bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Effectiveness of Low‐Molecular‐Weight Heparins versus Other Anticoagulants in Major Orthopedic Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Sobieraj Diana M. , Coleman Craig I. , Tongbram Vanita , Chen Wendy , Colby Jennifer , Lee Soyon , Kluger Jeffrey , Makanji Sagar , Ashaye Ajibade , White C. Michael
Published: September 2012

Study Objective

To evaluate the comparative efficacy and safety of low‐molecular‐weight heparins (LMWHs) versus other anticoagulants as venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in major orthopedic surgery.

Design

Systematic review with meta‐analysis of 37 randomized controlled trials.

Patients

Patients undergoing total hip replacement, total knee replacement, or hip fracture surgery who received prophylaxis with a LMWH or another anticoagulant.

Measurements and Main Results

We conducted a systematic literature search of the MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Scopus databases (1980–July 2011) to identify randomized controlled trials. Trials were included if they directly compared LMWH prophylaxis with another anticoagulant class and reported outcomes of interest. Compared with patients who received unfractionated heparin (UFH), patients who received LMWHs had fewer pulmonary embolism, total deep vein thrombosis (DVT), major bleeding, and heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia events. Compared with patients who received vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), patients who received LMWHs had fewer total DVT and distal DVT events but reported increased major bleeding, minor bleeding, and surgical site bleeding events. Major efficacy end points such as symptomatic venous thromboembolism, pulmonary embolism, and nonfatal pulmonary embolism showed similar benefits of therapy with LMWHs and VKAs. Compared with patients receiving factor Xa inhibitors, patients who received LMWHs had more major venous thromboembolism, pulmonary embolism, total DVT, asymptomatic DVT, proximal DVT, and distal DVT events but fewer major bleeding events. Compared with patients receiving direct thrombin inhibitors (DTIs), patients who received LMWHs had more major venous thromboembolism, total DVT, and proximal DVT events without significantly negatively affecting bleeding. However, patients who received LMWHs had fewer distal DVT events versus those who received DTIs. Subgroup analyses indicated differences based on the surgical procedure and individual drug within certain pharmacologic classes.

Conclusion

According to moderate‐to‐high strength of evidence, LMWH prophylaxis provides additional benefits with less harm compared with UFH. With predominantly moderate strength of evidence, the balance of benefits to harms for factor Xa inhibitors or DTIs compared with LMWHs seems favorable. With predominantly low‐to‐moderate strength of evidence, the known benefits in total DVT and distal DVT with LMWHs versus VKAs may not be sufficient to counteract the increased risk of bleeding.
Effect of the Clopidogrel–Proton Pump Inhibitor Drug Interaction on Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Bhurke Sharvari M. , Martin Bradley C. , Li Chenghui , Franks Amy M. , Bursac Zoran , Said Qayyim
Published: September 2012

Study Objective

To examine the effect of the drug interaction between clopidogrel and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) on the risk of an adverse cardiovascular event.

Design

Population‐based, retrospective cohort study.

Data Source

IMS LifeLink Health Plan administrative claims database.

Patients

A total of 10,101 patients aged 18 years or older with a diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) made during a hospitalization or emergency department visit between 2001 and 2008 and who had their first clopidogrel prescription within 90 days after their ACS diagnosis were included in the study. Patients were stratified according to concurrent use (clopidogrel plus PPI group) or no use (clopidogrel alone group) of the following PPIs: esomeprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole, or rabeprazole.

Measurements and Main Results

Data were collected on baseline patient demographic and clinical characteristics. Patients were followed from their first clopidogrel prescription until they experienced an adverse cardiovascular event, defined as inpatient hospitalization or emergency department visits for myocardial infarction, percutaneous coronary intervention, or intermediate coronary syndrome; were disenrolled; discontinued clopidogrel; or reached the end of the study period. Using a propensity scoring method, the clopidogrel plus PPI group was matched in a 1:1 ratio with the clopidogrel alone group. Exposure to overlapping clopidogrel‐PPI prescriptions was modeled as a time‐dependent covariate. The Cox hazards regression model was used to estimate the risk of an adverse cardiovascular event in the clopidogrel plus PPI group versus the clopidogrel alone group. Propensity score matching resulted in 2674 patient pairs. In the propensity score–matched sample, the mean age was 61.30 years, with a mean follow‐up of 268 days, and 70.04% were male. Concurrent use of clopidogrel with a PPI was associated with a significantly increased risk of a cardiovascular adverse event (hazard ratio 1.438, 95% confidence interval 1.237–1.671) compared with clopidogrel alone.

Conclusion

Concurrent use of clopidogrel plus a PPI was associated with a significant increase in risk of an adverse cardiovascular event in patients with ACS. Large randomized studies are needed to confirm this finding. Until then, clinicians should prescribe the concurrent use of these two drugs cautiously.
Outcomes from a Mentored Research Boot Camp: Focused Investigator Training (FIT) Program
Authors: Marinac Jacqueline S. , Gerkovich Mary M.
Published: September 2012

Study Objective

To evaluate the change in mentee self‐efficacy with regard to research, number of grant submissions, and total amount of new monies awarded to graduates of a novel, mentored, investigator‐training program—the Focused Investigator Training (FIT) Program.

Design

Retrospective observational analysis.

Setting

American College of Clinical Pharmacy Research Institute.

Participants

Fifty‐five mentees from the 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 FIT Programs.

Intervention

The FIT Program is a novel, intensive, 5‐day, mentored development “boot camp” for mid‐career investigators holding research‐intensive positions. The program consists of proposal groups of two mentors and two–four mentees, one‐on‐one office hours, lectures, panel discussions, directed readings, and small group sessions. Twelve highly successful researchers and biostatisticians were recruited as mentors. Mentees submitted a detailed proposal and received faculty feedback before the program.

Measurements and Main Results

The main outcomes of the FIT Program were mentee self‐efficacy with regard to research, number of grant submissions, and total amount of new monies awarded to 2008 and 2009 FIT Program graduates. Univariate statistical analysis was conducted to determine characteristics of those FIT attendees with subsequent successful grantsmanship. A combined measure of self‐confidence in successful grantsmanship was significantly increased after completion of the FIT program. More than $2.7 million was funded to FIT graduates as principal investigators, and as coinvestigators or subcontractors, an additional $382,000 was awarded in new funds. Seven mentees from the 2008 and 2009 classes received new federal funding, mostly through various K‐type award mechanisms.

Conclusion

The FIT Program was associated with a significant increase in attendees' self‐efficacy for obtaining external research funding. Program attendance was associated with numerous successfully funded grants by pharmacist investigators. Future FIT Program success hinges on attracting adequate numbers of qualified applicants.
Activation of coagulation and platelets by candidate membranes of implantable devices in a whole blood model without soluble anticoagulant
Authors: Sokolov A. , Hellerud B. C. , Tønnessen T. I. , Johannessen E. A. , Mollnes T. E.
Published: September 2012

Implantable devices are challenged with thrombus formation at their biomaterial interface. Thus the importance of identifying compatible biomaterials that will help to improve the performance of these devices are becoming increasingly paramount. The aim of this study was to evaluate the activation of coagulation and platelets by candidate membranes considered for use in implantable devices on the basis of an adapted whole blood model without soluble anticoagulants. Evaluated materials were incubated with whole blood without soluble anticoagulant in wells coated with heparin. Prothrombin fragment 1+2 (PTF 1+2), thrombin‐antithrombin complex (TAT), and β‐thromboglobulin (BTG) were analyzed in plasma samples using enzyme immunoassays. The C5 inhibitor eculizumab was used to evaluate the role of complement. Incubation of two of the polyamide membranes PAR and PATF led to an increase in concentration of PTF 1+2 and TAT (p < 0.01 for PAR, ns for PATF). The BTG concentration was significantly increased for five materials [PAR, PATF, polycarbonate (PC), and two polyarylethersulphone membranes PAES‐1 and PAES‐2]. Complement inhibition had no effect on coagulation or platelet activation induced by PAR and PATF. In conclusion, PAR and PATF were not compatible with blood and should be avoided for use in implantable devices. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2013.
Cell fate conversion: Direct induction of hepatocyte‐like cells from fibroblasts
Authors: Ji Shuyi , Zhang Ludi , Hui Lijian
Published: September 2012

One of the essential features of stem cells is their cellular plasticity to differentiate into daughter cells with defined functions. Recently, induction of pluripotent stem cells from somatic cells by defined transcription factors led to the focus on cellular plasticity of terminally differentiated cells. This approach is adopted by other studies to demonstrate the cell fate conversion between different lineages of terminally differentiated cells. We and others showed that induced hepatocyte‐like (iHep) cells are directly converted from mouse fibroblasts by overexpression of liver‐enriched transcription factors. iHep cells as well as pluripotent stem cell‐ or mesenchymal stem cell‐derived hepatocyte‐like cells provide potential cell sources for disease modeling, transplantation, and tissue engineering independent of donor organs. Here, we review the latest advances in generating hepatocyte‐like cells and summarize general criteria for evaluating these cells. In addition, we propose a possible role of the p19Arf/p53 pathway in cell fate maintenance, which apparently limits the formation of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells and iHep cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 256–265, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The cancer‐related transcription factor Runx2 modulates cell proliferation in human osteosarcoma cell lines
Authors: Lucero Claudia M.J. , Vega Oscar A. , Osorio Mariana M. , Tapia Julio C. , Antonelli Marcelo , Stein Gary S. , van Wijnen Andre J. , Galindo Mario A.
Published: September 2012

Runx2 regulates osteogenic differentiation and bone formation, but also suppresses pre‐osteoblast proliferation by affecting cell cycle progression in the G1 phase. The growth suppressive potential of Runx2 is normally inactivated in part by protein destabilization, which permits cell cycle progression beyond the G1/S phase transition, and Runx2 is again up‐regulated after mitosis. Runx2 expression also correlates with metastasis and poor chemotherapy response in osteosarcoma. Here we show that six human osteosarcoma cell lines (SaOS, MG63, U2OS, HOS, G292, and 143B) have different growth rates, which is consistent with differences in the lengths of the cell cycle. Runx2 protein levels are cell cycle‐regulated with respect to the G1/S phase transition in U2OS, HOS, G292, and 143B cells. In contrast, Runx2 protein levels are constitutively expressed during the cell cycle in SaOS and MG63 cells. Forced expression of Runx2 suppresses growth in all cell lines indicating that accumulation of Runx2 in excess of its pre‐established levels in a given cell type triggers one or more anti‐proliferative pathways in osteosarcoma cells. Thus, regulatory mechanisms controlling Runx2 expression in osteosarcoma cells must balance Runx2 protein levels to promote its putative oncogenic functions, while avoiding suppression of bone tumor growth. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 714–723, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
IGF binding protein‐3 mediates stress‐induced apoptosis in non‐transformed mammary epithelial cells
Authors: Leibowitz Brian J. , Agostini‐Dreyer Allyson , Jetzt Amanda E. , Krumm Christopher S. , Cohick Wendie S.
Published: September 2012

Mammary epithelial cell (MEC) number is an important determinant of milk production in lactating dairy cows. IGF‐I increases IGF binding protein‐3 (IGFBP‐3) production in these cells, which plays a role in its ability to enhance proliferation. In the present study, we show that the apoptotic factor anisomycin (ANS) also increases IGFBP‐3 mRNA and protein in a dose‐ and concentration‐dependent manner that mirrors activation of caspase‐3 and ‐7, with significant increases in both IGFBP‐3 protein and caspase activation observed by 3 h. Knock‐down of IGFBP‐3 with small interfering (si) RNA attenuated the ability of ANS to induce apoptosis, while knock‐down of IGFBP‐2, the other major IGFBP made by bovine MEC, had no effect. Reducing IGFBP‐3 also decreased the ability of ANS to induce mitochondrial cytochrome c release, indicating its involvement in the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. In contrast, transfection with IGFBP‐3 in the absence of ANS failed to induce apoptosis. Since both the mitogen IGF‐I and the apoptotic inducer ANS increase IGFBP‐3 production in MEC, we proposed that cellular localization might determine IGFBP‐3 action. While both IGF‐I and ANS stimulated the release of IGFBP‐3 into conditioned media, only ANS induced nuclear localization of IGFBP‐3. A pan‐caspase inhibitor had no effect on ANS‐induced nuclear localization of IGFBP‐3, indicating that nuclear entry of IGFBP‐3 precedes caspase activation. Treatment with IGF‐I had no effect on ANS‐induced nuclear localization, but did block ANS‐induced apoptosis. In summary, our data indicate that IGFBP‐3 plays a role in stress‐induced apoptosis that may require nuclear localization in non‐transformed MEC. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 734–742, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
JAPANESE AMERICAN WARTIME EXPERIENCE, TAMOTSU SHIBUTANI AND METHODOLOGICAL INNOVATION, 1942–1978
Authors: INOUYE KAREN M.
Published: September 2012

A case study of how wartime internment reverberated in the life and work of Japanese American intellectuals, this essay discusses the career and interests of Tamotsu Shibutani, a sociologist who began his training as part of Dorothy Swaine Thomas’ Japanese American Evacuation and Resettlement Study (JERS). Though recent scholarship has noted some of the ethical problems that attended the use of Japanese American participant observers during the war, this essay concentrates instead on how interned intellectuals responded to their double role of both researcher (and intellectual) and object of study. I argue that in the case of Shibutani, his circumstances and identity shaped his scholarship, both as an academic endeavor and a political project. By tracking Shibutani's postwar scholarly activities, I show that his wartime experiences—as an internee, military officer, and participant‐observer—reverberated in his sociological publications long after the war's end.
Determination of L‐trantinterol in rat plasma by using chiral liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Jing Lijuan , Li Kunjie , Qin Fen , Wang Xintao , Pan Li , Wang Yanjuan , Cheng Maosheng , Li Famei
Published: September 2012

A simple, sensitive, and rapid method for determination of L‐trantinterol in rat plasma was developed for the first time by using LC coupled to MS/MS based on chiral stationary phase. A baseline separation of the enantiomers of trantinterol was achieved on a Chirobiotic V column, using a mixture of acetonitrile–methanol–ammonia–acetic acid (80:20:0.01:0.02, v/v/v/v) as the mobile phase. The detection was performed on a triple‐quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer by multiple reaction monitoring mode via ESI. The calibration curve was linear in concentration range from 0.270 to 108 ng/mL in plasma with the lower limit of quantification of 0.270 ng/mL. The intra‐ and interday precision (relative standard deviation) values were within 10.9% and the accuracy (relative error) was from 2.6 to 9.2% at all quality control levels. The method has been successfully applied to a study of L‐trantinterol pharmacokinetics in rats.
A Kinetic Study on Catechol‐Based Belousov–Zhabotinsky Reaction
Authors: Shah Ishfaq Ahmad , Peerzada G. M. , Ganaie Nadeem B. , Dar Nisar A.
Published: September 2012

The present investigation pertains to the kinetic study on bromate‐driven and manganese ion catalyzed Belousov–Zhabotinsky oscillatory chemical reaction having catechol (1,2‐dihydroxybenzene) as the organic substrate in aqueous acid media at 30 ± 0.1oC under stirred conditions. Although some polyphenols as chemical oscillators are known in the literature but the role of catechol has been marginalized. The reaction system with catechol shows long‐time series of periodic as well as aperiodic oscillations, which were monitored potentiometrically in the oxidation reduction potential (ORP) mode under batch conditions. The various oscillatory parameters such as induction time (tin), time period (tp), amplitude (A), and number of oscillations (N) were obtained by drawing a plot between redox potential (mV) versus time (s). It is found that the oscillatory parameters of the system vary with the concentration of the reacting species. The reaction system was also studied in different aqueous acid media, but the detailed studies with respect to experimental parameters have been made in aqueous sulfuric acid medium as it showed a broad oscillatory window and better oscillatory characteristics. Moreover, the oscillatory parameters in general and induction time in particular vary significantly with temperature (15 to 45 ± 0.1oC). The activation parameters of the system have also been calculated. The oscillatory behavior of the reaction system was also confirmed spectrophotometrically. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 45: 141–151, 2013
Droplet‐in‐Droplet Polymer Blend Microstructures: a Potential Route Toward the Recycling of Co‐mingled Plastics
Authors: Le Corroller Pierre , Favis Basil D.
Published: September 2012

The problem of recycling co‐mingled plastics is primarily related to the problem of multiple interfaces in multicomponent immiscible polymer blends. Here, we study a new concept where thermodynamically driven polymer segregation and phase encapsulation are used to locate multiple phases within one of two major phases. Starting from a co‐continuous blend of HDPE and PP, hierarchically encapsulated PS/PMMA/PC composite droplets are found to be exclusively located within PP when the principal HDPE/PP interface is compatibilized. The mechanical properties of the structures demonstrate an improved tensile strength and modulus as well as ductility under the appropriate processing conditions. This approach has potential as a novel route toward the recycling of co‐mingled plastics.
Role of cyclin B1/Cdc2 in mediating Bcl‐XL phosphorylation and apoptotic cell death following nocodazole‐induced mitotic arrest
Authors: Choi Hye Joung , Zhu Bao Ting
Published: September 2012

Treatment of cancer cells with microtubule inhibitors causes mitotic arrest, which subsequently leads to cell death via activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Mitotically arrested cells typically display increased phosphorylation (i.e., inactivation) of two key anti‐apoptotic proteins, Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐XL, but the mechanisms that regulate their phosphorylation as well as their role in apoptotic cell death following mitotic arrest are still poorly understood at present, which are the focus of this study. We recently showed that cyclin B1 and cell division cycle 2 (Cdc2) proteins are strongly up‐regulated in human breast cancer cells following treatment with nocodazole (a prototypical microtubule inhibitor), and their up‐regulation plays a critical role in the development of mitotic prometaphase arrest. In this study, we present evidence showing that the up‐regulated cyclin B1/Cdc2 complex in nocodazole‐treated human breast cancer cells is also responsible for the increased phosphorylation of Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐XL. However, only the increased phosphorylation of Bcl‐XL, but not the phosphorylation of Bcl‐2, contributes to subsequent activation of the intrinsic cell death pathway. In addition, evidence is presented to show that mitotic arrest deficient 2 (MAD2) is a key upstream mediator of the up‐regulation of cyclin B1/Cdc2 as well as the subsequent increase in phosphorylationof Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐XL in nocodazole‐treated cancer cells. Together, these results reveal that the up‐regulated cyclin B1/Cdc2 complex not only mediates prometaphase arrest in nocodazole‐treated cells, but also activates the subsequent intrinsic cell death pathway in these cells via increased phosphorylation of Bcl‐XL. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Proteomic profiling of osteosarcoma cells identifies ALDOA and SULT1A3 as negative survival markers of human osteosarcoma
Authors: Chen Xiang , Yang Tong‐Tao , Zhou Yong , Wang Wei , Qiu Xiu‐Chun , Gao Jie , Li Cun‐Xiao , Long Hua , Ma Bao‐An , Ma Qiong , Zhang Xian‐zhi , Yang Lian‐Jia , Fan Qing‐Yu
Published: September 2012

Osteosarcoma (OSA) is the most common primary malignancy of bone. Molecular mechanism underlying OSA remains to be fully elucidated. It is critical to identify reliable diagnostic and prognostic markers for OSA at the molecular levels. This study is designed to investigate possible molecular mechanisms behind OSA development and to identify novel prognostic markers related to OSA survival. We conduct a comprehensive proteomic profiling analysis of human OSA cell lines with differential metastatic potential. Through comprehensive combinatorial analyses of the proteomic data and the previously obtained cDNA microarray results, we identify 37 candidate proteins which are differentially expressed in OSA sublines. Among them, ALDOA and SULT1A3 are selected for further investigation. The expressions of protein are confirmed by Western blotting analysis. We further analyze the expression levels of ALDOA and SULT1A3 from 40 clinical cases of OSA. The results demonstrate that the expression of ALDOA and/or SULT1A3 is significantly higher in patients with worse survival time than patients with better survival time. Five‐year survival analysis shows there is a statistically significant difference between two patient populations. The data strongly suggest that ALDOA and/or SULT1A3 expression level in biopsy samples may predict the clinical outcomes of OSA patients. Furthermore, the biological functions of ALDOA and SULT1A3 may be implicated in OSA development and/or progression. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Selected nutraceutic screening by therapeutic effects on doxorubicin‐induced chronic kidney disease
Authors: Peng Chiung‐Chi , Hsieh Chiu‐Lan , Ker Yaw‐Bee , Wang Hsi‐Yi , Chen Kuan‐Chou , Peng Robert Y.
Published: September 2012

Scope

The number of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are increasing. Interventions such as controlling hypertension and specific pharmacologic options are recommended. Some nutraceutics may have benefits in this regard.

Methods and results

Naringenin (a flavanon), catechin (a flavanol), and quercetin (a flavonol) and rutin (a flavonol rutinoside) were tried on CKD in a Sprague Dawley rat model. Results indicated quercetin to be the most effective therapeutic candidate with respect to renal edema, hypertension, serum creatinine, hematocrit, cardiopathy, aorta calcification, glomerular amyloidosis, erythrocyte depletion in bone marrow, collagen deposition, expressions of TNF‐α, cleaved caspase‐3, IκBα, PPARα, and serum insulin. But quercetin was only partially effective in restoring glomerular filtration rate, albuminuria, serum cholesterol, triglyceride, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), uric acid, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase; urinary BUN and urinary creatinine. As for signaling, quercetin was completely effective in alleviating the cleaved caspase‐3, being only partially effective in suppressing Bax and Bad, restoring Bcl‐2, and rescuing DNA damage.

Conclusion

The CKD status cannot to be ameliorated by naringenin, rutin, and catechin. Comparatively, quercetin may be a better therapeutic candidate.
Combined MR, fluorescence and histology imaging strategy in a human breast tumor xenograft model
Authors: Jiang Lu , Greenwood Tiffany R. , van Hove Erika R. Amstalden , Chughtai Kamila , Raman Venu , Winnard Paul T. , Heeren Ron M. A. , Artemov Dmitri , Glunde Kristine
Published: September 2012

Applications of molecular imaging in cancer and other diseases frequently require the combination of in vivo imaging modalities, such as MR and optical imaging, with ex vivo optical, fluorescence, histology and immunohistochemical imaging to investigate and relate molecular and biological processes to imaging parameters within the same region of interest. We have developed a multimodal image reconstruction and fusion framework that accurately combines in vivo MRI and MRSI, ex vivo brightfield and fluorescence microscopic imaging and ex vivo histology imaging. Ex vivo brightfield microscopic imaging was used as an intermediate modality to facilitate the ultimate link between ex vivo histology and in vivo MRI/MRSI. Tissue sectioning necessary for optical and histology imaging required the generation of a three‐dimensional reconstruction module for two‐dimensional ex vivo optical and histology imaging data. We developed an external fiducial marker‐based three‐dimensional reconstruction method, which was able to fuse optical brightfield and fluorescence with histology imaging data. The registration of the three‐dimensional tumor shape was pursued to combine in vivo MRI/MRSI and ex vivo optical brightfield and fluorescence imaging data. This registration strategy was applied to in vivo MRI/MRSI, ex vivo optical brightfield/fluorescence and histology imaging datasets obtained from human breast tumor models. Three‐dimensional human breast tumor datasets were successfully reconstructed and fused with this platform. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stress and neuroticism in Spanish nursing students: A two‐wave longitudinal study
Authors: Fornés‐Vives Joana , García‐Banda Gloria , Frías‐Navarro Dolores , Hermoso‐Rodríguez Enrique , Santos‐Abaunza Pilar
Published: September 2012

The aim of this study was to clarify the direction of the stress–neuroticism relationship in a sample of 200 nursing students from three Spanish universities before their entry into the work force using a two‐wave longitudinal design. The Stressful Life Events Scale and NEO‐FFI Neuroticism subscale were administered at the beginning (T1) and end (T2) of nursing studies. Female students reported higher scores in both perceived stress due to life events and neuroticism than males. Older students scored higher in life events stress than younger ones. High neuroticism was associated with a high level of stress. Finally, neuroticism scores rose in the group in which stress increased from T1 to T2. Our findings partially support the stress causation interactionist model of stress in which life events can modify personality traits. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 35:589–597, 2012
Interactive performance and focus groups with adolescents: The power of play
Authors: Norris Anne E. , Aroian Karen J. , Warren Stefanie , Wirth Jeff
Published: September 2012

Conducting focus groups with adolescents can be challenging given their developmental needs, particularly with sensitive topics. These challenges include intense need for peer approval, declining social trust, short attention span, and reliance on concrete operations thinking. In this article, we describe an adaptation of interactive performance as an alternative to traditional focus group method. We used this method in a study of discrimination experienced by Muslims (ages 13–17) and of peer pressure to engage in sexual behavior experienced by Hispanic girls (ages 10–14). Recommendations for use of this method include using an interdisciplinary team, planning for large amounts of disclosure towards the end of the focus group, and considering the fit of this method to the study topic. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 35:671–679, 2012
Doxorubicin or daunorubicin given upfront in a therapeutic window are equally effective in children with newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia. A randomized comparison in trial CoALL 07‐03
Authors: Escherich Gabriele , Zimmermann Martin , Janka‐Schaub Gritta ,   on behalf of the CoALL study group
Published: September 2012

Background

The anthracyclines daunorubicin (DNR) and doxorubicin (DOX) are among the most important drugs in the treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia, however there are conflicting in vitro data about the comparative efficacy and equivalent doses of both anthracyclines. To address the question of in vivo efficacy of both anthracyclines, patients enrolled in the CoALL 07‐03 trial were randomized to receive one single dose of either doxorubicin 30 mg/m2, daunorubicin 30 mg/m2, or daunorubicin 40 mg/m2 upfront induction therapy.

Procedure

Children with newly diagnosed B‐Precursor ALL or T‐ALL were eligible for the randomized comparison. From the percentage of blasts and the white blood cell count (WBC) the absolute number of leukemic cells per µl peripheral blood (PB) was calculated and the initial value before DOX/DNR infusion equated as 100%. Main target criterion of this study was the leukemic cell decrease from Day 0 to Day 7.

Results

Seven hundred forty three patients were randomized: 247 to the DOX; 252 to the DNR 30 mg/m2; and DNR to the 40 mg/m2 arm. The in vivo response was similar in all three treatment arms with a comparable blast decline in the peripheral blood. The percentages of patients with a clear non‐response (M3 marrow) and moreover, the level of minimal residual disease (MRD) on Day 15 or at the end of induction were similar.

Conclusion

In vivo efficacy of a single dose daunorubicin 30 or 40 mg/m2 is similar to that of doxorubicin given in a dose of 30 mg/m2. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013;60:254–257. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cognitive functioning in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients and its medical correlates: a prospective multicenter study
Authors: Scherwath Angela , Schirmer Lena , Kruse Margitta , Ernst Gundula , Eder Matthias , Dinkel Andreas , Kunze Sabine , Balck Friedrich , Bornhäuser Martin , Ehninger Gerhard , Dolan Karin , Gramatzki Martin , Kolb Hans‐Jochem , Heußner Pia , Wilhelm Hans , Beelen Dietrich W. , Schulz‐Kindermann Frank , Zander Axel R. , Koch Uwe , Mehnert Anja
Published: September 2012

Background

Owing to its neurotoxicity, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) carries risks for cognitive impairment. In this multicenter study, we prospectively evaluated cognitive functioning and its medical and demographic correlates in patients undergoing allogeneic HSCT.

Methods

A total of 102 patients were consecutively assessed prior to (T0), 100 ± 20 days (T1) after, and 12 ± 1 months (T2) after HSCT (61% men, 41% acute myeloid leukemia). A comprehensive neuropsychological test battery was applied to evaluate attention, memory, executive function, and fine motor function, summing up into 14 test scores.

Results

Before and after HSCT, patients performed below test norms in up to 50% of the test scores. Patients were mostly impaired on word fluency (24%, T0), fine motor function, and verbal delayed recall (19% each, T2). Impairment on ≥1/5 cognitive domains occurred in 47% (T0) and 41% (T2) of the patients. Performance (mean z‐scores) partially improved over time (i.e., visual span forward, verbal learning, and word fluency). However, from baseline to T2, 16% of the patients showed reliable decline on ≥3/14 test scores (reliable change index method). For the majority of neuropsychological subtests, no associations with conditioning intensity, total body irradiation, graft‐versus‐host disease, cyclosporine treatment, and length of hospital stay were found. Age and premorbid intelligence level were consistently associated with cognition.

Conclusions

Below average cognitive performance is common in this patient group. In addition, a subgroup shows reliable cognitive decline after allogeneic HSCT. Healthcare professionals should be aware of these treatment‐related cognitive side effects. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New reference equations to improve interpretation of infant lung function
Authors: Nguyen The Thanh Diem , Hoo Ah‐Fong , Lum Sooky , Wade Angie , Thia Lena P. , Stocks Janet
Published: September 2012

Rationale

With increasing use of infant pulmonary function tests (IPFTs) in both clinical and research studies, appropriate interpretation of results is essential.

Objectives

To investigate the potential bias associated with “normalising” IPF by expressing results as a ratio of body size and to develop reference ranges for tidal breathing parameters, passive respiratory mechanics (compliance [Crs] and resistance [Rrs]) and plethysmographic functional residual capacity (FRCp) for white infants during the first 2 years of life.

Methods

IPFTs were measured using the Jaeger BabyBody system and standardized protocols. Reference equations, adjusted for body size, age, and sex where appropriate, were created using multilevel modeling.

Results

The ratio of lung function to body length changes markedly with growth, thereby precluding its use for any outcome. While the ratio of tidal volume and Crs to body weight remained relatively constant with growth, this was not the case for FRCp. Even in healthy infants, a strong inverse relationship was observed between lung function/body weight and weight z‐score which could distort interpretation of results in growth‐restricted infants with lung disease, such as cystic fibrosis. Reference equations were derived from 153 healthy white infants on 232 test occasions (median age 35.5 weeks [range: 2.6–104.7]). Crown‐heel length was the strongest predictor of IPF.

Conclusions

When reporting IPF, use of size‐corrected ratios should be discouraged, with interpretation instead based on appropriate reference equations. The current equations are applicable to white infants and young children up to 2 years of age, studied using the same commercially available equipment. The extent to which these equations are applicable to infants and young children of other ethnic backgrounds or who are tested with different equipment needs to be established. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:370–380. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pulmonary exacerbations in cystic fibrosis: Young children with characteristic signs and symptoms
Authors: Regelmann Warren E. , Schechter Michael S. , Wagener Jeffrey S. , Morgan Wayne J. , Pasta David J. , Elkin Eric P. , Konstan Michael W. ,   for the Investigators of the Epidemiologic Study of Cystic Fibrosis
Published: September 2012

Background

A standard definition of pulmonary exacerbation based on signs and symptoms would be useful for categorizing cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and as an outcome measure of therapy. The frequently used definition of treatment with intravenous antibiotics varies with practice patterns. One approach to this problem is to use large data sets which include a patient's signs and symptoms along with their clinician's decision to treat with antibiotics for the diagnosis of pulmonary exacerbation. Previous analysis of such a data set, the Epidemiologic Study of Cystic Fibrosis (ESCF), found that new crackles, increased cough, increased sputum, and weight decline were the four clinical characteristics most strongly influencing providers to treat young CF patients for a pulmonary exacerbation. The objectives of this study were to confirm that these four characteristics influence the decision to treat with antibiotics for a pulmonary exacerbation in young CF patients; to evaluate their implications for future nutritional status and lung function; and to assess the effect of antibiotic treatment on these characteristic signs and symptoms.

Methods

This was an observational, longitudinal cohort study of clinical care in children <6 years old cared for at sites participating in ESCF.

Results

Using data from children not included in the previous ESCF study, we confirmed that these four characteristics were significantly associated with the likelihood of physicians prescribing antibiotics to treat a pulmonary exacerbation. The number of these characteristics present at a single clinic visit before age 6 predicted hospitalization rate over the next year, the weight‐for‐age z‐score, and the forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) percent predicted at age 7. Treatment with antibiotics was associated with a greater decrease in the proportion of children with crackles, cough, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at a follow‐up visit within 6 months.

Conclusions

New crackles, increased cough, increased sputum, and decline in weight percentile at a single clinic visit increase the risk of future malnutrition, hospitalization, and airflow obstruction in young children with CF. Treatment with antibiotics mitigates some of these signs and symptoms by the first follow‐up visit. The presence of these four characteristic signs and symptoms is useful to define pulmonary exacerbations in young children with CF that respond to antibiotic treatment in the short‐term and influence long‐term prognosis. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:649–657. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Optimization of anti‐pseudomonal antibiotics for cystic fibrosis pulmonary exacerbations: III. fluoroquinolones
Authors: Stockmann Chris , Sherwin Catherine M.T. , Zobell Jeffery T. , Young David C. , Waters C. Dustin , Spigarelli Michael G. , Ampofo Krow
Published: September 2012

This review is the third installment in a comprehensive State of the Art series and aims to evaluate the use of fluoroquinolones in the management of P. aeruginosa infection in both children and adults with cystic fibrosis (CF). Oral and intravenous ciprofloxacin have been shown to be well‐tolerated in the treatment of acute pulmonary exacerbations (APE) secondary to P. aeruginosa. Older literature supports an oral dosing regimen of 40 mg/kg/day divided every 12 hr, up to 2 g/day, and intravenous (IV) ciprofloxacin 30 mg/kg/day divided every 8 hr, maximum 1.2 g/day in children, and 750 mg administered orally twice a day or 400 mg IV every 8 hr in adults. However, a recent pharmacodynamic (PD) modeling study shows that the literature, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐approved, and Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) guideline dosing regimens may be suboptimal for the treatment of P. aeruginosa in APE. Further study is warranted to determine if higher doses of ciprofloxacin are needed. Limited pharmacokinetic (PK), PK/PD, and efficacy studies involving levofloxacin exist in adult patients with CF. No pediatric data exists for levofloxacin in CF patients. Further study is needed to determine the tolerability and efficacy of levofloxacin in APE. At this time, the routine use of levofloxacin in the treatment of APE in pediatric and adult patients cannot be recommended. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:211–220. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in children with bronchoalveolar lavage galactomannan
Authors: de Mol Mark , de Jongste Johan C. , van Westreenen Mireille , Merkus Peter J.F.M. , de Vries Andrica H.C. , Hop Wim C.J. , Warris Adilia , Janssens Hettie M.
Published: September 2012

Background

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is a life‐threatening complication in immunocompromised patients. Early diagnosis and therapy improves outcome. Assessment of galactomannan (GM) in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid is a proposed tool to diagnose IPA. Little is known about the diagnostic value of BAL GM in children.

Materials and Methods

Retrospectively, 72 bronchoscopies were analyzed for GM in patients fulfilling the host factor criteria as defined by the EORTC/MSG. A cut‐off index value GM of ≥0.5 was used. Clinical data, results of chest CT‐scans and BAL cultures were collected.

Results

Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of BAL GM for a diagnosis of proven and probable IPA (n = 41) were 82.4%, 87.5%, 82.4%, and 87.5% respectively. A significant relation was found for BAL GM and abnormal chest CT (P = 0.01). No significant relationship was observed between BAL Aspergillus sp. culture and chest CT (n = 47). BAL GM and serum GM correlated significantly. In 9 out of 12 patients classified as possible IPA, antifungal therapy was continued or started, despite a negative BAL GM.

