bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ADENOCARCINOMA OF THE LUNG WITH RARE INSERTION MUTATION IN EGFR EXON 19 THAT HAD PARTIAL RESPONSE TO GEFITINIB: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Kozlov V , Karpov I , Kovalenko S , Shamanin V
Published: January 2019

Aim: Classic activating mutations L858R and deletions in exon 19 (19del) in the gene for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are associated with sensitivity of the non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). Insertions in EGFR exon 19 (19ins) are rare mutations in NSCLC; response of cases with 19ins to TKI is not well studied. Here we report a case of NSCLC with 19ins in a Russian patient who was treated with gefitinib. We also overview cases of 19ins reported in the literature. Case description: A 48 years old female Russian patient was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the lung (T3N2M1, stage IV). Mutation 19ins was detected in the tumor biopsy by fragment analysis and genotyped by Sanger sequencing as p.I744_K745insKIPVAI. Treatment with gefitinib (250 mg/day) resulted in clinical and radiological improvements scored as partial response that lasted 12 months. Conclusion: Treatment with gefitinib of lung adenocarcinoma that carries mutation EGFR 19ins can result in durable response.
CURRENT EPIDEMIOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE ROLE OF FLAVONOIDS IN PROSTATE CARCINOGENESIS
Authors: Sak K
Published: January 2019

Numerous experimental studies have demonstrated anticancer action of polyphenolic plant metabolites. However, data about associations between dietary intake of plant-derived flavonoids and prostate cancer risk are still sparse and inconsistent. This minireview compiles the epidemiological findings published to date on the role of flavonoids in prostate tumorigenesis, discusses the reasons of inconsistencies and elicits the promising results for chemoprevention of this malignancy. Long-term consumption of high doses of soy isoflavones can be the reason of markedly lower clinically detectable prostate cancer incidence among Asian men compared to their counterparts in the Western world. The ability to metabolize daidzein to equol, the most biologically active isoflavone, by the certain intestinal bacteria also seems to contribute to this important health benefit. The increasing incidence rate of prostate cancer related to adoption of westernized lifestyle and dietary habits makes the issue of chemoprevention ever more important and directs the eyes to specific food components in the Eastern diet. If further large-scale epidemiological studies will confirm the protective effects of isoflavones against prostate cancer, this could provide an important way for prostate cancer prevention, as diet is a potentially modifiable factor in our behavioral pattern.
ALTERATIONS OF ANTITUMOR AND METABOLIC RESPONSES IN L5178Y-R LYMPHOMA-BEARING MICE AFTER ONLY 30-MINUTE DAILY CHRONIC STRESS EXPOSURE
Authors: Caballero-Hernandez D , Najera-Valderrabano D , Valadez-Lira A , Franco-Molina M , Gomez-Flores R , Tamez-Guerra P , Tamez-Guerra R , Rodríguez-Padilla C
Published: January 2019

Aim: In stress research, reducing times of stress induction may contribute to improving the well-being of experimental animals, especially in cancer models, already under physiological distress. To support this idea, we evaluated the effects of a short-timed stress protocol on endocrine, metabolic and immune indicators in mice bearing the L5178Y-R lymphoma. Materials and Methods: A 30-minute daily stress protocol was applied for 28 days to healthy and lymphoma-bearing BALB/c mice; body weight, plasma levels of corticosterone, norepinephrine, Th1/Th2 cytokines, insulin, and leptin, were measured. Results: We found a 12% significant decrease in body weight in non-tumor bearing mice under stress (p < 0.007). The disruption of weight evolution was accompanied by a stress induced 85% decrease in plasmatic leptin (p < 0.01) and total reduction of insulin. Tumor burden alone was associated to an increase in more than two-fold of plasmatic levels of norepinephrine (p < 0.008). Neither stress nor tumor or their combination, resulted in an elevation of systemic IL-6. IFN-γ levels were 20 times higher in lymphoma-bearing animals when compared with non-tumor bearing mice (p < 0.01); however, under stress, this response was reduced by half, indicating a suppressing effect of chronic stress on the antitumor immune response. Conclusion: A short-timed stress induction is enough to cause significant alterations in the metabolism and immunity of healthy and tumor-bearing mice, supporting the use of short-timed protocols as an efficient way to induce chronic stress that also considers concerns regarding the well-being of experimental animals in biomedical research.
DNA DAMAGE IN TUMOR CELLS AND PERIPHERAL BLOOD LYMPHOCYTES OF ENDOMETRIAL CANCER PATIENTS ASSESSED BY THE COMET ASSAY
Authors: Buchynska L G , Brieieva O V , Iurchenko N P , Protsenko V V , Nespryadko S V
Published: January 2019

