bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non‐Hodgkin lymphoma and autoimmunity: Does gender matter?
Authors: Ansell Pat , Simpson Jill , Lightfoot Tracy , Smith Alex , Kane Eleanor , Howell Debra , Newton Rob , McGonagle Dennis , Jack Andrew , Roman Eve
Published: September 2010

Autoimmune disorders are more frequent in women, whereas most non‐Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs) are common in men; yet, sex‐specific autoimmune–lymphoma associations are rarely reported. Detailed data on autoimmune disease were abstracted from medical records of 791 cases (including 316 diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas (DLBCLs); 228 follicular lymphomas (FLs); 127 marginal zone lymphomas (MZLs); 64 T‐cell lymphomas and 38 mantle cell lymphomas) and 872 controls. The combined prevalence of autoimmune disease was higher among women (15.7% controls; 19.7% cases) than men (6.6% controls; 14.5% cases), but the overall association with NHL was stronger for men (odds ratio 2.4, 95% confidence interval: 1.5–3.8) than women (1.3, 0.9–1.9), the disparity persisting when data for the year immediately preceding lymphoma diagnosis were excluded (men 2.0, 1.3–3.3; women 1.2, 0.8–1.8). For both sexes, the strongest individual associations were for DLBCL, MZL and T‐cell lymphomas, with no associations evident for FL. Among women, there were strong links between MZL and both Sjögren's syndrome and idiopathic thrombocytopenia, and among men, between DLBCL and both rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease. The expected association between coeliac disease and T‐cell lymphoma was seen in both sexes. Our results add to the accumulating knowledge on this topic and suggest that future studies should analyze data for men and women separately.
Highlights in Coupled Electrochemical Flow Cell‐Mass Spectrometry, EC/MS
Authors: Gun Jenny , Bharathi Subramanian , Gutkin Vitaly , Rizkov Dan , Voloshenko Anna , Shelkov Rimma , Sladkevich Sergei , Kyi Nilar , Rona Michael , Wolanov Yitzik , Rizkov Dan , Koch Maxmilian , Mizrahi Shaul , Pridkhochenko Petr V. , Modestov Alexander , Lev Ovadia
Published: September 2010

Probing electrochemical processes by mass spectrometry (EC/MS) is a developing field that benefits from the unmatched identification power of mass spectrometry and from the rapid transfer of electrochemical cell products to the mass spectrometer. Most of the current EC/MS efforts are directed towards the development of differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS) using the electro‐ionization source for identification of volatile compounds, and towards the application of electrospray mass spectrometers for determination of semivolatile and nonvolatile products. The challenges in coupling mass spectrometry and electrochemistry are described, and different approaches to using the coupled system for diverse applications are reviewed, with emphasis on electrospray mass spectrometry. Reaction mechanism studies, diagnostic applications, and activity imaging of electrodes are demonstrated based on approaches that were devised in our laboratory.
A mindfulness‐based approach to the treatment of insomnia
Authors: Ong Jason , Sholtes David
Published: September 2010

Mindfulness meditation has emerged as a novel approach to emotion regulation and stress reduction that has several health benefits. Preliminary work has been conducted on mindfulness‐based therapy for insomnia (MBT‐I), a meditation‐based program for individuals suffering from chronic sleep disturbance. This treatment integrates behavioral treatments for insomnia with the principles and practices of mindfulness meditation. A case illustration of a chronic insomnia sufferer demonstrates the application of mindfulness principles for developing adaptive ways of working with the nocturnal symptoms and waking consequences of chronic insomnia. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 66:1–10, 2010.
Sonographic findings in Nicolau syndrome following intramuscular diclofenac injection: A case report
Authors: Park Hee‐Jin , Kim Mi‐Sung , Park Noh‐Hyuk , Jung Sang‐Won , Park Sung‐Il , Park Chan‐Sub
Published: September 2010

Nicolau syndrome (also known as embolia cutis medicamentosa and livedoid dermatitis) is a rare but severe localized adverse drug reaction of intramuscular injection of various drugs. The typical presentation is pain around the injection site soon after injection, followed by erythema, livedoid patch, hemorrhagic patch, and finally necrosis of skin, subcutaneous fat, and muscle tissue. We report a case that occurred in a 34‐year‐old woman after intramuscular injection of diclofenac sodium. Sonography showed diffuse thickening with increased echogenicity of the skin and subcutaneous fat layer, while MRI revealed extensive edema involving gluteal and piriformis muscles and deep fascia, and fluid collection. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2010
Mobile echoes in liver cysts: A form of range‐ambiguity artifact
Authors: Naganuma Hiroko , Ishida Hideaki , Funaoka Masato , Fujimori Shusei , Okuyama Atushi , Odashima Masaru , Takeuchi Satoko , Hanaoka Akihiko
Published: September 2010

Purpose

Faint moving echoes are occasionally encountered in large hepatic cysts, as an example of range‐ambiguity artifacts. The aim of this article is to describe the pattern of these intracystic mobile echoes, to analyze the mechanism of their formation, and to discuss options to clear them.

Methods

We analyzed the size and location of the hepatic cysts, the movement of the artifactual echoes, and the relationship between pulse repetition frequency (PRF) and the depth of these intracystic mobile echoes in 10 cases. In three cases examination at a lower PRF was made to ascertain whether the artifactual echoes would disappear.

Results

Intracystic range‐ambiguity echoes appeared when the heart was located distal to the hepatic cyst and these echoes moved according to cardiac motion. The depth of the intracystic artifacts changed according to the PRF and they disappeared at a low PRF.

Conclusion

Intracystic range‐ambiguity artifacts are caused by an erroneous display of the returning echoes from the heart. Knowledge of the mechanism and appearance of this artifact helps prevent misdiagnosis of internal echoes in large hepatic cysts. Observation at different PRFs is key to recognizing this artifact, and examination at lower PRFs should be done to confirm the artifactual nature of the echoes. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2010
Gene therapy strategies for hemophilia: benefits versus risks
Authors: Petrus Inge , Chuah Marinee , VandenDriessche Thierry
Published: September 2010

Hemophilia is an inherited bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency of functional clotting factors VIII or IX in the blood plasma. The drawbacks of the classical protein substitution therapy fueled interest in alternative treatments by gene therapy. Hemophilia has been recognized as an ideal target disease for gene therapy because a relatively modest increase in clotting factor levels can result in a significant therapeutic benefit. Consequently, introducing a functional FVIII or FIX gene copy into the appropriate target cells could ultimately provide a cure for hemophilic patients. Several cell types have been explored for hemophilia gene therapy, including hepatocytes, muscle, endothelial and hematopoietic cells. Both nonviral and viral vectors have been considered for the development of hemophilia gene therapy, including transposons, γ‐retroviral, lentiviral, adenoviral and adeno‐associated viral vectors. Several of these strategies have resulted in stable correction of the bleeding diathesis in hemophilia A and B murine as well as canine models, paving the way towards clinical trials. Although clotting factor expression has been detected in hemophilic patients treated by gene therapy, the challenge now lies in obtaining prolonged therapeutic FVIII or FIX levels in these patients. This review highlights the benefits and potential risks of the different gene therapy strategies for hemophilia that have been developed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of an inflammation‐inducible gene expression system using helper‐dependent adenoviral vectors
Authors: Yang Tianyao , Duan Rongqi , Cao Huibi , Lee Benjamin H. , Xia Chun , Chang Zhijie , Keith Tanswell A. , Hu Jim
Published: September 2010

Background

Clinical studies have shown that gene therapy is a promising approach for treating such genetic diseases as the eye disease, Leber's congenital amaurosis. Development of gene therapy approaches for treating chronic inflammatory diseases is, however, more challenging because it requires the production of anti‐inflammatory molecules at the diseased tissues only when they are needed.

Methods

We designed such a system by modifying the human interleukin (IL)‐6 gene promoter to direct transgene expression and delivered the system into cultured cells as well as mouse lungs using a helper‐dependent adenoviral vector.

Results

We have demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo that the reporter LacZ or human IL‐10 gene can be induced by inflammatory stimuli.

Conclusions

The results obtained indicate that the inflammation inducible gene expression system based on the modified human IL‐6 gene promoter has the potential to be used for developing gene therapy for treating inflammatory diseases. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of [2H4]oxymetazoline and [14C]oxymetazoline
Authors: Brugger Michelle L. , Borges Scott , Ren Sumei , McNamara Paul
Published: September 2010

An efficient synthesis of [2H4] and [14C]oxymetazoline has been developed. Both compounds follow the same synthetic route with the introduction of the label occurring at different synthetic steps. The synthesis of [2H4]oxymetazoline from [2H4]ethylene diamine was achieved in one step with a 40% yield. The synthesis of [14C]oxymetazoline from potassium [14C]cyanide was achieved in two steps with an overall radiochemical yield of 67%. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of [thiazolium‐2,2′‐14C2]‐SAR97276A from [14C]‐thiourea
Authors: Herbert John M. , Le Strat Franck , Oumeddour Delphine G. , Passey Stephen C. , Taylor Keith , Whitehead David M.
Published: September 2010

[thiazolium‐2,2′‐14C2]‐SAR97276A, a bis(thiazolium) antimalarial development candidate, was synthesized from [14C]‐thiourea with an overall radiochemical yield of 15%. The synthetic route involves a modified procedure for the synthesis of [14C]‐sulfurol, also a key intermediate in thiamine synthesis, which was developed due to unlabelled chemistry proving irreproducible with the radiolabelled substrate. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A rapid one‐step radiosynthesis of [11C]‐d‐threo‐methylphenidate
Authors: Moran Matthew D. , Wilson Alan A. , Stableford Winston T. , Wong Min , Garcia Armando , Houle Sylvain , Vasdev Neil
Published: September 2010

Carbon‐11 labelled d‐threo‐methylphenidate ([11C]‐(1)), a radiopharmaceutical commonly used to image the dopamine transporter, has been labelled in one step using [11C]‐methyl triflate. No protection of the nitrogen atom on the piperidine ring of d‐threo‐ritalinic acid·HCl was required, as O‐methylation was favored over N‐methylation by performing the methylation in buffered solutions which effectively protonate and protect the amine functionality. The reaction was effectively carried out at room temperature in solution by captive solvent ‘LOOP’ methods or using conventional glass vials. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On comparing competing structural models of PTSD: Comments on Miller et al.*
Authors: Simms Leonard J.
Published: September 2010

In this commentary, the author evaluates the results and conclusions of Miller et al. (2010) with respect to the debate surrounding the posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) structural models of King, Leskin, King, and Weathers (1998) and Simms, Watson, and Doebbeling (2002). Although Miller et al. are to be commended for attempting to move this literature forward through a comparative assessment of the models' respective convergent and discriminant validities, the author questions their conclusions based on the data presented. His read of their data, in the context of the broader literature, is that the Simms model has advantages over the King model with respect to discriminant validity. It is premature to declare a winner in the ongoing debate on the merits of these structural models.
Multimethod study of distress tolerance and PTSD symptom severity in a trauma‐exposed community sample
Authors: Marshall‐Berenz Erin C. , Vujanovic Anka A. , Bonn‐Miller Marcel O. , Bernstein Amit , Zvolensky Michael J.
Published: September 2010

Despite initial evidence linking distress tolerance to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity, there is a need for the investigation of interrelations among multiple measures of distress tolerance and PTSD symptom severity. Therefore, the present study investigated concurrent relations among multiple measures of distress tolerance, as well as the relations between these measures and PTSD symptom severity, within a trauma‐exposed community sample. The sample consisted of 81 trauma‐exposed adults (63.1% women). Results indicated that Distress Tolerance Scale (Simons & Gaher, 2005) scores, but no other measures of distress tolerance were significantly related to PTSD symptom severity above and beyond the variance accounted for by number of traumas, trait‐level neuroticism, and participant sex. Implications and future directions are discussed.
Optical Components in Photovoltaic Production
Authors: Khalil Amr
Published: September 2010

The transition of the semiconductor industry to using laser for wafer processing has made available many industrial laser with the power and wavelength needed for scribing. This has paved the road for using laser in solar cell manufacturing where they now play a significant role. In order to manipulate and shape the laser beam to scribe efficiently, however, developers must tackle the challenging and critical task of selecting the right optical components. This article provides an overview of the optical design as factor of success using laser in photovoltaic (PV) production.
Long‐term fine caliber hair removal with an electro‐optic Q‐switched Nd:YAG Laser
Authors: Bakus Abnoeal D. , Garden Jerome M. , Yaghmai Dina , Massa Mary C.
Published: September 2010

Background

In spite of major advances in hair removal therapy, fine caliber hair remains a significant challenge for laser‐ and light‐based devices.

Objective

Evaluate a novel Electro‐Optic (EO) Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser for pigmented fine caliber hair removal in the Standard Single and a double pulse (DP) mode.

Methods

Eleven patients underwent four laser treatments at monthly intervals. Bilateral anatomical regions received to one side the standard single pulse (SSP) while the other side the DP option. Blinded investigators conducted hair counts at 6 months post‐treatment and after 24 months. Patients assessed hair loss and discomfort. Six patients rated their satisfaction at 6 months.

Results

At 6 months, investigators found a reduction of 50% in hair counts with the DP and 46% with standard pulse. Ninety percent in DP and 50% in SSP reported none to mild discomfort. Transient erythema and edema was observed with a lower severity rating with the DP. There were no other untoward effects. 83.3% of patients who completed the study at 6 months expressed satisfaction with the results. At 24 months hair loss was maintained at the same rate.

Conclusion

The EO Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser is an effective option for the permanent treatment of unwanted fine hair and has a high‐patient satisfaction rate. There is less therapeutic discomfort in the DP mode. Lasers Surg. Med. 42:706–711, 2010 © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Optimisation of thermo mechanical treatments using ECAP and aging for an aluminium alloy for automotive and aeronautical applications
Authors: Hockauf K. , Halle T. , Hockauf M. , Meyer L. W. , Wagner M. F.‐X. , Lampke T.
Published: September 2010

In diesem Beitrag wird an einer kaltaushärtenden Aluminiumlegierung des Al‐Mg‐Si‐(Cu)‐Systems eine Methode zur thermomechanischen Optimierung, bestehend aus dem ECAP‐Umformverfahren (engl.: Equal‐Channel Angular Pressing) und einer anschlieβenden Wärmebehandlung, vorgestellt. Mit dem Ziel einer verbesserten Festigkeit in Kombination mit einer moderaten Duktilität basiert diese Methode auf dem Einbringen einer hochgradig plastischen Verformung in das lösungsgeglühte Material und einem anschlieβenden Warmauslagern. Dabei werden Dauer und Temperatur der Auslagerungsbehandlung so gewählt, dass zum einen durch die Ausscheidungshärtung eine weitere Festigkeitssteigerung erreicht wird, zum anderen Erholungsvorgänge in der extrem kaltverfestigten Mikrostruktur aktiviert werden. Die Untersuchungsschwerpunkte dieser Arbeit beinhalten den Einfluss der Auslagerungsdauer und ‐temperatur auf die Entwicklung der Festigkeit und Duktilität der ECAP‐umgeformten Zustände. Mit Hilfe von elektronenmikroskopischen Durchstrahlungsaufnahmen werden Zusammenhänge zwischen den erzielten mechanischen Eigenschaften und charakteristischen mikrostrukturellen Merkmalen, insbesondere der Versetzungsstruktur und der Ausscheidungscharakteristik, ermittelt. Im Vergleich zum T6‐ausgelagerten Referenzzustand des Ausgangsmaterials kann durch eine zweifache ECAP‐Umformung mit einer nachfolgenden Auslagerungsbehandlung bei 150°C eine Festigkeitssteigerung von 27% bei einer Gleichmaβdehnung von 6,5% und einer Bruchdehnung von 20% erzielt werden.

In this work, the promising approach of a combined equal‐channel angular pressing (ECAP) and aging treatment was applied to an Al‐Mg‐Si‐(Cu) alloy. With the aim of improving the strength and preserving a moderate ductility, this method consists of a severe plastic deformation in the solid‐solution heat‐treated condition and a subsequent aging to peak strength. For the following aging treatment, time and temperature are balanced in order to enable precipitation hardening up to the peak strength on the one hand and microstructural recovery of the severely work hardened material on the other hand. The main focus of this work lies on the influence of the aging time and temperature on the evolution of strength and ductility of the ECAP‐processed material. The underlying microstructural features, such as dislocation structures and precipitation characteristics, are evaluated by means of low‐voltage scanning transmission electron microscopy. In comparison to the initial peak aged condition, an increase in strength of about 27%, combined with a uniform elongation of 6.5% and a total elongation of 20%, was achieved by two ECAP‐passes and a subsequent aging to peak strength at 150°C.
Effect of surface finishing to the thread and screwing behavior of thread forming screws consisting of high‐strength Al alloy EN AW‐7075
Authors: Scharf I. , Hellmig R. J. , Nickel D. , Härtel M. , Lampke T.
Published: September 2010

Im Sinne des Leichtbaus und damit einhergehender ökonomischer und ökologischer Aspekte ist die Verwendung hochfester Al‐Schrauben besonders interessant. Gegenstand des Projektes T1 ist der Transfer unterschiedlicher, in Grundlagenversuchen als erfolgversprechend eingestufter Oberflächenbehandlungsverfahren in die industrielle Bewertung und Nutzung. Das Augenmerk richtet sich auf Schutzschichten, die als Konversionsschichten aus dem Substrat entstehen (Anodisieren). Diese Verfahrensgruppe hat das Potenzial, eine anforderungsgerechte Oberflächenveredelung auf Al‐Schrauben zu erzielen.

The use of high‐strength Al screws is of particular interest with regard to lightweight construction and its respective economic and ecological aspects. The subject of the project T1 is the transfer of different surface treatments that have been classified promising in fundamental experiments into industrial assessment and application. The focus is on protective coatings which develop from the substrate (anodizing). This process group offers the potential to obtain the required surface refinement of the Al screws.
Inhibitors of hyaluronan export from hops prevent osteoarthritic reactions
Authors: Stracke Dennis , Schulz Tobias , Prehm Peter
Published: September 2010

Scope: An early reaction in osteoarthritic chondrocytes is hyaluronan overproduction followed by proteoglycan loss and collagen degradation. We recently found that hyaluronan is exported by the ATP‐binding cassette transporter multidrug resistance associated protein 5 (MRP5) in competition with cGMP and that some phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors also inhibited hyaluronan export. These inhibitors also prevented osteoarthritic reactions in cartilage. In an effort to identify the improved inhibitors directed primarily toward MRP5, we analyzed the flavonoids

Methods and results: Prenylflavonoids from hop xanthohumol, isoxanthohumol and 8‐prenylnaringenin inhibited MRP5 export at lower concentrations than phosphodiesterase 5 activity. They were analyzed for their effect on IL‐induced osteoarthritic reactions in bovine chondrocytes. Xanthohumol was the superior compound to inhibit hyaluronan export, as well as proteoglycan and collagen loss. It also prevented the shedding of metalloproteases into the culture medium. It directly inhibited MRP5, because it reduced the export of the MRP5 substrate fluorescein immediately and did not influence the hyaluronan synthase activity.

Conclusions: Xanthohumol may be a natural compound to prevent hyaluronan overproduction and subsequent reactions in osteoarthritis.
The E3 architecture: enabling future cellular networks with cognitive and self‐x capabilities
Authors: Nolte Klaus , Kaloxylos Alexandros , Tsagkaris Kostas , Rosowski Thomas , Stamatelatos Makis , Galani Aristi , Bogenfeld Eckard , Magdalinos Panagis , Tiemann Jens , Gebert Jens , Arnold Paul , von Hugo Dirk , Alonistioti Nancy , Demestichas Panagiotis , Koenig Wolfgang
Published: September 2010

Future mobile networks are expected to be complex heterogeneous systems. On the one hand this will enable users to take advantage of a number of different access technologies. On the other hand it will seriously affect network management procedures since more extensive operations and decisions will have to be dealt with. To tackle these challenges a number of new dynamic mechanisms need to be designed. It is imperative that certain network management tasks have to be performed without human intervention to reduce the OPEX costs and achieve faster responses in different events. To achieve this goal, the introduction of self‐x functionalities, combined with cognitive mechanisms and the ability to reconfigure network entities and terminals, is required. Moreover, the introduction of a new pilot channel needs to be considered to assist the terminals in selecting the most suitable radio access technology according to their requirements. We present the functional architecture of an evolved network that was designed in the context of the EU‐funded IP project ‘E3: End‐to‐End Efficiency’. This architecture aims to enhance existing procedures usually performed in traditional operation and maintenance systems (e.g. spectrum management, network planning, configuration actions). We explain the rationale of our design and provide specific examples to illustrate the role of the different functional entities and their interfaces. A considerable part of this architecture has recently been approved as a feasibility study by the ETSI Committee Reconfigurable Radio System. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nonprofit competition in the grants marketplace
Authors: Ashley Shena , Faulk Lewis
Published: September 2010

In this study, we test the impact of nonprofit financial health and financial efficiency ratios on the grant amount awarded by foundations using the Georgia grants marketplace as a case. Using hierarchical linear modeling analysis, we can understand the effects of these ratios both within and across foundation grant portfolios. We found statistically significant evidence that grantees with higher debt ratios and higher fundraising ratios receive lower grant amounts. We did not find statistically significant impacts for administrative ratios, revenue diversification, and surplus margin.
An aggressive systemic juvenile xanthogranuloma clonally related to a preceding T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Perez‐Becker Ruy , Szczepanowski Monika , Leuschner Ivo , Janka Gritta , Gokel Michael , Imschweiler Thomas , Völpel Sigrid , Niehues Tim , Klapper Wolfram
Published: September 2010

Juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) is a disorder of disputed origin thought to be related to the dermal/interstitial macrophage. A 5‐year‐old female presented with an aggressive systemic JXG that developed 5 months after the diagnosis of T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T‐ALL). Examination of the T‐cell receptor gamma (TCR‐γ) rearrangement in T‐ALL blasts, JXG infiltrated lymph node biopsies and micro‐dissected JXG histiocytes revealed an identical bi‐allelic TCR‐γ rearrangement in all samples, thus providing evidence for a clonal relationship between T‐ALL and JXG in this case. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:859–862. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinicopathologic comparison of familial versus sporadic atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (AT/RT) of the central nervous system
Authors: Bruggers Carol S. , Bleyl Steven B. , Pysher Theodore , Barnette Philip , Afify Zeinab , Walker Marion , Biegel Jaclyn A.
Published: September 2010

Background

Central nervous system (CNS) atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (AT/RT) are aggressive tumors usually diagnosed in young children and characterized by SMARCB1 (INI1, hSNF5) gene abnormalities. Despite initial chemo‐radiation responsiveness, most children die of progressive disease (PD). Little data regarding familial AT/RT clinical course exist. This study described and compared familial (F) versus sporadic (S) AT/RT and elucidated SMARCB1 mutations and inheritance patterns.

Methods

A retrospective chart review, pedigree, and SMARCB1 analysis were done.

Results

Between January 1989 and June 2009, 20 children with CNS AT/RT were diagnosed, 8‐S and 12‐F. Median age at diagnosis (months) of S and F patient were: 13 and 4.8, respectively. Median survival (months) was S‐21, F4.5, and 8‐all. Pedigree analyses showed unaffected parent carriers with multiple affected offspring.

Conclusions

Children with F‐AT/RT are younger, have more extensive disease, and are more likely to die from PD than children with S‐AT/RT. Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy were important in achieving long‐term survival. Pedigree analysis supports autosomal dominant inheritance pattern with incomplete penetrance. Germline SMARCB1 mutation analysis is important in all patients diagnosed with AT/RT to (1) determine actual incidence of F‐AT/RT, (2) determine penetrance of predisposing mutations, (3) provide appropriate genetic counseling, and (4) establish surveillance screening guidelines. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:1026–1031. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prescribing of inappropriate medication in nursing home residents in Germany according to a French consensus list: a cross‐sectional cohort study
Authors: Kölzsch Marita , Kopke Kirsten , Fischer Thomas , Hofmann Werner , Kuhnert Ronny , Bolbrinker Juliane , Kuhlmey Adelheid , Dräger Dagmar , Kreutz Reinhold
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The current use of inappropriate medication in elderly nursing home residents (NHRs) in Germany is unclear. We therefore set out to analyse the frequency and patterns of potentially inappropriate drug prescriptions in elderly NHRs in Germany.

Methods

We utilised prescription data for NHRs 65 years or older from a large German health insurance company during a period of 3 months. Inappropriate drugs were identified from a recently reported French consensus list.

Results

Data for 7271 (83.7%) females and 1414 (16.3%) males were available for analysis. The average age was 83.6 ± 7.3 years. Overall 48 inappropriate drugs were prescribed resulting in a total of 3825 inappropriate drug prescriptions which accounted for 4.3% of all documented prescriptions (n = 88 695). One thousand nine hundred and three (21.9%) residents received at least one inappropriate drug prescription. Using logistic regression we detected no significant influence of gender or level of care on frequency of inappropriate prescriptions. However, age had a significant influence; with increasing age the frequency of residents receiving inappropriate medications decreased steadily (r = −0.92, p = 0.003) and ranged from a maximum of 32.8% in the group between 65 and 69 years to a minimum of 15.2% in residents older than 94 years. This observation was paralleled by a significant and continuous decrease of drug prescription rates with increasing age (r = −0.88, p = 0.009).

Conclusion

The present analysis demonstrates that about one out of five elderly NHRs received at least one inappropriate drug prescription. Additional studies may aim to establish a list of frequently prescribed inappropriate drugs for Germany. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Plastic deformation of low‐density polyethylene reinforced with biodegradable polylactide, Part 1: Microstructural analysis and tensile behavior at constant true strain‐rate
Authors: Rezgui F. , G'Sell C. , Dahoun A. , Hiver J.M. , Sadoun T.
Published: September 2010

Blends of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) and polylactide (PLA) were prepared by melt coextrusion. The plastic behavior of the LDPE/PLA blends was investigated at room temperature under uniaxial tension by means of a video‐controlled system. The constitutive behavior was analyzed in terms of the variations of true stress vs. true strain at constant true strain rate. With increasing concentrations of PLA, the blend show: (i) higher Young's modulus, (ii) stiffer viscoelastic response, (iii) increase of elastic limit stress, and (iv) earlier fracture. Particular attention was paid to the evolution of the volume strain with the applied strain. While dilatation begins very lately for the neat LDPE, the LDPE/PLA blends show increasing deformation damage as the PLA content is increased. Scanning electron microscopy of deformed specimens shows that cavitation occurs preferentially at the poles of the PLA particles whose adhesion to the LDPE matrix seems very weak despite the partial grafting of polyethylene chains with maleic anhydride. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Mosaic origin of the mitochondrial proteome
Authors: Szklarczyk Radek , Huynen Martijn A.
Published: September 2010

Although the origin of mitochondria from the endosymbiosis of an α‐proteobacterium is well established, the nature of the host cell, the metabolic complexity of the endosymbiont and the subsequent evolution of the proto‐mitochondrion into all its current appearances are still the subject of discovery and sometimes debate. Here we review what has been inferred about the original composition and subsequent evolution of the mitochondrial proteome and essential mitochondrial systems. The evolutionary mosaic that currently constitutes mitochondrial proteomes contains (i) endosymbiotic proteins (15–45%), (ii) proteins without detectable orthologs outside the eukaryotic lineage (40%), and (iii) proteins that are derived from non‐proteobacterial Bacteria, Bacteriophages and Archaea (15%, specifically multiple tRNA‐modification proteins). Protein complexes are of endosymbiotic origin, but have greatly expanded with novel eukaryotic proteins; in contrast to mitochondrial enzymes that are both of proteobacterial and non‐proteobacterial origin. This disparity is consistent with the complexity hypothesis, which argues that proteins that are a part of large, multi‐subunit complexes are unlikely to undergo horizontal gene transfer. We observe that they neither change their subcellular compartments in the course of evolution, even when their genes do.
Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching measurements of polymers in a surface forces apparatus
Authors: Wong Janet S. S. , Hong Liang , Bae Sung Chul , Granick Steve
Published: September 2010

The surface forces apparatus has been combined with fluorescence recovery after photobleaching to measure translational diffusion of polymer confined between mica sheets. This article presents findings using polydimethylsiloxane with number‐average molecular weight Mn = 2200 g mol−1, the chains end‐labeled with soluble fluorescent dye. Melts with thickness 10 nm display a translational diffusion coefficient (D) with a bulk component and a slower component assigned to surface diffusion. Reduction of thickness to 1.8 nm causes mobility to split into two populations—an immobile fraction (immobile on the time scale of 30–60 min) and a mobile fraction who's D slow only weakly with diminishing film thickness. However, when load causes the confining mica sheets to flatten, D of the mobile fraction drops by up to an additional order of magnitude, depending on the local pressure that squeezes on the polymer. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2010
Shear piezoelectricity in single‐wall carbon nanotube/poly(γ‐benzyl‐L‐glutamate) composites
Authors: Lovell Conrad S. , Kang Jin Ho , Sauti Godfrey , Fitz‐Gerald James M. , Park Cheol
Published: September 2010

Single‐wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have been added to high molecular weight poly(γ‐benzyl‐L‐glutamate), or PBLG, to evaluate their effects on the polymer's shear piezoelectricity. While the addition of SWCNTs increased various PBLG physical properties such as electrical conductivity, dielectric constant, several mechanical properties, and electrostriction coefficient, the shear piezoelectricity remained constant up to a 0.3 wt % SWCNT concentration. The composite crystallinity, orientation, and SWCNT alignment (measured by X‐ray diffraction, birefringence, and polarized Raman spectroscopy, respectively) were found to be constant up to this same concentration, corroborating the shear piezoelectric findings. PBLG composites made with acid‐treated (and therefore less electrically conductive) SWCNTs exhibited similar shear piezoelectric behavior, indicating that neither the SWCNT type, concentration (up to the percolation threshold), nor electrical conductivity influences PBLG shear piezoelectricity. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2010
Lung function in preschool children with a history of wheezing measured by forced oscillation and plethysmographic specific airway resistance
Authors: Harrison Jo , Gibson Anne‐Marie , Johnson Khrista , Singh Gauharjit , Skoric Billy , Ranganathan Sarath
Published: September 2010

Rationale

Wheezing is common in preschool children, but objective evidence for airway obstruction and its reversibility are rarely available in clinical practice. We assessed whether abnormalities of lung function and bronchodilator response can be detected in preschool children using the forced oscillation technique and measurements of specific airway resistance.

Methods

Fifty‐nine children with a history of wheeze and 24 healthy controls aged 3–6 years were recruited. Resistance and reactance at 6 and 8 Hz (Rrs6, Rrs8, Xrs6 and Xrs8, respectively) were measured using the forced oscillation technique and specific airway resistance was measured in a plethysmograph. z‐Scores were calculated from published reference data. Tests were repeated 15 min after 400 mcg salbutamol. Bronchodilator response was expressed as the log‐transformed ratio of postbronchodilator/prebronchodilator values.

Results

Technically acceptable measurements using the forced oscillation technique were obtained in n = 77 (93%) of children and in n = 56 (68%) using plethysmography. There was no significant difference in baseline lung function or bronchodilator response, assessed by either technique, between those with a history of wheeze and healthy controls.

Conclusion

Measurement of lung function is feasible in preschool children, but neither of these techniques was able to identify diminished lung function or reversibility to bronchodilator in children with a history of wheeze. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2010;45:1049–1056. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quality of life protocol in the early asthma diagnosis in children
Authors: Farnik Małgorzata , Pierzchała Władysław , Brożek Grzegorz , Zejda Jan E. , Skrzypek Michał
Published: September 2010

Introduction

Asthma is considered an important problem in children and influences on their everyday functioning. This study was concerned with the impact of asthma on the health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) of newly recognized pediatric asthma patients and their parents.

Methods

Patients were identified by a general respiratory survey. HRQOL was assessed by self‐report measures: disease‐specific questionnaire for children, the Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (PAQLQ) and generic for parents—the Quality of Life in Child's Chronic Disease Questionnaire (QLCCDQ).

Results

Twenty‐nine newly diagnosed asthmatic children aged 7–11 years (mean age = 8.6; SD = 1.4) were identified from a population‐based respiratory health survey. The most impaired HRQOL domains differed in parents and children. In children, activity limitation was the most impaired; however in parents, emotional functioning and symptom perception domains were most impaired. There were no statistically significant differences in patient and parental HRQOL observed in either the group where symptoms were present or in the group were symptoms were not present. Baseline spirometry showed correlation for FEV1%FVC and PAQLQ symptom domain (r = 0.42). Exercise test showed correlations between FEV1%FVC and QLCCDQ emotional domain (r = 0.7); MEF 25–75% and family roles (r = 0.81), as well as social functioning (r = 0.81). Activity limitation on the PAQLQ correlated with the MEF 25–75% (r = 0.44) and PEF (r = 0.55).

Conclusions

HRQOL newly recognized children with asthma and their parents does not correlate closely with clinical status. Patient and parental HRQOL should be considered as independent dimensions. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2010;45:1095–1102. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Longitudinal assessment of health‐related quality of life in an observational cohort of patients with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Sawicki Gregory S. , Rasouliyan Lawrence , McMullen Ann H. , Wagener Jeffrey S. , McColley Susanna A. , Pasta David J. , Quittner Alexandra L.
Published: September 2010

Background

Patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) are increasingly used to evaluate the efficacy of new treatments and the progression of chronic diseases. The Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire‐Revised (CFQ‐R) is a disease‐specific, PRO measure of health‐related quality of life (HRQOL). We evaluated associations between changes in health status over time and HRQOL in a national CF database.

Methods

Using the Epidemiologic Study of Cystic Fibrosis (ESCF) data, we identified participants who had completed age‐appropriate CFQ‐R assessments on two occasions separated by 9–15 months. Next, we developed multivariate regression models to test whether associations existed between (1) changes in respiratory signs/symptoms and changes in the respiratory health domains of the CFQ‐R, (2) changes in nutritional health status and changes in the nutritional health domains of the CFQ‐R, and (3) changes in treatment complexity and changes in the Treatment Burden scale of the CFQ‐R.

Results

We analyzed 1,947 pairs of assessments: 337 child (mean age 8.9, range 6–13 years), 581 parent (mean age of child 8.8, range 6–13 years), 398 adolescent (mean age 15.3, range 14–17 years), and 631 adult (mean age 26.9, range 18–73 years). On average, we found little change in both health status indicators and CFQ‐R domain scores over 1 year. Significant associations over time, however, were found between increases in respiratory symptoms and worse CFQ‐R Respiratory Symptom scores, declining weight and worsening scores on CFQ‐R nutritional health domains, and increases in treatment complexity and worsening CFQ‐R Treatment Burden scores for parent respondents.

Conclusion

Health status and HRQOL changes were small over a 1‐year period in this CF population. However, changes in respiratory symptoms and weight were associated with significant changes on relevant CFQ‐R scores, indicating that this PRO is sensitive to changes in health status over time. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2011; 46:36–44. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The relationship between infant lung function and the risk of wheeze in the preschool years
Authors: Pike K.C. , Rose‐Zerilli M.J. , Osvald E. Caffrey , Inskip H.M. , Godfrey K.M. , Crozier S.R. , Roberts G. , Clough J.B. , Holloway J.W. , Lucas J.S. ,   the Southampton Women's Survey Study Group
Published: September 2010

Rationale

There is evidence that perinatal lung development predicts childhood wheeze. However, very few studies have examined whether preschool wheeze is associated with lower premorbid lung function in early infancy, and as yet there is no information relating atopic and non‐atopic preschool wheeze to early lung development.

Objective

To examine the association between premorbid infant lung function and preschool wheeze, and to explore associations with atopic and non‐atopic wheeze phenotypes.

Methods

Infant lung function was measured in 147 healthy term infants aged 5–14 weeks. Rapid thoracoabdominal compression was performed during tidal breathing and at raised volume to measure maximal expiratory flow at functional residual capacity $({\rm V'}_{{\rm max}\,{\rm FRC}})$ and forced expiratory volume in 0.4 sec (FEV0.4). Atopic status was determined by skin prick testing at 3 years and wheeze ascertained from parental questionnaires (1 and 3 years).

Measurements and Main Results

Lower early infancy ${\rm V'}_{{\rm max}\,{\rm FRC}}$ was associated with wheeze in both the first and third years of life (P = 0.002 and 0.006, respectively). Lower early infancy FEV0.4 was associated with wheeze in the first year (P = 0.03). Compared to non‐atopic children who did not wheeze, non‐atopic children who wheezed in their third year of life had lower FEV0.4 (P = 0.02), while FEV0.4 values of atopic children who wheezed were not significantly different (P = 0.4).

Conclusions

Lower premorbid infant lung function was present in infants who subsequently wheezed during the first and third years of life. Lower FEV0.4 in early infancy was associated with non‐atopic wheeze but not atopic wheeze at 3 years of age. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2011; 46:75–82. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Distal mutation modulates the heme sliding in mouse neuroglobin investigated by molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Xu Jia , Yin Guowei , Du Weihong
Published: September 2010

Neuroglobin (Ngb), a hexa‐coordinated hemoprotein primarily expressed in the brain and retina, is thought to be involved in neuroprotection and signal transduction. Ngb can reversibly bind small ligands such as O2 and CO to the heme iron by replacing the distal histidine which is bound to the iron as the endogenous ligand. In this work, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed to investigate the functionally related structural properties and dynamical characteristics in carboxy mouse neuroglobin and three distal mutants including single mutants H64V, K67T and double mutant H64V/K67T. MD simulations suggest that the heme sliding motion induced by the binding of exogenous ligand is affected by the distal mutation obviously. Accompanying changes in loop flexibility and internal cavities imply the structural rearrangement of Ngb. Moreover, the solvent accessibility of heme and some crucial residues are influenced revealing an interactive network on the distal side. The work elucidates that the key residues K67 at E10 and H64 at E7 are significant in modulating the heme sliding and hence the structural and physiological function of Ngb. Proteins 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of charge distribution on the discrepant MS/MS fragmentation of the native and oxidized FMRF: evidence for the mobile proton model
Authors: Zong Wansong , Liu Rutao , Sun Feng , Zhang Pengjun , Xu Qifei
Published: September 2010

Using the mobile proton model as a framework, the influence of charge distribution on the discrepant fragmentation of peptides FMRF, FM(O)RF and FM(O2)RF (with united peptide sequence) was explored by mass spectrometry experiments and quantum chemical calculations. With the added O atoms, more negative charges were prompted to deposit in the main protonation sites of the oxidation products. Consequently, the solvated proton to the oxidized peptides could flow to the amide bonds in an easier manner and made these bonds fragment easily. Oxidation also induced the discrepant fragmentation of these bonds in a predictable manner: the more negative charges deposited in an amide bond, the more daughter ions (an, bn, yn ions and their derivatives) were produced. The combined methods proposed here refined the mobile proton model for peptide fragmentation and opened the way to probe the discrepant fragmentation of peptides in peptide/protein identification. Copyright © 2010 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evolution of predictive tools for in situ bioremediation and natural attenuation evaluations
Authors: Burns Matthew , Myers Colleen
Published: September 2010

Proving the viability of in situ bioremediation technologies and gathering data for its full‐scale implementation typically involves collecting multiple rounds of data and often completing microcosm studies. Collecting these data is cumbersome, time‐consuming, costly, and typically difficult to scale. A new method of completing microcosm studies in situ using an amendable sampling device deployed and incubated in groundwater monitoring wells provides actionable data to expedite site cleanup. The device, referred to as a Bio‐Trap® sampler, is designed to collect actively colonizing microbes and dissolved organic compounds from groundwater for analysis using conventional analytical techniques and advanced diagnostic tools that can answer very specific design and viability questions relating to bioremediation.

Key data that can be provided by in situ microcosm studies using Bio‐Trap® samplers include definitively demonstrating contaminant destruction by using compound‐specific isotope analysis and providing data on the mechanism of the degradation by identifying the responsible microbes. Three case studies are presented that demonstrate the combined flexibility of Bio‐Trap® samplers and advanced site diagnostics. The applications include demonstrating natural attenuation of dissolved chlorinated solvents, demonstrating natural attenuation of dissolved petroleum compounds, and using multiple Bio‐Trap® samplers to comparatively assess the viability of bioaugmentation at a chlorinated solvent release site. At each of these sites, the in situ microcosm studies quickly and cost‐effectively answered key design and viability questions, allowing for regulatory approval and successful full‐scale implementation. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Remediation of DDT‐contaminated soil using optimized mixtures of surfactants and a mixing system
Authors: Ghazali Mirnader , McBean Edward , Shen Hua , Anderson William , Dastous Paul‐André
Published: September 2010

Soil contaminated with persistent pesticides, such as DDT, poses a serious risk to humans and to wildlife. A surfactant‐aided soil‐washing technique was studied as an alternative method for remediation of DDT‐contaminated soil. An ex situ soil washing method was investigated using nonionic and anionic surfactants due to the clayey structure of the contaminated soil. A mixture of 1 percent nonionic surfactant (Brij 35) and 1 percent anionic surfactant (SDBS) removed more than 50 percent of DDT from soil in a flow‐through system, whereas individual surfactants or other combinations of the surfactants had a lower removal efficiency. The soil‐washing technique was improved using a mixing system. The mixture of surfactants was optimized in the mixing system, and the combination of 2 percent Brij 35 and 0.1 percent SDBS was found to be optimum, removing 70 to 80 percent of DDT. Prewashing of the soil with tap water decreased the adsorption of surfactants to soil particles by 30 to 40 percent, and postwashing recovered 90 percent of the surfactants. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.