bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Redox-Active Sensing by Bacterial DksA Transcription Factors Is Determined by Cysteine and Zinc Content
Authors: Crawford Matthew A. , Tapscott Timothy , Fitzsimmons Liam F. , Liu Lin , Reyes Aníbal M. , Libby Stephen J. , Trujillo Madia , Fang Ferric C. , Radi Rafael , Vázquez-Torres Andrés
Published: April 2016

The four-cysteine zinc finger motif of the bacterial RNA polymerase regulator DksA is essential for protein structure, canonical control of the stringent response to nutritional limitation, and thiol-based sensing of oxidative and nitrosative stress. This interdependent relationship has limited our understanding of DksA-mediated functions in bacterial pathogenesis. Here, we have addressed this challenge by complementing Δ
dksA Salmonella
with
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
dksA
paralogues that encode proteins differing in cysteine and zinc content. We find that four-cysteine, zinc-bound (C4) and two-cysteine, zinc-free (C2) DksA proteins are able to mediate appropriate stringent control in
Salmonella
and that thiol-based sensing of reactive species is conserved among C2 and C4 orthologues. However, variations in cysteine and zinc content determine the threshold at which individual DksA proteins sense and respond to reactive species. In particular, zinc acts as an antioxidant, dampening cysteine reactivity and raising the threshold of posttranslational thiol modification with reactive species. Consequently, C2 DksA triggers transcriptional responses in
Salmonella
at levels of oxidative or nitrosative stress normally tolerated by
Salmonella
expressing C4 orthologues. Inappropriate transcriptional regulation by C2 DksA increases the susceptibility of
Salmonella
to the antimicrobial effects of hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide, and attenuates virulence in macrophages and mice. Our findings suggest that the redox-active sensory function of DksA proteins is finely tuned to optimize bacterial fitness according to the levels of oxidative and nitrosative stress encountered by bacterial species in their natural and host environments.

IMPORTANCE
In order to cause disease, pathogenic bacteria must rapidly sense and respond to antimicrobial pressures encountered within the host. Prominent among these stresses, and of particular relevance to intracellular pathogens such as
Salmonella
, are nutritional restriction and the enzymatic generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. The conserved transcriptional regulator DksA controls adaptive responses to nutritional limitation, as well as to oxidative and nitrosative stress. Here, we demonstrate that each of these functions contributes to bacterial pathogenesis. Our observations highlight the importance of metabolic adaptation in bacterial pathogenesis and show the mechanism by which DksA orthologues are optimized to sense the levels of oxidative and nitrosative stress encountered in their natural habitats. An improved understanding of the conserved processes used by bacteria to sense, respond to, and limit host defense will inform the development of novel strategies to treat infections caused by pathogenic, potentially multidrug-resistant bacteria.
The Built Environment Is a Microbial Wasteland
Authors: Gibbons Sean M.
Published: April 2016

Humanity’s transition from the outdoor environment to the built environment (BE) has reduced our exposure to microbial diversity. The relative importance of factors that contribute to the composition of human-dominated BE microbial communities remains largely unknown.
Traditional medicine used in childbirth and for childhood diarrhoea in Nigeria's Cross River State: interviews with traditional practitioners and a statewide cross-sectional study
Authors: Sarmiento Iván , Zuluaga Germán , Andersson Neil
Published: April 2016

Objectives

Examine factors associated with use of traditional medicine during childbirth and in management of childhood diarrhoea.

Design

Cross-sectional cluster survey, household interviews in a stratified last stage random sample of 90 census enumeration areas; unstructured interviews with traditional doctors.

Setting

Oil-rich Cross River State in south-eastern Nigeria has 3.5 million residents, most of whom depend on a subsistence agriculture economy.

Participants

8089 women aged 15–49 years in 7685 households reported on the health of 11 305 children aged 0–36 months in July–August 2011.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Traditional medicine used at childbirth and for management of childhood diarrhoea; covariates included access to Western medicine and education, economic conditions, engagement with the modern state and family relations. Cluster-adjusted analysis relied on the Mantel-Haenszel procedure and Mantel extension.

Results

24.1% (1371/5686) of women reported using traditional medicine at childbirth; these women had less education, accessed antenatal care less, experienced more family violence and were less likely to have birth certificates for their children. 11.3% (615/5425) of young children with diarrhoea were taken to traditional medical practitioners; these children were less likely to receive BCG, to have birth certificates, to live in households with a more educated head, or to use fuel other than charcoal for cooking. Education showed a gradient with decreasing use of traditional medicine for childbirth (χ2135.2) and for childhood diarrhoea (χ277.2).

Conclusions

Use of traditional medicine is associated with several factors related to cultural transition and to health status, with formal education playing a prominent role. Any assessment of the effectiveness of traditional medicine should anticipate confounding by these factors, which are widely recognised to affect health in their own right.
Sandhill Fen, an initial trial for wetland species assembly on in-pit substrates: lessons after three years
Authors: Vitt Dale H. , House Melissa , Hartsock Jeremy A.
Published: April 2016

Open-pit mining of oil sands removes wetland plant communities from the landscape. Sandhill Watershed, located on Syncrude Canada’s oil sands lease, is the first reclamation of a complex watershed that includes a 17 ha central wetland designed to develop into a rich fen. Here we sample the vegetation after three years. Of the 124 plant species recorded, 48% are peat-forming species, including 24 bryophyte species. We identified, using ordination techniques, four plant assemblages that vary in abundance of peat-forming plants. Each assemblage occurs in a spatially distinct area of Sandhill Fen, forming vegetation zones that are closely associated with height of water table. The plant assemblage distributed in the wettest areas has abundant marsh species. The assemblages in the driest areas of the fen have large numbers of upland and weed species and few species characteristic of fens. In between is a species assemblage with an abundance of species characteristic of natural peat-forming habitats. Two key findings are: water levels control spatial distributions of species assemblages, and non-peat-forming plant species are abundant and a concern for the establishment of peat-forming wetlands. Future designs should include plans for a number of interconnected site types such as marshes, fens, and riparian areas.
Control of strike-slip fault on dyke emplacement and morphology
Authors: Spacapan Juán B. , Galland Olivier , Leanza Héctor A. , Planke Sverre
Published: April 2016

Strike-slip faults are commonly assumed to influence magma transport and emplacement in the Earth's crust. However, direct observations of magma conduits within strike-slip faults are lacking. Here we provide some of the first detailed field observations of dykes emplaced within strike-slip faults in the Neuquén Basin, Argentina. We show how fault planes within strike-slip fault zones affect the emplacement of dyke offshoots, resulting in complex dyke morphology. Our study also emphasizes the importance of pre-existing strike-slip fault array on the development of dyke swarms, showing that orientations of dyke swarms may not systematically relate to the principal tectonic stress axes.
New Surface Aspects towards Photocatalytic Activity of Doped Supported Titanium Dioxide
Authors: Kosa Samia A. , Hegazy Eman Z. , Maashi Saleha S. , Abd El Maksod Islam H. , Al-Harbi Laila M.
Published: April 2016

The present work aims to synthesize nanoscale well dispersed TiO2/SiO2and TiO2/Al2O3nanoparticle photocatalysts via an impregnation method for the removal of methyl orange, which was used as a model compound of organic pollutant in wastewater, from an aqueous medium. Also within this frame work, La and Ce metals were loaded onto the surfaces of TiO2/SiO2and TiO2/Al2O3by an impregnation method to enhance the photocatalytic activity of the nanoparticles; the activities and physicochemical properties of the photocatalysts were compared before and after loading of metallic La and Ce. The oxide system was characterized by different techniques, including XRD, UV-Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, SEM, and EDX spectroscopy. Finally, the optimal conditions to complete the photocatalytic oxidation of methyl orange dye were studied. This work holds promise for the efficient photodegradation of pollutants by nanoparticle photocatalysts.
Enteral Glutamine Administration in Critically Ill Nonseptic Patients Does Not Trigger Arginine Synthesis
Authors: Vermeulen Mechteld A. R. , Brinkmann Saskia J. H. , Buijs Nikki , Beishuizen Albertus , Bet Pierre M. , Houdijk Alexander P. J. , van Goudoever Johannes B. , van Leeuwen Paul A. M.
Published: April 2016

Glutamine supplementation in specific groups of critically ill patients results in favourable clinical outcome. Enhancement of citrulline and arginine synthesis by glutamine could serve as a potential mechanism. However, while receiving optimal enteral nutrition, uptake and enteral metabolism of glutamine in critically ill patients remain unknown. Therefore we investigated the effect of a therapeutically relevant dose of L-glutamine on synthesis of L-citrulline and subsequent L-arginine in this group. Ten versus ten critically ill patients receiving full enteral nutrition, or isocaloric isonitrogenous enteral nutrition including 0.5 g/kg L-alanyl-L-glutamine, were studied using stable isotopes. A cross-over design using intravenous and enteral tracers enabled splanchnic extraction (SE) calculations. Endogenous rate of appearance and SE of glutamine citrulline and arginine was not different (SE controls versus alanyl-glutamine: glutamine 48 and 48%, citrulline 33 versus 45%, and arginine 45 versus 42%). Turnover from glutamine to citrulline and arginine was not higher in glutamine-administered patients. In critically ill nonseptic patients receiving adequate nutrition and a relevant dose of glutamine there was no extra citrulline or arginine synthesis and glutamine SE was not increased. This suggests that for arginine synthesis enhancement there is no need for an additional dose of glutamine when this population is adequately fed. This trial is registered withNTR2285.
Alternative Approach for Combination of Fingers in Underwater Acoustic Communication
Authors: Son Ji-Hong , Jeon Eun-Hye , Kim Ki-Man , Lee Dong-Won , Park Tae-Doo
Published: April 2016

An underwater acoustic communication channel is time varying and has multipath propagation with bottom and surface reflection. A rake receiver has time diversity effects in multipath propagation environments. We have to recognize the correct path for a rake receiver, as this affects communication performance in the underwater acoustic channel. In this paper, we propose a more reliable rake receiver based on BER (bit error rate) of training sequence duration. We conducted simulations and lake trials to evaluate the performance of the proposed method. When the channel coding technique was not applied, the uncoded BER performances of the proposed method, the conventional method, and the nonrake method in the lake trial were 0.016, 0.088, and 0.141, respectively.
Conditional Granger Causality Analysis of Effective Connectivity during Motor Imagery and Motor Execution in Stroke Patients
Authors: Wang Li , Zhang Jingna , Zhang Ye , Yan Rubing , Liu Hongliang , Qiu Mingguo
Published: April 2016

Aims.Motor imagery has emerged as a promising technique for the improvement of motor function following stroke, but the mechanism of functional network reorganization in patients during this process remains unclear. The aim of this study is to evaluate the cortical motor network patterns of effective connectivity in stroke patients.Methods.Ten stroke patients with right hand hemiplegia and ten normal control subjects were recruited. We applied conditional Granger causality analysis (CGCA) to explore and compare the functional connectivity between motor execution and motor imagery.Results.Compared with the normal controls, the patient group showed lower effective connectivity to the primary motor cortex (M1), the premotor cortex (PMC), and the supplementary motor area (SMA) in the damaged hemisphere but stronger effective connectivity to the ipsilesional PMC and M1 in the intact hemisphere during motor execution. There were tighter connections in the cortical motor network in the patients than in the controls during motor imagery, and the patients showed more effective connectivity in the intact hemisphere.Conclusions.The increase in effective connectivity suggests that motor imagery enhances core corticocortical interactions, promotes internal interaction in damaged hemispheres in stroke patients, and may facilitate recovery of motor function.
Prevalence and Influencing Factors of Thyroid Dysfunction in HIV-Infected Patients
Authors: Ji Shujing , Jin Changzhong , Höxtermann Stefan , Fuchs Wolfgang , Xie Tiansheng , Lu Xiangyun , Wu Haibo , Cheng Linfang , Skaletz-Rorowski Adriane , Brockmeyer Norbert H. , Wu Nanping
Published: April 2016

Thyroid dysfunction is more common in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients. But the effects of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and hepatitis B/C virus (HBV/HCV) coinfection on thyroid function is unclear. We retrospectively reviewed the data of 178 HIV patients and determined the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and the relationship between thyroid hormone levels, CD4 cell count, HIV-1 duration, HAART duration/regimens, and HBV/HCV coinfection. Of the 178 patients, 59 (33.1%) had thyroid dysfunction, mostly hypothyroidism. Thyroid dysfunction was significantly more frequent in the HAART group (41/104, 39.4%) than in the HAART-naïve group (18/74, 24.3%;P<0.05). The mean CD4 cell count was significantly lower in patients with hypothyroidism (372 ± 331/μL) than in the other patients (P<0.05). The FT4 level was significantly lower in the HAART group than in the HAART-naïve group (1.09±0.23versus1.20±0.29 pg/mL,P<0.05). FT3/FT4 levels were negatively related to HIV duration and FT3 levels were positively related to CD4 cell (P<0.05). HBV patients had lower FT3 levels, while HCV patients had higher FT3 and FT4 levels (P<0.05). Thyroid dysfunction is more common in HIV patients on HAART, mainly manifested as hypothyroidism. FT3/FT4 levels are correlated with HIV progression. HBV/HCV coinfection increases the probability of thyroid dysfunction.
The Efficacy of Functional Electrical Stimulation of the Abdominal Muscles in the Treatment of Chronic Constipation in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study
Authors: Singleton Christine , Bakheit Abdel Magid , Peace Carla
Published: April 2016

Chronic constipation in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) is common and the current methods of treatment are ineffective in some patients. Anecdotal observations suggest that functional electrical stimulation (FES) of the abdominal muscles may be effective in the management of constipation in these patients.Patients and Methods. In this exploratory investigation we studied the effects of FES on the whole gut transit time (WGTT) and the colonic transit time (CTT). In addition, we evaluated the treatment effect on the patients’ constipation-related quality of life and on the use of laxatives and the use of manual bowel evacuation. FES was given for 30 minutes twice a day for a period of six weeks. Four female patients were studied.Results. The WGTT and CTT and constipation-related quality of life improved in all patients. The patients’ use of laxatives was reduced. No adverse effects of FES treatment were reported.Conclusion. The findings of this pilot study suggest that FES applied to the abdominal muscles may be an effective treatment modality for severe chronic constipation in patients with MS.
Strengthening MT6D Defenses with LXC-Based Honeypot Capabilities
Authors: Basam Dileep , Ransbottom J. Scot , Marchany Randy , Tront Joseph G.
Published: April 2016

Moving Target IPv6 Defense (MT6D) imparts radio-frequency hopping behavior to IPv6 networks by having participating nodes periodically hop onto new addresses while giving up old addresses. Our previous research efforts implemented a solution to identify and acquire these old addresses that are being discarded by MT6D hosts on a local network besides being able to monitor and visualize the incoming traffic on these addresses. This was essentially equivalent to forming a darknet out of the discarded MT6D addresses, but the solution presented in the previous research effort did not include database integration for it to scale and be extended. This paper presents a solution with a new architecture that not only extends the previous solution in terms of automation and database integration but also demonstrates the ability to deploy a honeypot on a virtual LXC (Linux Container) on-demand based on any interesting traffic pattern observed on a discarded address. The proposed architecture also allows an MT6D host to query the solution database for network activity on its relinquished addresses as a JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) object. This allows an MT6D host to identify suspicious activity on its discarded addresses and strengthen the MT6D scheme parameters accordingly. We have built a proof-of-concept for the proposed solution and analyzed the solution’s feasibility and scalability.
Osseointegrated Implants: An Alternative Approach in Patients with Bilateral Auricular Defects due to Chemical Assault
Authors: Mevio Emilio , Mullace Mauro , Facca Luca , Schettini Stefano
Published: April 2016

Acid attacks committed as crimes of passion are unfortunately becoming far from infrequent occurrence. The injuries sustained in such attacks mainly involve the face and trunk, with the acid causing cutaneous and subcutaneous tissue burns that can result in permanent scarring, loss of the nose or external ear, and severe visual impairment. Different surgical solutions have been proposed for reconstruction of the auricle following loss of the ear through traumatic injury or cancer or in patients with congenital defects: surgical reconstruction may involve the insertion of an autogenous rib cartilage framework or the use of a porous polymer material inserted into an expanded postauricular flap. Reconstruction with rib cartilage has given good results but requires more than one surgical step and may be associated with adverse events involving both the donor site and the recipient site, while rejections of polymeric prostheses have been reported following their insertion into expanded postauricular flaps. The use of a titanium dowel-retained silicone prosthesis, in which the dowel is anchored to the temporal bone, is a surgical possibility, indicated particularly in cases of pinna resection due to tumour or auricular scarring following traumatic injury.
Leveraging Comparative Genomics to Identify and Functionally Characterize Genes Associated with Sperm Phenotypes inPython bivittatus(Burmese Python)
Authors: Irizarry Kristopher J. L. , Rutllant Josep
Published: April 2016

Comparative genomics approaches provide a means of leveraging functional genomics information from a highly annotated model organism’s genome (such as the mouse genome) in order to make physiological inferences about the role of genes and proteins in a less characterized organism’s genome (such as the Burmese python). We employed a comparative genomics approach to produce the functional annotation ofPython bivittatusgenes encoding proteins associated with sperm phenotypes. We identify 129 gene-phenotype relationships in the python which are implicated in 10 specific sperm phenotypes. Results obtained through our systematic analysis identified subsets of python genes exhibiting associations with gene ontology annotation terms. Functional annotation data was represented in a semantic scatter plot. Together, these newly annotatedPython bivittatusgenome resources provide a high resolution framework from which the biology relating to reptile spermatogenesis, fertility, and reproduction can be further investigated. Applications of our research include (1) production of genetic diagnostics for assessing fertility in domestic and wild reptiles; (2) enhanced assisted reproduction technology for endangered and captive reptiles; and (3) novel molecular targets for biotechnology-based approaches aimed at reducing fertility and reproduction of invasive reptiles. Additional enhancements to reptile genomic resources will further enhance their value.
Concurrent Occurrence of Tumor in Colon and Small Bowel following Intestinal Obstruction: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Nejatollahi Seyed Mohammad Reza , Etemad Omid
Published: April 2016

An intestinal obstruction occurs when either the small or large intestine is partly or completely blocked so it prevents passing the food or fluid through the small/large bowel. This blockage is due to the existence of a mechanical obstruction such as foreign material, mass, hernia, or volvulus. Common symptoms include cramping pain, nausea and vomiting, changes in bowel habits, inability to pass stool, and lack of gas. We present a case of an 83-year-old man who had been referred to Taleghani Hospital with symptoms of bowel obstruction. He underwent the surgery. The findings of exploration of the entire abdomen showed two types of mass separately in two different organs. In postoperative workup, pathology reported two types of tumors (adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine tumors).
p27 Is a Candidate Prognostic Biomarker and Metastatic Promoter in Osteosarcoma
Authors: Li Yiting , Nakka Manjula , Kelly Aaron J. , Lau Ching C. , Krailo Mark , Barkauskas Donald A. , Hicks John M. , Man Tsz-Kwong
Published: April 2016

Metastatic progression is the major cause of death in osteosarcoma, the most common bone malignancy in children and young adults. However, prognostic biomarkers and efficacious targeted treatments for metastatic disease remain lacking. Using an immunoproteomic approach, we discovered that autoantibodies against the cell-cycle kinase inhibitor p27 (KIP1, CDKN1B) were elevated in plasma of high-risk osteosarcoma patients. Using a large cohort of serum samples from osteosarcoma patients (n = 233), we validated that a higher level of the p27 autoantibody significantly correlated with poor overall and event-free survival (P < 0.05). Immunohistochemical analysis also showed that p27 was mislocalized to the cytoplasm in the majority of osteosarcoma cases and in highly metastatic osteosarcoma cell lines. We demonstrated that ectopic expression of cytoplasmic p27 promoted migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells, whereas shRNA-mediated gene silencing suppressed these effects. In addition, mutations at the p27 phosphorylation sites S10 or T198, but not T157, abolished the migratory and invasive phenotypes. Furthermore, the development of pulmonary metastases increased in mice injected with cells expressing cytoplasmic p27 compared with an empty vector control. Collectively, our findings support further investigation of p27 as a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in osteosarcoma cases exhibiting aberrant p27 subcellular localization. Cancer Res; 76(13); 4002–11. ©2016 AACR.
Dual Carfilzomib and Doxorubicin–Loaded Liposomal Nanoparticles for Synergistic Efficacy in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Ashley Jonathan D. , Quinlan Charissa J. , Schroeder Valerie A. , Suckow Mark A. , Pizzuti Vincenzo J. , Kiziltepe Tanyel , Bilgicer Basar
Published: April 2016

Here, we report the synthesis and evaluation of dual drug–loaded nanoparticles as an effective means to deliver carfilzomib and doxorubicin to multiple myeloma tumor cells at their optimal synergistic ratio. First, various molar ratios of carfilzomib to doxorubicin were screened against multiple myeloma cell lines to determine the molar ratio that elicited the greatest synergy using the Chou–Talalay method. The therapeutic agents were then incorporated into liposomes at the optimal synergistic ratio of 1:1 to yield dual drug–loaded nanoparticles with a narrow size range of 115 nm and high reproducibility. Our results demonstrated that the dual drug–loaded liposomes exhibited synergy in vitro and were more efficacious in inhibiting tumor growth in vivo than a combination of free drugs, while at the same time reducing systemic toxicity. Taken together, this study presents the synthesis and preclinical evaluation of dual drug–loaded liposomes containing carfilzomib and doxorubicin for enhanced therapeutic efficacy to improve patient outcome in multiple myeloma. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(7); 1452–9. ©2016 AACR.
In Vitro and In Vivo Activity of AMG 337, a Potent and Selective MET Kinase Inhibitor, in MET-Dependent Cancer Models
Authors: Hughes Paul E. , Rex Karen , Caenepeel Sean , Yang Yajing , Zhang Yihong , Broome Martin A. , Kha Hue T. , Burgess Teresa L. , Amore Benny , Kaplan-Lefko Paula J. , Moriguchi Jodi , Werner Jonathan , Damore Michael A. , Baker Daniel , Choquette Deborah M. , Harmange Jean-Christophe , Radinsky Robert , Kendall Richard , Dussault Isabelle , Coxon Angela
Published: April 2016

The MET receptor tyrosine kinase is involved in cell growth, survival, and invasion. Clinical studies with small molecule MET inhibitors have shown the role of biomarkers in identifying patients most likely to benefit from MET-targeted therapy. AMG 337 is an oral, small molecule, ATP-competitive, highly selective inhibitor of the MET receptor. Herein, we describe AMG 337 preclinical activity and mechanism of action in MET-dependent tumor models. These studies suggest MET is the only therapeutic target for AMG 337. In an unbiased tumor cell line proliferation screen (260 cell lines), a closely related analogue of AMG 337, Compound 5, exhibited activity in 2 of 260 cell lines; both were MET-amplified. Additional studies examining the effects of AMG 337 on the proliferation of a limited panel of cell lines with varying MET copy numbers revealed that high-level focal MET amplification (>12 copies) was required to confer MET oncogene addiction and AMG 337 sensitivity. One MET-amplified cell line, H1573 (>12 copies), was AMG 337 insensitive, possibly because of a downstream G12A KRAS mutation. Mechanism-of-action studies in sensitive MET-amplified cell lines demonstrated that AMG 337 inhibited MET and adaptor protein Gab-1 phosphorylation, subsequently blocking the downstream PI3K and MAPK pathways. AMG 337 exhibited potency in pharmacodynamic assays evaluating MET signaling in tumor xenograft models; >90% inhibition of Gab-1 phosphorylation was observed at 0.75 mg/kg. These findings describe the preclinical activity and mechanism of action of AMG 337 in MET-dependent tumor models and indicate its potential as a novel therapeutic for the treatment of MET-dependent tumors. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(7); 1568–79. ©2016 AACR.
Pityriasis Rosea: A Comprehensive Classification
Authors: Drago Francesco , Ciccarese Giulia , Rebora Alfredo , Broccolo Francesco , Parodi Aurora
Published: April 2016

Pityriasis rosea (PR) is an acute, self-limiting exanthematous disease associated with the endogenous systemic reactivation of human herpesvirus (HHV)-6 and/or HHV-7. The disease typically begins with a single, erythematous plaque followed by a secondary eruption with lesions on the cleavage lines of the trunk (configuration of a ‘Christmas tree'). The duration may vary from 2 weeks to a few months. Besides the typical presentation of PR, atypical forms have been described. The previous classifications of PR are mainly based on its atypical morphological features rather than on the pathogenetic mechanisms that underlie the different presentations of the disease. Notably, most of the morphologically atypical forms follow a course amenable to the classic form. The classification that we propose, taking into account the pathogenesis, clinical features, and course of the disease, is easy and intuitive and may be helpful in identifying the atypical forms of PR in order to avoid misdiagnosis and establish the best treatment options. Finally, this classification provides indications for managing potentially harmful forms of PR (such as PR in pregnancy) and PR-like eruptions.
Nilotinib-Induced Keratosis Pilaris
Authors: Leong Wai Mun Sean , Aw Chen Wee Derrick
Published: April 2016

Nilotinib is a second-generation Bcr-Abl tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that is approved for the treatment of imatinib-resistant chronic myeloid leukaemia expressing the Bcr-Abl mutation. Cutaneous adverse drug reactions occur more frequently in patients using this medication. We present a case of nilotinib-induced keratosis pilaris that did not have accompanying symptoms of alopecia or pruritus. Greater recognition of this association is needed so that appropriate treatment can be instituted to ensure a good oncologic outcome.
Analyzing Gastric Lavage of Gastric Cancer Patients: A Prospective Observational Study on Cytopathology and Determination of Intragastric CEA, CA 19.9, CA 72.4, and CA 50
Authors: Virgilio Edoardo , Giarnieri Enrico , Montagnini Monica , D''Urso Rosaria , Proietti Antonella , Mesiti Alessandra , Giovagnoli Maria Rosaria , Mercantini Paolo , Cavallini Marco , Balducci Genoveffa
Published: April 2016

Objectives: To investigate gastric lavage (GL) cytopathology and immunometric analysis as novel clinicopathologic and prognostic parameters for gastric cancer (GC). Study Design: In 38 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma, we performed a cytopathologic analysis and an immunometric assay of GL using four tumor markers (CEA, CA 19.9, CA 72.4, and CA 50). The intragastric tumor marker levels were compared with a control group consisting of 41 non-GC patients to determine a statistically significant cutoff value. Results: GL cytopathology demonstrated the presence of cancer cells in 13 (34.2%) of the 38 GC patients: such a finding correlated to the parameters pT and pN with a statistically significant validity (p < 0.0267 and p < 0.0306, respectively). Measurement of intragastric CA 19.9 and CA 50 attained a statistically significant cutoff value (p < 0.002 and p < 0.0096, respectively), which was invalidated by the low sensitivity of the ROC curve analysis. Conclusions: In contrast to determination of its tumor markers, GL cytopathology correlated well with pT and pN staging parameters. Should this and other features be corroborated by future studies, the GL cytology test could be routinely used to detect aggressive types of GC even at early stages and result in important progress in the knowledge, staging, prediction, as well as management and follow-up of this inauspicious type of cancer.
BRAF Mutation (V600E) Prevalence in Mexican Patients Diagnosed with Melanoma
Authors: Zepeda-Lopez Priscilla Denise , Salas-Alanis Julio Cesar , Toussaint-Caire Sonia , Gutierrez-Mendoza Daniela , Vega-Memije Elisa , Lino Silva Saúl , Fajardo-Ramírez Oscar Raul , Alcazar Gregorio , Moreno-Treviño María Guadalupe , Barrera Saldaña Hugo Alberto
Published: April 2016

Background: B-Raf is a serine/threonine protein kinase activating the MAP kinase/ERK-signaling pathway. It has been shown that 50% of melanomas harbor activating BRAF mutations, with over 90% being the V600E mutation. Objective: The goal of this research was to determine the prevalence of the BRAF V600E mutation in patients from Central Mexico diagnosed with primary melanoma. Methods: Skin biopsies from 47 patients with melanoma were obtained from the dermatology department of the Hospital General ‘Dr. Manuel Gea González' in Mexico City. For BRAF mutation determination, after DNA isolation, the gene region where the mutation occurs was amplified by PCR. Subsequently, the presence or absence of the V600E mutation was detected by Sanger sequencing performed at the private molecular diagnostic laboratory Vitagénesis in Monterrey, Mexico. Results: Of the 47 patients sampled, 6.4% harbored the V600E mutation. No statistical significance was found between mutations and the type of tumor.
Nutrigenomics, the Microbiome, and Gene-Environment Interactions: New Directions in Cardiovascular Disease Research, Prevention, and Treatment
Authors: Ferguson Jane F. , Allayee Hooman , Gerszten Robert E. , Ideraabdullah Folami , Kris-Etherton Penny M. , Ordovás José M. , Rimm Eric B. , Wang Thomas J. , Bennett Brian J.
Published: April 2016

Cardiometabolic diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide and are strongly linked to both genetic and nutritional factors. The field of nutrigenomics encompasses multiple approaches aimed at understanding the effects of diet on health or disease development, including nutrigenetic studies investigating the relationship between genetic variants and diet in modulating cardiometabolic risk, as well as the effects of dietary components on multiple “omic” measures, including transcriptomics, metabolomics, proteomics, lipidomics, epigenetic modifications, and the microbiome. Here, we describe the current state of the field of nutrigenomics with respect to cardiometabolic disease research and outline a direction for the integration of multiple omics techniques in future nutrigenomic studies aimed at understanding mechanisms and developing new therapeutic options for cardiometabolic disease treatment and prevention.
Angiographic Correlates of Cerebral Hemodynamic Changes With Diamox Challenge Assessed by Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Angiography
Authors: Bahr-Hosseini Mersedeh , Shakur Sophia F. , Amin-Hanjani Sepideh , Charbel Fady T. , Alaraj Ali
Published: April 2016

Background and Purpose—

Impaired cerebrovascular reserve in chronic steno-occlusive disease has been shown to be associated with poor leptomeningeal collaterals (LMCs) on digital subtraction angiography and increased stroke risk. We examined the relationship between the degree of LMCs and the flow change with Diamox challenge measured using quantitative magnetic resonance angiography (QMRA).

Methods—

Patients with steno-occlusion in the internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery (MCA) at our institution between 2007 and 2013 were retrospectively studied. Intracranial flows were obtained using QMRA, and flow change with Diamox (QMRA
Δd
) was calculated as follows: ([flow after Diamox−flow before Diamox]/[flow before Diamox])×100%. Poor LMC was defined as grade 1 or 2, and robust LMC was defined as grade 3 or 4 based on the ASITN/SIR (American Society of Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology/Society of Interventional Radiology) grading system on digital subtraction angiography.

Results—

Thirty-eight patients had angiographic and flow data. Ipsilateral MCA QMRA
Δd
was significantly lower versus the contralateral side (flow, 85.5 versus 135.9 mL/min;
P
<0.001 and QMRA
Δd
, 24.0% versus 45.6%;
P
=0.01). If LMCs were robust (n=12), MCA QMRA
Δd
was significantly higher (21.4% versus −26.8%;
P
=0.04) compared with patients with poor LMC (n=4).

Conclusions—

We show that patients with more robust LMC have better MCA QMRA
Δd
. Therefore, QMRA
Δd
may be used for the functional assessment of LMC as a surrogate for cerebrovascular reserve in chronic internal carotid artery or MCA steno-occlusive disease.
Islamic Nationalism through the Airwaves: Taqī al-Dīn al-Hilālī’s Encounter with Shortwave Radio, 1937–39
Authors: Lauzière Henri
Published: April 2016

This article examines the connection between shortwave radio technology and the rise of “Islamic nationalism” through the experiences of Taqī al-Dīn al-Hilālī (1894–1987). A Moroccan exile in Nazi Germany, al-Hilālī wrote extensively about shortwave broadcasting in the Egyptian press and became one of the first Arab speakers on Radio Berlin. He left behind a body of evidence that provides a rare window into the political and religious thought of an avid radio listener turned on-air commentator. A close study of this material reveals that radio technology paved the way for al-Hilālī’s articulation of Islamic nationalism, a concept that only came of age in the 1930s. Inspired by the new medium and its capacity to reach a mass audience in real time, al-Hilālī envisioned the umma as a modern “nation” that could be mobilized to defeat colonialism. The article thus argues that radio, like print, was an agent of ideological change.
Arguing International Law in the South China Sea Disputes: The Haiyang Shiyou 981 and uss Lassen Incidents and the Philippines v. China Arbitration
Authors: Oude Elferink Alex G.
Published: April 2016

This article focuses on how international law is argued by the parties to the South China Sea disputes and in what context these legal arguments are presented. To this end, the article analyses three recent issues in the South China Sea: the incident involving the Haiyang Shiyou 981 drilling rig, which operated in a maritime area in dispute between Vietnam and China; the passage of the uss Lassen in the vicinity of Subi Reef, which is occupied by China; and the arbitration between the Philippines and China under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The article concludes that looking at what legal arguments are or are not made and in what broader context those arguments are placed can contribute to a better understanding of the role of international law in the South China Sea disputes.
Marine Spatial Planning: What Does It Have to Offer Malaysia?
Authors: George Mary , Sabaruddin Johan Shamsuddin Hj , Chong Ving Ching
Published: April 2016

Marine spatial planning (msp) has been gaining traction in environmental policy debates and in emerging state practice as an effective tool for adaptive and multi-scale management, providing mechanisms for the resolution of jurisdictional conflicts between actors in the marine environment. This article reviews its essential characteristics and then assesses its acceptance within the international community, particularly in the European Union and the developed world, as a major tool for environmental protection. Then, taking Malaysia as a case-study, the article considers the advantages of developing msp to resolve multi-sectoral and inter-jurisdictional conflicts amongst the States of the Federation and multiple actors to achieve its economic and environmental objectives.
A Children’s Rights Perspective on the Participation of Juvenile Defendants in the Youth Court
Authors: Rap Stephanie
Published: April 2016

According to international children’s rights law and standards, juvenile defendants should be given the opportunity to be heard in juvenile justice proceedings. Moreover, from developmental psychological research it can be concluded that young people who appear in court usually have a limited understanding of judicial procedures. Therefore, it is argued that juveniles need to be assisted in giving their views and in understanding juvenile justice proceedings. Insights from the children’s rights and the developmental psychological perspective are taken as starting points in this study to formulate requirements for the effective participation of juvenile defendants. Moreover, this article presents an overview of youth court practices in 11 European countries in order to analyse the extent to which the requirements are fulfilled in practice.
Forgotten Voices in the Forgotten Conflict
Authors: Evans Daniel
Published: April 2016

In the late 1990s, the Southwest Pacific state of Solomon Islands experienced a prolonged civil conflict. This had a profound, although largely undocumented, impact on children. Children were key actors in the fighting that transpired, both as combatants and as victims. This article situates Solomon Islands’ children within the hostilities that took place, analysing the efforts that have been made to incorporate their views in post-conflict peacebuilding endeavours. Drawing on comparative literature, it is contended that there is an emerging international orthodoxy around children’s participation in peacebuilding efforts. A handful of relevant post-conflict, child-centred activities in Solomon Islands are analysed and critiqued – both from the perspective of incorporating children’s voices into programming efforts and from their position as beneficiaries.
On the Talibé Phenomenon: A Look into the Complex Nature of Forced Child Begging in Senegal
Authors: Zoumanigui Antoinette K.
Published: April 2016

This paper focuses on factors that have contributed to the persistence of forced child begging in Senegal. It interprets from a socio-cultural perspective the evolution and acceptance of an unremitting social phenomenon where talibés or Muslim child disciples beg on the streets of a now metropolitan Senegal. In seeking to highlight the fundamental causes of forced child begging, this paper draws on fieldwork and interviews with religious leaders, ngo representatives and Senegalese citizens. The paper then argues that there are four vital factors at the root of the perpetuation of the issue in question: parental motivation; the concept of alms giving; the lack of collaboration among various advocacy groups; and the lack of communication between government officials and religious leaders. These factors in their breadth allow for a macroscopic and exploratory analysis of the phenomenon of forced child begging and the implications of the problems it poses for the current state of Senegalese society. Finally, the paper aims to highlight how proposed solutions of engaging in forthright conversations about the controversial nature of the practice along with consolidating earnest efforts to put an end to it, can help lead to the termination of what has emerged as a modern human rights tragedy.
Cladistic analysis and description of three new species of the Chilean genus Nanophareus (Opiliones: Gonyleptidae: Pachylinae)
Authors: HARA MARCOS RYOTARO
Published: April 2016

Three new species of the Chilean Pachylinae genus, Nanophareus Roewer, 1929 are described: N. bicornutus sp. nov. (Valle de Aconcagua, Zapallar, V Región de Valparaíso), N. maipu sp. nov. (La Rinconada, Quebrada de la Plata, Maipu, Región Metropolitana—Santiago), and N. polyhastatus sp. nov. (El Abanico, VIII Región de Bio-Bío). These three new species were included in a cladistic analysis that resulted in two equally most parsimonious trees (238 steps, C.I. = 0.38; R.I. = 0.51), corroborating the monophyly of Nanophareus. The proposed synapomorphies for Nanophareus remain largely unchanged: an external row of enlarged tubercles inserted amongst small ones on the lateral margin of dorsal scutum; the ventro-basal margin of the pedipalpal tibia curved at 90° in lateral view; and retrolateral seta on pedipalpal tibia with an apically bifid socket (socket and seta longer than pedipalpal tibia length), with additional small setae distally. The sister group of Nanophareus, as well as its subfamilial placement, are still unsettled issues that are here further discussed.
Orbinia (Polychaeta: Orbiniidae) from the Brazilian coast: two new species and two new records
Authors: LEÃO LUCIANA SANCHES DOURADO , SANTOS CINTHYA SIMONE GOMES
Published: April 2016

Representatives of the Family Orbiniidae are very common in marine sediments and are found in both shallow and deep waters. Currently, 26 species and 10 genera have been recorded along the Brazilian coast. The specimens examined in this study were collected at depths ranging from 25 to 400 m in the Campos Basin (20–24ºS; 39–42ºW), Rio de Janeiro, in the summer and winter of 2008 and 2009. We describe two new species, Orbinia sagitta n. sp. and Orbinia camposiensis n. sp., and record the occurrences of Orbinia johnsoni (Moore, 1909), which was originally described in California, and Orbinia oligopapillata (López, Cladera & San Martin, 2006), which was previously described from the Pacific coasts of Panama. We provide a key for all the species of Orbinia recorded in the Campos Basin.
The Development of a Tracheostomy-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire
Authors: Smith Kristine A. , Bosch John Douglas , Pelletier Guy , MacKenzie Marianne , Hoy Monica Y.
Published: April 2016

Objective:

A long-term tracheostomy can be a life-altering event and can have significant effects on patients’ quality of life (QOL). There is currently no instrument available to evaluate tracheostomy-specific QOL. To address this deficiency, the objective of this study was to create and preliminarily validate a pilot tracheostomy-specific QOL questionnaire to assess its feasibility.

Methods:

A multidisciplinary team developed the pilot tracheostomy-specific QOL questionnaire (TQOL) in 3 phases: item generation, item review, and scale construction. The survey was administered at 0 and 2 weeks to a pilot group of tracheostomy patients with concurrent administration of a validated general QOL questionnaire at week 0. Convergence validity, test-retest reliability, and internal consistency were the primary outcome measures.

Results:

A total of 37 patients completed the study (mean tracheostomy duration = 90 weeks). The convergence validity of the TQOL was moderately strong ( r = 0.72), and the test-retest reliability was strong ( r = 0.75). The TQOL also demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.82).

Conclusion:

The TQOL has moderately strong internal consistency, convergence validity, and test-retest reliability. While additional refinement and validation may improve the questionnaire, these initial results are promising and support further development of this tool.