bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Survey of Instructors Teaching about Antimicrobial Resistance in the Veterinary Professional Curriculum in the United States
Authors: Fajt Virginia R. , Scott H. Morgan , McIntosh W. Alex , Dean Wesley R. , Vincent Virginia C.
Published: October 2012

The objective of this study was to ascertain current teaching methods for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in veterinary professional curricula and to find out what veterinary instructors consider to be prioritized subtopics related to AMR. The sampling frame was instructors in veterinary professional programs at US colleges of veterinary medicine who provide instruction about antibiotics or AMR in the disciplines of microbiology, pharmacology, public health, epidemiology, internal medicine, surgery, or related subjects. Identified instructors were invited to participate in an online survey of current teaching methods related to subtopics of AMR. From 1,207 invitations, 306 completed surveys were available for analysis (25% response rate) with the largest number of respondents stating their contact hours about antibiotics occur in the discipline of “medicine-food animal.” The median contact time suggested for AMR in the core veterinary curriculum was 3–5 hours, and for antibiotics in general, 16–20 hours. Subtopics of AMR were prioritized based on respondents' indication that they use or would use various teaching tools. The most common teaching tool for all topics was projected text (i.e., slides or PowerPoint slides) and the least common were video clips, non-course Web sites, online modules, and laboratory experiments. Recommendations for identifying the priorities of AMR content coverage and learning outcomes are made.
Maximum-Entropy Method for Evaluating the Slope Stability of Earth Dams
Authors: Li Chuanqi , Wang Wei , Wang Shuai
Published: October 2012

The slope stability is a very important problem in geotechnical engineering. This paper presents an approach for slope reliability analysis based on the maximum-entropy method. The key idea is to implement the maximum entropy principle in estimating the probability density function. The performance function is formulated by the Simplified Bishop’s method to estimate the slope failure probability. The maximum-entropy method is used to estimate the probability density function (PDF) of the performance function subject to the moment constraints. A numerical example is calculated and compared to the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) and the Advanced First Order Second Moment Method (AFOSM). The results show the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method. The proposed method should be valuable for performing probabilistic analyses.
How to Overcome the Slow Death of Intercropping in the North China Plain
Authors: Feike Til , Doluschitz Reiner , Chen Qing , Graeff-Hönninger Simone , Claupein Wilhelm
Published: October 2012

Intercropping has a strong potential to counteract the severe degradation of arable land in the North China Plain (NCP). However, a rapid decline of intercropping can be observed in the last decades. The present paper investigates the reason for this development and suggests solutions on how to adjust intercropping systems to fit modern agriculture. Firstly, the developments of socioeconomic conditions for farming were assessed, analyzing the statistical yearbooks of the seven provinces of the North China Plain. Secondly, a survey was conducted in the study region to understand the current state and future of intercropping systems. The investigations revealed that, due to limited off-farm income possibilities in the past, intercropping has been a viable solution to intensively use the limited land resources per farm household. However, a shift of rural laborers into other sectors has recently been observed. Thus, decreasing importance of income from agriculture and increasing labor costs are heralding the slow death of labor-intensive intercropping systems. Two possible solutions are discussed in the paper. Either the traditional row-intercropping systems can be transformed into strip-intercropping systems that can be mechanized using existing machinery; or, new machinery has to be developed that enables the mechanization of the traditional row-intercropping systems.
Atypical Mycobacterial Exit-Site Infection and Peritonitis in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients on Prophylactic Exit-Site Gentamicin Cream
Authors: Lo Man-wai , Mak Siu-ka , Wong Yuk-yi , Lo Kwok-chi , Chan Shuk-fan , Tong Gensy M.W. , Lo Kin-yee , Wong Ping-nam , Tse Cindy W.S. , Kam Kai-man , Wong Andrew K.M.
Published: October 2012

We report 9 cases of exit-site infection and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis peritonitis associated with atypical mycobacteria. All patients had been using topical gentamicin cream as prophylaxis for exit-site infection before the onset of these infections. Gentamicin cream is postulated to be a potential risk factor for atypical mycobacterial infection because of selective pressure on other micro-organisms. The microbiology of atypical mycobacteria and the treatment for atypical mycobacterial infections are discussed.
Endogenous Markers for Estimation of Renal Function in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Kjaergaard Krista Dybtved , Jensen Jens Dam , Rehling Michael , Jespersen Bente
Published: October 2012

Objective

This method comparison study, conducted at the peritoneal dialysis (PD) outpatient clinic of the Department of Renal Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark, set out to evaluate the accuracy and reproducibility of methods for estimating glomerular filtration rate (GFR) based on endogenous markers in PD patients.

Patients

The 12 consecutive patients included in the study were examined twice while in a stable condition. All patients finished the study. Inclusion criteria were age 18 years or older, ability to collect 24-hour urine, and urine production greater than 300 mL in 24 hours.

