bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Draft Genome Sequence of Triclosan-Resistant Cystic Fibrosis Isolate Achromobacter xylosoxidans CF304
Authors: Jeukens Julie , Freschi Luca , Kukavica-Ibrulj Irena , Nguyen Dao , Levesque Roger C.
Published: July 2015

Achromobacter xylosoxidans
is an emerging opportunistic pathogen. Here, we present the genome sequence of cystic fibrosis isolate CF304. Assembly resulted in 29 contigs adding up to 6.3 Mbp. This is the second genome sequence for a cystic fibrosis isolate, and little is known about the genetic basis of pathogenicity in this organism.
Iatrogenic magnesium toxicity following intravenous infusion of magnesium sulfate: risks and strategies for prevention
Authors: Cavell Gillian F , Bryant Catherine , Jheeta Seetal
Published: July 2015

A 65-year-old man being treated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy for recurrent colonic adenocarcinoma was admitted for management of hypokalaemia and hypomagnesaemia secondary to diarrhoea. He was treated with intravenous infusions of potassium chloride and magnesium sulfate. Following an infusion of magnesium sulfate, he experienced a sudden neurological deterioration. A CT of the head revealed no haemorrhage or evidence of acute ischaemic injury. Results of serum biochemistry later that day revealed an elevated magnesium level. Iatrogenic magnesium toxicity was suspected. Further discussions between the pharmacist and ward staff confirmed that a medication error had been made in the preparation of the infusion resulting in an overdose of intravenous magnesium.
Effect of fine fly ash and calcium hydroxide on air void structure in very-early-strength latex-modified concrete
Authors: Choi Pangil , Jeon Sung Il , Yun Kyong-Ku
Published: July 2015

Very-early-strength latex-modified concrete (VES-LMC) was developed for rapid repairs of distresses in concrete bridge decks and pavements, with the emphasis on early-age strength gain so that the repaired bridges and pavements can be opened to traffic within the time frame required in the specifications. However, there are two main concerns in the use of VES-LMC — early-age cracking and poor air void structure. The main objective of this study was to further improve VES-LMC to minimize early-age cracking and improve freeze–thaw durability, which included the use of fine fly ash (FFA) and calcium hydroxide (CH). Laboratory experiments were conducted on VES-LMC materials with cement replaced with FFA as well as CH, and various tests performed. Early-age drying shrinkages of VES-LMC containing both FFA and CH in the amounts evaluated in this study were smaller than that of VES-LMC with no replacements. It is expected that the use of FFA and CH in the range evaluated in this study will reduce the cracking potential of VES-LMC. Overall, the replacement of cement with FFA and CH improved the characteristics of entrained air void system, which will enhance the durability of VES-LMC against freeze–thaw damage. Scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis indicate the primary mechanism of the generation of small sized air voids in concretes containing adequate amount of FFA and CH is the gas formation reaction between citric acid solutions and CH during concrete mixing. It is expected that the inclusion of adequate amounts of FFA and CH in VES-LMC will improve the performance of repaired bridge decks and pavements in terms of reduced cracking and improved freeze-thaw durability.
Cinnamaldehyde Contributes to Insulin Sensitivity by Activating PPARδ, PPARγ, and RXR
Authors: Li Juan-E , Futawaka Kumi , Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Kasahara Masato , Tagami Tetsuya , Liu Tong-Hua , Moriyama Kenji
Published: July 2015

Cinnamon is a traditional folk herb used in Asia and has been reported to have antidiabetic effects. Our previous study showed that cinnamaldehyde (CA), a major effective compound in cinnamon, exhibited hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects together in db/db mice. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of the effects of CA on the transcriptional activities of three peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, (PPAR) α, δ, and γ. We studied the effects of CA through a transient expression assay with TSA201 cells, derivatives of human embryonic kidney cell line (HEK293). Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis was also performed to evaluate mRNA expression levels. We show here that CA induced PPARδ, PPARγ and retinoid X receptor (RXR) activation. CA may activate PPARγ in a different manner than pioglitazone, as CA selectively stimulated PPARγ S342A mutant while pioglitazone did not. In addition, CA and L-165041 had a synergistic effect on PPARδ activation. To gather the biological evidence that CA increases PPARs transcription, we further measured the expressions of PPARδ and PPARγ target genes in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The data showed CA induced the expression of PPARδ and PPARγ target genes, namely aP2 and CD36, in differentiated adipocytes. As a result, PPARδ, PPARγ and their heterodimeric partner RXR appear to play a part in the CA action in the target tissues, thereby enhancing insulin sensitivity and fatty acid β-oxidation and energy uncoupling in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue.
Anti-CD20 Therapy Acts via FcγRIIIA to Diminish Responsiveness of Human Natural Killer Cells
Authors: Capuano Cristina , Romanelli Maddalena , Pighi Chiara , Cimino Giuseppe , Rago Angela , Molfetta Rosa , Paolini Rossella , Santoni Angela , Galandrini Ricciarda
Published: July 2015

Natural killer (NK) immune cells mediate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) by aggregating FcγRIIIA/CD16, contributing significantly to the therapeutic effect of CD20 monoclonal antibodies (mAb). In this study, we show that CD16 ligation on primary human NK cells by the anti-CD20 mAb rituximab or ofatumumab stably impairs the spontaneous cytotoxic response attributable to cross-tolerance of several unrelated NK-activating receptors (including NKG2D, DNAM-1, NKp46, and 2B4). Similar effects were obtained from NK cells isolated from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia in an autologous setting. NK cells rendered hyporesponsive in this manner were deficient in the ability of these cross-tolerized receptors to phosphorylate effector signaling molecules critical for NK cytotoxicity, including SLP-76, PLCγ2, and Vav1. These effects were associated with long-lasting recruitment of the tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 to the CD16 receptor complex. Notably, pharmacologic inhibition of SHP-1 with sodium stibogluconate counteracted CD20 mAb-induced NK hyporesponsiveness, unveiling an unrecognized role for CD16 as a bifunctional receptor capable of engendering long-lasting NK cell inhibitory signals. Our work defines a novel mechanism of immune exhaustion induced by CD20 mAb in human NK cells, with potentially negative implications in CD20 mAb-treated patients where NK cells are partly responsible for clinical efficacy. Cancer Res; 75(19); 4097–108. ©2015 AACR.
Targeting c-MYC in Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Reyes-González Jeyshka M. , Armaiz-Peña Guillermo N. , Mangala Lingegowda S. , Valiyeva Fatma , Ivan Cristina , Pradeep Sunila , Echevarría-Vargas Ileabett M. , Rivera-Reyes Adrian , Sood Anil K. , Vivas-Mejía Pablo E.
Published: July 2015

The purpose of this study was to investigate the molecular and therapeutic effects of siRNA-mediated c-MYC silencing in cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer. Statistical analysis of patient's data extracted from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) portal showed that the disease-free (DFS) and the overall (OS) survival were decreased in ovarian cancer patients with high c-MYC mRNA levels. Furthermore, analysis of a panel of ovarian cancer cell lines showed that c-MYC protein levels were higher in cisplatin-resistant cells when compared with their cisplatin-sensitive counterparts. In vitro cell viability, growth, cell-cycle progression, and apoptosis, as well as in vivo therapeutic effectiveness in murine xenograft models, were also assessed following siRNA-mediated c-MYC silencing in cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells. Significant inhibition of cell growth and viability, cell-cycle arrest, and activation of apoptosis were observed upon siRNA-mediated c-MYC depletion. In addition, single weekly doses of c-MYC–siRNA incorporated into 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC) 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[methoxy(polyethylene glycol)-2000] (DSPE-PEG-2000)-based nanoliposomes resulted in significant reduction in tumor growth. These findings identify c-MYC as a potential therapeutic target for ovarian cancers expressing high levels of this oncoprotein. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(10); 2260–9. ©2015 AACR.
Cytokeratin-20 and Survivin-Expressing Circulating Tumor Cells Predict Survival in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients by a Combined Immunomagnetic qRT-PCR Approach
Authors: Ning Yan , Hanna Diana L. , Zhang Wu , Mendez Angela , Yang Dongyun , El-Khoueiry Rita , Matsusaka Satoshi , Sunakawa Yu , Stremitzer Stefan , Parekh Anish , Okazaki Satoshi , Berger Martin D. , Barzi Afsaneh , Lenz Heinz-Josef
Published: July 2015

Circulating tumor cells (CTC) express epithelial and stem cell–like genes, though current approved detection methods mainly use epithelial markers. We optimized a CTC isolation method that could capture their molecular heterogeneity and predict overall survival (OS) in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients receiving various chemotherapy regimens. We combined immunomagnetic enrichment of CD45-negative, EpCAM-positive circulating cancer cells with qRT-PCR amplification of CK20 and survivin expression in 88 mCRC patients and 20 healthy controls. We then evaluated the prognostic value of baseline CTC CK20 and survivin expression in mCRC patients. The presence of elevated CTC CK20 or survivin expression distinguished mCRC patients from controls with sufficient sensitivity (79.6%) and specificity (85%). In univariate analysis, patients with high CTC-CK20 expression (9 vs. 33.2+ months, log-rank P < 0.001) or high CTC-survivin expression (10 vs. 33.2+ months, log-rank P = 0.032) had a significantly worse median OS than those with low expression of either marker. In multivariable analysis, the high CTC-CK20 group had significantly shortened OS (HR, 3.11; adjusted P = 0.01), and there was a trend toward inferior OS in the high CTC-survivin group (HR, 1.76; adjusted P = 0.099). Patients with either high CTC CK20 or survivin expression had inferior OS compared with those with low expression of both markers (HR, 4.39; 95% confidence interval, 1.56–12.35; adjusted P = 0.005). Colorectal cancer CTCs can be reliably isolated using epithelial and stem cell markers. CTC CK20 and survivin expression may effectively predict OS in mCRC patients receiving chemotherapy. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(10); 2401–8. ©2015 AACR.
Risk for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Young Adults Born Preterm
Authors: Breij Laura M. , Kerkhof Gerthe F. , Hokken-Koelega Anita C.S.
Published: July 2015

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome. Accelerated catch-up in weight during infancy in subjects born at full term has been associated with increased risk for NAFLD in adulthood, but this association has not been studied in subjects born preterm. Methods: In 162 young adults born at a gestational age <36 weeks, we assessed the associations between fatty liver index (FLI, 0-100) and birth weight standard deviation score and first-year weight gain. We performed comparisons between subjects with and without accelerated catch-up in weight in the first year after term age. An FLI score was assigned to each participant to determine the clinical relevance, and regression analyses were performed. Results: Accelerated weight gain in the first 3 months after term age was associated with FLI as a continuous variable, whereas gestational age and low birth weight were not. Of the subjects with accelerated catch-up in weight-for-length after term age, 7.3% had a high FLI at the age of 21 years, whereas none of the subjects without accelerated catch-up in weight had a high FLI. Conclusion: Our study shows that accelerated weight gain after term age is associated with an increased risk of developing NAFLD in young adults born preterm.
Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) of Chiapas collected near the Guatemala border, with additions to the fauna of Mexico and a new subgenus name
Authors: IBÁÑEZ-BERNAL SERGIO , MUÑOZ JOSÉ , REBOLLAR-TÉLLEZ EDUARDO A. , PECH-MAY AGELICA , MARINA CARLOS F.
Published: July 2015

Collections from four localities, two of the High Plateau and two of the Eastern Mountains Municipality of Chiapas, near the border with Guatemala, included 26 species with four new species records for Mexico: Lutzomyia (Helcocyrtomyia) hartmanni (Fairchild & Hertig, 1957), Dampfomyia (Coromyia) disneyi (Williams, 1987), Psychodopygus bispinosus (Fairchild & Hertig, 1951), and Psychodopygus corossoniensis (LePont & Pajot, 1978). These records represent an updated total of 50 species in Mexico, 48 of which are extant species and the remaining two fossils. The name Xiphopsathyromyia n. n. is proposed in substitution of Xiphomyia Artemiev, 1991, a homonym of Xiphomyia Townsend, 1917, a genus of Tachinidae (Diptera).
A Novel Approach to Diagnosing Southern Hemisphere Planetary Wave Activity and Its Influence on Regional Climate Variability
Authors: Irving Damien , Simmonds Ian
Published: July 2015

Southern Hemisphere mid- to upper-tropospheric planetary wave activity is characterized by the superposition of two zonally oriented, quasi-stationary waveforms: zonal wavenumber 1 (ZW1) and zonal wavenumber 3 (ZW3). Previous studies have tended to consider these waveforms in isolation and with the exception of those studies relating to sea ice, little is known about their impact on regional climate variability. A novel approach is taken to quantifying the combined influence of ZW1 and ZW3, using the strength of the hemispheric meridional flow as a proxy for zonal wave activity. The methodology adapts the wave envelope construct routinely used in the identification of synoptic-scale Rossby wave packets and improves on existing approaches by allowing for variations in both wave phase and amplitude. While ZW1 and ZW3 are both prominent features of the climatological circulation, the defining feature of highly meridional hemispheric states is an enhancement of the ZW3 component. Composites of the mean surface conditions during these highly meridional, ZW3-like anomalous states (i.e., months of strong planetary wave activity) reveal large sea ice anomalies over the Amundsen and Bellingshausen Seas during autumn and along much of the East Antarctic coastline throughout the year. Large precipitation anomalies in regions of significant topography (e.g., New Zealand, Patagonia, and coastal Antarctica) and anomalously warm temperatures over much of the Antarctic continent were also associated with strong planetary wave activity. The latter has potentially important implications for the interpretation of recent warming over West Antarctica and the Antarctic Peninsula.
‘A fish out of water?’ The therapeutic narratives of class change
Authors: Franceschelli Michela , Evans Karen , Schoon Ingrid
Published: August 2015

Young people from working class backgrounds remained mostly excluded from the widening educational participation which characterised postwar Britain. Based on 20 semi-structured interviews which were part of a wider study about ‘Social Participation and Identity’ (2008–2009), this article explores the unusual learning trajectories of a group of working class adults born in 1958, who participated in higher education (HE) in a context where most people from the same socio-economic backgrounds did not. Drawing on Bourdieu’s social theory, the findings suggest that different types of retrospective accounts were mobilised to reconcile working class habitus of origin and the perceived habitus as adults. Most research on working class and higher education focuses on the experiences of youth. By contrast, the use of retrospective accounts of adults has enabled the study to capture the implications that the educational trajectories have later in life. The authors consider these accounts a part of wider narratives that they define ‘therapeutic’. Therapeutic narratives were employed to come to terms with the ambivalence produced by social mobility. Therefore, respondents were negotiating the sense of exclusion attached to class change, and the acknowledgement of the opportunities associated with a working class habitus accessing new social fields viaeducation.
The surface modification of CuO nanoparticles with a flame retardant coupling agent and their influence on the thermal stability of poly(amide-imide)/CuO nanocomposites
Authors: Mallakpour Shadpour , Vahabi Maryam
Published: August 2015

The present work reports the fabrication and characterization of the thermally stable poly(amide–imide)/CuO nanocomposites. For this purpose, a biodegradable and optically active poly(amide–imide) was synthesized through polycondensation reaction under green media. Subsequently, the surface of CuO nanoparticles was modified with 2,3,4,5-tetrabromo-6-[(4-hydroxyphenyl) carbamoyl] benzoic acid as a new coupling agent to increase their dispersity. The modified nanoparticles were characterized by different methods. The results of Fourier-transform infrared spectra confirmed that the modifier was successfully grafted on the surface of nanoparticles. Finally, the different amounts of modified CuO nanoparticles (2, 4, and 6 wt%) were dispersed in the poly(amide–imide) matrix via sonochemical reaction. The obtained nanocomposites were studied by Fourier-transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The data obtained by Fourier-transform infrared demonstrated the possible incorporation of CuO nanoparticles in the poly(amide–imide) matrix. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy analyses showed that CuO nanoparticles were homogeneously distributed in the polymer matrix. The combination of nanoparticles and poly(amide–imide) can lead to the improvement in thermal stability property of the resulting nanocomposites.
Store-operated Ca2+ Entry Modulates the Expression of Enamel Genes
Authors: Nurbaeva M.K. , Eckstein M. , Snead M.L. , Feske S. , Lacruz R.S.
Published: August 2015

Dental enamel formation is an intricate process tightly regulated by ameloblast cells. The correct spatiotemporal patterning of enamel matrix protein (EMP) expression is fundamental to orchestrate the formation of enamel crystals, which depend on a robust supply of Ca2+. In the extracellular milieu, Ca2+-EMP interactions occur at different levels. Despite its recognized role in enamel development, the molecular machinery involved in Ca2+ homeostasis in ameloblasts remains poorly understood. A common mechanism for Ca2+ influx is store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE). We evaluated the possibility that Ca2+ influx in enamel cells might be mediated by SOCE and the Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channel, the prototypical SOCE channel. Using ameloblast-like LS8 cells, we demonstrate that these cells express Ca2+-handling molecules and mediate Ca2+ influx through SOCE. As a rise in the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration is a versatile signal that can modulate gene expression, we assessed whether SOCE in enamel cells had any effect on the expression of EMPs. Our results demonstrate that stimulating LS8 cells or murine primary enamel organ cells with thapsigargin to activate SOCE leads to increased expression of Amelx, Ambn, Enam, Mmp20. This effect is reversed when cells are treated with a CRAC channel inhibitor. These data indicate that Ca2+ influx in LS8 cells and enamel organ cells is mediated by CRAC channels and that Ca2+ signals enhance the expression of EMPs. Ca2+ plays an important role not only in mineralizing dental enamel but also in regulating the expression of EMPs.
Japanese children’s awareness of the effects of psychological taste experiences on biological processes
Authors: Toyama Noriko
Published: August 2015

The present study examined Japanese children’s and adults’ awareness of the effects of psychological taste experiences on biological processes such as growth and illness. Studies 1 and 2 showed the following: (1) preschoolers tended to assume that good-tasting experiences would make one grow taller and gain more weight, while adults seldom accepted such ideas. Concerning illness, participants in all age groups were reluctant to accept the effects of taste experiences. (2) Process-dependent awareness (i.e., effects of psychological factors were assumed to depend on biological processes) was observed not only among young children, but also in older children and adults. Compared with younger children, adults’ responses were more process sensitive. (3) When adults explained why they assumed that different taste experiences would lead to different bodily states, they often relied on vitalistic causality. The use of vitalistic concepts was uncommon among children. Finally, (4) Japanese participants seem to be more likely than Americans to assume that bad-tasting experiences would make them non-resistant to a cold.
Is MRI Necessary in the Evaluation of Pediatric Central Sleep Apnea?
Authors: Woughter Meghan , Perkins Amy M. , Baldassari Cristina M.
Published: July 2015

Objectives

(1) To determine the prevalence of central nervous system (CNS) pathology identified on head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans in children with central sleep apnea (CSA); (2) to assess the yield of MRI in evaluation of CSA; and (3) to identify factors that predict CNS pathology in children with CSA.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Tertiary children’s hospital.

Subjects and Methods

A chart review was conducted over 12 years. Patients 6 months to 18 years of age who underwent head MRI for evaluation of CSA were included. CSA was diagnosed on polysomnogram as central apnea index >1.

Results

Forty children were included in the CSA group. Twenty‐two patients were male, and the mean age was 60 ± 41.5 months. The mean central apnea index was 3.8 ± 1.9, while the mean obstructive apnea hypopnea index was 3.4 (interquartile range, 0.7‐3.8). Eighteen percent (7 of 40) of children with CSA had evidence of CNS pathology on MRI, with the most common finding (n = 3) being arachnoid cyst. Children with CSA who had gastroesophageal reflux disease or abnormal neurologic examinations were more likely to have CNS pathology. Other factors, such as prematurity, did not improve the yield of MRI in children with CSA.

Conclusions

While routine evaluation of children with elevated central apnea index by MRI is not indicated, providers should consider neuroimaging in children with CSA and abnormal neurologic examination findings or gastroesophageal reflux disease. Further research is necessary to identify other tests with improved diagnostic yield for evaluation of pediatric CSA.
Risk factors for endovenous heat-induced thrombosis after endovenous radiofrequency ablation performed in Thailand
Authors: Sermsathanasawadi Nuttawut , Voravitvet Tsz Yin , Chinsakchai Khamin , Wongwanit Chumpol , Ruangsetakit Chanean , Mutirangura Pramook
Published: August 2015

Objective

We aimed to determine the incidence of and associated risk factors for endovenous heat-induced thrombosis (EHIT) after endovenous radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 82 patients with 97 great saphenous veins undergoing RFA from 2012 to 2014.

Results

The incidence of EHIT was 10.3%. Class 1, 2, and 3 EHIT was found in 50%, 30%, and 20% of legs, respectively. No class 4 EHIT, deep vein thrombosis, or pulmonary emboli occurred. Univariate analysis revealed that the associated risk factors for EHIT were a vein diameter of >10 mm, operative time of >40 min, and Caprini score of >6. Multivariate analysis revealed that the independent risk factors associated with EHIT were a vein diameter of >10 mm and operative time of >40 min.

Conclusions

A vein diameter of >10 mm and operative time of >40 min might be predictive factors for EHIT following RFA.
Coverage and development of specialist palliative care services across the World Health Organization European Region (2005–2012): Results from a European Association for Palliative Care Task Force survey of 53 Countries
Authors: Centeno Carlos , Lynch Thomas , Garralda Eduardo , Carrasco José Miguel , Guillen-Grima Francisco , Clark David
Published: August 2015

Background:

The evolution of the provision of palliative care specialised services is important for planning and evaluation.

Aim:

To examine the development between 2005 and 2012 of three specialised palliative care services across the World Health Organization European Region – home care teams, hospital support teams and inpatient palliative care services.

Design and setting:

Data were extracted and analysed from two editions of the European Association for Palliative Care Atlas of Palliative Care in Europe. Significant development of each type of services was demonstrated by adjusted residual analysis, ratio of services per population and 2012 coverage (relationship between provision of available services and demand services estimated to meet the palliative care needs of a population). For the measurement of palliative care coverage, we used European Association for Palliative Care White Paper recommendations: one home care team per 100,000 inhabitants, one hospital support team per 200,000 inhabitants and one inpatient palliative care service per 200,000 inhabitants. To estimate evolution at the supranational level, mean comparison between years and European sub-regions is presented.

Results:

Of 53 countries, 46 (87%) provided data. Europe has developed significant home care team, inpatient palliative care service and hospital support team in 2005–2012. The improvement was statistically significant for Western European countries, but not for Central and Eastern countries. Significant development in at least a type of services was in 21 of 46 (46%) countries. The estimations of 2012 coverage for inpatient palliative care service, home care team and hospital support team are 62%, 52% and 31% for Western European and 20%, 14% and 3% for Central and Eastern, respectively.

Conclusion:

Although there has been a positive development in overall palliative care coverage in Europe between 2005 and 2012, the services available in most countries are still insufficient to meet the palliative care needs of the population.
Clinical presentation and CT/MRI findings of alveolar soft part sarcoma: a retrospective single-center analysis of 14 cases
Authors: Tian Li , Cui Chun-Yan , Lu Su-Ying , Cai Pei-Qiang , Xi Shao-Yan , Fan Wei
Published: August 2015

Background

Alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) is a relatively rare malignant tumor and early diagnosis and appropriate treatment for ASPS are essential for a good prognosis.

Purpose

To retrospectively review the clinical presentation and computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of ASPS so as to improve the accuracy of imaging diagnosis.

Material and Methods

Fourteen patients with pathologically proven ASPS were enrolled. Their clinical and imaging findings were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

The median age of the patients was 29 years (range, 13–37 years). Most tumors were located in the soft tissues of the trunk and lower limbs. The median maximal diameter of the masses was 91 mm. Thirteen masses presented with ovoid or irregular shapes. Eleven masses had less clear boundaries. Compared with the adjacent muscles, the masses were isodense or hypodense on CT, hypo-, iso-, or hyperintense on T1-weighted images, and heterogeneous hyperintense on T2-weighted images. Intense enhancement was seen after contrast agent administration, with prominent intra- or peri-tumoral feeders on CT or flow voids on MRI. By the end of the last follow-up, 13 patients had distant metastasis and three patients had local recurrence.

Conclusion

ASPS should be included in the differential diagnosis when a bulky, heterogeneous soft tissue mass in the trunk and the lower limbs with intense enhancement after contrast administration and prominent intra- or peri-tumoral feeders on CT or flow voids on MRI is seen, particularly in young patients.
The territory of property
Authors: Blomley Nicholas
Published: August 2015

The pervasive and important territorial dimensions of property are understudied, given the tendency to view territory through the lens of the state. Viewing both property and territory as relational and mutually recursive, I introduce the practical work of property’s territory, the historical moment in which it was produced, the powerful metaphors that work through it, and the habits and everyday practices it induces. The territory of property, I suggest, has a specificity, a presence, and a consequentiality, all of which demand our attention.
State knowledge and recurring patterns of state phobia
Authors: Hannah Matthew G.
Published: August 2015

This paper identifies some key underlying assumptions of critical political analysis by examining two moments that have brought these assumptions to the fore: the Klaus Croissant affair in West Germany and France in the late 1970s, and Edward Snowden’s revelations in the 21st century regarding the activities of the US National Security Agency. Interesting parallels can be identified between ‘distinction-collapsing discourses’ prominent in the two contexts. The core argument of the paper is that understanding Michel Foucault’s critical stance toward the description of West Germany as ‘fascist’ in 1977 and 1978, and more broadly, toward what he called ‘state phobia’, can help us resist undifferentiated condemnation of state representations under the sign of ‘post-politics’ today. An account of the 1977 Croissant affair, the critical discourses prominent at the time, and Foucault’s critical stance toward the notion of fascism provides an historical parallel for a critical reading of Badiou’s discussion of the state in Being and Event and other works. The final section briefly surveys a number of recent forms of epistemic activism that illustrate the shortcomings of a one-sided reading of state knowledge such as that offered by Badiou and seemingly confirmed by the NSA scandal.
Qualitative methods 1
Authors: Dowling Robyn , Lloyd Kate , Suchet-Pearson Sandie
Published: August 2015

In this first of a series of three progress reports on qualitative methods we scope recent qualitative research in human geography through the prism of the interview. Across diverse subfields the interview persists as the dominant means of understanding, though increasingly supplemented or complemented by other means such as diaries and autobiography. Capturing social life as it happens is emerging in response to theoretical developments that encourage new methodological thinking, and includes cities and buildings being thought of as methodological resources as well as sites. These point to concerns with the materiality and inventiveness of method that will be explored in subsequent reports.
Pilot study of sphenopalatine injection of onabotulinumtoxinA for the treatment of intractable chronic cluster headache
Authors: Bratbak Daniel Fossum , Nordgård Ståle , Stovner Lars Jacob , Linde Mattias , Folvik Mari , Bugten Vegard , Tronvik Erling
Published: August 2015

Objective

The main object of this pilot study was to investigate the safety of administering onabotulinumtoxinA (BTA) towards the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) in intractable chronic cluster headache. Efficacy data were also collected to provide indication on whether future placebo-controlled studies should be performed.

Method

In a prospective, open-label, uncontrolled study, we performed a single injection of 25 IU ( n = 5) or 50 IU BTA ( n = 5) towards the SPG in 10 patients with intractable chronic cluster headache with a follow-up of 24 weeks. The primary outcome was adverse events (AEs) and the main efficacy outcome was attack frequency in weeks 3 and 4 post-treatment.

Results

A total of 11 AEs were registered. There was one severe adverse event (SAE): posterior epistaxis. The number of cluster headache attacks (main efficacy outcome) was statistically significantly reduced in the intention-to-treat analysis from 18 ± 12 per week in baseline to 11 ± 14 ( p = 0.038) in weeks 3 and 4, and five out of 10 patients had at least 50% reduction of attack frequency compared to baseline. The cluster attack frequency was significantly reduced for five out of six months post-treatment.

Conclusion

Randomised, placebo-controlled studies are warranted to establish the potential of this possible novel treatment of cluster headache.
Visual Priming and Visual Hallucinations in Parkinson’s Disease. Evidence for Normal Top-Down Processes
Authors: Straughan Sarah , Collerton Daniel , Bruce Vicki
Published: August 2015

Background:

Visual hallucinations (VH) are common in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Current explanations for VH in PD suggest combined impairments in top-down attentional and bottom-up perceptual processes, which allow the passive “release” of stored images. Alternative models in other disorders have suggested that top-down factors may actively encourage hallucinations. In order to explore the interaction between top-down and bottom-up visual processing in PDVH, we developed novel experimental priming tasks in which top-down verbal cues were used to prime the bottom-up recognition of partial or ambiguous pictures.

Method:

Two groups of PD participants with (PD + VH, n = 16), and without VH (PD - VH, n = 20) were compared to a group of healthy older adults (NC, n = 20) on 3 novel measures of visual priming.

Results:

All tasks showed significant priming effects. The PD + VH group was more impaired at accurately identifying silhouette and fragmented images compared to the PD - VH group. There were no differences in priming between the 2 PD groups.

Conclusions:

The study showed that VH in PD are not associated with relatively greater top-down activation, and that the interaction between top-down and bottom-up processes is intact.
An improved zero vibration method and parameter sensitivity analysis for the swing control of bridge-type grab ship unloader
Authors: Zhou Yong , Zhang Xinyuan , Yu Zhenzhen , Schott Dingena , Lodewijks Gabriel
Published: August 2015

This paper presents an improved zero vibration method for the swing control of bridge-type grab ship unloader. With the method, the concepts of equivalent frequency and the equivalent damping ratio are proposed to cope with the changeable length of rope, and the optimal path planning is considered to avoid collision and improve efficiency. Numerical simulation results of a case study indicate that the maximum residual swing angle of the grab can be limited to a small range to ensure safety using the improved zero vibration method, whereas the traditional zero vibration method with average frequency and zero damping ratio gets poor results of swing control. After that, the sensitivities of the max residual swing angle to the changes of some main design parameters (damping coefficient, deviation of the center of gravity of the grab in rope direction, and time delay of the system) and operating parameters (position deviation of the trolley, initial length deviation of the rope, and initial swing angle) are analyzed. The results obtained display that the residual swing angle is sensitive to the deviation of grab’s center of gravity, the deviation of trolley’s position, and the initial swing angle under the same control parameters, but insensitive to the damping coefficient, the time delay of the system, and the initial length deviation of the rope. This can help to select the appropriate parameter values ​​or adaptive range in an actual unloader.
A nonlinear dynamic model for analysis of the combined influences of nonlinear internal excitations on the load sharing behavior of a compound planetary gear set
Authors: Zhang Haibo , Wu Shijing , Peng Zeming
Published: August 2015

Nonlinear internal excitations, which include meshing stiffness, backlash, and bearing clearance, may cause nonuniform load distribution in compound planetary gear transmission. To quantify the influence of nonlinear internal excitations on load sharing behavior, and to study the combined effects of meshing stiffness, backlash, and bearing clearance on load sharing behavior, this paper develops a nonlinear dynamic model of a Ravigneaux compound planetary gear set with all members possessing translational and torsional vibration degrees of freedom, as an extend dynamic model to the prior research for compound planetary gear set. In detail, the dynamic model is derived on the basis of the second Lagrange equations, and the load sharing coefficients for different meshing pairs are defined and calculated. Single factor analysis is introduced to investigate the influence of each nonlinear internal excitation on load sharing coefficient ( LSC). On the basis of single factor analysis, Taguchi method is incorporated with the nonlinear dynamic model to study the combined effects of nonlinear internal excitation and figure out the most significant control factor affecting LSC among meshing stiffness, backlash, and bearing clearance. The calculation results are evaluated by using signal-to-noise ( S/ N) analysis and ANOVA method. The results indicate that backlash affects the load sharing behavior most significantly, compared with mean value of meshing stiffness and bearing clearance.
Inelastic stress analysis and failure prediction of the turbine housing in engine motoring tests
Authors: Choi Bok-Lok , Choi Byoung-Ho
Published: August 2015

In order to predict the thermomechanical failure of the turbine housing, it is essential to consider temperature-dependent inelastic materials undergoing thermal cyclic loads and to obtain the transient temperature distributions. This paper presents the analysis methods to calculate the thermal stresses and the plastic strain ranges for prediction of the fatigue life. The presented work is based on the engine motoring mode test that is commonly used for accelerated engine endurance tests. The results showed that the localized critical regions coincided well with the crack locations identified on the basis of a thermal shock test. The plastic strain values were predicted to lie within the range 0.216–0.396% corresponding to a range of 628–1450 cycles for 1600 target cycles.
Economic feasibility of trigeneration plants for various prime movers and triple load demands
Authors: Hajabdollahi Hassan , Hajabdollahi Zahra
Published: August 2015

In this paper, after thermal and economic modeling of cogeneration plant, this system is optimized to find the optimal prime mover and their benefit for various cooling, heating, and electrical demand loads. To find the optimal prime mover and their benefit for each triple load, two new nondimensional design parameters including electric cooling ratio and nominal power ratio are defined. It is observed that, for example, for higher electrical and lower heating load demands, the gas engine is more profitable while for higher electrical and heating load demands, diesel engine is more profitable. In addition, some ranges of demand loads at which using CCHP plant is not profitable (in comparison with traditional system) are also obtained and presented. The optimum results obtained in NO SELL mode show that the highest values of actual annual benefit (AAB) are obtained for highest values of electrical load demand. This region corresponds with values of Hdmn/ Qdmn (heating to cooling load demand ratio) in the range of 1.5–3.5. The highest values of AAB for SELL mode are obtained to be in the range of 0.5–3.5 for Hdmn/ Qdmn (heating to cooling load demand ratio).
Getting Over It
Authors: Denny Bryan T. , Inhoff Marika C. , Zerubavel Noam , Davachi Lila , Ochsner Kevin N.
Published: August 2015

Little is known about whether emotion regulation can have lasting effects on the ability of a stimulus to continue eliciting affective responses in the future. We addressed this issue in this study. Participants cognitively reappraised negative images once or four times, and then 1 week later, they passively viewed old and new images, so that we could identify lasting effects of prior reappraisal. As in prior work, active reappraisal increased prefrontal responses but decreased amygdala responses and self-reported emotion. At 1 week, amygdala responses remained attenuated for images that had been repeatedly reappraised compared with images that had been reappraised once, new control images, and control images that had been seen as many times as reappraised images but had never been reappraised. Prefrontal activation was not selectively elevated for repeatedly reappraised images and was not related to long-term attenuation of amygdala responses. These results suggest that reappraisal can exert long-lasting “dose-dependent” effects on amygdala response that may cause lasting changes in the neural representation of an unpleasant event’s emotional value.
Zearalenone-induced changes in biochemical parameters, oxidative stress and apoptosis in cardiac tissue
Authors: Salem I Ben , Boussabbeh M , Neffati F , Najjar MF , Abid-Essefi S , Bacha H
Published: August 2015

Zearalenone (ZEN) is a mycotoxin from Fusarium species commonly found in food commodities and is known to cause reproductive disorders. Several in vivo studies have shown that ZEN is haematotoxic and hepatotoxic and causes several alterations of immunological parameters. Meantime, the available information on the cardiotoxic effects of ZEN is very much limited. In the present study, we investigated the toxic effects of ZEN in heart tissues of Balb/c mice. We demonstrated that ZEN (40 mg kg−1 body weight (b.w.)) increased creatine phosphokinase, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels and induced oxidative stress as monitored by measuring the malondialdehyde level, the generation of protein carbonyls, the catalase and superoxide dismutase activity and the expression of the heat shock proteins (Hsp 70). We also demonstrated that acute administration of ZEN triggers apoptosis in cardiac tissue. Furthermore, we aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of crocin (CRO), a natural carotenoid, to prevent ZEN-induced cardiotoxicity in mice. In fact, combined treatment of ZEN with different doses of CRO (50, 100, and 250 mg kg−1 b.w.) showed a significant reduction of ZEN-induced toxicity for all tested markers in a dose-dependent manner. It could be concluded that CRO was effective in the protection against ZEN-induced toxicity in cardiac tissue.
Increased Osseous 99mTc-DPD Uptake in End-Stage Ankle Osteoarthritis
Authors: Paul Jochen , Barg Alexej , Kretzschmar Martin , Pagenstert Geert , Studler Ueli , Hügle Thomas , Wegner Nicholas J. , Valderrabano Victor , Geurts Jeroen
Published: August 2015

Background:

We analyzed the histopathologic findings in end-stage osteoarthritic ankle joint tissue that display increased uptake of bone-seeking radiotracer in single-photon emission computed tomography–computed tomography (SPECT-CT) imaging.

Methods:

Six consecutive patients with end-stage osteoarthritis undergoing total ankle replacement received preoperative SPECT-CT imaging using 99mTechnetium dicarboxypropane diphosphonate (99mTc-DPD). Using imaging data for stratification, osteochondral tissue sections were prepared from SPECT-positive (+) and -negative (–) areas of tibial and talar resection specimens. Histomorphometric analyses of osteoblast numbers, collagen deposition, and cartilage degeneration were performed on hematoxylin and eosin, van Gieson’s and Safranin- O stained tissue sections. Osteoclast activity was visualized using tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining.

Results:

Increased 99mTc-DPD uptake was observed exclusively subjacent to the subchondral bone plate of tibial and talar joint compartments. SPECT(–) tissues displayed typical fatty marrow morphology containing mainly collagen-positive blood vessels and few marrow and bone-lining cells. SPECT(+) tissues were characterized by increased numbers of active bone-lining osteoblasts depositing collagen fibers. Collagen area fraction of subchondral bone marrow was significantly increased in SPECT(+) (0.52 ± 0.21) compared with SPECT(–) (0.29 ± 0.13) tissues ( P = .30). Multinucleated TRAP(+) osteoclasts were absent from bone formation sites, but associated with vascular structures invading articular cartilage through the subchondral bone plate. Increased 99mTc-DPD uptake was specifically and strongly correlated with increased osteoblast numbers ( P = .011), and with collagen area fraction ( P = .030) but not with Mankin score ( P = .202), or with osteoclast number ( P = .576).

Conclusion:

Subchondral bone tissues in SPECT(+) areas of end-stage ankle osteoarthritis were histologically characterized by increased osteoblast-mediated bone formation in the absence of functional osteoclasts, and increased cellularity and collagen deposition in marrow tissues.

Clinical Significance:

Our findings suggest a pathologic bone-remodeling process in end-stage ankle OA areas with increased 99mTc-DPD uptake.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series.
Randomized controlled equivalence trial comparing videoconference and in person delivery of cognitive processing therapy for PTSD
Authors: Maieritsch Kelly P , Smith Tracey L , Hessinger Jonathan D , Ahearn Eileen P , Eickhoff Jens C , Zhao Qianqian
Published: August 2015

Introduction

In an effort to improve access to and utilization of health care, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) continues to investigate the effectiveness of video-teleconferencing (VTC) technologies for service delivery. While previous research focused on the efficacy of VTC treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Vietnam era veterans, few studies have evaluated the efficacy of this modality and treatment for the Iraq/Afghanistan era veterans. The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to evaluate equivalence between in person and VTC psychotherapy for PTSD in this newer cohort.

Methods

Veterans of the Iraq/Afghanistan conflict from two VHA hospitals in the United States were recruited and randomized to receive cognitive processing therapy (CPT) for PTSD either in person (IP) or over VTC. Clinician-administered and self-report measures were collected before, during, and after treatment.

Results

A trend was observed which suggested that CPT over VTC may be equivalent to the treatment delivered in person, as suggested by previous studies. Regardless of treatment, veterans who received the intervention in both conditions reported significant decreases on post-treatment measures.

Discussion

This study highlighted research and clinical challenges in providing services to the newest veteran generation in general as well as unique challenges with VTC. One complicating factor to the statistical power of this study was a treatment dropout rate twice the original estimate. Factors that could have influenced this high dropout rate are explored.
Perceived ethnic and language-based discrimination and Latina immigrant women’s health
Authors: Halim May Ling , Moy Keith H , Yoshikawa Hirokazu
Published: August 2015

Perceiving ethnic discrimination can have aversive consequences for health. However, little is known about whether perceiving language-based (how one speaks a second language) discrimination poses the same risks. This study examined whether perceptions of language-based and ethnic discrimination are associated with mental and physical health. Among 132 Mexican and Dominican immigrant women, perceiving ethnic and language-based discrimination each predicted psychological distress and poorer physical health. When examined together, only ethnic discrimination remained a significant predictor. These results emphasize the importance of understanding how perceived ethnic and language-based discrimination play an integral role in the health of Latina immigrant women.