bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The anatomical basis of the resisted supination external rotation test for superior labral anterior to posterior lesions
Authors: McCaughey Rose , Green Rodney A. , Taylor Nicholas F.
Published: July 2009

The majority of clinical tests used to diagnose superior labral anterior to posterior (SLAP) lesions of the shoulder have poor diagnostic accuracy, possibly related to a lack of anatomical validity for test procedures. The resisted supination external rotation (RSER) test is suggested to reproduce symptoms associated with a SLAP lesion by placing stress on the labrum through increasing tension in biceps brachii long head. The test requires supination of the forearm against resistance, while the shoulder is externally rotated passively. It was hypothesized that the RSER would increase activity in biceps brachii long head, thereby providing evidence of the anatomical validity of the test. Electromyography (EMG) was used to measure activity in biceps brachii long head and five other muscles potentially recruited during the RSER test in 12 healthy subjects. EMG amplitude was normalized against maximum voluntary isometric contraction for each muscle. Muscle activity values were averaged across five RSER trials and graded descriptively. Moderately strong activity was recorded in biceps brachii long head and supinator muscle throughout all phases of the RSER test. Brachialis was minimally active throughout the test. The results provide support for the anatomical basis of the RSER test, with the resisted forearm supination component of the test recruiting moderately strong levels of activity in biceps brachii long head throughout the test. Although the evidence of anatomical validity provides support for the RSER test as a clinical test for SLAP lesions of the shoulder, further tests of diagnostic accuracy are required. Clin. Anat. 22:665–670, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The normal width of the linea alba in nulliparous women
Authors: Beer Gertrude M. , Schuster Antonius , Seifert Burkhardt , Manestar Mirjana , Mihic‐Probst Daniela , Weber Sina A.
Published: July 2009

The function of the linea alba is to maintain the abdominal muscles at a certain proximity to each other. In the case of long‐lasting increased intra‐abdominal pressure, the linea alba widens. Yet, as the existence of the linea a priori implicates a physiological distance between the two rectus muscles, the question arises as to what the normal width of the linea alba is. To evaluate the normal width of the linea alba, we examined 150 nulliparous women between 20 and 45 years of age with a body mass index < 30 kg m−2 by ultrasound at three reference points: the origin at the xiphoid and 3 cm above and 2 cm below the umbilicus. The examination revealed a broad range of widths at the three reference points. The linea was widest at 3 cm above the umbilicus (−35 mm), followed by the reference point 2 cm below the umbilicus (−31 mm) and the origin at the xiphoid (−31 mm). The mean width was 7 ± 5 mm at the xiphoid and 13 ± 7 mm above and 8 ± 6 mm below the umbilicus. For the definition of the normal width of the linea, the 10th and 90th percentiles were taken. The linea alba can be considered “normal” up to a width of 15 mm at the xiphoid, up to 22 mm at the reference point 3 cm above the umbilicus and up to 16 mm at the reference point 2 cm below the umbilicus in nulliparous women. Clin. Anat. 22:706–711, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The human temporalis muscle: Superficial, deep, and zygomatic parts comprise one structural unit
Authors: Sedlmayr Jayc C. , Kirsch Claudia F.E. , Wisco Jonathan J.
Published: July 2009

The structure of the temporalis muscle was examined in detail from cadaveric specimens (32 specimens from 16 subjects: 5 males, average age 80.6 years; 11 females, average age 88.6 years) and Computerized Tomography (CT) and T1‐weighted Magnetic Resonance (MR) images from normal clinical patients (10 females: average age 45.0 years). Three parts of the muscle were clearly delineated in all cadaveric specimens: (1) the classically recognized superficial part, (2) a zygomatic part, and (3) a complex deep part. In one female specimen, the superficial temporalis demonstrated extensive insertions into the zygomatic process and temporomandibular joint. The zygomatic temporalis originates from the zygomatic arch to insert into the superficial part of the temporalis as it inserts into the lateral surface of the coronoid process. In all specimens, the deep temporalis contained muscle bundles that originated from various crests along the anterior surface of the temporal fossa and inserted into the internal aspect of the coronoid process and retromolar triangle, interdigitating with the buccinator, mylohyoid, and superior constrictor muscles. The confluence of muscle fibers into the buccinator muscle was confirmed in all CT/MRI images. The deep and zygomatic parts described were regarded as accessory muscle bellies previously, but are demonstrably part of the temporalis muscle as a whole. Clin. Anat. 22:655–664, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Biological markers in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and evaluation of in vitro effect of CSF on PC12 cell line viability in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Yaka Erdem , Egrilmez Mehtap Yuksel , Keskinoglu Pembe , Cavdar Zahide , Genc Sermin , Genc Kursad , İyilikci Leyla , Yener Görsev G.
Published: July 2009

