bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toward Reducing Risk for Eating Disorders and Obesity in Latina College Women
Authors: Franko Debra L. , Jenkins Amy , Rodgers Rachel F.
Published: June 2012

The efficacy of 2 computer‐based programs was tested with Latina college women (N= 64). Compared with participants in the control group, intervention participants improved their motivation to eat fruits and vegetables (F&V; p= .042) and to participate in physical activity (p= .023) and significantly increased their F&V intake (pre‐ to posttest, p < .001; pre‐follow‐up, p= .002). Body dissatisfaction improved at a trend level (p= .055). Some modest effects of computer‐based programs were found.
Nanostructured selenium for preventing biofilm formation on polycarbonate medical devices
Authors: Wang Qi , Webster Thomas J.
Published: June 2012

Biofilms are a common cause of persistent infections on medical devices as they are easy to form and hard to treat. The objective of this study was for the first time to coat selenium (a natural element in the body) nanoparticles on the surface of polycarbonate medical devices (such as those used for medical catheters) and to examine their effectiveness at preventing biofilm formation. The size and distribution of selenium coatings were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The strength of the selenium coating on polycarbonate was assessed by tape‐adhesion tests followed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Results showed that selenium nanoparticles had a diameter of 50–100 nm and were well distributed on the polycarbonate surface. In addition, more than 50% of the selenium coating survived the tape‐adhesion test as larger nanoparticles had less adhesion strength to the underlying polycarbonate substrate than smaller selenium nanoparticles. Most significantly, the results of this in vitro study showed that the selenium coatings on polycarbonate significantly inhibited Staphylococcus aureus growth to 8.9% and 27% when compared with an uncoated polycarbonate surface after 24 and 72 h, respectively. Importantly, this was accomplished without using antibiotics but rather with an element (selenium) that is natural to the human body. Thus, this study suggests that coating polymers (particularly, polycarbonate) with nanostructured selenium is a fast and effective way to reduce bacteria functions that lead to medical device infections. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 100A: 3205–3210, 2012.
Preparation and bioactive properties of novel bone‐repair bionanocomposites based on hydroxyapatite and bioactive glass nanoparticles
Authors: Valenzuela Francisco , Covarrubias Cristian , Martínez Constanza , Smith Patricio , Díaz‐Dosque Mario , Yazdani‐Pedram Mehrdad
Published: June 2012

Bionanocomposites based on ceramic nanoparticles and a biodegradable porous matrix represent a promising strategy for bone repair applications. The preparation and bioactive properties of bionanocomposites based on hydroxyapatite (nHA) and bioactive glass (nBG) nanoparticles were presented. nHA and nBG were synthesized with nanometric particle size using sol–gel/precipitation methods. Composite scaffolds were prepared by incorporating nHA and nBG into a porous alginate (ALG) matrix at different particle loads. The ability of the bionanocomposites to induce the crystallization of the apatite phase from simulated body fluid (SBF) was systematically evaluated using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X‐ray analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Both nHA/ALG and nBG/ALG composites were shown to notably accelerate the process of crystallization and growth of the apatite phase on the scaffold surfaces. For short immersion times in SBF, nBG (25%)‐based nanocomposites induced a higher degree of apatite crystallization than nHA (25%)‐based nanocomposites, probably due to the more reactive nature of the BG particles. Through a reinforcement effect, the nanoparticles also improve the mechanical properties and stability in SBF of the polymer scaffold matrix. In addition, in vitro biocompatibility tests demonstrated that osteoblast cells are viable and adhere well on the surface of the bionanocomposites. These results indicate that nHA‐ and nBG‐based bionanocomposites present potential properties for bone repair applications, particularly oriented to accelerate the bone mineralization process. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 100B: 1672–1682, 2012.
Connexin 43 deficiency attenuates loss of trabecular bone and prevents suppression of cortical bone formation during unloading
Authors: Lloyd Shane A , Lewis Gregory S , Zhang Yue , Paul Emmanuel M , Donahue Henry J
Published: June 2012

Connexin 43 (Cx43) is the most abundant gap junction protein in bone and has been demonstrated as an integral component of skeletal homeostasis. In the present study, we sought to further refine the role of Cx43 in the response to mechanical unloading by subjecting skeletally mature mice with a bone-specific deletion of Cx43 (cKO) to 3 weeks of mechanical unloading via hindlimb suspension (HLS). The HLS model was selected to recapitulate the effects of skeletal unloading due to prolonged bed rest, reduced activity associated with aging, and spaceflight microgravity. At baseline, the cortical bone of cKO mice displayed an osteopenic phenotype, with expanded cortices, decreased cortical thickness, decreased bone mineral density, and increased porosity. There was no baseline trabecular phenotype. After 3 weeks of HLS, wild-type (WT) mice experienced a substantial decline in trabecular bone volume fraction, connectivity density, trabecular thickness, and trabecular tissue mineral density. These deleterious effects were attenuated in cKO mice. Conversely, there was a similar and significant amount of cortical bone loss in both WT and cKO. Interestingly, mechanical testing revealed a greater loss of strength and rigidity for cKO during HLS. Analysis of double-label quantitative histomorphometry data demonstrated a substantial decrease in bone formation rate, mineralizing surface, and mineral apposition rate at both the periosteal and endocortical surfaces of the femur after unloading of WT mice. This suppression of bone formation was not observed in cKO mice, in which parameters were maintained at baseline levels. Taken together, the results of the present study indicate that Cx43 deficiency desensitizes bone to the effects of mechanical unloading, and that this may be due to an inability of mechanosensing osteocytes to effectively communicate the unloading state to osteoblasts to suppress bone formation. Cx43 may represent a novel therapeutic target for investigation as a countermeasure for age-related and unloading-induced bone loss. © 2012 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Former premenarcheal gymnasts exhibit site-specific skeletal benefits in adulthood after long-term retirement
Authors: Erlandson Marta C , Kontulainen Saija A , Chilibeck Phil D , Arnold Cathy M , Faulkner Robert A , Baxter-Jones Adam DG
Published: June 2012

Young female gymnasts have greater bone strength compared to controls; although possibly due to selection into gymnastics, it is thought that their loading activity during growth increases their bone mass, influencing both bone geometry and architecture. If such bone mass and geometric adaptations are maintained, this may potentially decrease the risk of osteoporosis and risk of fracture later in life. However, there is limited evidence of the persisting benefit of gymnastic exercise during growth on adult bone geometric parameters. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine whether adult bone geometry, volumetric density, and estimated strength were greater in retired gymnasts compared to controls, 10 years after retirement from the sport. Bone geometric and densitometric parameters, measured by peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) at the radius and tibia, were compared between 25 retired female gymnasts and 22 controls, age range 22 to 30 years, by multivariate analysis of covariance (covariates: age, height, and muscle cross-sectional area). Retired gymnasts had significantly greater adjusted total and trabecular area (16%), total and trabecular bone mineral content (BMC) (18% and 22%, respectively), and estimated strength (21%) at the distal radius (p < 0.05) than controls. Adjusted total and cortical area and BMC, medullary area, and estimated strength were also significantly greater (13% to 46%) in retired gymnasts at the 30% and 65% radial shaft sites (p < 0.05). At the distal tibia, retired gymnasts had 12% to 13% greater total and trabecular BMC and volumetric bone mineral density as well as 21% greater estimated strength; total and cortical BMC and estimated strength were also greater at the tibial shaft (8%, 11%, and 10%, respectively) (p < 0.05). Former female gymnasts have significantly better geometric and densitometric properties, as well as estimated strength, at the radius and tibia 10 years after retirement from gymnastics compared to females who did not participate in gymnastics in childhood and adolescence. © 2012 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
EVALUATING AS A MEANS TO ACHIEVE DEVELOPMENT ENDS
Authors: Everitt Angela , Mare Ann Le
Published: June 2012

This article considers the distinction between, first, doing research and having research findings and, second, giving value to those findings, making evaluative judgements about the research. Although there is a great deal of analysis on how to do research, there is less attention to making explicit the range of values which inform evaluative judgements and match various individual and institutions interests in the research findings. We argue that processes of evaluation should be thought of as developmental and, if based on the values of the development initiative, become one of the ‘means’ through which development goals are established, contributing to shared outcomes that are the ‘ends’ of development. This article is a contribution to understanding the valuing of research findings by discussing ways to facilitate these processes and suggesting a number of practical steps that can contribute to making evaluation a ‘means’ to development ‘ends’. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dental MRI: Imaging of soft and solid components without ionizing radiation
Authors: Hövener Jan‐Bernd , Zwick Stefan , Leupold Jochen , Eisenbeiβ Anne‐Katrin , Scheifele Christian , Schellenberger Frank , Hennig Jürgen , Elverfeldt Dominik v. , Ludwig Ute
Published: June 2012

Purpose:

To evaluate the ability of conventional and ultra‐short or zero echo time MRI for imaging of soft and solid dental components in and ex vivo.

Materials and Methods:

Turbo spin echo (TSE), ultra‐short echo time (UTE), and zero echo time (ZTE) MRI were performed on extracted (human and equine) teeth and in vivo using whole‐body and small‐bore MR systems at 3 T, 7T, and 9.4T, respectively.

Results:

At an isotropic resolution of (600 μm)3, strong signal of soft‐tissue, e.g., mucosa and nerves with excellent contrast was achieved using TSE at 3T in vivo. No signal, though, was obtained from solid components, e.g., teeth (due to short T2). In contrast, dentin, cementum as well as enamel of extracted teeth were readily depicted using UTE and ZTE at a resolution of ≈ (150 μm)3 at 7T and 9.4T. In particular, ZTE provided higher signal in enamel.

Conclusion:

As an alternative to X‐ray based methods like cone‐beam computed tomography (CT) or conventional CT, the presented results demonstrate the potential of ZTE and UTE MRI as a radiation‐free imaging modality, delivering contrast of soft and solid components at the same time. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;36:841–846. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Expression profile of latent and lytic transcripts of epstein–barr virus in patients with gastroduodenal diseases: A study from northern India
Authors: Shukla S.K. , Prasad K.N. , Tripathi A. , Ghoshal U.C. , Krishnani N. , Husain N.
Published: June 2012

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) has been shown to be associated with gastric cancer. However, inconsistent findings have been reported regarding the EBV reactivation in gastric cancer and non‐carcinomatous gastric epithelium. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate the effect of clinicopathological findings on the expression of different transcripts of EBV in patients with gastric cancer, peptic ulcer, and dyspepsia. A total of 200 adult patients (dyspepsia [120], peptic ulcer [30], gastric cancer [50]) undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were enrolled. EBV infection was diagnosed with non‐polymorphic Epstein–Barr nuclear antigen1 (EBNA1) gene based PCR and confirmed by real‐time PCR. The transcripts of EBV were detected by real‐time RT‐PCR. In patients with gastric cancer and peptic ulcer, EBV DNA was detected more often than in those with dyspepsia (P < 0.05). EBNA1 transcript was detected in all EBV positive cases and its expression was neither associated with disease nor with histopathological findings. The expression of BZLF1 was significantly associated with gastric cancer and peptic ulcer compared to dyspepsia (P < 0.01). BZLF1 expression was also found to be higher in Helicobacter pylori infected patients (P = 0.058). Expression of BARF1 and BcLF1 were significantly higher in gastric epithelium of patients having severe grade chronic inflammation (P = 0.05) and gastric atrophy (P = 0.02), respectively. In conclusion, increased expression of lytic transcripts in patients with gastric cancer, peptic ulcer, gastric atrophy, chronic inflammation and H. pylori infection suggests the association of these factors with EBV reactivation. J. Med. Virol. 84: 1289–1297, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of human parainfluenza virus type 3 isolated from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Almajhdi Fahad N. , Alshaman Mohamed S. , Amer Haitham M.
Published: June 2012

Human parainfluenza virus 3 (HPIV‐3) is a leading cause of respiratory disease in children worldwide. Previous sequence analyses of the entire virus genome, among different HPIV‐3 strains, demonstrated that HN is the most variable gene. There is a dearth of data on HPIV‐3 strains circulating in Saudi Arabia. In this report, HPIV‐3 was screened in nasopharyngeal aspirates collected from hospitalized children with acute respiratory disease during two successive seasons (2007/08 and 2008/09) using nested RT‐PCR. Out of 73 samples collected during 2007/08, seven (9.59%) were positive; while 3 out of 107 samples collected during 2008/09 (2.8%) were positive. Virus isolation in cell culture was successful using HEp2, but not Vero cells. The identity of the isolated viruses was confirmed using immunofluorescence and neutralization assays. To elucidate the genetic characteristics and phylogeny of Saudi HPIV‐3 strains, the complete HN gene sequence of two selected Saudi strains was analyzed in comparison to 20 strains isolated by others from different countries worldwide. Both strains showed the highest degree of sequence homology with Indian strains, followed by Chinese and most Japanese strains. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that these strains fell into a distinct Asian lineage. This study is the first in Saudi Arabia to recover HPIV‐3 isolates of confirmed identity, and to generate sequence data that may help in understanding virus diversity and evolution. J. Med. Virol. 84: 1304–1311, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of a numerical model of the British–Irish ice sheet using relative sea‐level data: implications for the interpretation of trimline observations
Authors: Kuchar Joseph , Milne Glenn , Hubbard Alun , Patton Henry , Bradley Sarah , Shennan Ian , Edwards Robin
Published: June 2012

The glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA) of the British Isles is complex due to the interplay between local and non‐local signals. A number of recent studies have modelled the GIA response of the British Isles using relative sea‐level data. This study extends these previous analyses by using output from a numerical glaciological model as input to a GIA model. This is a necessary step towards more realistic GIA models, and although there have been similar studies for the major late Pleistocene ice sheets, this is the first study to do so for the British Isles. We test three reconstructions, classed as ‘minimal’, ‘median’ and ‘maximal’ in terms of their volume at maximum extent, and find it is possible to obtain good data–model fits. The minimal reconstruction is clearly preferred by the sea‐level data. The ice reconstructions tested were not constrained by geomorphological information of past ice extent (lateral and vertical). As a consequence, the reconstructions extend further than much of this information suggests, particularly in terms of ice thickness. It is notable, however, that the reconstructions produce good fits to many sea‐level data from central, mountainous regions (e.g. Scottish highlands), which lends support to the suggestion that trimlines, often used as an constraint on the palaeo ice surface location, are in fact features formed at the transition from warm‐ to cold‐based ice and so mark a minimum constraint on the ice surface altitude. Based on data–model misfits, suggestions are made for improving the ice model reconstructions. However, in many locations, the cause of the misfit could be due to non‐local, predominantly Fennoscandian ice and so interpretation is not straightforward. As a result, we suggest that future analyses of this type consider models and observations for both Fennoscandia and the British Isles. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alcohol and risk of Parkinson's disease in a large, prospective cohort of men and women
Authors: Palacios Natalia , Gao Xiang , O'Reilly Eilis , Schwarzschild Michael , McCullough Marjorie L. , Mayo Tinisha , Gapstur Susan M. , Ascherio Alberto A.
Published: June 2012

Addictive behaviors, such as cigarette smoking and coffee drinking, have been associated with a reduced risk of Parkinson's disease (PD). Whether alcohol consumption is also associated with PD risk is less certain. We prospectively followed 132,403 participants in the Cancer Prevention Study II Nutrition Cohort from 1992 to 2005. Alcohol intake was assessed at baseline. Incident cases of PD (n = 605; 389 male and 216 female) were confirmed by treating physicians and medical record review. Relative risks (RRs) were estimated using proportional hazards models, adjusting for age, smoking, and other risk factors. Alcohol consumption was not significantly associated with PD risk. After adjustment for age, smoking, and other risk factors, the RR comparing men consuming 30 or more grams of alcohol per day (highest category) to nondrinker men was 1.29 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.90, 1.86; P trend: 0.40), and the RR comparing women consuming 15 or more grams of alcohol (highest category) per day to nondrinker women was 0.77 (95% CI: 0.41, 1.45; P trend: 0.87). Consumption of beer, wine, or liquor was also not associated with PD risk. The results of this large, prospective study do not support an association between alcohol intake and risk of PD. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Thin fractal fibers
Authors: Mosco Umberto , Vivaldi Maria Agostina
Published: June 2012

We study how the inclusion of a fractal array of conductive thin fibers affects, and interacts with, the dynamical properties of the surrounding medium. Our approach is variational and is based on singular homogenization. We introduce the energy forms that describe the composite media formed by a two‐dimensional Euclidean domain reinforced by an increasing number of thin conductive fibers developing fractal geometry. We study the convergence of the energy, under suitable assumptions for the relative strength of the fibers in relation to the embedding medium. Our results establish convergence of energy and of the spectral measures of the singular elliptic operators describing the composite medium. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A note on analyticity to piezoelectric systems
Authors: Fernández Sare Hugo D. , Miara B. , Santos M.L.
Published: June 2012

In this paper, we consider a piezoelectric dissipative system in which a dissipation term is given through the mechanical part of the stress tensor. The abstract Cauchy problem associated to this system generates a semigroup of linear operators. We establish the analyticity of this semigroup that, in turn, implies the exponential decay of the corresponding energy and the strong regularity of the solutions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Conversion Rates and Perceived Barriers to Referral: Views of Extended Scope Physiotherapists in the Primary Care Setting
Authors: Griffiths S. , Taylor C. , Yohannes A. M.
Published: June 2012

Aims

A questionnaire survey of primary care musculoskeletal extended‐scope physiotherapists (ESPs) was undertaken to determine information about their conversion rates and referral barriers, with regard to radiological and consultant referrals.

Method

A sample of 200 musculoskeletal ESPs classified as having a speciality in orthopaedics and working in primary care were recruited via the ‘ESP Professional Network’.

Results

A total of 100 (50%) responses were received. Forty‐seven per cent of primary care ESPs indicated that they recorded their conversion rates, but only 31 participants submitted conversion rate data. Overall, the average conversion rate for all participants was 74% (range 30–95%). Forty‐three per cent of respondents identified that they had experienced barriers when referring for radiological investigations and 38% that they experienced barriers when referring patients to secondary care for a consultant opinion. Commissioning barriers such as poorly commissioned care pathways were the most common theme in both areas. Fifty per cent of respondents identified that they used a referral criteria when referring patients to secondary care. Commonly, these criteria had been developed in conjunction with secondary care consultants or commissioners.

Conclusion

ESPs in primary care have reported similar conversion rates to those working in secondary care. There is a need for further empirical conversion rate studies in primary care to validate these self‐reported findings and to enable ESPs to demonstrate clinical efficiency and benchmark their performance. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Activities with Higher Influence on Quality of Life in Older Adults in Japan
Authors: Sewo Sampaio Priscila Yukari , Ito Emi
Published: June 2012

The present study aimed to investigate the influence of 10 activities on quality of life (QOL) in Japanese older adults and to verify which activities had higher influence on QOL level. The subjects were 465 Japanese community‐dwelling older adults. QOL was assessed by the brief version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL‐BREF) and the complementary assessment to measure the QOL of older adults (WHOQOL‐OLD) module. Activity and participation were measured through a questionnaire concerning frequency of engagement in several activities. The activity with the highest influence on WHOQOL‐BREF was physical activity (β = 0.209, p < 0.01), followed by art activity (β = 0.169, p < 0.01) and reading and writing (β = 0.141, p < 0.01). The activity with the highest influence on WHOQOL‐OLD was social activity (β = 0.222, p < 0.01), followed by reading and writing activity (β = 0.118, p < 0.05). The limitations of this study were the proportion of subjects and the place of recruitment. Further studies investigating in deep the relation between QOL and activity and participation, and other subjective and environmental factors that may influence the QOL are still needed among a higher and homogeneous subjects sample. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Loss of glutathione S‐transferase A4 accelerates obstruction‐induced tubule damage and renal fibrosis
Authors: Liang Anlin , Wang Yun , Woodard Lauren E , Wilson Matthew H , Sharma Rajendra , Awasthi Yogesh C , Du Jie , Mitch William E , Cheng Jizhong
Published: June 2012

Glutathione transferase isozyme A4 (GSTA4) exhibits high catalytic efficiency to metabolize 4‐hydroxynonenal (4‐HNE), a highly reactive lipid peroxidation product that has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various chronic diseases. We investigated the role of 4‐HNE in the mechanisms of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)‐induced fibrosis and its modulation by GSTA4‐4 in a mouse model. Our data indicate that after UUO, accumulation of 4‐HNE and its adducts were increased in renal tissues, with a concomitant decrease in the expression of GSTA4‐4 in mice. As compared to wild‐type (WT) mice, UUO caused an increased expression of fibroblast markers in the interstitium of GSTA4 KO mice. Additionally, increased autophagy and tubular cell damage were more severe in UUO‐treated GSTA4 KO mice than in WT mice. Furthermore, GSK‐3β phosphorylation and expression of Snail, a regulator of E‐cadherin and Occludin, was found to be significantly higher in UUO‐inflicted GSTA4 KO mice. GSTA4 over‐expression prevented 4‐HNE‐induced autophagy activation, tubular cell damage and Snail nuclear translocation in vitro. The effects of long‐term expression of GSTA4 in restoration of UUO‐induced damage in mice with the GSTA4 inducible transposon system indicated that release of obstruction after 3 days of UUO resulted in the attenuation of interstitial SMAα and collagen I expression. This transposon‐delivered GSTA4 expression also suppressed UUO‐induced loss of tubular cell junction markers and autophagy activation. Together, these results indicate that 4‐HNE significantly contributes to the mechanisms of tubule injury and fibrosis and that these effects can be inhibited by the enhanced expression of GSTA4‐4. Copyright © 2012 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Length of stay and treatment‐related complications are similar in pediatric and AYA patients with bone sarcoma in United States children's hospitals
Authors: Audino Anthony N. , Yeager Nicholas D. , Asti Lindsey , Miao Yongjie , O'Brien Sarah H.
Published: June 2012

Background

Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients have been shown to have unique clinical characteristics and inferior outcomes compared to younger patients. More than 2,500 new bone sarcomas are diagnosed yearly in the US, many of whom are AYAs treated at pediatric hospitals. Pediatric providers must understand the impact of increasing age on complications, costs, and outcomes. The study set‐out to determine if AYA patients with bone sarcomas have increased healthcare utilization and treatment‐related complications as compared to younger patients.

Procedure

Data were obtained from the Pediatric Health Information System for bone sarcoma admissions at 41 US children's hospitals from 2006 to 2010. Patient demographics and morbidities were compared in patients 0–14 and 15–28 years using two sample t‐tests, Wilcoxon two sample tests, or chi‐squared tests.

Results

We identified 835 pediatric and 562 AYA patients with bone sarcomas. Mean length of stay (LOS) was comparable between age groups (4.6 and 4.8 days, P = 0.46), although AYA patients had greater mean pharmaceutical charges ($18,124 vs. $13,637, P < 0.0001). Common treatment‐related complications were similar between groups, with the exceptions that febrile neutropenia admissions were more likely in younger patients, and thrombosis, renal failure, and pain were more common in AYA patients.

Conclusions

In US children's hospitals, AYA patients with sarcomas do not have prolonged LOS or an increased risk of the most common treatment‐related complications as compared to younger patients. Chronic pain appears to be a greater burden in AYA patients, and may account for their higher inpatient pharmaceutical costs. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 415–419. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Progressive transformation of germinal centers in children and adolescents: An intriguing cause of lymphadenopathy
Authors: Shaikh Furqan , Ngan Bo‐Yee , Alexander Sarah , Grant Ronald
Published: June 2012

Background

The clinical implications of a diagnosis of progressive transformation of germinal centers (PTGC) in children are not well known.

Methods

To better understand this entity, we conducted a retrospective review of all patients aged 0–18 years diagnosed with PTGC at our center between 1998 and 2010.

Results

Twenty‐nine patients were identified. Median age at diagnosis was 11.5 years, and median duration of follow‐up was 2.8 years. Thirteen patients (45%) had a single episode of PTGC with no other associated features. Five patients (17%) had recurrent PTGC. Four patients (14%) had PTGC associated with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL): one preceding, two concurrent, and one subsequently developed HL. The most commonly associated HL was nodular lymphocyte‐predominant HL. Seven patients (24%) had PTGC associated with immune disorders, including lupus, Castleman disease, and probable autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome. Overall, 15 patients (52%) had more than one lymph node biopsy. The cumulative incidence of a second biopsy after a diagnosis of PTGC was 42.3% ± 12.2% at 4 years. PTGC was PET‐avid in all four patients tested.

Conclusions

PTGC is a nonspecific manifestation of a variety of associated conditions. There is a small risk of subsequent HL, and a larger risk of requiring multiple biopsies for recurrent PTGC. The presence of an immune disorder should be considered in patients who present with generalized lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, immune cytopenias, and/or progression to HL. Routine surveillance imaging may not be required. Future research should determine the optimal surveillance strategy for patients with PTGC and the indications for repeat biopsies. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 26–30. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Concise guide to the currently available drug options in epilepsy
Authors: Sen Arjune , Cockerell Charles
Published: June 2012

Our Drug review of epilepsy provides an overview of the wide range of first‐line, second‐line and alternative antiepileptic drugs available, followed by a review of the prescription data and sources of further information.
Why and when to withdraw drugs in the elderly and frail
Authors: Gordon S Fraser , Dainty Christine , Smith Tom
Published: June 2012

Our series on stopping drugs provides practical advice on why, when and how to withdraw drug therapy. Here the authors consider the challenges associated with discontinuing drugs in the elderly and frail.
Development of Cellulose Eco‐nanocomposites with Antimicrobial Properties Oriented for Food Packaging
Authors: Rodriguez Francisco , Sepulveda Hugo Mauricio , Bruna Julio , Guarda Abel , Galotto Maria Jose
Published: June 2012

Nanocomposites based on cellulose acetate, a commercial organoclay (Cloisite30B), triethyl citrate and variable content of antimicrobial agents (thymol and cinnamaldehyde), were obtained using a solution casting technique. The properties of the nanocomposites were evaluated using X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, mechanical (modulus of elasticity, tensile strength and elongation at break), scanning electronic microscopy, global migration and microbiological testing. A reduction of glass transition (Tg), melting temperature (Tm) and melting enthalpy (∆Hm) was also observed when the content of thymol and cinnamaldehyde was increased in the cellulose acetate nanocomposites. In contrast, thermal stability, mechanical performance and morphology of material did not show important differences when the content was modified. Results of global migration were dependent of the kind of simulant used. Finally, the antimicrobial activity was dependent of the essential oil used and its content inside the nanocomposite. An important effect of organoclay on the antimicrobial activity was also observed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Probability current in protein electron transfer: Löwdin population analysis
Authors: de Andrade Paulo Cesar Peres
Published: June 2012

We consider the problem of building an electron probability current density in subspaces of the full Hilbert space in case where there are overlaps between the subspaces and its complements. In this case, the projectors onto these subspaces are non‐Hermitian and one has different possible electron population analysis. We show how the electron probability current density can be directly constructed from the probability conservation equation and relate them to population operators. For the Löwdin population operator, we investigated the electron probability current density in protein electron transfer problem when the medium are described with nonorthogonal atomic basis set, and contrast it with Mulliken analysis. Analytical comparison among interatomic currents shows that others interatomic currents can be obtained as a combination of these interatomic currents provided by the nonorthogonal analysis. The overlapping atomic population analysis is obtained with nonorthogonal projectors and provides interatomic currents different of the previous results. In case of strong coupling between protein and donor/acceptor, the normalized interatomic current used recently to build a vectorial pathway model can depend on the surface in the protein medium between the donor and acceptor sites. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Theoretical evaluation of sensitivity and thermal stability for high explosives based on quantum chemistry methods: A brief review
Authors: Yan Qi‐Long , Zeman Svatopluk
Published: June 2012

Over the past 20 years, a number of scientists have conducted numerous fundamental investigations based on quantum chemistry theory into various mechanistic processes that seems to contribute to the sensitivity of energetic materials. A large number of theoretical methods that have been used to predict their mechanical and spark sensitivity are summarized in this article, in which the advantages and disadvantages of these methods, together with their scope of use are clarified. In addition, the theoretical models for thermal stability of explosives are briefly introduced as a supplement. It has been concluded that the current ability to predict sensitivity is merely based on a series of empirical rules, such as simple oxygen balance, molecular properties, and the ratios of C and H to oxygen for different classes of explosive compounds. These are valid only for organic classes of explosives, though some special models have been proposed for inorganic explosives, such as azides. An exact standard for sensitivity should be established experimentally by some new techniques for both energetic compounds and their mixtures. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Focused ion beam–SIMS oxygen assay of the surface of titanium alloys prepared by the shot peening process
Authors: Thomas Meurig , Jackson Martin , Hutson George , Chater Richard J
Published: June 2012

Shot peening introduces subsurface residual compressive stresses in titanium alloys to depths of up to 500 µm. Although the microhardness method is established as a method for determining interstitial oxygen concentration gradients of such alloys, the near surface plastic deformation arising from shot peening is a source of measurement unreliability. An alternative method based on negative ion, focused ion beam–SIMS has been trialed for a shot peened Ti‐834 alloy thermally exposed for times and temperatures comparable with service conditions in the ‘hot‐end’ compressor stages of a modern gas‐turbine aero‐engine. Focused ion beam–SIMS measurements successfully measured enhanced oxygen ingress into the topmost 100 µm of the shot‐peened Ti‐834 after prolonged thermal exposure. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SIMS‐EDX system for the quantitative analysis of solids
Authors: Kudriavtsev Yu. , Asomoza R.
Published: June 2012

We incorporated a Si drift X‐ray detector into a Cameca ims‐6f ion microprobe to perform a nondestructive energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrometric analysis inside the SIMS instrument. Using thick AlxGa1−xN epitaxial layers and thin SixGe1−x films as examples, we demonstrate that integration of the EDX method (device) with the SIMS technique (instrument) can be extremely efficient for the quantitative analysis of complex materials. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Storing Matter technique applied to polystyrene: a study of different methods to enhance Ag‐cationization
Authors: Becker N. , Wirtz T. , Migeon H.‐N.
Published: June 2012

The Storing Matter technique is derived from secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) and consists in decoupling the sputtering of the specimen from the analysis step. In a dedicated prototype instrument, the sample surface is bombarded by an ion beam, and the sputtered particles are deposited at sub‐monolayer level onto a collector. In a second step, this deposit is analyzed by SIMS (static or dynamic). In this work, we applied the Storing Matter technique to different types of polystyrene (PS) samples: a layer of PS spin‐coated on a silicon wafer, the same sample covered with a thin Ag coating and a thin PS layer on an Ag substrate. These samples were sputter‐deposited onto Si and Ag collectors in the Storing Matter prototype instrument. These deposits as well as the initial PS‐based samples were analyzed by time‐of‐flight‐SIMS conditions in positive mode. We compared the intensities of Ag‐cationized oligomers for the different sample/collector combinations. The abundance and the intensities of Ag‐cationized PS fragments detected in a Storing Matter deposit depend more strongly on the collector material than on the sample configuration used for sputter‐deposition. For the deposits on Si collectors, almost no Ag‐cationized peaks were detected, although such species are present in the positive mass spectra recorded directly on the Ag‐containing PS samples. In the case of Ag collectors, Ag‐cationized adducts were detected up to m/z = 1500. It seems that their abundance is mainly determined by the sputtering efficiency of large fragments during the sputter‐deposition step. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Incorporating prognostic factors into causal estimators: A comparison of methods for randomised controlled trials with a time‐to‐event outcome
Authors: Hampson Lisa V. , Metcalfe Chris
Published: June 2012

In randomised controlled trials, the effect of treatment on those who comply with allocation to active treatment can be estimated by comparing their outcome to those in the comparison group who would have complied with active treatment had they been allocated to it. We compare three estimators of the causal effect of treatment on compliers when this is a parameter in a proportional hazards model and quantify the bias due to omitting baseline prognostic factors. Causal estimates are found directly by maximising a novel partial likelihood; based on a structural proportional hazards model; and based on a ‘corrected dataset’ derived after fitting a rank‐preserving structural failure time model. Where necessary, we extend these methods to incorporate baseline covariates. Comparisons use simulated data and a real data example. Analysing the simulated data, we found that all three methods are accurate when an important covariate was included in the proportional hazards model (maximum bias 5.4%). However, failure to adjust for this prognostic factor meant that causal treatment effects were underestimated (maximum bias 11.4%), because estimators were based on a misspecified marginal proportional hazards model. Analysing the real data example, we found that adjusting causal estimators is important to correct for residual imbalances in prognostic factors present between trial arms after randomisation. Our results show that methods of estimating causal treatment effects for time‐to‐event outcomes should be extended to incorporate covariates, thus providing an informative compliment to the corresponding intention‐to‐treat analysis. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relationship Between Early‐life Stress Load and Sleep in Psychiatric Outpatients: A Sleep Diary and Actigraphy Study
Authors: Schäfer Valérie , Bader Klaus
Published: June 2012

The present study aimed to investigate whether stress experienced early in life is associated with actigraphic and subjective sleep measures in a sample of adult psychiatric outpatients. A total of 48 psychiatric outpatients completed self‐report questionnaires assessing current depression, current anxiety symptoms and stress load during childhood (before the age of 13 years), adolescence (between the age of 13 and 18 years) and adulthood (between the age of 19 and current age). Sleep‐related activity was measured using 24‐h wrist actigraphy over a 7‐day period at home, during which participants also kept a sleep diary. High stress load in childhood, but not in adolescence, was associated with shortened actigraphically assessed total sleep time, prolonged sleep onset latency, decreased sleep efficiency and an increased number of body movements in sleep, even after accounting for the effects of later occurring stress and psychopathological symptoms such as depression and anxiety scores. Unexpectedly, no significant associations between early‐life stress load and subjective sleep measures were found. Results are consistent with findings from previous studies indicating an association between childhood adversities and higher levels of nocturnal activity. The findings suggest that high stress load during childhood might be a vulnerability factor for sleep continuity problems in adulthood. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Clinical Study of Precise Hemihepatectomy Guided by Middle Hepatic Vein
Authors: Qiu Yudong , Zhu Xinhua , Zhu Rixiang , Zhou Jianxin , Zhou Tie , Wang Yang , Ding Yitao
Published: June 2012

Objective

This study was designed to analyze the feasibility of classification for hepatic veins preoperatively and to evaluate the safety and therapeutic efficacy of precise hemihepatectomy guided by middle hepatic vein.

Methods

Thirty patients who underwent precise hemihepatectomy (PH group) were subjected to multi‐slice helical CT hepatic venography preoperatively to achieve Nakamura’s and Kawasaki’s classification of hepatic veins. The hemihepatectomy was performed precisely by the guidance of middle hepatic vein, which was revealed by the hepatic venography and confirmed with intraoperative ultrasound. The clinical data of these patients were compared with other 38 traditional hemihepatectomy patients (control group). The amount of intraoperative bleeding and blood transfusion, liver function recovery, postoperative complications, and 1‐year follow‐up data were compared between two groups.

Results

The ratios of Nakamura’s classification type I, II, and III of hepatic veins were 56.7 % (17/30), 26.7 % (8/30), and 16.7 % (5/30), respectively; The percentages of Kawasaki’s classification type I and II of hepatic veins were 36.7 % (11/30) and 63.3 % (19/30), respectively. The total 30 cases of precise hemihepatectomies were performed successfully, including 13 cases of right hemihepatectomy without MHV, 15 cases of left hemihepatectomy without MHV, 1 case of right hemihepatectomy with MHV, and 1 case of left hemihepatectomy with MHV. There was no significant difference in operation‐related mortality, the amount of intraoperative bleeding and blood transfusion, as well as serum alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin, and cholinesterase of the third postoperative day between the two groups. However, negative resection margin and albumin level were more favorable in precise hemihepatectomy group than control group. In addition, the incidence of postoperative pleural effusion and seroperitoneum was decreased significantly in precise hemihepatectomy group. The 1‐year, tumor‐free survival rate was 79 % (15/19) In PH group, which is 48 % in control group.

Conclusions

Preoperative evaluation of hepatic veins is of great value for individual operative program via determination of anatomical type of hepatic veins. Precise hemihepatectomy could preserve functional liver tissue with complete venous return to a great extent, resulting in fewer incidences of postoperative pleural effusion and seroperitoneum. Precise hemihepatectomy also has the potential to achieve more adequate tumor‐free resection margin, which may result in higher tumor‐free survival rate.
A Review of Risk Factors and Timing for Postoperative Hematoma After Thyroidectomy: Is Outpatient Thyroidectomy Really Safe?
Authors: Lang Brian Hung‐Hin , Yih Patricia Chun‐Ling , Lo Chung‐Yau
Published: June 2012

Background

Although postoperative hematoma after thyroidectomy is uncommon, patients traditionally have been advised to stay overnight in the hospital for monitoring. With the growing demand for outpatient thyroidectomy, we assessed its safety and feasibility by evaluating the potential risk factors and timing of postoperative hematoma after thyroidectomy.

Methods

From 1995–2011, 3,086 consecutive patients underwent thyroidectomy at our institution; of these, 22 (0.7 %) developed a postoperative hematoma that required surgical reexploration (group I). Potential risk factors were compared between group I and those without hematoma (n = 3,045) or with hematoma but not requiring reexploration (n = 19; group II). Variables that were significant in the univariate analysis were entered into multivariate analysis by binary logistic regression analysis.

Results

Group I was significantly more likely to have undergone previous thyroid operation than group II (27.3 vs. 8.2 %, p = 0.007). The median weight of excised thyroid gland (71.8 vs. 40 g, p = 0.018) and the median size of the dominant nodule (4.1 vs. 3 cm, p = 0.004) were significantly greater in group I than group II. Previous thyroid operation (odds ratio (OR) = 4.084; 95 % confidence interval (CI), 1.105–15.098; p = 0.035) and size of dominant nodule (OR = 1.315; 95 % CI, 1.024–1.687; p = 0.032) were independent factors for hematoma. Sixteen (72.7 %) had hematoma within 6 h, whereas the other 6 (27.3 %) had hematoma at 6–24 h.

Conclusions

Previous thyroid operation and large dominant nodule were independent risk factors for hematoma requiring surgical reexploration. Given that a quarter of hematoma occurred between 6 to 24 h after surgery, routine outpatient thyroidectomy could not be recommended.
The Plight of African American Women: Employed and Unemployed
Authors: Loubert Linda
Published: June 2012

Understanding employment for African American women through the lens of neoclassical economics may not be best to help understand their plight. Their pay and the available employment has not been equal to that of men and even more so, African American women have lower paying jobs compared to their white counterparts, despite their achievement of higher levels of education. This paper looks at unemployment rates across the nation and then centers the discussion on black women in the context of the disparities over the past three decades. It combines the types of employment and wages that they have endured in context to white women during the same period of time. It uses Geographical Information Systems to underscore the concentration of income and race and the types of employment in those areas. It then provides some policy recommendations for the future.
Regularity for solutions of nonlocal, nonsymmetric equations
Authors: Chang Lara Héctor , Dávila Gonzalo
Published: June 2012

We study the regularity for solutions of fully nonlinear integro differential equations with respect to nonsymmetric kernels. More precisely, we assume that our operator is elliptic with respect to a family of integro differential linear operators where the symmetric parts of the kernels have a fixed homogeneity
σ
and the skew symmetric parts have strictly smaller homogeneity
τ
. We prove a weak ABP estimate and

C^{1,\alpha }

regularity. Our estimates remain uniform as we take

\sigma \rightarrow 2

and

\tau \rightarrow 1

so that this extends the regularity theory for elliptic differential equations with dependence on the gradient.