bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ChemInform Abstract: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Studies of Vortices in High Temperature Superconductors
Authors: Mounce A. M. , Oh S. , Halperin W. P.
Published: June 2013

Review: 70 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Selective Photocatalytic Reactions with Organic Photocatalysts
Authors: Fukuzumi Shunichi , Ohkubo Kei
Published: June 2013

Review: 189 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Metal Organic Framework as Solid Catalysts in Condensation Reactions of Carbonyl Groups
Authors: Dhakshinamoorthy Amarajothi , Opanasenko Maksym , Cejka Jiri , Garcia Hermenegildo
Published: June 2013

Review: 100 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Metal‐Free syn‐Dioxygenation of Alkenes
Authors: Rawling Michael J. , Tomkinson Nicholas C. O.
Published: June 2013

Review: 59 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Recent Applications of Arene Diazonium Salts in Organic Synthesis
Authors: Mo Fanyang , Dong Guangbin , Zhang Yan , Wang Jianbo
Published: June 2013

Review: 104 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Osmium‐Catalyzed Oxidative Cyclization of Dienes and Their Derivatives
Authors: Pilgrim Ben S. , Donohoe Timothy J.
Published: June 2013

Review: 61 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Development of Intramolecular Vicinal Diamination of Alkenes: From Palladium to Bromine Catalysis
Authors: Muniz Kilian , Martinez Claudio
Published: June 2013

Review: 67 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Phosphane‐Based Cyclodextrins as Mass Transfer Agents and Ligands for Aqueous Organometallic Catalysis
Authors: Tilloy Sebastien , Binkowski‐Machut Cecile , Menuel Stephane , Bricout Herve , Monflier Eric
Published: June 2013

Review: 41 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Organosulfur and Related Ligands in Suzuki—Miyaura C—C Coupling
Authors: Kumar Arun , Rao Gyandshwar Kumar , Kumar Satyendra , Singh Ajai K.
Published: June 2013

Review: 172 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Catalytic Ring Expansion Adventures
Authors: Njardarson Jon T.
Published: June 2013

Review: about 100 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: New Methods in Organic Synthesis Through Copper‐Catalyzed Borylation Reactions: Stereoselective Synthesis of 1,4‐Diols and Vinylboronates
Authors: Alfaro Ricardo , Parra Alejandro , Aleman Jose , Tortosa Mariola
Published: June 2013

Review: 50 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Hydrogen Bonded Supramolecular Capsules with Functionalized Interiors: The Controlled Orientation of Included Guests
Authors: Adriaenssens Louis , Ballester Pablo
Published: June 2013

Review: 48 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Nano‐Magnetite (Fe3O4) as a Support for Recyclable Catalysts in the Development of Sustainable Methodologies
Authors: Gawande Manoj B. , Branco Paula S. , Varma Rajender S.
Published: June 2013

Review: 189 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Organoboron Acids and Their Derivatives as Catalysts for Organic Synthesis
Authors: Dimitrijevic Elena , Taylor Mark S.
Published: June 2013

Review: 142 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Catalysts Used in Plasma‐Assisted Catalytic Processes: Preparation, Activation, and Regeneration
Authors: Parvulescu Vasile I.
Published: June 2013

Review: 199 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Atmospheric Reactions Between Chlorine Atoms and Some Heterocyclic Compounds
Authors: Cabanas B. , Villanueva F. , Salgado M. S. , Martin P. , Monedero E. , Tapia A.
Published: June 2013

Review: 54 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Handles for Fmoc Solid‐Phase Synthesis of Protected Peptides
Authors: Gongora‐Benitez Miriam , Tulla‐Puche Judit , Albericio Fernando
Published: June 2013

Review: 84 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Application of Gas Hydrate Formation in Separation Processes: A Review of Experimental Studies
Authors: Eslamimanesh Ali , Mohammadi Amir H. , Richon Dominique , Naidoo Paramespri , Ramjugernath Deresh
Published: June 2013

Review: 303 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Electrofluorochromism: From Molecular Systems to Setup and Display
Authors: Audebert P. , Miomandre F.
Published: June 2013

Review: 70 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Fullerene‐Based Self‐Assembled Morphological Materials
Authors: Shen Yanfei , Aimi Junko , Nakanishi Takashi
Published: June 2013

Review: 122 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Supramolecular Hosts for Pristine Fullerenes
Authors: Georghiou Paris E.
Published: June 2013

Review: 45 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Protein Nanotechnology: Research, Development, and Precaution in the Food Industry
Authors: Matsuda Masami , Hunt Geoffrey , Kuboki Yoshinori , Ogino Toshio , Fujisawa Ryuichi , Watari Fumio , Sammons Rachel L.
Published: June 2013

Review: 50 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Fluorine Compounds as Energy Conversion Materials
Authors: Nakajima Tsuyoshi
Published: June 2013

Review: 35 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Biosensors: Sense and Sensibility
Authors: Turner Anthony P. F.
Published: June 2013

Review: 35 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Lessons Learned from Dinuclear Lanthanide Nano‐Magnets
Authors: Habib Fatemah , Murugesu Muralee
Published: June 2013

Review: about 50 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Biomolecule‐Functionalized Polymer Brushes
Authors: Jiang Hui , Xu Fu‐Jian
Published: June 2013

Review: 177 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Arylamine Organic Dyes for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Liang Mao , Chen Jun
Published: June 2013

Review: 238 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Municipal Solid Waste Incinerator (MSWI) Concrete
Authors: Tyrer M.
Published: June 2013

Review: 103 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Drug Solubility: Importance and Enhancement Techniques
Authors: Savjani Ketan T. , Gajjar Anuradha K. , Savjani Jignasa K.
Published: June 2013

Review: 71 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: THz Dynamic Nuclear Polarization NMR
Authors: Nanni Emilio A. , Barnes Alexander B. , Griffin Robert G. , Temkin Richard J.
Published: June 2013

Review: 112 refs.
Antibody‐functionalized nanoparticles for imaging cancer: influence of conjugation to gold nanoparticles on the biodistribution of 89Zr‐labeled cetuximab in mice
Authors: Karmani Linda , Labar Daniel , Valembois Vanessa , Bouchat Virginie , Nagaswaran Praveen Ganesh , Bol Anne , Gillart Jacques , Levêque Philippe , Bouzin Caroline , Bonifazi Davide , Michiels Carine , Feron Olivier , Grégoire Vincent , Lucas Stéphane , Borght Thierry Vander , Gallez Bernard
Published: June 2013

Antibody‐labeled gold nanoparticles represent a promising novel tool regarding cancer imaging and therapy. Nevertheless, the characterization of biodistribution of such immunonanocarriers has been poorly documented. In this study, the biodistribution of 89Zr‐labeled cetuximab before and after the coupling reaction to gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was compared and the quantitative imaging performance of 89Zr immuno‐PET was evaluated. Cetuximab was functionalized with the desferal moiety and labeled with 89Zr (89Zr–Df–Bz–NCS–cetuximab). AuNPs with a mean diameter of 5 nm were synthesized according a new method developed in the laboratory, and conjugated to 89Zr–Df–Bz–NCS–cetuximab using carbodiimide chemistry (AuNPs–PPAA–cetuximab–89Zr). The two tracers were injected in A431 xenograft‐bearing mice. Tumor and liver uptakes were assessed at different times after injection using quantitative PET imaging. The in vivo specificity of the binding was investigated using a saturating dose of unlabeled cetuximab. Radiolabeled cetuximab was conjugated to AuNPs with a coupling reaction yield >75%. All conjugates were stable in vitro and to a lesser extent in plasma. In vivo distribution studies revealed no significant difference in tumor uptake for cetuximab conjugated to nanoparticles up to 72 h after injection, compared with unconjugated cetuximab. Immuno‐PET studies showed that AuNPs–PPAA–cetuximab–89Zr provided high tumor‐to‐background ratio. The liver uptake of AuNPs–PPAA–cetuximab–89Zr was higher, compared with 89Zr–Df–Bz–NCS–cetuximab. In vivo blocking experiments demonstrated selective tumor targeting after coupling reaction. This study showed that the conjugation of AuNPs to cetuximab did not affect its tumor accumulation and that the efficacy of EGFR‐targeted nanoparticles was unaltered. The 89Zr‐labeled cetuximab‐targeted gold nanoparticles could be a valuable tool for theranostic purposes. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Soluble human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) levels in patients with HER2‐positive breast cancer receiving chemotherapy with or without trastuzumab: Results from North Central Cancer Treatment Group adjuvant trial N9831
Authors: Moreno‐Aspitia Alvaro , Hillman David W. , Dyar Stephen H. , Tenner Kathleen S. , Gralow Julie , Kaufman Peter A. , Davidson Nancy E. , Lafky Jacqueline M. , Reinholz Monica M. , Lingle Wilma L. , Kutteh Leila A. , Carney Walter P. , Dueck Amylou C. , Perez Edith A.
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND

Increased soluble human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (sHER2) is an indicator of a poor prognosis in HER2‐positive metastatic breast cancer. In this study, the authors evaluated levels of sHER2 during treatment and at the time of disease recurrence in the adjuvant North Central Cancer Treatment Group N9831 clinical trial.

METHODS

The objectives were to describe sHER2 levels during treatment and at the time of recurrence in patients who were randomized to treatment arms A (standard chemotherapy), B (standard chemotherapy with sequential trastuzumab), and C (standard chemotherapy with concurrent trastuzumab). Baseline samples were available from 2318 patients, serial samples were available from 105 patients, and recurrence samples were available from 124 patients. The cutoff sHER2 value for the assay was 15 ng/mL. Statistical methods included repeated measures linear models, Wilcoxon rank‐sum tests, and Cox regression models.

RESULTS

There were differences between groups in terms of age, menopausal status, and hormone receptor status. Within treatment arms A, B, and C, patients who had baseline sHER2 levels ≥15 ng/mL had worse disease‐free survival than patients who had baseline sHER2 levels <15 ng/mL (arm A: hazard ratio, 1.81; P = .0014; arm B: hazard ratio, 2.08; P = .0015; arm C: hazard ratio, 1.96; P = .01). Among the 124 patients who experienced disease recurrence, sHER2 levels increased from baseline to the time of recurrence in arms A and B but remained unchanged in arm C. Patients who had recurrence sHER2 levels ≥15 ng/mL had a shorter survival after recurrence with a 3‐year overall survival rate of 51% compared with 77% for those who had recurrence sHER2 levels <15 ng/mL (hazard ratio, 2.36; 95% confidence interval, 1.19‐4.70; P = .01).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with early stage, HER2‐positive breast cancer, a high baseline sHER2 level was identified as a prognostic marker associated with shorter disease‐free survival, and a high sHER2 level at recurrence was predictive of shorter survival. Cancer 2013;119:2675–2682. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Lymph node management in patients with paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma
Authors: Dang Nguyen D. , Dang Phuong‐Thanh , Samuelian Jason , Paulino Arnold C.
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND

Paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma (PTRMS) is the most common primary solid tumor arising from the mesenchymal tissue of the testis. Traditionally, retroperitoneal lymph node dissection is not recommended for children aged <10 years because of the morbidity of the procedure and low risk of retroperitoneal lymph node involvement. In the current study, the authors analyzed the patient and tumor characteristics of PTRMS as well as survival outcomes associated with lymph node dissection status.

METHODS

A total of 255 cases of PTRMS were identified from the patient data reported by the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program of the National Cancer Institute from 1973 through 2009.

RESULTS

Among 173 patients aged ≥10 years, lymph node dissection was found to improve the 5‐year overall survival (OS) rate from 64% to 86% (P < 0.01). Conversely, patients aged <10 years fared extremely well regardless of lymph node dissection status; the 5‐year OS rate was 100% and 97%, respectively, for patients who did versus those who did not undergo lymph node dissection (P = .37). The yield of positive lymph nodes was approximately ≥ 20% when < 11 lymph nodes were removed. The incidence of lymph node involvement was also higher in older patients compared with younger patients (40% vs 8%). Radiotherapy improved the OS rate in patients with lymph node involvement (5‐year OS rate: 90% with vs 36% without radiation; P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Lymph node dissection is recommended in patients aged ≥10 years. Radiotherapy is beneficial in patients with lymph node‐positive disease. Cancer 2013;119:3228–3233. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Host–parasite genotypic interactions in the honey bee: the dynamics of diversity
Authors: Evison Sophie E. F. , Fazio Geraldine , Chappell Paula , Foley Kirsten , Jensen Annette B. , Hughes William O. H.
Published: June 2013

Parasites are thought to be a major driving force shaping genetic variation in their host, and are suggested to be a significant reason for the maintenance of sexual reproduction. A leading hypothesis for the occurrence of multiple mating (polyandry) in social insects is that the genetic diversity generated within‐colonies through this behavior promotes disease resistance. This benefit is likely to be particularly significant when colonies are exposed to multiple species and strains of parasites, but host–parasite genotypic interactions in social insects are little known. We investigated this using honey bees, which are naturally polyandrous and consequently produce genetically diverse colonies containing multiple genotypes (patrilines), and which are also known to host multiple strains of various parasite species. We found that host genotypes differed significantly in their resistance to different strains of the obligate fungal parasite that causes chalkbrood disease, while genotypic variation in resistance to the facultative fungal parasite that causes stonebrood disease was less pronounced. Our results show that genetic variation in disease resistance depends in part on the parasite genotype, as well as species, with the latter most likely relating to differences in parasite life history and host–parasite coevolution. Our results suggest that the selection pressure from genetically diverse parasites might be an important driving force in the evolution of polyandry, a mechanism that generates significant genetic diversity in social insects.
Chemical Reactions of Formaldehyde and Acetaldehyde in Supercritical Water
Authors: Tschannen Ryan , Gonzales Aaron , Lee Sunggyu
Published: June 2013

Utilization of biomass and waste products for the production of synthesis gas is an important step towards generating useful fuels from renewable resources. Cellulose and glycerin are two such products that can either be decomposed into useful chemicals or completely gasified. One technique that is used is the decomposition of these compounds in a supercritical water medium. To use this process effectively, a complete and comprehensive understanding of the reaction pathway and the kinetics of decomposition is required. Two of the intermediate compounds produced during the decomposition of cellulose and glycerin in supercritical water are formaldehyde and acetaldehyde. This study was performed to elucidate the various reactions of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde in supercritical water. Experiments were conducted non‐catalytically in a continuous, 0.1 L Haynes 282 alloy reactor at 24.2 MPa with a residence time of 30 s. Temperatures of 500 to 700 °C were investigated at water‐to‐carbon molar feed ratios of 5:1 and 3.8:1 for formaldehyde and acetaldehyde respectively. By using the analysis results for the gas and liquid effluents, reaction schemes were constructed that described the reaction behavior of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde in supercritical water under gasification conditions.
Pragmatism, Evidence, and Mixed Methods Evaluation
Authors: Hall Jori N.
Published: June 2013

Mixed methods evaluation has a long‐standing history of enhancing the credibility of evaluation findings. However, using mixed methods in a utilitarian way implicitly emphasizes convenience over engaging with its philosophical underpinnings (Denscombe, 2008). Because of this, some mixed methods evaluators and social science researchers have been criticized for an a‐paradigmatic stance (Greene, 2007). Critics posit that this seemingly unreflective “what‐works” (Denzin, 2012) approach threatens the validity of findings (Lipscomb, 2008). This chapter maintains this position and argues that evaluators need to examine their philosophical orientations and how this informs credible evidence in mixed methods evaluation. Accordingly, this work provides an overview of Deweyan pragmatism, emphasizing intelligent action. Next, important aspects of intelligent action are used to explore central questions in mixed methods evaluation and evidenced‐based practice. To conclude, a case example, illustrating how intelligent action can inform mixed methods evaluation, is offered. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc., and the American Evaluation Association.
What Does a Transformative Lens Bring to Credible Evidence in Mixed Methods Evaluations?
Authors: Mertens Donna M.
Published: June 2013

Credibility in evaluation is a multifaceted concept that involves consideration of diverse stakeholders' perspectives and purposes. The use of a transformative lens is proposed as a means to bringing issues of social justice and human rights to the foreground in decisions about methodology, credibility of evidence, and use of evaluation findings. ©Wiley Periodicals, Inc., and the American Evaluation Association.
Considering the Evidence‐and‐Credibility Discussion in Evaluation Through the Lens of Dialectical Pluralism
Authors: Burke Johnson R. , Stefurak Tres
Published: June 2013

Credibility of evidence in evaluation is examined through the lens of dialectical pluralism (DP). Principles of procedural justice are a core element of DP and help justify outcomes of its application. A key message is that DP and the associated circle of scientific evidence and knowledge model can aid the evaluation community in producing an inclusive evaluation knowledge generation, dissemination, and use system, where practice‐to‐theory and theory‐to‐practice evidence continually inform each other in a multiple stakeholder environment. ©Wiley Periodicals, Inc., and the American Evaluation Association.
Thinking Outside the Randomized Controlled Trials Experimental Box: Strategies for Enhancing Credibility and Social Justice
Authors: Hesse‐Biber Sharlene
Published: June 2013

Some evaluators employ randomized controlled trials (RCTs) as the gold standard of evidence‐based practice (EBP). Critics of RCT designs argue that RCTs do not include the complexity of program participants' experiences or clinical expertise, and couple this with criticisms that it is difficult to transfer RCT findings from the laboratory to the real world of clinical practice. The evaluation questions applied to RCT designs often exclude issues related to participants' gender, race, class, and other differences, furthering the stereotyping process (Rogers & Ballantyne, 2009). I argue that weaving in a subjectivist methodology and shifting methodological perspectives and methods into RCT‐based evaluations prior to, during, or after the RCT design serves to enhance the credibility and social‐justice RCT praxis. ©Wiley Periodicals, Inc., and the American Evaluation Association.
The Use of Mixed Methods in Randomized Control Trials
Authors: White Howard
Published: June 2013

Evaluations should be issues driven, not methods driven. The starting point should be priority programs to be evaluated or policies to be tested. From this starting point, a list of evaluation questions is identified. For each evaluation question, the task is to identify the best available method for answering that question. Hence it is likely that any one study will contain a mix of methods. A crucial question for an impact evaluation is that of attribution: What difference did the intervention make to the state of the world? (framed in any specific evaluation as the difference a clearly specified intervention or set of interventions made to indicators of interest). For interventions with a large number of units of assignment, this question is best answered with a quantitative experimental or quasi‐experimental design. And for prospective, or ex ante, evaluation designs a randomized control trial (RCT) is very likely to be the best available method for addressing this attribution question if it is feasible. But just the attribution question will be answered. A high‐quality impact evaluation will answer a broader range of evaluation questions of a more process nature, both to inform design and implementation of the program being evaluated and for external validity. Mixed methods combine the counterfactual analysis from an RCT with factual analysis with the use of quantitative and qualitative data to analyze the causal chain, drawing on approaches from a range of disciplines. The factual analysis will address such issues as the quality of implementation, targeting, barriers to participation, or adoption by intended beneficiaries. ©Wiley Periodicals, Inc., and the American Evaluation Association.
The Contribution of Pluralistic Qualitative Approaches to Mixed Methods Evaluations
Authors: Frost Nollaig , Nolas Sevasti‐Melissa
Published: June 2013

There is a strong trend in policy‐making circles for strategic, systemic, and large‐scale interventions. Although such trends make sense in terms of economy of scale and scope, the political will necessary for making these large‐scale interventions a reality is often lacking, and the problem of the transferability of interventions from one local context to another (e.g., from trial conditions to local communities, and then across local communities) remains largely unsolved (Cartwright & Munro, 2010). ©Wiley Periodicals, Inc., and the American Evaluation Association.
Major and trace element composition of the high 3He/4He mantle: Implications for the composition of a nonchonditic Earth
Authors: Jackson Matthew G. , Jellinek A. Mark
Published: June 2013

The bulk composition of the silicate portion of the Earth (BSE) has long been assumed to be tied to chondrites, in which refractory, lithophile elements like Sm and Nd exist in chondritic relative abundances. However, the 142Nd/144Nd ratios of modern terrestrial samples are 18 ± 5 ppm higher than the ordinary‐chondrite reservoir, and this challenges the traditional BSE model. Here we investigate a hypothesis that this terrestrial 142Nd excess is related to a Sm/Nd ratio 6% higher than chondritic. This Sm/Nd ratio yields a superchondritic 143Nd/144Nd (∼0.5130) similar to that identified in the highest 3He/4He mantle reservoir, and we argue that this reservoir represents the BSE composition for lithophile elements. We develop a compositional model for BSE in which the elevated Sm/Nd requires a shift of 143Nd/144Nd from 0.51263 (chondritic) to 0.51300. The new BSE composition is depleted in highly incompatible elements, including K, relative to the chondrite‐based BSE, and offers a solution the “missing” 40Ar paradox. This BSE compositional model requires that >83% of the mantle is depleted to form continental crust. It also implies a ∼30% reduction in BSE U, Th and K, and therefore in the current rate of radiogenic heating and, thus, a proportional increase in the heat flow delivered to surface by plate tectonics. We explore thermal history models including effects related to a newly recognized evolution in the style of plate tectonics over Earth history: The lower radiogenic heat production may delay the onset of core convection and dynamo action to as late as 3.5 Gyr.
Sr‐Nd‐Hf‐Pb isotope and trace element evidence for the origin of alkalic basalts in the Garibaldi Belt, northern Cascade arc
Authors: Mullen Emily K. , Weis Dominique
Published: June 2013

In the Garibaldi Belt, the northern segment of the Cascade arc, basalts at Bridge River Cones, Salal Glacier, and Mt. Meager (BSM volcanic centers) are alkalic, atypical for an arc setting. Subduction signatures are negligible or absent from primitive alkalic basalts from Salal Glacier and Bridge River, while altered oceanic crust may have contributed a minimal amount of fluid at Mt. Meager. More evolved BSM basalts display trace element signatures considered typical of arc lavas, but this is a consequence of deep crustal assimilation rather than primary input from the subducted slab. Primary BSM basalts represent 3–8% melts that segregated from enriched garnet lherzolite at significantly higher temperatures and pressures (70–105 km) than calc‐alkaline Cascade arc basalts. The BSM mantle source is significantly more incompatible element‐enriched than the depleted mantle tapped by calc‐alkaline Cascade arc basalts. The BSM basalts are also isotopically distinct from calc‐alkaline Cascade arc basalts, more similar to MORB and intraplate basalts of the NE Pacific and NW North America. The relatively deep, hot, and geochemically distinct mantle source for BSM basalts is consistent with upwelling asthenosphere. The BSM volcanic centers are close to the projected trace of the Nootka fault, which forms the boundary between the subducting Juan de Fuca plate and the near‐stagnant Explorer plate. A gap or attenuated zone between the plates may promote upwelling of enriched asthenosphere that undergoes low‐degree decompression melting to generate alkalic basalts that are essentially free of slab input yet occur in an arc setting.
Impact of Rapid Point-Of-Care Screening Tests for the Identification of Chronic Hepatitis C Infection
Authors: Liapakis AnnMarie , Lim Joseph K.
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background:

170 million persons worldwide are infected with hepatitis C, many of whom are undiagnosed. Although rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and point-of-care tests (POCTs) provide a time- and cost-saving alternative to conventional laboratory tests, their global uptake partly depends on their performance.

Purpose:

To meta-analyze the diagnostic accuracy of POCTs and RDTs to screen for hepatitis C.

Data Sources

MEDLINE, EMBASE, BIOSIS, and Web of Science (1992 to 2012) and bibliographies of included articles.

Study Selection:

All studies evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of POCTs and RDTs for hepatitis C in adults (aged 18 years).

Data Extraction:

Two independent reviewers extracted data and critiqued study quality.

Data Synthesis:

Of 19 studies reviewed, 18 were meta-analyzed and stratified by specimen type (whole blood, serum, plasma, or oral fluid) or test type (POCT or RDT). Sensitivity was similarly high in POCTs of whole blood (98.9% [95% CI, 94.5% to 99.8%]) and serum or plasma (98.9% [CI, 96.8% to 99.6%]), followed by RDTs of serum or plasma (98.4% [CI, 88.9% to 99.8%]) and POCTs of oral fluid (97.1% [CI, 94.7% to 98.4%]). Specificity was also high in POCTs of whole blood (99.5% [CI, 97.5% to 99.9%]) and serum or plasma (99.7% [CI, 99.3% to 99.9%]), followed by RDTs of serum or plasma (98.6% [CI, 94.9% to 99.6%]) and POCTs of oral fluid (98.2% [CI, 92.2% to 99.6%]).

Limitation:

Lack of data prevented sensitivity analyses of specific tests.

Conclusion:

Data suggest that POCTs of blood (serum, plasma, or whole blood) have the highest accuracy, followed by RDTs of serum or plasma and POCTs of oral fluids. Given their accuracy, convenience, and quick turnaround time, RDTs and POCTs may be useful in expanding first-line screening for hepatitis C.

Primary Funding Source:

Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
Tubulin cofactor A functions as a novel positive regulator of ccRCC progression, invasion and metastasis
Authors: Zhang Peng , Ma Xin , Song Erlin , Chen Weihao , Pang Haigang , Ni Dong , Gao Yu , Fan Yang , Ding Qiang , Zhang Yu , Zhang Xu
Published: June 2013

Microtubules (Mts), which consist of α/β‐tubulin heterodimers, are involved in cancer development and metastasis. Tubulin cofactor A (TBCA) plays crucial roles in modulating tubulin folding and α/β‐tubulin heterodimer polymerization. Here, we identified the aberrant expression of TBCA in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) specimens as well as cell lines and revealed the function of TBCA as a novel positive regulator in ccRCC progression, invasion and metastasis. qRT‐PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry assays confirmed that TBCA was significantly highly expressed in ccRCC specimens and cell lines compared to their corresponding normal kidney tissues and HKC. Accordingly, the influence of TBCA on cell proliferation, apoptosis and invasion/migration was detected through overexpression and knockdown of endogenous TBCA protein level in ccRCC cells via plasmids. Silencing of TBCA expression inhibited the proliferation of 786‐O cells and Caki‐1 cells and promoted the apoptosis of 786‐O cells. Down‐regulation of TBCA expression also reduced the invasion and migration ability of 786‐O cells. Interestingly, overexpression of TBCA did not induce biocharacteristics that directly contrasted to those of TBCA knockdown. Importantly, exploration of the mechanism showed that TBCA could function via modulating cytoskeleton integration and influencing cell cycle progress. Furthermore, down‐regulation of TBCA expression in 786‐O and Caki‐1 cells affected cytoskeleton integration and cell size, induced S/G2 cell cycle arrest and led to cyclineA/E and CDK2 aberrant expression. By investigating novel roles of TBCA in regulation of ccRCC cell progression, invasion and metastasis, our study identified that TBCA may be a potential molecular target for ccRCC therapy.
Knockdown of the cochaperone SGTA results in the suppression of androgen and PI3K/Akt signaling and inhibition of prostate cancer cell proliferation
Authors: Trotta Andrew P. , Need Eleanor F. , Selth Luke A. , Chopra Samarth , Pinnock Carole B. , Leach Damien A. , Coetzee Gerhard A. , Butler Lisa M. , Tilley Wayne D. , Buchanan Grant
Published: June 2013

Solid tumors have an increased reliance on Hsp70/Hsp90 molecular chaperones for proliferation, survival and maintenance of intracellular signaling systems. An underinvestigated component of the chaperone system is the tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR)‐containing cochaperone, which coordinates Hsp70/Hsp90 involvement on client proteins as well as having diverse individual actions. A potentially important cochaperone in prostate cancer (PCa) is small glutamine‐rich TPR‐containing protein alpha (SGTA), which interacts with the androgen receptor (AR) and other critical cancer‐related client proteins. In this study, the authors used small interfering RNA coupled with genome‐wide expression profiling to investigate the biological significance of SGTA in PCa and its influence on AR signaling. Knockdown of SGTA for 72 hr in PCa C4‐2B cells significantly altered expression of >1,900 genes (58% decreased) and reduced cell proliferation (p < 0.05). The regulation of 35% of 5α‐dihydrotestosterone (DHT) target genes was affected by SGTA knockdown, with gene‐specific effects on basal or DHT‐induced expression or both. Pathway analysis revealed a role for SGTA in p53, generic PCa and phosphoinositol kinase (PI3K) signaling pathways; the latter evident by a reduction in PI3K subunit p100β levels and decreased phosphorylated Akt. Immunohistochemical analysis of 64 primary advanced PCa samples showed a significant increase in the AR:SGTA ratio in cancerous lesions compared to patient‐matched benign prostatic hyperplasia tissue (p < 0.02). This study not only provides insight into the biological actions of SGTA and its effect on genome‐wide AR transcriptional activity and other therapeutically targeted intracellular signaling pathways but also provides evidence for PCa‐specific alterations in SGTA expression.
Implementation of the PICCOLO in Infant Mental Health Practice: A Case Study
Authors: Wheeler Rebecca , Ludtke Mary , Helmer Julie , Barna Natalia , Wilson Karol , Oleksiak Carol
Published: June 2013

This case study examined the integration of the PICCOLO tool within home‐based services using an infant mental health approach with a family at risk. The tool was identified as best practice in Michigan and fits well with basic infant mental health theory. A narrative case example shows the use of the tool with a family and in supervision. Some of the benefits of using the PICCOLO within an infant mental health approach include (a) fostering a paradigm shift in multiple relationships from a deficit model toward a focus on strengths, (b) promoting efficacy and a positive outlook in parents, (c) documenting the impact of services on the parent–infant relationship, (d) providing a concrete structure for developmental guidance and strategies for using existing strengths to drive interventions, (e) allowing better sensitivity to unique strengths in families with children with special needs, (f) increasing observation skills and reflective capacity for the therapist.
Organ specific optical imaging of mitochondrial redox state in a rodent model of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia‐1
Authors: Ghanian Zahra , Maleki Sepideh , Park SunYoung , Sorenson Christine M. , Sheibani Nader , Ranji Mahsa
Published: June 2013

Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia‐1 (HHT‐1) is a vascular disease caused by mutations in the endoglin (Eng)/CD105 gene. The objective of this study was to quantify the oxidative state of a rodent model of HHT‐1 using an optical imaging technique. We used a cryofluorescence imaging instrument to quantitatively assess tissue metabolism in this model. Mitochondrial redox ratio (FAD/NADH), FAD RR, was used as a quantitative marker of the metabolic status and was examined in the kidneys, and eyes of wild‐type and Eng +/– mice. Kidneys and eyes from wild‐type P21, 6W, and 10M old mice showed, respectively, a 9% (±2), 24% (±0.4), 15% (±1), and 23% (±4), 33% (±0.6), and 30% (±2) change in the mean FAD RR compared to Eng +/– mice at the same age. Thus, endoglin haploinsufficiency is associated with less oxidative stress in various organs and mitigation of angiogenesis. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Does Hormone Replacement Normalize Bone Geometry in Adolescents With Anorexia Nervosa?
Authors: DiVasta Amy D , Feldman Henry A , Beck Thomas J , LeBoff Meryl S , Gordon Catherine M
Published: June 2013

Young women with anorexia nervosa (AN) have reduced secretion of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and estrogen contributing to skeletal deficits. In this randomized, placebo-controlled trial, we investigated the effects of oral DHEA + combined oral contraceptive (COC) versus placebo on changes in bone geometry in young women with AN. Eighty women with AN, aged 13 to 27 years, received a random, double-blinded assignment to micronized DHEA (50 mg/day) + COC (20 µg ethinyl estradiol/0.1 mg levonorgestrel) or placebo for 18 months. Measurements of areal bone mineral density (aBMD) at the total hip were obtained by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at 0, 6, 12, and 18 months. We used the Hip Structural Analysis (HSA) program to determine BMD, cross-sectional area (CSA), and section modulus at the femoral neck and shaft. Each measurement was expressed as a percentage of the age-, height-, and lean mass-specific mean from an independent sample of healthy adolescent females. Over the 18 months, DHEA + COC led to stabilization in femoral shaft BMD (0.0 ± 0.5% of normal mean for age, height, and lean mass/year) compared with decreases in the placebo group (−1.1 ± 0.5% per year, p = 0.03). Similarly, CSA, section modulus, and cortical thickness improved with treatment. In young women with AN, adrenal and gonadal hormone replacement improved bone health and increased cross-sectional geometry. Our results indicate that this combination treatment has a beneficial impact on surrogate measures of bone strength, and not only bone density, in young women with AN. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Second‐trimester prenasal and prefrontal skin thickening—Association with MECP2 triplication syndrome
Authors: Wax Joseph R. , Pinette Michael G. , Smith Rosemarie , Chard Renée , Cartin Angelina
Published: June 2013

MECP2 triplication syndrome is a rare and usually lethal genetic disorder characterized by progressive neurologic and cognitive regression. None of the four reported cases describe prenatal sonographic features of affected offspring. We report a second‐trimester fetus with marked prefrontal and prenasal skin thickening, retrognathia, and later, third‐trimester mild cerebral ventriculomegaly. Amniocyte karyotype was normal male, but newborn whole‐genome oligonucleotide microarray showed duplication and triplication of chromosome Xq28 containing the MECP2 gene. Comparative genomic hybridization may be diagnostic in fetuses with prefrontal and prenasal skin thickening, additional sonographic findings, and normal karyotype. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 41:434–437, 2013
Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound of liver lesions related to arterial thrombosis in adult liver transplantation
Authors: Fontanilla Teresa , Noblejas Ana , Cortes Cristina , Minaya Javier , Mendez Santiago , Van den Brule Enrique , Hernando Concepcion Gonzalez , Alfageme Marta , Baños Isolina , Aguirre Elisa
Published: June 2013

Purpose

To describe the contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) features of liver and biliary lesions related to hepatic artery thrombosis in adult patients with orthotopic liver transplantation.

Methods

Gray‐scale ultrasound (US), Doppler US, and CEUS using a hexafluoride‐based US contrast media were performed on a series of eight patients with liver transplantation and hepatic artery thrombosis.

Results

Six of the cases presented infarctions, seen as parenchymal geographic areas of lack of enhancement. Biliary necrosis, seen as nonenhancing periportal cuff, was seen in one case. Infected biloma, seen as a nonenhancing hilar collection, was present in two cases. Infarction and biloma coexisted in one patient. Two abscesses were seen as a late complication in one case. One of them was seen as a typical necrotic abscess with a central nonenhancing area and peripheral rim enhancement higher than the surrounding liver. The other one was seen as a partially liquefied abscess.

Conclusion

CEUS was useful to diagnose lesions related to hepatic artery thrombosis in liver transplantation. It enabled distinguishing between them and to define their size and extension better than conventional gray‐scale US. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 41:493–500, 2013;
Molecular evolution and expression of archosaurian β‐keratins: Diversification and expansion of archosaurian β‐keratins and the origin of feather β‐keratins
Authors: Greenwold Matthew J. , Sawyer Roger H.
Published: June 2013

The archosauria consist of two living groups, crocodilians, and birds. Here we compare the structure, expression, and phylogeny of the beta (β)‐keratins in two crocodilian genomes and two avian genomes to gain a better understanding of the evolutionary origin of the feather β‐keratins. Unlike squamates such as the green anole with 40 β‐keratins in its genome, the chicken and zebra finch genomes have over 100 β‐keratin genes in their genomes, while the American alligator has 20 β‐keratin genes, and the saltwater crocodile has 21 β‐keratin genes. The crocodilian β‐keratins are similar to those of birds and these structural proteins have a central filament domain and N‐ and C‐termini, which contribute to the matrix material between the twisted β‐sheets, which form the 2–3 nm filament. Overall the expression of alligator β‐keratin genes in the integument increases during development. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrates that a crocodilian β‐keratin clade forms a monophyletic group with the avian scale and feather β‐keratins, suggesting that avian scale and feather β‐keratins along with a subset of crocodilian β‐keratins evolved from a common ancestral gene/s. Overall, our analyses support the view that the epidermal appendages of basal archosaurs used a diverse array of β‐keratins, which evolved into crocodilian and avian specific clades. In birds, the scale and feather subfamilies appear to have evolved independently in the avian lineage from a subset of archosaurian claw β‐keratins. The expansion of the avian specific feather β‐keratin genes accompanied the diversification of birds and the evolution of feathers. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 320B: 393–405, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparative analysis of spread‐F signature and GPS scintillation occurrences at Tucumán, Argentina
Authors: Alfonsi L. , Spogli L. , Pezzopane M. , Romano V. , Zuccheretti E. , De Franceschi G. , Cabrera M. A. , Ezquer R. G.
Published: June 2013

We analyze data recorded from October 2010 to September 2011, during the ascending phase of the 24th solar cycle, from an Advanced Ionospheric Sounder‐Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia ionosonde and a GPS Ionospheric Scintillation and total electron content (TEC) monitor scintillation receiver, colocated at low latitude in the Southern American longitudinal sector (Tucumán, 26.9°S, 294.6°E, magnetic latitude 15.5°S, Argentina). The site offers the opportunity to perform spread‐F and GPS scintillation statistics of occurrence under the southern crest of the equatorial ionospheric anomaly. Spread‐F signatures, classified into four types (strong range spread‐F (SSF), range spread‐F, frequency spread‐F (FSF), and mixed spread‐F), the phase and amplitude scintillation index (σΦ and S4, respectively), the TEC, and the rate of TEC parameter, marker of the TEC gradients, that can cause scintillations, are considered. The seasonal behavior results as follows: the occurrence of all four types of spread‐F is higher in summer and lower in winter, while the occurrence of scintillations peaks at equinoxes in the postsunset sector and shows a minimum in winter. The correspondence between SSF and scintillations seems to be systematic, and a possible correlation between S4 and FSF peaks is envisaged at the terminator. The investigation focused also on two particular periods, from 12 to 16 March 2011 and from 23 to 29 September 2011, both characterized by the simultaneous presence of SSF signatures and scintillation phenomena, allowing to discuss the role of traveling ionospheric disturbances as a strong candidate causing ionospheric irregularities.
Planetary wave‐gravity wave interactions during mesospheric inversion layer events
Authors: Ramesh K. , Sridharan S. , Raghunath K. , Vijaya Bhaskara Rao S. , Bhavani Kumar Y.
Published: June 2013

Rayleigh lidar temperature observations over Gadanki (13.5°N, 79.2°E) show a few mesospheric inversion layer (MIL) events during 20–25 January 2007. The zonal mean removed SABER temperature shows warm anomalies around 50°E and 275°E indicating the presence of planetary wave of zonal wave number 2. The MIL amplitudes in SABER temperature averaged for 10°N–15°N and 70°E–90°E show a clear 2 day wave modulation during 20–28 January 2007. Prior to 20 January 2007, a strong 2day wave (zonal wave number 2) is observed in the height region of 80–90 km and it gets largely suppressed during 20–26 January 2007 as the condition for vertical propagation is not favorable, though it prevails at lower heights. The 10 day mean zonal wind over Tirunelveli (8.7°N, 77.8°E) shows deceleration of eastward winds indicating the westward drag due to wave dissipation. The nightly mean MF radar observed zonal winds show the presence of alternating eastward and westward winds during the period of 20–26 January 2007. The two dimensional spectrum of Rayleigh lidar temperature observations available for the nights of 20, 22, and 24 January 2007 shows the presence of gravity wave activity with periods 18 min, 38 min, 38 min, and vertical wavelengths 6.4 km, 4.0 km, 6.4 km respectively. From the dispersion relation of gravity waves, it is inferred that these waves are internal gravity waves rather than inertia gravity waves with the horizontal phase speeds of ~40 m/s, ~37 m/s, and ~50 m/s respectively. Assuming the gravity waves are eastward propagating waves, they get absorbed only in the eastward local wind fields of the planetary wave thereby causing turbulence and eddy diffusion which can be inferred from the estimation of large drag force due to the breaking of gravity wave leading to the formation of large amplitude inversion events in alternate nights. The present study shows that, the mesospheric temperature inversion is caused mainly due to the gravity wave breaking and the inversion amplitude may get modulated by the interaction between gravity waves and planetary waves. The eddy diffusion associated with gravity wave drag may also cause suppression in the planetary wave activity.
Statistically combining rainfall characteristics estimated from remote‐sensed and rain gauge data sets in the Brazilian Amazon‐Tocantins Basins
Authors: Clarke Robin T. , Buarque Diogo C.
Published: June 2013

This paper explores the use of a parametric geostatistical model for combining rainfall characteristics derived from rain gauge data with the same characteristics derived from remote‐sensed data sets. Hypotheses can then be tested about which predictors significantly increase precision of an estimated characteristic. Although applicable wherever ground‐level data and remote‐sensed data are to be combined, the statistical procedure set out in the paper is developed for two examples of rainfall characteristics: (i) G, the mean annual rainfall at an ungauged site, conditional on knowledge of two predictor variables T (the mean annual rainfall calculated from the TRMM 3B42 data set for 1998–2009), and C (mean annual rainfall derived from the CMORPH data set for 2003–2009); (ii) the mean annual maximum 1 day rainfall H, interpolated using the same modeling procedure with predictor variables T and C derived from annual maximum 1 day rainfalls in the same remote‐sensed data sets. Prediction errors showed no bias, skewness of distribution, or spatial heterogeneity. The model's generality means that it could be used with any predictors other than T and C, possibly derived from other satellite data sets or radar. Provided that predictor variables are correlated with the variable to be predicted, it is not necessary for the model relating them to be fitted using data from identical periods nor for the grid spacing of T and C to be identical. Model performance was evaluated by using a “leave‐one‐site‐out” procedure, which showed that the root mean square error (RMSE) of model predictions at omitted sites was smaller than RMSEs obtained from five other well‐known spatial predictors.
Airborne MAX‐DOAS measurements over California: Testing the NASA OMI tropospheric NO2 product
Authors: Oetjen Hilke , Baidar Sunil , Krotkov Nickolay A. , Lamsal Lok N. , Lechner Michael , Volkamer Rainer
Published: June 2013

Airborne Multi‐AXis Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (AMAX‐DOAS) measurements of NO2 tropospheric vertical columns were performed over California for two months in summer 2010. The observations are compared to the NASA Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) tropospheric vertical columns (data product v2.1) in two ways: (1) Median data were compared for the whole time period for selected boxes, and the agreement was found to be fair (R = 0.97, slope = 1.4 ± 0.1, N = 10). (2) A comparison was performed on the mean of coincident AMAX‐DOAS measurements within the area of the corresponding OMI pixels with the tropospheric NASA OMI NO2 assigned to that pixel. The effects of different data filters were assessed. Excellent agreement and a strong correlation (R = 0.85, slope = 1.05 ± 0.09, N = 56) was found for (2) when the data were filtered to eliminate large pixels near the edge of the OMI orbit, the cloud radiance fraction was <50%, the OMI overpass occurred within 2 h of the AMAX‐DOAS measurements, the flight altitude was >2 km, and a representative sample of the footprint was taken by the AMAX‐DOAS instrument. The AMAX‐DOAS and OMI data sets both show a reduction of NO2 tropospheric columns on weekends by 38 ± 24% and 33 ± 11%, respectively. The assumptions in the tropospheric satellite air mass factor simulations were tested using independent measurements of surface albedo, aerosol extinction, and NO2 profiles for Los Angeles for July 2010 indicating an uncertainty of 12%.