bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of axillary ultrasound (AUS) on axillary dissection in breast conserving surgery (BCS)
Authors: Reyna Chantal , Kiluk John V. , Frelick Anne , Khakpour Nazanin , Laronga Christine , Lee Marie Catherine
Published: March 2015

Background and Objectives

Preoperative axillary ultrasound (AUS) in clinically node‐negative patients may increase axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) in ACoSOG Z0011‐eligible patients. We hypothesize that AUS identifies operative axillary disease (>3 positive nodes) in women undergoing breast conserving surgery (BCS).

Methods

After IRB approval, a retrospective review of female breast cancer patients was performed; patients with clinical T1/T2 tumors undergoing BCS were included. Clinical, radiologic, and pathologic data were collected.

Results

Of 139 eligible subjects, 119/139 (86%) had nonpalpable axillary nodes. 47/119 patients (40%) had abnormal AUS and 15/47 (32%) had a positive FNA. Fourteen had ALND ;10/14 (71%) had >3 positive nodes. 6/32 (18%) with abnormal AUS but FNA negative were sentinel lymph node (SLN) positive. Of 72 normal AUS, 15 (22%) were SLN positive; 9/15 (60%) had ALND; 1 (11%) had >3 positive nodes. When evaluating for >3 positive nodes, AUS plus FNA had a sensitivity of 91%, specificity of 95%, NPV of 99%, and PPV of 71%.

Conclusions

AUS/FNA has a high NPV for axillary metastasis and remarkable sensitivity for three or more positive axillary nodes, therefore AUS‐identified metastasis should be treated as clinically node‐positive disease, and is appropriate even in patients planning breast conserving surgery. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015 111:813–818. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Solid‐phase microextraction with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry determination of benzo(a)pyrene in microcrystalline waxes used as food additives
Authors: Conchione Chiara , Purcaro Giorgia , Conte Lanfranco S. , Moret Sabrina
Published: March 2015

Microcrystalline waxes are mixtures of solid, saturated hydrocarbons mainly branched and characterized by a carbon number over C60. They are used as food additives for the surface treatment of confectionery and some fruit varieties, in chewing gum base, protective coatings, defoaming agents, and surface finishing agents. Commission Regulation No 231/2012 established physical and chemical specifications for microcrystalline waxes to use in food, and posed a limit of 50 μg/kg for benzo(a)pyrene. Due to the low solubility of microcrystalline waxes in organic solvents and matrix interferences, analytical determination of benzo(a)pyrene represents a difficult task. The official method for indirect determination of total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons uses unspecific spectrophotometric detection and a quite laborious, time‐ and solvent‐consuming extraction method. A liquid–liquid partition method followed by solid‐phase microextraction was developed to isolate benzo(a)pyrene from the bulk of saturated hydrocarbons in microcrystalline waxes, with the aim to have a simple and effective method to verify compliance with the legal limit. The final determination was carried out by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Good linearity was obtained, along with a recovery of about 80% from the liquid–liquid partitions. The repeatability of the entire method was <6% and accuracy was <3%.
Evaluation of a method for the simultaneous quantification of N‐nitrosamines in water samples based on stir bar sorptive extraction combined with high‐performance liquid chromatography and diode array detection
Authors: Talebpour Zahra , Rostami Simindokht , Rezadoost Hassan
Published: March 2015

A simple, sensitive, and reliable procedure based on stir bar sorptive extraction coupled with high‐performance liquid chromatography was applied to simultaneously extract and determine three semipolar nitrosamines including N‐nitrosodibutylamine, N‐nitrosodiphenylamine, and N‐nitrosodicyclohexylamine. To achieve the optimum conditions, the effective parameters on the extraction efficiency including desorption solvent and time, ionic strength of sample, extraction time, and sample volume were systematically investigated. The optimized extraction procedure was carried out by stir bars coated with polydimethylsiloxane. Under optimum extraction conditions, the performance of the proposed method was studied. The linear dynamic range was obtained in the range of 0.95–1000 ng/mL (r = 0.9995), 0.26–1000 ng/mL (r = 0.9988) and both 0.32–100 ng/mL (r = 0.9999) and 100–1000 ng/mL (r = 0.9998) with limits of detection of 0.28, 0.08, and 0.09 ng/mL for N‐nitrosodibutylamine, N‐nitrosodiphenylamine, and N‐nitrosodicyclohexylamine, respectively. The average recoveries were obtained >81%, and the reproducibility of the proposed method presented as intra‐ and interday precision were also found with a relative standard deviation <6%. Finally, the proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of trace amounts of selected nitrosamines in various water and wastewater samples and the obtained results were confirmed using mass spectrometry.
Diversity and spatial distribution of autotrophic communities within and between ice‐covered Antarctic lakes (McMurdo Dry Valleys)
Authors: Dolhi Jenna M. , Teufel Amber G. , Kong Weidong , Morgan‐Kiss Rachael M.
Published: March 2015

