bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cost‐effectiveness analysis of neurocognitive‐sparing treatments for brain metastases
Authors: Savitz Samuel T. , Chen Ronald C. , Sher David J.
Published: September 2015

BACKGROUND

Decisions regarding how to treat patients who have 1 to 3 brain metastases require important tradeoffs between controlling recurrences, side effects, and costs. In this analysis, the authors compared novel treatments versus usual care to determine the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio from a payer's (Medicare) perspective.

METHODS

Cost‐effectiveness was evaluated using a microsimulation of a Markov model for 60 one‐month cycles. The model used 4 simulated cohorts of patients aged 65 years with 1 to 3 brain metastases. The 4 cohorts had a median survival of 3, 6, 12, and 24 months to test the sensitivity of the model to different prognoses. The treatment alternatives evaluated included stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) with 3 variants of salvage after recurrence (whole‐brain radiotherapy [WBRT], hippocampal avoidance WBRT [HA‐WBRT], SRS plus WBRT, and SRS plus HA‐WBRT). The findings were tested for robustness using probabilistic and deterministic sensitivity analyses.

RESULTS

Traditional radiation therapies remained cost‐effective for patients in the 3‐month and 6‐month cohorts. In the cohorts with longer median survival, HA‐WBRT and SRS plus HA‐WBRT became cost‐effective relative to traditional treatments. When the treatments that involved HA‐WBRT were excluded, either SRS alone or SRS plus WBRT was cost‐effective relative to WBRT alone. The deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these results.

CONCLUSIONS

HA‐WBRT and SRS plus HA‐WBRT were cost‐effective for 2 of the 4 cohorts, demonstrating the value of controlling late brain toxicity with this novel therapy. Cost‐effectiveness depended on patient life expectancy. SRS was cost‐effective in the cohorts with short prognoses (3 and 6 months), whereas HA‐WBRT and SRS plus HA‐WBRT were cost‐effective in the cohorts with longer prognoses (12 and 24 months). Cancer 2015;121:4231–4239. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Trefoil factor 1 expression suppresses Helicobacter pylori–induced inflammation in gastric carcinogenesis
Authors: Soutto Mohammed , Chen Zheng , Katsha Ahmed M. , Romero‐Gallo Judith , Krishna Uma S. , Piazuelo M. Blanca , Washington M. Kay , Peek Richard M. , Belkhiri Abbes , El‐Rifai Wael M.
Published: September 2015

BACKGROUND

Infection with Helicobacter pylori, a high‐risk factor for gastric cancer, is frequently associated with chronic inflammation through activation of nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB). Trefoil factor 1 (TFF1) is a constitutively expressed protein in the stomach that has tumor‐suppressor functions and plays a critical role in maintaining mucosal integrity. This study investigated the role of TFF1 in regulating the proinflammatory response to H. pylori infections.

METHODS

For in vitro studies, immunofluorescence, luciferase reporter assays, Western blots, and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction were performed to investigate the activation of NF‐κB and its target genes in response to infections with H. pylori strains J166 and 7.13. In addition, Tff1‐knockout (KO) and Tff1–wild‐type mice were used for infections with the H. pylori strain called premouse Sydney strain 1.

RESULTS

The reconstitution of TFF1 expression in gastric cancer cells significantly suppressed H. pylori–mediated increases in NF‐κB–p65 nuclear staining, transcriptional activity, and expression of proinflammatory cytokine genes (tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 1β, chemokine [C‐X‐C motif] ligand 5, and interleukin 4 receptor) that were associated with reductions in the expression and phosphorylation of NF‐κB–p65 and IκB kinase α/β proteins. The in vivo studies using the Tff1‐KO mouse model of gastric neoplasia confirmed the in vitro findings. Furthermore, they demonstrated increases in chronic inflammation scores and in the frequency of invasive gastric adenocarcinoma in the Tff1‐KO mice infected with H. pylori versus the uninfected Tff1‐KO mice.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings underscore an important protective role of TFF1 in abrogating H. pylori–mediated inflammation, a crucial hallmark of gastric tumorigenesis. Therefore, loss of TFF1 expression could be an important step in H. pylori–mediated gastric carcinogenesis. Cancer 2015;121:4348–58. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Sexual health in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients
Authors: Li Zhuoyan , Mewawalla Prerna , Stratton Pamela , Yong Agnes S.M. , Shaw Bronwen E. , Hashmi Shahrukh , Jagasia Madan , Mohty Mohamad , Majhail Navneet S. , Savani Bipin N. , Rovó Alicia
Published: September 2015

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) plays a central role in patients with malignant and, increasingly, nonmalignant conditions. As the number of transplants increases and the survival rate improves, long‐term complications are important to recognize and treat to maintain quality of life. Sexual dysfunction is a commonly described but relatively often underestimated complication after HSCT. Conditioning regimens, generalized or genital graft‐versus‐host disease, medications, and cardiovascular complications as well as psychosocial problems are known to contribute significantly to physical and psychological sexual dysfunction. Moreover, it is often a difficult topic for patients, their significant others, and health care providers to discuss. Early recognition and management of sexual dysfunction after HSCT can lead to improved quality of life and outcomes for patients and their partners. This review focuses on the risk factors for and treatment of sexual dysfunction after transplantation and provides guidance concerning how to approach and manage a patient with sexual dysfunction after HSCT. Cancer 2015;121:4124–4131. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Outcomes of postchemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection following high‐dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplantation
Authors: Cary Clint , Pedrosa Jose A. , Jacob Joseph , Beck Stephen D. W. , Rice Kevin R. , Einhorn Lawrence H. , Foster Richard S.
Published: September 2015

BACKGROUND

Characterizing the role of postchemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (PC‐RPLND) after high‐dose chemotherapy (HDCT) has been limited by small sample sizes. This study reports on survival after HDCT with stem cell support and PC‐RPLND as well as histologic findings in the retroperitoneum.

