bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Average sampling and reconstruction in a reproducing kernel subspace of homogeneous type space
Authors: Xian Jun
Published: December 2013

In this paper, we first introduce a reproducing kernel subspace of , where is a homogeneous type space. Then we consider average sampling and reconstruction of signals in the reproducing kernel subspace of . We show that signals in the reproducing kernel subspace of could be stably reconstructed from its average samples taken on a relatively‐separated set with small gap. Exponential convergence is established for the iterative approximation‐projection reconstruction algorithm.
Versatile and enhanced tumour modelling in mice via somatic cell transduction
Authors: Rodriguez Esther , Mannion Liz , D'Santos Paula , Griffiths Meryl , Arends Mark J , Brindle Kevin M , Lyons Scott K
Published: December 2013

Genetically engineered mouse (GEM) models of cancer currently comprise the most accurate way to experimentally recapitulate the human disease in the laboratory. Given recent advances in genomics and genetic screens, however, as well as an increasing urgency for the translation of effective preclinical treatments into the clinic, there is a pressing need to make these models easier and more efficient to work with. Accordingly, we have developed a versatile lentivirus‐based approach to induce tumours from somatic cells of GEMs, add or subtract gene expression and render the tumours imageable from a simple breeding stock. The vectors deliver a tamoxifen‐inducible and self‐inactivating Cre recombinase, conditional bioluminescent and fluorescent proteins and an shRNA component. Following the transduction of somatic cells, tumours are initiated by Cre‐mediated recombination of the inherited floxed alleles. Self‐inactivation of Cre expression switches on the expression of luciferase, thereby rendering the recombined cells and resulting tumours bioluminescent. We demonstrate proof of concept of this approach by inducing bioluminescent lung tumours in conditional Kras and p53 mice. We also show that a variant vector expressing shRNA alters tumour growth dynamics and the histological grade associated with the inherited genotype. This approach comprises a versatile means to induce imageable and spontaneous tumour burden in mice. The vectors can be readily customized at the bench to modify reporter readout or tumour phenotype without additional transgenic strain development or breeding. They should also be useful for inducing imageable tumours in organs other than the lung, provided that the inherited conditional genotype is sufficiently penetrant. © 2013 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
The small heat‐shock protein αB‐crystallin is essential for the nuclear localization of Smad4: impact on pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Bellaye Pierre‐Simon , Wettstein Guillaume , Burgy Olivier , Besnard Valérie , Joannes Audrey , Colas Julien , Causse Sébastien , Marchal‐Somme Joëlle , Fabre Aurélie , Crestani Bruno , Kolb Martin , Gauldie Jack , Camus Philippe , Garrido Carmen , Bonniaud Philippe
Published: December 2013

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a devastating disease characterized by the proliferation of myofibroblasts and the accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) in the lungs. TGF‐β1 is the major profibrotic cytokine involved in IPF and is responsible for myofibroblast proliferation and differentiation and ECM synthesis. αB‐crystallin is constitutively expressed in the lungs and is inducible by stress, acts as a chaperone and is known to play a role in cell cytoskeleton architecture homeostasis. The role of αB‐crystallin in fibrogenesis remains unknown. The principal signalling pathway involved in this process is the Smad‐dependent pathway. We demonstrate here that αB‐crystallin is strongly expressed in fibrotic lung tissue from IPF patients and in vivo rodent models of pulmonary fibrosis. We also show that αB‐crystallin‐deficient mice are protected from bleomycin‐induced fibrosis. Similar protection from fibrosis was observed in αB‐crystallin KO mice after transient adenoviral‐mediated over‐expression of IL‐1β or TGF‐β1. We show in vitro in primary epithelial cells and fibroblasts that αB‐crystallin increases the nuclear localization of Smad4, thereby enhancing the TGF‐β1–Smad pathway and the consequent activation of TGF‐β1 downstream genes. αB‐crystallin over‐expression disrupts Smad4 mono‐ubiquitination by interacting with its E3–ubiquitin ligase, TIF1γ, thus limiting its nuclear export. Conversely, in the absence of αB‐crystallin, TIF1γ can freely interact with Smad4. Consequently, Smad4 mono‐ubiquitination and nuclear export are favoured and thus TGF‐β1–Smad4 pro‐fibrotic activity is inhibited. This study demonstrates that αB‐crystallin may be a key target for the development of specific drugs in the treatment of IPF or other fibrotic diseases. Copyright © 2013 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proteomic analysis of outer membrane vesicles from the probiotic strain Escherichia coli Nissle 1917
Authors: Aguilera Laura , Toloza Lorena , Giménez Rosa , Odena Antonia , Oliveira Eliandre , Aguilar Juan , Badia Josefa , Baldomà Laura
Published: December 2013

Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) is a probiotic used for the treatment of intestinal disorders. EcN improves gastrointestinal homeostasis and microbiota balance; however, little is known about how this probiotic delivers effector molecules to the host. Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are constitutively produced by Gram‐negative bacteria and have a relevant role in bacteria–host interactions. Using 1D SDS–PAGE and highly sensitive LC–MS/MS analysis we identified in this study 192 EcN vesicular proteins with high confidence in three independent biological replicates. Of these proteins, 18 were encoded by strain‐linked genes and 57 were common to pathogen‐derived OMVs. These proteins may contribute to the ability of this probiotic to colonize the human gut as they fulfil functions related to adhesion, immune modulation or bacterial survival in host niches. This study describes the first global OMV proteome of a probiotic strain and provides evidence that probiotic‐derived OMVs contain proteins that can target these vesicles to the host and mediate their beneficial effects on intestinal function. All MS data have been deposited in the ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD000367 (http://proteomecentral.proteomexchange.org/dataset/PXD000367).
Exploring skyline for both MSE‐based label‐free proteomics and HRMS quantitation of small molecules
Authors: Liu Shanshan , Chen Xin , Yan Zhihui , Qin Shanshan , Xu Jinhua , Lin Jianping , Yang Cheng , Shui Wenqing
Published: December 2013

The MSE (where MSE is low energy (MS) and elevated energy (E) mode of acquisition) acquisition method commercialized by Waters on its Q‐TOF instruments is regarded as a unique data‐independent fragmentation approach that improves the accuracy and dynamic range of label‐free proteomic quantitation. Due to its special format, MSE acquisition files cannot be independently analyzed with most widely used open‐source proteomic software specialized for processing data‐dependent acquisition files. In this study, we established a workflow integrating Skyline, a popular and versatile peptide‐centric quantitation program, and a statistical tool DiffProt to fulfill MSE‐based proteomic quantitation. Comparison with the vendor software package for analyzing targeted phosphopeptides and global proteomic datasets reveals distinct advantages of Skyline in MSE data mining, including sensitive peak detection, flexible peptide filtering, and transparent step‐by‐step workflow. Moreover, we developed a new procedure such that Skyline MS1 filtering was extended to small molecule quantitation for the first time. This new utility of Skyline was examined in a protein–ligand interaction experiment to identify multiple chemical compounds specifically bound to NDM‐1 (where NDM is New Delhi metallo‐β‐lactamase 1), an antibiotics‐resistance target. Further improvement of the current weaknesses in Skyline MS1 filtering is expected to enhance the reliability of this powerful program in full scan‐based quantitation of both peptides and small molecules.
High‐Intensity Aerobic Interval Training for Patients 3–9 Months After Stroke. A Feasibility Study
Authors: Askim Torunn , Dahl Anne Eitrem , Aamot Inger Lise , Hokstad Anne , Helbostad Jorunn , Indredavik Bent
Published: December 2013

Background and Purpose

High‐intensity aerobic interval training (AIT) has shown to be beneficial in patients with cardiac and pulmonary diseases. Presumably, patients with stroke also benefit from such treatment. However, the feasibility and potential efficacy of high‐intensity AIT should be investigated for patients early after stroke.

Methods

This was a single‐group, pre‐test–post‐test, intervention study. The intervention consisted of a 6‐week high‐intensity AIT programme, performed twice a week. The AIT comprised 4 × 4‐minute intervals, at 85–95% of peak heart rate, interrupted by 3‐minute active breaks. Adherence to the protocol, compliance and adverse events were registered to assess feasibility. Cardiorespiratory fitness and functional outcomes were assessed before and after the intervention and at 6 and 12 weeks follow‐up.

Results

Ten men and five women (mean age 70.0 ± 7.7; range 61–85 years) with mild to moderate stroke were included, 3–9 months after onset. One patient was diagnosed with cancer during follow‐up. There were three minor events, but no serious adverse events occurred. All patients accomplished all training sessions and reached the 85% intensity level, except one patient who discontinued the last session. The mean peak oxygen uptake showed no significant improvement from pre‐treatment, 28.7 ± 3.8 ml kg−1 min−1, to post‐treatment, 29.6 ± 3.6 ml kg−1 min−1, p = 0.189, whereas the mean 6‐minute walk test improved from 410.7 ± 101.4 m to 461.0 ± 99.6 m, p = 0.001, and the median (interquartile range) Rivermead Motor Assessment Scale improved from 12.0 (11.0–13.0) to 13.0 (11.0–13.0) points, p = 0.100. These improvements continued after the intervention was concluded.

Conclusions

This study has shown that high‐intensity AIT is feasible for a selected group of stroke patients. However, the training should be accomplished in line with the American College of Sports Medicine guidelines for high‐risk populations to ensure safety. The participants achieved a clinically highly significant improvement in walking distance. This intervention should be tested out in a randomized controlled trial to assess if it is superior to other interventions. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dual‐treatment autodissemination station with enhanced transfer of an insect growth regulator to mosquito oviposition sites
Authors: Wang Yi , Suman Devi S. , Bertrand Jacques , Dong Limin , Gaugler Randy
Published: December 2013

BACKGROUND

The Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus (Skuse), transmits important arboviral diseases and displaces native species. This peridomestic mosquito deposits eggs in natural and artificial containers. Container larval habitats tend to be cryptic and, therefore, difficult to reach by conventional insecticide treatments. We have developed an autodissemination station that transfers the insect growth regulator, pyriproxyfen, from the station to oviposition sites. Mosquitoes visiting the station become contaminated with an oil sticker followed by pyriproxyfen powder before exiting.

RESULTS

In a room (31 m3) bioassay a single station consistently achieved 100% Ae. albopictus pupal mortality against 10 oviposition containers. In a greenhouse (200 m3) assay with two stations and 12 oviposition cups, 91.7% of the cups had been contaminated as shown, and 57.1% pupal mortality was recorded. Pyriproxyfen transfer was also detected by visualizing mosquito ‘tarsal prints’ using a fluorescent dye.

CONCLUSIONS

The oil and pyriproxyfen powder dual‐treatment station enhanced autodissemination efficacy by increasing toxicant attachment and retention on contaminated females. The autodissemination station offers a targeted, less environmentally damaging approach to manage cryptic container species. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of indium doping on the properties of GeSb phase‐change alloy
Authors: Mahmoud Saleh T. , Qamhieh Naser , Ayesh Ahmad I.
Published: December 2013

The crystallization, electrical, and optical properties of indium‐modified Ge15Sb85 phase‐change alloy have been investigated in this work. This alloy is used for solid‐state memory applications. In0.3Ge15Sb85 alloy exhibits an amorphous–crystalline transition temperature (Tc) that is slightly higher than that of Ge15Sb85 alloy, which may lead to an improvement in its data retention time and thermal stability. AC conductivity measurements demonstrate that the conductivity of In0.3Ge15Sb85 thin films is thermally activated with an activation energy of 0.32 eV. The optical transmission spectrum shows that the optical bandgap is Eg = 0.44 eV. The reported data reveals the presence of a Fermi level in the vicinity of the valance‐band localized states. The capacitance–voltage measurements were performed for a sweep voltage from −20 to +20 V at different temperatures. At low temperatures, the capacitance is electric‐field independent and the crystallization is growth limited while the capacitance is electric field dependent at temperatures close to Tc. The reported data show that modifying Ge15Sb85 alloy with indium causes a significant increase in the electrical conductivity of the film that makes the capacitance always negative. These results promote the possibility of using In0.3Ge15Sb85 alloy for phase‐change memory applications with low switching voltage.
On the equilibration of asymmetric barotropic instability
Authors: Harnik Nili , Dritschel David G. , Heifetz Eyal
Published: December 2013

The conjunction of turbulence, waves and zonal jets in geophysical flows gives rise to the formation of potential vorticity staircases and to the sharpening of jets by eddies. The effect of eddies on jet structure, however, is fundamentally different if the eddies arise from barotropic rather than from baroclinic instability. As is well known, barotropic instability may occur on zonal jets when there is a reversal of potential vorticity gradients at the jet flanks. In this article we focus on the nonlinear stages of this instability and its eventual saturation. We consider an idealized initial state consisting of an anticyclonic potential vorticity strip sitting in the flanks of an eastward jet. This asymmetric configuration, a generalization of the Rayleigh problem, is one of the simplest barotropic jet configurations which incorporates many fundamental aspects of real flows, including linear instability and its equilibration, nonlinear interactions, scale cascades, vortex dynamics, and jet sharpening. We make use of the simplicity of the problem to conduct an extensive parameter sweep, and develop a theory relating the properties of the equilibrated flow to the initial flow state by considering the marginal stability limit, together with conservation of circulation and wave activity.
Tests for mean vectors in high dimension
Authors: Maboudou‐Tchao Edgard M. , Silva Ivair
Published: December 2013

Traditional multivariate tests, Hotelling's \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amsmath}\usepackage{amssymb}\usepackage{amsbsy}\usepackage{amsfonts}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$T^2$ \end{document} or Wilks \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amsmath}\usepackage{amssymb}\usepackage{amsbsy}\usepackage{amsfonts}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$\Lambda$ \end{document}, are designed for a test of the mean vector under the condition that the number of observations is larger than the number of variables. For high‐dimensional data, where the number of features is nearly as large as or larger than the number of observations, the existing tests do not provide a satisfactory solution because of the singularity of the estimated covariance matrix. In this article, we consider a test for the mean vector of independent and identically distributed multivariate normal random vectors where the dimension is larger than or equal to the number of observations. To solve this problem, we propose a modified Hotelling statistic. Simulation results show that the proposed test is superior to other tests available in the literature. However, because we do not know the theoretical distribution of this modified statistic, Monte Carlo methods were used to reach this conclusion. Instead of using conventional Monte Carlo methods, which perform a fixed‐number of simulations, we suggest using the sequential Monte Carlo test in order to decrease the number of simulations needed to reach a decision. Simulation results show that the sequential Monte Carlo test is preferable to a fixed‐sample test, especially when using computationally intensive statistical methods. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Statistical Analysis and Data Mining, 2013
Visualization of the Flow in a Mold of Continuous Casting by Contactless Inductive Flow Tomography and Mutual Inductance Tomography
Authors: Wondrak Thomas , Eckert Sven , Gerbeth Gunter , Stefani Frank , Timmel Klaus , Peyton Anthony J. , Terzija Natasa , Yin Wuliang
Published: December 2013

The flow structure in the mold of a continuous caster has a great influence on the quality of the produced steel. Conventional flow measurement techniques are prevented by the high temperature of the liquid steel. For a physical model of the continuous casting process using a low‐melting point liquid metal, we present combined measurements of the flow in the mold by contactless inductive flow tomography (CIFT), and of the conductivity distribution in the submerged entry nozzle (SEN) by mutual inductance tomography. In addition, we summarize experiments with a magnetic stirrer around the SEN and its effects on the flow in the mold. Some new developments towards a robust implementation of CIFT at a real caster, including the use of pickup coils and gradiometric probes, are also discussed.
MOZ-Mediated Repression of p16INK4a Is Critical for the Self-Renewal of Neural and Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Authors: Perez-Campo Flor M. , Costa Guilherme , Lie-a-Ling Michael , Stifani Stefano , Kouskoff Valerie , Lacaud Georges
Published: December 2013

Although inhibition of p16INK4a expression is critical to preserve the proliferative capacity of stem cells, the molecular mechanisms responsible for silencing p16INK4a expression remain poorly characterized. Here, we show that the histone acetyltransferase (HAT) monocytic leukemia zinc finger protein (MOZ) controls the proliferation of both hematopoietic and neural stem cells by modulating the transcriptional repression of p16INK4a. In the absence of the HAT activity of MOZ, expression of p16INK4a is upregulated in progenitor and stem cells, inducing an early entrance into replicative senescence. Genetic deletion of p16INK4a reverses the proliferative defect in both MozHAT−/− hematopoietic and neural progenitors. Our results suggest a critical requirement for MOZ HAT activity to silence p16INK4a expression and to protect stem cells from early entrance into replicative senescence. Stem Cells  2014;32:1591–1601
Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells Inhibit the NLRP3 Inflammasome by Decreasing Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species
Authors: Oh Joo Youn , Ko Jung Hwa , Lee Hyun Ju , Yu Ji Min , Choi Hosoon , Kim Mee Kum , Wee Won Ryang , Prockop Darwin J.
Published: December 2013

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) control excessive inflammatory responses by modulating a variety of immune cells including monocytes/macrophages. However, the mechanisms by which MSCs regulate monocytes/macrophages are unclear. Inflammasomes in macrophages are activated upon cellular “danger” signals and initiate inflammatory responses through the maturation and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 1β (IL-1β). Here we demonstrate that human MSCs (hMSCs) negatively regulate NLRP3 inflammasome activation in human or mouse macrophages stimulated with LPS and ATP. Caspase-1 activation and subsequent IL-1β release were decreased in macrophages by direct or transwell coculture with hMSCs. Addition of hMSCs to macrophages either at a LPS priming or at a subsequent ATP step similarly inhibited the inflammasome activation. The hMSCs had no effect on NLRP3 and IL-1β expression at mRNA levels during LPS priming. However, MSCs markedly suppressed the generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) in macrophages. Further analysis showed that NLRP3-activated macrophages stimulated hMSCs to increase the expression and secretion of stanniocalcin (STC)-1, an antiapoptotic protein. Addition of recombinant protein STC-1 reproduced the effects of hMSCs in inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation and ROS production in macrophages. Conversely, the effects of hMSCs on macrophages were largely abrogated by an small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown of STC-1. Together, our results reveal that hMSCs inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation in macrophages primarily by secreting STC-1 in response to activated macrophages and thus by decreasing mitochondrial ROS. Stem Cells  2014;32:1553–1563
Comparison of ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging parameters in predicting survival in isolated left‐sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Bebbington M. , Victoria T. , Danzer E. , Moldenhauer J. , Khalek N. , Johnson M. , Hedrick H. , Adzick N. S.
Published: December 2013

Objective

To compare test characteristics of ultrasound‐ and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐derived parameters in predicting newborn survival in cases of isolated left‐sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).

Methods

This was a retrospective study involving 85 fetuses with an isolated left CDH. All had detailed prenatal evaluation, prenatal care, delivery and postnatal care at a single institution. Ultrasound images were reviewed to allow calculation of the lung‐to‐head ratio (LHR) and the observed/expected LHR (O/E-LHR), and MRI images were reviewed to determine the observed/expected total lung volume (O/E-TLV) and the percent herniated liver (%HL). Univariable logistic regression was used to evaluate each parameter for its ability to predict survival. Receiver–operating characteristics (ROC) curves were constructed and test characteristics were determined for each parameter as a predictor of survival.

Results

The overall survival for all fetuses included was 65%. Pseudo‐R2 values for all parameters were similar and were statistically significant as predictors of survival, with %HL having the highest pseudo‐R2, of 0.28. ROC curve analysis showed ultrasound‐determined parameters (LHR and O/E-LHR) to have a similar area under the curve (AUC), of 0.70, whilst MRI parameters (O/E-TLV and %HL) had AUC values of 0.82 and 0.84, respectively. At ROC‐curve‐determined cut‐off values, MRI parameters had better test characteristics than did ultrasound parameters. At a standardized 5% false‐positive rate, %HL performed best, with a sensitivity of 0.54 and a specificity of 0.95. At clinically employed cut‐off values, sensitivity was similar for all parameters but MRI parameters provided the best combination of sensitivity and specificity, as evidenced by better likelihood ratios.

Conclusions

A variety of measures have been proposed as antenatal predictors of survival in CDH. Ultrasound parameters function at a similar level, whereas MRI‐determined parameters appear to offer better predictive value. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Fetal and placental vascular tumors: persistent fetal hyperdynamic status predisposes to poorer long‐term neurodevelopmental outcome
Authors: Iacovella C. , Chandrasekaran N. , Khalil A. , Bhide A. , Papageorghiou A. , Thilaganathan B.
Published: December 2013

Objective

To evaluate the association between fetal hemodynamic changes seen in the presence of vascular tumors of fetal or placental origin and risk of adverse pregnancy outcome.

Methods

All cases of placental chorioangioma, sacrococcygeal teratoma and pulmonary sequestration during a 10‐year period were included. Ultrasound data and pregnancy and long‐term neurodevelopmental outcomes were assessed in this cohort. A survival analysis was performed to assess the relationship between the cardiovascular profile score (CVPS) and adverse pregnancy outcome.

Results

There were 56 fetal or placental tumors, including 28 chorioangiomas, 10 sacrococcygeal teratomas and 18 pulmonary sequestrations, diagnosed at a median gestation of 23 + 3 weeks. Abnormal CVPS (≤ 8) was seen in 30% of sacrococcygeal teratomas and in 46% of chorioangiomas, but in none of the pulmonary sequestration cases. Adverse pregnancy outcome occurred in 11 cases (three stillbirths, three neonatal deaths and five cases of developmental delay) and only in those cases in which the tumors were associated with a CVPS of ≤ 8.

Conclusions

Certain fetal and placental vascular tumors are associated with cardiac dysfunction in fetal life. When the CVPS is low (≤ 8), these cases are at increased risk of both fetal/neonatal demise as well as overt long‐term neurodevelopmental disability. The long‐term neurodevelopmental outcome should be formally and prospectively assessed in cases of fetal and placental vascular tumors. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Non‐homologous end joining‐mediated functional marker selection for DNA cloning in the yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus
Authors: Hoshida Hisashi , Murakami Nobutada , Suzuki Ayako , Tamura Ryoko , Asakawa Jun , Abdel‐Banat Babiker M. A. , Nonklang Sanom , Nakamura Mikiko , Akada Rinji
Published: December 2013

The cloning of DNA fragments into vectors or host genomes has traditionally been performed using Escherichia coli with restriction enzymes and DNA ligase or homologous recombination‐based reactions. We report here a novel DNA cloning method that does not require DNA end processing or homologous recombination, but that ensures highly accurate cloning. The method exploits the efficient non‐homologous end‐joining (NHEJ) activity of the yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus and consists of a novel functional marker selection system. First, to demonstrate the applicability of NHEJ to DNA cloning, a C‐terminal‐truncated non‐functional ura3 selection marker and the truncated region were PCR‐amplified separately, mixed and directly used for the transformation. URA3+ transformants appeared on the selection plates, indicating that the two DNA fragments were correctly joined by NHEJ to generate a functional URA3 gene that had inserted into the yeast chromosome. To develop the cloning system, the shortest URA3 C‐terminal encoding sequence that could restore the function of a truncated non‐functional ura3 was determined by deletion analysis, and was included in the primers to amplify target DNAs for cloning. Transformation with PCR‐amplified target DNAs and C‐terminal truncated ura3 produced numerous transformant colonies, in which a functional URA3 gene was generated and was integrated into the chromosome with the target DNAs. Several K. marxianus circular plasmids with different selection markers were also developed for NHEJ‐based cloning and recombinant DNA construction. The one‐step DNA cloning method developed here is a relatively simple and reliable procedure among the DNA cloning systems developed to date. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of Surgery on Quality of Life in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Mise Yoshihiro , Satou Shouichi , Ishizawa Takeaki , Kaneko Junichi , Aoki Taku , Hasegawa Kiyoshi , Sugawara Yasuhiko , Makuuchi Masatoshi , Kokudo Norihiro
Published: December 2013

Background

Liver resection is the mainstay of curative treatment for localized hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the impact of surgery for HCC on quality of life (QOL) has not been well assessed.

Methods

Health‐related QOL was assessed using the Short Form‐36 questionnaire in 108 patients who underwent a liver resection for HCC between January 2004 and January 2008. The QOL assessment was scheduled before and every 3 months after the operation. Patients were divided into two groups based on patient‐, tumor‐, and surgery‐related variables. The physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) were compared between the two groups.

Results

Altogether, 69 patients (64 %) completed the consecutive QOL assessments until 6 months after surgery. At 3 months, the PCS scores were significantly lower for women and for patients who had undergone thoracotomy than among men (p = 0.010) and patients who had not undergone thoracotomy (p = 0.048), respectively. No significant differences in any of the PCS scores were observed at 6 months. No significant differences in the MCS scores were observed between the groups throughout the investigation, and improvement relative to the preoperative status was observed at 6 months.

Conclusions

Physical impairments in the QOL after surgery had returned to the baseline at 6 months, and the postoperative mental QOL improved relative to the preoperative state. The surgical candidates were expected to have a satisfactory QOL regardless of the preoperative status and surgical outcomes. A thoracoabdominal approach had a transient negative impact on the physical health status.
Postoperative PTH Measurement Is Not a Reliable Predictor for Hypocalcemia After Total Thyroidectomy in Vitamin D Deficiency: Prospective Study of 203 Cases
Authors: Pradeep P. V. , Ramalingam K.
Published: December 2013

Background

Several factors have been used to predict post total thyroidectomy (TT) hypocalcemia. Serum intact PTH (PTH) levels <10 pg/mL after TT is considered to be the most accurate predictor. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the accuracy of PTH as a predictor of post‐TT hypocalcemia in patients with vitamin D deficiency.

Materials and methods

The present prospective study was conducted from 2009 to 2011 and included patients undergoing TT for benign goiter. The PTH levels 8 h after TT in patients who were vitamin D sufficient (group A; S Vit D >20 ng/mL) versus those who were vitamin D deficient (group B) were compared. Comparison was also performed between patients belonging to group A and group B who developed hypocalcemia. Appropriate statistical tests were applied.

Results

A total of 203 patients (19 males, 184 females) underwent TT; 58.6 % (n = 119) belonged to group A and 41.4 % (n = 84) to group B. Their mean age was 36.81 ± 12.9 years, and the mean duration of goiter was 45.35 ± 54.6 months. Hypocalcemia occurred in 41 patients (20.2 %). Among them 15 belonged to group A and 26 to group B (p = 0.002). The mean PTH in patients who developed hypocalcemia was 12.75 ± 8.91 versus 22.58 ± 15.38 in those who did not develop hypocalcemia (p = 0.00). Furthermore it was seen that the mean PTH in vitamin D sufficient hypocalcemic patients (n = 15) was 7.12 ± 1.79 and that in vitamin D deficient hypocalcemic patients (n = 26) was 16 ± 9.77 (p = 0.001)

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the fall in PTH after TT in vitamin D deficient patients is unreliable in predicting hypocalcemia and should not be relied on to plan early postoperative discharge.
In Hepatocellular Carcinomas, any Proportion of Poorly Differentiated Components is Associated with Poor Prognosis After Hepatectomy
Authors: Sasaki Kazunari , Matsuda Masamichi , Ohkura Yu , Kawamura Yusuke , Inoue Masafumi , Hashimoto Masaji , Ikeda Kenji , Kumada Hiromitsu , Watanabe Goro
Published: December 2013

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) often consists of various differentiation components in a single tumor. However, the categorization of histologic grade in hepatectomy for those tumors has not been standardized. Some studies have determined the differentiation grade of the tumor according to its worst component, whereas others have determined it according to its predominant component. The present study aimed to resolve the controversy about whether the worst component or the dominant component determines the nature of the tumor, especially focusing on the presence of a poorly differentiated component (PDC).

Methods

In total, 427 hepatectomized patients with solitary HCC were divided into three groups, tumors without a PDC (NP), tumors with a PDC but dominantly consisting of non‐PDC as poorly contained (PC), and tumors predominantly consisted of a PDC as poorly dominant (PD). PC was compared with PD and NP.

Results

Statistical analysis revealed that large tumors and high alpha‐fetoprotein level were significantly more frequent in PC than in NP (P < 0.01 and P = 0.04, respectively), although no remarkable difference was observed between PC and PD. Both recurrence‐free and overall survival rates were significantly worse in the PC and PD groups than in the NP group (PC vs. NP: P = 0.01 and P < 0.01, PD vs. NP: P < 0.01 and P < 0.01, respectively), but there was no significant difference in these parameters between PC and PD.

Conclusions

All HCC, including PDC, should be categorized as poorly differentiated HCC regardless of the predominant differentiation component.
Assessing Patterns of Practice of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy for Breast Cancer in Latin America
Authors: Acuna Sergio A. , Angarita Fernando A. , Escallon Jaime
Published: December 2013

Introduction

There is a lack information regarding how sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for breast cancer is carried out today in developing countries and how it was adapted. To rectify this situation we performed a pattern‐of‐practice survey amongst practicing surgeons in Latin America (LA).

Methods

A survey was developed to assess current surgical practice in breast cancer, use of SLNB, limitations to the implementation, training, technique variations, and observed adverse events. A total of 30 surgical associations and breast surgery societies in 18 Latin American countries were invited to participate. Surveys were distributed among member of these associations and 76.7 % of those contacted answered the survey. Responses were limited only to those who reported treating breast cancer patients.

Results

A total of 463 surgeons who manage breast cancer responded. Over 53 % of surgeons do not have sub‐specialty training. Only 47.7 % have a high‐volume case load, of which 87.8 % routinely perform SLNB. The main limitations perceived to the implementation of SLNB were a lack of resources/equipment (48 %) and training opportunities (33 %). Over 60 % reported that fewer than half of their patients were eligible for SLNB and 67.8 % reported that they were involved in teaching this technique to residents.

Conclusions

A significant proportion of surgeons that treat breast cancer cases in LA have not had sub‐specialty training or manage a low volume of cases. Among those surgeons with a high‐volume caseload, SLNB is routinely performed. SLNB training during residency represents an opportunity for improvement in the region.
Health‐Related Quality of Life After Robot‐Assisted Distal Gastrectomy in Early Gastric Cancer
Authors: Park Ji Yeon , Eom Bang Wool , Jo Min Jung , Yoon Hong Man , Ryu Keun Won , Kim Young‐Woo , Nam Byung‐Ho , Lee Jun Ho
Published: December 2013

Purpose

This study was designed to assess the chronological change in health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) following robot‐assisted distal gastrectomy (RADG) for early gastric cancer (EGC) and to compare the HRQOL of the patients undergoing RADG with that of the general population.

Methods

Patients undergoing RADG for EGC between March 2010 and May 2011 were enrolled. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) core questionnaire (QLQ‐C30) and the gastric cancer‐specific module (QLQ‐STO22) were completed before the operation and at 1 week as well as 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postsurgery. HRQOL data of the enrolled patients were compared to reference values obtained from the general population.

Results

A total of 30 patients were enrolled, and the overall compliance for questionnaire response was 94.4 %. The worst scores for most of the domains were observed at 1 week postsurgery and usually returned to baseline levels within 3 months, except for fatigue, dysphagia, pain, and eating restriction. Diarrhea was the only symptom that did not recovered after 1 year. Before surgery, patients reported significantly worse social function and financial difficulties compared to the general population, which persisted for 1 year postsurgery.

Conclusions

The immediate deterioration of HRQOL after RADG was restored to baseline levels within 3 months postsurgery in the majority of the patients. Robotic assistance might aid in the rapid recovery of global health status after surgery in EGC patients. Prolonged impairment in social function compared with the general population suggests that psychological support is necessary even for EGC patients.
Surgical Treatment of 144 Cases of Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma Without Liver‐Related Mortality
Authors: Furusawa Norihiko , Kobayashi Akira , Yokoyama Takahide , Shimizu Akira , Motoyama Hiroaki , Miyagawa Sin‐ichi
Published: December 2013

Background

The present study evaluated whether the short‐ and long‐term outcomes improved during our 23 years of experience treating 144 consecutive patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Methods

Patients treated between 1990 and 2000 (period 1; n = 70) were retrospectively compared with those treated between 2001 and 2012 (period 2; n = 74). Mortality and major complications were defined as any death occurring within 90 days of surgery and a grade III–IV complication according to the Clavien classification, respectively.

Results

The mortality and major complication rates decreased from 1.2 and 34 % during period 1–0 and 24 % during period 2, respectively. Although the surgical procedure was comparable between the two periods, the median blood loss was significantly reduced from 1,020 mL during period 1–745 mL during period 2 (P = 0.003), and blood loss was the only significant predictor of postoperative morbidity in a multivariable analysis. The R0 resection rate (70 vs. 78 %, P = 0.250) and the 5‐year survival rate (33 vs. 35 %, P = 0.529) were similar for the two periods. A multivariable analysis identified positive nodal involvement and R1–2 resection as independent prognostic factors for survival.

Conclusions

The perioperative outcomes after surgical treatment for hilar cholangiocarcinoma have steadily improved through the accumulation of experience and meticulous surgical techniques to reduce blood loss. Further improvement of the R0 resection rate could prolong patient survival.
Quantile Lower Bounds to Reliability Based on Locally Optimal Splits
Authors: Hunt Tyler D. , Bentler Peter M.
Published: December 2013

Extending the theory of lower bounds to reliability based on splits given by Guttman (in Psychometrika 53, 63–70, 1945), this paper introduces quantile lower bound coefficients λ4(Q) that refer to cumulative proportions of potential locally optimal “split-half” coefficients that are below a particular point Q in the distribution of split-halves based on different partitions of variables into two sets. Interesting quantile values are Q=0.05,0.50,0.95,1.00 with λ4(0.05)≤λ4(0.50)≤λ4(0.95)≤λ4(1.0). Only the global optimum λ4(1.0), Guttman’s maximal λ4, has previously been considered to be interesting, but in small samples it substantially overestimates population reliability ρ. The three coefficients λ4(0.05), λ4(0.50), and λ4(0.95) provide new lower bounds to reliability. The smallest, λ4(0.05), provides the most protection against capitalizing on chance associations, and thus overestimation, λ4(0.50) is the median of these coefficients, while λ4(0.95) tends to overestimate reliability, but also exhibits less bias than previous estimators. Computational theory, algorithm, and publicly available code based in R are provided to compute these coefficients. Simulation studies evaluate the performance of these coefficients and compare them to coefficient alpha and the greatest lower bound under several population reliability structures.
Surgical Treatment of Isolated Patellofemoral Osteoarthritis
Authors: Rodriguez-Merchan E. Carlos
Published: December 2013

Background

Isolated patellofemoral (PF) osteoarthritis (OA) affects 9% of persons older than 40 years. Nonoperative treatment should be exhausted fully before surgical treatment.

Questions/Purposes

The purpose of this article is to review the literature after 2008 with the aim of answering the following question: Which of the following surgical procedures has the highest survival rate and the lowest revision rate in advanced isolated PF OA: patellofemoral arthroplasty (PFA), total knee arthroplasty (TKA) or lateral facetectomy.

Methods

The search engine was MedLine. The keywords used were: PF OA and PFA. Three hundred and fifty-three articles were found between 2008 and 25 July 2013. Of those, only 23 were selected and reviewed because they were strictly focused on the topic and the question of this article.

Results

The types of studies reported so far have a low level of evidence (levels III and IV). Most of them are prospective case series (level IV). Some are systematic reviews of level III studies. Reported survival rate of lateral facetectomy is 85% at 5 years, 67% at 10 years and 47% at 20 years. Reported failure rate of lateral facetectomy is 26% at 10 years and 16% at 12 years. The reported average time of reoperation is 8 years and 37% of such procedures fail. Survival rate of PFA has been reported to be 87.5% on average (range, 60–100%). The revision rate of PFA is 20%. Recent improvements in PFA design have resulted in improvements in short-and medium-term results, similar to those of TKA.

Conclusions

There is still no gold standard for the surgical treatment of isolated PF OA. However, PFA or TKA appear to be the most recommendable treatment in cases that do not respond to conservative treatment.
MCP Arthrodesis Using an Intramedullary Interlocking Device
Authors: Vanderzanden Jacqueline C. , Adams Brian D. , Guan Justin J.
Published: December 2013

Background

A variety of metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ) arthrodesis techniques have been described for the treatment of symptomatic arthritis and instability of the thumb MCPJ including K wire fixation, tension-band arthrodesis, plate fixation, intramedullary screw, and other intramedullary devices. This study presents a retrospective review of one surgeon's initial series of patients undergoing thumb MCP arthrodesis using an intramedullary compression device with a fixed angle of 25°.

Methods

A retrospective chart and radiographic review of patients treated for thumb MCP arthrodesis using the intramedullary device was performed. Final radiographs were evaluated for arthrodesis angle, bony fusion, and implant fixation. Any complication found during surgery or the follow-up period was noted.

Results

In this study, 17 patients were reviewed. Indications for surgery were osteoarthritis (five patients), rheumatoid arthritis (three patients), MCP instability alone (seven patients), and post-traumatic conditions (two patients). Of these, 12 patients had a simultaneous trapeziometacarpal (TMC) soft tissue arthroplasty. Mean follow-up was 4.9 months. All 17 patients had clinical and radiographic evidence of fusion at an average of 7.9 weeks, with an average fusion angle of 24.4°. There were no hardware complications, no infections, no revisions, and no indications for hardware removal.

Discussion

Our study results indicate the technique promotes rapid union at a precise angle, provides strong fixation that does not require prolonged immobilization, does not cause hardware irritation, and can be used in conjunction with other procedures including TMC arthroplasty when MCP arthrodesis is indicated for joint instability.
Identification of Vegetable Oil or Biodiesel Added to Diesel Using Fluorescence Spectroscopy and Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Tomazzoni Giancarlo , Meira Marilena , Quintella Cristina M. , Zagonel Giuliano Fernandes , Costa Bill Jorge , de Oliveira Paulo Roberto , Pepe Iuri Muniz , da Costa Neto Pedro Ramos
Published: December 2013

In order to identify possible adulteration of onroad diesel with vegetable oil, fluorescence spectroscopy was used as the analytical technique to differentiate between vegetable oil and biodiesel in diesel blends. Diesel/oil and diesel/biodiesel blends made with different proportions of soy, canola or waste cooking oil were analyzed. The reduced cost of analysis using fluorescence spectroscopy together with the reliability of the results suggest that this technique could be of great use in differentiating between diesel, biodiesel and vegetable oil and could therefore be used for rapid identification or confirmation of adulterated diesel. Furthermore, a compact fluorescence spectrophotometer with an LED excitation source could be used in gas stations or fuel distributors for diesel quality control because of its practicality, low cost and reliability.
Training of Transversus Abdominis Activation in the Supine Position With Ultrasound Biofeedback Translated to Increased Transversus Abdominis Activation During Upright Loaded Functional Tasks
Authors: McPherson Sue L. , Watson Todd
Published: December 2013

Objective

To determine whether healthy adults successfully completing transversus abdominis (TrA) muscle activation training in the supine position with clinician and ultrasound (US) imaging feedback increase their TrA activation during lifting and reaching tasks performed in the standing position.

Design

Prospective longitudinal within‐subject, repeated‐measures (RM) study.

Setting

University laboratory.

Participants

A total of 19 of 24 asymptomatic adult volunteers met inclusion criteria.

Methods

Each adult performed 3 trials of 5 functional tasks before receiving any training. They were then briefed on the abdominal draw‐in maneuver via educational materials. Next, each adult received individualized TrA activation training while in the supine position with clinician and US feedback of TrA activation. At 5 minutes after TrA activation training, each adult who met the criterion during training performed 3 trials of these same 5 functional tasks. Tasks were randomized during these test sessions. Adults who returned 5 months later (n = 10) were tested again on 3 trials of 3 of these tasks. No feedback was provided during test sessions. Recorded cine loop images were obtained via US per trial and masked for TrA measurement.

Main Outcome Measurements

Resting state (minimum thickness) and contraction state (maximum thickness) of TrA were measured per recorded trial by a clinician who was shown to have high reliability. The percentage of change in TrA thickness {[(thicknessmax – thicknessmin)/ thicknessmin] × (100)} was the primary outcome measure. Trial averages were formed per measure per task per test session per adult.

Results

A 2‐test sessions (pretraining, 5‐minutes post‐training) × 5 tasks RM analysis of variance (N = 19) indicated a significant and large effect for test sessions (P < .001, η2 = 0.808) and moderate effect for tasks (P = .011; η2 = 0.164). Likewise, a 3‐test sessions (pretraining, 5‐minutes posttraining, 5 months post‐training) × 3 tasks RM analysis of variance (n = 10) indicated a significant and large test sessions effect (P < .001, η2 = 0.57) and no task effect. Overall, the percent change in TrA thickness increased after the TrA activation training program and was maintained at 5 months; similar patterns of improvement were noted across test sessions and tasks.

Conclusion

Asymptomatic adults successfully completing a short session of TrA activation training in the supine position with US feedback of TrA activation were able to increase their TrA activation during loaded lifting and reaching tasks for at least 5 months.