We compared the spatial distribution and diversity of autotrophic microbial communities among four permanently ice‐covered, chemically stratified lakes located in the Taylor (Lakes Bonney‐east and west lobes, Fryxell), and Wright (Lake Vanda) Valleys of the McMurdo Dry Valleys (Victoria Land, Antarctica). Clone libraries were constructed for major carbon fixation genes (rbcL isoforms IA/B and ID; cbbM; nifJ). Real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays were also developed for each of these markers of autotrophy to assess the influence of lake physicochemical factors on spatial trends in major photosynthetic and chemolithoautotrophic groups. Both lobes of Lake Bonney were dominated by Ribulose‐1, 5‐bisphosphate carboxylase oxygenase (RubisCO) form ID rbcL (haptophytes and stramenopiles), while Lake Fryxell was dominated by rbcL form ID‐harboring cryptophytes. Lake Vanda was the least productive lake and was dominated by form IA/B rbcL (cyanobacteria and chlorophytes) and form ID rbcL (stramenopiles). Autotrophic carbon fixation genes from photosynthetic organisms were generally positively correlated with light availability. Chemolithoautotrophic organisms harboring form II RubisCO were detected in only two of the four lakes (west lobe Lake Bonney and Fryxell) and were associated with the presence of either sulfide (Fryxell) or dimethylated sulfur compounds (west lobe Lake Bonney).
Geographic variation in intertidal oyster reef properties and the influence of tidal prism
Authors: Byers James E. , Grabowski Jonathan H. , Piehler Michael F. , Hughes A. Randall , Weiskel Heidi W. , Malek Jennafer C. , Kimbro David L.
Published: March 2015

Physical‐biological coupling helps structure aquatic communities, yet physical factors can vary widely across large, biogeographic scales. The eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) is an ecosystem engineer that creates intertidal reefs, filters water, promotes denitrification, stabilizes shorelines, and provides habitat throughout the inner waters of the U.S. South Atlantic Bight (SAB). We quantified physical variables (temperature, salinity, duration and depth of water inundation), oyster reef properties (slope, vertical relief), and oyster recruitment, density, and biomass over a 1500 km scale across the SAB for one year. All oyster‐level and many reef‐level variables exhibited unimodal patterns with latitude that peaked in Georgia and South Carolina estuaries. Of the physical variables, salinity and duration of water inundation over reefs were similar across all sites, and temperature declined linearly with increasing latitude, except during summer when it had no relationship with latitude. Depth of water inundation over reefs was the only physical variable with a prominent unimodal distribution that may explain the oyster's biological responses. Similar durations of water inundation across all reefs coupled with higher water depths in the mid‐latitude sites collectively indicate that these sites experience higher flow velocity, energy and net water volume delivery per unit time. The resultant higher accumulation of oyster biomass and heightened reef structure in areas of higher tidal energy emphasize that the physical forcing of the SAB (especially large cross‐shelf gradients in tidal amplification) affects the biology of the eastern oyster, including its reef properties, with potential implications for community structure and ecosystem service delivery across a biogeographic scale.
Antibacterial photodynamic treatment of periodontopathogenic bacteria with indocyanine green and near‐infrared laser light enhanced by TroloxTM
Authors: Kranz Stefan , Huebsch Marie , Guellmar Andre , Voelpel Andrea , Tonndorf‐Martini Silke , Sigusch Bernd W.
Published: March 2015

Background and Objectives

It has been shown that certain vitamins can significantly enhance the effect of photodynamic anti‐tumor therapy. Unfortunately, there is no sufficient information available about the impact of those antioxidants on antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy (aPDT). The present study is aimed at investigating the antimicrobial effect of the dye indocyanine green (ICG) in the presence of TroloxTM, a vitamin E analogue, upon irradiation with near‐infrared (NIR) laser light (808 nm) on the gramnegative periodontopathogenic bacteria Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A.a.), Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.g.) and Fusobacterium nucleatum (F.n.).

Methods

Bacteria solved in PBS were incubated with ICG (50–500 μg/ml) in the presence and absence of TroloxTM (2 mM). Irradiation was performed after 10 minutes of dark‐incubation with NIR‐laser‐light (25–100 J/cm2, 810 nm). During treatment, temperature was also recorded inside the bacterial solutions. The treated suspensions were serial diluted and plated onto blood agar plates. After anaerobe cultivation for 5 days the colony‐forming units (CFU/ml) were determined.

Results

The antibacterial effect was ICG‐concentration and exposure dependent. It was found that high ICG‐concentrations and light fluence rates caused bacterial reduction due to hyperthermia. Where low ICG‐concentrations (<250 μg/ml) and fluence rates only induced minor regression, additional TroloxTM‐administration significantly enhanced the photodynamic effect. While treatment of A.a. (250 μg/ml ICG, 100 J/cm2) without TroloxTM caused no bacterial reduction, additional administration led to total eradication. In the presence of TroloxTM reduction to one‐fifth of the original ICG‐concentration (50 μg/ml) still induced total suppression of P.g. and F.n. at identical fluence (100 J/cm2). Treatment with ICG, NIR‐light or TroloxTM alone showed no remarkable bactericidal effect. Application of high ICG‐concentrations (500 μg/ml) and exposure values (100 J/cm2) caused peak temperatures of 64.53°C.

Conclusions

The results clearly show that TroloxTM significantly enhanced the antibacterial effect of ICG upon irradiation with NIR‐laser‐light. Additional administration of TroloxTM may also increase the efficiency of other aPDT systems. in vivo. Lasers Surg. Med. 47:???–???, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The use of fabricated chimeric flap for reconstruction of extensive foot defects
Authors: Song Baoqiang , Chen Jianwu , Han Yan , Hu Yalan , Su Yingjun , Li Yang , Zhang Juan , Guo Shuzhong
Published: March 2015

Repair of extensive foot defects requires both adequate tissues for wound coverage and special tissues for functional reconstruction. To maximize its function reconstruction, fabricated chimeric flaps consisting of multiple separate flaps were designed to reconstruct such defects. Five patients suffered extensive foot defects with sizes ranging from 23 × 12 cm to 38 × 14 cm2 in multiple regions including heel, forefoot, dorsum, ankle, anterior leg, and even toes. Causes included crushing injuries, avulsion injuries, and scar excision. Most areas of the defects except heel were first covered by latissimus dorsi muscle flap or anterolateral thigh flap and their pedicles were anastomosed with recipient vessels. Then free medial plantar flaps were transferred for heel reconstruction and their pedicles were further attached to either side branches of the main source vessel or to its distal continuation. All chimeric flaps survived uneventfully and all patients were able to walk in normal footwear during the 1.5‐ to 4‐years follow‐up. None of the flaps developed ulcer and flap breakdown. The assessment by Maryland Foot Score showed that four of the five patients gained a “good” recovery and one patient showed moderate improvement of foot functions. Appearances of reconstructed heels were near‐normal. The results indicate that fabricated chimeric flap has good design flexibility and may provide an option for functional reconstruction of extensive foot defects. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:303–309, 2016.
Modified lymph vessel flap transplantation for the treatment of refractory lymphedema: A case report
Authors: Mihara Makoto , Tange Shuichi , Hara Hisako , Han Peng Zhou , Haragi Makiko , Muarai Noriyuki
Published: March 2015

Lymph vessel flap transplantation (LFT), lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA), or lymph node flap transfer are sometimes used to treat lymphedema that is resistant to conservative treatment. LFT harvested from the contralateral limb has been reported for the treatment of lymphedema. Here we report the use of modified LFT from the abdominal wall for the treatment of refractory lymphedema. Our patient was a 57‐year‐old patient with secondary lower limb lymphedema was previously treated with conservative therapy and lymphaticovenous anastomosis. We first examined the lymphatic function of the lower abdominal region in the patient using indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography. After confirming the good lymphatic function in the right abdominal region, we harvested the pedicled abdominal adiposal flap containing multiple abdominal lymph vessels and transferred it to the left groin region. The flap (20 × 10 cm2) was based on the superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator. We anastomosed one lymph vessel in the flap to that in the recipient site. We also performed multiple fibrotripsy using a 3‐mm‐diameter stainless steel stick inserted into small incisions. The postoperative course was uneventful. The circumference measurement was decreased by 2.2–13.5 cm at 1 year after the operation. The lower abdominal region has many lymph vessel networks and is thought to be a less risky donor site in patients with lymphedema than the lower limbs. Thus, LFT may be an option for the treatment of chronic lymphedema. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:695–699, 2016.
Diallyl disulfide inhibits growth and metastatic potential of human triple‐negative breast cancer cells through inactivation of the β‐catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Huang Jing , Yang Bing , Xiang Tingxiu , Peng Weiyan , Qiu Zhu , Wan Jingyuan , Zhang Li , Li Hongyuan , Li Hongzhong , Ren Guosheng
Published: March 2015

Scope

Although diallyl disulfide (DADS), an important garlic (Allium sativum) derivative, has exhibited potential anticancer activity, the molecular mechanism of this activity remains unknown. In this study, we evaluated the antitumor activity of DADS in triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell lines based in vitro and in vivo models.

Methods and results

We found that treatment with DADS resulted in decreased viability, increased apoptosis, and suppression of metastatic potential in TNBC cells. Furthermore, DADS induced dysregulation of B‐cell lymphoma (Bcl)‐2 family members, downregulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐9 and reversal of the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Interestingly, DADS significantly inhibited activation of the β‐catenin signaling pathway, which regulated Bcl‐2 family members, MMP‐9 and EMT in TNBC cells. Consistent with these in vitro findings, we also verified the anticancer potential of DADS in MDA‐MB‐231 xenograft mice. Treatment with DADS significantly reduced tumor volume and weight and increased apoptosis in these mice, while the expression of active β‐catenin was decreased, and the downstream molecules were dysregulated.

Conclusion

Our results show that the antitumor effect of DADS on TNBC cells is mediated by the β‐catenin pathway, suggesting that DADS could be used as a potential therapeutic agent for treating or preventing breast cancer.
Curcumin induces apoptotic cell death via Oct4 inhibition and GSK‐3β activation in NCCIT cells
Authors: Yun Ji Ho , Park Young Gyun , Lee Kyung‐Mi , Kim Jungho , Nho Chu Won
Published: March 2015

Scope

Octamer‐binding transcription factor 4 (Oct4) is a key regulator of pluripotent embryonic stem cell maintenance. However, increasing evidence has suggested that Oct4 is also expressed in cancer stem cells (CSCs) and is associated with tumor progression and chemoresistance. Curcumin (CUR) is a widely used cancer chemopreventive agent, and it has been used to treat several diseases including cancers. Here, we investigated whether CUR‐induced apoptotic cell death by inhibiting Oct4 levels and examining molecular mechanisms in NCCIT human embryonic carcinoma cells.

