bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonality and dietary requirements: will eating seasonal food contribute to health and environmental sustainability?
Authors: Macdiarmid Jennie I.
Published: November 2013

Eating more seasonal food is one proposal for moving towards more sustainable consumption patterns, based on the assumption that it could reduce the environmental impact of the diet. The aim of the present paper is to consider the implications of eating seasonal food on the different elements of sustainability (i.e. health, economics, society), not just the environment. Seasonality can be defined as either globally seasonal (i.e. produced in the natural production season but consumed anywhere in the world) or locally seasonal (i.e. produced in the natural production season and consumed within the same climatic zone). The environmental, health, economic and societal impact varies by the definition used. Global seasonality has the nutritional benefit of providing a more varied and consistent supply of fresh produce year round, but this increases demand for foods that in turn can have a high environmental cost in the country of production (e.g. water stress, land use change with loss of biodiversity). Greenhouse gas emissions of globally seasonal food are not necessarily higher than food produced locally as it depends more on the production system used than transportation. Eating more seasonal food, however, is only one element of a sustainable diet and should not overshadow some of the potentially more difficult dietary behaviours to change that could have greater environmental and health benefits (e.g. reducing overconsumption or meat consumption). For future guidelines for sustainable diets to be realistic they will need to take into account modern lifestyles, cultural and social expectations in the current food environment.
Such stuff as dreams are made on? Elaborative encoding, the ancient art of memory, and the hippocampus
Authors: Llewellyn Sue
Published: November 2013

This article argues that rapid eye movement (REM) dreaming is elaborative encoding for episodic memories. Elaborative encoding in REM can, at least partially, be understood through ancient art of memory (AAOM) principles: visualization, bizarre association, organization, narration, embodiment, and location. These principles render recent memories more distinctive through novel and meaningful association with emotionally salient, remote memories. The AAOM optimizes memory performance, suggesting that its principles may predict aspects of how episodic memory is configured in the brain. Integration and segregation are fundamental organizing principles in the cerebral cortex. Episodic memory networks interconnect profusely within the cortex, creating omnidirectional “landmark” junctions. Memories may be integrated at junctions but segregated along connecting network paths that meet at junctions. Episodic junctions may be instantiated during non–rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep after hippocampal associational function during REM dreams. Hippocampal association involves relating, binding, and integrating episodic memories into a mnemonic compositional whole. This often bizarre, composite image has not been present to the senses; it is not “real” because it hyperassociates several memories. During REM sleep, on the phenomenological level, this composite image is experienced as a dream scene. A dream scene may be instantiated as omnidirectional neocortical junction and retained by the hippocampus as an index. On episodic memory retrieval, an external stimulus (or an internal representation) is matched by the hippocampus against its indices. One or more indices then reference the relevant neocortical junctions from which episodic memories can be retrieved. Episodic junctions reach a processing (rather than conscious) level during normal wake to enable retrieval. If this hypothesis is correct, the stuff of dreams is the stuff of memory.
Such stuff as NREM dreams are made on?
Authors: Cicogna PierCarla , Occhionero Miranda
Published: November 2013

The question that we deal with in this commentary is the need to clarify the synergistic role of different non–rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep stages (stages 2 and 3–4) with REM and while awake in elaborative encoding of episodic memory. If the assumption is that there is isomorphism between neuronal and cognitive networks, then more detailed analysis of NREM sleep and dreams is absolutely necessary.
Dream and emotion regulation: Insight from the ancient art of memory
Authors: Desseilles Martin , Duclos Catherine
Published: November 2013

During dreaming, as well as during wakefulness, elaborative encoding, indexing and ancient art of memory (AAOM) techniques, such as the method of loci, may coincide with emotion regulation. These techniques shed light on the link between dreaming and emotional catharsis, post-traumatic stress disorder, supermemorization during sleep as opposed to wakefulness, and the developmental role of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep in children.
Ontological significance of the dream world
Authors: Globus Gordon
Published: November 2013

Sometimes while sleeping we find ourselves thrown amidst an authentic, albeit bizarre, world. The process of integration by means of which memory elements might be fabricated into a seamless world indistinguishable from the world of waking life is not explained by Llewellyn, who focuses instead on the elaborative encoding of memories. Ontological implications of the sometimes indiscernibility of wake and dream worlds are considered.
A three-legged stool needs a stronger third leg
Authors: Greenberg Ramon
Published: November 2013

Whereas the target article stresses the neurobiology and psychology of dreams, this commentary emphasizes that the role of dreams in emotional integration and adaptation contributes to a fuller understanding of dreaming and memory. The dream presented in the target article is used, within the constraints of space, as a possible example of a broader approach to dream material.
The ancient art of memory
Authors: Hobson Allan
Published: November 2013

Revision of Freud's theory requires a new way of seeking dream meaning. With the idea of elaborative encoding, Sue Llewellyn has provided a method of dream interpretation that takes into account both modern sleep science and the ancient art of memory. Her synthesis is elegant and compelling. But is her hypothesis testable?
The secret is at the crossways: Hodotopic organization and nonlinear dynamics of brain neural networks
Authors: Mattei Tobias A.
Published: November 2013

By integrating the classic psychological principles of ancient art of memory (AAOM) with the most recent paradigms in cognitive neuroscience (i.e., the concepts of hodotopic organization and nonlinear dynamics of brain neural networks), Llewellyn provides an up-to-date model of the complex psychological relationships between memory, imagination, and dreams in accordance with current state-of-the-art principles in neuroscience.
The method of loci (MoL) and memory consolidation: Dreaming is not MoL-like
Authors: Nielsen Tore
Published: November 2013

Certain method of loci (MoL) prerequisites – familiar, coherently ordered locations – should appear during dreaming if the latter is, in fact, elaborative memory encoding as hypothesized by Llewellyn. A review of the literature suggests that dreamed locations are neither familiar nor coherently ordered and thus unsuitable for facilitating memory in this sense. This conclusion converges with other evidence that episodic memory is dependent upon non–rapid eye movement (NREM), rather than REM, sleep.
Such stuff as REM and NREM dreams are made on? An elaboration
Authors: Llewellyn Sue
Published: November 2013

I argued that rapid eye movement (REM) dreaming is elaborative emotional encoding for episodic memories, sharing many features with the ancient art of memory (AAOM). In this framework, during non–rapid eye movement (NREM), dream scenes enable junctions between episodic networks in the cortex and are retained by the hippocampus as indices for retrieval. The commentaries, which varied in tone from patent enthusiasm to edgy scepticism, fall into seven natural groups: debate over the contribution of the illustrative dream and disputes over the nature of dreaming (discussed in sect. R1); how the framework extends to creativity, psychopathology, and sleep disturbances (sect. R2); the compatibility of the REM dream encoding function with emotional de-potentiation (sect. R3); scepticism over similarities between REM dreaming and the AAOM (sect. R4); the function of NREM dreams in the sleep cycle (sect. R5); the fit of the junction hypothesis with current knowledge of cortical networks (sect. R6); and whether the hypothesis is falsifiable (including methodological challenges and evidence against the hypothesis) (sect. R7). Although the groups in sections R1–R6 appear quite disparate, I argue they all follow from the associative nature of dreaming.
Resolution of severe cardiomyopathy in infantile Pompe disease
Authors: Parent John J. , Schamberger Marcus
Published: November 2013

Infantile Pompe disease is a rare inborn error of metabolism characterized by severe hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and generalised hypotonia occurring in infancy. We present a case of an infant with severe hypertrophic cardiomyopathy that resolved after treatment with enzyme replacement therapy.
Slow pathway modulation in a patient with tricuspid valve atresia
Authors: Frommeyer Gerrit , Milberg Peter , Eckardt Lars , Mönnig Gerold
Published: November 2013

Owing to increased life expectancy, patients with grown-up congenital heart disease nowadays present various types of arrhythmias. We report treatment of a 27-year-old patient with tricuspid and pulmonary atresia who was referred to our department with symptomatic tachycardia. During electrophysiologic study, a diagnosis of typical AV-nodal re-entrant tachycardia was made, and he was successfully treated despite the described anatomic malformation.
Multiply-twinned intermetallic AuCu pentagonal nanorods
Authors: Yang Jinhua , Chng Leng Leng , Yang Xianfeng , Chen Xiaojun , Ying Jackie Y.
Published: November 2013

Monodispersed intermetallic AuCu pentagonal nanorods with controlled size and composition have been developed by a seed-mediated growth route. The AuCu/C nanomaterial catalyzed the coupling reaction of sulfonamide with benzyl alcohol in good to excellent yields.
Synthesis of polymeric ladders by topochemical polymerization
Authors: Hou Xiaodong , Wang Zhihan , Lee Joseph , Wysocki Erin , Oian Casey , Schlak Jennifer , Chu Qianli R.
Published: November 2013

Two stereoregular polymeric ladders were synthesized from plant-derived materials by topochemical polymerization.
Dynamic behaviour of giant unilamellar vesicles induced by the uptake of [70]fullerene
Authors: Ikeda Atsushi , Hida Tomohiro , Iizuka Tatsuya , Tsukamoto Manami , Kikuchi Jun-ichi , Yasuhara Kazuma
Published: November 2013

We have directly observed the processes involved in a C70-exchange reaction from γ-cyclodextrin cavities to lipid membranes using GUVs by phase contrast microscopy.
Visible-light-driven water oxidation at a polychromium-oxo-electrodeposited TiO2 electrode as a new type of earth-abundant photoanode
Authors: Kajita Masashi , Saito Kenji , Abe Naoto , Shoji Akinori , Matsubara Kazuki , Yui Tatsuto , Yagi Masayuki
Published: November 2013

A polychromium-oxo-deposited TiO2 electrode was fabricated as an earth-abundant photoanode for visible-light-driven water oxidation.
Predicting crystal structures of organic compounds
Authors: Price Sarah L.
Published: November 2013

Organic Crystal Structure Prediction methods generate the thermodynamically plausible crystal structures of a molecule. There are often many more such structures than experimentally observed polymorphs.
Changes in breath carbon isotope composition as a potential biomarker of inflammatory acute phase response in mechanically ventilated pediatric patients
Authors: Boriosi Juan P. , Maki Dennis G. , Yngsdal-Krenz Rhonda A. , Wald Ellen R. , Porter Warren P. , Cook Mark E. , Bütz Daniel E.
Published: November 2013

Sepsis is a leading cause of mortality in intensive care units.
Additive-assisted supramolecular manipulation of polymer:fullerene blend phase morphologies and its influence on photophysical processes
Authors: Buchaca-Domingo E. , Ferguson A. J. , Jamieson F. C. , McCarthy-Ward T. , Shoaee S. , Tumbleston J. R. , Reid O. G. , Yu L. , Madec M.-B. , Pfannmöller M. , Hermerschmidt F. , Schröder R. R. , Watkins S. E. , Kopidakis N. , Portale G. , Amassian A. , Heeney M. , Ade H. , Rumbles G. , Durrant J. R. , Stingelin N.
Published: November 2013

The role of intermixed phases in organic solar cell blends is evaluated through manipulation of their number of phases.
Microwave-assisted post-synthesis modification of layered simple hydroxides
Authors: Palamarciuc O. , Delahaye E. , Rabu P. , Rogez G.
Published: November 2013

We show here that it is possible to post-functionalize metal simple hydroxide layers by performing in situ microwave-assisted reactions.
Waveband-dependent photochemical processing of graphene oxide in fabricating reduced graphene oxide film and graphene oxide–Ag nanoparticles film
Authors: Li Bing , Zhang Xintong , Chen Peng , Li Xinghua , Wang Lingling , Zhang Ceng , Zheng Weitao , Liu Yichun
Published: November 2013

Waveband-dependent photochemical reduction of graphene oxide (GO) and Ag+ in water has been studied. The microstructure of GO is suggested to be responsible for the waveband-dependent photoreduction.
Facile synthesis of carbon decorated silicon nanotube arrays as anode material for high-performance lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Lu Zhenzhen , Wong Tailun , Ng Tsz-Wai , Wang Chundong
Published: November 2013

A new facile approach to fabricate carbon decorated Si nanotubes (C@SiNTs) was proposed by using chemical vapor deposition.
Self-assembly of giant supramolecular cubes with terpyridine ligands as vertices and metals on edges
Authors: Wang Chao , Hao Xin-Qi , Wang Ming , Guo Cunlan , Xu Bingqian , Tan Eric N. , Zhang Yan-Yan , Yu Yihua , Li Zhong-Yu , Yang Hai-Bo , Song Mao-Ping , Li Xiaopeng
Published: November 2013

Giant metallo-supramolecular cubes were assembled by using tritopic terpyridine ligands as corners and metal ions as edges.
Children's Marking of Verbal –s by Nonmainstream English Dialect and Clinical Status
Authors: Cleveland Lesli H. , Oetting Janna B.
Published: November 2013

Purpose

Children's marking of verbal –s was examined by their dialect (African American English [AAE] vs. Southern White English [SWE]) and clinical status (specific language impairment [SLI] vs. typically developing [TD]) and as a function of 4 linguistic variables (verb regularity, negation, expression of a habitual activity, and expression of historical present tense).

Method

The data were language samples from 57 six-year-olds who varied by their dialect and clinical status (AAE: SLI = 14, TD = 12; SWE: SLI = 12, TD = 19).

Results

The AAE groups produced lower rates of marking than did the SWE groups, and the SWE SLI group produced lower rates of marking than did the SWE TD group. Although low numbers of verb contexts made it difficult to evaluate the linguistic variables, there was evidence of their influence, especially for verb regularity and negation. The direction and magnitude of the effects were often (but not always) consistent with what has been described in the adult dialect literature.

Conclusion

Verbal –s can be used to help distinguish children with and without SLI in SWE but not in AAE. Clinicians can apply these findings to other varieties of AAE and SWE and other dialects by considering rates of marking and the effects of linguistic variables on marking.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.14963532
Surgical Strategies to Improve Fixation in the Osteoporotic Spine: the Effects of Tapping, Cement Augmentation, and Screw Trajectory
Authors: Kuhns Craig A. , Reiter Michael , Pfeiffer Ferris , Choma Theodore J.
Published: November 2013

Study Design

Biomechanical study of pedicle screw fixation in osteoporotic bone.

Objective

To investigate whether it is better to tap or not tap osteoporotic bone prior to placing a cement-augmented pedicle screw.

Methods

Initially, we evaluated load to failure of screws placed in cancellous bone blocks with or without prior tapping as well as after varying the depths of tapping prior to screw insertion. Then we evaluated load to failure of screws placed in bone block models with a straight-ahead screw trajectory as well as with screws having a 23-degree cephalad trajectory (toward the end plate). These techniques were tested with nonaugmented (NA) screws as well as with bioactive cement (BioC) augmentation prior to screw insertion.

Results

In the NA group, pretapping decreased fixation strength in a dose-dependent fashion. In the BioC group, the tapped screws had significantly greater loads to failure ( p < 0.01). Comparing only the screw orientation, the screws oriented at 23 degrees cephalad had a significantly higher failure force than their respective counterparts at 0 degrees ( p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Standard pedicle screw fixation is often inadequate in the osteoporotic spine, but this study suggests tapping prior to cement augmentation will substantially improve fixation when compared with not tapping. Angulating screws more cephalad also seems to enhance aging spine fixation.
13. Long-term effectiveness of intra-anal high-grade dysplasia ablation and near 100% prevention of progression to anal cancer
Authors: Goldstone Stephen E. , Johnstone Andrew A. , Moshier Erin L.
Published: November 2013

Background
High-grade dysplasia (HSIL) is the anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC) precursor. Ablation with surgery, electro cautery (ECA) and infrared coagulation (IRC) might prevent ASCC. We endeavoured to determine long-term effectiveness of HSIL ablation and progression to ASCC. Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients undergoing HSIL ablation by any modality between February 1998 until May 2012. Results: In 456 HIV+ MSM (mean age 45 ± 9 years) and 271 HIV– MSM (mean age 41 ± 11years) followed for a mean of 3 (range 0.2–13) years, 1673 HSILs were treated by laser, IRC and/or ECA. ASCC developed in 5 (0.7%) MSM but only one (0.1%) was undergoing active treatment. For HIV+ MSM, recurrence after 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th treatment was 66%, 64%, 62% and 54%, respectively. For HIV– MSM, HSIL recurrence after the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th treatment was 59%, 44%, 46% and 50%, respectively. Median number of recurrent lesions was never greater than 2 for HIV+ MSM and 1 for HIV– MSM. The cure rate of lesions treated once in HIV+ and HIV– MSM was 73% and 84%, respectively. KM curves demonstrate that most recurrence occurs within the first 12 months after treatment. Recurrence increased with HIV infection (HR 1.3; 95% CI: 1.1–1.6) and each additional lesion treated (HR 1.6; 95% CI: 1.1–1.2). Age and treatment modality did not affect recurrence. Conclusions: Patients undergoing active ablation for cure of intra-anal HSIL appear to have limited progression to ASCC. Recurrence remains high but falls over time and repeated treatment.
16. Prevalence and correlates of unsatisfactory anal pap tests (UAPT) in a community-recruited cohort of Australian homosexual men
Authors: Hillman Richard J. , Roberts J. , Jin F. , Poynten I. M. , Farnsworth A. , Fairley C. , Garland S. , Grulich A. , Templeton D.
Published: November 2013

Background
Anal Pap tests have been advocated as a screening tool for anal precancerous lesions. We aimed to ascertain prevalence and correlates of UAPT among homosexual men. Methods: SPANC is a 3-year prospective study of homosexual men aged ≥35 years in Sydney. At baseline, data were collected and study procedures, including an anal swab for ThinPrep® cytology, were performed. Results: UAPT initially occurred in 40 (11.7%) of 342 participants (median age 49 years; 28.7% HIV positive) enrolled by the end of March 2013. There was no difference in UAPT by collecting clinician (P = 0.669) or reporting pathologist (P = 0.267). UAPT occurred more than twice as often among HIV-negative compared with -positive men (13.9% vs 6.1%, P = 0.048) and were less likely than satisfactory smears to contain transformation zone (TZ) cells (4.6% vs 35.4%, P < 0.001). Having a UAPT was associated with more anal Pap swab discomfort (P = 0.037) and feeling more tense during the exam (P = 0.008), but not with haemorrhoids or past anal surgery. On multivariate analysis, never douching (P < 0.001), soapy water douching (among those who douched; P = 0.003), fewer anal HPV types (P = 0.005) and feeling more tense during the exam (P = 0.039) remained independently associated with UAPT. All UAPT were repeated within a month and results were: 21 (52.5%) again unsatisfactory, 13 (32.5%) negative, 2 (5.0%) ASCUS/LSIL and 4 (10%) ASC-H/HSIL. Conclusions: UAPT are more common among men with less receptive anal sexual experience. Causes of UAPT may be a combination of sampling, behavioural and biological factors.
17. Serum free testosterone levels associated with anal human papillomavirus types 16/18 in a cohort of men who have sex with men
Authors: Hsu Hilary , Brown Todd , Li Xiuhong , Young Stephen , Cranston Ross D. , D'Souza Gypsyamber , Jacobson Lisa P. , Martínez-Maza Otoniel , Seaberg Eric C. , Detels Roger , Wiley Dorothy J.
Published: November 2013

Background
Human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16/18 are significant causes of female cervical cancers and likely cause most anal cancers. Oestrogen influences HPV-related cervical malignancies; however, the role of testosterone in anal HPV16/18 infections is unknown. Methods: 340 men who have sex with men (MSM) enrolled in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study were tested for serum free testosterone (SFT) and, ~24 months later, anal HPV16/18-DNA. Poisson regression with robust error variance analyses estimated prevalence ratios for HPV16/18 infections with the following exposures: log10-transformed SFT, exogenous and supraphysiological testosterone measures, race, age, self-reported number of anal receptive intercourse partnerships ≤24 months before testing, enrolment period, body mass index, hepatitis C infection, tobacco and alcohol, HIV infection, and CD4+ T-cell counts among the HIV-infected. Stratified-tabular analyses also evaluated blood draw timing (AM/PM), study site, and time on study. Results: 89% (304/340) of men provided complete data for all covariates. On average, men were White (263/304), 60 years old (s.d. 5.3; median 60.1 years) with 76.2 ng dL–1 (s.d. 57.1; median 69.0 ng dL–1) SFT, and 43% (132/304) were HIV infected; 25% (75/304) tested HPV16/18-DNA positive. The fully adjusted model suggests each half-log10 increase of SFT is associated with a 1.69-fold (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08, 2.64) higher HPV16/18 prevalence. Compared with HIV-uninfected men, HPV16/18 prevalence was 1.81-fold higher (95% CI: 1.08, 3.03) for HIV-infected men with ≤500 CD4+ T-cells mm–3. No other covariates were significantly associated with HPV16/18 prevalence. Conclusions: Higher free testosterone is associated with increased HPV16/18 prevalence in MSM, independent of sexual behaviour and other potential confounders. The mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear and warrant further study.
22. Integration of anal Pap screening into a colposcopy clinic for HIV-infected women
Authors: Maguire Karla , Garcia Jorge , Cunha Isabella Rosa , Messick Barbara , Mendez Nelly Diaz , Doyle Faith , Smith Lindsay , Duverny Geralda , Duthely Lunthita , Potter JoNell
Published: November 2013

Background
Persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a precursor to cervical and anal dysplasia and cancer. Among HIV+ women, HPV is more difficult to treat. While no national standards exist for anal dysplasia screening, it may be an important tool in reducing anal cancer risk. At an urban university hospital in South Florida, HIV+ women lacked access to screening; thus, a pilot project was initiated. Methods: With support from the university, the hospital and the Florida/AIDS Education and Training Center (AETC), we implemented an anal dysplasia clinic within our existing HIV colposcopy clinic. A video developed by the Pennsylvania/Mid-Atlantic AETC provided anal Pap technique training to Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners. The protocols for specimen collection included Dacron swabs and Thin Prep® fixative, and cytology samples were read using the Bethesda criteria. AETC funded two gynaecologists to attend ASCCP’s high-resolution anoscopy (HRA) training; Health Resources and Services Administration funded a dedicated colposcope for HRA. Women attending the clinic were offered anal Pap screening with referral to HRA for abnormal results. Results: Anal Pap smears were collected for 124 women between May 2012 and June 2013; 114 (92%) had ASCUS, ASC-H, LSIL or HSIL. Overall, women are receptive to anal Pap screening; however, the no-show rate for follow-up HRA is 64%. Conclusions: Anal pap screening in an existing colposcopy clinic is a feasible model for detecting anal dysplasia and could be replicated for HIV+ women in other locales. Further study should assess the effect of staff engagement and patient education on screening to improve follow-up HRA rates.
26. Retrospective analysis of HIV-infected men with anal cancer attending the Toronto General Hospital Immunodeficiency Clinic, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (1985–2013)
Authors: Medford R. , Salit I. E.
Published: November 2013

Background
The incidence of anal cancer (AC) in Canada is 1.5/100 000 but HIV-infected individuals have incidence rates from 49–144/100 000. It is important to examine risk factors for this difference. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed to look at risk factors in patients with the diagnosis of ‘anal cancer’ attending the Toronto General Hospital Immunodeficiency Clinic (TGH-IC) in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, from 1985 to 2013. There were 5200 clinic attendees. Results: 36 (0.96%) males attending TGH-IC were diagnosed with AC between 1985 and 2013; 17 (47%) were diagnosed since 2008. 7 (19.4%) are deceased; 6 (16.7%) as a result of AC. Mean age at diagnosis was 56 ± 9.8 years compared with mean age at TGH-IC of 48 ± 15.9 years (P = 0.015). 33 (91.7%) were on anti-retroviral therapy (ART) at time of diagnosis. Compared with current ART use, 30 (90.9%) vs 727 (72.6%; P = 0.015) were on nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs); 22 (66.7%) vs 554 (55.3%; P = 0.015) were on protease inhibitors; 8 (24.2%) vs 471 (47.0%; P = 0.015) were on NNRTIs. Median CD4 count at diagnosis was 265 cells mm–3, compared with the TGH-IC of 425 cells mm–3 (P = 0.04). A tobacco history (former or current) was found in 24 (72.7%) with AC vs 2232 (41%) without AC (P = 0.015). 35 (97.2%) underwent treatment: combination chemotherapy and radiation therapy being the most common in 23 (63.9%). Conclusions: In 28 years, there have been a total of 36 males diagnosed with anal cancer at TGH-IC. They were older, had a lower CD4 count and were more likely to be smokers. Combination chemotherapy and radiation therapy remains the mainstay of treatment for AC.
35. Accuracy of anal cytology in predicting histological HSIL: baseline results from the Australian Study of the Prevention of Anal Cancer (SPANC)
Authors: Roberts Jennifer , Biro Clare , Farnsworth Annabelle , Ekman Debbie , Adams Marjorie , McDonald Ross , Richards Adele , Thurloe Julia , Jin Fengyi , Poynten Mary , Hillman Richard , Templeton David , Tong Winnie , Grulich Andrew
Published: November 2013

Background
Anal cytology may form the basis of a future screening program to prevent anal carcinoma. Therefore, the accuracy of anal Papanicolaou tests in detecting histological HSIL needs to be evaluated. Methods: SPANC is a 3-year prospective study in homosexual men aged ≥35 years. At each of five visits, men undergo collection of a ThinPrep® anal cytological sample, high-resolution anoscopy (HRA) and biopsy of any abnormalities. Cytology is reported using the Bethesda system. Histology is reported using lower anogenital squamous terminology. Results: 351 men had a baseline visit by end July 2013. Median age was 49 (range: 35–79) years and 101 (28.8%) men were HIV positive. Anal cytology results were: unsatisfactory in 21 (6.0%), negative in 143 (40.7%), ASC-US in 51 (14.5%), LSIL in 22 (6.3%), ASC-H in 45 (12.8%) and HSIL in 69 (19.7%). 293 of 351 (83.5%) men had baseline histology. The most severe abnormality for each was: negative for SIL in 98 (33.4%), LSIL in 87 (29.7%) and HSIL in 108 (36.9%). Anal cytology sensitivity for histological HSIL (at ASC-US threshold) was 79.0%. Specificity was 53.8%. Positive predictive value (PPV) of any cytological abnormality for histological HSIL was 44.4% and PPV of HSIL cytoprediction was 63.8%. Negative predictive value (NPV) was 84.6%. Overall there was no significant difference between HIV positive and negative men with respect to sensitivity, specificity, PPV or NPV. Conclusions: These results indicate that histological HSIL is common in homosexual men. The finding of any cytological abnormality should prompt HRA. However, both cytology and HRA can miss or underestimate significant lesions in a single screening.
40. Those sexy STDs: opportunities for prevention in an anal dysplasia practice
Authors: Schwartz Theresa M.
Published: November 2013

Young gay and bisexual men are continuing to engage in practices that permit new HIV infections. Most of them are unaware that pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with one pill a day can prevent most of these. HIV providers are poised to prescribe PrEP, but most of their patients are already HIV infected. General PCPs are considerably less knowledgeable regarding PrEP, even if they know/suspect that their patients are at risk for HIV acquisition. Anal dysplasia providers who see HIV-uninfected MSM have a unique opportunity to make an impact by identifying patients who might be candidates and providing basic information and referral.
Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection is notoriously difficult to detect by culture. CT is also a frequent cofactor in the transmission/acquisition of HIV. Gynaecologists routinely use nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) to diagnose CT and gonorrhoea. Although there is no FDA-approved commercially available NAAT for the diagnosis of rectal CT, individual laboratories are able to develop and validate their own assays, if they follow the protocols established by their regulatory/governing bodies. This may not be as difficult as you would expect, with good collaboration between clinical providers and laboratory administrators. Expect your diagnosis of rectal CT infections and lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) to increase significantly once you have an NAAT available to aid in diagnosis. Timely treatment of CT infections will decrease the number of new cases and perhaps even HIV incidence.
42. Epigenomic profiling of anal cancer: does size matter? An RTOG 98-11 specimen study
Authors: Siegel Erin , Eschrich Steven , Winter Kathryn , Riggs Bridget , Berglund Anders , Ajidahun Abidemi , Simko Jeff , Ajani Jaffer , Magliocco Anthony , Elahi Abul , Coppola Domenico , Shibata David
Published: November 2013

Background
Anal cancer accounts for 4% of all lower gastrointestinal tract malignancies in the US. One of the most important predictors of prognosis among anal cancer patients is the size of the primary tumour. Tumours with diameters >5 cm have poorer disease-free survival than those with smaller tumours. Understanding the biological changes associated with tumour growth may provide information to guide therapy and improve patient outcomes. DNA methylation changes are critical epigenetic events in cancer development. Methods: In this study we sought to characterise the epigenomic signatures associated with anal cancer tumour size (≤5 cm vs >5 cm) in FFPE tissues from 121 patients (≤5 cm = 88; >5 cm = 33) who participated in the RTOG 98–11 cooperative group anal cancer clinical trial. Differential methylation, examined at >450 000 CpG loci using the Illumina Human Methylation 450 Array, were compared between the two groups using Mann–Whitney test (significance = P < 0.001 and difference in methylation β-value >0.1). Results: This study included 74 women and 47 men with a median age of 54 years. A total of 86 CpG loci were differentially methylated (78 increased and 8 decreased) in large vs small tumours. Genes harbouring CpG sites that were among the most highly differentially methylated included those associated with WNT signalling (FZD10, WNT9A), microRNAs (MIR200A) and novel methylated targets (PON3). Conclusions: These data provide evidence that epigenetic events likely play a significant role in the progression of anal SCC and may serve as biomarkers of prognosis. Similar epigenomic approaches may be useful at earlier stages of anal neoplastic progression for application in screening and early detection.
44. Detection of the human papillomavirus infection (HPV) on the internationally used environmental surfaces: ready for a ‘take-off
Authors: Smelov Vitaly , Eklund Carina , Mühr Laila Sara Arroyo , Hultin Emilie , Dillner Joakim
Published: November 2013

Background
Incidence rates continue to increase for HPV-associated anal cancer in both women and men. HPV is the most common viral STI but the transmission of the virus via environmental surfaces has been neither confirmed nor disproved. Studies of HPV DNA on environmental surfaces could provide insights of the magnitude of this problem. In the modern era, international travel has become a routine. We investigated the HPV contamination of the surfaces that frequently contact anogenital skin, specifically toilet seats in airport rest rooms. Methods: Within a pilot study started in St Petersburg, samples from apparently clean areas of (fe)male toilet seats at the departure zones of 36 airports in 22 countries were collected with the same cytobrush sampling procedure as typically used in HPV epidemiological studies, routinely β-globin RT-PCR tested for human DNA and HPV genotyped by the proficient in the WHO HPV LabNet global proficiency panel Luminex assay for 13 oncogenic and 23 non-oncogenic HPV types. Results: Comparable to the reports from high sexual risk-taking groups in humans, HPV DNA was found in 22.1% of the 172 samples, high-risk HPVs in 16.3%, HPV-16 in 14.5% and multiple HPV types in 1.7%. Conclusions: Caution is required when interpreting the presence of HPV DNA as an ‘infection’: the presence of HPV DNA does not necessarily indicate the presence of infectious virus and this study therefore does not provide any evidence regarding routes of HPV transmission. Data on incidence, prevalence and clearance of HPV infection in men are essential for the development of models estimating the effect of male HPV vaccination.
47. The infancy of TasGANS: establishing an anal dysplasia screening program for women in a regional Australian setting
Authors: Turner Richard C. , Blomfield Penelope , Simpson Steve
Published: November 2013

Background
Epidemiological studies around the world concur that the majority of anal cancers arise in women. There is also evidence that the prevalence of anal precursor (ASIL) lesions is significantly higher in women with a history of cervical and other gynaecological neoplasia. With this in mind, we set out to pilot a regional anal screening program for women attending follow up at colposcopy and gynaecological oncology clinics. As well as describing the coprevalence of ASIL lesions, we also sought to elicit determinants of ASIL in this particular subgroup of at-risk women. Methods: Eligible women were approached to undergo anal exfoliative cytology and complete a basic clinical and demographic questionnaire. Gynaecologists were given face-to-face and written instructions in the technique of anal smear testing. Several quality indicators were measured. Results: Over a 15-month period, 138 eligible women were approached, of whom 96 (69.6%) consented to participate. Of cytology results thus far available, 30.4% revealed a degree of ASIL warranting high resolution anoscopy (HRA). Only one case had insufficient cellularity, although in approximately one-third of cases there was an absence of glandular cells in the smear. Possible explanations for these data, and possible solutions, will be proffered. Conclusions: The prevalence of ASIL in women with prior gynaecological neoplasia appears to justify a targeted screening program, although several logistic barriers need to be addressed. To mainstream anal neoplasia screening within the public health sector requires considerable buy-in from local stakeholders, and a cultural shift within the Women’s Health community.
49. 1-, 5- and 10-year high-grade disease-free survival after laser ablation of biopsy proven AIN2/3: outcomes from a single centre prospective cohort
Authors: Wijeyekoon Sanjaya , Thornhill John , Nathan Mayura
Published: November 2013

Objective
To describe the characteristics and overall high-grade disease-free survival of 153 consecutive patients treated by laser ablation of biopsy proven high-grade anal neoplasia over an 18.5-year period. Design: Prospective cohort study. Study entry was at the first laser treatment for biopsy proven AIN 2/3. Outcome measures: The principal outcome was high-grade disease-free survival time. High-grade disease-free survival was defined as the time from entry into the cohort to the date of next laser treatment for biopsy-proven high-grade disease. Patients who did not have recurrent high-grade disease at their most recent clinic assessment were censored. Results: Data were evaluated for 153 consecutive patients who were treated by laser ablation of anal high-grade (AIN 2/3) disease between January 1996 and July 2013. These constituted 240 separate treatment episodes over 18.5 years. The majority of subjects were men (91.5%), 44.1% were smokers and 86.3% were classified as men who have sex with men (MSM). At the study entry 64.7% were HIV positive. The median high-grade disease-free survival was 716.5 days (range 11–4730). One year overall high-grade disease-free survival was 77.7% (95% CI 71.7–82.5). Five-year overall high-grade disease-free survival was 51.4% (43.6–58.5). The 10-year overall high-grade disease-free survival was 49.1% (40.5–57.1). There was no difference in high-grade disease-free survival when stratified by HIV positivity status (P = 0.394–log rank). Conclusions: Following laser ablation, recurrence of high-grade disease was low at 1, 5 and 10 years. There was no difference in disease-free survival based on HIV status.
5. Detection of HIV DNA and HPV genotypes in the CD14+ fraction of anal cytology samples from HIV-positive human subjects
Authors: Chuang Eleanore , Agsalda Melissa , Zhu Xuemei , Hernandez Brenda , Milne Cris , Shiramizu Bruce
Published: November 2013

Background
HIV-seropositive patients have a higher prevalence of other viral infections, including HPV, even while on anti-retroviral therapy. Anal infection with high-risk HPV genotypes can lead to anal dysplasia, which can progress to anal cancer. HIV and HPV can be contracted via sexual transmission; however, the interaction between these two pathogens and effect on the immune system are poorly understood. Since CD14 cells have been implicated in disease progression in other HIV-associated diseases, the objective of this study was to characterise CD14 cells from anal cytology specimens. Methods: Anal cytology samples were obtained from 14 HIV-positive patients enrolled in an anal dysplasia study. Samples were sorted for CD14 subsets. Following DNA extraction, HIV DNA copy was assessed by real-time PCR with primers/probes for β-globin and HIV gag genes. HPV DNA was amplified and genotypes identified using Roche’s LINEAR ARRAY HPV genotyping kit. Results: HIV DNA was detected in samples from 8 patients. Of those, 5 patients also tested positive for HPV genotypes. All 6 patients who tested HIV DNA-negative also tested HPV-positive. Due to low numbers, difference in HPV status relative to HIV DNA status was not statistically significant. HPV genotypes closely corresponded between CD14+ and CD14– fractions. Conclusions: Both HIV DNA and HPV genotypes can be detected from a single anal cytology specimen. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the significance of HPV genotypes detected in CD14+ fractions as well as the consequence of HIV and HPV coinfection in anal epithelia.
8. Human papillomavirus mRNA testing for the detection of anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions in HIV-positive men who have sex with men
Authors: Cudós Elena Sendagorta , Gomez Maria P. Romero , Novoa Beatriz Hernandez , Mayor Ander , De La Serna Jose I. Bernardino , Muñoz Miriam Estébanez , Moreno Jose María Viguer , Merino María J. Beato , Pinto Pedro Herranz
Published: November 2013

Background
Currently, screening for anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) relies on anal cytology and high-resolution anoscopy (HRA). Since this approach has limited sensitivity and specificity for detecting anal HSIL, there is increasing interest in the role of biomarkers for predicting anal HSIL. The aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of HPV E6/E7-mRNA expression for the detection of anal HSIL in MSM HIV-infected patients, in comparison to DNA-HR-HPV and anal cytology. Methods: This cross-sectional screening study included 101 MSM followed at the HIV-unit of La Paz University Hospital. Intra-anal swabs from patients participating in a screening program including cytology, HRA and histology were analysed. HR-HPV-DNA detection was performed by means of the CLART HPV2 assay (GENOMICA SAU.). E6/E7-mRNA detection of HR-HPV types 16, 18, 31, 33 and 45 was performed using the NucliSENS-EasyQ assay (BioMérieux, Marcy l’Etoile, France). Results: HR-HPV DNA and HPV E6/E7 mRNA were detected in 82% and 57% of the anal smears, respectively. Anal cytology screening was abnormal in 70.3%. For the detection of HSIL sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were 71.7%, 55.6%, 57.9%, and 69.8% for E6/E7-mRNA testing, respectively, compared with 97.9%, 31.5%, 55.4% and 94.4%, respectively, for HR-HPV DNA testing and 83%, 40.7%, 54.9%, 73.3%, respectively, for cytology testing. Conclusions: In comparison with the other tests, the NucliSENS EasyQ HPV assay yielded a lower clinical sensitivity but a higher clinical specificity and PPV for the detection of anal HSIL in MSM HIV-infected patients.
Fast orbital decays of black hole X-ray binaries: XTE J1118+480 and A0620–00
Authors: González Hernández J. I. , Rebolo R. , Casares J.
Published: November 2013

We present new 10.4 m-GTC/OSIRIS spectroscopic observations of the black hole X-ray binary XTE J1118+480 that confirm the orbital period decay at $\dot{P}=-1.90\pm 0.57$ ms yr−1. This corresponds to a period change of −0.88 ± 0.27 μs per orbital cycle. We have also collected observations of the black hole X-ray binary A0620–00 to derive an orbital period derivative of $\dot{P}=-0.60\pm 0.08$ ms yr−1 (−0.53 ± 0.07 μs/cycle). Angular momentum losses due to gravitational radiation are unable to explain these large orbital decays in these two short-period black hole binaries. The orbital period decay measured in A0620–00 is very marginally consistent with the predictions of conventional models including magnetic braking, although significant mass-loss ($\dot{M}_{\rm BH} / \dot{M}_2 \le 20$ per cent) from the system is required. The fast spiral-in of the star in XTE J1118+480, however, does not fit any standard model and may be driven by magnetic braking under extremely high magnetic fields and/or may require an unknown process or non-standard theories of gravity. This result may suggest an evolutionary sequence in which the orbital period decay begins to speed up as the orbital period decreases. This scenario may have an impact on the evolution and lifetime of black hole X-ray binaries.
Method for site-specific detection of m6A nucleoside presence in RNA based on high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis
Authors: Golovina Anna Y. , Dzama Margarita M. , Petriukov Kirill S. , Zatsepin Timofei S. , Sergiev Petr V. , Bogdanov Alexey A. , Dontsova Olga A.
Published: November 2013

Chemical landscape of natural RNA species is decorated with the large number of modified nucleosides. Some of those could easily be detected by reverse transcription, while others permit only high-performance liquid chromatography or mass-spectrometry detection. Presence of m6A nucleoside at a particular position of long RNA molecule is challenging to observe. Here we report an easy and high-throughput method for detection of m6A nucleosides in RNA based on high-resolution melting analysis. The method relies on the previous knowledge of the modified nucleoside position at a particular place of RNA and allows rapid screening for conditions or genes necessary for formation of that modification.
The chromatin remodeller CHD8 is required for E2F-dependent transcription activation of S-phase genes
Authors: Subtil-Rodríguez Alicia , Vázquez-Chávez Elena , Ceballos-Chávez María , Rodríguez-Paredes Manuel , Martín-Subero José I. , Esteller Manel , Reyes José C.
Published: November 2013

The precise regulation of S-phase–specific genes is critical for cell proliferation. How the repressive chromatin configuration mediated by the retinoblastoma protein and repressor E2F factors changes at the G1/S transition to allow transcription activation is unclear. Here we show ChIP-on-chip studies that reveal that the chromatin remodeller CHD8 binds ∼2000 transcriptionally active promoters. The spectrum of CHD8 target genes was enriched in E2F-dependent genes. We found that CHD8 binds E2F-dependent promoters at the G1/S transition but not in quiescent cells. Consistently, CHD8 was required for G1/S-specific expression of these genes and for cell cycle re-entry on serum stimulation of quiescent cells. We also show that CHD8 interacts with E2F1 and, importantly, loading of E2F1 and E2F3, but not E2F4, onto S-specific promoters, requires CHD8. However, CHD8 recruiting is independent of these factors. Recruiting of MLL histone methyltransferase complexes to S-specific promoters was also severely impaired in the absence of CHD8. Furthermore, depletion of CHD8 abolished E2F1 overexpression-dependent S-phase stimulation of serum-starved cells, highlighting the essential role of CHD8 in E2F-dependent transcription activation.
Do Postoperative Biomechanical Changes Induce Heterotopic Ossification After Cervical Arthroplasty?
Authors: Kim Keun Su , Heo Dong Hwa
Published: November 2013

Study Design:

Prospective clinical study.

Objective:

To evaluate the factors that would predispose a patient to heterotopic ossification (HO) formation after cervical arthroplasty.

Summary of Background Data:

HO after arthroplasty is one of the complications of cervical total disk replacement (TDR). However, the predisposing factors and pathophysiology of HO have not been precisely described.

Materials and Methods:

We prospectively enrolled and followed up 23 patients, who received single-level arthroplasty with ProDisc-C, for 5 years after the operation. The patients who developed grade 3 or 4 HO were classified into the “high-grade HO group,” whereas the patients with grade 0, 1, or 2 HO were classified into the “low-grade HO group.” We compared the postoperative changes in the range of motion (ROM) and height of the functional segmental unit (FSU) of the implantation segments between the 2 groups.

Results:

The mean differences in height and ROM of the FSU were 2.59±1.42 mm and 6.7±3.2 degrees in the high-grade HO group, and 0.87±0.72 mm and 3.1±2.8 degrees in the low-grade HO group. The mean differences in height and ROM of the FSU were significantly higher in the high-grade HO group than in the low-grade HO group (P<0.05). After cervical arthroplasty, the height of the FSU and ROM of the implantation segments were significantly increased in the high-grade HO group compared with the low-grade HO group.

Conclusions:

Overcorrection of the height of the FSU and increase in the ROM of the implantation segment may influence the formation of HOs after cervical arthroplasty.