bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Past and current medical states of yusho patients
Authors: Okumura Makoto
Published: October 2013

A subacute poisoning, “Yusho,” caused by the ingestion of Kanemi rice oil which had been accidentally contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), occurred in the western part of Japan in 1968.

During the past decade, various clinical symptoms of Yusho patients have diminished gradually. However, some of the symptoms and signs, such as pigmentation of the skin, conjunctiva and gingiva, eye discharge, and various nonspecific general symptoms still remain in a number of severely ill patients.

In this report, clinical observations of Yusho patients during 1968–78 are briefly reviewed.
Ocular manifestation of polychlorinated biphenyls intoxication
Authors: Fu Yao‐An
Published: October 2013

One hundred thirty patients with polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) poisoning (46 males, 84 females) were examined in the department of Ophthalmology, Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan. The main ocular manifestations were profuse discharge from the eye, swelling and pigmentation of the upper lids, abnormal pigmentation of the conjunctivae, and hypersecretion and swelling of the Meibomian glands. Eye discharge was present in 104 (80.5%) of the 130 patients; swelling of upper lids was seen in 79 (60.4%); pigmentation of conjunctivae was found in 88 (67.6%); hypersecretion and cystic swelling of the Meibomian glands was seen in 92 (70.7%); and 5 patients (3.8%) required incision and drainage because of cystic formation with secondary infection of the Meibomian glands.

PCB concentration in the blood was classified into five groups: 0–15 ppb, 16–40 ppb, 41–60 ppb, and over 100 ppb by gas chromatography. Positive clinical findings increased parallel to high blood PCB concentration. In particular, heavy pigmentation of conjunctivae, abnormal cystic formation and hypersecretion of the Meibomian glands occurred markedly in those patients whose blood PCB concentration was above 41 ppb. It is concluded that the severity of ocular manifestations was closely related to high blood PCB levels. Ocular signs might help not only as a guide to early diagnosis but might also serve to indicate the degree of poisoning by PCB.
Asbestosis: Interstitial pulmonary fibrosis and pleural fibrosis in a cohort of asbestos insulation workers: Influence of cigarette smoking
Authors: Lilis Ruth , Selikoff Irving J. , Lerman Yehuda , Seidman Herbert , Gelb Steven K.
Published: October 2013

A cohort of 1,117 asbestos insulation workers was established in 1963 and has been prospectively followed since then. Chest X‐ray abnormalities detected at the initial medical examination, and interpreted according to the International Labour Office Classification of Radiographs of Pneumoconioses are reported in this paper. The prevalence of all radiographic abnormalities (pleural and pulmonary) increased with duration from onset of asbestos exposure. A positive smoking history was associated with a significantly higher prevalence of small irregular opacities indicating interstitial pulmonary fibrosis. Such an association was not found for pleural fibrosis. The possible mechanisms which underlie the effect of smoking on asbestos‐induced interstitial fibrosis seem to be of much less importance in the development of pleural fibrosis. Progression of radiographic changes over the 20‐year interval 1963–1983 will be separately reported as will the predictive significance of these changes.
Medical screening of former asbestos cement workers in Israel: A pilot program
Authors: Tuch H. , Tulchinsky T.H. , Casper M. , Knaane H.
Published: October 2013

A pilot screening program for the evaluation of former asbestos‐cement workers was carried out in the Chest Disease Clinic of the Acco Public Health Office (Ministry of Health), Israel. A total of 184 subjects were evaluated using medical and occupational questionnaires, clinical examinations, and pulmonary function tests (forced expiratory volume, forced vital capacity). Thirty percent of individuals with more than 1 year of work experience had symptoms of breathlessness or cough. Individuals with 10 years or more of work experience showed a high prevalence of rǎles and reduced pulmonary function, as compared to those with shorter work histories. These findings indicate the urgent need for active follow‐up of Israeli ex‐asbestos workers. A proposed screening and surveillance program for this high‐risk group is discussed with emphasis on follow‐up, health education, and smoking cessation.
Use of asbestos in the israeli defense forces
Authors: Schlezinger Z.
Published: October 2013

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have adopted the current standards for asbestos in the workplace (1 fiber/ml). Although average daily exposure to asbestos is relatively limited, nevertheless, the army personnel concerned are defined as “asbestos workers.” Four main areas of asbestos use were monitored, and medical examinations of susceptible personnel were performed. Recommendations were suggested for improving conditions. The IDF is now in the process of eliminating the use of materials containing asbestos, with the aim of eliminating asbestos use in the IDF within a three‐to five‐year period.
Common problems in asbestos‐related pulmonary diseases
Authors: Rubin Ami‐Hai E.
Published: October 2013

Exposure to asbestos is an important public health hazard in all industrialized societies. Although the pulmonary manifestations of prolonged asbestos fiber exposure are well known, there is considerable disagreement over specific clinical features and employment policies. Three of these controversies are the following: a) Can lung cancer be ascribed to asbestos exposure in subjects who lack evidence of asbestosis? b) Is there any clinical significance to benign asbestos pleural changes? c) Is it advisable to change jobs when evidence of asbestosis or benign pleural changes develop? The purpose of this presentation is to help develop a suitable public policy for Israel. Such a policy would have clinical importance as well as economic, legal, and social consequences for the individual and society as a whole.
Relationship of mortality, occupation, and pulmonary diffusing capacity to pleural thickening in the first national health and nutrition examination survey
Authors: Loomis Dana P. , Collman Gwen W. , Rogan Walter J.
Published: October 2013

We studied the relationship of pleural thickening consistent with asbestos exposure to mortality, career employment in asbestos‐related jobs, and pulmonary diffusing capacity among participants in the first National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Three “B” readers examined chest X‐rays to identify 59 individuals with such pleural abnormalities. From 1975 to 1984, the all‐cause mortality rate ratio (RR) comparing males with and without occupational pleural thickening was 1.3 (95% C.I. 0.8–2.2). For lung cancer, the mortality RR for males was 3.0 (95% C.I. 1.0–9.1). Career asbestos work was not associated with occupational pleural thickening among men, probably because some with the condition had only short‐term exposure to asbestos. Pulmonary diffusing capacity was lower in those with occupational pleural thickening, taking smoking into account. These results suggest that individuals in the general population who have occupational pleural thickening are at risk for some of the health consequences of asbestos work, including lung cancer, even if they were not career asbestos workers.
Standard setting in occupational health: “Philosophical” issues
Authors: Zielhuis Reinier L. , Wibowo Anton A.E.
Published: October 2013

This paper discusses various “philosophical” issues in standard setting in occupational and environmental health, i.e., general principles, actual procedures for standard setting, inter‐ and intra‐agency discrepancies in procedures and criteria, and choices and decisions in the preparation of criteria documents and in the evaluation of the toxicology databases. Unpublished, possibly confidential information should be made available to expert committees, workers, and the general public. There is an urgent need to improve the validity of the toxicology databases that have to underpin occupational and environmental exposure limits. Standard setting requires various ethically loaded choices and decisions by experts, employees, managers, government officials, and politicians.
Prevalence of silicosis at death in underground coal miners
Authors: Green Francis H.Y. , Althouse Rochelle , Weber Kenneth C.
Published: October 2013

This study was initiated by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Bureau of Mines (BOM) to determine the prevalence and pathological features of silicosis in coal miners. The population base was 3,365 autopsied underground miners whose records were submitted to the U.S. National Coal Workers' Autopsy Study between 1971 and 1980. This program is voluntary and covers an estimated 10% of all coal workers who die. The mean age at death of the population was 62 years, of whom 75% were current or ex‐smokers at the time of death. The average work tenure was 26 years. Lung sections from all cases were reviewed and the type and severity of pneumoconiosis documented. These findings were correlated with years of mining, job history, and geographic location of mine. Classical silicotic nodules were found in 12.5% of the population. There was a significant relationship between length of underground mining and prevalence and severity of silicosis consistent with a dose‐response effect. The study also showed that job category and geographic location of the mine were important determinants of silicosis prevalence and that silicosis was strongly associated with higher categories of coal workers' pneumoconiosis.
Exposure‐outcome relationships between organic solvent exposure and neuropsychiatric disorders: Results from a dutch case‐control study
Authors: van Vliet C. , Swaen G.M.H. , Volovics A. , Slangen J.J.M. , Meijers J.M.M. , de Boorder T.J. , Sturmans F.
Published: October 2013

In this article the material collected for a case‐control study is analyzed in order to evaluate the existence of relationships between organic solvent exposure and the entitlement to disability benefits due to neuropsychiatric disorders. Questionnaires were used to collect information on 252 cases receiving compensation due to neuropsychiatric disorders and 822 controls about their occupational history and work practices related to organic solvent exposure. In order to estimate the exposure to organic solvents, three exposure indices were used: duration of exposure, painters' index, and general exposure index. Analysis showed some tendencies indicating positive exposure‐outcome relationships. Furthermore, some work activities and working conditions associated with high exposure to organic solvents (e.g., poor ventilation, using paint removers) resulted in a marked increase of the likelihood for receiving disability benefits due to neuropsychiatric disorders.
Characterization of health effects of grain dust exposures
Authors: Hurst Thomas S. , Dosman James A.
Published: October 2013

Grain dust has a long history of association with disease, and its effects on various organs have been reported for many years. Inflammatory diseases of the eyes, nose, and skin may be caused by both direct irritation and immune‐based reactions. The lung and airways frequently suffer adverse effects. Asthma is well documented as being a result of exposure. Several studies show increased incidences of respiratory symptoms and of reduced pulmonary function in grain workers. Grain dust should be regarded as a dust with toxic properties, not just a nuisance dust.
Liver and biliary tract cancer among chemical workers
Authors: Bond Gregory G. , McLaren Elsie A. , Sabel Fred L. , Bodner Kenneth M. , Lipps Thomas E. , Cook Ralph R.
Published: October 2013

A recent cohort mortality study of male, hourly wage employees of a large Michigan chemical production and research facility had found a greater than expected number of deaths coded to liver and biliary tract cancer. In response, an additional investigation was then undertaken of the 44 liver and biliary tract cancer deaths observed between 1940 and 1982. A random sample (N = 1,888) of subjects was selected from the total cohort (N = 21,437) to serve as referents. Company work history records were used to classify cases and referents by work area assignment and potential for exposure to 11 selected chemical agents which have been shown to produce cancer of the liver or biliary passages in experimental animals. Statistically significant associations in both positive and negative directions were found for several work areas within the facility. A suggestive association was found for vinyl chloride monomer, based on five cases with presumed exposure.
Neanderthal axial and appendicular remains from Moula‐Guercy, Ardèche, France
Authors: Mersey Ben , Brudvik Kyle , Black Michael T. , Defleur Alban
Published: October 2013

Excavations carried out during the 1990s at Moula‐Guercy cave Ardèche, France, yielded 108 hominid specimens dating to 100–120 Ka. In this paper, we describe and compare the 39 axial and appendicular specimens not including hand and foot bones. Among these remains are a large adult femur, several clavicles, a likely antimeric pair of radial heads, and a nearly complete superior pubic ramus. Analyses of this material indicate a clear affinity with Neanderthals by the presence of large and robust muscle attachments, thick long bone cortices, a long pubic ramus, and a superoinferiorly flattened clavicle shaft. The recovered remains reveal the presence of a mature male, a smaller mature individual, possibly a reproductive age female, an immature individual of age 10–12, and a second immature individual of age 4. Future analyses on the Moula‐Guercy remains will illuminate ties to other known Neanderthal populations and contribute to the ongoing debate over the relative rate of Neanderthal metric growth. Am J Phys Anthropol 152:530–542, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neanderthal hand and foot remains from Moula‐Guercy, Ardèche, France
Authors: Mersey Ben , Jabbour Rebecca S. , Brudvik Kyle , Defleur Alban
Published: October 2013

The hand and foot remains from Moula‐Guercy cave (Ardèche, France) comprise 24 specimens of Eemian age (ca. 120 ka). The specimens include primarily complete elements, which are rare among the Moula‐Guercy postcrania. The hand remains have several characteristic Neanderthal traits including a laterally facing (parasagittally oriented) second metacarpal‐capitate articulation, a short styloid process, a wide proximal articular surface on the third metacarpal, and absolutely expanded apical tuberosities on the distal hand phalanges relative to modern humans. The foot remains include several incomplete elements along with an antimeric pair of naviculars, a medial cuneiform and cuboid, and a single complete element from each of the distal segments (one each: metatarsal, proximal foot phalanx, intermediate foot phalanx, distal foot phalanx). Consistent among the specimens are relatively wide diaphyses for length in the metatarsals and phalanges and large and prominent muscle attachments, both consistent with previously published Neanderthal morphology. The hand and foot collection from Moula‐Guercy is an important dataset for future studies of Neanderthal functional morphology, dexterity, and behavior as it represents a previously undersampled time period for European Neanderthals. Am J Phys Anthropol 152:516–529, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tetracycline release from chitosan/fish‐scale‐based membranes
Authors: Cortes Gracy Karla da R. , Vieira Eunice F. S. , Cestari Antonio R. , Chagas Renata A.
Published: October 2013

In this study, we aimed to develop new biocompatible membranes on the basis of chitosan (CHIT) and fish scale powder (ESC) from the species Leporinus elongatus. The possibility of using the uncrosslinked membrane (ESC/CHIT) and membrane crosslinked with sodium tetraborate (ESC/CHIT‐B) for tetracycline release was investigated. The drug‐release kinetics were studied at 30 and 37°C in phosphate buffered saline (pH 7.4). For ESC/CHIT, the drug release was faster, about 6 days, whereas the release time of tetracycline impregnated in ESC/CHIT‐B was about 7 days. The in vitro release behavior of tetracycline from both membranes followed the Peppas and Higuchi kinetic models. The kinetics of drug release from ESC/CHIT were regarded as a coupled diffusion/polymer relaxation mechanism, whereas drug release from ESC/CHIT‐B seemed to be controlled by polymer relaxation. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2014, 131, 39943.
Prejudice‐reduction in Culturally Mixed Classrooms: The Development and Assessment of a Theory‐driven Intervention Among Majority and Minority Youth in Finland
Authors: Liebkind Karmela , Mähönen Tuuli Anna , Solares Emilia , Solheim Erling , Jasinskaja‐Lahti Inga
Published: October 2013

The aim of this field experiment was to develop and assess an intervention promoting positive intergroup relations in culturally diverse schools. The intervention was based on extended contact and social learning and utilized behavioural journalism as its method. Intervention effects were assessed on out‐group attitudes, perceived importance of future contact, perceived peer norms and intergroup anxiety among ethnic majority (N = 583) and minority (N = 214) youth in grades 7–9 in Finnish secondary schools (total Nexperimental = 388; total Ncontrol = 409). As a result of the intervention, both groups showed a tendency to perceive future intergroup contact as more important, and this effect was most notable for younger participants and girls. Prototypicality of in‐group and out‐group peer models contributed positively to intervention effects. However, unexpectedly, the intervention also increased experiences of intergroup anxiety among the oldest participants. The results are discussed taking into account the developmental stage of the youth studied. Besides critically assessing the effectiveness of the intervention, recommendations for improving theory‐driven prejudice‐reduction and for the development of future interventions in culturally diverse contexts are given. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Copper‐Assisted Click Reactions for Activity‐Based Proteomics: Fine‐Tuned Ligands and Refined Conditions Extend the Scope of Application
Authors: Rudolf Georg C. , Sieber Stephan A.
Published: October 2013

Copper‐catalysed alkyne–azide 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition (CuAAC) is the predominantly used bioconjugation method in the field of activity‐based protein profiling (ABPP). Several limitations, however, including conversion efficiency, protein denaturation and buffer compatibility, restrict the scope of established procedures. We introduce an ABPP customised click methodology based on refined CuAAC conditions together with new accelerating copper ligands. A screen of several triazole compounds revealed the cationic quaternary {3‐[4‐({bis[(1‐tert‐butyl‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)methyl]amino}methyl)‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐1‐yl]propyl}trimethylammonium trifluoroacetate (TABTA) to be a superior ligand. TABTA exhibited excellent in vitro conjugation kinetics and optimal ABPP labelling activity while almost exclusively preserving the native protein fold. The application of this CuAAC‐promoting system is amenable to existing protocols with minimal perturbations and is even compatible with previously unusable buffer systems such as Tris⋅HCl.
Novel mitral clipping technique overcoming extreme atrial dilatation
Authors: Tiroch Klaus , Vorpahl Marc , Seyfarth Melchior
Published: October 2013

The mitral clipping technique is emerging as a promising new treatment option for severe mitral regurgitation. The device was designed and assessed in intermediate risk populations, which is in contrast to the real world, where most patients are deemed to be at very high risk for open heart surgery. The cardiac anatomy of these patients often challenges the freedom grades of the current mitral clip device. In this case presentation, we describe a novel technique overcoming extreme atrial dilation in a patient with severe mitral regurgitation despite previous implantation of two mitral clips. Based on a low/anterior trans‐septal puncture, this procedure relied on a counter clock‐wise 90° turn of the steerable sheath and alignment of the clip delivery system to the mitral valve, thereby gaining additional longitudinal freedom. This resulted in the successful implantation of two additional clips with achievement of a mild to moderate mitral regurgitation without relevant gradient and dramatic and sustained clinical improvement of the patient. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nanopalladium on Amino‐Functionalized Mesocellular Foam as an Efficient and Recyclable Catalyst for the Selective Transfer Hydrogenation of Nitroarenes to Anilines
Authors: Verho Oscar , Nagendiran Anuja , Tai Cheuk‐Wai , Johnston Eric V. , Bäckvall Jan‐E.
Published: October 2013

Herein, we report on the use of nanopalladium on amino‐functionalized siliceous mesocellular foam as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for the transfer hydrogenation of nitroarenes to anilines. In all cases, the protocol proved to be highly selective and favored the formation of the desired aniline as the single product in high yields with short reaction times if naturally occurring and renewable γ‐terpinene was employed as the hydrogen donor. Furthermore, the catalyst displayed excellent recyclability over five cycles and negligible leaching of metal into solution, which makes it an eco‐friendly and economic catalyst to perform this transformation. The scalability of the protocol was demonstrated with the reduction of 4‐nitroanisole on a 2 g scale, in which p‐anisidine was isolated in 98 % yield.
Silver Ion Promoted, PdII‐Catalyzed Arylation of Arenes with a Free Amine as Directing Group in Aqueous Medium
Authors: Liang Zunjun , Yao Jinzhong , Wang Kai , Li Haoran , Zhang Yuhong
Published: October 2013

Palladium(II)‐catalyzed arylation of arenes with aryl boronic acids and a free amine as directing group in aqueous medium has been developed. High reactivity and chemoselectivity for the formation of carbon–carbon bonds were achieved by the use of soluble silver salts. The addition of water is crucial to improve the arylation yield.
Low 25(OH) vitamin D3 levels are associated with adverse outcome in newly diagnosed, intensively treated adult acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Lee Hun Ju , Muindi Josephia R. , Tan Wei , Hu Qiang , Wang Dan , Liu Song , Wilding Gregory E. , Ford Laurie A. , Sait Sheila N. J. , Block Annemarie W. , Adjei Araba A. , Barcos Maurice , Griffiths Elizabeth A. , Thompson James E , Wang Eunice S. , Johnson Candace S. , Trump Donald L. , Wetzler Meir
Published: October 2013

BACKGROUND

Several studies have suggested that low 25(OH) vitamin D3 levels may be prognostic in some malignancies, but no studies have evaluated their impact on treatment outcome in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

METHODS

Vitamin D levels were evaluated in 97 consecutive, newly diagnosed, intensively treated patients with AML. MicroRNA expression profiles and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the 25(OH) vitamin D3 pathway genes were evaluated and correlated with 25(OH) vitamin D3 levels and treatment outcome.

RESULTS

Thirty‐four patients (35%) had normal 25(OH) vitamin D3 levels (32‐100 ng/mL), 34 patients (35%) had insufficient levels (20‐31.9 ng/mL), and 29 patients (30%) had deficient levels (<20 ng/mL). Insufficient/deficient 25(OH) vitamin D3 levels were associated with worse relapse‐free survival (RFS) compared with normal vitamin D3 levels. In multivariate analyses, deficient 25(OH) vitamin D3, smoking, European Leukemia Network genetic group, and white blood cell count retained their statistical significance for RFS. Several microRNAs and SNPs were associated with 25(OH) vitamin D3 levels, although none remained significant after multiple test corrections; one 25(OH) vitamin D3 receptor SNP, rs10783219, was associated with a lower complete remission rate (P = .0442) and with shorter RFS (P = .0058) and overall survival (P = .0011).

CONCLUSIONS

It remains to be determined what role microRNA and SNP profiles play in contributing to low 25(OH) vitamin D3 level and/or outcome and whether supplementation will improve outcomes for patients with AML. Cancer 2014;120:521–529. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
An international phase 3 trial in head and neck cancer: Quality of life and symptom results
Authors: Bottomley Andrew , Tridello Gloria , Coens Corneel , Rolland Frederic , Tesselaar Margot E.T. , Leemans C. Rene , Hupperets Pierre , Licitra Lisa , Vermorken Jan B. , Van Den Weyngaert Danielle , Truc Gilles , Barillot Isabelle , Lefebvre Jean‐Louis
Published: October 2013

BACKGROUND

The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) 24954 phase 3 randomized clinical trial compared 2 schemes of combined chemotherapy for patients with resectable cancers of the hypopharynx and larynx: sequential induction chemotherapy and radiotherapy versus alternating chemoradiotherapy. The current study reports detailed effects of both treatment arms on health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) and symptoms.

METHODS

A total of 450 patients aged 35 years to 76 years (World Health Organization performance status (WHO PS) ≤ 2) with untreated, resectable advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx (tumor classification of T3‐T4) or hypopharynx (tumor classification of T2‐T3‐T4) with regional lymph nodes in the neck classified as N0 to N2 with no metastases were randomized in this prospective phase 3 trial into either the sequential arm (control) or the alternating arm (experimental). QOL assessment was performed at randomization; at baseline; at 42 days; and at 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 months.

RESULTS

There were no observed differences with regard to the primary endpoint of Fatigue and secondary endpoint of Dyspnea. Significant differences were found in the secondary endpoints of Swallowing and Speech problems at 42 days after randomization in favor of patients in the sequential arm. Explanatory and sensitivity analysis revealed that the primary analysis favored the sequential arm, but the majority of differences in HRQOL did not exist at the end of treatment, and returned to baseline levels.

CONCLUSIONS

In the current study, a trend toward worse scores was noted in the patients treated on the alternating chemoradiotherapy arm but very few differences reached the level of statistical significance. The HRQOL scores of the majority of patients returned to baseline after therapy. Cancer 2014;120:390–398. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
GPU‐based acceleration of computations in nonlinear finite element deformation analysis
Authors: Mafi Ramin , Sirouspour Shahin
Published: October 2013

The physics of deformation for biological soft‐tissue is best described by nonlinear continuum mechanics‐based models, which then can be discretized by the FEM for a numerical solution. However, computational complexity of such models have limited their use in applications requiring real‐time or fast response. In this work, we propose a graphic processing unit‐based implementation of the FEM using implicit time integration for dynamic nonlinear deformation analysis. This is the most general formulation of the deformation analysis. It is valid for large deformations and strains and can account for material nonlinearities. The data‐parallel nature and the intense arithmetic computations of nonlinear FEM equations make it particularly suitable for implementation on a parallel computing platform such as graphic processing unit. In this work, we present and compare two different designs based on the matrix‐free and conventional preconditioned conjugate gradients algorithms for solving the FEM equations arising in deformation analysis. The speedup achieved with the proposed parallel implementations of the algorithms will be instrumental in the development of advanced surgical simulators and medical image registration methods involving soft‐tissue deformation. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neural Gray: A color constancy technique using neural network
Authors: Faghih Mohammad Mehdi , Moghaddam Mohsen Ebrahimi
Published: October 2013

Color constancy is the ability of computing color constant descriptors of objects independent of the light illuminating the scene. Although many algorithms exist for color constancy, they are all based on specific assumptions and none of these algorithms can be considered as universal. Gray World and Gray Edge are some samples of such methods. The Gray‐World assumption and its variants form a class of color constancy algorithms that are called Gray algorithms. Although the Gray algorithms provide a good approximation of scene illuminant in many times, their performances are low when the Gray assumptions are not satisfied completely. In this article, we proposed a method to improve the Gray algorithms. This method which is called Neural Gray employs a neural network to model the Gray assumptions based on image statistics. In other words, Gray algorithms act as a global search to find the neighborhoods of the scene illuminant vector then the neural network acts as a local search and compensates the algorithms error. Experiments on some benchmark datasets showed that the proposed approach improved the performance of Gray algorithms and it also outperforms state of the art methods. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 39, 571–581, 2014
Super‐Resolution Microscopy: Going Live and Going Fast
Authors: Lakadamyali Melike
Published: October 2013

Super‐resolution microscopy is increasingly becoming an important tool for biological research, providing valuable information at the nanometer‐length scales inside cells and tissues. In the past decade numerous technological advancements have transformed super‐resolution microscopes into powerful tools of discovery. While the first super‐resolution images took several hours to acquire, recent progress has led to tremendous improvement in acquisition speed, enabling researchers to probe dynamic processes in living cells with unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution. This minireview focuses on the recent developments in live‐cell super‐resolution microscopy and its biological applications.
p40 (ΔNp63) is more specific than p63 and cytokeratin 5 in identifying squamous cell carcinoma of bronchopulmonary origin: A review and comparative analysis
Authors: Vogt Adam P. , Cohen Cynthia , Siddiqui Momin T.
Published: October 2013

The therapeutic options now available for pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma (SQCC) and adenocarcinoma (ADC) are very different. The increasing demand to make a diagnosis on minimal tissue, ancillary techniques such as immunohistochemistry (IHC) are need to be highly sensitive and specific. The IHC marker p40 (ΔNp63) is a truncated isoform of p63 that is a promising IHC marker for SQCC. In this study, we have compared the specificity of p40(ΔNp63) IHC with p63 and cytokeratin 5 (CK5) on fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) cell blocks (CB). Thirty cases of pulmonary SQCC and 30 cases of pulmonary ADC with CB were selected. IHC for p40(ΔNp63), p63, and CK5 were performed on all paraffin‐embedded CB serial sections. All cases (n = 30) of SQCC stained positive for p40(ΔNp63). All cases of bronchopulmonary ADC were negative for both p40(ΔNp63) and CK5. Six cases (20%) of bronchopulmonary ADC demonstrated nuclear staining for p63 in at least 10% of malignant cells. Our data support p40(ΔNp63) to be more sensitive and specific and possess a greater positive and negative predictive value for SQCC in comparison to p63. This study also documents that p40(ΔNp63) does not stain ADC, which p63 does in 20% of the cases. We also found that p40(ΔNp63) shows a greater sensitivity and negative predictive value when compared to CK5. In paucicellular CB the increased indices p40(ΔNp63) provides may be extremely helpful in confirming the diagnosis of SQCC, which may have significant therapeutic implications. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2014;42:453–458. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fine‐Needle aspiration cytology of primary renal angiosarcoma with histopathologic and immunocytochemical correlation
Authors: Grapsa D. , Sakellariou S. , Politi E.
Published: October 2013

Primary renal angiosarcoma is an extremely rare neoplasm, with fewer than 28 cases reported thus far in the English literature. We report for the first time the cytomorphology and immunocytochemistry of this tumor in liquid‐based (ThinPrep) fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) samples in correlation with the conventional cytologic and histopathologic findings. Conventional smears showed pleomorphic tumor cells focally arranged in structures suggesting anastomosing vascular channels, while ThinPrep smears were less cellular with fewer and smaller tumor cells arranged in clusters or rosette‐like formations. Immunocytochemical staining demonstrated positive results for vimentin, CD31, and CD34 and negative staining for epithelial markers, thus supporting the diagnosis of a mesenchymal tumor of vascular origin. The diagnosis of primary renal angiosarcoma was established after histopathologic evaluation of a metastatic liver nodule. The cytological differential diagnosis of this neoplasm and the utility of the ThinPrep method as a diagnostic adjunct to conventional FNA cytology are further discussed. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2014;42:872–876. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Subclassification of “atypia of undetermined significance” in thyroid fine‐needle aspirates
Authors: Wu Howard H. , Inman Ashley , Cramer Harvey M.
Published: October 2013

To identify the subtypes of atypia of undetermined significance (AUS) that confers a different magnitude for the risk of malignancy (RM), thyroid fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) cases carrying a diagnosis of “atypical follicular cells” or “follicular lesion” with surgical pathology followup were included in this study. The direct smears of the aspirates were rereviewed and subclassified into four subgroups based on cytomorphology: AUS cannot exclude follicular neoplasm (AUS‐FN), AUS cannot exclude Hürthle cell neoplasm (AUS‐HCN), AUS cannot exclude papillary carcinoma (AUS‐PTC) and AUS, not otherwise specified (AUS‐NOS). Based on the followup histopathologic findings, RM not including papillary microcarcinoma (PMC), RM including PMC and the risk of neoplasm (RN) were calculated for each of the four AUS subgroups. A total of 138 AUS cases were subclassified into AUS‐NOS (48), AUS‐PTC (41), AUS‐FN (32), and AUS‐HCN (17). RM not including PMC was 32% for AUS‐PTC (P < 0.001), 25% for AUS‐FN, 8% for AUS‐NOS, 0% for AUS‐HCN, and 18% for all AUS cases. RM including PMC was 54% for AUS‐PTC (P < 0.001), 34% for AUS‐FN, 19% for AUS‐NOS, 18% for AUS‐HCN, and 33% for all AUS cases. RN was 63% for AUS‐PTC (P = 0.05), 81% for AUS‐FN (P < 0.01), AUS‐HCN 53%, AUS‐NOS 44% and 59% for all cases. In our study, subclassification enabled us to further divide AUS cases into high‐ and low‐risk groups. The high‐risk group includes AUS‐PTC with a significantly higher risk of malignancy and AUS‐FN with a significantly higher risks of neoplasm. AUS‐HCN and AUS‐NOS subgroups demonstrate a lower risk of malignancy of <10%. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2014;42:23–29. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Uterine cervical ectopy during reproductive age: Cytological and microbiological findings
Authors: Junior José Eleutério , Giraldo Paulo César , Gonçalves Ana Katherine Silveira , do Amaral Rose Luce Gomes , Linhares Iara Moreno
Published: October 2013

Cervical ectopy is common in adolescents, pregnant women, and those taking high doses of estrogen‐containing contraceptives. The majority of cases have spontaneous reversion, but some cases can be persistent. Studies suggested that the adequacy of a Pap smear could be affected and there is an increased risk cervical infections. This study is a cross‐sectional study conducted from December 2009 to February 2011 with 457 women with cervical ectopy and 736 without ectopy. Cervical samples were collected in vials for analysis by ThinPrep cytology (Hologic, Marlborough, MA). The Mann–Whitney test and Fisher's exact test (95% CI) were applied. The study was approved by the ethics committee of the Federal University of Ceará. The mean ages of the study group and control group were 28.7 (±14.8) and 33.6 (±7.5) years old, respectively (P < 0.0001). Negative diagnosis for malignancy and intraepithelial lesion was present in 399 (87%) cases and 705 (96%) in the study and control groups, respectively (P < 0.0001). Shift in the flora suggestive of bacterial vaginosis (BV) was observed more frequently in the study group: 74 (16.2%) than in the control group: 86(11.7%) (P = 0.017). The differences among the other morphotypes showed no significance. The smears were atypical in 12.7% (58/457) of the patients from the study group and in 4.2% (31/736) in the control group (P < 0.001; RR = 3 [2.033–4.712]). The association between ectopy and inflammatory cytology, the presence of the shift in the flora suggestive of BV and cytological atypia is evident. Diagn. Cytopathol 2014;42:401–404. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An automated sample preparation for detection of 72 doping‐related substances
Authors: Cuervo Darío , Díaz‐Rodríguez Pablo , Muñoz‐Guerra Jesús
Published: October 2013

Automation of sample preparation procedures in a doping control laboratory is of great interest due to the large number of samples that have to be analyzed, especially in large events where a high throughput protocol is required to process samples over 24 h. The automation of such protocols requires specific equipment capable of carrying out the diverse mechanical tasks required for accomplishing these analytical methodologies, which include pipetting, shaking, heating, or crimping. An automated sample preparation procedure for the determination of doping‐related substances by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) and gas chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (GC‐MS/MS) analysis, including enzymatic hydrolysis, liquid‐phase extraction and derivatization steps, was developed by using an automated liquid handling system. This paper presents a description of the equipment, together with the validation data for 72 doping‐related compounds including extraction efficiency, evaluation of carry‐over, interferences, and robustness. Validation was approached as a comparison between the results obtained using the manual protocol and the transferred automated one. The described methodology can be applied for sample preparation in routine anti‐doping analysis with high sample throughput and suitable performance. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Urine concentrations of oral salbutamol in samples collected after intense exercise in endurance athletes
Authors: Hostrup Morten , Kalsen Anders , Auchenberg Michael , Rzeppa Sebastian , Hemmersbach Peter , Bangsbo Jens , Backer Vibeke
Published: October 2013

Our objective was to investigate urine concentrations of 8 mg oral salbutamol in samples collected after intense exercise in endurance athletes. Nine male endurance athletes with a VO2max of 70.2 ± 5.9 mL/min/kg (mean ± SD) took part in the study. Two hours after administration of 8 mg oral salbutamol, subjects performed submaximal exercise for 15 min followed by two, 2‐min exercise bouts at an intensity corresponding to 110% of VO2max and a bout to exhaustion at same intensity. Urine samples were collected 4, 8, and 12 h following administration of salbutamol. Samples were analyzed by the Norwegian World Anti‐doping Agency (WADA) laboratory. Adjustment of urine concentrations of salbutamol to a urine specific gravity (USG) of 1.020 g/mL was compared with no adjustment according to WADA's technical documents. We observed greater (P = 0.01) urine concentrations of salbutamol 4 h after administration when samples were adjusted to a USG of 1.020 g/mL compared with no adjustment (3089 ± 911 vs. 1918 ± 1081 ng/mL). With the current urine decision limit of 1200 ng/mL for salbutamol on WADA's 2013 list of prohibited substances, fewer false negative urine samples were observed when adjusted to a USG of 1.020 g/mL compared with no adjustment. In conclusion, adjustment of urine samples to a USG of 1.020 g/mL decreases risk of false negative doping tests after administration of oral salbutamol. Adjusting urine samples for USG might be useful when evaluating urine concentrations of salbutamol in doping cases. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The early monocytic response to cytomegalovirus infection is MyD88 dependent but occurs independently of common inflammatory cytokine signals
Authors: Wikstrom Matthew E. , Khong Andrea , Fleming Peter , Kuns Rachel , Hertzog Paul J. , Frazer Ian H. , Andoniou Christopher E. , Hill Geoffrey R. , Degli‐Esposti Mariapia A.
Published: October 2013

Cytomegalovirus latently infects myeloid cells; however, the acute effects of the virus on this cell subset are poorly characterised. We demonstrate that systemic cytomegalovirus infection induced rapid activation of monocytes in the bone marrow, characterised by upregulation of CD69, CD11c, Ly6C and M‐CSF receptor. Activated bone marrow monocytes were more sensitive to M‐CSF and less sensitive to granulocyte‐monocyte colony stimulating factor in vitro, resulting in the generation of more macrophages and fewer dendritic cells, respectively. Monocyte activation was also observed in the periphery and resulted in significant accumulation of monocytes in the spleen. MyD88 expression was required within the haematopoietic compartment to initiate monocyte activation and recruitment. However, monocytes lacking MyD88 were activated and recruited in the presence of MyD88‐sufficient cells in mixed bone marrow chimeras, indicating that once initiated, the process was MyD88 independent. Interestingly, we found that monocyte activation occurred in the absence of the common inflammatory cytokines, namely type I interferons (IFNs), IL‐6, TNF‐α and IL‐1 as well as the NLRP3 inflammasome adaptor protein, ASC. We also excluded a role for the chemokine‐like protein MCK‐2 (m131/129) expressed by murine CMV. Taken together, these results challenge the notion that a single inflammatory cytokine mediates activation and recruitment of monocytes in response to infection.
Synthesis and Crystal Structure of a Salt Containing ∞1{Zn[trans‐μ2(η3:η3‐Ge9)]}2– Anions: A Polymer with Ge9 Zintl Clusters Bridged by Zn Atoms
Authors: Benda Christian B. , Schäper Raphaela , Schulz Stephan , Fässler Thomas F.
Published: October 2013

The reaction of an ethylenediamine (en) solution of K4Ge9 with Zn2(Mesnacnac)2 {Mesnacnac = [(2,4,6‐Me3C6H2)NC(Me)]2CH} in the presence of 18‐crown‐6 (18‐crown‐6 = 1,4,7,10,13,16‐hexaoxacyclooctadecane) leads to the formation of the new compound [K(18‐crown‐6)]2{Zn[trans‐μ2(η3:η3‐Ge9)]}(en). A crystallographic structure determination revealed that the salt contains ∞1[Zn(Ge9)]2– polyanions in which each Zn atom bridges two Ge9 clusters by coordinating to opposite triangular faces of the Ge9 deltahedra. The polymeric chain can be formally described as consisting of a trans ZnII complex with two [η3:η3‐Ge9]4– ligands. 1H NMR spectroscopic investigations indicated that the protonation of the Mesnacnac– ligand by the solvent ethylenediamine plays a crucial role in the disproportionation of the ZnI starting material and thus in the formation of the polymeric ZnII complex. In contrast, the reaction of ZnPh2 instead of Zn2(Mesnacnac)2 under the same conditions leads to the known complex [PhZn(η4‐Ge9)]3–.
Reproductive suppression in female primates: A review
Authors: Beehner Jacinta C. , Lu Amy
Published: October 2013

Reproductive performance is the currency of evolution. All things being equal, an organism should reproduce as often as possible. The puzzling questions in evolutionary biology, therefore, are not how and why an organismdoesreproduce, but rather how and why an organismdoes notreproduce. It is difficult to understand why any individual, particularly a female, might forestall reproduction when one of the biggest limitations for female mammalian reproduction is time (that is, reproductive lifespan).The answer, now widely cited throughout behavioral ecology is quite simple: Reproductive suppression can be an adaptive strategy.
Cooperation and conflict between women in the family
Authors: Mace Ruth
Published: October 2013

Here I review recent research on reproductive conflict between females in families and how it influences their reproductive behaviour. Kin selection can favor cooperation between parent and offspring, siblings, or unrelated co‐residents who share interests in other family members such as grand‐offspring. However, these are also the individuals most likely to be sharing resources, and so conflict can also emerge. While substantial interest has arisen in evolutionary anthropology, especially over the last two decades, in the possibility of cooperative breeding in humans, less attention has been paid to reproductive conflict among female kin. Communal breeding in animals is generally understood as emerging from competition over the resources needed to breed. Competition for household resources is a problem that also faces human families. Models suggest that in some circumstances, inclusive fitness can be maximized by sharing reproduction rather than harming relatives by fighting with them, even if the shares that emerge are not equal. Thus, competition and cooperation turn out to be strongly related to each other. Reproductive competition within and between families may have underpinned the biological evolution of fertility patterns (such as menopause) and the cultural evolution of marriage, residence, and inheritance norms (such as late male marriage or primogeniture), which can enhance cooperation and minimize the observed incidence of such conflicts.
Antimicrobial Investigation and Structural Study of 4′‐Methylazobenzene‐2‐sulfenyl Thiocyanate by X‐Ray Diffraction, DFT, and Ab Initio HF Calculations
Authors: Bhattacharjee Tirtha , Barman Pranjit , Thakuria Tapan , Sarma Rupam , Dutta Kalita Ranjan , Sarma Bipul
Published: October 2013

4′‐Methylazobenzene‐2‐sulfenyl thio‐cyanate (MABS‐SCN) was synthesized in an aqueous medium and characterized by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. The crystal structure was confirmed by single crystal X‐ray diffraction and its geometry was optimized in ground state by Hartree–Fock model and (B3LYP) density functional theory, and in solution (ethanol) using polarized continuum model at restricted HF using the basis set 6–31+G*. The compound crystallizes in orthorhombic space group Pbca, with unit cell parameters a = 7.165 (7) Å, b = 18.846 (2) Å, c = 20.379 (2) Å, V = 2752.1 (5) Å3, and Z = 8. It attains a planar thiadiazolium salt structure due to strong ortho azo–sulfur interaction imparting exceptional thermal stability, nonreactive solubility in aqueous medium, and high melting crystalline solid nature. A weak intramolecular CH…S type interaction, one CH…S type, four CH…N type intermolecular hydrogen bonds, and van der Waal's interactions are believed to be the stabilizing force for the crystal structure. MABS‐SCN was also tested for antimicrobial activity.