bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of cigarette smoking on rhinologic diseases: Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2008‐2011
Authors: Lee Woo Hyun , Hong Seung‐No , Kim Hong Joong , Ahn Soyeon , Rhee Chae‐Seo , Lee Chul Hee , Kim Jeong‐Whun
Published: May 2015

Background

Several studies have shown a relationship between cigarette smoking and general diseases of the nose in a large Asian population. The current study was conducted to better understand the effect of cigarette smoke exposure on rhinologic diseases in Koreans.

Methods

Data were obtained from the 2008‐2011 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a cross‐sectional survey of the noninstitutionalized population in Korea. Of the 37,753 people surveyed, 11,589 adult participants had completed questionnaires on rhinologic symptoms and smoking behaviors, had undergone nasal endoscopy, and had provided urine collection were enrolled. Rhinologic diseases investigated in this study included subjective olfactory dysfunction, rhinitis symptoms, chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), and nasal septal deviation with obstructive symptoms. The relationship between disease and cigarette smoking was evaluated using multivariate regression analyses.

Results

In South Korea, the weighted prevalence of subjective olfactory dysfunction, rhinitis symptoms, CRS, and nasal septal deviation with obstructive symptoms was 4.6%, 27.2%, 6.2%, and 4.0%, respectively. The only disease significantly associated with active smoking was CRS in participants 40 years of age and older after adjusting for age, sex, residency, house income, education, and occupation (adjusted odds ratio = 1.427, 95% confidence interval = 1.050 to 1.938). For each year of active smoking, CRS prevalence increased by 1.5%. None of the rhinologic diseases examined were associated with passive smoking.

Conclusion

Our study showed that CRS seems to be associated with active smoking in older participants. Considering the relatively high prevalence of CRS in Korea, further longitudinal researches for their association and prevention are required.
Semiclassical analysis of the electron‐nuclear coupling in electronic non‐adiabatic processes
Authors: Agostini Federica , Min Seung Kyu , Gross E. K. U.
Published: May 2015

In the context of the exact factorization of the electron‐nuclear wave function, the coupling between electrons and nuclei beyond the adiabatic regime is encoded (i) in the time‐dependent vector and scalar potentials and (ii) in the electron‐nuclear coupling operator. The former appear in the Schrödinger‐like equation that drives the evolution of the nuclear degrees of freedom, whereas the latter is responsible for inducing non‐adiabatic effects in the electronic evolution equation. As we have devoted previous studies to the analysis of the vector and scalar potentials, in this paper we focus on the properties of the electron‐nuclear coupling operator, with the aim of describing a numerical procedure to approximate it within a semiclassical treatment of the nuclear dynamics.
Nonlinear optical microscopy: Endogenous signals and exogenous probes
Authors: Ni Ming , Zhuo Shuangmu
Published: May 2015

Nonlinear optical microscopy (NLOM) relies on nonlinear light–matter interactions to provide images from larger depths within biological structures compared to conventional confocal fluorescence microscopy. These nonlinear light–matter interactions include multiphoton excitation fluorescence (MPEF), second‐harmonic generation (SHG), coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering (CARS), and stimulated Raman scattering (SRS). This review discusses the theories of and instrumentation for various NLOM techniques, with a particular focus on endogenous signals and exogenous probes. These signals and probes expand the breadth of information that optical imaging can provide. We also discuss the application of NLOM in biomedical research, including tissue engineering, drug delivery and clinical diagnostics. Current technological limitations are also discussed.

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Multiple Ligands Targeting Cholinesterases and β‐Amyloid: Synthesis, Biological Evaluation of Heterodimeric Compounds with Benzylamine Pharmacophore
Authors: Szałaj Natalia , Bajda Marek , Dudek Katarzyna , Brus Boris , Gobec Stanislav , Malawska Barbara
Published: May 2015

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a fatal and complex neurodegenerative disorder for which effective treatment remains the unmet challenge. Using donepezil as a starting point, we aimed to develop novel potential anti‐AD agents with a multidirectional biological profile. We designed the target compounds as dual binding site acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, where the N‐benzylamine pharmacophore is responsible for interactions with the catalytic anionic site of the enzyme. The heteroaromatic fragment responsible for interactions with the peripheral anionic site was modified and three different heterocycles were introduced: isoindoline, isoindolin‐1‐one, and saccharine. Based on the results of the pharmacological evaluation, we identified compound 8b with a saccharine moiety as the most potent and selective human acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (IC50 = 33 nM) and beta amyloid aggregation inhibitor. It acts as a non‐competitive acetylcholinesterase inhibitor and is able to cross the blood–brain barrier in vitro. We believe that compound 8b represents an important lead compound for further development as potential anti‐AD agent.
Fujiwara–Moritani Reaction of Weinreb Amides using a Ruthenium‐Catalyzed C−H Functionalization Reaction
Authors: Das Riki , Kapur Manmohan
Published: May 2015

The ruthenium‐catalyzed Fujiwara–Moritani reaction (oxidative‐Heck reaction) of Weinreb amides is reported herein. The reaction affords exclusively ortho‐C−H olefination products, has excellent substrate scope and tolerates halogen functionalities, which increase the synthetic utility of the method. A variety of activated olefins as well as styrenes can be employed as coupling partners.
Development and validation of an LC‐MS/MS method for the determination of bullatine A in rat plasma: application to a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Teng Shi‐Yong , Zhang Si‐Xi , Niu Kai , Zhai Li‐Jie , Wang Shi‐Ji
Published: May 2015

Bullatine A is a diterpenoid alkaloid of Xue‐Shang‐Yi‐Zhi‐Hao (Aconitum brachypodum), which is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of rheumatism and pain. The plasma levels of bullatine A were measured by a rapid and sensitive LC‐MS/MS method. Samples were prepared using acetonitrile precipitation and the separation of bullatine A was achieved on a Capcell Pak MG‐C18 column by isocratic elution using acetonitrile (phase A) and 0.1% formic acid (phase B, pH 4.0; A:B, 30:70, v/v) as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min. Detection was performed on a triple‐quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer by multiple‐reaction monitoring of the transitions at m/z 344.2 → 105.2 for bullatine A and m/z 256.2 → 167.1 for the internal standard. The linearity was found to be within the concentration range of 1.32–440 ng/mL with a lower limit of quantification of 1.32 ng/mL. Only 1.3 min was needed for an each analytical run. This method was successfully applied in the determination of the active component bullatine A in rat plasma after intramuscular administration of A. brachypodum injection. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Handbook of Chemical and Biological Plant Analytical Methods. Edited by Kurt Hostettmann, Shilin Chen, Andrew Marston, Hermann Stuppner
Authors: Chapman Eli
Published: May 2015

Wiley, Hoboken 2014, 1176 pp., hardcover, $695.00—ISBN 978‐1‐119‐95275‐6
Clinical predictors of mortality following rotational atherectomy and stent implantation in high‐risk patients: A single center experience
Authors: Édes István F. , Ruzsa Zoltán , Szabó György , Nardai Sándor , Becker Dávid , Benke Kálmán , Szilveszter Bálint , Merkely Béla
Published: May 2015

Objectives

Our aim was to assess the procedural success and determine the clinical predictors of postprocedure mortality, following rotational atherectomy (RA) and stenting in high‐risk patients.

Background

RA is mainly used to facilitate stenting in complex lesions. Outcomes involving RA and stenting have been investigated, yet high‐risk patients have not been adequately described.

Methods

Data of 218 consecutive patients who underwent RA were evaluated in a prospective register. Primary endpoints were the angiographic success and long‐term mortality. Secondary endpoints were procedural success, consumption of the angioplasty equipment, and periprocedural major adverse cardiac events. The impact of the relevant angiographic and clinical characteristics on long‐term mortality was analyzed using uni‐ and multivariate Cox regression analysis.

Results

Mean age of the patients was 70 ± 8.2 years, diabetes was present in 44%, and chronic renal failure in 29%. Prior myocardial infarction and three‐vessel disease amounted to 42.2% and 32.6%, respectively. Altogether, 52.8% of patients underwent RA after a failed, non‐RA intervention attempt, and 30.7% of cases presented as acute coronary syndromes. Angiographic success was 100%, and all patients received stents after RA. Periprocedural major adverse cardiac events occurred in five (2.3%) patients. Postprocedural death was investigated, with a mean follow‐up of 36 months. Mortality amounted to 37.2%. Multivariate analysis revealed that left ventricular ejection fraction < 50%, glomerular filtration rate < 60 ml/min, cardiogenic shock, and diabetes were the only independent mortality predictors.

Conclusions

We have found that RA and stenting is feasible and viable in an elderly high‐risk population, with exceptional procedural success and acceptable long‐term results. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of Mixed Aortic Valve Stenosis on VARC‐2 Outcomes and Postprocedural Aortic Regurgitation in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation
Authors: Chieffo Alaide , Van Mieghem Nicolas M. , Tchetche Didier , Dumonteil Nicolas , Giustino Gennaro , Van der Boon Robert M.A. , Pierri Adele , Marcheix Bertrand , Misuraca Leonardo , Serruys Patrick W. , Millischer Damien , Carrié Didier , de Jaegere Peter P.T. , Colombo Antonio
Published: May 2015

Objectives

We sought to evaluate the impact of mixed aortic stenosis (MAS) on postprocedural aortic regurgitation (PPAR) and clinical outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Background

The impact of MAS of TAVI outcomes is unknown.

Methods and Results

Data from a multicenter registry were retrospectively analysed. Outcomes were compared between patients with pure aortic stenosis (PAS; associated AR < 1+/3+) and MAS (associated AR ≥ 1+/3+). Study objectives were PPAR incidence and short‐ and long‐term mortality. Overall, 1,062 patients were included: 419 (39.4%) with MAS and 643 (60.5%) with PAS. At 30 days, there were no differences in mortality, however, a higher incidence of major bleeding (22.7% vs. 16.8%; P = 0.016), PPAR ≥ 1+/3+ (42.6% vs. 26.5%; P < 0.001) and lower device success (89.3% vs. 93.3%; P = 0.019) was observed in patients with MAS. Of note, MAS was an independent predictor of PPAR ≥ 1+/3+ at multivariable analysis (OR: 2.882; CI: 1.851–4.488; P < 0.001). At 2 years of follow‐up, no survival differences were present between MAS and PAS groups. Similarly, following stratification for PPAR ≥ 1+/3+, MAS had no protective effect on survival as compared with PAS.

Conclusions

MAS was associated with lower device success and higher PPAR incidence. However, despite these findings, it had no influence on long‐term postoperative outcomes. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assessment of MR compatibility and machinability using the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method for material selection of MR device
Authors: Jiang Shan , Wu Zhengxing , Ren Zhaowei , Yang Zhiyong
Published: May 2015

Objective

To develop magnetic resonance (MR) robot used in the magnetic field environment, materials selected for manufacturing robot should have good MR compatibility and machinability. Therefore, it is becoming increasingly urgent to develop an evaluation method considering the above two factors at the same time.

Methods

A series of experiments were done to study the interaction between the magnetic field of MR scanner and the material samples, and to determine the samples’ machinability. Four kinds of materials including metal and plastics with different geometric shape were used to test the artifacts, force and torque in magnetic resonance image (MRI) tube according to standard method. Three items including surface roughness, cutting force and chip shape were analyzed to evaluate the machinability of four samples. The fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method was adopted to process these experimental data for choosing the most suitable robot material in MR environment.

Results

The quantized values of MR compatibility and machinability are achieved, and a new methodology for material selection are developed, which provides systematic guideline for engineer and researcher to choose suitable robot materials used in an MRI tube. Polyformaldehyde of four kinds of material is determined to be the most suitable one for MR robots or devices.

Conclusion

A thorough examination of four commonly used engineering materials has been discussed and the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method is suitable for choosing MR compatible robot materials. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part B (Magn Reson Engineering) 45B: 1–12, 2015
Chemotoxicity recurrence in older patients: Risk factors and effectiveness of preventive strategies—a prospective study
Authors: Extermann Martine , Reich Richard R. , Sehovic Marina
Published: May 2015

BACKGROUND

The National Cancer Institute's Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) and adjustment rules after severe toxicity are derived by consensus, but to the authors’ knowledge little is known regarding the determinants of toxicity recurrence, especially in the elderly.

METHODS

The authors prospectively accrued 200 patients (aged ≥65 years) before chemotherapy. For those with CTCAE grade 3 to 4 nonhematologic or CTCAE grade 4 hematologic toxicities (severe toxicity), the duration and functional impact, treatment modifications, and severe toxicity recurrence were recorded. The regimen's toxicity was adjusted with the MAX2 index, the average of the most frequent grade 4 hematologic toxicities and the most frequent grade 3 to 4 nonhematologic toxicities reported in publications of a regimen.

RESULTS

The median patient age was 73 years (range, 65‐90 years). Among 163 patients who were evaluable for toxicity after ≥1 treatment cycle (receiving on average 4.73 cycles), 82 had severe toxicity, 10 were discontinued for toxicity, 6 were discontinued for other reasons, and 5 patients had died. Sixty‐one patients received further chemotherapy: 41 without dose modification (16 with secondary prevention measures) and 20 with dose modifications. Without modification, 19 patients (46%) experienced toxicity recurrence (0 deaths). With modification, 7 patients (35%) experienced a toxicity recurrence (1 death). On univariate analysis, treatment intent, hospitalization, duration‐adjusted activities of daily living (ADL), quality of life impact, and fatigue were associated with dose modification. ADL remained associated on multivariate analysis (P = .02). On univariate analysis for toxicity recurrence, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status and MAX2 score demonstrated an association, with only the latter found to remain statistically significant on multivariate analysis (P = .04).

CONCLUSIONS

If a severe toxicity does not have a long duration of impact on ADL, oncologists are less inclined to modify treatment. With proper supportive measures, this leads to recurrence risks similar to those shown in patients with modified treatment, with low risks of toxic deaths overall. Cancer 2015;121:2984–2992. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Impact of obesity on outcomes after definitive dose‐escalated intensity‐modulated radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer
Authors: Wang Lora S. , Murphy Colin T. , Ruth Karen , Zaorsky Nicholas G. , Smaldone Marc C. , Sobczak Mark L. , Kutikov Alexander , Viterbo Rosalia , Horwitz Eric M.
Published: May 2015

BACKGROUND

Previous publications have demonstrated conflicting results regarding body mass index (BMI) and prostate cancer (CaP) outcomes after definitive radiotherapy (RT) before the dose escalation era. The goal of the current study was to determine whether increasing BMI was associated with outcomes in men with localized CaP who were treated with dose‐escalated RT.

METHODS

The authors identified patients with localized (T1b‐T4N0M0) CaP who were treated with definitive intensity‐modulated RT and image‐guided RT from 2001 through 2010. BMI was analyzed as a continuous variable. Adjusting for confounders, multivariable competing risk and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to assess the association between BMI and the risk of biochemical failure (BF), distant metastases (DM), cause‐specific mortality (CSM), and overall mortality.

RESULTS

Of the 1442 patients identified, approximately 20% had a BMI <25 kg/m2, 48% had a BMI of 25 to 29.9 kg/m2, 23% had a BMI of 30 to 34.9 kg/m2, 6% had a BMI of 35 to 39.9 kg/m2, and 4% had a BMI of ≥40 kg/m2. The median follow‐up was 47.6 months (range, 1‐145 months), with a median age of 68 years (range, 36‐89 years). The median dose was 78 grays (range, 76‐80 grays) and 30% of patients received androgen deprivation therapy. Increasing BMI was found to be inversely associated with age (P<.001) and pretreatment prostate‐specific antigen level (P = .018). On multivariable analysis, increasing BMI was associated with an increased risk of BF (hazard ratio [HR], 1.03; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.00‐1.07 [P = .042]), DM (HR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.02‐1.11 [P = .004]), CSM (HR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.07‐1.23 [P<.001]), and overall mortality (HR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02‐1.08 [P = .004]).

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with CaP receiving dose‐escalated intensity‐modulated RT with daily image‐guidance, increasing BMI appears to be associated with an increased risk of BF, DM, CSM, and overall mortality.Cancer2015;121:3010–3017.©2015 American Cancer Society.
Prognostic significance of acquired copy‐neutral loss of heterozygosity in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Gronseth Christine M. , McElhone Scott E. , Storer Barry E. , Kroeger Kathleen A. , Sandhu Vicky , Fero Matthew L. , Appelbaum Frederick R. , Estey Elihu H. , Fang Min
Published: May 2015

BACKGROUND

Chromosomal abnormalities are important in the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Genomic microarray techniques detect recurrent copy‐neutral loss of heterozygosity (cnLOH) in addition to copy number aberrations. However, the clinical utility has not been fully established. Therefore, in the current study, the authors examined the prognostic impact of acquired cnLOH in patients with AML, including complete remission (CR) rate, duration of CR, and overall survival (OS).

METHODS

A total of 112 consecutive patients with AML who were undergoing chromosome genomic array testing (CGAT) at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance were included in the current study. DNA from the bone marrow or blood was analyzed with a microarray platform with both single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) probes and non‐SNP probes to identify acquired cnLOH. Results were correlated with cytogenetic, molecular, immunophenotypic, and other clinicopathological findings.

RESULTS

Patients with cnLOH demonstrated a shorter duration of CR (hazard ratio, 1.87;P=.04) and worse OS (HR, 1.82;P = .03). Multivariate analyses confirmed the independent predictive value of cnLOH for early disease recurrence (P=.02). These results largely reflected those in patients with intermediate and unfavorable cytogenetics. Most strikingly, 13q cnLOH was found to demonstrate a 6.64‐fold higher rate of disease recurrence (P=.006) and 3.45‐fold worse OS (P = .02) and was enriched with theFLT3‐ITD(Fms‐related tyrosine kinase 3‐internal tandem duplication) mutation.

CONCLUSIONS

CnLOH has important prognostic significance in patients with AML. CGAT can replace imbalance fluorescence in situ hybridization and the authors recommend the routine use of CGAT to detect cnLOH, particularly among patients with intermediate‐risk cytogenetics.Cancer2015;121:2900–2908.©2015 American Cancer Society.
Randomized phase 2 trial of erlotinib in combination with high‐dose celecoxib or placebo in patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Reckamp Karen L. , Koczywas Marianna , Cristea Mihaela C. , Dowell Jonathan E. , Wang He‐Jing , Gardner Brian K. , Milne Ginger L. , Figlin Robert A. , Fishbein Michael C. , Elashoff Robert M. , Dubinett Steven M.
Published: May 2015

BACKGROUND

Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX‐2)‐dependent signaling represents a potential mechanism of resistance to therapy with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors. This is mediated in part through an EGFR‐independent activation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (Erk) by prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). PGE2 promotes downregulation of E cadherin and epithelial to mesenchymal transition. The current study investigated EGFR and COX‐2 inhibition in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and elevated baseline urinary metabolite of PGE2 (PGEM).

METHODS

Patients with stage IIIB/IV (AJCC 6th edition) NSCLC who progressed after at least 1 line of therapy or refused standard chemotherapy were randomized to receive erlotinib and celecoxib versus erlotinib and placebo. The primary endpoint was progression‐free survival (PFS) with 80% power to detect a 50% improvement with a 1‐sided significance level of .2 in the intent‐to‐treat and elevated baseline PGEM populations. Secondary endpoints included response rate, overall survival, and evaluation of molecular markers to assess targeting COX‐2–related pathways and evaluate EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance.

RESULTS

A total of 107 patients were enrolled with comparable baseline characteristics. Among the patients treated with celecoxib, those with wild‐type EGFR were found to have an increased PFS (3.2 months vs 1.8 months; P = .03). PFS was numerically improved among patients in the intent‐to‐treat group who received erlotinib and celecoxib compared with those treated with erlotinib and placebo (5.4 months vs 3.5 months; P = .33) and was increased in patients in the erlotinib and celecoxib arm with elevated baseline PGEM (5.4 months vs 2.2 months; P = .15). Adverse events were similar in both treatment arms.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of erlotinib and celecoxib did not appear to improve outcomes in an unselected population, but selection by elevated baseline PGEM led to an increase in PFS with this combination. Patients with EGFR wild‐type status may benefit from the combination of erlotinib and celecoxib. Cancer 2015;121:3298–3306. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
A joint individual‐based model coupling growth and mortality reveals that tree vigor is a key component of tropical forest dynamics
Authors: Aubry‐Kientz Mélaine , Rossi Vivien , Boreux Jean‐Jacques , Hérault Bruno
Published: May 2015

Tree vigor is often used as a covariate when tree mortality is predicted from tree growth in tropical forest dynamic models, but it is rarely explicitly accounted for in a coherent modeling framework. We quantify tree vigor at the individual tree level, based on the difference between expected and observed growth. The available methods to join nonlinear tree growth and mortality processes are not commonly used by forest ecologists so that we develop an inference methodology based on an MCMC approach, allowing us to sample the parameters of the growth and mortality model according to their posterior distribution using the joint model likelihood. We apply our framework to a set of data on the 20‐year dynamics of a forest in Paracou, French Guiana, taking advantage of functional trait‐based growth and mortality models already developed independently. Our results showed that growth and mortality are intimately linked and that the vigor estimator is an essential predictor of mortality, highlighting that trees growing more than expected have a far lower probability of dying. Our joint model methodology is sufficiently generic to be used to join two longitudinal and punctual linked processes and thus may be applied to a wide range of growth and mortality models. In the context of global changes, such joint models are urgently needed in tropical forests to analyze, and then predict, the effects of the ongoing changes on the tree dynamics in hyperdiverse tropical forests.
Interactions between density, home range behaviors, and contact rates in the Channel Island fox (Urocyon littoralis)
Authors: Sanchez Jessica N. , Hudgens Brian R.
Published: May 2015

Many of the mechanisms underlying density‐dependent regulation of populations, including contest competition and disease spread, depend on contact among neighboring animals. Understanding how variation in population density influences the frequency of contact among neighboring animals is therefore an important aspect to understanding the mechanisms underlying, and ecological consequences of, density‐dependent regulation. However, contact rates are difficult to measure in the field and may be influenced by density through multiple pathways. This study explored how local density affects contact rates among Channel Island foxes (Urocyon littoralis) through two pathways: changes in home range size and changes in home range overlap. We tracked 40 radio‐collared foxes at four sites on San Clemente Island, California. Fox densities at the four sites ranged from 2.8 ± 1.28 to 42.8 ± 9.43 foxes/km2. Higher fox densities were correlated with smaller home ranges (R2 = 0.526,F1,38 = 42.19,P < 0.001). Thirty foxes wore collars that also contained proximity loggers, which recorded the time and duration of occasions when collared foxes were within 5 m of one another. Contact rates between neighboring fox dyads were positively correlated with home range overlap (R2 = 0.341,P = 0.008), but not fox density (R2 = 0.012,P = 0.976). Individuals at high densities had more collared neighbors with overlapping home ranges (R2 = 0.123,P = 0.026) but not an increase in the amount of contact between individual neighbors. This study was the first time contact rates were directly measured and compared to density and home range overlap. Results suggest that foxes exhibit a threshold in their degree of tolerance for neighbors, overlap is a reliable index of the amount of direct contact between island foxes, and disease transmission rates will likely scale with fox density.
Grazing intensifies degradation of a Tibetan Plateau alpine meadow through plant–pest interaction
Authors: Cao Hui , Zhao Xinquan , Wang Shiping , Zhao Liang , Duan Jichuang , Zhang Zhenhua , Ge Shidong , Zhu Xiaoxue
Published: May 2015

Understanding the plant–pest interaction under warming with grazing conditions is critical to predict the response of alpine meadow to future climate change. We investigated the effects of experimental warming and grazing on the interaction between plants and the grassland caterpillar Gynaephora menyuanensis in an alpine meadow on the Tibetan Plateau in 2010 and 2011. Our results showed that grazing significantly increased nitrogen concentration in graminoids and sward openness with a lower sward height, sward coverage, and plant litter mass in the community. Grazing significantly increased G. menyuanensis body size and potential fecundity in 2010. The increases in female body size were about twofold greater than in males. In addition, grazing significantly increased G. menyuanensis density and its negative effects on aboveground biomass and graminoid coverage in 2011. We found that G. menyuanensis body size was significantly positively correlated with nitrogen concentration in graminoids but negatively correlated with plant litter mass. Even though warming did not significantly increased G. menyuanensis performance and the negative effects of G. menyuanensis on alpine meadow, the increases in G. menyuanensis growth rate and its negative effect on aboveground biomass under the warming with grazing treatment were significantly higher than those under the no warming with grazing treatment. The positive effects of grazing on G. menyuanensis performance and its damage were exacerbated by the warming treatment. Our results suggest that the fitness of G. menyuanensis would increase under future warming with grazing conditions, thereby posing a greater risk to alpine meadow and livestock production.
A systematic review of the outcomes reported in multimodal pain therapy for chronic pain
Authors: Deckert S. , Kaiser U. , Kopkow C. , Trautmann F. , Sabatowski R. , Schmitt J.
Published: May 2015

Background and objective

There are no recommendations provided for the outcome domains of chronic pain that should be explicitly considered in each clinical trial to describe the efficacy and effectiveness of multimodal pain therapy (MPT). Our aims were to summarize all reported outcome domains in studies assessing the effects of MPT for chronic pain, and to subsequently inform a consensus‐based development of a core outcome set of domains in this field.

Database and data treatment

Medline, Embase and AMED were searched for studies reporting on chronic pain for at least 3 months that applied MPT and investigated outcome domains. All reported outcome domains were extracted from eligible articles. The patient‐reported outcome measurement information system (PROMIS) was applied for conceptual classification.

Results

From 3626 potentially relevant titles, 70 studies were included. The median and maximal numbers of outcome domains were 8 and 34, respectively. Although most studies (n = 45/70) assessed a combination of all three core health areas, i.e. physical, mental and social health, there was great variation in the specific domains chosen to address these core health areas. No outcome domain was measured consistently in all studies. After selection of all outcome domains which were reported in at least 10% of all studies included, we identified 14 different outcome domains, mostly operationalized through the domains pain intensity (n = 56/70) and depressive symptoms (n = 42/70).

Conclusions

The current lack of standardization of outcome domains in MPT studies hinders to readily compare interventions from different trials and is a barrier towards evidence‐based decision making. Based on these results, the development of a core outcome set of domains for MPT has been initiated.
Consistent copy number changes and recurrent PRKAR1A mutations distinguish Melanotic Schwannomas from Melanomas: SNP‐array and next generation sequencing analysis
Authors: Wang Lu , Zehir Ahmet , Sadowska Justyna , Zhou Nengyi , Rosenblum Marc , Busam Klaus , Agaram Narasimhan , Travis William , Arcila Maria , Dogan Snjezana , Berger Michael F. , Cheng Donavan T. , Ladanyi Marc , Nafa Khedoudja , Hameed Meera
Published: May 2015

Melanotic Schwannomas (MS) are rare tumors that share histological features with melanocytic tumors and schwannomas. However, their genetics are poorly understood. To elucidate the genetic characteristics of MS, we performed genome‐wide studies in a series of cases. Twelve MS cases were available for the study. Genomic DNAs extracted from formalin‐fixed paraffin embedded tumor tissues were subjected to copy number (CN) and allelic imbalance (AI) analysis by Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP)‐array and screened for mutations in coding exons of 341 key cancer‐associated genes using a hybrid capture‐based next‐generation sequencing (NGS) assay. Sanger sequencing was used to further verify recurrent mutations detected by NGS study. SNP‐array analysis revealed remarkably stereotypic chromosomal abnormalities in MS. Hypodiploidy was common, typically involving monosomies of chromosomes 1, 2, and 17. All 12 samples showed mutations in PRKAR1A gene, including 2 cases with 2 mutations each. The 14 mutations were scattered across PRKAR1A, and most were inactivating mutations. AI on 17q, presenting as loss of heterozygosity with or without CN losses, combined with a PRKAR1A mutation was observed in 9/12 MS cases. The remaining 3 cases included the two samples harboring two mutations in PRKAR1A. MS exhibits a stereotypic pattern of chromosomal losses. In contrast, melanomas are typically characterized by the presence of multiple CN aberrations, without demonstrable differences in the frequency of losses and gains. Inactivation of both alleles of PRKAR1A by “two hits” observed in almost all cases underscores the central role of PRKAR1A in the pathogenesis of this neoplasm. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Whole‐exome sequencing defines the mutational landscape of pheochromocytoma and identifies KMT2D as a recurrently mutated gene
Authors: Juhlin C. Christofer , Stenman Adam , Haglund Felix , Clark Victoria E. , Brown Taylor C. , Baranoski Jacob , Bilguvar Kaya , Goh Gerald , Welander Jenny , Svahn Fredrika , Rubinstein Jill C. , Caramuta Stefano , Yasuno Katsuhito , Günel Murat , Bäckdahl Martin , Gimm Oliver , Söderkvist Peter , Prasad Manju L. , Korah Reju , Lifton Richard P. , Carling Tobias
Published: May 2015

As subsets of pheochromocytomas (PCCs) lack a defined molecular etiology, we sought to characterize the mutational landscape of PCCs to identify novel gene candidates involved in disease development. A discovery cohort of 15 PCCs wild type for mutations in PCC susceptibility genes underwent whole‐exome sequencing, and an additional 83 PCCs served as a verification cohort for targeted sequencing of candidate mutations. A low rate of nonsilent single nucleotide variants (SNVs) was detected (6.1/sample). Somatic HRAS and EPAS1 mutations were observed in one case each, whereas the remaining 13 cases did not exhibit variants in established PCC genes. SNVs aggregated in apoptosis‐related pathways, and mutations in COSMIC genes not previously reported in PCCs included ZAN, MITF, WDTC1, and CAMTA1. Two somatic mutations and one constitutional variant in the well‐established cancer gene lysine (K)‐specific methyltransferase 2D (KMT2D, MLL2) were discovered in one sample each, prompting KMT2D screening using focused exome‐sequencing in the verification cohort. An additional 11 PCCs displayed KMT2D variants, of which two were recurrent. In total, missense KMT2D variants were found in 14 (11 somatic, two constitutional, one undetermined) of 99 PCCs (14%). Five cases displayed somatic mutations in the functional FYR/SET domains of KMT2D, constituting 36% of all KMT2D‐mutated PCCs. KMT2D expression was upregulated in PCCs compared to normal adrenals, and KMT2D overexpression positively affected cell migration in a PCC cell line. We conclude that KMT2D represents a recurrently mutated gene with potential implication for PCC development. © 2015 The Authors. Genes, Chromosomes & Cancer Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Attrition Bias in Panel Data: A Sheep in Wolf's Clothing? A Case Study Based on the Mabel Survey
Authors: Cheng Terence C. , Trivedi Pravin K.
Published: May 2015

This paper investigates the nature and consequences of sample attrition in a unique longitudinal survey of medical doctors. We describe the patterns of non‐response and examine if attrition affects the econometric analysis of medical labour market outcomes using the estimation of physician earnings equations as a case study. We compare the econometric gestimates obtained from a number of different modelling strategies, which are as follows: balanced versus unbalanced samples; an attrition model for panel data based on the classic sample selection model; and a recently developed copula‐based selection model. Descriptive evidence shows that doctors who work longer hours, have lower years of experience, are overseas trained and have changed their work location are more likely to drop out. Our analysis suggests that the impact of attrition on inference about the earnings of general practitioners is small. For specialists, there appears to be some evidence for an economically significant bias. Finally, we discuss how the top‐up samples in the Medicine in Australia: Balancing Employment and Life survey can be used to address the problem of panel attrition. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Implementing hospital‐based baby boomer hepatitis c virus screening and linkage to care: Strategies, results, and costs
Authors: Turner Barbara J. , Taylor Barbara S. , Hanson Joshua T. , Perez Mary Elizabeth , Hernandez Ludivina , Villarreal Roberto , Veerapaneni Poornachand , Fiebelkorn Kristin
Published: May 2015

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends 1‐time hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening of all baby boomers (born 1945–1965). However, little is known about optimal ways to implement HCV screening, counseling, and linkage to care. We developed strategies following approaches used for HIV to implement baby boomer HCV screening in a hospital setting and report results as well as costs.

DESIGN/PATIENTS

Prospective cohort of 6140 baby boomers admitted to a safety‐net hospital in South Texas from December 1, 2012 to January 31, 2014 and followed to December 10, 2014.

PROCEDURES/MEASUREMENTS

The HCV screening program included clinician/staff education, electronic medical record algorithm for eligibility and order entry, opt‐out consent, anti‐HCV antibody test with reflex HCV RNA, personalized inpatient counseling, and outpatient case management. Outcomes were anti‐HCV antibody‐positive and HCV RNA–positive results.

RESULTS

Of 3168 eligible patients, 240 (7.6%) were anti‐HCV positive, which was more likely (P < 0.05) for younger age, men, and uninsured. Of 214 (89.2%) patients tested for HCV RNA, 134 (4.2% of all screened) were positive (chronic HCV). Among patients with chronic HCV, 129 (96.3%) were counseled, 108 (80.6%) received follow‐up primary care, and 52 (38.8%) received hepatology care. Five patients initiated anti‐HCV therapy. Total costs for start‐up and implementation for 14 months were $286,482.

CONCLUSIONS

This inpatient HCV screening program diagnosed chronic HCV infection in 4.2% of tested patients and linked >80% to follow‐up care. Yet access to therapy is challenging for largely uninsured populations, and most programmatic costs of the program are not currently covered. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2015;10:510–516. © 2015 Society of Hospital Medicine
The quest for affinity chromatography ligands: are the molecular libraries the right source?
Authors: Perret Gérald , Santambien Patrick , Boschetti Egisto
Published: May 2015

Affinity chromatography separations of proteins call for highly specific ligands. Antibodies are the most obvious approach; however, except for specific situations, technical and economic reasons are arguments against this choice especially for preparative purposes. With this in mind, the rationale is to select the most appropriate ligands from collections of pre‐established molecules. To reach the objective of having a large structural coverage, combinatorial libraries have been proposed. These are classified according to their nature and origin. This review presents and discusses the most common affinity ligand libraries along with the most appropriate screening methods for the identification of the right affinity chromatography selective structure according to the type of library; a side‐by‐side comparison is also presented.
Synthesis of Monodisperse Sequence‐Defined Polymers Using Protecting‐Group‐Free Iterative Strategies
Authors: Trinh Thanh Tam , Laure Chloé , Lutz Jean‐François
Published: May 2015

The synthesis of “precision” polymers with finely controlled molecular structures is an important new development in synthetic polymer chemistry. This trend is the logical outcome of the continuing evolution of the field of polymer synthesis. Indeed, during the last few decades, synthetic tools, such as living ionic polymerizations, controlled radical polymerizations, and click chemistry, have revolutionized the synthesis of polymers with controlled architectures such as block, graft, star, brush, hyperbranched or cyclic polymers. These aspects being solved, it is now time for polymer chemists to address more challenging questions such as the design of monodisperse polymers and the control of primary (i.e., comonomer sequences), secondary (i.e., single‐chain folding), and tertiary (i.e., single‐chain compartmentalization) structures. Here, new synthetic tools have to be developed or imported from other disciplines such as organic chemistry and biochemistry. For instance, solid‐phase iterative chemistry, which was initially introduced for the synthesis of oligopeptides and oligonucleotides, is an interesting methodology for preparing monodisperse sequence‐defined polymers. However, such approaches are usually time‐consuming and request demanding coupling/capping/deprotection steps. Yet, interesting protecting‐group‐free methodologies have been described in recent years for simplifying and accelerating these processes. These promising new approaches are briefly listed and explained in this article.

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Evaluation of heart involvement in calpainopathy (LGMD2A) using cardiovascular magnetic resonance
Authors: Quick Silvio , Schaefer Jochen , Waessnig Nadine , Schultheiss Thorsten , Reuner Ulrike , Schoen Steffen , Reichmann Heinz , Strasser Ruth , Speiser Uwe
Published: May 2015

Introduction

Cardiac dysfunction occurs in several forms of limb girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD). The aim of this study was to investigate cardiac involvement in calpainopathy (LGMD2A).

Methods

Cardiovascular evaluation was performed in 10 patients with genetically verified LGMD2A by echocardiography, 3 Tesla ‐ cardiovascular magnetic resonance, 24‐h electrocardiography recordings with heart rate variability (HRV) analysis, and 24‐h blood pressure recordings.

Results

No patient with calpainopathy showed impairment of left or right ventricular function. One patient had a small amount (2% of left ventricle mass) of late gadolinium enhancement. HRV analysis revealed no significant difference compared with external reference data.

Conclusions

The main finding of this study is the lack of cardiac involvement in patients with calpainopathy. Cardiac involvement was not found, even in individuals with advanced age and greater disease severity. Furthermore, we did not observe an overall reduction of cardiac autonomic regulation in calpainopathy. Muscle Nerve 52: 661–663, 2015
Fabrication and characterization of eggshell powder particles fused wheat protein isolate green composite for packaging applications
Authors: Prabhakar M N , Rehaman Shah Atta Ur , Song Jung‐Il
Published: May 2015

Ample biodegradable eggshell powder (ESP)/wheat protein isolate (WPI) composite films were made by solution casting method of altering the WPI solution and fused with ESP particles in the percentage of 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40% (w/w) and asses the properties, i.e., physical, mechanical, and thermal as a function of ESP concentration. Determine the unification of ESP particles into the WPI matrix by X‐ray diffraction, fluorescence spectra, and SEM analysis. The data clearly showed the successful incorporation of ESP particles and good compatibility with the WPI and also mechanical properties and thermal stability of composite film increasing with the increasing ratio of ESP. Microstructural evaluation confirmed the aggregation and distribution of ESP particles within the WPI matrix and validated the results of functional properties of the WPI/ESP film. The results confirmed that the composite films have potential applications in the field of food and medicinal packaging especially for photosensitive medicines in a very simple and cheap way. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:3280–3287, 2016. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Polyamide‐6 composites reinforced with cellulose fibers and fabricated by extrusion: Effect of fiber bleaching on mechanical properties and stability
Authors: Fernandes Felipe Cicaroni , Gadioli Renan , Yassitepe Emre , De Paoli Marco‐Aurelio
Published: May 2015

We prepared polyamide‐6 (PA‐6) composites using bleached and semibleached cellulose fibers from Eucalyptus species by processing in a corotating interpenetrating twin‐screw extruder. PA‐6 is a challenging matrix because of its high processing temperature, which overlaps the thermodegradation temperature of the fibers. The selection of the processing conditions for extrusion and the use of the lubricant ethylene bis (stearamide) permitted the production of composites with 20, 30, and 40 wt% of bleached fibers, which are lighter than the corresponding glass fiber composites. Composites with 30 wt% of bleached fibers yield the best mechanical properties and good fiber/matrix interaction, as demonstrated by mechanical tests and scanning electron microscopy. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies showed that the natural moisture in the fibers promotes the fiber/matrix interaction through the formation of ester bonds. We assessed the effect caused by the presence of lignin in the fibers. Composites containing 30 wt% of semibleached fibers maintained the flexural properties and showed small improvements in thermal stability when compared with bleached fiber composites; however, there is a slight decrease in the tensile properties. Through accelerated aging tests, we observed that increased lignin concentration in the fibers reduced the formation of carbonyl compounds on sample surfaces, indicating a stabilization effect. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:299–308, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Novel dental composite material reinforced with silane functionalized microsized gypsum filler particles
Authors: Kumar Shiv Ranjan , Bhat I.K. , Patnaik Amar
Published: May 2015

Gypsum has been recognized as acceptable for human consumption as a dietary source of calcium. During contact with teeth, it releases Ca2+ ions needed for remineralization of tooth tissue, and therefore based on the concept of remineralization, gypsum may be a strategic additive for dental restorative materials. Hence, the objective of this study was to develop and characterize a novel dental material reinforced with different weight fraction of micro sized gypsum filler particle. A novel composite material was fabricated using conventional resin matrix consisting of Bisphenol‐A glycidyl methacrylate (Bis‐GMA), tri‐ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), camphorquinone (CQ) and ethyl 4 dimethyl amino benzoate (EDMAB). Four different compositions were prepared by reinforcing different weight percentage (0–3 wt%) of silane functionalized micro sized gypsum particle. Fourier Transformed Infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) of silane treated filler were used to study the coupling phenomena between filler and resin. Polymerization shrinkage of composites was evaluated using specific gravity method. The Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) result revealed that the Glass transition temperature was found to be decreased by 15°C compared to unfilled composite. It was also found that the 2 wt% gypsum content recorded the highest value of storage modulus. Simultaneous Thermal Analysis (STA) result revealed that 2 wt% gypsum filled dental composite exhibited maximum thermal stability. The novel dental material exhibited better physical, optical, mechanical, thermal properties and lowest polymerization shrinkage with maximum conversion. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:404–415, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers