bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disparities in access to care at high‐volume institutions for uro‐oncologic procedures
Authors: Trinh Quoc‐Dien , Sun Maxine , Sammon Jesse , Bianchi Marco , Sukumar Shyam , Ghani Khurshid R. , Jeong Wooju , Dabaja Ali , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Perrotte Paul , Agarwal Piyush K. , Rogers Craig G. , Peabody James O. , Menon Mani , Karakiewicz Pierre I.
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND:

Socioeconomic status represents an established barrier to health care access. Age, sex, and race may also play a role. The authors examined whether these affect the access to high‐volume hospitals for uro‐oncologic procedures in the United States.

METHODS:

Within the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS), the authors focused on radical prostatectomy (RP), radical cystectomy, and nephrectomy (Nx) performed within the 5 most contemporary years (2003‐2007). Logistic regression models were used to estimate the impact of the primary predictors on the likelihood of receiving care at a high‐volume hospital.

RESULTS:

Between 2003 and 2007, 62,165 RP, 6557 radical cystectomy, and 28,062 Nx cases were recorded within the NIS. Patient age (P = .001), year of surgery (P = .001), Charlson Comorbidity Index (P ≤ .025), median Zip Code income (highest vs lowest quartile, P = .001), and insurance status (private vs Medicare, P = .008) were independent predictors of being treated at high‐volume institutions. Moreover, black race was an independent predictor of decreased utilization of high‐volume institutions for radical cystectomy (P = .012), and female sex was an independent predictor of decreased utilization of high‐volume institutions for Nx (P = .016).

CONCLUSIONS:

On average, old, sick, poor, and Medicare patients were less likely to be treated at high‐volume hospitals for uro‐oncologic surgery. Similarly, black patients were less likely to have a radical cystectomy at a high‐volume hospital, and female patients were less likely to have an Nx at a high‐volume hospital. Selective referral of individuals who are less likely to receive care at such institutions may represent a health care priority intended to optimize outcomes across all population strata. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Arginase‐1: A novel immunohistochemical marker of hepatocellular differentiation in fine needle aspiration cytology
Authors: McKnight Ryan , Nassar Aziza , Cohen Cynthia , Siddiqui Momin T.
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND:

Arginase‐I is a key urea cycle metalloenzyme that has been used as an immunohistochemistry (IHC) marker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Previous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of HepPar‐1 and glypican‐3 (GPC‐3) IHC in liver fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology.

METHODS:

Arginase‐1 IHC was performed on FNA cell blocks, and its performance characteristics were compared with HepPar‐1 and GPC‐3. Ninety‐two formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded cell blocks were selected (HCC [n = 44], cirrhosis [n = 2], focal nodular hyperplasia [n = 3], hepatic adenomas [n = 2], dysplastic nodules [n = 6], and metastatic carcinomas [n = 35]). IHC staining with antibodies directed against arginase‐1, HepPar‐1, and GPC‐3 was performed with appropriate positive and negative controls.

RESULTS:

Arginase‐1 positivity was demonstrated in 37 of 44 (84.1%) cases of HCC, compared with 32 of 44 cases (72.7%) and 25 of 44 cases (56.8%) for HepPar‐1 and GPC‐3, respectively. Arginase‐1 and GPC‐3 expression were not observed in any cases of metastatic carcinoma (0%), whereas HepPar‐1 expression was present in 1 case of metastatic carcinoma. In addition, both arginase‐1 and HepPar‐1 expression were present in all 13 cases (100%) of nonmalignant hepatocellular lesions, whereas GPC‐3 expression was absent in all 13 cases (0%).

CONCLUSION:

This study demonstrates that both arginase‐1 and HepPar‐1 are effective IHC markers of hepatocellular differentiation. Furthermore, arginase‐1 demonstrates superior sensitivity compared with GPC‐3 and HepPar‐1 in the diagnosis of HCC, whereas GPC‐3 demonstrates superior specificity, as staining is not observed in benign hepatocellular lesions. Hence, use of arginase‐1 with HepPar‐1 and GPC‐3 can aid in the diagnosis of HCC and separating from metastatic carcinoma. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Fine‐needle aspiration of intrapancreatic accessory spleen: Cytomorphologic features and differential diagnosis
Authors: Tatsas Armanda D. , Owens Christopher L. , Siddiqui Momin T. , Hruban Ralph H. , Ali Syed Z.
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND:

Intrapancreatic accessory spleen (IPAS) is a rare benign lesion of the pancreas that frequently clinically and radiographically mimics a solid neoplasm. Very rarely, epidermoid cysts may form in IPAS and be mistaken for a cystic neoplasm of the pancreas on radiographic imaging. IPAS and epidermoid cyst involving intrapancreatic cyst (ECIPAS) are benign, and, if recognized, do not require surgical intervention. There are few reports of the cytopathologic features of IPAS diagnosed by fine‐needle aspiration (FNA).

METHODS:

Here we report a series of 6 cases of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)‐guided FNA of IPAS, 3 of which had histological confirmation, including 1 case of histologically confirmed ECIPAS.

RESULTS:

Cytomorphologic features of IPAS include a polymorphous population of hematopoietic cells, including lymphocytes, eosinophils, histiocytes, plasma cells, and red blood cells, admixed with numerous small blood vessels representing splenic sinusoids. CD8 immunostaining of cell block or core biopsy material highlights splenic endothelial cells and confirms the diagnosis. FNA of ECIPAS reveals predominantly macrophages and proteinaceous debris.

