bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fate and behavior of rotenone in Diamond Lake, Oregon, USA following invasive tui chub eradication
Authors: Finlayson Brian J. , Eilers Joseph M. , Huchko Holly A.
Published: April 2014

In September 2006, Diamond Lake (OR, USA) was treated by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife with a mixture of powdered and liquid rotenone in the successful eradication of invasive tui chub Gila bicolor. During treatment, the lake was in the middle of a phytoplankton (including cyanobacteria Anabaena sp.) bloom, resulting in an elevated pH of 9.7. Dissipation of rotenone and its major metabolite rotenolone from water, sediment, and macrophytes was monitored. Rotenone dissipated quickly from Diamond Lake water; approximately 75% was gone within 2 d, and the average half-life (t½) value, estimated by using first-order kinetics, was 4.5 d. Rotenolone persisted longer (>46 d) with a short-term t½ value of 16.2 d. Neither compound was found in groundwater, sediments, or macrophytes. The dissipation of rotenone and rotenolone appeared to occur in 2 stages, which was possibly the result of a release of both compounds from decaying phytoplankton following their initial dissipation. Fisheries managers applying rotenone for fish eradication in lentic environments should consider the following to maximize efficacy and regulatory compliance: 1) treat at a minimum of twice the minimum dose demonstrated for complete mortality of the target species and possibly higher depending on the site's water pH and algae abundance, and 2) implement a program that closely monitors rotenone concentrations in the posttreatment management of a treated water body. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:1650–1655. © 2014 SETAC
Contaminant exposure of birds nesting in Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA
Authors: Custer Thomas W. , Dummer Paul M. , Custer Christine M. , Franson J. Christian , Jones Michael
Published: April 2014

In earlier studies, elevated concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) were reported in double-crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) eggs and tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) eggs and nestlings collected from lower Green Bay (WI, USA) in 1994 and 1995 and black-crowned night-heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) eggs collected in 1991. Comparable samples collected in 2010 and 2011 indicated that concentrations of PCBs were 35%, 62%, 70%, and 88% lower than in the early 1990s in tree swallow eggs, tree swallow nestlings, double-crested cormorant eggs, and black-crowned night-heron eggs, respectively; concentrations of DDE were 47%, 43%, 51%, and 80% lower, respectively. These declines are consistent with regional contaminant trends in other species. Concentrations of PCBs were higher in herring gull (Larus argentatus) than in black-crowned night-heron eggs collected from Green Bay in 2010; PCB concentrations in double-crested cormorant and tree swallow eggs were intermediate. The estimated toxicity of the PCB mixture in eggs of the insectivorous tree swallow was the equal to or greater than toxicity in the 3 piscivorous bird species. A multivariate analysis indicated that the composition percentage of lower-numbered PCB congeners was greater in eggs of the insectivorous tree swallow than in eggs of the 3 piscivorous species nesting in Green Bay. Dioxin and furan concentrations and the toxicity of these chemicals were also higher in tree swallows than these other waterbird species nesting in Green Bay. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:1832–1839. Published 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Published 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. This article is a US Government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the USA.
Chromosome 17/17q gain and unaltered profiles in high resolution array‐CGH are prognostically informative in neuroblastoma
Authors: Theissen Jessica , Oberthuer Andre , Hombach Anja , Volland Ruth , Hertwig Falk , Fischer Matthias , Spitz Ruediger , Zapatka Marc , Brors Benedikt , Ortmann Monika , Simon Thorsten , Hero Barbara , Berthold Frank
Published: April 2014

The prognostic relevance of chromosome 17 gain in neuroblastoma is still discussed. This investigation specifies the frequency, type, size, and transcriptional relevance in a large patient cohort. Primary tumor material of 202 patients was analyzed using high‐resolution oligonucleotide array‐based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) and correlated with clinical and survival data. A subset (n = 145) was correlated for differentially expressed genes (DEG) by microarray analysis. Chromosome 17 aCGH analysis showed numerical gain in 94/202 patients (47%), partial gain in 93/202 patients (46%), and no gain in 15/202 patients (7%). The frequency of partial gain was higher in stage 4 neuroblastoma (stage 1 15%; stage 2 12%; stage 3 16%; stage 4S 7%; and stage 4 50%). Overall survival (OS) was superior in patients with numerical gain compared with patients with partial gain or no gain (5‐y‐OS: 0.95 ± 0.02 vs. 0.63 ± 0.05 vs. 0.60 ± 0.13; P < 0.001). Gene expression analysis demonstrated 95/130 DEGs between tumors with numerical or partial chromosome/no gain. Only one DEG (CCKBR) was detected comparing tumors with partial gain and those with no gain. In patients with partial gain, the distribution of breakpoints did not correlate with stage and 11q status, but with MYCN amplification and 1p status. The “best” breakpoints in cases with partial 17q gain were at 42.5 Mb for event‐free and 26.6 Mb for OS. Numerical gain of chromosome 17 is associated with a better prognosis than partial and no gain. The group of tumors with partial gain was similar to the group without gain with respect to stage distribution, outcome, and gene expression profile. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Subjective sleep characteristics associated with anxiety and depression in older adults: a population‐based study
Authors: Potvin Olivier , Lorrain Dominique , Belleville Geneviève , Grenier Sébastien , Préville Michel
Published: April 2014

Objective

Sleep complaints are often associated with anxiety and depression, but the specific complaints related to each syndrome are poorly characterized, especially in older adults. The objective was to identify subjective sleep characteristics specific to anxiety and depression in this population.

Methods

A random sample of 2393 individuals aged 65 years or older was used. Anxiety and depression were categorized using DSM‐V criteria for phobias, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, unspecified anxiety disorder, major depressive episode, and depressive episode with insufficient symptoms. Subjective sleep characteristics were measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Logistic regression models predicting anxiety or depression were used to determine the independent sleep characteristics associated with each syndrome adjusting for age, sex, education level, cognitive functioning, anxiolytic/sedative/hypnotic use, antidepressants use, subjective health, chronic diseases, cardiovascular conditions, and anxiety or depression (as appropriate).

Results

Nearly all Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index subscales were significantly associated with anxiety, but these subscales shared variance and only sleep duration in hours, sleep disturbance score, and daytime functioning score were independently related to anxiety. Within these significant subscales, the main specific sleep complaints associated with anxiety were daytime sleepiness and sleep disturbances related to coughing/snoring, feeling cold, and bad dreams. The use of sleeping medication was the only specific sleep characteristic associated with depression.

Conclusions

These results suggest that in older adults, symptoms of short sleep duration, daytime sleepiness and sleep disturbances are independently related to anxiety while the use of sleep medication is independently associated to depression. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antecedents of intact cognition and dementia at age 90 years: a prospective study
Authors: Vaillant George E. , Okereke Olivia I. , Mukamal Kenneth , Waldinger Robert J.
Published: April 2014

Objectives

This study aimed to examine the possible antecedents of both dementia and sustained intact cognition at age 90 years among men who underwent a prospective, multidisciplinary assessment from ages 19 to 90 years, with little attrition.

Methods

We conducted a prospective 20‐year reassessment of 196 (out of 268) former Harvard college sophomores who survived until age 70 years. Since 1939, the study gathered measurements of childhood environment, dominant personality traits, objective mental and physical health over time, smoking in pack‐years, alcohol abuse, and depression. Questionnaires were obtained every 2 years and physical exams every 5 years. Cognitive status was assessed at ages 80, 85, and 90 years.

Results

Despite addressing a wide variety of health, behavioral, and social factors over the lifespan, we observed few predictors with strong association with either intact cognition at age 90 years (n = 40) or dementia (n = 44). Univariate analysis revealed seven suggestive predictors of intact cognition at age 90 years or of dementia: warm childhood relationship with mother, exercise at age 60 years, high maternal education, young age of mother at subject's birth, low body mass index, good physical health at 60 years, and late retirement. Only the first three variables, warm childhood relationship with mother, exercise at age 60 years, and high maternal education, remained significant with logistic regression.

Conclusions

In this prospective study of long‐lived, highly educated men, several well‐known putative predictors of Alzheimer's disease did not distinguish those who over the next 20 years developed dementia from those with unimpaired cognition until age 90 years. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The utility of the Edinburgh Depression Scale as a screening tool for depression in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Baillon Sarah , Lindesay James , Prabhakaran Pravin , Hands Oli , Murray Jonathan , Stacey Suzanne , Gaur Sandhya , Rajkonwar Aniruddha , Padmanabhan Jayaraj , Shukla Deepak , Chakrabarti Santanu , Lo Nelson , Dennis Michael
Published: April 2014

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the Edinburgh Depression Scale (EDS) as a screening tool for use in a Parkinson's disease (PD) population. Many commonly used depression scales include items relating to somatic symptoms that also occur in PD, which could potentially result in inaccurate reporting of depressive symptoms. The EDS is a scale that incorporates no somatic items.

Method

One hundred twenty patients attending specialist PD clinics were assessed using a standardised diagnostic interview (Present State Examination—Schedules for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry) to establish a diagnosis of DSM‐IV depression. They later completed the EDS with another researcher who was blind to the results of diagnostic interview. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was carried out to identify the optimal threshold score on the EDS and the Brief EDS to identify any depressive disorder or major depression. The performance characteristics at a range of thresholds were compared.

Results

A cut‐off score of 10/11 gave maximal discriminant validity, with 74% sensitivity, 92% specificity and 64% positive predictive value for the identification of any depression according to DSM‐IV criteria.

Conclusions

This study suggests that the EDS is both a valid and potentially useful instrument that can be used as a quick self‐completion questionnaire for screening for depression in people who have PD. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Human papillomavirus–related oropharyngeal cancer: HPV and p16 status in the recurrent versus parent tumor
Authors: Vainshtein Jeffrey , McHugh Jonathan B. , Spector Matthew E. , Walline Heather M. , Komarck Christine M. , Stenmark Matthew H. , Prince Mark E. , Worden Francis P. , Wolf Gregory T. , Bradford Carol R. , Chepeha Douglas B. , Carey Thomas , Eisbruch Avraham
Published: April 2014

Background

Although typically associated with a favorable prognosis, a minority of human papillomavirus (HPV)‐related (+) oropharyngeal cancers recur after chemoradiation. We postulated that a minor HPV‐negative tumor subfraction may be responsible for recurrences of HPV+ oropharyngeal cancer.

