Thermogravimetric analysis indicated that the thermal decomposition temperature of the PF/OEVMT nanocomposite (482.6 degrees C) was higher than that of pristine PF (433.9 degrees C) in air atmosphere. The brake pad based on PF/OEVMT nanocomposite were also prepared. The friction and

wear tests illustrated that the brake pad based on PF/OEVMT had more stable friction coefficient and lower wear rate than that of the brake pad based on PF. Scanning electron microscopy also showed that the brake pad based on PF/OEVMT nanocomposite has excellent high temperature wear-resistance. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 119: 275-281, this website 2011″
“Introduction and objectives. The availability of a noninvasive marker of vascular lesions that enables their detection in the preclinical phase would be of great benefit for cardiovascular

disease prevention. The aim of this study was to investigate the usefulness of a range of indices of arterial selleck screening library wall stiffness in the common carotid artery, as derived using high-resolution Doppler ultrasonography, for identifying vascular damage in children with risk factors.

Methods. The study involved 99 children (age, 8-16 years) divided into two groups: 65 had cardiovascular risk factors (45 obesity, 20 dyslipidemia) and 34 were controls. Family histories of cardiovascular risk factors and anthropometric and biochemical measurements were recorded. Functional parameters of arterial stiffness (i.e., arterial compliance, Selleckchem AZD8055 elastic modulus, beta stiffness index,

pulse wave velocity, and augmentation index) and the intima-media thickness were also measured.

Results. Some functional vascular parameters were higher in obese children than controls: there were significant differences in beta stiffness index (P<.02), elastic modulus (P<.001) and pulse wave velocity (P<.01). There was a significant difference in arterial compliance between dyslipidemics and controls (P<.05). No significant difference in intima-media thickness was found between the groups. In obese children, there were positive correlations between body mass index, systolic pressure and triglyceride levels and vascular parameters (i.e., elastic modulus and pulse wave velocity); in dyslipidemic children, triglyceride levels and the same parameters were correlated.

Conclusions. Ultrasonographic measurement of arterial stiffness is a sensitive technique that can detect vascular damage in children with cardiovascular risk factors earlier than intima media thickness measurement.

“
“Myristic acid (MyA), which is a saturated fatty acid (04:0) and a side chain of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), was examined if MyA stimulates human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) to release oxygen radicals comparable to PMA by applying electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR)-spin-trapping method. When MyA was added to isolated human PMNs, spin adducts of 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide (DMPO)-OH and DMPO-OOH were time-dependently

observed. The amounts of these spin adducts were larger than those of PMNs stimulated by PMA. These results clearly show that MyA is more potent agent to prime human PMNs than PMA, in a point of view of not only O-2(center dot-) but also center dot OH production. This fact calls attention that too much intake of MyA that is known to be contained vegetable oils can lead to crippling effect Ion Channel Ligand Library screening through uncontrolled production of reactive oxygen species.”
“The prevalence of onychomycosis is increasing steadily, sevenfold alone in the US within the last twenty years. An important aspect in this development is the demographic development of the human population of the industrial countries like Germany. A fast and accurate laboratory diagnosis is essential for successful treatment because 50% of the cases are misdiagnosed when relying on the clinical appearance only. The current diagnosis of dermatophytosis, based on direct microscopy and culture of the

clinical specimen, is problematic given the lacking check details specificity of the former and the length of time needed for the latter. Molecular techniques can help to solve these problems. In recent years, a number of in-house PCR assays have been developed to identify dermatophytes directly from clinical specimens. Based on the Mikrobiologisch-infektiologischen Qualitatsstandards (MIQ) fur Nukleinsaure-Amplifikationstechniken AZD9291 purchase and the MIQE guideline (Minimum Information for Publication of Quantitative Real-Time

