bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validity of the Fear of Progression Questionnaire‐Short Form in patients with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Kwakkenbos Linda , van den Hoogen Frank H. J. , Custers José , Prins Judith , Vonk Madelon C. , van Lankveld Wim G. J. M. , Becker Eni S. , van den Ende Cornelia H. M.
Published: January 2012

Objective

To validate the Dutch translation of the Fear of Progression Questionnaire‐Short Form (FoP‐Q‐SF) for patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Although concerns about the future are often expressed by patients with SSc, there is no valid quantitative measure available to assess the extent to which patients with SSc are troubled by those concerns.

Methods

Measurement properties of the FoP‐Q‐SF were assessed using a cross‐sectional design that included 215 patients with SSc. Patients completed the FoP‐Q‐SF as well as questionnaires on physical and psychological functioning. Psychometric properties of the FoP‐Q‐SF were assessed using the Consensus‐Based Standards for the Selection of Health Status Measurement Instruments checklist.

Results

The mean ± SD FoP‐Q‐SF score in patients with SSc was 30.05 ± 8.97. There were no indications of floor or ceiling effects. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the single‐factor structure of the questionnaire (χ2[52] = 96.84, P < 0.001, root mean square error of approximation = 0.064, chi‐square/df ratio = 1.86). Cronbach's alpha was 0.86 for the questionnaire. Most of our a priori hypotheses (11 of 12) were confirmed, supporting the construct validity of the questionnaire.

Conclusion

A valid measure is now available to assess fear of disease progression in patients with SSc, which is significant since fear of progression is one of the most important stressors in this patient population.
Comparative responsiveness of the EuroQol‐5D and Short Form 6D to improvement in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with tumor necrosis factor blockers: Results of the Dutch Rheumatoid Arthritis Monitoring registry
Authors: Buitinga Laurien , Braakman‐Jansen Louise M. A. , Taal Erik , Kievit Wietske , Visser Henk , van Riel Piet L. C. M. , van de Laar Mart A. F. J.
Published: January 2012

Objective

For cost‐utility analyses of health technologies, utilities are commonly measured with the EuroQol‐5D (EQ‐5D) or the Short Form 6D (SF‐6D). Although most studies in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) found the SF‐6D to be more responsive than the EQ‐5D, evidence is not convincing. The aim of this study was to compare the responsiveness of the EQ‐5D and SF‐6D to improvement in RA patients treated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers.

Methods

Data from 278 RA patients included in the Dutch Rheumatoid Arthritis Monitoring registry were used. Internal responsiveness over 1 year was evaluated by using standardized response means (SRMs). External responsiveness was evaluated by using receiver operating characteristic curves based on perceived health change (self‐reported health transition item Short Form 36) and change in disease activity (European League Against Rheumatism response criteria based on the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints).

Results

The scores of the EQ‐5D and SF‐6D changed moderately over 1 year (SRMs 0.50 and 0.67, respectively). The SF‐6D was significantly more responsive to treatment than the EQ‐5D. The EQ‐5D and SF‐6D were moderately able to correctly classify patients according to health transition (areas under the curve [AUCs] 0.67 and 0.72, respectively) and change in disease activity (AUCs 0.71 and 0.65, respectively).

Conclusion

The EQ‐5D and SF‐6D were only moderately responsive to improvement in RA patients treated with TNF blockers. Overall, the SF‐6D was more responsive than the EQ‐5D.
Porous Silicon Films Micropatterned with Bioelements as Supports for Mammalian Cells
Authors: Sweetman Martin J. , Ronci Maurizio , Ghaemi Soraya Rasi , Craig Jamie E. , Voelcker Nicolas H.
Published: January 2012

Porous silicon (pSi) surfaces have been chemically patterned via a UV initiated hydrosilylation reaction of an alkene through a photomask, introducing chemical functionality in the exposed surface areas. A secondary, UV initiated hydrosilylation reaction with a second alkene of different functionality is performed to backfill the silicon hydride terminated regions on the surface, thereby affording patterned porous films with dual, surface chemistry. UV initiated hydrosilylations were performed using the alkene undecylenic acid N‐hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) ester, and the pSi surfaces were stabilized by a second hydrosilylation reaction with a polyethylene glycol (PEG) appended alkene. NHS ester and PEG functionalized surfaces were used for the selective immobilization of the cell adhesion mediator protein fibronectin (FN), in the NHS‐functional regions. Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging on the protein functionalized pSi surface confirmed the patterned conjugation of the FN to the NHS functionalized regions. Mammalian cells cultured on these surfaces showed attachment that was confined to the patterned areas of FN on the pSi surface.
Highly Stereoselective and Practical Synthesis of α‐Trichloromethyl Amines and 2,2‐Dichloroaziridines from Chloroform
Authors: Li Ya , Zheng Tao , Wang Wei , Xu Wei , Ma Yingchao , Zhang Sishi , Wang Han , Sun Zhihua
Published: January 2012

A highly stereoselective and practical synthesis of α‐trichloromethyl amines by nucleophilic trichloromethylation of N‐(tert‐butylsulfinyl)imines with chloroform was achieved. The obtained α‐trichloromethyl amines can be further transformed into chiral 2,2‐dichloroaziridines through an intramolecular nucleophilic substitution methodology. 2,2‐Dichloroaziridines can also be produced directly from chloroform and N‐(tert‐butylsulfinyl)imines through a one‐pot procedure.
Enantioselective Conjugate Addition of Nitroalkanes to Alkylidenemalonates Promoted by Thiourea‐Based Bifunctional Organocatalysts
Authors: Chiarucci Michel , Lombardo Marco , Trombini Claudio , Quintavalla Arianna
Published: January 2012

Cinchona alkaloids‐derived bifunctional thioureas efficiently catalyse the enantioselective conjugate addition of nitroalkanes to alkylidenemalonates with syn‐diastereopreference, opening a route to the synthesis of optically active γ‐amino acid derivatives.
Comparing the Fundamental Physics and Device Performance of Transparent, Conductive Nanostructured Networks with Conventional Transparent Conducting Oxides
Authors: Barnes Teresa M. , Reese Matthew O. , Bergeson Jeremy D. , Larsen Brian A. , Blackburn Jeffrey L. , Beard Matthew C. , Bult Justin , van de Lagemaat Jao
Published: January 2012

Networks made of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and metallic nanowire networks, graphene, and ultra‐thin metal films have all been proposed as replacements for transparent conducting oxides (TCOs) in photovoltaic and other applications. However, only limited comparisons of nanostructured networks and TCOs are available. Several common figures of merit that are often used to compare the electrical and optical performance of the transparent contacts are evaluated here, and the merits of each method of comparison are discussed. Calculating the current loss due to absorption in the TCO is the most useful metric for evaluating new materials for use in solar cells with well‐defined sheet resistance requirements and known quantum efficiencies. The ‘Haacke’ figure of merit, ΦH, correlates fairly well with current loss and is a good metric for evaluating electro‐optical performance for more general applications. The analyses presented here demonstrate that silver nanowire networks are much closer to achieving optimal electrical and optical properties than carbon‐based networks.
Preparation of polyvinylidene fluoride membrane via dual coagulation bath system and its wettability study
Authors: Ooi B. S. , Yatim N. S. M. , Ahmad A. L. , Lai S. O.
Published: January 2012

Hydrophobic polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane has been successfully developed using dual coagulation bath system in which first coagulation bath produced membrane with nodular structure whereas second water coagulation bath provided membrane with porous structure. The effects of coagulation time, polymer concentration, and isopropanol/water ratio in first coagulation bath on membrane wettability were studied. The membrane surface morphology such as pore size and porosity were studied using field emission scanning electron microscope and porosimeter. The wettability of the membrane was determined using sessile drop contact angle measurement. Using dual‐coagulation bath system, it was found that membrane with bicontinuous structure tends to have higher water contact angles. This membrane could be produced through short immersion time of 18 wt % PVDF solution in soft nonsolvent bath followed by coagulation in water nonsolvent bath. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Mixed matrix membranes based on 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane endcapped polyimides and silicalite‐1
Authors: Fryčová Marie , Sysel Petr , Kočiřík Milan , Brabec Libor , Hrabánek Pavel , Prokopová Olga , Bernauer Bohumil , Zikánová Arlette
Published: January 2012

To improve membrane permeability and the quality of the polymer‐zeolite interface such that the separation factor is maintained or enhanced, we adopted a novel approach to the preparation of mixed matrix membranes (MMMs). Our approach involved endcapping polyamic acid (PAA) with the coupling agent 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) and then bonding the endcapped polyimide (PI) to silicalite‐1. The APTES‐endcapped polyimide precursors reacted with silanol groups on the silicalite‐1 surface and were transformed into the final polyimide (PI) matrices. Five precursors were used to create five series of MMMs; each series contained membranes with a content of silicalite‐1 ranging from 0 to 50 wt %. The helium permeability coefficient of the membranes was measured and found to be dependent on both the amount of filler and type of PI matrix. In the most permeable series, helium permeability coefficient increased from 16.3 × 10−15 mol m−1 s−1 Pa−1 for unfilled membranes to 69.1 × 10−15 mol m−1 s−1 Pa−1 for membranes containing 30 wt % silicalite‐1. The ideal helium/nitrogen separation factor ranged between 22 and 45. Thus, it seems that our novel approach improves the interfacial adhesion of MMMs. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Examining Attitudes about and Influences on Research Participation among Forensic Psychiatric Inpatients
Authors: Magyar Melissa S. , Edens John F. , Epstein Monica , Stiles Paul G. , Poythress Norman G.
Published: January 2012

Although a growing body of research has examined various types of coercive practices that may occur among psychiatric patients over the years, almost no attention has been given to coercive influences that may occur specifically in the context of recruitment into research projects. Particularly for those who are institutionalized (e.g., in‐patient insanity acquittees), there are significant concerns that their autonomous decision‐making to consent or not may be significantly impaired due to the highly restrictive and controlled environment in which they live. This exploratory study sought to examine patients’ perceptions of coercive influences by presenting them with hypothetical research vignettes regarding possible recruitment into either a biomedical or social‐behavioral research project. Among 148 multi‐ethnic male and female participants across two facilities, participants reported relatively minimal perceptions that their autonomous decision‐making would be impacted or that various potentially coercive factors (e.g., pressures from staff) would impair their free choice to participate (or not) in such research. To the extent that such perceptions of coercion did occur, they were moderately associated with patients’ more general personality traits and attitudinal variables, such as alienation and external locus of control. Limitations of this study and their implications for future research are discussed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of process parameters and product‐host‐interaction on hVEGFA‐production by recombinant Chinese hamster ovary cells
Authors: Freimark Denise , Jérôme Valérie , Freitag Ruth
Published: January 2012

A potential producer clone was identified among recombinant, human vascular endothelial growth factor A (hVEGFA)‐producing Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) K1 cells, using a recently established screening method. In batch spinner cultivations, the cells showed a maximum growth rate of 0.045 h−1, a final total cell density of 5.3 × 106 mL−1 (living cell density: 3.4 × 106 mL−1), and a final hVEGFA concentration of 207 μg L−1. Living cell density and productivity in the spinner cultivations could be increased by glutamine feeding. Transfer of the process to the bioreactor (batch mode, control of pH, T, and O2) resulted in a reduction of the growth rate by roughly 50%, while overall living cell density and productivity increased, largely due to an extension of the production phase. When the bioreactor was run in the fed‐batch mode, growth rates were further reduced, while productivity and living cell densities reached a maximum (hVEGFA: 358 μg L−1, cells: 5.2 × 106 mL−1). In addition, the death rate of the hVEGFA‐producing cells was considerably reduced compared with the parent cell line, most likely due to product‐host‐interaction. This hypothesis was corroborated when a second recombinant CHO cell line (antibody producer) was transfected with the hVEGFA gene and afterward consistently showed higher viable cell densities together with a significantly improved antibody titer. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2012
Dinucleosides with Non‐Natural Backbones: A New Class of Ribonuclease A and Angiogenin Inhibitors
Authors: Debnath Joy , Dasgupta Swagata , Pathak Tanmaya
Published: January 2012

Ribonuclease A (RNase A) serves as a convenient model enzyme in the identification and development of inhibitors of proteins that are members of the ribonuclease superfamily. This is principally because the biological activity of these proteins, such as angiogenin, is linked to their catalytic ribonucleolytic activity. In an attempt to inhibit the biological activity of angiogenin, which involves new blood vessel formation, we employed different dinucleosides with varied non‐natural backbones. These compounds were synthesized by coupling aminonucleosides with dicarboxylic acids and amino‐ and carboxynucleosides with an amino acid. These molecules show competitive inhibition with inhibition constant (Ki) values of (59±3) and (155±5) μM for RNase A. The compounds were also found to inhibit angiogenin in a competitive fashion with corresponding Ki values in the micromolar range. The presence of an additional polar group attached to the backbone of dinucleosides was found to be responsible for the tight binding with both proteins. The specificity of different ribonucleolytic subsites were found to be altered because of the incorporation of a non‐natural backbone in between the two nucleosidic moieties. In spite of the replacement of the phosphate group by non‐natural linkers, these molecules were found to selectively interact with the ribonucleolytic site residues of angiogenin, whereas the cell binding site and nuclear translocation site residues remain unperturbed. Docked conformations of the synthesized compounds with RNase A and angiogenin suggest a binding preference for the thymine–adenine pair over the thymine–thymine pair.
One‐pot Green Synthesis of Pyrrole Derivatives Catalyzed by Nano Sulfated Zirconia as a Solid Acid Catalyst
Authors: Teimouri Abbas , Chermahini Alireza Najafi
Published: January 2012

A new and efficient method for the preparation of N‐substituted pyrroles from one‐pot Paal‐Knorr condensation has been accomplished using nano‐crystalline sulfated zirconia (SZ) as the catalyst in ethanol at moderate temperature. This new protocol has the advantages of easy availability, stability, reusability and eco‐friendliness of the catalyst, high to excellent yields, simple experimental and work‐up procedure. The synthesized compounds were confirmed through spectral characterization using IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and mass spectra.
Intermolecular and Intramolecular Hydrogen Bonds Involving Fluorine Atoms: Implications for Recognition, Selectivity, and Chemical Properties
Authors: Dalvit Claudio , Vulpetti Anna
Published: January 2012

A correlation between 19F NMR isotropic chemical shift and close intermolecular F⋅⋅⋅HX contacts (with X=N or O) has been identified upon analysis of the X‐ray crystal structures of fluorinated molecules listed in the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD). An optimal F⋅⋅⋅X distance involving primary and shielded secondary fluorine atoms in hydrogen‐bond formation along with a correlation between F⋅⋅⋅H distance and F⋅⋅⋅HX angle were also derived from the analysis. The hydrogen bonds involving fluorine are relevant, not only for the recognition mechanism and stabilization of a preferred conformation, but also for improvement in the permeability of the molecules, as shown with examples taken from a proprietary database. Results of an analysis of the small number of fluorine‐containing natural products listed in the Protein Data Bank (PDB) appear to strengthen the derived correlation between 19F NMR isotropic chemical shift and interactions involving fluorine (also known as the “rule of shielding”) and provides a hypothesis for the recognition mechanism and catalytic activity of specific enzymes. Novel chemical scaffolds, based on the rule of shielding, have been designed for recognizing distinct structural motifs present in proteins. It is envisaged that this approach could find useful applications in drug design for the efficient optimization of chemical fragments or promising compounds by increasing potency and selectivity against the desired biomolecular target.
Performance analysis of Intel multiprocessors using astrophysics simulations
Authors: Simon Tyler A. , Ward William A. , Boss Alan P.
Published: January 2012

This paper provides a performance evaluation and investigation of the astrophysics code FLASH for a variety of Intel multiprocessors. This work was performed at the NASA Center for Computational Sciences (NCCS) on behalf of the Carnegie Institution of Washington (CIW) as a study preliminary to the acquisition of a high‐performance computing (HPC) system at the CIW and for the NCCS itself to measure the relative performance of a recently acquired Intel Nehalem‐based system against previously installed multicore HPC resources. A brief overview of computer performance evaluation is provided, followed by a description of the systems under test, a description of the FLASH test problem, and the test results. Additionally, the paper characterizes some of the effects of load imbalance imposed by adaptive mesh refinement. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Death receptor 3 is essential for generating optimal protective CD41 T‐cell immunity against Salmonella
Authors: Buchan Sarah L. , Taraban Vadim Y. , Slebioda Tomasz J. , James Sonya , Cunningham Adam F. , Al‐Shamkhani Aymen
Published: January 2012

The TNF receptor superfamily member death receptor 3 (DR3) exacerbates Th2‐ and Th17‐cell‐mediated inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, yet no role in host defence has been reported. Here, we examined the role of DR3 during infection with Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. Infection resulted in protracted expression of the DR3 ligand TL1A but not the related TNF superfamily proteins OX40L or CD30L. TL1A expression was localized to splenic F4/80+ macrophages where S. enterica Typhimurium replicates, and temporally coincided with the onset of CD4+‐cell expansion. To address the relevance of the TL1A‐DR3 interaction, we examined immune responses to S. enterica Typhimurium in mice lacking DR3. Infected DR3‐/‐ mice harboured reduced numbers of antigen‐experienced and proliferating CD4+ T cells compared with WT mice. Furthermore, the frequency of IFN‐γ+ CD4+ T cells in DR3‐/‐ mice was lower throughout the time of bacterial clearance. Importantly, bacterial clearance, which is dependent on Th1 cells, was also impaired in DR3‐/‐ mice. This defect was intrinsic to CD4+ T cells as evidenced by an increase in bacterial burden in RAG2‐deficient mice receiving DR3‐/‐ CD4+ T cells compared with WT CD4+‐cell recipients. These data establish for the first time a role for DR3 in a host defence responce.
Finite element assembly strategies on multi‐core and many‐core architectures
Authors: Markall G. R. , Slemmer A. , Ham D. A. , Kelly P. H. J. , Cantwell C. D. , Sherwin S. J.
Published: January 2012

We demonstrate that radically differing implementations of finite element methods (FEMs) are needed on multi‐core (CPU) and many‐core (GPU) architectures, if their respective performance potential is to be realised. Our numerical investigations using a finite element advection–diffusion solver show that increased performance on each architecture can only be achieved by committing to specific and diverse algorithmic choices that cut across the high‐level structure of the implementation. Making these commitments to achieve high performance for a single architecture leads to a loss of performance portability. Data structures that include redundant data but enable coalesced memory accesses are faster on many‐core architectures, whereas redundancy‐free data structures that are accessed indirectly are faster on multi‐core architectures. The Addto algorithm for global assembly is optimal on multi‐core architectures, whereas the Local Matrix Approach is optimal on many‐core architectures despite requiring more computation than the Addto algorithm. These results demonstrate the value in making the correct choice of algorithm and data structure when implementing FEMs, spectral element methods and low‐order discontinuous Galerkin methods on modern high‐performance architectures. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Toenail trace element status and risk of Barrett's oesophagus and oesophageal adenocarcinoma: Results from the FINBAR study
Authors: O'Rorke Michael A. , Cantwell Marie M. , Abnet Christian C. , Brockman and John D. , Murray Liam J. ,   on behalf of the FINBAR Study Group
Published: January 2012

Trace elements have been cited as both inhibitory and causative agents of cancer but importantly exposure to them is potentially modifiable. Our study aimed to examine toenail trace element status and risk of Barrett's oesophagus (BO) and oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC). Toenail clippings from each hallux were obtained from 638 participants of the FINBAR (Factors Influencing the Barrett's Adenocarcinoma Relationship) study comprising 221 healthy controls, 98 reflux oesophagitis, 182 BO and 137 OAC cases. The concentrations of eight toenail trace elements were determined using instrumental neutron activation analysis. Using multivariable adjusted logistic regression analysis, odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated within tertiles of trace element concentrations. A twofold increased risk of BO was observed, but not OAC, among individuals in the highest tertile of toenail zinc status OR 2.21 (95% CI, 1.11–4.40). A higher toenail selenium status was not associated with risk of OAC OR 0.94 (95% CI, 0.44–2.04) or BO OR 0.89 (95% CI, 0.37–2.12). A borderline significant increased risk of BO was detected with a higher toenail cobalt concentration, OR 1.97 (95% CI, 1.01–3.85). No association was found between toenail levels of chromium, cerium, mercury and OAC or BO risk. This is the first case–control study to investigate a variety of trace elements in relation to OAC and BO risk. Despite antioxidant and proapoptotic properties, no associations were found with selenium. Higher concentrations of toenail zinc and cobalt were associated with an increased BO risk, but not OAC. These findings need confirmation in prospective analysis.
Intake of red meat and heterocyclic amines, metabolic pathway genes and bladder cancer risk
Authors: Lin Jie , Forman Michele R. , Wang Jianming , Grossman H. Barton , Chen Meng , Dinney Colin P. , Hawk Ernest T. , Wu Xifeng
Published: January 2012

We analyzed the association between meat intake, heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and bladder cancer (BC) risk in a large case‐control study comprised of 884 BC cases and 878 healthy controls, recruited from 1999 to 2009. Epidemiologic and dietary data were collected via an in‐person interview. Compared to the lowest quartile of red meat intake, the odds ratios (ORs) for the second, third and fourth quartiles were 1.17 (95% CI: 0.87–1.58), 1.47 (95% CI: 1.09–1.99) and 1.95 (95% CI: 1.41–2.68), respectively, (p‐for trend <0.001). In a subset of participants with intakes of HCAs available, compared with those with the lowest quartile of intake, the ORs for the second, third and fourth quartiles were 1.47 (95% CI: 0.60–3.64), 2.58 (95% CI: 1.09–6.11) and 3.32 (95% CI: 1.37–8.01), respectively, (p for trend <0.001). In cumulative analysis of SNPs in the pathway, compared with subjects carrying 0–4 unfavorable genotypes, subjects carrying 5 and 6 or more unfavorable genotypes were at 1.60‐fold (95% CI: 1.20–2.12) and 2.37‐fold (95% CI: 1.82–3.10) increased risk, respectively. Moreover, subjects carrying six or more unfavorable genotypes and whose red meat intake was in the highest quartile were at 5.09‐fold increased risk (95% CI: 2.89–8.96; p < 0.001). These results strongly support that high red meat intake, high intake of HCAs and carrying high number of unfavorable genotypes in the HCA metabolic pathways are associated with increased risk of BC in the study population.
Tumor–platelet interaction in solid tumors
Authors: Buergy Daniel , Wenz Frederik , Groden Christoph , Brockmann Marc A.
Published: January 2012

Elevated platelet counts in patients diagnosed with malignant tumors were first described more than 100 years ago. Today it is well known that in many types of solid tumors, thrombocytosis at the time of diagnosis is associated with shorter survival. From this well‐documented clinical correlation between platelet count and prognosis of solid tumors, the following questions arise: (i) Are the increased platelet counts the reason for shortened survival as platelet‐secreted cytokines might boost tumor growth and angiogenesis? (ii) Do platelets affect tumor metastasis thereby shortening survival time? or (iii) Are increased platelet counts simply an epiphenomenon of tumor growth with larger tumors resulting in higher platelet counts and shorter survival times? We address these three questions within our review of the current literature to provide a comprehensive overview of the current concepts in tumor–platelet interaction.
Diagnostic value of fecal tumor M2‐pyruvate kinase for CRC screening: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Rui , Liu Jianjun , Xue Huiping , Huang Gang
Published: January 2012

The measurement of fecal tumor M2‐pyruvate kinase (PKM2), overexpressed in tumor cells, has been proposed as a novel tool for detecting colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the sensitivity and specificity of this test varied among studies. The aim of this meta‐analysis was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of fecal PKM2 for CRC and to evaluate its utility in the CRC screening. It was compared to guaiac fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) or immunological fecal occult blood test (iFOBT). Through comprehensive literature search, 10 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included. Summary estimates for sensitivity and specificity were calculated by using the bivariate random effect model. The hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic curve was also undertaken. The overall sensitivity and specificity of fecal PKM2 for detecting CRC were 79% (95% CI = 75–83%) and 81% (95% CI = 73–87%), respectively. The summary positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 74% (95% CI = 56–87%) and 86% (95% CI = 79–91%), respectively. The pooled diagnostic odds ratio was 16 (95% CI = 10–26). In head‐to‐head comparison, the diagnostic odds ratio of PKM2 and gFOBT for CRC were 10.167 (95% CI = 5.992–17.250) and 6.557 (95% CI = 3.467–12.403), respectively. The diagnostic odds ratio of PKM2 and iFOBT for CRC were 9.542 (95% CI = 5.893–15.452) and 67.248 (95% CI = 16.194–279.26), respectively. The fecal PKM2 test was a diagnostic tool with moderate sensitivity and specificity for detecting CRC. Its diagnostic efficiency was similar to that of gFOBT. Because of its relatively low specificity and positive predict value, fecal PKM2 was not recommended used alone as a screening tool for CRC.
Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy identifies protein propionylation in histone deacetylase inhibitor treated glioma cells
Authors: Singh Bhawana , Boopathy Sivaraman , Somasundaram Kumaravel , Umapathy Siva
Published: January 2012

Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDIs) have attracted considerable attention as potential drug molecules in tumour biology. In order to optimise chemotherapy, it is important to understand the mechanisms of regulation of histone deacetylase (HDAC) enzymes and modifications brought by various HDIs. In the present study, we have employed Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy (FT‐IRMS) to evaluate modifications in cellular macromolecules subsequent to treatment with various HDIs. In addition to CH3 (methyl) stretching bands at 2872 and 2960 cm–1, which arises due to acetylation, we also found major changes in bands at 2851 and 2922 cm–1, which originates from stretching vibrations of CH2 (methylene) groups, in valproic acid treated cells. We further demonstrate that the changes in CH2 stretching are concentration‐dependent and also induced by several other HDIs. Recently, HDIs have been shown to induce propionylation besides acetylation [1]. Since propionylation involves CH2 groups, we hypothesized that CH2 vibrational frequency changes seen in HDI treated cells could arise due to propionylation. As verification, pre‐treatment of cells with propionyl CoA synthetase inhibitor resulted in loss of CH2 vibrational changes in histones, purified from valproic acid treated cells. This was further proved by western blot using propionyl‐lysine specific antibody. Thus we demonstrate for the first time that propionylation could be monitored by studying CH2 stretching using IR spectroscopy and further provide a platform for monitoring HDI induced multiple changes in cells. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Analysis of cholesterol oxidation products by Fast gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
Authors: Cardenia Vladimiro , Rodriguez‐Estrada Maria T. , Baldacci Elena , Savioli Stefano , Lercker Giovanni
Published: January 2012

The aim of the present study was to set‐up a Fast gas chromatography/mass spectrometry method for the analysis of cholesterol oxidation products (COPs). A silylated mixture of seven oxysterol standards was injected into a Fast GC/MS system. A capillary GC column (10 m×0.1 mm internal diameter×0.1 μm film thickness) coated with 95% dimethyl‐ and 5% diphenyl‐polysiloxane, was used. The method gave a fast (total analysis time=3.5 min) and satisfactory resolution (R>1.2) of the COPs standards, with a good repeatability and sensitivity, similar to those of conventional GC/MS; recoveries were tested on mice liver. Fast GC/MS method suitability for COPs analysis in food was also tested on an oxidized sardine fillet, which had been previously saponified and purified by NH2 solid‐phase extraction (SPE); a good repeatability and sensitivity was also obtained. The analytical performance of the Fast GC/MS method for the determination of COPs, together with the consequent significant reduction of the analysis time and consumables, demonstrates that Fast GC/MS represents a valid alternative to conventional GC/MS and evinces the great potential of such an analytical technique, which could be applied for both food and biological samples.
Radical formation during phenol oxidation in aqueous media
Authors: Shendrik A. N. , Odaryuk I. D. , Kanibolotska L. V. , Kalinichenko E. A. , Tsyapalo A. S. , Beznos V. V. , Kanibolotsky A. L.
Published: January 2012

Kinetics of oxygen consumption, reaction product formation, and chemiluminescence during polyphenol oxidation by molecular oxygen in alkaline aqueous media with additions of l‐ascorbic acid (AscH2) and homocysteine (HCys) has been investigated. In these processes, AscH2 and HCys have been shown to act as typical radical‐reaction inhibitors that can be used for determinations of the radical formation rates. The rates of radical formation during oxidation of hydroquinone (p‐QH2), chlorohydroquinone (Cl‐QH2), 2,5‐dichlorohydroquinone (2,5Cl‐QH2), catechol (PK), 4‐methylcatechol (4CH3‐PK), pyrogallol (PG), gallic acid (GK) have been estimated. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 44: 414–422, 2012
Synthesis and Characterization of Poly(acrylic acid) Brushes: “Grafting‐Onto” Route
Authors: Sudre Guillaume , Siband Elodie , Hourdet Dominique , Creton Costantino , Cousin Fabrice , Tran Yvette
Published: January 2012

A guideline for the synthesis of poly(acrylic acid) brushes on planar silica surfaces by the “grafting‐onto” approach is described. It is demonstrated that some thermal precautions must be taken to obtain extended brushes. It is also shown that neutron reflectivity is well suited for the characterization of each step of the synthesis, while it is (unfortunately) rarely used for that purpose. The steps are the following: first, the substrates are covered with a self‐assembled monolayer of epoxy‐terminated molecules; then, the poly(tert‐butyl acrylate) brushes are built using preformed and end‐functionalized chains; finally, the deprotection of the ester group is performed using a pyrolysis reaction to convert the poly(tert‐butyl acrylate) brushes into poly(acrylic acid) brushes.
Synthesis and Polymerization of Fused‐Ring Thienodipyrrole Monomers
Authors: Nguyen Hien Q. , Rainbolt Elizabeth A. , Sista Prakash , Stefan Mihaela C.
Published: January 2012

The synthesis and polymerization of fused‐ring 1,7‐didodecyl‐1,7‐dihydrothieno[3,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dipyrrole monomer are reported. The FeCl3‐mediated oxidative polymerization and Stille coupling polymerization of the thienodipyrrole monomer were employed to generate homopolymers and an alternating copolymer with thiophene. The synthesized polymers have molecular weights ranging from 1600 to 6500 g mol−1 and display the absorption maxima at ≈355 nm.
The influence of maternal–fetal attachment and health practices on neonatal outcomes in low‐income, urban women
Authors: Alhusen Jeanne L. , Gross Deborah , Hayat Matthew J. , (Nancy) Woods Anne B. , Sharps Phyllis W.
Published: January 2012

Maternal–fetal attachment (MFA) has been associated with health practices during pregnancy, but less is known about this relationship in low‐income women, and no identified studies have examined this relationship to neonatal outcomes. This longitudinal descriptive study was conducted to examine the relationships among MFA, health practices during pregnancy, and neonatal outcomes in a sample of low‐income, predominantly African‐American women and their neonates. MFA was associated with health practices during pregnancy and adverse neonatal outcomes. Health practices during pregnancy mediated the relationships of MFA and adverse neonatal outcomes. The results support the importance of examining MFA in our efforts to better understand the etiology of health disparities in neonatal outcomes. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 35:112–120, 2012
The interplay of HER2/HER3/PI3K and EGFR/HER2/PLC‐γ1 signalling in breast cancer cell migration and dissemination
Authors: Balz Lydia M , Bartkowiak Kai , Andreas Antje , Pantel Klaus , Niggemann Bernd , Zänker Kurt S , Brandt Burkhard H , Dittmar Thomas
Published: January 2012

HER2 signalling by heterodimerisation with EGFR and HER3 in breast cancer is associated with worst outcome of the afflicted patients, which is attributed not only to the aggressiveness of such tumours but also to therapy resistance. Thus, in the present study we investigated the role of EGFR, HER2 and HER3 lateral signalling in cell migration by applying the MDA‐MB‐468‐HER2 (MDA‐HER2) breast cancer cell line, representing a valid model system. Knockdown of HER3 expression by siRNA resulted in decreased phosphorylated AKT (pAKT) levels, abrogated epidermal growth factor (EGF)‐mediated PLC‐γ1 activation and a diminished EGF‐induced migratory activity, depicting the interplay of EGF receptor (EGFR)/HER2/PLC‐γ1 and HER2/HER3/PI3K signalling in mediating the migration of EGFR/HER2/HER3‐expressing breast cancer cells. Since therapy failure usually arises from metastatic cells, we further investigated whether HER3 signalling was active in established breast cancer disseminated tumour cell (DTC) lines as well as in primary DTCs derived from breast cancer patients. EGF treatment of DTC lines resulted solely in increased pAKT S473 levels, whereas in MDA‐HER2 cells both pAKT S473 and pAKT T308 levels were increased upon EGF stimulation. Moreover, despite active HER3 molecules, as indicated by pTyr1222 staining, about 90% of analysed breast cancer patient DTCs exhibited very low or even no detectable pAKT S473 levels, suggesting that these cells might have fallen into dormancy. In summary, our data indicate the important role in EGFR, HER2 and HER3 lateral signalling in breast cancer cell migration. Moreover, our data further show that primary tumour cells and DTCs can vary in their HER activation status, which is important to know in the context of cancer therapy. Copyright © 2012 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design for validation of acute myocardial infarction cases in Mini‐Sentinel
Authors: Cutrona Sarah L. , Toh Sengwee , Iyer Aarthi , Foy Sarah , Cavagnaro Elizabeth , Forrow Susan , Racoosin Judith A. , Goldberg Robert , Gurwitz Jerry H.
Published: January 2012

Purpose

To describe the acute myocardial infarction (AMI) validation project, a test case for health outcome validation within the US Food and Drug Administration–funded Mini‐Sentinel pilot program.

Methods

The project consisted of four parts: (i) case identification—developing an algorithm based on the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, to identify hospitalized AMI patients within the Mini‐Sentinel Distributed Database; (ii) chart retrieval—establishing procedures that ensured patient privacy (collection and transfer of minimum necessary amount of information, and redaction of direct identifiers to validate potential cases of AMI); (iii) abstraction and adjudication—trained nurse abstractors gathered key data using a standardized form with cardiologist adjudication; and (iv) calculation of the positive predictive value of the constructed algorithm.

Results

Key decision points included (i) breadth of the AMI algorithm, (ii) centralized versus distributed abstraction, and (iii) approaches to maintaining patient privacy and to obtaining charts for public health purposes. We used an algorithm limited to International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, codes 410.x0‐410.x1. Centralized data abstraction was performed because of the modest number of charts requested (<155). The project's public health status accelerated chart retrieval in most instances.

Conclusions

We have established a process to validate AMI within Mini‐Sentinel, which may be used for other health outcomes. Challenges include the following: (i) ensuring that only minimum necessary data are transmitted by Data Partners for centralized chart review, (ii) establishing procedures to maintain data privacy while still allowing for timely access to medical charts, and (iii) securing access to charts for public health uses that do not require approval from an institutional review board while maintaining patient privacy. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A systematic review of validated methods for identifying lymphoma using administrative data
Authors: Herman Ronald A. , Gilchrist Bradley , Link Brian K. , Carnahan Ryan
Published: January 2012

Purpose

To systematically review published studies for algorithms that identified lymphoma as a health outcome of interest in administrative or claims data and examined the validity of the algorithm to identify lymphoma cases.

Methods

A systematic literature search was executed using PubMed and the Iowa Drug Information Service database. Two investigators reviewed search results to identify studies using administrative or claims databases from the USA or Canada that both reported and validated an algorithm to identify lymphoma.

Results

The search identified 713 unique citations with 402 eliminated by an initial screen of the article abstract. The remaining 311 resulted in one study that identified and validated an algorithm. Ten other studies reported algorithms but were not validated. The validated study reported four possible algorithms that had a specificity (> 99%), but the algorithm using two diagnostic codes recorded within 2 months had the best positive predictive value (PPV = 62.83%) and a sensitivity (79.81%). The most comprehensive algorithm required multiple diagnostic codes 2 months apart or diagnostic, and procedure codes on the same day had the greatest sensitivity (88.31%) and a PPV = 56.69%. The algorithm that required only a single diagnostic or procedure code had the worst PPV (34.72%).

Conclusion

The International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision diagnostic, clinical procedure, and complication codes for lymphoma can identify incident hematologic malignancies and solid tumors with high specificity but with relatively low to moderate sensitivity and PPVs. When diagnostic and procedure codes were required on the same visit or multiple codes between visits, then PPV was increased. Relying on a single registry to confirm true positive cases is also not sufficient. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A systematic review of validated methods for identifying transfusion‐related sepsis using administrative and claims data
Authors: Carnahan Ryan M. , Herman Ronald A. , Moores Kevin G.
Published: January 2012

Purpose

To systematically review algorithms to identify transfusion‐related sepsis or septicemia in administrative data, with a focus on studies that have examined the validity of the algorithms.

Methods

A literature search was conducted using PubMed, the database of the Iowa Drug Information Service (IDIS/Web), and Embase. A Google Scholar search was conducted because of difficulty identifying relevant studies. Reviews were conducted by two investigators to identify studies using data sources from the USA or Canada, because these data sources were most likely to reflect the coding practices of Mini‐Sentinel data sources.

Results

No studies that were identified that used administrative data to identify sepsis or septicemia related to transfusion of blood products. Thus, four studies that studied the validity of algorithms to identify sepsis and two that studied algorithms to identify allogeneic blood transfusion are described in this review. Two studies found acceptable positive predictive values of 80% and 89% for algorithms to identify sepsis in hospitalized patients. One study reported a negative predictive value of 80% in hospitalized patients, and another, a sensitivity of 75%. One study of veterans receiving surgery reported much worse performance characteristics. Two studies reported near‐perfect specificity of codes for allogeneic red blood cell transfusion, but sensitivity ranged from 21% to 83%.

Conclusions

There is no information to assess the validity of algorithms to identify transfusion‐related sepsis or septicemia. Codes to identify sepsis performed well in most studies. Algorithms to identify transfusions need further research that includes a broader range of transfusion types. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A systematic review of validated methods for identifying pulmonary fibrosis and interstitial lung disease using administrative and claims data
Authors: Jones Natalie , Schneider Gary , Kachroo Sumesh , Rotella Philip , Avetisyan Ruzan , Reynolds Matthew W.
Published: January 2012

Purpose

The Food and Drug Administration's Mini‐Sentinel pilot program initially aimed to conduct active surveillance to refine safety signals that emerge for marketed medical products. A key facet of this surveillance is to develop and understand the validity of algorithms for identifying health outcomes of interest (HOIs) from administrative and claims data. This paper summarizes the process and findings of the algorithm review of pulmonary fibrosis and interstitial lung disease.

Methods

PubMed and Iowa Drug Information Service Web searches were conducted to identify citations applicable to the pulmonary fibrosis/interstitial lung disease HOI. Level 1 abstract reviews and Level 2 full‐text reviews were conducted to find articles using administrative and claims data to identify pulmonary fibrosis and interstitial lung disease, including validation estimates of the coding algorithms.

Results

Our search revealed a deficiency of literature focusing on pulmonary fibrosis and interstitial lung disease algorithms and validation estimates. Only five studies provided codes; none provided validation estimates. Because interstitial lung disease includes a broad spectrum of diseases, including pulmonary fibrosis, the scope of these studies varied, as did the corresponding diagnostic codes used.

Conclusions

Research needs to be conducted on designing validation studies to test pulmonary fibrosis and interstitial lung disease algorithms and estimating their predictive power, sensitivity, and specificity. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study on Key Factors Affecting Energy Output of Emulsion Explosives in Underwater Explosion
Authors: Wang Liqiong , Wang Nafeng , Zhang Li
Published: January 2012

In this paper, emulsion explosives were investigated. Rules for the change of output energy of emulsion explosives with different oxygen balance, aluminum powder content, charge condition, decoupling media etc. were studied by means of an explosion water pool. The p–t curves and peak pressure values were obtained. The effects of these factors on shock wave energy, bubble energy and total energy were given. The results show that output energy of emulsion explosives without aluminum powder is lower than that of standard TNT explosives. The total energy of emulsion explosives with zero oxygen balance is only 86 % of that of TNT. In the experiment, output energy of the explosives tends to increase with the increase of aluminum powder content. With aluminum contents from 10 % to 15 %, the total energy is 1.05 and 1.14 time of that of TNT respectively. Energy efficiency is affected with change of decoupling coefficient and media.
Near ambient pressure XPS with a conventional X‐ray source
Authors: Jürgensen A. , Esser N. , Hergenröder R.
Published: January 2012

The Leibniz‐Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften–ISAS–e.V. recently acquired a new XPS system from SPECS for measurements at near atmospheric pressures and using a conventional laboratory X‐ray source (Al Kα and Mg Kα). This allows the in situ analysis of gas–surface interactions under reaction conditions to study, for example, heterogeneous catalysis and corrosion. Furthermore, with operating pressures of up to approximately 0.5 mbar, it is possible to set up a water atmosphere that stabilises biological molecules, for example, lipid bilayer films on metal surfaces. By using a conventional laboratory X‐ray source, the radiation damage to these molecules can be minimised. Measurements to establish optimal parameters for operation of the instrument have been completed, and the results are discussed. Future modifications to improve photon and electron flux are presented. The first experimental data obtained with this instrument are also shown. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.