bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cyclometalated Ruthenium(II) Anthraquinone Complexes Exhibit Strong Anticancer Activity in Hypoxic Tumor Cells
Authors: Zeng Leli , Chen Yu , Huang Huaiyi , Wang Jinquan , Zhao Donglei , Ji Liangnian , Chao Hui
Published: September 2015

Hypoxia is the critical feature of the tumor microenvironment that is known to lead to resistance to many chemotherapeutic drugs. Six novel ruthenium(II) anthraquinone complexes were designed and synthesized; they exhibit similar or superior cytotoxicity compared to cisplatin in hypoxic HeLa, A549, and multidrug‐resistant (A549R) tumor cell lines. Their anticancer activities are related to their lipophilicity and cellular uptake; therefore, these physicochemical properties of the complexes can be changed by modifying the ligands to obtain better anticancer candidates. Complex 1, the most potent member of the series, is highly active against hypoxic HeLa cancer cells (IC50=0.53 μM). This complex likely has 46‐fold better activity than cisplatin (IC50=24.62 μM) in HeLa cells. This complex tends to accumulate in the mitochondria and the nucleus of hypoxic HeLa cells. Further mechanistic studies show that complex 1 induced cell apoptosis during hypoxia through multiple pathways, including those of DNA damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the inhibition of DNA replication and HIF‐1α expression, making it an outstanding candidate for further in vivo studies.
Studies on Pidotimod Enantiomers With Chiralpak‐IA: Crystal Structure, Thermodynamic Parameters and Molecular Docking
Authors: Dou Xiaorui , Su Xin , Wang Yue , Chen Yadong , Shen Weiyang
Published: September 2015

Pidotimod, a synthetic dipeptide, has two chiral centers with biological and immunological activity. Its enantiomers were characterized by x‐ray crystallographic analysis. A chiral stationary phase (CSP) Chiralpak‐IA based on amylose derivatized with tris‐(3, 5‐dimethylphenyl carbamate) was used to separate pidotimod enantiomers. The mobile phase was prepared in a ratio of 35:65:0.2 of methyl‐tert‐butyl‐ether and acetonitrile trifluoroaceticacid. In addition, thermodynamics and molecular docking methods were used to explain the enantioseparation mechanism by Chiralpak‐IA. Thermodynamic studies were carried out from 10 to 45 °C. In general, both retention and enantioselectivity decreased as the temperature increased. Thermodynamic parameters indicate that the interaction force between the pidotimod enantiomer (4S, 2'R) and IA CSP is stronger and their complex model is more stable. According to GOLD molecular docking simulation, Van der Waals force is the leading cause of pidotimod enantiomers separation by IA CSP. Chirality 27:802–808, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Stejskal‐tanner equation for three asymmetrical gradient pulse shapes used in diffusion NMR
Authors: Röding Magnus , Nydén Magnus
Published: September 2015

When using pulsed‐field gradient nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) for measurements of translational self‐diffusion, the Stejskal‐Tanner equation is used to relate the signal attenuation to the experimental parameters and to estimate the diffusion coefficient. However, the conventional form of the equation is valid only if the gradient pulse shapes are perfectly rectangular, which is never the case in practice. In light of three asymmetric gradient pulse shapes having reached the NMR mainstream and been implemented into proprietary software, we present explicit expressions for the corresponding Stejskal‐Tanner equations and computer code for easy implementation. We also study the bias introduced by using the common rectangular gradient pulse approximation. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part A 44A: 133–137, 2015.
Environment‐Sensitive Behavior of DCNP in Solvents with Different Viscosity, Polarity and Proticity
Authors: Morawski Olaf , Kozankiewicz Boleslaw , Miniewicz Andrzej , Sobolewski Andrzej L.
Published: September 2015

A pyrazoline derivative, 3‐(1,1‐dicyanoethenyl)‐1‐phenyl‐4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrazole (DCNP), is studied by using optical spectroscopy methods in several solvents at room and at low temperatures. The DCNP molecule reveals a complex photophysics behavior, which is sensitive to solvent polarity, proticity, temperature and viscosity and arises from the presence of two rotational degrees of freedom of the dicyanovinyl group—the torsion around the double C=C bond and the s‐trans–s‐cis isomerization around the single C−C bond—that differently behave in various environmental conditions. The fluorescence yield of a few percent and sub‐nanosecond decay times observed at room temperature make the compound useful for optical studies of liquid environments. The proticity of polar solvents can be detected with two‐exponential fluorescence decays. At low temperatures, DCNP can be used as solvent viscosity or temperature fluorescent sensor.
Game‐theoretic auction design for bandwidth sharing in helper‐assisted P2P streaming
Authors: Mostafavi Seyedakbar , Dehghan Mehdi
Published: September 2015

Video traffic offloading through the helper peers can significantly alleviate the server workload and enhance users' quality of experience. In this paper, the complex interactions of a number of helpers seeking to trade their bandwidth surplus in a peer‐to‐peer market are studied using non‐cooperative game theory and double auction. In particular, a non‐cooperative game is formulated among the helpers in which each helper can make a decision on the maximum amount of upload bandwidth surplus that it is willing to sell so as to maximize its utility function that reflects the tradeoff between the benefits from bandwidth sharing and its associated costs. Then, the price governing the bandwidth trading market between the helpers and peers is determined via a truthful double auction mechanism. To solve the game, an algorithm based on the best response dynamics is proposed using which helpers can reach a Nash equilibrium point. Simulation results exhibit that the proposed algorithm achieves significant performance improvements in terms of utility per selling helpers. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Does childhood bullying predict eating disorder symptoms? A prospective, longitudinal analysis
Authors: Copeland William E. , Bulik Cynthia M. , Zucker Nancy , Wolke Dieter , Lereya Suzet Tanya , Costello Elizabeth Jane
Published: September 2015

Objective

Bullying is a common childhood experience with enduring psychosocial consequences. The aim of this study was to test whether bullying increases risk for eating disorder symptoms.

Method

Ten waves of data on 1,420 participants between ages 9 and 25 were used from the prospective population‐based Great Smoky Mountains Study. Structured interviews were used to assess bullying involvement and symptoms of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa as well as associated features. Bullying involvement was categorized as not involved, bully only, victim only, or both bully and victim (bully‐victims).

Results

Within childhood/adolescence, victims of bullying were at increased risk for symptoms of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa as well as associated features. These associations persisted after accounting for prior eating disorder symptom status as well as preexisting psychiatric status and family adversities. Bullies were at increased risk of symptoms of bulimia and associated features of eating disorders, and bully‐victims had higher levels of anorexia symptoms. In terms of individual items, victims were at risk for binge eating, and bully‐victims had more binge eating and use of vomiting as a compensatory behavior. There was little evidence in this sample that these effects differed by sex. Childhood bullying status was not associated with increased risk for persistent eating disorder symptoms into adulthood (ages 19, 21, and 25).

Discussion

Bullying predicts eating disorder symptoms for both bullies and victims. Bullying involvement should be a part of risk assessment and treatment planning for children with eating problems. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2015; 48:1141–1149)
A comparison of breeding population estimators using nest and brood monitoring data
Authors: Baasch David M. , Hefley Trevor J. , Cahis Staci D.
Published: September 2015

For many species, breeding population size is an important metric for assessing population status. A variety of simple methods are often used to estimate this metric for ground‐nesting birds that nest in open habitats (e.g., beaches, riverine sandbars). The error and bias associated with estimates derived using these methods vary in relation to differing monitoring intensities and detection rates. However, these errors and biases are often difficult to obtain, poorly understood, and largely unreported. A method was developed to estimate the number of breeding pairs using counts of nests and broods from monitoring data where multiple surveys were made throughout a single breeding season (breeding pair estimator; BPE). The BPE method was compared to two commonly used estimation methods using simulated data from an individual‐based model that allowed for the comparison of biases and accuracy. The BPE method underestimated the number of breeding pairs, but generally performed better than the other two commonly used methods when detection rates were low and monitoring frequency was high. As detection rates and time between surveys increased, the maximum nest and brood count method performs similar to the BPE. The BPE was compared to four commonly used methods to estimate breeding pairs for empirically derived data sets on the Platte River. Based on our simulated data, we expect our BPE to be closest to the true number of breeding pairs as compared to other methods. The methods tested resulted in substantially different estimates of the numbers of breeding pairs; however, coefficients from trend analyses were not statistically different. When data from multiple nest and brood surveys are available, the BPE appears to result in reasonably precise estimates of numbers of breeding pairs. Regardless of the estimation method, investigators are encouraged to acknowledge whether the method employed is likely to over‐ or underestimate breeding pairs. This study provides a means to recognize the potential biases in breeding pair estimates.
Temporal trends in the epidemiology, management, and outcome of patients with cardiogenic shock complicating acute coronary syndromes
Authors: De Luca Leonardo , Olivari Zoran , Farina Andrea , Gonzini Lucio , Lucci Donata , Di Chiara Antonio , Casella Gianni , Chiarella Francesco , Boccanelli Alessandro , Di Pasquale Giuseppe , De Servi Stefano , Bovenzi Francesco Maria , Gulizia Michele Massimo , Savonitto Stefano
Published: September 2015

Aims

Despite advances in the management of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), cardiogenic shock (CS) remains the leading cause of death in these patients. We describe the evolution of clinical characteristics, in‐hospital management, and outcome of patients with CS complicating ACS.

Methods and results

We analysed data from five Italian nationwide prospective registries, conducted between 2001 and 2014, including consecutive patients with ACS. Out of 28 217 ACS patients enrolled, 1209 (4.3%) had CS: 526 (44%) at the time of admission and 683 (56%) later on during hospitalization. Over the years, a reduction in the incidence of CS was observed, even though this was not statistically significant (P for trend = 0.17). The proportions of CS patients with a history of heart failure declined, whereas the proportion of those with hypertension, renal dysfunction, previous PCI, and AF significantly increased. The use of PCI considerably increased from 2001 to 2014 [19% to 60%; percentage change 41, 95% confidence interval (CI) 29–51]. In‐hospital mortality of CS patients decreased from 68% (95% CI 59–76) in 2001 to 38% (95% CI 29–47) in 2014 (percentage change −30, 95% CI −41 to −18). Compared with 2001, the risk of death was significantly lower in all of the registries, with reductions in adjusted mortality between 45% and 66%.

Conclusions

Over the last 14 years, substantial changes occurred in the clinical characteristics and management of patients with CS complicating ACS, with a greater use of PCI and a significant reduction in adjusted mortality rate.
Recent advances in CE mediated microanalysis for enzymatic and derivatization reactions
Authors: Ramana Pranov , Adams Erwin , Augustijns Patrick , Van Schepdael Ann
Published: September 2015

This review gives an overview of the applications and recent advances in CE mediated microanalysis. As a continuation of earlier reviews, it covers articles published from a period of mid 2013–early 2015. The article contains three main parts. In the first part of the article, different kinds of in‐line CE mediated microanalysis are briefly discussed along with relevant papers regarding in‐line CE for enzyme analysis. Recent advances in on‐capillary derivatization reactions and immobilized enzyme reactors (IMERs) have been summarized along with their purpose and relevance in the second and third part of the paper, respectively.
Loss of galectin‐3 decreases the number of immune cells in the subventricular zone and restores proliferation in a viral model of multiple sclerosis
Authors: James Rachel E. , Hillis James , Adorján István , Gration Betty , Mundim Mayara V. , Iqbal Asif J. , Majumdar Moon‐Moon , Yates Richard L. , Richards Maureen M. H. , Goings Gwendolyn E. , DeLuca Gabriele C. , Greaves David R. , Miller Stephen D. , Szele Francis G.
Published: September 2015

Multiple sclerosis (MS) frequently starts near the lateral ventricles, which are lined by subventricular zone (SVZ) progenitor cells that can migrate to lesions and contribute to repair. Because MS‐induced inflammation may decrease SVZ proliferation and thus limit repair, we studied the role of galectin‐3 (Gal‐3), a proinflammatory protein. Gal‐3 expression was increased in periventricular regions of human MS in post‐mortem brain samples and was also upregulated in periventricular regions in a murine MS model, Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) infection. Whereas TMEV increased SVZ chemokine (CCL2, CCL5, CCL, and CXCL10) expression in wild type (WT) mice, this was inhibited in Gal‐3−/− mice. Though numerous CD45+ immune cells entered the SVZ of WT mice after TMEV infection, their numbers were significantly diminished in Gal‐3−/− mice. TMEV also reduced neuroblast and proliferative SVZ cell numbers in WT mice but this was restored in Gal‐3−/− mice and was correlated with increased numbers of doublecortin+ neuroblasts in the corpus callosum. In summary, our data showed that loss of Gal‐3 blocked chemokine increases after TMEV, reduced immune cell migration into the SVZ, reestablished SVZ proliferation and increased the number of progenitors in the corpus callosum. These results suggest Gal‐3 plays a central role in modulating the SVZ neurogenic niche's response to this model of MS. GLIA 2016;64:105–121
Digging Deeper: Exploring the Relationship Between Mentoring, Developmental Interactions, and Student Agency
Authors: Griffin Kimberly A. , Eury Jennifer L. , Gaffney Meghan E.
Published: September 2015

While many cite the importance of having a mentor, focusing on the quality and nature of specific interactions between students and faculty can lead to better strategies promoting student agency. This chapter presents narratives from students who work with the same mentor, focusing on their interactions and how they shaped students’ experiences and outcomes.
Thrombelastography‐guided blood product use before invasive procedures in cirrhosis with severe coagulopathy: A randomized, controlled trial
Authors: De Pietri Lesley , Bianchini Marcello , Montalti Roberto , De Maria Nicola , Di Maira Tommaso , Begliomini Bruno , Gerunda Giorgio Enrico , di Benedetto Fabrizio , Garcia‐Tsao Guadalupe , Villa Erica
Published: September 2015

Bleeding is a feared complication of invasive procedures in patients with cirrhosis and significant coagulopathy (as defined by routine coagulation tests) and is used to justify preprocedure use of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and/or platelets (PLT). Thromboelastography (TEG) provides a more comprehensive global coagulation assessment than routine tests (international normalized ratio [INR] and platelet count), and its use may avoid unnecessary blood product transfusion in patients with cirrhosis and significant coagulopathy (defined in this study as INR >1.8 and/or platelet count <50 × 109/L) who will be undergoing an invasive procedure. Sixty patients were randomly allocated to TEG‐guided transfusion strategy or standard of care (SOC; 1:1 TEG:SOC). The TEG group would receive FFP if the reaction time (r) was >40 min and/or PLT if maximum amplitude (MA) was <30 mm. All SOC patients received FFP and/or PLT per hospital guidelines. Endpoints were blood product use and bleeding complications. Baseline characteristics of the two groups were similar. Per protocol, all subjects in the SOC group received blood product transfusions versus 5 in the TEG group (100% vs. 16.7%; P < 0.0001). Sixteen SOC (53.3%) received FFP, 10 (33.3%) PLT, and 4 (13.3%) both FFP and PLT. In the TEG group, none received FFP alone (P < 0.0001 vs. SOC), 2 received PLT (6.7%; P = 0.009 vs. SOC), and 3 both FFP and PLT (not significant). Postprocedure bleeding occurred in only 1 patient (SOC group) after large‐volume paracentesis. Conclusions: In patients with cirrhosis and significant coagulopathy before invasive procedures, TEG‐guided transfusion strategy leads to a significantly lower use of blood products compared to SOC (transfusion guided by INR and platelet count), without an increase in bleeding complications. Remarkably, even in patients with significant coagulopathy, postprocedure bleeding was rare, indicating that TEG thresholds should be reevaluated. (Hepatology 2016;63:566–573)
Mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase kinase 4 deficiency in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma leads to invasive growth and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition
Authors: Yang Liu‐Xiao , Gao Qiang , Shi Jie‐Yi , Wang Zhi‐Chao , Zhang Yong , Gao Ping‐Ting , Wang Xiao‐Ying , Shi Ying‐Hong , Ke Ai‐Wu , Shi Guo‐Ming , Cai Jia‐Bin , Liu Wei‐Ren , Duan Meng , Zhao Ying‐Jun , Ji Yuan , Gao Dong‐Mei , Zhu Kai , Zhou Jian , Qiu Shuang‐Jian , Cao Ya , Tang Qi‐Qun , Fan Jia
Published: September 2015

The molecular pathogenesis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is poorly understood, and its incidence continues to increase worldwide. Deficiency of mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase kinase 4 (MAP3K4) has been reported to induce the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) process of placental and embryonic development, yet its role in human cancer remains unknown. MAP3K4 has somatic mutation in iCCA so we sequenced all exons of MAP3K4 in 124 iCCA patients. We identified nine somatic mutations in 10 (8.06%) patients, especially in those with lymph node metastasis and intrahepatic metastasis. We also showed that messenger RNA and protein levels of MAP3K4 were significantly reduced in iCCA versus paired nontumor tissues. Furthermore, knockdown of MAP3K4 in cholangiocarcinoma cells markedly enhanced cell proliferation and invasiveness in vitro and tumor progression in vivo, accompanied by a typical EMT process. In contrast, overexpression of MAP3K4 in cholangiocarcinoma cells obviously reversed EMT and inhibited cell invasion. Mechanistically, MAP3K4 functioned as a negative regulator of EMT in iCCA by antagonizing the activity of the p38/nuclear factor κB/snail pathway. We found that the tumor‐inhibitory effect of MAP3K4 was abolished by inactivating mutations. Clinically, a tissue microarray study containing 322 iCCA samples from patients revealed that low MAP3K4 expression in iCCA positively correlated with aggressive tumor characteristics, such as vascular invasion and intrahepatic or lymph node metastases, and was independently associated with poor survival and increased recurrence after curative surgery. Conclusions: MAP3K4, significantly down‐regulated, frequently mutated, and potently regulating the EMT process in iCCA, was a putative tumor suppressor of iCCA. (Hepatology 2015;62:1804‐1816)
Characterization of sub‐daily thermal regime in alpine rivers: quantification of alterations induced by hydropeaking
Authors: Vanzo Davide , Siviglia Annunziato , Carolli Mauro , Zolezzi Guido
Published: September 2015

The thermal regime of rivers is threatened by anthropogenic stresses at a large variety of timescales. We focus on sub‐daily thermal alterations induced by the release of hypolimnetic water for hydropower production (thermopeaking). We analyse the thermal signal focusing on the following characteristics that are potentially affected by hypolimnetic releases: (i) sub‐daily thermal rate of change and (ii) oscillation frequencies contained in the thermal signal. Through a proper scaling, we derive two dimensionless at‐a‐station indicators to compare alterations among stations with different locations and physiographic characteristics of the basins. Then we analyse the data from two different thermal datasets (Italy/Switzerland) for a total of 48 stations with 10 min time resolution of temperature data. The stations are grouped according to the absence of upstream hydropeaking releases (29 stations, reference group) and the existence of upstream hydropeaking, hence potentially impacted by thermopeaking (19 stations, altered group). Using a simple statistical approach, based on a non‐parametric definition of outliers, we identify the range of variability of the two indicators for the reference, unaltered group. This range measures the ‘natural’ sub‐daily thermal variability of the proposed indicators.

Finally, we investigate the seasonality effects on the two proposed indicators and it results, that sub‐daily alterations mostly occur during summer. The two indicators represent a novel tool for the assessment of river thermal regime alterations and can be easily included in existing methodologies to assess river quality. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Learning What to Remember: Vocabulary Knowledge and Children's Memory for Object Names and Features
Authors: Perry Lynn K. , Axelsson Emma L. , Horst Jessica S.
Published: September 2015

Although young children can map a novel name to a novel object, it remains unclear what they actually remember about objects when they initially make such a name–object association. In the current study we investigated (1) what children remembered after they were initially introduced to name–object associations and (2) how their vocabulary size and vocabulary structure influenced what they remembered. As a group, children had difficulty remembering each of the features of the original novel objects. Further analyses revealed that differences in vocabulary structure predicted children's ability to remember object features. Specifically, children who produced many names for categories organized by similarity in shape (e.g. ball, cup) had the best memory for newly‐learned objects' features—especially their shapes. In addition, the more features children remembered, the more likely they were to retain the newly learned name–object associations. Vocabulary size, however, was not predictive of children's feature memory or retention. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that children's existing vocabulary structure, rather than simply vocabulary size, influences what they attend to when encountering a new object and subsequently their ability to remember new name–object associations. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
NOTCH, ASCL1, p53 and RB alterations define an alternative pathway driving neuroendocrine and small cell lung carcinomas
Authors: Meder Lydia , König Katharina , Ozretić Luka , Schultheis Anne M. , Ueckeroth Frank , Ade Carsten P. , Albus Kerstin , Boehm Diana , Rommerscheidt‐Fuss Ursula , Florin Alexandra , Buhl Theresa , Hartmann Wolfgang , Wolf Jürgen , Merkelbach‐Bruse Sabine , Eilers Martin , Perner Sven , Heukamp Lukas C. , Buettner Reinhard
Published: September 2015

Small cell lung cancers (SCLCs) and extrapulmonary small cell cancers (SCCs) are very aggressive tumors arising de novo as primary small cell cancer with characteristic genetic lesions in RB1 and TP53. Based on murine models, neuroendocrine stem cells of the terminal bronchioli have been postulated as the cellular origin of primary SCLC. However, both in lung and many other organs, combined small cell/non‐small cell tumors and secondary transitions from non‐small cell carcinomas upon cancer therapy to neuroendocrine and small cell tumors occur. We define features of “small cell‐ness” based on neuroendocrine markers, characteristic RB1 and TP53 mutations and small cell morphology. Furthermore, here we identify a pathway driving the pathogenesis of secondary SCLC involving inactivating NOTCH mutations, activation of the NOTCH target ASCL1 and canonical WNT‐signaling in the context of mutual bi‐allelic RB1 and TP53 lesions. Additionaly, we explored ASCL1 dependent RB inactivation by phosphorylation, which is reversible by CDK5 inhibition. We experimentally verify the NOTCH‐ASCL1‐RB‐p53 signaling axis in vitro and validate its activation by genetic alterations in vivo. We analyzed clinical tumor samples including SCLC, SCC and pulmonary large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas and adenocarcinomas using amplicon‐based Next Generation Sequencing, immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization. In conclusion, we identified a novel pathway underlying rare secondary SCLC which may drive small cell carcinomas in organs other than lung, as well.
Pre‐existing interleukin 10 in cerebral arteries attenuates subsequent brain injury caused by ischemia/reperfusion
Authors: Liang Qiu‐Juan , Jiang Mei , Wang Xin‐Hong , Le Li‐Li , Xiang Meng , Sun Ning , Meng Dan , Chen Si‐Feng
Published: September 2015

Recurrent stroke is difficult to treat and life threatening. Transfer of anti‐inflammatory gene is a potential gene therapy strategy for ischemic stroke. Using recombinant adeno‐associated viral vector 1 (rAAV1)‐mediated interleukin 10 (IL‐10), we investigated whether transfer of beneficial gene into the rat cerebral vessels during interventional treatment for initial stroke could attenuate brain injury caused by recurrent stroke. Male Wistar rats were administered rAAV1‐IL‐10, rAAV1‐YFP, or saline into the left cerebral artery. Three weeks after gene transfer, rats were subjected to occlusion of the left middle cerebral artery (MCAO) for 45 min followed by reperfusion for 24 h. IL‐10 levels in serum were significantly elevated 3 weeks after rAAV1‐IL‐10 injection, and virus in the cerebral vessels was confirmed by in situ hybridization. Pre‐existing IL‐10 but not YFP decreased the neurological dysfunction scores, brain infarction volume, and the number of injured neuronal cells. AAV1‐IL‐10 transduction increased heme oxygenase (HO‐1) mRNA and protein levels in the infarct boundary zone of the brain. Thus, transduction of the IL‐10 gene in the cerebral artery prior to ischemia attenuates brain injury caused by ischemia/reperfusion in rats. This preventive approach for recurrent stroke can be achieved during interventional treatment for initial stroke. © 2015 IUBMB Life, 67(9):710–719, 2015
Point‐of‐care seeding of nitinol stents with blood‐derived endothelial cells
Authors: Jantzen Alexandra E. , Noviani Maria , Mills James S. , Baker Katherine M. , Lin Fu‐Hsiung , Truskey George A. , Achneck Hardean E.
Published: September 2015

Nitinol‐based vascular devices, for example, peripheral and intracranial stents, are limited by thrombosis and restenosis. To ameliorate these complications, we developed a technology to promote vessel healing by rapidly seeding (QuickSeeding) autologous blood‐derived endothelial cells (ECs) onto modified self‐expanding nitinol stent delivery systems immediately before implantation. Several thousand micropores were laser‐drilled into a delivery system sheath surrounding a commercial nitinol stent to allow for exit of an infused cell suspension. As suspension medium flowed outward through the micropores, ECs flowed through the delivery system attaching to the stent surface. The QuickSeeded ECs adhered to and spread on the stent surface following 24‐h in vitro culture under static or flow conditions. Further, QuickSeeded ECs on stents that were deployed into porcine carotid arteries spread to endothelialize stent struts within 48 h (n = 4). The QuickSeeded stent struts produced significantly more nitric oxide in ex vivo flow circuits after 24 h, as compared to static conditions (n = 5). In conclusion, ECs QuickSeeded onto commercial nitinol stents within minutes of implantation spread to form a functional layer in vitro and in vivo, providing proof of concept that the novel QuickSeeding method with modified delivery systems can be used to seed functional autologous endothelium at the point of care. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 1658–1665, 2016.
One‐pot Modification of Terpene's Methylenecyclobutane Derivatives
Authors: D'yakonov Vladimir A. , Tuktarova Regina A. , Islamov Ilgiz I. , Tyumkina Tatyana V. , Dzhemilev Usein M.
Published: September 2015

Cycloalumination of terpene's methylenecyclobutane derivatives (d(+)‐camphor, (+)‐camphene, (−)‐β‐pinene, and l(−)‐menthol) with triethylaluminum catalyzed by Cp2ZrCl2 was accomplished for the first time to give previously undescribed spirocyclic organoaluminum compounds in high yields. The latter, without isolation, was converted into spirotetrahydroselenophanes or spirophospholanes.
Grinding and Microwave‐assisted Synthesis of Heterocyclic Molecules in High Yields and Their Biological Evaluation
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Kumar Anuj , Kumar Nikhil , Roy Partha , Sondhi Sham M.
Published: September 2015

Cis‐cyclohexane1,2‐dicarboxylic acid (1a), phthalic acid (1b), and pyrazine 2,3‐ dicarboxylic acid (1c) on grinding with hydrazine hydrate (2a) gave 2‐aminohexahydro‐1H‐isoindole‐1,3(2H)‐dione (3a), 2‐amino‐1H‐isoindole‐1,3(2H)‐dione (3b), and 6‐amino‐5H‐pyrrolo[3,4‐b]pyrazine‐5,7(6H)‐dione (3c), respectively. Condensation of (3a, 3b, 3c) with aldehydes (4x, 4y, 4z) and 2‐cyanopyridine, 4‐cyanopyridine, 2‐cyanopyrazine (5x, 5y, 5z) under microwave irradiation gave corresponding azomethine (6ax, 6ay, 6az, 6bx, 6by, 6bz, 6cx, 6cy, 6cz) and amidine (7ax, 7ay, 7az, 7bx, 7by, 7bz, 7cx, 7cy, 7cz) derivatives, respectively. Fully characterized azomethine (6ax, 6ay, 6az, 6bx, 6by, 6bz, 6cx, 6cy, 6cz) and amidine (7ax, 7ay, 7az, 7bx, 7by, 7bz, 7cx, 7cy, 7cz) derivatives were screened for anti‐inflammatory and anticancer activity against five human cancer cell lines. Compound 7cx exhibited 35% anti‐inflammatory activity at a dose of 50 mg/kg p.o. whereas standard drug ibuprofen showed 39% activity at a dose of 50 mg/kg p.o. Compounds 6bz, 7cx, 7cz (breast T47D), 6bz, 6cy (lung NCI H‐522), 6bx, 7bz (colon HCT‐15), 6bz (ovary PA‐1) and 6bx, and 6cz (liver HepG‐2) exhibited good (35–41% inhibition at 10 μM c) anticancer activity. IC50 values of 6bx, 6bz, 6cy, 6cz, 7bz, 7cx, and 7cz against various cancer cell lines and normal cell (COS‐1) are also reported.
Improving transitions of care for patients on warfarin: The safe transitions anticoagulation report
Authors: Dunn Andrew S. , Shetreat‐Klein Avniel , Berman Jeremy , Cho Hyung J. , Stein Laura , Lewis Chenelle , Hamilton Sharla , To Simon , Francaviglia Paul , Kannry Joseph
Published: September 2015

Adverse drug events are common during the transition period after hospitalization, and anticoagulants are among the medication classes for which the incidence is highest. We aimed to develop a concise report to improve the timeliness of international normalized ratio (INR) testing and quality of warfarin management posthospitalization.

We developed the Safe Transitions Anticoagulation Report (STAR), which contains essential information on anticoagulation and is embedded in the discharge summary, and implemented the report and associated workflow in a tertiary care hospital within an integrated healthcare system. We performed a retrospective administrative database review of 505 patients in the preintervention period and 292 patients in the intervention period who were discharged on warfarin and were established patients at an affiliated ambulatory practice.

There was no change in the frequency of obtaining an INR value within 10 days of discharge (41.4% and 47.6%, respectively, P = 0.09), and no increase in attaining a therapeutic INR level within 10 days of discharge (17.0% and 21.2%, respectively, P = 0.14). Ambulatory clinicians reported that the STAR improved “workflow and efficiency” (58%) and “patient safety” (77%), and led to an altered warfarin dose for 34% of survey respondents.

Our study found that a concise anticoagulation report embedded in the discharge summary was perceived by ambulatory physicians as improving patient safety, but had no impact on clinical outcomes, suggesting that this electronic medical record tool would need to be a component of a broader multifaceted intervention to be effective. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2015;10:615–618. © 2015 Society of Hospital Medicine
A new diagnostic approach to popliteal artery entrapment syndrome
Authors: Williams Charles , Kennedy Dominic , Bastian‐Jordan Matthew , Hislop Matthew , Cramp Brendan , Dhupelia Sanjay
Published: September 2015

A new method of diagnosing and defining functional popliteal artery entrapment syndrome is described. By combining ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging techniques with dynamic plantarflexion of the ankle against resistance, functional entrapment can be demonstrated and the location of the arterial occlusion identified. This combination of imaging modalities will also define muscular anatomy for guiding intervention such as surgery or Botox injection.
Radio‐guided occult lesion localisation using iodine 125 Seeds “ROLLIS” to guide surgical removal of an impalpable posterior chest wall melanoma metastasis
Authors: Dissanayake Shashini , Dissanayake Deepthi , Taylor Donna B.
Published: September 2015

Cancer screening and surveillance programmes and the use of sophisticated imaging tools such as positron emission tomography‐computed tomography (PET‐CT) have increased the detection of impalpable lesions requiring imaging guidance for excision. A new technique involves intra‐lesional insertion of a low‐activity iodine‐125 (125I) seed and detection of the radioactive signal in theatre using a hand‐held gamma probe to guide surgery. Whilst several studies describe using this method to guide the removal of impalpable breast lesions, only a handful of publications report its use to guide excision of lesions outside the breast. We describe a case in which radio‐guided occult lesion localisation using an iodine 125 seed was used to guide excision of an impalpable posterior chest wall metastasis detected on PET‐CT.
Practice patterns of radiation therapy technology in Australia: results of a national audit
Authors: Bridge Pete , Dempsey Shane , Giles Eileen , Maresse Sharon , McCorkell Giulia , Opie Craig , Wright Caroline , Carmichael Mary‐Ann
Published: September 2015

Introduction

This article presents the results of a single‐day census of radiation therapy (RT) treatment and technology use in Australia. The primary aim of the study was to ascertain patterns of RT practice and technology in use across Australia. These data were primarily collated to inform curriculum development of academic programs, thereby ensuring that training is matched to workforce patterns of practice.

Methods

The study design was a census method with all 59 RT centres in Australia being invited to provide quantitative summary data relating to patient case mix and technology use on a randomly selected but common date. Anonymous and demographic‐free data were analysed using descriptive statistics.

Results

Overall data were provided across all six Australian States by 29 centres of a possible 59, yielding a response rate of 49% and representing a total of 2743 patients. Findings from this study indicate the increasing use of emerging intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), image fusion and image‐guided radiation therapy (IGRT) technology in Australian RT planning and delivery phases. IMRT in particular was used for 37% of patients, indicating a high uptake of the technology in Australia when compared to other published data. The results also highlight the resource‐intensive nature of benign tumour radiotherapy.

Conclusions

In the absence of routine national data collection, the single‐day census method offers a relatively convenient means of measuring and tracking RT resource utilisation. Wider use of this tool has the potential to not only track trends in technology implementation but also inform evidence‐based guidelines for referral and resource planning.
Wintertime weather‐climate variability and its links to early spring ice‐out in Maine lakes
Authors: Beyene Mussie T. , Jain Shaleen
Published: September 2015

In recent decades, Maine lakes have recorded their earliest ice‐out dates in over a century. In temperate regions, seasonal lake ice‐cover is a critical phenomenon linking climate, aquatic ecosystem and society. And the lengthening of the ice‐free period due to warmer climate has been linked to increased algal growth and declining lake water quality, warming of water temperatures leading to alterations in aquatic biodiversity, and the shortening of ice‐fishing period and other traditional winter activities over lakes. In this study, historical record of eight lakes and six benchmarked meteorological stations in Maine for the period 1950–2010 were analyzed to (1) investigate the relationship between antecedent winter (January–February) temperatures, degree‐day variables, and spring‐time ice breakup dates, including the identification of thresholds and (2) determine the influence of the extreme phases of select atmospheric teleconnection patterns (Tropical Northern hemisphere‐ TNH and North Atlantic Oscillation‐ NAO) on the winter degree‐day quantities and spring ice‐out dates. The influence of antecedent winter degree‐days on spring ice‐out dates was characterized by determining the threshold winter accumulated freezing and melting degree‐day (AFDD and AMDD), the exceedance (non‐exceedance) of which engenders early (late) spring ice‐out dates. Statistical analysis between teleconnection indices and winter AFDD and/or AMDD quantities for Maine revealed an asymmetric relationship. Strongly negative phases of TNH and, to a lesser extent, positive phases of NAO are linked with spatial and temporal pattern of early spring ice breakup events in Maine lakes. These relationships taken together with observed warming trends have the potential to accelerate the decline in water quality in Maine lakes.
Seasonal patterns in extracellular ion concentrations and pH of the Arctic copepod Calanus glacialis
Authors: Freese Daniela , Niehoff Barbara , Søreide Janne E. , Sartoris Franz Josef
Published: September 2015

Arctic shelf zooplankton communities are dominated by the copepod Calanus glacialis. This species feeds in surface waters during spring and summer and accumulates large amounts of lipids. Autumn and winter are spent in dormancy in deeper waters. Lipids are believed to play a major role in regulating buoyancy, however, they cannot explain fine‐tuning of the depth distribution. To investigate whether ion exchange processes and acid‐base regulation support ontogenetic migration as suggested for Antarctic copepods, we sampled C. glacialis in monthly intervals for 1 yr in a high‐Arctic fjord and determined cation concentrations and the extracellular pH (pHe) in its hemolymph. During the winter/spring transition, prior to the upward migration of the copepods, Li+ ions were exchanged with cations (Na+, Mg2+, and Ca2+) leading to Li+ concentrations of 197 mmol L−1. This likely decreased the density and promoted upward migration in C. glacialis. Our data thus suggest that Li+ has a biological function in this species. Ion and pHe regulation in the hemolymph were not directly correlated, but the pHe revealed a seasonal pattern and was low (5.5) in winter and high (7.9) in summer. Low pHe during overwintering might be related to metabolic depression and thus, support diapause.
The convergence and stability analysis of the Jacobi collocation method for solving nonlinear fractional differential equations with integral boundary conditions
Authors: Parvizi Maryam , Eslahchi M. R.
Published: September 2015

