Excellent Alternative (excellent + alternative)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Thermostability of genetically modified sunflower oils differing in fatty acid and tocopherol compositions

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF LIPID SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, Issue 8 2008
Susana Marmesat
Abstract The objective of the study was to investigate the performance at frying temperature of a new sunflower oil with high content of oleic and palmitic acid (HOHPSO) and containing ,-tocopherol as the most abundant natural antioxidant. HOHPSO either containing ,- or ,-tocopherol (HOHPSO-, and HOHPSO-,, respectively) were obtained from genetically modified sunflower seeds and refined under identical conditions. The oil stability against oxidation, as measured by Rancimat at 120,°C, was much higher for the oil containing ,-tocopherol, suggesting the higher effectiveness of ,-tocopherol as compared to ,-tocopherol to delay oxidation. Experiments at high temperature (180,°C) simulating the conditions applied in the frying process clearly demonstrated that, for the same periods of heating, the oil degradation and the loss of natural tocopherol were significantly lower for the oil containing ,-tocopherol. Comparison of different genetically modified sunflower oils with different fatty acid compositions confirmed that oil degradation depended on the fatty acid composition, being higher at a higher degree of unsaturation. However, the loss of tocopherol for a similar level of oil degradation was higher as the degree of unsaturation decreased. Overall, the results showed that HOHPSO-, had a very high stability at frying temperatures and that mixtures of HOHPSO-, and HOHPSO-, would be an excellent alternative to fulfill the frying performance required by the processors and the vitamin,E content claimed by the consumers. [source]


Photochromic Properties of Perhydro- and Perfluorodithienylcyclopentene Molecular Switches

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 10 2003
Jaap J. D. de Jong
Abstract Various substituted phenylthienyl perhydro- and perfluorocyclopentenes have been synthesized in order to compare their spectroscopic and photochromic properties. The difference in the electron densities of the central cyclopentene moieties in the perhydrocyclopentene and perfluorocyclopentene molecular switches has only a small effect on the absorption maxima of the electronic spectra, but causes some subtle changes in substituent and solvatochromic effects. The photochromic behaviour is remarkably similar, and both type of switches combine excellent quantum yields (0.6) with high degrees of photoconversion (> 0.85). The main difference is the lower photochemical and thermal stability of the perhydrocyclopentene molecular switches. It is concluded that in most studies the perhydrocyclopentenes are an excellent alternative for the perfluorocyclopentenes, while the perfluorocyclopentenes might be better suited for applications such as data storage, which depend critically on fatigue resistance and thermal stability. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2003) [source]


Metabolic therapy in the treatment of ischaemic heart disease: the pharmacology of trimetazidine

FUNDAMENTAL & CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 2 2003
William C. Stanley
Abstract The primary result of myocardial ischaemia is reduced oxygen consumption and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) formation in the mitochondria, and accelerated anaerobic glycolysis, lactate accumulation and cell acidosis. Classic pharmacotherapy for demand-induced ischaemia is aimed at restoring the balance between ATP synthesis and breakdown by increasing the oxygen delivery (i.e. with long acting nitrates or Ca2+ channel antagonist) or by decreasing cardiac power by reducing blood pressure and heart rate (i.e. with , -blocker or Ca2+ channel antagonist). Animal studies show that fatty acids are the primary mitochondrial substrate during moderate severity myocardial ischaemia, and that they inhibit the oxidation of carbohydrate and drive the conversion of pyruvate to lactate. Drugs that partially inhibit myocardial fatty acid oxidation increase carbohydrate oxidation, which results in reduced lactate production and a higher cell pH during ischaemia. Trimetazidine (1-[2,3,4-trimethoxibenzyl]-piperazine) is the first and only registered drug in this class, and is available in over 90 countries world-wide. Trimetazidine selectively inhibits the fatty acid , -oxidation enzyme 3-keto-acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (3-KAT), and is devoid of any direct haemodynamic effects. In double-blind placebo-controlled trials trimetazidine significantly improved symptom-limited exercise performance in stable angina patients when used either as monotherapy or in combination with , -blockers or Ca2+ channel antagonists. Given available evidence, trimetazidine is an excellent alternative to classic haemodynamic agents, and is unique in its ability to reduce symptoms of angina when used in patients resistant to a haemodynamic treatment as vasodilators, , -blockers or Ca2+ channel antagonists. [source]


Zygomaticomaxillary buttress reconstruction of midface defects with the osteocutaneous radial forearm free flap

HEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 10 2008
Patricio Andrades MD
Abstract Background. The purpose of this study was to evaluate morbidity, functional, and aesthetic outcomes in midface zygomaticomaxillary buttress reconstruction using the osteocutaneous radial forearm free flap (OCRFFF). Methods. A retrospective review of 24 consecutive patients that underwent midface reconstruction using the OCRFFF was performed. All patients had variable extension of maxillectomy defects that requires restoration of the zygmatico-maxillary buttress. After harvest, the OCRFFF was fixed transversely with miniplates connecting the remaining zygoma to the anterior maxilla. The orbital support was given by titanium mesh when needed that was fixed to the radial forearm bone anteriorly and placed on the remaining orbital floor posteriorly. The skin paddle was used for intraoral lining, external skin coverage, or both. The main outcome measures were flap success, donor-site morbidity, orbital, and oral complications. Facial contour, speech understandability, swallowing, oronasal separation, and socialization were also analyzed. Results. There were 6 women and 18 men, with an average age of 66 years old (range, 34,87). The resulting defects after maxillectomy were (according to the Cordeiro classification; Disa et al, Ann Plast Surg 2001;47:612,619; Santamaria and Cordeiro, J Surg Oncol 2006;94:522,531): type I (8.3%), type II (33.3%), type III (45.8%), and type IV (12.5%). There were no flap losses. Donor-site complications included partial loss of the split thickness skin graft (25%) and 1 radial bone fracture. The most significant recipient-site complications were severe ectropion (24%), dystopia (8%), and oronasal fistula (12%). All the complications occurred in patients with defects that required orbital floor reconstruction and/or cheek skin coverage. The average follow-up was 11.5 months, and over 80% of the patients had adequate swallowing, speech, and reincorporation to normal daily activities. Conclusions. The OCRFFF is an excellent alternative for midface reconstruction of the zygomaticomaxillary buttress. Complications were more common in patients who underwent resection of the orbital rim and floor (type III and IV defects) or external cheek skin. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2008 [source]


Ceramometal Bonded Inlays and Onlays

JOURNAL OF ESTHETIC AND RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY, Issue 3 2000
HARRY F. ALBERS DDS
ABSTRACT Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) is presently the most popular crown and bridge technique. Its success is attributable to the use of a metal substructure to support the porcelain, resulting in good esthetics, limited ceramic flexure, and better longevity than all-porcelain restorations. A new concept suggests encapsulating the metal substructure with ceramic and placing the insert under the occlusal surface, thereby combining the best properties of the esthetics of porcelain and the support of metal to achieve improved restorations. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE The ceramometal bonded restoration (CMBR) addresses the known limitations of PFMs by providing a more esthetic, more conservative, and more durable alternative. The CMBR eliminates the potential for tooth darkening, leaves more of the natural tooth intact, and offers good resistance to fracture or displacement under occlusal forces. This combination of features makes the CMBR inlay or onlay an excellent alternative for the conservative esthetic restoration of posterior teeth. [source]


Development of real-time detection direct test for hepatitis B virus and comparison with two commercial tests using the WHO international standard

JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 11 2003
MOTOKAZU MUKAIDE
Abstract Aims:, A highly reproducible and sensitive hepatitis B virus real-time detection direct (HBV RTD-direct) test using DNA extraction by magnetic beads coated with polyclonal anti-HBsAg, followed by the real-time detection polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method, was developed for the detection of HBV DNA. Methods:, The HBV DNA could be extracted from the HBsAg positive viral particles without resulting in viral DNA fragmentation. The HBV RTD-direct test was validated using a serial dilution panel of the WHO standard HBV DNA 97/746 I. Results:, The test had a dynamic range of 0.7,8.0 log10 international units (IU) per mL and the results were shown to be comparable to those obtained with two commercially available tests: the HBV DNA transcription-mediated amplification-hybridization protection assay and the Amplicor HBV Monitor test. In addition, the HBV RTD-direct test, based on magnetic extraction, successfully eliminated PCR inhibitors in clinical specimens. Conclusion:, We conclude that the HBV RTD-direct test is an excellent alternative for monitoring patients undergoing antiviral treatment or for screening various clinical specimens. [source]


Fascia Augmentation of the Vocal Fold: Graft Yield in the Canine and Preliminary Clinical Experience,

THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 5 2001
Sanford G. Duke MD
Abstract Introduction Glottal insufficiency resulting from vocal fold bowing, hypomobility, or scar is frequently treated by injection augmentation. Injection augmentation with fat, collagen, gel foam, polytef, and recently, fascia lata has been previously reported. Variable graft yield and poor host-tissue tolerance have motivated the continued search for an ideal graft substance. Study Design A prospective trial of autologous fascia augmentation of the vocal cord in the human and in an animal model. Methods Autologous fascia injection augmentation (AFIA) was evaluated in 8 canines and 40 patients at our institution between 1998 and 2000. The animal study compared graft yield from AFIA with autologous fat yield. The outcome measure was graft yield calculated from histological examination of larynges 12 weeks after injection augmentation. Clinical trial outcome measures included symptom surveys, acoustical voice analyses, and subjective voice assessments. Mean follow-up was 9 months. Results In the canine larynx, the mean graft yield for AFIA was 33% (range, 5%,84%) compared with autologous lipoinjection (47%; range, 7%,96%;P = .57). Subjective improvement in vocal quality was reported by 95% of patients (38 of 40) after AFIA. Preoperative and postoperative voice analysis data were obtained from 26 patients. Subjective voice rating demonstrated a significant improvement after AFIA (P <.0001). Acoustical parameters of jitter, shimmer, noise-to-harmonic ratio, phonatory range, and degree unvoiced improved significantly (P <.05) in all patients after fascia augmentation. Conclusions Based on the animal study, we concluded that graft yields are excellent but variable for AFIA. The result is similar in variability and overall yield to autologous lipoinjection. Subjective and objective analyses of voice outcomes after AFIA are universally improved. Fascia appears to be an excellent alternative to lipoinjection in properly selected cases of glottic insufficiency. [source]