bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Prognosis in Palliative care Study (PiPS) predictor models to improve prognostication in advanced cancer: prospective cohort study
Authors: Gwilliam Bridget , Keeley Vaughan , Todd Chris , Gittins Matthew , Roberts Chris , Kelly Laura , Barclay Stephen , Stone Patrick C
Published: November 2015

Objective

To develop a novel prognostic indicator for use in patients with advanced cancer that is significantly better than clinicians' estimates of survival.

Design

Prospective multicentre observational cohort study.

Setting

18 palliative care services in the UK (including hospices, hospital support teams, and community teams).

Participants

1018 patients with locally advanced or metastatic cancer, no longer being treated for cancer, and recently referred to palliative care services.

Main outcome measures

Performance of a composite model to predict whether patients were likely to survive for “days” (0-13 days), “weeks” (14-55 days), or “months+” (>55 days), compared with actual survival and clinicians' predictions.

Results

On multivariate analysis, 11 core variables (pulse rate, general health status, mental test score, performance status, presence of anorexia, presence of any site of metastatic disease, presence of liver metastases, C reactive protein, white blood count, platelet count, and urea) independently predicted both two week and two month survival. Four variables had prognostic significance only for two week survival (dyspnoea, dysphagia, bone metastases, and alanine transaminase), and eight variables had prognostic significance only for two month survival (primary breast cancer, male genital cancer, tiredness, loss of weight, lymphocyte count, neutrophil count, alkaline phosphatase, and albumin). Separate prognostic models were created for patients without (PiPS-A) or with (PiPS-B) blood results. The area under the curve for all models varied between 0.79 and 0.86. Absolute agreement between actual survival and PiPS predictions was 57.3% (after correction for over-optimism). The median survival across the PiPS-A categories was 5, 33, and 92 days and survival across PiPS-B categories was 7, 32, and 100.5 days. All models performed as well as, or better than, clinicians' estimates of survival.

Conclusions

In patients with advanced cancer no longer being treated, a combination of clinical and laboratory variables can reliably predict two week and two month survival.
Genetic stock composition of marine bycatch reveals disproportional impacts on depleted river herring genetic stocks
Authors: Hasselman Daniel J. , Anderson Eric C. , Argo Emily E. , Bethoney N. David , Gephard Stephen R. , Post David M. , Schondelmeier Bradley P. , Schultz Thomas F. , Willis Theodore V. , Palkovacs Eric P.
Published: November 2015

Bycatch of mid-trophic-level anadromous fishes that connect marine and freshwater ecosystems is a growing conservation concern. Anadromous alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) and blueback herring (Alosa aestivalis) are important components of coastal freshwater and marine food webs, but have experienced dramatic declines in the abundances of spawning adults. Freshwater-focused restoration efforts have yielded few consistent signs of recovery, raising concerns that bycatch in Northwest Atlantic commercial fisheries may be negating these conservation actions. Using data from 15 microsatellites genotyped for baseline populations and bycatch, we conducted genetic stock identification to understand how bycatch was partitioned among previously identified regional genetic stocks. We then combined this information with fishery observer data to estimate genetic stock-specific bycatch mortality for the southern New England Atlantic herring fishery (2012–2013). Bycatch overall, but especially in the Atlantic herring fishery, was disproportionately assigned to the most severely depleted genetic stocks (alewife southern New England stock — 70% of assignments; blueback herring mid-Atlantic stock — 78% of assignments). These genetic stocks overlap in the region surrounding Long Island Sound, suggesting that bycatch taken from this area in recent years may be negatively impacting recovery efforts in this region. Our study suggests that mitigating bycatch on the southern New England fishing grounds may benefit recovery efforts for alewife and blueback herring genetic stocks that have experienced the greatest declines in spawning adult abundances.
Sulforaphane improves oxidative status without attenuating the inflammatory response or cardiac impairment induced by ischemia–reperfusion in rats
Authors: Bonetto Jéssica Hellen Poletto , Fernandes Rafael Oliveira , Seolin Bruna Gazzi de Lima , Müller Dalvana Daneliza , Teixeira Rayane Brinck , Araujo Alex Sander , Vassallo Dalton , Schenkel Paulo Cavalheiro , Belló-Klein Adriane
Published: November 2015

Sulforaphane, a natural isothiocyanate, demonstrates cardioprotection associated with its capacity to stimulate endogenous antioxidants and to inhibit inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate whether sulforaphane is capable of attenuating oxidative stress and inflammatory responses through the TLR4/MyD88/NFκB pathway, and thereby could modulate post-ischemic ventricular function in isolated rat hearts submitted to ischemia and reperfusion. Male Wistar rats received sulforaphane (10 mg·kg−1·day−1) or vehicle i.p. for 3 days. Global ischemia was performed using isolated hearts, 24 h after the last injection, by interruption of the perfusion flow. The protocol included a 20 min pre-ischemic period followed by 20 min of ischemia and a 20 min reperfusion. Although no changes in mechanical function were observed, sulforaphane induced a significant increase in superoxide dismutase and heme oxygenase-1 expression (both 66%) and significantly reduced reactive oxygen species levels (7%). No differences were observed for catalase and glutathione peroxidase expression or their activities, nor for thioredoxin reductase, glutaredoxin reductase and glutathione-S-transferase. No differences were found in lipid peroxidation or TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB expression. In conclusion, although sulforaphane was able to stimulate endogenous antioxidants modestly, this result did not impact inflammatory signaling or cardiac function of hearts submitted to ischemia and reperfusion.
Critical rainfall thresholds for debris flows in Sanyanyu, Zhouqu County, Gansu Province, China
Authors: Yu G. , Zhang M. , Cong K. , Pei L.
Published: November 2015

Critical rainfall thresholds can be the key to ensuring effective debris-flow forecasting. They are significant for the study of the trigger mechanisms of debris flows, for the forecast of the characteristics of future events, and for the development of engineering guidance for mitigation. Using a hydrological approach, we first calculated the flood peak discharge at different frequencies and then the corresponding rainfall thresholds for the initiation of different scales of debris flows in Zhouqu County, China. This was followed by the establishment of a functional relation between the intensity and duration of rainfall events that trigger debris flows of different warning levels in two initial soil conditions (dry and moist). This, in turn, yielded four warning levels and two preliminary warning levels. For the two early soil conditions (dry and moist) in the Sanyanyu Gully of Zhouqu County, the Level I (red) warning values for rainfall triggering debris flow are 56 and 51 mm h
−1
, respectively; the Level II (orange) warning values are 41 and 38 mm h
−1
, respectively; the Level III (yellow) warning values are 32 and 30 mm h
−1
, respectively; and the Level IV (blue) warning values are 24 and 22 mm h
−1
, respectively. The Level V preliminary warning values are 17 and 16 mm h
−1
, respectively; and the Level VI preliminary warning values are 10 and 9.5 mm h
−1
, respectively. The rainfall intensity and duration were found to exhibit a power function relation,
I
 
=
 

αD
β

, where the values of
α
and
β
vary with the warning levels. Rainfall events capable of triggering debris flows in the new thresholds and intensity–duration relations presented here can be used for forecasting purposes and in operational geohazard warning systems. These research results also provide a scientific basis for regional hazard mitigation and reduction in Zhouqu County.
The Cadell Fault, southeastern Australia: a record of temporally clustered morphogenic seismicity in a low-strain intraplate region
Authors: Clark D. , McPherson A. , Cupper M. , Collins C. D. N. , Nelson G.
Published: November 2015

The Cadell Fault, found in stable continental region (SCR) crust in southeastern Australia, provides a record of temporally clustered morphogenic earthquakes spanning much of the Cenozoic. The slip rate, averaged over perhaps as many as five complete seismic cycles in the period 70–20 ka, is
c.
0.4–0.5 mm a
−1
, compared with an average rate of
c.
0.005–0.01 mm a
−1
over the period spanning the late Miocene to Recent. If full length rupture of the 80 km long feature is assumed, the average recurrence for M
w
7.3–7.5 earthquake events on the Cadell Fault in the period 70–20 ka is
c.
8 kyr. About 20 kyr, representing more than two average seismic cycles, have lapsed since the most recent morphogenic seismic event on the fault. It might therefore be speculated that this fault has relapsed into a quiescent period. Episodic rupture behaviour on the Cadell Fault, and nearby faults in Phanerozoic SCR crust in eastern Australia, might be controlled by their linkage into major crustal fault systems at depth, in apparent contrast with the style of deformation in non-extended Precambrian SCR crust. Periods of strain localization on these major crustal fault systems, effectively turning deforming regions ‘on’ and ‘off’, might be influenced by changes in distant plate boundary forces. If proved, this would have profound consequences for how the occurrence of large earthquakes is assessed in Australia, as the fundamental assumption of morphogenic earthquakes occurring as a result of the progressive build-up of strain, and thus being in some way predictable in their periodicity, is not satisfied. Documenting such fault behaviour in SCR crust assists in conceptualizing the points critical to understanding the hazards posed by SCR faults worldwide.

Supplementary material:
Seismic reflection and refraction survey parameters are available at:
http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18869
Acrolein-mediated conduction loss is partially restored by K+channel blockers
Authors: Yan Rui , Page Jessica C. , Shi Riyi
Published: November 2015

Acrolein-mediated myelin damage is thought to be a critical mechanism leading to conduction failure following neurotrauma and neurodegenerative diseases. The exposure and activation of juxtaparanodal voltage-gated K+channels due to myelin damage leads to conduction block, and K+channel blockers have long been studied as a means for restoring axonal conduction in spinal cord injury (SCI) and multiple sclerosis (MS). In this study, we have found that 100 μM K+channel blockers 4-aminopyridine-3-methanol (4-AP-3-MeOH), and to a lesser degree 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), can significantly restore compound action potential (CAP) conduction in spinal cord tissue following acrolein-mediated myelin damage using a well-established ex vivo SCI model. In addition, 4-AP-3-MeOH can effectively restore CAP conduction in acrolein-damaged axons with a range of concentrations from 0.1 to 100 μM. We have also shown that while both compounds at 100 μM showed no preference of small- and large-caliber axons when restoring CAP conduction, 4-AP-3-MeOH, unlike 4-AP, is able to augment CAP amplitude while causing little change in axonal responsiveness measured in refractory periods and response to repetitive stimuli. In a prior study, we show that 4-AP-3-MeOH was able to functionally rescue mechanically injured axons. In this investigation, we conclude that 4-AP-3-MeOH is an effective K+channel blocker in restoring axonal conduction following both primary (physical) and secondary (chemical) insults. These findings also suggest that 4-AP-3-MeOH is a viable alternative of 4-AP for treating myelin damage and improving function following central nervous system trauma and neurodegenerative diseases.
Enhanced crosslimb transfer of force-field learning for dynamics that are identical in extrinsic and joint-based coordinates for both limbs
Authors: Carroll Timothy J. , de Rugy Aymar , Howard Ian S. , Ingram James N. , Wolpert Daniel M.
Published: November 2015

Humans are able to adapt their motor commands to make accurate movements in novel sensorimotor environments, such as when wielding tools that alter limb dynamics. However, it is unclear to what extent sensorimotor representations, obtained through experience with one limb, are available to the opposite, untrained limb and in which form they are available. Here, we compared crosslimb transfer of force-field compensation after participants adapted to a velocity-dependent curl field, oriented either in the sagittal or the transverse plane. Due to the mirror symmetry of the limbs, the force field had identical effects for both limbs in joint and extrinsic coordinates in the sagittal plane but conflicting joint-based effects in the transverse plane. The degree of force-field compensation exhibited by the opposite arm in probe trials immediately after initial learning was significantly greater after sagittal (26 ± 5%) than transverse plane adaptation (9 ± 4%; P < 0.001), irrespective of whether participants learned initially with the left or the right arm or via abrupt or gradual exposure to the force field. Thus transfer was impaired when the orientation of imposed dynamics conflicted in intrinsic coordinates for the two limbs. The data reveal that neural representations of novel dynamics are only partially available to the opposite limb, since transfer is incomplete even when force-field perturbation is spatially compatible for the two limbs, according to both intrinsic and extrinsic coordinates.
Male Reproductive Disorders and Fertility Trends: Influences of Environment and Genetic Susceptibility
Authors: Skakkebaek Niels E. , Rajpert-De Meyts Ewa , Buck Louis Germaine M. , Toppari Jorma , Andersson Anna-Maria , Eisenberg Michael L. , Jensen Tina Kold , Jørgensen Niels , Swan Shanna H. , Sapra Katherine J. , Ziebe Søren , Priskorn Lærke , Juul Anders
Published: November 2015

It is predicted that Japan and European Union will soon experience appreciable decreases in their populations due to persistently low total fertility rates (TFR) below replacement level (2.1 child per woman). In the United States, where TFR has also declined, there are ethnic differences. Caucasians have rates below replacement, while TFRs among African-Americans and Hispanics are higher. We review possible links between TFR and trends in a range of male reproductive problems, including testicular cancer, disorders of sex development, cryptorchidism, hypospadias, low testosterone levels, poor semen quality, childlessness, changed sex ratio, and increasing demand for assisted reproductive techniques. We present evidence that several adult male reproductive problems arise in utero and are signs of testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS). Although TDS might result from genetic mutations, recent evidence suggests that it most often is related to environmental exposures of the fetal testis. However, environmental factors can also affect the adult endocrine system. Based on our review of genetic and environmental factors, we conclude that environmental exposures arising from modern lifestyle, rather than genetics, are the most important factors in the observed trends. These environmental factors might act either directly or via epigenetic mechanisms. In the latter case, the effects of exposures might have an impact for several generations post-exposure. In conclusion, there is an urgent need to prioritize research in reproductive physiology and pathophysiology, particularly in highly industrialized countries facing decreasing populations. We highlight a number of topics that need attention by researchers in human physiology, pathophysiology, environmental health sciences, and demography.
Simulation of Turing Machine with uEAC-Computable Functions
Authors: Zhu Yilin , Pan Feng , Li Lingxi , Ren Xuemei , Gao Qi
Published: November 2015

The micro-Extended Analog Computer (uEAC) is an electronic implementation inspired by Rubel’s EAC model. In this study, a fully connected uEACs array is proposed to overcome the limitations of a single uEAC, within which each uEAC unit is connected to all the other units by some weights. Then its computational capabilities are investigated by proving that a Turing machineMcan be simulated with uEAC-computable functions, even in the presence of bounded noise.
Non-Hermitian Dirac Hamiltonian in Three-Dimensional Gravity and Pseudosupersymmetry
Authors: Yeşiltaş Özlem
Published: November 2015

The Dirac Hamiltonian in the(2+1)-dimensional curved space-time has been studied with a metric for an expanding de Sitter space-time which is two spheres. The spectrum and the exact solutions of the time dependent non-Hermitian and angle dependent Hamiltonians are obtained in terms of the Jacobi and Romanovski polynomials. Hermitian equivalent of the Hamiltonian obtained from the Dirac equation is discussed in the frame of pseudo-Hermiticity. Furthermore, pseudosupersymmetric quantum mechanical techniques are expanded to a curved Dirac Hamiltonian and a partner curved Dirac Hamiltonian is generated. Usingη-pseudo-Hermiticity, the intertwining operator connecting the non-Hermitian Hamiltonians to the Hermitian counterparts is found. We have obtained a new metric tensor related to the new Hamiltonian.
Effects of Oral L‐Carnitine on Liver Functions after Transarterial Chemoembolization in Intermediate‐Stage HCC Patients
Authors: Hassan Abeer , Tsuda Yasuhiro , Asai Akira , Yokohama Keisuke , Nakamura Ken , Sujishi Tetsuya , Ohama Hideko , Tsuchimoto Yusuke , Fukunishi Shinya , Abdelaal Usama M. , Arafa Usama A. , Hassan Ali T. , Kassem Ali M. , Higuchi Kazuhide
Published: November 2015

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is usually followed by hepatic dysfunction. We evaluated the effects of L‐carnitine on post‐TACE impaired liver functions. Methods. 53 cirrhotic hepatocellular carcinoma patients at Osaka Medical College were enrolled in this study and assigned into either L‐carnitine group receiving 600 mg oral L‐carnitine daily or control group. Liver functions were evaluated at pre‐TACE and 1, 4, and 12 weeks after TACE. Results. The L‐carnitine group maintained Child‐Pugh (CP) score at 1 week after TACE and exhibited significant improvement at 4 weeks after TACE (P < 0.01). Conversely, the control group reported a significant CP score deterioration at 1 week (P < 0.05) and 12 weeks after TACE (P < 0.05). L‐carnitine suppressed serum albumin deterioration at 1 week after TACE. There were significant differences between L‐carnitine and control groups regarding mean serum albumin changes from baseline to 1 week (P < 0.05) and 4 weeks after TACE (P < 0.05). L‐carnitine caused prothrombin time improvement from baseline to 1, 4 (P < 0.05), and 12 weeks after TACE. Total bilirubin mean changes from baseline to 1 week after TACE exhibited significant differences between L‐carnitine and control groups (P < 0.05). The hepatoprotective effects of L‐carnitine were enhanced by branched chain amino acids combination. Conclusion. L‐carnitine maintained and improved liver functions after TACE.
Retroperitoneal Cyst: An Uncommon Presentation of Filariasis
Authors: Ganesan Senthil , Galodha Saurabh , Saxena Rajan
Published: November 2015

Primary retroperitoneal parasitic cysts are rare. Here we report about a middle aged male patient from rural north India with a recent onset of central abdominal retroperitoneal lump, pain, and fever. After surgical resection due to diagnostic uncertainty, at histopathology, it turned out be a filarial cyst. After receiving a course of diethylcarbamazine, the patient is asymptomatic at 4 months’ follow-up.
Glycolipid Metabolism Disorder in the Liver of Obese Mice Is Improved by TUDCA via the Restoration of Defective Hepatic Autophagy
Authors: Guo Qinyue , Shi Qindong , Li Huixia , Liu Jiali , Wu Shufang , Sun Hongzhi , Zhou Bo
Published: November 2015

Objective.Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) has been considered an important regulator of energy metabolism in obesity. However, the mechanism underlying how TUDCA is involved in insulin resistance is not fully understood. We tested the effects of TUDCA on autophagic dysfunction in obese mice.Material and Methods.500 mg/kg of TUDCA was injected into obese mice, and metabolic parameters, autophagy markers, and insulin signaling molecular were assessed by Western blotting and real-time PCR.Results.The TUDCA injections in the obese mice resulted in a reduced body weight gain, lower blood glucose, and improved insulin sensitivity compared with obese mice that were injected with vehicle. Meanwhile, TUDCA treatment not only reversed autophagic dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum stress, but also improved the impaired insulin signaling in the liver of obese mice. Additionally, the same results obtained with TUDCA were evident in obese mice treated with the adenoviral Atg7.Conclusions.We found that TUDCA reversed abnormal autophagy, reduced ER stress, and restored insulin sensitivity in the liver of obese mice and that glycolipid metabolism disorder was also improved via the restoration of defective hepatic autophagy.
Evaluation of La-Doped Mesoporous Bioactive Glass as Adsorbent and Photocatalyst for Removal of Methylene Blue from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Li Liying , Shi Huanrui , Chen Lu , Yuan Qianxuan , Chen Xi , Lin Weijian
Published: November 2015

A series of La-doped mesoporous bioactive glass (BG-La) materials with excellent biosafety and hypotoxicity have been prepared and tested as adsorbent. The study was aimed to evaluate the possibility of utilizing BG-La for the adsorptive removal of methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solution and test the adsorption and desorption behavior of this new material. The process parameters affecting adsorption behaviors such as pH, contact time, and initial concentration and the photocatalytic degradation of MB were systematically investigated. The result showed that BG-La had excellent removal rate (R) of MB, and BG-La showed better photocatalytic effect than undoped mesoporous bioactive glass (BG). Furthermore, the MB loaded BG-La was easily desorbed with acid solution due to its electronegativity and mesoporous structure. The result indicated that these materials can be employed as candidates for removal of dye pollutant owing to their high removal rate, excellent photocatalytic effect, desorption performance, and their reusability.
Increased Circulating Advanced Oxidation Protein Products and High-Sensitive Troponin T in Cirrhotic Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Zuwala-Jagiello Jolanta , Murawska-Cialowicz Eugenia , Pazgan-Simon Monika
Published: November 2015

Aim. To investigate the relationship between advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) and myocardial injury by comparing the selected biomarker for detecting myocardial injury [high-sensitive troponin T (hs-TnT)] in patients with chronic HCV infection.Methods and Results. Eighty-eight patients with cirrhosis and 40 healthy control subjects were enrolled in the study. Circulating levels of AOPPs-albumin (the ratio of AOPPs to albumin content), hs-TnT, tumor necrosis factorα(TNF-α), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were assessed. Compared with healthy controls, the cirrhotic patients with chronic HCV infection had higher levels of AOPPs-albumin, which were associated with increased hs-TnT. When the presence of ascites was considered, the plasma levels of AOPPs-albumin were higher, as well as TNF-α. AOPPs-albumin positively correlated with hs-TnT level in all cirrhotic patients with chronic HCV infection and this correlation was stronger in decompensated cirrhotic patients. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the independent factors associated with the presence of ascites were high AOPPs-albumin levels and elevated hs-TnT levels.Conclusion. The simultaneous monitoring of plasma AOPPs and hs-TnT can be helpful for the alterations in myocardial function control in cirrhotic patients with chronic HCV infection.
The Use of Flaps and Grafts in the Treatment of Urethral Stricture Disease
Authors: Wisenbaugh Eric S. , Gelman Joel
Published: November 2015

The use of various grafts and flaps plays a critical role in the successful surgical management of urethral stricture disease. A thorough comprehension of relevant anatomy and principles of tissue transfer techniques are essential to understanding the appropriate use of grafts or flaps to optimize outcomes. We briefly review these principles and discuss which technique may be best suited for a given anterior urethral stricture, depending on the location and length of the stricture, the presence or absence of an intact corpus spongiosum, and the availability of adequate and healthy penile skin.
Premedication and Chemotherapy Agents do not Impair Imgatuzumab (GA201)-Mediated Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity and Combination Therapies Enhance Efficacy
Authors: Gonzalez-Nicolini Valeria , Herter Sylvia , Lang Sabine , Waldhauer Inja , Bacac Marina , Roemmele Michaela , Bommer Esther , Freytag Olivier , van Puijenbroek Erwin , Umaña Pablo , Gerdes Christian A.
Published: November 2015

Purpose: Imgatuzumab (GA201) is a novel anti-EGFR mAb that is glycoengineered for enhanced antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). Future treatment schedules for imgatuzumab will likely involve the use of potentially immunosuppressive drugs, such as premedication therapies, to mitigate infusion reactions characteristic of mAb therapy and chemotherapy combination partners. Because of the strong immunologic component of mode of action of imgatuzumab, it is important to understand whether these drugs influence imgatuzumab-mediated ADCC and impact efficacy.

Experimental Design: We performed a series of ADCC assays using human peripheral blood mononuclear cells that were first preincubated in physiologically relevant concentrations of commonly used premedication drugs and cancer chemotherapies. The ability of common chemotherapy agents to enhance the efficacy of imgatuzumab in vivo was then examined using orthotopic xenograft models of human cancer.

Results: A majority of premedication and chemotherapy drugs investigated had no significant effect on the ADCC activity of imgatuzumab in vitro. Furthermore, enhanced in vivo efficacy was seen with imgatuzumab combination regimens compared with single-agent imgatuzumab, single-agent chemotherapy, or cetuximab combinations.

Conclusions: These data indicate that medications currently coadministered with anti-EGFR therapies are unlikely to diminish the ADCC capabilities of imgatuzumab. Further studies using syngeneic models with functional adaptive T-cell responses are now required to fully understand how chemotherapy agents will influence a long-term response to imgatuzumab therapy. Thus, this study and future ones can provide a framework for designing imgatuzumab combination regimens with enhanced efficacy for investigation in phase II trials. Clin Cancer Res; 22(10); 2453–61. ©2015 AACR.
MiR-203 Determines Poor Outcome and Suppresses Tumor Growth by Targeting TBK1 in Osteosarcoma
Authors: Liu Shiping , Feng Peng
Published: November 2015

Background/Aims: Increasing evidence has shown that miR-203 plays important role in human cancer progression. However, little is known about the function of miR-203 in osteosarcoma (OS). Methods: The expression of miR-203 in OS tissues and cell lines were examined by qRT-PCR. The biological role of miR-20 in OS cell proliferation was examined in vitro and in vivo. The targets of miR-203 were identified by a luciferase reporter gene assay. Results: miR-203 was down regulated in OS tissues and cell lines; decreased miR-203 was associated with a poor overall survival in OS patients. Restoration of miR-203 expression reduced cell growth in vitro and suppressed tumorigenicity in vivo. In contrast, inhibition of miR-203 stimulated OS cell growth both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, TANK binding kinase 1 (TBK1) was identified as a direct target of miR-203; overexpression of TBK1 partly reversed the suppressive effects of miR-203. Furthermore, TBK1 was found up-regulated and inversely correlated with miR-203 in OS tissues. Conclusion: Taken together, these findings suggest that miR-203 acts as a tumor suppressor via regulation of TBK1 expression in OS progression, and miR-203 may be a promising therapeutic target for OS.
Serum Procalcitonin Level and Mortality Risk in Critically ill Patients with Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia
Authors: Li Bo , Zhao Xin , Li Shumei
Published: November 2015

Background/Aims: The prognostic role of serum procalcitonin level in critically ill patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia was unclear. The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between serum procalcitonin level and mortality risk in critically ill patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia. Methods: Data of critically ill patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia were retrospectively collected. Demographics, comorbidities, and serum procalcitonin level were extracted from electronic medical records. The primary outcome was mortality within two months after diagnosis. Multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed to assess the prognostic role of serum procalcitonin level in those patients. Results: A total of 115 critically ill patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia were enrolled in our study. Serum procalcitonin level was not associated with age, gender, or other comorbidities. Univariate Cox regression model showed that high serum procalcitonin level was associated increased risk of morality within 2 months after diagnosis (OR = 2.32, 95% CI 1.25-4.31, P = 0.008). Multivariable Cox regression model showed that high serum procalcitonin level was independently associated increased risk of morality within 2 months after diagnosis (OR = 2.38, 95% CI 1.26-4.50, P = 0.008). Conclusion: High serum procalcitonin level is an independent prognostic biomarker of mortality risk in critically ill patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia, and it's a promising biomarker of prognosis in critically ill patients.
SPAK and OSR1 Sensitive Cell Membrane Protein Abundance and Activity of KCNQ1/E1 K+ Channels
Authors: Elvira Bernat , Warsi Jamshed , Fezai Myriam , Munoz Carlos , Lang Florian
Published: November 2015

Background/Aims: KCNQ1/E1 channels are expressed in diverse tissues and serve a variety of functions including endolymph secretion in the inner ear, cardiac repolarization, epithelial transport and cell volume regulation. Kinases involved in regulation of epithelial transport and cell volume include SPAK (SPS1-related proline/alanine-rich kinase) and OSR1 (oxidative stress-responsive kinase 1), which are under control of WNK (with-no-K[Lys]) kinases. The present study explored whether KCNQ1/E1 channels are regulated by SPAK and/or OSR1. Methods: cRNA encoding KCNQ1/E1 was injected into Xenopus oocytes with or without additional injection of cRNA encoding wild-type SPAK, constitutively active T233ESPAK, WNK insensitive T233ASPAK, catalytically inactive D212ASPAK, wild-type OSR1, constitutively active T185EOSR1, WNK insensitive T185AOSR1 and catalytically inactive D164AOSR1. Voltage gated K+ channel activity was quantified utilizing dual electrode voltage clamp and KCNQ1/E1 channel protein abundance in the cell membrane utilizing chemiluminescence of KCNQ1/E1 containing an extracellular Flag tag epitope (KCNQ1-Flag/E1). Results: KCNQ1/E1 activity and KCNQ1-Flag/E1 protein abundance were significantly enhanced by wild-type SPAK and T233ESPAK, but not by T233ASPAK and D212ASPAK. Similarly, KCNQ1/E1 activity and KCNQ1-Flag/E1 protein abundance were significantly increased by wild-type OSR1 and T185EOSR1, but not by T185AOSR1 and D164AOSR1. Conclusions: SPAK and OSR1 participate in the regulation of KCNQ1/E1 protein abundance and activity.
Inadvertent Stent Retriever Detachment: A Multicenter Case Series and Review of Device Experience FDA Reports
Authors: Masoud Hesham , Nguyen Thanh N. , Martin Coleman O. , Holloway William E. , Ambekar Sudheer , Yavagal Dileep R. , Haussen Diogo C. , Nogueira Raul , Lozano Diego J. , Puri Ajit , Quateen Ayman , Iancu Daniela , Abraham Michael G. , Chen Michael , Mehta Sonal , Malisch Tim , Marden Franklin , Novakovic Robin , Roy Daniel , Weill Alain , Norbash Alexander M.
Published: November 2015

Mechanical thrombectomy using retrievable stents or stent retriever devices has become the mainstay of intra-arterial therapy for acute ischemic stroke. The recent publication of a series of positive trials supporting intra-arterial therapy as standard of care for the treatment of large vessel occlusion will likely further increase stent retriever use. Rarely, premature stent detachment during thrombectomy may be encountered. In our multicenter case series, we found a rate of detachment of less than 1% (n = 7/1,067), and all were first-generation Solitaire FR devices. A review of the US Food and Drug Administration database of device experience yielded 90 individual adverse reports of detachment. There were 82, 1 and 7 detachments of Solitaire FR (first generation), Solitaire FR2 (second generation) and Trevo devices, respectively. We conclude with a brief overview of the technical and procedural considerations which may be helpful in avoiding this rare complication.
Antiplatelet effect of ticagrelor compared to tirofiban in non-ST-segment elevation ACS patients undergoing PCI
Authors: Jeong Young-Hoon , Park Duk-Woo , Sohn Chang-Bae , Hwang Ki-Won , Lee Sang-Hyun , Choi Jin Hee , Chon Min-Ku , Lee Soo Yong , Hwang Jongmin , Kim In-Suk , Lee Sun-Min , Han Junhee , Noh Maengseok , Kim Chang-Hoon , Chun Kook Jin , Park Yong Hyun , Kim Jeong-Su , Han Dong-Cheul , Kim June-Hong
Published: November 2015

Addition of a potent P2Y12 inhibitor to aspirin is the standard therapy for non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Glyco-protein IIb/IIIa inhibitor, together with antiplatelet therapy, may be considered as part of initial therapy in NSTE-ACS patients with high-risk features. This study investigated the antiplatelet effect of ticagrelor loading dose (LD) versus tirofiban bolus injection with a post-bolus infusion on top of aspirin among NSTE-ACS patients planned to PCI. NSTE-ACS patients were randomised to receive either ticagrelor (n = 47) or tirofiban (n = 48). Platelet reactivity was assessed by light transmittance aggregometry at 0, 2, 8, and 24 hours (h) after treatment initiation. Primary endpoint was inhibition of platelet aggregation (IPA, 20 µM ADP, final extent) at 2 h after LD therapy, with a non-inferiority margin of 10 %. The prevalence of high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HPR) was also compared at 0, 2, 8, and 24 h. The mean difference in IPA between ticagrelor and tirofiban was -9.9 % (95 % confidence interval: –25.7 % to 5.9 %) at 2 h, –1.6 % (-8.0 % to 4.8 %) at 8 h, and –3.3 % (-18.4 % to 12.0 %) at 24 h. The prevalence of HPR did not differ between the two groups at any time point (all p values ≥ 0.059), which was almost abolished by 8 h post-LD (< 5 %). In conclusion, the antiplatelet effect during the early phase (~2 h) after ticagrelor LD appeared to be relatively strong, but it did not reach that of tirofiban in NSTE-ACS patients.
Predictors of Prolonged In-Hospital Stay After Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Isik Turgay , Ayhan Erkan , Uluganyan Mahmut , Gunaydin Zeki Yuksel , Uyarel Huseyin
Published: November 2015

Health care costs increase with prolonged in-hospital stays. Many factors influence the length of stay for patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). In this study, we aimed to determine the differences between long-stay and early discharged patients with STEMI. For this retrospective study, a total of 2486 consecutive patients with STEMI (mean age: 56.2 ± 11.7 years, 16.5% female) who had undergone primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) were enrolled. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on mean in-hospital stay: <6 days and ≥6 days. Anterior STEMI (odds ratio [OR]: 1.61, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-2.54; P = 0.03), angiographic failure (OR: 2.89, 95% CI: 1.19-7.01; P = .01), and peripheral vascular complications (PVCs; OR: 4.18, 95% CI: 1.16-15.03; P = .02) were found to be independent predictors of ≥6-day in-hospital stay. The incidence of long-term total mortality and composite end point for death, reinfarction, and target vessel revascularization were significantly higher in ≥6-day in-hospital stay patients. Anterior STEMI, angiographic failure, and PVCs were found to be independently associated with prolonged in-hospital stay for patients with STEMI following pPCI.
Screening Tool Predicts Future Underimmunization Among a Pediatric Practice in Tennessee
Authors: Williams Sarah E. , Morgan Ashley , Opel Douglas , Edwards Kathryn , Weinberg Stuart , Rothman Russell
Published: November 2015

The Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines (PACV) survey for identifying vaccine-hesitant parents was recently validated in Washington State but did not include all recommended childhood vaccines. The current study compares vaccination rates for all recommended childhood vaccines and PACV scores at one pediatric practice in Tennessee. Children were enrolled at the 2-week well visit, and vaccination rates were assessed at 19 months of age. Outcomes at 19 months of age included mean percentage of days underimmunized and up-to-date status (yes/no) compared with PACV scores. The impact of provider on immunization status was assessed. Complete vaccination data were available for 158 children of 183 enrolled (86%). Higher PACV scores were associated with more days underimmunized ( P < .001) and being overdue for vaccine doses at 19 months of age ( P < .001). No difference was seen between providers and up-to-date status. Our study supports the predictive validity of the PACV for underimmunization.
Assessing the influence of the Responsibility to Protect on the UN Security Council during the Arab Spring
Authors: Hehir Aidan
Published: November 2015

This article challenges those perspectives which assert first, that the Security Council’s engagement with the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) during the Arab Spring evidences a generally positive trend, and second, that the response to the Arab Spring, particularly Syria, highlights the need for veto restraint. With respect to the first point, the evidence presented in this article suggests that the manner in which R2P has been employed by the Security Council during this period evidences three key trends: first, a willingness to invoke R2P only in the context of Pillar I; second, a pronounced lack of consensus surrounding Pillar III; and third, the persistent prioritisation of national interests over humanitarian concerns. With respect to veto restraint, this article argues that there is no evidence that this idea will have any significant impact on decision-making at the Security Council; the Council’s response to the Arab Spring suggests that national interests continue to trump humanitarian need.
Crime, Teenage Abortion, and Unwantedness
Authors: Shoesmith Gary L.
Published: November 2015

This article disaggregates Donohue and Levitt’s (DL’s) national panel-data models to the state level and shows that high concentrations of teenage abortions in a handful of states drive all of DL’s results in their 2001, 2004, and 2008 articles on crime and abortion. These findings agree with previous research showing teenage motherhood is a major maternal crime factor, whereas unwanted pregnancy is an insignificant factor. Teenage abortions accounted for more than 30% of U.S. abortions in the 1970s, but only 16% to 18% since 2001, which suggests DL’s panel-data models of crime/arrests and abortion were outdated when published. The results point to a broad range of future research involving teenage behavior. A specific means is proposed to reconcile DL with previous articles finding no relationship between crime and abortion.
Relationships among depression during pregnancy, social support and health locus of control among Iranian pregnant women
Authors: Moshki Mahdi , Cheravi Khadijeh
Published: November 2015

Background:

Prenatal depression is a significant predictor of postpartum depression and is detrimental to fetal development.

Aim:

To examine whether depression during pregnancy is associated with social support and health locus of control (HLC).

Method:

Data were collected from a sample of 208 Iranian pregnant women using a demographic questionnaire, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, the multidimensional HLC Scale and the social support appraisals.

Results:

Depression was experienced by 37% of participants. Overall, women reported higher level of family support (6.88 ± 1.15) than other supports (6.87 ± 1.29). Protective supports from other resources (6.87 ± 1.29) were higher than those from friends (5.94 ± 1.5). Internal, powerful others and chance beliefs had the highest mean scores. Social support and chance HLC significantly influenced the proposed mediator (depressive mood) in the linear regression model. Bivariate analysis showed significant associations between social support (friend, family and others) and depressive mood. Internal HLC had a significant association with social support and powerful others HLC. However, Pearson correlation coefficient was not significant between depressive mood and all dimensions of HLC.

Conclusion:

Clinicians could assess social support and chance HLC to identify and treat women at risk of prenatal depression. By providing support during pregnancy, depression levels in women and its effects on the fetus may be decreased, which could prevent postpartum depression.
Numerical study of mechanical behaviour of a polypropylene reinforced with Alfa fibres
Authors: Zrida Montassar , Laurent Hervé , Rio Gérard
Published: November 2015

The main purpose of this work consists of the mechanical characterization of a copolymer polypropylene (PP) filled with natural Alfa fibres. The elaboration of the PP-based composite reinforced with these natural fibres is explained. The mechanical behaviour of these composite blends has been analysed. Contrary to classical studies of the mechanical characterization of these kinds of materials which focus only on monotonic tensile tests, cyclic loading/unloading tests and loading/unloading tests interrupted by relaxation steps have been investigated. These tests enable us to compare the mechanical response of the virgin PP and the PP filled with Alfa fibres (Alfa/PP). Reinforcement by these natural fibres shows an impact in the improvement of the mechanical properties of this composite. All these experimental results constitute a data base used to identify the material parameters of a phenomenological constitutive hyperelasto-visco-hysteresis model. These tests also provide indications about the hyperelastic, viscous and hysteretic stress contributions of the hyperelasto-visco-hysteresis model with these materials during cyclic loading.
Challenges and Rewards of Conducting Research on Recovery Residences for Alcohol and Drug Disorders
Authors: Polcin Douglas L. , Mericle Amy A. , Callahan Sarah , Harvey Ronald , Jason Leonard A.
Published: November 2015

Although research shows treatment for alcohol and drug problems can be effective, persons without stable housing that supports recovery are at risk for relapse. Recovery residences (RRs) for drug and alcohol problems are a growing response to the need for alcohol- and drug-free living environments that support sustained recovery. Research on RRs offers an opportunity to examine how integration of these individuals into a supportive, empowering environment has beneficial impacts on substance use, housing, and other outcomes, as well as benefits for the surrounding community. Research can also lead to the identification of operations and practices within houses that maximize favorable outcomes for residents. However, research on RRs also presents significant obstacles and challenges. Based on our experiences conducting recovery home research for decades, we present suggestions for addressing some of the unique challenges encountered in this type of research.
Measuring the Sensitivity and Construct Validity of 6 Utility Instruments in 7 Disease Areas
Authors: Richardson Jeff , Iezzi Angelo , Khan Munir A. , Chen Gang , Maxwell Aimee
Published: November 2015

Background. Health services that affect quality of life (QoL) are increasingly evaluated using cost utility analyses (CUA). These commonly employ one of a small number of multiattribute utility instruments (MAUI) to assess the effects of the health service on utility. However, the MAUI differ significantly, and the choice of instrument may alter the outcome of an evaluation. Aims. The present article has 2 objectives: 1) to compare the results of 3 measures of the sensitivity of 6 MAUI and the results of 6 tests of construct validity in 7 disease areas and 2) to rank the MAUI by each of the test results in each disease area and by an overall composite index constructed from the tests. Methods. Patients and the general public were administered a battery of instruments, which included the 6 MAUI, disease-specific QoL instruments (DSI), and 6 other comparator instruments. In each disease area, instrument sensitivity was measured 3 ways: by the unadjusted mean difference in utility between public and patient groups, by the value of the effect size, and by the correlation between MAUI and DSI scores. Content and convergent validity were tested by comparison of MAUI utilities and scores from the 6 comparator instruments. These included 2 measures of health state preferences, measures of subjective well-being and capabilities, and generic measures of physical and mental QoL derived from the SF-36. Results. The apparent sensitivity of instruments varied significantly with the measurement method and by disease area. Validation test results varied with the comparator instruments. Notwithstanding this variability, the 15D, AQoL-8D, and the SF-6D generally achieved better test results than the QWB and EQ-5D-5L.
Lupus erythematosus-lichen planus overlap syndrome in an HIV-infected individual
Authors: Patil Priyanka , Nayak Chitra , Tambe Swagata , Das Dipti
Published: November 2015

Lupus erythematosus-lichen planus (LE-LP) overlap syndrome is an uncommon disorder with clinical, histological and/or immunopathological features of both diseases. We report a case of LE-LP overlap syndrome in a patient with HIV infection. To the best of our knowledge, LE-LP overlap syndrome with HIV infection has never been reported in literature.
The (de)politicisation of nuclear power: The Finnish discussion after Fukushima
Authors: Ylönen Marja , Litmanen Tapio , Kojo Matti , Lindell Pirita
Published: November 2015

When the Fukushima accident occurred in March 2011, Finland was at the height of a nuclear renaissance, with the Government’s decision-in-principle in 2010 to allow construction of two new nuclear reactors. This article examines the nuclear power debate in Finland after Fukushima. We deploy the concepts of (de)politicisation and hyperpoliticisation in the analysis of articles in the country’s main newspaper. Our analysis indicates that Finnish nuclear exceptionalism manifested in the safety-related depoliticising and the nation’s prosperity-related hyperpoliticisation arguments of the pro-nuclear camp. The anti-nuclear camp used politicisation strategies, such as economic arguments, to show the unprofitability of nuclear power. The Fukushima accident had a clear effect on Finnish nuclear policy: the government programme of 2011 excluded the nuclear new build. However, in 2014 the majority of Parliament again supported nuclear power. Hence, the period after Fukushima until 2014 could be described as continued but undermined loyalty to nuclear power.