bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Type 1 papillary renal cell carcinoma in a patient with schwannomatosis: Mosaic versus loss of SMARCB1 expression in respectively schwannoma and renal tumor cells
Authors: Hulsebos Theo J.M. , Kenter Susan , Baas Frank , Nannenberg Eline A. , Bleeker Fonnet E. , van Minkelen Rick , van den Ouweland Ans M.W. , Wesseling Pieter , Flucke Uta
Published: January 2016

In schwannomatosis, germline SMARCB1 or LZTR1 mutations predispose to the development of multiple benign schwannomas. Besides these, other tumors may occur in schwannomatosis patients. We present a 45‐year‐old male patient who developed multiple schwannomas and in addition a malignant type 1 papillary renal cell carcinoma (pRCC1). We identified a duplication of exon 7 of SMARCB1 on chromosome 22 in the constitutional DNA of the patient (c.796‐2246_986 + 5250dup7686), resulting in the generation of a premature stop codon in the second exon 7 copy (p.Glu330*). The mutant SMARCB1 allele proved to be retained in three schwannomas and in the pRCC1 of the patient. Loss of heterozygosity analysis demonstrated partial loss of the wild‐type SMARCB1 allele containing chromosome 22, suggesting loss of that chromosome in only a subset of tumor cells, in all four tumors. Immunohistochemical staining with a SMARCB1 antibody revealed a mosaic SMARCB1 expression pattern in the three benign schwannomas, but absence of expression in the malignant tumor cells of the pRCC1. To our knowledge, this difference in SMARCB1 protein expression has not been reported before. We conclude that a germline SMARCB1 mutation may predispose to the development of pRCC1, thereby further widening the spectrum of tumors that can develop in the context of schwannomatosis. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
NCOA2 is a candidate target gene of 8q gain associated with clinically aggressive prostate cancer
Authors: Silva Maria P. , Barros‐Silva João D. , Vieira Joana , Lisboa Susana , Torres Lurdes , Correia Cecília , Vieira‐Coimbra Márcia , Martins Ana T. , Jerónimo Carmen , Henrique Rui , Paulo Paula , Teixeira Manuel R.
Published: January 2016

Prostate carcinomas harboring 8q gains are associated with poor clinical outcome, but the target genes of this genomic alteration remain to be unveiled. In this study, we aimed to identify potential 8q target genes associated with clinically aggressive prostate cancer (PCa) using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), genome‐wide mRNA expression, and protein expression analyses. Using FISH, we first characterized the relative copy number of 8q (assessed with MYC flanking probes) of a series of 50 radical prostatectomy specimens, with available global gene expression data and typed for E26 transformation specific (ETS) rearrangements, and then compared the gene expression profile of PCa subsets with and without 8q24 gain using Significance Analysis of Microarrays. In the subset of tumors with ERG fusion genes (ERG+), five genes were identified as significantly overexpressed (false discovery rate [FDR], ≤5%) in tumors with relative 8q24 gain, namely VN1R1, ZNF417, CDON, IKZF2, and NCOA2. Of these, only NCOA2 is located in 8q (8q13.3), showing a statistically higher mRNA expression in the subgroup with relative 8q gain, both in the ERG+ subgroup and in the whole series (P = 0.000152 and P = 0.008, respectively). Combining all the cases with NCOA2 overexpression, either at the mRNA or at the protein level, we identified a group of tumors with NCOA2 copy‐number increase, independently of ETS status and relative 8q24 gain. Furthermore, for the first time, we detected a structural rearrangement involving NCOA2 in PCa. These findings warrant further studies with larger series to evaluate if NCOA2 relative copy‐number gain presents prognostic value independently of the well‐established poor prognosis associated with MYC relative copy‐number gain. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Systematic review of dyadic and family‐oriented interventions for late‐life depression
Authors: Stahl Sarah T. , Rodakowski Juleen , Saghafi Ester M. , Park Mijung , Reynolds Charles F. , Dew Mary Amanda
Published: January 2016

Objective

Supportive behaviors (both instrumental and emotional) from spouses and close family members can impact the trajectory of older adults' depressive symptoms. Interventions that target both the patient and support person may be more effective than interventions that target the patient only, in terms of alleviating mood symptoms in the identified patient. The purpose of this paper was to review the characteristics and findings of dyadic and family‐oriented interventions for late‐life mood disorders to determine if they are effective and beneficial.

Methods

Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review of reports in the literature on dyadic or family‐oriented interventions for late‐life mood disorders. We searched PubMed, OVID PsycINFO, and EMBASE for peer‐reviewed journal articles in English through October 2014.

Results

We identified 13 articles, representing a total of 10 independent investigations. Identified studies focused on spouses and close family members as support persons. Effect sizes for dyadic interventions that treated major depressive disorder were, on average, moderately strong, while effect sizes for dyadic interventions that reduced depressive symptoms were generally small. We did not identify any dyadic studies that treated bipolar disorder.

