bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Higher detectability method for the analysis of nucleosides, putative tumor biomarkers, in blood serum samples by CE‐UV with reversed EOF
Authors: Buzatto Adriana Zardini , Guedes Sumaya Ferreira , de Oliveira Silva Mariana , Gallafrio Jéssica Mirela , Simionato Ana Valéria Colnaghi
Published: August 2015

The development and validation of methodologies for the analysis of biological samples is of outcome importance in order to obtain trustworthy results. This work reports a novel CE‐UV method for the assessment of nucleosides, putative tumor biomarkers, in blood serum. The separation of seven nucleosides within c.a. 20 min has been achieved with: BGE 30 mmol/L borate at pH 9.90, 50 mmol/L CTAB, and 10% methanol; V = –10 kV; T = 20°C; and capillary dimensions of 56 cm × 50 μm. The sample plug was concentrated by a modified large volume sample stacking strategy that provided better detectability. Validation showed that the method is suitable for bioanalytical purposes and initial applications in serum samples from healthy subjects are also presented. Finally, statistical methods were applied to verify the effect of characteristics such as age, smoking habits, and alcohol consumption on nucleoside concentrations in blood serum. Univariate statistical analysis tests emphasized the need for age matching, which was confirmed by PCA‐DA and PLS‐DA. Cancer history in the nearby family may also interfere in nucleoside levels in blood serum, since adenosine concentrations were statistically higher for volunteers who declared having diseased relatives.
Combination of two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis and a fluorescent carboxyfluorescein‐diacetate‐labeled cisplatin analogue allows the identification of intracellular cisplatin–protein adducts
Authors: Kotz Sandra , Kullmann Maximilian , Crone Barbara , Kalayda Ganna V. , Jaehde Ulrich , Metzger Sabine
Published: August 2015

Cisplatin is one of the most widely used anticancer agents, but a major problem for successful chemotherapy is the development of drug resistance of tumor cells against cisplatin. Resistance to cisplatin is a multifactorial problem. A method to detect and identify intracellular cisplatin–protein adducts was developed using a fluorescent carboxyfluorescein‐diacetate‐labeled cisplatin analogue (CFDA–cisplatin), 2DE, and ESI‐MS/MS. We identified several CFDA–cisplatin–protein adducts including members of the protein disulfide isomerase family (PDI). These are the first results of the detection of intracellular CFDA–cisplatin–protein adducts, which may help to understand the resistance mechanism of cisplatin.
In‐depth proteomics approach of secretome to identify novel biomarker for sepsis in LPS‐stimulated endothelial cells
Authors: Kwon Oh Kwang , Lee Wonhwa , Kim Sun Ju , Lee You‐Mie , Lee Ju Yeon , Kim Jin Young , Bae Jong‐Sup , Lee Sangkyu
Published: August 2015

Sepsis and septic shock, which are conditions triggered by infection, occur with high incidence in emergency departments and are among the most common causes of death in hospitalized patients worldwide. Therefore, the identification of sepsis biomarkers for the rapid diagnosis is a major goal for researchers in the field of critical care. Endothelial cells play a pivotal role in orchestrating the inflammatory response triggered by sepsis. In this study, we used proteomics to investigate the secretome of EA.hy926 endothelial cells following lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation with 1 μg/mL LPS for 12 or 24 h. SILAC in cell cultures and an online 2D‐LC‐MS/MS system were used to analyze the secretome dynamics in response to LPS. We found that 22 of the 77 secreted proteins identified in both the presence and absence of LPS and that 19 of the secreted proteins were quantified more strongly after LPS treatment for 24 h than after treatment for 12 h. By Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway analyses, we found that proteins related to the regulation of the actin cytoskeleton showed the highest secretion response to LPS stimulation. Out of the 19 candidate proteins, we focused on moesin, which is involved in the function of endothelial cells, and confirmed its amount in cellular lysates and media taken from primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells treated with LPS. To our knowledge, this study provides the first in‐depth analysis of the LPS‐induced secretome in human endothelial cells, and we propose 19 new biomarker candidates for sepsis, including moesin.
Electrokinetic sample preconcentration and hydrodynamic sample injection for microchip electrophoresis using a pneumatic microvalve
Authors: Cong Yongzheng , Katipamula Shanta , Geng Tao , Prost Spencer A. , Tang Keqi , Kelly Ryan T.
Published: August 2015

A microfluidic platform was developed to perform online electrokinetic sample preconcentration and rapid hydrodynamic sample injection for zone electrophoresis using a single microvalve. The polydimethylsiloxane microchip comprises a separation channel, a side channel for sample introduction, and a control channel which is used as a pneumatic microvalve aligned at the intersection of the two flow channels. The closed microvalve, created by multilayer soft lithography, serves as a nanochannel preconcentrator under an applied electric potential, enabling current to pass through while preventing bulk flow. Once analytes are concentrated, the valve is briefly opened and the stacked sample is pressure injected into the separation channel for electrophoretic separation. Fluorescently labeled peptides were enriched by a factor of ∼450 in 230 s. This method enables both rapid analyte concentration and controlled injection volume for high sensitivity, high‐resolution CE.
Derivatisation for separation and detection in capillary electrophoresis (2012–2015)
Authors: Wuethrich Alain , Quirino Joselito P.
Published: August 2015

Derivatisation is a well‐established and mature form of sample preparation for CE. The modification of the analyte can cause superior analysis characteristics such as better sensitivity and selectivity, however, derivatisation of the analyte introduces an additional step into the analytical workflow. This review covers articles from January 2012 to January 2015 on derivatisation in CE. The main sections are on the derivatisation modes (i.e. pre‐capillary, in‐line, in‐capillary and post‐capillary), separation and detection modes (i.e. LIF and others). LIF is discussed in more detail since this detection mode was most prevalent. A table of the common labelling agents and wavelengths for excitation and emission and the common derivatisation reactions are included. In addition, a comprehensive table which summarises all research articles is provided. This review is suitable for analytical chemists as a guide for ‘how to get started’ with derivatisation for separation and detection in CE.
Evaluation of biological activity of quantum dots in a microsystem
Authors: Grabowska‐Jadach Ilona , Haczyk Maja , Drozd Marcin , Fischer Agnieszka , Pietrzak Mariusz , Malinowska Elżbieta , Brzózka Zbigniew
Published: August 2015

The presented work aimed at systematic investigation of biological activity of CdSexS1−x/ZnS and CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs), whose surface was modified with different ligands. For these studies, we used a microfluidic system combined with fluorescence microscopy techniques, which enabled analysis of cells' morphology, viability, and QDs uptake. PDMS and glass‐based microfluidic system enabled the precise control of the cell environment, allowed to examine five replications of each tested QDs concentrations (statistically significant number), monitor multiple cellular events, and avoid manual preparation of QDs dilutions. We investigated the influence of the core composition and the type of surface modifiers on QDs toxicity. We also determined whether the examined nanoparticles penetrate into the cells. For all tested nanoparticles, the decrease of cells' viability was observed when increasing nanoparticles concentration. The decrease of live cells' number in microchambers and the accumulation of the nanoparticles around cultured cells were observed. The effect of hydrocarbon chain length of surface modifiers and QDs core composition on the cell viability was confirmed in our tests.
Online probing quantum dots and engineered enzyme self‐assembly in a nanoliter scale
Authors: Wang Jianhao , Li Jinchen , Wang Jianpeng , Wang Cheli , Teng Tiwan , Chen Yao , Li Jinping , Dong Bingyu , Qiu Lin , Jiang Pengju
Published: August 2015

Nanoparticles provide significantly enhanced binding characteristics. However, fast online probing of the self‐assembly process remains hard to achieve in practice. Herein, we report a fluorescence coupled CE method for probing the self‐assembly events between quantum dots (QDs) and engineered Jumonji domain‐containing protein 6 (Jmjd6) enzyme. QDs and Jmjd6 were sequentially injected into the capillary, where the self‐assembly took place in a nanoliter scale. In particular, we showed that the Jmjd6/QD ratio, the interval time, and the injection volume had a great effect on the online self‐assembly. The current approach may allow for a better understanding of QDs–enzyme self‐assembly and enzymatic activity detection.
Size‐dependent cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of ZnO particles to human lymphoblastoid (WIL2‐NS) cells
Authors: Yin Hong , Casey Philip S. , McCall Maxine J. , Fenech Michael
Published: August 2015

The relationship between particle size and cytogenotoxicity of ZnO particles was systematically studied in vitro using WIL2‐NS human lymphoblastoid cells. Before toxicity measurements, the ZnO particles of three different sizes (26 nm, 78 nm, and 147 nm) were well characterized for their physical and chemical properties to ensure that variations in other properties including surface chemistry and particle shape, which also may influence particle toxicity, were minimal. Cell viability testing showed that increasing cytotoxicity was associated with decreasing particle size. Both the dissolution kinetics of ZnO particles in supplemented cell culture medium and the apparent numbers of ZnO particles internalized by cells were size dependent and showed strong correlation with cytotoxicity. Genotoxicity, as measured by micronucleus formation, was significantly enhanced in the presence of the medium‐sized and large‐sized particles. The observation that necrosis increased with smaller‐ sized particles but micronuclei were present to a greater extent with larger‐ sized particles suggests that different mechanisms of cell damage induction or susceptibilities are operating depending on particle size. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 56:767–776, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Seismic fragility of reinforced concrete girder bridges using Bayesian belief network
Authors: Franchin Paolo , Lupoi Alessio , Noto Fabrizio , Tesfamariam Solomon
Published: August 2015

Infrastructure owners and operators, or governmental agencies, need rapid screening tools to prioritize detailed risk assessment and retrofit resources allocation. This paper provides one such tool, for use by highway administrations, based on Bayesian belief network (BBN) and aimed at replacing so‐called generic or typological seismic fragility functions for reinforced concrete girder bridges. Resources for detailed assessments should be allocated to bridges with highest consequence of damage, for which site hazard, bridge fragility, and traffic data are needed. The proposed BBN based model is used to quantify seismic fragility of bridges based on data that can be obtained by visual inspection and engineering drawings. Results show that the predicted fragilities are of sufficient accuracy for establishing relative ranking and prioritizing. While the actual data and seismic hazard employed to train the network (establishing conditional probability tables) refer to the Italian bridge stock, the network structure and engineering judgment can easily be adopted for bridges in different geographical locations. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of diffusive gradients in thin films and core centrifugation methods to determine inorganic mercury and monomethylmercury profiles in sediment porewater
Authors: Noh Seam , Hong Yong Seok , Han Seunghee
Published: August 2015