METHODS

The prospectively maintained testicular cancer database of Indiana University was queried for patients receiving HDCT with stem cell transplantation before PC‐RPLND. The cause and date of death were obtained through patient chart review and contact with referring physicians. The Kaplan‐Meier method was used to evaluate overall survival (OS). The log‐rank test was used for tests of significance. A multivariate, backward, stepwise Cox regression model was built to evaluate predictors of overall mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 92 patients were included in the study. In the entire cohort, the retroperitoneal (RP) histology findings at the time of PC‐RPLND were necrosis (26%), teratoma (34%), and cancer (38%). Sixty‐six patients (72%) harbored either a teratoma or active cancer in the RP specimen at PC‐RPLND. The median follow‐up for the entire cohort was 80.6 months. A total of 28 patients (30%) died during follow‐up. The 5‐year OS rate of the entire cohort was 70%. The most significant predictor of death was PC‐RPLND performed in the desperation setting with elevated markers.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite these patients being heavily pretreated with multiple cycles of chemotherapy, including HDCT, approximately three‐fourths were found to have a teratoma and/or active cancer in the retroperitoneum. This underscores the importance of PC‐RPLND for rendering patients free of disease and providing a potential for cure. Cancer 2015;121:4369–75. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Click‐Type PtII‐Mediated Hydroxyguanidine–Nitrile Coupling Provides Useful Catalysts for Hydrosilylation Cross‐Linking
Authors: Demakova Marina Ya. , Bolotin Dmitrii S. , Bokach Nadezhda A. , Islamova Regina M. , Starova Galina L. , Kukushkin Vadim Yu.
Published: September 2015

The nitrile complexestrans‐[PtCl2(RCN)2] (R=Et (NC1),tBu (NC2), Ph (NC3),p‐BrC6H4(NC4)) andcis‐[PtCl2(RCN)2] (R=Et (NC5),tBu (NC6), Ph (NC7)) react with 1 equiv of the hydroxyguanidine OC4H8NC(=NOH)NH2(HG) furnishing the mono‐addition productstrans‐ andcis‐[PtCl2(RCN){NH=C(R)ON=C(NH2)NC4H8O}] (1–4and9–11; 7 examples; 54–74 % yield). Treatment of any of the nitrile complexesNC1–NC7withHGin a 1:2 molar ratio generated the bis‐addition productstrans‐ andcis‐[PtCl2{NH=C(R)ON=C(NH2)NC4H8O}2] (5–8and12–14; 7 examples; 69–89 % yield). The PtII‐mediated coupling between nitrile ligands andHGproceeds substantially faster than the corresponding reactions involving amid‐ and ketoximes and gives redox stable products under normal conditions. Complexes 1,6⋅4 CH2Cl2,7⋅4 CH2Cl2,8⋅2 CH2Cl2, andNC4were studied by X‐ray crystallography. Platinum(II) species1–3,10,11, and especially9, efficiently catalyze the hydrosilylation cross‐linking of vinyl‐terminated poly(dimethylsiloxane) and trimethylsilyl‐terminated poly(dimethylsiloxane‐co‐ethylhydrosiloxane) giving high‐quality thermally stable silicon resins with no structural defects. The usage of these platinum species as the catalysts does not require any inhibitors and, moreover, the complexes and their mixtures with vinyl‐ and trimethylsilyl‐terminated polysiloxanes are shelf‐stable in air.
Early adversity, neural development, and inflammation
Authors: Chiang Jessica J. , Taylor Shelley E. , Bower Julienne E.
Published: September 2015

Early adversity is a risk factor for poor mental and physical health. Although altered neural development is believed to be one pathway linking early adversity to psychopathology, it has rarely been considered a pathway linking early adversity to poor physical health. However, this is a viable pathway because the central nervous system is known to interact with the immune system via the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis and autonomic nervous system (ANS). In support of this pathway, early adversity has been linked to changes in neural development (particularly of the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex), HPA axis and ANS dysregulation, and higher levels of inflammation. Inflammation, in turn, can be detrimental to physical health when prolonged. In this review, we present these studies and consider how altered neural development may be a pathway by which early adversity increases inflammation and thus risk for adverse physical health outcomes. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 57: 887–907, 2015.
Zebrafish jam‐b2 Gal4‐enhancer trap line recapitulates endogenous jam‐b2 expression in extraocular muscles
Authors: Matsui Hideaki , Dorigo Alessandro , Buchberger Astrid , Hocking Jennifer C. , Distel Martin , Köster Reinhard W.
Published: September 2015

Background: Members of the junctional adhesion molecule (JAM) family function as cell adhesion molecules and cell surface receptors. The zebrafish genome contains six different jam genes, and jam‐b and jam‐c were shown to be essential for myoblast fusion during skeletal muscle development. However, little is known about jam‐b2 expression and function. Results: We isolated the cDNA of zebrafish jam‐b2. jam‐b2 is expressed specifically in extraocular muscles (EOMs), jaw muscles, and pectoral fins in zebrafish larvae, but not in trunk muscles. The identified jam‐b2 expression pattern is supported by the analysis of a zebrafish Gal4‐enhancer trap line, in which the coding sequence of the transcriptional activator KalTA4 together with a Gal4‐dependent UAS‐mCherry expression cassette was inserted into the jam‐b2 locus. Intercrosses with an UAS:EGFP strain proves the possibility for targeting transgene expression to EOMs, jaw muscles and fins. Finally, we characterized the concerted contraction pattern of EOMs in larvae performing an optokinetic response. Conclusions: The expression pattern of jam‐b2 suggests that it may contribute different properties to EOMs, jaw muscles, and pectoral fins. The jam‐b2:KalTA4‐UAS‐mCherry transgenic strain serves a dual role as both a reporter for these muscles and as a valuable genetic tool for targeting transgene expression to EOMs. Developmental Dynamics 244:1574–1580, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reductive Amination of ω‐Oxoecdysteroids in the Synthesis of Dimeric Ecdysteroids
Authors: Savchenko Rimma G. , Kostyleva Svetlana A. , Odinokov Victor N.
Published: September 2015

N‐Alkyl‐ and N‐arylaminoecdysteroids were synthesized for the first time by reductive amination of ω‐oxoecdysteroids. By using aliphatic or aromatic diamines, dimeric ecdysteroids with an ethylenediamine or p‐phenylenediamine bridge at the C(24), C(24′)‐position of the monomeric moieties were obtained.
Synthesis of Novel, Chiral Bicyclo[3.1.0]hex‐2‐ene Amino Acid Derivatives as Useful Synthons in Medicinal Chemistry
Authors: Stadler Heinz
Published: September 2015

A short and concise synthesis of novel, chiral bicyclo[3.1.0]hex‐2‐ene amino acid derivatives 13 and 14 has been developed. The key step is a stereo‐ and regioselective allylic amination of exo‐ and endo‐methyl bicyclo[3.1.0]hex‐2‐ene‐6‐carboxylates 8 and 9, which were prepared from 7,7‐dichlorobicyclo[3.2.0]hept‐2‐en‐6‐one (1). These amino acid derivatives are useful building blocks in medicinal chemistry and can be prepared as chiral compounds by using either (+)‐1 or (−)‐1 as starting material.
Significance of NF‐κB activation in immortalization of nasopharyngeal epithelial cells
Authors: Zhu Dan Dan , Zhang Jun , Deng Wen , Yip Yim Ling , Lung Hong Lok , Tsang Chi Man , Law Wai Tak , Yang Jie , Lau Victoria Ming Yi , Shuen Wai Ho , Lung Maria Li , Cheung Annie Lai Man , Tsao Sai Wah
Published: September 2015

NF‐κB is a key regulator of inflammatory response and is frequently activated in human cancer including the undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), which is common in Southern China including Hong Kong. Activation of NF‐κB is common in NPC and may contribute to NPC development. The role of NF‐κB activation in immortalization of nasopharyngeal epithelial (NPE) cells, which may represent an early event in NPC pathogenesis, is unknown. Examination of NF‐κB activation in immortalization of NPE cells is of particular interest as the site of NPC is often heavily infiltrated with inflammatory cellular components. We found that constitutive activation of NF‐κB signaling is a common phenotype in telomerase‐immortalized NPE cell lines. Our results suggest that NF‐κB activation promotes the growth of telomerase‐immortalized NPE cells, and suppression of NF‐κB activity inhibits their proliferation. Furthermore, we observed upregulation of c‐Myc, IL‐6 and Bmi‐1 in our immortalized NPE cells. Inhibition of NF‐κB downregulated expression of c‐Myc, IL‐6 and Bmi‐1, suggesting that they are downstream events of NF‐κB activation in immortalized NPE cells. We further delineated that EGFR/MEK/ERK/IKK/mTORC1 is the key upstream pathway of NF‐κB activation in immortalized NPE cells. Elucidation of events underlying immortalization of NPE cells may provide insights into early events in pathogenesis of NPC. The identification of NF‐κB activation and elucidation of its activation mechanism in immortalized NPE cells may reveal novel therapeutic targets for treatment and prevention of NPC.
Gene expression profile in the activation of subperitoneal fibroblasts reflects prognosis of patients with colon cancer
Authors: Yokota Mitsuru , Kojima Motohiro , Higuchi Youichi , Nishizawa Yuji , Kobayashi Akihiro , Ito Masaaki , Saito Norio , Ochiai Atsushi
Published: September 2015

