bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The importance of the superficial venous anatomy of the abdominal wall in planning a superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap: Case report and clinical study
Authors: Rozen Warren M , Chubb Daniel , Whitaker Iain S , Ashton Mark W
Published: April 2011

The importance of the venous drainage of the anterior abdominal wall to free tissue transfer in deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap surgery has been highlighted in several recent publications in this journal, however the same attention has not been given to superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flaps, in which the flap necessarily relies on the superficial venous drainage. We describe a unique case, in which the presence of two superficial inferior epigastric veins (SIEVs) draining into separate venous trunks was identified. The use of only one trunk led to a well‐demarcated zone of venous congestion. A clinical study was also conducted, assessing 200 hemiabdominal walls with preoperative computed tomographic angiography imaging. The presence of more than a single major SIEV trunk was present in 80 hemiabdominal walls (40% of overall sides). There was considerable variability in the source of drainage of the SIEV, draining variably into the deep inferior epigastric vein, the great saphenous vein, the saphenous bulb, a common trunk with the superficial circumflex iliac vein or a common trunk with a second branch of the SIEV. These findings highlight the considerable variation in the number of SIEV trunks as well as their source of regional drainage, and show the importance of consideration of such variation. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2011.
Lateral intercostal artery perforator flap used in salvage of exposed tissue expander of breast: Case report
Authors: Unal Cigdem , Gercek Huseyin , Yasar Emrah Kagan , Utkan Zafer
Published: April 2011

Management of an exposed tissue expander in breast reconstruction patients remains a challenging problem. For large defects that cannot be repaired primarily, local flap options are limited. In this case report, we describe the use of lateral intercostal artery perforator (LICAP) flap in salvage of an exposed tissue expander of a patient who had delayed immediate breast reconstruction after mastectomy. The postoperative recovery was uneventful and tissue expansion followed by radiotherapy was well tolerated by the flap. We believe this is the first article to describe the use of LICAP flap in salvage of an exposed tissue expander of the breast due to mastectomy flap necrosis in the early postoperative period. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2011.
A practical two‐term acceleration algorithm for linear systems
Authors: Wang Chuan‐Long , Meng Guo‐Yan
Published: April 2011

In this paper, a practical two‐term acceleration algorithm is proposed, the interval of the parameter which guarantees the convergence of the acceleration algorithm is analyzed in detail. Further, the acceleration ratio of the new acceleration algorithm is obtained in advance. The new acceleration algorithm is less sensitive to the parameter than the Chebyshev semi‐iterative method. Finally, some numerical examples show that the accelerated algorithm is effective. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A nonintrusive stochastic multiscale solver
Authors: Fish Jacob , Wu Wei
Published: April 2011

In this paper, we describe a practical nonintrusive multiscale solver that permits consideration of uncertainties in heterogeneous materials without exhausting the available computational resources. The computational complexity of analyzing heterogeneous material systems is governed by the physical and probability spaces at multiple scales. To deal with these large spaces, we employ reduced order homogenization approach in combination with the Karhunen–Loeve expansion and stochastic collocation method based on sparse grid. The resulting nonintrusive multiscale solver, which is aimed at providing practical solutions for complex multiscale stochastic problems, has been verified against the Latin Hypercube Monte–Carlo method. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reduced Paneth cell antimicrobial protein levels correlate with activation of the unfolded protein response in the gut of obese individuals
Authors: Hodin Caroline M , Verdam Froukje J , Grootjans Joep , Rensen Sander S , Verheyen Fons K , Dejong Cornelis HC , Buurman Wim A , Greve Jan Willem , Lenaerts Kaatje
Published: April 2011

The intestinal microbiota is increasingly acknowledged to play a crucial role in the development of obesity. A shift in intestinal microbiota composition favouring the presence of Firmicutes over Bacteroidetes has been observed in obese subjects. A similar shift has been reported in mice with deficiency of active Paneth cell α‐defensins. We aimed at investigating changes in Paneth cell antimicrobial levels in the gut of obese subjects. Next, we studied activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) as a possible mechanism involved in altered Paneth cell function. Paneth cell numbers were counted in jejunal sections of 15 severely obese (BMI > 35) and 15 normal weight subjects. Expression of Paneth cell antimicrobials human α‐defensin 5 (HD5) and lysozyme were investigated using immunohistochemistry, qPCR, and western blot. Activation of the UPR was assessed with western blot. Severely obese subjects showed decreased protein levels of both HD5 and lysozyme, while Paneth cell numbers were unchanged. Lysozyme protein levels correlated inversely with BMI. Increased expression of HD5 (DEFA5) and lysozyme (LYZ) transcripts in the intestine of obese subjects prompted us to investigate a possible translational block caused by UPR activation. Binding protein (BiP) and activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) levels were increased, confirming activation of the UPR in the gut of obese subjects. Furthermore, levels of both proteins correlated with BMI. Involvement of the UPR in the lowered antimicrobial protein levels in obese subjects was strongly suggested by a negative correlation between BiP levels and lysozyme levels. Additionally, indications of ER stress were apparent in Paneth cells of obese subjects. Our findings provide the first evidence for altered Paneth cell function in obesity, which may have important implications for the obesity‐associated shift in microbiota composition. In addition, we show activation of the UPR in the intestine of obese subjects, which may underlie the observed Paneth cell compromise. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cystogenic potential of CD133+ progenitor cells of human polycystic kidneys
Authors: Carvalhosa Raquel , Deambrosis Ilaria , Carrera Paola , Pasquino Chiara , Rigo Francesca , Ferrari Maurizio , Lasaponara Fedele , Ranghino Andrea , Biancone Luigi , Segoloni Giuseppe , Bussolati Benedetta , Camussi Giovanni
Published: April 2011

In autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, cysts arise focally and disrupt normal renal tissue leading to renal failure. In the present study, we show that cyst‐lining cells express the stem cell marker CD133. CD133+ progenitor cells isolated from polycystic kidney, carrying mutations of PKD genes, showed a dedifferentiated phenotype similar to CD133+ progenitor cells from normal kidney. However, these cells were more proliferative and presented a defective epithelial differentiation phenotype with respect to normal renal CD133+ cells as they were not able to express all tubular epithelial cell markers when cultured in epithelial differentiation medium. Polycystic CD133+ cells, in contrast to normal renal CD133+ cells, formed cysts in vitro in a three‐dimensional culture system and in vivo when injected subcutaneously within Matrigel in SCID mice. Rapamycin treatment reduced in vitro proliferation of polycystic CD133+ cells and decreased cystogenesis both in vitro and in vivo. The in vitro epithelial differentiation was only partially improved by rapamycin. These results indicate that polycystic CD133+ cells retain a dedifferentiated phenotype and the ability to generate cysts. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tid1, CHIP and ErbB2 interactions and their prognostic implications for breast cancer patients
Authors: Jan Chia‐Ing , Yu Cheng‐Chia , Hung Mien‐Chie , Harn Horng‐Jyr , Nieh Shin , Lee Herng‐Sheng , Lou Mary Ann , Wu Yi‐Chen , Chen Chi‐Yuan , Huang Chi‐Yang , Chen Fei‐Na , Lo Jeng‐Fan
Published: April 2011

ErbB2 (HER2/neu) is overexpressed in about 25–30% of breast malignancies, and up‐regulation of ErbB2 in breast cancer patients is associated with poor prognosis. It is known that the carboxyl terminus of heat shock cognate 70 interacting protein (CHIP) efficiently down‐regulates ErbB2 in vitro. Human tumourous imaginal disc 1 (Tid1, DnaJa3), a co‐chaperone of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), also suppresses ErbB2 expression in breast cancer cell lines. However, the intracellular interactions among Tid1, CHIP, and ErbB2 remain elusive, and the utilization of Tid1 and CHIP as breast cancer biomarkers has never been proposed. Herein, we analysed the expression and correlations among Tid1, CHIP, and ErbB2 in a total of 183 breast cancer histology sections, including 30 fresh tissue specimens, using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunoblotting assay. A computerized image analysis system was used for IHC scoring and determining relative immunoblot intensity. The immunohistochemical expression of Tid1 and CHIP were positively correlated with each other but were both inversely correlated to that of ErbB2. Odds ratio analyses showed that lower expression of Tid1 has a relatively higher risk of unfavourable tumour grade, later pathological stage, larger tumour size, and microscopic features of a more malignant histology including lymphovascular invasion, stromal inflammatory response, and tumour necrosis. Expression of CHIP displayed similar characteristics. Furthermore, expression of Tid1 and/or CHIP increases patients' 10‐year overall and disease‐free survival rate. Empirically, we also demonstrated that Tid1, CHIP, and ErbB2 interacted with each other through immunofluorescence or co‐immunoprecipitation analyses. Functionally, Tid1 and CHIP acted synergistically to degrade ErbB2 in vitro. Conversely, Tid1 cannot compensate for the loss of proteolytic function noted in CHIP mutations for degradation of ErbB2. Overall, our data suggest that Tid1 and CHIP play pivotal roles in affecting the levels of ErbB2 protein, and that both are significant prognostic indicators of breast cancer patient survival. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Leukemic mutations in the methylation‐associated genes DNMT3A and IDH2 are rare events in pediatric AML: A report from the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Ho Phoenix A. , Kutny Matthew A. , Alonzo Todd A. , Gerbing Robert B. , Joaquin Jason , Raimondi Susana C. , Gamis Alan S. , Meshinchi Soheil
Published: April 2011

Background

Mutations in the DNMT3A, TET2, IDH1, and IDH2 genes carry prognostic significance and occur frequently in adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Leukemic mutations in all four genes have recently been implicated in aberrant DNA methylation, a hallmark of neoplasia. We previously reported that IDH1 mutations were absent, whereas TET2 mutations were present in 6%, of pediatric AML patients; in the present study, we determined the prevalence of DNMT3A and IDH2 mutations in pediatric AML.

Methods

We screened for DNMT3A and IDH2 mutations by direct sequencing of diagnostic specimens from 180 children treated on the Children's Oncology Group clinical trial AAML03P1. Clinical characteristics, the presence of other leukemic mutations, and survival outcome was determined for mutation‐positive patients.

Results

No disease‐associated DNMT3A mutations were detected. IDH2 mutations were detected in 4/180 patients (2.2%), affecting codons R140 (n = 3) and R172 (n = 1). Two patients with IDH2 mutations harbored t(8;21), one patient harbored an MLL translocation, and one patient had a concomitant NPM1 mutation. FLT3, CEBPA, and WT1 mutations did not occur together with IDH2 mutations in our study.

Conclusion

DNMT3A and IDH2 mutations are uncommon in pediatric AML. The low prevalence of methylation‐associated mutations in our study highlights the differences in the pathogenesis of pediatric versus adult AML, at the genetic as well as potentially at the epigenetic level. The age‐specific characteristics of AML underscore the importance of studying the molecular biology of both childhood and adult forms of this leukemia in parallel, as the development of novel therapeutics should account for these biologic differences. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011; 57: 204–209. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Constructing the metabolic and regulatory pathways in germinating rice seeds through proteomic approach
Authors: He Dongli , Han Chao , Yao Jialing , Shen Shihua , Yang Pingfang
Published: April 2011

Construction of metabolic and regulatory pathways from proteomic data can contextualize the large‐scale data within the overall physiological scheme of an organism. It is an efficient way to predict metabolic phenotype or regulatory style. We did protein profiling in the germinating rice seeds through 1‐DE via LC MS/MS proteomic shotgun strategy. In total, 673 proteins were identified, and could be sorted into 14 functional groups. The largest group was metabolism related. The metabolic proteins were integrated into different metabolic pathways to show the style of reserves mobilization and precursor preparation during the germination. Analysis of the regulatory proteins indicated that regulation of redox homeostasis and gene expression also play important roles for the rice seed germination. Although transcription is unnecessary for the germination, it could ensure the rapidity and uniformity of germination. On the contrary, translation with the stored mRNA is required for the germination. This study will help us to further understand the metabolic style, regulation of redox homeostasis, and gene expression during rice seed germination.
Using 2‐DE for the differentiation of local chicken breeds
Authors: Zanetti Enrico , Molette Caroline , Chambon Christophe , Pinguet Jeremy , Rémignon Hervé , Cassandro Martino
Published: April 2011

The aim of this study was to apply a proteomic approach for the characterisation of local chicken breeds. The experiment involved a total of 29 males of three local Italian chicken breeds: Pépoi, Padovana and Ermellinata di Rovigo. Sarcoplasmic protein fractions of breast muscle were analysed by 2‐DE. Image analysis followed by statistical analysis enabled to differentiate groups of individuals based on the similarities of protein expression. Individuals were distinguished into clusters and groups, corresponding to the breed of origin. Distances among individuals, calculated using data on spot volumes, were used to draw a neighbour‐joining tree, showing clear individual and breed grouping. The most relevant spots regarding breed differentiation were detected; 11 were identified by MS revealing preliminary evidences on the mechanisms of the breed differentiation process. The results evidenced the ability of proteomic analyses for the characterisation of chicken breeds.
ProteoConnections: A bioinformatics platform to facilitate proteome and phosphoproteome analyses
Authors: Courcelles Mathieu , Lemieux Sébastien , Voisin Laure , Meloche Sylvain , Thibault Pierre
Published: April 2011

Novel and improved computational tools are required to transform large‐scale proteomics data into valuable information of biological relevance. To this end, we developed ProteoConnections, a bioinformatics platform tailored to address the pressing needs of proteomics analyses. The primary focus of this platform is to organize peptide and protein identifications, evaluate the quality of the acquired data set, profile abundance changes, and accelerate data interpretation. Peptide and protein identifications are stored into a relational database to facilitate data mining and to evaluate the quality of data sets using graphical reports. We integrated databases of known PTMs and other bioinformatics tools to facilitate the analysis of phosphoproteomics data sets and to provide insights for subsequent biological validation experiments. Phosphorylation sites are also annotated according to kinase consensus motifs, contextual environment, protein domains, binding motifs, and evolutionary conservation across different species. The practical application of ProteoConnections is further demonstrated for the analysis of the phosphoproteomics data sets from rat intestinal IEC‐6 cells where we identified 9615 phosphorylation sites on 2108 phosphoproteins. Combined proteomics and bioinformatics analyses revealed valuable biological insights on the regulation of phosphoprotein functions via the introduction of new binding sites on scaffold proteins or the modulation of protein–protein, protein–DNA, or protein–RNA interactions. Quantitative proteomics data can be integrated into ProteoConnections to determine the changes in protein phosphorylation under different cell stimulation conditions or kinase inhibitors, as demonstrated here for the MEK inhibitor PD184352.
Mechanistic study on Mo(CO)6‐catalyzed intramolecular [2 + 2] or [2 + 2 + 1] cycloaddition reaction of 5‐allenyl‐1‐ynes
Authors: Meng Qingxi , Li Ming
Published: April 2011

By means of density functional theory, the Mo(CO)6‐catalyzed intramolecular [2 + 2] or [2 + 2 + 1] cycloaddition reaction of 5‐allenyl‐1‐ynes was investigated. All the intermediates and transition states were optimized completely at B3LYP/6‐311++G(d,p) level (LANL2DZ(f) for Mo). Calculations indicate that the complexation of 5‐allenyl‐1‐ynes with Mo(CO)6 occurred preferentially at the triple bond to give the complex M1 and then the complexation with the distal double bond of the allenes generates the complex M5. In this reaction, Mo(CO)6‐catalyzed intramolecular [2 + 2] cycloaddition is more favorable than [2 + 2 + 1] cycloaddition. The reaction pathway Mo(CO)6 + R → M5 → T7 → M12 → M13 → T11 → M18 → P4 is the most favorable one, and the most dominant product predicted theoretically is P4. The solvation effect is remarkable, and it decreases the reaction energy barriers. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐pressure phase transitions in NaBH4 from first‐principles calculations
Authors: Zhu Chunye , Liu Yanhui , Tian Fubo , Cui Tian
Published: April 2011

