bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of Depression/Anxiety Symptoms with Neck Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Literature in China
Authors: Liu Fushui , Fang Ting , Zhou Fanyuan , Zhao Meimei , Chen Mei , You Jianyu , Jin Yuli , Xie Jinmei , Liu Zhongyong
Published: September 2018

Background. Due to its high morbidity and prevalence, the potential relationships of depression/anxiety symptoms in neck pain (NP) are not well demonstrated.Objectives. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive estimation of controlled trials of psychological problems and to test hypotheses concerning whether NP was statistically relative to anxiety/depression symptoms.Methods. Chinese literature databases such as the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP Information (VIP), Chinese Biomedicine (CBM), and Wanfang Data (WANFANG) were scientifically searched for reports published until February 5, 2018. Controlled trials incorporating NP patients with anxiety/depression versus healthy people were contained. Two researchers screened each article and extracted data, respectively, and blinded to the findings of each other. Meta-analysis was conducted by the Cochrane Collaboration’s RevMan 5.3 and Stata 14.0 (Stata Corp LP, USA) software.Results. We identified 13 eligible studies involving 2339 patients and 3290 healthy people. Compared with healthy control participants, the findings indicated that depression/anxiety symptoms were more common or severe in NP patients (respectively, SMD = 0.89; 95% CI = (0.58, 1.20);P<0.01and SMD = 0.92; 95% CI = (0.65, 1.20); andP<0.01), results from the pooled data demonstrated no statistical significance between depression/anxiety symptoms and gender in NP patients (resp., SMD = 0.16; 95% CI = (−0.18, 0.51);P=0.35and SMD = −0.08; 95% CI = (−0.42, 0.27); andP=0.67), and the combined data of the incidence of depression or anxiety symptoms revealed significant difference between NP patients and healthy persons (resp., RR = 4.81; 95% CI = (3.30, 7.01);P<0.01and RR = 3.29; 95% CI = (2.16, 5.00); andP<0.01). In addition, we did not find articles that met the inclusion criteria, which compared NP patients with other physical illnesses in terms of anxiety/depression symptoms.Conclusions. This meta-analysis suggests that anxiety/depression symptoms are associated with high morbidity in NP patients. We consider these reports support the viewpoint that nonspecific mechanisms mediate mental disturbances in NP. This study may have clinical value for NP, offering an underlying target for the prevention and treatment of anxiety/depression.
A Hybrid Ant Colony Optimization for Dynamic Multidepot Vehicle Routing Problem
Authors: Xu Haitao , Pu Pan , Duan Feng
Published: September 2018

In the real world, the vehicle routing problem (VRP) is dynamic and variable, so dynamic vehicle routing problem (DVRP) has obtained more and more attentions among researchers. Meanwhile, due to actual constraints of service hours and service distances, logistics companies usually build multiple depots to serve a great number of dispersed customers. Thus, the research of dynamic multidepot vehicle routing problem (DMDVRP) is significant and essential. However, it has not attracted much attention. In this paper, firstly, a clustering approach based on the nearest distance is proposed to allocate all customers to the depots. Then a hybrid ant colony optimization (HACO) with mutation operation and local interchange is introduced to optimize vehicle routes. In addition, in order to deal with dynamic problem of DMDVRP quickly, a real-time addition and optimization approach is designed to handle the new customer requests. Finally, the t-test is applied to evaluate the proposed algorithm; meanwhile the relations between degrees of dynamism (dod) and HACO are discussed minutely. Experimental results show that the HACO algorithm is feasible and efficient to solve DMDVRP.
Structure Design and Kinematics Analysis of a Novel Unpowered Load-Carrying Lower Extremity Exoskeleton with Parallel Topology
Authors: Yan Qiang , Zhang Jianjun , Qi Kaicheng
Published: September 2018

A novel unpowered load-carrying parallel lower extremity exoskeleton is proposed. It is aimed at enhancing the load-bearing ability of the operator. Firstly, the structure of the novel exoskeleton is depicted in the second section; meanwhile, the degree of freedom concerning the exoskeleton is gotten by analyzing the number of links and the kinematic joints. Secondly, the forward position analysis of the exoskeleton for the swing leg is obtained. Using the expressions concerning the joints of knee and angle, the workspace of the swing leg in supporting gait circle is analyzed by the software of MATLAB. Thirdly, according to the schematic diagram of the mechanism, the static force analysis of the supporting leg for the exoskeleton is obtained. Finally, the static force of the supporting leg of the person who is not wearing the unpowered exoskeleton is gotten. Meanwhile, the genetic algorithm is used to get the optimum stiffness of the spring for energy-restoring device. By comparing the changes of force and torque for the supporting leg who is not wearing it and the skeleton which is worn by a person, some conclusions are carried out.
Surgical Treatment for Severe Scoliosis in Patients with Reduced Cardiorespiratory Function after Surgery for Congenital Heart Disease: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Kinoshita Hayato , Miyakoshi Naohisa , Hongo Michio , Misawa Akiko , Kudo Daisuke , Shimada Yoichi
Published: September 2018

Purpose. Congenital heart disease (CHD) is associated with an increased risk of scoliosis. The prognosis of scoliosis patients with CHD has improved because of advances in cardiac care. As a result, the frequency of surgery for scoliosis in this population has increased, although the risk of perioperative complications remains high. We treated two patients with CHD who underwent surgery for severe scoliosis. To avoid perioperative complications, we evaluated the preoperative cardiac status and anesthetic risks before posterior correction and fixation in both patients. Methods. An expert anesthesiologist evaluated the anesthetic risk in each case, and an adequate reservoir of autologous blood was collected preoperatively. The patient in case 1 was at risk of significant blood loss and required extremely careful operative technique. The patient in case 2 had low cardiac output preoperatively. We therefore performed a thorough preoperative cardiac evaluation. Both patients were admitted to the intensive care unit postoperatively. Results. Neither patient suffered serious complications, and both achieved favorable outcomes. Conclusions. Appropriate surgical technique and teamwork among experts are the keys to success in patients with severe scoliosis and CHD.
Penile Fracture: Simultaneous Complete Urethral Rupture with Bilateral Corpora Cavernosa Rupture
Authors: Alnadhari Ibrahim , Abdelhaleem Abdeljaleel Osama , Sampige Venkata Ramana Pai , Abdulmuhsin Ausama , Shamsodini Ahmad
Published: September 2018

Penile fracture is not uncommon blunt trauma to the penis. Here, we present a rare case of penile fracture during sexual intercourse. The patient presented with penile swelling, bleeding per urethra, and inability to pass urine. Retrograde urethrogram showed significant extravasation of contrast from anterior penile urethra and no contrast passing to proximal urethra. Surgical exploration showed complete urethral rupture and bilateral cavernosal rupture. This case represents the value of urethrogram to evaluate the urethral injury and the association of complete urethral injury with bilateral ventral cavernosal injury.
Mining Regional Co-Occurrence Patterns for Image Classification
Authors: Ji Zhihang , Wu Sining , Wang Fan , Xu Lijuan , Yang Yan , Hu Xiaopeng
Published: September 2018

In the context of image classification, bag-of-visual-words mode is widely used for image representation. In recent years several works have aimed at exploiting color or spatial information to improve the representation. In this paper two kinds of representation vectors, namely, Global Color Co-occurrence Vector (GCCV) and Local Color Co-occurrence Vector (LCCV), are proposed. Both of them make use of the color and co-occurrence information of the superpixels in an image. GCCV describes the global statistical distribution of the colorful superpixels with embedding the spatial information between them. By this way, it is capable of capturing the color and structure information in large scale. Unlike the GCCV, LCCV, which is embedded in the Riemannian manifold space, reflects the color information within the superpixels in detail. It records the higher-order distribution of the color between the superpixels within a neighborhood by aggregating the co-occurrence information in the second-order pooling way. In the experiment, we incorporate the two proposed representation vectors with feature vector like LLC or CNN by Multiple Kernel Learning (MKL) technology. Several challenging datasets for visual classification are tested on the novel framework, and experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Inventory Financing with Overconfident Supplier Based on Supply Chain Contract
Authors: Jiang Weifan , Liu Jian
Published: September 2018

Overconfidence is a universal psychological behavior. Overconfidence on demand awareness will have a significant impact on operation decisions. The supplier estimated the demand with excessive precision which influences the inventory financing decision-making deeply. We built the demand function based on the supplier’s overconfidence. Then we established the retailer, supplier, and the Bank’s profit function, respectively. Through the analysis of the bilevel Stackelberg game, we obtained the order quantity of the retailer with the capital constraint, the wholesale price of overconfident supplier, and the loan-to-value ratio of Bank, and we analyzed the influence of overconfidence on the decision variables. We have several findings as follows. First, the overconfidence makes the decisions of the retailer, supplier, and Bank deviate from the rational decisions. Second, the space of the market profit will affect the decision variables in the joint decision-making. Third, the financing supply chain (including the Bank and supply chain) should have a positive attitude towards the overconfidence of the supplier. Forth, in the joint decision-making, the supplier need determines the buyback price according to the capital demand; and in the decentralized decision-making, the supplier should try to use high buyback price strategy.
An Artificial Intelligence Approach to Financial Fraud Detection under IoT Environment: A Survey and Implementation
Authors: Choi Dahee , Lee Kyungho
Published: September 2018

Financial fraud under IoT environment refers to the unauthorized use of mobile transaction using mobile platform through identity theft or credit card stealing to obtain money fraudulently. Financial fraud under IoT environment is the fast-growing issue through the emergence of smartphone and online transition services. In the real world, a highly accurate process of financial fraud detection under IoT environment is needed since financial fraud causes financial loss. Therefore, we have surveyed financial fraud methods using machine learning and deep learning methodology, mainly from 2016 to 2018, and proposed a process for accurate fraud detection based on the advantages and limitations of each research. Moreover, our approach proposed the overall process of detecting financial fraud based on machine learning and compared with artificial neural networks approach to detect fraud and process large amounts of financial data. To detect financial fraud and process large amounts of financial data, our proposed process includes feature selection, sampling, and applying supervised and unsupervised algorithms. The final model was validated by the actual financial transaction data occurring in Korea, 2015.
Nonlinear Dynamic Identification of Beams Resting on Nonlinear Viscoelastic Foundations Based on the Time-Delayed Transfer Entropy and Improved Surrogate Data Algorithm
Authors: Liu Guohua , Ye Changpeng , Liang Xu , Xie Zhongkai , Yu Ziyuan
Published: September 2018

In this work, the transfer entropy and surrogate data algorithm were introduced to identify the nonlinearity level of the system by using a numerical solution of nonlinear response of beams. A homogeneous Euler-Bernoulli beam was subjected to a time-varying concentrated load and resting on a nonlinear foundation. The Galerkin method was applied to discretize the dimensionless differential governing equation of the forced vibration, and then the fourth-order Runge-Kutta method was used to obtain the time-history response of the lateral displacement. In order to simulate different nonlinearity levels, different ratios between nonlinear parameters and linear parameters of foundation, as well as different Young’s moduli, were used. A nonlinearity index was proposed. In the case of different nonlinearity levels, the nonlinearity index was used to analyze the difference between the transfer entropy calculated from the original data and the transfer entropy calculated from the surrogate data. By comparing and analyzing the nonlinearity index values under different ratios, it was found that the nonlinearity index values generally increased with the increase of the ratio and the sum of nonlinearity index values had a positive correlation with the ratio. By comparing the nonlinearity index values of the transfer entropy results of beams with different Young's moduli, it was found that the sum of the nonlinearity index values generally decreased with the increase of Young's modulus. The numerical results demonstrate that the present approach could effectively quantify the nonlinearity in the response of a beam resting on a nonlinear foundation.
Sustainable Infrastructure Design Framework through Integration of Rating Systems and Building Information Modeling
Authors: Liu Yan , van Nederveen Sander , Wu Chunlin , Hertogh Marcel
Published: September 2018

BIM (building information modeling) can be the basis for carrying out various performance analyses. Sustainable infrastructure rating systems are suitable tools for assessing an infrastructure’s environmental performance. It is necessary to integrate them in the design process. The research adopted a thorough literature review to follow the development trends, interviews with professionals from the academia and industry, and a critical analysis of technical requirements for integrating BIM tools and infrastructure sustainability rating systems in the design process. This study propagates a conceptual framework for integrating sustainability rating systems by introducing BIM with a sustainability metric plug‐in. The adoption of the proposed solution allows for what‐if scenarios to better support the incorporation of sustainability into design decisions and the assessment of sustainability at the design phase of the infrastructure project. The framework is used to refine designs and ensure that sustainable goals are met and to demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements. This paper concludes that greater emphasis should be placed on supporting technical requirements to facilitate the integration of BIM and sustainability rating systems. It defines the possibility of BIM adoption to influence the sustainable project performance in the infrastructure. This framework could streamline the sustainable design process and lead to more integrated infrastructure delivery.
Calibration Transfer of Soil Total Carbon and Total Nitrogen between Two Different Types of Soils Based on Visible-Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy
Authors: Li Xue-Ying , Liu Yan , Lv Mei-Rong , Zou Yan , Fan Ping-Ping
Published: September 2018

Although visible-near-infrared spectroscopy can rapidly and accurately determine soil nutrients without sample destruction, some problems remain unresolved, such as the mismatch of the established spectral model with different types of samples, limiting the wide application of this technology. Here, we took riverside and mountain soils as examples to explore the calibration transfer between two different types of soils by the WMPDS-S/B algorithm (wavelet multiscale piecewise direct standardization combined with Slope/Bias correction method) and by adding new samples. The predicted TN and TC concentrations improved significantly after being transformed. Compared with adding new samples, the WMPDS-S/B algorithm obtained more accurate results. The average relative errors dropped from 440.2% (without transformation) to approximately 6% for TN and from 342.0% to approximately 7% for TC. The maximum relative errors were reduced from 538.1% to less than 20% for TN and from 403.7% to less than 20% for TC. The RMSEP decreased from 2.42 to approximately 0.04 for TN and from 15.74 to approximately 0.4 for TC. The WMPDS-S/B algorithm had advantages in selecting fewer known samples and obtaining better prediction results. In contrast to past studies, which resolved the calibration transfer between different spectrometers and the measurement environment for the same samples, our study resolved the calibration transfer between different types of samples under the same spectrometer and the measurement environment. The former could only be used for correction among instruments, while the latter fundamentally solved the problem of model sharing across different samples.
Synchronization Reliability Evaluation Method for Mechanisms with Different Time Distribution
Authors: Pang Huan , Yu Tianxiang , Wang Ning
Published: September 2018

Synchronization reliability problems are common in the mechanical field; motion asynchrony will affect the performance or even lead to failure. As action time of mechanisms does not share the identical distribution, the existing synchronization reliability evaluation method has great limitations. Aimed at the problem, a novel synchronization reliability evaluation method is proposed. Starting from two mechanisms, the synchronization reliability of N mechanisms can be obtained with recursive algorithm, where synchronization reliability of the mechanisms is expressed as a multiple integral, through dividing the integral domain into several independent domains, the uncertain integral limits are translated into certain integral limits, and then multiple integral can be solved. The numerical examples show that errors between the proposed methods and the MC simulation are very small, which proved that the methods are correct. Finally, synchronization reliability of folding wings is evaluated. The proposed methods make up for the limitations of the existing method and have good versatility.
A Convolutional Neural Network Uses Microscopic Images to Differentiate between Mouse and Human Cell Lines and Their Radioresistant Clones
Authors: Toratani Masayasu , Konno Masamitsu , Asai Ayumu , Koseki Jun , Kawamoto Koichi , Tamari Keisuke , Li Zhihao , Sakai Daisuke , Kudo Toshihiro , Satoh Taroh , Sato Katsutoshi , Motooka Daisuke , Okuzaki Daisuke , Doki Yuichiro , Mori Masaki , Ogawa Kazuhiko , Ishii Hideshi
Published: September 2018

Artificial intelligence (AI) trained with a convolutional neural network (CNN) is a recent technological advancement. Previously, several attempts have been made to train AI using medical images for clinical applications. However, whether AI can distinguish microscopic images of mammalian cells has remained debatable. This study assesses the accuracy of image recognition techniques using the CNN to identify microscopic images. We also attempted to distinguish between mouse and human cells and their radioresistant clones. We used phase-contrast microscopic images of radioresistant clones from two cell lines, mouse squamous cell carcinoma NR-S1, and human cervical carcinoma ME-180. We obtained 10,000 images of each of the parental NR-S1 and ME-180 controls as well as radioresistant clones. We trained the CNN called VGG16 using these images and obtained an accuracy of 96%. Features extracted by the trained CNN were plotted using t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding, and images of each cell line were well clustered. Overall, these findings suggest the utility of image recognition using AI for predicting minute differences among phase-contrast microscopic images of cancer cells and their radioresistant clones.

Significance:

This study demonstrates rapid and accurate identification of radioresistant tumor cells in culture using artifical intelligence; this should have applications in future preclinical cancer research.
Pharmacologic Ascorbate Reduces Radiation-Induced Normal Tissue Toxicity and Enhances Tumor Radiosensitization in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Alexander Matthew S. , Wilkes Justin G. , Schroeder Samuel R. , Buettner Garry R. , Wagner Brett A. , Du Juan , Gibson-Corley Katherine , O’Leary Brianne R. , Spitz Douglas R. , Buatti John M. , Berg Daniel J. , Bodeker Kellie L. , Vollstedt Sandy , Brown Heather A. , Allen Bryan G. , Cullen Joseph J.
Published: September 2018

Chemoradiation therapy is the mainstay for treatment of locally advanced, borderline resectable pancreatic cancer. Pharmacologic ascorbate (P-AscH−, i.e., intravenous infusions of ascorbic acid, vitamin C), but not oral ascorbate, produces high plasma concentrations capable of selective cytotoxicity to tumor cells. In doses achievable in humans, P-AscH− decreases the viability and proliferative capacity of pancreatic cancer via a hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-mediated mechanism. In this study, we demonstrate that P-AscH− radiosensitizes pancreatic cancer cells but inhibits radiation-induced damage to normal cells. Specifically, radiation-induced decreases in clonogenic survival and double-stranded DNA breaks in tumor cells, but not in normal cells, were enhanced by P-AscH−, while radiation-induced intestinal damage, collagen deposition, and oxidative stress were also reduced with P-AscH− in normal tissue. We also report on our first-in-human phase I trial that infused P-AscH− during the radiotherapy “beam on.” Specifically, treatment with P-AscH− increased median overall survival compared with our institutional average (21.7 vs. 12.7 months, P = 0.08) and the E4201 trial (21.7 vs. 11.1 months). Progression-free survival in P-AscH−–treated subjects was also greater than our institutional average (13.7 vs. 4.6 months, P < 0.05) and the E4201 trial (6.0 months). Results indicated that P-AscH− in combination with gemcitabine and radiotherapy for locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma is safe and well tolerated with suggestions of efficacy. Because of the potential effect size and minimal toxicity, our findings suggest that investigation of P-AscH− efficacy is warranted in a phase II clinical trial.

Significance:

These findings demonstrate that pharmacologic ascorbate enhances pancreatic tumor cell radiation cytotoxicity in addition to offering potential protection from radiation damage in normal surrounding tissue, making it an optimal agent for improving treatment of locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
A Patient-derived Xenograft Model of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors Identifies Sapanisertib as a Possible New Treatment for Everolimus-resistant Tumors
Authors: Chamberlain Chester E. , German Michael S. , Yang Katherine , Wang Jason , VanBrocklin Henry , Regan Melanie , Shokat Kevan M. , Ducker Gregory S. , Kim Grace E. , Hann Byron , Donner David B. , Warren Robert S. , Venook Alan P. , Bergsland Emily K. , Lee Danny , Wang Yucheng , Nakakura Eric K.
Published: September 2018

Patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNET) commonly develop advanced disease and require systemic therapy. However, treatment options remain limited, in part, because experimental models that reliably emulate PNET disease are lacking. We therefore developed a patient-derived xenograft model of PNET (PDX-PNET), which we then used to evaluate two mTOR inhibitor drugs: FDA-approved everolimus and the investigational new drug sapanisertib. PDX-PNETs maintained a PNET morphology and PNET-specific gene expression signature with serial passage. PDX-PNETs also harbored mutations in genes previously associated with PNETs (such as MEN1 and PTEN), displayed activation of the mTOR pathway, and could be detected by Gallium-68 DOTATATE PET-CT. Treatment of PDX-PNETs with either everolimus or sapanisertib strongly inhibited growth. As seen in patients, some PDX-PNETs developed resistance to everolimus. However, sapanisertib, a more potent inhibitor of the mTOR pathway, caused tumor shrinkage in most everolimus-resistant tumors. Our PDX-PNET model is the first available, validated PDX model for PNET, and preclinical data from the use of this model suggest that sapanisertib may be an effective new treatment option for patients with PNET or everolimus-resistant PNET.
The STAT3 Inhibitor Galiellalactone Reduces IL6-Mediated AR Activity in Benign and Malignant Prostate Models
Authors: Handle Florian , Puhr Martin , Schaefer Georg , Lorito Nicla , Hoefer Julia , Gruber Martina , Guggenberger Fabian , Santer Frédéric R. , Marques Rute B. , van Weerden Wytske M. , Claessens Frank , Erb Holger H.H. , Culig Zoran
Published: September 2018

IL6/STAT3 signaling is associated with endocrine therapy resistance in prostate cancer, but therapies targeting this pathway in prostate cancer were unsuccessful in clinical trials so far. The mechanistic explanation for this phenomenon is currently unclear; however, IL6 has pleiotropic effects on a number of signaling pathways, including the androgen receptor (AR). Therefore, we investigated IL6-mediated AR activation in prostate cancer cell lines and ex vivo primary prostate tissue cultures in order to gain a better understanding on how to inhibit this process for future clinical trials. IL6 significantly increased androgen-dependent AR activity in LNCaP cells but importantly did not influence AR activity at castrate androgen levels. To identify the underlying mechanism, we investigated several signaling pathways but only found IL6-dependent changes in STAT3 signaling. Biochemical inhibition of STAT3 with the small-molecule inhibitor galiellalactone significantly reduced AR activity in several prostate and breast cancer cell lines. We confirmed the efficacy of galiellalactone in primary tissue slice cultures from radical prostatectomy samples. Galiellalactone significantly reduced the expression of the AR target genes PSA (P < 0.001), TMPRSS2 (P < 0.001), and FKBP5 (P = 0.003) in benign tissue cultures (n = 24). However, a high heterogeneity in the response of the malignant samples was discovered, and only a subset of tissue samples (4 out of 10) had decreased PSA expression upon galiellalactone treatment. Taken together, this finding demonstrates that targeting the IL6/STAT3 pathway with galiellalactone is a viable option to decrease AR activity in prostate tissue that may be applied in a personalized medicine approach.
Methylation-derived Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Lung Cancer Risk in Heavy Smokers
Authors: Grieshober Laurie , Graw Stefan , Barnett Matt J. , Thornquist Mark D. , Goodman Gary E. , Chen Chu , Koestler Devin C. , Marsit Carmen J. , Doherty Jennifer A.
Published: September 2018

The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a biomarker that indicates systemic inflammation and can be estimated using array-based DNA methylation data as methylation-derived NLR (mdNLR). We assessed the relationship between prediagnosis mdNLR and lung cancer risk in a nested case–control study in the β-Carotene and Retinol Efficacy Trial (CARET) of individuals at high risk for lung cancer due to heavy smoking or substantial occupational asbestos exposure. We matched 319 incident lung cancer cases to controls based on age at blood draw, smoking, sex, race, asbestos, enrollment year, and time at risk. We computed mdNLR using the ratio of predicted granulocyte and lymphocyte proportions derived from DNA methylation signatures in whole blood collected prior to diagnosis (median 4.4 years in cases). Mean mdNLR was higher in cases than controls (2.06 vs. 1.86, P = 0.03). Conditional logistic regression models adjusted for potential confounders revealed a 21% increased risk of lung cancer per unit increase in mdNLR [OR 1.21; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–1.45]. A 30% increased risk of non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was observed for each unit increase in mdNLR (n = 240 pairs; OR 1.30, 95% CI, 1.03–1.63), and there was no statistically significant association between mdNLR and small-cell lung cancer risk. The mdNLR–NSCLC association was most pronounced in those with asbestos exposure (n = 42 male pairs; OR 3.39; 95% CI, 1.32–8.67). A better understanding of the role of mdNLR in lung cancer etiology may improve prevention and detection of lung cancer. Cancer Prev Res; 11(11); 727–34. ©2018 AACR.
The Derived Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Is an Independent Prognostic Factor in Transplantation Ineligible Patients with Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Lee Gyeong-Won , Park Sung Woo , Go Se-Il , Kim Hoon-Gu , Kim Min Kyoung , Min Chang-Ki , Kwak Jae-Yong , Bae Sang-Byung , Yoon Sung-Soo , Lee Je-Jung , Kim Ki Hwan , Nam Seung-Hyun , Mun Yeung-Chul , Kim Hyo Jung , Bae Sung Hwa , Shin Ho-Jin , Lee Jung-Hee , Park Joon Seong , Jeong Seong Hyun , Lee Mark Hong , Lee Ho Sup , Park Keon Woo , Lee Won-Sik , Lee Sang Min , Lee Jeong-Ok , Hyun Myung Soo , Jo Deog Yeon , Lim Sung-Nam , Lee Jae Hoon , Kim Hawk , Cho Do-Yeun , Do Young Rok , Kim Jeong-A , Park Seong Kyu , Kim Jin Seok , Kim Soo-Jeong , Yi Hyeon Gyu , Moon Joon Ho , Choi Chul Won , Kim Sung-Hyun , Kim Byung Soo , Park Moo-Rim , Shim Hyeok , Song Moo-Kon , Kim Youngdoe , Kim Kihyun
Published: September 2018

Background: The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is an independent prognostic marker in solid and hematological cancers. While the derived NLR (dNLR) was shown to be non-inferior to the NLR in large cohorts of patients with different cancer types, it has not been validated as a prognostic marker for multiple myeloma (MM) to date. Methods: Between May 22, 2011 and May 29, 2014, 176 patients with MM from 38 centers who were ineligible for autologous stem cell transplantation were analyzed. The dNLR was calculated using complete blood count differential data. The optimal dNLR cut-off value according to receiver operating characteristic analysis of overall survival (OS) was 1.51. All patients were treated with melphalan and prednisone combined with bortezomib. Results: The complete response rate was lower in the high dNLR group compared to the low dNLR group (7 vs. 26.1%, respectively; p = 0.0148); the corresponding 2-year OS rates were 72.2 and 84.7%, respectively (p = 0.0354). A high dNLR was an independent poor prognostic factor for OS (hazard ratio 2.217, 95% CI 1.015–4.842; p = 0.0458). Conclusion: The dNLR is a readily available and cheaply obtained parameter in clinical studies, and shows considerable potential as a new prognostic marker for transplantation-ineligible patients with MM.
Dysregulated Network of Immune, Endocrine and Metabolic Markers is Associated to More Severe Human Chronic Chagas Cardiomyopathy
Authors: González Florencia , Villar Silvina , D’Attilio Luciano , Leiva Rodolfo , Marquez Julia , Lioi Susana , Beloscar Juan , Bottasso Oscar , Perez Ana Rosa
Published: September 2018

Individuals who are infected with Trypanosoma cruzi develop chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCC), which is a complication involving a series of immune pathogenetic mechanisms, although an association between immune and metabolic alterations was more recently proposed. Accordingly, we investigated the immuno-metabolic response in chagasic patients and their possible influence on CCC pathogenesis. To this end, T. cruzi-seropositive (asymptomatic or with CCC) and sero-negative individuals were studied. Serum tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, adipocytokines and the expression of their receptors in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) were evaluated, together with other factors influencing the immune response. CCC patients showed major metabolic and hormonal abnormalities, in parallel with increased IL-6 and leptin serum levels. TNF-α receptor s, leptin and adiponectin receptors (ObR and Adipo-Rs respectively), as well as PPAR-γ expression in PBMCs from CCC patients were compatible with a counteracting response leading to an unfavourable immune-metabolic profile. These results suggest that persistently increased levels of immune-metabolic pro-inflammatory mediators along with the adverse endocrine anti-inflammatory response of CCC individuals, may contribute to the underlying mechanisms dealing with myocardial tissue damage.
Expression of Duplex shRNAs through a Lentiviral Vector against Cellular and Viral Genes Inflicts Sustained Inhibition of Hepatitis C Virus Replication
Authors: Mandal Anirban , Chaubey Binay
Published: September 2018

Background: The RNAi-based transient therapeutic approach has been well explored for its potential against the hepatitis V virus (HCV). However, to achieve a sustained virological response, a consistent presence of siRNA is needed and it can be achieved by constitutively expressing shRNAs. In this context, the lentiviral vector has emerged as an attractive tool for shRNA delivery against HCV. Methods: We monitored HCV inhibition after single and multiple rounds of siRNA treatments against La autoantigen and HCV-NS5B in Huh-7.5 cells infected with the FL-J6/JFH chimeric HCV strain. A bicistronic self-inactivating third-generation lentiviral vector expressing shRNA under U6 and H1 promoters was constructed. To ascertain the long-term HCV inhibition, cells were transduced with lentiviral vectors and HCV inhibition was monitored by RT-PCR and Western blotting at regular intervals. Results: We observed transient antiviral activity after a single round of siRNA treatment, and consecutive rounds of treatments with siRNA demonstrated a sustained HCV inhibition. Delivery of duplex shRNA expressing lentiviral vectors provided constant expression of shRNA leading to synergistic and sustained HCV inhibition. Conclusion: A lentiviral vector-based delivery system is a “single-shot” therapeutic strategy. It can express duplex shRNA for long-term synergistic inhibition of HCV and qualify as a promising therapeutic approach for sustained inhibition of HCV replication.
Prognostic Value of the Detection of Lymphovascular Invasion in Hormone Receptor-Positive Early Breast Cancer in the Era of Molecular Profiling
Authors: Mutai Raz , Goldvaser Hadar , Shochat Tzipora , Peretz Idit , Sulkes Aaron , Yerushalmi Rinat
Published: September 2018

Background: Lymphovascular invasion (LVI) is considered a negative prognostic factor in early breast cancer, but its role in decision-making regarding adjuvant chemotherapy is unclear in the current era of molecular profiling. This study sought to evaluate the association of LVI status with the recurrence score (RS) on the multigene Oncotype DX (ODX) assay and its impact on outcome. Methods: Patients with early estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer who underwent ODX analysis in 2005–2012 were retrospectively identified. Clinical data were collected from the medical records. The Cox proportional-hazards ratio was used to determine recurrence rates. The prognostic significance of LVI was evaluated by competing risks analysis. Results: LVI was detected in 38 of 657 patients (6%). LVI was not associated with ODX RS (p = 0.225). However, it was significantly associated with other known prognostic factors and with worse 5-year disease-free survival (HR 2.93; 95% CI 1.02–8.39; p = 0.04). Overall survival (OS) analysis according to the ODX subgroups showed that the presence of LVI was associated with worse 5-year OS (p = 0.04) only in the intermediate-risk group, while LVI had no effect on the low- or high-risk groups. Conclusions: Although LVI was not significantly associated with a higher ODX RS, it may infer a worse outcome, especially in ODX intermediate-risk patients.
Lymph Nodes in Breast Cancer - What Can We Learn from Translational Research
Authors: Peintinger Florentia , Reitsamer Roland , Smidt Marjolein L. , Kühn Thorsten , Liedtke Cornelia
Published: September 2018

Clinical observations about lack of survival benefit after extensive axillary surgery and biological discordance between primary breast tumors and axillary lymph nodes raise the question of the actual metastatic potential of axillary nodal disease. The exploration of intratumoral heterogeneity and detection of genomic differences between the primary and lymph nodes indicate some similarity between the number of mutations in synchronous axillary node metastases and those in the primary lesion, suggesting a favorable prognosis. The hematogenous route of metastasis needs to be considered in findings of different subclones between nodal and distant metastases. Modern tools such as whole-genome sequencing applied in multiple tumor areas may guide more precisely the extent of axillary surgery.
Neonatal Alloimmune Neutropenia
Authors: Porcelijn Leendert , de Haas Masja
Published: September 2018

Neonatal alloimmune neutropenia (NAIN, NAIN or NIN) is a neutrophil blood group antagonism, analogous to hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) and fetal/neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT). A limited number of prospective screening studies showed that granulocyte-specific antibodies were detectable in 0.35-1.1% of random postnatal maternal samples and that the incidence of NAIN was below 0.1%. Symptoms vary from none to mild skin infections, omphalitis or more severe infections like pneumonia, sepsis, and meningitis. Treatment of neonatal infection with antibiotics and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor is advised.
Does the Addition of Non-Approved Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria for rtPA Impact Treatment Rates? Findings in Australia, the UK, and the USA
Authors: Craig Louise E. , Middleton Sandy , Hamilton Helen , Cudlip Fern , Swatzell Victoria , Alexandrov Andrei V. , Lightbody Elizabeth , Watkins Dame Caroline , Philip Sheeba , Cadilhac Dominique A. , McInnes Elizabeth , Dale Simeon , Alexandrov Anne W.
Published: September 2018

Background: Strict criteria for recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) eligibility are stipulated on licences for use in ischaemic stroke; however, practitioners may also add non-standard rtPA criteria. We examined eligibility criteria variation in 3 English-speaking countries including use of non-standard criteria, in relation to rtPA treatment rates. Methods: Surveys were mailed to 566 eligible hospitals in Australia (AUS), the UK, and the USA. Criteria were pre-classified as standard (approved indication and contraindications) or non-standard (approved warning or researcher “decoy”). Percentage for criterion selection was calculated/compared; linear regression was used to assess the association between use of non-standard criteria and rtPA treatment rates, and to identify factors associated with addition of non-standard criteria. Results: Response rates were 74% AUS, 65% UK, and 68% USA; mean rtPA treatment rates were 8.7% AUS, 12.7% UK, and 8.7% USA. Median percentage of non-standard inclusions was 33% (all 3 countries) and included National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores > 4, computed tomography (CT) angiography documented occlusion, and favourable CT perfusion. Median percentage of non-standard exclusions was 25% AUS, 28% UK, and 60% USA, and included depressed consciousness, NIHSS > 25, and use of antihypertensive infusions. No AUS or UK sites selected 100% of standard exclusions. Conclusions: Non-standard criteria for rtPA eligibility were evident in all three countries and could, in part, explain comparably low use of rtPA. Differences in the use of standard criteria may signify practitioner intolerance for those derived from original efficacy studies that are no longer relevant.
Cytopathology of Solid Variant of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: Differential Diagnoses with other Thyroid Tumors
Authors: Guleria Prerna , Phulware Ravi , Agarwal Shipra , Jain Deepali , Mathur Sandeep R. , Iyer Venkateswaran K. , Ballal Sanjana , Bal Chandrasekhar S.
Published: September 2018

Objectives: Solid variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (SVPTC) is rare, differing from classical PTC (cPTC) in architecture and outcome. We evaluated the cytomorphology of SVPTC cases to assess the feasibility of a preoperative diagnosis. Study Design: SVPTC cases were evaluated for architecture, nuclear features, and Bethesda category and were compared with noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features/follicular variant of PTC (NIFTP/FVPTC), cPTC, and poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC). Results: Nine SVPTCs, 29 NIFTP/FVPTCs, 12 cPTCs, and 4 PDTCs were included. The predominant architecture in most SVPTCs was solid fragment, which is helpful in differentiating them from NIFTP/FVPTC (p < 0.001) and cPTC (p = 0.006) but not from PDTC. The presence of microfollicles led to misinterpretation as NIFTP/FVPTC/follicular neoplasm in 4 patients. All but 1 SVPTC showed diffuse nuclear features. Intranuclear pseudoinclusions (INIs) were seen in 67% of SVPTCs as compared to 83% of cPTCs, 14% of NIFTP/FVPTCs (p = 0.005), and none of PDTCs. SVPTC cases were commonly (78%) categorized as intermediate/suspicious. Conclusions: The presence of solid fragments and lack of true papillae are helpful in differentiating SVPTC from cPTC. Solid fragments, trabeculae, the extent of nuclear features, and INIs should be looked for in cases with prominent microfollicles for distinguishing SVPTC from NIFTP/FVPTC. None of the features were helpful in differentiating SVPTC from PDTC.
Provocation, Conflict, and Appropriation: The Role of the Designer in Making Publics
Authors: Hansson Karin , Forlano Laura , Choi Jaz Hee-jeong , DiSalvo Carl , Pargman Teresa Cerratto , Bardzell Shaowen , Lindtner Silvia , Joshi Somya
Published: September 2018

The role and embodiment of the designer/artist in making publics is significant. This special issue draws attention to reflexive practices in Art & Design, and questions how these practices are embedded in the formations and operations of publics, grounded in six cases of participatory design conducted in the United States, India, Turkey, England, Denmark, and Belgium. From these design practices, typologies of participation are formulated that describe the role of the designer. These typologies describe different and sometimes conflicting epistemologies—providing designers with a vocabulary to communicate a diversity of participatory settings and supporting reflexive practices.
Redirecting a Scattered Public Toward Alternative Matters of Concern: Shifting Perceptions of Urban Wastewater Governance in Indonesia
Authors: Rosenqvist Tanja
Published: September 2018

Designers can and already do play an important role in supporting publics as they are coming into being and to help clarify and express the publics’ interests. The coming into being of a public, however, does not guarantee it acts in its own best interest or in the best interest of the common good. Publics’ existing matters-of-concern might, as demonstrated in this article, be influenced by deeply engrained societal norms and values, or even fear for demonstrating other concerns. What is the role of the designer in such situations? In this article I suggest designers can engage in redirecting publics towards alternative matters-of-concern.
Stroud, Hegel, Heidegger: A Transcendental Argument
Authors: Davies Kim
Published: September 2018

This paper presents an original, ambitious, truth-directed transcendental argument for the existence of an ‘external world’. It begins with a double-headed starting-point: Stroud’s own remarks on the necessary conditions of language in general, and Hegel’s critique of the “fear of error.” The paper argues that the sceptical challenge requires a particular critical concept of thought as that which may diverge from reality, and that this concept is possible only through reflection on situations of error, in which how things are thought (or experienced) to be diverges from how things really are with independent items in an objective world. The existence of such a world is therefore a necessary condition of the possibility of scepticism: such scepticism is therefore false. I defend the argument against objections from Stroud’s sceptic and others. Drawing on Heidegger, the paper concludes by indicating that the chain of necessary conditions includes practical engagement with the world.
Introductory Overview
Authors: Maddy Penelope
Published: September 2018

This piece gives an overview of my book, What Do Philosophers Do? Skepticism and the Practice of Philosophy.
City Musicscapes: Live Music in the Cities of Groningen and Utrecht, 2010–2016
Authors: Lelieveldt Philomeen , Bisschop Boele Evert H.
Published: September 2018

What kinds of live music are available to the citizens of the cities of Groningen and Utrecht? That is the main question in two research projects, of which the databases have been made accessible in the Dataverse City Musicscapes (Lelieveldt & Bisschop Boele, 2018). At first sight databases of statistical research offices provide researchers with clear data about the number of venues and concerts and the participation of audiences (Gemeente Utrecht 2017, Van den Broek 2014). When looking closer we find that in these statistics only the regular (and mainly publicly funded) music venues are included. The authors’ projects show that a substantial part (53–60%) of live music concerts take place on non-regular locations, such as cafés, restaurants, clubs, churches, shopping malls and in open air. They developed a research tool to be able to draw a map of the musical landscape of a city (Musicscape). In this article we will reflect on the goals, research methods, datasets and some results from analysing our datasets. We hope this contributes to the discussion with scholars, music producers and policy makers about the added value of the concept of Musicscapes for the understanding of cultural participation, music performing practices and cultural policies.
Apios chendezhaoana (Fabaceae), an overlooked species and a new combination from China: evidence from morphological and molecular analyses
Authors: ZHANG FAN , FENG SI , ZHOU JIANJUN , ZHANG RONG , LIU LINHAN , YANG CHENGZI , YU XUNLIN , PAN BO
Published: September 2018

Apios chendezhaoana, a new combination derived from Sinolegumenea chendezhaoana, is recognized by both morphological and molecular evidence. It is a new member within Apios, and it is also an endemic and endangered species from East and South China. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that it could be sister to A. fortunei, but morphologically it differs from all its allies by its broad triangular leaflets with caudate apices, white corolla, pink markings on the lower part of the keel, and dilated style with tufted hairs beneath the stigma. We provide a detailed description, photographs, illustrations, and distribution map. We also estimate its conservation status according to IUCN criteria. A key to Apios is also provided, together with a brief revision.
Introducing Massarioramusculicola, a novel genus in Massariaceae
Authors: HUANRALUEK NARUEMON , THAMBUGALA KASUN M. , WANG YONG , HYDE KEVIN D.
Published: September 2018

The species of the family Massariaceae have been reported as hemibiotrophs, saprotrophs or weak pathogens. Massarioramusculicols chiangraiensis gen. et sp. nov. (Massariaceae) is introduced in this study to accommodate a taxon isolated from dead twigs of an unknown host, collected in Thailand. Phylogenetic analysis of large subunit (LSU) rRNA sequence data and morphological studies show the relationships of M. chiangraiensis with other genera in Massariaceae. Three genera Massaria, Massarioramusculicola and Neomassaria are accepted in Massariaceae and a key to genera of the family is provided. The genus Massarioramusculicola is clearly different from Massaria, whereas the latter has larger ascomata typically firmly embedded in pseudostromatic tissues intermixed with substrate cells, often surrounded by blackened marginal zones and covered by a dark clypeus, as well as brown to dark brown, larger, 3-disto- or euseptate ascospores. Massarioramusculicola can be distinguished from Neomassaria in having a peridium with two strata comprising dark brown to hyaline cells of textura angularis, rarely branched, septate trabeculae and 3-septate ascoapores.