bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Age‐Specific 99th Percentile Cutoff of High‐Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T for Early Prediction of Non‐ST‐Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) in Middle‐Aged Patients
Authors: Fan Lie Ying , Yu Ping , Yu Shan Shan , Gu Yu Ying , Zong Ming , Cai Ying , Liu Zhong Min
Published: December 2013

Background

High‐sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs‐cTnT) assay is used in the diagnosis and risk assessment of patients with symptoms of myocardial infarction. This study was undertaken to establish an age‐specific 99th percentile cutoff value for hs‐cTnT in Chinese population, and to evaluate its potential for early prediction of non‐ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) in middle‐aged patients.

Methods

Troponin T levels in blood obtained from healthy Chinese adults were assayed using hs‐cTnT. The distribution was plotted and 99th percentiles were determined by nonparametric statistics. Prediction performance at the conventional cutoff (14 ng/L) recommended by the Roche company was compared with the age‐specific cutoff for NSTEMI in 100 middle‐aged patients (40–60 years of age) with acute chest pain.

Results

The 99th percentile for hs‐cTnT was 14 ng/L for patients ≥60 years of age and 11 ng/L for those <60. Fifty of the 100 patients were finally diagnosed with NSTEMI. The age‐specific 99th percentile cutoff value of 11 ng/L identified a higher number of patients with NSTEMI than the conventional 14 ng/L cutoff (46 vs. 40 patients), although the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.084). In addition, the sensitivity of hs‐cTnT increased from 80 to 92% and the negative predictive values increased from 82.4 to 91.8%.

Conclusion

Using 11 ng/L as a decision‐making cutoff point for hs‐cTnT facilitated earlier prediction of NSTEMI in middle‐aged patients than the conventional 14 ng/L cutoff. Further studies are needed to confirm this finding in larger group of patients.
Significant Increase of Prostaglandin E‐Major Urinary Metabolite in Male Smokers: A Screening Study of Age and Gender Differences Using a Simple Radioimmunoassay
Authors: Okayasu Isao , Ohnishi Hiromitsu , Sarandi Istvan , Shojima Junko , Komatsu Junko , Oritsu Masae , Sasabe Masataka , Nanami Kaori Okayasu , Matsuura Masaaki , Azumi Jun‐ichi , Ito Satoru , Fujiwara Mutsunori
Published: December 2013

Background

For the assessment of inflammatory status, we have developed a simple, reliable radioimmunoassay (RIA) of prostaglandin E‐major urinary metabolite (PGE‐MUM), which remains stable in urine after it is metabolized. Using this method, we conducted a screening study to compare standard values of PGE‐MUM to serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels in health check volunteers.

Methods

PGE‐MUM (micrograms per gram creatinine) was measured in normal urine samples obtained from 797 samples in volunteers for health check, using a newly developed RIA, and analyzed in relation to age, gender, smoking, and drinking habits. Results were compared to serum CRP.

Results

PGE‐MUM was significantly higher in males than in females. It was significantly higher in smoking males, compared to males who had never smoked (nonsmokers), particularly in those above 40 years of age. In nonsmokers, PGE‐MUM declined in males with advancing age, while it rose in females. Although PGE‐MUM reflected current smoking status, independent of smoking index (SI), serum CRP indicated both current and former smoking condition, rather dependent upon SI.

Conclusions

PGE‐MUM increases in smokers, as suggested by possible inflammatory injury of pulmonary tissue. This RIA method for PGE‐MUM may be thus a sensitive and reliable biomarker for current inflammation, different from serum CRP.
Serum 25‐Hydroxyvitamin D Level and Extent and Complexity of Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Şeker Taner , Gür Mustafa , Yüksel Kalkan Gülhan , Kuloğlu Osman , Yıldız Koyunsever Nermin , Yıldıray Şahin Durmuş , Türkoğlu Caner , Akyol Selahattin , Elbasan Zafer , Harbalıoğlu Hazar , Çaylı Murat
Published: December 2013

Background

There are limited number of studies about relationship between serum vitamin D level and presence and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD). We assessed the relationship between the extent and complexity of CAD assessed by SYNTAX score and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D level in patients with stable CAD.

Methods

In the study, 209 consecutive patients with stable CAD (age: 63.1 ± 10.0 years) and 102 healthy control subjects (age 61.3 ± 13.7 years) were included. Serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D was measured using a direct competitive chemiluminescent immunoassay and other biochemical markers were measured in all subjects. All subjects underwent coronary angiography and SS was calculated.

Results

The mean serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D level of CAD group was lower than the control group (P < 0,001). Multivariate regression analysis showed that serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D level was independently associated with SYNTAX score (β = −0.396, P < 0.001), hypertension (β = −0.183, P = 0.003), high sensitive C‐reactive protein (β = −0.141, P = 0.014), and body mass index (β = −0.135, P = 0.023) in patient group.

Conclusion

25‐Hydroxyvitamin D level was associated with extent and complexity of CAD. 25‐Hydroxyvitamin D may play a role in pathogenesis and severity of coronary atherosclerosis.
Antiadenohypophysis Autoantibodies in Patients with Nongluten‐related Gastroenteropathies
Authors: Aguado Rocío , Fernández Silvia , Estévez Orlando A. , Santamaría Manuel , Ortega Consuelo
Published: December 2013

Aim

To investigate the presence of antipituitary antibodies (APA) in the serum of patients undergoing gastroenteropathies (GEP) other than celiac disease (CD).

