bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aspirin desensitization for aspirin‐exacerbated respiratory disease (Samter's Triad): a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Xu Jason J. , Sowerby Leigh , Rotenberg Brian W.
Published: July 2013

Objectives

To critically review the current literature regarding aspirin desensitization treatment for nasal polyposis in patients with Aspirin‐Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD).

Study Design

Systematic review of the literature.

Methods

All English literature published between January 1995 and February 2013 reporting specifically nasal outcomes following aspirin desensitization in AERD patients were eligible for inclusion. Exclusion criteria were non‐investigative, non‐human, and ex‐vivo studies. Studies were categorized by level of evidence and evaluated for quality using the Downs and Black scale.

Results

A total of 614 citations were retrieved and eleven studies met the criteria for analysis. Outcome measurements included self‐reported symptom scores, amount of corticosteroid use, rate of revision surgery, and quantitative measurements such as rhinomanometry. Overall, most studies reported a significant improvement in symptom scores, decrease in corticosteroid use, and decrease in revision surgery. A few studies showed promising results with quantitative outcomes. However, most studies were of Level 2 evidence with small samples sizes. Rates of adverse events ranged from 12.5% to 23%.

Conclusions

Unlike traditional treatments for nasal polyposis, aspirin desensitization targets AERD etiology rather than phenotype and can be an effective therapeutic option. While the current literature shows encouraging results, additional studies are needed to better define clinical benefits.
Silver(I)‐N‐heterocyclic carbene complexes of bis‐imidazol‐2‐ylidenes having different aromatic‐spacers: synthesis, crystal structure, and in vitro antimicrobial and anticancer studies
Authors: Haque Rosenani A. , Salman Abbas Washeel , Budagumpi Srinivasa , Abdullah Amirul Al‐Ashraf , Abdul Hameed Al‐Mudaris Zena A. , Abdul Majid Amin M. S.
Published: July 2013

A series of Ag(I) complexes (6, 7, 8, 9) derived from imidazol‐2‐ylidenes was synthesized by reacting Ag2O with an o‐, m‐, p‐xylyl or 1,3,5‐triazine‐linked imidazolium salts (1, 2, 3, 4) and then characterizing these using various spectro‐analytical techniques. Additionally, triazine‐linked bis‐imidazolium salt 5 was characterized using the single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction method. Complexes 6–9 were formed from the N‐heterocyclic carbene ligand precursors 1–3 as PF6‐ salts in good yields. Conversely, salt 5 does not form Ag(I) complex even under various reaction conditions. Using ampicillin as a standard, complexes 6–9 were tested against bacteria strains Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus as Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacteria, respectively, showing potent antimicrobial activities against the tested bacteria even at minimum inhibition concentration and bacterial concentration levels. Furthermore, the potential anticancer activities of the reported complexes were evaluated against the human colorectal cancer (HCT 116) cell lines, using 5‐fluorouracil as a standard drug. The highest anticancer activities were observed for complex 8 with an IC50 value of 3.4 μm, whereas the lowest was observed for complex 9 with an IC50 value of 18.1 μm. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hybrid networks incorporating fluorous polyoxetane soft blocks
Authors: Wang Chenyu , Zhang Wei , Wynne Kenneth J.
Published: July 2013

Easily cleaned surfaces are of great interest because of a wide range of applications and strong economic impact attendant to advances. This research explores a model rigid adherent and two hybrid elastomeric coatings based on fluorous polyoxetanes, namely, poly(2‐trifluoroethoxymethyl‐2‐methyl‐1,3 propylene oxide) ‘3F’ and the pentafluoropropoxymethyl‐ analog ‘5F’. After reaction of 3F and 5F polyols with 4,4′‐methylenebis‐(cyclohexylisocyanate) (HMDI), end capping with 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane was carried out for subsequent hydrolysis/condensation cure to urethane/urea hybrids. Tensile testing and dynamic mechanical analysis were used to characterize bulk mechanical properties and glass transition temperatures. Wetting behavior was examined by static contact angles. The resistance to adhesion of a rigid bonded object is determined by quantitatively assessing the peak removal force for epoxied aluminum cylinders. Although the peak removal force for epoxied aluminum cylinders (Pc‐s, 0.18 MPa at 700 for 3F‐UUr‐SiO1.5) is similar to PDMS elastomers, a preliminary study suggests resistance to swelling by hexadecane (24 h, <1%) may be an advantage compared to PDMS coatings (24 h, 35%) for applications involving exposure to hydrocarbons. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Demonstrating the mechanism and efficacy of water‐induced shape memory and the influence of water on the thermal properties of oriented poly(d,l‐lactide)
Authors: Paakinaho Kaarlo , Hukka Terttu Inkeri , Kastinen Tuuva , Kellomäki Minna
Published: July 2013

