bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Grade as a prognostic factor in oral squamous cell carcinoma: A population‐based analysis of the data
Authors: Thomas Brian , Stedman Margaret , Davies Louise 
Published: August 2013

Objectives/HypothesisHistorically, histologic grade has not been considered a useful prognostic factor in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). However, in other solid tumors, grade is known to affect prognosis. We test the hypothesis that histologic grade is an independent predictor of prognosis in oral cavity SCC.Study DesignPopulation‐based cohort study using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database of the National Cancer Institute.MethodsFifteen year cause‐specific survival. Multivariate analysis was performed on a subset of patients diagnosed between 2004 and 2008.ResultsAmong patients 20 to 65 years of age with American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage I or II cancer, the adjusted risk of death is 2.7 times greater (95% CI 1.72–4.11) if the tumor is poorly differentiated or undifferentiated than it is if the tumor is well differentiated. Among patients 66 to 94 years of age, the risk of death is 3.0 (95% CI 2.02–4.54) times greater. For those over age 65, moderately differentiated tumors also confer an estimated 42% increased risk of death, but this estimate is only borderline significant (P = 0.05).ConclusionsThere is a strong association between histologic grade and survival in patients with AJCC stage I or II oral cavity SCC. High histologic grade in early stage oral cavity cancer is associated with poorer survival and carries independent prognostic value in addition to tumor size, node status, and presence of distant metastasis (TNM) stage. Thus, histologic grade should be considered clinically when making treatment decisions, and multivariable models of survival should include grade as a covariate to improve prognostic accuracy.Level of Evidence2b Laryngoscope, 124:688–694, 2014
The effect of transoral robotic surgery on short‐term outcomes and cost of care after oropharyngeal cancer surgery
Authors: Richmon Jeremy D. , Quon Harry , Gourin Christine G. 
Published: August 2013

Objectives/HypothesisTransoral surgery is an increasingly frequent treatment modality for tumors of the upper aerodigestive tract. This is in large part related to the introduction of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for oropharyngeal cancer resection, which has demonstrated excellent oncologic and functional outcomes. There is limited data, however, on how TORS compares to traditional open surgery in overall costs and length of hospitalization. With increasing pressure to contain and reduce the costs of medical care, we sought to evaluate the impact of TORS on a national sample of patients undergoing surgery for oropharyngeal cancer.Study DesignRetrospective cross‐sectional study.MethodsA cross‐sectional analysis of 9,601 patients who underwent an extirpative procedure for a malignant oropharyngeal neoplasm in 2008 to 2009 was performed using discharge data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample.ResultsTORS was performed in 116 (1.2%) of cases. TORS patients had a lower rate of gastrostomy tube placement (0% vs. 19%), tracheotomy tube placement (0% vs. 36%), and nonroutine discharge (0% vs. 44%) compared to patients undergoing non‐TORS procedures. After controlling for all other variables, including comorbidity, extent of surgery, and teaching hospital status, TORS was associated with significantly decreased length of hospitalization (mean, −1.5 days) and hospital‐related costs (mean, −$4,285).ConclusionsTORS is becoming an increasingly frequent technique to treat tumors of the upper aerodigestive tract. These data demonstrate that TORS is associated with a decreased length of hospitalization and hospital‐related costs compared to other surgical techniques.Level of Evidence2c. Laryngoscope, 124:165–171, 2014
Cisplatin otoprotection using transtympanic L‐N‐acetylcysteine: A pilot randomized study in head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Yoo John , Hamilton Scott J. , Angel Douglas , Fung Kevin , Franklin Jason , Parnes Lorne S. , Lewis Denise , Venkatesan Varagur , Winquist Eric 
Published: August 2013

Objectives/HypothesisTo evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of transtympanic L‐N‐Acetylcysteine (L‐NAC) administration in patients receiving cisplatin chemotherapy for head and neck cancer.Study DesignProspective randomized nonblinded open‐label clinical trial.MethodsTranstympanic 2% L‐NAC was administered to one randomly selected ear with the other ear as control in each patient. Primary outcome parameter was the difference in the loss of pure tone averages (PTA) at 2, 4, and 8 kHz between the L‐NAC and control ear at 1 to 2 months following chemotherapy.ResultsEleven patients completed the study, with two patients demonstrating significantly better hearing in the L‐NAC treated ear (18.2%). However, for the overall group, the difference in hearing preservation did not reach significance. Two percent L‐NAC administration was well tolerated in this patient population. There were no adverse effects associated with L‐NAC.ConclusionAlthough the study did not demonstrate a significant benefit overall, transtympanic L‐NAC was associated with significantly better hearing in two patients. Better delivery methods may improve the efficacy of this treatment. L‐NAC remains a promising drug in preventing cisplatin‐induced ototoxicity.Level of Evidence1b. Laryngoscope, 124:E87–E94, 2014
Propagation Kinetics of the Radical Polymerization of Methylated Acrylamides in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Schrooten Jens , Lacík Igor , Stach Marek , Hesse Pascal , Buback Michael 
Published: August 2013

Propagation rate coefficients, kp, of the radical polymerization of N,N‐dimethylacrylamide (N,N‐dimethylprop‐2‐enamide), N‐methylmethacrylamide (N,2‐dimethylprop‐2‐enamide), and methacrylamide (2‐methylprop‐2‐enamide) in aqueous solution are measured via pulsed‐laser polymerization in conjunction with size‐exclusion chromatography within wide ranges of monomer concentration, temperature, and pressure. As observed for aqueous solutions of other monomers, kp decreases significantly towards higher monomer concentration. For methacrylamide, a higher activation energy and a larger volume of activation are found as compared with N,N‐dimethylacrylamide. These two activation parameters are almost identical for N‐methylmethacrylamide and for N,N‐dimethylacrylamide.
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Soil temperature trends in Büyük Menderes Basin, Turkey
Authors: Yeşilırmak Ercan 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTSoil temperature change is reported to be an important indicator of climate change, as soil temperature integrates all processes occurring at and above the soil surface. Analysis of long‐term trends in soil temperatures and their relationship to climatic variables could provide valuable information on climate change. In this study, soil temperature trends were analysed on seasonal and annual scales at depths of 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 cm over the period from the 1970s to 2006 at eight sites in the Büyük Menderes Basin in Western Turkey. Also, air temperature, rainfall and sunshine duration records were analysed for trends, and for their correlations with soil temperatures. The results showed a general increase in soil temperatures at all depths and in all seasons. The most significant warmings were observed in summer, especially in the upper layers (5, 10 and 20 cm). The trend magnitudes ranged from −0.91 to 2.05 °C decade−1, depending on site, season and depth. It was observed that air temperature had a clear and dominant influence on soil temperature change. Soil temperatures were also affected by sunshine duration and rainfall. These findings are expected to contribute to our understanding of the linkage between soil temperature change and global warming.
A systematic approach to emergent breast free flap takeback: Clinical outcomes, algorithm, and review of the literature
Authors: Khansa Ibrahim , Chao Albert H. , Taghizadeh Maakan , Nagel Theodore , Wang Duane , Tiwari Pankaj 
Published: August 2013

BackgroundFew evidence‐based and detailed algorithms exist on the management of failing breast free flaps, including use of the numerous salvage tools that are available. The purpose of this study was to analyze our outcomes with an algorithmic approach to breast free flap salvage after vascular compromise. A review of the literature is also presented.MethodsA retrospective review of all breast free flaps performed at our institution between 2007 and 2012 was performed. Flaps with intraoperative and postoperative vascular complications were analyzed.ResultsA total of 612 microsurgical breast reconstructions in 442 patients were reviewed. Of these, 72 (11.8%) flaps had intraoperative vascular complications, and 36 (5.9%) had postoperative vascular complications. The total flap loss rate was 2.8%. The most commonly used salvage modalities were anastomotic revision (72%), heparin irrigation (72%), systemic heparin (37%), Fogarty catheter thrombectomy (17.6%), thrombolytics (13%), and indocyanine green angiography (10.2%). In 53 (49.1%) cases, flap salvage involved use of 1 modality, whereas in 55 (50.9%) cases multiple modalities were used. Factors associated with failure of these flap salvage tools included intraoperative arterial rather than postoperative arterial compromise (P = 0.01), and situations requiring use of a greater number of salvage modalities (P < 0.001).ConclusionsWe found that intraoperative compromise had significantly better prognosis than postoperative compromise. By organizing the numerous salvage modalities available to microsurgeons into a well‐defined algorithm that is supported by the literature, we have established a best practices protocol that has achieved flap salvage rates that compare favorably to the published literature. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 33:505–513, 2013.
Z‐2‐(β‐d‐glucopyranosyloxy)‐3‐phenylpropenoic acid, an α‐hydroxy acid from rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) with hypoglycemic activity
Authors: Muller Christo J. F. , Joubert Elizabeth , Pheiffer Carmen , Ghoor Samira , Sanderson Micheline , Chellan Nireshni , Fey Stephen J. , Louw Johan 
Published: August 2013

ScopeThe rare enolic phenylpyruvic acid‐2‐O‐glucoside, (PPAG:Z‐2‐(β‐d‐glucopyranosyloxy)‐3‐phenylpropenoic acid), is one of the major constituents of fermented rooibos infusions. 3‐Phenylpyruvic acid (2‐oxo‐3‐phenylpropanoic acid), without the sugar moiety and with a keto form instead of an enolic arrangement, has been shown to enhance insulin release and glucose uptake in muscle cells. The purpose of this study was to assess if PPAG has similar activity on glucose metabolism.Methods and resultsPreliminary in vitro studies confirmed that PPAG, isolated from rooibos, enhanced glucose uptake. A dose–response study in Chang cells showed that PPAG enhanced glucose uptake in the concentration range 1.0–31.6 μM (EC50 = 3.6 μM). In obese insulin‐resistant rats, oral administration of PPAG lowered fasting glucose concentrations and improved oral glucose tolerance values; messenger RNA expression of glucokinase, glucose transporter 1 and 2, insulin receptor, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor alpha, and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3, were increased in the liver. This suggests that the liver is mainly responsible for PPAG bioactivity.ConclusionThis study describes for the first time that PPAG increases in vitro glucose uptake and improves glucose tolerance in an obese insulin‐resistant rat model, suggesting that it has potential as a new class of antidiabetic therapeutics that would contribute to the antidiabetic effect of rooibos.
The Michigan incontinence symptom index (M‐ISI): A clinical measure for type, severity, and bother related to urinary incontinence
Authors: Suskind Anne M. , Dunn Rodney L. , Morgan Daniel M. , DeLancey John O.L. , McGuire Edward J. , Wei John T. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAimsTo develop a clinically relevant, easy to use, and validated instrument for assessing severity and bother related to urinary incontinence.MethodsSurvey items were piloted and refined following psychometric principles in five separate patient cohorts. Patient and expert endorsement of items, factor analyses, Spearman rank correlations and response distributions were employed for item selection. Formal reliability and validity evaluation were conducted for the final questionnaire items.ResultsExpert physicians and patient focus groups confirmed face and content validity for the measure. A 10‐item measure called the Michigan Incontinence Symptom Index (M‐ISI) was developed with two domains: a Total M‐ISI Domain consisting of subdomains for stress urinary incontinence, urgency urinary incontinence, and pad use, and a Bother Domain. High construct validity was demonstrated with a Cronbach's alpha for the Total M‐ISI Domain (items 1‐8) of 0.90 and for the Bother Domain (items 9‐10) of 0.82. Cronbach's alpha for the subdomains were all > 0.85. Construct validity, convergent and divergent validity, internal discriminant validity, and predictive validity were all robust. The minimally important difference for the measure was determined to be 4 points (out of 32) for the Total M‐ISI Severity Domain, and 1‐2 points (out of 8‐12) for the individual subdomains.ConclusionsThe M‐ISI is a parsimonious measure that has established reliability and validity on several levels and complements current clinical evaluative methods for patients with urinary incontinence. Neurourol. Urodynam. 33:1128–1134
, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Global and local structural similarity in protein–protein complexes: Implications for template‐based docking
Authors: Kundrotas Petras J. , Vakser Ilya A. 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTThe increasing amount of structural information on protein–protein interactions makes it possible to predict the structure of protein–protein complexes by comparison/alignment of the interacting proteins to the ones in cocrystallized complexes. In the predictions based on structure similarity, the template search is performed by structural alignment of the target interactors with the entire structures or with the interface only of the subunits in cocrystallized complexes. This study investigates the scope of the structural similarity that facilitates the detection of a broad range of templates significantly divergent from the targets. The analysis of the target‐template similarity is based on models of protein–protein complexes in a large representative set of heterodimers. The similarity of the biological and crystal packing interfaces, dissimilar interface structural motifs in overall similar structures, interface similarity to the full structure, and local similarity away from the interface were analyzed. The structural similarity at the protein–protein interfaces only was observed in ∼25% of target‐template pairs with sequence identity <20% and primarily homodimeric templates. For ∼50% of the target‐template pairs, the similarity at the interface was accompanied by the similarity of the whole structure. However, the structural similarity at the interfaces was still stronger than that of the noninterface parts. The study provides insights into structural and functional diversity of protein–protein complexes, and relative performance of the interface and full structure alignment in docking. Proteins 2013; 81:2137–2142. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Silicon surface passivation by aluminium oxide studied with electron energy loss spectroscopy
Authors: Hoex Bram , Bosman Michel , Nandakumar Naomi , Kessels W. M. M. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe origin behind crystalline silicon surface passivation by Al2O3 films is studied in detail by means of spatially‐resolved electron energy loss spectroscopy. The bonding configurations of Al and O are studied in as‐deposited and annealed Al2O3 films grown on c‐Si substrates by plasma‐assisted and thermal atomic layer deposition. The results confirm the presence of an interfacial SiO2‐like film and demonstrate changes in the ratio between tetrahedrally and octahedrally coordinated Al in the films after annealing. These observations reveal the underlying origin of c‐Si surface passivation by Al2O3. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effects of distilled water rinsing on stable isotope ratios of acid‐treated marine invertebrate (Paguridae) samples
Authors: Guerin Andrew J. , Jensen Antony C. , McGill Rona A. R. 
Published: August 2013

RATIONALEStable isotope ratios are widely used to infer trophic relationships, although a growing number of studies show that sample pre‐treatments (such as acidification to remove carbonates) can cause changes in isotope ratios. Samples are often rinsed in distilled water after acidification, and we examine the effects of this step in particular on the isotope ratios of marine invertebrate samples.METHODSSamples of whole hermit crabs (Paguridae) were subjected to one of three treatments: acidification using dilute hydrochloric acid without subsequent distilled water rinsing; acidification with rinsing; and rinsing with no acidification. Continuous‐flow isotope ratio mass spectrometry was used to compare the mean carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios of treated and untreated material.RESULTSAcidification (both with and without subsequent distilled water rinsing) resulted in reductions in mean δ13C values (1.939 and 3.146‰, respectively), while rinsing without prior acidification led to a smaller (but still significant) increase. Nitrogen isotope ratios were not affected by acidification, but subsequent rinsing with distilled water caused a decrease of approximately 1‰.CONCLUSIONSAcidification of samples is clearly necessary in the presence of carbonates to obtain useful carbon isotope ratio data. However, post‐acidification rinsing can result in further (potentially undesirable) changes to both carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios. Ideally, rinsing should be avoided, but the impacts are small enough to be of little concern in many studies. Rinsing (or not) should be considered carefully on the basis of the aims of a study. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stable carbon isotope analysis of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in natural waters – Results from a worldwide proficiency test
Authors: van Geldern Robert , Verma Mahendra P. , Carvalho Matheus C. , Grassa Fausto , Delgado‐Huertas Antonio , Monvoisin Gael , Barth Johannes A. C. 
Published: August 2013

RATIONALEStable carbon isotope ratios of dissolved inorganic (DIC) and organic carbon (DOC) are of particular interest in aquatic geochemistry. The precision for this type of analysis is typically reported in the range of 0.1‰ to 0.5‰. However, there is no published attempt that compares δ13C measurements of DIC and DOC among different laboratories for natural water samples.METHODSFive natural water samples (lake water, seawater, two geothermal waters, and petroleum well water) were analyzed for δ13CDIC and δ13CDOC values by five laboratories with isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) in an international proficiency test.RESULTSThe reported δ13CDIC values for lake water and seawater showed fairly good agreement within a range of about 1‰, whereas geothermal and petroleum waters were characterized by much larger differences (up to 6.6‰ between laboratories). δ13CDOC values were only comparable for seawater and showed differences of 10 to 21‰ for other samples.CONCLUSIONSThis study indicates that scatter in δ13CDIC isotope data can be in the range of several per mil for samples from extreme environments (geothermal waters) and may not yield reliable information with respect to dissolved carbon (petroleum wells). The analyses of lake water and seawater also revealed a larger than expected difference and researchers from various disciplines should be aware of this. Evaluation of analytical procedures of the participating laboratories indicated that the differences cannot be explained by analytical errors or different data normalization procedures and must be related to specific sample characteristics or secondary effects during sample storage and handling. Our results reveal the need for further research on sources of error and on method standardization. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural elucidation and identification of a new derivative of phenethylamine using quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Sekuła Karolina , Zuba Dariusz 
Published: August 2013

RATIONALEIn recent years, the phenomenon of uncontrolled distribution of new psychoactive substances that were marketed without prior toxicological studies has been observed. Because many designer drugs are related in chemical structure, the potential for misidentifying them is an important problem. It is therefore essential to develop an analytical procedure for unequivocal elucidation of the structures of these compounds. The issue has been discussed in the context of 25I‐NBMD [2‐(4‐iodo‐2,5‐dimethoxyphenyl)‐N‐[(2,3‐methylenedioxyphenyl)methyl]ethanamine], a psychoactive substance first discovered on the drug market in 2012.METHODSThe substance was extracted from blotter papers with methanol. Separation was achieved via liquid chromatography. Analysis was conducted by electrospray ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (ESI‐QTOFMS). Identification of the psychoactive component was supported by electron impact gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/EI‐MS).RESULTSThe high accuracy of the LC/ESI‐QTOFMS method allowed the molecular mass of the investigated substance (Mexp = 441.0438 Da; mass error, ∆m = 0.2 ppm) and the formulae of ions formed during fragmentation to be determined. The main ions were recorded at m/z = 135.0440, 290.9876 and 305.9981. Structures of the obtained ions were elucidated in the tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) experiments by comparing them to mass spectra of previously detected derivatives of phenethylamine.CONCLUSIONSThe performed study indicated the potential for using LC/QTOFMS method to identify new designer drugs. This technique can be used supplementary to standard GC/MS. Prior knowledge of the fragmentation mechanisms of phenethylamines allowed to predict the mass spectra of the novel substance – 25I‐NBMD. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Semiglobal synchronization of multiple generic linear agents with input saturation
Authors: Wang Qingling , Yu Changbin , Gao Huijun 
Published: August 2013

SUMMARYThis paper investigates the semiglobal synchronization problem for a group of agents with input saturation under directed interaction topology, where each agent is modeled as a generic linear system rather than the single‐integrator or double‐integrator dynamics. The main result is the construction of a feedback coupling gain that achieves semiglobal synchronization if all the agents have identically saturated linear dynamics, which can be of any order. It is shown that the coupling gain obtained via parametric Lyapunov equations can semiglobally synchronize any directed network provided that the interaction topology has a directed spanning tree. Furthermore, due to the use of parametric Lyapunov equations, a convergence rate is analytically obtained. Finally, a simulation example is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness and advantages of our theoretical findings. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Iceland—Genetic Counseling Services
Authors: Stefansdottir Vigdis , Arngrimsson Reynir , Jonsson Jon J. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThis brief report aims to give an overview of the history and current status of clinical genetics services in Iceland and specific genetic counseling considerations for Iceland's population. Presently, there are two part time medical geneticists and one full time genetic counselor with an MSc education from Cardiff, within the Department of Genetic and Molecular Medicine, based in Iceland's only tertiary healthcare facility, Landspitali, the National University Hospital. An oncologist (20 %) also contributes to the cancer genetic counseling service. In addition, a pediatric medical geneticist has a 25 % appointment at the Children's Hospital. No other health care organization offers genetic counseling, and there are no private genetic counseling services.