Methods

APA were analyzed in GEP patients (n = 103), CD patients (n = 94), idiopathic growth hormone (GH) deficiency patients (n = 21), and 98 age‐ and sex‐matched controls. Indirect immunofluorescence was performed in cryostat sections of baboon pituitary gland.

Results

APA were detected in 30% of GEP patients, 38% of them showed failure to thrive. No significant differences were found when we compared thrive impairment in negative and positive APA GEP patients. Indeed, normal values of insulin‐like growth factor 1 were found in 93% of positive APA GEP patients. APA were detected in 52% of the CD patients. Ninety‐one percent of them, in contrast to GEP group, showed significant growth impairment (P < 0.05) when compared to APA negative CD individuals. GH‐deficient non‐CD patients did not show APA.

Conclusions

We have shown the presence of APA in patients with nongluten‐related enteropathies. The presence of antipituitary autoantibodies in GEP patients does not seem to be associated with failure to thrive as it occurs in CD.
The Development and Organization of Newborn Screening Programs in Turkey
Authors: Tezel Başak , Dilli Dilek , Bolat Hilal , Şahman Hatice , Özbaş Sema , Acıcan Deniz , Ertek Mustafa , Köse Mehmet Rıfat , Dilmen Uğur
Published: December 2013

Background

Newborn screening tests have been designed to identify infants with severe disorders that are relatively prevalent and treatable or controllable. Comparing to other countries, the incidence of these diseases are very high in Turkey where the rate of consanguineous marriage is high.

Methods

In this article, it is aimed to evaluate the development and organization of newborn screening programs in Turkey which include phenylketonuria, congenital hypothyroidism and biotinidase deficiency screenings. The point reached today, limitations of the program, expectations and projects for the future are discussed.

Results

Today, the point reached in screening programs of the country is appreciable. While the screening rate of the live born babies was 4,7% in 1987, this rate reached to 95% by 2008. Predicted target for newborn screening program at the strategic plan of Ministry of Health for 2010–2014 was to enhance this rate above 95% by the end of 2012. It seems that the envisaged goal has been reached.

Conclusion

National newborn screening program appears to be conducted successfully and extensively as a result of political determination and performance of health care workers who are in charge of this program. Nevertheless, limited numbers of the nutrition and metabolism clinics and specialists on these branches have caused some access difficulties, waste of time, and financial loss. Therefore, special planning to improve quality and the number of the clinics would be useful.
Evaluation of Antigen Detection Test (Chromatographic Immunoassay): Potential to Replace the Antibody Assay Using Purified 45‐kDa Protein for Rapid Diagnosis of Tuberculosis
Authors: Tasbiti Alireza Hadizadeh , Bahrmand Ahmadreza , Shokrgozar Mohammad Ali , Ghanaie Mostafa , Fateh Abolfazl , Karimi Ali , Yari Shamsi
Published: December 2013

Background

The current strategy for combating tuberculosis (TB) is based on the early detection and treatment of patients to halt transmission. The present study was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic potential of three Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens, 45‐kDa, A60, and sonicated MTB antigen (SmTB‐Ag), as antibody/antigen detection methods for the rapid and accurate diagnosis of TB.

Methods

The SmTB‐Ag and 45‐kDa antigens were purified and A60 antigen was supplied by Anda‐Biologicals, France. The 45‐kDa and A60 antigens (for antibody detection procedures) and SmTB‐Ag (for antigen detection test) were tested in the same study subjects. ELISA and immunochromatographic (rapid) test were performed on 201 sputum and serum samples. Ninety‐eight samples from TB patients and 103 samples from control individuals were studied.

Results

The mean absorbance value of antibodies against 45‐kDa antigen in the TB patients were (1.17 ± 0.44, CI 1.09–1.26), significantly higher than in the non‐TB group, (0.8 ± 0.28, CI 0.74–0.85, P < 0.05). The sensitivities of tests using two antigens, 84% for the 45‐kDa antigen and 65% for the A60 antigen, were lower than SmTB‐Ag(93%). The rapid test yielded 93% sensitivity and 92% specificity.

Conclusion

Findings highlighted the importance of antigen detection as a diagnostic tool. The rapid test evaluated in this study may be useful for diagnosis of TB.
Circulation types and winter precipitation in Spain
Authors: Casado M. J. , Pastor M. A.
Published: December 2013

This paper is concentrated on the evaluation of circulation type classifications (CTCs) from the European Action COST733 catalogue version 2.0 in terms of their ability to capture winter precipitation, expressed as percentage, over Spanish Iberia and the Balearic Islands. The explained variation, the pseudo‐F statistics and the Brier skill score are used to quantify the explanatory power of circulation classifications. As secondary aims, the impact of using different number of circulation types, additional types of variables and 4‐day sequences in the generation of classifications is analysed.

Although no optimal method has been found, nevertheless, the results suggest that the use of CTCs based on optimization algorithms are, in general, performing better than those which are based on other algorithms (i.e. leader algorithms). Distinct variations in skill exist not only among classifications from different groups of basic methods but as well between classifications from the same method group; being remarkable the behaviour of the optimum random centroid method.

Results are very dependent on the metric, for the explained variation, and the Brier skill score, the larger the number of circulation types, the better the performance; contrary to the behaviour of the pseudo‐F statistic. The inclusion of 500 hPa vorticity in the generation of classifications improves results while a general deterioration is observed when considering 4‐day sequences. These results are only valid for the selected season and cannot be transferred to other locations and seasons.
Spatial and temporal distributions of trends in climate extremes of the Feilaixia catchment in the upstream area of the Beijiang River Basin, South China
Authors: Wu ChuanHao , Huang GuoRu , Yu HaiJun , Chen ZhiQing , Ma JingGuang
Published: December 2013

To evaluate the changes in extreme climatic events in the Feilaixia catchment in South China, the spatial and temporal distributions of extreme climate indices trends during 1969–2011 were investigated. With quality control and homogeneity assessment, daily maximum and minimum surface air temperature from 11 meteorological stations and daily precipitation from 24 rainfall stations were used. Eight indices of extreme temperature and six indices of extreme precipitation were chosen. Trends were calculated using Sen's slope estimator. Statistical significance of trends was checked with the Mann–Kendall method. High correlations were found between the mean annual temperature and temperature extremes, as well as between the annual total precipitation and precipitation extremes in most cases. The analyses of extreme temperature indices detected significant and stable trends in the majority of the stations. The strongly stable downward trends in cold extremes and the strongly stable upward trends in hot extremes were recorded in the whole region, except for in some small areas primarily located in the central part of the region. In contrast, significant and stable positive trends were sporadically recorded for precipitation extremes in the study area during 1969–2011, which predominantly occurred in the northern part of the region. Furthermore, the positive trends were much more frequent than the negative trends in most extreme precipitation indices. There were significant and stable trends recorded in most of the average temperature extremes, whereas insignificant and unstable trends were found for most of the average precipitation extremes.
Understanding high resolution space‐time variability of rainfall in southwest Georgia, United States
Authors: Dzotsi K. A. , Matyas C. J. , Jones J. W. , Baigorria G. , Hoogenboom G.
Published: December 2013

Enhanced understanding of rainfall variability requires high resolution observations, yet most weather networks are unable to capture rainfall gradients that are important for modelling and decision‐making. Using a network of 46 rain gauges over an area of 3100 km2in southwest Georgia, this study evaluated different rainfall characteristics, including duration, intensity and correlation, and the impact of network density on spatially‐aggregated rainfall. Distances among the observation locations ranged from 1 to 60 km, which makes the network significantly denser than most state‐level weather networks in the United States. Results of the analysis of storm characteristics indicated that summer and winter portrayed the highest contrast. Most summer storms had an approximate duration of 1 h and were characterized by high rainfall intensities. Fall and spring appeared to exhibit a mix of characteristics from summer and winter. During the summer, rainfall occurrence at a location was quasi‐independent of rainfall events at other locations in the study area while during the winter rainfall tended to occur or not occur over the whole study area simultaneously. During the summer, the correlation of rainfall amount was only high (0.90) in the immediate neighbourhood of the site considered (less than 3.3 km) while during the winter, this distance extended to approximately 8–18 km. To allow a coefficient of variability of 5% in the distribution of aggregate rainfall amount over the study area, the required network density sizes would be 16 gauges for summer and 4 gauges for winter, which translates into 5.2 gauges per 1000 km2and 1.3 gauges per 1000 km2, respectively. These results provided insights into the characteristics and importance of rainfall variability at spatial resolutions ranging from local to regional. Results from this study may be applicable in the southeast United States and other areas with similar weather systems.
Climatological onset date of summer monsoon in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen‐Le Dzung , Matsumoto Jun , Ngo‐Duc Thanh
Published: December 2013

In this study, the climatological summer monsoon onset in Vietnam was investigated by using the 25‐year in situ observations and reanalysis gridded dataset recorded from 1979 to 2003. Results suggested that the onset date varies considerably among the sub‐regions. Rainfall criteria indicate that the earliest onset generally occurs in the northwestern mountainous area around April 25. That in the northern and southern plains is in mid‐May, along with the full establishment of monsoon circulation over the Indochina Peninsula. In the central coastal plain, however, the Foehn wind, an effect of the Asian summer monsoon, causes a dry summer rather than a rainy season. This peculiar characteristic differs substantially from the rainy season in the adjacent regions. Therefore, a new specific criterion for this region is proposed: The summer dry season onset date, which is subjectively indicated in late May, is defined as the appearance time of the dry, downslope Foehn wind.

Monsoon onset in Vietnam and surrounding areas is preceded by the development of convective activity and circulation features over the equatorial Indian Ocean and the southern Bay of Bengal. It also coincides with the northward retreat of mid‐latitude westerlies and the eastward retreat of the easterly trade wind associated with the western Pacific sub‐tropical high. A relationship between the occurrence of the Meiyu front and the summer monsoon onset over the South China Sea (SCS) is identified. Particularly, cyclonic development concurrent with monsoon onset appears over the SCS and Taiwan area, and a large amount of moisture is observed to converge along the southern side of the front. Simultaneously, the northward extension of the tropical easterly jet (TEJ), which is driven by the reversed poleward temperature and pressure gradient as a consequence of warming over inland India relative to the surrounding ocean, also plays an important role in summer monsoon circulation.
Measurements and cloudiness influence on UV radiation in Central China
Authors: Wang Lunche , Gong Wei , Lin Aiwen , Hu Bo
Published: December 2013