Main Outcome Measures

The methods for estimating GFR using endogenous markers included the average of urinary clearances of creatinine and urea [U-Cl(crea–urea)] and two equations using the serum concentration of cystatin C [eGFR(CysC)]. The resulting GFR estimates were compared with those obtained using urinary and corrected plasma clearances of 51Cr-EDTA [U-Cl(EDTA) and cP-Cl(EDTA)], the corrected plasma clearance being plasma clearance minus dialysate clearance.

Results

Compared with the U-Cl(EDTA), the U-Cl(crea–urea) GFR estimate was 12% higher [95% confidence limits (CL): 3%, 21%]. Although significantly different ( p = 0.01), the latter two methods showed the best agreement. The estimates obtained using the eGFR(CysC) methods were skewed from y = x compared with the estimates obtained using other methods, indicating strong bias, probably because of extrarenal elimination. The cP-Cl(EDTA) estimate was 34% (95% CL: 26%, 42%), higher than the U-Cl(EDTA) estimate ( p < 0.001). The reproducibility (coefficients of variation) differed significantly between methods: cP-Cl(EDTA), 7%; U-Cl(EDTA), 14%; U-Cl(crea–urea), 18%; and both eGFR(CysC) methods, 3%.

Conclusions

In PD patients, GFR may be estimated as U-Cl(crea–urea) when complete urine collection is performed, taking into account an overestimation of approximately 12%. The available equations for eGFR(CysC) seem to be inaccurate; further development and validation is desirable. Omitting the eGFR(CysC) methods, cP-Cl(EDTA) was the most reproducible method and might be useful in certain situations.
SPRECware: Software Tools for Standard PREanalytical Code (SPREC) Labeling – Effective Exchange and Search of Stored Biospecimens
Authors: Nanni Umberto , Betsou Fotini , Riondino Silvia , Rossetti Luisa , Spila Antonella , Valente Maria Giovanna , Della-Morte David , Palmirotta Raffaele , Roselli Mario , Ferroni Patrizia , Guadagni Fiorella
Published: October 2012

Biobanks provide stored material to basic, translational, and epidemiological research and this material should be transferred without institute-dependent intrinsic bias.

The ISBER Biospecimen Science Working Group has released a “Standard PREanalytical Code” (SPREC), which is a proposal for a standard coding of the preanalytical options that have been adopted in order to track and make explicit the preanalytical variations in the collection, preparation, and storage of specimens.

In this paper we address 2 issues arising in any biobank or biolaboratory aiming at adopting SPREC: (i) reducing the burden required to adopt this standard coding, and (ii) maximize the immediate benefits of this adoption by providing a free, dedicated software tool.

We propose SPRECware, a vision encompassing tools and solutions for the best exploitation of SPREC based on information technology ( www.sprecware.org ).

As a first step, we make available SPRECbase, a software tool useful for generating, storing, managing, and exchanging SPREC-related information associated to specimens.

Adopting SPREC is useful both for internal purposes (such as finding the samples having some given preanalytical features), and for exchanging the preanalytical information associated to biological samples between Laboratory Information Systems. In case of a common adoption of this coding, it would be easy to find out whether and where, among the participating Biological Resource Centers, the specimens for a given study are available in order to carry out a planned experiment.
The Birth of a Discipline
Authors: Meyers Arlen
Published: October 2012

Bioentrepreneurship is a new academic discipline
Analyzing the Broadening Scope of Patentability in the Advancing Field of Biotechnology
Authors: Downing Jessica
Published: October 2012

The current U.S. patent system is considered to provide the broadest patent protection of all patent systems in existence, especially with respect to the biotechnology industry. Advances in science and technology have been key contributors to the growth and development of legislation controlling patent law. With these advancements have come vivid public debates on the morality of research with embryonic stem cells and the fusion of human and animal DNA to find cures for disease. Despite the rapid developments, the legislation controlling such research has been slow to progress. This paper will explore the legislative history surrounding biotechnology patents, focusing on the specific need for strong, adequate protection to promote the survival of the biotechnology industry.
OPPORTUNITIES AND DRAWBACKS OF MOBILE FLOOD PROTECTION SYSTEMS
Authors: Koppe Baerbel , Brinkmann Birgitt
Published: October 2012

Permanent flood protection systems like dykes and protection walls offer a high level of protection against flooding and need only little maintenance during flood events. Therefore, most high-risk areas are protected by permanent constructions. Problems arise in densely populated areas where no space for dykes is available and less space consuming flood protection walls would cut off traffic lines and obstruct view axes. In these cases, mobile flood protection measures may be a solution to fit both requirements: protection in case of flooding and open access to the floodplain over the remaining time. Furthermore, mobile protective systems can be used as emergency tool against flooding in unprotected low-lying areas and for heightening of permanent flood protection structures in extreme events.

Planning criteria of mobile flood protection like types of application, early warning and deployment time, required personnel, structural failure mechanisms, financial aspects, and essential information politics are discussed in this paper. As the available constructions differ in material, construction, permanent facilities, available protection height, and safety level, a systematization of mobile flood protection systems as well as opportunities and drawbacks of the described constructions are given.
NEAR SHORE MORPHODYNAMIC OF DRAINED BEACHES
Authors: Damiani Leonardo , Petrillo Antonio Felice , Saponieri Alessandra
Published: October 2012

The paper deals with a morphological study on a drained beach, under different wave conditions.

The Beach Drainage System (BDS) should artificially increase beach infiltration capacity by installing a drain under the beach face. The system produces a water table lowering and, consequently, an increasing of unsaturated zone (Damiani et Al.,2009); moreover, a vertical infiltration flow increases effective weight of grains, producing a better stability. According to the above hydrodynamic effect BDS should influence cross shore sediment transport in the shore zone.

Many BDS prototypes have been installed around the world; also in Italy some examples are available, i.e. Ostia (Damiani et Al.,2003), Alassio and Procida (Vicinanza et Al.,2009). Field monitoring is very useful to assess the effectiveness of the system, even if with uncertainties in results, affected by the impossibility to control the boundary conditions. Laboratory tests (Damiani et Al.,2009) could be used in defining how does the system work in different wave conditions and drain configurations.
DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE BOSCOMBE MULTI-PURPOSE REEF
Authors: Mead Shaw Trevor , Blenkinsopp Chris , Moores Andrew , Borrero Jose
Published: October 2012

The Boscombe Reef is a multipurpose reef structure designed primarily for the enhancement of surfing amenity at Boscombe, Poole Bay, England. The reef was designed to maximise the small and generally poor-quality surfing wave climate of the eastern English Channel coast. The reef was constructed from 54 large, sand filled geotextile containers ranging in size from 1 to 5 m diameters and 15 to 70 m long with a total volume of approximately 13,000 m3. Construction of the reef began in the summer of 2008, was suspended during the following winter and was completed in the late summer of 2009. The reef is now in service and provides a high intensity right hand surfing ride of up to 70 m and a shorter left hand ride of up to 30 m. Although the reef was not designed as a coastal protection structure, monitoring of the morphological response supports that the reef promotes shore protection through the formation of an inshore salient.
Effect of particle size on the adsorption and desorption properties of oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Hao , Shadman Farhang
Published: October 2012

Using water molecules as a model adsorbing compound, the effect of particle size on the adsorption and desorption properties of porous oxide nanoparticles (NPs) was investigated at different temperatures. The moisture concentration on the surface of NPs was measured by monitoring the infrared spectra peaks corresponding to the stretching vibration of water molecules. A transient multilayer model was developed to represent the fundamental steps in the process. The thermal stability of adsorbed species and the strength of bonding to the surface were evaluated by determining the activation energies of various steps. The results indicate that the surface interaction parameters are both temperature and particle‐size‐dependent. Smaller NPs have a higher saturated surface concentration and a slower response to purging and desorption. As temperature decreases, NPs exhibit a higher saturated moisture concentration and are more prone to the adsorption of moisture and similar contaminants. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 1502–1510, 2013
Increase in multiple sclerosis activity after assisted reproduction technology
Authors: Correale Jorge , Farez Mauricio F. , Ysrraelit María C.
Published: October 2012

Objective:

Our objective was to evaluate risk of exacerbations in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients undergoing assisted reproduction technology (ART) infertility treatment.

Methods:

Sixteen patients with relapsing–remitting MS subjected to 26 ART treatment cycles receiving gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists and recombinant follicle‐stimulating hormone were studied prospectively. The baseline study period encompassed 12 months prior to the first cycle and 9 months after final ART cycle. Neurological examinations, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and immunology testing were conducted every 3 months. Anti–myelin‐oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody production, interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐8, IL‐10, IL‐12, IL‐17, interferon (IFN)‐γ, and transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β secretion by myelin basic protein‐ and MOG‐peptide–specific T cells, as well as ex vivo isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), were studied using enzyme‐linked immunospot. vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production by PBMCs was assessed using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results:

ART was associated with a 7‐fold increase in risk of MS exacerbation, and a 9‐fold increase in risk of enhanced disease activity on MRI. Worsening was associated with higher number of cells producing IL‐8, IL‐12, IFN‐γ, and TGF‐β, as well as increased VEGF production by CD4+ T cells and CXCL‐12 plasma levels, all GnRH‐mediated effects. A rise in 17‐β estradiol production associated with ART increased anti‐MOG antibody titers, as well as B‐cell survival factor BAFF (B‐cell activating factor) and antiapoptotic molecule Bcl‐2 levels from purified CD19+ B cells. Finally, ART facilitated PBMC transmigration across an in vitro blood–brain barrier model, an effect mediated by IL‐8, VEGF, and CXCL‐12.