The definite diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is based on post mortem pathological examination. To date, there is no laboratory test that can discriminate AD patients from healthy individuals. In the perspective of recent knowledge, there are three cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) markers which have the highest sensitivity and specificity: Aβ1–40, Aβ1–42, and p‐tau. In the present study, 15 ‘Probable Alzheimer's Disease’ (PAD) patients and 15 control subjects were included. PAD patients were selected from the patients of Dokuz Eylül University Neurology Department Dementia outpatient clinic and control subjects were selected from the patients who were undergone epidural anesthesia because of any surgical operation. The concentrations of Ab1–40, Ab1–42, and p‐tau in CSF were quantified by using ELISA. Also, the effects of ‘PAD patients’ CSF on the survival of PC12 cell line were assessed. There was a significant decrease of Ab1–40 and increase of p‐tau in patients with AD when compared with controls. Ab1–42 concentration was not significantly different between groups. There was a positive corelation between duration of the disease and CSF of p‐tau concentration in patients with AD. There was no significant difference in cell line viability values between groups. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predicting juvenile delinquency: The nexus of childhood maltreatment, depression and bipolar disorder
Authors: Mallett Christopher A. , Stoddard Dare Patricia , Seck Mamadou M.
Published: July 2009

Background It is important to identify and provide preventative interventions for youth who are most at risk for offending behaviour, but the connection between early childhood or adolescent experiences and later delinquency adjudication is complicated.

Aim To test for associations between specified mental disorders or maltreatment and later delinquency adjudication.

Method Participants were a random sample of youth before the juvenile courts in two Northeast Ohio counties in the USA (n = 555) over a 4‐year time frame (2003 to 2006).

Results Logistic regression analysis identified a lifetime diagnosis of depression and/or bipolar disorder to be predictive of later youth delinquency adjudication, but found that childhood maltreatment (or involvement with the child welfare system) made delinquency outcomes less likely.

Implications Study implications are discussed as they relate to professionals working in the fields of child welfare, social work, mental health and juvenile justice. Awareness of risks associated with maltreatment may have led to effective interventions, while there may be less awareness of risks from depression in young people; however, studies tend not to take account of intervention variables. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis of currently available clinical evidence on migraine and patent foramen ovale percutaneous closure: Much ado about nothing?
Authors: Butera Gianfranco , Biondi‐Zoccai Giuseppe G. L. , Carminati Mario , Caputi Luigi , Usai Susanna , Bussone Gennaro , Meola Giovanni , Delogu Angelica Bibiana , Sheiban Imad , Sangiorgi Giuseppe
Published: July 2009

Objectives: To investigate the role of transcatheter closure of patent foramen ovale on the occurrence of migraine. Background: In recent years, a potential relationship between, migraine, stroke, and patent foramen ovale (PFO) has emerged. Methods: BioMedCentral, Google Scholar, and PubMed from January 2000 to December 2008 were systematically searched for pertinent clinical studies. Secondary sources were also used. Secondary prevention studies of transcatheter closure for patent foramen ovale were required to include at least more than 10 patients followed for more than 6 months. The primary end‐point was the rate of cured or significantly improved migraine after percutaneous PFO closure. Results: After excluding 637 citations, we finally included a total of 11 studies for a total of 1,306 patients. Forty percent of the subjects included suffered from migraine, while most had a previous history of transient ischemic attack/stroke and were investigated retrospectively. Quantitative synthesis showed that complete cure of migraine in 46% (95% C.I.25–67%), while resolution or significant improvement of migraine occurred in 83% (95% C.I. 78–88%) of cases. Conclusions: Notwithstanding the limitations inherent in the primary studies, this systematic review suggests that a significant group of subjects with migraine, in particular if treated after a neurological event, may benefit from percutaneous closure of their patent foramen ovale. However, many questions remain unsolved. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fabrication of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles by Highly Exothermic Reactions
Authors: Martirosyan K. S. , Luss D.
Published: July 2009

The development of two methods using highly exothermic oxidation reactions to synthesize nanostructured oxide particles is described. The first method uses solution combustion to produce a high temperature front that moves through the sample and produces the nanoparticles. For example, Bi2O3nanoparticles are produced using a solution of molten metal nitrates and glycine. The glycine (fuel) is completely combusted during the thermal decomposition of the (oxidizer) nitrates and generates a temperature front that propagates through the sample. The second method produces nanoparticles by a self‐propagating high‐temperature reaction from stoichiometric powder mixtures of metal oxides (or carbonates) and carbon. The exothermic oxidation of the carbon generates a propagating high‐temperature front at a velocity in the range of 0.1–2.5 mm/s that converts the reactants to products. In both cases, the synthesis was completed within a few seconds. In both methods, a higher maximum combustion temperature and larger oxide particle size were obtained following an increase in the fuel concentration. The main advantages of these synthesis methods technologies are simplicity, short reaction time, low reactant costs, and no external energy consumption. The methods can be used to synthesize nanoparticles for various applications including nanoenergetic materials, catalysts and electronic components.
Bayesian regularization: application to calibration in NIR spectroscopy
Authors: Alciaturi C. E. , Quevedo G.
Published: July 2009

The use of a Bayesian regularization algorithm is proposed for calibration in near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIR) with linear models. The algorithm used in this work is based upon the concepts developed by MacKay for inference and model comparison in artificial neural networks. It is demonstrated that this algorithm is fast, easy to use, and shows good generalization properties without previous dimensionality reduction. Examples are shown for NIR spectroscopy calibration and synthetic data. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pervaporation separation of n‐heptane/organosulfur mixtures with PDMS membrane: Experimental and modelling
Authors: Huang Junqi , Li Jiding , Chen Jian , Zhan Xia , Chen Cuixian
Published: July 2009

In this paper, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) pervaporation membrane was employed to simulate the desulfurization process of gasoline where n‐heptane was selected to stand for gasoline. A modified solution–diffusion model is proposed to account for the mass transport of penetrants in the polymer membrane. In the model, the group contribution method (the UNIFAC‐ZM model) is applied to calculate the activity of penetrants in the polymer membrane, and the free volume theory with some modifications is employed to describe the diffusion behaviour of the penetrants. The effects of operating temperature and feed concentration on pervaporation properties were investigated to validate the model. It has been shown that the results predicted by the solution–diffusion model are in good agreement with the experimental values.
Ultrasonic extraction of ferulic acid from Angelica sinensis
Authors: Quan Can , Sun Yongyue , Qu Jia
Published: July 2009

In this paper, the extraction of ferulic acid, a pharmacologically active ingredient from the root of Angelica sinensis with ultrasonic extraction was investigated. Percolation and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) were also employed to make comparisons with ultrasonic extraction. Three variables, which including the concentration of solvent, the ratio of solvent volume to sample (mL/g), and extraction time, were found to have great influence on ultrasonic extraction. The optimum extraction conditions were using pure ethanol with a ratio of solvent volume to sample 8:1 (mL/g) and extraction time of 30 min. Under the optimum extraction conditions, the extraction yield could reach 6.5% mass fraction, which was higher than that of SFE process with ethanol as co‐solvent and nearly a content of ferulic acid 1.0%; both the yield and the content of ferulic acid were higher than those obtained by percolation. Moreover, the time of ultrasonic extraction was significantly shortened. Overall, Ultrasonic extraction was shown to be highly efficient in the extraction of ferulic acid from Angelica sinensis.
A general relation for identifying the liquid like and vapour like regions of supercritical fluids
Authors: Narasimhan N. Lakshmi , Venkatarathnam G.
Published: July 2009

Supercritical fluids exhibit liquid like behaviour close to a reduced pressure and reduced temperature of 1.0. The density of a supercritical fluid in this region is similar to that of liquids. Many practical applications use the sharp change from liquid like properties to vapour like properties for a variety of uses. There is no correlation in the literature that gives the general locus of the region that separates vapour like and liquid like regions of super critical fluids. In this article, we present a generalized correlation based on the acentric factor, and calculations obtained using NIST REFPROP.
Development of polymer derived carbon coated monolith for liquid adsorption application by response surface methodology
Authors: Darmadi  , Choong Thomas S. Y. , Chuah T. G. , Yunus Robiah , Yap Y. H. Taufiq
Published: July 2009

The preparation of polymer derived activated carbon coated monolith is reported. The response surface methodology based on Box–Behnken design is used to find the optimal condition for synthesis of mesoporous carbon. The dominant parameters identified are the carbonization temperature, concentration, and molecular weight of pore former agent. Typical values for BET surface area are 341 m2/g carbon and 20 m2/g supported carbon with pores size distribution in the range of 4–400 nm. The highest pore volume obtained is 182.77 mm3/g supported carbon.
Mixed convection flow of non‐Newtonian fluid from a slotted vertical surface with uniform surface heat flux
Authors: Gorla Rama Subba Reddy , Chamkha Ali J. , Hossain Md. Anwar
Published: July 2009

In the present paper, the combined convection flow of an Ostwald–de Waele type power‐law non‐Newtonian fluid past a vertical slotted surface has been investigated numerically. The boundary condition of uniform surface heat flux is considered. The equations governing the flow and the heat transfer are reduced to local non‐similarity form. The transformed boundary layer equations are solved numerically using implicit finite difference method. Solutions for the heat transfer rate obtained for the rigid surface compare well with those documented in the published literature. From the present analysis, it is observed that, an increase in χ leads to increase in skin friction as well as reduction in heat transfer at the surface. As the power‐law index n increases, the friction factor as well as heat transfer increase.
Relationship between sound pressure and reaction rate in sonochemical reaction
Authors: Takuma Yasuhiko , Kato Shigeru , Kojima Toshinori
Published: July 2009

Relationship between sound pressure in a sonochemical reactor and degradation rate of organic compounds, p‐chlorophenol and p‐nitrophenol, was investigated. Reaction rates were analyzed as first‐order reaction. As a result, linear relationship was shown for each compound. Slope indicating the first reaction rate constant was remarkably affected by the position of the reaction flask. The sound pressure profile was measured and the relationship between the averaged pressure in a flask and the rate constant was shown. The relation was found to be remarkably different between the two. The threshold values were observed as 67kPa for p‐chlorophenol and 22kPa for p‐nitrophenol, respectively. From these results, it was shown that nature of compounds affects the dependency on sound pressure.
Some notes on poisson limits for empirical point processes
Authors: Dabrowski André , Ivanoff Gail , Kulik Rafał
Published: July 2009

The authors define the scaled empirical point process. They obtain the weak limit of these point processes through a novel use of a dimension‐free method based on the convergence of compensators of multiparameter martingales. The method extends previous results in several directions. They obtain limits at points where the density may be zero, but has regular variation. The joint limit of the empirical process evaluated at distinct points is given by independent Poisson processes. They provide applications both to nearest‐neighbour density estimation in high dimensions, and to the asymptotic behaviour of multivariate extremes such as those arising from bivariate normal copulas. The Canadian Journal of Statistics 37: 347–360; 2009 © 2009 Statistical Society of Canada
Local linear fitting and improved estimation near peaks
Authors: Desmet Lieven , Gijbels Irène
Published: July 2009

The authors look into the problem of estimating regression functions that exhibit jump irregularities in the first derivative. They investigate the behaviour of the bias in the local linear fit and show the superior performance of appropriate one‐sided versions of the local linear fit near such irregularities. They then propose an improved estimation procedure based on data‐driven selection of a conventional or one‐sided local linear fit according to a residual sum of squares type of criterion. The authors provide theoretical results and illustrate the method both on simulated and real‐life data examples. The Canadian Journal of Statistics 37: 453–475; 2009 © 2009 Statistical Society of Canada
A phase 1 study of systemic ADH‐1 in combination with melphalan via isolated limb infusion in patients with locally advanced in‐transit malignant melanoma
Authors: Beasley Georgia M. , McMahon Nicole , Sanders Gretchen , Augustine Christina K. , Selim Maria A. , Peterson Bercedis , Norris Robin , Peters William P. , Ross Merrick I. , Tyler Douglas S.
Published: July 2009

BACKGROUND:

Isolated limb infusion with melphalan is a well‐tolerated treatment for patients with in‐transit extremity melanoma with an approximately 30% complete response (CR) rate. ADH‐1 is a cyclic pentapeptide that disrupts N‐cadherin adhesion complexes and when given systemically in a preclinical model of regional melphalan therapy demonstrated synergistic antitumor activity. A phase 1 dose escalation study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and antitumor activity of systemic ADH‐1 in combination with melphalan via isolated limb infusion in patients with in‐transit extremity melanoma was performed.

METHODS:

Dose escalation cohorts of 3 patients each received 1000, 2000, and 4000 mg (10 patients) of ADH‐1 administered intravenously on Days 1 and 8 with standard dose melphalan via isolated limb infusion on Day 1. N‐cadherin immunohistochemistry staining and quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis were performed on pretreatment tumor. Response was defined at 3 months using modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors.

RESULTS:

Sixteen patients have been treated with no observed dose‐limiting toxicities. Common treatment‐related grade 1 or 2 toxicities included skin/dermatologic (n = 14) and pain (n = 12). Grade 3 toxicities included shortness of breath (n = 1), hypertension (n = 1), serologic toxicities (n = 4), and 1 grade 4 creatine phosphokinase elevation. In‐field responses included 8 CRs, 2 partial responses, 1 stable disease, and 5 progressive diseases. Pharmacokinetic analysis demonstrated increasing ADH‐1 concentrations at each dose and minimal variability in melphalan drug levels.

CONCLUSIONS:

Systemic ADH‐1 at a dose of 4000 mg on Days 1 and 8 in combination with melphalan via isolated limb infusion is a well‐tolerated, novel targeted therapy approach to regionally advanced melanoma. The number of CRs exceeded expectations, suggesting that targeting N‐cadherin may be a new strategy for overcoming melanoma chemoresistance. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Predictors of clinical metastasis in prostate cancer patients receiving androgen deprivation therapy
Authors: Abouassaly Robert , Paciorek Alan , Ryan Charles J. , Carroll Peter R. , Klein Eric A.
Published: July 2009

BACKGROUND:

Virtually all patients with prostate cancer who receive androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) will ultimately develop evidence of resistance to treatment. The prognosis for patients who develop metastatic castrate‐resistant disease is reported to be poor, with overall survival historically estimated to be 24 to 36 months. The goal of the current study was to identify predictors of clinical disease progression in patients with prostate cancer who were receiving ADT.

METHODS:

Of the 13,740 men with biopsy–proven prostate cancer who were enrolled in the Cancer of the Prostate Strategic Urological Research Endeavor (CaPSURE) database from 1995 to 2007, 4003 men treated with ADT after diagnosis without evidence of metastases at treatment initiation were identified. The primary endpoint was the development of bone metastasis. Clinical and pathologic characteristics were compared between patients who developed metastasis and those who did not using chi‐square tests in a Cox proportional hazards regression model.

RESULTS:

The mean age of the men in the cohort was 70 years (range, 39‐94 years). One hundred ninety‐one men (4.8%) progressed to metastatic disease at a median of 18 months from the initiation of ADT (range, 1‐139 months). On multivariate analyses, risk category (hazards ratio [HR], 2.58; P < .0001), percent of biopsies positive >33% (HR, 3.36; P = .003), age ≤65 years at diagnosis (HR, 2.11; P = .001, and prostate–specific antigen velocity on ADT (HR, 1.04; P < .001) were found to be significantly associated with the development of metastatic disease after ADT.

CONCLUSIONS:

Younger men with high–risk disease appear to have worse prognosis than older men with similar disease. This, along with the other prognostic variables established in the current study, may help identify candidates for clinical trials evaluating secondary treatments for patients with castrate‐resistant disease. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Transport by SLC5A8 with subsequent inhibition of histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) and HDAC3 underlies the antitumor activity of 3‐bromopyruvate
Authors: Thangaraju Muthusamy , Karunakaran Senthil K. , Itagaki Shiro , Gopal Elangovan , Elangovan Selvakumar , Prasad Puttur D. , Ganapathy Vadivel
Published: July 2009

BACKGROUND:

3‐Bromopyruvate is an alkylating agent with antitumor activity. It is currently believed that blockade of adenosine triphosphate production from glycolysis and mitochondria is the primary mechanism responsible for this antitumor effect. The current studies uncovered a new and novel mechanism for the antitumor activity of 3‐bromopyruvate.

METHODS:

The transport of 3‐bromopyruvate by sodium‐coupled monocarboxylate transporter SMCT1 (SLC5A8), a tumor suppressor and a sodium (Na+)‐coupled, electrogenic transporter for short‐chain monocarboxylates, was studied using a mammalian cell expression and the Xenopus laevis oocyte expression systems. The effect of 3‐bromopyruvate on histone deacetylases (HDACs) was monitored using the lysate of the human breast cancer cell line MCF7 and human recombinant HDAC isoforms as the enzyme sources. Cell viability was monitored by fluorescence‐activated cell‐sorting analysis and colony‐formation assay. The acetylation status of histone H4 was evaluated by Western blot analysis.

RESULTS:

3‐Bromopyruvate is a transportable substrate for SLC5A8, and that transport process is Na+‐coupled and electrogenic. MCF7 cells did not express SLC5A8 and were not affected by 3‐bromopyruvate. However, when transfected with SLC5A8 or treated with inhibitors of DNA methylation, these cells underwent apoptosis in the presence of 3‐bromopyruvate. This cell death was associated with the inhibition of HDAC1/HDAC3. Studies with different isoforms of human recombinant HDACs identified HDAC1 and HDAC3 as the targets for 3‐bromopyruvate.

CONCLUSIONS:

3‐Bromopyruvate was transported into cells actively through the tumor suppressor SLC5A8, and the process was energized by an electrochemical Na+ gradient. Ectopic expression of the transporter in MCF7 cells led to apoptosis, and the mechanism involved the inhibition of HDAC1/HDAC3. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Racial differences in trust and regular source of patient care and the implications for prostate cancer screening use
Authors: Carpenter William R. , Godley Paul A. , Clark Jack A. , Talcott James A. , Finnegan Timothy , Mishel Merle , Bensen Jeannette , Rayford Walter , Su L. Joseph , Fontham Elizabeth T. H. , Mohler James L.
Published: July 2009

BACKGROUND:

Nonmedical factors may modify the biological risk of prostate cancer (PCa) and contribute to the differential use of early detection; curative care; and, ultimately, greater racial disparities in PCa mortality. In this study, the authors examined patients' usual source of care, continuity of care, and mistrust of physicians and their association with racial differences in PCa screening.

METHODS:

Study nurses conducted in‐home interviews of 1031 African‐American men and Caucasian‐American men aged ≥50 years in North Carolina and Louisiana within weeks of their PCa diagnosis. Medical records were abstracted, and the data were used to conduct bivariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS:

Compared with African Americans, Caucasian Americans exhibited higher physician trust scores and a greater likelihood of reporting a physician office as their usual source of care, seeing the same physician at regular medical encounters, and historically using any PCa screening. Seeing the same physician for regular care was associated with greater trust and screening use. Men who reported their usual source of care as a physician office, hospital clinic, or Veterans Administration facility were more likely to report prior PCa screening than other men. In multivariate regression analysis, seeing the same provider remained associated with prior screening use, whereas both race and trust lost their association with prior screening.

CONCLUSIONS:

The current results indicated that systems factors, including those that differ among different sources of care and those associated with the continuity of care, may provide tangible targets to address disparities in the use of PCa early detection, may attenuate racial differences in PCa screening use, and may contribute to reduced racial disparities in PCa mortality. Cancer 2009. Published 2009 by the American Cancer Society.
Validity assessment of the Breast Cancer Risk Reduction Health Belief scale
Authors: Cyrus‐David Mfon , King Jason , Bevers Therese , Robinson Emily
Published: July 2009

BACKGROUND:

Women at increased risk of breast cancer (BC) are not widely accepting of chemopreventive interventions, and ethnic minorities are underrepresented in related trials. Furthermore, there is no validated instrument to assess the health‐seeking behavior of these women with respect to these interventions.

METHODS:

By using constructs from the Health Belief Model, the authors developed and refined, based on pilot data, the Breast Cancer Risk Reduction Health Belief (BCRRHB) scale using a population of 265 women at increased risk of BC who were largely medically underserved, of low socioeconomic status (SES), and ethnic minorities. Construct validity was assessed using principal components analysis with oblique rotation to extract factors, and generate and interpret summary scales. Internal consistency was determined using Cronbach alpha coefficients.

RESULTS:

Test‐retest reliability for the pilot and final data was calculated to be r = 0.85. Principal components analysis yielded 16 components that explained 64% of the total variance, with communalities ranging from 0.50‐0.75. Cronbach alpha coefficients for the extracted factors ranged from 0.45‐0.77.

CONCLUSIONS:

Evidence suggests that the BCRRHB yields reliable and valid data that allows for the identification of barriers and enhancing factors associated with use of breast cancer chemoprevention in the study population. These findings allow for tailoring treatment plans and intervention strategies to the individual. Future research is needed to validate the scale for use in other female populations. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Rescue chemotherapy using multidrug chronomodulated hepatic arterial infusion for patients with heavily pretreated metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Bouchahda Mohamed , Adam René , Giacchetti Sylvie , Castaing Denis , Brezault‐Bonnet Catherine , Hauteville Dominique , Innominato Pasquale F. , Focan Christian , Machover David , Lévi Francis
Published: July 2009

BACKGROUND:

Hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) chemotherapy delivers a high concentration of drugs both to liver metastases and to healthy liver with specific, limiting, hepatobiliary toxicities. Relevant detoxification and cellular proliferation pathways are controlled by the molecular circadian clock in normal liver but not in advanced tumors. In this article, the authors report their experience with chronomodulated HAI chemotherapy as rescue therapy in heavily pretreated patients who had metastatic colorectal cancer.

METHODS:

Data from all consecutive patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases who received HAI with chronomodulated, multidrug chemotherapy regimens in the authors' center after failure on standard chemotherapy were reviewed for efficacy and safety.

RESULTS:

Twenty‐nine patients were treated, including 76% with liver metastasis only and 24% with liver and lung metastases. Seventy‐five percent of patients had received ≥3 chemotherapy lines, including intravenous, chronomodulated chemotherapy in 59% of patients. Patients received a median of 4 HAI courses (range, 1‐9 courses). The most frequent grade (according to National Cancer Institute of Canada Common Toxicity Criteria [version 3]) 3 and 4 nonhematologic toxicities were vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fatigue. No severe hematologic or hepatic toxicities and no chemical cholangitis were reported. An objective tumor response was observed in 10 patients (34.5%), including 4 patients who subsequently underwent R0 or R1 hepatic resection. The median progression‐free survival and overall survival were 4.5 months (95% confidence limits, 2.4‐6.5 months) and 18 months (95% confidence limits, 5.8‐30.2 months), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

HAI chronomodulated chemotherapy had well tolerated activity in selected, heavily pretreated patients, and the authors believe it deserves to be assessed prospectively in clinical trials among patients who have less advanced disease. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Impact of a walking intervention on cardiorespiratory fitness, self‐reported physical function, and pain in patients undergoing treatment for solid tumors
Authors: Griffith Kathleen , Wenzel Jennifer , Shang JingJing , Thompson Carol , Stewart Kerry , Mock Victoria
Published: July 2009

BACKGROUND:

Cancer treatment is associated with decline in measured and self‐reported physical function and increased pain. In the current study, the authors evaluated the impact of a walking intervention on these outcomes during chemotherapy/radiation.

METHODS:

Patients with breast, prostate, and other cancers (N=126) were randomized to a home‐based walking intervention (exercise) or usual care (control). Exercise dose during the intervention was assessed using a 5‐item Physical Activity Questionnaire. Outcome measures were cardiorespiratory fitness, expressed as peak oxygen uptake (VO2) measured during treadmill testing (n = 85) or estimated by 12‐minute walk (n = 27), and self‐reported physical function, role limitations, and pain derived from Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36. Linear regression was used to evaluate pre‐to‐post intervention change outcomes between groups.

RESULTS:

The mean (standard deviation) age of the patients was 60.2 (10.6) years. Diagnoses included prostate (55.6%) and breast (32.5%) cancer. Treatment included external beam radiotherapy (52.3%) and chemotherapy (34.9%). Exercise patients reported worsening Medical Outcomes Study physical function role limitations by the end of cancer treatment (P = .037). Younger age was associated with improved Medical Outcomes Study physical function (P = .048). In all patients, increased exercise dose was associated with decreased Medical Outcomes Study pain (P = .046), regardless of diagnosis. The percent change of VO2 between prostate and nonprostate cancer patients when adjusted for baseline VO2 and Physical Activity Questionnaire values was 17.45% (P = .008), with better VO2 maintenance in the prostate group.

CONCLUSIONS:

Exercise during cancer treatment improves cardiorespiratory fitness and self‐reported physical function in prostate cancer patients and in younger patients, regardless of diagnosis, and may attenuate loss of those capacities in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Exercise also reduces the pain experience. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Role of insulin autoantibody affinity as a predictive marker for type 1 diabetes in young children with HLA‐conferred disease susceptibility
Authors: Siljander Heli , Härkönen Taina , Hermann Robert , Simell Satu , Hekkala Anne , Salonsaari Riikka‐Tiina , Simell Tuula , Simell Olli , Ilonen Jorma , Veijola Riitta , Knip Mikael
Published: July 2009

Background

Insulin autoantibodies (IAA) are early markers of prediabetic autoimmunity. As transient and fluctuating IAA positivity are common among young children, distinguishing non‐progressive IAA from destruction‐related IAA is essential when preventive measures are considered. We tested whether children progressing rapidly to type 1 diabetes (progressors) are characterized by a higher prediabetic IAA affinity than IAA‐positive children remaining unaffected or progressing more slowly to diabetes (non‐progressors), and whether IAA affinity increases towards diagnosis.

Methods

Finnish children with HLA‐conferred diabetes susceptibility were observed from birth for diabetes‐associated autoantibodies and progression to overt type 1 diabetes. IAA levels and affinities of the first IAA‐positive prediabetic samples and samples obtained closest to the diagnosis in 64 progressors were compared with corresponding values in 64 matched IAA‐positive non‐progressors.

Results

The median age at diagnosis was 3.9 years in progressors and the median follow‐up time 7.6 years among unaffected subjects. In the first samples the median IAA affinity was 1.4 × 1010 L/mol in both groups (p = 0.33), while at the second sampling it was 1.1 × 1010 L/mol in progressors and 1.2 × 1010 L/mol in unaffected subjects (p = 0.46). No changes in affinity levels were observed (p = 0.33 and p = 0.84, respectively). IAA titers increased towards diagnosis among progressors (from a median of 13.6 to 20.1 relative units; p = 0.02).

Conclusions

Among young IAA‐positive children with HLA‐conferred disease susceptibility IAA affinity failed to distinguish rapid progressors from slowly or non‐progressing subjects. In relation to IAA affinity, no maturation of the humoral immune response was observed over time from seroconversion to diagnosis. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evapotranspiration in intermediate‐aged and mature fens and upland black spruce boreal forests
Authors: Barker Corinne A. , Amiro Brian D. , Kwon Hyojung , Ewers Brent E. , Angstmann Julia L.
Published: July 2009

The Canadian boreal forest consists of a mosaic of landscapes of varying soil drainage and forest age driven by wildfire. The hydrological consequences are complicated by plant responses to soil moisture and forest age, both potentially influencing evapotranspiration. Evapotranspiration was measured using the energy balance residual technique in 2006 and 2007 at forested upland and fen sites that originated following fire in 1964, 1930 and about 1850, near Thompson, Manitoba, Canada. Both net radiation and sensible heat flux density were greater at the older sites than those at the younger sites. Evapotranspiration was also greater at the older sites by between 4 and 19% for the 1930–1964 comparison, and 15% for the 1930–1850 comparison. There was no difference in net radiation between upland and fen sites of the same age, although upland sites had a higher sensible heat flux density. Albedo was greater at the fen sites. Evapotranspiration was greater at the upland sites by 11–20%, likely driven by greater leaf area at the upland sites. These intermediate to mature boreal forest sites still show the persistence of the impact of fire, and it is clear that changes in drainage and local hydrology will also have an impact on local evapotranspiration. The implication is that even these small changes in evapotranspiration can have a great regional and global effect because of the large land area of the boreal forest. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficient Removal of Anionic Surfactants Using Mesoporous Functionalised Hybrid Materials
Authors: Coll Carmen , Martínez‐Máñez Ramón , Marcos M. Dolores , Sancenón Felix , Soto Juan , Mahajan Rakesh Kumar
Published: July 2009

A new hybrid system for surfactant removal from water has been developed using mesoporous material (MCM‐41) functionalised with suitable binding groups. Solid S1, S2 and S3 were prepared by reaction of the mesoporous material with N‐methyl‐N′‐(propyltrimethoxysilyl)imidazolium chloride, (3‐aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane or 4‐[(triethoxysilylpropylthio)methyl]pyridine, respectively. The functionalised materials were characterised following standard solid‐state techniques. The final prepared solids consist of a siliceous MCM‐41‐type mesoporous support with the surface decorated by imidazolium, amine and pyridine binding groups suitable for anion coordination. Equilibrium adsorption studies of linear alkylbenzenesulfonate (LAS) using S1, S2 and S3 in water have been carried out. The obtained adsorption data were correlated with a Langmuir isotherm model that gives an acceptable description of the experimental data. The maximum surfactant uptake/binding site (mol mol–1) and the surfactant adsorption capacity (mmol g–1) for materials S1, S2 and S3 were calculated. S1 shows a positive‐charged functionalised surface that is independent of the pH of the solution, whereas S2 and S3 are functionalised with neutral groups that need to be protonated in order to display electrostatic binding interactions with the anionic surfactants. Therefore, whereas the adsorption capacity of S1 is pH‐independent, S2 and S3 display larger LAS adsorption at acidic pH. The adsorption ability at a certain pH follows the order S1 >> S3 > S2. A remarkable maximum surfactant adsorption of 1.5 mmol per gram of material was observed for S1 at neutral pH. S2 and S3 behave as poorer adsorbents and show maximum surfactant adsorption of 0.197 and 0.335 mmol per gram of material, respectively, at pH 2.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Multiple information‐based spot matching method for 2‐DE images
Authors: Xin Hua‐Mei , Zhu Yuemin
Published: July 2009

Spot matching is considered as one of key elements in protein identification based on 2‐DE while it is a difficult problem. We propose a novel simple and accurate method for matching spots in 2‐DE images. The method, inspired from the principle of attraction, is based on the simultaneous exploitation of multiple information such as spot distance, spot intensity, and spot pattern information. The proposed method was evaluated using both simulated and real 2‐DE images of the Escherichia coli proteome, and was also compared with the traditional Demons, thin‐plate spline, and B‐spline registration methods. The results show that the proposed method allows matching accurately and automatically spots in 2‐DE images, and presents significantly improved performance compared to traditional registration methods.
Reduced matrix viscosity in DNA sequencing by CE and microchip electrophoresis using a novel thermo‐responsive copolymer
Authors: Wan Fen , He Weidong , Zhang Jun , Chu Benjamin
Published: July 2009

High viscosity is an inherent problem of sequencing matrices made of hydrophilic polymers. This problem is amplified in separations using microchips where the channels are even smaller. A novel thermal‐associating graft copolymer, using linear polyacrylamide (LPA) as the backbone and poly(propylene oxide) (PPO) as the graft side chain was synthesized. The injection problem could be resolved by introducing PPO side chains that can be assembled by using temperature changes but without an obvious detrimental effect on the sieving ability of the LPA. Viscosity measurement showed that these LPA‐g‐PPO copolymers had a transition temperature of ∼40°C, above which a significant increase in viscosity was observed. The sequencing performance depended on the thermal association properties of PPO and related parameters. Without optimization, a read length of 1000 bases with a single base resolution of 0.3 was achieved within an hour on an ABI 310 analyzer, using 1.8 wt% LPA‐g‐PPO (1.8 MDa, PPO, 0.2%). This novel thermal reversible copolymer solution can be a promising candidate as a viable matrix for DNA sequencing in CE, and even more so in microchip electrophoresis.
Transient electrophoretic motion of a charged particle through a converging–diverging microchannel: Effect of direct current‐dielectrophoretic force
Authors: Ai Ye , Joo Sang W. , Jiang Yingtao , Xuan Xiangchun , Qian Shizhi
Published: July 2009

Transient electrophoretic motion of a charged particle through a converging–diverging microchannel is studied by solving the coupled system of the Navier–Stokes equations for fluid flow and the Laplace equation for electrical field with an arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian finite‐element method. A spatially non‐uniform electric field is induced in the converging–diverging section, which gives rise to a direct current dielectrophoretic (DEP) force in addition to the electrostatic force acting on the charged particle. As a sequence, the symmetry of the particle velocity and trajectory with respect to the throat is broken. We demonstrate that the predicted particle trajectory shifts due to DEP show quantitative agreements with the existing experimental data. Although converging–diverging microchannels can be used for super fast electrophoresis due to the enhancement of the local electric field, it is shown that large particles may be blocked due to the induced DEP force, which thus must be taken into account in the study of electrophoresis in microfluidic devices where non‐uniform electric fields are present.
Experimental and numerical investigation into micro‐flow cytometer with 3‐D hydrodynamic focusing effect and micro‐weir structure
Authors: Hou Hui‐Hsiung , Tsai Chien‐Hsiung , Fu Lung‐Ming , Yang Ruey‐Jen
Published: July 2009

This study presents a novel 3‐D hydrodynamic focusing technique for micro‐flow cytometers. In the proposed approach, the sample stream is compressed initially in the horizontal direction by a set of sheath flows such that it is constrained to the central region of the microchannel and is then focused in the vertical direction by a second pair of sheath flows. Thereafter, the focused sample stream passes over a micro‐weir structure positioned directly beneath an optical detection system to capture polystyrene beads fluorescent signal. The microchannel configuration and operational parameters are optimized by performing a series of numerical simulations. An experimental investigation is then performed using a micro‐flow cytometer fabricated using conventional micro‐electro‐mechanical systems techniques and an isotropic wet etching method. The results indicate that the two sets of sheath flows successfully constrain the sample stream within a narrow, well‐defined region of the microchannel. Furthermore, the micro‐weir structure prompts the separation of a mixed sample of 5 and 10 μm polystyrene beads in the vertical direction and ensures that the beads flow through the detection region of the microchannel in a sequential fashion and can therefore be reliably detected and counted.
Slope dynamics of Lake Albano (Rome, Italy): insights from high resolution bathymetry
Authors: Bozzano Francesca , Mazzanti Paolo , Anzidei Marco , Esposito Carlo , Floris Mario , Fasani Gianluca Bianchi , Esposito Alessandra
Published: July 2009

New detailed data about the morphology of the submerged slopes of Lake Albano (Rome, Italy) have been collected by a sonar multibeam survey financed by the Italian Department of Civil Protection. These data allow for investigation of the subaqueous slope dynamics of the lake, which partially fills a volcanic depression, and the elucidation of the relationships between subaqueous and subaerial slope processes. Subaerial, submerged and combined subaerial/submerged landslide‐related morphologies were detected around the inner slopes of the lake. In the submerged slopes, several gravity‐induced landforms were recognized: landslide scar areas, landslide accumulations, erosional chutes and channels, block fields, isolated blocks, scarps and slope breaks. An attempt to evaluate the state of activity of the submerged slopes was carried out by taking into consideration the relative freshness of some selected landforms. Interpretation of bathymetric data, as well as direct surveys of the subaerial slopes, was used to assess the morphometric features and interpret the type of movement of the landslides. We propose a comprehensive classification based on the landslide's size and type of movement. We recognized rock fall/topples, debris flows, rock slides and slump, complex rock slides/channelled flows and debris slide and slump. The volume of the main landslides ranged between 101 and 103 m3, while a few rock and debris slides have volumes ranging between 103 and 105 m3. Two large palaeo‐landslides with volumes on the order of 106 m3 were identified in the southern and northern part of the lake, respectively. Velocities of the recognized landslides range from rapid to extremely rapid. Two main landslide hazard scenarios have been depicted from the results of the integrated analysis of both subaerial and submerged gravity‐induced landforms. The most hazardous scenario involves extremely rapid large volume events (>106 m3) that could, if they interacted with water, induce catastrophic tsunamis. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.