bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Five-year patient outcomes with risperidone long-acting injection or oral aripiprazole
Authors: Deslandes Paul Nicholas , Dwivedi Matthew , Sewell Robert D. E.
Published: May 2015

Background:

This study examined 5-year outcomes of patients prescribed risperidone long-acting injection (RLAI) or aripiprazole in a clinical setting, using treatment discontinuation as a measure of effectiveness.

Method:

Patients who received RLAI or aripiprazole in the 18 months following their respective UK launches were included. Two-year outcome data were previously reported for these cohorts; this study reported an additional 3 years of follow up for each group. Data were collected from pharmacy records and by retrospective case note review. Patients were classified as continuers or discontinuers at 5 years and reasons for treatment discontinuation noted.

Results:

The number of patients remaining on treatment at 2 years (and included in this study) was 28/84 and 27/92 for RLAI and aripiprazole respectively. Two patients treated with RLAI and three treated with aripiprazole were lost to follow up. Therefore, 5-year outcome data were available for 50 patients. Fifteen patients from each group were continuers at 5 years. Of these, four receiving RLAI and three receiving aripiprazole were coprescribed other antipsychotics at study endpoint. Reasons for discontinuation of RLAI and aripiprazole respectively were lack of effect ( n = 4; n = 4), adverse effects ( n = 3; n = 1), noncompliance or patient choice ( n = 2; n = 4) and patient death ( n = 2; n = 0).

Conclusion:

There was no significant difference between the proportions of patients continuing RLAI or aripiprazole for 5 years. Continuation rates were relatively low (18% and 16% of the original RLAI and aripiprazole cohorts respectively), whilst coprescription of other antipsychotics at endpoint was relatively common. Lack of effectiveness was the most common reason for discontinuation of both compounds. These findings suggested that clinical effectiveness was somewhat disappointing, although the long period of follow up and number of patients previously treated with clozapine in the original cohorts were confounding factors.
Efficacy of Blood Flow-Restricted Low-Load Resistance Training For Quadriceps Strengthening in Men at Risk of Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Segal Neil , Davis Maria D. , Mikesky Alan E.
Published: May 2015

Background:

Greater quadriceps strength has been associated with lower risk of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA) in older adults. However, factors that confer elevated risk of knee OA (eg, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and knee injury) also contribute to a reduced tolerance of resistance training programs at ≥60% 1-repetition maximum (1RM). Therefore, the current study assessed whether concurrent application of blood flow restriction (BFR) to low-load resistance training is an efficacious and tolerable means of improving quadriceps strength in men at risk of symptomatic knee OA.

Methods:

Men older than age 45, with a history of knee injury or elevated body mass index (BMI), were randomized to low-load resistance training (30% 1RM) either with or without concurrent BFR. Isotonic double-leg press strength and isokinetic knee extensor strength were assessed before and after 4 weeks of training 3 times/wk. Knee pain (Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score) was assessed for tolerance.

Results:

Of the 42 men (mean age 56.1 ± 7.7 years) who were randomized, 41 completed the program. There were no significant intergroup differences in age, BMI, knee pathology, or muscle strength at baseline. Although leg press 1RM improved in both control and BFR groups, there were no significant intergroup differences in primary or secondary measures of muscle strength. The BFR was not associated with worsening of knee pain, but there was a significant improvement in knee pain in the control group.

Conclusions:

In comparison with training without BFR, addition of BFR to 30% 1RM resistance training for 4 weeks did not confer significantly greater increases in leg press or quadriceps strength in older men with risk factors for symptomatic knee OA.
Willingness to Record Police-Public Encounters
Authors: Farmer Ashley K. , Sun Ivan Y. , Starks Brian Chad
Published: May 2015

Although using personal electronic devices to record police–public encounters has surfaced as an important social phenomenon that could potentially shape public perceptions of the police and police–community relations, very little research has investigated factors affecting people’s willingness to record the police. Using survey data collected from two universities, this study assessed whether race/ethnicity and social and legal consciousness influence college students’ inclination to record public interactions with the police. Results indicated that minority students and those who believed that recording served social justice, had a deterrent effect on the police, and was legally justified were more likely to engage in such behavior. Past recording experience and negative encounters with the police also led to higher levels of willingness to record police activity. Implications for policy and future research are discussed.
Studying Race and Religion
Authors: Emerson Michael O. , Korver-Glenn Elizabeth , Douds Kiara W.
Published: May 2015

The authors provide an analytical review of the past 115 years of scholarship on race, ethnicity, and religion. Too often work in the study of race and ethnicity has not taken the influence of religion seriously enough, with the consequence being an incomplete understanding of racialization, racial and ethnic identity, and racial inequality. The authors examine key works in the field; conduct an assessment of articles published on race, ethnicity, and religion in six journals over a five-year period; and outline where scholarship should head in future years. Most notably, until the mutual influences of race, ethnicity and religion are better understood, the power of each is underestimated.
A Pilot Study to Assess Patient Adherence to New Chronic Medications Following the Use of a Novel Adherence Tool and Individualized Counseling
Authors: Treadway Sarah A. , Helmer Robert S. , Farland Michelle Z. , Ray Shaunta M.
Published: May 2015

Background: Medication nonadherence leads to an increase in morbidity and mortality. In the United States, it results in an annual estimated cost of $290 billion in patients with chronic diseases. Several adherence screening tools are available for use, but none have been adopted for widespread use. Objective: Examine the impact of using a novel 3-item adherence tool (The Adherence Estimator) and individualized patient counseling on medication adherence, as determined by rate of initial prescription fill. Methods: This prospective, descriptive study enrolled patients discharged home from an inpatient adult family medicine service who received a prescription for at least one new chronic medication. Patients completed the Adherence Estimator survey for each new medication prescribed. All patients received counseling from a pharmacist or student pharmacist. Date of initial fill was determined by contacting the dispensing pharmacy. Results: The survey was completed for 79 medications. The rate of first fill for medications identified as low, medium, and high risk for nonadherence was 76.5% (n = 28), 71.4% (n = 20), and 94% (n = 17), respectively. Conclusions: The brevity of The Adherence Estimator and the ease of scoring allow the possibility of adoption for widespread clinical use. The survey permits immediate results that allow the clinician to tailor medication counseling toward the 3 most common predictors of nonadherence. The rate of first fill for medications classified as high risk was improved following administration of the tool and targeted medication counseling, 94% in our population compared to predicted probability of adherence of <32%. Several factors, including targeted counseling or study/tool limitations, could account for these results. Consideration should be given to revising the statements in the tool to a lower reading level. This screening tool provides significant advantages over available tools; however, further research is needed to determine the most appropriate population and setting for use of this tool.
The Production of Quality Choral Performance
Authors: Rolsten Kathy
Published: May 2015

This review of literature is a synthesis of research surrounding the production of superior choral performance. Findings described in this review suggest director characteristics, rehearsal techniques, singer behaviors, and auxiliary supports that are important to, or common in, the creation of meritorious performance. Effects of instructional methodologies on performance achievement and differences among directors of exceptional choirs are also presented. Although replication of the studies synthesized in this review is necessary for a more complete understanding of how quality performance is produced, music educators may want to compare and contrast their personal characteristics and rehearsal techniques with those of the directors of outstanding performance described in this review. Suggestions for future research are included.
French multicentric validation ofALKrearrangement diagnostic in 547 lung adenocarcinomas
Authors: Lantuejoul Sylvie , Rouquette Isabelle , Blons Hélène , Le Stang Nolwenn , Ilie Marius , Begueret Hugues , Grégoire Valerie , Hofman Paul , Gros Audrey , Garcia Stephane , Monhoven Nathalie , Devouassoux-Shisheboran Mojgan , Mansuet-Lupo Audrey , Thivolet Françoise , Antoine Martine , Vignaud Jean-Michel , Penault-Llorca Frederique , Galateau-Sallé Françoise , McLeer-Florin Anne
Published: May 2015

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene rearrangements in lung adenocarcinoma result in kinase activity targetable by crizotinib. Although fluorescencein situhybridisation (FISH) is the reference diagnostic technique, immunohistochemistry (IHC) could be useful for pre-screening.

Diagnostic yields ofALKIHC, FISH and quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR performed in 14 French pathology/molecular genetics platforms were compared. 547 lung adenocarcinoma specimens were analysed using 5A4 and D5F3 antibodies, two break-apart FISH probes and TaqMan kits. Clinicopathological data were recorded.

140 tumours wereALKrearranged (FISH with ≥15% of rearranged cells) and 400 wereALKFISH negative (<15%). FISH was not interpretable for seven cases.ALKpatients were young (p=0.003), mostly females (p=0.007) and light/nonsmokers (p<0.0001). 13 cases were IHC negative but FISH ≥15%, including six cases with FISH between 15% and 20%; eight were IHC positive with FISH between 10% and 14%. Sensitivity and specificity for 5A4 and D5F3 were 87% and 92%, and 89% and 76%, respectively. False-negative IHC, observed in 2.4% of cases, dropped to 1.3% for FISH >20%. Variants were undetected in 36% ofALKtumours.

Discordances predominated with FISH ranging from 10% to 20% of rearranged cells and were centre dependent. IHC remains a reliable pre-screening method forALKrearrangement detection.
Sildenafil in a cigarette smoke-induced model of COPD in the guinea-pig
Authors: Domínguez-Fandos David , Valdés César , Ferrer Elisabet , Puig-Pey Raquel , Blanco Isabel , Tura-Ceide Olga , Paul Tanja , Peinado Víctor I. , Barberà Joan A.
Published: May 2015

Sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor used to treat pulmonary hypertension, may have effects on pulmonary vessel structure and function. We evaluated the effects of sildenafil in a cigarette smoke (CS)-exposed model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

42 guinea-pigs were exposed to cigarette smoke or sham-exposed and treated with sildenafil or vehicle for 12 weeks, divided into four groups. Assessments included respiratory resistance, pulmonary artery pressure (PAP), right ventricle (RV) hypertrophy, endothelial function of the pulmonary artery and lung vessel and parenchymal morphometry.

CS-exposed animals showed increased PAP, RV hypertrophy, raised respiratory resistance, airspace enlargement and intrapulmonary vessel remodelling. CS exposure also produced wall thickening, increased contractility and endothelial dysfunction in the main pulmonary artery. CS-exposed animals treated with sildenafil showed lower PAP and a trend to less RV hypertrophy than CS-exposed only animals. Furthermore, sildenafil preserved the intrapulmonary vessel density and attenuated the airspace enlargement induced by CS. No differences in gas exchange, respiratory resistance, endothelial function and vessel remodelling were observed.

We conclude that in this experimental model of COPD, sildenafil prevents the development of pulmonary hypertension and contributes to preserve the parenchymal and vascular integrity, reinforcing the notion that the nitric oxide–cyclic guanosine monophosphate axis is perturbed by CS exposure.
Preclinical validation and imaging of Wnt-induced repair in human 3D lung tissue cultures
Authors: Uhl Franziska E. , Vierkotten Sarah , Wagner Darcy E. , Burgstaller Gerald , Costa Rita , Koch Ina , Lindner Michael , Meiners Silke , Eickelberg Oliver , Königshoff Melanie
Published: May 2015

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterised by a progressive loss of lung tissue. Inducing repair processes within the adult diseased lung is of major interest and Wnt/β-catenin signalling represents a promising target for lung repair. However, the translation of novel therapeutic targets from model systems into clinical use remains a major challenge.

We generated murine and patient-derived three-dimensional (3D)ex vivolung tissue cultures (LTCs), which closely mimic the 3D lung microenvironmentin vivo.Using two well-known glycogen synthase kinase-3β inhibitors, lithium chloride (LiCl) and CHIR 99021 (CT), we determined Wnt/β-catenin-driven lung repair processes in high spatiotemporal resolution using quantitative PCR, Western blotting, ELISA, (immuno)histological assessment, and four-dimensional confocal live tissue imaging.

Viable 3D-LTCs exhibited preserved lung structure and function for up to 5 days. We demonstrate successful Wnt/β-catenin signal activation in murine and patient-derived 3D-LTCs from COPD patients. Wnt/β-catenin signalling led to increased alveolar epithelial cell marker expression, decreased matrix metalloproteinase-12 expression, as well as altered macrophage activity and elastin remodelling. Importantly, induction of surfactant protein C significantly correlated with disease stage (per cent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s) in patient-derived 3D-LTCs.

Patient-derived 3D-LTCs represent a valuable tool to analyse potential targets and drugs for lung repair. Enhanced Wnt/β-catenin signalling attenuated pathological features of patient-derived COPD 3D-LTCs.
Coeliac disease and asthma association in children: the role of antibiotic consumption
Authors: Canova Cristina , Pitter Gisella , Ludvigsson Jonas F. , Romor Pierantonio , Zanier Loris , Zanotti Renzo , Simonato Lorenzo
Published: May 2015

The relationship between coeliac disease and asthma has been scarcely investigated. Infant antibiotic exposure has been linked to both diseases. We evaluated the association between childhood coeliac disease and asthma and the role of antibiotics in the first year of life.

We followed a cohort of children born in 1995–2011 in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region (Italy). Prescriptions for antibiotics in the first year of life and subsequent treated asthma were retrieved from drug prescription records; coeliac disease incident cases were identified from pathology reports, hospital discharges and exemption from prescription charges for clinical tests. We estimated incidence rate ratios (IRRs) using multivariate Poisson regression models.

Among the 143 144 children, we identified 717 coeliac children and 34 969 asthmatics. Children with asthma were at increased risk of coeliac disease (IRR 1.46, 95% CI 1.25–1.67). Restricting the analysis to asthma that occurred before the diagnosis of coeliac disease, the excess risk disappeared, except for coeliac disease diagnosed after 5 years of age (IRR 1.37, 95% CI 1.09–1.71). Antibiotics were not a confounding factor in these associations.

Childhood treated asthma and coeliac disease are significantly associated. This association is not confounded by antibiotic exposure in the first year of life and may be explained by other shared risk factors.
Matrix metalloproteinase activation by free neutrophil elastase contributes to bronchiectasis progression in early cystic fibrosis
Authors: Garratt Luke W. , Sutanto Erika N. , Ling Kak-Ming , Looi Kevin , Iosifidis Thomas , Martinovich Kelly M. , Shaw Nicole C. , Kicic-Starcevich Elizabeth , Knight Darryl A. , Ranganathan Sarath , Stick Stephen M. , Kicic Anthony
Published: May 2015

Neutrophil elastase is the most significant predictor of bronchiectasis in early-life cystic fibrosis; however, the causal link between neutrophil elastase and airway damage is not well understood. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a crucial role in extracellular matrix modelling and are activated by neutrophil elastase. The aim of this study was to assess if MMP activation positively correlates with neutrophil elastase activity, disease severity and bronchiectasis in young children with cystic fibrosis.

Total MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-7, MMP-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-2 and TIMP-1 levels were measured in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid collected from young children with cystic fibrosis during annual clinical assessment. Active/pro-enzyme ratio of MMP-9 was determined by gelatin zymography. Annual chest computed tomography imaging was scored for bronchiectasis.

A higher MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio was associated with free neutrophil elastase activity. In contrast, MMP-2/TIMP-2 ratio decreased and MMP-1 and MMP-7 were not detected in the majority of samples. Ratio of active/pro-enzyme MMP-9 was also higher in the presence of free neutrophil elastase activity, but not infection. Across the study cohort, both MMP-9/TIMP-1 and active MMP-9 were associated with progression of bronchiectasis.

Both MMP-9/TIMP-1 and active MMP-9 increased with free neutrophil elastase and were associated with bronchiectasis, further demonstrating that free neutrophil elastase activity should be considered an important precursor to cystic fibrosis structural disease.
Effectiveness of infliximab in refractory FDG PET-positive sarcoidosis
Authors: Vorselaars Adriane D.M. , Crommelin Heleen A. , Deneer Vera H.M. , Meek Bob , Claessen Anke M.E. , Keijsers Ruth G.M. , van Moorsel Coline H.M. , Grutters Jan C.
Published: May 2015

Inconclusive evidence for the efficacy of infliximab in sarcoidosis hinders the global use of this potentially beneficial drug. To study infliximab efficacy in a clinical setting, we performed a prospective open-label trial in patients refractory to conventional treatment.

Patients (n=56) received eight infusions of 5 mg·kg-1infliximab. Pulmonary function, disease activity measured by18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) by positron emission tomography (PET) and quality of life were part of the clinical work-up. Infliximab levels were measured before every infusion.

After 26 weeks of infliximab treatment, mean improvement in forced vital capacity (FVC) was 6.6% predicted (p=0.0007), whereas in the 6 months before start of treatment, lung function decreased. Maximum standardised uptake value (SUVmax) of pulmonary parenchyma on18F-FDG PET decreased by 3.93 (p<0.0001). High SUVmaxof pulmonary parenchyma at baseline predicted FVC improvement (R=0.62, p=0.0004). An overall beneficial response was seen in 79% of patients and a partial response was seen in 17% of patients. No correlation between infliximab trough level (mean 18.0 µg·mL-1) and initial response was found.

In conclusion, infliximab causes significant improvement in FVC in refractory18F-FDG PET positive sarcoidosis. Especially in pulmonary disease, high18F-FDG PET SUVmaxvalues at treatment initiation predict clinically relevant lung function improvement. These results suggest that inclusion of18F-FDG PET is useful in therapeutic decision-making in complex sarcoidosis.
Therapeutic management of ALK+nonsmall cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Duchemann Boris , Friboulet Luc , Besse Benjamin
Published: May 2015

With therapeutic approaches based on oncogene addiction offering significant anticancer benefit, the identification of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangements is a key aspect of the management of lung cancers. TheEML4-ALKgene fusion is detected in 4–8% of all lung cancers, predominantly in light smokers or nonsmokers. Crizotinib, the first agent to be approved in this indication, is associated with a median progression-free survival of 10.9 months when given as first-line treatment and 7.7 months when administered after chemotherapy. Median overall survival with crizotinib in the second-line setting is 20.3 months. Second-generation ALK inhibitors are currently being evaluated, with early studies giving impressive results, notably in patients resistant to crizotinib or with brain metastases. Among available chemotherapies, pemetrexed appears to be particularly active in this population. Despite this progress, several questions remain unanswered. What detection strategies should be favoured? What underlies the mechanisms of resistance and what options are available to overcome them? What are the best approaches for progressing patients? This review provides an overview of current data in the literature and addresses these questions.
A note on some fundamental results in complete gauge spaces and application
Authors: Jleli Mohamed , Samet Bessem , Vetro Calogero , Vetro Francesca
Published: April 2015

We discuss the extension of some fundamental results in nonlinear analysis to the setting of gauge spaces. In particular, we establish Ekeland type and Caristi type results under suitable hypotheses for mappings and cyclic mappings. Our theorems generalize and complement some analogous results in the literature, also in the sense of ordered sets and oriented graphs. We apply our results to establishing the existence of solution to a second order nonlinear initial value problem.
Comparison of mechanical and manual bone marrow puncture needle for intraosseous access; a randomized simulation trial
Authors: Ohchi Fumihiro , Komasawa Nobuyasu , Mihara Ryosuke , Minami Toshiaki
Published: May 2015

Background

During resuscitation, when it is difficult or impossible to establish peripheral venous access, intraosseous route (IO) is considered as an alternative to a central venous line. However, it is sometimes difficult for obtain IO access with conventional manual bone puncture needle. Recently, powered mechanical bone marrow needle was developed. We compared the performance of the manual and mechanical bone marrow puncture needle for adult, child and infant simulation.

Methods

22 anesthesiologists, who has never used bone marrow puncture needle, performed manual (Dickman™, Cook Medical) or mechanical (EZ-IO™, Teleflex) bone marrow puncture to simulated adult, child and infant tibia. Puncture success rate, insertion time, and subjective difficulty utilizing visual analogue scale was assessed.

Results

In adult settings, with the manual bone marrow needle, only 3 of 22 participants could succeed in the IO route keep, while all participants did in the mechanical bone marrow puncture needle (P < 0.001). In child and infant settings, all trials were successful in both manual and mechanical bone marrow puncture needles (P = 1.00). In adult simulations, IO insertion took significantly longer with manual bone marrow puncture (54.8 ± 15.8 s) than without compressions (3.7 ± 2.1 s; P < 0.001). In child and infant simulations, the IO insertion time was significantly smaller in mechanical trials than in manual ones (child simulation; manual 9.3 ± 4.6 s, mechanical 2.2 ± 0.8 s, P < 0.001, infant simulation; manual 2.0 ± 1.1 s, mechanical 1.5 ± 0.8 s, P = 0.003).

Although the VAS score was not significantly higher with manual trials than in mechanical trials among the three simulations (adult simulation, P < 0.001, child simulation, P < 0.001, infant simulation P = 0.006).

Conclusions

We conclude that in simulations managed by anesthesiologists who had no clinical experiences with bone marrow puncture, the mechanical bone puncture needle performed better than the manual one for emergency IO route access.
Modelling of aflatoxin G1 reduction by kefir grain using response surface methodology
Authors: Ansari Farzaneh , Khodaiyan Faramarz , Rezaei Karamatollah , Rahmani Anosheh
Published: May 2015

Aflatoxin G1 (AFG1) is one of the main toxic contaminants in pistachio nuts and causes potential health hazards. Hence, AFG1 reduction is one of the main concerns in food safety. Kefir-grains contain symbiotic association of microorganisms well known for their aflatoxin decontamination effects. In this study, a central composite design (CCD) using response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to develop a model in order to predict AFG1 reduction in pistachio nuts by kefir-grain (already heated at 70 and 110°C). The independent variables were: toxin concentration (X1: 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 ng/g), kefir-grain level (X2: 5, 10, 20, 10 and 25%), contact time (X3: 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 h), and incubation temperature (X4: 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60°C). There was a significant reduction in AFG1 (p < 0.05) when pre-heat-treated kefir-grain used. The variables including X1, X3 and the interactions between X2-X4 as well as X3-X4 have significant effects on AFG1 reduction. The model provided a good prediction of AFG1 reduction under the assay conditions. Optimization was used to enhance the efficiency of kefir-grain on AFG1 reduction. The optimum conditions for the highest AFG1 reduction (96.8%) were predicted by the model as follows: toxin concentration = 20 ng/g, kefir-grain level = 10%, contact time = 6 h, and incubation temperature = 30°C which validated practically in six replications.
Role of Vascular Function in Predicting Arteriovenous Fistula Outcomes: An Observational Pilot Study
Authors: MacRae Jennifer M , Ahmed Sofia , Hemmelgarn Brenda , Sun Yichun , Martin Billie-Jean , Roifman Idan , Anderson Todd
Published: April 2015

Background:

Many arteriovenous fistula (AVF) fail prior to use due to lack of maturation or thrombosis. Determining vascular function prior to surgery may be helpful to predict subsequent AVF success. This is a feasibility study to describe the vascular function in a cohort of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients who are awaiting AVF creation.

Methods:

A prospective cohort of 28 CKD patients expected to progress to HD underwent arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity, PWV) and endothelial function testing (flow mediated dilation FMD, and peripheral arterial tonometry, PAT) one week prior to AVF creation. AVF success was defined as maintaining patency and achieving maturation. Post operative fistula assessment at 8 weeks evaluated maturation (clinical assessment of adequate fistula flowand ultrasound diameter ≥ 0.5 cm).

Results:

The median age 72 years (62 – 78), 75% males, eGFR 15 ml/min/1.73 m2 (12 – 18). 20 (71%) patients had successful AVF surgery with a mature AVF at 8 weeks. Patients with AVF success had higher mean PAT values 1.87 ± 0.52 than those with failed AVF 1.41 ± 0.24 p = 0.03.

Conclusions:

Microvascular endothelial function as measured using PAT may be useful as a predictor of AVF maturation and function. This simple non invasive marker of vascular function may be a useful tool to predict AVF outcomes.
Biliary Tract Cancers: Understudied and Poorly Understood
Authors: Chan Emily , Berlin Jordan
Published: April 2015

Biliary tract cancers are a heterogeneous group of cancers that arise in either the intra- or extrahepatic bile ducts or the gallbladder. Local therapy with surgical resection and perhaps radiation therapy is used for localized disease. There is no known effective adjuvant therapy, although various combinations have been used clinically without definitive data showing a benefit. The most standard chemotherapy for metastatic disease is gemcitabine plus cisplatin based on a single positive randomized trial. Genetic mutations that may lead to better, targeted therapy choices are being identified, albeit with variable frequency. Early studies of targeted agents have been negative, but these were in unselected patients where it was unknown whether the target was activated in any individual patient. Careful selection of patients enrolling onto trials of targeted agents will make the subsets of biliary tract cancers even smaller but is likely necessary to improve outcomes from these deadly diseases.
Screening in GI Cancers: The Role of Genetics
Authors: Stoffel Elena M.
Published: April 2015

Genetic and epigenetic alterations identified in tumors of different cancer types can provide insights regarding the roles played by different cell signaling pathways in carcinogenesis. Somatic mutation profiles of GI tumors are used to guide choice of chemotherapy and can facilitate identification of individuals whose cancers arise in the setting of genetic predisposition. This review provides a framework for how clinical history, family history of cancer, and tumor genomic phenotype can be used to screen patients with colorectal, gastric, or pancreatic cancer for hereditary cancer syndromes. Early identification of individuals who carry germline mutations can affect clinical care not only for patients with cancer but also for their at-risk relatives.
Rabphilin-3A as a Targeted Autoantigen in Lymphocytic Infundibulo-neurohypophysitis
Authors: Iwama Shintaro , Sugimura Yoshihisa , Kiyota Atsushi , Kato Takuya , Enomoto Atsushi , Suzuki Haruyuki , Iwata Naoko , Takeuchi Seiji , Nakashima Kohtaro , Takagi Hiroshi , Izumida Hisakazu , Ochiai Hiroshi , Fujisawa Haruki , Suga Hidetaka , Arima Hiroshi , Shimoyama Yoshie , Takahashi Masahide , Nishioka Hiroshi , Ishikawa San-e , Shimatsu Akira , Caturegli Patrizio , Oiso Yutaka
Published: April 2015

Context:

Central diabetes insipidus (CDI) can be caused by several diseases, but in about half of the patients the etiological diagnosis remains unknown. Lymphocytic infundibulo-neurohypophysitis (LINH) is an increasingly recognized entity among cases of idiopathic CDI; however, the differential diagnosis from other pituitary diseases including tumors can be difficult because of similar clinical and radiological manifestations. The definite diagnosis of LINH requires invasive pituitary biopsy.

Objective:

The study was designed to identify the autoantigen(s) in LINH and thus develop a diagnostic test based on serum autoantibodies.

Design:

Rat posterior pituitary lysate was immunoprecipitated with IgGs purified from the sera of patients with LINH or control subjects. The immunoprecipitates were subjected to liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to screen for pituitary autoantigens of LINH. Subsequently, we made recombinant proteins of candidate autoantigens and analyzed autoantibodies in serum by Western blotting.

Results:

Rabphilin-3A proved to be the most diagnostically useful autoantigen. Anti-rabphilin-3A antibodies were detected in 22 of the 29 (76%) patients (including 4 of the 4 biopsy-proven samples) with LINH and 2 of 18 (11.1%) patients with biopsy-proven lymphocytic adeno-hypophysitis. In contrast, these antibodies were absent in patients with biopsy-proven sellar/suprasellar masses without lymphocytic hypophysitis (n = 34), including 18 patients with CDI. Rabphilin-3A was expressed in posterior pituitary and hypothalamic vasopressin neurons but not anterior pituitary.

Conclusions:

These results suggest that rabphilin-3A is a major autoantigen in LINH. Autoantibodies to rabphilin-3A may serve as a biomarker for the diagnosis of LINH and be useful for the differential diagnosis in patients with CDI.
Cultural Difference in George Macartney’s An Embassy to China, 1792–94
Authors: Clingham Greg
Published: April 2015

Sir George Macartney’s British embassy to the court of the Qiánlóng emperor in 1792-94 was a political and commercial failure. This essay seeks to think critically about Macartney’s failure as it pertains to his journal—the posthumously published Journal of an Embassy from the King of Great Britain to the Emperor of China in the Years 1792, 1793, and 1794 (1807)—and its imaginative engagement with Chinese culture. While Macartney’s narrative partakes of formal and aesthetic qualities associated with travel writing from the Grand Tour and with scientific exploration, it cannot wholly be identified with either. Instead, Macartney adopts a skeptical, self-conscious position with regard to his diplomatic and intellectual limitations in dealing with the Qing. Critical analysis of his narrative’s literary qualities, as well as manuscripts in the Charles W. Wason Collection at Cornell University, enable an appreciation of the sophistication and deliberateness of Macartney’s narrative. Thus, I argue that Macartney’s “failure” is predicated on his understanding and exploration of cultural difference—his narrative opens a space that brings British and Chinese representatives together while also revealing differences between the two cultures. To illuminate that rich yet liminal cultural space in Macartney’s narrative, I draw on a parallel moment in Sino-British cultural relations in the years leading up to the Opium wars—George Chinnery’s painting, Rev. Morrison Translating the Bible in to Chinese (1829). Reading Macartney’s narrative through the lens of Chinnery’s painting, a work that also represents a relationship between the two cultures, brings out the distinctive tone and historiographical understanding of Macartney’s An Embassy to China, 1792-94.
“Disengaging from the Muslim Spirit”
Authors: Drucker Peter
Published: May 2015

The project of the French Alliance Israélite Universelle (AIU) in Morocco in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries—to win social and political equality for Jews through European enlightenment—was intertwined with the French imperial project. Moroccan Jewish women were assigned, as mothers and wives, a special role in the AIU’s efforts: to help Jewish boys and men pursue commercial or professional careers in French-dominated society. The AIU schools set out to win Moroccan Jews away from despised Muslim gender and sexual norms by Europeanizing Jews’ marriage patterns and family forms, combating prostitution, eliminating women’s traditional head coverings, and reining in what the AIU saw as men’s promiscuity and homosexual tendencies. Ultimately, the AIU helped further estrange Moroccan Jews from Muslims but failed to secure Moroccan Jews’ smooth integration into French secular culture. Moroccan Jews in Israel today, faced with persistent discrimination, largely cling to religiously based, conservative gender norms.
Impact of Alkyl Side Chains on Thin-film Transistor Performances in Phenanthrodithiophene–Isoindigo Copolymers
Authors: Nishinaga Shuhei , Mori Hiroki , Nishihara Yasushi
Published: April 2015

Organic field-effect transistor (OFET) characteristics of phenanthrodithiophene (PDT)–isoindigo (IID) copolymers with different alkyl chains (12OD and BOBO) as an active layer, and their structure–property relationships are described. The fabricated 12OD-based OFET device exhibited hole mobility of 0.16 cm2 V−1 s−1. Grazing-incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering (GIWAXS) analysis revealed that 12OD formed highly ordered edge-on structure, whereas the BOBO film showed amorphous-like structure with no obvious π-stacking crystallites. This may be attributed to a large steric hindrance of branched side chains in the BOBO polymer, which suppresses effective π–π overlaps between the adjacent polymer backbones.
Affiliation and Entry in First-Price Auctions with Heterogeneous Bidders: An Analysis of Merger Effects
Authors: Li Tong , Zhang Bingyu
Published: April 2015

We study the effects of mergers in timber sale auctions in Oregon. We propose an entry and bidding model within the affiliated private value (APV) framework and with heterogeneous bidders, and establish existence of the entry equilibrium and existence and uniqueness of the bidding equilibrium when the joint distribution of private values belongs to the class of Archimedean copulas. We estimate the resulting structural model, and study merger effects through counterfactual analyses using the structural estimates. We evaluate how merger effects depend on affiliation, entry, and the auction mechanism and find that the seller may benefit from some mergers. (JEL C57, D44, G34, L11, L73)
Becoming the Neighbor Bidder: Endogenous Winner’s Curse in Dynamic Mechanisms
Authors: Francetich Alejandro
Published: April 2015

This paper addresses the problem of sequentially allocating time-sensitive goods, or one-period leases on a durable good, among agents who compete through time and learn about the common component of their valuation privately through experience. I show that efficiency is unattainable, and I identify simple variations of sequential second-price or English auctions that implement the second best and the revenue-maximizing auctions. When the units are divisible, I identify the corresponding auctions that allow for double sourcing. (JEL D44, D82)
How difficult is the validation of clinical biomarkers?
Authors: Voskuil Jan
Published: April 2015

Recent developments of introducing stratified medicine/personal health care have led to an increased demand for specific biomarkers. However, despite the myriads of biomarkers claimed to be fit for all sorts of diseases and applications, the scientific integrity of the claims and therefore their credibility is far from satisfactory. Biomarker databases are met with scepticism. The reasons for this lack of faith come from different directions: lack of integrity of the biospecimen and meta-analysis of data derived from biospecimen prepared in various ways cause incoherence and false indications. Although the trend for antibody-independent assays is on the rise, demand for consistent performance of antibodies (both in choice of antibody and how to apply it in the correct dilution where applicable) in immune assays remains unmet in too many cases. Quantitative assays suffer from a lack of world-wide accepted criteria when the immune assay is not ELISA-based. Finally, statistical analysis suffer from coherence both in the way software packages are being scrutinized for mistakes in the script and remaining invisible after small-scale analysis, and in the way appropriate queries are fed into the packages in search for output that is fit for the types of data put in. Wrong queries would lead to wrong statistical conclusions, for example when data from a cohort of patients with different backgrounds are being analysed, or when one seeks an answer from software that was not designed for such query.
Antennal morphology in the family Dolichopodidae (Diptera)
Authors: Negrobov Oleg P. , Chursina Mariya A. , Selivanova Olga V.
Published: May 2015

Nine hundred eighty species belonging to 182 genera of 15 subfamilies of the family Dolichopodidae were investigated to study antennal morphology. Length measurements of scape, pedicel, postpedicel and arista and height measurements of postpedicel bases were performed, and 4 ratios were selected. Use of morphometric characteristics of Dolichopodidae antennae allows meaningful distinctions between subfamilies to be made. Using these criteria, a cladistic tree of Dolichopodidae subfamilies was built.
Enabling others in social work: reflexivity and the theory of social domains
Authors: Houston Stan
Published: May 2015

This article sets out a framework to structure reflexivity in social work practice. It comprises five domains that impact on the individual and social life, namely (a) psychobiography – referring to a person’s unique experience throughout the lifecourse; (b) situated activity – highlighting the impact of everyday social interaction; (c) social settings – addressing the role of organisations in social life; (d) culture – covering the influence of attitudes, beliefs, tastes and ideas on symbolic meaning; and (e) politico-economy – alluding to the ramifications of political and economic forces on people’s lives. It is contended that power circulates throughout each domain as an enabling and constraining force. The article then outlines a process for using the reflexive framework in ‘enabling’ activities such as practice learning, supervision, mentoring and coaching. By applying the framework in these contexts, it is argued that social workers can reflect critically on their role and develop emancipatory forms of practice.
Détournement as optic: Debord, derisory documents and the aerial view
Authors: Stob Jennifer
Published: April 2015

For Situationist, theorist and film-maker Guy Debord, the aerial view reproduced the falsely objective world-view he called ‘the spectacle’. To counter its myth of an infinitely expandable, omniscient perspective, Debord focused on reducing views from above to ‘derisory documents’ of the social and the environmental through détournement in the two films he made while the Situationist International was in existence. The films engage critically with aerial photography as a hegemonic mode of indexical media, with the aerial view’s application as information image and ornament, and with the formal phenomenon of ciné-mapping. This analysis suggests that the détournement Debord performs in and across these films can be best conceptualized as a critical optic that constitutes a practice of seeing, a mode of reception and a call to action in the social space beyond its aesthetic employ. As such, the optic of détournement is the contestational counterpart to the optic of the aerial view. This remains the case despite the contemporary complexity of photographic views from above and their increased abstraction of social agents and spaces. An alternative to the testimonial function of embodied photographic views, détournement as optic represents an indexical civil contract founded upon representational inadequacy.
Monacato, caballería y reconquista: Cluny y la narrativa benedictina de la guerra santa
Authors: Rodríguez de la Peña Manuel Alejandro
Published: April 2015

La narrativa cluniacense de la Reconquista no puede ser analizada sin contextualizarla primero en el marco más amplio de la narrativa benedictina de la guerra santa en el conjunto del Occidente medieval. El análisis de la cronística latina y la hagiografía de factura cluniacense ultrapirenaicas arroja nueva luz sobre el discurso político y religioso de los monjes cronistas sobre la lucha contra el Islam en la Península Ibérica de los siglos XI y XII.
Enfermedad crónica: un abordaje diferente
Authors: Ruiz Muñoz Mercedes , García Moron Nuria , Herrera Tranchez Ángeles , Pachón Molina Encarnación , Sodric López Lourdes , Vila Sanesteban Mari Ángeles
Published: April 2015

INTRODUCCIÓN: Nos hallamos en un contexto social donde los ciudadanos /pacientes cada día tienen un mayor acceso a la información, por ello en nuestro Centro de Atención Primaria nos planteamos implementar el Programa de “Paciente Experto ” que dispone de una metodología ya evaluada y garantiza la eficacia en sus resultados. La Insuficiencia Cardíaca, es un síndrome de alta prevalencia en nuestra población que provoca consecuencias negativas en la calidad de vida de quienes la padecen, por tanto los primeros grupos de formación de “Paciente Experto” han sido con personas que padecen esta enfermedad crónica.
Effects of gallium, indium, and arsenic dose biomarkers and malondialdehyde on zinc protoporphyrin and DNA fragments in optoelectronic workers
Authors: Liao Yen-Hsiung
Published: May 2015

Purpose: To investigate whether occupational exposure to gallium, indium, and arsenic may disrupt normal heme production and damage DNA by initiating the release of lipid peroxidation.Methods: 101exposed optoelectronic workers and 65 referents were tested for their whole blood and urine levels of gallium, indium, and arsenic. Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), blood zinc protophorphyrin (ZPP), and serum DNA fragments were used as indicators of toxic hazards.Results: The MDA, ZPP, and DNA fragment mean levels in the exposed workers were significantly higher than those in the referents. The levels of urine gallium in the exposed workers were significantly correlated with the levels of whole blood ZPP and serum DNA fragments respectively. MDA (the production of lipid peroxidation) may be one of the mechanisms for gallium-related DNA damage in multiple regression models. In addition, gallium was found to have a synergistic effect with arsenic on MDA level that may induce indium to damage DNA in blood cells.Conclusion: ZPP and DNA fragments can be elevated by gallium exposure, and the MDA increase due to combined exposure to gallium and arsenic may play a role in indium-induced DNA damage.
Event Driven Control of Vibratory Conveyors Operating on the Frahm's Eliminator Basis
Authors: Klemiato M. , Czubak P.
Published: April 2015

The new, original control method of the vibratory conveyor operating on the Frahm's dynamic eliminator basis, is presented in the paper. The proposed method is based on the application of the control of the feed-forward controler, together with the events detection based on the generalised likelihood ratio (GLR) algorithm. Such approach leads to the controller intervention only when it is justified by the current process situation, (e.g. in case of an essential change of the feed mass) to enable the stable machine operations and to limit transient states. The results are presented in a form of numerical simulations.
An Evaluation of the use of Laser-Vibration Melting to Increase the Surface Roughness of Metal Objects
Authors: Grabas B.
Published: April 2015

This paper presents preliminary, experimental results of a new, hybrid method of increasing the surface roughness of metal objects. In this new approach, metal objects are melted with a mobile laser beam while they are being rotated. A vibration generator provides circular vibrations with an amplitude of 3 mm, and the vibration plane is perpendicular to the moving laser beam. The melting tests were performed using flat carbon steel samples at a predetermined frequency of circular vibrations. The effects of laser power and laser beam scanning velocity on the melted shapes were studied. All laser melting procedures were performed at a vibration frequency of 105 Hz. The melted samples were subjected to microscopic evaluation and the Ra parameter, which characterises mean roughness, was measured using a profilometer. Melting metal samples with physically smooth surfaces (Ra = 0.21 µm) resulted in surface structures of varied roughness values, with Ra ranging from 5 µm to approximately 58 µm. The studies were undertaken to employ this technology for the purpose of passive heat exchange intensification of heating surfaces in practical applications.
Comparison of Four Models of Radiative Heat Transfer Between Flat Surface to Evaluate the Temperature Field Based on Example of the Continuous Casting Mould
Authors: Rywotycki M. , Malinowski Z. , Miłkowska-Piszczek K. , Gołdasz A. , Hadała B.
Published: April 2015

The paper presents the results of research concerning the influence of radiative heat transfer on the strand and mould interface. The four models for determining the heat transfer boundary conditions within the primary cooling zone for the continuous casting process of steel have been presented. A cast slab - with dimensions of 1280×220 mm - has been analysed. Models describing the heat transfer by radiation have been specified and applied in the numerical calculations. The problem has been solved by applying the finite element method and the self-developed software. The simulation results, along with their analysis, have been presented. The developed models have been verified based on the data obtained from the measurements at the industrial facility.