bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting rapid recovery from acute low back pain based on the intensity, duration and history of pain: A validation study
Authors: Williams C.M. , Hancock M.J. , Maher C.G. , McAuley J.H. , Lin C.W.C. , Latimer J.
Published: March 2014

Background

Clinical prediction rules can assist clinicians to identify patients with low back pain (LBP) who are likely to recover quickly with minimal treatment; however, there is a paucity of validated instruments to assist with this task.

Method

We performed a pre‐planned external validation study to assess the generalizability of a simple 3‐item clinical prediction rule developed to estimate the probability of recovery from acute LBP at certain time points. The accuracy of the rule (calibration and discrimination) was determined in a sample of 956 participants enrolled in a randomized controlled trial.

Results

The calibration of the rule was reasonable in the new sample with predictions of recovery typically within 5–10% of observed recovery. Discriminative performance of the rule was poor to moderate and similar to that found in the development sample.

Conclusions

The results suggest that the rule can be used to provide accurate information about expected recovery from acute LBP, within the first few weeks of patients presenting to primary care. Impact analysis to determine if the rule influences clinical behaviours and patient outcomes is required.
Point‐of‐Care Fluorescence Immunoassay for Cardiac Panel Biomarkers
Authors: Kim Tae Kyum , Oh Sang Wook , Hong Soon Cheol , Mok Young Joon , Choi Eui Yul
Published: March 2014

Background

Myoglobin, creatine kinase‐MB isoenzyme (CK‐MB), and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) are cardiac biomarkers that are widely used to assist in the early and late diagnoses of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Here, we present a clinically applicable fluorescence (FL) immunoassay for cardiac biomarkers.

Methods

Whole blood was mixed with FL‐labeled detector Ab (antibody) and then loaded onto a capture Ab‐immobilized strip in a test cartridge. The FL intensities at test and control line on the strip were obtained and converted in a laser FL scanner to determine the concentration of biomarker. The analytical performance of immunoassay system was evaluated by linearity and imprecision tests. The comparability of the FL immunoassay method was examined with a reference method.

Results

FL intensities and the levels of myoglobin, CK‐MB, and cTnI displayed good linearity and high correlations (r = 0.999, 0.998, and 0.989, respectively). The coefficient of variations (CVs) of imprecision for all cardiac biomarkers were less than 8% in both intra‐ and interassays. When the results from the developed method and bioMerieux VIDAS assay were analyzed by Bland–Altman plot and Passing–Bablok plot, the two assay methods were in good agreement.

Conclusion

The FL immunoassay system can provide a platform for point‐of‐care testing (POCT), and it is an easy, fast, and reliable method for the quantification of cardiac biomarkers.
Proportional accumulation of yolk proteins derived from multiple vitellogenins is precisely regulated during vitellogenesis in striped bass (Morone saxatilis)
Authors: Williams Valerie N. , Reading Benjamin J. , Amano Haruna , Hiramatsu Naoshi , Schilling Justin , Salger Scott A. , Islam Williams Taufika , Gross Kevin , Sullivan Craig V.
Published: March 2014

We quantified three vitellogenins (VtgAa, VtgAb, VtgC) or their derived yolk proteins (YPs) in the liver, plasma, and ovary during pre‐vitellogenic (PreVG), mid‐vitellogenic (MVG), and late‐vitellogenic (LVG) oocyte growth and during post‐vitellogenesis (PostVG) in the striped bass (Morone saxatilis) using label‐free quantitative mass spectrometry (MS). Western blotting of the samples using antisera raised against gray mullet (Mugil cephalus) lipovitellins derived from VtgAa, VtgAb, and VtgC confirmed the MS results. Semi‐quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) revealed liver as the primary site of expression for all three Vtgs, with extra‐hepatic transcription weakly detected in ovary, foregut, adipose tissue, and brain. Quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR confirmed vtgAb to be primarily expressed in liver and VtgAb proteins were predominant in liver and plasma from MVG to PostVG. However, the primary period of deposition into oocytes of VtgAb occurred up until MVG, whereas VtgAa was primarily deposited from MVG to LVG. The VtgC was gradually taken up by oocytes throughout vitellogenesis and was detected at trace levels in plasma. The ratio of yolk proteins derived from VtgAa, VtgAb, VtgC (YPAa/YPAb/YPC) in PostVG ovary is 1.4:1.4:1, which differs from ratios previously reported for other fish species in that YPC comprises a greater proportion of the egg yolk. Our results indicate that proportional accumulation of multiple Vtgs in the yolk may depend both on the precise rates of their hepatic secretion and specific uptake by oocytes. Furthermore, composition of the Vtg‐derived yolk may vary among Acanthomorph fishes, perhaps reflecting their different early life histories and reproductive strategies. J. Exp. Zool. 321A: 301–315, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Caring for patients in a hospitalist‐run clinical decision unit is associated with decreased length of stay without increasing revisit rates
Authors: Aplin Kara S. , Coutinho McAllister Susan , Kupersmith Eric , Rachoin Jean‐Sebastien
Published: March 2014

BACKGROUND

Observation medicine is a growing field with increasing involvement by hospitalists. Little has been written regarding clinical outcomes in hospitalist‐run clinical decision units (CDUs).