In this paper, we apply the Jacobi collocation method for solving nonlinear fractional differential equations with integral boundary conditions. Due to existence of integral boundary conditions, after reformulation of this equation in the integral form, the method is proposed for solving the obtained integral equation. Also, the convergence and stability analysis of the proposed method are studied in two main theorems. Furthermore, the optimum degree of convergence in the L2 norm is obtained for this method. Furthermore, some numerical examples are presented in order to illustrate the performance of the presented method. Finally, an application of the model in control theory is introduced. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exact solutions of nonlinear Schrödinger equation by using symbolic computation
Authors: Kaplan Melike , Ünsal Ömer , Bekir Ahmet
Published: September 2015

The (G′/G,1/G)‐expansion method and (1/G′)‐expansion method are interesting approaches to find new and more general exact solutions to the nonlinear evolution equations. In this paper, these methods are applied to construct new exact travelling wave solutions of nonlinear Schrödinger equation. The travelling wave solutions are expressed by hyperbolic functions, trigonometric functions and rational functions. It is shown that the proposed methods provide a powerful mathematical tool for solving nonlinear wave equations in mathematical physics and engineering. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Statistical Approaches to Assessing Health and Healthcare Disparities
Authors: Eberly Lynn E. , Cunanan Kristen , Gurvich Olga , Savik Kay , Bliss Donna Z. , Wyman Jean F.
Published: September 2015

Determining whether racial and ethnic disparities exist for a health‐related outcome requires first specifying how outcomes will be measured and disparities calculated. We explain and contrast two common approaches for quantifying racial/ethnic disparities in health, with an applied example from nursing research. Data from a national for‐profit chain of nursing homes in the US were analyzed to estimate racial/ethnic disparities in incidence of pressure ulcer within 90 days of nursing home admission. Two approaches were used and then compared: logistic regression and Peters–Belson. Advantages and disadvantages of each approach are given. Logistic regression can be used to quantify disparities as the odds of the outcome for one group relative to another. Peters–Belson can be used to quantify an overall disparity between groups as a risk difference and also provides the proportion of that disparity that is explained by available risk factors. Extensions to continuous outcomes, to survival outcomes, and to clustered data are outlined. Both logistic regression and Peters–Belson are easily implementable and interpretable and provide information on the predictors associated with the outcome. These disparity estimation methods have different interpretations, assumptions, strengths, and weaknesses, of which the researcher should be aware when planning an analytic approach. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The associations of “fatness,” “fitness,” and physical activity with all‐cause mortality in older adults: A systematic review
Authors: Yerrakalva Dharani , Mullis Ricky , Mant Jonathan
Published: September 2015

Objective

This review explored whether cardiorespiratory fitness or physical activity act as either confounders or effect modifiers of the relationship between adiposity markers and all‐cause mortality in older adults.

Methods

Systematic searches were carried out to identify observational studies that examined the association of adiposity markers (BMI, waist circumference, and waist‐hip ratio) with all‐cause mortality in adults aged ≥60 which took into account cardiorespiratory fitness or physical activity. Data from each included study was analyzed to produce a graphical representation of this relationship.

Results

Fourteen of the fifteen identified studies found that increasing BMI had a non‐positive association with all‐cause mortality, with persistence of the obesity paradox despite adjustment for physical activity or cardiorespiratory fitness. Physical activity measurement methods were all subjective and often unvalidated. The two studies stratifying for cardiorespiratory fitness did not find that fitness had a significant impact on the relationship between excess adiposity and mortality but found that overweight and fit people had better survival than normal‐weight unfit people,

Conclusions

The predominant use of poor physical activity measurement suggests that studies are currently not adequately accounting for possible physical activity confounding. More studies are needed for addressing the modification of the relationship between adiposity markers and mortality by cardiorespiratory fitness.
Association of the fat mass and obesity‐associated gene risk allele, rs9939609A, and reward‐related brain structures
Authors: de Groot Corjan , Felius Abraham , Trompet Stella , de Craen Anton J.M. , Blauw Gerard J. , van Buchem Mark A. , Delemarre‐van de Waal Henriette A. , van der Grond Jeroen
Published: September 2015

Objective

Recently, the fat mass and obesity‐associated gene (FTO) has been identified as a genetic risk factor for developing obesity. The underlying mechanisms remain speculative. SNPs within FTO have been associated with brain atrophy in frontal and occipital regions, suggesting that FTO might affect body weight through cerebral pathways. Behavioral studies suggested a relationship between FTO and the reward‐related behavioral traits. Therefore the relationship between the FTO risk allele rs9939609A and volumes of reward‐related brain structures has been investigated.

Methods

Four hundred and ninety‐two Dutch individuals (56% males, age: 70‐82 years) participating in the PROSPER study underwent a 3D‐T1‐weighted MRI to assess the volumes of reward‐related brain structures (e.g., amygdala, nucleus accumbens) and of gray matter and white matter. Linear regression analysis was performed to test for the association of subcortical and cortical structures with rs9939609A.

Results

rs9939609A is associated with lower volumes of the nucleus accumbens (p=0.03) and trended toward lower cortical gray matter volumes (p=0.08). This association is independent of gender, age, and BMI, FDR corrected.

Conclusions

The FTO risk allele is associated with lower nucleus accumbens volumes, suggesting that the higher body weight of risk‐allele carriers might be due to changes within reward‐related brain structures.