bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Fully Synthetic Glycopeptide Antitumor Vaccine Based on Multiple Antigen Presentation on a Hyperbranched Polymer
Authors: Glaffig Markus , Palitzsch Björn , Hartmann Sebastian , Schüll Christoph , Nuhn Lutz , Gerlitzki Bastian , Schmitt Edgar , Frey Holger , Kunz Horst
Published: March 2014

For antitumor vaccines both the selected tumor‐associated antigen, as well as the mode of its presentation, affect the immune response. According to the principle of multiple antigen presentation, a tumor‐associated MUC1 glycopeptide combined with the immunostimulating T‐cell epitope P2 from tetanus toxoid was coupled to a multi‐functionalized hyperbranched polyglycerol by “click chemistry”. This globular polymeric carrier has a flexible dendrimer‐like structure, which allows optimal antigen presentation to the immune system. The resulting fully synthetic vaccine induced strong immune responses in mice and IgG antibodies recognizing human breast‐cancer cells.
Aerobic Double Dehydrogenative Cross Coupling between Cyclic Saturated Ketones and Simple Arenes
Authors: Gigant Nicolas , Bäckvall Jan‐E.
Published: March 2014

The synthesis of 3‐aryl‐2‐cyclohexenones is a topic of current interest as they are not only privileged structures in bioactive molecules, but they are also relevant feedstocks for the synthesis of substituted phenols or anilines, which are ubiquitous structural elements both in drug design and medicinal chemistry. A simple and sustainable one‐pot aerobic double dehydrogenative reaction under mild conditions for the introduction of arenes in the β‐position of cyclic ketones has been developed. Starting from the corresponding saturated ketone, this reaction sequence proceeds under relatively low Pd catalyst loading and involves catalytic amounts of electron‐transfer mediators (ETMs) under ambient oxygen pressure.
Single Enantiomer Versus Racemate: Chiral Distinction in the Proton Pump Inhibitors Omeprazole and Esomeprazole
Authors: Marom Hili , Pogodin Sergey , Agranat Israel
Published: March 2014

Chiral distinction in the proton pump inhibitor drugs omeprazole and in its chiral‐switch esomeprazole magnesium was studied employing the Density Functional Theory (DFT) method. At B3LYP/6‐311G(d,p), the 6‐methoxy∙∙∙6‐methoxy and 5‐methoxy∙∙∙5‐methoxy homochiral and heterochiral dimers were calculated. The chiral distinction free energies (ΔΔG298,(RS‐SS)) between the cyclic C2‐(S,S)‐ and Ci‐(R,S)‐dimers with two intermolecular hydrogen bonds are 3.8, 1.9 (with BSSE counterpoise correction), and –6.9 (with D3 dispersion and BSSE counterpoise corrections) kJ/mol. Adding water as an implicit solvent (polarized continuum model [PCM] model) resulted in a chiral distinction energy of –3.3 kJ/mol, indicating a reversal of the order of the relative stabilities of C2‐(S,S)‐ and Ci‐(R,S)‐dimers. The chiral distinction free energies between the corresponding (less stable) C1‐dimers with one intermolecular hydrogen bond are –9.3, –5.8 (with BSSE CC), 17.6 (D3 + BSSE CC), and –3.2 (H2O) kJ/mol. The results highlight the contention that omeprazole is not just a superposition of its enantiomer constituents. They are consistent with the pharmacological evidence of enantiomer–enantiomer interactions in omeprazole versus esomeprazole and the differences between the drugs omeprazole and esomeprazole magnesium and support the lodged application for regulatory supplementary protection certificate (SPC) exclusivity for the esomeprazole‐related combination drug Vimovo. Chirality 26:214–227, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Polychlorinated Biphenyls Attenuation in Soil from E‐Waste Recycling Area under Flooded and Dryland Conditions
Authors: Chen Chen , Yang Kai , Yu Chunna , Qin Zhihui , Huang Ronglang , Tang Xianjin , Shen Chaofeng , Shi Huixiang
Published: March 2014

The environmental pollution and health risks caused by the improper disposal of electric and electronic waste (e‐waste) have become urgent global issues. Severe and widespread contaminations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are commonly found in drylands or paddy fields in Taizhou, a major hotspot of e‐waste recycling in China. In this research, comparative study was performed on PCBs transformation in polluted agricultural soil under drying and flooded conditions. Uncontaminated soils spiked with PCB31 (2,3,4′‐trichlorobiphenyl) and PCB153 (2,2′,4,4′,5,5′‐hexachlorobiphenyl) were also investigated to verify the transformation characteristics of highly and less chlorinated congeners under both conditions. In a 180‐day incubation period, total PCBs in contaminated soil decreased 63.85% in paddy conditions but only 33.10% in dryland conditions; dissipation rate of highly chlorinated congeners in flooded treatment was 39% higher than drying treatment. Furthermore, PCB153 spiked soil exhibited a 19% higher removal rate in flooded conditions than drying ones. In contrast, degradation rate of PCB31 under drying conditions was 33% higher. It was proposed that drying conditions in dryland or fallowed paddy field favoured the aerobic biodegradation of less chlorinated PCBs, whereas paddy conditions benefitted anaerobic reductive dechlorination process of highly chlorinated congeners, which was crucial for completely mineralization of PCBs.
Synthesis and Anti‐HCV Entry Activity Studies of β‐Cyclodextrin–Pentacyclic Triterpene Conjugates
Authors: Xiao Sulong , Wang Qi , Si Longlong , Shi Yongying , Wang Han , Yu Fei , Zhang Yongmin , Li Yingbo , Zheng Yongxiang , Zhang Chuanling , Wang Chunguang , Zhang Lihe , Zhou Demin
Published: March 2014