PCR Experiments) 11 studies are reviewed which were published between 2007 and 2010. The present article evaluates the quality of the PCR assays regarding false positive and false negative results due to contamination, PCR format, statistical analysis, and diagnostic performance of the studies. It shows that we are only at the beginning of providing high quality PCR diagnosis of dermatophytes.”
“Injury to the central nervous system is characterized by localization of activated microglia at the site of injury. The peripheral benzodiazepine receptor expressed on the outer mitochondrial membrane of the activated microglia is a sensitive biomarker for the detection of this neuroinflammatory response to an insult. PK11195, an isoquinoline ligand that specifically binds peripheral benzodiazepine receptor, can be tagged with a positron emitter and used as a tracer for molecular imaging of this receptor in vivo by positron emission tomography (PET).

falciparum and P. vivax in southern Ethiopia. Urgent surveillance of the emergence and spread of resistance is thus called for. The level of resistance indicates the need for implementation of entire population access to the new first-line treatment with artemether-lumefantrine, accompanied by government Pinometostat mw monitoring to prevent the emergence of resistance to this treatment.”
“The realization that there exists a multimembered family of cation channels with structural similarity to Drosophila’s Trp channel emerged during the second half of the 1990s. In mammals, depending on the species, the TRP family counts 29 or 30 members which has been subdivided into 6 subfamilies

on the basis of sequence similarity. T RP channels are nonselective monovalent cation channels, most of which also allow passage of Ca2+. Many members of each of these families, but not all, are involved in sensory signal transduction. The C-type (for canonical or

classical) subfamily, differs front the other TRP subfamilies in that it fulfills two different types of function: membrane depolarization, resembling sensory transduction TRPs, and mediation of sustained increases in intracellular Ca2+. The mechanism(s) by which the C-class of TRP channels-the TRPCs-are activated is poorly understood and this website their role in mediating intracellular Ca2+ increases is being questioned. Both of these questions-mechanism of activation and participation in Ca2+ entry-are the topics of this review.”
“Jute nano fiber (JNF) reinforced biocopolyester-based composite sheets were prepared with 2% and 10 wt % filler loading and compostability tests were performed in simulated aerobic compost environment at ambient temperature for a period of 50 days. Weight loss study revealed that the incorporation of JNF enhanced the rate of degradation significantly. The unreinforced sample exhibited

a steady loss in weight, whereas, the JNF reinforced samples showed three phase degradation. They had a selleck screening library steady weight loss up to 30 days followed by a plateau zone between 30 and 40 days and after that, there was again an increase in weight loss up to 50 days. The biodegraded samples were investigated for their change in molecular weight by Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC). The change in structure was examined by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and morphological change was observed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Molecular weight study revealed the fact that Biocopolyester molecules had a significant breakdown in chain length during melt mixing with 10 wt % JNF, which was much less predominant in 2 wt % JNF loaded composites. Such a decrease in chain length and presence of 10 wt % JNF might have facilitated the biodegradation process resulting in highest weight loss. (c) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012″
“Foxp3 expression in regulatory T cells (Treg) is required for their development and suppressive function.

Meta-analyses determined the proportion of people meeting physical activity guidelines and recommendations of (1) >150 min per week of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in bouts of >10 min; (2) >150 min per week of MVPA in absence of bouts; (3) >10,000 steps per day and >7000 steps per day. The Grades of Research, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to determine the quality of the evidence.

Results:

For knee osteoarthritis, 21 studies involving 3266 participants averaged 50 min per week (95% CI = 46, 55) of MVPA when measured in bouts of >10 min, 131 min per week (95% C = 125, 137) of MVPA, and 7753 daily steps (95% CI = 7582, 7924). Proportion meta-analyses provided high quality Selisistat datasheet evidence that 13% (95% CI = 7, 20) completed >150 min per week

of MVPA in bouts of >10 min, low quality evidence that 41% (95% CI = 23, 61) completed >150 min per week of MVPA in absence of bouts, moderate quality evidence that 19% CYT387 JAK/STAT inhibitor (95% CI = 8, 33) completed >10,000 steps per day, and low quality evidence that 48% (95% CI = 31, 65) completed >7000 steps per day.