Methods

Paired untreated primary and recurrent tumor specimens were identified for 37 patients with oropharyngeal cancer who received definitive chemoradiotherapy at our institution. Concordance in HPV/p16 expression between primary and recurrent tumors was assessed.

Results

Among 31 patients with HPV+/p16+ primary tumors, 30 (97%) retained evidence of both HPV and p16 expression at recurrence (27 HPV+/p16+; 3 HPV+/p16‐partial). One (3%) initially HPV+/p16+ patient developed an HPV‐negative/p16‐negative lung squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), representing either a discordant oropharyngeal cancer metastasis or second primary tumor.

Conclusion

HPV‐related oropharyngeal cancers retain HPV+/p16+ expression at recurrence. Our results fail to provide evidence that a minor HPV‐negative tumor subfraction is responsible for biologically aggressive behavior of HPV+ oropharyngeal cancer that recurs after chemoradiation. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: 8–11, 2015
Hearing evaluation of patients with head and neck cancer: Comparison of Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, Brock and Chang adverse event criteria in patients receiving cisplatin
Authors: Colevas A. Dimitrios , Lira Ruth R. , Colevas Electra A. , Lavori Philip W. , Chan Cato , Shultz David B. , Chang Kay W.
Published: April 2014

Background

The purpose of this study was to compare Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), Brock and Chang hearing loss grading in patients with head and neck cancer receiving cis‐diamminedichloroplatinum (CDDP). Endpoints were baseline distribution of hearing loss, interobserver consistency, and sensitivity to hearing loss after CDDP treatment.

Methods

Four hundred sixty single ear audiograms in 110 patients with head and neck cancer were graded. Hearing loss at baseline, interobserver agreement rates, and changes in hearing loss after CDDP were evaluated.

Results

The Chang and Brock tools' baseline hearing loss distribution was concentrated at grade 0 (57% and 41%, respectively), whereas 47%, per the CTCAE, had grade 3 baseline hearing loss. Interobserver agreement was highest for the Brock scale (≥90%) followed by the Chang (≥89%) and CTCAE (≥75%) scales. Detection of change after CDDP was highest for Chang (48%) followed by Brock (45%) and the CTCAE (32%).

Conclusion

The Brock and Chang tools may be superior to the CTCAE in patients with head and neck cancer receiving CDDP using baseline hearing loss distribution, interobserver agreement, and detection of hearing loss grade change as performance indicators. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: 1102–1107, 2015
Routine treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia by office‐based haematologists in Germany—data from the Prospective Tumour Registry Lymphatic Neoplasms
Authors: Knauf Wolfgang , Abenhardt Wolfgang , Dörfel Steffen , Meyer Dirk , Grugel Renate , Münz Michaela , Hartmann Holger , Marschner Norbert
Published: April 2014

Various treatment options exist for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). Clinical registries provide insight into routine treatment and identify changes in treatment over time. The Tumour Registry Lymphatic Neoplasms prospectively collects data on the treatment of patients with lymphoid B‐cell neoplasm as administered by office‐based haematologists in Germany. Data on patient and tumour characteristics, co‐morbidities, systemic treatments, and outcome parameters are recorded. Eight hundred and six patients with CLL were recruited between May 2009 and August 2013. At the start of first‐line treatment, median age was 71 years, 64% were male, and 44% had a Binet stage C disease. The most frequently used first‐line/second‐line regimens were bendamustine + rituximab (BR, 56%/55%), fludarabine + cyclophosphamide + rituximab (FCR, 22%/11%), and bendamustine (B, 5%/9%). Chlorambucil was used in only 7% (first‐line) and 6% (second‐line) of patients. Patients treated with FCR were younger and healthier than patients treated with BR. Overall, 91% of first‐line treatments were successful (40% complete response). Real‐life patient populations differ considerably from patients treated in randomized controlled trials. BR and FCR dominate the first‐line and second‐line treatments of CLL by office‐based haematologists in Germany. Future analysis will investigate progression‐free and overall survival times. © 2014 The Authors. Hematological Oncology Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exergoeconomic Based Optimization of a Gas Fired Steam Power Plant Using Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Javan Saeed , Ahmadi Pouria , Mansoubi Hadi , Jaafar Mohammad Nazri Mohd
Published: April 2014

This research paper mainly deals with exergy, economic, and environmental investigation of a 250 MW steam power plant located in Iran. In order to model this power plant, energy balance equations are used and each part of the power plant is modeled accordingly. Further by introducing the boiler as the main source of irreversibility, two approaches are presented to improve the boiler performance, reduction of excess air, and temperature reduction of gasses leaving the stacks. To study the effect of these two approaches, an objective function including the cost rate of exergy destruction of boiler, fuel cost, and cost rate of environmental impact is presented. The optimization process is done using a genetic algorithm. It is concluded that by optimizing, 20% reduction in the overall cost rate and 88% reduction in the cost rate of environmental impact can be achieved.
Gender moderates the effect of oxytocin on social judgments
Authors: Hoge Elizabeth A. , Anderson Eric , Lawson Elizabeth A. , Bui Eric , Fischer Laura E. , Khadge Shradha D. , Barrett Lisa Feldman , Simon Naomi M.
Published: April 2014

Objective

The neuropeptide oxytocin is implicated in social processing, and recent research has begun to explore how gender relates to the reported effects. This study examined the effects of oxytocin on social affective perception and learning.

Methods

Forty‐seven male and female participants made judgments of faces during two different tasks, after being randomized to either double‐blinded intranasal oxytocin or placebo. In the first task, “unseen” affective stimuli were presented in a continuous flash suppression paradigm, and participants evaluated faces paired with these stimuli on dimensions of competence, trustworthiness, and warmth. In the second task, participants learned affective associations between neutral faces and affective acts through a gossip learning procedure and later made affective ratings of the faces.

Results

In both tasks, we found that gender moderated the effect of oxytocin, such that male participants in the oxytocin condition rated faces more negatively, compared with placebo. The opposite pattern of findings emerged for female participants: they rated faces more positively in the oxytocin condition, compared with placebo.

Conclusions

These findings contribute to a small but growing body of research demonstrating differential effects of oxytocin in men and women. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role of α2β1 integrins in mediating cell shape on microtextured titanium surfaces
Authors: Lai Min , Hermann Christopher D. , Cheng Alice , Olivares‐Navarrete Rene , Gittens Rolando A. , Bird Meredith M. , Walker Marcus , Cai Ye , Cai Kaiyong , Sandhage Kenneth H. , Schwartz Zvi , Boyan Barbara D.
Published: April 2014

Surface microroughness plays an important role in determining osteoblast behavior on titanium. Previous studies have shown that osteoblast differentiation on microtextured titanium substrates is dependent on alpha‐2 beta‐1 (α2β1) integrin signaling. This study used focused ion beam milling and scanning electron microscopy, combined with three‐dimensional image reconstruction, to investigate early interactions of individual cells with their substrate and the role of integrin α2β1 in determining cell shape. MG63 osteoblast‐like cells on sand blasted/acid etched (SLA) Ti surfaces after 3 days of culturing indicated decreased cell number, increased cell differentiation, and increased expression of mRNA levels for α1, α2, αV, and β1 integrin subunits compared to cells on smooth Ti (PT) surfaces. α2 or β1 silenced cells exhibited increased cell number and decreased differentiation on SLA compared to wild‐type cells. Wild‐type cells on SLA possessed an elongated morphology with reduced cell area, increased cell thickness, and more apparent contact points. Cells on PT exhibited greater spreading and were relatively flat. Silenced cells possessed a morphology and phenotype similar to wild‐type cells grown on PT. These observations indicate that surface microroughness affects cell response via α2β1 integrin signaling, resulting in a cell shape that promotes osteoblastic differentiation. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 564–573, 2015.
Quantitative regulation of bone‐mimetic, oriented collagen/apatite matrix structure depends on the degree of osteoblast alignment on oriented collagen substrates
Authors: Matsugaki Aira , Isobe Yoshihiro , Saku Taro , Nakano Takayoshi
Published: April 2014

Bone tissue has a specific anisotropic morphology derived from collagen fiber alignment and the related apatite crystal orientation as a bone quality index. However, the precise mechanism of cellular regulation of the crystallographic orientation of apatite has not been clarified. In this study, anisotropic construction of cell‐produced mineralized matrix in vitro was established by initiating organized cellular alignment and subsequent oriented bone‐like matrix (collagen/apatite) production. The oriented collagen substrates with three anisotropic levels were prepared by a hydrodynamic method. Primary osteoblasts were cultured on the fabricated substrates until mineralized matrix formation is confirmed. Osteoblast alignment was successfully regulated by the level of substrate collagen orientation, with preferential alignment along the direction of the collagen fibers. Notably, both fibrous orientation of newly synthesized collagen matrix and c‐axis of produced apatite crystals showed preferential orientation along the cell direction. Because the degree of anisotropy of the deposited apatite crystals showed dependency on the directional distribution of osteoblasts cultured on the oriented collagen substrates, the cell orientation determines the crystallographic anisotropy of produced apatite crystals. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating that bone tissue anisotropy, even the alignment of apatite crystals, is controllable by varying the degree of osteoblast alignment via regulating the level of substrate orientation. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 489–499, 2015.
Silicon calcium phosphate ceramic as novel biomaterial to simulate the bone regenerative properties of autologous bone
Authors: Manchón A. , Alkhraisat M. , Rueda‐Rodriguez C. , Torres J. , Prados‐Frutos J. C. , Ewald A. , Gbureck U. , Cabrejos‐Azama J. , Rodriguez‐González A. , López‐Cabarcos E.
Published: April 2014

This study was conducted to develop novel ceramic bone substitute that resembles the autologous bone behavior when used as graft material. Solid‐state reaction at 1100°C was performed to synthesize β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) and biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP). The ceramics were further analyzed to characterize phase composition, microstructural properties, cytocompatability and then challenged to regenerate critical bone defects in the parietal bone of rabbits. X‐ray diffraction analysis confirmed the production of β‐TCP and indicated the synthesis of novel BCP composed of β‐TCP and silicocarnotite (calcium phosphate silicate mineral). The cytocompatibility test with human osteoblast cell line revealed enhanced cell proliferation on the BCP ceramic. The novel BCP induced the filling of about 73% of the bone defect with a newly formed bone tissue and an almost complete degradation after 12 weeks of healing. This novel ceramic resembles the autologous bone properties of complete degradation and efficient enhancement of bone formation, making it promising as bone graft material. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 479–488, 2015.
Hydroxyapatite‐titanium bulk composites for bone tissue engineering applications
Authors: Kumar Alok , Biswas Krishanu , Basu Bikramjit
Published: April 2014

The research work on bulk hydroxyapatite (HA)‐based composites are driven by the need to develop biomaterials with better mechanical properties without compromising its bioactivity and biocompatibility properties. Despite several years of research, the mechanical properties of the HA‐based composites still need to be enhanced to match the properties of natural cortical bone. In this regard, the scope of this review on the HA‐based bulk biomaterials is limited to the processing and the mechanical as well as biocompatibility properties for bone tissue engineering applications of a model system that is hydroxyapatite‐titanium (HA‐Ti) bulk composites. It will be discussed in this review how HA‐Ti based bulk composites can be processed to have better fracture toughness and strength without compromising biocompatibility. The advantages of the functionally gradient materials to integrate the mechanical and biocompatibility properties is a promising approach in hard tissue engineering and has been emphasized here in reference to the limited literature reports. On the biomaterials fabrication aspect, the recent results are discussed to demonstrate that advanced manufacturing techniques, like spark plasma sintering can be adopted as a processing route to restrict the sintering reactions, while enhancing the mechanical properties. Various toughening mechanisms related to careful tailoring of microstructure are discussed. The in vitro cytocompatibilty, cell fate processes as well as in vivo biocompatibility results are also reviewed and the use of flow cytometry to quantify in vitro cell fate processes is being emphasized. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 791–806, 2015.
Collagen‐lactoferrin fibrillar coatings enhance osteoblast proliferation and differentiation
Authors: Vandrovcova Marta , Douglas Timothy E. L. , Heinemann Sascha , Scharnweber Dieter , Dubruel Peter , Bacakova Lucie
Published: April 2014

Lactoferrin is a milk‐derived glycoprotein with anabolic effects on the bone tissue. In this study, artificial extracellular matrices (aECM) consisting of collagen type I fibrils formed in the presence of lactoferrin at two different concentrations (0.5 and 1 mg mL−1) were prepared on the surface of poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) foils. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of aECM on the adhesion, growth and osteogenic differentiation of human osteoblast‐like Saos‐2 cells. On days 1 and 3 after seeding, higher numbers of cells were found on samples with collagen and collagen‐lactoferrin coatings (particularly on those formed at the higher concentration of lacroferrin) than on control microscopic glass coverslips. Cells on coatings formed in the presence of lactoferrin had more numerous and better developed vinculin‐containing focal adhesion plaques. On day 7, cells on coatings with and without lactoferrin produced significantly higher levels of osteocalcin than cells on control polystyrene cell culture dishes, the highest average values being found on samples with the lower concentration of lactoferrin. Expression of collagen I and alkaline phosphatase was on a similar level in cells on all tested samples and control polystyrene. Thus, lactoferrin promotes adhesion, growth and osteogenic differentiation of Saos‐2 cells and is promising as a bone implant coating component. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 525–533, 2015.
The role of fore‐ and hindlimbs during jumping in the Dybowski's frog (Rana dybowskii)
Authors: Wang Zhongyuan , Ji Aihong , Endlein Thomas , Samuel Diana , Yao Ning , Wang Zhouyi , Dai Zhendong
Published: April 2014

Anurans are well known for their jumping abilities, making use of their strong hindlimbs. In contrast, the function of the forelimbs during take‐off has rarely been studied. We measured the ground reaction forces exerted by forelimbs and hindlimbs during short jumps in the Dybowski's frog Rana dybowskii. Take‐off occurred in two phases. Phase one (from the initial time until the forelimbs took off), which lasts a relatively long time (63.2 ± 4.1% of the total take‐off phase, N = 20), provides sufficient time for the forelimbs to elevate the body to a suitable posture to deliver the best take‐off angle. Phase two (from the forelimbs lift‐off until hindlimbs lift‐off) was dominated by the hindlimbs which provided a constant and fast elevation. The force angle (angle of the resultant vector from fore‐aft and normal force components towards the plane of the substrate) of the hindlimbs and body trajectory was variable before the forelimbs lifted off of the substrate and then primarily followed the direction of the line from the foot‐substrate point to the center of mass (COM). The preparation angle adopted when the forelimbs lifted off of the substrate was a good predictor of the take‐off angle. The total normal force oscillated around body weight (BW) before the forelimb normal force peaked. The BW shifted from the hindlimbs to the forelimbs during the initial phase of take‐off. A simple lever model suggests that the forelimbs are responsible for raising the COM, thus influencing the take‐off angle in short jumps. J. Exp. Zool. 321A: 324–333, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hedgehog pathway as a potential treatment target in human cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Riedlinger Dorothee , Bahra Marcus , Boas‐Knoop Sabine , Lippert Steffen , Bradtmöller Maren , Guse Katrin , Seehofer Daniel , Bova Roberta , Sauer Igor M , Neuhaus Peter , Koch Arend , Kamphues Carsten
Published: April 2014

Background

Innovative treatment concepts targeting essential signaling pathways may offer new chances for patients suffering from cholangiocarcinoma (CCC). For that, we performed a systematic molecular genetic analysis concerning the Hedgehog activity in human CCC samples and analyzed the effect of Hh inhibition on CCC cells in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

Activation of the Hh pathway was analyzed in 50 human CCC samples using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The efficacy of Hh inhibition using cyclopamine and BMS‐833923 was evaluated in vitro. In addition, the effect of BMS‐833923, alone or in combination with gemcitabine, was analyzed in vivo in a murine subcutaneous xenograft model.

Results

Expression analysis revealed a significant activation of the Hh‐signaling pathway in nearly 50% of CCCs. Hh inhibition resulted in a significant decrease in cell proliferation of CCC cells. Moreover, a distinct inhibition of tumor growth could be seen as a result of a combined therapy with BMS‐833923 and gemcitabine in CCC xenografts.

Conclusion

The results of our study suggest that the Hh pathway plays a relevant role at least in a subset of human CCC. Inhibition of this pathway may represent a possible treatment option for CCC patients in which the Hh pathway is activated.
Diagnostic yield of head computed tomography for the hospitalized medical patient with delirium
Authors: Theisen‐Toupal Jesse , Breu Anthony C. , Mattison Melissa L. P. , Arnaout Ramy
Published: April 2014

BACKGROUND

Delirium is common in hospitalized patients and warrants early diagnosis and treatment. Often the evaluation of delirium includes head computed tomography imaging. However, in hospitalized medical patients, the yield of head computed tomography is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the diagnostic yield of head computed tomography when evaluating a hospitalized medical patient with delirium in the absence of a recent fall, head trauma, or new neurologic deficit.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Retrospective medical record review at a large academic medical center in Boston, Massachusetts.

PARTICIPANTS

We reviewed all medical records for head computed tomography scans performed from January 2010 through November 2012 in patients on the general medicine or medical subspecialties units.

MAIN OUTCOMES

A “positive” head computed tomography was defined as an intracranial process that could explain delirium. An “equivocal” head computed tomography was defined as the presence of a finding of unclear significance in relation to delirium.

RESULTS

There were 398 patients hospitalized for >24 hours who underwent head computed tomography for delirium. Two hundred twenty head computed tomography studies met eligibility criteria, with 6 (2.7%) positive and 4 (1.8%) equivocal results. All positive and equivocal findings resulted in change in management.

CONCLUSIONS

The diagnostic yield of head computed tomography in determining the cause of delirium in hospitalized patients is low. Due to the low rate of positive findings, head imaging is unnecessary in the majority of cases of delirium. However, there may be a subset of high‐risk individuals in which head imaging is indicated. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2014;9:497–501. © 2014 Society of Hospital Medicine
Separation and determination of homogenous fatty alcohol ethoxylates by liquid chromatography with mulitstage mass spectrometry
Authors: Zembrzuska Joanna , Budnik Irena , Lukaszewski Zenon
Published: April 2014

Alcohol ethoxylates (AEs) are a significant component of a stream of surfactants directed to the aquatic environment. The aim of this work was the investigation of the dependence of the analytical signals of homogeneous AE homologues on liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry conditions, as well as the separation of AEs from the water matrix and, on this basis, the development of an analytical procedure suitable for the determination of AEs in environmental samples. Homogeneous homologues containing dodecyl moiety and 2–9 oxyethylene subunits were investigated. The analytical signals of the investigated homologues were optimized in terms of concentration of ammonium acetate in the mobile phase (optimum 5 mM) and a column temperature (optimum 35°C) of the liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry system. A separation of AEs from the water matrix by liquid–liquid extraction (ethyl acetate, chloroform) or solid‐phase extraction (C18, styrene divinylbenzene, H‐RX) was investigated. In a model investigation, the best recoveries (>90%) were obtained with a styrene divinylbenzene cartridge eluted with a 1:1 mixture of chloroform and methanol. However, much worse recoveries were obtained from the river water sample. Better results were obtained for liquid–liquid extraction with ethyl acetate. Recoveries of 62–80% were obtained for homologues having 4–9 oxyethylene subunits, at the lowest spike.
Simple enrichment of thiol‐containing biomolecules by using zinc(II)–cyclen‐functionalized magnetic beads
Authors: Fujioka Haruto , Tsunehiro Masaya , Kawaguchi Maho , Kuramoto Yasuhiro , Kurosaki Hiromasa , Hieda Yuhzo , Kinoshita‐Kikuta Emiko , Kinoshita Eiji , Koike Tohru
Published: April 2014

A simple and efficient method based on magnetic‐bead technology has been developed for the enrichment of thiol‐containing biomolecules, such as l‐glutathione and cysteine‐containing peptides. The thiol‐binding site on the bead is a mononuclear complex of zinc(II) with 1,4,7,10‐tetraazacyclododecane (cyclen); this is linked to a hydrophilic cross‐linked agarose coating on a particle that has a magnetic core. All steps for the thiol‐affinity separation are conducted in aqueous buffers with 0.10 mL of the magnetic beads in a 1.5 mL microtube. The entire separation protocol for thiol‐containing compounds, from addition to elution, requires less than one hour per sample, provided the buffers and the zinc(II)–cyclen‐functionalized magnetic beads have been prepared in advance. The thiol‐affinity magnetic beads are reusable at least 15 times without a decrease in their thiol‐binding ability, and they are stable for six months at room temperature.
Pre‐Hilbert spaces with anomalous splitting and orthogonally‐closed subspace structures
Authors: Buhagiar David , Chetcuti Emmanuel , Weber Hans
Published: April 2014

Four classes of closed subspaces of an inner product space S that can naturally replace the lattice of projections in a Hilbert space are: the complete/cocomplete subspaces , the splitting subspaces , the quasi‐splitting subspaces and the orthogonally‐closed subspaces . It is well‐known that in general the algebraic structure of these families differ remarkably and they coalesce if and only if S is a Hilbert space. It is also known that when S is a hyperplane in its completion i.e. then and . On the other extreme, when i.e. then and . Motivated by this and in contrast to it, we show that in general the codimension of S in bears very little relation to the properties of these families. In particular, we show that the equalities and can hold for inner product spaces with arbitrary codimension in . At the end we also contribute to the study of the algebraic structure of by testing it for the Riesz interpolation property. We show that may fail to enjoy the Riesz interpolation property in both extreme situations when S is “very small” (i.e. and when S is ‘very big’ (i.e. .
Clinical use of the Kessler psychological distress scales with culturally diverse groups
Authors: Stolk Yvonne , Kaplan Ida , Szwarc Josef
Published: April 2014

The Kessler 10 (K10) and embedded Kessler 6 (K6) was developed to screen for non‐specific psychological distress and serious mental illness in mental health surveys of English‐speaking populations, but has been adopted in Western and non‐Western countries as a screening and outcome measure in primary care and mental health settings. This review examines whether the original K6/K10's validity for culturally diverse populations was established, and whether the cultural equivalence, and sensitivity to change of translated or culturally adapted K6/K10s, has been demonstrated with culturally diverse client groups. Evidence for the original K6/K10's validity for culturally diverse populations is limited. Questions about the conceptual and linguistic equivalence of translated/adapted K6/K10s arise from reports of changes in item connotation and differential item functioning. Evidence for structural equivalence is inconsistent, as is support for criterion equivalence, with the majority of studies compromising on accuracy in case prediction. Research demonstrating sensitivity to change with culturally diverse groups is lacking. Inconsistent evidence for the K6/K10's cultural appropriateness in clinical settings, and a lack of clinical norms for either majority or culturally diverse groups, indicate the importance of further research into the psychological distress construct with culturally diverse clients, and the need for caution in interpreting K6/K10 scores. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role of child weight status and the relative reinforcing value of food in children's response to portion size increases
Authors: Kral Tanja V.E. , Remiker Adriane M. , Strutz Erin M. , Moore Reneé H.
Published: April 2014

Objective

Food portion size is an important determinant of intake in children. It remains unknown if children's weight status and relative reinforcing value of food (RRVF) interact with portion size to affect intake.

Methods

In a randomized crossover design, 25 normal‐weight and 25 obese children, ages 8‐10 years, consumed dinner once a week for 3 weeks. At each dinner, the same meal was served, but the portion size of all foods (chicken nuggets, hash browns, ketchup, green beans, brownies) and a sugar‐sweetened beverage (fruit punch) varied across conditions (100, 150, and 200%). Children's RRVF was assessed using a behavioral choice task.

Results

There was a significant main effect of portion size condition (P = 0.003) and weight status (P = 0.0005) and a nonsignificant trend for a portion size‐by‐weight status interaction (P = 0.108) on intake. Mean intakes across conditions (100, 150, and 200%) were 801 ± 57, 964 ± 58, and 873 ± 57 kcal for normal‐weight children and 1041 ± 57, 1129 ± 57, and 1210 ± 57 kcal for obese children, respectively. Neither the main effect of RRVF status nor the condition‐by‐RRVF status interaction was significant (P > 0.48).

Conclusions

Environments that offer large portions of palatable foods affect all children's intake irrespective of their weight status or how reinforcing they find food to be.
Constructing a performance‐based accountability system for the Chinese government
Authors: Tan XiuXia
Published: April 2014

Purpose

This study constructs a valid performance‐based system to monitor accountability within the Chinese government.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a normative analysis model was constructed to include four factors, which form a complete accountability system: accountability to whom, accountability for what, how to demand accountability, and its effectiveness. This normative model was then used to explore existing practices of Chinese government performance evaluation and accountability.

Findings

Our study revealed the need to accelerate ‘two integrations’ in order to develop performance‐based accountability. This would involve accelerating the integration of government performance assessment and accountability and accelerating the integration of external control and internal control.

Research Implications

This study is a preliminary study that points out the direction of performance‐based accountability system reform in Chinese government. It will further promote the transformation of government functions and change the way administration is carried out, promote to achieve the goal of the responsible government, and service‐oriented government. Establishing an effective performance‐based accountability system in China may yet require further research and policy recommendations.

Originality/value

This article is original in its attempt to construct an accountability index for the Chinese government. Its specific focus on China increases its originality as no known study has attempted to construct such an index. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Insulin pump therapy: a practical guide to optimising glycaemic control
Authors: Wilmot Emma G , Choudhary Pratik , Grant Paul , Hammond Peter
Published: April 2014

Insulin pump services have been widely available in the UK for over 10 years. Despite this, the recent national Insulin Pump Audit identified that only 6% of patients with type 1 diabetes are managed with insulin pump therapy, far lower than anticipated. A key reason for the UK continuing to lag behind other European countries in the provision of insulin pump services is the lack of trained health care professionals.

This paper aims to provide diabetologists and diabetes specialist nurses with a basic understanding of the clinical approach to the patient with type 1 diabetes on insulin pump therapy. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons.
Notoriety bias in a database of spontaneous reports: the example of osteonecrosis of the jaw under bisphosphonate therapy in the French national pharmacovigilance database
Authors: de Boissieu Paul , Kanagaratnam Lukshe , Abou Taam Malak , Roux Marie‐Paule , Dramé Moustapha , Trenque Thierry
Published: April 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to identify a notoriety bias in a database of spontaneous reports and its consequences on the calculation of the reporting odds ratio (ROR).

Methods

We used the case/noncase methodology to calculate the ROR for bisphosphonates and osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) in the French national pharmacovigilance database (from 1985 to 2013). To evaluate notoriety bias, drug‐related risk factors for ONJ [as specified in the summary of product characteristics (SPC) of bisphosphonates] were systematically scanned for notifications of reports of ONJ occurring under bisphosphonate therapy. When a risk factor was present, the ONJ was considered as not due to bisphosphonates, and a second ROR was calculated under the hypothesis of maximum bias.

Results

In total, 148 cases of ONJ were reported (143 with bisphosphonates and five without). The raw ROR was 3448 (95% confidence interval 1413–8417). After analysis of the reports, only 86 had no mention of a risk factor for ONJ. The ROR under the maximum bias hypothesis was 87 (95% confidence interval 63–121). Among ONJ where chemotherapy was being administered simultaneously to bisphosphonates, 27 reports did not consider the chemotherapy to be implicated, despite seven of these occurring in cases where ONJ was mentioned in the summary of product characteristics.

Conclusions

The existence of a notoriety bias has an impact on measures of disproportionality. The detection of pharmacovigilance signals might be delayed. It is advisable to list all drugs being taken when an adverse drug reaction occurs, and not only those known to be associated with the observed reaction. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unraveling the specificities of the different human methionine sulfoxide reductases
Authors: Vandermarliere Elien , Ghesquière Bart , Jonckheere Veronique , Gevaert Kris , Martens Lennart
Published: April 2014

The oxidation of free and protein‐bound methionine into methionine sulfoxide is a frequently occurring modification caused by ROS. Most organisms express methionine sulfoxide reductases (MSR enzymes) to repair this potentially damaging modification. Humans express three different MSRB enzymes which reside in different cellular compartments. In this study, we have explored the specificity of the human MSRB enzymes both by in silico modeling and by experiments on oxidized peptides. We found that MSRB1 is the least specific MSRB enzyme, which is in agreement with the observation that MSRB1 is the only MSRB enzyme found in the cytosol and the nucleus, and therefore requires a broad specificity to reduce all possible substrates. MSRB2 and MSRB3, which are both found in mitochondria, are more specific but because of their co‐occurrence they can likely repair all possible substrates.
Australian men with cancer practice complementary therapies (CTs) as a coping strategy
Authors: Klafke Nadja , Eliott Jaklin A. , Olver Ian N. , Wittert Gary A.
Published: April 2014

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore how and why Australian men with cancer practice complementary therapies (CTs) and how their significant others (SOs) contribute to the regular uptake of CTs.

Methods

This qualitative study employed semi‐structured interviews with 26 male cancer patients and 24 SOs. Participants were purposefully sampled from a preceding Australian survey investigating the use of CTs in men with cancer (94% response rate and 86% consent rate for follow‐up interview). Interviews were conducted in a metropolitan location, and the 43 interview transcripts were analyzed thematically.

Results

Three core themes were identified: men used CTs as (a) problem‐focused coping (e.g., diet modification), (b) emotion‐focused coping (e.g., meditation), and (c) meaning‐based coping (e.g., prayer). Practicing CTs helped men to cope with physical, emotional, and spiritual concerns, although some men spoke of difficulties with practicing meditation to regulate their emotions. SOs were supportive of men's coping strategies but were only rarely involved in men's emotion‐focused coping.

Conclusions

Complementary therapies have the potential to facilitate coping with cancer, independent of any measurable physiological benefit. Our findings suggest that when clinicians engage in conversations about CTs use, they should consider the type of coping strategy employed by their patient. Such information may enhance the efficacy of some interventions (e.g., meditation) and also provide for an opportunity to discuss patients' expectations concerning CTs. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.