water and sports drink; P < 0·001). Subjects remained in net positive fluid balance or euhydrated throughout the recovery period after drinking the milk drinks but returned to net negative fluid balance 1 h after drinking the other drinks. The results of the present study suggest that milk can be an effective post-exercise rehydration drink and can be considered for use after exercise by everyone except those individuals who have lactose intolerance.
From blatant to latent protest (and back again): on the politics of theatrical spectacle in Madonna’s ‘American Life’
Authors: SCHERZINGER MARTIN , SMITH STEPHEN 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThis paper explores ambiguities of political resistance and anti-war protest in Madonna’s music video, ‘American Life’. We begin by tracing the history of the making, promotion and eventual withdrawal of the video in the context of the military build-up and media campaign that preceded the American invasion of Iraq in 2003. In these opening sections, we focus in particular on the (perhaps deliberately generated) controversy surrounding the work, and its problematic relationship with contemporary corporate mass media. We then proceed to describe the visual contents of the video, and present three distinct readings of it: first, as a gesture of overt protest against the war; second, as a work that is unaware of the manner in which its signifying textures unwittingly and covertly celebrate the culture it would critique, thus nullifying its overt subversive gesture; and third, as a work that is in fact far more politically resistant than it knows, through an uncanny form of protest that is dependent upon this very complicity.