bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of a fludarabine and melphalan combination‐based reduced toxicity conditioning with myeloablative conditioning by radiation and/or busulfan in acute myeloid leukemia in Japanese children and adolescents
Authors: Ishida Hiroyuki , Adachi Souichi , Hasegawa Daiichiro , Okamoto Yasuhiro , Goto Hiroaki , Inagaki Jiro , Inoue Masami , Koh Katsuyoshi , Yabe Hiromasa , Kawa Keisei , Kato Koji , Atsuta Yoshiko , Kudo Kazuko
Published: December 2014

Background

The relative efficacy of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo‐HCT) after reduced toxicity conditioning (RTC) compared with standard myeloablative conditioning (MAC) in pediatric patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has not been studied extensively. To address whether RTC is a feasible approach for pediatric patients with AML in remission, we performed a retrospective investigation of the outcomes of the first transplant in patients who had received an allo‐HCT after RTC or standard MAC, using nationwide registration data collected between 2000 and 2011 in Japan.

Procedure

We compared a fludarabine (Flu) and melphalan (Mel)‐based regimen (RTC; n = 34) with total body irradiation (TBI) and/or busulfan (Bu)‐based conditioning (MAC; n = 102) in demographic‐ and disease‐criteria‐matched childhood and adolescent patients with AML in first or second complete remission (CR1/CR2).

Results

The incidence of engraftment, early complications, grade II–IV acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD), and chronic GVHD were similar in each conditioning group. The risk of relapse (25% vs. 26%) and non‐relapse mortality (13% vs. 11%) after 3 years did not differ between these groups, and univariate and multivariate analyses demonstrated that the 3‐year overall survival (OS) rates after Flu/Mel‐RTC and MAC were comparable (mean, 72% [range, 51–85%] and 68% [range, 58–77%], respectively).

Conclusions

The results suggest that the Flu/Mel‐RTC regimen is a clinically acceptable conditioning strategy for childhood and adolescent patients with AML in remission. Although this retrospective, registry‐based analysis has several limitations, RTC deserves to be further investigated in prospective trials. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:883–889. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An alternative cell‐averaged departure point reconstruction for pointwise semi‐Lagrangian transport schemes
Authors: Malardel Sylvie , Ricard Didier
Published: December 2014

Convection‐permitting limited‐area models based on the same spectral semi‐implicit semi‐Lagrangian (SL) techniques which are used in the ECMWF global model, are run operationally in several countries of the ALADIN/HIRLAM consortium. Forecasters have reported a general tendency for these models to produce overestimated precipitation and unrealistic divergent winds at the edges of the cold outflows generated by the precipitation evaporation in the vicinity of convective clouds. These grid‐point storms have been associated with a spurious behaviour of the pointwise interpolation used in the SL scheme, where grid‐scale buoyant updraughts create strong small‐scale convergence near the surface. A modification of the interpolation weights in the SL transport scheme introduces the concept of cell‐averaging into the traditional pointwise SL scheme which improves the conservation property of the scheme and eliminates the spurious mode. The COMAD (COntinuous Mapping about Departure points) correction applied to the standard interpolation weights takes into account the deformation of the air parcels along each direction of interpolation in order to improve the continuity and the conservative property of the re‐mapping between the model grid points and the origin points of the backward trajectories. The method has been validated with the small planet configuration of the Integrated Forecast System at ECMWF and with the limited‐area version of the same dynamics used for the AROME (Météo‐France) and HARMONIE (HIRLAM) models. The pathological behaviour of grid‐scale buoyant flows permitted by these dynamical cores is corrected by the COMAD interpolations. The precipitation forecasts in the convection‐permitting models AROME/HARMONIE which show an overestimation of intense convective precipitation are systematically improved by the new weights.
Role of large‐scale moisture advection for simulation of the MJO with increased entrainment
Authors: Zhu Hongyan , Hendon Harry H.
Published: December 2014

The intraseasonal moisture budget is analyzed in simulations with the UK Met Office climate model, which produces a reasonable representation of the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO) when the entrainment rate in the convective parametrization is increased by 50%. Analysis of the moisture budget shows that parametrized convection tends to dry the troposphere and that large‐scale vertical advection moistens the troposphere. These two tendencies mostly balance each other. However, the total moisture tendency is asymmetric relative to the maximum precipitation, corresponding to the recharge and discharge process of organized convection in the Tropics. This moistening before and drying after the maximum precipitation is largely due to large‐scale horizontal advection of moisture. By comparing to the control run that does not simulate a realistic MJO, we find that increasing the entrainment acts to reduce deep convection in the relatively dry environment by increasing the mixing of the dry air. As a result, large‐scale convection and large‐scale advective processes play a stronger role during the development stage, which implies that convection is necessarily better organized.
Concise Review: Growing Hearts in the Right Place: On the Design of Biomimetic Materials for Cardiac Stem Cell Differentiation
Authors: Farouz Yohan , Chen Yong , Terzic André , Menasché Philippe
Published: December 2014

Tissue engineering aims at recapitulating permissive conditions that enable cells to collaborate and form functional tissues. Applications range from human tissue modeling for diagnostic purposes to therapeutic solutions in regenerative medicine and surgery. Across this spectrum, human stem cells are the active ingredient, expandable virtually indefinitely and with the propensity to generate new tissue. Engaging lineage-specific differentiation requires a precise concerto of key spatial and temporal factors, such as soluble molecules and growth factors, but also physical and mechanical stimuli. These stimuli compete to modulate distinct developmental signaling pathways and ultimately affect the differentiation efficiency. The heart is a chemo-mechano-electrical biological system that behaves as both a sensor and an actuator. It can transduce electrical inputs to generate mechanical contraction and electrical wave propagation. Such a complex organ arises from multipart developmental events that interact with one another to self-regulate. Here, we overview the main events of heart development and the role of mechanical forces in modifying the microenvironment of the progenitor cells. We analyze the cascades regulating cardiac gene activation to illustrate how mechanotransduction is already involved in the most popular protocols for stem cell differentiation (SCD) into cardiomyocytes. We then review how forces are transmitted to embryonic stem cells by cell-substrate or cell-cell communications, and how biomaterials can be designed to mimic these interactions and help reproduce key features of the developmental milieu. Putting this back in a clinical perspective, many challenges needs to be overcome before biomaterials-based SCD protocols can be scaled up and marketed. Stem Cells  2015;33:1021–1035
Brief Report: The Differential Roles of mTORC1 and mTORC2 in Mesenchymal Stem Cell Differentiation
Authors: Martin Sally K. , Fitter Stephen , Dutta Ankit K. , Matthews Mary P. , Walkley Carl R. , Hall Michael N. , Ruegg Markus A. , Gronthos Stan , Zannettino Andrew C. W.
Published: December 2014

Adipocytes (AdCs) and osteoblasts (OBs) are derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and differentiation toward either lineage is both mutually exclusive and transcriptionally controlled. Recent studies implicate the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway as important in determining MSC fate, with inhibition of mTOR promoting OB differentiation and suppressing AdC differentiation. mTOR functions within two distinct multiprotein complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2, each of which contains the unique adaptor protein, raptor or rictor, respectively. While compounds used to study mTOR signaling, such as rapamycin and related analogs, primarily inhibit mTORC1, prolonged exposure can also disrupt mTORC2 function, confounding interpretation of inhibitor studies. As a result, the relative contribution of mTORC1 and mTORC2 to MSC fate determination remains unclear. In this study, we generated primary mouse MSCs deficient in either Rptor (RapKO) or Rictor (RicKO) using the Cre/loxP system. Cre-mediated deletion of Rptor or Rictor resulted in impaired mTORC1 and mTORC2 signaling, respectively. Under lineage-inductive culture conditions, RapKO MSCs displayed a reduced capacity to form lipid-laden AdCs and an increased capacity to form a mineralized matrix. In contrast, RicKO MSCs displayed reduced osteogenic differentiation capacity and enhanced adipogenic differentiation potential. Taken together, our findings reveal distinct roles for mTORC1 and mTORC2 in MSC lineage commitment. Stem Cells  2015;33:1359–1365
Selective Interference Targeting of Lnk in Umbilical Cord-Derived Late Endothelial Progenitor Cells Improves Vascular Repair, Following Hind Limb Ischemic Injury, via Regulation of JAK2/STAT3 Signaling
Authors: Lee Sang Hun , Lee Kyeung Bin , Lee Jun Hee , Kang Songhwa , Kim Hwi Gon , Asahara Takayuki , Kwon Sang Mo
Published: December 2014

The Lnk adaptor protein is a strong negative regulator that affects self-renewal of hematopoietic stem cells and vascular repair in injured tissues. However, the signaling mechanisms through which these proteins influence the vascular regeneration function of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the effect of Lnk-targeted small interfering RNA (si-lnk) on the clonogenic proliferative potential and vascular regenerative function of EPCs and the activation of the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway. Treatment with stem cell factor (SCF) increased the clonogenic proliferation of si-lnk EPCs. Importantly, activation of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway was enhanced in SCF-sensitized si-lnk EPCs. In a hind limb model of ischemia, transplantation of si-lnk EPCs increased the blood flow ratio, capillary density, proliferation, and survival of transplanted cells, and the secretion of pivotal angiogenic cytokines at ischemic sites. These results provide strong evidence that si-lnk regulates the clonogenic proliferative potential of EPCs through the activation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway, thereby accelerating angiogenesis and promoting repair in injured hind limb ischemia. Stem Cells  2014;33:1490–1500
Using relational developmental systems theory to link program goals, activities, and outcomes: The sample case of the 4‐H Study of Positive Youth Development
Authors: Lerner Richard M. , Wang Jun , Chase Paul A. , Gutierrez Akira S. , Harris Elise M. , Rubin Rachel O. , Yalin Ceren
Published: December 2014

In contemporary developmental science, relational development systems models have been used to frame the positive youth development (PYD) perspective, which posits that youth will thrive when there is alignment between their strengths and ecological resources in their context. Evidence from the 4‐H Study of PYD indicates that out‐of‐school‐time youth development programs are key ecological resources enhancing youth thriving. This chapter discusses the particular facets of youth development programs (the “Big Three”—positive and sustained adult–youth relationships, skill‐building activities, and youth leadership opportunities) involved in promoting youth thriving. The importance of using theory to design and implement programs is also discussed, and challenges of reaching the diversity of American youth with effective programs are noted.
Family, school, and community partnerships: Practical strategies for afterschool programs
Authors: Finn‐Stevenson Matia
Published: December 2014

