bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensitivity of Turkish infants to vowel harmony
Authors: Hohenberger Annette , Altan Aslı , Kaya Utku , Tuncer Özgün Köksal , Avcu Enes
Published: November 2016

In a longitudinal study we found that 6- and 10-month-old monolingual Turkish infants are already sensitive to backness vowel harmony in stem-suffix sequences. Using a head-turn paradigm, listening times between 2 vowel-harmonic and 2 vowel-disharmonic lists of words for backness and rounding harmony were compared. While only main effects of age and trial were found for rounding harmony, in backness harmony a significant interaction between harmony and age was found: 6-month-olds preferred listening to harmonic words whereas 10-month-olds preferred listening to disharmonic words. This finding is reminiscent of the “familiarity-to-novelty-shift” in cognitive development, indicating that younger infants first extract the regular, harmonic pattern in their ambient language, whereas older infants’ attention is drawn to irregular, disharmonic tokens, due to violation-of-expectation.
Scene-setting and referent introduction in sign and spoken languages
Authors: Sümer Beyza
Published: November 2016

Previous studies show that children do not become adult-like in learning to set the scene and introduce referents in their narrations until 9 years of age and even beyond. However, they investigated spoken languages, thus we do not know much about how these skills are acquired in sign languages, where events are expressed in visually similar ways to the real world events, unlike in spoken languages. The results of the current study demonstrate that deaf children (3;5–9;10 years) acquiring Turkish Sign Language, and hearing children (3;8–9;11 years) acquiring spoken Turkish both acquire scene-setting and referent introduction skills at similar ages. Thus the modality of the language being acquired does not have facilitating or hindering effects in the development of these skills.
Vocabulary and grammar acquisition in Turkish as assessed by the Turkish communicative development inventory
Authors: Maviş İlknur , Demirdöğenler Selen
Published: November 2016

This study reports results from the recently developed Turkish Communicative Development Inventory (CDI-TR), a parental report measure to assess the vocabulary of children aged 16–36 months. In the study, 60 typically developing (TD) children between 24–36 months and 35 language-delayed (LD) monolingual Turkish-speaking children between 30–48 months were compared with regard to the size of expressive vocabulary, maximum length of utterance (M3L), and sentence complexity. The LD group lagged substantially behind the TD group for vocabulary size as measured in the number of nouns and verbs. The LD group also lagged behind the TD children for mean maximum length of utterance, for all 5 verb and 8 noun inflections and for most of the nine complex sentence structures queried.
Language impairment in Turkish-speaking children
Authors: Topbaş Seyhun , Güven Selçuk , Uysal Ayşe Aydın , Kazanoğlu Deniz
Published: November 2016

Little research to date has focused on the morphological characteristics in children with specific language impairment in Turkish. The aim of this chapter is first to provide brief information about the extent of research conducted in this area in Turkey and then to present in detail several morphological difficulties observed in clinical case files of Turkish-speaking children with specific language impairment (SLI) in order to contribute to the discussion concerning the assessment of these children. Our analyses suggest that, given their age, children with SLI used fewer morphemes, short utterances and made more specific morphological errors than typically developing peers. In general terms, the clinical picture of children showed slow and highly delayed language developments that persisted with grammatical errors.
Language development in Turkish-speaking children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Tek Saime
Published: November 2016

Impairments in many aspects of communication and language have been widely reported among children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). However, there is a dearth of research in language development among these children in languages other than English. Studying language profiles of children with ASD in other languages is imperative, because any similarities or differences, especially between structurally different languages, can potentially contribute to a better understanding of universal principles or language-specific properties. In this regard, this chapter summarizes language development in English-speaking children with ASD in three major areas – pragmatics, lexicon/semantics, and morphology/syntax – followed by a summary of some recent studies in Turkish-speaking children with ASD.
L2 children do not fluctuate
Authors: Chondrogianni Vasiliki , Marinis Theodoros
Published: November 2016

In this study, we examined whether Turkish-speaking child L2 learners of English omitted or substituted indefinite articles in a production task that comprised a referential specific and a non-referential predicational semantic context. We also examined the source of children’s errors using a self-paced listening task where children heard grammatical and ungrammatical sentences with indefinite articles present or omitted. L2 children’s performance was compared with that of an age-matched English-speaking L1 group and a younger L1 group. Results showed that all groups distinguished between the two semantic contexts in both tasks. Although children primarily omitted articles, in the on-line processing task, all groups detected the ungrammaticality related to article omission. We interpret these results within the Missing Surface Inflection and Feature Reassembly hypotheses.
Changes in the bacterial community in the fermentation process of kôso, a Japanese sugar-vegetable fermented beverage
Authors: Chiou Tai-Ying , Suda Wataru , Oshima Kenshiro , Hattori Masahira , Takahashi Tomoya
Published: November 2016

Kôso is a Japanese fermented beverage made with over 20 kinds of vegetables, mushrooms, and sugars. The changes in the bacterial population of kôso during fermentation at 25 °C over a period of 10 days were studied using 454 pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. The analysis detected 224 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) clustered from 8 DNA samples collected on days 0, 3, 7, and 10 from two fermentation batches. Proteobacteria were the dominant phylum in the starting community, but were replaced by Firmicutes within three days. Seventy-eight genera were identified from the 224 OTUs, in which Bifidobacterium, Leuconostoc, Lactococcus, and Lactobacillus dominated, accounting for over 96% of the total bacterial population after three days’ fermentation. UniFrac–Principal Coordinate Analysis of longitudinal fermented samples revealed dramatic changes in the bacterial community in kôso, resulting in significantly low diversity at the end of fermentation as compared with the complex starting community.
The impact of xenophobia and xenophobic violence on South Africa’s developmental partnership agenda
Authors: Mabera Faith
Published: November 2016

The African agenda and regional integration form the core of South Africa’s development partnership agenda. The wave of xenophobic violence that broke out in parts of South Africa in April 2015 has once again brought into sharp relief the daunting reality of xenophobia and its lingering undercurrents in the South African society. The conflation of xenophobia with Afrophobia renders an interrogation of Africa as the essence of South Africa’s developmental focus. This paper argues that xenophobic violence is both detrimental and contrary to the central tenets of South Africa’s development agenda and its diplomacy of Ubuntu. A series of shortterm and long-term policy recommendations are then put forward.
Understanding Somali piracy through cognitive resources theory
Authors: Jackson Mary Kathryn , Matusitz Jonathan
Published: November 2016

This paper examines Somali piracy through the lens of Cognitive Resources Theory (CRT). By and large, Somali piracy consists of hijacking ships, mostly in the Indian Ocean and adjacent areas, and collecting ransom money so as to fund future pirates’ operations. CRT postulates that stress is the enemy of rationality, harming a group’s ability to operate logically and analytically, and impacting both leadership and group performance. Cognitive resources refer to a group’s combined skills and its leader’s experience and decision-making abilities. Based on these cognitive resources, CRT asserts that levels of high and low stress affect a leader’s ability to employ his or her intelligence and experience. To carry out a smooth hijacking operation, a Somali pirate group must alleviate stress. It must have a leader with intelligence and experience to carry out a successful mission in situations of high stress. It is the leader’s responsibility to maintain group unity by providing a supportive, directive environment. As we will see in this analysis, one of the many ways to achieve group normalcy and commitment is by imposing the diya and heer codes – a long-established system of norms and honour within Somalian clans.
Familiarity influences on direct and indirect associative memory for objects in scenes
Authors: Ngo Chi T. , Lloyd Marianne E.
Published: November 2016

Remembering arbitrary associations, such as unrelated word pairs or object–background pairs, appears to depend on recollection. However, for cases in which the components of an association share pre-existing semantic relations, can familiarity support associative recognition? In two experiments with congruent object–background pairings, we found that participants were successful at direct and indirect associative recognition in both 1000 ms time restriction (speeded) and unlimited response time (non-speeded) test conditions. Because dual-process theory postulates that familiarity is less impacted by speeded responses, relative to recollection, these findings suggest that congruent object–background associations may not necessitate recollection when an arbitrary link is not constructed at encoding. Experiment 3 compared direct associative memory for congruent and incongruent object–background pairs in speeded and non-speeded test conditions. We found that participants in the non-speeded condition performed comparably with congruent and incongruent pairs, whereas those in the speeded condition performed significantly worse on the incongruent pairs than on the congruent pairs. Together, these findings suggest a differential role of familiarity and recollection depending on the types of associations. Implications for dual-process recognition memory models and levels of unitization framework are discussed.
What World Price?
Authors: Jamora Nelissa , von Cramon‐Taubadel Stephan
Published: November 2016

We analyze price relationships on international rice markets from 2000 to 2013 and provide an overview of price transmission between fourteen international reference prices and 268 domestic prices from fifty‐eight countries. The results confirm that international rice markets are heterogeneous and export prices for indica rice in Vietnam are linked to the largest number of rice markets worldwide. There is also evidence of changes in the dynamics of rice price transmission from international to domestic markets after 2008. Future studies on price transmission should consider international reference prices that are appropriate for different quality segments and groups of rice importers.
Oral Vancomycin Followed by Fecal Transplantation Versus Tapering Oral Vancomycin Treatment for Recurrent Clostridium difficile Infection: An Open-Label, Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Hota Susy S , Sales Valerie , Tomlinson George , Salpeter Mary Jane , McGeer Allison , Coburn Bryan , Guttman David S , Low Donald E , Poutanen Susan M
Published: November 2016

Background

Fecal transplantation (FT) is a promising treatment for recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), but its true effectiveness remains unknown. We compared 14 days of oral vancomycin followed by a single FT by enema with oral vancomycin taper (standard of care) in adult patients experiencing acute recurrence of CDI.

Methods

In a phase 2/3, single-center, open-label trial, participants from Ontario, Canada, experiencing recurrence of CDI were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to 14 days of oral vancomycin treatment followed by a single 500-mL FT by enema, or a 6-week taper of oral vancomycin. Patients with significant immunocompromise, history of fulminant CDI, or irreversible bleeding disorders were excluded. The primary endpoint was CDI recurrence within 120 days. Microbiota analysis was performed on fecal filtrate from donors and stool samples from FT recipients, as available.

Results

The study was terminated at the interim analysis after randomizing 30 patients. Nine of 16 (56.2%) patients who received FT and 5 of 12 (41.7%) in the vancomycin taper group experienced recurrence of CDI, corresponding with symptom resolution in 43.8% and 58.3%, respectively. Fecal microbiota analysis of 3 successful FT recipients demonstrated increased diversity. A futility analysis did not support continuing the study. Adverse events were similar in both groups and uncommon.

Conclusions

In patients experiencing an acute episode of recurrent CDI, a single FT by enema was not significantly different from oral vancomycin taper in reducing recurrent CDI. Further research is needed to explore optimal donor selection, FT preparation, route, timing, and number of administrations.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT01226992.
Silent Partners
Authors: Dresser Rebecca
Published: November 2016

Scientists and ethicists often speak of subjects as partners in research, but the reality is quite different. Experienced subjects are rarely appointed to the committees that create guidelines for ethical research or the committees that review individual studies to determine whether they meet ethical and regulatory standards. Yet experienced research subjects can make valuable contributions to research ethics. People who have been in studies know facts about the experience that others may overlook. Their experience as subjects gives them special insights into ethics too. Experienced subjects know about problems that can lead people to refuse to join studies or to drop out before studies are complete. A large body of work describes the perceptions and viewpoints of people who have participated in research, but experts rarely use this material to guide improvements in human subject protection. Although subjects have the power to decide whether to participate in a study, they have little control over anything else that goes on in research. Silent Partners moves research subjects to the forefront, examining what research participation is like for healthy volunteers and patients and explaining why subjects’ voices should influence research ethics. Silent Partners shows how experienced research subjects can become real—not just symbolic—partners in research.
Prevalence and Severity of Ratoon Stunt in Commercial Brazilian Sugarcane Fields
Authors: Urashima A. S. , Silva M. F. , Correa J. J. , Moraes M. C. , Singh A. V. , Smith E. C. , Sainz M. B.
Published: November 2016

Brazil has 9 million ha of sugarcane, 85% of which are located in the Center-South area of the country. Field trials and surveys around the globe have shown that ratoon stunt disease (RSD), caused by Leifsonia xyli subsp. xyli, can severely reduce tonnage yield. Previous small-scale studies in Brazil have demonstrated RSD infection in all varieties, with values varying from 25 to 68%. Nevertheless, the prevalence and severity of RSD in commercial fields had not previously been assessed. To address this issue, we surveyed 13,173 ha in 1,154 fields of the eight main sugarcane varieties of the Center-South area, taking 92,114 samples from 50 mills in five different states. Our data showed that 10% of fields were infected, and that 58% of mills had at least one RSD-infected field. The variety RB92579 had the highest proportion of infected fields (17%) and, on average, the prevalence and severity in these fields was high compared with other varieties. RB867515, the most cultivated in Brazil, showed infection in 6.2% of sampled fields (5.5% of sampled area) causing an estimated annual economic loss of over US$1 million. This was the first time the economic importance of RSD on Brazilian commercial sugarcane production was estimated. The Cerrado region had the highest prevalence of RSD: 16% of fields, 17% of the cultivated area, and 82% of mills. The use of diseased planting material was identified in 9% of plant cane fields, representing 10% of the cultivated area.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2017 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Unmet Health Services Needs Among US Children with Developmental Disabilities: Associations with Family Impact and Child Functioning
Authors: Lindly Olivia J. , Chavez Alison E. , Zuckerman Katharine E.
Published: November 2016

Objective:

To determine associations of unmet needs for child or family health services with (1) adverse family financial and employment impacts and (2) child behavioral functioning problems among US children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental delay (DD), and/or intellectual disability (ID).

Method:

This was a secondary analysis of parent-reported data from the 2009 to 2010 National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs linked to the 2011 Survey of Pathways to Diagnosis and Services. The study sample (n = 3,518) represented an estimated 1,803,112 US children aged 6 to 17 years with current ASD, DD, and/or ID (developmental disabilities). Dependent variables included adverse family financial and employment impacts, as well as child behavioral functioning problems. The independent variables of interest were unmet need for (1) child health services and (2) family health services. Multivariable logistic regression models were fit to examine associations.

Results:

Unmet need for child and family health services, adverse family financial and employment impacts, and child behavioral functioning problems were prevalent among US children with developmental disabilities. Unmet needs were associated with an increased likelihood of adverse family employment and financial impacts. Unmet needs were associated with an increased likelihood of child behavioral functioning problems the following year; however, this association was not statistically significant.

Conclusion:

Unmet needs are associated with adverse impacts for children with developmental disabilities and their families. Increased access to and coordination of needed health services following ASD, DD, and/or ID diagnosis may improve outcomes for children with developmental disabilities and their families.
Preliminary Validation of the PROMIS Parent-Proxy Peer Relationships Measure in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A DBPNet Study
Authors: Toomey Marisa , Schwartz Justin , Laverdiere Michele , Tucker Carole A. , Bevans Katherine , Forrest Christopher B. , Blum Nathan J.
Published: November 2016

Objective:

To evaluate the content and construct validity of the existing PROMIS Pediatric Parent-Proxy Peer Relationships Measure in 5- to 12-year-old children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Method:

Parents of 121 children aged 5 to 12 years who met DSM-IV criteria for ASD completed the Peer Relationships Measure using computerized adaptive testing (CAT). Parents also completed the Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition (SRS-2) and a demographic form. Intelligence quotient test results were extracted from clinical or research records. Five parents participated in semi-structured interviews about their child's peer relationships and the item content on the Peer Relationships Measure.

Results:

The children in the sample were primarily male (87%). The sample was racially and ethnically diverse, and parents were predominantly highly educated. The mean T-score (SD) on the Peer Relationships Measure was 36 (8), with a range from 15 to 62. For 98% of subjects, the CAT required administration of 5 items to reach a standard error of measurement of less than 4 T-score units. The Peer Relationships Measure demonstrated a large correlation with the SRS-2 (r = −0.60, p < .0001). In semi-structured interviews, parents reported that the items on the Peer Relationships Measure were relevant to the peer relationships of their child with ASD, but they reported a few challenges related to variability in their children's peer relationships over time and to somewhat limited knowledge of relationships in school.

Conclusion:

The PROMIS Pediatric Parent-Proxy Peer Relationships Measure may be an efficient, precise, and valid measure of peer relationships for 5- to 12-year-old children with ASD.
Trial Designs and Characteristics in Laser Studies in Dermatology: A Systematic Review
Authors: Grabas Marie , Dinulescu Monica , Droitcourt Catherine , Dupuy Alain
Published: November 2016

BACKGROUND

Lasers are increasingly used in Dermatology. Clinical studies are among the best means to assess their efficacy.

OBJECTIVE

To obtain an overview of therapeutic laser studies in the field of Dermatology, the authors conducted a systematic review to describe the types of study published over the past 25 years, and their reporting in the abstracts.

METHODS

The authors selected interventional studies that evaluated laser treatment on human subjects with skin diseases. Reviews or single-case reports were excluded. Journal characteristics, study design, and trial characteristics were recorded and analyzed according to trends over time and journal impact factor ratings.

RESULTS

Of the 681 studies included, 57% were comparative, of which 46% were randomized, controlled studies. Trial duration was clearly mentioned in 63% of the abstracts. Trial duration was generally under 6 months (78%). Some parameters were rarely mentioned as follows: the number of patients lost to follow-up (only 12%), blinding (21%), and a clearly stated main outcome (36%). Over the 25 years, there was a significant trend toward an increased proportion of randomized, controlled trials, from 15% between 1990 and 2000 to 41% between 2010 and 2015 (p < .001).

CONCLUSION

This systematic review highlights areas for improvement in laser studies in Dermatology.
Reinvigorating Influenza Prevention in US Adults Aged 65 Years and Older
Authors: Schaffner William , Gravenstein Stefan , Hopkins Robert H. , Jernigan Daniel B.
Published: November 2016

Adults aged 65 years and older are disproportionately impacted by influenza, accounting for more influenza-related deaths and hospitalizations than any other age group by far. The increasing likelihood of chronic conditions with age and age-related gradual decline in the immune system (immunosenescence) result in an elevated risk of complications from infections, including influenza. Immunosenescence is also a factor in reduced vaccine efficacy in older adults. Newer vaccines approved specifically for adults aged 65 years and older are designed to provide better immune response and better efficacy. Improving immunization coverage rates among this population using new and existing influenza vaccines is essential to reduce the annual impact of influenza infections in the United States.
Barriers to Quality End-of-Life Care for Latinos
Authors: Cruz-Oliver Dulce M. , Sanchez-Reilly Sandra
Published: November 2016

Hospice is an option that serves the care needs of terminally ill patients. However, promoting awareness of pursuing end-of-life (EOL) care among Hispanics is challenging. Hispanics are the fastest growing ethnic minority group in the United States but the most unlikely to use hospice services for EOL. This project was intended to identify health care providers' (HCPs') self-perceived barriers/solutions to improve use of hospice among Latino patients in both Hispanic-predominant and white-predominant communities. Focus groups were conducted at 2 hospice agencies to compare views on Hispanic EOL care. Two HCP groups from VITAS hospice in Texas (n = 9, 12) and 1 in Missouri (n = 24) participated. Qualitative analysis was performed. Across groups, all HCPs had similar distributions of professions (predominantly nursing). Despite the differences in ethnicity and few Hispanic patients in Missouri, common EOL barriers were identified, including language, religion, and family culture. Potential solutions identified included education in Spanish to families, the use of community religious leaders, and use of media (“telenovelas = soap operas”) to bring the concept of Hospice to Hispanic homes. From the perspective of HCPs, this study identifies barriers and solutions with potential health care implications to improve hospice care among growing Hispanic communities in a culturally appropriate manner.
Medical Student Beliefs and Attitudes Toward Mental Illness Across Five Nations
Authors: Stefanovics Elina A. , Rosenheck Robert A. , He Hongo , Ofori-Atta Angela , Cavalcanti Maria , Chiles Catherine
Published: November 2016

Negative attitudes toward people with mental illness are a widespread concern and may vary across countries. This study used a 36-item questionnaire to compare attitudes toward people with mental illness and beliefs about the causes of mental illness among medical students from the United States, Brazil, Ghana, Nigeria, and China (N = 1131). Exploratory factor analysis identified the underlying factor structure of the questionnaire, and analysis of covariance was then used to compare factors representing four nonstigmatized attitudes across students from the five countries. US Medical students scored highest on all four factors, followed by those from Brazil. Nigerian and Ghanaian students scored lowest on nonsupernatural etiology of mental illness, and Chinese students showed the lowest score on personal social acceptance and public policy acceptance of people with mental illness. Differences in medical student attitudes between these five countries suggest underlying sociocultural differences in attitudes with the more stigmatized attitudes in developing countries.
Can Religion Protect Against Suicide?
Authors: Norko Michael A. , Freeman David , Phillips James , Hunter William , Lewis Richard , Viswanathan Ramaswamy
Published: November 2016

The vast majority of the world's population is affiliated with a religious belief structure, and each of the major faith traditions (in its true form) is strongly opposed to suicide. Ample literature supports the protective effect of religious affiliation on suicide rates. Proposed mechanisms for this protective effect include enhanced social network and social integration, the degree of religious commitment, and the degree to which a particular religion disapproves of suicide. We review the sociological data for these effects and the general objections to suicide held by the faith traditions. We explore how clinicians may use such knowledge with individual patients, including routinely taking a religious/spiritual history. The clinician who is aware of the common themes among the faith traditions in opposition to suicide is better prepared to address religious/spiritual matters, as appropriate, in crisis situations. The clinician who understands the patient's belief system is also better prepared to request consultation with religious professionals when indicated.
Cranial Nerve-VI Palsy as the Main Clinical Manifestation of Neurosarcoidosis
Authors: Al-Qudah Zaid A. , Yacoub Hussam A. , Souayah Nizar
Published: November 2016

Introduction:

Sarcoidosis is a chronic, systemic, inflammatory disorder that is characterized by the formation of noncaseating granulomas. Patients may present with cranial nerve palsy, paresthesia, paresis, pyramidal signs, progressive cognitive decline, urinary retention, seizures, or hypothalamic-pituitary syndrome. Although the diagnosis of neurosarcoidosis can be challenging, neurological manifestations of sarcoidosis occur more frequently than previously described.

Case Report:

A 23-year-old African American man presented to our emergency department with diplopia, which was worsened on left horizontal gaze. On the day of admission, he had a witnessed seizure. Laboratory studies were significant only for mild leukopenia and erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 17 mm/h. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed diffuse thickening and enhancement of the dura, mild mass effect, and soft tissue enhancement through the foramen rotundum and left orbital apex. The patient was treated with intravenous methylprednisolone and discharged on 60 mg oral prednisone daily followed by a taper over a 2-month period.

Conclusions:

Our case demonstrates that mild neurological deficits can be the initial presentation of neurosarcoidosis in patients with undiagnosed or proven sarcoidosis.
WIF-1 and Ihh Expression and Clinical Significance in Patients With Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhang Yue , Hu Chunhong
Published: November 2016

This study investigated the expression of wingless-type inhibitory factor-1 (WIF-1) and Ihh protein in tumor tissues and their clinical significance in patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. The expression of WIF-1 and Ihh protein in 74 squamous cell carcinomas and 76 adenocarcinomas was measured by immunohistochemistry. The percentage of positive WIF-1 protein expression was significantly higher, while positive Ihh protein expression was significantly lower in patients with well-differentiated lung squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma, tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage I disease, and lymph node metastasis than that in patients with poorly differentiated tumor, TNM stage III disease, and lymph node metastasis (P<0.05, <0.01). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that TNM stage and lymph node metastasis were significantly associated with the mean overall survival of patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma (P<0.05 or <0.01). Patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma (P=0.037) and adenocarcinoma (P=0.001) with positive Ihh protein expression survived significantly shorter than patients with negative Ihh protein expression. In contrast, no significant difference in mean survival was observed in patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma with positive and negative WIF-1 protein expression (P>0.05). Ihh is a marker for poor prognosis in patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. WIF-1 is not a predictive marker for lung cancer.
The Inflammatory Milieu of Eosinophilic Esophagitis: A Contemporary Review With Emphasis in Putative Immunohistochemistry and Serologic Markers
Authors: Lepe Marcos , O’Connell David , Lombardo Kara A. , Herzlinger Michael , Mangray Shamlal , Resnick Murray B. , Matoso Andres
Published: November 2016

Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic disease characterized by esophageal dysfunction, frequent clinical history of atopy, and eosinophilic inflammation of the esophagus. Within the esophageal mucosa, there is a wide variety of immune mediators, chemotactic factors, mediators of transcription, and markers of epithelial differentiation and integrity that are overexpressed or underexpressed in eosinophilic esophagitis, offering many candidates for biomarkers with diagnostic or prognostic potential. In this review, we summarize the results from studies performed so far to evaluate the detection of these markers by immunohistochemistry on esophageal biopsies. In addition, we briefly describe some attempts to identify markers that could be detected in serum to be used to diagnose or monitor the disease without the need of a biopsy.
An iOS App to Expedite the Evaluation of Immunohistochemistry Control Tissue
Authors: Mojica Wilfrido D. , Mojica Gregg W.
Published: November 2016

Control tissues play a vital role in diagnostic immunohistochemistry. They serve to document that the appropriate antibody was used, on the correct control tissue, and run on optimized conditions. As part of the evolving process of standardization in diagnostic immunohistochemistry, specific tissues have been identified based on agreement by experts in this field capable of serving as the benchmark(s) for several antibodies. These tissues are recommended based on known and predictable levels of strong, weak, and no expression of the antigen being queried. These tissues can be used for positive and negative control purposes, respectively, and are regarded as primary positive and/or negative external control tissue. If some of these tissues are not present in sufficient numbers in a laboratory’s archive for daily use, they can still be used as the basis to evaluate other tissues that are not as well characterized and chosen to serve as secondary and external positive controls. In this manner, either the former or latter can function as external positive and negative control tissue for the quality assurance of immunohistochemistry done in a laboratory. The use of the selected tissues may be applicable to the detection of several different antigens by a number of separate antibodies, with differences in the staining of specific cells or the localization in staining within those cells. However, the amount of information needed to be familiar with to render a correct interpretation of the control tissue may prove daunting. One means of dealing with this problem would be to create a document capable of serving as a reference guide. Traditional types of references, however, may suffer from issues related to convenience, updating, and mobility. Herein we describe a mobile device application (app) created to serve as a reference for control block tissues. This app can capably house and easily retrieve all the relevant information on all the antibodies and their respective control tissues in a laboratories test menu, thus enabling the use of standardized tissues as control material and spreading the ability to perform immunohistochemical quality control to individual pathologists.
The Prevalence of Lichen Sclerosus in Patients With Vulvar Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Davick Jonathan J. , Samuelson Megan , Krone James T. , Stockdale Colleen K.
Published: November 2016

Women with vulvar lichen sclerosus (LS) have an increased risk of developing differentiated vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia and vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Our primary aim was to determine the prevalence of LS among women with vulvar SCC. All patients who underwent excision for invasive SCC of the vulva from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2013 were identified by searching our institution’s electronic laboratory information system (n=111). The vulvar excision specimens from these patients were reviewed for the presence of adjacent LS. The grade of the SCC and clinical data were also documented for each case. The proportion of vulvar SCCs with adjacent LS identified on the excision specimen was 0.29 (95% confidence interval, 0.21–0.38). The proportion of patients in our study population who have ever had a histopathologic diagnosis of LS was 0.36 (95% confidence interval, 0.28–0.45). The presence of LS was not associated with the grade of the adjacent SCC. Patients with synchronous LS on excision were older on average than patients without LS. Tobacco users in our population were more likely to have a history of lower genital tract dysplasia, more likely to be younger, and less likely to have LS identified on the vulvar SCC excision specimen. Given the strong association between LS, differentiated vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia, and vulvar SCC, we recommend careful evaluation of these patients from a clinical and pathologic standpoint.
Endometrial Thickness as Measured by Transvaginal Ultrasound and the Corresponding Histopathologic Diagnosis in Women With Postmenopausal Bleeding
Authors: Patel Vatsal , Wilkinson Edward J. , Chamala Srikar , Lu Xiaomin , Castagno Jacqueline , Rush Demaretta
Published: November 2016

Endometrial thickness as measured by transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) is being increasingly used as a first-line method to evaluate patients with vaginal bleeding. Our study aims to examine correlation between the histopathologic diagnosis and the results of TVUS and find a threshold that could reliably exclude carcinoma. We included women, age 55 years and above, who presented with postmenopausal bleeding and had a TVUS within 30 days of their endometrial biopsy. Total of 304 patients met our criteria and were divided into 4 groups. Patients in group A (n=198) had benign/atrophic endometrium, group B (n=44) had polyps, group C (n=30) had hyperplasia, and group D (n=32) had carcinoma. The endometrial thickness obtained by TVUS was compared with the histopathologic finding of the endometrial biopsy. The mean endometrial thickness was 7.5, 12.1, 14.8, and 16.9 mm for groups A to D, respectively. Statistical analysis showed that very low endometrial thickness (3 to 4 mm) would be ideal to use as a threshold to maximize sensitivity. Three of 32 patients in group D had an endometrial thickness ≤4 mm. At a threshold of 4 mm, the sensitivity is 90.6% and increases to 96.9% when decreasing the threshold to 3 mm. However, other parameters such as test accuracy, specificity, and positive predictive values are very low at these thresholds. Sensitivity can be maximized to 96.9% using a threshold of 3 mm. However, this would call into question the cost-effectiveness of this method. Postmenopausal bleeding remains the most reliable indicator of endometrial pathology.
Change in Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System Characterization of Focal Liver Lesions Using Gadoxetate Disodium Magnetic Resonance Imaging Compared With Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography
Authors: Hope Thomas A. , Aslam Rizwan , Weinstein Stefanie , Yeh Benjamin M. , Corvera Carlos U. , Monto Alex , Yee Judy
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine whether gadoxetate-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) improves lesion characterization in patients at risk for hepatocellular carcinoma compared with computed tomography (CT).

Materials and Methods

Forty-nine patients with indeterminate lesions found at contrast-enhanced CT were prospectively enrolled and imaged using gadoxetate-enhanced hepatobiliary phase (HBP) MRI within 30 days of their initial CT. Three readers graded each lesion at CT and MRI using the Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) v2014 major criteria and HBP characterization as an ancillary feature. Patients were followed for an average of 1.8 years to document growth or stability of each lesion.

Results

The Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System categorization changed for 71% (52/73) of lesions based on HBP MRI compared with CT, with 30% (22/73) of lesions upgraded and 41% (30/73) of lesions downgraded. There was almost perfect agreement between readers for arterial phase hyperintensity and HBP hypointensity, with lower interreader agreement for washout and capsule appearance. On the basis of composite clinical follow-up, lesions that were subsequently classified as hepatocellular carcinoma were assigned a higher LI-RADS category on HBP MRI when compared with CT.

Conclusions

For patients with indeterminate lesions seen on contrast-enhanced CT, HBP MRI using gadoxetate improves lesion characterization when using LI-RADS v2014 criteria.
Changes in Hemodynamic Response Patterns in Motor Cortices Measured by Task-Based Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients With Moyamoya Disease
Authors: Qiao Peng-Gang , Zuo Zhi-Wei , Han Cong , Zhou Juan , Zhang Hong-Tao , Duan Lian , Qian Tianyi , Li Gong-Jie
Published: November 2016

Objective

We aimed to study the value of blood oxygen level–dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging (BOLD-fMRI) in assessing cerebral hemodynamic changes for moyamoya disease (MMD).

Methods

We recruited 15 healthy volunteers, 15 patients with MMD without dyskinesia, and 30 patients with MMD who experienced paroxysmal limb dyskinesia. The BOLD-fMRI scans were obtained during grasping motions of the left or right hand. Hemodynamic response curves in the primary motor cortices were generated. Six response parameters including negative response time (Tnr), maximum signal intensity of negative response, time to peak, maximum peak arrival time, maximum signal intensity of positive response, and positive response time were measured.

Results

The hemodynamic response curve in the primary motor cortices of MMD patients showed extended Tnr, prolonged positive response time, and delayed time to peak than those of the controls. The response curve showed longer Tnr and maximum peak arrival time in the primary motor cortices on the affected side of the dyskinesia group.

Conclusions

Blood oxygen level–dependent fMRI is an effective technique to assess hemodynamic changes in patients with MMD.
Caval Subtraction 2D Phase-Contrast MRI to Measure Total Liver and Hepatic Arterial Blood Flow
Authors: Chouhan Manil D. , Mookerjee Rajeshwar P. , Bainbridge Alan , Punwani Shonit , Jones Helen , Davies Nathan , Walker-Samuel Simon , Patch David , Jalan Rajiv , Halligan Steve , Lythgoe Mark F. , Taylor Stuart A.
Published: November 2016

Objectives

Caval subtraction phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PCMRI) noninvasive measurements of total liver blood flow (TLBF) and hepatic arterial (HA) flow have been validated in animal models and translated into normal volunteers, but not patients. This study aims to demonstrate its use in patients with liver cirrhosis, evaluate measurement consistency, correlate measurements with portal hypertension severity, and invasively validate TLBF measurements.

Materials and Methods

Local research ethics committee approval was obtained. Twelve patients (mean, 50.8 ± 3.1 years; 10 men) with histologically confirmed cirrhosis were recruited prospectively, undergoing 2-dimensional PCMRI of the portal vein (PV) and the infrahepatic and suprahepatic inferior vena cava. Total liver blood flow and HA flow were estimated by subtracting infrahepatic from suprahepatic inferior vena cava flow and PV flow from estimated TLBF, respectively. Invasive hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) and indocyanine green (ICG) clearance TLBF were measured within 7 days of PCMRI. Bland-Altman (BA) analysis of agreement, coefficients of variation, and Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated for comparisons with direct inflow PCMRI, HVPG, and ICG clearance.

Results

The mean difference between caval subtraction TLBF and direct inflow PCMRI was 6.3 ± 4.2 mL/min/100 g (BA 95% limits of agreement, ±28.7 mL/min/100 g). Significant positive correlations were observed between HVPG and caval subtraction HA fraction (r = 0.780, P = 0.014), but not for HA flow (r = 0.625, P = 0.053), PV flow (r = 0.244, P = 0.469), or caval subtraction TLBF (r = 0.473, P = 0.141). Caval subtraction and ICG TLBF agreement was modest (mean difference, −32.6 ± 16.6 mL/min/100 g; BA 95% limits of agreement, ±79.7 mL/min/100 g), but coefficients of variation were not different (65.7% vs 48.1%, P = 0.28).

Conclusions

In this proof-of-principle study, caval subtraction PCMRI measurements are consistent with direct inflow PCMRI, correlate with portal hypertension severity, and demonstrate modest agreement with invasive TLBF measurements. Larger studies investigating the clinical role of TLBF and HA flow measurement in patients with liver disease are justified.
In situ
Raman mapping of art objects
Authors: Lauwers D. , Brondeel Ph. , Moens L. , Vandenabeele P.
Published: November 2016

Raman spectroscopy has grown to be one of the techniques of interest for the investigation of art objects. The approach has several advantageous properties, and the non-destructive character of the technique allowed it to be used for
in situ
investigations. However, compared with laboratory approaches, it would be useful to take advantage of the small spectral footprint of the technique, and use Raman spectroscopy to study the spatial distribution of different compounds. In this work, an
in situ
Raman mapping system is developed to be able to relate chemical information with its spatial distribution. Challenges for the development are discussed, including the need for stable positioning and proper data treatment. To avoid focusing problems, nineteenth century porcelain cards are used to test the system. This work focuses mainly on the post-processing of the large dataset which consists of four steps: (i) importing the data into the software; (ii) visualization of the dataset; (iii) extraction of the variables; and (iv) creation of a Raman image. It is shown that despite the challenging task of the development of the full
in situ
Raman mapping system, the first steps are very promising.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Raman spectroscopy in art and archaeology’.
Raman spectroscopic analysis of a ‘
noli me tangere
’ painting
Authors: Hibberts Stephen , Edwards Howell G. M. , Abdel-Ghani Mona , Vandenabeele Peter
Published: November 2016

The discovery of an oil painting in seriously damaged condition with an important historical and a heterodox detail with possible origins in the late fifteenth century has afforded the opportunity for Raman microscopic analysis prior to its restoration being undertaken. The painting depicts a risen Christ following His crucifixion in a ‘
noli me tangere
’ pose with three women in an Italian terrace garden with a stone balustrade overlooking a rural landscape and an undoubted view of late-medieval Florence. The picture has suffered much abuse and is in very poor condition, which is possibly attributable to its controversial portrayal of a polydactylic Christ with six toes on His right foot. By the late sixteenth century, after the Council of Trent, this portrayal would almost certainly have been frowned upon by the Church authorities or more controversially as a depiction of the holy. Raman spectroscopic analysis of the pigments places the painting as being consistent chronologically with the Renaissance period following the identification of cinnabar, haematite, red lead, lead white, goethite, verdigris,
caput mortuum
and azurite with no evidence of more modern synthetic pigments or of modern restoration having been carried out. An interesting pigment mixture found here is that of the organic dye carmine and cinnabar to produce a particular bright red pigment coloration. Stratigraphic examination of the paint fragments has demonstrated the presence of an orange resin layer immediately on top of the canvas substrate, effectively rendering the pigment as a sandwich between this substratal resin and the overlying varnish. The Raman spectroscopic evidence clearly indicates that an attribution of the artwork to the Renaissance is consistent with the scientific analysis of the pigment composition.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Raman spectroscopy in art and archaeology’.