Tumors can create a heterogenetic tumor microenvironment. We recently identified the pathologically unique cancer microenvironment formed by peritoneal invasion (CMPI), and revealed that subperitoneal fibroblasts (SPFs) within peritoneal tissue play a crucial role in tumor progression through their interaction with cancer cells. Therefore, the genes in SPFs altered by cancer stimulation may include some biologically important factors associated with patient prognosis. In this study, we aimed to identify new biomarkers using genes specifically upregulated in SPFs by cancer‐cell‐conditioned medium (CCCM) stimulation (SPFs CCCM response genes; SCR genes) in colon cancer (CC). We constructed two frameworks using SCR gene data: a publicly released microarray dataset, and validation cases with freshly frozen CC samples to identify genes related to short recurrence‐free survival (RFS). In the first framework, we selected differentially expressed genes between the high and low SCR gene expression groups. In the second framework, genes significantly related to short RFS were selected by univariate analysis using all SCR genes, and multivariate analysis was performed to select robust genes associated with short RFS. We identified CTGF, CALD1, INHBA and TAGLN in the first framework, and PDLIM5, MAGI1, SPTBN1 and TAGLN in the second framework. Among these seven genes, high expression of three genes (CALD1, TAGLN and SPTBN1) showed a poor prognosis in our validation cases. In a public microarray dataset, SCR gene expression was associated with the expression of ECM component, EMT, and M2‐macrophage associated genes, which was concordant with the pathological features of CMPI. Thus, we successfully identified new prognostic factors.
Refractive indices of unfilled resin mixtures and cured composites related to color and translucency of conventional and low‐shrinkage composites
Authors: Miletic Vesna , Jakovljevic Nikola , Manojlovic Dragica , Marjanovic Jovana , Rosic Aleksandra A. , Dramićanin Miroslav D.
Published: September 2015

This study correlated the refractive indices (RIs) of unfilled resin mixtures and resin‐based composites (RBCs) with color and translucency of conventional and low‐shrinkage RBCs. Unfilled resin mixtures based on different ratios of conventional monomers Bisphenol A‐glycidyl‐methacrylate (BisGMA)/triethyleneglycol‐dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) and urethane‐dimethacrylate (UDMA)/TEGDMA and a low‐shrinkage monomer FIT‐852 (FIT, Esstech Inc.)/TEGDMA were used to prepare model RBCs, containing 30 wt % of the organic matrix and 70 wt % of silanated barium‐glass fillers (n = 1.553, Esstech Inc.). The RIs of resins were measured on an ABBE refractometer, those of cured RBCs using the Becke‐line method in immersion oils. Color and translucency were determined using an AvaSpec‐2048 (Avantes BV) spectrometer. The RIs of unfilled resin mixtures decreased with increasing amounts of TEGDMA. Cured RBCs had higher RIs than their respective resin mixtures. BisGMA‐based composites were more translucent with significantly lower L* values than FIT‐ and UDMA‐based RBCs. The RIs of unfilled resins positively correlated with cured RBCs (p = 0.001), as did the RIs with translucency (p = 0.001) and color (p = 0.008). Resin mixtures and corresponding RBCs based on UDMA and its modified low‐shrinkage version, FIT, showed similar optical properties. The RIs of unfilled resins appeared to be good predictors of the RIs of cured RBCs. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 7–13, 2017.
Commercially Available Preparations of Recombinant Wnt3a Contain Non‐Wnt Related Activities Which May Activate TGF‐β Signaling
Authors: Carthy Jon M. , Engström Ulla , Heldin Carl‐Henrik , Moustakas Aristidis
Published: September 2015

The Wnt ligands are a family of secreted signaling proteins which play key roles in a number of cellular processes under physiological and pathological conditions. Wnts bind to their membrane receptors and initiate a signaling cascade which leads to the nuclear localization and transcriptional activity of β‐catenin. The development of purified recombinant Wnt ligands has greatly aided in our understanding of Wnt signaling and its functions in development and disease. In the current study, we identified non‐Wnt related signaling activities which were present in commercially available preparations of recombinant Wnt3a. Specifically, we found that treatment of cultured fibroblasts with recombinant Wnt3a induced immediate activation of TGF‐β and BMP signaling and this activity appeared to be independent of the Wnt ligand itself. Therefore, while purified recombinant Wnt ligands continue to be a useful tool for studying this signaling pathway, one must exercise a degree of caution when analyzing the results of experiments that utilize purified recombinant Wnt ligands. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 938–945, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Antecedents of B2B E‐Commerce Adoption and its Effect on Competitive Advantage in Manufacturing SMEs
Authors: Hamad Haseba , Elbeltagi Ibrahim , Jones Paul , El‐Gohary Hatem
Published: September 2015

B2B e‐commerce adoption enables SMEs to gain and sustain competitive advantage in a dynamic competitive environment.
An evaluation of the severity and progression of epistaxis in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia 1 versus hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia 2
Authors: Hunter Benjamin N. , Timmins Benjamin H. , McDonald Jamie , Whitehead Kevin J. , Ward P. Daniel , Wilson Kevin F.
Published: September 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is an autosomal dominant vascular dysplasia whose hallmark symptom is spontaneous recurrent epistaxis. Two major genetic subtypes of this syndrome are HHT1 and HHT2. Severity of epistaxis ranges from occasional low‐volume bleeding to frequent large‐volume hemorrhage. This study evaluated the severity and progression of epistaxis in HHT1 versus HHT2.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed for 183 genotyped HHT patients seen at our center from 2010 to 2013. Data collected included epistaxis severity score (ESS), age of epistaxis onset, number and type of treatments, age at which treatments were sought, complete blood count values, ferritin, number of telangiectases, blood transfusions, iron therapy history, and patient demographics.

Results

115 subjects with HHT2 were compared to 68 with HHT1. Subjects with HHT2 had a higher ESS compared to HHT1 (P = .043) and a later age of onset of epistaxis (P = .005). HHT2 subjects were more likely to use oral iron (P = .032) and were more likely to seek interventions to control their epistaxis (P = .029).

Conclusions

HHT2 is associated with more severe epistaxis and a subsequent higher rate of interventions, requiring more aggressive therapy as compared to HHT1.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 126:786–790, 2016
Outcomes in endocrine cancer surgery are affected by racial, economic, and healthcare system demographics
Authors: Al‐Qurayshi Zaid , Randolph Gregory W. , Srivastav Sudesh , Kandil Emad
Published: September 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

Surgeon experience has been recognized in several clinical fields as a significant element of superior management outcomes. In this study, we seek to assess the association between surgeon volume and patients' community health status with the outcomes of thyroid and parathyroid surgery indicated for primary malignancies.

Study Design

A cross‐sectional study utilizing the State Inpatient Databases, 2010–2011, for Florida, New York, and Washington was merged with the County Health Rankings database.

Methods

International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes were used to identify adult (≥18 years) patients who underwent thyroidectomy or parathyroidectomy indicated for primary malignancies.

Results

A total of 6,347 records were included. Compared to high‐volume surgeons, patients treated by low‐volume surgeons were more likely to develop postoperative complications in the 1‐month period after the operation (odds ratio: 4.34, 95% confidence interval: 3.31‐5.70, P < .001). Furthermore, both low‐ and intermediate‐volume surgeons were associated with a longer hospital stay (>2 days) and a higher risk of admission to the intensive care unit (P < .01 each). Cost of health services was significantly in the highest quartile (>$10,254.66) for patients treated by low‐volume surgeons (P < .001). Patients who lived in communities of poor health measures had a higher risk of postoperative complications (16.3% vs. 11.8%, P = .030) independent of the clinical presentation and management type. Patients living in high health‐risk communities and those of black and Hispanic backgrounds were more likely to be treated by low‐volume surgeons (P < .001 each).

Conclusions

The surgeon's volume and the patient's living conditions are crucial and independent factors in multiple aspects of endocrine cancer management.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 126:775–781, 2016
Assessing Impacts of Crested Wheatgrass AND Native Species Establishment on Soil Characteristics in Reclaimed LAND Using Bayesian Posterior Predictive Distributions
Authors: Gasch Caley K. , Huzurbazar Snehalata V. , Wick Abbey F. , Stahl Peter D.
Published: September 2015

We examined the interacting effects of drastic disturbance and re‐vegetation communities on the development of soil properties over time. We compared soil characteristics from an undisturbed reference site with reclaimed mine sites that differed by vegetation type and time since reclamation: Three sites were seeded solely with crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum) (11, 16, and 29 years old), and two were seeded with native cool‐season grass mixes (14 and 26 years old). We sampled soil at two depths (0–5 and 5–15 cm) for soil macroaggregate and microaggregate weights, aggregate carbon to nitrogen (C : N) ratios, and microbial abundance. We employed a Bayesian bivariate model to account for potential correlations in soil properties across depths and compared soil properties across sites using posterior predictive distributions. We found that all reclaimed soils, regardless of vegetation type, had total aggregate weights that were similar to the undisturbed reference soil but had a larger proportion of macroaggregates than the reference soil. Aggregate C : N ratios were similar between the undisturbed reference and crested wheatgrass soils, while the reclaimed native cool‐season grass soils had lower C : N ratios in the top 5 cm. Total microbial abundance in soils seeded with crested wheatgrass was an order of magnitude lower than that in soils occupied by native species (both reclaimed and undisturbed). The presence of crested wheatgrass on the reclaimed sites alone did not differentiate all soil properties across our reclamation sites, but seeding this single, aggressive species may have contributed to maintaining different belowground characteristics on reclaimed soils. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Incontinence in children, adolescents and adults with Williams syndrome
Authors: von Gontard Alexander , Niemczyk Justine , Borggrefe‐Moussavian Sorina , Wagner Catharina , Curfs Leopold , Equit Monika
Published: September 2015

Aims

Williams Syndrome (WS) is a microdeletion syndrome (chromosome 7q11.23) characterized by typical facial features, cardiovascular disease, behavioural symptoms, and mild intellectual disability (ID). The aim of this study was to assess the rates of incontinence and psychological problems in persons with WS.

Methods

231 individuals with WS were recruited through the German parent support group (52.0% male, mean age 19.4 years). Faecal incontinence (FI) was diagnosed from the age of 4 years and nocturnal enuresis (NE) and daytime urinary incontinence (DUI) of 5 years onwards. The Parental Questionnaire: Enuresis/Urinary Incontinence, the International‐Consultation‐on‐Incontinence‐Questionnaire–Pediatric LUTS (ICIQ‐CLUTS), as well as the Developmental Behavior Checklist for parents (DBC‐P) or for adults (DBC‐A) were filled out by parents or caregivers.

Results

17.8% of the sample had NE, 5.9% DUI and 7.6% FI. NE was present in 44.9% of children (4–12 years), 13.5% of teens (13–17y), 3.3% of young adults (18–30y) and in 3.6% of adults (> 30y). DUI (and FI) decreased from 17.9% (21.4%) in children to 0% in adults. 3.5% of the sample had an ICIQ‐CLUTS score in the clinical range. 30.5% of children and 22.1% of adults had a clinical DBC score. Children and teens with clinically relevant DBC‐P‐scores had significantly higher DUI rates.

Conclusions

Children with WS have high rates of incontinence and LUTS, which decrease with age. Most adults are continent. NE is the most common subtype. Except for DUI in children, incontinence is not associated with behavioural problems. Screening, assessment and treatment of incontinence in individuals with WS is recommended. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:1000–1005, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development of PU‐TZnO solid‐phase extractor for selective detection of mercury in complex matrices
Authors: Akhtar Kalsoom , Marwani Hadi M. , Seo Jongchul , Bakhsh Esraa M. , Kim Dowan , Asiri Abdullah M. , Khan Sher Bahadar
Published: September 2015

In this study, a new effective solid‐phase extractor (PU‐TZnO 3) was developed for a selective extraction and determination of mercury using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The selectivity of PUA (PU‐TZnO 0.5, PU‐TZnO 1, PU‐TZnO 3, or PU‐TZnO 5) was investigated toward several metal ions, including Au(III), Cd(II), Co(II), Cu(II), Hg(II), Pb(II), Pd(II), and Zn(II). Based on selectivity and pH studies, Hg(II) was the most quantitatively adsorbed on PU‐TZNO 3 phase at pH 2, indicating that PU‐TZnO 3 is more selective for Hg(II) as compared to other metal ions. Based on the adsorption isotherm analysis, the maximum adsorption capacity of PU‐TZnO 3 phase for Hg(II) was found to be 99.68 mg g−1, following the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. Further kinetic models suggested pseudo second‐order kinetic model for adsorption of Hg(II) on the PU‐TZnO 3. In addition, results of thermodynamic investigation demonstrated that a general spontaneous process is favorable for adsorption mechanism of Hg(II) on PU‐TZnO 3. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:2106–2112, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
A hydrogel‐forming liquid crystalline elastomer exhibiting soft shape memory
Authors: Torbati Amir H. , Mather Patrick T.
Published: September 2015

Research in the field of liquid crystalline polymers has recently witnessed the introduction of liquid crystalline hydrogels. Here, we report the synthesis and characterization of a new liquid crystalline network featuring elastomeric softness, water‐swelling and shape memory characteristics. By comparing with a nonmesogenic network prepared using the same procedure, we reveal structure–property relationships of the liquid crystalline and crystalline polymer networks. Wide angle and small angle X‐ray scattering studies were used to examine the liquid crystalline ordering in both dry and hydrated states. Such ordering was found to be related to the observed shape memory and actuation (two‐way shape memory) properties and these phenomena are highlighted with demonstrations of shape change in response to heat and water stimuli. This study provides insight into the mechanisms affecting the shape evolution of water activated anisotropic liquid crystalline hydrogels and enables the future design of materials or devices for a variety of applications such as biomaterials interacting with body fluids in a hydrated state. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys.2016,54, 38–52
In silico mutational studies of Hsp70 disclose sites with distinct functional attributes
Authors: Ozbaykal Gizem , Rana Atilgan Ali , Atilgan Canan
Published: September 2015

The Mutation‐Minimization Method (MuMi) to study the local response of proteins to point mutations has been introduced here. The heat shock protein Hsp70 as the test system since it displays features that have been studied in great detail has been used here. It has many conserved residues, serves several different functions on each of its domains, and displays interdomain allostery. For the analysis of spatial arrangement of residues within the protein, the network properties of the wild type (WT) protein as well as its all single alanine residue mutants using MuMi has been investigated. The measures to express the amount of change from the WT structure upon mutation and compare these deviations to find potential critical sites have been proposed. The functional significance of the potential sites to the parameter that uncovers them has been mapped. It was found that sites directly involved in binding were sensitive to mutations and were characterized by large displacements. On the other hand, sites that steer large conformational changes typically had increased reachability upon alanine mutations occurring elsewhere in the protein. Finally, residues that control communication within and between domains reside on the largest number of paths connecting pairs of residues in the protein. Proteins 2015; 83:2077–2090. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An amino acid code for irregular and mixed protein packing
Authors: Joo Hyun , Chavan Archana G. , Fraga Keith J. , Tsai Jerry
Published: September 2015

To advance our understanding of protein tertiary structure, the development of the knob‐socket model is completed in an analysis of the packing in irregular coil and turn secondary structure packing as well as between mixed secondary structure. The knob‐socket model simplifies packing based on repeated patterns of two motifs: a three‐residue socket for packing within secondary (2°) structure and a four‐residue knob‐socket for tertiary (3°) packing. For coil and turn secondary structure, knob‐sockets allow identification of a correlation between amino acid composition and tertiary arrangements in space. Coil contributes almost as much as α‐helices to tertiary packing. In irregular sockets, Gly, Pro, Asp, and Ser are favored, while in irregular knobs, the preference order is Arg, Asp, Pro, Asn, Thr, Leu, and Gly. Cys, His,Met, and Trp are not favored in either. In mixed packing, the knob amino acid preferences are a function of the socket that they are packing into, whereas the amino acid composition of the sockets does not depend on the secondary structure of the knob. A unique motif of a coil knob with an XYZ β‐sheet socket may potentially function to inhibit β‐sheet extension. In addition, analysis of the preferred crossing angles for strands within a β‐sheet and mixed α‐helice/β‐sheet identifies canonical packing patterns useful in protein design. Lastly, the knob‐socket model abstracts the complexity of protein tertiary structure into an intuitive packing surface topology map. Proteins 2015; 83:2147–2161. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Integration of QUARK and I‐TASSER for Ab Initio Protein Structure Prediction in CASP11
Authors: Zhang Wenxuan , Yang Jianyi , He Baoji , Walker Sara Elizabeth , Zhang Hongjiu , Govindarajoo Brandon , Virtanen Jouko , Xue Zhidong , Shen Hong‐Bin , Zhang Yang
Published: September 2015

We tested two pipelines developed for template‐free protein structure prediction in the CASP11 experiment. First, the QUARK pipeline constructs structure models by reassembling fragments of continuously distributed lengths excised from unrelated proteins. Five free‐modeling (FM) targets have the model successfully constructed by QUARK with a TM‐score above 0.4, including the first model of T0837‐D1, which has a TM‐score = 0.736 and RMSD = 2.9 Å to the native. Detailed analysis showed that the success is partly attributed to the high‐resolution contact map prediction derived from fragment‐based distance‐profiles, which are mainly located between regular secondary structure elements and loops/turns and help guide the orientation of secondary structure assembly. In the Zhang‐Server pipeline, weakly scoring threading templates are re‐ordered by the structural similarity to the ab initio folding models, which are then reassembled by I‐TASSER based structure assembly simulations; 60% more domains with length up to 204 residues, compared to the QUARK pipeline, were successfully modeled by the I‐TASSER pipeline with a TM‐score above 0.4. The robustness of the I‐TASSER pipeline can stem from the composite fragment‐assembly simulations that combine structures from both ab initio folding and threading template refinements. Despite the promising cases, challenges still exist in long‐range beta‐strand folding, domain parsing, and the uncertainty of secondary structure prediction; the latter of which was found to affect nearly all aspects of FM structure predictions, from fragment identification, target classification, structure assembly, to final model selection. Significant efforts are needed to solve these problems before real progress on FM could be made. Proteins 2016; 84(Suppl 1):76–86. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Temporal flickering of contrast agents for enhanced optical imaging
Authors: Ilovitsh Tali , Zalevsky Zeev
Published: September 2015

The temporal flickering of contrast agents that labels a biological sample is a unique modality for cellular imaging with single molecule sensitivity. It improves the signal‐to‐noise ratio statistics associated with the noisy in vivo environment and has promising applications in single particle tracking and super‐resolution microscopy techniques. The flickering can be triggered either statistically through the mechanism of temporal fluctuations of the emitter or through external modulation. The enriching toolbox of contrast agents that are feasible for biomedical imaging for the flickering methods will be discussed, with emphasis on the emerging field of flickering gold nanoparticles and the lock‐in detection mechanism. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2016, 8:439–448. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1375

This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > In Vitro Nanoparticle-Based Sensing

Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging
How experiential service‐learning affects student perceptions of education in their careers and as a wildlife management activity
Authors: Stevenson Kathryn T. , Peterson M. Nils
Published: September 2015

Wildlife education has long been critiqued for leaving students entering the workforce deficient in skills such as communication, public relations, and problem solving. This challenge may emerge from both curricula and instructional techniques focused on technical expertise rather than soft skills. Researchers have suggested several instructional techniques to address this challenge but have not empirically examined their effectiveness. This study examined how an environmental‐education service‐learning project affected undergraduate wildlife science students' perceptions of education as a possible career and how important they considered education as a wildlife management activity using a pre‐posttreatment comparison between 36 wildlife students at North Carolina State University (Raleigh, NC, USA, during spring 2014) participating in an environmental‐education service‐learning project and 23 wildlife students from the same cohort who were not. In the pretest, few (10.3%) students from either group saw K–12 education as a future career, but most (98.3%) saw education as an important wildlife management activity. Most (82.0%) students also predicted they would need educator skills in their careers, but more females than males saw this as likely. The treatment was positively related to students' belief they would use teaching skills in future careers and that a career in K–12 education would be fulfilling. These results suggest that service‐learning projects may be an effective tool to boost interest in education both as a career and as a wildlife management activity among future wildlife professionals regardless of gender, but that especially high interest among females could provide guidance for training and recruitment efforts attempting to mitigate the gender gap among wildlife professionals. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
Nervous system involvement in Farber disease
Authors: Cappellari Alberto M. , Torcoletti Marta , Triulzi Fabio , Corona Fabrizia
Published: September 2015

A 30 months‐old boy with Farber disease developed nystagmus 12 months after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). At 40 months, gait ataxia was evident, and brain MRI showed increased size of pericerebellar sulci and 4th ventricle. EMG showed denervation in the tongue and upper limb muscles, consistent with motor neuron disease. HSCT improves the peripheral manifestations of Farber disease, but may not prevent the progressive neurological deterioration.
Developing a dictionary culture through integrated dictionary pedagogy in the outer texts of South African school dictionaries: the case of ‘Oxford Bilingual School Dictionary: IsiXhosa and English’
Authors: Nkomo Dion
Published: September 2015

The challenges posed by a poor societal dictionary culture and an inability of school curricula or teachers to integrate dictionary pedagogy in the everyday teaching and learning activities compel lexicographers to integrate dictionary pedagogy in the outer texts of school dictionaries. This is done through design features that encourage learners to appreciate the educational value of dictionaries while facilitating efficient and optimum use of the dictionaries. This article discusses the state of societal dictionary culture and dictionary pedagogy in South Africa. In spite of the acknowledged poor dictionary culture, it is shown that the school curriculum provides sufficient space for dictionary use as part of everyday teaching and learning as well as the nurturing of dictionary skills. Without delving deeper into how teachers respond to these educational policy provisions on dictionaries, which warrants a separate comprehensive study, the article demonstrates how the recently published Oxford Bilingual School Dictionary: IsiXhosa and English (De Schryver et al. 2014), typifies school dictionaries in which lexicographers go beyond addressing learners’ educational needs regarding language and other school subjects to integrate dictionary pedagogy that may prove beneficial in the long-term development of dictionary skills and dictionary culture. This is particularly evident in the study of selected outer texts. However, the success of these endeavours depends on whether the target users use dictionaries in the first place, which still makes the role of teachers indispensable.
T‐cell receptor profiling in cancer
Authors: Kirsch Ilan , Vignali Marissa , Robins Harlan
Published: September 2015

Immunosequencing is a platform technology that allows the enumeration, specification and quantification of each and every B‐ and/or T‐cell in any biologic sample of interest. Thus, it provides an assessment of the level and distribution of all the clonal lymphocytes in any sample, and allows “tracking” of a single clone or multiple clones of interest over time or from tissue to tissue within a given patient. It is based on bias‐controlled multiplex PCR and high‐throughput sequencing, and it is highly accurate, standardized, and sensitive. In this review, we provide evidence that immunosequencing is becoming an important analytic tool for the emerging field of immune‐oncology, and describe several applications of this approach, including the assessment of residual disease post therapy in lymphoid malignancies, the prediction of response to immunotherapeutics of solid tumors containing tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, the identification of clonal responses in vaccination, infectious disease, bone marrow reconstitution, and autoimmunity, and the exploration of whether there are population‐based stereotyped responses to certain exposures or interventions.
Identifying Individuals With Generalised Anxiety Disorder: A Receiver Operator Characteristic Analysis of Theoretically Relevant Measures
Authors: Curtiss Joshua , Klemanski David H.
Published: September 2015

This article appraises the ability of several measures, assessing symptomatology theoretically relevant to generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), to accomplish successful classification of individuals with DSM-IV GAD and individuals with mood or other anxiety disorders. Participants were 197 individuals (average age = 36.43; 67.5% female) receiving treatment at a clinic, who completed pretreatment self-report measures. Receiver operator characteristic analyses and logistic regression analyses were employed to determine the classificatory abilities, including sensitivity and specificity, of several GAD relevant measures. The Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ) accomplished significant classification in both comparison group dyads: GAD-Anxiety and GAD-Mood. Whereas the general distress of depression subscale of the Mood and Anxiety Symptoms Questionnaire (MASQ) accomplished significant classification in the GAD-Anxiety group dyad, both the general distress of anxiety and anxious arousal subscales of the MASQ did so in the GAD-Mood group dyad. Only the PSWQ significantly predicted the presence of GAD, while controlling for other symptom variables. Though evidence supports the uniqueness of some symptoms of GAD, including worry, often considered pathognomonic to GAD, the modest areas under the curve, sensitivity, and specificity of the measures afford tenuous support for the utility of these measures. The lack of highly sensitive and specific symptomatology comport with critiques of GAD as a diagnostically delimited category.
Evolving Epidemiology ofStaphylococcus aureusBacteremia
Authors: Rhee Yoona , Aroutcheva Alla , Hota Bala , Weinstein Robert A. , Popovich Kyle J.
Published: September 2015

BACKGROUND

Methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) infections due to USA300 have become widespread in community and healthcare settings. It is unclear whether risk factors for bloodstream infections (BSIs) differ by strain type.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the epidemiology ofS. aureusBSIs, including USA300 and non-USA300 MRSA strains.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational study with molecular analysis.

SETTING

Large urban public hospital.

PATIENTS

Individuals withS. aureusBSIs from January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2013.

METHODS

We used electronic surveillance data to identify cases ofS. aureusBSI. Available MRSA isolates were analyzed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Poisson regression was used to evaluate changes in BSI incidence over time. Risk factor data were collected by medical chart review and logistic regression was used for multivariate analysis of risk factors.

RESULTS

A total of 1,015 cases ofS. aureusBSIs were identified during the study period; 36% were due to MRSA. The incidence of hospital-onset (HO) MRSA BSIs decreased while that of community-onset (CO) MRSA BSIs remained stable. The rate of CO– and HO– methicillin-susceptibleS. aureusinfections both decreased over time. More than half of HO-MRSA BSIs were due to the USA300 strain type and for 4 years, the proportion of HO-MRSA BSIs due to USA300 exceeded 60%. On multivariate analysis, current or former drug use was the only epidemiologic risk factor for CO- or HO-MRSA BSIs due to USA300 strains.

CONCLUSIONS

USA300 MRSA is endemic in communities and hospitals and certain populations (eg, those who use illicit drugs) may benefit from enhanced prevention efforts in the community.

Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol.2015;36(12):1417–1422