Much attention is given today to the importance of forging family, school, and community partnerships. Growing numbers of schools, many of them with afterschool programs, are dedicating resources to support and sustain relationships with families and community‐based organizations. And, among government agencies and the philanthropic sector, there is widespread recognition that schools cannot be successful if they function alone in their quest to educate our nation's children, but must work with families and in the context of the community. Although the field is enjoying unprecedented popularity and many more schools and afterschool programs are partnering with community agencies and organizations, the notion of engaging parents and the community has not yet become an integral part of school reform, and in the afterschool field, practitioners who work at the program level directly with students often struggle with how they can make partnerships a reality. This chapter draws upon lessons learned from the School of the 21st Century (21C) to provide practical strategies for reaching out to and working with families and the community. The School of the 21st Century includes an afterschool component and is one of several national initiatives that use a community school strategy.
Biotechnological potential of yeast isolates fromcachaça: the Brazilian spirit
Authors: da Conceição Luís Eduardo Fernandes Rodrigues , Saraiva Margarete Alice Fontes , Diniz Raphael Hermano Santos , Oliveira Juliana , Barbosa Gustavo Dimas , Alvarez Florencia , da Mata Correa Lygia Fátima , Mezadri Hygor , Coutrim Mauricio Xavier , Afonso Robson José de Cássia Franco , Lucas Candida , Castro Ieso Miranda , Brandão Rogelio Lopes
Published: December 2014

This study identified phenotypic traits appropriate for biotechnological applications of 118 yeasts isolated from cachaça distilleries. Different properties were verified: capacity to use alternative carbon sources; ability to tolerate high concentrations of sucrose, ethanol, methanol, aluminum and zinc as well as different pH values and foam production. Pichia guilliermondii and Pichia anomala strains were identified as the most promising ones for application in the second-generation biofuel industry, showing ability to grow on high glycerol concentrations. Other isolates, identified as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, produced bioethanol comparable to the industrial strains, and were therefore ideal for use in the first-generation ethanol industry. Some of these strains also showed high resistance to aluminum, as observed in sugarcane juice, and to inter-cycle washings with diluted sulphuric acid, as performed in the industrial bioethanol production process. In summary, yeast isolates from cachaça distilleries displayed robustness and phenotypic plasticity, which makes them interesting for biotechnological applications.
Polyethyleneimine-grafted collagen fiber as a carrier for cell immobilization
Authors: Zhu Deyi , Li Xia , Liao Xuepin , Shi Bi
Published: December 2014

Collagen fiber (CF), an abundant natural biopolymer, features many favorable properties that make it a potential carrier for cell immobilization. In the present investigation, CF was grafted with polyethyleneimine (PEI) using glutaraldehyde (GA) as the cross-linking agent, resulting in the formation of a novel CF based carrier (CF-PEI). The properties of CF-PEI as a carrier were evaluated by the immobilization of Microbacterium arborescens (CICC 20196), which has glucose isomerase (EC 5.3.1.5) activity. It was found that M. arborescens cells immobilized on CF-PEI exhibited higher glucose isomerization than those using activated carbon or anion exchange resin as the carriers. The Michaelis constant (K  m) of the isomerization reaction for the CF-PEI-immobilized M. arborescens cells was 0.528 mol/L, which was slightly higher than that of free cells (0.473 mol/L). In addition, the apparent activation energies (E  a) of free and immobilized cells on CF-PEI were almost the same at 60 kJ/mol. In an isomerization reaction of glucose to fructose in a fixed-bed reactor, CF-PEI-immobilized M. arborescens cells showed appreciable activity and operational stability. The corresponding isomerization ratio was as high as 41 % for 20 days, and the half-life was about 40 days.
Changes in the composition and diversity of bacterial communities 13 years after soil reclamation of abandoned mine land in eastern China
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Chen Longqian , Wen Hongyu
Published: December 2014

In recent years, the importance of microbial diversity and function to ecosystem restoration has been recognized. The aim of this work was to investigate the diversity and composition of bacterial communities in response to reclamation of a soil subsidence area affected by mining activities. Soil samples were taken in two seasons (December 2012 and July 2013) from a mining reclamation region at the Liuxin national reclamation demonstration area in China and an adjacent coal‐excavated subsidence region. 454 high‐throughput sequencing technology was used to compare the composition and diversity of bacterial communities in reclaimed soil to that in subsided soil. Predominant phyla in soils were Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, and Planctomycetes, with Proteobacteria making up the majority of the community. Long‐term reclamation was found to have significant influences on bacterial communities, and the bacterial community diversity and composition varied between reclaimed and subsided soil. Seasonal fluctuations also contributed to variation in soil bacterial diversity and community composition, but were minor in comparison to effects of reclamation. Differences observed in bacterial community structure and diversity were related to both fertilizer treatment and vegetation, likely through the effects of soil attributes. Soil organic matter and total nitrogen and available potassium were important factors shaping the microbial communities. The reclaimed soil had higher community diversity of bacteria than subsided soil, which suggests that long‐term applications of organic amendments and vegetation mixed sowing had significant impacts on soil remediation and microbial diversity.
Properties of Ethoxylated Castor Oil Acid Methyl Esters Prepared by Ethoxylation over an Alkaline Catalyst
Authors: Zhang Qian , Sun Yongqiang , Zhi Lifei , Zhang Yong , di Serio Martino
Published: December 2014

The synthesis and properties of ethoxylated castor oil acid methyl esters (ECAME) were investigated. Ethylene oxide (EO) can react directly with the ester group and hydroxyl group of castor oil acid methyl esters in the presence of an alkaline catalyst. ECAME with different average EO adduct numbers were synthesized and, through testing the degree of EO addition, it was found that only a few EO moieties (2–4) inserted into the hydroxyl group. In addition, the physicochemical properties of ECAME were studied. ECAME can be used as nonionic surfactants with good properties.
Physicochemical and Oxidative Changes in Sonicated Interesterified Soybean Oil
Authors: Lee J. , Ye Y. , Martini S.
Published: December 2014

The effect of power ultrasound on physicochemical properties and oxidative stability of an interesterified soybean oil (IESBO) was investigated. IESBO was crystallized at 32 °C and sonicated for 10 s with acoustic power of 101 W. The sonicated IESBO was tested for melting behavior and chemical composition and compared to those of non sonicated IESBO to determine physical and chemical changes originated as a consequence of sonication. Application of power ultrasound affected the melting behavior of the crystallized fat and did not affect its chemical composition. Oxidation stability of the sonicated IESBO was measured using peroxide value (PV) and compared to that of non sonicated IESBO and liquid soybean oil (SBO) when stored at 25 °C for 105 days followed by storage at 40 °C for 42 days. Power ultrasound did not cause accelerated oxidation in SBO or IESBO until they were highly oxidized (PV > 10 mequiv/kg). At high levels of oxidation, non‐sonicated IESBO had significantly higher PV than sonicated IESBO, while non‐sonicated SBO had significantly lower PV than sonicated SBO.
Soziale Infrastrukturen im ländlichen Raum neu gedacht. Das Projekt „Betreutes Wohnen am Bauernhof“ als Perspektive für die Region Strudengau in Oberösterreich
Authors: Sanglhuber Elisabeth , Schneider Gerda
Published: December 2014

This paper deals with a “care farming” project, based on investigations of seven different farms in Perg, Upper Austria. Between 1996 and 1999, an innovative approach to care possibilities of older people in rural areas was developed and implemented by different actors (chamber of agriculture, welfare association, farmers), financially supported by the European Union. European subsidies allowed for education in elderly care and the development of barrier-free residential units for elderly people in existing farm buildings. An analysis ten years after the implementation of the project examines whether assisted living on farms constitutes a promising perspective for social infrastructure planning in the region and derives strategies and principles from the existing examples, which serve as models for high quality aging and care on farms.
Is co‐ruminating with friends related to health problems in victimized adolescents?
Authors: Guarneri‐White Maria E. , Jensen‐Campbell Lauri A. , Knack Jennifer M.
Published: December 2014

Co‐rumination, or the tendency to revisit and endlessly discuss problems and negative events, has been linked to depression and other emotional difficulties (Rose, Carson, & Waller, 2007). The current study examined the moderating effect of co‐rumination on the relationship between peer victimization and depression, anxiety, PTSD symptoms, and health problems in 108 adolescents aged 10–15 years. Adolescents and a parent completed measures of adolescents' peer victimization, co‐rumination, depression, and health problems. Results indicate that adolescents who are both peer victimized and engaged in high levels of co‐rumination were at highest risk for psychological problems. Co‐rumination also moderated the relationship between peer victimization and physical health problems via general depressive symptoms (i.e., moderated mediation).
Prenatal Psychological Distress and Access to Mental Health Care in the ELFE Cohort
Authors: Bales M. , Pambrun E. , Melchior M. , Glangeaud-Freudenthal N.M.-C. , Charles M.-A. , Verdoux H. , Sutter-Dallay A.-L.
Published: December 2014

Background:

Pregnant women are vulnerable to the deleterious impact of environmental stressors. The aims were to identify the environmental and pregnancy characteristics independently associated with prenatal psychological distress and access to mental health care.

Methods:

We used data from the French cohort Étude Longitudinale Française depuis l’Enfance (ELFE), a nationally representative cohort of children followed-up from birth to adulthood. Information about prenatal psychological status and access to mental health care was collected during the maternity stay. Maternal/pregnancy characteristics independently associated with psychological distress and access to mental health care were explored using multivariate analyses.

Results:

Of the 15,143 mothers included, 12.6% reported prenatal psychological distress. Prenatal distress was more frequent in women with very low economical status, alcohol/tobacco use, unplanned/unwanted pregnancy, late pregnancy declaration, multiparity and complicated pregnancy (high number of prenatal visits, prenatal diagnosis examination, obstetrical complications). Of the women reporting prenatal distress, 25% had a prenatal consultation with a mental health specialist and 11% used psychotropic drugs during pregnancy. Decreased likelihood to consult a mental health specialist was found in young women, with intermediate educational level and born abroad.

Limitations:

Causal inferences should be made cautiously as the questionnaire did not collect information on the temporal sequence between psychological distress and associated characteristics.

Conclusions:

Women with social and obstetrical vulnerabilities are at increased risk of poor mental health during pregnancy. Improving mental health care access during pregnancy is a public health priority.
Evaluation of the Olson Equation, an Isotope Dilution Method for Estimating Vitamin A Stores
Authors: Green Michael H.
Published: December 2014

Isotope dilution methods have been successfully used to estimate vitamin A status in human populations as well as to evaluate the impact of vitamin A interventions. The most commonly applied isotope dilution method is the retinol isotope dilution technique, which is based on the 1989 Olson equation for estimating total body vitamin A stores (sometimes equated to liver vitamin A) after an oral dose of labeled vitamin A. The equation relies on several factors related to absorption and retention of the dose, the equilibration of label in plasma vs. liver, and timing of a blood sample for measurement of labeled vitamin A. Here, the assumptions underlying these factors are discussed, and new results based on applying model-based compartmental analysis [specifically, the Simulation, Analysis and Modeling software (WinSAAM)] to data on retinol kinetics in humans are summarized. A simplification of the Olson equation, in which plasma tracer is measured 3 days after administration of the oral dose and several factors are eliminated, is presented. The potential usefulness of the retinol isotope dilution technique for setting vitamin A requirements and assessing vitamin A status in children, as well as the confounding effects of inflammation and likely variability in vitamin A absorption, are also discussed.
Vitamin A Value of Plant Food Provitamin A - Evaluated by the Stable Isotope Technologies
Authors: Tang Guangwen
Published: December 2014

Humans need vitamin A and obtain essential vitamin A by conversion of plant foods rich in provitamin A and/or absorption of preformed vitamin A from foods of animal origin. The determination of the vitamin A value of plant foods rich in provitamin A is important but has challenges. The aim of this paper is to review the progress over last 80 years following the discovery on the conversion of β-carotene to vitamin A and the various techniques including stable isotope technologies that have been developed to determine vitamin A values of plant provitamin A (mainly β-carotene). These include applications from using radioactive β-carotene and vitamin A, depletion-repletion with vitamin A and β-carotene, and measuring postprandial chylomicron fractions after feeding a β-carotene rich diet, to using stable isotopes as tracers to follow the absorption and conversion of plant food provitamin A carotenoids (mainly β-carotene) in humans. These approaches have greatly promoted our understanding of the absorption and conversion of β-carotene to vitamin A. Stable isotope labeled plant foods are useful for determining the overall bioavailability of provitamin A carotenoids from specific foods. Locally obtained plant foods can provide vitamin A and prevent deficiency of vitamin A, a remaining worldwide concern.
Research Recommendations for Applying Vitamin A-Labelled Isotope Dilution Techniques to Improve Human Vitamin A Nutrition
Authors: Tanumihardjo Sherry A. , Kurpad Anura V. , Hunt Janet R.
Published: December 2014

The current use of serum retinol concentrations as a measurement of subclinical vitamin A deficiency is unsatisfactory for many reasons. The best technique available for vitamin A status assessment in humans is the measurement of total body pool size. Pool size is measured by the administration of retinol labelled with stable isotopes of carbon or hydrogen that are safe for human subjects, with subsequent measurement of the dilution of the labelled retinol within the body pool. However, the isotope techniques are time-consuming, technically challenging, and relatively expensive. There is also a need to assess different types of tracers and doses, and to establish clear guidelines for the use and interpretation of this method in different populations. Field-friendly improvements are desirable to encourage the application of this technique in developing countries where the need is greatest for monitoring the risk of vitamin A deficiency, the effectiveness of public health interventions, and the potential of hypervitaminosis due to combined supplement and fortification programs. These techniques should be applied to validate other less technical methods of assessing vitamin A deficiency. Another area of public health relevance for this technique is to understand the bioconversion of β-carotene to vitamin A, and its relation to existing vitamin A status, for future dietary diversification programs.
Existing and Emerging Technologies for Measuring Stable Isotope Labelled Retinol in Biological Samples: Isotope Dilution Analysis of Body Retinol Stores
Authors: Preston Tom
Published: December 2014

This paper discusses some of the recent improvements in instrumentation used for stable isotope tracer measurements in the context of measuring retinol stores, in vivo. Tracer costs, together with concerns that larger tracer doses may perturb the parameter under study, demand that ever more sensitive mass spectrometric techniques are developed. GCMS is the most widely used technique. It has high sensitivity in terms of sample amount and uses high resolution GC, yet its ability to detect low isotope ratios is limited by background noise. LCMSMS may become more accessible for tracer studies. Its ability to measure low level stable isotope tracers may prove superior to GCMS, but it is isotope ratio MS (IRMS) that has been designed specifically for low level stable isotope analysis through accurate analysis of tracer:tracee ratios (the tracee being the unlabelled species). Compound-specific isotope analysis, where GC is interfaced to IRMS, is gaining popularity. Here, individual 13C-labelled compounds are separated by GC, combusted to CO2 and transferred on-line for ratiometric analysis by IRMS at the ppm level. However, commercially-available 13C-labelled retinol tracers are 2 - 4 times more expensive than deuterated tracers. For 2H-labelled compounds, GC-pyrolysis-IRMS has now become more generally available as an operating mode on the same IRMS instrument. Here, individual compounds are separated by GC and pyrolysed to H2 at high temperature for analysis by IRMS. It is predicted that GC-pyrolysis-IRMS will facilitate low level tracer procedures to measure body retinol stores, as has been accomplished in the case of fatty acids and amino acids. Sample size requirements for GC-P-IRMS may exceed those of GCMS, but this paper discusses sample preparation procedures and predicts improvements, particularly in the efficiency of sample introduction.
Vascular malformations revisited
Authors: Clemens Robert K. , Pfammatter Thomas , Meier Thomas O. , Alomari Ahmad I. , Amann-Vesti Beatrice R.
Published: December 2014

Vascular malformations are congenital anomalies that can affect each part of the vasculature. Combined forms are common and they are often part of complex syndromes. Most malformations are diagnosed during infancy, but some get obvious only later in life. The field of vascular malformations is emerging with recently described new entities and treatments. Still, misdiagnosis is common in this field, leading to nosologic confusion and wrong treatment. Clinical evaluation and imaging are the gold standard for diagnostic confirmation. Sclerotherapy and embolization are the main treatment techniques but are also used preoperatively to reduce blood loss and shrink the lesion if surgery is planned. Despite new treatment options, especially if extensive in size or involving vulnerable structures, vascular malformations are still considered chronic diseases and cause significant morbidity. Common understanding and agreement on terminology and a multidisciplinary approach are the basis of successful treatment and long-term support for these patients. Continuing research in the field of vascular anomalies will improve knowledge and create further treatment options.
Carotid artery disease after head and neck radiotherapy
Authors: Thalhammer Christoph , Husmann Marc , Glanzmann Christoph , Studer Gabriela , Amann-Vesti Beatrice R.
Published: December 2014

Radiation induced atherosclerosis of the carotid artery is a clinically relevant late complication after head and neck radiotherapy. Improved long-term survival after multimodality therapy in neck malignancies result in an increased risk of carotid artery disease in patients after radiotherapy (RT). This review focuses on the current knowledge of occlusive carotid disease after head and neck radiotherapy and highlights the exceeding morphologic post-radiation vessel wall pathologies. More severe and extensive carotid artery atherosclerosis with plaque in all segments including the common carotid artery is a frequent finding after RT. Therefore, colour coded duplex ultrasound surveillance in patients after head and neck RT is recommended. Some histopathological studies indicate differences to classical atherosclerosis, and pathogenesis of chronic radiation vasculopathy is still under discussion.
Onychomycosis is associated with subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with diabetes
Authors: Onalan Orhan , Adar Adem , Keles Hakan , Ertugrul Goksen , Ozkan Nurhayat , Aktas Habibullah , Karakaya Ekrem
Published: December 2014

Background: We aimed to investigate the association of toenail onychomycosis with subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with diabetes mellitus. Patients and methods: Consecutive diabetic patients who were seen at our outpatient clinic were enrolled. The carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) was assessed and toenail onychomycosis was diagnosed with microscopic evaluation. Results: We investigated 127 patients with diabetes melltus type 2. Overall, the prevalence of toenail onychomycosis was 37.8 % (48 of 127). Of the 127 patients, 60 (47.2 %) had subclinical atherosclerosis (CIMT ≥ 1 mm). Prevalence of male gender (43.3 % vs. 22.4 %, p = 0.012) and onychomycosis (53.3 % vs. 23.9 %, p = 0.001) was significantly higher in patients with subclinical atherosclerosis. Among biochemical parameters, low-density lipoprotein (122 ± 38 mg/dL vs. 108 ± 36 mg/dL, p = 0.039) and glycosylated hemoglobin levels (median 8.4 %, IQR: 2.1 % vs. median 7.5 %, IQR: 1.6 %, p = 0.002) were significantly higher in patients with subclinical atherosclerosis. Study groups were similar with respect to all other demographic, clinical, and laboratory parameters. After adjustment for all potential confounders, the presence of onychomycosis was independently associated with subclinical atherosclerosis (OR 2.77, 95 % CI 1.16 to 6.30) in multivariate logistic regression analysis. Conclusions: Presence of onychomycosis in patients with diabetes is associated with subclinical atherosclerosis. Onychomycosis may be a marker of atherosclerotic arterial involvement.
Pharmakovigilanz in der Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie
Authors: Egberts Karin , Karwautz Andreas , Plener Paul L. , Mehler-Wex Claudia , Kölch Michael , Dang Su-Yin , Taurines Regina , Romanos Marcel , Gerlach Manfred
Published: December 2014

Die rationale Therapie mit Arzneimitteln stellt eine Herausforderung in der Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie dar. Steigende Verordnungszahlen stehen im Kontrast zu erheblichen Unsicherheiten in Bezug auf die Arzneimittelsicherheit und Wirksamkeit. Der Mangel an (Zulassungs-)Studien führt häufig zu einem nicht altersspezifischen Gebrauch der Medikamente. Junge Patienten weisen jedoch besondere Stoffwechselbedingungen sowie eine höhere Vulnerabilität für unerwünschte Arzneimittelwirkungen (UAW) auf. Es ist daher notwendig, eigene Daten zur Pharmakokinetik, Wirkung und Sicherheit von Psychopharmaka bei Minderjährigen zu generieren. Auch die Gesetzgebung hat diese Situation erkannt und auf nationaler sowie europäischer Ebene entsprechende Vorschriften sowie wissenschaftliche Programme eingeführt. Ziel der unter dem Begriff der Pharmakovigilanz zusammengefassten Maßnahmen ist es, das Nutzen-Risiko-Verhältnis eines Arzneimittels kontinuierlich zu evaluieren, UAWs so schnell wie möglich zu entdecken und deren Risiken durch geeignete Maßnahmen, z. B. konsequentes Therapeutisches Drug Monitoring (TDM), zu minimieren. Der folgende Artikel erläutert die Notwendigkeit sowie Grundlagen der Pharmakovigilanz in der Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie und stellt ein vom Bundesministerium für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte (BfArM) gefördertes multizentrisches epidemiologisches Forschungsprojekt («TDM-VIGIL») vor, an dem zahlreiche kinder- und jugendpsychiatrische Zentren sowie Facharztpraxen aus dem deutschsprachigen Raum beteiligt sind. Ziel ist die systematischen Erfassung von Informationen zum Verordnungsverhalten und der Sicherheit von Psychopharmaka im Kindes- und Jugendalter mittels eines internetbasierten Patientenregisters.
Körperdysmorphe Störung
Authors: Grau Katharina , Fegert Jörg Michael , Allroggen Marc
Published: December 2014

Bei der Körperdysmorphen Störung (KDS) handelt es sich mit einer Punktprävalenz von 0.7–2.4 % um ein relativ häufiges Störungsbild. Kennzeichnend für die Erkrankung ist die übermäßige Beschäftigung mit einem vermeintlichen oder geringfügigen Makel des eigenen äußeren Erscheinungsbilds. Der Krankheitsbeginn liegt in der Regel im Jugendalter. Die KDS ist mit hohen Komorbiditätsraten und erhöhter Suizidalität assoziiert, oftmals zeigt sich ein chronischer Verlauf. Entsprechend des derzeitigen Kenntnisstandes kommen die kognitiv-behaviorale Therapie und die Pharmakotherapie mit selektiven Serotoninwiederaufnahme-Inhibitoren als therapeutische Optionen in Betracht. Die Kasuistik schildert einen aktuellen KDS-Fall mit typischer klinischer Symptomatik und typischem Therapieverlauf. Das Ziel dieser selektiven Übersichtsarbeit ist es, das Bewusstsein für die Erkrankung in der kinder- und jugendpsychiatrischen Praxis zu stärken, um eine adäquate Diagnosestellung und Therapie von Kindern und Jugendlichen mit KDS zu ermöglichen.
Suicidal Behavior in German Adolescents
Authors: Straub Joana , Keller Ferdinand , Sproeber Nina , Koelch Michael G. , Plener Paul L.
Published: December 2014

Objective: Research in adults has identified an association between bipolar disorder and suicidal behavior. This relationship, however, has been insufficiently investigated in adolescents to date. Methods: 1,117 adolescents from 13 German schools (mean age = 14.83, SD = .63; 52.7% females) completed an extended German version of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), which assesses depressive and manic symptoms during the last week, as well as the Self-Harm Behavior Questionnaire (SHBQ) for the assessment of lifetime suicidal behavior. Results: In the present sample 39.4% of the girls and 23.1% of the boys reported lifetime suicidal thoughts and 7.1% of the girls as well as 3.9% of the boys a lifetime history of suicide attempts. 18.7% of the adolescent sample revealed elevated symptoms of depression and 9% elevated levels of mania symptoms. Elevated sum scores of depression and mania were associated with a higher number of suicidal ideations and suicide attempts. A block-wise regression analysis revealed that sum scores of depression and mania predicted suicidal ideations best. Concerning suicide attempts, the best predictors were age as well as depression and mania sum scores. Conclusions: Suicidal behavior was reported more often when adolescents demonstrate symptoms of mania as well as symptoms of depression than when they demonstrate only depressive symptoms. The presence of bipolar symptoms in adolescents should alert clinicians to the heightened possibility of suicidal behavior.
Transidentität im Kindes- und Jugendalter
Authors: Meyenburg Bernd , Kröger Anne , Neugebauer Rebecca
Published: December 2014

Aktuell wird eine Diskussion über die Behandlungsrichtlinien für transidente Kinder und Jugendliche geführt. Der vorliegende Artikel gibt zunächst eine Übersicht über die verschiedenen Behandlungsmaßnahmen. Daneben wurden in einer eigenen Untersuchung Patienten aus der Frankfurter Spezialsprechstunde katamnestisch nachuntersucht. Von erfassten 84 Patienten, deren Erstvorstellung mindestens 3 Jahre zurücklag, sandten 37 Patienten ausgefüllte Fragebögen zurück, weitere 33 Patienten waren zu einer kurzen Befragung bereit. Erfragt wurden Behandlungsschritte, Rollenverhalten, Verhaltensauffälligkeiten und Psychotherapieerfahrungen. Es wurde untersucht, ob es Unterschiede in den erfassten Verhaltensauffälligkeiten gibt zwischen Patienten mit und ohne Rollenwechsel und mit viel und wenig Psychotherapie. 22 Patienten hatten sich für einen vollständigen Rollenwechsel entschieden und einige davon auch bereits eine Hormontherapie begonnen und sich einer operativen Geschlechtsangleichung unterzogen. Die überwiegende Mehrzahl der Teilnehmer äußerte sich zufrieden mit dem Behandlungsergebnis. Bei allen nachuntersuchten Patienten unabhängig vom Rollenwechsel und Psychotherapieumfang kam es zu einem Rückgang psychopathologischer Auffälligkeiten. Insgesamt war das Ausmaß der Verhaltensprobleme aber auffällig gering. Die vorliegenden Untersuchungsergebnisse stützen das bisherige therapeutische Vorgehen. Bei psychopathologisch wenig auffälligen Patienten erscheint auch eine niederfrequente längerfristige therapeutische Begleitung ausreichend, um Sicherheit bei der Entscheidungsfindung für hormonelle und operative Behandlung zu erreichen.
Kurz- und langfristige Effekte einer entwicklungsorientierten Mathematikförderung bei Erstklässlern mit drohender Rechenschwäche
Authors: Ennemoser Marco , Sinner Daniel , Krajewski Kristin
Published: December 2014

Kinder mit schwach entwickelten mathematischen Basiskompetenzen haben ein deutlich erhöhtes Risiko für die Entwicklung einer Rechenschwäche. Mathematische Basiskompetenzen werden daher nicht nur als wichtiges Kriterium für die Früherkennung entsprechender Fehlentwicklungen gesehen, sondern sie gelten als besonders vielversprechender Ansatzpunkt für präventive Maßnahmen. Allerdings existieren bislang kaum Programme, deren langfristige Wirksamkeit als empirisch gesichert gelten kann. In der vorliegenden Studie sollte daher die Effektivität eines Förderprogramms bei Risikokindern in der ersten Klasse überprüft werden. Aus einer Gesamtstichprobe von 238 Erstklässlern wurden mit Hilfe eines Tests zur Erfassung mathematischer Basiskompetenzen 64 Kinder ausgewählt, die ein erhöhtes Risiko zur Entwicklung einer Rechenschwäche aufwiesen. Die Hälfte der Risikokinder wurde der Trainingsgruppe zugeteilt, die über fünf Wochen hinweg mit zehn ausgewählten Sitzungen des Programms „Mengen, zählen, Zahlen“ ( Krajewski et al., 2007 ) gefördert wurde. Die andere Hälfte bildete die Kontrollgruppe und absolvierte im selben Zeitraum das konventionelle Förderangebot der Schule. Wie die Ergebnisse zeigen, erzielte die Trainingsgruppe im Verlauf der Förderung substanziell größere Zugewinne in ihren mathematischen Basiskompetenzen als die Kontrollgruppe. Die Vorteile der Trainingsgruppe erwiesen sich als zeitlich stabil und hatten auch drei Monate nach Abschluss der Förderung noch Bestand. Darüber hinaus schlug sich die Förderung langfristig auch in einer verbesserten Rechenleistung der Kinder nieder. Dieser Transfereffekt war allerdings noch nicht unmittelbar nach Abschluss der Förderphase sichtbar, sondern trat erst nach einer zeitlichen Verzögerung zutage. Es handelt sich somit um einen „Sleeper-Effekt“, der darauf hindeutet, dass die MZZ-geförderten Risikokinder aufgrund ihrer trainingsbedingt verbesserten Basiskompetenzen nachfolgend auch vom regulären Mathematikunterricht besser profitieren konnten.
Orthographische Landschaften als Unterstützungssysteme im individualisierenden Rechtschreibunterricht der Grundschule
Authors: Krauß Andrea
Published: December 2014

Während ihrer Grundschulzeit schreiben viele Kinder mit ausgesprochener Begeisterung freie Texte. Ihre Gedanken, Ideen oder Erlebnisse selbstgesteuert zu Papier zu bringen, ist für Primarschüler ein wichtiges Instrument, um Sprache als kommunikatives Mittel einzusetzen – sich mitzuteilen. Von Seiten des Adressaten erwarten sie eine Antwort, eine Reaktion auf ihre „Botschaft“, die erkennen lässt, dass der Leser sich für ihre Geschichte interessiert.Solange der Fokus bei dieser Betrachtung auf inhaltlicher Ebene liegt, sind hier der Kreativität der Kinder und dem Interesse der Leser keine Grenze gesetzt. Werden aber sprachliche Kompetenzen und orthographische Korrektheit in den Mittelpunkt gestellt, scheint sich ein unüberbrückbarer Konflikt zu ergeben.

Während ihrer Grundschulzeit schreiben viele Kinder mit ausgesprochener Begeisterung freie Texte. Ihre Gedanken, Ideen oder Erlebnisse selbstgesteuert zu Papier zu bringen, ist für Primarschüler ein wichtiges Instrument, um Sprache als kommunikatives Mittel einzusetzen – sich mitzuteilen. Von Seiten des Adressaten erwarten sie eine Antwort, eine Reaktion auf ihre „Botschaft“, die erkennen lässt, dass der Leser sich für ihre Geschichte interessiert.
Design and application of an open tubular capillary reactor for solid-phase permethylation of glycans in glycoprotein
Authors: Gao Xiaodi , Zhang Lingyi , Zhang Weibing , Zhao Liang
Published: December 2014

The permethylation derivatization method for structural analysis of glycans is important for characterizing glycoproteins in the study of glycomics.
A comparative study of graphene–hydrogel hybrid bionanocomposites for biosensing
Authors: Burrs S. L. , Vanegas D. C. , Bhargava M. , Mechulan N. , Hendershot P. , Yamaguchi H. , Gomes C. , McLamore E. S.
Published: December 2014

Graphene–nanometal enzymatic biosensors were prepared using hydrogels composed of chitosan, poly-N-isopropylacrylamide, silk fibroin, or cellulose nanocrystals. The comparative study investigated electroactive surface area, charge transfer, response time, limit of detection, and sensitivity toward alcohols.
Design of molecularly imprinted conducting polymer protein-sensing films via substrate–dopant binding
Authors: Komarova Elena , Aldissi Matt , Bogomolova Anastasia
Published: December 2014

MIP protein sensing films are prepared electrochemically by substrate-guided macromolecular dopant immobilization followed by conducting polymer film formation.
One non-interpenetrated chiral porous multifunctional metal–organic framework and its applications for sensing small solvent molecules and adsorption
Authors: Qin Ling , Zheng Meng-Xi , Guo Zi-Jian , Zheng He-Gen , Xu Yan
Published: December 2014

The solvate-optical behaviors for compound 1 are different for non-protonic and protonic solvents.
The anion exchange strategy towards mesoporous α-Ni(OH)2 nanowires with multinanocavities for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Li Zhongchun , Han Jie , Fan Lei , Wang Minggui , Tao Shengyang , Guo Rong
Published: December 2014

Mesoporous α-Ni(OH)2 nanowires with multinanocavities in surfaces as high-performance supercapacitors have been successfully developed.
Post metalation of solvothermally grown electroactive porphyrin metal–organic framework thin films
Authors: Kung Chung-Wei , Chang Ting-Hsiang , Chou Li-Yao , Hupp Joseph T. , Farha Omar K. , Ho Kuo-Chuan
Published: December 2014

Zirconium-based porphyrin metal–organic framework (MOF-525) thin films were solvothermally grown on conducting substrates; they are electrochemically addressable in aqueous media.
A high performance O2selective membrane based on CAU-1-NH2@polydopamine and the PMMA polymer for Li–air batteries
Authors: Cao Lujie , Lv Fucong , Liu Ying , Wang Wenxi , Huo Yifeng , Fu Xianzhu , Sun Rong , Lu Zhouguang
Published: December 2014

A novel oxygen selective membrane was prepared and assembled in Li-air batteries operating under real air conditions with 30% RH. Due to its high O2permeability, remarkable CO2capture ability and excellent hydrophobic behavior, extremely stable cycling performance was achieved.