Methods and results

CUR significantly inhibited Oct4 transcription levels in a dose‐dependent manner by dual luciferase experiment, also decreased mRNA and protein levels in NCCIT human embryonic carcinoma cells, which express high levels of endogenous Oct4. Interestingly, we found that CUR treatment increased apoptotic cell death including subG0/G1 contents, cleavage caspases, and pro‐apoptotic protein, as confirmed with a series of loss‐of‐function experiments using Oct4 siRNA. Furthermore, CUR induced marked total level of glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK‐3β), resulting in an increase in apoptotic cell death, was evaluated using chemical inhibitor of GSK3‐3β.

Conclusion

These data suggest that CUR induces apoptotic cell death through Oct4 inhibition and GSK‐3β activation. Thus, CUR may be a useful cancer chemopreventive agent to suppress tumor progression or to improve chemoresistance by eliminating CSCs.
Zinc supplementation influences genomic stability biomarkers, antioxidant activity, and zinc transporter genes in an elderly Australian population with low zinc status
Authors: Sharif Razinah , Thomas Philip , Zalewski Peter , Fenech Michael
Published: March 2015

Scope

An increased intake of Zinc (Zn) may reduce the risk of degenerative diseases but may prove to be toxic if taken in excess. This study aimed to investigate whether zinc carnosine supplement can improve Zn status, genome stability events, and Zn transporter gene expression in an elderly (65–85 years) South Australian cohort with low plasma Zn levels.

Methods and results

A 12‐week placebo‐controlled intervention trial was performed with 84 volunteers completing the study, (placebo, n = 42) and (Zn group, n = 42). Plasma Zn was significantly increased (p < 0.05) by 5.69% in the Zn supplemented group after 12 weeks. A significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the micronucleus frequency (−24.18%) was observed for the Zn supplemented cohort relative to baseline compared to the placebo group. Reductions of −7.09% for tail moment and −8.76% for tail intensity were observed for the Zn group (relative to baseline) (p < 0.05). Telomere base damage was found to be also significantly decreased in the Zn group (p < 0.05). Both MT1A and ZIP1 expression showed a significant increase in the Zn supplemented group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Zn supplementation may have a beneficial effect in an elderly population with low Zn levels by improving Zn status, antioxidant profile, and lowering DNA damage.
DWI using navigated interleaved multishot EPI with realigned GRAPPA reconstruction
Authors: Liu Wentao , Zhao Xuna , Ma Yajun , Tang Xin , Gao Jia‐Hong
Published: March 2015

Purpose

A novel k‐space reconstruction method is proposed for generating diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) using navigated interleaved multishot EPI (msEPI).

Theory and Methods

In interleaved msEPI, each shot of data acquired from one coil channel is a subset of the full k‐space of that channel. All the k‐space subsets of one channel can be treated as an undersampled dataset of a virtual multichannel data, which can be reconstructed by the GRAPPA algorithm after k‐space realignment. The intershot phase variations are directly compensated using navigator echoes as the auto‐calibrating data in GRAPPA reconstruction. In cases of multichannel msEPI data, all the virtual channels and actual channels can be integrated into a single GRAPPA reconstruction step. The proposed method is tested using both simulation and in‐vivo data. The simulation results produced by the proposed method and a SENSE‐based method are compared.

Results

The simulated images generated by the proposed method exhibit less relative error compared with those generated by the SENSE method. Inconsistent shot‐to‐shot phase variation is naturally resolved by GRAPPA calibration without additional phase map processing. High‐quality brain DWI with submillimeter resolution is obtained using our proposed reconstruction method.

Conclusion

A novel k‐space msEPI reconstruction method has been developed for generating high‐quality diffusion imaging. Magn Reson Med 75:280–286, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A simplified spin and gradient echo approach for brain tumor perfusion imaging
Authors: Stokes Ashley M. , Quarles C. Chad
Published: March 2015

Purpose

In this study, we propose a simplified acquisition and analysis approach for spin and gradient echo (SAGE)‐based dynamic susceptibility‐contrast MRI (DSC‐MRI) data that is free of contrast agent T1 leakage effects.

Methods

A five‐echo SAGE sequence was used to acquire DSC‐MRI data in rat C6 tumors (n = 7). Nonlinear fitting of all echoes was performed to obtain T1‐insensitive ΔR2* and ΔR2 time series. The simplified approach, which includes two gradient echoes and one spin echo, was also used to analytically compute T1‐insensitive ΔR2* using the two gradient echoes and ΔR2 using all three echoes. The blood flow, blood volume, and vessel size values derived from each method were compared.

Results

In all cases, the five‐echo and simplified SAGE ΔR2* and ΔR2 were in excellent agreement and demonstrated significant T1 leakage correction compared with the uncorrected single‐echo data. The derived hemodynamic parameters for blood volume, blood flow, and vessel size were not significantly different between the two methods.

Conclusions

The proposed simplified SAGE technique enables the acquisition of gradient and spin echo DSC‐MRI data corrected for T1 leakage effects yields parameters that are in agreement with the five‐echo SAGE approach and does not require nonlinear fitting to extract ΔR2* and ΔR2 time series. Magn Reson Med 75:356–362, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Direct control of the temperature rise in parallel transmission by means of temperature virtual observation points: Simulations at 10.5 tesla
Authors: Boulant Nicolas , Wu Xiaoping , Adriany Gregor , Schmitter Sebastian , Uğurbil Kamil , Van de Moortele Pierre‐François
Published: March 2015

Purpose

A method using parallel transmission to mitigate B1+ inhomogeneity while explicitly constraining the temperature rise is reported and compared with a more traditional SAR‐constrained pulse design.

Methods

Finite difference time domain simulations are performed on a numerical human head model and for a 16‐channel coil at 10.5 Tesla. Based on a set of presimulations, a virtual observation point compression model for the temperature rise is derived. This compact representation is then used in a nonlinear programming algorithm for pulse design under explicit temperature rise constraints.

Results

In the example of a time‐of‐flight sequence, radiofrequency pulse performance in some cases is increased by a factor of two compared with SAR‐constrained pulses, while temperature rise is directly and efficiently controlled. Pulse performance can be gained by relaxing the SAR constraints, but at the expense of a loss of direct control on temperature.

Conclusion

Given the importance of accurate safety control at ultrahigh field and the lack of direct correspondence between SAR and temperature, this work motivates the need for thorough thermal studies in normal in vivo conditions. The tools presented here will possibly contribute to safer and more efficient MR exams. Magn Reson Med 75:249–256, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Local specific absorption rate in brain tumors at 7 tesla
Authors: Restivo Matthew C. , van den Berg Cornelis A.T. , van Lier Astrid L.H.M.W. , Polders Daniël L. , Raaijmakers Alexander J.E. , Luijten Peter R. , Hoogduin Hans
Published: March 2015

Purpose

MR safety at 7 Tesla relies on accurate numerical simulations of transmit electromagnetic fields to fully assess local specific absorption rate (SAR) safety. Numerical simulations for SAR safety are currently performed using models of healthy patients. These simulations might not be useful for estimating SAR in patients who have large lesions with potentially abnormal dielectric properties, e.g., brain tumors.

Theory and Methods

In this study, brain tumor patient models are constructed based on scans of four patients with high grade brain tumors. Dielectric properties for the modeled tumors are assigned based on electrical properties tomography data for the same patients. Simulations were performed to determine SAR.

Results

Local SAR increases in the tumors by as much as 30%. However, the location of the maximum 10‐gram averaged SAR typically occurs outside of the tumor, and thus does not increase. In the worst case, if the tumor model is moved to the location of maximum electric field intensity, then we do observe an increase in the estimated peak 10‐gram SAR directly related to the tumor.

Conclusion

Peak local SAR estimation made on the results of a healthy patient model simulation may underestimate the true peak local SAR in a brain tumor patient. Magn Reson Med 75:381–389, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Efficacy, safety, and tolerability of intravesically administered 0.1% oxybutynin hydrochloride solution in adult patients with neurogenic bladder: A randomized, prospective, controlled multi‐center trial
Authors: Schröder Annette , Albrecht Uwe , Schnitker Jörg , Reitz André , Stein Raimund
Published: March 2015

Aims

To verify the efficacy, safety and tolerability of intravesical administration of 0.1% oxybutynin hydrochloride compared to its oral administration for treatment of neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) in a randomized, prospective, controlled, open‐label, multi‐center trial in 35 adult patients.

Methods

NDO was confirmed within the previous 24 months by urodynamic studies (UDS). Group 1 (n = 18) received 10 ml 0.1% oxybutynin hydrochloride intravesically three times per day and group 2 (n = 17) 5 mg oxybutynin hydrochloride orally three times per day for a period of 28 days. Primary efficacy criterion was the change in the maximum bladder capacity between the beginning of the study and after 4 weeks as assessed by UDS. Adverse drug reactions (ADR) were collected and an evaluation of anticholinergic effects was conducted.

Results

The increase in maximum bladder capacity was 117 ml with intravesical application (P = 0.0002) versus 18 ml with the oral application (P = 0.51). The difference was statistically significant (P = 0.0086). ADR were reported by 10 (55.6%) of patients with intravesical administration, and by 14 (82.4%) of patients with oral administration. Significant differences in favor of the intravesical application were observed in ADR affecting vision (1/10 vs. 9/14), gastrointestinal tract (8/10 vs. 14/14), nervous system (2/10 vs. 8/14), and skin and subcutis (1/10 vs. 6/14). No serious adverse drug reactions were reported.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the efficacy and safety of intravesical 0.1% oxybutynin hydrochloride in the treatment of NDO with respect to the increase in maximum bladder capacity. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:582–588, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Markers of metabolic health in children differ between weekdays—the result of unhealthier weekend behavior
Authors: Hjorth Mads F. , Damsgaard Camilla T. , Michaelsen Kim F. , Astrup Arne , Sjödin Anders
Published: March 2015

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate whether indicators of metabolic health fluctuate during the week in a group of children posing unhealthier physical activity, sedentary time, and sleep during weekends compared to weekdays.

Methods

A total of 807 eight‐ to eleven‐year‐old children had valid metabolic health markers from one, two, or three measurements contributing 2190 to 2240 observations of metabolic health markers. The weekly variation was tested using linear mixed models.

Results

Homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMAIR), triglycerides, leptin (all P < 0.001), and adiponectin (P = 0.03) decreased from Monday to Friday, whereas ghrelin increased (P < 0.001). HOMAIR, triglycerides, and leptin were 35%, 28%, and 33% higher on Mondays compared to Fridays, respectively, and ghrelin was 7% lower on Mondays compared to Fridays (all P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The large weekly variation in HOMAIR, triglycerides, and leptin was likely the result of unhealthier behaviors during weekends. These findings have public health relevance and raise methodological issues that should ideally be taken into account in future studies.
Synthesis and magnetic properties of organic multilayer films based on the layer‐by‐layer assembly
Authors: Luo Jin , Wang Yanhua , Ren Rong , Sun Weilin , Shen Zhiquan
Published: March 2015

Two polymers containing pyridine rings were prepared by free‐radical polymerization and confirmed by Fourier transform infrared and1H NMR spectra. The preparation of four multilayer films that were obtained by self‐assembly of the polymer and the transition metal neutralized polyelectrolyte on PE substrate was described. UV–vis spectra and atomic force microscopy images were applied to characterize these films and indicate the uniform assembling process. The driving force for building up the multilayer films was identified by infrared spectroscopy to be the coordination interaction. The magnetic behavior was examined as a function of magnetic field strength at 30 kOe and as a function of temperature (5–300 K). All films display strong soft ferromagnetic properties and higher than those of the bulk materials. The magnetic results show that the layer‐by‐layer self‐assembling approach is beneficial to the ordered alignment of adjacent paramagnetic spins and induces better magnetic phenomena. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long‐term results of the AIEOP LNH‐97 protocol for childhood lymphoblastic lymphoma
Authors: Pillon Marta , Aricò Maurizio , Mussolin Lara , Carraro Elisa , Conter Valentino , Sala Alessandra , Buffardi Salvatore , Garaventa Alberto , D'Angelo Paolo , Lo Nigro Luca , Santoro Nicola , Piglione Matilde , Lombardi Alessandra , Porta Fulvio , Cesaro Simone , Moleti Maria L. , Casale Fiorina , Mura Rossella , d'Amore Emanuele S. G. , Basso Giuseppe , Rosolen Angelo
Published: March 2015

Background

Treatment intensification was considered a suitable strategy to increase the cure rate of lymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL) in children.

Procedure

The AIEOP LNH‐97 trial was run between 1997 and 2007 for newly diagnosed LBL in patients aged less than 18 years. Treatment schedule was based on the previous, LSA2‐L2 derived, AIEOP LNH‐92 protocol. Modifications included: increased dose of upfront cyclophosphamide and methotrexate, use of l‐Asparaginase during induction therapy, intensive block therapy for slow responders, and late intensification (“Reinduction”) for patients with advanced stage disease. Total therapy duration was 12 months for stage I and II, and 24 months for stage III and IV. Central nervous system prophylaxis did not include cranial irradiation.

Results

114 eligible patients were enrolled, 84 males and 30 females; median age was 9 years. Complete remission was obtained in 98% of patients. After a median follow‐up time of seven years, 29 patients failed due to progression of disease (n = 2), relapse (n = 25), or second malignancy (n = 2). The 7‐year overall survival was 82% (standard error [SE] 4%) and the 7‐year event‐free survival was 74% (SE 4%). No subgroup showed significantly different event free survival. None of the patients died of front line chemotherapy‐related toxicity.

Conclusions

Treatment intensification was associated with good outcome in children and adolescents with LBL, with limited toxicity. Prognosis after relapse was better for patients who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Measurements of biological markers and treatment response are necessary for achieving further improvement through more accurate identification and stratification of patients at risk of disease relapse. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:1388–1394. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chemical surface modification of wheat straw fibers for polypropylene reinforcement
Authors: Kellersztein I. , Dotan A.
Published: March 2015

The use of natural materials has grown in the last years in the plastics industry. Natural lignocellulose fibers derived from agricultural waste present potential to be used as a replacement for glass fibers for polymer reinforcement, leading to lower CO2 footprint products. However, cellulose fibers are hydrophilic and polar and as a result of that, incompatible with hydrophobic polymers such as polypropylene. For this reason, a surface modification on the cellulose fiber is required. This work focuses on the modification of the cellulose fibers to improve the compatibility with polypropylene. Wheat straw fibers derived from agricultural waste were scoured with the purpose to remove lignin, hemicellulose and pectin to facilitate the defibrillation. The fibers were then esterified using acetic anhydride. Thermal gravimetric tests have shown an increase in the thermal stability of the scoured and esterified cellulose fibers, from 246°C for untreated fibers to 292°C and 316°C, respectively. From mechanical tests results it could be seen that the tensile modulus of the composites with esterified cellulose fibers increased 57% compared with the neat PP. Flexural strength increased by 31% and flexural modulus by 70%. The use of esterified fibers led to an improvement of 79% in the impact strength compared with the neat PP. A better compatibilization between fibers and matrix could be seen using maleic anhydride modified polypropylene copolymer as compatibilizer, even with esterified fibers, probably due to residual hydroxyl groups still available on modified cellulose. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:2133–2141, 2016. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Severe X‐linked chondrodysplasia punctata in nine new female fetuses
Authors: Lefebvre Mathilde , Dufernez Fabienne , Bruel Ange‐Line , Gonzales Marie , Aral Bernard , Saint‐Onge Judith , Gigot Nadège , Desir Julie , Daelemans Caroline , Jossic Frédérique , Schmitt Sébastien , Mangione Raphaele , Pelluard Fanny , Vincent‐Delorme Catherine , Labaune Jean‐Marc , Bigi Nicole , D'Olne Dominique , Delezoide Anne‐Lise , Toutain Annick , Blesson Sophie , Cormier‐Daire Valérie , Thevenon Julien , El Chehadeh Salima , Masurel‐Paulet Alice , Joyé Nicole , Vibert‐Guigue Claude , Rigonnot Luc , Rousseau Thierry , Vabres Pierre , Hervé Philippe , Lamazière Antonin , Rivière Jean‐Baptiste , Faivre Laurence , Laurent Nicole , Thauvin‐Robinet Christel
Published: March 2015

Objectives

Conradi–Hünermann–Happle [X‐linked dominant chondrodysplasia punctata 2 (CDPX2)] syndrome is a rare X‐linked dominant skeletal dysplasia usually lethal in men while affected women show wide clinical heterogeneity. Different EBP mutations have been reported. Severe female cases have rarely been reported, with only six antenatal presentations.

Methods

To better characterize the phenotype in female fetuses, we included nine antenatally diagnosed cases of women with EBP mutations. All cases were de novo except for two fetuses with an affected mother and one case of germinal mosaicism.

Results

The mean age at diagnosis was 22 weeks of gestation. The ultrasound features mainly included bone abnormalities: shortening (8/9 cases) and bowing of the long bones (5/9), punctuate epiphysis (7/9) and an irregular aspect of the spine (5/9). Postnatal X‐rays and examination showed ichthyosis (8/9) and epiphyseal stippling (9/9), with frequent asymmetric short and bowed long bones. The X‐inactivation pattern of the familial case revealed skewed X‐inactivation in the mildly symptomatic mother and random X‐inactivation in the severe fetal case. Differently affected skin samples of the same fetus revealed different patterns of X‐inactivation.

Conclusion

Prenatal detection of asymmetric shortening and bowing of the long bones and cartilage stippling should raise the possibility of CPDX2 in female fetuses, especially because the majority of such cases involve de novo mutations. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer polymerization of vinyl acetate under high pressure
Authors: Chen Jing , Zhao Xiaoning , Zhang Lifen , Cheng Zhenping , Zhu Xiulin
Published: March 2015

In this work, high molecular weight polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) (Mn,GPC = 123,000 g/mol, Mw/Mn = 1.28) was synthesized by reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT) under high pressure (5 kbar), using benzoyl peroxide and N,N‐dimethylaniline as initiator mediated by (S)‐2‐(ethyl propionate)‐(O‐ethyl xanthate) (X1) at 35 °C. Polymerization kinetic study with RAFT agent showed pseudo‐first order kinetics. Additionally, the polymerization rate of VAc under high pressure increased greatly than that under atmospheric pressure. The “living” feature of the resultant PVAc was confirmed by 1H NMR spectroscopy and chain extension experiments. Well‐defined PVAc with high molecular weight and narrow molecular weight distribution can be obtained relatively fast by using RAFT polymerization at 5 kbar. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci. Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 1430–1436
Dispersion of silica nanoparticles bearing perfluorohexyl units into fluorinated copolymers
Authors: Durand Nelly , Habas Jean‐Pierre , Boutevin Bernard , Améduri Bruno
Published: March 2015

This study aims at determining the compatibility behavior of nanoparticles surface with fluorinated matrices to obtain a homogenous dispersion and better composites properties. First, modified silica nanoparticles by C6F13I and C6F13‐C2H4‐SH led to various fluorinated silica of different massic concentrations and grafting rates. The dispersion of these nanoparticles (in 5 wt %) into molten poly(VDF‐co‐HFP) and poly(TFE‐co‐HFP) matrices were studied as well as the hydrophobic, mechanical, and thermal properties of both fluorinated copolymers and resulting composites. In both series, the storage modulus of nanocomposites increased while the melting (Tm) and decomposition (T10%) temperatures varied with the polymer matrix. They increased for poly(VDF‐co‐HFP) composites (Tm= 134 to 144 °C and T10%= 441 to 464 °C) but decreased for poly(TFE‐co‐HFP) nanocomposites (Tm= 276 to 268 °C and T10%= 488 to 477 °C). © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 1512–1522
An allosteric model for control of pore opening by substrate binding in the EutL microcompartment shell protein
Authors: Thompson Michael C. , Cascio Duilio , Leibly David J. , Yeates Todd O.
Published: March 2015

The ethanolamine utilization (Eut) microcompartment is a protein‐based metabolic organelle that is strongly associated with pathogenesis in bacteria that inhabit the human gut. The exterior shell of this elaborate protein complex is composed from a few thousand copies of BMC‐domain shell proteins, which form a semi‐permeable diffusion barrier that provides the interior enzymes with substrates and cofactors while simultaneously retaining metabolic intermediates. The ability of this protein shell to regulate passage of substrate and cofactor molecules is critical for microcompartment function, but the details of how this diffusion barrier can allow the passage of large cofactors while still retaining small intermediates remain unclear. Previous work has revealed two conformations of the EutL shell protein, providing substantial evidence for a gated pore that might allow the passage of large cofactors. Here we report structural and biophysical evidence to show that ethanolamine, the substrate of the Eut microcompartment, acts as a negative allosteric regulator of EutL pore opening. Specifically, a series of X‐ray crystal structures of EutL from Clostridium perfringens, along with equilibrium binding studies, reveal that ethanolamine binds to EutL at a site that exists in the closed‐pore conformation and which is incompatible with opening of the large pore for cofactor transport. The allosteric mechanism we propose is consistent with the cofactor requirements of the Eut microcompartment, leading to a new model for EutL function. Furthermore, our results suggest the possibility of redox modulation of the allosteric mechanism, opening potentially new lines of investigation.
Parkinson's disease: diagnosis and current management
Authors: Collins Lucy , Cummins Gemma , Barker Roger A
Published: March 2015

Treatment for Parkinson's should be tailored to the needs of the patient and adjusted regularly to ensure maximum efficacy and tolerability. Our drug review outlines diagnosis, drug options and advanced therapies, and the management of complications, followed by an analysis of the prescription data.
Micro‐photoluminescence spectroscopy on heavily‐doped layers of silicon solar cells
Authors: Nguyen Hieu T. , Yan Di , Wang Fan , Zheng Peiting , Han Young , Macdonald Daniel
Published: March 2015

We report and explain the photoluminescence spectra emitted from silicon solar cells with heavily‐doped layers at the surface. A micro‐photoluminescence spectroscopy system is employed to investigate the total spectrum emitted from both the heavily‐doped layer and the silicon substrate with micron‐scale spatial resolution. The two regions of the device give rise to separate photoluminescence peaks, due to band‐gap narrowing effects in the highly‐doped layer. Two key parameters, the absorption depth of the excitation wavelength, and the sample temperature, are shown to be critical to reveal the separate signatures from the two regions. Finally, this technique is applied to locally diffused and laser‐doped regions on silicon solar cell pre‐cursors, demonstrating the potential value of this micron‐scale technique in studying and optimizing locally doped regions. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH &Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
GQSD: The program for the graphic processing units accelerated quantum scattering dynamics
Authors: Zhang Pei‐Yu , Han Ke‐Li
Published: March 2015

We describe in detail a graphic processing unit (GPU) based program that uses time‐dependent wavepacket method for state‐to‐state quantum scattering dynamics of triatomic systems. Two versions of the program are available with the propagation of wavepacket in reactant and product Jacobi coordinates systems, respectively. Two newly programmed methods are used to accelerate parallel computation of propagation and coordinate transformation of wave‐packet. Parallel performance on two GPUs was shown to reach two orders of magnitude higher than serial performance on central processing unit (CPU) © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Constructing high‐dimensional neural network potentials: A tutorial review
Authors: Behler Jörg
Published: March 2015

A lot of progress has been made in recent years in the development of atomistic potentials using machine learning (ML) techniques. In contrast to most conventional potentials, which are based on physical approximations and simplifications to derive an analytic functional relation between the atomic configuration and the potential‐energy, ML potentials rely on simple but very flexible mathematical terms without a direct physical meaning. Instead, in case of ML potentials the topology of the potential‐energy surface is “learned” by adjusting a number of parameters with the aim to reproduce a set of reference electronic structure data as accurately as possible. Due to this bias‐free construction, they are applicable to a wide range of systems without changes in their functional form, and a very high accuracy close to the underlying first‐principles data can be obtained. Neural network potentials (NNPs), which have first been proposed about two decades ago, are an important class of ML potentials. Although the first NNPs have been restricted to small molecules with only a few degrees of freedom, they are now applicable to high‐dimensional systems containing thousands of atoms, which enables addressing a variety of problems in chemistry, physics, and materials science. In this tutorial review, the basic ideas of NNPs are presented with a special focus on developing NNPs for high‐dimensional condensed systems. A recipe for the construction of these potentials is given and remaining limitations of the method are discussed. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sonographers guide to venous surgery and treatments
Authors: Allcorn Tamara Elizabeth
Published: March 2015

Background

Varicose veins traditionally are often viewed as more of a cosmetic issue than a serious medical problem. However a condition that can lead to ulcerations, uncontrolled swelling and increased pains and discomforts is greatly more than a cosmetic issue. With improvements in technology and increasing availability to a variety of treatment techniques, it is understandable sonographers have difficulties in understanding what is expected from a venous incompetence scan.

Aims

This paper attempts to outline the essential information a sonographer is required to know about advancing treatments of varicose veins, and outlines the details we are required to document to the treating physicians.

Discussion

The first line of treatment at early onset of venous disease is generally compression stockings. However when dealing with longer term issues, other techniques are utilised. Minimally invasive techniques such as sclerotherapy, endovenous laser ablation, radio‐frequency ablation may be used. More invasive surgical options of ligation, stripping and phlebectomy can also treat varicosities.

Conclusion

Understanding the possible treatments for a patient should enable sonographers to be able to identify and document the necessary information a surgeon requires. To provide the surgeon with detailed diagrams, including directional arrows of flow, provides the surgeon with enough information to make an informed decision for treatment for the patient.