bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation and Characterization of Solid Dispersions of Artemether by Freeze-Dried Method
Authors: Ansari Muhammad Tayyab , Hussain Altaf , Nadeem Sumaira , Majeed Humaira , Saeed-Ul-Hassan Syed , Tariq Imran , Mahmood Qaisar , Khan Abida Kalsoom , Murtaza Ghulam
Published: May 2015

Solid dispersions of artemether and polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG6000) were prepared in ratio 12 : 88 (group-1). Self-emulsified solid dispersions of artemether were prepared by using polyethylene glycol 6000, Cremophor-A25, olive oil, Transcutol, and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) in ratio 12 : 75 : 5 : 4 : 2 : 2, respectively (group-2). In third group, only Cremophor-A25 was replaced with Poloxamer 188 compared to group-2. The solid dispersions and self-emulsified solid dispersions were prepared by physical and freeze dried methods, respectively. All samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimeter, scanning electron microscopy, and solubility, dissolution, and stability studies. X-ray diffraction pattern revealed artemether complete crystalline, whereas physical mixture and freeze-dried mixture of all three groups showed reduced peak intensities. In attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectra, C–H stretching vibrations of artemether were masked in all prepared samples, while C–H stretching vibrations were representative of polyethylene glycol 6000, Cremophor-A25, and Poloxamer 188. Differential scanning calorimetry showed decreased melting endotherm and increased enthalpy change (ΔH) in both physical mixture and freeze-dried mixtures of all groups. Scanning electron microscopy of freeze-dried mixtures of all samples showed glassy appearance, size reduction, and embedment, while their physical mixture showed size reduction and embedment of artemether by excipients. In group-1, solubility was improved up to 15 times, whereas group-2 showed up to 121 times increase but, in group-3, when Poloxamer 188 was used instead of Cremophor-A25, solubility of freeze-dried mixtures was increased up to 135 times. In fasted state simulated gastric fluid at pH 1.6, the dissolution of physical mixture was increased up to 12 times and freeze-dried mixtures up to 15 times. The stability of artemether was substantially enhanced in freeze-dried mixtures by using polyethylene glycol 6000, Cremophor-A25, and Poloxamer 188 of self-emulsified solid dispersions of artemether in Hank’s balanced salt solution at pH 7.4.
N1303K (c.3909C>G) Mutation and Splicing: Implication of Its c.[744-33GATT(6); 869+11C>T] Complex Allele inCFTRExon 7 Aberrant Splicing
Authors: Farhat Raëd , Puissesseau Géraldine , El-Seedy Ayman , Pasquet Marie-Claude , Adolphe Catherine , Corbani Sandra , Megarbané André , Kitzis Alain , Ladeveze Véronique
Published: May 2015

Cystic Fibrosis is the most common recessive autosomal rare disease found in Caucasians. It is caused by mutations on theCystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulatorgene (CFTR) that encodes a protein located on the apical membrane of epithelial cells. c.3909C>G (p.Asn1303Lys, old nomenclature: N1303K) is one of the most common worldwide mutations. This mutation has been found at high frequencies in the Mediterranean countries with the highest frequency in the Lebanese population. Therefore, on the genetic level, we conducted a completeCFTRgene screening on c.3909C>G Lebanese patients. The complex allele c.[744-33GATT(6); 869+11C>T] was always associated with the c.3909C>G mutation in cis in the Lebanese population.In cellulosplicing studies, realized by hybrid minigene constructs, revealed no impact of the c.3909C>G mutation on the splicing process, whereas the associated complex allele induces minor exon skipping.
Collapse Modeling of a Masonry Arch Dam Using the Cohesive Interface Elements
Authors: Pan Jianwen
Published: May 2015

A finite element (FE) approach with zero-thickness cohesive interface elements is presented to simulate collapse of continuum structures. The element removal technique merged with the general contact algorithm is adapted in the FE approach to achieve modeling for a transition from continua to discontinua, that is, fracture, fragmentation, and collapse. Collapse process of Meihua masonry arch dam, which is a famous disaster in dam engineering in China, is simulated and the failure mechanism is studied. The collapse process obtained from the presented procedure coincides with the field observation after the dam failure. The failure of Meihua arch dam can be attributed to reducing shear strength of the peripheral joint between the dam body and the concrete pedestal by daubing a layer of asphalt there. With low sliding resistance strength, the masonry dam body may slide upwards along the peripheral joint under hydrostatic pressure, leading to weakening of the arch action, fracturing, and final collapse of the dam.
Cardiovascular Disease, Mitochondria, and Traditional Chinese Medicine
Authors: Wang Jie , Lin Fei , Guo Li-li , Xiong Xing-jiang , Fan Xun
Published: May 2015

Recent studies demonstrated that mitochondria play an important role in the cardiovascular system and mutations of mitochondrial DNA affect coronary artery disease, resulting in hypertension, atherosclerosis, and cardiomyopathy. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used for thousands of years to treat cardiovascular disease, but it is not yet clear how TCM affects mitochondrial function. By reviewing the interactions between the cardiovascular system, mitochondrial DNA, and TCM, we show that cardiovascular disease is negatively affected by mutations in mitochondrial DNA and that TCM can be used to treat cardiovascular disease by regulating the structure and function of mitochondria via increases in mitochondrial electron transport and oxidative phosphorylation, modulation of mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis, and decreases in mitochondrial ROS. However further research is still required to identify the mechanism by which TCM affects CVD and modifies mitochondrial DNA.
Tocotrienol Rich Palm Oil Extract Is More Effective Than Pure Tocotrienols at Improving Endothelium-Dependent Relaxation in the Presence of Oxidative Stress
Authors: Ali Saher F. , Woodman Owen L.
Published: May 2015

Oxidative endothelial dysfunction is a critical initiator of vascular disease. Vitamin E is an effective antioxidant but attempts to use it to treat vascular disorders have been disappointing. This study investigated whether tocotrienols, the less abundant components of vitamin E compared to tocopherols, might be more effective at preserving endothelial function. Superoxide generated by hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase or rat aorta was measured using lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence. The effect ofα-tocopherol,α-,δ-, andγ-tocotrienols and a tocotrienol rich palm oil extract (tocomin) on levels of superoxide was assessed. Endothelial function in rat aorta was assessed in the presence of the auto-oxidant pyrogallol. Whilst all of the compounds displayed antioxidant activity, the tocotrienols were more effective when superoxide was produced by hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase whereas tocomin andα-tocopherol were more effective in the isolated aorta. Tocomin andα-tocopherol restored endothelial function in the presence of oxidant stress butα-,δ-, andγ-tocotrienols were ineffective. The protective effect of tocomin was replicated when the tocotrienols were present with, but not without,α-tocopherol. Tocotrienol rich tocomin is more effective thanα-tocopherol at reducing oxidative stress and restoring endothelium-dependent relaxation in rat aortae and althoughα-,δ-, andγ-tocotrienols effectively scavenged superoxide, they did not improve endothelial function.
Characterization of Moisture Diffusion in Cured Concrete Slabs at Early Ages
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Zhao Hongduo
Published: May 2015

The objective of this paper is to investigate the characterization of moisture diffusion inside early-age concrete slabs subjected to curing. Time-dependent relative humidity (RH) distributions of three mixture proportions subjected to three different curing methods (i.e., air curing, water curing, and membrane-forming compounds curing) and sealed condition were measured for 28 days. A one-dimensional nonlinear moisture diffusion partial differential equation (PDE) based on Fick’s second law, which incorporates the effect of curing in the Dirichlet boundary condition using a concept of curing factor, is developed to simulate the diffusion process. Model parameters are calibrated by a genetic algorithm (GA). Experimental results show that the RH reducing rate inside concrete under air curing is greater than the rates under membrane-forming compound curing and water curing. It is shown that the effect of water-to-cement (w/c) ratio on self-desiccation is significant. Lower w/c ratio tends to result in larger RH reduction. RH reduction considering both effect of diffusion and self-desiccation in early-age concrete is not sensitive to w/c ratio, but to curing method. Comparison between model simulation and experimental results indicates that the improved model is able to reflect the effect of curing on moisture diffusion in early-age concrete slabs.
Constrained Extended Kalman Filter for Target Tracking in Directional Sensor Networks
Authors: Wen Sha , Cai Zixing , Hu Xiaoqing
Published: May 2015

The target tracking problem in directional sensor networks (DSNs) is attracting increasing attention. Unlike the traditional omnidirectional sensor, a directional sensor has a special angle of view. It can offer direction information rather than just the sensing signal measurement with respect to the detected target. The existing tracking approaches in DSNs always separately consider the direction and measurement information; they hardly promise the tracking performance of minimum variance. In this paper, the field of view of directional sensor is approximated to a rectangle; as such the constrained area in which the target is bound to be is constructed. Then, the target tracking problem is formulated as a constrained estimation problem, and a constrained extended Kalman filter (CEKF) tracking algorithm integrating the direction and measurement information is presented; its structural and statistical properties are rigorously derived. It is proved that CEKF is the linear unbiased minimum variance estimator, and CEKF can yield a smaller error covariance than the unconstrained traditional extended Kalman filter using only sensor measurements. Simulation results show that the CEKF has superior tracking performance for directional wireless networks.
Drought Trends and Temperature Influence in Zhanghe River Basin, China
Authors: Wagan Bakhtawar , Zhang Zhanyu , Baoping Feng , Han Si , Kabo-bah Amos T.
Published: May 2015

Our study area is one of the semiarid region of the China with under water stress condition that causes economic damage. The main objective of this study is to apply standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) and to use linear regression to calculate drought conditions in the study area. For this purpose, data from 1980 to 2010 was analyzed at different (1, 6, 12, and 24 months) time scales. Results depicted both dry and wet periods in the study area; occurrence of dry span with different frequency and magnitude was increased over last decades (2000–2010) at most of the stations. Statistical results demonstrated that temperature was decreased in the 1st decade in most of stations but in two decades from 1990 to 2000 and 2001 to 2010, temperature was increased except in Changzhi station. These results could be a future reference for developing information programs about monitoring and early drought information, planning of existing reservoirs, and management of water resources under climate conditions.
Ginsenoside-Rb1 Protects Hypoxic- and Ischemic-Damaged Cardiomyocytes by Regulating Expression of miRNAs
Authors: Yan Xu , Xue Jinrong , Wu Hongjin , Wang Shengqi , Liu Yuna , Zheng Sidao , Zhang Chengying , Yang Cui
Published: May 2015

Ginsenoside (GS-Rb1) is one of the most important active compounds of ginseng, with extensive evidence of its cardioprotective properties. However, the miRNA mediated mechanism of GS-Rb1 on cardiomyocytes remains unclear. Here, the roles of miRNAs in cardioprotective activity of GS-Rb1 were investigated in hypoxic- and ischemic-damaged cardiomyocytes. Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) were first isolated, cultured, and then incubated with or without GS-Rb1 (2.5–40μM)in vitrounder conditions of hypoxia and ischemia. Cell growth, proliferation, and apoptosis were detected by MTT and flow cytometry. Expressions of various microRNAs were analyzed by real-time PCR. Compared with that of the control group, GS-Rb1 significantly decreased cell death in a dose-dependent manner and expressions of mir-1, mir-29a, and mir-208 obviously increased in the experimental model groups. In contrast, expressions of mir-21 and mir-320 were significantly downregulated and GS-Rb1 could reverse the differences in a certain extent. The miRNAs might be involved in the protective effect of GS-Rb1 on the hypoxia/ischemia injuries in cardiomyocytes. The effect might be based on the upregulation of mir-1, mir-29a, and mir-208 and downregulation of mir-21 and mir-320. This might provide us a new target to explore the novel strategy for ischemic cardioprotection.
Nanotoxic Profiling of Novel Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Functionalized with Perchloric Acid and SiPEG as a Radiographic Contrast Medium
Authors: Mohamed Muhamad Idham , Mohammad Mohd Khairul Amran , Abdul Razak Hairil Rashmizal , Abdul Razak Khairunisak , Md Saad Wan Mazlina
Published: May 2015

Emerging syntheses and findings of new metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) have become an important aspect in various fields including diagnostic imaging. To date, iodine has been utilized as a radiographic contrast medium. However, the raise concern of iodine threats on iodine-intolerance patient has led to search of new contrast media with lower toxic level. In this animal modeling study, 14 nm iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) with silane-polyethylene glycol (SiPEG) and perchloric acid have been assessed for toxicity level as compared to conventional iodine. The nanotoxicity of IONPs was evaluated in liver biochemistry, reactive oxygen species production (ROS), lipid peroxidation mechanism, and ultrastructural evaluation using transmission electron microscope (TEM). The hematological analysis and liver function test (LFT) revealed that most of the liver enzymes were significantly higher in iodine-administered group as compared to those in normal and IONPs groupsP<0.05. ROS production assay and lipid peroxidation indicator, malondialdehyde (MDA), also showed significant reductions in comparison with iodine groupP<0.05. TEM evaluation yielded the aberration of nucleus structure of iodine-administered group as compared to those in control and IONPs groups. This study has demonstrated the less toxic properties of IONPs and it may postulate that IONPs are safe to be applied as radiographic contrast medium.
Choroidal Thickness Analysis in Patients with Usher Syndrome Type 2 Using EDI OCT
Authors: Colombo L. , Sala B. , Montesano G. , Pierrottet C. , De Cillà S. , Maltese P. , Bertelli M. , Rossetti L.
Published: May 2015

To portray Usher Syndrome type 2, analyzing choroidal thickness and comparing data reported in published literature on RP and healthy subjects.Methods. 20 eyes of 10 patients with clinical signs and genetic diagnosis of Usher Syndrome type 2. Each patient underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination including Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), axial length (AL), automated visual field (VF), and EDI OCT. Both retinal and choroidal measures were measured. Statistical analysis was performed to correlate choroidal thickness with age, BCVA, IOP, AL, VF, and RT. Comparison with data about healthy people and nonsyndromic RP patients was performed.Results. Mean subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) was248.21±79.88microns. SFCT was statistically significant correlated with age (correlation coefficient −0.7248179,p<0.01). No statistically significant correlation was found between SFCT and BCVA, IOP, AL, VF, and RT. SFCT was reduced if compared to healthy subjects (p<0.01). No difference was found when compared to choroidal thickness from nonsyndromic RP patients (p=0.2138).Conclusions. Our study demonstrated in vivo choroidal thickness reduction in patients with Usher Syndrome type 2. These data are important for the comprehension of mechanisms of disease and for the evaluation of therapeutic approaches.
Antiproliferative Activity of Flavonoids fromCroton sphaerogynusBaill. (Euphorbiaceae)
Authors: Santos Kátia Pereira dos , Motta Lucimar B. , Santos Deborah Y. A. C. , Salatino Maria L. F. , Salatino Antonio , Ferreira Marcelo J. Pena , Lago João Henrique G. , Ruiz Ana Lúcia T. G. , Carvalho João E. de , Furlan Cláudia M.
Published: May 2015

Croton sphaerogynusis a shrub from the Atlantic Rain Forest in southeastern Brazil. A lyophilized crude EtOH extract from leaves ofC. sphaerogynus, obtained by maceration at room temperature (seven days), was suspended in methanol and partitioned with hexane. The purified MeOH phase was fractionated over Sephadex LH-20 yielding five fractions (F1–F5) containing flavonoids, as characterized by HPLC-DAD and HPLC-MS analyses. The antiproliferative activity of the crude EtOH extract, MeOH and hexane phases, and fractionsF1–F5was evaluated onin vitrocell lines NCI-H460 (nonsmall cell lung), MCF-7 (breast cancer), and U251 (glioma). The MeOH phase showed activity (mean log GI500.54) higher than the hexane phase and EtOH extract (mean log GI501.13 and 1.19, resp.).F1exhibited activity against NCI-H460 (nonsmall cell lung) (GI501.2 μg/mL), which could be accounted for the presence of flavonoids and/or diterpenes.F4showed moderate activity (mean log GI501.05), whileF5showed weak activity (mean log GI501.36). It is suggested that the antiproliferative activity of the crude EtOH extract and MeOH phase is accounted for a synergistic combination of flavonoids and diterpenes.
Sustainable Utilization of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resources: Systematic Evaluation on Different Production Modes
Authors: Li Xiwen , Chen Yuning , Lai Yunfeng , Yang Qing , Hu Hao , Wang Yitao
Published: May 2015

The usage amount of medicinal plant rapidly increased along with the development of traditional Chinese medicine industry. The higher market demand and the shortage of wild herbal resources enforce us to carry out large-scale introduction and cultivation. Herbal cultivation can ease current contradiction between medicinal resources supply and demand while they bring new problems such as pesticide residues and plant disease and pests. Researchers have recently placed high hopes on the application of natural fostering, a new method incorporated herbal production and diversity protecting practically, which can solve the problems brought by artificial cultivation. However no modes can solve all problems existing in current herbal production. This study evaluated different production modes including cultivation, natural fostering, and wild collection to guide the traditional Chinese medicine production for sustainable utilization of herbal resources.
An Integrative Thrombosis Network: Visualization and Topological Analysis
Authors: Kong Xiangjun , Zhou Wenxia , Wan Jian-Bo , Zhang Qianru , Ni Jingyun , Hu Yuanjia
Published: May 2015

A comprehensive understanding of the integrative nature of the molecular network in thrombosis would be very helpful to develop multicomponent and multitarget antithrombosis drugs for use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This paper attempts to comprehensively map the molecular network in thrombosis by combining platelet signaling, the coagulation cascade, and natural clot dissolution systems and to analyze the topological characteristics of the network, including the centralities of nodes, network modules, and network robustness. The results in this research advance understanding of functions of proteins in the thrombosis network and provide a reference for predicting potential therapeutic antithrombotic targets and evaluating their influence on the network.
Air Quality and Respiratory Health among Adolescents from the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Barakat-Haddad Caroline , Zhang Sheng , Siddiqua Ayesha , Dghaim Rania
Published: May 2015

Purpose. To examine the role of air quality in relation to chronic bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, wheeze, and dry cough among adolescents from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).Methods. A survey was administered on 6,363 adolescents from 9 UAE regions. Data consists of demographic, socioeconomic, residential, and behavioural variables, such as location of residence, residing near industry/gas stations/dumpsites/construction sites, residing near overhead power line/plants, exposure to tobacco, residential exposure, ethnicity, concern over air pollution, smoking, and purposely smelling gasoline fumes/glue/correctors/car exhaust/burning black ants. Logistic regression modeling was used to determine significant predictors of respiratory health.Results. Asthma prevalence was 12.3%, followed by chronic bronchitis (1.8%) and emphysema (0.5%). Overall 12.2% reported wheeze and 34.8% reported a dry nocturnal cough in the past year. Multivariate analyses suggest that sex is a significant predictor of asthma and dry cough. Exposure to tobacco and arts/crafts/ceramics/stain is significant predictor of respiratory health. Tobacco smoking and purposely smelling gasoline fumes/glue/correctors/car exhaust/burning black ants are significant predictors of wheeze and dry cough.Conclusions. This study suggests that exposure to air quality and behavioral factors such as smoking and purposely smelling gasoline fumes, glue, correctors, car exhaust, or burning black ants are significant predictors of respiratory health among UAE adolescents.
Chewing Prevents Stress-Induced Hippocampal LTD Formation and Anxiety-Related Behaviors: A Possible Role of the Dopaminergic System
Authors: Ono Yumie , Koizumi So , Onozuka Minoru
Published: May 2015

The present study examined the effects of chewing on stress-induced long-term depression (LTD) and anxiogenic behavior. Experiments were performed in adult male rats under three conditions: restraint stress condition, voluntary chewing condition during stress, and control condition without any treatments except handling. Chewing ameliorated LTD development in the hippocampal CA1 region. It also counteracted the stress-suppressed number of entries to the center region of the open field when they were tested immediately, 30 min, or 60 min after restraint. At the latter two poststress time periods, chewing during restraint significantly increased the number of times of open arm entries in the elevated plus maze, when compared with those without chewing. Thein vivomicrodialysis further revealed that extracellular dopamine concentration in the ventral hippocampus, which is involved in anxiety-related behavior, was significantly greater in chewing rats than in those without chewing from 30 to 105 min after stress exposure. Development of LTD and anxiolytic effects ameliorated by chewing were counteracted by administering the D1 dopamine receptor antagonist SCH23390, which suggested that chewing may activate the dopaminergic system in the ventral hippocampus to suppress stress-induced anxiogenic behavior.
Vitamin K1 Exerts Antiproliferative Effects and Induces Apoptosis in Three Differently Graded Human Colon Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Orlando Antonella , Linsalata Michele , Tutino Valeria , D'Attoma Benedetta , Notarnicola Maria , Russo Francesco
Published: May 2015

Vitamin K1 has been demonstrated as having anticancer potentiality mainly in liver cancer cells. Beyond the reported mechanisms of cancer inhibition (cell cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis), a possible control by vitamin K1 on molecules affecting cell growth could be hypothesized. In the literature, few (if any) data are available on its antitumor effects on colon cancer cells. Therefore, the aims of the study were to investigate in three differently graded human colon cancer cell lines (Caco-2, HT-29, and SW480) the effects of increasing concentrations of vitamin K1 (from 10 μM to 200 μM) administered up to 72 h on (1) cell proliferation, (2) apoptosis with the possible involvement of the MAPK pathway, and (3) polyamine biosynthesis. Vitamin K1 treatment caused a significant antiproliferative effect and induced apoptosis in all the cell lines, with the involvement of the MAPK pathway. A concomitant and significant decrease in the polyamine biosynthesis occurred. This is the first study demonstrating a significant polyamine decrease in addition to the antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects following vitamin K1 administration to colon cancer cell lines. Therapeutically, combinations of vitamin K1 with polyamine inhibitors and/or analogues may represent a suitable option for chemoprevention and/or treatment in future strategies for colorectal cancer management.
The Janus Facet of Nanomaterials
Authors: Kardos Julianna , Jemnitz Katalin , Jablonkai István , Bóta Attila , Varga Zoltán , Visy Júlia , Héja László
Published: May 2015

Application of nanoscale materials (NMs) displays a rapidly increasing trend in electronics, optics, chemical catalysis, biotechnology, and medicine due to versatile nature of NMs and easily adjustable physical, physicochemical, and chemical properties. However, the increasing abundance of NMs also poses significant new and emerging health and environmental risks. Despite growing efforts, understanding toxicity of NMs does not seem to cope with the demand, because NMs usually act entirely different from those of conventional small molecule drugs. Currently, large-scale application of available safety assessment protocols, as well as their furthering through case-by-case practice, is advisable. We define a standard work-scheme for nanotoxicity evaluation of NMs, comprising thorough characterization of structural, physical, physicochemical, and chemical traits, followed by measuring biodistribution in live tissue and blood combined with investigation of organ-specific effects especially regarding the function of the brain and the liver. We propose a range of biochemical, cellular, and immunological processes to be explored in order to provide information on the early effects of NMs on some basic physiological functions and chemical defense mechanisms. Together, these contributions give an overview with important implications for the understanding of many aspects of nanotoxicity.
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of theGJB2andGJB6Genes Are Associated with Autosomal Recessive Nonsyndromic Hearing Loss
Authors: Grillo Ana Paula , de Oliveira Flávia Marcorin , de Carvalho Gabriela Queila , Medrano Ruan Felipe Vieira , da Silva-Costa Sueli Matilde , Sartorato Edi Lúcia , de Oliveira Camila Andréa
Published: May 2015

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are important markers in many studies that link DNA sequence variations to phenotypic changes; such studies are expected to advance the understanding of human physiology and elucidate the molecular basis of diseases. TheDFNB1locus, which contains theGJB2andGJB6genes, plays a key role in nonsyndromic hearing loss. Previous studies have identified important mutations in this locus, but the contribution of SNPs in the genes has not yet been much investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of nine polymorphisms located within theDFNB1locus with the occurrence of autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss (ARNSHL). The SNPs rs3751385 (C/T), rs7994748 (C/T), rs7329857 (C/T), rs7987302 (G/A), rs7322538 (G/A), rs9315400 (C/T), rs877098 (C/T), rs945369 (A/C), and rs7333214 (T/G) were genotyped in 122 deaf patients and 132 healthy controls using allele-specific PCR. There were statistically significant differences between patients and controls, in terms of allelic frequencies in the SNPs rs3751385, rs7994748, rs7329857, rs7987302, rs945369, and rs7333214 (P<0.05). No significant differences between the two groups were observed for rs7322538, rs9315400, and rs877098. Our results suggest that SNPs present in theGJB2andGJB6genes may have an influence on ARNSHL in humans.
Hereditary Ovarian Cancer: Not OnlyBRCA1 and 2 Genes
Authors: Toss Angela , Tomasello Chiara , Razzaboni Elisabetta , Contu Giannina , Grandi Giovanni , Cagnacci Angelo , Schilder Russell J. , Cortesi Laura
Published: May 2015

More than one-fifth of ovarian tumors have hereditary susceptibility and, in about 65–85% of these cases, the genetic abnormality is a germline mutation inBRCAgenes. Nevertheless, several other suppressor genes and oncogenes have been associated with hereditary ovarian cancers, including the mismatch repair (MMR) genes in Lynch syndrome, the tumor suppressor gene,TP53, in the Li-Fraumeni syndrome, and several other genes involved in the double-strand breaks repair system, such asCHEK2, RAD51, BRIP1, andPALB2. The study of genetic discriminators and deregulated pathways involved in hereditary ovarian syndromes is relevant for the future development of molecular diagnostic strategies and targeted therapeutic approaches. The recent development and implementation of next-generation sequencing technologies have provided the opportunity to simultaneously analyze multiple cancer susceptibility genes, reduce the delay and costs, and optimize the molecular diagnosis of hereditary tumors. Particularly, the identification of mutations in ovarian cancer susceptibility genes in healthy women may result in a more personalized cancer risk management with tailored clinical and radiological surveillance, chemopreventive approaches, and/or prophylactic surgeries. On the other hand, for ovarian cancer patients, the identification of mutations may provide potential targets for biologic agents and guide treatment decision-making.
Association of PIK3CA Mutation Status before and after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy with Response to Chemotherapy in Women with Breast Cancer
Authors: Yuan Hua , Chen Jiuan , Liu Yiqiang , Ouyang Tao , Li Jinfeng , Wang Tianfeng , Fan Zhaoqing , Fan Tie , Lin Benyao , Xie Yuntao
Published: May 2015

Purpose: The association between PIK3CA mutations and response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in women with primary breast cancer is not fully elucidated.

Experimental Design: PIK3CA mutations in breast cancer tissues that were taken prior to the initiation of neoadjuvant chemotherapy were identified in 729 operable primary breast cancer patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Among these, the PIK3CA mutations were also reassessed in tumor tissues procured following operation in 102 patients after completion of neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Results: A total of 206 out of 729 (28.3%) patients had PIK3CA mutations, and 19.5% of patients (142/729) in this cohort achieved a pathologic complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Patients with PIK3CA mutations exhibited a lower pCR rate than did those with wild-type (14.6% vs. 21.4%, P = 0.035). No significant differences in disease-free survival (DFS) or distant disease-free survival (DDFS) were observed between PIK3CA mutant and wild-type in the entire study population. Among the 102 patients with PIK3CA mutation statuses available before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, 24 patients (23.5%) had PIK3CA mutations before neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Of these 24 patients, 15 patients retained their initial PIK3CA mutations and 9 patients lost their initial mutations after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Patients who retained the initial mutations after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (n = 15) had a worse DDFS than the remaining patients (n = 87) in this subgroup [unadjusted HR, 2.34; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.98–5.62; P = 0.050].

Conclusions: Patients with PIK3CA mutations are less likely to respond to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Patients who retain their initial PIK3CA mutations after neoadjuvant chemotherapy have an unfavorable survival. Clin Cancer Res; 21(19); 4365–72. ©2015 AACR.
The Acquisition of Aspect and Motion Verbs in the Native Language (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 2014)
Authors: Kotroni Maria
Published: May 2015

This investigation focuses on the subtle features of the Syntax-Semantics and Syntax-Discourse Interfaces as they are manifested in the comprehension and production of typically developing children acquiring Greek as a native language. Many studies have concluded that aspectual semantics is acquired at any early age in children. The results of the present study are consistent with this observation. Moreover, it offers proof that the integration of pragmatics and compositional properties of telicity, which are necessary in order to overcome the lexical aspect of manner-of-motion verbs in non-locative contexts (due to lack of coercion, which does not occur with motion verbs), leads to processing load and results in a delay of acquisition after a child reaches 10 years old.
Eugenia submontana (Myrteae, Myrtaceae), a new species from the Atlantic Forest of northeastern Brazil and notes on Eugenia culicina
Authors: AMORIM BRUNO S. , ALVES MARCCUS
Published: May 2015

A new species of Eugenia is here described and illustrated. Eugenia submontana is known from submontane Atlantic Forest in Pernambuco and is related to species bearing inflorescences with short internodes. E. submontana differs from related species in having sulcate midvein on adaxial leaf surface, short bracteoles and calyx lobes, a squared staminal ring and globose fruits with smooth surface. We also present here the first description of the fruits of Eugenia culicina, as well as a revision of its conservation status in light of new information.
Narracje litotyczne w wielkiej narracji teatru antropologicznego na przykładzie pracy Teatru Węgajty/Projektu Terenowego w Domu Pomocy Społecznej w Jonkowie
Authors: Paprocka Kamila
Published: May 2015

Litotes situated in the grand narration of the anthropological theatre: a case study of Teatr Węgajty/Projekt TerenowyThis article is an excerpt of the author's MA thesis: Litotes in the anthropological theatre’s grand narrative. The case of Teatr Węgajty/ Projekt Terenowy. It analyses the attitude of the anthropological theatre towards principles that constituted its foundation, such as the fascination with the traditional culture and work in the local community. The anthropological theatre’s grand narrative is replaced by the small narrative of teatr potrzebny (‘theatre of necessity’), which originates from the excluded, forgotten litotes. The paper provides documentation and an analysis of teatr potrzebny, taking the example of the work of Teatr Węgajty/Projekt Terenowy in a Social Welfare Home in Jonkowo. Narracje litotyczne w wielkiej narracji teatru antropologicznego na przykładzie pracy Teatru Węgajty/Projektu Terenowego w Domu Pomocy Społecznej w JonkowieArtykuł stanowi fragment mojej pracy magisterskiej Narracje litotyczne w wielkiej narracji teatru antropologicznego na przykładzie pracy Teatru Węgajty/Projektu Terenowego. Analizuję w nim możliwości teatru antropologicznego poprzez pokazanie elementów, które legły u jego podstaw: fascynacji kulturą tradycyjną oraz pracy w lokalnej wspólnocie. „Wielka narracja” teatru antropologicznego zastąpiona zostaje „małą narracją” „teatru potrzebnego”, wywodzącą się z wykluczonych, zapomnianych litot. Artykuł dokumentuje i analizuje tzw. teatr potrzebny na przykładzie działań Teatru Węgajty/ Projektu Terenowego w Domu Pomocy Społecznej w Jonkowie.
Kilka uwag o trwałości legendy o krwi. Na marginesie „Kłamstwa krwi” Jolanty Żyndul
Authors: Tokarska-Bakir Joanna
Published: May 2015

A few remarks on the persistence of the legend of bloodThe article is an extended review of Jolanta Żyndul’s Kłamstwo krwi (‘The Lies of Blood’). Żyndul unearths numerous cases of accusing Jews of ritual murders, which happened in the 19th and the 20th century, and were then forgotten by the Poles. Żyndul puts the libel of the legend of blood inside a wider context of social, religious and political relations in the recent history. She revises the historical narration, which produced the oblivion by undermining the significance of those events. Kilka uwag o trwałości legendy o krwi. Na marginesie „Kłamstwa krwi” Jolanty ŻyndulTekst jest rozszerzoną recenzją monografii historycznej dotyczącej legend o krwi ery nowoczesnej pióra Jolanty Żyndul. Historyczka odkrywa niezwykle liczne dziewiętnasto- i dwudziestowieczne przypadki obwinień Żydów o mord rytualny, zupełnie wyparte z pamięci historycznej Polaków. Sytuuje oszczerstwo krwi w sieci powiązań społecznych, religijnych i politycznych historii najnowszej, poddając rewizji narrację historyczną, która, podważając znaczenie tych niezrozumiałych „epizodów”, wyprodukowała zapomnienie.
„Komuniści (nie) mają ojczyzny...” Wanda Wasilewska jako polska (anty)bohaterka narodowa
Authors: Mrozik Agnieszka
Published: May 2015

Communists have no homeland: a portrait of Wanda Wasilewska The paper offers an analysis of a number of biographies of Wanda Wasilewska, written in different historical periods. An attempt was made to reconstruct the mechanisms that governed the functioning of Wanda Wasilewska’s communist figure in the Polish political discourse; explain how she was perceived by the society, and how it altered in the course of the Polish cultural and historical transformations. A biography of an individual gains coherence as a result of the community’s search for its identity: it serves as a building block for a coherent biography of the entire community. The writing and rewriting of the biography of Wasilewska has long been a kind of “production of communism” in Poland, and communism has been one of the most important aspects of Polish identity in the recent decades. „Komuniści (nie) mają ojczyzny...” Wanda Wasilewska jako polska (anty)bohaterka narodowaAutorka analizuje powstające w rożnych okresach historycznych biografie Wandy Wasilewskiej. Usiłuje odtworzyć mechanizmy konstruowania figury komunistki w polskim dyskursie publicznym, zbadać, jak funkcjonowała ona w społecznym odbiorze, a także ustalić, jak zmieniało się jej znaczenie w procesie przemian historycznych i kulturowych. Autorka pokazuje, że tworzenie spójnej biografii jednostki – szczególnie jednostki ważnej w historii danej zbiorowości – dokonuje się w odpowiedzi na tożsamościowe poszukiwania wspólnoty: służy wytworzeniu zbiorowej biografii jako koherentnej całości. Zwraca uwagę, że pisanie biografii Wasilewskiej jako komunistki było i wciąż jest swoistym „wytwarzaniem komunizmu” w Polsce. Komunizm zaś w szerokim planie jest ważnym – jeśli nie najważniejszym w ostatnich dziesięcioleciach – komponentem polskiej zbiorowej tożsamości.
A Brief Intervention Facilitates Discussions About Discipline in Pediatric Primary Care
Authors: Scholer Seth J. , Hudnut-Beumler Julia , Mukherjee Anamika , Dietrich Mary S.
Published: May 2015

Background. Participants were consecutive English or Spanish speaking parents of 1- to 5-year-old children presenting for a well-child visit. Parents viewed a 5- to 10-minute intervention that teaches appropriate discipline strategies. The participation rate was 99% (129/130). Thirty-six percent (46/129) reported they had a discussion about discipline with their pediatrician. Of the parents who had a discussion, 93% (43/46) agreed or strongly agreed that the intervention program helped with a discussion about discipline. One hundred percent (19/19) of Hispanic parents reported that the program was helpful compared with 86% (12/14) of Black parents and 91% (10/11) of White parents. Parents’ qualitative responses revealed that the intervention helped by facilitating communication with their physician and/or by providing information. Brief interventions, integrated into the primary care visit can help parents have discussions about discipline with their physician. The results have implications for improving pediatric primary care services, violence prevention, and child abuse prevention.
Suono e acustica nella trattatistica gesuitica del Seicento. Il caso di Mario Bettini
Authors: Briatore Samuele
Published: May 2015

È ben noto il forte collegamento tra scienza e suono nel periodo barocco: numerosi matematici, soprattutto appartenenti all’ordine dei gesuiti, studiarono il fenomeno sonoro. Gli scritti di Giuseppe Biancani, Athanasius Kircher, Francesco Maria Grimaldi, Daniello Bartoli e Mario Bettini furono la base per lo studio del suono per tutto il secolo nei collegi gesuitici. La scienza nel barocco assume un colore diverso: non mira a ottenere solo un risultato accademico ma, attraverso la sua applicazione, vuole stupire, dimostrare e meravigliare. La ricerca scientifica che ha come oggetto il suono trova numerose soluzioni di lettura: il suono racchiude in sé il potere di ispirare il letterato barocco grazie al sonoro del mondo, ma allo stesso tempo scatena un desiderio frenetico di tecnica innovativa nell’invenzione di macchine che potessero dominarne la natura. Le indagini acustiche degli accademici gesuiti si orientano allo studio geometrico della riflessione e della propagazione del suono. Il programma scientifico di Mario Bettini si occupa di comprendere il fenomeno del suono attraverso il modello dell’ottica geometrica, a cui dedica il capitolo “Sonimetria” nella sua Apiaria universae philosophiae mathematicae del 1642. La fascinazione che il suono esercita sul gesuita Bettini è rintracciabile anche nel suo dramma teatrale Rubenus hilarotragoedia satyropastoralis (1631).
2000s: Expansion and change
Authors: Morton Stephen , Primorac Ranka
Published: May 2015

In the 2000s, The Journal of Commonwealth Literature (JCL) continued to provide a forum for the expansion, layering and critical self-examination of the transnational Anglophone literary/cultural and scholarly fields. During this period of expansion and growth JCL participated in the formation of an emergent postcolonial canon in which certain authors and texts have served to function as tropes for a certain idea of nations and regions in the postcolonial world. This article tracks those tendencies through a critical assessment of a range of exemplary essays, editorials, and surveys published in the journal during this decade.
When Recognition Fails: Mass Observation Project Accounts of Not Belonging
Authors: May Vanessa
Published: May 2015

This article examines British Mass Observation Project (MOP) accounts written by people who say that they have struggled with belonging. The main focus lies on acts of misrecognition that occur within everyday relationships, and the impact that the ensuing relational non-belonging has had on the MOP writers’ sense of self. The concept of ‘invisible strangers’ is developed to account for experiences of misrecognition that are perceived to be the result of individualised characteristics such as personality rather than categorical membership such as ethnicity. The process does not, however, end with the self; being misrecognised engenders feelings about others, which play an important role in how people experience relational non-belonging. I therefore propose extending social interactionist accounts of the relational self by exploring self– other feelings that involve not only how a person believes s/he is viewed and judged by others, but also how that person evaluates the selves of others.
‘It Felt Like a Little War’: Reflections on Violence against Alternative Subcultures
Authors: Garland Jon , Chakraborti Neil , Hardy Stevie-Jade
Published: May 2015

This article examines the forms and impact of violence against people identifying as members of alternative subcultures. It draws upon the findings from interviews and focus groups undertaken with over 60 participants from a range of alternative subcultural backgrounds, conducted as part of a broader two-year study of many different strands of targeted hostility. The article presents evidence to show that ‘alternatives’ are subjected to a wide range of violent and intimidatory behaviour, from ‘everyday’ abuse such as verbal insults through to more extreme acts of brutality. This can affect their physical and mental health, causing them to change the way they conduct their routine activities. However, the article suggests that some of this victimisation forms part of ongoing conflict with a group that participants describe as ‘chavs’, that has hitherto been unacknowledged. This ‘little war’ is characterised by mutual hostility and antipathy flavoured by class antagonism that can escalate into violent confrontation.
Maternal and neonatal outcomes in morbidly adherent placenta: a developing country experience
Authors: Singh Renu , Pradeep Yashodhara
Published: May 2015

Background

Morbid adherent placenta, a severe pregnancy complication, is associated with massive obstetrical haemorrhage and high maternal mortality. Antenatal diagnosis and meticulous multidisciplinary planning at delivery is crucial for optimal outcome. We aim to identify the maternal and neonatal outcome in women with morbid adherent placenta.

Method

It was a retrospective evaluation of cases of clinically suspected and/or histologically confirmed morbid adherent placenta over a 1-year period.

Results

The incidence of morbid adherent placenta was 1 per 306 deliveries. Previous Caesarean section with placenta praevia was the commonest risk factor. Among all, 71.4% had no antenatal care. Of all, 38.9% women needed transfer to critical care. There were five (23.8%) maternal deaths. Of the 21 neonates, four were stillborn, nine needed NICU transfer and eight had an Apgar score of 9 at 5 min of birth.

Conclusion

Morbid adherent placenta is associated with poor maternal and neonatal outcome.
Which Spoken Language Markers Identify Deception in High-Stakes Settings? Evidence From Earnings Conference Calls
Authors: Burgoon Judee , Mayew William J. , Giboney Justin Scott , Elkins Aaron C. , Moffitt Kevin , Dorn Bradley , Byrd Michael , Spitzley Lee
Published: May 2015

Quarterly conference calls where corporate executives discuss earnings that are later found to be misreported offer an excellent test bed for determining if automated linguistic and vocalic analysis tools can identify potentially fraudulent utterances in prepared versus unscripted remarks. Earnings conference calls from one company that restated their financial reports and were accused of making misleading statements were annotated as restatement-relevant (or not) and as prepared (presentation) or unprepared (Q&A) responses. We submitted more than 1,000 utterances to automated analysis to identify distinct linguistic and vocalic features that characterize various types of utterances. Restatement-related utterances differed significantly on many vocal and linguistic dimensions. These results support the value of language and vocal features in identifying potentially fraudulent utterances and suggest important interplay between utterances that are unscripted responses rather than rehearsed statements.
A comparison of newly-trained and experienced raters on a standardized writing assessment
Authors: Attali Yigal
Published: May 2015

A short training program for evaluating responses to an essay writing task consisted of scoring 20 training essays with immediate feedback about the correct score. The same scoring session also served as a certification test for trainees. Participants with little or no previous rating experience completed this session and 14 trainees who passed an accuracy threshold proceeded to score other essays. Performance of the newly-trained raters was compared to that of 16 expert raters with extensive experience in scoring responses to the writing task. Results showed that the scores from the newly-trained group of raters exhibited similar measurement properties (mean and variability of scores, reliability and various validity coefficients, and underlying factor structure) to those from the experienced group of raters. Implications for the place of initial training and screening of raters on rater performance are discussed.