A diffusive gradient in thin films (DGT) is an in situ sampling technique for the quantitative analysis of contaminant concentrations that is based on the diffusion and adsorption of contaminants on to resin gels. In the present study, a DGT technique was applied to measure total mercury (Hg) and monomethylmercury (MMHg) concentrations in lake and coastal sediment porewaters and compare them with those from ex situ sediment centrifugation. To calculate the total Hg and MMHg concentrations in porewater using the DGT method, the diffusion coefficients of Hg species in a diffusive gel medium was first determined, and then total Hg and MMHg depth profiles were measured using the experimentally determined diffusion coefficients. Using the diffusion coefficients for artificial lake and estuarine waters containing inorganic salts, rather than those for lake and estuarine waters containing Suwannee River humic acid (∼5 mg C L−1), the DGT method demonstrated similar Hg and MMHg profiles to those using the centrifugation method. Based on the need for fine vertical resolution and high metal concentrations to be collected, DGT is suggested to be a reliable method for determining Hg(II) and MMHg depth profiles in sediment porewater. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:348–356. © 2015 SETAC
Forecasting the LIBOR‐Federal Funds Rate Spread During and After the Financial Crisis
Authors: Dbouk Wassim , Jamali Ibrahim , Kryzanowski Lawrence
Published: August 2015

In this paper, we examine the point and density forecast accuracy of econometric models, surveys and futures rates in predicting the LIBOR‐Federal Funds Rate (LIBOR‐FF) spread during and after the financial crisis. We provide evidence that the futures market forecast outperforms all competing forecasts during and after the financial crisis and that its predictive density is well calibrated. Our results also suggest that the predictive accuracy of the econometric models improves in the post‐crisis period. We argue that the post‐2009 improvement in the econometric models' forecasts is attributable to the absence of LIBOR manipulation. The economic significance of the uncovered predictability is assessed using a trading strategy. Our results suggest that trading based on the futures market and econometric forecasts generates positive risk‐adjusted returns. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 36:345–374, 2016
Diabetes and prediabetes in patients with hepatitis B residing in North America
Authors: Khalili Mandana , Lombardero Manuel , Chung Raymond T. , Terrault Norah A. , Ghany Marc G. , Kim W. Ray , Lau Daryl , Lisker‐Melman Mauricio , Sanyal Arun , Lok Anna S. ,   for the HBRN
Published: August 2015

Diabetes is associated with liver disease progression and increased hepatocellular carcinoma risk, but factors associated with diabetes in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in North America are unknown. We aimed to determine factors predictive of diabetes and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) in a large HBV‐infected multiethnic cohort. Adults with chronic HBV not receiving antiviral therapy were enrolled from 21 centers in North America. Diabetes was defined by history/medication use or fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dL and IFG as fasting glucose 100‐125 mg/dL. Of 882 patients included, 47.2% were female, 71.3% Asian, 83.7% foreign born, median age was 44 years, and median body mass index BMI 24.3 kg/m2. In this cohort, 26.0% were hepatitis B envelope antigen (HBeAg) positive, 43.9% had HBV DNA ≥20,000 IU/mL, and 26.7% alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ≥2× upper limit of normal (≥40 U/L women, ≥60 U/L men). Overall, 12.5% had diabetes and 7.8% IFG. The combined prevalence of diabetes or IFG was highest among blacks (36.7%) and those either born in the United States/Canada or foreign born with migration >20 years ago (25.5%). Obesity (odds ratio [OR]: 2.13), hyperlipidemia (OR, 4.13), hypertension (OR, 3.67), high ALT level (OR, 1.86), and family history of diabetes (OR, 3.43) were associated with diabetes. Factors associated with IFG were obesity (OR, 4.13) and hypertension (OR, 3.27), but also HBeAg positivity (OR, 0.39). Recent migration was negatively associated with diabetes among non‐Asians (OR, 0.30). Conclusions: Diabetes is more prevalent in HBV‐infected North American adults than the general population and is associated with known metabolic risk factors and liver damage, as determined by ALT levels. Among the foreign born, longer duration of North America residence predicted diabetes risk in non‐Asians. These results highlight the opportunities for interventions to prevent diabetes especially among at‐risk ethnic groups with HBV. (Hepatology 2015;62:1364–1374)
Significance of S100P as a biomarker in diagnosis, prognosis and therapy of opisthorchiasis‐associated cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Wu Zhiliang , Boonmars Thidarut , Nagano Isao , Boonjaraspinyo Sirintip , Srinontong Piyarat , Ratasuwan Panaratana , Narong Khuntikeo , Nielsen Phuangphaka Sadee , Maekawa Yoichi
Published: August 2015

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a malignancy of bile duct with the difficulty in early diagnosis, poor prognosis and less alternation in therapy. S100P is a member of S100 family proteins and plays important roles in cancers. We investigated the S100P expression and its correlation with clinicopathology in 78 cases of opisthorchiasis‐associated CCA, and the effects of S100P knockdown with shRNA interference on the proliferation, cell cycle, migration, apoptosis and sensitivity to anti‐cancer drug. Extremely high expression of S100P mRNA was detected in the CCA tumor tissues. The increased S100P protein expression was immunohistochemically confirmed and localized in the CCA cytoplasm and/or nuclei as well as in the hyperneoplasia and dysplasia bile ducts, but not in normal bile ducts. The intensity of immunostaining was correlated with survival, tumor stage and metastasis, and the high expression could be an independent prognostic factor. High levels of S100P were detected in the serum and bile fluid of CCA patients. The shRNA‐mediated knockdown of S100P expression inhibited the proliferation in vitro and in vivo, and migration of CCA cells, arrested cell cycle with the up‐regulated expression of cell cycle arrest related factors, p21, p27, GADD45A, and 14‐3‐3 zeta. S100P knockdown also promoted CCA cell apoptosis by up‐regulating expression of apoptosis related factors, DR5, TRADD, caspase 3 and BAX, and increased the sensitivity of CCA cells to the chemotherapeutic agents sunitinib and apigenin. Taken together, this study indicates that S100P might be a promising biomarker for the diagnosis, prognosis and therapy of CCA.
Evaluation of Skull Cortical Thickness Changes With Age and Sex From Computed Tomography Scans
Authors: Lillie Elizabeth M , Urban Jillian E , Lynch Sarah K , Weaver Ashley A , Stitzel Joel D
Published: August 2015

Head injuries resulting from motor vehicle crashes (MVC) are extremely common, yet the details of the mechanism of injury remain to be well characterized. Skull deformation is believed to be a contributing factor to some types of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Understanding biomechanical contributors to skull deformation would provide further insight into the mechanism of head injury resulting from blunt trauma. In particular, skull thickness is thought be a very important factor governing deformation of the skull and its propensity for fracture. Previously, age- and sex-based skull cortical thickness changes were difficult to evaluate based on the need for cadaveric skulls. In this cross-sectional study, skull thickness changes with age and sex have been evaluated at homologous locations using a validated cortical density-based algorithm to accurately quantify cortical thickness from 123 high-resolution clinical computed tomography (CT) scans. The flat bones of the skull have a sandwich structure; therefore, skull thickness was evaluated for the inner and outer tables as well the full thickness. General trends indicated an increase in the full skull thickness, mostly attributed to an increase in the thickness of the diploic layer; however, these trends were not found to be statistically significant. There was a significant relationship between cortical thinning and age for both tables of the frontal, occipital, and parietal bones ranging between a 36% and 60% decrease from ages 20 to 100 years in females, whereas males exhibited no significant changes. Understanding how cortical and full skull thickness changes with age from a wide range of subjects can have implications in improving the biofidelity of age- and sex-specific finite element models and therefore aid in the prediction and understanding of TBI from impact and blast injuries. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Identification of IDUA and WNT16 Phosphorylation-Related Non-Synonymous Polymorphisms for Bone Mineral Density in Meta-Analyses of Genome-Wide Association Studies
Authors: Niu Tianhua , Liu Ning , Yu Xun , Zhao Ming , Choi Hyung Jin , Leo Paul J , Brown Matthew A , Zhang Lei , Pei Yu-Fang , Shen Hui , He Hao , Fu Xiaoying , Lu Shan , Chen Xiang-Ding , Tan Li-Jun , Yang Tie-Lin , Guo Yan , Cho Nam H , Shen Jie , Guo Yan-Fang , Nicholson Geoffrey C , Prince Richard L , Eisman John A , Jones Graeme , Sambrook Philip N , Tian Qing , Zhu Xue-Zhen , Papasian Christopher J , Duncan Emma L , Uitterlinden André G , Shin Chan Soo , Xiang Shuanglin , Deng Hong-Wen
Published: August 2015

Protein phosphorylation regulates a wide variety of cellular processes. Thus, we hypothesize that single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that may modulate protein phosphorylation could affect osteoporosis risk. Based on a previous conventional genome-wide association (GWA) study, we conducted a three-stage meta-analysis targeting phosphorylation-related SNPs (phosSNPs) for femoral neck (FN)-bone mineral density (BMD), total hip (HIP)-BMD, and lumbar spine (LS)-BMD phenotypes. In stage 1, 9593 phosSNPs were meta-analyzed in 11,140 individuals of various ancestries. Genome-wide significance (GWS) and suggestive significance were defined by α = 5.21 × 10–6 (0.05/9593) and 1.00 × 10–4, respectively. In stage 2, nine stage 1–discovered phosSNPs (based on α = 1.00 × 10–4) were in silico meta-analyzed in Dutch, Korean, and Australian cohorts. In stage 3, four phosSNPs that replicated in stage 2 (based on α = 5.56 × 10–3, 0.05/9) were de novo genotyped in two independent cohorts. IDUA rs3755955 and rs6831280, and WNT16 rs2707466 were associated with BMD phenotypes in each respective stage, and in three stages combined, achieving GWS for both FN-BMD (p = 8.36 × 10–10, p = 5.26 × 10–10, and p = 3.01 × 10–10, respectively) and HIP-BMD (p = 3.26 × 10–6, p = 1.97 × 10–6, and p = 1.63 × 10–12, respectively). Although in vitro studies demonstrated no differences in expressions of wild-type and mutant forms of IDUA and WNT16B proteins, in silico analyses predicts that WNT16 rs2707466 directly abolishes a phosphorylation site, which could cause a deleterious effect on WNT16 protein, and that IDUA phosSNPs rs3755955 and rs6831280 could exert indirect effects on nearby phosphorylation sites. Further studies will be required to determine the detailed and specific molecular effects of these BMD-associated non-synonymous variants. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Enhanced stability of the model mini‐protein in amino acid ionic liquids and their aqueous solutions
Authors: Chevrot Guillaume , Fileti Eudes Eterno , Chaban Vitaly V.
Published: August 2015

Using molecular dynamics simulations, the structure of model mini‐protein was thoroughly characterized in the imidazolium‐based amino acid ionic liquids and their aqueous solutions. Complete substitution of water by organic cations and anions further results in hindered conformational flexibility of the mini‐protein. This observation suggests that amino acid‐based ionic liquids are able to defend proteins from thermally induced denaturation. We show by means of radial distributions that the mini‐protein is efficiently solvated by both solvents due to a good mutual miscibility. Amino acid‐based anions prevail in the first coordination sphere of positively charged sites of the mini‐protein whereas water molecules prevail in the first coordination sphere of negatively charged sites of the mini‐protein. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Population pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analyses from a 4‐month intradose escalation and its subsequent 12‐month dose titration studies for a human monoclonal anti‐FGF23 antibody (KRN23) in adults with X‐linked hypophosphatemia
Authors: Zhang Xiaoping , Peyret Thomas , Gosselin Nathalie H. , Marier J. F. , Imel Erik A. , Carpenter Thomas O.
Published: August 2015

X‐linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is an inherited metabolic bone disease with abnormally elevated serum FGF23 resulting in low renal maximum threshold for phosphate reabsorption, low serum phosphate (Pi) and 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D levels with subsequent development of short stature and skeletal deformities. KRN23 is a novel human anti‐FGF23 antibody for the treatment of XLH. The pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) models of KRN23 were assessed following subcutaneous dosing every 28 days over an initial 4‐month dose escalation (0.05–0.6 mg/kg) and a subsequent 12‐month titration period (0.1–1.0 mg/kg) in XLH adults. The PK of KRN23 was described by a 1‐compartmental model with first‐order absorption and elimination at doses ≥0.1 mg/kg. The elimination half‐life was 17.8 days. Covariates did not affect KRN23 PK. Mean peak serum Pi was attained 7–10 days after dosing and progressively increased following each of the initial 4 doses with comparable peak values attained following the sixth through tenth doses with a slight decrease thereafter. A PK‐PD model with a maximum effect (Emax) and a time‐varying effective concentration to reach 50% of Emax (EC50,t) described data adequately. Typical Emax was 1.5 mg/dL. Typical EC50,t was 1780 ng/mL and 5999 ng/mL after first and last dose, respectively.
Accuracy of diagnosis codes to identify febrile young infants using administrative data
Authors: Aronson Paul L. , Williams Derek J. , Thurm Cary , Tieder Joel S. , Alpern Elizabeth R. , Nigrovic Lise E. , Schondelmeyer Amanda C. , Balamuth Fran , Myers Angela L. , McCulloh Russell J. , Alessandrini Evaline A. , Shah Samir S. , Browning Whitney L. , Hayes Katie L. , Feldman Elana A. , Neuman Mark I. ,   for the Febrile Young Infant Research Collaborative
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND

Administrative data can be used to determine optimal management of febrile infants and aid clinical practice guideline development.

OBJECTIVE

Determine the most accurate International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD‐9) diagnosis coding strategies for identification of febrile infants.

DESIGN

Retrospective cross‐sectional study.

SETTING

Eight emergency departments in the Pediatric Health Information System.

PATIENTS

Infants aged <90 days evaluated between July 1, 2012 and June 30, 2013 were randomly selected for medical record review from 1 of 4 ICD‐9 diagnosis code groups: (1) discharge diagnosis of fever, (2) admission diagnosis of fever without discharge diagnosis of fever, (3) discharge diagnosis of serious infection without diagnosis of fever, and (4) no diagnosis of fever or serious infection.

EXPOSURE

The ICD‐9 diagnosis code groups were compared in 4 case‐identification algorithms to a reference standard of fever ≥100.4°F documented in the medical record.

MEASUREMENTS

Algorithm predictive accuracy was measured using sensitivity, specificity, and negative and positive predictive values.

RESULTS

Among 1790 medical records reviewed, 766 (42.8%) infants had fever. Discharge diagnosis of fever demonstrated high specificity (98.2%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 97.8‐98.6) but low sensitivity (53.2%, 95% CI: 50.0‐56.4). A case‐identification algorithm of admission or discharge diagnosis of fever exhibited higher sensitivity (71.1%, 95% CI: 68.2‐74.0), similar specificity (97.7%, 95% CI: 97.3‐98.1), and the highest positive predictive value (86.9%, 95% CI: 84.5‐89.3).

CONCLUSIONS

A case‐identification strategy that includes admission or discharge diagnosis of fever should be considered for febrile infant studies using administrative data, though underclassification of patients is a potential limitation. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2015;10:787–793. © 2015 Society of Hospital Medicine
Young and Dynamic?—The Curious Case of Korea's National Level Post‐2015 Process
Authors: Kim Soyeun , Kang Hanee
Published: August 2015

This paper explores Korea's national‐level post‐2015 process via contextualising the political economy of Seoul's aid architecture. We examine the global–local discrepancy manifested in its uneven domestic processes where the global development ideas are localised and a uniquely Korean development experience is globalised. In doing so, the paper highlights the vertically and horizontally fragmented system and the lack of capacity, coordination and consistency at the heart of an uneven post‐2015 process. An in‐depth analysis of Korea's ODA architecture and Saemaul ODA demonstrates how global debates become subject to arbitrary localisation and further divergence to suit vested interests of various actors within Seoul's ODA. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diffusion‐prepared neurography of the brachial plexus with a large field‐of‐view at 3T
Authors: Oudeman Jos , Coolen Bram F. , Mazzoli Valentina , Maas Mario , Verhamme Camiel , Brink Wyger M. , Webb Andrew G. , Strijkers Gustav J. , Nederveen Aart J.
Published: August 2015

Purpose

To study diffusion‐prepared neurography optimized for a large field‐of‐view (FOV) to include the neck and both shoulders. In a large FOV poor homogeneity of the magnetic field (B0) often leads to poor image quality and possibly to poor diagnostic accuracy. The aim was therefore to find an optimal (combination of) shimming method(s) for diffusion‐prepared neurography in a large FOV.

Materials and Methods

A 3D diffusion‐prepared sequence with a large FOV was tested with and without the use of a susceptibility‐matched pillow combined with image‐based (IB) or standard shimming in six healthy volunteers on a 3T system. B0, B1, signal to noise ratio (SNR), and contrast to noise ratio (CNR) were compared between all protocols. Additionally, nerve visibility, fat suppression, artifacts, and overall image quality were ordinally (5‐point scale) assessed by two readers. Furthermore, correlations between B0 and B1 (offset and variation) and SNR, CNR, and image quality were explored.

Results

The use of the susceptibility‐matched pillow led to a 43% reduction of B0 variation over the brachial plexus compared to the situation without a pillow (P < 0.05). The combination of the pillow with IB‐shimming and the optimized diffusion‐prepared sequence resulted in good nerve visibility, good fat suppression, no artifacts that would hinder clinical diagnosis, and a good overall quality (median scores ≥4). Reducing B0 variation was associated with SNR, CNR, and the above‐mentioned scored features (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The use of a susceptibility‐matched pillow in combination with IB‐shimming enables robust and high‐quality neurography of the complete brachial plexus. J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2016;43:644–654.
Diffusion‐weighted imaging using readout‐segmented echo‐planar imaging, parallel imaging, and two‐dimensional navigator‐based reacquisition in detecting acute optic neuritis
Authors: Wan Hailin , Sha Yan , Zhang Fang , Hong Rujian , Tian Guohong , Fan Heng
Published: August 2015

Purpose

To evaluate the accuracy of diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) in comparison to contrast‐enhanced, fat‐suppressed T1‐weighted imaging (CET1WI) in detecting acute optic neuritis (ON).

Materials and Methods

The clinical data and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of 42 patients who presented with decreased vision were retrospectively reviewed. Both 3.0T MRI DWI and CET1WI orbital imaging studies were performed. Two neuroradiologists independently evaluated the DWI and CET1WI. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the DWI and CET1WI were individually calculated using the clinical diagnosis as the reference standard. The interobserver and intraobserver reliability of DWI and CET1WI were assessed by using a weighted Cohen's kappa (κ) test; a value of P < 0.05 was set as the threshold for statistical significance.

Results

Of the 42 patients, 34 patients (41 nerves) had clinically confirmed acute ON, two had ischemic optic neuropathy, and three had chronic recurrent ON. The sensitivities of DWI and CET1WI for acute ON were 82.9–82.9% and 68.3–85.4%, respectively; the specificities were 81.4–83.7% and 79.1–93.0%, respectively; and the accuracies were 82.1–83.3% and 82.1–90.0%, respectively. The interobserver kappa values were 0.596–0.643 and 0.694–0.734 for DWI and CET1WI, respectively; the intraobserver kappa values were 0.809–0.905 and 0.834–0.924 for DWI and CET1WI, respectively (each P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Given that its sensitivity and specificity are similar to those of dedicated CET1WI for acute ON, DWI can play an important complementary role in detecting acute ON, especially in atypical ON cases, and can provide a quantitative modality that can be used to evaluate axonal damage in the optic nerves. J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2016;43:655–660.
HBV and HIV co‐infection: Prevalence and clinical outcomes in tertiary care hospital Malaysia
Authors: Akhtar Ali , Khan Amer Hayat , Sulaiman Syed Azhar Syed , Soo Chow Ting , Khan Kashifullah
Published: August 2015

According to WHO, Malaysia has been classified as a concentrated epidemic country due to progression of HIV infection in the population of injecting drug users. The main objectives of current study are to determine the prevalence of HBV among HIV‐positive individuals in a tertiary care hospital of Malaysia and to assess the predictors involved in the outcomes of HIV–HBV co‐infected patients. A retrospective, cross‐sectional study is conducted at Hospital Palau Pinang, Malaysia. The collection of socio‐demographic data as well as clinical data is done with the help of data collection form. Data were analyzed after putting the collected values of required data by using statistical software SPSS version 20.0 and P > 0.05 is considered as significant. Results show that the overall prevalence of HBV was 86 (13%) including 495 (74.5%) males and 169 (25.5%) females among a total of 664 HIV‐infected patients. It was observed that there is a high prevalence of HIV–HBV co‐infection in males 76 (11.4%) as compared to females 10 (1.5%) (P = 0.002). The median age of the study population was 39 years. The statistical significant risk factors involved in the outcomes of HIV–HBV co‐infected patients were observed in the variables of gender, age groups, and injecting drug users. The findings of the present study shows that the prevalence of HBV infection among HIV‐positive patients was 13% and the risk factors involved in the outcomes of HIV–HBV co‐infected patients were gender, age, and intravenous drug users. J. Med. Virol. 88:455–460, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Diversity in KIR gene repertoire in HIV‐1 exposed infected and uninfected infants: A study from India
Authors: Chavan Vijay R. , Ahir Swati , Ansari Zakiya , Samant‐Mawani Padmaja , Nanavati Ruchi , Mehta Preeti , Mania‐Pramanik Jayanti
Published: August 2015

Natural killer (NK) cells have antiviral activity mediated through killer immunoglobulin receptors (KIRs). Studies have shown the importance of KIR receptors in HIV infection. However reports on association of KIR genes in HIV infection from Indian population are limited, not a single study is reported in HIV exposed uninfected (EU) and infected infants. This study compared the KIR gene repertoire of HIV‐1 positive (n = 29) with EU (n = 76) infants to elucidate its association with transmission. KIR genotyping was analysed using the PCR‐SSP method. Viral load of mothers, CD4 count of both mothers and infected infants were done using commercial kits. The data was analysed using SPSS software. Results revealed presence of significantly high frequencies of activating gene KIR 2DS5 (P = 0.040) and inhibitory gene KIR 2DL3 (P = 0.013) in EU infants as compared to HIV‐1 positive infants, confirmed with multivariable linear regression modelling. Fifty‐nine KIR genotypes were identified in these 105 infants. Nine genotypes were unique, reported for the first time. Twenty six genotypes were shared with the World populations. Twenty four genotypes were reported for the first time from India. Specific KIR genotype combinations (GIDs) were exclusively present either in HIV‐1 positive (n = 19) or in EU infants (n = 30). The Linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis shows a strong linkage between four pairs of genes in HIV‐1 positive and three pairs of genes in EU infants. In conclusion, this study revealed that, besides maternal confounding factors such as ART and viral load, specific KIR genes are associated independently with perinatal HIV infection. J. Med. Virol. 88:417–425, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A spatio‐temporal comparative study of the representation of precipitation over South America derived by three gridded data sets
Authors: Gulizia Carla , Camilloni Inés
Published: August 2015

In the last few years, there has been an increasing application of gridded precipitation data sets for studies analysing seasonal and interannual precipitation variability as well as for performing validation analysis of climate and regional models. Consequently, the purpose of the present study is to analyse the representation of temporal variability and spatial patterns of precipitation in South America for the period 1971–2010, derived by three data sets based exclusively on rain gauge information (Climate Research Unit – CRU, Global Precipitation Climatology Centre – GPCC and University of Delaware – UDel), in order to identify discrepancies and/or agreements among them. Further analysis is performed for three particular sub‐regions within the continent (southern sector of southeastern South America – SSESA, central South America – CSA and southeastern Brazil – SEBR). Results show that the three products represent key spatial features of precipitation analogously. Significant coherence in capturing the temporal variability, associated with the dominant modes of variability, is found in all sub‐regions, though they differ largely in some areas, especially in CSA. Overall, depending on the region, the gridded products behave differently, without one particular data set standing out as an outlier in all the analysed cases.
Comparison of geostatistical approaches to spatially interpolate month‐year rainfall for the Hawaiian Islands
Authors: Frazier Abby G. , Giambelluca Thomas W. , Diaz Henry F. , Needham Heidi L.
Published: August 2015

The Hawaiian Islands have one of the most spatially diverse rainfall patterns on earth. Knowledge of these patterns is critical for a variety of resource management issues and, until now, only long‐term mean monthly and annual rainfall maps have been available for Hawai‘i. In this study, month‐year rainfall maps from January 1920 to December 2012 were developed for the major Hawaiian Islands. The maps were produced using climatologically aided interpolation (CAI), where the station anomalies were interpolated first, and then combined with the mean maps. A geostatistical method comparison was performed to choose the best interpolation method. The comparison focuses on three kriging algorithms: ordinary kriging (OK), ordinary cokriging (OCK), and kriging with an external drift (KED). Two covariates, elevation and mean rainfall, were tested with OCK and KED. The combinations of methods and covariates were compared using cross‐validation statistics, where OK produced the lowest error statistics. Station anomalies for each month were interpolated using OK and combined with the mean monthly maps to produce the final month‐year rainfall maps.
A low cost training phantom model for radio‐guided localization techniques in occult breast lesions
Authors: Aydogan Fatih , Mallory Melissa Anne , Tukenmez Mustafa , Sagara Yasuaki , Ozturk Erkan , Ince Yavuz , Celik Varol , Akca Tamer , Golshan Mehra
Published: August 2015

Radio‐guided localization (RGL) for identifying occult breast lesions has been widely accepted as an alternative technique to other localization methods, including those using wire guidance. An appropriate phantom model would be an invaluable tool for practitioners interested in learning the technique of RGL prior to clinical application. The aim of this study was to devise an inexpensive and reproducible training phantom model for RGL. We developed a simple RGL phantom model imitating an occult breast lesion from inexpensive supplies including a pimento olive, a green pea and a turkey breast. The phantom was constructed for a total cost of less than $20 and prepared in approximately 10 min. After the first model's construction, we constructed approximately 25 additional models and demonstrated that the model design was easily reproducible. The RGL phantom is a time‐ and cost‐effective model that accurately simulates the RGL technique for non‐palpable breast lesions. Future studies are warranted to further validate this model as an effective teaching tool. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015; 112:449–451. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Vortex‐assisted liquid–liquid microextraction using a low‐toxicity solvent for the determination of five organophosphorus pesticides in water samples by high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Peng Guilong , He Qiang , Mmereki Daniel , Zhou Guangming , Pan Weiliang , Gu Li , Fan Leilei , Tang Xiaohui , Chen Junhua , Mao Yufeng
Published: August 2015

Vortex‐assisted liquid–liquid microextraction followed by high‐performance liquid chromatography with UV detection was applied to determine Isocarbophos, Parathion‐methyl, Triazophos, Phoxim and Chlorpyrifos‐methyl in water samples. 1‐Bromobutane was used as the extraction solvent, which has a higher density than water and low toxicity. Centrifugation and disperser solvent were not required in this microextraction procedure. The optimum extraction conditions for 15 mL water sample were: pH of the sample solution, 5; volume of the extraction solvent, 80 μL; vortex time, 2 min; salt addition, 0.5 g. Under the optimum conditions, enrichment factors ranging from 196 to 237 and limits of detection below 0.38 μg/L were obtained for the determination of target pesticides in water. Good linearities (r > 0.9992) were obtained within the range of 1–500 μg/L for all the compounds. The relative standard deviations were in the range of 1.62–2.86% and the recoveries of spiked samples ranged from 89.80 to 104.20%. The whole proposed methodology is simple, rapid, sensitive and environmentally friendly for determining traces of organophosphorus pesticides in the water samples.
Comparison of cadaveric and isomorphic three‐dimensional printed models in temporal bone education
Authors: Hochman Jordan B. , Rhodes Charlotte , Wong Dana , Kraut Jay , Pisa Justyn , Unger Bertram
Published: August 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

Current three‐dimensional (3D) printed simulations are complicated by insufficient void spaces and inconsistent density. We describe a novel simulation with focus on internal anatomic fidelity and evaluate against template/identical cadaveric education.

Study Design

Research ethics board‐approved prospective cohort study.

Methods

Generation of a 3D printed temporal bone was performed using a proprietary algorithm that deconstructs the digital model into slices prior to printing. This supplemental process facilitates removal of residual material from air‐containing spaces and permits requisite infiltrative access to the all regions of the model. Ten otolaryngology trainees dissected a cadaveric temporal bone (CTB) followed by a matched/isomorphic 3D printed bone model (PBM), based on derivative micro‐computed tomography data. Participants rated 1) physical characteristics, 2) specific anatomic constructs, 3) usefulness in skill development, and 4) perceived educational value. The survey instrument employed a seven‐point Likert scale.

Results

Trainees felt physical characteristics of the PBM were quite similar to CTB, with highly ranked cortical (5.5 ± 1.5) and trabecular (5.2 ± 1.3) bone drill quality. The overall model was considered comparable to CTB (5.9 ± 0.74), with respectable air cell reproduction (6.1 ± 1.1). Internal constructs were rated as satisfactory (range, 4.9–6.2). The simulation was considered a beneficial training tool for all types of mastoidectomy (range, 5.9–6.6), posterior tympanotomy (6.5 ± 0.71), and skull base approaches (range, 6–6.5). Participants believed the model to be an effective training instrument (6.7 ± 0.68), which should be incorporated into the temporal bone lab (7.0 ± 0.0). The PBM was thought to improve confidence (6.7 ± 0.68) and operative performance (6.7 ± 0.48).

Conclusions

Study participants found the PBM to be an effective platform that compared favorably to CTB. The model was considered a valuable adjunctive training tool with both realistic mechanical and visual character.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 125:2353–2357, 2015
Spontaneous middle cranial fossa cerebrospinal fluid otorrhea in adults
Authors: Rao Neela , Redleaf Miriam
Published: August 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

The goals of this study are to: 1) investigate the urgency for repair of middle cranial fossa spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks in adults, and 2) review the literature and treatment recommendations for adult spontaneous CSF otorrhea.

Data Sources

1) All patients who were referred to a tertiary center with spontaneous CSF otorrhea, exposed middle cranial fossa dura, or encephalocele from 2004 to 2015; and 2) landmark references on spontaneous CSF leaks

Review Methods

Electronic medical records of patients with a documented spontaneous CSF leak, exposed dura, or encephalocele were reviewed. Subjects were excluded if they had a congenital, traumatic, or iatrogenic CSF leak. Main outcome measure was duration of CSF leak and development of meningitis after clinical presentation.

Results

Twenty‐two patients (27 ears) who were at risk for meningitis from spontaneous CSF otorrhea, encephalocele, or a dural breach with or without mastoiditis were evaluated. Duration of CSF leaks in patients who refused repair or who continued to have CSF leak after repair or prior to successful repair ranged from 4 months to 11 years. Duration of encephaloceles and dural exposure in an uninfected mastoid ranged from 24 months to 6 years. Only one patient presented with meningitis. None of these 22 patients developed meningitis during the time periods they were under our care.

Conclusion

Should patients with CSF otorrhea, exposed dura, or encephalocele refuse operation, it may be reasonable to follow them with close observation and education about warning signs for meningitis. Laryngoscope, 126:464–468, 2016