CONCLUSIONS:

Diagnostic pitfalls include pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor. If IPAS is recognized as a diagnostic consideration on EUS‐FNA, unnecessary surgical resection may be avoided. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
The Surface Chemistry of Water on Fe(100): A Density Functional Theory Study
Authors: Govender Ashriti , Curulla Ferré Daniel , Niemantsverdriet J. W.
Published: February 2012

The formation of water by hydrogenation of atomic oxygen is studied using density functional theory. Atomic oxygen preferentially adsorbs at the four‐fold hollow site, the hydroxyl group prefers the bridge site in a tilted configuration, and water is most stable when adsorbed at the top site with the two OH bonds parallel to the Fe surface. Water formation by the hydrogenation of oxygen is a highly activated process on the Fe(100) surface, with similar activation energies, in the order of 1.1 eV, for the first and second hydrogen additions. A more favourable route for the addition of the second hydrogen atom involves the disproportionation of hydroxyl groups to form water and adsorbed oxygen. Dissociation of the OH is also likely since the activation energy is similar to that for disproportionation of 0.65 eV. Furthermore, the results show that the dissociation of water on Fe(100) is a non‐activated process: 0.16 eV for the zero‐coverage limit and 0.03 eV when surface oxygen is present. Herein, adsorption energies, structures and vibrational frequencies are presented for several adsorption states at 0.25 ML coverage, as well as the potential energy surface for water formation on Fe(100).
Structure–Property Relationships in Ionic Liquids: A Study of the Anion Dependence in Vaporization Enthalpies of Imidazolium‐Based Ionic Liquids
Authors: Zaitsau Dzmitry H. , Fumino Koichi , Emel'yanenko Vladimir N. , Yermalayeu Andrei V. , Ludwig Ralf , Verevkin Sergey P.
Published: February 2012

Vaporization enthalpies for a series of ionic liquids (ILs) with the common cation 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium [C2mim] and different counter anions are determined using a quartz crystal microbalance method. Dependences of vaporization enthalpies on physicochemical parameters specific for cation and anion interactions are revealed. A linear relation between enthalpies of vaporization and the intermolecular vibrational frequencies is observed and suggested for calculation of unknown ILs. A simple group‐contribution method is developed for prediction of vaporization enthalpies of alkyl imidazolium‐based ILs.
Application of the Sol–Gel Technique to Develop Synthetic Calcium‐Based Sorbents with Excellent Carbon Dioxide Capture Characteristics
Authors: Broda Marcin , Kierzkowska Agnieszka M. , Müller Christoph R.
Published: February 2012

An option for reducing the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere is the implementation of CO2 capture and storage (CCS) technologies. However, the costs associated with capturing CO2 by using the currently available technology of amine scrubbing are very high. An emerging second‐generation CO2 capture technology is the use of calcium‐based sorbents, which exploit the carbonation and calcination reactions of CaO, namely, CaO+CO2↔CaCO3. Naturally occurring Ca‐based sorbents are inexpensive, but show a very rapid decay of CO2 uptake capacity with cycle number. Here, we report the development of synthetic Ca‐based CO2 sorbents using a sol–gel technique. Using this technique, we are able to synthesize a nanostructured material that possesses a high surface area and pore volume and shows excellent CO2 capture characteristics over many cycles. Furthermore, we are able to establish a clear relationship between the structure of the sorbent and its performance. After 30 cycles of calcination and carbonation, the best material possessed a CO2 uptake capacity of 0.51 g of CO2 per gram of sorbent; a value that is about 250 % higher than that for naturally occurring Havelock limestone.
Increased divergence but reduced variation on the Z chromosome relative to autosomes in Ficedula flycatchers: differential introgression or the faster‐Z effect?
Authors: Hogner Silje , Sæther Stein A. , Borge Thomas , Bruvik Torbjørn , Johnsen Arild , Sætre Glenn‐Peter
Published: February 2012

Recent multilocus studies of congeneric birds have shown a pattern of elevated interspecific divergence on the Z chromosome compared to the autosomes. In contrast, intraspecifically, birds exhibit less polymorphism on the Z chromosome relative to the autosomes. We show that the four black‐and‐white Ficedula flycatcher species show greater genetic divergence on the Z chromosome than on the autosomes, and that the ratios of intraspecific polymorphism at Z‐linked versus autosomal markers are below the neutral expectation of 75%. In all species pairs, we found more fixed substitutions and fewer shared polymorphisms on the Z chromosome than on the autosomes. Finally, using isolation with migration (IMa) models we estimated gene flow among the four closely related flycatcher species. The results suggest that different pattern of evolution of Z chromosomes and autosomes is best explained by the faster‐Z hypothesis, since the estimated long‐term gene flow parameters were close to zero in all comparisons.
Phomopsinones A–D: Four New Pyrenocines from Endophytic Fungus Phomopsis sp.
Authors: Hussain Hidayat , Krohn Karsten , Ahmed Ishtiaq , Draeger Siegfried , Schulz Barbara , Di Pietro Sebastiano , Pescitelli Gennaro
Published: February 2012

