bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Developments and Therapeutic Strategies against Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Yarchoan Mark , Agarwal Parul , Villanueva Augusto , Rao Shuyun , Dawson Laura A. , Karasic Thomas , Llovet Josep M. , Finn Richard S. , Groopman John D. , El-Serag Hashem B. , Monga Satdarshan P. , Wang Xin Wei , Karin Michael , Schwartz Robert E. , Tanabe Kenneth K. , Roberts Lewis R. , Gunaratne Preethi H. , Tsung Allan , Brown Kimberly A. , Lawrence Theodore S. , Salem Riad , Singal Amit G. , Kim Amy K. , Rabiee Atoosa , Resar Linda , Meyer Jeffrey , Hoshida Yujin , He Aiwu Ruth , Ghoshal Kalpana , Ryan Patrick B. , Jaffee Elizabeth M. , Guha Chandan , Mishra Lopa , Coleman C. Norman , Ahmed Mansoor M.
Published: September 2019

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has emerged as a major cause of cancer deaths globally. The landscape of systemic therapy has recently changed, with six additional systemic agents either approved or awaiting approval for advanced stage HCC. While these agents have the potential to improve outcomes, a survival increase of 2–5 months remains poor and falls short of what has been achieved in many other solid tumor types. The roles of genomics, underlying cirrhosis, and optimal use of treatment strategies that include radiation, liver transplantation, and surgery remain unanswered. Here, we discuss new treatment opportunities, controversies, and future directions in managing HCC.
Serine-Phosphorylated STAT3 Promotes Tumorigenesis via Modulation of RNA Polymerase Transcriptional Activity
Authors: Balic Jesse J. , Garama Daniel J. , Saad Mohamed I. , Yu Liang , West Alison C. , West Alice J. , Livis Thaleia , Bhathal Prithi S. , Gough Daniel J. , Jenkins Brendan J.
Published: September 2019

Deregulated activation of the latent oncogenic transcription factor STAT3 in many human epithelial malignancies, including gastric cancer, has invariably been associated with its canonical tyrosine phosphorylation and enhanced transcriptional activity. By contrast, serine phosphorylation (pS) of STAT3 can augment its nuclear transcriptional activity and promote essential mitochondrial functions, yet the role of pS–STAT3 among epithelial cancers is ill-defined. Here, we reveal that genetic ablation of pS–STAT3 in the gp130F/F spontaneous gastric cancer mouse model and human gastric cancer cell line xenografts abrogated tumor growth that coincided with reduced proliferative potential of the tumor epithelium. Microarray gene expression profiling demonstrated that the suppressed gastric tumorigenesis in pS–STAT3-deficient gp130F/F mice associated with reduced transcriptional activity of STAT3-regulated gene networks implicated in cell proliferation and migration, inflammation, and angiogenesis, but not mitochondrial function or metabolism. Notably, the protumorigenic activity of pS–STAT3 aligned with its capacity to primarily augment RNA polymerase II–mediated transcriptional elongation, but not initiation, of STAT3 target genes. Furthermore, by using a combinatorial in vitro and in vivo proteomics approach based on the rapid immunoprecipitation mass spectrometry of endogenous protein (RIME) assay, we identified RuvB-like AAA ATPase 1 (RUVBL1/Pontin) and enhancer of rudimentary homolog (ERH) as interacting partners of pS–STAT3 that are pivotal for its transcriptional activity on STAT3 target genes. Collectively, these findings uncover a hitherto unknown transcriptional role and obligate requirement for pS–STAT3 in gastric cancer that could be extrapolated to other STAT3-driven cancers.

Significance:

These findings reveal a new transcriptional role and mandatory requirement for constitutive STAT3 serine phosphorylation in gastric cancer.
Quantification and Localization of Protein–RNA Interactions in Patient-Derived Archival Tumor Tissue
Authors: Blanchard Emmeline L. , Argyropoulou Danae , Zurla Chiara , Bhosle Sushma M. , Vanover Daryll , Santangelo Philip J.
Published: September 2019

Abnormal post-transcriptional regulation induced by alterations of mRNA–protein interactions is critical during tumorigenesis and cancer progression and is a hallmark of cancer cells. A more thorough understanding is needed to develop treatments and foresee outcomes. Cellular and mouse tumor models are insufficient for vigorous investigation as they lack consistency and translatability to humans. Moreover, to date, studies in human tumor tissue are predominately limited to expression analysis of proteins and mRNA, which do not necessarily provide information about the frequency of mRNA–protein interactions. Here, we demonstrate novel optimization of a method that is based on FISH and proximity ligation techniques to quantify mRNA interactions with RNA-binding proteins relevant for tumorigenesis and cancer progression in archival patient-derived tumor tissue. This method was validated for multiple mRNA-protein pairs in several cellular models and in multiple types of archival human tumor samples. Furthermore, this approach allowed high-throughput analysis of mRNA–protein interactions across a wide range of tumor types and stages through tumor microarrays. This method is quantitative, specific, and sensitive for detecting interactions and their localization at both the individual cell and whole-tissue scales with single interaction sensitivity. This work presents an important tool in investigating post-transcriptional regulation in cancer on a high-throughput scale, with great potential for translatability into any applications where mRNA–protein interactions are of interest.

Significance:

This work presents an approach to sensitively, specifically, and quantitatively detect and localize native mRNA and protein interactions for analysis of abnormal post-transcriptional regulation in patient-derived archival tumor samples.
A Biophysical Model Uncovers the Size Distribution of Migrating Cell Clusters across Cancer Types
Authors: Bocci Federico , Kumar Jolly Mohit , Onuchic José Nelson
Published: September 2019

Migration from the primary tumor is a crucial step in the metastatic cascade. Cells with various degrees of adhesion and motility migrate and are launched into the bloodstream as single circulating tumor cells (CTC) or multicellular CTC clusters. The frequency and size distributions of these clusters have been recently measured, but the underlying mechanisms enabling these different modes of migration remain poorly understood. We present a biophysical model that couples the phenotypic plasticity enabled by the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell migration to explain the modes of individual and collective cancer cell migration. This reduced physical model captures how cells undergo a transition from individual migration to collective cell migration and robustly recapitulates CTC cluster fractions and size distributions observed experimentally across several cancer types, thus suggesting the existence of common features in the mechanisms underlying cancer cell migration. Furthermore, we identify mechanisms that can maximize the fraction of CTC clusters in circulation. First, mechanisms that prevent a complete EMT and instead increase the population of hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal (E/M) cells are required to recapitulate CTC size distributions with large clusters of 5 to 10 cells. Second, multiple intermediate E/M states give rise to larger and heterogeneous clusters formed by cells with different epithelial–mesenchymal traits. Overall, this biophysical model provides a platform to continue to bridge the gap between the molecular and biophysical regulation of cancer cell migration and highlights that a complete EMT might not be required for metastasis.

Significance:

A biophysical model of cancer cell invasion integrates phenotypic heterogeneity and cell migration to interpret experimental observations of circulating tumor cell clusters and provides new predictions.
Antibody Responses to Fusobacterium nucleatum Proteins in Prediagnostic Blood Samples are not Associated with Risk of Developing Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Butt Julia , Jenab Mazda , Pawlita Michael , Overvad Kim , Tjonneland Anne , Olsen Anja , Boutron-Ruault Marie-Christine , Carbonnel Franck , Mancini Francesca Romana , Kaaks Rudolf , Kühn Tilman , Boeing Heiner , Trichopoulou Antonia , Karakatsani Anna , Palli Domenico , Pala Valeria Maria , Tumino Rosario , Sacerdote Carlotta , Panico Salvatore , Bueno-de-Mesquita Bas , van Gils Carla H. , Vermeulen Roel C.H. , Weiderpass Elisabete , Quirós José Ramón , Duell Eric Jeffrey , Sánchez Maria-Jose , Dorronsoro Miren , Huerta José María , Ardanaz Eva , Van Guelpen Bethany , Harlid Sophia , Perez-Cornago Aurora , Gunter Marc J. , Murphy Neil , Freisling Heinz , Aune Dagfinn , Waterboer Tim , Hughes David J.
Published: September 2019

Background:

There is a lack of prospective data on the potential association of Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) and colorectal cancer risk. In this study, we assessed whether antibody responses to F. nucleatum are associated with colorectal cancer risk in prediagnostic serum samples in the European Prospective Investigation into Nutrition and Cancer (EPIC) cohort.

Methods:

We applied a multiplex serology assay to simultaneously measure antibody responses to 11 F. nucleatum antigens in prediagnostic serum samples from 485 colorectal cancer cases and 485 matched controls. Conditional logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results:

We observed neither a statistically significant colorectal cancer risk association for antibodies to individual F. nucleatum proteins nor for combined positivity to any of the 11 proteins (OR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.62–1.06).

Conclusions:

Antibody responses to F. nucleatum proteins in prediagnostic serum samples from a subset of colorectal cancer cases and matched controls within the EPIC study were not associated with colorectal cancer risk.

Impact:

Our findings in prospectively ascertained serum samples contradict the existing literature on the association of F. nucleatum with colorectal cancer risk. Future prospective studies, specifically detecting F. nucleatum in stool or tissue biopsies, are needed to complement our findings.
Individual Assignment of Adult Diffuse Gliomas into the EM/PM Molecular Subtypes Using a TaqMan Low-Density Array
Authors: Li Jiuyi , Xue Yang , Wenger Anna , Sun Yingyu , Wang Zheng , Zhang Chuanbao , Zhang Yunqiu , Fekete Boglarka , Rydenhag Bertil , Jakola Asgeir Store , Jiang Tao , Carén Helena , Fan Xiaolong
Published: September 2019

Purpose:

We aimed to develop a diagnostic platform to capture the transcriptomic resemblance of individual adult diffuse gliomas of WHO grades II to IV to neural development and the genomic signature associated with glioma progression.

Experimental Design:

Based on the EM/PM classification scheme, we designed a RT-PCR–based TaqMan low-density array (TLDA) containing 44 classifier and 4 reference genes. Samples of a training dataset (GSE48865), characterized by RNA-sequencing, were utilized to optimize the TLDA design and to develop a support vector machine (SVM)-based prediction model. Complemented with Sanger sequencing for IDH1/2, and low coverage whole genome sequencing (WGS), the TLDA and SVM prediction model were tested in a validation (31 gliomas) and a test (121 gliomas) dataset.

Results:

Independent of morphologically defined subtypes and grades, gliomas can be individually assigned into the EM and PM glioma subtypes with the respective areas under ROC curves at 0.86 and 0.85 in the validation dataset. The EM gliomas showed a medium overall survival (OS) of 15.6 months, whereas the medium OS for PM gliomas was not reached (HR = 3.55; 95% confidence interval, 1.96–6.45). The EM and PM gliomas showed distinct patterns of genomic alterations, with IDH mutation and 1p19q codeletion in the PM gliomas and gain of chromosome 7/loss of chromosome 10 in the EM gliomas. Extensive chromosomal abnormalities marked the progression of PM gliomas.

Conclusions:

The integration of EM/PM subtyping, IDH sequencing, and low coverage WGS may improve the risk stratification and selection of treatment regimens for patients with glioma.
A Phase I Study of the Combination of Rituximab and Ipilimumab in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Tuscano Joseph M. , Maverakis Emanual , Groshen Susan , Tsao-Wei Denice , Luxardi Guillaume , Merleev Alexander A. , Beaven Anne , DiPersio John F. , Popplewell Leslie , Chen Robert , Kirschbaum Mark , Schroeder Mark A. , Newman Edward M.
Published: September 2019

Purpose:

Based on the potential for ipilimumab (I) to augment T-cell activation, we hypothesize that ipilimumab would augment the efficacy of rituximab (R) in patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) CD20+non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). This phase I study aimed to identify a recommended phase 2 dose, document toxicities, and preliminarily assess efficacy and potential predictive biomarkers.

Patients and Methods:

Thirty-three patients with R/R CD20+B-cell lymphoma received R at 375 mg/m2weekly for 4 weeks and I at 3 mg/kg on day 1 and every 3 weeks for four doses. Responding patients went on to maintenance with each agent given every 12 weeks. To facilitate correlative analysis, the expansion phase randomized patients to simultaneous R+I versus R with I delayed 2 weeks.

Results:

Toxicity was manageable; no dose-limiting toxicity was observed at the doses studied. When considering the entire cohort, efficacy was modest, with an objective response rate (ORR) of 24% and median progression-free survival (PFS) of 2.6 months. However, in follicular lymphoma patients, the ORR was 58% with a median PFS of 5.6 months. The randomized comparison of R with R+I demonstrated that R+I resulted in more effective B-cell depletion (BCD). Both B-cell depletion and the ratio of CD45RA−regulatory T cell (Treg) to Treg were associated with response at all time points.

Conclusions:

The combination of R+I has manageable toxicity and encouraging efficacy in R/R follicular lymphoma. The ratio of CD45RA−Tregs to total Tregs, and peripheral BCD should be studied further as potential predictors of response.
Impact of Autologous Transplantation in Patients with Multiple Myeloma with t(11;14): A Propensity-Score Matched Analysis
Authors: Saini Neeraj , Ma Junsheng , Milton Denái R. , Patel Romil , Varma Ankur , Bashir Qaiser , Delgado Ruby , Mukherjee Akash , Rondon Gabriela , Popat Uday R. , Hosing Chitra M. , Nieto Yago , Kebriaei Partow , Alousi Amin M. , Ahmed Sairah , Tang Guilin , Mehta Rohtesh , Srour Samer , Khouri Issa F. , Iyer Swaminathan , Weber Donna M. , Thomas Sheeba K. , Lee Hans C. , Manasanch Elisabet E. , Patel Krina K. , Orlowski Robert Z. , Champlin Richard E. , Qazilbash Muzaffar H.
Published: September 2019

Purpose:

Patients with multiple myeloma with t(11;14) have been considered to have standard-risk disease. However, several recent reports have shown contradictory results. We identified 95 patients with multiple myeloma with t(11;14) on FISH studies, who underwent upfront autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (auto-HCT) at our center. We compared their outcome with a group of standard-risk patients with multiple myeloma who had diploid cytogenetics by both conventional cytogenetics (CC) and FISH (n = 287).

Experimental Design:

To reduce the bias between the groups, we performed a 1:1 propensity score matching technique for analysis. A total of 160 patients, 80 in each group, were identified. Patients in the 2 groups were matched for age, International staging system stage at diagnosis, serum creatinine at presentation, disease status at auto-HCT, type of preparative regimens, dose of melphalan used for conditioning, and induction and maintenance regimens.

Results:

Patients in t(11;14) group had a post auto-HCT overall response rate (ORR) of 97.5% (78/80), compared with 100% (80/80) in the standard-risk control group (P = 0.50). Complete response rate in the t(11;14) group was 35% (28/80), compared with 45% (36/80) in the standard-risk control group (P = 0.26). The 4-year PFS rates were 40.8% (95% CI, 29.6%–56.1%) and 51.1% (95% CI, 39.4%–66.3%) in the t(11;14) and standard-risk control groups, respectively (P = 0.14). The 4-year OS rates were 74.9% (95% CI, 63.3%–88.7%) and 88.3% (95% CI, 80.4%–97.0%) in the t(11;14) and standard-risk control groups, respectively (P = 0.17). Also, patients with t(11;14) with concurrent cytogenetics had significantly poor PFS and OS compared with a propensity matched standard-risk control group.

Conclusions:

Our study confirms that t(11;14) multiple myeloma undergoing upfront autologous transplantation had similar outcomes as patients with multiple myeloma with normal cytogenetic and FISH studies. Existence of additional genomic aberrations by CC or FISH was associated with a worse outcome.
Combination of PPARγ Agonist Pioglitazone and Trabectedin Induce Adipocyte Differentiation to Overcome Trabectedin Resistance in Myxoid Liposarcomas
Authors: Frapolli Roberta , Bello Ezia , Ponzo Marianna , Craparotta Ilaria , Mannarino Laura , Ballabio Sara , Marchini Sergio , Carrassa Laura , Ubezio Paolo , Porcu Luca , Brich Silvia , Sanfilippo Roberta , Casali Paolo Giovanni , Gronchi Alessandro , Pilotti Silvana , D'Incalci Maurizio
Published: September 2019

Purpose:

This study was aimed at investigating whether the PPARγ agonist pioglitazone—given in combination with trabectedin—is able to reactivate adipocytic differentiation in myxoid liposarcoma (MLS) patient-derived xenografts, overcoming resistance to trabectedin.

Experimental Design:

The antitumor and biological effects of trabectedin, pioglitazone, and the combination of the two drugs were investigated in nude mice bearing well-characterized MLS xenografts representative of innate or acquired resistance against trabectedin. Pioglitazone and trabectedin were given by daily oral and weekly i.v. administrations, respectively. Molecular studies were performed by using microarrays approach, real-time PCR, and Western blotting.

Results:

We found that the resistance of MLS against trabectedin is associated with the lack of activation of adipogenesis. The PPARγ agonist pioglitazone reactivated adipogenesis, assessed by histologic and gene pathway analyses. Pioglitazone was well tolerated and did not increase the toxicity of trabectedin. The ability of pioglitazone to reactivate adipocytic differentiation was observed by morphologic examination, and it is consistent with the increased expression of genes such as ADIPOQ implicated in the adipogenesis process. The determination of adiponectin by Western blotting constitutes a good and reliable biomarker related to MLS adipocytic differentiation.

Conclusions:

The finding that the combination of pioglitazone and trabectedin induces terminal adipocytic differentiation of some MLSs with the complete pathologic response and cure of tumor-bearing mice provides a strong rationale to test the combination of trabectedin and pioglitazone in patients with MLS.
Differences in Genome-wide DNA Methylation Profiles in Breast Milk by Race and Lactation Duration
Authors: Davis Lynn Brittny C. , Bodelon Clara , Pfeiffer Ruth M. , Yang Hannah P. , Yang Howard H. , Lee Maxwell , Laird Peter W. , Campan Mihaela , Weisenberger Daniel J. , Murphy Jeanne , Sampson Joshua N. , Browne Eva P. , Anderton Douglas L. , Sherman Mark E. , Arcaro Kathleen F. , Gierach Gretchen L.
Published: September 2019

Black women in the United States are disproportionately affected by early-onset, triple-negative breast cancer. DNA methylation has shown differences by race in healthy and tumor breast tissues. We examined associations between genome-wide DNA methylation levels in breast milk and breast cancer risk factors, including race, to explain how this reproductive stage influences a woman's risk for, and potentially contributes to racial disparities in, breast cancer. Breast milk samples and demographic, behavioral, and reproductive data, were obtained from cancer-free, uniparous, and lactating U.S. black (n = 57) and white (n = 82) women, ages 19–44. Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis was performed on extracted breast milk DNA using the Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip. Statistically significant associations between breast cancer risk factors and DNA methylation beta values, adjusting for potential confounders, were determined using linear regression followed by Bonferroni Correction (P < 1.63 × 10−7). Epigenetic analysis in breast milk revealed statistically significant associations with race and lactation duration. Of the 284 CpG sites associated with race, 242 were hypermethylated in black women. All 227 CpG sites associated with lactation duration were hypomethylated in women who lactated longer. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis of differentially methylated promoter region CpGs by race and lactation duration revealed enrichment for networks implicated in carcinogenesis. Associations between DNA methylation and lactation duration may offer insight on its role in lowering breast cancer risk. Epigenetic associations with race may mediate social, behavioral, or other factors related to breast cancer and may provide insight into potential mechanisms underlying racial disparities in breast cancer incidence.
Final Adult Height after Growth Hormone Treatment in Patients with Turner Syndrome
Authors: Ahn Jung Min , Suh Jung Hwan , Kwon Ah Reum , Chae Hyun Wook , Kim Ho-Seong
Published: September 2019

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate final adult height (AH) after recombinant human growth hormone (GH) treatment of girls with Turner syndrome (TS) and to elucidate the predicting factors for their growth response. Methods: We enrolled 73 patients with TS who underwent GH treatment and reached AH and 14 patients who did not undergo treatment. To assess the effectiveness of GH therapy, we evaluated final AH, height gain over the predicted AH, and height gain over the projected AH. In addition, to analyze the factors affecting final AH, we studied correlations between final AH (or height SDS, height gain) and treatment variables. Results: GH therapy was started at a mean age of 8.87 ± 3.73 years, and the treatment duration was 6.47 ± 3.02 years. The patients in the treated group reached a final AH of 152.03 ± 4.66 cm (final AH SDS for the general population: –1.93 ± 1.03) with a gain over projected AH at the start of treatment of 12.21 ± 4.33 cm. The untreated control subjects had a final AH of 143.57 ± 4.06 cm with a gain over projected AH at the first visit of 3.89 ± 3.80 cm. Final AH and AH SDS were positively correlated to height SDS at the start of treatment. Thirty-five patients out of the 73 GH-treated patients (47.9%) attained to a normal range of height for Korean girls. The patients having attained to a normal height range after GH treatment had shown a higher height SDS at the start of GH treatment, a higher mid-parental height SDS, and a younger age at initiation of estrogen. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that GH treatment at an early age is effective in improving the final height SDS and height SDS gain in TS patients. Therefore, GH administration at an early age is important for final height gain.
The Link between Microdevelopment and Long-Term Learning Trajectories in Science Learning
Authors: van der Steen Steffie , Steenbeek Henderien W. , Den Hartigh Ruud J.R. , van Geert Paul L.C.
Published: September 2019

Long-term learning trajectories evolve through microdevelopmental sequences (i.e., short-term processes of change during learning tasks) and depend on variability during and across learning tasks. The aim of this study is to examine the coupling between short-term teacher-student dynamics and students’ long-term learning trajectories, thereby providing empirical support for the link between the short- and long-term time scale in cognitive development. For 31 students (ages 3–5 years) from regular and special education, five teacher-student interactions during science tasks were filmed and coded in real time with regard to the student’s level of understanding and the teacher’s support throughout the task. A hierarchical cluster analysis resulted in four different learning trajectories over the course of 1.5 years, labeled as a high-scoring, mid-scoring, fluctuating, and low-scoring group of students. When connecting these trajectories to microdevelopmental data, the interactions of the high-scoring students were characterized by more moment-to-moment variations in the teacher’s support and student’s level of understanding, while the low-scoring group had the least variability compared to the other groups. Students with emotional and behavioral disabilities were represented across all learning trajectories, despite frequent accounts in the literature on their significant academic delays.
Comparison of Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers for Differential Diagnosis of Acute Bacterial and Viral Meningitis with Atypical Cerebrospinal Fluid Characteristics
Authors: de Almeida Sérgio Monteiro , Furlan Suélen Maria Parizotto , Cretella Arianne Maris Munhoz , Lapinski Bruna , Nogueira Keite , Cogo Laura Lucia , Vidal Luine Rosele Renaud , Nogueira Meri Bordignon
Published: September 2019

Objective: Several cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers are used to distinguish between acute bacterial meningitis (BM) and viral meningitis (VM). We compared the ability of lactate and glucose (GL) in CSF and the CSF/blood GL ratio to distinguish between acute BM and VM with typical and atypical CSF characteristics. Methods: Three hundred and twenty-four CSF reports were included, which were distributed as the acute BM, VM, and normal control groups (n = 63, 139, and 122, respectively). Results: Lactate level in the CSF of acute BM group was 4-fold higher than that in the acute VM and control groups (p < 0.0001). CSF lactate presented higher specificity (92%) and negative predictive value (94%) compared to CSF GL and CSF/blood GL ratio in distinguishing acute BM and VM. Definitive acute BM or VM with atypical CSF cell characteristics was observed in 23.2 and 21.6% of samples, respectively, and these groups showed reduced performance of characteristics of all CSF biomarkers. CSF lactate showed better operational characteristics than those of CSF GL and CSF/blood GL ratio, presenting the highest positive likelihood ratio, and thus aided in the differential diagnosis of VM with atypical CSF. Conclusion: The CSF lactate assay can be routinely used in laboratories as a rapid, automated, and easy method that is independent of lactate blood levels.
Psychometric Properties of the Swedish Version of the Brief Repetitive Thinking Questionnaire (RTQ-10): An Internet-Based Study on Degrees of Affective Symptoms and Levels of Distress
Authors: Gavazzeni Joakim A. , Andersson Tom , Sörman Karolina , Kristiansson Marianne
Published: September 2019

Introduction: Repetitive negative thinking (RNT) is reported in a wide variety of emotional disorders, although it is most often associated with either depression or anxiety disorders, assessed as symptoms of rumination and worry. Early detection of indicators for RNT across disorders is needed. To this end we explored the psychometric properties of a transdiagnostic measure, i.e., the Swedish version of the brief Repetitive Thinking Questionnaire (RTQ-10), in adults (n = 674, age: 18 years or older). Methods: Participants completed an online battery of questionnaires measuring RNT, anxiety, depression and levels of positive and negative affect, satisfaction with life, metacognitive beliefs, and sick leave. Reliability and validity were evaluated with Cronbach’s α, item and scale correlations, factor analysis (including multigroup analysis), and multiple linear regression analysis. Principal component analysis and exploratory factor analysis were first carried out to identify the number of latent factors. Confirmatory factor analysis was then used to assess the model fit of a single latent factor. Results: Analyses supported a single-factor solution. Results showed that the reliability was excellent. The single-factor model was robust, except across levels of distress that did not support scalar invariance. Negative metacognitive beliefs, negative affect, and anxiety were strong covariates demonstrating convergent validity. Negative and weaker correlations with life satisfaction, positive affect, and physical symptoms contributed to the discriminant validity. Conclusion: This study showed that the instrument is robust in a population with various degrees of affective symptoms and distress. These results provide additional psychometric support for the RTQ-10 as a transdiagnostic measure. It can be administered online to assess RNT as a risk factor for emotional disorders.
Outcomes of Prophylactic Pantoprazole in Adult Intensive Care Unit Patients Receiving Dialysis: Results of a Randomized Trial
Authors: Schefold Joerg C. , Krag Mette , Marker Søren , Perner Anders , Wetterslev Jørn , Wise Matt P. , Borthwick Mark , Bendel Stepani , Keus Frederik , Guttormsen Anne Berit , Lange Theis , Møller Morten Hylander ,   the SUP-ICU investigators
Published: September 2019

Background: Intensive care unit (ICU) patients with acute kidney injury requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) are considered at high risk of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding and stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP) is often prescribed. We aimed to assess the incidence of GI bleeding and effects of SUP in these patients. Methods: We assessed GI bleeding in ICU patients receiving RRT at baseline (and at any time in the ICU) and effects of prophylactic pantoprazole versus placebo in the international SUP in the ICU (SUP-ICU) trial. All analyses were conducted according to a published protocol and statistical analysis plan. Results: Data of 3,291 acutely admitted adult ICU patients with one or more risk factors for GI bleeding randomized to pantoprazole or placebo intravenously once daily during ICU stay (until ICU discharge, death, or a maximum of 90 days) were analyzed. Some 20 out of 258 (7.8%, 95% CI 4.5–11.1%) and 52 out of 568 (9.2%, 95% CI 6.8–11.6%) of the patients receiving RRT at baseline and at any time in ICU, respectively, developed clinically important GI bleeding in the ICU. We did not observe statistically significant differences in the intervention effect (pantoprazole vs. placebo) in the proportion of patients with clinically important GI bleeding, clinically important events, infectious adverse events, use of interventions to stop GI bleeding, or 90-day mortality in patients with versus without RRT at baseline. Conclusions: In adult ICU patients receiving RRT at baseline, we observed high incidences of clinically important GI bleeding, but did not observe effects of pantoprazole versus placebo in this subgroup.
The Effect of Resin Infiltration on the Progression of Proximal Caries Lesions: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Arslan Soley , Kaplan Melek Hilal
Published: September 2019

Objective: The aim of this clinical trial was to assess the effect of resin infiltration on the progression of proximal caries lesions. Subjects and Methods: Forty-one patients, aged between 15 and 33 years, with 2 or more non-cavitated proximal caries lesions were included. In 41 of the adolescent and young adults, 45 pairs of proximal lesions with radiological extension into the inner and outer half of the enamel, or into the outer third of the dentin, were randomly allocated to the test groups (resin infiltration application + fluoridated toothpaste and flossing use) or to the control group (fluoridated toothpaste and flossing use). Standardized geometrically aligned digital bitewing radiographs were obtained using individual biting holders. The radiographic progression of the lesions was assessed after 1 year by digital-subtraction radiography. The McNemar test was used for statistical analysis. Results: In the test group 1/45 of the lesions (2.2%) and in the control group 9/45 of the lesions (20%) showed progression. The caries progression rate of the control group was significantly higher than that of the test group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Resin infiltration of proximal caries lesions is effective in reducing progression of the lesion.
TLR (Toll-Like Receptor) 4 Antagonism Prevents Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and Dysfunction Caused by Neonatal Hyperoxia Exposure in Rats
Authors: Mian Muhammad Oneeb Rehman , He Ying , Bertagnolli Mariane , Mai-Vo Thuy-An , Fernandes Rafael Oliveira , Boudreau Fauve , Cloutier Anik , Luu Thuy Mai , Nuyt Anne Monique
Published: September 2019

Preterm birth is associated with proinflammatory conditions and alterations in adult cardiac shape and function. Neonatal exposure to high oxygen, a rat model of prematurity-related conditions, leads to cardiac remodeling, fibrosis, and dysfunction. TLR (Toll-like receptor) 4 signaling is a critical link between oxidative stress, inflammation, and the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. The current study sought to investigate the role of TLR4 signaling in neonatal oxygen-induced cardiomyopathy. Male Sprague-Dawley pups were kept in 80% oxygen or room air from day 3 to 10 of life and treated with TLR4 antagonist lipopolysaccharide from the photosynthetic bacterium
Rhodobacter sphaeroides
(LPS-RS) or saline. Echocardiography was performed at 4, 7, and 12 weeks. At 12 weeks, intraarterial blood pressure was measured before euthanization for histological and biochemical analyses. At day 10, cardiac TLR4, Il (interleukin) 18, and Il1β expression were increased in oxygen-exposed compared with room air controls. At 4 weeks, compared with room air-saline, saline-, but not LPS-RS treated-, oxygen-exposed animals, exhibited increased left ventricle mass index, reduced ejection fraction, and cardiac output index. Findings were similar at 7 and 12 weeks. LPS-RS did not influence echocardiography in 12 weeks room air animals. Systolic blood pressure was higher in saline- but not LPS-RS treated-oxygen-exposed animals compared with room air-saline and -LPS-RS controls. LPS-RS prevented cardiac fibrosis and cardiomyocytes hypertrophy, the increased TLR4, Myd88, and Il18 gene expression, TRIF expression, and CD68+ macrophages infiltration associated with neonatal oxygen exposure, without impact in room air rats. This study indicates that neonatal exposure to high oxygen programs TLR4 activation, which contributes to cardiac remodeling and dysfunction.
On the taxonomy of the genus Neadeloides Klima, 1939 (Crambidae: Pyraustinae) with description of a new species from India
Authors: SINGH NAVNEET , KIRTI JAGBIR SINGH , CHANDRA KAILASH , SINGH HARSIMRAN , RANJAN RAHUL
Published: September 2019

In the present paper, the genus Neadeloides is re-diagnosed and subdivided into two species groups: the N. cinerealis species-group and the N. nubilus species-group. A new species, belonging to N. nubilus species-group is described from India: Neadeloides nubilus N. Singh, Ranjan & H. Singh, sp. nov. A checklist of the genus is also provided.
Cinetorhynchus gabonensis, a new species of hinge-beak shrimp (Crustacea: Decapoda: Rhynchocinetidae) from the eastern Atlantic
Authors: ĎURIŠ ZDENĚK , ŠOBÁŇOVÁ ANNA , WIRTZ PETER
Published: September 2019

A new species of the rhynchocinetid genus Cinetorhynchus, C. gabonensis sp. n. from the Atlantic waters of Gabon, is described based on morphological and molecular comparisons and its distinctive colour pattern. This is the second known species of the genus in the eastern Atlantic, and the third species in the Atlantic as the whole. The new species is more closely related to the western Atlantic C. manningi, both having quadrispinose ambulatory dactyli (i.e. with unguis + 3 ventral spinules), but differs from the latter by the presence of an arthrobranch on the three anterior pereiopods (vs only on the first pereiopod in C. manningi). The branchial formula of the new species is consistent with most of the Indo-West Pacific congeners, and with the amphi-Atlantic C. rigens; the latter possessing trispinose ambulatory dactyli. Other distinctions of the new species from its congeners are in the carpal and meral spinulation of the ambulatory legs, and in the posterolateral and posteroventral armament of pleomeres IV and V. Cinetorhynchus gabonensis sp. n. differs from both known Atlantic congeners also by a specific colour pattern which is dense deep-red mottled with a pair of small white spots delineated by deep-red broad rings on the top of the third pleomere.
Morphology and SSU rDNA sequences of four cyrtophorian ciliates from China, with description of a new species (Protista, Ciliophora, Phyllopharyngea)
Authors: WANG CONGCONG , QU ZHISHUAI , HU XIAOZHONG
Published: September 2019

Four cyrtophorian ciliates, Chlamydodon pararoseus sp. n., Chlamydodon bourlandi Qu et al., 2018, Dysteria crassipes Claparède & Lachmann, 1859, and Dysteria monostyla (Ehrenberg, 1838) Kahl, 1931, isolated from coastal waters off China, were investigated using morphological and SSU rDNA sequencing techniques. C. pararoseus sp. n. can be recognized by having a kidney-shaped body, a complete cross-striated band, 44–51 somatic kineties, and 11–14 nematodesmal rods. The other three species were re-described based on new populations. Additionally, the SSU rRNA genes of C. pararoseus sp. n. and D. monostyla were sequenced for the first time. Phylogenetic analyses inferred from SSU rRNA gene sequences reveal that C. pararoseus sp. n. has a close relationship with C. bourlandi and C. mnemosyne Gong et al., 2005 within the genus Chlamydodon; and D. monostyla and D. crassipes cluster with its congeners, which confirms their generic assignments.
A new species of Cetopsis from the Guiana Shield (Siluriformes: Cetopsidae: Cetopsinae)
Authors: ABRAHÃO VITOR , MOL JAN , DE PINNA MARIO
Published: September 2019

A new species of Cetopsis is described from Guiana Shield drainages in Guyana and Suriname. The new species is found in the Konawaruk River and tributaries, Essequibo River basin, Guyana, and in the Mauritie Creek, tributary to the Tempati River, upper Commewijne River basin, Suriname. The new taxon can be distinguished from all congeners by a combination of features: dark spots on sides of the body eye-sized or larger, dark, bilobed patch at the base of the caudal fin, absence of a dark humeral spot, absence of dark pigmentation along the fin-membrane posterior to the first dorsal-fin ray, dark pigmentation at the base of the dorsal fin, dark spots extending ventrally to the bases of anal-fin rays, and 41 total vertebrae with 28 caudal vertebrae. Data on internal anatomy of the new species were incorporated into a previously-published phylogenetic analysis and resolves the position of the new species as the sister group of C. motatanensis, from Lago Maracaibo basin. The new Cetopsis is the first species of the genus known to occur exclusively in the Guiana Shield.
Connection between Sea Surface Anomalies and Atmospheric Quasi-Stationary Waves
Authors: Wolf G. , Czaja A. , Brayshaw D. J. , Klingaman N. P.
Published: September 2019

Large-scale, quasi-stationary atmospheric waves (QSWs) are known to be strongly connected with extreme events and general weather conditions. Yet, despite their importance, there is still a lack of understanding about what drives variability in QSW. This study is a step toward this goal, and it identifies three statistically significant connections between QSWs and sea surface anomalies (temperature and ice cover) by applying a maximum covariance analysis technique to reanalysis data (1979–2015). The two most dominant connections are linked to El Niño–Southern Oscillation and the North Atlantic Oscillation. They confirm the expected relationship between QSWs and anomalous surface conditions in the tropical Pacific and the North Atlantic, but they cannot be used to infer a driving mechanism or predictability from the sea surface temperature or the sea ice cover to the QSW. The third connection, in contrast, occurs between late winter to early spring Atlantic sea ice concentrations and anomalous QSW patterns in the following late summer to early autumn. This new finding offers a pathway for possible long-term predictability of late summer QSW occurrence.
Urban climate governance informed by behavioural insights: A commentary and research agenda
Authors: van der Heijden Jeroen
Published: September 2019

Policy and governance interventions often build on a rational choice perspective of human behaviour. Over the years, the behavioural sciences have highlighted how people sometimes deviate in predictable ways from this perspective. Building on a systematic analysis of 200 peer-reviewed publications published between 2009 and 2018, this article discusses the core cognitive biases and heuristics uncovered by the behavioural sciences, and gives insights into how these can be exploited to develop urban climate governance interventions to promote behaviours that help mitigate climate change at city level. The article concludes with a research agenda for this promising area of research for scholars of urban climate governance.
Do Psychopathic Traits Distinguish Trajectories of Gang Membership?
Authors: Carson Dena C. , Ray James V.
Published: September 2019

Prior work that examines different stages of gang membership (joining, time in gang, and leaving) indicates that the gang experience is unique to each individual member. However, we know little about what accounts for variations in the gang experience; particularly, with regard to the role of individual-level characteristics. This article helps to fill this gap by examining how trajectories of gang membership vary based on one multifaceted individual-level characteristic: psychopathy. Some prior work suggests that gang members high in psychopathic traits are attracted to gang life and more likely to hold leadership roles in the gang. Other work indicates that those high in psychopathy are not well suited for gang membership. We make use of the Pathways to Desistance data and group-based trajectory modeling to examine these relationships. Results indicate that the relationship between psychopathy and gang membership is dependent upon the distinct factors of psychopathy.
The narrative that wasn’t: what passes for discourse in the age of Trump
Authors: Anderson Emily R
Published: September 2019

This article considers political discourse and the role it played in the 2016 US presidential election while paying particular attention to its construction of narrative. Foucault’s understanding of discourse and power frames the argument that Donald Trump successfully abandoned political narratives. Instead, he often used idiosyncratic language, instances in which the surface of a statement outshines its content. These normally appear in Trump’s tweets and culminate in his invective against the ‘fake news’ media. In order to respond to Trump, his interlocutors must posit a premise and then refute it; in even granting that there is a premise, one must take Trump on his own terms. Trump thus disrupts the direction of traditional discursive power.
Analysis of Potential Conflicts of Interest among Otolaryngologic Patient Advocacy Organizations in 2016
Authors: Kondamuri Neil S. , Rathi Vinay K. , Naunheim Matthew R. , Sethi Rosh V. , Miller Ashley L. , Varvares Mark A.
Published: September 2019

Patient advocacy organizations (PAOs) are nonprofits dedicated to benefiting patients and their families through activities such as education/counseling and research funding. Although medical drug/device companies may serve as important partners, industry donations may bias the efforts of PAOs. We conducted a retrospective cross‐sectional analysis of the Kaiser Health News nonprofit database to identify and characterize otolaryngologic PAOs (n = 32) active in 2016. Among these PAOs, half (n = 16, 50.0%) focused on otologic diseases, and mean total annual revenue was $3.1 million. Among the 15 PAOs (46.9%) with publicly available donor lists, 10 (66.7%) received donations from industry. Few PAOs publicly reported the total amount donated by industry (n = 3, 9.4%) or published policies for mitigating potential financial conflicts of interest with donors (n = 3, 9.4%). Requiring drug and device companies to publicly report donations to PAOs may help patients, providers, and policy makers to better understand advocacy by these influential stakeholders.
School Context and the Academic and Behavioral Progress of Students with Emotional Disturbance
Authors: Siperstein Gary N. , Wiley Andrew L. , Forness Steven R.
Published: September 2019

Lack of progress of children with emotional disturbance (ED) has begun to be documented in longitudinal school-based studies. Variability in these studies may be due to several factors, including widespread differences in academic, behavioral, and social functioning of these children, their special education status, and school contextual factors. In this study, 86 children were followed over a two-year period: children were drawn from three subgroups—children with ED receiving special education in low-income schools, children with ED receiving special education services in high-income schools, and children not receiving special education services but who were considered high risk for ED. Outcome measures included reading and math achievement along with ratings of behavioral progress. Despite initial differences in overall functioning, there was, almost without exception, no significant progress in any of the three subgroups over the course of a full academic year. This lack of progress was not related to the type of special education and related services that students received in self-contained or full inclusion programs. Results and implications are discussed regarding lack of response of children with or at risk for ED to intervention in both general and special education.
Challenges of Serving Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders: Legal and Policy Considerations
Authors: Smith Carl R. , Katsiyannis Antonis , Ryan Joseph B.
Published: September 2019

Significant issues still confront the field of emotional or behavioral disorders (E/BD) in providing a free, appropriate, public educational (FAPE) program for these students. This paper reviews recent case law for several critical areas of concern to the field today, including: (a) response to intervention (RTI) and child find procedures, (b) required mental health services, and (c) the controversial use of restraint to manage aggressive behaviors.
Seeing Red, Feeling Blue: The Impact of State Political Leaning on State Identification Rates for Emotional Disturbance
Authors: Wiley Andrew , Siperstein Gary
Published: September 2019

Investigations of why students with emotional disturbance (ED) are underidentified in special education have often focused on economic factors and problems with the definition of ED. The present study focuses on variation in underidentification across states and its relationship to political ideology. State-level political, economic, and demographic data were obtained from multiple sources, including the National Election Pool exit polls (2008), the U.S. Census Bureau (2010), the National Center for Educational Statistics (2010), the U.S. Department of Education/Office of Special Education Programs (2009), and the National Center for Children in Poverty (2009). The authors conducted a series of regression analyses in which per pupil expenditure, per capita income, percentage child poverty, ethnicity, and conservatism were used to explain state rates of ED identification and state rates of intellectual disability (ID) identification. The resulting model for the identification of ED explained more than 50% of the variance, with conservatism being the strongest predictor (β = -.72, p < .001), whereas per pupil expenditure was nonsignificant. States with higher levels of conservatism had distinctly lower ED identification rates. Conservatism was not a significant factor in state identification of ID. The influence of state political leaning on ED identification and special education for children and youth with ED is discussed.