bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mutations in COL1A1 Gene Change Dentin Nanostructure
Authors: Duan Xiaohong , Liu Zhenxia , Gan Yunna , Xia Dan , Li Qiang , Li Yanling , Yang Jiaji , Gao Shan , Dong Mingdong
Published: December 2015

ABSTARCT

Although many studies have attempted to associate specific gene mutations with dentin phenotypic severity, it remains unknown how the mutations in COL1A1 gene influence the mechanical behavior of dentin collagen and matrix. Here, we reported one osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) pedigree caused by two new inserting mutations in exon 5 of COL1A1 (NM_000088.3:c.440_441insT;c.441_442insA), which resulted in the unstable expression of COL1A1 mRNA and half quantity of procollagen production. We investigated the morphological and mechanical features of proband's dentin using atomic force microscope (AFM), scanning electron microscope, and transmission electron microscope. Increased D‐periodic spacing, variably enlarged collagen fibrils coating with fewer minerals were found in the mutated collagen. AFM analysis demonstrated rougher dentin surface and sparsely decreased Young's modulus in proband's dentin. We believe that our findings provide new insights into the genetic‐/nano‐ mechanisms of dentin diseases, and may well explain OI dentin features with reduced mechanical strength and a lower crosslinked density. Anat Rec, 299:511–519, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fossil melanosomes or bacteria? A wealth of findings favours melanosomes
Authors: Vinther Jakob
Published: December 2015

The discovery of fossil melanosomes has resulted in a wealth of research over the last 7 years, notably the reconstruction of colour in dinosaurs and fossil mammals. In spite of these discoveries some authors persist in arguing that the observed microbodies could represent preserved bacteria. They contend that bacteria fossilise easily and everywhere, which means that one can never be certain that a microbody is a melanosome without an extraordinary burden of evidence. However, this critique mischaracterises the morphological and structural evidence for interpreting microbodies as fossil melanosomes, and hence the basis for using them in reconstructing prehistoric colours. The claims for bacterial omnipresence in the fossil record are themselves not supported, thus tipping the scales strongly towards melanosomes in the bacteria‐versus‐melanosome controversy.
Photo inactivation of virus particles in microfluidic capillary systems
Authors: Ren Yudan , Crump Colin M. , Mackley Malcolm M. , Li Puma Gianluca , Reis Nuno M.
Published: December 2015

It has long been established that UVC light is a very effective method for inactivating pathogens in a fluid, yet the application of UVC irradiation to modern biotechnological processes is limited by the intrinsic short penetration distance of UVC light in optically dense protein solutions. This experimental and numerical study establishes that irradiating a fluid flowing continuously in a microfluidic capillary system, in which the diameter of the capillary is tuned to the depth of penetration of UVC light, uniquely treats the whole volume of the fluid to UVC light, resulting in fast and effective inactivation of pathogens, with particular focus to virus particles. This was demonstrated by inactivating human herpes simplex virus type‐1 (HSV‐1, a large enveloped virus) on a dense 10% fetal calf serum solution in a range of fluoropolymer capillary systems, including a 0.75 mm and 1.50 mm internal diameter capillaries and a high‐throughput MicroCapillary Film with mean hydraulic diameter of 206 μm. Up to 99.96% of HSV‐1 virus particles were effectively inactivated with a mean exposure time of up to 10 s, with undetectable collateral damage to solution proteins. The kinetics of virus inactivation matched well the results from a new mathematical model that considers the parabolic flow profile in the capillaries, and showed the methodology is fully predictable and scalable and avoids both the side effect of UVC light to proteins and the dilution of the fluid in current tubular UVC inactivation systems. This is expected to speed up the industrial adoption of non‐invasive UVC virus inactivation in clinical biotechnology and biomanufacturing of therapeutic molecules. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 1481–1492. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Intuitive decision making as a gradual process: investigating semantic intuition‐based and priming‐based decisions with fMRI
Authors: Zander Thea , Horr Ninja K. , Bolte Annette , Volz Kirsten G.
Published: December 2015

Introduction

Intuition has been defined as the instantaneous, experience‐based impression of coherence elicited by cues in the environment. In a context of discovery, intuitive decision‐making processes can be conceptualized as occurring within two stages, the first of which comprises an implicit perception of coherence that is not (yet) verbalizable. Through a process of spreading activation, this initially non‐conscious perception gradually crosses over a threshold of awareness and thereby becomes explicable. Because of its experiential basis, intuition shares conceptual similarities with implicit memory processes. Based on these, the study addresses two research questions: (1) Is the gradual nature of intuitive processes reflected on a neural level? (2) Do intuition‐based decisions differ neurally from priming‐based decisions?

Methods

To answer these questions, we conducted an fMRI study using the triads task and presented participants with coherent word triads that converge on a common fourth concept, and incoherent word triads that do not converge on a common fourth concept. Participants had to perform semantic coherence judgments as well as to indicate whether they immediately knew the fourth concept. To enable investigating intuition‐based and priming‐based decisions within the same task and with the same participants, we implemented a conceptual priming procedure into the coherence judgment task. We realized this by priming participants with concepts associated with incoherent triads in separate priming blocks prior to the coherence judgments.

Results

For intuition‐based decisions, imaging results mainly revealed activity within the orbitofrontal cortex, within the inferior frontal gyrus and the middle temporal gyrus. Activity suppression in the right temporo‐occipital complex was observed for priming‐based decisions.

Conclusions

With respect to research question 1, our data support a continuity model of intuition because the two intuitive stages show quantitatively distinct brain activation patterns. Regarding research question 2, we can draw the preliminary conclusion of a qualitative difference between intuition‐based and priming‐based decisions.
Zero‐Background Helicase‐Dependent Amplification and Its Application to Reliable Assay of Telomerase Activity in Cancer Cell by Eliminating Primer–Dimer Artifacts
Authors: Chen Feng , Zhang Dexin , Zhang Qing , Zuo Xiaolei , Fan Chunhai , Zhao Yongxi
Published: December 2015

Primer–dimer artifacts resulting from unintended template‐independent primer–primer interactions often hinder the specific amplification of nucleic acids. We demonstrate, for the first time, zero‐background helicase‐dependent amplification (HDA), with low concentrations of both ATP and dNTPs. This strategy achieved the reliable evaluation of telomerase activity in cancer cells by eliminating primer–dimer artifacts, which have plagued many previous methods with reduced specificity. We found that the performance of the telomerase assay by zero‐background HDA was negatively affected by highly concentrated cellular proteins. This inhibitory effect is attributed to the binding of DNA templates to proteins, thus making them unavailable for polymerases. However, gold nanoparticles were demonstrated to highly attenuate such inhibition by abundant proteins, and to enhance the assay sensitivity and reliability when the reaction was performed with concentrated cell extracts.
Cyclic Peptides Made by Linking Synthetic and Genetically Encoded Fragments
Authors: Palei Shubhendu , Mootz Henning D.
Published: December 2015

Cyclic peptides can be highly valuable as bioactive molecules, both for biomedical applications and in basic research. We introduce a new fragment‐based approach to access cyclic peptide structures in which one fragment is of synthetic origin and the other is genetically encoded. The synthetic peptide, which can contain one or more non‐proteinogenic building blocks, is coupled to the recombinantly expressed peptide through two bonds, one formed by protein trans‐splicing with a split intein and the other by oxime ligation. Semisynthetic macrocycles were obtained with high efficiency for various sequences and ring sizes; they can be prepared in quantities sufficient for initial bioactivity tests. We also prepared lipidated and d‐amino‐acid‐containing peptides that were inspired by the peptide antibiotic daptomycin. Such structures are not accessible by other methods that harness the power of simple genetic diversification in the DNA‐encoded part of the peptide.
Symbiotic Transition‐Metal and Organocatalysis for Catalytic Ambient Amine Oxidation and Alkene Reduction Reactions
Authors: Murray Alexander T. , King Rose , Donnelly Joseph V. G. , Dowley Myles J. H. , Tuna Floriana , Sells Daniel , John Matthew P. , Carbery David R.
Published: December 2015

A new oxidation reaction based on two simple catalysts, namely, alloxan and a CuI salt, is highly effective for the aerobic oxidation and oxidative cross‐coupling of amines. The reaction is operationally simple, reaction atmospheres enriched in dioxygen are obviated, and neither catalyst component requires prior synthesis. Mechanistic investigations have been performed and point towards a complex reaction manifold with evidence that supports a catalytic cycle that does not proceed through a quinone‐imine step. Additionally, this dual catalyst system is efficient to effect diimide‐mediated hydrogenation reactions of alkenes and alkynes, a transformation that has not been reported previously in the context of quinone catalyst systems.
Highly Efficient Ethanol Electrooxidation on a Synergistically Active Catalyst Based on a Pd‐Loaded Composite of Hydroxyapatite
Authors: Safavi Afsaneh , Abbaspour Abdolkarim , Sorouri Mohsen , Mohammadi Ali
Published: December 2015

By using a well‐structured composite of hydroxyapatite and carbon nanotubes and the immobilization of palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs), a synergistically active catalyst toward the ethanol electrooxidation reaction (EOR) is proposed herein. The application of hydroxy‐rich substrates, such as hydroxyapatite, for the immobilization of Pd NPs could be promising to enhance electrocatalyst activity toward the ethanol oxidation reaction. The hydroxyapatite–carbon nanotubes composites were synthesized through two distinct precipitation approaches. The structural features of each composite were characterized by using X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. According to electrochemical tests, remarkable enhancements were achieved in the electrocatalytic activity, kinetic parameters, and catalyst durability. The proposed catalyst showed a mass‐independent current of 1874.6 mA mgPd−1 and an onset potential of −650 mV versus Ag/AgCl reference electrode toward EOR. The catalytic improvements can be attributed to synergetic effects between the immobilized Pd NPs and the functionalities on the carbon nanotube–hydroxyapatite substrate.
Quantification and Genotyping of Rotavirus A within Two Wastewater Treatment Processes
Authors: Ibrahim Chourouk , Cherif Nadia , Hammami Salah , Pothier Pierre , Hassen Abdennaceur
Published: December 2015

The main objectives of this work are: firstly, the study of the circulation of Rotavirus A (RVA) in wastewater sampled from a semi‐industrial wastewater pilot plant. The plant is situated in a residential area of Tunis and irrigated by three different neighboring hospitals; and secondly, the evaluation of the functioning of two wastewater biological treatment procedures (natural lagoons and biodisks) in a semi‐industrial pilot plant for RVA removal using molecular characterization and quantification technology. A total of 102 wastewater samples were collected from two biological treatment processes in a semi‐industrial pilot plant that receives effluents of the sewage system of Tunis City (Tunisia). RVA was detected and quantified in 51 wastewater samples (50%) from the pilot plant. The mean values of viral content (genome copies/μL) obtained in the effluent of the two treatments procedures showed a significant decrease in the prevalence and viral content of RVA observed from upstream to downstream of the studied procedure: natural lagoons and at the exit of the biodisks line. The main G‐type was G8 (35.5%), followed by G9 (16%), G1 (13%), G10 (10%), G3 (13%) and three mixed combined genotypes: G3/G9 (3%), G8/G10 (3%), G9/G8 (6.5%) were identified. The data obtained in this study represent the first documentation in Tunisia dealing with the effectiveness of wastewater biological treatment for the removal of RVA through two biological treatment procedures in a semi‐industrial pilot plant located in the area of Tunis (Tunisia).
Associations among socioeconomic status, patterns of care, and outcomes in breast cancer patients in a universal health care system: Ontario's experience
Authors: Kumachev Alexander , Trudeau Maureen E. , Chan Kelvin K. W.
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND

The Canadian health care system provides equitable access to equivalent standards of care. The authors investigated to determine whether patients with breast cancer who had different socioeconomic status (SES) received different care and had different overall survival (OS) in Ontario, Canada.

METHODS

Women who were diagnosed with breast cancer between 2004 and 2009 were identified from the Ontario Cancer Registry and linked to provincial databases to ascertain patient demographics, screening, diagnosis, treatment patterns, and survival. SES was defined as neighborhood income by postal code and was divided into income quintiles (Q1‐Q5; with Q5 the highest SES quintile). Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to examine the associations between: 1) SES and mammogram screening and breast cancer treatments, and 2) SES and OS.

RESULTS

In total, 34,776 patients with breast cancer who had information on disease stage available at diagnosis were identified. Seventy‐six percent of women were aged >50 years. Patients with higher SES were more likely to be diagnosed at an earlier stage (Q5 [44.3%] vs Q1 [37.7%]; odds ratio [OR], 1.31; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.23‐1.41; P < .0001) and also were more likely to receive adjuvant chemotherapy (Q5 vs Q1: OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.10‐1.26; P < .0001) and radiotherapy (Q5 vs Q1: OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.15‐1.33; P < .0001). The 5‐year OS rates for Q1 through Q5 were 80%, 81%, 82.2%, 83.9%, and 85.7%, respectively (P < .0001). After adjusting for patient demographics, cancer stage at diagnosis, adjuvant chemotherapy, trastuzumab, radiotherapy and surgery types, higher SES remained associated with better OS (P = .0017).

CONCLUSIONS

In a universal health care system, higher SES is associated with greater screening and treatments and with better OS after adjusting for screening, cancer stage at diagnosis, and treatments. Cancer 2016;122:893–8. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Ashamed and Fused with Body Image and Eating: Binge Eating as an Avoidance Strategy
Authors: Duarte Cristiana , Pinto‐Gouveia José , Ferreira Cláudia
Published: December 2015

Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is currently recognized as a severe disorder associated with relevant psychiatric and physical comorbidity, and marked emotional distress. Shame is a specific negative emotion that has been highlighted as central in eating disorders. However, the effect of shame and underlying mechanisms on binge eating symptomatology severity remained unclear. This study examines the role of shame, depressive symptoms, weight and shape concerns and eating concerns, and body image‐related cognitive fusion, on binge eating symptomatology severity.

Participated in this study 73 patients with the diagnosis of BED, established through a clinical interview—Eating Disorder Examination 17.0D—who completed measures of external shame, body‐image related cognitive fusion, depressive symptoms and binge eating symptomatology.

Results revealed positive associations between binge eating severity and depressive symptoms, shame, weight and shape concerns, eating concerns and body image‐related cognitive fusion.

A path analysis showed that, when controlling for the effect of depressive symptoms, external shame has a direct effect on binge eating severity, and an indirect effect mediated by increased eating concern and higher levels of body image‐related cognitive fusion. Results confirmed the plausibility of the model, which explained 43% of the severity of binge eating symptoms.

The proposed model suggests that, in BED patients, perceiving that others see the self negatively may be associated with an entanglement with body image‐related thoughts and concerns about eating, which may, in turn, fuel binge eating symptoms. Findings have important clinical implications supporting the relevance of addressing shame and associated processes in binge eating. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message

Shame is a significant predictor of symptomatology severity of BED patients.

Shame significantly impacts binge eating, even controlling for depressive symptoms.

Shame significantly predicts body image‐related cognitive fusion and eating concern.

Body image‐fusion and eating concern mediate the link between shame and binge eating.

Binge eating may be seen as an avoidance strategy from negative self‐evaluations.
Size and Shape Controlled Semiconductor Nanocrystals Synthesized by RF‐Sputtering Techniques for Electronic and Optoelectronic Applications
Authors: Lehninger D. , Beyer J. , Schneider F. , Pawlik A.‐S. , Heitmann J.
Published: December 2015

Group IV (Ge and Si) nanocrystals embedded in a dielectric matrix were prepared via rf magnetron sputtering by the deposition of superlattices of stoichiometric and substoichiometric oxide layers and subsequent annealing. By this way Ge nanocrystals in a (Ta)ZrOx and Si nanocrystals in an SiO2 matrix were prepared in a size and shape controlled manner. In case of the Ge‐ZrO2 system, elongated Ge nanocrystals in a crystallized ZrO2 matrix were formed for annealing temperatures above 660 °C. Starting from a Si3N4 interface of the Si wafer, a preferential orientation between the Ge and ZrO2 lattice can be stated. Doping the ZrO2 matrix additionally with Ta increases the crystallization temperature of the ZrO2 matrix and leads to the formation of Ge nanocrystals embedded in an amorphous TaZrOx matrix. The Ge nanocrystals were investigated by photoluminescence measurements and implemented into metal‐insulator‐semiconductor capacitor to investigate their potential for charge trapping devices. The prepared nano floating gate devices show good charging characteristics with a maximum memory window of 5 V and a slope of the writing voltage vs. memory window characteristics of 0.8‐1. All luminescence centers seen in the Ge‐(Ta)ZrOx system can be attributed to defects either from the Ge nanocrystal surface, the (Ta)ZrOx matrix or the Si substrate itself. Si nanocrystals were fabricated in the same way in an amorphous SiO2 film after annealing above 900 °C. The formed Si nanocrystals act as superior sensitizer for Er3+ ions which were ion implanted into the films followed by an additional subsequent anneal, varied between 700 and 1000 °C. The Si nanocrystal ‐ Er3+ system was successfully implemented into a slot waveguide structure showing a strong polarization dependent field enhancement in both emission and excitation geometry. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
E‐H Transition in Argon/Oxygen Inductively Coupled RF Plasmas
Authors: Wegner Th. , Küllig C. , Meichsner J.
Published: December 2015

This contribution presents results of comprehensive investigation of the E‐H transition in an inductively coupled radio frequency argon/oxygen discharge at 13.56 MHz. For the characterization of the discharge arrangement, the spatial magnetic and electric field components of the planar coil in vacuum are calculated and provide information about the electron heating region. The used double coil leads to a radial symmetric field distribution. Further, voltage and current probe measurements reveal the inductivity of the coil and the phase shift between the coil voltage and the current. As a result, the coil current and the RF voltage are directly proportional. The phase shift is nearly constant in the E‐mode and decreases slightly in the H‐mode. The positive ion saturation current as well as the line integrated electron density are measured by means of Langmuir probe and 160 GHz microwave interferometer, respectively, to study the mode transition in argon with different oxygen contents. The positive ion saturation current and the electron density decrease with increasing oxygen admixture at fixed pressure and RF power. The onset and the way of the E‐H transition strongly depend on the oxygen content. The mode transition of a pure argon discharge is step like and changes to a continuous mode transition with the admixture of oxygen. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Focus on data to plan professional development for faculty
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: December 2015

Providing professional development to help faculty members improve their skills teaching online courses can be a particular challenge if a large number of faculty members teach online and your institution doesn't have a big budget for training.
Counterfeit analysis strategy illustrated by a case study
Authors: Dégardin Klara , Roggo Yves
Published: December 2015

Medicine counterfeiting is a current problem that the whole pharmaceutical field has to deal with. In 2014, counterfeits entered the legitimate supply chain in Europe. Quick and efficient action had to be taken. The aim of this paper is to explain which analytical strategy was chosen to deal with six of the cases concerned and which criteria have to be considered to provide quick and thorough information about the counterfeits. The evaluation of the packaging was performed in a first step, based on a comparison with genuine samples and evaluation of manipulation signs. Chemical methods were then used, consisting of near infrared and infrared spectroscopy, capillary zone electrophoresis and ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry, in order to authenticate the samples and provide the chemical composition of the confirmed counterfeits. Among the 20 samples analyzed, 17 were confirmed as counterfeits. The counterfeits were the results of the manipulation of genuine samples, and one contained totally counterfeited parts. Several manipulation signs were asserted, like the addition of glue on the boxes and the vials. Genuine stolen goods had been diluted with water, while for an isolated case, a different active ingredient had been introduced in a vial. The analytical data generated were further investigated from a forensic intelligence perspective. Links could be revealed between the analyzed counterfeits, together with some interesting information about the modus operandi of the counterfeiters. The study was performed on a limited number of cases, and therefore encourages chemical and packaging profiling of counterfeits at a bigger scale. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ABCLOVE: Voice therapy outcomes for patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: Ouyoung Laishyang Melody , Swanson Mark S. , Villegas Brenda Capobres , Damodar Dhanur , Kokot Niels , Sinha Uttam K.
Published: December 2015

Background

Dysphonia related to head and neck cancer is unique, and demands treatment tailored to its unique pathology. Activate exercises, breathing, counseling, laryngeal manipulation, oral resonance, vocal exercises, and elimination of habits (ABCLOVE) is an 8‐week multimodality voice therapy program addressing vocal rehabilitation specifically for patients with head and neck cancer.

Methods

Twenty‐nine patients with a history of head and neck cancer were enrolled in the ABCLOVE program and outcomes were retrospectively reviewed. Relative average pertubation, maximum phonation time (MPT), pitch range, Consensus Auditory Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE‐V), and Voice Handicap Index (VHI) were assessed.

Results

The pretreatment and posttreatment improvements in the relative average pertubation (1.86 vs 0.92), MPT (10.53 seconds vs 15.17 seconds), VHI (51.7 vs 29.9), and pitch range (168 Hz vs 244 Hz) were statistically significant (p < .0001). The subjective CAPE‐V ratings improved in all but 2 patients.

Conclusion

The ABCLOVE voice program provides clinicians with an effective and reproducible method for voice rehabilitation in patients with head and neck cancer. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1810–E1813, 2016
Estimating the individual benefit of immediate treatment or active surveillance for prostate cancer after screen‐detection in older (65+) men
Authors: de Carvalho Tiago M. , Heijnsdijk Eveline A.M. , de Koning Harry J.
Published: December 2015

A significant proportion of screen‐detected men with prostate cancer is likely to be overtreated, especially in older age groups. We aim to find which groups of screen‐detected older men (65+) benefit the most from Immediate Radical Treatment or Active Surveillance (AS) for prostate cancer, depending on age, screening history, health status and prostate cancer stage at detection. We used a microsimulation model (MISCAN) of the natural history of prostate cancer based on ERSPC data. Individual life histories are simulated with US comorbidity lifetables based on a random sample of MEDICARE data. Different screening histories are simulated and we count outcomes for men screen‐detected from ages 66 to 72. For immediately treated men with low‐risk disease (≤ T2a, Gleason 6) the probability of overtreatment ranges from 61% to 86% decreasing to between 37 and 46%, if they are assigned to AS. For intermediate risk men (≤T2, Gleason 3 + 4) overtreatment ranges from 23 to 60%, which reduces to between 16 and 31% for AS. For high risk men (T3, or ≥ Gleason 4 + 3), overtreatment ranges from 11 to 51%. The disease stage at screen‐detection is a critical risk factor for overtreatment. For low risk men, AS seems to significantly reduce overtreatment at a modest cost. For intermediate risk men, the decision between immediate treatment or AS depends on age and comorbidity status. Men screen‐detected in a high risk disease stage may benefit from immediate treatment even beyond age 69.
Metabolic activation and drug‐induced liver injury: in vitro approaches for the safety risk assessment of new drugs
Authors: Gómez‐Lechón M. José , Tolosa Laia , Donato M. Teresa
Published: December 2015

Drug‐induced liver injury (DILI) is a significant leading cause of hepatic dysfunction, drug failure during clinical trials and post‐market withdrawal of approved drugs. Many cases of DILI are unexpected reactions of an idiosyncratic nature that occur in a small group of susceptible individuals. Intensive research efforts have been made to understand better the idiosyncratic DILI and to identify potential risk factors. Metabolic bioactivation of drugs to form reactive metabolites is considered an initiation mechanism for idiosyncratic DILI. Reactive species may interact irreversibly with cell macromolecules (covalent binding, oxidative damage), and alter their structure and activity. This review focuses on proposed in vitro screening strategies to predict and reduce idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity associated with drug bioactivation. Compound incubation with metabolically competent biological systems (liver‐derived cells, subcellular fractions), in combination with methods to reveal the formation of reactive intermediates (e.g., formation of adducts with liver proteins, metabolite trapping or enzyme inhibition assays), are approaches commonly used to screen the reactivity of new molecules in early drug development. Several cell‐based assays have also been proposed for the safety risk assessment of bioactivable compounds. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pessimism and Homework in CBT for Depression
Authors: Sachsenweger Mieke A. , Fletcher Richard B. , Clarke Dave
Published: December 2015

Objective

To investigate the moderating effects of attributional style on the relationship between client‐rated benefits of homework completion and depression throughout a course of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT).

Method

A total of 28 clients, aged 20 to 65 years, experiencing their first major depressive episode completed up to 20 sessions of CBT plus a follow‐up session at 2 months. Clients, therapists, and independent observers completed the measures. Multilevel modeling was used for a within‐person longitudinal analysis of data.

Results

Pessimism slightly moderated the relationship between quantity–quality of homework completion and depression severity over time. Decreases in depression severity were largely independent of level of homework completion.

Conclusion

While CBT is effective in reducing depression, pessimistic attributional style can affect the perception that clients bring to the quantity and quality of homework completion. Clinicians could thus focus on dealing with pessimistic style for treatment and homework to moderate the severity of depression.
Peak shear and peak flow mediated dilation: a time‐course relationship
Authors: Evanoff Nicholas G. , Kelly Aaron S. , Steinberger Julia , Dengel Donald R.
Published: December 2015

Purpose

To explore the temporal relationship between brachial artery peak shear stress (Shear) and flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) in children and adults.

Methods

Shear and brachial artery diameter were tracked following reactive hyperemia in 122 children and 350 adults using sonographic imaging.

Results

Peak Shear, Shear area under the curve (ShearAUC), and Peak FMD were significantly larger in children than in adults. The time to peak Shear (ShearTTP) and time to peak FMD (FMDTTP) were significantly lower in children, while there was no significant difference in time from ShearTTP to FMDTTP between children and adults.

Conclusions

Children have a lower shear stimulus and FMD response than adults, but the time interval separating these events is similar. These differences could be due to changes in vascular dynamics with age, including reduced smooth muscle cell responsiveness and other factors. Despite differences in timing, the interval from peak Shear to peak FMD was similar in children and adults. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 44:182–187, 2016
Utility of diffusion‐weighted MRI for differentiating acute from chronic cholecystitis
Authors: Wang Annie , Shanbhogue Alampady K. , Dunst Diane , Hajdu Cristina H. , Rosenkrantz Andrew B.
Published: December 2015

Purpose

To assess the use of diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) for differentiating acute from chronic cholecystitis, in comparison with conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features.

Materials and Methods

Liver MRI including DWI (b‐values 0/500/1000s/mm2) was performed at 1.5T ≤30 days before cholecystectomy in 83 patients with abdominal pain. Two radiologists assessed cases for conventional (gallstones, wall thickening, pericholecystic fluid, pericholecystic fat changes, gallbladder distension, pericholecystic liver enhancement, mural T2‐hyperintensity, mural hyperenhancement, mural striations, abscess, intraluminal membranes, and mural defect) and DWI (increased mural signal on high b‐value images, visually low apparent diffusion coefficient [ADC], and ADC values) features.

Results

Acute cholecystitis was present in 43%; chronic cholecystitis was present in 57%. Nine of 12 conventional features were more frequent in acute cholecystitis for both readers (P ≤ 0.003). Increased mural signal on high b‐value images was more frequent (P < 0.001) in acute than chronic cholecystitis for R1 (92% vs. 32%) and R2 (83% vs. 30%). Sensitivity and specificity of increased signal on high b‐value images were: R1, 92%/68%; R2, 83%/70%. Visually low ADC was more frequent in acute cholecystitis for R2 (P < 0.001) but not R1 (P = 0.406); ADC values were not different between groups for either reader (P = 0.104–0.139). Among conventional and DWI features, only increased signal on high b‐value DWI was independently associated with acute cholecystitis for both readers (P = 0.006–0.012).

Conclusion

Visually increased mural signal on high b‐value DWI was highly sensitive and moderately specific for acute cholecystitis, being an independent predictor relative to conventional features for both readers. Although requiring larger studies, DWI (particularly the high b‐value images) may have additive value relative to conventional MRI‐suspected acute cholecystitis. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;44:89–97.
Sensitivity of APTIMA HPV E6/E7 mRNA test in comparison with hybrid capture 2 HPV DNA test for detection of high risk oncogenic human papillomavirus in 396 biopsy confirmed cervical cancers
Authors: Basu Partha , Banerjee Dipanwita , Mittal Srabani , Dutta Sankhadeep , Ghosh Ishita , Chowdhury Nilarun , Abraham Priya , Chandna Puneet , Ratnam Sam
Published: December 2015

The sensitivity of E6/E7 mRNA‐based Aptima HPV test (AHPV; Hologic, Inc.) for detection of cervical cancer has been reported based on only a small number of cases. We determined the sensitivity of AHPV in comparison with the DNA‐based Hybrid Capture 2 HPV test (HC2; Qiagen) for the detection of oncogenic HPV in a large number of cervical cancers at the time of diagnosis using cervical samples obtained in ThinPrep (Hologic). Samples yielding discordant results were genotyped using Linear Array assay (LA; Roche). Of 396 cases tested, AHPV detected 377 (sensitivity, 95.2%; 95%CI: 93.1–97.3), and HC2 376 (sensitivity, 94.9%; 95%CI: 92.7–97.1) with an agreement of 97.2% (kappa 0.7; 95%CI: 0.54–0.87). Among six AHPV+/HC2‐ cases, LA identified oncogenic HPV types in four including a type 73 and was negative in two. Among five AHPV‐/HC2+ cases, LA detected oncogenic HPV types in two including a type 73 and was negative in three. Of 14 AHPV‐/HC2‐ cases, 13 were genotyped. LA detected oncogenic HPV types in six, non‐oncogenic types in three, and was negative in four. This is the largest study to demonstrate the sensitivity of AHPV for the detection of invasive cervical cancer and this assay showed equal sensitivity to HC2. J. Med. Virol. 88:1271–1278, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization of in vitro dengue virus resistance to carrageenan
Authors: Talarico Laura B. , Damonte Elsa B.
Published: December 2015

The λ‐carrageenan (λ‐car) is a potent and selective inhibitor of dengue virus (DENV) infection targeted to virus adsorption and internalization, due to the structural similarities with the mammalian cell receptor heparan sulfate. To further characterize the antiviral activity of λ‐car, the selection and the phenotypic and genomic features of λ‐car resistant DENV‐2 variants are studied here in comparison to control virus. Resistant variants were rapidly selected in Vero cells after three passages in presence of the drug. No difference was detected in the growth profiles in Vero and C6/36 cells between resistant and control viruses. By contrast, the kinetics of adsorption and internalization of resistant variants in Vero cells was significantly diminished whereas entry to C6/36 cells was unaffected. By plaque purification and sequence analysis of the population, two types of resistant clones were found: some clones presented two mutations in E protein, K126E, and F422L; but other equally λ‐car resistant clones had no mutations in E. Furthermore, no mutations were found in other viral proteins like prM, C, or NS1. The genomic disparity in E protein was also associated to differences in phenotype stability. The stable genomic resistance here described provides information about determinants in E protein involved in receptor binding and membrane fusion for uncoating. J. Med. Virol. 88:1120–1129, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genetic diversity of HPV16 and HPV18 in Brazilian patients with invasive cervical cancer
Authors: Vidal Joao Paulo C.B. , Felix Shayany Pinto , Chaves Cláudia B.P. , Patury Patrícia , Franco Vanessa F. , de Morais Evaneide A. , de Carvalho Neile A. , Carvalho Aurenice C.L. , Almeida Neto Olimpio F. , Vieira Lina Maria T.M. , Correa Flavia Miranda , Martins Luís Felipe Leite , Negrão Antonio , de Almeida Liz Maria , Moreira Miguel Angelo Martins
Published: December 2015

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women, and ∼70–80% of these cancers are associated with two human papillomavirus types: HPV16 and HPV18. Several studies have reported that intra‐type diversity is associated with the progression of infection to invasive cancer. Herein, we report the genetic diversity of HPV16 and HPV18 in a cohort of 594 Brazilian women with invasive cervical cancer and describe the prevalence of lineages and intra‐type diversity prior to the implementation of the public immunization program in Brazil. HPV detection and genotyping were performed using PCR, PGMY/GP primers, and DNA extracted from fresh tumors. The HPV16 (378 women) and HPV18 (80 women) lineages were identified by PCR and sequencing of the LCR and E6 fragments, followed by SNV comparison and phylogenetic analysis. In our cohort, was found a higher frequency of the lineage A (in 217 women), followed by lineage D (in 97 women) and lineages B and C (in 10 women each) for HPV16; and a higher frequency of lineage A (in 56 women) followed by lineage B (in 15 women) in HPV18. The genetic diversity of HPV16 indicated a recent expansion of specific variants or a selective advantage that is associated with invasive cancer; this pattern was not observed for HPV18. J. Med. Virol. 88:1279–1287, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Discrimination of Polygonatum species and identification of novel markers using 1H NMR‐ and UPLC/Q‐TOF MS‐based metabolite profiling
Authors: Lee Min Young , Moon Byeong Cheol , Kwon Yong‐Kook , Jung Youngae , Oh Tae Kyu , Hwang Geum‐Sook
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND

Rhizomes of Polygonatum species are commonly used as herbal supplements in Asia. They have different medicinal effects by species but have been misused and mixed owing to their similar taste and smell. Therefore accurate and reliable analytical methods to discriminate between Polygonatum species are required.

RESULTS

In this study, global and targeted metabolite profiling using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy and ultra‐performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UPLC/Q‐TOF MS) was applied to discriminate between different Polygonatum species. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) models were used to classify and predict species of Polygonatum. Cross‐validation derived from PLS‐DA revealed good predictive accuracy. Polygonatum species were classified into unique patterns based on K‐means clustering analysis. 4‐Hydrobenzoic acid and trigonelline were identified as novel marker compounds and quantified accurately.

CONCLUSION

The results demonstrate that metabolite profiling approaches coupled with chemometric analysis can be used to classify and discriminate between different species of various herbal medicines. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Proteomic analysis of salt‐responsive proteins in oat roots (Avena sativa L.)
Authors: Bai Jianhui , Liu Jinghui , Jiao Weihong , Sa Rula , Zhang Na , Jia Ruizong
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND

Oat is considered as a moderately salt‐tolerant crop that could be used to improve saline and alkaline soil. Previous studies have focused on short‐term salt stress exposure (0.5–48 h), while molecular mechanisms of salt tolerance in oat remain unclear.

RESULTS

Long‐term salt stress (16 days) increased the levels of superoxide dismutase activity, peroxidase activity, malondialdehyde content, putrescine content, spermidine content and soluble sugar content and reduced catalase activity in oat roots. The stress also caused changes in protein profiles in the roots. At least 1400 reproducible protein spots were identified in a two‐dimensional electrophoresis gel, among which 23 were differentially expressed between treated vs control plants and 13 were identified using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry.

CONCLUSION

These differentially expressed proteins are involved in five types of biological process: (1) two fructose‐bisphosphate aldolases, four alcohol dehydrogenases, an enolase, a UDP‐glucuronic acid decarboxylase and an F1‐ATPase alpha subunit related to carbohydrate and energy metabolism; (2) a choline monooxygenase related to stress and defense; (3) a lipase related to fat metabolism; (4) a polyubiquitin related to protein degradation; (5) a 14‐3‐3 protein related to signaling. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Robotic surgery for early stage cervical cancer: Evolution and current trends
Authors: Medlin Erin E. , Kushner David M. , Barroilhet Lisa
Published: December 2015

The management of early stage cervical cancer often includes surgery in the form of radical hysterectomy, radical trachelectomy, or radical parametrectomy. Surgical techniques have evolved to include minimal invasive approaches, and more recently, to include robotic assisted techniques. This review highlights the evolution of surgical management of early cervical cancer and specifically explores robotic assisted radical hysterectomy, radical trachelectomy, radical parametrectomy, and the role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015;112:772–781. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Race not rural residency is predictive of surgical treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma: Analysis of the Texas Cancer Registry
Authors: Alawadi Zeinab M. , Phatak Uma R. , Kao Lillian S. , Ko Tien C. , Wray Curtis J.
Published: December 2015

Background and Objectives

Rural patients have poor access to specialists and are less likely to receive evidence‐based cancer care. We hypothesized that hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) patients from rural counties in Texas would be less likely to receive surgical therapy than those from urban areas.

Methods

The Texas Cancer Registry was queried (2000–2008). County‐level data included “rural or urban” designation and income variables derived by zip code. Surgical intervention included: (i) ablation, (ii) resection–partial or total lobectomy, or (iii) transplantation. A multinomial logistic regression was created to determine predictors of intervention.

Results

Five thousand thirty seven HCC patients were identified (86% urban) for study. A multinomial regression demonstrated, older age, African–American race, and lower income reduced the likelihood of ablation. Younger age, female gender, Caucasian, and Asian/other race predicted surgical resection, or transplantation. Hispanic race was associated with lower likelihood of resection (RRR 0.75) and transplantation (RRR 0.74), whereas African–American race was associated with pronounced decrease for transplantation (RRR 0.48). Area of residency was not predictive of intervention.

Conclusions

Rural residency did not decrease the likelihood of surgical intervention for hepatocellular carcinoma. Race and income continue to be associated with significant treatment disparity. Additional investigation should focus on factors that govern the selection of resection or transplantation for potentially eligible patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;113:84–88. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bromination of Anisoles Using N‐Bromophthalimide: A Synthetic and Kinetic Approach
Authors: Anjaiah B. , Kumar M. Satish , Srinivas P. , Rajanna K. C.
Published: December 2015

N‐Bromophthalimide (NBP)‐triggered bromination of aromatic compounds has been studied in the presence of aqueous acetic acid. Reaction Kinetics indicated first order in [NBP] and zero order in [Anisole]. The reactions afforded very good yields of corresponding bromo derivatives under kinetic conditions. The mechanism of the reaction is explained through the formation of acetyl hypobromite due to the interaction of NBP and acetic acid, which in turn reacts with anisole to afford a bromo derivative of anisole.
Trophic factors for Parkinson's disease: To live or let die
Authors: Olanow C. Warren , Bartus Raymond T. , Volpicelli‐Daley Laura A. , Kordower Jeffrey H.
Published: December 2015

Trophic factors show great promise in laboratory studies as potential therapies for PD. However, multiple double‐blind, clinical trials have failed to show benefits in comparison to a placebo control. This article will review the scientific rationale for testing trophic factors in PD, the results of the different clinical trials that have been performed to date, and the possible explanations for these failed outcomes. We will also consider future directions and the likelihood that trophic factors will become a viable therapy for patients with PD. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
What Helped Nonprofits Weather the Great Recession?
Authors: Lin Weiwei , Wang Qiushi
Published: December 2015

This study examined the effectiveness of several financial strategies for nonprofit organizations in fighting the Great Recession. Using data from human services and community improvement organizations in the state of New Jersey, we tested hypotheses about the relationships between three measures of financial sustainability and various fundraising efforts and financial indicators. We found that (1) except for strong external funding relationships, funding efforts were generally not effective in enhancing financial sustainability during the crisis; (2) higher operating margin and equity ratio improved an organization's ability to generate revenue and maintain expense levels, but higher debt ratio and administrative cost ratio were generally harmful; and (3) revenue diversification might aggravate fiscal stress and cause more expense cuts in a severe crisis. These findings improve our understanding of the mechanics of nonprofit management during times of harsh fiscal conditions and suggest useful ways for nonprofit organizations to navigate future financial crises.
BMI changes in adolescents treated with bupropion SR for smoking cessation
Authors: Floden Lysbeth , Taren Douglas L. , Muramoto Myra L. , Leischow Scott J.
Published: December 2015

Objective

Adolescent overweight and obesity and smoking continue to be very important health challenges because of their lasting effects on overall health. Weight gain after smoking cessation is a barrier to quitting as well as a negative consequence to health. This study reports changes in the body mass index (BMI) z‐scores of adolescent smokers participating in a dose‐ranging clinical trial of bupropion SR (150 mg/day and 300 mg/day) for smoking cessation.

Methods

A total of N = 296 adolescent smokers (placebo n = 100, 150 mg/day n = 101, 300 mg/day n = 95) with a BMI z‐score of 0.5 (sd: 1.4), 0.5 (sd: 1.3), and 0.5 (sd: 1.2) in the placebo, 150 mg/day, and 300 mg/day groups, respectively, were followed for 6 months.

Results

Adolescents in the 300 mg/day group had a significant reduction in BMI z‐score 6 weeks after quitting (β = −0.16, CI = (−0.29, −0.04), P‐value = 0.01). This result was not sustained at the 6‐month follow‐up.

Conclusions

A reduction in BMI z‐score during smoking cessation with bupropion has important implications for the future of adolescent smoking cessation. These results are particularly relevant for adolescents who have either overweight or obesity or who have reservations about quitting for fear of gaining weight or BMI.