bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of the new proposed Papanicolaou Society of Cytopathology terminology for pancreaticobiliary cytology in endoscopic US‐FNA: A single‐Institutional experience
Authors: Saieg Mauro Ajaj , Munson Valerie , Colletti Shanna , Nassar Aziza
Published: May 2015

BACKGROUND

The Papanicolaou Society of Cytopathology has recently published a new proposal for pancreaticobiliary cytology terminology. For the current study, the authors applied this new classification for pancreaticobiliary cytology to a set of previously diagnosed endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) samples and correlated the results with those from the corresponding available final surgical specimens.

METHODS

Pancreatic FNA specimens were retrospectively collected from a 12‐month period at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. Cases with cytohistologic disagreement were reviewed to assess the reasons for discrepancies. The sensitivity and specificity of EUS‐FNA specimens were assessed using the Pearson chi‐square test.

RESULTS

One hundred fifty‐five pancreatic FNA specimens were retrieved. The median patient age was 70 years (range, 25‐93 years). Eleven specimens previously classified as negative and 3 previously classified as non‐diagnostic were reclassified as neoplastic:other, as well as all specimens primarily classified as atypical or positive for neoplasm and half the specimens primarily classified as suspicious. All positive specimens remained within their same categories in the revised classification. Sixteen patients (10.3%) had surgical resection specimens available, and complete or partial agreement with FNA results was achieved in 13 of those surgical specimens (81.2%). Reasons for discrepancy comprised sampling errors in 5 specimens and an interpretation error in 1 specimen. Overall, sensitivity was 66.7%, specificity was 66.7%, the positive predictive value was 88.9%, and the negative predictive value was 33.3%.

CONCLUSIONS

The application of the new proposed terminology for pancreaticobiliary cytology had a greater impact among specimens that were previously classified as atypical and suspicious. EUS‐FNA of the pancreas is a highly accurate method, and its use, allied with the new proposed terminology, may ultimately contribute to better outcomes. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2015;123:488–94. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
User accessible reply capabilities in invoking and servicing operations
Authors: Olsson Ronald A. , Keen Aaron W.
Published: May 2015

Many message passing languages and packages include some form of synchronous invocation. In a synchronous invocation, the invoker waits for the invocation's servicer to pass back results. A synchronous invocation can be viewed as a pair of asynchronous invocations: one—initiating the computation—with parameter values from the invoker to the servicer and the other—once the requested computation has completed—with the ‘go‐ahead’ and return value from the servicer to the invoker. The target of the latter invocation is known as the reply operation, and a reference to it is known as a reply capability. This paper addresses the issues of making such reply capabilities directly accessible to user code. It presents the design and prototype implementation of a new version of the JR concurrent programming language, called xJR, in which the reply capability can be explicit. This paper gives xJR examples, including realistic ones, to highlight the additional flexibility the new features offer (such as a non‐lexical reply). These additional features do not impact the run‐time performance of existing JR features and can even lead to more efficient code in some programming scenarios. Our experience with the prototype implementation indicates that an actual implementation would be fruitful and would preserve the prototype's performance advantages. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of a high‐speed MALDI‐triple quadrupole mass spectrometric method for the determination of 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in oral fluid
Authors: Poetzsch Michael , Steuer Andrea E. , Hysek Cedric M. , Liechti Matthias E. , Kraemer Thomas
Published: May 2015

3,4‐Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) is still a widely used illicit designer drug and its detection in different matrices is of major importance for forensic purposes (e.g. driving under the influence) as well as for workplace drug testing or abstinence control. Established analytical methods for the determination of MDMA are mainly employing high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or gas chromatography (GC) coupled to mass spectrometric detection. Matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization‐triple quadrupole‐tandem mass spectrometry (MALDI‐QqQ‐MS/MS) is so far rarely used in forensics and offers an ultrafast high‐throughput platform. The Quantisal™ Oral Fluid Collection Device was used for sample collection. After addition of the deuterated internal standard and a carbonate buffer (0.75 M Na2CO3), oral fluid samples were liquid‐liquid extracted (ButOAc/EtOAc, 1:1). As little as 1 microlitre of a mixture of this extract and the MALDI matrix (alpha‐cyano‐4‐hydroxycinnamic acid) was spotted onto the MALDI plate and could directly be analyzed. With MALDI omitting chromatographic separation, very short analysis times of about 10 s per sample were possible. The method was developed and validated according to international guidelines including specificity, recovery, matrix effects, accuracy and precision, stabilities and limit of quantification. All validation criteria were fulfilled except for ion suppression/enhancement. Comparison with a routine liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) method showed good agreement of the results. Applicability of the method was shown by analyzing about 250 oral fluid samples collected after controlled administration of 125 mg MDMA in a pharmacokinetic study. The whole lot of samples could be analyzed in less than 1 h, proving the ultra‐high‐speed of the method. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Population genetics of four heavily exploited shark species around the Arabian Peninsula
Authors: Spaet Julia L. Y. , Jabado Rima W. , Henderson Aaron C. , Moore Alec B. M. , Berumen Michael L.
Published: May 2015

The northwestern Indian Ocean harbors a number of larger marine vertebrate taxa that warrant the investigation of genetic population structure given remarkable spatial heterogeneity in biological characteristics such as distribution, behavior, and morphology. Here, we investigate the genetic population structure of four commercially exploited shark species with different biological characteristics (Carcharhinus limbatus, Carcharhinus sorrah, Rhizoprionodon acutus, and Sphyrna lewini) between the Red Sea and all other water bodies surrounding the Arabian Peninsula. To assess intraspecific patterns of connectivity, we constructed statistical parsimony networks among haplotypes and estimated (1) population structure; and (2) time of most recent population expansion, based on mitochondrial control region DNA and a total of 20 microsatellites. Our analysis indicates that, even in smaller, less vagile shark species, there are no contemporary barriers to gene flow across the study region, while historical events, for example, Pleistocene glacial cycles, may have affected connectivity in C. sorrah and R. acutus. A parsimony network analysis provided evidence that Arabian S. lewini may represent a population segment that is distinct from other known stocks in the Indian Ocean, raising a new layer of conservation concern. Our results call for urgent regional cooperation to ensure the sustainable exploitation of sharks in the Arabian region.
Toxicity in relation to mode of action for the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans: Acute-to-chronic ratios and quantitative structure–activity relationships
Authors: Ristau Kai , Akgül Yeliz , Bartel Anna Sophie , Fremming Jana , Müller Marie-Theres , Reiher Luise , Stapela Frederike , Splett Jan-Paul , Spann Nicole
Published: May 2015

Acute-to-chronic ratios (ACRs) and quantitative structure–activity relationships (QSARs) are of particular interest in chemical risk assessment. Previous studies focusing on the relationship between the size or variation of ACRs to substance classes and QSAR models were often based on data for standard test organisms, such as daphnids and fish. In the present study, acute and chronic toxicity tests were performed with the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans for a total of 11 chemicals covering 3 substance classes (nonpolar narcotics: 1-propanol, ethanol, methanol, 2-butoxyethanol; metals: copper, cadmium, zinc; and carbamates: methomyl, oxamyl, aldicarb, dioxacarb). The ACRs were variable, especially for the carbamates and metals, although there was a trend toward small and less variable ACRs for nonpolar narcotic substances. The octanol–water partition coefficient was a good predictor for explaining acute and chronic toxicity of nonpolar narcotic substances to C. elegans, but not for carbamates. Metal toxicity could be related to the covalent index χm2r. Overall, the results support earlier results from ACR and QSAR studies with standard freshwater test animals. As such C. elegans as a representative of small soil/sediment invertebrates would probably be protected by risk assessment strategies already in use. To increase the predictive power of ACRs and QSARs, further research should be expanded to other species and compounds and should also consider the target sites and toxicokinetics of chemicals. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:2347–2353. © 2015 SETAC
Use of Jackknifing to Evaluate Effects of Anchor Item Selection on Equating With the Nonequivalent Groups With Anchor Test (NEAT) Design
Authors: Lu Ru , Haberman Shelby , Guo Hongwen , Liu Jinghua
Published: May 2015

In this study, we apply jackknifing to anchor items to evaluate the impact of anchor selection on equating stability. In an ideal world, the choice of anchor items should have little impact on equating results. When this ideal does not correspond to reality, selection of anchor items can strongly influence equating results. This influence does not disappear even if large examinee samples are present. Consequently, it provides a major hazard in practical use of equating. Although the effect of anchor selection does not disappear with increasing sample size, it is reasonable to expect smaller effects with test anchors with more items. To illustrate results, two examples of real equating data were evaluated using two classical equating methods. The results show that rather large effects may be associated with sampling of anchor items.
Microencapsulation of vanillin by spray drying using soy protein isolate–maltodextrin as wall material
Authors: Noshad Mohammad , Mohebbi Mohebbat , Koocheki Arash , Shahidi Fakhri
Published: May 2015

In this study, the application of a response surface methodology (RSM) to optimize the microencapsulation of vanillin as a nutraceutical was studied. Soy protein isolate and maltodextrin were used as a wall material. Microencapsulate of vanillin using spray drying with maltodextrin solutions at different concentration (5–15% wt), vanillin concentrations (0.1–0.4 %wt) and inlet temperature (180–200 °C) were the factors investigated with respect to moisture content, particle size and encapsulation efficiency. RSM was used to determine the optimum processing conditions that yielded maximum encapsulation efficiency and minimum moisture content and particle size during drying of vanillin microencapsulate. The results revealed that microencapsulated powder obtained at 184 °C with a 8.5% maltodextrin concentration and 0.36% vanillin concentration was optimum among investigated samples in terms of its encapsulation efficiency, particle size and moisture content. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the powders produced at the selected optimal conditions showed a spherical shape with no apparent cracks or fissures, which promotes better protection and retention of the core material. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prevalence and risk factors of sialocele formation after partial superficial parotidectomy: A multi‐institutional analysis of 357 consecutive patients
Authors: Lee Young Chan , Park Gi Cheol , Lee Jung‐Woo , Eun Young Gyu , Kim Seung Woo
Published: May 2015

Background

The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of sialoceles and the risk factors associated with their formation after parotidectomy.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of the data from consecutive patients who underwent partial superficial parotidectomy of parotid tumors. Demographic data, preoperative imaging results, operative variables, including tumor type, incision type, tumor size, and method of parenchymal disruption were assessed.

Results

Twenty‐three of 357 patients (6.4%) undergoing partial superficial parotidectomy developed sialoceles during the postoperative period. Sialoceles occurred more often in patients who had tumors in the anterior portion of the parotid gland. Multivariate analysis showed that an anterior tumor location was a significant risk factor for sialocele formation.

Conclusion

The incidence of sialocele development was 6.4% in patients undergoing partial superficial parotidectomy. An anterior tumor location may increase the risk of sialocele formation. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E941–E944, 2016
Short‐term donor site morbidity: A comparison of the anterolateral thigh and radial forearm fasciocutaneous free flaps
Authors: Knott P. Daniel , Seth Rahul , Waters Heather H. , Revenaugh Peter C. , Alam Daniel , Scharpf Joseph , Meltzer Noah E. , Fritz Michael A.
Published: May 2015

Background

Donor site morbidity is an important consideration in the overall decision‐making algorithm for fasciocutaneous free flap reconstruction of the head and neck.

Methods

A retrospective case series was conducted of donor site complications occurring within 30 days of surgery among 226 consecutive anterolateral thigh (ALT) or radial forearm free flap (RFFF) microvascular free tissue transfers performed by multiple reconstructive surgeons between 2005 and 2010.

Results

A greater number of donor site complications occurred among patients undergoing RFFF versus ALT free flaps (40; 35.4%; vs 14; 12.4%; p < .001). Wound dehiscence occurred significantly more frequently among patients undergoing RFFF versus ALT free flap reconstruction (34; 30%; vs 6; 5%; p < .001). Tendon exposure occurred in 16 of the 113 RFFFs (14.1%). Seromas occurred more commonly in the ALT group (6; 5%; vs 2; 1.7%; p = .280).

Conclusion

Although short‐term donor site morbidity was low in both groups, the ALT was associated with a significantly lower incidence of wound dehiscence with or without tendon exposure. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E945–E948, 2016
Concomitant chemoradiotherapy for advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the temporal bone
Authors: Shinomiya Hirotaka , Hasegawa Shingo , Yamashita Daisuke , Ejima Yasuo , Kenji Yoshida , Otsuki Naoki , Kiyota Naomi , Sakakibara Shunsuke , Nomura Tadashi , Hashikawa Kazunobu , Kohmura Eiji , Sasaki Ryohei , Nibu Ken‐ichi
Published: May 2015

Background

The purpose of this study was to analyze outcomes for the treatment of locally advanced temporal bone cancer by means of concomitant chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) with a combination of cisplatin (CDDP), 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU), and docetaxel (TPF).

Methods

Between 2006 and 2011, 34 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the temporal bone were treated at Kobe University Hospital. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed to obtain information concerning patient characteristics, extent of disease, treatment, adverse events, and oncologic results.

Results

Ten patients were treated with CCRT using TPF regimen. The 5‐year overall survival rate and disease‐free survival rate were both 60%. Of special interest is that even for patients with unresectable T4 disease, the 5‐year overall survival rate was 56%.

Conclusion

The results of our study indicate that CCRT with TPF for locally advanced temporal bone cancer is an effective and promising regimen. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E949–E953, 2016
Temoporfin improves efficacy of photodynamic therapy in advanced biliary tract carcinoma: A multicenter prospective phase II study
Authors: Wagner Andrej , Denzer Ulrike W. , Neureiter Daniel , Kiesslich Tobias , Puespoeck Andreas , Rauws Erik A.J. , Emmanuel Klaus , Degenhardt Nora , Frick Ulrich , Beuers Ulrich , Lohse Ansgar W. , Berr Frieder , Wolkersdörfer Gernot W.
Published: May 2015

Photodynamic therapy using porfimer (P‐PDT) improves palliation and survival in nonresectable hilar bile duct cancer. Tumoricidal penetration depth of temoporfin‐PDT (T‐PDT) is twice that of P‐PDT. In a single‐arm phase II study we investigated the safety, efficacy, survival time, and adverse events of T‐PDT compared with previous data on P‐PDT. Twenty‐nine patients (median 71 [range 47‐88] years) with nonresectable hilar bile duct cancer were treated with T‐PDT (median 1 [range 1‐4] sessions) plus stenting and followed up every 3 months. The PDT was well tolerated. In patients with occluded segments at baseline (n = 28) a reopening of a median of 3 (range 1‐7) segments could be achieved: n = 16 local response and n = 11 stable local disease, one progressive disease. Cholestasis and performance significantly improved when impaired at baseline. Time to local tumor progression was a median of 6.5 (2.7‐41.0) months. Overall survival time was a median of 15.4 (range 4.4‐62.4) months. Patients died from tumor progression (55%), cholangitis (18%), pneumonia (7%), hemobilia (7%), esophagus variceal hemorrhage (3%), and vascular diseases (10%). Adverse events were cholangitis (n = 4), liver abscess (n = 2), cholecystitis (n = 2), phototoxic skin (n = 5), and injection site reactions (n = 7). Compared to previous P‐PDT, T‐PDT shows prolonged time to local tumor progression (median 6.5 versus 4.3 months, P < 0.01), fewer PDT treatments needed (median 1 versus 3, P < 0.01), a higher 6‐month survival rate (83% versus 70%, P < 0.01), and a trend for longer overall median survival (15.4 versus 9.3 months, P = 0.72) yet not significantly different. The risk of adverse events is not increased except for (avoidable) subcutaneous phototoxicity at the injection site. Conclusion: Temoporfin‐PDT can safely be delivered to hilar bile duct cancer patients and results in prolonged patency of hilar bile ducts, a trend for longer survival time, and similar palliation as with P‐PDT. (Hepatology 2015;62:1456–1465)
Strategic HRM: Too Important for an Insular Approach
Authors: Cascio Wayne F.
Published: May 2015

Strategic human resource management (SHRM) is the choice, alignment, and integration of an organization's HRM system so its human capital resources most effectively contribute to strategic business objectives. Kaufman's review (this issue) of four books in the field revealed key differences in two areas: the intended audience (academics and general managers versus researchers only) and orientation (the use of field observer and participant observation methods versus ivory tower scientism). Overemphasis on the latter produces research that is relevant only to academics and that is not used in organizations. I argue, as have others, that in addition to rigor, a successful scientific discipline must prove itself relevant to the society in which it is embedded. Hence, the objectives of SHRM should be twofold: to influence academic thinking and conceptualizing, but also to alter the way managers set priorities and make decisions. To do that, researchers have to work directly with managers. The challenge is to create models that reflect a broader view of performance as well as more complete taxonomies of internal and external factors that help shape business and HR strategies. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dairy intake after prostate cancer diagnosis in relation to disease‐specific and total mortality
Authors: Yang Meng , Kenfield Stacey A. , Van Blarigan Erin L. , Wilson Kathryn M. , Batista Julie L. , Sesso Howard D. , Ma Jing , Stampfer Meir J. , Chavarro Jorge E.
Published: May 2015

Information regarding postdiagnostic dairy intake and prostate cancer survival is limited. We evaluated intake of total, high‐fat and low‐fat dairy after prostate cancer diagnosis in relation to disease‐specific and total mortality. We included 926 men from the Physicians’ Health Study diagnosed with non‐metastatic prostate cancer between 1982 and 2000 who completed a diet questionnaire a median of 5 years after diagnosis and were followed thereafter for a median of 10 years to assess mortality. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate associations between dairy intake and prostate cancer specific and all‐cause mortality. During 8,903 person‐years of follow‐up, 333 men died, 56 due to prostate cancer. Men consuming ≥3 servings/day of total dairy products had a 76% higher risk of total mortality and a 141% higher risk of prostate cancer‐specific mortality compared to men who consumed less than 1 dairy product/day (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.76, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.21, 2.55, ptrend < 0.001 for total mortality; HR = 2.41, 95% CI: 0.96, 6.02, ptrend = 0.04 for prostate cancer‐specific mortality). The association between high‐fat dairy and mortality risk appeared to be stronger than that of low‐fat dairy, but the difference between them was not statistically significant (p for difference = 0.57 for prostate cancer‐specific mortality and 0.56 for total mortality). Among men without metastases when diagnosed, higher intake of dairy foods after prostate cancer diagnosis may be associated with increased prostate cancer‐specific and all‐cause mortality.
Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation (MALDI) TOF analysis identifies serum angiotensin II concentrations as a strong predictor of all‐cause and breast cancer (BCa)‐specific mortality following breast surgery
Authors: Boccardo Francesco , Rubagotti Alessandra , Nuzzo Pier Vitale , Argellati Francesca , Savarino Grazia , Romano Paolo , Damonte Gianluca , Rocco Mattia , Profumo Aldo
Published: May 2015

MALDI‐TOF MS was used to recognise serum peptidome profiles predictive of mortality in women affected by early BCa. Mortality was analysed based on signal profiling, and appropriate statistics were used. The results indicate that four signals were increased in deceased patients compared with living patients. Three of the four signals were individually associated with all‐cause mortality, but only one having mass/charge ratio (m/z) 1,046.49 was associated with BCa‐specific mortality and was the only peak to maintain an independent prognostic role after multivariate analysis. Two groups exhibiting different mortality probabilities were identified after clustering patients based on the expression of the four peptides, but m/z 1,046.49 was exclusively expressed in the cluster exhibiting the worst mortality outcome, thus confirming the crucial value of this peptide. The specific role of this peak was confirmed by competing risk analysis. MS findings were validated by ELISA analysis after demonstrating that m/z 1,046.49 structurally corresponded to Angiotensin II (ATII). In fact, mortality results obtained after arbitrarily dividing patients according to an ATII serum value of 255 pg/ml (which corresponds to the 66th percentile value) were approximately comparable to those previously demonstrated when the same patients were analysed according to the expression of signal m/z 1,046.49. Similarly, ATII levels were specifically correlated with BCa‐related deaths after competing risk analysis. In conclusion, ATII levels were increased in women who exhibited worse mortality outcomes, reinforcing the evidence that this peptide potentially significantly affects the natural history of early BCa. Our findings also confirm that MALDI‐TOF MS is an efficient screening tool to identify novel tumour markers and that MS findings can be rapidly validated through less complex techniques, such as ELISA.
Genome‐wide small noncoding RNA profiling of pediatric high‐grade gliomas reveals deregulation of several miRNAs, identifies downregulation of snoRNA cluster HBII‐52 and delineates H3F3A and TP53 mutant‐specific miRNAs and snoRNAs
Authors: Jha Prerana , Agrawal Rahul , Pathak Pankaj , Kumar Anupam , Purkait Suvendu , Mallik Supriyo , Suri Vaishali , Chand Sharma Mehar , Gupta Deepak , Suri Ashish , Sharma B.S. , Julka P.K. , Kulshreshtha Ritu , Sarkar Chitra
Published: May 2015

Pediatric high‐grade gliomas (HGGs) are highly malignant tumors that remain incurable and relatively understudied. The crucial role of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) has been reported in various cancers. However, the study on miRNAs in pediatric HGGs is scant and there is no report till date on the status of other small ncRNAs. Genome‐wide microarray analysis was performed to investigate small ncRNA expression in pediatric HGG (n = 14) and compared to adult glioblastoma (GBM) signature. The validation of miRNAs and small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) was done by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. TP53 and H3F3A mutation‐specific miRNA and snoRNA profiles were generated and analyzed. Pediatric HGGs showed upregulation of miR‐17/92 and its paralog clusters (miR106b/25 and miR‐106a/363), whereas majority of downregulated miRNAs belonged to miR379/656 cluster (14q32). Unsupervised hierarchical clustering identified two distinct groups. Interestingly, Group 2 with downregulated 14q32 cluster showed better overall survival. The miRNAs unique to pediatric HGG as compared to adult GBM were predicted to affect PDGFR and SMAD2/3 pathways. Similarities were seen between pediatric HGG and TP53 mutant miRNA profiles as compared to wild types. Several of H3F3A mutation‐regulated genes were found to be the targets of H3F3A mutant‐specific miRNAs. Remarkably, a significant downregulation of HBII‐52 snoRNA cluster was found in pediatric HGGs, and was specific to H3F3A nonmutants. This is the first genome‐wide profiling study on miRNAs and snoRNAs in pediatric HGGs with respect to H3F3A and TP53 mutations. The comparison of miRNA profiles of pediatric HGGs and adult GBM reiterates the overlaps and differences as also seen with their gene expression and methylation signatures.
Writing Instruction for Adolescents in the Shadow of the Common Core State Standards
Authors: Sundeen Todd H.
Published: May 2015

Abstract

Current research on instructional practices for secondary student writing reveals little emphasis on compositions requiring analysis, interpretation, and argumentation. Indeed, written expression in English language arts classes is generally confined to writing assignments of very limited length. Additionally, recent efforts for educational reform have led the United States to adopt national academic standards. This article examines the current focus on composition instruction for secondary students as girded by recent influences of the Common Core State Standards and within the context of four teacher surveys that investigated secondary instructional practices for writing. Questions are addressed regarding what and how often students write, influences of standardized testing, instruction for struggling writers, and teacher preparation. Opportunities are described for improving secondary writing instruction while building on the potential effects of the Common Core.
In vitro and in vivo antioxidant, cytotoxic, and anti‐chronic inflammatory arthritic effect of selenium nanoparticles
Authors: Malhotra Sonam , Welling M. N. , Mantri S. B. , Desai Krutika
Published: May 2015

The toxicity of selenium (Se) as an antioxidant supplement in the treatment of arthritis is debatable. In this study, Dextrin stabilized Se nanoparticles (SeNP) of size 64 nm ± 0.158 were used to explore its effects as a potent antioxidant with reduced toxicity in both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro toxicity of SeNP was determined using cytotoxicity assay. In vitro interactions of SeNP with DNA and protein was established. Subacute toxicity of SeNP was studied. Wistar rats with complete freunds adjuvant induced arthritis were used. Various concentrations of SeNP per kg body weight were fed orally daily upto to 21 days. Arthritic profile based on paw swelling, histopathological changes in joints, blood indices, and antioxidant enzymes level in organs such as liver, kidney, and spleen were investigated. Dextrin‐SeNP when interacted with NIH‐3T3 cells showed 15% cytotoxicity at 100 µg/mL whereas, bulk Se showed 95% at the same concentration. SeNP at 250 µg/mL showed protective effect on DNA. Interaction of SeNP with BSA showed increase in quenching of BSA fluorescence. SeNP did not show any subacute toxicity at concentration as high as 5 mg/kg b.w. in Wistar rats. SeNP at a concentration of 250 µg/kg b.w. acted as potent anti‐inflammatory agent and significantly reduced (p < 0.05) arthritis induced parameters. The enzymatic antioxidant levels in liver, kidney, and spleen were restored significantly (p < 0.05) at 500 µg/kg b.w. while CRP was regained to normal at concentration of 100 µg/kg b.w. concluding SeNP at 500 µg/kg b.w. can be a potential antiarthritic drug supplement. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 993–1003, 2016.
The Impact of IFN‐γ Gene Polymorphisms on Spontaneous Clearance of HCV Infection in Fars Province, Southern of Iran
Authors: Sarvari Jamal , Moattari Afagh , Pirbonyeh Neda , Moini Maryam , Hosseini Seyed Younes
Published: May 2015

Background

Certain polymorphisms in cytokine genes such as IFN‐γ may influence the outcome of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Here the frequency of the genotype, allele, and haplotype of IFN‐γ gene at some loci is investigated in HCV‐infected patients.

Methods

Totally 255 patients with chronic HCV infection and 44 spontaneously cleared individuals were included. The chronic or clearance states were confirmed using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and two different qualitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) techniques. IFN‐γ gene polymorphisms were performed by PCR using sequence‐specific primers and PCR‐RLFP on extracted genomic DNA.

Results

The frequency of GG genotype (P = 0.0001, OR: 5.69 and CI: 2.21–14.62) and allele (P = 0.0003, OR: 2.73 and CI: 1.54–4.83) of IFN‐γ gene at +2109 locus was significantly higher in cases that spontaneously cleared the infection. Haplotype analysis showed the association of AG haplotype (P = 0.0046, OR = 6.14 and CI = 1.56–25) with spontaneous clearance of the infection.

Conclusion

Our finding indicated that individuals with GG genotype at +2109 loci of IFN‐γ gene and also AG haplotype (A allele at +874 loci and G allele at +2109 loci) may clear HCV infection more frequently than those with AA and AG genotype at +2109 loci and AA, TA, and TG haplotype.
Ceiling art in a radiation therapy department: its effect on patient treatment experience
Authors: Bonett Jotham
Published: May 2015

Introduction

A new initiative has been implemented at the Sunshine Hospital Radiation Therapy Centre, to provide a calming and comforting environment for patients attending radiation therapy treatment. As part of this initiative, the department's computed tomography (CT) room and radiation therapy bunkers were designed to incorporate ceiling art that replicates a number of different visual scenes. The study was undertaken to determine if ceiling art in the radiation therapy treatment CT and treatment bunkers had an effect on a patient's experience during treatment at the department. Additionally, the study aimed to identify which of the visuals in the ceiling art were most preferred by patients.

Methods

Patients were requested to complete a 12‐question survey. The survey solicited a patient's opinion/perception on the unit's unique ceiling display with emphasis on aesthetic appeal, patient treatment experience and the patient's engagement due to the ceiling display. The responses were dichotomised to ‘positive’ or ‘negative’. Every sixth patient who completed the survey was invited to have a general face‐to‐face discussion to provide further information about their thoughts on the displays.

Results

The results demonstrate that the ceiling artwork solicited a positive reaction in 89.8% of patients surveyed. This score indicates that ceiling artwork contributed positively to patients’ experiences during radiation therapy treatment.

Conclusion

The study suggests that ceiling artwork in the department has a positive effect on patient experience during their radiation therapy treatment at the department.
Effect of Ti:sapphire laser on shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets to ceramic surfaces
Authors: Erdur Emire Aybuke , Basciftci Faruk Ayhan
Published: May 2015

Background and Objectives

With increasing demand for orthodontic treatments in adults, orthodontists continue to debate the optimal way to prepare ceramic surfaces for bonding. This study evaluated the effects of a Ti:sapphire laser on the shear bond strength (SBS) of orthodontic brackets bonded to two ceramic surfaces (feldspathic and IPS Empress e‐Max) and the results were compared with those using two other lasers (Er:YAG and Nd:YAG) and ‘conventional’ techniques, i.e., sandblasting (50 µm) and hydrofluoric (HF) acid.

Materials and Methods

In total, 150 ceramic discs were prepared and divided into two groups. In each group, the following five subgroups were prepared: Ti:sapphire laser, Nd:YAG laser, Er:YAG laser, sandblasting, and HF acid. Mandibular incisor brackets were bonded using a light‐cured adhesive. The samples were stored in distilled water for 24 hours at 37°C and then thermocycled. Extra samples were prepared and examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SBS testing was performed and failure modes were classified. ANOVA and Tukey's HSD tests were used to compare SBS among the five subgroups (P < 0.05).

Results

Feldspathic and IPS Empress e‐Max ceramics had similar SBS values. The Ti:sapphire femtosecond laser (16.76 ± 1.37 MPa) produced the highest mean bond strength, followed by sandblasting (12.79 ± 1.42 MPa) and HF acid (11.28 ± 1.26 MPa). The Er:YAG (5.43 ± 1.21 MPa) and Nd:YAG laser (5.36 ± 1.04 MPa) groups were similar and had the lowest SBS values. More homogeneous and regular surfaces were observed in the ablation pattern with the Ti:sapphire laser than with the other treatments by SEM analysis.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this in vitro study, Ti:sapphire laser‐ treated surfaces had the highest SBS values. Therefore, this technique may be useful for the pretreatment of ceramic surfaces as an alternative to ‘conventional’ techniques. Lasers Surg. Med. 47:512–519, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preparation of pH‐Responsive Amphoteric Glycogen Hydrogels by α‐Glucan Phosphorylase‐Catalyzed Successive Enzymatic Reactions
Authors: Takata Yusei , Yamamoto Kazuya , Kadokawa Jun‐ichi
Published: May 2015

The thermostable α‐glucan phosphorylase‐catalyzed enzymatic α‐glucuronylation and subsequent α‐glucosaminylation of glycogen using α‐d‐glucuronic acid 1‐phosphate (GlcA‐1‐P) and α‐d‐glucosamine 1‐phosphate (GlcN‐1‐P), respectively, produce amphoteric glycogens. The products exhibit the inherent isoelectric points, which change depending on the GlcA/GlcN ratios. Chain elongation of amyloses from the nonfunctionalized, nonreducing ends of the products through the thermostable α‐glucan phosphorylase‐catalyzed enzymatic polymerization of α‐d‐glucose 1‐phosphate monomers is demonstrated to yield amphoteric glycogen hydrogels. The produced hydrogels exhibit pH‐responsive behavior.

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On a mathematical model of age‐cycle length structured cell population with non‐compact boundary conditions (III)
Authors: Boulanouar Mohamed
Published: May 2015

This work is a natural continuation of two other works in which a mathematical model has been studied. This model is based on age‐cycle length structured cell population. The cellular mitosis is mathematically described by a non‐compact boundary condition. We investigate the asymptotic behavior of the generated semigroup, and we prove that the cell population possesses Asynchronous Growth Property. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Equilibrium problems with generalized monotone mapping and its applications
Authors: Liu Zhenhai , Zeng Shengda
Published: May 2015

In this paper, we deal with invex equilibrium problems (IEPs for short). When the constraint set is compact convex, an existence result of solutions is obtained by Schauder's fixed point theorem. If the constraint set is closed invex, we introduce the concept of relaxed α–η pseudomonotone mappings and prove some existence results of solutions for the (IEPs), which extend and generalize several well‐known results in many respects. Moreover, we present that if the IEPs are applied to hemivariational inequalities problems, the conditions can be weakened. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How electrodiagnosis predicts clinical outcome of focal peripheral nerve lesions
Authors: Robinson Lawrence R.
Published: May 2015

This article reviews the electrodiagnostic (EDX) prognostic factors for focal traumatic and nontraumatic peripheral nerve injuries. Referring physicians and patients often benefit from general and nerve‐specific prognostic information from the EDX consultant. Knowing the probable outcome from a nerve injury allows the referring physician to choose the best treatment options for his/her patients. Nerve injuries are variable in their mechanism, location, and pathophysiology. The general effects of the injuries on nerve and muscle are well known, but more research is needed for nerve‐specific information. Several factors currently known to influence prognosis include: nature of the nerve trauma, amount of axon loss, recruitment in muscles supplied by the nerve, the extent of demyelination, and the distance to reinnervate functional muscles. This article reviews these general concepts and also nerve‐specific EDX measures that predict outcome after focal neuropathies. Muscle Nerve 52:321–333, 2015
Is self‐reported adherence associated with clinical outcomes in women treated with anticholinergic medication for overactive bladder?
Authors: Andy Uduak U. , Arya Lily A. , Smith Ariana L. , Propert Kathleen J. , Bogner Hillary R. , Colavita Kristen , Harvie Heidi S.
Published: May 2015

Aim

To determine the association between self‐reported adherence to anticholinergic medication and clinical outcomes in women with overactive bladder (OAB).

Methods

A prospective study of women with OAB treated with fesoterodine for 8 weeks. Adherence to medication was measured using the Medication Adherence Self‐report Inventory (MASRI). A self reported adherence rate of ≥80% was considered adherent. The association between self‐reported adherence and clinical outcomes (Global Index of Improvement, Global impression of Severity, urinary symptom and quality of life scores) was examined. We hypothesized that adherent women would have greater improvement in urinary symptoms and quality of life than non‐adherent women.

Results

Based on the MASRI, 115 (62.5%) women were adherent and 69 (37.5%) were non‐adherent to anticholinergic medication at 8weeks. Adherent women were more likely to report overall improvement in their symptoms compared to non‐adherent women (84% vs. 24%, P < 0.001). Significantly more non‐adherent women described their bladder symptoms as “moderate” or “severe” at 8 weeks compared to adherent women (74% vs. 44%, P = 0.03). At 8 weeks, adherent women reported significantly greater improvement (change) in urinary symptoms from baseline to 8 weeks than non‐adherent women (−13.3 ± 25.8 vs. 2.5 ± 14.4, P = 0.04). Similarly, adherent women reported greater improvement in quality of life scores than non‐adherent women (− 7.9 ± 24.0 vs. −1.8 ± 11.9, P = 0.003).

Conclusion

Self‐reported non‐adherence, as measured by the MASRI, is associated with clinically meaningful outcomes in women with OAB. This further validates the MASRI as a clinically useful tool for measuring adherence to anticholinergic medications in women with OAB. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:738–742, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Surface Modification of Boron‐Doped Diamond with Microcrystalline Copper Phthalocyanine: Oxygen Reduction Catalysis
Authors: Gan Patrick , Foord John S. , Compton Richard G.
Published: May 2015

Surface modification of boron‐doped diamond (BDD) with copper phthalocyanine was achieved using a simple and convenient dropcast deposition, giving rise to a microcrystalline structure. Both unmodified and modified BDD electrodes of different surface terminations (namely hydrogen and oxygen) were compared via the electrochemical reduction of oxygen in aqueous solution. A significant lowering of the cathodic overpotential by about 500 mV was observed after modification of hydrogen‐terminated (hydrophobic) diamond, while no voltammetric peak was seen on modified oxidised (hydrophilic) diamond, signifying greater interaction between copper phthalocyanine and the hydrogen‐terminated BDD. Oxygen reduction was found to undergo a two‐electron process on the modified hydrogen‐terminated diamond, which was shown to be also active for the reduction of hydrogen peroxide. The lack of a further conversion of the peroxide was attributed to its rapid diffusion away from the triple phase boundary at which the reaction is expected to exclusively occur.
Morphological Transformation Reactions of Photocatalytic Metalloporphyrin‐Containing Coordination Polymer Particles from Seed Structures
Authors: Sun Yu , Yoo Bongyoung
Published: May 2015

Coordination polymer particles have attracted a great deal of attention due to their characteristic properties and diverse applications in the fields of gas storage, catalysis, optics, sensing, electronics, photochemistry, and biology. Herein, we investigated shape transformation reactions of zinc 5, 10, 15, 20‐tetra(4‐pyridyl)‐21 H, 23 H‐porphine (ZnTPyP)‐containing coordination polymer particles (ZnTPyP−CPPs) from seed structures by delicately controlling the Gibbs energy of the self‐assembly system. We obtained a morphological transformation from 1 D short nanorods to 1 D long nanorods and 3 D nano‐octahedral structures, and from 3 D nano‐octahedral structures to 1 D nanorod structures. We illustrated a new method to design and synthesize metalloporphyrin‐containing CPPs in a controllable manner. Furthermore, photocatalytic properties of ZnTPyP−CPPs were tested, showing good catalytic abilities towards the photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) under visible light illumination.
Effect of crosslinking polymer networks on the molecular reorientation and electro‐optical performance of in‐plane switching vertically aligned liquid crystal devices
Authors: Lin Guan‐Jhong , Chen Tien‐Jung , Lee Ming‐Jui , Wu Jin‐Jei , Lai Kun‐Yu , Yang Ying‐Jay
Published: May 2015

The effects of crosslinking polymer networks (PNs) on the molecular reorientation and electro‐optical properties of vertically aligned (VA) liquid crystal (LC) devices are investigated by applying an in‐plane switching (IPS) electric field. Through the polymerization process, crosslinking PNs are developed on the substrate surface, effectively increasing the anchoring energy and governing the LC molecular reorientation. With its stronger anchoring effect, the PNs cell shows good light transmittance and excellent vertical alignment quality, as compared to the pure LC cell. Furthermore, the alignment transformation and transmittance bounce resulting from the transient process of LC molecular reorientation are eliminated when the cell is operated at high voltages. The rising‐time (tr) and falling‐time (tf) responses of the PNs cell are significantly improved, and around 36% improvement in the optical switching response is obtained. In addition, the dynamic gray‐level tr and tf responses of the PNs cell are enhanced by around 55% and 42%, respectively, at a low driving voltage (∼12 V). This developed VA‐IPS LC/PNs cell benefits not only the LC molecular alignment but also the electro‐optical performance. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2015, 53, 1123–1130
Effect of extrusion on morphology, structural, functional properties and in vitro digestibility of corn, field pea and kidney bean starches
Authors: Sharma Shagun , Singh Narpinder , Singh Baljit
Published: May 2015

Native and extruded corn, field pea (FP), and kidney bean (KB) starches were evaluated for structure, in vitro digestibility and functional properties. Starches were extruded at 20 and 24% feed moisture (FM) using a twin screw extruder. Starches extruded at higher FM showed higher L* (luminosity) values while lower a* and b* values. Extrusion led to complete structure destruction, reduced crystallinity and formation of V type polymorph in starches. Extruded starches showed lower water absorption index (WAI), retrogradation (syneresis) and paste viscosities but higher water solubility index (WSI) as compared to native starches. CS showed lower retrogradation tendency than KB and FP starches. WAI, WSI, and retrogradation were higher at lower FM than those at higher FM. Extruded starches showed higher rapidly digestible starch (RDS) and lower resistant starch (RS) content. All starches extruded at higher FM showed significantly lower RDS content as compared to those extruded at lower FM. KB showed the highest RS content followed by FP and CS. Starches extruded at higher FM showed higher RS content as compared to those extruded at lower FM.
Seasonal changes in vertical canopy structure in a temperate broadleaved forest in Korea
Authors: Song Youngkeun , Ryu Youngryel
Published: May 2015

Field measurements of vertical canopy structure have been challenging for decades and still important for understanding forest ecosystems. We measured the vertical canopy structure and its seasonal changes in a temperate deciduous forest canopy in Gwangneung, Korea. Time‐series measurements of leaf area index (LAI) were collected in 2013 from a five story (4‐m vertical intervals) tower. We evaluated crown depth and species composition by height from a vegetation survey. The vertical distribution of leaf and woody area density was described from measurements taken during the leaf‐on and leaf‐off seasons, and averaged 0.18 and 0.04 m2 m−3, respectively. Three strata were characterized: (1) the dense upper crowns with large trees (>16‐m) of Quercus serrata, in which 29.3 % of the plant materials were distributed; (2) abundant foliage dominated by Carpinus laxiflora at about 16‐m (40.8 %); and (3) a diverse and well‐developed understory vegetation at about 4‐m (15.5 %), consisting of C. laxiflora, Carnipus cordata, and Styrax japonica communities. Per‐layer phenology of each species was successfully illustrated by the drastic increase in LAI during the leaf‐out season [days of the year (DOY) 110–140], the full‐leaved stage LAI of 3.4 ± 0.9 m2 m−2 (mean ±1 standard deviation), and a decrease during the leaf‐fall season (DOY 280–320). The seasonal variation in gap fractions reflected different light conditions varying with canopy height. This type of vertical profile archive is valuable not only for comparing the structure of various forests but also for monitoring changes in this ecosystem in the future.
Race and Local Knowledge: New Evidence from the Southern Homestead Act
Authors: Canaday Neil , Reback Charles , Stowe Kristin
Published: May 2015

The Southern Homestead Act of 1866 was a large-scale effort by Congress to make land ownership accessible for recently freed slaves by opening 46 million acres of public land exclusively for homesteading. Using new micro-data from Louisiana, we examine the factors that led to successful homesteading. We compare homesteaders to the agricultural population, finding few differences other than wealth. A disproportionate percentage of homesteaders were white. We substantiate some of the claims put forth in the earlier literature, such as large amounts of fraud. Further, we present a more nuanced interpretation of a greater success rate for African-Americans. Being local or non-local had no meaningful impact on white success rates but had a large impact on African-Americans. Local African-Americans were more likely to obtain title to their land while non-local African-Americans were less likely to succeed. We hypothesize that regional knowledge, kinship networks, and white resistance to non-local African-Americans are possible explanations for this racial difference.