OBJECTIVE

To determine the impact of a hospitalist‐run geographic CDU on length of stay (LOS) for observation patients. Secondary objectives included examining the impact on 30‐day emergency department (ED) or hospital revisit rates.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study with pre‐ and post‐implementation analysis.

SETTING

Urban, academic, 600‐bed teaching hospital in Camden, New Jersey.

PATIENTS

Observation patients discharged from medical–surgical units before and after CDU opening and those discharged from the CDU after CDU opening.

INTERVENTION

Creation of a hospitalist‐run, 20‐bed geographic CDU, adjacent to the ED with order sets, protocols, and priority consults and testing.

MEASUREMENTS

Median LOS for observation patients was calculated for 7 months pre‐ and post‐CDU implementation. ED and hospital revisits requiring an observation or inpatient stay within 30 days of discharge were measured.

RESULTS

CDU observation patients had a lower median LOS than medical–surgical observation patients during the same period (17.6 hours vs 26.1 hours, P < 0.001). CDU LOS was lower than medical–surgical observation LOS in the 7 months 1 year prior to CDU implementation (17.6 hours vs 27.1 hours, P < 0.001). CDU patients had a similar 30‐day ED or hospital revisit rate compared with observation patients pre‐CDU.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementing a hospitalist‐run geographic CDU was associated with a 35% decrease in observation LOS for CDU patients compared with a 3.7% decrease for medical–surgical observation patients. CDU LOS decreased without increasing ED or hospital revisit rates. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2014;9:391–395. © 2014 Society of Hospital Medicine
Chickpea chelating peptides inhibit copper‐mediated lipid peroxidation
Authors: Torres‐Fuentes Cristina , Alaiz Manuel , Vioque Javier
Published: March 2014

BACKGROUND

Transition metals produce radical oxygen species promoting lipid peroxidation processes that favor the development of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, the oxidation of lipids present in food may affect the quality of food products. Therefore antioxidants counteracting these metal pro‐oxidant effects may have high potential for the pharmacology and food industries. This study investigated the capability of peptide fractions purified from chickpea protein hydrolysate to inhibit copper‐mediated lipid peroxidation in three different lipid substrates: β‐carotene, unsaturated fatty acid mixture and low‐density lipoprotein.

RESULTS

Peptide fractions with the highest histidine content were the most antioxidant. This antioxidant effect is mainly due to the capability of histidine to bind copper and act as a hydrogen donor through its imidazole ring.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that chickpea proteins are a potential source of antioxidant peptides that may be included as ingredients in functional foods with beneficial health effects. In addition, these antioxidant peptides may be useful to protect food products from lipid peroxidation processes and thus increase their quality and shelf life. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Simultaneous determination of pharmaceuticals and some of their metabolites in wastewaters by high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Periša Martina , Babić Sandra
Published: March 2014

The present work describes the development of a sensitive and reliable analytical method based on solid‐phase extraction followed by analysis using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry for the simultaneous determination of pharmaceuticals from antibiotics (fluoroquinolones, sulfonamides, and their N4‐acetyl metabolites, and trimethoprim as sulfonamides synergist) and anthelmintics groups. SPE was optimized using different cartridges (Strata‐X, Oasis HLB, Strata C18‐E, Isolute C18, SampliQ C8/Si‐SCX). The highest recovery was achieved using Strata X cartridge (>80%) with good reproducibility (RSDs < 5%) despite various physicochemical properties of the compounds. Investigated analytes were identified and quantitatively determined by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry using multiple reaction monitoring. The method was shown to be linear over the concentration range of 0.05–30 μg/L for febantel and albendazole, and 0.10–60 μg/L for all other pharmaceuticals. Correlation coefficients were >0.99 for all compounds except for sulfamethazine (0.98). In order to demonstrate the applicability of the developed method, wastewater from the veterinary industry was analyzed. Results evidenced the presence of febantel, praziquantel, albendazole, enrofloxacin, sulfamethazine, and sulfadiazine.
Extraction optimization by response surface methodology: Purification and characterization of phytosterol from sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) rind
Authors: Feng Simin , Luo Zisheng , Zhong Zhou , Jiang Lei , Tang Kaichen
Published: March 2014

A green, simple, and effective method for the extraction of sugarcane lipids from sugarcane rind was investigated by response surface methodology. The optimum conditions of technological progress obtained through response surface methodology were as follows: liquid‐to‐solid ratio 7.94: 1 mL/g, extraction temperature 50°C and extraction time 5.98 h. The practical sugarcane lipids extraction yield was 6.55 ± 0.28%, which was in good consistence with the predicted extraction yield of 6.47%. The results showed that the sugarcane lipids extraction yield obtained in optimum conditions increased by 1.16∼7.28‐fold compared to the yields obtained in single‐factor experiments. After saponification and SPE steps, the nonsaponifiable fraction of sugarcane lipids was analyzed by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry and high‐performance liquid chromatography. β‐Sitosterol, stigmasterol, and campesterol were the prevailing phytosterols in the sample, while fucosterol, gramisterol, stigmast‐7‐en‐3‐ol, (3β,5α,24S)‐, stigmasta‐4,6,22‐trien‐3α‐ol, and cholest‐8(14)‐en‐3β‐ol acetate were also identified as minor steroids. Furthermore, the content of β‐sitosterol and a mixture of campesterol and stigmasterol (quantified by high‐performance liquid chromatography) was 44.18 mg/100 g dry weight and 43.20 mg stigmasterol/100 g dry weight, respectively. Our results indicate that sugarcane rind is a good source of phytosterol.
Negative‐pressure‐induced collector for a self‐balance free‐flow electrophoresis device
Authors: Yang Cheng‐Zhang , Yan Jian , Zhang Qiang , Guo Chen‐Gang , Kong Fan‐Zhi , Cao Cheng‐Xi , Fan Liu‐Yin , Jin Xin‐Qiao
Published: March 2014

Uneven flow in free‐flow electrophoresis (FFE) with a gravity‐induced fraction collector caused by air bubbles in outlets and/or imbalance of the surface tension of collecting tubes would result in a poor separation. To solve these issues, this work describes a novel collector for FFE. The collector is composed of a self‐balance unit, multisoft pipe flow controller, fraction collector, and vacuum pump. A negative pressure induced continuous air flow rapidly flowed through the self‐balance unit, taking the background electrolyte and samples into the fraction collector. The developed collector has the following advantages: (i) supplying a stable and harmonious hydrodynamic environment in the separation chamber for FFE separation, (ii) effectively preventing background electrolyte and sample flow‐back at the outlet of the chamber and improving the resolution, (iii) increasing the preparative scale of the separation, and (iv) simplifying the operation. In addition, the cost of the FFE device was reduced without using a multichannel peristaltic pump for sample collection. Finally, comparative FFE experiments on dyes, proteins, and cells were carried out. It is evident that the new developed collector could overcome the problems inherent in the previous gravity‐induced self‐balance collector.
Determination of fungicides in sediments using a dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction procedure based on solidification of floating organic drop
Authors: Dong Sheying , Huang Guiqi , Lu Jinsuo , Huang Tinglin
Published: March 2014

A dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction procedure based on solidification of floating organic droplet has been investigated for the determination of fungicides (cyprodinil, difenoconazole, myclobutanil, and spiroxamine) in sediments by HPLC with diode array detection. In the overall extraction process, the extraction solvents can be separated easily from the sample solution, and the experiment time was shortened. Moreover, several parameters such as the type and volume of the extraction solvent and dispersive solvent, centrifugal speed, extraction time, and salt effect that affect the extraction efficiencies of the target fungicides were studied and optimized. Under the optimized conditions, the LOD for the target analytes were in the range of 0.1–0.5 μg/g. Satisfactory recoveries of the target analytes in the sediment samples were 81.00–99.00%, with RSDs (n = 5) that ranged from 1.8 to 6.5%. Finally, the simple, sensitive, and environmentally friendly method was successfully applied to determine the target fungicides in actual sediment samples.
Experimental evaluation of the effect of a modified port‐location mode on the performance of a three‐zone simulated moving‐bed process for the separation of valine and isoleucine
Authors: Park Chanhun , Nam Hee‐Geun , Kim Pung‐Ho , Mun Sungyong
Published: March 2014

The removal of isoleucine from valine has been a key issue in the stage of valine crystallization, which is the final step in the valine production process in industry. To address this issue, a three‐zone simulated moving‐bed (SMB) process for the separation of valine and isoleucine has been developed previously. However, the previous process, which was based on a classical port‐location mode, had some limitations in throughput and valine product concentration. In this study, a three‐zone SMB process based on a modified port‐location mode was applied to the separation of valine and isoleucine for the purpose of making a marked improvement in throughput and valine product concentration. Computer simulations and a lab‐scale process experiment showed that the modified three‐zone SMB for valine separation led to >65% higher throughput and >160% higher valine concentration compared to the previous three‐zone SMB for the same separation.
Injection locking of mid‐infrared quantum cascade laser at 14 GHz, by direct microwave modulation
Authors: St‐Jean Margaux Renaudat , Amanti Maria Ines , Bernard Alice , Calvar Ariane , Bismuto Alfredo , Gini Emilio , Beck Mattias , Faist Jerome , Liu H. C. , Sirtori Carlo
Published: March 2014

Compact laser sources operating in mid infrared spectral region with stable emission are important for applications in spectroscopy and wireless communication. Quantum cascade lasers (QCL) are unique semiconductor sources covering mid infrared frequency range. Based on intersubband transitions, the carrier lifetime of these sources is in the ps range. For this reason their frequency response to direct modulation is expected to overcome the limits of standard semiconductor lasers. In this work injection locking of the roundtrip frequency of a QCL emitting at 9 μm is reported. Inter modes laser frequency separation is stabilized and controlled by an external microwave source. Designing an optical waveguide embedded in a microstrip line a flat frequency response to direct modulation up to 14 GHz is presented. Injection locking over MHz frequency range at 13.7 GHz is demonstrated. Numerical solutions of injection locking theory are discussed and presented as tool to describe experimental results.
Miniature forward‐imaging B‐scan optical coherence tomography probe to guide real‐time laser ablation
Authors: Li Zhuoyan , Shen Jin H. , Kozub John A. , Prasad Ratna , Lu Pengcheng , Joos Karen M.
Published: March 2014

Background and Objective

Investigations have shown that pulsed lasers tuned to 6.1 µm in wavelength are capable of ablating ocular and neural tissue with minimal collateral damage. This study investigated whether a miniature B‐scan forward‐imaging optical coherence tomography (OCT) probe can be combined with the laser to provide real‐time visual feedback during laser incisions.

Study Design/Methods and Materials

A miniature 25‐gauge B‐scan forward‐imaging OCT probe was developed and combined with a 250 µm hollow‐glass waveguide to permit delivery of 6.1 µm laser energy. A gelatin mixture and both porcine corneal and retinal tissues were simultaneously imaged and lased (6.1 µm, 10 Hz, 0.4–0.7 mJ) through air. The ablation studies were observed and recorded in real time. The crater dimensions were measured using OCT imaging software (Bioptigen, Durham, NC). Histological analysis was performed on the ocular tissues.

Results

The combined miniature forward‐imaging OCT and mid‐infrared laser‐delivery probe successfully imaged real‐time tissue ablation in gelatin, corneal tissue, and retinal tissue. Application of a constant number of 60 pulses at 0.5 mJ/pulse to the gelatin resulted in a mean crater depth of 123 ± 15 µm. For the corneal tissue, there was a significant correlation between the number of pulses used and depth of the lased hole (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.82; P = 0.0002). Histological analysis of the cornea and retina tissues showed discrete holes with minimal thermal damage.

Conclusions

A combined miniature OCT and laser‐delivery probe can monitor real‐time tissue laser ablation. With additional testing and improvements, this novel instrument has the future possibility of effectively guiding surgeries by simultaneously imaging and ablating tissue. Lasers Surg. Med. 46:216–223, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Combined concurrent photodynamic and gold nanoshell loaded macrophage‐mediated photothermal therapies: An in vitro study on squamous cell head and neck carcinoma
Authors: Trinidad Anthony J. , Hong Seok Jin , Peng Qian , Madsen Steen J. , Hirschberg Henry
Published: March 2014

Background and Objective

Treatment modalities, such as hyperthermia and photodynamic therapy (PDT) have been used in the treatment of a variety of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), either alone or as an adjuvant therapy. Macrophages loaded with gold nanoshells, which convert near‐infrared light to heat, can be used as transport vectors for photothermal hyperthermia of tumors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of combined macrophage mediated photothermal therapy (PTT) and PDT on HNSCC cells.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Gold nanoshell loaded rat macrophages either alone or combined with human FaDu squamous cells in hybrid monolayers were subjected to PTT, PDT, or a simultaneous combination of the two light treatments. Therapies were given concurrently employing two laser light sources of λ = 670 nm (PDT) and λ = 810 nm (PTT), respectively.

Results

Significant uptake of gold nanospheres (AuNS) by rat alveolar macrophages was observed thus providing the rationale for their use as delivery vectors. Viability of the AuNS‐loaded Ma was reduced to 35 and 12% of control values at an irradiance of 14 or 28 W/cm2 administered over a 5 minute period respectively. No significant cytotoxicity was observed for empty Ma for similar PTT exposure. AlPcS2a mediated PDT at a fluence level of 0.25 J/cm2 and PTT at 14 W/cm2 irradiance had little effect on cell viability for the FaDu/Ma (ratio 2:1) hybrid monolayers. In contrast, combined treatment reduced the cell viability to less than 40% at these same laser power settings.

Conclusions

The results of this study provide proof of concept for the use of macrophages as a delivery vector of AuNS for photothermal enhancement of the effects of PDT on squamous cell carcinoma. A significant synergy was demonstrated with combined PDT and PTT compared to each modality applied separately. Lasers Surg. Med. 46:310–318, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
HPLC‐1H‐NMR Characterization of Polystyrene‐block‐Polyisoprene Copolymers: LCCC‐1H‐NMR Using a Single Mobile Phase
Authors: Sinha Pritish , Hiller Wolf , Pasch Harald
Published: March 2014

The analysis of PS‐b‐PI copolymers, synthesized by sequential living anionic polymerization was conducted by on‐line hyphenation of liquid chromatography at critical conditions (LCCC) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐NMR). Critical conditions were established for polyisoprene using 1,4‐dioxane as the mobile phase and varying the column oven temperature. At these critical conditions, the polyisoprene homopolymer formed during synthesis was separated from the copolymer. The molar mass of the PS block, the chemical composition of the block copolymers as well as the microstructure of PI were determined in a single experiment.
Cooperative covering problems on networks
Authors: Averbakh Igor , Berman Oded , Krass Dmitry , Kalcsics Jörg , Nickel Stefan
Published: March 2014

In this article, we consider the cooperative maximum covering location problem on a network. In this model, it is assumed that each facility emits a certain “signal” whose strength decays over distance according to some “signal strength function.” A demand point is covered if the total signal transmitted from all the facilities exceeds a predefined threshold. The problem is to locate facilities so as to maximize the total demand covered. For the 2‐facility problem, we present efficient polynomial algorithms for the cases of linear and piecewise linear signal strength functions. For the p‐facility problem, we develop a finite dominant set, a mixed‐integer programming formulation that can be used for small instances, and two heuristics that can be used for large instances. The heuristics use the exact algorithm for the 2‐facility case. We report results of computational experiments. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 63(4), 334–349 2014
Lung tumourigenesis in a conditional Cul4A transgenic mouse model
Authors: Yang Yi‐Lin , Hung Ming‐Szu , Wang Yang , Ni Jian , Mao Jian‐Hua , Hsieh David , Au Alfred , Kumar Atul , Quigley David , Fang Li Tai , Yeh Che‐Chung , Xu Zhidong , Jablons David M , You Liang
Published: March 2014

Cullin4A (Cul4A) is a scaffold protein that assembles cullin–RING ubiquitin ligase (E3) complexes and regulates many cellular events, including cell survival, development, growth and cell cycle control. Our previous study suggested that Cul4A is oncogenic in vitro, but its oncogenic role in vivo has not been studied. Here, we used a Cul4A transgenic mouse model to study the potential oncogenic role of Cul4A in lung tumour development. After Cul4A over‐expression was induced in the lungs for 32 weeks, atypical epithelial cells were observed. After 40 weeks, lung tumours were visible and were characterized as grade I or II adenocarcinomas. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) revealed decreased levels of Cul4A‐associated proteins p21CIP1 and tumour suppressor p19ARF in the lung tumours, suggesting that Cul4A regulated their expression in these tumours. Increased levels of p27KIP1 and p16INK4a were also detected in these tumours. Moreover, the protein level of DNA replication licensing factor CDT1 was decreased. Genomic instability in the lung tumours was further analysed by the results from pericentrin protein expression and array comparative genomic hybridization analysis. Furthermore, knocking down Cul4A expression in lung cancer H2170 cells increased their sensitivity to the chemotherapy drug cisplatin in vitro, suggesting that Cul4A over‐expression is associated with cisplatin resistance in the cancer cells. Our findings indicate that Cul4A is oncogenic in vivo, and this Cul4A mouse model is a tool in understanding the mechanisms of Cul4A in human cancers and for testing experimental therapies targeting Cul4A. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Smoke exposure, wheezing, and asthma development: A systematic review and meta‐analysis in unselected birth cohorts
Authors: Silvestri Michela , Franchi Sara , Pistorio Angela , Petecchia Loredana , Rusconi Franca
Published: March 2014

Background

The understanding of the role of smoking exposure in the induction of wheezing and asthma in children is important for prevention.

Methods

A systematic review of literature and a meta‐analysis were conducted to identify studies on unselected prospective birth cohorts. The effect of exposure to maternal/parental smoking on the induction of current wheezing or asthma was evaluated in children aged 6 months, <6 years, and ≥6 years. Pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated.

Results

We identified 43 papers. Exposure to maternal prenatal smoking was associated with an increased risk of wheezing in <6‐year‐olds (OR 1.36; 95% CI: 1.19–1.55) and of wheezing or asthma in ≥6‐year‐olds (OR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.03–1.44). A positive association (OR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.11–1.38) was also found in the only three studies that evaluated exposure to maternal prenatal smoking alone. Postnatal exposures to maternal/parental smoking were associated with wheezing in <6‐year‐olds (OR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.13–1.31 and OR: 1.30; 95% CI: 1.13–1.51), although it was often impossible to separate the role of postnatal from that of prenatal exposure; data in schoolchildren are limited and this precluded a meta‐analysis. No clear association was found between exclusive postnatal exposure and wheezing or asthma.

Conclusions

We confirmed an important role of prenatal exposure to maternal smoking on the induction of wheezing and asthma in offspring, particularly in the first years of life. More studies with a consistent number of subjects only exposed to smoke postnatally are needed to better investigate the harmful effects on the induction of wheezing or asthma, particularly in schoolchildren. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2015; 50:353–362. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Detection of hydrogen peroxide vapor by use of manganese(IV) oxide as catalyst for calorimetric gas sensors
Authors: Oberländer Jan , Kirchner Patrick , Boyen Hans‐Gerd , Schöning Michael J.
Published: March 2014

In this work, the catalyst manganese(IV) oxide (MnO2), of calorimetric gas sensors (to monitor the sterilization agent vaporized hydrogen peroxide) has been investigated in more detail. Chemical analyses by means of X‐ray‐induced photoelectron spectroscopy have been performed to unravel the surface chemistry prior and after exposure to hydrogen peroxide vapor at elevated temperature, as applied in the sterilization processes of beverage cartons. The surface characterization reveals a change in oxidation states of the metal oxide catalyst after exposure to hydrogen peroxide. Additionally, a cleaning effect of the catalyst, which itself is attached to the sensor surface by means of a polymer interlayer, could be observed.

Schematic demonstrating the principle of the investigated calorimetric hydrogen peroxide gas sensor. Differential set‐up of two temperature‐sensitive elements; right side: passivated by an inert polymer; left side: additionally catalytically activated.
Adjuvant Therapy with Bioavailability‐Boosted Curcuminoids Suppresses Systemic Inflammation and Improves Quality of Life in Patients with Solid Tumors: A Randomized Double‐Blind Placebo‐Controlled Trial
Authors: Panahi Yunes , Saadat Alireza , Beiraghdar Fatemeh , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: March 2014

Curcuminoids are bioactive polyphenolics with potent antiinflammatory properties. Although several lines of in vitro and preclinical evidence suggest potent anticancer effects of curcuminoids, clinical findings have not been conclusive. The present randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy of curcuminoids as adjuvant therapy in cancer patients. Eighty subjects with solid tumors who were under standard chemotherapy regimens were randomly assigned to a bioavailability‐boosted curcuminoids preparation (180 mg/day; n = 40) or matched placebo (n = 40) for a period of 8 weeks. Efficacy measures were changes in the health‐related quality of life (QoL) score (evaluated using the University of Washington index) and serum levels of a panel of mediators implicated in systemic inflammation including interleukins 6 (IL‐6) and 8 (IL‐8), TNF‐α, transforming growth factor‐β (TGFβ), high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP), substance P and monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 (MCP‐1). Curcuminoid supplementation was associated with a significantly greater improvement in QoL compared with placebo (p < 0.001). Consistently, the magnitude of reductions in TNF‐α (p < 0.001), TGFβ (p < 0.001), IL‐6 (p = 0.061), substance P (p = 0.005), hs‐CRP (p < 0.001), CGRP (p < 0.001) and MCP‐1 (p < 0.001) were all significantly greater in the curcuminoids versus placebo group. In contrast, the extent of reduction in serum IL‐8 was significantly greater with placebo versus curcuminoids (p = 0.012). Quality of life variations were associated with changes in serum TGFβ levels in both correlation and regression analyses. Adjuvant therapy with a bioavailable curcuminoid preparation can significantly improve QoL and suppress systemic inflammation in patients with solid tumors who are under treatment with standard chemotherapy protocols. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deterministic random walks on finite graphs
Authors: Kijima Shuji , Koga Kentaro , Makino Kazuhisa
Published: March 2014

The rotor‐router model, also known as the Propp machine, is a deterministic process analogous to a random walk on a graph. Instead of distributing tokens to randomly chosen neighbors, the Propp machine deterministically serves the neighbors in a fixed order by associating to each vertex a “rotor‐router” pointing to one of its neighbors. This paper investigates the discrepancy at a single vertex between the number of tokens in the rotor‐router model and the expected number of tokens in a random walk, for finite graphs in general. We show that the discrepancy is bounded by O (mn) at any time for any initial configuration if the corresponding random walk is lazy and reversible, where n and m denote the numbers of nodes and edges, respectively. For a lower bound, we show examples of graphs and initial configurations for which the discrepancy at a single vertex is Ω(m) at any time (> 0). For some special graphs, namely hypercube skeletons and Johnson graphs, we give a polylogarithmic upper bound, in terms of the number of nodes, for the discrepancy. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 46,739–761, 2015
Nanostructuring of Nickel Hydroxide via a Template Solution Approach for Efficient Electrochemical Devices
Authors: Guo Li , Ren Yi , Liu Junyi , Chiam Sing Yang , Chim Wai Kin
Published: March 2014

Nanostructuring is a key approach in enhancing the performance of electrochemical devices. In this work, nanostructuring is achieved by the electrodeposition of nickel hydroxide nanowire arrays, with both open‐ended and close‐ended structures, through anodized aluminium oxide (AAO) templates that are directly fabricated on indium tin oxide/glass substrates. The open‐ended and close‐ended nanostructures are compared together with identically fabricated thin films to show the effects of nanostructuring. Open‐ended nanowire arrays demonstrated the best electrochemical activity with superior transmittance modulation and faster activation, while the thin film showed the worst performance. In comparing with the close‐ended structures, enhanced performance is observed for the open‐ended structures despite the use of less material for the latter. This demonstrates that in designing nanostructures or porous materials, it is important for the porosity to have both interconnectivity and exposure to the electrolyte in electrochemical reactions.
YB-1 Transforms Human Mammary Epithelial Cells Through Chromatin Remodeling Leading to the Development of Basal-Like Breast Cancer
Authors: Davies Alastair H. , Reipas Kristen M. , Pambid Mary Rose , Berns Rachel , Stratford Anna L. , Fotovati Abbas , Firmino Natalie , Astanehe Arezoo , Hu Kaiji , Maxwell Christopher , Mills Gordon B. , Dunn Sandra E.
Published: March 2014

There is growing evidence that cancer-initiation could result from epigenetic changes. Y-box binding protein-1 (YB-1) is a transcription/translation factor that promotes the formation of tumors in transgenic mice; however, the underlying molecular events are not understood. To explore this in a human model system, YB-1 was expressed in mammary epithelial cells under the control of a tetracycline-inducible promoter. The induction of YB-1 promoted phenotypes associated with malignancy in three-dimensional breast acini cultures. This was attributed to YB-1 enhancing the expression and activity of the histone acetyltransferase p300 leading to chromatin remodeling. Specifically, this relaxation of chromatin allowed YB-1 to bind to the BMI1 promoter. The induction of BMI1 engaged the Polycomb complex resulting in histone H2A ubiquitylation and repression of the CDKN2A locus. These events manifested functionally as enhanced self-renewal capacity that occurred in a BMI1-dependent manner. Conversely, p300 inhibition with anacardic acid prevented YB-1 from binding to the BMI1 promoter and thereby subverted self-renewal. Despite these early changes, full malignant transformation was not achieved until RSK2 became overexpressed concomitant with elevated human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) activity. The YB-1/RSK2/hTERT expressing cells formed tumors in mice that were molecularly subtyped as basal-like breast cancer. We conclude that YB-1 cooperates with p300 to allow BMI1 to over-ride p16INK4a-mediated cell cycle arrest enabling self-renewal and the development of aggressive breast tumors. Stem Cells  2014;32:1437–1450
Longitudinal changes in maternal hemodynamics in a population at risk for pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Khalil A. , Garcia‐Mandujano R. , Maiz N. , Elkhouli M. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: March 2014

Objective

To investigate longitudinal changes in maternal hemodynamics from the first trimester onward in women who develop pre‐eclampsia (PE) or gestational hypertension (GH).

Methods

This was a prospective longitudinal study of singleton pregnancies identified by screening at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks' gestation as being at high risk for PE. Measurements of augmentation index (AIx), pulsed wave velocity (PWV) and aortic systolic blood pressure (SBPao) were taken every 4 weeks until delivery. Values were compared between women who developed preterm PE requiring delivery before 37 weeks, term PE or GH, and those who remained normotensive.

Results

A total of 1198 observations were recorded in 245 women, including 181 who were normotensive, 22 with preterm PE, 22 with term PE and 20 with GH. In the normotensive group, there was a U‐shaped relationship between AIx and gestational age with a trough at 25 weeks' gestation, whereas changes in levels of PWV or SBPao were minimal, with a mild increase from 25 and 30 weeks' gestation onward, respectively. In the GH and preterm PE groups, compared to the normotensive group, SBPao was higher and the difference did not change significantly with gestational age. In the term PE group, SBPao did not differ significantly from that in the normotensive group. In the preterm PE group compared to the normotensive group, PWV and AIx were significantly higher from 16–17 weeks' gestation onward and the difference increased with gestational age in both cases. In the term PE and GH groups, PWV and AIx did not differ significantly from normal.

Conclusion

This study describes temporal changes in AIx, PWV and SBPao in normotensive pregnant women and in women who develop PE or GH. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Recent progress in the development of polysaccharide conjugates of docetaxel and paclitaxel
Authors: Roy Aniruddha , Bhattacharyya Mousumi , Ernsting Mark J. , May Jonathan P , Li Shyh‐Dar
Published: March 2014

Taxanes are one of the most potent and broadest spectrum chemotherapeutics used clinically, but also induce significant side effects. Different strategies have been developed to produce a safer taxane formulation. Development of polysaccharide drug conjugates has increased in the recent years because of the demonstrated biocompatibility, biodegradability, safety, and low cost of the biopolymers. This review focuses on polysaccharide–taxane conjugates and provides an overview on various conjugation strategies and their effect on the efficacy. Detailed analyses on the designing factors of an effective polysaccharide–drug conjugate are provided with a discussion on the future direction of this field.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease
Isoflavone Content of Soybean Cultivars from Maturity Group 0 to VI Grown in Northern and Southern China
Authors: Zhang Jingying , Ge Yinan , Han Fenxia , Li Bin , Yan Shurong , Sun Junming , Wang Lianzheng
Published: March 2014

Soybean isoflavone content has long been considered to be a desirable trait to target in selection programs for their contribution to human health and plant defense systems. The objective of this study was to determine isoflavone concentrations of various soybean cultivars from maturity groups 0 to VI grown in various environments and to analyze their relationship to other important seed characters. Forty soybean cultivars were grown in replicated trials at Wuhan and Beijing of China in 2009/2010 and their individual and total isoflavone concentrations were determined by HPLC. Their yield and quality traits were also concurrently analyzed. The isoflavone components had abundant genetic variation in soybean seed, with a range of coefficient variation from 45.01% to 69.61%. Moreover, individual and total isoflavone concentrations were significantly affected by cultivar, maturity group, site and year. Total isoflavone concentration ranged from 551.15 to 7584.07 μg g−1, and averaged 2972.64 μg g−1 across environments and cultivars. There was a similar trend regarding the isoflavone contents, in which a lower isoflavone concentration was generally presented in early rather than late maturing soybean cultivars. In spite of significant cultivar × year × site interactions, cultivars with consistently high or low isoflavone concentrations across environments were identified, indicating that a genetic factor plays the most important role for isoflavone accumulation. The total isoflavone concentration had significant positive correlations with plant height, effective branches, pods per plant, seeds per plant, linoleic acid and linolenic acid, while significant negative correlations with oleic acid and oil content, indicating that isoflavone concentration can be predicted as being associated with other desirable seed characteristics.
Fluid Collections Associated with Acute Pancreatitis: A Pictorial Essay
Authors: Türkvatan Aysel , Erden Ayşe , Seçil Mustafa , Türkoğlu Mehmet A.
Published: March 2014

The terminology and classification scheme of acute pancreatitis proposed at the initial Atlanta Symposium was reviewed, and a new consensus statement was recently proposed. Major changes include subdividing acute fluid collections in the first 4 weeks into “acute peripancreatic fluid collection” and “acute necrotic collection” based on the presence of necrotic debris. Delayed fluid collections have been similarly subdivided into “pseudocyst” and “walled-off necrosis.” Correct use of the new terms that describe these collections is important because they lead to different treatment decisions. The purpose of this article is to present an overview of fluid collections associated with acute pancreatitis, with an emphasis on their prognostic significance and impact on clinical management, and to illustrate the new terminology.
Co-morbid anxiety disorders predict early relapse after inpatient alcohol treatment
Authors: Schellekens A.F.A. , de Jong C.A.J. , Buitelaar J.K. , Verkes R.J.
Published: March 2014

Introduction:

Alcohol dependence and anxiety disorders often co-occur. Yet, the effect of co-morbid anxiety disorders on the alcohol relapse-risk after treatment is under debate. This study investigated the effect of co-morbid anxiety disorders on relapse rates in alcohol dependence. We hypothesized that co-morbid anxiety disorders would be particularly predictive for early relapse, but not late relapse.

Subjects and methods:

In a prospective design, male alcohol dependent patients (n= 189) were recruited from an inpatient detoxification clinic. Psychiatric diagnoses and personality traits were assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview for psychiatric disorders and the Temperament and Character Inventory. The addiction severity index was used to assess addiction severity and follow-up.

Results:

One year after detoxification, 81 patients (53%) relapsed and nine patients (7%) were deceased, due to alcohol related causes. Co-morbid anxiety disorder, marital status, addiction severity, in particular legal problems, and harm avoidance predicted relapse. Anxiety disorders specifically predicted early relapse.

Conclusion:

Alcohol dependence is a severe mental disorder, with high relapse rates and high mortality. Alcohol dependent patients with co-morbid anxiety disorders are particularly prone to relapse during the first three months of treatment. These patients may therefore require additional medical and psychological attention.
The role of pannexin1 in the induction and resolution of inflammation
Authors: Adamson Samantha E. , Leitinger Norbert
Published: March 2014

Extracellular ATP is an important signaling molecule throughout the inflammatory cascade, serving as a danger signal that causes activation of the inflammasome, enhancement of immune cell infiltration, and fine‐tuning of several signaling cascades including those important for the resolution of inflammation. Recent studies demonstrated that ATP can be released from cells in a controlled manner through pannexin (Panx) channels. Panx1‐mediated ATP release is involved in inflammasome activation and neutrophil/macrophage chemotaxis, activation of T cells, and a role for Panx1 in inducing and propagating inflammation has been demonstrated in various organs, including lung and the central and peripheral nervous system. The recognition and clearance of dying cells and debris from focal points of inflammation is critical in the resolution of inflammation, and Panx1‐mediated ATP release from dying cells has been shown to recruit phagocytes. Moreover, extracellular ATP can be broken down by ectonucleotidases into ADP, AMP, and adenosine, which is critical in the resolution of inflammation. Together, Panx1, ATP, purinergic receptors, and ectonucleotidases contribute to important feedback loops during the inflammatory response, and thus represent promising candidates for new therapies.
Effects of social context on endocrine function and Zif268 expression in response to an acute stressor in adolescent and adult rats
Authors: Hodges Travis E. , Green Matthew R. , Simone Jonathan J. , McCormick Cheryl M.
Published: March 2014

There is a paucity of studies comparing social buffering in adolescents and adults, despite their marked differences in social behavior. We investigated whether greater effects of social buffering on plasma corticosterone concentrations and expression of Zif268 in neural regions after an acute stressor would be found in adolescent than adult rats. Samples were obtained before and after 1 h of isolation stress and after either 1 or 3 h of recovery back in the colony with either a familiar or unfamiliar cage partner. Adolescent and adult rats did not differ in plasma concentrations of corticosterone at any time point. Corticosterone concentrations were higher after 1 h isolation than at baseline (p < 0.001), and rats with a familiar partner during the recovery phase had lower corticosterone concentrations than did rats with an unfamiliar partner (p = 0.02). Zif268 immunoreactive cell counts were higher in the arcuate nucleus in both age groups after isolation (p = 0.007) and in the paraventricular nucleus of adolescents than adults during the recovery phase irrespective of partner familiarity. There was a significant decrease in immunoreactive cell counts after 1 h isolation compared to baseline in the basolateral amygdala, central nucleus of the amygdala, and in the pyramidal layer of the hippocampus (all p < 0.05). An effect of partner familiarity on Zif268 immunoreactive cell counts was found in the granule layer of the dentate gyrus irrespective of age (higher in those with a familiar partner, p = 0.03) and in the medial prefrontal cortex in adolescents (higher with an unfamiliar partner, p = 0.02). Overall, the acute stress and partner familiarity produced a similar pattern of results in adolescents and adults, with both age groups sensitive to the social context.
Impact of colostrum and plasma immunoglobulin intake on hippocampus structure during early postnatal development in pigs
Authors: Pierzynowski Stefan , Ushakova Galyna , Kovalenko Tatiana , Osadchenko Iryna , Goncharova Kateryna , Gustavsson Per , Prykhodko Olena , Wolinski Jarek , Slupecka Monika , Ochniewicz Piotr , Weström Björn , Skibo Galina
Published: March 2014

The first milk, colostrum, is an important source of nutrients and an exclusive source of immunoglobulins (Ig), essential for the growth and protection from infection of newborn pigs. Colostrum intake has also been shown to affect the vitality and behaviour of neonatal pigs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of feeding colostrum and plasma immunoglobulin on brain development in neonatal pigs.

Positive correlations were found between growth, levels of total protein and IgG in blood plasma and hippocampus development in sow‐reared piglets during the first 3 postnatal days. In piglets fed an elemental diet (ED) for 24 h, a reduced body weight, a lower plasma protein level and a decreased level of astrocyte specific protein in the hippocampus was observed, as compared to those that were sow‐reared. The latter was coincident with a reduced microgliogenesis and an essentially diminished number of neurons in the CA1 area of the hippocampus after 72 h. Supplementation of the ED with purified plasma Ig, improved the gliogenesis and supported the trophic and immune status of the hippocampus.

The data obtained indicate that the development of the hippocampus structure is improved by colostrum or an Ig‐supplemented elemental diet in order to stimulate brain protein synthesis and its development during the early postnatal period.