bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving journal club: Increasing student discussion and understanding of primary literature in molecular biology through the use of dialectical notes
Authors: McDonough Virginia
Published: September 2012

Reading the primary literature in a journal club format is an excellent practice where undergraduate students can develop their abilities in experimental data analysis and critical thinking, learn about new ideas and methods, and gain a foothold in scientific discourse. However, students are not familiar with the format, writing style, and depth of knowledge assumed when first reading journal articles. This can inhibit class discussion. To alleviate this problem, the author has instituted the use of dialectical notes in journal club, so that students fully engage the article. This novel use of a strategy borrowed from humanities has improved class participation. © 2012 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Carbon Nanotubes: A Promising Catalyst Support Material for Supercritical Water Gasification of Biomass Waste
Authors: de Vlieger Dennis J. M. , Thakur Digvijay B. , Lefferts Leon , Seshan K.
Published: September 2012

Supercritical water (SCW) as a reaction medium is especially promising for the production of renewable chemicals from biomass. Stability issues of catalyst support materials in SCW are a major setback for these reactions and hinder the further development and industrial exploitation of this technique. The development of stable catalytic support materials for reactions in SCW is, therefore, of great importance. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are widely recognized for their significant physical and chemical stability, high heat conductivity, and open structure. These properties have already been explored for different applications. We show that CNTs are a promising stable catalyst support material for reactions in SCW. As an illustration of the applicability of CNTs in SCW, we demonstrate the efficiency of Pt‐CNTs as catalysts for the production of hydrogen by reforming of ethylene glycol and acetic acid in SCW.
Added cancer yield of breast magnetic resonance imaging screening in women with a prior history of chest radiation therapy
Authors: Freitas Vivianne , Scaranelo Anabel , Menezes Ravi , Kulkarni Supriya , Hodgson David , Crystal Pavel
Published: September 2012

BACKGROUND:

Recommendation for breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) screening for women with a prior history of chest radiation is currently based on expert opinion, because existing data are very scant. The objective of this study was to evaluate added cancer yield of screening breast MRI in this population.

METHODS:

A retrospective review identified 98 women with a prior history of chest radiation therapy who had screening mammography and screening MRI performed at the authors' institution between January 2004 and July 2010. Medical records of these patients and results of 558 screening studies (296 mammograms and 262 MRI) were reviewed. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and added cancer yield were calculated.

RESULTS:

Malignancy was diagnosed in 13 patients, invasive cancer was diagnosed in 10 patients, and ductal carcinomas in situ was diagnosed in 3 patients. The median latency from completion of radiation to detection of the breast cancer was 18 years (range, 8‐37 years). Of the 13 cancers, 12 (92%) were detected by MRI, and 9 (69%) by mammography. For mammography, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 69%, 98%, 82%, and 95%, respectively; and, for MRI, these values were 92%, 94%, 71%, and 99%, respectively. In 4 of 98 patients, cancer was diagnosed on MRI only, resulting in an incremental cancer detection rate of 4.1% (95% confidence interval, 1.6%‐10%).

CONCLUSIONS:

The current results indicated that MRI is a useful adjunct modality for screening high‐risk women who have a prior history of chest radiation therapy, resulting in a 4.1% (4 of 98 women) added cancer detection rate. The authors concluded that both MRI and mammography should be used to screen women in this high‐risk group. Cancer 2013. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Molecular characterization of prosomeric and intraprosomeric subdivisions of the embryonic zebrafish diencephalon
Authors: Lauter Gilbert , Söll Iris , Hauptmann Giselbert
Published: September 2012

During development of the early neural tube, positional information provided by signaling gradients is translated into a grid of transverse and longitudinal transcription factor expression domains. Transcription factor specification codes defining distinct histogenetic domains within this grid are evolutionarily conserved across vertebrates and may reflect an underlying common vertebrate bauplan. When compared to the rich body of comparative gene expression studies of tetrapods, there is considerably less comparative data available for teleost fish. We used sensitive multicolor fluorescent in situ hybridization to generate a detailed map of regulatory gene expression domains in the embryonic zebrafish diencephalon. The high resolution of this technique allowed us to resolve abutting and overlapping gene expression of different transcripts. We found that the relative topography of gene expression patterns in zebrafish was highly similar to those of orthologous genes in tetrapods and consistent with a three‐prosomere organization of the alar and basal diencephalon. Our analysis further demonstrated a conservation of intraprosomeric subdivisions within prosomeres 1, 2, and 3 (p1, p2, and p3). A tripartition of zebrafish p1 was identified reminiscent of precommissural (PcP), juxtacommissural (JcP), and commissural (CoP) pretectal domains of tetrapods. The constructed detailed diencephalic transcription factor gene expression map further identified molecularly distinct thalamic and prethalamic rostral and caudal domains and a prethalamic eminence histogenetic domain in zebrafish. Our comparative gene expression analysis conformed with the idea of a common bauplan for the diencephalon of anamniote and amniote vertebrates from fish to mammals. J. Comp. Neurol. 521:1093–1118, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Recovery of Ionic Liquids with Aqueous Two‐Phase Systems Induced by Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Xiong Dazhen , Wang Huiyong , Li Zhiyong , Wang Jianji
Published: September 2012

Recovery is a very important factor for the industrial application of ionic liquids (ILs). In this work, a novel method is presented for the recovery of ILs by using carbon dioxide (CO2)‐induced formation of aqueous two‐phase systems (ATPSs). It was found that, in the presence of amines, introduction of CO2 into aqueous IL solutions leads to the formation of ATPSs at 25 °C and atmospheric pressure, in which the upper phase is ammonium‐salt‐rich and the lower phase is IL‐rich. Thus, the ILs in aqueous solutions can be significantly enriched, and the amines can be regenerated by heating and bubbling Ar or N2 in the salt‐rich phase. To better understand the recovery of ILs, the phase diagrams of the ATPSs were measured at 25 °C, and the effects of the molecular structure of the ILs and the amines and temperature of the systems on the recovery efficiency of the ILs were investigated. It was shown that the single‐step recovery efficiency of the ILs could be as high as 99 % in the presence of primary or secondary amines. Therefore, this new method could potentially be sustainable, efficient, and attractive to industry.
Adaptive call admission control in 3GPP LTE networks
Authors: Zarai Faouzi , Ali Khitem Ben , Obaidat Mohammad S. , Kamoun Lotfi
Published: September 2012

In this article, we propose new methods to reduce the handoff blocking probability in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project Long Term Evolution wireless networks. This reduction is based on an adaptive call admission control scheme that provides QoS guarantees and gives the priority of handoff call over new call in admission. The performance results of the proposed schemes are compared with other competing methods using simulation analysis. Simulation results show the major impact on the performance of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project Long Term Evolution network, which is reflected in increased resource utilization ratio to (99%) and in the ability in satisfying the requirements of QoS in terms of call blocking probability (less than 0.0628 for Voice over IP service) and dropping probability rate (less than 0.0558).Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Life, death, and miracles: Th17 cells in the intestine
Authors: Huber Samuel , Gagliani Nicola , Flavell Richard A.
Published: September 2012

Th17 cells, a distinct subset of CD4+ T‐helper cells, are commonly associated with chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases; however, Th17 cells also possess a variety of beneficial functions as they maintain and defend mucosal barriers against pathogens and promote tissue repair. Furthermore, recent findings indicate that Th17 cells can also acquire immunosuppressive functions that protect against inflammatory and auto‐immune diseases. A sentinel population of Th17 cells is localized in the intestine in the absence of pathology and, in response to infection, this population expands in number, and can also modulate its functions. This review discusses the beneficial and pathogenic roles played by Th17 cells in the intestine.
IL‐17: A new actor in IFN‐driven systemic autoimmune diseases
Authors: Ambrosi Aurélie , Espinosa Alexander , Wahren‐Herlenius Marie
Published: September 2012

Systemic autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus are type I IFN‐driven diseases with exaggerated B‐cell responses and autoantibody production. Th17 cells, a T‐helper‐cell subset with high inflammatory capacity, was initially discovered and characterized in the context of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis — an animal model of multiple sclerosis. There is now emerging evidence that Th17 cells, and more generally IL‐17 and IL‐17‐producing cells, may play a role in the pathogenesis of type I IFN‐driven systemic autoimmune diseases such as lupus. Here, we review the different studies suggesting a role for IL‐17 and IL‐17‐producing cells in systemic autoimmune diseases, both in humans and in animal models, and we consider the possible mechanisms by which these cells may contribute to disease. We also discuss the hypothesis that type I IFN and IL‐17 act in concert to sustain and amplify autoimmune and inflammatory responses, making them a dangerous combination involved in the pathogenesis of systemic autoimmune diseases.
Electrodeposition of Catechol on Glassy Carbon Electrode and Its Electrocatalytic Activity Toward NADH Oxidation
Authors: Maleki Abbas , Nematollahi Davood , Clausmeyer Jan , Henig Jörg , Plumeré Nicolas , Schuhmann Wolfgang
Published: September 2012

Catechol can be oxidized electrochemically to its corresponding o‐benzoquinone. The electrogenerated quinone can be deposited by cycling the potential at the surface of glassy carbon electrodes. We have studied the electrochemical features of films derived from catechol by cyclic voltammetry. The electrodeposited film shows stable reversible redox response, dependent on pH as anticipated for quinone/catechol functionalities. Glassy carbon electrodes covered with a film derived from catechol exhibit catalytic activity in the electrooxidation of NADH at a low potential. The catalytic current is proportional to the concentration of NADH over the range 0.02–0.34 mM.
Nonlinear sloshing in a floating‐roofed oil storage tank under long‐period seismic ground motion
Authors: Matsui Tetsuya , Nagaya Takashi
Published: September 2012

A hybrid analytical and FEM is proposed to investigate the nonlinear sloshing in a floating‐roofed oil storage tank under long‐period seismic ground motion. The tank is composed of a rigid cylindrical wall and a flat bottom, whereas the floating roof is treated as an elastic plate undergoing large deflection. The contained liquid is assumed to be inviscid and incompressible, and the flow is assumed to be irrotational. The method of analysis is based on representation of the liquid motion by superposing the analytical modes that satisfy the Laplace equation and the rigid wall and bottom boundary conditions. The FEM is then applied to solve the remaining kinematic and dynamic boundary conditions at the moving liquid surface coupled with the nonlinear equation of motion of the floating roof. This requires only the discretization of the liquid surface and the floating roof into finite elements, thus leading to a computationally efficient and accurate method compared with full numerical analysis. As numerical examples to illustrate the applicability of the proposed method, two oil storage tanks with single‐deck type floating roofs damaged during the 2003 Tokachioki earthquake are studied. It is shown that the nonlinear oscillation modes with the circumferential wave numbers 0, 2 and 3 caused by the finite liquid surface elevation as well as the membrane action due to large deflection of the deck produce excessively large stresses in the pontoon, which may cause the catastrophic failure of pontoon followed by the submergence of the roof. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Body Dissatisfaction in Women Across the Lifespan: Results of the UNC‐SELF and Gender and Body Image (GABI) Studies
Authors: Runfola Cristin D. , Von Holle Ann , Trace Sara E. , Brownley Kimberly A. , Hofmeier Sara M. , Gagne Danielle A. , Bulik Cynthia M.
Published: September 2012

To explore age differences in current and preferred silhouette and body dissatisfaction (current − preferred silhouette discrepancy) in women aged 25–89 years using figural stimuli [range: 1 (very small) to 9 (very large)]. Data were abstracted from two online convenience samples (N = 5868). t‐tests with permutation‐adjusted p‐values examined linear associations between mean silhouette scores (current, preferred, discrepancy score) and age with/without stratification by body mass index (BMI). Modal current silhouette was 5; modal preferred silhouette was 4; mean discrepancy score was 1.8. There was no significant association between current silhouette and age, but a positive linear association between preferred silhouette and age remained after stratification by BMI. A significant inverse linear association of silhouette discrepancy score and age was found only prior to stratification by BMI. Body dissatisfaction exists in women across the adult life span and is influenced by BMI. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Comparing the performance of empirical black‐box models for river flow forecasting in the Heihe River Basin, Northwestern China
Authors: He Zhibin , Zhao Wenzhi , Liu Hu
Published: September 2012

For many practical reasons, the empirical black‐box models have become an increasingly popular modelling tool for river flow forecasting, especially in mountainous areas where very few meteorological observatories exist. In this article, precipitation data are used as the only input to estimate river flow. Using five empirical black‐box models—the simple linear model, the linear perturbation model, the linearly varying gain factor model, the constrained nonlinear system model and the nonlinear perturbation model–antecedent precipitation index—modelling results are compared with actual results in three catchments within the Heihe River Basin. The linearly varying gain factor model and the nonlinear perturbation model yielded excellent predictions. For better simulation accuracy, a commonly used multilayer feed‐forward neural network model (NNM) was applied to incorporate the outputs of the individual models. Comparing the performance of these models, it was found that the best results were obtained from the NNM model. The results also suggest that more reliable and precise predictions of river flow can be obtained by using the NNM model while also incorporating the combined outputs of different empirical black‐box models. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrologic impact of regional climate change for the snow‐fed and glacier‐fed river basins in the Republic of Tajikistan: statistical downscaling of global climate model projections
Authors: Kure S. , Jang S. , Ohara N. , Kavvas M. L. , Chen Z. Q.
Published: September 2012

Climate change due to global warming is a public concern in Central Asia. Because of specific orography and climate conditions, the republic of Tajikistan is considered as the main glacial center of Central Asia. In this study, regional climate change impacts in the two large basins of Tajikistan, Pyanj and Vaksh River basins located in the upstream sector of the Amu Darya River basin are analysed. A statistical regression method with model output statistics corrections using the ground observation data, Willmott archived dataset and GSMaP satellite driven dataset, was developed and applied to the basins to downscale the Global Climate Model Projections at a 0.1‐degree grid and to assess the regional climate change impacts at subbasin scale. It was found that snow and glacier melting are of fundamental importance for the state of the future water resources and flooding at the target basins since the air temperature had a clearly increasing trend toward the future. It was also found that the snowfall will decrease, but the rainfall will increase because of the gradual increase in the air temperature. Such changes may result in an increase in flash floods during the winter and the early spring, and in significant changes in the hydrological regime during a year in the future. Furthermore, the risks of floods in the target basins may be slightly increasing because of the increase in the frequencies and magnitudes of high daily precipitation and the increase in the rapid snowmelt with high air temperatures toward the future. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Statistical analyses and modeling approaches to hydrodynamic characteristics in alluvial aquifer
Authors: Imagawa Chie , Takeuchi Junichiro , Kawachi Toshihiko , Chono Shunsuke , Ishida Kei
Published: September 2012

This study is aimed at quantifying the difference in aquifer's response to recharge between some different locations in a fan aquifer and a delta aquifer for a preliminary study of revealing mechanisms of water transport in alluvial aquifer. The aquifer's response to recharge is statistically quantified with the two viewpoints: (1) timing and volume of recharge and (2) time length of aquifer's holding water. For the first point, a statistical model that links precipitation and groundwater level is introduced, and its parameters are identified using correlation analysis. Our results show that the recharge rate at the toe is higher than that at the apex and at the delta. For the second point, the concept of ‘memory effect’ of aquifer is adopted and quantified using the autocorrelation and spectral analyses. Our results show that the memory effect is longer at the toe of fan than at the apex, and thus, a temporary increase of water level has about five times as long‐term influence on subsequent water levels at the toe of the fan as at the apex. This study demonstrates that the statistical analyses and modeling of hydrological data are useful for characterizing aquifer's hydrodynamics. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Land use change in a 200‐year period and its effect on blue and green water flow in two Slovenian Mediterranean catchments—lessons for the future
Authors: Glavan Matjaž , Pintar Marina , Volk Martin
Published: September 2012

The overexploitation and impairment of our freshwater resources require land management strategies that support the preservation of green and blue water flow and various ecosystem services. Historical landscape analysis and the influential driving factors of landscape development provide an essential basis for tackling current environmental questions in land and water management. Hence, this article investigates the influence of historical land use pattern on the hydrological processes and provision of blue and green water flow and storage for man and ecosystems under current climate conditions. Moreover, we discuss in how far these findings could be used to predict or optimise future land management options or as a reference for future land and water management. We used digitalized historical land use maps from 1787, 1827, 1940 and 1984 and a digital land use map of present situation from 2009 for our study areas, which are two small scale Slovenian catchments (Reka and Dragonja). The integrated river basin model soil and water assessment tool was used to simulate the land use change effects on blue and green water flow. The results showed for both catchments that the influence of land use change on total and green water quantity would be statistically insignificant but would have considerable effects on the seasonal flows. In the Reka catchment, historical situations indicate effects on spring and summer blue and green water flow due to a decreased percentage of forest and an increased percentage of grassland and vineyards in the past. Results for the Dragonja catchment indicate past shift from arable land use to forest as decrease in summer green water flow and increase in blue water flow. Possible effects are also increased levels of blue water flow and decreased levels of green water flow during the growing period of the year. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recommendations for Generating, Evaluating, and Implementing Drug‐Drug Interaction Evidence
Authors: Hines Lisa E. , Malone Daniel C. , Murphy John E.
Published: September 2012

In October 2009, a 2‐day, multistakeholder, national conference was held in Rockville, Maryland, to discuss and propose methods to improve the drug‐drug interaction (DDI) evidence base and its evaluation and integration into clinical decision support (CDS) systems. The conference featured participants representing consumers, health care providers, those responsible for relevant policies and guidelines, and developers and vendors of DDI compendia, databases, and CDS systems. One desired outcome of the conference was to prepare recommendations on critical issues surrounding DDI evidence. A set of recommendations was developed to improve the generation, evaluation, and translation of DDI evidence into CDS systems based on presentations by experts and the supporting literature. These recommendations were reviewed initially by conference moderators, speakers, and Scientific Steering and Planning Committee members, and subsequently by all attendees. The following recommendations were developed to increase patient safety by improving the relevance and assessment of DDI evidence: conduct well‐designed studies to determine the incidence, outcomes, and patient‐level risk factors for DDIs; use a systematic and transparent process for evaluating the DDI evidence in order to estimate the severity and risks of DDIs; and improve the integration of DDI evidence into electronic CDS. Opportunities exist to improve the DDI evidence base, develop and promote a systematic approach for evaluating the evidence, and integrate this evidence into meaningful CDS.
Indacaterol: A Novel Long‐Acting β2‐Agonist
Authors: Ray Shaunta' M. , McMillen James C. , Treadway Sarah A. , Helmer Robert S. , Franks Andrea S.
Published: September 2012

Bronchodilator drugs are the foundation for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The principal inhaled bronchodilator treatments used are β2‐agonists and anticholinergics, either alone or in combination. Currently available β2‐agonists are of either short duration and used multiple times/day, or of long duration, which requires twice‐daily administration. Indacaterol is considered an ultra–long‐acting β2‐agonist and was recently approved for use in the United States. Its duration of action is approximately 24 hours, allowing for once‐daily administration. Cough was the most commonly reported adverse effect with use of indacaterol. Cough usually occurred within 15 seconds of inhalation of the drug, lasted around 6 seconds, was not associated with bronchospasm, and did not cause discontinuation of the drug. Otherwise, the drug's safety profile was similar to that of other bronchodilators. Based on similar improvement in spirometric measurements compared with other bronchodilator drugs and the convenience of its once‐daily dosing, indacaterol may be beneficial in the management of mild‐to‐moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, either alone or in combination with anticholinergic drugs administered once/day.
Evaluation of Vancomycin Dosing Regimens in Preterm and Term Neonates Using Monte Carlo Simulations
Authors: Mehrotra Nitin , Tang Lisa , Phelps Stephanie J. , Meibohm Bernd
Published: September 2012

Study Objective

To compare four common dosing regimens for vancomycin in preterm and term neonates by assessing the probability that each regimen would achieve the widely used therapeutic target serum trough concentrations of 5–15 mg/L and the newly suggested target of 15–20 mg/L.

Design

Retrospective population pharmacokinetic analysis using therapeutic drug monitoring data obtained from 1990–2007, with a subsequent simulation study performed on the pharmacokinetic model.

Setting

Tertiary‐care children's hospital.

Patients

One hundred thirty‐four preterm (66%) and term (34%) neonates, with a postnatal age of 1–121 days and postmenstrual age of 24.6–44 weeks.

Measurements and Main Results

Therapeutic drug monitoring data for vancomycin were used to develop a population pharmacokinetic model in the target population. Parameter estimates for the derived pharmacostatistical model were used to perform Monte Carlo simulations for four recommended dosing regimens: a standard dose for all neonates, postmenstrual age–based dosing, postmenstrual and postnatal age–based dosing, and serum creatinine–based dosing. Multivariate age‐weight distributions were established for term and preterm neonates using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention growth charts and intrauterine and postnatal growth charts from the literature, respectively. Each dosing regimen was treated as a separate scenario in which 200 replicates with 100 patients/replicate were simulated. The 5–15‐mg/L target trough serum concentration was achieved in 34% (90% confidence interval [CI] 20–53%), 42% (90% CI 31–55%), 52% (90% CI 43–60%), and 63% (90% CI 54–72%) of patients receiving the standard dose, postmenstrual age–based dose, postmenstrual and postnatal age–based dose, and serum creatinine–based dose, respectively. Serum creatinine–based dosing produced trough concentrations predominantly in the 5–15‐mg/L target range, with the smallest variability in both term and preterm neonates. As expected, when the target range was narrow and higher (15–20 mg/L), only 13–21% of patients were within the range across the four dosing regimens.

Conclusion

Monte Carlo simulations based on our population pharmacokinetic model suggest that vancomycin dosing guidelines based on serum creatinine concentration have a greater likelihood of achieving trough concentrations in the 5–15‐mg/L range compared with other evaluated dosing regimens. None of the four dosing regimens is suitable to produce target trough concentration of 15–20 mg/L in an acceptable number of patients.
Possible Correlation of Sirolimus Plasma Concentration with Sinusoidal Obstructive Syndrome of the Liver in Patients Undergoing Myeloablative Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation
Authors: Kiel Patrick J. , Vargo Craig A. , Patel Gourang P. , Rosenbeck Lindsay L. , Srivastava Shivani
Published: September 2012

Study Objectives

To determine the frequency of sinusoidal obstructive syndrome (SOS) in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation who received graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis with sirolimus and tacrolimus, and to assess whether the occurrence of SOS correlates with immunosuppressant levels.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Hematopoietic cell transplant unit at an academic medical center.

Patients

Fifty‐nine adults who received myeloablative preparative regimens for transplantation of any hematologic malignancy and received sirolimus and tacrolimus for GVHD prophylaxis between January 1, 2007, and May 1, 2009; all donors and transplant recipients were human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matched for at least HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐C, and ‐DRB1.

Measurements and Main Results

The primary outcome was the occurrence of SOS after hematopoietic cell transplantation. Plasma concentrations of sirolimus and tacrolimus and the summative levels of sirolimus and tacrolimus were then compared in patients who developed SOS with those who did not develop SOS. Trough levels were measured from blood samples collected 30–60 minutes before the morning doses of sirolimus and tacrolimus on days 0–35, or until the development of SOS. Of the 59 patients, 12 (20%) developed SOS. The mean sirolimus level was significantly higher in patients who developed SOS relative to those who did not develop SOS (10.5 vs 8.7 ng/ml, p=0.003). The mean summative trough level of sirolimus and tacrolimus was also significantly higher in those who developed SOS compared with those who did not (19.7 vs 17.1 ng/ml, p=0.003). The mean ± SD time to the occurrence of SOS was 28 ± 8.7 days. The median time to death was 101 days for patients who developed SOS compared with 433 days for patients who did not develop SOS (p=0.002).

Conclusion

Sirolimus plasma concentration may correlate with the development of delayed SOS; however, further research is needed to prospectively evaluate the role of sirolimus exposure in the pathogenesis of SOS.
Plerixafor as First‐ and Second‐Line Strategies for Autologous Stem Cell Mobilization in Patients with Non‐Hodgkin's Lymphoma or Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Lor Kevin W. , Helmons Pieter J. , Belew Helen , Lane James R. , Ball Edward D.
Published: September 2012

Study Objective

To describe the institutional experience of plerixafor plus filgrastim as the initial peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) mobilization (first‐line strategy) and as rescue therapy after failure with filgrastim plus cyclophosphamide (second‐line strategy).

Design

Retrospective medical record review.

Setting

Academic medical center.

Patients

Thirty‐three patients (median age 62 yrs) who received plerixafor between January 2008 and December 2009.

Measurements and Main Results

We collected data on total CD34+ cell yield and number of apheresis sessions in both first‐line and second‐line plerixafor recipients. Mobilization with plerixafor plus filgrastim resulted in a median yield of 8.95 × 106 and 2.45 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg in patients with multiple myeloma or non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma, respectively. As rescue mobilization, plerixafor plus filgrastim successfully mobilized CD34+ cells in 16 (84%) of 19 patients. When comparing first‐line plerixafor plus filgrastim therapy with second‐line therapy, we found an increase in CD34+ yield and 1 less apheresis day in patients with multiple myeloma, but no difference in patients with non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Conclusion

A regimen of plerixafor plus filgrastim successfully mobilized CD34+ cells in a median of 1 apheresis day for patients with multiple myeloma and 2 apheresis days for patients with non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma, including patients who failed initial filgrastim plus cyclophosphamide mobilization. Plerixafor plus filgrastim could be a viable first‐line option in patients with multiple myeloma, as it improved CD34+ cell yield and decreased number of apheresis days compared with second‐line plerixafor plus filgrastim therapy, whereas it was comparable to second‐line therapy in patients with non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Relationship Between Potential Opioid‐Related Adverse Effects and Hospital Length of Stay in Patients Receiving Opioids After Orthopedic Surgery
Authors: Pizzi Laura T. , Toner Richard , Foley Kathleen , Thomson Erin , Chow Wing , Kim Myoung , Couto Joseph , Royo Marc , Viscusi Eugene
Published: September 2012

Study Objective

To determine whether there is an association between opioid‐related adverse effects and postoperative hospital length of stay (p‐LOS).

Design

Retrospective medical record review.

Setting

Large academic medical center.

Patients

Random sample of 402 patients (mean age 60.2 yrs, 50.3% female) who underwent orthopedic spine, hip, knee, or shoulder surgery during 2007 and received opioids during or after the procedure.

Measurements and Main Results

Potential opioid‐related adverse effects were identified by using established criteria. Bivariate and multivariate analyses (generalized linear regression model, log transformed) were used to identify predictors of p‐LOS. The model also estimated the effect of specific types of adverse effects and adverse‐effect combinations on p‐LOS. Mean ± SD p‐LOS was 3.0 ± 2.1 days; median oral morphine equivalent postoperative dose was 60 mg/day. More than half of the patients (54.2%) experienced one or more adverse effects, 25.6% experienced two or more adverse effects, and 7.2% experienced three or more adverse effects. The composite of nausea and vomiting was experienced by 36.1% of study patients, and 12.6% had at least one emesis episode. Constipation and confusion were documented in 6.5% and 3.7% of patients, respectively. Constipation (p<0.0001), emesis (p<0.001), and confusion (p<0.01) were associated with increased p‐LOS after adjusting for other significant variables. Patients with constipation had an adjusted 49% (95% confidence interval [CI] 25–77%) longer p‐LOS (additional 1.4 days) compared with patients without constipation. Emesis and confusion significantly increased p‐LOS by 25% (95% CI 10–42%) and 38% (95% CI 11–72%), respectively. Incremental increases in p‐LOS for patients with two adverse effects (p=0.02), three adverse effects (p<0.001), and four adverse effects (p<0.001) versus patients with no adverse effects were 15%, 40%, and 82%, respectively.

Conclusion

Constipation, emesis, and confusion were associated with increased p‐LOS in patients receiving opioids after orthopedic surgery. In addition, there was a significant linear relationship between the number of adverse effects/patient and increased p‐LOS, and the strength of the association increased as the number of adverse effects increased. Although the opioid dosages and adverse‐effect rates were typical, these findings reinforce the need to balance pain management with risk of events.
Prolonged Infusions of β‐Lactam Antibiotics: Implication for Antimicrobial Stewardship
Authors: George Jomy M. , Towne Trent G. , Rodvold Keith A.
Published: September 2012

The optimal dosage and administration of antibiotics are not only important measures to combat antimicrobial resistance, but they are also integral to antimicrobial stewardship. In light of a diminishing antibiotic pipeline and an alarming rise in resistance, the optimal dosage and administration of antimicrobial agents have been under a great deal of scrutiny. Prolonged infusions of β‐lactam antibiotics have been proposed as an alternate dosing strategy. To summarize the evidence on prolonged infusions of β‐lactam agents and provide their clinical implications for antimicrobial stewardship, we performed a MEDLINE search (1950–2011) of all relevant articles. This article provides a review of data from Monte Carlo simulations, clinical outcome analyses, and pharmacoeconomic studies. Furthermore, protocol implementation strategies are discussed to address antimicrobial stewardship.
Can the Antibiogram Be Used to Assess Microbiologic Outcomes After Antimicrobial Stewardship Interventions? A Critical Review of the Literature
Authors: Schulz Lucas T. , Fox Barry C. , Polk Ron E.
Published: September 2012

Hospitals are implementing antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) in response to national guidelines to improve the use and to extend the utility of antiinfective drugs. An often implied purpose of ASPs is to curb or reverse the emergence of resistant bacteria. Because antibiotic use causes antibiotic resistance, there is a natural tendency to link local measures of antibiotic use to local measures of bacterial resistance, and the hospital antibiogram is a readily available measure of resistance. We performed a literature review to identify published reports that used hospitalwide and unit‐specific antibiograms to assess the relationship of ASP interventions to changes in resistance. Eight studies were identified and reviewed. The relationship between hospital antibiotic use and resistance is complex, and the existing literature has several limitations. Furthermore, the antibiogram itself is neither designed nor well suited to reflect changes in hospital antimicrobial drug use. The literature on the effectiveness of ASPs in reducing resistance continues to emerge, but at this time the antibiogram bears an inconsistent relationship with changes in hospital antibiotic use and cannot be recommended to reliably evaluate an ASP intervention. Interrupted time series analysis is a superior strategy to assess the effect of an ASP intervention on bacterial resistance, but it is not widely used because of its complexity and greater data requirements. Nevertheless, before ASP efforts can be convincingly demonstrated to have a favorable impact on resistance, a more sophisticated approach that links drug use to resistance should become a priority, at least for hospitals that have sufficient resources.
Cloning, Expression, and Localization of Two Types of Fast Skeletal Myosin Heavy Chain Genes From Black Tiger and Pacific White Shrimps
Authors: Koyama Hiroki , Akolkar Dadasaheb B. , Piyapattanakorn Sanit , Watabe Shugo
Published: September 2012

The physiology and biochemistry of skeletal muscles in shrimps have been poorly understood compared with those from vertebrates. The present study was conducted focusing on myosin, the major protein in skeletal muscle, from adult specimens of black tiger Penaeus monodon and Pacific white Penaeus vannamei shrimps. Two genes encoding myosin heavy chain (MHC), a large subunit of the myosin molecule, were cloned from abdominal fast skeletal muscle and defined as MHCa and MHCb according to our previous study on kuruma shrimp Marsupenaeus japonicus. Random cloning demonstrated that the MHCb gene (MHCb) was expressed more abundantly than MHCa. The full‐length cDNA clones of MHCa and MHCb from black tiger shrimp consisted of 5,926 and 5,914 bp, respectively, which encoded 1,914 and 1,909 amino acids, respectively, whereas those from Pacific white shrimp consisted of 5,923 and 5,908 bp, respectively, which encoded 1,913 and 1,909 amino acids, respectively. Both MHCa and MHCb were considered to be fast muscle type due to their strict localization in fast muscle. The amino acid identities between MHCa and MHCb of black tiger shrimp were 77%, 60%, and 73% in the regions of subfragment‐1 (S1), subfragment‐2 (S2) and light meromyosin (LMM), respectively, with 71% in total, whereas those of Pacific white shrimp were 78%, 60%, and 73% in the regions of S1, S2, and LMM, respectively, with 72% in total. In situ hybridization and northern blot analysis using different regions from abdominal muscle demonstrated different localizations of MHCa and MHCb transcripts in this muscle, suggesting their distinct physiological functions. J. Exp. Zool. 317A:608–621, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Determination of trace triclosan in environmental water by microporous bamboo‐activated charcoal solid‐phase extraction combined with HPLC‐ESI‐MS
Authors: Sun Jing , Yi Chun‐Liang , Zhao Ru‐Song , Wang Xia , Jiang Wen‐Qiang , Wang Xi‐Kui
Published: September 2012

A sensitive and efficient analytical method for triclosan (TCS) determination in water, which involves enrichment with bamboo‐activated charcoal and detection with HPLC‐ESI‐MS, was developed. The influence of several operational parameters, including the eluant and its volume, the flow rate, the volume andacidity of the sample, and the amount of bamboo‐activated charcoal, were investigated and optimized. Under the optimum conditions, linearity of the method was observed in the range of 0.02–20 μg/L, with correlation coefficients (r2) >0.9990. The limit of detection was 0.002 μg/L based on the ratio of chromatographic signal to baseline noise (S/N = 3). The spiked recoveries of TCS in real water samples were achieved in the range of 97.6–112.5%. The proposed method was applied to analyze TCS in real aqueous samples. All the surface water samples collected in Xiaoqing River had detectable levels of TCS with concentrations of 42–197 ng/L.
Patient level decision making in recurrent acute rhinosinusitis: A cost‐benefit threshold for surgery
Authors: Leung Randy , Almassian Stella , Kern Robert , Conley David , Tan Bruce , Chandra Rakesh
Published: September 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

A previous effort to identify the threshold for surgery in recurrent acute rhinosinsutis (RARS) was made based on workforce productivity. While this macroeconomic approach is useful for population‐level decision making, patient‐level decision making is variable and driven by personal and financial implications. This microeconomic study seeks to identify threshold levels of infection where surgery becomes worthwhile to patients based on costs, lost income, and quality of life.

Study Design:

Cost‐Benefit Breakeven Analysis.

Methods:

A breakeven analysis was constructed from literature reported medical and surgical response rates, change in quality of life as a result of intervention, and costs to patients.

Results:

A breakeven threshold occurs when patients suffer from 1.3–2.8 episodes per year under the conservative assumption that the effects of surgery do not extend beyond 19 months — the longest outcomes reported.

Discussion:

Due to possible confusion with URTIs, we have adopted an approach similar to that advocated by the Rhinosinusitis Task Force. Given the average number of URTIs suffered by adults annually is 1.4–2.3. We suggest adding this to the threshold number of episodes calculated in the present model. Under the most conservative assumptions, this suggests that patients should consider surgery when suffering from five or more episodes per year. Laryngoscope, 2013
Total glossectomy with laryngeal preservation and free flap reconstruction: Objective functional outcomes and systematic review of the literature
Authors: Dziegielewski Peter T. , Ho Michael L. , Rieger Jana , Singh Prabhjyot , Langille Morgan , Harris Jeffrey R. , Seikaly Hadi
Published: September 2012

Objective:

Advanced tongue cancer is a devastating diagnosis with potential for significant morbidity after treatment. This is especially true for patients undergoing total glossectomy with laryngeal preservation (TGLP), free flap reconstruction and adjuvant radiotherapy. The goals of this study were to: 1) determine long‐term objective functional and quality of life outcomes, 2) investigate the influence of rehabilitation on functional recovery and 3) determine swallowing ability in patients with TGLP.

Study Design:

Prospective cohort study and systematic review of the literature.

Methods:

Functional outcomes data were collected from 2000–2010. Outcomes were measured pre‐ and 12 months post‐surgery and included: gastrostomy‐tube (G‐Tube) rates, swallowing transit times on video fluoroscopic swallowing studies, speech intelligibility and EORTC‐H&N 35 quality of life scores. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to determine comprehensive long term G‐Tube rates.

Results:

Twelve patients were included and eight were still living at 12 months post‐surgery. Fifty percent of patients in this study and 24% with systematic review used G‐Tubes at 1 year post‐surgery. Patients who could swallow did not aspirate, but more than doubled swallowing transit times. Spoken sentence intelligibility averaged 66% and mean quality of life scores improved 8.9 points 12 months post‐surgery. Patients who attended >80% of swallowing and speech rehabilitation sessions demonstrated superior swallowing and speech functional outcomes.

Conclusions:

Although a potentially morbid treatment, TGLP and free flap reconstruction can provide good swallowing and speech outcomes as well as meaningful long‐term quality of life. Regular attendance of rehabilitation sessions is imperative to optimize functional outcomes. Laryngoscope, 2013
Effect of grapefruit juice on bioavailability of montelukast
Authors: Cingi Cemal , Toros Sema Zer , Gürbüz Melek Kezban , Ince Iskender , Cakli Hamdi , Erdogmus Nagehan , Karasulu Ercument , Kaya Ercan
Published: September 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

The aim of this study was to investigate possible interactions between grapefruit juice and montelukast for up to 4 hours.

Study Design:

A prospective, crossover study with 23 healthy volunteers was performed in two sessions.

Methods:

In the first session, volunteers were treated with oral montelukast 10 mg once daily with 250 ml water. After a 10‐day washout period, the same volunteers were treated with 10 mg montelukast with 250 ml grapefruit juice. Blood samples were collected 2, 3, and 4 hours after drug administration and kept at −80°C after both applications. Plasma samples were analyzed for montelukast concentration.

Results:

The mean plasma concentration of montelukast across all time intervals was significantly greater (P = 0.0001) for those given grapefruit juice (517, 484, and 440) versus those treated with water (366, 356, and 292). Moreover, with respect to the time the sample was collected, there was no significant difference (P = 0.13) in the mean total plasma concentration up to 4 hours after montelukast ingestion for either group. There was a significant difference between the groups according to the area under curve with regard to marginal and cumulative values for all different time intervals (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

Plasma concentration of montelukast was higher when administered with grapefruit juice, as compared to with water. This may have been due to the effect of grapefruit on liver metabolism of montelukast and the cytochrome P450 system.
Efficient measurement of the sign and the magnitude of long‐range proton‐carbon coupling constants from a spin‐state‐selective HSQMBC‐COSY experiment
Authors: Saurí Josep , Parella Teodor
Published: September 2012

A spin state‐selective Heteronuclear Single‐Quantum Multiple‐Bond Connectivities (HSQMBC‐COSY) experiment is proposed to measure the sign and the magnitude of long‐range proton‐carbon coupling constants (nJ(CH); n > 1) either for protonated or for non‐protonated carbons in small molecules. The simple substitution of the selective 180° 1H pulse in the original selHSQMBC pulse scheme by a hard one allows the simultaneous evolution of both proton‐proton and proton‐carbon coupling constants during the refocusing period and enables a final COSY transfer between coupled protons. The successful implementation of the IPAP principle leads to separate mixed‐phase α/β cross‐peaks from which nJ(CH) values can be easily measured by analyzing their relative frequency displacements in the detected dimension. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Malnutrition and obesity in pediatric oncology patients: Causes, consequences, and interventions
Authors: Co‐Reyes Erica , Li Rhea , Huh Winston , Chandra Joya
Published: September 2012

In children with cancer, suboptimal nutrition states are common consequences of the disease and its treatment. These nutrition states have been attributed to a number of etiologies dependent on the patient's tumor type and treatment, and are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Interventions vary from psychosocial to pharmacological and surgical management. Further research is necessary to understand the epidemiology and etiology of these nutrition states. Of great importance is the development and implementation of effective interventions to optimize nutritional status among children with cancer during and after therapy. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 59: 1160–1167. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.