bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Head and neck sweat gland adenocarcinoma: A population‐based perspective of a rare entity
Authors: Unsal Aykut A. , Patel Varesh R. , Chung Sei Y. , Zhou Albert H. , Baredes Soly , Eloy Jean Anderson
Published: April 2017

Objectives

Head and neck sweat gland adenocarcinoma (HNSGA) is an extremely rare malignancy. We present the first population‐based analysis regarding this entity.

Study Design

Retrospective population‐based analysis.

Methods

Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry from 2000 to 2013, we extracted 627 cases of HNSGA. Data were analyzed for incidence trends, demographic and clinicopathologic traits, and predictors of disease‐specific survival (DSS).

Results

The majority HNSGA cases were white, male, and 60 to 79 years old. The incidence was 0.036 per 100,000 people. Tumors most often presented as localized disease and histological grade II/III. The skin of the face was the most common primary site (43.4%), followed by the scalp and neck (31.6%). Overall 5‐, 10‐, and 20‐year DSS were 94.6%, 89.6%, and 79.8%, respectively. Ethnicity did not affect survival, whereas a younger age at diagnosis and female sex conferred an advantage at 10 years (P = 0.0386) and 5 years (P = 0.0191), respectively. The origin of the HNSGA (apocrine vs. eccrine) did not affect outcomes. Regional and distant disease predicted worse DSS at 5, 10, and 20 years (P = 0.0026, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). Compared to grade I/II disease, grade III/IV dramatically worsened 5‐, 10‐, and 20‐year DSS (P = 0.0035, P < 0.0001, P = 0.0011, respectively). Scalp and neck HNSGA exhibited the poorest 20‐year DSS compared to other primary sites (P = 0.0024).

Conclusion

We present the largest cohort of HNSGA. Significant poor prognostic indicators include older age, higher tumor grade, greater extent of invasion, and primary site of the scalp or neck.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 127:2757–2762, 2017
Does incidental mastoid opacification on computerized tomography necessitate referral to ENT?
Authors: Wilkinson Sophie L. , Sahota Raguwinder S. , Constable James D. , Harper Frazer , Judd Owen
Published: April 2017

Objective

The prevalence of incidental temporal bone disease on magnetic resonance imaging has been widely reported in the medical literature. Despite this, there currently is little evidence regarding incidental otological disease on computerized tomography (CT). Thus, the study aimed to review the CT prevalence of asymptomatic adult ear disease and evaluate the appropriateness of ear, nose, and throat (ENT) referral following its discovery.

Study Design

Retrospective observational study of 468 CT scans.

Methods

All CT head scans performed between January 2015 and January 2016 containing the keyword mastoid in the radiological report initially were recruited for the study. Scans performed in the pediatric population following head trauma or for otological indications were excluded, leaving 468 eligible radiological images. The presence of prior otological disease or referral subsequently was established using electronic patient records.

Results

Mastoid and/or middle ear opacification was noted to be present in 62 patients (13%). Of these patients, 10 subsequently were found to have prior otological intervention or review. Following exclusion of these patients, the rate of incidental temporal bone disease was recorded as 11%.

Conclusion

Data from this study suggests that incidental findings in an asymptomatic individual do not necessitate referral or further intervention. Furthermore, it is the author's recommendation that radiological findings be closely correlated with clinical examination to reduce false diagnosis and inappropriate referral to ENT.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 127:2860–2865, 2017
Sinus procedures in the Medicare population from 2000 to 2014: A recent balloon sinuplasty explosion
Authors: Calixto Nathaniel E. , Gregg‐Jaymes Twyla , Liang Jonathan , Jiang Nancy
Published: April 2017

Objective

To describe sinus procedure trends from 2000 to 2014, particularly following the introduction of balloon sinuplasty Common Procedural Technology (CPT) codes in 2011.

Study Design

Retrospective review of Medicare billing data available to the public.

Methods

Procedure and beneficiary data from 2000 to 2014 and provider data from 2012 to 2014 were obtained online from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Sinus CPT codes were classified as balloon sinus procedure (BSP) or nonballoon sinus procedure (nBSP). Providers billing for sinus procedures were categorized as BSP only, nBSP only, or both. For comparison, data on septoplasty procedures from 2000 to 2014 were obtained.

Results

From 2000 to 2014, the total number of sinus procedures per 10 thousand beneficiaries (PP10K) nationwide increased by 3.7% annually. From 2011 to 2014, nBSP PP10K decreased by 3.1% annually, and BSP PP10K increased by 59% annually. Septoplasty PP10K changed by < 1% annually between 2000 and 2014. States with the highest BSP PP10K from 2012 to 2014 were Kansas, Texas, and Louisiana. Providers performing sinus procedures increased by 30.9% from 2012 to 2014. There was a 244% increase in BSP‐only providers, a 0.7% increase in nBSP‐only providers, and an 83.3% increase in providers using both. Septoplasty providers increased by 4.1%.

Conclusion

Although the total number of sinus procedures increased from 2000 to 2014, the number of BSP increased at a substantially greater rate since the introduction of CPT codes for these procedures in 2011. Nationwide increases in sinus providers were driven by new providers performing balloon‐guided procedures.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 127:1976–1982, 2017
Fluid‐Induced Alignment of Carbon Nanofibers in Polymer Fibers
Authors: Lu Mingchang , Sharifi Farrokh , Hashemi Nicole N. , Montazami Reza
Published: April 2017

Carbon nanofiber/polycaprolactone (CNF/PCL) composite fibers are fabricated using a microfluidic approach. The fibers are made with different content levels of CNFs and flow rate ratios between the core and sheath fluids. The electrical conductivity and tensile properties of these fibers are then investigated. It is found that at a CNF concentration of 3 wt%, the electrical conductivity of the composite fiber significantly increases to 1.11 S m−1. The yield strength, Young's modulus, and ultimate strength of the 3 wt% CNF increase relative to the pure PCL by factors of 1.72, 2.88, and 1.23, respectively. Additionally, the results show that a microfluidic approach can be considered as an effective method to align CNFs along the fibers in the longitudinal direction.

image
Understanding How Goal‐striving, Goal Orientation, and Shame Influence Self‐perceptions after Exposure to Models in Advertising
Authors: Pounders Kathrynn , Rice Dan Hamilton , Mabry‐Flynn Amanda
Published: April 2017

Marketers frequently use advertisements featuring thin models to promote the goal of self‐improvement to consumers. However, many of these appeals lead to detrimental effects on the self‐perceptions of the females who view them. This paper integrates components of goal‐striving theory and social comparison theory to explain consumer response to these advertisements and investigates how goal attainability may mitigate the negative effects of these ads. Additionally, this work investigates how a promotion‐focus goal orientation moderates the effects of the goal‐striving process and provides evidence of the mediating effects of shame. Finally, this work addresses a gap in the literature by examining how the interplay of model size and goal attainability impacts male consumers’ self‐perceptions. Study 1 reveals that high levels of perceived goal attainability mitigate the negative effects of exposure to thin models on self‐perceptions for females. Study 2 demonstrates that a high promotion‐focus goal orientation can lead to more favorable self‐perceptions for female participants exposed to a thin model with attainable goals, but it does not isolate participants from feelings of shame, which mediates the effects of goal attainability on self‐perceptions. Study 3 reveals similar findings for male consumers, but notably finds that shame does not play a significant role in understanding the comparison process for male consumers, suggesting key differences in the comparison processes between sexes.
Step‐Growth Polymerizing Systems of General Type “AfiBgi”: Calculating the Radius of Gyration and theg‐Curve Using Generating Functions and Recurrences
Authors: Hillegers L. Tom , Slot Johan J. M.
Published: April 2017

Step‐growth polymerized systems of general type “AfiBgi” are considered. One or more of the monomer species carries at least three reactive groups and thus can act as a branching point in a polymeric molecule. An algorithmic method is presented to calculate the topology‐averaged square radius of gyration,R2[s], of the molecules in the class ofs‐mers. The degree of polymerization,s, may run through its full range. In addition toR2[s], the shrinking factor,g[s], is calculated. The method uses integer arithmetic, generating functions, and computer algebra.

image
Anaerobic utilization of Fe(III)‐xenosiderophores among Bacteroides species and the distinct assimilation of Fe(III)‐ferrichrome by Bacteroides fragilis within the genus
Authors: Rocha Edson R. , Krykunivsky Anna S.
Published: April 2017

In this study, we show that Bacteroides species utilize Fe(III)‐xenosiderophores as the only source of exogenous iron to support growth under iron‐limiting conditions in vitro anaerobically. Bacteroides fragilis was the only species able to utilize Fe(III)‐ferrichrome while Bacteroides vulgatus ATCC 8482 and Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron VPI 5482 were able to utilize both Fe(III)‐enterobactin and Fe(III)‐salmochelin S4 as the only source of iron in a dose‐dependent manner. We have investigated the way B. fragilis assimilates Fe(III)‐ferrichrome as initial model to understand the utilization of xenosiderophores in anaerobes. B. fragilis contains two outer membrane TonB‐dependent transporters (TBDTs), FchA1 and FchA2, which are homologues to Escherichia coli ferrichrome transporter FhuA. The disruption of fchA1 gene had only partial growth defect on Fe(III)‐ferrichrome while the fchA2 mutant had no growth defect compared to the parent strain. The genetic complementation of fchA1 gene restored growth to parent strain levels indicating that it plays a role in Fe(III)‐ferrichrome assimilation though we cannot rule out some functional overlap in transport systems as B. fragilis contains abundant TBDTs whose functions are yet not understood. However, the growth of B. fragilis on Fe(III)‐ferrichrome was abolished in a feoAB mutant indicating that Fe(III)‐ferrichrome transported into the periplasmic space was reduced in the periplasm releasing ferrous iron prior to transport through the FeoAB transport system. Moreover, the release of iron from the ferrichrome may be linked to the thiol redox system as the trxB deletion mutant was also unable to grow in the presence of Fe(III)‐ferrichrome. The genetic complementation of feoAB and trxB mutants completely restored growth on Fe(III)‐ferrichrome. Taken together, these findings show that Bacteroides species have developed mechanisms to utilize ferric iron bound to xenosiderophores under anaerobic growth conditions though the regulation and role in the biology of Bacteroides in the anaerobic intestinal environment remain to be understood.
Prevalence, incidence, indication, and choice of antidepressants in patients with and without chronic kidney disease: a matched cohort study in UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink
Authors: Iwagami Masao , Tomlinson Laurie A. , Mansfield Kathryn E. , McDonald Helen I. , Smeeth Liam , Nitsch Dorothea
Published: April 2017

Purpose

People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have an increased prevalence of depression, anxiety, and neuropathic pain. We examined prevalence, incidence, indication for, and choice of antidepressants among patients with and without CKD.

Methods

Using the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink, we identified patients with CKD (two measurements of estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73m2 for ≥3 months) between April 2004 and March 2014. We compared those with CKD to a general population cohort without CKD (matched on age, sex, general practice, and calendar time [index date]). We identified any antidepressant prescribing in the six months prior to index date (prevalence), the first prescription after index date among non‐prevalent users (incidence), and recorded diagnoses (indication). We compared antidepressant choice between patients with and without CKD among patients with a diagnosis of depression.

Results

There were 242 349 matched patients (median age 76 [interquartile range 70–82], male 39.3%) with and without CKD. Prevalence of antidepressant prescribing was 16.3 and 11.9%, and incidence was 57.2 and 42.4/1000 person‐years, in patients with and without CKD, respectively. After adjusting for confounders, CKD remained associated with higher prevalence and incidence of antidepressant prescription. Regardless of CKD status, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors were predominantly prescribed for depression or anxiety, while tricyclic antidepressants were prescribed for neuropathic pain or other reasons. Antidepressant choice was similar in depressed patients with and without CKD.

Conclusions

The rate of antidepressant prescribing was nearly one and a half times higher among people with CKD than in the general population. © 2017 The Authors. Pharmacoepidemiology & Drug Safety Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Effect of nano ribbons formed by the amide segment on the solvent resistivity of segmented block copolymers based on polystyrene
Authors: Ekambaram Vakees , Jayaselan Suresh , Muthu Kayalvizhi , Sekar Karthik , Arun Araichimani
Published: April 2017

A segmented block copolymer is synthesized using dihydroxy terminated polystyrene (PSt) (MW = 2,500 g/mol) and crystallizable amide segments. PSt length in the copolymer is varied from 2,500 to 10,000 g/mol using dimethylterephthalate (T). Amide segment is synthesized in situ using diamine‐diamide 6X6 (X = A or T) (synthesized by dimethylterepthalate [T], adipic acid [A], and hexamethylenediamine [6]) and T. This work is to modify the high Tg amorphous PSt to a semicrystalline copolymers (‐(PSt‐T)y‐6X6‐T‐)‐n). These copolymers have a very high inherent viscosity and depending on the amide concentration, the melting temperature of the polymers was ranged between 129°C and 248°C. The crystallinity of the amide segments is up to 75%. The AFM analysis showed the presence of crystalline ribbons with a high aspect ratio. All the polymers show single stage decomposition temperature centered around 420°C. The solvent resistivity of these materials is very high even at a low concentration of (5 wt%) amide content. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:361–368, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Glycogen synthase kinase‐3 inhibitors suppress the AR‐V7‐mediated transcription and selectively inhibit cell growth in AR‐V7‐positive prostate cancer cells
Authors: Nakata Daisuke , Koyama Ryokichi , Nakayama Kazuhide , Kitazawa Satoshi , Watanabe Tatsuya , Hara Takahito
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

Recent evidence suggests that androgen receptor (AR) splice variants, including AR‐V7, play a pivotal role in resistance to androgen blockade in prostate cancer treatment. The development of new therapeutic agents that can suppress the transcriptional activities of AR splice variants has been anticipated as the next generation treatment of castration‐resistant prostate cancer.

METHODS

High‐throughput screening of AR‐V7 signaling inhibitors was performed using an AR‐V7 reporter system. The effects of a glycogen synthase kinase‐3 (GSK3) inhibitor, LY‐2090314, on endogenous AR‐V7 signaling were evaluated in an AR‐V7‐positive cell line, JDCaP‐hr, by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The relationship between AR‐V7 signaling and β‐catenin signaling was assessed using RNA interference. The effect of LY‐2090314 on cell growth in various prostate cancer cell lines was also evaluated.

RESULTS

We identified GSK3 inhibitors as transcriptional suppressors of AR‐V7 using a high‐throughput screen with an AR‐V7 reporter system. LY‐2090314 suppressed the reporter activity and endogenous AR‐V7 activity in JDCaP‐hr cells. Because silencing of β‐catenin partly rescued the suppression, it was evident that the suppression was mediated, at least partially, via the activation of β‐catenin signaling. AR‐V7 signaling and β‐catenin signaling reciprocally regulate each other in JDCaP‐hr cells, and therefore, GSK3 inhibition can repress AR‐V7 transcriptional activity by accumulating intracellular β‐catenin. Notably, LY‐2090314 selectively inhibited the growth of AR‐V7‐positive prostate cancer cells in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrate the potential of GSK3 inhibitors in treating advanced prostate cancer driven by AR splice variants. In vivo evaluation of AR splice variant‐positive prostate cancer models will help illustrate the overall significance of GSK3 inhibitors in treating prostate cancer.
Comparison of IDW and Physically Based IDEW Method in Hydrological Modelling for a Large Mountainous Watershed, Northwest China
Authors: Zhang L. , He C. , Li J. , Wang Y. , Wang Z.
Published: April 2017

Topography and spatial patterns of landscape significantly affect spatial distribution of precipitation and, in turn, hydrological modelling, especially in high elevation, mountainous watersheds of arid regions. This study incorporates a physically based inverse distance and elevation weighted (PBIDEW) method into a distributed conceptual hydrological model, distributed large basin runoff model, and compared with an inverse distance weighted (IDW) method to assess the performances of both methods in precipitation estimation for hydrological modelling at watershed scale. The PBIDEW method considers the impacts of topography using month‐dependent parameters in its interpolation of meteorological variables while the IDW method does not. Both the IDW and the PBIDEW methods are evaluated and compared in hydrological modelling at different spatial resolutions in the upper reach of the Heihe River Watershed, Northwest China. Results show that the IDW method underestimated the areal precipitation, and the PBIDEW method produced more realistic precipitation estimations in the study area. Both methods have some limitations, the performance of the IDW method was mainly influenced by the availability of observation data, while that of the PBIDEW method was mainly influenced by the representation of topographical information. Considering more detailed information for precipitation estimates, the PBIDEW method performed better at finer spatial resolution. Overall, the PBIDEW method, using month‐dependent physical interpolation parameters, seems more suitable for precipitation estimation in hydrological simulations in data‐scarce, high elevation and topographically complex mountainous watersheds in arid area. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Giant hogweed at its northern distribution limit in North America: Experiments for a better understanding of its dispersal dynamics along rivers
Authors: Trottier N. , Groeneveld E. , Lavoie C.
Published: April 2017

We studied the reproduction and dispersal of giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) at its northern distribution limit in North America (Québec, 2014–2016) to better understand the invasion dynamics of the species along rivers. Seeds were collected from a riparian population to conduct germination, floatation, and dispersal experiments. Data were analysed in comparison with a real invasion case that was initiated about 10 years ago along a river system. In Québec, giant hogweed individuals produce on average 14,000 to 16,000 seeds with a germination rate of 75–85%. Seeds with endosperm that fall in water likely sink within 5 hr. Along a small brook, most disperse over short distances (<40 m) in summer, although some can travel 100–300 m. These data suggest that late‐summer or early‐fall water dispersal of seeds would not explain the magnitude and rapidity of the invasion patterns observed along streams. We suggest that late‐fall and, especially, spring floods are the most efficient dispersal vectors for giant hogweed seeds and are likely responsible for the establishment of populations kilometres downstream from introduction points along river systems. The spread of giant hogweed would consequently be less influenced in the near future by a rise in temperature than by a change in the magnitude or timing of flood events.
Estimation of rank correlation for clustered data
Authors: Rosner Bernard , Glynn Robert J.
Published: April 2017

It is well known that the sample correlation coefficient (Rxy) is the maximum likelihood estimator of the Pearson correlation (ρxy) for independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) bivariate normal data. However, this is not true for ophthalmologic data where X (e.g., visual acuity) and Y (e.g., visual field) are available for each eye and there is positive intraclass correlation for both X and Y in fellow eyes. In this paper, we provide a regression‐based approach for obtaining the maximum likelihood estimator of ρxy for clustered data, which can be implemented using standard mixed effects model software. This method is also extended to allow for estimation of partial correlation by controlling both X and Y for a vector
of other covariates. In addition, these methods can be extended to allow for estimation of rank correlation for clustered data by (i) converting ranks of both X and Y to the probit scale, (ii) estimating the Pearson correlation between probit scores for X and Y, and (iii) using the relationship between Pearson and rank correlation for bivariate normally distributed data. The validity of the methods in finite‐sized samples is supported by simulation studies. Finally, two examples from ophthalmology and analgesic abuse are used to illustrate the methods. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of cell‐free DNA in maternal blood in screening for aneuploidies: updated meta‐analysis
Authors: Gil M. M. , Accurti V. , Santacruz B. , Plana M. N. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: April 2017

Objectives

To review clinical validation or implementation studies of maternal blood cell‐free (cf) DNA analysis and define the performance of screening for fetal trisomies 21, 18 and 13 and sex chromosome aneuploidies (SCA).

Methods

Searches of PubMed, EMBASE and The Cochrane Library were performed to identify all peer‐reviewed articles on cfDNA testing in screening for aneuploidies between January 2011, when the first such study was published, and 31 December 2016. The inclusion criteria were peer‐reviewed study reporting on clinical validation or implementation of maternal cfDNA testing in screening for aneuploidies, in which data on pregnancy outcome were provided for more than 85% of the study population. We excluded case–control studies, proof‐of‐principle articles and studies in which the laboratory scientists carrying out the tests were aware of fetal karyotype or pregnancy outcome. Pooled detection rates (DRs) and false‐positive rates (FPRs) were calculated using bivariate random‐effects regression models.

Results

In total, 35 relevant studies were identified and these were used for the meta‐analysis on the performance of cfDNA testing in screening for aneuploidies. These studies reported cfDNA results in relation to fetal karyotype from invasive testing or clinical outcome. In the combined total of 1963 cases of trisomy 21 and 223 932 non‐trisomy 21 singleton pregnancies, the weighted pooled DR and FPR were 99.7% (95% CI, 99.1–99.9%) and 0.04% (95% CI, 0.02–0.07%), respectively. In a total of 563 cases of trisomy 18 and 222 013 non‐trisomy 18 singleton pregnancies, the weighted pooled DR and FPR were 97.9% (95% CI, 94.9–99.1%) and 0.04% (95% CI, 0.03–0.07%), respectively. In a total of 119 cases of trisomy 13 and 212 883 non‐trisomy 13 singleton pregnancies, the weighted pooled DR and FPR were 99.0% (95% CI, 65.8–100%) and 0.04% (95% CI, 0.02–0.07%), respectively. In a total of 36 cases of monosomy X and 7676 unaffected singleton pregnancies, the weighted pooled DR and FPR were 95.8% (95% CI, 70.3–99.5%) and 0.14% (95% CI, 0.05–0.38%), respectively. In a combined total of 17 cases of SCA other than monosomy X and 5400 unaffected singleton pregnancies, the weighted pooled DR and FPR were 100% (95% CI, 83.6–100%) and 0.004% (95% CI, 0.0–0.08%), respectively. For twin pregnancies, in a total of 24 cases of trisomy 21 and 1111 non‐trisomy 21 cases, the DR was 100% (95% CI, 95.2–100%) and FPR was 0.0% (95% CI, 0.0–0.003%), respectively.

Conclusions

Screening by analysis of cfDNA in maternal blood in singleton pregnancies could detect > 99% of fetuses with trisomy 21, 98% of trisomy 18 and 99% of trisomy 13 at a combined FPR of 0.13%. The number of reported cases of SCA is too small for accurate assessment of performance of screening. In twin pregnancies, performance of screening for trisomy 21 is encouraging but the number of cases reported is small. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Anatomical subgroup analysis of the MERIDIAN cohort: posterior fossa abnormalities
Authors: Griffiths P. D. , Brackley K. , Bradburn M. , Connolly D. J. A. , Gawne‐Cain M. L. , Kilby M. D. , Mandefield L. , Mooney C. , Robson S. C. , Vollmer B. , Mason G.
Published: April 2017

Objective

To assess the diagnostic and clinical contribution of fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in fetuses of the MERIDIAN cohort diagnosed with abnormalities of the posterior fossa as the only intracranial abnormality recognized on antenatal ultrasound.

Methods

This was a subgroup analysis of the MERIDIAN study of fetuses with abnormalities of the posterior fossa (with or without ventriculomegaly) diagnosed on antenatal ultrasound in women who had MRI within 2 weeks of ultrasound and for whom outcome reference data were available. The diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound and MRI is reported, as well as indicators of diagnostic confidence and effects on prognosis and clinical management. Appropriate diagnostic confidence was assessed by the score‐based weighted average method, which combines diagnostic accuracy with diagnostic confidence data.

Results

Abnormalities confined to the posterior fossa according to ultrasound were found in 81 fetuses (67 with parenchymal and 14 with cerebrospinal fluid‐containing lesions). The overall diagnostic accuracy for detecting an isolated posterior fossa abnormality was 65.4% for ultrasound and 87.7% for MRI (difference, 22.3% (95% CI, 14.0–30.5%); P < 0.0001). There was an improvement in ‘appropriate’ diagnostic confidence, as assessed by the score‐based weighted average method (P < 0.0001), and a three‐fold reduction in ‘high confidence but incorrect diagnosis’ was achieved using MRI. Prognostic information given to the women changed after MRI in 44% of cases, and the overall effect of MRI on clinical management was considered to be ‘significant’, ‘major’ or ‘decisive’ in 35% of cases.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that any woman whose fetus has a posterior fossa abnormality as the only intracranial finding on ultrasound should have MRI for further evaluation. This is on the basis of improved diagnostic accuracy and confidence, which impacts substantially on the prognostic information given to women as well as their clinical management. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Nanotherapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Nance Michael E. , Hakim Chady H. , Yang N. Nora , Duan Dongsheng
Published: April 2017

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a lethal X‐linked childhood muscle wasting disease caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene. Nanobiotechnology‐based therapies (such as synthetic nanoparticles and naturally existing viral and nonviral nanoparticles) hold great promise to replace and repair the mutated dystrophin gene and significantly change the disease course. While a majority of DMD nanotherapies are still in early preclinical development, several [such as adeno‐associated virus (AAV)‐mediated systemic micro‐dystrophin gene therapy] are advancing for phase I clinical trials. Recent regulatory approval of Ataluren (a nonsense mutation read‐through chemical) in Europe and Exondys51 (an exon‐skipping antisense oligonucleotide drug) in the United States shall offer critical insight in how to move DMD nanotherapy to human patients. Progress in novel, optimized nano‐delivery systems may further improve emerging molecular therapeutic modalities for DMD. Despite these progresses, DMD nanotherapy faces a number of unique challenges. Specifically, the dystrophin gene is one of the largest genes in the genome while nanoparticles have an inherent size limitation per definition. Furthermore, muscle is the largest tissue in the body and accounts for 40% of the body mass. How to achieve efficient bodywide muscle targeting in human patients with nanomedication remains a significant translational hurdle. New creative approaches in the design of the miniature micro‐dystrophin gene, engineering of muscle‐specific synthetic AAV capsids, and novel nanoparticle‐mediated exon‐skipping are likely to result in major breakthroughs in DMD therapy. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2018, 10:e1472. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1472

This article is categorized under:

Biology‐Inspired Nanomaterials > Protein and Virus‐Based Structures

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies
An update on carbon nanotube‐enabled X‐ray sources for biomedical imaging
Authors: Puett Connor , Inscoe Christina , Hartman Allison , Calliste Jabari , Franceschi Dora K. , Lu Jianping , Zhou Otto , Lee Yueh Z.
Published: April 2017

A new imaging technology has emerged that uses carbon nanotubes (CNT) as the electron emitter (cathode) for the X‐ray tube. Since the performance of the CNT cathode is controlled by simple voltage manipulation, CNT‐enabled X‐ray sources are ideal for the repetitive imaging steps needed to capture three‐dimensional information. As such, they have allowed the development of a gated micro‐computed tomography (CT) scanner for small animal research as well as stationary tomosynthesis, an experimental technology for large field‐of‐view human imaging. The small animal CT can acquire images at specific points in the respiratory and cardiac cycles. Longitudinal imaging therefore becomes possible and has been applied to many research questions, ranging from tumor response to the noninvasive assessment of cardiac output. Digital tomosynthesis (DT) is a low‐dose and low‐cost human imaging tool that captures some depth information. Known as three‐dimensional mammography, DT is now used clinically for breast imaging. However, the resolution of currently‐approved DT is limited by the need to swing the X‐ray source through space to collect a series of projection views. An array of fixed and distributed CNT‐enabled sources provides the solution and has been used to construct stationary DT devices for breast, lung, and dental imaging. To date, over 100 patients have been imaged on Institutional Review Board‐approved study protocols. Early experience is promising, showing an excellent conspicuity of soft‐tissue features, while also highlighting technical and post‐acquisition processing limitations that are guiding continued research and development. Additionally, CNT‐enabled sources are being tested in miniature X‐ray tubes that are capable of generating adequate photon energies and tube currents for clinical imaging. Although there are many potential applications for these small field‐of‐view devices, initial experience has been with an X‐ray source that can be inserted into the mouth for dental imaging. Conceived less than 20 years ago, CNT‐enabled X‐ray sources are now being manufactured on a commercial scale and are powering both research tools and experimental human imaging devices. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2018, 10:e1475. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1475

This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > Diagnostic Nanodevices

Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging
Uncomplicated Acute Diverticulitis: Identifying Risk Factors for Severe Outcomes
Authors: Jaung Rebekah , Kularatna Malsha , Robertson Jason P. , Vather Ryash , Rowbotham David , MacCormick Andrew D. , Bissett Ian P.
Published: April 2017

Background

The management of uncomplicated (Modified Hinchey Classification Ia) acute diverticulitis (AD) has become increasingly conservative, with a focus on symptomatic relief and supportive management. Clear criteria for patient selection are required to implement this safely. This retrospective study aimed to identify risk factors for severe clinical course in patients with uncomplicated AD.

Materials and methods

Patients admitted to General Surgery at two New Zealand tertiary centres over a period of 18 months were included. Univariate and multivariate analyses were carried out in order to identify factors associated with a more severe clinical course. This was defined by three endpoints: need for procedural intervention, admission >7 days and 30‐day readmission; these were analysed separately and as a combined outcome.

Results

Uncomplicated AD was identified in 319 patients. Fifteen patients (5%) required procedural intervention; this was associated with SIRS (OR 3.92). Twenty‐two (6.9%) patients were admitted for >7 days; this was associated with patient‐reported pain score >8/10 (OR 5.67). Thirty‐one patients (9.8%) required readmission within 30 days; this was associated with pain score >8/10 (OR 6.08) and first episode of AD (OR 2.47). Overall, 49 patients had a severe clinical course, and associated factors were regular steroid/immunomodulator use (OR 4.34), pain score >8/10 (OR 5.9) and higher temperature (OR 1.51) and CRP ≥200 (OR 4.1).

Conclusion

SIRS, high pain score and CRP, first episode and regular steroid/immunomodulator use were identified as predictors of worse outcome in uncomplicated AD. These findings have the potential to inform prospective treatment decisions in this patient group.
The impact of quality-of-life data in relative effectiveness assessments of new anti-cancer drugs in European countries
Authors: Kleijnen Sarah , Leonardo Alves Teresa , Meijboom Kim , Lipska Iga , De Boer Anthonius , Leufkens Hubertus G. , Goettsch Wim G.
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The aim of this study is to investigate the role of health-related quality-of-life (QoL) data in relative effectiveness assessments (REAs) of new anti-cancer drugs across European jurisdictions, during health technology assessment procedures.

Methods

Comparative analysis of guidelines and publicly available REAs in six European jurisdictions of anti-cancer drugs approved by EMA between 2011 and 2013.

Results

Fourteen anti-cancer drugs were included, adding up to 79 REAs. Whilst all guidelines state that QoL is a relevant endpoint to determine the relative effectiveness of new cancer drugs, QoL data were included in only 54% of the 79 reports and their impact on the recommendations was limited.

Conclusions

Whilst national guidelines recognize the relevance of QoL to determine the relative effectiveness of new anti-cancer drugs, this is not well-reflected in current assessments. Developing and implementing into REAs specific evidence requirements for QoL data would improve the use of this patient-centred outcome in future reimbursement and pricing decisions.
Efficacy of botanical extracts from Brazilian savannah against Diabrotica speciosa and associated bacteria
Authors: Luiz Anderson L. , Perlatti Bruno , Marques Fabiana A. , Rodrigues‐Filho Edson , Costa Eduardo N. , Ribeiro Zulene A. , Eduardo Wellington I. , Boiça‐Júnior Arlindo L. , Imatomi Maristela , Gorecki Tadeusz , Forim Moacir Rossi
Published: April 2017

Botanical extracts are a plentiful resource of molecules with different biological activities, such as insecticides and antimicrobial pesticides. In this context, the aim of this work was to evaluate the efficacy of botanical extracts from the Brazilian savannah against Diabrotica speciosa and bacterial strains isolated from the gut of this insect under aseptic conditions. The bacterial isolates were identified by genomic and proteomic approaches, and bioassayed against eighteen botanical extracts in vitro. The best results of bacterial inhibitions were obtained for the extracts of Casearia sylvestris and Psidium laruotteanum. Fractions of C. sylvestris and P. laruotteanum, quantitatively evaluated by chromatographic analyses, showed a relationship between the bactericidal activity and phytochemical profile. In vivo assays showed that P. laruotteanum was also effective for the control of D. speciosa. Those results show that selected natural products can have both antimicrobial and insecticidal activities.
Redox Active Transition Metal ions Make Melanin Susceptible to Chemical Degradation Induced by Organic Peroxide
Authors: Zadlo Andrzej , Pilat Anna , Sarna Michal , Pawlak Anna , Sarna Tadeusz
Published: April 2017

With aging, retinal pigment epithelium melanosomes, by fusion with the age pigment lipofuscin, form complex granules called melanolipofuscin. Lipofuscin granules may contain oxidized proteins and lipid hydroperoxides, which in melanolipofuscin could chemically modify melanin polymer, while transition metal ions present in melanin can accelerate such oxidative modifications. The aim of this research was to examine the effect of selected transition metal ions on melanin susceptibility to chemical modification induced by the water-soluble tert-butyl hydroperoxide used as an oxidizing agent. Synthetic melanin obtained by DOPA autooxidation and melanosomes isolated from bovine retinal pigment epithelium were analyzed. To monitor tert-butyl hydroperoxide-induced oxidative changes of DMa and BMs, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, atomic force microscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance oximetry were employed. These measurements revealed that both copper and iron ions accelerated chemical degradation induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide, while zinc ions had no effect. Strong prooxidant action was detected only in the case of melanosomes and melanin degraded in the presence of iron. It can be postulated that similar chemical processes, if they occur in situ in melanolipofuscin granules of the human retinal pigment epithelium, would modify antioxidant properties of melanin and its reactivity.
The Sibsize Revolution and Social Disparities in Children’s Family Contexts in the United States, 1940–2012
Authors: Fahey Tony
Published: April 2017

This article points to a sharp decline in children’s sibling numbers (sibsize) that occurred in the United States since the 1970s and was large enough among children with lower socioeconomic status (SES) (particularly black children) to amount to a revolution in their family circumstances. It interprets sibsize decline as a source of social convergence in children’s family contexts that ran counter to trends toward social divergence caused by the rise of lone parenthood. The article is based on new estimates of differences in children’s sibsize and lone parenthood by race and maternal education generated from public-use samples from the Census of Population and Current Population Survey (CPS), focusing especially on the period 1940–2012. I discuss some methodological and substantive challenges for existing scholarship arising from the findings and point to questions for future research.
Sheep in Wealth's Clothing: Social Reproduction across the Bronze Age to Iron Age Transition in Wiltshire, Southern England
Authors: Valdez-Tullett Andy
Published: April 2017

The circulation of bronze is considered to be the principal vehicle of social reproduction for the later Bronze Age, with significant social investment in trade networks, systems of exchange, and social alliances. Substantial social upheaval is implied by the decline of bronze, as attested by the widespread deposition of hoards towards the end of this period. This article aims to fill a lacuna between the period of peak bronze hoarding and other vectors of change such as the manipulation of grain surpluses or the creation of hillforts. The reorganization of the Wiltshire landscape signifies transformation to a transhumant regime. Animals became increasingly important at the end of the Bronze Age, with daily life revolving around their management, dictating seasonal movement, and interaction. Investment in the social value of animals beyond pure subsistence requirements was a major factor filling the social gap left by the demise of bronze. This was accompanied by changes in the mode of production and the scales of social engagement.
The Statistical Analysis of Misreporting on Sensitive Survey Questions
Authors: Eady Gregory
Published: April 2017

What explains why some survey respondents answer truthfully to a sensitive survey question, while others do not? This question is central to our understanding of a wide variety of attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors, but has remained difficult to investigate empirically due to the inherent problem of distinguishing those who are telling the truth from those who are misreporting. This article proposes a solution to this problem. It develops a method to model, within a multivariate regression context, whether survey respondents provide one response to a sensitive item in a list experiment, but answer otherwise when asked to reveal that belief openly in response to a direct question. As an empirical application, the method is applied to an original large-scale list experiment to investigate whether those on the ideological left are more likely to misreport their responses to questions about prejudice than those on the right. The method is implemented for researchers as open-source software.
Navigating (im)mobility: female entrepreneurship and social media in Khartoum
Authors: Steel Griet
Published: April 2017

Through Facebook and other social media, a growing number of well-educated women in Khartoum are marketing and selling typically female personal care and beauty items online. These ‘tajirat al-Facebook’ (or Facebook traders) are the new entrepreneurs of Sudan who work from home to run their businesses and widen their social circles. Relying on the urban infrastructure of mobile phones, delivery boys, digital connectivity and online platforms, they navigate public life from the intimate sphere of the home orharemto become successful businesswomen who continuously transcend conventional gender norms and classic divisions between public and private, online and offline, and work and family. By addressing the day-to-day socio-economic practices of these traders, this article casts innovative light upon the broader discussions surrounding the role of women in economic life in Africa. It is argued that the mobile phone, and the smartphone in particular, has opened up a range of opportunities for women to enhance their social and economic manoeuvring space and to negotiate power within, and beyond, the domestic realm. New communications technologies have paved the way for a new kind of entrepreneurship in which the commercial goals of profit making are intimately entwined with the broader practices of sociality and diversion from boredom.
‘Disordered surroundings’: money and socio-economic exclusion in Western Kenya
Authors: Schmidt Mario
Published: April 2017

This article explores relations between ways of experiencing socio-economic disorder, strategies on how to deal with it, and monetary classifications that symbolize these ways and strategies. It assumes that we can learn something from the fact that the concept ofpesa makech(‘bitter money’) has been replaced with the much more diffuse notion ofpesa marach(‘bad money’) in Western Kenya during the last twenty-five years. This shift in how ‘negative forms’ of money are discursively marked indexes a change in the way in which the people of Kaleko, a small market centre in Western Kenya, conceptualize the disorder of their surroundings. Instead of interpreting disorder as an effect of events taking place inside their sphere of influence, residents of Kaleko now predominantly situate the cause of disorder in actions of external actors that are perceived as uncontrollable: the ‘economy’, money itself, politicians, members of other ethnic groups and untrustworthy Luo. This necessarily changes the ways in which disorder is tackled: whilepesa makech’s bitterness could be resolved by ‘sorting out’ (rieyo) the homestead's disorder, nowadays people employ other ways that aim at resolving disorder: upscalingrieyo’s potential to the Kenyan nation; ‘struggling’ (chandre) through disorder; and relativizingrieyo’s applicability.
Disrupted migration projects: the moral economy of involuntary return to Ghana from Libya
Authors: Kleist Nauja
Published: April 2017

This article contributes to the theorization of involuntary return and moral economies in the context of economic crisis and vulnerability prompted by restrictive migration regimes and conflicts. Drawing on fieldwork in a rural town in Ghana where international labour migration is an established livelihood, it analyses deportations from North Africa, Israel and Europe and emergency return from Libya following the civil war in 2011. The article argues that return to the home town, rather than being detained or stuck en route, constitutes a particular context precisely because migrants face family and community expectations upon their return. Involuntary return constitutes a disruption of migration projects when migrants return empty-handed, going from being remitters to burdens for their families. This creates conflicts and disappointments within family and the local community, especially in relation to norms of provision and gender ideals. The paper highlights three effects of the moral economy of involuntary return. First, that involuntary return does not constitute a priori termination of migration, as many involuntary return migrants migrate again, often in high-risk ways. Second, it discusses the ambivalence of reciprocity and interdependency in families. And third, it shows how involuntary return challenges dominant ideals of masculinity.
Inkatha's young militants: reconsidering political violence in South Africa
Authors: Gibbs Timothy
Published: April 2017

South Africa's township revolts have generated much excellent research on the central role played by rebellious, urban youth. This article explores a parallel set of intergenerational conflicts that opened up in the marginal rural districts of the Natal Midlands, which were exacerbated by apartheid's forced removals of labour tenants from commercial farming districts to crowded ‘Native Reserves’ in the 1970s. At this time of deepening poverty, elders worried about the rising incidence of juvenile petty crime, particularly amongst the teenagers who increasingly took itinerant, seasonal labour on the commercial farms. Some of these young migrants, unable to find steady factory work at a time of mounting unemployment, also played a leading role in the illicit, sometimes criminal networks of South Africa's growing popular economy. Finally, I show how some of these youths were mobilized by Inkatha during the war against the African National Congress in Johannesburg – often to the revulsion of older men who abhorred their socially harmful, thuggish violence, which spiralled uncontrollably along migrant routes. Thus the political violence was often known as theudlame: a brutal savagery that destroys households, communities and society.