bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Technical Note: Introduction of variance component analysis to setup error analysis in radiotherapy
Authors: Matsuo Yukinori , Nakamura Mitsuhiro , Mizowaki Takashi , Hiraoka Masahiro
Published: August 2016

Purpose:

The purpose of this technical note is to introduce variance component analysis to the estimation of systematic and random components in setup error of radiotherapy.

Methods:

Balanced data according to the one‐factor random effect model were assumed.

Results:

Analysis‐of‐variance (anova)‐based computation was applied to estimate the values and their confidence intervals (CIs) for systematic and random errors and the population mean of setup errors. The conventional method overestimates systematic error, especially in hypofractionated settings. The CI for systematic error becomes much wider than that for random error. The anova‐based estimation can be extended to a multifactor model considering multiple causes of setup errors (e.g., interpatient, interfraction, and intrafraction).

Conclusions:

Variance component analysis may lead to novel applications to setup error analysis in radiotherapy.
Experimental determination of the PTW 60019 microDiamond dosimeter active area and volume
Authors: Marinelli Marco , Prestopino G. , Verona C. , Verona‐Rinati G.
Published: August 2016

Purpose:

Small field output correction factors have been studied by several research groups for the PTW 60019 microDiamond (MD) dosimeter, by comparing the response of such a device with both reference dosimeters and Monte Carlo simulations. A general good agreement is observed for field sizes down to about 1 cm. However, evident inconsistencies can be noticed when comparing some experimental results and Monte Carlo simulations obtained for smaller irradiation fields. This issue was tentatively attributed by some authors to unintentional large variations of the MD active surface area. The aim of the present study is a nondestructive experimental determination of the MD active surface area and active volume.

Methods:

Ten MD dosimeters, one MD prototype, and three synthetic diamond samples were investigated in the present work. 2D maps of the MD response were recorded under scanned soft x‐ray microbeam irradiation, leading to an experimental determination of the device active surface area. Profiles of the device responses were measured as well. In order to evaluate the MD active volume, the thickness of the diamond sensing layer was independently evaluated by capacitance measurements and alpha particle detection experiments. The MD sensitivity, measured at the PTW calibration laboratory, was also used to calculate the device active volume thickness.

Results:

An average active surface area diameter of (2.19 ± 0.02) mm was evaluated by 2D maps and response profiles of all the MDs. Average active volume thicknesses of (1.01 ± 0.13) μm and (0.97 ± 0.14) μm were derived by capacitance and sensitivity measurements, respectively. The obtained results are well in agreement with the nominal values reported in the manufacturer dosimeter specifications. A homogeneous response was observed over the whole device active area. Besides the one from the device active volume, no contributions from other components of the housing nor from encapsulation materials were observed in the 2D response maps.

Conclusions:

The obtained results demonstrate the high reproducibility of the MD fabrication process. The observed discrepancies among the output correction factors reported by several authors for MD response in very small fields are very unlikely to be ascribed to unintentional variations of the device active surface area and volume. It is the opinion of the authors that the role of the volume averaging as well as of other perturbation effects should be separately investigated instead, both experimentally and by Monte Carlo simulations, in order to better clarify the behaviour of the MD response in very small fields.
A Multimethod Investigation Into Physical Activity in Midlife Women
Authors: Dugan Sheila A. , Karavolos Kelly , Lynch Elizabeth B. , Hollings Chiquia S. , Fullam Francis , Lange-Maia Brittney S. , Powell Lynda H.
Published: August 2016

Background:

Physical inactivity in midlife women is associated with increased intra-abdominal adipose tissue development. We describe an innovative multimethod study 1) to better understand barriers to physical activity (PA) and 2) to engage midlife women to product test physical activities and identify local community-based providers and sustainable and fun PA experiences.

Methods:

Formative research on PA barriers from the Chicago site Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN) ancillary study of midlife women was used to develop a pilot testing measure. Feasibility, acceptability and sustainability of the PA activities were determined using the measure.

Results:

Desirable locations and/or instructors were identified. The first 2 groups identified, pilot tested, and then ranked activities for their ability to promote sustained PA. The 6 top-ranked were: circuit training, total body fitness, kickboxing, Zumba, Pilates, and pedometer. The final group pilot tested highly ranked PA in 2-week blocks, and ranked pedometer and Zumba in their top 3.

Conclusion:

Consensus was reached regarding activities that could be valuable in promoting sustained PA in midlife women. Choosing convenient sites and popular instructors further facilitates sustainability. Building relationships with key community partners is essential for sustainability. Community-based participant involvement in study design is a critical element in developing a healthy living intervention.
Where are Children Active and Does it Matter for Physical Activity? A Latent Transition Analysis
Authors: Colabianchi Natalie , Griffin Jamie L. , McIver Kerry L. , Dowda Marsha , Pate Russell R.
Published: August 2016

Background:

Numerous studies have focused on the role of environments in promoting physical activity, but few studies have examined the specific locations where children are active and whether being active in these locations is associated with physical activity levels over time.

Methods:

Self-reported locations of where physical activity occurred and physical activity measured via accelerometry were obtained for a cohort of 520 children in 5th and 6th grades. Latent class analysis was used to generate classes of children defined by the variety of locations where they were active (ie, home, school grounds, gyms, recreational centers, parks or playgrounds, neighborhood, and church). Latent transition analyses were used to characterize how these latent classes change over time and to determine whether the latent transitions were associated with changes in physical activity levels.

Results:

Two latent classes were identified at baseline with the majority of children in the class labeled as ‘limited variety.’ Most children maintained their latent status over time. Physical activity levels declined for all groups, but significantly less so for children who maintained their membership in the ‘greater variety’ latent status.

Conclusions:

Supporting and encouraging physical activity in a variety of locations may improve physical activity levels in children.
Examination of Accelerometer Reactivity Among a Population Sample of Children, Adolescents, and Adults
Authors: Davis Robert E. , Loprinzi Paul D.
Published: August 2016

Objectives:

To examine whether accelerometer-measured physical activity–based reactivity was present in a nationally representative sample of U.S. children (6–11 yrs), adolescents (12–17 yrs), and adults (≥20 yrs).

Methods:

Data from the 2003–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (N = 674, 6–85 yrs) were used. Physical activity (PA) was assessed using the ActiGraph 7164 accelerometer, with PA assessed over 7 days of monitoring. Two PA metrics were assessed, including activity counts per day (CPD) and time spent in moderate-to-vigorous PA. Evidence of reactivity was defined as a statistically significantly change in either of these 2 PA metrics from day 1 of monitoring to days 2 or 3, with day 1 of monitoring being a Monday.

Results:

Suggestion of reactivity was observed only for the adult population where CPD from days 2 and 3 (297,140.6 ± 7920.3 and 295,812.9 ± 8364.9), respectively, differed significantly from day 1 (309,611.5 ± 9134.9) over the monitoring period (4.0% to 4.5% change). The analysis was conducted 2 additional times with differing start days (Tuesday and Wednesday), and this approach failed to demonstrated a reactive presence.

Conclusion:

In this national sample of U.S. children, adolescents and adults, we did not observe sufficient evidence of accelerometer reactivity.
Rapid Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing Using Forward Laser Light Scatter Technology
Authors: Hayden Randall T. , Clinton Lani K. , Hewitt Carolyn , Koyamatsu Terri , Sun Yilun , Jamison Ginger , Perkins Rosalie , Tang Li , Pounds Stanley , Bankowski Matthew J.
Published: August 2016

The delayed reporting of antimicrobial susceptibility testing remains a limiting factor in clinical decision-making in the treatment of bacterial infection. This study evaluates the use of forward laser light scatter (FLLS) to measure bacterial growth for the early determination of antimicrobial susceptibility. Three isolates each (two clinical isolates and one reference strain) of
Staphylococcus aureus
,
Escherichia coli
, and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
were tested in triplicate using two commercial antimicrobial testing systems, the Vitek2 and the MicroScan MIC panel, to challenge the BacterioScan FLLS. The BacterioScan FLLS showed a high degree of categorical concordance with the commercial methods. Pairwise comparison with each commercial system serving as a reference standard showed 88.9% agreement with MicroScan (two minor errors) and 72.2% agreement with Vitek (five minor errors). FLLS using the BacterioScan system shows promise as a novel method for the rapid and accurate determination of antimicrobial susceptibility.
Mechanisms by Which Interleukin-12 Corrects Defective NK Cell Anticryptococcal Activity in HIV-Infected Patients
Authors: Kyei Stephen K. , Ogbomo Henry , Li ShuShun , Timm-McCann Martina , Xiang Richard F. , Huston Shaunna M. , Ganguly Anutosh , Colarusso Pina , Gill M. John , Mody Christopher H.
Published: August 2016

Cryptococcus neoformansis a pathogenic yeast and a leading cause of life-threatening meningitis in AIDS patients. Natural killer (NK) cells are important immune effector cells that directly recognize and killC. neoformansvia a perforin-dependent cytotoxic mechanism. We previously showed that NK cells from HIV-infected patients have aberrant anticryptococcal killing and that interleukin-12 (IL-12) restores the activity at least partially through restoration of NKp30. However, the mechanisms causing this defect or how IL-12 restores the function was unknown. By examining the sequential steps in NK cell killing ofCryptococcus, we found that NK cells from HIV-infected patients had defective binding of NK cells toC. neoformans. Moreover, those NK cells that bound toC. neoformansfailed to polarize perforin-containing granules to the microbial synapse compared to healthy controls, suggesting that binding was insufficient to restore a defect in perforin polarization. We also identified lower expression of intracellular perforin and defective perforin release from NK cells of HIV-infected patients in response toC. neoformans. Importantly, treatment of NK cells from HIV-infected patients with IL-12 reversed the multiple defects in binding, granule polarization, perforin content, and perforin release and restored anticryptococcal activity. Thus, there are multiple defects in the cytolytic machinery of NK cells from HIV-infected patients, which cumulatively result in defective NK cell anticryptococcal activity, and each of these defects can be reversed with IL-12.

IMPORTANCEThe mechanisms by which NK cells bind directly to pathogens and deploy their deadly cytolytic machinery during microbial host defense are only beginning to be elucidated. With the goal of understanding this process, we used NK cells from HIV-infected patients, which were known to have a defect in killing ofCryptococcus neoformans. Taking advantage of previous studies that had shown that IL-12 restored killing, we used the cytokine as a gain-of-function approach to define the relevance of multiple steps in the recognition and cytolytic pathway. We demonstrated that NK cells from HIV-infected patients failed to killCryptococcusdue to defects in perforin expression, granule polarization, and release of perforin. Additionally, IL-12 restored recognition ofC. neoformansthrough binding of the NK-activating receptor NKp30. These observations identify important mechanisms used by NK cells to kill microbes and determine that defects in NK cells from HIV-infected patients are reversible.
Modeling the oxygen isotope composition of the Antarctic ice sheet and its significance to Pliocene sea level
Authors: Gasson Edward , DeConto Robert M. , Pollard David
Published: August 2016

Recent estimates of global mean sea level based on the oxygen isotope composition of mid-Pliocene benthic foraminifera vary from 9 to 21 m above present, which has differing implications for the past stability of the Antarctic ice sheet during an interval with atmospheric CO2 comparable to present. Here we simulate the oxygen isotope composition of the Antarctic ice sheet for a range of configurations using isotope-enabled climate and ice sheet models. We identify which ice sheet configurations are consistent with the oxygen isotope record and suggest a maximum contribution from Antarctica to the mid-Pliocene sea-level highstand of ∼13 m. We also highlight that the relationship between the oxygen isotope record and sea level is not constant when ice is lost from deep marine basins, which has important implications for the use of oxygen isotopes as a sea-level proxy.
Consent and widespread access to personal health information for the delivery of care: a large scale telephone survey of consumers' attitudes using vignettes in New Zealand
Authors: Whiddett Dick , Hunter Inga , McDonald Barry , Norris Tony , Waldon John
Published: August 2016

Objectives

In light of recent health policy, to examine factors which influence the public's willingness to consent to share their health information in a national electronic health record (EHR).

Design

Data were collected in a national telephone survey in 2008. Respondents were presented with vignettes that described situations in which their health information was shared and asked if they would consent to such sharing. The subset, consisting of the 18 vignettes that covered proving care, was reanalysed in depth using new statistical methods in 2016.

Setting

Adult population of New Zealand accessible by telephone landline.

Participants

4209 adults aged 18+ years in the full data set, 2438 of which are included in the selected subset.

Main outcome measures

For each of 18 vignettes, we measured the percentage of respondents who would consent for their information to be shared for 2 groups; for those who did not consider that their records contained sensitive information, and for those who did or refused to say.

Results

Rates of consent ranged from 89% (95% CI 87% to 92%) for sharing of information with hospital doctors and nurses to 51% (47% to 55%) for government agencies. Mixed-effects logistic regression was used to identify factors which had significant impact on consent. The role of the recipient and the level of detail influenced respondents' willingness to consent (p<0.0001 for both factors). Of the individual characteristics, the biggest impact was that respondents whose records contain sensitive information (or who refused to answer) were less willing to consent (p<0.0001).

Conclusions

A proportion of the population are reluctant to share their health information beyond doctors, nurses and paramedics, particularly when records contain sensitive information. These findings may have adverse implications for healthcare strategies based on widespread sharing of information. Further research is needed to understand and overcome peoples' ambivalence towards sharing their information.
Prevalence and incidence of pulmonary hypertension among HIV-infected people in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bigna Jean Joel R , Nansseu Jobert Richie N , Um Lewis N , Noumegni Steve Raoul N , Simé Paule Sandra D , Aminde Leopold Ndemngue , Koulla-Shiro Sinata , Noubiap Jean Jacques N
Published: August 2016

Objective

Patients infected with HIV have a direly increased risk of developing pulmonary hypertension (PH), and of dying from the condition. While Africa carries the greatest burden of HIV infection worldwide, there is unclear data summarising the epidemiology of PH among HIV-infected people in this region. Our objective was to determine the prevalence and incidence of PH among HIV-infected people living across Africa.

Design

A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Participants

HIV-infected African people residing in Africa.

Outcome

Prevalence and incidence of PH diagnosed through echocardiography or right heart catheterisation.

Data sources

Articles published in PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, African Journals Online and African Index Medicus between 1 January 1980 and 30 June 2016, without any language restriction.

Results

Overall, 121 studies were screened; 3 were included in this review: 1 from Southern Africa (South Africa), 1 from Eastern Africa (Tanzania) and 1 from Central Africa (Cameroon). These studies included HIV-infected adult patients selected based on presentation with cardiovascular symptoms. No study reported PH incidence or PH incidence/prevalence among children and adolescents. The quality assessment yielded moderate risk of bias. Ages of participants ranged between 18 and 78 years, and the proportion of females varied between 52.3% and 68.8%. The prevalence of PH in the pooled sample of 664 patients was 14% (95% CI 6%–23%).

Limitations

Only 3 studies were found eligible from 3 regions of the African continent.

Conclusions

The prevalence of PH among HIV-infected people in Africa seems very high. Further studies are urgently warranted to determine the incidence of HIV-induced PH, which must include all subregions of Africa.

Trial registration number

Review registration number PROSPERO CRD42016033863.
Lymph node staging in prostate cancer: perspective for the pathologist
Authors: Prendeville Susan , van der Kwast Theodorus H
Published: August 2016

Pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) currently represents the gold standard method for nodal staging in the setting of localised prostate cancer and may also have a therapeutic benefit in certain patients. The histopathological evaluation of PLND specimens plays a critical role in accurate lymph node staging, however there is currently a lack of consensus regarding the optimum approach and no quality parameters are in place. In addition, there are no guidelines as to the handling of less commonly encountered nodal specimens such as those identified within the anterior fat pad. This summary provides an overview of pertinent issues regarding lymph node staging in prostate cancer, with a focus on the histopathological evaluation of resected nodal specimens. We hope that this review will further the discussion on how to achieve a more standardised approach to the processing and reporting of PLND specimens in the setting of prostate cancer.
Dysfibrinogenemia-associated novel heterozygous mutation, Shanghai (FGAc.169_180+2 del), leads to N-terminal truncation of fibrinogen Aα chain and impairs fibrin polymerization
Authors: Zhou Jingyi , Ding Qiulan , Wu Wenman , Ouyang Qi , Xie Yinyin , Wu Xi , Lu Yeling , Dai Jing , Liang Qian , Wang Hongli , Wang Xuefeng , Hu Yiqun
Published: August 2016

Aims

A novel heterozygous variant,FGAc.169_180+2 del (designated fibrinogen Shanghai), was identified in a patient with dysfibrinogenemia with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) and recurrent venous thrombosis, and in his asymptomatic father. We aimed to reveal the functional implication of structural change caused by this variant.

Methods

Transcription analysis was performed withFGAminigene transfection assay to evaluate the impact of nucleosides deletion on mRNA editing. The fibrinogen isolated from propositus' plasma was used to characterise its functional defects. Fibrin polymerization and clot lysis experiments were performed by optical measurement of turbidity. Thrombin-catalysed fibrinopeptide release was analysed by the reversed-phase, high-performance liquid chromatography. The ultrastructures of fibrin clots were visualised by scanning electron microscopy.

Results

FGAc.169_180+2 del led to an aberrant mRNA with exon 2 skipping and encoded an shortened Aα chain with 42 amino acids truncation at its N-terminal. The propositus' fibrinogen had an impaired release of fibrinopeptide A and abnormal polymerization with a significantly prolonged lag time, a slower maximum slope and reduced final turbidity. The fibrin clot formed with propositus' fibrinogen showed thicker fibres with looser network structure. Clot lysis was normal using the purified fibrinogen but was significantly impaired using the plasma sample from propositus, compared with that from his father.

Conclusions

Fibrinogen Shanghai results in N-terminal truncation of Aα chain, which does not interfere with synthesis, assembly or secretion of fibrinogen, but compromises fibrin polymerization and clot formation. APS at least partially contributes to the development of thrombosis in the propositus.
Effects of invasive plant patch size and distance on the pollination and reproduction of native boreal plants
Authors: Spellman Katie V. , Mulder Christa P.H. , Carlson Matthew L.
Published: August 2016

In pollinator-limited ecosystems in the earliest stages of the invasion process, the effects of invasive plants on the pollination and reproduction of co-flowering native plants may be particularly sensitive to the distance between native and non-native plants. Our study tests how the distance from invasive plant patches affects the pollination and reproduction of two native boreal shrubs. We established circular sites with plots of flowering Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. and Rhododendron groenlandicum (Oeder) Kron and Judd spanning from 1 to 40 m from the site center. In 2011 and 2012, we added flowering non-native Melilotus albus Medik. to the center of sites in small patches (40 individuals) or large patches (120 individuals) and left other sites as controls. In some cases, the effects of M. albus were uniform across the 40 m distance, such as the change in V. vitis-idaea seed production when large patches of M. albus were added. In other cases, relationships with distance were found, and changes in percent pollination or seed production occurred most rapidly over the first 10 m from the patch. Our data supports the hypothesis that the detectable impact an invasive species has on the pollination of native species is affected by the spatial scale over which it is evaluated.
Phenomenological applications of rational approximants
Authors: Gonzàlez-Solís Sergi , Masjuan Pere
Published: August 2016

We illustrate the powerfulness of Padé approximants (PAs) as a summation method and explore one of their extensions, the so-called quadratic approximant (QAs), to access both space- and (low-energy) time-like (TL) regions. As an introductory and pedagogical exercise, the function [Formula: see text] is approximated by both kind of approximants. Then, PAs are applied to predict pseudoscalar meson Dalitz decays and to extract [Formula: see text] from the semileptonic [Formula: see text] decays. Finally, the [Formula: see text] vector form factor in the TL region is explored using QAs.
Numerical analysis of Coleman–de Luccia tunneling
Authors: Goto Yuhei , Okuyama Kazumi
Published: August 2016

In this paper, we study the false vacuum decay of a single scalar field [Formula: see text] coupled to gravity described by the Coleman–de Luccia (CdL) instanton. We show that it is possible to numerically calculate the bounce factor, which is related to the CdL tunneling rate, without using the thin-wall approximation. In this paper, we consider [Formula: see text]- and [Formula: see text]-type potentials as examples, which have cosmological and phenomenological applications. Especially, in the [Formula: see text]-type potential, we show that the range of values in which axion decay constant can take is restricted by the form of the periodic potential if the CdL tunneling occurs.
Aspects of complementarity and uncertainty
Authors: Vathsan Radhika , Qureshi Tabish
Published: August 2016

The two-slit experiment with quantum particles provides many insights into the behavior of quantum mechanics, including Bohr’s complementarity principle. Here, we analyze Einstein’s recoiling slit version of the experiment and show how the inevitable entanglement between the particle and the recoiling slit as a which-way detector is responsible for complementarity. We derive the Englert–Greenberger–Yasin duality from this entanglement, which can also be thought of as a consequence of sum-uncertainty relations between certain complementary observables of the recoiling slit. Thus, entanglement is an integral part of the which-way detection process, and so is uncertainty, though in a completely different way from that envisaged by Bohr and Einstein.
Metabolic pathways of lung inflammation revealed by high-resolution metabolomics (HRM) of H1N1 influenza virus infection in mice
Authors: Chandler Joshua D. , Hu Xin , Ko Eun-Ju , Park Soojin , Lee Young-Tae , Orr Michael , Fernandes Jolyn , Uppal Karan , Kang Sang-Moo , Jones Dean P. , Go Young-Mi
Published: August 2016

Influenza is a significant health concern worldwide. Viral infection induces local and systemic activation of the immune system causing attendant changes in metabolism. High-resolution metabolomics (HRM) uses advanced mass spectrometry and computational methods to measure thousands of metabolites inclusive of most metabolic pathways. We used HRM to identify metabolic pathways and clusters of association related to inflammatory cytokines in lungs of mice with H1N1 influenza virus infection. Infected mice showed progressive weight loss, decreased lung function, and severe lung inflammation with elevated cytokines [interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interferon (IFN)-γ] and increased oxidative stress via cysteine oxidation. HRM showed prominent effects of influenza virus infection on tryptophan and other amino acids, and widespread effects on pathways including purines, pyrimidines, fatty acids, and glycerophospholipids. A metabolome-wide association study (MWAS) of the aforementioned inflammatory cytokines was used to determine the relationship of metabolic responses to inflammation during infection. This cytokine-MWAS (cMWAS) showed that metabolic associations consisted of distinct and shared clusters of 396 metabolites highly correlated with inflammatory cytokines. Strong negative associations of selected glycosphingolipid, linoleate, and tryptophan metabolites with IFN-γ contrasted strong positive associations of glycosphingolipid and bile acid metabolites with IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-10. Anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 had strong positive associations with vitamin D, purine, and vitamin E metabolism. The detailed metabolic interactions with cytokines indicate that targeted metabolic interventions may be useful during life-threatening crises related to severe acute infection and inflammation.
The duration of reaching movement is longer than predicted by minimum variance
Authors: Wang Chunji , Xiao Yupeng , Burdet Etienne , Gordon James , Schweighofer Nicolas
Published: August 2016

Whether the central nervous system minimizes variability or effort in planning arm movements can be tested by measuring the preferred movement duration and end-point variability. Here we conducted an experiment in which subjects performed arm reaching movements without visual feedback in fast-, medium-, slow-, and preferred-duration conditions. Results show that 1) total end-point variance was smallest in the medium-duration condition and 2) subjects preferred to carry out movements that were slower than this medium-duration condition. A parsimonious explanation for the overall pattern of end-point errors across fast, medium, preferred, and slow movement durations is that movements are planned to minimize effort as well as end-point error due to both signal-dependent and constant noise.
Differential Regulation of Morphology and Estrogen Receptor-Alpha Expression in the Vagina of Ovariectomized Adult Virgin Rats by Estrogen Replacement: A Histological Study
Authors: Li Ting , Ma Yuanyuan , Zhang Hong , Yan Ping , Huo Lili , Hu Yongyan , Chen Xi , Li Ting , Zhang Miao , Liu Zhaohui
Published: August 2016

Background.To determine the exact role of estrogen in vaginal tissue morphology and estrogen receptor-alpha (ERα) distribution in the vagina, which remains controversial.Methods.Sixty rats were randomly categorized: sham-operated (sham), ovariectomy (OVX), and four estradiol treatments (estradiol valerate at 0.4, 0.8, 1.6, and 3.2 mg/kg/day) for 2 weeks. Thereafter, vaginal samples were biopsied from the distal- and proximal-half portions. The percentage of ERα-immunoreactive cells and the ERαscore were quantified using immunohistochemistry to assess changes in ERαexpression and distribution.Results.OVX induced significant vaginal atrophy and organic index. Estrogen-replacement therapy (ERT) reversed vaginal atrophy. The vaginal distal-half areas showed lower ERα% than the proximal-half areas. The ERα% increased sharply 4 weeks after OVX, especially in the epithelial layer (P=0.023). ERT elicited different degrees of reductions in tissues after the 2-week treatment, but the ERα% in only the epithelium recovered in parallel with that in the sham group (P=0.001). The OVX group showed higher ERαhistological scores than the sham group, and the distal-half area changed more evidently than the proximal-half area. ERαexpression was nearly unchanged after ERT (P>0.05).Conclusions.ERT is effective for treating obesity and vulvovaginal atrophy caused by hypoestrogenism and advancing age in menopausal women but cannot recover the distribution and expression of ERα.
Dosimetric UV Exposure Effect on the Optical Properties of Ag2O Doped P2O5-ZnO-CuO Glass
Authors: Al Mugren K. S. , Yousef El Sayed , El-Taher A. , Shoukry H.
Published: August 2016

Silver phosphate glass types within composition 60P2O5-30ZnO-10CuO-100000 ppm Ag2O were prepared by melt-quenching technique. The optical properties of these glass types were studied under UV exposure at different times, 0, 20, 80, 105, and 115 minutes. The optical absorbance spectra were measured in the range of wavelength from 190 to 3200 nm. The absorbance bandwidth decreases with increasing the time of UV exposure. The optical energy gap,Eg, linear refractive index,n, ratio between molar refraction,Rm, and molar volume,Vm, and metallization criterion (M) were estimated. The value ofEgdecreases from 2.132 to 1.91 eV with increasing the time of UV exposure from 0 to 115 min. Otherwisenvalue and metallization increase with increase in the time of UV exposure. The results indicated that these glass types are promising for using an ultraviolet radiation dosimeter.
Direct Spinal Ventral Root Repair following Avulsion: Effectiveness of a New Heterologous Fibrin Sealant on Motoneuron Survival and Regeneration
Authors: Vidigal de Castro Mateus , Barbizan Roberta , Seabra Ferreira Rui , Barraviera Benedito , Leite Rodrigues de Oliveira Alexandre
Published: August 2016

Axonal injuries at the interface between central and peripheral nervous system, such as ventral root avulsion (VRA), induce important degenerative processes, mostly resulting in neuronal and motor function loss. In the present work, we have compared two different fibrin sealants, one derived from human blood and another derived from animal blood andCrotalus durissus terrificusvenom, as a promising treatment for this type of injury. Lewis rats were submitted to VRA (L4–L6) and had the avulsed roots reimplanted to the surface of the spinal cord, with the aid of fibrin sealant. The spinal cords were processed to evaluate neuronal survival, synaptic stability, and glial reactivity, 4 and 12 weeks after lesion. Sciatic nerves were processed to investigate Schwann cell activity byp75NTRexpression (4 weeks after surgery) and to count myelinated axons and morphometric evaluation (12 weeks after surgery). Walking track test was used to evaluate gait recovery, up to 12 weeks. The results indicate that both fibrin sealants are similarly efficient. However, the snake-derived fibrin glue is a potentially safer alternative for being a biological and biodegradable product which does not contain human blood derivatives. Therefore, the venom glue can be a useful tool for the scientific community due to its advantages and variety of applications.
Conservative Surgical Management for Pulmonary Hydatid Cyst: Analysis and Outcome of 148 Cases
Authors: Aldahmashi Mohammed , Alassal Mohamed , Kasb Ibrahim , Elrakhawy Hany
Published: August 2016

Background. Hydatid cyst (HC) disease is endemic in many developing countries, like Yemen, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, especially in the rural regions. The disease has a variable clinical courses and even might be asymptomatic for many years.Objectives. In giant and large pulmonary hydatid cysts, pulmonary resection is the usual method of surgical treatment. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the lung conservative surgery in treatment of cases with giant and large hydatid lung cysts, as an effective method of management.Patients and Methods. Between January 2009 and August 2014, a total of 148 patients with pulmonary hydatid cysts were operated and their data was reviewed retrospectively and analyzed. Out of these cases, 52 (35.14%) cysts with more than 10 cm in diameter and 36 (24.32%) cysts with 5–9 cm were regarded as giant and large hydatid lung cysts, respectively. The small cysts less than 5 cm were presented in 8 (5.4%) cases only; other cases had ruptured cysts. Preservation of the lung tissues during surgery by cystotomy and Capitonnage was our conservative surgical methods of choice.Results. Eight patients developed bronchopleural fistula (BPF); of them, 4 BPFs have healed with chest tube and physiotherapy, but in the other 4 patients reoperation was done for the closure of persistent BPF. No mortality was observed in the present study.Conclusion. We conclude that conservative surgical procedure can achieve complete removal of the pulmonary hydatid cyst. Enucleation of the intact huge cysts is safe. Careful and secured closure of the bronchial communication should be done by purse string or figure-of-8 sutures, with or without Teflon pledgets. These simple procedures are safe, reliable, and successful.
A Piecewise Hysteresis Model for a Damper of HIS System
Authors: Tian Kaidong , Zhang Bangji , Zhang Nong , Liu Xuhui , Ji Jinchen
Published: August 2016

A damper of the hydraulically interconnected suspension (HIS) system, as a quarter HIS, is prototyped and its damping characteristic is tested to characterize the damping property. The force-velocity characteristic of the prototype is analyzed based on a set of testing results and accordingly a piecewise hysteresis model for the damper is proposed. The proposed equivalent parametric model consists of two parts: hysteresis model in low speed region and saturation model in high speed region which are used to describe the hysteresis phenomenon in low speed and nonhysteresis phenomenon in high speed, respectively. The parameters of the model are identified based on genetic algorithm by setting the constraints of parameters according to their physical significances and the corresponding testing results. The advantages of the model are highlighted by comparing to the nonhysteresis model and the permanent hysteresis model. The numerical simulation results are compared with the testing results to validate the accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed model. Finally, to further verify the proposed model’s wide applicability under different excitation conditions, its results are compared to the testing results in three-dimensional space. The research in this paper is significant for the dynamic analysis of the HIS vehicle.
Two-Dimensional Nonlinear Propagation of Ion Acoustic Waves through KPB and KP Equations in Weakly Relativistic Plasmas
Authors: Hafez M. G. , Talukder M. R. , Ali M. Hossain
Published: August 2016

Two-dimensional three-component plasma system consisting of nonextensive electrons, positrons, and relativistic thermal ions is considered. The well-known Kadomtsev-Petviashvili-Burgers and Kadomtsev-Petviashvili equations are derived to study the basic characteristics of small but finite amplitude ion acoustic waves of the plasmas by using the reductive perturbation method. The influences of positron concentration, electron-positron and ion-electron temperature ratios, strength of electron and positrons nonextensivity, and relativistic streaming factor on the propagation of ion acoustic waves in the plasmas are investigated. It is revealed that the electrostatic compressive and rarefactive ion acoustic waves are obtained for superthermal electrons and positrons, but only compressive ion acoustic waves are found and the potential profiles become steeper in case of subthermal positrons and electrons.
The Janus‐Faced Role of Antioxidants in Cancer Cachexia: New Insights on the Established Concepts
Authors: Assi Mohamad , Rébillard Amélie
Published: August 2016

Chronic inflammation and excessive loss of skeletal muscle usually occur during cancer cachexia, leading to functional impairment and delaying the cure of cancer. The release of cytokines by tumor promotes the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which in turn regulate catabolic pathways involved in muscle atrophy. ROS also exert a dual role within tumor itself, as they can either promote proliferation and vascularization or induce senescence and apoptosis. Accordingly, previous studies that used antioxidants to modulate these ROS‐dependent mechanisms, in cancer and cancer cachexia, have obtained contradictory results, hence the need to gather the main findings of these studies and draw global conclusions in order to stimulate more oriented research in this field. Based on the literature reviewed in this paper, it appears that antioxidant supplementation is (1) beneficial in cancer cachectic patients with antioxidant deficiencies, (2) most likely harmful in cancer patients with adequate antioxidant status (i.e., lung, gastrointestinal, head and neck, and esophageal), and (3) not recommended when undergoing radiotherapy. At the moment, measuring the blood levels of antioxidants may help to identify patients with systemic deficiencies. This approach is simple to realize but could not be a gold standard method for cachexia, as it does not necessarily reflect the redox state in other organs, like muscle.
Aristolochic Acid in the Etiology of Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Hoang Margaret L. , Chen Chung-Hsin , Chen Pau-Chung , Roberts Nicholas J. , Dickman Kathleen G. , Yun Byeong Hwa , Turesky Robert J. , Pu Yeong-Shiau , Vogelstein Bert , Papadopoulos Nickolas , Grollman Arthur P. , Kinzler Kenneth W. , Rosenquist Thomas A.
Published: August 2016

Background: Aristolochia species used in the practice of traditional herbal medicine contains aristolochic acid (AA), an established human carcinogen contributing to urothelial carcinomas of the upper urinary tract. AA binds covalently to genomic DNA, forming aristolactam (AL)–DNA adducts. Here we investigated whether AA is also an etiologic factor in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC).

Methods: We conducted a population-based case–control study to investigate the linkage between Aristolochia prescription history, cumulative AA consumption, and ccRCC incidence in Taiwan (5,709 cases and 22,836 matched controls). The presence and level of mutagenic dA-AL-I adducts were determined in the kidney DNA of 51 Taiwanese ccRCC patients. The whole-exome sequences of ccRCC tumors from 10 Taiwanese ccRCC patients with prior exposure to AA were determined.

Results: Cumulative ingestion of more than 250 mg of AA increased risk of ccRCC (OR, 1.25), and we detected dA-AL-I adducts in 76% of Taiwanese ccRCC patients. Furthermore, the distinctive AA mutational signature was evident in six of 10 sequenced ccRCC exomes from Taiwanese patients.

Conclusions: This study strongly suggests that AA contributes to the etiology of certain RCCs.

Impact: The current study offers compelling evidence implicating AA in a significant fraction of the RCC arising in Taiwan and illustrates the power of integrating epidemiologic, molecular, and genetic data in the investigation of cancer etiology. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(12); 1600–8. ©2016 AACR.
Fish Neurogenesis in Context: Assessing Environmental Influences on Brain Plasticity within a Highly Labile Physiology and Morphology
Authors: Dunlap Kent D.
Published: August 2016

Fish have unusually high rates of brain cell proliferation and neurogenesis during adulthood, and the rates of these processes are greatly influenced by the environment. This high level of cell proliferation and its responsiveness to environmental change indicate that such plasticity might be a particularly important mechanism underlying behavioral plasticity in fish. However, as part of their highly labile physiology and morphology, fish also respond to the environment through processes that affect cell proliferation but that are not specific to behavioral change. For example, the environment has nonspecific influences on cell proliferation all over the body via its effect on body temperature and growth rate. In addition, some fish species also have an unusual capacity for sex change and somatic regeneration, and both of these processes likely involve widespread changes in cell proliferation. Thus, in evaluating the possible behavioral role of adult brain cell proliferation, it is important to distinguish regionally specific responses in behaviorally relevant brain nuclei from global proliferative changes across the whole brain or body. In this review, I first highlight how fish differ from other vertebrates, particularly birds and mammals, in ways that have a bearing on the interpretation of brain plasticity. I then summarize the known effects of the physical and social environment, sex change, and predators on brain cell proliferation and neurogenesis, with a particular emphasis on whether the effects are regionally specific. Finally, I review evidence that environmentally induced changes in brain cell proliferation and neurogenesis in fish are mediated by hormones and play a role in behavioral responses to the environment.
Linear Lichen Planopilaris of the Face: Case Report and Review
Authors: Asz-Sigall Daniel , González-de-Cossio-Hernández Ana Cecilia , Rodríguez-Lobato Erika , Ortega-Springall María Fernanda , Vega-Memije María Elisa , Arenas Guzmán Roberto
Published: August 2016

We describe the case of a 45-year-old man who presented with a 5-month history of unilateral pruritic linear erythematous papules and atrophy on the chin and mandibular area. Dermoscopy showed areas of cicatricial alopecia with absence of follicular openings, perifollicular erythema and pigment. Lichen planopilaris of the face is a rare variant with only 13 cases reported in the literature.
Utilization of Behavioral Medicine Services to Refine Medical Diagnostic Formulation in the Face of Uncertain Symptom Presentation
Authors: Moore David A. , Markman Elisabeth S. , McMahon Cori E. , Markman Maurie
Published: August 2016

In the ever expanding realm of cancer care, the psychosocial impact of disease and medical treatments has been garnering increased attention. To address these needs, the integration of behavioral medicine services into inpatient and outpatient medical settings has added a unique resource available to oncologists. Psycho-oncologists may assist providers via the provision of psychological assessment and intervention, supplying valuable consultation to members of the medical team and much needed clinical services to patients. The authors present a complex case in which the utilization of behavioral medicine consultation to clarify the diagnostic picture was critical to identifying underlying anatomic disease.
Gene Expression Changes Underlying Idiopathic Central Hypogonadism in Cryptorchidism with Defective Mini-Puberty
Authors: Hadziselimovic Faruk , Gegenschatz-Schmid Katharina , Verkauskas Gilvydas , Docampo-Garcia Maria J. , Demougin Philippe , Bilius Vytautas , Malcius Dalius , Dasevicius Darius , Stadtler Michael B.
Published: August 2016

The whole genome RNA profiling of testicular biopsies by DNA strand-specific RNA sequencing was examined to determine a potential causative role of isolated congenital cryptorchidism in azoospermia and/or infertility in the context of our previously published GeneChip data. Cryptorchid patients, aged 7 months to 5 years and otherwise healthy, were enrolled in this prospective study. During surgery, testicular tissue biopsies were obtained for histological examination and RNA sequencing. Fifteen patients were selected based on the histological results and were divided into 2 groups. Seven were classified as belonging to the high infertility risk (HIR) and 8 to the low infertility risk (LIR) group. Cryptorchid boys in the HIR group lacked transformation of gonocytes into Ad spermatogonia due to impaired mini-puberty. This group of patients will be infertile despite successful surgery. The new important finding was a decreased PROK2, CHD7, FGFR1, and SPRY4 gene expression in the HIR group. Furthermore, identification of multiple differences in gene expression between HIR and LIR groups underscores the importance of an intact hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis for fertility development. Our RNA profiling data strongly support the theory that in the HIR group of cryptorchid boys insufficient PROK2/CHD7/FGFR1/SPRY4 gene expression induces deficient LH secretion, resulting in impaired mini-puberty and infertility. We therefore recommend hormonal treatment for this cohort of cryptorchid boys with defective mini-puberty following a seemingly successful orchidopexy.
TNFα Augments Cytokine-Induced NK Cell IFNγ Production through TNFR2
Authors: Almishri Wagdi , Santodomingo-Garzon Tania , Le Tyson , Stack Danuta , Mody Christopher H. , Swain Mark G.
Published: August 2016

NK cells play a central role in innate immunity, acting directly through cell-mediated cytotoxicity and by secreting cytokines. TNFα activation of TNFR2 enhances NK cell cytotoxicity, but its effects on the other essential function of NK cells - cytokine production, for which IFNγ is paramount - are poorly defined. We identify the expression of both TNFα receptors on human peripheral blood NK cells (TNFR2 > TNFR1) and show that TNFα significantly augments IFNγ production from IL-2-/IL-12-treated NK cells in vitro, an effect mimicked by a TNFR2 agonistic antibody. TNFα also enhanced murine NK cell IFNγ production via TNFR2 in vitro. In a mouse model characterized by the hepatic recruitment and activation of NK cells, TNFR2 also regulated NK cell IFNγ production in vivo. Specifically, in this model, after activation of an innate immune response, hepatic numbers of TNFR2-expressing and IFNγ-producing NK cells were both significantly increased; however, the frequency of IFNγ-producing hepatic NK cells was significantly reduced in TNFR2-deficient mice. We delineate an important role for TNFα, acting through TNFR2, in augmenting cytokine-induced NK cell IFNγ production in vivo and in vitro, an effect with significant potential implications for the regulation of innate and adaptive immune responses.