bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deformation-induced transitional myofibroblasts contribute to compensatory lung growth
Authors: Bennett Robert D. , Ysasi Alexandra B. , Wagner Willi L. , Valenzuela Cristian D. , Tsuda Akira , Pyne Saumyadipta , Li Shuqiang , Grimsby Jonna , Pokharel Prapti , Livak Kenneth J. , Ackermann Maximilian , Blainey Paul , Mentzer Steven J.
Published: November 2016

In many mammals, including humans, removal of one lung (pneumonectomy) results in the compensatory growth of the remaining lung. Compensatory growth involves not only an increase in lung size, but also an increase in the number of alveoli in the peripheral lung; however, the process of compensatory neoalveolarization remains poorly understood. Here, we show that the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (SMA)—a cytoplasmic protein characteristic of myofibroblasts—is induced in the pleura following pneumonectomy. SMA induction appears to be dependent on pleural deformation (stretch) as induction is prevented by plombage or phrenic nerve transection ( P < 0.001). Within 3 days of pneumonectomy, the frequency of SMA+cells in subpleural alveolar ducts was significantly increased ( P < 0.01). To determine the functional activity of these SMA+cells, we isolated regenerating alveolar ducts by laser microdissection and analyzed individual cells using microfluidic single-cell quantitative PCR. Single cells expressing the SMA ( Acta2) gene demonstrated significantly greater transcriptional activity than endothelial cells or other discrete cell populations in the alveolar duct ( P < 0.05). The transcriptional activity of the Acta2+cells, including expression of TGF signaling as well as repair-related genes, suggests that these myofibroblast-like cells contribute to compensatory lung growth.
Total Body Irradiation without Chemotherapy as Conditioning for an Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Altouri Sultan , Sabloff Mitchell , Allan David , Atkins Harry , Huebsch Lothar , Maze Dawn , Samant Rajiv , Bredeson Christopher
Published: November 2016

Current therapies for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), failing induction, are rarely effective. We report our experience in 4 patients with AML who received 16 Gy TBI prior to allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT), between June 2010 and May 2011. Patients were 20 to 55 years of age, 2 with relapsed disease and 2 with AML failing induction. An HLA-matched graft from related or unrelated donor was infused on day 0. All but one, who received a CD34+-selected graft, received methotrexate and tacrolimus +/− antithymocyte globulin, as GVHD prophylaxis. The other patient received tacrolimus alone. Neutrophil and platelet engraftment occurred at a median of 18 and 14 days, respectively. Patients were discharged at a median of 28 days. There were no unexpected toxicities in the first 30 days. One patient had cytomegalovirus (CMV) viremia and anorexia, at two months. One patient had grade 2 acute GVHD of the skin. One patient developed chronic GVHD of the eyes, mouth, skin, joints, and lung at 4 months. Two patients died from relapse of their leukemia at days 65 and 125. Two patients remain in remission beyond day 1500. 16 Gy TBI followed by an alloHCT for AML, failing induction, is feasible and tolerable.
Fetal Hemodynamic Parameters in Low Risk Pregnancies: Doppler Velocimetry of Uterine, Umbilical, and Middle Cerebral Artery
Authors: Figueira C. O. , Surita F. G. , Dertkigil M. S. , Pereira S. L. , Bennini J. R. , Morais S. S. , Mayrink J. , Cecatti J. G.
Published: November 2016

Objective. To elaborate curves of longitudinal reference intervals of pulsatility index (PI) and systolic velocity (SV) for uterine (UtA), umbilical (UA), and middle cerebral arteries (MCA), in low risk pregnancies. Methods. Doppler velocimetric measurements of PI and SV from 63 low risk pregnant women between 16 and 41 weeks of gestational age. Means (±SD) for intervals of gestational age and percentiles 5, 50, and 95 were calculated for each parameter. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC) were also estimated for assessing intra- and intervariability of measurements. Results. Mean PI of UtA showed decreasing values during pregnancy, but no regular pattern was identified for mean SV. For UA, PI decreased and SV increased along gestation. MCA presented PI increasing values until 32–35 weeks. SV showed higher levels with increasing gestation. High ICC values indicated good reproducibility. Conclusions. Reference intervals for the assessment of SV and PI of UtA, UA, and MCA were established. These reference intervals showed how a normal pregnancy is expected to progress regarding these Doppler velocimetric parameters and are useful to follow high risk pregnancies. The comparison between results using different curves may provide insights about the best patterns to be used.
HIV-1 Epidemiology, Genetic Diversity, and Primary Drug Resistance in the Tyumen Oblast, Russia
Authors: Gashnikova Natalya M. , Astakhova Ekaterina M. , Gashnikova Mariya P. , Bocharov Evgeniy F. , Petrova Svetlana V. , Pun’ko Olga A. , Popkov Alexander V. , Totmenin Aleksey V.
Published: November 2016

Introduction. Specific molecular epidemic features of HIV infection in Tyumen Oblast (TO), Russia, were studied.Methods. The genome sequences encoding HIV-1 protease-reverse transcriptase, integrase, and major envelope protein were examined for 72 HIV-1 specimens isolated from the TO resident infected in 2000–2015.Results. The recorded prevalence of HIV-1 subtype A (A1) is 93.1%; HIV-1 subtype B continues to circulate in MSM risk group (1.4%). Solitary instances of HIV-1 recombinant forms, CRF63_02A1 (1.4%) and CRF03_AB (1.4%), were detected as well as two cases of HIV-1 URF63_A1 (2.8%). Phylogenetic analysis showed no HIV-1 clustering according to the duration of infection and risk groups but revealed different epidemic networks confirming that HIV infection spread within local epidemic foci. A high incidence of CXCR4-tropic HIV-1 variants and a higher rate of secondary mutations influencing the virus fitness (K20R, L10V, and I) are observed among the virus specimens isolated from newly infected individuals.Conclusions. The current HIV-1 epidemic in TO develops within the local epidemic networks. Similar to the previous period, HIV-1 subtype A is predominant in TO with sporadic cases of importation of HIV-1 recombinant forms circulating in adjacent areas.
Teaching Life-Saving Manoeuvres in Primary School
Authors: Calicchia Sara , Cangiano Giovanna , Capanna Silvia , De Rosa Mariangela , Papaleo Bruno
Published: November 2016

Introduction. In the event of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) early intervention provided by a layperson can be life-saving. Teaching first aid in primary school may increase the lifelong ability and motivation of young people to take action in an emergency. Objective. The aim of this article is to report a training experience on BLSD (Basic Life Support and Defibrillation) designed for a group of pupils in an Italian primary school, with assessment of its effectiveness at a distance. Methods. The assessment was carried out using a multiple choice questionnaire on a sample of 130 pupils aged 11-12, 62 trained in BLSD and 68 as a control group. The trained group also performed an emergency simulation to assess their learning of practical skills. Results. Using the t test, significant differences emerged in the questionnaire scores between the case-control group. The results of the skill test were positive, even for the most difficult manoeuvres such as opening airways, assessing breathing, or using an AED (Automated External Defibrillator). Conclusion. Although there are still some open questions regarding the ability to retain these skills in the medium/long term, the study shows that life-saving manoeuvres can be effectively taught to primary school pupils.
Simulation and Analysis of Spectral Response Function and Bandwidth of Spectrometer
Authors: Gao Zhenyu , Jia Ruidong , Zhang Hao , Xia Zhiwei , Fang Wei
Published: November 2016

A simulation method for acquiring spectrometer’s Spectral Response Function (SRF) based on Huygens Point Spread Function (PSF) is suggested. Taking into account the effects of optical aberrations and diffraction, the method can obtain the fine SRF curve and corresponding spectral bandwidth at any nominal wavelength as early as in the design phase. A prism monochromator is proposed for illustrating the simulation procedure. For comparison, a geometrical ray-tracing method is also provided, with bandwidth deviations varying from 5% at 250 nm to 25% at 2400 nm. Further comparison with reported experiments shows that the areas of the SRF profiles agree to about 1%. However, the weak scattered background light on the level of 10−4 to 10−5 observed by experiment could not be covered by this simulation. This simulation method is a useful tool for forecasting the performance of an underdesigned spectrometer.
Effect of Nanoparticle Surface Modification and Filling Concentration on Space Charge Characteristics in TiO2/XLPE Nanocomposites
Authors: Wang Youyuan , Xiao Kun , Wang Can , Yang Lijun , Wang Feipeng
Published: November 2016

This paper focuses on the space charge characteristics in TiO2/cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) nanocomposites; the unmodified and modified by dimethyloctylsilane (MDOS) TiO2 nanoparticles were added to XLPE matrix with different mass concentrations (1 wt%, 3 wt%, and 5 wt%). The scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed that the MDOS coupling agent could improve the compatibility between TiO2 nanoparticles and XLPE matrix to some extent and reduce the agglomeration of TiO2 nanoparticles compared with unmodified TiO2 nanoparticles; the volume resistivity testing indicated that the volume resistivity of TiO2/XLPE nanocomposites was higher than Pure-XLPE and increased with the increase of filling concentrations. According to the pulsed electroacoustic (PEA) measurements, it was concluded that the space charge accumulation was suppressed by filling TiO2 nanoparticles and the distribution of electric field in samples was improved greatly. In addition, it was found that the injection of homocharge was more obvious in MDOS-TiO2/XLPE than that in UN-TiO2/XLPE and the homocharge injection decreased with the increase of filling concentration.
Antibacterial Action of Curcumin against Staphylococcus aureus: A Brief Review
Authors: Teow Sin-Yeang , Liew Kitson , Ali Syed A. , Khoo Alan Soo-Beng , Peh Suat-Cheng
Published: November 2016

Curcumin, the major constituent of Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae family) or turmeric, commonly used for cooking in Asian cuisine, is known to possess a broad range of pharmacological properties at relatively nontoxic doses. Curcumin is found to be effective against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). As demonstrated by in vitro experiment, curcumin exerts even more potent effects when used in combination with various other antibacterial agents. Hence, curcumin which is a natural product derived from plant is believed to have profound medicinal benefits and could be potentially developed into a naturally derived antibiotic in the future. However, there are several noteworthy challenges in the development of curcumin as a medicine. S. aureus infections, particularly those caused by the multidrug-resistant strains, have emerged as a global health issue and urgent action is needed. This review focuses on the antibacterial activities of curcumin against both methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). We also attempt to highlight the potential challenges in the effort of developing curcumin into a therapeutic antibacterial agent.
Resolvent for Non-Self-Adjoint Differential Operator with Block-Triangular Operator Potential
Authors: Kholkin Aleksandr Mikhailovich
Published: November 2016

A resolvent for a non-self-adjoint differential operator with a block-triangular operator potential, increasing at infinity, is constructed. Sufficient conditions under which the spectrum is real and discrete are obtained.
Mitigating the Risk of Transfusion-Transmitted Dengue in Australia
Authors: Rooks Kelly , Seed Clive R. , Fryk Jesse J. , Hyland Catherine A. , Harley Robert J. , Holmberg Jerry A. , Marks Denese C. , Flower Robert L. P. , Faddy Helen M.
Published: November 2016

Dengue viruses (DENV 1–4) are a risk to transfusion safety, with several transfusion-transmitted (TT) cases reported globally. DENV 1–4 are endemic in over 100 countries, with seasonal outbreaks occurring in northeastern Australia. To mitigate TT-DENV risk in Australia, fresh blood components are not manufactured from donors returning from any area (domestic/overseas) with known dengue transmission. Alternatively, TT-DENV risk may be mitigated using an appropriate blood donor screening assay. We aimed to determine the rate of dengue infection in donors during dengue outbreaks in Australia. Plasma samples were collected from blood donors during local dengue outbreaks. All samples were tested for the presence of DENV RNA and selected samples were tested for DENV antigen (nonstructural protein 1, NS1) with two assays. No donors residing in high risk areas had detectable levels of DENV RNA or NS1 and no cases of DENV viremia were detected in blood donors residing in areas of Australia experiencing DENV outbreaks. Definitive conclusions could not be drawn from this study; however, the lack of detection of DENV RNA or antigen in donations suggests that the current risk of TT-DENV is low and maintaining the fresh component restriction for “at-risk” donors is appropriate.
Composition and Distribution Characteristics and Geochemical Significance of n-Alkanes in Core Sediments in the Northern Part of the South Yellow Sea
Authors: He Jinxian , Zhang Shengyin , Zhang Xiaoli , Qian Yu , He Haijun , Wu Hongchen
Published: November 2016

The South Yellow Sea is an important carbon sink and a significant research area of carbon cycle. After studying the composition and distribution of n-alkanes in a 250 cm long sediment core in the northern part of South Yellow Sea, it can be found that all n-alkanes of sediment samples in this research are distributed in three types, that is, double peak groups, predominance of long-chain n-alkanes, and predominance of short-chain n-alkanes. The average values of∑C25−35/∑C15−21,∑C27+29+31/∑C15+17+19,∑C21-/∑C22+, and(C27+C29+C31+C33)/∑C14–38are 1.92, 4.22, 0.51, and 0.35, respectively; all above outcomes indicate significant predominance of terrigenous inputs. The average values of C31/C29 and ACL are 1.04 and 29.92, respectively; these results reflect that herbaceous plants and ligneous plants account for similar percentages in the sediment core samples. The average values of CPI1 of short-chain alkanes are 0.80, reflecting the apparent even predominance, which is the result of microbial degradation. The average values of CPI2 of long-chain alkanes of most samples are 2.77, reflecting the apparent odd predominance. The average values of CPI and Pr/Ph, as well as the Pr/nC17and Ph/nC18correlation diagram, reflect that the organic matter is immature and suggest reductive sedimentary environment.
Ollier’s Disease of the Iliac Bone with Sacroiliac Joint Involvement in an Adolescent Patient
Authors: Savvidou Olga D. , Chloros George D. , Koutsouradis Panagiotis , Skarpidi Evangelia , Papagelopoulos Panayiotis J.
Published: November 2016

Ollier’s disease of the hip bone involving the sacroiliac joint has not yet been reported in the English-language literature in both the mature and immature skeletons. The authors present such a unique case in an adolescent girl that posed a significant diagnostic challenge secondary to the rarity of the lesion and atypical clinical picture.
Tumorigenicity and Validity of Fluorescence Labelled Mesenchymal and Epithelial Human Oral Cancer Cell Lines in Nude Mice
Authors: Cai Wei Xin , Zheng Li Wu , Ma Li , Huang Hong Zhang , Yu Ru Qing , Zwahlen Roger A.
Published: November 2016

Tumorigenicity and metastatic activity can be visually monitored in cancer cells that were labelled with stable fluorescence. The aim was to establish and validate local and distant spread of subcutaneously previously injected fluorescence transduced human tongue cancer cell lines of epithelial and mesenchymal phenotype in nude mice. A total of 32 four-week-old male athymic Balb/c nude mice were randomly allocated into 4 groups (n=8). A single dose of 0.3 mL PBS containing 1 × 107 of four different cancer cell-lines (UM1, UM1-GFP, UM2, and UM2-RFP) was injected subcutaneously into the right side of their posterolateral back. Validity assessment of the labelled cancer cells’ tumorigenicity was assessed by physical examination, imaging, and histology four weeks after the injection. The tumor take rate of cancer cells was similar in animals injected with either parental or transduced cancer cells. Transduced cancer cells in mice were easily detectable in vivo and after cryosection using fluorescent imaging. UM1 cells showed increased tumor take rate and mean tumor volume, presenting with disorganized histopathological patterns. Fluorescence labelled epithelial and mesenchymal human tongue cancer cell lines do not change in tumorigenicity or cell phenotype after injection in vivo.
Comparative Foraging Efficiency of Two Sympatric Jackals, Silver-Backed Jackals (Canis mesomelas) and Golden Jackals (Canis aureus), in the Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
Authors: Temu S. E. , Nahonyo C. L. , Moehlman P. D.
Published: November 2016

The foraging efficiency of two sympatric species of jackals, silver-backed jackals (Canis mesomelas) and golden jackals (Canis aureus), was studied in the Ngorongoro crater from July 2014 through May 2015. The focal animal observation method was used and individuals of both species were followed as they foraged from morning to evening. Observations of individuals of both jackal species were made from a vehicle using binoculars and a spotting scope. Three major parameters were used for determination of foraging efficiency: distance travelled while foraging, time spent foraging, and amount of food secured in foraging period. The Mann–Whitney U test showed no significant difference (P>0.05) in distance travelled per unit time of foraging between the two species in the dry and wet seasons, respectively. Golden jackals secured a significantly higher amount of food than the silver-backed jackals in the wet season (Mann–Whitney U test, P<0.05, U=1035.4). Hunting of prey larger than Thomson’s gazelle (Eudorcas thomsonii) fawns was not common. Both species mainly fed on smaller prey such as invertebrates and rodents and scavenged opportunistically. Efficient foraging is crucial for both jackal species especially during their breeding season when they are provisioning dependent pups.
Surface Projection of Interosseous Foramen of the Leg: Cadaver Study
Authors: Arguello Eric , Stoddard Carissa , Liu Hao (Howe) , Richardson Mike , Hartis Andrea
Published: November 2016

Purpose. This study was conducted to identify the surface projection of the interosseous foramen and associated structures of the proximal leg using the average clinician’s thumb width as a quick measurement to assist in differential diagnosis and treatment. Methods. Twelve cadavers (5 males and 7 females, age range = 51–91 years, and mean age = 76.9) were dissected for analysis. Location and size of interosseous foramen, location of anterior tibial artery, location of deep fibular nerve, and corresponding arterial branches were measured and converted into thumb widths. Results. Mean thumb width measured among the cadavers was 17.94±3.9 mm. The interosseous foramen measured was approximately 1 thumb width vertically (18.47±3.0 mm) and 1/2 thumb width horizontally (7.32±2.1 mm) and was located approximately 1 thumb width distally to the tibial tuberosity (20.81±6.8 mm) and 2 thumb widths (37.47±4.7 mm) lateral to the tibial ridge. The anterior tibial artery and deep fibular nerve converged approximately 4 thumb widths (74.31±14.8 mm) inferior to the tibial tuberosity and 2 thumb widths (33.46±4.9 mm) lateral to the tibial ridge. Conclusion. Clinicians may identify anatomical structures of the proximal leg with palpation using the thumb width for measurement.
Short-Term PTH(1-34) Therapy in Children to Correct Severe Hypocalcemia and Hyperphosphatemia due to Hypoparathyroidism: Two Case Studies
Authors: Mishra Pooja E. , Schwartz Betsy L. , Sarafoglou Kyriakie , Hook Kristen , Kim Youngki , Petryk Anna
Published: November 2016

The standard treatment of hypoparathyroidism is to control hypocalcemia using calcitriol and calcium supplementation. However, in severe cases this approach is insufficient, and the risks of intravenous (i.v.) calcium administration and prolonged hospitalization must be considered. While the use of recombinant human parathyroid hormone 1-34 [rhPTH(1-34)] for long-term control of hypocalcemia has been established, the benefits of short-term rhPTH(1-34) treatment in children have not been explored. We report two patients with hypoparathyroidism treated with rhPTH(1-34). Patient 1 is a 10-year-old female with polyglandular autoimmune syndrome type 1. Patient 2 is a 12-year-old female with hypoparathyroidism after total thyroidectomy. Both patients showed poor response to i.v. and oral calcium and calcitriol, and patient 1 did not respond to phosphate binders. Patient 1 had rapid increase in serum calcium with a decrease in serum phosphate after a 3-day course of subcutaneous rhPTH(1-34). Patient 2 had normalization of calcium and phosphate levels after a 7-day course of rhPTH(1-34). These cases support a role for rhPTH(1-34) in the acute management of hypoparathyroidism in hospitalized patients to more rapidly correct hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia, shorten hospitalization, and reduce the need for frequent i.v. calcium boluses.
β-Lactoglobulin Influences Human Immunity and Promotes Cell Proliferation
Authors: Tai Chun San , Chen Yi Yun , Chen Wen Liang
Published: November 2016

β-Lactoglobulin (LG) is suspected to enhance or modulate human immune responses. Moreover, LG is also hypothesized to increase human cell proliferation. However, these potential functions of LG have not been directly or thoroughly addressed. In this study, we demonstrated that LG is a potent stimulator of cell proliferation using a hybridoma cell (a splenocyte fused with a myeloma cell) model. LG’s ability to promote cell proliferation was lost when the protein is denatured. To further investigate the influence of LG’s conformation on cell proliferation, we chemically modified LG by either carboxymethylation (CM) or acetylation and observed significantly reduced cell proliferation when the protein structure was altered. Furthermore, we proved that LG enhances cell proliferation via receptor-mediated membrane IgM receptor. These data indicated that nondenatured LG is the major component in milk that modulates cell proliferation. Collectively, our study showed that LG plays a key role in enhancing immune responses by promoting cell proliferation through IgM receptor.
SABE Colombia: Survey on Health, Well-Being, and Aging in Colombia—Study Design and Protocol
Authors: Gomez Fernando , Corchuelo Jairo , Curcio Carmen-Lucia , Calzada Maria-Teresa , Mendez Fabian
Published: November 2016

Objective. To describe the design of the SABE Colombia study. The major health study of the old people in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) is the Survey on Health, Well-Being, and Aging in LAC, SABE (from initials in Spanish: SAlud, Bienestar & Envejecimiento). Methods. The SABE Colombia is a population-based cross-sectional study on health, aging, and well-being of elderly individuals aged at least 60 years focusing attention on social determinants of health inequities. Methods and design were similar to original LAC SABE. The total sample size of the study at the urban and rural research sites (244 municipalities) was 23.694 elderly Colombians representative of the total population. The study had three components: (1) a questionnaire covering active aging determinants including anthropometry, blood pressure measurement, physical function, and biochemical and hematological measures; (2) a subsample survey among family caregivers; (3) a qualitative study with gender and cultural perspectives of quality of life to understand different dimensions of people meanings. Conclusions. The SABE Colombia is a comprehensive, multidisciplinary study of the elderly with respect to active aging determinants. The results of this study are intended to inform public policies aimed at tackling health inequalities for the aging society in Colombia.
A Factorial Design to Numerically Study the Effects of Brake Pad Properties on Friction and Wear Emissions
Authors: Wahlström Jens
Published: November 2016

Airborne particulate emissions originating from the wear of pads and rotors of disc brakes contribute up to 50% of the total road emissions in Europe. The wear process that takes place on a mesoscopic length scale in the contact interfaces between the pads and rotors can be explained by the creation and destruction of contact plateaus. Due to this complex contact situation, it is hard to predict how changes in the wear and material parameters of the pad friction material will affect the friction and wear emissions. This paper reports on an investigation of the effect of different parameters of the pad friction material on the coefficient of friction and wear emissions. A full factorial design is developed using a simplified version of a previously developed cellular automaton approach to investigate the effect of four factors on the coefficient of friction and wear emission. The simulated result indicates that a stable third body, a high specific wear, and a relatively high amount of metal fibres yield a high and stable mean coefficient of friction, while a stable third body, a low specific wear, a stable resin, and a relatively high amount of metal fibres give low wear emissions.
A Circular Polarized Rectenna with Out-of-Band Suppression for Microwave Power Transmission
Authors: Hong Weijun , Cao Yanjie , Deng Li , Li Shufang , Li Mengmeng , Liu Hongjie
Published: November 2016

A novel circular polarized rectenna with out-of-band suppression is proposed in this paper. The circular polarization is realized by corner perturbation on a rectangular radiation patch and enhanced by a diagonal slim slot etched at the center of the patch. An open stub connecting to the quarter wavelength impedance transformer is used to suppress out-of-band wave through harmonics notching. The results of simulations and experiments agree very well, which show that the rectenna obtained −19 dB return loss at 2.4 GHz and −15.5 dB, −18.1 dB, and −11.4 dB suppression on second, third, and fourth harmonic frequency bands, respectively. The reflection coefficient in overall out-of-band, up to 10 GHz, is limited up to −3 dB. Integrated with a voltage doubling rectification circuit, the proposed rectenna can obtain 75.5% RF-to-DC conversion efficiency.
Balneotherapy Together with a Psychoeducation Program for Benzodiazepine Withdrawal: A Feasibility Study
Authors: De Maricourt P. , Gorwood P. , Hergueta Th. , Galinowski A. , Salamon R. , Diallo A. , Vaugeois C. , Lépine J. P. , Olié J. P. , Dubois O.
Published: November 2016

Benzodiazepines should be prescribed on a short‐term basis, but a significant proportion of patients (%) use them for more than 6 months, constituting a serious public health issue. Indeed, few strategies are effective in helping patients to discontinue long‐term benzodiazepine treatments. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and the impact of a program including cognitive behavioural therapy, psychoeducation, and balneotherapy in a spa resort to facilitate long‐term discontinuation of benzodiazepines. We conducted a prospective multicentre cohort study. Patients with long‐term benzodiazepine use were recruited with the aim of anxiolytic withdrawal by means of a psychoeducational program and daily balneotherapy during 3 weeks. The primary efficacy outcome measure was benzodiazepine use 6 months after the program, compared to use at baseline. A total of 70 subjects were enrolled. At 6 months, overall benzodiazepine intake had decreased by 75.3%, with 41.4% of patients completely stopping benzodiazepine use. The results also suggest a significantly greater improvement in anxiety and depression symptoms among patients who discontinued benzodiazepines compared to patients who only reduced their use. Our findings suggest that balneotherapy in association with a psychoeducative program is efficient in subjects with benzodiazepine addiction.
A Novel Spectroscopically Determined Pharmacodynamic Biomarker for Skin Toxicity in Cancer Patients Treated with Targeted Agents
Authors: Azan Antoine , Caspers Peter J. , Bakker Schut Tom C. , Roy Séverine , Boutros Céline , Mateus Christine , Routier Emilie , Besse Benjamin , Planchard David , Seck Atmane , Kamsu Kom Nyam , Tomasic Gorana , Koljenović Senada , Noordhoek Hegt Vincent , Texier Matthieu , Lanoy Emilie , Eggermont Alexander M.M. , Paci Angelo , Robert Caroline , Puppels Gerwin J. , Mir Lluis M.
Published: November 2016

Raman spectroscopy is a noninvasive and label-free optical technique that provides detailed information about the molecular composition of a sample. In this study, we evaluated the potential of Raman spectroscopy to predict skin toxicity due to tyrosine kinase inhibitors treatment. We acquired Raman spectra of skin of patients undergoing treatment with MEK, EGFR, or BRAF inhibitors, which are known to induce severe skin toxicity; for this pilot study, three patients were included for each inhibitor. Our algorithm, based on partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and cross-validation by bootstrapping, discriminated to variable degrees spectra from patient suffering and not suffering cutaneous adverse events. For MEK and EGFR inhibitors, discriminative power was more than 90% in the viable epidermis skin layer; whereas for BRAF inhibitors, discriminative power was 71%. There was a 81.5% correlation between blood drug concentration and Raman signature of skin in the case of EGFR inhibitors and viable epidermis skin layer. Our results demonstrate the power of Raman spectroscopy to detect apparition of skin toxicity in patients treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors at levels not detectable via dermatological inspection and histological evaluation. Cancer Res; 77(2); 557–65. ©2016 AACR.
Gene Targeting Meets Cell-Based Therapy: Raising the Tail, or Merely a Whimper?
Authors: Cogdill Alexandria P. , Prieto Peter A. , Reuben Alexandre , Wargo Jennifer A.
Published: November 2016

Appreciation of the immune effects of targeted agents has grown, and efforts to combine these agents with immunotherapy are underway to enhance therapeutic responses. Multiple ongoing trials are examining this concept; however, nuances exist with regard to timing, sequence, and combinatorial strategies. Clin Cancer Res; 23(2); 327–9. ©2016 AACR.

See related article by Deniger et al., p. 351
Clinicopathological and Functional Significance of RECQL1 Helicase in Sporadic Breast Cancers
Authors: Arora Arvind , Parvathaneni Swetha , Aleskandarany Mohammed A. , Agarwal Devika , Ali Reem , Abdel-Fatah Tarek , Green Andrew R. , Ball Graham R. , Rakha Emad A. , Ellis Ian O. , Sharma Sudha , Madhusudan Srinivasan
Published: November 2016

RECQL1, a key member of the RecQ family of DNA helicases, is required for DNA replication and DNA repair. Two recent studies have shown that germline RECQL1 mutations are associated with increased breast cancer susceptibility. Whether altered RECQL1 expression has clinicopathologic significance in sporadic breast cancers is unknown. We evaluated RECQL1 at the transcriptomic level (METABRIC cohort, n = 1,977) and at the protein level [cohort 1, n = 897; cohort 2, n = 252; cohort 3 (BRCA germline deficient), n = 74]. In RECQL1-depleted breast cancer cells, we investigated anthracycline sensitivity. High RECQL1 mRNA was associated with intClust.3 (P = 0.026), which is characterized by low genomic instability. On the other hand, low RECQL1 mRNA was linked to intClust.8 [luminal A estrogen receptor–positive (ER+) subgroup; P = 0.0455] and intClust.9 (luminal B ER+ subgroup; P = 0.0346) molecular phenotypes. Low RECQL1 expression was associated with shorter breast cancer–specific survival (P = 0.001). At the protein level, low nuclear RECQL1 level was associated with larger tumor size, lymph node positivity, high tumor grade, high mitotic index, pleomorphism, dedifferentiation, ER negativity, and HER-2 overexpression (P < 0.05). In ER+ tumors that received endocrine therapy, low RECQL1 was associated with poor survival (P = 0.008). However, in ER− tumors that received anthracycline-based chemotherapy, high RECQL1 was associated with poor survival (P = 0.048). In RECQL1-depleted breast cancer cell lines, we confirmed doxorubicin sensitivity, which was associated with DNA double-strand breaks accumulation, S-phase cell-cycle arrest, and apoptosis. We conclude that RECQL1 has prognostic and predictive significance in breast cancers. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(1); 239–50. ©2016 AACR.
Digitalis-like Compounds Facilitate Non-Medullary Thyroid Cancer Redifferentiation through Intracellular Ca2+, FOS, and Autophagy-Dependent Pathways
Authors: Tesselaar Marika H. , Crezee Thomas , Swarts Herman G. , Gerrits Danny , Boerman Otto C. , Koenderink Jan B. , Stunnenberg Hendrik G. , Netea Mihai G. , Smit Johannes W.A. , Netea-Maier Romana T. , Plantinga Theo S.
Published: November 2016

Up to 20%–30% of patients with metastatic non-medullary thyroid cancer have persistent or recurrent disease resulting from tumor dedifferentiation. Tumor redifferentiation to restore sensitivity to radioactive iodide (RAI) therapy is considered a promising strategy to overcome RAI resistance. Autophagy has emerged as an important mechanism in cancer dedifferentiation. Here, we demonstrate the therapeutic potential of autophagy activators for redifferentiation of thyroid cancer cell lines. Five autophagy-activating compounds, all known as digitalis-like compounds, restored hNIS expression and iodide uptake in thyroid cancer cell lines. Upregulation of hNIS was mediated by intracellular Ca2+ and FOS activation. Cell proliferation was inhibited by downregulating AKT1 and by induction of autophagy and p21-dependent cell-cycle arrest. Digitalis-like compounds, also designated as cardiac glycosides for their well-characterized beneficial effects in the treatment of heart disease, could therefore represent a promising repositioned treatment modality for patients with RAI-refractory thyroid carcinoma. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(1); 169–81. ©2016 AACR.
Impact of Cost Sharing on Therapeutic Substitution: The Story of Statins in 2006
Authors: Li Pengxiang , Schwartz J. Sanford , Doshi Jalpa A.
Published: November 2016

Background

Cost sharing is widely used to encourage therapeutic substitution. This study aimed to examine the impact of increases in patient cost‐sharing differentials for brand name and generic drugs on statin utilization on entry into the Medicare Part D coverage gap.

Method and Results

Using 5% Medicare Chronic Condition Warehouse files from 2006, this quasi‐experimental study examined patients with hyperlipidemia who filled prescriptions for atorvastatin or rosuvastatin between January and March 2006. Propensity score matching and difference‐in‐difference regressions were used to compare changes in statin utilization for the study group (patients who were not eligible for low‐income subsidies [non–
LIS
] and had generic‐only gap coverage) to those of a control group (
LIS
patients who faced the same cost sharing before and during the Part D coverage gap). In the final sample, 801 patients in the study group were matched to 801 patients in the control group. We found that, compared to the control group, the study group had a larger decline in any monthly brand‐name statin use (−0.24 30‐day fills,
P
<0.001). This was only partially offset by increased monthly generic statin use (+0.06 30‐day fill,
P
<0.001), with an overall drop in any monthly statin use (−0.18 30‐day fills,
P
<0.001). Overall adherence with statins declined (
OR
0.81,
P
<0.001), and statin discontinuation increased (
OR
1.62,
P
<0.001) in the study group as compared to the control group.

Conclusions

Increases in cost‐sharing differentials for brand name and generic drugs on coverage gap entry were associated with discontinuation of statins in Medicare Part D patients with hyperlipidemia.
Temporal Processing by Intrinsic Neural Network Dynamics
Authors: Petter Elijah A. , Merchant Hugo
Published: November 2016

It is becoming more apparent that there are rich contributions to temporal processing across the brain. Temporal dynamics have been found from lower brain structures all the way to cortical regions. Specifically,in vitrocortical preparations have been extremely useful in understanding how local circuits can time. While many of these results depict vastly different processing than a traditional central clock metaphor they still leave questions as to how this information is integrated. We therefore review evidence to place the results pertaining to local circuit timers into the larger context of temporal perception and generalization.
The genus Eustigmaeus Berlese (Acari: Stigmaeidae) from Greece
Authors: STATHAKIS THEODOROS I. , KAPAXIDI ELEFTHERIA V. , PAPADOULIS GEORGIOS TH.
Published: November 2016

The present study summarizes the previous limited knowledge on the genus Eustigmaeus from Greece. Based on material collected from many localities, nine species are recorded from Greece for the first time and four species, Eustigmaeus irregularis sp. nov., E. fantinoui sp. nov., E. microvacuolatus sp. nov., and E. capitatus sp. nov. are described as new to science. Additionally, males of five known species of Eustigmaeus are described for the first time. A list of the world species of the genus Eustigmaeus and a key to species of this genus recorded in Greece are provided.
A review of the families and genera of the superfamily PLATYSCELOIDEA Bowman & Gruner, 1973 (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Hyperiidea), together with keys to the families, genera and species
Authors: ZEIDLER WOLFGANG
Published: November 2016

The systematics and phylogenetic relationships of the families and genera of the superfamily Platysceloidea are examined, following a thorough examination of the morphology of an example of the type species of each genus, or a substitute species if the true identity of the type species is in doubt. The mouthparts are described for each type species, often for the first time, providing additional characters for phylogenetic analysis. Genera are diagnosed using the taxonomic database program DELTA (Dalwitz et al. 1999). This database is also used for a phylogenetic analysis of the genera using PAUP (Swofford 2000). Proposed taxonomic changes resulting from this study are summarised as follows. The family Pronoidae is restricted to the monotypic genus Pronoe because it has some unique characters not found in any other platysceloidean. Paralycaea, previously in Pronoidae, has characters in common with Amphithyrus and Amphithyropsis gen. nov., a new genus proposed for Paralycaea platycephala Zeidler, 1998 (here re-determined a junior synonym of Tetrathyrus pulchellus Barnard, 1930), and together they form the proposed new family Amphithyridae fam. nov. Eupronoe and Parapronoe, also previously in Pronoidae, are similar in the morphology of the mouthparts, antennae and gnathopoda, and together form the proposed new family Eupronoidae fam. nov. The family Brachyscelidae is restricted to the genus Brachyscelus because Thamneus, previously included in Brachyscelidae, has a number of characters that differ considerably from any other genus of Hyperiidea and it is therefore placed in a family of its own, Thamneidae fam. nov. The status of the family Anapronoidae, for Anapronoe, is confirmed, as is the status of the family Tryphanidae for Tryphana. The family Lycaeidae is limited to Lycaea and Simorhynchotus. The family Oxycephalidae maybe polyphyletic but more work is required to resolve the systematic status of the eight genera currently recognised. Metalycaea globosa Stephensen, 1925, sometimes included in the Oxycephalidae, is confirmed to be a junior synonym of Lycaea serrata Claus, 1879. The family Platyscelidae is restricted to four genera, Platyscelus, Paratyphis, Hemityphis and Tetrathyrus; Amphithyrus having been removed to the new family Amphithyridae. The family Parascelidae is also restricted to four genera, Parascelus, Thyropus, Schizoscelus and Euscelus. Hemiscelus, previously included in this family, is regarded a junior synonym of Hemityphis. Keys are provided for families, genera and all currently known species. All records of associations with gelatinous zooplankton are also documented, providing additional data to help resolve the phylogeny and evolutionary origins of the Hyperiidae.
Moving on Up: Urban to Suburban Translocation Experiences of High-Achieving Black American Students
Authors: Yu Xiaoqi , Seeberg Vilma , Malone Larissa
Published: November 2016

Minority suburbanization has been a fast growing demographic shift in the United States during the first decade of the 21st century. This article examines the tapestry of the suburbanization experience of a group of high-achieving Black American students and their families as told by them. Departing from the all too common, deficit orientation toward Black American academic performance, we focus on how these families and students negotiate the challenges and opportunities in a highly competitive, liberal school district. Using socio-cognitive acculturation theory superimposed over an ecological framework as theoretical grounding, this study reveals how participants’ dual identity consciousness combined with a strong achievement orientation and adaptive strategies facilitated their acculturation to the suburban academic and post-school success despite challenges.
Enemies or Friends? Newcomer Immigrant Students’ Developing Conceptions of Diversity in High School
Authors: Oikonomidoy Eleni
Published: November 2016

Drawing insights from a qualitative study with 15 newcomer immigrant students, this article examines the students’ developing understandings of the meaning of diversity in school. Although contradictory, the students’ collective narratives reveal a keen analysis of a complex social setting, in which race, language, and nationality are seen simultaneously as sources of tension and as opportunities for growth. It is proposed that by identifying and linking similar discourses at multiple levels of schools, we could create webs of resistance to frameworks that tend to categorize and exclude.
What works for whom in which circumstances? On the need to move beyond the ‘what works?’ question in organizational intervention research
Authors: Nielsen Karina , Miraglia Mariella
Published: November 2016

A debate has arisen out of the need to understand true intervention outcomes in the social sciences. Traditionally, the randomized, controlled trial that answers the question of ‘what works’ has been considered the gold standard. Although randomized, controlled trials have been favoured in organizational intervention research, there has been an increasing interest in understanding the influence of context and intervention processes on the outcomes of such interventions. In the present critical essay, we question the suitability of trials and meta-analyses to evaluate the effectiveness of organizational interventions and we suggest that realist evaluation that seeks to answer the questions of what works for whom in which circumstances may present a more suitable framework. We argue that examining the content and process mechanisms through which organizational interventions are effective, and the conditions under which these are triggered, will enable us to better understand how interventions achieve the desired outcomes of improved employee health and well-being. We suggest that organizational intervention content and process mechanisms may help bring about the desired outcomes of improved employee health and well-being and that contextual factors determine whether these mechanisms are triggered.
‘This word volunteer is killing us’: Making sense of volunteering in social welfare provision for orphans and vulnerable children in rural Zimbabwe
Authors: Madziva Cathrine , Chinouya Martha
Published: November 2016

This qualitative study explored how volunteers delivering social welfare to orphans and vulnerable children through a community initiative supported by donors made sense of volunteering during a period of hyperinflation in Zimbabwe. Findings confirm that volunteering in Africa is influenced by a normative value system embedded in Ubuntu. Volunteering emerged as contradictory given the contextual prevalence of the social obligation discourse rather than individual choice as embedded in the European sense of voluntarism. Volunteering masked the cost of participation, thereby potentially making poverty worse for the poor in a context without a formal welfare system.
The Whiteness Regimes of Multiculturalism: The African Male Experience in Australia
Authors: Majavu Mandisi
Published: November 2016

This article uses a newly developed theoretical concept – the ‘uncommodified blackness’ image, to accentuate the discursive methods in which the humanness of Africans is denied in subtle and commonplace ways in Australia. In other words, the concept of uncommodified blackness is used in this study to theorise both the racist infrahumanisation and the blatant racist dehumanisation that Africans are subjected to in Australia. An analysis of semi-structured interviews with 11 research participants suggests that, through the image of uncommodified blackness, the participants are viewed by mainstream Australia as dysfunctional and dirty Others who ought to be avoided in public transport. Participants’ lived experiences imply that mainstream Australia regards them as outsiders and perpetual refugees who are failing at ‘integration’.
Factors of Domestic Violence Against Women: Correlation of Women’s Rights and Vulnerability
Authors: Zakaliyat Bonkoungou , Sathiya Susuman A
Published: November 2016

Many studies have looked into domestic violence but very few have considered women’s knowledge and perception about their rights. This study aims to examine the main sociocultural factors behind domestic violence against women with an emphasis on the power of the knowledge and perception of the women about their international and constitutional rights. Quantitative data collected in 2015 in the regions of East and Southwest Burkina Faso is used in this paper. Multivariate logistic regression is implemented to take into consideration the net effects of each factor when controlling the effects of other covariates. Results of this paper can be used to implement actions against domestic violence in the zone of intervention of the Program of Sexual Health and Human Rights project.
African American Women and Sexually Transmitted Infections: The Contextual Influence of Unbalanced Sex Ratios and Individual Risk Behaviors
Authors: Oser Carrie B. , Pullen Erin , Stevens-Watkins Danelle , Perry Brea L. , Havens Jennifer R. , Staton-Tindall Michele , Leukefeld Carl G.
Published: November 2016

This study uses data from 564 African American women to examine the correlates of lifetime prevalence of a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Specifically, we test the effects of perceptions about the availability of African American males, five partner characteristics, and drug history. At the bivariate level, women with an STI diagnosis were significantly more likely to have dated a man who was married, older, had sex with another man, involved in concurrent partnerships, and had been incarcerated. About half of the participants stated it was difficult to find an eligible African American male and attributed the limited pool of same-race partners to drug trafficking, a lack of monogamy, and high rates of incarceration. Multivariate analyses revealed having dated a man who had concurrent sexual partnerships or had been incarcerated, as well as drug use during sex were positively associated with ever having an STI. Individual and contextual implications are addressed.