bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health‐related empowerment in cancer: Validity of scales from the Health Education Impact Questionnaire
Authors: Maunsell Elizabeth , Lauzier Sophie , Brunet Jennifer , Pelletier Sylvie , Osborne Richard H. , Campbell H. Sharon
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND

Empowerment refers to an individual's feelings of being able to manage the challenges of the cancer experience and of having a sense of control over one's life. However, empowerment questionnaires that have been validated for the cancer setting are lacking. The objective of this study was to validate scales from the Health Education Impact Questionnaire (heiQ), which assesses the effects of health education programs among individuals with chronic conditions. The heiQ scalesSocial integration and support,Health service navigation,Constructive attitudes and approaches,Skill and technique acquisition,andEmotional distresswere identified as key dimensions of empowerment for the cancer context.

METHODS

Adults who were diagnosed with cancer <3 years earlier were recruited from a population‐based cancer registry and from the Canadian Cancer Society's information and peer‐support programs. The 731 participants completed a mailed questionnaire, which included the heiQ scales, related constructs, and demographics. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach α values, and validity was determined using confirmatory factor analysis and scale correlations with related constructs (self‐efficacy, intrusive thoughts about cancer, and mental and physical health).

RESULTS

The hypothesized 5‐factor model fit the data adequately (chi‐square statistic, 528.17; degrees of freedom, 265; root mean square error of approximation, .04; non‐normed fit index, .99; comparative fit index, 1.00; standardized root mean residual, .05). Factor loadings were high (23 of 25 were ≥.70), and the factor correlations indicated separate but related constructs. Cronbach α values ranged from .75 to .90. A priori hypotheses about the correlations between heiQ scales and related constructs all were supported.

CONCLUSIONS

The current results support the validity of these 5 heiQ scales as generic measures of health‐related empowerment in the cancer setting. These scales could fill an important gap in the measures currently available to evaluate proximal effects of support interventions.Cancer2014;120:3228–3236.©2014 American Cancer Society.
The nature and management of metastatic melanoma after progression on BRAF inhibitors: Effects of extended BRAF inhibition
Authors: Chan Matthew M. K. , Haydu Lauren E. , Menzies Alexander M. , Azer Mary W. F. , Klein Oliver , Lyle Megan , Clements Arthur , Guminski Alexander , Kefford Richard F. , Long Georgina V.
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND

The v‐raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B (BRAF) inhibitor (BRAFi) drugs dabrafenib and vemurafenib have high response rates in BRAF‐mutant, metastatic melanoma; however, 50% of patients progress by 7 months. In this study, the authors examined the nature and management of disease progression (PD) on BRAFi treatment, including characteristics and outcomes of patients who received continued BRAFi treatment beyond disease progression (TBP).

METHODS

Clinicopathologic data at baseline and at the time of PD were collected for all patients with BRAF‐mutant metastatic melanoma who received BRAFi monotherapy within clinical trials between July 2009 and September 2012. Management and survival after PD were examined, including continued BRAFi TBP (>28 days beyond Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumor [RECIST]‐defined PD).

RESULTS

Ninety‐five of 114 BRAFi‐treated patients had PD. Fifty‐three of those 95 patients (56%) progressed in extracranial sites alone, 18% (17 of 95 patients) progressed in intracranial and extracranial sites simultaneously, and 16% (15 of 95 patients) progressed in intracranial sites alone. Twenty‐nine of the 95 patients (31%) who had PD progressed in a single site or organ, 48% (46 of 95 patients) progressed in existing metastases only, and 18% (17 of 95 patients) had new metastases alone. At the time of PD, 35 of 95 patients (37%) received no subsequent systemic treatment, 20% (19 of 95 patients) changed systemic treatments, and 39% (37 of 95 patients) continued BRAFi TBP for a median of 97 days. BRAFi TBP and known prognostic factors (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, lactate dehydrogenase, RECIST sum of the greatest dimensions of target lesions) were associated with overall survival (OS) from the time of PD; however, in multivariable analysis, BRAFi TBP improved OS (hazard ratio, 0.50; 95% confidence interval, 0.27‐0.93; P=.029).

CONCLUSIONS

Most BRAFi‐treated patients progressed in existing extracranial sites, and 31% progressed in isolated sites. Compared with cessation, continued BRAFi TBP is associated with prolonged OS even after adjusting for potential prognostic factors at PD. Cancer 2014;120:3142–3153. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Gastric juice long noncoding RNA used as a tumor marker for screening gastric cancer
Authors: Shao Yongfu , Ye Meng , Jiang Xiaoming , Sun Weiliang , Ding Xiaoyun , Liu Zhong , Ye Guoliang , Zhang Xinjun , Xiao Bingxiu , Guo Junming
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a crucial role in tumorigenesis. However, the value of lncRNAs in the diagnosis of gastric cancer remains unknown. To identify whether lncRNA‐AA174084 is a potential marker for the early diagnosis of gastric cancer (GC), the authors investigated its levels in tissues, blood, and gastric juices from patients with various stage of gastric tumorigenesis.

METHODS

Total RNA in 860 specimens from patients and healthy controls was extracted. Levels of AA174084 in 134 paired GC tissues, 127 gastric mucosal tissues, 335 plasma samples, and 130 gastric juice samples at each stage of gastric tumorigenesis were measured using real‐time reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction analysis. The potential association between AA174084 levels and patients' clinicopathologic features were analyzed. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed for differentiating GC patients from controls.

RESULTS

Expression levels of AA174084 were down‐regulated significantly in 95 of 134 GC tissues (71%) compared with the levels in paired, adjacent, normal tissues (P < .001). AA174084 levels had significant, negative correlations with age (P = .031), Borrmann type (P = .016), and perineural invasion (P = .032). Plasma AA174084 levels in patients with GC dropped markedly on day 15 after surgery compared with preoperative levels (P < .001) and were associated with invasion (P = .049) and lymphatic metastasis (P = .042). AA174084 levels in gastric juice from patients with GC were significantly higher than the levels in normal mucosa or in patients with minimal gastritis, gastric ulcers, and atrophic gastritis (P < .001). The area under ROC was up to 0.848 (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

AA174084 may have potential as marker for the early diagnosis of GC. Cancer 2014;120:3320–3328. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Molecular analyses of 6 different types of uterine smooth muscle tumors: Emphasis in atypical leiomyoma
Authors: Zhang Qing , Ubago Julianne , Li Li , Guo Haiyang , Liu Yugang , Qiang Wenan , Kim J. Julie , Kong Beihua , Wei Jian‐Jun
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND

Uterine smooth muscle tumors (USMTs) constitute a group of histologic, genetic, and clinical heterogeneous tumors that include at least 6 major histologically defined tumor types: leiomyoma (ULM), mitotically active leiomyoma (MALM), cellular leiomyoma (CLM), atypical leiomyoma (ALM), uncertain malignant potential (STUMP), and leiomyosarcoma (LMS). Apart from ULM and LMS, the nature of these variants is not well defined.

METHODS

A total of 167 cases of different USMT variants were collected, reviewed, and diagnostically confirmed based on the World Health Organization and Stanford schemes. These included 38 cases of LMS, 18 cases of STUMP, 42 cases of ALM, 22 cases of CLM, 7 cases of MALM, and 40 cases of ULM. Molecular analysis included selected microRNAs (miRNAs), oncogenes, and tumor suppressors that are highly relevant to USMT.

RESULTS

Overall, 49% (17/35) of LMS cases and 7% (1/14) of STUMP cases died due to their USMT, but no deaths were attributed to ALM. miRNA profiling revealed that ALM and LMS shared similar miRNA signatures. P53 mutations and PTEN deletions were significantly higher in LMS, ALM, and STUMP compared with other USMT variants (P < .01). In contrast, MED12 mutations were extremely common in ULM and MALM (>74%) but were significantly less common (<15%) in CLM, ALM, STUMP, and LMS (P < .01).

CONCLUSION

Six types of USMT have different gene mutation fingerprints. ALM shares many molecular alterations with LMS. Our findings suggest that ALM may be a precursor lesion of LMS or have similar genetic changes during its early stage. Cancer 2014;120:3165–3177. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Non‐fragile synchronization control for complex networks with additive time‐varying delays
Authors: Sakthivel Natarajan , Rakkiyappan Rajan , Park Ju H.
Published: July 2014

In this article, a synchronization problem for complex dynamical networks with additive time‐varying coupling delays via non‐fragile control is investigated. A new class of Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional with triple integral terms is constructed and using reciprocally convex approach, some new delay‐dependent synchronization criteria are derived in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). When applying Jensen's inequality to partition double integral terms in the derivation of LMI conditions, a new kind of linear combination of positive functions weighted by the inverses of squared convex parameters appears. To handle such a combination, an effective method is introduced by extending the lower bound lemma. Then, a sufficient condition for designing the non‐fragile synchronization controller is introduced. Finally, a numerical example is given to show the advantages of the proposed techniques. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 21: 296–321, 2015
Solving a novel multiobjective placement problem of recloser and distributed generation sources in simultaneous mode by improved harmony search algorithm
Authors: Morsali Roozbeh , Ghadimi Noradin , Karimi Mohammad , Mohajeryami Saeed
Published: July 2014

This article deals with optimal placement of Distributed Generation (DG) sources and recloser in simultaneous mode and develops an improved harmony search (iHS) algorithm to solve it. For this, two important control parameters have been adjusted to reach better solution from simple HS algorithm to obtain better solution from simple HS algorithm. The proposed multiobjective function consists of two parts; first is improving reliability indices and second is minimizing power loss. The reliability indices have been selected based on satisfactory requirements of costumer and electric company as well as response to transient and permanent faults. Then, four reliability indices has been used in objective function; that is, system average interruption duration index (SAIDI), cost of energy not supplied, momentary average interruption frequency index, and system average interruption frequency index (SAIFI). Simulation has been performed on a practical distribution network in North West of Iran. Three scenarios have been introduced; that is, scenario (i) First, placement of DGs, and then recloser, scenario (ii) First, placement of recloser, and then DG, and scenario (iii) simultaneous placement of DG and recloser. Also, three cases are defined based on the number of used DG and recloser. Results of the proposed algorithm have been compared with related values of particle swarm optimization and simple HS algorithms. The core contribution of the presented study is introducing several novel indices to analyze and discuss the obtained results from simulation. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 21: 328–339, 2015
Mechanistic Insight into Oxide‐Promoted Palladium Catalysts for the Electro‐Oxidation of Ethanol
Authors: Martinez Ulises , Serov Alexey , Padilla Monica , Atanassov Plamen
Published: July 2014

Recent advancements in the development of alternatives to proton exchange membrane fuel cells utilizing less‐expensive catalysts and renewable liquid fuels, such as alcohols, has been observed for alkaline fuel cell systems. Alcohol fuels present the advantage of not facing the challenge of storage and transportation encountered with hydrogen fuel. Oxidation of alcohols has been improved by the promotion of alloyed or secondary phases. Nevertheless, currently, there is no experimental understanding of the difference between an intrinsic and a synergistic promotion effect in high‐pH environments. This report shows evidence of different types of promotion effects on palladium electrocatalysts obtained from the presence of an oxide phase for the oxidation of ethanol. The correlation of mechanistic in situ IR spectroscopic studies with electrochemical voltammetry studies on two similar electrocatalytic systems allow the role of either an alloyed or a secondary phase on the mechanism of oxidation of ethanol to be elucidated. Evidence is presented for the difference between an intrinsic effect obtained from an alloyed system and a synergistic effect produced by the presence of an oxide phase.
Surface expression of CD39 identifies an enriched Treg‐cell subset in the rheumatic joint, which does not suppress IL‐17A secretion
Authors: Herrath Jessica , Chemin Karine , Albrecht Inka , Catrina Anca I. , Malmström Vivianne
Published: July 2014

Treg cells are important for the maintenance of self‐tolerance and are implicated in autoimmunity. Despite enrichment of Treg cells in joints of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, local inflammation persists. As expression of the ATP‐hydrolyzing enzymes CD39 and CD73 and the resulting anti‐inflammatory adenosine production have been implicated as an important mechanism of suppression, we characterized FOXP3+ Treg cells in blood and synovial fluid samples of RA patients in the context of CD39 and CD73 expression. Synovial FOXP3+ Treg cells displayed high expression levels of rate‐limiting CD39, whereas CD73 was diminished. FOXP3+CD39+ Treg cells were also abundant in synovial tissue. Furthermore, FOXP3+CD39+ Treg cells did not secrete the proinflammatory cytokines IFN‐γ and TNF after in vitro stimulation in contrast to FOXP3+CD39− T cells. FOXP3+CD39+ Treg cells could be isolated by CD39 and CD25 coexpression, displayed a demethylated Treg‐specific demethylated region and coculture assays confirmed that CD25+CD39+ T cells have suppressive capacity, while their CD39− counterparts do not. Overall, our data show that FOXP3+CD39+ Treg cells are enriched at the site of inflammation, do not produce proinflammatory cytokines, and are good suppressors of many effector T‐cell functions including production of IFN‐γ, TNF, and IL‐17F but do not limit IL‐17A secretion.
Synthesis and Photoelectrochemical Properties of Efficient Photoanodes Built from Fe2O3/NiO Heterostructures
Authors: Fan Weiqiang , Zhang Chao , Bai Hongye , Yu Xiaoqiang , Shi Weidong
Published: July 2014

New photoanodes built from Fe2O3/NiO heterostructures were successfully prepared, and their morphologies and structures were systematically characterized by SEM, XRD, TEM, and HRTEM. The photoelectrochemical (PEC) properties of the heterostructures, including transient photocurrent density versus time (I–t) curves, photocurrent versus potential (I–V) curves, and incident‐photon‐to‐current efficiency (IPCE) curves, were also researched in depth. The p–n heterostructure composed of NiO and Fe2O3 results in the improvement of electron transfer between Fe2O3 and NiO.
Heat release rates of modern residential furnishings during combustion in a room calorimeter
Authors: Bwalya Alex , Gibbs Eric , Lougheed Gary , Kashef Ahmed
Published: July 2014

Results are presented from a number of fire experiments that were conducted in a room environment to study the fire characteristics of typical residential furnishings and assist in the design of a subsequent phase of a project involving fully furnished room fire experiments. The experiments were conducted in a 16‐m2 test room (with dimensions 3.8 m wide × 4.2 m long × 2.4 m high), which had a 1.5 × 1.5‐m window opening. The furnishings tested included mattresses, bed clothes, bed assemblies, upholstered seating furniture, clothing arrangements, books, plastic audio/video media and storage cases, toys, shoes, and a computer workstation setup. The smoke (gaseous products of combustion) from the room was collected using a hood system in order to measure the heat release rate (HRR) and optical density of the smoke. The test room was instrumented with load cells, heat flux gauges, thermocouples and velocity probes in order to take the following measurements: mass loss, total heat flux on gauge‐installed flush with the internal surfaces (floor, walls, and ceiling), temperatures at numerous locations, and gas velocities in the window opening. Twin‐size mattresses produced peak HRRs of approximately 3800 kW, and the maximum room temperature was approximately 980°C. The HRRs of bed assemblies of various sizes and configurations ranged from 1800 kW for a twin‐size bed to 6250 kW for a bunk bed. The maximum temperature and heat flux recorded in the experiments were 1071°C and 221 kW/m2, respectively. Upholstered chairs and sofas had HRRs ranging from 630 kW for an ottoman to 3360 kW for a two‐seat sofa. In tests with clothing, toys, shoes, books, a computer workstation, and CD/DVD media, the peak HRRs ranged from 440 kW for a bookcase to 2045 kW for toys. Furnishings containing a large proportion of rigid thermoplastic plastics, such as shoes and media cases, produced very dense smoke even at low HRRs. The effect of parameters such as bed clothes, mattress type, foundation type, bed assembly and chair size, material composition, and fuel package arrangement was evident in the results. Because the room dimensions and wall lining materials remained constant, temperatures were linearly proportional to the peak HRR (and exposure time) until the ventilation limit (approximately 4100 kW) was reached. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tuber starch amylose content is associated with cold‐induced sweetening in potato
Authors: Jansky Shelley H. , Fajardo Diego A.
Published: July 2014

Cold‐induced sweetening (CIS) is the accumulation of reducing sugars in potato tubers at low storage temperatures. It is undesirable because it results in dark fry products. Our study evaluated the relationship between genetic resistance to CIS and two starch parameters, amylose content and starch granule size. We found that the amylose content in four CIS‐resistant varieties was higher than that in five susceptible varieties. Amylose content was influenced not only by variety but also storage, production year, and field location. However, interactions between amylose content and environmental variables were not detected. In contrast, starch granule size was not associated with CIS resistance. No effect of storage on starch granule size was detected, and interactions among variety, production year, and field location were observed. Tuber starch amylose content should be considered a source of variability for CIS.
Distinct neural responses to conscious versus unconscious monetary reward cues
Authors: Bijleveld Erik , Custers Ruud , Van der Stigchel Stefan , Aarts Henk , Pas Pascal , Vink Matthijs
Published: July 2014

Human reward pursuit is often assumed to involve conscious processing of reward information. However, recent research revealed that reward cues enhance cognitive performance even when perceived without awareness. Building on this discovery, the present functional MRI study tested two hypotheses using a rewarded mental‐rotation task. First, we examined whether subliminal rewards engage the ventral striatum (VS), an area implicated in reward anticipation. Second, we examined differences in neural responses to supraliminal versus subliminal rewards. Results indicated that supraliminal, but not subliminal, high‐value reward cues engaged brain areas involved in reward processing (VS) and task performance (supplementary motor area, motor cortex, and superior temporal gyrus). This pattern of findings is striking given that subliminal rewards improved performance to the same extent as supraliminal rewards. So, the neural substrates of conscious versus unconscious reward pursuit are vastly different—but despite their differences, conscious and unconscious reward pursuit may still produce the same behavioral outcomes. Hum Brain Mapp 35:5578–5586, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Empirical Testing of the External Validity of a Discrete Choice Experiment to Determine Preferred Treatment Option: The Case of Sleep Apnea
Authors: Krucien Nicolas , Gafni Amiram , Pelletier‐Fleury Nathalie
Published: July 2014

There is an increasing use of the discrete choice experiment (DCE) method in health care to estimate preferences of individuals and the public for different services. Despite this increasing use, there are few studies that investigate the validity of the DCE in health. This study investigates the external validity of DCE by comparing the predicted treatment choices from the DCE to the actual treatment choices made by the same respondents using a decision board (DB) approach. The sample includes 140 patients who came for a sleep apnea routine visit in a hospital setting. Each respondent answered 10 DCE tasks and 1 DB task. The preferences were estimated with a generalized multinomial logit model and the predicted and actual treatment choices were compared both at the sample and individual levels. The results raise questions about the external validity of DCE in health. At the sample level, the comparison showed large but not significant differences between the two methods. This can be explained in part by the aggregation process that obscures variability in the individuals’ preferences. At the individual level, the comparison showed that the two methods led to significantly different patterns of choices. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical utility of the modified Glasgow prognostic score in patients with advanced head and neck cancer
Authors: Nakayama Masahiro , Tabuchi Keiji , Hara Akira
Published: July 2014

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prognostic potential of the modified Glasgow prognostic score (mGPS), known to reflect the degree of tumor‐associated inflammation and cancer cachexia, in patients with advanced head and neck cancer.

Methods

Patients with advanced head and neck cancer treated at the University of Tsukuba Hospital between January 2002 and December 2011 were retrospectively evaluated. They were categorized by their mGPS.

Results

A total of 210 patients were enrolled in this study. Patients with an mGPS of 0 had better overall survival and disease‐free survival than did those with an mGPS of 1 or 2. Multivariate analysis revealed that the mGPS was a significant risk factor for overall survival and disease‐free survival.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the mGPS is useful for predicting outcome in patients with advanced head and neck cancer and should be included in their routine clinical assessment. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: 1745–1749, 2015
Demographic and socioeconomic factors predictive of compliance with American Thyroid Association guidelines for the treatment for advanced papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Wenaas Ashley E. , Nagy Celeste Z. , Yiu Yin , Xu Li , Horter Kelsey , Zevallos Jose P.
Published: July 2014

Background

The American Thyroid Association (ATA) publishes evidence‐based guidelines for the treatment of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). We sought to identify factors associated with receiving treatment compliant with the 2006 ATA guidelines for advanced‐stage PTC.

Methods

The 2006 ATA guideline compliance was examined in patients with stage III and IV PTC extrapolated from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER).

Results

Sixty percent of patients received ATA‐compliant treatment. A stepwise increase in compliance occurred between 2006 and 2009 (p‐value trend = .0003). Age 45 to 64 years versus ≥65 (odds ratio [OR] = 0.682; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.57–0.81; p < .0001) and higher income (p trend = .012) were associated with an increased likelihood of receiving ATA‐compliant care. African Americans (OR = 0.56; 95% CI = 0.42–0.76; p = .0001) and single patients (OR = 0.81; 95% CI = 0.67–0.97; p = .02) were less likely to receive ATA‐compliant care.

Conclusion

This study highlights specific populations at risk for receiving non–ATA‐compliant care for PTC and underscores the need to further implement guideline‐based practice. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: 1776–1780, 2015
Understanding Bereavement in a Christian University: A Qualitative Exploration
Authors: Walker Andrea C. , Gewecke Rachelle , Cupit Illene N. , Fox Jeffrey T.
Published: July 2014

This phenomenological study, based on ecological systems theory, examined the college student bereavement experience in a Christian university. Undergraduate students (N = 127) from a small Christian university provided answers to open‐ended questions about their experiences regarding college following a death loss. Results indicate that students are generally successful in adapting to bereavement and prefer an environment open to discussing death and asking difficult religious questions. Implications for counselors are provided.
Alcohol‐Related Consequences Among First‐Year University Students: Effectiveness of a Web‐Based Personalized Feedback Program
Authors: Doumas Diana M. , Nelson Kinsey , DeYoung Amanda , Renteria Camryn Conrad
Published: July 2014

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a web‐based personalized feedback program using an objective measure of alcohol‐related consequences. Participants were assigned to either the intervention group or an assessment‐only control group during university orientation. Sanctions received for campus alcohol policy violations were tracked over the academic year. Results indicated high‐risk drinkers in the control group received significantly more sanctions than other students. Results support the effectiveness of web‐based interventions.
Bullying: A Wellness Concern Among Appalachian Youth
Authors: MYNATT BLAIR SUMNER , HEIDEL R. ERIC , STUDER JEANNINE R.
Published: July 2014

Adolescents in a southeastern, rural school were given the Five Factor Wellness Inventory and a survey to examine the relationship between bullying and wellness. A significant correlation between an aggregate score of bullying and total wellness (r = −.43, p < .001) was revealed. Implications and strategies for counselors are discussed.
Toxic Effects of Paraquat on Cytokine Expression in Common Carp, Cyprinus carpio L.
Authors: Ma Junguo , Li Xiaoyu , Li Yuanyuan , Li Yao , Niu Daichun
Published: July 2014

In this study, the acute toxicity of paraquat (PQ) in common carp was determined. Then, the contents and mRNA levels of the cytokines interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) were evaluated following subacute exposure to PQ. The results show that the LC50 of PQ for common carp at 72 and 96 h was 15.962 and 15.106 mg/L, respectively. Moreover, after 7 days of subacute PQ exposure, the IL‐1β content in the fish liver and kidney increased, although it decreased in spleen. However, changes in the IFN‐γ content showed an irregular trend. The TNF‐α content increased in the liver and spleen but decreased in the kidney. Additionally, PQ exposure also induced alterations in the mRNA levels of IL‐1β, IFN‐γ, and TNF‐α. These results suggest that PQ exposure may result in suppression or excessive activation of the immune system in treated fish and lead to immune dysfunction and reduced immunity.
Evaluation of crizotinib absolute bioavailability, the bioequivalence of three oral formulations, and the effect of food on crizotinib pharmacokinetics in healthy subjects
Authors: Xu Huiping , O'Gorman Melissa , Boutros Tanya , Brega Nicoletta , Kantaridis Constantino , Tan Weiwei , Bello Akintunde
Published: July 2014

Crizotinib (Xalkori®) is an orally administered, selective, small‐molecule, ATP‐competitive inhibitor of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) and mesenchymal epithelial transition factor/hepatocyte growth factor receptor tyrosine kinases, and has recently been approved for the treatment of ALK‐positive non‐small cell lung cancer. The absolute bioavailability of crizotinib, effect of a high‐fat meal on crizotinib pharmacokinetics (PK), and bioequivalence of several oral formulations (powder in capsule [PIC], immediate‐release tablet [IRT], and commercial formulated capsule [FC]) were evaluated in two phase I clinical studies involving healthy volunteers who received single doses of crizotinib. PK parameters for crizotinib and its metabolite, PF‐06260182, were determined using non‐compartmental methods. The absolute oral bioavailability of crizotinib was approximately 43%, with a slight decrease in crizotinib exposures (area under the plasma concentration–time profile and maximum plasma concentration) following a high‐fat meal that was not considered clinically meaningful. The FC was bioequivalent to the clinical development IRT and PIC formulations. No serious adverse events were observed during either study and the majority of adverse events were mild, the most common being diarrhea. Single‐dose crizotinib could be safely administered to healthy subjects.
Procalcitonin as a useful biomarker for determining the need to perform emergency biliary drainage in cases of acute cholangitis
Authors: Shinya Satoshi , Sasaki Takamitsu , Yamashita Yuichi , Kato Daisuke , Yamashita Kanefumi , Nakashima Ryo , Yamauchi Yasushi , Noritomi Tomoaki
Published: July 2014

Background

It is important to identify biomarkers for sepsis and organ damage in acute cholangitis patients. We investigated the usefulness of procalcitonin (PCT) as a biomarker of inflammation based on the Tokyo Guidelines 2013 (TG13).

Methods

A total of 110 acute cholangitis patients were categorized based on TG13, and the PCT levels and common laboratory inflammatory markers were measured. The cases undergoing hemoculture (n = 72) at the time of diagnosis also correlated with the PCT levels.

Results

The PCT and C‐reactive protein levels were significantly higher in grade III cases versus grade I. The mean PCT levels for positive hemoculture cases (8.6 ng/ml) were significantly higher than those for negative cases (0.7 ng/ml). In hemoculture positive cases or when purulent bile was obtained from the duodenal papilla, i.e., cases clearly requiring emergency biliary drainage and necessitating categorization as grade III, three cases were categorized as grade I and 13 as grade II. Only PCT showed statistically significant increases in severe cases underestimated as grade I or II despite them being fundamentally grade III cases.

Conclusions

Acute cholangitis with high PCT levels can signify the need to perform emergency biliary drainage and institute intensive care even if categorized by TG13 as not being severe cases.
COLLECTIVE LEARNING IN YOUTH‐FOCUSED CO‐OPERATIVES IN LESOTHO AND UGANDA
Authors: Hartley Sally
Published: July 2014

The co‐operative revival in some African countries includes a focus on youth as the next generation of co‐operators, where youth are increasingly establishing co‐operatives and joining existing ones. Based on fieldwork with youth co‐operatives in Lesotho and Uganda, the article shows how co‐operatives promote collective learning, and how members learn ‘from’ and ‘with’ each other, leading to new ways of thinking and action. The dynamics are influenced by trust and power relations, the specificities of different co‐operatives and access to co‐operative networks. These findings reinforce the need for a youth policy in the African co‐operative movement and supporting organisations. © 2014 The Authors.Journal of International Developmentpublished by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
RETHINKING RURAL CO‐OPERATIVES IN DEVELOPMENT: INTRODUCTION TO THE POLICY ARENA
Authors: Johnson Hazel , Shaw Linda
Published: July 2014

The global resurgence of co‐operatives has given rise to debate about their role in development. What challenges do they offer to current models of social and economic organisation in the light of crisis? Can co‐operatives go beyond their mixed history and create opportunities for new thinking, policy and practice? This introduction examines some aspects of the history of the co‐operative movement in development and identifies contemporary themes, particularly with respect to rural co‐operatives. It outlines how the articles in the Policy Arena address some of the key questions in current policy debates. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The best candidates for nerve‐sparing stripping surgery for facial nerve schwannoma
Authors: Park Soon H. , Kim Jin , Moon In S. , Lee Won S.
Published: July 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

Clinical decision making for facial nerve schwannoma is particularly complicated in patients with good facial nerve function; however, an early nerve‐sparing tumor resection stripping technique minimizes facial deficits associated with treatment. The present study characterized the optimal candidate for this nerve‐sparing surgical strategy in patients with good facial function.

Study Design

Retrospective study.

Methods

Nerve‐sparing stripping surgery was performed on 28 patients with facial nerve schwannoma. The House‐Brackmann grading system was used to assess pre‐ and postoperative facial function. We retrospectively analyzed pre‐ and postoperative facial function, duration of facial palsy, tumor size, and location and number of involved segments. The data were analyzed using Fisher exact test and independent t tests.

Results

Of the 28 patients, 18 successfully underwent stripping surgery and 16 had a favorable outcome. Favorable postoperative facial function was associated with good preoperative facial function (House‐Brackmann grade [HBG] ≤II); small, localized tumors; and tumors located in the geniculate ganglion and/or its proximal portion.

Conclusions

Patients with facial nerve schwannoma who have good preoperative facial function (HBG ≤2), tumor located in the proximal portion of the geniculate ganglion, and small tumors (<2 cm) involving one or two facial nerve segments can be the best candidates for nerve‐sparing stripping surgery.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 124:2610–2615, 2014
Effects of Soil Water Repellency on Moisture Patterns in a Degraded Sapric Histosol
Authors: Hewelke Edyta , Szatyłowicz Jan , Gnatowski Tomasz , Oleszczuk Ryszard
Published: July 2014

An understanding of soil moisture content variability is fundamental in hydrological studies of peat soils, whose preservation depend on water‐related processes. Dehydration of fens and adapting them for agricultural production have contributed to the degradation of peat soils. The goal of this study was to determine how the critical soil moisture content (CSMC) and soil water repellency (SWR) affect soil moisture patterns in a degraded peat‐muck soil profile. SWR was measured under laboratory conditions using the water drop penetration time test, and then the CSMC was assessed. An investigation of moisture patterns was based on soil moisture data collected over short distances in a grass‐covered peat‐muck soil profile on seven dates. Observed differences in moisture patterns demonstrate that the CSMC can be used for the prediction of preferential flow occurrences in peat‐muck soils. Lower values of the CSMC and lower levels of SWR persistence in muck layers than in peat layers indicate that degradation of peat soils improves their wettability. The relatively low values of CSMC and the low shrinkage potential in the muck layer suggest that preferential water flow in the degraded organic soils can occur when heavy rains are preceded by long periods of summer drought. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cell–Microsphere Constructs Formed with Human Adipose‐Derived Stem Cells and Gelatin Microspheres Promotes Stemness, Differentiation, and Controlled Pro‐Angiogenic Potential
Authors: Kodali Anjaneyulu , Lim Thiam Chye , Leong David Tai , Tong Yen Wah
Published: July 2014

Translation of stem cell therapies to clinical stage requires viable delivery vehicles that can control stem cell behavior. In this study, the suitability of gelatin microspheres (GMs) as such a tissue engineering platform for human adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) is investigated. ADSCs on GMs, show a significant upregulation of well known pluripotent marker genes, together with the ability to differentiate into multiple cell lineages of adipocytes, osteocytes, and hepatocytes. In addition, the pro‐angiogenic ability of ADSC‐GMs is also enhanced compared to ADSCs on 2D culture plates. These results suggest that GMs can be a suitable culture platform for ADSCs with enhanced therapeutic potential.
O6‐carboxymethylguanine DNA adduct formation and lipid peroxidation upon in vitro gastrointestinal digestion of haem‐rich meat
Authors: Bussche Julie Vanden , Hemeryck Lieselot Y. , Van Hecke Thomas , Kuhnle Gunter G. C. , Pasmans Frank , Moore Sharon A. , Van de Wiele Tom , De Smet Stefaan , Vanhaecke Lynn
Published: July 2014

Scope

Epidemiological and clinical studies have demonstrated that the consumption of red haem‐rich meat may contribute to the risk of colorectal cancer. Two hypotheses have been put forward to explain this causal relationship, i.e. N‐nitroso compound (NOC) formation and lipid peroxidation (LPO).

Methods and Results

In this study, the NOC‐derived DNA adduct O6‐carboxymethylguanine (O6‐CMG) and the LPO product malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in individual in vitro gastrointestinal digestions of meat types varying in haem content (beef, pork, chicken). While MDA formation peaked during the in vitro small intestinal digestion, alkylation and concomitant DNA adduct formation was observed in seven (out of 15) individual colonic digestions using separate faecal inocula. From those, two haem‐rich meat digestions demonstrated a significantly higher O6‐CMG formation (p < 0.05). MDA concentrations proved to be positively correlated (p < 0.0004) with haem content of digested meat. The addition of myoglobin, a haem‐containing protein, to the digestive simulation showed a dose–response association with O6‐CMG (p = 0.004) and MDA (p = 0.008) formation.

Conclusion

The results suggest the haem‐iron involvement for both the LPO and NOC pathway during meat digestion. Moreover, results unambiguously demonstrate that DNA adduct formation is very prone to inter‐individual variation, suggesting a person‐dependent susceptibility to colorectal cancer development following haem‐rich meat consumption.
Psychometric functioning, socio‐demographic variability of childhood maltreatment in the general population and its effects of depression
Authors: Schulz Andrea , Schmidt Carsten Oliver , Appel Katja , Mahler Jessie , Spitzer Carsten , Wingenfeld Katja , Barnow Sven , Driessen Martin , Freyberger Harald J. , Völzke Henry , Grabe Hans J.
Published: July 2014

Maltreatment of children is a major public‐health and social‐welfare problem but socio‐demographic variability has received little attention. This work addresses such variability in a general population cohort and associations with depression. Analyses were based on the cross‐sectional SHIP‐LEGEND examination among 2265 adults (29–89 years). Childhood maltreatment was multi‐dimensionally assessed with the German 28‐item Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ): emotional neglect; emotional abuse; physical neglect; physical abuse; sexual abuse. Non‐linear associations between CTQ responses and age were assessed with fractional polynomials and cubic splines. Scale properties were analysed with confirmatory factor analyses and item response models. Associations between childhood maltreatment domains and depression [Beck Depression Inventory‐II (BDI‐II)] were assessed. The majority (58.9%) reported events indicative of at least mild levels of childhood maltreatment. CTQ subscales showed characteristically different non‐linear associations to age across the five studied domains, indicating methodological issues like recall bias and the influence of seminal events. Psychometric scale properties were acceptable to good for all subscales except for physical neglect. Associations to depression measures varied systematically across socio‐demographic strata. We conclude that socio‐demographic variability is a major issue when studying self‐reported childhood maltreatment in a community sample. This needs to be taken into account for the study of associations to psychiatric key outcomes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diffusion‐weighted chemical shift imaging of human brain metabolites at 7T
Authors: Ercan Ayse Ece , Techawiboonwong Aranee , Versluis Maarten J. , Webb Andrew G. , Ronen Itamar
Published: July 2014

Purpose

Diffusion‐weighted chemical shift imaging (DW‐CSI) of brain metabolites poses significant challenges associated with the acquisition of spectroscopic data in the presence of strong diffusion weighting gradients. We present a reproducible DW‐CSI acquisition and processing scheme that addresses most of the potential sources of instability and provides reproducible and anatomically meaningful diffusion‐weighted and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) metabolite maps.

Methods

A real‐time navigator‐based acquisition scheme was used, allowing instantaneous reacquisition of corrupted k‐space data and postprocessing correction of gradient‐induced phase fluctuations. Eddy current correction based on residual water resonance was implemented and improved the quality of the data significantly.

Results

Highly reproducible diffusion‐weighted metabolite maps of three highest concentration brain metabolites are shown. The navigator‐based accept/reject strategy and the postacquisition corrections improved the stability of the DW‐CSI signal and the reproducibility of the resulting DW‐CSI maps significantly. The metabolite ADC values could be related to the underlying tissue cellular composition.

Conclusion

Robust investigation of DW‐CSI of brain metabolites is feasible and may provide information complementary to that obtained from more sensitive but less specific methods such as diffusion tensor imaging. Magn Reson Med 73:2053–2061, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Iterative reweighted linear least squares for accurate, fast, and robust estimation of diffusion magnetic resonance parameters
Authors: Collier Quinten , Veraart Jelle , Jeurissen Ben , den Dekker Arnold J. , Sijbers Jan
Published: July 2014

Purpose

Diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging suffers from physiological noise, such as artifacts caused by motion or system instabilities. Therefore, there is a need for robust diffusion parameter estimation techniques. In the past, several techniques have been proposed, including RESTORE and iRESTORE (Chang et al. Magn Reson Med 2005; 53:1088–1095; Chang et al. Magn Reson Med 2012; 68:1654–1663). However, these techniques are based on nonlinear estimators and are consequently computationally intensive.

Method

In this work, we present a new, robust, iteratively reweighted linear least squares (IRLLS) estimator. IRLLS performs a voxel‐wise identification of outliers in diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance images, where it exploits the natural skewness of the data distribution to become more sensitive to both signal hyperintensities and signal dropouts.

Results

Both simulations and real data experiments were conducted to compare IRLLS with other state‐of‐the‐art techniques. While IRLLS showed no significant loss in accuracy or precision, it proved to be substantially faster than both RESTORE and iRESTORE. In addition, IRLLS proved to be even more robust when considering the overestimation of the noise level or when the signal‐to‐noise ratio is low.

Conclusion

The substantially shortened calculation time in combination with the increased robustness and accuracy, make IRLLS a practical and reliable alternative to current state‐of‐the‐art techniques for the robust estimation of diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance parameters. Magn Reson Med 73:2174–2184, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Epidermal innervation in healthy children and adolescents
Authors: Panoutsopoulou Ioanna G. , Luciano Carlos A. , Wendelschafer‐Crabb Gwen , Hodges James S. , Kennedy William R.
Published: July 2014

Introduction: Epidermal nerve fiber (ENF) density, morphology, and epidermal innervation patterns were examined in children using 2 different techniques, punch biopsy and suction blister. Methods: Healthy children without symptoms or history of peripheral neuropathy and normal by neurologic examination were studied. Punch biopsy and suction blister specimens were collected from the lateral thigh and distal leg. ENFs were traced from confocal images of immunohistochemically stained samples. Statistical methods included repeated‐measures analysis of covariance. Results: Blister and biopsy nerve counts were associated. ENF density in children was dense, lower for older children (P < 0.01) and with no difference between boys and girls (P = 0.92). Many ENFs appeared multibranched and elongated. Conclusions: Epidermal innervation in the pediatric population is dense and age‐dependent. Blister specimens are less invasive and may provide an alternative to punch biopsy for determining ENF density in children at risk for neuropathy. Muscle Nerve 51: 378–384, 2015
Naturstoffe und ihre zellulären Angriffsziele
Authors: Eirich Jürgen , Sieber Stephan A.
Published: July 2014

Naturstoffe spielen durch ihre biologische Aktivität eine wichtige Rolle bei der Wirkstoffentwicklung. Sie beeinflussen unter anderem die Funktion vieler Biomoleküle, darunter Proteine, Zucker und DNA.
Ein Sesquiterpen gegen das Vergessen
Authors: Gulder Tanja , Gulder Tobias A. M.
Published: July 2014

Eine therapeutische Hoffnung für neurodegenerative Erkrankungen liegt in der Evaluierung und Optimierung neurotropher Naturstoffe durch Totalsynthese. Ein Zielmolekül ist Jiadifenolid.
Photosynthese unter Kontrolle?
Authors: Groß Michael
Published: July 2014

Wie pflanzliche Solarkraftwerke die Photosynthese steuern, ist im Detail noch unbekannt. Eine künstliche Version des Prozesses könnte Kohlendioxid aus der Atmosphäre in Treibstoff verwandeln.
A numerical method for reconstructing the coefficient in a wave equation
Authors: Chow Yat Tin , Zou Jun
Published: July 2014

We present a numerical method for reconstructing the coefficient in a wave equation from a single measurement of partial Dirichlet boundary data. The original inverse problem is converted to a nonlinear integral differential equation, which is solved by an iterative method. At each iteration, one linear second‐order elliptic problem is solved to update the reconstruction of the coefficient, then the reconstructed coefficient is used to solve the forward problem to obtain the new data for the next iteration. The initial guess of the iterative method is provided by an approximate model. This model extends the approximate globally convergent method proposed by Beilina and Klibanov, which has been well developed for the determination of the coefficient in a special wave equation. Numerical experiments are presented to demonstrate the stability and robustness of the proposed method with noisy data.© 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 31: 289–307, 2015