For hip osteoarthritis, 11 studies involving 325 participants averaged 160 min per week (95% CI = 114, 216) of MVPA when measured in bouts of >10 min, 189 min per week (95% CI = 166, 212) of MVPA, and 8174 daily steps (95% CI = 7670, 8678). Proportion meta-analyses provided low quality evidence that 58% (95% CI = 18, 92) completed >150 min per week of MVPA in absence of bouts, low quality evidence that 30% (95% CI = 13, 50) completed >10,000 steps per day, and low quality evidence that 60% (95% CI = 47, 73) completed >7000 steps per day.

Conclusion: A small to moderate proportion

of people with knee and hip osteoarthritis met physical activity guidelines and recommended daily steps. Future research should establish the effects of increasing physical activity in this population to meet the current physical activity guidelines. (C) 2013 Osteoarthritis Research Society International. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“We provide preliminary psychometric results concerning the use of a modified https://www.selleckchem.com/products/mi-503.html FAMCARE scale, adapted for patient use, to assess satisfaction with outpatient care in advanced stage cancer patients.

Participants were 145 outpatients with advanced cancer who were participating in a phase II trial of an outpatient palliative care intervention. Patients completed our modified FAMCARE measure of patient satisfaction and the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale, a measure of symptom burden. Individuals were also assessed for performance status using the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group scale. We conducted an exploratory factor analysis of the patient satisfaction measure and performed correlations of satisfaction with symptom burden as well as with performance status.

The aim

of this in vitro study was to develop a method of quantitatively assessing trabecular bone structure by applying three-dimensional image processing to data acquired with multi-slice and cone-beam computed tomography using micro-computed tomography as a reference.

Fifteen bone samples from the radius were examined. Elacridar mouse After segmentation, quantitative measures of bone volume, trabecular thickness, trabecular separation, trabecular number, trabecular nodes, and trabecular termini were obtained.

The clinical machines overestimated bone volume and trabecular thickness and underestimated trabecular nodes and number, but cone-beam CT to a lesser extent. Parameters obtained from cone beam CT were strongly correlated with mu CT, with correlation coefficients between 0.93 and 0.98 for all parameters except trabecular termini.

The high correlation between cone-beam CT and micro-CT suggest the possibility of quantifying and monitoring changes of trabecular bone microarchitecture in vivo using cone beam CT.”
“Obesity interventions that involve family members may be effective with racial/ethnic minority youth. This review assessed the nature and effectiveness of family involvement in obesity interventions among AfricanAmerican

girls aged 518 years, a population group with high rates of obesity. Twenty-six databases were searched between January 2011 and March KPT-8602 2012, yielding 27 obesity pilot or full-length prevention or treatment studies with some degree of family involvement LY333531 price and data specific to AfricanAmerican girls. Interventions varied in type and level of family involvement, cultural adaptation, delivery format and behaviour change intervention strategies; most targeted parentchild dyads. Some similarities in approach based on family involvement were identified. The use of theoretical perspectives specific to AfricanAmerican family dynamics was absent. Across all studies, effects on weight-related behaviours were generally promising but often non-significant. Similar conclusions were drawn for

weight-related outcomes among the full-length randomized controlled trials. Many strategies appeared promising on face value, but available data did not permit inferences about whether or how best to involve family members in obesity prevention and treatment interventions with AfricanAmerican girls. Study designs that directly compare different types and levels of family involvement and incorporate relevant theoretical elements may be an important next step.”
“BACKGROUND: High-density lipoprotein (HDL) encompasses a heterogeneous population of lipoproteins with differences in functionality. The impact of HDL heterogeneity on its ability to support HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux has not been previously studied in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

OBJECTIVES: To examine the relationships between various HDL subtypes and cholesterol efflux from macrophages in patients with T2DM.

The origin of the multiple melting peaks may be a result of a melting and recrystallization www.selleckchem.com/products/Staurosporine.html mechanism during DSC scans. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction patterns showed two new diffraction peaks, which appeared at 0.44 and 0.37 nm, and are characteristic peaks of alpha-form (triclinic structure) of even-even nylons with increasing annealing temperature. The intensities of these peaks increased, and they split further apart, with elevated annealing temperatures. The solid-state (15)N CP/MAS NMR spectra of the nylon 18 18 samples that had been quenched and annealed also confirmed the alpha-crystalline form. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 123: 92-98, 2012″
“We demonstrate the dynamics

of coupling between the coherent longitudinal optical (LO) phonon and plasmon of instantaneously photogenerated electrons in an undoped GaAs/n-type GaAs (i-GaAs/n-GaAs) epitaxial structure using time-domain terahertz spectroscopy. Initially, we experimentally and numerically clarify the presence of the built-in electric field in the i-GaAs layer of the i-GaAs/n-GaAs epitaxial layer. Next, we performed the terahertz-wave measurements of the i-GaAs/n-GaAs epitaxial structure at various excitation conditions from a low density excitation regime to a high excitation regime. The LO-phonon-plasmon coupled (LOPC) mode has been confirmed from the terahertz-wave

measurement. It is found that the frequency of the LOPC mode is determined by the pump-beam power. This fact demonstrates that the LOPC mode is formed in the i-GaAs layer. In addition, we performed the time-partitioning Fourier Temsirolimus mw transform in order to reveal the dynamical change in the LOPC mode as a function of time delay. Using this analysis, we have observed that the disappearance of the LOPC mode immediately occurs within the time delay of 0.6 ps.

Following the disappearance of the LOPC mode, only the bare coherent GaAs LO phonon dominates the terahertz waves. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3603046]“
“Sclerosing stromal see more tumours (SST) of the ovary are rare, benign tumours. SSTs are usually hormone inactive and tend to occur in the second and third decades of life. The most common clinical symptom is menstrual irregularity.

Fourteen women diagnosed with SST of the ovary were included in this study. Tumour samples were collected, embedded in paraffin and stained with haematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), and PAS with digestion, as well as immunohistochemically for vimentin, smooth muscle actin, desmin, CD 99, inhibin-alpha and the oestrogen and progesterone receptor.

The age of the patients ranged from 16 to 54 years (mean age 25.2 years). The tumours ranged in size from 6 to 21 cm (mean 10.5 cm). Macroscopically, eight tumours were solid and six were solid and cystic. All SSTs were well circumscribed with pseudolobule formation.

4 (IQR 14.3-27.0), 31.0 (IQR 24.5-35.4) and 2.5 days (IQR 1.9-3.6) for patients with

TB and those with chest symptoms combined. The median total delay was 55.3 days (IQR 46.5-61.5). About 48% of all patients first consulted private providers; an average of 2.7 health care providers were consulted before Smoothened Agonist molecular weight diagnosis. Number and type of provider first consulted were the most important risk factors for delay.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings underscore the need to develop novel strategies for reducing patient and diagnostic delays and engaging first-contact health care providers.”
“Size distribution of fat globules affects the appearance, taste and stability of milk and milk-based products. Full-fat, semi-fat and chocolate bovine milk were Subjected to heat treatment within a temperature range of 50-125 degrees C for 1 h. Sedimentation field-flow fractionation was employed to determine the changes in mean particle diameter of milk fat globules as affected by heat treatment. The mean particle diameter of fat droplets increased with increasing heating temperature for most samples. The particle size of fat globules increased on average 40 nm (4.65%) check details for full-fat and 72 nm (8.52%) for semi-fat milk following the heat treatment (50-125 degrees C). Chocolate

milk exhibited considerable increase in particle size (104 rim, 12.53%) within a certain temperature range (50-110 degrees C), followed by a decrease in particle size when heated at 125 degrees C for 1 h. Heat-induced flocculation due to attractive interactions between hydrophobic sites on denatured protein molecules on different droplets was assumed to be mainly responsible for the increases in particle size observed in this study. Extensive heat-induced denaturation of milk proteins was also indicated by Native PAGE. Sedimentation field-flow fractionation proved to be a useful technique for adequately monitoring heat-induced changes

in particle size distributions in milk. (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Background: Cystic fibrosis is a monogenic recessive disorder found predominantly in Caucasian population. This disease arises from mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. In this study we consider poly T Fedratinib supplier polymorphism c.1210-12T[5], c.1210-12T[7], c.1210-12T[9] (T-5, T-7, T-9) in the intron 8 of CFTR gene in normal individuals and cystic fibrosis patients in the north of Iran.

Material and methods: 40 CF patients and 40 normal individuals were screened for poly T polymorphism in intron 8 of CFTR gene using Reverse Dot Blot method which was also used to detect p.Phe508del among CF patients.

Results: T-7 allele is the most prevalent in both normal and CF patients. Its abundance is approximately 75%. T-9 and T-5 represent approximately 20% and 5% of alleles respectively. T-7/T-7 genotype is the most present in both normal and CF patients with 72.5% and 60% prevalence respectively. p.

SOD and CAT activities, as well as TA were higher in SMG of irradiated diabetic rats. However, in SMG of non-diabetic rats, laser irradiation decreased TA values and led to an increase in the CAT activity. In addition, there was a decrease in the activity of CAT in PG of diabetic and non-diabetic animals after laser irradiation. According to the results of the present study, low-power laser irradiation can affect the enzymatic antioxidant system of

salivary glands of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.”
“Implementation of Universal Newborn Hearing Screening (UNHS) has MK-0518 led to lowering the age of identification of congenital hearing loss in children. In the absence of UNHS in Mumbai (India), it is pertinent to establish a data base on the age of identification of permanent hearing loss in children to facilitate affirmative action.

Objective: To study the trend in age of identification (AOI) of hearing impairment in children studying in special schools.

Methods: This retrospective study was a survey conducted on a convenient sample.

The authentic data about date of birth and age of identification (AOI) of 510 children were collected through parental interview, and scrutiny of documents like birth certificates, first audiological report maintained in special schools/institutes/hospitals.

Results: Time series analysis of the data concluded that from 1989 to 2008, AOI has reduced by 9.59 months. AOI has not reached one year even by 2008 and is much below the Ro-3306 target of three months of age as per the recommendation of Joint Committee on Infant Hearing (2007).

Conclusion: In absence of Universal Newborn Hearing Screening (UNHS) in Mumbai (India) learn more the present efforts do not seem to be enough in lowering the

age of identification of hearing loss and policy decision is warranted. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“New microcapsules based on renewable materials and containing perfume were designed for cosmeto-textile application. Such microcapsules contained the neroline fragrance as core material and a bio-based polyurethane as wall material. The polymer wall was synthesized by interfacial polycondensation of isosorbide and methylene bis(phenyl isocyanate). The chemical structure of the microcapsules was confirmed by IR and H-1 NMR spectroscopies. The encapsulation efficiency of perfume was determined using H-1 NMR analysis technique accounts for 30%. Microcapsules of spherical shape and 27 mu m diameter consisted of a liquid core and a polymer wall, as revealed by means of small-angle light scattering measurements and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations. Neroline-loaded microcapsules were impregnated on polyamide textile substrate. The impregnation yield was about 80%. The presence of microencapsulated perfume and the durability of the impregnation effect were tested by SEM, UV-visible spectroscopy and gas chromatography.

(C) 2009 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons J Oral Maxillofac Surg 67:1058-1061, 2009″
“To assess etiology, perinatal mortality and associated factors of fetal cardiomegaly (FC).

A retrospective study of fetuses with cardiomegaly was conducted. Demographic data, ultrasonographic findings, and outcomes were collected and analyzed.

Ninety-three

fetuses were analyzed. The causes of FC were cardiac causes 49.5%, Bart’s hemoglobinopathies 28%, and non-Bart’s anemia 15%. Ascites, pericardial effusion, and hydrops were more prevalent in fetuses with anemia than those with cardiac abnormalities. The overall perinatal mortality was 69.9%. selleck inhibitor Although all Bart’s hydrops died, perinatal mortality of non-Bart’s anemia, and structural cardiac defect were 57.1 and 69.7%, respectively. Excluding Bart’s anemia, receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that cardiothoracic ratio of a parts per thousand yen0.58 best predictive for perinatal mortality. Earlier gestational age at diagnosis, skin edema, and chromosomal abnormality were associated with higher mortality.