Conclusions

BAL GM test had good diagnostic value in children suspected of IPA. However, the decision to continue or start antifungal therapy was mainly determined by the clinical suspicion of IPA based on chest CT‐outcome, serum GM index values and failure of antibiotic therapy. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:789–796. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Lymphoscintigraphy in plastic bronchitis, A pediatric case report
Authors: Ezmigna Dima R. , Morgan Wayne J. , Witte Marlys H. , Brown Mark A.
Published: September 2012

Plastic bronchitis (PB) is an uncommon, potentially fatal disease, marked by endobronchial cast formation causing variable degrees of respiratory distress. Primary and secondary pulmonary lymphatic abnormalities have been identified among the underlying mechanisms of cast formation. We present a case of PB where lymphoscintigraphy demonstrated the underlying lymphatic defect. A 6‐year‐old Hispanic male with congenital heart disease (CHD; post‐Fontan) presented with recurrent pneumonia, respiratory distress. Bronchoscopy showed inflamed hypervascular mucosa and thick mucus plugs; no casts were seen. Later, PB was diagnosed after the patient expectorated a bronchial cast. Cast analysis showed lymphocytic aggregates with mucin and fibrin. Lymphoscintigraphy revealed abnormal lymphatic collaterals and retrograde trace reflux into the superior mediastinum, a picture consistent with thoracic duct lymph leakage into the tracheobronchial tree. The pathogenesis of PB is not fully understood, especially in patients with CHD. Chyle in bronchial casts suggests abnormal lymphatic flow. Reports of lymph flow abnormalities, especially endobronchial lymph leakage in CHD are limited. Lymphoscintigraphy in our case demonstrated clear evidence of retrograde lymph reflux and leakage into the bronchial tree. The case presented suggests that in some patients following Fontan surgery, high intrathoracic lymphatic pressure and retrograde lymph flow may contribute to recurrent cast formation. Finding the underlying lymphatic abnormality helps in specific case management. Lymphoscintigraphy is a safer and easier method than lymphangiography. Surgical lymphatic–venous shunting may be possible in select cases. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:515–518. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Annealing induced defects in SiC, SiOx single layers, and SiC/SiOx hetero‐superlattices
Authors: Ding Kaining , Aeberhard Urs , Beyer Wolfhard , Astakhov Oleksandr , Köhler Florian , Breuer Uwe , Finger Friedhelm , Carius Reinhard , Rau Uwe
Published: September 2012

SiC/SiOx hetero‐superlattices as well as single layers of SiC and SiOx were fabricated and annealed at various annealing temperatures to investigate the evolution of annealing induced defects in these materials. We show that in SiC and SiOx materials and in SiC/SiOx multilayer system, crystallization, atomic diffusion, structural reconstruction, and hydrogen effusion take place upon annealing with different characteristic temperature dependences. The dependence of the spin densities on annealing temperature is explained as an overlap of the temperature dependence of the creation of additional dangling bonds due to hydrogen effusion and of the healing of dangling bonds due to element motion during the structural reconstruction. The stronger increase of spin density upon annealing in SiC as compared to SiO1.2 is ascribed to the effusion of a higher amount of hydrogen and the less efficient atomic diffusion up to the annealing temperature of 1050 °C.
Grain size tuning of nanocrystalline chemical vapor deposited diamond by continuous electrical bias growth: Experimental and theoretical study
Authors: Mortet Vincent , Zhang Liang , Eckert Maxie , D'Haen Jan , Soltani Ali , Moreau Myriam , Troadec David , Neyts Erik , De Jaeger Jean‐Claude , Verbeeck Jo , Bogaerts Annemie , Van Tendeloo Gustaaf , Haenen Ken , Wagner Patrick
Published: September 2012

In this work, a detailed structural and spectroscopic study of nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) thin films grown by a continuous bias assisted CVD growth technique is reported. This technique allows the tuning of grain size and phase purity in the deposited material. The crystalline properties of the films are characterized by SEM, TEM, EELS, and Raman spectroscopy. A clear improvement of the crystalline structure of the nanograined diamond film is observed for low negative bias voltages, while high bias voltages lead to thin films consisting of diamond grains of only ∼10 nm nanometer in size, showing remarkable similarities with so‐called ultrananocrystalline diamond. These layers arecharacterized by an increasing amount of sp2‐bonded carbon content of the matrix in which the diamond grains are embedded. Classical molecular dynamics simulations support the observed experimental data, giving insight in the underlying mechanism for the observed increase in deposition rate with bias voltage. Furthermore, a high atomic concentration of hydrogen has been determined in these films. Finally, Raman scattering analyses confirm that the Raman line observed at ∼1150 cm−1 cannot be attributed to trans‐poly‐acetylene, which continues to be reported in literature, reassigning it to a deformation mode of CHx bonds in NCD.
Capacitance characterization of Ge15Sb85 phase‐change thin films
Authors: Qamhieh N. , Mahmoud S. T. , Ayesh A. I. , Ghamlouche H.
Published: September 2012

The capacitance variation as a function of temperature and electric field for tellurium free Ge15Sb85 thin films deposited by the DC sputtering technique is investigated. The capacitance measurements were performed for a sweep voltage from −20 to +20 V at different temperatures, and at a frequency of 100 kHz. The results show a slight increase in the capacitance with temperature and it reaches a maximum value around 80 °C. As the temperature increases, the capacitance decreases and eventually becomes negative at temperatures close to the amorphous‐crystalline transition temperature (TC). The sharp decrease in the capacitance can be attributed to the thermally activated conduction process with activation energy of 0.28 eV. Nonlinearity in the variation of capacitance with the applied bias voltage is observed at high temperatures close to TC. The phenomenon is explained in terms of the nucleation and growth process.