Measurements of global solar radiation (G) and ultraviolet (UV) radiation on a horizontal plane at Wuhan, China during 2006–2012 were reported in this study to reveal their hourly, daily and monthly variations. The influences of clouds on UV irradiation and UV/G ratio at different solar elevations were investigated. It was discovered that hourly UV irradiation decreased with cloudiness and UV/G increased with cloud cover, especially for cloudiness greater than 4 octas, which indicated that cloud effects on UV irradiances were more evident in overcast skies. Clearness index (Kt) and UV clearness index (Kuv) was used for characterizing the cloudiness, hourly dependence of UV/G ratio on Kt and complete features of monthly average hourly UV/G were analysed for studying the relationships between G and UV irradiations under different sky conditions. It was revealed that UV/G changed from 4.3% (hourly basis) and 4.4% (daily basis) under overcast skies to 3.8% (hourly basis) and 3.9% (daily basis) in clear skies. It was also observed a largest predominance (90.8%) for the interval 2.8% ≤ UV/G ≤ 5.6% with an average value being about 4.1% during the whole study period. Specific days were selected to further study the cloudiness influence on UV/G, a general daily pattern with lower values during sunrise/sunset and higher values around noon was observed. In addition, the relationship between Kuv and Kt at different solar elevations has been evaluated in detail, Kuv was about 65.8% of Kt during the study period. Finally, using the monthly evolution of the 10‐day Kt averages for the UV range, the attenuation of UV radiation in Central China caused by clouds ranged between 65 and 31% in January and July, respectively.
Honokiol, a low molecular weight natural product, prevents inflammatory response and cartilage matrix degradation in human osteoarthritis chondrocytes
Authors: Chen Ying Ju , Tsai Keh Sung , Chan Ding Cheng , Lan Kuo Cheng , Chen Cheng Feng , Yang Rong Sen , Liu Shing Hwa
Published: December 2013

Proinflammatory cytokine interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) stimulates several mediators of cartilage degradation and plays an important role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA). Honokiol, a low molecular weight natural product isolated from the Magnolia officinalis, has been shown to possess anti‐inflammatory effect. Here, we used an in vitro model of cartilage inflammation to investigate the therapeutic potential of honokiol in OA. Human OA chondrocytes were cultured and pretreated with honokiol (2.5–10 µM) with or without IL‐1β (10 ng/ml). Nitric oxide (NO) production was quantified by Griess reagent. Prostaglandin (PG)E2, metalloproteinase‐13 (MMP‐13), and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) productions were quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The expressions of collagen II, cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB)‐related signaling molecules were determined by Western blotting. Our data showed that IL‐1β markedly stimulated the expressions of iNOS and COX‐2 and the productions of NO, PGE2, and IL‐6, which could be significantly reversed by honokiol. Honokiol could also suppress the IL‐1β‐triggered activation of IKK/IκBα/NF‐κB signaling pathway. Moreover, honokiol significantly inhibited the IL‐1β‐induced MMP‐13 production and collagen II reduction. Taken together, the present study suggests that honokiol may have a chondroprotective effect and may be a potential therapeutic choice in the treatment of OA patients. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:573–580, 2014.
Perioperative systemic chemotherapy for appendiceal mucinous carcinoma peritonei treated with cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy
Authors: Blackham Aaron U. , Swett Katrina , Eng Cathy , Sirintrapun Joseph , Bergman Simon , Geisinger Kim R , Votanopoulos Konstantinos , Stewart John H. , Shen Perry , Levine Edward A.
Published: December 2013

Background

The role of systemic chemotherapy (SC) in conjunction with cytoreductive surgery (CS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in appendiceal mucinous carcinoma peritonei (MCP) is unknown.

Methods

A retrospective review (1999–2011) of MCP patients who had undergone CS/HIPEC with or without perioperative SC.

Results

Twenty‐two low‐grade MCP patients treated with CS/HIPEC and SC were matched to patients who received CS/HIPEC alone. Median overall survival (OS) was 107 months for patients treated with perioperative SC compared to 72 without (P = 0.46). CS/HIPEC was performed on 109 patients with high‐grade MCP: 70 were treated with perioperative SC, while 39 were not. Median OS (22.1 vs. 19.6 months, P = 0.74) and progression‐free survival (PFS) (10.9 vs. 7.0 months, P = 0.47) were similar in patients treated with SC compared to CS/HIPEC alone. Progression while on pre‐operative SC was seen in eight patients (17%), while four (8%) had a partial response. Treatment with post‐operative SC was associated with longer PFS (13.6 months) compared to pre‐operative SC (6.8 months, P < 0.01) and CS/HIPEC alone (7.0 months, P = 0.03).

Conclusions

Post‐operative SC appears to improve PFS in patients with high‐grade appendiceal MCP treated with CS/HIPEC. In contrast, there is no evidence to support the routine use of perioperative SC in low‐grade disease. J. Surg. Oncol 2014; 109:740–745. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Treatment, survival, and costs of laryngeal cancer care in the elderly
Authors: Gourin Christine G. , Dy Sydney M. , Herbert Robert J. , Blackford Amanda L. , Quon Harry , Forastiere Arlene A. , Eisele David W. , Frick Kevin D.
Published: December 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

To examine associations between treatment and volume with survival and costs in elderly patients with laryngeal squamous cell cancer (SCCA).

Study Design

Retrospective cross‐sectional analysis of Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results–Medicare data.

Methods

We evaluated 2,370 patients diagnosed with laryngeal SCCA from 2004 to 2007 using cross‐tabulations, multivariate logistic and generalized linear regression modeling, and survival analysis.

