bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gastric Acid Secretory Response inHelicobacter pylori-Positive Patients with Duodenal Ulcer Disease
Authors: Jacobson Kevan , Chiba Naoki , Chen Ying , Barrientos Miguel , James Cindy , Riddell Robert H , Hunt Richard H
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND: Patients with duodenal ulcer (DU) have an increased parietal cell mass and sensitivity to secretagogues, with increased acid output.

AIM: To determine the effect ofHelicobacter pylorieradication on parietal cell sensitivity and gastric acid secretion.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty-fiveH pylori-positive DU patients and 18H pylori-negative healthy volunteers were studied. SerumH pyloriimmunoglobulin G, basal acid output and acid secretory response to graded doses of pentagastrin were determined before and after treatment, at six months and at one year. Subjects were randomly assigned to ranitidine or sucralfate treatment for six weeks, and all DU patients received bismuth subsalicylate, metronidazole and tetracycline for the first two weeks.

RESULTS:H pyloriwas eradicated in 66% of patients receiving sucralfate and 92% receiving ranitidine. Compared with healthy volunteers, DU patients demonstrated a 2.7-fold greater basal acid output, a 1.3-fold greater peak acid output, significantly higher acid output for each dose of pentagastrin and a 1.38-fold increase in the area under the pentagastrin dose acid response curve. Cure ofH pylori, irrespective of ulcer healing regimen, resulted in a gradual decrease in acid secretory capacity with basal acid output, peak acid output and area under the pentagastrin dose acid response curve returning to healthy volunteer levels by one year. No demonstrable differences were observed in parietal cell sensitivity in all subjects before or after treatment. These data suggest that disturbances in acid secretion inH pylori-positive DU patients are not due to an increased parietal cell sensitivity to pentagastrin but rather due to an increased parietal cell mass with increased capacity to secrete acid, which gradually resolves following cure.
Perioperative Radiotherapy in the Management of Rectal Cancer
Authors: Påhlman Lars
Published: March 2016

Surgery for rectal cancer has resulted in unacceptably high local failure rates, and substantial morbidity and mortality. In an attempt to reduce the high frequency of local recurrence, perioperative radiotherapy has been used extensively, alone or in combination with chemotherapy. The local recurrence rate has been reduced dramatically with the use of radiotherapy, and provided that the dose is high enough and given preoperatively, the reduction rate has been about 50%. Despite that a higher dose is used in postoperative radiotherapy, the reduced recurrence rate is not that prominent. The reduced recurrence rate demonstrated after preoperative radiotherapy has a positive influence on survival, which has not been seen when radiotherapy is given postoperatively. However, when postoperative irradiation has been combined with chemotherapy, a survival benefit has been demonstrated. With modern radiation techniques, preoperative radiotherapy can be delivered without any substantial increase in postoperative mortality or morbidity, and a low rate of late toxicity, provided that the radiation technique is optimal. The main question is whether radiotherapy is necessary, provided that surgery is optimized. With standard surgery, the average local recurrence rate is 29% in all reported controlled trials. With optimal surgery, from institutional series, this figure is about 10%. Other questions to be answered are whether superfractionated or standard fractionation should be used in radiotherapy and exactly to whom it should be given.
Laparoscopic versus Open Bowel Resection for Crohn's Disease
Authors: Tabet Jeanine , Hong Dennis , Kim Cei-Whan , Wong Jason , Goodacre Robert , Anvari Mehran
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic bowel resection is an alternative to open surgery for patients with Crohn's disease requiring surgical resection. The present report describes a seven-year experience with the laparoscopic treatment of Crohn's disease compared with the open technique in a tertiary Canadian centre.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 61 consecutive patients undergoing elective resection for Crohn's disease was carried out between October 1992 and June 1999. This analysis included 32 laparoscopic resections (mean age 33 years) and 29 open resections (mean age 42 years). Patient demographics were compared, as well as short and long term outcomes after surgery (mean follow-up 39 months).

RESULTS: Patients in the laparoscopic group were younger and had fewer previous bowel surgeries than patients who had open resections. Indications for surgery and operative times were similar between the groups. Patients who underwent laparoscopic resections required fewer doses of narcotic analgesics. The resumption of bowel function after surgery, and tolerance of a clear liquid and solid diet was quicker in the laparoscopic group. Patients who underwent laparoscopic resections had significantly shorter hospital stays than those who underwent open resections. Fifteen patients (48.4%) in the laparoscopic group experienced recurrence of disease compared with 13 patients (44.8%) in the open group. In both groups, the most common site of recurrence was at the anastomosis. The disease-free interval was the same length for both groups (23.9±17.3 months for the laparoscopic resection patients compared with 23.9±20.2 months for the open resection patients; P=1.00).

CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic resection for Crohn's disease can be performed safely and effectively. Quicker resumption of oral feeds, less postoperative pain and earlier discharge from hospital are advantages of the laparoscopic method. No differences in the recurrence rate or the disease-free interval were noted.
Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding as a Metastatic Manifestation of Breast Cancer: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Reiman Tony , Butts Charles A
Published: March 2016

CASE PRESENTATION: 64-year-old woman with known metastatic lobular breast cancer presented with fever, epigastric pain, hematemesis and melena. A bleeding, ulcerated gastric metastasis was found and was treated with endoscopic therapy, omeprazole and hormonal therapy; the patient was alive and well 13 months later. The bleeding was probably precipitated by necrosis of the lesion during chemotherapy.

DISCUSSION: Gastrointestinal tract metastases from primary breast carcinoma are present in 14% to 35% of cases in autopsy series, with gastric involvement in 6% to 18%. Recognized much less commonly during life than in autopsy studies, they can occur anywhere in the gut and can mimic virtually any gastrointestinal disorder. Endoscopy and barium studies facilitate diagnosis. Gastric lesions seen include 'linitis plastica', nodules, polyps and ulcers. They are usually due to lobular breast carcinoma and resemble primary gastric carcinoma on microscopy. Reported cases of bleeding gastric metastases have been treated successfully with various local and systemic modalities. The median survival time of reviewed cases was four months from presentation (range, 0 to 24 months).

CONCLUSION: Gastrointestinal metastasis is an underdiagnosed complication of breast cancer. Gastrointestinal bleeding from metastatic breast cancer is an uncommon presentation that is readily diagnosed and that can be treated successfully by endoscopic hemostatic therapy.
Colorectal Cancer Complicating Crohn's Disease
Authors: Freeman Hugh J
Published: March 2016

Some earlier studies have indicated that patients with inflammatory bowel disease, especially those with long-standing and extensive ulcerative colitis, have an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Moreover, others in tertiary care centres have suggested that patients with Crohn's disease also have a higher risk of colorectal cancer. Canadian data on colorectal cancer in Crohn's disease appear to be limited. For this investigation, a single clinician database of 877 patients with Crohn's disease was used. Altogether, there were six patients with colorectal cancer (ie, overall rate of 0.7%). All of these patients were men with an initial diagnosis of Crohn's disease established at a mean age of approximately 28 years, with either ileocolonic disease or colonic disease alone, but not with ileal disease alone. Although there was a predominance of women in the overall study population (ie, 56.1%), no women developed colorectal cancer. The clinical behaviour of Crohn's disease was classified as nonstricturing in all six patients with colorectal cancer, but in two patients, Crohn's disease was complicated by a perirectal abscess or a fistula. All cancers were located in the rectum and were diagnosed 30 years, 22 years, seven years, 18 years, 20 years and 40 years after Crohn's disease was initially diagnosed. In three patients, the cancer was detected in a residual rectal stump after a partial colon resection at least 10 years earlier. In five patients, localized extension of disease through the serosa, nodal or distant metastases (ie, liver, lung) was found at the time of cancer diagnosis; two patients have since died. The present study confirms that Crohn's disease involving the colon may be a possible risk factor for the development of colorectal cancer, at least in younger men, but, in this study, not in women. However, part of this increased risk in men may have been related to the presence of a rectal stump, rather than to Crohn's disease per se.
Small Bowel Review: Part II
Authors: Thomson ABR , Keelan M , Thiesen A , Clandinin MT , Ropeleski MJ , Wild G
Published: March 2016

In the past year, there have been many advances in the area of small bowel physiology and pathology. In preparation for this review, over 1500 papers were assessed. Some have been selected and reviewed, with a particular focus on presenting clinically useful information for the practising gastroenterologist. Relevant review articles have been highlighted, and important clinical learning points have been stressed. The topics are varied in scope and wherever possible show a logical progression from basic physiology to pathophysiology to clinical disorders and management.
Signal Timing Optimization Based on Fuzzy Compromise Programming for Isolated Signalized Intersection
Authors: Yu Dexin , Tian Xiujuan , Xing Xue , Gao Shutao
Published: March 2016

In order to optimize the signal timing for isolated intersection, a new method based on fuzzy programming approach is proposed in this paper. Considering the whole operation efficiency of the intersection comprehensively, traffic capacity, vehicle cycle delay, cycle stops, and exhaust emission are chosen as optimization goals to establish a multiobjective function first. Then fuzzy compromise programming approach is employed to give different weight coefficients to various optimization objectives for different traffic flow ratios states. And then the multiobjective function is converted to a single objective function. By using genetic algorithm, the optimized signal cycle and effective green time can be obtained. Finally, the performance of the traditional method and new method proposed in this paper is compared and analyzed through VISSIM software. It can be concluded that the signal timing optimized in this paper can effectively reduce vehicle delays and stops, which can improve traffic capacity of the intersection as well.
Convergence Results for a Common Solution of a Finite Family of Equilibrium Problems and Quasi-Bregman Nonexpansive Mappings in Banach Space
Authors: Ugwunnadi G. C. , Ali Bashir
Published: March 2016

We introduce an iterative process for finding common fixed point of finite family of quasi-Bregman nonexpansive mappings which is a unique solution of some equilibrium problem.
A Network Pharmacology Approach to Uncover the Pharmacological Mechanism of XuanHuSuo Powder on Osteoarthritis
Authors: Tang Huaqi , He Shuaibing , Zhang Xinyue , Luo Shilin , Zhang Baixia , Duan Xiaojie , Zhang Zhiqian , Wang Wenqi , Wang Yun , Sun Yikun
Published: March 2016

As the most familiar type of arthritis and a chronic illness of the joints, Osteoarthritis (OA) affects a great number of people on the global scale. XuanHuSuo powder (XHSP), a conventional herbal formula from China, has been extensively applied in OA treatment. Nonetheless, its pharmacological mechanism has not been completely expounded. In this research, a network pharmacology approach has been chosen to study the pharmacological mechanism of XHSP on OA, and the pharmacology networks were established based on the relationship between four herbs found in XHSP, compound targets, and OA targets. The pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the significant bioprocess networks of XHSP on OA were regulation of inflammation, interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) production and nitric oxide (NO) biosynthetic process, response to cytokine or estrogen stimuli, and antiapoptosis. These effects have not been reported previously. The comprehensive network pharmacology approach developed by our research has revealed, for the first time, a connection between four herbs found in XHSP, corresponding compound targets, and OA pathway systems that are conducive to expanding the clinical application of XHSP. The proposed network pharmacology approach could be a promising complementary method by which researchers might better evaluate multitarget or multicomponent drugs on a systematic level.
Haploidentical Transplantation in Children with Acute Leukemia: The Unresolved Issues
Authors: Jaiswal Sarita Rani , Chakrabarti Suparno
Published: March 2016

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) remains a curative option for children with high risk and advanced acute leukemia. Yet availability of matched family donor limits its use and although matched unrelated donor or mismatched umbilical cord blood (UCB) are viable options, they fail to meet the global need. Haploidentical family donor is almost universally available and is emerging as the alternate donor of choice in adult patients. However, the same is not true in the case of children. The studies of haploidentical HSCT in children are largely limited to T cell depleted grafts with not so encouraging results in advanced leukemia. At the same time, emerging data from UCBT are challenging the existing paradigm of less stringent HLA match requirements as perceived in the past. The use of posttransplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCY) has yielded encouraging results in adults, but data in children is sorely lacking. Our experience of using PTCY based haploidentical HSCT in children shows inadequacy of this approach in younger children compared to excellent outcome in older children. In this context, we discuss the current status of haploidentical HSCT in children with acute leukemia in a global perspective and dwell on its future prospects.
An Analytical Measuring Rectification Algorithm of Monocular Systems in Dynamic Environment
Authors: Li Deshi , Wang Xiaoliang
Published: March 2016

Range estimation is crucial for maintaining a safe distance, in particular for vision navigation and localization. Monocular autonomous vehicles are appropriate for outdoor environment due to their mobility and operability. However, accurate range estimation using vision system is challenging because of the nonholonomic dynamics and susceptibility of vehicles. In this paper, a measuring rectification algorithm for range estimation under shaking conditions is designed. The proposed method focuses on how to estimate range using monocular vision when a shake occurs and the algorithm only requires the pose variations of the camera to be acquired. Simultaneously, it solves the problem of how to assimilate results from different kinds of sensors. To eliminate measuring errors by shakes, we establish a pose-range variation model. Afterwards, the algebraic relation between distance increment and a camera’s poses variation is formulated. The pose variations are presented in the form of roll, pitch, and yaw angle changes to evaluate the pixel coordinate incensement. To demonstrate the superiority of our proposed algorithm, the approach is validated in a laboratory environment using Pioneer 3-DX robots. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach improves in the range accuracy significantly.
A Rare Thyroid Metastasis from Uveal Melanoma and Response to Immunotherapy Agents
Authors: Collins Dearbhaile Catherine , Yela Ruben , Horgan Noel , Power Derek Gerard
Published: March 2016

Thyroid metastasis is a rare occurrence with cutaneous melanoma and even more uncommon with uveal melanoma. The management of such metastasis is uncertain due to its infrequency and, in the era of immunotherapy, the effect of these novel drugs on uncommon metastasis, such as to the thyroid, is unknown. We report the rare case of a thyroid metastasis in a patient diagnosed with ocular melanoma initially managed with enucleation. Metastatic disease developed in the lung and thyroid gland. The case patient received the immunotherapy ipilimumab with stable disease in the thyroid and progressive disease elsewhere. The patient was then further treated with a second immunotherapy agent, pembrolizumab, and remains with stable disease one year later. We discuss the current literature on thyroid metastases from all causes and the optimal known management strategies. Furthermore, we provide an original report on the response of this disease to the novel immunomodulators, ipilimumab, and pembrolizumab with stable disease four years after initial diagnosis of ocular melanoma.
Electrochemical Bubbling Transfer of Graphene Using a Polymer Support with Encapsulated Air Gap as Permeation Stopping Layer
Authors: Sun Jie , Deng Shigui , Guo Weiling , Zhan Zhaoyao , Deng Jun , Xu Chen , Fan Xing , Xu Kun , Guo Wang , Huang Yang , Liu Xin
Published: March 2016

Electrochemical bubbling transfer of graphene is a technique with high industrial potential due to its scalability, time- and cost-effectiveness, and ecofriendliness. However, the graphene is often damaged due to the turbulence and the trapped bubbles formed by the direct H2O and H+permeation through the supporting polymer. We invent a graphene mechanical support of polyethylene terephthalate foil/plastic frame/poly(methyl methacrylate) sandwich, with an encapsulated air gap as the permeation stopping layer. The graphene damage is drastically reduced, as confirmed by the morphology and structural and electrical characterization, ultimately improving the controllability/reproducibility of the bubbling transfer of graphene and other two-dimensional materials.
Experiences and Impact of Stigma and Discrimination among People on Antiretroviral Therapy in Dar es Salaam: A Qualitative Perspective
Authors: Mhode Maisara , Nyamhanga Tumaini
Published: March 2016

Background. The impact of stigma on adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been less studied in Tanzania. Recent studies indicate that people on ART still experience stigma. Qualitative information on the subject matter is especially insufficient.Objective. This paper reports on the dimensions of stigma and discrimination and their impact on adherence to ART as experienced by people living with HIV (PLHIV).Design. A phenomenological approach was used to gather information on the lived experiences of stigma and discrimination. The sample size was determined according to the saturation principle.Results. Respondents experienced different forms of HIV-related stigma such as verbal, social, and perceived stigma. Various forms of discrimination were experienced, including relational discrimination, mistreatment by health care workers, blame and rejection by spouses, and workplace discrimination. HIV-related stigma and discrimination compromised ART adherence by reinforcing concealment of HIV status and undermining social suppport.Conclusion. After nearly a decade of increasing the provision of ART in Tanzania, PLHIV still experience stigma and discrimination; these experiences still appear to have a negative impact on treatment adherence. Efforts to reduce stigma and discrimination remain relevant in the ART period and should be given more impetus in order to maximize positive treatment outcomes.
The Variation Characteristics of Asian Surface Temperature and Precipitation in the Early 21st Century
Authors: Wang Kuo , Feng Guolin , Ye Tianshu , Wang Xujia , Liu Peipei
Published: March 2016

Based on the analysis of the feature of Asian continent becoming cold in the early 21st century winter under the background of global warming, the Asian Warming Hole (AWH) index is proposed in this paper to measure the intensity during the cold events process. Result shows that the Asian continent is indeed experiencing a cold stage in the early 21st century winter, but it is just in a cold phase and will become warmer in the future. In recent years the activity of the winter cold events has an obvious quasi-four-year cycle, which can be reflected by atmospheric circulation, and AO (Arctic Oscillation) may play a very important role. It is credible that Asian surface temperature will be higher in the coming 3-4 years compared with 2011 winter, signifying that the precipitation may increase correspondingly.
Green Fabrication of Copper Nanoparticles Dispersed in Walnut Oil Using Laser Ablation Technique
Authors: Sadrolhosseini Amir Reza , Abdul Rashid Suraya , Zakaria Azmi , Shameli Kamyar
Published: March 2016

Synthesis of copper nanoparticles was achieved by laser irradiation of copper plate in walnut oil. The copper plate was irradiated using Nd:YAG pulse laser at different ablation time from 5 to 50 minutes, and the prepared samples were characterized using analytical methods to find the optical absorption, morphology, particle size, and capping of copper nanoparticles with walnut oil. Consequently, the absorption peak appeared at about 615, 606, 588, 576, and 561 nm; and the nanoparticles formed in spherical shape in walnut oil. The particle size varied from 25 to 4.01 nm, and the tail of the carbonyl band capped the copper nanoparticles through the electron transfer from the carboxylic group to copper nanoparticles. The refractive indices of the nanofluid were measured using a surface plasmon resonance technique and changed from 1.4691 + 0.008i to 1.4682 + 0.043i as the volume fraction increased from 0.0257 × 10−5to 1.26 × 10−5. Consequently, the laser ablation method is environmentally sensitive (i.e., green) and thus is suitable for the fabrication of copper nanoparticles in walnut oil without any agent.
Sexual Dimorphism in the Regulation of Estrogen, Progesterone, and Androgen Receptors by Sex Steroids in the Rat Airway Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Zarazúa Abraham , González-Arenas Aliesha , Ramírez-Vélez Gabriela , Bazán-Perkins Blanca , Guerra-Araiza Christian , Campos-Lara María G.
Published: March 2016

The role of sex hormones in lung is known. The three main sex steroid receptors, estrogen, progesterone, and androgen, have not been sufficiently studied in airway smooth muscle cells (ASMC), and the sex hormone regulation on these receptors is unknown. We examined the presence and regulation of sex hormone receptors in female and male rat ASMC by Western blotting and flow cytometry. Gonadectomized rats were treated with 17β-estradiol, progesterone, 17β-estradiol + progesterone, or testosterone. ASMC were enzymatically isolated from tracheas and bronchi. The experiments were performed with double staining flow cytometry (anti-α-actin smooth muscle and antibodies to each hormone receptor). ERα, ERβ, tPR, and AR were detected in females or males. ERαwas upregulated by E2 and T and downregulated by P4 in females; in males, ERαwas downregulated by P4, E + P, and T. ERβwas downregulated by each treatment in females, and only by E + P and T in males. tPR was downregulated by P4, E + P, and T in females. No hormonal regulation was observed in male receptors. AR was downregulated in males treated with E + P and T. We have shown the occurrence of sex hormone receptors in ASMC and their regulation by the sex hormones in female and male rats.
Design and Performance Evaluation of a Solar Assisted Heat Pump Dryer Integrated with Biomass Furnace for Red Chilli
Authors: Yahya M.
Published: March 2016

The performance of a solar assisted heat pump dryer integrated with biomass furnace has been designed and evaluated for drying red chillies, and drying kinetics of red chillies were evaluated. The red chillies were dried from 22 kg with moisture content of 4.26 db to moisture content of 0.08 db which needed 11 hours, with the average drying chamber temperature, drying chamber relative humidity, and an air mass flow rate of 70.5°C, 10.1%, and 0.124 kg/s, respectively, while the open sun drying needed 62 hours. Compared to open sun drying, this dryer yielded 82% saving in drying time. The drying rate, the specific moisture extraction rate, and thermal efficiency of the dryer were estimated in average to be about 1.57 kg/h, 0.14 kg/kWh, and 9.03%, respectively. Three mathematical models, the Newton, Henderson-Pabis, and Page models, were fitted to the experimental data on red chillies dried by solar assisted heat pump dryer integrated with biomass furnace and open sun drying. The performance of these models was evaluated by comparing the coefficient of determination (R2), mean bias error (MBE), and root mean-square error (RMSE). The Page model gave the best results for representing drying kinetics of red chillies.
The Hip Functional Retrieval after Elective Surgery May Be Enhanced by Supplemented Essential Amino Acids
Authors: Baldissarro Eleonora , Aquilani Roberto , Boschi Federica , Baiardi Paola , Iadarola Paolo , Fumagalli Marco , Pasini Evasio , Verri Manuela , Dossena Maurizia , Gambino Arianna , Cammisuli Sharon , Viglio Simona
Published: March 2016

It is not known whether postsurgery systemic inflammation and plasma amino acid abnormalities are still present during rehabilitation of individuals after elective hip arthroplasty (EHA). Sixty subjects (36 females; age66.58±8.37years) were randomized to receive 14-day oral EAAs (8 g/day) or a placebo (maltodextrin). At admission to and discharge from the rehabilitation center, serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and venous plasma amino acid concentrations were determined. Post-EHA hip function was evaluated by Harris hip score (HHS) test. Ten matched healthy subjects served as controls. At baseline, all patients had high CRP levels, considerable reduction in several amino acids, and severely reduced hip function (HHS40.78±2.70scores). After treatment, inflammation decreased both in the EAA group and in the placebo group. Only EAA patients significantly improved their levels of glycine, alanine, tyrosine, and total amino acids. In addition, they enhanced the rate of hip function recovery (HHS) (from baseline41.8±1.15to76.37±6.6versusbaseline39.78±4.89to70.0±7.1in placebo one;p=0.006). The study documents the persistence of inflammation and plasma amino acid abnormalities in post-EHA rehabilitation phase. EAAs enhance hip function retrieval and improve plasma amino acid abnormalities.
Genomically Driven Tumors and Actionability across Histologies:BRAF-Mutant Cancers as a Paradigm
Authors: Turski Michelle L. , Vidwans Smruti J. , Janku Filip , Garrido-Laguna Ignacio , Munoz Javier , Schwab Richard , Subbiah Vivek , Rodon Jordi , Kurzrock Razelle
Published: March 2016

The diagnosis, classification, and management of cancer are traditionally dictated by the site of tumor origin, for example, breast or lung, and by specific histologic subtypes of site-of-origin cancers (e.g., non–small cell versus small cell lung cancer). However, with the advent of sequencing technologies allowing for rapid, low cost, and accurate sequencing of clinical samples, new observations suggest an expanded or different approach to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer—one driven by the unique molecular features of the tumor. We discuss a genomically driven strategy for cancer treatment using BRAF as an example. Several key points are highlighted: (i) molecular aberrations can be shared across cancers; (ii) approximately 15% of all cancers harbor BRAF mutations; and (iii) BRAF inhibitors, while approved only for melanoma, have reported activity across numerous cancers and related disease types bearing BRAF aberrations. However, BRAF-mutated colorectal cancer has shown poor response rate to BRAF inhibitor monotherapy, striking a cautionary note. Yet, even in this case, emerging data suggest BRAF-mutated colorectal cancers can respond well to BRAF inhibitors, albeit when administered in combination with other agents that impact resistance pathways. Taken together, these data suggest that molecular aberrations may be the basis for a new nosology for cancer. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(4); 533–47. ©2016 AACR.
Below the Callus Surface: Applying Paleohistological Techniques to Understand the Biology of Bone Healing in Skeletonized Human Remains
Authors: Assis Sandra , Keenleyside Anne
Published: March 2016

Objectives: Bone trauma is a common occurrence in human skeletal remains. Macroscopic and imaging scrutiny is the approach most currently used to analyze and describe trauma. Nevertheless, this line of inquiry may not be sufficient to accurately identify the type of traumatic lesion and the associated degree of bone healing. To test the usefulness of histology in the examination of bone healing biology, we used an integrative approach that combines gross inspection and microscopy. Materials and Methods: Six bone samples belonging to 5 adult individuals with signs of bone trauma were collected from the Human Identified Skeletal Collection from the Museu Bocage (Lisbon, Portugal). Previous to sampling, the lesions were described according to their location, morphology, and healing status. After sampling, the bone specimens were prepared for plane light and polarized light analysis. Results: The histological analysis was pivotal: (1) to differentiate between types of traumatic lesions; (2) to ascertain the posttraumatic interval, and (3) to diagnose other associated pathological conditions. Conclusion: The outer surface of a bone lesion may not give a complete picture of the biology of the tissue's response. Accordingly, microscopic analysis is essential to differentiate, characterize, and classify trauma signs.
Association between Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms of the hOGG1,NEIL1,APEX1, FEN1,LIG1, and LIG3 Genes and Alzheimer's Disease Risk
Authors: Kwiatkowski Dominik , Czarny Piotr , Toma Monika , Korycinska Anna , Sowinska Katarzyna , Galecki Piotr , Bachurska Agnieszka , Bielecka-Kowalska Anna , Szemraj Janusz , Maes Michael , Sliwinski Tomasz
Published: March 2016

Background: One of the factors that contribute to Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the DNA damage caused by oxidative stress and inflammation that occurs in nerve cells. It has been suggested that the risk of AD may be associated with an age-dependent reduction of the DNA repair efficiency. Base excision repair (BER) is, among other things, a main repair system of oxidative DNA damage. One of the reasons for the reduced efficiency of this system may be single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of the genes encoding its proteins. Methods: DNA for genotyping was obtained from the peripheral blood of 281 patients and 150 controls. In the present study, we evaluated the impact of 8 polymorphisms of 6 BER genes on the AD risk. We analyzed the following SNP: c.-468T>G and c.444T>G of APEX1, c.*50C>T and c.*83A>C of LIG3, c.977C>G of OGG1, c.*283C>G of NEIL1, c.-441G>A of FEN1, and c.-7C>T of LIG1. Results: We showed that the LIG1 c.-7C>T A/A and LIG3 c.*83A>C A/C variants increased, while the APEX1 c.444T>G G/T, LIG1 c.-7C>T G/, LIG3 c.*83A>C C/C variants reduced, the AD risk. We also evaluated the relation between gene-gene interactions and the AD risk. We showed that combinations of certain BER gene variants such as c.977C>G×c.*50C>T CC/CT, c.444T>G×c.*50C>T GG/CT, c.-468T>G×c.*50C>T GG/CT, c.-441G>Ac.*50C>T×c.*50C>T GG/CT, c.*83A>C× c.*50C>T CT/AC, and c.-7C>T×c.*50C>T CT/GG can substantially positively modulate the risk of AD. Conclusions: In conclusion, we revealed that polymorphisms of BER genes may have a significant effect on the AD risk, and the presence of polymorphic variants may be an important marker for AD.
Home treatment of patients with low-risk pulmonary embolism with the oral factor Xa inhibitor rivaroxaban
Authors: Barco Stefano , Lankeit Mareike , Binder Harald , Schellong Sebastian , Christ Michael , Beyer-Westendorf Jan , Duerschmied Daniel , Bauersachs Rupert , Empen Klaus , Held Matthias , Schwaiblmair Martin , Fonseca Cândida , Jiménez David , Becattini Cecilia , Quitzau Kurt , Konstantinides Stavros
Published: March 2016

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a potentially life-threatening acute cardiovascular syndrome. However, more than 95 % of patients are haemodynamically stable at presentation, and among them are patients at truly low risk who may qualify for immediate or early discharge. The Home Treatment of Pulmonary Embolism (HoT-PE) study is a prospective international multicentre single-arm phase 4 management (cohort) trial aiming to determine whether home treatment of acute lowrisk PE with the oral factor Xa inhibitor rivaroxaban is feasible, effective, and safe. Patients with confirmed PE, who have no right ventricular dysfunction or free floating thrombi in the right atrium or ventricle, are eligible if they meet none of the exclusion criteria indicating haemodynamic instability, serious comorbidity or any condition mandating hospitalisation, or a familial/social environment unable to support home treatment. The first dose of rivaroxaban is given in hospital, and patients are discharged within 48 hours of presentation. Rivaroxaban is taken for at least three months. The primary outcome is symptomatic recurrent venous thromboembolism or PE-related death within three months of enrolment. Secondary outcomes include quality of life and patient satisfaction, and health care resource utilisation compared to existing data on standard-duration hospital treatment. HoT-PE is planned to analyse 1,050 enrolled patients, providing 80 % power to reject the null hypothesis that the recurrence rate of venous thromboembolism is >3 % with α≤0.05. If the hypothesis of HoT-PE is confirmed, early discharge and out-of-hospital treatment may become an attractive, potentially cost-saving option for a significant proportion of patients with acute PE.
Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Myocardial Feature Tracking
Authors: Schuster Andreas , Hor Kan N. , Kowallick Johannes T. , Beerbaum Philipp , Kutty Shelby
Published: March 2016

Heart failure–induced cardiovascular morbidity and mortality constitute a major health problem worldwide and result from diverse pathogeneses, including coronary artery disease, nonischemic cardiomyopathies, and arrhythmias. Assessment of cardiovascular performance is important for early diagnosis and accurate management of patients at risk of heart failure. During the past decade, cardiovascular magnetic resonance myocardial feature tracking has emerged as a useful tool for the quantitative evaluation of cardiovascular function. The method allows quantification of biatrial and biventricular mechanics from measures of deformation: strain, torsion, and dyssynchrony. The purpose of this article is to review the basic principles, clinical applications, accuracy, and reproducibility of cardiovascular magnetic resonance myocardial feature tracking, highlighting the prognostic implications. It will also provide an outlook on how this field might evolve in the future.
Does Antihypertensive Drug Class Affect Day‐to‐Day Variability of Self‐Measured Home Blood Pressure? The HOMED‐BP Study
Authors: Asayama Kei , Ohkubo Takayoshi , Hanazawa Tomohiro , Watabe Daisuke , Hosaka Miki , Satoh Michihiro , Yasui Daisaku , Staessen Jan A. , Imai Yutaka ,   the Hypertensive Objective Treatment Based on Measurement by Electrical Devices of Blood Pressure (HOMED‐BP) Study Investigators
Published: March 2016

Background

Recent literature suggests that blood pressure variability (
BPV
) predicts outcome beyond blood pressure level (
BPL
) and that antihypertensive drug classes differentially influence
BPV
. We compared calcium channel blockers, angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors, and angiotensin receptor blockade for effects on changes in self‐measured home
BPL
and
BPV
and for their prognostic significance in newly treated hypertensive patients.

Methods and Results

We enrolled 2484 patients randomly allocated to first‐line treatment with a calcium channel blocker (n=833), an angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor (n=821), or angiotensin receptor blockade (n=830). Home blood pressures in the morning and evening were measured for 5 days off treatment before randomization and for 5 days after 2 to 4 weeks of randomized drug treatment. We assessed
BPL
and
BPV
changes as estimated by variability independent of the mean and compared cardiovascular outcomes. Home
BPL
response in each group was significant (
P
≤0.0001) but small in the angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor group (systolic/diastolic: 4.6/2.8 mm Hg) compared with the groups treated with a calcium channel blocker (systolic/diastolic: 8.3/3.9 mm Hg) and angiotensin receptor blockade (systolic/diastolic: 8.2/4.5 mm Hg). In multivariable adjusted analyses, changes in home variability independent of the mean did not differ among the 3 drug classes (
P
≥0.054). Evening variability independent of the mean before treatment significantly predicted hard cardiovascular events independent of the corresponding home
BPL
(
P
≤0.022), whereas
BPV
did not predict any cardiovascular outcome based on the morning measurement (
P
≥0.056). Home
BPV
captured after monotherapy had no predictive power for cardiovascular outcome (
P
≥0.22).

Conclusions

Self‐measured home evening
BPV
estimated by variability independent of the mean had prognostic significance, whereas antihypertensive drug classes had no significant impact on
BPV
changes. Home
BPL
should remain the primary focus for risk stratification and treatment.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index.htm
. Unique identifier: C000000137.
The International Role of the European Parliament’s Intergroups
Authors: Dutoit Laurent
Published: March 2016

Informal structures are often key to the perceptions by Members of the European Parliament (meps) of their role and also of how the European Parliament is perceived worldwide. Intergroups are one of the most remarkable examples of this: they tend to focus on a specific theme, attract the interest and involvement of individual meps, and profit from significant input by external actors such as interest groups or civil-society organizations. The role of intergroups in the international relations of the European Parliament is studied little in the literature and is thus the focus of this article. Through an assessment of their composition, organization and external support, the article discusses the extent to which informal structures such as intergroups contribute to the European Parliament’s international action, particularly on human rights matters.
Understanding Success and Failure in the Quest for Peace: The Pan-African Parliament and the Amani Forum
Authors: Magliveras Konstantinos , Huliaras Asteris
Published: March 2016

Parliaments in Africa have traditionally been sidelined with regard to security and peace issues. This article compares the Pan-African Parliament, the parliamentary organ of the African Union, with the Great Lakes Parliamentary Forum on Peace, better known as the Amani Forum, which started as an informal regional network and later developed more formal structures. The analysis focuses on the role of these two institutions in conflict prevention. While the Amani Forum provides an excellent example of the potential contribution of parliamentary forums to promoting and restoring peace, the Pan-African Parliament has been unable to operate as an effective parliamentary organ in conflict resolution and prevention. The article examines several factors that can explain the contrasting performances of the two institutions: their formal and informal structures; different membership and organizational structures; the density and quality of intra-institutional ties; as well as differences in geographical and thematic focus.
Meta-Analysis and Computer-Mediated Communication
Authors: Taylor Alan M.
Published: March 2016

Because of the use of human participants and differing contextual variables, research in second language acquisition often produces conflicting results, leaving practitioners confused and unsure of the effectiveness of specific treatments. This article provides insight into a recent seminal meta-analysis on the effectiveness of computer-mediated communication, providing further statistical evidence of the importance of its results. The significance of the study is examined by looking at the p values included in the references, to demonstrate how results can easily be misconstrued by practitioners and researchers. Lin’s conclusion regarding the research setting of the study reports is also evaluated. In doing so, other possible explanations of what may be influencing the results can be proposed.
Soft power and corporate imperialism: maintaining British influence
Authors: Bell Emma
Published: March 2016

It is often suggested that Britain has lost its great power status since the fall of Empire. Yet, whilst its military and economic power has undoubtedly been weakened, it continues to exert power and influence and to promote national interests via the exercise of both hard and soft power. Far from representing a novel strategy, this simultaneous deployment of both forms of power may be considered as a continuation of the dual imperial strategy of gunboat diplomacy and winning hearts and minds at home and abroad. Yet, the postcolonial era does represent some novelty: as was clear under the Conservative-led coalition and is now evident under a Conservative majority government, soft power is no longer exercised principally via cultural diplomacy, through, for example, the British Council, but increasingly via large companies which promote British economic and political interests through corporate imperialism.
Failure by fracture in sheet–bulk metal forming
Authors: Isik Kerim , Wernicke Sebastian , Silva Maria B , Martins Paulo AF , Tekkaya AE
Published: March 2016

This article investigates the possibility of failure by crack-opening mode III (out-of-plane shearing) in sheet–bulk metal forming processes. The investigation makes use of experimentally and theoretically determined fracture-forming limits of aluminium AA1050-H111 sheets with 1 mm thickness, experimental tests in incremental ploughing with a roll-tipped tool and numerical simulation using a commercial finite element programme. Results show that incremental ploughing of thin sheets with a roll-tipped tool under large indentation depths gives rise to transverse cracks that are triggered at the upper groove surface and propagate downward across thickness along an inclined direction to the sheet surface. In contrast to sheet–metal forming processes that only fail by fracture in crack-opening modes I and II, sheet–bulk metal forming processes present the unique ability of failing in all three possible crack-opening modes, namely, in mode III that is typical of bulk metal–forming processes.
The cavernous sinus in cluster headache – a quantitative structural magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Arkink Enrico B , Schoonman Guus G , van Vliet Jorine A , Bakels Hannah S , Sneeboer Marjolein AM , Haan Joost , van Buchem Mark A , Ferrari Michel D , Kruit Mark C
Published: March 2016

Background

It has been hypothesized that a constitutionally narrow cavernous sinus might predispose individuals to cluster headache. Cavernous sinus dimensions, however, have never been assessed.

Methods

In this case–control study, we measured the dimensions of the cavernous sinus, skull base, internal carotid and pituitary gland with high-resolution T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in 25 episodic, 24 chronic and 13 probable cluster headache patients, 8 chronic paroxysmal hemicrania patients and 22 headache-free controls. Dimensions were compared between groups, correcting for age, sex and transcranial diameter.

Results

On qualitative inspection, no relevant pathology or anatomic variants that were previously associated with cluster headache or chronic paroxysmal hemicranias were observed in the cavernous sinus or paracavernous structures. The left-to-right transcranial diameter at the temporal fossa level (mean ± SD) was larger in the headache groups (episodic cluster headache: 147.5 ± 7.3 mm, p = 0.044; chronic cluster headache: 150.2 ± 7.3 mm, p < 0.001; probable cluster headache: 146.0 ± 5.3 mm, p = 0.012; and chronic paroxysmal hemicrania: 145.2 ± 9.4 mm, p = 0.044) compared with controls (140.2 ± 8.0 mm). After adjusting for transcranial diameter and correcting for multiple comparisons, there were no differences in the dimensions of the cavernous sinus and surrounding structures between headache patients and controls.

Conclusion

Patients with cluster headache or chronic paroxysmal hemicrania had wider skulls than headache-free controls, but the proportional dimensions of the cavernous sinus were similar.
Deliberative Lobbying? Toward a Noncontradiction of Corporate Political Activities and Corporate Social Responsibility?
Authors: Lock Irina , Seele Peter
Published: March 2016

Recently, researchers have claimed that food and beverage corporations should be excluded from the development of public health policy because their lobbying activities strategically undermine the promotion of public health. At the same time, recent political corporate social responsibility (CSR) theory holds that corporations have a responsibility to help solve global public issues. We address this described misalignment and show that corporations may fulfill this “new political role” if they turn to novel forms of corporate political activity (CPA) establishing a minimal standard for not contradicting their CSR. Therefore, we put forward a normative concept called deliberative lobbying based on discourse, transparency, and accountability, which aims to resolve public issues and advance CPA. In three lobbying cases, we show misalignments and contradictions that harm both society and the corporation. We position deliberative lobbing as an argument to maintain self-regulation against critics claiming that corporations should be excluded from all political processes.
Experimental analysis of aluminum alloy under solid particle erosion process
Authors: Chowdhury Mohammad A , Debnath Uttam K , Nuruzzaman Dewan M , Islam Md. Monirul
Published: March 2016

The erosion behaviors of aluminum alloy have been evaluated practically at different test conditions under ambient temperature. Irregular silica sand (SiO2) is used as an erodent within the range of 300–600 µm. The impact velocity within 30–50 m/s, impact angle 15–90°, and stand-off distance 15–25 mm considered as related parameters. The maximum level of erosion is obtained at impact angle 15° which indicates the ductile manner of the tested alloy. The higher the impact velocity, the higher the erosion rate as almost linear fashion is observed. Mass loss of aluminum alloy reduces with the increase of stand-off distance. A dimensional analysis, erosion efficiency (η) and relationship between friction and erosion indicate the prominent correlation. The test results are designated using Taguchi’s concept to ensure the minimization of observations for clarification of results in alternative process. ANOVA data analysis is considered to signify the interaction of tested parameters as well as identifying most influencing operating parameter. S/N ratio indicates that there are 2.92% deviations estimated between predicted and experimental results. To elaborately analyze the results, GMDH method is mentioned. After erosion process of the tested composite, the damage propagation on the surfaces is examined using SEM for confirming wear mechanisms. The elemental composition of eroded test samples at varying percentage of aluminum is analyzed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis.