bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Post‐coital genital injury in healthy women: A review
Authors: Schmidt Astrup Birgitte , Lykkebo Annemette Wildfang
Published: October 2014

Female genital injury following penile sexual intercourse in healthy women is a matter of importance and debate in many parts of society. However, the literature on the subject is sparse. There are a few studies regarding minor injury that does not require treatment in adult, pre‐menopausal women, a single study of adolescent women, and none regarding post‐menopausal women. Larger lesions requiring treatment are described casuistically. The purpose of this article is to provide a short, easy‐to‐read review of the literature regarding the prevalence and nature of female genital injury following consensual sexual intercourse in otherwise healthy women. Clin. Anat. 28:331–338, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of procedural complications and in‐hospital clinical outcomes between patients with successful and failed percutaneous intervention of coronary chronic total occlusions: A Meta‐Analysis of Observational Studies
Authors: Khan Muhammad F. , Brilakis Emmanouil S. , Wendel Christopher S. , Thai Hoang
Published: October 2014

Background

Multiple attempts to pass guidewires and balloons across totally occluded segments may result in significant mechanical trauma and higher rates of coronary complications in patients undergoing PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention) for CTOs (chronic total occlusion). It is unknown whether these procedural complications affect short‐term survival and in‐hospital clinical outcomes after the PCI. The goal of this analysis was to clarify this issue by comparing the rates of adverse in‐hospital clinical outcomes between successful and failed CTO‐PCI groups.

Methods

We performed a meta‐analysis of 25 studies (16,490 patients) to determine the rates of in‐hospital death, myocardial infarction (MI), major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and urgent CABG (coronary artery bypass grafting) for the successful and failed CTO‐PCI groups.

Results

Compared to successful CTO PCI, failed CTO PCI procedures were associated with higher in‐hospital mortality (1.44% versus 0.5%) [relative risk (RR) of 2.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] (1.96–4.24), P < 0.001], a higher risk of in‐hospital MACE (8.88% versus 3.75%) [RR of 2.25, CI (1.69–2.98), P < 0.001], slightly higher risk of in‐hospital MI (3.17% versus 2.4%) [RR of 1.35, CI (1.03–1.78), P = 0.03] and increased need for urgent CABG (4.0% versus 0.5%) [RR of 6.67, CI (4.26–10.43), P < 0.001]. Furthermore, higher rates of coronary perforations [RR of 5.0, CI (3.93–6.59), P < 0.001] and cardiac tamponade [RR of 5.0, CI (1.97–12.69), P < 0.001] were observed in the unsuccessful PCI arm.

Conclusions

As compared to successful interventions, failed PCI attempts for CTOs appear to be associated with higher risk of adverse short‐term clinical outcomes. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cancer‐related follow‐up care among Hispanic and non‐Hispanic childhood cancer survivors: The Project Forward study
Authors: Milam Joel E. , Meeske Kathleen , Slaughter Rhona I. , Sherman‐Bien Sandra , Ritt‐Olson Anamara , Kuperberg Aura , Freyer David R. , Hamilton Ann S.
Published: October 2014

BACKGROUND

Follow‐up care is critical for childhood cancer survivors (CCS), who are at high risk for comorbidities and late effects of cancer treatments. Understanding the factors associated with maintaining follow‐up care is needed, especially for Hispanic CCS, who have been under‐represented in previous studies.

METHODS

Risk factors and protective factors for receiving cancer‐related follow‐up care were examined among 193 Los Angeles County CCS diagnosed between 2000 and 2007 (54% Hispanic; mean ± standard deviation age, 19.9 ± 2.8 years; age at diagnosis, 12.1 ± 3.0 years; time since diagnosis, 7.8 ± 2.0 years). Self‐report surveys were used to assess follow‐up care, insurance status, demographics, clinical factors, and psychosocial risk (eg, depression) and protective (eg, self‐efficacy [SE]) factors. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with the previous receipt of cancer‐related follow‐up care (in prior 2 years) and the intent to seek future cancer‐related follow‐up care.

RESULTS

Seventy‐three percent of CCS reported a cancer follow‐up visit in the previous 2 years, which was positively associated (P < .05) with having health insurance, white ethnicity (vs Hispanic), younger age, and greater treatment intensity. Sixty‐nine percent reported an intent to receive follow‐up care in the next 2 years, which was positively associated (P < .05) with having health insurance and greater SE.

CONCLUSIONS

Hispanics and older CCS were more likely to lack previous follow‐up care. Because health insurance was strongly associated with both previous follow‐up care and the intent to seek care, the current results indicate that recent changes in health coverage may improve follow‐up among CCS. Interventions targeting improved SE may help increase intent to receive follow‐up care for this population. Cancer 2015;121:605–613. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Evaluating vector data type usage in OpenCL kernels
Authors: Fang Jianbin , Varbanescu Ana Lucia , Liao Xiangke , Sips Henk
Published: October 2014

Open Computing Language (OpenCL) is an open, functionally portable programming model for a large range of highly parallel processors. To provide users with access to the underlying platforms, OpenCL has explicit support for features such as local memory and vector data types (VDTs). However, these are often low‐level, hardware‐specific features, which can be detrimental to performance on different platforms. In this paper, we focus on VDTs and investigate their usage in a systematic way. First, we propose two different approaches (inter‐vdt and intra‐vdt) to use VDTs in OpenCL kernels, and show how to translate scalar OpenCL kernels to vectorized ones. After obtaining vectorized code, we evaluate the performance effects of using VDTs with two types of benchmarks: micro‐benchmarks and macro‐benchmarks. With micro‐benchmarks, we study the execution model of VDTs and the role of the compiler‐aided vectorizer on five devices. With macro‐benchmarks, we explore the changes of memory access patterns before and after using VDTs, and the resulting performance impact. Not only our evaluation provides insights into how OpenCL's VDTs are mapped on different processors, but it also indicates that using such data types introduces changes in both computation and memory accesses. Based on the lessons learned, we discuss how to deal with performance portability in the presence of VDTs. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiplier‐less VLSI architectures for radix‐22 folded pipelined complex FFT core
Authors: Mankar Abhishek , Prasad N , Das Ansuman DiptiSankar , Meher Sukadev
Published: October 2014

The advantages of a multiplier‐less architecture are reduction in hardware and latency. This paper proposes multiplier‐less architectures for the implementation of radix‐22 folded pipelined complex FFT core based on coordinate rotation digital computer (CORDIC) and new distributed arithmetic (NEDA). The number of points considered in the work is sixteen and the folding is done by a factor of four. The proposed designs have been implemented on Xilinx XC5VSX240T‐2FF1738 FPGA and also have been synthesized using the Synopsys design compiler. Proposed designs based on NEDA have reduced area over 83% and based on CORDIC have a reduced area over 78%. The observed slice‐delay product for NEDA based designs are 2.196 and 5.735, and for CORDIC based design is 2.369. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Methylhexanamine is not detectable in Pelargonium or Geranium species and their essential oils: A multi‐centre investigation
Authors: ElSohly Mahmoud A. , Gul Waseem , Tolbert Candice , ElSohly Kareem M. , Murphy Timothy P. , Avula Bharathi , Chittiboyina Amar G. , Wang Mei , Khan Ikhlas A. , Yang Min , Guo Dean , Zhang Wei‐Dong , Su Juan
Published: October 2014

In an earlier study, we developed two sensitive and reliable procedures for gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) and liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) analysis of methylhexaneamine (MHA) in P. graveolens plant materials and volatile oils. None of the analyzed plant materials or oils showed any detectable levels of MHA which was further substantiated by high resolution liquid chromatography‐quantum time of flight‐mass spectrometry (LC‐QTOF‐MS) analysis with a limit of detection of 10 ppb. However, other laboratories (two studies) reported the presence of MHA in some samples of P. graveolens and pelargonium oil acquired by the investigators from China. Because of the controversy of whether Pelargonium species or pelargonium oil contains MHA, it was recommended that splits of multiple samples be analyzed by different laboratories. In this investigation, multiple plant materials and oil samples were collected from around the world. These samples were submitted to four different sites for analysis. All sites adopted a similar extraction method. All the analysis sites used LC‐MS/MS or LC‐QTOF‐MS and detection limit was set close to the 10 ng/mL as previously reported. A total of 18 plant samples belonging to 6 different Pelargonium species and 9 oils from different locations around the world were split among 4 different analytical laboratories for analysis (each lab received the same samples). None of the laboratories detected MHA in any of the samples at or around the 10 ppb detection level of the procedure used. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Buffer effects of streamside native forests on water provision in watersheds dominated by exotic forest plantations
Authors: Little Christian , Cuevas Jaime G. , Lara Antonio , Pino Mario , Schoenholtz Stephen
Published: October 2014

The Valdivian rainforest ecoregion in Chile (35°–48°S) has a high conservation priority worldwide. These forests are also keys for social welfare as a result of their supply of timber as well as ecosystem services. Forests in the ecoregion have been extensively converted to fast growing Pinus radiata and Eucalyptus spp. plantations for timber production promoted by public policies and timber companies. This study describes the results of detailed measurements of hydrology and stream water chemistry in eight small watersheds in south central Chile, subjected to replacement of native temperate rainforest by exotic Eucalyptus plantations. In this system, watersheds have streamside buffers of native forest (SNFW) with varying widths. Results indicate that retention of SNFW counteracts hydrologic effects of Eucalyptus plantations, which are widely known to reduce water yields. A 1.4% rate of increase of the run‐off coefficient for each metre of increase of SNFW was observed. In addition, a decrease in the concentrations of total nitrogen, dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), nitrate‐N, and different sized fractions of particulate organic matter were found in streams draining these plantations as a function of increasing SNFW. Streamside buffer widths of 17–22 m for total nitrogen and DIN concentrations and ≥36 m for sediments were required to provide comparable values to reference watersheds (100% native forest). The findings from this study suggest that SNFW may significantly reduce adverse effects from exotic species forestry plantations on water provision in an area of south central Chile where exotic forest plantations are rapidly expanding. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Resveratrol protects against arsenic trioxide‐induced oxidative damage through maintenance of glutathione homeostasis and inhibition of apoptotic progression
Authors: Chen Chengzhi , Jiang Xuejun , Lai Yanhao , Liu Yuan , Zhang Zunzhen
Published: October 2014

Arsenic trioxide (As2O3) is commonly used to treat acute promyelocytic leukemia and solid tumors. However, the clinical application of the agent is limited by its cyto‐ and genotoxic effects on normal cells. Thus, relief of As2O3 toxicity in normal cells is essentially necessary for improvement of As2O3‐mediated chemotherapy. In this study, we have identified a series of protective effects of resveratrol against As2O3‐induced oxidative damage in normal human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells. We showed that treatment of HBE cells with resveratrol significantly reduced cellular levels of DNA damage, chromosomal breakage, and apoptosis induced by As2O3. The effect of resveratrol against DNA damage was associated with a decreased level of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation in cells treated by As2O3, suggesting that resveratrol protects against As2O3 toxicity via a cellular anti‐oxidative stress pathway. Further analysis of the roles of resveratrol demonstrated that it modulated biosynthesis, recycling, and consumption of glutathione (GSH), thereby promoting GSH homeostasis in HBE cells treated by As2O3. This was further supported by results showing that resveratrol prevented an increase in the activities and levels of caspases, Fas, Fas‐L, and cytochrome c proteins induced by As2O3. Our study indicates that resveratrol relieves As2O3‐induced oxidative damage in normal human lung cells via maintenance of GSH homeostasis and suppression of apoptosis. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 56:333–346, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Distribution and partitioning of heavy metals in sediments of the Xinjiang River in Poyang Lake Region, China
Authors: Ji Yong , Zhang Jie , Li Ronghui , Pan Baozhu , Zhang Liwei , Chen Xing
Published: October 2014

Total metal concentrations were determined in top and historically subhorizon contaminated sediments collected from four sampling areas (Upstream (UP), Yongping Mining Area Stream (YP), Guixi Mining Area Stream (GX), and Downstream (DM)). The sediments were analyzed for Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Cr, As, and Ni using a sequential extraction scheme by Tessier. The results showed that the maximum values of Cu, Zn, and Pb were in top and subhorizon sediments collected from the YP areas, while the DM areas had the highest concentrations of Cd, Cr, As, and Ni. The majority of metal values were higher than the corresponding background values and were increasingly prevalent with the following order: Ni < Cr < Pb < Zn < Cd < As < Cu. Geoaccumulation Index indicated that the contamination degree ranged from uncontaminated to strongly contaminated. The comparison of total metal concentrations in top and subhorizon sediments at depth showed a large difference in the risk to biota. When metal partitioning characteristics were also considered, over 60% of metals were potentially bioavailable and likely toxic. By means of Hierarchical Cluster Analysis, a total number of four groups were distinguished from 16 sampling sites. Sediments from different sampling sites showed an apparent trend for grouping sites, which might be attributed to the various originations of heavy metals and the disturbance from human activities. Factor analysis results revealed two sources of pollutants, which can be explained by two factors: (i) mixed origin or retention phenomena of industrial emissions and (ii) terrigenous. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 34: 713–723, 2015
A framework for the evaluation of ground motion selection and modification procedures
Authors: Kwong N. Simon , Chopra Anil K. , McGuire Robin K.
Published: October 2014

This study develops a framework to evaluate ground motion selection and modification (GMSM) procedures. The context is probabilistic seismic demand analysis, where response history analyses of a given structure, using ground motions determined by a GMSM procedure, are performed in order to estimate the seismic demand hazard curve (SDHC) for the structure at a given site. Currently, a GMSM procedure is evaluated in this context by comparing several resulting estimates of the SDHC, each derived from a different definition of the conditioning intensity measure (IM). Using a simple case study, we demonstrate that conclusions from such an approach are not always definitive; therefore, an alternative approach is desirable. In the alternative proposed herein, all estimates of the SDHC from GMSM procedures are compared against a benchmark SDHC, under a common set of ground motion information. This benchmark SDHC is determined by incorporating a prediction model for the seismic demand into the probabilistic seismic hazard analysis calculations. To develop an understanding of why one GMSM procedure may provide more accurate estimates of the SDHC than another procedure, we identify the role of ‘IM sufficiency’ in the relationship between (i) bias in the SDHC estimate and (ii) ‘hazard consistency’ of the corresponding ground motions obtained from a GMSM procedure. Finally, we provide examples of how misleading conclusions may potentially be obtained from erroneous implementations of the proposed framework. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Designing interference‐aware network selection protocol for WLAN mobile devices
Authors: Kim Hyunsoon , Kim Hwangnam
Published: October 2014

Due to increasing demand of wireless services for portable devices, numerous efforts to enhance wireless network performance have been made for decades. Many researchers were focused on the word ‘seamless’ for sustaining connectivity during a handover process, but wireless performance of destined access point (AP) is rarely considered. This paper analyses thoroughly usual network connection behaviour, captures several problems from the procedure, and proposes interference‐avoiding selection (IAS) mechanism that associates a wireless AP, which is expected to perform better than other APs nearby. Proposed selection mechanism concentrates on utilization of each channel within one hop range and received signal strength measured by incoming beacons from surrounding APs. Possible interference by adjacent channels is also considered in this paper. Moreover, unlike any other prior selection mechanism, IAS protocol does not require any modification on existing communication protocols, extra delay to evaluate surrounding APs, and support from huge data server that collects information and derives quality of surrounding APs ahead of the selection phase. Various analysis and performance evaluations are progressed using OPNET, ns2, and Android programming, and the evaluation results showed that proposed selection mechanism can increase the throughput of original selection mechanism by more than 55% in average. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hybrid Forecasting with Estimated Temporally Aggregated Linear Processes
Authors: Grigoryeva Lyudmila , Ortega Juan‐Pablo
Published: October 2014

We introduce a new strategy for the prediction of linear temporal aggregates; we call it ‘hybrid’ and study its performance using asymptotic theory. This scheme consists of carrying out model parameter estimation with data sampled at the highest available frequency and the subsequent prediction with data and models aggregated according to the forecasting horizon of interest. We develop explicit expressions that approximately quantify the mean square forecasting errors associated with the different prediction schemes and that take into account the estimation error component. These approximate estimates indicate that the hybrid forecasting scheme tends to outperform the so‐called ‘all‐aggregated’ approach and, in some instances, the ‘all‐disaggregated’ strategy that is known to be optimal when model selection and estimation errors are neglected. Unlike other related approximate formulas existing in the literature, those proposed in this paper are totally explicit and require neither assumptions on the second‐order stationarity of the sample nor Monte Carlo simulations for their evaluation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electric Transmission—Security: US Electric Grid Under Cyberattack
Authors: Finnigan John
Published: October 2014

If Ben Franklin lived today, he might say that nothing is certain but death, taxes, and cyberattacks. Our nation's electric grid is under constant cyberattack, according to a survey of electric utilities by Rep. Henry Waxman (D‐CA) and Sen. Edward Markey (D‐MA).1 The grid was the greatest engineering achievement of the twentieth century,2 but cybersecurity was as unknown to those grid engineers as it was to Ben Franklin. We need to do more to protect our energy infrastructure.
Statistical modeling of time‐dependent fMRI activation effects
Authors: Kalus Stefanie , Bothmann Ludwig , Yassouridis Christina , Czisch Michael , Sämann Philipp G. , Fahrmeir Ludwig
Published: October 2014

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) activation detection within stimulus‐based experimental paradigms is conventionally based on the assumption that activation effects remain constant over time. This assumption neglects the fact that the strength of activation may vary, for example, due to habituation processes or changing attention. Neither the functional form of time variation can be retrieved nor short‐lasting effects can be detected by conventional methods. In this work, a new dynamic approach is proposed that allows to estimate time‐varying effect profiles and hemodynamic response functions in event‐related fMRI paradigms. To this end, we incorporate the time‐varying coefficient methodology into the fMRI general regression framework. Inference is based on a voxelwise penalized least squares procedure. We assess the strength of activation and corresponding time variation on the basis of pointwise confidence intervals on a voxel level. Additionally, spatial clusters of effect curves are presented. Results of the analysis of an active oddball experiment show that activation effects deviating from a constant trend coexist with time‐varying effects that exhibit different types of shapes, such as linear, (inversely) U‐shaped or fluctuating forms. In a comparison to conventional approaches, like classical SPM, we observe that time‐constant methods are rather insensitive to detect temporary effects, because these do not emerge when aggregated across the entire experiment. Hence, it is recommended to base activation detection analyses not merely on time‐constant procedures but to include flexible time‐varying effects that harbour valuable information on individual response patterns. Hum Brain Mapp 36:731–743, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The DTI connectivity of the human claustrum
Authors: Torgerson Carinna M. , Irimia Andrei , Goh S. Y. Matthew , Van Horn John Darrell
Published: October 2014

The origin, structure, and function of the claustrum, as well as its role in neural computation, have remained a mystery since its discovery in the 17th century. Assessing the in vivo connectivity of the claustrum may bring forth useful insights with relevance to model the overall functionality of the claustrum itself. Using structural and diffusion tensor neuroimaging in N = 100 healthy subjects, we found that the claustrum has the highest connectivity in the brain by regional volume. Network theoretical analyses revealed that (a) the claustrum is a primary contributor to global brain network architecture, and that (b) significant connectivity dependencies exist between the claustrum, frontal lobe, and cingulate regions. These results illustrate that the claustrum is ideally located within the human central nervous system (CNS) connectome to serve as the putative “gate keeper” of neural information for consciousness awareness. Our findings support and underscore prior theoretical contributions about the involvement of the claustrum in higher cognitive function and its relevance in devastating neurological disease. Hum Brain Mapp 36:827–838, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Expression of nucleic acid‐sensing Toll‐like receptors predicts HPV16 clearance associated with an E6‐directed cell‐mediated response
Authors: Scott Mark E. , Ma Yifei , Farhat Sepideh , Moscicki Anna‐Barbara
Published: October 2014

Toll‐like receptors (TLRs), important in rapid clearance of incident human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, may also be important in shaping the adaptive response to persistent infections. We examined here the association between TLR expression and clearance of HPV16 infections following periods of persistence, using longitudinal TLR measurements and a time‐to‐clearance analysis, as well as the interaction between TLRs and adaptive, cell‐mediated responses involved in clearance. TLR2, TLR3, TLR7, TLR8 and TLR9 mRNA expression were measured in cervical cytobrush samples by quantitative PCR. Responses to the HPV16 E6 and E7 oncoproteins were measured by an interferon‐γ immunospot assay. Bivariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the effect of TLRs on HPV16 clearance. Higher expression of TLR3 or TLR7 at an HPV16‐positive visit was a significant (p ≤ 0.05) predictor of clearance by the following visit, in both unadjusted and adjusted (for smoking and oral contraceptive use) models. In women with, but not those without, a positive response to E6, higher expression of TLR3 (hazard ratio: 1.2 [95% confidence interval: 1.04–1.39], p = 0.012), TLR7 (1.39 [1.14–1.7], p = 0.001), TLR8 (1.37 [1.11–1.69], p = 0.003), or TLR9 (1.53 [1.13–2.08], p = 0.006) was significantly associated with clearance, revealing an important link between innate and adaptive immunity in the control of HPV infections following periods of persistence.
Exposure of mice to secondhand smoke elicits both transient and long‐lasting transcriptional changes in cancer‐related functional networks
Authors: Tommasi Stella , Zheng Albert , Besaratinia Ahmad
Published: October 2014

Secondhand smoke (SHS) has long been linked to lung cancer and other diseases in nonsmokers. Yet, the underlying mechanisms of SHS carcinogenicity in nonsmokers remain to be elucidated. We investigated the immediate and long‐lasting effects of SHS exposure on gene expression in mice in vivo. We exposed mice whole body to SHS for 5 h/day, 5 days/week for 4 months in exposure chambers of a microprocessor‐controlled smoking machine. Subsequently, we performed microarray gene expression profiling, genome‐wide, to construct the pulmonary transcriptome of SHS‐exposed mice, immediately after discontinuation of exposure (T0) and following 1‐month (T1) and 7‐month (T2) recoveries in clean air. Sub‐chronic exposure of mice to SHS elicited a robust transcriptomic response, including both reversible and irreversible changes in gene expression. There were 674 differentially expressed transcripts immediately after treatment (T0), of which the majority were involved in xenobiotic metabolism, signaling, and innate immune response. Reduced, yet, substantial numbers of differentially expressed transcripts were detectable in mice after cessation of SHS‐exposure (254 transcripts at T1 and 30 transcripts at T2). Top biofunctional networks disrupted in SHS‐exposed mice, even after termination of exposure, were implicated in cancer, respiratory disease, and inflammatory disease. Our data show that exposure of mice to SHS induces both transient and long‐lasting changes in gene expression, which impact cancer‐related functional networks. The pattern of transcriptional changes in SHS‐exposed mice may provide clues on the underlying mechanisms of lung tumorigenesis in nonsmokers. Our findings underscore the importance of eliminating SHS from environments where nonsmokers are unavoidably exposed to this carcinogen.
Ileal FGF15 contributes to fibrosis‐associated hepatocellular carcinoma development
Authors: Uriarte Iker , Latasa M. Ujue , Carotti Simone , Fernandez‐Barrena Maite G. , Garcia‐Irigoyen Oihane , Elizalde Maria , Urtasun Raquel , Vespasiani‐Gentilucci Umberto , Morini Sergio , de Mingo Alvaro , Mari Montserrat , Corrales Fernando J. , Prieto Jesus , Berasain Carmen , Avila Matias A.
Published: October 2014

Fibroblast growth factor 15 (FGF15), FGF19 in humans, is a gut‐derived hormone and a key regulator of bile acids and carbohydrate metabolism. FGF15 also participates in liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy inducing hepatocellular proliferation. FGF19 is overexpressed in a significant proportion of human hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC), and activation of its receptor FGFR4 promotes HCC cell growth. Here we addressed for the first time the role of endogenous Fgf15 in hepatocarcinogenesis. Fgf15+/+ and Fgf15−/− mice were subjected to a clinically relevant model of liver inflammation and fibrosis‐associated carcinogenesis. Fgf15−/− mice showed less and smaller tumors, and histological neoplastic lesions were also smaller than in Fgf15+/+ animals. Importantly, ileal Fgf15 mRNA expression was enhanced in mice undergoing carcinogenesis, but at variance with human HCC it was not detected in liver or HCC tissues, while circulating FGF15 protein was clearly upregulated. Hepatocellular proliferation was also reduced in Fgf15−/− mice, which also expressed lower levels of the HCC marker alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP). Interestingly, lack of FGF15 resulted in attenuated fibrogenesis. However, in vitro experiments showed that liver fibrogenic stellate cells were not direct targets for FGF15/FGF19. Conversely we demonstrate that FGF15/FGF19 induces the expression of the pro‐fibrogenic and pro‐tumorigenic connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in hepatocytes. These findings suggest the existence of an FGF15‐triggered CTGF‐mediated paracrine action on stellate cells, and an amplification mechanism for the hepatocarcinogenic effects of FGF15 via CTGF production. In summary, our observations indicate that ileal FGF15 may contribute to HCC development in a context of chronic liver injury and fibrosis.
Abdominal wall thickness is not useful to predict appendix visualization on sonography in adult patients with suspected appendicitis
Authors: Koseekriniramol Vasan , Kaewlai Rathachai
Published: October 2014

Purpose

To evaluate clinical and imaging factors for potential use in predicting appendix visualization on sonography (US) of adult patients with suspected appendicitis.

Methods

All adult patients who underwent appendiceal US from January through June 2010 were included in this retrospective study. Clinicopathological records were reviewed for age, sex, weight, body mass index, symptom duration, Alvarado score, surgicopathologic diagnosis, and disposition. Imaging records were collated for abdominal thicknesses, appendix visualization, and impression. The definitive diagnosis was made on pathologic evaluation.

Results

Eighty‐six patients (68 women; median age, 35.5 years; age range, 16–86 years) met the inclusion criteria. The patients' mean weight was 56 kg; body mass index, 22.4; duration of symptoms, 24 hours; and Alvarado score, 6.5. Of the 86 patients, 37 (43%) had appendicitis. The appendix was visualized on US in 27 patients, of whom 25 had appendicitis; the appendix was not visualized in 59 patients, of whom 12 had appendicitis. There was no correlation between the clinical factors studied, the abdominal fat thickness (10.9 versus 10.7 mm; p = 0.90), or the abdominal wall thickness (16.9 versus 17.3 mm; p = 0.76) between patients with a US‐visualized appendix and those whose appendix was not visualized on US.

Conclusions

Abdominal thicknesses and other factors are not predictive of appendix visualization on US examination of adults with suspected appendicitis. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 43:269–276, 2015
Predictors of therapy failure in a series of 741 adult pyogenic liver abscesses
Authors: Lo Joseph Zhi Wen , Leow Jeffrey Jia Jun , Ng Perryn Ling Fei , Lee Hui Qi , Mohd Noor Nor Alia , Low Jee Keem , Junnarkar Sameer P. , Woon Winston Wei Liang
Published: October 2014

Background

Adult pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) is a major hepato‐biliary infection. We aim to identify risk factors associated with therapy failure.

Methods

Retrospective study of 741 PLA patients (2001–2011) and comparison with earlier data (1994–1997). Risk factors associated with therapy failure were identified with multivariate analysis.

Results

Incidence of PLA is 86/100 000 admissions, with average size 5.75 cm. 68% of PLA were secondary to Klebsiella pneumoniae and there is increasing extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase (ESBL) resistance. Compared with 1990s, there is an increasing annual incidence (from 18 to 67). Elderly age (≥55‐years‐old), presence of multiple abscesses, malignancy as etiology and patients who underwent endoscopic intervention are independent predictors for failure of antibiotics‐only therapy while average intravenous antibiotics duration and average abscess size are not. ECOG performance status ≥2, pre‐existing hypertension and hyperbilirubinaemia are independent predictors for failure of percutaneous therapy while the presence of multiple abscesses and average abscess size are not.

Conclusion

There is an increasing PLA incidence with increasing ESBL resistance. Percutaneous drainage should be considered early for elderly patients (≥55‐years‐old), with multiple abscesses, malignancy as etiology or who required endoscopic intervention. We should have a low threshold for surgical intervention for patients with ECOG performance status ≥2, co‐morbidity of hypertension or hyperbilirubinaemia.
Poor outcomes after hepatectomy in patients with ascites infected by methicillin‐resistant staphylococci
Authors: Nitta Hidetoshi , Beppu Toru , Itoyama Akari , Higashi Takaaki , Sakamoto Keita , Nakagawa Shigeki , Mima Kosuke , Okabe Hirohisa , Imai Katsunori , Hayashi Hiromitsu , Hashimoto Daisuke , Chikamoto Akira , Ishiko Takatoshi , Baba Hideo
Published: October 2014

Background

This study was designed to investigate the association between infectious ascites, clinical parameters and treatment outcomes after hepatectomy.

Methods

Of 891 patients who underwent hepatectomy between 2006 and 2013, 74 who underwent paracentesis for bacterial cultivation of postoperative ascites after hepatectomy were analyzed.

Results

Of the 74 patients, 42 had positive bacterial cultures (positive group) and 32 patients had negative cultures (negative group). Hospital mortality was significantly higher in the positive group than in the negative group [9/42 (21.4%) vs. 2/32 (6.3%); P = 0.035]. Hospital mortality associated with each bacterial strain was as follows: methicillin‐resistant staphylococci (MRS) (5/13, 38.5%), staphylococci (2/11, 18.2%), enterococci (2/12, 16.7%), Enterobacter (0/3, 0%), Klebsiella (0/2, 0%), and others (0/1, 0%). Cox proportional multivariate analysis revealed that MRS infection in ascites was the only risk factor of hospital death (HR = 5.08, P = 0.041) and MRS wound infection was the only risk factor to predict MRS infection in ascites (HR = 5.67, P = 0.015).

Conclusion

Postoperative MRS infection in postoperative ascites after hepatectomy is a potentially fatal complication; therefore, the prevention of MRS wound infection is critical to decrease postoperative hospital mortality.
Prevalence and predictors of return visits to pediatric emergency departments
Authors: Akenroye Ayobami T. , Thurm Cary W. , Neuman Mark I. , Alpern Elizabeth R. , Srivastava Geetanjali , Spencer Sandra P. , Simon Harold K. , Tejedor‐Sojo Javier , Gosdin Craig H. , Brennan Elizabeth , Gottlieb Laura M. , Gay James C. , McClead Richard E. , Shah Samir S. , Stack Anne M.
Published: October 2014

OBJECTIVE

To determine the rate of return visits to pediatric emergency departments (EDs) and identify patient‐ and visit‐level factors associated with return visits and hospitalization upon return.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Retrospective cohort study of visits to 23 pediatric EDs in 2012 using data from the Pediatric Health Information System.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients <18 years old discharged following an ED visit.

MEASURES

The primary outcomes were the rate of return visits within 72 hours of discharge from the ED and of return visits within 72 hours resulting in hospitalization. Results: 1,415,721 of the 1,610,201 ED visits to study hospitals resulted in discharge. Of the discharges, 47,294 patients (3.3%) had a return visit. Of these revisits, 9295 (19.7%) resulted in hospitalization. In multivariate analyses, the odds of having a revisit were higher for patients with a chronic condition (odds ratio [OR]: 1.91, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.86‐1.96), higher severity scores (OR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.40‐1.45), and age <1 year (OR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.22‐1.42). The odds of hospitalization on return were higher for patients with higher severity (OR: 3.42, 95% CI: 3.23‐3.62), chronic conditions (OR: 2.92, 95% CI: 2.75‐3.10), age <1 year (1.7–2.5 times the odds of other age groups), overnight arrival (OR: 1.84, 95% CI: 1.71‐1.97), and private insurance (OR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.39‐1.56). Sickle cell disease and cancer patients had the highest rates of return at 10.7% and 7.3%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple patient‐ and visit‐level factors are associated with revisits. These factors may provide insight in how to optimize care and decrease avoidable ED utilization. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2014;9:779–787. © 2014 Society of Hospital Medicine
An assessment of beeswax as a thickener for environmentally friendly lubricating grease production
Authors: Kreivaitis Raimondas , Padgurskas Juozas , Gumbytė Milda , Kupčinskas Artūras
Published: October 2014

Environmentally friendly lubricants are preferred in many applications where groundwater or soil pollution is possible. The main purpose of the current study was to evaluate the possibility of beeswax use as a thickener for lubricating greases. European beeswax was used as a thickening material for the preparation of lubricating greases. Rapeseed oil and two mineral oils were used as base oils. The consistency, dropping point temperature, and tribological properties of the prepared lubricating greases were investigated and compared with conventional soap‐thickened greases. The prepared greases exhibited good tribological properties, especially the rapeseed‐oil‐based grease. However, tribological properties of conventional lubricating grease were superior to prepared ones. The weakness of the prepared lubricating greases is their narrow working temperature range. However, the beeswax together with rapeseed oil has great potential in the production of environmentally friendly, completely renewable lubricating greases. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
7‐Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Brain Iron Quantification in Homozygous and Heterozygous PANK2 Mutation Carriers
Authors: Dusek Petr , Tovar Martinez Elena Maria , Madai Vince Istvan , Jech Robert , Sobesky Jan , Paul Friedemann , Niendorf Thoralf , Wuerfel Jens , Schneider Susanne A.
Published: October 2014

Pantothenate‐kinase–associated neurodegeneration (PKAN) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by iron deposits in basal ganglia. The aim of this study was to quantify iron concentrations of deep gray matter structures in heterozygous PANK2 mutation carriers and in PKAN patients using quantitative susceptibility mapping MRI. By determining iron concentration, we intended to find mutation‐specific brain parenchymal stigmata in heterozygous PANK2 mutation carriers in comparison to age‐matched healthy volunteers. We studied 11 heterozygous PANK2 gene mutation carriers (mean age: 43.4 years; standard deviation [SD]: 10.5), who were found to be clinically asymptomatic by neurological examination. These carriers were compared to 2 clinically affected PKAN patients 21 and 32 years of age and to 13 age‐matched, healthy controls (mean age: 39.7; SD, 13.6). Scanning was performed on a 7.0‐Tesla whole‐body scanner applying three‐dimensional susceptibility‐weighted gradient echo acquisitions. Susceptibility maps were calculated by threshold‐based k‐space division with single‐orientation acquisition. Magnetic susceptibility values, relative to the occipital white matter, were determined for the following regions of interest (ROI): globus pallidus (GP), thalamus, putamen, internal capsule (IC), caudate nucleus, substantia nigra (SN), and red nucleus. Heterozygous PANK2 mutation carriers did not show increased brain iron concentrations, compared to healthy controls (P > 0.05), in any of the examined ROIs. In PKAN patients, more than 3 times higher concentrations of iron were found in the GP, SN, and IC. Our results suggest that heterozygous mutations in PANK2 gene do not cause brain iron accumulation nor do they cause movement disorders.
Effects of Tyrosine on Parkinson's Disease: A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Trial
Authors: DiFrancisco‐Donoghue Joanne , Rabin Ely , Lamberg Eric M. , Werner William G.
Published: October 2014

Individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) can suffer from orthostatic hypotension (OH) resulting from reduced levels of norepinephrine (NE), which inhibits the sympathetic nervous system. Levodopa reduces NE levels even further, leading to a greater decrease in blood pressure (BP) and increased OH. Tyrosine is a nonessential amino acid that is the major precursor to NE. Reduced levels of tyrosine have been shown after administration of l‐dopa. This study was a single‐center, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial to test the effects of supplementing l‐tyrosine on BP, plasma tyrosine, NE levels, and autonomic responses to exercise in PD. Thirty‐six subjects with PD receiving l‐dopa medication that suffer from OH participated. Random assignment was to a placebo group or l‐tyrosine 1,000 mg (500 mg of 2× daily) group for 7 days. OH testing and exercise testing was performed pre‐ and postsupplementation. There was no effect of tyrosine on BP after OH testing postsupplementation (tyrosine, n = 17; placebo, n = 19). There was an increase in plasma tyrosine in the tyrosine group (P > 0.05). There were no significant changes in any of the secondary outcome measures. l‐tyrosine at 1,000 mg (500 mg/2× day) for 7 days is safe and well tolerated in PD. Our results were inconclusive as to whether an increase in plasma tyrosine has an effect on OH in subjects with PD. An increase in plasma tyrosine had no effect on BP or autonomic responses in subjects with PD during acute exercise stress. (Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov.; identifier: NCT01676103)
Accounting for evolving pore size distribution in water retention models for compacted clays
Authors: Della Vecchia Gabriele , Dieudonné Anne‐Catherine , Jommi Cristina , Charlier Robert
Published: October 2014

Water retention in compacted clays is dominated by multi‐modal pore size distribution which evolves during hydro‐mechanical paths depending on water content and stress history. A description of the evolutionary fabric has been recently introduced in models for water retention, but mostly on a heuristic base. Here, a possible systematic approach to account for evolving pore size distribution is presented, and its implications in models for water retention are discussed. The approach relies on quantitative information derived from mercury intrusion porosimetry data. The information is exploited to introduce physically based evolution laws for the parameters of water retention models. These laws allow tracking simultaneously the evolution of the aggregated fabric and the consequent hydraulic state of compacted clays. The influence of clay microstructure, mechanical constraints and water content changes on the water retention properties is highlighted and quantified from experimental data on different compacted soils with different activity of the clayey fraction. The framework is discussed with reference to a widespread water retention model and validated against experimental data on a Sicilian scaly clay compacted to different dry densities and subjected to a number of hydro‐mechanical paths. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measuring renal tissue relaxation times at 7 T
Authors: Li Xiufeng , Bolan Patrick J. , Ugurbil Kamil , Metzger Gregory J.
Published: October 2014

As developments in RF coils and RF management strategies make performing ultra‐high‐field renal imaging feasible, understanding the relaxation times of the tissue becomes increasingly important for tissue characterization, sequence optimization and quantitative functional renal imaging, such as renal perfusion imaging using arterial spin labeling. By using a magnetization‐prepared single‐breath‐hold fast spin echo imaging method, human renal T1 and T2 imaging studies were successfully performed at 7 T with 11 healthy volunteers (eight males, 45 ± 17 years, and three females, 29 ± 7 years, mean ± standard deviation, S.D.) while addressing challenges of B1+ inhomogeneity and short‐term specific absorption rate limits. At 7 T, measured renal T1 values for the renal cortex and medulla (mean ± S.D.) from five healthy volunteers who participated in both 3 T and two‐session 7 T studies were 1661 ± 68 ms and 2094 ± 67 ms, and T2 values were 108 ± 7 ms and 126 ± 6 ms. For comparison, similar measurements were made at 3 T, where renal cortex and medulla T1 values of 1261 ± 86 ms and 1676 ± 94 ms and T2 values of 121 ± 5 ms and 138 ± 7 ms were obtained. Measurements at 3 T and 7 T were significantly different for both T1 and T2 values in both renal tissues. Reproducibility studies at 7 T demonstrated that T1 and T2 estimations were robust, with group mean percentage differences of less than 4%. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Correlation of gas permeation and free volume in new and used high free volume thin film composite membranes
Authors: Koschine Toenjes , Rätzke Klaus , Faupel Franz , Khan Muntazim Munir , Emmler Thomas , Filiz Volkan , Abetz Volker , Ravelli Luca , Egger Werner
Published: October 2014

Polymeric gas separation membranes frequently undergo the phenomenon of aging, that is, performance parameters like permeability decrease with storage or usage time. Here, we report on a new approach of reducing aging by incorporation of functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes into a polymer of intrinsic microporosity. Free volume and permeability measurements clearly show a reduced aging with incorporation of the carbon nantubes. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2015, 53, 213–217
Bayesian probability of success for clinical trials using historical data
Authors: Ibrahim Joseph G. , Chen Ming‐Hui , Lakshminarayanan Mani , Liu Guanghan F. , Heyse Joseph F.
Published: October 2014

Developing sophisticated statistical methods for go/no‐go decisions is crucial for clinical trials, as planning phase III or phase IV trials is costly and time consuming. In this paper, we develop a novel Bayesian methodology for determining the probability of success of a treatment regimen on the basis of the current data of a given trial. We introduce a new criterion for calculating the probability of success that allows for inclusion of covariates as well as allowing for historical data based on the treatment regimen, and patient characteristics. A new class of prior distributions and covariate distributions is developed to achieve this goal. The methodology is quite general and can be used with univariate or multivariate continuous or discrete data, and it generalizes Chuang‐Stein's work. This methodology will be invaluable for informing the scientist on the likelihood of success of the compound, while including the information of covariates for patient characteristics in the trial population for planning future pre‐market or post‐market trials. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.