bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Latent Heat in Boiling Water on the Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles of Different Sizes by using the Turkevich Method
Authors: Ding Wenchao , Zhang Peina , Li Yijing , Xia Haibing , Wang Dayang , Tao Xutang
Published: November 2014

The Turkevich method, involving the reduction of HAuCl4with citrate in boiling water, allows the facile production of monodisperse, quasispherical gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Although, it is well‐known that the size of the AuNPs obtained with the same recipe vary slightly (as little as approximately 4 nm), but noticeably, from one report to another, it has rarely been studied. The present work demonstrates that this size variation can be reconciled by the small, but noticeable, effect that the latent heat in boiling water has on the size of the AuNPs obtained by using the Turkevich method. The increase in latent heat during water boiling caused an approximately 3 nm reduction in the size of the as‐prepared AuNPs; this reduction in size is mainly a result of accelerated nucleation driven by the extra heat. It was further demonstrated that, the heating temperature can be utilized as an additional measure to adjust the growth rate of AuNPs during the reduction of HAuCl4with citrate in boiling water. Therefore, the latent heat of boiling solvents may provide one way to control nucleation and growth in the synthesis of monodisperse nanoparticles.
Halide‐Ion‐Assisted Synthesis of Different α‐Fe2O3 Hollow Structures and Their Lithium‐Ion Storage Properties
Authors: Ma Ruguang , Wang Man , Dam Duc Tai , Dong Yucheng , Chen Yu , Moon Seung Ki , Yoon Yong‐Jin , Lee Jong‐Min
Published: November 2014

Various α‐Fe2O3 hollow structures, such as wormlike shapes, ellipsoids, and quasicubes, were synthesized successfully by a halide‐ion‐assisted solvothermal method. The self‐assembly assisted by selective absorption of halide ions and Ostwald ripening speeded up by acidic etching commonly determine the final unique structures. The electrochemical performance of the α‐Fe2O3 with different structures in reversible lithium‐ion storage was investigated, and showed that the hollow Fe2O3 quasicubes exhibit the best cycling performance with a charge capacity of 401.6 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 0.2 C. The superior cycling stability and high specific capacity can be ascribed to the higher specific surface area, lower charge‐transfer resistance, and adequate alleviation of volume variation.
Notch affects the prodifferentiating effect of retinoic acid and PMA on leukemic cells
Authors: Matulic Maja , Skelin Josipa , Radic‐Kristo Delfa , Kardum‐Skelin Ika , Grcevic Danka , Antica Mariastefania
Published: November 2014

Notch proteins determine cell fate decisions in the development of diverse tissues. Notch has been initially found in T‐ALL but its role has been also studied in myelopoiesis and myeloid leukemias. Studies in different model systems have led to a widespread controversy as to whether Notch promotes or blocks myeloid differentiation. In this work, we evaluated the influence of Notch activation on leukemic cell differentiation along the monocytic and myelocytic pathway induced by phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA) or all‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA). We observed that differentiation of the human myeloblastic cell line HL‐60 can be retarded or blocked by Delta/Notch interaction. ATRA induces complete remission in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia, but it cannot completely eliminate the leukemic clone and to be effective it should be combined with chemotherapy. Our findings suggest that Notch signaling may contribute to the incomplete elimination of the leukemic cells after PMA or ATRA treatment and the blockage of Notch pathway may be beneficial in the treatment of myeloid leukemia. © 2014 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Management of Patients with Psoriasis Treated with Biological Drugs Needing a Surgical Treatment
Authors: Fabiano Antonella , De Simone Clara , Gisondi Paolo , Piaserico Stefano , Lasagni Claudia , Pellacani Giovanni , Conti Andrea
Published: November 2014

Postmarketing Phase IV

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) is a cytokine that plays a critical role in inflammatory and immune processes and in the control of infections and sepsis. Data on the perioperative management of patients treated with biologic drugs are limited and mainly in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This retrospective study assesses variations in the incidence of side effects between psoriatic patients who temporarily discontinue or continue biological therapy before surgical treatment. Despite the immunosuppressive risk, our results suggest that postoperative complications are not influenced by the suspension of biologic therapies. As TNF‐α plays a role in promoting collagen synthesis and wound healing, we suggest that anti‐TNFs should be discontinued before major surgery, whereas for minor surgery, the lower rates of infections favor anti‐TNF‐α continuation, particularly since suspending anti‐TNF therapy is known to induce psoriasis relapse.
Ten‐Year Drug Survival of Anti‐TNF Agents in the Treatment of Inflammatory Arthritides
Authors: Biggioggero Martina , Favalli Ennio Giulio
Published: November 2014

Postmarketing Phase IV

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor therapies (anti‐TNFs) are used routinely as first‐line biotherapy for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and spondyloarthritis (SpA: psoriatic arthritis [PsA] and ankylosing spondylitis [AS]) in patients who have failed traditional non‐biologic disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). However, about 30% of patients experience failure of first‐line anti‐TNF agent because of inefficacy or adverse events. This study analyzed long‐term anti‐TNFα drug survival in a clinical practice setting. The overall 10‐year retention rate of first‐line anti‐TNF agent is about 23%, being significantly higher for SpA compared with RA patients. ETN is the most persistent anti‐TNF with a drug survival rate significantly higher than IFX and ADA.
Effects of TNF‐Alpha Inhibitors on Circulating Th17 Cells in Patients Affected by Severe Psoriasis
Authors: Piaserico Stefano , Sandini Elena , Saldan Alda , Abate Davide
Published: November 2014

Postmarketing Phase IV

Psoriasis was previously considered to be mostly a Th1 cell‐related disorder, but Th17 cell has recently emerged as an important player in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. The Th17 immune pathway is increased in psoriatic patients, both in peripheral circulation and in skin lesions, and positively correlates with the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index. Anti‐tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) agents, in addition to potent inhibition of TNF‐α activity, are able to decrease IL‐17 levels and Th17 cells in the skin and plasma of patients with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis. We found a decrease in the median Th17 cell count in peripheral blood after 4 months' therapy with anti‐TNF‐α compared with baseline values, but the difference did not reach statistical significance, probably due to the small cohort size. Our data suggest that anti‐TNF‐α treatment for psoriasis is able to achieve a substantial Th17 cell count reduction in the peripheral blood of patients and that this decrease is significantly associated with an adequate response to biologic therapy, as previous studies in rheumatoid arthritis have shown.
Suboptimal B‐cell antigen receptor signaling activity in vivo elicits germinal center counterselection mechanisms
Authors: Königsberger Sebastian , Weis Vanessa , Prodöhl Jan , Stehling Martin , Hobeika Elias , Reth Michael , Kiefer Friedemann
Published: November 2014

Syk and Zap‐70 constitute a closely related nonreceptor protein tyrosine kinase family, of which both members are functionally indispensable for conferring their respective antigen receptors with enzymatic activity. In this study, we analyze the impact of altering BCR signaling output on B‐cell germinal center (GC) fate selection by constitutive, as well as inducible, monoallelic Syk kinase loss in the presence of a Zap‐70 knock‐in rescue allele. Cre‐mediated Syk deletion in Sykflox/Zap‐70 B cells lowers pErk, but not pAkt‐mediated signaling. Surprisingly, the use of a B‐cell‐specific constitutive mb1‐cre deleter mouse model showed that a small cohort of peripheral Sykflox/Zap‐70;mb1‐cre B cells efficiently circumvents deletion, which ultimately favors these Syk‐sufficient cells to contribute to the GC reaction. Using a developmentally unbiased Sykflox/Zap‐70;mb1‐creERT2 approach in combination with an inducible tdRFP allele, we further demonstrate that this monoallelic deletion escape is not fully explained by leakiness of Cre expression, but is possibly the result of differential Syk locus accessibility in maturing B cells. Altogether, this underscores the importance of proper Syk kinase function not only during central and peripheral selection processes, but also during GC formation and maintenance.
Immature dendritic cells convert anergic nonregulatory T cells into Foxp3−IL‐10+ regulatory T cells by engaging CD28 and CTLA‐4
Authors: Pletinckx Katrien , Vaeth Martin , Schneider Theresa , Beyersdorf Niklas , Hünig Thomas , Berberich‐Siebelt Friederike , Lutz Manfred B.
Published: November 2014

Anergic T cells can survive for long time periods passively in a hyporesponsive state without obvious active functions. Thus, the immunological reason for their maintenance is unclear. Here, we induced peptide‐specific anergy in T cells from mice by coculturing these cells with immature murine dendritic cells (DCs). We found that these anergic, nonsuppressive IL‐10−Foxp3−CTLA‐4+CD25lowEgr2+ T cells could be converted into suppressive IL‐10+Foxp3−CTLA‐4+CD25highEgr2+ cells resembling type‐1 Treg cells (Tr1) when stimulated a second time by immature DCs in vitro. Addition of TGF‐β during anergy induction favored Foxp3+ Treg‐cell induction, while TGF‐β had little effect when added to the second stimulation. Expression of both CD28 and CTLA‐4 molecules on anergic T cells was required to allow their conversion into Tr1‐like cells. Suppressor activity was enabled via CD28‐mediated CD25 upregulation, acting as an IL‐2 sink, together with a CTLA‐4‐mediated inhibition of NFATc1/α activation to shut down IL‐2‐mediated proliferation. Together, these data provide evidence and mechanistical insights into how persistent anergic T cells may serve as a resting memory pool for Tr1‐like cells.
Synthesis of Advanced Nanoreinforced Polyurethane with Thiolene Photografted Organo‐Modified Layered Double Hydroxide
Authors: Ramoné Audrey , Diouf‐Lewis Audrey , Delor‐Jestin Florence , Auvergne Rémi , Caillol Sylvain , Verney Vincent , Leroux Fabrice
Published: November 2014

New bionanocomposites with strongly intertwined structures based on polyurethane and layered double hydroxides (LDH) were obtained by using two different intermolecular thiolene coupling strategies in which the modification of LDH with oleic acid was either performed first and then followed by the thiolene photografting using 2‐mercaptoethanol, or the initial thiolene photografted oleic acid/2‐mercaptoethanol product was subsequently used to modify the LDH platelets. The resultant photografted oleate/LDH was condensed with diisocyanate and the addition of poly(ethyleneglycol) yielded a final hybrid polymer. The interleaved LDH materials were characterized by X‐ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis, underlining the possible commutative steps between photografting and organo‐modification processes. The resultant polyurethanes were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, differential scanning calorimetry and rheology. Furthermore, the durability of the resultant polymers was assessed by photo‐FTIR. The results showed that strongly intermingled polyurethanes were processed by both strategies. Enhanced mechanical properties as well as more prolonged durability were found after anchoring LDH sheets and this was even more amplified when using the photografted acid direct intercalation into the LDH during the first synthesis step.
Activation of TLR‐4 to produce tumour necrosis factor‐α in neuropathic pain caused by paclitaxel
Authors: Wu Z. , Wang S. , Wu I. , Mata M. , Fink D.J.
Published: November 2014

Background

Neuropathic pain is a common complication of treatment with the anti‐neoplastic drug paclitaxel. Animal studies suggest neuroinflammation and transient receptor potential channels TRPA1 and TRPV4 are involved in the pathogenesis of pain in this condition. However, how neuroinflammation and TRPA1 and TRPV4 are linked to cause pain in paclitaxel‐treated animals is not known.

Methods

Paclitaxel‐induced pain was modelled by IP injection of paclitaxel (16 mg/kg) once a week for 5 weeks. The role of toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR‐4) in tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) production and the effect of TNF‐α on the expression of TRPA1 and TRPV4 were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. TNF‐α signalling in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) was blocked by expressing soluble TNF receptor I (TNFsR) from a herpes simplex virus (HSV)‐based vector (vTNFsR).

Results

Paclitaxel treatment increased the expression and release of TNF‐α in satellite glial cells and increased the expression of TRPA1 and TRPV4 in DRG neurons in animals. In vitro, paclitaxel enhanced the expression and release of TNF‐α in enriched primary satellite glial cells, an effect that was blocked by an inhibitor of TLR‐4. Direct application of TNF‐α to primary DRG neurons in culture up‐regulated the expression of TRPA1 and TRPV4. In vivo, vector‐mediated TNFsR release from DRG neurons reduced paclitaxel‐induced up‐regulation of TRPA1 and TRPV4 expression and prevented paclitaxel‐induced pain.

Conclusion

These results suggest that paclitaxel activation of TLR‐4 to cause release of TNF‐α from satellite glial cells increases the expression of TRPA1 and TRPV4 in DRG neurons to cause neuropathic pain.
The Use of Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) to Cross‐link Penicillinase for the Fabrication of a Penicillin Potentiometric Biosensor
Authors: Ismail Fatima , Adeloju Samuel B.
Published: November 2014

Chemically cross‐linked PVA films are permeable matrices for the fabrication of biosensors. PVA provides an attractive immobilisation method as it preserves the enzymatic activity. Penicillinase (P’nase) was cross‐linked with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA). The optimum conditions for the of BSA‐PVA‐P’nase film were: 2.5 % w/v PVA, 0.006 % w/v BSA, 2.4 mM penicillin (Pen) and 16 U/mL P’nase. The minimum detectable concentration was 1.7 µM. The linear concentration range obtained for the BSA‐PVA film was 7.5–283 µM. The BSA‐PVA P’nase biosensor detected penicillin in amoxycillin with an average percentage recovery of 97±12 %. Higher penicillin concentrations (10–20 ppm) were detected more successfully than lower concentrations (≤5 ppm). These results indicate that further work is required to enable the successful detection of lower penicillin concentrations such as 5 ppm.
A highly efficient nonchemical method for isolating live nematodes (Caenorhabditis elegans) from soil during toxicity assays
Authors: Kim Shin Woong , Moon Jongmin , An Youn-Joo
Published: November 2014

The success of soil toxicity tests using Caenorhabditis elegans may depend in large part on recovering the organisms from the soil. However, it can be difficult to learn the International Organization for Standardization/ASTM International recovery process that uses the colloidal silica flotation method. The present study determined that a soil-agar isolation method provides a highly efficient and less technically demanding alternative to the colloidal silica flotation method. Test soil containing C. elegans was arranged on an agar plate in a donut shape, a linear shape, or a C curve; and microbial food was placed outside the soil to encourage the nematodes to leave the soil. The effects of ventilation and the presence of food on nematode recovery were tested to determine the optimal conditions for recovery. A linear arrangement of soil on an agar plate that was sprinkled with microbial food produced nearly 83% and 90% recovery of live nematodes over a 3-h and a 24-h period, respectively, without subjecting the nematodes to chemical stress. The method was tested using copper (II) chloride dihydrate, and the resulting recovery rate was comparable to that obtained using colloidal silica flotation. The soil-agar isolation method portrayed in the present study enables live nematodes to be isolated with minimal additional physicochemical stress, making it a valuable option for use in subsequent sublethal tests where live nematodes are required. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:208–213. © 2014 SETAC
Analogue joint source‐channel coding for multiple input multiple output–orthogonal frequency division multiplexing systems
Authors: Fresnedo O. , Vazquez‐Araujo F. J. , Castedo L. , Garcia‐Frias J.
Published: November 2014

Analogue joint source‐channel coding (JSCC) has been shown to approach the optimal distortion‐cost trade‐off when transmitting over additive white Gaussian noise channels. In this work, we consider analogue JSCC over frequency‐selective channels using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) modulation and multiple antennas at transmission and/or reception, that is, using a multiple input multiple output(MIMO)‐OFDM system. Because of its high complexity, optimal Minimum Mean Square Error (MMSE) analogue JSCC decoding is infeasible in MIMO‐OFDM systems and a practical two‐stage decoding approach made up of an MMSE estimator followed by a maximum likelihood decoder is proposed instead. Three different alternatives for system optimisation are considered: non‐adaptive coding, adaptive coding and adaptive coding with precoding. We show that the three considered strategies approach the optimal distortion‐cost trade‐off, but the best performance is obtained with the adaptive coding scheme when precoding is utilised. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simplified correlations of gypsum board thermal properties for simulation tools
Authors: Semitelos Georgios K. , Mandilaras Ioannis D. , Kontogeorgos Dimos A. , Founti Maria A.
Published: November 2014

The current work proposes for the first time an integrated set of simplified correlations for the thermal properties, i.e. effective thermal conductivity, effective specific heat and effective density, of commercial gypsum boards as a function of temperature that can be easily incorporated in dedicated computational tools in order to simulate the fire behavior of a gypsum board. The proposed correlations are based on experimental data purposely performed in the frame of this work, as well as on literature experimental data and theoretical approximations. The applicability and the accuracy of the correlations are established by simulating the fire behavior of various types of gypsum boards exposed to different fire conditions. For the validation of the developed correlations, an in‐house developed code is utilized, taking into account thermal properties produced by the proposed correlations. The predictions are compared with two published sets of experimental data, as well as with one experimental data set performed in the current work. The results indicate that the proposed correlations can be reliably utilized in computational tools in order to accurately predict the fire behavior of commercial gypsum boards. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using radiometric fingerprinting and phosphorus to elucidate sediment transport dynamics in an agricultural watershed
Authors: Lamba Jasmeet , Karthikeyan K. G. , Thompson A. M.
Published: November 2014

The major goals of this study were to determine stream bed sediment erosion/deposition rates, sediment age, percent ‘new’ sediment, and suspended sediment origin during two storm events of contrasting magnitudes (11.9 mm over 5 h and 58.9 mm over 39 h) using fallout radionuclides (excess lead 210 – 210Pbxs and beryllium 7 – 7Be) and link the nature and type of sediment source contributions to potential phosphorus (P) off‐site transport. The study was conducted in cropland‐dominated and mixed land use subwatersheds in the non‐glaciated Pleasant Valley watershed (50 km2) in South Central Wisconsin. Fine sediment deposition and erosion rates on stream beds varied from 0.76 to 119.29 mg cm−2 day−1 (at sites near the watershed outlet) and 1.72 to 7.72 mg cm−2 day−1 (at sites in the headwaters), respectively, during the two storm events. The suspended sediment age ranged from 123 ± 12 to 234 ± 33 days during the smaller storm event; however, older sediment was more prevalent (p = 0.037) in the streams during the larger event with suspended sediment age ranging from 226 ± 9 to 322 ± 114 days. During the small and large storm event, percent new sediment in suspended sediment ranged from 5.3 ± 2.1 to 21.0 ± 2.9% and 5.3 ± 2.7 to 6.7 ± 5.7%, respectively. In the cropland‐dominated subwatershed, upland soils were the major source of suspended sediment, whereas in the mixed land use subwatershed, both uplands and stream banks had relatively similar contributions to suspended sediment. In‐stream (suspended and bed) sediment P levels ranged from 703 ± 193 to 963 ± 84 mg kg−1 during the two storm events. The P concentrations in suspended and bed sediment were reflective of the dominant sediment source (upland or stream bank or mixed). Overall, sediment transport dynamics showed significant variability between subwatersheds of different land use characteristics during two contrasting storm events. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combined evaluation of a panel of protein and miRNA serum‐exosome biomarkers for pancreatic cancer diagnosis increases sensitivity and specificity
Authors: Madhavan Bindhu , Yue Shijing , Galli Uwe , Rana Sanyukta , Gross Wolfgang , Müller Miryam , Giese Nathalia A. , Kalthoff Holger , Becker Thomas , Büchler Markus W , Zöller Margot
Published: November 2014

Late diagnosis contributes to pancreatic cancer (PaCa) dismal prognosis, urging for reliable, early detection. Serum‐exosome protein and/or miRNA markers might be suitable candidates, which we controlled for patients with PaCa. Protein markers were selected according to expression in exosomes of PaCa cell line culture supernatants, but not healthy donors' serum‐exosomes. miRNA was selected according to abundant recovery in microarrays of patients with PaCa, but not healthy donors' serum‐exosomes and exosome‐depleted serum. According to these preselections, serum‐exosomes were tested by flow cytometry for the PaCa‐initiating cell (PaCIC) markers CD44v6, Tspan8, EpCAM, MET and CD104. Serum‐exosomes and exosome‐depleted serum was tested for miR‐1246, miR‐4644, miR‐3976 and miR‐4306 recovery by qRT‐PCR. The majority (95%) of patients with PaCa (131) and patients with nonPa‐malignancies reacted with a panel of anti‐CD44v6, ‐Tspan8, ‐EpCAM and ‐CD104. Serum‐exosomes of healthy donors' and patients with nonmalignant diseases were not reactive. Recovery was tumor grading and staging independent including early stages. The selected miR‐1246, miR‐4644, miR‐3976 and miR‐4306 were significantly upregulated in 83% of PaCa serum‐exosomes, but rarely in control groups. These miRNA were also elevated in exosome‐depleted serum of patients with PaCa, but at a low level. Concomitant evaluation of PaCIC and miRNA serum‐exosome marker panels significantly improved sensitivity (1.00, CI: 0.95–1) with a specificity of 0.80 (CI: 0.67–0.90) for PaCa versus all others groups and of 0.93 (CI: 0.81–0.98) excluding nonPa‐malignancies. Thus, the concomitant evaluation of PaCIC and PaCa‐related miRNA marker panels awaits retrospective analyses of larger cohorts, as it should allow for a highly sensitive, minimally‐invasive PaCa diagnostics.
Suppression of homologous recombination sensitizes human tumor cells to IGF‐1R inhibition
Authors: Lodhia Kunal A. , Gao Shan , Aleksic Tamara , Esashi Fumiko , Macaulay Valentine M.
Published: November 2014

Inhibition of type 1 IGF receptor (IGF‐1R) sensitizes to DNA‐damaging cancer treatments, and delays repair of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) by non‐homologous end‐joining and homologous recombination (HR). In a recent screen for mediators of resistance to IGF‐1R inhibitor AZ12253801, we identified RAD51, required for the strand invasion step of HR. These findings prompted us to test the hypothesis that IGF‐1R‐inhibited cells accumulate DSBs formed at endogenous DNA lesions, and depend on residual HR for their repair. Indeed, initial experiments showed time‐dependent accumulation of γH2AX foci in IGF‐1R ‐inhibited or ‐depleted prostate cancer cells. We then tested effects of suppressing HR, and found that RAD51 depletion enhanced AZ12253801 sensitivity in PTEN wild‐type prostate cancer cells but not in cells lacking functional PTEN. Similar sensitization was induced in prostate cancer cells by depletion of BRCA2, required for RAD51 loading onto DNA, and in BRCA2−/− colorectal cancer cells, compared with isogenic BRCA2+/− cells. We also assessed chemical HR inhibitors, finding that RAD51 inhibitor BO2 blocked RAD51 focus formation and sensitized to AZ12253801. Finally, we tested CDK1 inhibitor RO‐3306, which impairs HR by inhibiting CDK1‐mediated BRCA1 phosphorylation. R0‐3306 suppressed RAD51 focus formation consistent with HR attenuation, and sensitized prostate cancer cells to IGF‐1R inhibition, with 2.4‐fold reduction in AZ12253801 GI50 and 13‐fold reduction in GI80. These data suggest that responses to IGF‐1R inhibition are enhanced by genetic and chemical approaches to suppress HR, defining a population of cancers (PTEN wild‐type, BRCA mutant) that may be intrinsically sensitive to IGF‐1R inhibitory drugs.
Moore Graphs and Cycles Are Extremal Graphs for Convex Cycles
Authors: Azarija Jernej , Klavžar Sandi
Published: November 2014

Let denote the number of convex cycles of a simple graph G of order n, size m, and girth . It is proved that and that equality holds if and only if G is an even cycle or a Moore graph. The equality also holds for a possible Moore graph of diameter 2 and degree 57 thus giving a new characterization of Moore graphs.
Feasibility of fast track discharge in breast cancer patients undergoing definitive surgery and impact on quality of life: A prospective study from tertiary care center in India
Authors: Paswan Shiv Shankar , Kataria Kamal , Parshad Rajinder , Srivastava Anurag , Seenu Vuthaluru , Mishra Biplab
Published: November 2014

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility and impact of fast track discharge in patients undergoing definitive breast cancer surgery.

Methods

One hundred six breast cancer patients older than 20 years of age were assigned to undergo definitive breast cancer surgery. It was ensured that enrolled patients had a ready access to hospital, reasonable home circumstances. They were assessed by using post‐anesthesia discharge scoring system (PADSS) for fast track discharge. Quality of life both in preoperative and postoperative period was assessed by Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐Breast cancer version 4 (FACT‐B4) questionnaires.

Result

Overall 90 patients (84.9%) were fit for fast track discharge. Eighty‐nine patients (83.96%) were successfully discharged within 48 hr. One patient (0.94%) could not be discharged despite being fit as she was of concern that it would put too much responsibility on the family. Mean duration of postoperative hospital stay in patients fit for fast track surgery was 42.27 ± 5.73 hr with a median of 44 hr. All patients undergoing breast conservation could be discharged on fast track basis with a mean postoperative hospital stay of 32.12 hr.

Conclusion

Fast track discharges in breast cancer patients after definitive surgery are feasible in Indian setting. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015 111:265–269. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Shock Tube Study of Dimethylamine Oxidation
Authors: Li Sijie , Davidson David F. , Hanson Ronald K.
Published: November 2014

Dimethylamine (DMA) ignition delay times and OH time histories during the oxidation process were investigated behind reflected shock waves. The ignition delay time measurements cover the temperature range of 1181–1498 K, with pressures near 0.9, 1.5, and 2.8 atm, and equivalence ratios of 0.5, 1, and 2, in 4% oxygen/argon. The ignition delay time data feature low scatter and can be correlated to a single expression with 2 ∼ 0.99: τign = 7.30 × 10−4 −0.68 Φ0.45 exp(18,265/), where τign is in μs, in atm, and in K. OH time histories were measured using laser absorption of the R1(5) line of the A‐X(0,0) transition near 306.7 nm, in stoichiometric mixtures of 500 ppm DMA/O2/argon. The mechanism developed by Li et al. was used initially to simulate the measured DMA ignition delay times and the OH time histories. The Li et al. mechanism was then updated by adding the DMA unimolecular decomposition channel: DMA = CH3NH + CH3, with the reaction rate constant estimated by analogy to dimethyl ether decomposition, previously investigated by Cook et al. The reactions of DMA + OH were also updated based on recent work in our laboratory. The simulation results using the modified Li et al. mechanism are in good agreement with both the ignition delay times and OH time‐history data.
Septic thrombosis of the internal jugular vein: Lemierre's syndrome revisited
Authors: Schubert Adrian D. , Hotz Michel‐André , Caversaccio Marco D. , Arnold Andreas
Published: November 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

Study of the clinical evolution of a primary ear, nose, and throat infection complicated by septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein.

Study Design

Retrospective case‐control study.

Patients and Methods

From 1998 to 2010, 23 patients at our institution were diagnosed with a septic thrombosis of the internal jugular vein. Diagnostics included microbiologic analysis and imaging such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasound. Therapy included broad‐spectrum antibiotics, surgery of the primary infectious lesion, and postoperative anticoagulation. The patients were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

The primary infection sites were found in the middle ear (11), oropharynx (8), sinus (3), and oral cavity (1). Fourteen patients needed intensive care unit treatment for a mean duration of 6 days. Seven patients were intubated, and two developed severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. An oropharynx primary infection site was most prone to a prolonged clinical evolution. Anticoagulation therapy was given in 90% of patients. All 23 patients survived the disseminated infection without consecutive systemic morbidity.

Conclusion

In the pre‐antibiotic time, septic internal jugular vein thrombophlebitis was a highly fatal condition with a mortality rate of 90%. Modern imaging techniques allow early and often incidental diagnosis of this clinically hidden complication. Anticoagulation, intensive antibiotic therapy assisted by surgery of the primary infection site, and intensive supportive care can reach remission rates of 100%.

Level of Evidence

3b. Laryngoscope, 125:863–868, 2015
Cerebral oximetry monitoring during sinus endoscopy
Authors: Heller Joshua A. , DeMaria Samuel , Govindaraj Satish , Lin Hung‐Mo , Fischer Gregory W. , Evans Adam , Weiner Menachem M.
Published: November 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

Deliberate hypotension, reverse Trendelenburg position, and hyperventilation are techniques utilized during functional endoscopic sinus surgery to attempt to reduce surgical bleeding. These methods may predispose patients to cerebral ischemia. Cerebral oximetry has not been investigated extensively within otolaryngologic surgery. Our study sought to address the question of whether cerebral oximetry is feasible in the FESS population and evaluate whether the data provided may be useful in the assessment of cerebral perfusion.

Study Design

Prospective, blinded, observational trial.

Methods

We designed a prospective, blinded, observational trial of patients undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery using cerebral oximetry monitoring. Collected data included mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), end‐tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2), cerebral saturation (SctO2), postanesthesia care unit (PACU) length of stay, and incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV).

Results

Thirty‐one subjects were enrolled into the study. Univariate analyses showed cross‐correlation between concurrent EtCO2 values and SctO2 of 0.43 (95% CI: 0.27 to 0.59) and between present EtCO2 and the SctO2 5 minutes later of 0.46 (95% CI: 0.33 to 0.59). MAP was not significantly cross‐correlated with SctO2. Patients who had an SctO2 below 60% at any time had a median (interquartile range [IQR]) PACU length of stay of 167 (IQR, 95–386) minutes. Patients whose cerebral saturation did not fall below 60% at any time had a median PACU length of stay of 103 (IQR, 76–155) minutes. This difference did not reach statistical significance (P = .257). The median (IQR) maximum decline in SctO2 for patients with PONV was 11.2% (IQR, 8.2%–13.1%) and for patients without PONV was 7.1% (IQR, 5.1%–9.8%) (P = .126).

Conclusions

Cerebral oximetry monitoring was feasible during functional endoscopic sinus surgery. This study demonstrated a cross‐correlation between EtCO2 and SctO2, but not MAP and SctO2. A longer PACU length of stay and higher rate of PONV were seen but did not reach statistical significance.

Level of Evidence

2b Laryngoscope, 125:E127–E131, 2015
Land use Change, a Case Study from Southern Italy: General Implications for Agricultural Subsidy Policies
Authors: Shelef Oren , Stavi Ilan , Zdruli Pandi , Rachmilevitch Shimon
Published: November 2014

For many years, farmers across Italy have struggled to convert rocky landforms into farmlands. Recently, expensive, heavy machineries have been widely used for these activities, exaggerating costs on land preparation. Subsidised by the Italian authorities, nearly 20% of Apulia lands in southern Italy have been converted to farmland through these methods. Recent evidence shows that in the short term, rock grinding enriches the soil with nutrients and improves soil quality. However, over the long run, land degradation and ecosystem service deterioration become prominent, resulting in the abandonment of extensive lands. This Italian case study should be considered as an alarming example of the possible detrimental effects of the national subsidies policy that supports the conversion of natural landforms into agricultural lands. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reliable harvest of a dorsal scapular artery perforator flap by augmenting its perfusion
Authors: Kim So‐Young , Lee Kyeong‐Tae , Mun Goo‐Hyun
Published: November 2014

Despite confirmation of a reliable perforasome in the dorsal scapular artery in an anatomic study, a true perforator flap has not been recommended in previous clinical studies because of concerns regarding insufficient perfusion in the distal region. In this report, we present two cases of reconstruction for occipital defects caused by tumor extirpation using pedicled dorsal scapular artery perforator flaps without a muscle component. To secure the perfusion of the dorsal scapular artery perforator flap, inclusion of an additional perforator was attempted for perfusion augmentation. The second dorsal scapular artery perforator was harvested in one case. In an additional case, the sixth dorsal intercostal artery perforator with a branch that directly connected with the dorsal scapular artery within the trapezius muscle was additionally harvested. The flaps survived without any perfusion‐related complications, including tip necrosis, and no donor site morbidities were observed. We suggest that a perfusion augmented dorsal scapular artery perforator flap by harvesting multiple perforators could be a safe and useful alternative for reconstructive surgery of head and neck defects. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:152–156, 2016.
Social competence in pediatric brain tumor survivors: Application of a model from social neuroscience and developmental psychology
Authors: Hocking Matthew C. , McCurdy Mark , Turner Elise , Kazak Anne E. , Noll Robert B. , Phillips Peter , Barakat Lamia P.
Published: November 2014

Pediatric brain tumor (BT) survivors are at risk for psychosocial late effects across many domains of functioning, including neurocognitive and social. The literature on the social competence of pediatric BT survivors is still developing and future research is needed that integrates developmental and cognitive neuroscience research methodologies to identify predictors of survivor social adjustment and interventions to ameliorate problems. This review discusses the current literature on survivor social functioning through a model of social competence in childhood brain disorder and suggests future directions based on this model. Interventions pursuing change in survivor social adjustment should consider targeting social ecological factors. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:375–384. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The views of European clinicians on guidelines for long‐term follow‐up of childhood cancer survivors
Authors: Brown Morven C. , Levitt Gillian A. , Frey Eva , Bárdi Edit , Haupt Riccardo , Hjorth Lars , Kremer Leontien , Kuehni Claudia E. , Lettner Christina , Mulder Renée L. , Michel Gisela , Skinner Roderick ,   on behalf of the PanCareSurFup Consortium
Published: November 2014

Background

Evidence‐based guidelines are needed to guide effective long‐term follow‐up (LTFU) of childhood cancer survivors (CCS) at risk of late adverse effects (LAEs). We aimed to ascertain the use of LTFU guidelines throughout Europe, and seek views on the need for pan‐European LTFU guidelines.

Procedures

One expert clinician from each of 44 European countries was invited to participate in an online survey. Information was sought regarding the use and content of LTFU guidelines in the respondent's centre and country, and their views about developing pan‐European LTFU guidelines.

Results

Thirty‐one countries (70%) responded, including 24 of 26 full EU countries (92%). LTFU guidelines were implemented nationally in 17 countries (55%). All guidelines included recommendations about physical LAEs, specific risk groups and frequency of surveillance, and the majority about psychosocial LAEs (70%), and healthy lifestyle promotion (65%). A minority of guidelines described recommendations about transition to age‐appropriate LTFU services (22%), where LTFU should be performed (22%) and by whom (30%). Most respondents (94%) agreed on the need for pan‐European LTFU guidelines, specifically including recommendations about surveillance for specific physical LAEs (97%), action to be taken if a specific LAE is detected (90%), minimum requirements for LTFU (93%), transition and health promotion (both 87%).

Conclusions

Guidelines are not universally used throughout Europe. However, there is strong support for developing pan‐European LTFU guidelines for CCS. PanCareSurFup (www.pancare.eu) will collaborate with partners to develop such guidelines, including recommendations for hitherto relatively neglected topics, such as minimum LTFU requirements, transition and health promotion. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:322–328. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of survival at adult versus pediatric treatment centers for rare pediatric tumors in an adolescent and young adult (AYA) population in the state of Georgia
Authors: Cash Thomas , Qayed Muna , Ward Kevin C. , Mertens Ann C. , Rapkin Louis
Published: November 2014

Background

The type of treatment center where 15–21‐year‐old adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients with rare pediatric tumors achieve their best clinical outcome is unknown.

Procedure

We performed a retrospective analysis using the Georgia Cancer Registry (GCR) of 15–21‐year old patients with a malignant, rare pediatric tumor diagnosed during the period from 2000–2009. Patients were identified as being treated at one of five Georgia pediatric cancer centers or at an adult center. Data were analyzed for 10 year overall survival, patient characteristics associated with death, and patient characteristics present at diagnosis associated with choice of treatment center.

Results

There was a total of 479 patients in our final study population, of which 379 (79.1%) were treated at an adult center and 100 (20.9%) were treated at a pediatric center. Patients treated at an adult center had a 10 year overall survival of 86% compared to 85% for patients treated at a pediatric center (P = 0.31). Race and poverty were not significantly associated with death. Patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (OR = 7.38; 95% CI = 2.30–23.75) and ‘other carcinomas' (OR = 2.64; 95% CI = 1.25–5.60) were more likely to be treated at a pediatric center. Patients with higher‐stage disease (OR = 4.24; 95% CI = 1.71–10.52) and higher poverty (OR = 2.32; 95% CI = 1.23–4.37) were also more likely to be treated at a pediatric center.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that there is no difference in survival for 15–21‐year old patients with rare pediatric tumors when treated at an adult or pediatric center. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:456–462. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis and asymmetric anionic polymerization of substituted 7‐aryl‐2,6‐dimethyl‐1,4‐benzoquinone methides
Authors: Uno Takahiro , Ohta Hiroshi , Yamane Atsushi , Kubo Masataka , Itoh Takahito
Published: November 2014

Substituted 7‐aryl‐2,6‐dimethyl‐1,4‐benzoquinone methides which have an electron‐donating methoxy substituent at the para‐position (p‐OMe, 2a) or an electron‐withdrawing chloro one at the para‐ (p‐Cl, 2b), meta‐ (m‐Cl, 2c), and ortho‐positions (o‐Cl, 2d) of the benzene ring were synthesized, and their asymmetric anionic polymerizations using the complex of lithium 4‐isopropylphenoxide with (−)‐sparteine were carried out in toluene at 0 °C. The polymers with negative specific rotation were obtained for all of four monomers, and the polymer obtained from 2a showed smaller specific rotation value than that of polymer having no substituent (p‐H, 1) on the phenyl group and the polymers obtained from 2b–d showed larger ones. It was found that the kind of a substituent and its substitution position on the phenyl group affect significantly the optical activity of polymers. The largest specific rotation value of [α]435= −153.2° was obtained in the polymerization of 2d with an ortho‐chloro substituent. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 437–444
Methyltransferases do not work by compression, cratic, or desolvation effects, but by electrostatic preorganization
Authors: Lameira Jeronimo , Bora Ram Prasad , Chu Zhen T. , Warshel Arieh
Published: November 2014

The enzyme catechol O‐methyltransferase (COMT) catalyzes the transfer of a methyl group from S‐adenosylmethionine to dopamine and related catechols. The search for the origin of COMT catalysis has led to different proposals and hypothesis, including the entropic, the NAC, and the compression proposals as well as the more reasonable electrostatic idea. Thus, it is important to understand the catalytic power of this enzyme and to examine the validity of different proposals and in particular the repeated recent implication of the compression idea. The corresponding analysis should be done by well‐defined physically‐based considerations that involve computations rather than circular interpretations of experimental results. Thus, we explore here the origin of the catalytic efficiency of COMT by using the empirical valence bond and the linear response approximation approaches. The results demonstrate that the catalytic effect of COMT is mainly due to electrostatic preorganization effects. It is also shown that the compression, NAC and entropic proposals do not account for the catalytic effect. Proteins 2015; 83:318–330. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A hybrid NMR/SAXS‐based approach for discriminating oligomeric protein interfaces using Rosetta
Authors: Rossi Paolo , Shi Lei , Liu Gaohua , Barbieri Christopher M. , Lee Hsiau‐Wei , Grant Thomas D. , Luft Joseph R. , Xiao Rong , Acton Thomas B. , Snell Edward H. , Montelione Gaetano T. , Baker David , Lange Oliver F. , Sgourakis Nikolaos G.
Published: November 2014

Oligomeric proteins are important targets for structure determination in solution. While in most cases the fold of individual subunits can be determined experimentally, or predicted by homology‐based methods, protein–protein interfaces are challenging to determine de novo using conventional NMR structure determination protocols. Here we focus on a member of the bet‐V1 superfamily, Aha1 from Colwellia psychrerythraea. This family displays a broad range of crystallographic interfaces none of which can be reconciled with the NMR and SAXS data collected for Aha1. Unlike conventional methods relying on a dense network of experimental restraints, the sparse data are used to limit conformational search during optimization of a physically realistic energy function. This work highlights a new approach for studying minor conformational changes due to structural plasticity within a single dimeric interface in solution. Proteins 2015; 83:309–317. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transnational Social Protection: Migrants' Strategies and Patterns of Inequalities
Authors: Faist Thomas , Bilecen Başak , Barglowski Karolina , Sienkiewicz Joanna Jadwiga
Published: November 2014

How migrants organise their social protection is not a straightforward process but, rather, a much more intricate and nuanced one, which takes into account the manifold state regulations, supranational frameworks and civil society organisations, as well as the migrants themselves and their significant others spread across various state borders. This introduction to our special issue examines the social protection strategies of migrants, the ways in which transnationality shapes the access and use of informal social protection, and their implications for migrants' life chances and thus the production of social inequalities. It provides a context for understanding the articles that follow in this special issue as statements of current research on welfare and migration, as challenges of concern in transnational studies and as examples of migrants' social protection, influenced by a variety of heterogeneities which intersect with transnationality. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Trends in male wild turkey abundance and harvest following restoration efforts in the southeast region of Missouri, 1960–2010
Authors: Clawson Michael V. , Skalski John R. , Isabelle Jason L. , Millspaugh Joshua J.
Published: November 2014

Long‐term estimates of abundance can be useful in elucidating wildlife population and hunter dynamics as well as other potential factors affecting populations. We used estimated vulnerability coefficients from a statistical population reconstruction (SPR) analysis (1996–2010), along with a 50‐year time series of harvest and hunter‐effort data to reconstruct a male wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) population in southeastern Missouri, USA (1960–2010; Gast et al. 2013). Following restoration efforts, the male wild turkey population in the Ozarks East turkey productivity region grew rapidly following a logistic growth pattern, from 2,932 turkeys in 1960 to 15,764 in 1980, and vacillated around a stable equilibrium from 1980 to 2010. Distance from St. Louis, Missouri, explained 19.8% of the variation in hunter density while turkey density only explained 1.1%, suggesting that factors beyond game density influenced hunter distribution. To explain the high inter‐annual variation of abundance found in the historical reconstruction, we examined the relationship between spring weather, recruitment, and abundance metrics. A multiple linear regression found total precipitation in June to be positively correlated and the number of cold days in April to be negatively correlated with yearling male (1 year old): adult male ratios in the following spring. Our results suggest the current wild turkey population is controlled primarily by extrinsic factors through effects on reproduction. Evidence of a stable population with high inter‐annual variation lends support for using consistent harvest regulations rather than altering regulations annually to accommodate short‐term trends in abundance. Our research highlights the utility of SPR models to assess factors affecting historical wildlife population demographics. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.