Interpretation:

Results indicate a significant increase in MS disease activity in patients receiving ART, a risk that neurologists should be aware of. Reproductive hormones appear to exert an important role in regulating immune responses during the course of autoimmune diseases. ANN NEUROL 2012;72:682–694
Non‐aggregated boron–fluorine derivatives with photodynamic activity
Authors: Yao Liang , Dan Feijun , Cao Qiong , Mao Miaofu , Xiao Shuzhang
Published: October 2012

Novel non‐aggregated boron–fluorine derivatives with large Stokes shift were facilely synthesized and characterized. These dyes show moderate absorptive coefficients and intense fluorescence emission, and excellent photo‐stability in solvents and also in solid state. According to X‐ray single‐crystal analysis, non‐covalent intermolecular interactions provide a rigid structure, which inhibits aggregate formation. These non‐aggregated dyes can generate singlet oxygen under light irradiation, which makes them good candidates for photodynamic therapy. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Major early complications following open, laparoscopic and robotic gastrectomy
Authors: Kim K M , An J Y , Kim H I , Cheong J H , Hyung W J , Noh S H
Published: October 2012

Background

Laparoscopic and robotic gastrectomy have been adopted rapidly despite lack of evidence concerning technical safety and controversy regarding additional benefits. This study aimed to compare clinically relevant complications after open, laparoscopic and robotic gastrectomy.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on surgical complications in patients undergoing gastrectomy with curative intent for histologically proven adenocarcinoma between 2005 and 2010 at the Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine in Seoul, Korea. Complications were categorized into wound infection, bleeding, anastomotic leak, obstruction, fluid collection and other.

Results

In a total of 5839 patients (4542 open, 861 laparoscopic and 436 robotic gastrectomies), overall complication, reoperation and mortality rates were 10·5, 1·0 and 0·4 per cent respectively. There were no significant differences between the three groups. Ileus (P = 0·001) and intra-abdominal fluid collections (P = 0·013) were commoner after conventional open surgery. However, tumour stage was higher and more complex resections were performed in the open group. Anastomotic leak, the leading cause of death, occurred more often after a minimally invasive approach (P = 0·017).

Conclusion

Laparoscopic and robotic gastrectomy had overall complication and mortality rates similar to those of open surgery, but anastomotic leaks were more common with the minimally invasive techniques.
Refolding of urea‐denatured α‐chymotrypsin by protein‐folding liquid chromatography
Authors: Congyu Ke , Wujuan Sun , Qunzheng Zhang , Xindu Geng
Published: October 2012

An approach for re‐folding denatured proteins during proteome research by protein folding liquid chromatography (PFLC) is presented. Standard protein, α‐chymotrypsin (α‐Chy), was selected as a model protein and hydrophobic interaction chromatography was performed as a typical PFLC; the three different α‐Chy states – urea‐denatured (U state), its folded intermediates (M state) and nature state (N state) – were studied during protein folding. Based on the test by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry and bioactivity, only one stable M state of the α‐Chy was identified and then it was prepared for further investigation. The specific bioactivity of the refolded α‐Chy was found to be higher than that of commercial α‐Chy as the urea concentration in the sample solution ranged from 1.0 to 3.0 m; the highest specific bioactivity at urea concentration was 1.0 m, indicating the possibility for re‐folding some proteins that have partially or completely lost their bioactivity, as a dilute urea solution was employed for dissolving the sample. The experiment showed that the peak height of its M state increased with increasing urea concentration, and correspondingly decreased in the amount of the refolded α‐Chy. When the urea concentration reached 6.0 m, the unfolded α‐Chy could not be refolded at all. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Balloon catheter systems for PTCA: The importance of the catheter length
Authors: Rozenbaum Eliezer A. , Topaz On , Wysham Douglas G.
Published: October 2012

The length of a balloon catheter system plays an important role in successfully dilating distal coronary or vein graft stenoses. We herein report a case in which a distal saphenous vein graft lesion could not be reached with a conventional balloon catheter. Factors responsible for this failure included insufficient length. The lesion was eventually reached and successfully dilated with another balloon catheter, which according to the manufacturer had the same length as the first balloon.

In order to study this phenomenon eleven balloon catheters were examined using the following measurements: functional catheter length, deliverable catheter length, crossing distance and longitudinal compression. Seven guide catheters were also measured. Results showed variations in standard functional length between several manufacturers, ranging from 132.2–137.8 cm. The deliverable length ranged from 18.3–23.9 cm, crossing distance ranged from 7–37 mm, and the longitudinal compression ranged from 4–30 mm. Guiding catheter length varied among several manufacturers, ranging from 100.6–107 cm. A significant variation was found not only among certain manufacturers, but also among several standard catheters made by one manufacturer. The results of this study suggest that significant variations exist in the length of standard balloon catheters and guiding catheters even among those made by the same manufacturer. These findings can affect the ability to reach a lesion and should be taken into account, especially when attempting to perform angioplasty of stenoses located in the distal portion of a coronary artery or saphenous vein graft.
Coronary stenting through 6 French guiding catheters
Authors: Urban Philip , Meier Bernhard , Haine Emmanuel , Verine Vitali , Mehan Vivek
Published: October 2012

Most stent implantation procedures currently require the use of large‐diameter guiding catheters. We describe our preliminary successful experience with 6 French guiding catheters to deliver balloon‐expandable Palmaz‐Schatz stents to the coronary arteries.
Combined symptomatology of psychosis, pica syndrome, and hippocampal sclerosis: A case report
Authors: Rohde Judith , Claussen Malte Christian , Kuechenhoff Bernhard , Seifritz Erich , Schuepbach Daniel
Published: October 2012

Pica is the developmentally and culturally inappropriate eating of nonnutritive substances for at least 1 month. Herein, we present the case of a male patient that suddenly showed behavioral changes including aggressiveness, withdrawal, and perceptional disturbances at the age of 12. About 7 years later, pica symptoms emerged additionally. Neither pharmacotherapy nor electroconvulsive therapy led to success. Magnetic resonance imaging showed bilateral sclerosis of the hippocampus. The therapy with carbamazepine, clozapine, diazepam, and zinc finally improved the symptoms including the pica symptoms. © 2012 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2013)
Increased resting state functional connectivity in the default mode network in recovered anorexia nervosa
Authors: Cowdrey Felicity A. , Filippini Nicola , Park Rebecca J. , Smith Stephen M. , McCabe Ciara
Published: October 2012

Functional brain imaging studies have shown abnormal neural activity in individuals recovered from anorexia nervosa (AN) during both cognitive and emotional task paradigms. It has been suggested that this abnormal activity which persists into recovery might underpin the neurobiology of the disorder and constitute a neural biomarker for AN. However, no study to date has assessed functional changes in neural networks in the absence of task‐induced activity in those recovered from AN. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whole brain resting state functional connectivity in nonmedicated women recovered from anorexia nervosa. Functional magnetic resonance imaging scans were obtained from 16 nonmedicated participants recovered from anorexia nervosa and 15 healthy control participants. Independent component analysis revealed functionally relevant resting state networks. Dual regression analysis revealed increased temporal correlation (coherence) in the default mode network (DMN) which is thought to be involved in self‐referential processing. Specifically, compared to healthy control participants the recovered anorexia nervosa participants showed increased temporal coherence between the DMN and the precuneus and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex/inferior frontal gyrus. The findings support the view that dysfunction in resting state functional connectivity in regions involved in self‐referential processing and cognitive control might be a vulnerability marker for the development of anorexia nervosa. Hum Brain Mapp 35:483–491, 2014. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Probabilistic flood risk mapping including spatial dependence
Authors: Neal Jeffrey , Keef Caroline , Bates Paul , Beven Keith , Leedal David
Published: October 2012

Effective flood risk management depends on methods for estimating flood hazard and an appraisal of the dominant uncertainties in the analysis. Typically, hydraulic models are used to simulate the extent of flooding for an estimate of the flow in a particular reach for a chosen probability of exceedance. However, this definition causes problems at river confluences where flows derive from multiple sources. Here, a model‐based approach was adopted to describe the multisite joint distribution of river flows for three rivers that converge on the city of Carlisle (UK). Monte‐Carlo methods were used to generate flood events with realistic spatial dependence between tributaries which would occur over a 1000 year period. To account for the uncertainty in the data used to create the event set, block bootstrapping was used to produce a further 100 runs of the event generator over notional 1000 year periods. Each of the 20 000 events created by this process was then simulated using a 10 m resolution two‐dimensional hydraulic model of the whole city to demonstrate the feasibility of the approach. Spatial dependence was found to be important because no single event caused the maximum flood extent at all locations and assuming perfect correlation between tributaries overestimated flood hazard. Uncertainty in estimates of inundation probability was significant to the extent that confidence intervals in risk estimates were larger than expected; however, the interaction of flows with the flood defences and valley topography gave a distinct structure to the inundation probabilities and risk. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unbiased estimates of long‐term net survival of hematological malignancy patients detailed by major subtypes in France
Authors: Monnereau Alain , Troussard Xavier , Belot Aurélien , Guizard Anne‐Valérie , Woronoff Anne‐Sophie , Bara Simona , Lapôtre‐Ledoux Bénédicte , Iwaz Jean , Tretarre Brigitte , Maynadié Marc ,   The French Network of Cancer Registries (FRANCIM)
Published: October 2012

Long‐term population‐based survival data detailed by cancer subtype are important to measure the overall outcomes of malignancy managements. We provide net survival estimates at 1, 3, 5 and 10‐year postdiagnosis on 37,549 hematological malignancy (HM) patients whose ages were >15 years, diagnosed between 1989 and 2004 and actively followed until 2008 by French population‐based cancer registries. These are, to our knowledge, the first unbiased estimates of 10‐year net survival in HMs detailed by subtypes. HMs were classified according to the International Classification of Diseases‐Oncology 3. Net survival was estimated with the unbiased Pohar‐Perme method. The results are reported by sex and age classes. The changes of these indicators by periods of diagnosis were tabulated and the trends of the net mortality rates over time since diagnosis graphed. In all, 5‐ and 10‐year age‐standardized net survivals after HMs varied widely from 81 and 76% for classical Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL) to 18 and 14% for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Even in HMs with the most favorable prognoses, the net survival decreased between 5‐ and 10‐year postdiagnosis. Women had better prognoses than men and age at diagnosis was an unfavorable prognostic factor for most HMs. In patients <55 years old, the net mortality rate decreased to null values 5‐year postdiagnosis in AML and 10‐year postdiagnosis in CHL, precursor non‐HL, chronic myelogenous leukemia, diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma. The prognoses improved for various HMs over the study period. The obtained unbiased indicators are important to evaluate national cancer plans.
Role of standardized and study‐specific human brain diffusion tensor templates in inter‐subject spatial normalization
Authors: Zhang Shengwei , Arfanakis Konstantinos
Published: October 2012

Purpose:

To investigate the effect of standardized and study‐specific human brain diffusion tensor templates on the accuracy of spatial normalization, without ignoring the important roles of data quality and registration algorithm effectiveness.

Materials and Methods:

Two groups of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) datasets, with and without visible artifacts, were normalized to two standardized diffusion tensor templates (IIT2, ICBM81) as well as study‐specific templates, using three registration approaches. The accuracy of inter‐subject spatial normalization was compared across templates, using the most effective registration technique for each template and group of data.

Results:

It was demonstrated that, for DTI data with visible artifacts, the study‐specific template resulted in significantly higher spatial normalization accuracy than standardized templates. However, for data without visible artifacts, the study‐specific template and the standardized template of higher quality (IIT2) resulted in similar normalization accuracy.

Conclusion:

For DTI data with visible artifacts, a carefully constructed study‐specific template may achieve higher normalization accuracy than that of standardized templates. However, as DTI data quality improves, a high‐quality standardized template may be more advantageous than a study‐specific template, because in addition to high normalization accuracy, it provides a standard reference across studies, as well as automated localization/segmentation when accompanied by anatomical labels. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:372–381. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Novel application of T1‐weighted BLADE sequences with fat suppression compared to TSE in contrast‐enhanced T1‐weighted imaging of the neck: Cutting‐edge images?
Authors: Finkenzeller Thomas , Zorger Niels , Kühnel Thomas , Paetzel Christian , Schuierer Gerhard , Stroszczynski Christian , Fellner Claudia
Published: October 2012

Purpose:

To evaluate if the use of BLADE sequences might overcome some limitations of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the extracranial head and neck, which is a diagnostically challenging area with a variety of artifacts and a broad spectrum of potential lesions.

Materials and Methods:

After informed consent and Institutional Review Board approval, two different BLADE sequences with (BLADE IR) and without inversion pulse (BLADE) were compared to turbo‐spin echo (TSE) with fat saturation for coronal T1‐weighted postcontrast imaging of the extracranial head and neck region in 40 individuals of a routine patient collective. Visual evaluation of image sharpness, motion artifacts, vessel pulsation, contrast of anatomic structures, contrast of pathologies to surrounding tissue as well as BLADE‐specific artifacts was performed by two experienced, independent readers. Statistical evaluation was done by using the Wilcoxon test.

Results:

Both BLADE and BLADE IR were significantly superior to TSE regarding pulsation artifacts and delineation of thoracic structures. TSE provided better results concerning contrast muscle/fat tissue and contrast lymph nodes/fat. More important, it showed significantly better contrast of several lesions, facilitating the detection of patient pathology.

Conclusion:

T1‐weighted coronal imaging of the extracranial head and neck region is demanding. T1‐weighted BLADE sequences still have drawbacks in anatomical contrast and lesion detection but offer possibilities to achieve reasonable image quality in difficult cases with a variety of artifacts. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:660—668. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Symptom interval in pediatric patients with solid tumors: Adolescents are at greater risk of late diagnosis
Authors: Veneroni Laura , Mariani Luigi , Lo Vullo Salvatore , Favini Francesca , Catania Serena , de Pava Marco Vajna , Massimino Maura , Ferrari Andrea
Published: October 2012

Background

The awareness that adolescents can have cancer is probably insufficient, not only among teenagers and their families, but also among physicians, and adolescent patients are reportedly often referred to qualified cancer institutes after a considerable delay.

Procedure

A prospective series of 425 patients (28% of them adolescents) with solid tumors was analyzed to investigate the correlation between symptom interval and age, and the different contributions to symptom interval in terms of the time from symptom onset to the first contact with a doctor (patient delay), referral to the oncologist (referral delay), and final diagnosis (oncologist delay).

Results

The median symptom interval was 47 days for 0 to 14‐year‐old patients and 137 for those ≥15 years (P < 0.001). The greatest delay in the adolescent group related to the patient delay (63.3% of the total symptom interval).

Conclusion

Adolescents are often diagnosed with longer delay as compared to children. The main contribution to symptom interval in adolescents appears to be due to the time they first go to a doctor; however, also the time taken by the physician to the patient to a specialist (oncologist or surgeon) able to define the diagnosis of cancer was longer for adolescents than for younger patients. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 605–610. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Regression patterns in treated retinoblastoma with chemotherapy plus focal adjuvant therapy
Authors: Ghassemi Fariba , Rahmanikhah Elham , Roohipoor Ramak , Karkhaneh Reza , Faegh Adeleh
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The aim of this study was evaluation of the regression patterns after 3, 6, and 8 months of treatment.

Methods

A total of 100 retinoblastoma tumors (57 eyes of 35 patients) were treated with 6 (n = 8) or 8 (n = 92) cycles of systemic chemoreduction and tumor consolidation (transpupillary thermotherapy [TTT] or cryotherapy) during this prospective study.

Results

After 3 months of treatment, type 3 was the predominant pattern (n = 57%, 57%), while after 6 and 8 months of treatment the tumors regressed to type 4 most often (44% and 52%, respectively). Smaller tumors and the peripheral tumors were likely to regress to type 4, whereas larger tumors and those nearer to fovea were more likely to become type 1 pattern. Tumors consolidated with cryotherapy mostly showed type 4 regression (3rd month: 40%, 6th month: 90%, and 8th month: 87.5%). Whereas, those treated with TTT rather regressed to type 3 after 3 months (57.9%) and to type 4 after 6 and 8 months of treatment (51.4% and 59.5%, respectively). Recurrence of the tumor was 40% in our cases with defined correlation with tumor location, size, and subretinal seeds.

Conclusion

We conclude that regression patterns of tumors in patients undergoing systemic chemoreduction with focal adjuvant treatments predominantly changed over time and their changes are dependent on tumor size, location, and type of treatment. It appears that subretinal seeds, tumor size, and location of tumors are the most important factors predicting tumor recurrence. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 599–604. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reproducibility study of crown–rump length and biparietal diameter measurements in the first trimester
Authors: Souka Athena P. , Pilalis Athanasios , Papastefanou Ioannis , Salamalekis George , Kassanos Dimitrios
Published: October 2012

Objective

This study aims to investigate the intra‐observer and inter‐observer variability of crown–rump length (CRL) and biparietal diameter (BPD) measurements in the first trimester.

Methods

A prospective observational study on 592 fetuses between 8 and 14 gestational weeks was conducted. Intra‐class correlation coefficients (ICCs) were computed, and Bland–Altman analysis was carried out.

Results

The ICCs (95% confidence interval) and the 95% limits of agreement, expressed as a percentage of the average, for CRL's intra‐observer and inter‐observer variability were 0.979 (0.974–0.982, p < 0.001), +8.53% to −8.376%, and 0.968 (0.952–0.978, p < 0.001), +9.06% to −7.69%, respectively. The corresponding figures for BPD were 0.981 (0.977–0.984, p < 0.001), +7.41% to −7.51%, and 0.968 (0.952–0.978, p < 0.001), +6.65% to −7.25%. After conversion in days, the ICCs and 95% limits of agreement for CRL's intra‐observer and inter‐observer variability were 0.983 (0.980–0.986, p < 0.001), +2.88% to −2.84%, and 0.971 (0.957–0.980, p < 0.001), 2.83% to −2.60%, respectively. The corresponding figures for BPD were 0.982 (0.979–0.986, p < 0.001), +3.36% to −3.40%, and 0.968 (0.953–0.978, p < 0.001), +3.06% to −3.38%. CRL's standard deviation of the differences increased with gestation for intra‐observer (r = 0.289, p < 0.001) and inter‐observer (r = 0.197, p = 0.023) variability.

Conclusion

The BPD and CRL are highly reproducible measurements. CRL's measurement error increased with the magnitude of CRL, whereas BPD's reproducibility was not affected by gestational age. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Epitope‐specificity of recombinant antibodies reveals promiscuous peptide‐binding properties
Authors: Olsson Niclas , Wallin Stefan , James Peter , Borrebaeck Carl A. K. , Wingren Christer
Published: October 2012

Protein–peptide interactions are a common occurrence and essential for numerous cellular processes, and frequently explored in broad applications within biology, medicine, and proteomics. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanism(s) of protein–peptide recognition, specificity, and binding interactions will be essential. In this study, we report the first detailed analysis of antibody–peptide interaction characteristics, by combining large‐scale experimental peptide binding data with the structural analysis of eight human recombinant antibodies and numerous peptides, targeting tryptic mammalian and eukaryote proteomes. The results consistently revealed that promiscuous peptide‐binding interactions, that is, both specific and degenerate binding, were exhibited by all antibodies, and the discovery was corroborated by orthogonal data, indicating that this might be a general phenomenon for low‐affinity antibody–peptide interactions. The molecular mechanism for the degenerate peptide‐binding specificity appeared to be executed through the use of 2–3 semi‐conserved anchor residues in the C‐terminal part of the peptides, in analogue to the mechanism utilized by the major histocompatibility complex–peptide complexes. In the long‐term, this knowledge will be instrumental for advancing our fundamental understanding of protein–peptide interactions, as well as for designing, generating, and applying peptide specific antibodies, or peptide‐binding proteins in general, in various biotechnical and medical applications.
A Robust Control Chart
Authors: Schoonhoven Marit , Does Ronald J. M. M.
Published: October 2012

This article studies alternative standard deviation estimators that serve as a basis to determine the control chart limits used for real‐time process monitoring (phase II). Several existing (robust) estimation methods are considered. In addition, we propose a new estimation method based on a phase I analysis, that is, the use of a control chart to identify disturbances in a data set retrospectively. The method constructs a phase I control chart derived from the trimmed mean of the sample interquartile ranges, which is used to identify out‐of‐control data. An efficient estimator, namely the mean of the sample standard deviations, is used to obtain the final standard deviation estimate from the remaining data. The estimation methods are evaluated in terms of their mean squared errors and their effects on the performance of the phase II control chart. It is shown that the newly proposed estimation method is efficient under normality and performs substantially better than standard methods when disturbances are present in phase I. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SMAD7 Directly Converts Human Embryonic Stem Cells to Telencephalic Fate by a Default Mechanism
Authors: Ozair Mohammad Zeeshan , Noggle Scott , Warmflash Aryeh , Krzyspiak Joanna Ela , Brivanlou Ali H.
Published: October 2012

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) provide a valuable window into the dissection of the molecular circuitry underlying the early formation of the human forebrain. However, dissection of signaling events in forebrain development using current protocols is complicated by non-neural contamination and fluctuation of extrinsic influences. Here, we show that SMAD7, a cell-intrinsic inhibitor of transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) signaling, is sufficient to directly convert pluripotent hESCs to an anterior neural fate. Time course gene expression revealed downregulation of MAPK components, and combining MEK1/2 inhibition with SMAD7-mediated TGFβ inhibition promoted telencephalic conversion. Fibroblast growth factor-MEK and TGFβ-SMAD signaling maintain hESCs by promoting pluripotency genes and repressing neural genes. Our findings suggest that in the absence of these cues, pluripotent cells simply revert to a program of neural conversion. Hence, the “primed” state of hESCs requires inhibition of the “default” state of neural fate acquisition. This has parallels in amphibians, suggesting an evolutionarily conserved mechanism.
Human Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Suppress Human Glioma Growth Through Inhibition of Angiogenesis
Authors: Ho Ivy A.W. , Toh Han C , Ng Wai H. , Teo Yuan L. , Guo Chang M. , Hui Kam M. , Lam Paula Y.P.
Published: October 2012

Tumor tropism of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) has been exploited for the delivery of therapeutic genes for anticancer therapy. However, the exact contribution of these cells in the tumor microenvironment remains unknown. In this study, we examined the biological effect of MSC on tumor cells. The results showed that MSC inhibited the growth of human glioma cell lines and patient-derived primary glioma cells in vitro. Coadministration of MSC and glioma cells resulted in significant reduction in tumor volume and vascular density, which was not observed when glioma was injected with immortalized normal human astrocytes. Using endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) from healthy donors and HUVEC endothelial cells, the extent of EPC recruitment and capacity to form endothelial tubes was significantly impaired in conditioned media derived from MSC/glioma coculture, suggesting that MSC suppressed tumor angiogenesis through the release of antiangiogenic factors. Further studies using antibody array showed reduced expression of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB and interleukin (IL)-1β in MSC/glioma coculture when compared with controls. In MSC/glioma coculture, PDGF-BB mRNA and the corresponding proteins (soluble and membrane bound forms) as well as the receptors were found to be significantly downregulated when compared with that of glioma cocultured with normal human astrocytes or glioma monoculture. Furthermore, IL-1β, phosphorylated Akt, and cathepsin B proteins were also reduced in MSC/glioma. Taken together, these data indicated that the antitumor effect of MSC may be mediated through downregulation of PDGF/PDGFR axis, which is known to play a key role in glioma angiogenesis.
Creating a Classroom Where Readers Flourish
Authors: Miller Donalyn
Published: October 2012

Numerous research studies prove that wide reading improves children's comprehension, background knowledge, vocabulary, fluency, and writing. The author, a sixth‐grade language arts teacher, describes the classroom conditions and instructional practices that encourage wide reading and increase her students' reading motivation such as choice in reading material, dedicating time for reading, and promoting children's literature.
The Changing Face of The Novel
Authors: Serafini Frank , Blasingame James
Published: October 2012

This article uses Dresang's dimensions of radical change to call attention to the evolving structures and features of novels for young readers being published today. The controversial topics and elaborate design features contained in contemporary novels, for example, the expansion of dystopic fiction, the disruption of traditional narrative structures, and the utilization of meta‐fictive devices, present challenges for young readers. Due to these challenges, teachers need to become more sophisticated readers of contemporary novels if they are to expand their pedagogical approaches and classroom resources.