bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The outcome of the first 100 nasopharyngeal cancer patients in thailand treated by helical tomotherapy
Authors: Chitapanarux Imjai , Nobnop Wannapha , Sripan Patumrat , Chumachote Ausareeya , Tharavichitkul Ekkasit , Chakrabandhu Somvilai , Klunklin Pitchayaponne , Onchan Wimrak , Jia-Mahasap Bongkot , Janlaor Suwapim , Kayan Patcharawadee , Traisathit Patrinee , Van Gestel Dirk
Published: April 2017

Background

The aim of the study was to analyse of two-year loco-regional failure free survival (LRFFS), distant metastasis free survival (DMFS), overall survival (OS), and toxicity outcomes of the first 100 nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients in Thailand treated by helical tomotherapy.

Patients and methods

Between March 2012 and December 2015, 100 patients with non-metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma were treated by helical tomotherapy. All patients were treated by platinum-based concurrent chemoradiotherapy and adjuvant or neo-adjuvant chemotherapy.

Results

The median age was 51 years (interquartile ranges [IQR]: 42.5–57.0). The mean ± SD of D95% of planning target volume (PTV) 70, 59.4 and 54 were 70.2 ± 0.5, 59.8 ± 0.6, and 54.3 ± 0.8 Gy, respectively. The mean ± SD of conformity index, and homogeneity index were 0.89 ± 0.13 and 0.06 ± 0.07. Mean ± SD of D2 % of spinal cord and brainstem were 34.1 ± 4.4 and 53.3 ±6.3 Gy. Mean ± SD of D50 of contralateral and ipsilateral parotid gland were 28.4 ± 6.7 and 38.5 ± 11.2 Gy. At a median follow-up of 33 months (IQR: 25–41), the 2-year LRFFS, DMFS, OS were 94% (95%CI: 87–98%), 96% (95% CI: 89–98%), and 99% (95% CI: 93–100%), respectively. Acute grade 3 dermatitis, pharyngoesophagitis, and mucositis occurred in 5%, 51%, and 37%, respectively. Late pharyngoesophagitis grade 0 and 1 were found in 98% and 2% of patients. Late xerostomia grade 0, 1 and 2 were found in 17%, 78% and 5%, respectively.

Conclusions

Helical tomotherapy offers good dosimetric performance and achieves excellent treatment outcome in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients.
Upper extremity deep venous thrombosis and stenosis after implantation of pacemakers and defibrillators; A prospective study
Authors: Safi Morteza , Akbarzadeh Mohammad Ali , Azinfar Azadeh , Namazi Mohammad Hasan , Khaheshi Isa
Published: April 2017

Background. Obstruction of the access vein following cardiac pacemaker and defibrillator implantation is a common complication. However, the exact incidence and contributing risk factors are unknown. The aim of this study is to determine the incidence and analyze the contribution of each risk factor. Methods. 57 consecutive patients candidate for their first transvenous pacemaker, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), or cardiac resynchronization therapy device implantation were enrolled. After implantation, venography of the ipsilateral peripheral arm was performed. Patients underwent their second venography after the follow-up period of 3 to 6 months. Results. 42 patients (13 females, mean age 59.71 ± 12.33) completed the study. The followup venography showed significant venous obstruction (more than 50%) in 9 (21%) patients, but in none of the individuals, venography revealed total occlusion of the veins. Patients with obstruction had more leads in their veins (2.56 ± 0.53 vs 1.58 ± 0.71, P = 0.001). Venous obstruction was significantly more prevalent in patients with implanted cardiac resynchronization therapy device compared with an ICD or pacemaker (p = 0. 01). Age, gender, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, ischemic heart disease and antiplatelet consumption did not reveal any other contribution to the risk of thrombosis. In multivariate analysis, total lead number was a positive predictor for venous occlusion (P = 0.015, OR:19.2, and CI: 1.7-207.1). Conclusion. Venous obstruction is relatively frequent after pacemaker or ICD implantation. This study also shows that pacemaker and ICD leads have a similar risk for lead-related venous obstruction. However, patients with multiple leads are associated with an increased risk.
Interpreting law in socio-pragmatic space
Authors: Bhatia Vijay K.
Published: April 2017

Unlike any other form of professional communication, legal discourse, especially in a legislative context, is unique in the sense that it is full of contradictions. Firstly, it is highly depersonalized, as its illocutionary force is independent of any specific writer or reader, and yet it is meant to address a diverse range of audiences. Secondly, it is meant for ordinary citizens, but is written in a style that is meant only for legal specialists. Thirdly, although its primary function is to assign rights and impose obligations to act or prohibit action, it is written in a highly nominal style (language of thinking) rather than verbal style (language of doing). And finally, legislative provisions are meant to be “clear,” “precise,” “unambiguous,” on the one hand, and “all-inclusive,” on the other, which can be seen as a contratdiction in terms. Most of these seeming contradictions make it difficult for the various stakeholders, which include specialists as well as non-specialists, to manage “socio-pragmatic space” in the construction and, more importantly, interpretation of such provisions, particularly when they are interpreted in broadly socio-political contexts. Drawing on some of the contradictory interpretations of certain sections of the Basic Law, widely regarded as the mini-constitution of Hong Kong, this paper will identify and discuss key theoretical issues emerging from a diversity of meanings attributed to somewhat innocuous legislative constructions, which precipitated the “Occupy Central” movement, largely popularized as the symbolic “Umbrella Movement.” The paper thus attempts to highlight two rather different aspects of interpretation of legal meaning, one in the court of law for the negotiation of justice, and the other in wider socio-political and public domains where law is interpreted broadly with wider social implications.
“Susanna and the Elders”: On the visual semiotic of shame
Authors: Kozin Alexander
Published: April 2017

This paper is located at the juncture of text and image, law and justice, religion and rationality, while its main subject is set to be visual expressions of the law-relevant emotion of shame. Specifically, I suggest that the late Renaissance academic depictions of “Susanna and the Elders,” based on The Holy Bible, “Daniel 13,” namely Rubens (1607), van Dyck (1621–1622), and Rembrandt (1647), disclose the conditions under which the authentic meaning of the text can be understood both beyond the moral denunciation of sinfulness and/or the study of the nude in a particular historical context of Flemish Baroque. In fact I argue that the three artists co-create and elaborate the Biblical text by drawing shame from its narrative structure in order to disclose this emotion in affection-image as being relevant to the legal process and central to the text. Special attention is given to the relationship between text and image. For my theoretic I use Jean-Paul Sartre’s theory of emotion and Gilles Deleuze’s work on visual arts.
Expiration dates: Performative illusions of law and regulation
Authors: Marusek Sarah
Published: April 2017

Expiration dates on perishable food items provide some indication as to when the item was produced and how long it’s been sitting on the shelf. However, in the United States, expiration dates are voluntary and subjectively characterize the quality of food as such dates, implemented by the food’s manufacturer, are not legally mandated. Culturally speaking then, why do we pay so much attention to them? This paper will examine the relationship between expiration dates on food and the visual-based perceptions about law that inform these socio-legal semiotics of regulation while exploring the complexity of law concerning the symbolism, construction, and reception of such labels as either legal truth or legal fiction.
The Comparative Study of Cultural Differences of Slovak Inbound Tourists: A Need of Innovations
Authors: Fodranová Iveta , Kubičková Viera
Published: April 2017

The aim of this article was to identify the cause of the negative attitude of Slovak population towards visitors by comparing the differences in national cultures on six primary Hofstede’s dimensions: power distance, individualism, masculinity, uncertainty avoidance, long-term orientation and indulgence and provide comparison with Slovakia. The results revealed high score on power distance and masculinity. The high score of this two dimensions′ correlates with elements of expressions of superiority and negatively affects not only the way of communication between people from the same cultural and linguistic group, but also with individuals that come from a different cultural environment. Based on these results, it is necessary to develop a smarter marketing approach - strive for innovation and unique marketing activities for a more efficient communication.
The Signs and Priniciples of Goal Setting as a Specific Kind of Activity
Authors: Jurkovičová Lujza , Kubiniy Natalya , Kosovilka Tamila , Marhitich Viktoria
Published: April 2017

The article is devoted to identifying the characteristics and principles of goal setting as part of the strategic management of the economic system. The article determines principles and characteristic features of goal setting as an activity. The authors propose the relationship between the individual and the principles of qualitative characteristics of goal-setting, which allows the process of management and decision-making to enhance the effectiveness of goal-setting characteristics through the activation of specific principles.
A Review of the Genus Exeristes (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Pimplinae) from Carpathians, with an Illustrated Key to Western Palaearctic Species.
Authors: Varga O.
Published: April 2017

Exeristes longiseta (Ratzeburg, 1844) and E. roborator (Fabricius, 1793), the Carpathian species of the genus Exeristes Förster, 1869, are reviewed. Exeristes longiseta is recorded for Ukraine for the first time. The following synonymy is established: E. ruficollis (Gravenhorst, 1829) = E. denticulator Aubert, 1983 syn. n. An illustrated key to Western Palaearctic species of the genus is provided.
Molecular Characterization of Lates niloticus (Perciformes, Latidae) Populations from three Nigerian Waterbodies using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA and Microsatellite Markers
Authors: Ogbuebunu K. E. , Awodiran M. O.
Published: April 2017

Thirty Lates niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) from three Nigerian waterbodies were genotyped on six RAPD primers and five microsatellites loci. RAPD revealed that effective number of alleles (AE) at population level per locus was within the range of 1.641 ± 0.066 to 1.645 ± 0.041 while the mean number of alleles (AN) across populations equals 2.000. Characterization on five microsatellites loci revealed genetic diversity within and among studied populations. Observed heterozygousity (HO) was within the range of 0.317 ± 0.335 to 0.523 ± 0.315 while expected heterozygousity (HE) was within the range of 0.414 ± 0.306 to 0.715 ± 0.097. Proportion of differentiation (FST) within populations was 0.236. Overall gene flow (Nm) among populations equals 0.806. This study established the successful use of RAPD and microsatellite as tools for studying population structure of fish species, especially L. niloticus. Thus, it can be concluded that L. niloticus in the three (3) sampled Nigerian waterbodies is undergoing evolution.
New Records of Mesites (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) in Ukraine
Authors: Nazarenko V. Yu. , Gontarenko A. V.
Published: April 2017

New records of two species of Mesites Schoenherr are provided, of them M. cunipes Boheman, 1838 is recorded for the first time from Ukraine. The key to differentiate these species from other members of the subfamily is provided.
The Impact of Electrographic Seizures on Developing Hippocampal Dendrites Is Calcineurin Dependent
Authors: Nishimura Masataka , Casanova J. R. , Swann John W.
Published: April 2017

Neurobehavioral abnormalities are commonly associated with intractable childhood epilepsy. Studies from numerous labs have demonstrated cognitive and socialization deficits in rats and mice that have experienced early-life seizures. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying these effects are unknown. Previously, experiments have shown that recurrent seizures in infancy suppress the growth of hippocampal dendrites at the same time they impair learning and memory. Experiments in slice cultures have also demonstrated dendrite growth suppression. Here, we crossed calcineurin B1 (CaNB1) floxed and Thy1GFP-M mice to produce mice that were homozygous for the both the floxed CaNB1 and the Thy1GFP-M transgene. Littermates that were homozygous for wild-type CaNB1 and Thy1GFP-M served as controls. Hippocampal slice cultures from these mice were transfected with an AAV/hSyn-mCherry-Cre virus to eliminate CaNB1 from neurons. Immunohistochemical results showed that CaNB1 was eliminated from at least 90% of the transfected CA1 pyramidal cells. Moreover, the CaN-dependent nuclear translocation of the CREB transcription coactivator, CREB-regulated transcriptional coactivator 1 (CRTC1), was blocked in transfected neurons. Cell attach patch recordings combined with live multiphoton imaging demonstrated that the loss of CaNB1 did not prevent neurons from fully participating in electrographic seizure activity. Finally, dendrite reconstruction showed that the elimination of CaNB1 prevented seizure-induced decreases in both dendrite length and branch number. Results suggest that CaN plays a key role in seizure-induced dendrite growth suppression and may contribute to the neurobehavioral comorbidities of childhood epilepsy.
Temporal Regulation of GABAAReceptor Subunit Expression: Role in Synaptic and Extrasynaptic Communication in the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus
Authors: Walton James C. , McNeill John K. , Oliver Khallyl A. , Albers H. Elliott
Published: April 2017

Recent molecular studies suggest that the expression levels of δ and γ2 GABAAreceptor (GABAAR) subunits regulate the balance between synaptic and extrasynaptic GABA neurotransmission in multiple brain regions. We investigated the expression of GABAAδ and GABAAγ2 and the functional significance of a change in balance between these subunits in a robust local GABA network contained within the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus (SCN). Muscimol, which can activate both synaptic and extrasynaptic GABAARs, injected into the SCN during the day phase advanced the circadian pacemaker, whereas injection of the extrasynaptic GABAAsuperagonist 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroisoxazolo(5,4-c)pyridin-3-ol (THIP) had no effect on circadian phase. In contrast, injection of either THIP or muscimol during the night was sufficient to block the phase shifting effects of light. Gene expression analysis of the whole SCN revealed different temporal patterns in GABAAδ and GABAAγ2 mRNA expression. When examined across all subregions of the SCN, quantitative immunohistochemical analysis found no significant variations in GABAAδ protein immunoreactivity (IR) but did find significant variations in GABAAγ2 protein-IR in hamsters housed in either LD cycles or in constant darkness. Remarkably, significant interactions in the ratio of GABAAδ:GABAAγ2 subunits between lighting condition and circadian phase occurred only within one highly discrete anatomical area of the SCN; a region that functions as the input for lighting information from the retina. Taken together, these data support the hypothesis that the balance between synaptic and extrasynaptic GABAARs determines the functional response to GABA, and that this balance is differentially regulated in a region-specific manner.
Structural Similarities between Neuregulin 1–3 Isoforms Determine Their Subcellular Distribution and Signaling Mode in Central Neurons
Authors: Vullhorst Detlef , Ahmad Tanveer , Karavanova Irina , Keating Carolyn , Buonanno Andres
Published: April 2017

The Neuregulin (NRG) family of ErbB ligands is comprised of numerous variants originating from the use of different genes, alternative promoters, and splice variants. NRGs have generally been thought to be transported to axons and presynaptic terminals where they signal via ErbB3/4 receptors in paracrine or juxtacrine mode. However, we recently demonstrated that unprocessed pro-NRG2 accumulates on cell bodies and proximal dendrites, and that NMDAR activity is required for shedding of its ectodomain by metalloproteinases. Here we systematically investigated the subcellular distribution and processing of major NRG isoforms in rat hippocampal neurons. We show that NRG1 isotypes I and II, which like NRG2 are single-pass transmembrane proteins with an Ig-like domain, share the same subcellular distribution and ectodomain shedding properties. We furthermore show that NRG3, like CRD-NRG1, is a dual-pass transmembrane protein that harbors a second transmembrane domain near its amino terminus. Both NRG3 and CRD-NRG1 cluster on axons through juxtacrine interactions with ErbB4 present on GABAergic interneurons. Interestingly, although single-pass NRGs accumulate as unprocessed proforms, axonal puncta of CRD-NRG1 and NRG3 are comprised of processed protein. Mutations of CRD-NRG1 and NRG3 that render them resistant to BACE cleavage, as well as BACE inhibition, result in the loss of axonal puncta and in the accumulation of unprocessed proforms in neuronal soma. Together, these results define two groups of NRGs with distinct membrane topologies and fundamentally different targeting and processing properties in central neurons. The implications of this functional diversity for the regulation of neuronal processes by the NRG/ErbB pathway are discussed.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTNumerous Neuregulins (NRGs) are generated through the use of different genes, promoters, and alternative splicing, but the functional significance of this evolutionary conserved diversity remains poorly understood. Here we show that NRGs can be categorized by their membrane topologies. Single-pass NRGs, such as NRG1 Types I/II and NRG2, accumulate as unprocessed proforms on cell bodies, and their ectodomains are shed by metalloproteinases in response to NMDA receptor activation. By contrast, dual-pass CRD-NRG1 and NRG3 are constitutively processed by BACE and accumulate on axons where they interact with ErbB4 in juxtacrine mode. These findings reveal a previously unknown functional relationship between membrane topology, protein processing, and subcellular distribution, and suggest that single- and dual-pass NRGs regulate neuronal functions in fundamentally different ways.
Focal Local Field Potential Signature of the Single-Axon Monosynaptic Thalamocortical Connection
Authors: Hagen Espen , Fossum Janne C. , Pettersen Klas H. , Alonso Jose-Manuel , Swadlow Harvey A. , Einevoll Gaute T.
Published: April 2017

A resurgence has taken place in recent years in the use of the extracellularly recorded local field potential (LFP) to investigate neural network activity. To probe monosynaptic thalamic activation of cortical postsynaptic target cells, so called spike-trigger-averaged LFP (stLFP) signatures have been measured. In these experiments, the cortical LFP is measured by multielectrodes covering several cortical lamina and averaged on spontaneous spikes of thalamocortical (TC) cells. Using a well established forward-modeling scheme, we investigated the biophysical origin of this stLFP signature with simultaneous synaptic activation of cortical layer-4 neurons, mimicking the effect of a single afferent spike from a single TC neuron. Constrained by previously measured intracellular responses of the main postsynaptic target cell types and with biologically plausible assumptions regarding the spatial distribution of thalamic synaptic inputs into layer 4, the model predicted characteristic contributions to monosynaptic stLFP signatures both for the regular-spiking (RS) excitatory neurons and the fast-spiking (FS) inhibitory interneurons. In particular, the FS cells generated stLFP signatures of shorter temporal duration than the RS cells. Added together, a sum of the stLFP signatures of these two principal synaptic targets of TC cells were observed to resemble experimentally measured stLFP signatures. Outside the volume targeted by TC afferents, the resulting postsynaptic LFP signals were found to be sharply attenuated. This implies that such stLFP signatures provide a very local measure of TC synaptic activation, and that newly developed inverse current-source density (CSD)-estimation methods are needed for precise assessment of the underlying spatiotemporal CSD profiles.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTDespite its long history and prevalent use, the proper interpretation of the extracellularly recorded local field potential (LFP) is still not fully established. Here we investigate by biophysical modeling the origin of the focal LFP signature of the single-axon monosynaptic thalamocortical connection as measured by spike-trigger-averaging of cortical LFPs on spontaneous spikes of thalamocortical neurons. We find that this LFP signature is well accounted for by a model assuming thalamic projections to two cortical layer-4 cell populations: one excitatory (putatively regular-spiking cells) and one inhibitory (putatively fast-spiking cells). The LFP signature is observed to decay sharply outside the cortical region receiving the thalamocortical projection, implying that it indeed provides a very local measure of thalamocortical synaptic activation.
Glucose tolerance and insulin responsiveness in Gitelman syndrome patients
Authors: Yuan Tao , Jiang Lanping , Chen Chen , Peng Xiaoyan , Nie Min , Li Xuemei , Xing Xiaoping , Li Xuewang , Chen Limeng
Published: April 2017

Objective

Impaired glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity have been reported in patients with Gitelman syndrome (GS), but insulin secretion and the related mechanisms are not well understood.

Design and methods

The serum glucose levels, insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity were evaluated in patients with GS (n = 28), patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and healthy individuals (n = 20 in both groups) using an oral glucose tolerance test. Serum and urine sodium, potassium and creatinine levels were measured at 0, 30, 60, 120 and 180 min after an oral glucose load was administered.

Results

The areas under the serum glucose curves were higher in the GS patients than those in the healthy controls (17.4 ± 5.1 mmol·h/L vs 14.5 ± 2.8 mmol·h/L, P = 0.02) but lower than those in the DM patients (24.8 ± 5.3 mmol·h/L, P < 0.001). The areas under the serum insulin curves and the insulin secretion indexes in GS patients were higher than those in DM patients and lower than those in healthy subjects. The insulin secretion-sensitivity index of GS patients was between that of healthy subjects and DM patients, but the insulin sensitivity indices were not different among the three groups. After one hour of glucose administration, the serum potassium level significantly decreased from baseline, and the urinary potassium-to-creatinine ratio increased gradually and peaked at 2 h.

Conclusions

Glucose metabolism and insulin secretion were impaired in GS patients, but insulin sensitivity was comparable between GS patients and patients with type 2 DM. After administration of an oral glucose load, the plasma potassium level decreased in GS patients due to the increased excretion of potassium in the urine.
Assessment of lung function in a large cohort of patients with acromegaly
Authors: Störmann Sylvère , Gutt Bodo , Roemmler-Zehrer Josefine , Bidlingmaier Martin , Huber Rudolf M , Schopohl Jochen , Angstwurm Matthias W
Published: April 2017

Objective

Acromegaly is associated with increased mortality due to respiratory disease. To date, lung function in patients with acromegaly has only been assessed in small studies, with contradicting results. We assessed lung function parameters in a large cohort of patients with acromegaly.

Design

Lung function of acromegaly patients was prospectively assessed using spirometry, blood gas analysis and body plethysmography. Biochemical indicators of acromegaly were assessed through measurement of growth hormone and IGF-I levels. This study was performed at the endocrinology outpatient clinic of a tertiary referral center in Germany.

Methods

We prospectively tested lung function of 109 acromegaly patients (53 male, 56 female; aged 24–82 years; 80 with active acromegaly) without severe acute or chronic pulmonary disease. We compared lung volume, air flow, airway resistance and blood gases to normative data.

Results

Acromegaly patients had greater lung volumes (maximal vital capacity, intra-thoracic gas volume and residual volume:P < 0.001, total lung capacity:P = 0.006) and showed signs of small airway obstruction (reduced maximum expiratory flow when 75% of the forced vital capacity (FVC) has been exhaled:P < 0.001, lesser peak expiratory flow:P = 0.01). There was no significant difference between active and inactive acromegaly. Female patients had significantly altered lung function in terms of subclinical airway obstruction.

Conclusions

In our cross-sectional analysis of lung function in 109 patients with acromegaly, lung volumes were increased compared to healthy controls. Additionally, female patients showed signs of subclinical airway obstruction. There was no difference between patients with active acromegaly compared with patients biochemically in remission.
Discriminating between virilizing ovary tumors and ovary hyperthecosis in postmenopausal women: clinical data, hormonal profiles and image studies
Authors: Yance V R V , Marcondes J A M , Rocha M P , Barcellos C R G , Dantas W S , Avila A F A , Baroni R H , Carvalho F M , Hayashida S A Y , Mendonca B B , Domenice S
Published: April 2017

Background

The presence of virilizing signs associated with high serum androgen levels in postmenopausal women is rare. Virilizing ovarian tumors (VOTs) and ovarian stromal hyperthecosis (OH) are the most common etiologies in virilized postmenopausal women. The differential diagnosis between these two conditions is often difficult.

Objective

To evaluate the contribution of clinical features, hormonal profiles and radiological studies to the differential diagnosis of VOT and OH.

Design

A retrospective study.

Setting

A tertiary center.

Main outcome measures

Clinical data, hormonal status (T, E2, LH and FSH), pelvic images (transvaginal sonography and MRI) and anatomopathology were reviewed.

Patients

Thirty-four postmenopausal women with a diagnosis of VOT (13 women) and OH (21 women) were evaluated retrospectively.

Results

Clinical signs of hyperandrogenism were more prevalent in the VOT group than the OH group. Although the VOT group showed higher T and E2 levels and lower gonadotropin levels than the OH group, a great overlap occurred among the hormone levels. A pelvic MRI provided an accurate differentiation of these two conditions.

Conclusion

In this group of patients, the main features contributing to the differential diagnosis of VOT and OH were serum levels of testosterone and gonadotropins and the presence of an ovarian nodule identified on the MRI. Although the association of clinical, hormonal and radiological features contributes to the differential diagnosis of these two conditions, histopathological analysis remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of ovarian hyperandrogenism in postmenopausal women.
Topoisomerase 2α and thymidylate synthase expression in adrenocortical cancer
Authors: Roca Elisa , Berruti Alfredo , Sbiera Silviu , Rapa Ida , Oneda Ester , Sperone Paola , Ronchi Cristina L , Ferrari Laura , Grisanti Salvatore , Germano Antonina , Zaggia Barbara , Scagliotti Giorgio Vittorio , Fassnacht Martin , Volante Marco , Terzolo Massimo , Papotti Mauro
Published: April 2017

Topoisomerase II alpha (TOP2A) and thymidylate synthase (TS) are known prognostic parameters in several tumors and also predictors of efficacy of anthracyclines, topoisomerase inhibitors and fluoropirimidines, respectively. Expression ofTOP2AandTSmRNA was assessed in 98 patients with adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) and protein expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry in a subset of 39 tumors. Ninety-two patients were radically resected for stage II–III disease and 38 of them received adjuvant mitotane. Twenty-six patients with metastatic disease received the EDP-M (etoposide, doxorubicin, Adriamycin, cisplatin plus mitotane).TOP2AandTSexpression in ACC tissue was directly correlated with the clinical data. Both markers were not associated with either disease free survival (DFS) or overall survival (OS) in multivariate analyses and failed to be associated to mitotane efficacy. Disease response or stabilization to EDP-M treatment was observed in 12/17 (71%) and 1/9 (11%) patients with high and low TOP2A expressing tumors (P = 0.0039) and 9/13 (69%) and 4/13 (31%) patients with high and low TS expressing ACC, respectively (P = 0.049). High TOP2A expression was significantly associated with longer time to progression (TTP) after EDP-M. TOP2A and TS proteins assessed by immunohistochemistry significantly correlated with mRNA expression. Immunohistochemical TOP2A expression was associated with a non-significant better response and longer TTP after EDP-M. TOP2A and TS were neither prognostic nor predictive of mitotane efficacy in ACC patients. The predictive role of TOP2A expression of EDP-M activity suggests a significant contribution of Adriamycin and etoposide for the efficacy of the EDP scheme.
Follicular expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines tumour necrosis factor-α (TNFα), interleukin 6 (IL6) and their receptors in cattle: TNFα, IL6 and macrophages suppress thecal androgen production in vitro
Authors: Samir Moafaq , Glister Claire , Mattar Dareen , Laird Mhairi , Knight Phil G
Published: April 2017

Pro-inflammatory cytokines secreted by macrophages and other cell types are implicated as intraovarian factors affecting different aspects of ovarian function including follicle and corpus luteum ‘turnover’, steroidogenesis and angiogenesis. Here, we compared granulosal (GC) and thecal (TC) expression of TNF, IL6 and their receptors (TNFRSF1A, TNFRSF1B and IL6R) during bovine antral follicle development; all five mRNA transcripts were detected in both GC and TC and statistically significant cell-type and follicle stage-related differences were evident. Since few studies have examined cytokine actions on TC steroidogenesis, we cultured TC under conditions that retain a non-luteinized ‘follicular’ phenotype and treated them with TNFα and IL6 under basal and LH-stimulated conditions. Both TNFα and IL6 suppressed androgen secretion concomitantly with CYP17A1 and LHCGR mRNA expression. In addition, TNFα reduced INSL3, HSD3B1 and NOS3 expression but increased NOS2 expression. IL6 also reduced LHCGR and STAR expression but did not affect HSD3B1, INSL3, NOS2 or NOS3 expression. As macrophages are a prominent source of these cytokinesin vivo, we next co-cultured TC with macrophages and observed an abolition of LH-induced androgen production accompanied by a reduction in CYP17A1, INSL3, LHCGR, STAR, CYP11A1 and HSD3B1 expression. Exposure of TC to bacterial lipopolysaccharide also blocked LH-induced androgen secretion, an effect reduced by a toll-like receptor blocker (TAK242). Collectively, the results support an inhibitory action of macrophages on thecal androgen production, likely mediated by their secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines that downregulate the expression of LHCGR, CYP17A1 and INSL3. Bovine theca interna cells can also detect and respond directly to lipopolysaccharide.
Joint Pain: An Update
Authors: Smith Jonson M. , Wang Fuzhou
Published: April 2017

Joint pain is extremely basic however is not surely knew. Really, "joint inflammation" is not a solitary malady; it is a casual method for alluding to joint agony or joint ailment. There are more than 100 distinctive sorts of joint inflammation and related conditions. Individuals of all ages, genders and races can and do have joint inflammation, and it is the main source of handicap in America. More than 50 million grown-ups and 300,000 kids have some kind of joint pain. It is most normal among ladies and happens all the more as often as possible as individuals get more established.
Primer registro de la familia Morchellaceae (Ascomycota: Pezizales) para Colombia
Authors: Pinzón Osorio César Augusto , Pinzón Osorio Jonás
Published: April 2017

Se registra por primera vez al género Morchella Dill. ex Pers. (Ascomycota, Pezizales), único representante de la familia Morchellaceae para la micobiota Colombiana. El ascocarpo fue recolectado en un bosque muy húmedo premontano, en la vereda Santa Helena, municipio de Gachalá, departamento de Cundinamarca. El espécimen es descrito e ilustrado con fotografías y se aporta información sobre su distribución, ecología y sustrato de crecimiento. La identidad taxonómica del ejemplar es discutida de acuerdo al concepto morfológico tradicional establecido en la literatura micológica. Con este reporte, en Colombia el orden Pezizales queda constituido por 17 especies contenidas en 12 géneros y 7 familias.
Presencia de microplásticos en cuatro playas arenosas de Perú
Authors: Purca Sara , Henostroza Aida
Published: April 2017

Se presenta el número y peso por metro cuadrado de fragmentos de microplásticos presentes en cuatro playas arenosas de la costa peruana. Las muestras fueron colectadas entre junio de 2014 y mayo 2015. Fragmentos de plástico duro mayores a 1 mm fueron encontrados en más del 80% de las muestras de las cuatro playas. La playa Costa Azul (~ 12°S) presentó 522 fragmentos por metro cuadrado (items/m2) de microplásticos, de los cuales, 463.33 items/m2 y 2.6 g/m2 fueron plásticos duros. La playa Albúfera de Medio Mundo (~ 11°S) presentó el menor número y peso de microplásticos (4.67 items/m2 y 0.50 g/m2). Una muestra aleatoria de la playa Costa Azul fue analizada por el espectroscopio FT-IR. Se encontró 5 fragmentos con poliuretano (PE), dos fragmentos con polipropileno (PP) y un fragmento con estireno (EPS). Pocos estudios mencionan al plástico duro como la mayor fracción de los microplásticos, se sugiere nuevas fuentes de intrusión y vías de microbasura en los hábitas, los cuales podrían estar afectando desde la base de trama trófica marina en el Perú.
Estado de conservación de Lagothrix flavicauda y otros primates en bosques montanos de San Martín y Huánuco, Perú
Authors: Aquino Rolando , García Gabriel , Charpentier Elvis , López Luís
Published: April 2017

Lagothrix flavicauda es endémica y vive en simpatría con otros primates en bosques montanos de Amazonas, San Martín, La Libertad y Huánuco. Información detallada sobre su abundancia y estado de conservación, así como de los sitios con poblaciones saludables son desconocidas, excepto para Amazonas donde fueron ejecutados la mayoría de los estudios. Para obtener la información sobre los aspectos mencionados fueron conducidos censos por transecto entre noviembre y diciembre del 2015, febrero a mayo del 2016 y entre junio y julio del 2016 en seis sitios de muestreo localizados entre las regiones de San Martín y Huánuco. Como resultado de los censos fueron avistados 49 grupos pertenecientes a 7 especies, siendo L. flavicauda la más observada con 14 grupos. Grupos más grandes se observaron en L. flavicauda (promedio 13.5±2.2 individuos) y Cebus yuracus (promedio 12.5±3.6 individuos) y más pequeños en Alouatta seniculus (promedio 3.0±2.4 individuos), ambos en Huánuco. La abundancia relativa fue más alta para L. flavicauda en San Martín (2.4 individuos/10 km) y más baja para A. seniculus en Huánuco (0.2 individuos/10 km). Con el registro de L. flavicauda en el lado oriental del río Huallaga su distribución en Huánuco se amplía hasta el río Pozuzo, pero en el lado occidental podemos considerarlo localmente extinta en gran parte de su distribución. En los sitios de muestreo, la deforestación y la caza son las principales amenazas para los primates y otros componentes de la fauna silvestre.
Aislamiento y caracterización del bacteriófago Va1 específico a Vibrio alginolyticus
Authors: Fernández Espinel Carla , Flores Dominick Violeta , Medina Morillo Marco
Published: April 2017

Vibrio alginolyticus está asociado a enfermedades en acuicultura. El uso indiscriminado de antibióticos ha conllevado a la búsqueda de alternativas en el tratamiento de enfermedades bacterianas, entre ellas la aplicación de bacteriófagos, los cuales infectan y destruyen selectivamente bacterias. En ese sentido, en este trabajo se aisló un bacteriófago altamente lítico a V. alginolyticus el cual fue denominado Va1, con el objetivo de evaluar los parámetros físicos químicos en los cuales es viable. Para esto, se evaluó al bacteriófago Va1 en diferentes condiciones de pH, temperatura, cloroformo. El fago Va1 presenta mayores títulos a 20 y 30 °C y pH de 5 a 8 disminuyendo su viabilidad a partir de 40 °C y en unidades de pH menores de 5. La exposición al cloroformo redujo la viabilidad del fago Va1 en un 25%. A partir de la curva de un paso se determinó que el periodo de latencia y el tamaño de la explosión fueron de 20 minutos y 192 UFP/centro infectivo respectivamente. Al microscopio electrónico de transmisión el fago Va1 evidencio una cabeza icosaedrica y una cola no contráctil, características propias de la familia Podoviridae. En conclusión, el fago Va1 presenta características potenciales para su uso en fagoterapia.
Beetles of Peru: a survey of the Families. Eucnemidae Eschscholtz, 1829
Authors: Otto Robert L.
Published: April 2017

A checklist of the eucnemid beetles of Peru is presented, based on a literature survey and identification of specimens from two museums. The Peruvian fauna comprises ~107 species in 30 genera from eight tribes and three subfamilies. Nine genera are newly recorded for Peru. They include: Xylophilus Mannerheim 1823, Temnillus Bonvouloir 1871, Gastraulacus Guérin-Méneville 1843, Somahenecus Cobos 1964, Silveriola Cobos 1956, Onichodon Newman 1838, Cladus Bonvouloir 1872, Thambus Bonvouloir 1871 and Neomathion Fleutiaux 1930. Fifty-eight species are newly recorded for Peru. A familial diagnosis as well as notes on eucnemid habitat, collecting methods, and biology are provided. This contribution is part of the ‘Beetles of Peru’ project.
Tamaño óptimo de muestra para estimar la distribución de tallas y proporción de juveniles de anchoveta por lance a bordo de la flota de cerco peruana
Authors: Joo Rocío , Díaz Erich
Published: April 2017

La distribución de tallas de las capturas es una fuente de información esencial para la estimación del crecimiento y la dinámica espacio-temporal de las cohortes. La distribución de tallas de las capturas se estima a partir de muestras de individuos capturados en los lances. Este trabajo estudia la cantidad óptima de individuos a muestrear en cada lance para obtener una muestra representativa de las tallas del lance, y de la proporción de juveniles en el lance. Para ello, se utilizan datos de tallas de diferentes lances en la pesca de anchoveta peruana (Engraulis ringens) registrados por observadores a bordo del Programa Bitácoras de Pesca del Insti-tuto del Mar del Perú, y remuestreos a partir de esos datos. Finalmente proponemos un tamaño de muestra óptimo que permite obtener estimaciones robustas de tallas y proporción de juveniles. Aunque este trabajo se aplicó a la pesca de anchoveta, el procedimiento es aplicable a cualquier pesquería, para muestreos bio-métricos a bordo o en tierra.
Stem Cell Surface Markers and Their Role in Cancer Progression
Authors: Heidarzade Samane , Kormi Seyed Mohammad Amin , Malekpour Nasrin , Ardehkhani Shima
Published: April 2017

Cancer progression and metastasis is rarely or less studied phenomenon. It has been known that cancer stem cells are the significant agents playing critical in metastasis and advanced tumorigenesis because of their heterogeneous nature. Their changed molecular expression with the passage of time and induction of normal cells into cancerous cells are correlated and determining these stem cell markers expression on CSCs can help to understand the progression of cancer and resistance to chemotherapy approaches. Identification of these signaling pathways and their modulation role are the key necessities for precise diagnosis and targeted therapeutic approaches development.
Between Tradition and Innovation
Authors: Acocella Ivana , Cataldi Silvia , Cigliuti Katia
Published: April 2017

The article focuses on the identity construction and recognition strategies adopted by young second-generation Muslim women living in Italy. The research was conducted by collecting life stories with the goal of investigating the processes of identity building in the private and in the public sphere. Moving from two key concepts, agency and intersectionality, the study explores those challenges and tensions which arise from the multi-membership (intra-ethnic and inter-ethnic; intra-generational and inter-generational) and from the interconnection of different social categories (gender, religious beliefs, age and ethnic origins) of young Muslim females. At the end of the study, the biographies are analysed inductively in order to identify different ideal-types of profiles of subjectification which vehiculate different gender and religious identity patterns.
Fieldwork on Anzac Day
Authors: Alderton Zoe , Hartney Christopher , Tower Daniel
Published: April 2017

In this research, a cohort of Australian scholars document one particular example of the Australian sacred ritual of Anzac Day, and apply Gay McAuley’s model of performance analysis to this and other associated rituals. To analyse any performance, McAuley suggests that the observer investigate four distinct stages of the performative action: (1) the “material signifiers” in the performance space; (2) the “narrative content and/or performance segmentation”; (3) the “paradigmatic axis” of the performance; and (4) the “global statement” of the performance. In this article, Hartney examines the “material signifiers” that mark this pilgrimage the authors make to Canberra and the construction of the Anzac Day Dawn Service. Alderton examines the narrative content and performance segmentation by focusing on how the ostensibly “White” performance of the Dawn Service relies on a narrative that excludes Indigenous voices. She does this through her analysis of the subsequent Indigenous remembrance service held on the same day, and other unofficial protests for recognition of Australian frontier wars. Tower then examines the paradigmatic axis of the ritual through a strategy of examining light and vision in the ritual, how light is connected to remembrance, and the manner in which an analysis of light focuses attention on what Max Frisch calls the magnetic field between perception and imagination. All three authors address McAuley’s concept of the “global statement” that the performance seems to manufacture. They examine how this fits into the Australian national religious system. Finally, they assess the relevance of McAuley’s schema for understanding national sacred rituals.
Medieval Pilgrims and Modern Tourists
Authors: Cusack Carole
Published: April 2017

This article examines the Marian shrines of Walsingham (England) and Meryem Ana (Turkey). Walsingham was a popular pilgrimage site until the Reformation, when Catholic sacred places were disestablished or destroyed by Protestants. Meryem Ana is linked to Walsingham, in that both shrines feature healing springs and devotion to the cult of the “Holy House” of the Virgin Mary. Walsingham is now home to multi-faith pilgrimages, New Age seekers and secular tourists. Meryem Ana is a rare Christian shrine in Islamic Turkey, where mass tourists rub shoulders with devout Christians supporting the small Greek Catholic community in residence. This article emerged from the experience of walking the Walsingham Way, a modern route based on the medieval pilgrimage in 2012, and visiting Meryem Ana in 2015 while making a different pilgrimage, that of an Australian attending the centenary of the Gallipoli landings. Both shrines are marketed through strategies of history and heritage, making visiting them more than simply tourism. Both sites offer a constructed experience that references the Middle Ages and Christianity, bringing modern tourism in an increasingly secular world into conversation with ancient and medieval pilgrimage and the religious past.
Chemo Heart
Authors: DeFilippis Ersilia M.
Published: April 2017

A physician recounts the story of a beloved patient who survived cancer but later developed heart disease.
Methods of assessing antifouling and foul-release efficacy of non-toxic marine coatings
Authors: Wendt Dean E.
Published: April 2017

The ability to assess the performance of novel, non-toxic coatings is essential to developing environmentally benign solutions to control biofouling, which is the accumulation of organisms on man-made structures in aquatic environments. In the past decade, the methods for screening experimental coatings have increased and subsequently improved the ability to down-select the best candidate coatings rapidly. The standard approaches involve a series of assays that first examine the efficacy of non-toxic coatings as antifouling surfaces by quantifying the settlement of algal spores and invertebrate larval stages. Following settlement assays, coatings are often tested for their efficacy at limiting adhesion (i.e. ‘foul-release’ performance) by using a variety of techniques and marine organisms, including bacteria, algae and invertebrate larval and adult stages. This overview serves to describe the current techniques and technologies used in assessing marine coatings and acts as a gateway into the primary literature.
Sex Differences in Hospitalizations with Maintenance Hemodialysis
Authors: Adams Scott V. , Rivara Matthew , Streja Elani , Cheung Alfred K. , Arah Onyebuchi A. , Kalantar-Zadeh Kamyar , Mehrotra Rajnish
Published: April 2017

Hospitalization is a major source of morbidity among patients with ESRD undergoing maintenance hemodialysis and is a significant contributor to health care costs. To identify subgroups at the highest risk of hospitalization, we analyzed by sex, age, and race, adjusting for demographic and clinical characteristics, the hospitalization rates, and 30-day readmissions for 333,756 hospitalizations among 111,653 patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis in facilities operated by a large dialysis organization in the United States (2007–2011). The overall hospitalization rate was 1.85 hospitalizations per person-year and was much higher among women than among men (2.08 versus 1.68 hospitalizations per year for women versus men, P<0.001). Age group–specific hospitalization rates were consistently higher for women than for men of the same race, and the differences were greatest in younger age groups (for example, women aged 18–34 years and ≥75 years had 54% [95% confidence interval, 42% to 67%] and 14% [95% confidence interval, 11% to 18%] higher hospitalization rates, respectively, than did men of respective ages). Women also had substantially higher risk for 30-day readmission, with the largest differences at younger ages. Women had a significantly lower serum albumin level than men, and stratification by serum albumin level attenuated sex differences in the age group–specific hospitalization and 30-day readmission rates. These findings suggest that women undergoing maintenance hemodialysis have substantially higher risks for hospitalization and 30-day readmission than men. In this cohort, the sex differences were greatest in the younger age groups and were attenuated by accounting for differences in health status reflected by serum albumin level.