We present a study on NaBH4 under high pressure by using the ab initio pseudopotential plane‐wave method. The calculations show that a structural phase transition takes place at 10.91 GPa from the β‐NaBH4 structure (tetragonal‐$P{\bar {4}}{\rm 2}_{{\rm 1}} c$) to the γ‐NaBH4 structure (orthorhombic‐Pnma). Band‐structure calculation reveals that the two phases show an insulator behaviour with a finite energy gap. There is no pressure‐induced softening behaviour from our calculated phonon dispersion curves near the phase transition pressure. We also characterize charge transfer and Mulliken population analyses of these structures. The Mulliken population analyses indicate that the β‐NaBH4 phase is expected to be the most promising candidate for hydrogen storage.
High‐pressure Raman study on CeO2 nanospheres self‐assembled by 5 nm CeO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Liu Bo , Liu Bingbing , Li Quanjun , Li Zepeng , Yao Mingguang , Liu Ran , Zou Xu , Lv Hang , Wu Wei , Cui Wen , Liu Zhaodong , Li Dongmei , Zou Bo , Cui Tian , Zou Guangtian
Published: April 2011

CeO2 undergoes a first‐order phase transition from fluorite to α‐PbCl2‐type structure under high pressure. To evaluate the changes in physical properties of CeO2 nanomaterials as the particle size decreasing, high‐pressure Raman study under quasi‐hydrostatic condition has been performed on CeO2 nanospheres self‐assembled by 5 nm CeO2 nanoparticles at room temperature. Surprisingly, as the pressure elevate to 34 GPa, the CeO2 nanospheres still retain the cubic fluorite‐type structure, indicating the sample is more stable than the bulk counterpart. Whereas, previous high‐pressure studies show the phase transition at 22.3/26.5 GPa for 12 nm CeO2 nanoparticles, which is less stable than the bulk materials. The enhancement of phase stability might be attributed to the increase of surface energy of CeO2 nanospheres as the size of the building units decrease.
Rayleigh–ritz method for excited quantum states via nonlinear variations without constraints: Role of supersymmetry
Authors: Mukherjee Neetik , Bhattacharyya Kamal
Published: April 2011

Quantum mechanical variation principle in the form of energy minimization is applicable only to ground states of systems, or, at best, states of lowest energies of given symmetries, provided the symmetry information is embedded in chosen trial functions. Thus, for bound quantum states with specified choices of trial functions involving nonlinear parameters, scope of the principle is severely restricted. A pedagogic way out is to enforce exact orthogonality of the chosen function with all exact lower energy states. In actual practice, this limits one to opt for linear variations where upper bound to each state is obtained in a single run. In this work, the motivation is to explore if there exists at all a way to determine optimized wave functions and energies for excited states via nonlinear variations but without any constraints, even for simple systems. Realizing that the major problem in excited‐state nonlinear variations is concerned with the variations of nodal positions, at least for problems reducible to one dimension, we seek a route via which nodes could be fixed beforehand, so that the information gained may be subsequently utilized to construct a suitable nonlinear trial function and carry out a straightforward optimization. To achieve this end, the idea of supersymmetric quantum mechanics has been used quite profitably, yielding the nodal structure of the excited states. Workability of the strategy for several excited‐state wave functions and their properties is demonstrated by choosing the problems of spherical Stark effect on hydrogen atom and anharmonic oscillator. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2012
Theoretical study on the reaction of the phenoxy radical with O2, OH, and NO2
Authors: Batiha Marwan , Al‐Muhtaseb Ala'a H. , Altarawneh Mohammednoor
Published: April 2011

Unlike the chemistry underlying the self‐coupling of phenoxy (C6H5O) radicals, there are very limited kinetics data at elevated temperatures for the reaction of the phenoxy radical with other species. In this study, we investigate the addition reactions of O2, OH, and NO2 to the phenoxy radical. The formation of a phenoxy‐peroxy is found to be very slow with a rate constant fitted to k = 1.31 × 10−20T2.49 exp (−9300/T) cm3/mol/s in the temperature range of (298–2,000 K) where the addition occurs predominantly at the ortho site. Our rate constant is in line with the consensus of opinions in the literature pointing to the observation of no discernible reaction between the oxygen molecule and the resonance‐stabilized phenoxy radical. Addition of OH at the ortho and para sites of the phenoxy radical is found to afford adducts with sizable well depths of 59.8 and 56.0 kcal/mol, respectively. The phenoxy‐NO2 bonds are found to be among the weakest known phenoxy‐radical bonds (1.7–8.7 kcal/mol). OH‐ and O2‐initiated mechanisms for the degradation of atmospheric phenoxy appear to be negligible and the fate of atmospheric phenoxy is found to be controlled by its reaction with NO2. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
A theoretical study on the reaction mechanisms of O(3P)+1‐butene
Authors: Zhao Hongmei , Pan Lu , Bian Wensheng
Published: April 2011

The reaction of O(3P) with 1‐butene (CH3CH2CHCH2) are examined by applying the UMP2 and G3 methods. The minimum energy crossing points (MECPs) between the singlet and triplet potential energy surfaces are located using the Newton‐Lagrange method, and it is shown that the MECPs play a key role in the reaction mechanisms. The complex reaction mechanisms are revealed for both adiabatic and nonadiabatic reaction channels, and the observations in several recent experiments can be rationalized based upon the present calculations. The calculational results indicate that the site selectivity of the addition of O(3P) to either carbon atom of the double bond of 1‐butene is not remarkable. In addition, the formation mechanisms of butenols are discussed. The butenols can be created not only by the keto‐enol tautomerization, but also by the rearrangement and decomposition reaction involving the epoxy compound. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
Mixtures of multiple testing procedures for gatekeeping applications in clinical trials
Authors: Dmitrienko Alex , Tamhane Ajit C.
Published: April 2011

This paper proposes a general framework for constructing gatekeeping procedures for clinical trials with hierarchical objectives. Such problems frequently exhibit complex structures including multiple families of hypotheses and logical restrictions. The proposed framework is based on combining multiple procedures across families. It enables the construction of powerful and flexible gatekeeping procedures that account for general logical restrictions among the hypotheses of interest. A clinical trial in patients with schizophrenia is used to illustrate the approach for parallel gatekeeping, whereas another clinical trial in patients with hypertension is used to illustrate the approach for gatekeeping with general logical restrictions. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cutoff designs for community‐based intervention studies
Authors: Pennell, Michael L. , Hade, Erinn M. , Murray David M. , Rhoda Dale A.
Published: April 2011

Public health interventions are often designed to target communities defined either geographically (e.g. cities, counties) or socially (e.g. schools or workplaces). The group randomized trial (GRT) is regarded as the gold standard for evaluating these interventions. However, community leaders may object to randomization as some groups may be denied a potentially beneficial intervention. Under a regression discontinuity design (RDD), individuals may be assigned to treatment based on the levels of a pretest measure, thereby allowing those most in need of the treatment to receive it. In this article, we consider analysis, power, and sample size issues in applying the RDD and related cutoff designs in community‐based intervention studies. We examine the power of these designs as a function of intraclass correlation, number of groups, and number of members per group and compare results to the traditional GRT. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical analysis
Authors: Brandimarte Paolo
Published: April 2011

In this article, we touch on a few selected topics illustrating the interplay between computational statistics and numerical analysis. Rather than briefly reviewing a long array of methods, on one hand we place emphasis on problems, such as stochastic optimization, which require the joint application of several techniques; on the other hand, we stress a few recurring themes such as conditioning, numerical stability, convergence, and different discretization approaches that are at the root of many numerical methods. Then, we examine some forms of function approximation, the solution of algebraic and functional equations, and numerical quadrature. In particular, we outline some possibly less familiar topics, such as homotopy continuation and collocation methods.WIREs Comp Stat2011 3 434–449 DOI: 10.1002/wics.172

This article is categorized under:

Algorithms and Computational Methods > Dynamic Programming

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC)

Algorithms and Computational Methods > Numerical Methods
Breast and Ovarian Cancer: The Forgotten Paternal Contribution
Authors: McCuaig Jeanna M. , Greenwood Celia M. T. , Shuman Cheryl , Chitayat David , Murphy K. Joan , Rosen Barry , Armel Susan Randall
Published: April 2011

Five to 10% of all cases of breast and ovarian cancer are attributed to a heritable genetic predisposition. Transmission of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations is equally likely through maternal or paternal lineage; however, fewer referrals to cancer genetics clinics appear to be made for a paternal, than maternal, family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer. To examine this potential bias, a retrospective review of 315 patient and family charts was conducted by one familial cancer clinic in Toronto, Canada. Referral letters, risk estimates, and family histories were analyzed to identify significant differences between patients referred with maternal and paternal family histories. It was determined that patients are approximately five times more likely to be referred with a maternal family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer as compared to those with a paternal family history (p = <.0001). Individuals with a paternal family history were found to have a different, and higher, pattern of risk estimates (p = .00064). No significant difference was seen between the type of referrals sent by general practitioners, oncologists, and gynecologists. Recommendations to increase the awareness of paternal family history in assessing cancer risk are provided.
Effect of Dehulling Treatment on the Oxidative Stability of Cold‐Pressed Low Erucic Acid Rapeseed Oil
Authors: Yang Mei , Liu Changsheng , Huang Fenghong , Zheng Chang , Zhou Qi
Published: April 2011

This study compared the oxidative stability of cold‐pressed rapeseed oil (CPRO) and dehulled cold‐pressed rapeseed oil (DCPRO) in the dark at 60 °C and monitored the evolution of minor constituents (tocopherols, phytosterols, phenolics). The results showed that dehulling significantly influenced the oxidative stability of the oils, the DCPRO was more easily oxidized. During the autoxidation, the peroxide value (PV) and anisidine value (p‐AV) of the DCPRO ranged from 2.38 to 95.97 mequiv O2 kg−1 and from 1.20 to 30.75, whereas those of the CPRO ranged from 3.80 to 46.17 mequiv O2 kg−1and from 2.69 to 14.87, respectively. Dehulling affected the contents and the rates of decrease of tocopherols and phytosterols of the cold‐pressed oils, and the rates of decrease of tocopherols and phytosterols of the CPRO were lower than those of the DCPRO (10% less, on average). The rancimat induction periods (IPs) were positively correlated with the concentrations of the total tocopherols (For DCPRO, R2 = 0.9622, For CPRO, R2 = 0.8334). The total phenolics contents as determined by spectrophotometry first increased and then decreased. Tocopherols and phytosterols had a greater effect on oxidative stability of the rapeseed oils during the first 30 days, and phenolics had a greater effect in the 30–40 day period.
Towards Sustainable Traumatic Brain Injury Care Systems: Healthcare Leadership Imperatives in Canada
Authors: Caro Denis
Published: April 2011

Traumatic brain injuries pose strategic population health challenges in the face of burgeoning clinical demands that continue to tax capital, financial, and social resource capacities. The sustainability of traumatic brain injury care systems depends on paradigmatic shifts in healthcare leadership thinking. In quest for high-performance care and sustained quality of life for traumatic brain injury patients, this article presents a unique paradigm of seven care performance layers and seven health leadership imperatives that together form the paradigm for the systemic sustainability of TBI care systems of the future.
Implementation of an Integrated Peri-Operative Quality Management Program at the Ottawa Hospital
Authors: Schramm David R. , Worthington Jim R. , Kitts Jack B.
Published: April 2011

The 2004 Canadian Adverse Events Study estimated up to 23,750 potentially preventable in-hospital deaths occur annually; 51.4% of adverse events occurred with surgical care delivery. An integrated peri-operative quality management program has been implemented at The Ottawa Hospital using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP). Using root cause analysis within a Plan-Do-Study-Act process improvement cycle, NSQIP will lead to improved peri-operative outcomes at the largest Canadian academic healthcare organization.
A Process Improvement Strategy for Patient Safety
Authors: Lees Martin , Chapman Patty , Dickson Spencer
Published: April 2011

Most change processes fail. Success requires a systematic approach based on the best practices performed within a setting of significant commitment by the organization and its leaders and staff. The Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) framework for improvement was used along with cascading organization-wide performance indicators with specific targets and the implementation of performance reporting. This approach successfully improved the two patient safety practices of acute myocardial infarction and medication reconciliation.
Building Physician Capacity for Transformational Leadership
Authors: Vimr Mark A. , Thompson Gail G.
Published: April 2011

Hospital physicians often have little formal preparation for leadership roles. The St. Joseph's Health Centre program for physician leaders includes a competency profile, personal development plans, self-directed reflective learning, and action learning groups to work on current challenges. The program, developed with the participation of physicians, is intended to promote a culture that recognizes and supports physicians' contribution to hospital leadership and in which medical staff and hospital administrators work collaboratively and share accountability.
Une stratégie d'amélioration des processus pour la sécurité des patients
Authors: Lees Martin , Chapman Patty , Dickson Spencer
Published: April 2011

La plupart des processus de changement échouent. Pour qu'ils réussissent, il faut adopter une démarche systématique fondée sur les pratiques exemplaires exécutées dans un esprit de total engagement de la part de l'organisation, de ses leaders et de son personnel. Les auteurs ont utilisé le cadre d'amélioration de l' Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), conjointement avec des indicateurs de rendement en cascade de toute l'organisation dotés de cibles précises et avec la mise en œuvre de rapports sur le rendement. Cette démarche a permis d'améliorer deux pratiques relatives à la sécurité des patients: l'infarctus aigu du myocarde et le bilan comparatif des médicaments.
La prise de décision fondée sur des données probantes en santé publique
Authors: Ward Megan
Published: April 2011

On a créé un processus pour appliquer systématiquement la recherche aux décisions de santé publique dans une grande organisation de santé publique du Canada. Ce processus en neuf étapes est soutenu par des outils et une formation pour accéder à la recherche, l'évaluer et l'appliquer. Il a été mis en œuvre dans l'ensemble de l'organisation selon les principes de la théorie de gestion du changement élaborée par Kotter et Cohen.
Créer une culture de prise de décision fondée sur des données probantes dans la collectivité
Authors: Peach Lindsay Campbell , Rankin Elaine
Published: April 2011

Les pressions budgétaires croissantes exercées sur les services de santé provinciaux et locaux obligent à prendre des décisions difficiles. Même si on peut souvent recourir à la prise de décision fondée sur des données probantes pour parvenir à des décisions, la notion de ce type de prise de décision est limitée dans le processus de pratique des bureaux des médecins traitants, en soins primaires, en soins de longue durée et en soins continus. Dans le milieu de la santé, de nombreuses données sont colligées, mais seul un faible pourcentage est utilisé de manière significative. Le programme de Formation en utilisation de la recherche pour cadres qui exercent dans la santé (FORCES) vise non seulement à aider les directeurs de soins de santé à acquérir des compétences nécessaires, mais également à ouvrir la voie à des changements culturels au sein du système de santé canadien. L'article contient trois brefs exemples dans lesquels un vice-président et un administrateur ayant suivi le programme FORCES ont commencé à explorer et à utiliser les données pour susciter le changement dans la collectivité.
La mise en œuvre d'un programme intégré de gestion de la qualité périopératoire à L'Hôpital d'Ottawa
Authors: Schramm David R. , Worthington Jim R. , Kitts Jack B.
Published: April 2011

Selon l'Étude canadienne de 2004 sur les événements indésirables, jusqu'à 23 750 décàs hospitaliers potentiellement évitables se produisent chaque année. Ainsi, 51,4 % des événements indésirables se sont produits lors de la prestation de soins chirurgicaux. L'Hôpital d'Ottawa a adopté un programme intégré de gestion de la qualité périopératoire inspiré du programme national d'amélioration de la qualité chirurgicale (NSQIP) de l'American College of Surgeons. Au moyen d'une analyse par arbre des causes fondamentales intégrée à un cycle d'amélioration par processus planifier-faire-etudier-agir, le NSQIP entraînera une amélioration des issues postopératoires au sein de la plus grande organisation universitaire de santé au Canada.
Determinants of perinatal mortality in Nigeria
Authors: Fawole Adeniran O. , Shah Archana , Tongo Olukemi , Dara Kabir , El‐Ladan Aliyu M. , Umezulike Augustine C. , Alu Frank E. , Eniayewun Ademuyiwa B. , Fabanwo Adetokunbo O. , Adewunmi Adeniyi A. , Adegbola Omololu , Adebayo Amos A. , Obaitan Felix O. , Onala Olanrewaju E. , Usman Yalwa , Sullayman Abdulkareem O. , Kailani Sikiratu , Sa'id Mohammed
Published: April 2011

Objective

To determine risk factors for perinatal mortality among hospital‐based deliveries in Nigeria.

Methods

The WHO Global Maternal and Perinatal Health Survey was implemented in Nigeria as a first step in establishing a global system for monitoring maternal and perinatal health. Twenty‐one health facilities with more than 1000 deliveries annually were selected by a stratified multistage cluster sampling strategy. Information was recorded on all women who delivered and their neonates within a 3‐month period.

Results

Overall, there were 9208 deliveries, comprising 8526 live births, 369 fresh stillbirths, 282 macerated stillbirths, 70 early neonatal deaths, and 721 perinatal deaths. The stillbirth and perinatal mortality rates were, respectively, 71 and 78 per 1000 deliveries; the early neonatal death rate was 8 per 1000 live births. Approximately 10% of all newborns weighed less than 2500 g, and 12.3% were born at less than 37 weeks of gestation. Predictors of perinatal mortality were mother's age, lack of prenatal care, unbooked status, prematurity, and birth asphyxia.

Conclusion

The perinatal mortality rate remains unacceptably high in Nigeria. Fresh stillbirth accounted for most perinatal deaths. Interventions to improve the utilization and quality of prenatal care, in addition to the quality of intrapartum care, would considerably reduce perinatal death.
Epidemiologie - was fällt auf? Unterschiede in der Gesundheit von Frauen und Männern
Authors: Hagen Christine , Starker Anne
Published: April 2011

Einleitung

Das Geschlecht gilt als zentrale Kategorie, die Gesundheit und Krankheit, das gesundheitsrelevante Verhalten sowie die Inanspruchnahme von Versorgungsleistungen beeinflusst. Der Beitrag gibt einen Überblick über die geschlechtsspezifischen Unterschiede hinsichtlich Lebenserwartung, Mortalität und Morbidität und verweist darauf, dass diese in erster Linie auf gesundheitsbezogene Verhaltensunterschiede sowie unterschiedliche Lebensbedingungen zwischen Männern und Frauen zurückzuführen sind.
Asymmetrien in den Gesundheitsberufen: Männer- oder Frauendömane?
Authors: Pundt Johanne , Drees Lena
Published: April 2011

Einleitung

Wie zeigen sich die geschlechtsspezifischen Berufsbilder in der Gesundheitsbranche - eine der bedeutendsten Wirtschaftszweige mit 4,6 Mio. Mitarbeitern - ? Was hat sich unter dem geschlechtsspezifischen Blickwinkel in den letzten Jahren entwickelt, welche Trends existieren und wo gibt es dringenden Handlungsbedarf? Bei aller Diskussion um Gender Mainstreaming und Geschlechtersensibilisierung steht fest, dass das Gesundheitswesen personell betrachtet nach wie vor eine weibliche Domäne ist. Die typischen Frauenberufe besetzen hier 74%, die Präsenz innerhalb der Gesundheitsdienstberufe liegt sogar bei 80% und hat sich im Vergleich zur Gesamtwirtschaft fast verdoppelt.
The importance of failure theories in assessing crisis management: The Columbia space shuttle disaster revisited
Authors: Boin Arjen , Fishbacher-Smith Denis
Published: April 2011

An adequate assessment of crisis management failure (and success) requires a validated causal theory. Without such a theory, any assessment of crisis management performance amounts to little more than a “just so” story. This is the key argument of this paper, which describes how hindsight biases and selective use of social science theory gave rise to a suggestive and convincing – but not necessarily correct – assessment of NASA's role in the Columbia space shuttle disaster (1 February 2003). The Columbia Accident Investigation Board (CAIB) identified NASA's organizational culture and safety system as a primary source of failure. The CAIB report reads as a stunning indictment of organizational incompetence: the organization that thrilled the world with the Apollo project had “lost” its safety culture and failed to prevent a preventable disaster. This paper examines the CAIB findings in light of the two dominant theoretical schools that address organizational disasters (normal accident and high reliability theory). It revisits the Columbia shuttle disaster and concludes that the CAIB findings do not sit well with the insights of these schools.
Like birds of a feather: the cultural origins of Iberian geological cooperation and the European Geological Map of 1896
Authors: CATALÁ-GORGUES JESÚS , CARNEIRO ANA
Published: April 2011

This paper focuses on the relationships between Spanish and Portuguese geologists during the second half of the nineteenth century, and their cooperation in Iberian and European scientific projects, with particular emphasis on the geological map of Europe, whose publication, in 1896, was a symbolic demonstration of Prussia's capacity to dominate the whole continent. We argue that the period from 1857 to 1896 defined a cycle in the relationships between Spanish and Portuguese geologists marked by common generational aspirations, converging intellectual pursuits and political and ideological affinities associated with the intellectual and political movements which stirred the cultural and political life of both Iberian countries. At a time when the unification of Iberia was being discussed on both sides of the Spanish–Portuguese border, this background favoured and shaped cooperation between the Spanish and Portuguese Geological Surveys, in particular their participation in the geological map of Europe, which, nevertheless, coincided with the end of this cycle in Iberian geology.
An integrativein vitroapproach to analyse digestion of wheat polysaccharides and the effect of enzyme supplementation
Authors: Lafond Mickaël , Bouza Bernard , Eyrichine Sandrine , Bonnin Estelle , Crost Emmanuelle H. , Geraert Pierre-André , Giardina Thierry , Ajandouz El Hassan
Published: April 2011

The digestion of polysaccharides from the wheat cultivars Caphorn and Isengrain was investigated, and the efficiency of an enzyme preparation was tested using the TNO gastrointestinal model (TIM-1). The apparent digestibility (AD) of carbohydrates was determined based on the measurement of organic matter (OM), total monosaccharides, reducing ends (RE) and end products (EP: glucose, maltose and xylobiose). The AD of the OM from Caphorn and Isengrain measured using caecectomised cockerels did not differ from that measured using TIM-1: 72·0 (sd2·6)v.70·6 (sd0·6) % for Caphorn (P = 0·580) and 73·0 (sd2·3)v.71·1 (sd1·9) % for Isengrain (P = 0·252). After the 6 h TIM-1 digestion, 41·4–58·9 % of the OM, RE and EP were recovered from the jejunal compartment and 18·3–27·1 % from the ileal compartment, while ileal deliveries and digestive residues constituted the remainder. A commercial enzyme cocktail tested at 0·2 μl/g of wheat improved TIM-1 digestibility of Caphorn and Isengrain polysaccharides: 3·9 % (P = 0·0203) and 3·4 % (P = 0·0058) based on the OM; 9·7 % (P < 0·0001) and 3·1 % (P = 0·031) based on the total glucose; 47·2 % (P < 0·0001) and 14·2 % (P = 0·0004) based on the RE, respectively. The enzyme cocktail improved the release of the EP for Caphorn (3·8 %,P = 0·008) but not for Isengrain ( − 0·8 %,P = 0·561). The higher efficiency of the enzyme supplementation on the digestion of Caphorn polysaccharides compared with Isengrain seems to be linked to the higher soluble carbohydrate contents and/or less ramified arabinoxylan of Caphorn.
Cinnamaldehyde enhances in vitro parameters of immunity and reduces in vivo infection against avian coccidiosis
Authors: Lee Sung Hyen , Lillehoj Hyun S. , Jang Seung I. , Lee Kyung Woo , Park Myeong Seon , Bravo David , Lillehoj Erik P.
Published: April 2011

The effects of cinnamaldehyde (CINN) on in vitro parameters of immunity and in vivo protection against avian coccidiosis were evaluated. In vitro stimulation of chicken spleen lymphocytes with CINN (25–400 ng/ml) induced greater cell proliferation compared with the medium control (P < 0·001). CINN activated cultured macrophages to produce higher levels of NO at 1·2–5·0 μg/ml (P < 0·001), inhibited the growth of chicken tumour cells at 0·6–2·5 μg/ml (P < 0·001) and reduced the viability of Eimeriatenella parasites at 10 and 100 μg/ml (P < 0·05 and P < 0·001, respectively), compared with media controls. In chickens fed a diet supplemented with CINN at 14·4 mg/kg, the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-15 and interferon-γ transcripts in intestinal lymphocytes were 2- to 47-fold higher (P < 0·001) compared with chickens given a non-supplemented diet. To determine the effect of CINN diets on avian coccidiosis, chickens were fed diets supplemented with CINN at 14·4 mg/kg (E. maxima or E. tenella) or 125 mg/kg (E. acervulina) from hatch for 24 d, and orally infected with 2·0 × 104 sporulated oocysts at age 14 d. CINN-fed chickens showed 16·5 and 41·6 % increased body-weight gains between 0–9 d post-infection (DPI) with E. acervulina or E. maxima, reduced E. acervulina oocyst shedding between 5–9 DPI and increased E. tenella-stimulated parasite antibody responses at 9 DPI compared with controls.
Fatty acid intakes of children and adolescents are not in line with the dietary intake recommendations for future cardiovascular health: a systematic review of dietary intake data from thirty countries
Authors: Harika Rajwinder K. , Cosgrove Maeve C. , Osendarp Saskia J. M. , Verhoef Petra , Zock Peter L.
Published: April 2011

Fatty acid composition of the diet may influence cardiovascular risk from early childhood onwards. The objective of the present study was to perform a systematic review of dietary fat and fatty acid intakes in children and adolescents from different countries around the world and compare these with the population nutrient intake goals for prevention of chronic diseases as defined by the WHO (2003). Data on fat and fatty acid intake were mainly collected from national dietary surveys and from population studies all published during or after 1995. These were identified by searching PubMed, and through nutritionists at local Unilever offices in different countries. Fatty acid intake data from thirty countries mainly from developed countries were included. In twenty-eight of the thirty countries, mean SFA intakes were higher than the recommended maximum of 10 % energy, whereas in twenty-one out of thirty countries mean PUFA intakes were below recommended (6–10 % energy). More and better intake data are needed, in particular for developing regions of the world, and future research should determine the extent to which improvement of dietary fatty acid intake in childhood translates into lower CHD risk in later life. Despite these limitations, the available data clearly indicate that in the majority of the countries providing data on fatty acid intake, less than half of the children and adolescents meet the SFA and PUFA intake goals that are recommended for the prevention of chronic diseases.