Achieving water‐induced shape‐memory property in poly(D,L‐lactide) (PDLLA), generated by means of advanced processing methods, opens possibilities to develop novel bioresorbable medical devices with shape‐memory properties activated by the human body without external heat. The main phenomena that affect the molecular movements that enable the water‐induced shape‐memory effect in an oriented PDLLA in an aqueous environment at physiological temperature are related to the water driven disruption of the intermolecular dipole‐dipole and/or hydrogen bonding of the oriented PDLLA chains and the subsequent decrease of the glass transition temperature (Tg) to the range of physiological temperature. The diffused water in the polymer matrix decreased the energy needed to finish the glass transition process explaining the higher shape‐recovery rate of the γ‐irradiated PDLLA with respect to the non‐γ‐irradiated PDLLA in an aqueous environment at physiological temperatures. The water‐induced decrease in the Tg was thermally reversible. The efficacy of the generated shape‐memory was tested with PDLLA shape‐memory nails in a pullout test, in which the pullout force of the PDLLA nails increased 360% during a seven day test period in vitro at 37°C. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 4209–4218, 2013
Multifactorial design of poly(d,l‐lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) capsules with various release properties for differently sized filling agents
Authors: Schmitz‐Hertzberg Sebastian‐Tim , Mak Wing Cheung , Lai Kwok Kei , Teller Carsten , Bier Frank F.
Published: July 2013

The hydrolytic degradation and corresponding content release of capsules made of poly(d,l‐lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) strongly depends on the composition and material properties of the initially applied copolymer. Consecutive or simultaneous release from capsule batches of combinable material compositions, therefore, offers high control over the bioavailability of an encapsulated drug. The keynote of this study was the creation of a superordinated database that addressed the correlation between the release kinetics of filling agents with different molecular weights from PLGA capsules of alternating composition. Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)–dextran (with molecular weights of 4, 40, and 2000 kDa) was chosen as a model analyte, whereas the copolymers were taken from various 50:50 PLGA, 75:25 PLGA, and polylactide blends. With reference to recent publications, the capsule properties, such as the size, morphology, and encapsulation efficiency, were further modified during production. Hence, uniform microdisperse and polydisperse submicrometer nanocapsules were prepared by two different water‐in‐oil‐in‐water emulsification techniques, and additional effects on the size and morphology were achieved by capsule solidification in two different sodium salt buffers. The qualitative and quantitative examination of the physical capsule properties was performed by confocal laser scanning microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and Coulter counting techniques to evaluate the capsule size distribution and the morphological appearance of the different batches. The corresponding agent release was quantified by fluorescence measurement of the FITC–dextran in the incubation media and by the direct measurement of the capsule brightness via fluorescence microscopy. In summary, the observed agent release showed a highly controllable flexibility depending on the PLGA blends, preparation methods, and molecular weight of the used filling substances. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 4219–4228, 2013
Thermal and mechanical properties of semi‐interpenetrating polymer networks composed of diisocyanate‐bridged, four‐armed, star‐shaped ε‐caprolactone oligomers and poly(ε‐caprolactone)
Authors: Shibata Mitsuhiro , Teramoto Naozumi , Hoshino Kyohei , Takase Hayato , Shibita Ayaka
Published: July 2013

Semi‐interpenetrating polymer networks (S‐IPNs) were prepared by the reactions of hydroxyl‐terminated four‐armed, star‐shaped ε‐caprolactone oligomers with degrees of polymerization per one oligocaprolactone chain (ns) of 3, 5, and 10 and 2,4‐tolylene diisocyanate (TDI) in the presence of poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL). In the dynamic mechanical analysis of the S‐IPN [2,4‐tolylene diisocyanate bridged hydroxyl‐terminated four‐armed, star‐shaped ε‐caprolactone oligomer (TH4CLO)/PCL], only one tan δ peak was observed; its temperature increased with increasing TH4CLO content and with decreasing n value. Differential scanning calorimetric analyses of the TH4CLOs and TH4CLO/PCLs revealed that the TH4CLOs with ns of 3 and 5 were amorphous, whereas TH4CLO with an n of 10 was semicrystalline and that the crystallization of the PCL chain for TH4CLO/PCLs was more strongly disturbed with increasing TH4CLO content and decreasing n value. Although the tensile strength, modulus, and elongation at break of TH4CLO were much lower than those of PCL, those values increased with the n value. Although the tensile strength and modulus of the TH4CLO/PCLs decreased with increasing TH4CLO content, TH4CLO (n = 3)/PCL 50/50 showed the highest elongation at break (314%) among the S‐IPNs because of the suppression of crystallization of the polycaprolactone chain. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 4229–4236, 2013
Influence of scaffold forming techniques on stress relaxation behavior of polycaprolactone scaffolds
Authors: Sethuraman Vijayalakshmi , Makornkaewkeyoon Kornkarn , Khalf Abdurizzagh , Madihally Sundararajan V.
Published: July 2013

This study evaluated the effect of scaffold processing methods on viscoelastic properties of polycaprolactone (PCL), a frequently explored biomaterial in tissue engineering. 80 kDa and 45 kDa PCL scaffolds were synthesized using salt leaching and electrospinning techniques. Also, films were formed by air drying. Scanning electron microscopy analysis confirmed that salt leached scaffolds had open pore architecture and electrospun scaffolds had randomly distributed uniform fibers. Using the tensile test results in phosphate buffered saline (pH=7.4) and 37° C, ramp‐hold tests were performed for five stages by setting the strain rate to be 1%s−1for 2 s followed by 58 s of hold. Also, tests were performed at various strain rates and total strain. Salt leached scaffolds of same MW showed less relaxation in each stage relative to electrospun scaffolds. 45 kDa salt leached scaffolds relaxed more than 80 kDa scaffolds. Stress accumulated in each stage was more in films than in scaffolds. However, relaxation function appeared similar between films and electrospun fibers. Strain rate and amount of applied strain had significant effect on relaxation characteristics; 0.6%s−1strain rate had higher accumulated stress than 1%s−1and 3%s−1. Increased amount of loading had significant effect in the first stage with repetitive relaxation characteristics in subsequent stages. SEM analysis of tested samples showed no change in the microstructure with the exception of a few locations where pores oriented in the direction of the pull. In summary, viscoelastic characteristics vary based on the type of scaffold processing used, despite use of the same polymer. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 4237–4244, 2013
Toll‐like Receptor 2 Controls Acute Immune Complex–Driven Arthritis in Mice by Regulating the Inhibitory Fcγ Receptor IIB
Authors: Abdollahi‐Roodsaz Shahla , Koenders Marije I. , Walgreen Birgitte , Bolscher Judith , Helsen Monique M. , van den Bersselaar Liduine A. , van Lent Peter L. , van de Loo Fons A. J. , van den Berg Wim B.
Published: July 2013

Objective

Previous studies have demonstrated a protective role of Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR‐2) and a proinflammatory function of TLR‐4 during chronic T cell–driven arthritis. The involvement of TLRs in T cell–independent arthritic processes, however, remains unclear. This study was undertaken to determine the functional significance of TLR‐2 and TLR‐4 in T cell–independent immune complex–driven arthritis.

Methods

Serum‐transfer arthritis was induced in wild‐type and TLR‐deficient mice by intraperitoneal injections of arthritogenic K/BxN mouse serum. Arthritis was assessed macroscopically and by histologic analysis. The influence of TLR‐2 on macrophage cytokine profile, Fcγ receptor (FcγR) expression, and response to immune complexes was determined.

Results

While TLR‐4, unexpectedly, did not play any significant role, TLR‐2 deficiency accelerated the onset and markedly increased the severity of acute immune complex–driven arthritis in mice. TLR‐2 deficiency resulted in a substantial increase in joint inflammation, bone erosion, and cartilage pathology, indicating a protective function of TLR‐2 in passive FcγR‐driven disease. Ex vivo study of the macrophage inflammatory phenotype revealed increased production of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) despite similar levels of IL‐10, along with a significant increase in FcγR‐specific response, in TLR‐2−/− mouse macrophages early in the disease. Although distinct FcγR messenger RNA expression was not affected, cell surface protein expression of the inhibitory FcγRIIB in TLR‐2−/− naive primary macrophages was specifically diminished, resulting in a higher proinflammatory response. Accordingly, TLR‐2 stimulation specifically up‐regulated FcγRIIB, but not the activating FcγR, on macrophages.

Conclusion

TLR‐2 regulates acute immune complex–driven arthritis by controlling macrophage FcγR response. Our findings indicate that the protective role of TLR‐2 is extended beyond its previously described role in promoting Treg cells during T cell–mediated arthritis.
Prediction of inclusion body solubilization from shaken to stirred reactors
Authors: Walther Cornelia , Mayer Sabrina , Trefilov Alexandru , Sekot Gerhard , Hahn Rainer , Jungbauer Alois , Dürauer Astrid
Published: July 2013

Inclusion bodies (IBs) were solubilized in a µ‐scale system using shaking microtiter plates or a stirred tank reactor in a laboratory setting. Characteristic dimensionless numbers for mixing, the Phase number Ph and Reynolds number Re did not correlate with the kinetics and equilibrium of protein solubilization. The solubilization kinetics was independent of the mixing system, stirring or shaking rate, shaking diameter, and energy input. Good agreement was observed between the solubilization kinetics and yield on the µ‐scale and laboratory setting. We show that the IB solubilization process is controlled predominantly by pore diffusion. Thus, for the process it is sufficient to keep the IBs homogeneously suspended, and additional power input will not improve the process. The high‐throughput system developed on the µ‐scale can predict solubilization in stirred reactors up to a factor of 500 and can therefore be used to determine optimal solubilization conditions on laboratory and industrial scale. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2014;111: 84–94. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development and characterization of AND‐gate dynamic controllers with a modular synthetic GAL1 core promoter in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Teo Wei Suong , Chang Matthew Wook
Published: July 2013

Expression of heterologous proteins in metabolic engineering endeavors can be detrimental to host cells due to increased usage of cellular resources. Dynamic controls, where protein expression can be triggered on‐demand, are effective for the engineering and optimization of bio‐catalysts towards robust cell growth and enhanced biochemical productivity. Here, we describe the development and characterization of AND‐gate dynamic controllers in Saccharomyces cerevisiae which combine two dynamic control strategies, inducible promoters and sensing‐regulation. These dynamic controllers were constructed based on synthetic hybrid promoters. Promoter enhancer sequences were fused to a synthetic GAL1 core promoter containing DNA binding sites for the binding of a repressor that reduced DNA affinity upon interaction with key intermediates in a biochemical pathway. As fatty acids are key intermediates for production of fatty alcohols, fatty acid esters, alkenes, and alkanes, which are advanced biofuels, we used the fatty acid responsive FadR repressor and its operator sequence to demonstrate the functionality of the dynamic controllers. We established that the synthetic GAL1 core promoter can be used as a modular promoter part for constructing synthetic hybrid promoters and conferring fatty acid inducibility. We further showed the performance of the AND‐gate dynamic controllers, where two inputs (fatty acid and copper presence/phosphate starvation) were required to switch the AND‐gate ON. This work provides a convenient platform for constructing AND‐gate dynamic controllers, that is, promoters that combine inducible functionality with regulation of protein expression levels upon detection of key intermediates towards the engineering and optimization of bio‐catalytic yeast cells. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2014;111: 144–151. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Design of short membrane selective antimicrobial peptides containing tryptophan and arginine residues for improved activity, salt‐resistance, and biocompatibility
Authors: Saravanan Rathi , Li Xiang , Lim Kaiyang , Mohanram Harini , Peng Li , Mishra Biswajit , Basu Anindya , Lee Jong‐Min , Bhattacharjya Surajit , Leong Susanna Su Jan
Published: July 2013

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) kill microbes by non‐specific membrane permeabilization, making them ideal templates for designing novel peptide‐based antibiotics that can combat multi‐drug resistant pathogens. For maximum efficacy in vivo and in vitro, AMPs must be biocompatible, salt‐tolerant and possess broad‐spectrum antimicrobial activity. These attributes can be obtained by rational design of peptides guided by good understanding of peptide structure‐function. Toward this end, this study investigates the influence of charge and hydrophobicity on the activity of tryptophan and arginine rich decamer peptides engineered from a salt resistant human β‐defensin‐28 variant. Mechanistic investigations of the decamers with detergents mimicking the composition of bacterial and mammalian membrane, reveal a correlation between improved antibacterial activity and the increase in tryptophan and positive residue content, while keeping hemolysis low. The potent antimicrobial activity and high cell membrane selective behavior of the two most active decamers, D5 and D6, are attributed to an optimum peptide charge to hydrophobic ratio bestowed by systematic arginine and tryptophan substitution. D5 and D6 show surface localization behavior with binding constants of 1.86 × 108 and 2.6 × 108 M−1, respectively, as determined by isothermal calorimetry measurements. NMR derived structures of D5 and D6 in SDS detergent micelles revealed proximity of Trp and Arg residues in an extended structural scaffold. Such potential cation–π interactions may be critical in cell permeabilization of the AMPs. The fundamental characterization of the engineered decamers provided in this study improves the understanding of structure–activity relationship of short arginine tryptophan rich AMPs, which will pave the way for future de novo design of potent AMPs for therapeutic and biomedical applications. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2014;111: 37–49. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Management and outcome of 239 adolescent and adult rhabdomyosarcoma patients
Authors: Dumont Sarah N. , Araujo Dejka M. , Munsell Mark F. , Salganick Jason A. , Dumont Amaury G. , Raymond Kevin A. , Linassier Claude , Patel Shreyaskumar , Benjamin Robert S. , Trent Jonathan C.
Published: July 2013

Adult rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a rare tumor that has inferior outcome compared to younger patient population. The present work aims to study the age‐related differences in management of adolescents and adults with RMS. Under an institutional review board‐approved protocol, we retrospectively analyzed 239 patients, 10 years of age and greater, diagnosed with RMS at MD Anderson Cancer Center from 1957 through 2003. Of the 239 patients, 163 patients were nonmetastatic with a median overall survival (OS) of 3.8 years (95% CI 2.8–7.6). In the multivariate analysis, age >50 was significantly associated with shorter OS and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) for primary patients. Metastases were present in 76 patients, the median OS was 1.4 years. Approximately 13% of metastatic patients <50 years old had a long‐term survival exceeding 15 years. Multimodality therapy, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy was significantly associated with longer OS in primary and metastatic patients. Use of bi‐ and triple modality treatment decreased in metastatic patients over 50 years of age compared to younger patients. RMS in adolescents and adults has a poor outcome compared with younger individuals. Increased use of multidisciplinary therapy may improve older patient clinical outcome.
A Catalyst for One‐step Isoparaffin Production via Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis: Growth of a H‐Mordenite Shell Encapsulating a Fused Iron Core
Authors: Lin Qihang , Yang Guohui , Li Xiaonian , Yoneyama Yoshiharu , Wan Huilin , Tsubaki Noritatsu
Published: July 2013

Fused iron (FI), is a general Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) catalyst and can be used to convert syngas (CO+H2) into normal hydrocarbons. The syntheses of HZSM‐5 or H‐β zeolite‐shell encapsulated catalysts for FTS have been reported previously, however, conventional zeolite‐shell synthesis generally employs an organic template, which is neither economic nor environmentally benign. Here we report the synthesis, without using an organic template, of a millimeter‐sized defect‐free capsule catalyst covered by a MOR zeolite shell (thickness of 23 μm) on FI pellets. The capsule catalyst (HMOR/FI) exhibited excellent performance for FTS, greatly increasing the selectivity of middle isoparaffins. Compared with the pure FI catalyst, the CO conversion of the HMOR/FI capsule catalyst increased remarkably and the iso/n ratio was almost 8 times that of the pure FI catalyst. This report provides an effective route to synthesize a capsule catalyst, which can reduce costs effectively and is also more environmentally benign than the current conventional zeolite‐shell synthesis.
Catalysis with Gold Complexes Immobilised on Carbon Nanotubes by π–π Stacking Interactions: Heterogeneous Catalysis versus the Boomerang Effect
Authors: Vriamont Charles , Devillers Michel , Riant Olivier , Hermans Sophie
Published: July 2013

A new pyrene‐tagged gold(I) complex has been synthesised and tested as a homogeneous catalyst. First, a simple 1,6‐enyne was chosen as a model substrate for cyclisation by using different solvents to optimise the reaction conditions. The non‐covalent immobilisation of our pyrene‐tagged gold complex onto multi‐walled carbon nanotubes through π–π stacking interactions was then explored to obtain a supported homogeneous catalyst. The heterogenised catalyst and its homogeneous counterpart exhibited similar activity in a range of enyne cyclisation reactions. Bearing in mind that π–π interactions are affected by temperature and solvent polarity, the reuse and robustness of the supported homogeneous catalyst was tested to explore the scope and limitations of the recyclability of this catalyst. Under the optimised conditions, recyclability was observed by using the concept of the boomerang effect.
Construction of Quaternary Stereocenters: Asymmetric α‐Amination of Branched Aldehydes Catalyzed by Monoimide Substituted Cyclohexane‐1,2‐Diamines
Authors: Fu Ji‐Ya , Wang Qi‐Lin , Peng Lin , Gui Yong‐Yuan , Xu Xiao‐Ying , Wang Li‐Xin
Published: July 2013

A highly efficient enantioselective α‐amination of branched aldehydes catalyzed by chiral imide monosubstituted 1,2‐diamine derivatives was reported to afford the quaternary stereogenic centers in excellent yields (up to 99%) and enantioselectivities (up to 97% ee). Chirality 25:668–672, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
Nonparametric estimation of the conditional survival function for bivariate failure times
Authors: Lakhal‐Chaieb Lajmi , Abdous Belkacem , Duchesne Thierry
Published: July 2013

This paper discusses the nonparametric estimation of the conditional survival function for bivariate failure time data in the presence of dependent censoring. We use local polynomial smoothing techniques to obtain a simple estimator of the conditional survival function and investigate its asymptotic properties. Several censoring structures are considered. The proposal is compared to an existing alternative by simulation and illustrated with two real data sets. The Canadian Journal of Statistics 41: 439–452; 2013 © 2013 Statistical Society of Canada
Decomposition of Methylene Blue on Transition Metals Doped SnO2 Nanoparticles
Authors: Rashad Mohamed M. , Ismail Adel A. , Osama Inge , Ibrahim Ibrahim A. , Kandil Abdel‐Hakim T.
Published: July 2013

Transition metals (M = Zn, Ni, Co, and Mn) doped stannic oxide MxSn1−xO2 at x = 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 molar ratios have been successfully prepared. The results revealed that X‐ray diffraction peaks position exhibited the rutile tetragonal structure of cassiterite phase of SnO2 and there are no extra peaks of doped metal oxides at 0.1 and 0.2 molar ratio. However, secondary phase of doped metal oxides ZnO, NiO, Co3O4, and Mn2O3 were detected at 0.3 molar ratio. The average particles size of undoped SnO2 and doped samples were amounted to be ∼5.8, 7.8, 11.8, 14.3, and 17.4 nm for SnO2, Zn0.3Sn0.7O2, Ni0.3Sn0.7O2, Co0.3Sn0.7O2, and Mn0.3Sn0.7O2 samples, respectively. The prepared samples have been evaluated by photodegradation of methylene blue (MB). The results indicated that Zn2+ doping SnO2 (Zn0.3Sn0.7O2) was remarked the highest photocatalytic activity for the MB photodegradation. The improvement in the photocatalytic activity of Zn0.3Sn0.7O2 is attributed to hetero‐junctions of the ZnO/SnO2. The effect of doping Ni, Co, and Mn ions on the photocatalytic properties are insignificant in the photocatalytic activity of SnO2. The recycling tests indicated that ZnO/SnO2 was quite stable and there is no decrease in photocatalytic activity after five times repetition, indicating a promising catalyst for commercial applications.
Matching tumor risk with aggressiveness of treatment in men with multiple comorbidities and early‐stage prostate cancer
Authors: Daskivich Timothy J. , Chamie Karim , Kwan Lorna , Dash Atreya , Greenfield Sheldon , Litwin Mark S.
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

Men with multiple comorbidities are often overtreated for low‐risk prostate cancer, but it is unclear whether they are undertreated for high‐risk cancer, which has appreciable short‐term prostate cancer‐specific mortality. This study characterized the impact of comorbidity on treatment and survival in men with differing tumor risks.

METHODS

The researchers sampled 1482 men with nonmetastatic prostate cancer at 2 Veterans Affairs hospitals between 1998 and 2004, using multivariate probit regression to determine probabilities of aggressive treatment among men with differing Charlson comorbidity scores within D'Amico tumor risk strata. Using competing‐risks regression, a comparison was made of 8‐year cancer‐specific mortality for men treated aggressively and nonaggressively among Charlson score‐tumor risk pairs.

RESULTS

The study sample comprised 516 men (36%) with low‐risk, 475 men (33%) with intermediate‐risk, and 432 men (30%) with high‐risk prostate cancer. Men with high‐risk disease tended to have lower probability of aggressive treatment than other risk strata, regardless of comorbidity. Among men with Charlson scores 3+, probabilities of aggressive treatment did not increase with higher tumor risk (0.48, 0.61, 0.49 for low‐, intermediate‐, and high‐risk disease, respectively). In competing‐risks analysis, aggressive treatment was not associated with cancer‐specific survival benefit in men with multiple comorbidities (Charlson scores of 2 or 3+) and low‐ and intermediate‐risk disease, but there was a strong trend toward survival advantage in such men with high‐risk disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Aggressiveness of treatment is poorly matched with tumor risk in men with significant comorbidity. Men with major comorbidities should consider conservative management for low‐ and intermediate‐risk disease and aggressive treatment for high‐risk disease. Cancer 2013;119:3446–3453.. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Trends in the occurrence of high‐grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia in San Francisco: 2000‐2009
Authors: Simard Edgar P. , Watson Meg , Saraiya Mona , Clarke Christina A. , Palefsky Joel M. , Jemal Ahmedin
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

Although screening of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐positive individuals for anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN; a precursor of anal cancer) has been practiced in San Francisco among HIV health care providers since the early 1990s, to the authors' knowledge no study to date has focused on evaluating recent AIN trends.

METHODS

Cases of high‐grade AIN 3 and invasive anal cancer from 2000 to 2009 were obtained from the San Francisco/Oakland Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) population‐based cancer registry. Age‐standardized rates of AIN 3 and anal cancer were calculated overall and by demographic characteristics (sex, race, and age group). Log‐linear regression calculated annual percent change in rates during 2000 to 2009, and rate ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs), evaluated differences in rates during 2000 through 2004 and 2005 through 2009.

RESULTS

During 2000 through 2009, the majority of AIN 3 cases occurred among men (1152 of 1320 men; 87.3%). Rates of AIN 3 during the corresponding period increased by 11.48% per year (P < .05) among men and were stable among women. Comparing rates among men during 2000 to 2004 with those during 2005 to 2009, the largest increases were noted among those aged 50 years to 64 years (RR, 2.47; 95% CI, 1.93‐3.17) and among black individuals (RR, 3.49; 95% CI, 2.14‐5.85). During the same period, anal cancer rates were stable among men and women.

CONCLUSIONS

Rates of AIN 3 increased in San Francisco during 2000 through 2009, in conjunction with an anal cytology screening program for high‐risk groups, whereas rates of invasive anal cancer were unchanged. Continued surveillance is necessary to evaluate the impact of screening and human papillomavirus vaccination on the prevention of human papillomavirus‐related AIN and anal cancer. Cancer 2013;119:3539–3545.. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Are physician recommendations for BRCA1/2 testing in patients with breast cancer appropriate? A population‐based study
Authors: McCarthy Anne Marie , Bristol Mirar , Fredricks Tracey , Wilkins Lache , Roelfsema Irene , Liao Kaijun , Shea Judy A. , Groeneveld Peter , Domchek Susan M. , Armstrong Katrina
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

To the best of the authors' knowledge, few population‐based studies to date have examined the use of BRCA1/2 testing or patterns of physician recommendations for genetic testing among women diagnosed with breast cancer. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the rates and predictors of physician recommendation for BRCA1/2 testing among patients with breast cancer.

METHODS

Women aged 18 years to 64 years who were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2007 were identified from the Pennsylvania Cancer Registry and mailed a survey regarding their family history of cancer, physician treatment recommendations, and BRCA1/2 testing. Of the 4009 women who were sent surveys, 2258 responded (56%). Based on age at diagnosis and family history, women were categorized as being at high, moderate, or low risk of BRCA1/2 mutations.

RESULTS

Nearly 25% of the participants were classified as being at high risk of carrying a BRCA1/2 mutation based on their age at the time of breast cancer diagnosis and family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer. Physician recommendations for BRCA1/2 testing were found to be strongly associated with risk of carrying a mutation, with 53% of high‐risk women reporting a testing recommendation compared with 9% of low‐risk women. In addition, physician recommendations were strongly correlated with the use of testing in all risk groups. Among high‐risk women, the lack of a recommendation for BRCA1/2 testing was more common among older, low‐income, and employed women.

CONCLUSIONS

Although BRCA1/2 testing recommendations appear to be appropriately correlated with mutation risk, a significant percentage of patients with breast cancer who meet criteria for BRCA1/2 testing may not receive a recommendation for such testing from their health care providers. Cancer 2013;119:3596–3603. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Glucose transporter 1 protein detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and immunocytochemistry
Authors: Liao Nai‐Ding , Chiang Tai‐An , Lee Wen‐Ying
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

Glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) is a hallmark of metabolic change in cancer cells. The objective of this study was to determine the role of GLUT1 protein in diagnosing malignant pleural effusions by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunocytochemistry.

METHODS

In total, 82 pleural effusions were collected and classified as benign (n = 42), atypical (n = 8), or malignant (n = 32) based on cytologic diagnosis and etiology. GLUT1 protein levels in effusions were measured by ELISA. GLUT1 expression also was determined by immunocytochemistry using cell blocks.

RESULTS

GLUT1 levels were significantly higher in the malignant group compared with the benign group. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of benign and malignant pleural effusions for GLUT1 yielded an area under the curve of 0.77, with a value of 1355.87 pg/dL as the optimal threshold for distinguishing benign from malignant effusions. With the ELISA method, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 78.1%, 69%, and 73%, respectively. Malignant effusion cell blocks were positive for GLUT1 expression in 84.4% of cases with 100% specificity and 93.2% accuracy. With the combination of high GLUT1 protein levels (>10,000 pg/dL) and immunocytochemistry to detect malignant pleural effusions, the sensitivity and accuracy increased to 93.8% and 94.6%, respectively. The GLUT1 level measured by ELISA and the GLUT1 expression detected by immunocytochemistry were positively correlated. In atypical effusions, 3 cases (37.5%) had GLUT1 levels higher than the cutoff value.

CONCLUSIONS

The detection of GLUT1 protein by ELISA and immunocytochemistry may have utility in the diagnosis of malignant pleural effusions. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2013;121:695–702. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Using the ASC:SIL ratio, human papillomavirus, and interobserver variability to assess and monitor cytopathology fellow training performance
Authors: Chebib Ivan , Rao Rema A. , Wilbur David C. , Tambouret Rosemary H.
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

The goal of this study was to assess objective measurements of cytopathology fellow performance during their training.

METHODS

The authors examined cytopathology performance characteristics (the ratio of atypical squamous cells to squamous intraepithelial lesions [ASC:SIL], interobserver variability [IOV], high‐risk human papillomavirus [hr‐HPV]–positive atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance [ASC‐US]) of cytopathology fellows and assessed whether they could be used as tools to further their education.

RESULTS

The ASC:SIL ratio, the proportion of hr‐HPV–positive ASC‐US, and IOV were calculated for 5 consecutive cytopathology fellows. The average ASC:SIL ratio for the fellows was 1.15. The overall average Cohen κ‐coefficient (κ‐value) between fellow and cytopathologist interpretation was 0.75 (substantial agreement). The conditional κ‐value for ASC‐US only was higher for cases the fellows called ASC‐US (0.70) than for cases the cytopathologist called ASC‐US (0.60). Of the cases that were diagnosed as “negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy” (NILM) by the fellow and ASC‐US by the pathologist, 33.2% were positive for hr‐HPV. This was higher than the expected frequency of hr‐HPV–positive results in the NILM population, suggesting that the fellows were over‐interpreting NILM in hr‐HPV–positive cases that had cytologic features sufficient for an ASC‐US interpretation.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, agreement was compared between trainee and cytopathologist to determine where a fellow's interpretation differed. With the use of IOV, the ASC:SIL ratio, and the percentage of hr‐HPV–positive results in the NILM, ASC‐US, and low‐grade SIL categories, the authors attempted to outline objective assessments and areas of improvement for fellows before they enter independent practice. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2013;121:638–43. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Validation of the COURAGE Built Environment Self‐Reported Questionnaire
Authors: Raggi Alberto , Quintas Rui , Bucciarelli Paola , Franco Maria Grazia , Andreotti Alessandra , Miret Marta , Zawisza Katarzyna , Olaya Beatriz , Chatterji Somnath , Sainio Päivi , Frisoni Giovanni Battista , Martinuzzi Andrea , Minicuci Nadia , Power Mick , Leonardi Matilde
Published: July 2013

The built environment (BE) impacts on people's disability and health, in terms of overweight, depression, alcohol abuse, poor self‐rated health and presence of psychological symptoms; it is reasonable to assume that BE also impacts on participation levels. This paper presents the validation of the COURAGE Built Environment Self‐Reported Questionnaire (CBE‐SR), an instrument designed to evaluate BE in the context of health and disability.

Subjects participating to COURAGE, a cross‐sectional study conducted on 10 800 citizens of Poland, Finland and Spain, completed a protocol inclusive of the CBE‐SR. Psychometric properties and factor structure were analysed, and factor scores created. Gender differences, differences between persons from different age groups and persons reporting the environment as facilitating, hindering or neutral were calculated.

Eight items were deleted so that the final version of CBE‐SR comprises 19 items. Cronbach's alpha ranged from 0.743 to 0.906, and test–retest stability was demonstrated for the majority of items. Four subscales were identified: Usability of the neighbourhood environment; Hindrance of walkable environment; Easiness of use of public buildings, places and facilities; and Risk of accidents and usability of the living place. Younger respondents reported their neighbourhood as more usable but perceived walkways as more hindering and public buildings as less easy to use; gender differences were almost inexistent.

The CBE‐SR is a four‐scale instrument with good psychometric properties that measures the person–environment interaction. It is sensitive across age groups and is consistent with the subject's overall judgement of the degree to which the environment is facilitating or hindering. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message

Poor built environments have a negative impact on the level of a person's participation. However, instruments measuring the person–environment interaction are lacking.

The CBE‐SR is a valid and reliable instrument that researchers can use to assess the relationships between the intrinsic health state and the objective features of the environment.

Understanding this relationship would provide further insight into the need of addressing the individual's functioning either by means of interventions directed to the individual or by making changes to the individual's environment.
Prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Argentina 1979‐2012
Authors: Barengo Noël C. , Trejo Ruby , Sposetti Georgina
Published: July 2013

The objective of this review was to revise the existing information regarding type 2 diabetes (T2D) prevalence in the Argentine population during the past 30 years and to see whether the available data and methodology of the studies conducted allow analysis of time trends. The PubMED and LILACS databases were searched using the search terms “diabetes prevalence” and “Argentina”. A total of 301 studies were identified and 19 of them remained in the review after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The studies reviewed covered a time period of 30 years (1979‐2012). The studies conducted in Argentina during the last 30 years assessing the prevalence of T2D are very heterogeneous. The majority of the studies were conducted in the province of Buenos Aires. As the assessment of T2D varied between the studies in respect of diagnostic criteria and diagnostic tests for T2D, meaningful comparisons are difficult to make, not to mention an analysis of time trends. All in all, the T2D prevalence seems to be at least 10% in the Argentina population. However, the latest large population surveys conducted in Argentina is promising and may offer the most reliable estimates of the T2D prevalence even though the diagnosis of T2D was based on participant self‐report. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
β‐Carotene, α‐tocopherol and ascorbic acid: differential profile of antioxidant, inflammatory status and regulation of gene expression in human mononuclear cells of diabetic donors
Authors: de Oliveira Barbara Fonseca , Costa Daniela Caldeira , Nogueira‐Machado José Augusto , Chaves Miriam Martins
Published: July 2013

Background

Diabetic patients are exposed to increased oxidative stress due to several mechanisms, mainly hyperglycaemia. Pathological processes, such as those in type 1 diabetes, include diminished activity of the antioxidant defense system(s) or excessive oxidative generation resulting in an oxidative/antioxidant imbalance and development of oxidative stress.

Methods

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) (chemiluminescence) and reduction capacity (MTT dye reduction), the expression of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase subunits, superoxide dismutase and catalase using quantitative reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, and the levels of cytokines [interleukin (IL)‐6, tumour necrosis factor‐α, IL‐8, IL‐10 and IL‐4] by sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in mononuclear cells from non‐diabetic and diabetic donors treated with a vitamin complex (ascorbic acid, β‐carotene and α‐tocopherol) in two different concentrations ([A] = ascorbic acid = 0.08 µM, α‐tocopherol = 0.04 µM, β‐carotene = 0.0008 µM and [20A] = ascorbic acid = 1.6 µM, α‐tocopherol = 0.82 µM, β‐carotene = 0.016 µM).

Results

Concentration [A] was antioxidant reducing ROS production, expression of NADPH oxidase subunits and pro‐inflammatory cytokines while raising the expression of antioxidant enzymes and reducing pro‐inflammatory cytokines in both groups. Concentration [20A] was pro‐oxidant by raising ROS production, NADPH oxidase subunits and pro‐inflammatory cytokines and reducing antioxidant enzymes and anti‐inflammatory cytokines in the non‐diabetic group but antioxidant in cells of type 1 diabetic patients by raising antioxidant enzymes and anti‐inflammatory cytokines and reducing pro‐inflammatory cytokines.

Conclusion

The vitamin complex has a dual effect, pro‐oxidant and antioxidant, being also dose dependent with different profiles of cells of non‐diabetic and type 1 diabetic patients. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Autoantibodies against zinc transporter 8 are related to age, metabolic state and HLA DR genotype in children with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes
Authors: Salonen K. M. , Ryhänen S. , Härkönen T. , Ilonen J. , Knip M. ,   Finnish Pediatric Diabetes Register
Published: July 2013

Background

We set out to define the characteristics of humoral autoimmunity against ZnT8 in children and adolescents with newly diagnosed T1D in relation to age and metabolic status at diagnosis, human leucocyte antigen (HLA) genotype and family history of T1D.

Methods

A total of 2115 subjects <15 years of age were analysed for antibodies against zinc transporter 8, ICA, GADA, IAA, IA‐2A, HLA DR‐DQ genotype, blood pH, plasma glucose and β‐hydroxybutyrate concentrations. Their family history of T1D was also recorded.

Results

Zinc transporter 8 antibodies (ZnT8A) were detected in 63% of the cases. ZnT8A positivity was associated with older age at diagnosis (mean 8.2 years versus 7.5 years, p < 0.001). Seven subjects (0.3%) had ZnT8A as their single autoantibody. Diabetic ketoacidosis at diagnosis was less common among subjects with ZnT8A than among those without (16% versus 20%, p = 0.012). The prevalence of ZnT8A was decreased in DR3/DR4 heterozygotes when compared with those with other DR combinations (p < 0.001). Subjects with the neutral DR13‐DQB1*0604 haplotype tested more frequently positive for ZnT8A than the rest of the population (p < 0.001). A positive family history of T1D showed no association with ZnT8A prevalence or levels.

Conclusions

Antibodies for ZnT8 is related to age and metabolic status at diagnosis as well as HLA genotype but does not significantly improve the detection rate of β‐cell autoimmunity in Finnish children and adolescents affected by T1D. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimental Study of DBD Plasma Actuator with Combination of AC and Nanosecond Pulse Voltage
Authors: Kimura Taichi , Udagawa (Takashima) Keisuke , Yamasaki Hiroyuki
Published: July 2013

In the last decade, dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma actuators using a combination voltage of AC and a nanosecond pulse have been studied. The combined‐voltage‐driven plasma actuator increases the body force effect, including wall jet and flow suction, by overlapping the nanosecond pulse voltage, while the DBD plasma actuator driven by nanosecond pulses is a flow control actuator generating compression waves due to pulse heating, which makes it possible to supply an active flow control at a high‐speed flow, reported as up to Mach 0.7. In this study, a DBD plasma actuator driven by a combination voltage of sinusoidal AC and nanosecond pulse was experimentally investigated. The time‐averaged net thrust and cycle‐averaged power consumption of the actuator were characterized by using an electrical weight balance and the charge‐voltage cycle of a DBD plasma actuator, respectively. The plasma actuator thrust driven with the combination voltage showed increased thrust with increasing pulse repetition rate. The energy consumption of the actuator was controlled by varying the AC phase when the nanosecond pulse was applied. Therefore, the thrust and power consumption in the actuator were almost independently controlled by the pulse repetition rate and the pulse imposed phase.