In our previous studies, oleanolic acid (OA) and echinocystic acid (EA), isolated from Dipsacus asperoides, were found to have anti‐HCV entry properties. The major issue for members of this type of triterpene is their low water solubility. In this study, a series of new water‐soluble triazole‐bridged β‐cyclodextrin (CD)–pentacyclic triterpene conjugates were synthesized via click chemistry. Thanks to the attached β‐CD moiety, all synthesized conjugates showed lower hydrophobicity (Alog P) than their parent compounds. Several conjugates exhibited moderate anti‐HCV entry activity. With the exception of per‐O‐methylated β‐CD–pentacyclic triterpene conjugates, all other conjugates showed no cytotoxicity based on an alamarBlue assay carried out with HeLa, HepG2, MDCK, and 293T cells. More interestingly, the hemolytic activity of these conjugates disappeared upon the introduction of β‐CDs. Easy access to such conjugates that combine the properties of β‐CD and pentacyclic triterpenes may provide a way to obtain a new class of anti‐HCV entry inhibitors.
An alternative RP‐HPLC method for the separation and determination of tocopherol and tocotrienol homologues as butter authenticity markers: A comparative study between two European countries
Authors: Górnaś Paweł , Siger Aleksander , Czubinski Jaroslaw , Dwiecki Krzysztof , Segliņa Dalija , Nogala‐Kalucka Malgorzata
Published: March 2014

Eight tocochromanols (α, β, γ, and δ homologues of tocopherol and tocotrienol) naturally occurring in foods were successfully separated within a 13‐min run in the RP‐HPLC mode. Analytes were separated on the Phenomenex Luna PFP column filled with the pentafluorophenyl stationary phase (3 µm, 150 mm × 4.6 mm) using the mobile phase containing methanol:water (93:7 v/v) with an elution flow rate of 1 ml/min and column oven temperature of 40°C. The method was rapid, linear, accurate, and precise with detection limits in the range of 0.000184–0.000605 µg, preventing analyte losses due direct dissolution in 2‐propanol. The developed RP‐HPLC method in comparison with the NP‐HPLC mode had a significantly higher sensitivity, speed, and repeatability, but primarily it protected against the loss of analytes and thus reduced the risk of possible error measurements. It was found that tocopherol contents in the tested butter samples amounted to 2.00–16.92 mg/100 g for samples coming from Poland and 2.61–2.98 mg/100 g for samples from Latvia, respectively. The method is characterized by simplicity of implementation and it was successfully applied in the determination of tocochromanols in butter to verify product authenticity.

Practical applications: To ensure consumers' protection, food products should be subject to continuous quality and authenticity control. One way to determine butter authenticity is to analyze native tocochromanol contents. This paper describes a simple and fast method determine plant oils added to milk fat with the use of RP‐HPLC techniques.

Eight tocochromanols (α, β, γ, and δ homologues of tocopherol and tocotrienol) naturally occurring in foods were successfully separated within by RP‐HPLC. The method is rapid, linear, accurate, and precise with detection limits in the range of 0.184–0.605 μg. The method was successfully applied to determine tocochromanols in butter to verify product authenticity.
Physical properties and fatty acid composition of pomegranate seed oil microcapsules prepared by using starch derivatives/whey protein blends
Authors: Sahin‐Nadeem Hilal , Afşin Özen Murat
Published: March 2014

Effect of different product formulation on the properties of resulting pomegranate seeds oil (PSO) microcapsules during spray drying encapsulation was studied. PSO microencapsulation was optimized using Box–Behnken's response surface methodology. Emulsion droplet size (3.01–9.21 µm) and viscosity (16–34 cP), product yield (50–76%), microencapsulation efficiency (76–88%), moisture (2.3–3.5 g/100 g dry matter), water activity (0.17–0.22), bulk density (262–522 kg/m3), hygroscopicity (14–23%), solubility (>97%), particle size (11.30–36.27 µm), and microstructure were analyzed. Three saturated and six unsaturated fatty acids were identified in the PSO; punicic acid was predominant in both unprocessed and microencapsulated ones. The ratio of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids was stable during processing, however, distribution of fatty acids – especially C18:3 isomers – changed by microencapsulation. Optimum product formula which simultaneously maximized the product yield and microencapsulation efficiency was predicted as 75.5 g/100 g emulsion dry matter (EDM) of maltodextrin/modified starch N‐LOK (70/30), 24.5 g/100 g EDM of whey protein concentrate, and 15 g oil/100 g EDM. Peroxide and p‐anisidine values of the encapsulated PSO were within acceptable range after spray drying. However, the oxidative stability decreased at high temperature (60°C) after 5 days of storage.

The fatty acids composition of the unprocessed and microencapsulated PSO was same. The encapsulated PSO produced with the optimum product formula had a POV < 15 meq/kg oil, which indicates acceptable oil quality. Oxidation products reached to an unacceptable level (Totox value >30) after 5th day of storage at 60°C.
Impact of reach geometry on stream channel sensitivity to extreme floods
Authors: Buraas Eirik M. , Renshaw Carl E. , Magilligan Francis J. , Dade William B.
Published: March 2014

Predicting spatial and temporal variations in bank erosion due to extreme floods presents a long‐standing challenge in geomorphology. We develop two methodologies for rapid, regional‐scale assessments of stream reaches susceptible to channel widening. The first proposes that channel widening occurs when unit stream power exceeds a critical threshold (300 W/m2). The second is motivated by the observation that widening often occurs at channel bends. We introduce a new metric, the bend stress parameter, which is proportional to the centripetal force exerted on a concave bank. We propose that high centripetal forces generate locally high bank shear forces and enhance channel bank erosion. We test both metrics using the geomorphic signature of Tropical Storm Irene (2011) on the White and the Saxtons Rivers, Vermont. Specifically, we test if reaches where significant channel widening occurred during Irene required one or both metrics to exceed threshold values. We observe two distinct styles of channel widening. Where unit stream power and bend stress parameter are high, widening is usually due to bank retreat. Elsewhere widening is usually due to the stripping of the upstream end of mid‐channel islands. Excluding widening associated with the stripping of the heads of mid‐channel islands, almost all the widening (> 98%) occurred along reaches identified as susceptible to widening. The combined metrics identify up to one‐quarter of the reaches lacking susceptibility to channel widening. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bt rice producing Cry1C protein does not have direct detrimental effects on the green lacewing Chrysoperla sinica (Tjeder)
Authors: Li Yunhe , Chen Xiuping , Hu Long , Romeis Jörg , Peng Yufa
Published: March 2014

The effects of insect-resistant genetically engineered rice producing Cry1C protein derived from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) on Chrysoperla sinica (Tjeder) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) were assessed in laboratory bioassays. Survival and development of C. sinica larvae were not adversely affected when the larvae were fed a diet containing purified Cry1C protein at 200 µg/g fresh weight, representing a worst-case exposure scenario; in contrast, C. sinica larvae were adversely affected when the diet contained avidin or potassium arsenate. Life table parameters of C. sinica adults did not differ when the adults were fed with Bt or non-Bt rice pollen together with a 2-M sucrose solution. Life table parameters of C. sinica adults also did not differ when the adults were fed an artificial diet with or without purified Cry1C protein at a nominal concentration that was approximately 20 times higher than that in rice pollen; in contrast, C. sinica adults were adversely affected when the diet contained potassium arsenate. In all bioassays with lacewings, the bioactivity and stability of the Cry1C protein in the diet and Cry1C protein uptake by the lacewings were confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and by bioassays with a Cry1C-sensitive lepidopteran. These results demonstrate that neither larvae nor adults of C. sinica are sensitive to Cry1C protein at concentrations higher than those encountered in the field, demonstrating that the growing of Bt rice producing Cry1C protein is unlikely to pose a risk to C. sinica. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:1391–1397. © 2014 SETAC
Modeling selenium (IV and VI) adsorption envelopes in selected tropical soils using the constant capacitance model
Authors: Gabos Mariana Bassetto , Goldberg Sabine , Alleoni Luís Reynaldo Ferracciú
Published: March 2014

The adsorption of selenium (Se) on soil is important because of the relevance of Se to environmental and health issues. The adsorption of Se(IV) and Se(VI) was evaluated on soil samples from São Paulo State, Brazil, as a function of varying pH, and the experimental data were fitted to the constant capacitance model. Adsorption experiments were conducted for 15 soil samples, after the addition of 20 µmol L−1 of either Se(IV) or Se(VI), and the adjusted pH ranged between 2.5 and 10. Selenite adsorption was high for all soils, decreased with increasing pH, and was strongly correlated with Fe and Al oxide content. In contrast, Se(VI) adsorption was very low at pH values commonly found in agricultural soils, except for the highly weathered Rhodic Acrudox. The constant capacitance model fitted the Se(IV) and Se(VI) adsorption data well. Optimizations of mono- and bidentate complexation and surface protonation constants were used for the Se(IV) adsorption data. For Se(VI), optimizations for the 2 monodentate species were employed. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:2197–2207. © 2014 SETAC
Atlas‐guided volumetric diffuse optical tomography enhanced by generalized linear model analysis to image risk decision‐making responses in young adults
Authors: Lin Zi‐Jing , Li Lin , Cazzell Mary , Liu Hanli
Published: March 2014

Diffuse optical tomography (DOT) is a variant of functional near infrared spectroscopy and has the capability of mapping or reconstructing three dimensional (3D) hemodynamic changes due to brain activity. Common methods used in DOT image analysis to define brain activation have limitations because the selection of activation period is relatively subjective. General linear model (GLM)‐based analysis can overcome this limitation. In this study, we combine the atlas‐guided 3D DOT image reconstruction with GLM‐based analysis (i.e., voxel‐wise GLM analysis) to investigate the brain activity that is associated with risk decision‐making processes. Risk decision‐making is an important cognitive process and thus is an essential topic in the field of neuroscience. The Balloon Analog Risk Task (BART) is a valid experimental model and has been commonly used to assess human risk‐taking actions and tendencies while facing risks. We have used the BART paradigm with a blocked design to investigate brain activations in the prefrontal and frontal cortical areas during decision‐making from 37 human participants (22 males and 15 females). Voxel‐wise GLM analysis was performed after a human brain atlas template and a depth compensation algorithm were combined to form atlas‐guided DOT images. In this work, we wish to demonstrate the excellence of using voxel‐wise GLM analysis with DOT to image and study cognitive functions in response to risk decision‐making. Results have shown significant hemodynamic changes in the dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) during the active‐choice mode and a different activation pattern between genders; these findings correlate well with published literature in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and fNIRS studies. Hum Brain Mapp 35:4249–4266, 2014. © 2014 The Authors. Human Brain Mapping Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Factors influencing survival in acinic cell carcinoma: A retrospective survival analysis of 2061 patients
Authors: Biron Vincent L. , Lentsch Eric J. , Gerry Daniel R. , Bewley Arnaud F.
Published: March 2014

Background

Acinic cell carcinoma is an uncommon salivary neoplasm with clinical and histologic features known to influence prognosis. The purpose of this study was to further describe variables influencing survival in a large cohort of patients with acinic cell carcinoma.

Methods

Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registry, we obtained demographic, clinicopathologic, and treatment data pertaining to patients diagnosed with acinic cell carcinoma. Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analyses were performed to compare survival with various clinical and pathological parameters.

Results

We identified 2061 patients with acinic cell carcinoma from 1973 to 2009. Sex, staging, grade, subsite, and treatment were significant predictors of disease‐specific survival (DSS). Patients who received surgery alone had the highest 20‐year DSS (92.4%), followed by those treated with surgery and radiation (71.9%) or radiation alone (62.3%).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that histologic grade is a stronger predictor of survival than TNM classification, survival after surgical resection alone is excellent, and adjuvant radiation may be of limited benefit. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: 870–877, 2015
GROWTH, NUTRITIONAL, AND DEVELOPMENTAL STATUS OF YOUNG CHILDREN LIVING IN ORPHANAGES IN KAZAKHSTAN
Authors: Hearst Mary O. , Himes John H. ,   The Spoon Foundation, Johnson Dana E. , Kroupina Maria , Syzdykova Aigul , Aidjanov Musa , Sharmonov T.
Published: March 2014

This article describes the nutritional and developmental status of young children living in Baby Houses (orphanages for children ages 0–3 years) in Kazakhstan. In 2009/2010, 308 children under age 3 years living in 10 Baby Houses were measured for height/length and weight. The Bayley Scales of Infant Development (N. Bayley, 2006) were used to assess mental and motor development. Blood was collected on a subsample to assess key nutritional factors. The World Health Organization growth charts were used to calculate Z‐scores. Cut points for wasting (moderate to severe low weight for length/height growth), underweight (low weight for age), stunting (low length/height for age), development, and biomarkers used established guidelines. Most (n= 286) children had complete data on z‐scores. Of these, 22.1% were experiencing wasting, 31.5% were underweight, and 36.7% had stunting. The nutritional status of the children, based on blood biomarkers, revealed that 37.1% of the children were anemic, 21.4% had low albumin, 38.1% had low vitamin D, 5.5% were iodine‐deficient, and 2% had low serum zinc. One half had mild to significant mental and motor delays. Children living at these Baby Houses in Kazakhstan have substantial nutritional deficits and developmental delays. Focused attention is needed to provide a nutritionally enhanced diet and improved developmental opportunities to improve the long‐term outcomes for these children.
Past and current hepatitis E virus infection in renal transplant patients
Authors: Hering Tiago , Passos Ana Maria , Perez Renata Mello , Bilar Juliana , Fragano Daniel , Granato Celso , Medina‐Pestana José Osmar , Ferraz Maria Lucia Gomes
Published: March 2014

The chronic course of hepatitis E virus infection in immunosuppressed patients has been recently documented; however, clinical features and factors associated with this occurrence are not well known. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of previous or current HEV infection in renal transplant patients. One hundred ninety‐two kidney transplant patients were studied and classified in three groups: G1‐infected with hepatitis B and/or C virus; G2‐patients with elevated ALT; G3‐patients with normal ALT and no hepatotropic virus infection. Demographic, epidemiologic and clinical characteristics were compared between the groups. Patients with HEV infection (previous or current) were also compared to those who tested negative for HEV. HEV infection was detected using serologic (anti‐HEV IgG) and molecular (HEV RNA) methods. Anti‐HEV IgG was positive in 28 (15%) while HEV RNA was positive in 20 (10%). When both markers were considered, 44 (23%) patients showed evidence of previous or current HEV infection. However, both markers were concomitantly positive in only four cases (2%). In the comparative analysis, patients infected with HBV and/or HCV showed lower frequency of anti‐HEV IgG (P = 0.009). There was no difference regarding demographic, epidemiologic and laboratory variable between viremic and non‐viremic patients. In conclusion, past and current infection with HEV was a frequent finding among renal transplant recipients. Actively infected patients (HEV RNA positive) did not present distinct demographic and epidemiological characteristics or laboratory alterations suggestive of underlying liver damage. Therefore, infection with HEV can only be detected in immunosuppressed patients by systematic investigation of HEV RNA. J. Med. Virol. 86:948–953, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Different‐frequency ultrasonic effects on properties and structure of corn starch
Authors: Hu Aijun , Li Li , Zheng Jie , Lu Jing , Meng Xin , Liu Yan , Rehman Rizwan‐ur‐
Published: March 2014

BACKGROUND

Ultrasound is widely used to accelerate many reactions and unit operations, but few studies have reported its effects on starch properties and structure.

RESULTS

Corn starch suspended in ethanol solution was treated by dual‐frequency ultrasound (DFU) and single‐frequency ultrasound (SFU). Results showed that the transparency of the starch treated under 20 + 25 kHz DFU improved by 26.94% and 31.70%, respectively, compared to 20 kHz and 25 kHz SFU. Hardness, brittleness, elasticity, adhesiveness, conglutination degree, chewiness and recoverability of starch was reduced after ultrasonic treatment, and with increasing ultrasonic frequency these properties decreased. Its enthalpy value also decreased with ultrasound. Compared with each SFU treatment, enthalpy value decreased by 1.41% and 0.82%, respectively, by DFU. The freeze–thaw stability of starch was also weakened by ultrasound, which was obviously changed by DFU. Under ultrasound, the crystal structure of starch was not damaged, characteristic diffraction peak intensity was significantly reduced and diffuse diffraction features increased, exhibiting a decline in crystal lattice ordering degree. In comparison to SFU, DFU caused a pronounced reduction in starch crystallinity.

CONCLUSION

After ultrasonic treatment, the transparency of corn starch paste improved, but its hardness, brittleness, elasticity, adhesiveness, conglutination degree, chewiness and recoverability decreased, as well as starch crystallinity and enthalpy values. DFU was found to be more effective than SFU. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Systematic lymph node dissection in lung metastasectomy of renal cell carcinoma: An 18 years of experience
Authors: Renaud S. , Falcoz P.E. , Alifano M. , Olland A. , Magdeleinat P. , Pagès O. , Regnard J.F. , Massard G.
Published: March 2014

Background

Pulmonary metastasectomy of renal cell carcinomas (RCC) remains controversial. Thoracic lymph node involvement (LNI) is a known prognostic factor. The aim of our analysis is to evaluate whether patients with LNI, and particularly N2 patients, should be excluded from surgical treatment.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed data from 122 patients who underwent operations at two French thoracic surgery departments between 1993 and 2011 for RCC lung metastases.

Results

The population consisted of 38 women and 84 men; the average age at time of metastasectomy was 63.3 years (min: 43, max: 82). LNI was identified as a prognostic factor using univariate and multivariate analysis (median survival: 107 months vs. 37 months, P = 0.003; HR = 0.384 (0.179; 0.825), P = 0.01, respectively). Although differences in survival between metastases at the hilar and mediastinal locations were not significant (median survival: 74 months vs. 32 months, respectively, P = 0.75), length of survival time was associated with disease‐free interval less than 12 months (median survival: 23 months vs. 94 months, P < 0.0001; HR = 3.081 (1.193; 7.957), P = 0.02).

Conclusion

Although LNI has an adverse effect on survival; long‐term survival can be achieved in pN+ patients. Consequently, these patients should not be excluded from surgery. Systematic lymphadenectomy should be performed to obtain more accurate staging and to determine appropriate adjuvant treatment. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 109:823–829. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Patterns of recurrence following complete cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis of colorectal cancer
Authors: Braam Hidde J. , van Oudheusden Thijs R. , de Hingh Ignace H.J.T. , Nienhuijs Simon W. , Boerma Djamila , Wiezer Marinus J. , van Ramshorst Bert
Published: March 2014

Background and Objectives CytoReductive Surgery (CRS) combined with Hyperthermic IntraPEritoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) has an established role in the treatment of peritoneally metastasized colorectal cancer. The aim of the study was to describe the recurrence patterns and to evaluate treatment options and related survival.

Methods Patients treated with CRS + HIPEC in two tertiary referral centers between April 2005 and March 2013 were analyzed retrospectively. The prognostic value of several parameters was calculated using Cox Regression.

Results One hundred thirty two of 287 patients (46%) with peritoneal carcinomatosis treated with complete CRS and HIPEC were diagnosed with recurrent disease, after a median disease‐free interval of 11.4 months. Recurrence were locoregional (43%), distant metastases (26%) or both (31%). Thirty‐two of the 132 patients with recurrences (24%) were treated surgically with curative intent, which extended the median survival from 12 months to 43 months, compared to palliative treatment (best supportive care or chemotherapy; P < 0.001). Initial nodal status (P = 0.01) and the number of affected regions at initial CRS (P = 0.02) were significantly correlated to survival after disease recurrence.

Conclusion Disease recurrence after CRS and HIPEC is common; in selected patients, an aggressive surgical approach may be beneficial and extend survival. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 109:841–847. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
What's Occurring? Barry sinceGavin & Stacey
Authors: Skinner Heather
Published: March 2014

This paper presents the analysis of internet content relating to the UK family seaside resort of Barry that has been the key location setting of a popular television comedy series, which appears to be contributing positively to changing the town's destination image. While offering insights into the regeneration of UK seaside towns in particular through diversification into the creative and cultural industries, this study offers clues to the way destinations in general may draw together fragmented antenarratives from popular media representations, social media and the internet, and incorporate these when planning campaigns to affect the induced destination image. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The potential of the application of biodegradable and non‐toxic base oils for the formulation of gear oils — model and component scuffing tests
Authors: Tuszynski Waldemar , Szczerek Marian , Michalczewski Remigiusz , Osuch‐Slomka Edyta , Rogos Elzbieta , Urbanski Andrzej
Published: March 2014

White and natural base oils are assessed as candidates for the formulation of ecological gear oils. They are compared to ‘classical’ mineral and polyalphaolefins‐based oils in scuffing four‐ball and gear tests. Four fully formulated gear oils were prepared by blending each base oil with the package of extreme pressure (EP) additives, an anti‐foam additive and an anti‐oxidant. It is shown that the resistance to scuffing of the white oil is comparable to the classical oils, but the natural (rapeseed) oil reduces resistance to scuffing, because the used EP additives may not be suited to the rapeseed ‘matrix’ producing adverse effects. Thus, rapeseed‐based gear oils can be used only for the lubrication of gears working under moderate load conditions. It is also indicated that, when comparing the mechanisms of tribochemical action of the EP additives in the four‐ball tribosystem and meshing teeth, care should be taken, because the conditions in the contact zones are different. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Corrosion behavior of X65 carbon steel in simulated oilfield produced water
Authors: Zhang Y. L. , Du M. , Zhang J. , Du J. Q.
Published: March 2014

Corrosion behavior of X65 steel in simulated oilfield water was studied by weight loss, polarization curve, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, and X‐ray diffraction methods. Effects of temperature, acetic acid concentration, and CO2 partial pressure on the corrosion behavior were discussed. Results showed that the corrosion rate increased with the increasing of temperature, acetic acid concentration, and CO2 partial pressure. High temperature favored the formation of FeCO3; the addition of acetic acid could speed hydrogen depolarization, but the more acetic acid could remove FeCO3 layer, CO2 mainly influenced the cathodic reaction, appearing limiting diffusive current density. Acetic acid and CO2 had a synergistic effect on the corrosion process of X65 carbon steel in simulated oilfield produced water.
Electrical Permittivity and Electrical Conductivity of Multiwall Carbon Nanotube‐Polyaniline (MWCNT‐PANi) Core‐Shell Nanofibers and MWCNT‐PANi/polystyrene Composites
Authors: Sarvi Ali , Sundararaj Uttandaraman
Published: March 2014

In situ polymerization of aniline monomers in the presence of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) leads to core–shell nanostructures for use in conductive polymer composites. The conductivity of core–shell nanofibers can be tuned by altering coating thickness. These high‐aspect‐ratio MWCNT‐polyaniline core–shell nanofibers are dispersed in polystyrene (PS) using solution mixing. These composites exhibit electrical percolation at a much lower concentration than MWCNT/PS composites. Polyaniline (PANi), when used as a coating layer, is able to attenuate electromagnetic (EM) waves via absorption. The dielectric measurements of MWCNT‐PANi/PS composites show one order of magnitude increase in real electrical permittivity compared with that of MWCNT/PS composites, making them suitable for charge storage purposes.
Use of diffusion tensor imaging for nonsurgical treatments of carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Yildirim Adem , Bulut Haci Taner , Ekmekci Burcu , Surucu Gülseren Dost , Karabiber Mehmet
Published: March 2014

Introduction: This study evaluated the applicability of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of therapeutic ultrasound (US) and wrist splints in addition to clinical and electrophysiological assessments of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Methods: This prospective study analyzed 41 patients (30 women, 11 men; 56 wrists) with CTS. Therapeutic US and wrist splints were performed for 3 and 4 weeks, respectively. Fractional anisotropy and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were evaluated in addition to a visual analog scale (VAS), symptom severity scale (SSS), functional status scale (FSS), and electrodiagnostic studies (EDX) before and after treatment. Results: There were significant decreases in the mean ADC, VAS, SSS, FSS, and EDX after treatment. Conclusions: This study suggests that DTI parameters provide helpful information that complements clinical and electrophysiological assessments for evaluating the efficacy of nonsurgical treatment of patients with CTS. Muscle Nerve 50: 950–955, 2014
Human adipocyte function is impacted by mechanical cues
Authors: Pellegrinelli V , Heuvingh J , du Roure O , Rouault C , Devulder A , Klein C , Lacasa M , Clément E , Lacasa D , Clément K
Published: March 2014

Fibrosis is a hallmark of human white adipose tissue (WAT) during obesity‐induced chronic inflammation. The functional impact of increased interstitial fibrosis (peri‐adipocyte fibrosis) on adjacent adipocytes remains unknown. Here we developed a novel in vitro 3D culture system in which human adipocytes and decellularized material of adipose tissue (dMAT) from obese subjects are embedded in a peptide hydrogel. When cultured with dMAT, adipocytes showed decreased lipolysis and adipokine secretion and increased expression/production of cytokines (IL‐6, G‐CSF) and fibrotic mediators (LOXL2 and the matricellular proteins THSB2 and CTGF). Moreover, some alterations including lipolytic activity and fibro‐inflammation also occurred when the adipocyte/hydrogel culture was mechanically compressed. Notably, CTGF expression levels correlated with the amount of peri‐adipocyte fibrosis in WAT from obese individuals. Moreover, dMAT‐dependent CTGF promoter activity, which depends on β1‐integrin/cytoskeleton pathways, was enhanced in the presence of YAP, a mechanosensitive co‐activator of TEAD transcription factors. Mutation of TEAD binding sites abolished the dMAT‐induced promoter activity. In conclusion, fibrosis may negatively affect human adipocyte function via mechanosensitive molecules, in part stimulated by cell deformation. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Neuroblastoma with symptomatic epidural compression in the infant: The AIEOP experience
Authors: De Bernardi Bruno , Quaglietta Lucia , Haupt Riccardo , Castellano Aurora , Tirtei Elisa , Luksch Roberto , Mastrangelo Stefano , Viscardi Elisabetta , Indolfi Paolo , Cellini Monica , Tamburini Angela , Erminio Giovanni , Gandolfo Carlo , Sorrentino Stefania , Vetrella Simona , Gigliotti Anna Rita
Published: March 2014

Background

Symptoms of epidural compression (SEC) in children with neuroblastoma (particularly infants) may be misinterpreted, leading to delay in diagnosis.

Patients and Methods

Clinical, imaging and follow‐up data of 34 infants with neuroblastoma and SEC diagnosed between 2000 and 2011 at Italian AIEOP centers were retrieved and reviewed.

Results

Median age at initial SEC was 104 days (IQR 47–234). Main symptoms included motor deficit (85.3%), pain (38.2%), bladder and bowel dysfunctions (20.6% each). In the symptom‐diagnosis interval (S‐DI) (median, 12 days; IQR 7–34), the frequency of grade 3 motor deficit increased from 11.8% to 44.1% and that of bladder dysfunction from 20.6% to 32.4%. S‐DI was significantly longer (P = 0.011) for patients developing grade 3 motor deficit. First treatment of SEC was neurosurgery in 14 patients, and chemotherapy in 20. SEC regressed in 11 patients (32.3%), improved in 9 (26.5%), and remained stable in 14 (41.2%), without treatment‐related differences. Median follow‐up was 82 months. At last visit, 11 patients (32.3%) were sequelae‐free while 23 (67.7%) had sequelae, including motor deficit (55.9%), bladder (50.0%) and bowel dysfunctions (28.4%), and spinal abnormalities (38.2%). Sequelae were rated severe in 50% of patients. Severe sequelae scores were more frequent in patients presenting with spinal canal invasion >66% (P = 0.039) and grade 3 motor deficit (P = 0.084).

Conclusions

Both neurosurgery and chemotherapy provide unsatisfactory results once paraplegia has been established. Sequelae developed in the majority of study patients and were severe in a half of them. Greater awareness by parents and physicians regarding SEC is warranted. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014; 61:1369–1375. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Trends in the outpatient treatment of atrial fibrillation in the USA from 2001 to 2010
Authors: Desai Amarsinh M. , Cavanaugh Teresa M. , Desai Vibha C. A. , Heaton Pamela C. , Kelton Christina M. L.
Published: March 2014

Purpose

Several clinical trials have shown that rhythm‐control drugs have serious adverse events and no survival advantage over rate‐control drugs in patients with atrial fibrillation. The objectives were to determine and explain the recent trends in outpatient prescribing of both drug classes.

Methods

Data were obtained over 10 years from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey. Visits by patients with atrial fibrillation were identified by ICD‐9 diagnosis code 427.31. Trend lines were estimated for drug prescribing and comorbidities. A multinomial logistic model was estimated to predict treatment on the basis of visit characteristics.

Results

The percentage of visits mentioning only a rate‐control medication trended upward (p = 0.07) from 41.9% in 2001 to 47.3% in 2010; the percentage mentioning both rhythm‐control and rate‐control drugs also had an upward trend (p < 0.05) from 3.1% to 12.5%; finally, the percentage mentioning rhythm‐control drugs alone remained steady (p = 0.37). Consistent with the increase (p = 0.10) in the percentage of visits mentioning hypertension, there was a statistically significant (p < 0.01) rise in the prescribing of β‐blockers from 20.5% to 43.4%. The odds that a patient aged 65 years or younger was prescribed a rhythm‐control medication were significantly higher (p < 0.01) than those for a patient older than 65 years. The estimated odds that a diabetic patient was prescribed both rhythm‐control and rate‐control medications was only 0.269 (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

This study documents change in the outpatient treatment of atrial fibrillation in the USA from 2001–2010. In clinical practice, there has been a growing reliance on rate‐control medications. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tri‐(butanediol‐monobutyrate) citrate plasticizing poly(lactic acid): Synthesis, crystallization, thermal, and mechanical properties
Authors: Wan Tong , Yang Guangrui , Du Tao , Zhang Jie
Published: March 2014

Tri‐(butanediol‐monobutyrate) citrate (TBBC) as a new plasticizer for poly(lactic acid) (PLA) was synthesized via a two‐step esterification. The chemical structure of TBBC was characterized by 1H‐nuclear magnetic resonance. The studies on solubility parameters, transparence, and storage stability indicated the good miscibility between PLA and TBBC. The glass transition, crystallization, thermal, and mechanical properties of PLA plasticized by TBBC were evaluated. With an increase in TBBC content, the glass transition temperature (Tg), melting point (Tm), and the cold crystallization temperature (Tcc) of plasticized PLA gradually shifted to a lower temperature. The elongation at break and flexibility were greatly improved by the addition of TBBC. After 30 days of storage, PLA plasticized with up to 20 wt% of TBBC exhibited good storage stability and remained the original transparence and mechanical properties. The flexibility of PLA/TBBC films can be tuned by changing TBBC content. The corresponding crystalline morphology and structure were investigated by Polarizing optical microscope and X‐ray diffraction as well. This study revealed that TBBC was miscible with PLA and may therefore be a promising plasticizer for PLA‐based packaging materials. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:205–213, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
A randomized pilot study comparing heated humidified high‐flow nasal cannulae with NIPPV for RDS
Authors: Kugelman Amir , Riskin Arieh , Said Waseem , Shoris Irit , Mor Frida , Bader David
Published: March 2014

Objective

To compare the requirement for endotracheal ventilation in preterm infants treated with heated, humidified high‐flow nasal cannula (HHHFNC) with those treated with nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) for the primary treatment of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).

Study Design

Randomized, controlled, prospective, single‐center pilot study. Infants (gestational age [GA] <35 weeks, birth weight [BW] >1,000 g) with RDS were randomly assigned to receive HHHFNC (38 infants) delivered by Vapotherm® device (Precision Flow™ or 2000i, Vapotherm Inc., Stevensville, MD), at flows between 1.0 and 5.0 L/min, or NIPPV (38 infants) delivered by the SLE 2000 or 5000. Surfactant was administered as rescue therapy. Analysis was done by intention‐to‐treat.

Results

Infant's characteristics ([mean ± SD] GA 31.8 ± 2.3 vs. 32.0 ± 2.3 weeks) and cardio‐respiratory status at study entry (FiO2 0.25 ± 0.05 vs. 0.26 ± 0.07; SpO2 90 ± 6% vs. 87 ± 12; PCO2 54.4 ± 10.4 vs. 52.6 ± 8.0 mmHg) were comparable for the HHHFNC and NIPPV groups. There was no significant difference in the need for endotracheal ventilation (28.9% vs. 34.2%) between HHHFNC and NIPPV groups. One infant failed HHHFNC and succeeded on NIPPV. The rate of neonatal morbidities (pneumothorax, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intra‐ventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, patent ductus arteriosus, and nasal trauma) was comparable in both groups. Duration of nasal support was longer with HHHFNC compared with NIPPV (5.4 ± 4.0 vs. 2.6 ± 1.9 days, P = 0.006) but the duration of endotracheal ventilation, time to full feeds, and length of stay were comparable.

Conclusions

Our pilot study suggests that HHHFNC maybe as effective as NIPPV in preventing endotracheal ventilation in the primary treatment of RDS in premature infants (<35 weeks GA and BW >1,000 g). Pediatr Pulmonol. 2015; 50:576–583. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Efficacy of the Star Excursion Balance Test in Detecting Reach Deficits in Subjects with Chronic Low Back Pain
Authors: Ganesh G. Shankar , Chhabra Deepak , Mrityunjay K.
Published: March 2014

Study Design

The study design is a case control study.

Objectives

The objective of this study is to evaluate how chronic low back pain (CLBP) affects the performance of Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT).

Background

Chronic low back pain is associated with paraspinal and other trunk muscle weakness and reduction in coordination of low back muscles. This reduction in muscular strength and coordination contributes to decreased postural stability, balance and neuromuscular control in subjects with CLBP. SEBT is a simple, reliable and valid method of dynamic performance and is an alternative to more sophisticated instrumented methods. However, no study has evaluated the effect of SEBT on CLBP patients.

Methods and Measures

Ten patients with CLBP (localized back pain, lasting more than 6 months and radiating no further than the buttock with normal neurological examination) and 10 normal age and sex matched subjects (mean age 34.30 + 8.67(range 22–50) participated in this study. All participants completed the SEBT on their dominant leg, and distance measures were collected and compared between groups.

Results

The dependant variable was analysed using independent t‐test with p < 0.05. The CLBP group demonstrated significant reductions in excursion distances for all directions of the SEBT compared with the control group, except for the posterior (P) direction (0.281)

Conclusion

Star Excursion Balance Test is an effective and simple tool to identify and measure reach deficits in patients with CLBP. We recommend using SEBT as an outcome measure to identify dynamic balance, multi‐planar excursion and postural control in patients with CLBP. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Beyond Organoleptic Characteristics: The Pharmacological Potential of Flavonoids and their Role in Leukocyte Migration and in L‐Selectin and β2‐Integrin Expression During Inflammation
Authors: Suyenaga Edna Sayuri , Klein‐Júnior Luiz Carlos , Passos Carolina dos Santos , Marin Rafaela , Santin José Roberto , Machado Isabel Daufenback , Farsky Sandra Helena Poliselli , Henriques Amélia Teresinha
Published: March 2014

Flavonoids are compounds responsible for several organoleptic characteristics of plant‐derived foods. They are also bioactive compounds with antiinflammatory role. Different mechanisms for this activity have been reported, but their effects on cell migration are not fully understood. In the present study, the role of flavonoids on leukocyte migration in vivo was investigated, using the carrageenan‐induced pleurisy model and intravital microscopy in rats. It was found that quercetin (1), rutin (2), flavone (5), apigenin (6) and flavonol (7) reduced cell migration to the pleural cavity and inhibited rolling, adhesion and transmigration. Additionally, flow cytometry assays showed that the in vitro treatment with all compounds (15–60 µm) did not cause cell death and 1 inhibited the cleavage of L‐selectin and the β2‐integrin expression, whereas 2 and 7 only inhibited the β2‐integrin expression. Together, data herein presented clearly show the ability of flavonoids to inhibit in vivo neutrophil influx into inflamed tissue, by acting in different mechanisms of neutrophil migration. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Storminess over the North Atlantic and northwestern Europe—A review
Authors: Feser F. , Barcikowska M. , Krueger O. , Schenk F. , Weisse R. , Xia L.
Published: March 2014

This review assesses storm studies over the North Atlantic and northwestern Europe regarding the occurrence of potential long‐term trends. Based on a systematic review of available articles, trends are classified according to different geographical regions, datasets, and time periods. Articles that used measurement and proxy data, reanalyses, regional and global climate model data on past and future trends are evaluated for changes in storm climate. The most important result is that trends in storm activity depend critically on the time period analysed. An increase in storm numbers is evident for the reanalyses period for the most recent decades, whereas most long‐term studies show merely decadal variability for the last 100–150 years.

Storm trends derived from reanalyses data and climate model data for the past are mostly limited to the last four to six decades. The majority of these studies find increasing storm activity north of about 55–60° N over the North Atlantic with a negative tendency southward. This increase from about the 1970s until the mid‐1990s is also mirrored by long‐term proxies and the North Atlantic Oscillation and constitutes a part of their decadal variability. Studies based on proxy and measurement data or model studies over the North Atlantic for the past which cover more than 100 years show large decadal variations and either no trend or a decrease in storm numbers. Future scenarios until about the year 2100 indicate mostly an increase in winter storm intensity over the North Atlantic and western Europe. However, future trends in total storm numbers are quite heterogeneous and depend on the model generation used.