bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
External Evaluation of the Dimension Vista 1500® Intelligent Lab System
Authors: Bruneel Arnaud , Dehoux Monique , Barnier Anne , Boutten Anne
Published: September 2012

Background

Dimension Vista® analyzer combines four technologies (photometry, nephelometry, V‐LYTE® integrated multisensor potentiometry, and LOCI® chemiluminescence) into one high‐throughput system.

Methods

We assessed analytical performance of assays routinely performed in our emergency laboratory according to the VALTEC protocol, and practicability.

Results

Precision was good for most parameters. Analytical domain was large and suitable for undiluted analysis in most clinical settings encountered in our hospital. Data were comparable and correlated to our routine analyzers (Roche Modular DP®, Abbott AXSYM®, Siemens Dimension® RxL, and BN ProSpec®). Performance of nephelometric and LOCI modules was excellent. Functional sensitivity of high‐sensitivity C‑reactive protein and cardiac troponin I were 0.165 mg/l and 0.03 ng/ml, respectively (coefficient of variation; CV < 10%). The influence of interfering substances (i.e., hemoglobin, bilirubin, or lipids) was moderate, and Dimension Vista® specifically alerted for interference according to HIL (hemolysis, icterus, lipemia) indices. Good instrument performance and full functionality (no reagent or sample carryover in the conditions evaluated, effective sample‐volume detection, and clot detection) were confirmed. Simulated routine testing demonstrated excellent practicability, throughput, ease of use of software and security.

Conclusion

Performance and practicability of Dimension Vista® are highly suitable for both routine and emergency use. Since no volume detection and thus no warning is available on limited sample racks, pediatric samples require special caution to the Siemens protocol to be analyzed in secured conditions. Our experience in routine practice is also discussed, i.e., the impact of daily workload, “manual” steps resulting from dilutions and pediatric samples, maintenances, flex hydration on instrument's performance on throughput and turnaround time. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 26:384‐397, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Inhibition of NF‐κB activity by HIV‐1 Vpr is dependent on Vpr binding protein
Authors: Kogan Michael , Deshmane Satish , Sawaya Bassel E. , Gracely Edward J. , Khalili Kamel , Rappaport Jay
Published: September 2012

Numerous studies have reported that Vpr alters NF‐κB signaling in various cell types, however, the findings have been largely conflicting with reports of both stimulatory and inhibitory effects of Vpr. Our aim was to investigate the role of Vpr signaling in myeloid cells using an adenovirus based expression and indicator system. Our results show that Vpr is inhibitory to NF‐κB, however, this effect is dependent on the particular manner of NF‐κB stimulation. Consistent with this notion, we report that Vpr has inhibitory effects that are specific to the TNF‐α pathway, but not affecting the LPS pathway, suggesting that differential targets of Vpr may exist for NF‐κB regulation. Further, we identify VprBP as one possible cellular component of Vpr's regulation of IκBα in response to TNF‐α stimulation. We did not identify such a role for HSP27, which instead seems to inhibit Vpr functions. Chronically HIV‐1 infected U1 cells with knockdown constructs for Vpr were unexpectedly less responsive to TNF‐α mediated viral replication, perhaps suggesting that other HIV‐1 components may antagonize these anti‐NF‐κB effects in infected cells. We hypothesize that Vpr may serve an important role in the context of viral infection and immune function in vivo, through its selective inhibition of NF‐κB pathways. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 781–790, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparing the Predictive Accuracy of Case Linkage Methods in Serious Sexual Assaults
Authors: Winter Jan Martin , Lemeire Jan , Meganck Stijn , Geboers Jo , Rossi Gina , Mokros Andreas
Published: September 2012

The empirical support for linkage analysis is steadily increasing, but the question remains as to what method of linking is the most effective. We compared a more theory‐based, dimensional behavioural approach with a rather pragmatic, multivariate behavioural approach with regard to their accuracy in linking serial sexual assaults in a UK sample of serial sexual assaults (n = 90) and one‐off sexual assaults (n = 129). Their respective linkage accuracy was assessed by (1) using seven dimensions derived by non‐parametric Mokken scale analysis (MSA) as predictors in discriminant function analysis (DFA) and (2) 46 crime scene characteristics simultaneously in a naive Bayesian classifier (NBC). The dimensional scales predicted 28.9% of the series correctly, whereas the NBC correctly identified 34.5% of the series. However, a subsequent inclusion of non‐serial offences in the target group decreased the amount of correct links in the dimensional approach (MSA–DFA: 8.9%; NBC: 32.2%). Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used as a more objective comparison of the two methods under both conditions, confirming that each achieved good accuracies (AUCs = .74–.89), but the NBC performed significantly better than the dimensional approach. The consequences for the practical implementation in behavioural case linkage are discussed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of MRS and DWI in the diagnosis of prostate cancer based on sextant analysis
Authors: Li Bo , Cai Wenchao , Lv Dongjiao , Guo Xuemei , Zhang Jue , Wang Xiaoying , Fang Jing
Published: September 2012

Purpose:

To evaluate apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value, metabolic ratio ((Cho + Cr)/Cit) and the combination of the two in identifying prostate malignant regions.

Materials and Methods:

Fifty‐six consecutive patients with prostate biopsy results were retrospectively recruited in this study. Transrectal ultrasound‐guided (TRUS) systemic prostate biopsies were used as a standard of reference. Mean ADC value and mean metabolic ratio (MMR) were calculated within each benign sextant region or malignant region. The efficiency of these two indices in prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis is estimated in Fisher linear discriminant analysis (FLDA). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the distinguishing capacity of mean ADC, MMR, and the combination of the two in differentiating between noncancerous and cancerous cases.

Results:

There were significant differences for mean ADC value and MMR between malignant and benign regions. Weights of mean ADC value obtained by FLDA were much higher than those of MMR. In differentiating malignant regions, both ADC alone and combined ADC and metabolic ratio performed significantly better than MMR alone. However, accuracy improvements were not significant by using combined ADC and MMR than ADC alone.

Conclusion:

DWI is more efficient than MR spectroscopic (MRS) in the detection of PCa in this study. Combined ADC and MMR performed significantly better than MMR alone in distinguishing malignant from benign region in prostate peripheral zone. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:194–200. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functional MR cholangiography of the cystic duct and sphincter of Oddi using gadoxetate disodium: Is a 30‐minute delay long enough?
Authors: Corwin Michael T. , Lamba Ramit , McGahan John P.
Published: September 2012

Purpose:

To determine if excreted contrast is consistently visualized in the gallbladder and duodenum after a 30‐minute delay using gadoxetate disodium‐enhanced MRI in patients without hepatobiliary disease.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty‐two patients without evidence of liver or biliary disease underwent gadoxetate disodium‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) from February 17, 2009 through October 3, 2011. The mean age was 45 years (range 25–72). T1‐weighted hepatobiliary phase images at 5, 10, 20, and 30 minutes after contrast injection were reviewed in consensus by two radiologists to determine the delay at which enhancement of the gallbladder and duodenum first occurred.

Results:

Thirteen of 22 (59.1%) patients demonstrated duodenal filling by 20 minutes and 16/22 (72.7%) filled by 30 minutes. The mean time to duodenal enhancement was 19.9 minutes (range 11.4–30.2 min). Seventeen of 22 (77.3%) patients demonstrated gallbladder filling by 20 minutes and 21/22 (95.5%) filled by 30 minutes. The mean time to gallbladder enhancement was 16.5 minutes (range 4.4–30.2 min).

Conclusion:

A significant number of normal patients do not show duodenal filling by 30 minutes, while the majority fill the gallbladder by 30 minutes using functional MR cholangiography (fMRC) with gadoxetate disodium. These findings will guide fMRC protocol design for patients with suspected acute cholecystitis and sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:993–998. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Measuring the longitudinal relaxation time of GABA in vivo at 3 tesla
Authors: Puts Nicolaas A.J. , Barker Peter B. , Edden Richard A.E.
Published: September 2012

Purpose:

To measure the in vivo longitudinal relaxation time T1 of GABA at 3 Tesla (T).

Materials and Methods:

J‐difference edited single‐voxel MR spectroscopy was used to isolate γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) signals. An increased echo time (80 ms) acquisition was used, accommodating the longer, more selective editing pulses required for symmetric editing‐based suppression of co‐edited macromolecular signal. Acquiring edited GABA measurements at a range of relaxation times in 10 healthy participants, a saturation‐recovery equation was used to model the integrated data.

Results:

The longitudinal relaxation time of GABA was measured as T1,GABA = 1.31 ± 0.16 s.

Conclusion:

The method described has been successfully applied to measure the T1 of GABA in vivo at 3T. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:999–1003. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Affinity of protein fibres towards sulfation
Authors: Taddei Paola , Tsukada Masuhiro , Freddi Giuliano
Published: September 2012

Wool, Bombyx mori and Antheraea pernyi (Tussah) silk fibres were treated with chlorosulfonic acid in pyridine and investigated by FT‐IR and FT‐Raman spectroscopies as well as mechanical measurements. The reactivity towards sulfation was found to decrease along the series: wool > Bombyx mori silk fibroin > Tussah silk fibroin, in agreement with weight gain which decreased along the same series. Accordingly, Tussah silk maintained its intrinsic tensile properties essentially unchanged upon the treatment, while for Bombyx mori silk fibroin, the tensile performance decreased sharply especially at longer reaction times. Sulfated wool was characterized by an increased fibre extensibility.

New IR and Raman bands attributable to various vibrations of sulfated groups were detected in sulfated wool and to a lower extent in Bombyx mori silk fibroin fibres; all the fibres underwent conformational rearrangements upon sulfation, independent of the sulfation yield. Wool fibres treated with chlorosulfonic acid in pyridine bound considerable amounts of sulfate mainly through the hydroxyl groups of serine, threonine and tyrosine. Also, tryptophan and basic amino acids were found to participate to the reaction. B. mori silk fibroin fibres appeared to bind a minor amount of sulfate groups mainly trough the hydroxyl groups of Ser.

Weight gain, spectroscopic and mechanical data are discussed in relation to the difference in fibre morphology, structure and crystallinity, as well as to the amount and accessibility of potentially reactive amino acids. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low‐level laser therapy (808 nm) reduces inflammatory response and oxidative stress in rat tibialis anterior muscle after cryolesion
Authors: Assis Lívia , Moretti Ana I.S. , Abrahão Thalita B. , Cury Vivian , Souza Heraldo P. , Hamblin Michael R. , Parizotto Nivaldo A.
Published: September 2012

Background and Objective

Muscle regeneration is a complex phenomenon, involving coordinated activation of several cellular responses. During this process, oxidative stress and consequent tissue damage occur with a severity that may depend on the intensity and duration of the inflammatory response. Among the therapeutic approaches to attenuate inflammation and increase tissue repair, low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) may be a safe and effective clinical procedure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of LLLT on oxidative/nitrative stress and inflammatory mediators produced during a cryolesion of the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle in rats.

Material and Methods

Sixty Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 20): control (BC), injured TA muscle without LLLT (IC), injured TA muscle submitted to LLLT (IRI). The injured region was irradiated daily for 4 consecutive days, starting immediately after the lesion using a AlGaAs laser (continuous wave, 808 nm, tip area of 0.00785 cm2, power 30 mW, application time 47 seconds, fluence 180 J/cm2; 3.8 mW/cm2; and total energy 1.4 J). The animals were sacrificed on the fourth day after injury.

Results

LLLT reduced oxidative and nitrative stress in injured muscle, decreased lipid peroxidation, nitrotyrosine formation and NO production, probably due to reduction in iNOS protein expression. Moreover, LLLT increased SOD gene expression, and decreased the inflammatory response as measured by gene expression of NF‐kβ and COX‐2 and by TNF‐α and IL‐1β concentration.

Conclusion

These results suggest that LLLT could be an effective therapeutic approach to modulate oxidative and nitrative stress and to reduce inflammation in injured muscle. Lasers Surg. Med. 44: 726–735, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Selenium/Tellurium‐Containing Hyperbranched Polymers: Effect of Molecular Weight and Degree of Branching on Glutathione Peroxidase‐Like Activity
Authors: Thomas Joice , Dong Zeyuan , Dehaen Wim , Smet Mario
Published: September 2012

A series of novel hyperbranched polyselenides and polytellurides with multiple catalytic sites at the branching units has been synthesized via the polycondensation of A2 + B3 monomers. The GPx‐like activities of these polymer mimics were assessed and it was found that the polytellurides showed higher GPx‐like activities than the corresponding polyselenides. Interestingly, the polymers with higher molecular weights and degree of branching (DB) showed higher GPx‐like activities than the analogous lower molecular weight polymer. The enhancement in the catalytical activity of the hyperbranched polymers with increasing molecular weight affirmed the importance of the incorporation of multiple catalytic groups in the macromolecule which increases the local concentration of catalytic sites.
Association of the miR‐146aC>G, miR‐149T>C, miR‐196a2T>C, and miR‐499A>G polymorphisms with gastric cancer risk and survival in the korean population
Authors: Ahn Dae Ho , Rah HyungChul , Choi Young‐Kook , Jeon Young Joo , Min Kyung Tae , Kwack KyuBum , Hong Sung Pyo , Hwang Seong Gyu , Kim Nam Keun
Published: September 2012

We investigated whether four common microRNA polymorphisms (miR‐146aC>G [rs2910164], miR‐149T>C [rs2292832], miR‐196a2T>C [rs11614913], and miR‐499A>G [rs3746444]) are associated with the susceptibility and prognosis of gastric cancer in the Korean population. The four microRNA single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in a case–control study (461 patients; 447 controls) by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) analysis in the Korean population. When patients were stratified into diffuse and intestinal‐type gastric cancer groups, subjects with the miR‐499AG and AG + GG genotypes had reduced adjusted odds ratios (AORs) for diffuse‐type gastric cancer (AOR = 0.54 with 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.31–0.97; AOR = 0.57 with 95% CI = 0.33–0.97). In the stratified analyses for gastric cancer risk, the miR‐146aGG and CG + GG genotypes were associated with increased risk of gastric cancers among the non‐smokers, whereas the miR‐149TC and TC + CC genotypes showed lower risk of gastric cancer in males. The miR‐196a2CC genotype was associated with elevated gastric cancer risk among females. For gastric cancer prognosis, intestinal‐type gastric cancer patients with miR‐146aCG + GG genotypes had significantly higher survival rates (log‐rank P = 0.030) than patients with the CC genotype, and patients with the miR‐499AA genotype had significantly increased survival rates compared to patients with the AG + GG genotypes (log‐rank P = 0.013). When miR‐146aCG + GG and miR‐499AA genotypes were combined, the survival rate of intestinal‐type gastric cancer patients was elevated (log‐rank P < 0.001). No association was found between gastric or diffuse‐type cancer prognosis and other miRNAs. Our data demonstrate that specific miRNA SNPs are associated with gastric cancer susceptibility (miR‐499A>G) and prognosis (miR‐146aC>G and miR‐499A>G) in the Korean population depending on gastric cancer type. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Wideband MR elastography for viscoelasticity model identification
Authors: Yasar Temel K. , Royston Thomas J. , Magin Richard L.
Published: September 2012

The growing clinical use of MR elastography requires the development of new quantitative standards for measuring tissue stiffness. Here, we examine a soft tissue mimicking phantom material (Ecoflex) over a wide frequency range (200 Hz to 7.75 kHz). The recorded data are fit to a cohort of viscoelastic models of varying complexity (integer and fractional order). This was accomplished using multiple sample sizes by employing geometric focusing of the shear wave front to compensate for the changes in wavelength and attenuation over this broad range of frequencies. The simple axisymmetric geometry and shear wave front of this experiment allows us to calculate the frequency‐dependent complex‐valued shear modulus of the material. The data were fit to several common models of linear viscoelasticity, including those with fractional derivative operators, and we identified the best possible matches over both a limited frequency band (often used in clinical studies) and over the entire frequency span considered. In addition to demonstrating the superior capability of the fractional order viscoelastic models, this study highlights the advantages of measuring the complex‐valued shear modulus over as wide a range of frequencies as possible. Magn Reson Med 70:479–489, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Use of patient reported outcome questionnaires in the urogynecologic literature
Authors: Treszezamsky Alejandro D. , Ehsani Nazanin , Connell Roxanne , Dick‐Biascoechea Madeline , Fashokun Tola
Published: September 2012

Aims

We aimed to describe the current use of patient reported outcome questionnaires (PROQ) in the urogynecologic literature.

Methods

All articles from 2009 in 11 journals were reviewed and included if PROQ were used. PROQ were assigned the grades of recommendation used by the International Consultation on Incontinence (ICI). Data were collected by two independent reviewers (differences resolved by consensus). Fisher and χ2 tests were used for statistics.

Results

Of the 212 articles included, 126 used multiple PROQ. Seventy‐two percent used at least one grade A PROQ and 42% exclusively used grade A PROQ. Articles about urinary incontinence (UI) were more likely to use grade A PROQ than those pertaining to interstitial cystitis or anal incontinence. Eighty‐three articles used PROQ in non‐English languages. These articles were as likely to use ICI grade A PROQ as those using English PROQ. When translated questionnaires are used, 41.5% of articles did not provide references for a validation of the translated version. Eighty‐seven different PROQ were identified and used 422 times. Of those, 75 were developed in English. Short versions were used more frequently. PROQ available online were used 9.4 times more frequently than those requiring payment. The more utilized PROQ were more often grade A than those rarely used (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Using multiple PROQ is common in the literature reviewed. 72.2% of articles used at least one PROQ with the highest ICI recommendation but only 42% used exclusively those. Short and easily available PROQ were used more often. Most PROQ are developed in English. Neurourol. Urodynam. 32: 336–340, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Increased risk of depressive disorder following diagnosis with bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis
Authors: Keller Joseph J. , Liu Shih‐Ping , Lin Herng‐Ching
Published: September 2012

Aim

Bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) is a chronic pain syndrome of unknown etiology that primarily affects women. Using a longitudinal follow‐up design, this study aimed to examine the risk of depressive disorder (DD) among women with BPS/IC compared to the general population during a 1‐year period following their diagnosis.

Method

This study used data from the Taiwan “Longitudinal Health Insurance Database.” A total of 832 patients with BPS/IC were included in the study group and 4,160 matched non‐BPS/IC enrollees were included as the comparison group. Each patient (n = 4,992) was individually tracked for a 1‐year period to identify those who subsequently received a diagnosis of DD. Cox proportional hazards regressions (stratified by age group and the index year) were used to estimate the risk of subsequent DD following a diagnosis of BPS/IC.

Results

We found that during the 1‐year follow‐up, the incidence rate of DD was 4.69 (95% CI: 3.38–6.34) per 100 person‐years in patients with BPS/IC and 0.94 (95% CI: 0.68–1.27) per 100 person‐years in comparison patients. The hazard ratio (HR) of DD during the 1‐year follow‐up period for patients with BPS/IC was 5.06 (95% CI: 3.21–7.96, P < 0.001) that of comparison patients after adjusting for patient monthly income, geographic location, and urbanization level. The adjusted HR for DD associated with BPS/IC was 10.33 for patients aged between 40 and 49 (95% CI: 3.68–29.04).

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that there is an increased risk for being diagnosed with DD during the first year subsequent to being diagnosed with IC/PBS. Neurourol. Urodynam. 32: 467–471, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Immediate effects of the initial FDA notification on the use of surgical mesh for pelvic organ prolapse surgery in medicare beneficiaries
Authors: Reynolds W. Stuart , Gold Karen P. , Ni Shenghua , Kaufman Melissa R. , Dmochowski Roger R. , Penson David F.
Published: September 2012

Aims

Prompted by increased reports of complications with the use of mesh for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery, the FDA issued an initial public health notification (PHN) in 2008. We proposed to determine if the numbers of POP cases augmented with surgical mesh performed in U.S. Medicare beneficiaries changed relative to this PHN.

Methods

Using administrative healthcare claims for beneficiaries enrolled in the U.S. Medicare program from 2008 to 2009, we identified women who underwent POP surgery with and without surgical mesh by procedural and diagnosis coding. In addition to comparing cases with and without mesh, we also calculated rates (number of cases per 100,000 female beneficiaries) and compared these relative to the timing of the PHN.

Results

We identified 104,185 POP procedures, of which 27,839 (26.7%) included mesh material and 76,346 (73.3%) did not. Between the last three quarters of 2008 and the first three of 2009, the rates of mesh cases increased (40.3–42.1, P < 0.001) and those without mesh decreased (115.5–111.4, P < 0.001). Inpatient procedures decreased and outpatient procedures increased for both those with and without mesh augmentation. For inpatient procedures, the relative use of biologic graft and synthetic mesh material did not vary over the study period.

Conclusions

A substantial number of Medicare beneficiaries underwent mesh POP procedures in 2008–2009. However, despite the PHN cautioning about potential mesh complications, the numbers of mesh cases continued to rise in the immediate period after the PHN. Neurourol. Urodynam. 32: 330–335, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functional roles of transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) channels in the cold stress‐induced detrusor overactivity pathways in conscious rats
Authors: Lei Zhang , Ishizuka Osamu , Imamura Tetsuya , Noguchi Wataru , Yamagishi Takahiro , Yokoyama Hitoshi , Kurizaki Yoshiki , Sudha Gautam Silwal , Hosoda Tomoka , Nishizawa Osamu , Andersson Karl‐Erik
Published: September 2012

Aims

We determined if transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) channels are involved in the detrusor overactivity induced by menthol, or exposure to low temperature (LT).

Methods

Two days prior to cystometric investigation, the bladders of 10‐week‐old Sprague–Dawley rats were cannulated to measure bladder pressure. After a 20 min baseline cystometry period, the TRPM8 channel antagonist, N‐(4‐tert‐butylphenyl)‐4‐(3‐chloropyridin‐2‐yl)piperazine‐1‐carboxamide (BCTC), or vehicle, was administered through a jugular vein catheter (n = 6). A 90% menthol solution was sprayed onto bare leg skin once every 5 min for 20 min, and then cystometric measurements were repeated. After a 30‐min recovery period, the rats were intravenously administered 0.1 µmol/kg BCTC. Five minutes later, they were again sprayed and cystometry recorded. In separate experiments, cannulated rats were intravenously administered 0.001, 0.01, or 0.1 µmol/kg BCTC (n = 6 each dose). Five minutes later, they were exposed to LT (4 ± 2°C) for 20 min of cystometry.

Results

Menthol spray decreased voiding interval, micturition volume, and bladder capacity in the BCTC‐free rats. However after BCTC administration, these effects were prevented. Exposure to LT elicited detrusor overactivity that caused decreased voiding interval, micturition volume, and bladder capacity. However, at 0.01 and 0.1 µmol/kg, BCTC inhibited this cold stress‐induced detrusor overactivity.

Conclusions

Since the TRPM8 channel agonist, BCTC, inhibited detrusor overactivity in rats sprayed with the TRPM8 channel agonist, menthol, and the drug also inhibited cold stress‐induced detrusor overactivity, we conclude that TRPM8 channels mediate, at least partially, detrusor overactivity elicited by exposure to LT. Neurourol. Urodynam. 32: 500–504, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
From sentinel cells to inflammatory culprits: cancer‐associated fibroblasts in tumour‐related inflammation
Authors: Servais Charlotte , Erez Neta
Published: September 2012

Inflammation is now established as a hallmark of cancer. Cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have been established as a key component of the crosstalk between tumour cells and their microenvironment. Central to the role of CAFs in facilitating tumour growth, invasion, and metastasis is their ability to orchestrate tumour‐related inflammation. CAFs and their soluble mediators provide multiple complex regulatory signals that modulate the trafficking, differentiation status, and function of inflammatory cells in the tumour microenvironment. This review focuses on pathways by which CAFs mediate tumour‐promoting inflammation and modify the components of the inflammatory microenvironment that facilitate tumour initiation, progression, and metastasis.Copyright © 2012 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Peritoneal sarcomatosis in pediatric malignancies
Authors: Huh Winston W. , Fitzgerald Nancy E. , Mahajan Anita , Hayes‐Jordan Andrea
Published: September 2012

Peritoneal sarcomatosis (PSC) is defined as peritoneal involvement of multiple sarcomatous tumors. Desmoplastic small round cell tumors (DSRCT) and rhabdomyosarcomas are the most common pediatric PSC cases. PSC has been treated with chemotherapy and mainly palliative surgery, but long‐term outcome has been poor. New imaging technologies have improved the evaluation of disease extent and patterns of peritoneal dissemination, and cytoreductive surgery followed by hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is being evaluated as a treatment option to prolong remission in pediatric patients. We will review the clinical characteristics, potential biologic mechanisms, radiographic characteristics, and potential therapies for pediatric PSC patients. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 12–17. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Initial testing (stage 1) of the phosphatidylinositol 3′ kinase inhibitor, SAR245408 (XL147) by the pediatric preclinical testing program
Authors: Reynolds C. Patrick , Kang Min H. , Carol Hernan , Lock Richard , Gorlick Richard , Kolb E. Anders , Kurmasheva Raushan T. , Keir Stephen T. , Maris John M. , Billups Catherine A. , Houghton Peter J. , Smith Malcolm A.
Published: September 2012

Background

Activation of the PI3 kinase pathway occurs frequently in many adult cancers and is implicated in tumor cell proliferation, survival, and resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. However, less is known regarding the relevance of this pathway in pediatric cancers. Here we have evaluated SAR245408, a novel small molecule PI3K inhibitor, against childhood cancer cell lines and xenografts.

Procedures

SAR245408 was tested against the PPTP in vitro cell line panel at concentrations from 10 to 100 µM and against the PPTP in vivo xenograft panels at a dose of 100 mg/kg administered orally daily × 14.

Results

In vitro SAR245408 demonstrated cytotoxic activity, with a median relative IC50 value of 10.9 µM (range 2.7–24.5 µM). SAR245408 was well tolerated in vivo, and all 44 tested xenograft models were evaluable for efficacy. SAR245408 induced significant differences in EFS distribution compared to control in 29 of 37 (79%) of solid tumor xenografts and in two of seven (29%) ALL xenografts. SAR245408 induced tumor growth inhibition meeting criteria for intermediate EFS T/C activity (EFS T/C > 2) in 4 of 37 (11%) solid tumor xenografts. Intermediate EFS T/C activity was also observed for two of seven (29%) evaluable ALL xenografts. Objective responses were not observed for solid tumor or for ALL xenografts.

Conclusions

Under the conditions evaluated in this study, SAR245408 achieved modest single‐agent activity against most PPTP preclinical models. Further exploration of SAR245408 in combination with standard agents or with other signaling inhibitors could be considered. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 791–798. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Blunted response to a growth hormone stimulation test is associated with unfavorable cardiovascular risk factor profile in childhood cancer survivors
Authors: Petryk Anna , Baker K. Scott , Frohnert Brigitte , Moran Antoinette , Chow Lisa , Sinaiko Alan R. , Steffen Lyn M. , Perkins Joanna L. , Zhang Lei , Hodges James S. , Steinberger Julia
Published: September 2012

Background

Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) are at risk for growth hormone (GH) deficiency. CCS are also at increased risk for early mortality from cardiovascular (CV) disease, but the association between GH levels and CV risk remains poorly understood. The goal of this study was to examine the cross‐sectional association between stimulated GH levels and CV risk factors in CCS younger than 18 years.

Procedure

A total of 276 CCS (147 males, 14.4 ± 2.6 years) ≥5 years after cancer diagnosis, and 208 sibling controls (112 males, 13.6 ± 2.4 years) participated in this cross‐sectional study, which included anthropometry, body composition, and metabolic studies. Blunted response (BR) was defined as peak GH level <7 µg/L after clonidine and arginine. Insulin sensitivity (Mlbm) was measured by euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp. Statistical analyses used linear and logistic regression accounting for sibling clustering, adjusted for age, sex, Tanner stage, and adiposity.

Results

Thirty‐four (12%) CCS showed BR to GH stimulation. BR CCS were shorter and had a lower IGF‐1 than controls; only 6 of 34 received cranial radiation therapy. CCS with normal stimulated GH response were similar to controls for CV risk factors. Conversely, BR CCS had greater adiposity, higher lipids, and lower Mlbm than controls. Differences in lipids and Mlbm between BR CCS and controls remained significant after adjustment for BMI or visceral fat.

Conclusions

BR to GH stimulation is prevalent in CCS youth and is associated with an unfavorable CV risk factor profile. Further studies are needed to establish the mechanisms of these associations. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 467–473. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A phase‐1 pharmacokinetic optimal dosing study of intraventricular topotecan for children with neoplastic meningitis: A pediatric brain tumor consortium study
Authors: Blaney Susan M. , Tagen Michael , Onar‐Thomas Arzu , Berg Stacey L. , Gururangan Sri , Scorsone Kathleen , Su Jack , Goldman Stewart , Kieran Mark W. , Kun Larry , Boyett Jim , Stewart Clinton
Published: September 2012

Purpose

We performed a phase‐1 pharmacokinetic optimal dosing study of intraventricular topotecan (IT), administered daily 5×, to determine whether, the maximum tolerated dose of IT topotecan was also the pharmacokinetic optimal dose.

Patients and Methods

Patients received topotecan administered through an intraventricular access device (0.1 or 0.2 mg/dose), daily × 5 every other week 2× (Induction); every 3 weeks × 2 (Consolidation); then every 4 weeks for up to 11 courses (Maintenance). Ventricular CSF pharmacokinetic studies were performed on day 1, week 1 of induction, and in a subset of patients after a single intralumbar topotecan dose on day 1, week 3.

Results

Nineteen patients were enrolled. All were evaluable for toxicity and 18 were assessable for pharmacokinetics. Arachnoiditis requiring corticosteroid therapy occurred in or one of three patients at the 0.1 mg dose level and two of the initial three patients enrolled at the 0.2 mg dose level. All subsequent patients were therefore treated with concomitant dexamethasone. Pharmacokinetic evaluation after accrual of the first seven patients revealed that a topotecan lactone concentration >1 ng/ml for 8 hours was attained in all patients and thus, further dose escalation was not pursued. Results of simulation studies showed that at the dose levels evaluated, >99.9% of patients are expected to achieve CSF topotecan lactone concentrations >1 ng/ml for at least 8 hours.

Conclusion

Intraventricular topotecan, 0.2 mg, administered daily for 5 days with concomitant dexamethasone is well tolerated and was defined to be the pharmacokinetic optimal dose in this trial. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 627–632. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effectiveness of pamidronate as treatment of symptomatic osteonecrosis occurring in children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Leblicq Coralie , Laverdière Caroline , Décarie Jean‐Claude , Delisle Jean‐François , Isler Marc H. , Moghrabi Albert , Chabot Gilles , Alos Nathalie
Published: September 2012

Background

Osteonecrosis (ON) is a severe complication of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatments. Recent studies suggest that bisphosphonates might reduce pain and loss of motor function in patients with ON. We assessed the effects of pamidronate compared to standard care in patients with symptomatic ON (sON) and studied whether steroids might be continued after diagnosis of ON in some patients.

Methods

We evaluated 17 patients with sON as complication of primary ALL treatment between 2000 and 2008. Fourteen patients were treated with pamidronate. Mobility and pain control were monitored in all patients. Affected joints were classified by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at ON diagnosis and after 6–72 months.

Results

Out of 220 patients with ALL, 17 (7.7%) patients developed sON. The median age at ALL diagnosis was 11 years (range: 2.7–16.6 years) and sON occurred a median of 13.4 months (range: 2.5–34 months) after ALL diagnosis. Affected joints were hip, knee and ankle. MRI scans showed 7 severe, 4 moderate, and 6 mild ON lesions. Fourteen patients showed improvement in pain (77% of patients) and motor function (59% of patients), even though corticoids were reintroduced in 4 patients. MRI demonstrated improvement, stability or worsening in 6, 3, and 5 cases, respectively.

Conclusions

Pamidronate seems to be effective in the management of pain and motor function recovery in sON. Further studies are needed to provide evidence as to whether bisphosphonates can be recommended for the treatment or the prevention of ON in childhood ALL patients. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 741–747. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Administered paricalcitol dose and survival in hemodialysis patients: A marginal structural model analysis
Authors: Miller Jessica E , Molnar Miklos Z , Kovesdy Csaba P , Zaritsky Joshua J , Streja Elani , Salusky Isidro , Arah Onyebuchi A , Kalantar‐Zadeh Kamyar
Published: September 2012

Purpose

Several observational studies have indicated that vitamin D receptor activators (VDRA), including paricalcitol, are associated with greater survival in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. However, patients with higher serum parathyroid hormone, a surrogate of higher death risk, are usually given higher VDRA doses, which can lead to confounding by indication and attenuate the expected survival advantage of high VDRA doses.

Methods

We examined mortality‐predictability of low (>1 but <10 µg/week) versus high (≥10 µg/week) dose of administered paricalcitol over time in a contemporary cohort of 15 442 MHD patients (age 64 ± 15 years, 55% men, 44% diabetes, 35% African–Americans) from all DaVita dialysis clinics across the USA (7/2001–6/2006 with survival follow‐ups until 6/2007) using conventional Cox regression, propensity score (PS) matching, and marginal structural model (MSM) analyses.

Results

In our conventional Cox models and PS matching models, low dose of paricalcitol was not associated with mortality either in baseline (hazard ratio (HR): 1.03, 95% confidence interval (CI): (0.97–1.09)) and (HR: 0.99, 95%CI:(0.86–1.14)) or time‐dependent (HR: 1.04, 95%CI: (0.98–1.10)) and (HR: 1.12, 95%CI: (0.98–1.28)) models, respectively. In contrast, compared to high dose of paricalcitol, low dose was associated with a 26% higher risk of mortality (HR: 1.26, 95%CI: (1.19–1.35)) in MSM. The association between dose of paricalcitol and mortality was robust in almost all subgroups of patients using MSMs.

Conclusions

Higher dose of paricalcitol appears causally associated with greater survival in MHD patients. Randomized controlled trials need to verify the survival effect of paricalcitol dose in MHD patients are indicated. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of polycarbosilanes having a five‐membered cyclic carbonate structure and their application to prepare gel polymer electrolytes for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Matsumoto Kozo , Endo Takeshi , Katsuda Kouhei , Lee Hojin , Yamada Kinji
Published: September 2012

A silacyclobutane having a five‐membered cyclic carbonate structure (SBMC) was prepared, and its transition metal‐catalyzed ring‐opening polymerization at the four‐membered carbosilane unit was investigated as well as formation of carbosilane networked polymers and polymer gel electrolytes. The SBMC was synthesized by epoxidation of 1‐(4‐butenyl)‐1‐methylsilacyclobutane followed by insertion of CO2 to the epoxide. Ring‐opening polymerization of the silacyclobutane moiety in the SBMC readily proceeded by a transition metal catalyst such as platinum divinyltetramethyldisiloxane complex. A flexible networked polymer film was obtained by copolymerization of the SBMC with a small amount of crosslinker, hexamethylene‐1,6‐bis(1‐methylsilacyclobutane) (HMBS). The copolymerization of SBMC and HMBS in 1 M LiPF6 solution in ethylene carbonate and diethyl carbonate (3/7 v/v) gave a gel polymer electrolyte, which showed good ionic conductivity and could be applied to lithium ion batteries. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
A versatile approach to the synthesis of polyphosphazene derivatives via the thiol–ene reaction
Authors: Qian Yue‐Cheng , Huang Xiao‐Jun , Chen Chen , Ren Ning , Huang Xu , Xu Zhi‐Kang
Published: September 2012

The thiol–ene radical addition reaction has been successfully used to synthesize polyphosphazene derivatives. Poly[bis(allylamino)phosphazene] with pendant allyl groups was reacted with different thiol reagents under UV irradiation. These thiol reagents include 1‐pentanethiol, 3‐mercaptopropionic acid, 3‐mercapto‐1,2‐propane‐diol, and 2,3,4,6‐tetra‐O‐acetyl‐1‐thio‐β‐D‐glucopyranose. 1H NMR analyses confirm that the allyl polyphosphazene can be quantitatively modified by the mercaptans. In total, 100% conversion of the allyl groups was reached in <60 min toward the first three mercaptans, whereas about 80% conversion of the allyl groups was reached after 120‐min reaction toward the thioglucose. This method is a facile route for the synthesis of functional polyphosphazenes without the needs for protection/deprotection procedures. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Preparation of glycopolymer‐coated magnetite nanoparticles for hyperthermia treatment
Authors: Muñoz‐Bonilla Alexandra , Marcelo Gema , Casado Cintia , Teran Francisco J. , Fernández‐García Marta
Published: September 2012

In this article, magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) coated with glycopolymer bearing glucose moieties were designed with optimal structural, colloidal, and magnetic properties for biomedical applications. MNPs with an average size of 17 ± 2 nm were synthesized by thermal decomposition process and then their surfaces were modified with active vinyl groups. Two different monomers were immobilized onto the surfaces: dopamine methacrylamide, a monomer with properties inspired on mussels adhesive capacity, or unprotected glycomonomer, 2‐{[(D‐glucosamin‐2N‐yl)carbonyl]‐oxy}ethyl methacrylate. Afterward, the glycomonomer were polymerized at the interface of both vinyl functionalized MNPs by conventional radical polymerization. The resultant hybrid NPs were water dispersible presenting good stability in aqueous solution for long time periods. Moreover, the high density of carbohydrates at the surface of the magnetic NPs could confer targeting properties to the system as demonstrated by studies of their binding interactions with lectins, where the binding activity is higher as the glycopolymer content augments. The magnetic and magneto‐thermal properties of the synthesized hybrid NPs were evaluated. The magnetization curves reveal superparamagnetic features at 300 K, with high values of saturation magnetization. Furthermore, the hybrid glycoparticles show suitable heat dissipation power when exposed to alternating magnetic field conditions. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Strain‐induced crystallization of natural rubber with high strain rates
Authors: Zhao Baijin , Tian Nan , Liu Yanpin , Yan Tingzi , Zhou Weiqing , Li Liangbin , Zhou Yingui , Weng Gengsheng , Huang Guangsu
Published: September 2012

Strain‐induced crystallization (SIC) of natural rubber (NR) samples with different strain rates at a fixed strain was investigated by synchrotron radiation X‐ray diffraction measurements, which provided the evolution trends of crystal sizes and crystallinity during the SIC process. It was found that the Avrami index was about 1 during the crystallization of NR after the cessation of stretch, which demonstrated that sporadic nucleation occurred during SIC process. The increase of the crystallinity was attributed to the increase of the number of new crystallites rather than the growth of the crystal size. An unexpected relationship between the final crystallinity and the strain rates was observed. The increase of physical crosslink points originated from either entanglement or crystallite was considered as the reason that leads to the nonmonotonic variation of the final crystallinity with strain rates. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2012
Nurses' recognition of the mental state of cancer patients and their own stress management ― a study of Japanese cancer‐care nurses
Authors: Kaneko Mariko , Ryu Shuhei , Nishida Hiroshi , Tamasato Kumi , Shimodaira Yuiko , Nishimura Katsuji , Kume Miyoko
Published: September 2012

Objective

The primary aim of this study was to describe Japanese oncology nurses' self‐reported ability to assess and care for cancer patients' mental health. A secondary aim was to describe nurses' self‐reported stress levels and need for stress management related to caring for oncology patients.

Methods

This cross‐sectional questionnaire study was conducted from September to November 2010 among cancer‐care nurses participating in mental healthcare training. The questionnaire asked about assessment of patient anxiety, depression, delirium, anger, and acceptance, and included four statements about work‐related stress. A 4‐point Likert scale was used for responses.

Results

The 88 participants (86 women) ranged in age from the 20s to the 50s, with the greatest number in their 30s (47.2%, n = 42). More than 50% of nurses were very concerned about assessing cancer patient anxiety and depression; approximately 20% were extremely concerned about caring for depression and anger in patients. Overall, 83.2% (n = 74) of cancer‐care nurses felt distressed over their occupation, only 19.1% (n = 17) stated that they were controlling their stress, and over half indicated a need for stress‐management programs.

Conclusions

Nurses perceived that assessments of and care for the mental state of cancer patients were inadequate. Cancer‐care nurses need training in assessing and caring for the mental state of cancer patients, as well as stress management training programs for themselves. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Women's reflections and actions regarding working after breast cancer surgery – a focus group study
Authors: Nilsson M. I. , Olsson M. , Wennman‐Larsen A. , Petersson L.‐M. , Alexanderson K.
Published: September 2012

Background

To better understand processes affecting return to work (RTW) after breast cancer, more knowledge from the perspective of sickness absentees is warranted. Still, research based on women's own reasoning and actions in RTW is very scarce. This study aims to elucidate how women with breast cancer reflect and act on work‐related issues.

Material and methods

Thematic analyses of data from four focus group interviews with 23 women who had had breast cancer surgery in the previous 3–13 months were carried out.

Results

The five following themes of reflections regarding RTW were identified: ‘health and functioning’, ‘self‐esteem/integrity’, ‘value of work’, ‘relationships at work’, and ‘social circumstances’. These reflections were associated with the three identified themes of actions taken by the women: ‘to work or to be sickness absent’, ‘to adjust work according to own needs or not’, and ‘to disclose or to hide one's cancer’. There was a distinct difference between women who experienced work as a source of well‐being and those who needed a respite from work.

Conclusion

This study adds knowledge to the process of RTW after breast cancer and focuses on factors that lead the women to an active role in this process. We point to the interplay between women's own preferences, perceived competence, outer opportunities, and the actions each woman take with regard to RTW, which need to be recognized by all stakeholders involved. Furthermore, it continues to be essential to address the specific issue of disclosure in the workplace because this may be distressing for women. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.