bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Processes of Care on Myocardial Infarct Size in Patients With ST‐Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Observations From the CRISP‐AMI Trial
Authors: Jones W. Schuyler , Clare Robert M. , Chiswell Karen , Perera Divaka , French John K. , Kumar A. Sreenivas , Blaxill Jonathan , Pijls Nico , Mills James , Ohman E. Magnus , Patel Manesh R.
Published: December 2014

Background

Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the most common method of reperfusion in patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in the United States. The intersection between processes of care and performance measures such as door‐to‐balloon (D2B) times and clinical trials evaluating novel therapies for STEMI has not been fully investigated.

Hypothesis

Processes of STEMI care, incorporating clinical trial enrollment and randomization, in patients undergoing reperfusion with primary PCI in the Counterpulsation Reduces Infarct Size Pre–Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Acute Myocardial Infarction trial (CRISP‐AMI) will conform to current standards of care.

Methods

Patients enrolled in CRISP‐AMI were included in the current analysis. Processes of care during reperfusion were recorded prospectively and compared between groups.

Results

A total of 337 patients with anterior STEMI without cardiogenic shock were randomized in CRISP‐AMI. Complete processes‐of‐care data were available for 303 patients (89.9%). In this cohort, 68.0% of patients underwent reperfusion within 90 minutes of hospital contact, and the median D2B time was 71 minutes. Time from hospital contact to informed consent was significantly different across different regions (North America, 45 minutes; India, 35 minutes; Europe, 20 minutes).

Conclusions

In CRISP‐AMI, reperfusion was accomplished in a timely fashion while incorporating informed consent and randomization among patients with anterior myocardial infarction. Further study of patients' comprehension and preferences during the informed‐consent process in STEMI patients is warranted so that innovative drugs and devices can be safely and ethically tested.
The use of adjuvant radiotherapy in elderly patients with early‐stage breast cancer: Changes in practice patterns after publication of Cancer and Leukemia Group B 9343
Authors: Palta Manisha , Palta Priya , Bhavsar Nrupen A. , Horton Janet K. , Blitzblau Rachel C.
Published: December 2014

BACKGROUND

The Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) 9343 randomized phase 3 trial established lumpectomy and adjuvant therapy with tamoxifen alone, rather than both radiotherapy and tamoxifen, as a reasonable treatment course for women aged >70 years with clinical stage I (AJCC 7th edition), estrogen receptor‐positive breast cancer. An analysis of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registry was undertaken to assess practice patterns before and after the publication of this landmark study.

METHODS

The SEER database from 2000 to 2009 was used to identify 40,583 women aged ≥70 years who were treated with breast‐conserving surgery for clinical stage I, estrogen receptor‐positive and/or progesterone receptor‐positive breast cancer. The percentage of patients receiving radiotherapy and the type of radiotherapy delivered was assessed over time. Administration of radiotherapy was further assessed across age groups; SEER cohort; and tumor size, grade, and laterality.

RESULTS

Approximately 68.6% of patients treated between 2000 and 2004 compared with 61.7% of patients who were treated between 2005 and 2009 received some form of adjuvant radiotherapy (P < .001). Coinciding with a decline in the use of external beam radiotherapy, there was an increase in the use of implant radiotherapy from 1.4% between 2000 and 2004 to 6.2% between 2005 to 2009 (P < .001). There were significant reductions in the frequency of radiotherapy delivery over time across age groups, tumor size, and tumor grade and regardless of laterality (P < .001 for all).

CONCLUSIONS

Randomized phase 3 data support the omission of adjuvant radiotherapy in elderly women with early‐stage breast cancer. Analysis of practice patterns before and after the publication of these data indicates a significant decline in radiotherapy use; however, nearly two‐thirds of women continue to receive adjuvant radiotherapy. Cancer 2015;121:188–93. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Radiation for diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma in the rituximab era: Analysis of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network lymphoma outcomes project
Authors: Dabaja Bouthaina S. , Vanderplas Ann M. , Crosby‐Thompson Allison L. , Abel Gregory A. , Czuczman Myron S. , Friedberg Jonathan W. , Gordon Leo I. , Kaminski Mark , Niland Joyce , Millenson Michael , Nademanee Auayporn P. , Zelenetz Andrew , LaCasce Ann S. , Rodriguez Maria Alma
Published: December 2014

BACKGROUND

The role of consolidation radiotherapy was examined for patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma who were treated at institutions of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network during the rituximab era.

METHODS

Failure‐free survival (FFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed in terms of patient and treatment characteristics. Potential associations were investigated with univariate and multivariate survival analysis and matched pair analysis.

RESULTS

There were 841 patients, and most (710 or 84%) received 6 to 8 cycles of rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R‐CHOP); 293 (35%) received consolidation radiation therapy (RT). Failure occurred for 181 patients: 126 patients (70%) who did not receive RT and 55 patients (30%) who did. At 5 years, both OS and FFS rates were better for patients who had received RT versus those who did not (OS, 91% vs 83% [P = .01]; FFS, 83% vs 76% [P = .05]). A matched pair analysis (217 pairs matched by age, stage, International Prognostic Index [IPI] score, B symptoms, disease bulk, and response to chemotherapy) showed that the receipt of RT improved OS (hazard ratio [HR], 0.53 [P = .07]) and FFS (HR, 0.77 [P = .34]) for patients with stage III/IV disease, but too few events took place among those with stage I/II disease for meaningful comparisons (HR for OS, 0.94 [P = .89]; HR for FFS, 1.81 [P = .15]). A multivariate analysis suggested that the IPI score and the response to chemotherapy had the greatest influence on outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a trend of higher OS and FFS rates for patients who had received consolidation RT after R‐CHOP (especially for patients with stage III/IV disease), but the difference did not reach statistical significance. Cancer 2014. © 2014 American Cancer Society. Cancer 2015;121:1032–1039. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Cost‐effectiveness of patient navigation to increase adherence with screening colonoscopy among minority individuals
Authors: Ladabaum Uri , Mannalithara Ajitha , Jandorf Lina , Itzkowitz Steven H.
Published: December 2014

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is underused by minority populations, and patient navigation increases adherence with screening colonoscopy. In this study, the authors estimated the cost‐effectiveness of navigation for screening colonoscopy from the perspective of a payer seeking to improve population health.

METHODS

A validated model of CRC screening was informed with inputs from navigation studies in New York City (population: 43% African American, 49% Hispanic, 4% white, 4% other; base‐case screening: 40% without navigation, 65% with navigation; navigation costs: $29 per colonoscopy completer, $21 per noncompleter, $3 per non‐navigated individual). Two analyses compared: 1) navigation versus no navigation for 1‐time screening colonoscopy in unscreened individuals aged ≥50 years; and 2) programs of colonoscopy with versus without navigation versus fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) or fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) for individuals ages 50 to 80 years.

RESULTS

In the base case: 1) 1‐time navigation gained quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALYs) and decreased costs; 2) longitudinal navigation cost $9800 per QALY gained versus no navigation, and, assuming comparable uptake rates, it cost $118,700 per QALY gained versus FOBT but was less effective and more costly than FIT. The results were most dependent on screening participation rates and navigation costs: 1) assuming a 5% increase in screening uptake with navigation, and a navigation cost of $150 per completer, 1‐time navigation cost $26,400 per QALY gained; and 2) longitudinal navigation with 75% colonoscopy uptake cost <$25,000 per QALY gained versus FIT when FIT uptake was <50%. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses did not alter the conclusions.

CONCLUSIONS

Navigation for screening colonoscopy appears to be cost‐effective, and 1‐time navigation may be cost‐saving. In emerging health care models that reward outcomes, payers should consider covering the costs of navigation for screening colonoscopy.Cancer 2015;121:1088–1097.©2014 American Cancer Society.
US breast cancer mortality trends in young women according to race
Authors: Ademuyiwa Foluso O. , Gao Feng , Hao Lin , Morgensztern Daniel , Aft Rebecca L. , Ma Cynthia X. , Ellis Matthew J.
Published: December 2014

BACKGROUND

Young age at diagnosis has a negative prognostic impact on outcome in patients with breast cancer (BC). In the current study, the authors sought to determine whether there is a differential effect of race and examined mortality trends according to race and age.

METHODS: The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program was used to identify women aged <50 years with invasive BC diagnosed between 1990 and 2009. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to determine the risk‐adjusted likelihood of survival for white and black patients. Annual hazards of BC death according to race and calendar period and adjusted relative hazards of death for white and black women stratified by age were computed.

RESULTS

A total of 162,976 women were identified, 126,573 of whom were white, 20,405 of whom were black, and 15,998 of whom were of other races. At a median follow‐up of 85 months, the 5‐year disease specific survival rates were 90.1% for white patients and 79.3% for black patients. Annual hazards of death in white patients decreased by 26% at 5 years after diagnosis in contrast to the hazards in black patients, which decreased by only 19%. With 1990 as the referent year, the adjusted relative hazards of death in women aged <40 years in 2005 were 0.55 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.46‐0.66) and 0.68 (95% CI, 0.49‐0.93), respectively, for white and black women. In women aged 40 to 49 years, adjusted hazards of death were 0.53 (95% CI, 0.47‐0.60) and 0.78 (95% CI, 0.61‐0.99), respectively, for white and black women.

CONCLUSIONS

Among young women diagnosed with BC, black patients have a worse outcome compared with white patients. Mortality declines have been observed over time in both groups, although more rapid gains have been reported to occur in white women. Emphasis should be placed on improving outcomes for young patients with BC. Cancer 2015;121:1469–1476. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
RAS mutations affect pattern of metastatic spread and increase propensity for brain metastasis in colorectal cancer
Authors: Yaeger Rona , Cowell Elizabeth , Chou Joanne F. , Gewirtz Alexandra N. , Borsu Laetitia , Vakiani Efsevia , Solit David B. , Rosen Neal , Capanu Marinela , Ladanyi Marc , Kemeny Nancy
Published: December 2014

BACKGROUND

RAS and PIK3CA mutations in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) have been associated with worse survival. We sought to evaluate the impact of RAS and PIK3CA mutations on cumulative incidence of metastasis to potentially curable sites of liver and lung and other sites such as bone and brain.

METHODS

We performed a computerized search of the electronic medical record of our institution for mCRC cases genotyped for RAS or PIK3CA mutations from 2008 to 2012. Cases were reviewed for patient characteristics, survival, and site‐specific metastasis.

RESULTS

Among the 918 patients identified, 477 cases were RAS wild type, and 441 cases had a RAS mutation (394 at KRAS exon 2, 29 at KRAS exon 3 or 4, and 18 in NRAS). RAS mutation was significantly associated with shorter median overall survival (OS) and on multivariate analysis independently predicted worse OS (HR, 1.6; P < .01). RAS mutant mCRC exhibited a significantly higher cumulative incidence of lung, bone, and brain metastasis and on multivariate analysis was an independent predictor of involvement of these sites (HR, 1.5, 1.6, and 3.7, respectively). PIK3CA mutations occurred in 10% of the 786 cases genotyped, did not predict for worse survival, and did not exhibit a site‐specific pattern of metastatic spread.

CONCLUSIONS

The metastatic potential of CRC varies with the presence of RAS mutation. RAS mutation is associated with worse OS and increased incidence of lung, bone, and brain metastasis. An understanding of this site‐specific pattern of spread may help to inform physicians' assessment of symptoms in patients with mCRC. Cancer 2015;121:1195–1203. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Localization of α‐Synuclein in Teleost Central Nervous System: Immunohistochemical and Western Blot Evidence by 3D5 Monoclonal Antibody in the Common Carp,Cyprinus carpio
Authors: Vaccaro Rosa , Toni Mattia , Casini Arianna , Vivacqua Giorgio , Yu Shun , D'este Loredana , Cioni Carla
Published: December 2014

Alpha synuclein (α‐syn) is a 140 amino acid vertebrate‐specific protein, highly expressed in the human nervous system and abnormally accumulated in Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders, known as synucleinopathies. The common occurrence of α‐syn aggregates suggested a role for α‐syn in these disorders, although its biological activity remains poorly understood. Given the high degree of sequence similarity between vertebrate α‐syns, we investigated this proteins in the central nervous system (CNS) of the common carp,Cyprinus carpio, with the aim of comparing its anatomical and cellular distribution with that of mammalian α‐syn. The distribution of α‐syn was analyzed by semiquantitative western blot, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence by a novel monoclonal antibody (3D5) against a fully conserved epitope between carp and human α‐syn. The distribution of 3D5 immunoreactivity was also compared with that of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and serotonin (5HT) by double immunolabelings. The results showed that a α‐syn‐like protein of about 17 kDa is expressed to different levels in several brain regions and in the spinal cord. Immunoreactive materials were localized in neuronal perikarya and varicose fibers but not in the nucleus. The present findings indicate that α‐syn‐like proteins may be expressed in a few subpopulations of catecholaminergic and serotoninergic neurons in the carp brain. However, evidence of cellular colocalization 3D5/TH or 3D5/5HT was rare. Differently, the same proteins appear to be coexpressed with ChAT by cholinergic neurons in several motor and reticular nuclei. These results sustain the functional conservation of the α‐syn expression in cholinergic systems and suggest that α‐syn modulates similar molecular pathways in phylogenetically distant vertebrates. J. Comp. Neurol. 523:1095–1124, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dual‐Cargo Selectively Controlled Release Based on a pH‐Responsive Mesoporous Silica System
Authors: Gui Wanyuan , Wang Wenqian , Jiao Xiangyu , Chen Lifeng , Wen Yongqiang , Zhang Xueji
Published: December 2014

A pH‐controlled delivery system based on mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) was constructed for dual‐cargo selective release. To achieve a better controlled‐release effect, a modified sol–gel method was employed to obtain MSNs with tunable particle and pore sizes. The systems selectively released different kinds of cargo when stimulated by different pH values. At the lower pH value (pH 2.0) only one kind of cargo was released from the MSNs, whereas at a higher pH value (pH 7.0) only the other kind of cargo was released from the MSNs. The multi‐cargo delivery system has brought the concept of selective release to new advances in the field of functional nanodevices and allows more accurate and controllable delivery of specific cargoes, which is expected to have promising applications in nanomedicine.
Entropy‐based adaptive nuclear texture features are independent prognostic markers in a total population of uterine sarcomas
Authors: Nielsen Birgitte , Hveem Tarjei Sveinsgjerd , Kildal Wanja , Abeler Vera M. , Kristensen Gunnar B. , Albregtsen Fritz , Danielsen Håvard E.
Published: December 2014

Nuclear texture analysis measures the spatial arrangement of the pixel gray levels in a digitized microscopic nuclear image and is a promising quantitative tool for prognosis of cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of entropy‐based adaptive nuclear texture features in a total population of 354 uterine sarcomas. Isolated nuclei (monolayers) were prepared from 50 µm tissue sections and stained with Feulgen‐Schiff. Local gray level entropy was measured within small windows of each nuclear image and stored in gray level entropy matrices, and two superior adaptive texture features were calculated from each matrix. The 5‐year crude survival was significantly higher (P < 0.001) for patients with high texture feature values (72%) than for patients with low feature values (36%). When combining DNA ploidy classification (diploid/nondiploid) and texture (high/low feature value), the patients could be stratified into three risk groups with 5‐year crude survival of 77, 57, and 34% (Hazard Ratios (HR) of 1, 2.3, and 4.1, P < 0.001). Entropy‐based adaptive nuclear texture was an independent prognostic marker for crude survival in multivariate analysis including relevant clinicopathological features (HR = 2.1, P = 0.001), and should therefore be considered as a potential prognostic marker in uterine sarcomas. © The Authors. Published 2014 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Genetic fingerprinting proves cross‐correlated automatic photo‐identification of individuals as highly efficient in large capture–mark–recapture studies
Authors: Drechsler Axel , Helling Tobias , Steinfartz Sebastian
Published: December 2014

Capture–mark–recapture (CMR) approaches are the backbone of many studies in population ecology to gain insight on the life cycle, migration, habitat use, and demography of target species. The reliable and repeatable recognition of an individual throughout its lifetime is the basic requirement of a CMR study. Although invasive techniques are available to mark individuals permanently, noninvasive methods for individual recognition mainly rest on photographic identification of external body markings, which are unique at the individual level. The re‐identification of an individual based on comparing shape patterns of photographs by eye is commonly used. Automated processes for photographic re‐identification have been recently established, but their performance in large datasets (i.e., > 1000 individuals) has rarely been tested thoroughly. Here, we evaluated the performance of the program AMPHIDENT, an automatic algorithm to identify individuals on the basis of ventral spot patterns in the great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) versus the genotypic fingerprint of individuals based on highly polymorphic microsatellite loci using GENECAP. Between 2008 and 2010, we captured, sampled and photographed adult newts and calculated for 1648 samples/photographs recapture rates for both approaches. Recapture rates differed slightly with 8.34% for GENECAP and 9.83% for AMPHIDENT. With an estimated rate of 2% false rejections (FRR) and 0.00% false acceptances (FAR), AMPHIDENT proved to be a highly reliable algorithm for CMR studies of large datasets. We conclude that the application of automatic recognition software of individual photographs can be a rather powerful and reliable tool in noninvasive CMR studies for a large number of individuals. Because the cross‐correlation of standardized shape patterns is generally applicable to any pattern that provides enough information, this algorithm is capable of becoming a single application with broad use in CMR studies for many species.
miR‐148a is upregulated by Twist1 and T‐bet and promotes Th1‐cell survival by regulating the proapoptotic gene Bim
Authors: Haftmann Claudia , Stittrich Anna‐Barbara , Zimmermann Jakob , Fang Zhuo , Hradilkova Kristyna , Bardua Markus , Westendorf Kerstin , Heinz Gitta A. , Riedel René , Siede Julia , Lehmann Katrin , Weinberger Esther E. , Zimmel David , Lauer Uta , Häupl Thomas , Sieper Joachim , Backhaus Marina , Neumann Christian , Hoffmann Ute , Porstner Martina , Chen Wei , Grün Joachim R , Baumgrass Ria , Matz Mareen , Löhning Max , Scheffold Alexander , Wittmann Jürgen , Chang Hyun‐Dong , Rajewsky Nikolaus , Jäck Hans‐Martin , Radbruch Andreas , Mashreghi Mir‐Farzin
Published: December 2014

Repeatedly activated T helper 1 (Th1) cells present during chronic inflammation can efficiently adapt to the inflammatory milieu, for example, by expressing the transcription factor Twist1, which limits the immunopathology caused by Th1 cells. Here, we show that in repeatedly activated murine Th1 cells, Twist1 and T‐bet induce expression of microRNA‐148a (miR‐148a). miR‐148a regulates expression of the proapoptotic gene Bim, resulting in a decreased Bim/Bcl2 ratio. Inhibition of miR‐148a by antagomirs in repeatedly activated Th1 cells increases the expression of Bim, leading to enhanced apoptosis. Knockdown of Bim expression by siRNA in miR‐148a antagomir‐treated cells restores viability of the Th1 cells, demonstrating that miR‐148a controls survival by regulating Bim expression. Thus, Twist1 and T‐bet not only control the differentiation and function of Th1 cells, but also their persistence in chronic inflammation.
Antigen targeting reveals splenic CD169+ macrophages as promoters of germinal center B‐cell responses
Authors: Veninga Henrike , Borg Ellen G. F. , Vreeman Kyle , Taylor Philip R. , Kalay Hakan , van Kooyk Yvette , Kraal Georg , Martinez‐Pomares Luisa , den Haan Joke M.M.
Published: December 2014

Ag delivery to specific APCs is an attractive approach in developing strategies for vaccination. CD169+ macrophages in the marginal zone of the spleen represent a suitable target for delivery of Ag because of their strategic location, which is optimal for the capture of blood‐borne Ag and their close proximity to B cells and T cells in the white pulp. Here we show that Ag targeting to CD169+ macrophages in mice resulted in strong, isotype‐switched, high‐affinity Ab production and the preferential induction and long‐term persistence of Ag‐specific GC B cells and follicular Th cells. In agreement with these observations, CD169+ macrophages retained intact Ag, induced cognate activation of B cells, and increased expression of costimulatory molecules upon activation. In addition, macrophages were required for the production of cytokines that promote B‐cell responses. Our results identify CD169+ macrophages as promoters of high‐affinity humoral immune responses and emphasize the value of CD169 as target for Ag delivery to improve vaccine responses.
mTOR signaling promotes a robust and continuous production of IFN‐γ by human memory CD8+ T cells and their proliferation
Authors: Setoguchi Ruka , Matsui Yui , Mouri Kousuke
Published: December 2014

Human CD8+ T cells are functionally heterogeneous and can be divided into phenotypically and functionally distinct subsets according to CCR7 and CD45RA expression levels. Among these, CCR7lowCD45RAlow effector memory CD8+ T cells (Tem) and CCR7lowCD45RAhigh CD8+ T cells, which are designated as Temra and considered to be terminally differentiated cells, are Ag‐experienced T cells but show different functionalities. Here, we show that, while Tem proliferate vigorously and produce IFN‐γ persistently and robustly, Temra proliferate poorly and lose the ability to produce IFN‐γ over time after TCR stimulation. Temra showed impaired cell growth upon TCR stimulation, which was associated with defective activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling. Furthermore, rapamycin, an inhibitor of mTOR signaling, interfered with the robust and continuous proliferation of and IFN‐γ production by Tem at later time points after TCR stimulation. Thus, these data collectively indicate that activation of mTOR signaling is required for the robust functions of Tem cells in humans and suggest that defective mTOR signaling in Temra contributes to their functional impairment.
Slow Magnetic Relaxation in Mononuclear Octahedral Manganese(III) Complexes with Dibenzoylmethanide Ligands
Authors: Chen Lei , Wang Jing , Liu Yuan‐Zhong , Song You , Chen Xue‐Tai , Zhang Yi‐Quan , Xue Zi‐Ling
Published: December 2014

The structural characterization and magnetic studies of three mononuclear MnIII complexes based on the dibenzoylmethanido (dbm–) ligand, Mn(dbm)3 (1) and [Mn(dbm)2(L)2](ClO4) (L = dimethyl sulfoxide, 2; L = pyridine, 3), are reported. The MnIII ions are in an axially elongated octahedral coordination geometry. The axial zero‐field‐splitting parameters D, ranging from –3.42 to –4.52 cm–1 for the three complexes, were obtained by fitting magnetic‐susceptibility and magnetization data. Ab initio calculations also show the axial magnetic anisotropy in the molecules of 1–3. With an applied dc field, the ac susceptibility measurements reveal slow magnetic relaxation in 1–3. The possible relationship between the structures and the magnetic properties in these complexes are discussed.
Olive oils from Campos de Hellin (Spain) exhibit significant varietal differences in fatty acid composition, sterol fraction, and oxidative stability
Authors: Sena‐Moreno Estela , Alvarez‐Ortí Manuel , Zied Diego C. , Pardo‐Giménez Arturo , Pardo Jose E.
Published: December 2014

The Spanish region of Campos de Hellin (Albacete) is characterized by a wide range of olive varieties (Arbequina, Benizal, Cornicabra, Cuquillo, Injerta, Manzanilla Local, Manzanilla de Sevilla, Negrilla, Picual), which provides different physicochemical and sensory characteristics to the oils. Thus, the knowledge of these characteristics may help develop more balanced oils. Monovarietal virgin olive oils from the different varieties grown in this area were characterized from the physicochemical and sensory points of view during four consecutive years. Clear differences among the varieties were found when principal component analysis was applied to the data from the studied parameters. The varieties were grouped according to their oleic and linoleic acid content, oxidative stability, and campesterol and total sterols content. The differences were significant with a 95% confidence level. The variety effect on the oil characteristics was stronger than the effect of the crop year.

Practical applications: Chemical and sensory characteristics of monovarietal virgin olive oils play an important role in the elaboration of blends. In olive‐growing regions where there is more than one variety cultivated, the characterization of monovarietal oils could increase the value of the olive oil produced due to the development of more balanced oils tailored to the preferences of consumers. This work shows that the chemical and sensory differences between varieties make possible the elaboration of a new range of virgin olive oils. This could encourage the development and marketing of quality oils, and thus increase the competitiveness of the mills in the oil market.

The Spanish region of Campos de Hellin (Albacete) is characterized by a wide range of olive varieties (Arbequina, Benizal, Cornicabra, Cuquillo, Injerta, Manzanilla Local, Manzanilla de Sevilla, Negrilla, Picual). Principal component analysis based on physicochemical parameters of the oil allowed the establishment of differences among these varieties. These differences are mainly related to the content of oleic/linoleic acid, campesterol, and total sterols.
A new decanter generation leads to innovation in olive oil processing
Authors: Chiavaro Emma
Published: December 2014

Looking at the olive oil production, the final extraction phase from the paste affects the yield and the quality of the oil more than other processing steps. Several strategies are therefore applied today to increase the process outcome already before extraction at the malaxation stage. Technical innovation is particularly realized in adopting olive oil decanters that enable real‐time adjustments of working parameters in function of the different composition of the raw materials, improving the yield of the process and avoiding a significant economic loss for the sector. In the paper of Caponio, Summo, Paradiso and Pasqualone published in this issue of the European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology [1626–1633], the performance of the so‐called “third generation” decanter is presented showing the impact of its application on the chemical, nutritional, olfactory and sensorial quality in the sector of olive oil processing. The significance of the achieved results is underlined in the following commentary.
Total Synthesis of Sulfated Glycosphingolipid SM1a, a Kind of Human Epithelial Carcinoma Antigen
Authors: Zhang Pengtao , Wang Kun , Zhang Jun , Li Chunxia , Guan Huashi
Published: December 2014

A highly efficient and practical total synthesis of the sulfated ganglioside SM1a, a kind of human epithelial carcinoma antigen identified in mammalian kidney, has been accomplished for the first time. The characteristic sequence of SM1a, β‐D‐Galp‐(1→3)‐β‐D‐NHAcGalp‐(1→4)‐β‐D‐(3‐O‐sulfate)‐Galp‐(1→4)‐β‐D‐Glcp‐ceramide was assembled by a [3+2] convergent approach. A key trisaccharide building block was formed from a new galactose acceptor 7 containing a potential sulfated site, GalNHTroc donor 6, and galactose donor 4. The cyclic glucosyl ceramide was glycosylated with trisaccharide trichloroacetimidate 2 to give the protected ganglioside backbone in good yield. Selective sulfonation at the 3‐OH of the Gal residue followed by global deprotection gave the target molecule SM1a.
Synthesis of Bromo‐Substituted 4‐Hydroxy[2.2]paracyclophanes and [2.2]Paracyclophane‐4,7‐quinones as Versatile Chiral Building Blocks
Authors: Atman (Vorontsova) Natalia V. , Zhuravsky Roman P. , Antonov Dmitrii Yu. , Sergeeva Elena V. , Godovikov Ivan A. , Starikova Zoya A. , Vologzhanina Anna V.
Published: December 2014

Approaches to a number of bromo‐substituted derivatives of 4‐hydroxy[2.2]paracyclophane, including the regioselective mono‐ and dibromination of this phenol, were investigated. The applicability of the regioisomeric monobromo‐substituted phenols for the synthesis of substituted [2.2]paracyclophane‐4,7‐quinones through a one‐pot diazonium coupling/reduction/oxidation sequence was demonstrated. The compounds obtained possess various substitution patterns and could be used for the synthesis of a wide range of [2.2]paracyclophane derivatives by transformation of the bromine, hydroxy, and quinoid fragments.
Photocatalytic α‐Oxyamination of Stable Enolates, Silyl Enol Ethers, and 2‐Oxoalkane Phosphonic Esters
Authors: Schroll Peter , König Burkhard
Published: December 2014

Fast α‐oxyamination of stable enolates, silyl enol ethers, and in situ deprotonated dialkyl 2‐oxoalkane phosphonates and diphenyl‐2‐oxoalkyl phosphine oxides was performed in the presence of [Ru(bpy)3]2+ (bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridyl) as a photocatalyst, 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine nitroxide (TEMPO), and visible light. The key step was the light‐induced one‐electron oxidation of TEMPO into the 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine‐1‐oxoammonium ion, which was nucleophilically attacked to yield α‐functionalized carbonyl compounds. The reaction time was significantly reduced by the use of the microreactor flow technique.
Descending mechanisms activated by the anterior pretectal nucleus initiate but do not maintain neuropathic pain in rats
Authors: Rossaneis A.C. , Genaro K. , Dias Q.M. , Guethe L.M. , Fais R.S. , Del Bel E.A. , Prado W.A.
Published: December 2014

Background

The anterior pretectal nucleus (APtN) activates descending mechanisms of pain control. This study evaluated whether the APtN also controls neuropathic pain in rats.

Methods

The hypersensitivity to mechanical stimulation with an electronic von Frey apparatus and the number of Fos‐immunoreactive (Fos‐ir) neurons in the APtN were evaluated in rats before and after chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerve.

Results

The tactile hypersensitivity was characterized by an initial phase (the 2 days following the injury) and a maintenance phase (the subsequent 7 days). The injection of 2% lidocaine (0.25 μL) or N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (2.5 μg/0.25 μL) into the APtN intensified the tactile hypersensitivity observed 2 days after injury but did not alter the tactile hypersensitivity observed 7 and 14 days after injury. The injection of naloxone (10 ng/0.25 μL) or methysergide (40 pg/0.25 μL) but not atropine (100 ng/0.25 μL) into the APtN also intensified the tactile hypersensitivity observed 2 days after the injury. A significant increase in the number of Fos‐ir cells was found in the contralateral APtN 2 days but not 7 or 14 days after the injury. Electrical stimulation of the APtN reduced the tactile hypersensitivity at 2, 7 and 14 days after the nerve ligation.

Conclusion

APtN exerts a tonic inhibitory influence on persistent pain. The results point out to an important role of opioid and serotonergic mediation into the APtN to inhibit hyperalgesia during the initial phase of neuropathic pain.
High prevalence of incidental brain findings in primary dysmenorrhoea
Authors: Li W.C. , Tu C.H. , Chao H.T. , Yeh T.C. , Chen L.F. , Hsieh J.C.
Published: December 2014

Background

Primary dysmenorrhoea (PDM) is inexorably common. PDM women suffer from cramping pain in the lower abdomen that starts with menstruation and lasts for 24–72 h. Up to 90% of adolescent girls and more than 50% of menstruating women worldwide report suffering from it. Ten to 20% of PDM women describe their suffering as severe and distressing. However, nothing is known regarding the association of PDM with possible brain anomalies or abnormalities.

Methods

High‐resolution T1‐weighted anatomical brain magnetic resonance images (MRI) were acquired for each subject and inspected for incidental findings (normal variants and abnormalities) as a routine procedure in our PDM‐related multimodal neuroimaging studies. Altogether, 330 right‐handed young women [otherwise healthy PDMs = 163; non‐PDM healthy controls (HCs) = 167] were enrolled during the period of 2006–2014. Binomial proportion test was performed for between‐group comparisons.

Results

PDMs demonstrated significantly higher prevalence of overall incidental brain MRI findings (PDMs: n = 18, 11.0%; HCs: n = 6, 3.6%; p = 0.005) that should be ascribed to a preponderance of normal variants (PDMs: n = 16, 9.8%; HCs: n = 3, 1.8%; p = 0.001), especially cavum septum pellucidum. No significant between‐group difference of abnormal findings was found (PDMs: n = 2, 1.2%; HCs: n = 3, 1.8%; p = 0.336).

Conclusions

We report here that otherwise healthy PDMs are associated with high prevalence of normal variants but not brain abnormalities. Our observations invite further epidemiological and neuroscientific studies.
The effect of monitoring ‘processing style’ on post‐surgical neuropathic pain in women with breast cancer
Authors: Sherman K.A. , Winch C.J. , Koukoulis A. , Koelmeyer L.
Published: December 2014

Background

Pain is a commonly reported symptom following surgery that is more likely to occur in individuals psychologically distressed prior to surgery. Monitoring processing style, a cognitive tendency to focus on health‐related threats, has been associated with increased reporting of somatic symptoms, but no studies have specifically addressed the link between this cognitive style and pain. This prospective clinical study aimed to investigate whether monitoring processing style predicted post‐surgical pain in women undergoing breast surgery, controlling for pre‐surgical psychological distress.

Methods

Women scheduled to undergo breast cancer surgery (N = 106) completed pre‐surgical assessments of monitoring processing style (Miller Behavioral Style Scale) and psychological distress (Depression Anxiety Stress Scales‐21). Demographic and medical characteristics were documented. Self‐reported neuropathic pain (Neuropathic Pain Scale) was assessed at 3 months post surgery.

Results

Post‐surgical neuropathic pain levels were low to moderate (M = 19.3, SD = 21.1). Higher pre‐surgical monitoring processing style scores significantly predicted higher post‐surgical neuropathic pain (β = 0.23, p = 0.023), over and above psychological stress (β = 0.22, p = 0.020) and age (β = −0.25, p = 0.011).

Conclusions

Pre‐surgical monitoring processing style was an independent predictor of post‐surgical neuropathic pain, even when accounting for pre‐surgical psychological distress. Since the reduction of post‐surgical pain is a key goal of healthcare, efforts should be made prior to breast cancer surgery to counsel and support individuals with high monitoring processing styles irrespective of their level of distress.
Characterization of the Oxidative Behavior of Cyclic Nucleotides Using Electrochemistry–Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Cindric Marija , Vojs Marian , Matysik Frank‐Michael
Published: December 2014

The oxidative behavior of cyclic nucleotides, important intracellular second messengers, was investigated. Guanosine‐3′,5′‐cyclic monophosphate, adenosine‐3′,5′‐cyclic monophosphate and cytidine‐3′,5′‐cyclic monophosphate were subjected to electrochemical oxidation at different pH using boron doped diamond (BDD) and screen‐printed carbon (SPC) electrodes. While oxidation on SPC electrodes proceeds only via direct analyteelectrode electron transfer, BDD involves in addition the action of hydroxyl radicals, formed at the electrode surface. Generated oxidation products were analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry (LC‐MS). As an alternative electrochemically assisted injectioncapillary electrophoresismass spectrometry was used as a means for product generation and identification. The results obtained indicate that experimental conditions as well as the presence of the cyclic phosphate group influence the oxidative pathway of cyclic nucleotides. Simplicity of the experiment and the absence of complex biological matrices are the main advantages of electrochemistry over other techniques, employed for investigation of oxidative stress. Elucidation of oxidation products and reaction mechanism is an important aspect of therapeutic strategies of numerous severe diseases.
Electrochemical Experimental Study for the Characterization of Tetraferrocenyl‐Cavitand, Synthetized in Click‐Reaction
Authors: Filotás Dániel , Nagy Lívia , Skoda‐Földes Rita , Kollár László , Nagy Géza
Published: December 2014

The electrochemical property of the new tetraferrocenyl‐cavitand molecule was investigated in dimethyl formamide solvent using conventional and micro size platinum working electrodes. Quasi reversible redox character was found with one oxidation and one reduction wave of diffusion character. No electrode fouling could be observed. Different methods were used for determination of the diffusion coefficient of this species. In part of the measurements chronoamperometric measurements with microelectrode were carried out and evaluated according to the method introduced by Aoki and Osteryoung. Amperometric measurements with microelectrodes, as well as CV‐s with conventional size electrode were also used in these studies.
Dielectrophoresis of spermatozoa in viscoelastic medium
Authors: Koh James Boon Yong , Marcos  
Published: December 2014

Knowledge of spermatozoa motility is important in selecting suitable spermatozoa for assisted reproduction procedures. By considering the internal sliding force within an active filament, its shape in a viscoelastic Oldroyd‐B fluid subjected to nonuniform electric field is presented. The resulting velocity is a function of the beating pattern and DEP force, which is dependent on the spermatozoon's morphology as well as the gradient of the mean square electric field. Finally, the velocities of the X‐ and Y‐spermatozoa are compared under various conditions of nonuniform electric field and viscoelasticity of the medium. The presence of DEP force alters their velocities to different extents, giving an 84% level of confidence for selecting spermatozoon that contains the chromosome leading to a female. Therefore, a nonuniform electric field can be used not only to sort and select spermatozoa of desired morphology, but also for gender selection. Moreover, we found that sorting in a viscoelastic fluid medium is more effective as the effect of DEP on the spermatozoa velocity is enhanced by an order of magnitude.
Numerical and experimental characterization of solid‐state micropore‐based cytometer for detection and enumeration of biological cells
Authors: Guo Jinhong , Chen Liang , Ai Ye , Cheng Yuanbing , Li Chang Ming , Kang Yuejun , Wang Zhiming
Published: December 2014

Portable diagnostic devices have emerged as important tools in various biomedical applications since they can provide an effective solution for low‐cost and rapid clinical diagnosis. In this paper, we present a micropore‐based resistive cytometer for the detection and enumeration of biological cells. The proposed device was fabricated on a silicon wafer by a standard microelectromechanical system processing technology, which enables a mass production of the proposed chip. The working principle of this cytometer is based upon a bias potential modulated pulse, originating from the biological particle's physical blockage of the micropore. Polystyrene particles of different sizes (7, 10, and 16 μm) were used to test and calibrate the proposed device. A finite element simulation was developed to predict the bias potential modulated pulse (peak amplitude vs. pulse bandwidth), which can provide critical insight into the design of this microfluidic flow cytometer. Furthermore, HeLa cells (a type of tumor cell lines) spiked in a suspension of blood cells, including red blood cells and white blood cells, were used to assess the performance for detecting and counting tumor cells. The proposed microfluidic flow cytometer is able to provide a promising platform to address the current unmet need for point‐of‐care clinical diagnosis.
Experimental and theoretical study of dielectrophoretic particle trapping in arrays of insulating structures: Effect of particle size and shape
Authors: Saucedo‐Espinosa Mario A. , Lapizco‐Encinas Blanca H.
Published: December 2014

Insulator‐based dielectrophoresis (iDEP) employs insulating structures embedded in a microchannel to produce electric field gradients. This contribution presents a detailed analysis of the regions within an iDEP system where particles are likely to be retained due to dielectrophoretic trapping in a microchannel with an array of cylindrical insulating structures. The effects of particle size and shape on dielectrophoretic trapping were analyzed by employing 1 and 2 μm polystyrene particles and Escherichia coli cells. This research aims to study the mechanism behind dielectrophoretic trapping and develop a deeper understanding of iDEP systems. Mathematical modeling with COMSOL Multiphysics was employed to assess electrokinetic and dielectrophoretic particle velocities. Experiments were carried out to determine the location of dielectrophoretic barriers that block particle motion within an iDEP microchannel; this supported the estimation of a correction factor to match experiments and simulations. Particle velocities were predicted with the model, demonstrating how the different forces acting on the particles are in equilibrium when particle trapping occurs. The results showed that particle size and shape have a significant effect on the magnitude, location, and shape of the regions of dielectrophoretic trapping of particles, which are defined by DEP isovelocity lines and EK isovelocity lines.
Microchip immunoaffinity electrophoresis of antibody–thymidine kinase 1 complex
Authors: Pagaduan Jayson V. , Ramsden Madison , O'Neill Kim , Woolley Adam T.
Published: December 2014

Thymidine kinase 1 (TK1) is an important cancer biomarker whose serum levels are elevated in early cancer development. We developed a microchip electrophoresis immunoaffinity assay to measure recombinant purified TK1 (pTK1) using an antibody (Ab) that binds to human TK1. We fabricated PMMA microfluidic devices to test the feasibility of detecting Ab–pTK1 immune complexes as a step toward TK1 analysis in clinical serum samples. We were able to separate immune complexes from unbound Abs using 0.5× PBS (pH 7.4) containing 0.01% Tween‐20, with 1% w/v methylcellulose that acts as a dynamic surface coating and sieving matrix. Separation of the Ab and Ab–pTK1 complex was observed within a 5 mm effective separation length. This method of detecting pTK1 is easy to perform, requires only a 10 μL sample volume, and takes just 1 min for separation.
Determination of the correct migration time and other parameters of the Haarhoff–van der Linde function from the peak geometry characteristics
Authors: Dubský Pavel , Dvořák Martin , Műllerová Ludmila , Gaš Bohuslav
Published: December 2014

For Gaussian peaks, the migration time of the analyte results as the position of the top of the peak and the zone variance is proportional to the peak width. Similar relations have not yet been derived for the Haarhoff–van der Linde (HVL) function, which appears as a fundamental peak‐shape function in electrophoresis. We derive the relations between the geometrical measures of the HVL‐shaped peak, that is the position of its maximum, its width and a measure of its asymmetry, and the respective parameters a1, a2, and a3, of the corresponding HVL function. Under the condition of the HVL‐shaped peak, the a1 parameter reflects the true migration time of the analyte, which may differ from the peak top position significantly. Our procedure allows us to express the parameters without the need of any external data processing (nonlinear regression). We demonstrate our approach on simulated peaks and on experimental data integrated by the ChemStation software (delivered with the CE instrumentation by Agilent Technologies). A significant improvement is achieved reading the migration time of the experimental and simulated peaks, which draws the error of the HVL‐shaped peak migration time evaluation down to the resolution of the data sampling rate.