Results

Chemoradiation was significantly associated with supraglottic tumors (relative risk ratio: 2.6, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.7‐4.0), additional cancer‐directed treatment (odds ratio [OR]: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.2‐2.7), and a reduced likelihood of surgical salvage (OR: 0.3, 95% CI: 0.2‐0.6). Surgery with postoperative radiation was associated with significantly improved survival (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.7, 95% CI: 0.6‐0.9), after controlling for patient and tumor variables including salvage. High‐volume care was not associated with survival for nonoperative treatment but was associated with improved survival (HR: 0.7, 95% CI: 0.5‐0.8) among surgical patients. Initial treatment and 5‐year overall costs for chemoradiation were higher than for all other treatment categories. High‐volume care was associated with significantly lower costs of care for surgical patients but was not associated with differences in costs of care for nonoperative treatment.

Conclusions

Chemoradiation in elderly patients with laryngeal cancer was associated with increased costs, additional cancer‐directed treatment, and a reduced likelihood of surgical salvage. Surgery with postoperative radiation was associated with improved survival in this cohort, and high‐volume hospital surgical care was associated with improved survival and lower costs. These findings have implications for improving the quality of laryngeal cancer treatment at a time of both rapid growth in the elderly population and diminishing healthcare resources.

Level of Evidence

2cLaryngoscope, 124:1827–1835, 2014
Multispectral near‐IR reflectance imaging of simulated early occlusal lesions: Variation of lesion contrast with lesion depth and severity
Authors: Simon Jacob C. , Chan Kenneth H. , Darling Cynthia L. , Fried Daniel
Published: December 2013

Background and Objectives

Early demineralization appears with high contrast at near‐IR wavelengths due to a 10‐ to 20‐fold difference in the magnitude of light scattering between sound and demineralized enamel. Water absorption in the near‐IR has a significant effect on the lesion contrast and the highest contrast has been measured in spectral regions with higher water absorption. The purpose of this study was to determine how the lesion contrast changes with lesion severity and depth for different spectral regions in the near‐IR and compare that range of contrast with visible reflectance and fluorescence.

Materials and Methods

Forty‐four human molars were used in this in vitro study. Teeth were painted with an acid‐resistant varnish, leaving a 4 mm × 4 mm window on the occlusal surface of each tooth exposed for demineralization. Artificial lesions were produced in the unprotected windows after 12–48 hours exposure to a demineralizing solution at pH 4.5. Near‐IR reflectance images were acquired over several near‐IR spectral distributions, visible light reflectance, and fluorescence with 405‐nm excitation and detection at wavelengths >500‐nm. Crossed polarizers were used for reflectance measurements to reduce interference from specular reflectance. Cross polarization optical coherence tomography (CP‐OCT) was used to non‐destructively assess the depth and severity of demineralization in each sample window. Matching two‐dimensional CP‐OCT images of the lesion depth and integrated reflectivity were compared with the reflectance and fluorescence images to determine how accurately the variation in the lesion contrast represents the variation in the lesion severity.

Results

Artificial lesions appear more uniform on tooth surfaces exposed to an acid challenge at visible wavelengths than they do in the near‐IR. Measurements of the lesion depth and severity using CP‐OCT show that the lesion severity varies markedly across the sample windows and that the lesion contrast in the visible does not accurately reflect the large variation in the lesion severity. Reflectance measurements at certain near‐IR wavelengths more accurately reflect variation in the depth and severity of the lesions.

Conclusion

The results of the study suggest that near‐IR reflectance measurements at longer wavelengths coincident with higher water absorption are better suited for imaging early caries lesions. Lasers Surg. Med. 46:203–215, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Multi‐Criteria Classification Approach for Identifying Favourable Climates for Tourism
Authors: Mailly Daniel , Abi‐Zeid Irène , Pepin Steeve
Published: December 2013

The aim of this paper is to present a multi‐criteria classification approach for identifying world climates that are favourable to light tourism. We use a multi‐criteria aggregation method, Electre Tri‐nC, to assign over 60 000 world locations to one of four climate categories ranging from unfavourable to ideal. The motivations behind this work are to remedy to some of the methodological problems in composite indices such as the Tourism Climatic Index, where a weighted sum is computed using ordinal data. We present our results for the summer month of August on the basis of the years 1961–1990 derived from the CRU CL 1.0 climate database of New et al. (1999). In addition to being theoretically sound, our approach uses the original, virtually untransformed, continuous data thereby avoiding loss of information. It also minimizes the compensation effects and makes it possible to take into account additional criteria to cater to various tourism contexts with various decision maker profiles. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Two‐phase flows in karstic geometry
Authors: Han Daozhi , Sun Dong , Wang Xiaoming
Published: December 2013

Multiphase flow phenomena are ubiquitous. Common examples include coupled atmosphere and ocean system (air and water), oil reservoir (water, oil, and gas), and cloud and fog (water vapor, water, and air). Multiphase flows also play an important role in many engineering and environmental science applications.

In some applications such as flows in unconfined karst aquifers, karst oil reservoir, proton membrane exchange fuel cell, multiphase flows in conduits, and in porous media must be considered together. Geometric configurations that contain both conduit (or vug) and porous media are termed karstic geometry. Despite the importance of the subject, little work has been performed on multiphase flows in karstic geometry.

In this paper, we present a family of phase–field (diffusive interface) models for two‐phase flow in karstic geometry. These models together with the associated interface boundary conditions are derived utilizing Onsager's extremum principle. The models derived enjoy physically important energy laws. A uniquely solvable numerical scheme that preserves the associated energy law is presented as well. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Voluntary exercise and green tea enhance the expression of genes related to energy utilization and attenuate metabolic syndrome in high fat fed mice
Authors: Sae‐tan Sudathip , Rogers Connie J. , Lambert Joshua D.
Published: December 2013

Obesity and metabolic syndrome are growing public health problems. We investigated the effects of decaffeinated green tea extract (GTE) and voluntary running exercise (Ex) alone or in combination against obesity and metabolic syndrome in high fat (HF) fed C57BL/6J mice. After 16 wk, GTE + Ex treatment reduced final body mass (27.1% decrease) and total visceral fat mass (36.6% decrease) compared to HF‐fed mice. GTE + Ex reduced fasting blood glucose (17% decrease), plasma insulin (65% decrease), and insulin resistance (65% decrease) compared to HF‐fed mice. GTE or Ex alone had less significant effects. In the skeletal muscle, the combination of Ex and GTE increased the expression of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ coactivator‐1α (Ppargc1a), mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase 5 (mt‐Nd5), mitochondrial cytochrome b (mt‐Cytb), and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase III (mt‐Co3). An increase in hepatic expression of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐α (Ppara) and liver carnitine palmitoyl transferase‐1α (Cpt1a) and a decrease in hepatic expression of stearoyl‐CoA desaturase 1 (Scd1) mRNA was observed in GTE + Ex mice. GTE + Ex was more effective than either treatment alone in reducing diet‐induced obesity. These effects are due in part to modulation of genes related to energy metabolism and de novo lipogenesis.
Structure–activity relationship in the passage of different pyrrolizidine alkaloids through the gastrointestinal barrier: ABCB1 excretes heliotrine and echimidine
Authors: Hessel Stefanie , Gottschalk Christoph , Schumann Dania , These Anja , Preiss‐Weigert Angelika , Lampen Alfonso
Published: December 2013

Scope

1,2‐Unsaturated pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA) are found in plants such as Asteraceae and Boraginaceae families. Acute PA poisoning via contaminated food or feed causes severe damage to liver depending on species‐specific oral bioavailability. For assessing PA bioavailability, their passage across the intestinal barrier was investigated using Caco‐2 cells.

Methods

Differentiated Caco‐2 cells were exposed in transport chambers to the PA heliotrine (Hn), echimidine (Em), senecionine (Sc), and senkirkine (Sk). Cell supernatants were analyzed by LC‐MS/MS.

Results

PA pass Caco‐2 monolayer from the apical into basolateral compartment depending on their chemical structure. Compared to the cyclic diesters Sc and Sk with a passage rate of 47% ± 4 and 40% ± 3, respectively, the transferred amount of the monoester Hn (32% ± 3) and open‐chained diester Em (13% ± 2) was substantially lower. This suggested an active transport of Hn and Em. Using Madin–Darby canine kidney II/P‐glycoprotein (ABCB1)‐overexpressing cells, the active excretion of Hn and Em by ABCB1 from the gastrointestinal epithelium into the gut lumen was shown.

Conclusion

PA cross the intestinal barrier structure‐dependently. The passage of the noncyclic PA Hn and Em is reduced by an ABCB1‐driven efflux into the gastrointestinal lumen resulting in a decreased oral bioavailability.
Dimensions of psychotic experiences among women in the general population
Authors: Therman Sebastian , Suvisaari Jaana , Hultman Christina M.
Published: December 2013

Full‐information factor analysis of ordinal data was employed to determine the factorial structure of the responses of 31,822 adult Swedish women to the 20 “positive” psychotic experience items of the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences (CAPE) questionnaire. Five separable but correlated trait dimensions were found, reflecting Paranoia, Grandiosity, Magical Thinking, Delusions, and Hallucinations. High scores on any dimension were associated with a higher probability of questionnaire‐assessed lifetime major depressive episodes or generalized anxiety disorder, though Grandiosity was so only to a very small degree. Our results closely match previous findings among adolescents and young women, and demonstrate that psychotic experiences cannot be considered a single trait. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative ultrasonography of facial muscles in patients with chronic facial palsy
Authors: Volk Gerd Fabian , Pohlmann Martin , Sauer Maik , Finkensieper Mira , Guntinas‐Lichius Orlando
Published: December 2013

Introduction: In this study we introduce quantitative facial muscle ultrasound as a diagnostic tool for patients with chronic unilateral facial palsy. Methods: Muscle area, thickness, and echo intensity of 6 facial muscles (frontalis, orbicularis oculi, orbicularis oris, depressor anguli oris, depressor labii inferioris, and mentalis) and of 2 chewing muscles (temporalis and masseter, as controls) were measured in 20 patients with chronic facial palsy. Results: Aside from 1, all facial muscles were significantly smaller on the paralyzed side. With exception of frontalis and orbicularis oculi muscles, all other facial muscles showed significantly higher echo intensity on the affected side. Muscle size and echo intensity of the chewing muscles showed no side‐to‐side asymmetry. Conclusions: Quantitative ultrasound of facial muscles helps to better characterize their status in patients with chronic facial palsy in the phase of denervation and during regeneration. Muscle Nerve 50: 358–365, 2014
Altered tibial nerve biomechanics in patients with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Boyd Benjamin S. , Dilley Andrew
Published: December 2013

Introduction: Hyperglycemia associated with diabetes mellitus (DM) has adverse impacts on peripheral nerve connective tissue structure, and there is preliminary evidence that nerve biomechanics may be altered. Methods: Ultrasound imaging was utilized to quantify the magnitude and timing of tibial nerve excursion during ankle dorsiflexion in patients with DM and matched healthy controls. Results: Tibial nerve longitudinal excursion at the ankle and knee was reduced, and timing was delayed at the ankle in the DM group. Severity of neuropathy was correlated with larger reductions in longitudinal excursion. Nerve cross‐sectional area was increased at the ankle in the DM group. Conclusions: Larger tibial nerve size within the tarsal tunnel in patients with DM may restrict longitudinal excursion, which was most evident with more severe neuropathy. It is hypothesized that these alterations may be related to painful symptoms during functional activities that utilize similar physiological motions through various biomechanical and physiological mechanisms. Muscle Nerve 50:216–223, 2014
A deluxe FETI‐DP algorithm for a hybrid staggered discontinuous Galerkin method for H(curl)‐elliptic problems
Authors: Chung Eric T. , Kim Hyea Hyun
Published: December 2013

Convergence theories and a deluxe dual and primal finite element tearing and interconnecting algorithm are developed for a hybrid staggered DG finite element approximation of H(curl) elliptic problems in two dimensions. In addition to the advantages of staggered DG methods, the basis functions of the new hybrid staggered DG method are all locally supported in the triangular elements, and a Lagrange multiplier approach is applied to enforce the global connections of these basis functions. The interface problem on the Lagrange multipliers is further reduced to the resulting problem on the subdomain interfaces, and a dual and primal finite element tearing and interconnecting algorithm with an enriched weight factor is then applied to the resulting problem. Our algorithm is shown to give a condition number bound of C(1 + log(H ∕ h))2, independent of the two parameters, where H ∕ h is the number of triangles across each subdomain. Numerical results are included to confirm our theoretical bounds. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of TP53 mutational status on gene expression patterns across 10 human cancer types
Authors: Parikh Neha , Hilsenbeck Susan , Creighton Chad J , Dayaram Tajhal , Shuck Ryan , Shinbrot Eve , Xi Liu , Gibbs Richard A , Wheeler David A , Donehower Lawrence A
Published: December 2013

Mutations in the TP53 tumour suppressor gene occur in half of all human cancers, indicating its critical importance in inhibiting cancer development. Despite extensive studies, the mechanisms by which mutant p53 enhances tumour progression remain only partially understood. Here, using data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), genomic and transcriptomic analyses were performed on 2256 tumours from 10 human cancer types. We show that tumours with TP53 mutations have altered gene expression profiles compared to tumours retaining two wild‐type TP53 alleles. Among 113 known p53‐up‐regulated target genes identified from cell culture assays, 10 were consistently up‐regulated in at least eight of 10 cancer types that retain both copies of wild‐type TP53. RPS27L, CDKN1A (p21CIP1) and ZMAT3 were significantly up‐regulated in all 10 cancer types retaining wild‐type TP53. Using this p53‐based expression analysis as a discovery tool, we used cell‐based assays to identify five novel p53 target genes from genes consistently up‐regulated in wild‐type p53 cancers. Global gene expression analyses revealed that cell cycle regulatory genes and transcription factors E2F1, MYBL2 and FOXM1 were disproportionately up‐regulated in many TP53 mutant cancer types. Finally, > 93% of tumours with a TP53 mutation exhibited greatly reduced wild‐type p53 messenger expression, due to loss of heterozygosity or copy neutral loss of heterozygosity, supporting the concept of p53 as a recessive tumour suppressor. The data indicate that tumours with wild‐type TP53 retain some aspects of p53‐mediated growth inhibitory signalling through activation of p53 target genes and suppression of cell cycle regulatory genes. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. www.pathsoc.org.uk
A novel SERPINE1–FOSB fusion gene results in transcriptional up‐regulation of FOSB in pseudomyogenic haemangioendothelioma
Authors: Walther Charles , Tayebwa Johnbosco , Lilljebjörn Henrik , Magnusson Linda , Nilsson Jenny , von Steyern Fredrik Vult , Øra Ingrid , Domanski Henryk A , Fioretos Thoas , Nord Karolin H , Fletcher Christopher DM , Mertens Fredrik
Published: December 2013

Pseudomyogenic haemangioendothelioma (PHE) is an intermediate malignant vascular soft tissue tumour primarily affecting children and young adults. The molecular basis of this neoplasm is unknown. We here used chromosome banding analysis, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), mRNA sequencing, RT–PCR and quantitative real‐time PCR on a series of morphologically well‐characterized PHEs to show that a balanced translocation, t(7;19)(q22;q13), detected as the sole cytogenetic aberration in two cases, results in fusion of the SERPINE1 and FOSB genes. This translocation has not been observed in any other bone or soft tissue tumour. Interphase FISH on sections from eight additional PHEs identified the same SERPINE1–FOSB fusion in all cases. The role of SERPINE1, which is highly expressed in vascular cells, in this gene fusion is probably to provide a strong promoter for FOSB, which was found to be expressed at higher levels in PHEs than in other soft tissue tumours. FOSB encodes a transcription factor belonging to the FOS family of proteins, which, together with members of the JUN family of transcription factors, are major components of the activating protein 1 (AP‐1) complex. Further studies are needed to understand the cellular impact of the aberrant expression of the FOSB gene, but as the t(7;19) resulting in the SERPINE1–FOSB fusion seems to be pathognomonic for PHE, FISH or RT–PCR could be useful for differential diagnostic purposes. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. www.pathsoc.org.uk
Flightless I over‐expression impairs skin barrier development, function and recovery following skin blistering
Authors: Kopecki Zlatko , Yang Gink N , Arkell Ruth M , Jackson Jessica E , Melville Elizabeth , Iwata Hiroaki , Ludwig Ralf J , Zillikens Detlef , Murrell Dedee F , Cowin Allison J
Published: December 2013