The structural elucidation of the compounds isolated from the endophytic Phomopsis sp. revealed phomopsinones A–D (1–4), four new α‐pyrone derivatives. Three known compounds were also isolated, namely two phomosines, phomosine A (5) and phomosine C (6), and ergosterol (7). The structures of these compounds were determined by spectroscopic analysis (1H, 13C, 1H–1H COSY, HMQC, HMBC, and ROESY NMR, and mass spectrometry), supported by molecular modeling. The absolute configurations of the new compounds 1–4 were determined by circular dichroism spectroscopy and TDDFT calculations. Preliminary studies indicated that compounds 1 and 4 show strong and good antifungal activity, respectively. Similarly, compounds 2 and 3 showed good antifungal and moderate antibacterial activities as well as antialgal activities.
Hedgehog‐EGFR cooperation response genes determine the oncogenic phenotype of basal cell carcinoma and tumour‐initiating pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Eberl Markus , Klingler Stefan , Mangelberger Doris , Loipetzberger Andrea , Damhofer Helene , Zoidl Kerstin , Schnidar Harald , Hache Hendrik , Bauer Hans‐Christian , Solca Flavio , Hauser‐Kronberger Cornelia , Ermilov Alexandre N. , Verhaegen Monique E. , Bichakjian Christopher K. , Dlugosz Andrzej A. , Nietfeld Wilfried , Sibilia Maria , Lehrach Hans , Wierling Christoph , Aberger Fritz
Published: February 2012

Inhibition of Hedgehog (HH)/GLI signalling in cancer is a promising therapeutic approach. Interactions between HH/GLI and other oncogenic pathways affect the strength and tumourigenicity of HH/GLI. Cooperation of HH/GLI with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signalling promotes transformation and cancer cell proliferation in vitro. However, the in vivo relevance of HH‐EGFR signal integration and the critical downstream mediators are largely undefined. In this report we show that genetic and pharmacologic inhibition of EGFR signalling reduces tumour growth in mouse models of HH/GLI driven basal cell carcinoma (BCC). We describe HH‐EGFR cooperation response genes including SOX2, SOX9, JUN, CXCR4 and FGF19 that are synergistically activated by HH‐EGFR signal integration and required for in vivo growth of BCC cells and tumour‐initiating pancreatic cancer cells. The data validate EGFR signalling as drug target in HH/GLI driven cancers and shed light on the molecular processes controlled by HH‐EGFR signal cooperation, providing new therapeutic strategies based on combined targeting of HH‐EGFR signalling and selected downstream target genes.
Internal tumor burden in neurofibromatosis Type I patients with large NF1 deletions
Authors: Kluwe Lan , Nguyen Rosa , Vogt Julia , Bengesser Kathrin , Mussotter Tanja , Friedrich Reinhard E. , Jett Kimberly , Kehrer‐Sawatzki Hildegard , Mautner Victor‐Felix
Published: February 2012

Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) is a frequent tumor suppressor gene disorder characterized by multiple benign tumors and high risk of malignancy. Internal tumor burden is a major disease‐associated manifestation and can be most adequately assessed by magnetic resonance imaging of the whole body. Approximately 5% of NF1 patients have constitutional large NF1‐deletions that are generally associated with more severe clinical manifestations. Here, we investigated whether these deletion patients also have more and/or larger internal tumors by assessing internal tumors and their total volume (exclusive of cutaneous and subcutaneous) in 38 NF1 deletion patients (including eight mosaic cases) and 114 age‐ and gender‐matched NF1 patients without deletions. The incidence of internal tumors was significantly lower in mosaic deletion patients (1/8 = 13%) but did not differ between the 30 nonmosaic deletion patients and the 90 age‐ and gender‐matched NF1 patients without large deletions used as controls. Neither the number nor the total volume of tumors per patient differed significantly between the latter two groups. However, extremely high tumor burden (>3,000 ml) was significantly more frequent among nonmosaic NF1 deletion patients than among NF1 patients without large deletions (13% vs. 1%, P = 0.014). Thus, as a group, patients with NF1 deletions do not exhibit a significantly higher internal tumor burden than NF1 patients without such deletions. However, deletion patients can frequently have extremely large internal tumors and thus demand special attention. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Iron homeostasis in astrocytes and microglia is differentially regulated by TNF‐α and TGF‐β1
Authors: Rathore Khizr I. , Redensek Adriana , David Samuel
Published: February 2012

Abnormal iron homeostasis is increasingly thought to contribute to the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative disorders. We have previously reported impaired iron homeostasis in a mouse model of spinal cord injury and in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Both these disorders are associated with CNS inflammation. However, what effect inflammation, and in particular, inflammatory cytokines have on iron homeostasis in CNS glia remains largely unknown. Here we report that the proinflammatory cytokine TNF‐α, and the anti‐inflammatory cytokine TGF‐β1 affect iron homeostasis in astrocytes and microglia in distinct ways. Treatment of astrocytes in vitro with TNF‐α induced the expression of the iron importer “divalent iron transporter 1” (DMT1) and suppressed the expression of the iron exporter ferroportin (FPN). However, TGF‐β1 had no effect on DMT1 expression but increased the expression of FPN in astrocytes. In microglia, on the other hand, both cytokines caused induction of DMT1 and suppression of FPN expression. Iron influx and efflux assays in vitro confirmed that iron homeostasis in astrocytes and microglia is differentially regulated by these cytokines. In particular, TNF‐α caused an increase in iron uptake and retention by both astrocytes and microglia, while TGF‐β1 promoted iron efflux from astrocytes but caused iron retention in microglia. These data suggest that these two cytokines, which are expressed in CNS inflammation in injury and disease, can have profound and divergent effects on iron homeostasis in astrocytes and microglia. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Net costs of dementia in Sweden – An Incidence Based 10 Year Simulation Study
Authors: Sköldunger Anders , Wimo Anders , Johnell Kristina
Published: February 2012

Background

Aging of the population results in increasing number people suffering from dementia, and this will have a great impact on costs for the society. Because of the long duration of dementia disorders, it is difficult to collect empirical data for the whole survival period of incident cases. Therefore, modeling approaches are frequently used. The purpose of this study was to describe the costs of an incident dementia cohort with progression modeling.

Methods

Epidemiological data indicated that the incidence of dementia in Sweden was 24,000 people in 2005. Thus, incident cases were run in a Markov model for 10 cycles of 1 year each. Severity state specific costs were used and defined by Clinical Dementia Rating scale.

Results

Total cost for the cohort was 27.24 billion Swedish Krona (SEK). The mean cost per person and year was 269,558 SEK. Total cost for long‐term institutional care was 21 billion SEK during the modeled period.

Conclusion

Cost of long‐term institutional care is the major cost driver, even in mild dementia. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exploring biological electron transfer pathway dynamics with the Pathways Plugin for VMD
Authors: Balabin Ilya A. , Hu Xiangqian , Beratan David N.
Published: February 2012

We describe the new Pathways plugin for the molecular visualization program visual molecular dynamics. The plugin identifies and visualizes tunneling pathways and pathway families in biomolecules, and calculates relative electronic couplings. The plugin includes unique features to estimate the importance of individual atoms for mediating the coupling, to analyze the coupling sensitivity to thermal motion, and to visualize pathway fluctuations. The Pathways plugin is open source software distributed under the terms of the GNU's Not Unix (GNU) public license. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
LANGUAGE AND HUMAN NATURE:KURT GOLDSTEIN'S NEUROLINGUISTIC FOUNDATION OF A HOLISTIC PHILOSOPHY
Authors: LUDWIG DAVID
Published: February 2012

Holism in interwar Germany provides an excellent example for social and political influences on scientific developments. Deeply impressed by the ubiquitous invocation of a cultural crisis, biologists, physicians, and psychologists presented holistic accounts as an alternative to the “mechanistic worldview” of the nineteenth century. Although the ideological background of these accounts is often blatantly obvious, many holistic scientists did not content themselves with a general opposition to a mechanistic worldview but aimed at a rational foundation of their holistic projects. This article will discuss the work of Kurt Goldstein, who is known for both his groundbreaking contributions to neuropsychology and his holistic philosophy of human nature. By focusing on Goldstein's neurolinguistic research, I want to reconstruct the empirical foundations of his holistic program without ignoring its cultural background. In this sense, Goldstein's work provides a case study for the formation of a scientific theory through the complex interplay between specific empirical evidences and the general cultural developments of the Weimar Republic.
The impact of summer temperature changes on vegetation development in Ireland during the Weichselian Lateglacial Interstadial
Authors: van Asch Nelleke , Hoek Wim Z.
Published: February 2012

We analysed pollen from a sediment core from Fiddaun, a small Lateglacial lake basin in western Ireland. Results reflect the general Lateglacial vegetation development in Ireland, as reconstructed from other pollen records. The Fiddaun diagram shows a number of short‐lived regressive vegetation phases during the Interstadial. The close similarity between two pollen records from the same region (Fiddaun and Lurga) indicates that these fluctuations probably reflect regional rather than local changes. Comparison with a previously published climate reconstruction, based on a chironomid‐inferred mean July air temperature reconstruction, lithology, and oxygen and carbon isotopes of lake marl from the Fiddaun record, allowed us to establish the relationship between summer temperature and vegetation changes. Results reveal that two temporary regressive shifts in the pollen record correspond to cold oscillations, which have been correlated to Greenland Interstadial 1b and 1d. It seems that the first cold oscillation (GI‐1d) had the most distinct effect on vegetation in Ireland. In contrast, it appears that the transition fromJuniperusshrubland andEmpetrumheath to grassland, which is estimated at ∼13.7 ka BP, was not caused by decreasing summer temperatures, as no substantial change is observed in the climate proxies. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ancillary information improves kriging on soil organic carbon data for a typical karst peak cluster depression landscape
Authors: Zhang Wei , Wang Kelin , Chen Hongsong , He Xunyang , Zhang Jiguang
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND: Soil carbon management at landscape scale requires reliable information on the spatial distribution of soil organic carbon (SOC). However, how to improve the accuracy of spatial prediction is not well addressed in the karst region of southwestern China. This study evaluates the performance of univariate kriging (ordinary kriging (OK)) and hybrid kriging (co‐kriging (CK), regression kriging (RK) and residual maximum likelihood (REML)) in mapping the spatial distribution of SOC at a depth of 0–15 cm. Terrain attributes and the normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) were used as ancillary variables.

RESULTS: The distribution of SOC was significantly related to NDVI and terrain attributes. Furthermore, geostatistical analyses reflected a moderately structured spatial correlation of SOC. Regression analyses identified the NDVI and slope as the best predictors for describing the spatial pattern of SOC. Combined with NDVI and slope gradient, REML and RK performed better in increasing map prediction accuracy and decreasing the soothing effect of kriging.

CONCLUSION: The spatial pattern of SOC was controlled by topography and cultivation activity. The predictive abilities of OK and CK were limited. Combined with the auxiliary variables, REML and RK can improve the prediction accuracy. This study is beneficial for the further research of precise SOC management in the typical karst landscape. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
High dose stereotactic body radiotherapy using three fractions for colorectal oligometastases
Authors: Bae Sun Hyun , Kim Mi‐Sook , Cho Chul Koo , Kang Jin‐Kyu , Kang Hye Jin , Kim Young Han , Shin Ui‐Sup , Moon Sun Mi , Lee Dong Han
Published: February 2012

Background and Objectives

This study evaluated the treatment result of high dose stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for colorectal oligometastases.

Methods

Between 2003 and 2009, 41 patients with 50 lesions confined to one organ from colorectal cancer (CRC) and treated with high dose SBRT ≥45 Gy were retrospectively reviewed. Lymph nodes (LNs) (18 patients) were the most frequent sites followed in order by lung (12) and liver (11). SBRT doses ranged from 45 to 60 Gy in three fractions (median 48 Gy). The cumulative gross tumor volume (GTV) ranged from 2 to 123 ml (median 13 ml).

Results

The median follow‐up period from the SBRT date was 28 months (range, 6–65 months). The 3‐year local control and overall survival rates were 64 and 60%, and the respective 5‐year rates were 57 and 38%. Cumulative GTV and SBRT dose were statistically significant prognostic factors for local control. The grade 3 or 4 complications occurred in three patients (7%).

Conclusions

High dose SBRT for colorectal oligometastases was found to produce results comparable with surgical series. To improve local control, dose higher than 48 Gy are recommend when possible, but further study will be required to define the optimal normal tissue constraints and acceptable toxicity. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:138–143. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Adjuvant chemotherapy decreases and postpones distant metastasis in extremity stage IIB/III synovial sarcoma patients
Authors: Chen Yong , Yang Yun , Wang Chunmeng , Shi Yingqiang
Published: February 2012

Background and Objectives

The role of adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) in treatment of synovial sarcoma remains controversial. Aim of our study is to investigate the influence of AC on disease‐specific survival and metastasis free survival, the difference in time to metastasis (TTM) was also analyzed.

Materials and Methods

Seventy‐six cases of stage IIB/III synovial sarcoma from January 1993 to December 2008 were retrospectively analyzed. All the 76 patients were treated with surgical resection. AC regimen included first line MAID or AIM, second line Gemcitabine + Docetaxel with sufficient dose intensity. The clinical, pathologic, and treatment variables were analyzed for disease specific survival (DSS), metastasis free survival (MFS) and TTM.

Results

Median follow up period was 68 months. 51 patients received AC (51/76, 67%), 25 received no adjuvant chemotherapy (NAC, 25/76, 33%). The 5‐year DSS of the AC patients was 73%(58–87%) compared with 31%(19–52%) for the NAC patients (P = 0.001). AC was also independently associated with improved MFS (P = 0.008) and prolonged TTM (P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Patients with stage IIB/III synovial sarcoma might benefit in DSS, MFS, and a prolonged TTM from AC. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:162–168. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Predictive index for lymph node management of major salivary gland cancer
Authors: Wang Yu‐Long , Li Duan‐Shu , Gan Hua‐Lei , Lu Zhong‐Wu , Li Hui , Zhu Guo‐Pei , Huang Cai‐Ping , Zhu Yong‐Xue , Chen Tong‐Zhen , Wang Yu , Sun Guo‐Hua , Wang Zhuo‐Ying , Shen Qiang , Wu Yi , Ji Qing‐Hai
Published: February 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To find the risk factors of lymph node (LN) metastasis of salivary gland cancer and draw a scheme for LN management.

Study Design:

Hospital‐based retrospective study.

Methods:

The records of salivary gland cancer patients treated at the Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Hospital, Fudan University, were entered in a database, and 219 consecutive patients with carcinomas of major salivary glands primarily operated on between January 1998 and January 2011 were chosen for univariate and multivariate analysis to identify risk factors for LN involvement.

Results:

Fifty‐eight (26.5%) patients had LN involvement. Factors associated with cervical LN involvement on univariate analysis included pathologic type, male sex, shorter duration of preoperative course, facial paralysis, advanced T stage, and major nerve, soft tissue, lymphatic/vascular (L/V), neural/perineural, and extracapsular invasion. Multivariate analysis identified major nerve invasion, histologic type, L/V invasion, and extracapsular invasion as significant factors for LN involvement. The proportion of patients with LN involvement with low (105), middle (61), high (34), and super high (19) predictive index scores based on the four risk factors were 3.8%, 27.9%, 55.9%, and 94.7%, respectively.

Conclusions:

A predictive index using the clinicopathologic factors described in this report can effectively stratify patients into risk groups for nodal metastasis. Comprehensive management based on this risk index should improve treatment outcomes for patients with salivary gland cancer.
Pulmonary complications after major head and neck surgery: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Petrar Steven , Bartlett Clark , Hart Robert D. , MacDougall Peter
Published: February 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) following head and neck surgery are common. Patients undergoing tracheostomy, free tissue transfer reconstruction, and postoperative ventilation in an intensive care unit (ICU) have a high incidence of PPCs. We sought to define the incidence of PPCs in this cohort and to determine what factors PPCs correlate with.

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods:

Following institutional research ethics board approval, a retrospective review of patients undergoing major head and neck surgery at a Canadian tertiary care center was conducted. The development of PPCs was the outcome of interest. Quality assurance parameters including ICU and hospital lengths of stay, and mortality were also recorded.

Results:

There were 105 patients enrolled, of which 47 (44.8%) sustained one or more PPCs. The most frequent PPC was respiratory failure, accounting for 39 of 94 PPCs observed. Hypertension was the only comorbidity that correlated with development of a PPC (P = .031). Those who sustained PPCs were older than those who did not (median age, 65.6 vs. 58.7 years; P = .005). Development of PPCs correlated with longer ICU and hospital stays. There was increased mortality among patients with PPCs compared to those without (12.8% vs. 1.7%, P = .04).

Conclusions:

Patients undergoing major head and neck surgery are at high risk of PPCs. Advanced age and hypertension significantly correlated with PPCs. PPCs correlate with prolonged ICU and hospital stays, and increased mortality. Further research is needed to define risk factors, useful investigations, and effective optimization strategies to mitigate PPCs.
New technology applications: Knotless barbed suture for tracheal resection anastomosis
Authors: Bush Carrie M. , Prosser John D. , Morrison Michele P. , Sandhu Guri , Wenger Karl H. , Pashley David H. , Birchall Martin A. , Postma Gregory N. , Weinberger Paul M.
Published: February 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Tracheal resection anastomoses are often under tension and can be technically challenging. New suture materials such as V‐loc (barbed, knotless wound closure device) may offer advantages over conventional methods. The objective of this study is to determine if a running V‐loc suture is of comparable tensile strength to conventional closure.

Study Design:

Laboratory based study of human cadaveric tissue.

Methods:

Fresh human cadaveric tracheas were dissected and incised into segments. Anastomosis of adjacent segments was then performed with either submucosal interrupted 3‐0 Vicryl, or a running submucosal 3‐0 V‐loc suture. Anastomosed specimens were stretched to failure on an Instron force tension machine. Surgeon satisfaction was recorded by visual analog scale (VAS).

Results:

The tensile strength of 12 tracheal anastomoses was tested. Video documentation of V‐loc suture technique and anastomosis failure was recorded. In both Vicryl (80%) and V‐loc (100%) anastomoses, failure occurred at the membranous intercartilaginous region. In 20% of the Vicryl anastomoses, the suture was noted to break prior to tissue failure. Anastomoses with V‐loc suture had equivalent failure force (mean, 59 N) compared to interrupted Vicryl (51 N), with P = .57. On VAS, surgeons were more satisfied with V‐loc suture closure compared to interrupted Vicryl closure (paired t test, P = .003).

Conclusions:

Tracheal anastomosis with running v‐loc suture is a feasible alternative to conventional closure with interrupted Vicryl suture. V‐loc suture provided a surgical advantage by improved ease of use.
Bevacizumab nasal spray: Noninvasive treatment of epistaxis in patients with rendu‐osler disease
Authors: Guldmann Romain , Dupret Agnes , Nivoix Yasmine , Schultz Philippe , Debry Christian
Published: February 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of bevacizumab administered at a concentration of 50 mg as an intranasal spray in the treatment of epistaxis in patients suffering from Rendu‐Osler disease.

Study Design:

Prospective.

Methods:

A preliminary, prospective, review board‐approved study was conducted on six patients with Rendu‐Osler disease who received 10 treatment courses of 50 mg bevacizumab. Monthly follow‐up was based on the epistaxis severity score (ESS), with adverse effects being reported.

Results:

Ten treatment courses were administered to six patients, with a mean follow‐up period of 2.8 months. A statistically significant decrease in mean ESS was observed at 1 month (P < .001) and 2 months (P < .005), whereas a nonsignificant decrease was found at 3 months (P = .07). A nonsignificant decline in mean ESS was detected at 1 month in patients with ESS ≥7 at baseline. No adverse effects were reported.

Conclusions:

The intranasal spray application of 50 mg bevacizumab was found to be an effective symptomatic treatment over a period of 2 months for patients with a pretreatment ESS of <7, with no adverse effects being noted.
Will a crushed concha bullosa form again?
Authors: Tanyeri Hasan , Aksoy Elif Ayanoglu , Serin Gediz Murat , Polat Senol , Türk Ali , Ünal Ömer Faruk
Published: February 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

This study endoscopically and radiologically evaluated whether a surgically crushed concha bullosa (CB) can form again.

Study Design:

Prospective study.

Methods:

This study included 14 adults who underwent CB surgery between March 2010 and February 2011. The middle turbinate was examined endoscopically and classified pre‐ and postoperatively into four groups according to size. The CB volume of all patients was measured using pre‐ and postoperative paranasal sinus computed tomography (CT). The pre‐ and postoperative measurements were compared using the paired t test.

Results:

This study included 22 CB in 11 men and 3 women with a mean age of 35.85 (range, 20–47) years. The mean follow‐up period was 4.42 (range, 2–10) months. The middle turbinates were significantly smaller postoperatively (P < .0005), as was the CB volume measured using paranasal sinus CT (P < .0005).

Conclusions:

The CB crushing technique is an easy, conservative treatment modality. As the CB does not appear to reform after crushing, this technique can be considered a definitive treatment. Nevertheless, these patients should be followed for the long term.
Isolation of a novel Saccharophagus species (Myt‐1) capable of degrading a variety of seaweeds and polysaccharides
Authors: Sakatoku A. , Wakabayashi M. , Tanaka Y. , Tanaka D. , Nakamura S.
Published: February 2012

A bacterial strain, Myt‐1, was isolated in Toyama Bay in Toyama Prefecture, Japan. Myt‐1 was capable of reducing the thalli of various seaweed species to single cell detritus particles. A 16S rDNA homology search revealed that the closest relative of Myt‐1 was Saccharophagus degradans 2–40 (CP000282; 100% similarity), which was first isolated in Chesapeake Bay in Virginia, USA. The Myt‐1 strain was capable of degrading more than 10 polysaccharides, almost all of which were also degraded by S. degradans 2–40. Analyses of alginase gene DNA sequence homology, DNA–DNA homology, and zymogram analysis of obtained polysaccharidases suggested that Myt‐1 was a new species of Saccharophagus. Thus, Myt‐1 is only the second species in this genus, which has contained only one strain and species since 1988, and was tentatively designated Saccharophagus sp. Myt‐1. Myt‐1 has considerable potential for reducing the volume of seaweed wastes, and for producing functional materials from seaweed substrate.
Super‐resolution methods in MRI: Can they improve the trade‐off between resolution, signal‐to‐noise ratio, and acquisition time?
Authors: Plenge Esben , Poot Dirk H. J. , Bernsen Monique , Kotek Gyula , Houston Gavin , Wielopolski Piotr , van der Weerd Louise , Niessen Wiro J. , Meijering Erik
Published: February 2012

Improving the resolution in magnetic resonance imaging comes at the cost of either lower signal‐to‐noise ratio, longer acquisition time or both. This study investigates whether so‐called super‐resolution reconstruction methods can increase the resolution in the slice selection direction and, as such, are a viable alternative to direct high‐resolution acquisition in terms of the signal‐to‐noise ratio and acquisition time trade‐offs. The performance of six super‐resolution reconstruction methods and direct high‐resolution acquisitions was compared with respect to these trade‐offs. The methods are based on iterative back‐projection, algebraic reconstruction, and regularized least squares. The algorithms were applied to low‐resolution data sets within which the images were rotated relative to each other. Quantitative experiments involved a computational phantom and a physical phantom containing structures of known dimensions. To visually validate the quantitative evaluations, qualitative experiments were performed, in which images of three different subjects (a phantom, an ex vivo rat knee, and a postmortem mouse) were acquired with different magnetic resonance imaging scanners. The results show that super‐resolution reconstruction can indeed improve the resolution, signal‐to‐noise ratio and acquisition time trade‐offs compared with direct high‐resolution acquisition. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influence of foot orientation on the appearance and quantification of 1H magnetic resonance muscle spectra obtained from the soleus and the vastus lateralis
Authors: Marjańska Małgorzata , Eberly Lynn E. , Adriany Gregor , Verdoliva Sarah N. , Garwood Michael , Chow Lisa
Published: February 2012

Muscle 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy noninvasively measures intramyocellular lipid levels, which correlate with obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. The appearance of muscle magnetic resonance spectra is influenced by bulk magnetic susceptibility and residual dipolar couplings which depend on the angle between the muscle fibers and the main magnetic field. This study used a 4 T magnet to examine the influence of foot orientation on the appearance and quantification of muscle magnetic resonance spectra from the soleus and the vastus lateralis. For each individual, intramyocellular lipid, extramyocellular lipid, and creatine concentrations were quantified in the soleus and the vastus lateralis during one session. Foot orientation was found to influence the appearance of muscle spectra from the soleus but not from the vastus lateralis. It was concluded that quantifying intramyocellular lipid by the standard LCModel using a water reference may be more appropriate than using a creatine reference in the presence of residual dipolar couplings. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nyström methods and extrapolation for solving Steklov eigensolutions and its application in elasticity
Authors: Cheng Pan , Huang Jin , Wang Zhu
Published: February 2012

Based on potential theory, Steklov eigensolutions of elastic problems can be converted into eigenvalue problems of boundary integral equations (BIEs). The kernels of these BIEs are characterized by logarithmic and Hilbert singularities. In this article, the Nyström methods are presented for obtaining eigensolutions (λ(i),u(i)), which have to deal with the two kinds of singularities simultaneously. The solutions possess high accuracy orders O(h3) and an asymptotic error expansion with odd powers. Using h3 ‐Richardson extrapolation algorithms, we can greatly improve the accuracy orders to O(h5). Furthermore, a generalized Fourier series is constructed by the eigensolutions, and then solving the elasticity displacement and traction problems involves just calculating the coefficients of the series. A class of elasticity problems with boundary Γ is solved with high convergence rate O(h5). The efficiency is illustrated by a numerical example. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 2012
POLICY TRANSFER IN IMMATURE POLICY ENVIRONMENTS: MOTIVES, SCOPE, ROLE MODELS AND AGENTS
Authors: Randma‐Liiv Tiina , Kruusenberg Riin
Published: February 2012

The present study aims to contribute to the existing policy transfer research by examining the immature policy environments of post‐communist countries. To determine the main factors explaining the process of policy transfer, the establishment of probation systems in Estonia and Latvia is analyzed by applying a comparative case study design. The study demonstrates that timing is an important variable in the policy transfer in a transitional setting. A transitional context in itself is likely to lead to policy transfer because of urgent decision‐making needs, a shortage of domestic expertise and of financial resources. The process of policy transfer can be characterized as quite fortuitous: the choice of role models is limited to the existing or first contacts with foreign partners who are able to provide financial assistance. Improvement of administrative capacity is seen as a key factor in the shift from haphazard policy copying to responsible policy transfer. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrical transport properties of the composite of multiwall carbon nanotube–polypyrrole–polyvinyl alcohol below room temperature
Authors: Chakraborty Goutam , Gupta Kajal , Rana Dipak , Meikap Ajit Kumar
Published: February 2012