To date, genome instability is considered to be a common feature not only of tumor cells, but also of non-malignant cells of cancer patients, including peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs). The issue of the association between genome instability in tumor cells and PBLs, as well as of its relationship with tumor progression remains poorly understood. Aim: To evaluate the level DNA damage in tumor cells and PBLs of endometrial cancer (EC) patients with regard to clinical and morphological characteristics of the patients. Materials and Methods: DNA damage was assessed in 106 PBLs samples and 42 samples of tumor cell suspension from EC patients by comet assay. PBLs from 30 healthy women were used as control. The level of DNA damage was expressed as the percentage of DNA in the comet tails (% tail DNA). Results: It was revealed that the amount of DNA damage in PBLs of EC patients was 2.2 times higher in comparison with that of healthy donors (8.3 ± 0.7 and 3.7 ± 0.4% tail DNA, respectively) (p < 0.05). In this study, no association between the levels of DNA damage in endometrial tumor cells and PBLs was observed (r = 0.11; p > 0.05). The amounts of DNA damage both in tumor cells and PBLs were not related to the degree of tumor differentiation as well as the depth of myometrial invasion, but depended on the body mass index (BMI) of EC patients: high level of lesions was observed in patients with elevated BMI values. Furthermore, the level of DNA damage in tumor cells was associated to familial aggregation of cancer and was significantly higher in endometrial cells from patients with family history of cancer vs that from EC patients with sporadic tumors (32.3 ± 2.9 and 22.8 ± 1.8% tail DNA, respectively) (p < 0.05). It was also found that for women who had high level of DNA damage in PBLs, the risk of EC was greater (odds ratio value of 3.5) compared to those with low level of such lesions. Conclusion: Genome instability that appears as an increased level of DNA damage in tumor cells and PBLs of EC patients is associated with BMI and family history of cancer and can reflect a predisposition to cancer.
HIGHLY ACTIVATED CARBON ENTEROSORBENT MEDIATES THE SUPPRESSION OF PARANEOPLASTIC SYNDROME ASSOCIATED WITH LEWIS LUNG CARCINOMA IN MICE
Authors: Sarnatskaya V V , Sakhno L A , Paziuk L M , Yushko L A , Rodionova N K , Maslenny V N , Sydorenko A S , Nikolaev V G
Published: January 2019

Aim: To investigate the effect of enterosorption on the development of paraneoplastic syndrome in mice with Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC). Materials and Methods: The study was performed on male С57/ВL6 mice with transplanted LLC. As an enterosorbent, highly activated powder fraction of HSGD was administered per os daily at a dose of 0.625 g/kg for two weeks starting from the 7th day after tumor cell transplantation. Analysis of hemo- and myelograms, morphological alterations in vital organs, the activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase, biochemical analysis of blood and quantitative analysis of hydroperoxides, malonic dialdehyde, аdvanced oxidation protein products was carried out by standard methods after completing the course of enterosorption. Ligand loading of blood plasma proteins was estimated by the method of differential scanning microcalorimetry. Results: Administration of enterosorbent resulted in inhibition of LLC growth and in nearly 2-fold decrease of lung metastases number (p < 0.05). Activation of granulocytic line in the bone marrow with nearly 3-fold enhancement of mitotic activity took place after enterosorbent administration. Red cell lineage indices and bone marrow cellularity remained unaltered. After enterosorption session, the studied biochemical indices of peripheral blood evidenced on decreasing the endogenous intoxication and oxidative stress levels, improving the functional state of kidneys, increasing the resistance of erythrocyte membranes and lowering the ligand loading of blood plasma transport proteins. Morphological structure of kidneys and liver confirmed significant positive effect of enterosorption. The data of morphologic examination of gastric fundus, small intestine, and large bowel slides after 2-week administration of enterosorbent showed its high safety and proper evacuation from intestine. Conclusion: The two-week long enterosorption session in mice with LLC caused the suppression of tumor growth and metastasis, normalization of bone marrow hemopoiesis. Enterosorption exerted a positive influence on the structural-morphologic indexes and regenerative potential of kidneys and liver, mitigated manifestations of oxidative stress, decreased the level of endogenous intoxication, promoted deliganding of albumin molecule and deloading of erythrocyte membranes.
MORPHOLOGICAL FEATURES OF DOXORUBICIN-RESISTANT WALKER 256 CARCINOSARCOMA AND RESPONSE OF MAST CELLS
Authors: Boroday N V , Chekhun V F
Published: January 2019

Background: The mechanisms of drug resistance of cancer have not been yet elucidated in details. Recently, the role of mast cells (MCs) in the development of drug resistance has been brought in the limelight. The aim of the study was to examine the morphological features of doxorubicin (DOX)-resistant Walker 256 carcinosarcoma and to assess the response of MCs and histamine content in these cells in relation to the development of resistance to DOX as well as in DOX-resistant tumors. Materials and Methods: The DOX resistance was induced by serial passages of Walker 256 carcinosarcoma in rats in the setting of DOX treatment in vivo. MCs in tumors were detected in the sections by staining with Toluidine Blue O. Histamine content in MCs stained with solution of Water Blue-Orcein was assessed by Astaldi semiquantitative method taking into account different staining intensity. Results: Formation of DOX resistance in the course of serial passages of Walker 256 carcinosarcoma was accompanied by the increase in the number of MCs in tumors and histamine content. Nevertheless, in tumors with phenotype of complete DOX resistance the number of histamine-containing MCs decreased to the same level as in tumors of the original strain that are DOX-sensitive. Conclusion: MCs are involved in formation of DOX resistance in Walker 256 carcinosarcoma.
MOLECULAR-GENETIC MODELS FOR PROGNOSIS OF DEVELOPMENT OF TUMORS OF REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM IN WOMEN WITH FAMILY HISTORY OF CANCER
Authors: Paliychuk O V , Polishchuk L Z , Rossokha Z I , Chekhun V F
Published: January 2019

Aim: To develop a prognostic molecular genetic model for assessing the risk of development of benign and malignant tumors of female reproductive organs (FRO) in patients from cancer-affected families. Patients and Methods: The work presents the data on a comprehensive clinical examination of 210 women (90 patients with FRO cancer with aggregation of tumor pathology in families, 65 patients with benign pathology of FRO from cancer-affected families, 55 women — control group of healthy women without family history of cancer). Clinical genealogical analysis, morphological examination of tumors and molecular genetic studies of genomic DNA from peripheral blood and tumors were carried out. Results: It was established that in the families of patients with benign and malignant pathology of FRO, malignant tumors associated with Lynch II syndrome are observed. Based on the analysis of detected ESR-1, CYP 2D6*4 and mutations in BRCA1/2 genes in cancer patients and in patients with benign pathology, molecular genetic models have been developed to assess the individual risk of development of benign and malignant tumors of FRO. It has been established that these molecular genetic models and combinations of gene mutations and gene polymorphisms (SNP) by the intergene interaction that was analyzed, were found to be reliable in assessing the risk of benign and malignant pathology of the mammary gland and ovary. Conclusions: The model, which included the polymorphic variants of the T397C(ESR1)/CYP 2D6*4 genes was of the best predictive accuracy for the evaluation of the risk of benign tumors of the FRO (71.68%) and the highest reliability (p < 0.001). At the same time, all identified models of intergene interaction in the development of malignant pathology of FRO were reliable, prognostically significant with high reproduction and almost identical accuracy (65.00–68.23%). The obtained results indicate a high informativeness of such molecular genetic indices as the polymorphism of ESR1 and CYP 2D6*4 genes and mutations in BRCA1/2 genes to assess the risk of benign or malignant tumors of FRO in families of patients with family history of cancer.
MEDIASTINAL YOLK SAC TUMOR INFILTRATING THE HEART
Authors: Imaniar R , Syahruddin E , Soepandi P Z , Putra A C , Nurwidya F
Published: January 2019

Background: As a rare tumor, yolk sac tumor is a type of neoplasm that appears like the yolk sac, extraembryonic mesenchyme, and allantois. The mediastinum is the second most frequent area after the gonadal area. Case report: We present an extremely rare case of 15 years old boy with mediastinal yolk sac tumor. The boy came with the chief complaint of swelling of the neck and face. Computed tomography scan of the chest revealed bulky mass with a cystic component that infiltrated the heart. The diagnosis of mediastinal yolk sac tumor was made after core needle biopsy. Histopathologic analysis revealed tumor mass with solid and microcystic structure and pleomorphic nucleus within the tumor cells. Laboratory finding showed elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein level reaching more than 8000 ng/ml. Echocardiography revealed a mass in the right atrium. The patient condition was rapidly deteriorated due to his vena cava superior syndrome. Unfortunately, the patient died two days after diagnosis and we did not have the chance to do the therapy. Conclusion: Mediastinal yolk sac tumor is a rare malignancy that requires comprehensive management. The diagnosis should be made based on histopathological findings with the addition of thoracic computer tomography scan to assess the degree of infiltration to surrounding organ. A life-threatening condition such as vena cava superior syndrome should be assessed promptly to allow for immediate treatment.
EXPRESSION OF STEROID AND PEPTIDE HORMONE RECEPTORS, METABOLIC ENZYMES AND EMT-RELATED GENES IN PROSTATE TUMORS IN RELATION TO THE PRESENCE OF THE TMPRSS2/ERG FUSION
Authors: Gerashchenko G V , Mevs L V , Chashchina L I , Pikul M V , Gryzodub O P , Stakhovsky E O , Kashuba V I
Published: January 2019

Aim: To analyze an expression pattern of the steroid and peptide hormone receptors, metabolic enzymes and EMT-related genes in prostate tumors in relation to the presence of the TMPRSS2/ERG fusion; and to examine a putative correlation between gene expression and clinical characteristics, to define the molecular subtypes of prostate cancer. Materials and Methods: The relative gene expression (RE) of 33 transcripts (27 genes) and the presence/absence of the TMPRSS2/ERG fusion were analyzed by a quantitative PCR. 37 prostate cancer tissues (T) paired with conventionally normal prostate tissue (CNT) and 21 samples of prostate adenomas were investigated. RE changes were calculated, using different protocols of statistics. Results: We demonstrated differences in RE of seven genes between tumors and CNT, as was calculated, using the 2−ΔCT model and the Wilcoxon matched paired test. Five genes (ESR1, KRT18, MKI67, MMP9, PCA3) showed altered expression in adenocarcinomas, in which the TMPRSS2/ERG fusion was detected. Two genes (INSR, isoform B and HOTAIR) expressed differently in tumors without fusion. Comparison of the gene expression pattern in adenomas, CNT and adenocarcinomas demonstrated that in adenocarcinomas, bearing the TMPRSS2/ ERG fusion, genes KRT18, PCA3, and SCHLAP1 expressed differently. At the same time, we detected differences in RE of AR (isoform 2), MMP9, PRLR and HOTAIR in adenocarcinomas without the TMPRSS2/ERG fusion. Two genes (ESR1 and SRD5A2) showed differences in RE in both adenocarcinoma groups. Fourteen genes, namely AR (isoforms 1 and 2), CDH1, OCLN, NKX3-1, XIAP, GCR (ins AG), INSR (isoform A), IGF1R, IGF1R tr, PRLR, PRL, VDR and SRD5A2 showed correlation between RE and tumor stage. RE of four genes (CDH2, ESR2, VDR and SRD5A2) correlated with differentiation status of tumors (Gleason score). Using the K-means clustering, we could cluster adenocarcinomas in three groups, according to gene expression profiles. A specific subtype of prostate tumors is characterized by the activated ERG signaling, due to the presence of TMPRSS2/ERG fusion, and also by high levels of the androgen receptor, prolactin, IGF, INSR and PCA3. Conclusions: We have found the specific differences in expression of the steroid and peptide hormone receptors, metabolic enzymes and EMT-related genes, depending on the presence/absence of the TMPRSS2/ERG fusion in prostate adenocarcinomas, CNT and adenomas. We showed three different gene expression profiles of prostate adenocarcinomas. One of them is characteristic for adenocarcinomas with the TMPRSS2/ERG fusion. Further experiments are needed to confirm these data in a larger cohort of patients.
DIFFERENTIATED THYROID CARCINOMAS ASSOCIATED WITH CHRONIC THYROIDITIS: BIOLOGICAL AND CLINICAL PROPERTIES
Authors: Myshunina T M , Guda B D , Bolgov M Yu , Mikhailenko N I , Tronko N D
Published: January 2019

Aim: To determine biological and clinical features of papillary and follicular thyroid carcinomas associated or not associated with chronic thyroiditis. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted by retrospective analysis of medical histories of 2,459 patients with thyroid cancer. Tumor size, its category according to the TNM system, multi-focal properties of tumor growth, carcinoma invasiveness, as well as disease stage, rates of relapses and metastasis, and also cumulative survival rates were analyzed. Results: The tumor size in patients with papillary or follicular carcinoma associated with thyroiditis was smaller compared to the patients without thyroiditis. In the first case, the invasion frequency into extrathyroid structure and into the capsule was also lower. Multi-focal growth of both carcinoma types was registered more frequently in the presence of thyroiditis. The frequency of papillary carcinoma metastasis to lateral cervical lymph nodes was lower in the presence of thyroiditis, the frequency being equal for metastasis into lymph nodes of the VI lymph outflow zone in both groups of patients (with and without thyroiditis). In the presence of thyroiditis, the frequency of distant papillary carcinoma metastasis was decreased, no metastases were detected in patients with follicular carcinoma. In the group of patients with papillary carcinoma there was found no relation between the presence of thyroiditis and disease stage, relapse rates, and mortality levels; however, the risk of follicular carcinoma relapse was significantly lower in patients with thyroiditis. Conclusions: The presence of chronic thyroiditis in papillary carcinoma patients showed a certain positive impact on the course of the disease, in particular, primary tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. Such effect is even more expressed in the patients with follicular thyroid carcinoma.
OX40L GENE POLYMORPHISM AND BREAST CANCER IN IRANIAN POPULATION
Authors: Vakil Monfared R , Mashayekhi F
Published: January 2019

Background and Aim: The immune system plays an important role in the breast cancer development. OX40L (also known as TNFSF4), a membrane protein, which is a member of the tumor necrosis factor super family binds to its receptor OX40 and this co-stimulation has a crucial role in T cell proliferation, survival and cytokine release. Previous studies have shown that OX40L is associated with cancer. Due to the importance of the T cells in antitumor activities of OX40L we studied the association of rs3850641 (A→G) polymorphism of OX40L gene with the breast cancer. Materials and Methods: The study included 123 women with breast cancer and 126 healthy volunteers with no signs of cancer. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood leucocytes. Genotype and allele frequencies were determined in patients and control cases with the method of polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism and the statistical analysis was performed by Med Calc. Results: The prevalence of genotype frequencies of AA/ AG/GG were 60.9%, 30.08% and 8.9% in patients with breast cancer cases and 74.6%, 18.25% and 7.14% in healthy volunteers while the A and G allelic frequency was 76.01 and 23.98% in patients and 83.73 and 16.26% in healthy controls, respectively. Statistical analysis has shown signiﬁcant difference from the comparison of genotype (p = 0.03). Conclusion: It is concluded that the rs3850641 SNP is significantly associated with the breast cancer susceptibility in Iranian population. However, further studies in larger populations including other genetic and environmental factors are required to achieve conclusion.
EFFECTS OF EXOGENOUS LACTOFERRIN ON PHENOTYPIC PROFILE AND INVASIVENESS OF HUMAN PROSTATE CANCER CELLS (DU-145 AND LNCaP) IN VITRO
Authors: Zadvornyi T V , Lukianova N Yu , Borikun T V , Chekhun V F
Published: January 2019

Aim: To investigate the biological effects of exogenous lactoferrin (LF) on phenotypic profile and invasiveness of human prostate cancer (PC) cells in vitro. Materials and Methods: Human PC cell lines (LNCaP, DU-145) were cultured with an exogenous LF at a dose corresponding to IC30. The expression levels of steroid hormone receptors (androgen receptor, estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor), Her2/neu, Ki-67, E- and N-cadherin, were monitored by immunohistochemical analysis. The levels of miRNAs were assessed using q-PCR. The invasive activity of the cells was examined in a standard invasion test. Results: Exogenous LF reduced expression of steroid hormone receptors (ERα and PR) and Ki-67 in both PC cell lines. The expression of E-cadherin increased significantly in LF-treated DU-145 cells. Also, we established the decrease in invasive activity upon LF treatment by 40% and 30% in DU-145 and LNCaP cells, respectively. In DU-145 cells, incubation with exogenous LF resulted in an increase in the expression of oncosuppressive (miR-133a and miR-200b) miRNAs. Conclusions: Exogenous LF causes the changes in phenotypic characteristics of PC cells and levels of oncogenic and oncosuppressive miRNAs involved in the regulation of key cellular processes.
DIFFERENT MORPHOLOGICAL STRUCTURES OF BREAST TUMORS DEMONSTRATE INDIVIDUAL DRUG RESISTANCE GENE EXPRESSION PROFILES
Authors: Gerashchenko T S , Denisov E V , Novikov N M , Tashireva L A , Kaigorodova E V , Savelieva O E , Zavyalova M V , Cherdyntseva N V , Perelmuter V M
Published: January 2019

Aim: To identify gene expression profiles involved in drug resistance of different morphological structures (tubular, alveolar, solid, trabecular, and discrete) presented in breast cancer. Material and Methods: Ten patients with luminal breast cancer have been included. A laser microdissection-assisted microarrays and qRT-PCR were used to perform whole-transcriptome profiling of different morphological structures, to select differentially expressed drug response genes, and to validate their expression. Results: We found 27 differentially expressed genes (p < 0.05) encoding drug uptake (SLC1A3, SLC23A2, etc.) and efflux (ABCC1, ABCG1, etc.) transporters, drug targets (TOP2A, TYMS, and Tubb3), and proteins that are involved in drug detoxification (NAT1 and ALDH1B1), cell cycle progression (CCND1, AKT1, etc.), apoptosis (CASP3, TXN2, etc.), and DNA repair (BRCA1 and USP11). Each type of structures showed an individual gene expression profile related to resistance and sensitivity to anticancer drugs. However, most of the genes (19/27; p < 0.05) were expressed in alveolar structures. Functional enrichment analysis showed that drug resistance is significantly associated with alveolar structures. Other structures demonstrated the similar number (10–13 out of 27) of expressed genes; however, the spectrum of resistance and sensitivity to different anticancer drugs varied. Conclusion: Different morphological structures of breast cancer show individual expression of drug resistance genes.
RARE CASE OF NODULAR LYMPHOID HYPERPLASIA OF LEFT LUNG IN THE PATIENT WITH PREVIOUS PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS
Authors: Kuzyk P V , Savchyna M A , Gychka S G
Published: January 2019

Aim: To describe the case of rare benign lymphoproliferative disorder — pulmonary nodular lymphoid hyperplasia in the patient with previous pulmonary tuberculosis. Materials and Methods: In the case of pulmonary nodular lymphoid hyperplasia clinical, laboratory, instrumental and morphological examination was performed. Results: 44-year-old woman in 7 years after successfully treated infiltrative drug-susceptible tuberculosis of the right lung, was hospitalized with a suspected tumor of the left lung root. The patient underwent left-sided pneumonectomy with lymph nodes dissection. The results of histopathological and immunohistochemical studies evidenced on nodular lymphoid hyperplasia of the left lung. Conclusion: Pulmonary nodular lymphoid hyperplasia is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder of the lung with favorable prognosis. For the purpose of differential diagnosis, it is necessary to apply immunohistochemistry.
The Incremental Diagnostic Value of [18F]Florbetaben PET and the Pivotal Role of the Neuropsychological Assessment in Clinical Practice
Authors: Spallazzi Marco , Barocco Federica , Michelini Giovanni , Morelli Nicola , Scarlattei Maura , Baldari Giorgio , Ruffini Livia , Caffarra Paolo
Published: January 2019

Background:

Amyloid pathology is a key feature of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and can be assessed in vivo with amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) imaging.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to evaluate the incremental value of a PET scan with [18F]florbetaben, in terms of changes of diagnosis, diagnostic confidence, and treatment plan when added to a standardized diagnostic workup for cognitive disorders, with particular focus on the role of the neuropsychological assessment, including the Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test (FCSRT).

Methods:

A total of 104 patients (69 mild cognitive impairment, 35 dementia), with diagnostic uncertainty after diagnostic workup, were recruited from our memory clinic. [18F]florbetaben PET scans were interpreted as amyloid negative or positive on the basis of a semi-quantitative visual rating. Clinical diagnosis and diagnostic confidence for AD or non-AD dementia were rated before and after PET result disclosure, as was the impact of PET on the patient management plan.

Results:

There were 69/104 (66%) [18F]florbetaben positive scans, 51/62 (82%) patients were suspected as having AD before the PET scan and 18/42 (43%) were not. Overall, the data obtained at PET changed 18/104 diagnoses (17%) and increased diagnostic confidence from 69.1±8.1% to 83.5±9.1 ( p < 0.001), with the greatest impact on diagnosis and confidence in PET negative patients with an initial diagnosis of AD ( p < 0.01) and in early-onset patients ( p = 0.01).

Conclusion:

Amyloid PET represents a source of added value in dementia diagnosis, with a significant effect on diagnosis and diagnostic confidence. However, the use of a complete neuropsychological assessment has an add-on value on limiting the amyloid PET influence on change of diagnosis, and the real impact of amyloid PET should always be weighed up together with an accurate standardized diagnostic workup.
Elevated Fasting Blood Glucose Level Increases the Risk of Cognitive Decline Among Older Adults with Diabetes Mellitus: The Shanghai Aging Study
Authors: Wang Fei , Luo Jianfeng , Ding Ding , Zhao Qianhua , Guo Qihao , Liang Xiaoniu , Zhou Fen , Deng Wei , Hong Zhen
Published: January 2019

Background:

Several studies have demonstrated that the elevated fasting blood glucose (FBG) may increase the risk of incident dementia in older adults with or without diabetes mellitus (DM). However, similar results are rarely reported in Chinese population.

Objective:

This study aimed to demonstrate the association between FBG and risk of incident cognitive decline in older Chinese adults.

Methods:

We prospectively followed up 1,555 dementia-free participants with baseline FBG measurement in the Shanghai Aging Study.

Results:

We identified 126 incident dementia cases across a mean of 5.2 years. Cumulative dementia incidence in type II DM participants with higher FBG (>6.1 mmol/L) increased most dramatically, second with that of non-DM participants with higher FBG, than that of participants with lower FBG (≤6.1 mmol/L). DM participants had a significant higher risk of incident dementia (adjusted HR 1.51, 95% CI 1.25–1.82) by every 1 mmol/L increment of FBG. Among DM participants, baseline FBG was positively related to the rate of annual decline of MMSE (β= 0.10, p = 0.0018).

Conclusions:

Our results suggest that especially in people with type II DM, effective blood glucose control may help to prevent cognitive impairment in later life.
Evaluation of Medicare Claims Data as a Tool to Identify Dementia
Authors: Lee Eunjung , Gatz Margaret , Tseng Chiuchen , Schneider Lon S. , Pawluczyk Sonia , Wu Anna H. , Deapen Dennis
Published: January 2019

Background:

Medicare claims record linkage has been used to identify diagnosed dementia cases in order to estimate dementia prevalence and cost of care. Claims records in the 1990 s and early 2000 s have been found to provide 85% – ∼90% sensitivity and specificity.

Objective:

Considering that dementia awareness has improved over time, we sought to examine sensitivity and specificity of more recent Medicare claims records against a standard criterion, clinical diagnosis of dementia.

Methods:

For a sample of patients evaluated at the University of Southern California Alzheimer Disease Research Center (ADRC), we performed database linkage with Medicare claims files for a six-year period, 2007–2012. We used clinical diagnosis at the ADRC as the criterion diagnosis in order to calculate sensitivity and specificity.

Results:

Medicare claims correctly identified 85% of dementia patients and 77% of individuals with normal cognition. About half of patients clinically diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment had dementia diagnoses in Medicare claims. Misclassified dementia patients (i.e., missed diagnosis by Medicare claims) had more favorable Mini-Mental State Examination and Clinical Dementia Rating scores and were less likely to present behavioral symptoms than correctly-classified dementia patients.

Conclusions:

Database linkage to Medicare claims records is an efficient and reasonably accurate tool to identify dementia cases in a population-based cohort. However, possibilities of obtaining biased results due to misclassification of dementia status need to be carefully considered to use Medicare claims diagnosis for etiologic research studies. Additional confirmation of dementia diagnosis may also be considered. A larger study is warranted to confirm our findings.
Emotional eating in relation to anthropometric indices and dietary energy intake based on gender
Authors: Rasouli Ahmadreza , Moludi Jalal , Foroumandi Elaheh , Shahsavari Saeed , Ebrahimi Behzad
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND:

Emotional eating is one of the important factors in etiology of obesity and eating disorders.

OBJECTIVE:

This study aimed to compare gender differences in response to emotional eating and to identify the anthropometric indices and dietary intake factors correlation with emotional eating.

METHODS:

A sample of 247 subjects from three schools in Tabriz University of Medical Sciences in Iran was participated in the study. Each participant filled out a general ten-item and an emotional eating fourteen-item questionnaire. Statistical analyses of the study were conducted by an independent t-test, a chi-square, Pearson correlations and logistic regression using the SPSS version 19.

RESULTS:

The findings of this investigation indicated that body mass index (BMI) ( r = – 0.759, p <  0.0001 and r = – 0.818, p <  0.0001), waist circumference (WC) ( r = – 0.217, p = 0.014 and r = – 0.182, p = 0.048) and dietary energy intake ( r = – 0.221, p = 0.012 and r = – 0.186, p = 0.024) correlated significantly with emotional eating in female and male groups, respectively. The female had higher emotional eating score versus the male (6.56±1.56 and 6.47±1.21, respectively). Marital status, smoking, recent weight loss, and weight gain, were the strong predictors of the emotional eating.

CONCLUSIONS:

Knowing predicting factors of emotional eating and understanding the fact that gender differences could affect chances of being emotional eater can help us provide appropriate nutritional and psychological educational programs in the community. This can in turn control the emotional eating status and consequently lead to beneficial outcomes on the level of individuals’ health in the society.
3D reconstruction of CT scans aid in preoperative planning for sarcomatoid renal cancer: A case report and mini-review
Authors: Glybochko Petr V. , Alyaev Yuriy G. , Khokhlachev Sergey B. , Fiev Dmitriy N. , Shpot Evgeniy V. , Petrovsky Nikolay V. , Zhang Deying , Proskura Alexandra V. , Yurova Maria , Matz Ethan Lester , Wang Xisheng , Atala Anthony , Zhang Yuanyuan , Butnaru Denis V.
Published: January 2019

Contrast-enhanced multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) is commonly used in the diagnosis of complex malignant tumours. This technology provides comprehensive and accurate information about tumour size and shape in relation to solid tumours and the affected adjacent organs and tissues. This case report demonstrates the benefit of using MSCT 3D imaging for preoperative planning in a patient with late-stage (T4) sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma, a rare renal malignant tumour. The surgical margin on the liver was negative, and no metastases to veins, lungs or other organs were detected by abdominal and chest contrast-enhanced CT. Although sarcomatoid histology is considered to be a poor prognostic factor, the patient is alive and well 17 months after surgery. The MSCT imaging modality enables 3D rendering of an area of interest, which assists surgical decision-making in cases of advanced renal tumours. In this case, as a result of MSCT 3D reconstruction, the patient received justified surgical treatment without compromising oncological principles.
Challenges in Teaching English for the Deaf Students
Authors: Ristiani Aris
Published: January 2019

English is a subject included in the education curriculum in Indonesia.According to the individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), one of thecategories of students with special needs is deaf students. This paper is aimedto discover the challenges faced by deaf students’ teachers in teaching Englishand the strategies to cope with those challenges based on relevant theoriesand previous studies. The finding showed that teachers experienced severalchallenges in teaching the deaf students such as getting students’ attention,understanding words from students’ lip movements, giving definitions andexample, differentiating similar words in different contexts, and deliveringmaterials related to students prior knowledge. The strategies to cope thosechallenges are asking students to prepare dictionaries, using alphabetic signs,waving or patting students’ shoulders to get their attention. In addition it alsorequires teaching model and professional teacher to be creative and effectivein teaching English for the deaf students.
Interactive Multimedia in Teaching Reading
Authors: Sari Indah Novita
Published: January 2019

This research is intended to investigate the effectiveness of interactive multimediafor teaching reading in junior high school. Based on my preliminary research,there were many problems in teaching and learning reading for junior highschool students. Seeing those problems, the researcher tried to implement theinteractive multimedia in teaching reading. Then, the method used in thisresearch is quasi experimental with test as the instrument for collecting thedata. The students’ score was analyzed using SPSS (independent sample t-test).The result revealed that the statistical value of t-test was 4.325 and the degree offreedom of 46 at significant level 5 % was 2.02. It means that the t-value (4.325)is higher than critical value 2.02 (4.325 2.02). Therefore, the students whowere taught using interactive multimedia had better achievement in readingrather than those who were not taught using interactive multimedia.
The Use of Video as a Media to Improve Students’ Vocabulary Mastery
Authors: Devanti Yeni Mardiyana
Published: January 2019

The objective of this Classroom Action Research was to improve students’vocabulary mastery by using video as a media in teaching and learning process.It covered four stages of activities, they were planning, implementing, observing,and reflecting of the action. The subject of this research was class VII C of SMPMuhammadiyah 1 Jember. In this research, the primary data were collectedfrom the vocabulary test while the observation check list as supporting data was taking during the teaching and learning process. Video as a media of teaching and learning vocabulary improved students vocabualry mastery in two cyclesfrom the percentage of students scored ≥ 70,was 69% in cycle 1 to 80% in cycle2, it also improved students’ active participation from 55% in cycle 1 to 77%at the end of the cycle 2. Based on the research result, it can be concluded thatthe video as a media of teaching English vocabulary was able to improve theseventh grade students’ vocabulary mastery and students’s active participation.
Experimental Study of Modified Multilevel Median Filter for Noise Reduction
Authors: Hariyanto Eko , Utama Siahaan Andysah Putera , Aryza Solly
Published: January 2019

Digital image enhancement is efforts to improve the quality of a declining image and one of the causes of the decline in the quality of digital images is the emergence of spots called noise. Median filter is one method that is widely used and developed to digital images noise reduction. In this paper, we conducted an experiment study to reduce noise using a standard multilevel median filter and a modified multilevel median filter. Further, we measured the images filtered quality using MSE and PNSR to find out the advantages of both methods.
职业院校学生英语课堂教学中情感教学策略分析
Authors: 王 艳玲
Published: January 2019

职业教育是我国教育体系的重要组成部分,是促进经济与社会发展和提高劳动力就业的重要途径,是推动社会快速进步的重要力量。职业英语教学对学生职业技能的提高起着至关重要的作用,但在以往传统的英语课堂教学中教师侧重培养的是学生的思维能力和记忆能力等一系列智力因素,在一定程度上忽视了对学生情感的培养,教学进程中情感及其渗透力量的强弱直接影响英语教学的成败。因此,在英语课堂教学中要加强师生情感交流,正确利用情感因素的积极作用促进英语教学。针对这样的情况,本文论述职业英语课堂教学中情感教学策略的运用。
浅析现代建筑工程造价的动态管理及意义
Authors: 李 沐鸿
Published: January 2019

现代建筑工程造价对于建筑工程成本控制具有重要作用,其主要是应用科学、全面、具体以及灵活等手段进行工程造价,并且建筑工程项目经济效益体现的关键,因此为了充分发挥工程造价的作用,必须加强现代建筑工程造价动态管理。基于此,本文概述了现代建筑工程造价动态管理,对现代建筑工程造价动态管理要点及其进行了探讨分析,旨在提高建筑项目工程的经济效益。
Electron microscopy and x-ray spectral microanalysis of types and chemical propeties inclusions of the railway axis from a continuous billet
Authors: Gasik M.I. , Gasik M.M. , Klimchik Yu.V, , Projdak Yu.V. , Gorobets A,P, , Bortnikov Yu.N.
Published: January 2019

Purpose. Analysis of status and chemical composition of non-metallic inclusions of raw railway truck axle shafts steel using electron microscopy and X-ray spectral microanalysis for the improvement of the throughout technology of the axles production.
Methodology. Study of phase composition and type of non-metallic inclusions in axles shaft steel was carried out with modern equipment and method of X-ray spectral microanalysis for quantitative and qualitative data.
Findings. The analysis of the elements on chemical composition on EA1N steel and of non-metallic inclusions on physical and mechanical properties of railway axles made by rolling of continuous cast billt of 470 mm diameter. The types and composition of non-metallic inclusions were studied with electron microscopy and X-ray spectral microanalysis. Results can be applied for improvement of steel refining and alloying technology for railway wheel axles production.
Originality. There were discovered the original data about the types and chemical compositions of nonmetallic heterophasic inclusions in railway axis metal using the electronic microscopy and X-ray microanalysis. The obtained research results about formations of multiphase inclusions were proved using the phase equilibrium charts consiolering oxide, oxide-sulphide mineral phases.
Practical value. The results of electron microscopy and X-ray spectral microanalysis are important to understand and improve the throughput technology of refining and alloying of EA1N steel for railway axle shafts.
Keywords: railway axle, railway truck, axle shaft, steel chemical composition, continuous casting billet, mechanical properties, non-metallic inclusions
Hlið við hlið. Tapað-fundið í framandi borgum
Authors: Eysteinsson Ástráður
Published: January 2019

This essay concerns itself with perceptions of the urban sphere, with its manifestations in literature and life writing, and with the city as a place of strangeness and travel in various senses, including the ways in which it pertains to the individual
world view. Cities are places of density and internal connections, but their gates also open out and connect with other places, and increasingly other cities. Following a discussion of the Icelandic links between Copenhagen and Reykjavík, and the slow emergence of the latter as a „literary capital“, the course is set for foreign cities, including Berlin and Paris in the company of Walter Benjamin, and the experience of getting lost with Franz Kafka in places that may be Prague and New York. In
attempting to answer the question whether it is possible to become intimate with cities, we have recourse to city guides, life maps, a touring theatre – and the art of losing and finding.
„Varla er til ófrýniligri sjón...“
Authors: Lerner Marion
Published: January 2019

This article examines Tómas Sæmundsson’s travel writings from his tour of Europe in the early nineteenth century. Sæmundsson visited various cities and then wrote his Ferðabók, along with a detailed introduction and several letters written to family and friends. These travel writings are examined to reveal how Sæmundsson express-es himself about the European cities he visited. How does he present these cities to his nineteenth-century Icelandic readers? How does he attempt to explain the role of the city and describe daily life in the cities? What sort of imagery does he employ to stimulate his readers’ interest and imagination?As the study demonstrates, Sæmundsson’s writings contain various observations on what characterized the cities he visited, what he found fascinating, and what he found repugnant. He was unafraid to pass aesthetic judgement on the different places and neighborhoods and to declare them to be beautiful or ugly. As a result of the article’s analysis and systematic exposition of Sæmundsson’s evaluations, it becomes evident that the young Icelandic academic had already acquired some basic knowledge of urban planning, and that he was brave enough to envision a possible layout for Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik.
Óræð inngrip og pólitísk orðræða í borginni
Authors: Sigurjónsdóttir Æsa
Published: January 2019

In this article I discuss how various collective art projects involving artists and curators using the city as an exhibition site have transformed artistic discourse in Iceland. Chantal Mouffe´s conception of public space as a battleground and art practices as agnostic interventions into this space raise questions about the branding and commodification of art and cultural institutions. Mouffe believes that despite the unrestrained commercial control of the urban landscape, artists still have the possibility of intervening in the political and economic status quo. Employing Mouffe´s analyses as a guiding principle, the study confirms that the permanent value of art in public spaces need not be limited to individual artists’ form, style or content, but may be capable of mobilizing political, critical and artistic discussions within the urban community.
Líkami drengsins sem aldrei var til
Authors: Kristinsdóttir Kristín María
Published: January 2019

Moonstone: The Boy Who Never Was (Mánasteinn: Drengurinn sem aldrei var til, 2013) by Sjón tells of three eventful months in the life of Máni Steinn in the fall of 1918. In this short period the volcano Katla erupts, the Spanish flu rages and Iceland regains its sovereignty from Denmark. Building on Judith Butler’s, Mary Douglas’s and Michel Foucault’s theories regarding the body as a cultural construct, this article focuses on body discourse as presented in Moonstone. According to Douglas there is a direct link between boundaries of the body and boundaries of society. Everything that endangers the stability of society’s boundaries is considered social pollution. Foucault’s theory on panopticism likewise identifies surveillance and discipline of citizens’ bodies as means of maintaining society’s social structure. Because Máni Steinn is queer, his body is considered abnormal according to the period’s definitions on what constitutes a healthy and stable body. Aberrations from the „healthy“, heterosexual body creates divergence within society's fabric. To regain the appearance of a „pure“ society Máni needs to be hidden or banished from it. Yet the arrival of the Spanish flu to Reykjavík deconstructs conventional definition of the body and unravels the social hierarchy. The distinction between the healthy and the infected is obliterated, as the body becomes a site where irreconcilable opposites merge. During the turmoil of the Spanish flu boundaries of the body become as unstable as society's boundaries become fluent.
Ó, borg mín, borg
Authors: Garðarsdóttir Hólmfríður
Published: January 2019

Einn þekktasti lofsöngur um höfuðborg Íslands, Reykjavík, er án efa kvæðið „Ó borg, mín borg“, eftir Vilhjálm frá Skáholti, sem Haukur Morthens gerði ódauðlegt um miðja síðustu öld. Til að veita því fjölmenningarlega samfélagi sem nú blómstrar á Íslandi tækifæri til að kynnast merkingu kvæðisins var ráðist í að þýða fyrsta erindi þess á ýmis tungumál. Kvæðið birtist fyrst á íslensku og því næst þýðingar þess á átta tungumálum – þar með talið íslenska táknmálinu.