Majority causes of FC were cardiac and anemic in origin. It carried high-perinatal

mortality depending on the causes.”
“We present the spin momentum densities of CoFe(2)O(4) measured at 8 and 300 K using magnetic Compton scattering. The magnetic Compton profiles were decomposed into component profiles of constituents namely Fe and Co, to determine their role in the formation of total spin moment. It is seen GS-7977 clinical trial that the major contribution (about 80%) in the spin moment is from Co, whereas the itinerant electrons show a small reverse polarization. Moreover, it is clearly visualized that the

spin moment at Co reduces from 2.55 -> 2.35 mu B/f.u. while going from 8 -> 300 K. The magnetic Compton profiles, when compared with the magnetization JNK-IN-8 data, show about 17% contribution of orbital moment to the total magnetic moment at both temperatures. The origin of the orbital moment is explained on the basis of rotation of hole on t(2g) orbital of Co(+2) ion. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi: 10.1063/1.3650251]“
“A novel ester diamine, 9-(3,5-diaminobenzoyloxy) fluorene, as a new monomer for preparation of polyimides was synthesized via two successive reactions. In the first step, reaction of 3,5-dinitrobenzoylchloride with 9-hydroxy fluorene in the presence of sodium hydroxide led to preparation of 9-(3,5-dinitrobenzoyloxy) fluorene. Second reaction was reduction of the nitro groups by tin (II) chloride and fuming hydrochloric acid to produce 9-(3,5-diaminobenzoyloxy) fluorene. The new diamine containing bulky fluorene group was characterized and polycondensed with different dianhydrides via two methods to produce polyimides. The new five-membered and six-membered ring polyimides were characterized and their properties including solubility behavior, inherent viscosity, thermal behavior and stability, and crystallinity were studied.

“
“We develop an analytical device model for graphene bilayer field-effect transistors (GBL-FETs) with the back and top gates. The model is based on the Boltzmann equation

for the electron transport and the Poisson equation in the weak nonlocality approximation for the potential in the GBL-FET channel. The potential distributions in the GBL-FET channel are found analytically. The source-drain current in GBL-FETs and their transconductance are expressed in terms of the geometrical parameters and applied voltages by analytical formulas in the most important limiting cases. These formulas explicitly account for the short-gate effect and the effect of drain-induced barrier lowering. The parameters characterizing the strength of these effects are derived. It is shown that the GBL-FET transconductance exhibits a pronounced maximum as a function of the Ricolinostat supplier top-gate voltage

swing. The interplay of the short-gate effect and the electron collisions results in a nonmonotonic dependence of the transconductance on the top-gate length. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3560921]“
“Arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) comprise a family of hydroxyproline-rich HM781-36B molecular weight glycoproteins that are implicated in plant growth and development. In this study, 69 AGPs are identified from the rice genome, including 13 classical AGPs, 15 arabinogalactan (AG) peptides, three non-classical AGPs, three early nodulin-like AGPs (eNod-like AGPs), eight non-specific lipid transfer protein-like AGPs (nsLTP-like AGPs), and 27 fasciclin-like AGPs (FLAs). The results from expressed

sequence tags, microarrays, and massively parallel signature sequencing tags are used to analyse the expression of AGP-encoding genes, which is confirmed by real-time PCR. The results reveal that several rice AGP-encoding genes are predominantly expressed in anthers and display differential expression patterns in response to abscisic acid, gibberellic acid, and abiotic stresses. Based on the results obtained from this analysis, an attempt has been made to link the protein check details structures and expression patterns of rice AGP-encoding genes to their functions. Taken together, the genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the rice AGP gene family might facilitate further functional studies of rice AGPs.”
“In children with renal insufficiency and accompanying or underlying liver disease, combined liver and kidney transplantations (CLKT) are indicated. However, because of the rare indications, the number of paediatric CLKT is low. Our aim was to analyse CLKT in children with special regard to surgical aspects and outcome. All paediatric CLKT performed at our institution between 1998 and 2009 were retrospectively analysed. Between 1998 and 2009, 15 CLKT were performed in 14 paediatric patients (median age 8 years, range 1-16 years).