Development of an intact epidermis is critical for maintaining the integrity of the skin. Patients with epidermolysis bullosa (EB) experience multiple erosions, which breach the epidermal barrier and lead to increased microbial colocalization of wounds, infections and sepsis. The cytoskeletal protein Flightless I (Flii) is a known regulator of both development and wound healing. Using Flii+/−, WT and FliiTg/Tg mice, we investigated the effect of altering Flii levels in embryos and adult mice on the development of the epidermal barrier and, consequently, how this affects the integrity of the skin in EB. Flii over‐expression resulted in delayed formation of the epidermal barrier in embryos and decreased expression of tight junction (TJ) proteins Claudin‐1 and ZO‐2. Increased intercellular space and transepidermal water loss was observed in FliiTg/Tg adult mouse skin, while FliiTg/Tg keratinocytes showed altered TJ protein localization and reduced transepithelial resistance. Flii is increased in the blistered skin of patients with EB, and over‐expression of Flii in experimental EBA showed impaired Claudin‐1 and ‐4 TJ protein expression and delayed recovery of functional barrier post‐blistering. Immunoprecipitation confirmed Flii associated with TJ proteins and in vivo actin assays showed that the effect of Flii on actin polymerization underpinned the impaired barrier function observed in FliiTg/Tg mice. These results therefore demonstrate an important role for Flii in the development and regulation of the epidermal barrier, which may contribute to the impaired healing and skin fragility of EB patients. Copyright © 2013 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Structurally different short aramid fiber–reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane
Authors: Shibulal G.S. , Naskar K.
Published: December 2013

The reinforcing effect of two structurally different Aramid short fibers, Technora and Twaron on the mechanical, dynamic mechanical, and thermal properties of an ester‐based thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) was investigated. A fixed fiber length of 6 mm is used by varying the fiber loading ranging from 3 to 10 phr. The Young's modulus and the low strain modulus of Technora–TPU composite was found three times higher than that of Twaron–TPU composite at all ranges of fiber loading. Optical microscopic analysis revealed that a severe processing‐induced fiber breakage of Twaron is the primary reason behind the inferior properties shown by these fiber‐reinforced TPU composite. A brittle kind of failure has been observed during tensile testing in both the composite at a fiber loading of 10 phr. To solve this problem, an economic pretreatment with maleic anhydride‐grafted polybutadine (PB‐g‐MA) has been applied on the Aramid fiber surface before mixing it with the TPU matrix. A good quality of fiber dispersion with significant improvement in mechanical properties could be achieved with the addition of only 5 phr of PB‐g‐MA. Morphological analyses on the tensile‐fractured and cryogenically fractured surfaces of these composites offer strong evidences for the dispersing and coupling action of PB‐g‐MA with these Aramid fibers and the TPU matrix. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:1767–1778, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Engineering a soluble parathyroid hormone GPCR mimetic
Authors: Audu Christopher O. , Plati Jessica J. , Pellegrini Maria , Mierke Dale F.
Published: December 2013

We designed and characterized a soluble mimic of the parathyroid hormone (PTH) receptor (PTH1R) that incorporates the N‐terminus and third extracellular loop of PTH1R, important for ligand binding. The engineered receptor (PTH1R‐NE3) was conceived to enable easy production and the use of standard biochemical and biophysical assays for the screening of competitive antagonists of PTH. We show that PTH1R‐NE3 is folded, thermodynamically stable and selectively binds PTH. We also demonstrate the utility of our mimic by identifying a small molecule that competes with PTH in our PTH1R‐NE3‐based fluorescence polarization assay. Antagonists to PTH1R, a transmembrane protein belonging to the class B G‐protein coupled receptor family, may provide new therapeutic options for calcium metabolism diseases like humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy. Proteins 2014; 82:1370–1375. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Crystal structures of carbohydrate recognition domain of blood dendritic cell antigen‐2 (BDCA2) reveal a common domain‐swapped dimer
Authors: Nagae Masamichi , Ikeda Akemi , Kitago Yu , Matsumoto Naoki , Yamamoto Kazuo , Yamaguchi Yoshiki
Published: December 2013

We report on crystal structures of a carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) of human C‐type lectin receptor blood dendritic cell antigen‐2 (BDCA2). Three different crystal forms were obtained at 1.8–2.3 Å resolution. In all three, the CRD has a basic C‐type lectin fold, but a long loop extends away from the core domain to form a domain‐swapped dimer. The structures of the dimers from the three different crystal forms superimpose well, indicating that domain swapping and dimer formation are energetically stable. The structure of the dimer is compared with other domain‐swapped proteins, and a possible regulation mechanism of BDCA2 is discussed. Proteins 2014; 82:1512–1518. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.