bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phase 2 trial of neoadjuvant bevacizumab plus pemetrexed and carboplatin in patients with unresectable stage III lung adenocarcinoma (GASTO 1001)
Authors: Ou Wei , Li Ning , Wang Si‐Yu , Li Jian , Liu Qian‐Wen , Huang Qun‐Ai , Wang Bao‐Xiao
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND

The objective of this phase 2 trial was to assess the efficacy and safety of induction bevacizumab plus chemotherapy followed by surgery in patients with unresectable stage III lung adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

The authors investigated induction bevacizumab (7.5 mg/kg) plus pemetrexed (500 mg/m2 and carboplatin (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 5) followed by surgery for patients with unresectable stage III lung adenocarcinoma ages 18 to 65 years. The patients received neoadjuvant therapy every 3 weeks for 4 cycles. Surgery was scheduled 3 to 4 weeks after the last neoadjuvant therapy; then, the medical team assessed each patient's resectability status. The primary endpoint was the resectability rate.

RESULTS

From April 2012 to April 2014, 42 patients were enrolled and received bevacizumab plus pemetrexed and carboplatin. Grade 3 or 4 induction‐related AEs included fatigue in 5 patients, neutropenia in 4 patients, hypertension in 1 patient, anemia in 1 patient, and thrombocytopenia in 1 patient. One patient achieved a complete response, 22 achieved a partial response, 17 had stable disease, and 2 had progressive disease. After neoadjuvant therapy, 31 patients (73.8%) underwent surgery, including 11 who underwent pneumonectomy. Complete (R0) resection was achieved in 22 patients (52.4%). Reoperation was required in 1 patient because of a bleeding intercostal artery. No perioperative thromboembolic events or wound‐healing problems were observed. The median event‐free survival was 15.4 months, and the 1‐year event‐free survival rate was 56.1%.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with neoadjuvant bevacizumab in combination with pemetrexed and carboplatin followed by surgery appears to be feasible and safe in patients with unresectable stage III lung adenocarcinoma. Cancer 2016;122:740–747. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Influence of the Inner‐Shell Architecture on Quantum Yield and Blinking Dynamics in Core/Multishell Quantum Dots
Authors: Bajwa Pooja , Gao Feng , Nguyen Anh , Omogo Benard , Heyes Colin D.
Published: December 2015

Choosing the composition of a shell for QDs is not trivial, as both the band‐edge energy offset and interfacial lattice mismatch influence the final optical properties. One way to balance these competing effects is by forming multishells and/or gradient‐alloy shells. However, this introduces multiple interfaces, and their relative effects on quantum yield and blinking are not yet fully understood. Here, we undertake a systematic, comparative study of the addition of inner shells of a single component versus gradient‐alloy shells of cadmium/zinc chalogenides onto CdSe cores, and then capping with a thin ZnS outer shell to form various core/multishell configurations. We show that architecture of the inner shell between the CdSe core and the outer ZnS shell significantly influences both the quantum yield and blinking dynamics, but that these effects are not correlated—a high ensemble quantum yield doesn′t necessarily equate to reduced blinking. Two mathematical models have been proposed to describe the blinking dynamics—the more common power‐law model and a more recent multiexponential model. By binning the same data with 1 and 20 ms resolution, we show that the on times can be better described by the multiexponential model, whereas the off times can be better described by the power‐law model. We discuss physical mechanisms that might explain this behavior and how it can be affected by the inner‐shell architecture.
Photoinduced Charge Separation on the Microsecond Timescale in Graphene Oxide and Reduced Graphene Oxide Suspensions
Authors: Baldoví Herme G. , Álvaro Mercedes , Ferrer Belén , García Hermenegildo
Published: December 2015

Transient absorption spectroscopy of graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) suspensions provides evidence for the photochemical generation of a charge‐separated state on the microsecond timescale upon laser excitation. The lifetime and quantum yield of charge separation in suspended rGO were found to be higher than for GO. This could be advantageous for optoelectronic and photocatalytic applications, where graphene‐based materials act as charge (electron) carriers. The electron‐transfer quenching of the rGO charge‐separated state by different amines is more efficient when the amine is a better electron donor and more easily oxidized.
The effect of fasting during Ramadan on parameters of the haematological and steroidal modules of the athletes biological passport – a pilot study
Authors: Alsaadi K. , Voss S.C. , Kraiem S. , Alwahaibi A. , Alyazedi S. , Dbes N. , Goebel R. , Mohamed‐Ali V. , Alsowaidi S. , Seyam A.M. , Bashraheel A.S. , Alsayrafi M. , Georgakopoulos C.
Published: December 2015

This study investigated the effect of Ramadan on the haematological and steroid module of the Athletes Biological Passport (ABP) of the World Anti‐Doping Agency (WADA). Nine healthy physically active subjects were tested in the morning and afternoon for two days before and three days during Ramadan. Sample collection and all analyses were performed according to WADA technical documents. Although there were significant changes in the haemoglobin concentration during Ramadan, especially during the first fasting week, none of the subjects in this study exceeded the individually calculated thresholds of the ABP. No significant effects on testosterone/epitestosterone (T/E) ratio were observed but only the afternoon specific gravity (SG) of the urine was elevated. Thus, when urinary steroid concentrations are required, SG corrections need to be performed. The haematological and the steroid module of the ABP can be reliably applied during Ramadan as the observed changes are only marginal. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nutritional indexes, fatty acids profile, and regiodistribution of oil extracted from four discarded species of the Alboran Sea: Seasonal effects
Authors: Morales‐Medina Rocío , García‐Moreno Pedro J. , Pérez‐Gálvez Raúl , Muñío María M. , Guadix Antonio , Guadix Emilia M.
Published: December 2015

The new EU fisheries regulations state that all catches from pelagic fisheries must be landed from the January 1, 2015 on. Consequently, the development of new techniques for the up‐grading of these discards is required. The aim of this work was to study the variations of the lipid profile and nutritional value of the oil extracted from four discarded species: axillary seabream (Pagellus acarne), sardine (Sardina pilchardus), horse mackerel (Trachurus mediterraneus), and blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou). To that end, the proximate composition, the lipid profile, the regiospecific distribution of fatty acids within the glycerol backbone, the nutritional parameters (thrombogenic and atherogenicity indexes and hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio), and the peroxidability index were determined in each season. All species presented polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) as the major fraction in both the global and the sn‐2 profile. DHA presented highly regiospecifity to position sn‐2 whereas the tendency of EPA was to occupy sn‐1(3) positions. The relative concentration of PUFA occupying sn‐2 position varied from 30 to 60% (molar basis).

Practical applications: This work proposes an up‐grading strategy for the fish oils extracted from four discarded pelagic species. In the last decades, fish oils have been widely employed as source for the production of structured lipids or PUFA concentrates. The choice between both applications depends on the fatty acids regiodistribution within the glycerol backbone. Oils with high PUFA content at the central bond may be selected for the production of structured lipids by using sn1‐3 lipases. In this case, the central position remains unmodified. To obtain concentrates it is necessary to release the free fatty acids and subsequently re‐esterified them. Consequently, oils with lower PUFA content in the central position are preferred for the production of concentrates by urea complexation or winterization.

Seasonal variation of the percentage of DHA located at the sn‐2 position of four discarded species (axillary seabream, sardine, horse mackerel, and blue whiting).
Material specific lateralization of medial temporal lobe function: An fMRI investigation
Authors: Dalton Marshall A. , Hornberger Michael , Piguet Olivier
Published: December 2015

The theory of material specific lateralization of memory function posits that left and right MTL regions are asymmetrically involved in mnemonic processing of verbal and nonverbal material respectively. Lesion and functional imaging (fMRI) studies provide robust evidence for a left MTL asymmetry in the verbal memory domain. Evidence for a right MTL/nonverbal asymmetry is not as robust. A handful of fMRI studies have investigated this issue but have generally utilised nonverbal stimuli which are amenable to semantic elaboration. This fMRI study aimed to investigate the neural correlates of recognition memory processing in 20 healthy young adults (mean age = 26 years) for verbal stimuli and nonverbal stimuli that were specifically designed to minimize verbalisation. Analyses revealed that the neural correlates of recognition memory processing for verbal and nonverbal stimuli were differentiable and asymmetrically recruited the left and right MTL respectively. The right perirhinal cortex and hippocampus were preferentially involved in successful recognition memory of items devoid of semantic information. In contrast, the left anterior hippocampus was preferentially involved in successful recognition memory of stimuli which contained semantic meaning. These results suggest that the left MTL is preferentially involved in mnemonic processing of verbal/semantic information. In contrast, the right MTL is preferentially involved in visual/non‐semantic mnemonic processing. We propose that during development, the left MTL becomes specialised for verbal mnemonic processing due to its proximity with left lateralised cortical language processing areas while visual/non‐semantic mnemonic processing gets ‘crowded out’ to become predominantly, but not completely, the domain of the right MTL. Hum Brain Mapp 37:933–941, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Weight loss results in significant improvements in quality of life for patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Tapper Elliot B. , Lai Michelle
Published: December 2015

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is highly prevalent and associated with decreased quality of life (QOL). The currently available treatment is weight loss through lifestyle modification. However, longitudinal QOL data are lacking on whether weight loss improves QOL. We prospectively enrolled 151 patients with NAFLD from 2009 to 2014. All patients received a liver biopsy, lifestyle assessment, blood tests, and QOL tools, including the Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ), a validated health‐related quality of life measurement. All patients were followed with a repeat CLDQ at 6 months. The cohort included 91 (60%) men, ages 51.5 ± 12.6 years, 46 (30%) of whom were diabetic. Thirty (21%) had advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis and 67 (47%) had a NAFLD Activity Score >4. Overall, 47 (31%) patients achieved at least a 5% reduction in weight. The cohort's median baseline total CLDQ value was 5.6 (interquartile range: 4.8‐6.2). Those who achieved at least a 5% reduction in weight had a 0.45 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.24‐0.66; P < 0.0001) point improvement in the total CLDQ, compared to 0.003 (95% CI: ‐0.12‐0.12; P = 0.95) in those who did not. Nondiabetic patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and without advanced fibrosis are most likely to achieve QOL benefits from weight loss. For every decrement in body mass index (BMI), there was a corresponding increase of 0.09 (95% CI: 0.03‐0.16) points in the CLDQ scale (P = 0.005), adjusting for histology, diabetes, sex, age, and change in alanine aminotransferase level and change in FIB‐4 index. A decrease by 5 points in BMI leads to a 10% adjusted improvement in QOL. Conclusion: Patients with NAFLD can experience significant improvements in QOL that appear specific to weight loss and not biochemical improvements. (Hepatology 2016;63:1184–1189)
Agentic and communal narcissism and satisfaction with life: The mediating role of psychological entitlement and self‐esteem
Authors: Żemojtel‐Piotrowska Magdalena A. , Piotrowski Jarosław P. , Maltby John
Published: December 2015

This study examined the mediational role of self‐esteem (as an enhancement) and psychological entitlement (as a cost) in the relationship between an agentic‐communal model of grandiose narcissism and satisfaction with life. Two hundred and forty‐eight university undergraduate students completed measures of agentic and communal narcissism, self‐esteem, psychological entitlement and satisfaction with life. The findings suggest that there is support for the usefulness of the agentic‐communal model of narcissism, and, consistent with predictions in the wider literature, self‐esteem and psychological entitlement mediated the relationship between agentic‐communal narcissism and life satisfaction.
The use of a discrimination‐training procedure to teach mand variability to children with autism
Authors: Brodhead Matthew T. , Higbee Thomas S. , Gerencser Kristina R. , Akers Jessica S.
Published: December 2015

We investigated the effects of a script‐fading and discrimination‐training procedure on mand variability in preschoolers with autism. Participants were taught to vary their vocal mands in the presence of written scripts, a green placemat, and a lag schedule of reinforcement. They were also taught to engage in repetitive mands in the presence of the same written scripts and a red placemat. When the scripts were removed, all 3 participants continued to engage in varied manding in the presence of the green placemat and lag schedule, and they continued to engage in repetitive manding in the presence of the red placemat. When the lag schedule was also removed, 2 of the 3 participants continued to engage in varied responding in the presence of the green placemat and repetitive responding in the presence of the red placemat. Finally, all 3 participants demonstrated generalization and maintenance of mand variability during snack sessions with their peers.
Biliary tract cancer registry in Japan from 2008 to 2013
Authors: Ishihara Shin , Horiguchi Akihiko , Miyakawa Shuichi , Endo Itaru , Miyazaki Masaru , Takada Tadahiro
Published: December 2015

Background

The present study analyzed biliary tract cancer patients registered from 2008 to 2013 in Japan and evaluated the outcomes of biliary tract cancer.

Methods

A total of 18,606 patients were registered from 2008 to 2013. Cases were analyzed with regard to patient survival according to contiguous extent of the primary tumor (T), node metastasis, and tumor stage using the 3rd English edition of the Japanese classification of the biliary tract cancers.

Results

Five‐year survival rates were 39.8% for gallbladder cancer, 24.2% for perihilar bile duct cancer, 39.1% for distal bile duct cancer, and 61.3% for ampullary region cancer. Significant differences were observed between newly introduced subdivisions in the new Japanese classification for all tumoral sites except gallbladder cancer. The survival rate in patients with #13a metastasis was significantly higher than in patients with distant lymph node metastasis.

Conclusions

The new Japanese classification adopted the 7th edition of staging system developed by the Union for International Cancer Control staging system. However, numerous aspects of these classification systems remain unvalidated. The present analysis demonstrated the significance of a proportion of T factor subdivisions and classifications of regional lymph nodes in cases of gallbladder cancer in the new Japanese classification.
GMP synthesis of carbon‐14 labelled substances
Authors: Filer Crist N. , Maniscalco Mario P. , Thayer Sandra L.
Published: December 2015

This review discusses the process of preparing and analyzing carbon‐14 labelled substances under good manufacturing practice.
The assessment of droughts in Northern China and Mongolian areas using PDSI and relevant large‐scale environments
Authors: Choi Jae‐Won , Kim In‐Gyum , Kim Jeoung‐Yun , Kim Baek‐Jo , Park Cheol‐Hong , Kim Do‐Woo
Published: December 2015

This study assessed drought conditions in northern China and Mongolian areas using the Palmer drought severity index (PDSI). Droughts in this area were intensified throughout all seasons. In particular, this intensifying trend was pronounced in the summer and autumn. In the summer, the PDSI showed an overall increase from the early 1990s to the late 1990s, and then, it rapidly decreased after the late 1990s. Therefore, this study focused on summer droughts and analysed mean differences before the late 1990s (9098) and after the late 1990s (9905). Regarding differences in 850 hPa stream flows between the two periods, anomalous anticyclonic circulations were strengthened in northern China and Mongolia that showed strong negative anomalies in the PDSI. These anomalous anticyclones were formed as a positive North Atlantic Oscillation pattern formed in the European region spread eastward in the form of wave trains. The anomalous anticyclones formed in northern China and Mongolia led to reduced total cloud cover. As a result, this region exhibited high sensible heat net fluxes. Consequently, warm and dry anticyclones may have recently been strengthened in this region, thereby intensifying droughts. As this shows, recently strengthened warm and dry anticyclones in northern China and Mongolia were associated with recently reduced snow depths in this region during the preceding spring. In recent years, the frequency of Asian dust has also increased due to warm and dry air conditions.
Tree‐ring recorded drought variability in the northern Min Mountains of northwestern China
Authors: Deng Yang , Gou Xiaohua , Gao Linlin , Zhang Fen , Xu Xiangyu , Yang Meixue
Published: December 2015

Drought is a recurrent natural disaster in northwestern China and it can have a substantial impact on the affected region; therefore, knowledge of drought variability is very important for drought adaptation and mitigation. However, the observed climate data are generally limited in length, which may hamper our understanding the full range of drought variability. Using tree‐ring width measurements of 155 series from 81 Pinus tabulaeformis trees at three sites in the northern Min Mountains of northwestern China, the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) for May–August from 1804 to 2011 were reconstructed, which account for 64.8% of the variance in the instrumental record over 1954–2011. The new reconstruction is generally consistent with other moisture reconstructions nearby. Two notable features of the SPEI reconstruction is the severe drought starting in the late 1990s and the gradual drying trend since 1954. These features are also apparent in areas located in the north boundaries of Eastern Asian Summer Monsoon (EASM), which indicates that the study area may be affected by the EASM.
Temporal and spatial features and inter‐annual variability of wintertime snow mass balance over China
Authors: Zhang Ruonan , Zhang Renhe , Zuo Zhiyan , Li Weijing
Published: December 2015

Using observational data for 1979–2010, the temporal and spatial variations of wintertime (December–February) snow water equivalent (SWE) over China and their relations to the November SWE, wintertime snowfall, snow evaporation, sublimation and melting are investigated. The results revealed that the SWE is principally distributed in four snow regions of northwestern (NW) China, northeastern (NE) China, the Tibetan Plateau (TP) and the Yangtze–Huaihe River valley (YH). It is found that the impact of the November SWE is confined to the north of 42°N, while the impact of snowfall are relevant over all China, and the impacts of snow evaporation and sublimation are limited to NW, NE and the TP. The effect of snow melting is large in the YH but weak in other regions. On the inter‐annual timescale, the snow mass balance shows different features in different snow regions. The wintertime SWE is in line with snowfall. The November SWE has a major effect on the wintertime SWE in NW and NE but not in the TP and YH. The effect of meteorological factors on snow evaporation, sublimation and melting differs in different snow regions. Evaporation is mainly affected by vapour pressure deficit in NW and wind speeds in NE and the TP. Sublimation is controlled by air temperature in NW, wind speeds in NE, vapour pressure deficit in YH and air temperature, pressure and vapour pressure deficit in the TP. Melting is closely related with air temperature in the TP and net radiation in the YH.
Use of novel chitosan hydrogels for chemical tissue bonding of autologous chondral transplants
Authors: Gittens Jamila , Haleem Amgad M. , Grenier Stephanie , Smyth Niall A. , Hannon Charles P. , Ross Keir A. , Torzilli Peter A. , Kennedy John G.
Published: December 2015

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of chemical tissue bonding (CTB) on adhesion strength, fluid permeability, and cell viability across a cartilaginous graft‐host interface in an in vitro autologous chondral transplant (ACT) model. Chitosan‐based cross‐linkers; Chitosan‐Rose Bengal [Chi‐RB (Ch‐ABC)], Chitosan‐Genipin [Chi‐GP (Ch‐ABC)], and Chitosan‐Rose Bengal‐Genipin [Chi‐RB‐GP (Ch‐ABC)] were applied to bovine immature cartilage explants after pre‐treatment with surface degrading enzyme, Chondroitinase‐ABC (Ch‐ABC). Adhesion strength, fluid permeability and cell viability were assessed via mechanical push‐out shear testing, fluid transport and live/dead cell staining, respectively. All three chitosan‐based cross‐linkers significantly increased the adhesion strength at the graft‐host interface, however, only a statistically significant decrease in fluid permeability was noted in Chi‐GP (Ch‐ABC) specimen compared to untreated controls. Cell viability was maintained for 7 days of culture across all three treatment groups. These results show the potential clinical relevance of novel chitosan‐based hydrogels in enhancing tissue integration and reducing synovial fluid penetration after ACT procedures in diarthoidal joints such as the knee and ankle. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:1139–1146, 2016.
Oxidation of Hypophosphite and Phosphite by Anderson‐Type Hexamolybdocobaltate(III) Anion
Authors: Barge Jyoti N. , Gokavi Gavisiddappa S.
Published: December 2015

The oxidation of hypophosphite and phosphite by the Anderson‐type hexamolybdocobaltate(III), [H6CoIIIMo6O24]3−, anion was investigated at pH 2 and 1, respectively, in aqueous medium. The reaction is found to occur through an outer‐sphere mechanism with a prior weak complex formation between the reactants. Under the reaction conditions, the oxidant exists in the [H5CoIIIMo5O20]2−, [H6CoIIIMo6O24]3−, and [H4CoIII2Mo10O38]6−(dimer) forms, and [H5CoIIIMo5O20]2− is the active species. Inhibition of the reaction by the oxidant anion and added molybdate ion kinetically indicates existence of prior equilibria between various forms of the oxidant. Both hypophosphite and phosphite exists in their protonated forms. The reaction involves direct electron transfer from the phosphorus center to the anion‐generating free radicals in a rate‐determining step. The effect of ionic strength and change in the solvent polarity did not affect the rate of the reaction. A probable mechanism was proposed leading to a complicated rate law as a result of involvement of prior equilibria between various forms of the oxidant. The activation parameters were also determined and are in support of the proposed mechanism.
Congenital ossicular chain malformations with mobile stapes in children: Results in 17 cases
Authors: Vincent Robert , Wegner Inge , Derks Laura S. M. , Grolman Wilko
Published: December 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

To prospectively evaluate surgical findings and hearing results in children undergoing surgery for congenital malformations of the ossicular chain with a mobile stapes footplate (Teunissen and Cremers class III malformations).

Study Design

A nonrandomized, nonblinded, prospective case series.

Methods

Fifteen consecutive pediatric patients who underwent 17 surgical procedures for congenital ossicular malformations with a mobile stapes at a tertiary referral center were included. In 16 cases, postoperative pure‐tone audiometry was available. The surgical technique for repair of the ossicular chain was dictated by the surgical findings at the time of surgery. The majority of the cases underwent ossiculoplasty. A Teflon piston, partial ossicular replacement prosthesis, or total ossicular replacement prosthesis was used in these cases. Associated surgical techniques included malleus relocation, Silastic banding, drilling out of a bony bridge, and a combination of these techniques. Hearing loss was evaluated using preoperative and postoperative four‐frequency (0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz) audiometry. Air‐conduction thresholds, bone‐conduction thresholds, and air‐bone gaps were measured. Postoperative audiometry was performed at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months after surgery and at a yearly interval thereafter.

Results

Overall, a postoperative air‐bone gap closure to 10 dB or less was achieved in 63% of the included cases. A postoperative air‐bone gap closure to 20 dB or less was achieved in 75%. Postoperative sensorineural hearing loss did not occur in any of the cases.

Conclusions

Ossicular reconstruction is a feasible treatment option in children with congenital malformations of the ossicular chain with a mobile stapes footplate.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 126:682–688, 2016
Increase of circulating cholesterol in vitamin D deficiency is linked to reduced vitamin D receptor activity via the Insig‐2/SREBP‐2 pathway
Authors: Li Songtao , He Yujie , Lin Song , Hao Liuyi , Ye Yaxin , Lv Lin , Sun Zongxiang , Fan Huiru , Shi Zhiping , Li Jie , Feng Rennan , Na Lixin , Wang Yanwen , Li Ying , Sun Changhao
Published: December 2015

Scope

Individuals deficient in vitamin D are more likely to have higher circulating cholesterol levels and cardiovascular diseases. However, the underlying mechanisms are still unclear.

Methods and results

A cross‐sectional survey, animal study, and in vitro experiments were conducted to investigate the effect and mechanisms of vitamin D deficiency on endogenous cholesterol metabolism. We demonstrated that vitamin D deficiency was positively associated with an increase of total serum cholesterol and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in northern Chinese individuals. The vitamin D deficiency‐induced increase of cholesterol concentration was mainly due to enhanced cholesterol biosynthesis rather than reduced catabolism. Under vitamin D deficiency, the transcriptional activity of vitamin D receptor (VDR) was decreased, leading to the downregulation of insulin‐induced gene‐2 (Insig‐2) expression and thus its inhibitory role on sterol regulatory element‐binding protein 2 activation; 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐coenzyme A reductase expression was accordingly increased. Vitamin D3 was protective against vitamin D deficiency‐induced cholesterol increase by maintaining the transcriptional activity of VDR and Insig‐2 expression.

Conclusion

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with the increase of circulating cholesterol in the people of northern China by enhancing hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis, which was linked to the reduction of transcriptional activity of VDR.
Partner Abuse of Mothers Compromises Children's Behavioral Functioning Through Maternal Mental Health Dysfunction: Analysis of 300 Mother‐Child Pairs
Authors: Maddoux John A. , Liu Fuqin , Symes Lene , McFarlane Judith , Paulson Rene , Binder Brenda K. , Fredland Nina , Nava Angeles , Gilroy Heidi
Published: December 2015

Partner violence is associated with numerous negative consequences for victims, especially poor mental health. Children who are exposed to partner violence are more likely to have behavior problems. Nevertheless, research on the relationship between severity of abuse, maternal mental health functioning following partner violence, and child behavior problems is limited. We explored the direct and indirect effects on the child's behavioral functioning of severity of maternal abuse and maternal mental health functioning following abuse. A sample of 300 mothers was recruited when they sought assistance for abuse for the first time at shelters for abused women or at the district attorney's office. Severity of abuse, mothers’ mental health functioning, and child behavioral functioning were measured by maternal self‐report at entry into the study and 4 months later. In SEM analysis, at both entry and 4 months, severity of abuse had a direct effect on maternal mental health functioning, which in turn had a direct effect on child behavioral functioning. The path from severity of abuse to child behavioral functioning also was significant but became non‐ significant once maternal mental health functioning was added to the equation, indicating that the path from severity of abuse to child behavioral functioning was indirect and occurred as a result of the mother's mental health functioning, which remained directly linked to child behavioral problems. Intergenerational interventions are needed to address both maternal mental health and child behavioral functioning when a mother reports partner violence and is experiencing mental health problems. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Adipose tissue attenuation as a marker of adipose tissue quality: Associations with six‐year changes in body weight
Authors: Therkelsen Kate E. , Pedley Alison , Rosenquist Klara J. , Hoffmann Udo , Massaro Joseph M. , Murabito Joanne M. , Fox Caroline S.
Published: December 2015

Objective

Weight gain is associated with fat volume increases, but associations with fat quality are less well characterized The associations of weight change with visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) volume and attenuation were investigated.

Methods

Computed tomography abdominal scans were acquired on a Framingham Heart Study subset (N = 836; 40.2% women; mean age 45.7 years), a mean of 6.1 years apart. Fat attenuation estimated fat quality.

Results

Mean weight change was +2.0 (SD 6.8; IQR −0.7, 5.0) kg in women and +2.7 (SD 6.0; IQR −0.5, 5.4) kg in men. Per 2.5 kg weight increase in women, VAT volume increased 126 cm3 (95% CI, 112–140, p < 0.0001), SAT volume increased 258 cm3 (95% CI, 239–278, p < 0.0001), and fat attenuation decreased (i.e., fat quality worsened) in VAT and SAT (p < 0.0001). Increasing VAT volume was associated with decreasing fat attenuation even after accounting for weight change. Relative to weight‐stable women (n = 129), women who lost >2.5 kg (n = 58) had smaller SAT attenuation decreases (p < 0.0001). Similar patterns were seen in men.

Conclusions

Weight gain was associated with decreases in fat attenuation independent of VAT and SAT volume changes. These findings highlighted the associations of weight gain and worsening fat attenuation, suggesting fat attenuation may be dynamic.
Palliative Care as a Standard of Care in Pediatric Oncology
Authors: Weaver Meaghann S. , Heinze Katherine E. , Kelly Katherine P. , Wiener Lori , Casey Robert L. , Bell Cynthia J. , Wolfe Joanne , Garee Amy M. , Watson Anne , Hinds Pamela S.
Published: December 2015

The study team conducted a systematic review of pediatric and adolescent palliative cancer care literature from 1995 to 2015 using four databases to inform development of a palliative care psychosocial standard. A total of 209 papers were reviewed with inclusion of 73 papers for final synthesis. Revealed topics of urgent consideration include the following: symptom assessment and intervention, direct patient report, effective communication, and shared decision‐making. Standardization of palliative care assessments and interventions in pediatric oncology has the potential to foster improved quality of care across the cancer trajectory for children and adolescents with cancer and their family members. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bereavement Follow‐Up After the Death of a Child as a Standard of Care in Pediatric Oncology
Authors: Lichtenthal Wendy G. , Sweeney Corinne R. , Roberts Kailey E. , Corner Geoffrey W. , Donovan Leigh A. , Prigerson Holly G. , Wiener Lori
Published: December 2015

After a child's death to cancer, families commonly want continued connection with the healthcare team that cared for their child, yet bereavement follow‐up is often sporadic. A comprehensive literature search found that many bereaved parents experience poor psychological outcomes during bereavement and that parents want follow‐up and benefit from continued connection with their child's healthcare providers. Evidence suggests that the standard of care should consist of at least one meaningful contact between the healthcare team and bereaved parents to identify those at risk for negative psychosocial sequelae and to provide resources for bereavement support. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assessment of Financial Burden as a Standard of Care in Pediatric Oncology
Authors: Pelletier Wendy , Bona Kira
Published: December 2015

Family financial hardship has emerged as a burden of pediatric cancer treatment with negative implications for family well‐being. As part of an extensive project to create evidence‐based standards for the psychosocial care of children with cancer, we performed a literature review of pediatric cancer‐associated financial hardship utilizing six databases, and identified 24 publications for incorporation into this review. Financial hardship during childhood cancer was found to affect a significant proportion of the population and to negatively impact family well‐being. Existing literature supports a strong recommendation for assessment of financial hardship as a component of comprehensive psychosocial care in pediatric oncology. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Anticipatory Guidance and Psychoeducation as a Standard of Care in Pediatric Oncology
Authors: Thompson Amanda L. , Young‐Saleme Tammi K.
Published: December 2015

The aim of this review was to critically evaluate the literature on anticipatory guidance and psychoeducation for youth with cancer and their caregivers. Twenty‐one publications were identified. Overall, psychoeducation efforts and interventions were well‐liked and accepted by patients and caregivers, improved patient and family knowledge about childhood cancer, and increased patient's health locus of control. A number of modalities are effective in giving families anticipatory guidance, provided the content and delivery are matched to the needs and preferences of individual patients and caregivers. Evidence supports a strong recommendation for psychoeducation for youth with cancer and their families. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015; 9999:1–11 © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Academic Continuity and School Reentry Support as a Standard of Care in Pediatric Oncology
Authors: Thompson Amanda L. , Christiansen Heather L. , Elam Megan , Hoag Jennifer , Irwin Mary Kay , Pao Maryland , Voll Megan , Noll Robert B. , Kelly Katherine Patterson
Published: December 2015

Clinicians agree that return to school after diagnosis promotes the positive adjustment of children and adolescents with cancer; however, the school reentry process can present challenges. The aim of this review was to critically evaluate the literature on school reentry support for youth with cancer. Seventeen publications were identified. School reentry services were well‐received by families and educators; increased teacher and peer knowledge about childhood cancer; influenced peer and educator attitudes toward the patient; and improved communication and collaboration between patients/families, school, and the healthcare team. Evidence supports a strong recommendation for school reentry support for youth with cancer. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Providing Children and Adolescents Opportunities for Social Interaction as a Standard of Care in Pediatric Oncology
Authors: Christiansen Heather L. , Bingen Kristin , Hoag Jennifer A. , Karst Jeffrey S. , Velázquez‐Martin Blanca , Barakat Lamia P.
Published: December 2015

Experiences with peers constitute an important aspect of socialization, and children and adolescents with cancer may experience reduced social interaction due to treatment. A literature review was conducted to investigate the evidence to support a standard of care evaluating these experiences. Sixty‐four articles were reviewed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria. Moderate quality of evidence suggest that social interaction can be beneficial to increase knowledge, decrease isolation, and improve adjustment and constitute an important, unmet need. The evidence supports a strong recommendation for youth with cancer to be provided opportunities for social interaction following a careful assessment of their unique characteristics and preferences.
Structure‐function relationships of brazzein variants with altered interactions with the human sweet taste receptor
Authors: Singarapu Kiran K. , Tonelli Marco , Markley John L. , Assadi‐Porter Fariba M.
Published: December 2015

Brazzein (Brz) is a small (54 amino acid residue) sweet tasting protein with physical and taste properties superior to other non‐carbohydrate sweeteners. In an investigation of sequence‐dependent functional properties of the protein, we used NMR spectroscopy to determine the three‐dimensional structures and dynamic properties of two Brz variants: one with a single‐site substitution (D40K), which is three‐fold sweeter than wild‐type Brz, and one with a two‐residue insertion between residues 18 and 19 (ins18RI19), which is devoid of sweetness. Although the three‐dimensional folds of the two variants were very similar to wild‐type Brz, they exhibited local conformational and dynamic differences. The D40K substitution abolished the strong inter‐stand H‐bond between the side chains of residues Gln46 and Asp40 present in wild‐type Brz and increased the flexibility of the protein especially at the mutation site. This increased flexibility presumably allows this site to interact more strongly with the G‐protein coupled human sweet receptor. On the other hand, the Arg‐Ile insertion within Loop9–19 leads to distortion of this loop and stiffening of the adjacent site whose flexibility appears to be required for productive interaction with the sweet receptor.
A model with cosmological Bell inequalities
Authors: Maldacena Juan
Published: December 2015

We discuss the possibility of devising cosmological observables which violate Bell's inequalities. Such observables could be used to argue that cosmic scale features were produced by quantum mechanical effects in the very early universe. As a proof of principle, we propose a somewhat elaborate inflationary model where a Bell inequality violating observable can be constructed.
Japanese encephalitis virus invasion of cell: allies and alleys
Authors: Nain Minu , Abdin Malik Z. , Kalia Manjula , Vrati Sudhanshu
Published: December 2015

The mosquito‐borne flavivirus, Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), is the leading cause of virus‐induced encephalitis globally and a major public health concern of several countries in Southeast Asia, with the potential to become a global pathogen. The virus is neurotropic, and the disease ranges from mild fever to severe hemorrhagic and encephalitic manifestations and death. The early steps of the virus life cycle, binding, and entry into the cell are crucial determinants of infection and are potential targets for the development of antiviral therapies. JEV can infect multiple cell types; however, the key receptor molecule(s) still remains elusive. JEV also has the capacity to utilize multiple endocytic pathways for entry into cells of different lineages. This review not only gives a comprehensive update on what is known about the virus attachment and receptor system (allies) and the endocytic pathways (alleys) exploited by the virus to gain entry into the cell and establish infection but also discusses crucial unresolved issues. We also highlight common themes and key differences between JEV and other flaviviruses in these contexts. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recent Advances in TiO2‐Based Nanostructured Surfaces with Controllable Wettability and Adhesion
Authors: Lai Yuekun , Huang Jianying , Cui Zequn , Ge Mingzheng , Zhang Ke‐Qin , Chen Zhong , Chi Lifeng
Published: December 2015

Bioinspired surfaces with special wettability and adhesion have attracted great interest in both fundamental research and industry applications. Various kinds of special wetting surfaces have been constructed by adjusting the topographical structure and chemical composition. Here, recent progress of the artificial superhydrophobic surfaces with high contrast in solid/liquid adhesion has been reviewed, with a focus on the bioinspired construction and applications of one‐dimensional (1D) TiO2‐based surfaces. In addition, the significant applications related to artificial super‐wetting/antiwetting TiO2‐based structure surfaces with controllable adhesion are summarized, e.g., self‐cleaning, friction reduction, anti‐fogging/icing, microfluidic manipulation, fog/water collection, oil/water separation, anti‐bioadhesion, and micro‐templates for patterning. Finally, the current challenges and future prospects of this renascent and rapidly developing field, especially with regard to 1D TiO2‐based surfaces with special wettability and adhesion, are proposed and discussed.
Factors Influencing the Adoption of Systems Thinking in Primary and Secondary Schools in Switzerland
Authors: Kunz Patrick , Frischknecht‐Tobler Ursula , Bollmann‐Zuberbuehler Brigitte , Groesser Stefan N.
Published: December 2015

Systems thinking is well suited to complement widespread linear thinking in schools. However, previous studies showed that computer modelling can act as a barrier. Therefore, this study focuses on qualitative systems thinking and thus excludes computers as potential barriers. We analyzed factors influencing the implementation of systems thinking in K‐9 schools in Switzerland. In our design‐based research teachers participated in a standardized training followed by several months of implementation in the classroom. The results showed that teachers' ex ante knowledge of systems thinking was poor; however, this is not a barrier to integrate systems thinking in schools. Easy‐to‐access supporting material and motivational factors such as self‐efficacy and self‐determination proved to be important; however, above all, the attribution of significance by teachers is the most promising leverage to foster the adoption of systems thinking in classrooms. Although this may seem trivial, it offers new ways to disseminate systems thinking in schools. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experience with linking greenhouse gas emissions trading systems
Authors: Haites Erik
Published: December 2015

Two emissions trading systems (ETS) are linked if a participant in one system can use an allowance or a credit issued by either system for compliance. Linking ETS offers a number of potential benefits including, lower overall compliance cost, price protection, greater liquidity in the allowance market, and reduced emissions leakage. It is useful to distinguish: (a) A unilateral link—one ETS accepts the allowances of another ETS for compliance purposes, but not vice versa. Any link to an offset system, such as the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), is a unilateral link for the ETS that accepts those credits. (b) A bilateral link—each ETS accepts the allowances of the other ETS for compliance purposes. Another way to implement a bilateral link is to adopt a common compliance instrument. The European Union ETS (EU ETS) has a single compliance instrument—the EU allowance—that is used in all 31 participating countries. Several national and subnational jurisdictions have established an ETS for one or more greenhouse gases (GHGs). Some of these ETS also issue offset credits for GHG emission reductions achieved by specified sources. In addition, the international CDM and Joint Implementation (JI) mechanisms issue offset credits for GHG emission reductions. Most ETS have established unilateral links, mainly to the CDM and JI, but also to other ETS. Apart from the systems that are part of the EU ETS and Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) only one bilateral link, between the California and Quebec ETS, has been established. This study summarizes the experience with linking GHG ETS. WIREs Energy Environ 2016, 5:246–260. doi: 10.1002/wene.191

This article is categorized under:

Energy and Climate > Economics and Policy

Energy and Climate > Systems and Infrastructure

Energy Policy and Planning > Climate and Environment
Las preguntas de investigación en educación médica: ¿Recetas de cocina o jazz científico?
Authors: Sánchez-Mendiola Melchor
Published: December 2015

Las comunidades de profesores y académicos que tienen como campo de acción y de estudio la educación en ciencias de la salud se enfrentan (como en cualquier otra área del conocimiento) al complejo reto de hacer preguntas de investigación adecuadas y pertinentes para generar resultados originales que contribuyan de manera formal al acervo de conocimientos en las ciencias médicas y sociales.
The Development of Statistical Models for Predicting Surgical Site Infections in Japan: Toward a Statistical Model–Based Standardized Infection Ratio
Authors: Fukuda Haruhisa , Kuroki Manabu
Published: December 2015

OBJECTIVE

To develop and internally validate a surgical site infection (SSI) prediction model for Japan.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational cohort study.

METHODS

We analyzed surveillance data submitted to the Japan Nosocomial Infections Surveillance system for patients who had undergone target surgical procedures from January 1, 2010, through December 31, 2012. Logistic regression analyses were used to develop statistical models for predicting SSIs. An SSI prediction model was constructed for each of the procedure categories by statistically selecting the appropriate risk factors from among the collected surveillance data and determining their optimal categorization. Standard bootstrapping techniques were applied to assess potential overfitting. The C-index was used to compare the predictive performances of the new statistical models with those of models based on conventional risk index variables.

RESULTS

The study sample comprised 349,987 cases from 428 participant hospitals throughout Japan, and the overall SSI incidence was 7.0%. The C-indices of the new statistical models were significantly higher than those of the conventional risk index models in 21 (67.7%) of the 31 procedure categories (P<.05). No significant overfitting was detected.

CONCLUSIONS

Japan-specific SSI prediction models were shown to generally have higher accuracy than conventional risk index models. These new models may have applications in assessing hospital performance and identifying high-risk patients in specific procedure categories.

Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol. 2016;37(3):260–271