Conclusions

This review showed that dyadic interventions are feasible and that these interventions can decrease symptomatology in individuals who have major depressive disorder. Research is needed to understand the relative efficacy of a dyadic approach over a single‐target approach in treating depression. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comprehensive phenotypic characterization of PTLD reveals potential reliance on EBV or NF‐κB signalling instead of B‐cell receptor signalling
Authors: Menter Thomas , Dickenmann Michael , Juskevicius Darius , Steiger Juerg , Dirnhofer Stephan , Tzankov Alexandar
Published: January 2016

Post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) are a major problem in transplant medicine. So far, the insights into pathogenesis and potentially druggable pathways in PTLD remain scarce. We investigated a cohort of PTLD patients, consisting of both polymorphic (n = 3) and monomorphic (n = 19) B‐cell lymphoproliferations. Several signalling pathways, cell of origin of PTLD and their relation to viruses were analysed by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. Most PTLD were of activated B‐cell origin. Two‐thirds of cases showed an Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection of the neoplastic cells. NF‐κB signalling components were present in the majority of cases, except for EBV‐infected cases with latency type III lacking CD19 and upstream B‐cell signalling constituents. Proteins involved in B‐cell receptor signalling like Bruton tyrosine kinase were only present in a minority of cases. Phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) was expressed in 94% of cases and the druggable PI3K class 1 catalytic subunit p110 in 76%, while proteins of other signalling transduction pathways were expressed only in single cases. Unsupervised cluster analysis revealed three distinct subgroups: (i) related to EBV infection, mainly latency type III and mostly lacking CD19, upstream B‐cell signalling and NF‐κB constituents; (ii) mostly related to EBV infection with expression of the alternative NF‐κB pathway compound RelB, CD10, and FOXP1 or MUM1; and finally, (iii) mostly unrelated to virus infection with expression of the classic NF‐κB pathway compound p65. EBV and NF‐κB are important drivers in PTLD in contrast to B‐cell receptor signalling. The main signal transduction pathway is related to PI3K. This links PTLD to other subgroups of EBV‐related lymphomas, highlighting also new potential treatment approaches. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fullrmc, a rigid body reverse monte carlo modeling package enabled with machine learning and artificial intelligence
Authors: Aoun Bachir
Published: January 2016

A new Reverse Monte Carlo (RMC) package “fullrmc” for atomic or rigid body and molecular, amorphous, or crystalline materials is presented. fullrmc main purpose is to provide a fully modular, fast and flexible software, thoroughly documented, complex molecules enabled, written in a modern programming language (python, cython, C and C++ when performance is needed) and complying to modern programming practices. fullrmc approach in solving an atomic or molecular structure is different from existing RMC algorithms and software. In a nutshell, traditional RMC methods and software randomly adjust atom positions until the whole system has the greatest consistency with a set of experimental data. In contrast, fullrmc applies smart moves endorsed with reinforcement machine learning to groups of atoms. While fullrmc allows running traditional RMC modeling, the uniqueness of this approach resides in its ability to customize grouping atoms in any convenient way with no additional programming efforts and to apply smart and more physically meaningful moves to the defined groups of atoms. In addition, fullrmc provides a unique way with almost no additional computational cost to recur a group's selection, allowing the system to go out of local minimas by refining a group's position or exploring through and beyond not allowed positions and energy barriers the unrestricted three dimensional space around a group. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Red mud as acidic sandy soil ameliorant: a microcosm incubation study
Authors: Ujaczki Éva , Feigl Viktória , Farkas Éva , Vaszita Emese , Gruiz Katalin , Molnár Mónika
Published: January 2016

BACKGROUND

Red mud is increasingly considered a valuable by‐product requiring development of new re‐use technologies instead of deposition as waste. This paper reports the results of a microcosm study aiming to reveal the beneficial effects of the Ajka red mud, as soil ameliorant, on a specific acidic sandy soil in eastern Hungary.

RESULTS

The red mud amount mixed into the sandy soil ranged between 0 and 50%. The experiment was monitored by an integrated methodology combining physical and chemical methods with biological and ecotoxicological measurements. The adverse effects of red mud were examined by ecotoxicity tests using test organisms from three trophic levels: Aliivibrio fischeri (luminescent bacterium), Sinapis alba (plant), Triticum aestivum (plant) and Tetrahymena pyriformis (unicellular animal). The results showed that red mud applied at 5% had positive effects on the degraded acidic sandy soil, significantly increasing soil pH, improving soil texture and water holding capacity. In addition, according to the ecotoxicological test results 5% w/w red mud had no significant adverse effects on the tested organisms as members of the soil ecosystem.

CONCLUSION

The results demonstrated the beneficial effects of red mud as an ameliorant of acidic sandy soils under continental climatic conditions. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Antibodies from the sera of HIV‐infected patients efficiently hydrolyze all human histones
Authors: Baranova Svetlana V. , Buneva Valentina N. , Nevinsky Georgy A.
Published: January 2016

Histones and their post‐translational modifications have key roles in chromatin remodeling and gene transcription. Besides intranuclear functions, histones act as damage‐associated molecular pattern molecules when they are released into the extracellular space. Administration of exogenous histones to animals leads to systemic inflammatory and toxic responses through activating Toll‐like receptors and inflammasome pathways. Here, using ELISA it was shown that sera of HIV‐infected patients and healthy donors contain autoantibodies against histones. Autoantibodies with enzymic activities (abzymes) are a distinctive feature of autoimmune diseases. It was interesting whether antibodies from sera of HIV‐infected patients can hydrolyze human histones. Electrophoretically and immunologically homogeneous IgGs were isolated from sera of HIV‐infected patients by chromatography on several affinity sorbents. We present first evidence showing that 100% of IgGs purified from the sera of 32 HIV‐infected patients efficiently hydrolyze from one to five human histones. Several rigid criteria have been applied to show that the histone‐hydrolyzing activity is an intrinsic property of IgGs of HIV‐infected patients. The relative efficiency of hydrolysis of histones (H1, H2a, H2b, H3, and H4) significantly varied for IgGs of different patients. IgGs from the sera of 40% of healthy donors also hydrolyze histones but with an average efficiency approximately 16‐fold lower than that of HIV‐infected patients. Similar to proteolytic abzymes from the sera of patients with several autoimmune diseases, histone‐hydrolyzing IgGs from HIV‐infected patients were inhibited by specific inhibitors of serine and of metal‐dependent proteases, but an unexpected significant inhibition of the activity by specific inhibitor of thiol‐like proteases was also observed. Because IgGs can efficiently hydrolyze histones, a negative role of abzymes in development of acquired immune deficiency syndrome cannot be excluded. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The ‘radiographer–referrer game’: image interpretation dynamics in rural practice
Authors: Squibb Kathryn , Smith Anthony , Dalton Lisa , Bull Rosalind M.
Published: January 2016

Introduction

Effective interprofessional communication is intrinsic to safe health care. Despite the identified positive impact of collaborative radiographic interpretation between rural radiographers and referrers, communication difficulties still exist. This article describes the strategies that Australian rural radiographers use for communication of their radiographic opinion to the referring doctor.

Methods

In a two‐phase interpretive doctoral study completed in 2012, data were collected from radiographers working in rural New South Wales, Western Australia and Tasmania using a paper based questionnaire followed by in‐depth semistructured interviews. Data were analysed thematically in order to identify, analyse and report the emergent themes.

Results

The overarching theme was Patient Advocacy, where in the interest of patient care radiographers took measures to ensure that a referring doctor did not miss radiographic abnormalities. Strong interprofessional relationships enabled direct communication pathways. Interprofessional boundaries shaped by historical hierarchical relationships, together with a lack of confidence and educational preparation for radiographic interpretation result in barriers to direct communication pathways. These barriers prompted radiographers to pursue indirect communication pathways, such as side‐stepping and hint and hope.

Conclusion

A lack of formal communication pathways and educational preparation for this role has resulted in radiographers playing the radiographer–referrer game to overtly or covertly assist referrers in reaching a radiographic diagnosis. The findings from this study may be used to plan interventions for strengthening interprofessional communication pathways and improve quality of healthcare for patients.
Knee and ankle biomechanics with lateral wedges with and without a custom arch support in those with medial knee osteoarthritis and flat feet
Authors: Hatfield Gillian L. , Cochrane Christopher K. , Takacs Judit , Krowchuk Natasha M. , Chang Ryan , Hinman Rana S. , Hunt Michael A.
Published: January 2016

This study compared immediate changes in knee and ankle/subtalar biomechanics with lateral wedge orthotics with and without custom arch support in people with knee osteoarthritis and flat feet. Twenty‐six participants with radiographic evidence of medial knee osteoarthritis (22 females; age 64.0 years [SD 8.0 years], BMI 27.2 kg/m2 [4.2]) and flat feet (median foot posture index = + 5) underwent three‐dimensional gait analysis for three conditions: Control (no orthotic), lateral wedge, and lateral wedge plus arch support. Condition order was randomized. Outcomes included frontal plane knee and ankle/subtalar biomechanics, and comfort. Compared to the control, lateral wedge and lateral wedge with arch support reduced the knee adduction moment impulse by 8% and 6%, respectively (p < 0.05). However, the lateral wedge resulted in a more everted foot position (4.3 degrees) than lateral wedge plus arch support (3.2 degrees) (p < 0.05). In contrast, lateral wedge plus arch support reduced foot frontal plane excursion compared to other conditions (p < 0.05). Participants self‐reported significantly more immediate comfort with lateral wedge plus arch support compared to the control, whereas there was no difference in self‐reported comfort between lateral wedge and control. No immediate changes in knee pain were observed in any condition. Clinical significance: Rather than prescribing lateral wedges to all patients with knee osteoarthritis, those who have medial knee osteoarthritis and flat feet may prefer to use the combined orthotic to reduce loads across the knee, and to minimize the risk of foot and ankle symptoms as a consequence of orthotic treatment. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:1597–1605, 2016.
Tuber proteome comparison of five potato varieties by principal component analysis
Authors: de Mello Carla Souza , Van Dijk Jeroen P , Voorhuijzen Marleen , Kok Esther J , Arisi Ana Carolina Maisonnave
Published: January 2016

BACKGROUND

Data analysis of omics data should be performed by multivariate analysis such as principal component analysis (PCA). The way data are clustered in PCA is of major importance to develop some classification systems based on multivariate analysis, such as soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA). In a previous study a one‐class classifier based on SIMCA was built using microarray data from a set of potatoes. The PCA grouped the transcriptomic data according to varieties. The present work aimed to use PCA to verify the clustering of the proteomic profiles for the same potato varieties.

RESULTS

Proteomic profiles of five potato varieties (Biogold, Fontane, Innovator, Lady Rosetta and Maris Piper) were evaluated by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis (2‐DE) performed on two immobilized pH gradient (IPG) strip lengths, 13 and 24 cm, both under pH range 4–7. For each strip length, two gels were prepared from each variety; in total there were ten gels per analysis. For 13 cm strips, 199–320 spots were detected per gel, and for 24 cm strips, 365–684 spots.

CONCLUSION

All four PCAs performed with these datasets presented clear grouping of samples according to the varieties. The data presented here showed that PCA was applicable for proteomic analysis of potato and was able to separate the samples by varieties. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
The impact of mammographic screening on the surgical management of breast cancer
Authors: James Ted A. , Wade Jacqueline E. , Sprague Brian L.
Published: January 2016

Background and Objectives

Mammographic screening has been shown to result in downward stage migration, reflected by smaller tumor sizes and less extensive nodal involvement. National guidelines restrict screening recommendations in women age 40–49. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the specific impact of mammographic screening patterns on the surgical management of breast cancer in women aged 40–49.

Methods

The study is a population‐based retrospective review of the Vermont Breast Cancer Surveillance System of women aged 40–49 with a diagnosis of breast cancer. Tumor stage and related characteristics at the time of diagnosis, as well as the type of surgical intervention performed were recorded for women presenting with screen‐detected versus non‐screen‐detected breast cancer.

Results

Screen‐detected breast cancers in women aged 40–49 were associated with a greater incidence of DCIS, smaller invasive tumor size, fewer cases of positive nodes, and higher rates of breast conservation compared to non‐screened women presenting with symptomatic disease.

Conclusions

Mammographic screening is associated with less aggressive surgical treatment of breast cancer including higher rates of breast conservation. The observed changes in surgical management should factor into individual decision‐making regarding screening mammography. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;113:496–500. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Short‐term Experimental Fire Effects in Soil and Water Losses in Southern of Spain
Authors: Martínez‐Murillo Juan Francisco , Hueso‐González Paloma , Ruiz‐Sinoga Jose Damián , Lavee Hanoch
Published: January 2016

This study deals with the experimental fire effects in overland flow and soil erosion at plot scale and considering rainfall erosivity. The study was conducted in from May 2011 to Dec 2013. Six plots of 12‐m length and 2‐m width are considered: four of them were burned, whilst two of them remained in natural conditions. Overland flow was collected in deposits of 250 L after each rainfall event, measured at a meteorological station. Larger rainfall intensities and erosivity were registered after summer and, thus, overland flow and sediment yield, but one order of magnitude higher in the burned plots than in the unburned ones. Especially, the difference in overland flow and soil loss between both set of plots were nearly three folds larger whether the rainfall intensity exceeded 30 mm h−1 during 15‐min intensity. It is remarkable that the most erosive event generating the maximum values of overland flow and soil loss was registered 16 months after the experimental fire when a rainfall event of 99·2 mm h−1 occurred. This delay is considered as consequence of soil surface conditions and ash cover. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polydopamine‐Decorated Sticky, Water‐Friendly, Biodegradable Polycaprolactone Cell Carriers
Authors: Kim Minhee , Kim Jung‐Suk , Lee Haeshin , Jang Jae‐Hyung
Published: January 2016

A bioinspired adhesive material, polydopamine (pDA), was employed as an interfacial glue to stably immobilize human neural stem cells (hNSCs) on the external surface of biodegradable polycaprolactone (PCL) microspheres, thereby serving as versatile key systems that can be used for cell carriers. The pDA decoration on the PCL microspheres has been resulted in robust hNSC immobilization as well as proliferation on their curved surfaces. The pDA coating has transformed the hydrophobic PCL systems toward water‐friendly and sticky characteristics, thereby resulting in full dispersion in aqueous solution and stable adherence onto a wet biological surface. Adeno‐associated virus, a safe gene vector capable of effectively regulating cell behaviors, can be decorated on the PCL surfaces and delivered efficiently to hNSCs adhered to the microsphere exteriors. These distinctive multiple benefits of the sticky pDA microspheres can provide core technologies that can boost the therapeutic effects of cell therapy approaches.

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Role of typical soil particle‐size distributions on the long‐term corrosion behavior of pipeline steel
Authors: He B. , Han P. J. , Hou L. F. , Lu C. H. , Bai X. H.
Published: January 2016

The electrochemical behavior of X70 pipeline steel in a 1.5 wt% NaCl sandy soil environment with two typical particle size distributions (PSD), continuous gradation (CG), and gap gradation (GG) was investigated using electrochemical measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The results showed that, as the burial time increased, the corrosion rate of X70 pipeline steel increased in the initial corrosion stage, decreased at an intermediate stage, and then increased in the final stage in these two typical soil PSD environments. However, compared with the soil PSD pertaining to the CG environment, the corrosion rate of steel increased significantly in the GG environment, as evinced by the severe corrosion spots observed on the steel surface, attributed to the fact that, in the soil PSD for the GG environment, both the extent of liquid dispersion, and the number of galvanic cells increased, accelerating the cathodic step, i.e., oxygen‐reduction reaction in the three‐phase boundary (TPB) zone, and anodic step, i.e., the metal dissolution stage, of the X70 pipeline steel corrosion process, respectively. Both the anodic and cathodic processes were activation controlled. Thus, the corrosion of X70 pipeline steel was considerably dependent on the soil PSD in sandy soil environments.
Estimation of energy of cubic iron‐carbon nanoclusters by molecular mechanic method
Authors: Nedolya A. V. , Shapar D. Y.
Published: January 2016

The energy of cubic iron‐carbon nanoclusters was evaluated using the method of molecular mechanics. The focus was on two types of interstitial sites: octahedral and tetrahedral, in which the carbon atoms can be located. The calculation results showed that in the surface layer of the face‐centered cubic nanocluster, all of the tetrahedral interstitial sites were energetically equivalent. If a carbon atom changes position between two tetrahedral interstices in the direction of the ⟨111⟩, it can occupy an energetically preferable position in octahedral interstitial space. The comparison of the nanoclusters energy between the cases of surface and subsurface location of the carbon atoms in the octahedral interstice showed that the system has lower energy in the former case. For body‐centered cubic nanocluster, octahedral interstitial sites are more energetically favorable for carbon atoms than the tetrahedral interstice, excluding the surface. However, the octahedral interstitial sites on the surface are more preferable than tetrahedral interstice. Based on the calculations it was found that body‐centered cubic and face‐centered cubic nanoclusters could be unstable by the volumetric concentration of carbon.
Gut Feelings About α‐Synuclein in Gastrointestinal Biopsies: Biomarker in the Making?
Authors: Ruffmann Claudio , Parkkinen Laura
Published: January 2016

In recent years, several studies have investigated the potential of immunohistochemical detection of α‐synuclein in the gastrointestinal tract to diagnose Parkinson's disease (PD). Although methodological heterogeneity has hindered comparability between studies, it has become increasingly apparent that the high sensitivity and specificity reported in preliminary studies has not been sustained in subsequent large‐scale studies. What constitutes pathological α‐synuclein in the alimentary canal that could distinguish between PD patients and controls and how this can be reliably detected represent key outstanding questions in the field. In this review, we will comment on and compare the variable technical aspects from previous studies, and by highlighting some advantages and shortcomings we hope to delineate a standardized approach to facilitate the consensus criteria urgently needed in the field. Furthermore, we will describe alternative detection techniques to conventional immunohistochemistry that have recently emerged and may facilitate ease of interpretation and reliability of gastrointestinal α‐synuclein detection. Such techniques have the potential to detect the presence of pathological α‐synuclein and include the paraffin‐embedded tissue blot, the proximity ligation assay, the protein misfolding cyclic amplification technique, and the real‐time quaking‐induced conversion assay. Finally, we will review 2 nonsynonymous theories that have driven enteric α‐synuclein research, namely, (1) that α‐synuclein propagates in a prion‐like fashion from the peripheral nervous system to the brain via vagal connections and (2) that gastrointestinal α‐synuclein deposition may be used as a clinically useful biomarker in PD. © 2016 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
The bounty of nature for changing the cancer landscape
Authors: Ahmad Aamir , Li Yiwei , Sarkar Fazlul H.
Published: January 2016

The landscape of cancer has changed considerably in past several years, due mainly to aggressive screening, accumulation of data from basic and epidemiological studies, and the advances in translational research. Natural anticancer agents have always been a part and parcel of cancer research. The initial focus on natural anticancer agents was in context of their cancer chemopreventive properties but their ability to selectively target oncogenic signaling pathways has also been recognized. In light of the rapid advancements in our understanding of the role of microRNAs, cancer stem cells, and epigenetic events in cancer initiation and progression, a number of natural anticancer agents are showing promise in vitro, in vivo as well as in preclinical studies. Moreover, parent structures of natural agents are being extensively modified with the hope of improving efficacy, specificity, and bioavailability. In this article, we focus on two natural agents, 3,3′‐diindolylmethane and garcinol, along with 3,4‐difluorobenzo curcumin, a synthetic analog of natural agent curcumin. We showcase how these anticancer agents are changing cancer landscape by modulating novel microRNAs, epigenetic factors, and cancer stem cell markers. These activities are relevant and being appreciated for overcoming drug resistance and inhibition of metastases, the two overarching clinical challenges in modern medicine.
Healthcare Quality Indicators for Physiotherapy Management in Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Delphi Study
Authors: Peter W. F. , Hurkmans E. J. , van der Wees P. J. , Hendriks E. J. M. , van Bodegom‐Vos L. , Vliet Vlieland T. P. M.
Published: January 2016

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to develop healthcare quality indicators (HCQIs) for the physiotherapy (PT) management of patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis (HKOA) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the Netherlands.

Methods

Two multidisciplinary expert panels, including patients, were instituted. A draft HCQI set was derived from recommendations included in two existing Dutch PT guidelines for HKOA and RA. The panels suggested additional topics, after which a Delphi procedure was performed. All propositions were scored for their potential to represent good‐quality PT care (score range 0–9). Based on predefined rules, the Delphi panel HCQIs were discussed and selected. Lastly, every indicator was rephrased, resulting in its output consisting of a numerator and denominator, to facilitate comparisons within and among practices.

Results

After two Delphi rounds, two final sets of 17 HCQI – one for HKOA and one for RA – were composed, both containing 16 process indicators (regarding initial assessment, treatment and evaluation) and one outcome indicator.

Conclusions

Two sets of HCQIs for PT management in HKOA and RA were developed for measuring the quality of PT care in daily clinical practice. Each indicator was formulated in a measurable way. Future research should focus on the feasibility of both indicator sets for daily clinical practice.
A protocol to develop clinical guidelines for inclusion‐body myositis
Authors: Jones Katherine L. , Sejersen Thomas , Amato Anthony A. , Hilton‐Jones David , Schmidt Jens , Wallace Amanda C. , Badrising Umesh A. , Rose Michael R. ,   the Ibm Guideline Development Group
Published: January 2016

Introduction

Inclusion‐body myositis (IBM) is a late‐onset idiopathic inflammatory myopathy associated with selective and progressive muscle weakness and atrophy. Current clinical management of IBM is largely supportive due to its uncertain etiology and lack of effective treatment. Establishing a consensus of opinion on questions relating to diagnosis and management of IBM is expected to help reduce inconsistencies in the care and resources allocated to those living with this condition.

Methods

A protocol has been developed to produce best practice clinical guidelines for IBM based on a combination of published research and expert consensus.

Conclusions

In this study we describe the proposed protocol for developing methods for producing robust and transparent clinical guidance on aspects of diagnosis, drug treatment, physical and practical management, respiration, nutrition and cardiac management, psychosocial management, and multidisciplinary care. Muscle Nerve 53: 503–507, 2016
Skin biopsy in assessing meralgia paresthetica
Authors: Wongmek Arada , Shin Susan , Zhou Lan
Published: January 2016

Introduction: Meralgia paresthetica is a focal neuropathy caused by compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN). The disease can be difficult to assess by neurophysiological or imaging studies. Methods: We studied 5 patients who presented to our neuromuscular clinic from April 2012 to December 2014 with a clinical suspicion of meralgia paresthetica and had skin biopsies with intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) evaluation. Results: The mean age at onset was 37.2 (range 21–59) years. There were 4 women and 1 man. Two were obese, 2 wore tight jeans, and 1 had mild diabetes mellitus. IENFD was reduced in the symptomatic proximal thigh in all 5 patients and was also reduced in the asymptomatic thigh in 2 patients. It was normal in the distal leg in 4 patients. Conclusion: Meralgia paresthetica is associated with loss of small intraepidermal nerve fibers. Skin biopsy with IENFD evaluation may be a useful diagnostic tool for this disease. Muscle Nerve 53: 641–643, 2016
Next generation sequencing reveals ryanodine receptor 1 mutations in a Chinese central core disease cohort
Authors: Zhao Yan , Hu Jing , Zhao Zhe , Shen Hongrui , Bing Qi , Li Nan
Published: January 2016

Introduction

Ryanodine receptor 1 (RYR1), myosin heavy chain 7 (MYH7), and selenoprotein N1 (SEPN1) mutations are associated with core myopathies. RYR1 mutations cause most cases of central core disease (CCD). Methods: We screened 8 Chinese patients with clinicopathological diagnosis of CCD. Genetic analysis was carried out by targeted next generation sequencing (NGS) to identify causative genes. Variants were assessed for pathogenicity using bioinformatic approaches, and NGS results were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Results: One novel (p.L4578V) and heterozygous missense mutations in RYR1 were identified in 7 patients. Two patients carried a novel mutation, 1 had p.M4640R, 3 had p.R4861H, and 1 had p.R4861C. All patients had mild to moderate severity phenotypes. Histopathological findings demonstrated central cores and type I fiber predominance. Conclusions: NGS is an efficient strategy to identify variants in RYR1 in CCD. However, genetic results revealed by NGS must be combined with clinicopathologic features to validate the diagnosis. Muscle Nerve, 2016 Muscle Nerve 54: 432–438, 2016
On the fast Lanczos method for computation of eigenvalues of Hankel matrices using multiprecision arithmetics
Authors: Bangay Shaun , Beliakov Gleb
Published: January 2016

The use of the fast Fourier transform (FFT) accelerates Lanczos tridiagonalisation method for Hankel and Toeplitz matrices by reducing the complexity of matrix–vector multiplication. In multiprecision arithmetics, the FFT has overheads that make it less competitive compared with alternative methods when the accuracy is over 10000 decimal places. We studied two alternative Hankel matrix–vector multiplication methods based on multiprecision number decomposition and recursive Karatsuba‐like multiplication, respectively. The first method was uncompetitive because of huge precision losses, while the second turned out to be five to 14 times faster than FFT in the ranges of matrix sizes up to n = 8192 and working precision of b = 32768 bits we were interested in. We successfully applied our approach to eigenvalues calculations to studies of spectra of matrices that arise in research on Riemann zeta function. The recursive matrix–vector multiplication significantly outperformed both the FFT and the traditional multiplication in these studies. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of a Cultural Awareness Scale for Occupational Therapy Students in Latin America: A Qualitative Delphi Study
Authors: Castro Daniela , Dahlin‐Ivanoff Synneve , Mårtensson Lena
Published: January 2016

Cultural awareness is a key issue in healthcare worldwide. Valid and reliable assessments are needed to assess cultural awareness for occupational therapy students. The purpose of this study was to develop a scale to assess cultural awareness for Latin American occupational therapy students. A Delphi design was implemented considering four rounds with experts from four countries. A 30‐item scale in Spanish was developed to assess three categories of items: personal, therapeutic strategies and persons' cultures. The experts highlighted local features for professional practice as a key aspect of the scale. Local differences in practice were considered with the profession's traditions and prevailing knowledge across the scale. A participatory strategy and an international group of experts enriched the cultural relevance. A subsequent study of statistical reliability is required (the scale is not presented in an extended version here). Further research should consider the application of the scale and strategies to improve cultural awareness across the curricula. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tuning core hydrophobicity of spherical polymeric nanoconstructs for docetaxel delivery
Authors: Di Mascolo Daniele , Basnett Pooja , Palange Anna Lisa , Francardi Marco , Roy Ipsita , Decuzzi Paolo
Published: January 2016

The reformulation of nanoparticles of chemotherapeutic molecules is often required to enhance their bioavailability, increase blood longevity and eventually improve the outcome of the pharmacological intervention. Docetaxel (DTXL), a potent anti‐cancer drug daily used for the treatment of different neoplastic diseases, is one of such molecules. Here, spherical polymeric nanoconstructs (SPNs) with a characteristic size of 200 nm are designed for the delivery of DTXL. SPNs comprise a hydrophobic polymeric core where the drug is entrapped and are externally stabilized by a lipid monolayer decorated with polyethylene glycol chains. Two different polymers are used for the core formation, namely poly(d,l‐lactide‐co‐glycolic) acid (PLGA), which has been extensively used for similar biomedical applications, and poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (P(3HB)), which is a natural polymer produced by a wide variety of bacterial species under nutrient limiting conditions. The two nanoformulations of DTXL are compared in terms of loading, release and cytotoxic drug potential. Consistent with the higher hydrophobicity of P(3HB) over PLGA, the former polymer allows for a higher loading efficiency (almost double that of PLGA) and slower release rates. No significant difference is observed in terms of internalization rate and cytotoxicity potential. This work demonstrates that P(3HB) could be a valid alternative to the more conventional PLGA for the delivery and controlled release of hydrophobic therapeutic molecules. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
III‐Vs at scale: a PV manufacturing cost analysis of the thin film vapor–liquid–solid growth mode
Authors: Zheng Maxwell , Horowitz Kelsey , Woodhouse Michael , Battaglia Corsin , Kapadia Rehan , Javey Ali
Published: January 2016

The authors present a manufacturing cost analysis for producing thin‐film indium phosphide modules by combining a novel thin‐film vapor–liquid–solid (TF‐VLS) growth process with a standard monolithic module platform. The example cell structure is ITO/n‐TiO2/p‐InP/Mo. For a benchmark scenario of 12% efficient modules, the module cost is estimated to be $0.66/W(DC) and the module cost is calculated to be around $0.36/W(DC) at a long‐term potential efficiency of 24%. The manufacturing cost for the TF‐VLS growth portion is estimated to be ~$23/m2, a significant reduction compared with traditional metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. The analysis here suggests the TF‐VLS growth mode could enable lower‐cost, high‐efficiency III‐V photovoltaics compared with manufacturing methods used today and open up possibilities for other optoelectronic applications as well. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Designed synthesis of fluorous‐functionalized magnetic mesoporous microspheres for specific enrichment of phosphopeptides with fluorous derivatization
Authors: Zhao Man , Deng Chunhui
Published: January 2016

In this work, for the first time, perfluorinated magnetic mesoporous microspheres were designed and synthesized for the highly specific enrichment of fluorous‐derivatized phosphopeptides through the unique fluorine–fluorine interactions. The perfluorinated magnetic mesoporous microspheres were prepared through a surfactant‐mediated one‐pot approach and successfully applied to the selective extraction of fluorous‐derivatized phosphopeptides from β‐casein tryptic digest, protein mixtures, and human serum. Thanks to the hydrophilic silanol groups exposed on the surface, perfluorinated groups modified in the pore channels and the magnetic cores, the flourous‐functionalized magnetic microspheres exhibited excellent dispersibility, specificity toward fluorous‐derivatized phosphopeptides while facilitated separation procedures. The novel composites achieved a high selectivity of 1:1000 toward nonphosphorylated peptides and proved to be practicable in the enrichment of endogenous phosphopeptides in the human serum sample.
Grapes (Vitis vinifera) as a Potential Candidate for the Therapy of the Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Akaberi Maryam , Hosseinzadeh Hosein
Published: January 2016

Metabolic syndrome is associated with several disorders, including hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia as well as cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Plant‐derived polyphenols, compounds found in numerous plant species, play an important role as potential treatments for components of metabolic syndrome. Studies have provided evidence for protective effects of various polyphenol‐rich foods against metabolic syndrome. Fruits, vegetables, cereals, nuts, and berries are rich in polyphenolic compounds. Grapes (Vitis vinifera), especially grape seeds, stand out as rich sources of polyphenol potent antioxidants and have been reported helpful for inhibiting the risk factors involved in the metabolic syndrome such as hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, and hypertension. There are also many studies about gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, and anti‐obesity effects of grape polyphenolic compounds especially proanthocyanidins in the literature. The present study investigates the protective effects of grape seeds in metabolic syndrome. The results of this study show that grape polyphenols have significant effects on the level of blood glucose, lipid profile, blood pressure, as well as beneficial activities in liver and heart with various mechanisms. In addition, the pharmacokinetics of grape polyphenols is discussed. More detailed mechanistic investigations and phytochemical studies for finding the exact bioactive component(s) and molecular signaling pathways are suggested. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ginkgo Biloba Extract Attenuates Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in Mouse Cochlear Neural Stem Cells
Authors: Wang Congpin , Wang Bin
Published: January 2016

In the organ or Corti, oxidative stress could result in damage to the hearing, and neural stem cells (NSCs) hold great therapeutic potential in treating hearing loss. Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) has been widely shown to exhibit anti‐oxidative and anti‐apoptotic effects in treatments of neural damage and disorder. Using hydrogen peroxide to induced oxidative stress as a model, we investigated the anti‐oxidative role of GBE in isolated mouse cochlear NSCs. GBE treatment was found to significantly promote viability of NSCs, by markedly attenuating hydrogen peroxide induced oxidative stress. In addition, this anti‐oxidative function of GBE was also able to prevent mitochondrial depolarization and subsequent apoptosis. Moreover, the anti‐apoptotic role of GBE was mediated by antagonizing the intrinsic mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, where GBE could reverse the changes in key intrinsic apoptosis pathway factors including Bcl‐2, Bax, and Caspase‐3. Our data provided the first report on the beneficial role of GBE in protecting cochlear NSCs, by attenuating oxidative stress triggered intrinsic apoptosis, therefore supporting the potential therapeutic value of GBE in preventing oxidative stress‐related hearing loss. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Depth profiling analysis of HfON on SiON ultrathin films by parallel angle resolved x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and medium energy ion scattering
Authors: Fauquier Laurent , Pelissier Bernard , Jalabert Denis , Pierre François , Doloy Delphine , Beitia Carlos , Baron Thierry
Published: January 2016

The high‐k metal gate (HKMG) film stacks introduced because 32 nm node of complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) is one major case where composition determination is mandatory. In this work, two high‐resolution chemical depth profiling characterization techniques, the parallel angle‐resolved X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (pARXPS) and the medium energy ion scattering (MEIS), are used to determine with accuracy the composition of HfON/SiON (high‐k/interfacial layer) stack from the 14 nm node technology. The pARXPS measurements reveal that the nitrogen distribution presents a gradient toward the Si substrate, and the MEIS results show that there is no interfacial HfSiON layer between the HfON and the SiON layers. Moreover, these two techniques show that the HfON layer is sub‐stoichiometric. The combination of the information obtained from both pARXPS and MEIS was actually found very valuable to determine undoubtedly the chemical profile. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Insertion of Vertically Aligned Nanowires into Living Cells by Inkjet Printing of Cells
Authors: Lee Donggyu , Lee Daehee , Won Yulim , Hong Hyeonaug , Kim Yongjae , Song Hyunwoo , Pyun Jae‐Chul , Cho Yong Soo , Ryu Wonhyoung , Moon Jooho
Published: January 2016

Effective insertion of vertically aligned nanowires (NWs) into cells is critical for bioelectrical and biochemical devices, biological delivery systems, and photosynthetic bioenergy harvesting. However, accurate insertion of NWs into living cells using scalable processes has not yet been achieved. Here, NWs are inserted into living Chlamydomonas reinhardtii cells (Chlamy cells) via inkjet printing of the Chlamy cells, representing a low‐cost and large‐scale method for inserting NWs into living cells. Jetting conditions and printable bioink composed of living Chlamy cells are optimized to achieve stable jetting and precise ink deposition of bioink for indentation of NWs into Chlamy cells. Fluorescence confocal microscopy is used to verify the viability of Chlamy cells after inkjet printing. Simple mechanical considerations of the cell membrane and droplet kinetics are developed to control the jetting force to allow penetration of the NWs into cells. The results suggest that inkjet printing is an effective, controllable tool for stable insertion of NWs into cells with economic and scale‐related advantages.
Uncovering smartphone usage patterns with multi‐view mixed membership models
Authors: Virtanen Seppo , Rost Mattias , Morrison Alistair , Chalmers Matthew , Girolami Mark
Published: January 2016

We present a novel class of mixed membership models for combining information from multiple data sources inferring inter‐view and intra‐view statistical associations. An important contemporary application of this work is the meaningful synthesis of data sources corresponding to smartphone application usage, app developers' descriptions and customer feedback. We demonstrate the ability of the model to infer meaningful, interpretable and informative app usage patterns based on the app usage data augmented with rich text data describing the apps. We provide quantitative model evaluations showing the model provides significantly better predictive ability than comparative related existing methods. © 2016 The Authors. Stat Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd