bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Associated with Excessive Gestational Weight Gain: Review of Current Literature
Authors: Samura Tirah , Steer Jonathan , Michelis L. Daniela , Carroll Lisa , Holland Erica , Perkins Rebecca
Published: January 2016

Background

Excessive gestational weight gain (EGWG) places women at increased risk for complications during pregnancy and also increases the likelihood that they will remain overweight after pregnancy. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) has recommended weight gain guidelines based on pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), but evidence-based strategies to achieve these goals are limited.

Objective

This review discusses factors associated with EGWG with the goal of identifying targets for future intervention.

Methods

A search was performed using the PubMed database to identify all English-language papers published between 1995 and 2014 related to excessive weight gain in pregnancy. Papers were grouped by theme: preconception BMI, sociodemographics, diet and exercise, psychosocial characteristics, and type of prenatal care.

Results

Studies found that women who were overweight or obese at the time of conception were at higher risk of EGWG and that increased physical activity protected against EGWG. Studies on diet and sociodemographic characteristics were inconclusive. Psychological factors, specifically accurate perceptions of BMI, also appear to play a role in EGWG. Limited studies on methods of prenatal care delivery did not show improvement of weight parameters with group compared to one-on-one visits.

Conclusion

Pre-pregnancy BMI is most strongly associated with EGWG, indicating that healthy weight habits throughout adult life may be especially important in periods of expected weight change, such as pregnancy. To decrease EGWG, providers should focus on improving pre-conception BMI through appropriate counseling on healthy eating and increased physical activity as well as encouraging pregnant women to continue moderate exercise during pregnancy when appropriate.
A Case Report of Improvement in Crohn's Disease-related Symptoms following Participation in a Comprehensive Mind-Body Program
Authors: Dossett Michelle L. , Korzenik Joshua R. , Baim Margaret , Denninger John W. , Mehta Darshan H.
Published: January 2016

Stress is widely believed to play a role in the development and pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and several studies of mind-body programs have suggested benefits in this patient population. Here we describe a case report of a young man with a flare in Crohn's disease—related symptoms that improved in response to a comprehensive, multimodal, mind-body program and the development of a novel IBD treatment center that incorporates mind-body approaches, nutrition, and other modalities to provide more holistic and patient-centered care for individuals with IBD.
Governance in educational institutions in Portugal
Authors: García Redondo Eva
Published: January 2016

The present study addresses the governance processes governing the organization and management of educational institutions in Portugal, in a context of analysis in which the educational reforms carried out in this country, from the early nineteenth century (when school responsibility is assumed exclusively by the State) to the present, play what we estimate a central role. It is in response to this reality, on the basis of which we study their meaning and state. Evaluation, privatization and autonomy are the vectors which, we believe, provide the frame for a market speech in which we intend to emphasize, considering, on the one hand, that the management of education is conditioned by political developments and interests, of one kind or another, and, on the other hand, that the evolution of governance in its various institutions, although in progress, is gradually adapting to the standards set down at European level in varying degrees of intensity.
On the latitudinal changes in ionospheric electrodynamics and composition based on observations over the 76–77°E meridian from both hemispheres during a geomagnetic storm
Authors: Shreedevi P. R. , Thampi Smitha V. , Chakrabarty D. , Choudhary R. K. , Pant Tarun Kumar , Bhardwaj Anil , Mukherjee S.
Published: January 2016

The relative contributions of the composition disturbances and the disturbance electric fields in the redistribution of ionospheric plasma is investigated in detail by taking the case of a long‐duration positive ionospheric storm that occurred during 18–21 February 2014. GPS total electron content (TEC) data from the Indian Antarctic station, Bharti (69.4°S, 76.2°E geographic), the northern midlatitude station Hanle (32.8°N, 78.9°E geographic), northern low‐latitude station lying in the vicinity of the anomaly crest, Ahmedabad (23.04°N, 72.54°E geographic, dip latitude 17°N), and the geomagnetic equatorial station, Trivandrum (8.5°N, 77°E geographic, dip latitude 0.01°S) are used in the study. These are the first simultaneous observations of TEC from Bharti and Hanle during a geomagnetic storm. The impact of the intense geomagnetic storm (Dst∼−130 nT) on the southern hemisphere high‐latitude station was a drastic reduction in the TEC (negative ionospheric storm) starting from around 0330 Indian standard time (IST) on 19 February which continued till 21 February, the maximum reduction in TEC at Bharti being ∼35 TEC units on 19 February. In the northern hemisphere midlatitude and equatorial stations, a positive ionospheric storm started on 19 February at around 0900 IST and lasted for 3 days. The maximum enhancement in TEC at Hanle was about ∼25 TECU on 19 February while over Trivandrum it was ∼10 TECU. This long‐duration positive ionospheric storm provided an opportunity to assess the relative contributions of disturbance electric fields and composition changes latitudinally. The results indicate that the negative ionospheric storm over Bharti and the positive ionospheric storm over Hanle are the effect of the changes in the global wind system and the storm‐induced composition changes. At the equatorial latitudes, the positive ionospheric storm was due to the interplay of prompt penetration electric field and disturbance dynamo electric field.
Interactions of polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides with sedimentary organic matter of retrogressive thaw slump‐affected lakes in the tundra uplands adjacent to the Mackenzie Delta, NT, Canada
Authors: Eickmeyer David C. , Kimpe Linda E. , Kokelj Steve V. , Pisaric Michael F. J. , Smol John P. , Sanei Hamed , Thienpont Joshua R. , Blais Jules M.
Published: January 2016

Using a comparative spatial analysis of sediment cores from eight lakes in tundra uplands adjacent to the Mackenzie Delta, NT, we examined how the presence of retrogressive thaw slumps on lake shores affected persistent organic pollutant (POPs, including polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides) accumulation in lake sediments. Sediments of slump‐affected lakes contained higher total organic carbon (TOC)‐normalized POP concentrations than nearby reference lakes that were unaffected by thaw slumps. Mean focus‐corrected inorganic sedimentation rates were positively related to TOC‐normalized contaminant concentrations, explaining 58–94% of the variation in POP concentrations in sediment, suggesting that reduced organic carbon in slump‐affected lake water results in higher concentrations of POPs on sedimentary organic matter. This explanation was corroborated by an inverse relationship between sedimentary POP concentrations and TOC content of the lake water. Inferred chlorophyll a, S2, and S3 carbon fluxes to sediment were not significantly correlated to POP fluxes. Higher POP concentrations observed in sediment of slump‐affected lakes are best explained by simple solvent switching processes of hydrophobic organic contaminants onto a smaller pool of available organic carbon when compared to neighboring lakes unaffected by thaw slump development.
The sensitivity of convective aggregation to diabatic processes in idealized radiative‐convective equilibrium simulations
Authors: Holloway C. E. , Woolnough S. J.
Published: January 2016

Idealized explicit convection simulations of the Met Office Unified Model exhibit spontaneous self‐aggregation in radiative‐convective equilibrium, as seen in other models in previous studies. This self‐aggregation is linked to feedbacks between radiation, surface fluxes, and convection, and the organization is intimately related to the evolution of the column water vapor field. Analysis of the budget of the spatial variance of column‐integrated frozen moist static energy (MSE), following Wing and Emanuel (2014), reveals that the direct radiative feedback (including significant cloud longwave effects) is dominant in both the initial development of self‐aggregation and the maintenance of an aggregated state. A low‐level circulation at intermediate stages of aggregation does appear to transport MSE from drier to moister regions, but this circulation is mostly balanced by other advective effects of opposite sign and is forced by horizontal anomalies of convective heating (not radiation). Sensitivity studies with either fixed prescribed radiative cooling, fixed prescribed surface fluxes, or both do not show full self‐aggregation from homogeneous initial conditions, though fixed surface fluxes do not disaggregate an initialized aggregated state. A sensitivity study in which rain evaporation is turned off shows more rapid self‐aggregation, while a run with this change plus fixed radiative cooling still shows strong self‐aggregation, supporting a “moisture‐memory” effect found in Muller and Bony (2015). Interestingly, self‐aggregation occurs even in simulations with sea surface temperatures (SSTs) of 295 and 290 K, with direct radiative feedbacks dominating the budget of MSE variance, in contrast to results in some previous studies.
Comparison of thermoluminescence characteristics in γ‐ray and C5+ ion beam‐irradiated LiCaAlF6:Ce phosphor
Authors: Yerpude M. M. , Dhoble N. S. , Lochab S. P. , Dhoble S. J.
Published: January 2016

We compare the thermoluminescence (TL) behavior of Ce3+ ion‐activated LiCaAlF6 exposed to γ‐rays and a carbon ion beam. The reported phosphor is synthesized using an in‐house precipitation method with varying concentrations of activator ion and is characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and TL. Rietveld refinement is performed to study the structural statistics. The TL glow curve consists of a prominent glow peak at 232°C with three shoulders at 115, 159 and 333°C when exposed to γ‐rays from a 60Co source. When exposed to a C5+ ion beam, the TL glow curve consists of five peaks with peak temperatures near 156, 221, 250, 287 and 330°C, and is found to vary slightly with changing fluence. Glow curve convolution deconvolution (GCCD) functions are applied to the TL curves for complete analysis of the glow curve structure and TL traps. The order of kinetics (b), activation energy (E) and frequency factor are determined using Chen's peak shape method and theoretical curves are drawn using GCCD functions. A track interaction model (TIM) is used to explain the sublinearity/saturation at higher fluences. Ion beam parameters are analyzed using Monte‐Carlo simulation‐based SRIM‐2013 code. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of ZnO:Tb down‐conversion phosphor for Ag nanoparticle plasmon absorption using a He–Cd ultraviolet laser
Authors: Abbass A. E. , Swart H. C. , Kroon R. E.
Published: January 2016

Although noble metal nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted some attention for potentially enhancing the luminescence of rare earth ions for phosphor lighting applications, the absorption of energy by NPs can also be beneficial in biological and polymer applications where local heating is desired, e.g. photothermal applications. Strong interaction between incident laser light and NPs occurs only when the laser wavelength matches the NP plasmon resonance. Although lasers with different wavelengths are available and the NP plasmon resonance can be tuned by changing its size and shape or the dielectric medium (host material), in this work, we consider exciting the plasmon resonance of Ag NPs indirectly with a He–Cd UV laser using the down‐conversion properties of Tb3+ ions in ZnO. The formation of Ag NPs was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and UV–vis diffuse reflectance measurements. Radiative energy transfer from the Tb3+ ions to the Ag NPs resulted in quenching of the green luminescence of ZnO:Tb and was studied by means of spectral overlap and lifetime measurements. The use of a down‐converting phosphor, possibly with other rare earth ions, to indirectly couple a laser to the plasmon resonance wavelength of metal NPs is therefore successfully demonstrated and adds to the flexibility of such systems. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
(S)‐Allyl Cysteine Derivatives as a New‐type Cholinesterase Inhibitor
Authors: Kim Beom‐Cheol , Lee Seung‐Hwan , Jang Mi , Won Moo‐Ho , Park Jeong Ho
Published: January 2016

Even though cholinesterase (ChE) inhibitors and N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist are clinically approved to treat Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients, new therapeutic compounds still need to be developed. Therefore, many new targets and novel anti‐AD drugs targeting them have been developed. As inhibition of ChE is still considered to be one of the most effective targets to treat AD patients, many new classes of ChE inhibitors have been synthesized. In an effort to identify new types of cholinergic drugs, S‐allyl cysteine (SAC), which is the major ingredient of aged‐garlic extract (AGE), was coupled with natural antioxidants. As SAC derivatives showed butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) inhibitory activity, they constitute a new class of inhibitors for ChE and can be used as a novel natural‐compounds‐derived drug to treat AD patients.
Influence of Water on the Methanation Performance of Mo‐Based Sulfur‐Resistant Catalysts with and without Cobalt Additive
Authors: Wang Haiyang , Lin Can , Li Zhenhua , Wang Baowei , Ma Xinbin
Published: January 2016

The activities of Mo‐based and Co‐containing Mo‐based catalysts for sulfur‐resistant methanation in the presence and the absence of water are compared. When water was added to the Mo‐based catalyst, its methanation activity decreased and the activity could not be recovered even after the water was removed from the system. However, for the Co‐containing Mo‐based catalysts, the formation of Co9S8
improved not only the methanation activity of the catalyst as active sites but also the stability of the catalyst especially in water‐containing hydrogenation. The deactivation of the Mo‐based catalyst in the presence of water is mainly due to reduction of the external acid sites and fewer molybdenum sulfide (MoS2
) stacks. The addition of Co protects the active MoS2
phase, thereby preventing the deactivation of the catalyst in the presence of water.
Enhanced Stability of Hydroxyapatite‐coated Liposomes for Ultrasound‐triggered Drug Release
Authors: Ha Jueng , Cho Sung Keun , Park Eun Seok , Han Kun , Han Hee Dong , Shin Byung Cheol
Published: January 2016

Thermosensitive liposomes (TSLs) have been developed for enhancing drug release in the tumor microenvironment by external stimulations, such as hyperthermia, for cancer chemotherapy. However, the TSL‐induced side effect of the drug on normal cells after intravenous (i.v.) injection is usually found in circulation. Therefore, we developed sterically stabilized TSLs by coating hydroxyapatite (HA) onto the liposomal surface to increase its stability in serum. HA coating on the liposomal surface was achieved via the ionic interaction of calcium acetate with phosphoric acid. The amount of HA coated on the liposomal surface was measured by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectroscopy. In addition, temperature‐sensitive drug release was measured by fluorescence spectrophotometry. The HA‐coated TSL (HA‐TSL) showed lower drug release at body temperature due to the HA coating on the liposomal surface compared to TSL. Moreover, compared with TSL, HA‐TSL showed increased stability in serum, thereby indicating a long circulation time in the body without protein adsorption. Taken together, we demonstrated the use of HA coating on the surface of TSL for enhancing the stability of TSL, and the results indicated the applicability of the method for prolonging the circulation of drugs with carriers within the human body. As a novel and highly effective delivery platform with long circulation in blood streams, HA‐TSL shows great potential for use in a broad range of applications for the treatment of various human diseases.
A Theoretical Reexamination of the π‐Bond Strengths within the SiH2═XHn System
Authors: Chen Jun‐Xian , Liu Dong , Zhang Chang , Li Jun , Zhang Hui , Kim Chan Kyung
Published: January 2016

In this work, we present a calculation of the π‐bond energy in the SiH2

═
XHn
system at the QCISD(T)/6‐311++G(3df,2p) level combined with an isogyric correction, which shows that PSub‐DSSE (partly substituted divalent state stabilization energy) is a reliable methodology for analyzing the properties of doubly bonded species by separating the dissociation and substitution effects on either side of the double bonds. Compared to the π‐bond energies in the CH2

═
XHn
system, those in the SiH2

═
XHn
system have a better linear relationship with the electronegativity of the element X because of the improvement of the correlation coefficient from 0.802 for the former to 0.924 for the latter. This means that there must be another important factor that comes into effect in the CH2

═
XHn
system. Through statistical analysis, the covalence difference between Si and X or C and X was finally selected as a second descriptor to explain the magnitude of the π‐bond energies.
Synthesis of Pyrazolo[4,3‐c]quinolines from Morita–Baylis–Hillman Adducts of 2‐Bromobenzaldehydes
Authors: Yu Jin , Moon Hye Ran , Lim Jin Woo , Kim Jae Nyoung
Published: January 2016

The synthesis of pyrazolo[4,3‐c]quinolines has been carried out from the Morita–Baylis–Hillman bromides of 2‐bromobenzaldehydes and methyl vinyl ketone. The synthesis involved a novel one‐pot preparation of functionalized pyrazoles from α,β‐enones, a one‐pot Cu‐mediated intramolecular N‐arylation, and the elimination of p‐toluenesulfinic acid.
Water Sorption and Hindered Diffusion with Different Chain Stiffness of Superabsorbent Polymer
Authors: Chun Myung‐Suk , Lee Dae‐Young
Published: January 2016

Water sorption and diffusion are essential physicochemical properties of a high‐performance superabsorbent polymer (SAP). We combine the Park model with the obstruction‐scaling model and the water clustering in confined spaces of the polymer hydrogel. Special attention is focused on elucidating the effect of chain stiffness by considering the conformation of the polymer chain. Theoretical model parameters are determined from the best fits by simultaneous nonlinear regressions for both sorption and corrected diffusion data based on previous experiments with poly(acrylamide‐co‐sodium acrylate) hydrogel. Predictions show that the hindered water diffusivity leads to a sigmoid curve with relative humidity aw, where it increases monotonically up to aw ≈ 0.6 due to the swelling but decreases at higher aw caused by water clustering. Water diffusion decreases with increasing chain stiffness, and the larger persistence length provides a smaller opening radius in void spaces regarding the weak elastic deformation of hydrogel under the applied stress.
Electric Field Effect on trans‐p‐Hydroxybenzylideneimidazolidinone: A DFT Study and Implication to Green Fluorescent Protein
Authors: Kang Baotao , Baek Kyung Yup , Lee Jin Yong
Published: January 2016

In the present study, density function theory (DFT) calculations were carried out regarding the electric field effect on the trans‐p‐hydroxybenzylideneimidazolidinone (HBDI), which represents the green fluorescent protein (GFP) chromophore. Structures in the absence or presence of electric fields were fully optimized with the CAM‐B3LYP functional, and the corresponding absorption properties were obtained by the time‐dependent DFT method. It was found that electric field parallel to the x‐axis (
Fx
) has the strongest effect on the charge distribution, and, hence the structure and dipole moment, of the ground state. Furthermore, the absorption energy of the neutral and anionic HBDI monomer was significantly affected by
Fx
.
Terminal Crosslinking of Highly Sulfonated Poly(arylene ether sulfone) Block Copolymers: Synthesis and Properties as Polymer Electrolyte Membranes
Authors: Hwang Jeong‐Mo , Gye Bumjin , Kim Tae‐Hyun
Published: January 2016

Terminally crosslinked, highly sulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) (csPES) block copolymers with a network structure were prepared by heat‐induced crosslinking of the allyl‐terminated telechelic sulfone polymers using a bisazide. The block copolymers in different hydrophilic and hydrophobic compositions were fully characterized by
1H NMR. With their highly sulfonated block copolymer structure and terminally crosslinked network, the crosslinked polymer membranes offered excellent proton conductivity under high and low relative humidity, together with hydrolytic, dimensional, and thermal stability.
Longitudinal Assessment of Peptide Recoveries from a Sample Solution in an Autosampler Vial for Proteomics
Authors: Cho Ha Ra , Park Jun Seo , Wood Troy D. , Choi Yong Seok
Published: January 2016

Relatively few studies on time‐related peptide losses have been reported and previous studies on the differential peptide recovery from a sample solution over a period had limitations. Thus, here, longitudinal peptide losses during sample solution storage in an autosampler vial over 145 h were assessed using nanoliquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. In this study, hydrophilic peptide losses from a solution stored in a vial were observed regardless of materials of vials and the possibility of hydrophobic peptide losses brought by reasons other than hydrophobic peptide adsorption onto vials was found. Additionally, the preparation of a proteomics sample using 0.1% aqueous formic acid solution (0.1% FA) and a polypropylene vial, 0.1% FA and a glass vial, or the aqueous mixture of 5 M urea, 1 M thiourea, and 0.1% FA and a polymethylpentene vial proved to produce the most reliable longitudinal recovery of peptides from a solution stored in a vial.
A Facile Method for the Preparation of Unsymmetrical Ureas Utilizing Zirconium(IV) Chloride
Authors: Lee Anna , Kim Hee‐Kwon , Thompson David H.
Published: January 2016

A facile synthetic method for the preparation of unsymmetrical ureas from amines is described. Carbamoyl imidazole compounds were prepared by the reaction of 1,1‐carbonyldiimidazole with primary or secondary amines, and further activation by treatment with zirconium(IV) chloride to generate the desired urea. This reaction protocol was applied to the synthesis of tri and tetrasubstituted ureas with high yields. This study provides an alternative guideline for the practical preparation of various unsymmetrical ureas.
The Comparative Study on Vapor‐Polymerization and Pressure‐dependent Conductance Behavior in Polypyrrole‐hybridized Membranes
Authors: Hanif Zahid , Lee Seyeong , Arsalani Nasir , Geckeler Kurt E. , Hong Sukwon , Yoon Myung‐Han
Published: January 2016

In this study, commercially available cellulose membranes were hybridized with conjugated polymer via vapor‐phase polymerization using pyrrole and iron chloride as a monomer and oxidant, respectively. The iron (III) chloride layer dip‐coated on the hydrophilic cellulose surface oxidized the vaporized pyrrole monomer leading to the polypyrrole–cellulose hybrid membrane. The conductivity of hybrid membrane was optimized by varying the oxidant concentration and the monomer vapor exposure time. The various surface characterizations of polypyrrole–cellulose hybrid membrane show that the conductive polypyrrole layer was uniformly deposited onto the surface of cellulose fibrous networks unlike the polypyrrole–nylon hybrid membrane prepared in the similar way. The polypyrrole‐incorporated cellulose networks exhibits steeper electrical conductance increase over the vertical pressure than its nylon counterpart. Our result suggests that the polypyrrole–cellulose hybrid membrane can be applicable for a disposable high‐load pressure sensor.
Synthesis and Cytotoxicity Evaluation of New 3‐substituted 4‐(4‐methyloxy phenyl)‐1H‐Pyrrole Derivatives
Authors: Zhan Xiaoping , Lan Lan , Zhang Yuankui , Chen Jian , Zhao Kai , Wang Shuai , Xin Yuxuan , Mao Zhenmin
Published: January 2016

A new series of 3‐substituted 4‐(4‐methyloxy phenyl)‐1H‐pyrrole derivatives were synthesized and biologically evaluated for potential anticancer activity. Fifteen targeted compounds showed high selectivity toward normal cells and cancer cells: that is, all targeted compounds had no obvious cytotoxicity toward normal human cells (HUVEC and NIH/3T3), but some compounds exhibited broad‐spectrum proliferation inhibitory activity against the screened cancer cell lines. Among these pyrrole derivatives, compounds 3b and 3o showed potent anticancer activity against the MG‐63 cell line, with IC50
values of 14.9 and 12.7 μM, respectively. Other pyrrole derivatives also showed promising proliferation inhibitory activity, including compound 3d against A375 (IC50
= 18.6 μM), compound 3f and 3j against MGC80‐3 (IC50
= 19.9 μM), and compound 3o against MGC80‐3 (IC50
= 11.9 μM). Because the developed pyrrole derivatives showed strong anticancer activity and high selectivity, this new series of pyrrole derivatives could be considered as promising lead compounds for further development of potent and safe anticancer agents.
A comprehensive review of the published assays for the quantitation of the immunosuppressant drug mycophenolic acid and its glucuronidated metabolites in biological fluids
Authors: Syed Muzeeb , Srinivas Nuggehally R.
Published: January 2016

Therapeutic use of mycophenolic acid (MPA) is steadily on the rise in combination with other immunosuppressant drugs in transplantation patients. The biotransformation of MPA resulted in the formation of glucuronide metabolites, MPAG and AcMPAG. There are a plethora of assays validated for the analysis of MPA alone or with MPAG/AcMPAG in various biological specimens including plasma/serum, urine, ultrafiltrate, saliva, PBMC, dried blood spots, tissue extract, tumor biopsies and vitreous humor. Based on the need for experimental work, a proper choice of the assay and internal standard may be made using the choices in the literature. While the chemical methods involving high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or LC coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) are popular, enzymatic assays, in spite of their higher bias, have been used for the routine drug monitoring of MPA. The objectives of the present review are: (a) to provide a focused systematic compilation of the HPLC or LC‐MS/MS methods for MPA, MPAG and/or AcMPAG published in the last decade (2005 to current) to enable visual comparison of the methods; (b) to compare and contrast a few enzymatic assays with those of the chemical methods; and (c) to discuss relevant issues/limitations and perspectives on select assays under various subheadings. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Young investigator challenge: MicroRNA‐21/MicroRNA‐126 profiling as a novel tool for the diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma in pleural effusion cytology
Authors: Cappellesso Rocco , Nicolè Lorenzo , Caroccia Brasilina , Guzzardo Vincenza , Ventura Laura , Fassan Matteo , Fassina Ambrogio
Published: January 2016

BACKGROUND

In pleural effusion cytology, the distinction of malignant mesothelioma (MM) from reactive mesothelial cells (RMCs) may be challenging, even with the aid of immunocytochemistry or fluorescence in situ hybridization. It has been demonstrated that several microRNAs (miRNAs) are useful for this purpose in cell lines and histologic samples. In the current study, the authors evaluated the utility of an miRNA‐based classifier as a complement to cytology.

METHODS

Quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction analysis of 15 miRNAs was performed in mesothelial (MET‐5A) and MM (H28 and H2052) cell lines. Significant miRNAs were validated in 51 MM and 40 nonneoplastic pleural histologic samples and then were tested in 29 MM and 24 RMC cytologic specimens. The performance of individual and combined miRNAs was assessed for their ability to differentiate between MM and RMCs.

RESULTS

MiRNA‐19a (MiR‐19a), miR‐19b, miR‐21, miR‐25, and miR‐126 were differentially expressed in cell lines and histologic samples. MiR‐126 was down‐regulated in MM surgical specimens compared with nonneoplastic specimens, whereas all of the other miRNAs were overexpressed. In cytologic specimens, all miRNAs except miR‐25 were confirmed, exhibiting a sensitivity or a specificity higher than the threshold of 0.80, as recommended by the International Mesothelioma Interest Group. The best classifier resulted from the combination of miR‐21 and miR‐126, which achieved 0.86 sensitivity and 0.87 specificity.

CONCLUSIONS

Subject to validation of the current results in further larger studies, miR‐21 and miR‐126 profiling could be an effective and reliable tool for the diagnosis of MM in pleural effusions complementary to cytology evaluation. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2016;124:28‐36. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
An accessible pharmacodynamic transcriptional biomarker for notch target engagement
Authors: Tanis KQ , Podtelezhnikov AA , Blackman SC , Hing J , Railkar RA , Lunceford J , Klappenbach JA , Wei B , Harman A , Camargo LM , Shah S , Finney EM , Hardwick JS , Loboda A , Watters J , Bergstrom DA , Demuth T , Herman GA , Strack PR , Iannone R
Published: January 2016

γ‐Secretase mediates amyloid production in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and oncogenic activity of Notch. γ‐Secretase inhibitors (GSIs) are thus of interest for AD and oncology. A peripheral biomarker of Notch activity would aid determination of the therapeutic window and dosing regimen for GSIs, given toxicities associated with chronic Notch inhibition. This study examined the effects of GSI MK‐0752 on blood and hair follicle transcriptomes in healthy volunteers. The effects of a structurally diverse GSI on rhesus blood and hair follicles were also compared. Significant dose‐related effects of MK‐0752 on transcription were observed in hair follicles, but not blood. The GSI biomarker identified in follicles exhibited 100% accuracy in a clinical test cohort, and was regulated in rhesus by a structurally diverse GSI. This study identified a translatable, accessible pharmacodynamic biomarker of GSI target engagement and provides proof of concept of hair follicle RNA as a translatable biomarker source.
Analysis of tolvaptan and its metabolites in sports drug testing by high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Rzeppa S. , Viet L. N.
Published: January 2016

Tolvaptan is prohibited by the World Anti‐doping Agency (WADA) under class S5 – Diuretics and masking agents. Less than 1% of the administrated dose is excreted by humans in urine. Knowledge concerning the metabolism in humans, and especially the excretion of metabolites in human urine, is limited. An analysis method based on the dilute‐and‐shoot approach using high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC‐MS/MS) for detection was developed and validated. Ion transitions, which are part of this method, can easily be included in already existing screening methods used in routine doping analysis for the detection of diuretics. After administration of a single dose of tolvaptan to one male subject, low concentrations of the drug itself could be detected in urine samples over a time period of 24 h. In addition, hydroxyl metabolites of tolvaptan and one carboxyl metabolite with a cleaved benzazepine ring system were identified. These metabolites showed detection times of up to 150 h. An inclusion of these metabolites in the methods used in doping control analysis seems therefore to be of value. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adverse effects after the use of JWH‐210 – a case series from the EU Spice II plus project
Authors: Hermanns‐Clausen Maren , Kithinji Josephine , Spehl Marco , Angerer Verena , Franz Florian , Eyer Florian , Auwärter Volker
Published: January 2016

Since 2009, more than 140 different synthetic cannabinoids (SC) have been identified in herbal mixtures consumed as recreational drugs. Knowledge of the acute toxicity of each individual compound remains sparse. Here we present a retrospective observational case series of patients presenting to emergency departments with analytically confirmed intake of JWH‐210 as the only SC detected in serum samples. Cases were selected from a poison centre database from March 2011 to June 2014. In total, 22 patients were included (aged 12–25 years, median 17.5; 18 males 4 female). JWH‐210 was identified in the serum samples in concentrations ranging from 0.18 to 90 ng/mL. Tachycardia, nausea, somnolence, hypokalemia, hypertension, restlessness, and/or agitation were most frequently reported. Diplopia, seizures, syncope, and ECG changes such as T‐wave inversion and bradycardia were also noted. Acute adverse effects of JWH‐210 typically include central nervous system depression or cerebral seizures, but also signs of sympathomimetic toxicity. Nausea was reported in 80% and typically shows a sudden onset shortly after inhalation, suggesting a central nervous effect possibly mediated by CB1 receptors. Cardiovascular effects are reported in up to 80% of the patients and might not only include alterations in blood pressure and heart rate, but also changes in the electrocardiogram (ECG). JWH‐210 as a representative of a strong CB1 receptor agonist confirms previous reports about adverse effects of SC, but shows a distinct quantitative pattern of symptoms, compared to several other SC. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Market‐Pricing Idiosyncrasies Present a Twenty‐First‐Century Grid Challenge
Authors: DeCotis Paul A.
Published: January 2016

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has recently issued rules that address the difficulties of assuring reliability over complex grids.
Synorogenic copper mineralization during the Alpine–Himalayan orogeny in the Zafarghand copper exploration district, Central Iran: petrogrography, geochemistry and alteration thermometry
Authors: Aminoroayaei Yamini Maryam , Tutti Faramarz , Haschke Michael , Ahmadian Jamshid , Murata Mamoru
Published: January 2016

The Zafarghand porphyry copper exploration district is located in the NE of Isfahan (Central Iran), about 15 km SW of the city of Ardestan. This area consists of Eocene extrusive and Miocene intrusive rocks. The Eocene (ca. 56 Ma) units include andesites, dacites and rhyodacites spatially associated with pyroclastic materials (ignimbrites and pyroclastic tuff breccias), which are intruded by a Miocene (26–19 Ma) microgranular I‐type granodiorite. The entire igneous complex is intersected by NW–SE to E–W‐trending andesitic and dacitic dykes and N–S‐trending andesitic basalt dykes. Both the Miocene granodiorite and Eocene extrusives have undergone several hydrothermal alteration stages: (i) potassic, (ii) phyllic, (iii) argillic and (iv) propylitic alteration. The geochemical data of these formations are consistent with (i) the modal mineralogy derived from petrographic analysis of the samples and (ii) the regional tectonic setting of the samples having been emplaced in an active subduction‐related continental volcanic arc setting during the Zagros Orogeny. Copper mineralization in the Zafarghand area shows an average grade of 0.4% Cu, 200 ppm Mo, 0.2 ppm Ag and 0.01 g/t Au and a maximum age of 21 Ma, which implies that copper mineralization was synorogenic, coeval with the Alpine–Himalayan orogeny in this region. Copper mineralization occurs as chalcopyrite and bornite minerals as disseminated and stockwork mineralization associated with remobilized late epithermal vein mineralization. Chlorite geothermometry for the potassic and propylitic alteration zones yields a temperature range of 361–471 and 196–266 °C, respectively, which implies copper mineralization in a cooling synorogenic magmatic arc environment. Chlorite grains in these alteration zones indicate a classification of chlorites mainly as ripidolite, pycnochlorite, brunsvigite and diabantite. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimating the prevalence of Parkinson's disease (PD) and proportions of patients with associated dementia and depression among the older adults based on secondary claims data
Authors: Riedel O. , Bitters D. , Amann U. , Garbe E. , Langner I.
Published: January 2016

Objectives

While the epidemiology of Parkinson's disease (PD) has been extensively studied, data on the prevalence of PD among the older adults in Germany are scarce, based on small samples, and limited to primary data designs. This study estimated the PD prevalence among the older adults in Germany in 2006 using secondary data.

Methods

We included 815,573 health insurance members aged ≥65 years from all regions in Germany. PD was identified in case of at least one inpatient or outpatient diagnosis. An outpatient diagnosis had to be confirmed by either a subsequent diagnosis or an antiparkinsonian drug within 12 months. PD was also assumed if a first prescription was confirmed by a diagnosis within 12 months. Cases were checked for a diagnosis of dementia or depression.

Results

The standardized prevalence of PD was 1680 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1644–1716) cases per 100,000 persons. The prevalence increased with age and peaked in the age group of ≥90 years (4633 cases; 95% CI: 4227–5068) with higher rates in men (1729; 95% CI: 1684–1776) than in women (1644; 95% CI: 1593–1697). Dementia and depression occurred in 26.6% (95% CI: 25.8–27.5) and 32.6 (95% CI: 31.7–33.5) of PD cases, respectively.

Conclusions

The age‐related increase of PD prevalence and the age‐specific prevalence estimates are in line with other European studies, stressing the public health relevance related to PD. In addition to the minimization of biases that might occur in primary data studies, further strengths of our findings are the large underlying sample size and the coverage of Germany.
High‐content cell death imaging using quantum dot‐based TIRF microscopy for the determination of anticancer activity against breast cancer stem cell
Authors: Ki Jieun , Shim Yumi , Song Joon Myong
Published: January 2016

We report a two color monitoring of drug‐induced cell deaths using total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) as a novel method to determine anticancer activity. Instead of cancer cells, breast cancer stem cells (CSCs) were directly tested in the present assay to determine the effective concentration (EC50) values of camptothecin and cisplatin. Phosphatidylserine and HMGB1 protein were concurrently detected to observe apoptotic and necrotic cell death induced by anticancer drugs using quantum dot (Qdot)‐antibody conjugates. Only 50‐to‐100 breast CSCs were consumed at each cell chamber due to the high sensitivity of Qdot‐based TIRF. The high sensitivity of Qdot‐based TIRF, that enables the consumption of a small number of cells, is advantageous for cost‐effective large‐scale drug screening. In addition, unlike MTT assay, this approach can provide a more uniform range of EC50 values because the average values of single breast CSCs fluorescence intensities are observed to acquire EC50 values as a function of dose. This research successfully demonstrated the possibility that Qdot‐based TIRF can be widely used as an improved alternative to MTT assay for the determination of anticancer drug efficacies.

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Central composite design with the help of multivariate curve resolution in loadability optimization of RP‐HPLC to scale‐up a binary mixture
Authors: Taheri Mohammadreza , Moazeni‐Pourasil Roudabeh Sadat , Sheikh‐Olia‐Lavasani Majid , Karami Ahmad , Ghassempour Alireza
Published: January 2016

Chromatographic method development for preparative targets is a time‐consuming and subjective process. This can be particularly problematic because of the use of valuable samples for isolation and the large consumption of solvents in preparative scale. These processes could be improved by using statistical computations to save time, solvent and experimental efforts. Thus, contributed by ESI‐MS, after applying DryLab software to gain an overview of the most effective parameters in separation of synthesized celecoxib and its co‐eluted compounds, design of experiment software that relies on multivariate modeling as a chemometric approach was used to predict the optimized touching‐band overloading conditions by objective functions according to the relationship between selectivity and stationary phase properties. The loadability of the method was investigated on the analytical and semi‐preparative scales, and the performance of this chemometric approach was approved by peak shapes beside recovery and purity of products.
A population model for management of Atlantic flyway resident population Canada geese
Authors: Beston Julie A. , Williams Christopher K. , Nichols Theodore C. , Castelli Paul M.
Published: January 2016

Highly abundant resident Canada geese (Branta canadensis) cause property damage throughout their range. Effective reduction and management of these populations requires knowledge of their population dynamics and responses to management actions. We used data from New Jersey, USA, and other resident Canada goose populations to produce stage‐structured matrix models for resident Canada geese from both urban and rural landscapes. We ran stochastic simulations to assess 3 management activities for Atlantic Flyway Resident Population Canada geese: harvest, nest treatment, and cull. Unrealistic harvest rates, in excess of 10% for urban geese, would be needed to reduce the urban population to target levels within 10 years in the absence of other management activities. Nest treatment to prevent hatching is less controversial than culling adults, but as many as 62% of eggs in urban areas would need to be treated annually to sufficiently reduce the mean stochastic population growth rate. Cull would be the most effective way to achieve the population goal, but current cull rates are insufficient to reduce the urban population. Although reduction of urban geese was a challenge, current management activities in rural populations appeared to be sufficient to reduce populations. We also provide a simple spreadsheet tool for managers who want to explore management options for other resident Canada goose populations by inserting relevant vital rate estimates for their populations and manipulating management activities. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.
Developmental changes in the hypothalamic mRNA levels of nucleobindin‐2 (NUCB2) and their sensitivity to fasting in male and female rats
Authors: Iwasa Takeshi , Matsuzaki Toshiya , Tungalagsuvd Altankhuu , Munkhzaya Munkhsaikhan , Yiliyasi Mayila , Kuwahara Akira , Irahara Minoru
Published: January 2016

Nesfatin‐1 is a central anorectic peptide derived from the precursor protein nucleobindin‐2 (NUCB2). In the present study, the changes in hypothalamic NUCB2 mRNA expression and their responses to food deprivation during the neonatal to pre‐pubertal period (postnatal days 10, 20, and 30) were evaluated in male and female rats. The rats' serum leptin levels were also measured because NUCB2 mRNA expression is positively regulated by leptin. In both the female and male rats, hypothalamic NUCB2 mRNA expression tended to fall throughout development. Similarly, higher serum leptin levels were detected on postnatal day 10 than on postnatal days 20 and 30 in both sexes. Hypothalamic NUCB2 mRNA expression was positively correlated with the serum leptin level in both the female and male rats; however, the relationship was not significant in males. The hypothalamic NUCB2 mRNA levels of the fed and 24 h fasted groups did not differ at any time point in either sex. On the other hand, the serum leptin levels of the 24 h fasted group were significantly lower than those of the fed group at all time points in both sexes. It can be speculated that the upregulation of hypothalamic leptin activity might induce a transient increase in hypothalamic NUCB2 mRNA expression during the early postnatal period (postnatal day 10) in both sexes. However, hypothalamic NUCB2 mRNA expression does not become sensitive to a negative energy balance during the neonatal to pre‐pubertal period.
A randomized controlled trial of abdominal binders for the management of postoperative pain and distress after cesarean delivery
Authors: Gillier Christin M. , Sparks Jennifer R. , Kriner Ronald , Anasti James N.
Published: January 2016

Objective

To determine whether abdominal binders effectively control pain and distress after cesarean delivery.

Methods

A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted between April and November, 2014, among women undergoing cesarean delivery (low‐transverse skin incision) at two US hospitals. Participants were randomly allocated to either the abdominal binder or control groups on entry to the operating suite. Masking was not possible. Patients in the abdominal binder group were fitted with a device before leaving the operating room and were encouraged to wear it constantly, although breaks were allowed. The primary outcomes were postoperative distress (measured by the Symptom Distress Scale [SDS]) and pain (measured by a visual analog scale [VAS]). Individuals who asked to be removed from the study within 6 hours of surgery were excluded from analyses.

Results

Analyses included 87 patients in the abdominal binder group and 68 in the control group. The abdominal binder and control groups did not differ in postoperative day 1 VAS (3.1 ± 2.1 vs 3.4 ± 2.3; P = 0.33), postoperative day 2 VAS (3.0 ± 1.9 vs 3.8 ± 2.2; P = 0.16), postoperative day 1 SDS (21.5 ± 5.4 vs 21.8 ± 5.1; P = 0.87), and postoperative day 2 SDS (19.4 ± 4.8 vs 19.9 ± 5.0; P = 0.53).

Conclusion

Postoperative pain and distress scores after cesarean delivery were not affected by abdominal binders.

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02129894
Retracted: Randomized controlled trial of elevation of the fetal head with a fetal pillow during cesarean delivery at full cervical dilatation
Authors: Seal Subrata L. , Dey Alok , Barman Sannyashi C. , Kamilya Gourisankar , Mukherji Joydev , Onwude Joseph L.
Published: January 2016

Objective

To evaluate whether use of the Fetal Pillow (Safe Obstetric Systems, Shenfield, UK) affects maternal and fetal morbidity in cesarean delivery at full cervical dilatation.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial was conducted at two teaching hospitals in West Bengal, India, between April 1, 2013, and March 31, 2014. Women undergoing cesarean delivery at full dilatation were enrolled and randomly assigned with computer‐generated random numbers (block size 10) to undergo delivery with or without the Fetal Pillow. Group assignment was not masked. The primary outcome was the incidence of major uterine wound extensions (grade 2–3).

Results

Overall, 120 women were assigned to each group. Major uterine wound extensions occurred in 6 (5.0%) women in the Fetal Pillow group and 39 (32.5%) in the control group (relative risk 0.23, 95% confidence interval 0.11–0.48).

Conclusion

Use of the Fetal Pillow in second‐stage cesarean delivery significantly reduces the risk of a major extension of the uterine incision.

CTRI registration number: CTRI/2015/03/005651