bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of posttreatment imaging and biomarkers in survivors of early‐stage breast cancer: Inappropriate surveillance or necessary care?
Authors: Hahn Erin E. , Tang Tania , Lee Janet S. , Munoz‐Plaza Corrine E. , Shen Ernest , Rowley Braden , Maeda Jared L. , Mosen David M. , Ruckdeschel John C. , Gould Michael K.
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND

Advanced imaging and serum biomarkers are commonly used for surveillance in patients with early‐stage breast cancer, despite recommendations against this practice. Incentives to perform such low‐value testing may be less prominent in integrated health care delivery systems. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate and compare the use of these services within 2 integrated systems: Kaiser Permanente (KP) and Intermountain Healthcare (IH). The authors also sought to distinguish the indication for testing: diagnostic purposes or routine surveillance.

METHODS

Patients with American Joint Committee on Cancer stage 0 to II breast cancer diagnosed between 2009 and 2010 were identified and the use of imaging and biomarker tests over an 18‐month period were quantified, starting at 1 year after diagnosis. Chart abstraction was performed on a random sample of patients who received testing to identify the indication for testing. Multivariate regression was used to explore associations with the use of nonrecommended care.

RESULTS

A total of 6585 patients were identified; 22% had stage 0 disease, 44% had stage I disease, and 34% had stage II disease. Overall, 24% of patients received at least 1 imaging test (25% at KP vs 22% at IH; P = .009) and 28% of patients received at least 1 biomarker (36% at KP vs 13% at IH; P<.001). Chart abstraction revealed that 84% of imaging tests were performed to evaluate symptoms or signs. Virtually all biomarkers were ordered for routine surveillance. Stage of disease, medical center that provided the services, and provider experience were found to be significantly associated with the use of biomarkers.

CONCLUSIONS

Advanced imaging was most often performed for appropriate indications, but biomarkers were used for nonrecommended surveillance. Distinguishing between inappropriate use for surveillance and appropriate diagnostic testing is essential when evaluating adherence to recommendations. Cancer 2016;122:908–16. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Genomic profiling of advanced bladder cancer to guide the use of targeted therapeutics
Authors: Green Angela K. , Milowsky Matthew I.
Published: December 2015

As exemplified by the accompanying research article, next‐generation sequencing of bladder tumors for clinical decision making facilitates the use of targeted therapies in advanced bladder cancer, a historically underresearched area of oncology. The overall benefit of targeted therapy in bladder cancer remains to be determined, but research efforts are underway.
Large‐Scale Programmable Synthesis of PbS Quantum Dots
Authors: Preske Amanda , Liu Jin , Prezhdo Oleg V. , Krauss Todd D.
Published: December 2015

The most common method of synthesizing colloidal quantum dots (QDs) relies on an increasing particle size through increasing reaction time. We demonstrate a synthesis where the QD size is programmable through the use of a secondary phosphine sulfide precursor. The reaction runs to thermodynamic completion, resulting in a desired PbS diameter for a given set of specific reaction conditions, with no need for reaction quenching or post‐synthesis size‐separation. Moreover, this method is shown to produce high‐quality PbS QDs on the grams scale.
Spectroscopy and Dynamics of Cryptolepine in the Nanocavity of Cucurbit[7]uril and DNA
Authors: Koninti Raj Kumar , Sappati Subrahmanyam , Satpathi Sagar , Gavvala Krishna , Hazra Partha
Published: December 2015

Herein, we explored the photophysical properties of the antimalarial, anticancer drug cryptolepine (CRYP) in the presence of the macrocyclic host cucurbit[7]uril (CB7) and DNA with the help of steady‐state and time‐resolved fluorescence techniques. Ground‐state and excited‐state calculations based on density functional theory were also performed to obtain insight into the shape, electron density distribution, and energetics of the molecular orbitals of CRYP. CRYP exists in two forms depending on the pH of the medium, namely, a cationic (charge transfer) form and a neutral form, which emit at λ=540 and 420 nm, respectively. In a buffer solution of pH 7, the drug exists in the cationic form, and upon encapsulation with CB7, it exhibits a huge enhancement in fluorescence intensity due to a decrement in nonradiative decay pathways of the emitting cryptolepine species. Furthermore, docking and quantum chemical calculations were employed to decipher the molecular orientation of the drug in the inclusion complex. Studies with natural DNA indicate that CRYP molecules intercalate into DNA, which leads to a huge quenching of the fluorescence of CRYP. Keeping this in mind, we studied the DNA‐assisted release of CRYP molecules from the nanocavity of CB7. Strikingly, DNA alone could not remove the drug from the nanocavity of CB7. However, an external stimulus such as acetylcholine chloride was able to displace CRYP from the nanocavity, and subsequently, the displaced drug could bind to DNA.
Thermodynamics analysis of indium iodide polycrystal synthesis
Authors: Xu Zhaopeng , Zhang Lei , Zhang Wenxiu , Ji Liangliang
Published: December 2015

According to the thermodynamics analysis, the molar enthalpy change, the molar entropy increase, the Gibbs free energy change and the balance constant of indium iodide polycrystal synthesis reaction were calculated in order to evaluate the feasibility of reaction temperature on 653 K. After the temperature 653 K was applied in the synthesis experiment, indium iodide polycrystal was successfully obtained by the two‐zone vapor transporting method. The result of X‐ray diffraction analysis indicates the temperature 653K can be used for indium iodide polycrystal synthesis.
Continuous‐Flow Multistep Synthesis of Cinnarizine, Cyclizine, and a Buclizine Derivative from Bulk Alcohols
Authors: Borukhova Svetlana , Noël Timothy , Hessel Volker
Published: December 2015

Cinnarizine, cyclizine, buclizine, and meclizine belong to a family of antihistamines that resemble each other in terms of a 1‐diphenylmethylpiperazine moiety. We present the development of a four‐step continuous process to generate the final antihistamines from bulk alcohols as the starting compounds. HCl is used to synthesize the intermediate chlorides in a short reaction time and excellent yields. This methodology offers an excellent way to synthesize intermediates to be used in drug synthesis. Inline separation allows the collection of pure products and their immediate consumption in the following steps. Overall isolated yields for cinnarizine, cyclizine, and a buclizine derivative are 82, 94, and 87 %, respectively. The total residence time for the four steps is 90 min with a productivity of 2 mmol h−1.
Müller glial cell‐dependent regeneration of the neural retina: An overview across vertebrate model systems
Authors: Hamon Annaïg , Roger Jérôme E. , Yang Xian‐Jie , Perron Muriel
Published: December 2015

Retinal dystrophies are a major cause of blindness for which there are currently no curative treatments. Transplantation of stem cell‐derived neuronal progenitors to replace lost cells has been widely investigated as a therapeutic option. Another promising strategy would be to trigger self‐repair mechanisms in patients, through the recruitment of endogenous cells with stemness properties. Accumulating evidence in the past 15 year0s has revealed that several retinal cell types possess neurogenic potential, thus opening new avenues for regenerative medicine. Among them, Müller glial cells have been shown to be able to undergo a reprogramming process to re‐acquire a stem/progenitor state, allowing them to proliferate and generate new neurons for repair following retinal damages. Although Müller cell–dependent spontaneous regeneration is remarkable in some species such as the fish, it is extremely limited and ineffective in mammals. Understanding the cellular events and molecular mechanisms underlying Müller cell activities in species endowed with regenerative capacities could provide knowledge to unlock the restricted potential of their mammalian counterparts. In this context, the present review provides an overview of Müller cell responses to injury across vertebrate model systems and summarizes recent advances in this rapidly evolving field. Developmental Dynamics 245:727–738, 2016. © 2015 The Authors. Developmental Dynamics published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cellular and molecular events on the development of mammalian thyroid C cells
Authors: Kameda Yoko
Published: December 2015

Thyroid C cells synthesize and secrete calcitonin, a serum calcium‐lowering hormone. This review provides our current understanding of mammalian thyroid C cells from the molecular and morphological perspectives. Several transcription factors and signaling molecules involved in the development of C cells have been identified, and genes expressed in the pharyngeal pouch endoderm, neural crest‐derived mesenchyme in the pharyngeal arches, and ultimobranchial body play critical roles for the development of C cells. It has been generally accepted, without much‐supporting evidence, that mammalian C cells, as well as the avian cells, are derived from the neural crest. However, by fate mapping of neural crest cells in both Wnt1‐Cre/R26R and Connexin(Cxn)43‐lacZ transgenic mice, we showed that neural crest cells colonize neither the fourth pharyngeal pouch nor the ultimobranchial body. E‐cadherin, an epithelial cell marker, is expressed in thyroid C cells and their precursors, the fourth pharyngeal pouch and ultimobranchial body. Furthermore, E‐cadherin is colocalized with calcitonin in C cells. Recently, lineage tracing in Sox17‐2A‐iCre/R26R mice has clarified that the pharyngeal endoderm‐derived cells give rise to C cells. Together, these findings indicate that mouse thyroid C cells are endodermal in origin. Developmental Dynamics 245:323–341, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Esrrb‐Cre excises loxP‐flanked alleles in early four‐cell embryos
Authors: Lee Sungeun , Pallerla Srinivas R. , Kim Suyeon , Shaffer Benjamin , Simerly Calvin R. , Chaillet J. Richard , Barak Yaacov
Published: December 2015

Among transgenic mice with ubiquitous Cre recombinase activity, all strains to date excise loxP‐flanked (floxed) alleles either at or before the zygote stage or at nondescript stages of development. This manuscript describes a new mouse strain, in which Cre recombinase, integrated into the Esrrb locus, efficiently excises floxed alleles in pre‐implantation embryos at the onset of the four‐cell stage. By enabling inactivation of genes only after the embryo has undergone two cleavages, this strain should facilitate in vivo studies of genes with essential gametic or zygotic functions. In addition, this study describes a new, highly pluripotent hybrid C57BL/6J x 129S1/SvImJ mouse embryonic stem cell line, HYB12, in which this knockin and additional targeted alleles have been generated. genesis 54:53–61, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Energetic Materials Based on 5,7‐Dinitrobenzotriazole and 4,6‐Dinitro­benzotriazol‐3‐ium 1‐Oxide Derivatives
Authors: Klapötke Thomas M. , Pflüger Carolin , Reintinger Markus W.
Published: December 2015

Tailoring the properties of energetic materials is an ongoing challenge in the development of new materials. Various nitrogen‐rich salts of 5,7‐dinitrobenzotriazole, 4,6‐dinitrobenzotriazole 1‐oxide, and 5,7‐diamino‐4,6‐dinitrobenzotriazole 1‐oxide were synthesized to improve the energetic properties and stabilities of the corresponding nonionic parent compounds. Furthermore, the acidic N–H group was derivatized by alkylation to introduce nitramines as another energetic group. All presented compounds were comprehensively characterized by NMR and vibrational spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis. The energetic properties were also explored and their detonation performances calculated with the Explo5 code. Several compounds were additionally investigated by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction.
Self‐Assembly of Hexameric Macrocycles from PtII/Ferrocene Dimetallic Subunits – Synthesis, Characterization, Chemical Reactivity, and Oxidation Behavior
Authors: Giannetto Antonino , Puntoriero Fausto , Notti Anna , Parisi Melchiorre F. , Ielo Ileana , Nastasi Francesco , Bruno Giuseppe , Campagna Sebastiano , Lanza Santo
Published: December 2015

Invited for the cover of this issue is a multidisciplinary team led by Melchiorre Parisi, Sebastiano Campagna, and Santo Lanza from the University of Messina, Italy. The cover image shows two different representations of the structure of a hexameric species. The PtII centers lie in two parallel planes, and the six ferrocene units are coplanar and directed to the center of the hexagon, which enables strong electronic interactions.
Bistable plant–soil dynamics and biogenic controls on the soil production function
Authors: Pelak Norman F. , Parolari Anthony J. , Porporato Amilcare
Published: December 2015

Soil formation results from opposite processes of bedrock weathering and erosion, whose balance may be altered by natural events and human activities, resulting in reduced soil depth and function. The impacts of vegetation on soil production and erosion and the feedbacks between soil formation and vegetation growth are only beginning to be explored quantitatively. Since plants require suitable soil environments, disturbed soil states may support less vegetation, leading to a downward spiral of increased erosion and decline in ecosystem function. We explore these feedbacks with a minimal model of the soil–plant system described by two coupled nonlinear differential equations, which include key feedbacks, such as plant‐driven soil production and erosion inhibition. We show that sufficiently strong positive plant–soil feedback can lead to a ‘humped’ soil production function, a necessary condition for soil depth bistability when erosion is assumed to vary monotonically with vegetation biomass. In bistable plant–soil systems, the sustainable soil condition engineered by plants is only accessible above a threshold vegetation biomass and occurs in environments where the high potential rate of erosion exerts a strong control on soil production and erosion. Vegetation removal for agriculture reduces the stabilizing effect of vegetation and lowers the system resilience, thereby increasing the likelihood of transition to a degraded soil state. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stability of infinite slopes investigated with elastoplasticity and hypoplasticity
Authors: Schranz Fabian , Fellin Wolfgang
Published: December 2015

It is commonly assumed that the maximum slope angle β of an infinite cohesionless slope is equal to the friction angle of the soil ϕ. However, this relation only holds for a dilatancy angle ψ equal to the friction angle if the Mohr‐Coulomb failure criterion is employed. This article demonstrates that the increase in the soil strength due to the plane strain conditions in an infinite slope allows for using β = ϕ as a conservative approximation for ϕ < 35° and ψ > ϕ/3. Further, the calculations presented here support the common practice in geotechnical engineering of using the strength parameters obtained from triaxial tests in limit state calculations such as Bishop's method without further consideration of the dilatancy. However, it seems to be more appropriate to use direct shear tests wherever possible, i.e. for fine‐grained soils.

Standsicherheit unendlich langer Böschungen untersucht mit Elastoplastizität und Hypoplastizität. Es wird üblicherweise angenommen, dass die maximale Neigung β einer unendlich langen, kohäsionslosen Böschung dem Reibungswinkel ϕ des Materials entspricht. Bei der Verwendung des Versagenskriteriums nach Mohr‐Coulomb ist das jedoch nur korrekt für Böden mit Dilatanzwinkel ψ gleich dem Reibungswinkel. In diesem Beitrag wird gezeigt, dass infolge des ebenen Verzerrungszustandes β = ϕ als konservative Schätzung verwendet werden kann, wenn ϕ < 35° und ψ > ϕ/3 gilt. Außerdem bestätigen die angestellten Berechnungen die übliche Vorgehensweise, in der Geotechnik Standsicherheitsuntersuchungen, wie z. B. das Lamellenverfahren nach Bishop, mit Festigkeitsparametern aus dem Triaxialversuch ohne Berücksichtigung der Dilatanz durchzuführen. Es scheint jedoch angemessener, wenn möglich Rahmenscherversuche durchzuführen, um die erforderlichen Parameter zu erhalten.
Mixed Convection Heat Transfer Analysis in an Enclosure with Two Hot Cylinders: A Lattice Boltzmann Approach
Authors: Rabienataj Darzi AhmadAli , Eisapour Amir Hossein , Abazarian Arman , Hosseinnejad Farhad , Afrouzi Hamid Hassanzadeh
Published: December 2015

The aim of this work is to study laminar mixed convection heat transfer characteristics within an obstructed enclosure by using the Lattice Boltzmann method. Flow is driven by a top cold lid while other walls are stationary and adiabatic. Hot cylinders are located at different places inside the cavity to explore the best arrangement. Comparison of streamlines, isotherms, average Nusselt number are presented to evaluate the influence of Richardson number and location of cylinders on flow field and heat transfer. Results indicate that heat transfer decreases with a rise of Richardson number for all considered arrays of cylinders. Among them, horizontally‐located cylinders at the top of the cavity have the greatest heat transfer at all Richardson numbers. Horizontally located cylinders at the bottom of the cavity have the lowest heat transfer at Richardson numbers of 0.1 and 1 while the lowest heat transfer rate belongs to cross diagonal located cylinders at a Richardson number of 10.
Photocrosslinkable and elastomeric hydrogels for bone regeneration
Authors: Thakur Teena , Xavier Janet R. , Cross Lauren , Jaiswal Manish K. , Mondragon Eli , Kaunas Roland , Gaharwar Akhilesh K.
Published: December 2015

Nanocomposite biomaterials are extensively investigated for cell and tissue engineering applications due their unique physical, chemical and biological characteristics. Here, we investigated the mechanical, rheological, and degradation properties of photocrosslinkable and elastomeric nanocomposite hydrogels from nanohydroxyapatite (nHAp) and gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA). The addition of nHAp resulted in a significant increase in mechanical stiffness and physiological stability. Cells readily adhere and proliferate on the nanocomposite surfaces. Cyclic stretching of cells on the elastomeric nanocomposites revealed that nHAp elicited a stronger alignment response in the direction of strain. In vitro studies highlight enhanced bioactivity of nanocomposites as determined by alkaline phosphate (ALP) activity. Overall, the elastomeric and photocrosslinkable nanocomposite hydrogels can be used for minimally invasive therapy for bone regeneration. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 879–888, 2016.
The Role of Interpersonal Connection, Personal Narrative, and Metacognition in Integrative Psychotherapy for Schizophrenia: A Case Report
Authors: Hamm Jay A. , Leonhardt Bethany L.
Published: December 2015

The recovery movement has not only challenged traditional pessimism regarding schizophrenia but also presented opportunities for the possibilities for psychotherapy for people with the disorder. Though in the past psychotherapy models were often pitted against one another, recently there have been emergent reports of a range of integrative models sharing an emphasis on recovery and a number of conceptual elements. These shared elements include attention to the importance of interpersonal processes, personal narrative, and metacognition, with interest in their role in not only the disorder but also the processes by which people pursue recovery. This article explores one application of this framework in the psychotherapy of a woman with prolonged experience of schizophrenia and significant functional impairments.
Epidural anesthesia dysfunction is associated with postoperative complications after pancreatectomy
Authors: Sugimoto Motokazu , Nesbit Lauren , Barton Joshua G. , William Traverso L.
Published: December 2015

Background

Epidural anesthesia is an accepted measure of pain control after major abdominal surgery. However, if the epidural anesthesia is unsuccessful, a variety of adverse effects can occur – excessive stress response, poor patient mobilization, increased opioid use, and hypotension due to vasodilation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of epidural dysfunction on outcomes after pan‐createctomy.

Methods

Between August 2010 and October 2014, 72 patients underwent open pancreatectomy with epidural anesthesia. Epidural dysfunction was defined as either hypo‐function due to inadequate pain control (requirement of epidural replacement, conversion to intravenous continuous opioid infusion, or intravenous bolus opioid use) or hyper‐function (hypotension or oliguria). We then analyzed for an association between epidural dysfunction and surgical outcomes.

Results

Epidural dysfunction occurred in 49% after pancreatectomy – hypo‐function in 35% and hyper‐function in 14%. Epidural dysfunction was independently associated with the development of overall (P < 0.001), pancreas‐related (P = 0.041), and non‐pancreas‐related complications (P = 0.001). Hypo‐function alone was independently associated with both pancreas‐related (P = 0.015) and non‐pancreas‐related complications (P = 0.004). Hyper‐function was independently associated with non‐pancreas‐related complications (P = 0.002).

Conclusions

Outcomes after pancreatic resection can be improved by increasing the success rate of epidural anesthesia.
Dermal melanoma: A report on prognosis, outcomes, and the utility of sentinel lymph node biopsy
Authors: Doepker Matthew P. , Thompson Zachary J. , Harb Jennifer N. , Messina Jane L. , Puleo Christopher A. , Egan Kathleen M. , Sarnaik Amod A. , Gonzalez Ricardo J. , Sondak Vernon K. , Zager Jonathan S.
Published: December 2015

Introduction

Historically dermal melanoma (DM) has been labeled as either stage IIIB (in‐transit) or stage IV (M1a) disease. We sought to investigate the natural history of DM and the utility and prognostic significance of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB).

Methods

Patients with DM undergoing SLNB at a single center from 1998 to 2009 were identified.

Results

Eighty‐three patients met criteria, 10 (12%) patients had a positive SLNB. Of those, 5 (50%) recurred (all with distant disease). Twenty‐one (29%) of the 73 SLNB negative patients recurred and of those, 15 (71%) developed distant metastases, whereas 6 (29%) developed local or regional recurrence, including two false‐negative regional nodal recurrences. No in‐transit recurrences were recorded. Five‐year recurrence‐free and disease‐specific survival was significantly better for patients with a negative SLNB versus positive SLNB (56.8% vs. 22.2% P = 0.02, 81.1% vs. 61.0%, P = 0.05, respectively).

Conclusion

SLNB has prognostic significance for RFS and DSS, and should be utilized in the management of DM based on a >10% yield and low false‐negative rate. Our data demonstrate patients with DM do not recur in an in‐transit fashion, which along with the survival outcomes suggest the behavior of DM is consistent with primary cutaneous melanoma of similar thickness rather than an isolated in‐transit or distant dermal metastasis from a regressed cutaneous primary. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;113:98–102. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assessment of non‐surgical versus surgical therapy for localized hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Mohanty Sanjay , Rajaram Ravi , Bilimoria Karl Y. , Salem Riad , Pawlik Timothy M. , Bentrem David J.
Published: December 2015

Background

Localized hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with adequate liver function is typically treated with resection. Non‐surgical modalities including trans‐arterial embolization have emerged as options for intermediate/advanced HCC. Hypothesizing that non‐surgical techniques have expanded to localized disease, we examined treatment patterns, factors associated with surgical therapy, and the impact of modality on survival.

Methods

Non‐cirrhotic, localized HCC patients were identified from the National Cancer Data Base (2003–2011). Trends were examined using average annual percent change (AAPC). Regression models were developed to determine factors associated with treatment and assess the association of modality with survival.

Results

Of 10,187 patients (median tumor size: 3.7 cm), 6,387 (62.7%) underwent surgery and 3,800 (37.3%) non‐surgical therapy. Surgery declined from 61.6% to 44.5% (AAPC, −3.7%; 95%CI, −4.9% to −2.6%, P < 0.001). Non‐surgical therapies increased from 17.2% to 39.2% (AAPC 11.4%; 95%CI, 8.8–14.1%, P < 0.001). White race, higher income, and treatment in an academic center (OR = 1.37, 95%CI 1.13–1.66) were associated with surgery. Patients selected for non‐surgical therapy had worse adjusted 5‐year survival (HR=2.05, 95%CI 1.85–2.26).

Conclusions

Non‐surgical therapy has become as common as surgery in the treatment of non‐cirrhotic, localized HCC. Randomized studies are needed to compare the effectiveness of treatments for this disease. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;113:175–180. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
KPNA2 over‐expression is a potential marker of prognosis and therapeutic sensitivity in colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Takada Takahiro , Tsutsumi Soichi , Takahashi Ryo , Ohsone Katsuya , Tatsuki Hironori , Suto Toshinaga , Kato Toshihide , Fujii Takaaki , Yokobori Takehiko , Kuwano Hiroyuki
Published: December 2015

Background

Karyopherin α 2 (KPNA2) is a member of the Karyopherin α family and has recently been reported to play an important role in tumor progression. The aim of the current study was to elucidate the clinicopathological significance of KPNA2 over‐expression in colorectal cancer (CRC).

Patients and Methods

KPNA2 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 122 surgically resected CRC and 13 biopsy specimens obtained at colonoscopy during screening for preoperative hyperthermochemoradiation therapy (HCRT). The association between KPNA2 expression and clinicopathological features and preoperative HCRT efficacy were examined.

Results

The high and low KNPA2 expression groups were comprised of 91 (74.6%) and 31 CRC patients, respectively. A significant association was observed between high expression and lymphatic invasion (P = 0.0245). KPNA2 high expression group had decreased overall survival (P = 0.00374). Multivariate analysis demonstrated high KPNA2 expression was independently associated with poor prognosis. Histological examinations revealed 11 (84.6%) and 2 (15.4%) of cases were KPNA2 positive and negative, respectively. Pathological complete response (pCR) was observed in 9.1% of KPNA2‐positive cases and 100% of KPNA2‐negative cases.

Conclusion

High KPNA2 expression was found to be associated with poor prognosis and resistance to HCRT. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;113:213–217. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chronic rhinosinusitis identification in administrative databases and health surveys: A systematic review
Authors: Macdonald Kristian I. , Kilty Shaun J. , van Walraven Carl
Published: December 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

Much of the epidemiological data on chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) are based on large administrative databases and health surveys. The accuracy of CRS identification with these methods is unknown.

Methods

A systematic review was performed to identify studies that measured the accuracy of CRS diagnoses in large administrative databases or within health surveys. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 tool was used to assess study quality.

Results

Of 512 abstracts initially identified, 122 were selected for full‐text review; only three studies (2.5%) measured the accuracy of CRS patient identification. In a single, large administrative database study with a CRS prevalence of 54.8%, a single International Classification of Diseases‐9th Revision diagnostic code for CRS had a positive predictive value (PPV) of only 34%. A diagnostic code algorithm identified CRS patients with a PPV of 91.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 85.3–95.1); in a population with a CRS prevalence of 5%, this algorithm had a PPV of 31%. In health survey studies having an estimated CRS prevalence of 25% to 46%, self‐reported symptom‐based CRS diagnosis had a PPV of 62% (95% CI, 50.2–72.1) when nasal endoscopy was the gold standard for CRS diagnosis, and 70% (95% CI, 57.4–80.8) when otolaryngologist‐based CRS diagnosis (after interview and nasal endoscopy) was the gold standard.

Conclusion

Most health administrative data and health surveys examining CRS did not consider the accuracy of case identification. For unselected populations, administrative data and health surveys using self‐reported diagnoses inaccurately identify patients with CRS. Epidemiological results based on such data should be interpreted with these results in mind. Laryngoscope, 126:1303–1310, 2016
In Vivo Imaging of Glycol Chitosan‐Based Nanogel Biodistribution
Authors: Pereira Paula , Correia Alexandra , Gama Francisco M.
Published: December 2015

The preclinical development of nanomedicines raises several challenges and requires a comprehensive characterization. Among them is the evaluation of the biodistribution following systemic administration. In previous work, the biocompatibility and in vitro targeting ability of a glycol chitosan (GC) based nanogel have been validated. In the present study, its biodistribution in the mice is assessed, using near‐infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging as a tool to track the nanogel over time, after intravenous administration. Rapid whole body biodistribution of both Cy5.5 labeled GC nanogel and free polymer is found at early times. It remains widespreadly distributed in the body at least up to 6 h postinjection and its concentration then decreases drastically after 24 h. Nanogel blood circulation half‐life lies around 2 h with the free linear GC polymer presenting lower blood clearance rate. After 24 h, the blood NIR fluorescence intensity associated with both samples decreases to insignificant values. NIR imaging of the organs shows that the nanogel had a body clearance time of ≈48 h, because at this time point a weak signal of NIR fluorescence is observed only in the kidneys. Hereupon it can be concluded that the engineered GC nanogel has a fairly long blood circulation time, suitable for biomedical applications, namely, drug delivery, simultaneously allowing efficient and quick body clearance.

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Reduction‐Sensitive Polymeric Micelles Based on Docetaxel‐Polymer Conjugates Via Disulfide Linker for Efficient Cancer Therapy
Authors: Guo Yuanyuan , Zhang Pei , Zhao Qingyun , Wang Kaiming , Luan Yuxia
Published: December 2015

In this article, the low‐molecular weight biodegradable methoxy poly (ethylene glycol)‐poly (d,l‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PP) is chosen as polymeric skeleton to be conjugated with docetaxel (DTX) by disulfide bond (PP‐SS‐DTX) to construct the reduction‐sensitive drug delivery system. The conjugates are synthesized via three steps and are further employed to physically load free DTX to develop the PP‐SS‐DTX/DTX micelles which exhibit many merits including high drug loading content, good stability, and stimuli‐sensitive release of drugs. The hydrodynamic diameter of PP‐SS‐DTX/DTX micelles determined by DLS is 112.3 nm. The hemolysis assay reveals the good blood compatibility of PP‐SS‐DTX/DTX micelles. In order to investigate the reductive sensitivity of PP‐SS‐DTX/DTX micelles, dithiothreitol (DTT) is added into the release medium and a programmed drug release mode is observed in the conjugated micelles. In vitro cytotoxity assay shows that the PP‐SS‐DTX/DTX micelles are more cytotoxic than that of free DTX solution for both MCF‐7 and B16F10 cancer cells. In addition, the PP‐SS‐DTX/DTX micelles also show a higher cellular uptake rate than that of free DTX. Hence, the prepared reduction‐sensitive PP‐SS‐DTX/DTX micelles are effective on inhibiting cancer cells compared with the free DTX which would be a promising carrier in cancer therapy.

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Chloride channel dysfunction study in myotonic dystrophy type 1 using repeated short exercise tests
Authors: Acket Blandine , Lepage Benoit , Maury Philippe , Arne‐Bes Marie‐Christine , Cintas Pascal
Published: December 2015

Introduction

This exploratory study aimed to evaluate the electrophysiological profiles of patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) and to assess their correlations with genotype and phenotype.

Methods

Twenty‐two patients with genetically confirmed DM1 were included. Global motor testing score, severity of myotonia, occurrence of cardiac disturbances, and CTG repeat number were recorded. All patients underwent repeated short exercise tests after 7 min of cooling.

Results

Two trajectories could be distinguished following 3 periods of exercise, although most clearly following the third exercise period. Cardiac disturbances were more common among patients who had a B‐type trajectory (larger decrement in compound muscle potential amplitude and slower recovery) following the third exercise period.

Conclusions

While the electrophysiological pattern in each profile appeared to confirm chloride muscle channel impairment, the B‐type trajectory may suggest dysfunction of other muscle channels in DM1 and their link with cardiac disturbances. Muscle Nerve 54: 104–109, 2016
Differences in the recruitment curves obtained with monopolar and bipolar electrode configurations in the quadriceps femoris
Authors: Rodriguez‐Falces Javier , Place Nicolas
Published: December 2015

Introduction

We sought to verify whether the stimulation intensity at which M‐wave amplitude reaches a plateau actually corresponds to full motor unit activation in monopolar and bipolar configurations.

Methods

M‐waves and twitches were evoked using femoral nerve stimulation of gradually increasing intensity in 21 subjects. Recruitment curves corresponding to the amplitude of the first phase (AmpliFIRST) and peak‐to‐peak amplitude (AmpliPP) of the M‐wave were obtained in the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, and rectus femoris in monopolar and bipolar configurations.

Results

In all muscles, bipolar M‐waves and twitches reached plateau at a significantly lower stimulus intensity compared with monopolar M‐waves (P < 0.05). The different behavior of monopolar and bipolar M‐waves with stimulus intensity was found for both AmpliFIRST and AmpliPP.

Conclusions

In a bipolar configuration, the stimulus intensity at which M‐waves plateau should be increased by at least 10%–20% to achieve complete motor unit recruitment. Muscle Nerve 54: 118–131, 2016
Bach, Beethoven, and benefactors: Facebook engagement between symphonies and their stakeholders
Authors: Clark Anna F. , Maxwell Sarah P. , Anestaki Aikaterini
Published: December 2015

This study analyzes Facebook engagement among the nation's symphonies and their stakeholder publics. Factors such as reliance on donor contributions, program revenues, government grants, investment income, and total assets are proposed as contributing factors in predicting effective stakeholder relations. Public relations scholarship emphasizes the significance of relationships between the organization and its stakeholders and argues that positive relationships are integral to organizational success. Stewardship theory suggests nonprofits rely on a number of tools, including relationship nurturing, to sustain relationships with supportive publics. Scholars have increasingly identified stewardship as an effective method by which to build and maintain relationships. This study assesses one particular aspect of stewardship – relationship nurturing – and the attributes of nonprofit organizations that are successfully cultivating relationships with their stakeholders via social media. We find that benefactors matter. As dependence on stakeholder contributions increases so does stakeholder engagement via Facebook. Findings regarding program revenues and total assets are also significant.

Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Burning Characteristics of Microcellular Combustible Ordnance Materials
Authors: Yang Weitao , Ying Sanjiu
Published: December 2015

A microcellular combustible ordnance material composed of 70 % RDX (cyclotrimethylene trinitramine) and 30 % PMMA (poly methyl methacrylate) was fabricated using the solvent method and foamed by supercritical CO2 as foaming agent. This material has a number of advantages and many find potential application in weaponry. In this paper, vented bomb tests were conducted on the porous materials to gain a qualitative understanding of how the material is burning in a gun environment. The extinguish process showed that the microcellular combustible material followed the in‐depth combustion mode, i.e. the combustion products infiltrated through inner pores as well as ignited the inner pore surface. With increasing burning degree, the depth and perforation size of infiltration zone increased. Closed bomb tests were also conducted to investigate the influences of test conditions on the burning behaviors. The results showed that when the ignition pressure was increased from 10.98 MPa to 15.0 MPa, the burning time was shortened, but the mass burning rate and vivacity did not change obviously. Mass burn rates at different loading densities indicated that while the pressure in closed vessel is high enough (p≥40 MPa), hot combustion gases were driven into the inner pores and convectively ignited the inner pores. The closed bomb results conducted at high and low temperature showed no abnormal burning behavior at low and high temperature can be observed.
Clusters of isoleucine, leucine, and valine side chains define cores of stability in high‐energy states of globular proteins: Sequence determinants of structure and stability
Authors: Kathuria Sagar V. , Chan Yvonne H. , Nobrega R. Paul , Özen Ayşegül , Matthews C. Robert
Published: December 2015

Measurements of protection against exchange of main chain amide hydrogens (NH) with solvent hydrogens in globular proteins have provided remarkable insights into the structures of rare high‐energy states that populate their folding free‐energy surfaces. Lacking, however, has been a unifying theory that rationalizes these high‐energy states in terms of the structures and sequences of their resident proteins. The Branched Aliphatic Side Chain (BASiC) hypothesis has been developed to explain the observed patterns of protection in a pair of TIM barrel proteins. This hypothesis supposes that the side chains of isoleucine, leucine, and valine (ILV) residues often form large hydrophobic clusters that very effectively impede the penetration of water to their underlying hydrogen bond networks and, thereby, enhance the protection against solvent exchange. The linkage between the secondary and tertiary structures enables these ILV clusters to serve as cores of stability in high‐energy partially folded states. Statistically significant correlations between the locations of large ILV clusters in native conformations and strong protection against exchange for a variety of motifs reported in the literature support the generality of the BASiC hypothesis. The results also illustrate the necessity to elaborate this simple hypothesis to account for the roles of adjacent hydrocarbon moieties in defining stability cores of partially folded states along folding reaction coordinates.
Water and ion permeability of a claudin model: A computational study
Authors: Laghaei Rozita , Yu Alan S. L. , Coalson Rob D.
Published: December 2015

At present, the three‐dimensional structure of the multimeric paracellular claudin pore is unknown. Using extant biophysical data concerning the size of the pore and permeation of water and cations through it, two three‐dimensional models of the pore are constructed in silico. Molecular Dynamics (MD) calculations are then performed to compute water and sodium ion permeation fluxes under the influence of applied hydrostatic pressure. Comparison to experiment is made, under the assumption that the hydrostatic pressure applied in the simulations is equivalent to osmotic pressure induced in experimental measurements of water/ion permeability. One model, in which pore‐lining charged is distributed evenly over a selectivity filter section 10–16 Å in length, is found to be generally consistent with experimental data concerning the dependence of water and ion permeation on channel pore diameter, pore length, and the sign and magnitude of pore lining charge. The molecular coupling mechanism between water and ion flow under conditions where hydrostatic pressure is applied is computationally elucidated. Proteins 2016; 84:305–315. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Diabetes Professional Care Conference 2015
Authors: Ogden Joy
Published: December 2015

The Diabetes Professional Care Conference was held on 11–12 November at the Barbican Exhibition Centre in London, bringing together diabetes health professionals from around the world to discuss the latest thinking in the prevention and management of diabetes. Joy Ogden reports on some of the highlights of the conference.
Evidence‐based treatment of acute stroke
Authors: Cluckie Gillian
Published: December 2015

Providing diagnosis and intervention is rapid, stroke is a treatable condition with a range of acute treatment options now available for different stroke types. This article provides a summary of the current evidence‐based treatment of acute stroke including the emerging evidence for thrombectomy.
Hepatic hydrothorax without ascites as the first sign of liver cirrhosis
Authors: Kim Jung Soo , Kim Cheol‐Woo , Nam Hae‐Seong , Cho Jae Hwa , Ryu Jeong‐Seon , Lee Hong Lyeol
Published: December 2015

A 60‐year‐old woman without a history of liver diseases, but with a history of regular alcohol consumption, presented with a right‐sided transudative pleural effusion. Neither parenchymal lung lesion nor pleural thickening was seen on a chest computed tomography. On abdominal ultrasonography, the liver size and contour were normal, and ascites was not noted. Despite performing imaging and laboratory studies, we could not find a cause of the pleural effusion. Thus, due to her history of regular alcohol consumption, we decided to measure liver stiffness using a transient elastography (Fibroscan®, EchosensTM, Paris, France), which showed a value of 35.3 kPa suggestive of liver cirrhosis. An intraperitoneal injection of a radioisotope demonstrated the transdiaphragmatic flow of fluid from peritoneal cavity to pleural cavity. The diagnosis was confirmed as hepatic hydrothorax. Management consisting of restricted salt and water intake with diuretics resulted in resolution of the hepatic hydrothorax.
Robotic digestive tract reconstruction after total gastrectomy for gastric cancer: a simple way to do it
Authors: Barchi Leandro Cardoso , Jacob Carlos Eduardo , Franciss Maurice Youssef , Kappaz Guilherme Tommasi , Rodrigues Filho Edison Dias , Zilberstein Bruno
Published: December 2015

Background

Intracorporeal digestive tract reconstruction after minimally invasive total gastrectomy may be challenging, even when using the da Vinci® Surgical System. This may be due to intrinsic difficulties during oesophago–jejunal anastomosis (EJA). The aim of this study was to describe a simple way to perform digestive tract reconstruction after robotic total gastrectomy (RTG) for gastric cancer and the results of its application in a small series of cases.

Methods

In the last 2 years, six patients with gastric adenocarcinoma have been treated by RTG, four male and two female, with mean age of 59.8 (range 48–74) years. The tumour was located in the gastric body in three patients, the gastric antrum in two patients and the fundus in one patient with no need of splenectomy. In all cases, D2 lymphadenectomy was completed. A modified robotic reconstruction technique proposed by the authors was used in these operations, which consists in a latero–lateral EJA using a linear stapler. An entero–enterostomy is also performed in the upper abdomen.

Results

The mean operative time was 408 (range 340–481) min. The mean time for digestive tract reconstruction was 57 (range 47–68) min. There were no conversions to open or laparoscopic surgery. The number of lymph nodes removed varied in the range 28–52 (average 40). There was no mortality. Postoperative staging showed three T1N0M0s, one T2N0M0, one T3N0M0 and one T3N2M0.

Conclusion

This series, which despite being small, demonstrates that this robotic reconstruction technique is safe, with no major complications, demands a relatively short time for its accomplishment, even when dealing with initial experience. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Empirical analysis of the relationship between CC and SLOC in a large corpus of Java methods and C functions
Authors: Landman Davy , Serebrenik Alexander , Bouwers Eric , Vinju Jurgen J.
Published: December 2015

Measuring the internal quality of source code is one of the traditional goals of making software development into an engineering discipline. Cyclomatic complexity (CC) is an often used source code quality metric, next to source lines of code (SLOC). However, the use of the CC metric is challenged by the repeated claim that CC is redundant with respect to SLOC because of strong linear correlation.

We conducted an extensive literature study of the CC/SLOC correlation results. Next, we tested correlation on large Java (17.6 M methods) and C (6.3 M functions) corpora. Our results show that linear correlation between SLOC and CC is only moderate as a result of increasingly high variance. We further observe that aggregating CC and SLOC as well as performing a power transform improves the correlation.

Our conclusion is that the observed linear correlation between CC and SLOC of Java methods or C functions is not strong enough to conclude that CC is redundant with SLOC. This conclusion contradicts earlier claims from literature but concurs with the widely accepted practice of measuring of CC next to SLOC. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Authenticity Assessment of Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Evaluation of Desmethylsterols and Triterpene Dialcohols
Authors: Srigley Cynthia T. , Oles Carolyn J. , Kia Ali Reza Fardin , Mossoba Magdi M.
Published: December 2015

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) has a long history of economic adulteration, the detection of which presents significant challenges due to the diverse composition of cultivars grown around the world and the limitations of existing methods for detecting adulteration. In this study, using Method COI/T.20/Doc. No. 30/Rev. 1 of the International Olive Council, the authenticity of 88 market samples of EVOO was evaluated by comparing total sterol contents, desmethylsterol composition, and contents of triterpene dialcohols (erythrodiol and uvaol) with purity criteria specified in the United States Standards for grades of olive oil and olive‐pomace oil. Three of the 88 samples labeled as EVOO failed to meet purity criteria, indicating possible adulteration with commodity oil and/or solvent‐extracted olive oil. Detection of adulteration was also evaluated by spiking an EVOO sample with commodity oil at the 10 % level. As expected, eight of the spiked samples (canola, corn, hazelnut, peanut, safflower, soybean, and sunflower oils, and palm olein) failed to meet purity criteria. Two of the three samples spiked with 10 % hazelnut oil went undetected for adulteration. Overall, a low occurrence rate of adulteration (<5 %), based on purity criteria for desmethylsterols and triterpene dialcohols, was detected for the 88 products labeled as EVOO.