bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isthmic‐vaginal smear cytology in the follow‐up after radical vaginal trachelectomy for early stage cervical cancer: Is it safe?
Authors: Lanowska Malgorzata , Mangler Mandy , Grittner Ulrike , Akbar Gerta Rose , Speiser Dorothee , von Tucher Elisabeth , Köhler Christhardt , Schneider Achim , Kühn Wolfgang
Published: January 2014

BACKGROUND

Isthmic‐vaginal cytology is a follow‐up method in patients who have undergone radical vaginal trachelectomy (RVT) for early cervical cancer. However, to the authors' knowledge, little is known regarding its ability to monitor patients and diagnose disease recurrence. Herein, the authors report their experience with cytology after RVT compared with cytology in patients after cone biopsy and women undergoing screening.

METHODS

A database of 563 specimens from 303 patients was analyzed retrospectively (RVT in 361 specimens, conization in 102 specimens, and screening in 100 specimens). The following criteria were applied: Bethesda system, the presence of endocervical and metaplasia cells, regeneration criteria, vaginal flora, and morphological signs of human papillomavirus. The analysis was performed by 2 cytopathologists. Differences between the groups and correlation between the cytopathologists were analyzed.

RESULTS

Smears without endocervical and metaplasia cells were significantly less frequent among the patients who underwent RVT. There was no difference in regeneration signs, vaginal flora, and morphologic signs of human papillomavirus between the groups. After RVT, 26/23 smears (cytopathologist 1/cytopathologist 2) smears were diagnosed as abnormal. Biopsies revealed 7 cases of dysplasia and 1 case of disease recurrence. After conization, 1 patient was diagnosed with a low‐grade lesion on cytology; follow‐up cytology was normal. In the screening, 10/13 smears were diagnosed with lesions on cytology; biopsy revealed dysplasia in 2 cases. The correlation between both cytopathologists was high.

CONCLUSIONS

After RVT, histological verification of cytology is frequently needed. The reasons might include alterations of anatomy, regeneration, and inflammation process after RVT. Cytopathologists should become familiar with the spectrum of changes in post‐RVT cytology and communication between cytopathologists and clinicians should be improved. This might reduce false‐positive results. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2014;122:349–358. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Restoration of quinine‐stimulated fos‐immunoreactive neurons in the central nucleus of the amygdala and gustatory cortex following reinnervation or cross‐reinnervation of the lingual taste nerves in rats
Authors: King Camille Tessitore , Garcea Mircea , Spector Alan C.
Published: January 2014

Remarkably, when lingual gustatory nerves are surgically rerouted to inappropriate taste fields in the tongue, some taste functions recover. We previously demonstrated that quinine‐stimulated oromotor rejection reflexes and neural activity (assessed by Fos immunoreactivity) in subregions of hindbrain gustatory nuclei were restored if the posterior tongue, which contains receptor cells that respond strongly to bitter compounds, was cross‐reinnervated by the chorda tympani nerve. Such functional recovery was not seen if instead, the anterior tongue, where receptor cells are less responsive to bitter compounds, was cross‐reinnervated by the glossopharyngeal nerve, even though this nerve typically responds robustly to bitter substances. Thus, recovery depended more on the taste field being reinnervated than on the nerve itself. Here, the distribution of quinine‐stimulated Fos‐immunoreactive neurons in two taste‐associated forebrain areas was examined in these same rats. In the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA), a rostrocaudal gradient characterized the normal quinine‐stimulated Fos response, with the greatest number of labeled cells situated rostrally. Quinine‐stimulated neurons were found throughout the gustatory cortex, but a “hot spot” was observed in its anterior–posterior center in subregions approximating the dysgranular/agranular layers. Fos neurons here and in the rostral CeA were highly correlated with quinine‐elicited gapes. Denervation of the posterior tongue eliminated, and its reinnervation by either nerve restored, numbers of quinine‐stimulated labeled cells in the rostralmost CeA and in the subregion approximating the dysgranular gustatory cortex. These results underscore the remarkable plasticity of the gustatory system and also help clarify the functional anatomy of neural circuits activated by bitter taste stimulation. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:2498–2517, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Localization of tyrosine hydroxylase‐like immunoreactivity in the nervous systems of Biomphalaria glabrata and Biomphalaria alexandrina, intermediate hosts for schistosomiasis
Authors: Vallejo Deborah , Habib Mohamed R. , Delgado Nadia , Vaasjo Lee O. , Croll Roger P. , Miller Mark W.
Published: January 2014

Planorbid snails of the genus Biomphalaria are major intermediate hosts for the digenetic trematode parasite Schistosoma mansoni. Evidence suggests that levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine (DA) are reduced during the course of S. mansoni multiplication and transformation within the snail. This investigation used immunohistochemical methods to localize tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the rate‐limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of catecholamines, in the nervous system of Biomphalaria. The two species examined, Biomphalaria glabrata and Biomphalaria alexandrina, are the major intermediate hosts for S. mansoni in sub‐Saharan Africa, where more than 90% of global cases of human intestinal schistosomiasis occur. TH‐like immunoreactive (THli) neurons were distributed throughout the central nervous system (CNS) and labeled fibers were present in all commissures, connectives, and nerves. Some asymmetries were observed, including a large distinctive neuron (LPeD1) in the pedal ganglion described previously in several pulmonates. The majority of TH‐like immunoreactive neurons were detected in the peripheral nervous system (PNS), especially in lip and foot regions of the anterior integument. Independent observations supporting the dopaminergic phenotype of THli neurons included 1) block of LPeD1 synaptic signaling by the D2/3 antagonist sulpiride, and 2) the similar localization of aqueous aldehyde (FaGlu)‐induced fluorescence. The distribution of THli neurons indicates that, as in other gastropods, dopamine functions as a sensory neurotransmitter and in the regulation of feeding and reproductive behaviors in Biomphalaria. It is hypothesized that infection could stimulate transmitter release from dopaminergic sensory neurons and that dopaminergic signaling could contribute to modifications of both host and parasite behavior. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:2532–2552, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
DSCAM localization and function at the mouse cone synapse
Authors: de Andrade Gabriel Belem , Long Samuel S. , Fleming Harrison , Li Wei , Fuerst Peter G.
Published: January 2014

The Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule (DSCAM) is required for regulation of cell number, soma spacing, and cell type–specific dendrite avoidance in many types of retinal ganglion and amacrine cells. In this study we assay the organization of cells making up the outer plexiform layer of the retina in the absence of Dscam. Some types of OFF bipolar cells, type 3b and type 4 bipolar cells, had defects in dendrite arborization in the Dscam mutant retina, whereas other cell types appeared similar to wild type. The cone synapses that these cells project their dendrites to were intact, as visualized by electron microscopy, and had a distribution and density that was not significantly different from that of wild type. The spacing of type 3b bipolar cell dendrites was further analyzed by Voronoi domain analysis, density recovery profiling (DRP) analysis, and nearest neighbor analysis. Spacing was found to be significantly different when wild‐type and mutant type 3b bipolar cell dendrites were compared. Defects in arborization of these bipolar cells could not be attributed to the disorganization of inner plexiform layer cells that occurs in the Dscam mutant retina or an increase in cell number, as they arborized when Dscam was targeted in retinal ganglion cells only or in the bax null retina. Localization of DSCAM was assayed and the protein was localized near to cone synapses in mouse, macaque, and ground squirrel retinas. DSCAM protein was detected in several types of bipolar cells, including type 3b and type 4 bipolar cells. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:2609–2633, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Silole‐Infiltrated Photonic Crystal Films as Effective Fluorescence Sensor for Fe3+ and Hg2+
Authors: Zhang Yuqi , Li Xiangdong , Gao Loujun , Qiu Jianhua , Heng Liping , Tang Ben Zhong , Jiang Lei
Published: January 2014

We develop a highly effective silole‐infiltrated photonic crystal (PC) film fluorescence sensor with high sensitivity, good selectivity and excellent reproducibility for Fe3+ and Hg2+ ions. Hexaphenylsilole (HPS) infiltrated PCs show amplified fluorescence due to the slow photon effect of PC because the emission wavelength of HPS is at the blue band edge of the selected PC’s stopband. The fluorescence can be quenched significantly by Fe3+/Hg2+ ions owing to electron transfer between HPS and metal ions. The amplified fluorescence enhances the sensitivity of detection, with a detection limit of 5 nM for Fe3+/Hg2+ ions. The sensor is negligibly responsive to other metal ions and can easily be reproduced by rinsing with pure water due to the special surface wettability of PC. As a result, a highly effective Fe3+/Hg2+ ions sensor based on HPS‐infiltrated PC film has been achieved, which will be important for effective and practical detection of heavy metal ions.
Quantification of 3‐Monochloropropane‐1,2‐diol Esters in Edible Oils by Large‐Volume Injection Coupled to Comprehensive Gas Chromatography–Time‐of‐Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: de Koning Sjaak
Published: January 2014

3‐Monochloropropane‐1,2‐diol (3‐MCPD) esters are a group of process contaminants formed during the refining of edible oils and fats. A method for the determination of 3‐MCPD esters in such oils and fats based on large‐volume injection–comprehensive gas chromatography–time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (LVI–GC×GC–ToF MS) is presented. The simplified method for sample preparation consists of alkaline hydrolysis followed by extraction of 3‐MCPD from the lipid matrix and derivatization using phenylboronic acid. The limit of detection was 0.8 μg kg−1, reported as free 3‐MCPD. The repeatability was better than 2.7 % relative standard deviation for levels around 0.5 μg g−1 3‐MCPD. The GC×GC–ToF MS system was shown to be stable over 100 analyses.
Chiral Cyclic Trinuclear Gold(I) Complexes with a Helical Columnar Phase
Authors: Beltrán Eduardo , Barberá Joaquín , Serrano José Luis , Elduque Anabel , Giménez Raquel
Published: January 2014

Cyclic trinuclear gold(I) complexes with chiral 3,5‐diarylpyrazolate ligands have been synthesized and characterized with the aim of obtaining helical columnar liquid‐crystal phases as a way to control the stacking geometry and orientation of the trigold metallacycle in the bulk phase. The compounds bear n‐decyloxy‐ and/or (S)‐3,7‐dimethyloctyloxy terminal groups in a number varying from twelve to eighteen. The compounds behave like isotropic glasses, crystalline solids, or columnar liquid crystals (of hexagonal or rectangular symmetry), with isotropization temperatures close to room temperature. In the case of the compound bearing nine n‐decyloxy‐ and nine (S)‐3,7‐dimethyloctyloxy terminal groups, a helical columnar phase is obtained that exhibits a well‐formed hexagonal bidimensional lattice made of columns that consist of molecules stacked at regular distances and mutually rotated by 40° in a helical mode. Thin films display emission bands at room temperature in the blue region of the visible spectra, regardless of the phase or the molecular structure.
Growth of Uranyl Hydroxide Nanowires and Nanotubes by the Electrodeposition Method and Their Transformation to One‐Dimensional U3O8 Nanostructures
Authors: Wang Lin , Zhao Ran , Gu Zhan‐jun , Zhao Yu‐liang , Chai Zhi‐fang , Shi Wei‐qun
Published: January 2014

Actinide nanomaterials have great potential for application in the fabrication of nuclear fuels and spent fuel reprocessing in advanced nuclear energy systems. In this work, we used track‐etched nanoporous membranes as hard templates to synthesize uranium‐based nanomaterials with new structures by electrodeposition. Through electrochemical behavior investigations and subsequent product characterization, the chemical compositions of the deposition product has been confirmed to be uranyl hydroxide. More importantly, accurate control of the morphologies of the deposition product (i.e., nanowires and nanotubes) could be achieved by carefully adjusting the growth parameters such as deposition time and current density. The preferred morphology of the electrodeposition product was nanowires when a low current density was applied, whereas nanotubes could be formed only when a high current density and a short deposition time were both applied. The formation of nanotubes is attributed to the hydrogen bubbles generated by water electrolysis under the overpotential electroreduction conditions. Additionally, we transformed the main chemical composition of the deposition products from uranyl hydroxide to triuranium octoxide by calcination, and SEM results showed that the morphologies of the nanowires and nanotubes were very well maintained after the calcination. Our work provides a useful protocol for the synthesis of one‐dimensional uranium‐based nanomaterials.
A Chiral Pool and Cross Metathesis Based Synthesis of Gingerdiols
Authors: Wan Zhi‐Li , Zhang Guo‐Liang , Chen Hui‐Jun , Wu Yikang , Li Yan
Published: January 2014

Both (3R,5S)‐ and (3R,5R)‐gingerdiols were synthesized. Their 1,3‐diol motifs were derived from enantiopure epoxy chiral building blocks that were readily accessible from D‐gluconolactone. The effect of deuterating the OH groups of the natural isomer on its optical rotation was also examined. In the course of the syntheses of the targets, an unexplored cross‐metathesis (CM) reaction of unprotected 5‐substituted pent‐1‐ene‐3,5‐diols was investigated, in which the CM product readily underwent an allylic epimerization and oxidation, as the starting diols rearranged into ketones with unprecedented ease. These problems were eventually resolved by performing the CM reaction in toluene in the presence of phenol. The cause of these unexpected, yet very interesting phenomena, was determined to be the presence of the unprotected OH group at C‐5 of the 5‐substituted pent‐1‐ene‐3,5‐diol. A mechanistic rationale is also presented.
Hydroxyapatite Wrapped Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes/Ionic Liquid Composite Electrode: A High Performance Sensor for Trace Determination of Lead Ions
Authors: Safavi Afsaneh , Sorouri Mohsen , Khanipour Peyman
Published: January 2014

A nanocomposite consisting of multiwalled carbon nanotubes wrapped with hydroxyapatite (HA/MWCNTs) was used in the construction of a new composite paste electrode using an ionic liquid as the binder. The stable surface in aqueous solutions as well as the high sorptive behaviors towards heavy metal ions and the favorable charge transfer make the electrode highly efficient especially for stripping or adsorptive analysis. The analysis of Pb2+ as a model of heavy metal ions has been performed. Good sensitivity, detection limit, selectivity and reproducibility were obtained for the suggested sensor. The linear range of the electrode response covered four orders of magnitude (1 nM–10 µM), in two linear ranges. The obtained detection limit for Pb2+ was 2×10−11 M.
Optical and Electrochemical Combination Sensor with Poly‐Aniline Film Modified Gold Surface and Its Application for Dissolved Oxygen Detection
Authors: Li Meng , Liu Wei , P.Correia Jorge , Mourato Ana C. , Viana Ana S. , Jin Gang
Published: January 2014

Poly‐aniline (PAn) film can be oxidized by contacting oxygen in an electron‐transfer reaction and its redox state, for instance the open circuit potential and the dielectric constant, is quantitatively related to oxygen concentration. This feature may contribute to an improved application of dissolved oxygen (DO) detection with the combined optical and electrochemical sensor. In this paper, PAn is used as a sensing surface to detect DO by the combination sensor composed of electrochemistry and total internal reflection imaging ellipsometry (EC‐TIRIE). Results demonstrate that both optical and electrical signals show a logarithmic correlation with DO concentration (0–20 ppm). Compared with the results obtained only with the gold surface, both the optical and electrical signals of the EC‐TIRIE sensor for DO detection are amplified with the PAn modified gold surface.
Delayed transplantation of precursor cell‐derived astrocytes provides multiple benefits in a rat model of Parkinsons
Authors: Proschel Christoph , Stripay Jennifer L , Shih Chung‐Hsuan , Munger Joshua C , Noble Mark D
Published: January 2014

In addition to dopaminergic neuron loss, it is clear that Parkinson disease includes other pathological changes, including loss of additional neuronal populations. As a means of addressing multiple pathological changes with a single therapeutically‐relevant approach, we employed delayed transplantation of a unique class of astrocytes, GDAsBMP, that are generated in vitro by directed differentiation of glial precursors. GDAsBMP produce multiple agents of interest as treatments for PD and other neurodegenerative disorders, including BDNF, GDNF, neurturin and IGF1. GDAsBMP also exhibit increased levels of antioxidant pathway components, including levels of NADPH and glutathione. Delayed GDABMP transplantation into the 6‐hydroxydopamine lesioned rat striatum restored tyrosine hydroxylase expression and promoted behavioral recovery. GDABMP transplantation also rescued pathological changes not prevented in other studies, such as the rescue of parvalbumin+ GABAergic interneurons. Consistent with expression of the synaptic modulatory proteins thrombospondin‐1 and 2 by GDAsBMP, increased expression of the synaptic protein synaptophysin was also observed. Thus, GDAsBMP offer a multimodal support cell therapy that provides multiple benefits without requiring prior genetic manipulation.
The Treatment of Perfectionism within the Eating Disorders: A Pilot Study
Authors: Goldstein Mandy , Peters Lorna , Thornton Christopher E. , Touyz Stephen W.
Published: January 2014

The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the impact of the direct treatment of perfectionism on the outcome of perfectionism and eating disorder pathology. Sixty‐one participants, attending day hospital treatment, participated in a randomised controlled study, in which treatment as usual (TAU) was compared with TAU combined with a clinician‐lead cognitive behavioural treatment for perfectionism (TAU + P). Linear mixed model analysis revealed no significant interaction effects but significant main effects for time on variables measuring eating pathology and perfectionism. Outcomes supported the effectiveness of overall treatment but suggested that adding direct treatment of perfectionism did not enhance treatment. The results are discussed in relation to the existing literature on the treatment of perfectionism. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Effect of straw leachates from Cry1Ca-expressing transgenic rice on the growth of Chlorella pyrenoidosa
Authors: Wang Jiamei , Chen Xiuping , Li Yunhe , Zhu Haojun , Ding Jiatong , Peng Yufa
Published: January 2014

Because of the prevalence of algae in rice paddy fields, they will be exposed to Bacillus thurigiensis (Bt) proteins released from Bt protein-expressing genetically engineered rice. To assess the effects of leachates extracted from Cry1Ca-expressing transgenic rice (T1C-19) straw on the microalga Chlorella pyrenoidosa, the authors added purified Cry1Ca (10 µg/L, 100 µg/L, and 1000 µg/L) and 5 concentrations of diluted extracts (5%, 10%, 20%, 40%, and 80%) from T1C-19 and the nontransformed control strain Minghui 63 (MH63) to the medium of C. pyrenoidosa. The authors found that the growth curves of C. pyrenoidosa treated with purified Cry1Ca overlapped with the medium control; that the order of C. pyrenoidosa growth rates for the T1C-19 leachate concentrations was 5% > 10% > 20% > control > 40% > 80%, and for the MH63 concentrations the order was 5% > 10% > control > 20% > 40% > 80%, but there were no statistical differences between the 20% T1C-19 or 20% MH63 leachate treatment and the medium control on day 8; and that after 7 d of culture, Cry1Ca could be detected in C. pyrenoidosa treated with different concentrations of T1C-19 leachate. The results demonstrated that Cry1Ca protein released from T1C-19 rice can be absorbed into C. pyrenoidosa but that purified Cry1Ca and leachates from T1C-19 rice have no obvious adverse effects on the growth of C. pyrenoidosa. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:1156–1162. © 2014 SETAC
The effects of humic acid on the uptake and depuration of fullerene aqueous suspensions in two aquatic organisms
Authors: Chen Qiqing , Yin Daqiang , Li Jing , Hu Xialin
Published: January 2014

The authors investigated the uptake and depuration of fullerene aqueous suspensions (nC60) in 2 aquatic organisms: Daphnia magna and zebrafish. The effects of humic acid were examined to elucidate its possible mechanisms in the aquatic environment. The uptake was concentration-dependent in both organisms, and the maximum uptake concentration of nC60 in Daphnia (2268 ± 158 mg/kg) was approximately 1 order of magnitude higher than that in zebrafish (222 ± 30 mg/kg) because of the larger gut volume ratio to the mass of Daphnia or its high uptake efficiency. Humic acid reduced the uptake of nC60 in Daphnia and zebrafish as a result of the size effect and the polarity alternation of nC60. The depuration patterns were rapid for Daphnia and slow for zebrafish, and the differences were most likely the result of different water exchange frequencies between organisms. The remaining nC60 percentages were approximately 20% for Daphnia and 30% for zebrafish after 48-h depuration, suggesting that a large nC60 burden still existed for both aquatic organisms and that there is a need for further studies on the potential for trophic transfer. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:1090–1097. © 2014 SETAC
Low expression of MicroRNA‐126 is associated with poor prognosis in colorectal cancer
Authors: Liu Yaling , Zhou Yu , Feng Xiao , Yang Pengchun , Yang Jingfang , An Ping , Wang Hao , Ye Shicai , Yu Caiyuan , He Yanting , Luo Hesheng
Published: January 2014

MicroRNA‐126 (miR‐126) has been reported to be a tumor suppressor that targets CXCR4 in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. This study investigated whether miR‐126 has any prognostic impact in patients with CRC. MiR‐126 and CXCR4 mRNA expression in 92 pairs of CRC and adjacent nontumorous tissues was examined using quantitative real‐time PCR, and CXCR4 protein expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blotting. The correlation between miR‐126 and CXCR4 protein expression and clinicopathological features and overall survival rate was determined. MiR‐126 was downregulated in CRC tissues that expressed high levels of CXCR4 mRNA. IHC and Western blotting detected high expression of CXCR4 protein in CRC tissues. An inverse correlation was observed between miR‐126 and CXCR4 protein expression in CRC tissues. Moreover, low miR‐126 and high CXCR4 protein expression was associated with distant metastasis, clinical TNM stage, and poor survival. Multivariate analysis indicated that miR‐126 was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival, suggesting its clinical significance as a prognostic predictor in CRC patients. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Developing a national framework of quality indicators for public hospitals
Authors: Simou Effie , Pliatsika Paraskevi , Koutsogeorgou Eleni , Roumeliotou Anastasia
Published: January 2014

Background

The current study describes the development of a preliminary set of quality indicators for public Greek National Health System (GNHS) hospitals, which were used in the “Health Monitoring Indicators System: Health Map” (Ygeionomikos Chartis) project, with the purpose that these quality indicators would assess the quality of all the aspects relevant to public hospital healthcare workforce and services provided.

Methods

A literature review was conducted in the MEDLINE database to identify articles referring to international and national hospital quality assessment projects, together with an online search for relevant projects. Studies were included if they were published in English, from 1980 to 2010. A consensus panel took place afterwards with 40 experts in the field and tele‐voting procedure.

Results

Twenty relevant projects and their 1698 indicators were selected through the literature search, and after the consensus panel process, a list of 67 indicators were selected to be implemented for the assessment of the public hospitals categorized under six distinct dimensions: Quality, Responsiveness, Efficiency, Utilization, Timeliness, and Resources and Capacity.

Conclusion

Data gathered and analyzed in this manner provided a novel evaluation and monitoring system for Greece, which can assist decision‐makers, healthcare professionals, and patients in Greece to retrieve relevant information, with the long‐term goal to improve quality in care in the GNHS hospital sector. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular‐Level StructureProperty Relationships in Biogenic Calcium Carbonates: The Unique Insights of Solid‐State NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Shir Ira Ben , Kababya Shifi , Schmidt Asher
Published: January 2014

The biomineralization process produces materials with exceptional microscopic, morphologic, and mechanical qualities, which are finely tuned for specific functionality. This control of the properties is obtained through interactions with bioorganic and inorganic molecules that regulate the formation and/or become incorporated into the final biomineral. Although the interfacial regions comprise a minute fraction of the mineral, they are of paramount importance. Modern solid‐state NMR spectroscopy techniques enable to focus on these biomineral interfaces and defects, and to determine their molecular‐level structures; a task that is barely attainable by other methods. Biogenic calcium carbonates are highly abundant and extensively investigated. Currently, only a limited number of such systems have been studied by solid‐state NMR spectroscopy. Reviewing these herein, we demonstrate the power and adequacy of NMR spectroscopy to probe biogenic systems and highlight many questions that remain open and can benefit from further application of advanced NMR spectroscopy techniques.
The sentinel hospitalization and the role of palliative care
Authors: Lin Richard J. , Adelman Ronald D. , Diamond Randi R. , Evans Arthur T.
Published: January 2014

With current healthcare reform and calls for improving care quality and safety, there is renewed emphasis on high‐value care. Moreover, given the significant healthcare resource utilization for patients with chronically progressive illnesses or for patients at the end of life, innovative and efficient care delivery models are urgently needed. We propose here the concept of a sentinel hospitalization, defined as a transitional point in the patient's disease course that heralds a need to reassess prognosis, patient understanding, treatment options and intensities, and goals of care. Hospitalists are well positioned to recognize a patient's sentinel hospitalization and use it as an opportunity for active integration of palliative care that provides high‐quality and cost‐saving care through its patient‐ and family‐oriented approach, its interdisciplinary nature, and its focus on symptom control and care coordination. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2014;9:320–323. © 2014 Society of Hospital Medicine
Precision‐guided sampling schedules for efficient T1ρ mapping
Authors: Johnson Casey P. , Thedens Daniel R. , Magnotta Vincent A.
Published: January 2014

Purpose

To describe, assess, and implement a simple precision estimation framework for optimization of spin‐lock time (TSL) sampling schedules for quantitative T1ρ mapping using a mono‐exponential signal model.

Materials and Methods

A method is described for estimating T1ρ precision, and a cost function based on the precision estimates is evaluated to determine efficient TSL sampling schedules. The validity of the framework was tested by imaging a phantom with various sampling schedules and comparing theoretical and experimental precision values. The method utility was demonstrated with in vivo T1ρ mapping of brain tissue using a similar procedure as the phantom experiment. To assist investigators, optimal sampling schedules are tabulated for various tissue types and an online calculator is implemented.

Results

Theoretical and experimental precision values followed similar trends for both the phantom and in vivo experiments. The mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of theoretical estimates of T1ρ map signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) was typically 5% in the phantom experiment and 33% in the in vivo demonstration. In both experiments, optimal TSL schedules yielded greater T1ρ map SNR efficiency than typical schedules.

Conclusion

The framework can be used to improve the imaging efficiency of T1ρ mapping protocols and to guide selection of imaging parameters. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;41:242–250. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Flexion–extension gap in cruciate‐retaining versus posterior‐stabilized total knee arthroplasty: A cadaveric study
Authors: Matthews Joshua , Chong Alexander , McQueen David , O'Guinn Justin , Wooley Paul
Published: January 2014

We re‐examined experimental model results using half‐body specimens with intact extensor mechanisms and navigation to evaluate cruciate‐retaining (CR) and posterior stabilized (PS) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) component gaps through an entire range of motion. Six sequential testing regimens were conducted with the knee intact, with a CR TKA in place, and with a PS TKA in place, with and without 22 N traction in place at each stage. Each of 10 knees was taken through six full ranges of motion from 0° to 120° at every stage using a navigated knee system to record component gapping. No significant difference was found between loaded and unloaded component gaps, and no significant differences were found in component gapping between CR and PS TKAs throughout a full range of motion. Flexion–extension gap measurements were significantly different from previously published data (at 90° flexion). No difference was found in kinematics when comparing CR and PS TKA component designs. Our results suggest that intact extensor mechanisms may be required to perform proper kinematic studies of TKA. Our findings provide evidence that the extensor mechanism may play a major role in the flexion–extension gaps in cadaveric knees. © 2014 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:627–632, 2014.
Reconciling 14C and minirhizotron‐based estimates of fine‐root turnover with survival functions
Authors: Ahrens Bernhard , Reichstein Markus
Published: January 2014

The turnover of fine‐roots is a crucial component for the input of C to the soil. The amount of root litter input is depending on estimates of turnover times from different techniques. Turnover times from fine‐root cameras (minirhizotrons) often yield 75% higher root litter input estimates than turnover times estimated with the bomb‐radiocarbon signature of fine roots. We introduce a generic framework for the analysis of fine‐root 14C with different survival functions. So far, mostly an exponential function has been used to estimate the turnover time and mean age of fine roots. In the context of the introduced survival function framework we clarify the terms turnover time, mean residence time, mean longevity, and mean age, which are commonly used in studies of root turnover. Using a unique time series of fine‐root 14C (Fröberg 2012), we test if survival functions other than the exponential function are better in accordance with turnover‐time estimates commonly found with other methods. A survival function that corresponds to a two‐pool model was best in agreement with minirhizotron‐based estimates (mean residence time of 1.9 y). We argue that using fine‐root 14C and minirhizotron time‐to‐death data together would give the best constraints on fine‐root turnover. At the same time this could allow quantifying systematic biases inherent to both techniques.
Screening of textiles for contraband drugs using portable Raman spectroscopy and chemometrics
Authors: Ali Esam M. A. , Edwards Howell G.M.
Published: January 2014

The impregnation of items of clothing with drugs of abuse that are then smuggled through airports and ports of entry is a growing problem for law enforcement. This work describes the application of portable Raman spectroscopic techniques for the analysis of a range of natural and artificial fibre items of clothing impregnated with drugs of abuse. Textile pieces were soaked with the solutions of the drugs then left overnight to dry prior to spectroscopic examination. The feasibility of detection of the characteristic Raman spectral bands in the presence of background matrix signals is demonstrated, even for dyed clothing. Definitive evidence for contamination of the items of clothing concerned can be acquired within 20–25 s, without any form of sample pre‐treatment or extraction being necessary. The feasibility of automatic spectral recognition of such illicit materials by Raman spectroscopy has been investigated by searching a database stored on the spectrometer computer and the use of principal component analysis. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Do Circumstances of the Death Matter? Identifying Socioenvironmental Risks for Grief‐Related Psychopathology in Bereaved Youth
Authors: Kaplow Julie B. , Howell Kathryn H. , Layne Christopher M.
Published: January 2014

We examined bereaved children's and surviving caregivers’ psychological responses following the death of the other caregiver as a function of the stated cause of death. Participants included 63 parentally bereaved children and 38 surviving caregivers who were assessed using self‐report instruments and in‐person interviews. Surviving caregivers reported the causes of death as resulting from sudden natural death (34.9%), illness (33.3%), accident (17.5%), and suicide (14.3%). Results revealed differences between caregiver‐reported versus child‐reported cause of death, particularly in cases of suicide. Children who lost a caregiver due to a prolonged illness exhibited higher levels of both maladaptive grief (d = 3.13) and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS; d = 3.33) when compared to children who lost a caregiver due to sudden natural death (e.g., heart attack). In contrast, surviving caregivers did not differ in their levels of maladaptive grief and PTSS as a function of the cause of death; however, caregivers bereaved by sudden natural death reported higher levels of depression than those bereaved by prolonged illness (d = 1.36). Limited sample size prevented analysis of outcomes among those bereaved by suicide or accident. These findings suggest that anticipated deaths may contain etiologic risk factors for maladaptive grief and PTSS in children.
Injection laryngoplasty outcomes in irradiated and nonirradiated unilateral vocal fold paralysis
Authors: Chang Joseph , Courey Mark S. , Al‐Jurf Soha A. , Schneider Sarah L. , Yung Katherine C.
Published: January 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

To evaluate the effect of radiation therapy on voice outcome and duration of effect of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) injection laryngoplasty in unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) patients.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

UVFP patients treated with CaHA injection laryngoplasty at the University of California San Francisco Voice and Swallowing Center were identified. Demographic information, history of irradiation to the larynx, and time to additional medialization procedures were obtained. Examinations at presentation and follow‐up were analyzed for laryngostroboscopic parameters and CAPE‐V scores.

Results

Four nonirradiated and five irradiated patients underwent a total of six and nine injection laryngoplasties, respectively. Time to additional procedures was longer in irradiated patients (P = 0.02). Prior to injection, nonirradiated patients had more severe glottic insufficiency (P = 0.007, 0.002) than did irradiated patients. Postinjection, irradiated patients demonstrated improvement in overall voice quality, breathiness, and loudness, while nonirradiated patients demonstrated improved overall quality, breathiness, pitch, and loudness. Voice quality was not statistically different between patient groups.

Conclusion

CaHA injection laryngoplasty improved voice quality in both irradiated and nonirradiated patients. Nonirradiated patients experience greater vocal improvement compared to irradiated patients. Vocal cord stiffness due to radiation‐induced changes may be responsible for the lack of improvement in pitch. Time to additional procedures was longer in irradiated patients and may be secondary to effects of prior radiation on graft resorption. Vocal fold medialization with CaHA injection remains a safe and efficacious treatment for UVFP in both irradiated and nonirradiated patients.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 124:1895–1899, 2014
Photodynamic antimicrobial effect of safranine O on an ex vivo periodontal biofilm
Authors: Voos Amelia C. , Kranz Stefan , Tonndorf‐Martini Silke , Voelpel Andrea , Sigusch Holger , Staudte Henrike , Albrecht Volker , Sigusch Bernd W.
Published: January 2014

Background and Objective

The increasing resistance of oral pathogens against antibiotic measures urgently requires new therapeutic strategies. In this context, antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) may play a crucial part in the future. The aim of the present study was to compare the antibacterial efficiency of aPDT using the photosensitizer safranine O with that of chlorhexidine (0.2% CHX) on an ex vivo biofilm.

Methods

First the antibacterial activity of both measures against planktonic cultures of Streptococcus gordonii ATCC 33399, Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175, Fusobacterium nucleatum ATCC 10953, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans ATCC 33384 and Porphyromonas gingivalis ATCC 33277 was observed. Then a patient specific ex vivo biofilm was established from plaque and saliva samples of patients (n = 19) with chronic periodontitis. The antibacterial effects of aPDT and of 0.2% CHX were determined on the ex vivo biofilms cultivated for 24 and 72 hours. After cultivation of the treated samples on blood agar (2 days) the results were quantified by counting the colony forming units (cfu/ml).

Results

Photodynamic treatment with safranine O showed a distinct antibacterial effect on F. nucleatum and P. gingivalis. Whereas S. gordonii was suppressed completely by aPDT, treatment with 0.2% CHX caused only a partial reduction. In the ex vivo biofilm model (24‐hour biofilm), aPDT caused a significantly higher bacterial killing than treatment with 0.2% CHX. Compared to the untreated control, there was no significant difference on the 72‐hour biofilm for both methods.

Conclusions

The results show that oral‐pathogenic species in planktonic solution can be suppressed significantly by aPDT with safranine O. Especially for bacteria in a 24‐hour ex vivo biofilm, this method is more effective than treatment with 0.2% CHX. Both antibacterial treatments did not show any significant effect on the biofilm cultivated for 72 hours. Lasers Surg. Med. 46:235–243, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Attenuation of acne scars using high power fractional ablative unipolar radiofrequency and ultrasound for transepidermal delivery of bioactive compounds through microchannels
Authors: Trelles Mario A. , Martínez‐Carpio Pedro A.
Published: January 2014

Background and Objective

To determine the efficacy and safety of a new method for treating acne scarring over a short‐term period of 2 months and a long‐term period of 6 months.

Materials and Methods

Six faces and 13 shoulders or backs for a total of 19 patients were treated, all of which displayed varying degrees of acne scarring, from moderate to severe. A newly developed high‐power unipolar fractional ablative radiofrequency technology was used (iPixel™ RF, Alma Lasers, Caesarea, Israel), with acoustic pressure ultrasound guided dermal injection of the PixelTreat Scars preparation (Alma Lasers), through RF Pixel fractionated microchannels. All patients underwent four treatment sessions at 3‐week intervals.

Results

Significant improvement was observed in scarring, both on the face (P < 0.0001), and on the back and shoulders (P < 0.0001). After 2 months, the percentage of fading on total scarring was 57% on the face and 49% on the back and shoulders; after 6 months, the percentage increased to 62% on the face, and 58% on the back and shoulders, respectively. Patients reported to be Somewhat Satisfied (16%), Satisfied (53%), and Very Satisfied (31%). No unexpected side effects to the ablation and no hypersensitive reactions to PixelTreat Scars were observed.

Conclusion

The bimodal procedure is safe and effective in reducing acne scarring. This represents a new therapeutic alternative of great interest, to be used either as a monotherapy, or in combination with other treatments. Lasers Surg. Med. 46:152–159, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Designing Injectable, Covalently Cross‐Linked Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Patenaude Mathew , Smeets Niels M. B. , Hoare Todd
Published: January 2014

Hydrogels that can form spontaneously via covalent bond formation upon injection in vivo have recently attracted significant attention for their potential to address a variety of biomedical challenges. This review discusses the design rules for the effective engineering of such materials, and the major chemistries used to form injectable, in situ gelling hydrogels in the context of these design guidelines are outlined (with examples). Directions for future research in the area are addressed, noting the outstanding challenges associated with the use of this class of hydrogels in vivo.

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Solid‐state NMR study of dopant effects on the chemical properties of Mg‐, In‐, and Al‐doped SnP2O7
Authors: Nishida Masakazu , Tanaka Tomoko , Fukaya Haruhiko , Kanematsu Wataru
Published: January 2014

The effects of doped low‐valence cations on the properties of the SnP2O7 proton conductor at ambient temperature are investigated from changes in solid‐state NMR spectra and nuclear magnetic relaxation times. Although the T1H values increased with decreasing acidity as a result of cation exchange, the 1H chemical shifts moved to lower field in Al‐ and In‐doped materials compared with undoped ones. Furthermore, the shifts changed to higher field in Mg‐doped materials, suggesting the existence of different protonic species in those materials. The bulk phosphate chemical shifts in the 31P dipolar‐decoupling MAS NMR spectra were very similar, regardless of the nature and amount of the doping species. On the other hand, by 1H/31P cross‐polarization MAS NMR, P2O7 signals interacting with an interstitial proton [Q1(proton)] were observed in all the undoped and doped SnP2O7, while acidic P–OH‐type phosphate signals [Q1(acid)] were additionally observed in the Mg‐doped conductor. The different affinity of the proton with the dopants and phosphates caused lower conductivity and larger activation energy in the Mg‐doped materials, compared with those in the In‐ and Al‐doped materials. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Approximate Fourier domain expression for Bloch–Siegert shift
Authors: Turk Esra Abaci , Ider Yusuf Ziya , Ergun Arif Sanli , Atalar Ergin
Published: January 2014

Purpose

In this study, a new simple Fourier domain‐based analytical expression for the Bloch–Siegert (BS) shift‐based B1 mapping method is proposed to obtain
more accurately while using short BS pulse durations and small off‐resonance frequencies.

Theory and Methods

A new simple analytical expression for the BS shift is derived by simplifying the Bloch equations. In this expression, the phase is calculated in terms of the Fourier transform of the radiofrequency pulse envelope, and thus making the off‐ and on‐resonance effects more easily understandable. To verify the accuracy of the proposed expression, Bloch simulations and MR experiments are performed for the hard, Fermi, and Shinner–Le Roux pulse shapes.

Results

Analyses of the BS phase shift‐based B1 mapping method in terms of radiofrequency pulse shape, pulse duration, and off‐resonance frequency show that
can be obtained more accurately with the aid of this new expression.

Conclusions

In this study, a new simple frequency domain analytical expression is proposed for the BS shift. Using this expression,
values can be predicted from the phase data using the frequency spectrum of the radiofrequency pulse. This method works well even for short pulse durations and small offset frequencies. Magn Reson Med 73:117–125, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effect of low b‐values on the intravoxel incoherent motion derived pseudodiffusion parameter in liver
Authors: Cohen Alexander D. , Schieke Moira C. , Hohenwalter Mark D. , Schmainda Kathleen M.
Published: January 2014

Purpose

To examine the effect of low b‐values (0 < b < 50 s/mm2) on the calculation of the intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) derived pseudodiffusion parameter in the normal liver.

Methods

Simulations were performed to examine the effects of adding low b‐values on the pseudodiffusion parameter. Low b‐values were cumulatively added to the distribution and the IVIM signal was generated with varying pseudodiffusion values. The signal was fit with the IVIM model after the addition of Gaussian noise, and the simulated values were compared with the true values. In addition, the livers of eight control subjects were imaged using respiratory‐triggered DWI. Pseudodiffusion was calculated with and without low b‐values and compared.

Results

Pseudodiffusion tended to be underestimated when low b‐values were not included in the b‐value distribution as predicted by simulations and confirmed with in vivo imaging. The number of outlier values was also reduced as more low b‐values were added.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study showed pseudodiffusion in the liver tended to be underestimated when too few low b‐values (0 < b < 50 s/mm2) were included in the distribution. Therefore, it is recommended to include at least two low b‐values when performing liver IVIM studies. Magn Reson Med 73:306–311, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.