bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Renal Duplex Sonographic Evaluation of Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Mancini Marcello , Masulli Maria , Liuzzi Raffaele , Mainenti Pier Paolo , Ragucci Monica , Maurea Simone , Riccardi Gabriele , Vaccaro Olga
Published: May 2013

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the renal volume and intrarenal hemodynamics with duplex sonography in a group of diabetic patients with normal renal function in comparison to nondiabetic controls.

Methods

The renal volume and resistive index (RI) of segmental arteries were assessed by duplex sonography in 88 diabetic patients (44 male and 44 female; median age, 58 years [range, 37–69 years]) and 73 nondiabetic control participants (48 male and 25 female; median age, 53 years [range, 27–75 years]) without renal artery stenosis.

Results

Both renal volume and RI values in the diabetic patients were significantly higher compared to the controls (mean volume ± SD: diabetic patients, 197.3 ± 47.6 mL; controls, 162.5 ± 35.2 mL; P < .0001; RI: diabetic patients, 0.70 ± 0.05; controls, 0.59 ± 0.06; P < .0001). Renal hypertrophy was present even in diabetic patients without proteinuria (renal volume: patients without proteinuria, 198.3 ± 45.9 mL; controls, 162.5 ± 35.2 mL; P < .005). Patients with higher RI values had significantly greater proteinuria (RI <0.75, 15.9 mg/g [range, 4.2–1718.9 mg/g]; RI >0.75, 37.9 mg/g [range, 11.34–2087.0 mg/g]; P < .02).

Conclusions

Changes in renal volume and hemodynamics are detectable on sonography in diabetic patients. Those changes are also present in patients without proteinuria or signs of renal atherosclerosis and with both normal and increased glomerular filtration rates. These results indicate a potential role of duplex sonography in the early identification of morphologic and hemodynamic renal changes in type 2 diabetic patients.
Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Sonographic Evaluation of the Hand and Wrist
Authors: Olubaniyi Babajide O. , Bhatnagar Guaraang , Vardhanabhuti Varut , Brown Sharon E. , Gafoor Abdul , Suresh Priya S.
Published: May 2013

Sonography is widely used for evaluation of hand and wrist lesions. The easy accessibility, cost‐effectiveness, and good diagnostic accuracy of sonography coupled with the numerous benefits of real‐time imaging make it desirable. The aim of this article is to describe the typical sonographic appearances of lesions in the hand and wrist that are encountered frequently in routine clinical practice, such as inflammatory arthropathies, tumors, traumatic injuries, foreign bodies, and nerve entrapment syndromes. Relevant anatomy, scanning methods, and recent developments in musculoskeletal sonography are also discussed.
Accuracy of 3‐Dimensional Sonography for Diagnosis and Classification of Congenital Uterine Anomalies
Authors: Moini Ashraf , Mohammadi Sedigheh , Hosseini Reihaneh , Eslami Bita , Ahmadi Firoozeh
Published: May 2013

Objectives

Congenital abnormalities of the müllerian ducts are not very common, yet they contribute to the problem of infertility. The purpose of this study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of 3‐dimensional (3D) sonography for diagnosis of congenital uterine abnormalities.

Methods

This study was performed in 214 women with fertility problems who were suspected to have müllerian anomalies at Arash Hospital from April 2010 to April 2011. All patients underwent 3D sonography to assess for uterine anomalies during the luteal phase of the spontaneous cycle. Sonography was performed by one radiologist, after which one surgeon performed a hysteroscopy and a laparoscopy in each of the patients while under general anesthesia. The 3D sonographic results were not available to the surgeon. Finally, the results were compared to determine the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 3D sonography.

Results

Final evaluations of 204 patients showed uterine anomalies in 84.3% of the patients. For diagnosis of uterine anomalies, the sensitivity of 3D sonography was 86.6%, and specificity was 96.9%. The positive predictive value was 99.3%, and the negative predictive value was 54.4%, with an 88.2% accuracy rate. For classification, the positive predictive value of 3D sonography was 82.3%, and accuracy was 76%; without short septa and arcuate uteri, accuracy was 95%.

Conclusions

It seems that 3D sonography has a high level of accuracy for most uterine anomalies. In the case of an arcuate uterus and short septa, more precision and increased experience will improve accuracy.
Two‐Dimensional Sonographic Cine Imaging Improves Confidence in the Initial Evaluation of the Fetal Heart
Authors: Poole Patricia Sims , Chung Romy , Lacoursiere Yvette , Palmieri Carolina Rossi , Hull Andrew , Engelkemier Dawn , Rochelle Michele , Trivedi Neha , Pretorius Dolores H.
Published: May 2013

Objectives

Initial screening sonography of the fetal heart with static images is often inadequate, resulting in repeated imaging or failure to detect abnormalities. We hypothesized that the addition of short cine clips would reduce the need for repeated imaging.

Methods

Two‐dimensional (2D) static sonograms and short 2D cine clips of the 4‐chamber view and left and right ventricular outflow tracts were obtained from 342 patients with gestational ages of greater than 16 weeks. A diagnostic radiologist and a perinatologist retrospectively reviewed the static and cine images independently and graded them as normal, abnormal, or suboptimal.

Results

A statistically significant increase in the number of structures called normal was seen when 2D cine clips were added to static imaging for both observers (P < .05); the radiologist called 86.5% normal with combined static and cine images versus 61.9% with static images alone, whereas the perinatologist recorded 68.1% as normal versus 58.8%, respectively. The radiologist called 77.8% of structures normal with cine images only versus 61.9% with static images only (P < .001), whereas the perinatologist called fewer structures normal with cine images alone (38.9%) versus static images alone (58.8%). The use of cine loops alone resulted in no significant increase in the ability to clear the heart as normal. The maternal body mass index was inversely associated with the ability to clear structures when 2D cine images were added to static images (P < .05).

Conclusions

The addition of 2D cine clips to standard 2D static imaging of the fetal heart significantly improves the number of structures cleared as normal. Two‐dimensional cine clips are easily obtained, add little time to a study, and require minimal archival space.
Prediction of Mortality and the Need for Neonatal Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Therapy by 3‐Dimensional Sonography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Fetuses With Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernias
Authors: Kehl Sven , Becker Leonie , Eckert Sven , Weiss Christel , Schaible Thomas , Neff K. Wolfgang , Siemer Jörn , Sütterlin Marc
Published: May 2013

Objectives

To compare different rotation angles for assessment of fetal lung volume by 3‐dimensional (3D) sonography with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) regarding prediction of mortality and the need for neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy in fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernias.

Methods

One hundred patients with fetal congenital diaphragmatic hernias between 22 and 39 weeks' gestation were examined by 3D sonography and MRI. Sonographic contralateral fetal lung volumes were assessed by the rotational technique (virtual organ computer‐aided analysis) at 3 different rotation angles: 6°, 15°, and 30°. The MRI fetal lung volumes were calculated based on multiplanar T2‐weighted MRI. To eliminate the influence of gestational age, the observed to expected contralateral fetal lung volume on sonography and the observed to expected fetal lung volume on MRI were calculated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were calculated for the statistical prediction of survival and need for ECMO therapy by the observed to expected contralateral fetal lung volume (sonography) and observed to expected fetal lung volume (MRI).

Results

One hundred cases were assessed for survival and 89 for ECMO necessity (11 neonates were not eligible for ECMO). For prediction of postpartum survival and ECMO necessity, the areas under the ROC curves (AUCs) showed very similar results for MRI and 3D sonography: observed to expected fetal lung volume by MRI, 0.819 (95% confidence interval, 0.730–0.909) and 0.835 (0.748–0.922), respectively; 6° sonography, 0.765 (0.647–0.883) and 0.820 (0.734–0.905); 15° sonography, 0.784 (0.672–0.896) and 0.811 (0.719–0.903); and 30° sonography, 0.732 (0.609–0.855) and 0.772 (0.671–0.872). Comparisons between the AUCs revealed no statistical differences.

Conclusions

We have shown the good prognostic value of 3D sonography in fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernias compared with MRI, particularly when using small rotation angles. Therefore, it can be an appropriate diagnostic tool when counseling patients for congenital diaphragmatic hernias.
Antisocial Behavior: Exploring Behavioral, Cognitive, and Environmental Influences on Expulsion
Authors: Alloway Tracy Packiam , Lawrence Ashley , Rodger Susan
Published: May 2013

We investigated the role of three significant potential contributors to antisocial behavior (ASB)—behavior, cognitive, and environmental influences—and their impact on expulsion. The following measures were administered to a community sample of antisocial adolescents: nonverbal ability and working memory, behavioral profile (rated by the social worker and self‐rated), and environmental background (socio‐economic background and family structure). The data indicated that their working memory performance was in the average range; however, group means were significantly lower in the nonverbal ability test. Although social workers' assessments of the adolescents' behavior were closely related to their self‐reports, it was the latter that was best able to correctly classify those who had been expelled from their non‐expelled ASB peers. Environmental background did not appear to have a strong role in expulsion rates. The results are discussed in the context of persistency of ASB and ways forward to provide support and intervention for adolescents. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transcriptomic and phospho‐proteomic analyzes of erythroblasts expanded in vitro from normal donors and from patients with polycythemia vera
Authors: Hricik Todd , Federici Giulia , Zeuner Ann , Alimena Giuliana , Tafuri Agostino , Tirelli Valentina , Varricchio Lilian , Masiello Francesca , Ciaffoni Fiorella , Vaglio Stefania , Petricoin Emanuel F. , Girelli Gabriella , Levine Ross L. , Migliaccio Anna Rita F.
Published: May 2013

Erythropoiesis is a tightly regulated process which becomes decoupled from its normal differentiation program in patients with polycythemia vera (PV). Somatic mutations in JAK2 are commonly associated with this myeloid proliferative disorder. To gain insight into the molecular events that are required for abnormally developing erythroid cells to escape dependence on normal growth signals, we performed in vitro expansion of mature erythroblasts (ERY) from seven normal healthy donors and from seven polycythemic patients in the presence of IL3, EPO, SCF for 10, 11, or 13 days. Normal ERYs required exposure to the glucocorticoid dexamethasone (Dex) for expansion, while PV‐derived ERYs expanded in the absence of dexamethasone. RNA expression profiling revealed enrichment of two known oncogenes, GPR56 and RAB4a, in PV‐derived ERYs along with reduced expression levels of transcription factor TAL1 (ANOVA FDR < 0.05). While both normal and polycythemic‐derived ERYs integrated signaling cascades for growth, they did so via different signaling pathways which are represented by their differential phospho‐profiles. Our results show that normal ERYs displayed greater levels of phosphorylation of EGFR, PDGFRβ, TGFβ, and cKit, while PV‐derived ERYs were characterized by increased phosphorylation of cytoplasmic kinases in the JAK/STAT, PI3K, and GATA1 pathways. Together these data suggest that PV erythroblast expansion and maturation may be maintained and enriched in the absence of dexamethasone through reduced TAL1 expression and by accessing additional signaling cascades. Members of this acquired repertoire may provide important insight into the pathogenesis of aberrant erythropoiesis in myeloproliferative neoplasms such as polycythemia vera. Am. J. Hematol. 88:723–729, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Acro‐osteolysis, keloid like‐lesions, distinctive facial features, and overgrowth: Two newly recognized patients with premature aging syndrome, penttinen type
Authors: Zufferey Flore , Hadj‐Rabia Smaïl , De Sandre‐Giovannoli Annachiara , Dufier Jean‐Louis , Leheup Bruno , Schweitze Cyril , Bodemer Christine , Cormier‐Daire Valérie , Le Merrer Martine
Published: May 2013

We report on two unrelated patients with a rare progeroid syndrome first described by Penttinen. Patients presented with prematurely aged appearance, delayed dental development, acro‐osteolysis, diffuse keloid‐like lesions, and ocular pterygia. Facial features are progressive but recognizable at birth. Premaxillary and maxillary retraction with pseudo‐prognathism and palpebral malocclusion are characteristic. Thumbs and halluces are broad and spatulated. Linear growth is increased and intellectual functions are preserved. Skin retractions and joint contractures progressively developed during adolescence. Death occurred in the second decade in one of the patient due to restrictive respiratory insufficiency and cachexia. LMNA and ZMPSTE24 sequencing were normal. The molecular basis of the disorder remains unknown. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Viscoelastic properties and filler dispersion in carbon black‐filled and silica‐filled cross‐linked natural rubbers
Authors: Kato Atsushi , Ikeda Yuko , Tsushi Ryota , Kokubo Youta
Published: May 2013

The activation energies (ΔEJ ′ and ΔEJ″) calculated from the temperature dependence of the storage compliance (J′) and the loss compliance (J″) of carbon black (CB)‐filled, hydrophobic silica‐ and hydrophilic silica‐filled cross‐linked natural rubbers (NRs) were found to be less than 15 kJ mol−1, which corresponds to the physical range of van der Waals interaction. The results of three‐dimensional‐transmission electron microscopy measurements indicate that the closest distance (dp) between the two neighboring nanofiller aggregates centers decreased sharply with increasing nanofiller loading and tended to become constant at a nanofiller loading of around 30 phr or higher. For all samples examined, there were two regions related to the elastic deformation energy, and the critical dp value between the two regions was in the order of CB > hydrophobic silica = hydrophilic silica. Additionally, ΔEJ′ developed in the region of longer dp than that of ΔEJ″. On the other hand, ΔEJ″ occurred after the formation of the filler network and was larger than ΔEJ′. ΔEJ″ is assumed to be related to slippage of the junction and the rearrangement of the nanofiller network. Therefore, the dependence of ΔEJ′ and ΔEJ″ on dp suggests that the interaction layer between the nanofiller and NR has at least two energy levels. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2594–2602, 2013
Influence of ammonium salts on the lipase/esterase activity assay using p‐nitrophenyl esters as substrates
Authors: De Yan Hong , Zhang Yin Jun , Liu Hong Cai , Zheng Jian Yong , Wang Zhao
Published: May 2013

p‐Nitrophenyl esters with a short‐chain carboxylic group, such as p‐nitrophenyl acetate (p‐NPA) and p‐nitrophenyl butyrate (p‐NPB), could be effectively hydrolyzed by ammonium salts. p‐Nitrophenyl esters were usually used as substrates to assay the lipase/esterase activity. Ammonium sulfate precipitation was often used to purify proteins, and some ammonium salts were usually used as nitrogen sources or inorganic salts for the lipase/esterase production. To study the effect of ammonium salts on the assay of the lipase/esterase activity, the contributing factors of hydrolysis of p‐NPA/p‐NPB catalyzed by ammonium salts were investigated. The lipase activities were compared in the presence and absence of ammonium sulfate. The hydrolysis reaction could be catalyzed under neutral and alkaline circumstances. The hydrolysis rate increased with the increase in the reaction temperature or the concentration of ammonium ion. When p‐NPA was employed as the substrate for the analysis of the lipase/esterase activity, the effect of ammonium sulfate on the analysis could be neutralized by setting a control when the concentration of ammonium sulfate was less than 40% saturation. However, when the concentration of ammonium sulfate increased from 40% to 100% saturation, the enzyme activities decreased about 13–40%, which could not be ignored for accurate analysis of the enzyme activity.
Structure‐based prediction of human intestinal membrane permeability for rapid in silico BCS classification
Authors: Sun Le , Liu Xiaohong , Xiang Rongwu , Wu Chunnuan , Wang Yongjun , Sun Yinghua , Sun Jin , He Zhonggui
Published: May 2013

Human effective intestinal membrane permeability (Peff) is one of the two important indicators for drug classification according to the Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS), and contributes greatly to the performance of oral drug absorption. Here, a structure‐based in silico predictive model of Peff was developed successfully to facilitate in silico BCS classification in the early stage of drug discovery, even before the compound was synthesized. The quantitative structure–Peff relationship for 30 drugs was constructed based on seven structural parameters. Then the model was built by the multiple linear regression method and internally validated by the residual analysis, the normal probability–probability plot and the Williams plot. For the entire data set, the R2 and adjusted R2 values were 0.782 and 0.712, respectively. The results indicated that the fitted model was robust, stable and satisfied all the prerequisites of the regression models. As for the 102 tested drugs, the predicted Peff values had a good correlation with the experimental human absorbed fraction (Fa). This model was also used to perform high/low Peff classification for 57 drugs that have been classified according to the BCS, and 72% of drugs could be classified correctly, indicating that the developed model can be used for rapid BCS classification in the early stages of drug discovery. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Slug Flow of Ionic Liquids in Capillary Microcontactors: Fluid Dynamic Intensification for Solvent Extraction
Authors: Scheiff F. , Holbach A. , Agar D. W.
Published: May 2013

For merging two facets of process intensification, namely, slug flow in microcapillaries and ionic liquid extraction, the fluid mechanic stability of organic‐ionic liquid slug flow is mapped for [EMIM] [Alkyl‐SO4] and [Alkyl‐MIM] [Ntf2] in 0.5–1.0 mm ID plastic capillaries. The choice of the ionic liquid solvent is restricted by physical properties. The internal circulation within ionic liquid slugs is found to be slower by a factor of 2–10 compared to aqueous slugs, but is accelerated by optimizing velocity, temperature, and wall material. Extraction of acetic acid from n‐heptane with EMIM ethyl sulfate is proposed as a system to verify the contribution of internal circulation to mass transfer. In the long run, this research affirms the fluid dynamic feasibility of microcapillary slug‐flow extraction with ionic liquids.
Why is Micro Segmented Flow Particularly Promising for the Synthesis of Nanomaterials?
Authors: Köhler J. M. , Li S. , Knauer A.
Published: May 2013

The particular advantages of micro segmented flow are discussed with respect to the specific requirements in the synthesis of nanoparticles. Compartimentation of a liquid, slug‐flow transport behavior, decoupling between reaction solution and wall, and induction of a fast radial mass and heat transfer by flow‐induced segment‐internal convection are the most important aspects for realizing a focussed nucleation and homogeneous particle growth under micro continuous‐flow conditions. In addition, the micro fluid‐segment technique allows the automated realization of large parameter studies and combinatorial investigations by a simple flow rate variation. Beside some concepts of process design, examples for the synthesis of ZnO micro‐ and nanoparticles as well as for plasmonic nanoparticles are given in order to demonstrate the power of micro segmented flow for generation of nanoparticles of high homogeneity and for tuning of particle properties.
Enantioselective Determination of the Insecticide Indoxacarb in Cucumber and Tomato by Chiral Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Wang Huanqing , Dong Fengshou , Li Yuanbo , Chen Xiu , Cheng Youpu , Xiang Wensheng , Zheng Yongquan
Published: May 2013

A convenient and precise chiral method was developed and validated for measuring indoxacarb enantiomers in cucumber and tomato using liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) with a reversed‐phase Chiralpak AD‐RH column. The target analytes were extracted by acetonitrile and then purified by solid phase extraction (SPE) using NH2/Carb combined‐cartridge. Parameters including the matrix effect, linearity, precision, accuracy, and stability were used. Then the proposed method was successfully applied to investigate the possible enantioselective degradation of rac‐indoxacarb in cucumber and tomato under open conditions. The results indicated that the degradation of indoxacarb enantiomers followed first‐order kinetics in cucumber and tomato. The half‐lives of (+)‐S‐indoxacarb in cucumber and tomato were 3.0 and 5.9 days, respectively; while the (–)‐R‐indoxacarb were 7.3 and 12.2 days, respectively. The data of the half‐lives showed that (+)‐S‐indoxacarb was preferentially degraded in cucumber and tomato. Moreover, indoxacarb degraded faster in cucumber than in tomato. Chirality 25:350–354:, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
BMBF Project ”︁Multi‐Phase”︁
Authors: Becker Marc , Tuinier Martin , Rollbusch Philipp , Ludwig Martina , Franke Robert , Grünewald Marcus , Schlüter Michael
Published: May 2013

Ziel des BMBF‐Projekts „Multi‐Phase”︁ ist die Optimierung von Mehrphasenreaktoren mit skalenunabhängigen Rechenmodellen, Messtechniken und ‐apparaten. Das Projektkonsortium verknüpft Kompetenzen der grundlagenorientierten Forschungspartner und verschiedener KMU aus dem Bereich der Mess‐ und Apparatetechnik mit den Anforderungen der industriellen Praxis. Evonik Industries AG führt die Übertragung von entwickelten Labordaten, Messtechniken und Modellen auf industrielle Maßstäbe und Stoffsysteme durch und stellt die Ergebnisse den Projektpartnern zur Verfügung. Hieraus werden signifikante Energieeinsparungen und eine deutlichen Minderung der CO2‐Emmissionen erwartet.
Synthesis, Structure and Photophysical Properties of Silole‐Oxadiazole Copolymers
Authors: Zhang Tingting , Zhu Chaoqiang , Ma Yuwen , Wang Chengyun , Shen Yongjia
Published: May 2013

A new conjugated copolymer (PTST‐DyOXD) derived from 1,1‐dimethyl‐3,4‐diphenyl‐2,5‐bis(5‐bromo‐2‐thienyl)‐silole (TST) and 2,5‐bis(4‐ethynylphenyl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole (DyOXD) was synthesized by Pd(0)‐catalyzed Sonogashira coupling reaction. For comparison, another copolymer without acetenyl group (PTST‐OXD) was also synthesized by Pd(0)‐catalyzed Suzuki coupling reaction. Chemical structures and optoelectronic properties of the copolymers were characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, IR, UV‐vis absorption, photoluminescence and cyclic voltammetry. The number‐average molecular weight (Mn) is 4010 Da for PTST‐DyOXD and 3890 Da for PTST‐OXD, respectively. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) measurements show that they have good thermal stability with decomposition temperature at 312 and 318°C, respectively. The optical band gap is 2.21 eV for PTST‐DyOXD and 2.10 eV for PTST‐OXD based on the absorption onset. CV analysis revealed the LUMO level of PTST‐DyOXD is −3.04 eV, lower than that of PTST‐OXD (about −2.89 eV), which is attributed to the introduction of acetylene group in PTST‐DyOXD, increasing the system of the conjugate chain length.
Carboalumination‐Epoxide Ring Opening for the Formation of 1,4‐Disubstituted (Z)‐3,6‐Alkadienols
Authors: Zhang Quan , Jing Yuhuan , Myles David C. , Li Yong , Chen Yue
Published: May 2013

Allylalumination of alkynes (i.e. forming Negishi's (Z)‐alkenyl dialkylalane) followed by alkenylation of epoxides provides 1,4‐disubstituted (Z)‐3,6‐alkadienols. The alkenylation can be facilitated by the presence of a neighbouring coordinating group in the epoxides. This "one‐pot" approach has been successfully applied in the large‐scale production of C10–C15 fragment of 9,10‐didehydroepothilone D (a synthetic epothilone analog as an anti‐cancer agent in phase 2 clinical trials).
Promotion of Mn Doped Co/CNTs Catalysts for CO Hydrogenation to Light Olefins
Authors: Tang Liping , Song Chengli , Yang Xiaolong , Li Mengli , Hu Bin
Published: May 2013

With various contents, Mn was introduced into carbon nanotubes (CNTs) supported cobalt catalysts and the obtained Mn‐Co/CNTs catalysts were investigated for CO hydrogenation to light alkenes and characterized by N2 adsorption, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), H2 temperature programmed reduction (TPR), CO temperature programmed desorption (TPD) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The results indicate that the addition of a small amount of Mn (0.3 wt%) to CNTs‐supported Co catalyst significantly increased the selectivity of C2–C4 olefins and decreased the selectivity of CH4. However, with further addition of Mn to the cobalt catalysts, the CH4 selectivity decreased obviously along with the increase of the C5+ selectivity. Compared with the unpromoted catalysts, the Mn‐promoted cobalt catalysts increased the C2–C4/C20–C40 molar ratio.
Evaluation of a patient navigation program to promote colorectal cancer screening in rural Georgia, USA
Authors: Honeycutt Sally , Green Rhonda , Ballard Denise , Hermstad April , Brueder Alex , Haardörfer Regine , Yam Jennifer , Arriola Kimberly J.
Published: May 2013

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Early detection through recommended screening has been shown to have favorable treatment outcomes, yet screening rates among the medically underserved and uninsured are low, particularly for rural and minority populations. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a patient navigation program that addresses individual and systemic barriers to CRC screening for patients at rural, federally qualified community health centers.

METHODS

This quasiexperimental evaluation compared low‐income patients at average risk for CRC (n = 809) from 4 intervention clinics and 9 comparison clinics. We abstracted medical chart data on patient demographics, CRC history and risk factors, and CRC screening referrals and examinations. Outcomes of interest were colonoscopy referral and examination during the study period and being compliant with recommended screening guidelines at the end of the study period. We conducted multilevel logistic analyses to evaluate the program's effectiveness.

RESULTS

Patients at intervention clinics were significantly more likely than patients at comparison clinics to undergo colonoscopy screening (35% versus 7%, odds ratio = 7.9, P < .01) and be guideline‐compliant on at least one CRC screening test (43% versus 11%, odds ratio = 5.9, P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patient navigation, delivered through the Community Cancer Screening Program, can be an effective approach to ensure that lifesaving, preventive health screenings are provided to low‐income adults in a rural setting. Cancer 2013;119:3059—3066. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Changing prognosis of metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma: Differential improvement by age and tumor location
Authors: Golan Talia , Urban Damien , Berger Raanan , Lawrence Yaacov Richard
Published: May 2013

BACKGROUND

Over the past 2 decades, significant progress has been made in the field of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) regarding new imaging techniques, surgical interventions, and systemic therapy. It is not known whether the benefit from these interventions has extended overall survival (OS) within the general mCRC population. A population‐based survival analysis of newly diagnosed patients who presented with mCRC was therefore performed.

METHODS

Survival statistics were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database for patients diagnosed with mCRC between 1988 and 2008. Demographic variables collected included age, race, and tumor grade. Survival was analyzed using the Kaplan‐Meier method and extended Cox proportional hazard model as appropriate.

RESULTS

The study population consisted of 42,347 patients diagnosed with mCRC between 1988 and 2008 (52% women; mean age, 67 years). The 1‐ and 2‐year estimated OS rates were 44% and 22%, respectively. Prognostic variables included race, sex, age, tumor location, and year of diagnosis. Median OS improved from 8 months to 14 months between 1988 and 2008. Significant improvements in OS were seen for all disease sites, but especially for descending colon cancers. Whereas the median OS increased by 13 months in patients ≤50 years of age and by 7 months in patients 51‐70 years of age, the median OS of patients >70 years of age increased by only 1 month between 1988 and 2008.

CONCLUSIONS

There has been a continuous improvement in OS of patients diagnosed with mCRC between 1988 and 2008, especially for left‐sided tumors. Little improvement has been seen in patients over 70 years of age. Cancer 2013;119:3084—3091. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Breast fine‐needle aspiration cytology performance in the high‐risk screening population
Authors: Georgieva Radka D. , Obdeijn Inge M. , Jager Agnes , Hooning Maartje J. , Tilanus‐Linthorst Madeleine M. A. , van Deurzen Carolien H. M.
Published: May 2013

BACKGROUND

The diagnosis of breast lesions is usually confirmed by fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) or histological biopsy. Although there is increasing literature regarding the advantages and limitations of both modalities, there is no literature regarding the accuracy of these modalities for diagnosing breast lesions in high‐risk patients, who usually have lesions detected by screening. The objective of the current study was to evaluate diagnostic performance indices of FNAC in breast cancer susceptibility gene (BRCA) mutation carriers.

METHODS

BRCA1/BRCA2 mutation carriers who underwent FNAC were selected from the database of the Rotterdam Family Cancer Clinic. FNAC accuracy parameters were calculated by taking the outcome of a subsequent histological diagnosis or clinical follow‐up as reference standard.

RESULTS

In total, 320 FNACs were obtained, and FNAC examination was followed by histological examination in 150 patients. The rate of insufficient material was 25.6%. Sensitivity was 92.3%, specificity 96.3%. The false‐positive rate was 3.7%, the false‐negative rate was 7.7%, and accuracy was 94.7%. A substantial proportion of patients (35%) with malignant FNAC results underwent histological biopsy upfront surgical resection. Small lesion size (≤1 cm) and nonpalpability of the breast lesion were associated with decreased FNAC accuracy. In 113 patients who had a benign FNAC outcome without histological follow‐up, no malignancies were detected during clinical or radiologic surveillance (median follow‐up 84 months).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a role for FNAC in diagnosing breast lesions of BRCA1/BRCA2 mutation carriers, ie, to confirm a radiological (probably) benign lesion. However, despite the high overall sensitivity of FNAC, the authors recommend histological biopsy as the preferred diagnostic method for high‐risk patients who have small or nonpalpable lesions. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2013;121:561–567. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Droplet Minimizers of an Isoperimetric Problem with Long‐Range Interactions
Authors: Cicalese Marco , Spadaro Emanuele
Published: May 2013

We give a detailed description of the geometry of single‐droplet patterns in a nonlocal isoperimetric problem. In particular, we focus on the sharp interface limit of the Ohta‐Kawasaki free energy for diblock copolymers, regarded as a paradigm for energies with short‐ and long‐range interactions. Exploiting fine properties of the regularity theory for minimal surfaces, we extend previous partial results in different directions and give robust tools for the geometric analysis of more complex patterns. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals inc.
First‐Principles Investigation of Anisotropic Electron and Hole Mobility in Heterocyclic Oligomer Crystals
Authors: Huang Jin‐Dou , Wen Shu‐Hao
Published: May 2013

Based on quantum chemistry calculations combined with the Marcus–Hush electron transfer theory, we investigated the charge‐transport properties of oligothiophenes (nTs) and oligopyrroles (nPs) (n=6, 7, 8) as potential p‐ or n‐type organic semiconductor materials. The results of our calculations indicate that 1) the nPs show intrinsic hole mobilities as high as or even higher than those of nTs, and 2) the vertical ionization potentials (VIPs) of the nPs are about 0.6–0.7 eV smaller than the corresponding VIPs of the nTs. Based on their charge‐transport ability and hole‐injection efficiency, the nPs have potential as p‐type organic semiconducting materials. Furthermore, it was also found that the maximum values of the electron‐transfer mobility for the nTs are larger by one‐to‐two orders of magnitude than the corresponding maximum values of hole‐transfer mobility, which suggests that the nTs have the potential to be developed as promising n‐type organic semiconducting materials owing to their electron mobility.
Active Skeletal Ni Catalysts Prepared from an Amorphous Ni‐Zr Alloy in the Pre‐Crystallization State
Authors: Nozaki Ai , Kamegawa Takashi , Ohmichi Tetsutaro , Yamashita Hiromi
Published: May 2013

Skeletal Ni catalysts were prepared from an amorphous Ni40Zr60 alloy (a‐NiZr) by heating at various temperatures under vacuum, followed by the selective extraction of Zr moieties by an HF treatment. Each sample was characterized by various spectroscopic methods, and the catalytic performance was tested in the hydrogenation of 1‐octene. The differences in preparation temperatures of a‐NiZr strongly affected the catalytic performance of the obtained catalysts, whereby those prepared from heated a‐NiZr in the pre‐crystallization state exhibited higher catalytic activity. Especially, moderate thermal treatment of a‐NiZr at a temperature slightly lower than that for its crystallization, that is, ∼573 K, resulted in a significant enhancement of the catalytic activity. Such prepared skeletal Ni catalyst can also be used efficiently for hydrogen generation from aqueous hydrazine.
pH‐ and Voltage‐Switchable Superhydrophobic Surfaces by Electro‐Copolymerization of EDOT Derivatives Containing Carboxylic Acids and Long Alkyl Chains
Authors: Darmanin Thierry , Guittard Frederic
Published: May 2013

In order to produce pH‐ and voltage‐switchable superhydrophobic surfaces, PEDOT derivatives containing various proportions of a EDOT monomer containing carboxylic groups (EDOTCOOH) and EDOT monomer‐containing dodecyl chains (EDOTOH12) are elaborated. The surface morphology and roughness depend highly on the proportion of the monomers. Superhydrophobic properties are reached for a mol % of EDOTCOOH between 0 and 25 %. It is possible to switch from superhydrophobic to hydrophilic (θwater until about 45°) by electrochemical reduction at low voltage (−1 V vs SCE) to remove the doping anions, following by treatment with NaOH to change the carboxylic groups into carboxylate. By elaborating smooth surfaces of each polymer, the effect of each treatment is reported. The reversibility of the reactions is also reported.
Atomic Layer Deposition of High Performance Ultrathin TiO2 Blocking Layers for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Kim Do Han , Woodroof Mariah , Lee Kyoungmi , Parsons Gregory N.
Published: May 2013

Dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) often use a thin insulating or semiconducting layer (typically TiO2) between the transparent conductive oxide and the mesoporous TiO2 to block electron/hole recombination at the conducting oxide/electrolyte interface. The blocking layer (BL) is essential to maintain efficient charge generation under low light conditions, at which DSSCs perform well compared to common semiconductor‐based photovoltaic devices. In this work, we show that atomic layer deposition (ALD) can produce ultrathin (<10 nm) BLs that significantly impede charge recombination in functional DSSCs, leading to improved photocurrents, open‐circuit photovoltages, and fill factors; this results in an increase in the overall efficiency from ≈7 % to ≈8.4 % under AM 1.5 G illumination. The 5–10 nm ALD BLs are the thinnest optimized DSSC BLs reported to date. The BL retards the open‐circuit voltage decay and extends the electron lifetime from ≈0.2 s to more than 10 s at 0.3 V, confirming that the ALD films significantly impede photogenerated charge recombination. By preparing BLs through other deposition techniques, we directly demonstrate that ALD results in better performance, even with thinner films, which is ascribed to the lower pinhole density of ALD materials.
A single transmission selection scheme for downlink distributed antenna system in multicell environment
Authors: Liu Yuxi , Liu Ju , Guo Weidong , Zheng Lina , Chen Peng
Published: May 2013

In this paper, based on maximum signal‐to‐interference‐plus‐noise ratio criterion at the receiver, we propose a single transmission selection scheme for distributed antenna system and investigate the corresponding ergodic capacity together with outage probability in multicell environment. Assuming that the channels suffer from independent non‐identical Nakagami‐m fading with integer values of fading severity parameter m, we derive exact closed‐form expressions for the ergodic capacity and outage probability. Monte‐Carlo simulations are carried out to validate the theoretical analysis. Simulation results show that the ergodic capacity and outage probability of the proposed single transmission selection scheme outperform that of blanket transmission scheme. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MyD88 and TRIF synergistic interaction is required for TH1‐cell polarization with a synthetic TLR4 agonist adjuvant
Authors: Orr Mark T. , Duthie Malcolm S. , Windish Hillarie Plessner , Lucas Elyse A. , Guderian Jeffrey A. , Hudson Thomas E. , Shaverdian Narek , O'Donnell Joanne , Desbien Anthony L. , Reed Steven G. , Coler Rhea N.
Published: May 2013

Glucopyranosyl lipid adjuvant‐stable emulsion (GLA‐SE) is a synthetic adjuvant TLR4 agonist that promotes potent poly‐functional TH1 responses. Different TLR4 agonists may preferentially signal via MyD88 or TIR‐domain‐containing adapter inducing IFN‐beta (TRIF) to exert adjuvant effects; however, the contribution of MyD88 and TRIF signaling to the induction of polyclonal TH1 responses by TLR4 agonist adjuvants has not been studied in vivo. To determine whether GLA‐SE preferentially signals through MyD88 or TRIF, we evaluated the immune response against a candidate tuberculosis (TB) vaccine Ag following immunization of mice lacking either signaling adapter compared with that of wild‐type mice. We find that both MyD88 and TRIF are necessary for GLA‐SE to induce a poly‐functional TH1 immune response characterized by CD4+ T cells producing IFN‐γ, TNF, and IL‐2, as well as IgG2c class switching, when paired with the TB vaccine Ag ID93. Accordingly, the protective efficacy of ID93/GLA‐SE immunization against aerosolized Mycobacterium tuberculosis was lost when either signaling molecule was ablated. We demonstrate that MyD88 and TRIF must be expressed in the same cell for the in vivo TH1‐skewing adjuvant activity, indicating that these two signaling pathways cooperate on an intracellular level. Thus engagement of both the MyD88 and TRIF signaling pathways are essential for the effective adjuvant activity of this TLR4 agonist.
c‐Rel is an essential transcription factor for the development of acute graft‐versus‐host disease in mice
Authors: Yu Yu , Wang Dapeng , Kaosaard Kane , Liu Chen , Fu Jianing , Haarberg Kelley , Anasetti Claudio , Beg Amer A. , Yu Xue‐Zhong
Published: May 2013

Transcription factors of the Rel/NF‐κB family are known to play different roles in immunity and inflammation, although the putative role of c‐Rel in transplant tolerance and graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) remains elusive. We report here that T cells deficient for c‐Rel have a dramatically reduced ability to cause acute GVHD after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation using major and minor histocompatibility mismatched murine models. In the study to understand the underlying mechanisms, we found that c‐Rel−/− T cells had a reduced ability to expand in lymphoid organs and to infiltrate in GVHD target organs in allogeneic recipients. c‐Rel−/− T cells were defective in the differentiation into Th1 cells after encountering alloantigens, but were enhanced in the differentiation toward Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells. Furthermore, c‐Rel−/− T cells had largely preserved activity to mediate graft‐versus‐leukemia response. Taken together, our findings indicate that c‐Rel plays an essential role in T cells in the induction of acute GVHD, and suggest that c‐Rel can be a potential target for therapeutic intervention in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in the clinic.
Exosomes with membrane‐associated TGF‐β1 from gene‐modified dendritic cells inhibit murine EAE independently of MHC restriction
Authors: Yu Lei , Yang Fei , Jiang Lingling , Chen Yinghu , Wang Keyi , Xu Feng , Wei Yinxiang , Cao Xuetao , Wang Jianli , Cai Zhijian
Published: May 2013

We have previously demonstrated that exosomes from dendritic cells (DCs) secreting TGF‐β1 (sTGF‐β1‐EXOs) delay the development of murine inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In this study, we isolated exosomes from DCs expressing membrane‐associated TGF‐β1 (mTGF‐β1‐EXOs) and found mTGF‐β1‐EXOs had more potent immunosuppressive activity than sTGF‐β1‐EXOs in vitro. Treatment of mice with mTGF‐β1‐EXOs inhibited the development and progression of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) peptide‐induced EAE even after disease onset. Treatment of mice with mTGF‐β1‐EXOs also impaired Ag‐specific Th1 and IL‐17 responses, but promoted IL‐10 responses ex vivo. Treatment with mTGF‐β1‐EXOs decreased the frequency of Th17 cells in EAE mice, which might be associated with the down‐regulation of the p38, ERK, Stat3, and NF‐κB activation and IL‐6 expression in DCs. Treatment with mTGF‐β1‐EXOs maintained the regulatory capacity of Treg cells, and adoptive transfer of CD4+Foxp3+ Treg cells from mTGF‐β1‐EXO‐treated EAE mice dramatically prevented the development of EAE in the recipients. Moreover, treatment with mTGF‐β1‐EXOs from C57BL/6 mice effectively prevented and inhibited proteolipid protein (PLP) peptide‐induced EAE in BALB/c mice. These results indicate that mTGF‐β1‐EXOs possess powerful immunosuppressive ability and can effectively inhibit the development and progression of EAE in different strains of mice.
The Effect of C‐2 Substituents of Salicylaldehyde‐Based Thiosemicarbazones on the Synthesis, Spectroscopy, Structures, and Fluorescence of Nickel(II) Complexes
Authors: Lobana Tarlok S. , Kumari Poonam , Castineiras Alfonso , Butcher Ray J.
Published: May 2013

The aim of this investigation was to study the bonding patterns, geometry, and fluorescence properties of nickel(II) complexes with salicylaldehyde‐based thiosemicarbazones [(2‐OH‐5‐R1‐C6H3)C(R2)=NNHC(=S)NHR3, LH2] by invoking the effect of substituents at the C‐2 and N‐1 atoms of the thio ligands and by using bipyridines/phenanthrolines as auxiliary ligands. The methodology used for the preparation of complexes involved initial binding of NiII with a thio ligand in an organic solvent to yield an insoluble solid of empirical composition [NiL], which was reacted further with a N,N‐donor ligand. In this way, we have prepared a series of dinuclear complexes and two mononuclear complexes with stoichiometries [Ni2L2(bipy)(D)] [bipy = 2,2′‐bipyridine, L = L1 (R1, R2, R3 = H), D = H2O 1; L = L2 (R1, R2 = H, R3 = Me), D = CH3OH 2; L =L3 (R1, R2 = H, R3 = Et), D = CH3OH 4; L = L3, D = H2O 5; L = L4 (R1 = Me, R2 = H, R3 = Me), D = CH3OH 6], [Ni2L32(bipy)] (3), [Ni2L32(dmbipy)(H2O)] (7, dmbipy = 4,4′‐dimethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine), [Ni2L52(bipy)2] (8, R1 = NO2, R2 = H, R3 = Me), [NiL6(bipy)] (9, R1 = NO2, R2 = H, R3 = Et), [NiL7(bipy)(H2O)] (10, R1 = H, R2 = Me, R3 = Et), [Ni2L32(4,4′‐bipy)] (11, 4,4′‐bipy = 4,4′‐bipyridine), and [Ni2L72(4,4′‐bipy)] (12). The dinuclear complexes involve (i) O,N3,S chelation with bridging N2 atoms to form trigonal‐bipyramidal/square‐planar complexes with a five‐coordinate and a four‐coordinate Ni center (3, 5:4‐coordination) and octahedral/square‐planar complexes (1, 2, 4–7, 6:4‐coordination), (ii) O,N3,S chelation with S bridges to form octahedral/octahedral complexes (8, 6:6‐coordination), and (iii) O,N3,S chelation to form square‐planar/square‐planar complexes (11, 12, 4:4‐coordiantion). The mononuclear complexes involve O, N3,S chelation and have square‐pyramidal (9) and octahedral (10) geometries. Complexes 1–10 are paramagnetic with μeff value in the range 2.97–3.38 μB. Complexes 2 and 3 exhibit fluorescence emission.
Spectral and Electrochemical Properties of Lanthanide Thiocyanate Complexes Ionic as Liquid Components
Authors: Ohaion T. , Kalisky Y. , Ben‐Eliyahu Y. , Becker J. Y. , Bettelheim Armand
Published: May 2013

New lanthanide‐containing ionic liquids (ILs) based on thiocyanate complexes of the type [BMIM]x–3[Ln(NCS)x(H2O)8–x] (BMIM = 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium; x = 6,7,8) have been reported in recent studies. These complexes are highly efficient for dissolving lanthanide complexes within ILs. Until now, only partial characterization of their properties has been reported. The present work describes the characterization of this type of complexes in both their pure liquid phase and in solution with EuIII and SmIII as the lanthanide ions. The number of water molecules as ligands was determined by luminescence measurements in the UV/Vis region. The composition of the complexes in solution was found to be similar to those in the solid state. The electrochemical behavior of the EuIII/EuII redox couple for [BMIM]5[Eu(NCS)8] at a glassy carbon electrode has been investigated in acetonitrile and in the [BMIM][SCN] IL. This couple is electrochemically quasireversible with E1/2 = –0.23 V [vs. normal hydrogen electrode (NHE)]. The diffusion coefficients of the complexes in solution were determined by cyclic voltammetry and chronopotentiometry and were found to be D = 1.1 ± 0.1 × 10–5 and 2.5 ± 0.3 × 10–8 cm2/s in acetonitrile and [BMIM][SCN], respectively. The diffusion coefficients of the reduced species were found to be D = 8.2 ± 0.4 × 10–6 and 2.1 ± 0.4 × 10–8 cm2/s in the two solvents, respectively. The standard rate constants of the single electron reduction were determined by cyclic voltammetry and found to be k0 = 1.2 ± 0.1 × 10–3 and 5.4 ± 0.8 × 10–5 cm/s in the two solvents, respectively.