We have investigated electrical transport properties of the composite of multiwall carbon nanotubes–polypyrrole–polyvinyl alcohol. Samples are prepared in an in situ chemical oxidative method and they are characterized by X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscope to understand their structure and morphology, respectively. Mechanism of electrical transport is done below room temperature (77–300 K) in presence and absence of magnetic field up to 1 T. Samples are following both one dimensional Mott's variable range hopping and tunneling theory. Forward interference model is used to explain the mechanism of magnetic field dependent conductivity. The real part of AC conductivity follows universal dielectric response σ′ (f) ∞ fS. The universal dielectric response parameter s varies with temperature according to correlated barrier hopping model. The variation of real part of complex impedance with frequency can be described in terms of Maxwell Wagner effect. The positive variation of AC conductivity can be explained in terms of grain and grain boundary contribution of the samples. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Relationship between molecular structure and nucleation of benzylidene acetals in isotactic polypropylene
Authors: Zhou Jun , Xin Zhong
Published: February 2012

Relationship between molecular structure and nucleation of benzylidene acetals in isotactic polypropylene was investigated by differential scanning calorimeter and two‐dimensional correlative infrared spectra. The results indicated that benzylidene acetals can dissolve into isotactic polypropylene at high temperature and form nuclei to induce the crystallization of isotactic polypropylene at low temperature. The solubility of benzylidene acetals depend on the number of hydroxyl, but the nucleation of benzylidene acetals depend on the number of benzylidene, which could interact with methyl of isotactic polypropylene. The latter intermolecular interaction makes the infrared absorbance of methyl change before that of skeleton C‐C and methine of isotactic polypropylene in the induction period of crystallization. The order is opposite in the induction period of crystallization of virgin isotactic polypropylene. Then, new efficient nucleating agents for isotactic polypropylene can be designed by changing the number of hydroxyl and benzylidene of benzylidene acetals. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
The effect of dispersants on the tensile properties of carbon nanotube/vinyl ester composites
Authors: Yang Jingting , Loos Marcio R. , Feke Donald L. , Manas‐Zloczower Ica
Published: February 2012

The effects of eight different dispersants on the stability of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in vinyl ester (VE) resin systems have been systematically analyzed. Suspensions incorporating different amounts of dispersants relative to the concentration of MWCNTs in the VE have been prepared. The resistance to sedimentation of MWCNTs in the resin was investigated by using a centrifugation technique. One dispersing agent (B60H) was found to impart long‐term stability to suspensions of MWCNTs in VE. VE‐based composites reinforced with MWCNTs were prepared using different amounts of the dispersing agent. Tensile tests were performed to analyze the effect of different concentrations of MWCNTs and the use of the dispersing agent in the composites. Fracture surfaces of VE nanocomposites have been analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to elucidate the reinforcing effect of the CNTs. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
A Hoxb13‐driven reverse tetracycline transactivator system for conditional gene expression in the prostate
Authors: Rao Varsha , Heard Jamie C. , Ghaffari Helya , Wali Aminah , Mutton Laura N. , Bieberich Charles J.
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND

Genetically engineered mouse models play important roles in analyses of prostate development and pathobiology. While constitutive genetic gain‐ and loss‐of‐function models have contributed significantly to our understanding of molecular events driving these processes, the availability of a tightly regulated inducible expression system could extend the utility of transgenic approaches. Here, we describe the development of a Tet‐regulatory system that employs Hoxb13 transcriptional control elements to direct reverse tetracycline transactivator (rtTA) expression in the prostate.

METHODS

Using recombineering technology, the rtTA gene was placed under Hoxb13 cis‐regulatory transcriptional control in the context of a 218‐kb bacterial artificial chromosome. F1 offspring carrying the Hoxb13‐rtTA transgene were bred to a Tetracycline operator–Histone 2B‐Green Fluorescent Protein (TetO‐H2BGFP) responder line. Detailed reporter gene expression analyses, including doxycycline (Dox) induction and withdrawal kinetics, were performed in Hoxb13‐rtTA|TetO‐H2BGFP double transgenic adult mice and embryos.

RESULTS

Dox‐dependent GFP expression was observed exclusively in the prostate and distal colon epithelia of double transgenic mice. Reporter gene mRNA was detected in the prostate within 6 hr of Dox exposure, and was extinguished within 24 hr after Dox withdrawal. Furthermore, Dox‐induced reporter gene expression persisted after castration.

CONCLUSIONS

The Hoxb13‐rtTA transgenic system provides a powerful tool for conditional Tet operator‐driven transgene expression in the normal prostate and during disease progression. Used in conjunction with other prostate pathology models, these mice will enable precise, temporally controlled analyses of gene function and can provide opportunities for detailed analyses of molecular events underlying prostate diseases. Prostate 72:1045–1051, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
National Prescribing Centre guidance on prescribing specials
Authors: Chaplin Steve
Published: February 2012

A special is a bespoke formulation made to meet the needs of an individual patient and requires different considerations to normal licensed products. Here, Steve Chaplin outlines the NPC guidance on prescribing a special. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Interface Ltd